It Takes a Community: Why community needs to take action on child abuse
Kristine Cassie ,
Thursday, October 12, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Each year the Government of Alberta acknowledges October as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Recently the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre renovated space in downtown Lethbridge to accommodate the needs of the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre – a program that provides coordinated, multidisciplinary approach in a safe, comfortable environment to address the needs of abused children, youth and their families. The talk will explore the prevalence of child sexual abuse, long standing implications of abuse when left unaddressed, and why it is important, as a community, to take action.
What is the difference between donating Blood and Plasma?
Brenna Scott , Business Development Manager at Lethbridge’s Canadian Blood Services Plasma Centre
Thursday, September 28, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
While many have heard of donating blood, donating plasma is still a relatively next concept. Some people still believe that donating blood and plasma are one and the same, and while both have you sitting in a chair hooked up to a machine, they are different processes with different purposes. When people think of blood donation, they are typically thinking of whole blood donation. Whole blood donations include all four blood components–red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma and are used to treat blood loss, typically due to injury or surgery.
Should Bison be restored to Eastern slope public Wildlands?
Mike Judd ,
Thursday, September 21, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
For more than 130,000 years, bison roamed the ecosystems of western Canada and US and while doing so, influenced the lives of Indigenous Peoples and every other species they shared space and time with, before they were hunted to near extinction in the late 1800s. The speaker will talk about his journey to the Bob Creek Wildlands in Alberta’s foothills and finding evidence of past bison existence there, which led a group of hikers to start investigating the possibility of returning bison to this part of the Eastern slopes.
Whacky Alberta History
Frits Pannekoek , Director of Historic Sites for Alberta
Thursday, September 14, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO)
Alberta has a lot of history, but no one has pulled it together. Some say we struggled against an unfriendly land, others say we struggled against eccentric governments, and others against an always evil East. Some say we are just misplaced Americans? But are these just old comfortable sawhorses. What are the alternatives? The speaker will offer one. Speaker: Frits Pannekoek Frits Pannekoek has been Director of Historic Sites for Alberta, for 25 years and involved in over a dozen of Alberta’s heritage centers.
Parkrun – A Global Fitness and Well Being Phenomenon
Jim Carter , Event Director for the Henderson Lake Parkrun
Thursday, September 7, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO)
Back in 2004, in a London, England Park, a global fitness and well-being activity, named Parkrun, was born. Parkrun is a network of free and computer timed 5-kilometer runs and walks held every Saturday morning at 9am local time at over 2200 locations in 26 countries around the world. There are over 5 million Parkrunners registered worldwide. Parkruns are community-based events that encourage physical fitness, health and wellness, and socialization for people of all ages and abilities.
Climate, Energy, Sustainability. Where are we? Where do we go?
James Byrne ,
Thursday, June 29, 2023 3:24 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Most of the global population recognizes we are in an accelerating transition to sustainable societies and environments. But what will that look like? Will life be more challenging; more comfortable; perhaps a combination? Dr. Byrne will discuss the society of the future. What do we have to do with energy and sustainability to achieve reasonably stable regional and global environments. Speaker: James Byrne Moderator: Mark Goettel James Byrne is Professor Emeritus, University of Lethbridge.
General Meeting for SACPA (Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs)
Thursday, June 15, 2023 7:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) Dining Room
SACPA’s AGM is scheduled immediately following the final 2022 – 2023 session featuring Dr. Duane Bratt. Cake & refreshments to be enjoyed! Members in good standing eligible to vote. Please RSVP providing full name to info@sacpa.ca by June 8th, 2023. Date/time: Thursday June 15, 2023, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Location**:** Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) Dining Room, 500-11 Street S, Lethbridge, AB Refreshments: Cake & refreshments to be enjoyed!
Will Danielle Smith Heed the Election Message Urban Voters in Alberta Sent Her?
Dr. Duane Bratt. ,
Thursday, June 15, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) Atrium Dining Room 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge, AB
The 2023 Alberta provincial election is history and the UCP won a majority government. However, their majority was reduced from 63-24 to 49-38, which included several cabinet ministers losing their seat. As expected, the UCP almost swept the rural vote where they have 37 out of 41 seats. The NDP dominated Edmonton and made strong inroads in Calgary to the point where a few thousand total votes in six ridings could have changed who formed government.
The Bail Conundrum.
Ingrid Hess and James Rouleau ,
Thursday, June 8, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) Dining Room
Our talk is meant to help people understand the Canadian Bail System better and to explain the newest changes to the system that the government is proposing. We also hope to provoke a discussion as to whether, when we tinker with these systems, we are really achieving the intended goals. Will the public really be safer? Are the proposed changes going to make a real difference in terms of public safety?
What are the likely impacts of Lethbridge & District Exhibition’s new $75 million Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre on our local economy?
Mike Warkentin , CEO of Lethbridge & District Exhibition
Thursday, June 1, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Lethbridge & District Exhibition is a pillar in the Lethbridge community. As a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1897, it operates and maintains seventy-two acres of land on the east bank of Henderson Lake and exists to ensure that the people of Lethbridge and district have a community gathering place now and in the future at which to participate in events, conduct business, learn, and be entertained. The new 268,000 square foot Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre, one of the largest development projects in the history of Lethbridge, will serve as an economic driver of growth for Alberta’s agriculture, tourism and agri-food sectors.
In addressing Lethbridge’s Homelessness and Addiction crises, what role does the SAGE Clan Patrol play? with Mark Brave Rock
Dan Berdusco and Mark Brave Rock ,
Thursday, May 25, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Centre Organization
Secure, Assist, Guard and Engage (SAGE) Clan is a grassroots organization that specializes in engaging those who need it the most in our community. Founded by community member Mark Brave Rock, the SAGE Clan is based upon the successful community patrol based in Winnipeg, the BEAR Clan. SAGE Clan patrols nightly on Mondays at 7 pm, and Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 pm to provide snacks, lunches, water and most importantly, someone to talk to.
Vaccines, Evolution, Trust and Progress
Dr. Bryson Brown ,
Thursday, May 18, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Histories of vaccination often begin in the late 18th century, with Dr. Edward Jenner and a milkmaid. But there was an earlier practice (variolation) in which samples of smallpox from (what were believed to be) less deadly outbreaks were used to protect patients against more severe versions of the disease. It involved either scratching material from smallpox ‘pustules’ onto the skin or inhaling it. The speaker will talk about the history of vaccination, the history of resistance to vaccination and the emergence of biological/ biochemical knowledge that has built powerful new tools for building vaccines.
SACPA Special Session A panel discussion on Addiction Issues and Best Practice
Bonnie Lee, Chelsey DeGroot, Dennis Bremner, Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, and Robin James. ,
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 12:00 AM
Lethbridge Public Library - Theatre Gallery
SACPA Special Session\ A panel discussion on Addiction Issues and Best Practice Monday May 15, 2023 - Lethbridge Public Library - Theatre Gallery - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Organizer and Moderator: Bev Muendel-Atherstone 6:00 pm: Introduction of panelists and Questions for panelists 7:00 pm audience Q and A 7:45 pm Thank you - 8:00pm Library closes Panel participants: Bonnie Lee, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in Health Sciences (Addictions Counselling Program) as well as a Social Worker and Couple and Family Therapist who works with addiction.
“The Dirty Old Indian” MY CANADIAN HERO
Tom Sindlinger ,
Thursday, May 11, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
A tribute to a World War I Warrior. The presentation will provide an example of racism that was wrong then and continues to be wrong today …… high and unequivocal praise for Mike Mountain Horse, an inspiring and courageous Warrior who was buried for four days and wounded three times in World War I. After his service, he was elected a minor chief of his tribal Nation and elected a president of a Lethbridge railway union.
The City of Lethbridge Mayor Hyggen’s Spring 2023 Update
Blaine Hyggen , Mayor of Lethbridge
Thursday, May 4, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
In January 2023, I presented the State of The City at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast. At the upcoming SACPA meeting I would like to provide you updates on many of the key topics we identified. There have been great strides forward in some areas, work to be done in others. Topics highlighted will range from homelessness to green bins. We will touch on issues like community safety, the electoral system, third bridge, physician recruitment, taxes, addictions, the intergovernmental health table and much more.
Where will Progressive Conservative Albertans find Refuge?
Drs. Yale Belanger and Richard Mueller ,
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Following the 2019 provincial election win by the United Conservative Party (UCP), leader Jason Kenney, became Premier of Alberta. Since then, the province has arguably been in some kind of crisis mode ranging from financial woes to COVID 19 controversy (“Best Summer Ever”) to fights with doctors, nurses and Ottawa to name a few. Adding fuel to the fire, Alberta went through a leadership change in October 2022, when Danielle Smith won the race to replace Kenney as Premier.
Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID) - Track 2: A Daughter’s Perspective
Tania Stilson ,
Thursday, April 20, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in Carter v. Canada that parts of the Criminal Code would need to change to satisfy the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The parts that prohibited medical assistance in dying would no longer be valid. The Supreme Court gave the government until June 6, 2016, to create a new law. In June 2016, the Parliament of Canada passed federal legislation, known as Bill C-14, that allows eligible Canadian adults to request medical assistance in dying.
The Blackfoot Perspective of the 153-year-old Battle of the Belly River
Camina Weasel Moccasin and Kris Hodgson-Bright ,
Thursday, April 13, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa, in partnership with Lethbridge College, Reconciliation Lethbridge, Lethbridge Historical Society and the City of Lethbridge Indigenous Relations Office, are embarking on a project that will focus on and highlight Niitsitapi knowledge and perspectives of the event. We believe this project will continue efforts toward reconciliation and relationship building by informing residents of the impact the battle had on the development of the Lethbridge. In order to focus on the Niitsitapi voices that have been ignored in the past, the Galt has engaged with Elders and Knowledge Keepers from the Blackfoot communities about this specific event.
Who is Minding Alberta’s Fish and Wildlife?
Sofie Forsstrom, Joanna Skrajny, Gary Clark and Lorne Fitch ,
Thursday, April 6, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Concerns have been raised about the fragmentation of the management of Alberta’s fish and wildlife resources to separate departments and non-government agencies. Questions will be raised on how effective fish and wildlife management and conservation will happen, in such a fractured way. Risks to an important resource, a provincial treasure, will be explored. What is happening, how might these changes influence a public resource like fish and wildlife, and why should you care?
Can Social Prescribing help improve our health and well-being challenges?
Heather Bursaw and Rob Miyashiro ,
Thursday, March 30, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Social prescribing is a means for health-care providers to connect patients to a range of non-clinical services in the community, in order to improve their health and well-being. As opposed to simply treating symptoms, social prescribing may help to address the underlying causes of patients’ health and well-being challenges. Ideally, social prescribing is a more holistic approach to health care, which promotes community-based integrated care, and helps to de-medicalize health service provision.
Challenges of First Nation Policing
Grant Buckskin and Rayan Najjar , Police Chief and Inspector
Thursday, March 16, 2023 6:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
An on-reserve police service presents with many challenges, including funding, staffing, and retention. The First Nation members themselves face particular challenges as well as non-challenges. Non-First Nation officers have their own unique challenges, as well as the “culture shock” that accompanies policing a First Nation area. Our presenters will touch on all of these issues based on their own policing experience. Speakers: Police Chief Grant Buckskin and Inspector Rayan Najjar
Are Albertans ready to move on from Governance by the NDP and UCP?
Barry Morishita ,
Thursday, March 9, 2023 7:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
A NDP majority was elected in 2015, and then in 2019 enough people voted for the UCP to give them a majority. Elections in different jurisdictions have shown that after each opposite direction election, many voters are left hanging with no home. Recent polls have shown that the UCP is having a hard time keeping voters, but not all are ready to vote NDP, so where do they go? The speaker will contend that at some point, Albertans may become tired of the instability of this back-and-forth undoing what the previous government did, only to have that repeat in the following election.
What changes have been made since the Blood Tribe took over the Lethbridge Shelter?
Taatsiikiipoyii, Charles (Charlie) Weaselhead Jr. ,
Thursday, March 2, 2023 7:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
The City of Lethbridge and Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) signed a Shelter lease agreement starting Jan 1, 2023 at the location of the former Lethbridge Shelter and Stabilization Centre on 2 Avenue North. The speaker will give some background info on how this agreement came to be, followed by an account of the current Shelter situation and the overall continuum of care plan and vision by BTDH on the issue of opioid addiction and recovery.
Are we COPing out on Climate?
Dr. Kent Peacock ,
Thursday, February 23, 2023 7:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Some people may be under the impression that with the Paris Accord of 2015, and subsequent agreements made at a series of “Conference of the Parties” (COP) meetings, the problem of climate change is well on its way to being solved. Unfortunately, nothing could be farther from the truth. I will summarize some recent scientific findings that everyone needs to know about and discuss their implications for climate policy. Speaker: **Kent Peacock
The Fiscal Outlook for 2023, and a Recap of Years Past
Honourable Joseph Schow , ECA
Thursday, February 16, 2023 7:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Mr. Schow will give some insight into the provincial budget for 2023, and recap important provincial investments over the last 3 years. Speaker: HONOURABLE JOSEPH SCHOW, ECA Minister Without Portfolio, Government House Leader, United Conservative Caucus, MLA for Cardston-Siksika Moderator: Bev Muendel- Atherstone Joseph Schow was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Cardston-Siksika, on April 16, 2019. He was appointed Government House Leader on October 24, 2022.
Building Strong Communities and a Strong Economy for Alberta
Hon. Shannon Phillips ,
Thursday, February 9, 2023 7:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
With an Alberta election on the way this spring, Rachel Notley and Alberta’s NDP are promising to be a stable, caring, and competent government, focused on addressing the issues that matter to Lethbridge like lowering the cost of living and rebuilding public health care. With Danielle Smith’s government in a state of chaos, MLA Shannon Phillips will provide an alternative vision for a stronger Lethbridge and what she would prefer to see for her constituents and fellow Albertans.
What I learned about City of Lethbridge Finances
Chris Spearman , Former Mayor of Lethbridge
Thursday, February 2, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
An account of what was learned about city finances and financial oversight during 8 years of service on Lethbridge City Council will be presented. Speaker: Chris Spearman, Former Mayor of Lethbridge Moderator: Mark Goettel Chris Spearman was a Lethbridge resident from 1981 to 2022. He had more than 40 years ofbusiness experience, including 33 years as Manager of Accounting and Administration at the Black Velvet Distilling Company in Lethbridge. Chris served for 18 years on the Holy Spirit School Board and 8 years as the mayor of Lethbridge.
Stirling’s Journey to Net Zero – It makes cents.
Trevor Lewington ,
Thursday, January 26, 2023 7:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Find out why the Village Stirling embarked on a journey to net zero with the deployment of community-owned solar microgeneration beginning in 2018. More importantly, learn about this southern Alberta community’s plans to continue its leadership in energy sustainability and financial responsibility. The Village of Stirling is one of just three communities in Canada designated as a National Historic Site and is the largest village in Alberta by population with 1,269 residents as of the 2019 municipal census.
Will the Church Survive the Pandemic?
Taylor Croissant , Reverend
Thursday, January 19, 2023 7:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Christian churches faced several significant challenges in the Covid-19 pandemic to attend to the spiritual needs of our community, and their post-crisis recovery continues to be very rocky. This discussion will explore the various obstacles faith communities have faced since 2020, how they navigated those obstacles, and new pressures they are now facing. Speaker: **Reverend Taylor Croissant **Moderator: Terry Shillington The Reverend Taylor Croissant is an ordained minister in The United Church of Canada, currently serving at Southminster United Church in downtown Lethbridge.
Housed to Homeless, Repeat… How do we Create a Housing Continuum in Lethbridge?
Robin James ,
Thursday, January 12, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Lethbridge Housing Authority – building healthy families and sustainable communities with appropriate and affordable homes. Lethbridge Housing Authority (LHA) is a Housing Management body established by Ministerial Order in 1995. Its purpose is to provide affordable housing to seniors, individuals and families through the operations and administration of funding and properties owned by the Province of Alberta. Recognizing that housing is more than just the bricks and mortar of a building, LHA is a respected partner engaged in building vibrant communities through strong partnerships.
Why should we bother trying to save old buildings, even if they are historic?
Ross Kilgour and George Kuhl , Senior Development Officer
Thursday, January 5, 2023 12:00 PM
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Ross Kilgour and George Kuhl will provide an overview of the City of Lethbridge’s heritage program. Why should we protect Lethbridge’s heritage? How does the City’s heritage program work today? And how will the upcoming new Heritage Management Plan change things? Speaker: Ross Kilgour and George Kuhl George Kuhl is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge with professional roots in urban and regional planning. As a planner with the Oldman River Regional Planning Commission, George worked on City of Lethbridge projects and an array of rural and small-town projects for over 21 years providing him with invaluable community development experience.