The MARTA Branch of NBSRT recently held its Fiftieth Anniversary AGM, on May 26, and after months of meticulous planning to make it an enjoyable day for all, it was terrific to have had a large turnout of members in attendance. The focus of the day was to ensure more fun for everyone and less business, given the nature of such a commemorative occasion. Even the weather cooperated, having provided a sunny and pleasant day an otherwise a grey and chilly week.
To add excitement, fun and fellowship to the day’s events, several pre and post General Meeting activities were arranged for the morning and afternoon. Members were able to sign up for their preferred choices from the varied selection on the AGM registration form. The morning fun included: Guided Historic Walking Tour of Waterford Green and the Water Street Business District, with Charlotte Loggie; Chinese Auction featuring beautiful prizes; Photo Scavenger Hunt with Dale MacRae, featuring a prize for the successful winner. The afternoon’s activities were: Zumba Gold Chair Fitness Session with Patty Gallant; Container Gardening Workshop with Eleanor Watt, which concluded with a prize draw for the completed container; and the Riverside Walking Trail, as a final option for a relaxing stroll, at one’s own discretion and leisure.
Even the commencement of the Business Meeting featured an original 1970’s themed ice-breaker activity, designed and conducted by John Bosma, whereby each table of 8 members became a collaborative team who had to identify snippets of TV Program musical intros and a list of song titles and artists from the 1970's. Each table submitted their completed form to John for tallying, and the members of the winning table each received a fifteen-dollar gift card for Mill Cove Coffee. What a fantastic, upbeat way to begin a meeting!
The buffet luncheon, catered by the Rodd, featured an assortment of hot and cold main course items and an array of delectable desserts and a special feature: a MARTA 50th Birthday cake!
Two invited guests, NBSRT President Rod Campbell and NBTA President Heidi Ryder, brought greetings and enjoyed the opportunity of being able to attend and celebrate with everyone. MARTA members appreciated their attendance and they were pleased to have them.
One of our longest-standing members, Mrs. Faye Brophy, an Honourary member of NBSRT, was a special guest-of-honour. She was recognized for her past involvement as President of MARTA and, after that, her many years of service provincially, as NBSRT Membership Secretary, where her dedication and groundbreaking work led to a streamlined means of record keeping and updated tracking methods of members. Dale MacRae gave her tribute, and she was presented with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Afterward, she thanked everyone and commented on how much she enjoyed her past roles.
MARTA’s most elderly member, Mr. Bill Sweezey, who previously served as President of MARTA, also was invited as a special guest of honour, but sadly he was unable to attend due to his current health status.
Event photographer Peter Gadd was busy throughout the entire day snapping an infinite number of images to capture and preserve visual glimpses of what was truly a great time. Among the many contexts of captured images was a special segment, at the beginning of the lunch hour, featuring groups of members in five-year spans, based on year-of-retirement, from the longest retired to most recent. From the laughter and light-hearted joking within each group’s sitting, it was yet another indicator of people really enjoying all that the day had to offer. As a photographer, Peter’s high standards are second-to-none, but his affable good nature and dry wit added to the fun of each sitting.
Among the many prize winners of the day, a few examples of lucky members are as follows:
A Chinese Auction Prize – Leaf Blower – Andy Stewart
Photo Scavenger Hunt Prize – Barb O’Reilly
50/50 Draw - $237.50 - Anne Mahoney
Container Gardening Workshop Prize – Patio Planter – Rick & Kora Hayward
These are only a few of the abundance of donated prizes won by members, from early morning into the afternoon, much to the pleasure of the surprised and lucky winners.
Special thanks to everyone who generously contributed time, energy, and / or resources to make MARTA’s Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration a special occasion long to be remembered, especially to the many members who registered and attended the AGM. It was a day carefully planned to meet the diverse interests and needs of the general membership and for everyone to enjoy. Thank you for your participation. It most certainly was an event worthy of merit in the history of MARTA, thus far. Onward, together we go to an even brighter future!
