Hear My Voice

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.

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

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. – My teacher organization speaks for me. – Good government means listening to all voices.”

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

RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

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

Date: September 11, 2014

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

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

YE OLDE RUSTY CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT

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

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.

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

Registration 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. For further information, contact Edith Alexiuk, Registrar Phone: 204-256-6484 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

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