Keep In Touch (KIT) Magazine - Fall 2024

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. 36 | No. 2 | Fall 2024

RTAM ONLINE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024

fall

2024

KEEP IN TOUCH Vol. 36 | No. 2 | Fall 2024 Published by

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: Jocelyne Fraser

in this issue

Members: Judy Danchura Gisèle Grégoire Joan Zaretsky

President’s report...........................................................................................................3

Email: kit@rtam.mb.ca

Rapport du président.................................................................................................... 4

Board of Directors 2024-2025 President: Gabe Mercier Vice-President: Vacant

Executive Director’s report.............................................................................................5 Message from the KIT Committee..................................................................................6 ACER_CART Report........................................................................................................7 AGM Report....................................................................................................................8 Manitoba Teachers’ College Class of 1959..................................................................... 15 Retired teachers visit biomes and Royal Aviation Museum........................................... 16 Calgary and Area Chapter Celebrates 10 Years ............................................................ 18 In Loving Memory – Julian Hoyak................................................................................. 20 Canadian Trivia Quiz #2................................................................................................ 22 Remembrance Day Quotes from Canadians.................................................................23 Senior Centre Without Walls....................................................................................... 24 Look forward to … RTAM Student Awards winners.......................................................25 Canadian Trivia Quiz #2 answers...................................................................................25 Blue Zones – Increased Longevity in our Communities................................................26

Directors-at-Large Betty-Jean Checkley Jocelyne Fraser Vicky Hutchinson Jayesh Maniar Peter Narth Audrey Siemens Marilyn Wiebe 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

In Memoriam & Life Members.......................................................................................29

Print: Concept Printing Services Creative Director/Design: Kathleen Cable Email: conceptprinting@shaw.ca

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Banana Bread and more recipes...........................................30

Copyright © 2024 by RTAM

The 5 Day Social Connection Challenge........................................................................27

All materials for the next issue of KIT must be emailed with no formatting to kit@rtam.mb.ca and received by November 13, 2024 at 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 2024

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 message

Gabe Mercier RTAM President, 2024-2025

I

am delighted to serve as President of this great RTAM organization this year. Thank you for the opportunity.

I am grateful to be a member of RTAM, and to feel the

friendliness and compassion that we have for each other,

• The Calgary chapter is sharing their monthly activities which is appreciated; • The French Book Club was started last spring;

especially at the board level. RTAM is an organization

• The RTAM Choir is continuing this fall;

with diverse educational backgrounds and interests that

• Groups like Portage La Prairie are looking to return to

come together to make good things happen for retired

RTAM as a new Chapter with new goals built around

teachers. There is a tremendous feeling about being part of

community, engagement and staying active.

something that is bigger than yourself, and that connection you feel when you provide a service for someone or being

RTAM Strategic Plan Priorities:

the recipient of someone else’s help.

Below are the Pillars identified in the Strategic Plan:

As a member/volunteer, it is our goal to harness the

Pillar: Information & Communication

tremendous energy, skills and compassion that is in RTAM.

• RTAM Website;

Last year the board made some very hard decisions that

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM);

will bring greater stability and accountability to RTAM and Chapter activities. The work that has been done over the past two years to provide reporting to the Canadian

• French Inclusion; Print and Digital Growth; • Consistent Assets

Revenue Agency was a major accomplishment.

Pillar: Organizational Growth & Governance

The work of the board was made easier with the experience

• Board and Committee Recruitment;

and contributions of the former board members. I thank

• Bylaw and Policy Maintenance;

them for the support that they gave. Let us continue to

• Increase and Diversify Membership;

honour the board members who came before us and to look

• Consistent Reporting; Increase Revenues;

ahead to an innovative sustainable future.

• Winnipeg Foundation/ Donations;

Some activities of RTAM:

• Increase Staffing

RTAM is planning a Fall AGM on Wednesday, November

Pillar: Member & Community Advocacy

20th, 2024. The event is online only. Registration will open

• COLA Awareness and Support;

the first week of October.

• Teachers’ Pension Awareness & Needs;

A new website, designed by Luscious Orange, is ahead of

• RTAM Requests for Action;

schedule.

• Key Stakeholder and Community Partnerships

Growth Zone is a company working with the RTAM office on

Pillar: Member Services & Partnerships

a customer relationship management (CRM) system that

• Webinars and Workshops;

will improve member communication and interactions.

• Increase Partnerships;

Some of the opportunities coming to existing Chapters,

• Facilitated Membership Interactions;

SIGS and new Chapters in the coming year:

• In-Person Interactions and Opportunities.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 3

rapport du président

Gabe Mercier

J

e suis ravi d’assumer la présidence de cette formidable association d’enseignants retraités cette année. Merci de m’avoir donné l’occasion de vous servir. Je suis

reconnaissant d’être un membre de RTAM et de ressentir l’amitié et la compassion que nous avons les uns envers les autres, et en particulier au niveau du conseil d’administration. RTAM est une organisation dont les membres aux antécédents de scolarité et intérêts diversifiés se rassemblent pour accomplir de belles choses pour les personnes retraitées. C’est une sensation

aux groupes d’intérêts particuliers et aux nouvelles sections au cours de l’année à venir : la section de Calgary partage ses activités mensuelles, ce qui est apprécié. Le bureau relancera le club de lecture en français et la chorale de RTAM encore une fois cette année; nous avons également des groupes comme Portage La Prairie qui aimeraient revenir à RTAM comme nouvelle section avec de nouveaux objectifs axés sur la communauté, l’engagement et la vie active.

extraordinaire de faire partie de quelque chose de plus grand

Un calendrier a été créé avec le chiffrier Excel pour le plan

que soi, et de sentir ce rapprochement en offrant un service à

stratégique. Il indique ce qui s’en vient et nous aide à planifier en

quelqu’un ou en recevant l’aide de quelqu’un.

fonction des besoins d’une manière stratégique.

En tant que membres ou bénévoles, nous avons pour

Priorités du plan stratégique de RTAM :

objectif d’exploiter l’énergie, les compétences et la compassion exceptionnelles de RTAM. L’an dernier, le conseil

Pilier : Information et communication

d’administration a pris des décisions très difficiles qui

Site Web de RTAM; gestion des relations avec la clientèle;

amélioreront la stabilité et l’imputabilité des activités de RTAM

inclusion du français; croissance des publications imprimées et

et des sections. Le travail qui a été effectué au cours des deux

numériques; uniformité des textes.

dernières années pour fournir des rapports à l’Agence du revenu du Canada n’était pas une mince affaire.

Le travail du conseil d’administration est grandement facilité par les anciens membres du conseil d’administration, qui mettent à contribution leur expérience. Je les remercie de leur soutien.

Continuons de rendre hommage aux membres du conseil d’administration qui nous ont précédés et d’envisager un avenir

Pilier : Croissance et gouvernance organisationnelles Recrutement de membres pour le conseil d’administration et les comités; tenue à jour des règlements administratifs et des politiques; augmentation et diversification des membres; uniformité des rapports; augmentation des revenus; Winnipeg Foundation/dons; augmentation de la dotation en personnel

novateur et durable.

Pilier : Défense des droits des membres et de la communauté

Certaines des activités de RTAM :

Connaissance de l’ajustement au coût de la vie et soutien

RTAM prévoit une AGA d’automne le mercredi 20 novembre 2024.

L’assemblée aura lieu en ligne seulement. L’inscription se fera la première semaine d’octobre.

Luscious Orange : en avance sur le calendrier.

Growth Zone : réunion avec Growth Zone tous les lundis.

Certaines des occasions offertes aux sections existantes, 4 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

connexe; connaissance du régime de retraite des enseignants et des besoins connexes; demandes d’intervention à RTAM; partenariats clés avec les intervenants et la communauté Pilier : Services aux membres et partenariats Webinaires et ateliers; augmentation des partenariats; facilitation des interactions entre les membres; interactions et activités en personne.

executive director’s Report

Sean Seywright RTAM Executive

Director

Sean Seywright can be reached anytime by email at Seywright@rtam.mb.ca

Changes are coming

I

t is a seasonal thing. We are hitting the end of summer and in

their Annual General Meeting to the fall from the spring. November

the RTAM office we already see members coming back from

20th will be our next AGM meeting, which allows us to report the

summer vacations where they visited family and friends, and

finances in a timelier manner (within 6 months of year end as

our Directors are coming back to Board work and helping with the evolution of RTAM. As sure as the seasons change, as we are about to experience later sunrises and earlier sunsets, so do the operations of a large

opposed to 11 months after year end).

Do not forget, with all the changes taking place, you can always reach out to our Board through any of the Directors or the

organization. Our Board will be firing up committees, many made

Executive Committee. Our office is here to help with anything our

up of new volunteers. We will be launching a new website in

members need as well. So please, stay in touch as we head into

September and new member profiles. RTAM will also be moving

shorter days and cooler temperatures.

rapport du directeur général

Sean Seywright

Sean Seywright peut être contacté à tout moment par courriel à Seywright@rtam.mb.ca

Il y a du changement dans l’air

C

’est saisonnier. L’été tire à sa fin, et au bureau de RTAM,

également le moment de son assemblée générale annuelle, qui

des membres reviennent déjà de leurs vacances d’été

passera du printemps à l’automne. Notre prochaine assemblée aura

après avoir rendu visite à leur famille et à leurs amis. Nos

lieu le 20 novembre, ce qui nous permet de produire un rapport

administrateurs reprennent également leurs fonctions au sein du

des finances plus opportun (dans les six mois précédant la fin de

conseil d’administration et contribuent à l’évolution de RTAM.

l’exercice au lieu de 11 mois après la fin d’exercice).

Les changements de saison sont inéluctables. Par exemple, le soleil

Cela dit, n’oubliez pas que dans ce contexte de changements, vous

commencera bientôt à se lever plus tard et à se coucher plus tôt.

pouvez toujours communiquer avec notre conseil d’administration

Les changements opérationnels au sein d’une grande organisation

par l’entremise des administrateurs ou du Comité de direction.

sont tout aussi inéluctables. Notre conseil d’administration

Notre bureau est également là pour répondre aux besoins de

démarrera les activités des comités, plusieurs étant composés de

nos membres. Par conséquent, n’hésitez pas à rester en contact

nouveaux bénévoles, et nous lancerons un nouveau site Web en

avec nous à mesure que les journées se raccourcissent et se

septembre et de nouveaux profils de membres. RTAM changera

rafraîchissent.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 5

message from the kit committee

Jocelyne Fraser

I

n this Fall edition you will find a second Canadian Trivia Quiz #2. Do you know your Canada? Good luck! The answers to this Quiz are found on page 25 in this edition.

A few reminders: • We invite you to send us, for our Winter edition of KIT, wellness suggestions, teacher stories, travel adventures, book reviews or recommendations, recipes, workshops and seminars you attended and/or any other experience that you feel will be of interest to fellow RTAM members. We would love to hear from you!

• Visit RTAM’s website www.rtam.mb.ca to view some of the workshops, trips, volunteer opportunities and more events that may interest you.

• If you would like to receive the monthly e-Newsletter please contact Dianne at the office to add your name and email to the list.

• If you to wish to start a SIG (Special Interest Group) or join the Choir SIG or the French Book Club please contact Dianne in the RTAM office, for more information, at DCasar@RTAM.mb.ca or call 204-889-3660.

In this edition you will find an invitation from the Senior Centre Without Walls (SCWW), a support for older adults (A&O). They offer a variety of workshops, activities, travelogues, etc…

All you need to do, if you’re interested, is call them at 204-956-6440 or 1-888-333-3121 (Toll-Free) or email them at info@oasupportservices.ca/

Message du comité KIT

Jocelyne Fraser

V

euillez noter qu’il y aura une AGA de RTAM, le mercredi 20 novembre, 2024, via Zoom. Vous recevrez plus d’information en octobre.

Connaissez-vous votre Canada? Essayez de répondre aux questions du Canadian Trivia Quiz #2 dans KIT. Les réponses

seront aussi publiées dans cette édition.

Le Club de lecture francophone reprendra ses activités de lecture vers la fin septembre, 2024. Veuillez envoyer un courriel à Dianne (dcasar@rtam.mb.ca) pour vous inscrire au Club de lecture.

staying

SOCIALLY CONNECTED We are seeking your ideas for ways to keep socially connected by asking you to identify practices which work for you.

For our Winter edition, we would like to highlight some of your ideas you have found helpful to keep your social connections alive and well.

Please submit them to KIT at the following address kit@rtam.mb.ca and we will collate your responses in hopes of offering some new means of reaping the many benefits of being socially connected.

6 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

ACER-CART Report / August 2024 Submitted by Gabe Mercier ACER-CART Priorities The following priorities evolved from issues affecting the wellbeing of seniors across Canada, issues often dictated by Government legislation.

• Advocate for a public health care system that prioritizes appropriately supported care in seniors’ own homes and their own community for as long as possible.

Priorities:

• Members be properly supported in their efforts to achieve financial stability to enable aging in place.

• Are aligned with the ACER-CART Strategic Plan;

• Complete the strategic plan.

• Are developed by the ACER-CART executive;

ACER CART performed a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats)

• Are approved at the AGM; • Are addressed by both the executive and the committees; • Are set annually although the issues may be ongoing depending on socio-political circumstances.

ACER-CART Priorities 2024-25 ACER-CART will continue elevating the profile of our National Association in our provincial associations and at all levels of government and beyond.

Priority

Important concepts discussed include: • Everyone would like to see representation from Ontario and Quebec, even though Ontario RTOERO (formerly RTO - Retired Teachers of Ontario) pulled out of ACER CART • Everyone would also like to see representation from the Territories. This is important.

• Building awareness for members about ACER CART is talked about repeatedly in more different ways than any other topic. It is diverse but clearly important for everyone.

Strategies:

• There is a common theme of people wanting to use Zoom to facilitate more conversations, planning and communication.

What isn’t clear is at what level? Sub Committee, Working Group, Committee, Board, Executive.

• Advocate for the development and implementation of National Seniors’ Strategy which includes a universal national Pharmacare program and combats the move towards privatization.

The top responses to the SWOT analysis should fuel the strategic plan. Reading the responses may influence or change some opinions and thoughts or may just inform them of new possibilities.

ACER-CART will, in collaboration with like-minded organizations, develop strategies for aging at home.

DID YOU MISS THE DEADLINE TO GET A PRINT COPY OF KIT?

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 7

8 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

AGM REPORT

May 8th, 2024 The Hilton Airport Suites - Winnipeg

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 9

MEET the team 2024 - 2025

GABE

JAYESH

JOCELYNE

(OCHRE RIVER) President

(WINNIPEG) Vice President

(GRANDE POINTE) Treasurer

AUDREY

BETTY-JEAN

(WINNIPEG) Director

(PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE) Director

MARILYN

PETER

VICKY

(WINNIPEG) Director

(CALGARY) Director

(WINNIPEG) Director

RTAM:

A Sustainable Future

RTAM offers programing and products for our members’ health and mental well-being.

Currently, we have a little over 10,000 members. Our members have indicated that they value the programs RTAM offers and have appreciated a variety of activities from travel opportunities, seminars on wellness and mental health, participating in local Chapters to developing Special Interest Groups.

They also feel fortunate that RTAM offers Johnson Insurance for health, dental, and travel.

RTAM needs to do more to secure a sustainable future. Health, dental, and travel insurance continues to increase significantly.

The RTAM Board has been allowing these insurance premiums to be held to a minimal increase in the past couple of years

By Jayesh Maniar RTAM Director and Secretary

by utilizing a portion of funds being held in reserve. RTAM needs to significantly increase our membership base to help counter these increases.

Statistics Canada estimated that 21.8 % of the current workforce is between 55 and 64, and therefore on the verge of retirement. As they retire and age, they will draw more on extended health and dental benefits.

As this demand increases, costs will outstrip premiums being paid and the rate of health care insurance will increase. RTAM offers health, dental, and travel group insurance through Johnson Insurance. The cost of premiums for these services depend on many factors. Some of them are: Member Count: An increase in membership will decrease the overall cost of premiums as more members are contributing.

Demographics of Members: Although RTAM memberage ranges from age 55 to 100 plus, the number of persons aged over 85 years is increasing.

In June, 2024, this is the distribution of ages and the number of RTAM members in each range: 100+ 12 90+ 400 80+ 2272 70+ 4724 60+ 2703 50+ 442 40+ 1 Total: 10,554 As we age, our heath needs increase and we use even more of our extended health benefits. As we use more benefits, our group insurance premiums will keep going up.

12 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

A Sustainable Future Continued Retired teacher associations in other provinces accept non-teacher members as long as they were employed in an educational institution, regardless of their job title.

By allowing Community Members, the cost of health care insurance for our members may decrease and RTAM can manage to remain a sustainable and a vibrant organization for the future.

Several notes are worth mentioning: RTAM is not considering amalgamating with any other retired teacher organization. RTAM would lose its unique flavour of programming and supports that it offers for all its members.

RTAM offers separate health, dental, and travel insurance packages through Johnson Insurance and members can pick and choose which one or more of the insurance modules will fit their needs best.

Retired Teachers of Ontario offer one package for all three insurances and members do not have a choice. If you join their plan, you are forced to take all three modules as one package, whether you need them or not.

RTAM has a liaison on the TRAF Board. But TRAF benefits are set solely by TRAF and not linked to RTAM.

Sources: Express Scripts Canada 2024 Drug Trend Report: Drug Trend Reports | Express Scripts Canada (expressscripts.ca) Statistics Canada Demograhpic Division Population and demography statistics (statcan.gc.ca) TRAF Annual Report Annual Report - TRAF

9

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 13

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

RTAM is launching a new website and Membership Portal this fall. We hope it will lead to better communication, easier registration for events and become more inclusive with language as we grow.

NEW SYSTEM LAUNCHES OCTOBER 2024 Once you’re logged in, you’ll see the many benefits the Member Centre has, including:

14 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

Member Directory - Maintain your contact information for the member and public directories.

Resources - Gain access to key sites, documents and other member-only information.

Events - Register for our upcoming events.

Career Center - Share job postings and increase your recruiting power.

Hot Deals - Add online coupons and take advantage of deals offered by other members.

News & Blog - Submit news or blog posts to share with members and/or the public.

Referrals - Refer new members to our association to help our business grow.

Email Lists - Subscribe and receive regular communication from us.

Committees - Increase your involvement in our association by participating on a committee.

Continuing Education - Enroll, apply and track your progress for Professional Certifications.

Forum - Network with others by exchanging information, sharing resources, ideas, and more.

Thank you letter from a recipient of the University College of the North bursary Dear Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba Education Program Bursary Donor,

I

am writing to express my gratitude for the Retired Teachers’ Association Bursary that I have received from your organization.

The financial assistance that I have received has helped me tremendously. I am very grateful for the financial support.

I am currently pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Education to become a teacher. I plan to make a positive impact on my future students. The bursary I have received will help me make a difference in the community and students’ lives that I come across.

Once again thank you so much for your generosity and support. When I become a teacher, I would like to give back and donate to students strugglingManitoba with financial Teachers’ needs while pursuing an education.

College Class of 1959 Sincerely,

Harley McLeod

ase be informed that the Manitoba Teachers’ College Class of ‘59 celebrated their y-Fifth Anniversary Reunion, June 6th, 2024, at The Forks. Thirty-two Alumni nded. There were 640 graduates in the Class of ‘59.

Manitoba Teachers’ College Class of 1959

anniversary was organized by: (L-R) Marge (Hatch) Coleman (C), Bert Suss ((M), man Fullerton (B), Norm Guilbert (C) and missing Joseph Plett (L).

P

lease be informed that the Manitoba Teachers’ College Class of ‘59 celebrated their 65th Anniversary Reunion, June 6th, 2024, at The Forks.

Thirty-two Alumni attended. There were 640 graduates in the Class of ‘59.

The anniversary was organized by (left to right): Marge (Hatch) Coleman (C), Bert Suss (M), Norman Fullerton (B), Norm Guilbert (C) and missing Joseph Plett (L).

Sadly, Joseph Plett passed away suddenly and unexpectedly several days prior to the event.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 15 y, Joseph Plett passed away suddenly and unexpectedly several days prior to the event.

Monday, June 24, 2024

The World—Spectator — Moosomin, Sask

Shown is tour Sydney at the Assiniboine biodome.

Our guidehere Sydney at theguide Assiniboine biodome.

33

Shown here is aRetired retiredVickers Vickers Viscount passenger Viscount passenger aircraft, aircraft, circa 1953,circa 1953, as used by Air Canada at one as time. used by Air Canada at one time.

Retired teachers visit biomes and Retired teachers visit biomes and Royal Royal Aviation Museum of Canada Western Canada Aviation Museum of Western

by Ed JamEs was a third area—that of a butterfly colEvery year around this time a group re- lection zone—but it was closed during our tired teachers, educators and friends get visit. together to take a field trip someplace to While there, our group was divided into learn new things and maybe meet some three parts for a tour of each climate zone. new people—while at the same time have As you toured each zone you could notice around this timethea change groupinretired teachers, some unique very fun inyear our retirement years. temperatures as it would go As usual, the group included people from from warm to hot and soon jackets and educators and friends get together to take a field trip Manitoba and Saskatchewan, but this sweaters were taken off. year, some visiting Australians joined our With our very knowledgeable guide it to bus—maklearn new things andanmaybe meet some tastes group to help someplace fill up the school turned into experience of smells, ing it all the more merrier! The group col- time and touch you learned new people—while at the same haveas some uniqueabout fun the many lectively is known as R-TAM and the bus different types of plants that could and had in 36 our people on board as it headed out have used for food,people medicine, garretirement years.

As usual, the been group included for Winnipeg on a bright sunny morning ments and religious ceremonies.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan,During but this some fromfrom Virden. the year, tour they took visiting us to a cooling The trip leader was Beth Allison, a for- room for a water break! In one part of the to help fill up thewere school bus—of various mer Australians Kindergarten joined teacher, our whogroup was able display there hundreds to use all of her teaching tricks and skills hanging plants hanging from the ceiling to making it all the more merrier!

The group collectively known to keep things running smoothly. She ac- dry, as they would been inisthe past, to be complished this by providing refreshused for a variety of purposes. was a riot as R-TAM and the bus had 36 people on board as it headedIt out ments, games, jokes and homemade cook- zone of smells for your senses! ies during the trip down back. sunny morning One of from the unique features of the tropifor Winnipeg on aand bright Virden.

Something that is becoming more com- cal zone was a very high waterfall that mon in the public places we visit is an of- refreshed the air and in the pond where ficialThe acknowledgement of the location of it landed were several golden Koi fish, trip leader was Beth Allison, a former Kindergarten teacher, the event as being part of Canada’s Indig- famous in Japanese culture. The long wawho was able use all her teaching tricks anditskills to keep enous homelands andto to show ourof respect. terfall drop made a popular place to The first stop in Winnipeg was “The stop and refresh yourself with the water’s things smoothly.

She accomplished thisour bytour, providing Leaf.”

This isrunning a new facility in the Assinispray. All during the guide enboine Park area that is also known as “The couraged us to touch and feel the various refreshments, games, jokes and homemade cookies during thethat Bioms.” The huge new structure is a swirl- plants and their textures. She added ing glass and steel building trip down and back.that is a large “The Leaf” had become a popular location bio-dome, in that it has its own separate for wedding photos all year round. Outclimate. In this case it has a tropical cli- side of the biodome were large areas of mateSomething and a Mediterranean climate. There bedding plantsinand open air classroom that is becoming more common the public places ar-

eas. All too soon it was time to go on with even an experimental flying saucer conour new learning adventures. cept craft.

On the upper gallery there was a play After lunch at a very busy airport restaurant that was nearby, it was off to the area for young children with airplanenewly renovated Royal Aviation Museum themed activities. From the upper galley of Western Canada, which might sound a you could get a better look at the museum’s the change in temperatures asnot it would go from warm to hotonand collection of aircraft on display the floor bit boring to some people, but it was given the excellent guides who mixed lots or those that hung from the ceiling. If you and sweaters wereoftaken off.some quiet time, in a far corner of wanted ofsoon flyingjackets history with a good mixture the gallery was a wide window where you humor and personality.

Both of our tour group guides were could watch planes flying in and out of With our it turnedInternational into an experience Airport! former pilotsvery withknowledgeable hundreds of hoursguide of Winnipeg After a long day of seeing and learnflying experience all over the world. We of smells, tastes and touch as you learned about the many learned during our tours that even though ing, it was time for a relaxing ride home Bra’Dor Lake in Beddeck, Nova Scotia, is in the rain—after we made it through the different types plants thatcomcould traffic and have been used for food, madness of Portage Avenue and the credited with beingofthe founding 4 pm traffic rush! The ride was made all munity of air flight in Canada, that it was ceremonies. medicine, garments and religious Winnipeg, Manitoba that was the cradle the more comfortable by the many pillows of commercial aviation in Canada. It was and cushions that many of us had brought in Manitoba that many of the first pioneer with us. You learn these tricks after years During the tour they took us to a cooling room for a water flyers came from or went to, creating new of school bus rides! Others, for the ride, brought phone games, knitting and uses for airplanes such as medi-there break!

In one part ofmail the and display werecell hundreds of various cine delivery, mining and forestry sur- even a few real books! After a stop in Brandon fortosupper to say goodbye to a veys, trapping and hanging eventuallyfrom passenger hanging plants the ceiling dry, asand they would service. All of that was done with the likes few of our group, it was off to Virden and back by 8:30 pm which was by ofbeen the early bush pilots who flew planes in the past, to be used for a variety of purposes. It wasfollowed a that defied the laws of physics and would some more goodbyes in the rain and talk riot carry zonetheir of smells for your often own mechanics in senses! case of about next year’s R-TAM trip!

Said Beth Allison about the excursion, breakdowns.

As we walked around the bright and “It was a great day for travel, learning, and meeting zone old andwas making new friends. The spacious there features were manyof origiOne ofmuseum the unique the tropical a very nal and replicas of the early planes used in displays in both venues were very well high waterfall that history. refreshed the airdone andbut in itthe where waspond the on-site tour guides that Manitoba’s early flying However there were also early Air Canada passen- made them a new learning experience for it landed were several golden Koi fish, famous in Japanese ger planes such as The Viscount, RCAF all of us. As is said in Kindergarten, ‘Try to military planes, float and ski planes and learn something new every day!’

Reprinted from The World Spectaor — Moosomin, Saskatchewan, June 24, 2024

E

we visit is an official acknowledgement of the location of the event as being part of Canada’s Indigenous homelands and to show our respect.

culture. The long waterfall drop made it a popular place to stop and refresh yourself with the water’s spray. All during our tour, the guide encouraged us to touch and feel the various plants and their textures. She added that “The Leaf” had become a

popular location for wedding photos all year round. Outside of The first stop in Winnipeg was “The Leaf.” This is a new facility in the biodome were large areas of bedding plants and open air the Assiniboine Park area that is also known as “The Bioms.” The classroom areas. All too soon it was time to go on with our new huge new structure is a swirling glass and steel building that is learning adventures. a large bio-dome, in that it has its own separate climate. In this Above is a secret military project based on case it has a tropical climate and a Mediterranean climate. There After lunch at a very busy airport restaurant was nearby, a WWII story that thethat German military had deR-TAM members and guests at the Royal was aMuseum third area—that of a butterfly collection zone— wasupper gallery of the museum. signed a flying saucer. It was a project carried A view but fromit the Aviation of Western Canada in front it was off to the newly renovated Royal Aviation Museum of during our visit. of aclosed Lockheed Electra aircraft which was the Shown are some of the many vintage and his- out by the Canadian AVRO Company and it Western Canada, whichwas might sound bit boring someThe example called theaVZ9 Cargoto Craft. collection. type used by Trans Canada’s Airlines in the toric planes on display in its in thethe museum is aguides replica.who mixed lots 1950s. people, but it was not given excellent While there, our group was divided into three parts for a tour of each climate zone. As you toured each zone you could notice of flying history with a good mixture of humor and personality.

16 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

“The Leaf” had become a popular location Manitoba’s early flying history. However done but ita was the on-siteexperience tour guidesfor that ing glassinand steel building thatseparate is a large for“The Leaf” photos had become a popular location there Manitoba’s early flying history. passenHowever made learning that itseparate has its own wedding all year round. were also early Air Canada madethem them new aa new new learning experience for thatbio-dome, itbio-dome, has its own for separate wedding photos all year round.

Out- Outthere were also early Air Canada passenexperience in that own for photos all year were alsoasearly Canada passen- allmade of us. them As is said in learning Kindergarten, ‘Try tofor climate.

In this case itit has has its a tropical cli- side ofwedding the biodome were largeround. areas Outof gerthere planes such TheAir Viscount, RCAF all of us.

As is said in Kindergarten, is case it has a tropical cliside of the biodome were large areas of ger planes such as The Viscount, RCAF all of us. As is said Kindergarten, ‘Try‘Try to to climate. this case it has a tropical side ofplants the biodome large areas ger planes such as and The ski Viscount, RCAF learn something new in every day!’ mate and aInMediterranean climate.

Therecli- bedding and openwere air classroom ar- of military planes, float planes and newevery every day!’

Mediterranean There climate. bedding plants and open classroom ar- military planes,planes, float float and and ski planes and learnsomething something new day!’ mate and climate. a Mediterranean There bedding plantsair and open air classroom ar- military ski planes and learn

Shown here is tour guide Sydney at the Assiniboine biodome.

Shown here is a retired Vickers Viscount passenger aircraft, circa 1953, as used by Air Canada at one time.

Retired teachers visit biomes and Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

by Ed JamEs was a third area—that of a butterfly col- eas. All too soon it was time to go on with even an experimental flying saucer conEvery year around this time a group re- lection zone—but it was closed during our our new learning adventures. cept craft.

On the upper gallery there was a play tired teachers, educators and friends get visit.

After lunch at a very busy airport resfor military young children airplanetogether to take a field trip someplace to While there, our group was divided into taurant that was nearby, it was off to the Above is a area secret projectwith based on themed activities.

From the upper galley learn new things and maybe meet some three parts for a tour of each climate zone. newly renovated Royal Aviation Above Museum is athat secret military project based a WWII story the German military had de-on R-TAM members and guests at the Royal you could get a better look at the museum’s new people—while at the same time have As you toured each zone you could notice of Western Canada, which might sound a aA WWII story that the German military had deR-TAM members andguests guests the Royalin temperatures signed flying saucer.

Itaircraft wasfor a aproject carried A view the upper gallery the museum.

Aviation Museum Canada in change front A viewfrom from the upper ofof the museum. military project based WWIIon story RTAM members and at theatRoyal ofmilitary on display the floor on some unique fun in of ourWestern retirement years. the as it would go gallery bit boring to some people, but itsecret wasanot Above is a collection secret project based signed a flying saucer.

It was a project carried A view from the upper gallery of the museum.

Aviation Museum of Western Canada in front or those that hung from the ceiling.

If you As usual, the group included people from out by the Canadian AVRO Company and it from warm to hot and soon jackets and given the excellent guides who mixed lots Shown are some of the many vintage and hisof a Lockheed Electraofaircraft which Shown are some of the vintage and historic that by the German military had designed a flyingand Aviation Museum Canadawas the a was WWII story that the German military had out the Canadian AVRO Company Shown some of many the vintage and ahismembers andand guests atWestern thebutRoyal wanted some quiet time, in a far corner ofitdeManitoba Saskatchewan, this sweaters weretoric taken off. areon ofmany flying history with good mixture of of aused Lockheed Electra aircraft which was the called the VZ9 Cargo Craft.

The example planes display in its collection. type by Trans Canada’s Airlines in the planes onguide display the saucer.

It called was a project carried out by the inused front of Lockheed Electra aircraft thesaucer. gallery wasIt a wide window you year, some visiting Australians joined our With knowledgeable it in andmuseum. personality. signed was the VZ9 Cargo Craft.

Thewhere example a flying was aCanadian project carried toric planes on display inhumor its collection. collection.

A view from the upper gallery of the typeof bythe Trans Canada’s Airlines in our thevery useum Western Canada in front in the museum is a replica.

1950s. could planes flying in Cargo and out of groupwhcih to helpwas fill up school turned into an experience of smells, tastes Both of our tour group AVRO guides were and it called the VZ9 thethe type usedbus—makby Trans Canada’s in theCompany museum iswatch a was replica.

1950s. out the AVRO Company and it arelearned someabout of the manyformer vintage eed ing Electra which was colthe andShown Winnipeg International Airport! it all theaircraft more merrier!

The group touch as you the many pilotsand withhishundreds of by hours of Canadian Craft.

The example in the museum is a replica.

Airlines in the 1950s. long day Craft. of seeingThe and example learnlectively Canada’s is known as R-TAM and the of plants that could flying experience all over was the world.

We theAfter called VZ9a Cargo toric types planes on display in and its collection.

by Trans Airlines in bus the different had 36 people on board as it headed out have been used for food, medicine, gar- learned during our tours that even though ing, it was time for a relaxing ride home in the museum is a replica. for Winnipeg on a bright sunny morning ments and religious ceremonies.

Bra’Dor Lake in Beddeck, Nova Scotia, is in the rain—after we made it through the from Virden.

During the tour they took us to a cooling credited with being the founding com- traffic madness of Portage Avenue and the pm traffic rush! ride was The Both trip leader was Bethgroup Allison, a for- were roomformer for a water break!

In one part of the munity of air flight in Canada, it was on display on the floor orthat those that4 hung from theThe ceiling.

If made all of our tour guides pilots with hundreds mer Kindergarten teacher, who was able display there were hundreds of various Winnipeg, Manitoba that was the cradle the more comfortable by the many pillows and cushions of us hadabrought to useof allhours of her teaching and skillsall hanging plants hanging from the ceiling to ofyou commercial Canada.

It was wantedaviation some in quiet time, in a far corner ofthat themany gallery was of flyingtricks experience over the world.

We learned to keep things running smoothly. She ac- dry, as they would been in the past, to be in Manitoba that many of the first pioneer with us. You learn these tricks after years wide window where you couldnew watch flying in Others, and outforofthe ride, duringthis ourby tours that even though Bra’Dor Lakeofin Beddeck, of planes school bus rides! complished providing refreshused for a variety purposes.

It was a riot flyers came from or went to, creating ments, games, jokes and homemade cook- zone of smells for your senses! uses for airplanes such as mail and medi- brought cell phone games, knitting and Winnipeg Airport!

Nova is credited the ies during theScotia, trip down and back. with being One of founding the unique community features of theof tropi- cine delivery, International mining and forestry sur- even a few real books! After a stop in BranSomething that is becoming more com- cal zone was a very high waterfall that veys, trapping and eventually passenger don for supper and to say goodbye to a air flight in Canada, that it was Winnipeg, Manitoba that was the mon in the public places we visit is an of- refreshed the air and in the pond where service. All of that was done with the likes few of our group, it was off to Virden and a long of seeing learning, it was for awas relaxing back by 8:30 time pm which followed by ficial acknowledgement of the location of it landed were several golden Koi fish, ofAfter the early bushday pilots who flewand planes cradle of commercial aviation in Canada. It was in Manitoba that the event as being part of Canada’s Indig- famous in Japanese culture. The long wa- that defied the laws of physics and would some more goodbyes in the rain and talk ride home in the rain—after we made it through the traffic enousmany homelands andfirst to show our respect. terfall drop it a to, popular place to often carry their own mechanics in case of about next year’s R-TAM trip! of the pioneer flyers came frommade or went creating Allison about the excursion, The first stop in Winnipeg was “The stop and refresh yourself with the water’s breakdowns. madness of Portage Avenue and the Said 4 pmBeth traffic rush! The Leaf.”new This uses is a new in thesuch Assini-as mail spray.and All medicine during our delivery, tour, the guide enAs we walked around the bright and “It was a great day for travel, learning, and forfacility airplanes old and making new friends. The boine Park area that is also known as “The couraged us to touch and feel the various spacious museum there weremore manycomfortable origi- meeting ride was made all the by the many pillows Bioms.”

The huge new structure is a swirl-trapping plants and textures. passenger She added that nal and replicas of the early planes used in displays in both venues were very well mining and forestry surveys, andtheir eventually Shown here are some students from a tour group cooling off by the Shown here is the wall of plants in the tropical section of the Assinidone a buttour it was the on-site tour guides ingShown glass and steelis building thatof is aplants large in“The Leaf” had become a popular location early history.

However and cushions many of us had from brought with us.

You learn Shown hereflying are some students group cooling off bythat the here theitswall the tropical section of the Assini- Manitoba’s waterfall inthat the section of thethem biodome. boine Park service.

Allit of wasseparate done with likes of the all early made a new learning experience for bio-dome, inBiodome. that hasthat own forthe wedding photos yearbush round. Out- indoor there were also early Air tropical Canada passenindoor waterfall in the tropical section of the biodome. boine Park all of us.

As is said in Kindergarten, ‘Try to climate.

In thisBiodome. case it has a tropical cli- side of the biodome were large areas of ger planes such as The Viscount, RCAF these tricks after years of school bus rides! Others, for the ride, pilots who flew planes that defied the laws physics wouldar- military planes, float and ski planes and learn something new every day!’ mate and a Mediterranean climate.

There bedding plantsof and open airand classroom

often carry their own mechanics in case of breakdowns.

brought cell phone games, knitting and even a few real books!

After a stop in Brandon for supper and to say goodbye to a few

ere is the wall of plants in the tropical section of the AssiniShown here are some students from a tour group cooling off by the our group, it was off to Virden andofback 8:30 pm which was As we walked around the bright and spacious museum there indoor of Biodome. waterfall in the tropical section theby biodome. were many original and replicas of the early planes used in

followed by some more goodbyes in the rain and talk about next

Manitoba’s early flying history. However there were also early Air

year’s RTAM trip!

Canada passenger planes such as The Viscount, RCAF military planes, float and ski planes and even an experimental flying saucer concept craft.

Said Beth Allison about the excursion, “It was a great day for travel, learning, and meeting old and making new friends. The

displays in both venues were very done military but it was the onAbove is well a secret project based on a WWII story that the German military site tour guides that made them a new learning experience forhad deOn the upper gallery there was playRoyal area for young children R-TAM members and guests at athe A view from the upper gallery of the museum. signed a flying saucer. It was a project carried Aviation of Western Canada in front all of us. As is said in Kindergarten, ‘Try to learn something new withMuseum airplanethemed activities.

From the upper galley you of a Lockheed Electra aircraft which was the Shown are some of the many vintage and his- out by the Canadian AVRO Company and it was called the VZ9 Cargo Craft. The example toric planes on display in its collection. every day!’ could get a better look at the museum’ s collection of aircraft type used by Trans Canada’s Airlines in the in the museum is a replica.

1950s.

Shown hereof is the in wall plantssection in theoftropical sectionPark of the AssiniThe wall plants theof tropical the Assiniboine Biodome. boine Park Biodome.

ShownSome herestudents are some from a tour cooling off by the fromstudents a tour group cooling off group by the indoor waterfall indoor waterfall in the tropical section oftropical the biodome. in the section of the biodome.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 17

Calgary and Area Chapter Celebrates 10 Years!

Submitted by Penny Hogan and Jan Campbell

Patti and Sharon reminiscing about a former teaching colleague.

Photo courtesy of L. Hogan.

Patti Syrette kept the group entertained with stories of her days as a teacher in Brandon. Photo courtesy of L. Hogan.

I

t all began in 2014 when Dennis Kozak, Calgary Chapter’s longtime President and now Past President, placed a small notice in the Winter 2013 KIT wondering if any relocated Manitoba retired teachers might be interested in forming an RTAM Chapter in Calgary. As a result of that small notice, on May 13, 2014, twenty former Manitobans met for brunch in Calgary at the Carriage House Inn. The eventual outcome of that first brunch was the formal establishment by the RTAM Board on December 4, 2014, of the Calgary and Area Chapter.

Fast forward ten years, and Calgary Chapter celebrated its tenth anniversary at a luncheon held on Thursday, May 30 at McKenzie Meadows Golf Club in Calgary. So ‘Thank you’ Dennis for planting the seed which has grown into a group of friends who continue to discover many connections to our Manitoba roots.

Calgary 10th Anniversary.

Patti Syrette, RTAM Lifetime member, and frequent participant at Calgary Chapter events, entertained the group with a few stories from years spent teaching in Brandon with a colleague named Hazel. Another connection was made … Sharon Rogerson added a story of her own about Hazel, who was Sharon’s mentor in her first years of teaching.

The celebration concluded with cupcakes for dessert, and a small gift for each attendee - a $10 gift card from Tim Hortons or Indigo. Calgary Chapter is grateful for the support of an RTAM Wellness grant which helped make this special celebration possible.

18 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

CURRENT CHAPTERS AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS dŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ Zd D ŚĂƉƚĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ^ƉĞĐŝĂů /ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ 'ƌŽƵƉƐ ;^/'ƐͿ ƚŚĂƚ ĂƌĞ ƌƵŶŶŝŶŐ ĂƐ ŽĨ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ƚŚŝƐ &Ăůů ϮϬϮϰ͗ ƌĂŶĚŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĂ ZĞƚŝƌĞĚ dĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ' ƐƐŽĐŝĂƚŝŽŶ ; Zd Ϳ ^ƚ͘ :ĂŵĞƐ Ͳ ƐƐŝŶŝďŽŝĂ ŚĂƉƚĞƌ ŽĨ ZĞƚŝƌĞĚ dĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ ĚƵĐĂƚƌŝĐĞƐ Ğƚ ĚƵĐĂƚĞƵƌƐ DĂŶŝƚŽďĂŝŶƐ ă ůĂ ZĞƚƌĂŝƚĞ ; DZͿ ^ŽƵƚŚ tĞƐƚ ƐƐŝŶŝďŽŝŶĞ ŚĂƉƚĞƌ ŽĨ ZĞƚŝƌĞĚ dĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ ;^t Ϳ ĂůŐĂƌLJ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĂ ŚĂƉƚĞƌ ŽĨ Zd D ^ǁĂŶ sĂůůĞLJ ZĞƚŝƌĞĚ dĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ' ƐƐŽĐŝĂƚŝŽŶ ;ŽĨ Zd DͿ dŚŽŵƉƐŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĂ ZĞƚŝƌĞĚ dĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ ŽĨ Zd D ;d Z Ϳ sĂŶĐŽƵǀĞƌ /ƐůĂŶĚ ZĞƚŝƌĞĚ dĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ ;ŽĨ Zd DͿ Zd D ŚŽŝƌ ;^/'Ϳ Zd D ůƵď ĚĞ >ĞĐƚƵƌĞ &ƌĂŶĐŽƉŚŽŶĞ ;^/'Ϳ tĞ ĂƌĞ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ƚŽ ďƌŝŶŐŝŶŐ ďĂĐŬ ƚŚĞ WŽƌƚĂŐĞ ůĂ WƌĂŝƌŝĞ ŚĂƉƚĞƌ ŝŶ ĞĂƌůLJ ϮϬϮϱ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ǁŽƵůĚ ůŝŬĞ ƚŽ ƐƚĂƌƚ Ă ŶĞǁ ĐŚĂƉƚĞƌ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ƌĞĂĐŚ ŽƵƚ ƚŽ ŝĂŶŶĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ Zd D ŽĨĨŝĐĞ Ăƚ ŝŶĨŽΛƌƚĂŵ͘ŵď͘ĐĂ͘ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ŽĨĨ ƚŚĞ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ĨŝƌƐƚ ^ƉĞĐŝĂů /ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ 'ƌŽƵƉƐ ƚŚŝƐ ƉĂƐƚ ƐƉƌŝŶŐ͕ ƚŚĞ Zd D ŚŽŝƌ ĂŶĚ &ƌĞŶĐŚ ŽŽŬ ůƵď ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ƚŚŝƐ &Ăůů ϮϬϮϰ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ǁŽƵůĚ ůŝŬĞ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ĐƌĞĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ ŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĞ Ă ŶĞǁ ^ƉĞĐŝĂů /ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ 'ƌŽƵƉ ĨŽƌ Zd D͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ƌĞĂĐŚ ŽƵƚ ƚŽ ^ĞĂŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ Zd D ŽĨĨŝĐĞ ŝŶĨŽΛƌƚĂŵ͘ŵď͘ĐĂ͘

Memory OF

Memory IN LOVING

JULIAN HOYAK February 12, 1945 - July 26, 2024 www.clarkesfuneralhome.com/ obituary/julian-hoyak

Submitted by RTAM member, John Sushelnitsky

R

JULIAN HOYAK ( FEBRUARY 12, 1945 - JULY 26, 2024)

TAM remembers Julian Hoyak because he was the systems. He wrote on income disparity. He was an avid reader stuff of which this organization was created. Feisty in of the newspapers and brought many issues to the committee OFFICIAL OBITUARY OF discussion, fastidious in research, caring in all aspects and on to the Board for a wider consideration of what should be JULIAN KAZMIER HOYAK of retired teachers’ welfare and a visionary able to see the big RTAM’s position on education and senior issues. For example, HTTPS://WWW.CLARKESFUNERALHOME.COM/OBIT picture when confronted with problems that required decisions he said that RTAM should have an independent public position UARY/JULIAN-HOYAK to be made, Jules was a gem. His contributions to RTAM were on the state of senior care homes during the pandemic , the natural outreach of a man who had cared deeply for his independent of any political party but as a voice for concerned students, his profession and his community. retired teachers.

On a personal note, I knew Jules through his work on the Political Advocacy Committee over many years. With his wife JoAnne on the same committee, they made sure that the committee “rocked” with lively debate and deeply felt convictions about where RTAM should be moving. He believed that RTAM was more than a social club. It had to make A CASE FOR RETIRED TEACHERS not only to the government of the day, but also to the Manitoba Teachers’ Society.

A case in point, he maintained that the current voting system favouring the “first past the post” meant that minority parties would never have a fair chance to be heard in government.

Although, he said, his vote would never be represented he continued to believe in and to do the research for alternate

20 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

As a concerned teacher, Jules was on the Pine Creek negotiating team for over 30 years, often as Chair, securing better pay for substitute teachers, duty free lunch hours and days off for hours donated to student activities. Jules was the one teachers came to for advice/support when difficulties arose with administration or parents. He was a strong union man and viewed RTAM in the same light, that is, as a union of retired teachers established to protect and further the welfare of its members. Protection and fairness for his colleagues were principles that he brought to his work in RTAM. For further insight into this remarkable man, may I suggest that you read his obituary on the Clarke Funeral Home in MacGregor/ Gladstone website.

BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR IN THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT DIPLOMA PROGRAM AT PROFESSIONAL, APPLIED & CONTINUING EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG Position: Contract Instructor PACE Program: Educational Assistant Diploma Program Stipend: Varies depending on course Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Deadline: Ongoing until positions are filled PACE is currently accepting applications for contract instructors in the Educational Assistant Diploma Program. Teaching the next generation of professionals is a rewarding opportunity for you to share your knowledge and past experiences to help others learn and grow in your field. Work with a great team of highly dedicated and skilled educators and student support staff.

Find a full posting and more information on rtam.mb.ca How to Apply Directly: Please email your application (cover letter, resume, and course(s) interested in teaching) to instructorsupport@uwinnipeg.ca. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until positions are filled.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 21

Canadian Trivia Quiz #2 Some more fun as you test your Canadian knowledge!

Submitted by Joan Zaretsky

B

elow are some new trivia questions about our beloved country, Canada. The answers for this quiz can be found in this edition on page 25. Again, enjoy trying to determine the correct answers without using any other source of information except your wonderful memories of our amazing country – Canada!

1. Where is the home of the largest deposits of dinosaur bones in the world?

2. In what city was Expo 1967 held?

3. Which city is the home to a Sleeping Giant?

4. What is Canada’s official motto (in Latin please)?

5. What Canadian literary award is given to a Canadian author of a novel or short story collection in English?

6. What is the name of the 1922 documentary film depicting the lives of the Inuit people of Canada’s Northern Quebec region?

7. What is the honeymoon capital of Canada?

8. Who is the Canadian singer/songwriter born in Ottawa who is famous for the hit song “Diana”?

9. Who were the French Canadian traders who travelled in New France and the interior of North America to trade European items for furs with Indigenous people?

10. Who is the first Canadian born player representing Canada to reach the final in a major singles tennis tournament?

11. Which place in Canada is on the same latitude as northern California?

12. What is the Inuit language spoken in the Central and Eastern Canadian Arctic?

13. Who is the Canadian record producer and film composer who has won 16 Grammy Awards from 47 nominations?

14. What is the second largest lake in the Northwest Territories, the deepest lake in North America and the tenth largest lake in the world by area?

15. Who wrote and performed the “Canadian Railroad Trilogy”?

16. Who is best known for their “Man in Motion” World Tour?

17. Which Canadian author was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan and was famous for the novel “Who Has Seen the Wind?”?

18. What is an iconic small pastry and one of the most popular desserts in Canada?

19. Who is the world’s all-time leader for international soccer goals for men or women with a total of 190?

20. Who hosted the “Vinyl Café”, an hour-long radio variety show on CBC? 21. Who is the first Canadian NHL goalie to wear a mask full time?

22. What is the iconic retail store that introduced a loyalty program in 1958 using paper coupons that resembled banknotes?

23. Who wrote and performed the song “Jagged Little Pill”?

24. What is the name of the series of 60 second public service announcements profiling Canadian animals, sponsored by Environment Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Service?

25. What island in Lake Huron is the largest lake island in the world?

22 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

Remembrance Day Quotes from Canadians

On November 11, let’s take a moment to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who have saved the True North Strong and Free.

“Remembrance Day is when the country

“Canada is the homeland of equality, justice and tolerance.”

stops for two minutes of silence,

Kim Campbell,

to pay respects to those who gave their lives, and our veterans

19th Prime Minister of Canada

who fought for our freedom.”

Douglas Phillips, Canadian Author

“There can be no dedication to Canada’s future without a knowledge of its past.”

“Our hopes are high, our faith in the people is great, our courage

John Diefenbaker,

is strong, and our dreams for this beautiful

13th Prime Minister of Canada

country will never die.”

Pierre Elliot Trudeau,

“In Flanders Field the poppies grow, between the crosses, row on

15th Prime Minister of Canada

row, that mark our place: and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly scarce heard amid the guns below.”

“On this Remembrance Day, I’m feeling grateful. The sacrifice

John McCrae, Canadian Poet,

and service of those in the Canadian Armed Forces has made

Doctor and Medical Officer

our way of life possible.”

during WW1

Naheed Nenshi, Former Mayor of Calgary

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 23

VOLUME 2 4

SEPT - DEC

202 4

SENIOR CENTRE WITHOUT WALLS CANADIAN DENTAL CARE PLAN THE FORKS WARMING HUTS SENIORS RESOURCE FINDERS

*Large print versions of this guide are available.

FREE TELEPHONE GROUP A C T I V I T I E S F O R M A N I TO B A N S 55+ For more information or to register:

204-956-6440 (Winnipeg) 1-888-333-3121 (Toll-free) info@aosupportservices.ca 200-207 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M5

All participants will be called in ten minutes prior to the program start time using our audio conferencing system. Participants will also be provided with a toll-free number should they need to call themselves in. Information about this system and FAQs will be provided upon registration.

24 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

Look forward to … the announcement of the successful RTAM Student Awards winners and … SURPRISE! Submitted by Joan Zaretsky

I

n early September the Student Awards Committee had the invigorating task of selecting this year’s four Student Award winners from the entries received by the RTAM

Office on July 31, 2024. If you ever want to be captivated by the current accomplishments of our high school students, you need to join this Committee and read through the wide variety of experiences, opportunities, creations, leadership roles and work experiences in which our young adolescents are participating during their high school years. WOW! You will come to recognize that our high schools are producing some remarkable trailblazers who will lead us into our future!

throughout their lives and in their application for their Award.

Each sponsor may have contributed in different ways to their student’s development along their life’s journey. Some may have provided emotional support, some intellectual stimulation, some educational understanding and others may have just been there for their student to guide them along their path.

An exciting and meaningful way to support your family members for next year’s Student Awards is to assist them, starting this fall, with the development of their own unique RTAM Student Portfolio! As a sponsor in the future, you need only to complete

This year, some students were sponsored by their grandparents,

the Student Portfolio Application (on the opposite page) and

some by their aunts, and some by their parents. We want to

you are on your way to assisting your student to develop their

congratulate all the RTAM sponsors who should be very proud

outstanding Student Award application! The Student Portfolio

of the accomplishments of their family members! Every

will be mailed to the student identified on your application.

application described some unique combination of coursework,

Inside there will be resource materials to suggest potential

community involvement and school-related contributions which

types of entries, called “artifacts”, the students may start to

made their individual student stand out as an innovator of their

collect. If you start the Portfolio with your student in Grade 9,

own future.

it will be bursting at the seams by Grade 12. If your student is

In the Winter KIT Issue, you will notice a surprise. Instead of only photos of the four students with a brief description of their

currently in Grade 11 or Grade 12, it is never too late to start the collection of artifacts process.

future goals using their RTAM funds, each student will also

Enjoy the social connections you develop with your family

submit a photo of their sponsor. RTAM wants to recognize the

member(s) as you guide them to develop their unique RTAM

sponsors for the support they have offered their family members

Student Portfolio!

Canadian Trivia Quiz #2

Check out the correct answers below!

Submitted by Joan Zaretsky 1. Drumheller, Alberta

6. Nanook of the North

13. David Foster

20. Stuart McLean

2. Montreal, Quebec

7. Niagara Falls

14. Great Slave Lake

21. Jacques Plante

3. Thunder Bay, Ontario

8. Paul Anka

15. Gordon Lightfoot

22. Canadian Tire

4. A Maria usque ad Mare (translates “From Sea to Sea”)

9. Coeur de Bois

16. Rick Hansen

23. Alanis Morrisette

10. Eugenie Bouchard

17. W. O. Mitchell

24. Hinterland Who’s Who?

11. Point Pelee, Ontario

18. Timbits

25. Manitoulin Island

12. Inukitut

19. Christine Sinclair

5. Giller Award

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 25

Blue Zones –

Increased Longevity in our Communities Submitted by Joan Zaretsky

H

ave you read, or heard, about

communities in Canada?” This edition

balanced meals and limited meat

the new concept of Blue

of the Senior Scope identified common

consumption. Each of these regions also

Zones in our world? In a recent

characteristics of these centenarians,

exist in places of the world where locally

Senior Scope newspaper (Volume 22,

many of which relate to the strategies

grown food is prioritized and year-round

No. 12), there was an excellent article

we have been discussing with Sue Lantz

growth is possible.” While we would have

about Blue Zones which are described as

and the keys proposed by Michael Ungar

trouble providing locally produced fresh

areas of the world where people practice

in the development of resiliency. Another

food year-round with our winters, we can

“the secrets of exceptionally long life”.

article, developed by “Heart to Home

try to reduce or eliminate our prepared

They reveal five locations in the world

Meals” suggests:

and fast food consumption and eat

where Blue Zones have currently been identified: Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Okinawa, Japan and Loma Linda, USA.

“Blue Zones encompass not only geographical locations but also cultural and lifestyle factors contributing to longevity as well, common

Blue Zones are defined as “regions of

characteristics shared by these

the world characterized by exceptional

populations have been identified,

longevity, where extraordinary

including dietary habits, physical activity

populations of centenarians live. A

levels, social connections and sense of

centenarian is a person who has lived to

purpose.” (p.9)

over the age of 100, and Blue Zones are where large numbers of these individuals tend to be found, living vibrant lives well into their 100s.” (The Senior Scope, Vol 22, #12, page 9).

I had to google Loma Linda as I found it amazing there is one such Zone found within our continent. Google reported:

They identify the common characteristics as reflecting an “Intuitive

intriguing the 80% Rule they suggest as being a common practice, where the older people focus on their physical sense of fullness and stop eating when their stomach is 80% full. They suggest “moderate alcohol consumption” because of the antioxidants in wine which support digestion. Lastly, physical activity in these areas of the world tends to be a daily expectation, with “walking as their primary means of transportation and

Mind, Body and Soul Connection”.

holding laborious jobs and hobbies that

“The Mind characteristics are supported

day.”

when individuals get a good night’s sleep. In Blue Zones, napping is part of their daily routines and reduced work weeks allow more down time for more

“A community of about 9,000 Adventists

relaxed individuals. The centenarians

in the Loma Linda area are the core of

tend to experience less stress as they

America’s blue zones region. They live as

consciously support good mental

much as a decade longer than the rest

and emotional health practices. The

of us, and much of their longevity can be

resiliency factors identified supporting

attributed to vegetarianism and regular

the relaxed mind include the presence of

exercise. Plus, Adventists don’t smoke or

“social connections, leisurely activities

drink alcohol.” (Google, July 6, 2024.)

and a laid-back positive attitude towards

My reflective question was “What are

more real foods where possible. I found

life’s challenges.”

require some physical exertion day to

Lastly, the importance of promoting a healthy Soul was highlighted. This is achieved by having a sense of belonging to a “strong social community, living in social networks where they receive emotional support and have deep social connections with family and friends.” I found it interesting that they specify the importance of sharing meals together, a practice I believe we did more often in the past than in our fast-paced society of today. Strong Family Ties were discussed with intergenerational connections.

these people doing to live so long

The characteristics of Blue Zones which

Sue Lantz has shared some housing

compared to our RTAM members

support a healthy physical Body include

designs where intergenerational families

and family members in our cities and

“a whole food diet based on nutritionally

live together and provide support for

26 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

each other. “The family is considered

and how I could increase my personal

• What is one thing you can do to support

a tight-knit unit in these regions.”

longevity by consciously incorporating

your sense of belonging and give you a

Lastly, a supportive characteristic for

some of these strategies. These were

purpose in your life?

the centenarians is having a sense of

some of my questions:

purpose, a factor which Ungar promotes in his resiliency framework. They comment that having “an intangible sense of purpose and belonging runs through Blue Zone populations” and that inhabitants live longer when they have “a reason to wake up in the morning”

I do not foresee that Winnipeg, or the

• Were there some strategies you

province of Manitoba will be a Blue Zone

reflected upon reading this article?

in the near future, but we can all do our part to start the movement. Let’s give

• Are there practices you could adopt

it a try and see if you notice any new

without changing your life too

positive feelings associated with your life

dramatically?

as you put your longevity strategies into

and a “feeling of personal value in one’s

• Is there one area – Mind, Body, or Soul

place in society”. They conclude this

– where you could foresee as a starting

section noting “This sense of purpose

point to encourage a longer, more

provides centenarians a greater source

fulfilling life for you?

of satisfaction, leading to a happier life.”

practice!

• What are some practices you can

As I read through these many common

decrease and/or eliminate, without

characteristics of people living in Blue

too much disruption, to support your

Zones, I started to reflect on my own life

longevity?

The 5 Day Social Connection Challenge Submitted by Joan Zaretsky

Y

ou will recall that in Sue Lantz’s “Aging in Place” Framework, the third strategy she discusses is “Social Connections”. The value of social connections to increase longevity cannot be overrated in accordance with Sue’s and the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging’s research and recommendations.

Below is a 5 Day Social Connection Challenge for any of you who are interested in participating. The goal is to be in touch with others and have a good time completing the Challenge. You may want to complete this round and continue next week from Day 2 - 5 to contact more friends and family. It can be an endless cycle with many rewards for the time you spend reconnecting with your social connections!

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:

Day 4:

Day 5:

Determine what makes a relationship special for you. Establish how you will ensure you meet these criteria for the others you are about to contact during the week.

Send a message to a friend reminding them of a great memory you share together.

Arrange to meet for coffee with someone you have not seen for a while.

Call a family member you love.

Tell three loved ones that you love them today.

Please note: This Challenge is based upon a “Relationship Challenge” handout with no formal references available other than“@THEFABSTORY” at the bottom of the page. The first day has been altered slightly, but the remaining four days are quoted directly from the handout.

We hope you enjoy the Challenge! Pass it onto others who you believe would enjoy the Challenge!

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 27

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 28 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

In Memoriam

February 2024

Margaret R. Venables – White Rock, BC RTAM recently received notice of the above members passing.

April 2024 Marcel A. Bonneau – Winnipeg, MB Ryan J. Brako – Winnipeg, MB Elizabeth J. Cairns – Brandon, MB Claire M. J. Chenier – Winnipeg, MB Erica M. Devins – Winnipeg, MB Georgina A. Jarema – Winnipeg, MB Laretta Kinamore-Obeng – Winnipeg, MB Frances Lofto – Winnipeg, MB Katharine E. McDonald – Brandon, MB Elizabeth Otke – White Rock, BC Lena Pauls – Winnipeg, MB Shirley A. Payne – Flin Flon, MB Joseph G. Plett – Winnipeg, MB Peter Podhorodeski – Dauphin, MB Sandra M. Proudfoot – Winnipeg, MB Joseph M. Ptashynski – Winnipeg, MB Wilfred R. Taylor – Minnedosa, MB Mary Zadorozny – Winnipeg, MB

May 2024

June 2024

David J. Bain – Winnipeg, MB Ernie Burdeniuk – Brandon, MB Calvin F. Caughlin – Winnipeg, MB Isabella M. Dryden – Winnipeg, MB Mae C. Dyrkacz – Dauphin, MB John R. Goran – Dauphin, MB James R. C. Graydon – Winnipeg, MB Shirley J. Koroluk – Winnipeg, MB William R. Marsh – Brandon, MB Dirpaul Ramkissoon – Winnipeg, MB Irvine D. M. Skelton – Melita, MB Robert H. Thompson – Winnipeg, MB Michael Totte – Russell, MB Wanda H. Waldner – Blumenort, MB Roy E. White – Winnipeg, MB Anne Wiens – Winnipeg, MB

Victor A. Chaput – Winnipeg, MB Bonnie L. Gerbrandt – Revelstoke, BC David M. Gilbert – Winnipeg, MB Dorothy S. Hunter – Virden, MB Carole A. Kurdydyk – St Andrews, MB Staney Lesniewski – Miami, MB James W. Pringle – Nanaimo, BC John S. Richer – Swan River, MB Wilma L. Ritzer – Nore Dame de Lourdes, MB James M. Roberts – Winnipeg, MB Alexander E. Scharf – La Riviere, MB M. Joyce Smyth – Winnipeg, MB James A. Weber – Winnipeg, MB Wendy C. Winslow – Victoria, BC

Life Members April 2024 Julia E. Anderson – Brandon, MB Sr. Jacqueline Bartush – Winnipeg, MB James A. Diehl – Maple Ridge, BC Ben Sawatzky - Winnipeg, MB

May 2024 Joan M. Baker – Camrose, AB Elsie E. Butler – Erickson, MB Justina Ewert – Victoria, BC Alex Krawec – Stonewall, MB Richard LaPage – Winnipeg, MB Ronald Latourelle – Winnipeg, MB D. Irene Legg – Winnipeg, MB Margaret L. Owen – Winnipeg, MB John Tkach – Dauphin, MB

June 2024 Arthur Butler – Erickson, MB Lena Ewanyshyn – Grandview, MB Anne Ratuski – Winnipeg, MB Mary Ann Starodub – Winnipeg, MB

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 29

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Ingredients

Directions

3 very ripe bananas

Set the oven at 350 degrees and oil a loaf pan with coconut oil.

Start by mashing the bananas extremely well in a bowl, being careful to get all the lumps out as much as possible. Add the egg and sugar to the mashed bananas and mix well, then add the shredded zucchini and combine.

1 1/2 cup shredded zucchini 3/4 cup sugar (brown or white) 1 egg 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 2 tbsp melted coconut butter (or coconut oil) 1 tsp vanilla 1 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips Coconut oil for oiling the loaf pan

In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. If using coconut butter, melt it in microwave and set aside.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients together and mix gently with a wooden spoon until smooth. Then stir in the melted coconut butter or oil, the vanilla and the chocolate chips. (Since the batter is thick at this point, I mix it with my hands). Place the batter in the oiled loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes.

Mmm.. so good! Enjoy!

Cauliflower, Chickpea, and Sweet Potato Curry with Spinach and Coconut Milk Ingredients

Instructions

1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil

Heat coconut or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Cook and stir until onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add cauliflower and sweet potatoes. Cook and stir for 3 more minutes. Add curry powder, ginger root, garam masala and cumin. Mix well. Cook and stir for another 3 minutes.

Add tomatoes with their liquid and coconut milk. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.

1 cup chopped onions 2 tsp minced garlic 4 cups small cauliflower florets 3 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes (yams) 1 tbsp curry powder 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger root 2 tsp garam masala spice blend 1 tsp ground cumin 1 can (19 oz/540 ml) diced tomatoes (with liquid) 1 can (14 oz/398 ml) coconut milk (light or regular) 1 can (19 oz/540 mil) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 4 cups or more fresh spinach

Stir in chickpeas and spinach. Cover and simmer for 5 more minutes, or until cauliflower and sweet potatoes are tender and spinach is wilted. Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro or parsley and serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa, if using.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

ENJOY!

2 tbsp minced fresh cilantro or fresh parsley (optional) Cooked brown rice, basmati rice or quinoa for serving (optional) 30 RTAM KIT / Fall 2024

All recipes submitted by Gisèle Grégoire

Keep hearing

& learning FREE 30 Day Trial* Summer may be coming to an end, but there are plenty of reasons to look forward to in the new season.If you have plans to explore new hobbies or spend the remaining milder months being outdoors, your hearing plays an important part in all of that. Sounds are a powerful source of inspiration for creativity. When your hearing is clear, your mind is free to focus better and engage deeply in your favourite activities, whether that’s painting, reading or enjoying the soothing sounds of nature.

To help you experience the difference healthy hearing can make, we’re offering RTAM Members and their family a FREE 30-day hearing aid trial* – no commitment to purchase afterward!

Did you know about our Price Match Policy?

We’ll match the price for equivalent hearing aids!***

Book your FREE trial!* RTAM Members & Family receive an EXTRA 10% off the final purchase price of hearing aids and custom noise protection!**

HearingLife.ca/RTAM-Try 1-888-348-7682 Mention code MAG-TBYB-RTAM

*A comprehensive hearing assessment is provided to adults ages 19 and older at no cost. The results of this assessment will be communicated verbally to you. If you request a copy of the Audiological Report, an administrative fee will apply. Child hearing tests are conducted at select locations for a fee, please contact us for more information. This promotion is valid for select hearing aid models and cannot be combined with more than 1 promotion or discount unless stated otherwise. Offer applies to private sales of select hearing aids and discount is applied after government funding has been deducted. **The extra 10% will be applied to the remaining balance on hearing aids and accessories after all other discounts (if applicable). ***If you are quoted a lower price on a comparable hearing aid with the equivalent features, options and services, HearingLife Canada Ltd. will match that price. Conditions Apply. Ask our hearing care professionals for more details. Offer not applicable for industrial hearing tests. Offers not valid in Quebec. Offer expires 11/30/2024.

EDUCATION

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 © 2024 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.