Two thousand and five was a good year, especially if you were looking for an educational opportunity.
Sue Holmes, President of Kamloops Adult Learners Society (KALS), is looking forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of the society in 2025. She is particularly grateful to the 300 members, many who suggest topics for classes and volunteer their time to introduce the speakers.
“The topics are so varied that I wish I had more time to take more classes! My favourites are the field trips such as the walk up Tranquille Creek to learn about flora and fauna and release salmon fry into the creek,” she said.
The Program Committee considers a variety of topics, some suggested by members themselves. Then the committee searches for speakers on that subject and an invitation to speak at a class is extended.
Sue Huddart, Co-chair of the Program Committee, recalls arranging for courses in some strange circumstances; such as “the man walking his dog down her street”; or explaining to a visiting family member that the price for the visit was to teach a KALS class.
She says that speakers are happy to share information about their areas of expertise. “Recruiting is often the easiest part,” she says.
Huddart explained that members can sign up for a course via a list of classes sent to the members which contains a course description and a short bio about the presenter. Some courses are free while others have a small fee.
Ginny Ratsoy, publicity chair, recalled that Margaret Cleaveley, who was a retired educational administrator, was looking for a group of people who wished to pursue learning. So, in September of 2005 she advertised in the Kamloops News for other like-minded people. Some 50 people responded.
That early group included Anne Gagnon, Thompson Rivers University history professor and Ellen Farraday. At that first meeting, KALS was organized and Gagnon became the first instructor. Farraday wore many hats over the years, including president, explained Ratsoy.
During an organizational meeting the members chose Kamloops Adult Learners Society as its name.
Ratsoy edits the newsletter and works with Heather Nelson and Penny Haggarty to publicise the available courses — through Facebook posts, print advertisements, and organising interviews on local television and radio, she said. Further she works with Huddart and Linda McMillan, members of the programming committee to recruit instructors and schedules classes.
During COVID, classes were converted to Zoom which meant discovering those with the knowledge to support such a delivery method. Special thanks go to Michael Crawford and Edie Pletzer for their assistance.
The next consideration was finding instructors able to pivot to Zoom, said Ratsoy.
“It has been exciting and challenging to modify KALS processes through the COVID pandemic which allowed us to remain strong where other later life learning groups folded,” said Holmes. Unfortunately, KALS lost their laptop and a projector through theft. Misfortune struck again with the closure of their principle venue for classrooms.
“I am thankful for our strong board and program committee who can pivot and discuss realistic solutions to the challenges we faced,” said Holmes.
Linda McMillan, program committee, pointed out small mishaps, such as “fussing about equipment – for example, when our podium is missing, finding a suitable flip chart stand and figuring out a workable microphone system or other similar challenges.”
Ratsoy points out that “Ageism is all too prevalent in contemporary Canadian society. I consider KALS an antidote to ageism. By continuing to learn and contribute to society, KALS members are models of successful ageing. We are living proof of the falsehood of ageism stereotypes. Our members are from all walks of life and a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. We come together to learn and to socialize.”
Membership fees are $20 per year. Classes usually run for one session of two hours, although some courses continue for two to four weeks at $10 or more per class. KALS offers courses from classical literature to rock music, from guided field trips to physical exercise, from environmental courses to joint ventures with Kamloops Symphony and Kamloops Art Gallery. KALS is also connected to the community — from the BIG Little Science Centre to a slate of current and former TRU faculty; collaborating with organizations throughout Kamloops and the region.
“We also offer opportunities to volunteer and welcome those with skills they wish to share as well as those who want to improve their skill set through joining our board, programming, or publicity committee.
Please contact President Sue Holmes at [email protected] or at 250-376-1525 for more details.
Submitted by June Corcoran