Newsletter - North Island College

WINTER 2013
LIFELONG LEARNING FOR SENIORS (55+)
Saturday,
January 19, 2013
COURSE INFORMATION FORUM
10am - 12pm
Stan Hagen Theatre, NIC
Each course presenter will give
a two minute presentation
describing his/her course.
May 9-11, 2013
The Wonder-full Years Conference
Comox Valley ElderCollege is delighted to announce that we are
hosting a Third Age Learning (TAL) Conference this spring. The
Wonder-Full Years: a Conference on Third Age Learning will run from
May 9 to 11, 2013.
Monday,
January 21, 2013
COURSE REGISTRATION BEGINS
Online at www.nic.bc.ca/ec at
9:00 am or in person at the
Registration Office. Check
website or phone 250-334-5000
local 4602 for details.
Saturday,
January 26, 2013
LECTURE SERIES BEGINS
Stan Hagen Theatre,
North Island College
Week of
February 4, 2013
WINTER SEMESTER BEGINS
March 2013
WALKS BEGIN
May 9th - 11th 2013
WONDER-FULL YEARS
ELDERCOLLEGE CONFERENCE
The decision to host the conference was
made shortly after the conclusion of the
first TAL Conference at Capilano University
in North Vancouver and planning has been
underway since May 2011. This is a rare
opportunity to strengthen ElderCollege/
Third Age Learning organizations
throughout BC and elsewhere.
By coming together to share our various
experiences of ElderCollege, we will be
able to apply what we learn to our own
diverse organizations and to support
emerging groups as they embark on this
wonderful adventure. In addition, the
conference provides an opportunity to
showcase Comox Valley ElderCollege, our
positive relationship with North Island
College and our beautiful surroundings.
The Conference is based on four areas of
interest
• Organizational development and
resource-sharing for new and established
groups
• Curriculum ideas
• Collaboration – finding ways to network
with each other
• Connections between health and
learning
If you are interested in learning more
about the conference and workshops, or
to register, email: eldercollegeTAL@nic.
bc.ca and write, ‘Interested’, in the subject
line. Information will be updated regularly
on our website: www.nic.bc.ca/ec
www.nic.bc.ca/ec
ELDERCOLLEGE • Tel: 250.334.5000 Local 4602 • Email: eldercollegeCV@nic.bc.ca

INSIDE THIS
Issue
NOTES
From The Chair
- LES CORBETT
Notes from the Chair ..................2
How to Register On-Line .............2
An Interview with
Alana Gowdy. .............................3
Intriguing New Courses ...............4
Winter 2013 Courses ...................5
Four Week Courses .....................7
Computer Courses. ......................7
Short Courses. .............................8
Saturday Lecture Series ...............9
Courses at a Glance. .................. 10
Wanted:
Course presenters for future
ElderCollege courses
If you are interested, please contact
Christine Dickinson, Chair of our
Curriculum Committee, through the
ElderCollege contact number,
250-334-5000 local 4602.
Registration Assistance
On the day of the Course Information
Forum, Jan. 19, from 11:30 - 1, there
will be help available in one of the
NIC computer labs for those needing
assistance in obtaining a password for
online registration and logging in to
NIC Connect.
In addition, there will be assistance in
the NIC Library for those registering
online, 9 am - noon on the first day of
registration, Jan. 21
NIC/ElderCollege ID
Cards
Don’t forget to pick up your
ElderCollege Photo ID at the
Registration Office! This entitles you
to access the Library and Computer
Lab.
2 ELDERCOLLEGE
As I prepare these notes I am amazed
at what a great fall term the curriculum
folks are delivering, obviously with the
excellent support of our other wonderful
committees! The lecture series has been
a real hit as we get to know more about
our local musicians and the local music
scene. With over 60 courses, our members
have had ample selection to attract their
interest, and although a few courses had
to be cancelled due to instructor issues
or lack of participation we have enrolled
636 members to date. As I write this
(November) the planning for the winter
term is well underway. I am sure you will
be pleased and perhaps surprised at the
winter offerings which are included in the
newsletter.
In this issue you will find information
regarding the Third Age Learning
Conference we are planning to run in early
May, subject to the availability of federal
funding support. I encourage you to
consider helping out in some manner over
that weekend. It will give you a chance
to mix with other ElderCollege volunteers
and to meet many attendees who are
committed to the concepts and practices of
Third Age Learning.
Finally, a member asked me lately if she
volunteered on a committee would she be
stuck there if she wanted to try something
else. Obviously some people have served
for a long time as volunteers within
ElderCollege. We still have a number of the
founding members! However, our policy is
to have committee members serve in their
positions for up to four years and then
we encourage them to move on to other
positions or committees. This provides
fresh ideas, new challenges and avoids
burn-out. So, if you want to try something
or have aspirations of having my job,
consider volunteering with a committee
as your introduction to the ElderCollege
volunteer community and you have the
potential to become the Chair of the
Executive Committee – but only for one
term!
Enjoy this Winter Term and enjoy your time
at ElderCollege.
Register On-Line at www.nic.bc.ca
1. Open www.nic.bc.ca and click on the ElderCollege link on the right
2. Click on the ‘Online Registration Available’ button in the centre of the
page
3. Click on Log In – enter user name and password (check past e-mails sent
to you from NIC!)
4. Click on Continuing Ed/Elder College and then Register for Classes
5. Course Type = Elder College. Location = CV Comox Valley Campus.
Leave other boxes blank. Submit
6. Find courses you want. Click on box in Select column for ALL courses
you wish to register in, and a check mark should appear in the box
before each course you select. Submit
7. Check that courses listed are what you want. For Choose One of the
Following click on Register Now. For Payment Method, choose your
payment type and Submit
8. At Processing My Credit Card Payment form, select Continue and
complete the PayPal form with credit card info
9. Select Pay Now

AN INTERVIEW WITH
Alana Gowdy
Who would imagine that a class in Early
British History would prove to be one
of ElderCollege’s most popular ongoing
courses? Alana Gowdy is a course leader
who understands that while CVEC
members are, yes, interested in learning,
they appreciate their information
being flavoured with large dollops of
humour and personal engagement.
Clearly a willing captive to the drama of
historical narrative, Alana demonstrates
her ability to educate others, acquired
over a lifetime of teaching students
from primary to university levels. Born
and raised in Northern Ireland, a land
famous for its story tellers, Alana initially
graduated as a teacher of English and
Drama. In common with so many Irish,
she subsequently emigrated to Canada
where her love of learning propelled her
to complete a Masters Degree in Special
Education, and later, at UBC, a Doctorate
in Educational Psychology. Demonstrating
remarkable determination, Alana
earned both these degrees while raising
two children as a single parent.
Alana finished her working years
as a research consultant to various
educational groups in Alberta. In 2006,
with her son and daughter launched
on their careers, she “retired” to our
West Coast, or as she calls it - “the land
of rain and flowers” - settling happily
in the Comox Valley. Not surprisingly,
Alana has become one of ElderCollege’s
most enthusiastic supporters. Besides
teaching her classes in Early British
History, Alana plays an important role
on the Curriculum Committee as the
coordinator of the increasingly favoured
General Interest Short Course program.
Outside of ElderCollege, Alana has found
a great outlet for her love of drama with
the Courtenay Little Theatre, where
she recently directed 2012’s Christmas
Pantomime - “The Magic Tinderbox.”
She is also an enthusiastic member
of the local Scottish Country dancing
organization (she loves the history of
this dance), and furthers her exercise by
walking her energetic dog, Easy Rawlins.
We are grateful that Alana’s energy
and joy of learning have brought her to
ElderCollege, which she describes with
her usual flair as a “jewel in the crown”
of the Comox Valley. She obviously
aims to help keep that jewel intact.
Who would imagine that a class in
Early British History would prove
to be one of ElderCollege’s most
popular ongoing courses?
We Love ElderCollege Volunteers!
The ElderCollege Volunteer Committee invites all
volunteers from the Fall and Winter semesters to join
us at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event on
Thursday, February 28 from 3:00 to 5:30 at the Filberg
Centre in Courtenay.
There will be coffee and lots of good food to eat, as well as a pianist to
entertain us. This is an opportunity to honour and thank our members that
work so hard to make our organization the very best in Canada.
VOLUNTEER
APPRECIATION
EVENT
Thursday, February 28
3:00 to 5:30
Filberg Centre in
Courtenay
We hope to see you there!
2013 WINTER 3

Intriguing New Courses
Topics in Ornithology
Joel Kositsky
This will NOT be a course on bird identification.
Instead, the course is planned to
give the student an overview and appreciation
of birds by looking at many aspects of
their lives.
Topics will include an examination of the
many features that make birds unique
among animals. We will discuss particularly
the many adaptations for, and constraints
imposed by flight on bird physiology
and behaviour.
We will also look at the basic ideas of
evolution (including many misconceptions)
and examine issues and ideas touching on
the evolution of birds from dinosaurs. This
will lead to a definition of “species”, and
a discussion of the way in which birds are
classified.
We will study the ecology of birds, with
an emphasis on energy requirements and
how these are fulfilled by the many various
feeding adaptations and strategies.
Migration, one of the most romantic
aspects of birdlife, will be examined. The
large rate of attrition in migrating birds,
the importance of correct timing, and the
strategies of navigation will be explored.
Many unanswered questions about migration
will be raised and examined for possible
resolution.
Reproduction in birds is quite fascinating,
with several species-specific “domestic” arrangements.
We will examine many of the
issues involved in mate selection, nesting,
and raising of the young. Time permitting,
other aspects of social behaviour, and bird
intelligence will be examined.
Be Kind to Those You Leave Behind
Linda McLean
No one wants to think about death...
we’re too busy having fun attending
ElderCollege classes and doing the dozens
of others things that give our life meaning
and joy. However, considering another
“after-life,” that of our loved ones and
executors, might be a kind and courageous
thing to do. Dealing with our estate and
the avalanche of decisions and documents
and duties would be overwhelming at
the best of times. Factor in grief, shock,
inexperience.... and family members,
including eccentric Auntie Beatrice... and
you’ve got the potential for a bad scene.
The estate experience can even be angrymaking
and reach a ten on the stress scale
when there’s little information, scattered
(or no) documentation, and vague past
discussions about health care, assets, or
who gets the antique dining room set.
This workshop is intended to encourage
and facilitate participants in clarifying
their needs and wishes, investigating
resources, compiling information, getting
the necessary work done, and informing
loved ones.
The workshop’s facilitator, Linda
McLean, has experienced being
an unexpected executor, has had
“the conversation” with her
parents and sibling (it was a
relief for all parties), and has put
her own affairs in order. She
wants to help others do the
same, and in the process, be kind
to those we leave behind.
4 ELDERCOLLEGE

2013
At ElderCollege the
learning process is lively,
full of discussion,
controversy, and humour.
Everyone 55 and over is
encouraged to join and
participate with NO
exams, NO grades, and
NO pressure.
Registration:
9 am Monday
January 21, 2013
Course and
Registration Info:
You must be an ElderCollege
member to register for
all courses.
$11.20 Annual Membership
(CVEC 0001)
$36.96 Courses (per course,
unless otherwise noted)
$36.96 Lecture Series
$22.40 Four Week Courses
$11.20 Short Courses
Prices include HST
Register on line at www.nic.bc.ca/ec
In person at NIC Registration Office
REFUND POLICY FOR COURSES
Please note: to obtain a refund for a
course in which you have registered,
you must withdraw from the
course no later than seven days
prior to class commencement.
Members cannot change courses
once classes have begun.
WINTER COURSES
THE ARAB SPRING AND BEYOND
CVEC 6244
Neil E. Crouch
Fri. Feb. 8 – Mar.15 8:30 – 10:00
The mostly Arab countries of the Middle
East are caught between their cultural/faith
traditions and the draw of the west. We will
explore some similarities in these countries’
struggles and the possible different outcomes
for them as they go through the sometimes
wrenching and destructive process of
change. The course material will be based on
photographs taken in those countries.
BASIC COMOX VALLEY BOTANY
CVEC 7545
Loys Maingon
Wed. Feb. 6 – Mar. 27 11:30 – 1:00
This course will be a survey of the flora of the
Comox Valley and its ecosystems. Participants
will be provided with an understanding of plant
taxonomy, plant evolution and function. There
will be field trips to selected sites around the
Comox Valley.
BEGINNERS CONVERSATIONAL FRENCH FOR
SENIORS: PART I
CVEC 2461
Barbara Colwell
Mon. Feb. 4 – Mar. 18 8:30 – 10:00
This course will provide a base vocabulary
and key grammatical structures in the French
language, with a view to helping participants
express themselves with some ease. Common
topics such as greetings, the weather, our
families, around the town and shopping are
likely to be covered. Class participants should
bring a French/English dictionary.
BEGINNING SPANISH
CVEC 2480
Wendy Johnson
Thurs. Feb. 7 – Apr. 4 11:30 – 1:00
This class offers the essentials that will allow
visitors to Latin America to connect politely and
with friendly intent at a basic, conversational
level with the Spanish-speaking people they
encounter. Reading a menu, interacting with
shopkeepers, understanding directions and
taking taxis and buses will all be touched upon.
Correct pronunciation is emphasized. There will
be homework.
BRIDGE: INTRODUCTION TO BIDDING
CVEC 6252
Gary Priestman
Thurs. Feb. 7 – Apr. 4 2:30 – 4:00
An introduction to the card game of Bridge.
Intended for the complete beginner with no
or very limited knowledge of the game as well
as those players getting back into the game.
A “cards on the table” approach is taken
to reinforce each week’s lesson. While the
NO CLASSES MON. FEB. 11TH, THURS. FEB. 21,
AND FRI. MAR. 29
emphasis is on bidding, given adequate time,
play of the hand is also introduced.
CANADIAN POETRY AND SHORT STORIES
CVEC 6258
Rennie Reynolds
Wed. Feb. 6 – Mar. 27 2:30 – 4:00
This course provides an opportunity to read and
discuss Canadian poetry and stories. Its focus
will be on exploring various poetry genres and
short story styles with a view to enjoyment and
the sharing of ideas and responses. Participants’
poetry selections will be provided and the story
text, The Penguin Book of Canadian Short
Stories, may be purchased from the course
leader.
CELEBRATING RUMI
CVEC 5875
Ann Johnstone
Wed. Feb. 6 – Mar. 20 1:00 – 2:30
Rumi is known for his thought-provoking
allegories, his exquisite lyrical poems and his
thousands of tributes to “The Beloved”. Is “The
Beloved” his great friend and mentor Shams,
or is Rumi referring to a higher consciousness?
His poetry is best experienced by reading
aloud, preferably to music. Participants will be
encouraged to perform, discuss and share their
enjoyment of this popular 13th century Sufi
mystic.
CONVERSATIONAL FRENCH FOR SENIORS:
PART II
CVEC 2462
Barbara Colwell
Thurs. Feb. 7 – Mar. 28 8:30 – 10:00
This course is a continuation of Beginners
Conversational French for Seniors: Part I. The
course will focus on further development of
verb usage and vocabulary, with more practice.
Selected topics will be given for whole class and
small group discussion.
CRYPTIC CROSSWORDS
CVEC 6240 Barbara and Jim Moscovich
Wed. Feb. 6 – Mar. 13 4:00 – 5:30
Do you find the clues of cryptic crossword
puzzles to be generally nonsensical and
baffling? With a little coaching you can learn to
interpret many of the idiosyncratic conventions
that underlie these entertaining and devious
brain-twisters. This introductory course will
appeal to amateur philologists (lovers of words)
who enjoy humour and wordplay. Classes will
provide weekly opportunities to practice solving
puzzles and to enjoy, or groan at, the clever
clues and solutions.
FINDING RELAXATION
2013 WINTER
5
www.nic.bc.ca/ec
ELDERCOLLEGE • Tel: 250.334.5000 Local 4602 • Email: eldercollegeCV@nic.bc.ca

CVEC 5475
Dona Anderson
Tues. Feb. 5 – Mar. 26 1:00 – 2:30
A time to slow down and find relaxation!
Let go of stress, tension, and listen to your
body while you explore gentle standing,
sitting, floor and chair yoga postures and
breath awareness. We’ll also use smiles,
laughter, sound/music, and other nurturing
activities for connecting and grounding.
Numerous relaxation exercises will invite
you to breathe and restore even more.
Bring along your yoga mat, cushion,
blanket and your beautiful smile.
GEOCACHING BASICS
CVEC 4920
Tom Furlotte
Thurs. Mar. 21 – Mar. 28 4:00 – 5:30
Sun. Mar. 31 – Apr. 28 1:00 – 4:00
A high-tech treasure hunt. Geocachers
seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS
coordinates posted on the internet. The
course consists of 2 Thursday classroom
lectures lasting approximately 1 hour,
followed by 5 Sunday field trips. Classroom
lectures will include basic global positioning
system (GPS) theory, geocaching web page
navigation and practical exercises outside
NIC. Weekend classes will be guided
Geocaching excursions to pre-existing
caches in the valley.
GET A GRIP ON OPERA
CVEC 1835 Dr. Phyllis Giovannetti
Tues. Feb. 19 – Mar. 26 10:00 – 1:00
This is an opera appreciation class designed
for members with limited or no operatic
experience. Seasoned opera lovers are also
welcome. DVD’s, CD’s, stories of the operas,
discussions of composers and singers and
more will prepare you to fully appreciate
the HD ‘live’ operas by the NY Met Opera.
Class participation is valued and you can
expect to have fun. Leave with visions of
spectacular opera performances in your
head, beautiful music ringing in your ears,
and the boldness to sing opera in your
shower. A course materials fee of $5 will be
collected at the first session.
GREAT BOOKS
CVEC 6210
Ken McKenzie
Tues. Feb. 5 – Mar. 26 11:30 – 1:00
This winter term the course will include
works by Plato, Chekhov, Aristotle, Conrad
and others . The course requires that
participants spend two to three hours
each week reading material from the
text in preparation for class discussion.
The required text is from the Great Books
Reading and Discussion Series: First Series.
Cost is approximately $30, available at
Greatbooks.org.
NATURAL HISTORY
CVEC 6320
David Dickinson
Wed. Feb. 6 – Mar. 13 8:30 – 10:00
Topics include: Terrestrial Mammals of
Vancouver Island; NW Pacific Coast Fishes;
Vancouver Island Flora; Extinct Megafauna
of North America: Birds of Vancouver Island
and Bugs n’stuff. Discussion and exchange
of information will be a focal point.
PRE-WORLD WAR II GERMAN FILM
CVEC 1730
Kay Kennedy
Thurs. Feb. 7 – Mar. 21 2:30 – 5:30
Early German film makers’ influences on
later films in Europe and Hollywood will
be discussed. Six films from this period will
be shown in their entirety with discussion
following. This is a general course, no
previous film knowledge required.
SCENIC HIKES
CVEC 5525
Jim Cooper
Tues. Mar. 5 – Apr. 23 1:00 – 4:00
This series of hikes will follow some of the
most beautiful local river and mountainside
trails. These 2.5 - 3 hour hikes will
typically cover 6 to 8 kms through varied
terrain; walkers should be comfortable
with occasional steep, rocky and muddy
conditions. Sturdy, waterproof footwear
is recommended. There will be 8 walks,
weather permitting. Dogs not encouraged.
SCENIC WALKS WITH DOGS
CVEC 5521
Bucky Buchanan
Thurs. Mar. 7 – Apr. 25 1:00 – 4:00
Explore the vernal Comox Valley in this
series of walks in the Cumberland forest
and along the banks of the Puntledge,
Brown’s, Tsolum, Oyster, Trent and Rosewall
rivers. Walks will be 6-8 km. long and take
a leisurely 2+ hours, allowing ample time
to smell flowers and take photographs.
Most of these trails will have occasional
steep, muddy or interesting sections. Dogs
welcome.
SCENIC WALKS 2
CVEC 5520 Tiki Jäger/Joanne McGowan
Tues. Mar. 5 – Apr. 23 1:00 – 3:00
These leisurely walks of approximately 2
hours will allow ample time for photos of
flora and fauna along local trails including
the North East Woods, Brooklyn Creek,
Lazo Marshland, and local rivers. Sturdy
footwear, walking poles, wet weather gear
are recommended for these Spring walks.
No dogs please. Begins week of March 5.
SOCIAL SAUNTERS
CVEC 5515
Bob Burns
Wed. Mar. 6 – Apr. 24 10:00 – 12:00
For those who want to smell the flowers
and experience the outdoors at a leisurely
pace, join us for a shorter, gentler version
of Scenic Walks. Each week we will go for
an hour to an hour and a half walk on flat
terrain, along beaches, trails or old roads,
and enjoy each others company while
communing with nature. Dogs welcome.
After the walks, we will go for coffee and
perhaps do lunch.
T’AI CHI CH’UAN FOR HEALTH
CVEC 5450
Doreen Hynd
Wed. Feb 6 – Mar. 27 11:30 – 1:00
T’ai Chi Ch’uan is an ancient exercise art
practiced for physical, emotional and
mental well-being. This perfect weaving of
movement with circular form helps to calm
the disposition and concentrate the mind. It
develops supple muscles, flexible joints and
increases circulation. A life long exercise, it
is valid and beneficial at any age for men
and women. This is an introductory course.
One’s present mobility should not be a
concern.
TAOIST TAI CHI ART OF HEALTH
CVEC 5455
Richard Taylor
Fri. Feb. 1 – Mar. 22 1:00 – 2:30
Taoist Tai Chi internal art of health was
developed by Master Moy Lin, a Taoist
monk, who came to Canada in 1970. This
Tai Chi set is made up of 108 movements
which work the entire body and increase
strength, flexibility and circulation. It is also
a form of moving meditation. This course is
very suitable for those new to the practice
of Tai Chi so beginners are welcome.
TOPICS IN ORNITHOLOGY
CVEC 6375
Joel Kositsky
Fri. Feb. 1 – Mar. 22 1:00 – 2:30
The goal of this course will be to enrich
our appreciation of birds. This will NOT be
a bird identification course. Instead, in this
course, we will examine various aspects of
the nature of birds. These will include life
as a flier, feathers, evolution, physiology,
classification, feeding, migration,
reproduction and other topics. In this way, I
hope to expand our knowledge and love of
these unique and amazing animals.
TWO COMEDIES
CVEC 1780
Robert Argall
Tues. Feb. 5 – Mar. 26 10:00 – 11:30
The two plays we will be reading and
watching are ‘The Importance of Being
Earnest” and ‘Noises Off’--one written
in the nineteenth century and the other
towards the end of the twentieth century.
We will discuss the changes in humour
between the two centuries,etc.. ‘Noises Off”
has been called, “the funniest play ever
written” (Daily Telegraph). We’ll see what
you think.
WRITERS’ WORKSHOP
CVEC 2310
Marvin Haave
Thurs. Feb. 7 – Apr. 4 10:00 – 1:00
Writers or would-be writers of any level
of experience bring their own writing of
whatever kind, to be heard and gently
critiqued by others in the class.
86 ELDERCOLLEGE

FOUR WEEK COURSES
COMPUTER COURSES
BE KIND TO THOSE YOU LEAVE BEHIND
CVEC 3532
Linda McLean
Thurs. Feb. 7 – Mar. 7 1:00 – 2:30
We have no choice... our passing is
inevitable. But we do have a choice to be
kind to those we leave behind... to make
it easier for our loved ones and executors
to handle all that will be required of them.
This course will help you pull together
information, resources, and documentation
on the practical side, as well as guide,
inform, and encourage you on the personal
side.
COMPUTER SECURITY
CVEC 4112
Bucky Buchanan
Thurs. Feb. 7 1:00 – 3:00
Secure your computer and protect your
data. Learn to prevent and remove viruses,
trojans, worms, keyloggers and other
malicious software. Delete advertisements,
cookies and tracking software. Filter your
email to avoid phishing, junk and spam.
FILM AND POLITICS 2
CVEC 1725
Heather McFetridge
Ricarda Van Orden
Wed. Mar. 6 – Mar. 27 1:00 – 4:00
This course will feature films by famed
directors (Rossellini, Pontecorvo and Costa-
Gravas) related to both individual and
collective struggles with occupying and/
or colonial forces. The films will generally
be dramatic, suspenseful and provocative.
There will be a full discussion summary in
the final class session.
FOOD MATTERS
CVEC 5625
Joanne McGowan
Fri. Feb. 15 – Mar. 8 11:30 – 1:00
This 4-part series will help you evaluate
food choices by discussing ‘real food’
nutrients required to maintain and enhance
health, and even heal our bodies. You
will hear fascinating testimonials about
health reversals from ‘food advocates’
who exemplify Hippocrates’ centuries-old
statement “Let food be thy medicine”.
Topics will include live foods, the raw
revolution, and green food. As well, local
producers will discuss the health benefits
of their products and their experiences as
valley food producers. Some recipes and
samples for tasting will be shared.
HEADLINE CANADA
CVEC 6431
Dr. Betty Donaldson
Tues. Mar. 5 - Mar. 26 11:30 – 1:00
Participate in four discussions about
current national and international
issues. Each weekly “snapshot” of media
headlines addresses Canadian perspectives
with respect to: (1) Internal Interprovincial
concerns; (2) the Americas; (3) the
European Union/Middle East; (4) Africa and
Asia. We’ll compare and contrast various
articles, whether we agree with conclusions
and how Canadians are affected. Bring
your biases and be willing to listen as well
as to debate.
IPAD - LEVEL II
CVEC 4572
Peter Newsted
Wed. Mar. 20 – Apr. 10 2:30 – 4:00
This course is for people who may already
have access to an iPad. We will show you
the various “gestures” used to control the
iPad, and demonstrate its most important
capabilities: Internet, Email, Photo and
Video, Reference, Educational, Business
and Personal applications, and Games. We
will also discuss “apps”. Bring your iPad if
you have one, but not essential as we’ll be
working in groups.
PLAN, CHOOSE, ORGANIZE AND FINALIZE!
CVEC 3530
Riki Jager
Tues. Feb. 12 – Mar. 5 1:00 – 2:30
Making the most of retirement years will
be addressed by four local ‘experts’. Lara
Austin (Feb.12) and Rick Morson (Feb.19)
will address issues that will help you live
most comfortably with the money you
have and ‘invest’ it in the best ways.
Wendy Johnstone (Feb.26) will guide you
through the practical, financial and support
choices available to ensure you can live
independently longer. Chris Kelsey (Mar.5)
will guide you in preparing your wishes in
a way that makes them legally binding.
PYSANKA: THE ART OF CREATING
UKRAINIAN EASTER EGGS
CVEC 1480
Roberta Ling
Wed. Feb. 6 – Feb. 27 2:30 – 5:30
Pysanka is a traditional art form which
emerged hundreds of years ago in Eastern
Europe. In this course students will learn
how to use the special tool (kitska) to apply
beeswax to a raw egg, apply the dyes
and finally remove the wax revealing the
colours and intricate lines. All participants
will have the opportunity to create one or
more Pysanka during the course. A cost of
$30 will be charged at the beginning of the
course, part of which covers your supplies.
Classes will be 3 hours long.
SPREADSHEET SECRETS
CVEC 4040
Ted Brooks
Wed. Feb. 6 – Feb. 27 2:30 – 4:00
A spreadsheet has many uses but is
especially designed for manipulating
numbers. Some common uses of
spreadsheets are budgeting, loan
calculations, maintaining membership
lists, doing income tax, etc. The uses of
a spreadsheet are only limited by your
imagination because they are much more
flexible than word processors. This course
will cover the basics and also some useful
examples of how spreadsheets can simplify
your life. Bring a flash drive to class to save
your work.
It is strongly recommended that
students have a USB drive of at least
32 MB for the computer classes.
BASICS: MAC COMPUTERS
CVEC 4550
Phil Smith
Thurs. Feb 7 – Apr.4 8:30 – 10:30
A course for those not conversant with
Macs, or with minimal experience on
computers. You will learn about the OSX
Lion operating system; Time Machine,
a back-up program; e-mail messaging
etiquette, and text editing. Explore the
world wide web; adventure into iTunes
and iPhoto. This is a good opportunity
to upgrade skills so that you use your
computer more effectively. Students
will be charged a fee of $15.00 for the
manual, payable at the first class.
BEGINNERS WINDOWS
CVEC 4310
Instructor TBA
Wed. Feb. 6 – Mar. 27 11:30 – 1:00
This eight session course of basic
computer instruction using the Windows
7 operating system is designed for seniors
who have had little, if any, computer
experience. No prerequisites required.
In this introductory course you will
learn mouse proficiency, the functions
of computer file manipulation, how to
format text using WordPad, the basics
of e-mail and how to search the internet
with Internet Explorer.
MAC INTERMEDIATE SKILLS
CVEC 4555
Marilyn Nicholas
Thurs. Feb. 7 – Apr. 4 10:30 – 12:30
This course extends skills learned in the
Basic Mac Course. System preferences are
more thoroughly reviewed and copy/paste
and word processing skills are refined.
Time Machine is reviewed. iTunes and
iPhoto are covered and then integrated
into an iMovie production. Some previous
Mac experience or extensive Windows
experience is a prerequisite because
this course builds upon the basic Mac
course and requires a knowledge of basic
computer operation.
A POTPOURRI OF APPS FOR PCS
CVEC 4332
Bucky Buchanan and others.
Fri. Feb. 8 – Apr. 5 10:00 – 12:00
An 8 week course featuring at least one
different program each week. Sharing
data, saving websites, encrypting data,
password manager, saving your data
online, constructing web sites,deleting
unwanted data and duplicates, search
techniques, exploring our planet, making
phone calls using your computer, and
enhancing photos are some of the apps
we may feature.
2013 WINTER
7

SHORT COURSES
Each course is usually four hours long on Friday afternoon from 1:00 - 5:00. It is strongly
recommended that students have a USB drive of at least 32MB for the computer classes.
1066 – MORE OR LESS
CVEC 6264
Alana Gowdy
Fri. Feb.22 1:00 – 5:00
This course looks at England before, during
and after the Norman conquest. Military
occupation rips apart the peace of a recently
unified country. In one day, the ambition of
a minor duke alters the face of Britain forever.
Oh well.
THE AGING EYE
CVEC 5735
Dr. David Dowe
Fri. Feb. 8 1:00 – 5:00
Changes to eyesight are normal as we age, but
vision loss can be slowed and often prevented.
Dr. Dowe will discuss eye examinations, vision
conditions and diseases of the aging eye,
plus the roles of Opticians, Optometrists, and
Ophthalmologists.
CHOOSING A DIGITAL CAMERA
CVEC 2710 Peter Sinclair/Robert Burns
Fri. Feb. 8 and Feb. 15 1:00 – 4:00
The World of digital cameras is large and
there are great variations in capability among
different cameras and classes of cameras.
The main variable is the user and his or her
photographic requirements. This course will
help people choose “their camera” and can
involve individual discussions.
DIGGING IN ROMAN BRITAIN
CVEC 6170
Margot Steward
Fri. Feb. 8 1:00 – 5:00
Have you always wanted to participate in an
archeological dig? Me too! My opportunity
came last summer at Hadrian’s Wall in northern
England. I’ll tell you all about it and how you
can join me next summer...searching for Roman
artifacts.
INVEST/RIGHT - FRAUD ALERT!
CVEC 3508 BC Securities Commission and
Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island
Fri. Mar. 1 1:00 – 5:00
This seminar provides a range of tools to help
investors develop skills needed to protect
themselves – how to spot and report frauds and
to recognize various types of scams. Sometimes
the best investment is the one you don’t make.
THE GEOLOGY OF VANCOUVER ISLAND
CVEC 6329
Dixon Edwards
Mon. May 6 and Wed. May 8 2:00 – 5:00
This course focuses on the geology and
geological history of Vancouver Island. We will
trace, over hundreds of millions of years, the
rock that became Vancouver Island through the
use of the Laws of Geology and our knowledge
of stratigraphy, geotectonics and glaciation.
We will take a field trip to see some of the
sediments and rocks that are part of this history.
IDES OF MARCH
CVEC 6272
Jim Moscovich
Fri. Mar. 15 1:00 – 5:00
Et Tu Brute! This course will examine the life
and legacy of Julius Caesar using a variety of
sources - not only the writings of the great man
himself, but also interpretations drawn from
Shakespeare, Hollywood, and even Wayne and
Shuster.
IPAD - LEVEL 1
CVEC 4571
Peter Newsted
Fri. Mar. 8 and Mar. 15 1:00 – 3:00
It is much easier to work with Apple’s iPad
than with a conventional computer -- and it’s
enjoyable to do so. This class (2-hour x 2) is for
those who are thinking of acquiring one but
have not had an opportunity to see how they
work. We will demonstrate the basic ways of
using it, let you try some of the “moves” for
yourself, and demonstrate some of the things
you might do with it. You don’t need to have
an iPad for this course.
NATURAL DYEING
CVEC 1131
Jean Newsted
Fri. Mar. 22 1:00 – 5:00
Until 1859, most textiles were coloured
with dyes from plants. Through lecture,
demonstration, computer projection, and a bit
of hands-on, explore the colourful world of
natural dyeing, learning how even the smallest
garden can become your own dye pot.
NEW WORLD WINES
CVEC 7377
John Challender
Fri. Feb. 1 1:00 - 5:00
An interactive look at how wine began to be
produced in the new world with a close look at
grape varieties. Printed notes will be provided
at no additional charge and wine will be
tasted for which there will be a fee levied and
collected the day of the course based on the
number enrolled (approximately $5).
PADDLING HAIDA GWAII
CVEC 5908
Christine Fordham
Fri. Feb. 8 1:00 – 5:00
See Southern Haida Gwaii from a kayak.
Explore SGang Gwaay, where Haida poles
still stand; paddle with dolphins and seabirds.
Explore an archaeological dig, and see the
wildlife and trees in the harsh environment of
the Queen Charlotte archipelago.
RAMMED-EARTH WALLS – A HEALTHIER
CONSTRUCTION ALTERNATIVE
CVEC 5275
Meror Krayenhoff
Fri. Mar. 15 1:00 – 5:00
Rammed-earth walls are made from compacted
soils mixed with cement. They are durable,
less toxic, energy efficient, low maintenance
and are resilient to moulds and natural forces.
Discuss the merits and philosophy of this
updated ancient construction with an awardwinning
BC builder.
SMART PHONES
CVEC 4010
Nick Karpinsky
Fri. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1 11:30 – 1:00
If someone gave you a Smart Phone, or you are
thinking of buying one, this course will give
you some insight into what smart phones are
all about, and what you can expect to do with
them. There are many different models with
different capabilities, and of course there are
operating costs. The Smart Phones now have
Internet, Email, Photo and Video, Reference,
Educational, Business and Personal applications,
and Games.
TABLET COMPUTERS
CVEC 4340
Nick Karpinsky
Fri. Mar. 22 and Apr. 5 2:30- 4:00
A tablet computer, or simply tablet, is a
mobile computer, larger than a mobile
phone integrated into a flat touch screen
and operated by touching the screen. There
are devices that compete with Apple’s iPad,
and use a different operating system. We will
demonstrate the basic ways of using these, let
you try some of the “moves” for yourself, and
demonstrate some of the things you might do
with it. Tablet not required for this course.
THERAPEUTIC RIDING
CVEC 6690
Margaret Hind
Fri. Feb.15 1:00 – 5:00
This course is an introduction to how horses can
become teachers, therapists and friends. Held at
the Courtenay Exhibition Grounds. Participants
will be introduced to the unique personalities
of some of the horses and meet some of the
riders in the program.
TREASURES OF TUSCANY
CVEC 5945
Adele Bailey
Fri. Feb. 22 1:00 – 5:00
Explore the delights of medieval and
Renaissance Italy in this romp around the
Tuscan landscape, stopping at Etruscan hilltowns,
towered cities from the 1300s, and then
a seriously good wander around the magical
city of Florence, discovering treasures usually
hidden from tour-groups.
URBAN CYCLING SKILLS
CVEC 5490
Ed Schum
Fri. Mar. 8 1:00 – 5:00
Learn to ride your bike safely and confidently.
Develop skills to teach your grandchildren to
ride cautiously and conspicuously. Cycling is
a healthy, inexpensive and environmentally
friendly way to get around! Improve your
health and the health of our community.
Participants will bring their bicycles and
approved helmets.
8 ELDERCOLLEGE

SATURDAY LECTURE SERIES
THE CLIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING:
THE CLIMATE AND US
Weather, ice melt, warming oceans, the invasion by warmer water fish species, forest changes – these are
some of the indicators of climate change. What are the elements behind these indicators and how will
they affect us in the Comox Valley? Come and find out how you might be able to mitigate those impacts
at the Winter 2013 Lecture Series.
January 26
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GLOBAL
WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bob McDonald
Weather is what you see, climate is what you
get. It’s hard enough to predict what will
happen outside your living room window
over the next week, imagine trying to
predict the climate of the Earth over the next
hundred years. Scientists use a number of
different methods, from ice cores, to tree
rings and fossils to figure out the climate of
the past, then run complex computer models
to predict the future. All models show that
human activity has changed the pattern that
has been followed by nature for more than a
million years.
February 2
CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER
GOVERNANCE IN BC
Deborah Harford
Climate change is affecting our water system
in many ways, from heavier rainstorms and
flooding to longer hotter summers and
drought. This in turn affects many aspects of
daily life, from water quality and quantity
to housing damage to impacts on industries
from farming to utilities. This lecture will
discuss the changes we can expect to see,
what governments are doing to respond, and
ways we can help.
February 9
USING REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE
INFORMATION
Trevor Murdock
In this lecture, we will see how regional
climate change projections can be extracted
from coarse-resolution climate model
projections, including changes in climate
extremes. The lecture will include several
examples of the use of regional projections
for adapting to climate change.
February 16
ADAPTING FOREST MANAGEMENT TO
CLIMATE CHANGE
Dave Spittlehouse
Although the future climate and the
response of forests are uncertain, planning
for adaptation needs to start now. Adaptive
actions can be grouped into three categories:
adapting management to the changing
forest; adapting forests to a changing
climate; and changing society’s expectations.
Examples of these actions will be presented.
British Columbia’s climate change adaptation
plan to ensure that forests continue to
supply the services society needs will also be
discussed.
February 23
GLOBAL WARMING AND AGRICULTURE
Dr. Thierry Vrain
This lecture will review the relationships of
climate change and agriculture. The effects
of industrial agriculture on carbon dioxide,
methane and nitrous oxide gas release to the
atmosphere will be described. The effects of
climate variability and increase in extreme
climate events on soil productivity and food
security will be discussed.
March 2
A LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE OF GLACIER
CHANGE
Brian Menounos
Earth’s glaciers and ice sheets have regularly
waxed and waned in response to climate.
Unlike past events, however, humans are
now clearly implicated in causing the rapid
shrinkage of ice on our planet. This lecture
will describe the importance of glaciers and
ice sheets and how these frozen, freshwater
reservoirs changed in the geologic past. It
will also discuss our current understanding of
their fate during this century.
March 9
SHELLFISH AND A CHANGING WORLD
Brian Kingzett, M.Sc.
Brian Kingzett, Manager of the VIU Deep
Bay Marine Station, will talk about the
“Other CO2 Problem”, how climate change is
affecting the chemistry of the oceans through
a process known as Ocean Acidification.
He will discuss the role and importance
of shellfish to the health of the marine
ecosystems and, as sources of sustainable
seafood and economic opportunities.
Decreasing ocean pH as a result of increasing
carbon dioxide emissions is posing threats to
the marine food chain globally and locally
with potentially significant repercussions for
coastal communities.
March 16
CLIMATE ACTION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Kyle Aben
This lecture will overview BC’s climate change
policies since 2007. With several years of
‘results’, BC can now take a critical look at its
climate actions and greenhouse gas emission
reduction goals. The lecture will leave the
audience with a greater understanding of
the carbon tax, what carbon neutrality really
means and why offsets are now part of the
vocabulary in BC.
March 23
OUR IMPACT ON EARTH’S CLIMATE - WHY
WE AREN’T GETTING IT
John J. Anderson, Phd.
Several authors have now indicated that a
more positive conception of human nature
is required for us to survive as a species.
This talk will describe a new theory based
on one such conception, as well as the
addressable obstacle that keeps us from really
understanding our predicament, why some
people in positions to affect public
policy are particularly unable to get it, and a
host of mitigation strategies.
ADMISSION TO THE LECTURE SERIES:
The North Island College registration system registers only 212
people for the Lecture Series. Each week there are some empty
seats as not everyone can attend every single Saturday. Members
of ElderCollege may pay $10.00 on a first come basis for those
empty seats.
For those members who are registered, it is recommended that
they be seated at least ten minutes prior to the beginning of the
lecture so that empty seats can be made available.
2013 WINTER 9
www.nic.bc.ca/ec
ELDERCOLLEGE • Tel: 250.334.5000 (Local 4602) • Email: eldercollegeCV@nic.bc.ca

ELDERCOLLEGE
Courses at a Glance
WINTER 2013
MONDAYS
Beginners French Part 1 8:30 - 10:00
CVEC 2461
TUESDAYS
Two Comedies 10:00 - 11:30
CVEC 1780
Get a Grip on Opera 10:00 - 1:00
CVEC 1835
Great Books 11:30 - 1:00
CVEC 6210
Finding Relaxation 1:00 - 2:30
CVEC 5475
Scenic Walks 2 1:00 - 3:00
CVEC 5520
Scenic Hikes 1:00 - 4:00
CVEC 5525
WEDNESDAYS
Natural History 8:30 - 10:00
CVEC 6320
Social Saunters 10:00 - 12:00
CVEC 5515
Basic Comox Valley Botany 11:30 - 1:00
CVEC 7545
Beginners Windows 11:30 - 1:00
CVEC 4310
T’ai Chi Chuan for Health 11:30 - 1:00
CVEC 5450
Celebrating Rumi 1:00 - 2:30
CVEC 5875
Canadian Poetry
and Short Stories 2:30 - 4:00
CVEC 6258
Cryptic Crosswords 4:00 - 5:30
CVEC 6240
THURSDAYS
Conversational French for Seniors 8:30 - 10:00
CVEC 2462
Basics: Mac Computers 8:30 - 10:00
CVEC 4550
Writers Workshop 10:00 - 1:00
CVEC 2310
Intermediate Mac Computers 10:00 - 11:30
CVEC 4555
Beginning Spanish for Seniors 11:30 - 1:00
CVEC 2480
Scenic Walks with Dogs 1:00 - 4:00
CVEC 5521
Bridge: Introduction to Bidding 2:30 - 4:00
CVEC 6252
Pre-World War II German Film 2:30 - 5:30
CVEC 1730
Geocaching Basics
CVEC 4920
Mar.21&Mar28 4:00 - 5:30
Mar.31 - Apr.28 1:00 - 4:00
FRIDAYS
The Arab Spring and Beyond 8:30 - 10:00
CVEC 6244
A Potpourri of Apps for PC’s 10:00 - 1:00
CVEC 4332
Taoist T’ai Chi: Art of Health 1:00 - 2:30
CVEC 5455
Topics in Ornithology 1:00 - 2:30
CVEC 6375
FOUR WEEK COURSES
TUESDAYS
Headline Canada 11:30 - 1:00
CVEC 6431
Plan, Choose, Organize & Finalize
CVEC 3530 1:00 - 2:30
WEDNESDAYS
Film and Politics 2 11:30 - 4:00
CVEC 1725
iPad Level II 2:30 - 4:00
CVEC 4572
Spreadsheet Secrets 2:30 - 4:00
CVEC 4040
Pysanka: Creating Easter Eggs
CVEC 1480 2:30 - 5:30
THURSDAYS
Be Kind to Those You Leave Behind
CVEC 3532 1:00 - 2:30
Computer Security 1:00 - 4:00
CVEC 4112
No classes Feb. 11, Feb. 21 and Mar. 29
Class Schedules are subject to change. Please go online at www.nic.bc.ca/ec to
confirm dates and times
FRIDAYS
Food Matters 11:30 - 1:00
CVEC 5625
FRIDAY SHORT COURSES
1066 - More or Less 1:00 - 5:00
CVEC 6264 Feb. 22
The Aging Eye 1:00 - 5:00
CVEC 5735 Feb. 8
Choosing a Digital Camera 1:00 - 4:00
CVEC 2710 Feb. 8 & 15
Digging in Roman Britain 1:00 - 5:00
CVEC 6170 Feb. 8
Invest Right - Fraud Alert 1:00 - 5:00
CVEC 3508 Mar. 1
The Geology of Vancouver
Island
CVEC 6329
1:00 - 5:00
May 6 & 8
Ides of March 1:00 - 5:00
CVEC 6272 Mar. 15
iPad - Level 1 1:00 - 3:00
CVEC 4571 Mar. 8 & 15
Natural Dyeing 1:00 - 5:00
CVEC 1131 Mar. 22
New World Wines 1:00 - 5:00
CVEC 7377 Feb. 1
Paddling Haida Gwaii 1:00 - 5:00
CVEC 5908 Feb. 8
Rammed Earth Walls 1:00 - 5:00
CVEC 5275 Mar. 15
Smart Phones 11:30 - 1:00
CVEC 4010 Feb. 22 & Mar. 1
Tablet Computers 2:30 - 5:00
CVEC 4340 Mar. 22 & Apr. 5
Therapeutic Riding 1:00 - 3:30
CVEC 6690 Feb. 15
Treasures of Tuscany 1:00 - 5:00
CVEC 5945 Feb. 22
Urban Cycling Skills 1:00 - 5:00
CVEC 5940 Mar. 8
SATURDAYS
Lecture Series 10:00 - 12:00
CVEC 9000
www.nic.bc.ca/ec
ELDERCOLLEGE • Tel: 250.334.5000 (Local 4602) • Email: eldercollegeCV@nic.bc.ca