RTAM Chapter Reports

Boyne Chapter Retired Teachers Association – 24 members

Respectfully submitted by Bob Kowalchuk, Secretary/Treasurer

Executive:

President: Clarice Gilchrist Secretary/Treasurer: Bob Kowalchuk

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’.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

In May, the chapter hopes to do a ‘road trip’ and attend the Canadian Fossil Museum in Morden.

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.

DAUPHIN AREA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION (DARTA) – 47 members

Respectfully submitted by Ken Malcolm- President 2010-2011

Officers- 2011-2012

President: Rita Warrian; Vice President: Rosalie Bornn; Secretary: Dan Shtykalo; Co-Treasurers: Gerald Shewchuk and Steve Stasiuk 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!)

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!!

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 planned.

A large complement 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 9th, to pay tribute to their retiring 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

* * *

Éducatrices et Éducateurs manitobains à la retraite (ÉMR)

Soumis par Gérald Dureault, président

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. Merci à Aimé Campagne et Norma Lacroix-Gagné pour leurs dix ans dans le Conseil.

Membres du Conseil de direction qui continuent en 2011 - 2012 :

Président - Alfred Phaneuf; Trésorière - Evelyne Beaudoin; Secrétaire et webmestre - Antoine Gagné; Conseillers Denis Clément Bernard Gagné; Président-sortant - Gérald Dureault

Réunions en 2010-2011: 3

Le 6 mai 2010 à Saint-Vital, Winnipeg Le 9 avril 2011 à Saint-Vital, Winnipeg Le 28 avril 2011 ( AGA) au Canad’Inn du parc Windsor, Winnipeg Membres : 108 actifs; 1 décès; 24 ont cotisé dans le passé; 67 autres contacts pour fin d’information .

Activités :

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.

Nous cherchons à mieux faire connaître notre groupe dans nos communautés. Ceci fera l’objet de nos projets dans l’année à venir.

* * *

Hanover Retired Teachers’ Association (HART) – 200 members

Respectfully submitted by: Brian Gadsby

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.

* * * Interlake Retired Teachers’ Association (IRTA) - 68 Members

Respectfully submitted by Joie Van Dongen

Executive 2011 - 2012

Joie Van Dongen, Past-President Darlene Dufily, President Lois Alpers, Treasurer Directors: Nancy Phillips Bob Weller, Ray Harkness, Maureen Recksiedler

IRTA General Membership ‘gathers’ four times per year. The Executive meets prior to each gathering.

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 conditions. 2. 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 respect of retired teachers and develop a good working relationship between ourselves and MTS. 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 in.

4. On April 27, we met in Stonewall for our Annual General Meeting and got caught up after a long and snowy winter. * * *

The Intermountain Retired Teachers (IRTA)

Respectfully submitted by Ron Landry, President

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:

President: Ron Landry; Vice President: Ed Boguski; Secretary: Jeanine Landry; Treasurer: Joe Tysarski; Directors: Gilbert Plains- Jean Hamilton; Grandview- Sonja Boguski; Roblin- Betty Paley A fall social was held October 14th, 2010, in Roblin. We enjoyed a tasty dinner, which was followed by an evening of Court Whist. Our A.G.M. for 2011 is May 3rd, at the Drop In Centre in Roblin. * * *

Neepawa Area Retired Teachers Association (NARTA) – 48 members

Respectfully submitted by Joan Rink, President

Executive:

President: Marge Marciski; Secretary: Ruth Hanke

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.

Activities: 2010 – 2011 . Delegates attended AGM in Winnipeg . Lunch and local pharmacist as speaker . Barbecue and June gathering . Guest speaker, Pat Bowslaugh of RTAM’s Benefits Committee, concerning insurance plans available and some forthcoming changes . Lunch meeting at Gladstone golf Course with Mayor Eileen Clark as guest speaker . Christmas dinner followed by entertainment by music students . Lunch meeting at Chicken Corral with Richard Kulbacki giving a presentation . Lunch meeting with local members announcing a committee is planning for the September Retired Teachers’ Golf tournament . Lunch at the Library with speaker on health, wellness and nutrition in the schools . Annual General Meeting - - lunch at Chicken Delight with guest speaker, Ivan Traill. He spoke about Access 2 Books – our local second-hand book store. . Presented Nickels for NARTA to Salvation Army . Presented cheque to Library for magazine subscription * * *

Northeastman Chapter President, Rudi Klassen

North East Winnipeg Retired Teachers of Winnipeg (NEWRT)

Respectfully submitted by Lorraine Forrest, President 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.

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.

I wish you all well at your Annual General Meeting in Steinbach. * * *

Okanagan Chapter of RTAM – 42 Members

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.

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!

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?

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.

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. Possible upcoming events not to be missed: • bocce challenge and picnic at Gellatly Nut Farm (not a joke) in

West Kelowna • lunch at the Old Vines Restaurant and a tour of Quail’s Gate

Winery

* * *

Portage la Prairie Retired Teachers’ Association – 63 members

Respectfully submitted by Leslie Porteous

Executive: Marvin Krawec, President Leslie Porteous, Secretary-Treasurer Evelyn Rheaume, Social Convener Joyce Tomchuk, Sunshine Director John Sushelnitsky. Director; also Director, Provincial RTAM

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.

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.

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.

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.

In March, we are expecting to have a presentation Street Volunteers and then, in June, a tour of the Simplot Potato Plant. * * *

Retired Teachers of Winnipeg (RTW) – 101 members

Respectfully submitted by Dick Marshall, President

Executive for 2011-2012:

As our Annual meeting will be held in May, 2011, the new executive will be published in the next KIT.

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.

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.

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.

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 endeavour. We 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. RTW Executive for 2010-2011: President: Dick Marshall; Secretary-Treasuer: Terry Clifford; Members-at-large: Margo Foxford; Doreen Pruden; Vic Pruden * * *

Retired Women Teachers’ Association (RWTA) – 400 members

Respectfully submitted by Dr. Mary Pankiw, President

Executive

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 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

Objectives

• To provide opportunities to meet with former colleagues; • To provide for social interactions; • To present programs that inform and enlighten members; • To keep members informed of issues that affect their welfare, such as COLA, pensions and health benefits.

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.

Executive Meetings

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.

Activities

Luncheon meetings were held at the Masonic Centre on the following dates: September 30, 2010 - Buffet luncheon and Sixtieth Anniversary Fall Fashion Show. December 2, 2010 - Served luncheon and Christmas songs by the Honeycomb group (a part of Sweet Adelines International). February 17, 2011 - Buffet luncheon and Candace Swick, Rady Centre, Exercise Program: “Active Aging Fitness”. April 14, 2011: Sixtieth (Diamond) Anniversary: Out of the 12 living Past Presidents, 10 of them, who were present, were honoured. Soloist: Heidi Toews.

Outings:

September 23, 2010 – Fall trip to Wawanesa and Carberry. June 23, 2011: A Day Close to Home in St. Claude, Manitoba

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.

The President extends appreciation and thanks to all executive members for their time, efforts and contributions.

Riel Retired Teachers’ Association

Respectfully submitted by Ted Poulter, President 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.

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. * * *

St. James Assiniboia Chapter – 231 members

Submitted by Connie Newman, Chairperson

Proposed Executive: 2011 – 2012 (May 4, 2011) 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

Activities:

The aims and objectives of our Chapter continue to be: 1) To promote the economic interests of the members and other retired educators; 2) To maintain a liaison with the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba, hereafter referred to as RTAM

Other activities and on-going activities • The membership has received, on a regular basis, Media

Watch; thank you to John Sushelnitsky • Questions, comments and concerns, with respect to our benefits, have been forwarded to the appropriate person in

RTAM, Johnson Insurance, etc • Connections to active teachers with respect to the pension plan are ongoing • A subcommittee was struck and meetings with be held with select MLA’s to discuss o Funding issues o Fairness for teachers and retired teachers o Contribution increase of 2% o Diminishing purchasing power of teachers’ pensions o Obtaining a seat for RTAM on the TRAF Board o Obtaining a seat for RTAM on the Pension TaskForce • Our Annual General Meeting on May 4th will give members and their families the information needed to prepare for the provincial election

* * * Southwest Assiniboine Chapter – 45 members

Respectfully submitted by Bob Chalmers, Past President

Executive: President Jerome Brockman, Reston; Vice President T.B.A.; Secretary; Kay Kristjanson (Virden); Treasurer Glen McKinnon, Virden.

Meetings

September 14, 2010: Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Virden November 30, 2010: Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Virden April 123, 2011 (AGM): Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Virden

Membership

There are approximately 45 members with many other interested persons at the luncheons.

retired teachers bring items for the food hamper in support of the Virden and Area Food Cupboard. • 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. • 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. • The Virden Collegiate Choir performed for the retired teachers at the November 30th luncheon. • Jerome Brockman entertained the retired teachers at the

April 12th luncheon with a wonderful photo history of his recent trip to Europe. • Donations were made to the Virden, Deloraine, and Birdtail

Music and Arts Festivals as well as the Westman Youth Choir. • 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.

* * *

Swan Valley Chapter of Retired Teachers (SVRTA) – 45 members

Respectfully submitted by Secretary, Joy Solomon.

Total membership of retired teachers listed – 110 with 45 paid membership

Executive:

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

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.

Activities:

May 2010 - acknowledged necrology with 1 minute of silence visited a greenhouse operation in Mafeking -two members attended AGM of RTAM in Winnipeg June 2010 -several members attended Divisional Service Awards banquet September 2010 -celebrated our 20th Anniversary at Swan Valley Golf & Country Club -gave tribute to late John Kastrukoff and acknowledged 3 surviving Charter members with plaques (Anne Booth, Bernice Nowak, Myrtle Vermeulen) November 2010 - laid wreath at the community Remembrance Day Service - assisted local Legion with their annual Remembrance Day poster judging, both at the local and Provincial levels January 2011 - enjoyed PowerPoint presentation on the ‘Holy Land’ February 2011 - two members attended MLA Campaign workshop in Winnipeg March 2011 - three members met with MLA Wowchuk to emphasize government’s need to financially support retired teachers’ COLA shortfall - held Chapter’s Annual General Meeting - sponsored a ‘Spring Garage Sale’ - assisted local Elks and Royal Purple with judging their Healthy 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

Respectfully submitted by Vel McAdam, President

The Pas Retired Teachers” Association held two meetings to date this year.

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” presents.

Several of 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.

* * *

Thompson Association of Retired Educators (TARE) – 35 members

Respectfully submitted by Bea Shantz

Officers for 2011 – 2012

President: Joan Goble; Vice-President: Barbara McIntyre; Past President: Bea Shantz; Secretary/Treasurer: Joan Dawson; Directors: Carol Pelton, Sue McCartney, Grace Bindle As stated, there are 35 members, plus 15 associate members

Events:

Tuesday, April 27, 2010 Executive meeting to outline year’s events / plans. May 11 - 12, 2010, RTAM AGM Carol Pelton and Bea Shantz represented TARE. 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.

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. 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 Winnipeg. December 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 March 3, 2011, TTA 20 & 30 year teachers were recognized and TARE members were invited to attend 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. * * *

VanIsles Chapter - 136 members

Respectfully submitted by Valerie Davies and Jim Reid, CoPresidents

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 Taylor Our third 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

more opportunities to get together as they present themselves, and will continue to benefit from our connection to the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba. **** 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 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.

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!

At the RTAM Chapter President’s Meeting in Winnipeg in November, we were requested to form a local committee to 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. 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.

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.

Richard Benoit, President of RTAM, attended our Annual General Meeting in April and reviewed RTAM activities for the fifty-two members present.

INvITATION TO BE A cOMMITTEE MEMBER

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.

The following are the standing committees:

1) AGM and Elections; 2) Benefits; 3) Bylaws and Policy; 4) Communications; 4 a) Keep In Touch Newsletter (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

Name Phone No. E-mail

home address

My interests would be for the following committee(s):

In Memoriam

Ethel Buchanan Former President of RTAM 1996-1997

Jack Forsyth

Former RTAM Board Member