Keep In Touch (KIT) Winter 2022 by retiredteachers

RTAM Photo Contest Entry

President’s Report — 3

Executive Director’s Report — 5

New Strategic Partnerships –Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) — 6

Call to Action - RTAM’s new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is looking for members and volunteers — 8

Director Spotlight - Gabe Mercier — 9

Sprint to the finish line: A brief history of Bill 208 — 10

Linda Blair

RTAM President, 2022-2023

As I draft this report, the calendar shows the month of November.

On November 11, I paused to reflect on the many sacrifices made so I can live the quality of life I am living. I trust that you took the time to do the same.

The RTAM staff along with Dave Najduch, the Benefits Committee Chair, have been extremely busy with the WTA Retiree Information Sessions and the resulting phone calls. Jessica at Johnson Insurance has been an immense help in providing information and financial support to RTAM in helping to communicate the options that we provide to our members for health insurance. Glen Anderson at MTS was very gracious in including RTAM at all six WTA Retiree Information Sessions with five being in-person and one being online. Our partnership with MTS works very well.

The choice to receive KIT in print form has also provided the Office Staff with numerous calls. If you know of someone who wants a print copy and did not inform the office, please contact them. Extra copies of KIT were ordered so we can accommodate anyone who wants a print copy.

Audrey Siemens is Chair of our Substitute Teacher Concerns Committee. She holds regular committee meetings and communicates updates with me. This consistent communication helps me to be aware of and share with others the ongoing concerns of Substitute Teachers. If you are a Substitute and have concerns, please contact Audrey.

Dave Harkness has used his talent for making graphs to illustrate the effects of inflation on the salaries of teachers at different stages of their retirement. Recently, Sean helped me design a PowerPoint that I could use when sharing with our various partners. The first use of this PowerPoint along with my presentation was at the October MTS Provincial Executive meeting. Sean brought paper copies of the graphs so those present could have them to view later. We were well received. Another example of our partnership with MTS working very well.

Dennis Kozak, our Political Advocacy Chair, has reached out to me for information regarding how school taxes

are assessed in each province. Roger Regimbal at ACER-CART has been extremely helpful in facilitating the gathering of this information. Yet another example of a partnership that exists working well.

As I continue to advocate for RTAM, I along with our Executive Director, Sean Seywright, have met with various organizations, some of whom are our partners and some who we hope to have as partners. This list includes Prairie Sky, Brandon Area Retired Teachers Association (BARTA), TRAF, A+ Computers, Red Hat Society, Pinnacle, CJNU, Trip Merchant, MSBA, the Manitoba Seniors Coalition, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, University de Saint-Boniface, Community Engagement Networks (CEN’s), UCCMPC (Ukrainian Canadian Congress) and the Canadian Pension Plan Investment group. During the recent meeting with Heather Munroe-Blum, the CPP Board Chairperson, Sean and I were able to learn from Heather some important strategies regarding the many aspects of the business of a Board. Her idea of creating an Emeritus Committee to support the retention of past knowledge and experience of our retiring Board Members was especially interesting to me. I would like to see the formation of such a committee for RTAM.

On Wednesday, October 5, I and two other Board Members presented to the Standing Committee on Social and

To honour our veterans, I placed my poppy at the base of the monument at Vimy Park.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 3

PREsIdENT’s REPoRT

Economic Development: Bill 208 The Teachers’ Pensions Amendment Act, at the Manitoba Legislature. If you would like to view our presentations, please click here https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=rSUynrwwWO0 .

On Tuesday, November 1, Bill 208 passed third reading and can be viewed at https://youtu.be/BxQ2MhLh100. And on Thursday, November 3, Bill 208 received Royal Assent. Now we are focused on nominating an RTAM member for this position on the TRAF Board.

On Thursday, November 3, the Executive Director, Vice-President, and I met with Jeff Norton, Brad Prokop, and Braxton Moen from TRAF. We learned many particulars about the TRAF Board. Our committee learned of the many qualities important to the selection of our representative on the TRAF Board.

The Honourable Wayne Ewasko, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning asked for our feedback on Manitoba’s K to 12 Education Action Plan. As the deadline for submissions to RTAM was November 30, I hope that you were able to be part of the RTAM feedback to the Minister. If not, please check out the website https://www.edu.gov. mb.ca/k12/action_plan/index.html for the document and submit your personal response.

Our RTAM Pre-Retirement Seminar is being held online on Saturday, December 3. Check out our website for details.

Stay well, everyone!

“When I wear my poppy, I’m remembering everyone affected by war, across races, genders, ideologies, and borders. I’m remembering the tragedy of war, all wars. I wear it in the hope that wars will be a thing of the past.”

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— Dave Stewart, Canadian writer, musician, and filmmaker Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, the Honourable Wayne Ewasko, with members of the RTAM Board of Directors on November 3, 2022, when Bill 208 received Royal Assent. Dr. Heather Munroe-Blum, Chairperson of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), Linda Blair, RTAM President, and Sean Seywright, RTAM Executive Director.

Sean Seywright

RTAM Executive Director

This great quote from Mrs. King accurately reflects the amazing membership of RTAM. Without the compassionate actions of members, RTAM wouldn’t have been able to sign up more than 100 volunteers to support NEEDS, MANSO, Oseredok and the UCC with newcomers to our province.

Without the compassionate actions of members, we wouldn’t have accomplished a historic moment with our Provincial Assembly. On November 1st, the successful reading and passing of Bill 208 came to reality. This legislates that an RTAM member now has a designated

seat on the TRAF board, which governs teachers’ pensions. This bill was backed by all three parties on the Legislative floor, all of whom have openly expressed their support for our community of retired teachers. Rarely is this all-encompassing support seen, other than with the strongest of partners.

It is the strength of our community through shared actions which is bringing new partnerships to the organization and directly to our members’ lives. We welcome Express Scripts this month as a new partner, who can deliver prescriptions to your door anywhere in the

« La grandeur d’une communauté se mesure de façon précise par les actions compatissantes de ses membres. »

– Coretta Scott King, militante américaine

province while also reducing some costs and fees. During the month of November, RTAM will bring into our organization a hearing partnership to enhance members’ access to hearing devices, testing and cost savings. In December we look to add a vision partnership in the same way we are doing with our hearing partners… all of these enhancements are possible because of the foundation our community has through the selfless actions of volunteers and community leadership.

It is our communities’ compassion, effort and action which builds a reputation for excellence and creates a desire for other leaders to work with us and our initiatives. We all share in thanking our members for their continued efforts which have put us on this path of success.

Quelle belle citation de Mme King, qui reflète si fidèlement l’incroyable adhésion à la RTAM.

Sans les actions compatissantes de ses membres, la RTAM n’aurait pas été en mesure de recruter plus de 100 bénévoles pour soutenir NEEDS, MANSO, Oseredok et l’UCC auprès des nouveaux arrivants dans notre province.

Sans les actions compatissantes des membres, nous n’aurions pas vécu un moment historique avec notre Assemblée provinciale. Le 1er novembre, la lecture et l’adoption réussies du projet de loi 208 sont devenues réalité : un membre de la RTAM siégera désormais au conseil d’administration de la TRAF, qui régit les pensions des enseignants.

Ce projet de loi a été soutenu par les trois partis de l’Assemblée législative, qui ont tous ouvertement exprimé leur soutien à notre communauté d’enseignants à la retraite. Rarement un soutien global estil vu, sauf avec les partenaires les plus solides.

C’est la force de notre communauté à travers des actions partagées qui apporte de nouveaux partenariats à l’organisation, qui ont un impact direct dans la vie de nos membres. Nous accueillons Express Scripts ce moisci en tant que nouveau partenaire, qui peut livrer des ordonnances à votre porte partout dans la province tout en réduisant certains coûts et frais. Le mois prochain, la RTAM accueillera

également un partenaire du domaine de l’audition, pour améliorer l’accès des membres aux appareils auditifs et aux tests, en plus de leur faire économiser de l’argent. En décembre, nous cherchons à obtenir un partenariat dans le domaine de la vue, de la même manière que nous le faisons avec nos partenaires dans le domaine de l’audition… Toutes ces améliorations sont possibles grâce aux actions désintéressées des bénévoles et des dirigeants communautaires, symboles des fondations solides de notre communauté.

C’est la compassion, les efforts et l’action de nos communautés qui bâtissent une réputation d’excellence et créent le désir d’autres dirigeants de travailler avec nous pour faire progresser nos initiatives. Nous remercions tous nos membres pour leurs efforts continus qui nous ont mis sur la voie du succès.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 5 ExECuTIVE dIRECToR’s REPoRT

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

— Coretta Scott King, American Activist

New Strategic Partnerships –Canadian Pension Pan (CPP) investments

Members of the CPP Investments and RTAM.

RTAM is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) Investments. This group is responsible for managing CPP on behalf of the Federal Government and all Canadians. This is an informative partnership which will allow RTAM access to leadership meetings through CPPI, as well as increased information sharing for our members in both English and French. Our organization will meet with their group annually and will be part of public presentations moving forward, every two years.

CPPI sent representatives to the RTAM office in September to meet with the Executive Director Sean Seywright and past President, Mr. Bill Cann. During that meeting, both parties expressed a desire to help increase information and

accessibility to RTAM members as well as the general public of Manitoba regarding CPP, including its management and long and short-term goals.

In October, RTAM took part in the inperson presentations made by CPPI (Delta Hotel, downtown Winnipeg) to all Manitobans. This started with in person meetings between current RTAM President, Ms. Linda Blair and the head of the CPPI Board of Governors, Dr. Heather Munroe-Blum. Dr. Munroe-Blum was able to share leadership advice on governance, board management and creating an Emeritus committee to help protect knowledge and history as it leaves organizations.

RTAM was then able to be present for the public presentation, as CPPI highlighted

their diversified portfolio, which is a security measure protecting the finances of Canadians in the long term. In addition, CPPI spoke at length about a commitment to investing in companies which already have green mandates for the future or to using their investment leverage to bring companies to green positions as a stipulation of continuing to be part of the CCPI portfolio. This topic opened the door to questions from the floor concerning China, Ukraine, Russia and the Middle East, all of which are having current and long-term implications to investments and markets.

RTAM members can find the most current updates from CPPI as well as their annual reports (written in French and in English) on our website at rtam.mb.ca.

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Nouveaux partenariats stratégiques –Investissements du Régime de pensions du Canada (RPC)

La RTAM est fière d’annoncer un nouveau partenariat stratégique avec Investissements RPC, le groupe responsable de la gestion du Régime de pensions du Canada au nom du gouvernement et de tous les Canadiens. Il s’agit d’un partenariat informatif qui permettra à la RTAM d’accéder aux réunions de direction par l’entremise d’Investissements RPC, et de partager davantage d’informations avec ses membres en anglais et en français. Notre organisation rencontrera le groupe chaque année et participera à des présentations publiques tous les deux ans.

Investissements RPC a envoyé des représentants au bureau de la RTAM en septembre pour rencontrer le directeur général Sean Seywright et l’ancien président, M. Bill Cann. Au cours de cette réunion, les deux parties ont exprimé le désir d’accroître l’information et l’accessibilité aux membres de la RTAM

Class of 58-59 Reunion

You are invited to an informal reunion at the Spaghetti Factory, the Forks, on June 8, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.

This gathering could provide an opportunity to meet members of the class of ‘58-’59 and to participate in planning a 65th Reunion in the year 2024.

RSVP to Norm Fullerton (norman@thefullertons.ca) or Emily Williamson (emiwill@mts.net) by May 15, 2023.

et au grand public du Manitoba dans son ensemble concernant le RPC, la façon dont il est géré et certains des objectifs à long et à court terme.

En octobre, la RTAM a pu participer aux présentations en personne faites par Investissements RPC (à l’hôtel Delta au centre-ville de Winnipeg) à tous les Manitobains. Des rencontres en personne ont d’abord eu lieu entre l’actuelle présidente de la RTAM, Mme Linda Blair, et la chef du conseil des gouverneurs d’Investissements RPC, la Dre Heather Munroe-Blum, au cours desquelles la Dre Munroe-Blum a pu partager des conseils de leadership sur la gouvernance, la gestion du conseil d’administration et la création d’un comité émérite pour aider à protéger les connaissances et l’histoire lorsque des personnes quittent les organisations.

La RTAM a ensuite pu être présente pour la présentation publique, où

Investissement RPC a mis en valeur son portefeuille diversifié, qui est une mesure de sécurité protégeant les finances des Canadiens à long terme. De plus, Investissements RPC a longuement parlé d’un engagement à investir dans des entreprises qui ont déjà des mandats verts pour l’avenir ou d’utiliser son levier d’investissement pour amener les entreprises à faire des choix verts si elles veulent continuer à faire partie du portefeuille d’Investissements RPC. Ce sujet a ouvert la porte à des questions de la salle concernant la Chine, l’Ukraine, la Russie et le Moyen-Orient, qui ont tous des implications actuelles et à long terme sur les investissements et les marchés.

Les membres de la RTAM peuvent trouver les mises à jour les plus récentes d’Investissements RPC ainsi que ses rapports annuels (rédigés en français et en anglais) sur notre site Web à rtam.mb.ca.

HELP WANTED: Robot Building Workshop Instructor

The Manitoba Robot Games, a volunteer-led organization, supports a program of robot-building workshops for youth groups and classes of school students.

We are looking for one or more individuals to present/lead these workshops. An honorarium for this leadership is available for each workshop delivered and is generated from fees collected for the workshops from the hosting group/school. Participants in the workshops build one of the three kits provided by the Manitoba Robot Games (RoboCritter, MiniSumo, or Super Scramble). Experience in working with youth and hands-on technical experience (e.g., use of hand tools and basic wire soldering) are assets. Training will be provided as appropriate.

If this interests you, please call Herb Reynolds at 204-668-3315 or email to herb@mbrobotgames.ca.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 7

Call to Action – RTAM’s new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is looking for members and volunteers!

EDI committees can play a powerful role in supporting efforts to advance inclusion within our organization as well as at RTAM more broadly. In response to growing demands for inclusion and transparency, RTAM is undertaking a new initiative by way of formation of a special committee that will evaluate and make suggestions to the Board of Directors on the topics of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

As with any initiative, there are general practices that are foundational to making an EDI Committee more effective; an example of some of these are:

• Explore past and current EDI initiatives

in RTAM to learn from past experiences and better understand how the committee can support or connect to the board, organization or community;

• Cultivate leadership, buy-in and sponsorship at the initial stages and throughout the life of the committee to align with the RTAM’s strategic direction and to access potential resources;

• Support the sustainability of the committee by remaining flexible and responsive to local and institutional changes over time while remaining committed to the committee’s EDI purpose and values through scheduled meetings and discussion;

• Address and implement proactive strategies to mitigate concerns regarding human rights (i.e., religion, age, disability) and discrimination (i.e. ageism, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism).

If this sounds like work you would like to support through your time, energy and voice, we welcome volunteer submissions to join the EDI committee through the committee chair, RTAM Executive Director, Sean Seywright. Please email Sean (seywright@rtam.mb.ca ) directly with any questions or submissions to join this group.

Appel à l’action - Le nouveau comité Équité, Diversité et Inclusion de la

Les comités EDI peuvent jouer un rôle important dans le soutien des efforts visant à faire progresser l’inclusion au sein de notre organisation et auprès de la RTAM plus largement. En réponse aux demandes croissantes d’inclusion et de transparence, la RTAM entreprend une nouvelle initiative en créant un comité spécial qui évaluera et fera des suggestions au conseil d’administration sur les thèmes de l’équité, de la diversité et de l’inclusion.

Comme pour toute initiative, il existe des pratiques générales fondamentales pour rendre un comité EDI plus efficace, par exemple :

• Explorer les initiatives passées et actuelles en matière d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion au sein de la RTAM pour

apprendre des expériences passées et mieux comprendre comment le comité peut soutenir le conseil, l’organisation ou la communauté, ou établir des liens avec ces derniers;

• Cultiver le leadership, l’adhésion et le parrainage aux étapes initiales et tout au long de la vie du comité pour s’aligner sur l’orientation stratégique de la RTAM et accéder aux ressources potentielles;

• Soutenir la pérennité du comité en faisant preuve de souplesse et de sensibilité face aux changements locaux et institutionnels au fil du temps tout en maintenant notre engagement envers l’objectif et les valeurs du comité en matière d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion par la tenue de réunions et de discussions planifiées;

• Aborder et mettre en œuvre des stratégies proactives pour atténuer les préoccupations concernant les droits de la personne (c’est-à-dire la religion, l’âge, le handicap) et la discrimination (c’est-àdire le racisme, le sexisme, l’homophobie, la transphobie et le capacitisme).

Vous souhaitez faire entendre votre voix, et donner de votre temps et de votre énergie à titre de bénévole? Nous accueillons les candidatures pour le comité EDI par l’entremise du président du comité, le directeur exécutif de la RTAM, Sean Seywright. Veuillez envoyer un courriel à Sean (seywright@rtam. mb.ca) directement, en posant vos questions ou en soumettant votre candidature pour vous joindre à ce groupe.

8 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

RTAM est à la recherche de membres et de bénévoles!

Director Spotlight Gabe Mercier

Like a giant Redwood Tree, Gabe Mercier’s roots into the education system in Manitoba run broad and deep. And just like the immense Redwood canopy reaching above the forest, Gabe’s commitment to students and community encompasses schools and education across the Northern Manitoba.

His journey as an RTAM member began back in 2009, when Gabe retired from the K-12 public school system as a Vice Principal at Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School.

Upon retirement he became a member of RTAM in June of that year, and while some look to retirement as a means to catch their breath from teaching and educational support, Mercier was one of the many who continued to support his community in a hands-on capacity. In the same year of his retirement, Gabe took on the new challenge as Dean of Trades and Technology at University College of the North (UCN).

During the period of his deanship with UCN he developed and delivered a number of trades and technology, and

workforce development programs in many parts of Northern Manitoba and in First Nations Communities. The most noteworthy programs were the Applied Building Construction in Leaf Rapids, the Plumbing program in Nelson House and the Introduction to Industry which were delivered to many communities and students in Northern Manitoba.

In addition to the general trade programs, other initiatives supported and directed by Mr. Mercier were around women’s inclusion and support, to help create better access and resources for women in areas with under-representation. By developing Girls Exploring Trades and Technology as a new summer program in The Pas, many young women in the north participated in trades and learning for the first time.

In the time since his “retirement” Gabe has taken on the role of Dean of Trades and Technology at UCN in The Pas from 2009-2011, and then Assiniboine Community College (ACC) in as the Director of Parkland Campus in Dauphin in 2011, where he still delivers programs in Northern First Nation Communities. He even tried to retire again last year but,

is now back as the Interim Director at his old campus in Dauphin, until November or December 2022.

So, what else does this committed teacher have in store for the future? Well, this May, Gabe became the chair of the RTAM Wellness Advocacy Committee and is also acting as a Director for the RTAM Board. We also congratulate Gabe, as this fall, he won an election to fill a seat as a trustee on his local School Board of Trustees.

About University College of the North (UCN)

UCN is a very unique and cherished postsecondary educational institution in the Norther Manitoba, and in First Nation Communities. UCN delivers both the traditional community college and university programs which in itself is rare. UCN has an Indigenous student population of over 70% and is the center of Indigenous life in Northern Manitoba. RTAM is proud to partner with University College of the North and our teachers who support their community, campus and diverse background of Manitoba students.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 9

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Sprint to the finish line: A brief history of Bill 208

Submitted by Bill Cann, RTAM Past President

The story starts during the first decade of this century. In 2010 and in every succeeding year, members of the RTAM Board of Directors met with the leaders of Manitoba’s three major political parties and The Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS) to make a case for having one of the seven seats on the Teachers’ Retirement Allowances Fund Board (TRAF). Excepting promises from the Official Opposition parties, little progress was made until 2021. The major stumbling blocking was always the same. The Manitoba Teachers’ Society and the Government would be supportive if RTAM was not given one of their respective seats.

The evolution of Bill 208 is a complex

story, bringing together a number of separate pieces, much like completing a jigsaw puzzle. Each spring, RTAM initiates meetings with the Minister of Education and the leaders of the other two provincial political parties to advocate for issues important to retired teachers. The first break occurred during an April 21, 2021, Zoom meeting of the RTAM Executive with Liberal MLAs Dougald Lamont, Cindy Lamoureux and John Gerrard. MLA Lamoureux suggested that RTAM’s desire for a seat on the TRAF Board could be addressed in a Private Member’s Bill which she would sponsor. This was the first time an MLA proposed an action plan to take this issue to the floor of the Manitoba Legislature. Thereafter, RTAM approached our

national organization (ACER-CART) to research which provinces had retired teacher representation on their respective teacher pension boards.

By late August 2021, the RTAM Executive and Political Advocacy Committee developed a document outlining RTAM’s Five Critical Political Asks (Five Asks). During September and October communications continued with Cindy Lamoureux’s staff and the Legislative Legal Counsel. By recommending that two seats be added to the TRAF Board, one for RTAM and one for the Government, the balance problem of the past years was solved. This new concept became the essence of the draft for Bill 208.

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Bill 208 Third Reading on November 1, 2022, at the Legislative Building.

In April, the RTAM Board hired a new Executive Director, Sean Seywright, and increased our two office staff members, Denise Bellesia and Dianne Casar, to full time employment. On May 04, the RTAM Annual General Meeting elected a new President, Linda Blair, a new Executive, and a new Board of Directors. These individuals would steer the RTAM ship throughout the rest of the journey.

Prior to the October 2021 Federal election, RTAM made a significant financial donation to assist ACER-CART’s advocacy for national pharma care and seniors’ programs. This donation was used to purchase the New Mode software program which facilitated an electronic letter writing campaign to the candidates in every federal riding across Canada.

On December 02,2021 Manitoba Liberal MLA for Tyndall Park, Cindy Lamoureux, introduced a bill in the Manitoba Legislature that would bring the voice of retired teachers to the Teachers Retirement Allowance Fund Board (TRAF). This was followed by RTAM issuing a press release to media outlets and to the leaders of all three political parties supporting Bill 208. Thereafter, the Five Asks document was sent by registered letter to the new premier, Heather Stefanson and RTAM successfully negotiated MTS support for Bill 208.

During the first three months of the new year, RTAM Directors worked tirelessly to mobilize our 10,000 members to participate in effective political advocacy. RTAM’s Social Media Chair, Paul Harland, teamed up with ACER-CART President Gerry Teide to modify the New Mode software to initiate an electronic letter writing campaign to local Manitoba MLAs. The RTAM Board approved a motion to engage a professional lobby firm, Prairie Sky Strategy, to develop more effective actions to achieve our political and pension goals. Michael Juce, Vice President of Prairie Sky Strategy began providing valuable guidance which dramatically changed RTAM’s political advocacy approach.

The RTAM Executive arranged meetings with Wayne Ewasko, the newly appointed Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning and Nello Altomare, the New Democratic Party (NDP) Education Critic. Communications also continued with Cindy Lamoureux’s staff concerning RTAM advocacy plans and gallery support during the Second Reading of Bill 208. RTAM Treasurer, Pat Bowslaugh, deserves special mention for her personal lobbying behind the scenes with local Brandon MLAs and the Minister of Education. On March 03, 2022, RTAM launched its new political advocacy campaign. Emails were sent to over 7000 RTAM members encouraging them to use the New Mode software to send an electronic letter to their local MLA supporting Bill 208. A paper copy of the spring issue of KIT magazine along with a covering letter from the RTAM President was couriered to each MLA at the Legislature. These efforts were intended to educate MLAs, RTAM members and the media about our Five Requests for Action.

On May 10, the stars aligned in the Manitoba legislature! Despite most political pundits predicting that Private Members Bill 208 had little chance of succeeding, it passed Second Reading

unanimously. Liberal MLA Cindy Lamoureux successfully negotiated non-partisan support with Progressive Conservative and New Democratic MLAs. RTAM Executive members were in the gallery to celebrate this joyful moment and to participate in the photo ops in the Legislature’s Rotunda.

The next steps seem like a blur. Preparations were made to register and make written or oral submissions at the Committee Hearings scheduled for October 5th. MTS President James Bedford and former RTAM Board Secretary John Sushelnitsky both made written submissions in support of Bill 208. RTAM President, Linda Blair, made an in person oral presentation. Past President, Bill Cann, and new Pension Committee Chair, David Harkness, made oral presentations by Zoom. The Legislative Hearing Committee approved Bill 208 to proceed for Third Reading without amendment.

On November 01, 2022, Bill 208 unanimously passed Third Reading. In the spirit of non-partisan cooperation, MLA Cindy Lamoureux, Minister of Education Wayne Ewasko and NDP Education Critic Nello Altomare each rose to speak in support of Bill 208. Again, many RTAM Executive members were in the gallery to celebrate this joyful moment and to participate in the photo ops in the Legislature’s Rotunda. RTAM wishes to thank Cindy Lamoureux’s staff and the Legislative staff for facilitating gallery attendance during this entire process. Bill 208 received Royal Assent two days later. All that remains is for the Government to proclaim Bill 208 into law.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 11

More on pensions and inflation

David Harkness, Pension Chair, RTAM

In the Spring Issue of The Link (Spring 2022), TRAF provided an excellent and thorough—if distressing—analysis of the effects of inflation on a theoretical retiree’s pension and .91% Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) in the light of 1%, 2%, and 3% average inflation regimes. Their graphs showed Base Pension, COLA, and the Inflation Gap (the amount the retiree would need to maintain a fully indexed pension). In short, the Inflation Gap is the loss in purchasing power.

We have expanded on their work, but included CPP and OAS. We took that same 2022 retiree, age 60 with a $3,000/month pension. We followed the .91% COLA predictions in average inflation regimes of 1%, 2%, and 3%, and included CPP uptake at age 60 and OAS uptake at age 70, with the increase to OAS at age 75. (Note that delaying uptake on CPP and OAS would result in higher incomes than the averages we used from government reporting). We did not include taxation data as there is wide variance in people’s situations.

Our compounding and indexing amounts were calculated using this tool at Wealthsmart. They base their work on Statistics Canada reporting.

Let’s first look at graphs representing the information solely based on the TRAF pension.

We can clearly see the effects of compounding on the pension gap as time progresses without COLA keeping pace with inflation at these levels, and it is very disturbing. Yet, it is not the whole story. Let’s include CPP and OAS to give some context to future income expectations for our theoretical retiree.

Here we can see that OAS and CPP become increasingly important income streams as we age. Currently CPP is adjusted annually in January. OAS is adjusted quarterly. Both are fully indexed. As we can see, the Inflation Gap from our retiree’s TRAF pension still exists—and still means a loss of purchasing power from

that income stream—but fully indexed CPP and OAS income streams do much to alleviate that pain.

Our final series of graphs is a simpler representation of what our theoretical retiree’s income stream looks like in context. Again, we have not included taxation or other income streams (RRSP, TFSA, investment income, other pensions) as those vary widely.

We can see that CPP and OAS provide a measure of security for us in retirement, but that still does not obviate the Inflation Gap that arises out of our TRAF pensions not being fully indexed. If you are talking to your local MLA, you may want to address the issue of increasing the formula that drives TRAF’s ability to provide a higher COLA or even full indexing.

In a future article, we will address other strategies to address that gap. Until then, live well and be happy.

12 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

Benefits Committee report

Dave Najduch, Benefits Chair

The work of the Benefits Committee continues:

RTAM Benefits Plans / Premiums and Plan Improvements

Since September the Committee has met three times. We are in the process of reviewing each of the plans currently being offered by RTAM. They include the CORE and ENHANCED health plans, the dental plan and the Prestige Travel Insurance plan. This process involves reviewing what benefits are currently being offered in each plan and the cost to the membership. I would like to thank Johnson Insurance for the data they have provided the committee to review this process. Once this has been completed, the Committee then looks at what improvements we would like to see in the plans and the premium costs they might require.

The new rates and any changes being proposed to plan coverage will be discussed by the Committee and then recommended to the Board. A final vote will take place to approve these changes. The new premiums and any plan changes will then be communicated to the membership and be implemented for April 1, 2023.

Stay tuned for information about this in the coming months.

WTA Information Meetings

September was a very busy month. As just a reminder, the Winnipeg Teachers’ Association retirees will lose their Manulife coverage the end of December 2022. These 1,400 plus retirees will need to look for new coverage.

Five in person and one Zoom meetings were arranged by MTS for WTA retirees to attend and to receive information about the Blue Cross Retiree plan offered through the MPSEBP and the RTAM plans offered by Johnson.

The meetings were very well attended, and I spoke with well over 500 retirees. There were lots of good questions and information shared by Blue Cross and RTAM. You can see what has been shared with WTA retirees about our programs by going to the RTAM web page and under the banner “Welcome WTA Retirees” click “Find Out More”, this area includes the Power Point used, the newsletter developed and a host of other documents that have been shared.

If the WTA retirees are going to the Blue Cross plan, they will have to have applied by mid-November, and if they are moving to the RTAM Johnson plans they can do so until the early part of the new year.

I have to again thank Diane, Denise and Sean in the RTAM office. They have been dealing with hundreds of calls since the letters were received by WTA retirees indicating they would be losing their plan, and have worked hard to provide accurate and timely response to the questions asked. I would also like to thank Jessica at Johnson for her help in developing and publishing the materials that have been shared.

We should have an accurate picture of the impact these meetings and phone calls have had on RTAM plan membership early in the new year.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 13

CALL FOr APPLiCAtiOn: Appointment to the TRAF Board of a RTAM Member

The RTAM Board of Directors will recommend a list of up to three RTAM member nominees from which the Government will select one for appointment to the TRAF Board.

If you are interested, please complete this application form, forward a letter of reference (attached, below) to each of three referees and have the referees send the completed forms directly to the RTAM office in support of your application.

Application must be received by Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

Applicants may contact the RTAM office to obtain information about the RTAM Board’s nomination process and a document prepared by RTAM titled Information for Candidates regarding TRAF Board Appointment to assist them in deciding upon or making application.

Applicants will receive acknowledgement.

14 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

free

Please

and

Candidate’s Name: Mailing address: Telephone Numbers: Home_____________________________________Mobile E-mail: Background / Knowledge / Skills / Experience: Reason for Interest: Please feel

to add as much information

you wish.

complete this form

return to the RTAM office in writing or email at: Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba Email: seywright@rtam.mb.ca 106-1780 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 204-889-3660 or toll free 1-888-393-8082

Letter OF reFerenCe

Candidate’s Name Referee’s Name

Candidate’s Name has selected you as a Reference to support an application to be a nominated as a Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) nominee for an appointment to the Teachers’ Retirement Allowances Fund (TRAF) Board.

Preference will be given to a Manitoba resident member of RTAM who will be able to attend monthly TRAF meetings (September-June) and quarterly TRAF committee meetings requiring some advance reading of materials beforehand. Attendance at an annual retreat is also expected. As well, TRAF offers initial and ongoing training for the position.

Remuneration is $200 per meeting, and expenses are covered. The position is usually three to four years and may be renewable.

Experience in a position of trust is important, as is a willingness to act in the best interest of others.

Please fill out this document and send it directly to RTAM. retired teachers’ Association of Manitoba

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 15

Or email to our Executive Director:

or toll free 1-888-393-8082

106-1780 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3

seywright@rtam.mb.ca 204-889-3660

Prestige travel insurance

Things which can help you save money on your travel coverage

Dave Najduch, RTAM Benefits Chair

Ihave done a lot of work with WTA members in reviewing how the Prestige travel insurance plan works and I now feel it might help to remind current RTAM members about what I have relearned. This is an article about how you can save money when you buy your RTAM travel insurance.

Setting the Stage:

1. Travel insurance is not just about leaving the country, if you leave the province of Manitoba and travel anywhere in Canada, you should have travel insurance. Your health coverage will only pay the Manitoba rates for any emergency procedure required outside the province and you could be out of pocket for additional expense without travel coverage.

2. Travel insurance is for unexpected medical issues that arise while traveling. It does not cover you if you have received a scheduled medical procedure and then require care.

3. The travel coverage runs out March 31 of each year. If you want your coverage to end, you must let Johnson / Prestige know in writing within 60 days of the first premium deduction of the new policy year (April 1).

4. The travel coverage restarts April 1 of each year. If you have not

notified Johnson / Prestige that you want your coverage to end by March 31, you will automatically be enrolled for another year and have to make 12 more monthly payments. You can decline coverage by including a note with your application or send an email within 60 days of the first premium deduction of the new policy year.

5. Your coverage begins when the application is received by Johnson / Prestige. You should send your application in (by email or mail) a couple weeks before your departure in order for Johnson to be able to process your application and provide confirmation before you leave. You must apply for coverage before you leave your province of residence.

6. I can reset my coverage and depart on another 62 or 93 days (depending on your plan selection) by returning with my family from any international location to any location in Canada for 24 hours. Keep your receipts as proof in the event an issue arises.

7. There is no reset of coverage required for travel in Canada. You really have unlimited travel coverage if you remain in Canada for all your traveling. The example is I spend a month in Alberta and then another month in BC and then leave the country, my coverage of 62 or 93 days begins when I leave Canada.

By Joan Zaretsky

As a retired teacher, one of the many talents you have possessed throughout your life is your ability to teach and support students in your classroom. Why not apply some of those same strategies and skills to mentor a student relative to support them in developing a Student Success Portfolio? Being a mentor to one or more of your relatives can prove to be a very valuable asset as you bolster their self esteem, their self knowledge and goal setting skills in determining their future. Are you aware that all you have to do to

obtain an RTAM Student Success Portfolio is complete the Student Success Portfolio Sponsor Application form and forward it to the RTAM office? Within days of its receipt, a Portfolio is mailed to the student(s) you are willing to sponsor. When your student(s) receives the Portfolio in the mail, it has many helpful inserts to get them started. You can contact them to inquire if they received it and how they plan to use the handouts found inside. You can discuss the general value of the Portfolio in their future. It can be used to save samples, called “artifacts”,

16 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

Leaving a personal legacy: Being a mentor to your student relative through the Student Success Portfolio process

8. With regard to medical information prior to traveling; while there is no proof required prior to enrolling in the plan, out of an abundance of caution, I would see my doctor prior to leaving and would have the person make a note in my file. It needs to say, yes I saw the person and there is no medical reason they cannot travel. If the doctor has concerns about you not traveling whether a note is on file or not and you travel anyway, your coverage may be limited.

Saving some money o n your coverage.

The plan I am going to use for my example is:

93-day Base Plan / Age 65-75 family rate $1,658 per year / Monthly rate $138.16

Step 1 – Can I take advantage of any of the discounts? Remember I can only use one!

q Opt out of Trip Cancelation, Interruption and Delay Benefits 20% Discount

q $1,000 Deductible per claim 20% Discount

q $2,000 Deductible per claim 20% Discount

The credit card I used to book my travel has trip cancelation already built in or I am driving back and forth to my location and do not require this coverage or I just don’t want the coverage.

With 20% discount = $331.60 new / family rate $1,326.40 / Monthly $110.53 for 12 months

Step 2 – How long do I really need the travel coverage for?

of their successful activities and events, strengths and interests to be used when they apply for an award such as the RTAM Student Award, for their post secondary entrance requirements, for job applications and interviews and in any number of ways as they approach their high school Graduation.

On our RTAM website, the Student Success Portfolio tab has lots of information to support your mentoring process. Click on the Information tab. There are Monthly Discussion Starters which offer you suggested questions to keep your conversations directed to potential artifacts which your student may never have considered to be worthy of mentioning in the different applications they will complete.

q This gets a little more complicated. I stay in Manitoba April, May, June, July, August and September. I don’t travel out of province and hang out with family here and at the cottage.

q I leave the country in mid-October and generally return midMarch. How might this save me some cash?

q I can enroll in the plan for the first week of October and ask the plan to terminate March 31. This means I am paying for October to March which is 6 months and costs $663.20.

With 6 months saving = $663.20 new family rate $663.20 / Monthly $110.53 for 6 months

The good news is after my 20% saving and reducing the number of months I need insurance for, my cost is now $663.20 instead of $1,658. I can also travel as many times outside of Canada for up to 93 consecutive days per trip for the 6 months.

Yes, you can always opt out of your coverage in April, and reapply for coverage in October, or any other time after terminating your Prestige Travel.

For those who want to travel April to September, you will have to pay for the entire policy year which ends on March 31. There is no monthly saving you can access, besides adding a deductible option or removing the Trip Cancellation / Interruption coverage from your policy. If you need coverage from January to June, you will pay premiums for January, February and March, and then have the policy renew on April 1 for another policy year.

I hope the information has helped to clarify some of the issues around using Prestige Travel Insurance. If you have any questions, please send me an email at secretary@rtam.mb.ca.

As a mentor talking with your student relative on a regular basis, you may develop an important trusted relationship with them as you discuss potential artifacts and ask the questions which will encourage them to think and ponder reflectively about all their activities, strengths and interests. These artifacts may be perfect to support the unusual questions on many different applications coming up in their future. Eldon Dueck, a retired educator from Hanover School Division, talks in his Resiliency workshops about the fact that every child needs to have at least one person who is irrationally crazy about them and who can support them in their time of need. The relationship you build with your student relative may just develop such that you are that person! As a senior who is no

longer employed outside the home, we sometimes start to question our purpose in this world. Being a mentor to one of your relatives and supporting them to build their high school Student Success Portfolio to use effectively in their future applications may be just the answer, your new calling to provide you with your purpose!

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 17

STUDENT SUCCESS PORTFOLIO PROGRAM

PARTICIPANT APPLICATION FORM

The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) Student Portfolio Project has been formed to engage communication and mentoring between RTAM members and their young relatives Retired teachers can play a major role in the lives of their young relatives who are currently in high school by sharing their skills and strengths to guide the students to become successful and caring adults. RTAM members are encouraged to communicate on a regular basis with their relatives to prompt their collection of appropriate documentation useful in the development of their Portfolio, their RTAM Student Award application as well as other scholarships or bursaries in preparation of attending a post-secondary institution.

APPLICANT’S INFORMATION (RTAM MEMBER)

PLEASE PRINT

First Name: Last Name: Address: City/Town: Province: Postal Code: Phone Number: Cell Number: E-mail Address: Relationship to Recipient: Portfolio Language Preference:  English or  French

RECIPIENT’S INFORMATION (RELATIVE)

PLEASE PRINT

First Name: Last Name: Address: City/Town: Province: Postal Code: Phone Number: Cell Number: E-mail Address: Grade (please check):  9  10  11  12

Name of Current School: School Address: City/Town: Province: Postal Code: School Phone Number: School E-mail Address: RTAM wishes all members and recipients participating in this project, all the best in your future endeavors! 106-1780 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 • Phone 204-889-3660 • Toll Free: 1-888-393-8882 • info@rtam.mb.ca • www.rtam.mb.ca

Participation criteria: 1) Open to an RTAM Member and a young relative in Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 2) Relative interested in preparing applications for scholarships or bursaries

Want to leave a legacy of learning?

Three possible ways to consider

RTAM has played an important role to supporting our young student relatives. RTAM is offering you a means of leaving a “Legacy of Learning” for our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and in today’s family structure, our blended family members. The Winnipeg Foundation RTAM Student Award Endowment Fund currently allows RTAM to annually award four $1000 awards, at a minimal cost, to Grade 12 Graduates who are relatives of an RTAM member. This fund is growing exponentially and has more than doubled the value of its rewards since its initial creation.

The Winnipeg Foundation, with their powerful investment teams, have the ability to compound our initial funds over time to provide us with additional money yearly to award to our talented and deserving high school Graduates. In 2013, RTAM’s initial contribution of $50,000 with the Winnipeg Foundation has currently provided 42 students (four students a year plus 2 extra) with monetary assistance to support their post secondary education costs. Currently we award four students annually with $1000. We recognize with normal inflation, and COVID inflation, tuition fees, housing and the cost of books and technology have all increased significantly. Our Student Awards Committee recently discussed some new options in order to meet the needs of more students. Our brainstorming resulted in the following options:

• Increasing the amount of each award;

• Adding an award specifically designated for a student entering a Community College such as Red River Community Polytechnic, Assiniboine Community College, University College of the North and others;

• Adding an award specifically designated to support students who apply from

outside our province and whose sponsoring relative is an RTAM member; and

• Adding an award for a student entering Graduate work, a Masters Program in their area of expertise.

All of these Awards require additional funding which we currently do not have in our RTAM budget. All our stories from those who have won an RTAM Student Award in the past have been glowing as they express their appreciation for the funds used for many different purposes related to their education. Increasing our Endowment Funding with the Winnipeg Foundation is our way of increasing our annual funds available for distribution such that we can increase our legacy by increasing our number of Awards and address some specific needs outlined above.

RTAM has proudly awarded over $30,000 over the past ten years to 42 young student relatives, and, thanks to the magic of the Winnipeg Foundation with its compounding and investing, we will leave an ever increasing legacy into the future for more students.

Below are three pathways you can choose to support the Student Awards through your contributions to the Winnipeg Foundation RTAM Student Awards Endowment Fund:

Looking for a new annual charity to offset your income tax?

In deciding which organization(s) you select to support with your annual charity donations, consider donating to the Winnipeg Foundation RTAM Student Award Endowment Fund. Your contributions can be used to assist you when completing your income tax statement as the Winnipeg Foundation is a registered charity through CRA.

By Joan Zaretsky

Looking for a charity to offer a donation for a deceased loved one?

In the future when you have a loved one who passes away and you are wanting to offer condolences with a donation to a charity, consider donating to the Winnipeg Foundation RTAM Student Award Endowment Fund.

One member of the Student Award Committee suggested she does this whenever a former teacher colleague or friend passes away. The Winnipeg Foundation sends a letter of condolences to the family informing them of the donation made in memory of their loved one.

Looking to leave a legacy in your will?

When developing your will or updating it after changes have occurred in your life, consider including a memoriam tax-free legacy donation to the Winnipeg Foundation RTAM Student Award Endowment Fund. You may also request as part of your funeral arrangements that charitable donations be made to this fund.

You can make your donations to the Student Awards Fund by contacting the Winnipeg Foundation by phone, mail or internet.

Winnipeg Foundation: Tel:204-944-9474

1350 – One Lombard Place Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3 scholarships@wpgfdn.org

Contact:Anna-Maria Pozzi or you can ask for someone from the Student Awards Team.

Just think of how many more students we can honour and support with our RTAM Student Awards in the future! When you consider the three options above, whichever one or more you choose, you will be forever supporting our future generations as they strive to reach their educational goals!

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 19

2022 Student Award Winners

Zaretsky, Chair, Student

Awards Committee

RTAM is pleased to congratulate the following winners and their sponsors for 2022:

Taigan Cunningham

Kelowna, BC

Sponsor: Nancy Trush Relationship: Grandmother

I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at University of British Columbia Okanagan. I have always known that I wanted to work in the medical field, and nursing seemed to fit my values best. I want my career to revolve around helping others, which is why nursing is the best choice for me. In my fourth year I am planning to study abroad in a thirdworld country. I am so excited and hopeful for this experience, knowing that I will learn so much and make true connections with both clients and colleagues.

Kiera Lesyk

Winnipeg, MB

Sponsor: Christine Peers Relationship: Aunty

This September, I entered my first year at the University of Manitoba. As a student in the Faculty of Science, I intend to major in either pharmacy or microbiology. I would like to thank RTAM for the incredible opportunity as well as my aunt for sponsoring me.

Kayla Babiuk

Winnipeg, MB

Sponsor: Bernard Van Benthem Relationship: Grandfather

I am currently studying in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba with the intention of pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Abbey Chubaty

Dominion City, MB

Sponsor: Margaret Lee Chubaty Relationship: Aunt

I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in science. I am in the Pre-Medicine program at the University of Winnipeg. I hope to complete my 3-year degree and apply to medical school. My goal is to become a doctor so I can help people. Throughout my degree, I plan on volunteering as much as possible. I would like to give back to the rural communities of Manitoba through health care. This award will help me pursue my goal of giving back.

20 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

Joan

A poem

Suggested by Pat Bowslaugh

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in an Australian country town, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.

Later, when the nurses were going through his meagre possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.

One nurse took her copy to Melbourne. The old man’s sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas editions of magazines around the country and appearing in magazines for mental health.

A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.

And this old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this ‘anonymous’ poem winging across the Internet.

Cranky Old Man

What do you see nurses? What do you see? What are you thinking When you’re looking at me?

A cranky old man, not very wise, Uncertain of habit with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food and makes no reply. When you say in a loud voice, I do wish you’d try!

Who seems not to notice the things that you do And forever is losing A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not lets you do as you will, With bathing and feeding The long day to fill?

Is that what you’re thinking? Is that what you see? Then open your eyes, nurse You’re not looking at me.

I’ll tell you who I am As I sit here so still, As I do at your bidding, As I eat at your will.

I’m a small child of Ten with a father and mother, Brothers and sisters who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen with wings on his feet, Dreaming that soon now a lover he’ll meet.

A groom soon at Twenty my heart gives a leap. Remembering, the vows That I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now I have young of my own. Who need me to guide And a secure happy home.

A man of Thirty My young now grown fast, Bound to each other With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons have grown and are gone, But my woman is beside me to see I don’t mourn.

At Fifty, once more, Babies play ‘round my knee, Again, we know children My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me My wife is now dead. I look at the future I shudder with dread.

For my young are all rearing young of their own. And I think of the years And the love that I’ve known.

I’m now an old man and nature is cruel. It’s jest to make old age look like a fool.

The body, it crumbles grace and vigour, depart. There is now a stone where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass A young man still dwells, And now and again my battered heart swells.

I remember the joys I remember the pain. And I’m loving and living life over again.

I think of the years, all too few gone too fast. And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.

So open your eyes, people open and see. Not a cranky old man *Look closer* *see ME!!*

*Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within. We will all, one day, be there, too !*

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 21

Résumé du 20 octobre 2022 l’Oktoberfest des ÉMR à la brasserie Kilter de Saint-Boniface

Le 20 octobre 2022 avait lieu l’Oktoberfest des ÉMR à la brasserie Kilter de Saint-Boniface. Bercés par une musique traditionnelle tyrolienne, plus de trente enseignantes et

enseignants à la retraite se rassemblent pour un temps de retrouvailles et d’amitié. La bière coule à flots et s’ajoute à la spécialité culinaire du lieu à savoir des ‘’hot dogs’’ un peu glorifiés pouvant répondre à

tous les goûts. Quelle occasion splendide pour se revoir, refaire les liens et rencontrer de nouveaux amis après deux années de pandémie! Et l’an prochain, on refait la fête?

DARTA lunch at La Grange

Friday, October 28th was a beautiful fall day for a forty-fiveminute drive, east of Dauphin, to the small community of Laurier. Here in this small community is La Grange, a most interesting place to have lunch.

Students from Ecole Jours de Plaine under the tutelage of Lucien Boisvert, the owner of La Grange, prepared and served a most delicious German themed lunch. One student was responsible for describing the menu’s dishes and their ingredients in both French and English. We started our lunch

with Fladle soup followed by the main course of Rouladen and steamed red cabbage. This was followed by a delicious piece of German chocolate cake served with tea or coffee.

Fifteen members of DARTA (Dauphin) met with members from NARTA (Neepawa) to partake in this lunch experience. Thanks to the Wellness Initiative Grant received from RTAM we were able to compensate each car pool driver with $5 per person to help with the cost of gas as well as some money for a tip. We hope to repeat this activity again with NARTA in the spring.

22 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

Calgary Chapter “Back to School” lunch

Our ‘Back to School’ lunch was a pre-COVID tradition for Calgary Chapter. We’re happy that life has returned to a ‘new normal’, as we re-establish these traditions.

Thursday, October 6, 2022, was a beautiful fall day for 22 Calgary Chapter members to get together for lunch and conversation. At the luncheon, Dennis Kozak stepped down as President of Calgary Chapter; Jan Campbell and Penny Hogan were elected to co-chair the Chapter.

We are always happy to welcome new Chapter members – Janet Newediuk and Patty Gerrard introduced themselves at this lunch. If you happen to be recently relocated to Alberta, we invite you to get in touch with the Calgary Chapter. Email Jan or Penny campbell.janice.a@gmail.com. or literacyplus@shaw.ca for further information.

Okanagan wellness event

By Nancy Kostiuk

The RTAM – Okanagan Chapter held their Wellness Event on September 14, 2022. Susan and Mike Allen hosted 14 members at the Summerwood Regency Retirement Resort in Kelowna. A delicious lunch was served.

Lorne Lisik arranged for seating in the theatre where we heard from two speakers from Senior Outreach.

They outlined housing options, various supports for seniors staying in their own homes, and types of extended care. Following that, a Summerwood tour guide led our members through several suites.

Thank you to the RTAM Wellness Committee for their supportive grant for this event.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 23

Calgary Chapter Committee members: Lillian and Dennis Kozak, Penny Hogan, and Jan Campbell. Above – left to right: Mike, Lorne, Sue, Leon, Doris T., Doris H., Betty, and Roy. Photos by Lorna Rothwell.

En ce 20e anniversaire des ÉMR

Jeunes de cœur, riches en expérience

Depuis 20 ans, le conseil d’administration des Éducateurs & Éducatrices Manitobains.es à la retraite (les ÉMR) a comme mandat d’organiser une variété d’activités qui mettent l’accent sur l’aspect social et francophone de notre communauté. Ce n’est que depuis 20 ans que nous proposons des activités qui comblent la curiosité des enseignants retraités et qui suscitent un vif intérêt de la part de nos membres. Puisque nous sommes, depuis toujours, jeunes de coeur et riches en expérience ces 20 années d’existence, ne représentent qu’un début et nous inspirent au dépassement dans les années à venir. C’est pourquoi au moment de l’AGA nous profitons toujours de l’occasion pour demander à nos membres de nous partager leur rétroaction sur les activités passées et leur demandons de nous suggérer des possibilités d’activités pour l’année à venir.

Durant cette illustre 20e année de présence dans la communauté chacun des membres qui siège au Conseil exécutif des ÉMR a organisé au moins une activité. Même en cette année de COVID on a réussi à fêter ce 20 anniversaire en proposant des sorties intéressantes en personne et des ateliers pertinents en virtuel. Comme d’habitude, avant chaque activité, les organisateurs doivent voir à ce que l’activité prévue soit affichée et annoncée dans notre site web, www.lesemr.org. À la suite de l’activité, ces mêmes responsables d’activités doivent aussi voir à afficher le rapport de leur activité, avec photos, sur notre site.

En cette 20e année, on peut se vanter que notre liste de membres des ÉMR se chiffre au-delà de 200 : Il est clair que nos efforts constants de recrutement portent fruit. Nos membres, venant de conseils scolaires de partout dans la province, ont œuvré soit comme enseignant/enseignante ou administrateur /administratrice, dans des bureaux divisionnaires, dans des écoles francophones, anglophones, ou d’immersion. Il est important de préciser que nos membres, même s’ils sont officiellement à la retraite, demeurent très actifs comme aînés et bénévoles dans divers secteurs de la communauté francophone et qu’ils contribuent à divers organismes municipaux, provinciaux et nationaux.

Je tiens à remercier la Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) d’avoir, encore en cette 20e année, accepté de généreusement contribuer à notre financement par le biais du Chapter Initiative Grant, du Wellness Grant et de leur Special Event Grant. Ces contributions financières nous ont été très bénéfiques et nous ont permis, entre autres, de fêter notre 20 et de renouveler notre licence Zoom afin de rester en contact avec nos membres en leur offrant des occasions extraordinaires de se rencontrer. Nous comptons faire demande à nouveau auprès

de RTAM en 2022 dans le but de continuer notre recrutement et d’améliorer nos services auprès de nos abonnés.

Comme tout le monde, cette année, nous avons été obligés de suivre les règles de santé publique ce qui fait qu’on a offert des activités hybrides : Par moments, c’était en personne et parfois en virtuel. Malgré les hauts et les bas des restrictions, nous avons quand même réussi à offrir la grande majorité de nos activités sociales et ateliers très intéressants prévus. Voici les activités prévues des ÉMR pour l’année 2021-2022 :

• Le 16 septembre, Party du 20e anniversaire au Parc St-Vital, 30 personnes

• Le 21 octobre Réconciliation via Zoom avec notre partenaire Info-Justice, 13 participants

• 18 novembre Galerie Qaumajuq et dîner au Spaghetti Factory, 60 personnes

• Le 16 décembre Brunch de Noël au Canad Inn, 60 personnes

• 17 février L’éducation française au Manitoba, annulé à cause de la COVID

Total : 162 participants cette année d’avril 2021 à mars 2022

• Visite à la boutique Anne Mulaire, jeudi 19 mai 2022

• Randonnée pédestre, jeudi 16 juin 2022

• Projet de loi 64: revendication avec RTAM

• Traduction du document de position de RTAM.

À notre assemblée générale en avril, via zoom, on prépare le calendrier des activités de l’année qui s’en vient. Pour 2022-2023, les membres suivants sont toujours prêts à prendre place au Conseil d’administration:

– Patricia Thibodeau, présidente

– Guy Gagnon, président sortant

– Gisèle Grégoire, vice-présidente

– Rose-Marie Iafolla, trésorière

– Jocelyne Fraser, secrétaire

– Lucille Daudet-Mitchell, conseillère et responsable des communications

– Marc Beaudry, conseiller

– Robert Daigneault, conseiller et membre du comité des assurances RTAM.

24 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

R APPoRT dE l A PRésIdENTE dEs éMR 2022

Je remercie très sincèrement tous les membres du CA, pour leur créativité, leur énergie, leur collaboration et leur engagement. Nous formons l’équipe la plus dynamique au Manitoba. Nous voulons à nouveau remercier Gérard Massé responsable du site web: www.lesemr.org qui nous a pendant plusieurs années appuyés dans toutes nos communications. Il faut aussi reconnaître à nouveau la contribution d’Agathe et de Guy Lacroix qui ont, par les années passées, animé et agrémenté nos soirées de Noël avec des chants traditionnels. C’était toujours la fête avec eux! Il faut applaudir tout ce beau monde!

En guise de conclusion, merci aux gens qui ont participé à

nos activités de cette année et continuons de participer en grands nombres, après tout, les occasions de se rencontrer en français se font de plus en plus rares. Enfin, comme plusieurs membres des ÉMR le font déjà, continuons à nous engager dans nos communautés. Nos paroisses et nos associations profitent grandement de notre expertise tant au niveau local que provincial et fédéral. Poursuivons nos passions, c’est le temps de le faire, puisque nous sommes toujours jeunes de cœur et riches en expérience.

DARTA visit to Vermillion Growers

DARTA members and guests had the opportunity on September 29 to tour Dauphin’s newest industrial development, Vermillion Growers, located in the north end of Dauphin. This was a very interesting and informative learning experience enjoyed by all who attended.

Vermillion Growers is bringing the world of year-round, greenhouse grown vegetables to Dauphin. The 60-acre facility will be developed in phases, with phase one being 10 acres of tomato production. The earthworks and the warehouse are currently under construction for phase one, with projections to be fully functional by the end of 2022. The balance of the 60 acres will be developed over a 5-year period upon completion of phase one.

Vermillion Growers has a signed distribution agreement with Red Sun Farms. All of Vermillion’s produce will be absorbed into Red Sun Farms’ distribution network, which includes, Costco, Loblaws, Sobeys, Safeway, and Walmart.

We look forward to watching the development of this major project for Dauphin.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 25

Rapport remis par Patricia Thibodeau, présidente des ÉMR.

St. James-Assiniboia Chapter of RTAM AGM

Submitted by Lynn Land Photos by Dorothy Young

On September 22, 2022, the St. James-Assiniboia Chapter of RTAM held its AGM in the basement of St. Paul the Apostle Church. Members really enjoyed being able to meet in person and getting caught up with one another. One member got reacquainted with her high school mathematics teacher! We devoured homemade apple crisp (thanks to Marj and Fred Bilous) with ice cream served by Marj Bilous, Linda Scott, and Anne Williams, and we enjoyed wonderful entertainment put on by our own members, Peter Mingo, and George Bush.

NARTA fall outing

The NARTA Chapter enjoyed a Fall Outing on September 20th. This time we toured our local area starting at Two Barns Antiques on the west side of Neepawa. The barn is filled with vintage collectibles and re-purposed items.

We gathered at a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we headed North to the Kulbacki Mushroom Farm

The following were elected to the Executive for 2022-2023: President – Lynn Land, Vice President – Alison Logan, Secretary/ Recorder – Rudy Peters, Treasurer – Corinne Barrett DeWiele, Membership/Communications – Dorothy Young, Members at Large – Marj Bilous, Shelley Herbert, Will Peters, Linda Scott.

Thanks to Provincial RTAM for the Chapter Grant which helped to support this event.

Have a great winter everyone!

in the Eden area. Several varieties of mushrooms are grown in controlled conditions. We were awestruck at the availability of so many varieties of mushrooms in such proximity.

Upon a return to Neepawa, we revisited and toured the Margaret Laurence home. Our day was concluded with a stop at a local bistro for coffee and a sweet.

26 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

Submitted by Joan Rink

Swan Valley Retired Teachers Association

Some of our recent activities included participating in our local Canadian Legion Remembrance Day service at which we laid a wreath on behalf of our association. We also sponsored the prize money for students participating in the School Exhibits at the Northwest Roundup and Fair. We will again be delivering meals for two weeks as part of the Meals on Wheels program later this winter.

We have not yet gathered as a group but hope to have a Christmas event.

We also will use our Chapter Initiatives and Chapter Wellness Grant to grow our membership and activity.

The Southwest Assiniboine Chapter report

By Chapter President Kelvon Smith

Our Winter Meeting is going to be held on November 22nd, 2022, in the Virden Legion Club Room. It will be catered to by one of our SWAC Members who has all the necessary documentation to do the hot luncheon. We hope to have a guest speaker who will speak on a topic that concerns seniors. We always have draws after the speaker and then our business meeting.

The Fall SWAC Meeting was on Tuesday, September 6th with a relatively good turn-out with most staying for the business meeting. Our meetings now start with a local ‘Metis Elder’ giving us a ‘Blessing’ which is followed by a ‘Land Acknowledgement’. We then have a member give the Grace for the luncheon.

After a fine luncheon, we had our guest speaker (Staff/Sergeant Scott Fefchak, Virden RCMP Detachment) give us a presentation on “Scams and Senior Citizens” which grabbed everyone’s attention. The Detachment Commander then had a Question and Answer Session with our membership. Our members left the luncheon meeting, by far, a much more informed lot of senior citizens.

Our business meeting covered a swath of items. Some items were dear to our hearts and others were strictly business. Our SWAC Treasurer noticed a problem in our bank statement and investigated. He found out that our financial institution had made a serious error and had it corrected. On another matter that might interest you is our donation to the Westman Youth Choir. The donation helped with their operational costs. The choir is made up of songsters from local high schools who have a gift with that being a love of music. Note that we also support local Arts and Music Festivals in surrounding communities. At the Winter Meeting we will pass a motion to financially help them out in promoting the arts and music.

We also had elections for the year with the exception being that

of the Chapter President who stays in the position for a two-year term. No one offered to be the Vice-President; but we will try to fix that at the Winter Meeting.

Three members volunteered to think of a way in which we could honour our present educators. They will report back at the Winter Meeting.

At the end of the meeting, several of us stayed to clean up the Club Room and put it back to rights ... just like we received it.

Note that the Chapter President still has to see our local MLA who is now a Minister of the Crown. Our MLA was in favour of Bill 64 and knows how we felt about that! This chore will be done and contact will be made.

At the meeting, the membership was presented with a survey asking where they would like to go for the Day Trip in 2023 which usually takes place in June. Our SWAC Trip Executive Member will give us some choices to make and we will vote. She’ll then put the plan together and give us the details at our SWAC Spring Meeting.

The above is just a short report of what happened on September 6th, 2022. A news article of the meeting was placed in “The World Spectator” in Moosomin, Saskatchewan and in “The Virden Empire Advance” here in Virden. Both newspapers published the news article. Note that Virden and Moosomin are both border communities and that’s why Moosomin was given the news article, too.

You should know that we have only three meetings during the year though the Executive stays in touch and makes decisions when there is a need.

The membership fee for being a part of SWAC is ten dollars.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 27

What and who is BARTA?

Last spring, an ad hoc committee reviewed the Constitution of Westman Retired Teachers’ Association (WREA). In the process, it was proposed that the name of our association be changed to better reflect our “parent” (RTAM), our members and our jurisdiction. Thus, Brandon and Area Retired Teachers’ Association came to be. In addition, since our AGM in April, BARTA has adopted a logo and land acknowledgment, and set up ad hoc committees to reorganize historical files, continue to review the Constitution and Bylaws, and develop a Policy and Procedures manual.

BARTA held a fundraising campaign on behalf of three local charities: Westman Women’s Shelter, Samaritan House, and Brandon Humane Society. Once again, BARTA members came through and we were able to donate over $1,000 to each organization, totaling $3,640.

With the goal of increasing our membership, particularly with newly retired teachers, Brandon Teachers’ Association (BTA) invited BARTA to submit an article for the June edition of the BTA BUZZ newsletter. We quickly accepted. BTA has also accepted an “ad” for BARTA/RTAM to be included in the monthly BUZZ. We hope to see positive results in 2023. In conjunction with this recruitment campaign, we are surveying members to gauge their interest in small group activities such as Readers, Antiques and Collectibles, Musical Theatre/Movie Attendance, and Walking. We will share the responses at our November luncheon.

Like all chapters of RTAM after several months of Zoom meetings, we were excited to hold our first in-person event in September, where we welcomed some new members. We enjoyed a delicious meal at Shady Lane Tea Room, followed by a time of visiting and sharing our teaching backgrounds. A highlight of the event was Past President Rick Oakden’s presentation of RTAM Distinguished Service Awards to Pat Bowslaugh for her countless contributions at the local and provincial levels, and to Mavis Johnston for her many years as Treasurer of our chapter. Following the formal gathering, several members enjoyed a tour of the Doll Museum adjacent to the Tea Room.

A BARTA tradition is our Breakfast Club, which meets the first Wednesday of each month, September through June. Attendance is growing as attendees encourage other members to come for coffee or a meal, but – more importantly – a chat. We share memories, catch up on family news, and learn of member travels. Of course, there is plenty of laughter!

As in past years, BARTA members assisted at the BTA’s

LIFT Conference, concurrent with the SAGE professional development sessions. We enjoyed visits with former colleagues and meeting those new to the profession.

Two members accompanied Past President Rick Oakden when he visited Ray and Barb Sitter, presenting Ray with an RTAM Distinguished Service Award and a pen set. Over the years, Ray has served in various capacities in both RTAM and WREA. We thank him for his dedication to fulfilling RTAM’s mandate.

Several members celebrated “significant” birthdays this year. Treasurer Mavis Johnston was happy to connect with them with a card – and often a phone call – to convey best wishes on our behalf.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of three longtime members, Audrey Lindsay, Marguerite Crandle, and Ruth Bilowus, as well as Con Erickson, who joined our group for a short time. They have made significant contributions to education in Brandon and area. We also lost a well-known associate, John Shaw, who attended our September luncheon with his wife, Janet. They enjoyed reconnecting with teachers he had met during his years with Manitoba Education.

The next BARTA event is a luncheon on November 8 at Seniors for Seniors. Two local artists will provide music from the war years. We look forward to a tasty meal, excellent entertainment, and wonderful visits.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 29

It’s the new iteration of the retired teachers’ group in the Brandon area.

RTAM Distinguished Service Award winners with Rick Oakden and Brian Paterson, Mavis Johnston (above), Pat Bowslaugh (above right), and Ray Sitter (right).

30 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022 Category: Flowers Winners Summer 2022 Photography Contest 1st Honourable 2nd 1st Place: Rene Ammann Violette, en toute intimite 2nd Place: Sidney Shapira Dahlia and Monarch Honourable Mention: Norma McDonald Flower Cone

Flowers

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 31

32 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 33 2nd 1st Honourable Category: Trees Winners 1st Place: Donna Gamache The Halfway Tree 2nd Place: Elaine Bollman Bowing to the Sea Honourable Mention: Penrose Hogan Hide & Seek

34 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

Trees

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 35

Jemima ‘Mime’ Westcott – 1911 - 2022

Mime Westcott (nee Casselman) was born in Lauder MB on January 10, 1911. Despite the challenges of raising 11 children on their small family farm, Mime’s parents made sure education was a priority for all their children. Mime attended Lauder School up to grade 11 and needed to leave home to finish her grade 12 at Souris. In her last semester, she worked after school at her boarding house to pay her room and board. In 1928/29, Mime, along with her older sister, attended the Winnipeg Normal School to receive her Teacher Certificate. Unfortunately, despite sending out over 100 job enquiries, there were very few jobs in Manitoba during the depression years for young female teachers and Mime was forced to return to Lauder to work on the family farm and for local homesteaders, as a housekeeper/nanny. Despite this setback, Mime didn’t give up her dream to be a teacher and in the spring of 1931 a family friend, who had a cousin on the board of Derry School, a oneroom school near Brandon, confirmed a job interview and she became the K-9 teacher for the 1931-1932 school year. With a monthly salary of less than $30.00 and expenses related to her room and board, payments to the newly formed Manitoba Teachers Federation and an obligation to send money home each month to keep the family farm going, Mime had very little funds left to put into her bank account. Although, she still had five cents left over to buy a delicious ice cream cone at the Madder Store in Douglas, the closest town to Derry School.

Left: Mime on her 110th birthday with flowers from RTAM.

Mime’s dream job was short lived, as a local female teacher needed a teaching position and the Derry School Board was forced to hire this local teacher. Since she loved the area and was dating Reg Westcott, a handsome young man from Douglas, who was working at the farm where Mime boarded, she was fortunate to acquire the teaching job at Norman School, 9 miles north of Douglas. Mime taught at this one-room school until her marriage to Reg in 1936. At that time, married female teachers were not allowed to teach. So, from 1936 to 1954, Mime helped Reg run the family farm near Douglas and raised 5 children.

In 1954 when teachers were in demand in these post-war years, and when Mime’s youngest of 5 was in school, she was persuaded to go back to Derry to again teach in this one room school. With the construction of a new 4-room school in Douglas in 1954 and with the closure of Derry School, Mime accepted the K-3 position in Douglas, under the principalship of Ab Richardson. In 1960, since Mime didn’t yet have her Permanent Professional Teaching Certificate, she substituted and began working towards this classification through night classes and summer school at Brandon University, until she achieved permanent teacher status in 1966 and joined the teaching staff at Princess Elizabeth School in Shilo. Since Reg, Mime and family moved to Brandon in 1962, Mime commuted to Shilo with colleagues Don Berry, Clair Davies, Dick McDonald and Walter and Sylvia Bohonos. The first thing they looked for each day was to see if Mime had on matching shoes. Frequently she didn’t and they weren’t even the same colour! Besides her teaching duties, she curled with the Shilo staff and was a member of Team Nahachewsky that won the provincial MTS Bonspiel in 1972.

36 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

A life dedicated to teaching, family, and the love of living life to the fullest.

Written by Ron and Rae Westcott

Above: Mime at the Norman School cairn at age 102. Right: Mime attending Normal School in Winnipeg in 1929.

Mime ended her rewarding teaching career in 1976 at Princess Elizabeth School when she turned 65. Her retirement opened another chapter in her life that included the continued dedication to her family and friends, travel and learning. With the sudden death of her husband Reg in 1965, Mime became the sole guiding light in the Westcott family, supporting the lives of her five children (Norma, Rae, Elaine, Ron and JoAnne) and cherishing their achievements. She loved those special visits with her 15 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. She made sure to give all of them her advice about life: “never change, be yourself, don’t worry and everything will work out”. Since Mime was an avid curler and curling fan, she curled until the age of 90 and travelled Canada and Europe on several occasions to watch the Brier or the Silver Broom World Championships. At 104, she travelled to Whitehorse to cheer on her son Ron and his team win the Canadian Masters and at 107, she flew by herself to Penticton to watch her granddaughter Raunora play in the Canadian Scotties.

Life Members

April 2022

Mary M. Dupas – St. Malo, MB

May 2022

Robert G. Cassan - Beausejour, MB

June 2022

Tsuchio Isobe – White Rock, BC

Ivan Traill – Neepawa, MB

August 2022

Mime loved to travel. At age 74, back-packing through the rugged outback of Australia with her granddaughter and staying at hostels, is a testament to her adventurous spirit, as were her visits to Elaine and her family in Alaska to enjoy the frontier region of North America or with Rae and his family to the sun and sand of Mexico. But, her visits with JoAnne and her family at their farm in North Dakota and the cabin life at Lake Metigoshe and helping Norma groom horses near Brandon, fed her prairie spirit.

Mime’s long life is remembered by a sense of humour, quick wit and an attitude of “don’t worry too much and be nice to people”, traits she demonstrated to her passing. In the TRAF’s newsletter in 2021, Mime gave retired teachers this advice “It is good to stay productive, even in retirement. Make sure you keep a good library nearby. Do what you can to help, as we all should be doing more. We can all help in the schools, sharing our passion and helping some of the overworked parents and teachers today’.

September 2022

Shirley E. Hogue – Winnipeg, MB

Douglas R. Legall – Pinawa, MB

Alvin H. Neustaedter – Winnipeg, MB

Odarka S. Trosky – Winnipeg, MB

Russell Tymos – Winnipeg, MB

Florence M. Wiens – Winnipeg, MB

William Camier – Selkirk, MB

Claude N. Desrosiers – McCreary, MB

Walter Nakoneshny – Winnipeg, MB

Helen I. Norrie – Winnipeg, MB

Eugenia Zetaruk – Winnipeg, MB

In Memoriam

Lorne Kimpinski – Oak Lake, MB

Yoshimi Kusamura-Crawford – Winnipeg, MB

Eileen L. Marshall – Winnipeg, MB

Judy McGowan – Portage la Prairie, MB

Grace Mealy – Minto, MB

Lloyd M. Paulson – Winnipeg, MB

Linda Doreen Smerch – Cranberry Portage, MB

Marie T. Vigier – Winnipeg, MB

August 2022

James C. Stephens – Winnipeg, MB

Jemima I. Westcott – Brandon, MB

September 2022

James H. Atkinson – Brandon, MB

Joan Cairns – Winnipeg, MB

Russel E. Goossen – Matlock, MB

Maeve P. Gray – Winnipeg, MB

Margaret Hansen – Winnipeg, MB

William G. Hodge – Wentworth, QC

“The above RTAM members who have passed, were regretfully missed from previous editions of KIT. We sincerely apologize to their families.”

July 2022

Joyce E. Brook – Amherstburg, ON

Margaret K. Bush – Surrey, BC

Elizabeth Doell – Altona, MB

Earl H. Einarson – Antigonish, NS

Lloyd R. Franklin – Winnipeg, MB

Brenda J. Grabys – Winnipeg, MB

Gerald W. Hildebrand – Winnipeg, MB

Barbara L. Baxter – Winnipeg, MB

Jean Bretcher – Winnipeg, MB

Jaye E. Castleden – Fanny Bay, BC

Marguerite E. Crandle – Brandon, MB

Rosaline Fedorkie – Winnipeg, MB

H. Lorraine Hjartarson – Winnipeg, MB

Phyllis Kalinsky – Winnipeg, MB

Alice Moulton – Phoenix, AZ, USA

Wayne F. Rowe – Humboldt, SK

Gladwyn L. Scott – Carberry, MB

Peter D. Smith – Winnipeg, MB

Paul P. Smolarski – Edmonton, AB

Gwen D. Hudson – Anola, MB

Elaine P. Inkster – Winnipeg, MB

Karen D. Klisko – Gimli, MB

Anna Krawchuk – Winnipeg, MB

Jane V. MacLean – Winnipeg, MB

Lula I. MacLeod - Winnipeg, MB

Daniel P. McGurran – Winnipeg, MB

Carol A. Rankmore – Stratford, ON

Libby Simon – Winnipeg, MB

Kenneth D. Stewart – Winnipeg, MB

H. Harry Yoshida – Winnipeg, MB

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 37

RTAM’s Distinguished Service Awards Presented in 2022

Complied by Dorothy Young

2020 Chapter Member Distinguished Service Award Emily Williamson

Emily Williamson has been a member of the Retired Women Teachers’ Association since she retired from teaching and has served on the RWTA Executive Board for 20+ years. She has held many positions including Social committee rep. Membership Chair, and presently serves on the visiting committee.

Emily is compassionate, dedicated, incredibly talented, full of ideas and personality, fun loving, organized, creative, and is RWTA’s “go to person”

2020 Distinguished Service Award

Joan Dawson

Joan Dawson retired from the School Division of Mystery Lake in June 2008 after thirty-six years of full-time teaching. She began her teaching career in 1972 with the Frontier School Division, teaching grades one and two as well as supervising the kindergarten in Ilford, MB. Joan moved to Thompson in 1973 and spent the next thirty-five years teaching grades one to four and Reading Recovery. She was a gifted mentor both for needy students who fell through the cracks and for struggling teachers.

Since retiring, she has been a strong supporter of the Thompson Association of Retired Educators (TARE), having served as Secretary/ Treasurer, Vice President, President, and Past President.

Joan joined the RTAM Board in 2012 and served on many committees, as either a committee member or the Chair of committees:

• AGM and Elections (Member and Chair)

• Bylaws and Policy (Member and Chair)

always willing to help and go the extra mile for RWTA and its members.

RWTA thoroughly enjoys when Emily dresses up as “Mrs. Claus” at each December’s luncheon bringing joy to our members.

Emily was nominated for this Award by the RWTA and the award was presented to Emily by Dorothy Young at the RWTA luncheon on September 29, 2022.

• Educational Advocacy, Student Awards and Wellness (Member)

• KIT Editorial Committee (Member)

• Membership and Chapters Committee (Member and Co-Chair)

• Strategic Plan Ad Hoc Committee (Member)

On the RTAM Executive, Joan served for six years as:

• Secretary (2015-2018)

• President (2018-2019)

• Past President and Chair of the AGM and Elections Committee (2019-2020)

Joan assumed the Presidency of RTAM in 2018 at a time of significant change. She was instrumental in supporting many organizational changes such as:

• RTAM’s pathway to change with a formal Strategic Plan.

• Significant change in the mandate of the Officer’s Committee.

• Continued training of Board members and

38 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

Due to CovID -19 and RTAM Annual General Meetings being held mainly virtually, three Distinguished Service Awards were finally presented in person this year.

2020 Distinguished Service Award Joan Dawson continued

Staff by offering Volunteer Manitoba seminars.

• Continued the practice of securing the services of an independent Chairperson during the Annual General Meeting.

• A member of the Committee to hire an Office Manager and additional new staff, to better serve our growing membership.

• Meet with the members of all three political parties to advocate for RTAM’s concerns prior to the 2019 Provincial and Federal elections.

Throughout her eight years on the RTAM Board, Joan mentored new Directors and encouraged them to take on the role of chairing a standing committee.

Joan’s dedicated service to the retired teachers of Manitoba is exemplified both by her eight years on the RTAM Board and her commitment to drive eight hours each way to RTAM Board meetings, often in inclement weather.

This award was presented by Bill Cann on behalf of the Board at the RTAM dinner on May 4, 2022.

2022 Distinguished Service Award Bill Cann

Bill’s many varied teaching and administration roles prior to joining RTAM prepared him for the successes and challenges he has faced in his role as President. His volunteer service on Manitoba Education committees, St JamesAssiniboia School Division Committees, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and others offered him snapshots of unique aspects of education and leadership practices to facilitate his effective running of an organization such as RTAM.

Bill served the Retired Teachers Association of Manitoba in the following capacities:

• President 2020-2022

• Vice President and ACER-CART delegate, 2016-2017

• Board Member 2007-2011, 2016-2020

• Pension Committee 2007-2010, 2018-2022

• Benefits Committee 2019-2022

• Public Relations Committee 2015-2022

When running for election, he made the following commitments which he has more than fulfilled:

“As your President, I will continue to provide effective, team-based leadership which relies on consensus decision-making. I remain dedicated to further empowering RTAM Chapters and enhancing relations with The Manitoba Teachers’ Society, TRAF and with other organizations.

My second term priorities will include

lobbying the Government to secure legislative recognition of RTAM as the official voice of Manitoba retired teachers, a seat on the TRAF Board and improved annual COLA grants; increasing membership; defending Defined Benefit Pensions; addressing the proposed changes to the education system in Bill 64; and providing enhanced member benefits with Johnson Insurance and Union Savings as well as discounted travel programs with Trip Merchant.”

In the past two years, Bill has established bimonthly ZOOM meetings with Chapter Presidents to ensure regular communication and a feeling of inclusion in the issues RTAM has been addressing. He regularly meets with the MTS President to keep the lines of communication open and flowing which has resulted in a positive relationship. He helped plan a trip to Haida Gwaii with Trip Merchant, a discounted travel program, for RTAM members. He has encouraged strong ties with ACER-CART and the Manitoba Seniors Coalition to improve the lives of retired people in general but with our membership in mind.

Bill took over the duties of RTAM Executive Director in January until a new ED was hired in April, while carrying on with his Presidential responsibilities.

This award was presented on behalf of the Board by Linda Scott and Joan Zaretsky at the RTAM AGM dinner on May 4, 2022.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 39

Aging in place:

Strategies #1 your health and #2 your home

By Joan Zaretsky

Have you ever had the unusual experience whereby you purchase something such as a new car and immediately after the purchase, you start to see your car everywhere you go? There is a name for this phenomenon – the BadderMeinhof Phenomenon. This is what has been happening since I started learning about Aging in Place. Everywhere I go I find new information about it. In my dentist’s office, I found a short quip in the “Wellness News” published monthly. In one of the latest online communication from our federal Minister for Seniors, there is an item about Aging in Place. This idea, the concept of being able to remain in your own home for as long as possible, is being discussed everywhere in my world – or so it would seem!

In the last KIT, the Five-Strategy Framework developed by Sue Lantz was discussed regarding strategies to “help you organize your actions, plans and choices to prepare for your best aging experiences.” In this article, we will focus on the first two of the five strategies – Your Health and Your Home.

#1 Your Health

Virgil (17-19 BCE) wrote “Your greatest wealth is your health.” Maintaining your best physical and mental health are key to your enjoyment of life. Sue suggests “Maintaining your best health is a learning and discovery process. Taking care of your health keeps your options open.” Knowing and understanding your health needs are key to becoming informed of the “healthcare services including family medicine, specialist care, hospital/clinic care and home and community care” you require. Sue presents a four step healthcare cycle to support your continuous learning about health needs and services as well as adaptations needed to support your optimum health during your retirement years. She comments that each of us controls whether or not we will be proactive or reactive in this cycle. Obviously, the more proactive we can be, the healthier and more productive your results will be in your years as an older adult.

Just as we recognize the value of encouraging our students to set goals and commit to them, Sue suggests “Staying as healthy as possible involves setting goals and taking action towards achieving your health goals. Some of these actions include making lifestyle choices such as healthy eating or exercise or following through on a medical treatment plan. You can also take preventative actions such as actively monitoring changes in your physical or mental health and proactively seeking more information and access to clinical advice and support.” She concludes that monitoring your health is key and notes that today technology may play a major role in supporting your ability to experience a healthy lifestyle for your upcoming years.

#2 Your Home

Sue emphasizes that “Finding the right housing option is a critical decision for ensuring your health, happiness and safety.” One of the most important decisions you will ever have to face may be the decision to stay living in your current home, perhaps with some renovations, or moving into a different housing option.

In both of these options, you need to consider the value to you of remaining in your current neighborhood. Often older adults move to new locations closer to their families while leaving their friends and neighbors behind. There are advantages to both locations and this decision requires some soul searching thought.

Sue offers a “Top 10 List of Requirements for Aging in the Right Place” which includes the affordability of your living accommodations, the spaciousness of your choice, nearness to health care and transportation as well as many others to consider. If your current home meets most of these ten requirements with/ out some renovations and allows you to stay in your neighborhood or small town, your decision may be a fairly easy one. However, moving to a new and better location, as required to maintain your current state of health, may assist you in meeting more of these requirements, especially if your new location is still within the same neighborhood, town or city. A major move to a completely new location will take some adaptation and so you must weigh your options.

Sue suggests that perhaps you need to think outside the box and you may want to look to alternative housing options. She reviews a number of different options including moving into an apartment/condo in the same building as a friend to support your social connections. Or you may consider collaborative rental or ownership locations with another older adult. In our discussion at the ACER-CART workshop, senior villages and specially designed senior condo developments were proposed. She noted a key issue with this topic is determining the correct time to make this decision to stay where you are or move to a new location. Timing is critical.

In upcoming KIT editions, suggested strategies and supports to enable you to have a quality lifestyle longer will be outlined for the last three strategies of her framework. In the next KIT, we will be reviewing considerations when looking at your Social Networks and your Caregiving Teams. If you are interested in learning more about all of these strategies, you can google www. collaborativeaging.com . Sue Lantz offers lots of crucial ideas to ponder proactively as you move through your future decades.

40 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

WINTER dElIgHTs: Recipes for the holidays and beyond

Cooking for a healthy diet in winter can be challenging, especially for older adults. Local fresh fruits and vegetables are finished, and price-conscious cooks must rely increasingly on root vegetables and frozen produce. Traditional holiday goodies tend to be high in sugar and fat. Everyday cooking for a single or two eaters means finding recipes that offer small quantities

for smaller appetites to avoid wasting food or eating leftovers excessively. And so, the recipes being shared in this article look at alternatives: simple ingredients that are in season; small batches; options that are vegetarian, gluten-free, low fat or low sugar; and different ideas for using leftovers.

Leftover Mashed Potato Side Dish

A different take on leftover mashed potatoes. This flexible dish makes a welcome (and healthier) choice than reheated potatoes covered in gravy.

Ingredients:

2 cups mashed potatoes

1 egg

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ cup dry breadcrumbs, or as needed

1 tablespoon oil

1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

1. Combine mashed potatoes, egg, and pepper in a bowl and mix well together.

2. Pour breadcrumbs into a small bowl. Shape potato mixture into 3-inch patties with wet hands and dip in breadcrumbs so they are evenly coated.

3. Heat oil and butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook potato cakes on both sides until they are heated through and browned, about 4 minutes per side.

Notes:

1. Ensure crumbs are pressed into the potato mixture and the oil is hot.

Variations:

1. You can also add garlic, cayenne, or herbs to the mashed potato mixture, depending on your taste.

2. Make a dilly potato cake by adding dried (or fresh) dill and parsley. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream.

3. Gluten-free option: use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute gluten-free cracker crumbs

Find more recipes in our digital KIT

www.rtam.mb.ca / Publications / KIT Magazine

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 41

For the Love of Cranberries

Nothing speaks to me of fall and winter like cranberries. I love them – for breakfast, for dinner and for dessert. Turkey just doesn’t taste right without the tart accompaniment of homemade cranberry sauce! The raw berries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, but the sauce has a lot of added sugar. Don’t waste the leftovers; add them to apple crisp or make a parfait for a colourful and satisfying dessert that can be made as big or as small as you want.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

This is a versatile dessert made from odds and ends in the fridge and pantry. This is a classic standby for using up leftover cranberry sauce.

Ingredients:

Plain or vanilla yogurt (see note)

Berries (or chopped fruit) *especially leftover cranberry sauce Granola

Chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Use any footed glass (I use odd, stemmed water goblets).

2. Add a thin layer of fruit in the bottom of the glass.

3. Add about a 1-inch layer of yogurt.

4. Alternate layers of fruit and yogurt until near the top of the glass.

5. Add a layer of granola and top with finely chopped nuts.

6. Refrigerate before serving.

Notes:

1. Variations are limitless and depend on what you have on hand and what you like. I use this for leftovers such as mincemeat or lemon pie filling or pumpkin pie filling that I bought by mistake.

2. I keep a jar of granola on hand, but I have also used cookie crumbs (especially ginger snaps). Gluten-free options work too.

3. Use the yogurt you like - soy, natural, almond or whatever is in the fridge. While I prefer plain yogurt, you can use a fruit yogurt (but you will be increasing the sugar content). My current favourite is a high protein Greek yogurt that has a particularly smooth texture, and the added protein adds a nutrition punch.

42 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

Chocolate Mug Cake

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons coconut flour

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 pinch salt

1 egg

2 tablespoons coconut milk or almond milk

2 tablespoons melted coconut oil

2 tablespoons maple syrup or sugar-free liquid sweetener*

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons chocolate chips** optional

Directions:

1. In a small bowl or large mug whisk together coconut flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.

2. Add egg, coconut milk, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla and mix until everything is very well combined.

3. If you use a bowl for mixing ingredients, fill the batter into a large mug and microwave on high for about 1.5 to 2.5 minutes. Start checking at the 1-minute mark.

4. Let the mug cake cool for a couple minutes before eating.

Notes:

1. Use 1 big mug that fits at least 12 fl. oz. or divide the batter into 2 smaller tea or coffee cups for individual servings. Check often, you want it to be set but still springy. The cake is done when it pulls away from the sides of the mug.

2. Top with a sprinkle of icing sugar, a light glaze, a spoonful of ice cream, chocolate chips and/or sliced almonds.

3. Coconut flour is not an ingredient that is found in most kitchens, but it is essential for making mug cakes. A small package lasts a long time, and it can be found at a reasonable price at bulk food stores, online merchants, and sometimes at the local dollar store. Because the recipe uses just a small quantity and it keeps well, it is something I keep stocked for “those” days. Coconut oil is in the same category.

Dessert for One – or for that unexpected guest on a special diet

When you want a sweet treat, mug cakes are easy to make with the added benefit of no leftovers. Most are gluten-free, vegetarian, and suitable for a Keto diet. Recipes abound for different varieties, but this chocolate version is a personal favourite.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 43

Hearty Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Soup – the essential winter dish. This vegetarian minestrone is a good choice for a simple meal, for potluck gatherings, or for a make-ahead dish. — Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1 cup carrots, sliced

1 cup celery, sliced

1 cup yellow onion, diced 28 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices

2 Tbsp tomato paste parmesan rind, or 1” chunk of parmesan

2-3 Tbsp minced garlic 2 bay leaves

1 ¼ Tbsp dried Italian seasoning pinch of red pepper flakes

4 cups fat free vegetable stock or broth

2 cups water

15 oz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or chickpeas)

1 cup diced zucchini (fresh or thawed)

1 cup frozen cut green beans

Directions:

1 ½ cups small pasta (omit if freezing)

1 ½ cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

1. Add the vegetables (except zucchini, green beans and spinach), cheese, seasonings, liquids and legumes to a 6 quart or larger slow cooker. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

2. Half an hour before you want to serve the soup, add zucchini and pasta, stir, cover, and cook on HIGH for 20-25 minutes.

3. 5 minutes before serving, add in frozen green beans and baby spinach, stir, cover, and cook on HIGH for 5 minutes.

4. Remove bay leaves and grate parmesan cheese over when serving.

Notes:

1. Substitute canned tomatoes with 1 ½ cups of frozen tomatoes and increase tomato paste to 4 Tbsp.

2. This makes 8 servings of soup. A smaller batch can be made, by decreasing all quantities and using 1 can of mixed beans instead of the kidney and cannellini.

3. Leftover soup keeps well in the fridge for several days, but if you are freezing it, omit the pasta and add it when reheating.

44 RTAM KIT / Winter 2022

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WINTER dElIgHTs: Recipes for the holidays and beyond

Leftover Mashed Potato Side Dish

Variations:

For the Love of Cranberries

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Chocolate Mug Cake

Cranky Old Man