Volunteer Opportunity

The Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre is our community’s response to child abuse. When danger appears, zebras form a protective circle around their young. Our multi-disciplinary team at the Zebra Centre works the same way, providing supports to children, youth, and families as they navigate the investigative and judicial systems and move towards healing. 
The Zebra Centre is powered by people. Educators have been involved since the Zebra Centre opened in 2002. We are now seeking volunteers with a passion for helping children and who are available during the day to attend court proceedings. As a Court Accompaniment volunteer, you will foster safety and strength for kids when they attend court proceedings. You can make a real difference in the lives of children and youth who have experienced abuse. 
“I have been an active Zebra volunteer for the last several years. I have found the role of volunteer Court Accompaniment Advocate to be extremely humbling and fulfilling—you put your world aside to serve as a support for a child, youth, or family who is navigating the Alberta Justice system. It is wonderful to see that there are great people for these children and youth to turn to when they may have no one to support them. A person is a person, no matter how small. I am here to ensure their small voices are heard and they are seen.” 
Visit zebracentre.ca/volunteering to learn more or reach out to us at volunteer@zebracentre.ca. 
  ~Cassandra, Volunteer

ARTA Writing Contest

November 15 is the deadline for submissions to the 2024 writing contest. The winning entries will be announced in the March 2025 issue of news&views which now enjoys a readership of over 30,000 people. 
The three categories for the 2024 contest are as follows: 
Flash Fiction—A short story of up to 800 words based on the prompt Dreams of the Future. 
Poetry—Choose any form or subject for a poetic piece of up to 40 lines. 
Travel Vignette—A vignette is a short, descriptive piece of writing capturing a brief period of time. 
Complete details of the rules, the guidelines and the process for submission can be found on the ARTA website at arta.net/writing-contest.

ERTA’s Second Wind
Conference

 
Shifting Gears

Switch gears in your retirement years and treat yourself to a day of revitalization at the Second Wind Conference to be held at the Chateau Louis Conference Centre on Thursday, September 12.
After the comedy of Ken Valgardson cranks up your spirit, choose three sessions from the selection offered by eighteen engaging speakers, some of which are listed below:

  • Learn how to craft a memorable memoir;
  • Acquire strategies to live from a place of hope;
  • Find out what is new in the world of mobile de-vices and how to stay safe;
  • Get tips on maintaining good foot health;
  • Develop an understanding of trans youth and learn how to connect with them;
  • Gain insights on how to get the most out of your travels by using innovative tools and havinga plan in place to ensure that your choices align with your wishes;
  • Try out tai chi or learn some exercises that will improve your balance and strength;
  • Look to the skies and hear of new discoveries about what’s out there; and
  • Update your knowledge about women’s heart

Visit secondwindconference.ca for a complete list of speakers and topic descriptions.
Enjoy the refreshment breaks and a scrumptious buffet brunch while connecting with friends and former colleagues. Visit the displays hosted by senior-focused businesses and local artisans, then cap off your day with the draw for numerous prizes at the ‘wine down.’ 
All of these features are available for a low early bird fee of $95 by registering before July 31.  NEWS FLASH  **deadline extended to 12 August.**
Mark the date and invite a friend to the informative and uplifting health and wellness conference for retirees. 
Remember the jigsaw puzzle bring-and-swap.

 

Travel Symposium 

The travel symposium session filled up very quickly so registration for this event has been closed.

The interest shown makes it likely that another symposium will be offered in the future.Thank you to all those who registered; we wish we could have accepted everyone who wanted to come.

ARTA Charity Golf Classic Success

The annual golf tournament, hosted by the Alberta Retired Teachers Charitable Foundation (ARTCF), at The Quarry golf course on July 8 was a great success with $27,965.08 raised to fund specific charitable projects. 
ARTCF aims to help all Alberta seniors to find appropriate housing and health services as well as to provide support for seniors where English is a second language. Over 95% of donations received directly support seniors in Alberta. To find out more about ARTCF, go to the ARTA website at arta.net/about-artcf.