North to Svalbard; A Personal Peek at Northern Norway

with Pam Laing

Wednesday, 1pm

March 4th

in the Auditorium

Come with me to Northern Norway as we reprise a trip taken in June, 2024. Our entire trip was within the Arctic Circle of coastal Norway, which is very different from what we know of our own Arctic regions. Let’s look at some of these differences, and how Norwegians live here. What are some of the historic and current challenges? What is Norway doing to support the northern communities? Meet a Sami reindeer herder and hear of his proud traditions and his concerns for the future. And what’s it really like living with polar night and midnight sun for long periods of time?... Pam Laing

Join Cathy Farrow from Okanagan College to learn about the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to work as direct client care providers in any level of continuing care, including home support, adult day care, assisted living, private care, complex care and acute care. The program consists of theoretical and laboratory components in the classroom, as well as a supervised practicum in long-term care and community settings.

Care aides and community health workers—also known as Health Care Assistants (HCAs)—are the caring professionals who provide essential, hands-on support in homes, community programs, and residential care settings. At some point, many of us or someone we love may need a little extra help with daily activities or personal care.

Illuminated Manuscripts 

with Teresa Smith

Thursday, 10am 

March 19th

**also available on Zoom**

Beyond the View: Tourism’s Power and Potential in the Okanagan

with David Knapp from Okanagan College

Friday, 10am 

March 20th

This session invites residents to explore how tourism shapes our world, our country, and our valley. From global trends to local vineyards, this presentation uncovers the economic drivers, cultural richness, and environmental challenges of tourism. Discover how the Okanagan’s wine, recreation, and Indigenous experiences fuel its appeal—and learn what you can do to support sustainable, inclusive tourism all year long. Whether you're a business owner, a curious local, or a passionate advocate, this session will inspire you to see tourism not just as an industry, but as a community movement. Let’s celebrate what makes the Okanagan unforgettable—and help keep it that way.

***NEW CLASS***

Mega Projects and Stunning Ventures of Today's China 

with Daryl Cooper

Monday, 1pm 

March 23rd

**also available on Zoom**

High-speed rail and bridges physically integrate different regions of the country. Mega projects serve as platforms for technological innovation.

Infrastructure investment has been one of the cornerstones of China's national economic development strategy. The rise of China's capacity has been breath-taking. These projects  have expanded and now build networks and diplomatic ties across Asia, Africa, and Europe, positioning China as a global economic player. Come ride with us on the world's fastest bullet train - the CR450 as we explore world record underwater tunnels, the world's largest 'eye in the sky', the world's largest solar farm in the Taklamakan Desert, and many more including the Tiangong space station.

Alexander von Humboldt & the Invention of Nature

with Wolfgang Schneider from The McGill Community for Lifelong Learning (joining us via zoom)

Friday, 10am 

March 27th

**also available on Zoom**

We will explore the life of Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), a visionary German naturalist and polymath whose discoveries forever changed the way we understand the natural world. Von Humboldt is famous for his explorations in South America, his descriptions of nature as an interconnected web of life, and for warning of man-made climate change. His writings became the basis of ecology and climate science. He was a global superstar, more famous than Napoleon according to contemporaries.

We are happy to have Wolfgang return having previously presented "The Peopling of the Americas" this term.

***NEW CLASS***

End of Life Planning: 

Power of Attorney & Representation Agreements

with Paul Hergott

Who will step into your shoes to handle your financial and medical care decisions when you no longer can?

Estate Planning lawyer Paul Hergott is back with another info-packed presentation. He’ll give us clear, straightforward guidance on setting up a Power of Attorney and a Representative Agreement, so that our financial affairs and health decisions can be made for us by the people we choose, if and when we lose the capacity to make those decisions ourselves.

The Last Days of the Soviet Union: Witnessing the Fall of the Empire as a Teen

with Nurgul Sperle

Step back into one of the most dramatic moments of the 20th century -the collapse of the Soviet Union - told through the eyes of a teenager who lived it. This course offers a rare, personal perspective on the final years of the USSR, blending lived experience with historical context. Together, we will explore what daily life felt like during the Soviet Union’s unraveling: the uncertainty, the hopes, and the disillusionment. You’ll hear first-hand stories of growing up in a society on the brink of transformation, and how people experienced the political, cultural, and emotional shifts of the time. By the end, you’ll have both a deeper understanding of the Soviet collapse and a unique glimpse into how history looks when seen not only from the outside, but from within -through the eyes of an adolescent.

Society for Learning in Retirement

1434 Graham Street, Kelowna, B.C.

Contact us @ registrar@slrkelowna.ca or phone: 250-448-1203