Author Archives: Michael K. Barbour

About Michael K. Barbour

Michael K. Barbour is Associate Professor of Instructional Design for the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University California. He has been involved with K-12 online learning in a variety of countries for well over a decade as a researcher, teacher, course designer and administrator. Michael's research focuses on the effective design, delivery and support of K-12 online learning, particularly for students located in rural jurisdictions.

Passing of Former RCAF Association National President George McMahon, Sr.

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We mark this sad passing from a fellow Canadian veterans organization.

We acknowledge the sterling service of Squadron Leader (Ret) George Arthur McMahon, Sr, former National President of the RCAF Association, who passed away 13 January 2021.

https://www.familiesfirst.ca/memorials/george-mcmahon/4492562/index.php

 

Royal Canadian Air Force Association,405-222 Somerset St. West Ottawa ON K2P 2G3 CANADA, Phone Number:(613) 232-4281, Fax Number: (613) 232-2156, Email Address: director@airforce.ca, Website : http://rcafassociation.ca

Event: social diversity & partisan identity; An “intellectual lifeline” for Bay Area Canadians

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An item from a fellow Canadian organization in the Bay Area.
Canadian Studies Announcements
In this issue:
  • Upcoming event: Social Diversity, Partisan Identity & the 2019 Canadian Election
  • Meet Canadian Studies: Board Member Rosann Greenspan
  • Affiliate event in French: “Le système d’immigration canadien”
Upcoming Event
Social Diversity, Partisan Identities and the 2019 Canadian Election
February 2 | 12:30 p.m. | RSVP here
Join Professor Allison Harell as she explores the ways in which intergroup dynamics structure vote choice in Canada. Drawing on the 2019 Canadian Election Study, she focuses in particular on how partisan identities and political preferences are anchored in key social cleavages in Canada that structured the way in which the 2019 election campaign played out.
Allison Harell holds the UQAM Research Chair in the Political Psychology of Social Solidarity. She is interested in how social diversity affects the political world, especially the ways in which prejudice influences public opinion formation. Her current research focuses on how intergroup relations influence support for both economic and political solidarity, as well as how intergroup perceptions spill over into electoral politics.
Meet Canadian Studies: Board Member Rosann Greenspan
Dr. Rosann Greenspan may be one of the Canadian Studies Program’s newest board members, but her connections with Berkeley and Canadian Studies are longstanding. Hailing from Toronto, Rosann moved to Berkeley to attend graduate school and has lived there (mostly) ever since. Prior to her retirement in 2019, she served as executive director of the Center for the Study of Law and Society at UC Berkeley. Read below to learn what motivated her to join the Canadian Studies advisory board, and why she thinks the program is a valuable resource for all Canadians in the Bay Area; find the full interview on our website here.
What’s your connection to Canada?
I was born and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario. After attending college in the States (Vassar and Yale), I returned to Canada and received my M.A. at the University of Toronto, worked for the Law Reform Commission of Canada in Ottawa, spent some time as a grad student at McGill, built a log cabin in the Yukon, and lived in the beach town of White Rock, B.C., among other adventures. I moved to Berkeley for a Ph.D. in the then-fledgling interdisciplinary program Jurisprudence and Social Policy, which seemed tailor-made for my interests. Other than a few years in the ’90s in Washington, DC as a U.S. Supreme Court Fellow and as research director of the Police Foundation, I have lived in Berkeley and been connected to UC Berkeley since 1980. My family are all in Toronto and I return there frequently, several times a year.
Why do you support Canadian Studies?
Canadian Studies provides an intellectual lifeline to Canadians at UC Berkeley and throughout the Bay Area. Whether visiting scholars passing through only for a few months, or transplants like myself who have settled here, I’ve yet to meet a Canadian affiliated with UC Berkeley who, once connected to the Canadian Studies Program, isn’t hooked! It provides a hub for Canadians whose work may not be obviously related but who crave the connection. But beyond that, Canadian scholarship, as Irene’s marvelous expansion of speakers has shown, leads the way in cutting edge thinking in so many fields. I have no doubt that more and more scholars across the university are turning their attention to what Canadian Studies has to offer.
Tell us a fun anecdote about being Canadian in the Bay Area.
I remember the day I drove into Berkeley in August 1980, after a solo cross-country drive that began in Montreal. As a foreign student, the one location I knew about was International House, where the Berkeley International Office was. I thought I might be able to rent a room there while I looked for an apartment. So I drove from I-80 up University Avenue and into the main gate of the university. I spoke to the gatekeeper, and asked him for directions to Piedmont Avenue. Only I pronounced it as you would in Montreal – I think it must have sounded something like “Peeyaymoan” in my poor accent. I wasn’t being fancy, I honestly couldn’t remember how to say it in English. He had no idea what I was saying. So he helpfully asked where I was trying to go and I told him International House and off I went.
Affiliate Event
Conférence: “Le système d’immigration canadien”
February 3 | 4:30 p.m. | RSVP here
Note: This event will be conducted in French.
L’immigration a joué un rôle très important dans l’histoire et le développement du Canada en tant que pays. Dans ce programme virtuel, l’Alliance française de Berkeley accueillera deux experts pour mener une discussion sur le système d’immigration du Canada. Ils présenteront comment le système canadien se compare à celui des États-Unis, les avantages et les possibilités associés à l’immigration, ainsi que les défis potentiels.
Les panelistes seront Irene Bloemraad, une sociologue politique et directrice du Programme d’études canadiennes à l’Université de Californie à Berkeley, et Yves Beaulieu, le consul pour la politique étrangère et la diplomatie au consulat général du Canada à San Francisco.
Canadian Studies Program
213 Moses Hall #2308
Canadian Studies Program | Univ. of California, Berkeley, 213 Moses Hall #2308, Berkeley, CA 94720

The Legion Dispatch – January 2021

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We have copied and pasted the relevant general member items below for the members of US Branch 25.

Legion Dispatch. Visit branch services.
January 2021
Twitter. Facebook. Youtube. Instagram. Linkedin.
Poppy Store.
  Share this email
Keep your Branch informed
Forward this email to your Branch Executives, Committee Members and other members to keep them up-to-date on important updates and information.
All Branch emails are also available on the Member Services Website
In this edition – January 2021
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Refer a friend to the Legion for a chance to win
The bigger our membership, the bigger the impact the Legion can make in the lives of Canada’s Veterans.
Encourage your members to invite an eligible friend or family member to join online here before March 30 using promo code REFER. Both current and new member will be entered for a chance to win a $500 Canada Post Visa gift card.
* Referring member must be in good standing as of January 31, 2021. See full Terms and Conditions.
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Dominion Executive Council meeting
The Dominion Executive Council meeting minutes from the November 28–29 meeting are now available. Minutes from all meetings can be accessed on the Member Services Website under Branch and Command Resources / Dominion Executive Council.
View DEC minutes  ‣
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Legion Representative in the 2021 Nijmegen Marches
As the 2020 Nijmegen Marches was cancelled due to pandemic restrictions, the Legion has asked our 2020 Representative, Joan Cook, to represent the Legion in the 2021 Marches. Comrade Joan was pleased to accept the opportunity and continues to train for this challenging trek.
An announcement for Legion member submissions for the 2022 Nijmegen Marches is expected to be made by January 2022.
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Operation Santa Claus was a success!
The Legion proudly supports Support Our Troops’ Operation Santa Claus program, which provides gift packages to every Canadian Forces member deployed. This past Christmas, we sent over 2,500 gift packages to our troops, thanks to the support of our membership.
Take a look at what was waiting for our troops on Christmas morning:
Improving Veterans’ support in Ontario
Last year, The Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command worked with the Ontario Government to expand the Soldiers’ Aid Commission so Ontario Veterans of all ages and their families can finally access financial assistance if they are in need. Learn more about this important expansion.
Learn more  ‣
Clearing the VAC benefit claims backlog
The Royal Canadian Legion has issued a public statement urging Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces to quickly implement recommendations made to improve the backlog of disability benefit claims. With nearly 20,000 applications still in limbo, Veterans face continued frustration and despair, as many wait in dire need of the disability benefits and supports they need.
Read more  ‣
Your Legion calendar
Your 2021 Legion calendar is now available!
Promote important dates and organize activities at your Branch with this list of upcoming days that raise awareness of an issue, commemorate a group or event, or celebrate an important topic.
DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR  ‣
Partner promotions
The following is brought to you by our partners, highlighting special offers and other information.
Special offer from Legion Magazine
Legion Wall Calendar.
If you have any questions, please contact Member Services and we will be pleased to assist. 1-855-330-3344 or membership@legion.ca

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST
Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.
Copyright © 2021 The Royal Canadian Legion. All rights reserved.

Administrative emails from Legion National Headquarters are sent to the email address on file for your local Legion Branch. If this is no longer the correct email address for your Branch, please forward this email to the new contact and request the Branch update their contact information.

Our contact information is:
The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada

Toll free: 855‑330‑3344
E-mail: membership@legion.ca

RCAF Association Member Harold Verner Soderlund Turning 100

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An item from the Royal Canadian Air Force Association that we would encourage you to participate in.

Your fellow RCAF Association member Harold Verner Soderlund will turn 100 on 21 April 2021.

His fellow 432 (Algoma) Wing members in Sault Ste Marie are inviting all of you to send a birthday card and/or birthday wishes in time for Harold’s celebrations.

Harold is a Second World War RCAF veteran and former Prisoner-of-War, having flown with the 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron out of Libya. Soderlund survived being shot down by an enemy aircraft, floating for two days in the sea after a hospital ship passed him by, eventually captured by the enemy and transported by plane, rail and truck from one detention area to another, poorly fed and always under the watchful eye of his captors before finally being liberated and returning home to Canada.

Please send correspondence to:

John Hooper, 133 Finn’s Bay Rd. N., Echo Bay, ON, P0S 1C0 or e-mail hooperjc52 “at” gmail.com with your birthday cards/wishes for Harold Soderlund.

We have a Lockdown Challenge for you!

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While this is a British veterans group, given the stay at home orders in effect in our area, this may be of interest to some members.

What will You Achieve this Lockdown?
Have you started 2021 on the right foot? Feeling motivated to make this year count?

Whether you want to set yourself a goal to get fit, blow out those lockdown cobwebs or be part of a passionate online community, the Tommy 10,000 Step Challenge is exactly what you’re looking for! Step, hop or run your way to 10,000 steps per day for the duration of lockdown – an achievable goal that will get your mind and body moving!
Getting going in January is always a challenge, but there’s no better motivation than the support of the incredible RBLI community cheering you on! Plus, the knowledge that every penny you raise will help our most vulnerable veterans. Give yourself and our nations heroes a sporting chance; let’s start 2021 as we mean to go on!

You can begin your challenge anytime and continue right through the duration of lockdown. How far will you walk during this lockdown?
Now more than ever it’s important to look after your physical and mental health. 10,000 steps a day will have you feeling confident and strong as we take on this new year together!

Sign up for pro tips, trick and challenges, no matter what your level of fitness!
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP NOW!

RBLI’s January Sale is Now on!
The moment many of you have been waiting for is finally here, a SALE! Throughout the remainder of January, we are pleased to offer a 10% saving off selected products using the following code:
JANUARY10
Code expires 31 Jan 2021.
Here are some of the products in the sale, click here to browse the full sale! Remember, take 10% off all prices seen below!
Tommy Window Sticker
Tommy Window Sticker
£14.50
SHOP NOW
Hand Made Sterling Silver Tommy Cufflinks
Hand Made Sterling Silver Tommy Cufflinks
£154.00
SHOP NOW
Limited Edition Tommy Patches- Lest We Forget
Limited Edition Tommy Patches- Lest We Forget
£19.99
SHOP NOW
VJ DAY Bumper Pack Special Edition Tommy
VJ DAY Bumper Pack Special Edition Tommy
£45.00
SHOP NOW
2020 VE DAY Special Edition Tommy Military Figure
2020 VE DAY Special Edition Tommy Military Figure
£33.00
SHOP NOW
Original Tommy Wall Art | Union Jack Solid
Original Tommy Wall Art | Union Jack Solid
£35.00
SHOP NOW
SHOP THE ENTIRE SALE

It’s Competition Time
Fancy winning yourself a swag bag full of RBLI goodies?

We’ve launched a caption contest over on our Instagram page. To enter, all you need to do is head over to our Instagram page @rblicharity, give us a like and follow, and comment your best caption for this #TommyStep challengers photo.
The winner will be announced on 1st February so get your entries in soon!

You’ve got to be in it to win it!
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RBLI helps Design Museum celebrate the work of Margeret Calvert OBE
Royal British Legion Industries have recently given their services for the Design Museum’s celebration of the work of leading graphic designer and Tommy Club Founding Patron Margaret Calvert OBE, renowned for the UK’s road signage system, signing for the rail network and airports, and for the typeface used on the government website, gov.uk.

Margaret Calvert OBE was a leading member of the team commissioned to redesign the road sign system in 1960s, creating many of the iconic symbols still used to this day including ‘Roadworks’, and ‘Children’, the two signs which have been recreated for this exhibition by veterans working in RBLI’s social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC)
Margaret Calvert was delighted with the exhibition and said “The signs and displays looked great, so a huge thank you from me to you, Simon, and to RBLI. Everybody seemed very pleased at the opening. It did look impressive.”  Rachel Hajek, Assistant Curator at the Design Museum added: “We are very grateful for the help that RBLI and Buchanan Computing were able to provide with the traffic signs and other graphics for our Margaret Calvert: Woman at work display.”
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