Keep In Touch (KIT) Magazine - Fall 2023

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

106-1780 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 | 204-889-3660 | Toll Free: 1-888-393-8082 | info@rtam.mb.ca | www.rtam.mb.ca

Vol. 35 | No. 2 | Fall 2023

FALL

2023

KEEP IN TOUCH Vol. 35 | No. 2 | Fall 2023 Published by

in this issue President’s report.................................. 3

In Flanders Fields................................. 16

Mot de la president................................ 4

Life Members....................................... 16

Executive Director’s report.................... 5

In Memoriam........................................ 17

Rapport du directeur............................. 5

Remembering Paul Harland.................. 18

Message from the KIT Committee.......... 6

First Meeting of the New Board............ 19

ACER/CARTE Report............................. 6

Collaborating with local museum projects: Promoting educational history in your local area...................... 20

RTAM – Okanagan Wellness Event.......... 7 RTAM (Calgary and area) road trip.......... 7 EMR-Éducatrices et éducateurs manitobains à la retraite........................ 8 Swan Valley Retired Teachers................ 8 Retired Teachers’ of Manitoba recognize current educators................. 9 Retired teachers and friends visit the Mennonite Museum in Steinbach.......... 10 RTAM 2023 Distinguished Service Award recipient: Beth Smith.... 12

Hi there! A&O Support Services for Older Adults..................................... 21 The role of resilience in mapping our besting aging journey.................... 22 Don’t forget to order your Student Portfolio today!...................... 23 Student Success Portfolio Program: Participant Application Form............... 24 Ukrainian Borscht recipe..................... 25 Squash and Mushroom Gratin recipe... 26

Introducing Dave Najduch..................... 13

Election Information Package.......27 - 30

James Bedford Appreciation................ 14

Upcoming RTAM Events....................... 31

MTS Rally for Public Education.............. 15

Johnson Insurance.............................. 32

All materials for the next issue of KIT must be emailed with no formatting to kit@rtam.mb.ca and received by November 15, 2023, 5:00 p.m.

Materials published here do not necessarily represent the policies or views of RTAM. The Editorial Committee reserves the right to print, reject and/or edit for clarity, all materials received.

2 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

106-1780 Wellington Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 Phone 204-889-3660 • 1-888-393-8082 Email: info@rtam.mb.ca Website: www.rtam.mb.ca Editorial Committee Chair: Gisèle Grégoire Members Judy Danchura JoAnne Hoyak Joan Zaretsky Email: kit@rtam.mb.ca Board of Directors 2023-2024 President: Linda Blair Vice -President: Gabe Mercier Directors-at-Large Betty-Jean Checkley Brent Corrigan Shannon Culbertson Gisèle Grégoire Jayesh Maniar Bill Marsh Peter Narth Kelvon Smith Dianne Snider Dennis Kozak Executive Director: Sean Seywright Email: seywright@rtam.mb.ca Office Administrator: Denise Bellesia Email: dbellesia@rtam.mb.ca Member Services Coordinator: Dianne Casar Email: dcasar@rtam.mb.ca Print: Concept Printing Services Creative Director/Design: Kathleen Cable Email: conceptprinting@shaw.ca Copyright © 2023 by RTAM All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: RTAM 106-1780 Wellington Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3

President’s Report

Linda Blair

RTAM President, 2023-2024

As our summer days turn into autumn, I trust that you

As the Manitoba provincial election approaches, our

and your loved ones have been able to make some

ASKS, that we hope you will use when speaking with

great memories together. The weather in Manitoba

politicians, are on our website. The working committee

has been varied so all sorts of activities were possible.

put together this brochure to help you focus on the

I was able to attend two Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball

issues that older adults are facing.

games; unfortunately, the opposing team won both games. However, the games were exciting. I also had the opportunity to join the Southwest Assiniboine Chapter of Retired Teachers from Virden as they toured the Steinbach Heritage Museum. As you can see in the picture, I was able to conduct a class in one of the schoolhouses. My students were a very cooperative

The Wellness Committee and staff have planned several events for the upcoming months. Many members have already registered for several events. Be sure to register for the events that you are interested in attending. Detailed information for each event can be found on the RTAM website, under Events.

group.

The Student Awards Committee has focused on the

On behalf of the RTAM Board, I send our condolences to

applications of our graduates who applied for the RTAM

the loved ones of two of our members who perished in

Scholarships. Their selections will be announced very

the Dauphin bus crash at the Carberry Junction. Also,

soon.

I think of those who were injured in the crash and wish

Committee chairs and members will be established in

they recover soon. RTAM has sent donations to honour both of our members.

September. The Committee Chairs will be selecting their committee members from the completed

At RTAM, your executive and staff have been busy

Volunteer Forms. If you wish to volunteer for a

focusing on improving our communication with you, our

committee, please contact the RTAM office for a

members. The monthly e-newsletter started August

volunteer form.

1st. Our goal is to give you information in a timely manner. Each month, via email, we plan to highlight upcoming events. I look forward to receiving your feedback regarding this new initiative.

On Monday, September 25, there will be an online meeting for all members. This meeting will focus on approving our Board members for 2023-2024. Please register for this meeting so you will receive the Zoom link. The meeting will be short as only one piece of

Please continue to look for updates on RTAM activities in our monthly e-newsletter, on social media, on our website, in KIT and in direct emails.

RTAM suggests that all members add the office@rtam. mb.ca and info@rtam.mb.ca emails to your address book so the RTAM e-newsletter and other important information from the organization is not filtered into your Junk Mail.

business will be discussed. Hope to see everyone

Your RTAM Board and staff strive to keep you informed

online.

of all activities promptly.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 3

rapport de la présidente Linda Blair

A

lors que nos journées d’été cèdent la place à l’automne, j’espère que vous et vos proches avez pu créer de bons souvenirs ensemble.

À l’approche des élections provinciales au Manitoba, nos DEMANDES figurent sur notre site Web. Nous espérons que vous discuterez de ces enjeux lorsque vous vous

Comme les conditions météorologiques au Manitoba ont

entretiendrez avec des politiciens. Le comité de travail a

été variées, toutes sortes d’activités ont été possibles.

produit cette brochure pour vous aider à mettre l’accent

J’ai pu assister à deux matchs de baseball des Goldeyes

sur les problèmes auxquels les personnes plus âgées

de Winnipeg; malheureusement, l’équipe adverse a

sont confrontées.

remporté les deux matchs. Cependant, les parties étaient passionnantes. J’ai également eu l’occasion de me joindre à la section sud-ouest d’Assiniboine des enseignants à la retraite de Virden alors qu’ils visitaient le musée du patrimoine de Steinbach. Comme vous pouvez le voir sur la photo, j’ai pu donner une leçon dans l’une des écoles. Mes élèves formaient un groupe très coopératif.

Au nom du conseil d’administration de la RTAM, j’envoie nos condoléances aux proches de deux de nos membres qui ont péri dans l’accident d’autobus à Dauphin, près de Carberry. J’ai en outre une pensée pour les personnes

Le Comité du mieux-être et le personnel ont planifié plusieurs événements au cours des prochains mois.

De nombreux membres se sont déjà inscrits à divers événements. Assurez-vous de vous inscrire aux événements qui vous intéressent. Des informations détaillées pour chaque événement se trouvent sur le site Web de la RTAM, dans la section « Events ».

Le Comité des prix étudiants a examiné les candidatures de nos diplômés qui ont présenté une demande de bourse RTAM. Les lauréats seront annoncés très bientôt.

qui ont été blessées dans l’accident et je leur souhaite

Les présidents et les membres des comités seront

un prompt rétablissement. La RTAM a versé des dons en

déterminés en septembre. Les présidents choisiront

hommage aux deux membres décédés.

les membres de leur comité à partir des formulaires

Les dirigeants et le personnel de la RTAM se sont efforcés d’améliorer nos communications avec vous, nos membres. Notre premier bulletin électronique

de bénévolat dûment remplis. Si vous souhaitez faire du bénévolat pour un comité, veuillez communiquer avec le bureau de la RTAM pour obtenir un formulaire de bénévolat.

mensuel a été publié le 1er août. Notre objectif est de vous fournir des informations en temps opportun. Nous

Demeurez à l’affût des mises à jour concernant les

avons l’intention de vous présenter chaque mois, par

activités de la RTAM dans notre bulletin électronique

courriel, les événements à venir. J’ai hâte de recevoir vos

mensuel, les médias sociaux, notre site Web, le magazine

commentaires au sujet de cette nouvelle initiative.

KIT et les envois directs par courriel. La RTAM suggère que tous les membres ajoutent les adresses office@

Le lundi 25 septembre, il y aura une réunion en ligne

rtam.mb.ca et info@rtam.mb.ca à leur carnet d’adresses

pour tous les membres. Cette réunion sera axée

afin que le bulletin électronique de la RTAM et d’autres

sur l’approbation des membres de notre conseil

informations importantes de l’organisation ne soient

d’administration pour l’année 2023-2024. Veuillez vous

pas acheminés au dossier de courriels indésirables.

inscrire à cette réunion afin de recevoir le lien Zoom.

Le conseil d’administration et le personnel de la RTAM

La réunion sera courte, car un seul point sera abordé.

s’efforcent de vous tenir au courant de toutes les

J’espère voir tout le monde en ligne.

activités dans les plus brefs délais.

4 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

executive director’s Report

Sean Seywright RTAM Executive Director

I

am writing my seasonal submission to KIT while packing

We’ve also had some great preliminary meetings with the

adult loot bags for the RTAM golf tournament at Quarry

University of Manitoba (U of M) and their Retired Professors

Oaks. There are just boxes and boxes of Johnson schwag,

Association. We look forward to discussing potential

golf balls, tees, and prizes everywhere and we couldn’t be more

partnerships and relationships together this fall, as our Board of

excited. Joining us at the event will be guests from U of M,

Directors comes back from summer break. There are so many

Johnson Insurance, Hearing Life, MTS, ACER-CART and BCRTA.

great educators in the province. Everyone at RTAM would love

We are looking forward to meetings and greetings with all our

to be able to work with everyone in the education retirement

members and guests on September 1!

community.

We’re grateful to Gerry Tiede for coming to us and meeting

There will be lots of positive updates coming in the next few

with some of our Executive Directors the evening before the

months, so please make sure you’re getting our monthly email

event. We’ll be talking about ACER-CART and sharing ideas on a

newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!

western Canadian front with Johnson Insurance.

rapport du directeur général

Sean Seywright

J

e suis en train de rédiger ma contribution saisonnière

De plus, nous avons eu d’excellentes réunions préliminaires

au magazine KIT tout en préparant des sacs à surprises

avec l’Université du Manitoba et son association de professeurs

pour les adultes qui participeront au tournoi de golf du

à la retraite. Nous avons hâte de discuter cet automne de

RTAM à Quarry Oaks. On croule sous des boîtes et des boîtes de

partenariats éventuels et de relations, lorsque notre conseil

produits promotionnels Johnson, des balles de golf, des tés et

d’administration reviendra des vacances d’été. Il y a tellement

des prix, et nous ne pourrions pas être plus excités. Des invités

d’enseignants formidables dans la province que tout le monde

de l’Université du Manitoba, de Johnson Assurance, de Hearing

à la RTAM aimerait pouvoir travailler avec tous les retraités de

Life, de la Société des enseignants du Manitoba, d’ACER-

l’éducation.

CART et de la BCRTA se joindront à nous pour l’événement.

Nous sommes impatients de rencontrer et de saluer tous nos membres et invités le 1er septembre!

Nous remercions Gerry Tiede de venir nous rencontrer la

Au cours des prochains mois, nous communiquerons bon nombre de mises à jour positives, alors assurez-vous de recevoir notre bulletin électronique mensuel et de nous suivre sur Facebook et Instagram !

veille de l’événement pour discuter avec certains de nos administrateurs. Nous parlerons d’ACER-CART et échangerons des idées concernant un front de l’Ouest canadien avec Johnson Assurance.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 5

Message from the KIT Committee Submitted by Gisèle Grégoire

D

uring the coming year, the new KIT Committee will be revising the Kit manual. Once the work is done, we will let you know what changes we are planning for the magazine.

The following suggestions could possibly inspire you:

On another note, the Committee would like to invite you to share with us some of your experiences that you believe might be of interest and could benefit RTAM members.

• Seminars you have participated in.

• Book review.

• Books you have read.

• Workshops that you have attended.

• Travel tips.

• Recipe sharing.

A reminder from RTAM that all members add the following email addresses, office@rtam.mb.ca and info@rtam.mb.ca to their address book so that the RTAM e-newsletter and other important information, from the organization, are not filtered into Junk Mail.

• And other ideas.

ACER-CART Report from AGM in Ottawa May 31 to June 2 Submitted by Gabe Mercier, RTAM VP, ACER-CART Director for RTAM

L

’Association canadienne des enseignantes et des enseignants retraités – Canadian Association of Retired Teachers (ACER-CART) is a bilingual association of Members representing over 167,000 affiliated members located in all regions of Canada.

1. ACER-CART is the national voice of retired teachers. It is a bilingual association of Members representing over 160,000 retired teachers from Canada’s ten provinces and Yukon Territory. The organization consists of 13 provincial and territorial association members operating in the interests of its members, facilitating liaison and mutual assistance among them, promoting, and supporting public education; serving its members as a voice on the national scene and maintaining good relations with other seniors’ organizations on matters of common concern; and existing since 1991.

ACER -CART held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ottawa May 31 to June 2, 2023. All the provinces in Canada were represented except Yukon Territory. As part of the meeting, an election was conducted with the following results-- President (0NT.); Bill Berryman - Vice-President (Nova Scotia); Sharon Penney – Regional Representative, East (Newfoundland and Labrador); Martha Louise Foster – Regional Representative, Central, Ontario (President/Chair of RTOERO); and Marilyn Bossert - Regional Representative West (Alberta).

Some organizational highlights worth mentioning are: the election of members to the Executive is for a year term; Canadian Association of Retired Teachers Investments consist of 6 GIC’s with the Bank of Nova Scotia amounting to $63,095; the budget for this year- 2023 to 2024 is $ 62, 100.00 (about)

6 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

and the Executive Director/Directeur général (Honorarium) is $15,500.00; $ 12,500.00 (actual); $ 15, 000.00 (2023/24), which indicated a low activity part-time position.

Some activities conducted by a couple of sister organizations are: Prince Edward Island Retired Teachers Association held an annual golf tournament last September; Nova Scotia held its annual golf tournament in September at Mountain Golf Club in East Mountain, Nova Scotia, with approximately 80 golfers participating; and Nova Scotia had their annual Curling bonspiel in March, hosted by the Cumberland Branch at the Amherst Curling Club, with teams from across the province participating.

ACER -CART Priorities for 2023-24 a) Advocate for the development and implementation of a national seniors’ strategy. b) Advocate for the federal government’s implementation of a national universal pharmacare program including the establishment of a Canada Drug Agency and implementation of a national formula. c) Advocate for a public health care system that prioritizes care in seniors’ own homes for as long as possible. d) Advocate for public health care to combat the move towards privatization. e) Advocate for regulations governing retirement and long-term care homes with emphasis on improving patient respect, working conditions, training, and staff wages. f) Support members in their efforts to achieve the full cost of living pension adjustments. g) Complete the strategic plan.

RTAM – Okanagan Wellness Event

By Nancy Kostiuk

T

he Okanagan Chapter event was held May 18 at DunnEnzies on Lakeshore in Kelowna, under their 190-year-old sycamore tree. Twenty-four members

enjoyed a varied lunch and lively conversation, as we lingered under the tree to visit around the tables.

Thank you to RTAM for their grant contribution to the event.

RTAM (Calgary and area) road trip: Thursday, May 11, 2023 Submitted by Jan Campbell and Penny Hogan

I

t was a beautiful day for a road trip to High River, AB. The morning began at 10:30 at the Museum of the Highwood. Irene Kerr, Director/Curator, gave

an interesting talk on ‘Old MacLeod Trail’, a volunteer undertaking begun in the 1980s to mark with red painted wagon wheels the route from Fort Macleod to High River.

Before the coming of the railway in 1883, this was part of the original overland trail moving goods from the Upper Missouri River near Fort Benton in Montana to Fort Calgary.

There’s a Manitoba connection to the story. In 2003, Bill Dunn, originally from Dugald, MB took on the restoration of the original 15 markers installed in the 1980s. Since 2012, Bill oversaw the installation of additional wagon wheel markers, bringing the current total to 20. There’s a commemorative photograph at the museum in recognition of Bill’s contribution to the project.

A short drive from the Museum brought us to the Highwood Golf Club where we all enjoyed lunch overlooking the greens at the Foxes Den restaurant. And for you fans of the TV series ‘Heartland’, Season 17 began filming in High River, AB a few days before our visit! Apparently, Heartland fans have travelled to High River, AB from as far away as Europe and Australia just to see where the TV series is filmed!

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 7

EMR-Éducatrices et éducateurs manitobains à la retraite Soumis par Guy Gagnon

N

ous étions vingt-huit participants lors de la visite au Musée de l’aviation le 18 mai 2023. Témoignage éloquent encore une fois que le chapitre francophone demeure très actif au sein de l’Association provinciale de la

RTAM.

Ce fut une tournée du Musée de l’aviation fort bien réussie et très intéressante.

Notre guide Steve y a mis le paquet et en français svp; les participants ont bien aimé et bien apprécié la visite et sa présentation. Les questions posées furent signe concret de l’intérêt des membres présents aux commentaires énoncés par notre guide. Tellement bien que suite à la visite il a été décidé de passer le chapeau pour lui remettre un cachet en reconnaissance du beau travail de Steve. Celui-ci l’a refusé.

Le tout suivi d’une rencontre joyeuse et amicale au resto Olive Garden rue Portage.

Bon lunch; belle ambiance et excellent service. Les gens sont partis enchantés en en se promettant d’être présents à la prochaine activité au Parc Grande Pointe le 15 juin prochain.

Swan Valley Retired Teachers Submitted by Henry Barkowski

T

he Swan Valley Retired Teachers’ chapter was established in 1990 with 14 members and received approval for its constitution from RTAM, adopting it on September 13,1990 at its inaugural meeting. We are the home chapter of the late John Kastrukoff, who saw a need for an organization to represent the welfare of retired teachers in Manitoba. Through his vision and effort and in collaboration with some of his retired teacher colleagues, the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba was created. Mr. Kastrukoff served as the first president of RTAM. One of the highlights was the hosting of the RTAM AGM in 2017.

8 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

We have approximately 60 retired colleagues residing in our area. About one third are active in our chapter, another third has not yet joined and a third have limitations that make it difficult or not possible to participate in our activities and meetings. Through Chapter Enhancement and Wellness grants from RTAM we try to serve all our colleagues.

We meet every other month and an average of 25 members are in attendance.

On behalf of our chapter, we send messages of condolence to families of our members or spouses that have

passed away as well as get well messages to colleagues with health challenges.

In addition, our members continue volunteering, in our various communities, with Meals on Wheels, Remembrance Day Service, judging Remembrance Day poems and posters and providing prize money for student exhibits at the Northwest Roundup and Fair. We participated in the annual Swan Valley School Division Retirement Banquet in June.

As a chapter we actively promote and support the objectives of RTAM and ACER-CART.

Retired Teachers’ of Manitoba recognize current educators

T

he Retired Teachers’ Association

grants of $250.00 from RTAM, a donation

cards through the Division Office. They

of Manitoba (RTAM) suggested

from Jerome (SWAC/RTAM) and Caroline

presented the gifts to teachers, EAs,

to the regional associations

Brockman, and Elliott Brothers of

principals, secretaries and librarians.

to recognize the current teachers.

Reston, we purchased pens and cards.

All these people work directly with the

Southwest Assiniboine Chapter of

Members of the gift committee and

students. We decided to present to Fort

the Retired Teachers’ Association of

SWAC Board visited most of the schools

La Bosse staff because this is the area

Manitoba (SWAC) decided to give current

in The Fort La Bosse School Division.

most of our association members are

educators a gift. With the help of 2

Two schools received their pens and

from and we meet in Virden.

Mary Ellen Roach (SWAC/RTAM) Gift Committee Member with some staff from Mary Montgomery School.

Laura Ellen Elliott (SWAC) Gift Committee Member with some staff from Virden Junior High School.

Mary Ellen Roach (SWAC/RTAM) Gift Committee Member with some staff from Reston School.

Mary Ellen Roach (SWAC/RTAM) Gift Committee Member with some staff from Kola School.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 9

Retired teachers and friends visit the Mennonite Museum in Steinbach

By Ed James

T

here is a saying that goes “One should be a lifelong learner,” and one group that follows that mantra are many retired educators.

was Fred Krahn, a retired teacher of 26 years. His knowledge is extensive about each building, its purpose and construction.

For the most part, the construction is simple, strong and

Recently, a bus full of retired teachers and friends from

without much ornamentation. The church is very plain with the

Southwest Manitoba and Southeast Saskatchewan boarded

men sitting on one side and the women on the other. You could

a bus in Virden for a trip to the Mennonite Heritage Village in

tell the difference since on the men’s side there were nails in the

Steinbach, Manitoba.

beams of the pews to hang their hats.

The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba, Westman

Another rather unique feature of the church was its ceiling,

Region, has a yearly trip for the former teachers and school staff

which was like the walls of a fortified bunker. Mr. Krahn explained

to continue to share old and new memories and to travel to some

that it was extra strong to hold tons of weight of grain, and that it

place to learn and understand the world in their area.

was a reserve for those in need in the area.

The museum is a large complex with a static museum display

Some of the other, earlier buildings showed that in the very cold

and several original or replica buildings that show the history of

winter months, there was room to bring in some of the farm

the Mennonite people on their arrival in Canada, to seek a new

animals in need of shelter.

life and to escape religious persecution in their homelands.

In most of the family homes was a variety of very functional and

The bus ride into the Winnipeg area is filled with the usual

handmade furniture, with one of the most common items being

Manitoba road work projects and we had our share of bumps,

a large, handmade, wooden trunk that they brought with them

bangs, stops and goes. However, on the bus, it was very quiet,

from the old country.

given the many noisy school bus rides the teachers have taken during their careers!

When we arrived at noon, we went to the Livery Barn restaurant for a traditional, home-cooked style Mennonite lunch.

In smaller groups we headed out with volunteer guides. Ours 10 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

Since the day was very hot, no one was using the large outside oven to make bread that day.

A spot we lingered at for a while was the old one-room schoolhouse. Here several stories were shared by the group.

The room was very basic, but it did its job to educate hundreds

That day, a longtime member of RTAM, Mr. Kelvon Smith, invited a special guest to join us on the tour. It was Linda Blair, (no not the movie star!) who is the president of the Manitoba RTAM organization. She said that she had a great visit to the museum and meeting members of the Westman RTAM group.

“Our group has a united political voice that can be used to improve things like the COLA and pensions of retired educators now and in the future,” she said. “Our group is a major part of society that can still play an important role in the education process. We have years of experience that we are willing to share and pass on to those still working in the education system.

We are not only a group that is concerned about pensions, but we want to promote good health practices and prevention among our members. We can make educational and other positive changes for the good of everyone associated with the education system.”

It was time to go home after a most interesting day of learning and fun. We had a supper date in Portage la Prairie, road construction made us a bit late, but the hotel chef presented us of Mennonite children whose parents wanted a better life for them.

with a meal to remember.

After that we said goodbye to our guide, and we broke up to explore on our own. There are many unique and historic buildings, but the centerpiece is the very large windmill—the type used by the Euro Mennonites to grind their wheat or drain the marshes. It is a grand building that was rebuilt in 2001 with the help of old-world European craftsmen and women. Inside you can see the large wooden beams, chutes and two gigantic grinding stones. The mill at a certain time is operated to show how flour was made from grain.

western prairie sky was a riot of pink and red colors. As we drove

The bus moved west along the Trans-Canada Highway and the by the site of the tragic truck/bus accident near Carberry, I wondered if any of the 16 causalities were teachers.

The organizer of this great adventure was Beth Allison, a longtime retired Kindergarten teacher. All day long at every stop she counted us off and, on the bus, in true Kindergarten teacher fashion. She did a great job and did not lose one of us! Until next year and every day in between—always be a lifelong learner!

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IT’S OK! YOU CAN STILL REGISTER TO RECEIVE KIT BY MAIL AND IN PRINT.

CALL OR EMAIL THE OFFICE

204-889-3660 office@rtam.mb.ca RTAM Manitoba, Canada 11

RTAM 2023 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT:

Beth Smith Submitted by Rosalie Bornn

A

s is customary policy protocol and in conjunction with the May 2023 Annual General Meeting, RTAM member Beth Smith became the most recent recipient of

RTAM’s Distinguished Service Award.

Beth is a true Maritimer who became a transplanted Manitoban.

monthly chapter meetings. Beth’s service to RTAM was that of a faithful, conscientious and productive RTAM Director through Committee member service, Chair responsibilities and other duties as assigned, which included: • Public Relations Committee- member

She was born and raised in New Brunswick and received her first

• RTAM Student Awards Committee- member

degree at University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, NB.

• Membership and Chapters Committee- Chair and member

Beth is an adventurous person. Upon the completion of her

• Bylaws and Policy Committee- member

Post Secondary Education degree, she learned of the need for

• KIT Editorial Committee- Chair and member

MB public school teachers and left the Maritimes for life in MB.

• MTS 100th Anniversary Celebration Committee (multiyear RTAM rep)

Beth initially accepted a Home Economics teaching position in the community of Leaf Rapids. After 6 1/2 years in Northern MB, Beth sought employment further “South” with the Duck Mountain School Division in Winnipegosis, MB. Beth settled into her new community and work assignment. Beth continued to pursue her education, earning her Masters in School Counselling from Brandon University. After MB school division amalgamation occurrence, Duck Mountain became part of the present-day Mountain View SD where new career opportunities became available. Beth accepted an inter-division transfer to Dauphin, MB and accepted a new assignment as the instructor of the newly formed Mountain View School Division Adult Learning Centre.

Beth was also an active member of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society and served on the MTS provincial Equality in Education Resource Team, later known as the Teacher Action Cohorts.

Upon her retirement in 2013, Beth immediately joined RTAM and DARTA, the local Dauphin Area Retired Teachers’ Association Chapter. At a Fall 2014 DARTA Chapter meeting, from a Liaison RTAM Board Report to the Chapter, Beth learned of potential openings on the RTAM Board and was encouraged to submit her application for an RTAM Director position. Her position on the RTAM Board was reaffirmed at their next AGM and Beth remained on the RTAM Board for 8 consecutive years, until the May 2022 RTAM AGM. During that time, Beth remained

• RTAM Strategic Plan ADHOC Committee - member • RTAM Pre Retirement Seminar Planning (as part of Membership and Chapters) • Student Success Portfolios Committee- member Beth’s length of time commitment, her level of consistent quality of volunteer service and her advocacy of both the RTAM organization and MB retired teachers strongly indicate that she is a most deserving recipient of acknowledgement with the honour of the Distinguished Service Award of RTAM, in accordance with existing RTAM policy.

It should also be noted that Beth includes scrapbooking as one of her hobbies. Shortly after she joined the RTAM Board, Beth initiated a personal project to assist the RTAM Office. Beth organized and completed an historical legacy RTAM Scrapbook to display RTAM events and memorabilia, with materials that had accumulated in the RTAM Office since the inception of RTAM. Beth continued to update the legacy scrapbook until she left the Board in 2022.

In her spare time, besides scrapbooking, Beth enjoys sewing, reading, friend and family gatherings, travel and summer holiday stays seaside in the Cap Pele area of New Brunswick, located along the Northumberland Strait.

an active member of the local DARTA Chapter and eventually

Beth is now living in Riverton, New Brunswick to be closer to her family. We sincerely wish Beth a long, happy and healthy

took on the Liaison RTAM Board Report duties to the DARTA

continued retirement close to her loved ones.

12 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

INTRODUCING

Dave Najduch Submitted by Bill Cann

O

ne June 7, 2023, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, Wayne Ewasko, selected Dave Najduch from a list of three nominees provided by

RTAM to sit on the TRAF Board of Directors. Having an RTAM seat on the TRAF Board has fulfilled a goal for which our organization has been continuously lobbying over the past twenty years. Liberal MLA Cindy Lamoureux was responsible

and signing off on the annual external audit. He also worked with the committee managing the WTA health and dental plans which where independent of the MTS plans and which provided the 3000 plus members with a full range of benefits at reasonable rates on an annual basis. The committee reviewed services provided, costs and set the premiums annually.

for introducing Bill 208 (a Bill to give RTAM a seat on the TRAF

Dave volunteered to serve on the RTAM Board and after being

Board) and helping to negotiate its unanimous passing by

duly elected as a director, spent the last three years on the

the Conservative, New Democratic and Liberal parties in the

Board including 2022-2023 as the Secretary of the Executive

Manitoba Legislature.

Committee. During that time, he helped to build a new RTAM

Dave Najduch’s teaching career spans almost forty years, starting with three years in Birtle, Manitoba and ending with the last thirty-five years in the Winnipeg School Division. He earned a Bachelor of Education degree (1981) and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration (1999), both from the University of Manitoba. In addition to being an exceptional

budget which was used to approve expenditures and fees at the RTAM AGM in 2021-2022. He also served one year on the Benefits Committee as a member and chaired the Committee for the last two years. As the Chair, he developed a committee dedicated to inclusive, collaborative, and data-driven decision making. He worked closely with Jessica Simpson

Social Studies and Computer Literacy teacher, Dave served as

from Johnson to manage the Health, Dental and Travel plans

the fulltime President of the Winnipeg Teachers’ Association

being offered by RTAM. On an annual basis, this work involved

(WTA) for a total of 11 years through three different terms in

reviewing the services provided, costs, and premiums. Dave

office over two decades (1993-1994, 2002-2005, 2007-2014).

is also largely responsible for planning and developing RTAM’s 2023 Provincial Election Information brochure.

Dave brings a unique set of skills, training, and background to the position of TRAF board member. He had extensive

I have had the pleasure of knowing Dave since he was a student

involvement in contract negotiations and working with the

at Gordon Bell High School. He is a dedicated and loving

staff and legal counsel of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS)

husband to his wife Tina and father to his two adult children,

and the WTA in a wide range of personal and policy grievance

Michelle and James. He is a hardworking, honest, talented

matters. As WTA president, along with the staff officer and

and productive individual with a welcoming personality and a

executive, he was responsible for managing an annual budget

wonderful sense of humour. I am honoured to have Dave as

which grew over the years to more than $500,000. This

my friend and colleague and am delighted that he is RTAM’s

included budget planning, cheque signing authority, reviewing,

representative on the TRAF Board.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 13

James Bedford Appreciation

By Linda Blair

O

n behalf of the RTAM Board of Directors, our Staff and most importantly our members, we

at RTAM want to extend our appreciation to James Bedford as he retired as MTS

agreement between MTS and RTAM. From this agreement and foundation, regular meetings have been held ever since.

President earlier this year.

The MTS President and Vice President,

During his time as MTS President, James

President and Executive Director meet

worked with RTAM to strengthen the

approximately 4 times during the year to

relationship between MTS and RTAM and

discuss various mutual concerns which

help grow the synergies and common

recently have been about elections,

interests between both groups. His

changes and advocacy on behalf of active

passion for finding commonalities and

teachers in addition to retired substitute

representing teachers moved from active

teachers.

service to retirement.

along with the RTAM President, Vice

In addition to meetings between both

In 2021-2022, James, as MTS President

groups, we assist each other with

working with (longtime friend and

support and representation at the MTS

education partner) Bill Cann (RTAM

and RTAM pre-retirement seminars as

President at the time), signed a formal

well as the Annual General Meetings each

Advance voting: Saturday, September 23, 2023 to Saturday, September 30, 2023.

Advance polling places are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

14 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

Election day: Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

Polls are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

year for both organizations and other events.

In February, the Board honoured James’ retirement from MTS by presenting him with a gift certificate so he could choose a book of his liking.

RTAM Election Information Package: Available online at https://www.rtam.mb. ca/newsannouncements/144provincial-election2023

RTAM was proud to be part of the rally at the Legislature for MTS in support of public education. The rally offered teachers and members of the education community a chance to come together and help bring awareness to underfunding in the classroom, for teachers, mental health concerns, and more as part of an ever-changing landscape.

Active and retired teachers joined the rally as President Nathan Martindale pushed for stable, predictable, and adequate funding.

The rally was attended by RTAM President Linda Blair, past MTS President James Bedford, and a slew of RTAM members, who came out to show support for the education community.

Remembrance Day / Jour du Souvenir november 11 / le 11 novembre

In Flanders Fields

BY JOHN MCCRAE

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

We are the Dead. Short days ago

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

Between the crosses, row on row,

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

To you from failing hands we throw

That mark our place; and in the sky

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

In Flanders fields.

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Let’s take a few moments on November 11 to remember the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.

Life Members April 2023 Donald C. Bewell – Winnipeg, MB | Lionel Dwarika – Winnipeg, MB M. Mildred Hallama – Winnipeg, MB | Evelyn R. Hamende – Winnipeg, MB Jacqueline A. Madden – Winnipeg, MB | Helen F. McKay – Elm Creek, MB

May 2023 Theresia K. Brown – Winnipeg, MB | Irene I. Dookeran – Winnipeg, MB Audrey M. Fulham – Winnipeg, MB | Elaine H. Penner – Winnipeg, MB Helene M. Pilon – North Bay, ON | Tony Rempel – Winnipeg, MB H. David Wellard – Courtenay, BC

June 2023 Vespertina Battad – Winnipeg, MB T (Dorothy) J. Derksen – Winnipeg, MB Benjamin C. M. Lai – Port Moody, BC John P. Minions – Winnipeg, MB Mary E. Stewart – Winnipeg, MB John W. F. Tober – Winnipeg, MB D Avonne Trainor – Winnipeg, MB

16 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

In Memoriam November 2022

Alice K. Olive – Brandon, MB

Rodney S. Lindquist - Winnipeg, MB

H. Marion Pederson – Vita, MB Ronald B. Perron – Winnipeg, MB

December 2022

Ivan Pokus – Winnipeg, MB Donald R. Smorang – St. Andrews, MB

June 2023 Clare Anderson – Nanoose Bay, BC Richard H. Bender – Niverville, MB Linda J. Bradley – Peterborough, ON

Charles R. Snow – Winnipeg, MB

E Andrina Draper – Goulds, NL

Christine H. Massan – Gillam, MB

Leonora Unrau – Saskatoon, SK

Philippe J. Dufort – Winnipeg, MB

March 2023

May 2023

Glen J. Hammond – Winnipeg, MB

Julien O. Allard – Winnipeg, MB

Glenna A. Lambert – Winnipeg, MB

Carole J. Anderson – Carman, MB

A Muriel McHaffie – Ottawa, ON

David W. Curtis – Surrey, BC

Lillian Glen – Brandon, MB Barbara V. Smith – Pilot Mound, MB Kaye Snatenchuk – Winnipeg, MB “As information was not received in a timely

Raymond K. Bradshaw – Winnipeg, MB A Morley Campbell – East St. Paul, MB Dorothy E. Cox – Carberry, MB

Dennis P. Hallick – Winnipeg, MB

Nettie Nakonechny – Dauphin, MB David C. Riddell – Jalisco, Mexico Marie Sedor – Winnipeg, MB

manner, the above RTAM members who have

Esther K. Dobson-Golletz – Onanole, MB

passed were regretfully missed from previous

Thelma M. Enns – Winnipeg, MB

Catherine M. Starkell – Winnipeg, MB

editions of KIT.”

Ruth J. Follis – Pilot Mound, MB

L Claude Steeves – Winnipeg, MB

Cheryl E. Freeman – Winnipeg, MB

Patricia M. Turner – Brandon, MB

Mohamed Hawash – Gimli, MB

James A. Wycoff – East St. Paul, MB

April 2023 Hardo W. Bewer – Winnipeg, MB

Nicholas Hudyma – Dauphin, MB Jack H. Hyde – Winnipeg, MB

July 2023

Valerie H. Bowles – Winnipeg, MB

Carolee J. King – Winnipeg, MB

Louise-Anne Buhr – Winnipeg, MB

Ralph G. Lyndon – Winnipeg, MB

Diane R. Barlishen – Winnipeg, MB

Phyllis L. Cook – Winnipeg, MB

Judith C. G. Maltman – Winnipeg, MB

Vera R. Butterworth – Winnipeg, MB

Leo J. Delaquis – Winnipeg, MB

Donald W. Orloff – Winnipeg, MB

David H. Cochrane – Neepawa, MB

Sylvia M. Peiluck – Gimli, MB

Madeline F. Coopsammy – Winnipeg, MB

Kenneth G. Petkau – Morden, MB

Madeleine R. Enns – Winnipeg, MB

Lawrence Giesbrecht – Altona, MB Agnes F. Grobowsky – Winnipeg, MB Merrill D. Groff – Winnipeg, MB Lawrence C. Hoffman – Winnipeg, MB

Albert J. Prestayko – Winnipeg, MB Anita M. Riffel – Winnipeg, MB Joan A. Shields – Brandon, MB

Brian G. Jasper – Gimli, MB Alan W. Kaye – Winnipeg, MB Doris M. Kristjanson – Winnipeg, MB

Evelyne Holenski – Winnipeg, MB

Raymond L. Sitter – Brandon, MB

Jean-Joseph J. Isme – Montreal, QC

Michael T. Smith – Pinawa, MB

Helen I. McGregor – Brandon, MB

Mary L. Jackson – Winnipeg, MB

Terrence J. Sprott – Erickson, MB

Gerald D. Rey – St. Claude, MB

Ronald H. Stevens – Winnipeg, MB

Larry G. Shields – Winnipeg, MB

Beatrice E. Venables – Powell River, BC

Inez C. Steele – Winnipeg, MB

Linda J. Lenius – Winnipeg, MB Diane E. Little – Ottawa, ON M. Irene Loewen – Winnipeg, MB Norman A. MacDonald – Winnipeg, MB

Maureen J. Wood – Winnipeg, MB Anita R. Zimmer – Russell, MB

Jessie Zacharias – Winnipeg, MB Rosalie S. Zatser – Winnipeg, MB

F. Jean McQuarrie – Oak Lake, MB Gordon Menzies – Winnipeg, MB Lois J. Nay – Brandon, MB

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 17

Remembering

Paul Harland Submitted by Bill Cann

In loving memory of

PAUL HARLAND 1962 - 2023

T

he first paragraph of Paul’s obituary perfectly reflects this amazing man:

Paul died on February 5, 2023, in a tragic accident. The words that

natured pranks. Paul made the Middle School workplace a fun environment which staff and students looked forward to experiencing.

describe Paul are many. Larger than

In May 2021, the new RTAM Board did

life, gregarious, kind, a gentleman, fun

not have anyone interested in taking

loving, supportive, a role model, inspiring,

over the responsibilities of Website

a prankster, selfless, joyful, intelligent,

Committee Chair. Upon his retirement

friendly, accepting, competitive, loving,

that June, Paul volunteered to join the

encouraging, an amazing father and a

Board, specifically to help guide the

great friend. Paul had that special quality

website’s development. He worked

that made you want to be around him and

tirelessly at analysing user statistics

made you feel important and valued. Paul

and other not-for-profit websites, to

had a love of life and the people he shared

incorporate the best features into the

it with. He saw the best in everyone, he

RTAM site. Until February 2023, he

was always present and could be counted

focused on improving the efficiency

upon unconditionally.

and speed of user navigation. He also

It was my great fortune to have known

18 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

of humour and love of playing good-

helped pioneer RTAM’s social media presence on both Facebook and

Paul as both a colleague and a dear

Instagram. Paul was instrumental in

friend over the past twenty-five

adapting the ACER-CART (Canadian

years. Indeed, while he was a brilliant

Association of Retired Teachers)

teacher, especially in computer literacy,

New Mode software to facilitate an

I remember hiring him also for his

electronic letter writing campaign for

dedication in coaching student athletes

RTAM members to use to send to all

in rugby, basketball, ultimate frisbee,

candidates in Manitoba running in the

curling, winter camp sports and cross

September 10, 2021, Federal Election.

country running. Many of these sports

Paul Harland made many important

were introduced to Middle Years students

contributions to improving RTAM’s

by Paul. Both in teaching and coaching,

electronic communications with its over

Paul always challenged and encouraged

10,000 members. He will be remembered

young people to succeed through one’s

for these contributions and for always

best effort. Another of Paul’s endearing

stepping up to support anyone who

characteristics was his wonderful sense

needed him.

Paying Respect to History

First Meeting of the New Board Humble Beginnings for RTAM

The newly elected Board of Directors for RTAM had their first formal meeting this past June at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It was a day split between business meetings and touring the exhibits to learn about our past.

The meeting provided an opportunity for returning board members to meet with new board members, serving RTAM for the first time, which made for an impactful day of new relationships.

Reach out anytime, the Board wants to hear from you!

The Board of Directors is always open to your insight, wishes and feedback as our members. Please feel welcome to reach out to the Board by email anytime. All emails can be found online at https://www.rtam.mb.ca/about-us/theboard/elected-board-2021-2022 or you can call the office at (204)889-3660.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 19

Collaborating with local museum projects:

Promoting educational history in your local area Submitted by Joan Zaretsky

L

ast year, Chapter Presidents started a discussion of

3. The creation of some posters and/or online videos with photos

potential local museums to visit with their members

and stories of some of your members’ experiences could be

as well as projects they may wish to initiate with their

displayed in the museum. In fact, these photos and stories

local museums. As retired teachers, we all know how our mental

could be collected and published as a book for other museums

health gets a boost when we feel empowered to create new

across Manitoba if you wanted to get really involved in this

ideas and to support the learning of others.

suggestion. Often, the stories that are written in obituaries

Below are a few ideas of projects which you may want to develop collaboratively with your local museum. You may find in discussions that they have some specific ideas or requests

tell of some very unique teaching experiences and it would be nice to share the stories recalled by our members while they are still alive.

which they would suggest once you open the doors to providing

4. As well as a written story of your historical experiences,

some support from your membership. Enjoy these suggestions

Chapter members may be encouraged to record virtual

and create your own new ideas to share with other Chapters at

interviews of retired teachers from the area talking about

future meetings!

their teaching experiences. These videos could be running

A good starting point may be to visit your local museum to understand what they currently have on site that supports the history of education in your area. You may select to buffer what they have with other materials your members may provide or restructure a display based on your members’ experiences and memories. You could discuss, and offer your support, in the development of any of the following ideas.

1. Create a travelling display of “Teaching Through the Ages” which could move to different museums in your district or larger area.

on a laptop, iPad or other virtual display monitor within the museum displays. Some of our Chapter members may enjoy taking on this project. You could expand this project to talking with your local television channels to develop a program using these interviews. Getting local media involved would generate interest in the museums and promote the history of the local Chapter teachers. Don’t forget radio interviews discussing your project and local newspaper interviews. Any media coverage, including social media, would be wonderful for the local museum and a source of pride for your members.

5. Depending on the size of your museum and the willingness of

2. You could create a “history of education in your area” using the

the museum staff to offer you more space, you could create

concept of a travelling suitcase. There was a suitcase contest

a whole new stable display which illustrates more current

developed by Heritage Canada in the past. The suitcases

artifacts from recent years such as the 1950s – current

travelled across the country and were then returned to their

times. Many museums have a one-room school setting with

home museums. They were not necessarily specific to

blackboards, older desks and older books but there have been

education but local events or unique contributions to history

many changes between then and now.

which local museums wished to highlight. If each Chapter developed an educational travelling suitcase, it would be a spectacular project. Talk with your museum about how this project was run in the past. These suitcases could be a focal point at an upcoming RTAM AGM if a number of Chapters decided to pursue this idea.

20 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

6. To encourage newly retired Chapter members to get involved, you could elicit them to generate some classroom ideas/ activities at various grade levels which could be used by your local museums when there are school visits. These could be used by the tour guides during the museum visits or by the

home room teachers of the visiting classes as a follow-up to

These are just a few of the many ideas which could be explored.

the visit. The “historical education theme” ties in well with

A good place to start would be with a discussion with your local

Social Studies and History as well as cross- curricular ideas

museum and see if there is one which is a better fit than others.

in the subjects of language arts, mathematics, science and

Woodlands Museum on Highway #6 received grant money to

others.

develop school activities for students who visit the museum and

7. Students visiting a local museum may be encouraged to interview a local relative or family friend who was a teacher to find out more about the educational experiences of their parents, grandparents and others in the past. A set of questions could be developed to start these conversations.

to build a covered outdoor space for students to do activities during their tour. There is grant funding available for museums and working collaboratively with your museum is the best way to promote the role your members have played in the history of your local area. Whatever you do, enjoy your participation and have some fun!

Hi there!

S

enior Centre Without Walls

•W elcome to the Senior Centre Without

through A&O: Support Services

Walls!

for Older Adults offers free

educational and recreational programs over the phone. The program reaches out to socially isolated older adults 55+ living in Manitoba. Individuals and groups are welcome. There is no cost to register.

We will call in all registered participants

• Celebrity Bingo, Fun and Games • Book Club, Short Stories and Poetry

•F act or Fiction

(read aloud)

•T he Leaf

• Observances and Celebrations:

•M ural Walk – West End Biz •B ronte Sisters

Remembrance Day and St. Nicholas and the Invention of Santa Claus The guides have arrived! If you would like

• I ntroduction to Technology part 2

to receive copies of our guide or posters

•H ealth and Wellness Presentations:

please respond to this e-mail stating your

Holiday Food Traditions, Schizophrenia,

mailing address and quantity desired.

required).

Cannabis, Digital Library Services,

Quantities may be limited. Thank you

Medical Assistance in Dying,

Please view our current Program Guide

for helping us get the word out about

Independent Living Resource Centre

this program to older adults across the

10 minutes before programming begins.

Participants will also be given a toll-free number to access programs on their own if needed (no pins or access codes

in the attachment provided. The guide will be live on our website soon, along with a fillable worksheet to register right away.

•T ravelogues: Guatemala, Italy, and more!

•M usic Therapy, Art Therapy and

In our guide you will find the following

Meditation

topics plus a whole lot more!

(front page of the guide) mailed to you,

province. It’s more important than ever for us to stay connected to one another!

NOTE: A new order is required for each term. Please contact us to receive guides, even if you have received them in the past.

Nybakken Julie Program Assistant, A&O: Support Services for Older Adults

Julie Nybakken

200 - 207 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M5 Office: 204-956-6440 | Fax: 204-946-5667 | Email: jnybakken@aosupportservices.ca Web: www.aosupportservices.ca In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that Manitoba is the traditional land of the Cree, Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene people, and the homeland of the Métis Nation, and we are on Treaty 1 Territory.

Program Assistant A & O: Support Services for Older Adults 200-207 Donald St. Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M5

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 21

Office: (204) 956-6440 | Fax: (204) 946-5667 | Email: jnybakken@ao

The role of resilience in mapping our best aging journey

By Joan Zaretsky A Dozen Resilience Resources 1. Structure/routines 2. Consequences/ accountability 3. Intimate and sustaining love from others 4. Lots and lots of supportive relationships 5. A powerful identity 6. A sense of control

I

n last year’s KIT magazines, I reviewed Sue Lantz’s Five Strategy Framework to support each of us

mapping our best aging journey. We thoroughly enjoyed her presentation at our Annual General Meeting in Brandon in May as she enlarged upon the significance of each of the five strategies.

Over the summer as I was reviewing my Resilience course which I teach at the University of Manitoba, I started to notice many commonalities between Michael Ungar’s research and Sue Lantz’s mapping framework.

What is Resilience? Resilience can be defined as an individual’s ability to bounce back. We often hear the word “resilience” in relation to sports figures who have been injured and their ability to quickly return to their game. In this sports setting, resilience is used to describe a person who bounces back physically from an injury or crisis.

However, there is a lot more to resilience than this usage would suggest.

Eldon Dueck, a retired Hanover school 22 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

principal who offers workshops entitled “Resilience: The Invisible Backpack” describes resilience as the ability to reframe an adversity and to view it from a different perspective, preferably one of a growth mindset, whereby we may ask ourselves, “What have I learned from this experience to make me stronger in the future?”

Michael Ungar, the Director of the Canadian Resilience Research Centre housed in Dalhousie University, whose research my course is based upon, defines resilience as “our capacity, individually and in groups, to navigate our way to the psychological, social, cultural, and physical resources that sustain our wellbeing, and… our capacity individually and in groups to, negotiate for these resources”. Ungar developed a list of twelve resilience resources which enable adults to build on their current understanding of resilience. In the case of RTAM members, these qualities support us in maximizing our enjoyment of the last decades of our life’s journey.

The chart below outlines the 12 key resources Ungar has identified for adults throughout their lives.

7. A sense of belonging/culture/ spirituality/life purpose 8. Rights and responsibilities 9. Our basic needs are met 10. Positive thinking 11. Physical wellbeing 12. Financial wellbeing I couldn’t help but identify the overlap between many of these twelve resources and the five strategies which Sue Lantz presented at our AGM to support older adults planning for their best retirement journey.

When we think about Sue’s Health Strategy, there are a number of resilience resources related to physical health such as the resources associated with our basic needs and our physical wellbeing.

There are also a number of resources related to our mental health such as our maintenance of a powerful identity, a sense of control over our decision making, a sense of life purpose, and positive thinking.

In reviewing Sue’s significance of our

Social Networks, Ungar suggests maintaining our resilience through intimate and sustaining love from others, through our development of lots and lots of supportive relationships and having a sense of belonging in a community whether based on friendship, culture or spiritual commonalities.

The mapping strategy of planning our Caregiving Team is tied into Ungar’s description of the significance of having lots and lots of supportive relationships to call upon when we start to prepare our list of future caregivers. It is important that we have a sense of control in our selection of those individuals who we trust to best support us in specific roles, as outlined by Sue.

Sue’s last strategy in her framework supports the importance of the implementation of the complete list of the dozen resilience resources to support our successful movement through the upcoming years. Ungar’s last resource is financial wellbeing. Sue emphasizes that our financial wellbeing is dependent on how we have managed her other framework strategies over our older adult years. Ungar concludes that “Finding the resources we need for success depends on the quality of our social, built (created) and natural environments.” All aspects of our life intertwine to support our resilience and wellbeing as we map our best aging journey.

“Four Strategies for Success” to become

In the next KIT, I will discuss Ungar’s

their insights with us.

the most resilient person in our lifetime to enhance our best aging journey. For more information about Ungar’s work, you can check his You Tube videos where he describes in more detail his Resilience Resources. Sue Lantz will host an RTAM Wellness Zoom presentation on October 3 to further develop our understanding of the Five Strategy Framework she presented at our AGM. Sue Lantz’s Five Strategy Framework and Michael Ungar’s Dozen Resilience Resources mutually interweave to assist us in mapping our best future ever. Let’s benefit from the wisdom gained by these two Canadian researchers as they share

Don’t forget to order your Student Portfolio today!

S

eptember is the time when students start a fresh new school year full of activities and projects with which they are passionate. This is the perfect time to sponsor a student for a Student Success Portfolio. Students in Grades 9 -12 can start their collection of memories of all the exciting adventures and opportunities they will be having during their high school journey.

2. B riefly describe the “Student Success Portfolio Project” to the student.

3. C omplete and submit the application form found on our website.

4. Once your student has received their portfolio folder, you can start your conversations encouraging them to save any

Last year a change was made to the requirements of participating in this program. Instead of only being able to sponsor a family member, now RTAM members can sponsor a family friend or acquaintance to support in creating this lifetime memory portfolio of their high school years.

reminders, triggers, certificates, etc. in their portfolio in

Enjoy being a mentor to a student as they create their high school portfolio collection!

post-secondary education.

Four simple steps to get started supporting your students

preparation for completing many different scholarships and award applications during their graduation year. They can win $1000 from our RTAM Student Award and funds from other scholarship sponsors to help offset the many costs of their

For more information about the Student Success Portfolios and the application to sponsor a student, check out the RTAM website rtam.mb.ca and follow the path: About Us >

Future education

Committees > Student Success Portfolios > More Information >

1. Contact your Grade 9 - 12 student(s) whom you would like to support with the development of their Student Success Portfolio.

following page.

Portfolios > Application Form or use the Application Form on the

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 23

STUDENT SUCCESS PORTFOLIO PROGRAM PARTICIPANT APPLICATION FORM The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) Student Portfolio Project has been formed to engage communication and mentoring between RTAM members and their young relatives. Retired teachers can play a major role in the lives of their young relatives who are currently in high school by sharing their skills and strengths to guide the students to become successful and caring adults.

RTAM members are encouraged to communicate on a regular basis with their relatives to prompt their collection of appropriate documentation useful in the development of their Portfolio, their RTAM Student Award application as well as other scholarships or bursaries in preparation of attending a post-secondary institution.

Participation criteria:

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

APPLICANT’S INFORMATION (RTAM MEMBER) PLEASE PRINT

First Name:

Last Name:

Address: City/Town:

Province:

Phone Number:

Cell Number:

Postal Code:

E-mail Address: Relationship to Recipient: Portfolio Language Preference:

 English

or

 French

RECIPIENT’S INFORMATION (RELATIVE) PLEASE PRINT

First Name:

Last Name:

Address: City/Town:

Province:

Phone Number:

Cell Number:

E-mail Address:

Postal Code: Grade (please check):  9  10  11

 12

Name of Current School: School Address: City/Town:

Province:

Postal Code:

School Phone Number: School E-mail Address: RTAM wishes all members and recipients participating in this project, all the best in your future endeavors!

106-1780 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 • Phone 204-889-3660 • Toll Free: 1-888-393-8882 • info@rtam.mb.ca • www.rtam.mb.ca 24 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

Ukrainian Borscht Submitted by Gisèle Grégoire This soup is very hearty and can be served as a meal!

Broth ingredients 2 lb short ribs 12 cups of water 2 tsp of salt 1 carrot scraped 1 whole medium onion stuck with several (5 or 6) cloves 1 medium celery (1/4 for broth and cube the remainder for soup) 1 well-rounded tbsp of tomato paste Soup ingredients 4 large beets without tops 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter 2 large onions coarsely chopped 2 cups chopped cabbage (red or green) 1 medium turnip (cut in small pieces) 1 medium parsnip (cut in small pieces) 1 large carrot (cut in small pieces) 2 medium potatoes (cut in small pieces) 8 -10 large garlic cloves, minced One half tsp ground black pepper Juice of half a lemon (or more to taste) 1 cup sour cream 3 tbsp finely chopped dill weed (or more to taste) Preparation of Broth 1. In a large pot, bring meat and water to boil. Reduce to simmer and skim off foam.

2. When foam stops, add salt, carrot, whole onion, celery and tomato paste. Simmer gently, partially covered for one and half to two hours until meat falls off the bone.

Preparation of Soup 1. To prepare beets, heat oven to 400F. While broth is cooking, scrub the beets, wrap in foil, and bake for one hour or until just tender. Cool the beets and then peel them easily and cut them into cubes or shred on coarse side of grater if preferred.

2. After one and half to two hours, when broth meat is very tender, remove it from pot, strip it off the bones and cut it into small cubes. Place in bowl and cover with foil.

3. Strain broth, dispose of broth vegetables, and clean soup pot.

4. Place pot over medium heat, warm the oil (or butter) and sauté chopped onions for 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Add the cubed celery, parsnip, turnip, carrot and shredded cabbage. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Add the strained broth, potatoes, beets and meat (if desired).

Bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, uncover for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

7. While the soup is simmering, stir in garlic, pepper, and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning and remove from heat immediately.

8. Ladle soup in bowl, add a dollop of sour cream and a generous sprinkling of dill.

Serves 6 to 8. ENJOY!

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 25

Squash and Mushroom Gratin Submitted by Gisèle Grégoire This recipe makes a good side dish or vegetarian main dish.

Ingredients 3 cups sliced mushrooms (about 8 oz/250g) 1 onion thinly sliced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 tsp of dried marjoram 1 tsp of salt 1/2 tsp pepper Half a butternut squash (1 lb/500g) 2 tsp each of cornstarch and vegetable oil 1 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese Preparation for cooking In a bowl, toss together mushrooms, onion, garlic, marjoram,

(2L) glass baking dish; top with half of the squash mixture and

half of the salt, and pepper. Peel and seed the squash; slice

half of the cheese. Repeat layers.

thinly. In separate bowl, toss the squash with the cornstarch, the

Bake in a 400F oven for about 40 minutes or until the squash is

oil and the remaining salt.

tender. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Spread half the mushroom mixture in the bottom of a 11 x 7-inch

Makes 6 servings. ENJOY!

From everyone at RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

26 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

Vote / Election Day Tuesday October 3, 2023

ELECTION INFORMATION PACKAGE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Welcome to election time in Manitoba, everyone!

We as your RTAM Board have been busy preparing the concerns and questions that you can express to any or all the candidates that you encounter. Speaking to every candidate is important as they all need to know about our concerns, why they are important and how they can be resolved.

Remember, Bill 208 (RTAM seat on the TRAF Board) was passed unanimously by all the parties. Raising our concerns to everyone was successful. Now we look forward to accomplishing new goals. Please read this flyer carefully.

Every vote counts. Be sure that you vote and encourage others to do the same. The various polls can indicate all sorts of trends. Remember, actual votes decide the outcome of the election.

Please read this brochure, ask questions, discuss issues and finally, vote. You can help us make a difference.

Linda Blair, President

TABLE OF CONTENTS P.1 President's Welcome P.2 Asking Questions and Key Issues P.3 Issues Continued P.4 General Information

QUESTIONS? If you have questions, comments or concerns email RTAM at office@rtam.mb.ca or call the office at 204-889-3660.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 27

Vote / Election Day Tuesday October 3, 2023

ELECTION INFORMATION PACKAGE ASKING QUESTIONS

ISSUES IMPORTANT TO US AND OUR COMMUNITY

You can write an email, send a letter to the editor, attend meetings or discuss issues with individuals as they campaign at your front door.

As a voter you might want to probe a little more deeply into the candidate or parties position on topics important to you. The following is a way to identify yourself and ask questions. “ I am a retired teacher who worked for ___ years and have a concern about _______________________________.”

1. What is the plan to fix / address ___________________________?

2. Where can I see a written copy of the plan? Optional….Saying the party will spend money on the issue is not a plan.

3. How do you and your party intend to report specific progress on the plan and what will that look like? Is this reporting process in the written plan 4. Optional…. This is an important issue, why are your answers so general in nature?

Hospital Emergency Rooms: As an older adult who may need to access this service, I have seen 3 emergency room closures, a shortage of nurses in the public system, lengthy backlogs in ER rooms and a difficulty getting admitted to a hospital.

Long Term Care Facilities As an older adult who may need to access this service, I saw a number of deaths related to a lack of staffing in long term care facilities and poor care during the COVID crisis. This poor level of service has now continued into the post COVID period.

Vote / Election Day Tuesday October 3, 2023

ELECTION INFORMATION PACKAGE ISSUES CONTINUED COLA Funding A cost of living adjustment (COLA) is important to RTAM and all retired teachers. The loss of purchasing power to inflation over time hurts everyone collecting a TRAF pension. Improvements in the rate of COLA should at least match current rates of inflation.

This payment model would impact all retirees but be of special importance to those TRAF pensioners living below the poverty line in Manitoba.

The Manitoba Education Council RTAM members have a vast wealth of experience and knowledge in public education, this can be used to help improve the system for all.

How will you work to establish a seat for RTAM on this or any other government board where education stake-holders are being asked for input?

Home Care As an older adult who may need to access this service, remaining at home as I age is important to my physical and mental health. There is currently a serious shortage of home care workers to assist me when I need support to remain in my home?

Pension Review Task Force The Pension Review Task Force recommends changes which impact both retired teachers and those currently working in the public system.

As a member of the Retired Teachers' Association, it is important that our voice is heard at the table during these deliberations.

Teacher Pension Funding TRAF Account B in the teacher pension plan is funded by the government.

The province needs to bring TRAF account B to fully funded status and increase funding available to the Pension Adjustment Account (PAA) to help fund a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The issues are complex and the solutions could require significant investment by the government, but the longer it takes to address the concerns related to account B and the PAA account, the more expensive it becomes for the government and tax payers.

Vote / Election Day Tuesday October 3, 2023

ELECTION INFORMATION PACKAGE GENERAL INFO Elections and you…….

What constituency / riding do you live in?

Do you have an incumbent candidate running for re-election?

Who are the other candidates running in your constituency?

Showing your support……..

Volunteer to work for a candidate or a party.

Put up a lawn sign.

Make a financial contribution to the candidate or party of your choice.

Use your influence with family and friends to encourage them to get out and vote.

Work for MB elections as a paid staff member or volunteer.

Vote…..

Either in the advance poll or on election day. If you need a ride to the voting location on election day, contact the candidate you are supporting and ask for a ride.

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE PARTIES

Special Thank-you………

RTAM would like to acknowledge and thank Cindy Lamoureux of the Liberal Party for proposing new legislation which was eventually passed in the Legislature during the fall of 2022 providing RTAM with a seat on the TRAF Board (Bill 208).

RTAM would also like to acknowledge and thank the Conservative and the NDP parties for their unanimous support of this legislation when voted upon in the house.

NEED YOUR FEEDBACK……

If you hear anything of interest from a party or candidate, please share this with the RTAM office.

QUESTIONS? If you have questions, comments or concerns email RTAM at office@rtam.mb.ca or call the office at 204-889-3660.

30 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023

RTAM EVENTS UPCOMING

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RTAM.MB.CA/EVENTS (204)889-3660

s e p O C T N O V

INFO@RTAM.MB.CA

Education Professionals

NO MATTER HOW YOU SPEND YOUR RETIREMENT, WE'RE ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE.

Johnson Insurance has worked closely with RTAM to provide access to helpful services and products that take care of your insurance needs. With Johnson, RTAM members have access to : • Extended Health Care • Dental Care • Prestige Travel with Trip Cancellation • Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance • Term Life Insurance

Give Johnson a call at 1.877.989.2600 or visit rtam.johnson.ca write to : pbservicewest@johnson.ca Johnson is ready when you are.

1.877.989.2600 l rtam.johnson.ca © 2023 Johnson Inc. A member of Intact Financial Corporation. Johnson Insurance is a tradename of Johnson Inc., a licensed insurance intermediary, and operates as Johnson Inc. in MB. Johnson administers the EHC Plan and the options for Prestige Travel and Dental Care (“Options”). The EHC Plan and Dental Care Option are underwritten by Desjardins Financial Security (“DFS”). Coverage under the EHC Plan is subject to proof of enrolment in the applicable Provincial Pharmacare program. Prestige Travel Insurance is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada (“RSA”). Valid provincial/territorial health plan coverage required. Johnson and RSA share common ownership. Travel assistance is provided by Global Excel. Eligibility requirements, limitations and exclusions may apply and/or may vary by province/territory. Eligibility requirements, limitations and exclusions may apply.