From the Branches
MHADRTA Celebrates Fifty Years as an ARTA Branch
Mel Deydey | Past President , MHADRTA
A beautiful celebration of fifty years for MHADRTA took place on Friday , May 5 , 2023 , at the Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club with fifty-five guests in attendance .
Acting as Master of Ceremonies , Mel Deydey outlined MHADRTA highlights back to the creation of the branch in 1972 by Reginald Johnson , the first president of the Medicine Hat Retired Teachers Association . Later , the name was changed to include “ and District ” to encompass the area around Medicine Hat . Mel introduced all past presidents in attendance .
As guests arrived , they were given a card to fill in — “ Where were you in ’ 72 ?” Many interesting statements were provided — from being in kindergarten , elementary , high school , or university , starting a teaching career , getting married , starting a family , and working in the public or private sector outside of education .
Heather McCaig , the Alberta Teachers ’ Association representative for the South East District , brought greetings and spoke of the close relationship between the three ATA Locals encompassing MHADRTA ’ s boundaries . ARTA President Deb Gerow rounded out the evening by bringing greetings from ARTA and delivering a beautiful address . Past President Jim Black cut the anniversary cake after a delicious buffet .
We extend a huge thank you to TW Insurance , ARTA , and the Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club for donating several door prizes .
Now MHADRTA is ready for its next fifty years !
2023 Golf Tournament
Terry Whitehead | President , SWARTA
In 2010 , SWARTA held the first golf tournament in Picture Butte in honour of Brie Jensen who had been a beloved teacher in Picture Butte and a SWARTA member before he passed away . On June 21 , 2023 , it was an honour to bring it back as an ARTA tournament , to the course where it began . A total of eighty-eight golfers plus our sponsors travelled to the Picture Butte Golf Club to enjoy a wonderful day of sunshine .
Thank you to all the sponsors , donors , golfers , volunteers , and staff at the Picture Butte Golf Club . All golfers received a gift bag containing treats , a homemade cookie , and a golf shoe bag . Thanks to our sponsors , golfers also received a hamburger lunch and a steak dinner provided by the chef and staff at the golf club , and everyone was able to choose a prize . Thank you to those who supported our silent auction and 50 / 50 draw . Due to everyone ’ s generosity , we can donate $ 4,600 to the Alberta Retired Teachers Charitable Foundation , which will go to help seniors across Alberta find appropriate housing , health services , and support with English as a second language .
news & views AUTUMN 2023 | 13