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News From CALL November 2026
| Speaker Events | Special Programs | Programs | Blog |
Sketch by Laurel Watson, a member of the Sketch Club interest group
President’s Message
– Audrey Habke
As I write this, the first snow is on the ground, the wind is blowing from the north, and aspen leaves are swirling past my window. What a gorgeous fall season we’ve had.
The CALL Board’s October was busy with AGM prep and follow-up. At the AGM, we added five new faces to the Board, four filling positions recently vacated, and one entering a newly created Director-at-Large position. As always, I’m impressed with the energy and commitment of CALL Board members.
My own CALL October was fabulous, immersed in Margaret Atwood with my poetry group, enjoying a vicarious trip to Colombia via Treks and Travels, and preparing for a November discussion of A Tale of Two Cities. It’s been 25 years since I last read Dickens – both a challenge and a pleasure.
In November, I’m looking forward to many of the CALL events listed below, supplemented with a good measure of Board activity. On November 19, the Board will meet to plan for the upcoming year. This year, in addition to the usual Board business, we will begin a review of the CALL Strategic Plan.
And for you in November? Watch your inbox for an upcoming CALL Member Survey. Please take a few moments to fill it out. We’ll need your input as we plan for upcoming years.
If you’d like to contact me, I’m available at info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca.
Speaker Events
Science and Environment
Muddied Waters On Grassy Mountain: Local Perceptions of Benefits, Risks, and Decision-Making around the Grassy Mountain Coal Project
Tuesday, November 3, 7:30–9:00pm
Online, via Zoom
Speakers: Dr. Pouya Zangeneh, Prof. Chris Roberts and Maddie Fleming
The Grassy Mountain Coal Project just north of Blairmore, Alberta, generates major debates across the province due to the perceived provincial and local economic benefits that might accrue if the project is eventually approved to mine and export metallurgical coal, against the risks posed by open pit coal mining within the Oldman River watershed, regional pastureland and the traditional territory of Treaty 7 First Nations.
After a brief look at Canada’s relative status as a “met coal” exporter, the presentation will shift to an overview of the policy and political context that allowed speculative, often foreign, investment in coal projects in the 2010s to become a major public policy controversy in Alberta among Grassy Mountain project promoters, governments at all levels, First Nations, and local residents. The presentation will then draw on in-depth interviews with residents and other affected people across southern Alberta to explore how local people perceive the opportunities and risks of the project. Moving beyond yes-or-no measures of support, it examines the positions, concerns and uncertainties expressed by local communities, including trust and transparency, environmental risks, expected economic benefits, and competing ideas of community and identity.
Dr. Pouya Zangeneh, Ph.D., P.Eng., is Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and Endowed Chair in Engineering Project Management at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary. Before joining academia, Dr. Zangeneh established and led the risk analytics group at a major Canadian international engineering consultancy, working on multi-billion-dollar capital projects across infrastructure, mining, energy, and utilities. His current research focus includes generative AI in construction and project management, and risk management in complex projects.
Chris Roberts has been an instructor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Calgary since 2014, teaching in the areas of African politics, economic development (including extractive industries), international relations, and Canadian foreign policy. He’s been researching Canadian mining activity in Africa since the 1990s and more recently doing comparative work on the impact of Canadian mining investment and policy support in African and South American jurisdictions.
Maddie Fleming is a Master’s student at the University of Calgary’s Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies (CMSS). Her current work focuses on information operations, alongside a research interest in mining projects and resource security. As an undergraduate in political science at the University of Calgary she was awarded a research scholarship in the summer of 2025 to study community stakeholder attitudes towards the Grassy Mountain Coal Project.
You must be a member of CALL to register.
CALL Café
Dunkirk and Battle of Britain Top Gun
Monday November 16, 1:00–3:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Dr NW
Speaker: Shelly McElroy
Please join us to listen to local historian and author, Shelly McElroy, give a presentation on World War II Ace Pilot Officer William McKnight. He was a pivotal early World War II fighter officer who still earns recognition as Canada’s leading ace through relentless aerial victories, perilous combat and a complex personal evolution amidst evolving offensive air operations.
Shelly McElroy grew up on a farm in southern Alberta approximately three kilometres from McKnight Boulevard. She has worked for museums, public and reference libraries and an antiquarian bookshop. In 2022, she was the Historian in Residence for Heritage Calgary and the Calgary Public Library.
Open to members, guests and the public. Members are asked to register for planning purposes. You may add up to 4 guests when you register.
Treks and Travels
The Ancient Trails Project: Life of the first First Nations
Wednesday, November 18, 7:30pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Presenters: Lorne Perry and Dale Lamont
Two thousand years ago people lived, hunted and traded on the upper reaches of the Red Deer River in a remote corner of what is now Banff National Park. There is clear evidence of a thriving culture that endured over several thousand years and then vanished.
Lorne, Dale and friends hiked 100 kilometres from Lake Louise to the foothills to learn about these early inhabitants. One of the finds along the way was evidence of pit houses and they resolved to build a replica and try it out.
Join Lorne and his wife Dale on the magical journey of discovery and first-hand experience of the amazing life of the first First Nations.
No registration required. Members of the public are welcome to attend (at a cost of $5 at the door).
Health and Wellness
Balance and Fall Prevention
Monday, November 23 1:30–3:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Speakers: Dr. Joseph Abinader and Cathy Harbidge
Dr. Joseph Abinader and Cathy Harbidge will explain why we are more prone to falling as we age and how to prevent these falls.
Dr. Abinader researches causes and management of falls in older adults and Cathy Harbridge is the Falls Clinic Coordinator for AHS. She is a registered physical therapist.
Members of the public are welcome to attend (at a cost of $5 at the door). Registration is not required
Special Programs
Reconnecting Cloth and Soul: Creative Clothing for a Burdened World
Thursday, November 5, 1:30–3:00pm
Haysboro Community Association, 1204 89 Avenue, SW
Speaker: Hermina Joldersma
What are some creative ways that we all can think about, and act on, the huge problem that is textile waste? Hermina Joldersma is both a retired professor and a lifelong sewer-turned-fibre-artist-turned-mender. In her talk she will briefly describe the problem, what is being done by larger organizations, and her own fibre journey viewed from that perspective. Most of her talk focuses on how individuals who wear clothes – all of us – can think and act more responsibly and creatively while still enjoying the clothes we own now and might purchase in the future. She will bring along some of her own pieces and is always happy to answer questions or learn from her audience!
There is plenty of parking available in the parking lot adjacent to the building.
Members must register, but may bring up to 2 guests for $5.00 each at the door.
Affordable EVs or Chinese Spy Cars?
Wednesday, November 25 6:30–8:00pm Note the change of time from the normal.
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Speaker: Thomas P. Keenan
Canada is about to open the floodgates to a large number of Chinese-made Electric Vehicles. By contrast, the U.S. has banned them. Many people will be attracted by prices as low as $22,000 CAD for a brand-new BYD Dolphin. (BYD stands for Build Your Dreams.) Others note that these cars are equipped with numerous cameras and other surveillance capabilities, so you may be paying with your privacy. This talk will explore what we know about Chinese EVs, and some of the amazing things they may reveal about your life.
Thomas P. Keenan, FCIPS, I.S.P., ITCP, ICD.D., is an award-winning journalist, public speaker, and popular professor at the University of Calgary. After working in the Information Technology industry in New York City and Calgary, he joined the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary. Then, as Dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education, he created many innovative programs, including Canada’s first computer security course. He is currently a professor in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, as well as teaching Information Technology Ethics in the Department of Philosophy. He is also the author of the best-selling book Technocreep: The Surrender of Privacy and the Capitalization of Intimacy.
You must be a member of CALL to register. You may bring up to 2 guests for $5 each at the door.
Programs
Jazz Nebula
Tribute to Irving Berlin
Saturday, November 21, 2:00pm
Scarboro United Church, 134 Scarboro Avenue SW
Tickets $35 for CALL members available at Eventbrite.ca or at the door.
The Jazz Nebula Quartet will feature Kim Szabo, piano and vocals; John Reid, saxophone, clarinet and flute; Kai Poscente, bass; and John De Waal, drums. The concert will feature such revered Berlin standards as: “Cheek to Cheek”, “Blue Kiss” and “White Christmas”.
Irving Berlin is one of the five overarching composers of the Great American Songbook (1900-1950) along with George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, and Richard Rodgers. When Jerome Kern was asked about Irving Berlin’s place in American music, he responded: "Irving Berlin did not have a place in American music. Irving Berlin WAS American music.” John Reid will begin with a short lecture on the life and music of this jazz icon.
For more information, see Jazz Nebula
CALL Blog
Happiness or Joy – Is There a Difference?
We strive to have a happy life; we hope that our loved ones also have joy and happiness. When we use those two words, joy and happiness, do we mean different things? Is there a difference between them? What does it mean to experience either of them? What are the health effects of each?
Read this month’s blog to learn more about the differences, the effects of each, and ways to bring more joy and happiness into your life.
Your feedback matters!
CALL is a community of curious, engaged lifelong learners and your voice adds to the conversation. Has this article sparked an idea, reminded you of an experience or raised a question? I would enjoy hearing from you – your feedback may inspire a future blog post.
The CALL Blog is public so please share with your family and friends. https://calgarylifelonglearners.ca/Blog.
If you are on Facebook, please follow us. Any questions or feedback, please contact us: info@calgarylifelonglearners.caThe 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 2026/27
- November 27
- December 18
- January 29
- February 26
- March 26
- April 30
- May 28
- June 25
- August 20
Meanwhile, be well, stay well in every sense of the word.