From the Branches
Brian Scott , Linda Manwarren , Gordon Cumming | Members of CRTA ’ s Board of Directors
Vibrancy Goes Virtual
Every year since 2007 , the last Friday of April had seen Calgary Retired Teachers ’ Association ( CRTA ) members and friends put on their “ meetin ’ and greetin ’” outfits and head to the Ramada Plaza Airport Hotel . In 2008 , a Thursday night banquet was added , and Steppin ’ Out became an institution . Meals were planned to tantalize the palate , while sessions infused the mind with a potpourri of ideas running the gamut from the practical to the poetic . To top it off , the events were bracketed by an ample dose of entertainment , a sprinkling of door prizes , and the knowledge that we would be back bigger and better the next year .
CRTA has always been blessed with keen members and an active board of directors . But March 16 , 2020 , yanked down the curtain on all plans and especially dealt a blow to the Steppin ’ Out Committee . With the best part of a year invested in preparing for our annual conference , we were in damage control mode .
Virtually everything we did came to a grinding halt . We committed ourselves to social distancing , squirting hand sanitizer , washing hands , and bumping elbows . The 2020 Steppin ’ Out Hippo did not get to dip , as wellness had a more pressing agenda .
After the first set of shockwaves started to dissipate , we took stock . Activities would no longer look the same , but we still shared a need for connection . Our efforts needed to be flexible to function within the ever-changing framework defined by public health officials .
Our assets : we could communicate , and we were resourceful . The CRTA newsletter and website would keep members updated . When events could be scheduled , we would advise members through email blasts and launch online registrations . The CRTA website provided a home office , and Zoom technology became more important to our collaborative lives . Board and committee members could be responsive and make decisions as issues arose . In fact , meetings of the board and the AGM became a “ virtual ” reality .
In September 2020 , we turned to activities that could take advantage of the great outdoors . Appropriately sized groupings capitalized on city parks and other sites with available parking .
Members enjoyed each other ’ s company in a socially distant and safe way . Messages were sent out saying “ Come for recess — the coffee and cookies are on us .” “ Join the Gray Jays ( our singing group ) for a concert in the park .” “ Join an outside painting class — we ’ re sure you ’ ll find it ‘ palette-able ’.” Close behind were the walkers , taking advantage of Calgary ’ s pathways . For others , there was the opportunity to exchange puzzles and books .
“ Dinner and a Movie ” became a monthly project during the winter months , when members were invited to join in , sup , and discuss a movie from a virtual screening .
And Steppin ’ Out evolved into Steppin ’ Out Reimagined . Thanks to our virtual technology , the camaraderie of the conference moved into the living rooms of our members . Originally scheduled conference presenters , and some new ones , provided the talent . Our conference budget covered the costs , and there were no fees to participants .
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