KIT Magazine - Summer 2014

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

Vol. 26 | No. 1| Summer 2014 206 - 1555 St. James St. Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5 | 1-204-889-3660 | Manitoba Toll Free: 1-888-393-8082 | rtam@mts.net | .rtam.mb.ca

RTAM Members:

Hear My Voice

“Good government means listening to all voices. In a healthy democracy, decisions should be accompanied by respectful consultation and ongoing dialogue with all sectors of the population – not just with those few who share the same ideology.”

– Paul Taillefer, President, Canadian Teachers’ Federation

PN 40037581

Join with teachers, both active and retired, from across Canada to express your concern about how politicians respond to their constituents.

Read more on page 30 and fill out the “Hear My Voice” postcard.

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

KEEP IN TOUCH Summer 2014 • Vol. 26 No. 1

Published by RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

All materials for the next issue of KIT must be emailed to dsage@mymts.net and received by September 3, 2014, 5:00 p.m.

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

July 15, 2014 - RTAM Student Award Application Deadline Mid-October 2014 - Wellness Seminar May 2015 - AGM, Portage La Prairie

RTAM PLANS ADMINISTERED BY JOHNSON INC.

If you require information and brochures, or if you have any questions concerning these plans (Dental, House Insurance, Long Term Care, Life, Emergency Medical Travel) contact: Johnson Inc. Claims and Administration Information 11120 178th Street, Edmonton AB T5S 1P2 Toll Free 1-877-989-2600 | Phone (780) 413-6536 Fax (780) 420-6082 | Email: edmonton@johnson.ca

NOTICE TO PAID KIT ADVERTISERS

Please send your hard copy ad and cheque payable to RTAM. Mail to Doreen Sage, Editor. Box 252 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0.

Note: The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba does not endorse or promote any products, services or events presented in paid advertisements, the Announcements or Volunteer Opportunities sections unless specified. The Editorial Committee reserves the right to print, reject and/or edit for clarity, all materials received.

HAVE YOU MOVED OR CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS?

Contact TRAF at 204-949-0048 or toll free at 1-800-782-0714 or mail to Room 330 Johnston Terminal 25 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4S8. RTAM can not change your address.

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RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

206-1555 St. James St. Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5 Phone 889-3660 • 1-888-393-8082 Email: rtam@mts.net • www.rtam.mb.ca Editor-in-Chief: Doreen Sage Box 252 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 Phone: (204) 476-5772 Email: dsage@mymts.net Administrative Assistant: Carol Gillis Office Assistant: Grace Reimer Privacy Officer: Wayne Hughes 82 Whiteshell Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2C 2R9 204-222-4011 lwhughes@mymts.net Board of Directors 2013-2014 President: Wayne Hughes Vice -President: Marvin Krawec Secretary: Judy Olmstead Treasurer: Carol Pelton Directors-at-Large Alex Boyes Peter Carney Ralph Cibula Joan Dawson Frank Fiorentino Guy Hansen Jag Malik Barbara McDole Peggy Prendergast Doreen Sage Ray Sitter John Sushelnitsky Art Direction & Layout: Gayl Punzalan Images are licensed from fotolia.com, except the ones provided by the contributors.

Copyright © 2014 by RTAM All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: RTAM, 206 - 1555 St. James St. Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5

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RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

TABLE OF CONTENTS 18

FREE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Not-for-profit organizations who wish to place public service announcements, volunteer opportunities with service groups, school or teacher reunions are encouraged to do so. Submissions are printed free of charge.

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS We would like to thank all those who contributed material for KIT. When sending in files please use Word, black ink only and no formatting.

Please keep writing. Photos: 1500 pixels or professionally developed.

President’s Report....................................................................................................... 5 ACER-CART.................................................................................................................. 6 RTAM Benefit Updates............................................................................................... 7 Eldercare...................................................................................................................... 8 Travel Insurance: Limitations and Exclusions........................................................ 9 MHCSI Supplementary Pharmacy Benefit Program............................................. 10 Wellness Seminar....................................................................................................... 11 RTAM, Phillipe Mailhot Presentation....................................................................... 13 Winnipeg Pre-Retirement Seminar.......................................................................... 14 Educational Advocacy Report.................................................................................. 14 In Memoriam............................................................................................................... 15 AGM 2014 Financial Motions.................................................................................... 16 James Allum, From a Family of Educators.............................................................. 17 AGM Photos................................................................................................................. 18 MLAs Join Retired Teachers in a Celebration....................................................... 21 Happy Birthday RTAM................................................................................................ 21 Calgary Chapter.......................................................................................................... 22 Okanagan Chapter...................................................................................................... 22 RWTA............................................................................................................................ 23 RTAM Past Presidents............................................................................................... 23 Ghost Town Bus Tour.................................................................................................. 23 Our Natural Sleep Cycle............................................................................................ 24 The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE)............................................ 25 Obituaries..................................................................................................................... 25 Bear’s Journey............................................................................................................ 26 TRAF Notice................................................................................................................. 28 Letters to the Editor.................................................................................................... 29 Hear My Voice............................................................................................................. 30

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RTAM STUDENT AWARD APPLICATION FORM

The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) awards annually up to four (4) post-­‐secondary STUDENT AWARDS of $500.00 each for relatives of RTAM members.

THE DEADLINE FOR 2014 APPLICATIONS IS JULY 15, 2014.

Criteria for selection: The applicant must be: 1) A relative of a RTAM Member 2) A Grade 12 Graduate 3) Involved in school and community activities

FIRST NAME: ________________________ LAST NAME: ______________________________________________ Please print

Please print ADDRESS______________________________________________________________________________________

Street

City/Town

Postal Code PHONE NUMBERS_______________________________________________________________________________

Home

Cell EMAIL________________________________________________________________________________________ SCHOOL (Graduated from Grade 12): ___________________________________ Year Graduated: ____________ SCHOOL ADDRESS_______________________________________________________________________________ Street

City/town

Postal Code POST SECONDARY PLANS: Program:________________________________Location:_______________________________________ RTAM SPONSORING MEMBER INFORMATION:

NAME_________________________________________________________________________________ Please print

ADDRESS_______________________________________________________________________________ CONTACT INFORMATION__________________________________________________________________ To be completed by RTAM member: I confirm that the applicant, __________________________, has the following relationship to me ______________

_________________________________________________________________ RTAM MEMBER’s Signature

Phone Number

_________________________________________________________________ Applicant’s Signature

Submissions to include the following: 1. __Application Form 2. __Applicant’s Description of school and community activities (one page) 3. __Letter of reference/support from a non-­‐family member 4. __Final Grade 12 report card (copy only) Application Form also on Website www.rtam.mb.ca

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___________________ Date ___________________

Date

Information for RTAM: Contact

rtam@mymts.net or www.rtam.mb.ca or #206 – 1555 St. James Street, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5

Phone: 204-­‐889-­‐3660 / 1-­‐888-­‐393-­‐8082

The RTAM office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT Wayne Hughes

L

ast year, I reported around the themes of 1) communication with members; 2) services for members and 3) the evolving maturity of our organization. It is interesting that these themes have continued for the past year.

I will briefly outline our activities under these headings:

1) Communications with Members

a. Website: We have continued to work with our webmaster to make the website interesting, responsive and easy to use. b. KIT: Our KIT has seen major changes in appearance by going to a full color presentation and using a different printing company. All these changes were accomplished at the same price as we were previously paying. c. RTAM’s 25th Anniversary: This year we are celebrating the 25th year of our formation. We have evolved from the original 116 members attending the inaugural meeting to now approaching 9000 members. In celebration of our 25th we are mailing out two small momentos to each member with the Summer KIT. We have also invited all Past Presidents

to attend this AGM to help us celebrate our 25th year.

2) Services for Members a. Our Administrative Assistant, Carol Gillis, has obtained her licence as a Commissioner for Oaths within the province of Manitoba. This free service is available, by appointment, for all RTAM members. b. We welcome Grace Reimer to our office staff. We are now open five days a week from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. c. Renewal of Benefit Plans: All our benefit plans require annual review by our Benefits Committee to ensure that we receive good value for our premium dollars. This involves extensive consultations with Johnson Inc., who serve us very well. Although we were able to maintain all our plans with no premium increases last year, it probably comes as no surprise that we have some modest premium increases this year. (see Benefit Committee report) d. Our Chapter Initiative Grant continues to be very popular with our membership. We are planning to continue this initiative. e. Post-Secondary Awards: The Ed-

ucational Advocacy Committee started their year very early after last year’s AGM. They began their meetings in July and August in order to be ready to give the awards in September. The response was very encouraging which resulted in moving forward with the establishment of an Endowment Fund with the Winnipeg Foundation f. Eldercare Pilot Project: We were able to finalize a 15-month pilot project with First Health Care for all RTAM members participating in the Extended Health Care Plan. The costs for the project are being covered by Johnson Inc. While EHC Plan members are receiving these services with no increase in premium, they are being asked for extensive feedback so we can evaluate the program and determine if it should be offered to some or all our plan members. We are looking forward to the evaluation of this service.

3) Evolving Maturity as an Organization a. Office Facilities: Our office has followed the “Build It and They Will Come” approach. The office became too small for the many meetings and activities with

RTAM | RTAM.MB.CA

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

which we are involved. In December, the Winnipeg Minor Hockey Association moved to a new location. Thus began approximately three months of negotiations and as of May 1, we have moved upstairs to Suite 206, at the same address and telephone numbers. Our new office has additional meeting space and storage to serve our needs into the future. b. Technology Updates: Over the past year we have upgraded our computers and computer programs. c. Finances continue to be done by Administrative Assistant Carol Gillis in close association with our Treasurer who reports to the Board. d. In consultation with our auditor, we have established an investment strategy of rolling term deposits, where we have a term deposit coming due every six months. In this way we are able to have access to funds if needed, while earning much higher interest. e. Volunteer Survey: The Board established an Ad Hoc committee to conduct a survey on the number, amount and extent of volunteer services provided by retired teachers in Manitoba. We have been very fortunate to use the services of Prairie Research Associates to conduct and analyse the results when the survey ends June 30. The results of the sur-

vey will become an integral part of presentations to outside groups. f. “Hear My Voice” is a national campaign sponsored by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation to express concerns about the state of democracy in Canada. Our national organization, ACER-CART, as well as RTAM, endorses this campaign. Members are encouraged to visit the CTF website to see the wide number of concerns being addressed. Our 25th anniversary mailout has given us a method to circulate postcards to all RTAM members to allow them to register their concern with their federal MP. Whether your concern is excessive government secrecy, attack on unions or decline of democracy, make your voice heard and join with colleagues across Canada to state “Good government means listening to all voices.”

As with any organization, we have a number of ongoing challenges such as: 1) Continued low COLAs. For the second consecutive year the low CPI together with the 2/3rds cap has caused additional funds being diverted to the restricted surplus that cannot be used until 2017. The regulations for the use of the restricted surplus are to be formulated by TRAF. However, we were pleased to hear RTAM will be included in con-

ACER-CART

T

he executive of ACER-CART has called an annual general meeting slated for June 5th to 7th in Ottawa.Throughout the year, the members kept a dialogue going via the internet. The topics of conver-

sultations prior to the regulations being finalized.

2) We had a very positive meeting with the new Minister of Education, The Honourable James Allum. Our main focus was on the remaining three years of Bill 45 and the need to have discussions with all the parties to our pension plan. We also made reference to two other defined benefit plans that are successful, namely Ontario and British Columbia, both of which are jointly trusteed plans.

3) I have had a number of meetings with the President and Vice President of Manitoba Teachers’ Society.

We have agreed to work together on a couple of projects as a beginning step to enhance and improve relations between active and retired teachers.

Finally, I wish to give my sincere thanks to all our current board members for their hard work over the past year.

While some are planning to take a break from RTAM, I am very pleased to see there is a solid core of members indicating their willingness to serve another year. We will always welcome and encourage new members to the Board.

I again look forward to the coming year and thank the membership for your continued support.

Marvin Krawec Pension Chair

sation dealt with issues on a Federal level, such as: the $13 billion cutback to provinces for Medicare next year; the democratic deficiency and the lack of transparency of the present Federal government; the silencing of

constructive criticism by this government of researchers and scientists in many fields of national interest. Perhaps the most disconcerting issue is that of pensions, which includes CPP. The net invested assets of CPP, as at Continued on page 7

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(Continued from page 6)

December 31, 2013 were $201.5 billion. By the end of 2030, those assets will stand at $450 billion. There is a pool of money that exists now, which could address the purchasing power of retirees. That single purpose pool of capital stands at $183.3 billion. Some provinces, and that includes Manitoba, are lobbying the Federal government to raise the ceiling on CPP, somewhat above the twelve thousand plus dollars that retirees receive now.

This would certainly improve the purchasing power of the retirees and it would alleviate a lot of anxiety in some quarters.

According to Statistics Canada, the biggest increase in cost is prescription drugs. It is said that some seniors cannot afford to fill their prescriptions; others ration them. There is a lack of equity in Canada’s Health Care. It has been suggested that the government should bring prescription drugs into the Health Care Plan.

As was pointed out earlier, the Federal government has served notice to the provinces, that in 2015, it will impose cuts to Health Care by some $13 billion. The President of ACER-CART, Tom Gaskell, has sent a letter to the federal ministers and others, to advocate on behalf of ACER-CART members. ACER-CART continues to reach out to other organizations to collaborate on issues of common cause.One would be remiss if one did not acknowledge George Georget, an ACER-CART executive member from Saskatchewan, for initiating a facebook page where ACER-CART members could discuss issues of relevance, as well as pass on pertinent information to one another through those discussions.

RTAM Benefit Updates June 2014

COMMITTEE REPORTS

ACER-CART

I

n the last issue of KIT, the following information was provided to RTAM members who are currently covered by RTAM’s benefit plans as well as those who may be considering enrolling in the plans.

• Changes to RTAM Health, Dental and Premier Travel Plans effective April 2014 • Claims utilization of Health and Dental Plans in 2013 • Update on new initiatives—1. Eldercare Services and 2. Electronic Claims Submission • Overview of all RTAM Benefit Plans • Member Benefits Survey Results to January 31, 2014 In this issue of KIT, the following information is provided: • Renewal of MEDOC Travel (September) and Stand-Alone Trip Cancellation (June).

• Notice of Follow-up Member Benefits Survey September 2014.

• Article on preferred provider drug card benefit: “MHCSI Supplementary Pharmacy Benefit Program - Used Your Card Yet?” • Article on Eldercare Services available to eligible Health Plan members and their extended families: “Julie’s Story”.

• Article on “Travel Insurance: Limitations and Exclusions”.

RENEWAL INCREASE OF 10% TO MEDOC TRAVEL (SEPTEMBER 1, 2014) & STAND ALONE TRIP CANCELLATION PLANS (JUNE 1, 2014) It is strongly recommended that you carry travel insurance when travelling outside of your province of resi-

dence to cover unforeseen emergency care and transportation, as these costs may be significant.

As mentioned in the last issue of KIT, RTAM members have access to three travel plans: Premier Travel, MEDOC Travel and Stand Alone Trip Cancellation. All plans renew automatically each year, and at different times depending on the insurer.

There are no changes to any of the plan designs this year; however, rates have been increased to account for experience, trend analysis and weakening of the Canadian/US exchange rate. The Premier Travel Insurance Plan rates were increased by 5% effective April 1. MEDOC Travel Insurance premiums will increase by 10% effective September 1, and StandAlone Trip Cancellation Insurance premiums have increased by 10% effective June 1.

As a reminder, here is how the travel plans compare: • Premier Emergency Medical Travel Insurance (Full RTAM members Only) ››Multiple trips of 62 DAYS duration ››Optional per trip supplementary travel extensions up to 212 days RTAM | RTAM.MB.CA

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

››Up to $7,000 Trip Cancellation, Interruption & Delay Insurance per insured per trip ››Renews automatically each April 1 • MEDOC Emergency Medical Travel Insurance (All RTAM Members) ›› Base plan covers multiple trips up to 17 OR 35 DAYS each ›› Optional per trip supplementary travel extensions up to 212 days ›› Up to $8,000 Trip Cancellation, Interruption & Delay Insurance per insured per trip ›› Automatically renews each September 1.

• Stand Alone Trip Cancellationand trip Interruption (All RTAM Members) ›› Additional $6,000 per insured per year ›› Subject to pre-existing condition limitation. ›› Automatically renews each June 1.

ELDERCARE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE HEALTH PLAN MEMBERS AND THEIR EXTENDED FAMILIES. • As mentioned in the previous issue of KIT, Eldercare Select services are now available to all current and new members of the Extended Health Care (EHC) Plans on a pilot project basis. Please see the article “Julie’s Story”, which illustrates how services for any type of caregiving situation can be utilized by you and your extended family through a challenging health or caregiving concern. This project is sponsored by Johnson Inc. until March 31, 2015. Your feedback during the pilot project will be requested and is important in determining whether the service should be continued.

Call toll free 1.888.327.1500 to speak to an Eldercare Select Care Specialist.

NOTICE OF FOLLOW UP SURVEY OF RTAM BENEFIT PLANS IN SEPTEMBER RTAM members are now eligible for a wide array of voluntary insurance options to meet their needs. In December 2014 a member satisfaction survey was conducted. Most RTAM members who responded to the survey were very satisfied with the communications of the benefits and are interested in more coverage, depending on the impact on rates. To allow time to plan for the 2015 plan renewals, a follow-up survey will be conducted in September to determine what benefit improvements and associated costs are preferred by the majority of members. Please participate in this survey as it will be used for plan changes in 2015.

For further questions and plan information, please call our RTAM office at 204-889-3660, or RTAM’s Plan Administrator Johnson Inc. toll-free at 1-877-989-2600, or visit the website www.johnson.ca/rtam.

Eldercare Julie’s Story When returning home one evening, Julie received a phone call from her daughter. She explained that her husband Patrick, had just been admitted to hospital following a fall at their home. Her husband required urgent surgery to repair a broken hip.

As Julie’s husband was recovering from the surgery, she was informed by the treating physician that her husband was being discharged home in two days. How would she manage her husband coming home? What resources would she need to care properly to his needs? Julie and her husband had always been active and 8 n

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healthy; this was all very unfamiliar and overwhelming.

Julie called Eldercare Select Julie had access to the Eldercare Select service for her family. She called them for help and Gail, a Registered

Nurse, became her dedicated Care Specialist.

Gail asked Julie a series of questions, sharing her expertise of the medical and homecare systems with Julie, and began to map out a plan of care for Julie and Patrick. Through

map for Julie to reference and follow in the weeks ahead.

How Eldercare Select Helped Julie said, “Within hours, Gail began sending me critical information to assist with decision making. She also talked me through various scenarios and how we would deal with each one, in each case making sure my husband got the best care possible. We spoke often over the next few days. Having the nursing expertise from Gail alleviated a lot of stress and anxiety. I’ve called Gail in the weeks since discharge as my husband’s care situation has evolved, and she has been a great advocate for me in a complicated world.”

Can Eldercare Select Help You?

Select can provide guidance and coaching to RTAM Extended Healthcare Members facing any care giving challenge you are involved with, whether it be a spouse, parent, special needs child or even yourself. The service is provided to RTAM Extended Health Care members by Johnson Inc. Getting started is easy; call our help line at 1-888-327-1500 to speak directly with one of our highly trained Registered Nurses. The call is free and there is no cost to you to receive the coaching and guidance of the Registered Nurse Care Specialist.

You should never feel alone in caregiving. With Eldercare Select, you never will.

Call today to find out how Eldercare Select can help you in your own caregiving challenge. 1-888-327-1500

The Registered Nurses at Eldercare

Travel Insurance: Limitations and Exclusions

I

t is strongly recommended that you carry travel insurance when travelling outside of your province of residence to cover unforeseen emergency care and transportation, as these costs may be significant. For example, although you may remain eligible for the Manitoba Health Services Insurance Plan (MHSIP) coverage for up to 212 days in a 12-month

period for the purpose of vacation, MHSIP covers only some (limited) physician and hospital expenses outside Canada, as described in the website http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip.

Private insurance benefits vary from policy to policy, and it is important to check and pay particular attention to the limitations and exclusions. The Canadian Life and

Health Insurance Association Travel guide lists the following common restrictions: Pre-existing conditions - If your current condition is stable or under control by medication, and you are medically fit to travel, check your policy to see if you would be covered were an emergency to arise (e.g., if you are on antihypertensive medication and suffer a heart attack).

Extreme Sports - Participation in extreme sports, such as sky diving, or other high-risk activities, may be excluded.

War - Injuries caused by war may be excluded.

Destination - Some destinations may not be included in your coverage.

Before you travel, check for any travel advisories issued by either Foreign Affairs or International Trade Canada.

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the next day, Gail worked diligently to identify options for medical equipment for purchase delivered to Patrick’s home, assist Julie with advocating for and coordinating assessments from a government homecare program, as well as coach Julie through the map of care and next steps. Gail also provided Julie with additional guidance on how she could prepare her home for safety during Patrick’s recovery. Lastly, Julie made a decision to hire a Personal Support Worker to be available to assist her husband in settling in at home following his discharge from the hospital. Gail helped identify Personal Support Worker organizations that best met Julie and Patrick’s needs and budget. All of the information was also documented in a customized, comprehensive report that Gail provided and reviewed with Julie, providing a road

COMMITTEE REPORTS COMMITTEE REPORTS

Maximums - Maximums can vary from a few thousand dollars to unlimited coverage for hospital and medical expenses. Some policies cover only a certain percentage of costs.

There also may be maximums related to age.

Duration - Many policies specify a time limit for coverage (e.g., 60 days).

Suicide - Benefits for expenses incurred due to suicide or self-inflicted injuries are routinely excluded.

Substance Abuse - Hospital and other medical expenses incurred as a result of drug or alcohol abuse are often excluded.

Routine or Elective Treat-

ment-Treatment you could have received in Canada, treatment you could have deferred until your return, and/or ongoing treatments you may need if you are out of the country for a lengthy period of time.

Inaccurate Application: In the travel insurance industry, verification of medical history is done when a claim is received to determine if the emergency is sudden and unforeseen. If the application includes a health questionnaire, and if the information disclosed is materially different from the applicant’s medical records, the claim will be denied and your policy will be null and void. If you are

unclear about questions on medical questionnaire that relate to your medical conditions, be sure to ask your doctor for help in completing the form. If you provide inaccurate or incomplete answers to any of the questions, your claim can be denied even if the question is not related to the cause of the claim.

To receive more information on your coverage options, assistance with the application process, and to understand your policy limitations, you can visit www.johnson.ca/rtam or call Johnson at 1-877-989-2600.

MHCSI Supplementary Pharmacy Benefit Program - Used Your Card Yet? CARD IMAGES

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AT LAUNCH

n September 2009, the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba was presented with the opportunity to participate in an innovative Preferred Pharmacy Provider Program offered by MHCSI – Managed Health Care Services Inc. that delivers enhanced value for Health Benefit Plans.As a member of Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba Extended Health Care Plan, you are eligible to participate in the MHCSI Supplementary Pharmacy Benefit Program.

With your MHCSI drug card, you and your eligible dependents are entitled to coverage of up to $3.00 on your out-of-pocket expense per prescrip-

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CURRENT

tion processed through an MHCSI participating preferred provider network pharmacy - Sobeys Pharmacy, Sobeys Pharmacy by Mail, Thrifty Foods Pharmacy, FreschCo. Pharmacy, Lawtons Drugs (Atlantic Canada only) and now also our newest preferred provider Safeway Pharmacy. You also have access to a wide range of pharmacy services and programs through the participating MHCSI preferred pharmacy provider network. These benefits complement core prescription dispensing and counseling services to help you manage the medication and health care needs of you and your

family.To have a prescription filled, simply present your MHCSI drug card along with your prescription to the Preferred Provider Network (PPN) Pharmacy of your choice. Visit www.pharmacynearestyou.ca for a list of all participating PPN locations.

For more information on this program call MHCSI at 1-888-686-6427.

If you have general questions about your EHC benefits call Johnson Inc. at 1-877-989-2600

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Barb McDole Wellness Committee Member

Wellness Seminar

Scams, Frauds, Power of Attorney, Help

Wednesday, April 30, 2014, McMaster House

T

he RTAM Wellness Committee hosted yet another very informative seminar, dealing with the abuse and scam issues that face us, as we become older.

Peggy Prendergast is very involved with organizations that deal with elder abuse. She is presently working in city schools to familiarize students with what “aging” really looks like and dispelling stereotypes. Many students don’t have elder relatives in their lives and so do not have opportunities to converse with an older person. The students already are well versed on the topic of “bullying” and are now able to make the connection with what “elder abuse” looks like.

The message is loud and clear--”It’s Not Right.”

At some point in our lives we may happen upon situations, maybe even in our own families, where we see an elderly person being controlled, bullied, physically abused, threatened or taken advantage of. Many of us don’t want to get involved because we don’t really know what to do. As adults, we have a responsibility to make sure that the seniors in our society are safe. The world is a different place today than it was years ago and many children are no longer living near their parents. The care of the parents is then allocated to strangers.

It is imperative that we know the signs that identify abuse and that

we check out the situation without judgement. Trust your instincts!

Showing genuine concern with statements such as, “I care about you,” or, “How are you with the way things are?”, are good opening lines. Don’t put the senior in a position where they have to defend what is happening. Respect the fact that they may not want to talk about it just then and ALWAYS LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN. We may need to get information and help from support lines and experts who can suggest a safety planning procedure if we don’t feel knowledgeable enough.

Peggy also addressed the topic of financial scams as she herself had fallen prey to that a number of years ago. As a senior, it is important to know and trust the finanacial institu-

tion you are dealing with. The bottom line is, “If it looks too good to be true, it is!!”

Sharon Tod, whose expertise is wills and estates, spoke to us regarding estate planning and things that we need to carefully consider: 1. Power of Attorney This is a legal document that gives a person, chosen by the senior, to act on their behalf on some or all of their financial and legal affairs while the senior is still living. This gives the senior peace of mind, knowing that when they are no longer able to make decisions, someone who is trustworthy, is carrying out their wishes. Banks have been known to tell seniors that they will appoint a POA for them. This person, however, is only bank specific. In order to appoint an Enduring RTAM | RTAM.MB.CA

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POA, one who would be allowed to make decisions after the senior becomes mentally incompetent, the senior must be mentally competent , the request must be in writing and must be signed and witnessed by one of the designated persons. Ms. Tod strongly advised that all decisions regarding an Enduring POA be discussed with a lawyer beforehand.

2. Health Care Directives Another name for this is a Living Will. The senior appoints someone to carry out their health care wishes when they are no longer able to do so.

Again, this request must be carried out by the senior when they are mentally competent, be in writing, signed and dated. As a senior, it is important that your family and physician know exactly how you feel about any treatments, should your health turn critical and certain procedures are necessary. Make sure your family and physicians have a copy of your living will.

Thanks to Aaron and the rest of the staff at Bernstein’s Deli, who provided us with Lunch. It was delicious.

Monica Petruskavich was our afternoon presenter. Her presentation was not only informative but animated and quite entertaining in parts!

Monica is a Consumer Services Officer from the Consumer Protection Office, 302-258 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0B6; 204-945-3800. She spoke to the scams, fraud and internet fraud that seniors need to be aware of

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and protect themselves against. This free service, provided by the Provincial Government, was established in 1970 and focuses only on individual-to-business transactions. Most of the complaints centre around motor vehicles and home renovations.

1. Fraud Fraud is very prevalent in today’s society and targets everyone, but seniors in particular, as they are a very trusting bunch! Some of the frauds that Monica spoke to were: False Charity Fraud, Pyramid Schemes, West African Fraud, Travel Schemes and Fraud and Phone Fraud. Her prevention tips were: read the fine print before signing, be suspicious of products promoted by prizes or free trips, be suspicious of “no risk” claims or promises of huge financial rewards, beware of anything operating out of Canada as they can’t be prosecuted; resist pressure and get a second opinion.

2. Internet Fraud The Internet Fraud piece that Monica presented has been put together by the RCMP. The internet is NOT governed by any entity except the RCMP. The internet contains information on absolutely everything and there are NO LIMITS OR CHECKS. This is why you need to take PRECAUTIONS! YOU CANNOT TRUST THINGS THAT APPEAR ON THE INTERNET! Precautions: Ask advice from people

who are experienced on the internet, check out website addresses, links and dates, never give out your real name to Chat Rooms or Profile Pages. There are many types of internet fraud: Hacking, Trojan Horse, Pharming, Vishing, Phishing and Dial-Up. IT IS VERY SCARY, BUT YOU MUST REALIZE THAT IT’S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL IF SOMEONE IS LEGIT OR NOT! If you are new to the internet: • set up an e-mail account • chat only with friends and family • tell your internet provider to set up filters • have firewalls • have a password that you keep secret • don’t open attachments without http:// • read everything • don’t reply to unfamiliar e-mails • turn your computer off Thanks, Monica for all those “YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!” situations that snapped us to attention! Thanks Sharon, for leading us through the LAWYER JUNGLE and making us aware of the many crucial decisions that are necessary for us to make as we get older!!

Thanks to Lydia Hyska for helping out at the registration desk, to Maureen Recksiedler for all the delicious and nutritious goodies you brought for the health break.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Submitted by Guy Hansen Public Relations

RTAM, Phillipe Mailhot Presentation

I

n mid-March, RTAM hosted the second “Night at the Leg.” Invited were all sitting MLAs, the executive of MTS, the media, RTAM board and members.

The evening was certainly a success. Wayne Hughes was the opening speaker. He was quite enthused that here we were at the first of several events celebrating RTAM’s 25th birthday and it just happened to be on the first day of spring.

Between one-third and one-half of our politicians attended. The newly elected Liberal leader, Rana Bokhari brought greetings, Education Minister James Allum spoke about the importance of education to himself and all Manitobans. John Sushelnitsky was excited to introduce his former student, Brian Pallister, the Progressive Conservative Leader of the Opposition.

Our speaker was Phillipe Mailhot, the Curator of the Museum of St. Boniface.

Mailhot, in his studies, had discovered the story of an absolutely fascinating Manitoban priest called Joseph-Noel Richot. Richot was a Catholic, born and trained in Quebec. He came west in the early 1860s.

By 1862, Bishop Tache appointed him to the Metis parish of St. Norbert, which extended all the way to the American border. His parishioners were soon upset by (government) surveyors appearing on their farms without permission, and Richot, taking care of his people as any good priest would, soon became a spokesman and populist leader. Louis Riel was gaining influence. Richot hosted Riel and his men in his church and home. A provisional government was established.

As Manitoba raced towards provincehood, a “List of Rights” was compiled, to be presented to the Dominion government. Major issues were: the provincial control of public lands, full rights of both English

and French languages, amnesty for current members of the provincial government. Richot, representing all the people of the valley, including the Metis, was one of the delegates.

Upon reaching Ottawa Richot was charged, jailed, released. He negotiated hard with Sir John A., thought he had made progress. His notes are the only written record of these meetings.

Returning to the valley, he soon felt that both he and his people had been betrayed. The First Riel Rebellion was coming.

When asked who would be the person most interesting to Manitoban MLAs, Mailhot immediately responded, “That would be Richot, the Second Father of Manitoba.”

Photographs of the guests both before and after the presentation show a lot of people all chatting enthusiastically, meeting one another, smiling.

It was a memorable evening.

RTAM | RTAM.MB.CA

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

Winnipeg Pre-Retirement Seminar John Sushelnitsky

F

rom 2011 to 2013, RTAM conducted seminars for active teachers considering retirement. The seminars were held in Brandon and Winnipeg and there was growing attendance in both places.

2014 is a mystery! We have had great co-operation with the provincial superintendents’ organization in advising retirees of the time and place.

We had no reason to suspect this year would be any different. However, we were shocked to find that no one had registered for the Brandon session and only a dozen, down from five dozen last year, signed up for the Winnipeg seminar. Obviously, we will have to find out what went wrong and correct it before next year.

On the bright side, Joan Dawson

organized a seminar in Thompson and reported that it went very well.

Well done, Joan and committee! I know that Ray Sitter and Pat Bowslaugh had prepared an excellent seminar for Brandon and western Manitoba and we appreciate their hard work and commitment. In Winnipeg, Wayne Hughes spoke on the structure of RTAM and the Pension and COLA

Educational Advocacy Report

issue, Alex Boyes explained the many Benefit programs and Peggy Prendergast outlined what retirees can expect with their new-found leisure time. The evaluation sheets were very positive towards all three presenters and asked if such seminars could be repeated. The Membership & Chapter Committee wishes to thank all presenters for their unique and informative contributions.

Peggy Prendergast Educational Advocacy

RTAM IN PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE

O

n May 22, 2014, the RTAM Educational Advocacy Committee, in collaboration with the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres, the provincial Seniors’ and Healthy Aging Secretariat and the local RTAM Portage la Prairie chapter presented the third event of its kind in the province. The objective was to unlock some of the best kept secrets around services available to seniors in the province, in their region and locally, especially to those present.

We invited all the seniors in the area of Portage la Prairie to “Come for lunch and stay for information” at the Herman Prior Centre for seniors

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in Portage la Prairie. The local chapter advertised with posters around town, registered the seniors present and helped set up for the afternoon sessions.

The Mayor of Portage la Prairie brought greetings to those assembled before lunch and spoke about the importance of seniors in town.

The keynote address, “It’s Not Right,” was delivered by Susan Crichton, the Elder Abuse Consultant for the province, assisted by Peggy Prendergast.

There were nine other brief presentations given by personnel involved in a variety of services available to the older adults in attendance and much

current written information was available to take away for those who were present.

The Educational Advocacy Committee believes it is essential to have a human connection to these services. Those who were present now know who they will be interacting with if the need arises for them personally for these services or if they are advocating for a neighbor, friend or family member. Many of us end up alone in life through no fault of our own. Being responsible for our own well-being and those we care about will make a strong age-friendly community in which we will all thrive.

In Memoriam

ciate gues and asso ea ll co M A T R these ceived from We remember vers names re co st li e Th s. er 2014.

RTAM memb 13 to April 30, 20 1, l ri p A of TRAF as

William R. Aitken, Gimli Beverley Anne Alexander, Westbourne Nick Andrusiak, Winnipeg Joyce Angeline Atkinson, Winnipeg Marilyn Dawn Barr, Chatfield Rhona Bruce Bass, Winnipeg Elizabeth E. Beauchemin, Winnipeg Jean Birch, Winnipeg Carl Bjarnason, Victoria, BC Marie Blanchard, St. Rose August Theodore Blondal, Winnipeg Ross D. Boast, Ladysmith, BC Jean H. Boyd, Ottawa, ON William Gary Bradford, Rorketon John C. Braun, Morden Edward Albert Buchel, Winnipeg Frances E. Burrows, Winnipeg Rosaline Cameron, Winnipeg Dorothy E. Campbell, Hamiota Lyle Amy Campbell, Teulon Sydney J. Chapman, Winnipeg Jean Pierre Chaput, Winnipeg Frances Coe, Lethbridge, AB James A. Coughlan, Killarney Daniel Emile De Baets, Winnipeg Harold R. De Jersey, Winnipeg Gilbert Paul L. Demers, Ste. Anne Lily E. Desrochers, Mariapolis Mary L. Didkowski, Winnipeg Metro Drewniak, Selkirk Rose Dubrovsky, Winnipeg Ernest Leslie Duncan, Norway House Wilma M. Duncan, Winnipeg Eugene Durand, Winnipeg Irma L. Edinborough, Winnipeg

Verna B. Emberley, Lac Du Bonnet Jacob Enns, Winnipeg John Enns, Winnipeg Alex Fedirchuk, Ethelbert Lorne W. Ferley, Winnipeg Imelda M. Ferraton, Winnipeg Florence Fillion, Winnipeg Lucien R. Frechette, Winnipeg Arthur John David Friesen, Winnipeg Gilles Roger Gagnon, Winnipeg Mary Garrett, Dauphin Jessie V. Gates, White Rock, BC Margaret E. Geddes, Winnipeg Homer W. Gill, Neepawa Joseph Grabys, Winnipeg Neil Lynn Hansen, Winnipeg Elvert John Haugen, Winnipeg Orra R. Henan, Peterborough, ON Gail Patricia Holland, Winnipeg June S. Inglis, Winnipeg Joan Innes, Winnipeg Rose Jacobs, Winnipeg John Jaman, Winnipeg Roberta Anne Janaway, Winnipeg Ieva Astride Jessens, Qualicum, BC Franklin Kawal, Winnipeg Tina Kehler, Morden Ralph Kennedy, Oakbank Margaret Kovacs, Surrey, BC Alice Krahn, Abbotsford, BC Ernie A. Kroeger, Winnipeg Helen Kroeger, Winnipeg Mary Kroeker, Rosenort Anne Krucik, Nanoose, BC Louise Kurchaba, Rossburn Peter F. Kutcher, Winnipeg Richard James Labun, Winnipeg Robina T. Lapp, Winnipeg

Sylvia Lorraine Lauren, Winnipeg Adam G. Lavitt, Winnipeg Manfred Emil Leiendecker, Winnipeg Patricia Lenton, Winnipeg Blanche M. Levesque, Winnipeg Olga E. Lewicki, Winnipeg Myrtle R. Little, Victoria, BC Maureen Lodge-Zaparnick, Winnipeg David Lyon, Winnipeg Daniel J. MacNeil, Selkirk William J. Madder, Winnipeg Eugenie M. Maguire, Surrey, BC Viola M. Marciski, McCreary John Martens, Winnipeg Mary S. McBurney, Rivers W. Donald McDonald, Whitemouth M. Lois McKitriek, Pilot Mound M. Margaret McMillan, Emerson Olga E. Miller, Oakbluff Ruth I. Moore, Winnipeg Eileen Morrison, Winnipeg Marilyn Deanna Murray, Winnipeg Roderick J.T. Murray, Winnipeg Lorna H. Naherny, Mission, BC Dorothea G. Olafson, Winnipeg Margaret A. Olson, Gimli Patsy Jo-anne Oster, Winnipeg Thompson Wayne Owens, Winnipeg Terrence M. Paley, Roblin Gladys Patmore, Melita John Lawrence Peachell, Winnipeg Maurice Peleshok, Winnipeg Walter J. Pindera, Winnipeg Elaine Mary Peorsch, Winnipeg Jean B. Purdy, Minnedosa

Barbara Quinlan, Winnipeg Lena Renaud, Scarborough, ON Doris K. Restall, Winnipeg Evelyn L. Saiko, Winnipeg William Schroeder, Winnipeg Marjorie E. Scott, Carberry Sergei L. Sherman, Winnipeg Ruth Shinoff, Winnipeg Daniel Shtykalo, Dauphin Tirlochan Singh, White Rock, BC Helen M. Sisson, Winnipeg Murray Robert Smith, Brandon Mae E.M. Spryszak, Winnipeg John M. Standing, Winnipeg Dan Stasiuk, Winnipeg Eleanor Stewart, Brandon Sheila Joan Storjord, Winnipeg Michael Storozuk, Winnipeg Florence Sutherland, Eriksdale Robert J. Sutton, Winnipeg Margaret D. Swan, Winnipeg Janet Denise Taylor, Oak Bluff Audrey B. Taylor, Winnipeg Ida H. Toews, Winnipeg Margaret Toews, Winnipeg Alice Roberta Topping, Camp Morton Louis J. Touchette, Winnipeg Dorothy Troop, Winnipeg Jean Ila Tully, Nanaimo, BC Marcella Elsie Joan Turnbull, Winnipeg John Vanderstoel, Winnipeg Phyllis I. Wagner, Calgary, AB Katherine Walker, Neepawa S. Hadley Ward, S. Surrey, BC Alvin Edward Wiebe, Winnipeg Jean Wiens, Virden Carol L. Wilkins, Winnipeg Philip Zubrycki, Winnipeg

RTAM | RTAM.MB.CA

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AGM 2014 Financial Motions Auditor’s Report 1. Pelton/Krawec

That the RTAM AGM 2014 receive the Auditor’s Report for the fiscal year 2012-2013. Carried.

2. Pelton/Krawec

That the Board be authorized to appoint the accounting firm of BGP Accounting and Tax Services, for the 2013-2014 fiscal year. Carried.

Membership Fees 3. Pelton/Krawec

That the regular and associate membership fees remain at $27.00 for the fiscal year 2014–2015. Carried.

4. Pelton/Krawec

That the membership fee for a Life Member be waived. Carried.

Reimbursement Rates 5. Pelton/Krawec

That the rate of reimbursement for mileage remain at $0.50 per km beginning July 1, 2014. Carried.

6. Pelton/Krawec

That the rates of reimbursement for meals remain at $60.00 per diem and not exceed the following rates: breakfast @ $15.00; lunch @ $20.00 and supper @ $25.00, beginning July 1, 2014. Carried.

7. Pelton/Krawec

That the rate of reimbursement for hotel remain at $140.00 per day beginning July 1, 2014. Carried.

8. Pelton/Krawec

That the accommodation with family or friends in lieu of hotel remain at up to 50% of the hotel rate per day beginning July 1, 2014. Carried.

Reserve Fund 9. Bornn/Dawson

That the Reserve Fund be restored to 25% of previous year’s operating budget. (2013 – 2014) Carried.

2014 - 2015 Budget 10. Pelton/Krawec

That the 2014 – 2015 RTAM budget proposed by the RTAM Board of Directors be approved. Carried.

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

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James Allum, From a Family of Educators This interview was published in the Manitoba Teacher. It is an overview of the life and values of our Minister of Education, James Allum. It is reproduced with the permission of the interviewer Judy Edmunds, Public Affairs Facilitator for MTS, and George Stephanson, Editor of The Manitoba Teacher.

J

ames Allum, who was first elected to the Manitoba Legislature in 2011 as the MLA for Fort Garry-Riverview was named Minister of Education and Advanced Learning on October 18, replacing Nancy Allen who was Minister of Education since 2009.

Allum, who grew up and received his education in Ontario, moved to Winnipeg in 1996 to take a position at the City of Winnipeg Archives. In an interview for The Manitoba Teacher, he talked about the difference he felt between Ontario and Manitoba.

“In Winnipeg, and broadly speaking in Manitoba, people are so connected to their neighbourhood. It’s the connection to people and their neighbourhoods and the central roles schools play in their communities,” said Allum.

Before becoming an MLA, Allum had a fifteen year career with the City of Winnipeg. After working at the Archives, he held a variety of positions including Senior Consultant in Strategic Management and Manager of Aboriginal Incentives in the office of the Chief Administrative Officer.

However, Allum considers himself a teacher. “I’m an educator myself.

My dad was the first member of his

family to graduate from university, so it became an article of faith in my family growing up for all of us to go through school and into university.

Luckily I was privileged enough that it was expected.

“My sister is a teacher. The story that I always tell her is that she was teaching Grade 1 when I was in Grade 1 and I would bring home homework every day, not because a Grade 1 student was assigned homework, but to take it to my sister so she could use it the next day in her classroom. She was just 19.

“My brother is a high school English teacher, he is retired now and my sister-in-law teaches in one of the toughest parts of Hamilton. And I am an academic myself. I spent 14 years in classrooms as a teaching assistant and as a part-time teacher/instructor at the University of Winnipeg.

“I would say that being in a classroom is really one of my favorite places to be and it’s an incredible amount of fun.

Allum has three children. The oldest teaches French Immersion in Winnipeg. She graduated from Brandon University, did her practicum in Kuwait and then went back and taught in Kuwait for a year. His other two children are in university.

When asked about his own experience in school Allum said, “When I was a kid in the early 1960’s schools were a scary place. Teachers were sometimes wonderfully loving and sometimes just scary. I was supposed to skip Grade 3. In that year of transitioning I did not connect with the teacher and I didn’t skip. Instead, I

ended up skipping Grade 6 because in the grade 5-6 situation I did connect with the teacher.

“For me, how I connected with the teacher was really reflected in how I performed. And why teachers are really indispensable to making us good and productive students. The teacher was Mr. Cheeseman when I was in Grade 7. He knew I was younger than everybody. He made sure I was in a comfortable setting even though I was at least a year younger.

“I wasn’t a very good High School student. I got into Trent University on probation, because I wasn’t a motivated learner as a teenager. I got to Trent and at my first lecture and I really knew immediately that I loved to learn. It’s that love of learning that really motivated my very long academic career.

“That’s what I always wanted us to convey-is that love of learning. I know that teachers have, and I believe that every student has within them, the love of learning.

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AGM

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

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All RTAM-related material is available on the RTAM website - rtam.mb.ca

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

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PRESS RELEASE

MLAs Join Retired Teachers in a Celebration

M

embers of all three political parties joined the Retired Teachers’ organization in the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the creation of RTAM in 1989. It was held in the Golden Boy Banquet Room of the Legislature, the evening of March 19, 2014.

Greetings were brought by the Government Minister of Education, Dr. James Allum, by the Leader of Official Opposition, Mr. Brian Pallister and the Leader of the Liberal Party, Ms. Rana Bokhari. The Manitoba Teachers’ Society was represented by

Ms. Bobbi Taillefer, Assistant General Secretary. Each speaker told of the importance their teachers had in shaping their careers and some of their past teachers, now retired, were in the audience. RTAM President Wayne Hughes stressed that this event was the first of many acts of celebration throughout the province that would take place in 2014.

The feature presentation on the “second Father of Manitoba” was made by the curator of the St. Boniface Museum, Dr. Philippe Mailhot.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Mailhot made a

presentation to students from Kelvin High School on the influence of the priest, Joseph Noel Richot, in helping the Red River Colony attain provincial status and legal rights for all those living there at that time.

Mr. Guy Hansen, chief organizer of the event, made a presentation of a bronze engraving, a copy of which was presented to all Manitoban schools in 1927, on the occasion of Canada’s 60 th anniversary, to Mr. Raymond Sokalski, the attending teacher from Kelvin High School.

Happy Birthday RTAM! Guy Hansen

R

TAM was formed 25 years ago, in 1989. MTS had given us $10,000 to get going, and we were off and running. Our original symbol was a school bell, the old brass hand ringer, inside an outline of the province of Manitoba. It was in black and white.

The photo shows Norm Gould, Vice President of MTS, receiving a wall hanging at our recent AGM. The hanging has our first school bell symbol near the top and under that our current logo in blue and gold. And, of course, “25 YEARS!” In the auditorium, just inside the door at McMaster House, there is a much larger hanging. It commemorates all the MTS member associa-

tions, before amalagation. Perhaps our hanging will go in that area.

Norm was quite pleased to accept our gift. MTS itself is looking forward to a birthday celebration: in five years it will be 100 years old. MTS itself has run across some archival photos, which are being displayed in their building. One hundred years, now that’s really history!

Our RTAM Birthday Cake campaign seems to be gathering steam. The Dauphin Chapter delivered a number of cakes to their schools in the surrounding towns. Each cake had a little flag on top with RTAM and the words 25 years on it. They said it was really a fun time.

Portage will have their cake out by the time you read this. There is talk of NE

Man. doing the same.

There are a large number of members who do not yet have a chapter.

They can participate as individuals, I know of some who are. Let RTAM say “Happy Birthday” to your whole town. Be sure to get permission from the school, then share your cake with staff, students, whomever. September is soon enough.

Take a photo, put it in your local paper. There’s always somebody who will want to see Mr. Johnson, or Mrs. Peterson, the one who gave them that 100 %.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

John Sushelnitsky Public Relations

CHAPTER REPORTS

Calgary Chapter

Penny Hagan

D

ennis Kozak planted the seed of an idea in the ‘Classifieds’ of the Spring 2014 edition of KIT. On May 13, 2014, the idea grew into a breakfast gathering of 20 individuals at the Carriage House Inn in Calgary, Alberta. Whether attendees were transplanted to Calgary more than twenty years ago or as recently as two years ago, all are retired (or the spouse of) Manitoba teachers now living in Calgary and area. The group includes elementary, junior and senior high school teachers, counselors, admin-

istrators and Child Guidance clinicians. Arborg, Brandon, St. Boniface, Ft. Garry, St. Vital, Transcona-Springfield and Winnipeg were some of the Manitoba school divisions represented. Based on the group’s decision to form an ‘official’ RTAM Chapter, and to meet again in the fall, it’s safe to say that all in attendance enjoyed the opportunity to share our Manitoba roots with former colleagues or new acquaintances. For further information please contact Dennis Kozak at kozak3@shaw.ca

RTAM – Okanagan Chapter Spring Luncheon Nancy Kostiuk

O

n Saturday, April 5, 2014, the RTAM – Okanagan Chapter met for our AGM and spring luncheon at Manteo Resort in Kelowna.

Members and guests arrived from Salmon Arm, Oliver and points in between to reconnect with colleagues and friends in the View Room overlooking Lake Okanagan.

Great food, wine and conversation were enjoyed by all.

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Talented craftsman, Gary Little, donated a door prize of a beautifully turned cherry wood bowl, won by Heather McFayden.

Photographer Sue Forsyth captured the event.

Our next social occasion will be at Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Osoyoos, on June 7, 2014.

Diane Bewell

R

esponding to inquiries, The Retired Women Teachers’ Association is proud to explain the “Visiting” category on our executive list.

We have a broad range of ages in our membership from “just retired”, to a number of shut-ins. The latter have difficulty getting out to our social events so we go to them on occasion.

At Christmas and Easter, a group of volunteers purchases and delivers gifts to these individuals. The convenor reimburses these volunteers for their costs.

She also sends cards to out-of-town members at these times. Cards of congratulations for special events, getwell cards or thinking-of-you cards are also sent.

This way of remembering our very senior members seems to be well received as the generous contributions to our Angel Baskets indicate. At our Christmas luncheon we circulate these baskets for donations to cover the cost of this endeavour.

On another note, congratulations to our Vice-president, Ruth Hartnell, for winning the IPAD Air, donated

by Johnson Inc, at the RTAM AGM!

RTAM PAST PRESIDENTS 1989 – 1990 JOHN KASTROKOFF 1990 – 1991 VALDINE JOHNSON 1991 – 1992 JOHN CHALATURNYK 1992 – 1993 JACK GEORGE 1993 – 1994 LAURENA LESKIW 1994 – 1995 PHYLLIS HUNTER (MOORE) 1995 - 1996 OREST ZIOLKOSKI 1996 – 1997 ETHEL BUCHANAN 1997 – 1998 HOMER GILL 1998 – 1999 MURRAY SMITH 1999 - 2000 PEGGY PRENDERGAST 2000 – 2001 KIM HASSELRIIS 2001 – 2003 TERRY CLIFFORD 2003 – 2005 DEE DEE RIZZO 2005 – 2006 VAUGHN WADELIUS 2006 – 2007 CON LYNCH 2007 – 2009 PAT BOWSLAUGH 2009 – 2012 RICHARD BENOIT 2012 – PRESENT - WAYNE HUGHES

Ghost Town Bus Tour George Takashima

T

he fifth Annual five-day GHOST TOWN BUS TOUR: Monday, August 25 to Friday, August 29, 2014 still has some seats available!

We will be spending time visiting two of the eight internment sites located in the West Koottenays, New Denver and Kaslo. New Denver houses the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre and includes several buildings (shacks) from the WW II era. Each “shack” contains artifacts, photographs, newspaper clippings, etc. which depicts the conditions that Canadians of Japanese ancestry lived in during the war years.

Following the outbreak of WW II,

22,000 Canadians of Japanese ancestry, living along the West Coast, were removed from their homes, their property taken by the federal government and labelled “enemy aliens.” The War Measures Act was imposed on these people.

Eight internment camps were hastily put up in the spring and summer of 1942 in the West Kootenays. Four of these places were ghost towns at the time the war broke out.

Over 8,000 internees were placed in these camps.

The tour will also take in the Doukbhobour Village and Museum in Castlegar. The last night of the tour will be spent at the famous Ainsworth Hot Springs and Hotel.

This is a guided study tour led by an experienced and knowledgeable historian and former internee. Many stories will be shared with the tour participants. You will learn about the life and work of 22,000 Canadians of Japanese descent before, during and after WW II. Only 36 participants accepted for this tour. The tour will leave from and return to Lethbridge.

Cost is per /person and includes bus transportation, double occupancy, hotel accommodations for four nights, all entry fees to museums and six meals.

For more information, please contact Dr. George Takashima (member of RTAM) at 403-328-0156 or E-Mail: gptak@shaw.ca.

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CHAPTER REPORTS

RWTA: More About Us

Our Natural Sleep Cycle

I

n health education I was taught that eight hours of solid sleep was ideal for health and wellness. Recently I came across some research about sleep that astounded me. The natural sleep cycle of human beings is different from what I had learned.

I have been concerned about sleep for quite some time because it was rare for me to have a full night of uninterrupted sleep. What was wrong with me? In talking to people about sleeping patterns, I found that many shared the same concerns.

This is what I recently found out.

Sleep researchers have gone through literature of times past and conducted experiments with ordinary people.

They discovered what is called the natural sleep cycle. Our body clocks work on the day/night cycle and in the evening when we go to sleep it is completely natural to sleep quite

solidly for about four hours, then have a period of wakefulness and meditation.

Some people find that they feel like getting up and working on things.

This may last for an hour or two and it is followed by the “second sleep” or “morning sleep.” It is completely normal to have a nap or siesta in the middle of the day, usually after lunch. The eight hour sleep may just be a model for the industrial age, but it does not conform to nature. Following the natural pattern or flow enables a person to sleep better and to be more fully alert during the day.

So it turns out that my wake/sleep pattern is quite normal. It has put me

Ed Labossiere

at ease and I think that everyone should be aware of this information. If you sleep for eight hours or so without waking that is fine too. Of course, each one of us has hopefully developed a lifestyle which best suits him or her. By paying more attention to our own body clocks, comfort levels and psychology, we can enjoy better health and a fuller life.

References:

Internet: TED.com Jessa Gamble - “Our Natural Sleep Cycle” Wikipedia - “Segmented Sleep”

Any RTAM member wishing to receive a card that identifies them as a member should contact the RTAM office: 204-889-3660 or email rtam@mymts.net .

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

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The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) Submitted by Vaughn Wadelius

D

eveloped at Ohio State University, the SAGE test is designed to detect early signs of cognitive, memory or thinking impairments. It evaluates your thinking abilities and helps physicians to know how well your brain is working. You do not need special equipment to take SAGE - just pen and paper. There are four forms of the SAGE test. You only need to take one. It doesn’t matter which one you take; they are all interchangeable.

tive and thinking loss, and in some cases, medications or other treatments can be very effective – especially if provided when symptoms first begin.

Remember that SAGE does not diagnose any specific condition. The results of SAGE will not tell you if you have Alzheimer’s disease, mini-strokes or any number of other disorders. But the results can help your doctor know if further evaluation is necessary.

Why take the SAGE test?

What do I do after I take the test?

You may want to take SAGE if you are concerned that you might have cognitive issues. Or you may wish to have your family or friends take the test if they are having memory or thinking problems. The difficulties listed can be early signs of cognitive and brain dysfunction. While dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can lead to these symptoms, there are many other treatable disorders that also may cause these signs.

It is normal to experience some memory loss and to take longer to recall events as you age. But if the changes you are experiencing are worrying you or others around you, SAGE can be a helpful tool to assess if further evaluation is necessary.

Unfortunately, many people do not seek help for these kinds of symptoms until they have experienced them for several years. There are many treatable causes of cogni-

After you complete the test, take it to your primary care physician. Your doctor will score it and interpret the results. If indicated, your doctor will order some tests to further evaluate your symptoms or refer you for further evaluation.

If your score does not indicate any need for further evaluation, your doctor can keep the test on file as a baseline for the future. That means you can take the test again in the future and the doctor can see if there are any changes over time.

There is no answer sheet provided here for you to score yourself because there are multiple correct answers to many of the questions on the test. SAGE should be scored by your physician. Find the test on line at: http://bit.ly/1cWqCIe

Richard Roger Benoit John (Jack) George Past president and director RICHARD ROGER BENOIT of Winnipeg, survived by loving wife and best friend Lucille, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2014, at the Victoria General Hospital, just two weeks short of his 70th birthday. A funeral service was held on Friday, May 23, 2014 at Mary Mother of the Church Parish, in Winnipeg.

Richard Benoit was President of RTAM from 2009-2012, past president since 2012 and served on various committees.

JOHN (JACK) GEORGE: Gracefully with his hands held, and surrounded by the love of his family and his beloved Maggie of 64 years, John (Jack) David George passed away May 26, 2014 in the comfort of his suite at Riverwood Square, in Winnipeg.

A celebration of Jack’s life took place on Tuesday, June 3 at Fort Garry United Church in Winnipeg.

John (Jack) George was President of RTAM from 1992- 1993 and Past President 1993-1994.

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Bear’s J

By Barbara McDole, Bear’s owner and handler

B

ear was born in rural Manitoba on June 6, 2005, the runt of the litter and so was the last puppy to be sold. When I called to enquire about him, I was told that a fellow from Beausejour, on his motorcycle, was on his way to get Bear, too!!!YIKES!!! I was determined to be there first, because I already felt that Bear and I were meant to be together! As I wheeled into the farmyard, I

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breathed a sigh of relief not to see a motorcycle! As I got out of the car, a darling little ball of white fluff, with a brown spot on his back and soulful brown eyes, cautiously approached me. The deed was done. Bear came to our house, to be mothered by Elm, our other Great Pyrenees and became one spoiled dog!

Having been a teacher for 33 years and loving dogs and kids, I was thor-

oughly convinced that certain kinds of trained dogs could have a huge impact on kids’ lives.

I was fortunate enough to connect with George Leonard of Manitoba Search and Rescue in 2006. Bear passed the initial assessment, allowing him to enroll in the one year certification program and Bear graduated on September 29, 2007. It was very obvious early in, that he displayed

Journey the behavioural attributes that qualified him to be a certified therapy dog.

Having taught in the Louis Riel School Division, this is where I wanted Bear to make his mark. For seven years, he brightened the days of students and staff with his calm demeanor and valued interaction.

Bear’s visits were also a big hit with Jenn and Rheanne at the St. Amant Community Homes, thanks to An-

drea Sloane. The Teddy Bears’ Picnic, parent interview evenings, school picnics, reading with kids, playing at recess, flying kites in St. Vital Park, visiting school principals and secretaries and participating in Winnipeg Schools, “I Love to Read” month, were all a part of Bear’s life.

This past year, 2013-2014, was to be Bear’s last year before he retired. He had been working at Marion School

with David Briggs and Dr. D.W. Penner School with Lois McKay. He also continued to be a “Destination,”with our own family and neighbours.

Sadly and unexpectedly, we lost Bear to cancer on May 1, 2014.

“I think we are drawn to dogs, because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be, if we weren’t certain we knew better.” - George Bird Evans

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Register for TRAF’s Online Services It just makes sense...

A

t TRAF, we are encouraged to see that registration for Online Services continues to grow substantially each year. Currently, over 11,000 members are registered and more than one-third of these members are retired.

Online Services is quick, secure and easy to use. Once you are registered, logging into your secure online services account gives you instant access to your personal TRAF pension information.

Benefits Online registration allows you to: • Review a monthly record of your pension payments and deductions when you access “My Pension Account” • Obtain your T4A slip, your Pension Change Notice and other TRAF correspondence when you access “Correspondence” • Request email notification, through “Mailing Preferences” to receive your electronic copy of The Horizon, the Annual Report Summary and your Pension Change Notice rather than a paper copy • Change your Language Preference if you prefer your Pension Change Notice in French • Update your contact information, such as your email and mailing address

How to Register: Go directly to the Online Services Register page on our website at traf.mb.ca and then follow the directions provided.“Submit” your completed Online Services Registration form and then we will notify you by email once registration is confirmed and provide you with a UserID number.

If you have any difficulties, please contact us and we will walk you through the process.

Security Online Services is safe and secure. At TRAF, we are dedicated to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal information.

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Year End Contest As a registered member, your name will automatically be entered in our year-end draws. This year, draws will be made for members who: • Access “My Pension Account” • Change to email notification under “Mailing Preferences” • Update their email or mailing address • Access their T4A tax slip or Pension Change Notice through “Correspondence” Be sure to check the TRAF website for more details as well as the contest rules.

Register now and give it a try!

HOMECOMING 2014 THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION INVITES YOU TO A PANEL PRESENTATION

KNOW THE PAST TO CHANGE THE FUTURE SEPTEMBER

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7 : 0 0 P. M . | 2 2 4 E D U C AT I O N B L D G

Join the Honourable Peter Bjornson (MLA and former educator), Matt Henderson (teacher), and Professor Emeritus Ken Osborne (U of M) as they discuss how knowing the past can change the future.

RSVP to Tamara.Gillam@umanitoba.ca VISIT UMANITOBA.CA/EDUCATION FOR EVENT UPDATES

SPECIAL EVENT - OCTOBER 25

EDUCATION ALUMNI FAMILY DAY

Letters to the Editor

KIT

’s spring issue provides great modelling for debunking myths aimed at destroying the integrity of Defined Benefits Pension Plans. Marvin Krawec’s article entitled “Defined Benefit Pension Plan” provides important factual information for counteracting erroneous attacks on these plans.

Pension myths have been around for a while eroding confidence and misleading decisions regarding pension structures. Strong advocacy for defined benefit plans is essential to reverse the destabilization of a highly efficient and successful retirement saving strategy, not only for the pensioners, but also for the economy and the stability of the Canadian pension program.

Jim Leech and Jacquie McNish provide further evidence in their book, The Third Rail. They tell us that, “By almost any measure our defined

benefit pensions are the most effective retirement savings system in the country.” They go on to explain that defined benefit plans are so self-sufficient that only 20% of those receiving pensions with defined benefits are eligible for federal GIS supplements.

Leech and McNish report that twice as many retirees without defined benefits rely on government supplements.

However, damaging myths continue to propel organizations like the Canadian Federation of Taxpayers to lobby for the dismantling of defined benefit plans. The Saskatchewan Federation of Taxpayers wrote an open letter to Premier Wall in Saskatchewan imploring his government to get rid of such plans.

ACER-CART has been focusing political advocacy to address this mythology. It forwarded a generic letter to each of its member associations in an effort to support advocacy in the

provinces and the Yukon. Together, from the national to the provincial/ territorial and local levels, we must share the information such as is provided in Marvin Krawec’s article and hold to account those who perpetrate the myths and to ensure that policy makers make reasoned decisions to preserve and to ensure that the defined benefit pension model is a central feature in Canada’s pension scene.

By publication time, I will have had the opportunity to attend your 2014 AGM. Thank you for the opportunity to extend the greetings of ACER-CART, its Western Regional Team and President Thomas Gaskell, who conveys his “most sincere appreciation for your support of ACER-CART efforts over the past number of years.”

George Georget, ACER-CART Western Regional Representative and Chair of ACER-CART’s Political Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee

Hello Doreen.

My copy of the Spring 2014 KIT arrived in my mailbox yesterday and a very fine magazine it is indeed. It’s full of useful information and well laid out. I appreciate all the work that goes into producing KIT and making sure all we MTS retirees are kept up to date.

Best wishes in the hopes that Spring will find you soon, Carole Wylie New Westminster BC

RTAM | RTAM.MB.CA

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need

LIFE MEMBERS

April 2014 Raisa Eryk, Winnipeg Surrendr Nath, Regina, SK May 2014 Shirley M. Brown, Winnipeg Evelyn K. Enns, Virden Alfred G. Goebel, Winnipeg Victor W. Moskal, Victorville, CA U.S.A. Ralph Sotolov, Winnipeg Cornelius Vogel, Winnipeg

VOLUNTEER SURVEY Remember your last KIT? It contained a survey on teachers’ volunteer activities.

We still need 100’s of responses – even if you don’t volunteer.

You can find a survey in the spring KIT, or Call RTAM to request one at 1-888-393-8082 or on our website at www.rtam.mb.ca Please reply today.

Hear My Voice “Good government means listening to all voices. In a healthy democracy, decisions should be accompanied by respectful consultation and ongoing dialogue with all sectors of the population- not just with those few who share the same ideology.”

– Paul Taillefer, President, Canadian Teachers’ Federation These words were spoken by Paul Taillefer, President of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, in February, 2013 on the occasion of starting a campaign to raise awareness of teachers and Canadians on the erosion of democratic principles by governments unresponsive to its citizens. At the federal level, it is directed at the current government, but, for those of us in Manitoba, it may apply equally to a provincial government that brought in the repressive Bill 45 in 2008.

To make governments more fully aware of our concern for the principles of democracy and the manner in which they are acting, RTAM is supporting the CTF’s postcard campaign and is giving each of us an opportunity to express that concern to our Member of Parliament in Ottawa. The card states, “Let’s end: –– Excessive government secrecy.

–– Corruption and waste.

–– Attack on unions.

–– Exclusion of voices.

–– Decline of democracy.

RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA –– My teacher organization speaks for me.

–– Good government means listening to all voices.”

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

By putting our signature on this card and sending it (no postage required) to our Member of Parliament we are reminding all of them that they have a responsibility to act in the best interests of all of us, and not just for their friends.

The RTAM Board agrees with this campaign and passed a motion in 2013 to support it. Each member of RTAM is urged to sign the card and mail it to their MP as an expression of that support. While elections are the ultimate expression of our approval or disapproval of a government’s action, campaign such as this are an important reminder that we have given the government a conditional opportunity to serve us.

Wayne Hughes, President of RTAM John Sushelnitsky, Political Action Co-chair Peter Carney, Political Action Co-chair

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CLASSIFIEDS 1963-64 Brandon Teachers’ College 50th Anniversary Reunion Oak Lake Island Resort Oak Lake, MB

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

YE OLDE RUSTY CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT

Date: September 11, 2014

Clear Lake Golf Course Tuesday, September 2, 2014 For retired educators and their significant others Registration 9:00 – 10:30 / Shotgun start at 11:00 / Texas Scramble Enter as a foursome or individually

For details please contact Dale Lund; marlund@westman.wave.ca 204-727-7862 or Nora Larson: del.nora@hotmail.com 204-848-4679 or 204 -261-8785

Entry fee $100.00 per person, $400.00 per foursome (includes green fees, shared golf cart, buffet dinner, prizes) Buffet dinner at Elkhorn Resort Entry limited to 144 registrants (36 foursomes) who submit their registration form and fee by mail.

WANTED Grades 7 and 8 Far Horizons text books, to complete set. Any information? wish_den@hotmail.com Open House - Whirlaway Westerners Square Dance Club Enjoy Modern Square Dancing! New dancers, both singles and couples, are welcome on Friday, September 12 at 7:00 at Kirkfield-Westwood Community Centre, 165 Sansome Ave. Your first three dances are free! Come and find out why we love it!

For more info call Carole at 204-831-8954

1954 - 2014 Normal School Reunion October 4, 2014 Invitations were mailed out in January, 2014.

Morris Demkiw / ammoe@mymts.net Spirit’s Call Choir Needs New Voices Spirit’s Call Choir extends a warm welcome to all retired teachers who love to sing. The non-profit community choir has raised approximately $180,000.00 this past decade for local charities. No auditions required.

Orientation for new members is 1:30--2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7, 2014. The choir sings from 2:00 4:30 Sundays, September - May at 603 Wellington Crescent. For more info contact: Dawn at 204-488-0495 or dlazar@mts.net or visit: www. spiritscallchoir.com

Come and enjoy a day of fun, fellowship and golf with your retired colleagues at one of Manitoba’s premier golf courses located in the beautiful Riding Mountain National Park.

Rooms available at the Elkhorn Resort – rate of $110.00 single or double plus tax.

Golf rate with cart of $45.00 - day before and day after tournament when you let them know you are in our Tournament.

- Questions: Please contact Bill Moody at harv4_5@yahoo.ca - Send cheque to Bill Moody, Clear Lake Course, Box 328, Onanole, MB R0J 1N0 - Registration Form can be downloaded from rtam.mb.ca.

DR. LOUISA LOEB Thursday, July 10, 2014, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Permit Teachers of Manitoba 10th Annual Reunion Ramada Viscount Gort Hotel 1670 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB

CUBA - ‘Spanish Studies in Cuba’ (Havana) $2,500.00 Can. for 4 weeks. Hotel with breakfast and dinner, tuition fee. (Air fare not included).

250-478-0494 ssic@telus.net

Registration 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

For further information, contact Edith Alexiuk, Registrar Phone: 204-256-6484

Unique Small Group Escorted Tours Costa Rica, Cuba and now El Salvador Discover what lies beyond the beaches when you join one of our leisurely paced in-depth escorted tours combining history, nature, and cultural visits.

Departures January through March 2015.

Visit our website www.cubadiscoverytours.com Available exclusively at: Discovery Tours by McPhail Travel Brandon K-435 Rosser Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 6S2 Mon – Fri call 204-727-2305 or 1-800-417-0250

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