A Message from our President

Happy Spring to all KALS Members,

Earlier this week, I went for a drive with a friend who has decided to make Kamloops her home and not just a place to visit family.    On our drive to Paul Lake, I pointed out the sign of spring I look for after I see the first dandelion in town: the Arrowleaf Balsam root.

KALS is also offering brightness in the next two months. Please revisit our calendar and sign up for courses you may have missed the first time around. Did we save the best courses for last?

And do not overlook the Volunteer Appreciation Event on May 20^th.   Register (www.kals.ca)  to meet the volunteers who ensure KALS success and find out how you can support KALS by not only being a member but also volunteering! As Canada joins the global observance of the International Year of Volunteers, let’s reflect on the power of civic participation and the vital role of volunteers in building vibrant, caring communities.

 It is not too soon to look ahead to fall.  The Program Committee is finalizing your options for continuing life-long learning in Kamloops. Although I don’t know what they are (yet), I anticipate wanting to sign up as soon as registration opens.

All the best. See you in class!

Nadine Fort

KALS President

 

Winter/Spring Course Information:

Registration has been especially busy in 2026, but some courses still have room. Check www.kals.ca for the complete list.

 

New Course Time Change:

“The Assault on Freedom” (A Guardian Livestream). Monday, June 8, 11:30-1:30 PM. Parkview Community Centre, 500 McDonald Avenue.  Join Mehdi Hasan and the Guardian’s Arwa Mahdawi as they discuss the global implications of the current seismic changes in geopolitics and the alarming rise of populism and nationalism. They’ll also be answering your questions. Please arrive on time and feel free to bring a lunch. Registration now available:  www.kals.ca

 

Update on New Registration System:

In our April 2026 newsletter, we reported that KALS will move to a new registration system for the 2026-2027 calendar year. The new membership sign-up will be available at the end of May, and the new class registration page is expected to go live mid-August. We encourage you to check the KALS website and keep an eye out for email announcements, as there will be more information and a “how to” registration guide.

To ensure a smooth introduction to this new system, please renew your membership in June 2026, if possible.

Thank you for your ongoing support of KALS.

Spring Social: Volunteer Appreciation and Presentation of the Margaret Cleaveley Award:

All members are encouraged to join us for fun, food, door prizes, and music by Jeremy Kneeshaw at the Kamloops Sports Council from 2:00-3:30 PM on Wednesday, May 20. Free member registration: www.kals.ca.

Interview with Sue Holmes, 2026 Margaret Cleaveley Award Recipient

Having worked with Sue Holmes on the KALS board for several years, Editor Ginny Ratsoy was pleased to interview the award-winner, who has been a member since the inception of KALS.

GR: Congratulations on being the 2026 Margaret Cleaveley Award recipient, Sue. You are most deserving. Tell us about your history with and contributions to KALS?

SH: In 2005, I read in the local newspaper that Margaret Cleaveley had called a meeting of seniors interested in classes that would intrigue us and keep our grey cells working. Fifty people attended, and Kamloops Adult Learners Society was the result. I became a member and have attended classes since then. I was in charge of publicity for 5 years, and then assumed the presidency for 4 years, as well as being on the programming committee during some of that time.

GR: In our 21-year history, KALS has had some challenges, from COVID restrictions to classroom inaccessibility. Yet, we have soldiered on to the point where we have over 300 members, a strong board, and slate of volunteers. To what do you attribute our success?

SH: I feel the success of KALS is due to our volunteers who, when faced with obstacles, discuss ways to get around them and try new ideas to keep our interesting and valuable KALS classes going.

GR: Is there a particular situation that stands out for you in your involvement with KALS it – a highlight, if you will?

SH: For me, a highlight of working with KALS was during COVID, when we faced the challenges of providing those classes which we needed more than we ever had before.

GR: Who is the typical KALS member? Can you create a profile for us?

SH: A typical KALS member has an enquiring mind and is open to learning about unfamiliar topics as well as their own favourite topics, in addition to participating in activities such as field trips and tours and discussions that are personally valuable to them.

GR: Give us your elevator pitch to potential new members about why they should join KALS.

SH: Check the KALS website for the list of varied and fascinating classes offered every fall and winter, pay reasonable non-profit fees, and, if you are an action person, please consider volunteering to assist with the planning and hosting of classes or becoming a member of our board.

 

Reminder to Members:

Last Chance: If you have a current credit in your account, please donate it to KALS or use it for Winter course registration.  Credits will not be available after June 30.

 

A Note from our friends at the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra

Join us for Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 on May 16, 2026 / 7:30 pm.
For more information on this and other May events: www.kamloopssymphony.com

 

Help KALS get the word out

• Follow us on Facebook and share our posts:  http://www.facebook.com/KamloopsAdultLearnersSociety

• Forward this newsletter to friends and colleagues who may be interested in KALS and let them know that they can receive it via the subscribe tab at Home – Kamloops Adult Learners Society

 

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