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News From CALL March 2025
| Volunteer Recognition | March Events | Group Updates |
Sketch by Elaine Bouey, a member of the Sketch Club Interest Group
President’s Message
- Adrienne Kertzer
During Freedom to Read Week (February 23 to March 1), Canadians are encouraged “to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom”.
Does CALL’s Mandate, Mission, Vision, Values and Membership document, which declares that it provides “opportunities for adults to become part of a community that is dedicated to learning for the sheer joy of it” offer its members that opportunity? I think that it could, but only if we recognize that not all learning is joyful. CALL’s model of learning is not driven by the need for professional certification. It is a model in which we choose to learn because we are curious and are sometimes willing to risk where this learning will take us.
Not all learning produces sheer joy. Does learning for the joy of it accurately capture what happens when we read books that challenge our assumptions about the world? Recently I’ve been rereading Salman Rushdie’s Knife: Meditations After An Attempted Murder in preparation for its discussion in a CALL Interest Group. It is certainly a book relevant to Freedom to Read Week, but it hardly offers learning that is simply joyful.
CALL’s mandate repeatedly asserts that learning together creates community. This community is formed not just when we come together in small interest groups but also when we take advantage of CALL’s collaboration with other local organizations, such as CPO Rehearsals or CALL to the Opera. CALL also contributes to “Calgary’s ongoing effort to become a highly liveable city” through its numerous speaker presentations. In March, these will include the Science and Environment webinar “The Relationship between Climate Change and Anthropogenic Climate Change” on March 4; the Health and Wellness event “Aging and Balance” on March 10; the CALL Café “The Irish in Calgary and Beyond” on March 17; The Treks and Travels presentation ”A Different View: Going for a Wee Walk: Scotland and Ireland Up Close and Personal” on March 19, and then on March 25 the Intergenerational Speaker Series presents Age-Full Inclusion: Embracing Generational and Cultural Diversity.
If you know of other speakers whose presentations would contribute to making Calgary a highly liveable city and you are willing to help make this happen, let me know. In the meantime, value your intellectual freedom not just this week, but throughout the year.
I can be reached at president@calgarylifelonglearners.ca.
Volunteer Recognition
We’d like to introduce you to Trudy Govier!
Members of CALL have benefited greatly from Trudy Govier’s decision to join the organization, after retiring from the position of Professor of Philosophy at the University of Lethbridge in 2012. When she joined CALL in 2013, Trudy volunteered to facilitate a new group on the Philosophy of Everyday Life. From this auspicious beginning (she led this lively group several times), Trudy went on to initiate and lead many more groups with a focus on philosophy such as Women in Philosophy, Writing Philosophical Dialogues, Free Will, and Aging and Philosophy, as well as one on Reading Nonfiction.
Trudy has also helped to organize and has given talks at several day-long community conferences that CALL has presented, such as Challenges of Peace and War (2018) and Fake News and the Future of Democracy (2020). Trudy’s lively mind and her wide-ranging interests (she has degrees in history and philosophy, and long experience as a contributor to Canada’s peace movement) have made her a cherished CALL volunteer. Moreover, her professional background has enabled her to offer CALL a rare gift of knowledge, experience, and insight, from which many have benefited over the years.
Like everyone who joins CALL, Trudy has much to offer in the way of knowledge and enthusiasm. She also brings a keen desire to learn from others, and to share her knowledge and experience. After receiving an M.A. degree in philosophy at U. of C. (for which she wrote a thesis on “The Concept of Metaphor”) and a PhD in philosophy at the University of Waterloo (for which she wrote a dissertation on “A Study of Transcendental Arguments”), Trudy embarked on a career which took her to teaching posts at Trent University, the University of Calgary, and most recently, the University of Lethbridge, from which she retired in 2012. Trudy authored numerous articles and reviews, as well as many books, beginning with the publication in 1985 of A Practical Study of Argument, and most recently of Victims and Victimhood (2015). She also served on many boards, including for governmental organizations and NGOs. Most recently, she served as President of Ploughshares Calgary, an organization dedicated to promoting peace and conflict resolution.
When asked if she has benefited from volunteering with CALL, Trudy doesn’t hesitate to say that the rewards–intellectual and social—have enriched her life. As she explains in yet another major contribution to CALL: a blog on Aging and Philosophy available on the CALL Website, she is currently facing challenges with hearing issues and caretaking responsibilities that will likely curtail her volunteer activities somewhat; however, she will continue to participate and to contribute what she can to CALL, and to “learning for the sheer joy of it.”
March Events
Science and Environment
The Relationship Between Natural Climate Change and Anthropogenic Climate Change
Tuesday, March 4, 7:30–9:00pm via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Osborn
Over millennia there have been changes in the earth's climate due to natural variations in carbon dioxide levels, the sun's brightness, heat variations between the earth's surface and interior, and atmospheric changes. Climate change skeptics point to these variations as evidence that climate change is "natural" and is not influenced by human activity. However, research shows that human activity has intensified these changes.
This talk will discuss attribution studies that seek to estimate how much human-caused versus natural factors have contributed to global warming. As society shows no inclination toward seriously cutting emissions, warming will continue—with momentous consequences for future generations.
Dr. Jerry Osborn is a Professor Emeritus of Geoscience in the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment at the University of Calgary. His research career has concentrated on Holocene glacial history and its bearing on climate history;on the side he is very interested in relations between science and society. He enjoys desert photography, pumpkin pie, and Bob Dylan music.
You must be a CALL Member to register.
Health and Wellness
Aging and Balance: Investigating Electrical Vestibular Stimulation as a Fall Prevention Strategy
Monday, March 10, 1:30–3:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Speaker: Jordan King
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors, affecting 20-30% of this population each year. age. This presentation will look at innovative research in wearable technology which can help prevent falls in older adults.
Jordan King is a Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Calgary, specializing in wearable technology research.
For more details go to the Health and Wellness web page.
Members of the public are welcome to attend (at a cost of $5 at the door). Registration is not required.
CALL Café
The Irish in Calgary and Beyond
Monday, March 17, 1:00–1:30 refreshments, 1:30–3:00pm presentation
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Speaker: Martin Cowman
Join us to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, as we learn about “The Irish in Calgary and Beyond”. Martin Cowman, from the Irish Cultural Society, will tell the story of Irish pioneers who contributed to Calgary and left their marks on Alberta’s society.
There is time to socialize from 1:00 to 1:30, with the presentation running from 1:30 to 3:00. If you are new to CALL please take this opportunity to meet other members. We look forward to seeing you on March 17.
For more information and to register, go to the CALL Café page.
Treks and Travels
A Different View: Going for a Wee Walk: Scotland and Ireland Up Close and Personal
Wednesday, March 19, 7:30–9:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Acres Drive NW
Speaker: Carla Bolen-Anderson
Photo: Ruins in Scotland, by Carla Bolen-Anderson
When hiking in the UK and the Republic of Ireland in June, I found that rain is usual. But the spring of 2024 was a bit wetter than even the locals expected! I hope you'll join me for a recap of my adventure hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland and the Dingle Way in Ireland, plus a few side trips to Glasgow, Inverness, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin.
Hiking and touring solo is my favourite pastime, but it does take a bit of planning and learning to listen to your instincts. I hope you’ll join me, but don’t forget your raincoat!
No registration required. Members of the public are welcome to attend (at a cost of $5).
Intergenerational Speaker Series
Age-Full Inclusion: Embracing Generational & Cultural Diversity
Tuesday, March 25, 10:00am–1:00pm
Lincoln Room, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mt Royal Gate SW
Speaker: Dr. Rose Joudi
Our next IGSS event will explore the importance of age inclusivity, focusing on connecting people from different generations and cultural backgrounds. We’ll delve into the value of intergenerational relationships and how diverse age groups, informed by their unique cultural experiences, can learn from and support one another.
Dr. Rose Joudi (Ph.D. Psych.) is an aging and ethnic diversity researcher, consultant, and international speaker on ethnocultural diversity, elder abuse, and ageism. She is also a current Alberta Association on Gerontology member and an Alberta Ministry of Seniors, Community, and Social Services advisor.
Registration Required at www.mru.ca/igss (note that registration is through Mount Royal University.)
Interest and Study Groups
The West and Quebec through their Literature (note: formerly known as The Prairies and Quebec Through Their Literature)
Has there ever been a more important time to champion books from across the country?
The West and Quebec through their Literature is a collaboration between CALL and the McGill Community of Lifelong Learners (MCLL). What began in 2020 as a way to bridge gaps of understanding between Alberta and Quebec has evolved in the last five years to a group in which we continue to discover more about each other’s literature and our own.
In each session, we read four books, two by Western Canadian authors and two by Quebec authors. We have tried to choose a book by a female author and one by a male author, and choose different time periods, historical and current.
Some of the Quebec authors we’ve read include Marie-Claire Blais, Michel Tremblay, Anne Hebert, Heather O’Neill, Rawi Hage, and Sean Michaels. Some of the Western Canadian authors we’ve read include W.O. Mitchell, Sinclair Ross, Margaret Laurence, Carol Shields, Miriam Toews, and Suzette Mayr.
We’ve read two Gabrielle Roy books, The Tin Flute, set in Quebec, and Street of Riches, set in Manitoba. We’ve read Sharon Butala’s Wild Rose, which follows a young woman from Quebec to Calgary. We read Wolf Willow by Wallace Stegner, an American who lived for a brief period of his boyhood in Eastend, Saskatchewan. One of our Quebec group members commented that this book provided the most comprehensive and succinct history of western Canada that she had read.
Our next session dates are April 15, April 30, May 13, May 27, and June 10. We meet via Zoom on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 am until noon, once every two weeks for 10 weeks (5 sessions). Our book choices are real ones by katherena vermette, Maria Chapdelaine by Louis Hemon, Prairie Edge by Conor Kerr, and May Our Joy Endure (Que notre joie demeure) by Kevin Lambert.
Once you join, you will be provided with an annotated list of the 44 books we’ve read and discussed.
All discussions are in English.
For more information and to register, go to The West and Quebec through their Literature page.
CALL Members’ Corner
Is there another one-string banjo out there?
- Carolyn Pogue
At a folk festival last summer I chanced upon a man from Manitou, Manitoba, who makes one-string banjos and 3-string guitars. I bought a one-string immediately and have had fun playing around with it. (Not well, I add.)
Although I’ve taken it to three Calgary music stores, no one had seen one before or knew anyone who has one. They all wanted to try it out, though. The instrument was invented by slaves who had little with which to make music but for a wire, a stick and a tin can. I wonder if anyone in CALL also has a one-string banjo, or any other unusual instrument? If you do, would you like to meet and see what happens next? Please contact me through creativearts@calgarylifelonglearners.ca.
Have you looked into all the offerings under “Programs” on our CALL website?
- Rebecca Knight
CALL offers a wide range of ever-evolving options to membership. With a variety of backgrounds, experiences and interests, CALL members connect with one another in many ways.
One such opportunity is Alana Gowdy's upcoming Study Program, which explores the intriguing aspects of medieval history and can excite you about the topic.
When Dr Gowdy gets an idea about an intriguing topic in history, she researches it so she can then teach a class about the topic. Her goal is to encourage students to understand how exciting history is and how history still influences us today.
Some of the CALL programs she has facilitated in the past are “Knights and Needlework” (about the Bayeux Tapestry) , “Weather or Not” (about how the weather has influenced historical events) and “What a Woman” (about four women who were the mothers of Kings of England).
I have taken two of her study programs and found them most interesting. Far from being dry and pedantic, these sessions are engaging. Dr. Gowdy uses a variety of media to teach the classes, including having a musician play live early music and using clips from The Simpsons.
Her upcoming study program to be offered in March is “Medieval History: The First Crusade”. Yes, the program that Alana is offering on medieval history is indicated as “full with a waitlist”, but Alana says if members put their names on the waiting list, a second section will likely open at a different time. If you are interested in participating if the program is offered in the future, go to Medieval History: The First Crusade and ask to be put on the wait list.
Her sessions are held at CALL’s meeting room in c-SPACE Marda Loop and usually run weekly for either three or four sessions for two hours each session. There is no cost for this study program, but it is open only to CALL members.
To find the full roster of programs offered by CALL scroll to the top of any CALL web page and click on “Programs” to see the drop down list of all offerings.
CALL Blog
Non-Profits and Social Media
- Maureen Osis, CALL Communications Team
Why Read This Blog Post?
If you want to have a meaningful conversation with others about the pros & cons of social media, it is best to be informed. Read our post to know more about social media in general, and the various platforms. Learn how participating on social media can be of value to non-profit organizations, such as CALL.
Guest author, Nicole Zylstra shares her experiences of using social media for one non-profit organization, cSPACE Projects.
Next month, Mary Oxendale Spensley, Chair of Communications Committee, will explore some potential harms of social media for individuals, communities and society.
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-Non-Profits-and-Social-Media/13460982) and paste into an email or text message.
If you are on Facebook, please follow us.
Any questions or feedback, please contact me: blog@calgarylifelonglearners.ca
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 communications@calgarylifelonglearners.ca. We reserve the right to edit submissions and to determine when submissions will be published.
CALL Newsletter postings 2025
- March 28
- April 25
- May 23
- June 27
- August 22
Meanwhile, be well, stay well in every sense of the word.