Events Calendar November 7-15 The Departments of Theatre and Stagecraft present The Early Girl by Caroline Kava *Not suitable for younger audiences Studio Theatre, 4140 Info: 604-527-5723 Tickets: 604-521-5050 Alumni Officer Andrew Senjack, left, and Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies instructor John Fox say sharing information with people in a social setting like the Living Library is refreshing. Employees become books in Living Library College employees who sacrificed a Saturday morning to take part in the first off- campus Douglas College Living Library say they would do it again. “It fits nicely with a College goal to be involved in the community,” says John Fox, an instructor in the Community Social Service Worker and Co-Occurring Disorders programs. Fox, along with French instructor Marie-Andrée Rivet and Alumni Officer Andrew Senjack, were “borrowed” for up to 30 minutes at a time to answer questions about their areas of expertise and experiences. Ten people in total from Douglas and the community volunteered to be living books. The event, which was co-hosted by the Coquitlam Public Library, took place on Oct 4 at Coquitlam Centre. Fox admits that he initially thought the Living Library was “a weird idea.” However, after being borrowed by two people, speaking with one about international aid in Africa and another about mental health care in BC, he was a convert. “It was quite refreshing sharing information in a more social situation,” says Fox. Rivet agrees that it was worth giving up a Saturday morning to share her knowledge. Rivet was borrowed by one person who wanted to practice speaking French. Another wanted to hear about her teaching methods. However, the majority had political questions, says Rivet. “They wanted to know why Canadians don’t learn to speak French. For many people from other cultures where it’s normal to learn several languages, they just don't understand it,” says Rivet. Senjack too, who was on offer as an expert in Mideast politics and travel, says the Living Library was a forum to “ en. » have some spirited debates. “Tt’s an interesting idea in which to meet with new people in the community for intelligent conversation, ideas and communicating,” Senjack adds. “All the human books were enthusiastic about the project and delighted in calling themselves ‘used books’ by the end of the morning,” says Hazel Postma, associate vice president external relations and an organizer of the event. She hopes to make the Living Library a regular event. The Living Library project is the first of its kind in Canada, if not North America, says Postma. To participate within the College, check out the list of employees willing to be borrowed at douglascollege. ca/community/foundation/ living-library.html November 7 The Therapeutic Recreation Department and the Centre for Health and Community Partnerships present Enhancing Health: The Therapeutic Art of Breathing Noon, Cro25, David Lam Campus Free admission November 13 - December 18 The Amelia Douglas Gallery presents The Human Canvas Tattoo Photography by Ron Long Opening reception Nov 13, 4:30-7:30pm Free admission November 14 - 22 The Departments of Theatre and Stagecraft present When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder by Mark Medof¥ *Not suitable for younger audiences Laura C. Muir Performing Arts ‘Theatre Info: 604-527-5723 Tickets: 604-521-5050 College takes part in Meals on Wheels project The Douglas College Centre for Health and Community Partnerships (CHCP) is taking part in a project reviewing the use of Meals on Wheels by Lower Mainland seniors. Last Spring, during an informal phone survey of Meals on Wheels administrators, it was noted that the number of seniors served through its programs was shrinking in many communities despite the fact that the number of seniors is growing. Ultimately, the goal of the research project is to ensure seniors in need of the service receive it. The Centre is working with the United Way, the Seniors Services Society, Langley Meals on Wheels and the College’s Health Sciences and Child, Family and Community Studies faculties. “T got involved in this project because | teach a course in gerontology. So I recognize the importance of older people maintaining proper nutrition that is affordable,” says Community Social Service Worker (CSSW) instructor Lawrence Becker, who is coordinating the project. Currently, three fourth- year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students and one second-year CSSW student are assisting with research. CHCP Departmental Assistant Julie Olson is providing support on the project. More students and faculty are expected to join the project over the next couple of semesters. “T hope the student researchers learn more about the strengths and challenges faced by Meals on Wheels, how such a service is delivered and the role that older people assume in our society,’ says Becker. Already, many students in the CSSW Program have had practicum placements with Senior Support Services in New Westminster and have been hired full-time on graduation, says Becker. This project will allow student participants to conduct research from start to finish, learn how to collect and analyze data and present their findings to outside agencies. “The community receives research expertise, the students learn how to conduct a study and the College expands its profile as working in a collaborative manner with community partners,” Becker says. The Meals on Wheels project is being funded with a grant from the United Way of the Lower Mainland. Dr. David Black, Professor, School of Communication and Culture, Royal Roads University, addresses participants at Print Futures Writing Matters conference. Writing Matters On October 18, professional communicators, faculty, graduates and students came together to participate in Writing Matters, a conference hosted by the Print Futures: Professional Writing Program. The conference focuses on writing specialties, skills and the inside story on writing that works. Dr. David Black, Professor, School of Communication and Culture, Royal Roads University delivered his keynote address Professionalism That Matters: Enlightened Professional Education and the Communication Culture to illustrate what an enlightened and socially responsible professional ethos and education might look like. The rest of the conference featured networking events, presentations from professional organizations, workshops and an engaging panel discussion entitled /f7 Knew Then What I Know Now. Leapin’ librarians Douglas College hosted the October meeting of the BC Council of Post Secondary Library Directors (CPSLD) at the David Lam Campus. Library Director Carole Compton-Smith is currently on the executive of this council. She invited Bob Cowin of Institutional Research to present his paper Made in BC: A History of Postsecondary Education in British Columbia.