NWARTA’s New Frontiers Retirees Conference

On May 13, 2019 NWARTA held its 6th Annual New Frontiers Retirees’ Conference, filled with inspiring and relevant sessions designed to address the goal of an engaged lifestyle in retirement.

Sixty-three retirees arrived early at the Stonebridge Hotel to hear greetings from Grande Prairie’s Mayor, Bill Given and a Keynote Address called “Getting Over Getting Older” by Calgary’s spunky senior, Patricia Morgan. She encouraged us with humorous and familiar examples not to take ourselves too seriously and to build our personal resilience by taking good care of our vintage bodies. Patricia’s second session called, “Be a People Booster”, was an equally encouraging message.

Other sessions built on the theme of Wellness included: “Mindful Aging”, “What About Financial Wellness” and “Planning for Physical Wellness”.

A highlight of the day was an afternoon Keynote by the Grande Prairie Boys’ Choir called “Music: A Prescription for Wellness”. Forty boys were paired with Conference participants to teach and encourage them to follow the specific musical exercises as instructed by the director. Vocal cords and body coordination was challenged and exercised by singing of musical scales, memory sequences and segments of familiar songs, many accompanied by body movements. It was a wonderful mental workout with our talented and lovable little ‘choir buddies’.

Concurrently there were creations of six NWARTA artists who displayed various painting styles, inspiring books, brightly colored and sparkly costumes designed for Grande Prairie’s Live Theatre’s production of Momma Mia, and stylish wooden bird houses.

Certainly a full day where attendees learned, laughed, enjoyed, appreciated, renewed friendships and connected with each other and their Community.

It was a very successful event to celebrate Community and to recognize NWARTA’s 45th Anniversary year.

 

See the Photo Gallery for more pictures from the 2019 New Frontiers Retirees’ Conference.