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- 604-702-2611
- [email protected]
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Rowland served as Church organist and music director for over 50 years before retiring in 2020. He also taught Music, French and grades 4-6 in several local public schools until 2006. Rowland holds Music degrees from McGill, Western Washington, and Indiana, as well as post-graduate studies at Gonzaga, Boston, and Simon Fraser. Rowland is married with three adult children and nine grandchildren.
Marlene Dance has over 47 years of experience. She started at a time when phone calls, personal interviews and written letters were the only way to put together a family tree. They were based on family stories and documents handed down through the generations. When the internet burst upon us in 2000, it provided easy access to a wealth of information for researchers. It is so important to learn skills to access, organize and make use of this information and learn what is relevant.
Marlene has researched her father’s side back to their arrival on the ship “Ann” to Plymouth, Mass in 1623, and recently found more family in England going back to the 1400s. A similar arrival date of 1626 has been determined for her husband’s side. Both she and her husband can prove Loyalist heritage from 1783 in early Canada. She has assisted in two adoption cases before the advent of DNA and has since, used DNA to find birth parents or birth families for several people. Over the past 10+ years, Marlene has presented to many genealogy associations, service groups, LDS Church Genealogy workshops, and has had two genealogy articles published nationally. She has researched personally in the National Archives in Great Britain and at many Provincial sites. She facilitates the monthly meetings of the Sardis Library Genealogy Workshop group. Marlene has offered sold out Genealogy classes with ElderCollege since 2009. She has been a Chilliwack Branch Genealogist since 2013 and serves as the President of the UELAC Chilliwack Branch.
In May 2025, Marlene Dance was honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Dr. Michael Corman is an Associate Professor in the School of Culture, Media, & Society
at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). Prior to coming to UFV, Dr. Corman held teaching/research positions in other parts of Canada, Qatar, and the United Kingdom.
Dr. Corman’s research has appeared in Perspectives on Medical Education, Social Theory & Health, Symbolic Interaction, The Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, Qualitative Health Research, the International Journal of Educational Research, Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, and the International Journal of Social Sciences. Furthermore, he has recently published a book through the University of Toronto Press entitled, Paramedics on and off the streets: Emergency medical services in the age of technological governance.
Mary Demers is an accomplished harpist and gifted teacher with a wealth of experience. Born in Sligo, Ireland, she began her lifelong passion for music, playing piano at the age of five and then taking up the harp at the age of eleven.
After winning scholarships from the Irish Academy of Music, where she completed all the harp exams, there was no teacher’s certification in those days, she moved on to study with world-renowned harpist Marisa Robles in London and Astrid Von Wurlitzer in New York, where she joined him in concert at Lincoln Center.
Mary’s musical career began in Ireland as a featured singer and harpist with the famous Bunratty Castle Singers. Her talent and love for music have since allowed her to perform in a variety of settings, captivating audiences from the White House and Lincoln Center to small-town music halls and festivals. She has performed in orchestras, radio, and television and played for heads of state in Canada, the United States, Ireland and Japan.
Mary has also released a number of recordings and has received glowing reviews for her live performances. Recently, she sailed with Azamara Cruise Line, as she played her harp from the Mediterranean to South America, Antarctica and back.
Dr. Mark Evered (BSc, PhD) recently retired as President of the University of the Fraser Valley.
He has held teaching, research and administrative positions at universities in Ontario, Saskatchewan and BC as well as Cambridge University and the University of Melbourne.
His research in neurophysiology, body fluids and cardiovascular regulation has been published in national and international journals, including Science and Nature, and presented at conferences worldwide.
He has received numerous awards for his academic service including a number of teaching awards, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, an honorary University Presidency in China and an honorary Stó:lō First Nations name, Al’aliyatel.
Victor’s interest in photography goes back to his high school days at Chilliwack Senior Secondary School when he was on the executive of the Photography Club which produced photos for the school Annual. Through the school’s darkroom and camera equipment he learned the basics.
After high school he attended UBC where he earned his teaching credentials. His first teaching position was in a Chilliwack school where he passed his photography interest on to his elementary grade students. The staff washroom also served as a dark room for developing film and making prints much to the chagrin of his fellow teachers.
One thing led to another, and Victor returned to graduate school, and having earned an M.Ed. and Ph.D. degree, then began his university level teaching, when he soon discovered his photographic skills were valuable in his book publications and web page development. This made possible the acquisition of more advanced equipment and required the how-to learning of digital photography and computer processing.
Upon retirement from UBC (in 1999) he was able to give more time to honing his photographic interests and pursuits. Since his wife was interested in flower arranging and design, he photographed floral arrangements which drew the attention of the publisher of the Floral Design Magazine (based in New Zealand). Soon he was contributing articles regularly together with his wife, Sandra. About a decade ago he was invited to become the Western Canadian correspondent for the magazine as well as to contribute cover designs for consideration (8 or 9 have been published to date).
Since flower-arranging is an international interest, Victor is a member of the Chilliwack Floral Art Club. He has entered at least half a dozen annual Photographic Competitions sponsored by the National Association of Flower Arrangement Society in England and was awarded Best In Show twice for his photographs.
Although his niche is floral art photography, his interests are far ranging. He sees the beauty in nature as well as in human creation and tries to present what he sees in a form accessible to the viewer.
Pat Gerlach loves the surprises of painting with watercolour, but she also enjoys other mediums such as acrylic, pastel, pencil, pen and ink, and large-scale mural painting.
Besides painting, she has worked with cedar bark baskets and stained glass. Her work is varied and has been shown at galleries and museums in British Columbia and Alberta. Currently Pat is loving teaching art classes to children and adults in the Fraser Valley.
Colleen has enjoyed teaching ElderCollege classes sporadically for the past 20 years. Lifelong learning is one of her passions.
She has been in education most of her life — first as a student, then as a high school teacher and has recently retired from her position as an Associate Professor in the Computer Information Systems Department of UFV. Colleen also enjoys kayaking, gardening, and reading.
Fresh Impressions Catering is the fruition of a Provincial Red Sealed Chef putting her head, heart and hands together to provide the Fraser Valley with food prepared with craftsmanship and charisma. The concept of Fresh Impressions Catering refers to “a play on words”. Your “Fresh Impression” is a fresh new look and the resulting impressions that happily linger.
Fresh Impressions Catering is the fresh, local and distinct choice when planning any function. Whether it be a corporate event, special occasion, wedding, family gathering, business meeting or private dinner in your home. The goal of Fresh Impressions Catering is to continue it’s solid reputation in the culinary field. Fresh Impressions Catering consistently provides the highest standard of exceptional quality food. Menus are inspired by international cuisines with items sourced locally and cooked from scratch. Creativity with ingredients and presentation is of the utmost importance. With Fresh Impressions Catering, no meal is impossible because the goal is to realize the vision that the client has in the culinary food experience that they want to provide their guests.
Elizabeth is a Red Seal Chef with more than fifteen years experience in BC’s Food and Hospitality industry. She is highly proficient in catering and banquet management operations. Elizabeth is very experienced in menu planning, design, management and cost control. She earned her red seal by attending University of the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Community College. Her cooking experience includes: farm to table, hotel, fine-dining, catering, institutional, assisting in the Chilliwack School District’s Culinary Arts programs and teaching Elders College classes. She is a member of the BC Chef’s Association and the Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks.
With her artistic eye for detail, Elizabeth enjoys making every plate, platter, or bowl a striking show piece. Elizabeth also loves to create new dishes, experiment with ingredient combinations and presentation styles. Elizabeth is a positive and self-motivated chef that works hard at exceeding customer expectations through producing memorable dining experiences.
Lesley is an Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of the Fraser Valley and is also a member of the Centre for Education and Research in Ageing at UFV.
She immigrated to Canada from Scotland 7 years ago and became a faculty member at UFV teaching Lifespan Development and Adulthood & Ageing.
Lesley completed her PhD in 2003 and went on to become a post-doctoral fellow and worked in the Neuropsychology of Ageing Laboratory at Dundee University. She has taught psychology at the University of Dundee, the University of Abertay and the University of West Scotland.
One of her key objectives is to dispel the myths and negative stereotypes of old age and encourage us to develop more positive perceptions of older adulthood.
Over 40 years’ experience as an exploration geologist, exploring for economic base and precious metal ore deposits all over the world.
Vickie is a visual artist, using photography as her primary means of creative expression. Her work has been shown both locally in galleries and art shows as well as internationally in magazine and calendars.
She has been teaching and facilitating presentations provincially, both in person and in virtual environments in her working career of 31 years within the BC Public Service.
Vickie has been a member of the Abbotsford Photo Arts Club (APAC) for 25 years and a member of the Chilliwack Visual Artists Association (CVAA) for 10 years. She loves to educate and share her passion and enthusiasm for photography.
Vickie is a visual artist, using photography as her primary means of creative expression. Her work has been shown both locally in galleries and art shows as well as internationally in magazine and calendars.
She has been teaching and facilitating presentations provincially, both in person and in virtual environments in her working career of 31 years within the BC Public Service.
Vickie has been a member of the Abbotsford Photo Arts Club (APAC) for 25 years and a member of the Chilliwack Visual Artists Association (CVAA) for 10 years. She loves to educate and share her passion and enthusiasm for photography.
Carmen received her Master of Music degree at the University of British Columbia. Prior to that she studied in Washington, Massachusetts, New York & France. Carmen has over 30 years of experience in teaching both piano and flute.
Her passionate and enthusiastic teaching has motivated and inspired students of all ages to excel. Her students regularly receive both silver and gold medals, as well as high marks for their performances in examinations and competitions.
Many students have received awards and scholarships and have continued their music at universities.
Carmen is an active performer and has performed as a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician and on radio and television throughout the United States. Carmen is passionate about playing chamber music and often collaborates in concert with her sister Carla, a concert violinist.
Together they have performed throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Asia. Carmen believes that the study of music is a gift she gives her students that enhances and positively impacts them for life.
Ray is a retired teacher after 30 years who has taught high school Math and English in an alternate school setting for the last 20 years, including some computer-based curriculum. He has a B.Sc degree and a M. Ed. in Curriculum Studies.
In the alternate school he taught young students and adults, including an 89-year-old student who graduated with her high school diploma.
Ray’s interests outside of education are in sport activities such as alpine skiing, tennis, and hiking. Other activities of interest include photography, computer film editing, chess, and general computer research.
Gretchen worked as an E.A in the Chilliwack School District for 27 years. After retirement she tutored children after school until recently. Her passion is making cards, gardening, and crafting with her granddaughter.
Gretchen won the Peoples Choice Award in 2014 on the Rotary Garden Tour!
Molly received her Ph.D. in Canadian History from York University in Toronto and enjoyed a 12-year career teaching History at UFV.
She retired as Associate Professor in the History Department in 2017 and worked on her book The Last Ulysseans, published in 2020. One of her retirement projects is giving back to the community through lifelong education.
Molly Ungar received her B.A. and M.A. from McMaster University and her Ph.D. from York University in Toronto. Twelve years ago, she moved to Abbotsford with her husband to take up a position teaching History at the University of the Fraser Valley.
She is now retired and looks forward to future research, writing and publishing in the Canadian History and Culture field, interspersed with travel and contributing to the community by presenting illustrated talks on a wide variety of topics.
Andrew Moore is a new addition to ElderCollege this year, bringing with him a passion for helping others learn about technology, safety, and security. Having grown up in Vancouver and studying philosophy at Simon Fraser, he now lives in the Chilliwack area where he provides tech services, gardens, and spends entirely too much time in front of screens.
Andrew’s other interests include travel, morality and ethics, the environment, cooking and baking, sci-fi, and movies.
With more than 20 years of experience as an applied neuroscientist and human performance coach, Dr. Bertram teaches some of the greatest entrepreneurs, executives, and athletes in the world how to maximize learning, build resilience, and optimize performance under pressure.
In his role as an Associate Professor at UFV, his research and teaching focus spans skill acquisition with an emphasis on the nature of expertise and elite-level performance. Dr. Bertram has published more than 70 scientific publications across the spectrum of human performance and has been featured in The Globe and The Mail, The Toronto Star, The Vancouver Sun, The New York Times, Inc. Magazine, and on the Golf Channel.
Dr. Bertram works regularly with professional athletes as well as with Canada’s National Slope Style and Big Air athletes on strategies for optimizing learning and performance on-demand by tapping into flow state. He has also conducted workshops for a number of national sport organizations through Canada’s “Own the Podium” program.
Dr. Bertram earned a Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Arizona State University.
Janelle has lived in Chilliwack most of her life and loves to take advantage of its natural surroundings by hiking, kayaking, and walking at the Vedder River. Janelle is married with 3 cats, a novice gardener and cook, avid reader, and when not at home loves to travel with her husband. Janelle loves being a librarian at UFV because she gets to meet and work with great people.
Jessica has always been fascinated by colour and contrasting colour combinations. Jessica is proficient in many art forms but specializes in glass mosaics, oil pastels, mixed media and acrylic paint. She enjoys the entire art process, from finding perspective, planning the design, persistence to finish and the fantastic feeling of perseverance. Jessica can create snow that glistens, the most delicate flowers, or winds and waves on a stormy day at the beach. She has also done commissions for businesses, private collectors and special occasion gifts.
Jessica lives in Chilliwack, B.C. with artist Jim Godfrey and their four children: Ian, William Blythe, and Gabriel.
“I want to see what happens when I continue learning, creating, teaching, and inspiring.”
Joan is a retired school teacher who has been instructing Fitness classes for 25 years. Joan is currently teaching at the Cheam Leisure Center and for the Chilliwack Senior Resources Society. Joan believes in the power of seniors to take their health seriously and meet the challenges of keeping their bodies strong, agile and well-balanced.
Karen is a retired high school History teacher with a deep interest in genocide studies. She has twice visited Rwanda and is a volunteer Board member of the Rwanda School Project.
Since 1988 Lara’s practice has offered her a sanctuary of clarity, peace, and calm. Lara first discovered the benefits of yoga while attending Art School in New York City.
Yoga has been a partner to Lara’s career as a fine artist and to her creative path as a mother; offering tools that cultivate a clear vision and strength while maintaining the channel of creativity receptive and unrestrained.
During the years of living as a professional artist and raising two children into adulthood, Lara has been able to maintain balance in her life accepting life’s offerings and misgivings. She gives gratitude to yoga, and to her lifelong practice for creating a path of acceptance, courage and flexibility.
She attributes the practice of balanced inversions and grounded postures to helping her prepare for life’s turbulent times. Lara is grateful for yoga always leading back to learning and enjoys being a lifelong student.
Lara’s 200hr yoga teacher training certification at Open Door Yoga Vancouver B.C 2011, her prenatal yoga certification as well as teaching over 5000 classes and being trained as a Trauma Informed yoga teacher has been pivotal in building and nurturing Inner Vision Yoga.
My name is Lyle Simpson and I am the President of the Chilliwack Pickleball Club. I have been playing pickleball for about 12 years. I am a certified NCCP level 1 instructor and have also attained a level 1 certification from the IPTPA (International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association).
Before becoming president of the CPC, I was the Player Development Coordinator.
I have taught hundreds of people to play and enjoy the game of pickleball and have previously instructed classes at the Elder College.
Lynn describes herself as a lifelong learner. She is a graduate of SFU with a Masters degree in Educational Leadership, English, Environmental Education and Liberal Arts. Always excited to find connections between patterns in nature and numbers, she would probably say that there is a divine hand in all that we see.
As a mother, grandmother and teacher, Lynn finds delight in the freedom children find in discovering their art – something we sometimes lose as we “grow up”.
Through sharing her love of art with her “grown up” students, Lynn wants to bring you back to that original delight in creating beautiful patterns.
Margaret is an award-winning writer/journalist and author with over 45 years experience. She had an art gallery showing of her photography and last year curated a museum exhibit at the Chilliwack Museum.
She has written for a wide variety of newspapers writing about Canadian current affairs, international stories, breaking science news, social and environmental issues, climate change, horses, personality profiles and human interest stories. She has also contributed magazine articles and has published five books including an eBook on writing techniques.
Margaret has written and co-produced educational documentaries and currently produces multimedia presentations to support her talks and her public speaking.
She offers clinics and courses in creative writing as well as editorial services.
Margaret is passionate about fairness, justice and progressive change.
Riten is a Support and Education Coordinator with First Link® Alzheimer Society of B.C.
He has been delivering dementia education (in-person and online) with a person-centred approach for the past several years across communities in BC.
Rod Swanson has had many years of experience performing solo guitar in concerts and in the hospitality industry in Western Canada.
During that time, he has developed a wide repertoire to accommodate many situations.
Since Mr. Swanson moved to the West Coast, he has performed with Alexander Maier and participates in Early Music Groups and churches playing organ. Mr. Swanson also teaches guitar and keyboard throughout the Fraser Valley.
Ruby Rodier is a French-speaking Canadian who learned English in her late 30s, bringing a unique and empathetic perspective to language instruction.
When approached to develop a short program in French conversation, she was inspired by the question, “What else can I teach in French?” That curiosity—paired with a mix of excitement, vulnerability, and challenge—continues to fuel her creativity in the classroom.
In addition to language instruction, Ruby has been teaching yoga since 1986, offering a well-rounded approach to lifelong learning that blends communication, mindfulness, and personal growth.
Sarah grew up in a small tobacco farming town in Ontario and she completed her schooling at Conestoga College as a hearing instrument practitioner. Since then, she has been working in BC and loves it here.
Sarah is passionate about her work with hearing loss and hearing aids. Sarah enjoys going to work every day and cares about each patient that comes into the office.
Shawn is highly motivated and passionate about growing the sport, and the individuals he coaches are what move him the most.
Shawn is a squash coach and certified referee and is currently running squash classes and leagues in Chilliwack, BC. Shawn has led a successful program with a strong junior program and a drop in night in Mission, BC.
His roles include being a Roving Ambassador and a Roving Ambassador Program Coordinator with Squash BC, a member of the Court Advocacy Task Force and has been a part of the Squash BC membership committee.
Sheila has spent a lifetime participating in choirs and ensembles and has over 30 years of experience as a professional voice teacher. She has also conducted and started numerous adult and college choirs.
She is excited to lead the Side-Notes spring choir along with collaborative pianist Nancy Bukowsky!
As a dedicated lifelong learner, Doris thrives on the pursuit of knowledge and continuous growth while still making time to have lots of fun. Passionate about fostering connections, she channels her love for games into creating shared moments of joy.
By bringing people together, Doris aims to cultivate an environment where fun and enjoyable experiences become lasting memories.
Carol has been working in the fitness industry for over 32-years in several capacities. As a Personal Trainer, Carol’s aim is to assist clients who have diagnoses, such as arthritis, and incorporate fitness in their daily lives; to guide clients who have completed physiotherapy after an accident, injury or surgery in order to prevent any further damage while exercising; to revamp existing exercisers programs and; to introduce newcomers to the world of daily physical activity.
With a diagnosis of RA over 28 years ago, Carol provides a “leads by example” attitude whether in the gym, instructing a fitness class or teaching Nordic Walking groups and individuals.
Carol’s Motto: Life is good but it can be great!
Jenn started beading in Winter 2022 she was searching for a way to connect culturally and for something fun to do. Jenn took a workshop locally and learned the Peyote Stitch. Instantly she felt connected to the process. Jenn found beading challenging but kept at it until it became a relaxing way to unwind at the end of the day. Jenn loves to learn and expand her knowledge and loves being able to share her work and teachings with others.
Jenn is a mom, wife and stepmom. A passionate early childhood educator who manages the child care centre at Stó:lō Service Agency. Jenn is also a councillor for her community Sq’ewá:lxw (Skawahlook) First Nation.
Over the years, Louise’s artistic journey has been one of discovery and creative exploration. Through participation in various workshops—including photography, pencil and ink drawing, Zentangle, and Cyanotype—she has found inspiration and connection with like-minded individuals. Her art provides an outlet to dream, explore, and relax, keeping the spirit of playfulness alive.
While her path has taken many turns, each detour brings renewed vision. For her, the creative process is less about the destination and more about the joy of daydreaming along the way.
It wasn’t love at first site. In fact, it was one of the most unforgiving of mediums in the hardest forms of work – where Don discovered his passion for art.
Having worked in a family run concrete business on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, and then being self employed for over 25 years in the Fraser Valley, Don has worked with concrete for over 50 years. Don opened his own studio called the “Concretist” where he taught workshops that involved concrete mold making, and casting to create unique garden art pieces.
Don later discovered his passion for glass after attending hot glass casting courses at Red Deer College and then working as a T.A. at the prestigious Pilchuck College.
He has recently retired from a local highway’s maintenance company after 15 years as a Bridge Superintendent. Through his work experiences, Don incorporates both nature and structural design into his art with a growing curiosity and passion for experimenting with multi mediums. Don pushes the boundaries of traditional art with the intersection of mixed mediums and abstract design, that now expands beyond concrete and glass – to paper, wood, fabric and metal.
David Hobson is an award winning international speaker, trainer, improv comedy actor and author. He specializes in helping people develop their business communication skills.
David is a Distinguished Toastmaster with Toastmasters International and a winner of the Presentation Mastery Award from the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, Vancouver Chapter.
He is the founder member of SimPhoney Improv comedy group, which performs around the local area and, he also teaches people how to have fun and laugh at life without resorting to a script.
As an author, David has published “From Presentations Kill? To Presentation Skill!” and a series of children’s stories called “Harbour Tales”.
Iska was born in Germany and is a native speaker. During her school years in Canada, she attended a German School every Saturday as well as a regular school, which culminated in a Sprach Diplom Degree during high school.
Iska has a BA in Psychology and a degree as a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She homeschooled her children till high school and is in the Army Reserve. Other interests include horseback riding, photography, and most recently learning about the stock market.
Trish began sewing at an early age and her sewing business has given her many areas of expertise throughout the 25 plus years. These include children’s wear, home decor, fashion and formal wear including bridal, dance, and skating apparel as well as offering alterations for just about everything.
Trish’s dedication and hard work ethic to making sewing popular and fun again is her focus in class as well as learning as much as you can to feel more accomplished in your sewing!
Jackie comes from Maple Ridge where she managed a Book Club for over 15 years, as well as managed an Office Book Club while working. She retired to Chilliwack 7 years ago and joined a Club that she now oversees.
Kim Wimmer received his Private Pilots License in 1975 through Diploma Program Mount Royal College. He retired as 767 Captain with Air Canada in 2013 with around 30,000 hours. Flew wheels, skis and floats and is still kicking!
Dale Dearden taught Criminology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for over 25 years, specializing in Canadian Legal Systems, the criminal law, and social science research methods. Dale is now retired and living in Chilliwack.
Amanda is an ADHD-specialized counselor living and working in the vibrant community of Chilliwack, who is deeply committed to helping individuals and families navigate the unique challenges and strengths of this neurodivergent condition. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Fraser Valley, she draws inspiration from the restorative power of the outdoors and guides clients towards developing personalized strategies to thrive.
With empathy and expertise, she works closely with clients – whether they are managing their own ADHD, supporting a child with ADHD, or building understanding in their partnerships. Drawing from the latest research and her extensive experience, she empowers those with ADHD to harness their innate creativity, flexibility, and hyper-focus, while also providing support for the emotional and organizational hurdles they may face.
Beyond individual counseling, she also facilitates workshops and support groups within the Chilliwack community to foster a network of mutual understanding and shared solutions.
Her goal is to make a tangible difference in the lives of all those impacted by ADHD, helping them overcome barriers and unlock their fullest potential.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Office closes the 3rd week in April and re-opens the 3rd week of August each year.
Canada Education Park Campus
Room A1367
45190 Caen Avenue
Chilliwack, BC V2R 0N3