By Gerry Smith

Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? T. S. Eliot

I thought of our so-called "information age" and computers when I came across this quotation from T. S. Eliot who died long before those ubiquitous machines affected our lives so much.

Membership: We have approximately 8,300 active members as of September 2005. Our growth has slowed down as a result of the various Privacy Acts (PIPA) which prevent ATRF and the ATA from giving us the names and addresses of retired teachers. If you know any newly retired teachers, tell them to contact us in order to receive a one year complimentary membership.

ARTA's Benefit Plan: This service to ARTA members is 10 years old in 2005. It is a tale of growing success and a source of pride. Remember it is our plan that is administered very efficiently by Johnson Inc. in Edmonton. Look elsewhere in this newsletter for more information about our plan.

ARTA's Benefits Survey: Please respond by December 31, 2005.

ARTA Benefits Plan:
Service/Claims: 1-877-989-2600
or 1-877-413-6599
In Edmonton: 1-780-413-6536
Home/Auto: 1-888-656-9600
In Edmonton: 1-780-415-4392

ARTA Endowment Award Contributions
Donations have been made to the ARTA Endowment Award:

University of Alberta:
University of Calgary:
University of Lethbridge:

 

ARTA
President: Jack Fulwiler
Vice-President: Paul Boisvert
Past-President: Gordon Lowe
Secretary: Edwin Olsen
Treasurer: John Takahashi
Exec. Sec.: Gerry Smith

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Governance: The Representative Committee has worked all year bringing in our new system of guidance, rules and procedures. The AGM in October 2005 voted on these. Much credit goes to chair Dr. 'Chuck' Rose, Billie Thompson, Floyd Sweet, Paul Boisvert and Don Mock for their efforts

Pensions: Chair Ann Morgan and the rest of the Standing Committee on Pensions have developed a very informative presentation which Branch representatives now have. The president's message and page 10 of this newsletter promote the widespread use of this information.

The Office: In the first week of October, ARTA moved into a new and larger office. We are still on the fourth floor of Barnett House, only we are now in room 409. We thank the ATA in the persons of Dr. Gordon Thomas, Executive Secretary, Frank Bruseker, President of ATA, and Sandy Normandin, Business Manager, for their help and generosity in this regard. Come and visit us!

New Office Hours: As of November 1, 2005, ARTA's office hours will be Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Regular Membership Fees:
$15.00 for 1 year.
Affiliate Membership Fees:
$40.00 for 1 year.

Phone: (780) 447-9474
1-800-232-7208 ext.474
Fax: (780) 447-0613

email: altat@telusplanet.net
Web: www.albertarta.com