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News From CALL September 2026
| Speaker Events | Programs | Special Programs | Blog |
Sketch by Dorothy de St Jorre, a member of the Sketch Club interest group
President’s Message
- Judy Hoad
There’s only a month of summer left. In July and August, the weather left us guessing – would it be hot, windy, smoky, cool or wet? Like others, I got caught in the rain more than once. Personally, I’m hoping summer will last longer than a month and slow down the arrival of cooler days.
And soon CALL members will reconvene! While CALL’s speaker events and many programs and interest groups took a break for the summer, volunteers continued with planning and organizing for the next season. In preparation for start-up in September, events and speakers were confirmed, venues were booked, the annual budget prepared, reminders to renew your membership were sent out and updates were made to the website. Thank you to all our committed volunteers! Watch the website and newsletters for some exciting new offerings.
I want to share some information about the internal workings of CALL. CALL can only continue if you have a strong and committed Board to keep this organization running. At the Annual General Meeting (AGM), members elect those who will take on leadership roles as directors of CALL. This year the nominating committee, Keith Dobson and Adrienne Kertzer, worked their magic and members have volunteered to fill most of the Board positions. Thanks Keith and Adrienne! Board work is challenging but critical and I encourage all members to consider being a director. This association can only continue with leaders at the top.
What does the board do? Board members operate according to bylaws and procedures. Bylaw D.4 says “The Board shall … have full control and management of the affairs of the Association.” We also have an unwritten responsibility to endeavor to understand what is important to our members so we can support the volunteer-run programs. Following the AGM on October 15, the newly elected Board will review “The Road Ahead for CALL”, which can be found on our website under “Member Only, Resources, Learn More”. The board will update the workplan for the coming year.
You will have an opportunity to provide your input as this work is completed. With your input and support, CALL will continue to support lifelong learning and enrich the lives of our members through social connection.
I can be reached at info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca
See you in September.
CALL Membership Renewals
If you have not yet renewed your CALL membership for the 2026-27 CALL year, please do so today. You can click on the link in the email you received or sign into your CALL account. To sign in to your CALL account, click the blue Login Icon, from the drop-down menu, select "View Profile" and start the renewal process. Upon renewal your CALL membership will be extended to August 31, 2027.
How to pay online using a credit card without a Paypal Account (and why does it say PayPal)?
CALL uses a secure payment processing system to ensure valid credit card information is entered, and funds are directed from your credit card to CALL's bank account. No credit card information is retained by CALL. PayPal is the payment processing system we use, but you DO NOT need a PayPal account to renew your membership online using a credit card. The key is to ensure that you “Unselect” the slider button that says Save Info and Create Paypal Account.
We know that paying online can sometimes be a challenge. We have created step-by-step documentation on how to pay using your credit card. A link to this information was included in your August renewal reminder email, and we've put a link to this information in the Technical Help column on the CALL website titled Credit Card Payments.
Attention New Members! Save the date!
Have you recently joined CALL and are you looking to learn more about the incredible learning opportunities available to you through CALL? Are you hoping to get to know interesting people along the way? On October 8, CALL will be hosting a “New Member Welcome” session for members who have joined since October 2025. You’ll have an opportunity to socialize, learn how CALL operates, and meet program and interest coordinators. Stay tuned for more information to follow in September.
We look forward to meeting you!
A New Initiative
- David Phillips, Program Committee Chair
I have often felt the need to discuss the contents of some of our presentations after I have had time to digest them. Yes, there was a question and answer session but that has often been truncated and the questions I wanted to ask had not formulated in my mind until it was too late.
Then we had three special interest programs; “Life on The Edge”, “The Radicalisation of Alberta Politics”, and “Foreign Interference”, after each of which there were many requests for follow up. I realised that I was not alone! Therefore, we are going to tentatively start a new discussion program based on CALL presentations.
It will work like this. You register and attend one of our presentations (in person or virtual) for which this option is being offered. At the end of the presentation, you will be invited to register for the discussion. The discussion will preferably be held within one week of the presentation while the material and issues raised are still fresh. If there are enough people interested, you will be notified of the location and time. We do not envision having a fixed facilitator for the discussions, as it may vary each time, depending on if we can find one of the participants who is passionate about that subject.
We thought that we would start the trial with the Special Programs presentation on September 10, “Hunting the Tirpitz’s Ghost: A Diver’s Accidental Journey into History”; not only is this a fascinating historical mystery but a human-interest story of manipulation of young men, betrayal and searching for closure. It should make for lots of discussion. As for location we will initially use cSPACE Marda Loop, but after that we may find a more relaxing environment with a bar. It all depends on what the participants want. So, register for the talk, because if you don’t register you cannot participate in the discussion group. Then, immediately after the presentation you will receive an email asking you to respond if you wish to participate in further discussion. You will be able to choose an option for afternoon or evening. If there are 10 or more replies, we will run the discussion group and you will be notified of the time and place.
Let’s make this happen!
A Good News Story
- David Phillips, Area Program Coordinator, Arts & Culture
Some months ago, we had a presentation about homelessness called "Living on the Edge" by Dr. Kerri Trehearne and George Weber. That presentation touched many people in the audience who approached me afterwards and asked if there was something that they could actually do to help the situation.
I thought that if there were enough people who were genuinely interested in doing something, we could form a volunteer team to serve lunch once a month at the Drop-In Centre. When I floated this idea before the Program Committee, there was some skepticism that I would be lucky to get enough people to do this. When the message went out to those that had registered, within a day I had 20 volunteers!
I think that is a real testimony to the commitment, integrity, and passion of members of CALL who want to make a difference. With that number of respondents, it means that we can cycle through the volunteers, and everyone does not have to be committed for every month. Normally, there is a team of eight people, three of whom work in the kitchen serving the food onto the plates, and five delivering it to the tables. It is a highly organized operation and is quite intensive for about an hour, and then it's over. It is a total commitment of about an hour and a half. With that number of volunteers, it means that, on average, you would only be doing it four times a year.
I mention that because there may be other people out there who did not register for the talk at the time but may be interested. If you are interested, you can contact me.
I am now going to move forward with coordination with the Drop-In Centre, and will be getting back to the volunteers shortly. However, I would dearly like a facilitator and a co-facilitator to step forward to do the simple organization required on a monthly basis, as I am somewhat overloaded myself. It's a very heartwarming thing that people will volunteer in such numbers.
Thank you, everyone. Please contact me at info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca if you can help.
Speaker Events
Health and Wellness
Brain Health
Monday, September 14, 1:30–3:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Speaker: Dr. Karen Fruetel
As we age, the risk for dementia increases. Dr. Fruetel will talk about what happens as we age, and how we can reduce our risk of dementia and maintain a healthy brain.
Dr. Karen Fruetel, MD, MEd, FRCP, is an Associate Professor Emerita from the University of Calgary. She is a retired specialist in Geriatric Medicine and is a CALL member.
Members of the public are welcome to attend (at a cost of $5 at the door). Registration is not required.
Treks and Travels
Egypt Offline
Wednesday, September 16, 7:30–9:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Presenter: Frank Spina
Frank was originally scheduled to present in February 2026. We canceled the evening due to bad winter weather. He returns in September to share stories and slides that tell the history of Egypt. Egypt’s history goes back over 3000 years and some of that history is revealed in the numerous archeological sites around the country. Frank will also share his experiences travelling “solo”, the pros and the cons, especially in the city of Cairo. For a peek into modern Cairo, follow the link to Getting Behind the Wheel in Crazy Cairo.
No registration required. Members of the public are welcome to attend (at a cost of $5).
CALL Café
Season Opener Event
Monday September 21, 1:00-3:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Dr NW
Speaker: Greg Gerla
Plan to join us for the first CALL Café of the new season. Greg Gerla, a commercial and fine art photographer based in Calgary, will introduce his photographic journey. Get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes stories of a photographer’s life.
Greg was an instructor at The Alberta University of the Arts from 2004 to 2021, teaching in the Photography Department, Faculty of Visual Communications. He currently is a partner of InSight Creative Group, and facilitates creative workshops for the public. He is keen to share his experience and mentor those embarking on a creative path.
Greg served on the National Board of CAPIC (Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators) from 2002 to 2016. He served as president of the Prairie Chapter of CAPIC from 2004 to 2007. Greg was also a member of the board for the Exposure Photography Festival from 2010 to 2019.
Members are asked to register for planning purposes – add up to 4 guests when you register. There is no cost for non-members and the public is welcome.
Save the date!
Do you have questions about the Alberta October 19, 2026, Referendum?
For the October CALL CAFÉ, we will be putting on a presentation by Dr. Lori Williams who will be reviewing: The Process, Choices and Democratic Implications of the October Vote.
Monday October 5, 1:00–3:00pm at Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church
Science and Environment
Unlocking the Mysterious World of Carbon Credits
Our first event occurs on Tuesday, October 6th. So, save the date!
We've all heard of carbon credits, but very few of us understand what they are or how they work. We often hear that environmental initiatives, such as taking carbon out of exhaust gases, sequestration of carbon, and replacement of cement with carbon crystals, need carbon credits to make their business cases work. But, how do you create a carbon credit? Are all carbon credits the same or are there different classes of credits?
It's a big mystery to us, like crypto currency. The Science and Environment group are going to start the season on October the 6th with a lecture on this very subject. All will be revealed, how carbon credits are created, how they are used to stimulate innovation, and how they are matched to people who need them.
Haris Sharma from Clear Blue Markets will take us through this whole process. It promises to be fascinating.
All Science and Environment events are online, so you must register to participate. You must be a member of CALL to register.
Programs
Jazz Nebula
Tribute to Thelonious Monk
Saturday, August 29, 2:00–4:30pm
Scarboro United Church, 134 Scarboro Avenue SW
Facilitator: John Reid
Thelonious Sphere Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer. He had a unique improvisational style and made numerous contributions to the standard jazz repertoire, including: “‘Round Midnight”, “Blue Monk", "In Walked Bud", “Well You Needn’t”, and many more. Monk is the second-most-recorded jazz composer after Duke Ellington; indeed, he had a fourteen-record contract with the prestigious Columbia Records. Monk's compositions and improvisations feature dissonances and angular melodic twists, often using flat ninths, flat fifths, unexpected chromatic notes together, low bass notes and stride piano, combining a highly percussive attack with abrupt, dramatic use of switched key releases, silences, and hesitations.
The Jazz Nebula Quintet features Johnny Summers, trumpet; John Reid, saxophone and flute; Jon Day, piano; John Gray, bass; Ed Batley, drums.
$40/general admission, $35/Nebula, Jazz YYC, and CALL members, and $10/students: On sale at Eventbrite.ca (search Jazz Nebula) and at the door. (Membership is included with ticket purchase.)
NOTE: This is a ticketed event. Information about tickets for CALL members is on the Jazz Nebula page.
You can email John Reid at info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca
Lunchbox Theatre with CALL
Registration starts Tuesday, September 1.
Thursdays, Oct. 15, Dec. 10, 2026; Jan. 28, Mar. 4, May 13, 2027; 12:00–3:00pm
Theatre at cSPACE, Marda Loop, 1721 29 Avenue SW
Facilitators: Marje Wing and Adrienne Kertzer
A Calgary theatre company that began in 1975, Lunchbox Theatre not only permits you to eat your lunch during the performance, they are also committed to providing “lunch for the soul.” They do so by presenting “engaging, accessible one-act plays … focusing on entertaining new Canadian works that examine and explore socially relevant issues.”
If you’ve ever attended a play and wished you could talk about it after, then Lunchbox Theatre with CALL is the group for you. Registered Interest Group members will attend Thursday Talkback performances and then meet in cSPACE to discuss the production immediately afterwards. Group members will purchase their own tickets and can attend as many plays as they wish.
Go to the Lunchbox Theatre website for information about the season.
For more information and to register, go to Lunchbox Theatre with CALL.
Finding Peace and Joy Within
Wednesdays,10:00am–12:00noon, September 16 to November 11.
Room 310, cSPACE, Marda Loop, 1721 29 Ave SW
There is a universal human desire to be happy and to avoid suffering. For the wise, this desire extends to those we love and to our community. We try to fulfill this desire through such external pursuits as family, career, service, hobbies, and recreation.
Thanks to modern technology we now have wealth, health, and social connection to an extent that our ancestors (and many in developing nations) could only dream of. Yet which of us is genuinely happy and free of suffering? Do you have the feeling that “something” is missing?
We have known since we were small children that we have a mind and a body. However, we have a third inner resource that we easily overlook, which can provide a source of uncaused joy and respite from suffering that is independent of our external circumstances.
Please join us to have a direct experience with this resource to help you have a happier and more fulfilled life.
You can contact the facilitator through the registration page at Finding Peace and Joy Within if you would like to learn more about this program.
You must be a CALL member to register.
Medieval History
The Road to Agincourt
Fridays, October 9, 16, 23, 1:00–3:00pm
Marda Loop cSPACE Room 310, 1721 29 Ave SW
Facilitator: Dr. Alana Gowdy
A warrior, a politician, a scholar, and a musician, Henry of Monmouth was raised in a noble environment that developed all of these qualities and more – but he wasn't expected to be king. Nevertheless, at the age of 26 he inherited a somewhat troubled England. His father had taken the throne from Richard II, and Henry, being the eldest son of a usurper, faced a monarchy with many challenges. Determined to invade France, his reality-based decisions were grounded on firsthand military experience in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
Shakespeare's portrayal of Henry's 90 degree turn from flamboyant playboy to stern ruler makes wonderful theatre but uneven history. This class will follow Henry's life from childhood to his untimely death. His incredible and glorious victory at the Battle of Agincourt still fosters inspiration and awe and will form the core of this class.
Register at Medieval History
You must be a CALL member to register.
Special Programs
Introduction to Folkdancing
Saturday September 5, 12:00–1:00pm
10th Calgary Sara Scout Hall 609 Rideau Road SW
We welcome CALL members and your friends.
The program is free and open to all. Maximum registration is 25 people.
Please come out for a first-time-ever collaboration between CALL and the Calgary International Folkdancing Club (a non-profit organization). The “Introduction to Folkdancing” program is an opportunity to learn what folkdancing is, where the dances come from and why it is fun and good for you. The club is opening its doors warmly to CALL members and your guests for no charge in order to share the beauty and joy of folkdancing. If you are curious, active, engaged and eager to experience the cultures of the world through the language of folkdancing, this open house event is for you. No partner or dance experience is required. Please wear breathable, comfortable clothing suited to light aerobic activity and clean, soft-soled, non-marking shoes.
The structure of the program is as follows: the folkdancers will give a brief talk about folkdancing and its origins. We will follow this with some demonstrations of common steps and patterns, as well as showcase some traditional folk dances in both open circle and line formats. And then we will invite you all to join us and dance some easy dances together which we will teach. Many of our dances come from Eastern Europe and the music is often played on traditional folk instruments. We welcome you to come experience the rich cultures of the world with your ears and feet!
A light snack and beverages will be served after dancing. We will have handouts ready with information about connecting to local folkdance communities and clubs, including ours, the Calgary International Folkdancing Club.
There is ample free street parking on Rideau Road and side streets.
CALL members and guests welcome at no charge.
For more information, please contact Laura Di Lembo at info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca.
Hunting the Tirpitz’s Ghost: A Diver’s Accidental Journey into History
Thursday, September 10, 7:30–9:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Church NW
Presenter: Tom Feuchtwanger
The Tirpitz, the second of Nazi Germany’s two Bismarck-class battleships, was among the most formidable warships ever built - fifty-two thousand tons of steel, armor, and firepower! Yet it never fought a great sea battle, never sent an enemy ship to the bottom. It spent most of the war brooding in the deep sheltered waters of Norway’s fjords, hidden among towering cliffs, protected by torpedo nets, minefields, and shore batteries. Naval strategists call this a “fleet in being,” a force so powerful that its mere existence compels the enemy to divert vast resources to contain it. As long as the Tirpitz lived, Britain was forced to keep battleships and carriers desperately needed elsewhere in home waters. She held the Royal Navy hostage from inside a Norwegian fjord.
As this ship was almost impossible to reach, and impossible to ignore, Winston Churchill declared her destruction one of the highest priorities of the entire war.
This presentation will take you into the cockpit of a British midget submarine, the X5, into the freezing depths of a Norwegian fjord, and into one of the most fascinating unsolved mysteries of the Second World War. It will set the historical scene, follow the search for X5, reveal what was found in those cold dark waters — and what remains unanswered to this day.
Above all, it is a story of extraordinary courage, iron determination and the enduring power of the human spirit when faced with seemingly impossible odds. It’s a story that deserves to be told — and one you will not forget.
Tom Feuchtwanger served as a Navy Scuba Diver in South Africa. He and his wife Janet immigrated to Calgary in 1980, where he enjoyed a 40 year career in the oil and gas industry. Today, Tom is a father, grandfather, geologist, diver, traveller and lifelong student of the world.
CALL members may bring up to two guests for $5 each.
Vested Interest: Climate Change Walking Art
Tuesday, September 18, 1:30–3:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW
Come and enjoy an afternoon with Ellen Monaghan, a talented seamstress and teller of truths about climate change. Models will showcase her garments with original graphics as she relates interesting stories about global warming and environmental degradation.
Her presentation will be entertaining and humorous but it is also educational and is intended to inspire us to engage in conversations about the threats to our lives and possible solutions to the problems. Models will be male and female, young and old! Come and bring your partner and your friends.
You must be a member of CALL to register and you may bring up to two guests for $5 each.
Remembering Montreal
Wednesdays, October 7, November 4, December 2, January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5 and June 2; 10:00am–12:00noon
Marda Loop Community Association, 3130 16th Street SW
Co-facilitators: Harry Chandler, Carol Gerein
Remembering Montreal (and Quebec) is a new CALL interest group for members who grew up in Montreal and Quebec, or lived there at some point in their lives, or whose family history in Canada begins there. It includes those who have a special interest in the city and province, particularly prior to the current era.
This interest group provides opportunities to connect with others who share similar backgrounds as well as those who have had very different experiences, both of which can be very meaningful. There is a dual purpose for getting together: learning and socializing.
We hope you can join us to share memories and learn more about aspects of the unique culture, lifestyle, and history of this wonderful city and province.
Both co-facilitators are former Montrealers who enjoyed growing up there.
You must be a CALL member to register.
CALL Blog
Adding Life to Years Through the Creative Arts
Can creativity make a difference as we age? This month’s CALL Blog explores how music, art, writing, photography, and other creative pursuits can support healthy aging and boost well-being. Read the inspiring story of the formation and accomplishments of the Creative Aging Calgary Society.
Read the post and discover how creativity can help us add life to our years!
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.
Join the Conversation
The best part of lifelong learning is sharing ideas. If you have comments, questions, or a personal story related to this post, I’d love to hear from you.
Please email Maureen at info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca
Your feedback may inspire future CALL Blog posts.
If you have a topic that you would like to write with me, I would welcome your interest.
If you are on Facebook, please follow us. You can help us to spread the word about CALL.
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 2026/27
- September 25
- October 30
- 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.