ElderCollege Delta Society upcoming events

An Overview of Astronomy (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

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.

What Will Astronomy Be Like In Another Century? (6 Oct 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:30:00 GMT

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

What Will Astronomy Be Like In Another Century? (13 Oct 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 20:30:00 GMT

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

Artificial Intelligence: Understanding the Technology That Is Changing Our World (16 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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

Tynehead Salmon Hatchery and Picnic (20 Oct 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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/

The Economics of Kindness – A New Ecological Civilization (23 Oct 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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

The Amazing Plants of the Tundra (26 Oct 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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

The Alien Green Crab in Boundary Bay (3 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

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

The Elephant in the Room: Conservation Stories and Perspectives (4 Nov 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

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