Did you know that Geneva is home to a cinema organ which, though little-known, is worthy of heritage status for its excellent condition and rich tones. Built by Wurlitzer in 1937 for an English cinema in London, it is one of only five surviving organs from this brand in Europe, outside Great Britain (where cinema organs have been preserved to a much greater extent.)
To ensure it will be well-maintained both now and in the future, admirers of the organ have created an association (Friends of the Collège Claparède Cinema Organ Association), presided over by organists, Nicolas Hafner and Vincent Thévenaz. Since 2014 this association has been organizing an annual organ festival, entitled, "L’orgue fait son cinéma", and which is scheduled to take place this year between 31 March and 8 April, 2017.
80th birthday celebration
For organ enthusiasts this year’s event is a particularly special occasion as the Wurlitzer cinema organ will celebrate its 80th birthday in 2017! Built in the United States in 1937 for the Granada Theater Clapham Junction in London, the organ currently resides at Geneva’s Collège Claparède. Several organists who once played this instrument in London, and who are still alive today, will be special guest performers on two of the most historic and unforgettable evenings of the festival. With ageless humour they will play popular classic tunes from Britain’s recent past. There will also be an opportunity to meet Robert Rowley, who has played a key part in the maintenance of the Wurlitzer organ, and who will both play and host a commentary about the organ during the festival. After opening with organ music that is at once warm, youthful and powerful, the festival will close with a fireworks display on its final evening!
by Tim Phillips
“Kids sometimes think computer science is boring and complicated, so why do it when they can play soccer?” Marta Gehring, the co-founder and CEO of TechSpark Academy, jokes. “My mission is to open their eyes.”
Based in Lausanne, TechSpark Academy’s mission is to expose students to coding in a fun, interactive way during school vacations. The Academy uses the best student instructors to spark their excitement and give them the skill they will need in the future. Last year’s students came away from it calling it “interesting”, “awesome”, “informative” and “cool”.
Marta, who is an innovation marketing consultant and a trainer for Switzerland’s Committee for Technological Innovation (CTI), was inspired to create TechSpark Academy after seeing her 14-year-old daughter’s attitude to coding transformed by a similar summer course in the US. “At first she said she didn’t want to go, but on the first day she came back and she was very excited. She had already programmed a turtle to crawl from one edge of the screen to the other, and she was even talking about computer code at dinner.”
Why attend a TechSpark Academy Camp?
The Academy’s Easter or summer camps in Lausanne or Geneva are some of the most inspiring fun kids can have while you’re learning. “By the second day the kids are beginning to program for themselves. For example, they can use a language called Swift to make a game, and then play it on their own iPhone,” Marta says, “or they can build robots, and program them to avoid obstacles.”
Volunteers are also very welcome!
Some of the most popular sections of the Know-it-all passport guidebook are those which relate to children’s activities, especially weekly classes and camps. Whenever we receive information on a new club, we like to post details on our Activities Calendar for Kids as soon as possible, and in all the excitement we sometimes forget to mention those clubs that have been with us for years!
One organization, which has been operating in this region for over 50 years is the Geneva Girl Scouts. Originally known as “Troops on Foreign Soil”, this group now falls under the banner of USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO), and currently has about 200 Girl Scouts and volunteers.
After a busy period of end-of year activities, and even busier start-of-year preparations, many people often feel lacking in energy at this time of the year, unable to spring into life as the warmer weather arrives.
It’s at this point that you need to consider taking some time out for yourself, leaving your busy life and “to do” list behind. So what better idea than to head on a local mountain retreat where you can literally “drop into your body”, move, stretch, explore nature and the natural environment, and most importantly relax and unwind?
Tanya Perret is a mountain guide and Yoga teacher with her own small business called Live Breath Hike, which offers just that: weekend retreats for anyone living within a few hours of the Vallée Brevon in France. Since Geneva is only an hour’s drive from this region, her retreats are ideally located for anyone here wishing to recharge their batteries and experience some time out.
Lausanne HC vs HC Lugano, Friday 24 February, 2017 at 19h45
On Friday 24 February, ice hockey fans in Lausanne will have the chance to see their favorite club play its last game of the regular season before "the playoffs" commence. Currently in 4th position in the NLA (National League A), Lausanne HC is clearly hoping for a big win so "the boys in red" can begin the playoff season in the best possible position.
So, whether you are new to the game and miss being a part of “live” sports action, or you are a long-time supporter of this iconic team, this is a wonderful opportunity to spend a great night out with friends, colleagues or family.
Whatever your reason, don't miss out on the chance to witness Vaud’s premier sports and entertainment club in action! When the team plays at home, the Malley Ice Rink, which sells out for most games, literally vibrates with the emotion and excitement of the cheering fans.
