30 minute read
Committee And Chapter Reports
MTS 100th Anniversary Gala
Beth Smith, Bylaws & Policy Chair
Planning began in October 2016 for the Manitoba Teachers’ Society 100th Anniversary Celebration. The slogan “A Century of Solidarity” was chosen. Some of the accomplishments over the 100 years are as follows:
• 1919 The Manitoba Teachers’ Federation founded. • 1920 Federation recognized by Provincial
Legislature, first office in McIntyre Block. • 1924 Hires first full-time General Secretary. • 1925 Successfully sponsors Teachers’
Retirement Fund Act. • 1927 Standard contract established. • 1938 Offers accident insurance. • 1942 Bill for automatic membership, name changed to The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. • 1948 Teachers included under the Manitoba
Labour Relations Act. • 1949 Virden first to adopt a gender-neutral
single salary schedule. • 1962 New pension improvements based on final 15 years of teaching. • 1967 Pressure for better qualifications leads to
University of Manitoba, Faculty of Education. • 1972 Duty-free lunch time established. • 1973 MTS wins employment insurance to cover summer months. • 1974 Maternity leave applies to teachers, grievance revamps Employment Standards Act. • 1983 EAP support for teachers introduced. • 1990 Teachers win preparation time. • 1994 More gains: pregnancy sick leave, due process for principals, extracurricular ruled voluntary. • 2018 Full maternity top-up achieved.
The MTS 100th Anniversary Gala was held at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Winnipeg on May 24, 2019.
Ray Sitter
At the September, 2019, RTAM Board Meeting, communication was received that, due to unforeseen circumstances, Ray Sitter from Brandon, MB, was no longer available to serve on the 2019 - 20 Board.
Ray initially joined the RTAM Board as a Director in 2005 and has also served on various committees such as the AGM and Elections, Membership and Chapters and Pension Committees. Ray has also worked tirelessly to organize and to present at annual RTAM PreRetirement Seminars.
We, at RTAM, thank Ray for his many years of dedicated and attentive service and wish him well going forward.
Teachers Join In Solidarity Parade
Reprinted with permission from the Manitoba Teachers' Society
Hundreds of Manitoba public school teachers joined with hundreds of others in a parade to commemorate the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike.
Delegates to the MTS Annual General Meeting took a break from business on Saturday, May 25, to join hundreds of other Manitobans in the solidarity parade through downtown Winnipeg.
The 1919 strike began just weeks after the Manitoba Teachers’ Federation (which became The Manitoba Teachers’ Society) was created. Much of the AGM was in celebration of the formation of the union and the accomplishments achieved for teachers, students and public education in general.
History was on full display at this year’s meeting with displays of documents and artifacts, a reproduction of the first issue of The Manitoba Teacher (then called The Bulletin) and the unveiling of a website dedicated to the Society’s first 100 years.
The history website can be accessed from the homepage of the main MTS site at www.mbteach.org.
Raymond Bisson
It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing of former RTAM Board Member, Raymond Bisson, Winnipeg MB on Sunday, October 20, 2019. Raymond had served faithfully on RTAM committees and also as the acting Treasurer in 2018-19. He was an active member of the RTAM Board of Directors, as well as of the ÉMR Chapter. During his life, Raymond has been a teacher, the Superintendent of the MB French School Division, the Principal of a French school in Norwood, as well as the Past President of the Franco-Manitobaine Society (SFM) and of the Festival du Voyageur. Raymond was very involved in many other aspects of life as an educator and a Francophone in MB. Raymond will surely be missed.
Wellness Advocacy and Student Awards Committee
Linda Blair, Wellness and Student Awards Committee Chair
We held a very successful Photography Workshop on Friday, September 20th despite the downpour of rain. Due to the positive feedback, we are hoping to have Gayl Punzalan present a follow-up workshop in September, 2020. Also there has been interest expressed in a repeat of this workshop as presented in September, 2019. If you would be interested in either workshop or both, you can indicate your interest to the RTAM office. As a committee, we appreciate knowing what our membership would engage in if presented with the opportunity. On Friday, October 18th, we held a very successful Extreme Winter Driving Conditions seminar. Christian from MPI guided us through a power point with detailed information regarding the various winter driving scenarios. Several questions were raised and answered. Secondly, Sam from TONS (Transportation Options Network for Seniors) presented a power point which informed us of the various ways that we could access transportation when driving ourselves would not be a viable option. Once again the opportunity for questions was afforded us and many questions were asked and answered. www.tonsmb.org or info@tonsmb. org or 204-799-1788. There will be a Seniors Safety seminar by Garnie McIntyre on Tuesday, November 26th. Sorry that the arrangements for this seminar arrived too late to appear in Kit so you could register to attend this seminar. However we were able to advertise on our website and in letters to Chapter presidents. Do save the date: Thursday, February 13, 2020 for a Wills, Power of Attorney, Health Directive to help prevent Elder Abuse seminar by Sharon Tod. Location will be MTS building, 191 Harcourt Street. Time is to be determined. We are opening up this seminar to RTAM members as well as their guests as the space will allow for more participants. Future seminars could include Ageism, Decluttering, Cooking for One, Navigating the Internet to name just a few ideas that may or may not come to early furturiction. I encourage you to checkout our RTAM Website for current Wellness happenings in particular. Be sure to checkout the website periodically as information on events is added. If you have ideas for seminars, workshops, presenters, etc. please pass on your information to the office. Our committee may be able to use your information to put together that event. Lastly, remember there is a Wellness grant. If your Chapter needs funds to proceed with a Wellness event, here is a grant that may provide these funds. Check the website for more information. Until next time, stay well.
WISE Manitoba 2019 Equality Breakfast
Linda Blair
On Friday, October 18, 2019, Peggy Prendergast and I attended the Working in Support of Equality (Manitoba) Breakfast. The topic was (Still) Calling for Justice: Redress and Healing Beyond the National Inquiry. Qajag Robinson and Dr. Karine Duchamel shared the address to the audience. Both women were highly qualified, knowledgable and articulate. They were both involved in the National Inquiry. They spoke about the mandate of the National Inquiry as well as sharing precise examples of their findings. When I hear the word, colonialism, in any and all of its forms, I get a distaste for the speaker's words. However, keeping my mind open to receiving new insights, I learned that the cultures involved in this Inquiry are vastly different amongst themselves as well as amongst our average Canadian cultures. These cultures result in other people having a very different way of doing life. The various ways of doing life are neither right or wrong, only different. As we understand the culture, we can move forward to positive results. Going forward, what would they recommend we do as individuals to promote equality as we are only one person? Treat everyone the same. The Final Report of the MMIWG Inquiry is at: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/
Home Safety While Away
When preparing to leave for vacation, keep in mind that the items you leave behind are just as important as the items you take with you. Following these simple steps can help you have a worry-free vacation.
Get a home monitoring system. With the expanding list of technology and products available, it’s now possible to check the status of your home with a simple click to make sure everything is the way you last left it.
Keep up on regular home maintenance. Have a trusted neighbor or family member help with the upkeep of the lawn and watering the plants. Having a house sitter such as a family member or friend, especially for longer trips can ensure that your house is being properly taken care of and eliminates the worry of your home being empty for an extended period of time.
Most importantly, lock every- thing. Double check to make sure all doors (including the garage) and windows are locked. Remember to have one final look at all points of entry before heading out.
Preventive Health & Aging –
Education Series Presented by CARP on November 4
• Healthcare consumes 50% of the budget with the other 50% having to be split multiple ways to cover other health issues. A focus on preventive strategies could lessen health care costs. • Get your tetanus shot every 10 years • Add life to years, not years to life • How to prevent fragility? A – activity, V – vaccinate, 0 – optimize medications, I – interact socially, D – diet and nutrition • Endurance, strength, flexibility, balance • Move as things done is important, not necessarily specific activities • Ability to recover decreases as we age. • As we age, our bodies need more protein such as chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, soy, legumes, spinach and milk • 175 pound (80 kg) person needs 80 to 120 grams of protein per day • Calcium sources: milk, yogurt, cheese, fortified plant based foods • Dark green vegetables such as broccoli, kali and spinach • Fish with soft bones that are eaten such as canned salmon or sardines • In those over 65 years of age, 1 in 3 fall per year • 8 exercises: Staying on your Feet website, www.preventsfalls.ca • 6 dimensions of wellness: social, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, physical, occupational • Lifestyle medicine suggestions include regular exercise, weight management, abstain form tobacco, manage stress and anxiety • Research shows that happiness is 10% circumstances, 50% genetics set point, 40% intentional thoughts and actions • Cultivating positive aging has been shown to increase life by 7 years • “The impossible can always be broken down into possibilities.” Author unknown • Dayah proverb: Where the heart is willing, it will find a thousand ways but where it is unwilling, it will find a thousand excuses. • Sing the song “Bring Back” and alternate standing and sitting on the B’s • HOPE: Helping, Older, People, Engage • Website: www.activeagingmb.ca • Can’t: cut off the ‘t • Think of what you can do when you work together • ACE: Active, Connected, Engaged leads to
Socialization • Be part of creating change • Adult immunization record: download from
CARP website • $66 billion is saved by caregivers providing care
RTAM PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINARS
For Winnipeg and Surrounding areas:
When: Saturday, February 22, 2020 Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Where: Holiday Inn Winnipeg Airport West, 2520 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
To register, please email office@rtam.mb.ca by February 7, 2020 For Brandon and surrounding areas:
When: Saturday, March 14, 2020 Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Where: To be announced
To register, please email Pat Bowslaugh at bowslaughp@gmail.com by February 29, 2020
Joyce McGinnis
Dauphin Area Retired Teachers had a “Feel Good Day” when we were able to help Whitmore School with their “Fuel Good Day.” They were one of the schools chosen in Manitoba by Co-op to receive money from the gas sales at the Dauphin Co-op Gas Bars during Fuel Good Day. Ten DARTA members volunteered their time to help run their BBQ on September 17. The local elementary school raised $1,475 from the BBQ. They received $5,600 from the Co-op in gas sales for that day. With an additional $1,000, from the school funds, their total earnings for the day was $8,075.
During the hours of the BBQ we were entertained by Desiree Dorian, a local singer, and The D Steppers, a local dance group.
The money from the BBQ will go towards their lunch program. The gas sales profits are slated for soccer nets, basketball nets, swings, and a rock garden seating area. A very successful day was had by all!
Coffee Break '19 Joyce McGinnis, DARTA Member
The Dauphin Area Retired Teachers hosted a Coffee Break afternoon on October 11 at the Dauphin Market Place Mall. This was a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society. With the sale of baked goods and donations we were able to donate $571.30 to the society.
St. James-Assiniboia Chapter
Dorothy Young
The St. James-Assiniboia Chapter of RTAM held a very successful Coffee House and AGM in McMaster House on Thursday, September 12, 2019. Thirty-nine of our members were in attendance and three guests. The Executive elected for 2019-20 at the meeting was:
Chairperson Lynn Land
Vice Chair Shelley Herbert
Secretary/Recorder Rudy Peters
Treasurer Emily Williamson
Membership/
Communications Dorothy Young
Members at Large Marj Bilous, Will Peters, Linda Scott, Carol Szuminsky
We also have three members on the Provincial RTAM Board of Directors: Bill Cann, Alison Logan and Linda Scott
Thanks to Provincial RTAM’s financial support, members present enjoyed coffee/tea/water as well as delicious apple crisp and ice cream. Thank you to Emily Williamson, Lynn Land, Shelley Herbert, and Mary Starodub our wonderful bakers! The entertainment at the Coffee House was the gift exchange. Members present had their names drawn from a pumpkin and they were entitled to choose a wrapped package from the table or steal an opened package from someone who had chosen before them. This was a lot of fun and twenty-five members went home with prizes. On behalf of the Chapter, thanks to Linda Scott for getting and wrapping the gifts for the exchange. Seven door prizes were also awarded. Thank you to Lynn Land, Dorothy Young, Marj Bilous and Carol Szuminsky for your donated prizes. So 27 people did not go home empty handed! .
James Bedford, the President of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society brought greetings. He expressed a desire to work for closer ties between active and retired teachers, the need for a strong association, and is looking forward to receiving advice on how to strengthen the public education system. He introduced Nathan Martindale, Vice-President of the Society.
Peggy Prendergast, President of the Provincial RTAM brought greetings and spoke about Bill C27 and the coalition that is taking a close look at it. She expressed satisfaction at the establishment of a capital fund within the Winnipeg Foundation in the amount of $50,000 the interest on which will used to provide awards to nominated descendents of retired teachers. She expressed the hope to see it grow through donations to the fund. She also drew attention to several booklets of interest to seniors, and announced that the RTAM website was being redesigned to make it more user friendly.
MTC Class of ’59 Celebrate 60th
MTS Time Capsule
Norm Guilbert
The Organizing Committee: L-R: Norman Guilbert (C), Norman Fullerton (B), Bert Suss (M), Mary Eshelby McQueen (B), Joseph Plett (L), Cynthia Keith Robins (G), Emily Jansen Williamson (J)
As dawn gently broke, the sun edged above the horizon heralding a clear, blue, cloudless sky reflecting a similar late summer day sixtyone years earlier when six hundred forty eager young women and men briskly and purposefully navigated their way to register at the Manitoba Teachers’ College for a year of teacher training. This day, somewhat less energetically but still purposefully, ninety-eight graduates ambled to register for the Sixtieth Anniversary Reunion at the Pancake House McGillivray and receive their photo name tags.
After a hearty breakfast special some embarked on an interesting and educational Winnipeg City bus tour, others went to the newly designed Assiniboine Park Zoo while some made their way directly to the former Manitoba Teachers’ College, now the Canadian Mennonite University, to stroll about the campus or have a leisurely coffee and visit at the campus Folio Café.
The ringing of an antique hand bell called everyone to dinner. Open seating enabled friends and acquaintances to sit as desired in the former Dining Room. Grace was recited, Territory One acknowledged and a delicious catered meal was served.
Special thanks were extended to all the class reps who did all the hard work of contacting classmates. Excellent entertainment was provided by the Fort Richmond Collegiate Show Time Jazz. The last selection was “Early One Morning” and everyone joined in. A short competitive team quiz followed with winning teams receiving gif cards.
As the day came to an end the hand bell was rung the last time and “class dismissed” with fond farewells and goodbyes.
Beth Smith
Saturday, October 26, 2019, at Presidents' Council, we witnessed the sealing of the MTS Time Capsule. Former Society President Rob Banister was on hand to address us and - along with current MTS President James Bedford, ÉFM President Valérie Rémillard and RTAM representative Beth Smith - seal the capsule. Looking forward to the reopening in 2044.
RTAM Is Leaving A Legacy
RTAM Student Award Program
Peggy Prendergast, RTAM President
Spencer Christie Olivia Erickson Marissa Claire Hamlin Alexander Iwanchysko
The RTAM Endowment Fund was established with The Winnipeg Foundation in 2013 with an initial contribution of $50,000 enabling four awards of $500. The Fund has grown to provide support this year for four $850 awards to our very deserving young relatives.
Endowing the RTAM Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation allows us to enlarge the size of the award available to each student over time. .
LET’S STRIVE FOR FOUR $1000 AWARDS NEXT YEAR!
Please consider adding capital to the growth of the RTAM Endowment Fund. Contribute to The RTAM Endowment Award Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation by phone, mail or internet with an in memoriam gift or in your will or just your charity of choice for next year.
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE Check our website at www.rtam.mb.ca or www.wpgfdn.ca to find out how.
Brief description of post-secondary plans provided by the award recipients.
Spencer Christie
I intend on pursuing a degree in Physics at the University of Manitoba. Afterwards, I am interested in entering a medicine school in order to enter the medical field, although that is far along in the future.
Olivia Erickson
I am currently attending Brandon University and working towards completing my Bachelor of Science degree. After I finish my first degree my plans are to attend medical school, hopefully at the University of British Columbia and pursue Dermatology and/ or Plastic surgery. My end goal would be to eventually own my own dermatology and low level plastic surgery practice.
Marissa Claire Hamlin
Marissa Claire Hamlin is currently attending the University of Ottawa in the Faculty of Science pursuing an undergraduate degree in biology. She was also accepted into the House of Commons Page Program for the 2019-2020 year. As an avid lover of nature and the environment, Marissa plans to use her post-secondary education in biology in order to pursue field research that will contribute to issues of environmental and social significance. She wants to focus on the changing ecology of sub-arctic regions in consideration with the new pressures and challenges of climate change.
Alexander Iwanchysko
I am attending the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Engineering. In my second year I hope to get accepted into the Department of Electrical Engineering and earn my degree in that field. After I get my degree I plan to work somewhere in rural Manitoba.
Photography Contest SUMMER ENTRIES
Opportunity!
RTAM is looking for a Rural Chapter to host the 2021 AGM. Please consider showcasing your Chapter and community by hosting this AGM.
If your Chapter is interested in hosting the 2021 RTAM AGM Meeting, please write to RTAM, 206-1555 St. James Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3H 1B5, or email office@rtam.mb.ca . It would be helpful to receive your expression of interest prior to December 31, 2019.
May 5-6, 2020
Retired Women Teachers Association (RWTA) invites all RTAM members to Winnipeg, Manitoba for the RTAM AGM 2020.
RETIRED TEACHERS’
ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA
RTAM Winter 2020 Photo Contest Official Entry and Release Form
A copy of this form must be completed for each entry submitted to the photo contest. Photos cannot be entered into more than one category. Complete Photo Contest Rules are posted on the RTAM Website (see below).
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY
TELEPHONE
PHOTOGRAPH TITLE PROVINCE
EMAIL POSTAL CODE
Please check:
❏ I Am Ready For My Close-Up
Take a picture of something 14 centimeters or less and make it look big.
❏ Black and White Photography
Indoors or outdoors, any subject, but no human faces.
By submitting my entry to the RTAM Photo Contest, I hereby grant permission to the Retired Teachers’ Association (RTAM) to use/edit/reuse my photograph in any and all of its publications and on its website. I understand that there is no time limit on the validity of this release. I confirm that I am a member in good standing of RTAM and I agree to abide by the Photo Contest rules as set forth by RTAM and posted on the RTAM website (https://rtam.mb.ca).
By signing this release form, I acknowledge that I have completely read and understand what this permission signifies.
Name in Print / Signature / Date Signed
ENTRY DEADLINE
April 3, 2020 at 4:00 pm
RTAM Photo Contest Rules
Submission Requirements:
Print Entries:
• All entries sent must have an image which is no smaller than 5” x 7” or larger than 12” x 12”. Square formatted images will be accepted provided that they are not smaller than 7” x 7” or larger than 12” x 12”. Panoramic photos will not be accepted. • Matted or framed photos will not be accepted. • Photo titles are mandatory, must be written on the back of prints and match the title on the Contest Official Entry Form.
Electronic Entries:
• Electronic photos can also be submitted. The covering email or file name must include the photo title which must match the title on the Contest Official Entry Form. Electronic photos will be printed by RTAM for judging purposes.
Please read the full contest rules at https://rtam.mb.ca/index. php/rtam-kit/photo-contest-rules or at http://bluetilde.ca/2
Manitoba 150 Guy Hansen, Chair, Public Relations
The province of Manitoba joined Confederation on May 12, 1870, with the passing of the Manitoba Act.
Our name, Manitoba, is from the Ojibwe word manidoobaa or the Cree manitou-wapow, or perhaps other similar sounding words from other First Nations groups who lived here.
Each of these words have some relationship with our word “water”. They identify the Narrows of Lake Winnipeg, or they are used in the more general phrase “ water of the prairie”. These, and other similar ancient words help remind us of the long, long past of this place, our province.
Next year, 2020, Manitoba will formally be 150 years old.
And we, RTAM, will try to celebrate this birthday.
The Public Relations Committee started with a small preparatory role as it walked with the MTS contingent in memory of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike.
We did the same in the Labor Day Parade, again with MTS, and we were there at the Climate Change rally. On that day, My wife, Faye, and I carried our flag. (Ray Job, the PR man for MTS, took the photo. That’s probably why it is so crisp and clear.)
You, too, can carry this flag, our colors. Check our website for our policy on borrowing it, RTAM will supply it to you.
So hopefully we will be visible at a number of country fairs next summer.
And check out the e-site... Manitoba 150. It’s interesting, and more events are being announced as we enter our 150th year.
The next announcement is to be December 12, 150 years and 150 days from the initial signing date of May 12, 1870.
Maybe you want to initiate an event locally. Let us know. Go for it.
L-R: James Bedford, President of Manitoba Teachers Society, Lloyd Thomas, earlier an electronics teacher; Guy Hansen, Faye Hansen
Life Members
August 2019
Derwyn Davies, Winnipeg, MB Luther E. Judt, Winnipeg, MB Doreen Langdon, Winnipeg, MB Marie Montsion, Winnipeg, MB
September 2019
Frank E. Basiuk, Brandon, MB Lloyd R. Franklin, Winnipeg, MB Jennie Goldstine, Winnipeg, MB James Aitken Henderson, Ladysmith, BC Isabelle MacDonald, Winnipeg, MB Abe Siemens, Winnpeg, MB
October 2019
Betty I. Bartush, Winnipeg, MB Norma C. Daly, Winnipeg, MB Michael Raymond Joshua, Winnipeg, MB Meroslaw Lakusta, Winnipeg, MB Dirpaul Ramkissoon, Winnipeg, MB Alvin James Wieler, Winnipeg, MB
Normal School Class of '54 Reunion
Ray West
Members of the Winnipeg Normal School Class of “54,“ held their 65th Anniversary Reunion at Canad Inn Brandon on Friday September 6. There were 38 retired teachers and spouses (27 of whom were from the graduation class of “54“). This was the 11th reunion for this class since graduating. Previous reunions have been held in Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie, Brandon and Roland, Manitoba. Attendees came from as far away as Maple Grove, BC and Kenora, Ontario.
The afternoon started with lunch at Alto’s Cafe and then moved to several teachers telling some of their favourite stories from their careers. Phyllis Lamb spoke with pride how seven of her former students had gone on to be teachers themselves with one graduating from Oxford University in London with a degree in four languages. Lamb said she had to walk several miles to and from the schools she taught in. “ am coming on 88 and I am still using my legs," she said, with a smile.
Members talked about trying to hold another reunion in two years, probably in Winnipeg. At that time, most members will be age 86 or older but it would be great to see their friends again.
Please contact TRAF at info@traf.mb.ca or 204-949-0048 if you know any of the following people, or have information about how they may be reached.
Sharon Brychka Gregory Chomichuk Christine Crnko-Kerr Janice Doiron Andrea Downes Suzanne Erdelyi Christine Everett Nancy Gottfried Christine James John Kerr David Kidd Kathleen Long Albert Mandepetumpeny Danh Nguyen Holly Parcey Leroy Reimer Sheila Sachvie Ryan Thompson Norma Turner Robert Whiteside
The 1919 Winnipeg Strike Revisited
Guy Hansen
Harriet Zaidman wrote a book about the 1919 Winnipeg Strike. It’s about the North End and the cultural mosaic centred around old Selkirk Avenue. It’s about the Sitner family, a brother Jack and his sister Nellie- a hungry family trying to get by as they lived through the strike days. Jack sold newspapers on the very corner where the police charge against the protesters and workers would occur on Bloody Saturday. Jack actually saw what was really happening- but the headlines of his newspapers seemingly told a different story- not his story- a story he had troubles reconciling.
So what was Jack’s world really like?
When the men went to seek out work: “I go for job, but foreman say no work for Bohunks, Kikes, Huns, or Polaks. Is all of us. Is not my fault I not born here.”
“in German, Polish, Ukrainian, and Yiddish, all the languages mixed together” the women in the North End Market discussed rising food costs and shortages. Everyone knew a strike was coming, and there was not enough money to stock up on food.
“Francis Simmons is me, Fanny Sitner. It’s the name I use at work… if I didn’t change my name, I wouldn’t have that job.” .…and as ominously reported in the Manitoba Free Press 10 days before Bloody Saturday, CPR ENGINE #965 REACHED THE CITY, LOADED WITH MACHINE GUNS, YESTERDAY.
The soldiers, returned from the Great War (WWI) disillusioned, facing no jobs, terrible living conditions in the North End- where many returned to- and NO JOBS.
All this same time the Committee of 1000 (actually the group was only about 50 people) took it upon themselves to ‘protect the rights’ of the Winnipeg business class. The Committee blatantly refused to negotiate with the workers and actively engaged in putting down the strike. Those same committee members lived south of the Assiniboine River in fine houses and in a much different world to that of the workers who lived in dreadful living and working conditions, with inadequate and unreasonable wages.
Harriet Zaidman’s family was Jewish. Her paternal grandfather Harry was at that Bloody Saturday. The Northwest Mounted Police armed with wagon wheel spokes charged into, and hammered on, the crowd. Harry had tried to pull an NWMP rider from his horse. Pandemonium! Harry then fled and hid in his root cellar.
As a retired teacher-librarian, an author, and a granddaughter, how could Harriet not write this book?
I was indeed fortunate to see Harriet’s presentation and slide show firsthand during the RTAM Board meeting’s lunchtime. Her presentation was specifically for the Public Relations and Political Advocacy committees, but other committee and board members were invited as well. In October, Harriet presented at the SAGE Conference (formerly SAG) and has been invited to speak at a number of Winnipeg schools. If I had a grandchild, early to mid-teens, this book would certainly be a Christmas present.
Thanks, Harriet. Thanks for your awareness and determination. Thanks for smiling so graciously when we presented you with our RTAM pen, even though you already have a room full them.
Harriet’s book is titled CITY ON STRIKE.
The Torch Be Yours To Hold It High
MacGregor Collegiate Institute holds annually, A Remembrance Day Service that is, for the most part crafted and entirely presented by the students.
It is a respectful and moving experience that, on the morning of November 8th, encompassed tributes to women and war, Indigenous war heroes, a personal retrospect of Afghanistan, and three heroic faces of freedom; all composed and read by the student participants.
Acknowledgement was given to tradition as “The Last Post”, a moment of silence, and “Reveille” were prominent in the program.
However, the most powerful and emotional piece continues to be the reading of the community Honour Roll during which a poppy for each name is pinned on a cross by students, while every second person in the gymnasium stands in respect as each name is read. It has always been a strong personalization of the numbers lost from families in our area.
This is the 75th anniversary of the Canadian Liberation of the Netherlands. My Father was with the Dutch resistance, and my Mother was a nurse who was “drafted” into the Canadian army for a time as she spoke four languages and interpreters were needed. Not a day goes by that I am not thankful that, partly because of this, my parents brought me to this country as our chosen home.
I am proud that, in commemoration of this liberation, the students of MacGregor Collegiate have planted 128 tulip bulbs this Fall; one for each name on the Honour Role.
I am proud that Edward Roulette laid the Wreath of Remembrance on behalf of the Retired Teachers Association of Manitoba, and that our organization was recognized at this meaningful ceremony.
We all should be proud that the MacGregor Collegiate student body has taken up the torch and holds it high in remembrance and gratitude.
RTAM and MTS
MTS President James Bedford and Vice President Nathan Martindale visited the RTAM Board during the lunch break on October 16, 2019. The President thanked RTAM for the invitation and proposed possible closer ties between the two organizations at a non-partisan political action level. The co-operation could include the operational level at events such as the recent climate event and literature such as the election postcards. RTAM Board Directors shared in the discussion over the noon hour. RTAM President Peggy Prendergast thanked the MTS representatives for the discussion.
Teachers and Students Together Again
Dr. Louisa Loeb Permit Teachers of Manitoba 15th Annual and Final Gala Reunion
Text and photos by Theresa Antoniuk, Committee Chairperson
On July 11, 2019 some 84 permit teachers, guests and former students registered for the 15th annual and final Dr. Louisa Loeb Permit Teachers of Manitoba Reunion at the Viscount Gort Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The theme of the reunion was once again, “Teachers and Students Together Again”. Permit teachers and former students were invited to attend the gala reunion. Greeting the guests as they arrived were Andy Alexiuk and Ralph Trombo. The registration table was opened from 9:00 to 10:00 am. Welcoming the guests were Registrar, Edith Alexiuk, Karen Boughton, Lavone Lesperance-Caron and Margaret Lesperance. Guests received a program, bookmark with a photo of a
Anne Yanchyshyn and Wally Stoyko, Committee Member Dancing
Front Row, L-R: Ralph Trombo, Lavone Lesperance-Caron, Margaret Lesperance, Theresa Antoniuk - Chairperson, Edith Alexiuk - Registrar, Karen Boughton. Back Row, L-R: Wally Stoyko - Public Relations, Melvin Bodnarus - Treasurer, Murray Coates, Bill Badiuk - Acting Secretary, Alex Alexiuk. Missing: Ed Arndt, Vera McCallum.
Elizabeth Bayduza, from Winnipegosis, MB. travelled the farthest to attend the reunion
schoolhouse, color coded meal tickets, door prize tickets and “Meet and Mingle Quiz”, an ice breaker prepared by Edith Alexiuk. The guests had to look at other guests name tags for clues to the questions, e.g. “Find someone that a permit teacher taught the same year that you did”. Coffee, tea, juice and water were available for all participants.
Introduction of Past Chairpersons, according to Margaret Lesperance, the idea of a Permit Teachers Reunion began in 2003 at the summer course for teachers at Brandon University. Dr. Louisa Loeb, presenter of the course met with student Margaret Lesperance. Both having been permit teachers they shared their experiences and considered to start a
