Negotiating Religious Diversity in the Workplace and on Campus

This workshop is offered as part of the GradProSkills workshop series and is open to all! It is for anyone interested in learning more about their friends, classmates, neighbours or colleagues who have a religion or belief system different from our own. This workshop will explore the basic tenets of the major faiths represented in Canada and will invite participants to explore how to relate to people who are part of religious, spiritual or philosophical tradition different from their own. The workshop will seek to offer practical suggestions that ultimately can help build relationships based on mutual understanding and respect. Participants will have an opportunity to share their own experiences and stories and learn from others. 


RHOTO went, shared and enjoyed!!
RHOTO

We were there!! First off, we danced and groved to the Le Gym pro's warm-up exercises!!Shufflin' along... bringin' up the rear 
Walked 10,000 steps ;D Thus confessing that we didn't walk to the Finish.
But, if three (3) wacky-crazy bus stories count for penance... we're FREE!!
(wrong bus, referred to wrong place; bus broke down; CU driver piled us all in & went to dinner!!)
We said, "Howdoo" to the University President... I think Toon was probably the "Most Chipper 85-year old participant ;D
We DID--eventually--get to Loyola Campus, though... Where Toon Van de Venbopped away to the screamin' "music". And Rhonda thoroughly enjoyed her annual wee corn-on-the-cob ;D
AND, we were home after 4 PM!! 6 PM, in fact ;D
GOOO, RHOTO

Le Gym - We're BACK!!

 RHOTO is BACK!!  It's great fun--it's a GREAT DATE to lift and twist and pull and walk at Le Gym...
See ya there!! :D
RHOTO

BACK to SCHOOL--Again!!

This time it's another Religion course.  "Women in... Judaism".  There is a whole series of courses offered under "Women in...".
This is our sixth course in the Religion Department.  (Not to be confused with our two Theology courses.)

Pencils and minds are sharpened!!
Come, Fall, Come ;D

RHOTO

RACE and ETHNIC RELATIONS - Soci 230

RHOTO is enjoying another Concordia University course.  This time, it is an intensive Summer Sociology course entitled "Race and Ethnic Relations".

Since this is a course about CANADA, we are focusing on:

1. First Nations (Aboriginals)

2.  Quebec (English and French relations)

3.  Multiculturalism (Immigrants)

AND how we all DO and CAN "live together"...

It's soooo interesting and fun to be Students ;D

RHOTO

THEO 343/POLI 389 - Religion and Politics

"Once considered an archaic force destined to wither away as nations underwent rapid economic development, religion has instead gained renewed interest as an important factor in the contemporary political life of both Western and non-Western countries. This course examines the intersection of the religious and political spheres by studying the connections between moral values and political beliefs in different settings around the world. Through specific case studies, we explore the way in which religious beliefs have shaped democratic and non-democratic politics and have impacted political representation, elections, public education, and citizenship. At the same time, we reflect on the way in which politics has affected religiosity, religious life, and religious organizations. An important part of this class will be devoted to understanding the patterns of interaction between the states and the religious denominations present on their territory, discussing whether churches and the democratic state should be separate or they should just tolerate each other. The case studies we will analyze look at the interaction between the state and major religions of the world such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism."

RHOTO is really enjoying this one!! What makes it especially interesting is THE Concordia University student diversity in class. We don't just read, hear, discuss these issues--we also have STUDENTS who are FROM these countries, who are PRACTICING these religions ;D

Hurray for higher learning!!

RHOnda

Concordia Shuffle 22

Yesterday was the Concordia Shuffle 22, an annual event to raise $$$ for student scholarships. It's a walk between the two (2) campuses--6.5k. RHOnda had a wonderful time walking with very nice friends whom I have met at the University.

The last wee bit was a bit "too much"... That's not too bad, eh ;D

And afterwards we had a yummy feast. Complete with corn on the cob!! (DON'T tell my orthodontist, eh!!)

Forward, on...

RHOnda

Theology and First Peoples Studies at Concordia

THEO 236 Spirituality: Personal, Social and Religious Dimensions

"This course focuses on the phenomenon of spirituality as a personal and social response to the human quest for self-integration and self-transcendence. It examines the roles of both religious tradition and secular culture in shaping approaches to the spiritual journey. Consideration of the characteristics of Christian spiritual traditions is complemented by reflection upon the meaning and variety of spiritualities present in the pluralistic postmodern culture."

FPST 212 Inuit Peoples

"This course explores the specific cultures of the Inuit peoples in Canada with a particular emphasis on the Inuit people of Nunavik (Northern Quebec). The course examines social and political structures, gender-defined roles, the Arctic way of life, the Inuit language and its dialects, as well as the spiritual beliefs of the Inuit. This course also examines changing roles and structures influenced by colonization, including the imposition of federal policies."

RHOTO has gone to the 1st class of both of these courses... We're looking forward to getting into the "meat" of same.

RHOTO

FRAN 305: Expression Orale Niveau 3

Well, I (RHOnda) started a new French class term at Concordia University. Third level, this time. The Prof is very nice, interested... BIG PROBLEM!! She's from either the north or south of France (i.e., NOT Parisian). AND I can't understand 50% of what she says--on account of her charming-but-new accent :O. I continue to STARE into her face, just trying to concentrate and guess at what she's saying. No, the vocabulary isn't too advanced for me... It's the same "problem" when I'm talking with someone with a totally different ENGLISH accent, eh ;D

We spent our time introducing ourselves... One young man from Vancouver shared that he felt pressed to go home as soon as he's done. (Head down, sadness here...) His parents are--old. WELL, I HAD to jump on that one, eh!! "So, how old ARE you parents?" "60." "PHEW!! So, I have a FEW good years left." (Class laughs.)

"Kids" are the greatest, eh!!

Wish me luck/bonne chance!! ;D

RHOnda

Spirituality in the City - Multi-Faith Chaplaincy

Atwater Market

"The Atwater Market has been a part of Montreal since the early 1930's. Often referred to as the biggest garden in town, this place has something for everyone! Awaken your spiritual senses as we explore the sights, sounds, and many tastes of an infamous Montreal market."

So, on our Wedding Anniversary on the 9th of August, RHOTO went with Reverend Ellie Hummel (Chaplain of the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy at Concordia University) on a different sort of spiritual field trip... "Do something NEW every day, eh!!" Before going, RHOTO had thought, "What purpose was there in going to a Market for a Spiritual outing?" Well, we quickly decided that "spiritual" is all around you... Give us "food for thought", eh ;)

We stopped to celebrate our respective, wedding anniversaries over yummy pastries and "un bon cafe". Good conversations, laughter, song--like always <3. And, to boot, Ellie is soooo wise. Such a good--well-trained--listener. Counsel that is very helpful...

Ellie shared her personal definition of "spiritual": "That which gives us life, grounds us, connects us to that beyond ourselves". Then she asked about what we got from the spirituality of the Atwater Market... I (RHOnda) was sooo overwhelmed by the COLOURS, the roundness of the produce (just like ME!). Breathtaking. Wanted to breathe in deeply and hold it. TOny was brought back to his youth... When his Mother would gather two (2) of her boys up and go to Saturday market. Later, they always stopped at Auntie's house and had a cookie! TOny also remarked that the produce at Atwater was beautifully presented--straight, straight. Everything looked "1st class"--no speckled bananas here! 'Looked like a colouring picture.

Here is a photo of the Lachine Canal, which is a right beside the Market. The water is sooo calming. And Ellie said isn't it wonderful that we can have this sort of an environment, including kayaks and bicycling right here in the City? (RHOnda immediately thought of our friend, Ewa ;) TOny remembered the canal in Son, Noord Brabant, The Netherlands--one of the bridges of "one bridge too far" during WWII.

RHOTO agrees that spending time with Ellie for this outing overshadowed all the beautiful produce, coffee and canal experiences. You know--ALL the staff at Multi-Faith Chaplaincy are delightful blessings in our lives <3.

RHOTO

RHOnda's Back!!

'Have been for several days!! Haven't blogged 'cos I've been busy!! ;)
Lots of catching up to do... I'm going to make this all one blog. Just read the parts that "interest" you, ok ;)

Heads up, Sewers: there's no sewing, except for starting "R" "H" "O" "T" "O" pillows for our bed...

SANTIAGO visited here while Michael volunteered there (India)
Father Santiago was in Canada for a conference (Toronto). We got to visit here in Montreal ;). He is also a Pastor in India, with 2,000 people attending Mass. (Imagine! India is NOT a Catholic country, eh.) We were very happy to help him with a special project: he's building a playground for the children to have fun while their parent(s) attend Mass. These are very poor children who don't get a "chance" to play...

In the meantime, "our" adopted nephew Michael (with dots missing on his name :( ) was in India, volunteering.

These two sat together at TOny's 80th Birthday party.

ERIK visited overnight.
Such a "sweetheart". Very understanding of my depression/depressive ways. "Made" me laugh, in spite of myself.

RHOTO to the annual Carribean Parade.
Downtown Montreal. "Lively" beat/rhythm. Scantally clad women--a bit "much" (or should I say "NOT much") at times. Well, we came, we saw, we won't be back... We were EXPECTING floats depicting each Carribean country and its culture...

RHOTO to MMFA for Jean Paul Gaultier
We covered about 1/2 of the exhibit. Will go back for the rest. VERY modern, very androgynous... The models talk! JPG talks!!

Interesting in a totally different way than Yves Saint Laurent... This is "fashion art", perhaps-- YSL is Couturier.

RHOnda Volunteers at Senior Non-Credit Office
I feel well enough to wash my hair and join the world. (Couldn't last week.) It's fun to interact with this "Senior" crowd!

RHOnda's carrying a burden...
(I know, Katie, I shouldn't be carrying...) Please remember us.


and last...

RHOnda received a Special Present

A long-ago, dear friend sent me an old, very special photo... A beautiful memory, a warm hope...special to save for myself. Big hug to Debs ;)

That's a brief update... Thanks for stopping by for tea!!

RHOnda

POLI 355 Nationalism: Canadian Experience" Guest II

Major Sebastien Campagna was invited by our Political Science Professor Hershorn to talk to the class about "Promoting Canadian Values/Nationalism in Afghanistan" and "The Military as an Institution that Promotes Canadian Nationalism".

The Major came with an excellent video tool--prepared by the Canadian Military. From there, the class asked pointed and interesting questions to our Guest.

What did RHOTO come away with from this Guest?

- The Canadian Armed Forces live amongst the Afghanistan people to win their trust and cooperation. Interpreters from within the villages are used to facilitate communication. Living together also--hopefully--helps to identify the enemy.

- The lifestyle of the Afghanistan people has not changed throughout millenniums. They do not have any sense of "tomorrow" or of "planning" in their culture. It's quite a challenge for the Military to (try to) explain these ideas when there is no former exposure to same. (AND, for Military personnel, time and planning are very much a part of THEIR lifestyle. Quite a culture difference/possibly frustrating situation, eh.)

- As an interesting "aside", the Medieval Afghanistan culture DOES include a high volume of CELL PHONE users!! ?

- One tactic used by the Taliban is to "offer" a farmer $20 to plant an explosive in the road in front of his home. If the "offer" is not accepted, the farmer's wife and children are shot. (No words can express our sentiments...)

- Carrying water for long distances is a difficult and time-consuming chore for the Afghanistan women. So, the Canadian Armed Forces built a well in the centre of the village. The next day, it was reported that the well was "smashed up"--by a woman. This chore of carrying water for a long distance gives the women the opportunity to LEAVE the village and to TALK with each other. (Something to think about, eh...)

- Some of the Canadian troops will stay after the fighting mandate is over. Schools are one of on-going projects; also (trying to convince) the Afghanistan men that girls should go to school, too.

- When a Canadian Armed Forces member has finished his/her term in Afghanistan, there is a time period for decompressing and re-orientation to their "new" environment. The soldier is also watched for signs of suicide.

- The Canadian Armed Forces feels that it has a unique way of helping in Afghanistan. We are a multi-national, multi-cultural nation. We have three major groups here: English, French and First Nation who (try to) work together. This "working together" mentality is part of our ingrained culture. That makes being with others who are very different from us "more workable" and successful.

RHOTO wants to express our admiration and appreciation to our Canadian Armed Forces troops in Afghanistan. And also a hardy "thank you" to Professor Hershorn, for providing yet another special learning experience!!

(The Major is 5th from the right on the back row.)

RHOTO

POLI 355 Nationalism: Canadian Experience" Guest

Grand Chief Michael Delisle of the Kahnawake Mohawk tribe visited our Poli-Sci class. The First Nations are DEFINITELY part of the "nationalism" of Canada. The Grand Chief spoke first, and then the students asked (per our Prof) very good, intelligent questions.

These are some of the points that RHOTO came away with:

"Two Row Wampum Belt
Wampum refers to the tubular beads carved from shells commonly associated with the Iroquoian Nations of Native America. These shells were woven into patterns. They were used as a type of currency and to record significant treaty agreements. One such treaty is recorded in the Two Row Wampum. The arrangement consists of two rows of purple beads on a field of white, which ex-tends for a considerable length. Although simplistic graphically, the meaning inherent in the Two Row Wampum is profound. The white field of beads represents a river. This symbolizes the course of life. The two rows of purple beads represent a passage of two canoes down this same river - the Iroquoian culture on one side and European culture on the other. Although both canoes share the same river, each is allowed to travel separately, independently and at its own speed. Their paths do not cross and hence they do not impede the progress of one another. The spirit of honor and respect contained within this agreement was to be renewed on an annual basis with the English, French and Dutch settlers." - http://www.tworow.com/aboutus.html

Next was a discussion about the "Oka Crisis". A very simplified sketch of this 1990, 2-1/2 month event would be as follows: developers wanted to construct a golf course on what is Mohawk ancient, sacred burial ground. The Tribe responded by a peaceful demonstration of closing down a major bridge into Montreal. The counter response was not so peaceful... It's a peace of history that will outlast us all.

Grand Chief Delisle talked about when the "Indian" children were taken away from their parents, their homes by the white man. There the children were abused. They were beaten whenever they spoke their native language; it took time for them to learn English. The goal, according to Delisle was "to turn them into 'red apples': red on the outside and white on the inside."...

Yes, there are problems with drugs, with alcohol, with very young single mothers. The solution? Developing a sense of "who am I?", of self-image. Everything was very quickly stripped from the First Nation. They don't KNOW "who" they are now.

PART of that backlash is the youth's attitude of "You (whites) OWE me!!" That doesn't "help" solve the problem. That doesn't motivate youngsters to go to school, to develop. That creates decades and generations of welfare recipients.

These are "healing" problems...

What does the Grand Chief think about HOW to address these problems? To have the Canadian Government ACKNOWLEDGE the afore-signed Treaties. To say, "YES", this land DOES belong to the Mohawk People. The goal is NOT to reclaim the land--how do you reclaim MONTREAL??. It is to have it acknowledged that the First Nations WERE and are. To build a sense of pride in their Peoples...

RHOTO is only covering a smidgen of what was talked about. THANK you very much, Professor Hershorn, for extending this invitation to Grand Chief Michael Delisle of the Mohawk nation.

RHOTO

P.S. "First Nation" is a politically correct term that was chosen by the People involved. They are NOT "Indians" of India, as Christopher Columbus erroneously thought.
Tony

"Our" Elsa Graduated!!

"Études et pratiques littéraires" She DID it!! Never any doubt ;) "Our" Elsa graduation from McGill University with a BA in French. She whose first language is Mandarin Chinese. Who studied at Concordia and McGill in English. (Got that??)

Aunt Rhonda and Uncle Tony are VERY proud of you, Elsa!!

RHOTO


PS Guess who the speaker was at the Graduation ceremony? "Captain Kirk" (William Shatner), who received an Honourary Ph'd from his Alma Mater.

Concordia Summer Session

RHOTO is gearing up for Summer school! We will be taking a Political Science course together-- "POLI 355 Nationalism: The Canadian Experience". This class will talk about the origins and development of nationalism and regionalism in Canada. And will compare these Canadian sentiments with those of European countries.

We will have the same smart, warm prof as our last POLI-SCI class--Professor Marvin Hershorn... This is the Prof who brought in Mohawk Chief Warren Lahache (Kahnawake Mohawk Council) and MP Justin Trudeau last class...

Unfortunately, we're having a Federal Election here in Canada the day BEFORE class starts. So, we'll only be able to do "after blab", eh!!

Looking forward!! (We didn't even know Canada HAD nationalism ;/ If it does exist, SVP let’s keep it low-key…)

NOTE: I, Rhonda, was looking for a "Canada" photo for the front of our computer... Saw "Canada day" and thought of daylight... And not "the" Day :/ THAT's how long ago "Canada Day" has been a part of my Canadian experience...

AND, RHOnda will be taking "FRAN 221 Correction phonétique" "Ce cours s'adresse à des étudiantes et des étudiants dont la langue maternelle n'est pas le français et qui souhaitent améliorer leur prononciation. Une approche systématique, qui combine des activités de perception et d'articulation allant des sons isolés à la phrase, leur permettra d'acquérir et de mettre en pratique les règles de la phonétique française (prononciation, liaison, intonation)."

Which in ENGLISH means that this course will try to help me sound more "French" when I (try to) speak the language!! ;) ;/

Yippy!! New pencils! New notebooks!! Sittin' in the front row!!!

RHOTO

Pedi- and Manicures with Ewa

Ewa (pronounced "EVA", from Poland) and I, RHOnda, met in French class last Fall. We had a grand ole time doing a "Coco Chanel" skit in class! Since then, we have had for pedicures/manicures together--today was our 3rd time. It's a fun, feminine date together. Nice, too, 'cos it "schedules itself" for every month. Oh, yes--we also have crepes with fruit and chocolate chips BEFORE and smoked meat sandwiches AFTER!!!

It's delightful to meet such fun friends!! A wonderful part of our Concordia experience ;)

RHOnda

RHOnda and LeGym

Went today... a BLAST!! ;) Signed up for three days per week. The other days: 20 minutes on my "Threadmill" at home.

RHOnda

"It's Now or Never!!??" Take 3? Roll 'Em

Well, there's bad news and good news...
-First the BAD news... I am currently at a record high weight--AGAIN :(. Therefore, see above photo of the "hefty fish" I'm a-luggin' around every day...
-Now the GOOD news: I (finally) had a "rendez-vous" with my Personal Trainer at LeGym (Concordia University. Besides getting in fit shape :-O, my goal is to lose 25#s. My wish is to reach goal for my 55th 57th birthday, September 5th.
I WILL post a monthly update to keep myself accountable to you, my caring friends and family. (I KNOW, it'll be boring news...)
Wish me luck, perservence, patience and good humour as I work my flesh off!!

NOT the Guillotine!! :-O

My Dear TOny... Several times the doors have started to close before a few of us have departed the Metro car at our University station. And we have had a "free ride" to the next stop :/.
WELL, this time the door closed on TOny's shoulders/neck. His head was outside and the rest inside the door. LUCKILY, two strong men on the platform started--and succeeded--to pry the door...and more importantly, TOny!... open and out!!!
HE wasn't at all concerned or worried during this time. I, RHOnda, either ;) I simply wanted a solution!! (Am very happy to say that emergencies do not "shake me".)
Afterwards, I asked the toll attendant, "Would I have had the right to pull the emergency switch?" (There's a large fine if I had "guessed wrong" :(.) "Yes!!", he said. He assured me, also, that the train wouldn't/couldn't have started off to the next stop with TOny's head outside the car...
So, no guillotine... Phew!!

RHOnda

PS TONy asked me to note that the above photo ISN'T of him ;)

Dreams and Goals

That was the title of a seminar I (RHOnda) attended recently at Concordia University. "Dreams and Goals"--knowing the difference. Changing one to the other.

So, so far on the getting in shape dream-- I sewed a pair of gym capris that don't fit "right". I think I can still wear em under an XL T-shirt, though. I found my lock. Found the key to the lock. Got an appointment with my Personal Trainer. Canceled the appointment 'cos of a slight cough. (WEAK excuse...)

Blogged and found a photo (above) of 25 pounds. This is a sweet potato a farmer found in his garden. Pretty B-I-G, quite H-E-A-V-Y!! I'm waddlin' around carryin' that potato all the time!! No WONDER I'm always tired...

Making another appointment with my Personal Trainer. Putting my lock & key in my bag, along with my goofy capris...

Turning a dream into a goal ;)

RHOnda