Located at All Saints Catholic Church at 215 E. 10th Street, the Third Age Learning Center (TALC) has been a welcoming home for area seniors since 1987. Originally part of All Saints School, a longtime Heights institution, the facility was repurposed as a senior activities hub after the school closed. The program is led by Terry Robertson, a longtime Woodland Heights resident who serves as chair of the TALC Advisory Board. Robertson and her team organize a variety of classes and events aimed at enriching the lives of seniors.
TALC is dedicated to helping seniors of all backgrounds find purpose and remain active members of society. Under Robertson's leadership, the program provides a safe, friendly environment where seniors can participate in a wide range of activities. Fall and spring semesters are Monday through Thursday, with a variety of classes, seminars and social events. A highlight of each day is a hot, full-course lunch served at noon for just $4.
TALC classes cater to a wide range of interests. Participants can enjoy activities such as line dancing, chess, crocheting, quilting, scrapbooking, painting, computer skills, beading, Bible studies, yoga, and tai chi. Popular games mahjong It is also popular among participants. Additionally, the Continuing Learning Program provides continuing learning opportunities by inviting experts to speak on a variety of topics. Past topics have included the art of the short story, the great pharaohs of ancient Egypt, and impressionist and post-impressionist artists, and also includes visits to local museums.
A variety of classes will be offered this fall semester, including:
- Chess that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced players alike
- Bible studies in English and Spanish
- Line dancing
- Scrapbooking and Photo Albums
- Stained Glass
- American Mahjong
- Tai Chi
- Ink painting
- Kindness cards etc.
The seminar will include information on Medicare, floral arranging, lighting and a presentation by Chefs for Seniors.
Social events include a Veterans Day celebration, Thanksgiving luncheon, and a bingo party. The Veterans Day celebration will be held on Monday, November 11th and will include a flag presentation, veteran recognition, live music, and refreshments. The celebration begins at 10:30 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. Reservations are required for lunch, and a free lunch will be provided to all veterans who attend.
To support its mission and make its programs affordable for those with low incomes, the Third Age Learning Center receives funding from a variety of sources, including grants from the Isla Carol Turner Friendship Trust and the Houston Junior Forum. Since 2004, the Houston Junior Forum has been a key partner, providing financial assistance, assistance with grant applications, and volunteers to help with day-to-day operations. Recently, the Houston Junior Forum Community Grants Committee awarded TALC’s lunch program an $8,000 grant.
TALC's next fall semester will begin on Monday, September 16, 2024 and run through Thursday, November 21, 2024. Senior students who wish to participate can register for classes and seminars during the first week, September 16-19, 2024, between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Lunch reservations are required and can be made by calling 713-248-1277 between 9:00 am and 10:30 am during the semester. For more information about TALC activities and offerings, visit their website at https://allsaintsheights.com/seniors or contact the center directly.