FROM THE BRANCHES
FROM THE BRANCHES
ARTA Volunteer Award : Shirley Crawford
GERHARD SAWATZKY | President , FRTA
Retirement has given Shirley Crawford the opportunity to broaden her volunteer efforts in our local community and at the provincial level . As teacher , principal and now retiree , Shirley looks to help where she can . She takes advantage of opportunities to help with her family , with church and community groups , at her local elementary school and as a member of both the Foothills Retired Teachers ’ Association ( FRTA ) and ARTA .
Shirley ’ s family depends on her to go beyond the typical role of mother and grandmother . As the mother of an adult handicapped son , Shirley coordinates her son ’ s business and financial affairs . She has been the guardian of her elevenyear-old grandson for the past six years and still manages to keep up with her thirteen grandchildren ’ s birthday celebrations , concerts and many other events . Ask her about her family , and Shirley always has a story to tell .
High River United Church is fortunate to have Shirley as a very willing and able congregant volunteer . Shirley has served most recently as a trustee , and also coordinates Sunday coffee . She is happy to assist with tasks both big and little .
She is a volunteer in Spitzee School , École Joe Clark School , and William Roper Hull Home where she tutors reading with individual students , often on a daily basis , with the patience of an experienced teacher .
Nordic walking is a favourite exercise for Shirley to do and share . Shirley is a Nordic walking instructor certified by Urban Poling company and brings this exercise to the local recreation complex , the local elementary school , and to our branch members . In support of her grandson ’ s soccer interests , Shirley coordinates a local camp that provides players with excellent coaching and guided skill development .
In retirement , Shirley supports our FRTA branch as a member of the executive including having been president . Currently , she is our branch ARTA representative and conference coordinator . At the provincial level , Shirley has served on the ARTA Pension Committee and the ARTA Wellness Committee . Her understanding of ARTA governance has assisted our branch significantly as we work to integrate projects and initiatives with ARTA . Shirley also coordinates our biennial FRTA wellness conference , addressing current interests and needs . For example , the focus on diabetes this year with health educator Mrs . Pudding was very well received .
Shirley Crawford views being a volunteer as an important personal responsibility . Her life is very busy doing important things for those in her family and in her community . The Foothills Retired Teachers ’ Association fully endorses the nomination of Shirley Crawford for the 2016 ARTA Volunteer Awards .
Husband Darryl and Shirley at FRTA event .
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