KIT Magazine - Fall 2012

Volume 24 | Number 2 | Fall 2012 113-1555 St. James St., Wpg., MB R3H 1B5 • Phone 889-3660 • 1-888-393-8082 • Email: rtam@mts.net • www.rtam.mb.ca

RTAM CHAPTER PRESIDENTS 2012-2013 Boyne Chapter of Retired Teachers Lana Rinn, Acting President Box 2039 Carman, MB ROG 030 204-828-3375 / lrinn@sdnet.ca Dauphin Area Retired Teachers’ Assoc Rosalie Bornn, President R.R. 4 Comp 47 Dauphin, MB R7N 2T7 204-638-6731 / rbornn@mymts.net Educatrices et Educateurs manitobains a la retraite (EMR) Alfred Phaneuf, President 12 Erie Bay Winnipeg MB R2J 2A1 294-269-6463 / Phaneuf2@mts.net

North East Winnipeg Retired Teachers’ Association Lorraine Forrest, President 22 Middlehurst Cres.

Winnipeg, MB R2G 4C5 204-668-1325 / jforrest@mts.net

Southwest Assiniboine Chapter of Retired Teachers Jerome Brockman, President Box 208 Reston, MB R0M 1X0 204-877-3387 / brockmanjerome@hotmail.com

Okanagan Chapter of RTAM Lorna Rothwell, Co-President 1664 Merlot Dr. Westbank, BC V4T 2X7 250-870-1293 / lrothwell@shaw.ca

Swan Valley Retired Teachers Barb Plumb, President Box 1446 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0 204-238-4372 / bjplumb@mts.net

Lorne Lisik, Co-President 2600 Saddleridge Dr. Westbank, BC V4T 2K7 250-768-8454 / lornelisik@gmail.com

Hanover Association of Retired Teachers Brian Gadsby, President 144 Oakenwald Cres.

Mitchell, MB R5G 1J2 204-326-6753 / brgadsby@hotmail.com

Portage la Prairie Retired Teachers’ Association Marvin Krawec, President 52 La Verendrye Cres.

Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1B2 204-857-3194 / marcon@mts.net

Interlake Retired Teachers’ Association Darlene Dufily, President 6-191 Hamilton Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2Y 2L4 204-888-8657 / dadufily@mts.net

Retired Teachers of Winnipeg Doreen Pruden, President 128 Riverbend Cres.

Winnipeg, MB R3J 1K3 204-889-5069 / Cleo128@mts.net

Intermountain Retired Teachers’ Association Mel Graves, President Box 247 Grandview, MB R0L 0Y0 204-546-2489 / mgraves@mts.net

Retired Women Teachers’ Association Dolores Hébert, President 110 Des Meurons St. Winnipeg, MB R2H 2M3 204-233-8618 / dlhebert@shaw.ca

Neepawa Area Retired Teachers’ Association Wayne Hollier, President P.O. Bo 1487 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 204-476-2944 / whollier@mymts.net

Riel Retired Teachers’ Association Ted Poulter, President 432 Avalon Rd. Winnipeg, MB R2M 2K7 204-253-0287 / tedpoult@mts.net

Northeastman Chapter Rudi Klassen, President 7 Dalhousie Pinawa, MB R0E 1L0 204-753-8336 / rudklass@mts.net

RTAM – St. James Assiniboia Chapter Connie Newman, Chairperson 19 – 2825 Ness Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3J 1A9 204-837-5859 / ccnewman@shaw.ca

The Pas Retired Teachers’ Association Vel McAdam, President Box 775, 1019 Halcrow Ave. The Pas, MB R9A 1K8 204-623-3707 / kelseybl@mts.net Thompson Association of Retired Teachers Joan Goble, President 224 Riverside Dr. Thompson, MB R8N 0X2 204-778-8167 / mgoble@mts.net VanIsles Chapter –RTAM Gerry Saleski, Co-President 808 Hartford Green Victoria, BC V8X 5A1 9C9 Cell: 250-727-9249 / VanislesRTAM@gmail.com Garry Finlay 211 - 130 Sunnydale Rd. East Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1P6 250-752-5022 / VanislesRTAM@gmail.com Westman Retired Educators’ Association Peggy Wojnarski, President 7 Violet Cres.

Brandon, MB R7B 1E5 204-728-8167 / pwojnarski@mts.net

Board of Directors 2012-2013

Note

Wayne Hughes, President Chair, Audit Chair, Membership Email database 82 Whiteshell Avenue Winnipeg R2C 2R9 204-222-4011 lwhughes@mymts.net

Carol Pelton, Treasurer Co-Chair, Website 23 Cornell Place Thompson R8N 0H4 204-670-2039 Travelonly2@hotmail.ca

EDITOR OF KIT

Barbara McDole, Vice President 111 Vista Avenue Winnipeg R2M 4Y5 204-254-8965 barbaramcdole@hotmail.com

Richard R. Benoit, Past President Chair, AGM 2012 & Elections 200 Point West Drive Winnipeg R3T 5H7 204-261-9839 lbenoit@mymts.net

PRIVACY OFFICER

Judy Olmstead, Secretary 150 Daly Crescent Brandon R7A 6W3 204-571-0224 Olmstead_judy@yahoo.ca

Rosalie Bornn Chair, Bylaws & Policy R.R. 4 Comp 47 Dauphin R7N 2T7 204-638-6731 rbornn@mymts.net

G. E. (Ted) Poulter Chair, Group Benefits 432 Avalon Road Winnipeg R2M 2L7 204-253-0287 tedpoult@mymts.net

Peter Carney 190 Douglas Park Road Winnipeg RF3J 1Z2 204-837-5013 pdcarney@mymts.net

Peggy Prendergast Chair, Pension Chair, Educational Advocacy & Scholarships 1 Bittersweet Bay Winnipeg R2J 2E5 204-257-1962 ppeggy@mymts.net

Guy Hansen Chair, Public Relations 1705 – 11 Evergreen Place Winnipeg R2C 2R9 204-283-4265 guydhansen@hotmail.com Dolores Hébert Chair, Wellness 110 Des Meurons Street Winnipeg R2H 2M3 204-233-8618 dlhebert@shaw.ca Marvin Krawec 52 LaVerendrye Crescent Portage la Prairie R1N 1B2 204-857-8951 marcon@mymts.net Jag Malik P.O. Box 303 Gilbert Plains R0L 0X0 204-548-2642 jmalik@mymts.net Vel McAdam Box 7775 The Pas R9A 1K8 204-623-3707 kelseybl@mymts.net

2 • RTAM KIT

Wayne Hughes 82 Whiteshell Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2C 2R9 204-222-4011 lwhughes@mymts.net

Free Public Service Announcements

Directors-at-Large

Joan Dawson Box 516 Thompson R8N 1N4 204-778-4259 bjedawson@commstream.net

DOREEN SAGE Box 252 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 Phone: (204) 476-5772 Email: dsage@mts.net

Doreen Sage Chair, Editorial (KIT) Co-Chair, Website Box 252 Neepawa R0J 1H0 204-476-5772 dsage@mymts.net Ray Sitter 157 Lynx Crescent Brandon R7B 3R6 204-725-1745 rsitter@mymts.net John Sushelnitsky Chair, Membership & Chapter Liason Co-Chair, Political Action 818 Crescent Road West Portage la Prairie R1N 0Z1 204-857-3014 jmsush@shaw.ca Norman Wiebe Chair, Travel Co-Chair Political Action Box 1325 Portage la Prairie R1N 3L5 204-857-9613 mwiebe@mymts.net

Not-for-profit organizations who wish to place public service announcements, volunteer opportunities with service groups, school or teacher reunions are encouraged to do so.

Submissions are printed free of charge.

Thanks For Your Contributions We would like to thank all those who contributed material for KIT. When sending in files please use Word, black ink only and no formatting. Please keep writing. Photos by Canada Post please.

Inside this issue President's Report  RTAM Travel Plans Update  Educational Advocacy  ACER-CART Report  EMR in the Dominican Republic  Retired Women Teachers' Association  Retired Teachers' Tour  Retired Teachers of Winnipeg  Using Resistance Bands  Letters to the Editor  2012-2013 RTAM Executive and Directors-At-Large  Canadian Snowbird Association  Classifieds 

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Fall 2012

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

By Wayne Hughes Summer is over and our colleagues who are still working toward retirement are back at school looking forward to another year. As retirees, we fondly remember the excitement and challenges of each new school year and wish all active teachers a successful year.

The summer has been moderately busy for Carol and me with many phone calls and two major projects. First, Carol, our executive assistant, has been working with our accountant to complete an arms-length audit of our books.

The final report should be ready in October. Second, our web site is being redesigned and will hopefully be completed by the end of September.

The summer has been very eventful since our May AGM. As we reported in the previous issue of KIT, we have a number of new board members. Our June meeting was largely devoted to the appointment of committee chairpersons. In most cases, the naming of committee members will occur at our September meeting. This was quite purposeful as I asked the chairs to try to limit the number of board members on each committee in favour of including more regular RTAM members on each committee. Hopefully, this will get more of our grass roots

involved with RTAM as well as new ideas and enthusiasm passed on to our organization. If you have agreed to serve on a committee, thank you for supporting RTAM. At RTAM, the coming year promises to have a number of challenges and projects. We have a couple of new initiatives which will be of interest to retired teachers across the province and even Canada. Our AGM included some financial support for: 1)Awards/Scholarship(s) - Our Educational Advocacy committee will be completing the details for the awarding of an award or scholarship to a relative of a RTAM member.

Stay tuned to our website and KIT for details as they are finalized 2)Chapter initiatives - RTAM has 20 chapters across Manitoba and BC which function on little or no money.

We are interested in increasing the services for our members and have therefore provided some money for a chapter to apply for some support to get their project off the ground. Again, stay tuned to our Chapter Liaison and Membership committee for news and details.

The coming year promises to be a busy and exciting time for all board members and we look forward to your support.

RTAM Travel Plans Update – September, 2012

By Johnson, Inc

Earlier this year, the RTAM Benefits • Extended Health Care (EHC) were reviewed by the Benefits Comwith mittee (with advice from the Plan • two Drug Plan Maximum OpAdministrator Johnson Inc.) and tions: approved by the Board for the policy • Core ($500) or Enhanced (up to Pharyear April 1, 2012 through to March macare deductible)* 31, 2013. We are happy to announce • Stand Alone Trip Cancellation/ that there were no major changes • Interruption/Baggage to the plan and RTAM continues to • Dental Care offer Members the choice of any of • Long Term Care the following voluntary insurance • Guaranteed or Term Life Insurance coverages: • Home Insurance • Emergency Medical Travel (“Pre*Note: Members who do not spend mier” 62-day Plan and MEDOC enough on drugs to reach their Mani17-day or 35-day Plan) toba Pharmacare deductible, may find Fall 2012

it cost effective to elect the Core $500 annual Prescription Drug maximum, as the premium rates would be lower and the Member would still have access to the other health benefits provided by the Plan. Core Plan Members can upgrade to the Enhanced coverage at the beginning of a policy year, April 1, without evidence of good health.

Below is a breakdown of the three (3) Travel Plan options available to RTAM Members: 1.“Premier” Medical Emergency Medical Travel Plan (Regular Members Only) RTAM KIT • 3

2. NEW* “MEDOC” Emergency Medical Travel Insurance Plan (Associate & Regular Members) 3.Stand Alone Trip Cancellation / Interruption & Baggage Insurance *Note: An upcoming mailing to Members without any RTAM Travel coverage will introduce them to the option of the new MEDOC Travel Plan. The MEDOC Travel Plan is beneficial to Members who travel for shorter durations.

1.“PREMIER” MEDICAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRAVEL PLAN (REGULAR MEMBERS ONLY)

The “Premier” Travel Plan benefits, underwritten by Desjardins Financial Security (DFS), continue to be offered to Regular Members as follows: • 100% of eligible expenses in the event of a sudden and unforeseen emergency • Multiple trips of 62 days duration • Optional per trip supplementary travel extensions to 182 days • Lifetime maximum of $2,000,000 per insured person • Up to $7,000 of non-refundable expenses for trip cancellation (before departure) and trip interruption (after departure) • Lost/Delayed Baggage benefit of $350 per trip • Automatic annual renewal of coverage for the policy year April 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013 • Eligibility includes Regular RTAM Members and Associate Members who joined the Plan before April 2012 • Evidence of good health is NOT required on first application for coverage • Evidence of good health IS required for Members who terminate the “Premier” Plan and then re-apply for travel coverage.

2. NEW “MEDOC” EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRAVEL INSURANCE PLAN (ASSOCIATE AND REGULAR MEMBERS)

Effective April 2012, RTAM announced the new coverage option of “MEDOC” Travel Insurance, underwritten

by Royal Sun Alliance, available to all RTAM Associate Members* and Regular Members** who may travel for shorter durations. In October 2012, a notice of the new MEDOC Plan option will be mailed by Johnson to all RTAM Members that currently have no Travel coverage.

Members who are currently in the travel plan are grandfathered.

4 • RTAM KIT

Note: * As of April 1, 2012, new applications by Associate Members will only be eligible to apply for MEDOC coverage. Associate members who belong to the “Premier” Travel Plan will be grandfathered. ** Regular Members have two Travel Plan options, the “Premier”62-day Plan and the MEDOC 17-day or 35-day Plan.

MEDOC offers the following coverage: • Comprehensive year round travel insurance up to $5,000,000 for multiple trips up to 17 or 35 days each under the Base Plan • Supplementary coverage for single trips longer than 35 days each during the policy year • Up to $8,000 of non-refundable expenses for Trip Cancellation, Interruption & Delay Insurance per insured person, per trip • NEW Baggage and Personal Effects Benefits up to $1500 per insured or $3000 per family, effective September 2012 • Trip cancellation insurance is available for Optimum, Preferred, or Standard Health Options covering preexisting conditions that are stable for 90 days prior to booking your trip • MEDOC is a new benefit, and Standard, Preferred or Optimum premium rates are determined by the completion of an annual Health Option Questionnaire.

• Access (guaranteed issue with short form questionnaire ) for all Members regardless of age or health status or date of application • Automatic annual renewal of coverage for the policy year September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2013 at Standard rates, with Optimum and Preferred discounts subject to completion of the Health Option Questionnaire

3. STAND ALONE TRIP CANCELLATION / INTERRUPTION & BAGGAGE INSURANCE

RTAM continues to offer Stand Alone Trip Cancellation/ Interruption coverage to our Members at a very competitive price. It is an ideal choice for those who may have third-party travel insurance and want to increase coverage to include trip cancelation (this option is not necessary if enrolled in either the “Premium” or “MEDOC” travel plans). This plan helps protect travelers against unforeseen circumstances that may prevent or discontinue a trip, and includes the following: • Up to $6,000 per insured person per year for trip cancellation • Up to $6,000 per insured person per trip for trip interruption Fall 2012

• Annual multi-trip plan; annual premium at age 50 is $121 • Up to $1,000 for baggage and personal effects • –(up to $500 for personal effects, up to $200 for document replacement, and up to $400 for baggage delay)

PLAN MEMBER NOTIFICATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION

• October MEDOC Mailing: In October 2012, Johnson Inc. will be mailing a notification to Members without any current RTAM Travel coverage to introduce the new MEDOC Travel Plan for Members who travel for shorter durations.

• Manitoba Sales Tax: Manitoba has introduced a new sales tax which will be applied only to the Trip Cancellation portion of a Member’s monthly travel premiums.

–Members who purchased or renewed Travel Insurance on or after July 15 will be directly notified of the new Manitoba sales tax on their coverage confirmation letter by Johnson Inc. This notification also appears on the Johnson Inc. “Members Only Website”.

–Members with coverage that was in-force prior to July 15, 2012 were not subject to the new Manitoba sales tax until the following travel benefit renewal: • MEDOC Travel Plan coverage: September 2012.

• “Premier” Travel Plan coverage: April 2013.

Travel Advisory: All Travel claims require proof of departure: –Proof can take any form so long as it: • identifies the claimant’s name; • specifies the date; and, • indicates that the transaction took place in the claimant’s province of residence.

–Examples include: • a purchase made at the Canadian duty-free store; • a stamped passport; • an airline ticket; or, • a credit card receipt.

For inquiries on any of the above Plans, please contact our Plan Administrator Johnson Inc. Toll-free at 1-877989-2600.

For complete Travel, Health and Dental Plan descriptions please refer to the governing documents, your Certificates of Insurance available on the website: www. johnson.ca/rtam.

Keep an eye out for the Winter 2012 edition of KIT for more information on Dental Care, Extended Health Care and Long Term Care coverage for RTAM Members.

Fall 2012

EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY RTAM SPONSORED SYMPOSIUM IN THOMPSON, MANITOBA, JUNE 7, 2012

By Peggy Prendergast

This symposium was a collaboration between the RTAM Educational Advocacy Committee, the local RTAM Thompson Chapter, the provincial Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumers Affairs Secretariat and the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres, (MASC). It served also as a pilot project for the Educational Advocacy Committee to fulfill one of the objectives of this committee: "to inform all seniors in the communities of RTAM Chapters of services available to them locally and provincially." All seniors in Thompson were invited to attend the symposium. It demonstrated the use of the talents and skills of RTAM members who are involved in other senior serving organizations and who demonstrate that organizations can work together for the common good allowing our members to use their leadership skills.

Susan Crichton, the Elder Abuse Consultant from the Manitoba Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Secretariat delivered the keynote address, “Families, Friends and Neighbours,” and spoke about provincially available services. Tracy Lothian, Program Manager, Senior Services, informed attendees about local Burntwood RHA services.

Tim Johnson, the Mayor of Thompson, brought greetings at noon. He mentioned the changing demographic in Thompson that now includes many more seniors who have chosen to make Thompson their home in retirement. He indicated a willingness to work with them to meet their needs. Connie Newman, Executive Director MASC, explained the many handouts available in the folders provided to attendees. A delicious lunch was served by the St. Johns United Church where the event was held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Because of Susan’s involvement, we took the opportunity to also make this a WEAAD (World Elder Abuse Awareness Day) event, normally held on June 15 each year. Purple ribbon stickers were distributed as well as appropriate information that was available and connected to the objective of the day.

The evaluations suggested that the day as a whole was successful for those who attended but that our overall communication to the community needed to improve for future symposiums.

The Educational Advocacy Committee encourages other chapters to become involved in a symposium for your community. Now that a pilot program has been established, support will come from RTAM and the other organizations mentioned in this article, where possible. Please contact Peggy Prendergast or the RTAM office for further information.

RTAM KIT • 5

ACER-CART Report, JUNE, 2012

By Wayne Hughes, RTAM President

The ACER-CART AGM was held in Ottawa May 31, June 1 and 2. Barb McDole, Vice President and Wayne Hughes, President, attended as representatives from RTAM. The meeting was well attended by representatives from all 10 provinces. Each province presented reports for their organizations. The written reports of each province are in the ACER-CART binder being circulated with the reading file. Two reports, in particular, have been included in the reading file, namely, the Health and Insurance Committee Report and the Pension and Retirement Income Committee Report. These reports will be placed on our new web site in upcoming months.

The total budget for ACER-CART is extremely small (approximately $40,000). In fact, they are forecasting a deficit budget for the upcoming year. Consequently, an increase in dues was unanimously passed to cut the deficit

in half. Up to now the dues have been 25 cents per member and that will be increased to 35 cents or approximately an $800 increase for RTAM. ACER-CART is recommending that member associations name or elect a person other than its President as the ACER-CART delegate who would serve for at least two or even three years. The President would still attend but only as a non-voting observer. I think this may be an excellent idea which would promote more stability for ACER-CART. The RTAM board will be discussing this approach and may make a recommendation for a By-Law to allow this type of appointment. I believe this approach would also raise the profile of this very worthwhile organization of over 118,400 retired teachers across Canada.

Stay tuned for developments.

CONSUMERS CAUTIONED ABOUT CAR DEALERS WHO CLAIM POOR CREDIT HISTORY NO BARRIER TO PURCHASE Customers paying inflated prices; being pressured into buying or leasing vehicles. - Consumer protection office The Manitoba Consumer Protection Office is urging consumers shopping for a vehicle to be cautious about car sales businesses that offer in-house/ private financing for customers with credit history problems.

The office has had complaints from consumers about car loans they received in which the price charged for the car was much higher than its value and the interest rate was also unreasonably high. Car shoppers should understand all terms and conditions of any loan agreement they sign and pay special attention to: • any large fees for things such as preparing the loan documents, • the interest charged, • what will happen if they miss a payment, and • how long it will take them to pay back the loan.

In addition, consumers are also advised to beware of any car seller who places extreme pressure on customers 6 • RTAM KIT

to sign contracts but does not provide the customer with enough time to read and understand the contract terms before signing.

Complaints registered with the Consumer Protection Office indicate that some customers are not being given important information about their contract and they may have liens placed on their homes or other property without realizing this could happen. Some customers thought they owned the vehicle when, in fact, the documents they signed were for a lease.

It appears these business practices are often focused on customers with poor credit histories who lack options for getting a car. When shopping for a car, consumers are reminded that: • You cannot sign away or give up your rights under the Consumer Protection Act. It is an offence for any business to ask you to do this.

• If you leave a deposit on a vehicle, make sure you understand the conditions and whether you can get your money back.

• Read everything you sign and ask questions about anything you don't understand in the contract.

Don't sign any documents or agree to anything that isn't clear.

• If a dealer is pressuring you or if you feel uneasy, find another business to work with.

Consumers who believe they may have been pressured or treated unfairly are encouraged to contact the Consumer Protection Office at 204945-3800 or 1-800-782-0067 (toll-free) or email consumers@gov.mb.ca.

Helpful tips for consumer protection when buying a vehicle are available on the Consumer Protection Office website at www.gov.mb.ca/cca/ cpo/.

Fall 2012

BE CAREFUL WITH TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE David Christianson, reprinted with permission

It’s likely a bit risky for me to suggest now is the time to start planning your winter vacation or your sojourn to warmer climates. Summer is short enough . . .

But the mail I have received from Snowbird MediQuote and MediPac Insurance this week have reminded me there are early bird specials available, with deadlines as early as August 15.

Maybe the best reason to look at your insurance needs and have a policy approved now is your health can change at any time. If a policy has been secured and at least partly paid based on your current good health, you will have it in place for this year (but confirm this with the insurance company or your broker.)

In case you have forgotten why you need travel insurance, an illness or accident while you are outside Canada will easily cost you thousands—and can cost you hundreds of thousands – of dollars in medical costs. Only a small fraction of these services are reimbursed by provincial medical plans.

I remember how shocked I was when an official of an insurance company told me they had received a claim from a U.S. hospital for more than $300,000 for a client who had a heart attack and was in intensive care for 10 days before the insurance company could safely get them into an air ambulance home.

Your provincial health care will reimburse you for costs incurred only based on provincial rates for the same service. This is only a fraction of the actual costs for American medical services. Provincial coverage is capped at between $150 and $450 a day, while the actual costs in a U.S hospital can run to $10,000 a day, plus extra charges for everything from cotton balls and Band-Aids, on up We still refer to my son’s three-hour visit to a Montana ski hill medical clinic as the $2,000 flu—and he only saw a physician’s assistant. (This included the $80 charge for each $5 bag of saline solution.)

A car accident, slip-and-fall, or a mild illness can be painful, financially. A serious illness or accident without travel health insurance coverage could bankrupt you.

With that need in mind, let’s look at some details.

The first issue may be pre-existing conditions. If you have had an illness or you are being treated for a medical condition, be sure to disclose everything on your insurance application form.

You may get the bad news your condition will not be Fall 2012

covered, but better to know now than after something happens on a trip and you find yourself unprotected.

Failure to fully disclose all conditions potentially gives the insurance company grounds to withhold payments on the entire policy, even if the claim is unrelated to the omitted condition.

Many pre-existing situations can be covered if the condition has been stable and if the medication has been consistent for an extended period of time. A change in medication - even for the better - can prevent you from getting coverage, so a good tip is to see your doctor in the spring and make any prescription changes then, so you can be stable for six months before the policy takes effect.

It’s all complicated, so I suggest getting expert help in the form of an independent broker like Snowbird MediQuote (www.mediquote.ca), which helps people connect with the right insurance company, based on the traveller’s age, destination, length of stay and health issues.

People with medical conditions need to have a personalized insurance quotation prepared and shop around, as different insurance companies have different approval policies.

Many travel agents also have training and experience with travel insurance, so if you are booking through an agent, be sure to discuss your insurance options with them, especially if you have no medical issues.

If your travels will not include the United States, you may qualify for much cheaper coverage with some companies, so make sure you look into that. This just makes sense, because most other countries, such as Mexico, have reasonable costs for health care compared to America.

There are also muli-trip policies available.

Please read and try to understand your entire policy, any coverage exclusions and terms. Keep copies of the emergency claim numbers and procedures and also leave these with family members. Above all, disclose everything on your application.

Better to be safe than sorry. Bon voyage!

David Christianson is a fee-for-service financial planner with Wellington West Total Wealth Management In., a Portfolio Manager (Restricted) dchristianson@wellwest.ca.

RTAM KIT • 7

ÉMR in the Dominican Republic

By Roger Legal, translated by Norma Lacroix-Gagné

Part of the team, including ÉMR and local workers.

First meeting with the family whose home will be replaced.

Alma Vincent reads in Spanish with the local children. She later gave them the children’s books she had brought from Winnipeg.

FRANCO-AMIGOS is an initiative of ÉMR Chapter members to participate in humanitarian action in Third World countries. On January 27, 2012, ten ÉMR members, along with five friends, flew to the Dominican Republic to help build homes for poor families in El Rodadero, a village close to the city of San José de Ocoa. The group included three women.

Each member paid for his / her expenses of food, lodging, transportation, insurances and personal expenses. Each also brought a suitcase full of school supplies, sports equipment and clothing, which were left either at an orphanage or with a religious group for distribution.

Fu nd ra isi ng projec ts ea rned $12,000, which permitted the financing of materials and local workers for two houses. The Franco-Amigos worked on four different sites alongside the receiving families: digging foundations with picks and shovels; transporting gravel and cement blocks; demolishing one shack to rebuild a new home, etc.

The ladies worked alongside the men and also found time for other occupations: Alma, an RTAM member, did read in Spanish with the local children; Rolande, a nurse, cared for

Roger Legal and a friend work on the foundation and make sure it is level.

Robert Leclair makes friends in front of the home to be demolished.

two sick children; and Lorraine massaged sore muscles in the evenings.

The Franco-Amigos worked very hard, yet also took time for other visits. A good 24 hours at an orphanage enabled them to interact with personnel and children. A truly heartwarming experience! They also visited a Batey. For information on what a Batey is, you may go to the following site: http://www.cotni.org/articles/ the-origin-of-the-dominican-batey.

It is heart breaking.

Other visits included National and American baseball Spring-training

sites; organic greenhouses; the La Esperanza coffee factory, a Co-op which produces excellent fair trade coffee; a farm of commercially grown flowers; and the museum of Padre Luis, a Canadian priest revered by Dominicans.

“In spite of language barriers for some of us Franco-Amigos, we were able to communicate and become friends with these beautiful people.

They welcomed us. Both adults and children showed us affection and appreciation. We laughed, sang and danced together. We did a lot for

8 • RTAM KIT

Fall 2012

them, yet we received much more in exchange. It was a memorable experience which we hope to renew.”

The participants in this great ad-

venture were: Henri Bisson, Maurice Blanchette, Denis and Lorraine Clément, Jacques Dorge, Guy Gagnon, Antoine Hutlet, Jean-Paul Hutlet,

Robert Leclair, Roger Legal, Rolande Lemoing, Norbert Ritchot (mission leader), Jean-Jacques Serceau, Albert Vermette and Alma Vincent.

Mission humanitaire en République dominicaine Par Roger Legal

Les FRANCO AMIGOS, un groupe de 15 manitobains dont dix enseignants à la retraite, s’est envolé de Winnipeg le vendredi 27 janvier 2012 à destination d’El Rodadero, près de San José de Ocoa en RD pour participer à la construction de maisonnettes à l’intention de familles vraiment démunies de cette communauté.

Chacun des membres assumait ses dépenses de transport aérien et terrestre, de nourriture, de logement et d’assurances ainsi que ses dépenses personnelles là-bas.

Chacun a apporté une valise d’objets variés (vêtements, fournitures scolaires, articles de sport, etc.) que nous avons laissée en RD, soit à un orphelinat que nous avons visité, soit chez des religieuses qui savent mieux que nous à qui et comment distribuer ces biens.

Nous avions prélevé des fonds pour financer les coûts des matériaux et de main d’œuvre locale pour deux maisonnettes, soit environ 12 000 $. Nous avons nous-mêmes travaillé à l’effort de construction sur quatre différents sites, creusant les tranchées au pic et à la pelle, transportant le gravier et les blocs de ciment aux sites, démolissant une vielle maison pour y reconstruire une nouvelle, aidant à la pose des blocs et du mortier, taillant d’énormes pièces de bois à l’égoïne ... Une des nôtres, Alma, passait ses moments libres à lire en espagnol avec les enfants du voisinage.

Rolande, notre infirmière, a soigné deux enfants sévèrement affligés de plaies aux mains et aux pieds. La jeune fille de 13 ans portait ces plaies depuis l’âge de 3 ans! Lorraine, l’autre femme du groupe, mettait ses talents de masseuse à profit pour soulager les bobos des gars en soirée. En plus de ces spécialités, les trois femmes travaillaient aussi « comme des hommes »!

Nous avons bien travaillé, assez dur aussi, pour des personnes d’âge mûr, mais nous nous sommes aussi permis des activités de tourisme (éducatif, quand même). Ainsi, nous avons passé presque 24 heures à l’orphelinat mentionné plus haut à interagir avec le personnel et les enfants.

Nous en avons eu plein les yeux et les oreilles et surtout, plein le cœur. Nous avons visité un Batey, si vous ne connaissez pas, vous devez consulter le site http://www.cotni. org/articles/the-origin-of-the-dominican-batey Ça vous arrachera le cœur. Les terrains de baseball où les équipes Fall 2012

de la Ligue nationale et de la Ligue américaine font leur entraînement printanier n’ont plus de secrets pour nous – c’est un îlot de nature sauvage transformé à l’américaine, clinquant et tape-à-l’œil. Une tournée impressionnante de serres organiques nous a fait saliver d’envie de croquer les poivrons rutilants de santé. Dans la même veine, nous avons eu le bonheur de visiter une usine de transformation de café, une coopérative très intéressante qui se nomme La Esperanza. Le café produit là est savoureux. Nous avons aussi visité le musée du Padre Luis, un prêtre canadien que les Dominicains révèrent parce qu’il a tant fait pour eux. Quelques-uns se sont rincés les yeux en visitant une grande ferme de production de fleurs à La Cienaga. Et j’en passe…

Pendant le travail manuel et durant les activités plus ludiques, nous nous sommes liés d’amitié avec ce beau monde, enfants comme adultes, avec qui nous avons communiqué en dépit des barrières langagières pour plusieurs d’entre nous. Nous avons bien ri ensemble, nous avons chanté ensemble, nous avons dansé ensemble. Ces gens nous ont littéralement accueillis à bras ouverts, ils nous ont témoigné leur affection et leur reconnaissance si bien que nous avons l’impression d’avoir laissé un peu de nous-mêmes avec eux et que nous avons rapporté un peu d’eux avec nous.

Ce fut une expérience des plus mémorables que nous recommandons fortement à d’autres. D’abord, nous nous sommes amusés follement. Nous avons tissé / raffermi nos liens d’amitié et il s’est créé un remarquable esprit de solidarité entre nous. Aussi, comme d’autres qui ont vécu ce type d’expérience avant nous, nous pouvons certes dire que oui, nous avons apporté beaucoup à ces personnes, mais nous en avons reçu bien davantage en retour!

Si vous avez le goût de visionner le blogue que nous avons monté tout au long de notre séjour, consultez le site http:// www.el-rodadero.blogspot.com Les participants à cette mémorable aventure étaient : Albert Vermette, Alma Vincent, Antoine Hutlet, Denis et Lorraine Clément, Guy Gagnon, Henri Bisson, Jacques Dorge, Jean-Jacques Serceau, Jean-Paul Hutlet, Maurice Blanchette, Norbert Ritchot (chef de mission), Roger Legal, Robert Leclair et Rolande Lemoing.

RTAM KIT • 9

RETIRED WOMEN TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION

RETIRED TEACHERS’ TOUR – 2012 Article and photos by: Ed Arndt

Dolores Hébert, President

Welcome, new retirees to the wonderful world of Retirement! I wish to invite all retired women teachers to join our organization. Our luncheons, held four times a year, are a good means of staying connected and reconnecting with our retired colleagues. We do, also, offer an entertaining outing. These luncheons are held at the Masonic Centre, 420 Corydon Avenue.

(Confusion Corner). For more information, please contact our membership chair, Cecile Alarie-Skene, 227 Parkville Bay, Winnipeg, MB R2M 2J6 or emailcaskene@mts.net. Looking forward to seeing you.

Luncheons and Outing Dates September 27, 2012: Buffet lunch and Fashion Show December 4, 2012: Served lunch – program TBA February 18, 2013: Buffet lunch – Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Gilles Hébert, V.P. Museum Practice April 11, 2013: Served lunch – AGM/ProgramTBA June, 2013: Outing: TBA NOTE: See application form, page 27.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2012-2013 Past President: Mary Pankiw; President: Dolores Hébert; Vice -President: Diane Bewell; Recording Secretary: Pat Opalko; Corresponding Secretary: Cecile Alarie-Skene; Treasurer: Dolores Tutkaluk; Membership: Cecile Alarie-Skene; Club Notices: Diane Bewell, Ruth Hartnell; Social Committee: Bessie Marie Hill, Louise Burton, Emily Williamson, Lynda Tunny, Kathy Deyman; Tickets: Birdielyn Gray, Kathleen Parums; Pensions & RTAM: Peggy Prendergast; Visiting: Ruth Hartnell; Publicity: June Slobodian; Archivist: Cathie Morgan-Matula; Pianist: Carlotte Stech.

10 • RTAM KIT

Southwest Assiniboine Retired Teachers' Tour 2012 participants pose in front of the Canad Inns Hotel/Restaurant, Portage La Prairie, MB.

On June 14, 2012, some 38 retired teachers and their guests boarded a Brandon Bus Lines Motor Coach for a “Voyage of Discovery” to some points of historic interest.

Once again our tour was organized and directed by a fellow retired teacher, Kelvon Smith. We departed promptly at 0730 hours from our mustering point at the Royal Canadian Legion in Virden, bound for Lockport and Lower Fort Garry. (Military precision!!!)

Unlike the “voyageurs” of a previous era, we began our journey, not in a birch bark canoe, but in a modern air conditioned, very comfortable motor coach. Instead of singing those voyageur paddling songs such as “A La Claire Fontaine” or “Youpe, Youpe” or “Le Chanson du Voyageur,” we were entertained by the easy listening guitar sounds of one Clive Sauer, a Whitewood area farmer/ musician!!!

Our first stop after travelling north on the Perimeter Highway along the picturesque Red River was the St. Andrews Lock and Dam. It is my understanding that the St. Andrews Lock and Dam is unique in that it is the only such facility in Western Canada. This lock and dam is a low flow water control facility operated by Public Works and Government Services Canada. Its purpose is to “improve the navigability on the Red River through to Lake Winnipeg." The drainage basin affecting the operation of this dam covers an area of nearly 260,000 square kilometers and extends to the borders between Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the United States.

We had the opportunity to stop for lunch at Skinner’s, Lockport, ostensibly noted for its hot dogs. While I am not Fall 2012

in the same league as noted We had ample time to tour food critic Marion Warhaft all aspects of the fort guided of the Winnipeg Free Press, by very capable, friendly, I would have to conclude young tourist guides who that the so called “world fawere, obviously, not only mous hot dog” is badly overwell informed but also very rated. I will admit, however, enthusiastic about sharing that the ambiance of an old their knowledge with us time diner was worth the “tourists.” visit . . . life sized photo of After our leisurely visit to Don Cherry included!!

Lower Fort Garry we jourOur main destination neyed on to Portage la Praiwas Lower Fort Garry, a rie taking the opportunity truly Manitoba Historic to view a “Prairie Castle,” Site, which traces its origins Left: Ed James, tour participant from Elkhorn, poses with an just north of Winnipeg, on to the early 1800s. In 1830, unusually silent Don Cherry of National Hockey Fame at Skinner's our way home. We enjoyed construction began on this Restaurant-Lockport. Right: Margaret Elder (L) and Alice Olive (R) an equally leisurely supper/ fort located 32 kms (20 at the Lower Fort Garry "Grog Storage Area" Bottles are empty. . . dinner (Smorgasbord style) miles) downriver from Fort only some 200 year old fumes left! at the Canad Inns, Portage Garry (destroyed in 1826 La Prairie. by an unforgiving flood).

We arrived at Virden the surrounding area. Today, these Lower Fort Garry’s main buildings buildings stand as one of the finest promptly at the scheduled time of were completed by the early 1840’s collections of early stone buildings in 2137 hours following a very fulfilling using limestone and wood from Western Canada. and satisfying day.

RETIRED TEACHERS OF WINNIPEG

By Doreen Pruden

A group from RTW wrapped up the season’s activities with a guided tour of the Sport Manitoba building at 145 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg, on June 12. The historic building has been carefully renovated, “repurposed,” and the project is in itself interesting architecturally. It houses the Sports Hall of Fame, sport governing bodies, a resource centre, a fitness centre and a sport medicine centre that is open to the public. The aches and pains don’t have to originate on a playing field!

The photo was taken in the climatecontrolled storage area for artifacts.

Among the group were Vailla Hoggan and Vic Pruden, both in the Hall of Fame; Ted Poulter, with a close family connection to the Hall. Ted brought along his wife and grandson. The others: Pat Holbrow, Joanne Irving, Anne Monk, Dick Marshall, Gemma Gay and Doreen Pruden. We were escorted by Rick Brownlee, Sport Heritage Manager. The tour was very well-received. Rick has told us other groups would be made welcome. The web site is: www.sportmanitoba.ca Fall 2012

RTAM KIT • 11

Time to Dive back into your exercise program by. . .

Using Resistance Bands

By Candice Swick When it comes to strength training, most of us stick with our comforts of free weights and machines at a gym.

What you’re not seeing is a lot of work with resistance bands or tubing. Today we offer you a different perspective to strength training . . .

Resistance Bands

Why do people resist resistance bands?

Here are some of the problems people often have with bands: 1.The resistance feels different.

When you use free weights, gravity decides where the weight comes from, so you get more resistance during one part of the movement (such as the upswing of a bicep curl) then the other (the downswing). With bands, the tension is constant, which makes it feel harder. Bands work much like a cable machine, allowing you to keep constant tension on the muscle.

You’ll also incorporate more stabilizer muscles to keep the band in alignment throughout each exercise, adding a different dynamic to the same old moves.

2.Resistance bands aren’t as challenging as machines or dumbbells.

With weights, you know exactly how much you are lifting. With bands, you can only go by how it feels and the tension on the band. That doesn’t mean you’re not getting a good workout, though. If you are using good form and the right type of band you will know the difference between a free weight and a band. Bands offer more variety because you can create the resistance from all directions – the side, overhead and below etc.

12 • RTAM KIT

3.You don’t know how to use them.

It can be confusing trying to figure out how to use a band. Keep in mind that you can do the exact same exercises that you do with free weights – the difference lies in positioning the band.

For example, you can stand on the band and grip the handles for bicep curls or you can attach the band to a door and do lat pull downs. The possibilities are endless and you can find a good workout at a facility near you.

Why You Should Try Resistance Bands • They travel well. You can easily pack them in your suitcase for travel and do exercises.

• They add variety. With weights, you are often limited as to how many exercises you can do. But, the resistance band allows you to change your positioning in multiple ways. This changes how your body works and how an exercise feels.

• They increase coordination. Because there’s tension throughout the exercise, you have to stabilize your body. This helps with coordination, balance and it also helps you involve more muscle groups.

Here are a few exercises to help you get started.

• Chest press: For this exercise, wrap the band around a pole or rail behind you or use the door attachment to secure the band in the door.

The resistance band should be right at about chest level and you should step far enough away from the door that you get constant tension on the band.

Keep your elbows in a ‘goal-post’ position (parallel to the floor) throughout the movement.

• Seated Row: For this movement, you can keep the band where it is and simply turn around so that you’re facing the band. This exercise targets the large muscles on either side of the back, so make sure you squeeze the back without arching or pulling the elbows too far back.

• Bicep Curls: For the bicep curl, you can stand on the band with both feet (harder) or with one foot (easier). Hold the handles in each hand and curl up in a bicep curl, just as you would with dumbbells. You can make this move harder by stepping the feet wide or by using a heavy band.

For more information or to join a class on strength and resistance, Please contact Candace Swick, cswick@ mymts.net or 204-794-8756.

Life Members May to August, 2012.

May Irma L. Edinborough Winnipeg June Raymond R. Bailey, Winnipeg Inga Storgaard, Winnipeg July John R. Dunn, McCreary, MB Alice Hygaard, Winnipeg August Maurice Peleshok, Winnipeg Dorothy Troop, Winnipeg Fall 2012

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The materials in the Letters to the Editor are not edited and do not reflect the opinions of the RTAM Board.

582 Lansdowne Ave Winnipeg Mb R2W 0H6 1st September 2012

Dear Editor Re Letter to the Editor June edition of KIT There were two letters published in the AGM edition of KIT. Interestingly, the deadline for submissions was May 4th and the AGM was May 9th and yet these letters discussing the AGM were accepted and published. I wonder are some members “more equal” than others?

The letters make reference to actions I and others took at the Annual meeting so I believe a response to these letters is in order.

Wadelius’s Letter.

As always with Vaughn, his letter was rational and reasoned. However his premise was wrong. When he first joined the Board, he read the constitution and interpreted it to say that the organisation was “top down” i.e. that the Board controls all the activities. It would control therefore the agenda of the Annual meeting and if changes were to be made then it was up to the chair to decide whether to accept any changes or not. There was disagreement about this idea at that time and it was referred to the Policy and Bylaws Committee. A legal opinion was sought and obtained from a Dauphin lawyer, who had been recommended by Rita Warrian and Rosalie Bornn, members of the committee.

The opinion said that the members owned the organisation. The AGM is a meeting of members and that they alone can determine the Agenda. While it is useful to have a suggested agenda, it is only a recommendation. Thus any member could make a motion for a particular agenda which could be accepted, rejected or amended by the Annual Meeting.

Warrian’s Letter At the recent AGM and in her letter published in the last issue of KIT Ms Warrian spoke about procedures. She stated that there was not a level playing field for RTAM members as some had more knowledge than others about the rules.

I will agree that there is no absolutely level playing field, no matter the topic nor the rules. Some will know more than others. Over 40 years of experience must give persons such as Wadelius and me at either MTS or WTA levels or both, access to a greater knowledge and experience. Rules of Procedure exist to ensure fairness and structural coherence in an assembly. The advantage of Bourinot or Roberts is that they have developed over a period of time and ambiguities have been reduced or eliminated. They are not subject to the vagaries, nor whims of the moment.

In the past Ms Warrian and I worked on the Bylaws and Policy Committee and it was at that time that the use of Bourinot’s Rules of Order was recommended to the Board. That recommendation was supported by Warrian, at least at the committee level. Further she always has access to those rules at AGM. So this would indicate she has some knowledge of Bourinot’s Rules of Order. As well she always has access to those rules at AGM. Warrian compares AGM with children sorting out their own set of rules. Let’s extend that to our situation. Every Fall 2012

RTAM KIT • 13

year a group of 80 people, many of whom do not know others in the group, come together for a day to address matters of common concern. The next year a somewhat different group meet. This is not the same as a small number of children who meet daily, where ideas can evolve and changes be made under the guidance of a teacher with power of veto. The analogy is so weak as to be without merit. Warrian seems to believe that the rules can be made up as you go along. In the middle of debate too may extraneous factors exist to make this possible.

There are no constructive ideas expressed in the Warrian letter.

Some constructive thoughts: 1. There has existed in the RTAM office a summary of the most commonly used rules. It would be helpful if that summary were to be distributed at annual meetings. In the preamble to the meeting it should be made clear that if a person does not know what to do to accomplish a task, he/she should ask the chair for assistance. That assumes the chair is knowledgeable of those rules.

2.All materials should be available beforehand so that background reading could be done prior to the meeting. The AGM is a business meeting and “homework” is required.

3Running a meeting, such as the AGM is not an easy task. It is not something that anybody can walk into without adequate preparation. The larger the group, the more difficult it is. RTAM has not had a chair with those experiences nor skills for a long time. It is not that the chair could not learn those skills, but the infrequency of meetings works against acquiring and honing such skills. Certainly chairs need to know the rules and assist those members present who want to become involved and do not know how to do so.

Vaughn has an idea which should be pursued. He suggests using an independent Chair who has the necessary skills and experience. “Independent” means that the Chair only chairs the meeting and is not part of the meeting. Such a Chair can not vote, nor enter debate. This also has the advantage that the President can enter debate (with no special considerations) and perhaps give factual backgrounds to the topics under debate. There are a number of people, within and without RTAM who have those skills and who could take on such a role.

What will not work is an ad hoc arrangement where you make up the rules as you go along.

In summary, the members own the meeting and an established set of rules and procedures make sparticipation accessible to all.

Terry Clifford

EDITOR'S NOTE

Yes, we did decide not to publish Terry's letter in the June issue of KIT because: a) it was received well after the deadline and b) inclusion would have meant "stopping the press", reformatting the entire publication and c) resulting in delayed delivery and d) the compromise was to give notice of a reply in the September issue. e) no, some members are not more equal than others.

14 • RTAM KIT

Fall 2012

Dear Editor In the Spring 2012 Edition of KIT there appeared an article which referenced an opinion that the Minister of Education, Nancy Allan, had not consulted the RTAM Board regarding the recent appointment of a retired teacher to the TRAF Board.

This may be an accurate statement in terms of `consultation` but there are some mitigating factors surrounding the expression of this opinion which I feel compelled to share with the 8000+ members of RTAM. While serving as your RTAM President (2007-2009) I received a call from the office of then Minister of Education, Peter Bjornson, requesting a list of candidates to be considered for the appointment of a retired teacher to the TRAF Board. Unfortunately, having received the phone call late on a Wednesday afternoon with the response needed two days later on Friday, there was inadequate time to establish such a list so, through email consultation with our RTAM Board members, we decided that we would support the the incumbent.

I personally felt badly that we, as an RTAM Board, had not been aware of this process and had thus been unable to handle the request with due diligence. Therefore, at the onset of the following year, I asked for an Ad Hoc Committee to be established to create such a list of RTAM members who would have the interest, skill and willingness to have their names put forward. The result was that the chair of the Pension Committee accepted the task.

The request was reaffirmed as recorded in the minutes of January 21, 2010 as follows: "Pat Bowslaugh spoke about the nomination of our retiree representative to the TRAF Board and the call from the provincial minister on very short notice. Pat made a request to the Pension Committee to create a list of candidates and report back for the March meeting".

At the March 2010 meeting there was still no list nor has there been once since, albeit there is now (in 2012) a document provided describing a process for same. However, in the April 2010 minutes President Richard Benoit reported: ".....he had received a call from Minister Nancy Allan's office on March 30, 2010. He was advised that the Minister was considering next term's appointments to the TRAF Board. A reply was requested by April 16, 2010.`` An extension of time was necessary and thus granted to allow discussion at the Board meeting the following week. Once again there was a motion made to: "......support the incumbent as the RTAM nominee....." Also, through motion, the Pension Committee at the same meeting (April 2010) agreed to: ``develop a process, with respect to the RTAM involvement, for future appointments to the TRAF Board`.

This was two years ago. Such a process did not happen at that time so, subsequently, in January 2012, RTAM was informed that Minister Allan had made an appointment to the TRAF Board (without any consultation this time). This precipitated a further three part motion which directed the President to write a letter to Minister Allan to comment : `on the lack of consultation with RTAM about the appointment`` and further, ``the Opposition Parties be informed of the recent retired Plan member appointment to the TRAF Board and the lack of consultation with RTAM``.

Therefore, with the above information it is clear that there have been recorded communications with the Minister.

The fact that, in a timely fashion, RTAM did not submit a list of possible candidates from which the Minister could have made an appointment to the TRAF Board need not be viewed as the misdemeanor of the Minister. To that end an apology to the Minister would do much to begin to rebuild a relationship with the governing body of the day.

We must establish trust through positive communication efforts to earn the respect of those whose pens script our financial future.

Pat Bowslaugh 14 May 2012

Fall 2012

RTAM KIT • 15

8 August 2012 Dear Editor, I have thought long and hard before writing in response to the letter from Rita Warrian that appeared on p. 6 of the summer 2012 issue of KIT, remarkably promptly following the AGM. The letter troubled me in several ways.

Please note that I write as an individual member of RTAM, not in my capacity as president of RTW. Our chapter has not discussed the letter, although I drew the attention of our members to it in a newsletter, outlining my reaction to it.

No context other than the letter itself was given to explain what had happened to provoke Ms. Warrian’s complaint, and those few RTW members who did contact me tended to respond with a Simpsons-like “duh”. Furthermore, the time lag between issues is such that I fear that little useful discussion will arise in the pages of KIT. However, members of the Board can certainly take note.

Firstly, while I am sorry if Ms. Warrian feels aggrieved, I can see absolutely no useful purpose in fomenting discord among regions in a province-wide association, even were there a legitimate complaint. Ms. Warrian’s strictures against “those who were active in Winnipeg One [sic]” are most unfortunate. No one who put in countless hours in working for the WTA – Winnipeg #1 was our employer – or the MTS and thus, by extension, for other teacher associations need apologise for having learned something. Ms. Warrian, who has considerable RTAM experience, asks for “cooperation and collegiality”. Those goals will not benefit from the tone of her letter.

Furthermore, an AGM is a business meeting. Time at our AGM is short; issues are numerous and important, receiving reports and monitoring our Association’s activities, including our not-inconsiderable finances – those $2.25’s add up! As it is presently structured, there is no time for workshops on procedure or for breakout discussion groups, although some organizations allow for orientation sessions for new delegates. RTAM could certainly provide regional workshops for chapters on meeting protocol if required – and requested. Chapters could provide orientation for their own delegates. Vaughn Wadelius’s letter on the same page mentions a “summary of the rules [that] is provided for delegate use at the AGM.” I did not find that document in my AGM kit. It would obviously be useful for it to be provided well in advance, along with the agenda.

A very basic error, not providing a mover’s name, caused a motion to be invalid. The assembly did not think that the issue required the suspension of the rules. It is truly unfortunate if Ms. Warrian feels that anyone was “shot down” unfairly in the ensuing discussion.

Yours sincerely, Doreen F. Pruden 128 Riverbend Crescent Winnipeg MB R3J 1K3 cleo128@mymts.net

16 • RTAM KIT

Fall 2012

2012-2013 RTAM EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Reprinted from 2012 AGM Booklet

Wayne Hughes

President Winnipeg, Manitoba I have been involved with RTAM for the past seven years as a committee member (7 years) and board member (6 years). Having chaired the political action committee for 2 years, in addition to being a member of the pension committee as well as a member on many ad hoc committees, I have been fortunate to gain a wide perspective on RTAM’s numerous activities. Due to this wide perspective I feel it is appropriate to put my name forward for the position of President.

The past year has been a busy one with the move to our new office and taking on additional responsibilities with the organizations’ finances, due to the Treasurer’s illness.

I am both honoured and excited about the upcoming year as President. I look forward to your support.

Barbara McDole

Vice President Winnipeg, Manitoba Education Certification – 1966; B.A. 1974; and B.Ed. 1977 Retired in 1999 after 33 years of teaching •Two yeas of private tutoring •Four years as faculty advisor in Education – University of Manitoba •Worked in Louis Riel S.D. Schools with my certified service dog, “Bear”, for four years •Presently working with Manitoba Search & Rescue to train my other dog, “Cargo”, to enter the school system as a qualified service dog •Served on the RWTA Board as Vice-President, President and Past President •Board Member with RTAM, serving on the Wellness, Benefits and ad hoc (New Office Space and Join Us brochures) committees Fall 2012

•Presently organizing the 2012 RTAM AGM I plan to remain on the Board, hoping to further strengthen the accomplishments we have been achieving to benefit our RTAM members.

Judy Olmstead

Secretary Brandon, Manitoba I taught in Thompson and then in Brandon. I also worked for many years as a faculty advisor in education for Brandon University, University of Manitoba and Inter University’s of the North (IUN).

I retired in 2007 and joined Westman Retired Educators Association. I have been Secretary of WREA for the past three years.

I have completed my first year as a Director on the RTAM Board serving on the Benefits, Travel and Public Relations committees. I have also been acting as recording secretary for RTAM Board meetings on alternate months this last year.

I hope to continue working on these committees for another year. I live in Brandon with my husband Ted, and I have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Carol Pelton

B.A.; P.B.C.E.; Med Treasurer Thompson, Manitoba As Owner/Manager of Travel Only Thompson, I am completing my seventh year as a travel professional after retiring from teaching in 2003. My formal education is special education and physical education and my professional associations included the Council for Exceptional Children and International Reading Association. I have completed my first year as a director on the RTAM Board, alternated secretarial duties with another director, chaired the Bylaws and Policy committee and was a member of the Educational Advocacy and Travel committees.

RTAM KIT • 17

During my varied teaching career, I taught in Ontario and Northern Manitoba, as well as, in Australia on a teacher’s exchange and Papua New Guinea. My extensive travel experiences took me to every continent except Africa and South America. My range of teaching assignments included classroom, resource, and physical education teacher and Senior Department Head I have been a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW) since 1991, is currently a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Citizenship Council and Citizens on Patrol. My volunteer activities within my teaching career and within the community have provided opportunities to develop leadership skills and to organize a variety of events/workshops in a collaborative setting that would be an asset to committee work with the Board. I was also the treasurer for Council for Exceptional Children (Manitoba) and the local BPW Club so is familiar with bookkeeping and accounting practices.

Future objectives for the RTAM Board may include: recruiting current non-member retirees; involving nonchapter members with the establishment of a virtual club; emphasizing and demonstrating the benefits of RTAM membership; providing value-added for members; more involved locally with potential retirees; using educational advocacy to inform members and the public about issues related to seniors and to use the web site more extensively to provide information to the members and the public.

Richard Benoit

Past President Winnipeg, Manitoba I was elected to the RTAM Board of Directors in 2006. Since then I have been active on many committees including Public Relations, Benefits, Pensions, AGM, Political Action and Bylaws and Policy, having chaired the latter three for one year. From 2009-2012 I served as President of RTAM. Born and raised in southwestern Manitoba, I was a teacher, principal, secretary-treasurer and superintendent of schools in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan. As well I taught Educational Administration at the University of Regina and retired as professor and administrator from the College universitaire de Saint-Boniface, affiliated to the University of Manitoba after twenty years of service.

I have enjoyed my experience as President of RTAM for the last three years and am looking forward to continued service as Past President.

18 • RTAM KIT

Directors-at-Large Rosalie Bornn

Dauphin, Manitoba In June 2006 I retired from a 35 year teaching career in the Manitoba public school system. I held a Director position on the RTAM Board for three years previously and served on the Educational Advocacy, Chapter Formation and Liaison, Bylaws and Policy and Membership and Chapters Committees as well as proofreader for KIT. Then I stepped off the Board for 2011-2012 for family reasons.

I live in rural Dauphin with my husband of 41 years and my aging canine buddy, Kipper.

In my spare time enjoy community volunteering, reading, fishing, travelling and cottage life on Lake Manitoba.

I am the incoming President of our local Dauphin Area Retired Teachers' Association and look forward to continuing to advocate for the best interests of RTAM.

Peter Carney

Winnipeg, Manitoba A native of Dunrea, Manitoba I began my teaching career in 1960 in Lundar High School followed by a year at Fisher Branch. Following three years at Provencher School in St. Boniface I came to St. JamesAssiniboia where I worked for 30.5 years. I was a principal at Buchanan, ButterworthKrawchyk, Linwood and Assiniboine Schools for a total of 22 years and I also served as Coordinator of French language programs for 5 years.

I retired on December 31, 1996 and in 1999 I was elected school trustee for the east end ward of the St. JamesAssiniboia School Division, serving until 2010. I was also Principal of Ecole Saint Malo in the Red River School Division from 2000 to 2002.

I have had extensive involvement with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society both at the provincial and local level and in 1970 I was elected Treasurer, a position I held for 4 years. In 1978-79 I was President of the St. James-AssiniFall 2012

boia Teachers’ Association after serving as Treasurer and Negotiations Chair. I also served as local Negotiations Chair for several years in the 1980’s.

Over the years I sat on a number of Department of Education committees, both as a teacher representative or as a trustee rep, mostly in the area of French Language education: Immersion Administrators’ Conference, French Language Advisory Committee, Basic French Evaluation Committee, English Language Arts Committee, etc. I was named to the Board of the Manitoba Cancer Society (today CancerCare Manitoba) by the Government in 1986. The Government also named me to the Board of Regents of the University of Winnipeg where I served for 6 years.

I am looking forward to serving as member of the Board of Directors of RTAM. I volunteered to be a candidate for election at the last minute when it came to my attention that there were less than the 2 members running for election. I am grateful for the support I received and will, hopefully, be able to contribute to this important organization for the retired teachers of Manitoba.

Joan Dawson

Thompson, Manitoba I was born in Red Deer Alberta but grew up in Winnipeg, MB. I began my teaching career in 1972 with Frontier School Division in Ilford, MB, where I taught grades 1 and 2 as well as supervising the kindergarten.

I moved to Thompson in 1973 where I spent the next 35 years teaching grades one to four and Reading Recovery. Over the years I often served as staff representative for the Thompson Teachers’ Association and for two years I was the Grievance Chair.

I retired in June of 2008. I am now actively involved with our local association, TARE, and am on my third year as secretary/treasurer. I am looking forward to being a Director on the RTAM board and will be working on the Membership and the By-Law committees.

My volunteer efforts are mainly with the Thompson Health Auxiliary where I am the manager of the Thompson Hospital Gift Shop. My husband and I live in Paint Lake Provincial Park and I enjoy fishing, gardening, sewing, reading and socializing with friends at the local marina.

Fall 2012

Guy Hansen

Winnipeg, Manitoba Most of my teaching career was at R. D. Parker, Thompson where I taught Physics, and for 8 years was the Department Head.

I was heavily involved in the Union movement through the Thompson Teachers’ Association; Steel Workers; and the Co-op gas bar. I felt particularly dismayed when the two groups (TTA – MTS and NDP) I had supported all these years let us down.

Since I retired, I worked for 10 years with the Thompson Recycle Centre as Manager, Job Creation and Job Training.

I have been on the RTAM Board for several years as a member of the Political Action Committee. I look forward to your support to serve another year.

Dolores Hebert

Winnipeg, Manitoba I retired from the Winnipeg School Division nine years ago. I have had a varied and interesting career in Education - taught at all levels in British Columbia , Ontario and Manitoba. I was also lucky enough to teach in Germany for 2 years for the Department of National Defence. I also spent 3 years as a French consultant for the Department of Education. I finished my teaching career as a Principal in Winnipeg.

I was always involved as a teacher or administrator representative in my local associations. I was President of the Retired Women Teachers' Association this past year and will probably continue in that position this coming year. I spend my time as a volunteer at the Saint Boniface Hospital gift shop and walking my dog, Bijou!

I have just completed my first year on the Board. I was on the membership and political action committees as well as co-ordinator of the 2012 AGM with Barb McDole.

I never realized how much RTAM does for retired teachers! It has been a real learning curve.

I hope to continue on the Board to work for the interests of teachers.

RTAM KIT • 19

Marvin Krawec

Portage la Prairie, Manitoba I completed teacher training at Manitoba Teachers' College (served as President of the student body). I graduated from the University of Guelph (Ontario) and completed study of Intermediate Level French at the University

of Laval.

In the Portage School Division, served as a member of a Steering Committee for the Talented and Gifted; served as a member of a province-wide assessment committee of grade eight Language Arts with the Department of Education; served as a marker and a referee for the assessment tests for the Department of Education.

I was a member of the Portage Regional Library board; served on the board of directors of CMHA for the province (Canadian Mental Health Association); and was a member of the Executive Policy Committee of CMHA for the province.

Upon retirement from teaching , I became a member of the board for Southport Aerospace; held the position of vice-chair of Southport Aerospace; chaired the Finance and Property Committee; and chaired the Human Resources Committee .

At present, I am serving as a member of the province's Advisory Committee regarding the disposition of the Manitoba Developmental Centre. My interests are History and music.

Vel McAdam

The Pas, Manitoba I retired from teaching in June of 1998 following 35 plus years of teaching, most of those years in Kelsey School Division in The Pas. Previous to that, I was blessed with a short-lived variety of teaching experiences which included one year in a good old-fashioned one room rural school and one year of teaching for the Federal Government in an Indian Day-school.

I am a returning Director, having served on the Board previously where I chaired the Educational Advocacy Committee and served on a variety of other related com20 • RTAM KIT

mittees. I continue to proofread for KIT. I reside in The Pas where I do bookwork and cleaning in my husband's business and love to travel, read, knit, crochet and attend Eastern Star functions.

Ted Poulter

Winnipeg, Manitoba Following retirement from St. Vital S.D. #6 (at present Louis Riel S.D.) in 1990 after 30 years of service, I joined RTAM and have been a member ever since.

Last year, I was approached to run for the RTAM provincial board and I was appointed Chair of the Benefits Committee. I have gained a fair bit of knowledge about benefits and also the inner workings of the RTAM board. I look forward to continuing my involvement this coming year.

I am also President of the Riel Chapter of RTAM. We have a problem gaining interest of members in assuming positions on the Chapter board.

I am running for Director again this year and I look for your support.

Peggy Prendergast Winnipeg, Manitoba

My commitment to RTAM is twofold: 1) assisting the Board in solving the COLA issue and 2) providing assistance to our members in the areas of social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual wellness.

I also have a commitment to ‘seniors’ in the community generally. I believe in the concept of Age Friendly Cities.

I am a member of the Seniors’ Advisory Committee to the Mayor of the City of Winnipeg and am again a member of the Creative Retirement Board. I am also a member of the Manitoba Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

I believe we, as retired teachers, are a significant part of a fast growing population of seniors in our Province. Retired teachers have a great deal of experience and energy to commit to our communities. We are living longer and are generally healthy. We also have needs and concerns that need to be recognized and dealt with by the governments Fall 2012

of our Province, our Cities, and our Country.

Formerly a teacher and an administrator in the Winnipeg School Division, I have been associated with RTAM for the past 12 years in various capacities, including: President and member of the MTS Pension Task Force Committee and thus on the Pension Task Force from 1999 to 2005; Member of the Pension Committee; Chair of the Wellness Committee since its inception; and Chair of the Educational Advocacy Committee this past year

Doreen Sage

Neepawa, Manitoba From Swan River, and after teaching in the rural area, I took a Business Education Course and worked for McLeods and Eatons. I went back to teaching and taught Business Education in Swan River and Neepawa.

I have been on the RTAM Board for several years, as a member of the Finance Committee and Group Benefits Committee. I was the Chair of the Finance Committee, but because of changing needs of RTAM members, the committee was renamed Wellness. I organized many Wellness Seminars throughout the province.

I moved to the job of Editor of KIT ten years ago. I have found this to be most rewarding and I hope to be able to continue.

I live in Neepawa with husband, Ed Sage.

John Sushelnitsky Portage la Prairie Manitoba

Boissevain is my hometown and I attended Brandon College. As president of the debating society and the international relations club, I gained an appreciation for the art of effective communication. In my third year I went to West Africa as part of a group called Crossroads Africa. Our role there was to complete the construction of a boys' dormitory in the town of Bo, Sierra Leone. Based on that positive experience, I went to East Africa with Canadian University Service Overseas (CUSO) following my graduation in 1964 and worked for two years as teacher in Bukoba, Tanzania.

On my return, I was contacted by Boissevain school officials who needed a teacher. Then, I took a year at the U. of Man. Education Faculty to get my formal qualifications. After Fall 2012

practice teaching in Winnipeg, I drove out to interview for a job in Portage la Prairie. I loved the size of the town, bigger than Boissevain, smaller than Winnipeg.

Joining the Manitoba Teachers' Society, I served at the local and provincial level for my 37 years of teaching. I was on the MTS provincial executive for four years . Afterward, as a MTS representative, I served on the Minister of Education's Advisory Board for four years. After retirement in 2003, the Society gave me the honour of becoming a Honorary Life Member in 2004.

A high school aptitude test encouraged me to continue studying the French language and I have used it throughout my career, being editor of the French Journal for ten years for the Manitoba Association of French Teachers and also serving as its president.

I also served on several Department of Education committees and was the co-author of its French correspondence courses. In the classroom, I taught 29 years of junior high, eight years of high school and two years of elementary. In addition to teaching Basic and Immersion French, I coached basketball and other sports. In my five years of coaching grade ten boys basketball we had the good fortune to be ranked number one on two occasions. All in all, a very satisfying career!

I have now served on the RTAM Board for six years as a Director and have chaired the Public Relations and Membership/Chapter committees. I have also been a member of the Political Action Committee.

J. Norman Wiebe Portage la Prairie Manitoba

I am married and live in Portage la Prairie; have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. I grew up on a farm in southern Manitoba and taught for 35 years starting in a 1-room country school. I taught all grade levels and was an administrator for a number of years.

I have always been active in the MTS local associations in various executive positions. After retirement I substituted at the Agassiz Youth Centre for 8 years.

I previously served as Director on the RTAM board and was a member on the Political Action and Travel committees. For the past year I served as the Political Action Chairperson and also served as a member on the Travel committee. I feel that RTAM must maintain a strong voice to protect the interests of retired teachers.

RTAM KIT • 21

Canadian Snowbird Association The Canadian Snowbird Association is a national not for profit advocacy group and member service organization dedicated to actively defending and improving the rights and privileges of traveling Canadians. We meet with the federal and provincial governments on many issues pertaining to traveling Canadians.

Last year the CSA met with the Manitoba government to change the number of days you can be out of the province and still maintain health care. Before we met, Manitoba residents could be out of the province for 182 days in a calendar year and still maintain health care. After we met with the Manitoba government, the Minister of Health’s office indicated in writing to the CSA that people from Manitoba could be out of the province for seven months, of which

six months could be in the United States. The CSA is very pleased to have worked with the Manitoba government to obtain this benefit for Manitoba travellers.

The CSA has also lobbied the Federal government for the 10 year passport which we hope will be available in the fall of 2012.

Travelling during your retirement involves keeping informed on critical issues.

•Trip Planning •New border-crossing protocols and customs requirements, especially when travelling to the United States • Importance of travel health insurance The CSA offers a free Retirement Kit to all retired people who like to travel. The package includes: • A one year free complimentary

John Solomon It is with great sorrow the family of John Solomon announce his passing on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Swan Valley Health Centre in Swan River, MB. He leaves to cherish many fond memories, his wife, Joy, their children, grand children and many relatives and friends.

A funeral service for John was held on Saturday, May 26 at 10:30 a.m. from the Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Chapel in Dauphin, MB. John was president of Swan Valley Chapter.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in John's memory to the Elk's Fund for Children. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Services 1-877-243-4459. www.sneathstrilchuk. com.

22 • RTAM KIT

CSA membership.

•In for mat ion on Ret i rement abroad •CSA Currency exchange program which could save you hundreds of dollars if you plan to move money between a Canadian and U.S. bank account.

•CSA Travel Information Guide •Medipac Travel Information •CSA Auto Club •Four CSA magazines for the traveling Canadian.

By becoming a CSA member you will become part of a unique group with unique benefits and services.

There is strength in numbers. Join us and help us to help you.

1-800-265-3200.

When you telephone, please indicate that you are from the Retired Teachers' Association of Manitoba.

CREATIVE RETIREMENT MANITOBA Peggy Prenderast, Educational Advocacy THE CENTRE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING Take a course, go on a tour, join a special-interest club, share your talents and skills with others, facilitate courses, volunteer… you decide on the level of participation you are comfortable with and CRM will be there to help you make it happen. Become a member of this dynamic organization and join a growing group of retirees who enjoy learning, developing a new interest and meeting interesting people. They can be one class or many in duration depending on the subject. CRM is a not-for-profit education centre that contributes to the well-being of retirees and their communities by developing and offering innovative and interactive learning opportunities.

Just call 949 2565 to have ”The Guide” sent to you or go online to www.crm.mb.ca for all the information you may need to learn about Creative Retirement Manitoba.

Fall 2012

CLASSIFIEDS travel fair The Travel Fair will take place in the spring.

Information will be in the next KIT magazine.

To anyone who is planning on travelling: www.whattravelwriterssay.com This site contains a lot of useful travel information. If you have any travel questions, contact Norman Wiebe, Travel Committee Chair, at 204- 857-9613 or e-mail Norman at mwiebe@mymts.net

CUBA ‘Spanish Studies in Cuba’ (Havana), $2,500.00 Can. for 4 wks. Hotel with breakfast and dinner, tuition fee. (Air fare not included). 250-478-0494 ssic@ telus.net

WE DAY Date: October 30, 2012 Place: MTS Centre - Educators' Lounge This is a space where educators have the chance to learn more about Free the Children's amazing curriculum: www.free thechildren. comgetinvolved/educator/ Volunteers are needed to help in the Educators' Lounge. volunteers@ freethechildren.com or Melissa hughes: 416-925-8594 ext 436.

Deadline: September 30, 2012

Fall 2012

1913 - 2013 IsaaC Brock School is celebrating 100th Anniversary on May 24 and 25, 2013.

If you are a former student and would like to be on a committee to help organize a reunion, please contact the school with your name, phone number, email. You will be contacted later in the year. 204772-9527 / isaacbrock@wsd1.org

LEAF Manitoba's 22nd annual Persons Day Breakfast Friday, October 19, 2012 7:15 - 9:00 a.m.

Winnipeg Convention Centre Topic: Equality Delayed This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. When the Charter became law in 1982, the equality provisions were put on hold for three years. Keynote speakers Fiona Sampson and Mary Eberts, both well-known law experts, will discuss: Why was equality delayed? What advances have been made? What barriers and challenges remain?

Tickets: $25, available at: McNally Robinson Booksellers.

Manitoba Status of Women, 9456281. LEAF Manitoba 453-1379, leafmb@mymts.net Proceeds support the advancement of all women's equality.

Deer Lodge Senior Men's Curling League is looking for curlers for the 2012/2013 season.

Curling takes place Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM. from October to March. All skill levels plus first time curlers welcome. This is a great opportunity to get some affordable exercise, meet some new friends, and have some fun. Membership includes two delicious banquets. For further information: contact Dennis 2618790, Jim 837-6900, or Murray 284-5516.

ALCOA: Active Living Coalition for Older Adults - is an online resource for healthy active aging. It's publication, Silver Times, is also on line. It is the official publication of ALCOA and is designed to offer solutions and inspiration for optimal aging for older adults. Topics such as chronic disease, mental health and women's health are but a few of the topics this publication offers.

For more information: www.alcoa.ca and www.silver times.ca.

RTAM AGM 2013 May 7 & 8 at Dauphin, MB The Dauphin Area Retired Teachers look forward to welcoming RTAM to Dauphin - May 2013!

RTAM KIT • 23

CLASSIFIEDS UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S CLUB Education Course - Hidden From History: Her Story Registration : October 1, 2012 Fee - $ 75 Presenter: Donna Goodman Location: Ralph Connor House - 54 West Gate Winnipeg Course runs Tuesdays from October 30 - December 4, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.

Synopsis of course: The leaders of the suffrage movement in the province will be examined and the intellectual and social roots of the women's movement in Canada, Britain and the United States will be discussed. In 1812, one hundred years ago, Cora Hind with Lillian Beynon Thomas, both writers for the Manitoba Free Press, Nellie McClung and Dr. Mary Crawford formed the Political Equality League. These women were responsible for Manitoba women getting the vote in 1916.

The lives and ordeals of these leaders will be highlighted.

Scholarship Presentation Noteworthy Celebration of the Arts Venue: Loudamus Auditorium, Canadian Menonnite University 500 Shaftsbury Boulevard Date: Saturday, October 20, 2012 Cost: Adults: $10.00; Students: $5.00 Time: 2 - 4 p.m.; Tea / Coffee Reception The Gertrude Mueller Memorial Scholarship Gertrude Mueller was a long time member of the UWC of Winnipeg, with a deep and abiding love of music and the arts. The Gertrude Mueller Memorial Scholarship has been created in memory of "Trudy" to acknowledge the outstanding talent in the music program at Canadian Menonnite University.

Join us at the inaugural awarding of the scholarship to its first recipient, Catherine Richard and hear a piano recital by this bright young performer from the Winnipeg musical community.

24 • RTAM KIT

EAL Classroom Assistants Needed The Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) is currently recruiting reliable volunteers with classroom experience to assist with our Newcomer Literacy Initiative. IRCOM's Newcomer Literacy Initiative consists of free English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes and free childcare services for newcomers to Winnipeg. Volunteers can expect to assist EAL instructors to run small group activities and facilitate lessons for 2.5 hours per week from September to May. Individuals interested in sharing their skills with the newcomer community are invited to contact IRCOM's Volunteer Coordinator, Erin Anderson, at 943-8765, ext 23 or erina@ircom.ca. To learn more about IRCOM and our programming please visit us at www.ircom.ca.

St. Paul's Fort Garry 9th annual BrushWorks Friday, October 12, 06 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Wine and cheese Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Cafe Sunday, October 14, 12 nn to 4:00 p.m. - Cafe Place: St. Paul's Fort Garry, 830 North Drive 475 7549 (church office for information).

Come and share the opportunity to view and purchase original art work by 36 Manitoba artists. Framed and unframed oils, watercolours, pastels, prints and art cards will be available.

There will also be raffles of art work and a cafe for you to enjoy while contemplating which art piece will be perfect for that special wall space.....Be sure to tell your friends!

32nd Annual University Women's Club of Winnipeg Christmas Market at 54 West Gate Friday, November 2: Saturday, November 3:

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Admissioon : $3.00. Lunch: (3 seatings) $15.00 Three floors of Manitoba Crafts, Giftware, Bake shop (204) 954-7880 uwc@mymts.net.

Fall 2012

McPhail Travel presents

Escorted Small Group Tours for Winter 2013

On our tours you truly experience the essence of the country.

Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong River Cruise From Siem Reap to Saigon, this two week cruise and tour is considered the “Best Cruise itinerary for “Off-the Path Explorers” – March 6, 2013 – 21, 2013 El Salvador in Depth – Off the tourism radar, this country offers an array of natural and historic attractions from ancient ruins to rain forests.

– Jan. 19, 2013 – Feb. 02, 2013 Undiscovered Eastern Cuba – This one-of-a-kind tour is packed with the unexpected and truly “off the beaten track”.

– F eb. 18, 2013 – March 4, 2013.

Costa Rica in Depth – A comprehensive tour in and beyond the rainforests.

– Feb. 8 - Feb. 23, 2013 Scenic Western Cuba – Stays in a national park, the tobacco growing area, Havana, are some of the highlights.

- Feb. 10 – Feb. 24, 2013 Historic Central Cuba – History buffs enjoy this tour featuring colonial and revolutionary history, along with some beautiful hikes.

– Jan. 27. 2013 – Feb. 10, 2013.

Galapagos Island Fall 2012

For details visit www. mcphailtravel.net, or www. cubadiscoverytours.com. Call Erma at 1-800-417-0250 McPhail Travel, 435 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, MB. RTAM KIT • 25

Manitoba Provincial Normal School 1954-1955 Reunion Place: Winnipeg, MB Date: July, 2013 Please provide feedback on the following suggestions.

Are you planning on attending?

We need to know numbers.

Length of the reunion: 1, 2 or 3 days Suggestions on activities: What would you like to do.

Please respond as soon as possible so we can proceed with the planning.

Contact: Bev Smith grandi2010@hotmail.com Earl Brown - gebibb@mts.net

Marketing & International Business Coach

Overview: JDC West stands for Jeux du Commerce and is an annual national business competition that features the top 12 business schools in Western Canada. JDCWest is regarded as the largest undergraduate business competition in Western Canada and this year’s event will be held in Vancouver on Jan 18 – 21, 2013.The University of Winnipeg JDCWest Team is comprised of our Universities Top 20 Business students who have shown potential to become the future leaders of tomorrow. The University of Winnipeg will be competing in five different subject areas: Accounting, Marketing, Human Resources, International Business and Business Strategy. Each individual team is comprised of 3 students who have shown a strong work ethic that has translated to academic excellence in the classroom. This small student to teacher ratio allows for a teacher to make a strong impression on these students and help mentor them in becoming future leaders. We are targeting retired teachers who don’t want the day to day grind of teaching but still have a desire to volunteer their time for only once a week to help these students excel. We are looking for coaches specifically in the Marketing and International Business Areas.

Responsibilities: - Starting in October, attend weekly JDCWest case practices and provide coaching to students regarding case analysis, PowerPoint Preparation and presentation skills in a competitive environment. These practice sessions will last a maximum of 4 hours and will be scheduled in consultation with the students to find an agreeable time that works for all parties involved.

- Act as a judge during our Mock JDCWest presentations (designed to simulate the experience in Vancouver) and to provide feedback and recommendations during these presentations. They are scheduled for November 23, December 14 and January 11.

- There will be Academic Cases provided for you but after consultation with the Team Captain you may be able to bring your own case into one of the practices.

- Must be able to dedicate 4 hours per week to JDCWest between October 2012 and January 2013. This is a volunteer position but all coaches will be recognized and given gifts of appreciation for their time.

If you are interested or have any further questions about JDCWest or the position please feel free to contact myself at the address below!

Matt Waldner UWinnipeg JDCWest Team Captain E-mail: matthew.w@uwbasa.ca

26 • RTAM KIT

Fall 2012

THE RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA ‘CHRONIC PAIN – How Can I Live With It? Date:

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 24 2012

Place: McMaster House, 191 Harcourt at Portage Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2.30 p.m.

REGISTRATION: 9:00 a.m. PLEASE REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Registration will be limited to 60 participants and will be accepted on a "first come, first served' basis.

Partners, spouses and friends welcome.

HIGHLIGHTS: Information booths by senior-serving organizations and ‘gadgets and gizmos’ for door prizes.

THE RETIRED WOMEN TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FOR 2012-2013

RENEWAL NEW Please complete this form and return it with your cheque for $7.00 before October 15th, 2012.

After this date, notices will be sent and phone calls made only to paid-up members.

If you are paying your fees at the luncheon on September 27th, please complete this form and bring it with you to the luncheon.

PROGRAM: 9:30 – 9:40 Opening Remarks 9:40 – 10:25 Bonnie Hopps and Joanne Healey from the Arthritis Society. Part 1 - discussion will include: a review of related diseases, weight management, exercise, anger management, depression and new statistics.

Name (Miss, Ms or Mrs.)

10:25 – 10:40

Address

Health Break

Last

First

10:40 – 11:45 Part 2 - practical strategies to deal with pain and hands on gadgets and gizmos.

Postal Code

12:00 – 1:15 p. m. Gourmet Lunch

Phone

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Part 3 - will deal with the practical application of coping with pain and pain prevention. Learn how to self manage including practical ideas on nutrition, exercise and anger management – coping with pain and pain prevention.

2:15 – 2:30 Closing Remarks





WELLNESS SEMINAR REGISTRATION FORM

Participant's name: ____________________________ Address: ____________________________________ City/Town: __________________________________ Postal Code: _____________ email: ______________ Phone:____________________

 

E-mail

Check here if you wish to receive notices for our meetings by E-MAIL If you wish RWTA to forward you pertinent information from RTAM by E-Mail If you are currently a member of Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) Please make cheque payable to: (no post-dated cheques please) Retired Women Teachers’ Association and mail to Membership Convener – Cécile Alarie-Skene 227 Parkville Bay Winnipeg R2M 2J6

Please send $20.00 cheque payable to RTAM to: Maureen Recksiedler, P. O. Box 744, Stonewall, MB, R0C 2Z0 DEADLINE – October 15, 2012

Fall 2012

RTAM KIT • 27

Coming Events October 24, 2012 May 2013

Wellness Seminar Winnipeg AGM in Dauphin

RTAM Plans administered by Johnson Inc.

If you require information and brochures, or if you have any questions concerning these plans (Dental, House Insurance, Long Term Care, Life, Emergency Medical Travel) contact: Johnson Inc. Claims and Administration Information 11120 178th Street, Edmonton AB T5S 1P2 Toll Free 1-877-989-2600 | Phone (780) 413-6536 Fax (780) 420-6082 | Email: edmonton@johnson.ca

Photos

Photos enhance your submitted material. Send photos by Canada Post.

Notice to paid KIT advertisers Please send your hard copy ad and cheque to the Editor (payable to RTAM) before each deadline.

Have you moved or changed your address?

Contact TRAF at 204-949-0048 or toll free at 1-800-782-0714 or mail to Room 330 Johnston Terminal 25 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4S8

RTAM office has moved 113 - 1555 St. James Street, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5

Publication Agreement Number 40037581 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: RTAM, Box 252 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

Advertising in KIT The Editor and/or the Board of Directors of RTAM accept no responsibility or liability for failure to insert an advertisement for any reason. In such instances, full refund will be given.

Advertising Rates for KIT per issue are: 1/16 page (9.53 cm. wide x 3.2 cm. deep) 1/8 page (9.53 cm. wide x 6.5 cm. deep) ¼ page (9.53 cm. wide x 12.7 cm. deep) ½H page (19.6 cm. wide x 12.4 cm. deep) ½V page (9.53 cm. wide x 25.7 cm. deep) 1 page (19.6 cm. wide x 25.7 cm. deep)

$100.00 $150.00 $200.00 $250.00 $250.00 $300.00

Free Public Service Announcements: Not-for-profit organizations who wish to place public service announcements, volunteer opportunities with service groups, school or teacher reunions are encouraged to do so. Submissions are printed free of charge.

Advertising on the RTAM Web Site: Membership reunions and Chapter events may be promoted on the RTAM web site at the discretion of and for a period determined by the Webmaster. There shall be no fee for posting these events.

The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba does not endorse or promote any products, services or events presented in paid advertisements, the Announcements or Volunteer Opportunities sections unless specified.

The Editorial Committee reserves the right to print, reject and/or edit for clarity, all materials received.

The Editor of KIT Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba Box 252 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

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All materials for the next issue of KIT must be typed and e-mailed to dsage@mts.net and received by November 2, 2012 5:00 p.m.

Materials published herein do not necessarily represent the policies nor the views of RTAM.

28 • RTAM KIT

Fall 2012