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e Magdalen Girls. Dublin, 1962. Within the gated grounds of the convent of e Sisters of the Holy Redemption lies one of the city's Magdalen Laundries. Once places of refuge, the laundries have evolved into grim workhouses. Some inmates are "fallen" women — unwed mothers, prostitutes, or petty criminals. Most are ordinary girls whose only sin lies in being too pretty, too independent, or tempting the wrong man. Among them is 16-year-old Teagan Tiernan, sent by her family when her beauty provokes a lustful revelation from a young priest. Teagan soon befriends Nora Craven, a new arrival who thought nothing could be worse than living in a squalid tenement at. Stripped of their freedom and dignity, the girls are given new names and denied contact with the outside world. Finally, Nora and Teagan nd an ally in the reclusive Lea, who helps them endure — and plot an escape. But as they will discover, the outside world has dangers too, especially for young women with soiled reputations. Told with candor, compassion, and vivid historical detail, e Magdalen Girls is a masterfully written novel of life within the era's notorious institutions — and an inspiring story of friendship, hope, and unyielding courage. e Book Club will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 10:30 am in the Meeting Room. New residents and members are welcome, even if you have not been able to read the book. e book for March is Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. Book Club By Laura Anderson, 951-313-4563 | THE COLONY NEWS | FEBRUARY 2025 | 23 e dinner menu and the entertainment for Monday, Feb. 10, are going to be a surprise! Wear your best red Valentine's Day outt and come and see us in the Auditorium! e dinner price is $22, checks only, and payable to e Colony Singles. Checks for this dinner must be turned in no later than Feb. 3. Remember that yearly membership dues ($25) must be paid then also. Why not round up your single friends and invite them for our Valentine's Dinner? If they think they might join the group, this month's dinner price is $15. If you have company staying with you and you would like to bring them, their dinner price is $25. In either case, they are welcome to participate in the 50/50 drawings. For any questions regarding pricing or due dates, contact Mary Dettmers at 951-698-3171. Stay tuned for March dinner news. e entertainment in March will be the Colony Strummers, and CeCe Gordon will be performing the hula. We are looking for some volunteers for Singles Board positions. And we can always use suggestions for entertainment. Please contact Paula Parra at 949-888-6550. Colony Singles By Jan Foster Bocce By Jeanne Bender, 949-295-5412 e holidays are over, and the weather is usually nice; come down to the Bocce court and get some fresh air, socialize, and play a game or two (or three) of bocce. It's an easy game to learn and fun to play. We have tables with umbrellas and chairs, and water and ice are always provided. Bring a snack to share, a favorite drink, and join in the fun and camaraderie. No experience is needed, and if you just want to sit and watch, that's ne, too! Everyone is welcome. We play every ursday from 2 to 4 pm.