In September, 2001 a group of retired teachers from the area endorsed the idea of creating a local Branch of the Alberta Retired Teachers` Association. A follow-up meeting with Gerry Smith, Executive Director of ARTA (Alberta Retired Teachers` Association) in January 2002 resulted in a group vote to form this new Branch, thus the formal beginning of the Foothills Retired Teachers` Association (FRTA).  Our proposal for affiliation with ARTA was presented and accepted at the general meeting of ARTA on February 27, 2002 in Edmonton. Annually, we elect FRTA executive officers at our AGM.  The executive meets three or more times each year to manage the affairs of FRTA, and generally, to meet our Objectives.  We encourage all members to provide ideas and assist us in meeting these objectives.

Objectives of Foothills Retired Teachers’ Association (FRTA)

• To promote good fellowship among retired educators.
• To maintain contact with all members.
• To encourage the participation of new retirees.
• To promote contact with other retired educators in the area.
• To assist in protecting the welfare of retired educators.
• To maintain liaison with ARTA.
• To encourage members to support the activities of ARTA.
• To make FRTA a highly-regarded organization in the community.