From the President
Deb Gerow | President , ARTA
The room is full of conversation , laughter , and welcoming smiles . The occasion is an event organized by the volunteers of one of ARTA ’ s branches . These amazing people work behind the scenes facilitating opportunities for their members to gather , virtually or in‐person , and enjoy the wellness benefits of social interaction and other activities .
Originally ARTA had only three branches , but that number has increased to eighteen , including one in British Columbia that meets the needs of Alberta teachers who have chosen to spend their retirement in the Okanagan region . There is probably an ARTA branch within a reasonable distance of where you live . Each ARTA branch has an elected executive that organizes activities for its members . The president of the branch also serves as a member of the ARTA Board of Directors , which meets quarterly to help make decisions concerning current operations and the future direction of the Association .
When so many opportunities to socialize were shut down during the pandemic , many of us felt isolated and lonely . For people who spent most of their working lives in a people-focused profession , the lack of direct contact with other humans was really difficult . Within the branches , creative people found ways for members to continue to meet , even though most of those meetings had to be virtual .
Online offerings included guest speakers , book clubs , chat evenings , workshops , and business meetings . Many of us had never spent so much time in front of a computer screen , but it felt good to be able to visit with people other than those in our immediate household .
As the grip of COVID-19 loosened and more of us had some protection against it , the branches cautiously began emerging from seclusion . Events like outdoor walks and coffee gatherings , with participants remaining well separated , began to happen . Some members re-engaged right away , but others needed more time to feel comfortable about participating in live gatherings .
Today , ARTA branches have successfully resumed operations . Conferences , luncheons , field trips , anniversary celebrations , in-person meetings , trips to dinner theatres , and even a golf tournament have taken place . At each gathering , the joy that members feel about being able to meet together again is apparent .
The challenge for branch organizers now is to discover what kinds of events their membership wants . Some have noted that certain offerings do not seem as popular as they were in the past , so branch executives are doing some research and creative thinking to plan activities that will be well-attended as tastes change .
One thing is certain . These branch volunteers are definitely a treasure and a huge asset to ARTA as a whole . Thank you to everyone who takes the time to help organize and plan these outings that enhance our retirement . news & views SUMMER 2023 | 5