Boyne Chapter Retired Teachers Chapter Report 2022-2023

Submitted by Bob Kowalchuk

The Boyne Chapter has 13 members. We have no designated President, but someone volunteers to chair each meeting. The Secretary-Treasurer is Bob Kowalchuk. The breakfast meetings are held the last Friday of each month (September to May) at a local Carman restaurant. For our May meeting we organize a road trip and have breakfast and tour that community. The yearly fee is $10 and that provides a scholarship to a Prairie Rose graduate entering a program of learning.

The first part of the meeting involves the business portion and the sharing of information. We usually try to present an updated RTAM report. There was a lengthy discussion whether we should continue with the yearly scholarship--since there is a decline in our membership. The consensus was to keep the scholarship for at least another year.

Following the business portion, we would then discuss a wide range of topics. These topics could include: what it would be like teaching or substituting during COVID; our retired home- ec teacher gave the group a lesson on the different types of borscht; pros and cons of different internet services--Shaw, Bell or Telus; the Carman Pathway and the natural beauty that can be experienced.

In addition, we have taken note of the number of Hallmark Christmas movies that are being filmed in Carman; Wordle is a popular pastime for many of our members; our local library offers many programs throughout the year and these are updated; and we have partaken in lengthy discussions on wearing a mask and flu shots and its boosters.

Discussion at one meeting was dominated on the “freedom hearings” and the implementation of the Emergency Act. The differences in teacher hiring interviews today compared to when we were hired has also been noted.

Meetings end with health updates on members who are unable to attend the meetings. Leaving with a smile is always important. This wraps up the Boyne Chapter Report.