From the Branches
Ron Thompson | President , Heartland Alberta Retired Teachers ’ Association ( HARTA )
HARTA ’ s COVID-19 Activities
HARTA ’ s 2020 was an extremely challenging year for running programs . From mid-March 2020 to the end of August 2021 , HARTA had to cancel all in-person activities within the branch , as did other ARTA branches . It took our branch until July 2020 to decide how we were going to meet . Since July 2020 , HARTA has held all executive meetings online . In October 2020 , we held our first virtual AGM . Between November 2020 and August 2021 , we offered five presentations as well as our yearly mini-conference , all virtually .
As a result of the past year ’ s experience , we held our next AGM as a hybrid meeting in September 2021 , using Zoom to connect in-person groups in both Drayton Valley and Leduc as well as five members from their homes . We followed all the COVID-19 protocols at the in-person locations , with all those in attendance having completed the series of COVID-19 vaccinations . In person and online , a total of twentysix members attended our 2021 AGM . After the official part of the meeting , Leduc members visited over lunch at St . David ’ s United Church in Leduc , and Drayton Valley members enjoyed a meal and visiting together at the Clean Energy Technology Centre . After lunch , we all reconnected for a virtual presentation from Gary Sawatzky on ARTA ’ s benefit plans .
Later in September , we met again online and in person at a Wetaskiwin restaurant , enjoying our meals and visiting . After lunch , we were joined by our presenter , Kimberly Moreside , from Leduc
Blackgold Toastmasters , who gave us a short presentation on the benefits of Toastmasters . Kimberly presented from her home in Leduc while we watched online in Wetaskiwin and Drayton Valley .
HARTA intends to offer these hybrid programs as long as COVID-19 restrictions continue and beyond . Hybrid meetings have given HARTA members more ways of meeting , and we can envision inclement weather simplifying gatherings , particularly in the next few months . Various configurations of our mini-conference are also made possible through technology . HARTA thanks ARTA for making the Branch Zoom Grant available to all branches . news & views WINTER 2021 | 17