BALLLOGO-FULLThe new season of BALL lectures begins soon, and what a line-up it is! Now in its 16th season, the not-for-profit, member-funded organization, Bluewater Association for Lifelong Learning (BALL) grew, in 1999, out of an existing organization called "In Search of Learning". Eva Schwartzentruber was the driving force behind BALL. With Eva as Chair, the initial committee was made up of the following familiar names, sadly some are no longer with us, but many are: Betty Giuliano, Rose Hall, Nancy King, Edna Burri, June Cullen, Milt Schwartzentruber, Mike Traynor, Doug Keeling, , Don Willmott, Glenys Stow and Verona Jackson. Their idea was to offer stimulating lectures to older adults, giving them an opportunity to continue the learning process in a friendly, social environment, which offered something more than a strictly academic setting. And now, 16 years later, the Bluewater Association for Lifelong Learning is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors that strives to provide "information and inspiration for the inquisitive mind".
Check out the 2015-2016 brochure, mailed out to members, and available at libraries and other gathering places throughout Grey-Bruce, and of course at the newly updated website, www.bluewaterlearns.com.
New for this season: Registrations for BALL lecture series may now be completed online! BALL Membership is included in each lecture series registration, AND when members register for ALL 4 lecture series at one time, a discount of $10.00 will be applied.
Beginning September 10 (to October 15), Series One is titled "War: Its Meaning and Consequences" when Dr. Stanislav Kirschbaum explores the whats, whys and hows of war, especially its many consequences, and considers alternatives, in six talks. Series Two, "The Wonders of Italian Renaissance Art", (October 29 to December 3) will be presented by Judy Thomson, who will guide us through the glorious art of the Italian Renaissance, with special focus on the role played by three Italian cities – Florence, Rome and Venice. "Let There be Light", Series Three, a 6-part series presented by John Hlynialuk (January 7 – February 11, 2016) celebrates the science and scientists who, over the centuries, have unlocked the secrets of light. Series Four, "Our Beautiful, Baffling Brains" (March 3 – April 14, 2016) will be presented by six leading experts in "this golden age of brain science" who examine advances in neuroscience.
All lectures in the 2015-2016 season are scheduled for Thursday mornings, 10 a.m. to noon, in Owen Sound at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Register for one or more lecture series at the cost of $45. per series. Membership fee is included. When you register for all 4 of the lecture series at once, enjoy a discount of $10.
If a six-week lecture series is too much of a commitment, come out to one or both of the two special lectures planned for 2015-2016. Dr. Larry Black is back on Monday, October 19 providing an update on "Ukraine, The West and Russia: Where do we Stand Now?" And Peter Middleton talks about "Patterns of Change: The Arctic In the Modern Era" on Thursday, February 25, 2016. Each of these special lectures is scheduled at the Bayshore Community Centre, Owen Sound from 10 a.m. to noon. Tickets for each special lecture are $5.00 for BALL members; $15.00 for non-members, available for purchase online – or at the door as space is available.
BALL membership is open to all adults who are interested in life-long learning. For further information, please visit: www.bluewaterlearns.com.