January 2026
Presentation: The Group of Seven: “The Mystery, Majesty and Magic of Canada’s Landscape
Presenter: Paul Dias
Date of: Thursday, January 15, 2026
A bold group of artists set out to capture the wild and natural landscapes of Canada as never before. Explore the paintings that changed the world of art and shaped a nation in the process with Paul Dias.
February 2026
No Speaker – AGM
March 2026
Presentation: “AN OVERVIEW OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE”
Presenter: Steve Chapelle
Date of: Thursday, March 19, 2026
The personal computer, the internet and the smartphone were once new and unfamiliar. Over time, we learned how to use them and reaped the benefits. Artificial Intelligence has emerged - a new technology set to play a pivotal role in our lives. Gradually, it may create a social divide between those who are and are not engaged. To prepare for this change, an understanding of its basic principles is crucial. Presentation by Steve Chapelle.
April 2026
Presentation: “170 Unusual Things to See in Ontario”
Presenter: Ron Brown
Date of: Thursday, April 16, 2026
170 Unusual Things to See in Ontario - A photo tour of Ontario’s most unusual places.
Ron Brown is a geographer, travel writer and author of more than 20 books about destinations in Ontario and across Canada. He is a past chair of the Writer’s Union of Canada and is currently vice-president of the East York Historical Society. His latest book is “Small Town Ontario; historic main streets you can explore.”
May 2026
Presentation: “Midlife Solo: Writing Through Chaos to Find My Place in the World”
Presenter: Beth Kaplan
Date of: Thursday, May 21, 2026
In Midlife Solo, a single mother starting afresh in her forties struggles to come to terms with the messy complications of middle age. Writing keeps her sane, bringing up memories and reflections as she deals with teenaged children, elderly parents, and her own aging. She confronts disasters like a house fire and the loss of friends, and celebrates pleasures: gardening, community,
a younger boyfriend, travel to France.
With warmth, humour, and honesty, she explores what matters most: the necessity of change, the pain that comes with it, and especially, as she writes, “the hard work that is love.”
June 2026
Presentation: “Why the Beatles Went to India”
Presenter: Paul Saltzman
Date of: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Saltzman was allowed in the ashram, which meant that its residents — beyond the Maharishi and his staff — consisted of four of the most famous people in the world; their wives; a handful of other celebrities including Beach Boy Mike Love, Mia Farrow and Donovan; and one weird, heartbroken Canadian.
Shortly after his first 30-minute Transcendental Meditation session, which Saltzman says left him "in a state of bliss," he found himself face-to-face with the Beatles. His first thought was, "Eek, it's the Beatles." And then he heard his soul speak to him a second time.
"It says, 'Well, Paul, they're just ordinary people like you.'" he recalls. '"Everyone farts and is afraid in the night.' And from the time that voice finished, I spent a week with them. I never, ever thought of them as Beatles … People say, 'Did you know it was this historic moment?' No, I was just hanging out with these people."
