Keep In Touch (KIT) Magazine: Winter 2023

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

106-1780 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 | 204-889-3660 | Toll Free: 1-888-393-8082 | info@rtam.mb.ca | www.rtam.mb.ca

Vol. 35 | No. 3 | Winter 2023

winter

2023

KEEP IN TOUCH Vol. 35 | No. 3 | Winter 2023 Published by

106-1780 Wellington Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3 Phone 204-889-3660 • 1-888-393-8082 Email: info@rtam.mb.ca Website: www.rtam.mb.ca

in this issue President’s report.......................................... 3 Rapport de la présidente............................... 4

Mapping your successful aging journey using Ungar’s Four Strategies....................... 14

Executive Director’s report............................ 5

Hearing health.............................................. 16

Rapport du directeur général........................ 5

The iNaturalist App....................................... 18

Message from the KIT Committee................. 6

L’application iNaturalist................................ 18

Daughpin Area Retired Teachers’ Association.................................... 6

Chapters & (SIGs) Special Interest Groups Announcement................................29

Member Services Coordinator: Dianne Casar Email: dcasar@rtam.mb.ca

Okanagan Chapter..........................................7

RTAM 2023 Student Award Winners............. 21

St. James-Assiniboia Chapter’s October 2023 Report..................................... 8

Helping the young remember veterans........22

Swan Valley Retired Teachers’ Association Chapter Report.......................... 9

Morning Glory Quick Loaf..............................25

ÉMR – Éducatrices et éducateurs manitobains à la retraite............................... 10

Money and you: Seniors edition....................27

New special interest group: RTAM Creating a Legacy Portfolio for Your Family Members.............................. 13

Board of Directors 2023-2024 President: Linda Blair Vice -President: Gabe Mercier

New Partnership with UNESCO....................28

Life members.............................................. 20 In memorium............................................... 20

New special interest group: RTAM “Women in Leadership” Paper Quilt Project........................................ 12

Members Judy Danchura JoAnne Hoyak Gabe Mercier Joan Zaretsky Email: kit@rtam.mb.ca

Directors-at-Large Betty-Jean Checkley Brent Corrigan Gisèle Grégoire Jayesh Maniar Peter Narth Kelvon Smith Dianne Snider Dennis Kozak Executive Director: Sean Seywright Email: seywright@rtam.mb.ca Office Administrator: Denise Bellesia Email: dbellesia@rtam.mb.ca

Twas the Night Before Christmas................. 19

ACER-CART Report – Fall 2023.......................7

The Retired Women Teachers’ Association (RWTA)........................11

Editorial Committee Chair: Gisèle Grégoire

Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps..................... 24 Christmas Unity............................................26

RTAM – Help us stay connected....................30 Upcoming Events......................................... 31

Print: Concept Printing Services Creative Director/Design: Kathleen Cable Email: conceptprinting@shaw.ca Copyright © 2023 by RTAM All rights reserved. No part of this publication

All materials for the next issue of KIT must be emailed with no formatting to kit@rtam.mb.ca and received by February 7, 2024, 5:00 p.m.

Materials published here do not necessarily represent the policies or views of RTAM. The Editorial Committee reserves the right to print, reject and/or edit for clarity, all materials received.

may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: RTAM 106-1780 Wellington Avenue

2 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B3

President’s Report

Linda Blair

RTAM President, 2023-2024

F

or those of us domiciled in Winnipeg, snow arrived on the ground before Halloween. Our thoughts were focused on preparing for winter.

I trust that you were able to prepare for the change of seasons and are eagerly awaiting all those unique events that can occur in December. Take time to enjoy those special moments, especially now that you are retired.

This year RTAM participated in Remembrance Day by contributing to the Canadian Legion’s upcoming magazine. We will share the article in KIT when it comes out this Spring. We also had directors attend ceremonies throughout the province, while we paid respects in person and online.

We have been busy focusing on keeping you, our members, informed in a timely way. With the introduction of our e-newsletter being available on the first of each month, we endeavor to communicate current aspects of RTAM business.

Special thanks to the 920 plus members who completed our survey about future RTAM Group Trips.

Trip Merchant will be releasing the details of the trips to the selected destinations which were Croatia and Portugal. Also, look for information of trips going to Iceland and Costa Rica.

Our latest survey focused on the aspects that members would like to use when accessing our website. I trust that you were able to take the time to complete the survey so Lucious Orange can determine the functions of our website that are important to members.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are being formed. In our November e-newsletter, specific groups were mentioned. Members have been reaching out to us to indicate their interest in participating in these groups.

If you have an idea for a group, please reach out to us so we can let other members know about the group.

Some short-term needs of RTAM are for members to volunteer for working committees such as a group focused on recruiting new Board and Committee members. If you are available to meet on Zoom to participate in short-term groups, please complete a Volunteer Form and indicate your area of interest. Help us grow our organization.

This season can bring about many stresses for folks.

Please remember to take time to focus on your personal health and wellbeing. Enjoy the festivities in whatever way that is your tradition. Do take care.

Linda with Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning Nello Altomare, in his office at the Manitoba Legislature on December 2, 2023.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 3

rapport de la présidente

Linda Blair

P

our ceux et celles d’entre nous qui habitent à Winnipeg, la neige s’est posée au sol avant l’Halloween. Nos pensées se sont tournées vers les préparatifs d’hiver.

J’espère que vous avez pu vous préparer au changement de saison et que vous attendez avec impatience toutes les activités exceptionnelles de décembre. Prenez le temps de profiter de ces moments précieux, en particulier maintenant que vous êtes à la retraite.

Cette année, RTAM a participé au jour du Souvenir en rédigeant un article qui paraîtra dans la prochaine revue de la Légion canadienne, que nous partagerons lorsqu’elle sera publiée au printemps. Des administrateurs ont également participé aux cérémonies qui se sont tenues partout dans la province et nous avons rendu nos hommages en personne et en ligne.

Nous nous sommes employés à vous tenir informés en temps opportun. En publiant notre bulletin électronique le premier de chaque mois, nous nous efforçons de vous faire part de l’évolution actuelle des activités de RTAM. Nous remercions en particulier les 920 membres et plus qui ont répondu à notre sondage sur les voyages en groupe futurs de RTAM. Trip Merchant publiera les détails des voyages vers les destinations choisies de la Croatie et du Portugal. Surveillez aussi l’information sur les voyages en Islande et au Costa Rica.

Notre tout dernier sondage a porté sur les fonctions que les membres aimeraient utiliser lorsqu’ils consultent notre site Web. J’espère que vous avez pu prendre le temps de répondre au sondage pour que Lucious Orange puisse déterminer les fonctions de notre site Web importantes pour les membres.

Des groupes d’intérêts spéciaux (GIS) sont en cours de création. Nous en avions parlé dans notre bulletin électronique de novembre. Des membres nous ont fait part de leur intérêt à participer à ces groupes. Si vous avez une idée de groupe, n’hésitez pas à nous le faire savoir pour que nous en informions les autres membres.

RTAM a besoin à court terme que des membres s’offrent pour participer bénévolement à des comités de travail comme le groupe axé sur le recrutement de nouveaux membres au conseil d’administration et dans les comités. Si vous pouvez vous joindre par Zoom à des groupes à court terme, nous vous invitons à remplir un formulaire de bénévolat et à y indiquer votre domaine d’intérêt. Aidez-nous à faire croître notre organisation.

La saison peut être source de nombreux stress pour bien des gens. N’oubliez pas de prendre le temps de penser à votre santé et à votre bien-être personnel. Profitez des festivités selon les traditions qui vous animent. Prenez bien soin de vous.

DID YOU MISS THE DEADLINE TO GET A PRINT COPY OF KIT?

IT’S OK! YOU CAN STILL REGISTER TO RECEIVE KIT BY MAIL AND IN PRINT.

CALL OR EMAIL THE OFFICE

204-889-3660 office@rtam.mb.ca 4 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

executive director’s Report

Sean Seywright RTAM Executive Director

I

t can be such an amazing time for us as we gather with

a long-term basis. We are excited for our group trips to Croatia

family and friends for the many holidays that take place

in 2024 and Portugal and Costa Rica in 2025. Thank you to

in December, but it can also be a time of loneliness and

Luscious Orange who continue to survey our members and meet

depression for those without loved ones or those who have

with our volunteers as we learn about our communities’ needs in

negative past experiences. As we work through the month of

a new website.

December, please don’t rush. Take your time and smile at those around you. Offer kindness and compassion; these are the best gifts we can offer this season.

RTAM continues to move forward as we grow to meet the needs of our diverse and expanding membership base. Thank you to Hearing Life for their Black Friday special this past November,

Last but not least, thank you members! The engagement on the new e-news is amazing. We see that more than 75% of members are opening the emails (it’s sent to more than 8,000 RTAM members) and you’re participating in our surveys which help guide us. Thank you so much for your feedback and support as we investigate new communication devices.

further extending savings to our members. Thank you to Trip

On behalf of everyone at RTAM, Happy Hanukkah, Merry

Merchant for the incredible options you provide our members on

Christmas, Festive Kwanzaa and Blessed Yule.

rapport du directeur général

Sean Seywright

C

ette période peut être pour nous une période

incroyables que vous offrez à nos membres à long terme : nous

formidable où nous nous réunissons en famille et

sommes ravis de nos voyages en groupe en Croatie en 2024 et

entre amis pour les nombreuses fêtes qui ont lieu en

au Portugal et au Costa Rica en 2025. Merci à Luscious Orange

décembre, mais elle peut aussi être une période de solitude et

qui continue de sonder nos membres et de rencontrer nos

de dépression pour ceux et celles qui ont perdu des êtres chers

bénévoles pour connaître les besoins de nos communautés dans

ou qui ont déjà vécu des expériences difficiles. Au cours du

un nouveau site Web.

mois de décembre, ne vous précipitez pas. Prenez votre temps et souriez à ceux et celles qui vous entourent. Faites preuve de gentillesse et de compassion, ce sont là les plus beaux cadeaux à offrir en cette saison.

RTAM continue d’évoluer et de prendre de l’expansion pour répondre aux besoins de nos membres diversifiés et de plus en plus nombreux. Merci à Hearing Life pour le rabais du Vendredi

Enfin, merci aux membres! Votre intérêt pour le nouveau bulletin électronique est fantastique. Nous constatons que plus de 75 % des membres ouvrent nos courriels (envoyés à plus de 8 000 membres de RTAM) et que vous participez à nos sondages qui nous guident. Merci infiniment de vos commentaires et de votre soutien dans notre recherche de nouveaux moyens de communication.

fou en novembre dernier qui a permis à nos membres de

Au nom de toute l’équipe de RTAM, je vous souhaite un joyeux

profiter d’économies. Merci à Trip Merchant pour les options

Hanukkah, un joyeux Noël, un Kwanzaa festif et un Yule béni.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 5

Message from the KIT Committee Submitted by Gisèle Grégoire

T

he KIT Committee invites you, our members, to become more involved in its content. Share with us your travel stories, teaching experiences, poetry, published books or articles, book reviews, workshops and seminars, recipes, etc. that you feel would be of interest and beneficial to members of RTAM. We look forward to building an archive of material that may be published in future issues of KIT. What’s New at RTAM? Special Interest Group SIG These new SIGs will have a theme and be open to RTAM members anywhere in the province who would like to participate. If you or someone you know is interested in starting a SIG, please contact Dianne in the RTAM office for more information, at DCasar@RTAM.mb.ca.

New Special Interest Group - Legacy Portfolios: The Legacy Portfolio SIG will provide you with a portfolio as well as discussions with fellow members as to what you may want to select to leave as a memoir for your family.

New Special Interest Group - The Paper Quilt Project: The Women in Leadership Paper Quilt SIG is designed to encourage

RTAM women, who were in leadership roles in their teaching career, to develop a paper quilt square to be arranged in the creation of an “RTAM Women in Leadership” paper quilt!

New Special Interest Group - RTAM Choir: The RTAM Choir SIG is seeking interested members who would like to join a Choir. This Group is led by RTAM member Bill Quinn. Please see his message below: “Are any RTAM members interested in singing choir music in an informal setting on Wednesday afternoons in the new year? A retired choral teacher with many years of experience leading community choirs is willing to lead a group through a variety of music- folk, pop, Broadway, light classical and jazz. Each session would last 90 minutes and would be accompanied by a pianist. A small fee would be required. Please contact RTAM if interested.”

Quoi de nouveau à RTAM ? Groupe d’intérêt particulier Si vous souhaitez vous joindre à un de ces groupes ou aimeriez commencer un groupe, vous pouvez contacter Dianne au bureau d’RTAM à l’adresse courriel suivante : DCasar@RTAM.mb.ca. ou composer le 204-889-3660.

Dauphin Area Retired Teachers’ Association CHEERS! to Obsolete Brewery Submitted by Joyce McGinnis Dauphin’s new brewery, Obsolete Brewery, opened its doors for business September 16, 2023.

Owners Ryan Vanderheyden, Steven Sobering, and Kevin Steinbachs with Brazilian brewer, Marco Bordelli, launched the local micro-brewery. In the short time they have been operating, they have already won some awards. Their Hourglass Coffee Kolsch won a gold medal at the 2023 Prairie Beer Awards.

The day of our visit, Friday, November 3, there was a choice of eighteen beers on tap. Marco is always creating new brews for an ever-changing menu and has also created a selection of non-alcoholic fruit-flavoured lemonades. Dauphin Lager is their most popular beer, which is sold in cans at the brewery.

Members and partners, totaling 33 from DARTA, enjoyed a tour of the brewery from Marco with a lunch of pizza and brewery beverages to follow in the welcoming taproom. An enjoyable time was had by all.

6 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

ACER-CART Report – Fall 2023 Submitted by Gabe Mercier

R

TAM paid the membership fee to ACER-CART of $3,710.35. This is based on 10,601 members at 0.35 cents per member.

I am advocating for more meetings in Western Canada for ACERCART West. I feel that Zoom meetings should work for us out West.

Correspondence No correspondence from Roger Régimbal the ACER-CART Executive Director recently.

Zoom Meeting being planned for November by President Martin Higgs President, ACER-CART His letter reads: At our AGM we decided that it would be good to get together again for a couple of hours via Zoom and we will be arranging a Zoom call for November 1.

Hopefully, everyone will be able to attend. Possible topics include:

• Discussion about the venue for future Annual General Meetings.

Materials for these topics and the Zoom link will be sent out closer to the Zoom meeting. If you have other items you would like to include on the agenda, please let me know by emailing me at: gmhiggs@outlook.ca.

Correspondence from Marilyn Bossert who is the Western Canada Director for ACER-CART on September 20th: At an ACER-CART meeting in August, Martin Higgs said he would forward to us a draft copy of the proposed Strategic Plan. A brief outline arrived earlier this week and will be discussed next Monday (Sept. 25). Future timelines on the Strategic Plan will be developed at an ACER-CART directors’ meeting on November 1 (Zoom), reviewed by the executive at a January executive meeting and presented at the next AGM. Some recent information we just received is that Ontario has officially withdrawn from ACER-CART. With this withdrawal will go all the services and financial support they have contributed in the past to the ACER-CART organization.

• Ongoing discussion of the Strategic Plan;

Okanagan Chapter Submitted by Nancy Kostiuk

T

he RTAM Okanagan Chapter held the annual BBQ- Potluck on August 16. It was well-attended by 25 people at the Sonoma Pines Clubhouse in

West Kelowna. It was the 15th anniversary of our chapter.

Thank you to RTAM for the Chapter Initiative Grant that covered the cost of the rent for this occasion, as well as that of the anniversary cake and the specially designed commemorative pens given out to all attendees.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 7

St. James-Assiniboia Chapter’s October 2023 Report Submitted by Lynn Land, President, and Dorothy Young, Communication and Membership

O

ur Chapter held a very successful

President: Lynn Land

Octoberfest and AGM on October

Vice President: Alison Logan

12. Forty of us enjoyed bratwurst,

perogies, and ice cream sundaes. The food

Secretary: Rudy Peters

was prepared by our Executive. Thank you to

Treasurer: Corinne Barrett DeWiele

Fred Bilous and Terry Land for barbecuing the

Communications and Membership:

bratwurst outside on the priest’s BBQ. Thank

Dorothy Young

you to Linda Scott, Marj Bilous, and Lynn Land for cooking the perogies and onions, and, for getting the fixings and sundaes ready to be

Members at Large: Marj Bilous, Shelley Herbert, Will Peters, Linda Scott

devoured! The food was scrumptious according

Our Chapter is well represented on the

to the feedback!

Provincial RTAM Board by Brent Corrigan who is the Treasurer and Co-Chair of the Pension

Thank you to the other members of the

Committee, Dianne Snider who is a Director,

Executive for setting up and taking down

and Bill Cann who chairs the Emeriti Committee

the tables and chairs, decorating the tables,

which advises the Board.

wrapping the cutlery in Autumn themed serviettes, selling 50/50 tickets, wine basket

The winner of the wine raffle was Brent Corrigan

raffle tickets, and for greeting people at the door

and the 50/50 winner was Audrey Fulham.

and cleaning up. Thank you to Marj and Fred for arranging for us to use St. Paul the Apostle Church once again.

The short twelve-minute meeting chaired

by President Lynn, approved the financial statement prepared by Treasurer Corinne, reelected the Executive, and thanked Corinne for the hours of extra work she put into preparing the financial report for the last four years. The Provincial RTAM requested this to complete its financial audit. The Executive presented Corinne with a gift card in appreciation for the extra work she did. Thank you to the Executive for their willingness to work on our behalf once again:

8 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

Those in attendance enjoyed getting caught up with one another. This was quite evident by the continuous buzz in the room.

Thank you to the Provincial RTAM for the Chapter Grant that helped to fund this event.

Swan Valley Retired Teachers’ Association Chapter Report Submitted by Henry Barkowski

O

n a beautiful sunny summer

We then travelled to Lams Chinese

day in late August, we gathered

Restaurant in Kamsack for a delicious

for an afternoon of bocce ball

buffet luncheon and continued

at the Legion Park in Swan River. After a few games, we went to McDonald’s for

fellowship.

and served as its first president.

We continued our journey home via a different route near the headwaters of the Assiniboine River, enjoying the

Then we proceeded to the National

full autumn splendour of the Parkland

Doukhobor Heritage Village Museum

Region. In our group were descendants

At the end of September, we took a fall

in Veregin. Our volunteer hosts and

of Czech, German, Low German, Polish

tour to Togo, Kamsack and Veregin in

tour guides were Eileen and Fred

and Ukrainian peoples of different

neighbouring Saskatchewan, an hour and

Konkin, descendants and members of

faiths who came to Canada in pursuit

a half drive from Swan River. The day

the Doukhobor community. They gave

of freedom and opportunity. The tour

began with light rain, mist and fog but

us a very informative history of their

experience endowed us with an immense

soon burst into sunshine, granting us the

ancestors and a wonderful tour of the

sense of blessing and gratitude; a

opportunity to enjoy the western Duck

village. The Doukhobors were Russian

wonderful mental wellness experience.

Mountains in full autumn splendour.

people who practiced a simplified

refreshments and continued fellowship.

religion, were pacifists and lived in

We laid a wreath on behalf of our chapter and RTAM at the Remembrance Day

We toured the Stone House in Togo. A

communal villages. Fleeing persecution

retired civil engineer of English roots,

and hardship in Russia, they settled

John Musson, began building it about a

in this region, first in Manitoba, then

dozen years ago. It is almost complete

Saskatchewan. Even in Canada and

now but due to age, health and other

particularly in Manitoba, they suffered

issues, John has moved away to

persecution and loss of land. The

Newfoundland. Cathy Allen, our host, has

museum and our hosts gave us a great

taken over custody of this remarkable

insight into and appreciation of their

endeavour. All the work in building the

culture, religion and lives. The Heritage

house was done manually without any

Museum is a remarkable undertaking of

modern tools or equipment. Cathy has a

the Doukhobor people. John Kastrukoff,

We hope to hold an AGM once the

great vision for promoting the property

a descendent of the Doukhobor people,

updated status of RTAM chapters is

as a tourist attraction.

was instrumental in the founding of RTAM

established.

service conducted by the Swan River Legion.

We will be having a brunch meeting later in November to plan a Christmas gathering, plan some carolling for our shut-in colleagues and plan for assisting one of our members in hosting an Alone at Christmas meal on Christmas Day.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 9

ÉMR – Éducatrices et éducateurs manitobains à la retraite Soumis par Gisèle Grégoire

L

e jeudi 16 novembre 2023, seize membres des ÉMR ont participé́ à une visite guidée des biomes du LEAF, au Parc Assiniboine, suivie d’un dîner au restaurant Gather Craft Kitchen

and Bar. Lors de notre visite nous avons eu l’occasion d’explorer quatre biomes différents, chacun ayant leurs spécificités : un biome tropical, un biome méditerranéen, celui des expositions et d’horticulture et enfin, celui des papillons. Le Leaf est un endroit rempli de plantes énormes, d’arbres fruitiers, d’herbes de toutes sortes, que nous avons pu toucher, sentir et même gouter. Le tout était mémorable et serein.

Quelle visite agréable et quel bel apprentissage!

O

n November 16, sixteen members of ÉMR had the

Tropical, the Mediterranean, the Art of Horticulture and the

opportunity to visit The Leaf at Assiniboine Park.

Butterfly Garden, we explored and discovered different varieties

Throughout our guided tour, we were immersed in

of plants, fruit trees and herbs.

many different regions of the world. In all four biomes, the

What a wonderful visit and great learning experience!

Free Sunday admission starting in December at

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights 85 Asper Way in Winnipeg 204-289-2000 Food services are available both on the first and fifth floors.

Their hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Sunday, December 24.

10 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

The Retired Women Teachers’ Association (RWTA) Submitted by Karen Burgoyne

T

he Retired Women Teachers’ Association is proud

Future luncheon dates are: Thursday, February 29, 2024, with

to be an active Chapter of RTAM. Known as RWTA,

Gordon Goldsborough speaking on historical school buildings;

we have been an Association for retired women

and April 18, 2024, with Rick Roschuk, Red River Music Company.

teachers (educators) since 1951. On January 19, 1951, a group of 27 recently retired teachers met to discuss forming an association. Since that important date, RWTA has remained dedicated to the welfare of its members through lifelong social connections, education and community service. We celebrate our membership by holding 4 luncheons through the year.

Our first 2023 RWTA luncheon was held September 29 at the Masonic Centre. A delicious lunch was provided by WOW catering. The afternoon entertainment was highlighted by a fashion show sponsored by Northern Reflections, always a wonderful success. The models were RWTA members!

We’ll celebrate the festive season December 7, 2023, with lunch

by WOW (doors open at 11:00, lunch at 11:45) at the Masonic

Lunches are provided by WOW catering.

Membership fees this year are $10. If you would like more information or would like to become a member, please contact our Membership chair Cecile Alarie Skene at (204-256-6176) or (caskene@mymts.net). If you are interested in attending the December luncheon, you may contact Lynda Tunny at (204-735-2823) or (ldtunny@gmail.com).

We would like to thank RTAM for its Initiative Grant of $250 given this year which enabled us to create a colorful pamphlet and purchase stamps for the annual mailing to our 200+ members in early September.

We look forward to seeing you in the future.

Centre. Entertainment will be the Hand Bell Quartet. It promises to be a joyful event.

ERRATUM An unfortunate error was made in the Fall Edition of KIT 2023.

In the article RTAM 2023 Distinguished Award Recipient: Beth Smith, on page 12, it indicates that Beth Smith lives in Riverton, New Brunswick.

It should read Riverview, New Brunswick. Our apologies.

“Since love grows within you, so beauty grows.

For love is the beauty of the soul.”

Saint Augustine

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 11

New Special Interest Group: RTAM “Women in Leadership” Paper Quilt Project

By RTAM SIG Host: Joan Zaretsky

I

n recent discussions with Lia Gervino, Staff Officer with the Manitoba Teachers ‘ Society, about her Women in Leadership group, we brainstormed many creative ways to

highlight the challenges and opportunities which retired women educational leaders had experienced during their careers and proposed the idea of a paper quilt which RTAM women leaders could develop to share with Lia’s group. In discussion with our RTAM President, we decided this visual keepsake could promote an exciting link between the two groups of women teacher leaders in Manitoba.

What is a paper quilt? I have enclosed a photo of one created on the topic of Leadership Styles for a Learning Forward Academy assignment. The photo was taken at our Academy meeting in Washington DC where it was presented to the whole Academy.

Just like a cloth quilt, each square represented one of 12 different Leadership Styles and when put together with some decorative leadership quotes, it became a quilt.

a specific task. As a SIG group, the desired square ideas and concepts which would best support current women educational

Our “RTAM Women in Leadership Paper Quilt” could be developed

leaders learning about your roles in the past would be yours to

by having each of you who served in leadership roles describe

discuss and decide.

the leadership position you held during your teaching career and perhaps the supports, challenges and successes you

We will need 10 or more interested RTAM members to form any SIG

experienced. For my Leadership Styles quilt, I defined the style

and RTAM will host Zoom meetings once a SIG is established. If you

and gave an example of how I had demonstrated that style within

are interested, please contact Dianne Casar at the office.

“Most of us end up with no more than five or six people who remember us. Teachers have thousands of people who remember them for the rest of their lives.”

Andy Rooney 12 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

New Special Interest Group: RTAM Creating a Legacy Portfolio for Your Family Members

By Joan Zaretsky

W

hen we are promoting the development of Student

Each of the 8 portfolio sections could be devoted to special

Success Portfolios, we are strongly supporting

types of memories, stories, or to decades of your life or to

the involvement of our RTAM members with their

categories such as your childhood, your adolescence, your close

sponsored students in this process.

friendships and relationships or wedding with your partner/

With Legacy Portfolios, we are now proposing a different twist RTAM members will create their own personal Portfolio through a virtual or physical process that results in a hard copy version of a portfolio. You can create your Legacy Portfolio to give to your family members and/or dear friends upon completion.

In your Legacy Portfolio, you may include photos, newspaper articles, certificates of achievement or completion of special training, letters, greeting cards, postcards, or anything which you feel you want to ensure your family has to remember you in the future. You may ask your family to develop some questions they would like to ask you - while you are still alive, and in a sound mind to answer them.

husband/wife, each of your children’s families, your work or volunteer accomplishments, or any special topics you would like to use to save your memorabilia for the future. You can develop this on your own or involve your family in helping you develop your Legacy Portfolio.

As a SIG with 10 or more interested participants, RTAM will host Zoom Portfolio Parties to discuss what you have included in your Legacy Portfolio, and hear what others have in theirs. We will also discuss any questions which may arise as you go through this collection and sharing process; for instance, what to keep, what stories to share, or what might be sensitive to share. If you would like to join with others to explore this opportunity, contact Dianne Casar at the RTAM Office.

This process of collecting the important memories, stories and mementos in one place, and sharing with your valued family members and friends, can be a key part of your later life planning and arrangements. This process can also help guide the key people you are asking to help you as caregivers to know your life story more fully. This effort ties in well with the “travel planning”

This would be an exciting format and opportunity for you to provide the memories you would like to share with your children and grandchildren in an organized format to support them when you are no longer able to answer their questions or available to support them.

approach that helps to inform and prepare future caregivers, as outlined within the Options Open Guide, by Sue Lantz. https://optionsopen.org.

“I saw an angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”

Michelangelo

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 13

Mapping your successful aging journey using Ungar’s Four Strategies To support your resilience

By Joan Zaretsky

I

n our last KIT magazine, you may recall I reviewed 12

of friendships: acquaintances, casual friends, close friends

Resilience Resources for adults as delineated by Michael

(chosen family) and intimate friends. Activities you select to

Ungar in his book Change Your World: The Science of

improve your feelings of loneliness and social isolation may vary

Resiliency and the True Path to Success. These 12 Resilience

depending upon the degree of connection you currently have

Resources were then correlated with the 5 inter-related areas

with others.

as outlined by Sue Lantz in her book Options Open: A Guide for Mapping Your Best Aging Journey to consider when mapping our retirement journey.

A simple starting strategy is to telephone, email or text someone regularly. Oral conversations build the strongest bonds, but online contacts are also a strategy to support you in keeping

Michael Ungar, in the PowerPoint presentation (found in the

up to date with your friends’ activities. During COVID, when my

Reference List below),suggests “Four Strategies for Success”

calendar was bare, I filled it with names of people I would call

in developing resilience, which are relevant to supporting

each day of the month. Some were called each week, some

Sue’s 5 areas in her mapping framework. I will outline the four

called every second week, some once a month, but the goal was

strategies using one of Sue’s framework areas to illustrate his

to keep socially active with my friends and family. These calls

points – Your Social Network.

can be short or long conversations, but making the connections

So, let’s apply Ungar’s Four “Strategies for Success” to reduce loneliness and social isolation by developing Your Social Network.

Strategy #1: Change Yourself if That’s Enough Sue emphasizes the importance of your social networks.

tells your family and friends you value their friendships and with time, you will find them returning your calls to keep the connections alive. Since COVID has passed, some of my calls still continue with some long-distance friends, while others have been replaced by face-to-face social times together for coffee, lunch, a movie or some type of social outing.

“Social connections and relationships are important life assets”.

Support your social networks at all levels by being intentional

She discusses strategies for building new friendships as you

about keeping in touch with your old connections while building

move through your aging journey. She outlines four types

new ones.

Your Social Network was selected because of the recent research findings of the “Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging”. In a recent webinar, Dr. Verena Menec of the University of Manitoba, presented some findings regarding social isolation and loneliness based on Manitoba participation in the study. Social isolation is defined as “an objective state of a lack of social contacts” and loneliness is defined as “the unpleasant feeling of being disconnected”. One finding was the percentage of Manitobans who were socially isolated grew from 18% in 2019-2020 before COVID to 39% in 2021 during COVID. One surprising fact she discussed was “Social isolation increases the risk of mortality as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” For additional information on her research and other health topics of interest to aging Canadians, you may want to Google the “Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging”.

14 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

Strategy #2: Make the Best Use of the 12 Resources If You

approach to your retirement journey. Change, when viewed as

Have Them

positive, can bring you new rewards and assist you in making

As was noted in the last article, Ungar’s Resilience Resources include intimate and sustaining love from others, lots and

better mapping choices in your future.

Strategy #4: When all else fails, change what you want

lots of supportive relationships and a sense of belonging.

These three resources specifically tie in well with Sue’s Social

As with any trip you are planning, sometimes your life’s

Network section. In reviewing her strategies to develop and

pathway and retirement plans do not result in the desired

support your Social Network, you will find she encompasses

ending. You may have to come up with an alternative plan

all three Resilience Resources outlined by Ungar.

or change your desired ending. If you are still feeling lonely

Plan some supportive activities which build on the interests of your friends and loved ones. Take your grandchildren for a nature walk, a visit to the zoo or to the Manitoba Young People’s Theatre. Go with your family members or friends to a sports event or concert. Join a local community or church choir. Watch a movie together in your own homes. Find activities that you and your close friends enjoy and plan to do them together. Support your friends when they are ill or in

or socially isolated, talk with your family, a recreation therapist or that one special person in your life you feel most comfortable with about your feelings. As Ungar noted, “find a therapist who can change your thinking”. Perhaps they will view your current situation from a more objective perspective and help you realize you have more people in your life than you realized, who would be there for you when you need and want them.

need by taking them some soup or purchasing and delivering

Sometimes it is difficult to be satisfied with our lives when we

their needed groceries or some simple act which means a lot

look at others around us and think they have so much more

when they are unable to do them themselves. Be creative in

of everything. Having a sense of gratitude for those people

planning activities with your family and friends to keep your

you have in your life may be a very valuable start to developing

social networks vital and flourishing.

your personal satisfaction with your life’s circumstances. I

Strategy #3: Change Your World to have more of the 12 resources

have a plaque with some words of wisdom to keep in mind, “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” More is not necessarily always better. Value the social network you have

Ungar suggests a number of strategies to change your world.

and contact them when you are seeking someone with whom

These would support your resiliency while adding to your

to talk.

current list of Resilience Resources you are successfully practicing. Three of his ideas include:

Ungar’s four step strategy can be applied to any life situation.

(1) “Ask for help to establish new routines.” Consider asking

journey may support you making some changes along the way

your social connections what they do to keep their family

as well as realizing that your unique life pathway is one to be

and friendships current. Seek ideas from colleagues as to

valued and accepted.

Keeping the framework in mind as you map your retirement

what they do each week to keep physically active, to keep connected and to support others. Seek their advice.

References:

(2) “Get a training buddy.” This could be a buddy for any activity

Ungar, Michael. “Resilience on the Job and at Home:

you enjoy which would be more rewarding when done with

Maintaining Our Capacity to Cope During Times of Change

someone else by your side. It could be a knitting buddy, a

and Challenge”. Online as presented for the New Brunswick

pickle ball buddy or a jewelry making buddy.

Association of Social Workers. https://www.nbasw-atsnb.ca/

(3) “Find a therapist who can change your thinking”. There is no shame in asking for professional help and a trained

assets/Ungar-Handout-Resilience-on-the-Job-and-at-Home. pdf.

therapist can do so much to support you in moving forward

Lantz, Sue. “OPTIONS OPEN: The Guide for Mapping Your Best

with your social connections while developing a new positive

Aging Journey” © 2020 https://optionsopen.org.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 15

“Hearing health”

T

he following article is adapted from an in-person presentation made to the Retired Teachers of Manitoba, Calgary, and surrounding Alberta areas on October 5th, 2023, in Calgary.

Early in life, my father sparked a curiosity for bird watching beginning with backyard birds: robins, bluebirds, and swallows.

Each year, I participate in bird surveys and for me, I need to see the species before I mark it down, whereas other bird watchers can record their observations from hearing bird calls only. On a trail one day, I distinctly heard a woodpecker in the trees above me but had great difficulty pinpointing it. The sound seemed to echo around.

By Sheila C. Serup, President, CHHA-Calgary in environments of 85 dB or more. Common activities can cause exposure to sound levels above 85 dB such as: • Listening to music with headphones or earbuds; • Attending a rock music concert; • Mowing the lawn; • Using a circular saw; • Driving a car on the highway with the windows open; • Playing a musical instrument or being part of a music group or orchestra.

All of these activities can lead to gradual noise-induced hearing loss. Two factors contribute to gradual hearing loss, including the sound levels you are exposed to, and the duration of the exhibition. It’s important to remember that noise exposure is cumulative. So, to know how much risk you are at, consider all the noise you are exposed to during the day.

As I was looking around in circles, a runner came along the trail, stopped, and said: “What is that noise?” I explained it was a woodpecker but couldn’t locate it. He paused, listened and his finger shot up like a magnet, pointing directly at it, in the tree behind me. He was amazed to know it was a bird, and I was able to identify it as a downy woodpecker. Happy that we were able to help each other, we both continued along with our day, a little wiser.

Let’s say you listen to music on your audio system for an hour at a level of 93 dBA. In the evening, you use a circular saw for 10 minutes at 100 dBA without wearing ear protection. Each activity alone is not loud enough to pose a high risk of progressive and permanent hearing loss, but your total exposure that day exceeds the threshold.

Preventing hearing loss and living with hearing loss become loss that negatively affects their ability to comprehend speech.

There are many ways to protect your hearing such as:

This number rises dramatically among older adults, with three-quarters of men and two-thirds of women experiencing significant hearing loss between the ages of 80 and 85 years.

Preventing Hearing Loss Hearing loss can be caused by prolonged exposure to noise, illness, and aging. Hearing loss is also hereditary and occurs as we grow older. In my case, a childhood illness, believed to be meningitis, significantly altered my hearing.

Permanent damage can also be caused by repeated exposure to excessive noise over long periods of time, such as listening to music at higher than acceptable volume levels, or operating noisy equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc. Sound tests will measure hearing, and from these an audiogram is produced.

This is a sound audiogram which places familiar sounds on this map of frequency and hearing level intensity. The yellow banana shape in the middle shows the area where most sounds of average conversational speech occur.

The measurement of sound, decibels (dB), does not increase in a linear fashion but exponentially. Decibels measure sound intensity (amplitude). A normal conversation is at 60 dB; city traffic is at 85 dB. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can occur 16 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

Ways to Protect your Hearing:

• Limiting time spent on extremely noisy activities; • Adjusting the volume of your home and car audio system to comfortable, reasonable levels; • Wearing hearing protection, such as earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, when you are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

If you experience temporary hearing loss or tinnitus after work or other activities, schedule a quiet period to allow your ears to recover. Warning signs of hearing loss include: • Difficulty following a conversation when there is background noise (at a gathering, in a cafeteria, etc.)

• The feeling that people mumble when speaking • A ringing, buzzing, roaring or loud noise in the ear that does not come from any source outside the ear. This could be tinnitus.

Living with Hearing Loss If you or a person in your family is experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, please consult a hearing clinic or audiologist or your family doctor sooner rather than later.

Early treatment of hearing loss can lead to better outcomes.

Individuals wait on average seven to ten years before recognizing or admitting to a hearing loss, as research from the Canadian health measures study has found. By this time, communication has become difficult, isolation and health risks increase and cognitive processing declines.

The latest research into the impacts of delaying diagnosis of hearing loss shows challenges to a person’s auditory processing.

Dr. Carrie Scarff, a Calgary audiologist, noted that auditory processing changes as we age, particularly after age 35-50, independent of whether we have hearing loss or not. If we have a hearing loss, these auditory processing abilities are going to be much more notable.

She explained there are three main reasons why auditory processing changes with untreated hearing loss. The brain changes in a few ways: 1. Firstly, untreated hearing loss shows the recruitment of the auditory cortex for other modalities like vision. This could become permanent, affecting speech perception and understanding.

2. Secondly, untreated hearing loss leads to a reduction in activity at the auditory cortex that can become permanent, and this has been shown to occur after 4.5 years.

3. Untreated hearing loss requires more effort, so we are decreasing the available resources for other cognitive functions.

After a hearing test, an audiologist or hearing aid clinician will be able to reveal your audiogram showing your current hearing levels.

The good news is that current and emerging technology is now leveling the playing field for Canadians with hearing loss. New next generation hearing instruments have technology and capabilities that exceed previous models. Personal hearing devices can be programmed to meet specific needs, and the power available provides a range and connectivity that meet different hearing situations.

The hearing device itself is a minicomputer, which is wirelessly connected to an app on phones which allows the user to control and moderate their listening environment. Phone calls, Facetime conversations, music, videos, map GPS directions and podcasts are all wirelessly streamed into hearing devices.

Why wait to get hearing loss treated to maintain one’s personal

well-being?

To retain and improve auditory processing, the following activities help us to keep up with day-to-day listening skills.

We need to immerse our auditory system in sounds. Listen to sounds throughout your day.

• Have telephone conversations with familiar and unfamiliar people.

• Take part in listening and conversing on Zoom, Google Meet, etc.

Early detection and hearing treatment correspond to personal well-being, an enhanced quality of life, and meaningful relationships. It is vitally important that Canadians living with hearing loss maintain their connections with communities, friends, families, and colleagues.

My birdwatching experience shows how we can all help each other meet our goals and learn something along the way. It is important to stay connected with family, friends, and our community so that individuals with hearing loss experience wellbeing and are supported on their hearing journey.

• Listen to music. Listen to podcasts, recorded books, radio programs, movies, TV and even YouTube learning.

The Calgary branch of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association is a non-profit volunteer-run organization that promotes awareness, education, accessibility and inclusion of Canadians with hearing loss in the fabric of society. Sheila Serup can be reached at sserup@chha.ca and is pleased to answer any questions.

• Each will have differing levels of background noise (which is good) and you’ll have a good chance to hear different voices that you are unfamiliar with, which is good practice for your auditory processing.

For more information about Manitoba’s branch of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, you can contact them at 825 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg MB R3A 1M5, phone them at 204-975-3037 or visit their website www.chha.ca.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 17

The iNaturalist App Submitted by René Ammann

F

ebruary 2023.I am walking along the Seine River. What is this strange spiny bubble on the rose stem?

I take a few pictures using my cell camera. I connect to my iNaturalist account and download my photos. Ten names of species are proposed, with pictures to compare. I am pretty sure it is Diplolepis spinosa: that species of wasp injects eggs in roses’ stems, creating an outgrowth of tissues; a gall, where larvae will grow. iNaturalist is also a community. A few days later, an expert in Scotland confirms the ID and asks if this gall could be collected, as its shape is unusual. The gall is delivered to a Winnipeg expert who will see, three months later, adult wasps from two other species emerge from the gall.

This is how a walk in nature became a (very small) contribution to science, and for me, a learning experience. he free iNaturalist app is available (Android and iPhone) in the language of our choice. We can also access the community through the website where resources are offered. Observations shared by citizens are used as data by scientists monitoring species in various regions.

For the past four years, I have learned names of plants, animals, lichen, fungi, etc. Other applications are available to identify species, but iNaturalist allows contributors to discuss with experts and help them get data for their research projects and publications - or, very rarely, collect a sample. It is an app that makes my walks in nature a little more beneficial!

L’application iNaturalist Soumis par René Ammann

H

ecla, août 2022. Quel est ce mollusque ?

Avec mon cellulaire, je prends plusieurs photos. J’ouvre mon application iNaturalist, me connecte à mon compte et télécharge mes photos. Dix noms d’espèces, avec photos pour comparer, sont proposés. Je choisis Fusconaia jaune - tiens, une espèce vulnérable. iNaturalist, c’est aussi une communauté.

Quelques jours plus tard, un expert confirme l’identité de l’espèce et note que mon mollusque n’a jamais auparavant été observé si au nord du continent.

Voilà comment un après-midi à la plage devient une contribution (bien minime !) à la science et, pour moi, un apprentissage.

18 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

L’application gratuite est disponible (iPhone et Android) dans la langue de son choix. On a aussi accès à la communauté par le site web qui fournit d’ailleurs plusieurs ressources. Les observations citoyennes permettent de documenter des études scientifiques.

Depuis quatre ans, j’apprends à reconnaître des plantes, des animaux, des lichens, des champignons, etc. Il existe plusieurs applications qui permettent d’identifier des espèces. iNaturalist offre l’occasion d’échanger avec des experts et de contribuer à leurs collectes de données ou leurs publications. De quoi rendre ses moments en nature encore plus bénéfiques.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

By Clement Clarke Moore

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads;

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; “Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 19

Life Members July 2023 Allan H. Badgley – Brandon, MB | Carmel B. Carrigan – Halifax, NS Aime L. Gobin – Winnipeg, MB | Miriam I. Kalb – Winnipeg, MB Peter Pauls – Winnipeg, MB | Janet E. Redgwell – Winnipeg, MB

August 2023 Olga (Ollie) Bate – Winnipeg, MB

| John B. Jung – Winnipeg, MB | Manmohan S. Malhi – Winnipeg, MB

Albert A. Mayer – Winnipeg, MB | Roger Starr – Winnipeg, MB

September 2023 Donna E. Fargey – Winnipeg, MB

| Robert A. Hilton – Winnipeg, MB | Anne West – Brandon, MB

In Memoriam August 2023

September 2023

Gerald Bitney – Winnipeg, MB

Nancy M. Adkins – Winnipeg, MB

Gerald Boehm – Winnipeg, MB

Robert A. Baker – Salmon Arm, BC

Mary Derksen – Steinbach, MB

Laurie J. Bush – Beausejour, MB

Ross Fahlman – Russell, MB

Alvin H. Funk – Ste. Anne, MB

David H. Friesen – Winnipeg, MB

Carolyn J. Gadsby – Winnipeg, MB

Valerie M. Gillis – Winnipeg, MB

William S. Gallinger – Ste. Anne, MB

B. Carol Hawn – Winnipeg, MB

Rhoda M. Lambert – Portage la Prairie, MB

Ellen M. Gould – Winnipeg, MB

Barbara V. Smith – Pilot Mound, MB

William B. McNeice – Winnipeg, MB

Robert E. Hague – Winnipeg, MB

May 2023

Maria Moseychuk – Dauphin, MB

Garnet B. Hyndman – Hamiota, MB

G Barry Nelin – Nanaimo, BC

Roy Johnson – Winnipeg, MB

Harvey R. Young – Brandon, MB

Leonard Neufeld – Beaconia, MB

Gerald Jones – Selkirk, MB

Lily I. Sewell – Winnipeg, MB

Charles W. Kurtz – Winnipeg, MB

*** RTAM recently received notice of the

Robert M. Swayze – Brandon, MB

George B. D. Perkins – Hamiota, MB

above members passing.”

H. Raymond Turner – Winnipeg, MB

Clifford E. Pirie – Strathclair, MB

Candace Wolfe – Brandon, MB

Maureen R. Ramage – Cartwright, MB

December 2022 David W. Curtis – Surrey, BC Christine H. Massan – Gillam, MB

March 2023

Hortense M. Wilcott – Pine Falls, MB Sharon L. Zilkey – Souris, MB

20 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

RTAM 2023 STUDENT AWARD WINNERS Submitted by Jayesh Maniar, Chair, Student Awards Committee

RTAM is pleased to congratulate the following winners and their sponsors for 2023: Award Winner

Location

Sponsor

Relationship

Talia Iwanchysko

Dauphin, MB

Nadia Yakielashek

Grandmother

Anastasia Miller

Thornton, CO (USA)

Gloria Hersak

Grandmother

Victoria Sangermano

Winnipeg, MB

Raymonde Malawski

Grandmother

Zahra Slutchuk

Winnipeg, MB

Sharron Corne

Grandmother

Brief description of post-secondary plans provided by the award recipients.

Talia Iwanchysko

Anastasia Miller

Victoria Sangermano

Zahra Slutchuk

I am currently taking a 4-year engineering degree at the University of Saskatchewan with the plan of going into mechanical or civil engineering and taking co-op internships in my second year. I plan to take my MBA to become a project manager and travel throughout the world within my job.

I am currently attending Portland State University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with a minor in Spanish World Language. In addition, I am a part of the University Honors program. I plan to pursue a Master of Social Work in the future, and I will either work in a clinical therapy practice or public policy within the realm of mental health care.

This fall marked the commencement of my postsecondary studies at l’Université de Saint-Boniface. I am enrolled in the Faculty of Sciences, and I am excited to be working towards a career in Health Sciences. Though I am still exploring my interests, I am passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities, and I am considering a career in Occupational Therapy. I take a lot of pride in being bilingual and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue my studies in French.

Zahra Slutchuk is currently enrolled in the faculty of political science at The University of Winnipeg. She plans to complete this degree with a minor in criminal justice in hopes of

pursuing a career in law one day.

Zahra is passionate about current events and the justice system and looks forward to broadening her horizons in these areas through her studies. In the next five years, Zahra plans to take the LSAT and attend law school to pursue a career in family law. Outside of school, Zahra is a dancer with the Chai Folk I am very thankful to the Retired Ensemble. In high school, Zahra Teachers’ Association for their actively participated in her school’s support in my education and competitive debating and public lifelong learning and to my speaking program. As a university grandmother, Raymonde Malawski, student, she looks forward to being for sponsoring me! able to give back to young debaters by judging tournaments and sharing I am honoured to receive the her personal experiences.

Retired Teachers’ of Manitoba Student Award.

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 21

Helping the young remember veterans Submitted by Ed James

E

very November across Canada,

This event was started many years ago

local level by partnering with the local

local schools or community

to help school children remember the

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #58 and

halls are the site of various

sacrifices made by Canadian men and

the school for the event.

Remembrance Day programs and

women over the years in the many wars

services.

and peacekeeping operations in which they have participated. And there have

For the most part, they are all a standard format. At the end of most school programs, the students go back to their classes. There might be some talk afterwards about the service or perhaps

been many!

A survey of the local cemetery was carried out by local volunteers to locate all the grave sites of Canadian military or former military members. The next

However, a new approach has been

step was to mark each grave with a small

gaining popularity in the last several

Canadian flag.

years called “No Stone Left Alone.” The Grade 3 to 6 students from Elkhorn

Two full busloads of children came out

school, along with staff members,

to the cemetery and took part in the

took part in this unique Remembrance

traditional Remembrance service. The

Ceremony on November 3. Retired

event also brought out eight former and

for the annual Royal Canadian Legion’s

Canadian Forces Captain Kevin Tutthill,

retired teachers from Elkhorn and the

local and national poster, essay, and

CD, who is also a former Elkhorn School

area who, at one time, had taught in the

poetry event.

principal, initiated the program at the

Elkhorn School.

during the past few weeks students have been busy doing Remembrance Day artwork, or even better, preparing entries

22 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

The service included the poem, “In Flanders Fields” by the students and teachers, and the prayer of Remembrance by Comrade Margaret James. This was followed by the “Commitment to Remember” by student Ryan Anderson.

The Act of Remembrance was read out

by Chief Warrant Officer Chad Lelond, CD, who is posted at Canadian Forces Base, Shilo, which was followed by the Last Post, two minutes of silence, reveille, and the laying of wreaths.

The wreaths were laid by Scotlyn Malcolm and Jazlynn Lowes, representing Canadian Youth, Comrade Margaret

of a veteran from the area. He is not

that the young can talk to so that they

James, representing branch #58 of the

buried there, but the stone was placed

Royal Canadian Legion, the Canadian

can learn firsthand what war conflicts

there by his family. Mr. Tutthill told the

are like. By putting poppies on the grave

students the unique story of how it was

sites, it makes a connection for them.

placed there and let them come up for a

Lest we forget.”

Armed forces, CWO Chad Lelond, CD, and province of Manitoba MLA Greg Nesbitt.

This was followed by the singing of “God Save The King.”

It was after this event that things changed. All the school children were given a few poppies to place on the flag- marked graves of Canadian military veterans. The children spread out in groups and as singles to every corner of the cemetery to lay their poppies and read the names and dates on the tombstones and to place a single poppy to honour them. There were even some who found a past family member!

visit and to leave a poppy. That was the last official event of the “No Stone Left Alone” movement and the students and teaching staff members, along with the

Kevin Tutthill, the driving force behind this event said, “We had such a great experience for our first year of this

invited guests, went to the Legion Hall to

program in Elkhorn. The Elkhorn School

be served hot chocolate.

and Legion were so quick to jump onboard, and both groups made it so

A lunch was held in the legion hall for

easy. A big thanks to our MLA, Greg

the invited guests of the event. MLA

Nesbitt, for joining us for the day, and

Greg Nesbitt said, “This was a great

a member of 26 Field Regiment of the

school and community event to bring

Royal Canadian Army, Shilo, (the army

home the message to the kids that their grandparents fought in wars before they were born, and it helped them to

reserve unit in Brandon), just to round out our attendance.

Perhaps for the first time for these young

learn about our veterans. It’s very hard

“We had several community members,

children, the names on those graves

for kids today to relate to war conflicts

including former retired teachers that

took on a new meaning and they became

that happened so long ago. My thanks

joined us, as we walked about our

someone who was real and once part

goes out to the community members,

beautiful cemetery, and the co-operation

of their community and who had served

Legion and teaching staff, that held this

from the weather as we spent some

Canada in times of war and conflict.

important event.”

time honoring and remembering our

Once they were back on the school

Chad Lelond CD said, “This event,

buses, they had one more stop at the

‘No Stone Left Alone,’ is a fantastic

Elkhorn St. Mark’s Anglican Church. There

program to involve the young and future

in the front yard, next to the church door

generations to learn. There are now

is a single, D.O.D military gravestone

almost no WWII or Korean War vets left

community veterans. This week of remembrance reminds us all to stop, think and observe every day just how lucky we are in Canada.”

Lest We Forget!

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 23

Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps Submitted by Gisèle Grégoire

Directions • For the scallion and carrot relish: Toss the soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, carrots, scallions and lime juice

Ingredients

Chicken

Scallion and Carrot Relish:

1 tbsp vegetable oil

refrigerator until ready to serve.

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 pound ground chicken thighs

• For the chicken: Heat a medium skillet

1 tsp grated fresh ginger (from about 1/2-inch piece)

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 tsp sesame oil 1 medium carrot, grated or julienned 1 small (red, yellow or orange pepper) julienned 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced Juice of 1 lime

1/2 tsp kosher salt 4 cloves garlic, minced One 1 1/2-inch piece ginger, peeled and finely grated (about 1 tbsp) 1 shallot, minced

over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil, and once hot, the chicken.

Cook the chicken, breaking it up with the back of your spoon until it browns and is no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes.

Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, garlic, ginger and shallots. Cook until they are aromatic and incorporated, another minute. Add the hoisin and stir to

2 tbsp hoisin sauce

combine, then add the soy sauce. Cook

2 tbsp soy sauce

until the chicken is sticky and glazed,

1 head Bibb, butter or iceberg lettuce, separated into leaves

to a serving bowl.

Fresh cilantro leaves, for serving Fresh mint leaves, for serving 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped Sriracha, for serving

24 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

in a medium bowl. Set aside in the

about 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken

• Serve the chicken with the lettuce leaves, some scallion and carrot relish, cilantro leaves, mint leaves, peanuts and sriracha, letting everyone build their own wraps with all the fixings.

Morning Glory Quick Loaf Submitted by Gisèle Grégoire

Ingredients 3 large eggs 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/4 cup vegetable oil or (grape seed oil, avocado oil) 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

2 tsp orange zest

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and oil or spray a loaf pan.

1 1/2 cups almond flour

2) Add the first 11 ingredients (eggs through salt) to a bowl and stir or blend until smooth.

1/2 cup tapioca flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp sea salt 1 1/2 cups grated carrot 1/2 cup grated apple about 1/2 an apple 1/3 cup raw walnuts chopped 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Stir in the remaining ingredients until the batter is well combined.

3) Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake on the center rack of the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the loaf is golden-brown and firm in the center. Turn off the oven and allow the loaf to sit in the hot oven for 5 more minutes. (Note: if desired, sprinkle some sunflower seeds on top during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking for garnish).

4) Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool for 1 hour. When ready to cut, run a knife along the edge of the loaf and turn the loaf out onto the cutting board. Cut thick slices and enjoy! * You can also make muffins instead of loaf.

Enjoy!

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 25

Christmas Unity Submitted by JoAnne Hoyak

I

live in MacGregor, Manitoba. At Christmas time, our community joins together to aid our Christmas Cheer Board in the provision of support for those community members who might need it, so all of us are able to enjoy the pleasures of this season.

One of our traditions is a community carol event held in the High School gym with the different local choirs, singers and musicians participating in sharing their anthems, songs and music celebrating this special time.

This year, singers from Baker Hutterite Colony and singers from MacGregor have united their voices together to form a choir under the direction of the amazing Ken Wollmann, a graduate of the Brandon University School of Music and who is from Baker. We are accompanied by several accomplished musicians—a trumpet playerwho is the Band teacher at Gladstone, a violinist, a guitarist and, of course, a talented pianist.

We rehearse in the sanctuary of a local church and are also making a trip to Baker Colony to practice and perform there, as well as to sit down with the Colony members to share supper together.

So, this choir is a distinctly eclectic group made up of various church adherents— Anglican, United, Mennonite, Catholic and, of course-Hutterite. All of us-whatever denomination, or whether soprano, alto, tenor or bass or whether Christian or Agnostic- join our voices together to make a joyful, beautifully unified sound. Sharing the experience of making music together unites us as people in the respect and admiration we have for each other.

In this particularly troubled world this Christmas, I wish for ALL of humankind, regardless of background, to find the possibility of joining voices to make a joyful and beautiful sound together in the search for lasting Peace on Earth.

26 RTAM KIT / Winter 2023

Money and you: Seniors edition

T

his edition aims to help those in their senior years, or nearing senior years, with the many financial decisions that arise and that remain. The goal is to inform you, help you prepare and plan ahead, in order to be able to undertake money decisions with greater confidence and competence.

The following modules may be useful to you and are available on this website: moneyandyouseniorsedition.com

1. Decisions! Decisions to make and who can help 2. Government Pension Sources 3. Budgeting and maintaining financial control 4. Borrowing money in seniors years 5. Transportation and travel 6. Accommodation and lifestyle 7. Putting your money to work as your lifestyle changes 8. An introduction to retirement income planning 9. Protecting your health and assets 10. Death of a spouse or parent 11. Planning for cognitive impairment 12. Inevitability - planning for end of life The entire document is 500 pages so you can print the modules that you find especially interesting.

“Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.”

Stanislaw Jerzy Lec

RTAM Manitoba, Canada 27

Public Announcement

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH UNESCO RTAM is excited to announce an upcoming new partnership with UNESCO and their involvement in Manitoban schools, as well as community leadership initiatives. Look for announcements and volunteer opportunities in January 2024!

Featured from Right to Left: Linda Connor, UNESCO, Miriam Rudolph, Artist and Historian, Linda Blair, RTAM President.

Chapters & (SIGs) Special Interest Groups ANNOUNCEMENT CHAPTERS AND NEW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS WELCOME YOU TO THEIR COMMUNITY

We are adding new Special Interest Groups over the next 12 months, and we still have many strong Chapters who would love to welcome you to their community. Consider joining one of the groups below:

CLOSURE OF CHAPTERS

RTAM Members, please take note that the following Chapters are now closed and no longer operating under the RTAM umbrella: Hanover Association of Retired Teachers North-Eastman Chapter Portage la Prairie Retired Teachers’ Interlake Retired Teachers’

To get help with connecting to a Chapter or joining a Special Interest Group, please call us or email us in the office: (204) 8893660 office@RTAM.mb.ca RTAM.MB.CA

• Boyne BoyneRetired RetiredTeachers Teachers • Brandon Brandonand andArea AreaRetired RetiredTeachers Teachers • Calgary (AB) Calgaryand andArea AreaRetired RetiredTeachers Teachers (AB) • Dauphin Dauphinand andArea AreaRetired RetiredTeachers Teachers •É Educatrices ducatrices etetéducateurs manitobains a la Educateurs Manitobains a retraite la Retraite • Intermountain IntermountainRetired RetiredTeachers Teachers • Neepawa and Area Retired Neepawa and Area RetiredTeachers Teachers • Okanagan Chapter of RTAM (BC) Okanagan Chapter of RTAM (BC) • The ThePas PasRetired RetiredTeachers Teachers • Retired RetiredWomen WomenTeachers’ Teachers’ • Riel RielRetired RetiredTeachers Teachers • Southwest SouthwestAssiniboine AssiniboineRetired RetiredTeachers Teachers • St. St.James-Assiniboia James-AssiniboiaChapter Chapter • Swan Valley Retired Teachers Swan Valley Retired Teachers • Thompson ThompsonAssociation AssociationofofRetired RetiredTeachers Teachers • Van Isles Chapter of RTAM (BC) Van Isles Chapter of RTAM (BC) • NEW NEWSIG SIG– -RTAM RTAMChoir Choir • NEW NEWSIG SIG– -RTAM RTAMPaper PaperQuilt Quilt • NEW Portfolio NEWSIG SIG– -RTAM RTAMLegacy Legacy Portfolio

HELP US STAY

CONNECTED We’re hoping you can help our members stay connected with RTAM and KIT magazine. If you hear of friends or other retired teachers no longer receiving KIT magazine, please let them know they can still opt-in and get the magazine (in print form) mailed to them each season.

Please have them connect with the office by phone or by email, and we can add them in moments.

Join the List!

info@rtam.mb.ca (204)889-3660

ww.rtam.mb.ca

Education Professionals

NO MATTER HOW YOU SPEND YOUR RETIREMENT, WE'RE ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE.

Johnson Insurance has worked closely with RTAM to provide access to helpful services and products that take care of your insurance needs. With Johnson, RTAM members have access to : • Extended Health Care • Dental Care • Prestige Travel with Trip Cancellation • Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance • Term Life Insurance

Give Johnson a call at 1.877.989.2600 or visit rtam.johnson.ca write to : pbservicewest@johnson.ca Johnson is ready when you are.

1.877.989.2600 l rtam.johnson.ca © 2023 Johnson Inc. A member of Intact Financial Corporation. Johnson Insurance is a tradename of Johnson Inc., a licensed insurance intermediary, and operates as Johnson Inc. in MB. Johnson administers the EHC Plan and the options for Prestige Travel and Dental Care (“Options”). The EHC Plan and Dental Care Option are underwritten by Desjardins Financial Security (“DFS”). Coverage under the EHC Plan is subject to proof of enrolment in the applicable Provincial Pharmacare program. Prestige Travel Insurance is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada (“RSA”). Valid provincial/territorial health plan coverage required. Johnson and RSA share common ownership. Travel assistance is provided by Global Excel. Eligibility requirements, limitations and exclusions may apply and/or may vary by province/territory. Eligibility requirements, limitations and exclusions may apply.