|
|
News From CALL April 2026
| April Events | Programs | Volunteers’ Corner | Blog |
Photo by Henri Walhout, facilitator of CALL Digital Photography Group
President’s Message
- Judy Hoad
Spring is here – so they say! We were lucky to have several exceptionally warm days in February and March but spring seems to have trouble chasing out the winter. This too will pass. During my years of home ownership, I launched into spring by raking lawns, gently pulling protective mulch or leaves off the perennials, watering the trees, cleaning out pots and starting seeds inside under grow lights. Summer brought the routines of lawn and garden maintenance and then the harvest.
I enjoyed it all – maybe not the blisters from raking. Now I live in a condo and use the newfound time walking in our beautiful parks and along our rivers and planning summer road trips.
Our third chapter always brings the challenges of change. Change shakes us up but welcoming the opportunities can enrich our lives. A positive focus on what you can control, such as visiting gardens and parks, or maybe the zoo, can bring joy. I know it is easier to say than do. My high school motto was Carpe Diem or “Seize the Day” and somehow I internalized those words. However, I now have a new motto: “Don’t Let the Old Lady In!” (or “Man” for some of you). Try it! It might get you off Netflix and outside.
Happy spring everyone. Here comes the sun!
I can be contacted at info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca.
April Events
Science and Environment
Nuclear Energy: Opportunities and Issues
Tuesday, April 7, 7:30–9:00pm
Online, via Zoom
Speaker: Prof. Jason Donev
Increasing pressure to produce stable and reliable electricity, without GHG emissions, has led to a serious attempt to transform Canada’s electrical grid. While no nuclear power plants have been built for quite a while in Canada, now several provinces are looking to build nuclear reactors. For decades nuclear power has provided electricity for Canada without emitting CO2. Now with Canada having picked a site for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and improved construction times with Small Modular Reactors, many provinces are looking seriously at building nuclear power plants.
Prof. Jason Donev is a tenured professor teaching Energy Science and Physics at the University of Calgary. He leads EnergyEducation.ca, the world’s largest and most widely used open-access energy resource for adults. Prof. Donev teaches courses on nuclear power, solar power, hydropower, thermodynamics, as well as a broad introductory course on energy systems. As a reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Prof. Donev works to help people understand nuclear power’s role in providing reliable energy without emitting greenhouse gases.
You must be a CALL member to register. For more information and to register go to the Science and Environment page.
Health and Wellness
Parkinson
Monday, April 13, 1:30–3:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Speaker: Brett Leclaire, Parkinson Association of Alberta
Did you know that Parkinson disease is the fastest growing neurological condition on the planet? Join Parkinson Association of Alberta as they go over what Parkinson disease is, how it is diagnosed, motor and non-motor symptoms, support options available, and more. This presentation is ideal for those who have been recently diagnosed, their loved ones and family members; or those who would just like to know a little more about Parkinson disease in general.
Members of the public are welcome to attend (at a cost of $5 at the door). Registration is not required.
Treks and Travels
Here We Go a-Hosteling: Avoiding Christmas in Morocco
Wednesday, April 15, 7:30–9:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Speaker: Reg Brehaut
Faced with another Christmas without the joy of little children around the tree, Reg Brehaut chose to get away from it all by spending Christmas in Morocco, the centrepiece of a two-month trip that included stops in Spain, Portugal and France – and, of course, his beloved Guernsey.
This trip, and presentation, is not about how Christmas is celebrated in Morocco (because it is not celebrated there), but about travelling solo, staying in hostels, in the off-season, with nothing more than AI as your guide and travel agent. A do-it-yourself low-cost escape.
Reg’s accommodation, with very few exceptions, was always located in the old towns – in Morocco, the medinas – of the cities he visited, in small hostels converted from family homes popular among solitary travellers from all over, and of all ages. Here he was immersed in and surrounded with local life that, in some ways, hasn’t changed much in a century.
“Travel first leaves you speechless, then turns you into a story-teller” – ibn Battouta
No registration required. Members of the public are welcome to attend (at a cost of $5)
CALL Café
Everyone's fantasy job… or is it? The inside scoop on being a restaurant critic.
Monday, April 20, 1:00–3:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Speaker: Elizabeth Carson
We get a second chance! After an unfortunate cancellation due to a winter storm, the CALL Café Committee is happy to announce that we have been able to reschedule Elizabeth Carson for April’s Café!
Elizabeth Carson has been in her dream job for the last seven years as the CBC Eyeopener restaurant critic. You can listen to her opine about restaurants; the food, cocktails, service and decor every Friday morning on CBC radio or catch it later online or on the CBC app.
CALL Café is open to members of the public at no charge. If you are bringing guests, please register how many you will be bringing.
CALL Programs
Medieval History –
Return of the Bayeux Tapestry!
Fridays, April 10 and 17, 1:00–3:00pm
cSPACE Marda Loop, Room 310, 1721 29 Ave SW
Facilitator: Dr. Alana Gowdy
Although made in England, this amazing embroidery has been in Normandy for almost 1000 years. In September 2026, in an outstanding historical moment, the Bayeux Tapestry will be lent to England for display in the British Museum. Made in the 11th century and over 220 feet in length, the Tapestry tells the story of the 1066 Norman invasion. It shows armour, horses, costumes, shipbuilding, and even occasional nudity. For centuries it was at risk of destruction and of seizure by leaders such as Napoleon and Himmler. The Bayeux Tapestry is a remarkable cultural treasure whose survival is to be celebrated.
You must be a member of CALL to register.
Special Program
CALL to the Garden
We are looking toward the summer, so CALL to the Garden will be organizing opportunities for members to visit some of our lovely Calgary and area gardens. We hope to have one tour in June, while most of the activities will be in July and August, and possibly something in September if the weather holds up. Some gardens provide a tour guide, some are self-guided and we hope to see some private gardens again this year.
Please sign up to be on our list of participants. Everyone loves to enjoy lovely gardens in our short summers. To register, go to the CALL to the Garden page.
Volunteers’ Corner
The Newbie Facilitator
- Gerri Lasiuk
While Daniel Cohen joined CALL less than a year ago, he is not a new participant in community activities. A self-described maker, lover of nature, and voraciously curious person, Daniel has volunteered with several groups and organizations throughout his life. He joined CALL’s Current Events II group last October because he was looking for a venue in which to learn from others and interrogate ideas.
The Current Events II group is a new CALL offering and was created from the waitlist of the long running Current Events group. Members of the original group attended the inaugural Current Events II meeting to provide information about and support for starting up a new group. The veterans talked about their group’s aims, structure, and processes; shared their charter; and one of them volunteered to facilitate the first Current Events II discussion. The looming question as the meeting was drawing to a close was, ‘Who will facilitate the new group?’ Without hesitation, Daniel raised his hand and took on the role.
Daniel’s first tasks were to create a schedule of presenters and topics for the group’s first term and to develop an email distribution list for communication and document sharing. He also enlisted a group member to provide audio-visual support and another to take charge of locking and unlocking the door to the meeting space. Daniel arrives early to the biweekly meetings to begin setting up the meeting space. Beyond that, he estimates that he devotes approximately one hour outside of group time to communication with group members and other facilitation activities.
When I questioned Daniel about why he volunteered to facilitate a group – a role many CALL members are reluctant to take on – he said he thought he could draw on his past experiences with other groups. He also believes that his laissez-faire style encourages other members to take ownership of the group and its evolution.
CALL Blog
Addressing Ageism in Research, Education and the Community. Centre on Aging, University of Calgary
Recently I had the pleasure of hearing a presentation at the CALL Café on “Reimagining Aging: How the University of Calgary is Building an Age-Friendly Future.” I was impressed by the commitment of the presenters: Dr. Jayna Holroyd-Leduc, Scientific Director, Centre on Aging, and Dr. Chantelle Zimmer, Senior Manager, Centre on Aging. As I listened to their mission and accomplishments, I reflected on ageism in research as well as in healthcare that I encountered during my career. I also listened with interest to the interdisciplinary approach, an approach that can advance research and education to improve the health of older adults.
The CALL Blog is public so please share with your family and friends. It is easy to do. Just copy the URL https://calgarylifelonglearners.ca/Blog and paste into an email or text message.
If you are on Facebook, please follow us. https://www.facebook.com/CalgaryLifelongLearners/
Any questions or feedback, please contact me: info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca. If you have a topic that you would like to write with me, I would welcome your interest.
The CALL Newsletter
- Newsletter Team
Did you know that we appreciate receiving articles from our members? We are happy to publish articles that celebrate CALL. Your personal experience about how you have benefited would be a valuable contribution to this newsletter. Please send your ideas and suggestions for future issues to info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca. We reserve the right to edit submissions and to determine when submissions will be published.
CALL Newsletter postings 2025-26
- Apr 24
- May 29
- June 26
- Aug 21
Meanwhile, be well, stay well in every sense of the word.