For 10 years, TALC talked the talk

For 10 years, an innovative learning program flourished in Brandon. Reflecting on its history is illuminating and could provide inspiration for something similar in the future.

In 2016, a few friends who were retired or semi-retired met to share their interest in facilitating lifelong learning. The impetus — or “spark plug” as she was dubbed — was Johanna Leseho. A recently retired university professor, Leseho had audited a couple of university courses. But she found she was more interested in learning with other seniors in an informal setting.

A small steering committee formed and drafted a potential program. Morning learning sessions would be offered twice a month. Anyone could participate. There would be no cost or obligation. It turned out there were plenty of interesting topics, presenters who were happy to contribute and folks who were eager to attend.

The group chose a name that reflected their composition and aspiration: TALC, the Third Age Learning Co-operative. The “third age” is the retirement phase of life. This follows the earlier two ages: youth and then the long stretch of work and family life. The acronym TALC served as a pun as it could be pronounced “talk.”

At the start, Brandon University was approached for assistance. BU was delighted to help and provided the free use of a classroom in the education building and space for storing equipment and supplies. Publicity materials were produced and a website created. A donation box covered the cost of refreshments and miscellaneous expenses. The Rotary Club of Brandon provided funding to purchase a sound system. The community television channel, WCGtv, taped sessions and broadcast them to a larger audience.

My wife and I were early participants. TALC has been meaningful for us – both mentally and socially. Over the years, I have been honoured to give several presentations revolving around the theme of active citizenship.

TALC hosted a tremendous range of presentations, from the personal to the practical to the philosophical. Many ideas came from the participants themselves, as they described their pastimes and passions. These included photography, genealogy, observing nature, reiki healing, exploring local history, baking bread and a rich assortment of arts and crafts.

Some subjects were of special interest to seniors. These included foreign travel, connecting socially, being a caregiver, preventing falls, recovering from a stroke, estate planning, working with a death doula and non-traditional burials. Representatives from Brandon organizations outlined resources available and included the public library, the police and Seniors for Seniors.

Local experts spoke about subjects as diverse as the opera, theoretical physics and artificial intelligence. Other sessions explored current issues like the history of the Brandon Indian Residential School, restorative justice and the war in Ukraine. Brandon Sun photographer Tim Smith shared some of his award-winning work. As did historian Gordon Goldsborough, sculptor Peter Sawatzky and cartoonist Curt Shoultz.

When the pandemic struck in 2020, the decision was made to cancel the sessions. The alternative would have been to continue via a video conferencing system like Zoom. But TALC was about more than listening to a talk, it was about participants talking with one another.

TALC resumed after the pandemic. The first sessions observed mask and social distancing protocols. There were great presentations and discussions over the following years, but TALC was not the same after COVID. Attendance never fully rebounded and some of the initial energy never returned.

By the spring of 2026, the steering committee was tired out and ready for a break. There was thought that a new co-ordinating group would take over the project. But as of now, nothing has materialized.

As TALC wound up, gratitude was expressed to the BU Faculty of Education for its years of support. A surplus of several hundred dollars was donated to a need identified by the faculty: PENT Indigenous Teacher Education.

Arrangements were also made with the S.J. McKee Archives at the university. The history of TALC would be documented as a permanent record and as a resource for the future.

In today’s world of smartphones, misinformation and isolation, the value of an initiative like TALC is increasingly recognized. This sort of venue has been called the “third place.” It complements the first place, which is the home and the second, which is the workplace. The third place offers the chance for gathering in a welcoming environment. Folks meet others, learn and exchange perspectives.

For 10 years, TALC provided that opportunity in Brandon. Perhaps a similar program will emerge in the future. For those who participated, we cherish that bittersweet feeling of memories of a wonderful experience.