Past St. John's MUNPA Events

Hosted by St. John's, but events on Zoom were open to the membership at large.

2023-2024 EVENTS

Fall 2023

  • Tour of the Colonial Building.  Event is 2:00 – 3:15, Thursday, October 12, and due to its nature, in-person only. The Colonial Building was home to the Newfoundland and Labrador Legislative Assembly from 1850 until 1959.  It is a Provincial Historic Site.  
  • "Sharing Our Cultures: Engaging Culturally Diverse School Children and Youth" with Lloydetta Quaicoe, CEO of Sharing Our Cultures. Event is 1:30 – 2:30, FRIDAY, October 27, at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013, and will be in-person only.  
  • “Christmas Centrepiece Demonstration and Information Session” with the Newfoundland Horticultural Society and Floral Design Group. Event is 2:15 – 3:45, TUESDAY, November 7, at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013, and due its nature will be in-person only. The demonstration will be geared for beginners, and therefore no floral design knowledge is required. The session will give you the knowledge required to do your very own centrepiece at home!   
  • “A Visit to Tilting, Fogo Island: Heritage Conservation and Recent Student Construction Projects,” with Robert Mellin. Event is in-person and on Zoom 2:00 – 3:15, FRIDAY, November 24. In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013. Robert is an architect and retired McGill architecture professor. He has been writing about Tilting since 1987, and his family owns an old house there. After introducing the architecture and cultural landscape, he will show some of the heritage conservation work that has been done over the years, and recent summer workshop projects constructed in the community by his McGill architecture students.   
  • Our annual Christmas party is scheduled for 3:00 – 5:00pm, Thursday, December 7th at Bally Haly. This will be at their new site, off Stavanger Drive. There will be finger foods, door prizes, and a cash bar. There will be a Silent Auction of Christmas cakes, and a donation jar, both for the Campus Food Bank.

 Winter 2024

  • "Making a Difference through Legacy Gifts" with Catherine Barrett, Senior Development Officer, Planned Giving, Office of Development, Memorial University.  Event is in-person and on Zoom 2:00 – 3:30, Thursday, January 25. In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013.  Please join Catherine as she shares her 20+ years of experience in the area of charitable gift planning. She will discuss the most common ways of making legacy gifts to charity, options and considerations to keep in mind, pitfalls to avoid, and share examples of legacy gifts to Memorial University and the impact of these gifts on the university and students. There will be a question and answer session following the presentation.
  • First Aid Mini Course, 1:30 – 4:30, Thursday, February 8th, by First Aid Vitals NL, Red Cross' Training partner, 17 Major's Path.  NOTE: This event is in-person only, and will be similar to what was offered to our membership in the past. Topics will include using an AED, and recognizing the signs of heart attacks and strokes, both of which have been covered in prior sessions for us. New in 2023, and covered again this year is choking, for those who have attended our sessions before, and would like to learn a different topic.
  • "Do's and Don'ts of DIY Conservation At Home: A Conservation Primer", an informal talk by Miki Lee, Conservator of The Rooms. This in-person visit is on February 21st, 2:00 – 4:00.  Please arrive at 2:00 so we can get everyone's ticket and proceed to the auditorium for our talk at 2:15. The visit is FREE - Admission fees will be covered by MUNPA.  The Parking lot requires paid parking, which will be visitors' costs, not MUNPA.  Please advise when you pre-register with us if you are already a Rooms member so that we don't pay for an entry ticket for you.  You can meet with friends for coffee and conversation in the Café at The Rooms after the tour.  The Rooms, including the Café, is open until 9pm on Wednesdays, and with your admission already paid for, you are welcome to stay until closing.  Café fees are your own cost.   See their website for visitor information including parking. https://www.therooms.ca/visit-us
  • "April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse across Newfoundland" with our own MUNPA member Randy Dodge. Event is in-person and on Zoom, 2:00-3:30, Tuesday, March 12.  In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013.   Randy Dodge of the St. John's Centre Chapter of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will present a talk about the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, outlining the uniqueness of the event, where to be in Newfoundland, and how to view it safely. He will also provide a brief review of some past eclipses and what's coming in the future.  Randy been a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada for more than 50 years and has been a recipient of the Society's Service Award.  Randy has seen four total eclipses and travelled across Canada, USA and Mexico to see them. He is excited to see another total eclipse on home ground.
  • "The Challenge to Succeed: Hiking in High Places; and Facing the Opposition in Sports"- a Photographic Slideshow presented by members of our own MUNPA Shutterbug Club. The event is 2:00-3:15pm, Thursday, April 4, in person and via Zoom. In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013.   Mark Graesser will present photos of hiking companions meeting challenges in New Zealand and Newfoundland; and Mike Wilkshire will showcase a number of action shots in a variety of local summer and winter sports. These will be some of the most amazing images you will ever see!
  • Understanding and Optimizing Sleep at all Life Stages" with Dr. Sheila Garland, Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology and Oncology at Memorial. Event is in-person and on Zoom, 2:00-3:30, Tuesday, April 16.  In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013.  Dr. Garland conducts psycho-oncology and behavioral sleep medicine research.
  • "Where's The Food?" with Dan Rubin.  Event is in-person and on Zoom, 2:00-3:30, Tuesday, April 30.  In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013.  Since moving to Newfoundland twenty years ago, Dan Rubin has been learning about our ability to grow and gather our own food.  Dan is the author of the book Sun, Seed & Soil: Tips and Techniques for a Northern Garden, recently published by Boulder Books.  After working in his own garden and leading annual workshops, he moved on to found Food Producers Forum, a provincial non-profit helping to rebuild local food production at fourteen sites across our province.   Dan will share stories, images and videos from these sites, along with new information from a provincial survey of community food producers, completed in 2022.  There will be time to ask him questions about his work in gardening and food security.
  • "Battle Harbour, Labrador" with Linda and Phil Kirby, MUNPA members. This Travel Talk will take you to the east coast of Labrador, and a place described as a living museum to the traditional Newfoundland and Labrador outport. Event is Tuesday, May 14, 2:00-3:30, in person at Signal Hill Campus room B1013, and on Zoom.

2022-2023 EVENTS

Fall 2022

  • “Geology and Tourism on Fogo Island - the Inn and the Geology at the Edge Program”, with Dr. Jack Botsford, Consulting Geologist. Event is in-person and on Zoom, 2:30-4:00, Thursday, September 29th. In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013.
  • "Reducing the Risks for Falls for Seniors", with Dr. Jeannette Byrne, HKR, MUN. Event is in-person only, 2:00-3:30, Thursday, October 20th, at Signal Hill Campus, room 2007A. This follows on Dr. Byrne’s talk at our 2019 AGM with new material, not an AGM repeat. The session will include a talk, plus a demonstration of some simple activities that can be done at home. This session is appropriate for anyone, as you won’t have to do any exercise beyond your abilities. 
  • “Crow’s Nest and the Battle of the Atlantic”a talk by Gary Green and Margaret Morris of the Crow’s Nest (a military club in St. Johns). The event is 2:00-3:30pm, Thursday, November 10th. This will be an in-person visit, but we are planning for Zoom as well. 
  • Quidi Vidi Brewery Talk and Tasting, 2:00-2:30pm, Thursday, November 24, being held at the Cost is $22.50 to be paid by attendees. MUNPA will provide finger foods. After the talk, attendees are welcome to stay as long as they like, have another beverage, grab a bite to eat from the onsite food truck, or visit the gift shop. 
  • Our annual Christmas Party is scheduled for 3:00 – 5:00pm, Thursday, December 8th at Bally Haly, 100 Logy Bay Road. There will be finger foods, door prizes, and a cash bar.  There will also be a donation jar for the Campus Food Bank for anyone who wants to donate via cash or cheque (payable to Campus Food Bank). 

Winter 2023

  •  "COVID, Vaccines and Seniors ", with Dr. Rod Russell, Faculty of Medicine, MUN. This Zoom-only presentation will be held Thursday, January 12th from 2:00-3:30pm.
  • "Senior-Friendly Trails and Hiking ", with Adrian Tanner. Event is in-person and on Zoom, 2:00-3:30, Thursday, January 26th. In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B2007A.  Adrian is a MUNPA member who, since 1994, has served in various capacities with the East Coast Trail Association. Adrian also has been Newfoundland and Labrador's representative with Hike Canada en Marche, Canada's National Hiking Association, since 1997.
  • First Aid mini course, 1:30 – 4:30, Thursday, February 9th, by First Aid Vitals NL, Red Cross’ Training partner, 17 Major’s Path.(Non-certificate event)  NOTE: This event is in-person only.
  • Visit to the Centre for Marine Simulation at the Marine Institute. Event is 2:00 – 3:30, Thursday, February 23rd and due to its nature, in-person only. We will get to use their equipment that simulates being on the bridge of a ship. We will also get to see the Marine Institute’s flume tank, used to demonstrate the operations and behaviour of fixed and mobile fishing gear in water.
  • "Listening, Friendship and the Idea of Reconciliation", with Elizabeth Yeoman. Event is in-person and on Zoom, 2:00-3:30, Thursday, March 9th. In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B2007A. Elizabeth is a MUNPA member whose book, Exactly What I Said: Translating Words and Worlds, reflects on her ten-year collaborative writing project with Innu cultural and environmental activist Tshaukuesh Elizabeth Penashue.
  • “The Thriving Newfoundland and Labrador Film Industry”, with Noreen Golfman and Chris Bonnell. Event is in-person and on Zoom, 2:00-3:30, WEDNESDAY, March 22nd, not our usual Thursday. In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B2007A. Noreen is a MUNPA member and a film sector leader. Chris Bonnell is the Corporation’s Executive Director and Film Commissioner (Acting). Together they will share insights and stories about the flourishing film sector in our province.
  • "Terry Fox: His Life, His Legacy", as told by his brother, Fred Fox. Event is in-person and on WebEx, 3:30 – 5:00, WEDNESDAY, April 19th, NOTE: not our usual day/time.  In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B2007A.        
  • "Enjoying the Night Sky “, with Mike Morrow. Event is in-person and on Zoom, 2:00-3:30, Thursday, April 27th. In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013.  Mike is a MUNPA member who is also the President of the Royal Astronomical Society – St. John’s Centre Chapter. 
  • “End of Life: What Are Your Options?”  with Dr. Susan MacDonald. Event is in-person and on Zoom, 3:00-4:30, Thursday, May 11th.  In-person is at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013. Dr. MacDonald is a palliative care physician in St. John’s, a faculty member in MUN’s Faculty of Medicine, and Past-President of the NLMA. 
  •  “Composting and Other Tips to Enhance Your Gardens” with Tim Walsh, Nursery Manager and Horticulturist, MUN Botanical Garden. The event is Thursday May 25, 2:00 pm -3:30 pm and is in-person only. Bring your other gardening questions, too. After Tim’s talk in the Garden’s Conference Room, we will go outside to visit and talk about their composting methods.
  • Our Annual General Meeting will be Thursday, June 8th, at the Signal Hill Campus. Details for the day are on our AGM page. 

 

2021-2022 EVENTS

Fall 2021

  • “Seniors and Fraud”, by Seniors NL, Thursday, October 7, from 2:00-3:30pm. This Zoom- only presentation will be by Mary Ennis from Seniors NL and Cst. Brad Squires from the RCMP. Topics will included recognizing frauds and scams targeting seniors. (Note Mary was unable to present so Brad was solo).
  • “So You Think You Want To Live In A Condo….”, by Gloria Montano, Thursday, October 21, from 2:00-3:30pm. Gloria is a former board member of the NL Chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute. This will be a Zoom-only presentation.
  • “Emergency Preparedness”, by Len LeRiche, Safety Services NL, Thursday, November 4, 2:00-3.30pm. This Zoom-only presentation’s focus will be on being ready at home for events such as weather emergencies and power outages. 
  • “Painting with Botanicals” by Lindsay Alcock of Old Trout Studios, Thursday, November 25, 2:00-3.30pm, Signal Hill Campus, room B1013. The nature of this talk/ display of materials is such that it will be live-only, no Zoom. 
  • Our annual Christmas party is 3:00 – 5:00pm, Thursday, December 16th at Bally Haly. There will be finger foods, door prizes, and a cash bar. 

Winter 2022 

  • “Residential Schools in Labrador” by Dr. Andrea Procter, Archaeology, MUN, Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 2:00-3:30pm. This will be a Zoom-only presentation. Dr. Proctor is the author of “A Long Journey - Residential Schools in Labrador and Newfoundland”.
  • Our annual First Aid Mini-Course, by First Aid Vitals NL, Red Cross’ Training partner. Topics include recognizing the signs of heart attacks and strokes, and self-care during COVID. This is a non-certificate course. This Zoom-only presentation will be held 1:30-3:30pm, Thursday, February 10th.

  • Our St Patrick’s Day Celebration. Last year’s Paddy’s Day celebration was such a success, we are holding it again! Join us virtually for an afternoon of music and song featuring two well-known entertainers, Shelley Neville and Peter Halley. Wear some green, pull up a chair with your favorite drink and if you want, sing along. This Zoom-only performance takes place at 2-3:30 pm, Thursday, March 24th.(postponed from original date of March 17).

  •  RRSPs and TFSAs - What to Do with Them as a Retiree” a talk presented by Chris Dawson and Genevieve Dawson of IG Wealth Management. This Zoom-only presentation will be held Thursday, March 31st from 2:00-3:30pm.

  •  “Zipper Merges and Roundabouts – a Defensive Driving Session”, instructed by Jim Brazil of SafetyNL. Our 2019 MUNPA session with this title only covered Roundabouts on the day it ran. For this talk we have confirmed both topics will be covered. This Zoom-only presentation will be held Thursday, April 14th from 2:00-3:30pm. 

  •  “Vegetable Gardening in Raised Beds" by Tim Walsh, MUN Botanical Garden, 2:00-3:30pm, Thursday, May 12th. Visit includes Tim’s talk as well as seeing the garden. This in-person visit is subject to Public Health guidelines in place at the time of the talk.

  •  Annual General Meeting, Thursday, June 9, 2022

2020-2021 EVENTS

Fall 2020

  • "The Lighter Side of Retirement”, a Comedy Show with our own MUNPA member Humourologist Bill Eaton.  LIVE 7:00-9:00pm, Wednesday, September 30th, at The Fluvarium, as well as live streamed on our Facebook group page. 
  • MUNPA 2020 Annual General Meeting, 2:00-4:00pm, Thursday, October 8th, 2020 at Signal Hill Campus, and online via Webex.
  •  “St. John’s in WWII and the Strategic Important of NL in the War Effort” a talk by MUNPA member Gary Green (Marine Institute) and Margaret Morris of the Crow’s Nest (a military club in St. Johns).  The talk is 2:00-3:15pm, Thursday, November 12th, online only, via Zoom. 
  • “The Eye of the Beholder”, a photographic slideshow presented by Mike Wilkshire and Gene Herzberg of our own MUNPA Shutterbug Club. The event is 2:00-3:15pm, Monday, November 23rd, online only, via Zoom. 

Winter 2021

  • "Heading Down South - At Home " a Newfoundland pictorial tour, presented by Linda and Phil Kirby, MUNPA members. This travel talk will take you to the South Coast of Newfoundland. Our Zoom-only presentation will be held Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 2:00pm.
  • "Estate Planning, Wills, Financial and Health Directives" a talk presented by Chris Dawson and Genevieve Dawson of IG Wealth Management. This Zoom-only presentation will be held Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 2:00-3:30pm. 
  • First Aid Mini-Course, by First Aid Vitals NL, Red Cross’ Training partner. Topics include recognizing the signs of heart attacks and strokes, and self-care during COVID. This is a non-certificate course. This Zoom-only presentation will be held 1:30-3:30pm, Thursday, March 11th. 
  • St Patrick’s Day Celebration. Join us virtually for an afternoon of music and song featuring well-known entertainers Shelley Neville and Peter Halley. Wear some green, pull up a chair with your favorite drink and if you want, sing along! Shelley and Peter will be at the piano/keyboard, and willing to take requests. This Zoom-only performance takes place 2:00-3:15 pm, Wednesday, March 17th. 
  • Meat or ‘Beyond Meat’ and Other Nutrition Conundrums”, by Dr. Janet Brunton and Dr. Rob Bertolo, Biochemistry, MUN. The Zoom presentation will be held on Wednesday April 28, from 2:30-4:00pm.  What’s in that new burger? Learn more about plant-based proteins and related nutrition matters. 
  • “Traditional Skills and Crafts at Risk” by Dale Jarvis. Dale will talking about a recent Heritage NL project on traditional skills and crafts at risk, including birch broom making, bark tanning, and blacksmithing. The Zoom presentation will be held on Thursday, May 6th, from 2:00-3:30 pm. 
  • Annual General Meeting, Tuesday, June 8, 2021, see the AGM report here.

2019-2020 EVENTS

Fall 2019

  • Tour of Government House, 2:30 - 3:30pm, Tuesday, October 22nd, with tour guide Dianne O’ Mara.
  • Talk and Tour at MUN’s Maritime History Archive, 2:00 – 4:00pm, Thursday, November 14th. “Shipping and Trade in Newfoundland during the First World War” by Dr. Mike O’Brien, followed by tour with David Bradley, archivist.
  • Zipper Merges and Roundabouts – a Defensive Driving Session, 1:00 – 3:00pm, Wednesday, November 27th, instructed by Jim Brazil, Safety Services NL. The focus will be mainly on those two topics, so attendees at prior MUNPA sessions should not notice too much repetition.
  • Make a Christmas Centerpiece at Murray’s Garden Centre, 3:30 – 5:30pm, Thursday, December 12th. Cost to be borne by individual participants, amount is $55 plus HST, DEADLINE to register is December 1st. Murray’s will supply all the materials needed, but you are asked if possible to bring gardening gloves and pruners/secateurs.
  • Our annual Christmas party is  4:00 – 6:00pm, Thursday, December 5th at Bally Haly.

Winter 2020

  • Tour of Railway Coastal Museum, 2:00 - 3:30pm, Thursday, January 30. The Museum includes both railway and coastal boat exhibits and we will receive a guided tour of both. See their site for details on parking.
  • Emergency Preparedness, 2:00 – 4:00pm, Thursday, February 13th, instructed by Len LeRiche, Safety Services NL. The focus will be on being ready at home for events such as weather emergencies and power outages. 
  • First Aid mini course, 1:30-4:30pm, Tuesday, March 3rd, by First Aid Vitals NL, Red Cross’ Training partner, 17 Major’s Path. Topics include using an AED, and recognizing the signs of heart attacks and strokes. NOTE: This is the same session we offered in 2018, 2019. Due to the positive response from attendees, we are offering it again for those who haven’t gone yet.

Several other events were planned for Winter 2020 but cancelled due to the COVID-19 shutdown.

2018-2019 EVENTS

Fall 2018 

  • MUN is hosting an Open House for its Signal Hill Campus (formerly The Battery), an event for the General Public, 2 – 5pm, Saturday, September 29, and MUNPA will be one of several hosting departments. Our MUNPA members are invited to join in this celebration. No MUNPA registration is required for this event.
  • Downsizing Your Home – Tips and Tools for Organizing and Decluttering, Wednesday, October 3rd, with April Miller, Professional Organizer.
  • Our own MUNPA Grand Opening Event at Signal Hill Campus is Tuesday, October 23rd, 2-5pm. 
  • Visit to Admiralty House, Thursday, November 15th, for Armistice 100 Talk and Tour. FREE. Meet at the museum Annex.
  • Our Christmas Social is Thursday, December 6th, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Fluvarium, Nagles Hill Place. Deadline to register - Thursday. November 29.

Winter 2019

  • Travel Session: Small Group Adventure Tours on the World’s Greatest Seas and Rivers!, from 2-4pm, Friday, January 18th at the Signal Hill Campus, with Melissa Keough, Carlson Wagonlit Harvey's Travel and Ashley Jean, G Adventures.
  • Visit to VOWR Radio Station 1:30 - 3:30pm, Tuesday, February 12, with Doreen Whalen, Station Manager, and MUNPA member. VOWR is at 101 Patrick Street, inside Wesley United Church. See below for parking and other details. Limited number of spaces for registrants.
  • What can I do with my Apple iPad? 2:30-4:30pm, Thursday, February 28, at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013. Craig Skinner, retired IT staff person from Biochemistry, will instruct. 
  • First Aid mini course, 1:30-4:30pm, Thursday, March 7th, by First Aid Vitals NL, Red Cross’ Training partner, 17 Major’s Path.  NOTE: This is the same session we offered in 2018. Due to the positive response from attendees, we are offering it again for those who could not participate last time.
  • Coffee, Tea, and the RNC, 2:30-4:00pm, Thursday March 21st, at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013. Constable Jason Coombs will host an informal chat/question session on topics of interest to the audience.
  • "Time Sensitive", 2:00-4:00pm Thursday, April 18th at Signal Hill Campus, room B1013. A presentation by Ed O’Reilly on the resettled communities from Great Harbour Deep to Petites and how time is impacting these once vibrant outports. Talk will include videos and photos.
  • “Native Plants of the Boreal Forest around St. John’s.” by Todd Boland, MUN Botanical Garden, 2:00-4:00pm, Thursday, May 2nd. Visit includes Todd’s talk as well as seeing the garden.
  • Annual General Meeting, Thursday, June 6, see details on our AGM page.

2017-2018 EVENTS

Fall 2017

  • Travel Talk: New Zealand, Tuesday, October 3rd, by Mark Graesser
  • Gower Street United Church Tour, Thursday, October 12, by James Hiller.
  • New Woodcarving Group Information Session, Saturday, October 21st, by Helger Eckenweber
  • Visit to Marine Institute, Centre for Marine Simulation, Monday, October 23rd - CANCELLED
  • Defensive Driving and Winter Tips Session, Tuesday, November 7th, instructed by Jim Brazil, Safety Services NL
  • Visit to The Rooms, Wednesday, November 15th – FREE - “Their Crowning Achievement: The Battle Honors and Royal Designation of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.”
  • NL Outdoors – a Photographic Slide Show, Monday, November 20th, by Gene Herzberg
  • MUN Trivia Fun,Wednesday, November 29th, hosted by Linda Kirby and Anne Sinnott.
  • Christmas Social, Thursday, December 7th

Winter /Spring 2018

  • Genealogy 101 Tuesday, January 23rd, with Wanda Garrett
  • Travel Session - Antarctica Observed: Amaze your shipmates with who, what, why, where and when!, Thursday, February 15th, with Tony Dickinson
  • 3D Printer Workshop, Wednesday, February 21, at the QEII Library, with Simon Hawkenson – Registration is closed, all seats are booked.
  • First Aid mini-course, Thursday, March 8th, by First Aid Vitals
  • Surviving Donald Trump: American Democracy Under Stress, Wednesday, April 4th, with Michael Wallack and Steve Wolinetz
  • Gardening, Thursday, April 19th, with Peter Scott
  • Quidi Vidi Brewery Tour and Tasting, Friday, May 11th
  • Manuels River Interpretation Centre, Tuesday, May 29th, “Ediacaran Fossils of Mistaken Point”
  • Annual General Meeting, Thursday, June 7, see details on our AGM page.

 

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2024-09-19