Welcome to Our Second Newsletter
A note from TAN’s Chair
What a day the Symposium was! Thanks to everyone who participated in our first in-person event since 2019. It was a joy to spend the day with others passionate about the work we all do in later life learning – and get to know them as more than voices on Zoom!
Thanks again to the planning committee led by Elly Bowen from Hamilton Third Age Learning (HTAL), with Gaby Arato (TAN), Peggi Liswood (CALL), Sheree Meredith (HTAL) and Phyllis Ryall (LIFE).
A really special thanks to our two great sponsors, Hamilton Third Age Learning (HTAL) and Living and Learning in Retirement (LLIR), whose donations made the Symposium affordable for all network members. The evaluation results, which are posted on the Member Portal indicate that it was a great investment in the Network, and that we should be getting together every two years.
Between the keynote speakers and the break-out group discussions, the day netted lots of information-sharing about how we do our work across the network in lots of diverse ways. It also provided some glimpses into fresh strategies, partnership possibilities, and the need for some deeper dives into new research, all of which will help move later life learning forward.
We’ve tried to get all the relevant information onto the website, so take time to read, follow the links, and think about how some of the information shared at the Symposium can benefit your unique organization. All the speakers underscored the value of reaching out for fresh energy and resources among others who care about the quality of life of our later life learners.
The day produced lots of suggestions for TAN to follow up on to better support our members and inform our plans for the coming year. TAN has already become an associate member of the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO), and in coming months, we’ll provide more information about how this can benefit TAN’s members.
It’s been an exciting start to 2026. We’ll alert you when the schedule of events for the fall is ready, and in the meantime, have a great summer!
Warm regards,
Sandy
Have you checked out our updated website?
If not, here’s how:
Each of our Member organization has their own discreet login name and password. Your TAN representative is responsible for administering and sharing this information with your team. Please remember that you cannot set your own password; instead obtain it from your rep.
If you have questions or comments, please email us at feedback@thirdagenetwork.ca We are happy to help.
Moving Forward Together – Learnings from the Symposium
With an agenda comprised of keynote talks, peer discussions, and informal conversations, May 2nd provided a multitude of opportunities to share information, explore possibilities, and build momentum for later life learning across the province.
Our three keynote speakers: Dr. Rachel Savage, scientist, researcher and assistant professor of health policy leading research on social connectedness, loneliness, and aging in place; Sue Hesjedahl, Executive Director of Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario; and Sammy Feilchenfeld, Senior Manager, Learning at Volunteer Toronto shared not only their expertise but also an invitation to continue to help advance the work of later-life learning initiatives.
You can view their presentations as well as pertinent research papers that inform their work. Follow-up discussion around the tables included a number of ideas for incorporating these findings into our programs, volunteer recruitment strategies and potential community partnerships. We look forward to discussing these further at upcoming Idea Exchanges and Peer Coffee Chats.
Make sure you keep connected!
We maintain a contact list of our membership, including TAN reps, chairs or presidents, program chairs, treasurers, and others. It is used for communications among our members and TAN, distribution of the newsletter and invitations to TAN programs and events.
Please remember to advise us at feedback@thirdagenetwork.ca if and when new members join your board. We require their first and last names, position, their preferred email address and member organization name. We will also add individual supporters who would like to receive the newsletter directly.
Resources and Learning Opportunities
The topic of models for delivering our programs comes up frequently at most of our board tables. In-person? On-line? Hybrid? There are many options each with their own benefits, challenges and resource implications. So much is influenced by our individual contexts and audiences.
Hybrid Models was the focus of a recent Idea Exchange, facilitated by Bryan Mombourquette (BALL), Kathy McLean and Gerald Neufeld (TALG), and Michael Wosnick (TALYR). Please take a look at the notes and suggested next steps. This is an ongoing discussion and we look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences.
What’s Upcoming
We are getting ready to update the Speakers’ list on the website. Keep an eye out for an email to TAN representatives and Program Chairs asking for your recommendations. We appreciate all your prompt replies.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
An orientation session for new TAN Reps is scheduled for the morning of July 6th and again on September 14th. This is a valuable opportunity to learn more about TAN, your role as rep, and meet others from around the province. Reps, watch your email for the invitation shortly.
Based on your feedback, a number of fall Idea Exchanges and Coffee Chats have been scheduled, as well as TAN’s AGM. Please hold these dates and watch for specific details and the link to register later in the summer!
An online gathering specifically for Program Chairs: Tuesday, September 15th, 1:30-3:30pm
Idea Exchange focused on Alternate Sources of Funding: On or about November 9, 2026
TAN Annual General Meeting: Thursday, October 22nd at 2pm.
From the Front Lines
With thanks to Gary Schlee, LLIR
A course about Toronto offered to Living and Learning in Retirement (LLIR) members at Glendon College proves there’s life after lecture. The positive response to the classes, delivered by urban designer Ken Greenberg and former Conference Board of Canada CEO Anne Golden – plus eight guest lecturers – prompted all 10 to help turn the course material into a book. Saving Toronto: 10 City Builders Tell Us How was launched at Toronto City Hall Council Chambers in April. Published by Dundurn Press, and available on Amazon. Click here to learn more.
We all have our stories that others would benefit from hearing
Has your group had a memorable speaker; a recent success; or perhaps a “never again” experience? Similarly, you may be searching for a resource or strategy.
Please drop a short note with a 3-4 sentence description, your name and contact info as well as your organization’s name by email to newsletter@thirdagenetwork.ca.
Our goal is to ensure that the newsletter provides value to all our members. Your input is key.
Until next time, keep well and enjoy these lovely summer months. Watch for the next edition of TANConnects in October.
Sheree Meredith (TANConnects editor)