news&views Autumn 2019 | Page 22

From the Branches Marilyn Resler | Secretary, OKARTA News from OKARTA We’ve been busy around OKARTA this last while! For those of you who may not know, we are the only branch of Alberta retired teachers outside the province. We are located in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia which stretches from Vernon in the north to the American border in the south. Kelowna is our home base, but our members live everywhere in between. Our group meets several times a year. We gather for social events; but this year we have also had many informative sessions around the wellness theme. Outdoor activities included a bike trip through the Myra Canyon Trestles to Penticton, pickleball lessons, walks along Mission Creek, and more. In June, we held our Annual General Meeting at the Harvest Golf and Country Club in Kelowna. It’s a spectacular venue dotted with flower beds and waterfalls. The executive delivered reports, answered questions, and updated members on what’s new from ARTA. This event was followed by another favourite: the Raspberry Fest in Peachland. Members enjoyed a yard party at the home of Fred and Marilyn Resler, but the main feature was fresh raspberries, cookies, and ice cream. In mid-September, Carl and Rose McColl will OKARTA 22 | arta.net Back: Rose McColl, Bev Mallett, Doris Mallett, Lil Werenka, Marilyn Resler Front: Betty Yanitski, Margaret Ward host the annual fall Chili Bowl/Bocce Tournament. Each gathering attracts new people and that inspires new activities for the following year. How about a Ukrainian cooking class? Yes, with eating to follow! We have about a hundred names on our email list with new additions all the time. If you are moving to the Okanagan or want more information on OKARTA, check our website okarta.ca or contact the branch president, Fred Resler, at mresler@shaw.ca. ●