KIT Magazine - Fall 2013

Keep in Touch Vol. 25 | No. 1 | Fall 2013

The Official Publication of the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba

ACER-CART

Annual General Meeting Ottawa, ON - June 2013 ›› Watch for information about a WELLNESS SEMINAR in late October - P10 ›› Travel Fair - P12 ›› RWTA Membership Form - P14

PN 40037581

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

All materials for the next issue of Keep In Touch must be emailed to dsage@mymts.net and received by November 10, 2013, 5:00 p.m.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

›› Benefits Committee Meeting: September 12, 2013 ›› RTAM Strategic Planning Meeting: September 18, 2013 ›› RTAM Board Meeting: September 19, 2013 ›› October 10, 2013: Wellness Seminar ›› October 16, 2013: Travel Fair ›› May 6, 2014 RTAM Board & RTAM Chapter Presidents meeting, Winnipeg ›› May 7, 2014 RTAM Annual General Meeting, Winnipeg (All RTAM members welcome)

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

NOTICE TO PAID KIT ADVERTISERS

Please send your hard copy ad and cheque payable to RTAM, 113 - 1555 St. James St. Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5 before each deadline.

Note: 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.

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 can not change your address.

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Fall 2013

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

Table of Contents w

15 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.

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: 1500 pixels or professionally developed.

Fall 2013

President’s Report..................................................................................... 4 Best Wishes To Jeff Norton.................................................................... 5 Acer/Cart Annual General Meeting..................................................... 5 Looking Ahead........................................................................................... 6 The B.U.D. Report (Benefits Up Date).................................................. 6 Committee Chairs And Members........................................................... 7 What Is The Maximum Trip Duration For Rtam Out-Of-Country / Province Travel Insurance?.................................................................... 8 Educational Advocacy Committee Report............................................ 9 Before You Leave Home........................................................................... 9 Rtam Riel - St. Boniface / St. Vital / Norwood Retirees...................... 11 Southwest Assiniboine Chapter............................................................. 13 Wrea Chapter Uses Initiative Grant......................................................................14 Retired Women Teachers’ Association................................................. 14 Rtam Okanagan Chapter.......................................................................... 15 Volunteer Programs.................................................................................. 15 It’s So Nice To Be Remembered . . ........................................................ 16 The Canadian Snowbird Association.................................................... 16 2013-2014 Rtam Board Of Directors....................................................... 17 Rtam Chapter Presidents......................................................................... 18 Celebrating The Mennonite Village Schools And Teachers.............. 19 56Th Normal School Reunion Class Of 1956 – 1957............................ 20 Life Members............................................................................................. 21 Classifieds.................................................................................................. 22 RTAM n 3

KEEP IN TOUCH PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Fall 2013 • Vol. 25 No. 1

Published by

Wayne Hughes

A

t our AGM in May, the new Board expressed a desire to form the standing committees earlier, so some work might happen over the summer. To accomplish this, Board members stayed an extra day in Dauphin for our inaugural meeting where committee chairs were appointed. We met again in June where the standing committees were appointed. Each committee chair attempted to find non board members for their committees. In my opinion, these members are critical for RTAM’s future, as we have to have an ongoing recruitment and renewal of the Board.

I would encourage more members to volunteer their skills and expertise for your fellow retired teachers. their and your don’t sound right Judging by the events over the usually quiet summer months, this year’s board is certainly off to a flying start.

Let me outline some of the changes and upcoming events that all RTAM members should watch for: • KIT: Watch for a lot of change. After many years with Pegasus Publishing, we are going to try a different publisher and printer. We hope you notice the changes and allow us to work out the “kinks.” We hope we will have a better product as well as save some production costs.

• RTAM Awards: The Educational Advocacy Committee was extremely pleased to receive 20 applications for the awards. We had applications from children, grandchildren and nieces/ nephews. The committee met in August and the winners will be notified by mail. Once notified, we will announce the names on the website as well as in the next issue of KIT. A big thank you to all who applied.

• An Ad Hoc committee has been working over the summer to plan a Strategic Planning Day for the 4 n

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RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

Board. As an organization, we need to meet and discuss our direction for the coming year. We look forward to working with an external facilitator.

We were pleased to receive some financial support from Johnson Insurance to cover some of the additional costs for the day.

• The Benefits Committee has been in contact with Johnson Insurance to request some additions to the Travel Plan. Manitoba Health will now allow snowbirds to be away seven (7) months, so our plan now has rates for the extended times. The rates can be seen on the Johnson website.

Members who live outside of Manitoba should check the regulation in your province.

• The Benefits Committee has started the process for our annual plan renewal. We are hoping to add some additional benefits to the Extended Health Plan, so stay tuned.

• The Wellness Committee has planned an interesting workshop for Thursday, October 10, 2013. Look for the advertisement in this KIT. • The Travel Committee has set Wednesday, October 16, 2013 for a Travel Fair. It will be at MTS and active teachers are invited to attend.

Look for the details in this KIT. • Most of our standing committees will be meeting prior to the September 19 Board meeting • With all these activities, we need additional help in our office. Look for the advertisement for a part time receptionist/ office position.

As you can see, your board is working very hard and I would like to thank all of them for their dedication and service. I am looking forward to the coming year. 

113-1555 St. James St. Winnipeg MB R3H 1B5 Phone 889-3660 • 1-888-393-8082 Email: rtam@mts.net • www.rtam.mb.ca Editor-in-Chief: Doreen Sage Box 252 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 Phone: (204) 476-5772 Email: dsage@mymts.net Privacy Officer: Richard Benoit 200 Point West Drive Winnipeg, MB R3T 5H7 Phone: (204) 261-9839 Email: lbenoit@mts.net Board of Directors 2013-2014 President: Wayne Hughes Vice -President: Marvin Krawec Secretary: Judy Olmstead Treasurer: Carol Pelton Past President: Richard Benoit Directors-at-Large Rosalie Bornn Alex Boyes Peter Carney Ralph Cibula Joan Dawson Guy Hansen Jag Malik Vel McAdam Barbara McDole Peggy Prendergast Doreen Sage Ray Sitter John Sushelnitsky Norman Wiebe Administrative Officer: Carol Gillis Art Direction & Layout: Gayl Punzalan Images are licensed from Photos.com, except the ones provided by the contributors.

Copyright © 2013 by RTAM All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: RTAM, Box 252, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

Fall 2013

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Best Wishes To

JEFF NORTON Peggy Prendergast

J

eff Norton has been the President & CEO of the Teachers’ Retirement Allowance Fund (TRAF) for the past eight and a half years. RTAM would like to take this opportunity to wish him well in his new position as Vice President, Investments at Globe General Agencies. We thank him for his many informative presentations

and the helpful flow of pension information as well as his support over the years to our organization. He and the staff at TRAF were always readily available to the Pension Committee over those years with detailed explanations for our understanding and clarification that were necessary after complicated developments in our

pension occurred.

RTAM appreciates the excellent service we receive from TRAF. We will miss you and your cheerful forthright manner Jeff. Best wishes in your new endeavour. 

ACER/CART Annual General Meeting Marvin Krawec, RTAM Vice President

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t the risk of sounding platitudinous, I should like to express my appreciation to our president for inviting me to the ACER/ CART Annual General Meeting.

I hasten to say that it was an invaluable experience.

The sessions, on all three days, were long, arduous but informative. Positive outcomes were realized from practically all of the sessions.

It was interesting to note that many of the other provinces, if not all, are confronted with issues similar to those that we deal with in Manitoba; namely wellness, pensions and benefits.

ACER/CART endorsed the “Princi-

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ples to Guide Health Care Transformation in Canada.” These principles were initiated and endorsed by the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Nurses Association. Some 120 other organizations have embraced those principles.

The principles would guide the “transformation of the health care system in Canada toward one that is sustainable and adequately resourced, and, provides access to quality, patient-centred care. . .”

The General Meeting also expressed concerns regarding the democratic deficiency that exist within the Federal government. With that in mind, the

assembly endorsed a post card mailer to members of parliament. The face of the card reads, “HEAR MY VOICE”.

On the back of the card, a series of concerns are listed and a place for the member of parliament’s name.

It is hoped that individuals would sign the cards and send them to their respective Members of Parliament.

Watch for further developments from RTAM. Much discussion ensued as to what other methods of advocacy could/ should be employed regarding political action.

T’was indeed a worthwhile AGM. 

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

Looking Ahead JoAnn Lauber, Communications Chair, ACER-CART

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hen representatives of the member organizations of the Canadian Association of Retired Teachers (ACER-CART) meet once a year, they report on the activities of retired teachers in their respective areas; they exchange concerns and aspirations, and they seek to harmonize national and provincial issues in order to set directions for the coming year.

Prior to the AGM, which was held in June, 2013, the Pension and Retirement Income Committee - James MacAulay, Chair, (PEI Retired Teachers’ Association) and Gerry Tiede (BC Retired Teachers’ Association) - prepared a presentation about the myths that are commonly used to attack public sector pension plans. They used national and regional data to dispel the myths and to illustrate the real value of all pension plans to society. This session prompted delegates to plan to work together to establish a cross-country approach to preserving and protecting defined benefit pension plans.

Delegates agreed also to support the Canadian Teachers’ Federation in their

campaign to have Government listen to our voices. In the coming months, ACER-CART Directors will lead us in becoming involved.

As the present Health Accord of 2004 is expiring next year, delegates to the AGM expressed the need to urge the Federal and Provincial governments to negotiate a new Accord that would not only provide sustainable funding but also strengthen Medicare. The new Accord should include a national pharmaceutical plan and formulary, and expanded and improved home care and home support programs that would assist seniors to remain in their homes.

In view of the need for lobbying on this issue and others that concern Canadian seniors, a priority for ACER-CART this coming year is to enhance ACER-CART political advocacy through member associations and by collaborating with like-minded organizations on issues of common concern.

The past successes of ACER-CART– changes in the Income Tax Act to include Pension Splitting (2007), the Conversion of RIFFs at age 71 rather

Dr. Thomas Gaskell, President ACER-CART; Francine Fillon, Director of Communications, CTF; Dr. Calvin Fraser, Secretary General, CTF

than 69 (2007), and the increase in the Age Credit provision by $1000 (2006) – could not have been realized unless we had worked in concert with other organizations with aims like ours. Similarly, the importance of the work of member associations cannot be overstated. We could not achieve measures that benefit the lives of retired teachers if it were not for the advocacy action of all ACER-CART organizations and individuals, from the Yukon Retired Teachers Alumni to the Retired Teachers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

As our President, Dr. Thomas Gaskell, states, “With everybody working together, we can be optimistic that our pressure, combined with that of other like-minded groups, will influence positive change in improving the quality of life for all Canadians.” 

THE B.U.D. REPORT (Benefits Up Date) Alex Boyes, Benefits Chair

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elcome to the 2013 – 2014 RTAM B.U.D. Report where you will find all the information you need about the benefits available to you as a RTAM member. The voluntary group insurance plans currently available to you are: • • • • • • • •

Premium Travel Plan Medoc Travel Plan Extended Health Care Plan Dental Care Life Insurance Long Term Care Home Insurance Stand Alone Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Baggage Insurance

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Annually, the Benefits Committee review with Johnson all current benefit plans regarding coverage and costs to RTAM members. We are provided yearly (usually September) with the costs of the past year (claims) and recommendations for the coming year (usually February). Our aim is to keep costs as stable as possible from year to year.

Travel guidelines are being updated at this time. It is worth mentioning that travel insurance is now available for 212 days (7 months). If you are planning travel in the upcoming months, check the website for Johnson and RTAM for answers to the most frequently asked questions about coverage, how to make a claim, etc. If by some chance you are ever contacted by a collection agency about your claim settlement, NEVER pay any amount demanded. Refer such an incident to your insurer immediately.

As a precaution, if you have any medical issues, you might consider carrying with you a list of your medications and other medical information you feel might be of value. 

Fall 2013

AGM 2014 and Elections Co-Chair: Richard Benoit Co-Chair: Barbara McDole Members: Dolores Hebert, Winnipeg Doreen Sage, Neepawa Finance Committee Chair: Carol Pelton Members: Wayne Hughes, Winnipeg Marvin Krawec, Portage la Prairie Judy Olmstead, Brandon Richard Benoit, Winnipeg Benefits Chair: Alex Boyes Members: Barbara McDole, Winnipeg Jag Malik, Gilbert Plains Pat Bowslaugh, Brandon Maureen Recksiedler, Stonewall By-Laws & Policy Chair: Joan Dawson Members: Rosalie Bornn, Dauphin Ray Sitter, Brandon Vel McAdam, The Pas Communications Editorial - KIT Chair: Doreen Sage Vice Chair: Vel McAdam Members: Joan Goble, Thompson Joan Dawson, Thompson Bill Taylor, Brandon Rosalie Bornn, Dauphin Vaughn Wadelius, The Pas Public Relations Chair: Guy Hansen Members: John Sushelnitsky Portage la Prairie Alex Boyes, Winnipeg Doreen Pruden, Winnipeg Frank Fiorentino, Winnipeg

Fall 2013

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Committee Chairs and Members Website Chair: Barbara McDole Members: Doreen Sage, Neepawa Carol Gillis, RTAM Office Educational Advocacy

Co-Chair: Peggy Prendergast Co-Chair: Rosalie Bornn Members: Alex Boyes, Winnipeg Connie Newman, Winnipeg Membership & Chapter Liaison Chair: Ray Sitter Members: Peter Carney, Winnipeg Joan Dawson, Thompson John Sushelnitsky Portage la Prairie Pension Chair: Marvin Krawec Members: Rosalie Bornn, Dauphin Larry Fleischer, Winnipeg Frank Fiorentino, Winnipeg Peggy Prendergast, Winnipeg Political Action Co-Chair: John Sushelnitsky Co-Chair: Peter Carney Members: Ralph Cibula, Gladstone Guy Hansen, Winnipeg Travel Chair: Norman Wiebe Members: Carol Pelton, Thompson Joan Rink, Brookdale Doreen Sage, Neepawa June Slobodian, Winnipeg Wellness Chair: Peggy Prendergast Members: Joan Goble, Thompson Barbara McDole, Winnipeg Maureen Recksiedler, Stonewall

RTAM n 7

COMMITTEE REPORTS

What is the Maximum Trip Duration for RTAM Out-of-Country / Province Travel Insurance?

O

ne of RTAM’s roles is to be concerned with the welfare and interests of Members. As out-of-province/country travel coverage is important to many of RTAM’s Members, this article sheds some light on extensions to out-of-province insurance. Amendments have been made to the maximum period of time a resident can stay out of the province and continue to maintain government health insurance coverage. RTAM

Supplementary Insurance has also been extended.

It was recently announced that British Columbia (effective January 1, 2013) and Manitoba would be increasing the maximum out-of-province coverage from six (6) months, to seven (7) months. This means that Manitoba residents are allowed to travel outside the province for up to 7 months (212 days) within a 12-month period and continue to be eligible for Manitoba

PROVINCIAL INSURANCE BC, MB, ON NL AB, SK, QC, PE, NB, NS, NT, NU, YT may purchase additional 15 day units up to 212 days total (instead of the previous 182 days). An updated rate table is available for those looking to extend their coverage up to the 212 day maximum.

Your provincial coverage may not pay for all the health care costs you incur outside the province. The difference can be substantial. For example,

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health care coverage. These days do not have to be consecutive. Below is a table outlining the out-of-province guidelines for all Canadian provinces: The RTAM sponsored travel plans are responding to the out-of-province residency extensions to the benefit of RTAM members. For example, the PREMIER OUT-OF-PROVINCE/COUNTRY TRAVEL PLAN has updated its Supplemental Coverage so that members

MAXIMUM OUT OF PROVINCE COVERAGE 212 Days 243 Days 182 Days

the average cost in the U.S. can be as high as $10,000 (US) a day in intensive care. For this reason, you should purchase additional health insurance from a private insurer before you leave the province, whether you are going to another part of Canada or outside the country for just one day or for up to 6 or 7 months.

Please contact the Plan administrator,

Johnson Inc. to enrol in any of the RTAM sponsored travel plans, or if you would like to increase your PREMIER TRAVEL PLAN or MEDOC coverage to the 212 day limit. Johnson Inc. can be reached toll free at 1-877-989-2600, by email at pbservicewest@johnson.ca, or visit our website at www.johnson.ca/rtam. 

Fall 2013

COMMITTEE REPORTS

EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT Peggy Prendergast, Chairperson, Educational Advocacy Committee

D

uring the summer the Educational Advocacy Committee processed the applications for the award program that provides a monetary benefit to relatives of RTAM members.

We received a good response this pilot year for the program from across the province. We will announce the final-

ized list of award winners and their pictures in the next edition of KIT. Thank you to all RTAM members who sponsored applicants. We hope that many more members will take advantage of this program next year and thus encourage and assist their relatives going on to post-secondary education. 

Before you leave home Bernice Stebbing

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oreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has valuable information on a wide range of travel topics – a must read for all travellers. The goal is to assist Canadians should they encounter an emergency while travelling abroad by first providing preventative steps to hopefully avoid unnecessary risk. The good news is that all these resources are FREE on line at the Consular Services website (travel.gc.ca) or by calling 1-800-2678376 for your copy.

Although there are several available pamphlets, I encourage you to obtain the following and tucking them in your carry on: (a few key examples of topics are listed under each) Bon Voyage, But . . . Essential Information for Canadian Travellers • Emergency consular services • Registration of Canadians travelling/living abroad • If your passport is lost, stolen or damaged • Visas and other entry requirements • Money matters • Avoiding customs difficulties • Foreign laws and customs

Fall 2013

• Departure tax • Duty- and tax-free personal exemptions(7 days or more should now read C$800) • Traveller’s checklist • Well on Your Way: A Canadian’s Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad • Where to get travel health advice • Obtain travel health insurance • Travelling with prescription drugs • Travelling with a pre-existing medical condition • The senior traveller

• • • •

Cruises Mental health and travel Avoiding disease When you return Although the information provided is on an “as is” basis it can change, so do consult the website for the most upto-date information.

I have suggested to a Foreign Affairs representative a pamphlet “I Want to Travel, But . . . ” with a focus on travel tips for those with special needs. Stay tuned. 

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Wellness Seminar Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba

Magic of Herbs October 10, 2013 Two Sessions

“Indoor Herb Gardening” Workshop: 10 to noon Health benefits Many uses of herbs 330 Assiniboine Park Drive Near the Duck Pond

“Aroma Therapy” 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Herbal uses in lotions & other healthful interesting uses

Thursday, October 10, 2013, The Qualico Centre, Assiniboine Park

r: ente s e r P ND N LI tor at E R c KA Dire k l a n Par atio Educ iniboine Ass Make cheque payable to RTAM

This is a very practical day and you will go home with actual products. .

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Cost which includes Lunch Send to: Maureen Recksiedler $25.00 NUMBER LIMITED TO 35 Box 744 Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0 Deadline: October 1, 2013 204-467-8518 grecks@xplornet.ca

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Lynda Baxter, with assistance from Ron Koskie

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e hope that everyone has had a great summer and has enjoyed some of the wonderful weather that has come our way in the past few months. As summer draws to a close, our chapter is beginning to think about several upcoming events that are held annually to provide opportunities for members to get together and enjoy themselves, while at the same time raising dollars to put toward our scholarship fund to help support Louis Riel graduates. All of these activities, as well as other interesting information, is outlined in a newsletter to all retirees that is mailed out in mid-September by our group.

The 16th annual nine-hole golf tournament is scheduled at the Shamrock Golf Course in Ile Des Chenes on Friday, September 27, 2013. Tee off is 11 a.m. and a good time is had by all. This event fills up quickly as it is often close to the last opportunity of the season for a great day of golf. If you are in-

Fall 2013

terested in more information regarding this event, contact Gerry Ilchyna at 204-256-4742.

Our Fall Luncheon is another very popular event scheduled for Friday, October 11 in the Louis Riel Legacy Centre. Although the luncheon begins at noon, doors open at 10:30 to give everyone a chance to reconnect with one another and catch up on exciting news to share. In addition, participants are invited to contribute donations of school supplies to assist Winnipeg Harvest as they support families with school-aged children who are in need.

Susan Hunt and Josie Landry do a bang up job of coordinating this initiative! The luncheons are always superb and in fall focus on a Thanksgiving theme (including pumpkin pie!) and Board office and MTS representatives join us to share updates of what is currently going on in the Division, thus maintaining and strengthening our ties to one another. Between draws

and door prizes, the majority of participants leave with a “little something” to enjoy and the pleasant thoughts from an interesting and enjoyable afternoon spent with friends and colleagues.

Tickets and luncheon information can be obtained from Ron Koskie (ron_ joannkoskie@hotmail.com).

At our spring luncheon we invited all interested to a chapter meeting to share updates from the RTAM meetings in Dauphin. Those in attendance were appreciative of the opportunity to share and discuss news. Barb McDole and Alex Boyes offered to represent our chapter at RTAM for the immediate future, given that they are already involved as part of the executive and others at the meeting indicated their willingness to assist where needed in RTAM and local activities.

The photos share some of the excitement of our most recent spring luncheon. 

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CHAPTER REPORTS

RTAM Riel - St. Boniface / St. Vital / Norwood Retirees

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

Travel Fair at McMaster House Winnipeg

RETIRED TEACHERS’

October 16, 2013

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

FALL

TRAVEL FAIR

RTAM Travel Committee will be hosting a Travel Fair at McMaster House (191 Harcourt Street) in Winnipeg on Wednesday, October 16, 2013.

Presentations will be made by the following: ›› Snowbird Association ›› Discovery Tours ›› Getawars W/ Bernice ›› Journeys Travel ›› Collette Vacations ›› Johnson Travel Insurance ›› Good Sam Club ›› MB Motor League ›› Road Scholar

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Sessions will run from: 1:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

4:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

7:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

These extended hours are being utilized to accommodate ACTIVE teachers as well as RETIRED teachers.

Special points of interest: ›› Open To Both Retired And Active Teachers! ›› Free Admission and snacks! ›› Display Tables!

A Registered Nurse will make a presentation at all 3 sessions to talk about TRAVEL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS.

Further information A more detailed agenda will be available on our website, www.rtam.mb.ca A WEALTH OF TRAVEL INFORMATION! Pre-registration is recommended (by email or phone) as space may be limited for some of the sessions.

Contact: NORMAN WIEBE Ph: 204-857-9613 Cell: 204-856-9607 Email: mwiebe@mymts.net RTAM OFFICE: Email: rtam@mymts.net

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CHAPTER REPORTS

Southwest Assiniboine Chapter Ed Arndt

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n June 19, 2013, some 30 retired teachers and their guests boarded Brandon Bus Lines Motor Coach for another tour dubbed by our tour organizer as “The Adventure of a Life Time.”

Once again this tour was sponsored by the Southwest Assiniboine Chapter of Retired Teachers’ Association and was organized and directed by our fellow retired educator, Kel Smith. Our capable and congenial bus driver on this tour was Blaine Moncur.

This year’s primary destination was the International Peace Garden with additional stops at Boissevain and Souris.

The Peak flower season had not arrived yet at The Peace Garden and consequently so many of the flowers and plants were in the pre-bloom stage, however the Peace Garden Staff were extremely busy during the time of our visit preparing flower beds and planting the huge variety of flowers that makes this garden so attractive to Canadian, U.S. and International visitors.

It is difficult, if not impossible to describe the beauty of the landscape. . . one has to visit these gardens to fully appreciate their indescribable beauty.

Our first stop at the Peace Garden was to tour the Game Warden Museum. This building complex housed a great number of wildlife specimens. . . stuffed animals and various educational displays designed to bring to people’s attention the harmful effects of poaching.

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A recent addition to the Peace Garden were the steel girders from one of the towers destroyed during the 911 Attack. These rusty steel girders were a stark reminder of man’s inhumanity to man.

After leaving the Peace Garden, the next stop on our tour was a visit to the community of Boissevain. Here we were treated to a tour of Boissevain via a horse drawn conveyance. It was at a slow enough pace that allowed our aging eyeballs to fully view and fathom the sights of this beautiful prairie town. Our very capable and equally congenial tour guides for this tour, Lynda and Stewart Mannix provided us with a well-informed, enthusiastic

commentary. While a portion of our group was touring Boissevain, others were able to visit the Boissevain & District Model Railroad Association displays of model trains, elevators, stations, etc. A visit to the nearby Irvin Goodon International Wildlife Museum completed our tour of Boissevain. . . including of course a group picture in front of Boissevain’s famous statue of “Tommy, the Turtle.”

We concluded our tour with a supper at the Royal Canadian Legion in Souris. Our very brief dinner music was supplied by none other than our talented tour organizer, Kel Smith on the piano who displayed some hidden musical talents. 

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CHAPTER REPORTS

WREA Chapter

Uses Initiative Grant Judy Olmstead

The group in front of Mannix Tours wagon with driver Stuart Mannix.

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n August 22, a group of 11 RTAM Westman Retired Educators enjoyed a tour south. We left Brandon in 2 vehicles at 1:00 pm. Our first stop was the turtle at Boissevain where we met Mannix Tours for our horse drawn wagon tour of the murals and town of Boissevain. We learned many interesting facts from Linda, our tour guide. After a brief stop for refreshments, we drove to Anchorage Gardens developed by Don and Betty Engbrecht.

Here, the beauty of flower beds is combined with scrap iron metal sculptures and garden art in the yard surrounding a stone house built in 1906. Each of the flower beds has a name encompassing a special virtue. This year a collection of rim art was added. Each consists of a human figure framed in a wagon wheel rim expressing a virtue (eg. patience) in American Sign Language. The flowers and coleus were flourishing on this perfect summer day. Thank-you to RTAM’s Chapter Initiative grant for helping to defray the costs of the tour and motivating us to plan it. 

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Retired Women Teachers’ Association Diane Bewell, President

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o all retired women teachers, I wish to invite you to join our organization. The RWTA has been active for more than 60 years with the objectives of dealing with problems concerning the welfare of members and providing an opportunity for members to continue social relationships.

Our luncheons, held four times a year, are a good means of staying connected and reconnecting with our retired colleagues. These luncheons are held at the Masonic Centre, 420 Corydon Avenue (Confusion Corner) Winnipeg. For more information please contact our membership chair Cecile Alarie-Skene, 227 Parkville Bay, Winnipeg, MB R2M 2J6, phone 204 256 6176 or email caskene@mymts. net. Looking forward to seeing you.

Luncheon dates: September 19, 2013 Buffet Lunch and Fashion Show December 12, 2013 Served Lunch and Seasonal Program

February 27, 2014 Buffet Lunch and Guest Speaker (TBA) April 10, 2014 Served Lunch, AGM and Fun Program Executive Committee 2013-2014:

Past President: Dolores Hebert President: Diane Bewell Vice-president: Ruth Hartnell Recording Secretary: Pat Opalko Corresponding Sec.: Cecile Alarie-Skene Membership: Cecile Alarie-Skene Treasurer: Dolores Tutkaluk Club Notices: Diane Bewell, Ruth Hartnell Social Committee:

Bessie-Marie Hill (Chair) Louise Burton, Kathy Deyman Lynda Tunny, Emily Williamson Tickets : Birdielyn Gray, Kathleen Parums RTAM & Pensions: Peggy Prendergast Visiting: Ruth Hartnell Publicity: June Slobodian Archivist: Cathie Morgan Matula Pianist: Charlotte Stech 

THE RETIRED WOMEN TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FOR 2013-2014 ❏ RENEWAL ❏ NEW Please complete this form and return it with your cheque for $7.00 before October 1, 2013.

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 19, please complete this form and bring it with you to the luncheon.

Circle one (MISS, MS, OR MRS.) LASTNAME

FIRST NAME

ADDRESS POSTAL CODE

PHONE

E-MAIL ADDRESS Please make cheque (no post-dated cheques please) for $7.00 payable to: Retired Women Teachers’ Association and mail to Membership Convenor – Cécile Alarie-Skene 227 Parkville Bay, Winnipeg MB R2M 2J6 | caskene@mymts.net | Phone 204-256-6176

Fall 2013

CHAPTER REPORTS

RTAM Okanagan Chapter Lorna Rothwell

O

n Saturday, June 8, thirteen members of the RTAM Okanagan chapter enjoyed a progressive wine tasting at Sumac Ridge in Summerland. John led us to the vineyard where we tasted some white wines with food pairings, as he shared some of the history of the area and viticulture information. Then we proceeded to the wine shop where we tasted some red wines with small food bites to enhance the experience of the wine, and

John answered our many questions.

After the tour, we gathered for an excellent lunch at Zia’s Stonehouse, a heritage building. Everyone received a gift of preserves from Summerland Sweets to take home, and Leo, Carol, Margaret and Lorne were the lucky winners of our special draws. Special thanks to RTAM for the Chapter Initiative Grant we used to encourage participation in our chapter’s activities. Our next social event will be bocce and a barbecue in July. 

Volunteer Programs

A

ccueil Francophone of Manitoba (Manitoba Francophone Welcome Centre) offers a number of volunteer opportunities. If you are interested to in other languages, cultures, social work and community development, immigration services, international development, and/ or global politics, consider this great opportunity to gain some valuable exchange experiences and to make a difference in the lives of immigrants, please join our volunteers network.

Volunteers don’t need to speak French at all The programs are: • Homework Club: Help children aged 6 to 18 who are having academic difficulties with their homework so that they can catch up.

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• Language Exchange Partner: Help someone practice English while he or she helps you practice French.

• Interpreter: Interpret from French to English and vice versa for a newcomer that has to attend a meeting in English. Sometimes we can use English and a language other than French.

• Translator: Translate documents (such as diplomas, transcripts or certificates) from French to English. This type of volunteering can be done virtually, meaning that your presence in our offices is not mandatory.

• Host Volunteer: Develop a friendship with a Manitoba newcomer in order to help him/her integrate into the new culture.

• English Club Assistant: Prepare and lead English practice sessions for adult immigrants and refugees.

• Initial Greeting: Meet newly arrived immigrants to welcome them to Manitoba • Companion/Driver: Accompany someone to places with which they are not familiar (for instance a supermarket, to the doctor’s) and/or help them transport materials.

• Income Tax Return Assistant: Help low income individuals and families prepare their income tax returns. This program takes place once a year, generally from February to April.

For more detailed information contact, Paulin Bossou, Tel : (204) 9754250; E-mail : pbossou@sfm.mb.ca. 

RTAM n 15

The Canadian Snowbird Association The Canadian Snowbird Association is a non profit organization. We work to defend and improve the rights and privileges of the travelling Canadian.

We are offering a free retirement kit and a free one-year membership to the Canadian Snowbird Association. You will join the only organization in Canadian that works on behalf of all travelling Canadians. Our membership is over 70,000 people from across Canada.

By requesting a free kit you will receive: • free one year membership to the CSA • four CSA magazines a year • Currency exchange application where you can save 100’s of dollars.

• CSA Auto Club • CSA Travellers Checklist Please call 1-800-265-3200 to request your free kit. 

IT’S SO NICE TO BE REMEMBERED . . .

Alex Boyes

D

uring my student days and teaching career, I had the singular privilege of knowing the following exceptional women all of whom have reached and exceeded one hundred years of age.

Ms. Isla Ayre: 1906 – 2013

Ms. Ayres taught grade one at Glenwood School where I was Vice-Principal from 1963-67. Before her retirement, she taught grade one for 43 years. At Glenwood’s centennial celebrations in 2011, Miss Ayre video-taped an interview for the occasion which was viewed by countless former students and colleagues. In her obituary it stated that “She taught her students independence and how to get along with others.” That she did. Her extensive collection of dolls from all over the world, was donated to the Manitoba Museum, where it is still on display. She passed away in January of 2013.

Ms. Ellen Wherrett: 1912 –

Ms. Wherrett taught the grade two class

16 n KEEP IN TOUCH

at Glenwood during the same period I was at Glenwood. She was outgoing, energetic and had a good sense of humour.

For several years, I curled with her in the St.Vital Teachers’ League. To have Ellen on your rink was a bonus as she was a very dependable and consistent curler.

As with Ms. Ayre, her students received a very solid educational grounding to set them on their educational journey. Ms. Wherrett now resides at Golden Links Lodge in St. Vital. She is 101.

Ms. Winnifred Greaves: 1906 –

Ms. Greaves was my grade five teacher in 1944-1945 at Central School in Brandon.

My memories of being a student in her class are vivid. After lunch each day she would begin reading a story to us and stop at the most exciting moment. If we were good and worked hard perhaps we would get back to the story. We always did and she always continued with the story. The ploy worked every time.

I reminded her of this when I visited her last June. We shared some good laughs and compared the difference in teaching, then and now. She was alert, engaging and

full of life. It was a true pleasure to see her again. When I left, she gave me a hug and said: “It is so nice to be remembered.” She will be 107 on September 2, 2013.

And that is why I am writing this.

I hope we remember our former colleagues and what they gave to us and what they meant to us. A card, a note, some flowers or a phone call would mean the world to these special colleagues. We have all had a Ms. Ayre, Ms. Wherrett and a Ms. Greaves in our lifetime. Let’s take a moment to remember them.

These few hours do not do justice to the debt we owe to these women and thousands like them who devoted their whole lives to the teaching of children.

There are thousands of stories to be told about special teachers in our lives.

This has been about three in mine. 

Anyone who would like to contribute a short note about a favourite teacher or colleague, please include a photo if available.

Fall 2013

2013-2014

RTAM Board of Directors

President Wayne Hughes Winnipeg

Vice -President Marvin Krawec Portage La Prairie

Secretary Judy Olmstead Brandon

Treasurer Carol Pelton Thompson

Past President Richard Benoit Winnipeg

DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE

Rosalie Bornn Dauphin

Alex Boyes Winnipeg

Peter Carney Winnipeg

Ralph Cibula Gladstone

Joan Dawson Thompson

Guy Hansen Winnipeg

Vel McAdam The Pas

Barbara McDole Winnipeg

Jag Malik Gilbert Plains

Peggy Prendergast Winnipeg

Doreen Sage Neepawa

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Ray Sitter Brandon

John Sushelnitsky Portage La Prairie

Norman Wiebe Portage La Prairie

RTAM n 17

2013-2014

RTAM Chapter Presidents Boyne Chapter of Retired Teachers Lana Rinn, Acting President Box 2039 Carman, MB ROG 0J0 204-828-3375 lanarinn@hotmail.com

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

Dauphin Area Retired Teachers’ Assoc Joyce McGinnis, President 56 Hawthorne Avenue Dauphin, MB R7N 3K6 204-638-6186 Jhm7@mymts.net

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

Educatrices et Educateurs manitobains a la retraite (EMR) Alfred Phaneuf, President 12 Erie Bay Winnipeg MB R2J 2A1 294-269-6463 Phaneuf2@mymts.net

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

Hanover Association of Retired Teachers Brian Gadsby, President 144 Oakenwald Crescent Mitchell, MB R5G 1J2 204-326-6753 brgadsby@hotmail.com Interlake Retired Teachers’ Association Darlene Dufily, President 6-191 Hamilton Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2Y 2L4 204-888-8657. dadufily@mymts.net Intermountain Retired Teachers’ Association Jim McMillan, President 7 Rose Street Roblin, MB R0L 1P0 204-937-4606 darkrum151@hotmail.com Neepawa Area Retired Teachers’ Association Ralph Cibula, President Box 79, 18 Louise Street Gladstone, MB R0J 0T0 204-385-2882 rjcibula@mymts.net

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Portage la Prairie Retired Teachers’ Association Marvin Krawec, President 52 La Verendrye Crescent Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1B2 204-857-8951 marcon@mymts.net Retired Teachers of Winnipeg Lorraine Forrest, President 22 Middlehurst Crescent Winnipeg, MB R2G 4C5 204-668-1325 jforrest@mymts.net Retired Women Teachers’ Association Diane Bewell, President 100 Queenston Street, Winnipeg, MB R3N 0W5 204-489-4023 cbewell@mymts.net Riel Retired Teachers’ Association Barbara McDole, President 111 Vista Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2M 4Y5 204-254-8965 barbaramcdole@hotmail.com RTAM – Street James Assiniboia Chapter Peter Carney, President 190 Douglas Park Road, Winnipeg, MB R3J 1Z2 204-837-5013 pdcarney@mymts.net

Southwest Assiniboine Chapter of Retired Teachers Jerome Brockman, President Box 208 Reston, MB R0M 1X0 204-877-3387 brockmanjerome@hotmail.com Swan Valley Retired Teachers Barb Plumb, President Box 1446 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0 204-238-4372 bjplumb@mymts.net The Pas Retired Teachers’ Association Vel McAdam, President Box 775, 1019 Halcrow Avenue The Pas, MB R9A 1K8 204-623-3707 kelseybl@mymts.net Thompson Association of Retired Educators Joan Goble, President 224 Riverside Drive Thompson, MB R8N 0X2 204-778-8167 mgoble@mymts.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, Co-President 211 – 130 Sunnydale Road, East Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1P6 250 – 752-5022 VanislesRTAM@gmail.com Westman Retired Educators’ Association Peggy Wojnarski, President 7 Violet Crescent Brandon, MB R7B 1E5 204-728-8167 pwojnarski@mymts.net

Fall 2013

CELEBRATING THE MENNONITE VILLAGE SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS Lois Braun

W

hen the Mennonites emigrated from their settlements in Russia to the East and West Reserves in southern Manitoba in 1875, it didn’t take long for them to set up schools for their children. The first ones were rudimentary, but after a few years, each community or village had established a small public school, and in the West Reserve there were soon many of these white, wood-sided, single-storey schoolhouses, surrounded by grassy playgrounds and shelterbelts, scattered throughout the Mennonite farming community between the Red and Pembina Rivers. In the mid-1960s, however, many of them closed, as the process of consolidation decreed that the students in these one-room schools would be bused to larger centres. Not all the schools shut their doors – a few of the larger ones remained in operation for several more years. But this enactment of consolidation led to a slow decline of the abandoned school buildings. Although some of them were repurposed as homes, or even granaries, and a few still exist today, most have disappeared.

However, the legacy of the oneroom schoolhouse has not disappeared. The people who attended such schools will never forget their experiences there, and many of the teachers are still with us and have

Fall 2013

memories to share. Two events have transpired recently aimed at preserving the rural school experience, particularly as it pertains to the West Reserve.

The first occurrence was the recent decision to restore the Alt-Bergthal School. Called the Bergthal School Project, the plan is being carried out by a group made up of former Alt-Bergthal community members, as well as others interested in Mennonite history.

Fund-raising is well under way, and the school is now situated at its new and permanent site in the historic village of Neubergthal near Altona. Restoration is on schedule. The schoolhouse will be used as an actual satellite classroom by the Red River Technical Vocational Area, but a part of the building is intended to eventually serve as an interpretive centre for the rural school experience.

Then this spring, a local committee of the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society decided to host a “reunion” or gathering of teachers who taught in multi-grade classrooms in small community schools in the rural municipalities of Rhineland and Stanley. The main purposes of the event are as follows: • to reunite the men and women who taught in rural, multi-grade classrooms in Mennonite communities in the West Reserve

• to collect and catalogue documents, photographs, and other memorabilia pertaining to the rural school experience, in order to submit them to historical archives • to share stories • to identify the characteristics that made the Mennonite rural/ village school unique, and what role the rural schoolteacher played in the community, outside of the classroom This one-day reunion will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, in the Winkler area. The committee has spent the past months collecting names and addresses of former teachers, and a letter has been sent out with information pertaining to the event. Note that this event is intended for teachers only. The day will consist of an exhibit of photos, documents, and artifacts, provided by the attendees; a formal program; the sharing of stories; and socializing. Also, the MMHS, in collaboration with archivists, will have staff on hand to collect and digitally scan photos, documents, and other memorabilia, with a view to creating an archival file.

If you taught in a rural school in Rhineland or Stanley but have not yet been contacted by the committee, and would like to participate, please call Joe Braun at 204-324-6259. 

RTAM n 19

56th Normal School Reunion Class of 1956 – 1957 Gloria Wilton Photos courtesy of Phyllis Crosson, Jean Rennie, John Lohrenz, Jake Harms. Email copy courtesy of Janice Kelly

Thank you to all who attended our 56th Reunion, in Winnipeg, May 23, 2013.

The reunion was in two parts. We were fortunate in having a guided tour of the old Normal School, at 500 Shaftesbury Boulevard. The tour guide, Elizabeth Doty, enjoyed our group, especially all the comments and memories we had looking back to 1956 – 1957. The labyrinth of tunnels, under the site, came as a bit of surprise to many. The present site is home to the Canadian Mennonite University. The site continues to be a place of education, enlightment and leadership.

Our luncheon was held at the Inn at the Forks, 75 Forks Market Road. The Forks is a national historic site. People have been meeting at the forks of the Red River and Assiniboine River for about six thousand years. We in turn did likewise.

It was a day for history. The original Normal School site has had a chequered career. Built in 1921, by the government, it was first of all, a School for the Deaf. In 1941, the Department of Defense utilized the site as part of the war effort of WWII. In turn, the Department of Education

20 n KEEP IN TOUCH

took it back in 1945 and it continued to be the Normal School site until 1965.

The teacher training was then moved to the University of Manitoba. Once more the site became the School for the Deaf.

Many who could not attend the reunion were either on a pilgrimage to Fatima, in Portugal, and a family reunion in Poland (Jeanette Moran); a personal family reunion in the West (Barbara Thomasson); off to Europe (France) with her husband who would be teaching at a university in Toulouse (Machiko Bruzina); arriving in Roblin, Manitoba, with her husband to celebrate a centenary plus at the end

of June (Sylvia Goodbun, Woodstock, Ontario). Frances Obedzinski, of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, made the reunion a family affair arriving with her group of seven – daughter, brothers and their wives and friends.

WOW! That is what I call a celebration of life.

As a group, we continue to be active in our communities, our churches, local museums, hospitals and local support groups. Two alumnae have had their work and effort recognized provincially and federally. Verna Kirkness of Winnipeg, received the Order of Manitoba in 2007, and the Order of Canada in 1998. Joan MacKay (Robinson) of Nesbitt, Manitoba, was inducted, as a member of the Manitoba Fiddle Association, into the Manitoba Hall of Fame, April 28, 2013, in Carman, Manitoba. Alma Vincent (Dayon), travelled to the Dominican Republic in 2012 and 2013 as part of a habitat group. In February and March, 2013, Alma travelled to Lima, Peru, to a site where children needed care and shelter. As a volunteer in a local school near the building sites, educational component will continue to be involved at this level as long as she can continue. Dolores

Fall 2013

Lohrenz, (Dyck), has been involved with the Mennonite Central Committee for 10 years. She has been an organizer and volunteer running two of four s Thrift Stores. One of these stores is on Sargent Avenue and the other is on Selkirk Avenue. The stores generate considerable monies which are used for projects in Canada and Internationally. For the most part these stores are volunteer driven and require considerable people hours. WELL DONE GIRLS. In keeping with our historical theme, we were able to call upon the office of the Lieutenant Governor of MB, Philip S. Lee, CM. OM,. for commemorative pins. These pins mark Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.

The luncheon at the restaurant, the Current, in the Inn, featured five courses, all superbly prepared and presented at a reasonable cost. The setting, staff, and service made us all feel very special.

We even had the weather cooperate with a dry, sunny day. I count the Inn at the Forks as a jewel set in the heart of Winnipeg. The Catering and Special Events coordinators, Jodi Arrell and Mindi Copet, prepared specially printed menus; organized the Sun Room seating in a very attractive manner; and were pleasant young women to work with and plan this event.

Attendance for the luncheon and tour topped 70 in all. One teacher, Rosanna (Federchuk) Hrabliuk was accompanied by her daughter, Caroline. Roseanna said her daughter had a lovely time experiencing her mother with her teacher peer group The rural support for the reunions remains very strong.

Committee members were as follows: Sheila McCausland(Fargey), Brandon: Phyllis Crosson (Jamieson),

Fall 2013

Brandon; Helen Mailman (Kocuk), Ochre River; Bernice McMahon (Wirgau), Delta, British Columbia; Janice Kelly (Duncan), MacGregor; Evelyn Rheaume(Beattie), Portage la Prairie; Gloria Wilton,(De Laronde), Winnipeg.

We are always pleased to place our announcements in KIT. It is a very helpful resource. SHAW also ran our announcement under Community Service Announcements. Our email addresses and telephone numbers extend right across Canada except for the Maritimes.

Our US, Ontario and European list is very light but we inform all working information sites. The Master List, the In Memoriam List and the Search List continue to be upgraded thanks to the support of the membership at large.

As the 56th Normal School; reunion committee, we are looking forward to 2017 when we celebrate our 60th. If other alumni feel they would like to organize something earlier, there is a lot of up to date information available from former committee members.

Sadly, our In Memoriam list gets longer every year. As of May 23, 2013, the names recorded number 90.

“When night falls, we can see the stars and we remember.”

As septuagenarians, (good Scrabble word), we are all afflicted with AGE. However, if we keep our endemonia strong, we will keep medication low and we will not falter. Attending reunions is designed to give our seratonin a lift. What better way to spend a pleasant afternoon.

As one octogenarian wisely said to me recently, as they approached their 90th birthday - “Keep Going!” 

LIFE MEMBERS MAY, 2013

Rita M. A. Bohemier, Winnipeg, MB Laura G. Cooley, Birtle, MB Tamara M. Kubrak, Winnipeg, MB Jean Wiens, Virden, MB JUNE, 2013

Valdine G. Johnson, Winnipeg, MB Dietrich A. Neufeld, Winnipeg, MB Dr. Mary Pankiw, Winnipeg, MB Ida J. Patterson, Winnipeg, MB S. Hadley Ward, South Surrey, BC JULY, 2013

Joan Ferguson, Boissevain, MB Arva J. Hryciuk, Portage la Prairie, MB Velma A. Motheral, Winnipeg, MB Florence A. Sutherland, Eriksdale, MB Hortense M. Wilcott, Winnipeg, MB AUGUST, 2013

Calvin J. Alward, Winnipeg, MB Eileen L. Fowler, Winnipeg, MB Dorothy Kilburn, Neepawa, MB Helen Letkemann, Winkler, MB

Correction from the Summer Issue of KIT: Sylvia Lorraine should have been Sylvia Lorraine Lauren.

RTAM n 21

CLASSIFIEDS 22 n KEEP IN TOUCH

Did you teach in a rural school in the West Reserve?

Deer Lodge Senior Men’s Curling League

The Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society invites teachers who taught in rural/village, multi-grade schools in the Rhineland and Stanley municipalities to take part in a one-day reunion Oct. 5, 2013, Winkler area.

If your name is not on our list, or if you know of others whose names should be added, please respond to: Joe Braun owltree@sdnet.ca 204-324-6259 You will receive details once you have made contact.

Looking for curlers for the 2013/2014 season. Curling takes place Tuesday & Thursday mornings from 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM from October 2013 to March 2014.

All skill levels plus first time curlers are welcome. The cost is $120.00 per season that includes approximately 40 games and 2 complimentary banquets. Come out, get some exercise, and enjoy the fellowship.

For further information, contact Jim at 204-837-6900 Dennis at 204-261-8790 Murray at 204-284-5516

University Women’s Club of Winnipeg Located at the National Site Ralph Connor House 54 West Gate The CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMITTEE IS OFFERING THE POWER OF PLACE: history, geography and current world issues. This will be a series of illustrated lectures examining the history and geography of current world tension areas.

Tuesday mornings 9:30 - 11:15 October 15 to November 5 Presented by Dr. John (Jock) Lehr Cost for non-members is $60.00 Registration information call 954-7889 or email uwc@mymts.net or call 204 - 453-5727 University Women’s Club of Winipeg 33rd Annual Christmas Market at 54 West Gate in the National Historic Ralph Connor House Friday, November 8 , 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday, November 9, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Cost $ 3.00 - Lunch available at additional cost. Three floors of Manitoba crafts and giftware including baked goods.

204-954-7880 | www.uwcwinnipeg.ca

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

Part-Time Receptionist/ Office Position Seeking a person to work 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., 3 to 5 days a week • Good people skills • Prolific in Microsoft programs and Outlook • Able to navigate websites an asset • Dependable • Good communication skills • Organized Please apply with resumè and salary expectations to: RTAM – Part Time Position 113 – 1555 St. James Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5 Or: Email to rtam@mymts.net

St. Paul’s Fort Garry BrushWorks 10th annual BrushWorks Date: Friday, October 18, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Wine and cheese Saturday, Oct. 19 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cafe Sunday, Oct. 20 12:00 p.m. 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!

Fall 2013

McPhail Travel

Getaways with Bernice presents: Canyon Country featuring Arizona & Utah

Escorted Tours for 2014

We specialize in small group travel balancing history, nature and culture at leisurely pace.

El Salvador in Depth – Jan 11-25, and Feb 8-22 Explore national parks, ancient ruins, civil war history, and colonial towns.

Undiscovered Eastern Cuba – Feb 10-24 This one-of-a-kind tour is packed with the unexpected including Castro’s birthplace, a jeep safari, a stay in Cuba’s only rainforest and more.

Costa Rica in Depth – Feb 14 – Mar 01 A comprehensive tour in and beyond the rainforests.

Scenic Western Cuba – Mar 1 – 15 Stays in a national park, the tobacco growing area, Havana are some of the highlights.

Historic Central Cuba – Jan 18 – Feb 01 History buffs enjoy this tour featuring colonial and revolutionary history, along with a pig roast in the Escambray mountains.

Shades or Ireland – May 13 – 25 Including Northern Ireland escorted from Winnipeg For details visit www.mcphailtravel.net or www.thediscoverytours.ca Call 1-800-417-0250 McPhail Travel, 435 Rosser Ave, Brandon Mon-Fri, 9am – 6 pm Visit our booth at the “Fall Travel Fair” - October 16 CentralSchool/ÉcoleCentrale Transcona,MB

MANITOBA TEACHERS’ COLLEGE

100th ANNIVERSARY 604 Day Street, Transcona Date: September 28, 2013, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Formal Ceremony: 11:00 a.m.

Email co-principal Sid Shapira shapira@retsd.mb.ca www.ec.retsd.mb.ca

CLASS OF 1958-1959 Date: May 21, 2014 Place: Canad Inn, Pembina & Bishop Grandin, Winnipeg Joe Plett 204-256-5062 Bert Suss 204-326-9470 blsuss1@gmail.com

May 8, 2014 Highlights... Scottsdale, Oak Creek Canyon, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas

Discover Croatia featuring Lake Bled, the

Dalmatian Coast and Dubrovnik September 20, 2014 Highlights... Opatija, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Dubrovnik, Family-Style Dinner in Cilipi, Split, Diocletian’s Palace, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Pletna Boat Ride

Spectacular South Africa Culture & Nature in Harmony September 25, 2014 Highlights... Johannesburg, Panoramic Route, Kruger National Park, Safari Game Drive, Garden Route, Knysna, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Cape Town, Table Mountain Optional 3-night Victoria Falls Post Tour Extension

You’re InvIted! SpecIal travel presentatIon Friday, September 20, 2013 at 1:00 pm McNally Robinson classroom Please RSVP to Bernice at 204.957.7786 or stebbing@mymts.net

25th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION JOSEPH TERES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 131 Sanford Fleming Road Winnipeg, MB October 17, 2013: in-school activities for present & former students, staff & parents October 18, 2013: out-of-school celebration for present and former staff. Laurie Sodomlak Email: lesodomlak@shaw.ca

Fall 2013

Travel provided by

Call Bernice at 204.957.7786 for more information.

RTAM n 23

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

Our strength is in our collective voice and our growing membership.

www.rtam.mb.ca