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in partnership with Programs for 50+ at Ryerson University’s G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education The LIFE Institute The Chang School LivingLIFE Ryerson University 350 Victoria Street Volume 28, No. 4 December 13, 2019 Toronto ON M5B 2K3 _____________________________________ T: 416-979-5000 x556989 E: [email protected] www.thelifeinstitute.ca LIFE Board of Directors Changes: Important News from the AGM Important Dates to Remember: WINTER BREAK By the time you read this, Dec.21.19 – Jan.5.20 new Executive Director Ryerson University/ Deborah Bonk Greenwood will have taken over. LIFE Institute is closed. Virginia Bosomworth has FAMILY DAY moved to Past Board Chair February 17, 2020 and is succeeded by Milvi Ester as Board Chair. As well, Dr. Paul Herbert Ryerson University/ Janice Winton LIFE Institute is closed. Paul Herbert and Janice Winton have joined the Board replacing retirees Charles Wright and Howat Noble. Interested in Ex-officio member Sandra Kerr is also retiring from the Board and Free Lectures, from her long-time position at Chang 50+ Programs as Manager. A token of appreciation was presented to her. Events and _________________________________________________ all the latest news? Sandra Kerr is Retiring! Follow LIFE on social media: Sandra Kerr, Director of Programs for 50+ at the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, is retiring after devoting much of her career to developing and delivering excellent programs for the 50+ population at Ryerson. Sandra has brought both skills and personal commitment to her work at the Chang School. In her work, she has fostered innovative programs for seniors. As well, Sandra has championed volunteerism at the Chang School and honoured volunteers through special award ceremonies over the years. Behind the scenes, Sandra has been involved in provincial, national and international networks in later 1 life learning and has been a guest speaker at numerous special events, conferences, and seminars on this topic. Over the years, Sandra has worked in collaboration with the LIFE Quick Links Institute for the benefit of those enrolled in both LIFE and 50+ LIFE Website programs. Contact LIFE Office LIFE Board of Directors Prior to her role as Director of Programs for 50+, Sandra was the Clubs Academic Coordinator of the Gerontology Certificate at Chang. In Chang School Programs for this role, Sandra expanded much of the delivery to online offerings 50+ Ryerson University as well as the classroom. ACT II Studio We wish Sandra all the best in her retirement and thank her for her contribution to the lives of the 50+ population at Ryerson. GET INVOLVED _________________________________________________ If you are interested in volunteering, please contact LIFE’s 2020-2022 Strategic Plan: Denise Smith, Manager of Volunteer Services Looking Ahead to Meet Future Challenges [email protected] 416-979-5000 x543612 To date, mainly through “word of mouth”, The LIFE Institute has been successful in providing numerous and diverse learning experiences to more than 2,500 members, along with opportunities FAQs for 275 volunteers. Want answers fast? Most answers can be found The Board of Directors, looking ahead to meet the anticipated online. Here are some challenges of the future, set out to explore the membership examples: experience, partnership, diversity and the competitive landscape. • Refund Policy Task forces, workshops and surveys involving members and • How to view your volunteers followed and their feedback enabled the Board to course registrations develop The LIFE Institute Strategic Plan 2020-2022. and room locations “I am excited about the energy and focus that our members and volunteers have contributed to LIFE's next three-year plan,” says SAVE THE DATE new Board of Directors President Milvi Ester. “I think our strategic blueprint is a solid framework that provides direction and focus to • TOM AXWORTHY accomplish our shared goals.” LECTURE The Plan includes revised mission and vision statements as guiding Sat., Jan.18, 2020 principles. In addition is a list of core values: learning, community, 1 - 3 p.m. inclusion and integrity. Five key focus areas to support and guide • WINTER CLASS the organization during the next three years are also outlined in the HOST ORIENTATION operational plan: quality programing, membership engagement, organization and finance management, partnerships and volunteer Wed., Jan. 22, 2020 engagement. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. • WINTER WELCOME “Branding” The LIFE Institute is proposed in the Plan, targeting BACK EVENT adults in the GTA, age 50+, looking to be engaged through learning Thurs., Jan. 23, 2020 about or discussing various subjects with people who share their passion for life-long learning. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIFE also advises that it offers the largest selection of daytime Registration Required. learning experiences (expert lectures, member-led courses, See LIFE website discussion groups, clubs and special events) available downtown for more information and in North York, enhanced by committed member volunteers and its affiliation with Ryerson University. 2 Member Profile: Peter Willson A Great Trip Through a Fascinating Time This summer one of the most popular courses taught at the LIFE Institute turned out to be “Hey! Hey! We're the 60s” taught by Peter Willson, a graduate of the Radio and Television Arts Programs at Ryerson University. Peter also spent 25 years in sales and marketing for various publications including Maclean’s and Chatelaine. One of the topics considered is how the media in the 1960s in Canada reported on the Viet Nam War and anti-war protests, leaving a powerful and lasting impact that continues to reverberate today. In conversations, he revealed that he had aspired early on to be the next Knowlton Nash, and began to take studies in the media and communications area. The highlight of his career was in working for a Cabinet Minister of the Ontario Provincial Government. With regard to the course, Peter revealed that he wants to learn as much as the students and he does this by asking open ended questions and knowing everyone’s names. One of the great comments about the course described it as “a must for anyone with an interest in the 60s as a decade of turmoil and change. Peter Willson’s unique thematic approach, compelling stories, and treasure trove of contemporary magazines, newspapers and memorabilia enhanced the presentation.” Others commented that the course had everything - political, societal, sport and the music history of the decade, coupled with enlightening and fun discussions between the class participants and the lecturer. _________________________________________________ Warning! This Might Make You Smile, or Even Laugh. Jack Newman and Allan Price: Funny Men Talking About Comedy Interviewing two instructors dealing with Comedy was both daunting and fun. Both Jack and Allan have performed in comic roles, and bring to their work and courses their love of comedy, their keen intelligence, empathy, and compassion for human nature. Jack has taught Television of Relevance: The advent of socially conscious television in the 1970s, Legendary Comedians, The Genius of Neil Simon (mnJCC), British Comedy Rules: The influence of British Comedy on Western Culture, and currently, International Film Comedies. 3 Allan has taught Al Jolson: The world’s greatest entertainer and currently Izzy, Fanny and Flo: America’s greatest songwriter, funniest girl, and greatest showman. It seemed best to let them speak in their own words, as they responded to questions posed: 1. What’s your first memory of something being funny? 2. When did you discover YOU are funny (not odd, but humourous)? 3. The Greeks believed Humour is close to Tragedy. What’s the difference between the two for you? 4. Why do you think people need humour in their lives? 5. What’s your favourite form of humour? 6. Who, apart from you, is the funniest comedian/comedienne you’ve heard or seen? Jack Newman’s responses: 1. Besides enjoying early children’s programs on CBC such as Uncle Chi Chi Muss and Hollyhock (really), I fell in love with the Saturday shorts at The Metro Theatre; Abbott and Costello, Harold Lloyd, Joe E. Brown, and the great Marx Brothers. 2. I discovered I was funny, I think, in Junior High, when I would clown around in class, like ride up with the Venetian blinds when it was my duty. (This involved jumping up as I raised the blinds), 3. Comedy can be funny, but also intend to change behavior as in Satire. Satire does not always elicit laughter. If you want a formula, Tragedy ends with a funeral, Comedy at a wedding. 4. Very obvious why people need humour in their lives. It is the best medicine, and in the words of Julia Louis Dreyfuss, “I certainly hope laughter is the best medicine because the present American administration is replacing Obamacare with it “(Sic.) 5. My favourite form of humour: Good Humour, not lazy crude humour. Long form: Joseph Heller; Short Form: The essays of Jack Handey, Simon Rich, Paul Rudnick, Woody Allen, Fran Leibowitz, Nora Ephron (who I met); Stand Up: John Mulaney, Sebastian Maniscalco, Brian Regan, Katheryn Ryan, Bill Burr, and many more. 6. The Funniest Comedian? Sid Caesar in Your Show of Shows, in a skit called “This is Your Story” with Carl Reiner. I cry with Laughter. And Monty Python in Life of Brian, especially Graham Capman being a false Messiah, John Cleese as Basil Fawlty, Rowan Atkinson as Blackadder. 4 Allan Price’s responses: 1. My dad was funny. I remember walking down Spadina with him and he’d always meet other guys who would laugh at whatever he said. I had no idea what was funny about it, but I laughed too. I also had an Uncle Kelly who was a drummer and he made me laugh (probably telling me dirty jokes when I was 8).

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