Message from our President – Nadine Fort
Dear KALS members,
KALS is off to a strong start with the launch of the new website (https://kals.ca/) on August 13, 2025. I encourage you to click on each tab and link on the website. The history of KALS and its dedication to lifelong learning is displayed beautifully. Maybe you will see someone you know in the new photos on the website? If you haven’t already, check the list of at least 49 courses available from September to December. Our Program Committee has worked hard to provide a wide range of course topics. There truly is something for everyone!
My name is Nadine Fort. I am a retired Speech/Language Pathologist and began taking KALS courses in 2023. I recognized immediately that KALS provides the adults of Kamloops and surrounding area unique learning opportunities. I was elected President at the Annual General Meeting on September 11, 2025, taking over from Sue Holmes who is leaving the position after four years as President. The Board extends its gratitude to Sue for her leadership and dedication as President and for helping to ensure KALS’ survival during a challenging time. Personally, I am very thankful that Sue has graciously offered to continue as an advisor to me over the next while as I learn the ropes.
At the AGM Kathrine Wunderlich was elected Vice-President and Elaine Kazakoff as a Director at Large. The Board thanks Marilyn Gilbert, stepping down as Social Committee Chair. Marilyn and the Committee did a stellar job of planning KALS 20th Anniversary Celebration in May this year.
Thank you, members, for your continued support of KALS. I look forward to sharing learning opportunities with you all!
Select Course Offerings for October 2025
Below is some information about courses that have openings for additional registration.
It’s exciting to share the news that Kamloops author Braden Hallet has been nominated for a Jean Little First-Novel Award from the Canadian Children’s Book Centre https://www.indiebookstores.ca/lists/jean-little-first-novel-award-2025-finalists/ . KALS is fortunate to have Braden present on his method of writing and illustrating middle-grade children’s books and his experience getting published. Don’t miss Maintaining Momentum after Stumbling into Children’s Publishing, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 1:30-3:30 pm at the Kamloops Sports Council.
If you attend Western Canada Theatre or want to know more about Kamloops’ professional theatre company, Terri Runnalls’ class Western Canada Theatre is 50: A Short, Exciting History, Tuesday, October 7, 1:30-3:30 pm at Kelson Hall, 330 St. Paul Street.
If you love theatre and/or have taken a class with Ginny Ratsoy before, you won’t want to miss Great Canadian Plays You May Have Seen, running on four consecutive Tuesdays from October 14 to November 4, 10 am to 12 pm at the Kamloops Sports Council. KALS is fortunate to have a Canadian literature professor teach so many classes for us!
In our daily lives, we take metals for granted. Take a tour of the ALS Metallurgy Lab with Helen Coombs to learn about the complexity of the processes that underpin the production of metals. Thursday October 16, 10 am-12 pm at 2951 Bowers Place.
Access to local news and stories is vital in these challenging times. Kamloops (Tk’emlúps) is home to an independent local news outlet The Wren https://thewrennews.ca/, staffed by a team of dedicated young journalists. Join one of those journalists Macarena Mantilla in a presentation on a newer practice: Solutions Journalism: What is it and Why is it Important?, Friday October 17, 10 am to 12 pm at the Kamloops Sports Council.
TRU is already known for its excellence in sustainability. Find out from James Gordon, Sustainability Director what TRU’s largest sustainability project yet is all about in From Run of the Mill to Running the Mill. Monday October 27 from 1:30-3:00 pm at the Kamloops Sports Council.
Website Tips and Tricks
KALS is pleased to provide a convenient month-by-month calendar of classes with links to complete course descriptions, dates, time and locations. Browse a list of courses from the Programs tab and print the list if you wish. The list is also available from the Calendar tab – Programs List. TIP: To get a one-line brief list of courses, print pages 1-3. Information on online registration, in person and by phone registration is prominently displayed.
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