ARTA VOLUNTEER AWARD

The 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

The 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:

  1. Candidates must be a current member of ERTA,
  2. They must have been a member of the branch for  at least five (5) years and 
  3. They must have made a significant contribution to the association.

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

Community Gardens: More than Fresh Produce

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

Edmonton Community Gardens
Sustainable Food Edmonton
Alberta Community Gardens Handbook    
Community Gardens – Strathcona County
Sustainability Council – University of Alberta