MARTA hosted its annual Winter Wellness Breakfast on Thursday, February 12, at the Portage restaurant with 63 members in attendance. It was a great turnout. Less than stellar road conditions, the result of the inclement weather of the previous day, may have been a deterrent for some members to attend, especially those who live in the outlying areas of the region.
The morning began with a warm welcome to all present. Prior to breakfast being served, Richard Walsh said grace. Following this, a moment of silence was held in honour of the victims, families, school staff, first responders, and all who were affected by the recent school shooting tragedy in the community of Tumbler Ridge, BC, as a poignant gesture of respect in lieu of such a horrendous, life-changing incident.
Once everyone began to socialize and converse, 50/50 tickets were eagerly purchased by members, with proceeds raised going to the MARTA Scholarship Fund. Tickets were also sold for an Atlantic Super Valu grocery card, as a fundraiser toward expenses to host the MARTA 50 Anniversary AGM and Banquet on Tuesday, May 26, at the Rodd Miramichi River Hotel.
An updated summary of key points and new details was presented to members, as prepared by the 50 AGM Planning Committee. It is important to keep everyone informed and aware of the scope of the fantastic agenda of events and activities being developed with a broad range of choices for Tuesday, May 26. It promises to be a Golden Anniversary celebration for the branch’s general membership, which will be second-to-none!
As usual, to brighten everyone’s day, Lois Gilliss Wellness Chair and her committee members held 5 draws for Shopper’s gift cards. Whether it is a branch breakfast, general meeting and dinner, or another social activity, the MARTA Wellness Committee works tirelessly to ensure that each year’s calendar has a focus on fun and something for everyone.
MARTA’s September and February breakfasts also include a draw for a free breakfast, so, one lucky member has a surprise win of having the cost of their meal covered.
The lucky winners of the morning’s draws were as follows:
Shopper’s Gift Cards: Kevin Hubbard, Margie MacDonald, Tammy Manderville, Winnie Matchett and Carol Stymiest
50/50 Scholarship Fundraiser Draw: Patsy Kingston, with a take-home prize of $150.00
Atlantic Super Valu grocery card: Laureena Black, card value: $50.00
Free Breakfast: Anne Gallant
All in all, it was a very enjoyable morning for everyone in attendance. Special thanks to Past President Charlotte Casey, who kindly served as the event photographer for the occasion.
Here are some of the dates of upcoming events that you may wish to share with your friends and former colleagues and plan to attend. All events with specific details currently are listed in the MARTA Calendar, and will be posted under the Announcements and the Events sections of the website homepage. Events are as follows:
March 5: Guest Speaker Presentation # 2: Cardiac Wellness Program with Sandy Jardine, RN: Time 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. Location: St Samuel’s Church Hall, Douglastown. Tea, Coffee and muffins to be served. Cost: a “Toonie for your Health”.
March 16: Irish Bowling Party at Golden Hawk Lanes: Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Cost $3.00. Dress in green! Prizes to be awarded.
April 16: Spring Potluck Luncheon and Auction: Location- Seamen’s Hospital, Douglastown. Time 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
May 12 & 13: NBSRT AGM in Moncton, hosted by GMART.
May 26: MARTA 50 Anniversary AGM – the Rodd Miramichi River Hotel. Please check the MARTA closed Facebook Group and website for new details as they unfold.
Come on along and enjoy the company of fellow members and the enjoyment of events and activities being planned for you!
