Who We Are
Hamilton Third Age Learning (HTAL) is an organization focused on life-long learning. Our fall, winter and spring lecture series programs are designed to bring learning and enrichment opportunities to adults aged 50+ in Hamilton and surrounding areas.
HTAL was registered as a not-for-profit corporation in Ontario in 2012 and began the lecture series in 2013. HTAL is not a registered charity.
As an incorporated organization, HTAL operates totally by volunteer commitment serving on the Board of Directors and Committees. We encourage subscribers to consider offering their time. If you are interested, visit our Volunteering page, complete and submit the Volunteer Form.
Our High Quality Program
Our lecture theme is Understanding the 21st Century, a broad canvas for areas of particular interest and importance to our curious audience of life-long learners. Topics include contemporary issues, history, local and global politics, science, technology, arts and humanities, health, economics, the environment and culture.
Lectures are provided by university/college professors, notable authors, journalists, leaders and experts in their fields. We provide a varied program in each series.
Disclaimer: While program topics are approved by the Program Committee and the Board, the actual content of any lecture and opinions offered by the lecturers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of HTAL.
Fall and Spring Lectures are provided in-person and the Winter Series is offered via Zoom. Lectures are 50 – 60 minutes followed by a brief Q&A. A recording of the lectures is made available to all paid registrants and access is open for 2 weeks after the live lecture through a password protected link. All lectures begin at 10am on Wednesday mornings.
Beliefs and Principles
Target Audience
While our learning and enrichment activities are geared to individuals of 50 years and older in Hamilton and surrounding communities, participation is open to all adults.
Speaker Selection
We endeavor to seek out speakers who can provide balanced, evidence-based lectures, where applicable, but understand that most speakers have their own opinions and viewpoints.
Audience Participation Policy
While HTAL understands that some participants may disagree with a speaker’s point of view, we expect that speakers and fellow members in the audience will always be treated respectfully. Disparaging, disrespectful comments or outbursts are inappropriate and will not be tolerated.
Governance
HTAL is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, operating under Provincial not-for-profit legislation, with by-laws and policies developed and reviewed regularly.
The Board has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all volunteers associated with HTAL, reflecting the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code and including policies on Discrimination and Harassment.
We are an independent organization and do not support any particular political, commercial or self-serving activities.
Finances
We are a financially self-sustaining organization that relies on lecture fees for revenue. We manage our business affairs responsibly to keep expenses to a minimum and costs to subscribers affordable.
Board of Directors and Committees
Chair: Sheree Meredith
Vice-Chair: Bob Savage
Secretary: Isabella Marchese
Treasurer: Bob Thompson
Current Committee Chairs
Program Chair: Elly Bowen
Marketing and Engagement: Cairine Wilson
Registration and Web Management: Brenda Zwolak
Event Production and Venue Management: Bob Savage
Finance: Bob Thompson
Honorary/Founding Members
We are indebted to these visionary leaders for their foresight, direction, tenacity, and good humour in developing HTAL as a premium opportunity for community members to engage in inspiring and educational lecture sessions for seniors, with seniors and by seniors.
Carolyn Milne – Visionary Leader and Incorporating Director (2012)
Rosemary Knechtel – Board Chair (2012 – 2020)
Les King – Board and Committee Member, Website Manager (2012 – 2020)
Leila Ryan – Steering Committee Member and Incorporating Director (2012)
Carolyn Rosenthal – Board Vice-Chair and Chair of Registration/Hospitality (2012-2020)
Vincenza Travale – Steering Committee Chair ( 2011-2012)
Mona Levenstein – Incorporating Director and Program Chair ( 2012-2021)
Sharron Johnston – Incorporating Director and Development Director Winter Series (2012-2021)
Judith McCullough – Board Vice Chair and Chair of Governance ( 2012 – 2020)
Gillian Anchel – Board Secretary (2013-2023)
Affiliations and Support
HTAL is a member of the Third Age Learning Network (TAN) of Ontario. TAN and its members provide invaluable support and assistance to new and established third age learning groups.
The early founders of HTAL appreciated the support of local institutions and businesses such as McMaster University, Mohawk College, the Hamilton Council on Aging, Simpson Wigle Law, First Ontario Credit Union and Legacy Designs for program development, business affairs and communications systems.
HTAL is grateful for the advertising space provided by Mackesy Smye and Jeff Mahoney at The Hamilton Spectator for his complementary article.