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Below are upcoming CALL events colour coded by location. Click on link to view details.
CALENDAR LOCATION COLOUR LEGEND
Online
Outdoors
World Events Discussion Group 2 focuses exclusively on international current events and related background issues. Members seek to broaden their knowledge and understanding about all regions of the world in a friendly, informal atmosphere.
For more information click here.
World Events Discussion Group 1
This group focuses exclusively on international current events and related background issues. Members seek to broaden our knowledge and understanding about all regions of the world in a friendly, informal atmosphere. For a full description click here.
World Events Discussion Group 3
This group focuses exclusively on international current events and issues. Members seek to broaden their knowledge and understanding about all regions of the world in a friendly, informal atmosphere. For a full description click here.
The Walrus Magazine Discussion Group
Every month Walrus (www.thewalrus.ca) has articles that intrigue, provoke and challenge and beg conversation. And that’s what we do. Members take turns leading a discussion on an article, and we cover 3 or 4 articles per meeting.
Click here for the full web page.
Hags and Crones Group1
Hags and Crones 1 is now full. Please contact the facilitator to register to the wait list if interested.
This group seeks to hear women’s voices and value their thoughts, opinions and stories. We share experiences, learn from each other and talk about current issues, challenges and concerns. Our conversations examine “where we are now” in terms of identity, power and collective voice.
Return to details page
Hags and Crones 2
Hags and Crones 2 is now full. Please contact the facilitator to register to the wait list if interested.
Hags and Crones Group 2 meets on the third Tuesday of each month for discussion based on topics agreed upon at the previous meeting. We focus on issues of immediate interest to our group members. These may be political, economic, social, cultural, literary, etc. The scope may be international, national, local, or individual. We share ideas, perspectives, experiences, and further sources of information such as books, articles, films, websites, etc. We have found that current events tend to drive our choices and discussion.
Indigenous Literature
An Indigenous Literature Discussion Group
A reading and discussion group focusing on Canadian Indigenous writers, including Richard Wagamese, Drew Hayden Taylor, Eden Robinson, Wab Kinew and Lee Maracle.
Return to details page.
“So Many Books, So Little Time” Book Club
“Another” CALL Book Club has formed. Members of the group decide, by consensus, what books will be read. There really are so many books!
Facilitator: Janet Warner
CANADIAN AUTHORS PLUS BOOK CLUB- Now Online
The focus of this club is on Canadian fiction and non-fiction. Non-Canadian authors are also considered. Books are selected in collaboration with the group. Members commit to regular meetings and volunteer to facilitate book discussions alone or with a partner. The book club is limited to twelve and membership in CALL is required.
IMPROVER’S Bridge provides players at the upper beginner & intermediate levels with an opportunity to improve their skills. Players learn from one another and from a coach, Pat McCann. Everyone is welcome to join us in learning on Mondays and playing on Wednesdays. We use BridgeBase Online along with Zoom & WhatsApp (a simple cellphone app that uses wifi, not cellular data).
*Before you register, you must be a member of CALL.
For more information and to register click here: details.
Mystery Book Club
If you enjoy reading mysteries, whodunnits, espionage stories, detective fiction and other kinds of mysteries, this might be the group for you! Members of the group suggest and decide on what books will be read.
Click here to open the Mystery Book Club page.
Our life stories may not have changed the course of history, but our stories shape us. We want to invite you to be part of a group interested in writing stories based on our life experiences. We will share and discuss approaches to writing our memories. What gives our stories life will be explored together. As a group we will use prompts, old pictures and special mementos to start our writing process. Some of our writing can be done in the meeting and more can be done at home between meetings. We will be sharing our writing by providing an audience for each other. We hope, through practice and encouragement, to improve our written stories. For the full web page click here.
Facilitators: Deborah Alexander and Don Cockerton
Readers Theatre
Readers Theatre is for those who enjoy reading aloud with expression. It requires only the voice to provide meaning to the text.
As a group, we have evolved from reading complete plays to reading scenes or short plays. This gives us the opportunity to bring our interpretation to the character and scene. Our intent is that we should all participate and have fun.
Go to details page.
Short Reads
If you think you’re too busy for a book club, this is the group for you! Our focus is short texts - short stories and novellas. At the first meeting, group members will suggest and decide which titles to read, and the format of the meetings will be discussed.
Our life stories may not have changed the course of history, but our stories shape us. We want to invite you to be part of a group interested in writing stories based on our life experiences. We will share and discuss approaches to writing our memories. What gives our stories life will be explored together. As a group we will use prompts, old pictures and special mementos to start our writing process. Some of our writing can be done in the meeting and more can be done at home between meetings. We will be sharing our writing by providing an audience for each other. We hope, through practice and encouragement, to improve our written stories.
Facilitators: Terry Lende and Pat Hogan.
For the web page click here.
Register by emailing Facilitator
Since we began in 2014, we have shared stories on our childhoods and careers, on facing retirement and travel. We share our stories by emailing them to each other thus having time to offer thoughtful ideas for improving our writing. We have shared in the pleasure of watching each other grow as writers.
We usually spend time doing impromptu writing at our meetings. We offer prompts to spur our creativity. For the full web page click here.
Variety Book Club
A variety of genres such as biographies, historical fiction, mysteries etc. will be chosen by the members of this group at the first meeting. Members are asked to have read the book and be prepared to share their impressions.
Participants must register before attending the meetings.
How Can You Think That?
A Political Book Club
Are you frustrated by the current level of political discussion and the polarization of opinions? There must be a better way to discuss politics than what we see on the internet and television or hear in shouting matches between people who disagree with each other.
Our political book club members are interested in bridging political divides and having intelligent, civilized conversations about why conservatives and liberals often find it hard to meet on common ground.
We are a diverse group of people from a variety of backgrounds and ways of thinking.
Alberta Views Magazine Discussion Group
Alberta Views (http://albertaviews.ca) is an award-winning magazine that has published in-depth coverage and analysis of the political, economic, social and cultural issues of Alberta for the past 20 years.
Our group meets monthly on Zoom to discuss two to four topics covered in the latest Alberta Views issue. Members can volunteer to lead the discussion of a chosen article. Facilitators will advise which articles are coming up for discussion, so members can read them in advance.
Click here for the web page with complete information.
Open Mic - on Zoom
Join us to sing and play along at home!
(We will all be on “Mute”, and you will hear only the presenter…no one will hear you, so sing LOUD!!)
Please register online by returning to the details page.
CALL to the Cinema
We are a group of film lovers who meet every second Tuesday Online via Zoom to intensely discuss the best films currently showing in Calgary theatres.
Films are chosen democratically. This process often allows us to discover the best in contemporary cinema before the films are widely known.
Discussion centers on both the literary aspects of film such as character, story, symbolism and theme as well as the cinematic elements of music, costume, lighting and camera work. The goal of the group discussion is to bring out subtleties individual members might have missed.
Hags and Crones 3: A Conversation Group
Now Online
We are a group of CALL women who meet to share our stories, to discuss public issues and personal challenges, and to explore our power and possibilities as women and as elders. Our group has eclectic interests. Discussions so far have included topics on feminism, Sally Armstrong’s Massey Lectures, women's ailments and treatments as we age, "The Alphabet versus the Goddess” and world death rituals.
Hong Kong Mah Jong (Fridays) Group 1
This is a fun, recreational game of mah jong based on Hong Kong rules.
COFFEE BY ZOOM
Group 1 (Tuesdays)
Are you missing the chance to visit with your CALL friends? Do you want to meet new members of CALL? Coffee by Zoom may be the answer for you! These chat groups are designed to provide opportunities to discuss topics of interest to the group members.
Click here for more information and to register.
Group 2 (Wednesdays)
Group 3 (Thursdays)
A Look at Islam
This 10-session series will serve as an introduction to Islam, or if some prefer, Islam 101.
The purpose of our sessions will be providing answers to three main questions:
While offering answers to these questions we will touch upon and connect to scholarly fields that are frequently associated with the study of Islam.
CALL-ing All Poets
CALL-ing All Poets provides opportunity for poets, experienced and aspiring, to meet with other poets in CALL. Members will present their poems and provide feedback to each other in a supportive environment. Only constructive feedback will be permitted.
For more information and to register click here
Digital Photography
This interest group will hold a series of informal “get-togethers” to exchange photography skills and tips. All skill levels are welcome. The only requirements are a digital camera and a willingness to experiment.
Click here for the web page with full description.
Guests are welcome but are expected to join CALL after evaluating the program.
Meetings are held "on-line" via Zoom conferencing software.
Hong Kong Mah Jong (Tuesdays) Group 2
HUMAN CONFLICT AND ITS IMPACT **FULL**
“Throughout the ages, humankind has engaged in conflict and wars that have shaped the course of history. From the building and dismantling of empires and nations through to the dissemination of strongly held ideologies, ordinary people have been caught up in extraordinary events – from leaders to despots; from generals to soldiers; and from those who aspire to power and greatness through to everyday citizens. The group continues to expand on its historical focus, looking at conflict and its ramifications across the centuries and around the world.”
Registration is limited to 18 participants.
Click here for details and to register.
Current Events Discussion Group
Participants discuss national, local and international** current events. Our format can vary. Usually, participants are encouraged to lead a detailed investigation in the first hour on a topic of interest to them, and topic material is distributed beforehand to the group. The second hour is then devoted to a group discussion on a handful of topics current to the previous weeks. At other times, every member brings a current topic of interest to them, and we discuss it for 10 minutes or so.
For more information and to register visit Current Events Discussion
Before you register you must be a member of CALL.
WORLD EVENTS DISCUSSION GROUP 4
World Events 4 focuses on international current events and related background issues. Members seek to broaden their knowledge and understanding in a friendly and informal atmosphere.
For more information and to register click here.
Indigenous Awareness
We are a growing group of CALL members interested in expanding our awareness of Indigenous history, culture and issues. We let each other know about various exhibits, performances and events that take place in and around Calgary.
Time to Talk sessions are on the Mondays listed
Participate in conversation with Barb Barnes, Indigenous Instructor U of C, MRU and CALL member on the Fridays listed.
UkuFest 2021
Every 3rd Saturday of the month until June 2021
Needlecraft Now Online
Relaxing, Rewarding and Fun!
This group welcomes CALL members interested in being creative with needles and in pursuing their craft in the company of others. Knitting, crochet, beading, embroidery of different sorts. Some of us have even started needle felting little creatures.
Click here for details and to register
Geocaching 101
This is a seven session open-learning 'course' where participants explore the real-world treasure hunting game of geocaching. Adventures will: learn about geocaching, it's terminology, history, and trackables, discover why people geocache, experience a world-wide outdoor activity using their smart phone with the geocaching app, find a geocache near them, investigate readily available resources to enhance their personal understanding and skill. For more details page.
Before you register, you must be a member of CALL.
Song Writing
We will be working on lyric and melody writing and any or no instruments are appropriate. No music reading skills are required.
In 1961 H.G. Walker, the general manager of the English CBC network, announced that each year the CBC would invite a noted scholar to present a series of ½ hour radio broadcasts. Entitled “The Massey Lectures,” the series has been presented annually with a few exceptions. Although international in scope, the list of lecturers includes many Canadian authors, scientists, and academics such as John Kenneth Galbraith, Michael Ignatieff, Thomas King, Stephen Lewis, and Margaret Atwood to name but a few. The lectures are available through the CBC website, as well as print and E-book format from both the Calgary Public Library and the Canadian publisher, House of Anansi Press.
For more details & to register visit The Massey Lectures
The Prairies and Quebec Through Their Literature
A collaborative effort between the Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners (CALL) and the McGill Community of Lifelong Learning (MCLL) this discussion group will provide participants with an opportunity to increase, through literature, their appreciation of two distinctive places—the Canadian prairies and Quebec.
Almost everyone in Canada has an immigration story in their family’s past. This is the story of my great-grandparents and grandparents, leaving England to start new lives in Manitoba in the 1880’s and then Alberta before it became a province. Join them for the sea voyage, the railway trip on a colonist car, and the trials and tribulations of homesteading - twice - before settling in Calgary in 1917. Then we’ll learn a bit about life in northeast Calgary through the Armistice, Spanish Flu, Depression and Second World War.
Presenter: Doug Coats
For more information visit Let Us Now Praise Ordinary People
VIVE LA DIFFÉRENCE—NON!
Alberta and Quebec seem to have many political differences. What are the reasons for this, how can they be better understood, and can one province learn from the experience of the other? This study group will bring together up to eight participants each from CALL and the McGill Community for Lifelong Learning (MCLL) to compare their societies and look for alternative approaches to issues.
For details and to register click here
Svalbard
Svalbard is an archipelago midway between the north tip of Norway and the North Pole. It is home to more polar bears than people. Be sure to tune into this presentation on this most unusual place.
Presenter: Jeff Zambory
Medieval History- Knights and Needlework
Presenter: Dr Gowdy promises a lighthearted and enlightening look at the historical events that inspired the creation of the amazing Bayeux Tapestry.
Climate Change on the Prairies
Where can you find climate change in Alberta?
Albertans do not experience rising sea levels, tropical storms, wasting ice sheets and sea ice, and extreme heat. These are the impacts of climate change highlighted by the media. The strongest indicator of global climate change is a rise in mean global air temperature, which actually doesn’t exist; it’s a statistical concept. We experience local weather not trends or averages. If the weather becomes unusual, we can suspect climate change. But unusual weather in not uncommon in Alberta, which has amongst the highest climate variability on earth and Canada’s most costly weather events. However, climate change is evident in Alberta if you know where to look.
Speaker: David Sauchyn
For more information Science and Environment
Finding Peace and Joy Within
Many ancient traditions teach there is a source of peace and peace and joy within, that is independent of circumstances (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic). The easiest way to connect to this inner source is through meditation and its sister practice, mindfulness. Over 50 years of scientific research have clearly demonstrated there are significant social and health benefits to these practices.
In this newest eight week session we will explore the ideas behind these ancient practices, and the modern understandings about how and why they work on both your inner and outer world.Register with Facilitator: Barry Ronellenfitch P.Eng.
Meeting on Zoom on-line
'Fake News' and the Future of Democracy
Days 1 and 2
A Community Conference Sponsored by CALL
This conference will explore the 'Fake News' phenomenon with a view to assessing its possible impacts on democratic institutions, and to providing participants with some tools to combat the tsunami of distortions coming our way.
The program takes place over 3 days.
Fake News Day 3
Save the Date
Pre-selection of small group sessions starts on Monday, May 10
For general inquiries email: info
For technical support email: webteam
Please read this disclaimer to be advised of CALL's policy with respect to the endorsement of opinions, products or services associated with CALL programming.
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