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ALL CHAPTERS

Hybrid and Virtual Classes
Beyond the Checkout: How Trade Tensions are Rewriting Canada’s Food Economy
Instructor: Sylvain Charlebois
Delivery: Hybrid
Dates: Tuesdays, Apr 7 - May 12 (6 weeks)
Time: 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
In-person: Hope United Church
Online: Zoom webinar
COurse Description
As extreme weather, global trade tensions, and an aging population place new pressures on how food is grown and delivered, Canada’s long-standing role as one of the world’s most dependable food producers is facing important challenges.In this six-session course, Dr. Sylvain Charlebois—widely known as The Food Professor—invites participants to better understand what these changes mean for Canada and for everyday Canadians. Using clear examples from current events, practical research findings, and real-world data, he explains how Canada can protect its food security while remaining competitive on the global stage.Together, the sessions explore the policies, innovations, and collaborations that will help ensure Canada continues to provide safe, affordable, and trustworthy food—both at home and abroad—in a rapidly changing world.
Instructor Biography
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University. Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.​
History, Causes, Prevention and Treatment of Cancer
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Instructor: ​David Hoskin
Delivery: Hybrid
Dates: Wednesdays, Apr 8 - Apr 22 (3 weeks)
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
In-person: Hope United Church
Online: Zoom webinar
COurse Description
Cancer is a group of diseases in which genetic mutations result in abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably, invade tissues, and often spread throughout the body. Although cancer is an ancient disease, it continues to challenge medical science. Unfortunately, about 4 in every 10 Canadians are expected to develop cancer in their lifetime. The aim of this course is to demystify cancer and describe research that seeks to find a cure. The course will cover the hallmarks of cancer and its occurrence throughout human history, the causes of cancer and strategies to prevent or at least reduce its likelihood of developing, and current and future approaches to the treatment of cancer, including fascinating new cancer immunotherapies.
Instructor Biography
Dr. David Hoskin is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Pathology at Dalhousie Medical School. David obtained his Ph.D. in Immunology from McGill University (Montreal) in 1985. He obtained training in Cancer Immunology at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, affiliated with the University of Toronto, prior to being recruited by Dalhousie University in 1989. David’s research program, which spanned over 30 years, focused on cancer biology and immunology, especially exploring the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory potential of natural source compounds — including antimicrobial peptides and phytochemicals from everyday spices, fruits and vegetables. In 2008, David was named the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Research — the first endowed breast cancer chair in Atlantic Canada and a milestone for Atlantic Canada’s cancer research community. Over his academic career, David published more than 200 research and review articles, contributing substantially to understanding how natural compounds and immune-modulatory agents can affect cancer biology. David is a Senior Scientist and Lifetime Honorary Member of the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute at Dalhousie University.
All Along the Watchtower: The “Post-Gaza” Middle East 
Instructor: Angus Smith
Delivery: Hybrid
Dates: Wednesdays, Apr 29 - May 13 (3 weeks)
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
In person: Hope United Church
Online: Zoom webinar
COurse Description
While the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire seems to be holding, at least for now, the situation remains volatile. Neither side appears willing to budge on fundamental issues and the future of the ambitious 20 point American peace plan is, at best, uncertain. Conflict continues in Syria and a regional war with Iran seems like a real possibility. Meanwhile, non-state actors, including a resurgent Islamic State, actively seek tactical and strategic opportunity. Join retired Canadian intelligence officer / analyst, Angus Smith, to explore these developments, and to try and imagine what their possible outcomes might be, for the region and for the world.
Instructor Biography
Angus Smith spent more than 30 years in the Canadian intelligence community, a career that included work on Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and Eastern Europe, police corruption, organized crime, terrorism and national security. He continues to work as a writer, consultant and Jewish educator, and lives in rural Nova Scotia.​
Navigating the World of Travel
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Instructor: Carlene Osborne
Delivery: Online
Dates: Fridays, Apr 10 - Apr 24 (3 weeks)
Time: 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
In person: not offered
Online: Zoom webinar
COurse Description
This course will address travel options and opportunities for senior and/or solo traveller, including such topics as:
  • The educational value of travel;
  • Ways in which travel contributes to an appreciation of different cultures;
  • Travel trends for senior travellers (e.g., solo travel, multi-generational travel, all-inclusive travel, Ocean and River cruising, train travel, adventure travel, etc.);
  • Strategies for stress-free travel with mobility limitations or health concerns;
  • Tips for travel insurance, documentation and safety; and
  • Top emerging travel destinations for 2026 and beyond .
Instructor Biography
Carlene is a committed world traveller with 6 years of experience as a travel agent. Since 2003, she has explored 34 countries—many of them multiple times. In the process she has developed a depth of knowledge about travel planning, including adventure travel, solo travel, cruise vacations, cultural and heritage travel, and travel for health and wellness purposes. She is familiar with several destination locations, particularly Canada, European, and Caribbean destinations. With an insurance background she also has in-depth knowledge about insurance and how important it is to have as well as safety considerations and supporting travel planning for people living with mobility limitations and other health constraints.

HAlifax Regional Municipality

Proactively Managing Life with Chronic Conditions – What We Know Today​
Instructor: Tanya Packer
Delivery: In-person
Dates: Wednesdays, Apr 8 - May 13 (6 weeks)
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: ​Church Hall - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax
COurse Description
According to the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System, 60% of Canadians age 65-79 live with two or more chronic conditions. This increases to 80% for those 80 and older. While some conditions are well controlled by medications, many are not. Research shows that living with many chronic conditions requires “work”. Now referred to as self-management this work includes managing the condition itself (e.g., symptoms, medications, & lifestyle), managing the impact on everyday life (e.g., family responsibilities, work and leisure activities, & social relationships) and managing the emotional consequences (e.g., fear of the future, sadness, & worry) that come with living with a disease or condition. Through lectures, discussions and workshops, this course will delve into the research and strategies people with chronic conditions use to self-manage – to make decisions and choices, manage the health care system, and live well. It will also explore how health systems are and are not changing to respond to this world-wide “chronic disease epidemic”.
Instructor Biography
Dr. Tanya Packer (PhD, OT Reg(NS)) is Professor Emerita at the School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie and an accomplished senior scholar and academic leader in clinical and health services research. Her academic career has spanned three continents (North America, Asia and Australia/New Zealand) and four prestigious universities (Queen’s University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Curtin University and Dalhousie University). A licensed occupational therapist, she continues an active research career as mentor, PhD supervisor, researcher. Her research continues to focus on improving the everyday lives of people with chronic and complex conditions with a focus on self-management science. Her work investigates client engagement in care, self-management interventions to improve life balance and quality of life, and health services research to improve care. She has strong, ongoing relationships with researchers at the University of Toronto, McMaster University, Radboud Medical University in the Netherlands and Umea University in Sweden and continues to teach workshops and provide lectures to international audiences.
How Books Can Change Your Life
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Instructor: ​Liz Crocker
Delivery: In-person
Dates: Wednesdays, Apr 8 - May 13 (6 weeks)
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: The Berkeley on Pepperell, 6240 Pepperell Street, Halifax​
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COurse Description
Why do some books touch us and others do not?  What do we mean by “taste” in reading?  What, if anything, motivates us to read beyond our favourite authors and genres?  What book(s) touched you as a child. and has (had) long term effects?  Are there some books that are dangerous … are there books that should be banned?  And if you had to live the rest of your life on a desert island, would you take something to help you escape or to ponder?  Participants will be invited to share books that have strongly resonated for them.
Instructor Biography
Liz Crocker is a business woman, writer, health consultant, and teacher. She is the owner of “Woozles”, Canada’s oldest children’s bookstore, which she so-founded in 1978.  Liz also co-founded and co-owned (until 2014) P’lovers, the Environmental Store, and Frog Hollow Books (1984-1987).  Liz has written two children’s books and hundreds of articles found in books, magazines, and newspapers. She is the co-author of “Privileged Presence: Personal Stories of Connections in Health Care”, and “Transforming Memories: Sharing Spontaneous Writing Using Loaded Words”. She has been a board member for various environmental organizations, the Discovery Centre in Halifax, Chester Playhouse, Halifax Dance, Neptune Theatre, Shakespeare by the Sea, and she has established the Child Life Program at the IWK Children’s Hospital. She is currently a board member of the Health Quality Council for Saskatchewan and the Institute of Patient and Family-Centred Care.
Spy School 220- An Advanced Examination of the Global Intelligence Community – Real, Fictional, or Maybe the Fictional is Real​
Instructors: Hugh Williamson
Delivery: In-person
Dates: Thursdays, Apr 9 - May 14 (6 weeks)
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: ​Church Hall - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax
COurse Description
SpySchool220 – An Advanced Course in Intelligence, Espionage and Counter Espionage for the Wary Senior Citizen. This course follows a more in depth and up to date look at the “Great Game” , and how it affects us in our every day life. After a brief introduction to the basic rules and language of the “intelligence community”, the course will identify the old and new players , Governments, private companies, and even the AI non-humans who gather information around and about us. It will identify who are the
two, three and four letter agencies, and some of the more famous or infamous characters, fictional and non-fictional, who work for them. The course will expose you to the books, films, plays, podcasts, blogs, TV shows; reality, fictional, fictional pretending to be reality, and perhaps reality pretending to be fictional, cases from around the world. The course will examine how intelligence is gathered, analysed and verified, and how you can develop “media literacy” and identify “disinformation”, and how this is affecting politics, elections and perceptions of reality. Finally, there will be an overview of “the spy capital(s) of the world, where you can visit the real and fictional scenes of famous spy operations, and how you can “travel LIKE a spy” , but not “travel AS a spy” to keep yourself informed , aware and secure in a world where you are constantly under observation, scrutiny and targeted.
Instructor Biography
Hugh R Williamson is a retired 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
‘North of 60’: New Frontier or New Battleground?

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Instructor: ​Ian MacVicar
Delivery: In-person
Dates: ​Thursdays, Apr 9 - May 14 (6 weeks)
Time: ​1:30 - 3:30 pm
Location: Church Hall - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax
COurse Description
This course will recount the history of the region "North of 60" (degrees latitude), with an emphasis on Canada - incorporating indigenous, explorer/colonizer, and industrial perspectives. The course will describe the 19th, 20th Century competition among major powers to claim the region, international territorial disputes, the resettling of indigenous peoples in support of Canadian claims to sovereignty, the economics of investment and daily life in the region, and the contemporary struggle to balance the rights of indigenous inhabitants to self-governance against emerging 21st Century great power competition and climate change. The course will address ongoing legal disputes as well as national and international efforts
to find an appropriate balance between protecting human rights and allowing some degree of commercial and military use.
Instructor Biography
Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Dr. MacVicar served for 42 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, including numerous intelligence-related posts. He is now a defence and intelligence consultant. 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 most recent article, “NATO Article 5 and Human Security Interventions” was published in the Spring 2025 edition of Canadian Military Journal/Revue militaire canadienne. Dr. MacVicar is a Director with numerous Boards, including the Royal United Services Institute of Nova Scotia, the Army Cadet League of Canada and the Canadian Intelligence Network-Réseau canadien de renseiegnement. Ian is also a Certified Yoga Teacher, specializing in Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy, and Trauma Informed Mindfulness teaching. He is also an aquafit teacher, weight trainer, and fitness fusion teacher. He is a Member of the Advisory Council of the Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN) where he advocates for people with “invisible disabilities.” His 17th SCANS teaching assignment in Spring 2026 addresses Arctic security issues.
On Grief and Mourning in Literature and Art ​
Instructor: Elizabeth Edwards
Delivery: In-person
Dates: Thursdays, Apr 9 - May 14 (6 weeks)
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Location: ​Cameron Hall, Parkland Clayton Park, 114 Fairfax Drive, Halifax​
COurse Description
There are those who hold that human culture begins with the burial of the dead, with the ancient funeral rites and evidences of mourning found by archeologists. This course of lectures will consider some key issues about grief and mourning, primarily as represented by literary and visual artists, though we may stray into anthropology and psychology. These will include the art of Kathë Kollwitz and Edvard Munch, and will draw from literature as diverse as Sophocles' Antigone and Andrew Holloran's recent novel Grief. How do we deal with loss? Is something accomplished in our mourning? What is the importance of the preservation of the dead? Content warning: there will be poetry! Some readings will be recommended, and made available on-line.You may feel you already have enough grief in your life, so I promise that not all will be doleful; light-hearted moments will include 'the comic epitaph'.
Instructor Biography
Elizabeth Edwards is an Inglis Professor (retired) at the University of King's College, where she taught in the Foundation Year and Contemporary Studies Programs for many years. A medievalist by training, she also has strong interests in critical theory and modern literature. She was formerly Vice-President of King's and President of the Canadian Society of Medievalists. She is the author of a book on Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D’Arthur, and co-editor of the Broadview Anthology of Medieval Arthurian Literature.
If the Universe is Full of Life – Where is Everyone?
Instructor: John Badowski
Delivery: In-person
Dates: ​Fridays, Apr 10 - May 15 (6 weeks)
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Northwood Bedford, Ivany Place, 123 Gary Martin Drive, Bedford, NS - The Great Room​
COurse Description
This question was asked in 1950 by renowned physicist Enrico Fermi.  If there are trillions of galaxies and billions of stars in each one, where are all the other intelligent beings?  Why haven’t they called?  A numerical approach to answer this question was undertaken in 1962 by radio astronomer Frank Drake.  I plan to walk the class through the “Drake Equation” so that everyone can develop their own answer to the question.  No math skills are required.  We will look at what life is, its chemical basis, and where it exists on Earth.  Next we will examine where life could be hiding in our Solar System.  Then we will look at the other stars in our galaxy and try to determine where life could exist.  Finally we will tackle the Drake Equation, and everyone will come up with a unique answer. No previous knowledge of chemistry or mathematics is required, and I will break everything down as we go so that everyone can enjoy the analysis.  The course is about science and the scientific approach - I will be avoiding any discussion of UFOs
Instructor Biography
This year marks my 60th year as an amateur astronomer.  I have built, owned and used every type of telescope in my life and have always held a deep interest in “exobiology” – the study of life on other planets.  Even before any had been discovered!
As an undergraduate at the University of Toronto I studied Chemistry.  I remained associated with the University for the next three decades holding positions on various Boards and governing bodies.  I became a mentor for fourth-year forensic science students in that specialist program and also taught Forensic Science in the adult-education program of a community college.  Late in my professional life I returned to school and completed my Master of Science in astrophysics just to complete my lifelong interest in the subject. 
I enjoy sharing my love of astronomy with others and look forward to discussing the mathematical possibility of communicating with other intelligent civilizations (or not…)
Let Cuba Live! The U.S. Economic War on Cuba
Instructor: Isaac Saney
Delivery: In-person
Dates: Fridays, May 1 - May 15 (3 weeks)
Time: ​10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: ​Church Hall - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax
COurse Description
These lectures will undertake a sustained and critical examination of the long, fraught, and deeply asymmetrical history of Cuba-United States relations. Moving from the nineteenth century to the present, the series situates contemporary tensions within the longer arc of U.S. expansionism, Cuban sovereignty struggles, and shifting global power configurations. Taken together, the lectures frame Cuba-US relations not as episodic conflict, but as a continuous historical struggle over sovereignty, empire, revolution, and global order - one whose roots lie in the nineteenth century and whose consequences remain profoundly contemporary. The lectures will also address the post-Cold War and twenty-first century dimensions of the relationship.
Instructor Biography
Isaac Saney is a Black Studies and Cuba specialist at Dalhousie University and coordinator of the Black and African Diaspora Studies (BAFD) program, the first major in Black and African Diaspora Studies in Canada. He holds a PhD in history from the School of Oriental and African Studies-University of London. His teaching, research and scholarship encompass Cuba, Africa, the Caribbean, Black Canadian history, the global Black liberation struggle, and reparations. A major area of his research is Cuba's relationship with Africa. His recent book, Cuba. Africa and Apartheid's End-Africa's Children Return! (Lexington Books, 2023) has been described as "a definitive account of Cuba’s role in the liberation of southern Africa" and "a significant contribution to the understanding of events in southern Africa during the 1980s and1990s." Isaac was also the Director of Dalhousie University's Transition Year Program, the ground-breaking program founded in 1970 to redress the educational barriers and injustices that confront the Mi’kmaq Nation, other Indigenous peoples in Canada, and the African Nova Scotian community. Isaac is a long-time community activist and participant in the anti-war movement and the anti-racist struggle and passionately believes in the collective power of the people to transform the world in ways that bring forth equity, justice, and human dignity. His roots lie in the African Nova Scotia community and the Caribbean.
Jazz in Canada
Instructor: ​​Ted Blackbourn
Delivery: In-person
Dates: Fridays, Apr 10 - May 15 (6 weeks)
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Location: Church Hall - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax
COurse Description
In the early 20th century, a new kind of music was emerging in New Orleans – Jazz. Before long, musicians were introducing this new music to cities and towns throughout the United States, Canada and, very quickly, to the rest of the world. This course will examine the factors that led to the development of Jazz and to its establishment as a major art form in Canada. Topics discussed will include:
  • The Great Migration;
  • The role of radio and recording technology in the spread of Jazz;
  • Early travelling Jazz bands;
  • Earliest Canadian Jazz artists;
  • The lives and music of important Canadian Jazz artists including Mart Kenny, Oscar Peterson, Oliver Jones, Fraser McPherson, Moe Koffman, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Don Thompson, Phil Nimmons, Lorraine Desmarais, Diana Krall, Ingrid Jensen, and many more.
Instructor Biography
Ted Blackbourn is a graduate of the music programs at Humber College and York University in Toronto. He earned his Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto and taught high school for the Peel District School Board for 29 years. Throughout those years, Ted performed and recorded with a number of bands including his own jazz trio. Since retiring from teaching, Ted has spent his time composing and arranging music for large jazz ensembles and has recorded 5 CDs featuring his arrangements. Ted plays trumpet with the Tuesday Night Big Band in Halifax.

MAHONE BAY

Shakespeare’s Villains
Instructor: John Baxter
Delivery: In-person
Dates: Wednesdays, Apr 8 - May 13 (6 weeks)
Time: 10:00 am  - 12:00 pm
Location: ​Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street, Mahone Bay
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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 Othello. 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 the antagonist and the protagonist (Iago and Othello)? 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). Recent articles include: “Learning to Spell: ‘Church-monuments’ and the Art of Reading,” The George Herbert Journal, Volume 44 (2023): 63-83; “George Herbert’s ‘The Church-porch’ and the Native Plain Style,” The George Herbert Journal, Volume 46 (2025): 55-76.
20th Century Piano Music- Rachmaninoff and Ravel 
Instructor: ​Ian Tomaz
Delivery: In-person
Dates: Thursdays, Apr 9 - May 14 (6 weeks)
Time: 1:30  - 3:30 pm
Location: Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance (LAMP), 97-101 Kaulbach St. Lunenburg
COurse Description
Ravel and Rachmaninoff are two of classical music’s most important figures, writing beautiful, revolutionary works which have remained popular among musicians and music lovers for more than one hundred years. Both are especially important to pianists, as each composer explored new possibilities of the instrument, being part of the first generation of composers who had access to the modern concert grand. But why do the works of these composers stand the test of time? Using major piano works of each composer (Rachmaninoff’s Six Moment Musicaux, Ravel’s Jeux D’Eau and Miroirs), this course will explore the lives, music and historical context of these artists. Led by concert pianist Ian Tomaz, each class will combine live music performance with lectures on music history, theory and each composer’s relationships to other contemporary influences (cultural/historical events, art, literature), allowing listeners to understand and appreciate these works of art more deeply. Designed under the belief that music is a universal language accessible to all, this course will welcome students from all levels of understanding- from newcomers with no musical background to classical music aficionados- for a six-week celebration of beautiful music and the elements that make it great.
Instructor Biography
Ian Tomaz has performed as a solo and collaborative pianist across North America and Europe. As Artist in Residence at the Fondation des Etats Unis in Paris from 2022-2024, he performed at Musee Petit Palais, The American Cathedral in Paris, Maison du Japon, Mussee JJ Henner, College Franco Britannique and Salle Cortot, and as well as in Saline Royale and Villa Eilenroc in Antibes. While in Paris, he pursued research funded by the the Centre Nadia et Lili Boulanger (CNLB), Societe des Amis de Poulenc, Societe des Professeurs Français et Francophones d'Amerique (SPFFA) and Fondation des Etats Unis, studying the work of Francis Poulenc and Nadia Boulanger. In the 2024-2025 season, as Pianist in Residence at the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance, he performed the first book of J.S. Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier in numerous concerts and lectures around Nova Scotia. Committed to engaging new audiences, Ian Tomaz’s lectures combine high level music performance with humor and clear, comprehensible explanations of musical concepts, guiding audiences towards a deeper relationship to what they hear.

LIVERPOOL

Canadian Criminal Justice System

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Instructor: Russell Prime
Delivery: In-person
Dates: Mondays, Apr 6 - May 11 (6 weeks)
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: ​Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 196 Church Street, Liverpool
COurse Description
In this introductory course, participants will explore the processes of the criminal justice system in Canada, including the roles, powers, and discretion of the police, lawyers, justice officials, the courts, the correctional system, and post-court processes such as mercy.  We will also look at some of the theories at play and how the system has changed over time.  Some attention will be given to issues of social justice, how the systems actually work, and restorative-justice or peace-making.
Instructor Biography
Russell is a lawyer and congregational minister in Nova Scotia more interested in legal policy and history than practicing law.  He taught part-time at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, in Criminology and Sociology from 2002 to 2019.
Genetics: The Study of Heredity and the Fascinating Molecules that Influence the Traits of Every Living Thing
Instructor: Gerald Johnston
Delivery: In person
Dates: Thursdays, Apr 9 - May 14 (6 weeks)
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Location: ​Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 196 Church Street, Liverpool
COurse Description
The area of genetics is much more than a description of pedigrees and how traits are passed down through generations. The field of genetics has seen unprecedented and spectacular advances over the past few decades. We now understand in detail the nature of the genetic material (termed DNA) that controls every aspect of biology, including humans. Amazing new technologies have revealed the universality of life. Only two decades ago, a major international research effort (termed the Human Genome Project) was able to catalog every gene (or ‘unit of information’ within DNA) involved in human development, function, and health. Although we still do not know the actual role of every gene (a bit like having a dictionary of all the words in a foreign language but with only some of the meanings), we are rapidly learning about gene function and what can go wrong to cause disease or abnormal development.
 
Those participating in the course will learn how DNA works, the impact of changes to DNA, and implications for prevention, detection, and treatment of diseases (such as cancer). Throughout the course, you will hear the stories of individuals involved in advancing our understanding of genetics, the technical advances yielding new insights, and how seemingly unrelated discoveries (often studying non-human organisms) have created these new insights. I hope that this course will allow a more general understanding of how science works, the world of biology, and the amazing revelations of modern genetics.
Instructor Biography
Dr. Gerry Johnston is a Professor in the Dalhousie Medical School. Gerry’s research program has spanned 40 years using genetics to explore regulation of cell division. After receiving his PhD in 1973 at York University (Toronto), Gerry obtained his early training in genetics with Dr. Leland H. Hartwell in the Department of Genetics at the University of Washington (Seattle) before taking up his position at Dalhousie University. Gerry has played roles within several cancer-related organizations, notably the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), The National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) in which he served as National President, and the Terry Fox Research Institute. In 1992, Gerry was appointed as a Terry Fox Cancer Research Scientist of the NCIC. He was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and has been inducted as a Fellow in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Over his years with Dalhousie University, he has served as the Head of Microbiology & Immunology, Associate Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Medicine and most recently he has completed a term as Scientific Director of the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute. 

TRURO

From Big Data to Artificial Intelligence: How Analytics has Changed Your World
Instructors: Tony Schellinck and Jennifer Schellinck
Delivery: In-person
Dates: Tuesdays, Apr 7 - May 12 (6 weeks)
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Location: Douglas Street Recreation Centre, Room A, 40 Douglas Street, Truro
COurse Description
In the early seventies large corporations began to discover the potential value in the “legacy” data that they had always collected about their customers for the purpose of running their businesses. Retailers, utilities, government agencies, and health related organizations could also make use of these large data sets to improve their offerings and services to consumers. Simultaneously, analysts were developing new techniques to process this “big data” to achieve organization goals. These advances allowed the organizations to custom fit their offerings to the needs and preferences of individual consumers. As the capacity to collect, store and analyze consumer data advanced, so did the ability to interact with consumers in real time. The first four weeks of the course will expose the students to the changes that organizations went through in their marketing and how they use machine learning today.
In the final two sessions of this course Jen Schellinck will talk about how these algorithms led to the “Age of AI.” She will talk about what AI is currently good for and which aspects of the technology are still a work in progress. She and the class will discuss how current AI technologies can be used in practical, everyday situations and what to watch out for when using AI. She will also provide some hands-on demos of popular and available AI services like ChatGPT.
Instructor Biography
Dr. Tony Schellinck was the F.C. Manning Chair in Economics and Business for eighteen years at Dalhousie University. During that time, he also was Management Informatics Chair Associate and ran the Marketing Informatics Program at the undergraduate, master’s and PhD levels. During those years he and his students worked with large and small organizations to explore the potential for big data analysis in their operations and marketing. Corporations and organizations they worked with include large grocery retailers, financial institutions, life and auto insurance, telephone companies, pharmacies, and non-profits. As a consultant Tony worked with several large organizations designing algorithms and analytics for their use, and in responsible gambling (RG) for which his firm, Focal Research Consultants Limited won the best RG technology Provider Worldwide in 2024. Tony enjoys making the complex easy to understand and anyone who takes his class should learn something they can use for the rest of their lives.

Dr. Jen Schellinck has a PhD in Cognitive Science, is an adjunct professor in the Cognitive Science Department at Carleton University and is the CEO of Sysabee, an Ottawa-based data science consulting company. Jen has been active in the data science and artificial intelligence fields since 2009.  She helps organizations understand the value that data technologies bring to their work, and uses her knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science to help people and organizations achieve their greater potential. She regularly holds workshops for people who want to learn about AI and has worked with government, not-for-profits and industry.
Considerations in Psychology
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Instructor: Steven Dukeshire and Elizabeth Price
Delivery: In-person
Dates: Wednesdays, Apr 8 - May 13 (6 weeks)
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Location: Douglas Street Recreation Centre, Room A, 40 Douglas Street, Truro
COurse Description
The first four weeks will be offered by Dr Dukeshire who instructs Introductory Psychology on the Dal-AC campus.

April 8 & April 15: What is Psychology (Football, Magic, Songs, and Pigeons; Perspectives, Personality, Psychopathology, Psychotherapy)

April 22: We Are Not Audio-Video Recorders: How Memory Really Works

April 29: Why Do We Harm, Why Don’t We Help?: Classic Social Psychology

This will be followed on May 4 with Dr Pace speaking to Life with a narcissist and memories of growing up in a narcissistic family

​May 13: Personality Tests (Myers-Briggs and others)
Instructor Biography
Dr. Steven Dukeshire is an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture. His education background includes a B.Comm and B.A.(Hons, Psychology) from Saint Mary’s University and an M.A.Sc (Industrial/Organizational Psychology) and Ph.D (Social/Health Psychology) from the University of Waterloo. Prior to becoming a Faculty member, Dr. Dukeshire worked on projects related to falls prevention and improving the health of rural communities. His current research examines how agricultural and environmental issues are presented in mainstream media and the scholarship of teaching and learning, primarily examining teaching strategies and techniques Dr. Dukeshire has developed over the past two decades. Dr. Dukeshire teaches a wide range of courses including Introductory Sociology, Introduction to the Humanities and Social Sciences, Introductory Human Geography, Issues in Agricultural Health and Safety, and Introductory Psychology.
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Dr Elizabeth Pace, R. Psych (NS) has provided counselling and assessment services in private practice in the Truro area since 2004. Prior to returning to university to obtain her Ph.D., Dr Pace worked with adolescents as a teacher and school counsellor. As a Psychologist, she further her counselling and assessment experience with this age group, as well as, working with families and adults. In addition she has taught graduate courses in counselling at the University of New Brunswick. Dr Pace has worked with adolescents in secure-care facilities and with federally incarcerated women. She has provided Psychology Consultant services to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. Dr Pace has therapeutic experience in the areas of pain management, rehabilitation psychology, and trauma.