Getting Saucy With Cindy

In what is quickly becoming an autumn tradition, the Brentwood Environmental Action Team (BEAT) hosted an applesauce-making afternoon yesterday led by Food Services legend Ms Cindy Lehman.

Using apples harvested from the trees pruned by Environmental Advocacy, picked by Cindy, harvested by the cross-country running team from Mr Smith's property, and even a sampling from Mr Norman's orchard, 20 students immersed themselves in the rich tradition of preserving fruit.

From peeling, to coring, to boiling, to preparing the jars, skills were learned and samples were savored. “I really enjoy seeing the students volunteer their time to process this fruit, prevent food waste, and celebrate the joys of local, low-carbon food” enthused Mr Ganley, BEAT sponsor.

"Making applesauce with a few other students turned out to be fun and a bit relaxing because we had music playing in the background and we were all keen on helping out and making the tastiest applesauce ever. It was a nice time to bond with students I don’t hang out with often!” added Fiona C, Hope ‘26 who helped coordinate the event.

The BEAT’s next project will feature Captain Ruby S, Hope ‘25 leading a class of the Grade 9s to harvest apples and pears from the school orchard on Thursday morning. This fruit will be hand-delivered to the Food Services Staff who will apply their culinary skills to bake this pesticide and herbicide-free, handpicked produce into Sunday's sumptuous brunch.

The BEAT will collect more than 1000 pounds of fruit this fall, for immediate consumption, canning, juicing - and even Ms Shroeoder’s chickens and livestock. 

BEAT meetings are Friday mornings at 9:35 in Crooks 131 for all who would like to take cheerful, positive action to address the climate crisis. Project ideas are always welcome.