news&views Autumn 2018 | Page 23

Their session gave examples of how a relationship with a spouse or friend could change. Some changes during retirement might be the amount of time on hand, routines, self-perception, stress level, ability to care for oneself, and the change or loss of a partner. With over twenty-fi ve years’ experience as an educator, mentor, healer, and speaker, Carolynne Melnyk is also a certifi ed Spring Forest qigong practice group leader and healer. Her session on Spring Forest qigong was well received — so much so, that many participants would like to have a qigong class in Leduc. Iona Robertson walked the participants through the procedure of collecting, sorting, saving, and digitizing family photos. She guided us through a step-by-step method of saving and preserving family photographic histories and treasures, keeping them safe from fi re, water, and mould. Digitally storing the pictures on a USB fl ash drive makes them easy to share and no one person is the sole ‘keeper’ of family historical archives. Although time-consuming, the result is inexpensive and practical. A total of twenty-six attendees participated in a well-received conference. We look forward to the 2019 conference in Drayton Valley. ● Getting involved… All area retirees and their spouses and partners are welcome to NWARTA-sponsored activities. Join us for wellness activities, social events, and a spring retirees’ conference. Free membership first year of retirement; membership $10 a year thereafter. Contact nwarta.president@gmail.com Connect ~ Keep Learning ~ Be Active ~ Take Notice ~ Give Back NWARTA members and friends benefit from many annual events. • Wellness activities include a walking challenge, and a wellness clinic and presentations. • Partnerships with community groups that include Mighty Peace Teachers’ Convention, Alberta Council on Aging, Royal Canadian Legion, Studio 55+. • Social events include a back-to-school breakfast, a Christmas luncheon, information sessions, and the ARTA Annual Golf Tournament hosted by various ARTA branches. • A retirees’ conference in mid-May. news&views AUTUMN 2018 | 23