Sooke Region Lifelong Learning

Sooke Region Lifelong Learning

LEARNING NEVER ENDS

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Who We Are

Sooke Region Lifelong Learning is a volunteer organization 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 Sooke Regional Library 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).

Email us here:  sookeregionlifelonglearning@gmail.com 

FRIENDS OF SRLL PROGRAM

At Sooke Region Lifelong Learning (SRLL), we believe everyone should have access to lifelong learning and personal growth opportunities, regardless of age, background, or finances. To achieve this, we offer a diverse range of free courses and events, catering to various interests and passions.


To continue providing these resources, we need your support. Our "Friends of SRLL" program allows you to contribute to our mission while receiving exclusive benefits. For just $20 per year, you'll get a membership card and advanced notifications of upcoming courses and events, letting you plan ahead and maximize your experience. Your contribution will also support our commitment to high-quality educational programs, covering instructor fees, materials, and venue rentals.

 

As a "Friend" of SRLL, you'll join a network of like-minded individuals passionate about lifelong learning and community enrichment. Together, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations. Thank you for considering this opportunity to support Sooke Region Lifelong Learning. We look forward to welcoming you as a valued member of our community and working together towards empowerment through education.


The quickest and most effective way to become a “Friend of Lifelong Learning” is to simply ask at the next SRLL session you attend. You will be recorded as a Friend and receive your card immediately, along with information on the benefits of becoming a Friend. Your financial contribution of $20 to Sooke Region Lifelong Learning shows that you support the work we are doing in providing free educational programs to your community. If “in person” is not convenient for you, you can show your support of $20 or more by clicking the 

link below.  If using this option, please email us at sookeregionlifelonglearning@gmail.com and let us know you have contributed 

so we can add you to our mailing list and thank you for your support.

JOIN FRIENDS OF SRLL HERE

SRLL WELCOME MEETING

Date and Time: Tuesday, January 9, 1:30 to 3pm 

Program Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room 

Program Description: A fun welcome session for all our presenters, “Friends of SRLL”, and registered participants to meet and greet and kick off the new term. 

Program Leader: SRLL Steering Committee 

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COVID ROUNDTABLE

Number of sessions:

Date and time: Thursday, January 11, 1:30 to 3pm 

Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room, in person only 

Program description: The Covid pandemic wrapped around the world as the most lethal virus our generation has ever seen. It will become a moment in our social history, and all who lived through those years will have a story and an opinion. We used to say, "Where were you when the Trade Towers went down?" (Or if you’re older, "Where were you when Kennedy was shot?".) But now each of us knows what we were doing when Covid hit and how we followed the progression of the virus around the world. 

In two years, our lives were changed forever. Come and share your stories.   

Leader: Chris Moss Chris moved to Sooke eight years ago and has been a presenter and a member of the Steering Committee of SRLL for the past seven years. 

Maximum registration: 20 


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Sooke Emergency Support Services Series  

Number of sessions:

Dates and times: Tuesdays, January 16, February 6, March 5, 1:30 to 3pm 

Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room, in person only 

Program description:

Session 1: January 16 

1. Three Steps to Emergency Preparedness: Know the risks in your area, make a plan for you and your family, and get emergency kits for home and evacuation. 

2. Earthquake Survival Drill: What to do when the building you’re in starts shaking. 

Session 2:  February 6 

1. Home Kit: The emergency supplies you should have stored in your home. 

2. Home Hazards: How you can make your home safer against earthquakes. 

Session 3: March 5 

1. Car Kit: Emergency items to have in your car when you’re on the road. 

2. Emergency Evacuation: What you need to know and how this works for you and your family. 

Leader: Ken Levert, Community Engagement Coordinator, Sooke Emergency Support Services. Ken is a retired Chief Petty Officer with 33 years of service in the Royal Canadian Navy and over 10 years’ experience with ESS. 

Maximum registration: 30 

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PERSONAL SAFETY

CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW

Number of sessions:

Date and time: Thursday, January 18, 1:30 to 3pm 

Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room, in person only 

Program description: Personal safety starts with planning and preparation and works best if you practice what you’ve learned. This course will consist of both theory and physical activity for those who choose to be active. For those who choose not to be active, watch and learn. Best to wear comfy clothes you can move in and not stiletto heels (although they can have their uses in personal safety). 

Leader: Lynn Moss. Lynn has been a presenter and member of the Steering Committee of SRLL for the past seven years. She taught personal safety, safety in the workplace, and Rape Aggression Defense courses at a university as the personal safety coordinator. 

Maximum registration: 20 


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Encouraging Lifelong Readers:

A Look at Children’s Literature & Supporting Readers 

Number of sessions:

Date and time: Tuesday, January 23, 1:30 to 3pm 

Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room, in person only 

Program description: Join Vancouver Island Regional Library’s Nathalie Jones as she shares a history of children’s literature and tools to support young readers. Nathalie is passionate about early literacy development and loves being an advocate for accessible, fun-filled activities that encourage community and lifelong learning for littles. This presentation is geared towards adults, with considerations for how adults can support early learners. 

Leader: Nathalie Jones Nathalie has worked as the Children and Youth Librarian for the Sooke and Port Renfrew branches of  Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) for six years, which was preceded by a brief stint at VIRL as the Children’s Librarian for the Campbell River area. Originally from Ontario, she holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Science and an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Global Studies. 

Maximum registration: 50 


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ISRAEL/PALESTINE

Number of Sessions: 3​

Dates and times:  Thursdays, January 25, February 1, 8, 15 1:30 to 3pm​

Location:  Library Multipurpose Room – in person only​

Program description:  The focus will be historical. The interaction between Jewish settlers and the indigenous people of Palestine will be viewed through the lens of the rise of nationalism in the 19th and 20th centuries.  A major part of the course will be on busting myths surrounding Israel/Palestine: for 

example, that Palestinians are “merely” Arabs who “happen” to reside in Palestine; or that Israel was born from the Holocaust; or that the people there “have been fighting with each other for hundreds of years.”​

Leader: Jack Gegenberg​. In his professional life Jack is a theoretical physicist. He has been reading and thinking about the Middle East since his early teens; as an adult he has been active in “Palestine Solidarity” and “Jews for a Just Peace.” He has given many talks and seminars on this subject. 

Maximum registration: 50


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NEIGHBOURHOOD PREPAREDNESS

1. Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness and

2. RCMP Block Watch  

Number of sessions:

Date and time: Tuesday, January 30, 1:30 to 3pm 

Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room – in person only 

Program description: 1. How neighbourhoods can plan on helping one another during an emergency when Police, Fire and Ambulance are overwhelmed and not available. 2. How Block Watch works and what you can do for your neighbourhood. 

Leader: Ron Bilinsky 

Ron is a retired social worker with 30 years’ experience with Scouts Canada and 12 years volunteering with the Sooke Fire Department and the Sooke RCMP. 

Maximum registration: 30 


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MOVIES IN THE AFTERNOON

Number of sessions:

Dates and times: Wednesdays, February 14, 21, 28, March 6, 13, 20 

Location: Harbourside Cohousing Media Room 

Program description: The theme this term is “Films about Gender.” Specific films will be determined later, based on availability. 

Leaders: Jack Gegenberg and Arlene Stamp 

Maximum registration: 12 



** CLASS IS CURRENTLY FULL. PLEASE REGISTER TO BE PUT ON THE WAITING LIST


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CHARGING FORWARD 
THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC CARS IN CANADA

Number of sessions: 

Dates and times:  Thursdays, February 22, 29, 1:30 to 3pm 

Program location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room – in person only 

Program description:  The latest news about EV sales, available EVs, battery news, and clean energy. 

Leaders:  Carol and David Mallett 

David and Carol have been driving electric for five years and are keenly interested in the rapidly changing world of electric vehicles and charging networks. 

Maximum registration: 50 


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UPDATE ON ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH

Number of sessions:

Date and time:  Thursday, March 7, 1:30 to 3pm 

Program location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room, in person only 

Program description: It has been posited that 50 percent of seniors in North America will suffer from some form of dementia. There are many forms of dementia; the most aggressive is Alzheimer’s and it can be a tricky and confusing diagnosis. Medical writer Lorrie Beauchamp will present an update on recent research into the causes of dementia, current treatments, and why the medical community is finally starting to look in new directions. Bring your questions! No one has all the answers, but Lorrie is always happy to do further research. We need to eliminate the stigma around dementia and reduce the 

fear surrounding it. Lorrie would like specific questions to answer. Please contact her with your questions at lorriebeaushamp@gmail.com before the presentation. 

Program leader: Lorrie Beauchamp 

Lorrie is a medical writer and researcher who cared for both her parents with Alzheimer’s and dementia respectively. She has a certificate in Dementia Care from the Alzheimer’s Society and a Certificate of Learning in “Understanding Dementia” from the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. 

Maximum Registration: 50 


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EAT WELL TO AGE WELL SERIES

Assembling a Natural First Aid Kit 

Number of sessions:

Date and time: Tuesday, March 12, 1:30 to 3pm 

Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room, in person only 

Program description: We could call this talk “Heal Well to Age Well,” a subset of eating well. From wound care to bug repellant to managing sprains and strains, learn safe and effective ways to treat common non-emergency first aid conditions using vitamins, minerals, herbs, food, essential oils, and  homeopathics. A few recipes will be included. 

Leader: Jo Phillips RNCP. Jo has been a Registered Nutritional Consultant for 26 years and is a retired community health nurse.  She has given nutrition 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 knowledge via conferences and education and enjoys sharing her understanding about being and feeling healthy as we age. 

Maximum registration: 50 


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SRLL BOOK CLUB

Ghosts in a Photograph by Myrna Kostash  

Number of sessions:

Date and time: Tuesday, March 19, 1:30 to 3pm 

Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room, in person only 

Program description: An award-winning Canadian author of Ukrainian descent, Myrna Kostash re-appraises earlier Ukrainian migrations to Canada. Filling in blanks in her own family’s history reveals stories of accomplishment (and calamity), while situating Ukraine as an epicentre of eastern European 

mega-conflict in the 20th century and touching on themes germane to the current war. 

Leader: Tim Traynor. Tim is a former journalist (postings in London and Washington) and a retired federal public servant, specializing in international issues. 

Maximum registration: 10; copies of the book will be available for loan from VIRL’s book club set. 


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SUFISM AND POETRY

Number of sessions:

Dates and times: Thursdays, March 21, 28, 1:30 to 3pm 

Location: ZOOM only 

Program description: An introduction to Sufism and its manifestation in selected poetry of Attar, Hafez, Khayyam and Rumi. 

Leader: Viqar Husain. Viqar is a theoretical physicist working in quantum theory and gravitation. His PhD is from Yale, where he also studied the poetry of Attar, Hafez, Khayyam and Rumi.  It will be useful for people to have a look at www.britannica.com/topic/Sufism and the epic poem "Conference of the Birds" at www.amazon.ca/Conference-Birds-Farid-ud-Din-Attar/dp/0140444343/ 

Maximum registration:  15 


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WORLD EVENTS

Number of sessions:

Dates and times: Tuesdays, February 13, 20, 27, 1:30 to 3pm 

Location: ZOOM only     

Program description: Something is always happening in the world, be it war, hunger, economics, climate, or politics. Our roundtable of participants brings topics to the table that will pique your interest and your opinion. Join us for an enjoyable banter on all things global. 

Leader: Chris Moss 

Chris moved to Sooke eight years ago and has been a presenter and a emmber of the Steering Committee of SRLL for the past seven years. 

Maximum Registration: 20 


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SOOKE FINE ARTS SHOW - SMALL TOWN, BIG ART!

Number of sessions:

Date and time: Tuesday, March 26, 1:30 to 3pm 

Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room, in person only 

Program description:  Have you ever wondered how the Sooke Fine Arts Show got to be Vancouver Island’s premier arts event? Come and find out the history behind the show, why it was started in the first place, and how it has grown to become the summer event for artists and art lovers. 

Leader: Terrie Moore, Executive Director, Sooke Fine Arts Society 

Terrie Moore, Executive Director of the SFAS since 2019 and long-term Sooke resident, has a BA in Communications from RRU and a rich experience in community relations that serves her well in this role. 

Maximum registration: 40 

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SOCIAL THEORY AND YOU

Number of sessions:

Dates and times: Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25, 1:30 to 3pm 

Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room, in person only 

Program description: Theories are simply explanations, and we all have our own explanations​ for the  world around us. All theories about society, whether from social theorists or everyday thinkers, contain assumptions about human nature and the ideal society. What makes social theorists​

different from everyday thinkers is that they pursue ideas systematically, logically, avoiding contradictions, and uncovering unquestioned assumptions.  In these sessions we will learn something​ from social theorists. Perhaps this will change our own theories and ideas, or make us think about the assumptions and contradictions in our explanations. At least we will have good discussions about what these theories can and cannot explain. Please help the presenter prepare by letting her know what theories you would be curious about (hvair@telus.net). Theories from the Marxist stream of thought? Feminists? Post-modernists? Theories about humans and Nature? Or about our legal system? Work? Families?   

Leader: Hester Vair. Hester is a sociologist with an undergrad degree in Economics and Geography, a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies, and a PhD in Sociology with a focus on gender, family, and work.  She retired to Sooke six years ago after 30 years of living and teaching in New Brunswick. 

Maximum registration: 50 


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FINANCIAL PLANNING

Number of sessions:

Date and time: Tuesday April 30th, 1:30 to 3pm *NOTE NEW TIME!

Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room, in person only 

Program description: TBA 

Leader: Christina Brown 

Maximum registration: 50 


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WRITING FACTS AND MEMORIES

Number of sessions:

Dates and times: Tuesdays, April 16, 23, 1:30 to 3pm 

Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room, in person only 

Program description: What is creative nonfiction? The first session will discuss creative non-fiction, including memoir, travel writing, journalism, or writing about history. In the second session, participants will be guided with structured questions to write about a memory of a place, leading to a first draft of a story. 

Leader: DK Eve.  DK (Doni) Eve is grateful to live, work, and play in T’Sou-ke traditional territory. She uses Vancouver Island’s characters and settings to inspire her award-winning poetry and short prose, which has been 

published in several journals and anthologies. 

Maximum registration: 10 


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EMAIL PERMISSION

When you register for a course we add you to our contacts list, unless you tell us not to.  We send our contacts emails twice a year to give them advance notice of upcoming courses.  As one of our contacts you may also receive other information about us (for instance, information on late courses or questions about your preferences), but we know you do not want yet another group filling up your mailbox, and we promise you that we will never send more than six emails in a year (so far, we have never managed to send that many).  If you do not want to hear from us, please mention this in your registration email, or at any time email us  to be removed from the list.

And don’t worry, this promise is just for the informational material sent to our contacts list; when you register for a course we will still contact you by email regarding any details about courses you have registered for even if you have opted out of the contacts list.

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