This session will explore how attention works, how it helps guide our everyday behaviour, and some of its limitations. We’ll look at what changes in the brain, including examples such as spatial neglect, can teach us about how attention is organized and supported by the brain. We’ll then introduce working memory, how it works together with attention, and how both of these important cognitive processes may change as we age.

The Ancient Greek philosopher, Empedocles, described the physical world and its phenomena in terms of four ‘roots’; Fire, Air, Earth and Water.  Phenomena and materials were supposed to arise by combinations and interactions of these when mediated by love and conflict. Later philosophers described these things as ‘elements’ and the term is still applied in a literary sense. Much later, ‘elements’ became applied scientifically to the more than 118 types of atoms that form all regular matter.  The detailed study of the formation and properties of the elements makes up the modern subjects of nuclear physics and chemistry. The four traditional elements make up the world about us so we will look at some of the properties, compositions and characteristics of each from the viewpoint of modern science.  The talks will contain aspects of Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Meteorology, General Science and History.

What happens when you step away for 5 months to explore the lands of your heritage?  Derived from Sanskrit, Vashudha’s name translates to “earth”, a guiding principle that shapes her worldview.  Having grown up across a unique cultural tapestry spanning Nepal, India, Malaysia and Canada, she shares a unique perspective  on how environment and community shape who we are. This sessions explores the power of travel, tracing your history and  discovering  how exploring your background can help you find yourself, re-shape your identity, and consolidate your understanding of home

Philosophers from Plato to Nietzsche have discussed why music and poetry are so important.  Plato notoriously dismissed poets as liars, who try to pass off a copy of a copy as the real thing. Aristotle, though, argues that poetry can convey universal truths about the human condition that are “more true” than particular historical facts. The 20th Century poet and philosopher Benjamin Fondane goes a step further and argues that poetry doesn’t try to imitate or represent reality; rather, poetic experience allows us to participate in a fundamental reality that is otherwise blocked off from our everyday existence. As for music Plato argues that musical sounds and harmonies penetrate deep into the human soul, affecting our emotions, moods and even our moral character. Nietzsche builds on this idea: for him, music allows us to transcend the everyday world to reach a realm of pure, ceaseless becoming where we become one with the universe. There are clearly some parallels between what Fondane says about poetry and what Nietzsche says about music.  We will explore these different views, read some poetry and listen to various kinds of music.

Mennonites are often among the first to assist victims of fires, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes.  Who are these helpful folks?  They’re a Christian denomination started in Europe in 1525.  Mennonite teachings include loving one’s neighbour, working for peace, not bearing arms, separation of church and state, and baptism of believing adults.  Over the years, Mennonites have developed a way of life characterized by practicality, thrift, simplicity, and trust in God. To learn more about the Mennonites’ journey through time, their beliefs, food, and folkways, join Elma (Martens) Schemenauer’s Whirlwind Tour of Mennonite History.

“Men don’t talk face to face; they talk shoulder to shoulder”.  A Men’s Shed is a space where men gather to work on projects that are fun and help out their community.  Together they create, tinker, drink coffee and tell stories. Men’s Sheds are for men of all ages. Men’s Shed is worldwide, community-based and non-commercial. A Shed fosters a supportive community where men can engage in meaningful projects, learn new skills and combat isolation.  This might be a perfect fit for you or someone you know.

This presentation will be an update of a KALS lecture on online sources for reliable health information first offered in March 2025.  The rapidly evolving health information and research environments, including the impact of generative AI, will be discussed. Please be advised that the previous class is not a pre-requisite for this class.

The first class will be a lecture on One Health to set the stage.  This will be followed by three more lectures on research activities at Cheeptham Cave Microbiology Lab such as, drug discovery from cave bacteria, biocement potential from cave bacteria, microbial degradation of microplastics, probiotics for bats against White Nose Syndrome, bacteriophages as alternative treatment for multi-drug-resistant infections, innovative microbiology education (art and science). A short (15 minute) reading assignment will be offered before some classes to facilitate discussions.

This introductory session will be a jazz based class focusing on motor skills, balance and function.  There will first be a discussion of the brain/body value of  movement, then a chance to move!  The class will be guided by Heather Clark, a professional dance and fitness instructor, who has a passion for mobility and longevity.

Join an expedition ship sailing from Iceland to Greenland in the Wake of the Vikings.  Then enjoy a land add-on with a trip to the Greenland icecap followed by a visit to Ilulissat, the iceberg capital.  Learn about the history and culture of this land so much in the news recently.

Although there is debate on whether Palestine and Palestinians have ever existed, the area and its indigenous people have a long history.  Much of the news that comes to us through the Western press has an Israel/Israeli slant.  Very often the history of Palestine is ignored or downplayed. In this class, Dawne will offer a perspective of the Palestinians through the centuries up to and including the present conflict.

Ten years after moving from Iran to Canada, urban planning graduate and non-profit leader Sadie looks back on a decade of growth, personal pivots, and community building. In this presentation, she maps her journey from the historic streets of Tehran to Ontario, and eventually, to a life-changing six-day drive across Canada that brought her home to Kamloops. Drawing a beautiful parallel between the patient, environment-dependent process of sourdough baking and the immigrant experience, Sadie offers a warm and grounded look at how we adapt, cultivate resilience, and ultimately find our unique rise in the places we call home.