Edmonton JDIC presents Learning in Retirement Series starting Oct. 13

The Jewish Senior Citizen’s Centre (JDIC) is presenting its 12th annual Learning in Retirement Lecture Series from October 13 – November 25, 2015.  The very popular and engaging six week lecture series, which caters to the “intellectually curious” will be held at the JDIC located at 10052 117 Street in Edmonton.  Attendance is by registration only so call 780-488-4241 or email jdic@shaw.ca to register today!

Five interesting courses are being offered with exceptional instructors, in this exciting life-long learning series. They are Jazz from all angles, Moving pictures – migration in art, History of Sephardic Jews of the Caribbean, Politics made crazy (not simple), and History of global social policy.

1. Jazz from all angles with instructor Bobby Cairns will be held on Mondays from 10 am – noon, starting October 19 through to November 23. The fee is $70 for JDIC members and $85 for non-members. This course is designed to appeal to new jazz fans and to those who have always appreciated jazz. Bobby will discuss varied jazz styles, composers and vocalists, influences from other countries, improvisation and how to listen to jazz.

Bobby Cairns has been teaching, performing and adjudicating music for more than 45 years. Bobby began his professional career at 16 as the guitarist for Tommy Banks.  He has represented Canada at Jazz festivals around the world and is experienced in writing , TV production, documentaries and symphony orchestra appearances. For 36 years Bobby has chaired the guitar program at Grant MacEwan. Bobby will soon release his debut album, “Indelible”.

2. Moving pictures – migration in art with instructor Kathleen Silverman will be held on Tuesdays from 1 – 3 pm, starting October 13 – November 3. The fee for the 4 week course is $60. Migration has influenced the development of modern art. Examine ways in which Diaspora, exile, immigration and/or migration are manifested in visual arts. See how the works of selected artists reflect their personal response to these life-changing events.

Kathleen Silverman holds a B. Ed. With Distinction (1996) from the University of Alberta and a certificate in Arts and Cultural Management (2009) from MacEwan University. Kathleen has experience working with students of all ages in diverse environments, including as a teacher for Edmonton Public Schools and Pan American School of Bahia in Salvador, Brazil as well as an Educator and the Museum School Coordinator at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Kathleen is an advocate for fostering crosscultural understanding.

3. The unique history of the Sephardic Jews of the Caribbean with instructor Dr. Morris Maduro will be held on Tuesdays from 1 – 3 pm, starting November 10 to November 17. The fee for the 2 week course is only $30. The mid 1600s saw a significant Jewish emigration from Europe to the Dutch West India colonies in the Caribbean. Dr. Madura, whose ancestors were part of this migration, takes a close look these immigrants and their life before and after their move.

Dr. Morris Maduro completed his graduate work in the USA and Canada, and earned his doctorate in International Law and Relations from the University of Alberta. He has taught at the U of A, and held administrative and teaching positions at the University of Regina and the University of Lethbridge. He was Director of International Legal Affairs for the Government of Alberta.

4. Politics made crazy (not simple) with instructor Michael Phair will be held Wednesdays from 10 to noon, starting October 14 until November 25 (with no class on Nov. 11). The fee is $70 for JDIC members and $85 for non-members. The course will look at issues facing Edmonton City Council, the Province, the October Federal Election, Transportation (LRT), bike lanes, city charter, annexation, relationship between Edmonton and other Governments (Provincial & Federal), preservation, conservation etc. Discussions, opinions and some laughs!

Michael Phair, past Edmonton City Councillor for Ward 4 from 19922007, currently is part time Executive Director of the North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society (NSRVCS) and Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Education University of Alberta. He is active with Edmonton Homeward Trust, State Association in Edmonton, Pride Seniors group, Pro Coro Canada Society and Ethics Advisory Committee-Royal Alex Hospital.

5. History of global social policy with instructor Dr. Alvin Finkel will be held on Wednesdays, from 1 – 3 pm, starting October 14 until November 25 (with no class on Nov. 11). The fee for this course is $70 for JDIC members and $85 for non-members. The course will explore when and where social policy has benefited the masses and when it has mostly benefited the classes? What social factors help to promote egalitarian social policies and what factors work to create social policy orientations that favour the better off? Why do some very poor countries and sub-nations have social policy results that equal or better those of wealthy countries?

A Professor Emeritus at Athabasca University, Dr. Alvin Finkel has taught history from 1978 – 2014.  One of Canada’s most prolific historians, he is the author, co-author or co-editor of 12 books, including Social Policy and Practice in Canada: A History, and the two-volume History of the Canadian Peoples, now in sixth edition. He is the author of about 50 academic articles and book chapters.

To register in this series or to learn more about the many other programs and activities offered at the Jewish Senior Citizens’ Centre call 780-488-4241 or email jdic@shaw.ca.