Brandon and Area Retired Teachers’ Association

By Catherine McLaren President

Westman Retired Educators’ Association’s AGM was held via Zoom on April 4, 2022. The following members were elected to the Executive Board:

President: Catherine McLaren

Vice-President: Darlene Wilkinson

Immediate Past President: Rick Oakden

Secretary: Heather Shelton

Treasurer: Mavis Johnston

Directors: Pat Bowslaugh; Ida Hallatt; and Doug Adams.

A revised Constitution and Bylaws were adopted at the AGM, formally changing the organization’s name to Brandon and Area Retired Teachers’ Association (BARTA). In conjunction with the new title, a logo was designed and adopted. An email account (barta2022.3@gmail.com) was also established.

The President and Vice-President attended two events hosted by Brandon Teachers’ Association, one in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Brandon 88 and the other celebrating the retirement of teachers in 2020, 2021, and 2022. BARTA held its Executive Board meetings at the BTA office and placed its archival files in the storage area.

With a goal of transitioning from WREA to BARTA, ad hoc committees were struck, one to review the Constitution and Bylaws and develop a Policies and Procedures manual, the other to organize the WREA files to ensure that its history would be preserved. The three governance documents were presented at the BARTA AGM in April. At the time of writing, adoption has not taken place. As a follow-up to this year’s organizational work, Executive Board members plan to develop timelines for the Association and each committee with a view to assisting officers, directors, and committee chairs in their roles. A manual for planning the BARTA AGM will be drafted as well.

In local philanthropy, BARTA organized a fundraiser for three local charities in April 2022. Members donated to the charity(ies) of their choice, with a total of $3,365 distributed to Samaritan House,

Westman Women’s Shelter, and Brandon Humane Society. BARTA members again assisted Brandon.

Teachers’ Association at its annual LIFT Conference.

Three BARTA members received recognition for their service to RTAM. Ray Sitter was presented with an “RTAM Distinguished Service Award” and Pat Bowslaugh and Mavis Johnston each received an “RTAM Chapter Member Distinguished Service Award”.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, funding for RTAM Wellness and Chapter Initiative events was held for future use. Funding previously received from the Wellness Initiative Grant supported the “Ducks in a Row” funeral pre-planning seminar presented by Joy Bowman in April.

BARTA members were pleased to return to in-person events this year, including socials and meetings. Four luncheons were held during the year, one at a teahouse and museum, and three at a local seniors’ centre. Each included a program. Formal meetings were discontinued at the luncheons. Instead, the Executive distributed a newsletter to communicate BARTA information. Each luncheon opened with a land acknowledgment and giving of thanks. The monthly Breakfast Club, held at a local restaurant, included members and guests. Meetings of the Executive Board took place in the Conference Room at the BTA Office.

The Caring Connections Committee sent cards to members who experienced illness, loss, or special celebrations, and phoned those who do not receive email to keep them up to date on BARTA matters. In February, our Association honoured member Hazel Skuce with a corsage on her 111th birthday.

BARTA’s member recruitment campaign included a congratulatory message to retiring teachers in the June edition of the BTA BUZZ newsletter and a monthly advertisement in that publication. This is another example of the positive relationship between our associations.

Immediate Past President Rick Oakden established special interest groups as chapter activities for members and guests. To date, a group has attended a local musical theatre production. Further activities will be organized in the fall.

BARTA is pleased to host the RTAM AGM on May 2-3. Ad hoc Host Committee Co-chairs Heather Shelton and Doug Adams organized activities, solicited volunteers, and worked with RTAM staff to prepare for the event.

BARTA’s Annual General Meeting is planned for 1:00 p.m. on April 4, 2023, following lunch at Seniors for Seniors.