Lifelong Learning

Visionary Conversations | Healthy Brain Forum | Courses | Lifelong Learning Expo

Lifelong Learning at University of Manitoba provides older adults with educational opportunities to expand personal knowledge in a relaxed learning environment.  Let your learning journey include courses presented by award winning instructors, topical sessions, and events of personal interest.
 
Visit the Lifelong Learning website for the latest educational opportunities, news and upcoming events of interest to older adults offered at University of Manitoba and in the community.  Check in frequently to view the latest events and videos that are part of lifelong learning at University of Manitoba.
 
Let us know about upcoming events and learning opportunities of interest to older adults at extended@umanitoba.ca

If you would like to receive mailings for upcoming events or have further questions about Lifelong Learning at University of Manitoba please contact Janine Drennan Alsip at 474-6661 or janine_drennan@umanitoba.ca

CURIOSITY SERIES

Lifelong Learning in co-operation with Creative Retirement Manitoba presents the Curiosity Series.  Join us for interesting and enjoyable learning excursions in Manitoba.  Choose one day or choose them all!  To register please go to http://www.crm.mb.ca/ or call 949-9256.  For more information on courses please contact Janine Drennan Alsip, Lifelong Learning 474-6661.

Narcisse Snake Dens
3350
9:30-4:00 p.m.
May 2 - Wednesday
Join us on an interactive adventure visiting one of the world’s most wonderful spectacles of nature – The Narcisse snake dens. You will have the opportunity to interact and learn about the largest aggregation of red-sided garter snakes in the world.  Each spring, thousands of these snakes emerge from their over-wintering den to find a mate.  See first-hand the life-history strategies used to ensure their fitness and survival, specifically their reproductive strategies, and explore the relationship between behaviour and conservation.  These timid non-venomous snakes will delight your senses.  You are sure to develop a new appreciation for this often misunderstood creature.  To view the four snake dens participants must be able to walk 3 km round trip.  Please bring a bag lunch and snack to be eaten on the bus.
Instructor Bio:  Dave Boguski has had a successful academic career having received numerous scholarships-nationally, provincially, and institutionally recognized for his works as a student and biologist, receiving his M.Sc. in Biological Sciences from University of Manitoba.  Dave is regarded as an authority in his field of fish and molecular biology, and is passionate about  reptiles and amphibians. Dave’s interest in   the natural world has  recently taken him on a 28 country expedition to gain perspective on global issues relating to science and humanity.  His photographs and knowledge of the natural world have been featured on Discovery Channel and frequently used by the BBC.
FEES: Members $60 / non-members $60
LOCATION: Bus pick-up 270 Sherbrook St. 

Bannock Point Petroforms
3284
9:30-5:00 p.m.
May 16 - Wednesday

The Bannock Point Petroforms are figures laid out on surface rocks in the forms of turtles, snakes and humans, and  abstract patterns. Anishinaabe and other First Nations people believe that they were left here long ago for the benefit of all people that might visit this site to receive their teachings and healing. Carl Stone, Advisor, Aboriginal Student Centre, University of Manitoba will join us on the ride to Bannock Point and share his knowledge of the area.  Ron Bell of The Buffalo Healing Lodge will offer traditional teachings and interpretations at the easily accessible Bannock Point Petroforms site, located in beautiful Whiteshell Provincial Park.  Enjoy your lunch  by Dorothy Lake and learn more about petroforms and this sacred site. Individuals participating must be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and open bedrock with some slight inclines for half to three-quarter mile.  Please bring a bag lunch.  Ron Bell (Standing Buffalo Man) of The Buffalo Healing Lodge is a permanent resident of the Whiteshell, recognized as a cultural teacher, regarded by many as an expert and as a “Keeper of the Petroforms”, Ron has guided many groups and individuals through this site for a number of years. Bus leaves from Creative Retirement Manitoba (270 Sherbrook) at 9:30 am. and returns at approximately 5:00 pm.
FEES:Members $60 / non-members $60
LOCATION: Bus pick-up 270 Sherbrook St. 

What’s the Time in New Iceland?
2277
9:30-4:30 p.m.
June 5 – Tuesday 

What’s the Time in New Iceland? The aim of this one-day excursion is to explore the history and culture of New Iceland, Manitoba.  The destination is the town of Gimli, where we will explore historical and cultural sites, joined by members of the Icelandic community.  Highlights of the day include a stop at Willow Island, guidance through the New Iceland Heritage Museum and a poetry reading at Turgeson’s Bookstore.  As well, you will have  free time to explore the town  and enjoy  lunch and shopping.
Instructor Bio: Birna Bjarnadóttir studied literature and aesthetics and the University of Iceland, the Freie University in Berlin and the University of Warwick, England. She holds the position of the Chair of Icelandic at the University of Manitoba. She is the author of several books, essays and articles, lectures widely on the subjects of literature, culture and aesthetics, and works frequently with artists on creative projects.  Birna’s most recent publications include a book of fragments, (Kind Publishing, 2010), illustrated by Cliff Eyland, Haraldur Jónsson and Guy Maddin, with a forward by George Toles, and Recesses of the Mind. Aesthetics in Guðbergur Bergsson’s Work, (Montreal: McGill–Queen’s University Press, 2012).
FEES: Members $60 / non-members $60
LOCATION: Bus pick-up 270 Sherbrook St. --Birna Bjarnadottir

Communal Life on the Prairies: A Visit to James Valley Hutterite Colony
4176
9:00-4:00 p.m.
June 14 - Thursday

Learn about communal life on the prairies in this visit to James Valley Hutterite Colony near Elie, Manitoba.  James Valley, founded in 1919, is one of the oldest colonies in Manitoba. Tour the colony, visit its agricultural operations, the kindergarten, the school, church, kitchen, laundry and more.  A wonderful home cooked lunch in the colony dining hall will be provided as part of the tour (included in tour fee).  We will have an opportunity to visit the colony bookstore, which has an excellent selection of books on Hutterite life and Anabaptist history.  We will also visit the meat processing area where turkeys, ducks, geese, chickens (fryers and boilers) and, depending on availability, beef, will be available for purchase.  So, if participants want to buy anything, they should bring  cash, as  the colony does not take credit cards.  A cooler, marked with the owner's name, would be a good idea for anyone who is interested in buying meats. Departure time from the colony will depend on the weather and the interest of the group but we should be back in Winnipeg by four o'clock.
Instructor Bio: Dr. John Lehr is a professor of geography at the University of Winnipeg and a longtime friend of Creative Retirement Manitoba.  Many will know John through the talks that he has given and bus tours which he has taken us on over the years. John has a particular interest in the historical geography of western Canada and has focused a great deal on the peoples who have settled this land.  With a list of academic publications which is far too long to detail here, John has proved himself to be a most accomplished scholar in his field.  He has published numerous articles on the peoples who make up lands from the prairies to the middle east.
FEES: Members $65 / non-members $65
LOCATION: Bus Pick-up at Polo Park Shopping Centre --John Lehr

The Hamilton Family Collection: Psychics and Séances
2385
1:00-4:00 p.m.
May 8 - Tuesday

Spend an afternoon with Shelley Sweeney, Head, University of Manitoba Archives and Carolyn Gray, award winning playwright of The Elmwood Visitation and discover the secrets of the University of Manitoba Archives and the collection related to Dr. T.G.Hamilton's investigations of psychic phenomena.  The records relating to psychic experimentation span the years 1918 to 1945. Photo images detail numerous aspects of spiritualism including telekinesis, teleplasms, trance states and various other psychic phenomena.  Discuss life after death and find out more about the Hamilton family séances. Coffee/tea and snack, and U of M Parking Pass are included in class fee (parking passes  available for pick-up at Creative Retirement Manitoba).
Instructor Bio: Shelley Sweeney is the Head, University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections and enjoys presenting the Hamilton Family collection housed at University of Manitoba.  Carolyn is a Canadian Playwright.  Her full-length play The Elmwood Visitation (Scirocco Drama) was produced by Theatre Projects Manitoba in 2007 and won the Manitoba Day Award for excellence in archival research.
FEES: Members $35 / non-members $35        

 

LIFELONG LEARNING EXPO AT THE 55+ GAMES

Lifelong Learning is a proud sponsor of the 55+ Games.  Join us in Arborg June 12, 13, 14 at the Lifelong Learning Expo for interactive presentations on the following topics.

Discover Your Age-Friendly Exercise Compass for Healthy Active Living
Reaching moderate-to vigorous aerobic exercise is important to optimize quality of life and remain independent.  However, it is hard to know if the correct intensity is reached while walking, doing chores or other activities.  Dr. Danielle Bouchard, Associate Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management at the University of Manitoba will explain what activities can be considered moderate to vigorous intensity and present tools to help you evaluate your intensity while exercising.  Participants will have the opportunity to walk and evaluate their intensity with the suggested tools.
June 12
Arborg Bifrost Community Centre
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
or
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

June 13
Arborg Bifrost Community Centre
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Use it or Lose it:  Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Living
Lifelong learning opportunities abound for older adults providing opportunities to expand mind, body, and soul.  Dr. Bill Kops, Extended Education, University of Manitoba will speak about the idea of lifelong learning and successful aging.  In particular, he will talk about how participation in educational activities has positive effects on aging; potentially contributing to both physical and psychological well-being; and how to increase participation of older adults in lifelong learning.
June 13
Arborg Bifrost Community Centre
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

If You Are Not Having Fun, You're Doing Something Wrong
Join Blair Robillard for this interactive introduction to the diversity of Aboriginal games and activities.  These games will work your hand eye coordination while increasing your heart and laughter ratings.  Explore various components related to health and wellness, including cultural and spiritual exploration.  You will leave with ideas to share with your family and community.  For over thirty years Blair Robillard has taught traditional games and activities, including at the University of Manitoba.  He approaches each presentation as a unique learning and living experience.
June 14th
Arborg Bifrost Community Centre
10:00 a.m. – 12 noon

 

Visionary Conversations

University of Manitoba has launched a speaker series hosted by President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. David T. Barnard.  Follow our Visionary Conversation links to view the discussions.

At the December 14/11 discussion, 'Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful': Our Changing Climate, an expert panel discusses what the changes in our climate, our growing population and the need for resources are forcing us to address.  

Follow our Visionary Conversations link to view Our Aging Society: Are We Ready?  and hear the experts discuss the challenges and opportunities successful aging presents to us all.

Healthy Brain

Lifelong Learning at University of Manitoba, held The Healthy Brain:  A Public Forum on October 22.  Participants learned what could be done to:  Increase awareness of ways to improve the long term health of the brain through lifestyle changes/promote recognition of risk to a healthy brain and awareness of risk reduction strategies/motivate attitudinal changes needed for a healthy brain lifestyle/embrace cognitive health as a priority invest in its promotion, and move scientific discoveries rapidly into public health practices.  This forum included sessions by :
 
Dr. Corey MacKenzie – Memory and Aging:  What's Normal and What's Not
Dr. Dan Sitar, Aging and Medications that Impair Brain Function
Dr. Christine Lengyel, Fertilizing your Brain
Dr. Tony Szturn, "Neural fitness: and "Mobility Skills".  How do we sense and deal with threats to balance and environmental challenges and the link between walking and cognitive health?
 
Click on a topic to view presenters handouts.
 
Special thanks to our co-sponsors, Creative Retirement Manitoba, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba, and Jan Sanderson, Deputy Minister, Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors; Chief Executive Officer, Healthy Child Manitoba.

Sign up to receive information on upcoming events and learning opportunities.

Name:

Email: