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• An Overview of Astronomy

  • When
    19 Sep 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    On Zoom, & ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    25

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  Modern astronomy has given us unprecedented views of our universe, from the most distant galaxies spanning back to the beginning of our universe to detailed views of our nearest neighbours in our solar system. New telescopes such as the James Webb Space telescope and others have provided us with these views, challenging astronomers to rethink the way we view the universe. This talk will provide a history of astronomy from the early development of the telescope with Galileo, through Newton and Einstein and their revolutionary perspectives on the nature of the universe, to the latest technology in telescopes and space travel which are taking us back to the Moon and beyond.

  Enjoy this Saturday presentation on Zoom in your own home or come into the Learning Centre and watch together – projected onto our large wall for viewing. 

  Presenter Jonathan Geehan, Honours Degree In Physics, Master’s Degree In Astrophysics, Victoria High School Teacher
  

  1 Session, $15, In person Max class size, 50

  Saturday, Sept 19th,  1:00– 3:00pm

  Zoom Presentation: Participate as a group at the ElderCollege Learning Centre or from home.

  
  

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• K is for KOREA

  • Start
    22 Sep 2026
  •  
  • End
    29 Sep 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    5

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  Suddenly, the world is noticing and welcoming Korean culture. From K-food, K-Pop and Karaoke, to global-hit series and movies, a Grammy winning song and Nobel Prize winning novelist Han Kang, Korean culture is in full flower. We will discuss several of these exciting developments.

  Presenter, Denise Suh: Korean University Literature and Translation Instructor and at UBC taught Korean as a Foreign Language.

  2 sessions, $25.  Max class size, 25

  Tuesdays, September 22 & 29th, 1:00 – 3:00

  Location: ElderCollege Learning Centre

  
  

  
  

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• Home Energy Workshop

  • When
    23 Sep 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    15

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  Join us for a free and friendly workshop designed to help you make your home more comfortable, safer, and easier on your wallet. Presented by the award-winning Empower Me program, this session offers practical tips on saving energy, lowering utility bills, and improving home safety. Whether you live in a detached home, townhouse, or apartment, you’ll discover simple changes that can make a big difference. We welcome everyone—including newcomers to Canada and those who speak English as a second language.  Many participants leave saying, “I had no idea I could save so much!” 
  
  

  Presenter, Lubna Moosa: Teaches Journalism and Communication Studies at KPU and Columbia College in Vancouver, Home Energy Expert
  
  

  1 Session, Free 
  Note - This event is open to the public. Non-ElderCollege Members can register to attend. Non-Members, register with the "Free Registration" ticket
  Max class size, 36

  Wednesday, Sept 23rd, 10:00 – Noon

  Location: ElderCollege Learning Centre

  
  

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• Hawai‘i Before Captain Cook: The Rise of Island Kingdoms

  • When
    25 Sep 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    1

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  Long before European ships reached the Hawaiian Islands, powerful chiefs ruled complex societies supported by agriculture, temples, coastal fishponds, and sacred landscapes. This lecture explores Hawai‘i before Captain Cook, focusing on the political and cultural developments that led to the rise of island kingdoms. Archaeological sites such as Pu‘ukoholā Heiau and the royal landscapes of the Kona coast reveal sophisticated systems of authority, ritual, and resource management. Learn how these island societies developed before European contact and how they eventually led toward unification under King Kamehameha I.

  Presenter, Sarah Holma: Anthropologist, Archaeologist, Educator, Public Speaker and PhD Candidate specializing in cultural heritage and sacred landscapes.
  

  1 Session, $15.  Max class size, 35

  Friday, September 25th, 10:00 – Noon

  Location: ElderCollege Learning Centre

  
  
  

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• Archaeology in British Columbia and the Stories It Tells

  • When
    28 Sep 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    0

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  Archaeology tells the story of the human past in British Columbia from 15,000 years ago to yesterday. The story is told through highlighting several important discoveries, including 13,000-year-old footprints, a cave site occupied for 14,000 years, evidence of sophisticated technology and wealth, an ancient traveller melting out of a glacier, the discovery of a previously unknown early 20^th century Japanese logging camp and village in a local forest, and insight into the impacts of COVID on human behaviour. Also covered is how archaeologists make their interpretations and how archaeology is regulated.

  Presenter, Bob Muckle: Author, Registered Professional Archaeologist,  Department of Anthropology Instructor at Capilano University. 

  1 session.  $15  Max class size, 35

  Monday, Sept 28th, 10:00 – Noon

  ElderCollege Learning Centre

  
  
  

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• Solo Travel: Confidence, Connection & Adventure

  • When
    1 Oct 2026
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    5

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  More women than ever are trying solo travel and are discovering the freedom that comes with it. In this presentation, you’ll hear how a solo-travel experience turned into much more than just seeing new places. Along the way came new friendships, greater confidence, and a sense of empowerment.

  We will also look at the growing trend of women travelling on their own. Today, women make most of the travel-planning decisions, and many are no longer waiting for friends or family to join them before taking a trip. We’ll also talk about solo tour options, online travel communities, safety tips, and the many resources now available to help women feel comfortable travelling independently.

  Presenter, Michelle Hopkins: A seasoned published travel writer with a passion for all things travel-related.
  

  1 Session, $15  Max class size, 35

  Thursday, October 1st, 1:30 – 3:30pm

  Location:  ElderCollege Learning Centre

  
  

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• Public Transit Trip – Tsawwassen to Lonsdale Quay

  • When
    2 Oct 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Catching a Bus Near the ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    2

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  Come spend a fun and active day with us on TransLink, our regional public transit system. Travel to Lonsdale Quay while brushing up your transit skills.  We’ll meet at the ElderCollege Learning Centre to review some  tips and tricks, then take the bus from Tsawwassen to Bridgeport,  the Canada Line through Vancouver, and the Sea Bus to North Vancouver.   

   

  We'll have time to explore, shop and have lunch at Lonsdale Quay or the new developments at the Shipyards before returning to Tsawwassen the same way – via transit. 

  
  

  Participants should expect to do lots of walking and are advised to wear suitable clothing for whatever the weather will be that day, rain or shine.  Fee includes your TransLink pass for the day. 
  

  
  Hosted by Alison Chant, Returning Presenter, Frequent Transit User

     

  1 Session, $25.  Max class size, 16

  Friday, October 2nd   10:00 – 4:00pm   

  Round trip public bus trip, leaving near ElderCollege at 10:00    

  
  

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• What Will Astronomy Be Like In Another Century?

  • Start
    6 Oct 2026
  •  
  • End
    13 Oct 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    8

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  Astronomy texts of 2126 will be filled with answers to questions we haven’t  thought to ask in 2026. I say this knowing how dramatically and unpredictably our cosmic view changed in the past century.

  How did Canadian astronomer John Stanley Plaskett see the Universe when his namesake 1.8-m telescope at the Dominion Astronomical Observatory saw its first light on 6 May 1918? How might he have answered the question “What will astronomy be like in 2026?” Whenever we look at the Universe with new eyes and new insights, we are always caught off guard. I hope to catch you off guard with a look back across a century of astronomical history and my speculative look forward across the next century of discovery. Each session will finish with questions about anything astronomy.

  Presenter, Dr. Jaymie Matthews, O.C., is an Emeritus Professor of Astrophysics at UBC Department of Physics & Astronomy
  

  2 Sessions, $25  Max class size, 30
  Tuesdays, Oct 6 & 13, 1:30 – 3:30

  Location: ElderCollege Learning Centre

  
  

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• What’s News

  • Start
    7 Oct 2026
  •  
  • End
    28 Oct 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    0

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  Join us for four sessions of lively but focused seminar-type presentations, where participants will be encouraged to consider and comment on newsworthy topics each week.

  The course leaders are Rod MacKinnon and Larry Weldon who both avidly follow current events in the news. Each week we will focus on six topics of interest varying from international, national and local levels. Topics will be emailed to registrants prior to each weekly session, so you can prepare for informed lively conversation.

  If you like to share your opinions and insights on what is happening in the wider world as well as closer to home, while staying up-to-date with matters affecting us all, then this is the course for you.

  Presenters:  Rod MacKinnon (Returning Presenter, Retired Lawyer) & Larry Weldon (Stanford Phd, Retired University Statistics Professor)
  

  4 Sessions, $45   Max class size, 16 

  Wednesdays, Oct 7, 14, 21 & 28th from 2:00 – 4:00

  Location:   ElderCollege Learning Centre

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• Artificial Intelligence: Understanding the Technology That Is Changing Our World

  • When
    16 Oct 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  This session is fully booked refer to the REPEAT session scheduled again for the afternnon of October 16th

  Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of our daily lives, influencing how we work, communicate, learn, shop, and receive services. But what exactly is AI, how did it develop, and what does it mean for society?

  In this interactive two-hour seminar, participants will explore the history and evolution of AI, from its early beginnings to today's powerful systems such as ChatGPT and other generative AI tools. We will discuss how AI is transforming workplaces and examine its impact on younger workers entering the job market, mid-career professionals adapting to change, and seniors navigating retirement in a digital age.

  The seminar is designed for seniors with no technical background. Questions, discussion, and participant experiences are encouraged throughout.

  Presenter, Bill Didur: Retired Professional Technology Expert, Returning Presenter
  

  Session, $15   Max class size, 16

  Friday, Oct 16th, 10:00 - Noon

  Location: ElderCollege Learning Centre

  
  

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• REPEAT: Artificial Intelligence: Understanding the Technology That Is Changing Our World

  • When
    16 Oct 2026
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    0

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  REPEAT OF MORNING SEMINAR  
  
  Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of our daily lives, influencing how we work, communicate, learn, shop, and receive services. But what exactly is AI, how did it develop, and what does it mean for society?

  In this interactive two-hour seminar, participants will explore the history and evolution of AI, from its early beginnings to today's powerful systems such as ChatGPT and other generative AI tools. We will discuss how AI is transforming workplaces and examine its impact on younger workers entering the job market, mid-career professionals adapting to change, and seniors navigating retirement in a digital age.

  The seminar is designed for seniors with no technical background. Questions, discussion, and participant experiences are encouraged throughout.

  Presenter, Bill Didur: Retired Professional Technology Expert, Returning Presenter
  

  Session, $15   Max class size, 16

  Friday, Oct 16th, 1:30 - 3:30

  Location: ElderCollege Learning Centre

  
  

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• Tynehead Salmon Hatchery and Picnic

  • When
    20 Oct 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Leaving & Returning to/from ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    0

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  Come and have a close look at salmon and the habitats they rely on. Our visit will start with a short classroom session where we’ll learn about the salmon lifecycle, their stream and ocean environment, and how people can help protect these ecosystems. After that, we’ll explore different stations around the hatchery with a volunteer, seeing real hatchery work up close. In the Fall, classes often get to watch the salmon “run,” and on some days they may even see an egg‑take in progress!  Dress for whatever the weather. You are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park before we head home on the bus.
  
  

  1 Session, $25.  Max class size, 23

  Tuesday, October 20th, 10:00 – 2:00 

  Round trip charter bus leaving ElderCollege going to16585 96 Avenue Surrey.

  
  

  https://tyneheadhatchery.ca/
  

  
  
  

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• The Economics of Kindness – A New Ecological Civilization

  • When
    23 Oct 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    On Zoom at ElderCollege Learning Centre or at Home
  • Spaces left
    28

  Register

  Presenter, Guy Dauncey:  Author of 11 books, climate advocate, sustainability leader, and 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal recipient.
  

  What if our economy was built on kindness and cooperation, instead of selfishness and competition?
  
  

  In his bold, forward-looking new book, Guy Dauncey argues that the many crises we face—from climate collapse to inequality and social division—are symptoms of an economic system  that has been designed to reward selfishness, domination and capital gain. Blending anthropology, history, economics, and policy, he offers practical solutions across housing, work, banking, democracy, climate, and community. From public banks and cooperative housing to regenerative farming and global governance reform, his book aims to inspire a worldwide transformation of the way we operate our economies. “A most compelling vision for a new economy, a beautiful pearl of wisdom.” - Mark Anielski, author of The Economics of Happiness: Building Genuine Wealth

  
  

  1 Session, $15.  Max class size, 50

  Friday, October 23rd, 10:00 - Noon

  Location: ON ZOOM

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• The Amazing Plants of the Tundra

  • When
    26 Oct 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    12

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  Tundra occurs in the narrow zone between the farthest extent of trees and the permanent snow line. This zone represents one of the harshest habitats on earth yet plants thrive there. They have managed this by evolving an amazing array of adaptations and it is these adaptations that make arctic/alpine plants so fascinating.  
  The talk will examine the conditions that characterize tundra and go on to describe the plants and the adaptations that allow them to prosper against all odds.
  
  

  Presenter, Ron Long: Science and Nature Photographer, Biology Enthusiast.
  
  

  1 Session, $15.  Max class size, 30
  Monday Oct 26, 10:00 - Noon

  Location: ElderCollege Learning Centre

  
  

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• Writers Workshop

  • Start
    29 Oct 2026
  •  
  • End
    3 Dec 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  Here is an opportunity to share your writings with like minded writers. Expect a safe non-judgmental space. Within this space you will write in any genre and then share your writing. Writing prompts will be given if necessary. Gentle suggestions for improvement will be offered if requested by you. Come and enjoy some deep thinking (writing is a form of deep thinking!)

  Presenter, Donnaleen Miller:  Retired Educator, Returning Presenter 
  

  6 sessions: $65.   Max class size, 10

  Thursdays, Oct 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26 & Dec 3rd.  10:00 - Noon 

  Location: ElderCollege Learning Centre 

  
  

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• Beginner Bridge, Step 1

  • Start
    2 Nov 2026
  •  
  • End
    30 Nov 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Bridge is for the person who loves to play cards and likes to challenge themselves. Did you know that in Bridge, the Ace has 4 points, the King 3, Queen 2 and the Jack 1 point? This lighthearted and engaging course will teach you how to evaluate your hand, what it means to bid and how to respond to your partner. The best way to learn Bridge is to play it, so come, feel supported and have some fun.
  
  

  Instructor, Gail Hussman: Returning Presenter,  Avid Bridge Player
  
  

  5 Sessions, $55.  Max class size, 16

  Mondays, November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30th.  9:45 – 11:45

  Location: ElderCollege Learning Centre
  

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• The Alien Green Crab in Boundary Bay

  • When
    3 Nov 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    19

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  Discover the hidden life of Boundary Bay’s shoreline and the community science efforts protecting it. After a brief introduction to the Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society and their work restoring coastal ecosystems—from eelgrass mapping to forage‑fish surveys—you’ll explore the growing challenge posed by the invasive European green crab. Since 2020, coordinated monitoring with Fisheries and Oceans Canada has tracked this highly adaptable species, known worldwide for its rapid spread, broad environmental tolerance, and significant ecological impacts. First detected in BC in 1998, the green crab has expanded into estuaries where it threatens native shellfish, competes with local crab species, and damages vital eelgrass meadows. Learn how local monitoring, stewardship, and early detection help protect the rich biodiversity of Boundary Bay.

  Presenter, Marg Cuthbert: Environmental Conservation Educator
  

  1 Session, $15  Max class size, 35

  Tuesday, November 3rd, 10:00 – Noon

  Location, ElderCollege Learning Centre

  
  
  

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• The Elephant in the Room: Conservation Stories and Perspectives

  • When
    4 Nov 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    20

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  Adventures in Kyuquot Sound on Vancouver Island and southern Africa led Peter to explore the lives of sea otters, elephants, and rhinoceroses. We will examine their conservation stories and the contexts in which they occur, then address the complex issues surrounding protection measures, as the conservation of a given species always includes much more than the species of concern. We will then reflect upon our personal connections to conservation.

  Presenter, Peter Ballin: Zoologist, Retired University and College Instructor, Environmental Education Facilitator and Director of various Conservationist Boards in BC.

  1 Session, $15 Max class size, 35

  Wednesday, November 4th, 10:00 – Noon

  Location:  ElderCollege Learning Centre

  
  

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• Arctic Peoples and the Canadian North of Yesterday and Today

  • Start
    6 Nov 2026
  •  
  • End
    13 Nov 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    0

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  The future of the Arctic is a topic often at the forefront of Canadian politics. Beyond Canadian sovereignty, are the people who live there and the enduring nature of this northern land. This two-part presentation will introduce you to a solid foundation about the Canadian Arctic and its peoples.  The first part will be a description of the peoples, their history, their culture and early contact experience.  The second part will be an examination of communities today, the present economy, arctic neighbours, and effects of climate change.
  
  

  Presenter, Loraine Littlefield:  PhD in Anthropology
  
  

  2 sessions, $25  Max class size, 30

  Fridays, November 6 & 13th  10:00 -  Noon

  Location: ElderCollege Learning Centre
  
  

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• Garden Glitz, Winter to Spring

  • When
    10 Nov 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    28

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  Garden Glitz, Winter to Spring - January may be cold, dark and dreary, but your garden can still glow in the gloom. Learn a few easy decoration tips. Plus, how to fool your neighbours into thinking you have the greenest thumb in town.

  Presenter, Angelika Hedley:  Garden Expert, Returning Presenter 
  

  1 Session, $15  Max class size, 35

  Tuesday, November 10th, 10:00 - Noon

  Location:  ElderCollege Learning Centre.

  
  

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• Basic Survival Spanish

  • Start
    18 Nov 2026
  •  
  • End
    4 Dec 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    0

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  This course will review basic Spanish vocabulary and some grammar to help one navigate reading newspapers and basic conversation with others on a holiday trip. Each class will focus on a particular area of need: directions, housing, food, shopping, etc. The following class will have some review of the previous vocabulary. Not too much work but enough to make it worthwhile!

  Presenter, Lynda Bergstrand: Excelente Conversador, Retired Teacher.
  
  

  6 Sessions, $65  Max class size, 20
  Wednesday & Fridays, Nov 18th, 10:00 – Noon,

  then Nov 20, 25, 27, Dec 2 & 4th, 1:30 – 3:30

  Location: ElderCollege Learning Centre 

  
  

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• Dementia Education, 2-Part Series

  • Start
    18 Nov 2026
  •  
  • End
    19 Nov 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    ElderCollege Learning Centre
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  This two-part dementia education series begins with foundational knowledge about dementia, including its definition, types, stages, progression, the importance of getting a diagnosis, and addressing common myths. The second part focuses on brain health in the context of dementia, covering natural age-related changes, dementia risk reduction, brain training, and concludes with practical strategies to build supportive, inclusive communities for those affected by dementia.

  Presenters, Agam Sodhi & Flourish Nwajei:  Returning Presenters, Support and Education Coordinators with the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon.

  2 Sessions, $25  Max class size, 12
  Wednesday & Thursday, November 18 & 19th, 1:30 – 3:30
  Location: ElderCollege Learning Centre 

  
  

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