Course Descriptions

Monthly sessions 

Date: Starts Wednesday Jan 14  

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm 

Cost: $30               

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

*Maximum: 12* 

If you are interested in joining this group, please check at registration to see if there are any openings. Only two places are available. 

Our novels are provided from SD&G Library Book Kits, titles chosen by librarians for their readability & popularity. No need to purchase books as library copies are available for each month’s discussion. 

Weekly sessions  

Date: Thursdays beginning January 15 

Time: 12:30pm – 2:30pm 

Cost: $30               

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

The photo club is for enthusiasts and those wanting to improve their digital photography skills and images.  Meetings are held to share and discuss images from a technical and artistic perspective as well as offer critiques when requested.  Weekly challenges give members the opportunity to learn and practice new skills. Occasionally we will travel to destinations with photographic interest.  For more information send your queries to photo-club@agrobyte.ca  

1 session 

Date: Wednesday Jan 21, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm 

Cost: $15               

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

My husband and I lived in Uganda from Dec. 2023 to July 2025. After retiring from 33 years in full-time ministry, we became family mentors at a high school in East Africa. Uganda is far more than its history under Idi Amin—Winston Churchill called it The Pearl of Africa for a reason. Join us to discover this beautiful country and see the inspiring progress at Amazima High School, where the next generation of Ugandan leaders is being equipped and empowered. 

1 session 

Date: Friday Jan 23, 2026 

Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm 

Cost: $15   Supplies: $20        

Location: Mike Depratto Hall – 170 MacDonald Blvd, Alexandria 

*Maximum: 10* 

Participants will learn to prepare Scotch Eggs, Toad in a Hole and Pig in a Blanket. Leonard will present his version of Canadian Pub Fusion! 

The group will enjoy lunch together. 

*Elevators are available at the Mike Depratto Hall – the kitchen space above the arena* 

1 session 

Date: Saturday Jan 24, 2026 

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm 

Cost: $15 

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

From Brazil to Ireland to Glengarry; Carol will recount her life experience as a teacher and writer. She will describe the importance of preserving our past and sharing it with younger generations. You will learn how traveling has broadened her understanding of the world and the cultures around us. Carol will have copies of her latest book, “The Adventures of Eva Schneider: Up and Down the Glens in Glengarry”. 

1 session 

Date: Monday Jan 26, 2026  

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm 

Cost: $15              

Location: Mike Depratto Hall – 170 MacDonald Blvd, Alexandria 

There are a limited number of distinct music styles and beat patterns, despite the unique nature of each song. Social ballroom dancers hear and recognize each beat pattern to move and sway with the beat. Join us to discover these distinct music styles and beat patterns and understand the dance style to match them. Get up with us and learn the basic movement of several dance styles. Admire dance demonstrations by a local ballroom dance couple.   

*Elevators available at the Mike Depratto Hall – above the Alexandria arena* 

1 session 

Date: Tuesday Jan 27, 2026 

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm 

Cost: $15               

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

Irene has dedicated her life to working with dogs. With extensive professional experience in agility, obedience, search and rescue training—and a passion for helping dogs become great companions—she brings a wealth of knowledge to every encounter. Join her as she shares valuable tips, practical tricks, and inspiring stories from a lifetime spent alongside dogs.    Only service dogs welcome. 

2 sessions 

Date: Wednesday Feb. 4 & 11, 2026 

Time: 10:00pm – 12:00pm 

Cost: $20     Supplies: $10 

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

*Maximum: 6* 

Before we start creating masterpieces, we’ll learn key techniques and why they matter. Our first class on Feb 4 will focus on black and white to build dimension through shadows and highlights. 
The Feb 11 class will explore color—working with primary colors, mixing them, and discovering secondary shades. Mixing to find the right tones can be challenging, but also fun. 

After this foundation, you’ll be excited and ready to begin your next painting. 

1 session 

Date: Friday Feb 6, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm 

Cost: $15               

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

Did you know that a bat would much rather eat its weight in mosquitoes than fly into your hair or suck your blood? Having studied bats in North America, Mexico and Africa, Dr. Hickey is this area’s own ‘batman’. His knowledge and photos will serve to dispel the myths associated with these misunderstood creatures. Whether you love or fear the “flying mammal” this workshop will open your eyes to its importance in our ecosystem. 

1 session 

Date: Friday Feb. 13, 2026 

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm 

Cost: $15    Supplies: $15 

Location: Mike Depratto Hall – 170 MacDonald Blvd, Alexandria 

*Maximum – 15* 

Participants will observe new meat hacks and tricks in the kitchen. 

*Elevators available at the Mike Depratto Hall – above the Alexandria arena* 

1 Session  

Date: Friday Feb 20, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm  

Cost: $15  

Location: Glengarry Encore Building     

Gain an early advantage in your garden this season. We will discuss methods for starting your own plants, identify crops suitable for early planting, and outline effective strategies to protect them after they’re in the ground. 

1 Session  

Date: Monday Feb 23, 2026 

Time: 9:00am -12:00pm  

Cost: $15  

Location: Glengarry Encore Building   

*Maximum – 10* 

Your problem: You want to take a timed group photo but how do you stand up your phone? Or you run into the house and drop your phone on the nearest flat surface where it disappears. Then you can’t find it. Marielle has the perfect solution. A cell phone stand will help you take photos and will make your phone easily visible. Join Marielle and learn to sew a phone stand. The same pattern can be enlarged for an iPad or tablet stand. 

Please bring your sewing machine, scissors, an old pair of jeans or a 12”x 9” piece of printed cotton and approximately 2 cups of rice. 

1 session 

Date: Tuesday Feb 24, 2026 

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm 

Cost: $15 

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

Anna will share a photo presentation from her recent trip to Cambodia, where she joined a charity trek through jungles, rice paddies, and farm paths to raise funds for local women’s shelters. She’ll highlight the trails, people, food, Floating Villages, the Killing Fields Museum, and a local cooking class. This was her fifth charity trek, and she looks forward to sharing the experience with you. 

1 Session  

Date: Friday Feb 27, 2026 

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm  

Cost: $15   

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

Stress is one of the three biggest reasons why people go to see their doctor, at least in North America. Too many people suffer from this mental, emotional affliction. People often blame others for their problems, especially stress. The truth is that we, and our brain, are often the true culprits.  Non-medical help is also available simply by changing how we think about things and ‘Changing our Mindset’. Yes, it is possible to reduce your stress.  

1 Session 

Date: Monday Mar 2, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm 

Cost: $15 

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

This course offers an overview on the archaeology of prehistoric Europe, from the peopling of the region in the Lower Palaeolithic through the florescence of art and culture in the Upper Paleolithic, to the introduction of agriculture and the formation of complex societies in the Neolithic and Copper Age. 

1 Session 

Date: Wednesday Mar 4, 2026 

Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm 

Cost: $15 

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

Singing’s many benefits include improving lung function, relieving stress, stimulating immune responses and, most importantly; singing is just plain fun. Liz and Brian Caddell, accomplished musicians, will lead you through the Celtic Folk songs so popular in Glengarry. Come and enjoy the music. I am sure you will be moved to sing along. 

1 Session 

Date: Friday Mar 6, 2026 

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm 

Cost: $15 

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

The workshop will revolve around Eleanor McGrath’s book of the same title and the research that went into the creation of the book and now the archive project that is undertaken to preserve the taped interviews. The discussion will also review the importance of oral history and documenting even what is perceived to be the mundane. Finally, Eleanor will discuss her work on her Master’s Thesis of History regarding the Home Children. 

1 Session  

Date: Monday Mar 9, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm  

Cost: $15      

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

Christmas 2025 may be a memory today, but Christmas 1945 lives in history; in the memories of the families of 4 Bainsville – Lancaster World War II veterans. Mackie, an avid historian, will recount the stories of their happy homecoming after surviving the horrors of war in Europe. 

6 Bi-weekly sessions  

Date: Starts Thursday March 12th  

Time: 9:30am – 11:30am 

Cost: $30               

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

*Maximum: 10* 

Everyone has a story to tell. Write It Now is structured to help you get started in preserving a bit of your life’s history for posterity. You will share the joys, the sadness, and the laughter of your fellow writers as you share experiences of growing up, of travel, of careers, of weddings and children. Best of all, you will have a wonderful gift that will be a legacy to future generations.    (Dates:  March 12 & 26, April 9 & 23, May 14 & 28) 

1 Session  

Date:  Friday Mar 13, 2026 

Time: 10:00am – 12:00am  

Cost: $15   

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

Anxiety is often confused with stress. Why? Because these two mental / emotional illnesses often have the same consequences. However, stress is usually caused by something that is happening now, whereas, while Anxiety has many different causes, it is more often caused by something that happened in the past. If you feel remorse about something that happened in your past, or someone else’s, for which you feel is your fault, these memories: true, untrue or uncertain, can come back to haunt you and cause you to feel guilty or remorseful.  

3 sessions 

Dates: Monday Mar 23, Friday Mar 27, Monday Mar 30, 2026 

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am  

Cost: $25   

Location: Glengarry Encore Building   

*Maximum – 15* 

With garden season just around the corner, this class yoga series is geared to help you move from winter mode to spring mode. Join Denise as she guides you to get grounded and create movements to stretch and strengthen your body, mind and spirit. Bring your intentions for your garden and yourself in addition to a yoga mat and comfortable clothing to move in. 

1 Session  

Date: Wednesday Mar 25, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm  

Cost: $15   

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

Three out of four of us know someone affected by dementia, which means our communities already include people living with it and those who care for them. Josee works for the Alzheimer’s Society in Cornwall. She will help us better understand dementia and how to create a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment. Come prepared with questions to learn more about the support that is available. 

1 Session  

Date: Monday Mar 30, 2026  (Weather dependent) 

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm  

Cost: $15   

Location: North Lancaster, ON 

An annual treat in Eastern Ontario is eating taffy at a local sugar camp. You will not be disappointed in a visit to the Besner Sugar Bush in Glen Nevis. Jean Francois is looking forward to hosting you and preparing taffy to satisfy your sweet tooth. Maple products will also be available for sale. 

Location: 21657 Concession 7, North Lancaster, K0C 1Z0 

2 Sessions  

Date: Tuesday Apr 7&14, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm  

Cost: $20   

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

*Maximum: 12* 

These two sessions are designed for beginners and will cover the very basics of the iPad. You will learn tips that will help you get the most out of your iPad. LeeAnne will help you discover a variety of apps and hidden tips to become more productive and to have more fun with your iPad. Please bring your iPad. Knowing your Apple ID and password will be helpful. 

1 Session  

Date:  Friday Apr 10, 2026 

Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm  

Cost: $15   Supplies: $10 

Location: Glengarry Encore Building    *Maximum: 6* 

Spring is here!  Nature and flowers are showing their faces, so let’s get together to express ourselves on canvas. Join us for coffee, cookies, and a quiet place to create your masterpiece. 

1 Session  

Date: Monday Apr 13, 2026 

Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm  

Cost: $15    Supplies: $15 

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

*Maximum: 10* 

Who does not have a pair of jeans looking for a new life? Join us as we learn to make a denim purse. We will be making a purse with a zipper or snap – it’s your choice, I will also be bringing fabrics to add to your design and lining fabric. 

Things to bring: an old pair of jeans, scissors and thread of your choice, sewing machine. Magnetic fasteners and zippers will be supplied. 

1 Session  

Date: Monday Apr 20, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm  

Cost: $15   

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

*Maximum: 20* 

Join Heather Pasco (Hughes), RMT, for a friendly and easy-to-understand workshop on the hidden sources of pain: jaw & feet. Many people are surprised to learn that issues in the jaw (TMJ) and the feet can cause discomfort in other parts of the body—such as the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and even the head. In this workshop, Heather will explain how these two areas play an important role in balance, posture, and everyday comfort. You’ll learn how small changes or tension in the jaw or feet can lead to aches and pains elsewhere, and what gentle steps you can take to start feeling better. 

2 Sessions  

Date: Tuesday Apr 21 & 28, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm  

Cost: $20   

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

*Maximum: 12* 

This two-day course (for those who took Introduction to iPads or who have more advanced knowledge) is to help individuals who are already comfortable using the iPad become more proficient. Time saving features, tips and tricks will be shared to help get the most out of your device. Please bring your iPad. Knowing your Apple ID and password will be helpful.  

1 Session  

Date: Wednesday Apr 22, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00am 

Cost: $15    Supplies: $5 

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

*Maximum: 15* 

These attractive burlap flowers will look great in any area of your house or work. All it takes is some burlap, bamboo sticks and glue, and these rustic flowers will look good in any vase, crock or jar.   

1 Session  

Date: Friday Apr 24, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -11:00am 

Cost: $15   

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

This talk will provide an overview of local shrubs and trees that have useful berries that you can grow in your home garden. They make good windbreaks, provide backyard biodiversity, attract many birds, and are great for jams and jellies or exotic wine making. Practical advice is provided on what species are easy to obtain from nurseries or which ones can be grown from seed. I’ll also provide a history of a community effort in 2014 to plant 1,500 edible tree seedlings on a popular walking trail in downtown Russell. 

1 Session  

Date: Monday May 4, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm  

Cost: $15     

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

A virtual tour of the Macdonell-Williamson House will include historic details, of this elegant house built in 1817. The house had two families owning it for the 145 years it was inhabited. Today, it is a fascinating museum of the two founding economies of Canada: the fur trade and the lumber trade. 

1 session 

Date: Wed. May 6, 2026 (Weather dependent) 

Time: 8:00am – 11:00am 

Cost: $15 

Location: 22350 Glen Robertson Rd, Glen Robertson, K0C 1H0 

*Maximum – 15* 

Lance is inviting you to meet at his house at 22350 Glen Robertson Road at 8am. You will walk along the edge of active hay fields, old pastureland and in spruce/cedar/pine plantations; observing the breeding birds of these areas. You will return to the house to observe birds up close as they are banded. 

The walking will be easy on mowed paths. The session should be finished by 11am. 

The trip is weather dependent and will not be held if there is rain. 

1 Session  

Date: Tuesday May 12, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm  

Cost: $15    

Location: Garry Fen parking lot, Lakeshore Road, Alexandria 

There is always something new to learn on the 4km Garry Fen loop of the Glengarry Trails. You will encounter a number of habitats from water to low land to hardwood forest. Because the fen is low in nutrients you will also see carnivorous plants which supplement their “diet” by capturing insects.  We will gather at the Lakeshore Road parking lot to meet Mike, our knowledgeable guide.  

1 Session 

Date: Monday May 25, 2026 

Time: 1:00pm -3:00pm 

Cost: $15 

Location: Glengarry Encore Building 

Canada has no provincial or federal “inheritance tax,” but estates may owe probate fees and income tax before assets are distributed. Probate confirms the will and the executor’s authority, and most provinces charge fees based on estate value. At death, most assets are treated as sold at fair market value, which can create capital gains tax and full income inclusion for RRSP/RRIF amounts. Come and learn some good planning techniques to help reduce these probate and tax costs.   

1 Session  

Date: Tuesday June 2, 2026 

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm  

Cost: $15    

Location: 3723   2nd Line Rd, Alexandria, ON K0C 1A0 

Patrick and Anna invite you to their 60-acre property near Alexandria. They will tell of a dream to start a small-scale, family-run organic vegetable farm and their road to being organically certified. You will see the gardens, learn what is meant by “regenerative” agriculture, and meet Minnie, the farm dog.  

Check out their website:  www.dreamsmallfarm.ca