BY JUANITA KNIGHT

Retirement . . . it seemed like a good decision at the time . . . thirty-five years of teaching , a good pension , retiree benefit plan , second cup of coffee on the patio , lunches with already retired work family , being able to finish a good book no matter what the hour , and the opportunity to travel at off-season rates . What ’ s not to like ?

But today , somehow it feels different . . .

For the first time in many years you ’ re not reading the back-toschool flyers and Christmas catalogue on August 1 , anticipating the back-to-school routine , knowing there will be more to do than you have time for . At the same time , you ’ re missing the excitement of a new school year . It doesn ’ t feel like an extension to August . Instead , you ’ re faced with the reality of embarking on a new life path . Now what ? What do retirees do on September 1 ? Retirement will be different .

Many ARTA branches host a ‘ To Hell with the Bell ’ or ‘ Welcome to Retirement ’ breakfast in order to welcome you to retirement with the opportunity to to reacquaint yourself with previously retired colleagues . In addition , there may also be Christmas luncheons , bridge and cribbage tournaments , art shows , golf tournaments , barbecues and a myriad of trips and tours . You should check with

your branch president for dates and locations . The first year of membership in a branch near you is usually free .

ARTA provides a host of services to enable an engaged , healthy , happy and safe retirement . If you are in ARTA ’ s education sector , once you register for your free first year of ARTA membership , you become part of our affinity plan , noted for its host of travel services and discounts . Then , when your current benefit plan expires , you can join the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan , complete with its extraordinary travel insurance . ( See Daniel Mulloy ’ s article in this issue ‘ ARTA ’ s Unknown Unknowns .’) Take care not to miss the deadlines for enrolment because it is your passport to more carefree travel anywhere in the world for the rest of your life . If you haven ’ t applied for ARTA membership , contact the office at 1-855-212-2400 .

Watch for the Great ARTA Walking Challenge in early spring , organized by the Wellness Committee . They even supply the pedometer , which is available through your nearby branch .

The Pension and Financial Advisory Committee provides grants to branches to facilitate retirement and financial planning sessions . To date , branches have hosted workshops on Estate Planning , Making Your Will , The Personal Directive and Enduring Power of Attorney — and using the Green Sleeve , The Cost of Ageing ,

Long-Term Care Planning , and End-of-Life Conversations .

As well , several branches host one-day conferences for which they are glad to use retired teacher ‘ organizer ’ expertise .

In between , there is a quarterly news & views publication , while ArtaFacts provides an electronic way for ARTA to bring members up to date with information , reminders and tips about wellness in a timely and efficient way to fill the gap between issues of our magazine . You will also find us on Facebook .

To maintain your computer skills and keep up with the seemingly daily electronic upgrades , the Communications and Technology Committee provides support to the branches to help keep members aware of changes . Your local branch has more information .

If you still have time on your hands , remember that there is a federal election on October 19 with both volunteer and paid jobs available to conscientious citizens . Your local Returning Officer is always in need of reliable , well-organized staff . Get to know your MP and MLA on a first-name basis , offer your expertise and thoughts on issues that are important to you and become a valued resource for them .

Hmmm , this looks like waaay too much fun ! How did you ever have time to teach ?

Welcome to retirement .

news & views FALL 2015 | 3