Keep In Touch (KIT) Magazine - Spring 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. 35 | No. 4 | Spring 2024

RTAM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2024 Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites 1800 Wellington Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba

SPRING

2024

KEEP IN TOUCH Vol. 35 | No. 4 | Spring 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

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

Prix pour service méritoire d’un membre de

Rapport de la présidente...............................4

chapitre 2024............................................... 17

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

RTAM Volunteer Form...................................18

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

Formulaire d’inscription des

Message from the KIT Committee................. 6 Message du comité KIT................................. 6 ACER-CART Report....................................... 7

bénévoles de la RTAM...................................19 News from Calgary Chapter.........................20 Your Social Network.....................................21

Formulaire D’Inscription à l’aga de la RTAM........................................... 8

Dîner de Noël...............................................22

RTAM AGM Registration Form........................ 9

Life Members...............................................24

Call for Nominations – Instructions...............10 Assemblée générale annuelle........................11 RTAM Board Nomination Form.....................12 Assemblée générale annuelle 2024..............13 Distinguished Service Award Application Form..........................................14 Prix pour service méritoire d’un membre de chapitre 2024............................15 Chapter Member Distinguished Award.........16

Author Recommendations.......................... 23

In Memoriam................................................24 Canadian Trivia............................................ 25 Meeting with the Minister of Education....... 26 Greetings from the UNESCO Schools Network!........................................ 27 Gone Fishing by Gabe Mercier..................... 28 Student Award Application Form................. 29 Student Success Portfolio........................... 30

Editorial Committee Chair: Gisèle Grégoire Members Judy Danchura JoAnne Hoyak Gabe Mercier 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 Gisèle Grégoire Jayesh Maniar Peter Narth Kelvon Smith Dianne Snider 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 © 2024 by RTAM All rights reserved. No part of this publication

All materials for the next issue of KIT must be emailed with no formatting to kit@rtam.mb.ca and received by May 8, 2024, 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.

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

2 RTAM KIT / Spring 2024

Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3

President’s update

Linda Blair

RTAM President, 2023-2024

Linda Blair is the sitting RTAM President.

She can be reached anytime at president@rtam.mb.ca

S

pring is in sight. The RTAM Board and staff are busy focusing on all the details of our Annual General Meeting being planned for Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Please read the documents closely as you learn more about what your Board has been doing this past year.

A successful RTAM Pre-Retirement Seminar was held on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Over 90 participants learned about the various aspects of retirement as well as our provincial RTAM organization. Information was shared by our members and Jessica Simpson from Johnson Insurance.

The evaluation forms completed and submitted by participants showed a great appreciation for this seminar.

RTAM was invited to an in-person meeting with the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, Nello Altomare.

The agenda included discussion of our ASKS with an emphasis on improving the cost-of-living allowance (COLA) for retired teachers.

The Recruitment Working Group is focused on encouraging members to become involved in RTAM’s various committees as well as serving on the Board. An online presentation,

focused on providing details as to what is expected from members who become involved in these areas, is being planned for Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

Are you a member who would like to become more involved in RTAM? Special Interest Groups (SIGs), especially the Choir Group, interested many of our members. Do you have an idea for a group to focus on for a few weeks or months? Also, our Chapters are available to any member. You do not have to have taught in that area to join that Chapter. Several of our members have relocated during retirement and found there are former Manitoba teachers meeting near their new location.

Our monthly e-newsletter has received great reviews from our members. Sharing up to date information at the first of each month has been a great pathway for members to stay informed promptly.

Our website has been under review by Lucious Orange. Final details as to a new modern website will be available soon.

Please protect your health especially as the weather allows for more outdoor activities. Take care.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 3

lettre de la présidente

Linda Blair

Linda Blair est la présidente en exercice de la RTAM. On peut la joindre à tout moment à President@rtam.mb.ca

L

e printemps sera bientôt là. Le conseil d’administration et le personnel de la RTAM s’affairent à régler tous les détails de notre assemblée générale annuelle prévue le mercredi 8 mai 2024. Nous vous prions de lire attentivement les documents pour en savoir plus sur les réalisations de votre conseil d’administration au cours de l’année écoulée.

Le samedi 27 janvier 2024 s’est tenu un séminaire sur la préretraite réussi. Plus de 90 personnes se sont renseignées sur les différents aspects de la retraite et la RTAM grâce à nos membres et à Jessica Simpson de Johnson Insurance. Les formulaires d’évaluation remplis et remis par les participant(e)s ont montré qu’ils avaient beaucoup aimé le séminaire.

La RTAM a été conviée à une réunion en personne avec le ministre de l’Éducation et de l’Apprentissage de la petite enfance, Nello Altomare. L’ordre du jour a compris une discussion sur nos DEMANDES, en particulier l’amélioration de l’indemnité de vie chère (IVC) pour le personnel enseignant à la retraite.

Le groupe de travail axé sur le recrutement s’efforce tout particulièrement d’encourager les membres à faire partie de différents comités de la RTAM et à siéger au conseil d’administration. Une présentation en ligne sur les détails des

attentes à l’égard des membres qui participent à ces comités et au conseil est prévue le samedi 9 mars 2024 à 9 h 30. Êtes-vous membre et aimeriez-vous vous impliquer à la RTAM? Les groupes d’intérêts spéciaux (GIS), en particulier le groupe de la chorale, ont intéressé un grand nombre de nos membres.

Avez-vous une idée de groupe sur lequel nous pourrions nous concentrer pendant quelques semaines ou quelques mois? Nos sections locales sont aussi à la disposition de tous les membres.

Vous n’avez pas à avoir enseigné dans la région où se trouve une section locale donnée pour en faire partie. Plusieurs de nos membres ont déménagé pendant leur retraite et ont constaté qu’il y a des rencontres d’ancien(ne)s enseignant(e)s du Manitoba dans la région de leur nouvelle résidence.

Notre bulletin électronique mensuel a fait l’objet d’excellents commentaires de la part de nos membres. La publication d’une information à jour le premier de chaque mois a constitué un très bon moyen pour nos membres de se tenir au courant en temps opportun.

Lucious Orange procède à une révision de notre site Web. Les derniers détails concernant un nouveau site Web moderne seront bientôt communiqués.

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 4 RTAM KIT / Spring 2024

executive director’s Report

Sean Seywright RTAM Executive Director

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

W

elcome to one of the weirdest and warmest winters in memory. I was fortunate to walk my dog this week without a toque or mittens, which is strange to me for a January in “Winterpeg”.

Thank you so much to the Minister of Education and Early

While the weather may be weird, there are many things you can count on and one of those is the Spring edition of KIT which brings a big update for the RTAM Annual General Meeting each year. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 8, at the Hilton Winnipeg.

There is plenty of information in this magazine that will help you plan for the event and attend in person or online.

community. The meeting was well attended and many of our

It is also a good time to acknowledge that there are members experiencing up to seven (7) or eight (8) week delays in getting their KIT magazine mailed to them. We are looking into delays with Canada Post and hope to learn more as we release the Spring edition of KIT and compare delivery timelines and member feedback.

Childhood Learning, Nello Altomare, and the NDP team on Broadway who hosted RTAM in February. Topics of discussion were Pension, COLA and retiree needs within the retired teacher concerns were heard. We expect this is the start of a strong relationship over the next few years.

The summer edition of KIT will come after our AGM. That means this is my last chance to thank the Board of Directors for their amazing work this year and for their dedication to RTAM and the membership. The Board is a passionate group, and the staff appreciates their time, energy, support and guidance. We wish all departing Directors the best in their next adventures and thank them for their service.

rapport du directeur général

Sean Seywright

B

ienvenue à l’un des hivers les plus étranges et les plus cléments de mémoire! J’ai eu la chance de promener mon chien cette semaine sans tuque ni mitaines, ce qui me fait tout bizarre en janvier à Winterpeg.

Le temps peut nous sembler étrange, mais il reste de nombreuses choses sur lesquelles on peut compter et l’une d’elles est le numéro printanier de KIT qui vous présente annuellement une mise à jour importante de l’assemblée générale annuelle de la RTAM. L’assemblée aura lieu le mercredi 8 mai au Hilton Winnipeg et vous trouverez dans le magazine une foule de renseignements qui vous aideront à vous préparer à cet événement et à y participer en personne ou en ligne.

C’est aussi un bon moment pour reconnaître que des membres reçoivent avec sept (7) à huit (8) semaines de retard leur magazine KIT envoyé par la poste. Nous examinons avec Postes Canada les raisons de ces retards et nous espérons en savoir plus quand nous publierons le numéro printanier de KIT et comparerons les délais de livraison et les commentaires des membres.

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

Merci infiniment au ministre de l’Éducation et de l’Apprentissage de la petite enfance, Nello Altomare, et à l’équipe du NPD sur Broadway qui ont accueilli la rencontre de la RTAM en février pour parler de pensions, de rajustement de vie chère et des besoins des retraités dans la communauté du personnel enseignant à la retraite. Cette rencontre a intéressé de nombreux participants et un grand nombre de nos préoccupations ont été entendues. Nous espérons qu’il s’agit du début d’une solide relation au cours des prochaines années.

Le numéro estival de KIT paraîtra après notre assemblée générale annuelle, ce qui veut dire que je peux, pour la dernière fois, remercier le conseil d’administration de son travail extraordinaire cette année et de son dévouement à l’égard de la RTAM et de ses membres. Le conseil d’administration est un groupe passionné et le personnel le remercie de son temps, de son énergie, de son soutien et de ses conseils. Nous souhaitons à toutes les administratrices et à tous les administrateurs qui laissent leur place la meilleure des chances dans leurs prochaines aventures et nous les remercions de leur service.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 5

Message from the KIT Committee Submitted by Gisèle Grégoire

I

n this Spring Edition you will find information about the AGM in May. It is hoped you will be able to participate. We have, also, included a Canadian Trivia Quiz. Do you know your Canada? Good luck! The answers will be published in the summer edition.

A few reminders: • We invite you to send us teacher stories, travel adventures, book suggestions, recipes, workshops and seminars you attended and would recommend, 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 to wish to start a SIG (Special Interest Group) or join one, please contact Dianne in the RTAM office, for more information, at Casar@RTAM.mb.ca or call (204-889-3660).

Message du comité KIT

V

ous trouverez dans cette édition du printemps de l’information et des formulaires (en français) au sujet de l’AGA de RTAM qui aura lieu en mai. Nous espérons vous voir en grand nombre.

Connaissez-vous votre Canada? Essayer de répondre aux questions du Canadian Trivia Quiz dans ce KIT. Les réponses du quiz seront publiées dans la publication périodique de l’été.

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 Summer 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 / Spring 2024

ACER-CART Report

W

ith the withdrawal of Ontario from ACER-CART, Bill Berryman from Nova Scotia became President.

The biggest issue with Ontario was the non-poaching approach by ACER-CART; Ontario wanted to poach members from other parts of Canada.

Submitted by Gabe Mercier Cost savings General meeting every two years 2026 and 2028; Use Zoom on odd years, without an election; Rotate meetings at east and west locations. Annual General Meetings are necessary to meet Federal requirements.

There was a discussion to increase the number of representatives on the executive committee by two (one from the East and one from the West) and a discussion about a renewable Two-Year Term of office instead of the current oneyear term of office. The emphasis will be on stronger regional groups and regions. They will have the autonomy to set their own agenda for the meeting.

Annual General Meeting

Financial picture of ACER-CART Close to $50K invested and $33,000 in assets.

The budget is set at $68K per year.

The account will deplete at a rate of $20K per year if the membership is without a membership fee increase.

Priorities 2024

Membership There was a drop in membership with the departure of Ontario: 168,000 dropped to 84,204; a drop of about 80k. The executive feels they can continue without a membership fee increase and can function with the dues being received presently.

AGM 2024 will be on June 6 and 7 in Ottawa. Stays are at the Delta. Thursday’s AGM - business meeting; guest speaker will be Gerry Sewatski on the top 10 trends affecting Canada; at CTF building. Supper will be at the hotel.

After 2024 there will be an AGM every two years, 2026 and 2028.

In the past ACER-CART had too many priorities, so the Executive will be working on just two items: a. National Pharmacare program (1) b. Aging in place (2) c. Work on a Strategic direction plan is an objective.

SWAT analysis: Sean Seywright volunteered to work with ACER-CART on the framework and to provide supports.

Manitoba Teachers’ College 65th Reunion Thursday, June 6, 2024

T

o keep all the event venues close together, we have chosen to congregate at locations at The Forks in Winnipeg. This will limit driving from site to site as much as possible.

OR

For those needing overnight lodging, we recommend the Inn at the Forks or The Norwood Hotels. Both are close to The Forks.

The Norwood, newly renovated, is across the river from the Forks and would require a drive for anyone with ambulatory limitations. If you register there, ask for Piero and mention the MTC Reunion. The price will be $161 plus tax per night. If you use Inn at the Forks, please use CAA or Senior discount advantages.

Dinner: 12 p.m. At the Spaghetti Factory at the Forks.

• Registration is at 9 a.m. – sign in.

• Breakfast is at The Pancake House.

A chance to meet at several locations at the Forks indoors or outside for more coffee, pictures, and visiting.

A variety of pasta choices will be available. The meal includes beverage choices and an ice cream dessert.

Following the dinner there will be time to visit with classmates, or enjoy the shops at the Forks, or visit the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, or take informal pictures.

For a registration form contact Bert Suss at blsuss1@gmail.com.

• #1 Forks Market Road • Optional activity begins at 10:30 a.m.

• Boat Ride on the River: Cost $11.25 RTAM Manitoba, Canada 7

Formulaire d’inscription à l’aga de la rtam FORMULAIRE D’INSCRIPTION À L’AGA DE LA RTAM Le mercredi 8 mai 2024 Hilton Hotel – 1800, avenue Wellington, Winnipeg, MB 204-783-1700 TOUS LES MEMBRES DE LA RTAM SONT INVITÉS ET ENCOURAGÉS À Y PARTICIPER Le mercredi 8 mai, de 9 h à 15 h 30, Assemblée générale annuelle, gratuit pour tous les membres, frais de 50 $ pour les invités L’AGA et le dîner du mercredi sont gratuits pour tous les membres et présidents de chapitre de la RTAM. Les invités non-membres devront payer un droit d’entrée de 50 $ à la porte pour cet événement. Les membres sont priés de s’inscrire à l’avance sur ce formulaire ou en envoyant un courriel à l’adresse office@rtam.mb.ca s’ils souhaitent éviter de payer le droit d’entrée.

Nom : Adresse :

(Avec le code postal)

Courriel :

Téléphone :

Nom de l’invité(e) :

Heure

Date Mercredi 8 mai

Activité 9hà Assemblée générale annuelle 15 h 30

Membre / président(e) de chapitre

Invité(e)

(Oui ou Non)

Total

(Oui ou Non)

/ 50 $

Total des droits Assurez-vous que les noms de tous vos invités sont inscrits dans la case ci-dessus. Veuillez faire le total des paiements de vos invités et payer le bureau en personne avant l’événement, ou au Hilton le matin de l’événement.

Veuillez indiquer toute restriction alimentaire pour raisons de santé requise pour vous ou votre invité(e), le cas échéant.

8 RTAM KIT / Spring 2024

RTAM AGM REGISTRATION FORM RTAM AGM REGISTRATION FORM Wednesday, May 8, 2024 Hilton Hotel – 1800 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB 204-783-1700 ALL RTAM MEMBERS ARE INVITED AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND Wednesday, May 8, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Annual General Meeting free to all members, guest fee is $50.00.

The Wednesday AGM and luncheon is free for all RTAM members and Chapter Presidents. Guest non-member will pay a $50.00 fee at the door for this event. Members are required to pre-register on this form or through office@rtam.mb.ca if they wish to avoid the door fee.

Name: Address:

(Include postal code)

Email: Attending In-Person:

Phone: Attending via Zoom:

Guest Name:

Time

Date Wednesday May 8

Event Annual General Meeting

9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Member / Chapter President

Guest

(Yes or No)

Total

(Yes or No)

__ / $50.00

Total Fees Please ensure all guest names are listed in the box above. Please sum up your guest payments and pay the office in person before the event or at the Clarion the morning of the event.

Please identify any health-related dietary accommodation required for you or your guest. ______________________________________________________________________________ DEADLINE: Sunday, March 17, 2024, 4:00 p.m.

This form may be copied or downloaded from www.rtam.mb.ca.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 9

Annual General Meeting May 8, 2024 Hilton Hotel – 1800 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 2024 – 2025 RTAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nominations for the Officers and Board of Directors of RTAM will

are invited to submit a biography (no longer than a half page) and

be accepted up to and including Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 4:00

photo to be included in the AGM Elections booklet no later than

p.m. While nominations may be made from the floor of the AGM

March 17, 2024.

assembly, we discourage this and ask all candidates to declare by the 17th to help our members make an informed decision at

The positions open to election on May 8, 2024, are:

the time of voting.

• Officer / President RTAM Board

Terms and Duties:

• Officer / Vice President RTAM Board

• The term of office for a Board position is two years.

• Officer / Treasurer RTAM Board

• Board Members are asked to chair one of the Standing

• Officer / Secretary RTAM Board

Committees.

• Board Meetings are held monthly from September to June on the third Thursday of the month (no meetings in July and August).

• Committees generally meet virtually in the first two weeks of the month.

• First time Board members are required to take new Director

• Director RTAM Board • Director RTAM Board • Director RTAM Board • Director RTAM Board • Director RTAM Board

training (full day session in June).

Nomination Process:

• All Board members are required to take Board Leadership

Nominations will be received by the RTAM Office up to 4:00

training (half day session in June).

Nominees and nominators must be full RTAM members in good standing. Nominees must be sufficiently conversant

p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2024, via completed Nomination Forms. Nomination forms must be signed by the nominee, or accompanied by a signed statement from the nominee, to

with current communication methods as to be capable of

acknowledge their willingness to accept the nomination.

participating in, and assisting with, the work of the board

Please note: Only FULL RTAM members in good standing

including access to and working knowledge of email, Zoom, Microsoft Teams meetings, Microsoft Office, and in-person meetings.

An individual can nominate themselves. Any RTAM member may be nominated for one Officer position and one Director position.

An unsuccessful candidate for the Officer position has the right

may hold office, vote, endorse or sign nomination papers.

ASSOCIATE RTAM members may not hold office, vote, endorse or sign nomination papers.

Questions? Contact RTAM 204-889-3660; 1-888-393-8082 (toll-free) or office@rtam.mb.ca.

to stand for a Director position if they have so indicated on the

This information may be copied or downloaded from

nomination form. Nominees who meet the nomination deadline

www.rtam.mb.ca

10 RTAM KIT / Spring 2024

Assemblée générale annuelle Le 8 mai 2024 Hilton Hotel – 1800, avenue Wellington, Winnipeg, MB

APPEL DE MISES EN CANDIDATURE CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION 2024-2025 DE LA RTAM Les mises en candidature pour les postes de direction et

conseil d’administration, y compris l’accès et la connaissance

de membres au sein du conseil d’administration de la RTAM

pratique du courrier électronique, de Zoom, des réunions

seront acceptées jusqu’à dimanche 17 mars 2024 à 16 h,

Microsoft Teams, de Microsoft Office et des réunions en

dernier délai. Bien qu’il soit toujours possible de soumettre

personne.

des candidatures à la faveur de l’AGA, nous n’encourageons pas cette pratique et demandons à toutes les personnes qui

On peut soumettre soi-même sa candidature. Toute personne

se portent candidates de le faire d’ici au 15 mars, afin d’aider

membre de la RTAM peut être proposée à la fois pour un

nos membres à prendre une décision éclairée au moment du

poste de direction et pour un poste de membre du CA. Une

vote.

personne n’ayant pas été retenue pour un poste de direction peut se porter candidate à un poste de membre, à condition

Mandat et fonctions : • La durée d’un mandat au sein du conseil d’administration est

de l’avoir indiqué sur le formulaire de mise en candidature.

Les candidates et candidats qui respectent la date limite de

de deux ans.

mise en candidature sont invités à soumettre, au plus tard

• Il est demandé aux membres du CA de présider l’un des

demi-page) et une photo qui seront incluses dans le livret

comités permanents.

d’élections de l’AGA.

• Le conseil d’administration se réunit chaque mois de

Processus de mise en candidature :

le 17 mars 2024, une notice biographique (pas plus d’une

septembre à juin, le troisième jeudi du mois (les réunions font relâche en juillet et août).

Les candidatures seront reçues par le bureau de la RTAM jusqu’à 16 h le dimanche 17 mars 2024, sous la forme de

• Les comités se réunissent généralement de manière virtuelle au cours des deux premières semaines du mois.

formulaires de mise en candidature dûment remplis. Les formulaires de mise en candidature doivent être signés par la

• Les nouveaux membres du conseil d’administration doivent

candidate ou le candidat, ou accompagnés d’une déclaration

suivre une formation pour les nouveaux administrateurs

d’autorisation signée par la candidate / le candidat, afin

(session d’une journée complète en juin).

d’attester de son consentement à accepter sa mise en candidature.

• Tous les membres du CA sont tenus de suivre une formation sur la direction de conseils d’administration (session d’une

NOTA : Seuls les membres À PART ENTIÈRE de la RTAM

demi-journée en juin).

peuvent occuper un poste, voter, approuver ou signer des

Les candidates / candidats et les personnes qui les proposent doivent être membres à part entière et en règle de la RTAM. Les candidates et candidats doivent maîtriser

déclarations de candidature. Les membres ASSOCIÉS de la RTAM ne peuvent pas occuper un poste, voter, approuver ou signer des déclarations de candidature.

suffisamment les méthodes de communication actuelles

Des questions? Communiquez avec la RTAM : 204-889-3660;

pour être en mesure de participer et d’aider au travail du

1-888-393-8082 (sans frais) ou office@rtam.mb.ca

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 11

2024 annual general meeting May 8, 2024 2024 Annual General Meeting 2024-25 RTAM Board Nomination Form May 8, 2024 2024 - 2025 RTAM BOARD NOMINATION FORM

ALL FULL RTAM MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED AND INVITED TO NOMINATE THEMSELVES OR BE NOMINATED FOR A BOARD POSITION.

We always need new ideas and enthusiasm!

DEADLINE: Sunday, March 17, 2024, 4:00 p.m.

As a Full RTAM member, I, ______________________________________, nominate the following Full RTAM member: Name of Nominee: Address (include postal code):

Email:

Phone:

for the position of: (check one Officer position only, then check Director for nomination as a Director, if unsuccessful in the Officer position, or check Director (5.) for nomination as a Director only): 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Director

Or Director Or Director Or Director Or Director

The signed permission of the nominee: ______________________________________________________ Or, attach a signed statement of permission from the nominee.

Please submit with the Nomination Form a biography (no longer than half a page) and photo to be included in the AGM Elections booklet.

Mail, hand-deliver, or courier the completed Nomination Form to: RTAM – Nominations 106 – 1780 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3

This form may be copied or downloaded from www.rtam.mb.ca.

12 RTAM KIT / Spring 2024

assemblée générale annuelle 2024 le 8 mai 2024 Assemblée générale annuelle 2024 Formulation de mise en candidature pour le Le 8 mai 2024 conseil d’administration 2024-25 de la RTAM FORMULAIRE DE MISE EN CANDIDATURE POUR LE CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION 2024-2025 DE LA RTAM NOUS ENCOURAGEONS ET INVITONS TOUS LES MEMBRES À PART ENTIÈRE DE LA RTAM À POSER LEUR CANDIDATURE OU À ÊTRE PROPOSÉS POUR UN POSTE AU CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION.

Nous avons toujours besoin d’idées neuves et d’enthousiasme!

DATE LIMITE : le dimanche 17 mars 2024, 16 h En tant que membre à part entière de la RTAM, je, , propose la candidature de la personne suivante, également membre à part entière de la RTAM : Nom de la candidate / du candidat : Adresse (avec le code postal) :

Courriel :

Téléphone :

Pour le poste de : (cochez un seul poste de direction (1 à 3), puis cochez Membre pour une nomination en tant que membre du CA, ou cochez Membre (4) pour une nomination en tant que membre du CA uniquement) : 1.

2.

3.

4.

Vice-président(e)

Secrétaire Trésorier(ère) Membre

ou Membre ou Membre ou Membre

Autorisation signée de la candidate / du candidat :

Ou joignez en annexe une déclaration d’autorisation signée par la candidate / le candidat.

Veuillez joindre au formulaire de mise en candidature une notice biographique (pas plus d’une demi-page) et une photo qui seront incluses dans le livret d’élections de l’AGA. Transmettez par la poste, en mains propres ou par messagerie le formulaire de mise en candidature à l’adresse suivante : RTAM – Nominations 106 – 1780, avenue Wellington, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 13

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD APPLICATION FORM

The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) Distinguished Service Award is presented to an individual whose service to RTAM has been extraordinary.

Selection criteria: 1) The nominator must be a full member of RTAM for at least five years; the nominee must have served on the RTAM Board for at least five years.

2) A written composition explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award.

3) A comprehensive description of the nominee’s significant contribution to the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba.

NOMINATOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT) Full Name: Mailing Address: City/Town:

Province & Postal Code:

Phone Number:

Cell Number:

E-mail Address: Nominator’s Signature

Date:

NOMINEE’S CONTACT INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT) Full Name: Mailing Address: City/Town:

Province & Postal Code:

Phone Number:

Cell Number:

E-mail Address:

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MARCH 17, 2024 FORWARD NOMINATIONS TO: Attn: President Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) 106-1780 Wellington Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 AWARD PRESENTATION: The Award shall consist of a framed certificate signed by the RTAM President.

If possible, the Award shall be presented at the RTAM Annual General Meeting (AGM).

prix pour service méritoire Formulaire mise en candidature PRIX POURde SERVICE MÉRITOIRE FORMULAIRE DE MISE EN CANDIDATURE Un Prix pour service méritoire peut être décerné à une personne qui a rendu des services exceptionnels à la RTAM, de l’avis du conseil d’administration.

Critères de sélection : 1. La personne qui propose la candidature doit être membre à part entière de la RTAM depuis au moins cinq ans; la candidate ou le candidat doit avoir siégé au conseil d’administration ou sur un comité de la RTAM pendant au moins cinq ans.

2. Une composition écrite expliquant pourquoi la candidate ou le candidat mérite le prix. La mise en candidature doit inclure une description complète de l’engagement de cette personne et de son apport à la RTAM. COORDONNÉES DE LA PERSONNE QUI PROPOSE LA CANDIDATURE (en lettres moulées S.V.P.) Nom au complet : Adresse postale : Ville/Localité :

Province et code postal :

Numéro de téléphone :

Numéro de téléphone cellulaire :

Adresse de courriel : Signature

Date :

COORDONNÉES DE LA CANDIDATE / DU CANDIDAT (en lettres moulées S.V.P.) Nom au complet : Adresse postale : Ville/Localité :

Province et code postal :

Numéro de téléphone :

Numéro de téléphone cellulaire :

Adresse de courriel : DATE LIMITE DE SOUMISSION DES CANDIDATURES : LE 17 MARS 2024.

TRANSMETTRE LES NOMINATIONS À L’ADRESSE SUIVANTE : Attn.: Présidente Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) 106-1780 avenue Wellington Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 REMISE DU PRIX : • Le prix consiste en un certificat encadré signé par le président de la RTAM.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 15

CHAPTER MEMBER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD APPLICATION FORM

A Chapter Member Distinguished Service Award is an award presented to an RTAM Chapter member whose service to the Chapter has been extraordinary.

Selection criteria: 1) 2) 3)

The nominator and the nominee must each be full members of RTAM for at least five years.

A written composition explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award must be provided.

A comprehensive description of the nominee’s significant contribution to the Chapter must be included.

NOMINATOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT) Full Name: Mailing Address: City/Town:

Province & Postal Code:

Phone Number:

Cell Number:

E-mail Address: Nominator’s Signature

Date:

NOMINEE’S CONTACT INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT) Full Name: Mailing Address: City/Town:

Province & Postal Code:

Phone Number:

Cell Number:

E-mail Address: SUBMISSION DEADLINE MARCH 17, 2024 FORWARD NOMINATIONS TO: Attn: President Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) 106-1780 Wellington Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 AWARD PRESENTATION: The Award shall consist of a certificate signed by the RTAM President and the Chapter President.

The Chapter Member Distinguished Service Award shall be presented at the Chapter’s AGM (Annual General Meeting).

prix pour service méritoire d’un membre de chapitre PRIX POUR SERVICE MÉRITOIRE2024 D’UN MEMBRE CHAPITRE 2024 Formulaire deDE mise en candidature FORMULAIRE DE MISE EN CANDIDATURE

Le Prix pour service méritoire d’un membre de chapitre peut être décerné à une personne qui a rendu des services exceptionnels à un chapitre de la RTAM. Critères de sélection : 1. La personne qui propose la candidature ainsi que la candidate ou le candidat doivent être membres à part entière de la RTAM depuis au moins cinq ans.

2. La mise en candidature doit inclure une description complète de l’engagement de cette personne et de son apport au chapitre concerné, et des raisons pour lesquelles cette personne mérite le prix.

COORDONNÉES DE LA PERSONNE QUI PROPOSE LA CANDIDATURE (en lettres moulées S.V.P.) Nom au complet : Adresse postale : Ville/Localité :

Province et code postal :

Numéro de téléphone :

Numéro de téléphone cellulaire :

Adresse de courriel : Signature

Date :

COORDONNÉES DE LA CANDIDATE / DU CANDIDAT (en lettres moulées S.V.P.) Nom au complet : Adresse postale : Ville/Localité :

Province et code postal :

Numéro de téléphone :

Numéro de téléphone cellulaire :

Adresse de courriel : DATE LIMITE DE SOUMISSION DES CANDIDATURES : LE 17 MARS 2024.

TRANSMETTRE LES NOMINATIONS À L’ADRESSE SUIVANTE : Attn.: Présidente Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) 106-1780 avenue Wellington Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 REMISE DU PRIX : • Le prix consiste en un certificat encadré signé par les présidents de la RTAM et du chapitre.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 17

RTAM RTAM Volunteer Form VOLUNTEER FORM RTAM is looking for volunteers with diverse skills, creativity, and innovative thinking to join a committee to help keep the organization moving forward and make it better. Volunteering provides individuals the opportunity to get to know more about RTAM, meet other retired teachers and share knowledge on various topics. RTAM members are encouraged to volunteer on a committee or working group. For more information about committees, visit our website at https://www.rtam.mb.ca/about-us/rtamcommittees.

What to know about being a committee or working group member: � The term for a committee member is one-year. � Committee meetings are held once a month usually from September to April either via Zoom or in-person (some committees are active during summer months). � An RTAM Board member is Chair of a committee (Policy 9.03 (a) i.) � At the Board’s discretion, working groups can be formed to complete background work on emergent topics. Working groups are short term projects. � Volunteers must be sufficiently conversant with current technological communication methods (Zoom and email).

Please rank (1-4) the committee(s) you are interested in joining as a member. The Board will try to accommodate volunteer requests, as we constitute balanced committees within the parameters of our bylaws and policies.

COMMITTEE

MEMBER

COMMITTEE

Benefits

Pension

Board and Committee Recruitment Communications: KIT Editorial

Political Advocacy

(Group Benefits with Johnson)

MEMBER

Student Awards / Student Success Portfolio (working group)

Communications: Public Relations

Substitute Teacher Concerns

**Emeritus

Wellness Advocacy

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

*New Committee Interests

(for active substitutes)

*RTAM welcomes members to share ideas for new committees they would like to see evolve for members. **The Emeritus Committee is for any RTAM member who has previously served on the RTAM Board of Directors.

Please complete the information below. This information is used by the RTAM office and the Committee Chair to contact you.

Name: Address: (include postal code) Email:

Preferred Phone Number:

Provide a short reflection of your relevant skills or experiences:

Submit this form to the registration desk at the AGM or e-mail this form and relevant information to office@rtam.mb.ca.

18 RTAM KIT / Spring 2024

formulaire d’inscription des Formulaire d’inscription des bénévoles de la RTAM bénévoles de la rtam La RTAM recherche des bénévoles de divers horizons, à l'esprit créatif et novateur, qui aimeraient se joindre à l'un de ses comités appelés à favoriser la progression et l'amélioration de l'organisation. Les bénévoles pourront ainsi apprendre à mieux connaître la RTAM, rencontrer d'autres enseignants à la retraite et échanger leurs connaissances sur divers sujets. Les membres de la RTAM sont encouragés à faire du bénévolat au sein d'un comité ou d'un groupe de travail. Pour en savoir plus sur les comités, veuillez consulter notre site Web : https://www.rtam.mb.ca/about-us/rtamcommittees.

Renseignements généraux en lien avec la participation à un comité ou à un groupe de travail : � Le mandat des membres des comités est d’une durée d’un an. � Les réunions des comités se tiennent une fois par mois, généralement de septembre à avril, sur Zoom ou en personne (certains comités sont actifs l’été). � Les comités sont présidés par un membre du conseil de la RTAM (article 9.03 (a) i. de la Politique). � À la discrétion du conseil d'administration, il est possible de former des groupes de travail pour mener un travail de fond sur de nouveaux enjeux. Les groupes de travail se consacrent à des projets à court terme. � Les bénévoles doivent savoir utiliser adéquatement les outils de communication technologiques actuels (Zoom et courriel).

Veuillez classer par ordre de préférence (1-4) le ou les comités dont vous aimeriez être membre. Le conseil essaiera de donner suite aux demandes des bénévoles tout en tenant compte des paramètres de nos politiques et règlements pour assurer la constitution de comités équilibrés.

COMITÉ

MEMBRE

COMITÉ

Avantages sociaux

Pensions

Recrutement des membres du conseil et des comités Communications : Rédaction de KIT

Action politique

(Avantages collectifs - Johnson)

MEMBRE

Bourses d’études / Portfolio des succès scolaires (groupe de travail)

Communications : relations publiques

(suppléants actifs)

Préoccupations des suppléants

**Émérite

Promotion du bien-être

Équité, diversité et inclusion

*Nouveaux comités

*La RTAM invite les membres à présenter des idées de nouveaux comités à former au bénéfice des membres. **Le comité émérite peut accueillir tout membre de la RTAM qui a déjà siégé au Conseil d’administration de la RTAM.

Veuillez fournir les renseignements demandés ci-dessous. Ces renseignements seront utilisés par le bureau de la RTAM et les présidentes et présidents des comités pour communiquer avec vous.

Nom : Adresse : (inclure le code postal) Courriel :

Numéro de téléphone à privilégier :

Veuillez fournir une brève description de vos compétences ou expériences pertinentes :

Veuillez envoyer ce formulaire et toute information pertinente par courriel à office@rtam.mb.ca.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 19

News from Calgary Chapter

J

ust in time for Calgary Chapter’s annual Christmas luncheon, winter arrived. December 7 was the day the 24 RTAM friends enjoyed a turkey luncheon with all the trimmings. For information on upcoming events, please contact Jan @ 403 909 7402 or Penny literacyplus@shaw.ca. We’d love for you to join us!

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life.

And the lives of people you love.

When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.

– Sophia Loren

20 RTAM KIT / Spring 2024

Options Open: The Guide for Mapping Your Best AgingJourney 3. Your Social Network Based on the work of Sue Lantz | Written by Joan Zaretsky

S

ue Lantz’s Chapter 5 opens with two strong statements about the importance of social networks to support older adults:

• “Healthy relationships are good for your health, happiness and overall well-being.” (p. 41) • “Our social connections and relationships are important life assets. Friends help us be healthy, connected, and protected.

Our social network provides a vital support system for our best aging journey.” (p. 42) Sue Lantz highlights four key benefits of having a strong social network: 1. “People can help us find and access resources, such as services or products and they can help us make informed decisions.

2. People help us stay productive and creative.

3. People can protect us in challenging times or situations.

4. People can help us feel part of something larger than ourselves.” (p. 43) These are very important benefits for older RTAM members who may be striving to stay in their homes as long as possible. In her book, Options Open, Sue emphasizes the continuation of this importance for seniors who are planning and currently travelling on their retirement journey to develop their social network.

In Michael Unger’s work, he emphasizes the importance for children to have “Lots and Lots of Relationships” but he does not limit this significance to only children. In our last KIT magazine, some strategies were discussed to keep socially active in relation to Michael Ungar’s framework to support adults’ resiliency.

The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging also supports the importance of social connections. The Manitoba research study, carried out by Dr. Verena Menec, University of Manitoba, since the inception of the Longitudinal Study in 2018, has focused on social isolation and loneliness among Manitoba seniors. In her study, she defines social isolation as “an objective state of

a lack of social contacts” while loneliness is “the unpleasant feeling of being disconnected.” In a recent webinar on October 27, 2023, Dr. Menec related the health risks of social isolation and loneliness in a Powerpoint presentation to interested participants from the study. She noted that “Social isolation increases the risk of mortality as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” Her research found “among Manitobans aged 65 and over (Pre-COVID): • 1 in 5 were socially isolated • 1 in 4 said they were lonely • 1 in 3 said they wanted to participate in more social activities.”

Her research studies showed that social isolation and loneliness increased during COVID – 19, which is not a surprise to most Manitobans 55+. “The percentage who were socially isolated increased from 18% in 2018-2019 to 37% in 2021.” She and her team are currently analyzing the most recent data collected to see if the numbers have decreased now that people are socializing more normally with less fear of catching COVID. Her research team reviewing the data over the past few years found that “social isolation/loneliness are more common among certain groups.” She emphasized that knowing the most common health risks helps identify those demonstrating these traits. Her research team devised the following acrostic which identifies those most at risk. They include those 55+ with the following characteristics: H - Health problems E - Environmental factors L – Life transitions P – Psychological factors S – Social groups Her research is very significant for RTAM members as some of us may be research participants represented in this study. Even if you aren’t a research subject, her research findings are very applicable to your current age demographic. You can find more information on the work of Dr. Verena Menec by searching the following link to “The Canadian Study on Longitudinal Aging”: https://www.clsa-elcv.ca/.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 21

ÉMR (Éducatrices et éducateurs manitobains à la retraite)

Dîner de Noël Soumis par Marc Beaudry Le 14 décembre 48 membres des éducatrices et éducateurs à la retraite se réunissaient à l’hôtel Canad Inns de Windsor Park pour notre brunch de Noël. Que de belles rencontres et de beaux partages ont marqué l’événement autour d’un magnifique brunch servi dans le restaurant Aaltos. Et que dire de l’animation en musique et chant de notre imprésario extraordinaire Bruce Waldie (avec la participation particulière de Pierre Beaudoin que l’on remercie pour son Minuit Chrétien!).

On s’est quitté en se souhaitant une Fête de Noël des plus agréables et un nouvel an arrosé de bonne santé et d’une multitude de belles surprises !

22 RTAM KIT / Spring 2024

On December 14, 48 ÉMR members got together at Canad Inns in Windsor Park for a lovely lunch. We enjoyed singing Christmas Carols accompanied by our great musician, Bruce Waldie, on the keyboard. Great time was had by everyone!

Author Recommendations

By Joan Zaretsky

How often have you found an author that you really like and enjoyed reading as many of their books as you can access from the library or purchase from a bookstore? A future column in upcoming KIT magazines will be Author Recommendations. We hope

you will send us the names of some of your favourite authors and a few tidbits to spark our interest in the books you enjoy. With our next KIT being our Summer Edition, finding some new authors for our summer reading will be an exciting adventure.

J.A. Jance

Angela Petch

• Jance is the author of the Joanna Brady Mysteries, the J. P. Beaumont Mysteries, the Walker Family Thrillers and the Ali Reynolds Mysteries – over 50 books in all.

• For those of you who have visited Italy or have Italian heritage, Angela is a bestselling author and an award-winning historical fiction writer whose stories are situated in Italy.

• Jance is a New York Times bestselling author. She was born in South Dakota and raised in Brisbee, Arizona.

• Having read twelve of her fourteen Joanna Brady mysteries, I am always intrigued with her ability to develop the plot and leave you hanging until the last chapters to determine how the pieces of the crime fit together to achieve justice. I enjoy learning about the characters that are prominent in all her books.

• In her series, Joanna Brady is elected to be the local sheriff of Cochise County, which spreads over a large area of desert, mountains and small local towns in Arizona.

• She initially struggles to make her mark being a woman working in an all- male department.

• She is very thorough and wins over her employees and the townspeople, often relying on her intuition to help her solve a murder.

• Starting with the first book in the series, Desert Heat, you learn why Joanna is driven to be the best sheriff in a County with many law enforcement challenges.

• For those of you who may have visited the area around Tucson, she refers to many of the local towns as she works with many departments to solve the many twists that appear in each murder.

• Her books are reasonably priced and can be ordered from Chapters-Indigo, as well as being available in some libraries.

• She lives in West Sussex, England most of the year.

Every summer, she travels to

Italy to research the landscape, customs and traditions she

describes in her novels. She lives in the Tuscan Apennines to create her novels centering on life in Italy.

• While I have only read one of her books, The Tuscan Secret, I was driven to order her other three books set in the Tuscany area of Italy. They are very reasonably priced if ordered from Indigo.

• The Tuscan Secret is an “utterly gripping historical novel inspired by true events, the sacrifices made for love and the tragic consequences of war echoing down the generations.”

• Anna, the main character, is given her mother’s diaries to read upon her mother’s death.

• She travels to the small town in Tuscany where her Italian mother was raised to start to unravel the stories of her mother’s life. While there she is exposed to the many customs, traditions, food and culture of the area and gains a better understanding of her mother’s and father’s life experiences during World War II. • She learns about her parents’ meeting, their marriage and challenges which they faced in their married life.

• She is able to comprehend the puzzle of her parents’ life together, complete with all the devastating secrets which were never revealed during her life with her family.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 23

Life Members October 2023

November 2023

December 2023

Philip Alexiuk – Steinbach, MB Raymond Bazin – Minnedosa, MB Clarence J. Bender – Kennedy, SK John D. Parrington – Winnipeg, MB

Carmel Dubé – Winnipeg, MB Lauria W. Jones – Winnipeg, MB Rosalind M. Malcolm – Winnipeg, MB Victoria E. Olchowecki – Salt Spring Island, BC Lynda Wiebe – Winnipeg, MB

Gertrude Bergen – Winnipeg, MB Nadia K. Nerbas – Winnipeg, MB Jacob Penner – Seven Persons, AB

In Memoriam August 2023

November 2023

December 2023

Myrtle Wilson – Kelowna, BC

P. Joyce Aitken – Winnipeg, MB

William C. Barlow – Gimli, MB

John T. Barsby – Winnipeg, MB

Aneta A. C Betcher – Swan River, MB

Barbara L. Brandt – Winnipeg, MB

Gloria J. Breznik – Petersfield, MB

Maria C. Fournier – Selkirk, MB

Edgar G. Freynet – Winnipeg, MB

James D. Hamm – Calgary, AB

Paul Granovsky – Winnipeg, MB

Robert C. Harvey – Langley, BC

Edwin C. Johnson – Brandon, MB

Shirley J. Hicks – Beausejour, MB

Miriam I. Kalb - Winnipeg, MB

September 2023 Barbara J. Plumb – Brandon, MB RTAM recently received notice of the above members passing.

October 2023 Margaret Bergen – Winnipeg, MB William M. Bolley – Brandon, MB Walter S. Cheslock – Winnipeg, MB Roy A. Einarson – Mulgrave, NS James Farmer – Matlock, MB Thomas L. Gallant – Pictou, NS Ruth A. Kopp – Saint John, NB Clarence R. Koss – Kelowna, BC Lucienne Lavallee – Winnipeg, MB Robert McCormick – Winnipeg Beach, MB Carol A. McGonigal – Winnipeg, MB Robert G. McIntosh – Belair, MB Maria M. Michalchuk – Rossburn, MB John Sawatzky – Steinbach, MB Ruthann I. Schadek – Winnipeg, MB Alvin C. Semenek – Winnipeg, MB Blake B. Surman – Winnipeg, MB Jeanne E. Turner – Parkland County, AB Garry D. Winfield – Winnipeg, MB

24 RTAM KIT / Spring 2024

Lawrence R. Hodkinson – Winnipeg, MB

Roseanne E. Keyes - Winnipeg, MB

Lorne P. Kornelsen – Rosenort, MB

Raymond Klippenstein – Altona, MB

John R. Lohrenz – Winnipeg, MB

Raymond A. Le Neal – Treherne, MB

Joan L. Main – Balmoral, MB

Virginia Martin – Winnipeg, MB

Robert N. McAlpine – Winnipeg, MB

Maureen J. McGowan – Winnipeg, MB

Kimberley D. Midford – East St. Paul, MB

Joyce A. McLeod – Winnipeg, MB

Edmund J. Mulholland – Winnipeg, MB

Martha A. Moffat – La Barriere, MB

Joan N. Prokopow – The Pas, MB

Evelyn G. Peterson – Winnipeg, MB

Jeannette Ruest – Winnipeg, MB

Darlene D. Schade – Winnipeg, MB

Arthur R. Turner – Ninette, MB

Sandra J. Schledewitz – Winnipeg, MB

Marlene Ward – Winnipeg, MB

Moira A. Skelding – Winnipeg, MB

Barbara M. Waterman – Selkirk, MB

Marlene A. Watson – St Andrews, MB

Elenore I. Wieler – Portage la Prairie, MB James H. Will – Winnipeg, MB Dennis E. Wilson – Winnipeg, MB

Canadian Trivia Quiz Have some fun and test your Canadian knowledge!

B

elow are 25 trivia questions about our beloved country Canada. The answers for this quiz will be printed in the Summer edition of KIT. Enjoy trying to determine the correct answers without using any other source of information except your wonderful memories of our wonderful country – Canada!

1. Canadian writer and environmentalist Farley Mowat’s most famous book changed public perception of what animal?

2. Sable Island in Nova Scotia has some special inhabitants. What are they?

3. Which Canadian Prime Minister was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?

4. Chad Kroeger is front man for what band?

5. Which province/territory has the most Sasquatch sightings?

6. In 1988, NHL’s Edmonton Oilers traded “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky to what NHL team?

7. The Scotties Tournament of Hearts is an annual championship for what women’s sport?

8. What city has the world’s largest skating rink?

9. What do you call a person from Halifax, Nova Scotia?

10. What shape is the license plate for the Territory of Nunavut?

11. Where is Lord Stanley’s Vault? (building not city) 12. What is the nickname of the Montreal Canadiens Hockey team?

13. Artist Tom Thomson’s paintings, influenced what important group of artists?

14. In what province is the world’s largest hockey stick and puck?

15. Who got his clothes from the Tickle Trunk?

16. What is the name of the longest running prime time Canadian drama series followed the exploits of a log salvager?

17. John McCrae wrote what famous poem?

18. Each spring, tourists visit Narcisse, Manitoba to see what?

19. What is the most easternmost point in Canada?

20. Which sports broadcaster coined the term “He shoots, he scores!”

21. W hat sitcom had the distinction of having 2 Prime Ministers and 2 Provincial premiers make guest appearances on the show?

22. What singer played a fictionalized version of herself on Sesame Street?

23. What mammal does Canada have more of than any other country?

24. What was the name of the last film that actor and comedian John Candy starred in?

25. What province has the most lakes?

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 25

more than an hour to listen to concerns and discuss COLA, Pension and community.

The minister left RTAM with 3 clear points and commitments: During that time, Mr. Altomare 1.He is concerned about listened to current concerns our M would like to thank account B and is open to ter of Education and Early members have about COLA currently looking at options. and the impact inflation is having hood Learning, the 2. He values teachers and on their buying power. rable Nello Altomare for will build on the relationship ng our organization this with RTAM. February at the Manitoba Minister Altomare was open to 3. He will look into concerns ideas on how to address the lative Building.

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A, Pension and being COLA, sharedPension with hisand office. right, and Member The minister left RTAM with 3 community. munity. ces, Dianne Casar. clear points and commitments: During that time, Mr. Altomare

e M inister o f E ducation a nd Meeting with the Minister of Education and Meeting Lwearning ith the Minister of Education and hildhood Early Childhood Learning Early Childhood Learning

The minister left RTAM with 3 The minister left RTAM with 3 clear points and commitments: ng that time, Mr. Altomare 1.He is concerned about ned to current concerns our account B and is open to mbers have about COLA currently looking at options. the impact inflation is having 2. He values teachers and heir buying power.

3. Hewith will RTAM. look into concerns ideas on how to address the to Legislative Building.

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H

e will look about retired teachers working as with RTAM. ster RTAM Altomare was open by to asabout substitutes. including teachers who was represented discuss COLA, Pension and community. retired teachers working concernsretired of all teachers, substitutes. work as will substitutes.

Linda Blair, the past 3.

He look into concerns s onPresident, how to address the as substitutes. including retired teachers who RTAM represented by to current concerns our During was that time, Mr. Altomare listened Chair of the Pension retired ernsPresident, of all teachers, members have aboutBlair, COLA and impactabout inflationas is having onteachers working work substitutes.

Linda thethe past As a past teacher and leader, Committee, David Harkness, their buying power. of the Pensionwho as substitutes. dingChair retired teachers within the education community, current Chair, Peter Narth and Minister Altomare was open to ideas on howAs to address a pasttheteacher and leader, Committee, David Harkness, as some substitutes. he expressed a clear RTAM office staff, concerns of all teachers, including retired teachers who work as

RTAM would like to thank Minister of Education and Early As a past teacher and leader, within the education community, 1.Hepoints is concerned about listened to current concerns our RTAM would like to thank clear and commitments: During that time, Mr. Altomare Childhood Learning, the Honorable Nello Altomare, for hosting he expressed a clear connection to the concerns being shared account B and is open to members about Minister of Education and Early our organization this past February at the Manitoba Legislative withCOLA his office.

1.He is concerned about listened tohave current concerns our RTAM would like to thank Building. currently looking atopen options. the impact is having Childhood and is to members haveinflation about COLA Minister ofLearning, Educationthe and Early and The minister left RTAM with 3 account clear pointsB and commitments: 2. He valueslooking teachers their buying Honorable Nello Altomare for Lindaon RTAM was represented bythe President, Blair, the Chairpower. currently at and options. and thepast impact inflation is having Childhood Learning, 1. He is concerned about account B and is open to currently of the Pension Committee, David Harkness, current Chair, Peter will build on the relationship hosting our Nello organization thisfor 2. He values teachers and on their buying power.

Honorable Altomare looking at options.

Narth and some RTAM office staff, Executive Director, Sean with Minister Altomare was open to past February at the Manitoba willRTAM. build on the relationship hosting ourandorganization this Seywright, Member Services, Dianne Casar.

2. He values teachers and will build on the relationship with

current Chair, Peter Narth and within the education community, substitutes. connection to the concerns Executive Director, Sean he expressed a clear some RTAM office staff, being shared with his office.

Seywright, and Member past teacherSpring and leader, connection to the concerns 26 RTAM KIT /Director, 2024 Sean Executive Services, Dianne Casar. n the education being shared with his office.

Seywright, andcommunity, Member

Greetings from the UNESCO Schools Network!

Locally, nationally, and internationally, UNESCO Schools network together to “create a culture of peace” in school communities. Established by the United Nations in 1953, the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO) Schools Network was created.

Manitoba was the first province in Canada to initiate the UNESCO Schools Network in 2002 with five schools; there are currently 29 in Manitoba from the English, French, and French immersion programs, and, nationally, the network has grown to 130 schools in nine provinces and one territory.

UNESCO schools are part of an international network of 12,500 schools in 182 countries.

Each year, our Manitoba UNESCO Schools network with administrators, educators and students as “laboratory of ideas” for themes connected to curriculum, such as Human Rights, Reconciliation, and Sustainability. One exemplary network initiative was the book, Answering the Calls: A Child’s View of the 94 Calls to Action. This year, we are working to create Stories of Place, and the Place of Stories/Histoire de lieux, lieux d’histoire. This initiative will have schools connect to the significance of the land on which their school is located - past, present, and future – and create story maps which will be featured on the ESRI ArcGIS Education site. Schools will also be sending representatives to a National UNESCO Schools Conference at York University in Toronto in April where they will have the opportunity to be part of Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) workshops.

Being part of the UNESCO Schools Network builds upon a whole-school approach to enrich the knowledge and understanding of our world, locally, nationally, and internationally.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 27

GONE FISHING

BY G. MERCIER

With the support of the Wellness Committee RTAM had a very successful inaugural Golf Tournament, which the writer would like to see continue. It was well-attended seeing that it was the first such activity after the COVID pandemic.

The RTAM golf tournament took place on Friday, September 1, 2023, at the world class Quarry Oaks, located just a short 30-minute drive from Winnipeg, near Steinbach, Manitoba. The day was a perfect late-summer day with scattered clouds and sunshine. The amazing event sponsored by Johnson Life Canada, offered our members and guests the chance to play 18 holes or 9 holes (with a power cart) and also enjoy a lunch, dinner buffet, and prizes.

When the players came into the clubhouse after their round of golf, they finished the day with a warm dinner buffet and dessert.

There were no leftovers. After dinner we had the awards presentation, as well as the participation prize distribution.

A big thanks to the RTAM staff (who were kept busy all day), Dianne, Denise, and Sean for a well-planned event. The office staff captured some amazing shots of the tournament. Thank you also to Rozalia, Dianne’s daughter, who took care of all of the registration.

The individual and team winners were as follows: • Closest to the Hole (Women) – Cathy Pleskach (MTS Team) • Closest to the Hole (Men) – Ted Klassen • Longest Drive (Women) – Terri Tonnellier • Longest Drive (Men) – Derek Michael • Overall Winners – Nancy Reyda, Court Reyda, Ron Sigurdson, and Hugh Newton • Best Dressed (Women) – Gloria Penner and Michelle Gisiger • Best Dressed (Men) – Randy Penner and Dan Turner

RTAM STUDENT AWARD APPLICATION FORM The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) annually awards four (4) post-secondary STUDENT AWARDS of $1,000 each to relatives of RTAM members.

Criteria for selection (the applicant must be): 1) 2) 3) 4)

A relative of an RTAM Member (child, grandchild, niece or nephew) Involved in school and community activities A Grade 12 graduate Entering the first year of a post-secondary education program (University or College)

Submissions to include the following:  Student Award Application Form  Applicant’s comprehensive written description of employment, school and community activities (one page)  One (1) letter of reference/support from a non-family member (one page)  Final official high school transcript of marks (copy only) If further information is required, please contact the RTAM office (see below).

APPLICANT’S INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT) Full name: Mailing Address: City/Town:

Province/State:

Phone Number:

Postal Code/ZIP:

Cell Number:

E-mail Address: Year Graduated:

School Name (Graduated from Grade12): School Street Address: City/Town:

Province/State:

Did you receive an RTAM Student Success Portfolio?

 Yes

Postal Code/ZIP:

 No

Post Secondary Plans Program

Location

RTAM SPONSORING MEMBER INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT) Full Name: Mailing Address: City/Town:

Province/State:

Phone Number:

Postal Code/ZIP:

Cell Number:

Email Address: TO BE COMPLETED BY SPONSORING RTAM MEMBER:

I confirm that the applicant

, has the following relationship to me

RTAM Member’s Signature:

Date:

Applicant’s Signature:

Date:

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JULY 31, 2024 by mail/drop-off at 4:00 pm or by email at 11:59 pm Only the winners will be contacted in early fall.

Office/Voicemail Phone: 204-889-3660 Manitoba Toll Free: 1-888-393-8082 Fax: 1-204-783-2011

Email: info@rtam.mb.ca Website: www.rtam.mb.ca

106 – 1780 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3

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

Canadian Red Cross Friendly Calls Program The Canadian Red Cross Friendly Calls program helps address feelings of loneliness and isolation that so many have experienced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is a free service.

The program matches people over the age of 18 with trained Red Cross volunteers who connect with them regularly to check-in, provide emotional support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and suggest well-being resources and community connections to other existing services.

Volunteers provide wellness checks and weekly phone calls, and can help provide connections to community resources and other referral services.

Scheduled phone calls are tailored to meet each person’s needs. Calls can range from a two-minute check-in to a longer, more social chat.

People can join the program by: • contacting one of the program coordinators directly • a referral from a family member or care provider • a referral from community partners, such as social services, religious leaders, or seniors’ group Do you know someone who could benefit from the Friendly Calls program?

Would you like to train as a Red Cross Friendly Calls volunteer?

No experience necessary, all training provided.

Contact Call: 1-833-979-9779 Email: friendlycallingmb@redcross.ca Coordinator Justine Panganiban | 431-373-4978 justine.panganiban@redcross.ca

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.