Many good things have happened recently and continue happening regularly at the Drop-in Centre.
Our Purim celebration was a lot of fun and was well-received by the attendees. It started with an explanation by Rabbi Mendy Blachman of the history and meaning of the holiday. Then our rambunctious version of the Purim story, a modernized retelling of the ancient tale, was delivered by our talented and enthusiastic Purim Schpielers, directed by the inimitable Beryl Nahornick.
Our trip to Cow Patti Theatre near Lacombe took place on April 2nd. A pleasant and comfortable bus ride, a delicious buffet brunch, a full house of happy playgoers, and a witty, well-performed production of the farcical “Perfect Wedding” all combined to provide a memorable and perfectly enjoyable outing. This was my second excursion to Cow Patti Theatre and I must say it is an event that is not to be missed.
On the afternoon of Monday, April 21st a group of movie lovers gathered to screen a classic western film from 1960, THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. Organized by your humble president, we have been looking at the history of American Westerns, and have previously viewed and discussed SHANE, HIGH NOON and RIO BRAVO, all important, seminal films of the genre from the 1950s. Next up (date to be announced) will be SEVEN SAMURAI (1954), considered by many as one of the best films ever made, and although made in Japan by the great Akira Kurosawa, is arguably one of the most important “Western” films ever made. Join us to find out why!
More movie magic was offered at the Centre on Wednesdays in May. Back by popular demand, professor George Melnyk has been leading a new five-week course entitled “Hitchcock’s Masterpieces”. The movies are shown at the Centre at 10 am on our big screen TV downstairs, followed by a lecture-discussion from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. The fascination began with a viewing of the 1935 classic THE 39 STEPS on May 7th and ends with NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959) on June 4th. There is still time to call the office to register for the last engaging program. Come for the screening in the morning, stay for a delicious lunch (12-1 pm) and then enjoy the stimulating discussion in the afternoon.
A highly interesting and enjoyable course taught by Eileen Conway has been held on Mondays in May and continues through June 23. “Mid-Century Canadian Voices” delves into seminal Canadian thinkers and writers such as Pierre Burton, Northrop Frye and Gabrielle Roy. Eileen Conway is a retired Anglican clergywoman who taught English at the University of Alberta for almost twenty years. Her courses are always lively and thought-provoking, and encourage conversation about the topic at hand. The focus is on the Canadian landscape, our unique history and cultural influences, and looks at heroes and scoundrels and just plain folks who together make up our varied and vibrant and very large country.
Another entertaining class that I’m really looking forward to attending is the 6-week course being offered by the ever-popular Professor Michael Roeder on Sunday mornings 10am-12pm in June and July. “The Romantic Russians” will cover a number of Russian composers who hold a special place in the history of western music. From Balakirev, Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov and Mussorgsky to Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, this course will explore the origins and influences that make up the wonderful canon of Russian music.
These are just some of the highlights of our exceptional programming. In addition, almost every day brings another special event that is worth your time and attention. Check elsewhere in this newsletter for all the details. Come for a program and stay for a delicious lunch Mondays through Thursdays, or vice versa.
Please support your Centre by ordering greeting cards, available at various levels from $10, $18, $36. They are meaningful ways to remember your friends’ special events or occasions. Another more permanent and prominent way to mark special events or remember a loved one is through the purchase of plaques on the Shalom Wall in our entrance lobby: single $120, double $218, triple $336.
And coming soon, our biggest fun(d)raising event of the year is the Bagel Loop, Sunday, July 20th at 10am at Victoria Park in the river valley. Please participate, collect pledges, bring your friends, and tell as many people as you can about this inclusive, fun event. Walk, run, roll, it doesn’t matter as long as you come out and show support for your Centre!
Sam Koplowicz, President