Retired Women Teachers’ Association

CHAPTER REPORTS

Retired Women Teachers’ Association

Dianne Bewell

The Retired Woman Teachers’ Association held a festive luncheon on December 12, 2013, at the Masonic Hall. As guests entered, Mrs. Claus handed out oranges to guests and chocolates were placed on the tables. After a turkey dinner was served, new members were introduced.

Entertainment was provided by the Village Green Morris Men who performed their lively folk dances using deer horns, sticks, handkerchiefs and swords. Their costumes included breeches, baldrics, top hats, bells and tatter coats. The dancers and singers were accompanied by an accordionist and a fiddler. The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance put us in the spirit of the Winter Solstice and members enjoyed singing along to Christmas Carols.

At each luncheon, the Retired Woman Teachers’ Association collects toiletries for women’s shelters. In the spring of 2013, three shelters each received two boxes filled with a variety of shampoos, conditioners and lotions. Other shelters will benefit from our members generosity this spring. Also, in the past two years, more than 300 pairs of eye-glasses have been donated to an optometrist school for recalibrating. They were then provided to people in developing countries.

At the February 27, 2014 luncheon, Dr. Donovan Gray, author of the best selling book, Dude, Where’s my Stethoscope? was the guest speaker. He gave an entertaining power-point presentation which provided us with insight into the life of an ER doctor. At that luncheon, as is done annually, donations were collected for Winnipeg Harvest.

Our next luncheon and AGM will be held on April 10, 2014 when members will be encouraged to wear hats (fabulous, frivolous or fun). The entertainment will be Michelle Anseeuw, who is the lead vocalist in the popular local stage show “Sweet Dreams of Patsy Cline.” She will be sharing a special selection of her favorite Classics and Country Hits. Michelle has enjoyed singing all her life, growing up with the music she is so passionate about now.

RTAM in DAUPHIN - FEB. 26, 2014

Educational Advocacy Committee

Based on the concept that knowledge is power, on February 26, 2014, the Educational Advocacy Committee of RTAM, in collaboration with the Dauphin Area Retired Teachers’ Association and the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres, hosted an information session: “Services Available to All Seniors Ages 55+ Residing in the Dauphin Area.”

In spite of a total lack of cooperation from the weather gods that day, a committed group of 40+ participants met in the Dauphin Multi-Purpose Senior Centre at noon for a hot and tasty catered lunch and then stayed till past 4:00 p.m. for an information-packed afternoon.

Susan Crichton, consultant for the Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat, opened with a keynote address “It’s NOT Right-Neighbours, Friends & Families for Older Adults.” Dauphin Mayor, Eric Irwin, then brought greetings from the city and was followed by a complement of presenters, who outlined a multitude of services and supports: provincial, regional and local--that may be accessed by Dauphin area seniors. Topics included: elder abuse awareness, diabetes awareness and education, Alzheimer Society services, arthritis, mood disorder and grief support group services, mental health supports for the older adult, public health service information, home care services and area services to seniors. Presenters also brought with them applicable publications and brochures that participants scooped up to take home for future reference and reading, as well as to share with their neighbours, friends and family members.

Participants’ evaluations of the event indicated an overall very positive response to the day along with some constructive suggestions to improve future presentations.

The Ed Advocacy Committee modelled this presentation on a similar event that was offered previously in Thompson MB, in conjunction with the Thompson retired teachers. The committee is currently seeking commitment from other interested local RTAM chapters, so that similar presentations may be offered at other sites in the province in the future.