How should you die?
The response to that and various other challenging queries about the certainty of mortality will be examined in at least two courses scheduled for this year’s ElderCollege spring session.
One of those courses even includes cake.
On April 22, Canterbury College principal Jennifer Boyes-Garbin will host a 'Death Cafe' with the theme: 'All Questions About Death Answered Without Fear.'
Boyes-Garbin notes that considerable thought and preparation go into shaping one’s life, yet remarkably less attention and exertion are dedicated to an inevitable event that everyone will encounter—the conclusion of their existence.
We don't discuss death frequently enough—yet everyone faces it. It's an integral part of our humanity… discussing it can help remove the stigma.
Her follow-up class on May 6 titled 'Creating an End-of-Life Plan' is designed to assist with planning for "a peaceful passing."
Boyes-Garbin, who is additionally an ordained minister, mentioned that her courses focus on deeper existential questions rather than religious matters, financial planning, drafting last wills, medically assisted death (MAID), or medical procedures. The core of these sessions revolves around more profound reflections such as "How do I wish to be remembered? What was the significance of my life?"
It embodies the essence of humanity.
Boyes-Garbin, who additionally works as an end-of-life doula—someone aiding those confronting terminal illnesses or death through providing emotional, physical, and spiritual comfort—noted that much of her role over two decades as a church reverend involved accompanying people nearing the end of their lives when they weren't ready. For instance, some prefer not to pass away in hospitals, whereas others would rather avoid dying at home, feeling isolated, or surrounded by company.
It can be incredibly daunting due to our uncertainty. When we have knowledge of what lies ahead, we can confront situations with confidence and tranquility.
Addressing the topic of death, she shared with the Star, "This isn’t in the least bit macabre."
Canterbury ElderCollege registrations began on Monday, featuring more than 60 courses—the largest selection since the onset of the pandemic—which will commence on Wednesday (April 9) and run through until June 11. Provided there is room available, enrollments stay open throughout the entire term, extending even to the day prior to the start of each course.
Individuals aged 55 and above have the opportunity to participate in ElderCollege courses led by volunteers. The membership fee, valid for two back-to-back semesters, costs $15 annually. Course charges vary between $25 and $55 each; this particular year also features an offer of six complimentary courses. Additionally, a 'Buffet-Course' option allows participants to enroll in up to ten classes for just $155.
This year introduces 'remote hybrid classes' featuring educators from all over Canada. Included among these sessions is Montreal-based nuclear physicist John Felvince exploring "Camp X: Training Spies on Canadian Soil," which delves into Canada's role in cultivating spies to covertly combat Nazi Germany (on April 14). Additionally, historian and ex-UN peacekeeper Barry Lane will discuss the contemporary topic “Witness to Resistance: Ukraine’s Struggle Against Russian Exceptionalism” (scheduled for April 28).
The face-to-face sessions occur throughout Windsor and Essex County, addressing an extensive range of topics including history, travel, world cultures, and literature, as well as agriculture, design, the restoration of a Windsor Lancaster bomber, and 'It’s a Wonderful World: The Tale of Windsor’s International Film Festival,' presented by WIFF Executive Director and Chief Programmer Vincent Georgie.
Amaze your pals with some geeky trivia at this year’s Ford Fireworks along the Detroit River by joining 'Kaboom!'—a fascinating exploration led by pyrotechnician Kevin Cosgrove on May 20th, delving into the incredible world of fireworks.
Similar to Boyes-Garbin, Ward 1 City Councillor Fred Francis is also juggling multiple roles during the current ElderCollege season. He kicks off his schedule with a session on April 11th that explores how the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County promotes and nurtures the area’s vibrant mosaic of ethnic, religious, and cultural groups.
On April 25, the MCC’s executive director dresses up in political garb for an inside glimpse of what all those municipal bureaucrats and politicians, like himself, really get up to at city hall.
For newcomers to lawn bowling, enthusiasts of pipe organs, canoe lovers, supporters of feminism, keen photographers, aspiring chefs, green-thumbed gardeners, meditative individuals, AI aficionados, and possibly even those interested in Donald Trump will find plenty to engage with at this season's ElderCollege events. Regarding the latter topic, CBC graduate Herb Colling is set to lead a discussion on April 15 about Ontario’s inaugural grist mill, which was founded in LaSalle during the late 18th century.
If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, retired educator Anne Gooch will be speaking about 'The Intriguing Female Pirates' who sailed across the Seven Seas and further on May 26.
Related
This year, ElderCollege is paying tribute to the memory of its founder and director. Lloyd Brown-John who passed away at the age of 84 and for whom learning remained an enduring delight and enthusiasm throughout life.
In the welcoming messages included with the spring 2025 course catalogue, Mayor Drew Dilkens honors a Brown-John legacy that will "endure for generations" and acknowledges ElderCollege’s “significant contribution to fortifying our community.”
"Let us all strive to make Lloyd feel proud," stated Dilkens.
To learn more about continuous education and ElderCollege’s newest offerings , visit the University of Windsor’s Canterbury College website online.
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