FROM THE BRANCHES
FROM THE BRANCHES
The First CRTA Art Workshop
BY MYRNA EICHHORN | Workshop Coordinator
The Calgary Retired Teachers ' Association
( CRTA ) hosted a six-week art workshop for thirty-one seniors . Sean Doyle , retired art teacher , successfully guided beginners in discovering their inner artists .
The workshop opened Karen ’ s eyes . She remembers , “ I never taught art . The students used to laugh at my stick figures .” Now Karen is more observant , especially during walks outside .
Cyril , one of the participants , had no previous background in art . " I ' m retired and thought it would be interesting ."
Wendy , another first-time painter , said , " Sean made us so relaxed and ready to try anything . I was amazed at what I was able to create ."
Feedback from participants was enthusiastic , so more workshops are planned for the fall and in the new year .
Foothills Retired Teachers ’ Association : Nordic Walking
BY GARY SAWATZKY
ARTA members Shirley Crawford , Jean
Hedley and Gary Sawatzky volunteer with two classes at École Joe Clark School in High River for two sessions of Nordic walking . They work with Grade 2 and 3 students , training them to use Nordic walking poles as part of their fitness program .
Certified trainer Shirley Crawford demonstrates and teaches the students , using a short video clip to illustrate how to adjust the poles to the correct height . Grade 2s quickly learn how to loosen the pole , slide it to the correct position for their height and then tighten it . Next , they are shown that the poles have a left-hand or right-hand orientation . Finally , they adjust the ‘ bootie ’ to point backwards .
With only a few minutes of preparation , both students and teachers are ready to head outside . Fresh air , concentrated effort to walk correctly with the poles and individual exertion in a group setting combine for a great hour of fitness .
news & views SUMMER 2016 | 11