Grief touches every part of us, including our bodies. This gentle three-session class is for anyone living with loss. Whether from the death of a loved one or animal companion, a change in health, a life role, a relationship, or a hoped-for future the experience of grief sometimes requires movement. Together, we will explore how grief can show up as exhaustion, brain fog, physical pain, or feeling disconnected from ourselves. Through conversation, reflection, and simple self-paced upper-body movements, participants will be invited to listen to their bodies, honour their experiences, and experience the relief of moving grief through our bodies.

Eleanor McAlpine, RCC, CCC, Certified Grief Movement Coach, a clinical counsellor who specializes in supporting adults 55+ through grief, trauma, and significant life changes.

The Divine Comedy is often described as the greatest work of literature in Western culture after Shakespeare.  This is an invitation to read through Dante’s poetic masterpiece, over the course of the next eight months. We begin on Friday, October 16^thand each week will read 150 to 300 lines of this epic in class. John Burton will provide commentary and background and facilitate discussion as we explore the worlds of antiquity, medieval Italy, theology, philosophy, literature, psychology and so much more that Dante explores in a way that speaks to our day as much as it did to his.

The participants will decide at the end of this 8 week course as to how we wish to proceed. At the anticipated pace of reading, we will complete Dante’s 14,000 lines by late May.

We live in a world of instant media that is constantly barraging us with “the next new thing”. With Dante as our guide, we will be taken on a pilgrimage away from the frenzied familiar so that we can, at the end, see our world and ourselves with deeper insight and awareness.

This presentation explores the history of weather observations and forecasting, from ancient folklore and Aristotle’s Meteorologica of 340 BCE to today’s high-tech era of satellites, supercomputers and AI-driven models. Bringing in both Canadian and international examples, Rick, a retired meteorologist, highlights pivotal advancements such as telegraph networks, meteorological stations and revolutionary digital modeling.

Presented by Rick Jones who will be joining us via Zoom from Ontario

Are you a tourist or a traveller?  When does a journey become an adventure? Come and circle the globe in comfort, as Sharron shares her travel memories of trekking in Nepal, kayaking in Antarctica, and marveling at the colour and warmth of South India and while discovering remarkably warm hearts in the cold militarized north. Kenya is a dilemma, while Myanmar is a tragic but beautiful surprise, as are a few other unexpected hidden gems in various corners of the world. Let’s chat about some of those wonders and the challenges of international travel amid lots of photos and personal stories.

Presented by Sharron Simpson

Bill Cosgrave

It was the year of mini-skirts, back-combed beehives, go-go boots, slicked back Fonz hair and skinny ties…. It was 1965, the year Kelowna author Bill Cosgrave befriended an introspective, handsome young poet in L.A. who went on to front one of the world's most influential bands. Cosgrave remembers The Doors lead singer, Jim Morrison, as a shy, deeply pensive young man who spent most days writing poetry and lyrics. A different persona from his later reputation as a dark, troubled rockstar dubbed “The Lizard King” in part because of his fascination with reptiles he believed embodied the unconscious and unknown. Cosgrave also held a fascination; a secret, unrequited passion for Morrison’s shapely fiancé Mary Werbelow, the inspiration for many of the Doors songs. After Morrison’s drug-and-alcohol fueled death in 1971 at age 27, Cosgrave embarked on a decades-long search for Mary - a journey that revealed surprising truths which he has described in his 2020 memoir and will talk about in class: Love Her Madly: Jim Morrison, Mary, and Me

We are seeking experts, enthusiasts, and storytellers to lead 2-hour sessions (one-off or multi-week) for our upcoming term (January–May 2027). Share your passion with an engaged community of lifelong learners!

Topics: History, science, technology, arts, current events, health, travel, and more.

Perks: Highly engaged audience, flexible scheduling, and meaningful community impact.

Deadline: Submit course descriptions by Friday, October 30, 2026.

📞 250-448-1203 | Programming Team

Society for Learning in Retirement

1434 Graham Street, Kelowna, B.C.

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