President’s Report – 3
Mot de la présidente – 4
Executive director’s Report – 5
Cindy lamoureux, liberal Ml A – 6
RTAM Student Awards – 6
Crossing Paths – 7
director spotlight - Bill Cann – 8
Vincent Massey 60th+++ Reunion – 8
Website Committee Report – 9
Wellness Advocacy Report – 9
Political Advocacy Report – 9
RTAM Extended Health Care (EHC) Plan – 10-11
Benefits Plan changes are coming – 12
A new RTAM Partnership for Hearing Aids – 14
RTAM 2023 Annual General Meeting – 15-22
Boyne Chapter Report – 23
dauphin Area Retired Teachers’ Association (dARTA) – 23
NARTA Report – 23
Éducatrices et éducateurs francophones du Manitoba (ÉMR) – 24
Interlake Retired Teachers’ Association – 24
RTAM – okanagan Chapter – 25
Retired Women Teachers’ Association (RWTA) – 25
Southwest Assiniboine Chapter – 26
st. James-Assiniboia RTAM chapter – 26
Swan Valley Retired Teachers Chapter Report – 26
living your retirement vision – 27
Aging in place – 28
Book Review: Overseas Adventures – 29
In Memoriam – 30
life Members – 30
All materials for the next issue of KIT must be emailed with no formatting to kit@rtam.mb.ca and received by May 10, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
Materials published here do not necessarily represent the policies or views of RTAM. The Editorial Committee reserves the right to print, reject and/or edit for clarity, all materials received.
Published by
106-1780 Wellington Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3
Phone 204-889-3660 • 1-888-393-8082
Email: info@rtam.mb.ca • www.rtam.mb.ca
EdIToRIAl CoMMITTEE
Chair: Joan Zaretsky
MEMBERs
JoAnne Hoyak
Judy Danchura
Email: kit@rtam.mb.ca
BoArD of DirecTors 2022-2023
President: Linda Blair
Vice -President: Joan Zaretsky
secretary: Dave najduch
Treasurer: pat Bowslaugh
Past President: Bill cann
DirecTors-AT-LArge
shannon culbertson
Bob Davies
David Harkness
paul Harland
Dennis Kozak
gabe Mercier
Joan rink
President: Linda Blair
Email: president@rtam.mb.ca
Executive director: sean seywright
Email: seywright@rtam.mb.ca
Office Administrator: Denise Bellesia
Email: dbellesia@rtam.mb.ca
Member services Coordinator: Dianne casar
Email: dcasar@rtam.mb.ca
design & Print: concept printing services
Creative director/design: Kathleen cable
Email: conceptprinting@shaw.ca
Copyright © 2023 by RTAM
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
The groundhog has seen his shadow so we can now expect six more weeks of winter. As you read this issue of KIT, Spring will be arriving very soon. Trees will be budding, grass will be greening, flowers will be appearing, and weather will be warmer.
During the month of January, we had two of our dedicated Board Members submit their resignations. Audrey Siemens and Anne Williams have had situations in their lives change and felt that they could no longer give their positions with RTAM the care and focus needed.
Audrey was the Chair of the Substitute Teachers Concerns Committee. She worked to gather information on the working conditions of our members who substitute. Audrey was always ready to supply the current information that we needed. Anne has a gift in the field of editing. She shared her gift with us. We will miss these two Board Members. We wish them well in the days ahead.
We have two Board Members who have served their final term on the Board after many years of service. Pat Bowslaugh and Bill Cann will be completing their service on the Board in May.
There are also four Board Members who have indicated that they will be moving off the Board in May. Paul Harland served as Chair of the Website Committee. Dennis Kozak served as Chair of the Political Advocacy Committee. David Harkness served as Chair of the Pension Committee as well as stepping into
the Chair of the Substitute Teachers Concerns Committee when Audrey could no longer continue as Chair. Joan Rink served as a member of the Wellness Committee. These four members brought their gifts to serve on the Board. We will miss their contributions.
As you have read, we are going to miss several Board Members in May. Please consider how you can contribute to our Board. Please encourage other members to do the same. We need your skills. We need your input. Consider completing an RTAM Volunteer Form.
Your feedback regarding Manitoba’s K to 12 Education Action Plan was compiled into a document and forwarded to Minister Ewasko in December. He has sent his appreciation for the feedback.
Our application process seeking out the best candidate or candidates to be nominated for the RTAM seat on TRAF has been completed as of January 31. The name of the nominee has been forwarded to Minister Ewasko. We await the official announcement of the RTAM representative who will hold the RTAM seat on the TRAF Board.
We have been busy developing new partnerships. Our new hearing partner is Hearing Life. Check out our website for the list of all our partners and benefits.
Our next RTAM Pre-Retirement Seminar will be held online on Saturday, March 11. Check out our website for details. Strive for balance in your daily living.
“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”
— Leo Tolstoy
Cette année, la marmotte a vu son ombre pour ainsi laisser présager six autres semaines de temps hivernal. Mais au moment où vous lirez ce numéro de KIT, le printemps se pointera sans doute déjà le bout du nez avec sa douceur réconfortante et son cortège d’arbres bourgeonnants, de parterres fleurissants et de gazons verdissants.
En janvier, deux de nos dévoués membres du conseil d’administration ont remis leur démission. En raison de changements de circonstances dans leurs vies, Audrey Siemens et Anne Williams estimaient qu’elles ne pouvaient plus accorder à leurs fonctions au sein de la RTAM toute l’attention et la diligence voulues. Audrey présidait le comité des préoccupations des enseignants suppléants. Elle s’employait à receuillir des informations sur les conditions de travail de nos membres qui font de la suppléance, informations dont elle me faisait part tout particulièrement à titre de présidente. Je comptais sur ces informations les plus à jour pour les communiquer dans le cadre de mes diverses activités et Audrey était toujours là pour me les fournir. Anne a, de son côté, un grand talent pour la révision de textes qu’elle a mis à notre disposition. Ces deux membres du conseil d’administration vont certes nous
manquer et nous leur souhaitons tout plein de belles choses pour l’avenir.
Il y a aussi deux membres du conseil d’administration qui en sont à leur dernier mandat après de nombreuses années de service. Pat Bowslaugh et Bill Cann termineront leurs mandats respectifs en mai.
Nous comptons également quatre membres du conseil d’administration qui ont annoncé qu’ils allaient cesser leurs activités en mai. Ces membres sont Paul Harland, président du Comité du site Web; Dennis Kozak, président du comité de mobilisation politique; David Harkness, président du comité des pensions qui a aussi pris la relève d’Audrey à la présidence du comité des préoccupations des enseignants suppléants; et Joan Rink, membre du comité du mieux-être. Ces quatre membres ont mis leurs talents au service du conseil d’administration et leur soutien va assurément nous manquer.
Ainsi en mai, comme notre conseil d’administration comptera plusieurs membres en moins, nous vous invitons dès maintenant à envisager votre participation au conseil ainsi qu’à encourager celle d’autres membres. Nous avons besoin de vos talents et de votre
apport. Pensez à remplir le formulaire de bénévolat de la RTAM.
Vos commentaires concernant le Plan d’action pour l’éducation de la maternelle à la 12e année du Manitoba ont été regroupés dans un document et transmis au ministre Ewasko en décembre. Il nous a fait part de ses remerciements pour ces observations.
Notre processus de mises en candidature pour le siège de la RTAM auprès de la Caisse de retraite des enseignants (TRAF) s’est achevé le 31 janvier. Le nom de la personne proposée a été transmis au ministre Ewasko. Nous attendons maintenant l’annonce officielle de la personne qui représentera la RTAM et siègera au conseil d’administration de la TRAF.
Nous continuons à bâtir de nouveaux partenariats et notre nouveau partenaire en audiologie est Hearing Life. Consultez le site Web pour obtenir la liste de tous nos partenaires et avantages.
Notre prochain séminaire sur la préretraite de la RTAM se déroulera en ligne le samedi 11 mars. Consultez notre site Web pour en savoir plus.
Aspirez à l’équilibre au quotidien.
Catherine Pulsifer« Dans toutes les facettes de notre vie, l’équilibre est la clé. Se consacrer excessivement à une chose peut causer un dérèglement. Comme on le dit si bien, la modération en tout a bien meilleur goût ! »
—
Welcome to warmer months, longer days, more sunshine, time outside, fresh air, gardens, flowers, plants, and friends. Margaret Atwood was so right; spring is all about longer days and putting in the work for an enjoyable summer and fruitful fall. Getting dirty throughout the day is part of the fun!
RTAM is no different. The effort we seed into spring will bear the organization’s fruit this fall and winter. With that, we make the first of several calls to action in this month’s Executive Director report…
Our Board of Directors and Committees
NEED YOU! www.rtam.mb.ca/newsannouncements/138-2023-agm The strength of any organization is the steady stream of members who volunteer to bring in new ideas, energy, and strategies to keep the life blood of RTAM flowing. Please visit our website and consider applying for committee service (once a month meeting for 9 or 10 months of the year) or to help serve our board of directors. We would love to have your time, smile, and spirit as part of our team!
Did you know we are creating and offering more and more programs and events for RTAM? www.rtam.mb.ca/events Check
them out and feel free to email our wellness director (GMercier@RTAM.mb.ca) with new ideas for future programs and seminars!
Have you thought about mentoring a student through the RTAM Student Success Portfolio program, or do you know of a student that would benefit from mentoring? How about our student awards and scholarships? Make sure you’re visiting both committee pages on our website to learn about opportunities for family of RTAM members! www.rtam. mb.ca/profile/ssp
RTAM is seeding for a great 2023 and hoping to grow in all sorts of new colours and opportunities. So please join us in getting dirty!
Vivement plus de douceur, de lumière, de soleil, de plein air, d’air pur, de jardins, de fleurs, de plantes et d’amis! Margaret Atwood ne saurait mieux dire; le printemps, c’est l’allongement des jours et c’est retrouver le plaisir de mettre la main à la terre en vue d’un été florissant et d’une moisson abondante à l’automne!
La RTAM ne fait pas exception, les efforts que nous déployons ce printemps porteront leurs fruits cet automne et cet hiver au service de notre organisation. Ainsi, nous profitons ce mois-ci de la tribune du Mot du directeur général pour lancer le premier d’une série d’appels à l’action.
Notre conseil d’administration et nos comités ONT BESOIN DE VOUS! www.
- Margaret Atwood, L’Œuf de Barbe-Bleue rtam.mb.ca/news-announcements/1382023-agm La vigueur de la RTAM, comme de celle de toute organisation, repose sur un bassin toujours renouvelé de membres bénévoles qui lui apportent de nouvelles idées, énergies et stratégies qui lui sont nécessaires pour maintenir sa vitalité. Visitez notre site Web et envisagez de faire partie de nos comités (réunions mensuelles durant 9 ou 10 mois chaque année) ou de notre conseil d’administration. Nous serions ravis de pouvoir compter sur votre présence, votre bonne humeur et votre dynamisme au sein de notre équipe!
Saviez-vous que nous mettons en place et offrons de plus en plus de programmes et d’activités pour la RTAM? www.rtam.mb.ca/events Jetez-y un coup d’œil et n’hésitez pas à faire parvenir
un courriel à notre directeur du mieuxêtre (GMercier@RTAM.mb.ca) pour lui proposer de nouvelles idées pour les prochains programmes et séminaires! Avez-vous déjà songé à mentorer des élèves dans le cadre du programme Student Success Portfolio de la RTAM ou connaissez-vous un ou une élève qui pourrait bénéficier du mentorat? Il y a aussi notre comité des bourses d’études qui pourrait vous intéresser. Assurezvous de consulter les pages de ces deux comités dans notre site Web pour découvrir les possibilités d’implication qui d’offrent à la grande famille des membres de la RTAM! www.rtam.mb.ca/ profile/ssp
La RTAM nourrit de grands espoirs pour 2023 et vous invite à mettre la main à la terre avec nous pour nous assurer une croissance foisonnante qui fera germer une myriade de nouvelles possibilités!
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”
Margaret Atwood, Bluebeard’s Egg.
« Au printemps, à la fin du jour, on doit dégager une odeur de terre. »
Cindy Lamoureux was instrumental in seeing Bill 208, the establishment of a dedicated RTAM seat on the TRAF Board, become a part of legislation. RTAM is incredibly grateful to Cindy for all her work.
She first became interested in Bill 208 while meeting with our RTAM members. They explained the need for such a seat in that the representative would be from RTAM and would represent RTAM on their own pension board. The explanation made sense. She agreed with the rationale. Lobbying does work.
Learning that RTAM represents 11,000 retired teachers who now live across Canada impressed Cindy. The realization that both the NDP and the Conservatives introduced the same Bill when in opposition was also important. Being a part of the process to pass this bill seemed to make sense and to be self-explanatory.
In the past, other bills may have taken priority. Now was the time to introduce this bill once again. Cindy set to work focusing on promoting this bill to all her fellow colleagues. She worked diligently at defining the qualities of this bill and stressing the importance it had to fellow retired teachers. Relationships do matter.
The day came that Bill 208 passed third reading. Success!
As Education Critic, Cindy has been focused on matters surrounding education. She has a master’s degree among other qualifications and now wants to pursue an Education Degree when time will allow her to do so. She loves learning.
Her next goal is focused on acquiring an independent Seniors Advocate to serve in a similar capacity as the Children’s Advocate.
RTAM graciously thanks Cindy for the pivotal role she played in moving Bill 208 into law. We wish Cindy all the best in the days ahead.
The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) awards annually four (4) post-secondary STUDENT AWARDS of $1,000 each to relatives of RTAM members.
Ifirst got to know Wayne when he and our son started curling together as high school students in Beausejour. Along with his parents my husband and I travelled around Manitoba cheering them on. Later upon graduating high school, he and our son roomed together at the University of Manitoba.
Later, after Wayne finished his education, he came back to Beausejour to teach at Edward Schreyer Collegiate with my husband. Seventeen years later, Wayne ran for provincial election and became our M.L.A. Now he is the Minister of Education! How time flies.
When I was on the phone with Wayne to have him fill in the blanks, I was shocked to learn that his two boys are 22 and 19 yrs. old! He still lives in the home that he and his wife Tracy built just outside of Beausejour. I asked Wayne how he is enjoying being an MLA and he said there is never a dull moment. The Lac du Bonnet constituency encompasses four towns, two Hutterite colonies, two school divisions and one First Nations community. Also, the constituency is home to several resort communities and their special needs.
Wayne is proud of the fact that he and MLA Cindy Lamoureux were strong supporters of an RTAM representative on the Teachers’ Retirement Allowances Fund (TRAF). When asked, he stated that he was not surprised to see retired teachers forfeit their leisure time to come forward as substitutes to help overcome system shortages. Once a teacher- always a teacher!
I end by wishing Wayne and his Beausejour men’s curling team good luck in the Manitoba Men’s Bonspiel in Neepawa.
1. My wife, Dorothy Young, and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary during the RTAM trip to Haida Gwaii in June 2022.
2. I have two married daughters and 3 grandsons.
3. My main source of exercise is weekday lap swimming.
4. My main hobby interests are painting military miniatures, Napoleonic military history and military simulation gaming (both computer and tabletop).
5. I love to travel, especially in Europe.
• As RTAM’s website continues its process of changing providers, efforts are being made to keep it up to date.
• RTAM members who are on social media are encouraged to check out and follow RTAM on Instagram and/or Facebook.
The committee is working well with the Executive Director and the RTAM office on planning, developing, and presenting workshops/seminars of interest to members this year. During the 2022 to 2023 year, so far, we have delivered Estate Planning and Death Doulas seminars by Zoom delivery. There will be many seminars in the window to meet the diverse needs of our members. We look forward to workshops and seminars in Food for Fun & Health, Seminars & Info Sessions, Hobbies, Crafts & Games, and Truth & Reconciliation.
Upcoming seminars that have been scheduled to meet memberinterests are as follows:
• Connie Newman - Senior Centres in Manitoba, Friday, February 17th
• Renée McGurry – The Indigenous People of Turtle Island, Thursday, February 23rd
• Marian Goldstone - Mood Disorders, Wednesday, March 15
There have been a number of retired teachers who are willing to volunteer to facilitate some of our community interest workshops this year.
Members are also invited to email the Wellness Advocacy Committee Chair, Gabe Mercier, to share your ideas for upcoming programs or suggestions for future Workshops. Gabe can be reached by email at gmercier@rtam.mb.ca.
The “5 ASKS” of RTAM have been discussed:
1. Bill 208: An RTAM member to be appointed to the TRAF Board. This has been achieved.
2. Legislated Recognition of RTAM. The Political Advocacy Committee recommended to the Board of Directors and our President that the topic of Legislated Recognition of RTAM be placed on the agenda for the next RTAM/MTS liaison meeting. We are requesting support from the MTS.
3. COLA: Data from TRAF was received, and a zoom meeting was held with the TRAF officials. This item is still under discussion.
4. Membership on the Pension Review Board.
5. Membership on the Education Review Board.
The Political Advocacy Committee will continue to review the last “4 ASKS” to determine how relevant they are to RTAM members, and recommendations will be made to the Board of Directors.
The Political Advocacy Committee recommended to the President that TRAF add the link to the RTAM website on the TRAF website and that other appropriate RTAM communications be shared with new members. This has been accomplished.
February 2023
Dear RTAM Plan Member:
The RTAM Benefits Committee and the Plan Administrator, Johnson Inc. have completed the annual group insurance renewal for the travel, extended health and dental care plans renewing on April 1, 2023.
The review is based on numerous factors, including plan utilization, changing costs of health services and currency fluctuations. Despite the uncertainties we are all currently facing, we continue to focus on providing our members with comprehensive coverage at a great value.
Rates: There will be a 3.9% increase to the Core (EHC) Plan rates effective April 1, 2023 (In 2022, there was no rate increase).
Core (EHC) Enhancements:
1. The Plan prescription drug maximum will increase from $900 per insured per policy year to $1,050.
2. Glucose Monitoring System (Flash or Continuous Monitoring) - 1 device every 36 months up to a maximum of $300. Must be insulin dependent.
3. Services from Registered Social Worker can be claimed under the Psychology Paramedical Benefit (Combined to $300 per insured per policy year).
Rates: There will be a 5.8% increase to Enhanced (EHC) Plan rates effective April 1, 2023.
Enhanced (EHC) Plan Enhancements:
1. The Plan prescription drug maximum will increase from $1,800 per insured per policy year to $2,400
2. Glucose Monitoring System (Flash or Continuous Monitoring) - 1 device every 36 months up to a maximum of $300. Must be insulin dependent
3. Services from Registered Social Worker can be claimed under the Psychology Paramedical Benefit (Combined to $500 per insured per policy year)
per PractitionerAcupuncturist, Athletic Therapist, Chiropractor, Dietician/Nutritionist, Massage Therapist, Naturopath, Osteopath, Podiatrist/Chiropodist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist/Registerd Social Worker, Speech Therapist
If you are currently enrolled in the Core (EHC) and would like to increase coverage to Enhanced (EHC), please send your request by email to pbservicewest@johnson.ca. If you are currently not enrolled in the Extended Health Coverage (EHC) and would like to apply, applications can be found at rtam.johnson.ca, medical evidence may be required.
Rates: There will be a 2.7% increase to rates effective April 1, 2023 (In 2022, there was a 3.9% increase).
Dental Enhancement: $1,200 annual maximum increased to $1,500 per insured, per calendar year.
For full details on your 2023/2024 Prestige Travel Insurance policy including any changes to coverages, please review the enclosed documents from Johnson Inc.
Highlights of Prestige Travel Coverage:
P Unlimited number of trips within Canada (outside your province) of any duration
P Unlimited number of trips outside Canada of up to 62 or 93 consecutive days, depending on your Base Plan selection
P Emergency Medical Insurance benefit maximum of up to $5,000,000 per insured, per policy year
P Trip Cancellation/Interruption/Delay benefits of up to $8,000 per insured, per trip1
P Baggage and Personal Effects benefits of up to $1,500 per insured, to a maximum of $3,000 per family
Rates: Rates will increase 8.5% for the April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 policy year (In 2022, there was no rate increase). However, other factors may impact your premium, such as your age or plan selection.
* Supplemental Plan trips duration are based on the date you first leave Canada for a period of more than 93 consecutive days until the date you return to your province or territory of residence. A 93-day Base Plan is required in order to purchase a Supplemental Plan.
† Some provinces restrict the time allowed out of province to less than 212 days. Contact your provincial health care provider for details.
NOTE: Rates shown do not include sales tax. For more information on applicable sales taxes, please contact Johnson Inc.
If you chose to opt out of trip cancellation, interruption and delay benefits, or select a deductible, these options also apply to your Supplemental Plan. Discounts only apply to your Base Annual Plan premium.
If you have a Prestige Travel Insurance policy and would like to change, add or remove a discount option, downgrade to a base plan, or cancel your policy, a request must be received by Johnson Inc. within 60 days of your first premium deduction. To request a change in discount option, a downgrade or a termination, you cannot have incurred a claim for the new policy year. If you do not have Prestige Travel Insurance and would like to apply for Prestige Travel Insurance, please contact Johnson Inc.
Important: Please make sure your RTAM membership is up to date, you must have an active membership with RTAM to be eligible for coverage under the Johnson Benefit Plans.
For specific questions about your personal benefit plan(s), including the Prestige Travel Insurance discount options and Prestige Travel Insurance Supplemental coverage, please contact Johnson Inc. using the information below.
Blair, President Encl.
The work of the Benefits committee is part of an annual review of the three major plans which RTAM offers through Johnson Insurance. The committee looks at what the plan costs for members each year and the varied services accessible to our members.
This year was also unique because the WTA retirees were forced to leave Manulife and search for new coverage. This put the RTAM Committee in the position of having to compare the Blue Cross plan with what Johnson offered our members as well.
I want to thank the Committee members, Jessica and the staff at Johnson for their efforts. Collectively we looked at a lot of “data” and what you will find below reflects our efforts. As always the committee tried to balance any increase in costs with the benefits being provided so that RTAM members were receiving the best value for the money they spend.
All of the changes highlighted below have been approved by the RTAM Board and will be sent out in writing to the membership in a separate letter with more detailed information before their implementation for April 1, 2023. Please refer to the February 2023 letter for the specific details.
The plan underwriter for the CORE and Enhanced health plans is Desjardins Financial Security (DFS). There are just over 1000 individuals insured through the two plans. It was interesting to note for the committee that of all the claims being paid out in a single year, just about half were for drug coverage.
The table below reflects some of the history of these plans over the last 5 years and the changes which have and will be taking place.
Plan Improvements over the last fiveyear period:
(1) core (done in 2020): $100 for vaccines added to drug maximum.
(2) core (done in 2022): drug coverage increased from $600 to $900 per person per year and Ambulance coverage changed to 100% of cost.
(3) core (being done in 2023): drug coverage increased from $900 to $1050 per person per year, Glucose monitoring of $300 every 36 months, added Registered Social worker to Psychology Benefit.
(4) enhanced (being done in 2023): drug coverage increased from $1800 to $2400 per person per year, Glucose
monitoring of $300 every 36 months, added Registered Social worker to Psychology Benefit.
The table below indicates how the changes in the plan will impact premiums in 2023. The numbers may vary slightly based on some rounding differences.
The focus of this year’s changes was to bring the drug coverage being offered more in line with that being provided through Blue Cross.
The Dental Plan underwriter is Desjardins Financial Security (DFS). There are just over 1600 individuals insured through this plan. Over half the annual amount being paid out through the dental plan is for “Basic Claims”.
The way the dental plan is structured has created a “surplus” account. These funds have been accumulated slowly over the
years. The committee has decided to use some of these funds to improve coverage provided to members in 2023. The notes below reflect the use of the surplus funds over the last five years.
* 2022 renewal had $18,454 from the surplus account used to offset another 2% increase in the premium.
** 2023 renewal will use $40,000 from the surplus account to help generate the improved coverage.
(5) Increased plan maximum from $1100 to $1200 done in 2020
(6) Increased plan maximum from $1200 to $1500 to be done in 2023
The table below indicates how the changes in the plan will impact premiums in 2023. The numbers may vary slightly based on some rounding differences.
The Travel Plan underwriter is RSA. There are just over 3100 individuals insured through this plan.
1. Change to RSA as plan underwriter.
2. Introduced 93 day coverage option .
3. 5% increased based on the following plan change
You or your travelling companion’s death, illness or positive test result as a result of contracting Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) which prevents you from travelling on your day of departure or day of return, or causes you to interrupt your trip. A cancellation, interruption or delay for any other reason related to COVID-19 is not covered
3.5 % increase in premium to cover additional costs.
Refer to the letter from RTAM and Johnson, which you should either already have or just be receiving, to look at the impact the increase will have on the premiums for each age group.
Another important note is that there are savings to be had in accessing Prestige travel insurance. Please refer to an article of mine in the previous KIT which explains how you can save 20% on your annual premium or even more depending on when you start and finish your travel coverage.
Yes I know it is a lot of numbers. The committee worked hard over four meetings to try and understand what we are currently doing and how changes in the premiums and coverage would impact members. The good news is even with these increases, the cost to RTAM members remains below that of the retiree Blue Cross plan. The problem is our coverage is still not as good in some areas.
This entire process begins again in September of this year for the 2024 renewal year. If you have comments, questions or concerns about what you have read, please reach out to me at secretary@rtam.mb.ca.
In an effort to make member money go further, RTAM is exploring the idea of partnerships with various service providers in the community. Sean Seawright, our new Executive Director, reached out to a number of companies to see if RTAM could get a better deal on hearing aids. By entering into an agreement, we would see the provision of a preferred rate for RTAM members and the promotion of Hearing Life by our organization.
As a result of his efforts, two companies responded with offers which were reviewed by the Benefits committee. Hearing Life was selected and taken to the RTAM Board for approval. A oneyear contract will be signed. The membership can learn more about this by checking advertising materials in KIT and on our web page as more information becomes available.
VERY IMPORTANT RTAM members are still free to access any service provider for their hearing aid needs. This means you would also have access to the Johnson insurance amount if you are a member of the RTAM CORE or Enhanced health plans. What you would not have access to is the discounts offered by Hearing Life.
The table below outlines in a general way how the system would work and what is available to the membership as they would move forward. Please remember that dollar values provided will change once you begin to discuss your specific needs and access various service items.
Hearing Life is a national chain which has over 350 locations across Canada. In Manitoba there are currently 10 locations. For specific contact information go to hearinglife.ca and click on “Find a hearing Centre”. There are 4 locations listed for Winnipeg and one each in Steinbach, Portage la Prairie, Winkler, Brandon, Dauphin and Swan River.
Beyond the preferred rate for hearing aids, RTAM members will get access to other services and items at a preferred rate. That information will also be provided in the near future.
Annual Review — As with all RTAM benefit plans, the services provided by Hearing Life will be reviewed by the Benefits Committee with the idea of improving coverage. It will also allow Hearing Life the opportunity to address any concerns they have with RTAM and the programs being offered.
As the hearing aid program roles out — Keep the Benefits committee informed about your experiences with Hearing life. Let us know what has worked and what might need improvement. You can do this by emailing me at secretary@ rtam.mb.ca.
Partnerships in the future — The Executive Director of RTAM has reached out to a number of eye glass providers and is waiting for information back about what might be arranged in this area. We will keep you posted as these talks move forward.
As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns please contact me at secretary@rtam.mb.ca
Chapter Reports
Committee Chair reports
RTAM DSA nominations
Chapter DSA nominations
Director and Executive Nomination form
Friday, March 31, at 4:00 p.m.
Friday, March 31, at 4:00 p.m
Friday, March 31, at 4:00 p.m.
Friday, March 31, at 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 29, at 4:00 p.m.
and it will be shared April 3
Bios for Director and Executive Nominations
Wednesday, March 29, at 4:00 p.m.
and it will be shared April 3
AGM Registration (seminars, hotel, and meals)
Volunteer Application Form
Friday, March 31 at 4:00 p m
Friday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2023
Brandon, Manitoba – Clarion Hotel
May 3rd, 2023 8:30am to 3:30pm
Agenda (as of February 2023, agenda subject to change)
8:30am – 9:00am Registration and Seating
9:00am – 9:10am Land Acknowledgement & Blessing, National Anthem
9:10am – 9:15am In Memoriam
9:15am – 10:30am Reports
o President’s Report and Questions from the Audience (timed item, 20 minutes)
o Executive Director’s Report and Questions from the Audience (timed item, 20 minutes)
o Auditor’s Report, Presented by the Treasurer (timed item, 20 minutes)
Includes proposal for 2023-2024 budget
Includes vote to approve
o Chapter and Committee Reports (approved as block)
10:35am – 11:40am Governance Updates
� Vote to update Articles of Incorporation (timed item, 10 minutes)
� Vote to update RTAM Bylaws (timed item, 20 minutes)
� Vote to update RTAM Policies (timed item, 20 minutes)
11:45am – 12:15pm Voting of Directors
� Introduction of candidates for executive, and director positions
� Voting on executive positions
� Announcement of results
� Voting on director positions
� Announcement of results
12:15pm – 1:15pm Lunch
1:15pm – 2:55pm Presentations
o Presentation MTS (timed item, 20 minutes)
o Presentation TRAF (timed item, 20 minutes)
o Presentation Johnson Insurance Group (timed item, 20 minutes)
o Presentation Hearing Life (timed item, 20 minutes)
o BARTA (timed item, 20 minutes)
3:00pm – 3:45pm Awards
� Departing Directors
� Distinguished Service Awards
Tuesday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Clarion Hotel and Suites – 3130 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, MB 204-728-5775
Tuesday, May 2, Seminar and Presentation, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 3, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Annual General Meeting free to all members, guest fee is $50.00.
The Tuesday night presentation is free for all RTAM members and Chapter Presidents. Guests (non-members) will pay a $10.00 fee at the door for this event. Members are required to preregister on this form or through office@rtam.mb.ca if they wish to avoid the door fee.
The Wednesday AGM and luncheon is free for all RTAM members and Chapter Presidents. Guest non-member will pay a $50.00 fee at the door for this event. Members are required to pre-register on this form or through office@rtam.mb.ca if they wish to avoid the door fee.
Please ensure all guest names are listed in the box above. Please sum up your guest payments and pay the office in person before the event or at the Clarion the morning of the event.
Please identify any health-related dietary accommodation required for you or your guest.
ALL FULL RTAM MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED AND INVITED TO NOMINATE THEMSELVES OR BE NOMINATED FOR A BOARD POSITION. We always need new ideas and enthusiasm!
DEADLINE: Wednesday, March 29, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
As a Full RTAM member, I, ______________________________________, nominate the following Full RTAM member:
Name of Nominee:
Address (include postal code):
Email: Phone:
for the position of: (check one Officer position only (3. to 5.), then check Director for nomination as a Director, if unsuccessful in the Officer position, or check Director (5.) for nomination as a Director only):
1. President Or Director
2. Vice President Or Director
3. Secretary Or Director
4. Treasurer Or Director
5. Director
The signed permission of the nominee: ______________________________________________________ Or, attach a signed statement of permission from the nominee.
Please submit with the Nomination Form a biography (no longer than half a page) and photo to be included in the AGM Elections booklet
Mail, hand-deliver, or courier the completed Nomination Form to: RTAM – Nominations
106 – 1780 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3
May 3, 2023
Clarion Hotel and Suites – 3130 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, MB
2023 – 2024 RTAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nominations for the Officers and Board of Directors of RTAM will be accepted up to and including Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. While nominations may be made from the floor of the AGM assembly, we discourage this and ask all candidates to declare by the 29th to help our members make an informed decision at the time of voting.
Terms and Duties:
• The term of office for a Board position is two years.
• Board Members are asked to chair one of the Standing Committees.
• Board Meetings are held monthly from September to June on the third Thursday of the month (no meetings in July and August).
• Committees generally meet virtually in the first two weeks of the month.
• First time Board members are required to take new Director training (full day session in June).
• All Board members are required to take Board Leadership training (half day session in June).
Nominees and nominators must be full RTAM members in good standing. Nominees must be sufficiently conversant with current communication methods as to be capable of participating in, and assisting with, the work of the board including access to and working knowledge of email, Zoom, Microsoft Teams meetings, Microsoft Office, and in-person meetings.
An individual can nominate themselves. Any RTAM member may be nominated for one Officer position and one Director position. An unsuccessful candidate for the Officer position has the right to stand for a Director position if they have so indicated on the nomination form. Nominees who meet the nomination deadline are invited to submit a biography (no longer than a half page) and photo to be included in the AGM Elections booklet no later than March 29, 2023
Nomination Process:
Nominations will be received by the RTAM Office up to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, via completed Nomination Forms. Nomination forms must be signed by the nominee, or accompanied by a signed statement from the nominee, to acknowledge their willingness to accept the nomination.
Please note: Only FULL RTAM members may hold office, vote, endorse or sign nomination papers. ASSOCIATE RTAM members may not hold office, vote, endorse or sign nomination papers.
Questions? Contact RTAM 204-889-3660; 1-888-393-8082 (toll-free) or office@rtam.mb.ca
A Distinguished Service Award may be presented to an individual whose service to RTAM, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, has been extraordinary.
Selection criteria:
1. The nominator must be a full member of RTAM for at least five years; The nominee must have served on the RTAM Board and/or RTAM Committee for at least five years.
2. A written composition explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award. The nomination shall include a comprehensive description of the nominee’s involvement and service to RTAM.
NOMINATOR'S CONTACT INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT)
Full Name:
Mailing Address:
City/Town: Province & Postal Code:
Phone Number: Cell Number:
E-mail Address:
Nominator’s Signature Date:
NOMINEE'S CONTACT INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT)
Full Name:
Mailing Address:
City/Town: Province & Postal Code:
Phone Number: Cell Number:
E-mail Address:
SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS MARCH 31, 2023.
FORWARD NOMINATIONS TO:
Attn: President
Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) 106-1780
Wellington Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3
AWARD PRESENTATION:
• The Award shall consist of a framed certificate signed by the RTAM President.
A Chapter Member Distinguished Service Award may be awarded to a Chapter member whose service to the Chapter has been extraordinary.
Selection criteria:
1. The nominator and the nominee must each have been full members of RTAM for at least five years.
2. The nomination must include a comprehensive description of the nominees’ significant contribution to the Chapter and why the nominee is deserving of the Award.
NOMINATOR'S CONTACT INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT)
Full Name:
Mailing Address:
City/Town: Province & Postal Code:
Phone Number: Cell Number:
E-mail Address:
Nominator’s Signature Date:
NOMINEE'S CONTACT INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT)
Full Name:
Mailing Address:
City/Town: Province & Postal Code:
Phone Number: Cell Number:
E-mail Address:
SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS MARCH 31, 2023
FORWARD NOMINATIONS TO:
Attn: President
Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) 106-1780 Wellington Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3
AWARD PRESENTATION:
• The Award shall consist of a certificate duly signed by the RTAM President and the Chapter President
All RTAM members are encouraged and invited to volunteer on a Committee. As with any organization, RTAM is always in need of volunteers with diverse skills, creativity and innovative thinking to keep the organization moving forward. Committee work gives everyone the opportunity to get to know more about RTAM and each other as we work toward making our organization better.
The term of office for a Committee member is one year. Each Committee is chaired by a Board member. Most Committee meetings are held monthly from September to June, on the Wednesday of the third week of the month with the exception of April, when meetings are held on the Wednesday of the second week of the month. Meetings can be held in person or via Zoom, at the discretion of the Chair, in consultation with the committee member(s). Personal expenses incurred by committee members for attending committee meetings or distance participation are reimbursed at approved RTAM rates. Volunteers must be sufficiently conversant with current communication methods as to be capable of participating in, and assisting with, the work of the board including access to and working knowledge of email.
Please submit your name, tell us a little bit about yourself and indicate the committee you would be interested in joining. If you plan on standing for election, or have been elected, to the Board of Directors and are interested in chairing a committee, please indicate so. For more information about the Committees, visit our website at www.rtam.mb.ca. The Board tries to accommodate as many requests as reasonable and possible as we constitute balanced committees within the parameters of our bylaws and policies
Name:
Address:
(include postal code)
Email: Phone:
Indicate below which of the Committee(s) you are interested in as a Member and/or Chair
Benefits
Bylaws & Policy
Editorial Committee (KIT)
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Awards
Student Success
Portfolio
Substitute Teachers
Pension Website
Political Advocacy
Wellness Advocacy
Provide a short reflection of your relevant skills or experiences:
Submit this form to the registration desk at the AGM, e-mail this form or include the relevant information in an email to office@rtam.mb.ca, NO LATER than Friday, April 28, 2023.
• The Boyne Chapter meets eight times a year for breakfast at the Breakaway Restaurant in Carman. We do not meet in December, June, July, or August
• Our meetings offer the latest information from the RTAM board with a sprinkling of a calendar of community events and conversation surrounding news of the day or family happenings.
• As in many rural communities, our retired teachers are often called upon to assume leadership roles in volunteer groups.
• Our chapter can boast of volunteer leaders in the Library,
Pathway Committee, Ukrainian dinner organization, Sonatrice and Senior Choirs, Active Living Centre activities, The Miami Community, Railway Museum, and more.
• Join us the last Friday of the month at the Breakaway at 9 a.m.
• Monthly meetings are held from September to June at the Old Fire Hall in the Watson Art Center in Dauphin with an average of 20 members in attendance.
• At each meeting we have a 50/50 draw as well a door prize of a $25 Co-op gift card.
Our Christmas get together had to be rescheduled due to a Winter storm.
The NARTA members and guests gathered at a local restaurant on December 19 and participated in an interesting interactive Christmas activity. This was followed by an enjoyable Traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Door prizes courtesy of the Chapter Initiatives grant were appreciated.
• For the months of January, February, and March we are supervising the exits at the Dauphin Kings’ Hockey Games.
• A Walking Poles Clinic was requested by DARTA of the Recreation Director at Credit Union Place. The workshop is to take place on March 5.
Regard sur le brunch de Noël 2022 et sur nos activités à venir en 2023 :
• Brunch traditionnel de Noël du jeudi 15 décembre 2022 à la Cabane à sucre de Saint-Pierre-Jolys : Malgré le froid, la neige et le grésil, une quarantaine de personnes, animées par Denise et Georges Perron, se sont rassemblées pour jaser, manger et chanter Noël. C’était entraînant, la chaleur, la joie et l’amitié y régnaient. Merci à Marc Beaudry, à Mimi Iafolla, à Léo Leclair et à Lucky Luc qui ont assuré le succès de cette belle rencontre
nostalgique. Merci aussi aux gens de Saint-Pierre-Jolys pour leur bel accueil!
• Le jeudi 13 avril, l’AGA, au Club Éclipse : Nous invitons les membres à apporter leurs œuvres d’art à exposer lors de cette activité.
• Le jeudi 18 mai, une visite au musée de l’Aviation
• Le jeudi 15 juin, un pique-nique et une randonnée au Parc de Grande Pointe.
On a cold and blustery December over 50 members and guests gathered together at the Balmoral Hall for the annual IRTA Christmas Luncheon and craft sale. A delicious Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings was served and judging by the noise in the hall, the guests were happy to greet each other and share stories. There were 6 vendor tables set up for the IRTA members and guests to shop. It wouldn’t be a Christmas Gathering if we didn’t take the opportunity to collect funds for the Interlake Food Bank. A total of $183 was collected and delivered. Each guest who donated to the Food Bank had an opportunity to win one of two prizes donated by Brian Drad. A beautiful bird house and a bird feeder went home with the lucky winners.
The IRTA executive will meet in February to plan the spring AGM which typically takes place in April in Winnipeg. Members will be informed of the date, time and place of the meeting once the details are finalized.
• Christmas luncheon, December 6, 2022 at Sunset Ranch Golf Club.
• Well-attended by 19 members, and 8 Saskatchewan retirees.
• Delicious turkey or salmon meal, chocolate lava tart to finish.
• Gift exchange, and a carol sing-a-long led by Robert Payne.
• Thank you to RTAM for the Chapter Initiative Grant.
The Retired Women Teachers’ Association’s December 8, 2022, luncheon, held at the Masonic Centre in Winnipeg for members and guests, sparkled with fun, fellowship and good food. Mrs. Claus (Louise Burton) dropped by to welcome everyone and share oranges and conversation. Everyone enjoyed the entertainment “Two by Two”. The foursome played a variety of instruments-Tom Lurvey (guitar, banjo, fipple flute, vocal), Linda Lurvey (folk harp, fipple flute, percussion, vocal), Sandy McKenzie (percussion, fipple flute, vocal) and Mark McLearon (fiddle, fipple flute and vocal). Their repertoire of Celtic and English traditional folk music included historic melodies and carols coupled with energetic dance, soothing harp tunes and engaging songs. By all account RWTA’s December luncheon was a joyful experience.
RWTA is looking forward to our next luncheons which will be held on February 23, 2023, and April 20, 2023, at the Masonic Centre. Call our lunch coordinator, Lynda Tunny (204-782 2651) if you are interested in attending. All retired women teachers are welcome.
By Pat Opalko1. Our Spring Luncheon Meeting for the Southwest Assiniboine Chapter is on Tuesday, April 18th at 11:45 pm in the Virden Legion Club Room.
2. Spring Meeting consists of visiting, the hot luncheon, the guest speaker, draws, Food Cupboard Donations, and the business meeting.
3. Retired teachers from Birtle to Melitia and from Hamiota to Elkhorn plus all the area in between are invited to join the Southwest Assiniboine Chapter (SWAC). Phone Kel at 204-748-3321.
4. SWAC has made a financial donation to the Virden Music and Arts Festival for 2023. An earlier donation was made to the Deloraine Music and Arts Festival for 2023.
5. Our SWAC Day Trip in June this year is to the Mennonite Village in Steinbach. Interested in coming?
• Held our AGM on September 22, 2022.
• Updated our membership on RTAM accomplishments and activities.
• Updated our membership on the passing of four members and welcomed a new member who retired on December 31.
• Downloaded from the RTAM website the two pages from the Winter 2022 version of KIT that were not included in the printed
version and emailed them to the individuals so they could share them with their families.
• Continue to keep our members apprised by email of information and opportunities flowing from Provincial RTAM.
• Our chapter continues to be available to answer members questions by responding in a timely manner and making inquiries to the necessary RTAM directors as required.
Our chapter has not yet resumed normal gathering activity mainly due some significant health challenges of our membership and executive.
We hope to meet in the near future to resume our activity. We anticipate using our RTAM Wellness and Initiative grants to resume and grow our chapter activities and grow our membership, particularly among the younger retirees.
The Swan Valley School Division and Teachers Association
hosted the annual retirement banquet last June after a pandemic pause. Our president, Henry Barkowski, congratulated the retirees and invited them to participate in our chapter activities. We also participated in the Legion Remembrance Day Service by laying a wreath and provided two weeks of service to the Meals on Wheels program.
We look forward to improved health among our members and the resumption and growth of our activity.
By Joan Zaretsky
Recently I observed a PreRetirement Seminar which was offered by RTAM to our future members. This brought back memories of when I decided to retire twelve years ago. I was honored by the Manitoba Teachers Society with the presentation of an Honorary Lifetime Membership. For my speech, I chose not to bore people with the many activities and events I had enjoyed in my teaching career. I decided to instead offer them some tips for their retirement journey based on my vision of how I planned to spend my retirement in my future.
When you decided to retire, how did you envision your retirement? What did you hope to do or how did you see your life changing? Did you set any goals? Below are the strategies I proposed to the AGM body at the time of my retirement taken from my speech I had prepared.
” These are my “Six Strategies for a Retirement and Life of Personal Fulfillment”:
1. Develop your “must” list for your life and for your retirement. Write it down. List all the things you haven’t done yet in your life but have always dreamed of doing. Visualize what they will look like. Never lose your ability to dream. Dream big. Set outrageous goals for yourself. My newest goal is to write a book. What’s on your “must” list?
2. Get started now. Start putting the building blocks into place today so that the task is not too overwhelming at one time. Riddle: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. For my book, I plan on writing small sections at a time and combining them to develop my complete story. Take that first bite today.
3. Challenge your knowledge and skills every day. Do one new thing every day/ week - something you have never done before. This keeps your mind in gear rather than seizing up with inactivity.
4. Get up fast when you get knocked down. Life doesn’t always go your way –challenges are what make us stronger. I had seven job interviews in 1999 for different positions across Canada before I accepted the MTS Staff Officer position. Each interview better prepared me for the next one. Mother Theresa stated “God never gives you more than that with which you are capable of handling”. Can you change the negative of a challenge into a positive? Can you find the funny part of a situation? I can often be caught saying, “This too shall pass!” or “Everything works outs in the end!” and it does!
5. Make others feel appreciated for their talents and what they have to offer the world. Express gratitude for the support that others show you. If you truly live a life of service, others will be there when you need help and support. Receive their help with dignity and grace. This can be hard for many of us, as teachers tend to be true caregivers. Be humble as a care-receiver.
My underlying philosophy of my life is reflected in the words of Winston Churchill – “We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.” Being of service to others involves giving of your time, talents or finances unconditionally and without expectation of reward or return. It is a lifestyle we live and a heartfelt feeling we experience. A person living a life of service is committed to making the world a better place. Life is all about choices and we can live it with our glass half full or we can live life with our glass overflowing. It is our choice.
6. Take care of yourself. No one else will. Being of service involves giving to yourself. If you do not take care of yourself, you will reach a point where you cannot help others. Read those food labels to ensure you get high protein and fibre and low sugar, fat and salt. Go to the spa or the gym. Start that dance class. Play baseball or pickleball, go bowling or cross-country skiing or any type of activity which you enjoy doing which keeps your body tuned.
In conclusion, in retirement your time is your time, and it is wonderful to be able to do what you want to do. Carole Wylie, a former Staff Officer, advised me to try to schedule at least one day a week with nothing planned so you can sleep in and enjoy being around home.
A word of caution: As a teacher with your skills, you may find you have to learn to say “No” to the requests you may receive to sit on volunteer boards or become involved in organizations. Choose carefully those you are passionate about.”
As I look back on that speech after my 12 years of retirement, I have followed some of my tips better than others. I have just completed the writing of my book which will be published in the upcoming months. I am still learning to say “No” and struggling to save that one day a week to just relax and get caught up on things at home.
How about you? Are you living your retirement dreams? I applaud you if you are. If not, why not? What can you be doing to fulfill the retirement visions you had during your teaching career? Take some time to reflect on your dreams. If they are still relevant, take the steps to support their fulfillment! If they have changed, go with your newest dreams. Make your retirement a time of being “the best you” which you can possibly be!
Before we start to discuss the next two strategies of Sue Lantz’s framework, we are pleased to announce that Sue will be speaking to RTAM members and community members as our guest speaker at our upcoming RTAM Annual General Meeting being held in Brandon on May 2, 2023. Check out the poster in this KIT magazine and sign up if you are interested in attending. It promises to be a rewarding time for all attendees as you learn more about mapping out your unique plan for the best years of your retired life.
In the last KIT, I explained some of the different aspects of the first two strategies in Sue’s framework – your Health and your Housing. This article will outline some of the many key decisions you will need to make in planning your Social Connections and your Caregivers for the different needs you experience during your retirement years.
Sue starts this chapter off with the following comment: “Our social connections and relationships are important life assets. Friends help us be healthy, connected and protected. Our social network provides a vital support system for our best aging journey.” Health journals and newspaper articles developed during COVID highlighted the importance of older adults having a network of friends and family to support them through the social isolation many of them were experiencing while staying safe in their homes. As we move through our life’s journey, we add new friends and lose others as a result of death, divorce, and changing relationships. When your social network shrinks to a minimum, there is danger threatening both your physical and mental health.
Sue highlights the benefits of having a strong and varied social network:
1. “People can help us find and access resources such as services or products and they can help us make informed choices.
2. People help us stay productive and creative.
3. People can protect us in challenging times or situations.
4. People can help us feel part of something larger than ourselves, providing us with a sense of security and belonging.”
She describes the four types of friends – acquaintances, casual friends, close friends and intimate friends. She lists the “Top 10 Ideas for Making New Social Connections” which includes saying yes to any invitations you are offered from trusted friends, talking to people in a spontaneous way when you are out in public or volunteering in a community-based project or event. In researching her information for her book, she found that “The City of Vancouver’s Healthy City Strategy” calls for all residents to have a minimum of four individuals they can contact in times of need. She concludes noting “Your inner circle of all-weather friends are key connections for building the kinds of support you will need on your aging journey.”
While there has been increased attention paid to the role of the caregiver supporting the older adult, this section highlights the importance of “intentionally selecting, building and preparing a caregiver team”. Often when a person becomes ill and requires some additional care, a child, friend or partner is given the full load of becoming the caregiver. Sue outlines the importance of spreading the load and informing the caregivers in advance as to your desires and expectations as you move forward in your retirement years. She suggests 13 potential caregiver roles which you may approach your friends and loved ones to fill including such roles as accountant, financial advisor, insurance advisor, logistical helper (driver, grocery runs, home repair, snow shoveling, etc), home maintenance helper and others. Sue emphasizes the importance of holding many conversations with your team over the years and offers “strategies to make these preparatory conversations a success.” She suggests you:
• “Approach the conversation with an open mind.
• Be straight forward and factual.
• Indicate the shared goal.
• Ask questions.
• Allow space in the conversations for emotions to be shared.
• Leave the conversation open for future discussions.
• Express your appreciation.
• Plan for something fun after the conversation to lighten things up.”
As you may have noticed in this series of articles, Sue has spent time thoughtfully developing the framework, followed by the strategies to implement it in an organized simple format for
by Arthur Shears
Reviewer:
use by any older adult. Caregiving is a part of almost everyone’s life as they get older but very few of us have thought about organizing the people to support us in the many facets of our lives in advance of a crisis. She devotes many pages in her book to the questions to ask when you are looking for a care home which best meets your needs and alternatives to traditional home care living when the time comes where it is no longer safe or desirable to live in your own home.
We are looking forward to Sue Lantz’s presentation at our upcoming AGM and know that you will learn many tips to support your retirement journey. In the final KIT article of this series, we will discuss her strategy #5 Your Resources. We hope these articles have been thought provoking for you and will assist you in planning for your “best aging journey”!
Kelly R. Russell B.Sc., B.Ed. (MB, SK, AB certified teacher)Have you ever considered volunteering, teaching, or working abroad? An adventurous young man did and this developed into overseas adventures spanning fifty years in approximately twenty countries.
Arthur Shears has accomplished more in a lifetime than most will ever only dream of. Reading his memoirs will open your eyes to the world of development in underdeveloped and developing countries.
I believe that Arthur lives by the rule, stated in Article 26 #1 of the universal Declaration of Human Rights, that as teachers we believe that “everyone has the right to education”. using his educational projects as a conduit, he stimulated sustainability and growth in many necessary areas unique to the countries in which he dipped his toes.
The easy to read and well-organized “Overseas Adventures” is appropriately titled. The adventurous Arthur dedicated each chapter to his experiences. He blended the past and present history of the countries in which he lived and worked alongside quirky stories which make the memoires personal.
Arthur’s book was appealing as I have visited, taught, and lived in some of the areas that he writes about. Arthur has made his book available in different affordable formats. It is currently available from www.northstarskillsfordevelopment.ca and will soon be available through AMAZoN.
“Overseas Adventures” is inspiring.
REFERENCEs – Shears, Arthur E. Overseas Adventures. North Star Skills for Development, 2022. “Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” United Nations, United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights. Accessed January 8, 2023.
The above RTAM members who have passed, were regretfully missed from previous editions of KIT. We sincerely apologize to their families.
Elise O. Ayotte – Winnipeg, MB
Ione M. Christopherson – Winnipeg, MB
Gerry B. Doerksen – Blumenort, MB
Allen G. Gembey – Winnipeg, MB
Bonnie J. Gordon - Winnipeg
Brenda F. Hamilton – Winnipeg, MB
Madge C. Hull – Red Deer, AB
Victor Janzen – Steinbach, MB
Michal Kocalka – Surrey, BC
Joyce C. Kohut – Winnipeg, MB
L. Audrey Lindsay – Brandon, MB
Bonnie J. McRae – Portage la Prairie, MB
Ann H. Melville – Winnipeg, MB
Irene Miklovic – Winnipeg, MB
William F. Moore – Winnipeg, MB
Louise J. Mydynski – Port Alberni, BC
John Y. Schur – Winnipeg, MB
B. John Shaw – Brandon, MB
Shirlene Shingoose – Waywayseecappo, MB
James D. Brown – Oak River, MB
Shirley M. Brown – Souris, MB
Paul J. Curtis – Brandon, MB
Doris W. Griffiths – Hamiota, MB
Robert Hawksworth – Winnipeg, MB
Harry J. Humby – Winnipeg, MB
Marjorie A. Hutlet – Winnipeg, MB
Walter R. Kimpton – Portage la Prairie, MB
Mabel M. Krantz – Roblin, MB
Jon L. Lewis – Minnedosa, MB
Jean H. MacKinnon – Brandon, MB
Joyce Niznowski – Winnipeg, MB
Roy W. Rudachek – West St. Paul. MB
William Sawka – Winnipeg, MB
William E. Stefaniuk – Gibbons, AB
Colin S. Walley – Winnipeg, MB
Flora Zaharia – Winnipeg, MB
Mary L. Alpers – Selkirk, MB
Shirley Biedler – Beausejour, MB
Elsie M. Bollenback – Winnipeg, MB
October 2022
Elise O. Ayotte – Winnipeg, MB
Ingrid A. L. Humphries – Winnipeg, MB
Sarah Klassen – Winnipeg, MB
Katherine Reimer – Winnipeg, MB
November 2022
Gerard J. Berriault – Winnipeg, MB
Louise E. Jubinville – Winnipeg, MB
Edward Maza – Winnipeg, MB
Margaret L. Prendergast – Winnipeg, MB
William Camier – Selkirk, MB
Shirley M. Case – Portage la Prairie, MB
Shirley J. Donovan – Winnipeg, MB
Keith A. Dryburgh – Winnipeg, MB
Christine Fetterly – Garson, MB
David Gair – Portage la Prairie, MB
Olga J. Gerard – Lethbridge, AB
Paul J. J. Gloux – Winnipeg, MB
Elsie A. Jackson – Brandon, MB
Evelyn J. Kowalchuk – Amherstburg, ON
Eugene G. Kowtzen – Swan River, MB
Michael J. Krochak – Winnipeg, MB
Laurena M. E. Leskiw – Calgary, AB
Helen J. McIvor – Winnipeg, MB
Ranjit S. Pannu – Winnipeg, MB
Muriel Rhind – Winnipeg, MB
Elsie Robertson – Winnipeg, MB
Harvey Rosen – Winnipeg, MB
Anthony W. Smith – Winnipeg, MB
Maline R. Solomon – Winnipeg, MB
Patricia M. Watson – Winnipeg Beach, MB
Margaret F. Woods – Winnipeg, MB
G. Dale Yeo – Stonewall, MB
December 2022
Theresa M. Chartrand – Winnipeg, MB
Mary H. Chubey – St. Malo, MB
Mary Derksen – Steinbach, MB
Edgar J. Langevin – Selkirk, MB
Marlene A. Watson – St. Andrews, MB
David S. Wilson – Brandon, MB
January 2023
William Braun – Winkler, MB
Marie I. Craig – Stonewall, MB
Agnes M. Glenn – Winnipeg, MB
Bernice L. Lewis – Winnipeg, MB
Peter H. Zacharias – Winkler, MB
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journey to better hearing, HearingLife is offering RTAM members and their family a FREE 30-day trial of our latest hearing aid technology:
Consult with a professional who can explain your hearing test results and recommend the best options for you
Explore hearing aids that are best suitable for your budget and lifestyle
Schedule a follow-up appointment to address any adjustments or concerns
With no obligation to purchase – if you’re not happy with your hearing aids, simply return them after 30 days.
