I want to thank you for trusting me with the leadership of our Branch for the past three years.  I can think of no greater honor than being given the opportunity to lead our team. Together we have had many good times and overcome many challenges.  We have welcomed enthusiastic new retirees and introduced several new program initiatives. In addition to our always popular luncheons and theater outings we have added wine tastings, travel opportunities, city walks through Chinatown with Dim sum and we won, for the first time, the participation award in the ARTA Wellness Walk.  We are looking into pickleball, a Christmas craft event with a local garden centre and much more.

We have begun a major review of our governance practices and defined our mission, vision and value statements. We have begun a review of our communication practices with the goal of making our work more efficient; strengthening the inclusiveness that we have always valued. We are also sharing opportunities for members to get involved as volunteers in the community.

Of course we need to continue to recruit new members, a task where you can all help.  If you know any recent or upcoming retirees, encourage them to join (first year is free).  The link to the membership application is in this newsletter and on our website. As ERTA evolves to meet the needs of all members, we hope new and present members will want to share their ideas and their passion and perhaps join a committee or the Board.

As I leave the presidency, I see promising new leadership moving forward and I see opportunities for all members to be engaged and to offer their expertise. In my new role as past-president I will continue to support the president and the Board you elect at our AGM. The years ahead look bright!

Ed Butler 
President
Edmonton Retired Teachers’