THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 ~ 1:30 P.M.

Speaker by Zoom

GUEST SPEAKER: Ken Bartlett

TOPIC: The Most Perfect Paradise: The Papal Palace in Rome

Kenneth Bartlett received his PhD (1978) from the University of Toronto where he is Professor of History and Renaissance Studies (Victoria College). In 2006 Prof. Bartlett was awarded an inaugural President's Teaching Award, which carries with it membership in the University of Toronto Academy of Teaching, and in 2007 an inaugural government of Ontario LIFT (Leadership in Faculty Teaching) award by the province. In 2007 he was a finalist in the TVO Best Lecturer TV series.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021 ~ 1:30 P.M.

Speaker by Zoom

GUEST SPEAKER: Smera Sukumar

TOPIC: Nature Reserves Program

Ontario Nature has been protecting significant natural areas within their nature reserve system since 1961. With 26 properties totaling 3,108 hectares (7,679 acres), these reserves protect some of the best remnants of Ontario's most imperiled, biodiverse and vulnerable habitats.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021 ~ 1:30 P.M.

Speaker by Zoom

GUEST SPEAKER: Pearce Carefoote

TOPIC: Forbidden Fruit: Banned, Censored, and Challenged Books from Dante to Harry Potter

Pearce J. (P.J.) Carefoote is the Head of the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, University of Toronto. He holds a doctorate in Sacred Theology in Church History from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium and a Master of Information Studies from the University of Toronto. He is the author of Great and Manifold: A Celebration of the Bible in English, Calvin by the Book, and Forbidden Fruit: Banned, Censored and Challenged Books from Dante to Harry Potter.

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 ~ 1:30 P.M.

Speaker by Zoom

GUEST SPEAKER: Sean Sportun, Toronto Crime Stoppers

TOPIC: Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a global and multi-faceted phenomenon. It "...is a growing concern, not just in Toronto but in the Greater Toronto Area," former Chief Mark Saunders said. "These victims could be your daughter, your niece or the girl next door." Crime Stoppers is committed to educating the public on the signs of human trafficking and letting them know how to report the crime anonymously.

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 ~ 1:30 P.M.

Speaker by Zoom

GUEST SPEAKER: Jules Porter

TOPIC: Jays Care Foundation

Jays Care creates programs that provide gender equity for all children and youth as well as developing inclusive programs with Indigenous communities to promote the health and well-being of children, youth and families. They implement adaptive and accessible strategies for children and youth living with cognitive and physical disabilities.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021 ~ 1:30 P.M.

Speaker by Zoom

GUEST SPEAKER: Arlene Chan

TOPIC: The Story of Jean Lumb, a Proud Chinese Canadian

Jean Lumb was a Chinese-Canadian woman whose activism and dedication to her community ultimately shaped Toronto's Chinatown and the rights of Chinese people in Canada. Her story shows us the importance of community advocacy, and how food can play a role in building meaningful cross-cultural connections among Torontonians.Arlene Chan is a Chinese Canadian historian, activist, athlete, and author from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her works focus on documenting the lived experiences and histories of Toronto's Chinese community, as well as the cultural celebrations and traditions important to the Chinese Canadian diaspora. Jean Lumb is her mother.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 ~ 1:30 P.M.

Speaker by Zoom

GUEST SPEAKER: Jean Miso

TOPIC: Canadian Armed Forces: Remembering Their Service and Sacrifice

Jean will provide positive messages from our Canadian Armed Forces that collectively emphasize the importance of Canadian citizenship; responsibility to self and others; co-operation through teamwork; care for Canadians and others in the world as well as integrity and respect of self and others.Jean was educated at York University and Brock University in Ontario. Jean Miso is a retired teacher and has authored five books about the Canadian Armed Forces.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021 ~ 1:30 P.M.

Speaker by Zoom

GUEST SPEAKER: Bertie Pearce

TOPIC: A Dickens of a Christmas

In his lecture Bertie Pearce reveals a Dickensian Christmas with readings, biographical details and conjuring tricks.
Bertie has a BA (Hons) in Drama from Manchester University, and a Diploma Internationale from the École Internationale du Théatre, Jacques Lecoq. He has toured the world with a magic cabaret show and a one man show entitled All Aboard. Bertie has written articles for newspapers and magazines on entertainment and theatre.