President’s Annual Report 2026
It has been a very busy and rewarding year for CERTA, filled with fellowship, celebrations, learning opportunities, and memorable events.
We kicked off the year on September 2nd with our “To Hell with the Bell” Breakfast at the Vermilion Golf Course. Twenty-six members attended and enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast while reconnecting after the summer break.
On October 7th and 8th, Eileen Hines and I attended the ARTA AGM at the ARTA office in Edmonton. It was an excellent opportunity to represent our local and connect with retired teachers from across the province. They always have the best themes for their banquet evening, and this year was spectacular with a Paris theme. At the AGM, we presented a cheque for $300 to the Charitable Foundation in memory of our previously deceased CERTA members.
This year we had 68 CERTA members. Thirty-two of our members also paid their $25 membership to ARTA, our Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association, which gave us the opportunity to receive a grant from ARTA. Each year the grant amount we receive is based on the number of ARTA members that we have from our local branch.
One of the highlights of our year was our 50th Anniversary Celebration held on October 27th at the beautiful new Barn on the Bend. Approximately 50 members attended this special event, which featured a fun 70’s theme complete with decorations, cake, and a wonderful catered luncheon prepared by Coleen Hozack. We were honoured to welcome special guests including Daniel Mulloy, Ray Hoger, and Deb Gerow. A special thank you goes to Marilyn Bossert for creating an outstanding historical video showcasing the past 50 years of CERTA. During the celebration, we also honoured eight members over the age of 85 with life membership certificates and flowers. Thank you to ARTA for the grant that helped to reduce our expenses.
On October 29th, I attended a one-day President Training Session in Edmonton which provided valuable leadership development and networking opportunities.
On November 25th and 26th, I attended the last Board of Directors’ Meeting for 2025 at the ARTA office. It was a great opportunity to see the ARTARx Pharmacy in full operation, and I even updated a few of my vaccine shots while I was there.
Our Christmas Party on December 4th was another great success. Held at the golf clubhouse, the afternoon was filled with visiting, laughter, and fun games. The CERTA executive provided many amazing prizes, and everyone enjoyed a marvelous turkey dinner prepared by Coleen Hozack.
Marilyn Bossert and I attended a two-day ARTA Representative Training Session on January 20th and 21st, which hopefully prepared me for the upcoming convention in February.
On February 9th, members enjoyed an excellent Travel Presentation Day. Don Henry gave an incredible presentation on his northern experience last summer, followed by another wonderful video presentation by Marilyn Bossert featuring photos from both our 50th Anniversary celebration and Christmas party.
February 13th and 14th saw me attending the Endless Skies Teachers’ Convention in Edmonton. This year was a significant personal stretch as I was invited to assist with the ARTA presentation. Thank you to Marilyn for the opportunity and encouragement to step outside my comfort zone. The two days were actually quite enjoyable. It gave me a chance to connect with previous colleagues and friends who are potentially looking forward to retiring in the near future.
On February 24th and 25th, Marilyn and I attended the ARTA Board of Directors meeting at the ARTA office. It is always a great way to hear what the various committees are doing on our behalf.
March 17th brought our Bowling Day, where eight members enjoyed “a rolling good time” together. I was sorry to have missed this event as it was so much fun last year.
March 19th was a fun day as a group of us went to a dinner theatre in Kitscoty. We enjoyed a marvelous luncheon followed by the play, “Taming the Wild West in a Dress”. It was definitely a highlight and we look forward to attending another one next year.
On May 13th, six members participated in a Greenhouse Tour Road trip to the Mundare Greenhouse, where everyone found some amazing deals. The group also visited Rod’s Greenhouse and Home Hardware in Vegreville before enjoying a picnic lunch at the Pysanka Egg. Marilyn and Leona also did a shorter local greenhouse tour in Vermilion that day. They greeted us at the Seniors’ Centre that morning to send us on our way.
On May 25th and 26th, Marilyn and I attended the ARTA Board of Directors Meeting in Canmore. Lynda Haverslew joined us for the ARTA Retreat held May 26th and 27th. This year’s theme, “Living Well, Living Fully,” featured inspiring speakers and excellent sessions in a beautiful mountain setting. We had 5 keynote speakers including Naheed Nenshi, the leader of the NDP party. The information fair booths were also enlightening and gave us some choices for possible presentations for our CERTA branch.
We were thrilled to have 17 members attend our Heart and Sole Wellness walk on June 5th. Jennifer Hope from ARTA joined us and brought everyone some great swag from hats to fanny packs complete with water bottles. The sun shone while we walked around the trout pond 1, 2 or 3 times. After our walk, 16 of us went out for lunch and visiting at a local restaurant, Aria.
We concluded our year on June 11th, with our AGM and year-end BBQ. A sincere thank you to Leona and Gord McNeil for once again hosting us in their beautiful yard and making everyone feel so welcome. We had 17 attendees.
I would like to thank all of our members for the opportunity to serve as your president this past year. It has truly been a pleasure. A very special thank you also goes to my executive team for their dedication, support, and willingness to continue serving in their positions next year. I look forward to another wonderful year together.
Respectfully submitted,
Bonnie Bauer
President, Central East Retired Teachers’ Association
