Happy New CALL Year

January 2020

JANUARY EVENTS

First Annual New Member Meet and Greet - January 29

NEW MEMBERS - SAVE THE DATE - Invitation to follow

• meet fellow new members
• learn about the structure of CALL
• find out how to navigate CALL’s website
• explore interest groups
• ask questions about CALL

When: ‪Wednesday, January 29th, 2020‬
Where: Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm

CALL Café

The history and how-tos of Square Dancing

Monday, January 13
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church
4612 Varsity Drive NW

Learn the history and how-tos of Square Dancing. Watch a live demo and then try a do-si-do

Music@Noon, Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church

Our partners at Varsity Acres Presbyterian invite CALL members to join them for these Music@Noon concerts at the church:

• Friday, January 24, 12:00 - 3:00: Sonos Celtic Duo Dave Morrissey & Emilie Kirwan
• Friday, February 28 12:00 - 3:00: Paul Brindlay - Bass Baritone
• Friday March 27, 12:00 - 3:00: Perfect Cadence Wind Quintet
• Friday, April 24, 12:00 - 3:00: Claire Butler - Pianist

Concerts are free. Donations are accepted.

You are invited to join them for a hot lunch following the concert. Lunch is $7.00; you can reserve your spot at the table by one of the following methods:
Email music.at.noon@vapc.ca with your name and number in your party or
Call the office at 403-288-0544.

Film Noir 2020

Beginning in January 2020, Film Noir 2020 is the third instalment of the highly popular Film Noir Movie Series launched at the Globe Cinema in winter 2018. Film Noir is a term that describes American B&W films made in the 1940s and 1950s that deal with sex, murder, and money.

The films are open to the public. If time permits the facilitator, George Melnyk, will lead a discussion after the screening.

CALL members who sign up for this interest group will receive an email with the dates and films we will be viewing as well as an email before each screening with suggested readings about the film.

The films are screened at the Globe Cinema, 617 - 8th Avenue SW on $5 Tuesdays (7 p.m. screening). Specific dates are January 7, January 14, January 21, January 28, February 4 and February 11, 2020. Six films in total will be shown.

CALL Goes to a TED Talk

Our Threatened Oceans

Friday, January 17
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Room 310, cSpace
1721 - 29th Avenue SW

While the effects of climate change are quite evident in the terrestrial phase, the oceans have been severely impacted by mankind's depredations and these are only compounding the effects of greenhouse gases. Our TED speakers will give us a sense of what is happening in 70% of the Earth's surface, almost all of which is happening out of our sight. The good health of our oceans is critical to our existence on the planet.

Note from the facilitator: Limit: 25. Please note registration is limited due to space limitations at cSpace. You should register early, but if your plans change please be kind enough to let us know ASAP. Our last talk had 9 no-shows, which is unfair to those on the wait list. If this continues to be a problem, we will have to block the no-show from registering for the next talk.

Lunch and Learn

King Eddy Restaurant and Studio Bell

Wednesday, January 22
King Eddy Restaurant
438 - 9th Avenue SE
Lunch: 12:00 pm Tour of Studio Bell: 1:30 - 3:00

There will be lunch and a short talk on the history of the King Eddy and then a tour of Studio Bell across the street.
Registration and information

Registration deadline: January 17. Maximum: 20

** You must be a member of CALL to register **

New Interest Groups

Winter Weekly Walks in the City of Calgary

This group meets every Tuesday morning to enjoy invigorating winter walks while engaging in conversation with fellow CALL members, discovering new pathways, and observing the flora and fauna within our city.

World Events Discussion Group 3

World Events 3 focuses on current world events and International issues. Members seek to broaden their knowledge and understanding of events and trends happening in all regions of the world. Meetings and discussions are held in a friendly, informal atmosphere

Held every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month from 1:00 - 3:00pm in the Treehouse Meeting Room, 4th floor (2nd Fridays) and Room 310 (4th Fridays) in cSpace, 1721 - 29 Avenue SW.

Hags & Crones: A Conversation Group!

We are three groups of CALL women who meet to share our stories, to discuss public issues and personal challenges, and to explore our power and possibilities as elders.They are groups where your voice will be heard and valued.

The first three groups are full, but a fourth group is starting in January, 2020. They will meet once a month.

Exploring Philosophy of Religion

Beginning on March 10, this group will meet on six Tuesday afternoons, 1:00 - 3:00 pm at a location to be announced.

In this group we will seek to understand and discuss some central issues in the philosophy of religion. Topics will include the distinction and relation between spirituality and religion; conceptions of God; central arguments for theism and atheism; feminist and other approaches to theology; the problem of evil; and conceptions of soul and immortality. We will also consider different views about the relation between science and religion. Notes will be provided as a basis for discussion.

Shakespeare Studies Winter 2020

Hamlet for ever.

When we concluded our reading of Julius Caesar, we decided to read Hamlet. Starting January 6 @ 10:00 am (St. Matthew's Church, 2320 26a Street SW, continuing on Monday mornings through to February 3. All are welcome. There is lots of space.

Our Lives, Our Stories Group 4

Do you want to leave stories about your life for your children and grandchildren? Do you want to write stories to help you make sense of your own life? Now is the time to start. No experience necessary, you will learn as you go along.
1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, 9:30 - noon. January 21 - June 16.
Rosedale Community Hall, Boardroom. 901 - 11 Avenue NW.

Medieval History - 1066 and Some of That

This interest group will consider the context and impact of the Norman invasion. The three sessions will address the situation in England, before and after 1066, as well as the defining Battle of Hastings. The group format could be described as 'a lecture with frills' - the facilitator is supplemented by readings, film, music, things to look at, and things to laugh at. Please note, this is not an interest group for CALL members who take their history too seriously!

February 4, 11 and 18. 10:00am - 12:00 pm. cSpace, Room 310
Availability: Minimum 10; maximum 25. ** Facilitator will maintain a wait-list should spots become available. No drop-in's. **

A Look at Islam

The general goal for our six meetings will be to sketch the general terrain of the Islamic worldview.

Our sessions will provide answers to questions regarding the origin of the faith, what Muslims believe in, how Muslims practice their faith and what are Islamic sources for guidance. We will also have a session on being a Muslim in Canada.

There will be plenty of opportunities for discussion in addition to a list of optional references.

Monday March 2 - April 6. 10am - Noon. cSpace, Room 310. No drop-ins. Facilitator will maintain a wait-list.

Presenter: Dr. Joud Shafiq

Exploring Philosophy of Religion

In this group we will seek to understand and discuss some central issues in the philosophy of religion. Topics will include the distinction and relation between spirituality and religion; conceptions of God; central arguments for theism and atheism; feminist and other approaches to theology; the problem of evil; and conceptions of soul and immortality. We will also consider different views about the relation between science and religion. Notes will be provided as a basis for discussion.
Tuesday afternoons, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, March 10 - April 7

Finding Peace and Joy Within

Many ancient traditions teach that peace and joy come from within. In this newest eight week session we will explore the ideas behind these ancient practices. All are welcome. Drop ins are welcome.
Thursdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. March 26 - May 14. cSpace, Room 310.

Short Reads

If you're too busy for a book club, this is the group for you! Our focus is short stories and novellas.
Meeting Thursdays, 10:00 am - 12:00pm, every two weeks, January 9 - May 28.
St. Matthew's United Church, 2-35 - 26A Street SW.

New Members Welcome in the following groups:

Indigenous Literature
Canadian Authors Plus
Reading Non-Fiction

CALL Speaker Series

The following Speaker Series are free for CALL members. For some, there is a $5 charge at the door for non-members. See the website for details. Guests are welcome. No registration is required.

Science and Environment

Prions

Tuesday, January 7
7:30 - 9:00 pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church
4612 Varsity Drive NW

Prions are extremely unusual agents of infection, now known to be proteins belonging to the host animal that have misfolded and become deadly. The only prion disease that exists in the world is right here in Alberta, Chronic Wasting Disease. It’s spreading, and no one knows how to stop it. And prions might be the fundamental process underlying other neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s.

Speaker: Jay Ingram, CM (Order of Canada Member) has hosted two national science programs in Canada, Quirks and Quarks on CBC radio and Daily Planet on Discovery Channel Canada. He has written 17 books, which have been translated into 15 languages, has six honorary degrees, is a member of the Order of Canada and a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. From 2005-2015, he was Chair of the Science Communications Program at the Banff Centre. He is also co-founder and chair of the arts and engineering smashup called Beakerhead, which began in September 2013 in Calgary.

Arts and Humanities

A Peek Behind the Headlines at the Calgary Herald

Friday, January 10
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Room 310, cSpace
1721 - 29th Avenue SW
Speakers: Monica Zurowski and Norma Marr

The Herald, the city's third-longest-standing business, has been an integral part of Calgary's fabric for 136 years. Besides the business of publishing a newspaper, The Herald has contributed to the social life of the city in a variety of ways from the creation of Calgary's first road race to the city's famous gargoyles. Herald staffers have gone on to become aware-winning novelists, artists, a mayor, an MLA and even a Prime Minister!

Treks and Travels

Treks and Travels South

A Photo Workshop in Patagonia

Tuesday, January 14
7:30 - 9:00 pm
Haysboro Community Hall
1204 - 89th Avenue SW
Presenter: Michael Perkins

Mike attended a workshop in the Chile and Argentine portions of Patagonia, where they took photographs from pre-dawn to late night. Sites included Torres del Paine National Park, Mount Fitzroy, Cerro Torres and Perito Moreno Glacier.

Treks and Travels North

Motorcycling Across Southern Africa

Wednesday, January 15th
7:30 - 9:00 pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church
4612 Varsity Drive NW
Presenters: Rita McGillivray and Rolf Stuber

Rolf's serious dedication to long distance motorbike touring and Rita's inexplicable willingness to sit on the back and hold on, has led the two of them to all seven continents. They are happy to share their photos and memories of a multi-week exploration of Southern Africa - Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

Public Policy Issues

What Lies Ahead: Alberta's Energy Future

Monday, January 20
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Varsity Acres Church, Scott Hall
4612 Varsity Drive NW
Speaker: Gary Mar, QC. CEO Petroleum Services Association of Canada. Former MLA and Cabinet Minister.

Alberta’s oil and gas sector is facing fundamental change.How can we shift the dialogue to problem-solving, rather than polarizing positions? Can we achieve a national understanding of Canada's economic and environmental needs? What steps are needed to move forward?

Health and Wellness

No One Has to Face Cancer Alone

Tuesday, January 28th
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church
4612 Varsity Drive NW
Speaker: Nancy Bilodeau-Cogger, Centre Manager, Wellspring Calgary (Carma House)

Wellspring is a network of community-based support centres offering programs and services that meet the emotional, social, practical and restorative needs of people living with cancer and those who care for them. All Wellspring programs, services and resources are offered free of charge and without referral.

Consider a Donation to CALL

As I hope you know, CALL is a charity registered with the Canada Revenue Agency, so any donations will provide you with some tax relief.

Our membership fees are kept low so that everyone can afford to belong. While volunteers do all the work of CALL, there are expenses for renting space, insurance, honoraria and providing hospitality. Some these costs are rising sharply.

Anytime, a donation to CALL is always welcome.

We will provide tax receipts for donation $20 and more.

Please send a cheque made out to Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners to:
Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners
#310, 1721 – 29 Avenue SW
Calgary AB T2T 6T7

Save the Date

Saturday May 9. Conference 'Fake News' and the Future of Democracy.

Stay tuned for more details!!!

PARKING AT VARSITY ACRES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 4612 VARSITY DRIVE NW

Be aware that the parking lot on the west side of the church has two entrances, but they do not link up and if there are no spots, you will have to back up to get out.

There is parking on the street along Varsity Drive as well as in the neighbourhood north of the Church. Turn north on Viscount Drive (the street just east of the Church), and drive past the signs that restrict parking (loading zones or parking by permit only) where you will find parking on the streets further away from Varsity Drive.

Be aware that the parking in the shopping centre across Varsity Drive is reserved for customers during business hours, but could be used in the evening. Varsity Community Centre, further east on Varsity Drive, is also a possibility for evening parking, but it may be required for its own activities.

CALL IS LOOKING FOR MORE VENUES

CALL’s membership is expanding and we are in need of new locations to accommodate the increasing number of activities we would like to offer.

Please look around your own neighbourhoods for potential venues and let the Venues Committee know at facilities@calgarylifelonglearners.ca by using the Potential Venue Referral Form (pdf) This is a fillable form. Download to your desktop, enable editing, fill it in, save and email back as an attachment.

Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

PROBLEMS REGISTERING FOR INTEREST GROUPS?

If you are experiencing a problem, or nothing happens when you click the Register button for an Interest Group it is likely because there is no default email client set on the device (smartphone, desktop, tablet ..) you are using. A quick solution is to switch to a device which has a default email client set or to setup the default email client on the problem device.

FULL INTEREST GROUPS

If you are unable to join an Interest Group because it is full please leave your name at the registration email so CALL is able to judge demand for specific groups.

If you have ideas for Interest Groups you would like to see developed please email program@calgarylifelonglearners.ca with your suggestion along with any potential facilitators or resources you may be aware of.

Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of CALL. We sincerely thank all of our dedicated volunteers who have contributed and who continue to contribute in making CALL such a wonderfully diverse and interesting organization! We are truly lucky to have such a rich range of life experience in our membership. Your time and talent is immeasurable. Simply put… without YOU - our volunteers - CALL WOULD NOT EXIST!

As CALL is growing we have need for more people to help maintain the quality of what we offer. Take some time and get involved in CALL… meet new people, develop new friendships while providing valuable help. Please email Marika Kohut, Volunteer Coordinator. She is happy to talk to you about opportunities

CALL Interest Groups

CALL presents a growing and ever-changing list of Interest Groups. Members, working with the Program Committee volunteers, plan and organize groups to share interests, perspectives and knowledge.

Is there a topic you would like to explore? Contact the Program Committee program@calgarylifelonglearners.ca to discuss your ideas.

See the full list of current Interest Groups with detailed descriptions and information about signing up. Many continuing groups have space for new members and some groups are starting anew in January and looking for participants. If you are interested, check with the group facilitator. You must be a member of CALL to participate in Interest Groups.