Sooke Region Lifelong Learning
LEARNING NEVER ENDS
Who We Are
Sooke Region Lifelong Learning is a volunteer organisation offering educational programs and workshops for older adults in the Sooke region. Based on the Elder College model, we provide stimulating and enjoyable learning environments which address the unique and diverse interests of participants. Programs are offered at SEAPARC Leisure Centre and at other locations in the community. Sooke Region Lifelong Learning functions as a working group under the auspices of the Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN).
SENIORS' CENTRE WITHOUT WALLS
Sooke Region Communities Health Network is excited to bring The Seniors' Centre Without Walls (SCWW) to our local residents aged 55+. The SCWW program is completely free and provides a variety of virtual programs. It is like having a Seniors' Centre in the comfort and safety of your own home. Programs can be accessed through phone call or Zoom.*
*Some programs will be most effective with video access. There are free tutoring services available for those who would like to learn how to access Zoom and who have a laptop or mobile device. Please contact scww@sookeregionchn.org for more details.
MOVIES IN THE AFTERNOON
"AROUND THE WORLD IN 42 DAYS"
No. of Sessions:
6
WHEN:
1:30pm to 4:00pm Wednesdays
January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22,
WHERE::
HarbourSide Co-housing TV Room (In person only)
Max registration: 15
Covid requirements: Cohousing requirements at the time.
LEADER:
Jack Gegenberg
DESCRIPTION:
The Theme this time is “Around the World in 42 Days” and will feature a selection of international films selected by the participants.
MEATLESSENIOS MONDAYS
SESSIONS: 2
WHEN: Tuesdays January 17 and January 24 from 1:00pm -2:30 pm
WHERE: ZOOM only
Max registration: Open
Covid requirements: None
LEADER:
Jill Marchand
Jill is a home cook who is always cooking and looking for new recipes to expand her collection. She is known to read recipe books from cover to cover. Meatless meals have been a part of her menu planning for the past 50 years. A full-time pescatarian for the past ten years, she enjoys the challenge of converting conventional recipes into vegetarian items.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Session 1
– Introduction to Vegetarian Meals
Breaking down the different plant-focused dietary labels (flexitarian, vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, etc.) and why a vegetarian diet supports the Climate Emergency. Session will go over the Canada Food Guide as protein is sometimes a concern when considering vegetarian meals. Suggestions for pantry staples, food storage and plant-based substitutes as well as some ingredient review. I will give you an overview on my attempts at a 100-mile diet and the importance of choosing your food sources. Some discussion on food sharing and budget friendly meals will be discussed in the following week. Come to the session with your questions and success stories with vegetarian cooking.
Session 2 – Vegetarian Menus and Recipes
We will review a two-week cycle of vegetarian meals including recipe sources and favourite websites. Maybe a book review of some of my latest recipe books. Table discussion on holiday celebrations and vegetarian options/substitutions for traditional favourites.
How we can support food sharing. Budget friendly options.
WILD WISE SOOKE
SESSIONS:
1
WHEN:
Tuesday, January 31, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
WHERE:
ZOOM only
Max registration: Open
Covid requirements: None
LEADER:
Samantha Webb
Registered Veterinary Technician, Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator and the President of the Wild Wise Society. I enjoy working with and speaking about wild animals especially in a way that sheds light on the impact humans have on the natural world.
DESCRIPTION:
Wild Wise is a volunteer-run wildlife educational program designed to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. We do this through our social media outlets, in-person and virtual presentations, school program for young learners. We also put up educational signage around our community such as "bear in area" and "wildlife crossing" signs and participate in various volunteer projects such as building bat houses, purple martin nest boxes, electric fencing workshops and so on.
DAVY THE PUNK: A STORY OF BOOKIES, TORONTO THE GOOD, THE MOB AND MY DAD
SESSIONS: 1
WHEN:
Thursday, January 19 th , from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
WHERE:
ZOOM only
Max registration: Open
Covid restrictions: None
LEADER: Bob Bossin
Bob is best known as a pioneer of independent Canadian music and founder of the seminal Canadian folk group Stringband. In 2014, Davy the Punk, Bob's memoir of his father was published to awards and acclaim. "My father's life is far more interesting than mine", he says.
DESCRIPTION:
Celebrated American author Elizabeth Marshall Thomas wrote of Davy the Punk," Lots of people's lives are fascinating but it takes a writer like Bossin to make them seem so. Meet Bob by Zoom and discuss the world of Davy "the Punk" Bossin: the Great Migration; Canadian racism; the international gambling network of the 1930s and 40's and the sometimes less-than-lawful efforts to suppress it; and the underside of show biz. Bob will also talk about finding the story in the history. He suggests reading the book first. It is available in the VIRL and Victoria libraries. It is also available in both hard copy and electronic editions on Amazon, Kindle and Kobo. For more information and a sample chapter
see
https://davythepunk.ca/
SELF PUBLISHING PROJECTS
SESSIONS: 2
WHEN:
Tuesdays, February 7 and February 14,
from 7:00pm to 8:00 pm
WHERE:
ZOOM only
Max registration: Open
Covid requirements: None
LEADER:
Paula Johanson
Paula Johanson is a writer and editor who lives in Sooke. You can find her backlist of books written for educational publishers at
paulajohanson.blogspot.com and her new books from Doublejoy Books
at
doublejoybooks.com and
books2read.com/paulaj
DESCRIPTION
Writers who have self-publishing projects are invited to join this Zoom discussion. There are two one-hour sessions for this mini-workshop. These sessions are live on Zoom, un-recorded. Each of us will have turns to talk about our writing. There are many ways to succeed at self-publishing, and we will discuss how to achieve our goals and how to encourage ourselves and each other. This program is for any interested writers, particularly those who were in the Writing and Self-Publishing program in the autumn.
EINSTEIN AND SPACE TIME
SESSIONS:
6
WHEN:
Tuesday’s February 21, 28, March 7, 15, 21, 28 from 1:30 to 3:00pm. Note: March 15 is a Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:00 pm
WHERE:
Sooke Library common room (In-person only)
Max registration: 20
Covid requirements: Masks in the Library optional
LEADER:
Jack Gegenberg
Jack is a retired theoretical physicist. His research was, and still is, on how to reconcile quantum theory and Einstein’s theory of gravity. He has lived in Sooke for five years.
DESCRIPTION:
Jack will talk about Einstein’s view of space and time and about quantum theory and how these theories changed our view of the universe. We will begin with the beautiful theory of gravity (Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity), which uses the curvature of space and time to explain gravity. Then Jack will present the modern understanding of matter based on elementary particles and the interactions between them (the Standard Model). The course will conclude with how these theories tell us how the universe begins, and how it may (or may not) end.
STITCHING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE; The Use of Fabric and Comics to Build a Better World
SESSIONS:
1
WHEN:
Thursday, February 23, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
WHERE:
ZOOM only
Max registration: Open
Covid requirements: None
LEADER:
Elizabeth Shefrin
Elizabeth Shefrin played as a toddler in the galleries of Italy, and has been creating art ever since. She has worked professionally as a visual artist for 50 years, and has exhibited throughout North America. She is particularly interested in the ways art brings together people of different cultures. Her international community art project, the Middle East Peace Quilt toured North America for ten years. Much of her work can be seen at
www.stitchingforsocialchange.ca
and
www.middleeastpeacequilt.ca.
Elizabeth is also a book illustrator with five books to her credit. The most recent, Embroidered Cancer Comic, was favourably reviewed in the Lancet, and praised by Judi Dench. Elizabeth has spent the pandemic at home on Gabriola Island, drawing hopeful and whimsical comics.
DESCRIPTION:
For many years, through quilts, banners and other creative expression, women and men have been stitching their way to a better world. From traditional quilts to banners around the Pentagon and from the small determined Arpilleras of Chile, to miles of memorial quilts for people who have died of AIDS, activists have used fabric to put their heartfelt beliefs in the public eye. Through stories, images and hands- on exercises, Elizabeth will share her art work and talk about how the history of fabric for social change inspired her to create art dedicated to building a better world. Participants should bring pen and paper and a sharpie or other marker for a short hands-on project that will allow us to explore visual imaginings of causes that are close to our hearts.
TINY HOMES COMMUNITIES: AFFORDABLE LIVING
SESSIONS:
1
WHEN:
Thursday, March 2, from 1:00pm – 2:30pm
WHERE:
Library common room (In-person & ZOOM hybrid)
Max registration: 20 in library , open on ZOOM
Covid requirements: Masks optional in library
LEADER:
Lorrie Beauchamp
DESCRIPTION:
Lorrie moved here three years ago, fell in love with the people and the ocean, and has been on the hunt since for the perfect site to make her retirement dream come true: A Tiny Home Village. Her research shows that advances in technology and urgent environmental concerns make it more desirable and realistic to live in energy-efficient and highly affordable yurts, tiny homes and bunkies, particularly when modelled around a community core with shared amenities. Lorrie also participated in Margaret Atwood’s Practical Utopias global online course, from which she will share inspiring and amazing glimpses into a potential future. Bring your notebooks!
EAT WELL TO AGE WELL SERIES: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
SESSIONS: 2
WHEN:
Thursday’s, March 9 and 16 from 1:00pm to 2:30 pm
WHERE: Sooke Library common room, (In-person and ZOOM hybrid)
Maximum registration: 50 max at Library, ZOOM open
Covid requirements: Masks in library optional
LEADER:
Jo Phillips- R.N.C.P. Registered Nutritional Consultant
Jo has been a Registered Nutritional Consultant for 24 years and is a retired Community Health Nurse. She has given private consults and workshops on nutrition for places as varied as Camosun College Continuing Education, Alcohol and Drug Services day program and CUPE SD #62 Wellness Days. She continues to upgrade her nutrition expertise via conferences and education and enjoys sharing her knowledge about being and feeling healthy as we age.
DESCRIPTION:
To obtain all the nutrients we need to think, cope, love, heal, move, grow and feel vital we require a diet of primarily fresh, natural, untampered-with foods grown in healthy soils. This easy to understand, but engaging, two part series will focus on the basic vitamins (part 1) and minerals (part 2) we all need, what they are used for in the body, what foods contain them, what can deplete them and the symptoms that can arise when they are lacking. As we learn to listen to our body's symptoms we will have the
tools to recognize and correct our dietary imbalances before they turn into more serious health concerns. BASIC VITAMIN AND MINERAL CHART INCLUDED
ART AS THERAPY
SESSIONS: 1
WHEN:
Thursday, March 30, from 1:00pm – 2:30pm
WHERE:
Sooke Library common room, ( In-person only)
Max registration: 15
Covid requirements: Masks optional in Library.
LEADER: Sheila Thomas
Local artist Sheila Thomas was planning a tour of Vancouver Island in her refurbished art bus/studio(Sheels On Wheels) when the pandemic hit in 2020 and slammed the brakes on that idea! She fled to the woods and continued offering art workshops closer to home, including sponsored sessions for our valued and stressed health care workers. She saw how the outdoor classes -- with paint, trees and sunshine (plus ice cream sandwiches!) helped these people explore and benefit from a creative form of emotional healing. And that's how it all began.
DESCRIPTION:
Come let Sheila show you what art can do for your heart, and how colour, texture and playing with paint can boost your mood, dazzle your frazzle and feel like a good old healing hootenanny!
INTRO TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
SESSIONS: 4
WHEN:
Tuesdays April 4, 11, 18, 25 from 1:00pm – 2:30pm (may include field trips) Note April 18 time is 3:00pm to 4:30pm
WHERE:
Sooke Library common room (In-person only)
Max Registration: 8
Covid requirements: Personal discretion
LEADER:
Michael Ingram
Michael is a professional photographer living in Sooke.
DESCRIPTION:
Everyone enjoys taking pictures and sharing them, but how do we make ours stand out from the crowd? Gear is cool and great, but not necessary for this program. Learn the basics of digital photography whether you are using your phone or a Digital camera. During the four sessions you will be learning how to compose your shot, how light impacts your decisions, and how to be creative.
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DOGS
SESSIONS:
1
WHEN: Thursday, April 13, from 1:000pm – 2:30pm
WHERE: Sooke Library common room (In-person & Zoom hybrid)
Max registration: Library 15 (ZOOM open)
Covid requirements: Masks in Library optional
LEADER: Linda Watson
Linda Watson is Sooke’s very own “Dog Whisperer,” having trained in LA with the renowned Cesar Millan. She knew from that moment that cuddly canines were her future. She came back home to build Connected Canine, and now works exclusively with rescuing, rehabilitating, training and pack-walking dogs daily. Plus she is always fund-raising for good causes. She’s a busy gal!
DESCRIPTION:
All relationships, including the ones we have with our furry friends, benefit from understanding and effective communications.
Come hear Linda share her hard-earned doggy tips and glory stories, and bring your questions and curiosity. Every dog deserves a good human, and the joy of an earned bond is undeniable.
SRLL BOOK CLUB
"THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS" BY REBECCA SKLOOT
SESSIONS:
2
WHEN:
Tuesdays, May 2 (discussion) and May 9 (Movie) from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
WHERE:
Sooke Library common room (In-person only)
Max registration: 15 book club copies
Covid requirements: Masks optional
LEADERS:
David Mallett SRLL and April Ripley VIRL
DESCRIPTION:
Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor black tobacco farmer who died of cervical cancer and whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more. Henrietta's cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and her family can't afford health insurance. This phenomenal New York Times bestseller tells a riveting story of the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew. The focus will be on personal rights, ethics, racism, remuneration and compensation for the heirs of Henrietta Lacks. This story was and is of such significance that Oprah Winfrey was instrumental in the creation of a film,
producing and starring as the daughter of Henrietta Lacks. In the second session, after discussing the book, we will view and discuss the movie version.
WORLD EVENTS
SESSIONS: 2
WHEN:
Thursdays, April 20 and April 27 from 1:00pm – 2:30 pm
WHERE:
ZOOM only
Max registration: Open
Covid requirements: None
LEADER: Chris Moss
DESCRIPTION:
World events are forever with us when we turn on the NEWS. What are your thoughts on the items of the day? Politics? Violence? Climate? Economics? Health Care? Bring your opinions to the table and have your say.
SEAWEED FIELD TRIP
SESSIONS: 1
WHEN:
TBA usually in May during a low tide.
WHERE:
Whiffin Spit Beach – low tide dependent
Max registration: 15 for registration and a wait list, until a date has been determined for the trip.
Covid requirements: none
LEADER:
Diane Bernard
Diane is the founder of local Sooke company SEAFLORA, and her company continues to teach about the healing benefits of seaweed and ”thalasso therapy”.
DESCRIPTION:
In this fun and informative field trip you will learn about the beneficial and healthy properties of some of BC’s 600 wild seaweeds. Learn why seaweed is regarded as a superfood and a powerhouse of minerals and antioxidants.
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