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News From CALL May 2025
| Volunteer Opportunities | May Events |
Sketch by Barb Mostowich, a member of the Sketch Club Interest Group
President’s Report
- Adrienne Kertzer
“Volunteers Make Waves” is this year’s theme for National Volunteer Week (April 27th to May 3rd ), a theme intended to highlight “the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada.”
As the president of a volunteer-run organization, I constantly see evidence of the impact and importance of CALL volunteers. This was evident at the recent CALL Café where members of the Calgary’s History group shared their research. It was also apparent after I sent out a flurry of messages to set up a forthcoming CALL event and one volunteer observed that CALL is a “true democracy.”
So here’s to true democracy, the volunteers that make CALL happen and the opportunities that CALL offers. Take time this week to think about how CALL volunteers affect your life and thank them.
Perhaps that’s not enough. In Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass, Humpty Dumpty advises Alice that he prefers unbirthday presents to birthday presents because a birthday happens only once a year but he can receive unbirthday presents every other day of the year.
Don’t just thank volunteers this week. Thank them every time you attend a CALL program or utilize the Contact Us page to ask a question which a CALL volunteer answers. And remember that the best volunteer gift you can offer is to volunteer yourself.
Contact me at president@calgarylifelonglearners.ca.
Help Shape CALL’s Future – Join the Board!
- Ron Foyer, Coordinator, Governance
As we approach the end of another successful year of CALL programs, I hope you’ve enjoyed the many events and Interest Groups that make this organization so special. Now, it’s time to start planning for the year ahead—and we need your help to make CALL even better!
One great way to contribute is by joining the CALL Board. Board terms run from October to October, with elections taking place at our AGM in late October. Some positions have one-year terms, while others are for two years. This year, we will be electing the following positions:
- President
- Vice President
- Treasurer
- Program
- IT
- Communications
- Membership
- Operations
- Volunteers
- Governance
The current President and Vice President cannot stand for re-election, but all other roles are open to both returning and new candidates.
Why consider joining the Board?
Help CALL continue to thrive and grow.
Bring fresh ideas to improve our programs and operations.
Gain valuable experience in leadership and governance.
CALL runs like a well-tuned engine, thanks to strong policies, procedures, and governance. But we need engaged members like you to keep it running smoothly and evolving for the future.
Interested? Have questions? I’d love to chat!
Contact me, Ron Foyer, at governance@calgarylifelonglearners.ca
Let’s work together to make CALL even better next year!
Volunteer Opportunity – Sunday Urban Walks Group
The Sunday Urban Walks group is seeking a facilitator. This group meets year round on every third Sunday of the month from 1:00 - 3:00pm. The walks take place in communities and parks within the city limits. The facilitator has the option to change the time and frequency. Each month different members of the group may choose to be the walk leaders. As the facilitator you organize the walk leaders. As well, a week before the walk you will send out a reminder email to the members of the group.
If you are interested in this opportunity, email volunteer@calgarylifelonglearners.ca
How did you hear about CALL? If you’re like most of us, you heard about it from a friend.
Invite a friend to join – now is a good time because if your friend joins May 1, the new membership will be extended until August 31, 2026.
Let your friends know that CALL’s annual membership fee is just $50 and provides access to more than 50 Interest Groups and Study Programs as well as monthly speaker series, such as: Treks and Travels, Health and Wellness, and Science and Environment. At each of these, members can learn something interesting, socialize with old friends and meet new ones, and engage by participating or volunteering. Please help CALL maintain its success.
May Events
Science and Environment
The State of Canada's Birds and What Actions We Can Take to Help Our Feathered Friends
Tuesday, May 6 7:30–9:00pm via Zoom
Speaker: Jody Allair, Birds Canada’s Director of Communications
This past October, the most complete overview of Canada’s birds was released. The State of Canada’s Birds 2024 looks at how populations of 463 bird species regularly occurring in Canada have changed since 1970. Jody will highlight the major trends from this ground-breaking work and also discuss the various ways that people can help take action for birds in their own community.
Jody is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Communications at Birds Canada where he manages the organization’s public relations and media, is the co-editor of BirdWatch Canada Magazine, producer of the Warblers Podcast and a coordinator of eBird Canada. In addition to his 20+ years at Birds Canada, he has been leading birding tours with Eagle-Eye Tours since 2008.
You must be a CALL Member to register.
Health and Wellness
Biological Aging
Monday, May 12, 1:30–3:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Speaker: Dr. Karl Riabowol
Have you ever wondered how the body ages? An expert on the genetic basis for aging, Dr. Karl Riabowol, offers some clues. Dr. Riabowol has published 135 papers and has received numerous awards for his work including an award for excellence in aging research. His studies have investigated connections between telomere length and longevity and epigenetic proteins which regulate gene activity. He heads the Cancer Biology research group at the University of Calgary and also teaches at the Cumming School of Medicine.
Members of the public are welcome to attend (at a cost of $5 at the door). Registration is not required.
CALL Café
Creative Solutions for Small Garden Challenges
Tuesday, May 20, 1:00–3:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Speaker: Kath Smyth
No space? No problem! Here’s how to make the most of what you have, whether it’s a few pots on your patio, a full container garden, or vertical gardening with trellises.
Whether your interests are vegetable gardens, flower gardens, or something in between, your garden can be an extension of your home and a dynamic living space!
Kath Smyth is a horticulturist with extensive experience in the horticultural industry. She brings a wealth of knowledge and her unique humour to television appearances and public presentations.
Members are asked to register for planning purposes. When you do, you may bring up to four guests!
Treks and Travels
Legendary Turkey
Wednesday, May 21, 7:30–9:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Acres Drive NW
Speaker: Andrew Hart
Last September Andrew joined a tour of Turkey, starting in Istanbul and continuing across the Dardanelle Straits and on to Asia and Anatolia.
The tour covered over two millennia of history from Greek Hellenic cities through the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires to modern Turkey. The diversity of culture from “mega-city” Istanbul to rural Anatolia culminated in the fantastic landscapes of Cappadocia,best seen from a hot air balloon!
The presentation will be anchored in the history and culture of the region and illustrated by Andrew’s amazing photographs.
No registration required. Members of the public are welcome to attend (at a cost of $5).
Intergenerational Speaker Series – Event 5
Planetary Health - A Shared Future
Wednesday, May 21, 11:00am–1:00pm
Lincoln Park Room, Mt. Royal University, 4825 Mt Royal Gate SW
Speaker: Dr. Sonja Wicklum
Planetary health explores the vital connection between human well-being and the health of our planet. This event brings people of all ages together to share diverse perspectives on what this means across generations. Through presentation and dialogue, we’ll reflect on how our experiences shape our understanding of environmental challenges—and how we can work together toward a healthier, more sustainable future.
Dr. Sonja Wicklum is a family medicine specialist at the Central Family Medicine Teaching Clinic in Calgary and a clinical associate professor at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, where she also serves as the Director of Planetary Health.
Register at the Mount Royal University link: https://sites.google.com/mtroyal.ca/igss/events
Special Program
Rescheduled!
Try Ringing for a Change! The Bellringers warmly invite CALL members to come and rock your local heavy metal.
Friday, May 23, 3:30–5:00pm
Christ Church, 3602 8 Street SW
Presented by: the Bellringers at Christ Church in Elbow Park
When you hear bells ringing, you know you have found a community. Not many Calgarians know that one of the largest and loudest instruments of the world is located right in the heart of their city.
Your visit will be an interactive opportunity to learn about the many fascinating historical facts of tower bells, the traditional English art of change ringing, the ringers’ personal experiences, and not to forget, pull the bells, yourself!
A tour guide will be waiting for you in the Sanctuary to reveal the magic behind the stained glass windows of Christ Church. After your visit to the church and its belfry, you will walk away with great insight about what it is to learn to ring tower bells weighing up to 952 pounds.
Please Note: This is an open bell tower experience. To reach the ringing room you need to be able to climb three sets of stairs. The last one is quite steep and narrow. Ringing is a moderate form of physical exercise.
You will need to wear comfortable clothes which allow your arms to rise above your head and flat shoes. For your safety, please do not wear long skirts or loose jackets that can be caught in a moving rope.
Registration is required and limited to 8 CALL members only.
Register on the Special Programs page.
Special Program
Interpreting Bach’s Goldberg Variations: A Pianist’s Perspective
Monday, June 2, 1:00–3:00pm (register by May 26)
Sanctuary, Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
What does a world-renowned pianist do, when all his European and US concerts are cancelled?
Roman Rabinovich set himself a goal in March of 2020 – to get J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations up to performance level. Thanks to travel restrictions, he had lots of time, but he needed an audience. Roman and his wife Diana Cohen (violinist and concertmaster for the Calgary Philharmonic) invited neighbours and friends to a series of “garden concerts” from their front lawn. The audience grew, as did the enthusiasm. Less than two years later, Diana and Roman announced plans for ChamberFest West, a week-long summer chamber music festival in Calgary.
At 1 pm on June 2 at the Sanctuary, Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, Roman will perform the “notoriously demanding” Goldbergs, talk about the interpretive joys they offer, and explore why Bach’s masterpiece is a benchmark for concert pianists.
This event is free for all CALL members. Each CALL member may invite up to 2 guests who will pay $5 at the door. To help us manage seating, we ask that CALL members register by May 26.
For more information and to register, go to Special Programs and scroll to the bottom of the page.
CALL Blog
Beyond Game Playing: Benefits of Virtual Reality for Seniors
- Maureen Osis, CALL Communications Team
Discover how virtual reality (VR) is transforming the lives of older adults! This post explores how VR goes far beyond entertainment—enhancing cognitive function, improving mobility, reducing social isolation, and even aiding in pain management.
Guest author Barry Pendergast provides real-life examples from his professional career and his personal stories. Read how seniors are embracing this innovative technology to enhance their health and daily lives.
Have you tried VR? Are you curious to try it?
We welcome your feedback. blog@calgarylifelonglearners.ca
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-Beyond-Game-Playing-Benefits-of-VR-for-Seniors/13478865) and paste into an email or text message.
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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
- May 23
- June 27
- August 22
Meanwhile, be well, stay well in every sense of the word.