What and who is BARTA?

It’s the new iteration of the retired teachers’ group in the Brandon area.

Last spring, an ad hoc committee reviewed the Constitution of Westman Retired Teachers’ Association (WREA). In the process, it was proposed that the name of our association be changed to better reflect our “parent” (RTAM), our members and our jurisdiction. Thus, Brandon and Area Retired Teachers’ Association came to be. In addition, since our AGM in April, BARTA has adopted a logo and land acknowledgment, and set up ad hoc committees to reorganize historical files, continue to review the Constitution and Bylaws, and develop a Policy and Procedures manual.

BARTA held a fundraising campaign on behalf of three local charities: Westman Women’s Shelter, Samaritan House, and Brandon Humane Society. Once again, BARTA members came through and we were able to donate over $1,000 to each organization, totaling $3,640.

With the goal of increasing our membership, particularly with newly retired teachers, Brandon Teachers’ Association (BTA) invited BARTA to submit an article for the June edition of the BTA BUZZ newsletter. We quickly accepted. BTA has also accepted an “ad” for BARTA/RTAM to be included in the monthly BUZZ. We hope to see positive results in 2023. In conjunction with this recruitment campaign, we are surveying members to gauge their interest in small group activities such as Readers, Antiques and Collectibles, Musical Theatre/Movie Attendance, and Walking. We will share the responses at our November luncheon.

Like all chapters of RTAM after several months of Zoom meetings, we were excited to hold our first in-person event in September, where we welcomed some new members. We enjoyed a delicious meal at Shady Lane Tea Room, followed by a time of visiting and sharing our teaching backgrounds. A highlight of the event was Past President Rick Oakden’s presentation of RTAM Distinguished Service Awards to Pat Bowslaugh for her countless contributions at the local and provincial levels, and to Mavis Johnston for her many years as Treasurer of our chapter. Following the formal gathering, several members enjoyed a tour of the Doll Museum adjacent to the Tea Room.

A BARTA tradition is our Breakfast Club, which meets the first Wednesday of each month, September through June. Attendance is growing as attendees encourage other members to come for coffee or a meal, but – more importantly – a chat. We share memories, catch up on family news, and learn of member travels. Of course, there is plenty of laughter!

RTAM Distinguished Service Award winners with Rick Oakden and Brian Paterson, Mavis Johnston (above), Pat Bowslaugh (above right), and Ray Sitter (right).

LIFT Conference, concurrent with the SAGE professional development sessions. We enjoyed visits with former colleagues and meeting those new to the profession.

Two members accompanied Past President Rick Oakden when he visited Ray and Barb Sitter, presenting Ray with an RTAM Distinguished Service Award and a pen set. Over the years, Ray has served in various capacities in both RTAM and WREA. We thank him for his dedication to fulfilling RTAM’s mandate.

Several members celebrated “significant” birthdays this year. Treasurer Mavis Johnston was happy to connect with them with a card – and often a phone call – to convey best wishes on our behalf.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of three longtime members, Audrey Lindsay, Marguerite Crandle, and Ruth Bilowus, as well as Con Erickson, who joined our group for a short time. They have made significant contributions to education in Brandon and area. We also lost a well-known associate, John Shaw, who attended our September luncheon with his wife, Janet. They enjoyed reconnecting with teachers he had met during his years with Manitoba Education.

The next BARTA event is a luncheon on November 8 at Seniors for Seniors. Two local artists will provide music from the war years. We look forward to a tasty meal, excellent entertainment, and wonderful visits.