On Friday October 1, our speaker, Dr David Docherty, will be presenting on “How Vaccines work”. There has been enormous interest in, and speculation about, the vaccines developed to combat COVID-19. This presentation takes a look at the two types of vaccines currently being used, how they differ, and how they work to combat future…
Our September speakers, Sue and David Williams, presented “An Adventure on the High Seas, and the Journey Within”. On September 3rd, Sue and Dave Williams discussed their life-altering, once in a lifetime high seas adventure in the Atlantic. Their story is no ordinary travelogue; instead, it’s a journey of adventure (and misadventure) in a 37…
Stetsons, Spurs and Sasparilla The haunting and dulcet notes from the theme of the “Good, The Bad and the Ugly’ hung anticipatorily in the air, while a cowboy, Stetson pulled low over his forehead, duster dragging on the ground, holster open (with a beer propped in it), strode from the shaded patio and stared ominously…
On July 9th, we had a rare treat, as Elaine Charal, taught us the art of handwriting analysis. In the most entertaining way possible, Elaine explained how we could determine if a person is depressed (by looking at “droopy loops”), how to choose political leaders (by looking at the slant of the stripes on…
Garth Covernton, who just weeks ago received his PhD, shared the results of his studies and work experience on the source, fate, and ecological implications of microplastic contamination in the marine environment. We learned that plastics made from fossil fuels are the major source of plastic waste, but sadly, less than 10% is recycled, and…
Many thanks to Jan Conradi, Ph.D., for presenting a comprehensive overview of climate change issues at our May 5, 2021 meeting! Since retirement in 2002, Jan has immersed himself in climate change science. Briefly, a synopsis of Jan’s thorough coverage of the climate change topic follows: Jan started with a concise summary of the science…
Our April speaker, Roger Griffiths, delighted us with his presentation “Spring from the Countryside to the Alpine”. By narrating a fast-moving video he whisked us away from our pandemic-defined lives on the Island to the countryside of England, the shorelines of Ireland, the highlands of Scotland, even the spring flower shows in Holland, before landing…
Our March speaker was George Hanson, the President of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance and managing partner of Clayton Consulting. George Hanson has a multifaceted background formed by being involved in many economic activities on Vancouver Island. In 2007 the Vancouver Economic Alliance was an idea to establish a non-government entity with the philosophy “together…
Our February 5th speaker was Barbara Murray of Bears Matter Consulting, speaking about Charlie Russell and Kamchatka Bears. Barb lives in Fairwinds and shared her bear conservation efforts from over the years with us. From her first encounters with Black bears in Vancouver North and Whistler to adventures in Kamchatka Region, Russia, we had our…
Did you know that in 1945, knowledge doubled every ten years? And now it doubles every 12 months? How about that recent studies demonstrate that traditional methods of learning – lectures, reading, studying – provide abysmal knowledge retention? Retention rates of 5% from lectures? 10% from reading?…
Well, I know that you all have been itching to find out who won the men’s COVID-19 hair contest put together, with thanks, by Don Dempson. Now some of you may accuse me of nepotism, but I assure you that is fake news. Terry Kelly won the hair contest fair and square. In case you’re…
