APRIL - MAY, 2023

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BROCHURE

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REGISTRATION

Members are welcome to attend courses in any location

ALL MEMBERS

HYBRID Classes (Online & In-Person)

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1. CITY Planning

Wednesdays AM

Details

City Planning in HRM

INSTRUCTOR
Eric Lucic and colleagues
DATE & TIME
Wednesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Apr 26 to May 31
HYBRID PRESENTATION 
 In-Person: Church Hall - Hope United Church, Halifax
Virtual: Zoom webinar
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is a rapidly changing mid-sized Canadian City.  While change is largely associated with the changing demographics and population growth occurring in the City, there are a number of policies that have been led by the municipality that are steering the change in a positive form and have contributed to the changes we are seeing today.  This course will discuss the planning policies being implemented to see that Halifax responds well to the growth.
  
Course outline
 April 26 /23:  Planning Policy in HRM– Governance Structure in HRM, Population and Demographics, Regional Plan, Community Planning (Centre/Suburban/Rural Plan), Local Area Planning, Provincial Regulation, HRM Charter Kate Greene, Director of Regional & Community Planning, Planning and Development, HRM

May 3/23: Transportation and Transit in HRM Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP) Discussion, Transit, Active Transportation, Ferry Expansion, Regional Transit, Parking. Mike Connors, Manager, Transportation Planning, Infrastructure Planning, Planning & Development, HRM

May 10/23: Housing in HRM  -Affordable Housing and the definitions, Inclusionary Zoning, Secondary/Backyard Suites, Shared Housing, Short Term Rentals, Rapid Housing Initiatives.  Kate Greene

May 17/23: Green Network Plan, Park Planning / HaliFACT: Discussion on both policy documents. Kate Greene and Emma Wattie, Manager, Environment Property, Fleet & Environment, HRM

May 24/23: Cultural Heritage Priorities Plan – Sharing Our Stories* Discussion on the document and discussion on heritage registration program, Heritage Conservation Districts, Heritage DA’s, Aaron Murnaghan, Principal, Heritage Planner, Planning & Development, HRM

​May 31/23: Growth Areas in HRM. Development and What’s Happening in HRM – Discussion on Master Planned Communities, Special Planning Areas, Land Acquisition, Real Estate, Demolitions, Economics of Development, Growth. Eric Lucic, Director Strategic Projects, Planning and Development, HRM

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
Eric Lucic is the Director, Strategic Projects, Planning & Development for HRM.
The Director of Strategic Projects is the Divisional Lead responsible for overseeing projects and teams that are critical to the growth of Halifax Regional Municipality. The Director of Strategic Projects is the Divisional Lead responsible for overseeing projects and teams that are critical to the growth of Halifax Regional Municipality.
 
This new Division will address: Future Growth Nodes; Future Serviced Communities; Special Projects; Culture and Heritage; Planning Data and more.The Director of Strategic Projects is the Divisional Lead responsible for overseeing projects and teams that are critical to the growth of Halifax Regional Municipality. Responsibilities include the oversight of the Planned Growth and Culture, Heritage and Planning Information Services Sections. This new Division will address: Future Growth Nodes; Future Serviced Communities; Special Projects; Culture and Heritage; Planning Data and more.
 
 Eric describes himself as “a geek...mixed use and walkable community fan...parkland lover...cycling, kayaking and sports enthusiast...in my planning career, I focus on strategic thinking, city building and relationship development.”

2. Climate Change

Wednesdays PM

Details

The Climate Crisis: What It Is and How We Can Adapt and Mitigate Its Effects

INSTRUCTOR
Richard Zurawski
DATE & TIME
Wednesdays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Apr 26 to May 31
HYBRID PRESENTATION 
In-Person: Hope United Church, Halifax
Virtual: Zoom webinar

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Understanding how Climate Crisis happened, what it means to the weather and climate, the various curves and trajectories of its impacts on all aspects of the weather, climate, and socio-economics. Its relationship to fossil fuels. The physics and chemistry of the atmosphere. Air water interaction and its relationship to the weather and climate. How we are confused by deliberate professional misinformation from the fossil fuel lobby. How the tobacco lobby created the misinformation template to deceive us and undermine science. What the paleontological record can tell us. How the media is responsible for much of the misinformation of the climate crisis. What we can do politically, socially, personally to have a meaningful impact to lower our carbon footprints. Why politicians on all levels have failed us. How to get better sources of information about the climate crisis. A silver "shotgun" not a "bullet". 

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
I have a weekly science question and answer show on Q104 (radio) in Halifax (Q-Files). I have been an on-air meteorologist and science reporter for the CBC, CTV, GlobalTV, and Rogers Media. 
 
I was an elected HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality) Councillor for District 12 and served for four years (2016-2020). I was also the Green Renewal Critic the Green Party of Canada shadow cabinet. 
 
I am in the final stages of my PhD at MSVU, specializing in Climate Change and the media. I also have a B.Sc in physics and an M.A. (Research) in education. I was also a lecturer at Saint Mary’s University and Mount Saint Vincent University from 2011-2017. 
 
As a documentary film maker I have produced, written and hosted numerous science and history documentaries, broadcast domestically and abroad. I have syndicated three children’s television series, Wonder Why?, The Adventures of the AfterMath Crew and WiseWeatherWhys. 
 
I have published four books, my first about Maritime weather, the second about climate change, the third about the media in science, and my fourth, The Science Files - Questions and Answers From A to Z is based on the questions and answers of my on-air listeners. 
 
My work to promote science and learning on all levels was rewarded in November of 2013 with the Discovery Centre’s Science Champion Award.

Halifax Regional Municipality

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3. Transitions in AGING

Tuesdays AM

Details

“I Don’t Want to Talk About It”—A Light Look at Some Heavy Transitions in Aging

INSTRUCTOR
Louisa Horne
DATE & TIME
Tuesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Apr 25 to May 30
PLACE
​Cameron Hall, Parkland Clayton Park, 114 Fairfax Drive, Halifax
 
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Transitions happen.  Downsizing, exploring alternative housing options, moving, advance planning, end-of-life care and your final wishes.  Nobody wants to talk about any of them – but in this course, we will talk, laugh, think and share about them all – in a way that is not so daunting.  Sessions will address “lightening up” and the generational differences and emotions that surround letting go of our treasured stuff – and five steps for making it happen; “on the move” – the options for different living alternatives and five important aspects of them; the four critical documents that everyone should have; care options, such as doulas and what do they do; and a discussion of those final wishes from sustainable and environmentally positive options (e.g., natural burial) to some of the newest approaches (e.g., alkaline hydrolysis).

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
Louisa Horne is a former teacher, management consultant and entrepreneur with a passion for innovation and for helping others navigate change with grace. She has owed several businesses and was director of the largest small business advisory practice in Canada.  She recently founded a Community Interest Company, called Epilog, with a group of other retired women, devoted to supporting seniors experiencing transitions.  She also earned certifications as a Senior Move Manager, Celebrant, End-of-Life Doula and Natural Burial Specialist – and she is an experienced and dynamic facilitator.  She is a Past District Governor of Rotary and an active volunteer on numerous boards – and is a lifelong learner, currently completing doctoral studies related to trends in volunteering.

4. SPY SCHOOL 110

Tuesdays PM

Details

Spy School 110

INSTRUCTORS
Hugh Williamson and Ian MacVicar
DATE & TIME
Tuesdays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Apr 25 to May 30
PLACE
​Church Hall - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Spy School 110 will provide an updated  introduction to the field of Intelligence, and its darker cousin “Espionage”. The class will examine both the real world of government intelligence agencies and their activities, and the fictional world of spying, in print and on the screen.  References will be made to resources, both hard copy and electronic, which will provide a gateway for research and discovery into the ENIGMAtic world of information “Hide and seek” played by governments, business, and some surprising other parties as well. Classes will also include practical applications of “tradecraft” and “media literacy” which can assist in identifying, evaluating and safely navigating current  society hazards , both on -line and in real time and place.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES
​Hugh R Williamson is an adjunct professor with a Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University, Halifax Nova Scotia.. and was the lead investigator and project manager for the Dalhousie Marine Piracy Project. He is a lawyer with a background in Law of the Sea, ocean resources management, naval intelligence,  maritime security and enforcement and integrated maritime management issues. He also had a lengthy career in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, where he served as a diving officer, naval intelligence officer, and naval control of shipping officer, commanding NCS Unit three. He was a senior instructor  in the Naval Intelligence Section at Fleet School (Quebec) and  lectured extensively in the Canadian naval fleet school system on the law of the sea, law of armed conflict, maritime law, and law of naval operations, law of Intelligence, commercial shipping operations and Strategic Naval Geography
. He is also a senior research fellow of the Maritime and Environmental Law Institute at the Schulich School of Law, and the International Ocean Institute . He has consulted extensively on fisheries and ocean management in the South Pacific and Caribbean. In addition to Dalhousie University, he was on the faculty of the World Maritime University in Malmo Sweden, the University of the South Pacific, in Fiji where he directed the ocean resources management program, and the University of Papua New Guinea faculty of law
 
 
Lt. Col. (Retd) Dr. MacVicar served for over 40 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, serving in numerous intelligence-related posts. He spent five years as an On-Site Arms Control Verification inspector on multi-national inspection teams as a Team Leader, Photographer, Inspector, and as a Russian interpreter. He participated in over 50 inspections in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the nations of the former Warsaw Pact in eastern Europe.  He is now the Director/Principal Analyst of Ian MacVicar Universal Security Intelligence Cognitive Solutions (I-MUSICS) Consulting, Inc., which hosts 17 networked consultants from military, intelligence, police, business, legal, and healthcare backgrounds. He is a Senior Writer with Calian Group, Ltd., where he has been employed as the lead writer in the revision of the Canadian Army’s principal tactical manual, the Combat Team Commander’s Handbook, and in disaster response exercise design. He is a graduate of the Canadian Armed Forces Joint Staff College and of the Canadian Army Staff Course. Dr. MacVicar has presented his research on cognitive traps (i.e. distortions in thinking) in security planning at conferences in the United Kingdom and Canada. His SCANS SpySchool 101 and 201 lectures delivered with colleague Hugh Williamson, specialize in the history of intelligence, espionage, and associated legal oversight regimes. His SpySchool 301 course examines the psychological aspects of intelligence analysis. He has published articles on leadership, human security, and the Responsibility to Protect doctrine.  His most recent article, “What About the Camp Followers” is published in the Spring 2020 edition of JD-Journal for Deradicalization. Ian has also presented on how to develop psychological resilience in leaders to government and business audiences. He is a 2017 graduate of the Veteran Trainers to Eradicate Child Soldiers program, and his current research includes developing intelligence protocols for addressing the phenomenon of child soldiers. Dr. MacVicar is a Director with numerous Boards, including (formerly) the Halifax Military Heritage Preservation Society; the Army Cadet League of Canada Nova Scotia Branch, Canadian Military Intelligence Association Halifax Chapter, and the Canadian Intelligence Network-Réseau canadien de renseiegnement. Dr. MacVicar is a Royal United Services Institute Nova Scotia Director-at-Large and Research Fellow, specializing in intelligence and security policy issues, and in veteran’s issues. Ian is also a Certified Yoga Teacher, specializing in Trauma Informed Yoga Teaching and Therapy, and Trauma Informed Mindfulness. He is a Member of the Advisory Council of the Canadian Accessibility Network and a Certified Supplier with the Inclusive Workplace Supply Council of Canada. Ian is also a Mentor for new business owners with the NS Government sponsored Centre for Entrepreneurship and Educational Development.

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5. Consumer Behaviour

Thursdays AM

Details

Understanding Consumer Behaviour: Can People Make Better Choices in Life?

INSTRUCTOR
Tony Schellinck
DATE & TIME
Thursdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Apr 20 to May 18
PLACE
Church Hall - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Every moment of every day we are consuming goods and services. Consumption behaviour is our most predominant activity. Why do we consume particular products? Can we and others consume them in a way that is better for us and the world around us? By understanding some basic principles around consumer behaviour you will be better able to appreciate why people purchase and consume the way they do. From a practical point of view, you should observe human behaviour differently after taking this course. There will be several opportunities to apply your knowledge and to undertake simple observational research during the course for those class members interested in collecting data for discussion and analysis in the classroom.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
Tony Schellinck has a PhD in Consumer Psychology from the University of Illinois. Tony held the F. C. Manning Chair in Economics and Business at Dalhousie University where he taught marketing research, consumer behaviour and marketing informatics. During much of his career he applied basic principles of consumer behaviour in a wide range of areas, including work for the Consumers Association of Canada, the Advertising Standards Council of Canada, Nova Scotia Power, and the Canadian Standards Association. As well, he conducted research for many of Canada’s largest corporations. A recipient of the Financial Post Leader in Management Education award, he is currently CEO of Focal Research Consultants Limited, a social research company specializing in the study of problem gambling. Currently Focal’s products for player safety are used in over 400 gambling venues globally.

6. WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE

Thursdays PM

Details

Watch Your Language: How Miscommunication and Mistrust are Changing What We Write and the Laws that Govern This

INSTRUCTOR
donalee Moulton
DATE & TIME
Thursdays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Apr 27 to Jun 01
PLACE
Cameron Hall, Parkland Clayton Park, 114 Fairfax Drive, Halifax

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Language is changing. It’s getting simpler, more straightforward, more accessible. At the same time, it is getting more ambiguous, more complex, more removed from readers. This course will look at what is called plain language, why it has become an international movement, and why there is such resistance. Plain language is rooted in trust – trusting information and trusting the source. But plain language may no longer be optional. Governments around the world are now requiring writing that is understandable and usable. It’s the law.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
donalee Moulton has more than 25 years’ experience as a professional writer and editor. She is a professional freelance journalist whose byline has appeared in more than 100 magazines and newspapers including The National Post, Investment Executive, The Lawyers Weekly, and The Globe & Mail.

​donalee is also a professional educator and trainer. She has taught communication credit courses at Dalhousie University and Mount Saint Vincent University. Currently, she teaches courses (among others) in Saint Mary’s Executive and Professional Development Program.
 
donalee is the author of the book The Thong Principle: Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say.

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7. Creative Writing

Fridays AM

Details

Creative Writing: With a Focus on Life Story

INSTRUCTOR
Gwen Davies  
DATE & TIME
Fridays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Apr 28 to Jun 02
PLACE
Hoyt Room - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is an active course in writing, for those who want to explore your own stories but have never gotten around to it, and those who need help to get back to writing. The class is designed to be a safe place for beginners to get started, and a useful class for those with writing experience. Over the six weeks, we will write, listen to writing and get feedback. We will cover the basics of story writing including character, dialogue, setting and plot, and look at how to make personal stories into fiction. All genres of fiction are welcome, and we’ll share tips and ideas on writing. We can work with memoir to some extent, but the focus of this session is on fiction.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
Gwen Davies has been teaching creative writing for about 28 years. She started the Community of Writers at the Tatamagouche Centre, a four-stream writing event, and ran it until the Centre had to draw back and refocus 15 years later. She has had several stories published in literary magazines and anthologies, and has won a few prizes. Her book Facing the Other Way came out in 2016. She supported her writing habit with teaching, by working in literacy and community development, and recently retired from 35 years of consulting in clear language and design. She holds degrees from Wilfrid Laurier, and from King’s, Halifax. She grew up travelling around Europe with her Air Force family in a VW camper, and took up parkour at age 62.

8. Life in Space

Fridays PM

Details

Life in Space: Our Solar System and Others

INSTRUCTOR
Gary Welch  
DATE & TIME
Fridays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
May 05 to Jun 09
PLACE
​Woodlawn Public Library Auditorium, 31 Eisener Blvd., Dartmouth

COURSE DESCRIPTION
For uncounted centuries humans have stared into the night sky wondering: Are we alone?  Now for the first time mankind seems within reach of an answer.  This course begins with a survey of our own back yard - our solar system.  What is that place like?  Among its planets, how unique is the Earth?  Could life have arisen on another planet?  On Mars?  On something instead of a planet?  Why are stars both friends and foes of life?  Is our solar system unique within the vast Milky Way?  What did we expect to find orbiting other stars, and what's actually out there?  How much can the James Webb Space Telescope tell us about planets beyond our solar system?  Our first messages to those planets are already on their way; has anything been listening?  How difficult would it be, really, to contact another civilization?  Has it already happened?  Join this course as we explore this fascinating topic.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
A native of California, Gary Welch immigrated to Halifax in 1974 to help found the astronomy program at Saint Mary's University. He is now Professor Emeritus in the Department of Astronomy and Physics. During his career at Saint Mary's Dr. Welch used telescopes in space and on earth to help understand the properties of galaxies. He taught courses ranging from introductory astronomy for freshman arts majors to specialty topics for post-graduate students. He also found time to give presentations to Metro area secondary schools as part of the Dalhousie University program Scientists and Innovators in the Schools.

MAHONE BAY

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9. English Drama

Tuesdays PM

details

Origins of English Drama

INSTRUCTOR
Rosalie Osmond
DATE & TIME
Tuesdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Apr 25 to May 30
PLACE
​Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street, Mahone Bay

COURSE DESCRIPTION
For most of us, English drama begins with Shakespeare. But Shakespeare is, in fact, the culmination of several centuries of native English drama. In this course, we shall first look at a classical Greek play, and then move to the Middle Ages and the origins of English drama in the liturgy of the church, the miracle plays, the morality plays, and so to Christopher Marlowe and Shakespeare.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
Rosalie Osmond was born and brought up in Lunenburg and educated at Acadia University, Bryn Mawr College and Cambridge University, from which she received her Ph.D in English Literature. She has taught at the University level in both Canada and the UK. She is the author of 5 published books, three academic and two novels.

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11. Six Strings

Thursdays AM

Details

Around the World in Six Strings

INSTRUCTOR
Vladimir Sitnikov
DATE & TIME
Thursdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Apr 27 to Jun 01
PLACE
​Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street, Mahone Bay

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Around The World In Six Strings is a fun and light music course. Students are going on a musical journey and are going to learn about musical traditions from different parts of the world. From Baroque and Classical Europe to African beats, Latin jazz, North American blues, through East and Asia, highlighted by live guitar performance, Around The World In Six Strings is a fun way to learn about world's music and culture.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
Vladimir has been a professional musician for more than 20 years. Before coming to  his new home in Canada, he mastered his guitar and composition in Russia. A prize winner of an international classical guitar competition, he graduated from Rostov State Conservatory and toured across Europe.
In Canada Vladimir continued his musical career. He has released a few classical and jazz guitar albums and created two original musicals, A Christmas Dollhouse and Oak Island Treasure, both co-written with Cheryl Edgett. He has been teaching music at Talent Studio and SCANS in Halifax, performing with many bands and musicians all across Canada, and appearing on award winning records, TV and radio stations. Vladimir is the musical director of The Shining Lights Choir - a community choir for homeless and disable people in Halifax, NS.
​With Maderaz Latin Music Vladimir performed around 100 educational shows per year in schools across Ontario as a part of Prologue To The Performing Arts for ten years, collaborating with such children performers as Lois, Sharon and Bram, Jack Grunsky, Eric Nagler, Balet Creole

10. Ukraine-Russia conflict

Wednesdays PM

details

Ambition, Hi-Tech Fusion and the Ongoing Global Impact of the Ukraine-Russian Conflict

INSTRUCTOR
Ian MacVicar
DATE & TIME
Wednesdays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Apr 26 to May 31
​PLACE
Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street, Mahone Bay

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Russia’s “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine has deep roots in the see-saw between Russian dominance and Ukrainian independence over a millennium. This updated course builds on the foundations of Ambition, Hi-Tech Fusion and the Global Impact of the Ukraine-Russia Conflict presented in Fall 2022.  The evolving conflict will be analyzed through five lenses: 1) Military operations for the layperson; i.e. understanding strategic, operational, and tactical warfighting in the era of information operations; 2) Ambition, i.e. national and international political manoeuvring; 3) Hi-Tech Fusion, i.e. weapons Research & Design and Capability Development; 4) Global Impact, i.e., in the spheres of evolving alliances, energy, financial, and food security shocks; and 5) Anticipatory Governance, i.e. How does technological innovation influence warfighting and legal norms?
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INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
LCol (Retd) Dr. MacVicar served for over 40 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, serving in numerous intelligence-related posts  He spent five years as an On-Site Arms Control Verification inspector on multi-national inspection teams as a Team Leader, Photographer, Inspector, and as a Russian interpreter. He participated in over 50 inspections in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the nations of the former Warsaw Pact in eastern Europe.  He is now the Director/Principal Analyst of Ian MacVicar Universal Security Intelligence Cognitive Solutions (I-MUSICS) Consulting, Inc., which hosts 17 networked consultants from military, intelligence, police, business, legal, and healthcare backgrounds. He is a Senior Writer with Calian Group, Ltd., where he has been employed as the lead writer in the revision of the Canadian Army’s principal tactical manual, the Combat Team Commander’s Handbook, and in disaster response exercise design. He is a graduate of the Canadian Armed Forces Joint Staff College and of the Canadian Army Staff Course. Dr. MacVicar has presented his research on cognitive traps (i.e. distortions in thinking) in security planning at conferences in the United Kingdom and Canada. His SCANS SpySchool 101 and 201 lectures delivered with colleague Hugh Williamson, specialize in the history of intelligence, espionage, and associated legal oversight regimes. His SpySchool 301 course examines the psychological aspects of intelligence analysis. He has published articles on leadership, human security, and the Responsibility to Protect doctrine.  His most recent article, “What About the Camp Followers” is published in the Spring 2020 edition of JD-Journal for Deradicalization. Ian has also presented on how to develop psychological resilience in leaders to government and business audiences. He is a 2017 graduate of the Veteran Trainers to Eradicate Child Soldiers program, and his current research includes developing intelligence protocols for addressing the phenomenon of child soldiers. Dr. MacVicar is a Director with numerous Boards, including (formerly) the Halifax Military Heritage Preservation Society; the Army Cadet League of Canada - Nova Scotia Branch, Canadian Military Intelligence Association Halifax Chapter, and the Canadian Intelligence Network-Réseau canadien de renseiegnement. Dr. MacVicar is a Royal United Services Institute Nova Scotia Director and Research Fellow, specializing in intelligence and security policy issues, and in veteran’s issues. Ian is also a Certified Yoga Teacher, specializing in Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy Certified teaching, and Trauma Informed Mindfulness. He is a Member of the Advisory Council of the Canadian Accessibility Network and a Certified Supplier with the Inclusive Workplace Suppliers Council of Canada.​

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12. Growing Older

Fridays AM

Details

Making the Best of Growing Older: Guide to Chronologically Enhanced Life

INSTRUCTOR
Deborah Summers
DATE & TIME
Fridays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Apr 28 to Jun 02
PLACE
​Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street, Mahone Bay

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Ever notice how some people just seem to adjust to each new problem life brings their way, while others struggle?  If “knowledge is power,” then the best way to age well is to know what to expect and how to deal with it.  This course will provide the basics of how the human body ages, discuss some of the common ailments we may face, and offer some strategies on how to deal with them.  It is taught from a medical perspective, but by someone who is living with many of the same issues you may be facing, and will, with empathy and humor, offer some helpful suggestions on how to make the most of the “Third Third” of life.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Summers holds a Master of Science as a Physician Associate and a Doctor of Medical Science with a concentration in medical education.  Her clinical practice was in the fields of geriatrics, and oncology.  She then joined the faculty of the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, and has also done presentations to community groups on these and similar topics.  She retired in June 2021 and lives with her husband Tom in Lunenburg.

LIVERPOOL

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13. JAZZ Essentials

Thursdays AM

Details

Jazz Essentials

INSTRUCTOR
Ted Blackbourn
DATE & TIME
Thursdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Apr 27 to Jun 01
PLACE
​Trinity Church Hall, 196 Church Street, Liverpool

COURSE DESCRIPTION
What are the essential elements of Jazz?  What distinguishes Jazz from other musical genres?  How has Jazz changed throughout its history?  Can Jazz be defined?  What is the relationship between Jazz and the popular song? By examining examples of recorded Jazz from its earliest days to the present, course participants will explore these and other questions in order to gain a greater depth of understanding of this rich and ever-changing art form. Recordings of songs and live performances by Jazz musicians will be used to illustrate the elements of Jazz and the many stylistic changes that have developed over the years. 
 
Topics:

• The Elements of Music (and the ways in which they are used in Jazz)
• The importance of improvisation in Jazz
• The influence of the blues
• Styles of Jazz (New Orleans, Swing Era, Be-Bop, Cool, Latin, Modal, Fusion…)
• Jazz instrumentation
• Standard Jazz ensembles (from small group to big band)
• Roles of each instrument in an ensemble
• Jazz composition and arranging

 
How can one song be interpreted in different ways and still maintain its integrity?  How are the elements of music used differently in each interpretation?  What makes one musician’s version of a piece different from that of another?  Through this exploration, participants will begin to understand the fundamentals of Jazz melody, harmony, and rhythm and the ways in which these elements combine to create a “jazz sound”.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
​​Ted is a graduate of the music programs at Humber College and York University where he studied performance, composition, and arranging.  After completing his Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Toronto, Ted taught high school for 29 years before retiring in 2012.  Since then, he has concentrated on writing for jazz ensembles with a focus on big band composition and arranging and has released 4 big band albums of his own material.  Ted is a member of The Tuesday Night Big Band, Chester Brass and Ocean Blue Jazz Quartet.

14. Shakespeare's Villains

Fridays AM

Details

Shakespeare's Villains

INSTRUCTOR
John Baxter
DATE & TIME
Fridays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Apr 28 to Jun 02
PLACE
​Trinity Church Hall, 196 Church Street, Liverpool

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Why do Shakespeare’s villains so often rival his heroes and heroines for the center of attention? Why do we love the bad guys? Or love to hate them? We’ll start with a quick survey of some of the most notable marquee-hogs and then look closely at some of the critical questions raised by three different plays: Richard III, The Merchant of Venice, and Macbeth. Is the function of the villain different in different genres (history play, comedy, tragedy)? Does it matter if the history is not wholly accurate (Richard) or the villain comes from a racial and religious minority (Shylock) or the villainy is shared by an apparently loving couple (Macbeth and Lady)? We will sample some relevant film clips, but you should also read the plays closely and come to class prepared to discuss the many questions (big and little) they give rise to.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
John Baxter is Professor Emeritus of English at Dalhousie University. He is the author of Shakespeare’s Poetic Styles (1980; rpr. Routledge, 2005) and co-editor of Aristotle’s Poetics by George Whalley (McGill-Queen’s, 1997). Selected articles include: “The Aristotle-Coleridge Axis Revisited,” Proceedings of the 2015 George Whalley Conference, http://georgewhalley.ca/gwp/ (Fall, 2016) and “The Grammar of Faith in Twelfth Night: Richard Hooker’s Gift to Shakespeare” in Faith and Reason in the Reformations, ed. Terrence J. Kleven (London and New York: Lexington Books, 2022), pp. 57-74. Conference presentations include “Learning to Spell: ‘Church-monuments’ and the Art of Reading,” The Sixth Triennial Conference of the George Herbert Society, Cambridge UK, June 23, 2022. His essay, “Perilous Stuff: Poems of Religious Meditation,” Renascence: Essays on Values in Literature 62. 2 (Winter, 2010): 89-115, was the winner of the 2012 Joseph M. Swartz Memorial Prize. After 37 years of teaching at Dalhousie, he retired on June 30, 2017.

TRURo

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15. History,Fiction,Rock & Roll

Tuesdays PM

details

History, Fiction and a Little Rock ‘n’ Roll

INSTRUCTOR
AJB (John) Johnston
DATE & TIME
Tuesdays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Apr 18 to May 23
PLACE
​Douglas Street Recreation Centre, Room A, 40 Douglas Street, Truro

COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this eclectic series of well-illustrated presentations, historian and novelist, A. J. B. Johnston (better known as John or Jay), will be talking about topics he knows and loves: Louisbourg, Grand-Pre, notable Nova Scotians, the legendary 1960s band called The Lincolns, and a few of his own works of fiction. 

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
John Johnston was born and raised in Truro, and was for many years a historian with Parks Canada. Since 2009 he has worked independently. That has often meant contributing storylines and texts to different Maritime museums and historic sites. For his body of work on the French presence in Atlantic Canada, the government of France named him a chevalier of its Ordre des Palmes académiques (Order of Academic Laurels). John has a PhD from the Université Laval and has authored or co-authored 21 books so far. Sixteen are history books and five are novels.

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17. scottish gaelic

Fridays AM

Details

Welcome to Scottish Gaelic for Beginners

INSTRUCTOR
Wayne MacIntyre
DATE & TIME
Fridays 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Apr 14 to May 19
PLACE
​Douglas Street Recreation Centre, Room A, 40 Douglas Street, Truro

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed with beginners in mind.  It introduces you to the Scottish Gaelic language.   Since Gaelic is an Indo-European language like English, you will see many similarities as we peel back the linguistic petals to expose the beautiful linguistic flower beneath.  The course will use various teaching strategies that help learners: Total Physical Response (movement-based learning), Visuals, authentic Audio, Songs, pronunciation, and writing.  Learners will hear repetitions of words in context to help facilitate absorption of the language.  Additionally, time will be used as needed in tying the language to the history and culture of the Gaels. Please join me in this class for language learning and some good chuckles (Gaels love to laugh) while at the same time making many doctors delighted to see people working to take care of their neurological well-being.  I will strive to foster a stress-reduced atmosphere as we move through the course, to wit: no exams, no tests!

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
​I am a retired teacher/administrator from the Halifax Regional School Board (now HRCE).  Though I was not aware of it at the time, I laid the groundwork for my profession back in 1972 when I began traveling around the world.  This guided me to what would become my teaching career path.  In the classroom I taught modern languages and social studies.  After twenty-four years in the classroom, I became a vice-principal. One of my duties was to assist teachers with the delivery of curriculum.  During my time as a vice-principal, I successfully accomplished the steps and interviews needed to advance into the principal’s pool.
 
​The principal purpose of language is to communicate with others.  Being able to communicate with others helps broaden my understanding of the world while helping me get my needs met.  Communicating with others also allows me to expand my circle of friends and acquaintances filling one of my needs: sharing with others.  Because of this, I see every language as valuable.  
 
Upon retiring, I began learning my family’s history, of which Scottish Gaelic forms a large part.  Had history unfolded differently, Gaelic would have been my mother tongue.  I turned my attention to learning this language with the understanding that language is perhaps the very core of culture.   Along the way, I took classes in person (before COVID) in Halifax, spent week-ends a few times a year immersed in Gaelic at the Gaelic College in Cape Breton, took the Gaelic College’s one month immersion course, enrolled in the total immersion program (2 weeks) at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (the Gaelic Institute on the Isle of Skye), and continue to study and use Gaelic online in multiple language groups from Scotland to Vancouver, Canada.  Learning Gaelic assists me in reconnecting with a culture that was in many ways lost to me.  More than that, it allows me to make new friends and acquaintances in that culture.  And this can happen for anyone who wants to learn about the Gaelic language and culture: one does not have to be a Gael.  So, to all who are interested in this language and culture, I say “Failte oirbh,” Welcome to you all.”

16. Understanding The Brain

Wednesdays PM

details

Understanding the Brain: From the New Kingdom to New Scotland

INSTRUCTOR
Heather Schellinck
DATE & TIME
Wednesdays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Apr 12 to May 17
PLACE
Douglas Street Recreation Centre, Room A, 40 Douglas Street, Truro

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The earliest records about the brain have been found in Egyptian papyri during the New Kingdom period – currently our thinking of how the brain works was first described by Donald Hebb from Chester, Nova Scotia. In the first two lectures, you will learn how our understanding progressed through history to modern day.  Along the way, you will be introduced to both the gross anatomy of the brain and how it functions on a microscopic level. Once these basic concepts have been covered, I will pick several topics that should be of general interest including how drugs work in the brain both in health and disease and the role of smell in our daily lives. The last lecture will describe the different kinds of memory and how we can take advantage of a variety of techniques to keep our memory intact as possible.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
Heather (MacIntosh) Schellinck is a native of Pictou County who has lived in Halifax for many years. She received a PhD in Experimental Psychology from Dalhousie University in 1995 and subsequently completed a Canadian government funded postdoctoral fellowship at the Sub-Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Cambridge, U.K. She worked at the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie from 1997-2013.  During that time, she taught several undergraduate courses and coordinated an introductory psychology class of one thousand students. She also had an active research career and along with her many wonderful students maintained a behavioural neuroscience lab devoted to understanding olfactory memory in rodent models of human disorders.​

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