Are you aware that there are more than 80 community gardens in Edmonton? That the University of Alberta, Strathcona County and many more Alberta communities have embraced the idea of these gardens? Community gardens are not just about producing fresh produce, they are an opportunity to build “community” with like minded people. To laugh and learn, create friendships, increase gardening knowledge, taste new foods, support food banks and engage in some “functional” fitness.
My husband and I joined our community garden in the spring of 2023 and have now had two growing seasons with the group. We have a community league membership and pay $30 to rent a small raised bed. This provides enough vegetables for us (as well as some for friends and family) for the summer and into the Fall. We’ve experimented with growing corn, snowpeas, carrots, onions, beans, beets, radishes and zucchini. We plant in May and can begin harvesting from June through September. We also have free access to the fruit trees and berry bushes that are a part of the garden. I have harvested cherries, haskaps and raspberries to make jam. Of course there are responsibilities that come with joining the group. There is a spring and fall workbee, and throughout the growing season you care for your garden along with an assigned orchard/berry area. Becoming a part of my local garden led me to volunteer with Sustainable Food Edmonton as part of the community garden grant committee. I encourage you to investigate the community gardens in your area. They are good for the planet and they are good for YOU!
Below are some links that you might find helpful if you want to become involved with community gardens.
By ERTA member Simone Shirvell
ERTA Spring Luncheon, Wednesday March 19, 2025Our Spring luncheon was held at the Chateau Louis with many of our members attending.
A buffet including a variety of salads and vegetables, mashed potatoes, battered fish and several dessert selections was available.
Our luncheons are a great way of reconnecting with former colleagues, meeting new members and keeping up to date on what is happening in our organization.
In preparation for the ARTA Walk in June, we invited Mike Salme to speak on the topic of ‘The Importance of Movement for Seniors’.
He is graduate from the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta in the Physiotherapy Program.
His presentation was excellent and included research to back up his examples of why movement is so important for all of us.
His mantra is Movement is Medicine!
Mike gave several reasons why movement is so important; it gives us independence and a good quality of life as we age. It keeps us connected with others and prevents isolation.
He also gave us examples of the types of exercise we should be doing; muscle strength, aerobics and very importantly, balance improvement to prevent falling.
In conclusion, Mike talked about ‘Overcoming Barriers to Exercise’.
He gave us some ideas on how to begin; start small, work safely, join a group or have a partner.
He also left us with the phrase, ‘Small Changes Lead to Big Results!’
by Carol Williamson (Director)
ARTA Wellness Walk 2025Reserve the date of Thursday, June 5th, as another great opportunity to get active and meet like minded walkers by participating in the ARTA Heart and Sole Wellness Walk! This day was selected to coincide with Alberta’s Seniors’ Week celebrations during the first week of June. All participants are encouraged to bring a donation to the Food Bank.
Details of the walk, including the exact route, time, and the registration process can be found in future editions of ARTAfacts that you receive by email.
ARTA VOLUNTEER AWARDThe ARTA Volunteer Award recognizes the outstanding volunteer contributions made by retired teachers within their respective communities and beyond.
In 500 words or less, describe how the retired teacher you have nominated has provided exceptional service in their community or elsewhere in Alberta. Include a maximum one-page biography of the nominee composed of a bulleted summary of their personal background and their teaching history.
Submit your nomination to either Mary Dunnigan or Ray Roy (see Honorary Life Membership submission information below).
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP Award (usedThe honorary life membership award is intended to formally recognize ERTA members who have made a significant contribution to the association.
The ERTA bylaws state that three criteria must be met for a nominee to qualify for this award:
Any ERTA member may nominate an individual for this award by hard copy or electronically using the nomination form on the myerta.org website.
Email the form to Mary Dunnigan at mary.dunnigan@gmail.com or Ray Roy at rayrroy@shaw.ca with the subject line ERTA Honorary Life Membership Award.
If preferred, send a printed copy to Mary at 10403 135 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2C5 or Ray at 9926 176 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5X 5W2
Submissions must be received by 6:00 p.m. on April 30. Any awards will be made at the September luncheon.
Click to download ~
Honorary Life Award Nomination Form
Board Meeting SummaryTwo highlights from the ERTA Board of Directors meeting, held at Barnett House on February 13, were as follows: