b) The term of office for a Board shall be from July 1st to June 30th.
Contact TRAF at 949-0048 or toll-free at 1-800-782-0714 or by mail/ change of address card to: TRAF 330 Market, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4F8 H Av E yOu MOv Ed Or CHANGEd yOur A ddrEss? AuGus T 15, 2011
NEW r TAM BrOCHurE
are available at the RTAM of fice, and will be posted on our website. The Board will be developing a plan for distribu tion. In the meantime, the new brochures have been supplied to TRAF for distribu tion to prospective retirees. As well, at our AGM, many chapter presidents took some brochures to distribute to active teachers in their communities.
NEXT dEA dLINE:
Volume 23 | Number 1 | Summer 2011 204-2281 Portage Ave., Wpg., MB R3J 0M1 • Phone 889-3660 • 1-888-393-8082 • Email: rtam@mts.net • www.rtam.mb.ca
NOTICE OF MOTION for AGM
2012
ArticleBylaws 6- Board of Directors 6.04 Election and Term of Office
The RTAM Board has developed a new brochure, which was introduced at our May Annual General Meeting. Entitled JOIN US, it is a promotional brochure designed to recruit new members. General information, about RTAM and the benefits of belonging, isBrochuresoutlined.
doreen sage Box Neepawa252 R0J 1H0 dsage@mts.net476-5772
110 Des Meurons Street
John sushelnitsky
dolores hebert
a nne Monk 710 Campbell Street Winnipeg R3N 1C3 ammonk@mts.net586-7201
INSIdE ThIS ISSUE
111 Vista WinnipegAvenueR2M 4Y5 barbaramcdole@hotmail.com254-8965
1 Bittersweet Bay Winnipeg R2J 2E5 ppeggy@mts.net257-1962
Barbara Mcdole
818 Crescent Road West Portage la Prairie R1N 0Z1 jmsush@shaw.ca857-3014
2 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011 BOARd OF dIREcTORS 2011-2012
DOREEN SAGE Box Neepawa,252 MB R0J 1H0
Phone: (204) 476-5772
OFFICER
stop the Presses! >
carol Pelton
g e . (ted) Poulter
Peggy Prendergast
norman Wiebe Box Portage1325la Prairie R1N 3L5 mwiebe@mts.net857-9613
100 Ridgedale Crescent Winnipeg R3R 0B3 valsmyth@shaw.ca889-9163
Jag Mali K , Treasurer P.O. Box 303 Gilbert Plains, MB R0L 0X0 jmlik@mts.net548-2642
Judy olmstead
RICHARD BENOIT
Winnipeg R2H 2M3 dlhebert@shaw.ca233-8618
President's Report > 3 ACER-CART Report > 5 Project o verseas update > 5 Report of the Pension Committee > 6 Reflections and Research from a Retiree > 8 Retired Women Teachers Association > 10 Elder Abuse in Canada >
200 Point West Drive Winnipeg, MB R3T 5H7 lbenoit@mts.net261-9839
23 Cornell Place Thompson R8N 0H4 Travelonly2@hotmail.ca677-3981
Ron Kalinchuk
Email: dsage@mts.net PRIVACY
Box 202 Virden R0M 2C0 kayaker@rfnow.com748-1463
150 Daly Crescent Brandon R7A 6W3 Olmstead_judy@yahoo.ca571-0224
Not-for-profit organizations who wish to place public service announcements, volun teer opportunities with service groups, school or teacher reunions are encouraged to do so. Submissions are printed free of charge. OF KIT
Phone: (204) 261-9839 Email: lbenoit@mts.net 11 11 12 Teaching 14 2011 AGM Financial Motions > 16 They Promised us that our stamps Would Become Valuable > 17 Reports of standing Committees > 18 RTAM Chapter Reports > 22 In Memoriam > 29
dr. Mary Pankiw
After Retirement >
200 Point West Drive Winnipeg, MB R3T 5H7
432 Avalon Road Winnipeg R2M 2L7 tedpoult@mymts.net253-0287
Wayne h ughes
Richa R d R. Benoit, PR esident
42 Matlock Crescent Winnipeg R3R 3H7 831-6984
Val smyth
RTAM Policy Change >
FrEE PuBLIC sErvICE ANNOuNCEMENTs We would like to thank all those who contrib uted material for KIT. When sending in files please use Word, black ink only and no format ting. Please keep writing. Photos: 1500 pixels or professionally developed. Th A nKs FoR YouR Con TRIBu TIons BOARd MEMBERS EDITOR
NOTE
Vice President 82 Whiteshell Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2C 2R9 lwhughes@mts.net222-4011
2011.Recruitment
continues to be a high priority for RTAM. We now have approximately 8000 members and this number must continue to grow. Numbers carry much importance in political lobbying and the offering of services. To reach out to potential retirees, the Membership Committee has organized an effective Power Point presentation which has already been used twice this spring, once in Winni peg and once in Brandon. There were approximately thirty participants in Winnipeg and twelve in Brandon. These pre-retirement seminars were very successful and will be made ac cessible to all in the province. Some chapters, such as the Retired Teachers of Winnipeg, have also organized suc cessful pre-retirement seminars and RTAM commends them for this.
Furthermore, our first brochure, Join Us, which is visually appealing and of high quality, was ready for dis tribution at AGM. It will be circulated widely to TRAF, chapters, divisional offices and to as many other venues
This report is not intended to be a repetition of the work and highlights of our committees. All have func tioned well and have put forth much effort and time to further the objec tives of these committees. I encourage you to read these reports carefully, to analyze them and to seek further information, if required. Rather, this report will highlight certain innova tions, current happenings of impor tance and the necessity to continue our involvement in the provincial election to be held on October 4,
as possible. A second one will follow shortly on Benefits; we thank Johnson Inc. for their cooperation and contri bution.TheBenefits
Richard Benoit
Iam
most grateful to the member ship for having elected and sup ported me during this second year as president of the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM). It proved to be another experience in learning and leading a very important organization of members who con tributed immensely to Manitoba and the Canadian fabric in the past, and who now, as retired members, must be afforded the respect, gratitude and dignity that is rightfully owed to them. Retired teachers should and must be entitled to relaxation, enjoyment of family and friends and the opportunity to do what they have always dreamed of doing. They must be able to attend to their wellness, pursue activities they have always en joyed and be empowered to continue growing psychologically, spiritually and as responsible citizens, with much to offer to the development of youth today - the leaders of tomorrow. To help those who so wish to participate, RTAM, in cooperation with Johnson Inc., strives to offer insurance benefits of many kinds to provide security and financial support in times of need. To assist in accomplishing all of the above, retirees should be ensured that their pensions will be fairly indexed so as not to lose spending and purchas ing power; this element being crucial to all retirees and certainly retired teachers.
Educational Advocacy Commit tee cooperated with the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA) to print
Again th is year, our COLA will not reflect what we had been led to believe by Tim Sale in his report and recommendations. COLA continues to be an issue of prime importance to all of us. It is rather sad that the treatment allotted to RTAM is inferior to similar groups such as the Civil Service Superannuation Plan (CSSP) and the Health Employees Pension Plan (HEPP). The Pensions Commit tee continues to conduct high quality research so as to enable RTAM to put forth the strongest arguments pos sible, to convince the powers that be to redress this situation. I commend this committee for its work and we all are convinced that improvements are not an option. Fairness and long term funding must be obtained.
RTAM KIT • 3summer 2011
PRESIdENT'S REPORT for the year 2010-2011
Committee has met on numerous occasions during the year, as well as last summer, to work on the various programs RTAM offers in cooperation with Johnson Inc. Our travel health plan still is the Cadillac of the nation and many of our other plans are very competitive. No plan will change until a thorough review has been conducted and completed before March, 2012. The insurance business is a very competitive one and therefore requires much attention, ef fort and work.
liaison with the government, political parties and the MTS constitutes an important RTAM obligation. Since the fall, we have twice met with Minister Allan, accompanied by some of her senior officials. The
additional copies of the most popular booklet, A Child's Message to My Parents. It has also written to the Manitoba Teachers' Society to offer our support as they respond to four of the Department of Education and Training's recent proposals in the Educational Review proces.
We also had fruitful meetings with Conservative Educa tion Critic Cliff Cullen. He also spoke at one of our Board meetings. We believe he is aware of our concerns and issues as is Dr. Jon Gerrard with whom we also met.
constitute the backbone of every or ganization. This committee is really trying to reach out to you through a greatly improved website and our quarterly newsletter-magazine, KIT, which deserves to be read from cover to cover, for it outlines for all members the highlights of the previous quarter, the important issues and changes in the life of RTAM and reports from chapters or other groups focusing on their activities. The Public Relations Committee strives to improve the image of RTAM. Media Watch provides valuable reading outlining highlights in the business and financial world which often times leads to possible comparisons with retired teachers and how we fare in similar contexts.
Wellness and Travel organize very pertinent and inter esting seminars in their fields of activity. You are urged to truly take advantage of these informative and recreational days. Membership and Chapter Formation is also reaching out to areas where we have no chapters so that they can also benefit from the positive contributions of chapters.
As stated earlier, October 4, 2011, is an important day for Manitobans and for RTAM. The Political Action Committee has already organized a provincial forum to help organize meetings between MLAs and members of local chapters. These meetings focus on informing MLAs of our concerns, of the present flaws in the Pension Plan and possible ways to correct these. While RTAM is non partisan, we must make our issues known to the candi dates and the public. Hopefully, many future meetings will be held with all candidates and Political Action is willing and ready to assist you in organizing and provid ing information for these meetings. Elections come only in four year intervals. NOW is the time to act. NOW is the appropriate time to let our views be known at town hall meetings, debates and when candidates visit at our home. PLEASE HELP US HELP OURSELVES!
The Bylaws and Policy Committee has worked mainly in revisions to policy regarding issues referred to it by the Board. The thorough study and rationale for changes are mostCommunicationsappreciated.
4 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
This year, I have been most fortunate to visit many chapters, especially in the rural and northern areas. I am amazed at the camaraderie, the socialization and the work carried out with great enthusiasm and generosity by the members. You are vital to RTAM. You are the local arms, hands and faces. Upon you also rests the all important responsibility of communication and liaison. Continue to be active! Continue to stimulate interest in RTAM. Please be very involved at the provincial political level this fall; we need you! We can also be very helpful to you in this political involvement! Therefore let us ensure a high quality dialogue with politicians. Special congratula tions to the Retired Women Teachers’ Association which celebrated in pomp, ceremony and conviviality its 60th anniversary.Asweallknow,
second visit with her in April was a rather cordial one. We were informed that Pensions and COLA are an “ac tive” issue for the government and that she is aware of our concerns. Only time will reveal what concrete measure, if any, will be taken. We also discussed representation on TRAF and the Teachers’ Pension Task Force. There pos sibly is some light at the end of the tunnel on this issue but again . . . time will tell.
Our Pensions Chair and I met with MTS President Pat Isaak and Henry Shyka regarding a pension matter that their 2010 AGM had asked them to consult with us regarding our opinions. The meeting was a relaxed one with some frank exchange of opinions. I have had the opportunity of dialoguing informally with Pat Isaak at a few events. We continue to benefit from the utilization of their meeting rooms and some secretarial services such as photocopying, which we sincerely appreciate. We look forward to working with their President-elect Paul Olson and his new executive. It must be said that relationships between many local chapters of RTAM and local MTS divisional associations are positive. It is hoped chapters will all continue to foster these relationships for these benefit both RTAM and the MTS.
In conclusion I wish to thank the contributions of all members of the Board who, each in their own fashion, are most committed to RTAM and its success. Your many hours of work and travel have led in one way or another to a better, more effective organization. To those of you
has now agreed to a short extension of the 2005-10 agreement with funding that will end s eptember 2011. This extension will allow us to sustain, build or wind down partner activities in a meaningful way and fulfill all Project o verseas elements for this summer. Meanwhile, we are preparing a proposal for CIDA’s new competitive project process, and hope that it will continue support beyond s eptember.Although
Project oVerSea S UPdate
Richard Benoit
Therules.Canadian Government has acknowledged that the teachers of Canada have a role to play as part of Canada’s commitment to interna tional development. CTF has a highly respected 50-year legacy with respect to improving teaching and learning in developing countries and has evolved to meet changing needs around the world.
This report would not be complete without thanking our Administrative Assistant, Carol Gillis, who is dedicated,
AcER- cART
who are retiring from the Board, I sincerely and profusely thank you for your work, your effort and your support. Your colleagues wish you well in all your future endeav ours and we know you will always keep a special place in your heart for RTAM.
The Canadian Association of Retired Teachers (CART) is the national association consisting of member retiree associations from all provinces in Canada. Based in Ottawa, it is an active association which works to improve the benefits, interests and welfare of retired teach ers that fall under federal jurisdiction. CART also provides valuable support and information to all associations and their members. It is able to con duct valuable research which we, as individual associations, could not do. The executive Director, Norbert Boudreau, and all members of the Board are very accessible and do make it a point of providing the information
RTAM KIT • 5Summer 2011
is a valuable asset to RTAM and I am pleased to report that the relationship between both levels is positive. Vaughn Wadelius, one of our former presidents, has been President of ACER-CART since 2009 and we value his contributions.
flexible and a most competent assistant. Carol, we appreci ate your diligence, your work and your smile.
Finally, thanks again for your encouragement and sup port during this last year! May provincial Election Year 2011 be a successful one for RTAM in its quest to inform voters and legislators about our plight. May the post-election period also contribute to a better COLA and quality of life.
requested.During the past year, the Asso ciation representing the retirees of francophone Quebec school boards withdrew from CART, which is un fortunate because the Quebec views and issues will no longer be shared and we are losing a member of our family. Quebec is still represented by two smaller English associations of retirees representing approximately 500 members.
The next edition of KIT will carry a short tribute to each of you on your unique contribution to RTAM and retired teachers in general.
This year the AGM will be held in Ottawa from June 2 to June 4, 2011. Last year, Manitoba was represented by Mary Pankiw, Vice-President and me as President. This year both the newly elected President and VicePresident will attend.
A lthough CIDA did not agree to a re-evaluation of the CTF 2010-15 Proposal, we can certainly say that your voices contributed to a recent positive development resulting in the review of our long application review process.CIDA
and prescription drug costs and retiree quality of life are impressive. In cooperation with other similar organizations CART meets a consid erable degree of success. Its data base also assists member organizations to compare and consequently, if needed, communicate with the local associa tion in question.
we are clearly disap pointed that our five-year proposal for international development work has been rejected, we welcome this shortterm funding. CTF 's international role will continue despite the obstacles and challenges that will arise. As such, we are applying for funding for projects under the new CIDA applica tion
Thank you to the AGM Committee and the Hanover Association of Retired Teachers (HART) for hosting this convention and demonstrating genuine hospitality.
In regards to matters of national concern, CART’s contributions to the prevention of elder abuse; federal pen sion programs and legislation; health
The AGM is always extremely well organized. The quality of discussion and exchanges is of high calibre. It is interesting to learn of the successes and challenges at both the national and provincial levels. Innovative ideas and procedures can provide food for thought to Manitoba so as to ever improve the operations of our organiza
tion.CART
6 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
Average base pension (approximate)
25,000 245.00
• Cost of living adjustment - 0.98 %
The cost of living adjustment to the base pension, effective July 1, 2011, is 0.98 %. The increase in the consumer price index (CPI) for Canada for December, 2010 over December, 2009 was 2.35 %. Therefore, inflation protection provided is 41.7 % of CPI.
• No surplus reserve
2. Examples of Dollar Increases (pre-tax) in COLA
• Consumer Price Index - 2.35 %
REPORT OF ThE PENSION
1. COLA Analysis
Basic Pension $ Annual Increase $ Monthly Increase $
For the information of members, the RTAM Pension Committee annually prepares analysis of the cost of living adjustment (COLA) granted by TRAF.
20,000
• Maximum 2/3 COLA - 1.57 %
cOMMITTEE
• No 2/3 COLA
• % of CPI - 41.7 %
30,000 294.00
35,000 343.00 28.58 40,000 392.00
B. TRAF COLA: Bill 45 Aftermath
$ 25,500 $250.00 $20.83
A. JULY 1, 2011 COLA
$ 10,000 $ 98.00 $ 8.17 15,000 147.00 12.25 196.00 16.33 20.42 24.50 32.67
Bill 45 did not fix the COLA problem. Its funding change (in the method of interest crediting to the COLA account) was helpful, but it was only a modest funding measure. It has resulted in only modest improvements in COLA. It was mere tinkering.
Anne Monk, chair
cola Results:
• However, even in a period of relatively low inflation, the COLA account has not so far been able to finance the Bill 45 reduced maximum COLA of 2/3rds of CPI.
• A long-term fix and substantive funding measures for a fair COLA resolution
• Fair and equitable treatment of retired teachers
• In aggregate, Bill 45 has resulted in an improved COLA, albeit modest.
• Mr. Sale told the RTAM Board that his recommendations would result in a 2/3rds COLA in the first three years of the ten-year deal. Mr. Sale’s prognostications were wrong. RTAM, based on consultation with professional advisors, expressed strong skepticism about the Sale predictions. No such results have occurred in the first three years, and the pattern has continued into the fourth year of the deal.
D. Provincial Election
In the upcoming provincial election, speak to the candidates in your riding, and tell them about our unresolved COLA problem. Since the civil servants’ and nurses’ pension plans have had significant funding measures to support improved COLAs, it’s reasonable for us to say it’s our turn for significant funding.
• With the pattern of less than 100 % CPI COLA grants since 1999, retired teachers’ purchasing power has diminished. With the TRAF Actuary’s estimated 0.8 % future COLA projection, the purchasing power “hole” of retirees will continue to deepen.
• Involvement of retired teachers in decision-making
*1.33% COLA resulting from Bill 45 provisions
RTAM KIT • 7Summer 2011
Some observations regarding the COLA results to date:
• The Province to make funding of COLA a priority
C. RTAM Advocacy
The COLA problem is still with us. More significant funding - lump sum and/or a plan - is needed to provide for long-term funding to sustain financing a fair COLA for retired teachers. Accordingly, RTAM continues to advocate:
Besides eliminating items or adjusting for weather and sea sonal variations how do statisticians achieve the supposed sleights of hand that make the CPI reflect less than the prices we pay?
Back in the 70’s, the Free Press published a monthly update for the grocery portion of the CPI, showing the fluctuations in the price of a pound of pork chops, etc. Now, with such a plethora of dietary choices and shopping venues, can any sampling be typical? Can it be manipulated?
The CPI basket of goods and services is also adjusted from time to time to reflect changes in consumers’ habits, lifestyle and technology. The CPI numbers used in TRAF’s recent COLA calculations were based on the 2007 version of the CPI basket, which was derived from a 2005 household survey. Ad justing for changes in consumer patterns cannot be easy. At one time, for example, the average telephone cost was a landline rental. How does one now determine a typical user’s cell phone costs? Last month Stats Canada updated its shopping basket. Photo developing was out while dried lentils and smart phones
The Prolonged Punch of Inflation
What’s in the Basket and When?
• Substitution - when steak, for example, becomes too expen sive people are assumed to consume more hamburger. Hence the cost of beef purchases is virtually unchanged.
• Geometric weighting - if the price of something goes up then it is made to account for less of the CPI relative to other things. When the price comes down, it counts for more.
Part 2
Some prices bounce up and down. Stats Canada acknowledg es that “transitory fluctuations” and “temporary movements” led to the invention of what is called core cPi. Core CPI ex cludes “volatile components” in the CPI basket; presently fruit, vegetables, gasoline, fuel oil, natural gas, mortgage interest and intercity transportation. Prior to May 2001, the Bank of Canada calculated core CPI by simply excluding all food and energy. This led to the saying that inflation was no problem – except, of course, if you had to eat, drive a car or heat your home.
Reflections and Research from a Retiree: So What Is the cost of Living?
Inflation means that money loses its purchasing power. Money becomes literally worth less. Lulled by the low num bers of recent years we tend to overlook the cumulative effects of price increases. But a centenarian First World War veteran, interviewed a few years ago by the St. Petersburg (Florida) Times had "lived through the invention of airplanes, televisions, interstate highways and cell phones. But the biggest change? 'Money has decreased in value,' he said.” What costs over $100 now could be bought for $3.00 a hundred years ago.
were added to the 760 items in the basket. There still remains the significant problem of time-lag in adjusting for changes. The US Bureau of Statistics recently admitted to Business Week that its method of canvassing consumers is increasingly “out of touch” in the age of computers and cellphones. An economist who tracks over five million items sold on the internet concludes that inflation is “much higher” than officially reported.
donna Goodman, Pension committee member
8 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
The Americans initiated this kind of adjustment to their CPI in the mid 70’s, a time of galloping inflation. After oil prices quadrupled in 1973, energy costs were removed from the Consumer Price Index. The rationale for this was the Yom Kippur War, a temporary outburst. As food prices lurched upward these too were removed from the CPI calculation. The disappearance of anchovies off the coast of Peru was cited as the cause of temporary food inflation. (I am not making this up.) In time too, according to one source, the “Federal Bureau of Statistics discarded used cars, children's toys, jewelry and housing…costs consumers battled in their daily struggle with rising prices.” Allan Greenspan is sometimes credited with initiating “reforms” to the US CPI in the early ‘80s as a way of reducing the government’s tally for Social Security.
In our last instalment we reflected on whether official pro nouncements about the cost of living jived with our own perceptions as seniors and consumers. Since then inflation news has moved from the back pages to headlines. Even so, does the Consumer Price Index reflect the “reality of the checkout counter?” Here we consider the impacts and causes of inflation and research the methodology in calculating the CPI.
Most of this price increase has happened since the mid-60s. In case, as the old joke goes, you have trouble remembering the 60’s, here's a prompt: in 1965 a new car cost $2650, the average rent was $118 and loaf of bread was 21 cents (US stats). Canada Statistics encourages us to forget past prices by the readjustment of the “base year”, assigned a value of 100, against which it measures increases. The base year is currently 2002; the next reference point will be 2012.
“Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics” …???
Fears on the Horizon
RTAM KIT • 9Summer 2011
the present time. As a means of trying to jumpstart a failing economy the American government employed ‘quantita tive easing’ (QE), sometimes described as letting the money printing presses run wild. When money is worth less, massive government debt is easier to pay back. Will this phenomenal increase in the money supply cause the lid to be blown off the inflationary kettle?
Nowadays we assume that inflation is an irrefutable fact of life. Not so back in the days of gold and silver currency. Society then took changes in the value of money very seriously. Unscru pulous folk who debased the currency, melted it down, mixing in lower-cost metals, or who clipped the currency, shaving off bits of precious metal, faced horrendous executions - except, of course, if it were the government debasing the currency to better enable it to pay its debts. This notion brings us back to
It would take an advanced degree in statistics to master infla tion calculations. The purpose here is just to inform you that a debate exists. We consequently ask: is the Canadian CPI, be it the all-items, sometimes called the headline variety, or the core calculation, accurate? The Bank of Canada admits that: “Because of the difficulties of measuring price changes due to changes in quality of products as well as other variables, the CPI may contain a certain measurement bias that prevents it from getting a completely accurate picture of inflation.” It hastens to add that we are getting a deal: “Recent studies of this bias suggest that the CPI may overstate inflation by about half a percentage point.”
In 2010 the influential US core inflation rate rose only 0.8%, the smallest increase since recordkeeping began in 1958. Ac cording to economist John Williams, however, the annual CPI increases would be much higher if calculated by the original method, based on a fixed basket goods, quantities and qualities unchanged: up to 10% if the methodology of the early 1970’s were used, and around 4% by the methodology of the 1990’s. (The mainstream media has been cautious in endorsing his ShadowStats Alternative CPI, which is not without its detrac tors and debunkers.)
Angry American economic commentators are not so san guine. They use words like “corruption”, “malicious manipula tion”, and “Orwellian” to describe the acrobatics by which rising prices, and the accompanying depravations, are understated. Recently, Canadian James Wanstall, CFO of Blumont Capitol, told Business News Network: “CPI is a lie propagated by govern ment to rob us of our wealth by devaluing our money.”
Last November the Globe and Mail reported a “25% spike in the number of seniors in poverty” and that “economists say women make up as much as 80% of the increase in seniors’ poverty.” A large portion of retired teachers are women, who often made lower salaries, because of family responsibilities and fewer opportunities for educational and administrative advancement.Onefinancial
The fact is that inflation does not hurt everyone equally. Those who fly first class often have someone else picking up the tab, indirectly subsidized by us, the consumers and tax payers. The unemployed or underemployed, on the other hand, relate to the misery index , the total of the CPI and the unemployment rate. Those with modest wage gains and without perks feel the pinch. Those with fixed incomes, with little or no increases in their pensions, surely experi ence more pain.
Fuelled by emerging market demand, weather calamities, and the trillions flooded into the market by monetary stimulus, prices have recently skyrocketed for commodities such as cot ton, copper, coffee and wheat. These increases are now being passed on to consumers in what has been describes as “death by a thousand cuts.”
Do all of the calculations and convolutions matter? You bet. The CPI is central to labour contract negotiations. Canadian governments use the CPI to adjust old-age security, CPP and tax deductions. Our TRAF pensions cost of living adjustment (cola), until 2017, is capped at no more than two thirds of the CPI – if the plan is able to afford that. In 2009, this yielded an increase of 0.80% and, in 2010, 0.98%. The Bank of Canada uses the core CPI as a guide to policy decisions about the money supply and interest rates. And, because low core CPI rates relate to low investment interest rates, pension plans like TRAF are unlikely to be able to afford more generous payouts.
• Hedonics or quality adjustment - this is when there is deemed to be no price increase on new car models, etc. because of added ‘standard equipment’ i.e. more bells and whistles.
Inflation - Then and Now
advisor and author advises that: “there are so many distortions to the CPI that one is better off to assume the consumer price index is rising 5% to 10% a year and to adjust one’s life (and investments) accordingly.” For those on fixed incomes, this means not saving more but sacrificing more.
Impacts of Inflation
What is to happen to the value of our money? Experts disagree. Some predict hyperinflation, urging us to take to the hills with our guns, gold and bottled water before blood is spilled on the streets. A few forecast the opposite - deflation – falling prices, especially in real estate, and, consequently, a contracting economy as has happened in Japan. Canada’s fate might be stagflation, little movement in employment, interest rates and wages - unions have little power in a global market place - but rising prices on fuel and food. Canadians suppos edly spend, on average, only 10% of after-tax income on food (I must be more hungry than ‘average’), and some commenta tors glibly assume that price bumps will pass unnoticed. But, in the words of researcher Evan Fraser, “for those at the lower end of the income distribution, so called subtle hikes will feel like a wallop.”
If you are interested in participating in one of Candace Swick’s classes, she can be reached at the Rady JCC centre (for members and non-members). She also sets up personal programs. Her website is www.beewellfitness.
RETIREd WOMEN TEAchERS ASSOcIATION
I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the teachers who contrib uted non-perishable food items and cash donations ($170) for Winnipeg Harvest.
On Thursday, February 17, 2011, 109 retired teachers participated in the third program for the 20102011 year at the Masonic Temple in Winnipeg.Candace
Life never was fair, and the same may be said of sacrifices in retirement years. An investment banker, with possibly suspect scruples, is rewarded with obscene bonuses; the outstanding teacher is rewarded with thank you notes and a disappearing COLA. You can’t take thank you notes to the bank. Let us not neglect, nevertheless, to speak out against injustice.
comA
10 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
Swick, a leading practi cal expert on fitness for the older adult population, presented ideas and strategies for Active Aging Fitness. As owner of Bee-Well Fit ness and the Older Adult Health and Fitness Specialist at the Rady JCC, she specializes in exercise programs for those with different health issues faced by the older adult. Candace is a co-author to the Can-Fit Pro Older Adult certifica tion manual. She is certified in the areas of: fitness, water, rehab and any specialty programs related to older adults. She is a regular presenter on older adult topics across Canada. She holds a Diploma in Therapeu tic Recreation, is a Rehab Therapy Therapist for Older Adults, and is very well known in her community. Candace continues to write articles, create programs for those in need, and trains others to teach programs to older adults of all levels and func tions. She was recently nominated for an Active Living award at the Reh-fit Centre.
Candace began her presentation with a 20 minute workout involving all the teachers. She demonstrated many of the activities she does in her classes. The members of her classes range from 45 to 92 years of age and are at different levels; including people who use canes and who are in wheelchairs. She presented a variety of activities that
meet the different levels of ability. Some of the exercises involved bal ance, focusing on muscle strength and stability. She also demonstrated the kind of equipment that she uses, such as tubing and a variety of tools and resistance equipment. She also suggested “cross-trainers” runners as appropriate footwear when working out. Candace explained the benefits of doing these activities. As people age, we need to take advantage of the newest ideas to accommodate our abilities.Ibelieve
the teachers who attended this program acquired many excellent ideas to strengthen their body.
whether we are here for a long time, or for a good time. We experience a loss of purchasing power - from rising prices, from stock market meltdowns, and at present, miniscule interest rates. These, like death and taxes, are certainties. The ultimate uncertainty is how long we are going to live. So how much we need for our retirement years is unknown. The one certain thing, though, is that the undertaker will hike his charges to reflect a cost-of-living adjustment. As the ad for a local funeral establishment so chirpily declares: “When the price of living increases … so does the cost of dying!”
special thank you to photogra pher Louise Burton.
Our End is the Conclusion
For most of us retirement means less money to spend and more time to spend it. Faced with tempting splurges we debate
Phyllis Kalinsky
Elder abuse should never be ignored. only 1 out of 5 cases will come to the attention of a service provider or authority, therefore, it is extremely important for community and family members to recognize the possible signs of abuse.
no one deserves to be mistreated. There are many theories as to why elder abuse happens. Ageism, discrimination, stere otypes and negative attitudes towards older adults and aging can be important factors that lead to the mistreatment of adults in later
can help as well by visiting regularly loved ones in private or public senior’s residences. It doesn’t have to be a long visit, but it would be useful to be done at different times of the day to get a better perspective of how the residence is run.
Thanks for the kind comments that have been sent our way and for the constructive comments.
ways of physically or emotionally mistreat ing elders, but the most common form of elder abuse is of a financial nature. What can be easier than misusing bank accounts, credit or debit cards when one has a Power of At torney over the affairs of a parent. Having a joint account with a loved one is a rather simple way to abuse too. Trusted unscrupulous individuals can steal from a vulnerable senior almost at will. This is not to say that all trusted persons are crooks. In most cases having free reign over the affairs of a parent, for example, is a necessity and is quite beneficial to the elderly person who is unable to pay their bills for example.
What is elder abuse?
ELdER ABUSE IN cANAdA
Any action or lack of action by a person in a position of trust (most often a family member) that causes harm to an older per son. The harm may be physical, emotional or financial.
You are not alone. here in Manitoba it is estimated that be tween 4 and 10% of older adults have experienced one or more forms of abuse or neglect. That translates to 6,000 to 15,000 seniors!Itcan
STOP ThE PRESSES!
Did you know that thousands of seniors are being re peatedly abused or neglected in Canada? What’s most shocking is that they are being mistreated by someone close to them. Can you imagine a relative, a caregiver or any persons in a position of trust maltreating citizens unable to help themselves! What’s most interesting as well is that this exploitation often goes on unnoticed and regrettably unreported.Therearemany
Perhaps it is too melodramatic a way to announce that Media Watch came to a conclusion on May 2nd with its 100th issue. Since November 23rd, 2010, 61 issues have been put out by the Public Relations Committee. In addition to giving information of an economical and social nature, the intent of Media Watch was to keep RTAM’s presence in the minds of its members, politicians and the general public. It was never intended to compete with KIT or to replace people’s reading habits. To the extent that it was inter esting, we are satisfied that it filled a void.
Preventingabuse.and
Finally, it is important to recognize elder abuse and to know what you can do to protect the dignity and the safety of citizens that can’t help themselves. If you suspect abuse, a simple call to the police is in order.
RTAM KIT • 11Summer 2011
Therelife.is
help. In Manitoba call the s eniors Abuse support Line at 1-888-896-7183 to learn about the resources that are available to help.
All the piles of newspapers and magazines that provided fodder for the activity have been put into the recycling bin and many more “free” hours have been added to the editor’s life!
Fortunately, there are often signs of elder abuse. Un explained bruises, ongoing tension on the part of elderly seniors, including loss of weight, untreated rashes and sores should be investigated. An elderly person dressed in dirty clothes, especially when you know that this person would never want to be seen in public, in such a state, needs to be checked. Being withdrawn or even depressed are often signs of elder
John Sushelnitsky chair, Public Relations committee
happen to anyone. older adults of all ages, cultures, economic backgrounds and physical or mental status have experienced abuse and neglect.
Norbert Boudreau
protecting our loved ones against senior abuse is of prime importance. Seniors are urged to get their financial affairs in order with a trusted lawyer while they are still of sound mind. This includes preparing a will and naming an honest and trusted individual with appropriate Power of RelativesAttorney.andfriends
Show the world you care about ending elder abuse and neglect by wearing something purple on June 15, 2011 as we observe the 6th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
b) Opposition to any legislation that would introduce user fees for medical care.
RTAM advocates:
ii) Adherence to national standards
a) That teacher pensions be based on a five-year average for both active and retired teachers;
2.04 Representation with other agencies
RTAM POLIcy chANGERosalieBornn,chairperson-
12 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
a) That it be represented on any Provincial Government or MTS committee whose objectives affect the economic welfare of, or services to, RTAM members.
2.08 Pension surplus
i) Active teachers who bought back to achieve a five-year average shall receive reimbursement of the cost of buy-back plus accrued interest.
b) That the Teachers’ Pension Act contain provisions for determining allocation of pension plan surpluses.
RTAM advocates that:
a) The first principle of management objectives should be to seek maximum returns for the benefit of the pension plan.
vi) Providing accessible, affordable and timely health care to the elderly and
2.07 Five year Pension averaging
RTAM advocates:
That section 2 – PR inciPles oF Rta M be included in the Policy Manual as follows: section 2 – PR inciPles oF Rta M
b) That the RTAM representative(s) there have the right to speak to any motion that might affect retired teachers.
a) Support of the following general policy on national health care:i)Acceptance of the five core principles of the Canada
Health Act
a) That a teacher is entitled to receive adequate retirement income.b)Thatinflation protection be provided to enable retirees to maintain their standard of living.
2.02 Representation on the tR aF Board
iv) Meeting the demands for home care v) Supporting a national Pharmacare program
2.01 liaison with Mts
RTAM advocates:
b) Investment portfolio management decisions should be based solely on economic merit.
f) Co-operate with other organizations on matters of common concern.
The following interim policy changes were approved by the membership at the May 2011 AGM of RTAM in Steinbach:
a) Take a leadership role in the public discussion of national b)issues.Speak for all retired teachers on national issues affecting c)them.Facilitate and promote liaison and mutual assistance among its member organizations.
b) Co-operation with other organizations on matters of common concern.
2.05 health Policy
RTAM advocates:
b) That the following be the basis of calculations for those with service prior to 1980:
iii) Establishment of a funding formula
c) That full inflation protection be the goal of the TRAF Cost of Living Allowance.
2.10 advertising in Rta M Print and electronic Publications
2.09 Pension Fund investing
ii) Retired teachers whose pension is based on both a sevenyear average and five-year average shall receive a pension based on a five-year average.
d) Promote the interests of its member organizations. e) Develop strategies for joint action on matters of common concern to member organizations.
a) That RTAM be represented on the TRAF Board. b) That any member representing RTAM be named by c)RTAM.Thatany representation on the TRAF Board and its committees be proportional based on TRAF pension assets.
RTAM advocates:
2.03 Role of aceR- caRt RTAM advocates that ACER-CART:
RTAM advocates:
2.06 Retirement income
a) That, in decision-making regarding the use of teacher pension plan surplus, RTAM is recognized by government as the representative of retired teachers.
Bylaws & Policy committee
iii) Retired teachers who bought back their pension to achieve a five-year average for all years of service shall receive an actuarially based pro-rated amount of the cost of the buy-back plus interest.
c) That the Association may submit resolutions to the AGM of the Society for consideration.
g) Promote and support public education.
a) That it be represented at the AGM of MTS.
Motion (aFFiRM ed)
RTAM advocates:
Motion (aFFiRM ed)
An Ad Hoc Organizing Committee consisting of the President, Vice President and Past President shall: a. Be established each year at AGM soon after the elections have been completed.
8.02 Committee Formation
8.03 Committee Make-up and General Responsibilities
Motion (aFFiRM ed)
RTAM KIT • 13Summer 2011
That the following changes be made to section 8 –coMMittees of the Policy Manual, with appropriate rei)numbering:ThatPolicy 8.02 read:
ii) That Policy 8.02 be re-numbered as 8.03 and be amended to read:
d. Give consideration to committee membership diversity where possible.
d)media.Alladvertisers should be informed that RTAM does not endorse or promote any products, services, or events presented in paid advertisements, the announcements, or other sections of its publications unless specified.
When on RTAM business out of Winnipeg, and when accommodation rates exceed the approved RTAM rate, all reasonable accommodation costs will be reimbursed.
b) Not-for-profit organizations that wish to place public service announcements, school or teacher reunion notices, or information on volunteer opportunities with service groups may do so free of charge. These may be promoted at the discretion of, and for a period as determined by, the Editor and/or Webmaster, based on criteria developed by the Communications Committee and approved by the Board.
c) Commercial advertising that does not compete directly with an RTAM program or service may be included at the discretion of the Editor and/or the Webmaster at rates suggested by the Communications Committee, approved by the Board and published in RTAM print and electronic
That in response to the motion passed at AGM 2010 with respect to the study and report of the future need for receipts for all meal expenses, the Board recommends to AGM 2011 that RTAM continue with the current practice regarding reimbursement of expenses.
6.04 election and term of office
a. Consist of a chair and a maximum of five (5) members (exclusive of the President), a majority of which shall be directors, appointed by the Board of Directors at the first meeting of the Board from a list recommended by the Ad Hoc Organizing Committee. Additional members, if required, may be added by resolution of the Board.
That the following change be made to section 6 –BoaR d oF diR ectoRs of the Policy Manual, with appropriate re-numbering. (6.02 will become 6.03). Add: 6.02 Duties of Directors
Motion (aFFiRM ed)
a) RTAM and Chapter sponsored events may be promoted free of charge.
a) Each director shall be a member of at least one standing committee.
b) The term of office for a Board shall be from July 1st to June 30th .
Motion (aFFiRM ed)
Motion (aFFiRM ed)
Each standing committee shall:
BylaWs notice oF Motion for agM 2012 (aFFiRM ed)
f) Where space permits, classified advertisements may be accepted.
aBylawsrticle 6- Board of directors
That Policy 10:02 (5) c) be added to read: Board members and Chapter representatives traveling from outside of Manitoba to attend RTAM approved activities shall be reimbursed at the approved reasonable rates for the portion of their travel within Manitoba.
Motion (aFFiRM ed)
That Policy 3.01 c) be amended to read: When in the discretion of the Board of Directors of RTAM, it is consistent with the interests, aims and objectives of RTAM to cooperate with an external or commercial venture in distributing information to RTAM members then, where practical and with all costs being borne by the requesting group, such information may be distributed through 1) RTAM print and electronic media or 2) a bonded mailer to which RTAM will provide a single-use mailing list.
That Policy 10.02 (6) be re-numbered as 10.02 (7) and that 10.02 (6) now read:
Motion (aFFiRM ed)
e) The Editor, Webmaster and/or Board of Directors of RTAM accept no responsibility or liability for failure to insert an advertisement for any reason. In such instances, a full refund will be given.
b. Be responsible for recommending to the first meeting of the Board the membership of Board committees as well as their chairs.c.Make these recommendations from a list of names gathered by the AGM and Election Committee by inviting applications from the Board, from readers of KIT and the Website, from Chapters and from attendees at AGM.
Submitted by TRAF
These rules do not apply if you are teaching outside of the public school system or if you are over the age of 65 with 15 qualifying years of service in the TRAF Returningplan.toteach
These rules apply to general, term AND substitute teaching contracts where TRAF contributions are nor mally required.
You are required to notify your school division that you are receiv ing a TRAF pension. You are also required to track the number of days you teach during the school year, and to notify your school division and TRAF when you expect to reach 120 days. This is especially critical if you are teaching in more than one school division.Yourschool division is also required to notify TRAF in writing when the number of days taught is expected to reach 120 Trackingdays.your working days after retirement:
14 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
How to proceed:
If you return to teach in a Manitoba public school after you retire, you should be aware that there is a limit to the number of days, and when you can return to teach, before it affects your TRAF pension.
–
to general or term teaching contracts where TRAF con tributions are normally required, but excludes substitute teaching.
therefore required to cancel your pension and you must resume contributing to TRAF as an active member. You will also have to repay TRAF the pension you received to this Oncepoint.youretire, your pension will be calculated on your total service as if you had never applied for pension.
TRAF(TPA).is
If you return to teach under contract and work more than 120 full days* in
a school year, legislation requires your pension to be “suspended”on the 121st day and you must again contribute to TRAF. You will not have to repay TRAF the pension you received up to the 120th day. Any pension paid beyond the 120th day must be repaid to TRAF.
continue employment, the second benefit may be paid as a lump sum or as an additional pension. You will once again be subject to the rules of returning to teach within 90 days of your most recent retirement date.
• IMPORTANT: Teaching more than 50% of a day is considered to be a full day of work. Anything up to 50% is considered to be a half day. It is possible to teach more than 50% of a day in one morning or afternoon. Check with your school division to beOncesure.
your pension has been sus pended you must terminate your contract to reactivate your initial pen sion (regardless of age and qualifying service). You will need to apply for your second pension benefit based on your additional earnings and accrued service. Depending on how long you
within 90 days ofTheseretirement:rulesapply
Limited number of teaching days in a school year:
WhAT ARE ThE RULES?
If you return to teach under con tract within 90 days of retirement, you will no longer be considered retired according to The Teachers' Pensions Act
TEAchING AFTER RETIREMENT
• TRAF may request a copy of your working schedule/time table to determine when you have reached 120 days
To help you determine when you reach 120 days:
• if you work more than a half-day, count it as a full day
• you should count the number of hours you work to determine whether the day is to be counted as a half or full day. Prep-time in your schedule counts towards this time
based on your TRAF pen sion income only. If you work after retirement, you may want to increase the amount of tax deducted throughout the year.
RTAM KIT • 15Summer 2011
• if you work less than or equal to a half-day, count it as a half-day
• working an afternoon or morning could be more than a half-day
(Back row) Pat Bowslaugh (Brandon), Maureen Recksiedler (Stonewall), Rosalie Bornn (Dauphin ), Guy Hansen (Thompson), Ray Sitter (Brandon). (Front row) L-R Rita Warrian (Dauphin), Vel McAdam (The Pas). Missing: William Taylor (Brandon).
If your pension is suspended, special arrangements may be necessary for Blue Cross, Manulife, and Johnson Group benefits as well as RTAM membership fees that are deducted from your TRAF pension. Contact those organizations directly to determine what steps you should take to continue your coverage.
• include all substitute days
LEAvING ThE RTAM BOARd
• Days are counted on a 'school year' basis (September-
• count all paid days
Remember,OtherJune)considerations:taxisdeducted
1.
That the accommodation with family or friends in lieu of hotel may be claimed at a rate of up to 50% of the hotel rate per day beginning July 1, 2011. CARRIED.
That the RTAM budget proposed by the RTAM Board of Directors be approved. CARRIED.
That Goossen Accounting of Gilbert Plains, MB be appointed as auditors for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. CARRIED.
AGM
That the rate of reimbursement for meals be $42.00 per diem and that the lunch rate not exceed $15.00, beginning July 1, 2011.
2.Malik/WarrianMalik/Warrian Reimbursement Rates 6.Malik/Warrian5.Malik/Warrian4.Malik/Warrian3.Malik/Warrian 2010-2011 Budget 7.Malik/Warrian Membership Fees 9.Malik/Warrian8.Malik/Warrian
That the RTAM AGM 2011 receive the Auditor's Report for the fiscal year 2009-2010. CARRIED.
of reimbursement for hotel be up to $ 130.00 per day beginning July 1, 2011. CARRIED.
2011 FINANcIAL MOTIONS
That the rate of reimbursement for mileage be $ 0.49 per km beginning July 1, 2011. CARRIED.
That the Regular and Associate membership fees be $27.00 for the fiscal year 2011-2012. CARRIED.
16 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
ThatCARRIED.therate
That the membership fee for the Life Members be waived. CARRIED.
Auditor's Report
When I was ten years old, I sent a dime to the Littleton Stamp Company in Littleton, New Hampshire. The advertisement in my comic book promised a free stamp collection and an album to hold the stamps. All I had to do was agree to receive “approvals” that the company would mail from time to time in the hope that I would buy more stamps for my collection. Finding a U.S. dime was no problem because we lived only a mile from the boundary and fre quently went to the U.S. to shop or to go to the movies.
WOULd BEcOME vALUABLE!
Nick Andrusiak
10% or more on my investment since I get 100% of postage value for stamps that cost 90%. I am having the enjoyment of working with old stamps and I am probably driv ing up the value of the remaining unused stamps. And the return on my investment takes place in a matter of a few weeks.
I went to a local stamp show and made some arrangements with several deal ers. They sell me their unused Canadian stamps at between 85% and 90% of face value and I use them for postage. As long as I buy several hundred dollars worth of stamps at one time any dealer is happy to get rid of the stamps which he bought at 70%. Be prepared to use five or six or morer stamps per large envelope. They are very
It was amazing! The approvals matched the pictures of stamps printed in the small, staple-bound album. You got a discount if you bought an entire envelope full of approvals. At first the entire set was one dollar but as you progressed the value went up. The approvals came at regular intervals.
Nick Andrusiak lives and sorts old stamps in Winnipeg.
they were worth 100 times as much. A story was told of a collector who bought a sheet of each of these stamps when his daughter was born and sold them for enough money to pay for her wedding twenty years later.
lectors. Kids are glued to the electronic games that they play on their computers and haven’t got time for stamps. The serious stamp collectors want mint cop ies that have no hinge marks and are perfectly centered. Many of the sheets sold at local post offices were poorly centered. Besides, what other hobby has the expectation of any increase in value. Not golf nor match book collecting.
Furthermore, I learned that old stamps were treasured by collectors and some stamps were extremely valuable. The 1954 United Nations Postal Administra tion’s 3c and 8c mother and child stamps (Human Rights Issue) catalog over $12 for a mint set and $5 for used. Just think, you bought the stamps for 11 cents and
Obviously, if we collected stamps our collections would become valuable and we would be rich in our old age. So, in the 1960s and 70s we were told to save entire sheets of Canadian commemora tive stamps (50 or 100 stamps per sheet) putting them away carefully. Many of us did just that. Too many of us.
An idea struck me about six years ago. I mail a lot of magazines for a railway historical association and find that copies sent to the U.S. and other countries seem to get more rapid mail service if the post age is paid for by real stamps instead of meter impressions or postal permits. And the people who read historical journals appreciate getting the historic stamps.
If your organization does any mailing I suggest you contact several of your lo cal stamp dealers and see if you can get a similar bargain. This story may turn out to be the best investment advice you will ever get.
What is the reality?
Why are the old stamps not in demand? There are relatively few young stamp col
By studying the ads in vari ous comic books I learned that a lot of KingseveltFranklinstamps,peopleimportantcollectedincludingD.RooandevenGeorgeVwho had staff members, called the Keepers Royal, in charge of the king’s collection. In 1904, he acquired, at an auction, the famous 2d Mauritius, which may be one of the rarest stamps in the world and of which he was very proud. Even today his grand daughter Elizabeth II, has a royal collection but she is said to be less enthusiastic about collecting than George V.
Therefore,colourful.Iammaking
RTAM KIT • 17Summer 2011 ThE y PROMISEd US ThAT OUR STAMPS
To a typical collector’s great surprise, the reception at the stamp dealer is lukewarm at best. The dealer offers the collector seventy per cent of face value for the stamps, that is, for every $100 spent thirty or forty years ago the collector is offered $70. The dealer doesn’t really need the stamps but if he turns away too many accumulations, word will get out that old stamps are not valuable and stamp collecting would be in disrepute. After all, old stamps are worth only what someone is willing to pay for them and if no one wants them what good are they? Without dealers there would be no catalog values.
After the millennium turned over, many collectors pulled out their fortyyear-old hoards of mint sheets and headed to their local stamp dealer be lieving that they would be gratefully received and their stamps would be highly demanded by hordes of bud ding young collec tors. They felt that they were doing stamp collectors a public service. Besides, it was time to get a return on their investment.
Respectfully submitted, Vel McAdam, Chairperson
Bylaws and Policy
Committee members proofread and send corrections/ suggestions, etc., back to the Editor. This corrected material is then emailed to the publisher.
EDITORIAL
Upon the closing time of nominations, Thursday, April 7th at 4:00 p.m., the following 15 nominations were received.
On behalf of our 8000+ members, we thank them for their conscientious efforts over the years that they served on the Board.
We await their response.
18 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011 RepoRts of Committeesstanding
The committee held four meetings during the year. Additional extensive and ongoing committee collaboration once again took place by phone, by email and by Canada Post.
Thank you to all directors who supported our work by offering feedback as requested. I extend my sincere appreciation to all committee members for their dedicated hard work throughout the year.
At the first meeting with the publisher, all material is checked to see that it arrived.
placement is checked, ads are checked, number of pages decided upon. Number of pages must be in multiples of four. For the spring 2011 issue, another committee member attended the Themeeting.publisher
The following Board members from 2010 – 2011 will not be returning as members of the RTAM Board.
* * *
* * *
Committee Members: Vel McAdam (Chair), Pat Bowslaugh; Dr. Mary Pankiw, Peggy Prendergast
Committee members: Rosalie Bornn (Chair), Jag Malik, Dr. Mary Pankiw, Ray Sitter, Rita Warrian
This brings to an end the multi-year task of the complete review of the bylaws and policies of RTAM. However, since bylaws and policies are considered living documents that need to meet the evolving needs of an organization, this committee recommends that the following tasks be addressed by the 2011-2012 Board with input from the Bylaws and Policy Committee:
forwards a final copy to the printer and within two or three days, the final copy is returned to the publisher for a final proof. Copy is then sent back to the printer for processing, which includes sending all copies to Canada Post.
A priority for the committee was to complete the fine tuning of the Principles of RTAM as listed in the 2010 Policy Manual that was affirmed at the May 2010 AGM. The principles have been consistently written as advocacy statements of RTAM. The committee also completed tasks that were assigned by Board motion throughout the year. As a result, Section 2- Principles of RTAM and several interim policy motions are on the agenda for this AGM. Please note that the Code of Conduct for RTAM meeting participants as adopted by the Board this year will be appended to the Policy Manual. A preliminary committee operating manual as required in current policy was also developed.
The next meeting with the publisher takes place after the publisher has set up the copy. Final proofreading is done,
1. The advisability of setting term limits for Directors, with a recommendation to AGM 2012
MEETINGS: Two meetings are held with the publisher prior to each issue.
ACTIVITIES: All material is sent to the Editor by email, some photos arrive by Canada Post. This material is forwarded to proofreaders/committee members, by email. All material is kept track of with a numbering system.
The Editor sends out receipts and a copy of the issue to all who have paid for advertising. Several copies are delivered to the RTAM office for use there.
Undelivered copies are returned to the RTAM office or to the Editor.
* * * Elections
Respectfully submitted, Pat Bowslaugh, Elections Chair
President/DirectorNominees: Richard Benoit and Dr. Mary Pankiw; Vice President/Director: Wayne Hughes; Secretary: No nominations received; Treasurer/Director: Jag Malik
(Reprinted from the AGM Booklet)
The number of copies required for mailing and the mailing list is emailed from the RTAM office.
Nominees for Director: Guy Hansen, Dolores Hebert, Ron Kalinchuk, Carol Pelton, Barb McDole, Ted Poulter, Anne Monk, Norman Wiebe, Peggy Prendergast, Doreen Sage, John Sushelnitsky
Please remember, candidates may be nominated from the floor of AGM provided their nomination is supported by ten RTAM members, who also are present at the time of elections at AGM. Bylaws state that the Board must consist of a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 20 people.
Respectfully submitted by Doreen Sage, Editor
Pat Bowslaugh; Rita Warrian; Rosalie Bornn; Vel McAdam; Maureen Recksiedler; Ray Sitter; William Taylor
Educational Advocacy
Respectfully submitted by Rosalie Bornn, Chair
It has been a quiet year for Educational Advocacy. We have assisted in making contact with active teachers, through MTS, to offer our services in any way that would be deemed appropriate, in reacting to the Department of Education’s most recent policy pronouncment regarding: * student report cards; * student retention; * late assignments; * professional development
3. The operating year of the RTAM Board of Directors (Notice of motion re Bylaws)
2. Function of the Officers Committee
MEMBERS: Editor, Doreen Sage, Neepawa; Proofreaders: Vel McAdam, The Pas; Joan Goble, Thompson; William Taylor, Brandon
to the members of the Group Benefits Committee who have spent countless hours in the quest to offer our members viable plans
3. In the meantime, the Membership Committee blended the two versions of the brochures into a single power point presentation, which was presented to the Board and approved.
was ongoing concern with the status of associate membership. Because of the advantages of RTAM membership
Membership and Chapters Respectfully submitted by Membership & Chapters Committee members: Rosalie Bornn, John Solomon, Ron Kalinchuk and cochairs Ray Sitter, John Sushelnitsky
Respectfully submitted by Pat Bowslaugh, Group Benefits Chair
In addition to Travel and Extended Health Care, RTAM is pleased to be able to offer other Insurances as requested over the years. These include:
Having assumed the position of Chair of Group Benefits following the 2010 AGM, it has proven to be a very busy year. Due to the unfortunate illness of our usual Johnson, Inc. contact, Shannon Patershuk, we began the plans for the 2010/2011 packages with Perry Dorgan. Several meetings took place during the 2010 summer months with Perry accompanied first by Cherri Burdeney and then by actuary John Krauss. Perry Dorgan offered us great assistance in addressing the issues that were challenging the Benefits Committee. Namely, the three issues included: a) in the Extended Health Care Plan the $1000 and the $1250 prescription drug plans were no longer viable unless there were huge increases in premiums
As part of the process of implementing these plans, several Chapters invited the Benefits Committee to bring forth information. Sincere thanks to Neepawa Area Retired Teachers, Boyne Chapter, Northeastman, Southwest Assiniboine, The Pas, Thompson and the Westman Chapters, as well as those who attended the presentation at the MTS building in October. Please note that whenever you have questions you are invited to phone our RTAM office at 1-888-393-8082 and the search for an answer will
The Travel Plan received numerous valuable enhancements while maintaining a very reasonable annual premium. Travelers are now able to have as many trips of 62 days as desired and trips of more that 62 days can be serviced with multiple 15 day extensions by contacting Johnson, Inc before departure.
* * *
Manybegin.thanks
Following extensive deliberations, it was decided to eliminate the $1000 and $1250 Extended Health Care Plans and to move those participants to the Extended Health Care Core Plan with 80% coverage of prescription drugs up to $500. The Committee then deliberated with Johnson actuary John Krauss to design an Enhanced Plan which, due to the numerous requests, did offer the unlimited prescription drugs up to the point where Pharmacare becomes effective. The annual maximum is your Pharmacare limit or up to $10 000 for prescription drugs in the Enhanced Plan. The rates, which appeared to be expensive, were designed to make the coverage for drugs viable while also offering enhanced coverage for the ten paramedical services pus various other supports. The members who have taken advantage of this plan are able to see that their premium is realistic considering their needs.
RTAM KIT • 19Summer 2011 * * *
Interruption/Baggage Insurance
One of the last items to be negotiated was the change of the renewal date; henceforth it will be April 1 of each year. It is deemed that this will coincide with the Pharmacare year and will provide for reasonable transition time for the Benefits Committee to negotiate any changes to the plans.
1. There has been progress in the creation of RTAM seminars to inform prospective members in the current teaching profession of the advantages in joining RTAM when they retire. In the past, RTAM representatives were allowed to be present at MTS preretirement seminars to distribute RTAM information materials. At some point, the MTS decided to not allow this practice to continue. As a consequence, Membership took up the task of writing new, updated brochures and of exploring avenues to make them available to teachers.
b) many Extended Health Care participants wanted unlimited coverage for prescription drugs, and c) the opportunity to increase/improve coverage on the Travel TheseInsurance.were
4. The delivery of the power point presentation was facilitated by co-operation with the provincial school superintendents’ organization. Information about the presentation was first distributed to a provincial meeting and then they were asked to distribute the information to all schools in their division.
Dental Insurance - Long Term Care - Guaranteed Life Insurance - Home Insurance Term Life Insurance - Stand Alone Trip Cancellation/
2. Last year, the RTAM Board reviewed the six brochures and gave an ad hoc committee the task of revising them. This year, the report of the ad hoc committee was reviewed and further revisions were suggested. A second ad hoc committee was tasked with the production of two brochures.
5. As a result, two seminars were organized to present the power point and to have a following question and answer panel. The first seminar was at the Caboto Centre in Winnipeg on April 23, 2011; the second was at Crocus Plains Secondary School in Brandon on April 30, 2011.
6. As this is the first attempt on RTAM’s part to approach current teachers with its own information session, we are confident that much will be learned in the organizing of such 7.events.There
Group Benefits
Our Travel Insurance now has a $2 Million limit and trip cancellation has been increased from $6 000 to $7 000. In addition, there is now coverage for lost or delayed luggage. To guarantee our coverage, any medical event must be “sudden and unforeseen”. That means people can not expect to be covered if they have had a recent medical intervention; one’s health must be that of stability. Please check with Johnson if you have any questions. Their contact number is 1-877-989-2600. In the event of a sudden and unforeseen event such as a fall or sudden illness you must contact Sigma Assistel FIRST They will assist you by directing you in what to do.
Members: Pat Bowslaugh, Chair; Maureen Recksiedler, Jag Malik, Bill Taylor, Brian Paterson and Gerry Melnyk
tall orders!
• We have continued to prepare reports regarding COLA/ pension information and analysis, and have updated some COLA materials previously prepared by the committee as required.
* * * *
4. Lobbying Meetings – We provided advice and support materials for meetings held with the Minister of Education and the Opposition Parties to advocate for a resolution of the COLA problem. The chairperson acted as a resource at these meetings.
Pensions
Committee Members: Wayne Hughes (Chair), Guy Hansen, Marvin Krawec, Dick Marshall, Anne Monk, John Sushelnitsky
4. follow-up with MLAs.”
3. uses a consistent message as developed by RTAM (Pension, PAC and PR Committees)
5. The report went on to say, “If RTAM is to be successful in getting our message out, we need a broad based approach across the entire province.”
* * * *
1. In the third year following Bill 45, RTAM has been monitoring
Future Directions: Work will continue on the COLA problem and other pension matters, including a review of pension-related policies.
2. selects and trains RTAM members from the appropriate constituency
In November, a presentation was made to the Chapter Presidents asking for their support in identifying 3 to 5 members willing to attend a workshop that would prepare them to meet with MLAs. Although we were prepared to have two separate workshops in Winnipeg and Brandon, the number of participants who volunteered allowed us to have one session in Winnipeg. On February 9, 2011 a very successful workshop was held for 25 members, where the central message of increased long term funding and fairness was presented. The participants began meeting with select MLAs in March and early April. Feedback from the meetings has been very positive and seems to show a continued need to meet with and inform MLAs of the ongoing concerns of retired teachers across the province.
Many thanks are extended to the committee for its time and effort during this past year.
with regard to emergency travel insurance, there have been “borderline” requests for associate membership. They have been decided on an individual basis according to the guidelines of RTAM Policy.
1. COLA – We have continued our work on the TRAF cost of living adjustment (COLA) problem as follows:
8. In reports from Chapters at Presidents’ meetings, it is clear that there are two main motivations for retired teachers meeting on a regular basis. In some Chapters, mainly rural, the social aspect is highly valued and participation remains very active. In other Chapters, mainly urban, participation is tied to the political necessity of improving the Pension COLA and involvement ebbs and flows according to the political climate.
The Political Action Committee (PAC) continues to be a very busy and committed group of volunteers. Over the past year we have had ten (10) regular monthly meetings as well as four (4) all day working or workshop meetings.
Political Action Respectfully submitted, Wayne Hughes, PAC chair
Meetings: The committee has met 12 times during this board year.
Respectfully submitted by Anne Monk, Chairperson
Respectfully submitted by the Public Relations Committee Committee: John Sushelnitsky, Chair; Vel McAdam, Guy Hanson, and Ron Kalinchuk
1. identifies MLAs to be approached
* * *
Last year, it was reported: “We are planning for the participation of RTAM members to hold a constituency meeting with their MLA that uses a four-step approach that:
PAC also recommends that the MLA meetings and message be repeated in September and early October for all candidates in the provincial election as RTAM’s non-partisan approach to having all parties address the long standing problems with our COLA.
The 2011 Political Action Committee has devoted their efforts to the plan put forward at last year’s AGM. The fall was taken up with many hours of preparation and planning, where we were able to identify our membership by constituency. We then had three all day working meeting to develop the message to be passed on to chapter teams who would begin meeting with MLAs across the province.
Thank you to all who have worked so hard on these issues and we look forward to your continued support and commitment.
Committee: Anne Monk (Chairperson), Peggy Prendergast, Wayne Hughes, Bill Cann, Lynn Land, Donna Goodman
3. Representation – We are in the process of developing recommendations regarding a board process for RTAM’s nomination to the Minister of Education for the minister’s appointment of a representative of retired members of the Plan to the TRAF Board.
20 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
Activities:
• We have continued to keep abreast of current TRAF information regarding COLAs and other relevant pension matters, including tracking the impact of Bill 45 on COLAs. We monitored pension developments at the Manitoba Teachers’ Society, in other provincial teacher pension plans and in other Manitoba public sector pension plans. Pension issues in general were monitored
• Consideration of options for future COLA directions, both positions and strategies, is ongoing.
• Support to the Board and its committees and to chapters on COLA/pension matters was provided.
Public Relations
2. MTS Pensions Policies – We reviewed the Manitoba Teachers’ Society proposed revised pension policies and provided advice regarding RTAM’s perspective. The chairperson assisted the president in a consultation meeting with MTS regarding the proposed policies, held because of a 2010 MTS AGM resolution supporting consultation with RTAM.
5. KIT - Reports on pensions were submitted to KIT.
4. Guy Hanson headed the Committee’s task of purchasing promotional items for RTAM activities.***
Activities:
RTAM KIT • 21Summer 2011
Links to two of our Chapter Websites (The Pas and EMR) have been revised and refurbished, as they seemed to have been lost in the shuffle somewhere down the line. Of course, any other chapters that have created websites are welcome to contact us for inclusion in our links to your websites. Anyone wishing to establish a website can find much information on the web about doing so. We can help by giving you space on our web server or offering suggestions about getting started.
Meetings:
We did experiment with adding a blog comment system that worked quite well, but after vetting the idea through a lawyer, the board decided that it was better to remove that aspect of the website as there was potential for inappropriate content being posted to our site. We felt, as an association, that we did not want to be held responsible to any comments that might be scandalous or libelous. An individual blog would be one thing, but a corporate one like this has its own problems to contend with. The tracking and “censoring” of such a blog, to protect the association, was considered quite prodigious.
Respectfully submitted by Ron Kalinchuk, Webmaster
Continually changing content includes things like Approved Minutes from board meetings, special activities like Travel Fairs and Wellness Days, Media Watch articles, President Reports, KIT pdf files and other content that may be appropriate and of interest to our members. Sometimes the changing of this content is a matter of time commitment and sometimes a matter of availability of material or technical problems to be overcome in posting it. We hope to improve the timeliness of these items as much as possible.
Respectfully submitted by Peggy Prendergast, Chair
Respectfully submitted by Maureen Recksiedler, Chair
Throughout the year the travel committee submitted information of interest to travellers for inclusion in KIT. One article featured websites where …
3. It was a very efficient tool in keeping members abreast of developments in a timely manner as it was issued three times a week. It re-opened on Nov. 23, 2010 with issue #40 and had issue # 100 on May 2nd. Feedback has been positive.
TRAVEL
Two seminars were held at McMaster House from 9:30am to 2:30pm on: Wednesday October 21, 2009 – Manage Life CreativelyMake Money Wednesday April 20, 2010 – Stay In The Game
3. it provided information for disabled travellers.
2. As a consequence, to keep RTAM’s presence in the minds of members, the government, the MTS and the general public, the Public Relations Committee resurrected the Media Watch project started last year. It is an activity whose focus is on changes in the news media affecting retired teachers, retired seniors and the general public. The issues have been primarily economic, health and social changes.
* * * *
Committee: Maureen Recksiedler, Chair; Dr. Mary Pankiw, William Taylor, Carol Pelton
The RTAM website continues to be an ongoing process, involving content about the goings on of RTAM as a board and as a provincial organization. The new design has been established and is occasionally refreshed with new background designs and formats. I hope this is not confusing or disconcerting for any using the site. Several sections of the site remain to be updated, like the KIT archive pages, but, rest assured, they are being attended to. Very few new links have been added to the LINKS page, but any suggestions are always welcomed. We have tried to keep pace with new activities as they occur, such as the recent Travel and Wellness days that have been held in Winnipeg.
Seminars:
We organized a seminar for May 4, 2011 at the M.T.S. building. Those who attended last year’s seminar were very interested in information on volunteering vacations. So this seminar featured Jean Robson and Maureen Barchyn presenting their experience of volunteering on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.
the economic results of the COLA and has been keeping a low public profile while letting members know of the limited improvement the Bill has made. Consequently, there have been no public press releases as in previous years. However, there has been a request from the PR committee for Board discussion on the need for more specific guidelines on when press releases should be undertaken. To date, that discussion has not been taken place.
As a committee we believe that older adults experience a higher quality of life by becoming personally responsible for their personal wellness. By providing a number of activities that deal with the following six recognized dimensions of wellness –emotional, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual and vocational health, it is our hope to promote development in those key areas and thus integrate wellness into the daily lives of our members.
The Wellness Committee took on the responsibility of having lunch brought in at RTAM Board meetings. We tried to establish an atmosphere at lunch that encouraged a relaxing social atmosphere so members could converse easily and get to know one another. We provided a variety of healthy menus within our budget line.
2. it offered information on working on organic farms around the world; and
Website
Wellness
Any suggestions or ideas that you would like to see added to or deleted from the Website would be considered. Please feel free to contact the Board Office or the Webmaster with any of your ideas.
* * *
Committee:
Four committee meetings were held.
Our second exciting presentation was given by board and travel committee member, Bill Taylor. Bill told us about his adventures on the Mongolian Express as it travelled through Russia.
1. you can discover if a visa is needed when you travel to new country;
Peggy Prendergast, Chair, Winnipeg; Maureen Reckseidler, Stonewall; Barbara McDole, Winnipeg; Lydia Heshka, Winnipeg, (Non Board Member) and Faye Hansen, Winnipeg (Non Board Member)
President: Rita Warrian; Vice President: Rosalie Bornn; Secretary: Dan Shtykalo; Co-Treasurers: Gerald Shewchuk and Steve Stasiuk
(Reprinted from the AGM Booklet)
22 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
Rtam ChapteR RepoRts
Executive: President: Clarice Secretary/Treasurer:GilchristBob Kowalchuk
Boyne Chapter Retired Teachers Association – 24 members
Other activities were many. Our volunteer RBC Cup ushering services were noticed by Hockey Canada. As a result, this year we were again requested to usher at a Mid-Season MJHL Talent Showcase Tournament, held in Dauphin, as well as the Sherwood Division home play-off games of our Dauphin Kings. In support of our Kings, DARTA purchased two hockey ticket season packages. The tickets were then used as DARTA meeting door prizes throughout the hockey season.
* * *
In November, one of our members, Lois Reimer, talked about the Johnson Health Care Plan and she shared personal experiences about travel insurance and the extended health care with Johnson. A worthwhile discussion followed. Meeting ended with the distribution of Christmas shortbread cookies and the sharing of Christmas plans.
of members and spouses gathered with the local Mountain View Teachers’ Association for their Annual Winter Dinner and Dance. We have, once again, been invited to join MVTA for their Retirement Social, on June 9 th, to pay tribute to their retiring members.
Each meeting concludes with dates of coming events in Carman that would be of interest to the group: fundraising events, variety concerts, and movie nights.
Breakfast meetings were held the second Tuesday of each month at Smitty’s Restaurant with attendance of 20-30 members. Through regular phone contacts and the emailing of meeting agendas and minutes we endeavour to keep our members -local, distant and shut-in, as well as other RTAM groups - apprised of our plans and activities. As a result of school division amalgamation, we now encompass many surrounding communities. We are always encouraging area retired teachers to attend our meetings as well as provide us with their email addresses so that we can stay in touch and share info. (As well as staying socially active and healthy!)
DAUPHIN AREA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION (DARTA) – 47 members
Officers- 2011-2012
We are currently organizing the DARTA team for the June RELAY FOR LIFE Cancer fundraiser held at the beautiful Selo Ukraina site in honour of all cancer victims, cancer survivors and their families.
Our March meeting was special! We were honoured with the attendance of RTAM President, Richard Benoit and Mountain View Teachers’ Association President, Yvonne Lillie prior to a Norwex Canadian Distribution Centre field trip planned by the Social Committee. At the meeting President Benoit acknowledged that our offer to host AGM 2013 had been accepted by the Board and our members are planning ahead with enthusiasm!!
Fellow member, Jean Kustra and I represented DARTA at the February Political Action seminar in Winnipeg. We have been politically active by encouraging retired and active teachers and their families to speak to their MLA re fair COLA pension provisions. We are still waiting for a response from our MLA to our request for our small group meeting.
Our Social Committee has indeed been very busy this year. A fall Car Rally was organized for the Gilbert Plains area (Did you know there is a BOOT HILL Cemetery in Manitoba?). The December Cheer & Chat Coffee Party was well attended, in spite of extremely blustery weather. In January, our breakfast meeting included member “Show ‘n Tell”. Featured members’ items included, among other things, souvenirs of the Zipper Club and a very ancient bison skull. Future social events are still being
In January, President Clarice Gilchrist highlighted areas from the November’s RTAM meeting. The members also discussed the political action campaign to be undertaken by RTAM.
Respectfully submitted by Bob Kowalchuk, Secretary/Treasurer
The Chapter meets for breakfast the last Friday of each month from September to May at a local restaurant.. The meeting always begins with the singing of ‘O Canada’.
Constant updates on COLA issues and health issues were provided throughout the year. Most of the membership knows to apply for CPP, but it has been discovered that some have not applied for OAS at age 65, because they deemed themselves ineligible. They may have thought that they were ineligible because of their pension(s) but the level for clawback is actually quite high. Furthermore, some people don’t realize they have to apply for it before they turn 65 or as soon as possible, afterwards. There is NO recovery of missed benefits if a person applies after turning 65; they get the OAS after they apply.
In March, our local MLA Blaine Pederson, attended the meeting and he shared what it was like to be a MLA. Blaine outlined some of the provincial and community projects that he is involved with and also informed the group of the new boundary changes in the upcoming Provincial election.
Respectfully submitted by Ken Malcolm- President 2010-2011
In May, the chapter hopes to do a ‘road trip’ and attend the Canadian Fossil Museum in Morden.
Pat Bowslaugh attended the October meeting and she gave a presentation on the RTAM Benefit Plan. Some areas highlighted were the History of the Plan; what is covered by Johnson in the Extended Health Care Plan and the Travel Plan. There were many questions asked and a very informative discussion followed.
In February, Past Boyne Chapter President, Lana Rinn, reported on the political awareness training workshop that was organized by RTAM. Five members volunteered to meet with their local MLA and talk about the COLA issue and how to fix it.
The September meeting is a very informal gathering, with members sharing stories about their summer. One member, Joan Johnston, represented Manitoba in golf at the Canada Senior Games and she shared many humorous stories. Another group of retirees talked about being at the Rusty Golf Tournament. One group mentioned they were in the Pembina Valley Challenge over the Labour Day Weekend.
Aplanned.largecomplement
Activities: 2010 – 2011
The I.R.T.A. held its annual general meeting on May 24th, 2010, in Gilbert Plains. 19 members were in attendance. A lunch was served and the business meeting followed. The same slate of officers as last year was voted in by acclamation.
Executive 2011 - 2012
Hanover Retired Teachers’ Association (HART) – 200 members
Nous cherchons à mieux faire connaître notre groupe dans nos communautés. Ceci fera l’objet de nos projets dans l’année à venir.
Interlake Retired Teachers’ Association (IRTA) - 68 Members
3. Our annual Christmas Pot-Luck Lunch was held in Warren in December . A member of the RCMP Stonewall Detachment gave us examples of Scams and Frauds and how to avoid getting taken 4.in.
. Annual General Meeting - - lunch at Chicken Delight with guest speaker, Ivan Traill. He spoke about Access 2 Books – our local second-hand book store.
Northeastman Chapter President, Rudi Klassen
Respectfully submitted by: Brian Gadsby
respect of retired teachers and develop a good working relationship between ourselves and MTS.
* * *
Le 28 avril 2011 ( AGA) au Canad’Inn du parc Windsor, Winnipeg
. Lunch meeting at Chicken Corral with Richard Kulbacki giving a .presentationLunchmeeting
Merci à Aimé Campagne et Norma Lacroix-Gagné pour leurs dix ans dans le Conseil.
with local members announcing a committee is planning for the September Retired Teachers’ Golf tournament
Membres : 108 actifs; 1 décès; 24 ont cotisé dans le passé; 67 autres contacts pour fin d’information . Activités :
IRTA General Membership ‘gathers’ four times per year. The Executive meets prior to each gathering.
Notre assemblée générale annuelle aura lieu le jeudi 28 avril, donc nous n’avons pas encore élu notre Conseil de direction pour l’année 2011-2012. Nous avons des candidates / candidats pour combler nos postes vacants.
* * *
* * *
Executive:
A fall social was held October 14th, 2010, in Roblin. We enjoyed a tasty dinner, which was followed by an evening of Court Whist.
. Lunch and local pharmacist as speaker
RTAM KIT • 23Summer 2011
On April 27, we met in Stonewall for our Annual General Meeting and got caught up after a long and snowy winter.
Le 6 mai 2010 à Saint-Vital, Winnipeg
Respectfully submitted by Joie Van Dongen
Président - Alfred Phaneuf; Trésorière - Evelyne Beaudoin; Secrétaire et webmestre - Antoine Gagné; ConseillersDenis Clément Bernard Gagné; Président-sortant - Gérald Dureault
– 48 members
We have 48 members, with an average attendance of 25 members at our meetings. Our meetings, in 2010 – 2011, were held: May 10, June 14, Sept. 13, Oct. 4, Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, Mar. 14 and April 11.
* * *
Our A.G.M. for 2011 is May 3rd, at the Drop In Centre in Roblin.
Executive: President: Marge Marciski; Secretary: Ruth Hanke
1. June 2010, we enjoyed lunch at D-Jay’s in Winnipeg and learned about “Get Better Together: a free province-wide program designed to help Manitobans with ongoing health 2.conditions.September, we welcomed 12 new retirees and relaxed over lunch at the Bel Acres Golf and Country Club. Ken Pearce, General Secretary of MTS, spoke of his mandate to establish
Le 9 avril 2011 à Saint-Vital, Winnipeg
L’année fut marquée par la présence de nombreux membres à nos six activités : quatre activités en ville et deux en campagne. Nous devons un grand merci aux organisateurs et hôtes.
There is no report submitted.
Réunions en 2010-2011: 3
The Intermountain Retired Teachers (IRTA)
. Presented cheque to Library for magazine subscription
Respectfully submitted by Ron Landry, President
. Guest speaker, Pat Bowslaugh of RTAM’s Benefits Committee, concerning insurance plans available and some forthcoming changes
. Delegates attended AGM in Winnipeg
* * *
* * * Éducatrices et Éducateurs manitobains à la retraite (ÉMR) Soumis par Gérald Dureault, président
Meetings. : We meet every second Friday for breakfast. These meetings average around 15 people attending. We have our annual supper AGM the second week of September with around 50 people attending. We are not big on the business side of things but we believe that the social aspect of getting together is very important.
. Presented Nickels for NARTA to Salvation Army
. Christmas dinner followed by entertainment by music students
Neepawa Area Retired Teachers Association (NARTA)
Membres du Conseil de direction qui continuent en 2011 - 2012 :
Respectfully submitted by Joan Rink, President
. Lunch meeting at Gladstone golf Course with Mayor Eileen Clark as guest speaker
Joie Van Dongen, Past-President Darlene Dufily, President Lois Alpers, Treasurer Directors: Nancy Phillips Bob Weller, Ray Harkness, Maureen Recksiedler
In closing, I would like to wish every retired teacher good health. Have fun traveling, while you can, and enjoy every day to the utmost!!
. Barbecue and June gathering
. Lunch at the Library with speaker on health, wellness and nutrition in the schools
President: Ron Landry; Vice President: Ed Boguski; Secretary: Jeanine Landry; Treasurer: Joe Tysarski; Directors: Gilbert PlainsJean Hamilton; Grandview- Sonja Boguski; Roblin- Betty Paley
We frequently have our members tell us of their enjoyable travels. In February, Jean Hannah gave an interesting account of the accomplishments and travels of her grand-daughter who is now off to China for two years. Also, her son Don, has recently published a book called “Prairie Wool”, stories of his life growing up on the prairies. His website is www.wholly hanna. com We also try to intersperse our breakfasts with a few jokes. Joyce Tomchuk informs us of the cards that she has sent out for members who have been ill, or to bereaved family members. Leslie Porteous and Marvin Krawec gave a summary of the provincial board meetings, while John Sushelnitsky fully informs us of the latest provincial issues. In January, we presented to our members the Political Action Committee handouts of the “Meet Your MLA Campaign” and the accompanied charts in which our COLA has not met the requirements of the Sale Report or Bill 45. It was mentioned that 3-5 members from each chapter are going to attend a teaching lesson on the points to deliver. All will have the same message to the candidates in the upcoming October 2011 provincial election. Leslie Porteous, Barry Bills, and Norman Wiebe, met our new PC candidate, Ian Wishart, and fully informed him on our ongoing concerns about Bill 45 and left him with the video of The Ed Schreyer Tea at the Legislative Buildings.
On September 23, 2010, all OK-RTAM members were delighted by unexpected surprises, during a tour of the Summerhill Pyramid Winery - expertly conducted by one of our own members. While enjoying a delicious lunch in the Sunset Bistro, we received our initial surprise - a visit from Stephen Cipes himself, the owner of the winery, who was quite impressed to learn that we were all retired teachers from you-know-where. He then toasted us by offering everyone a sampling of an award-winning Ice Wine valued at more than $100 per bottle. Well, we’re all worth it, aren’t we?
In February, Donna Lynn Barrett, MTS Portage Chapter President, presented a summary of all the changes and innovations that have and are about to change in the division. She claimed that there have been many; and all seem to be working successfully.
Our third annual general meeting was held in The Yellow House Restaurant, Kelowna, on April 12, 2011. At that meeting, we reviewed past social activities, and discussed future gatherings. The members voted that the executive for 2011-2012 remains the same as in previous years. Co-presidents: Lorna Rothwell and Lorne Lisik, Vice-president: Ken Ferg, Treasurer: Roy Lycar, Secretary: Susan Forsyth, Member-at-large: Glenda Waugh.
Throughout the past year, various social events were organized, which always included a chance to dialogue about issues concerning RTAM, and rendered even more lively when discussed over a glass of wine. After all, this is Wine Country.
On April 22, 2010, we visited a heritage classroom housed within Central School of Kelowna. It was definitely a trip down memory lane to sit in the old desks with ink wells, peruse the old basal readers, atlases, and a vast amount of memorabilia from bygone days, which some of us recalled, with mixed emotions. No computers or dry erase boards were in sight, never mind those new fangled ball point pens!
North East Winnipeg Retired Teachers of Winnipeg (NEWRT)
• lunch at the Old Vines Restaurant and a tour of Quail’s Gate Winery
Respectfully submitted by Lorraine Forrest, President
Respectfully submitted by Susan Forsyth, Secretary
As our third year draws to a close, we have a bank balance of $154.00, having sustained expenses for postage, name tags, and banking fees.
On December 6, 2010, we were invited to attend the CORTA luncheon. (Central Okanagan Retired Teachers Association) Needless to say there were more than two hundred people present with representatives from other provinces filling out the roster. We stood and graciously accepted the applause when our province was announced.
On December 10, 2010, our Christmas celebration was held on the veranda of the historical Guisachan House Restaurant. Following the four course meal, we entertained ourselves with a re-gifting exchange. Some members are already plotting their revenge for next year’s (think tacky) re-gift exchange.
Possible upcoming events not to be missed:
• bocce challenge and picnic at Gellatly Nut Farm (not a joke) in West Kelowna
Lorraine Forrest and Marj Grevstad did attend the training of members to meet with M.L.A’s. Marj Grevstad followed up by meeting with one of our M.L.A.’s. A report was sent to Wayne Hughes, Chair, Political Action.
24 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
* * *
I wish you all well at your Annual General Meeting in Steinbach.
Executive: Marvin Krawec, President Leslie Porteous, Secretary-Treasurer Evelyn Rheaume, Social Convener Joyce Tomchuk, Sunshine Director John Sushelnitsky. Director; also Director, Provincial RTAM
If you are in the area, please make a point of joining us. We always have a great time, thought- provoking discussions, and have plans for future frivolities.
On April 21, 2010, the executive met and decided to take a hiatus for the 2010 to 2011 year. Due to health concerns, the executive has not met this spring. Hopefully, 2011 – 2012 will bring us all good health and we can once again become an active chapter.
Okanagan Chapter of RTAM – 42 Members
* * *
Portage la Prairie Retired Teachers’ Association – 63 members Respectfully submitted by Leslie Porteous
With the leadership of Ray Hooper, in November of 2000, we received our Charter with approximately 80 charter members but were soon able to increase this number to about 130 retirees over the next few years. We developed a name, address, phone number, and later, an e-mail address list. However, over the last number of years, due to moving to other places, frequently, to be closer to families; illness; traveling; or just “forgetting”; a number of deaths, and various other reasons; our paid up members are now only 63 retirees. We meet at Altos Restaurant at Canad Inns for breakfast, the last Friday of most months, except for July and August. This year, our numbers are dwindling, sometimes to less then 20, from the previous years of 20-30 retirees. We sometimes phone members to help them remember about our breakfasts.
On the RTAM Board of Directors is John Sushelnitsky, who has also been a stalwart local director. John sometimes brings his guitar and accompanies us in a sing song which is most enjoyable. Norman Wiebe, another of our members, is also running this year for provincial RTAM Director.
It has always been our custom to send one of our directors, lately Evelyn Rheaume, to urge our upcoming retired school teachers, at the Divisional Spring Banquet, to be informed of our local RTAM and encourage them to join. Last year, 6 teachers retired.
RTAM KIT • 25Summer 2011
We started negotiating with the WTA last April 30th, 2009, on a number of issues. There have been follow-up phone calls, an additional letter on November 16th, 2010, citing our three main requests, and a clarifying e-mail on December 16th, 2010. At this writing, no decision has been received from the WTA.
The RTAM political action meeting with MLAs is to be a future Weendeavour.started out the year with some 73 members. We end this first year with 101. We continue to be concerned about the long-term health of our RTW.
The president gratefully thanks the RTW Executive for all their hard work.
Our appreciation and thanks are extended to two retiring Board members: Berry Brownlee (11 years of continuous service) and Claudia Jaresh (our logo designer and five years of service) for their commitment, dedication and contributions to the Retired Women Teachers’ Association of Manitoba. We wish them both health and happiness.
* * *
Executive
Membership Emily Williamson; Pensions and R.T.A.M. Peggy Prendergast; Pianist Bernice Giesbrecht; Archivist Jean Leighton; Visiting Ruth Hartnell, Lee Bilodeau; Club Notices Diane Bewell, Ruth Hartnell; Tickets Birdielyn Gray, Kathleen Parums; Social Committee: Bessie-Marie Hill, Louise Burton, Phyllis Kalinsky, Dolores Tutkaluk, Lynda Tunny, Deb Scott
Past President Dr. Mary Pankiw; President Delores Hebert; VicePresident Diane Bewell; Recording Secretary Pat Opalko; Corresponding Secretary Cecile Alarie-Skene; Treasurer Hazra Khan; Club Notices Diane Bewell, Ruth Hartnell
Activities
Executive for 2011-2012:
February 17, 2011 - Buffet luncheon and Candace Swick, Rady Centre, Exercise Program: “Active Aging Fitness”.
• To provide for social interactions;
* * *
• To provide opportunities to meet with former colleagues;
• To present programs that inform and enlighten members;
* * *
RTW Executive for 2010-2011:
The executive of the Retired Teachers of Winnipeg (RTW) ended June 2010 by delivering a welcome package to all approximately 100 new retirees, who were former members of MTS’ Winnipeg Teachers’ Association, the WTA. This was done without the help of the WTA. The executive started, in the fall of 2010, by phoning every new RTAM member in the Winnipeg area, to alert them to possible changes to RTAM’s medical/health insurance plans. This was done with the excellent support of RTAM.
We continued to monitor and keep our members up-to-date about RTAM’s sponsored health/medical plan changes. The RTW executive and a member met with the RTAM Board on September 16th, 2010, and attended an RTAM information meeting presented by Pat Bowslaugh, RTAM Benefits Chair, on October 9th, 2010. We followed, and answered questions about this issue, throughout the year.
Objectives
Executive Meetings
SeptemberOutings:
As our Annual meeting will be held in May, 2011, the new executive will be published in the next KIT.
During the year, we had several luncheons and breakfast meetings throughout the city. Various people hosted these in various places. Since the President shuffled off south for five months, there were fewer newsletters this year. This model is not an indication of organizational health. Fortunately, the wintering in Winnipeg RTW executive members took up the slack.
Four executive meetings were held at the Manitoba Masonic Centre: September 2, 2010; November 4, 2010; January 6, 2011; and March 3, 2011. The AGM Meeting was held May 5, 2011, at The Wildwood Club.
A seminar for potential retirees teaching in the Winnipeg School Division #1 was organized for April 6th, 2001. Forty-one attended and presentations were given by Anne Monk, RTAM Pension Chair; TRAF; and various retired RTW members. A survey was distributed, and associate member status was offered to all, for free, until April, 2012. The feedback was very, very positive. There was a complaint that this ‘should have been done earlier’. This was arranged without the support of the WTA, but with the cooperation/aid of the Winnipeg School Division #1.
Retired Teachers of Winnipeg (RTW) – 101 members
President: Dick Marshall; Secretary-Treasuer: Terry Clifford; Members-at-large: Margo Foxford; Doreen Pruden; Vic Pruden
23, 2010 – Fall trip to Wawanesa and Carberry.
Respectfully submitted by Dr. Mary Pankiw, President
April 14, 2011: Sixtieth (Diamond) Anniversary: Out of the 12 living Past Presidents, 10 of them, who were present, were honoured. Soloist: Heidi Toews.
September 30, 2010 - Buffet luncheon and Sixtieth Anniversary Fall Fashion Show.
On special occasions, cards, flowers and gifts are sent, and visits are made on special occasions. Cards of condolences are sent to members on the death of an immediate family member, or to the next of kin, on the death of a member. Donations to the Angel Baskets, at the Christmas luncheon, help to provide funding.
In March, Karen Braden, Executive Director of Portage District Foundation, spoke to us on the operation of the foundation. The foundation’s goal is to help individuals and groups who are trying to make a difference in our community. We were each presented with a portfolio, that included the 2009 annual report, which was dedicated to the late teacher, John Rennie, who was a strong supported of the Arts Smart Program.
Respectfully submitted by Dick Marshall, President
December 2, 2010 - Served luncheon and Christmas songs by the Honeycomb group (a part of Sweet Adelines International).
Retired Women Teachers’ Association (RWTA) – 400 members
June 23, 2011: A Day Close to Home in St. Claude, Manitoba
The President extends appreciation and thanks to all executive members for their time, efforts and contributions.
Luncheon meetings were held at the Masonic Centre on the following dates:
• To keep members informed of issues that affect their welfare, such as COLA, pensions and health benefits.
In March, we are expecting to have a presentation Street Volunteers and then, in June, a tour of the Simplot Potato Plant.
Activities
tribute to late John Kastrukoff and acknowledged 3 surviving Charter members with plaques (Anne Booth, Bernice Nowak, Myrtle Vermeulen)
Chairperson – Connie Newman; Vice Chair – nominated from the floor; Secretary/Recorder – Brian Head; Treasurer – Pat Robson; Membership Chair – Emily Williamson; Member at Large – Jo Davis; Communications Co-chairs – Dorothy Young and Mary Starodub; Political Action Co-chairs – Tom Carlyle and Lynn Land
• June, 2010, a group of approximately 50 retired teachers and guests toured sights in Russell, Inglis, Roblin, Grandview, Gilbert Plains, Dauphin, Ste. Rose and Neepawa. The trip was organized by Ed Arndt, Louise Downing and Alice Olive.
-two members attended AGM of RTAM in Winnipeg June -several2010members attended Divisional Service Awards banquet September 2010 -celebrated our 20 th Anniversary at Swan Valley Golf & Country
September 14, 2010: Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Virden
• Our Annual General Meeting on May 4th will give members and their families the information needed to prepare for the provincial election
Total membership of retired teachers listed – 110 with 45 paid membership
o Fairness for teachers and retired teachers
Respectfully submitted by Ted Poulter, President
retired teachers bring items for the food hamper in support of the Virden and Area Food Cupboard.
• Connections to active teachers with respect to the pension plan are ongoing
- enjoyed PowerPoint presentation on the ‘Holy Land’ February 2011
- laid wreath at the community Remembrance Day Service
Executive: President Jerome Brockman, Reston; Vice President T.B.A.; Secretary; Kay Kristjanson (Virden); Treasurer Glen McKinnon, Virden.
* * *
Swan Valley Chapter of Retired Teachers (SVRTA) – 45 members Respectfully submitted by Secretary, Joy Solomon.
Our Chapter held four regular luncheon meetings (May, September, November, January) following the Annual General Meeting on March 4, 2010. Average attendance for meetings is 33.5 members. Annual membership fee is $5.
I am making progress, although somewhat slowly. A general chapter meeting will be held in May where I hope to establish a committee that will become more active. We need to establish a constitution and pick up on activities from the provincial annual meeting. Hopefully we will have a more substantial report for next year.
Activities:
26 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
• A subcommittee was struck and meetings with be held with select MLA’s to discuss
Southwest Assiniboine Chapter – 45 members
Meetings
Other activities and on-going activities
• Luncheons are held before the business meetings. The
- assisted local Legion with their annual Remembrance Day poster judging, both at the local and Provincial levels January 2011
-shortfallheldChapter’s Annual General Meeting
o Contribution increase of 2%
- sponsored a ‘Spring Garage Sale’
November 30, 2010: Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Virden
St. James Assiniboia Chapter – 231 members
The aims and objectives of our Chapter continue to be:
-gaveClub
o Diminishing purchasing power of teachers’ pensions
• Jerome Brockman entertained the retired teachers at the April 12th luncheon with a wonderful photo history of his recent trip to Europe.
o Obtaining a seat for RTAM on the Pension TaskForce
- three members met with MLA Wowchuk to emphasize government’s need to financially support retired teachers’ COLA
• At our September 2010, business meeting, Pat Bowslaugh made a presentation about the changes in benefits through RTAM including the Extended Health and Travel coverage provided by Johnson Inc.
- assisted local Elks and Royal Purple with judging their Healthy Choices/Positive
o Obtaining a seat for RTAM on the TRAF Board
There are approximately 45 members with many other interested persons at the luncheons.
Executive:
• Kelvin Smith has taken over the chair of the Travel Committee and has planned a bus trip for retired teachers on June 15, 2011. The trip will include tours of Brandon, Shilo and surrounding areas.
Submitted by Connie Newman, Chairperson
April 123, 2011 (AGM): Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Virden
• Donations were made to the Virden, Deloraine, and Birdtail Music and Arts Festivals as well as the Westman Youth Choir.
• The membership has received, on a regular basis, Media Watch; thank you to John Sushelnitsky
Riel Retired Teachers’ Association
The RIEL Chapter has been a somewhat dormant chapter for several years. After I was advised I had become the President several months ago, I have been in the process of attempting to find people who would be interested in forming an executive.
• Questions, comments and concerns, with respect to our benefits, have been forwarded to the appropriate person in RTAM, Johnson Insurance, etc
1) To promote the economic interests of the members and other retired educators;
Proposed Executive: 2011 – 2012 (May 4, 2011)
* * *
Respectfully submitted by Bob Chalmers, Past President
2) To maintain a liaison with the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba, hereafter referred to as RTAM
President John Solomon; Vice-President Barb Plumb; Past-President Jake Warkentin; Secretary Joy Solomon; Treasurer Bill Schaffer; Social Committee Joy Solomon; Program Committee Jean Keillor
Membership
November 2010
Activities: May 2010
- two members attended MLA Campaign workshop in Winnipeg March 2011
• The Virden Collegiate Choir performed for the retired teachers at the November 30 th luncheon.
o Funding issues
- acknowledged necrology with 1 minute of silence visited a greenhouse operation in Mafeking
* * *
President: Joan Goble; Vice-President: Barbara McIntyre; Past President: Bea Shantz; Secretary/Treasurer: Joan Dawson; Directors: Carol Pelton, Sue McCartney, Grace Bindle
VanIsles Chapter - 136 members
OurTaylorthird
Annual General Meeting of the VanIsles Chapter was held in a spectacular setting at Arbutus Ridge north of Victoria, overlooking the Gulf Islands, in April 2010, with 32 members in attendance. That kicked off another fine year for this unique chapter of RTAM, far from Manitoba and spread over more than two hundred miles and three islands. We also are a muchtraveled group, with many of our numbers off exploring the world at any given time, so our gatherings typically include only a portion of our membership. But we know how to have fun and enjoy each other’s company, when we do congregate.
Officers for 2011 – 2012
16, 2010, Supper at the Paint Lake Marina with 15 people attending a fun evening of trivia quizzes and prizes January 25, 2011, Breakfast at Chicken Chef - 7 attended
Events:
Executive for 2011-12 Co-Presidents Valerie Davies and Jim Reid; Vice-President Gerry Saleski; Secretary Patti Dobroski; Treasurer Roy Richmond; Victoria Area Director Charles Moody; Nanaimo Area Director Victoria Olchowecki; Parksville-Qualicum & North Director Mac
Thursday, May 27, 2010, Breakfast at Chicken Chef with 8 people attending. Information from RTAM AGM was presented. June 11, 2010, Several people attended the TTA retirement dinner where Bea was asked to give greetings from TARE.
Our first meeting, held on a beautiful, sunny fall afternoon, was attended by RTAM President, Richard Benoit and his wife, Lucille. Richard brought greetings from the south and encouraged the record crowd to be ever vigilant and supportive regarding the many matters of concern to retirement.
Our second meeting, our Christmas Meeting, was a delicious luncheon, organized by our secretary, Elaine Bollman. Fun, fellowship and fine food were the order of the afternoon and everyone enjoyed the draws for some interesting “Christmas”
Choices/Positive
Throughout the term, we continued to send cards of sympathy, get well, thinking of you, birthday and anniversary wishes to Chapter members/families
The Pas Retired Teachers’ Association
May 11 - 12, 2010, RTAM AGM Carol Pelton and Bea Shantz represented TARE.
March 29,2011, Breakfast at Chicken Chef - 8 attended April 5, 2011, AGM and supper at the Burntwood Hotel
* * *
* * *
Here in Thompson we have a good relationship with the active teachers (TTA) and are invited to many of their social activities. Those preparing to retire know teachers who have already retired and so there hasn’t been a need for our group to organize a special seminar. Some of our members live in southern Manitoba and only come to Thompson in the summer. Others leave for several months in the winter so attendance at events varies a great deal. Carol Pelton has offered to work on the Political Action Committee to prepare for the fall election in Manitoba.
The social event of the year for our chapter was a backyard salmon barbecue hosted in Victoria by Elizabeth Kozak, and her partner Brian Klassen. It was a resounding success with many attendees bringing salads and desserts; and Elizabeth and Brian delighting our taste buds with wonderful sockeye salmon, barbecued to perfection. The weather was very good to us, and the 40 people at the gathering had a terrific time. During the current year, our Chapter has had an influx of 13 members. They are: Jim and Brenda Harvey (joined at the last AGM), Gail and Roy Crawford, Peter Cruse, Lloyd Fisher, Bill Gorda, Sylvia Maddocks, Ernest and Jan Molgat, Edith Strocen, Cliff Wilde, and John Zubatiuk.
The Pas Retired Teachers” Association held two meetings to date this year.
Including five new members who joined at this year’s AGM, the VanIsles Chapter has 136 retired Manitoba educators or associates in its active membership list, and we will be enjoying
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 Executive meeting to outline year’s events / plans.
March 3, 2011, TTA 20 & 30 year teachers were recognized and TARE members were invited to attend
RTAM KIT • 27Summer 2011
Thompson Association of Retired Educators (TARE) – 35 members
As stated, there are 35 members, plus 15 associate members
our members will be involved on Election Day (May 2). We look forward to our Spring Meeting, which, of course, will be our AGM, at which time elections will take place for the 2011-12 “political” year.
Our fourth Annual General Meeting was held in early April of this year, and 36 of our members came together at Arbutus Ridge Golf Course in Cobble Hill for lunch. Shannon Patershuk, of Johnson Inc., attended to provide information about the travel insurance available to us through RTAM’s group plan.
November 10, 2010, Supper at the Burntwood with RTAM President, Richard Benoit, and his wife Lucille, attending. The TTA president, Anne Lindsay and TTA benefits chair, Diane Wicks were guests as well. Soon to retire teachers were also invited to attend. About 20 people attended and Richard Benoit spoke. Nov. 30, 2010, President Bea attended the Presidents’ meeting in DecemberWinnipeg.
Lifestyles poster contest entries
Respectfully submitted by Bea Shantz
Respectfully submitted by Vel McAdam, President
* * *
Severalpresents.of
Respectfully submitted by Valerie Davies and Jim Reid, CoPresidents
A primary function of this VanIsles Chapter of RTAM is to ensure a flow of information from the provincial office, and we have circulated a number of items of information, over the course of the year. One of the new components of this information flow has been periodic “Media Watches” produced by the PR Committee of RTAM, and John Sushelnitsky in particular. Hopefully our members have found the “information pipeline” to be of interest and value.
Monday, June 14, 2010 Pizza lunch at Rotary Place with Margaret Hukulak representing Thompson Seniors’ Resource Council as guest speaker. “Just-retiring” teachers were invited to join us. About 15 people attended.
Sunday,July 25, 2010, Potluck Supper at Juanita Smith’s cabin at Setting Lake with more than 20 members present including some of the summer gang
Tuesday, September 7, 2010, Breakfast at the Burntwood with 10 attending - a time to welcome new retirees.
28 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
PhoneName No. E-mail home address My
The following are the standing committees:
INvITATION TO BE A cOMMITTEE MEMBER interests would be for the following committee(s):
Westman Retired Educators’ Association (WREA) – 75 members Respectfully Submitted by Rick Oakden, President
Executive: Past President – Rick Oakden; President – Pat Bowslaugh; Vice President – Peggy Wojnarksi; Treasurer – Mavis Johnston; Secretary – Judy Olmstead; Director – Bill Taylor
more opportunities to get together as they present themselves, and will continue to benefit from our connection to the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba.****
This has been an eventful year for WREA, beginning with our lunch and General Meeting in September, 2010, with 48 members in attendance. Our General Meeting in November saw 45 members who enjoyed another catered meal, a social activity, and our business agenda. Our full membership for the year was 75.
Richard Benoit, President of RTAM, attended our Annual General Meeting in April and reviewed RTAM activities for the fifty-two members present.
The Social Committee organized an outing for a group of sixteen, who attended a dinner-theatre event in Carberry, in November. A ‘Winter Travelogue’ in February, 2011, provided great entertainment for 27 members who enjoyed hearing travel tales; and seeing photos and video from Italy, Ethiopia and Ireland. Following the results of our survey of members’ interests in April, 2010, a group met to investigate a possible trip to Churchill in the fall of 2011 – the discovery of prohibitive travel costs eventually caused a change in plans!
Memoriam Ethel 1996-1997ofFormerBuchananPresidentRTAM
pursue RTAM’s goal of contacting local MLA’s before an expected provincial call in 2011. Brian Paterson, Joan Lawrence, and I formed our WREA Election 2011 Committee. On February 11th, Brian and I attended the RTAM ‘training session’ to prepare us for the meetings that we subsequently had with Rick Borotsik, MLA for Brandon West (PC) and Drew Caldwell, MLA for Brandon East (NDP). These talks were designed to address RTAM’s concerns that the Manitoba government make retired teachers’ pension COLA fair, improve the funding of the COLA account, and actively support change to the restrictions of Bill 45.
1) AGM and Elections; 2) Benefits; 3) Bylaws and Policy; 4) Communications; 4 a) Keep In Touch Newslet ter (K.I.T.); 4 b) RTAM Web Page; 4 c) Public Relations; 5) Educational Advocacy; 6) Membership and Chapters; 7) Officers; 8) Pensions; 9) Political Action; 10) Travel; 11) Wellness
At the RTAM Chapter President’s Meeting in Winnipeg in November, we were requested to form a local committee to
Jack FormerForsythRTAM Board Member
At our lunch and general meeting in February, the Social Committee was made ‘permanent’ and had members complete a short survey on safety concerns to help in the selection of topics and presenters for future meetings. Next year, we will provide members with information regarding avoiding scams and fraud, power-of-attorney and wills, the identification of elder abuse, and secure investment approaches.
In
Members continued to gather for breakfast on the first Wednesday of the month at Trails West Restaurant in Brandon. Fifteen to twenty people always enjoyed the leisurely meal and lively conversation! Bridge players met for their Thursday afternoon cards sessions at Valleyview Community Centre and offered training to the ‘newbies’ who attended.
It is an RTAM policy that RTAM members at large may serve on a committee of the Board. Therefore, we ask you to please submit your name to indicate your availability and areas of interest. We will endeavour to accommodate your offer within the parameters of Bylaws and Policy. Most Committees meet once a month, usually with the exception of July, August and December unless there are emergent circumstances.
Popeski, susan Joan, Winnipeg Pries, George D, Winnipeg Purdy, Georgia, Winnipeg Purvis, stephanie C, st. Andrews Ramsden, Madeleine M L, Kelowna Rautavuori, sylvia Irene, Ile Des Chenes Reece, Philip Michael, Winnipeg Reid, E Pearl, Winnipeg
halpenny, Ronald R, selkirk hanna, Alice Emily, Winnipeg hardy, Margaret J, Winnipeg harper, Glen W, Winnipeg henry, Jean M, st Anne hildebrand, Margaret, Grunthal hill, Alvin J, Brandon hoffman, Lena, steinbach holloway, Grace B, Cloyne hurlburt, Patricia helen, Winnipeg Johnston, E Louise, Carman Kaleta, Marie E, Dauphin Kastrukoff, L. Byron, Grandview Kehrstephan, Barbara s ofie E, Portage La Prairie Keillor, Percy Angus Riddell, hadashville Kenaschuk, Vivian E, Morden Kerr, Thoranna, Winnipeg King, Andrew, Edmonton Klassen, Jacob M, Winnipeg Klym, stephen J, Winnipeg Kraemer, Valerie Diane, West st.Paul Lamb, Evelyn C, Regina Land, Robert B, Winnipeg Lorimer, Wesley C, Coquitlam Maksimow, Verna V, Winnipeg Mazur, Michael J, Winnipeg Mccaffrey, Valerie Marlene, Winnipeg Miazga, Frank F, Portage La Prairie Moolchan, Keith Barry Raymond, East Moran,selkirkBarbara, Victoria
Archambault, Jeannine E, Winnipeg Barnes Eileen I, Brandon Barrett, Mildred E, Edmonton Barton, Winston s, Lorette Battershill, G W, Winnipeg Bergen, hilda, steinbach Blanchette, Leo J L, Winnipeg Blatz, E. Elaine, Winkler Block, henry Peter, south surrey Borody, Melvin, Winnipeg Boulet, Francoise B, Winnipeg Braddell, David L, Winnipeg Braun, Jacob J, Brandon Broatch, Phyllis, Carberry Buchanan, Ethel R, Winnipeg Cameron, Margo Ann, Winnipeg Cannon, James Allan, Winnipeg Connell, Cameron L, Winnipeg Cooper, Jenny F, Portage La Prairie Cox, A Merle, Winnipeg Cullen, June W, Winnipeg Curtis, Ruby h, Winnipeg Dance, Marjorie G, Winnipeg Davidson, Ruth o, Birtle Desilets, s alome I, Winnipeg Dewar, Marjorie A, Winnipeg Dinelle, Arthur h, Brandon Easton, James Andrew, Boissevain Enns, George h, Winnipeg Enns, Paul Ernest John, Winnipeg Ens, henry G, Winkler Faris, A Geraldine, Winnipeg Farley, Kathleen, Calgary Forsyth, John G, hartney Friesen, Bert, Winnipeg Friesen, David P, Winnipeg Gaborieau, Antoine, Winnipeg Gabriel, Evelyn L, Portage La Prairie Garten, Wolfgang, Winnipeg Gibb, Rowena M, Portage La Prairie Giesbrecht, Arla Elizabeth, Chilliwack Gillingham, Jean Mary, Winnipeg Gordon, Alma Ruth, Winnipeg Graham, Derek A, Winnipeg Gushuliak, John William, Winnipeg
Reynolds, J Edna M, Brandon Rogers, Barron, Winnipeg Roth, Tina, Winnipeg Ruston, Enid, Treherne Ruta, Paul, Winnipeg s addington, harold R, Victoria s aunders, Jessie h, Winnipeg scrupa, sharon Lynda, neepawa selver, P G Frances, Winnipeg shwaluk, Anne B, oakburn siemens, Lloyd, Winnipeg single, Ernest C, Winnipeg sloan, Ethyl M, West Vancouver solar, Melvin s, Winnipeg speer, Kathleen J, Winnipeg stanbra, Donna R, Winnipeg stefanson, Ann, Arborg stefanson, Dennis n, Gimli stoyko, June, Winnipeg Tachinski, E Joyce, Buffalo Pt Taylor, Margaret, Rivers Thomas, Barbara Joan, Winnipeg Thunberg, Marjorie E, Calgary Toews, John, Macgregor Topping, Elizabeth M, Calgary Turner, helen J C, Calgary Turner, Robert John T, Winnipeg Vermeulen, Myrtle h, Winnipeg Walker, harvey Lloyd, neepawa Wall, Agnes, Winnipeg Walz, Kathryn, Winnipeg Watson, Audrey h, surrey Wery, Isabelle, Port Moody Wilson, Brian, Thompson Wilson, hildur I J, Winnipeg Wilson, Milton, KeloWna Zimmerman, Maxine, Winnipeg
We remember these RTAM colleagues for their years of educational service to Manitoba's children and youth. The list covers names received as of March 1, 2010 to April 27, 2011 from TRAF.
RTAM KIT • 29Summer 2011
Motheral, Elva A, Winnipeg Mozel, Mary A, Winnipeg Mungham, Lois R, Winnipeg ouellet, suzanne Marie, Bic Peach, John W, Victoria Penman, Irene, Portage La Prairie Peters, Jake F, Winnipeg Pettapiece, Ronald K, Winnipeg Phillips, A Thomas, o ttawa Phillips, stephanie, Winnipeg Popeski, susan Joan, Winnipeg Pries, George D, Winnipeg Purdy, Georgia, Winnipeg
M a NItoBa NorM a L ScHooL reUNIoN
Monday, september 12 Registration / Meet & Greet
NorM a L ScHooL reUNIoN
Where: Viscount Gort hotel
Contact your friends. More details later.
Tuesday, s eptember 13 Activities, visit & lunch at the old normal Banquetschool&Dance in evening
Inquiries: Janice Kelly (McGregor) 204 252-2124; Les Porteous (Por tage la Prairie) 204-3184; Gloria Wilton (Winnipeg) 204 487- 6432
cL a SS of 1956-1957 55th reunion Friday, june 22 & Saturday, june 23, 2012
1) This year's Topic: "A student from Permit teaching days, who excelled in life."
Formerly Bannatyne school 363 Thompson Drive st. James Assiniboia school Division #2, May 4 and May 6, 2012 save the dates as celebration plans are underway! More information to follow.
Wednesday, september 14 Farewell Brunch
When: Thursday, July 14, 2011 Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
M a NItoBa NorM a L ScHooL
Canad Inn, Portage la Prairie at 2401 s askatchewan Avenue, WEs T Registration: Friday, June 22 at 6:00 pm. Meet and Greet Activities: 6 to 9 pm. Registration and Luncheon: s aturday, June 23, 2012, 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. Cost of Luncheon: $ 25 payable at time of registration. no cheques. Preferred room rates at the Inn. Phone 1-888-332-2623 and quote Group #147764
50tH aNNIVerS ary reUNIoN jUNe 24 a Nd 25, 2011. Tickets available at www.rec50.ca
Class of 1953-1954 will be celebrating our 58th year reunion on s aturday, september 22, 2012 in Brandon, Manitoba at the Royal Canadian Legion hall 560-13th street East
deer LodGe SeNIorS cUrLING
rIVer e a S t coLLeGIate
cL a SS of 1952 - 1953
To report any changes in your mailing address, phone number or e-mail contact: Matt Kawchuk: mrmatt1@mts.net or 204-728-8432
dr. LoUIS a LoeB Se VeNtH a NNUa L reUNIoN PerMIt teacHerS of M a NItoBa
Registration begins at 10 a.m. All teachers who taught on PERMIT are welcome to attend. Further information to follow Contact Keith Boughton at 204.253.4262
For information contact Marg mcullen@wcgwave.caCullen: or Information204-727-8833andregistration forms will be sent in June, 2011 to all members whose address is known.
CLASSIFIEDS
ecoLe BaNNatyNe ScHooL 100th Anniversary Celebration
Two-day event: a Gourmet Meet and Greet, at the Victoria Inn, on Friday, June 24; an open house, at the school, from 1 - 3 s aturday afternoon; and a Gala Dinner and Dance, with the Ron Paley orchestra, on s aturday, June 25, at the Convention Centre.
Bessie-Marie Hill: (204) 477-4580 / bmhill@mts.net or eileen (Swan) Sokalski: (204) 885-9654 / blumer1@mts.net
MCs for the evening are: REC alumni sylvia Kuzyk of CTV and FAB 94.3's Tom Milroy. Early bird ticket prices are available until April 30.
30 • RTAM KIT Summer 2011
2) If you wish pictures, please bring your cameras.
LeaGUe is seeking curlers for the upcoming 2011/2012 season. The season runs from october to March, approximately 40 games, every Tuesday and Thursday, 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM. Fees are $150.00 for regular memberships and $100.00 for spares. For further information, contact Jim at 837-6900 or Dennis at 261-8790.
Plans are underway for the Class of 1952 - 53 to celebrate our 58th year reunion Canad Inns, Polo Park september 12, 13 & 14, 2011
Registration: 11:00 A.M. shotgun start at noon Texas scramble – 4 Flights Enter as a foursome, or individually
RTAM KIT • 31Summer 2011
Entry Fee: $85 per person, $340 per foursome (Includes green fees, shared riding cart, buffet dinner, and prizes)
e Scorted SM a LL GroUP cULt Ura L toUrS oFF tHe BeateN tracK (SINce 1995)
Western Cuba Feb 12 – 26, 2012 Costa Rica Feb 18 – Mar 03, 2012
Create your own group! We also do custom itineraries. Visit Brochurewww.costaricatours.cawww.cubadiscoverytours.com,available.Bookearly.Limited to 21 people. McPhail Travel, 435 Rosser Ave, Brandon, MB 204-727-2305 or toll free 1-800-417-0250
For Retired Educators And Their significant o thers tuesday, September 6, 2011
CLASSIFIEDS
FoR REn T VICToRIA, BC: lovely 3 bedm home, uVic area, Dec.1-Feb.1, slugedwards33@hotmail.com
CuBA – ‘spanish studies in Cuba’ (havana), $2,500.00 Can. for 4 wks. hotel with breakfast and dinner, tuition fee. (Air fare not included). 250-478-0494 ssic@telus.net
and enjoy a day of fun, fellowship and golf with your re tired colleagues at “Western Manitoba’s Must-Play Course.”
ye olde rusty classic registration Form one Email & one telephone no. per group.
cUBa a Nd
coS ta rIca
Entry limited to the first 144 registrants (36 foursomes) who submit their registration form and fee by Comemail.
Please make cheque payable to “Ye olde Rusty Classic,” and send cheque and registration form to: Bill Fraser, Box 893, neepawa, MB R0J 1h0
CuBA: Discover Cuba’s culture, nature, and history on one of our unique itineraries. Meetings with Cu bans where they work and live make up the fabric of our custom designed tours.
“Clearly I found Cuba and the tour more than interest ing. I think the diversity of experiences was the real strength of the tour." - Edith Kampen, Winnipeg
Questions or concerns may be directed to Bill Fraser at: bfraser2@mymts.net
Eastern Cuba Feb 20 – Mar 5, 2012
“Very well organized and run. Well paced. Not an ordinary vacation.” - Sharon Ife, Burlington, ON
PAIDPAIDADAD
Tour Centraldates:Cuba
C os TA RICA: Travel to areas less visited as well as the “must see” regions. Walk on suspension bridges, hike in a rain forest, see an active volcano and spot exotic fauna PLus visit historical sites, farms, a school, and even take a casual cooking class!
nov 13-27 , 2011, Jan 22-Feb 05, 2012
yE OLdE rus T y CLA ssIC neepawa Golf & Country Club 369 Broadway Avenue, neepawa, MB (1/2 mile east of town)
1. _________________________________________ 2. _________________________________________ 3. _________________________________________ 4. _________________________________________ 5. _________________________________________
Email contact: _________________________________ Telephone contact: ______________________________
t he Retired teachers’ a ssociation of Manitoba does not endorse or promote any products, services or events presented in paid advertisements, the announcements or Volunteer opportunities sections unless specified.
C OMING Ev ENT s
Advertising on the RTAM Web Site: Membership reunions and Chapter events may be promoted on the RTAM web site at the discretion of and for a period determined by the Webmaster. There shall be no fee for posting these events.
k
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If you require information and brochures, or if you have any questions concerning these plans (Dental, House Insur ance, Long Term Care, Life, Emergency Medical Travel) contact: Johnson Inc. Insurance Benefits Administration 11120 178th street, edmonton aB t5s 1P2 toll Free 1-877-989-2600 | Phone (780) 413-6628 Fax (780) 420-6082 | email: cgrandish@johnson.ca
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Publication
October 26, 2011 - Wellness Seminar Winnipeg
May 8, 9, 2012 - AGM Winnipeg May 7, 8, 2013 - AGM Dauphin
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949-0048 or toll-free at 1-800-782-0714 by mail/ change of address card to: TRAF, 330 Market, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4F8
r TAM PLANs A dMINIs TErEd By JOHNsON INC.
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. Submis sions are printed free of charge.
PHOTOs
All materials for the next issue of KIT must be typed and e-mailed to dsage@mts.net and received by 5:00 pm a ugust 15, 2011 Materials published herein do not necessarily represent the policies nor the views of RTAM. k k k k
Photos enhance your submitted material; however, digital photos must be taken at 1500 pixels. If mailing in photos, send professionally developed photos only.
