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News From CALL Summer 2025
| Announcements | Summer Programs | September Events | Interest Groups |
Okabe, a two year old gorilla, lives at the Calgary Zoo. He was photographed by Henri Walhout, facilitator of the CALL Digital Photography Group
President’s Report
- Adrienne Kertzer
The June Board meeting was very productive. In only 90 minutes, we reviewed proposed bylaw changes, approved some policies and procedures, discussed a potential new program and a redesign of the CALL website. (I’ll address many of these items in my President’s report at the October AGM). Aware that this was the last Board meeting until August, I thought that we were like children eager to start their summer holidays even as they recognize that they will miss their friends. In my four years on the Board, I have realized that serving on the Board has not only given me more than opportunities to serve CALL’s community of lifelong learners; it has also helped me to make new friends.
Elsewhere in this newsletter you will see that we still have two significant vacancies on our slate of candidates for the 2025-2026 Board Directors. It is critical that we find candidates for these two positions. If you value what CALL offers, consider volunteering or recommending others for these positions. Mentoring is guaranteed; indeed, the role of Vice President essentially provides the future President a year of being mentored into the presidential role.
We all know how short summers are in Calgary. I certainly look forward to out-of-town visitors, attending summer festivals, and watching the gaggle of geese outside my window. I hope that you too find ways to take advantage of our too short summer. See you in September!
Help Shape the Future of CALL – Join the Board!
- Ron Foyer, Coordinator, Governance
As CALL’s program year winds down for the summer, it’s a great time to reflect on what an incredible organization we have. CALL continues to thrive — with growing membership, expanding programs, solid financial footing, and clear policies that keep everything running smoothly.
But none of this happens by itself.
CALL’s continued success depends on the leadership and dedication of volunteers — especially those who serve on the CALL Board. The Board’s term runs from October to October, with new members elected at our Annual General Meeting in late October.
We already have candidates for most of the Board positions for the 2025–26 term — but two key roles are still open:
- Vice President: This is a terrific opportunity for someone interested in stepping into a leadership role. The VP has no fixed duties but typically works closely with the President and is mentored on key tasks and priorities. It’s a great way to get to know the inner workings of CALL — and the VP usually becomes President the following year. If you have a passion for lifelong learning and a vision for CALL’s future, this is the perfect place to start.
- Coordinator, Governance: This is a low-workload role, ideal for someone who wants to contribute to CALL in a meaningful way while gaining insight into how the organization is managed. It’s a great entry point if you’re curious about board-level experience or want to get involved without a heavy time commitment.
I know that for many, joining a Board might sound formal or intimidating. But in my six-plus years on the CALL Board, I’ve found our meetings to be friendly, welcoming, and productive.
You’ll be working with people who are dedicated, thoughtful, and fun to collaborate with. CALL is in excellent shape — but it always needs good people to keep it moving forward and to bring new ideas. Maybe you’ve got some of those ideas. Maybe you’d like to add Board experience to your resume. Or maybe you simply want to give back to a community that has given you so much.
If any of this sounds interesting, I’d be happy to chat. Please feel free to reach out: info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca
Let’s keep CALL strong — together.
CALL Membership Renewals
- CALL Membership Team
September first starts a new CALL membership year. Did you know you can renew your membership at any time? Simply sign into your CALL account, click the blue Login Icon, from the drop-down menu select "View Profile" and start the renewal process. Membership renewal reminder emails will be sent out in early August, which will contain a link to start your renewal. Upon renewal your CALL membership will be extended to August 31, 2026.
How to pay online using a credit card (and why does it say PayPal)?
CALL uses a secure payment processing system to ensure valid credit card information is entered, and funds are directed from your credit card to CALL's bank account. No credit card information is retained by CALL. PayPal is the payment processing system we use, but you DO NOT need a PayPal account to renew your membership online using a credit card (ensure that you unclick the slider button that says Save Info & Create PayPal Account).
We know that paying online can sometimes be a challenge. We have created step-by-step documentation on how to pay using your credit card. This information will be included in your August renewal reminder email, and we've put a link to this information on the top of the CALL webpage and in the Technical Help column.
Please consider renewing your membership online this year to help reduce our volunteer workload!
Please note: Our CALL website is being updated, so you may be asked to log on to certain links.
CALL in this year's Historic Calgary Week
Highlights from Calgary’s First 150 Years
Friday, July 25, 1:30–3:00pm
Performance Hall, Central Library, 800 - 3 Street SE
History is continually being reinterpreted, conditioned by the assumptions of the time and the place where it is written.
New facts are uncovered, new questions are asked, and new interpretations are advanced. CALL members Don Smith, Shaun Hunter, Stacey Kaufeld, Peter Jull and Kathleen Rogers look at Calgary in four different time periods around 1875, 1925, 1950 and 1975 with a glance at 2025. Their examination reveals changing images of, and perspectives on our city’s past and select influencers.
The entire brochure for the 2025 Historic Calgary Week, July 25 – August 4, is posted at https://www.chinookhistory.ca/historic-calgary-week. There you will find information about the 81 presentations, walks and community visits celebrating Calgary’s history including a photo exhibit at cSpace Marda Loop where one of CALL’s venues is located.
Exciting Ideas for New CALL Programs
Some CALL members are developing ideas for new programs. Please look over this list and consider what is appealing to you.
- Democracy Under Siege: examine various models of democratic governance, where the fragilities lie, what the future holds.
- Housing for Seniors: explore various options for seniors to “age in place” and live independently in a supportive, cooperative environment.
- Judaism: Learn about the main tenets, observances, and texts of one of the world’s great religions through a series of presentations/discussions in a local synagogue led by clergy.
- Christianity: Many of us have been raised Christian, but may be surprised by the real stories behind its great teachings, origins, etc. Learn about this in a series of uplifting presentations/discussions with a retired United Church minister.
- Renewable Energy Prospects: Alberta has been one of the continent’s success stories for wind, solar and other renewable energies. Learn about how these technologies can be applied in your house, as well as at the regional level, in a series of presentations and Q&A with local experts.
- Art Tours and Appraisals: meet at a variety of public and commercial galleries and artists’ studios to enjoy, learn about and appreciate the exhibited art.
- Antiques and Auctions: Identify and evaluate antiques, collectibles, heirlooms and keepsakes! In-class discussions, history of objects and field trips can be arranged.
- Birdwatching: learn to identify birds and observe other flora and fauna. Visits will be to different natural areas each week within Calgary.
- Calgary’s Ethnic Groups and their Cuisines: learn about various ethnicities and their cuisines as you enjoy lunch at different ethnic clubs.
- Great Lives: take a biographical approach to history and culture. Choose someone who has inspired you from the many areas of life including politics, business, art, theatre, music, sports and more.
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Other suggestions for new programs to be developed include:
Artificial Intelligence, Genealogy, People Who Shape Calgary, Russian History, Travel, and lots more.We would really appreciate your input and participation. Please contact Carol Gerein at info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca and let us know which group(s) you’re interested in. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Summer ProgramsLindsay Park, photo by Mary Spensley
Although some of CALL programming takes a rest through the summer, some keep going! Take a look at ways to keep yourself active and interested during the summer.First, notice the announcement above, regarding the presentation that CALL History group members will be giving at the Main Library!
Some of the programs still running over the summer include Coffee by Zoom, Lawn Bowling, Wordfreaks, HK Mah Jong 1, CALL of the Uke, World Events Discussion Group, Tuesday Walking Group (except for Canada Day) Digital Photography and CALL to the Garden. These programs are shown on the CALL calendar; If you are a member, please log on to read more about the events at Interest Groups and Study Programs.
As for CALL programs, some may show as being “full or waitlist”, but it’s always a good idea to ask if you can nudge in, as facilitators sometimes say yes.
August Special Event
Walking Tour of Stephen Avenue for CALL MembersThursday, August 14, 10:00–11:30am
Base of the Calgary Tower, 101 9 Ave SWMeet your tour guide under the "Vertigo Theatre Centre" sign on the east side of the Calgary Tower. (This guided tour ends at the corner of Stephen Avenue (8 Ave and 3 St SW.)
Heritage Calgary is providing a private walking tour of Stephen Avenue for CALL members. Discover the architectural gems, historic landmarks and stories as you explore Stephen Avenue, and parts of the surrounding area, all in Calgary’s National Historic District. The cost of the tour is $15 per person and space is limited to 20 participants.
You will need to log on to register at both Special Programs and to complete your registration, visit Calgary Heritage to pay the $15 registration fee. You are not fully registered until this is complete. Please enter "CALL" in the Group Name field.
September Events
CALL Café
Kickoff – September 15Monday, September 15, 1:00–3:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NWJoin us on Monday, September 15, 1 to 3 pm at Varsity Acres Presbyterian for this special presentation.
Back by popular demand, Ryan Green, President of the Masters Gallery, will present Lawren Harris: Ordered Reflections, as we kick off another year of CALL Cafés.
Members, guests and the public are cordially invited!
Treks and Travels
Hiking the CotswoldsWednesday, September 17, 7:30–9:00pm
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Acres Drive NW
Speaker: Peter UsherIn the fall of 2024, Peter Usher embarked on daily hikes from an amazing country manor house in the Cotswolds, UK. He averaged 15 to 18 kms per day walking along trails steeped in history and filled with beauty. Learn about visits to market towns and cities and see the beauty of this area in the west of England and discover the joy of returning to tea and cozy bed.
No registration required. Members of the public are welcome to attend (at a cost of $5).
New Interest GroupArt on Your iPad – Exploring the Procreate App
If you’re interested in exploring digital art or digital colouring using an iPad and Apple Pencil, but you:
- know very little or nothing about your iPad or Apple Pencil,
- know very little or nothing about the Procreate App,
- have purchased the Procreate App but do not know where to start,
- want a structured and step-by-step learning process,
- need someone to answer your questions, and
- would benefit from written instructions and video recordings
… THEN the Art on Your iPad Interest Group is for you.
By joining this Interest Group, you will learn how to use the Procreate App on the iPad, iPad’s operating system, and Google Drive. No previous experience using an iPad, Procreate or Google Drive or art, for that matter, is required.
This group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays in September, October, November, January, February, March, April, and May from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. The meetings are held via Zoom, except for the first meeting, which will be in person. The first meeting will focus on setting up your iPad and getting you up and running with Procreate and Google Drive.
For more information and to register, log in and go to Art on Your iPad.
CALL Blog
Brains Don't Retire: Lifelong Learning with Peers- Maureen Osis, CALL Communications Team
Peer learning—where individuals of similar age or experience learn from and with each other—is an effective model for lifelong learning, especially for older adults. As people age, maintaining cognitive vitality, social connections, and a sense of purpose becomes increasingly important. Peer learning reminds us that everyone has something to teach – and something to learn.
The CALL Blog is public so please share with your family and friends.
If you are on Facebook, please follow us at https://www.facebook.com/CalgaryLifelongLearners/
Any questions or feedback, please contact us: info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca.The CALL Newsletter- Newsletter Team
Did you know that we appreciate receiving articles from our members? We are happy to publish articles that celebrate CALL. Your personal experience about how you have benefited would be a valuable contribution to this newsletter. Please send your ideas and suggestions for future issues to info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca. We reserve the right to edit submissions and to determine when submissions will be published.
CALL Newsletter postings 2025
- August 22
Meanwhile, be well, stay well in every sense of the word.