RTAM Benefits Update September 2015

COMMITTEE REPORTS Dooley Presentation John Sushelnitsky

For a day and a half, Sue Hemphill had the task of “cowboys herding cats”. In fact, she was helping the RTAM Board members to analyze their modes of possible behaviors in the process of governance. What is helpful behavior and what is not, is the question that Sue was asking the Board members to consider. Working in small discussion groups and also in full assembly , the Board worked towards a positive blueprint for future decision-making . A report on effective communication became one of the tools for focusing the Board on strategies to achieve RTAM goals and objectives. Ms Hemphill, her assistant Lynette and Ms Betty Black were the experts leading the Board members through the various exercises and discussions. There was general consensus that the experience had been very worthwhile.

The Alloway Arch ceremony and RTAM’s presence

On September 29, 2015, RTAM President Marvin Krawec was invited to participate in the Grand Opening of the Alloway Arch, located just outside the Forks in Winnipeg. His presence at that historic event marks the growing stature of our organization in the eyes of the general public. We have invested sufficient funds in the Winnipeg Foundation to be able to give four $500 bursaries to deserving students who have been nominated by RTAM relatives. It is in that spirit that we join the Winnipeg foundation that has distributed since 1921 “more than $365 million to our community” i.e. Manitoba. The Winnipeg foundation itself was established in 1921 by the generous gift of $100,000 by banker William Forbes Alloway and in a letter accompanying the gift, stated “I owe everything to this community and feel it should receive some benefit from what I have been able to accumulate.”

RTAM 2015 Award Winners

Peggy Prendergast. Educational Advocacy & Award Chair

RTAM is pleased to congratulate the following winners and their sponsors for 2015:

Kirsten Fleury Halle Hayhurst Kathleen Maddocks Kirsten McWhirter

Award Winner Location Sponsor Relationship

Kirsten Fleury St. Francois Xavier Mrs. Flora Mae Nordman Grandmother

Halle Anne Hayhurst Hamiota Mr. Allan W. Robertson Grandfather

Kathleen Maddocks Winnipeg Mrs. Sylvia Maddocks Grandmother

Kirsten McWhirter Winnipeg Mr. Andrew “Don” McWhirter Father

RTAM established an endowment fund with The Winnipeg Foundation in 2013 with an initial contribution of $50,000. expand the support for young people in their studies to include post graduate students and students already enrolled in post-secondary education. This fund provides support for four $500.00 awards each year to a Grade 12 graduate who is: sponsored by a relative who is an RTAM member, involved in school and community activities, and enrolled in some form of post-secondary education. There were 45 award applications again submitted this year.

As retired teachers we place a strong value on education. Growing the RTAM Endowment Fund at the Foundation would allow us to enlarge the size of the award available to each student, and, possibly Please consider assisting in the growth of the RTAM Endowment Fund. It is listed as a registered charity through Canada Revenue Agency. The Retired Teachers of Manitoba Endowment Fund is held with The Winnipeg Foundation. Contributions can be made through them by phone, mail or internet. A tax receipt will be issued by the Winnipeg Foundation for your contribution to the fund. A bequest in your will or a memorial contribution as part of your funeral arrangements are suggestions for your consideration.

COMMITTEE REPORTS RTAM Benefits Update November 2015

The following information is being provided to RTAM members who are currently covered by RTAM’s benefit plans as well as those who may be considering enrolling in the plans: A. Why do I need travel insurance while travelling in Canada? B. What is trip cancellation and interruption insurance? C. Who do I call in the event of an emergency and what information is required? D. Winner of the Eldercare Select survey. E. Member Inquiry: Whose name is on the Prescription Drug Card?

A. WHY DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE WHILE TRAVELLING IN CANADA? Travel Insurance is designed to pay for certain unexpected costs that may arise when you are travelling outside your home province or Canada. These costs may include emergency hospital and medical costs, trip cancellation and lost baggage.

Why is this coverage important within Canada? • While travelling outside your own province, some medical and paramedical expenses may

only be partially covered by your provincial health insurance program. This could include prescription drugs, ground and air ambulance services and semi-private or private hospital accommodation. • The Canada Health Act requires that the provinces and territories extend medically necessary hospital and physician coverage to their eligible residents during temporary absences from the province or territory. However, this would cover only standard ward accommodation. Extra charges for semi-private accommodation vary by province and by hospital, and as shown below, are higher than rates of $40-44 in Manitoba: › Vancouver General Hospital $165 per day › Toronto General Hospital $250 per day • Ground and air ambulance charges also vary by province. At one extreme, it has been estimated that a coast to coast air ambulance with a full medical team could exceed $45,000.

RTAM’s Travel Insurance Plans include semi-private accommodation, ground and air ambulance, vehicle return, pet return, lost baggage and much more.

B. WHAT IS TRIP CANCELLATION AND INTERRUPTION INSURANCE? When planning your trip, remember that RTAM’s Travel Insurance Plans include Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance and that may be all you need. Below is a summary of the coverage.

Premier Travel Plan

This Plan includes Trip Cancellation before departure and Interruption after departure as described below. It is in addition to emergency medical coverage for multiple trips per year for durations up to 62 days under the Base Plan. A Trip can be extended to 212 days with the purchase of Supplementary coverage. • Before departure, Trip Cancellation applies in one of the 14 eligible reasons causing you to cancel your Trip. You will be reimbursed the non-refundable portion of the pre-paid travel arrangements up to a maximum of $7,000 per

Insured Person. • After departure, Trip Interruption applies in one of the 14 eligible reasons causing you to curtail your Trip or delay your Day of Return. You will be reimbursed for the extra cost of a oneway economy airfare to the departure point or to the destination point and any unused non-refundable land arrangements up to a maximum $7,000 per Insured Person. Note: you must contact Sigma Assistel Canada within 48 hours of the event forcing interruption / delay.

It is important to know what events qualify as a reason for trip cancellation/interruption. Your certificate of insurance lists the 14 eligible events that could trigger the coverage. The top reason is “Death, Injury or Sickness of an Insured Person, an Extended Family Member, a Close Business Associate, or a Travelling Companion.”

MEDOC Travel Plan

MEDOC Travel coverage includes Trip Cancellation and Interruption protection up to $8,000 per insured person per trip in one of the eligible covered events set out in the policy. MEDOC covers shorter trip durations of 17 or 35 days under the Base Plan, and up to 212 days under the Supplementary Plan.

Stand-Alone Trip Cancellation

You can also access Stand-Alone coverage if you already have third-party travel insurance, but wish to add annual trip cancellation, or to increase your

COMMITTEE REPORTS existing amount of annual trip cancellation coverage. It covers up to $6,000 per insured person per year for trip cancellation before departure and trip interruption after departure. It also covers up to $1,000 for baggage and personal effects.

Note: It is important to be familiar with your policy limitations before booking your trip as some limitations may apply. For more details, review your policy or call Johnson Inc.

C. WHO DO I CALL IN THE EVENT OF A TRAVEL MEDICAL EMERGENCY? WHAT INFORMATION IS REQUIRED? Most Travel Insurance Plans have a travel assistance provider that can assist you in the event of a medical emergency while travelling. Knowing who, when and how to contact the provider is key. Below is the contact information for the RTAM Premier Travel Plan for direction on treatment, to confirm eligible expenses and to open a claim file.

At the first sign of a medical emergency, and before you seek medical attention; contact the 24-hour Sigma Assistel Centre immediately - any time of day or night - at:

Canada/USA (Toll Free): 1-877-775-3695

Other Countries (Call Collect): (514) 875-3695

Or Fax: (514) 875-7729

Note: Use a landline when calling Collect or Toll Free numbers outside of Canada – your personal cell phone may not work.

What does Sigma Assistel do in the event of a medical emergency when traveling?

• Refer you to a physician or hospital within its network that can best provide the quality care you require. • Make arrangements for payment of eligible expenses on your behalf and guarantee payment where possible. • When necessary, make all transportation arrangements for emergency evacuation, transportation of a family member to your bedside and return of a vehicle. • Facilitate the coordination of claims payment from your Provincial Government Health Insurance Plan and any other insurance plan you are enrolled in.

Note: You must contact Sigma Assistel to coordinate payment arrangements - The hospital will not make these arrangements.

Am I required to return home after a Medical Emergency?

Sigma Assistel, in consultation with the attending physician, reserves the right to return the sick or injured Insured Person to his or her province of residence.

If in the event that an emergency medical diagnosis / treatment is deemed to require continued medical action and you are able to return home but choose to have the treatment or surgery performed outside of your province of residence, benefits will not be payable with respect to the continued medical treatment. The immediate availability of treatment or surgery on return to the province of residence is not the responsibility of the Plan, but that of your Provincial Health Insurance Plan.

What will I need when I call Sigma Assistel? • Your Provincial Health Insurance Number. • Your Certificate Number, as shown on your

Coverage Confirmation Letter. • Your Sigma Policy Number (# 644182), as shown on your Wallet I.D. Card.

Note: Upon receipt of your Premier Travel Plan documents, write down the Certificate Number presented in your Coverage Confirmation Letter in the space provided on your Wallet I.D. Card. The information on your Wallet I.D. Card paired with your Provincial Health Insurance Number

will be what Sigma Assistel needs to retrieve your Member information.

What is expected of me in the event of a medical emergency travel claim?

To simplify and expedite the payment of any claim, please follow these guidelines: • Make sure you understand your coverage: The plan covers you for emergencies only. An emergency is a sudden and unforeseen sickness or injury that requires immediate medical attention. › Note: in the event of a claim, the insurer may request your medical history from your physician. • Advise your family and travel companions that they need to call Sigma Assistel on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Your safety is the top priority. • Keep copies of all your original receipts in the event of a claim. • Once your claim has been reported to Sigma

Assistel, you may receive physician or hospital bills in error. Never pay a bill from a collection agency. Forward them immediately to: Desjardins Financial Security (Attention: Claims Department) C.P. 3950, Lévis, Québec, G6V 8C6

D. WINNER OF ELDERCARE BENEFIT SURVEY – LINDA DART Thanks to the many RTAM Health Plan members who responded to the most recent survey conducted to help assess member interest in Eldercare coverage, a current pilot project sponsored by Johnson for members of the Health Plan. Congratulations to Linda Dart, the winner of the prize for completing the survey, a $100 gift card.

Over 145 members responded to the survey and the results were informative. • Over 65% preferred access to a benefit. • Roughly one third expected to use the benefit within 5 years. • About 55% were confident in their ability to manage the care. • More open ended questions in future survey design were suggested.

The Eldercare Select Plan assists members and their extended families in managing long term care needs by providing access to a dedicated Care Specialist (a Registered Nurse) who will provide you with expert advice, guidance and support for your unique situation. This may include providing information and assistance navigating the complex healthcare system wherever you live in Canada.

E. MEMBER INQUIRY: WHOSE NAME IS ON THE PRECRIPTION DRUG CARD? Most Health and Dental claims are now submitted electronically. A common question is: Whose name is on Johnson’s prescription drug card?

Only one name appears: the Primary Cardholder. There are several reasons for this practice: • The name of the owner of the plan on the card facilitates a coordination of benefits. Medical practitioners know that the name on the card represents the owner of the plan and if the person presenting the card is not listed, they will ask if they have their own coverage; and from there they know how to coordinate billing without asking the client as to whom to bill first. • Johnson uses Telus Health as our provider for electronic Claims submission. As per their guidelines, the Primary Cardholder’s name must appear on the card as their information is required when a claim is submitted to Johnson

Inc. • A surviving spouse may become the Primary

Cardholder. Johnson would require a Death

Certificate and new application form. This is required to cancel the family plan and change it to single. Johnson refunds any premium paid for family coverage past your spouse’s death.

Member feedback and inquiries are always welcome as it is important to ensure the benefit plans are meeting the evolving insurance needs of the majority of RTAM members.

For further questions and detailed plan information, please call our RTAM office at 204-889-3660, or RTAM’s Plan Administrator Johnson Inc. toll-free at 1-877-989-2600, or visit the website www.johnson.ca/rtam.

COMMITTEE REPORTS Educational Advocacy Report West Winnipeg – St James Civic Centre – November 5, 2015

Peggy Prendergast, chair of the Educational Advocacy Committee

Thursday, November 5, close to 100 people over 55 years of age congregated at the St. James Civic Centre to listen to speakers inform them of some of the many services available to older adults in the area. Information and welcoming words came from five different Senior Centres in the area for the first half hour starting at 10:00 am. This was followed by the presentation “It’s Not Right, Neighbours, Friends and Family” delivered by Susan Crichton, the Elder Abuse Consultant from the Healthy Aging and Seniors Secretariat of the Manitoba Government. Lunch, sponsored by RTAM, followed. The afternoon began with a very informative overview by Jeanette Edwards, Regional Director Primary Care & Chronic Disease WRHA, of the various services available through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Barbara Balshaw, Team Manager Community Home Care WRHA, Access Winnipegd West, followed with a description of the Home Care services available and how to access them. Following another short break, the day concluded with a presentation from Pam McConnell on Transportation Options Network for Seniors and information on Housing Options for SeniorsAs We Age given by Connie Newman and Peggy Prendergast.

This was the sixth such event that RTAM has sponsored across the province, partnering with MASC, the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres whose Executive Director is Connie Newman, a retired teacher and with the Manitoba Government, namely the Elder Abuse consultant, Susan Crichton, from the Healthy Aging and Seniors Secretariat. Thompson, Dauphin, Portage La Prairie, and now the third area of Winnipeg have received pertinent information for their area. Each time attendees have been asked to become advocates for their neighbours, friends and families as they gain information about the many services our province and communities have to offer. We in Manitoba are very fortunate to have the services we have but if we don’t know what they are and how to access them they are not the benefit they could be. 82% of retired teachers volunteer in some way in the communities in which they live, much of this volunteer work is connected to these very services. By inviting all the older adults who live in the area to these events we increase the knowledge base and advocacy base for everyone.

Not only is the isolated senior a target for this information but also our closest social associates, our neighbours, friends and families. One of the comments included on the evaluations of the day given by a participant was, “Found the seminar to be informative. I am a single person who lives alone. Great to see that there are different programs for the 55+ that are available so that I can get out and mingle with others.” Many of us end up “alone not of our own choice” as we age so that programs with a social component are very important. Marvin Krawec, RTAM president brought greetings and gave personal family examples of how the information that had just been given was useful in his family situation again underlining the importance of these events. Maybe the day can be summed up by this observation by one of the participants, “I really enjoyed the day. There was many presentations that were very informative and important information that I am sure I will need in the future. Thank you for ~ Next Page ~

Congratulations to our Nifty Ninetiers

Article and photos: Pat Bowslaugh

The first day of the school year in Brandon was chosen by the Westman Retired Educators Chapter as a fine date to honour seven of our members who have reached their ninth decade of life. Our Chapter is so proud of these ladies that we decided to profile and honour them as our guests on September 8, 2015, at our Fall Luncheon. Ninety years of memories and life experiences were shared by each of them. We heard of horse and buggy days, unique appointments to one-room school houses, large classes, paltry salaries, janitorial duties and numerous other huge expectations. The dreams and accomplishments of each from their over ninety plus years left some of our newer retirees only hoping to have the health, stamina and clarity of recall to someday share their own stories.

Pictured above are (front row): Ruth Grant, Margaret Hood, Winelda Curtis, (back row): Audrey Lindsay, Jean Young, Doris Stone.

To complete our day, each of our seven ladies received two red roses courtesy of our chapter secretary, Bill Taylor. Our best wishes and roses were delivered to Hazel Skuce (103 years) who had endured a fall the day before and was unable to be present. (She is pictured separately.) §

Edudcational Advocacy Report . . . Continued from page 16

organizing the day.” Everyone who filled out an evaluation answered YES to the question: “Should RTAM continue to organize these seminars?” Maybe we will see you and your neighbours at the next event organized in your area!

RETIRED TEACHERS’

ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

This whole day was a result of the work of retired teachers from the St. James chapter working with members of the RTAM Educational Advocacy Committee. Thank you to all who were involved in this successful venture. §

RETIRED TEACHERS’

CHAPTER REPORTS Phones, Death, and Downsizing Heather Shelton

On September 23, 2015, Brandon’s Riverbank Discovery Centre was the venue for a very instructive and rewarding afternoon . The Westman Retired Educators’ Association sponsored the event with the Chapter Initiative grant received from RTAM. Approximately twenty-four members met to glean information on wills, downsizing and technology.

Doug Paterson QC began with a very enlightening presentation concerning all those little things that, in planning for our eventual demise, we often overlook in ignorance. For instance, what sort of documentation is required by your executor upon your passing and where should this documentation be kept? How should we deal with our valuable collections or Aunt Sally’s dinner set if such is not dealt with in the will? Mr. Paterson relayed such information with wit and amusing anecdotes ,greatly enjoyed by the audience.

Do I need a smartphone? What kind of phone should I purchase? When and how long should I charge my phone? How do I backup the information on my phone? These are a sample of the questions that were asked of Bhavin Patel, manager of IDC Communications . He patiently and expertly supplied the answers to the myriad of questions posed by members of the audience and undoubtedly created enough interest in the various capabilities of a smart phone that we all have more questions and an elevated interest in possibly owning such devices.

What one of us has not opened a drawer or a cupboard and wondered, “Where did all this stuff come from?” and “What am I going to do with all this when we move out of this big house, where we have raised our family?” Brandy Clegg and Leanne Meek completed our afternoon by explaining how their company, Transitions, can help in such a situation. They will help you with decluttering and downsizing, sorting and packing, organizing and hosting a content sale, as well as moving and setting up your new home.

Delicious homebaked cookies and assorted beverages made an enjoyable break .

Our door prize was won by Dawn Lyons and the 50/50 draw was won by Arlene Hamilton.

The afternoon was both informative and entertaining. WREA would like to express our thanks to RTAM for the Chapter Initiative grant for making it possible.

Welcome to Retirement

Article and photos: Pat Bowslaugh

Westman Retired Educators (Brandon) welcomed several new retirees by having them as guests at our recent luncheon. Picture on the right is Andy McIntosh, Pat Kerelchuk, Dawn Lyons, Debbie Mason, Doug Masters. Missing is Brent Campbell. (He had to leave early for a teaching assignment!)

Calgary and Area Chapter

Our fall luncheon, held on September 10, 2015 at Moxie’s Southport in Calgary, was at-tended by 19 former Manitobans. It’s always exciting to welcome new faces to our get togethers and this was no exception. Fiona Cantafio, who traces her Manitoba roots from Ste. Rose du Lac, Portage la Prairie and Transcona-Springfield has lived in Calgary since 1979. Bev Smith taught in Dauphin, Brandon and Fort Garry/Pembina Trails before moving to Calgary about 4 years ago.

Dianne Cooper-Ponte, Community Relations, Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society, was our guest speaker. Dianne’s expert presentation on the topic “A Conversation About Fraud Prevention and

Financial Abuse” led to a lively group discussion. A special “Thank you” is due to Jan Campbell for arranging Dianne’s visit! Thursday, December 3 is the date of our next get together. We have been contacting our members by email, Canada Post and by telephone. If you are an RTAM member, living in Calgary and area, who has somehow been missed, please email literacyplus@shaw.ca or call Dennis @ 587 891 7114 You might be surprised to meet a former Manitoba colleague in the group! Okanagan Chapter Event

Nancy Kostiuk

The Monticello Clubhouse in West Kelowna was the setting for the annual BBQ, Potluck and Games Event on July 28, 2015.

Twenty-four members and friends enjoyed the delicious meal and engaged in various games with much enthusiasm.

Two new members were welcomed to the chapter.

The much appreciated RTAM grant was used to secure the facilities and provide supplies. Thanks to Sue Forsyth, our photographer, for capturing the event. Also thanks to Lorne Lisik and Glenn Forsyth who manned the BBQ and refereed the bocce games.

CHAPTER REPORTS Swan Valley Retired Teachers 25th Anniversary

Ed Richenhaller

The Swan Valley Retired Teachers (SVRT) gathered for a celebration luncheon for their 25th Anniversary at the Westwood Inn in Swan River on September 18, 2015. Included in the eighty-five in attendance were the Vice-President of RTAM, Rosalie Bornn; Director of RTAM and a Dauphin Area Retired Teacher, Beth Smith; Dauphin Chapter President, Charlene Purdon. Also in attendance were invited guests, those who taught on permit, short term teachers, substitute teachers, retired teachers who have moved away and also interested teacher assistants and clerical staff. After the delicious meal, Bernice Nowak, who was the original Secretary of the SVRT chapter in 1990, spoke on its formation. She read the original letter fromJohn Kastrukoff, who was than President of RTAM, and who was instrumental in the formation of the chapter of the Swan Valley Retired Teachers. Bernice also informed us that the first publication of RTAM’s “Update” was already registered by a different group. Bernice’s name submission to the naming contest, KIT (Keep In Touch), was the name that was chosen for the RTAM quarterly (which she always used in the communication with her family). At the open mic, congratulatory remarks were given by Rosalie Bornn, Beth Smith and Charlene Purdon. Retired teacher, Glen McKenzie, Mayor of the Town of Swan River, brought greetings from the Town .Amy Shaw spoke on the contribution of BUNTEP to the teaching profession and updated those students’ careers presently. Frances Baird read a letter from a former student, who wrote about the influence on her life by one of her teachers. Ruth Bilowus, who motored from Brandon with fellow retired teachers, Freida Tolton, Avonna Moffat and Joy Solomon, spoke on her first year experiences with her 52 grade six students while teaching in a “hut” back of the Duncan School in Swan River. SVRT President, Ed Richenhaller, with the aid of members Kathy Booth, Carol Fahrenschon and Sheila Kelbert, drew names for door prizes donated by committee members and some Swan River businesses. The celebrations concluded with a sing song of “oldies” but goodies led by Pat Richewnhaller with Carolle Cowan at the keyboard. The committee wishes to thank everyone who attended and helped to make this occasion a memorable reunion.

2015 Ye Ole Rusty Classic Glennis Scott What a Great 1st Day of School! The scenic Minnewasta Golf & Country Club in Morden was the setting for the 21st Annual Retired Teachers’ Golf Tournament on Tuesday,September 8th! One hundred fifty-two golfers from all parts of the Province took to the links to “do battle” on the challenging Minnewasta Course. Following 18 holes of golf everyone enjoyed a scrumptious meal and an opportunity to reminisce over ole times. A short program followed during which various flight winners were announced as well as the 2016 Host, Maplewood Golf and Country Club in St Pierre Jolys.

1st in the Championship Flight (L-R: Blake North; Bruce North; Don Revel; Neil Martin)

1st in the Third Flight (L-R: Carol Fahrenschon; Donna Harris; Margaret Boumford; Bernice Hart 1st in the Second Flight (L-R: Terry Gabrielle; John Plohman; Craig MacKenzie; Grant Plohman)

1st in the Fourth Flight (L-R: Linda Hart; Gayle Johnston; Judy Taylor; Betty Ebner

We bought our 20 foot “cottage on wheels” second-hand two years ago preferring to use a legacy to buy flexibility over permanence. Like any well-appointed cottage, it offers all the amenities: a fridge, a two-burner stove, an electronically controlled sofa bed, a built-in bathroom for those middleof-the-night needs that often come with being retired, plenty of storage space including a closet for hanging coats and an outfit for possible restaurant or concert visits, and even a flat-screen TV and DVD player. We also own a cat and a dog and like to take them away with us. This year we set off on a five-week adventure on a mild March 31 planning to visit the Pacific Coast from Monterey north and return to Winnipeg through British Columbia.

The timing of the trip was important. We use Woodley’s RV guides available from the CAA to choose campgrounds. The book lists when places open for the season. Since we wanted to leave early and avoid summer heat and crowds, it was useful to know most places on the west coast are either open year-round or open on given dates in April or May. If we had tried to drive through the mountains after October 1 and before March 31, we would have needed snow tires. We were only caught out once when we paid for a night in Alberta before discovering the water was turned off despite the campground appearing to be nearly full with trailers, all unoccupied. The electricity still worked, so we stayed anyway.

An RV Adventure

Ann Timonin

Our RV

That’s not to say the van is dependent on electricity. We prefer to plug in as it gives us access to the microwave and the toaster which only work on mains current, but the propane gas will also run the fridge and we have an on-board water tank that holds several days’ supply. Because of this we were able to spend a peaceful two nights at an unserviced campground on San Juan Island, Washington State, overlooking the water used as a route for pods of orcas on their way to the mouth of the Fraser River.

At the same time, traveling in summer would require a lot more planning. We were able to stop when we felt like it and had made no bookings in advance. Several popular campgrounds told us

Mesa Verde Palace Ruins

they would be fully booked in July and August. Only one we stopped at couldn’t accommodate us and sent us to a much more interesting night at the fairgrounds near San Jose. Here the manager had devised her own questionnaire for campers which asked for such details as the breed and weight of pets, their sex and if they had been neutered or not. Given that some places asked only for a sum of money and wrote nothing down, this level of detail seemed like overkill.

The winding roads through the mountains and up the Californian and Oregon coast are not recommended for long RVs or for people pulling trailers, but our van, with its truck engine, was

able to handle the route we wanted to take giving us some spectacular views. When we got to San Francisco, notorious for limited parking and crowds of tourists, we fit into a space in the street and were able to explore without paying high fees. More importantly, our large pick-up sized vehicle is able to turn around in a limited space if we make a wrong turn – something that happens far more often than either of us would like. No matter how carefully we plan, there are always surprises. Ours were frequently when we interacted with campground managers. At Maragosa Springs we were handed a key for the laundry room and told to lock the door behind us as “people are always coming in from the street and expecting to use the washrooms.” Since the only other business in the neighbourhood was advertised as a brothel, we found this information unusual, but we complied. We didn’t see anyone coming in from the street. Perhaps it was the wrong time of year. Maybe in summer people exiting the near-by road to Death Valley see the now closed gas station on the same side of the road as the campground and decide to stop for advertised but unavailable ice cream. I can imagine thinking a washroom would be nice under those circumstances even if I didn’t want to do laundry!

Our GPS provided us with more surprises when it led us out of our way on several occasions. Although the maps on our model are only five years old, it seems the world of business is changing quickly. We visited former grocery stores, and

The Chandelier Tree redwood (with author and dog) View from the Pacific Coast in Northern California

non-existent campgrounds before turning round and finding what we were looking for without the device. Knowing how to read a map is still important. Knowing when to read it is even better.

Beyond guide books and campground listings, we found a weather forecast to be essential. Our intention was to visit Denver on our way through Colorado to Mesa Verde early in April. However, our plans changed when we learned the city expected more than six inches of snow when we wanted to be there. We were able to avoid the snow by staying south of the mountains although we did find slush in the sink at Del Norte, Colorado, one morning and had to turn off the water pump to stop it burning out. Equally, our plans to return to the Prairies through Jasper at the beginning of May were changed when temperatures there were predicted to go below zero for several nights. If we had travelled at a more conventional holiday season we would have had different concerns, especially with the pets’ dislike of heat. Many campgrounds warn that animals cannot be left alone in a trailer. This prohibition was no problem for us as the RV is our only vehicle when we travel. This trip we were able to enjoy exploring Mesa Verde and the Grand Canyon, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and watch for whales off San Juan Island. Who knows where we’ll head next . . .

amaica Volunteering inJ

MaryLou Driedger

It’s a warm January morning. I’m waiting for sunrise on the balcony at Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. A boozy rendition of the hymn How Great Thou Art from an all night Dead Yard Party fills the air. Before my husband Dave and I volunteered as tutors in Jamaica we’d never heard of a Dead Yard party, a wake that mixes prayers, alcohol, reggae music, high stakes dominoes, hymns, food and dancing. Dead Yard parties were just one of the fascinating sensory experiences we had in Jamaica. We won’t forget the sound of the children at the Runaway Bay tutoring centre greeting us enthusiastically each day. For three hours Monday to Friday we provided after school programing for forty children. We remember kids whooping excitedly as they won a game, their halting voices struggling to read stories and their careful counting as we did math exercises. We heard stories from our tutoring centre kids about life in their ghetto communities. They told us about robberies, electricity blackouts, police raids, drug use and staying on their own while their parents worked. We also remember the sound of waves on the beach where we often spent our mornings. Of course we can’t forget the sound of my husband belting out Johnny Cash tunes evenings at the local karaoke joint.

It wasn’t only the sounds of Jamaica that impressed us; the taste of Jamaican food did too. Violet, the cook at the Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast dished up ackee and salt fish, fried

breadfruit and plantains, potato pudding, cassava flat bread, conch soup, meat patties, curried goat, jerk chicken, gungo peas and festival dumplings. Jamaica is a one of a kind taste experience.

The smells of Jamaica were unforgettable. The scent of hundreds of kinds of flowers mingled with rotting garbage. We explored the Green Grotto caves where the scent of bat guano overwhelmed us. The smell of goats may be the most lasting olfactory memory. There are goats everywhere roaming freely on the roads and sidewalks.

Our time in Jamaica was full of memories of touch too. Children ran up to hug us as we walked into the tutoring centre and snuggled close when we read them stories. Kids reached out to rub Dave’s bald head. We received warm handshakes when we attended the Runaway Bay United Church that provides the facilities for the tutoring centre. Another touch experience we enjoyed were our weekly massages with a neighborhood woman.

We collected plenty of visual images during our weeks in Jamaica. The school children with their white blouses and pressed pants, hair braided and combed just so. Only after driving through the ghettos where these children lived in houses without dependable electricity or running water did we appreciate how hardworking their mothers must be to have their children appear so neat and clean each day.

Our visit to the local public school provided an unforgettable visual collage. We saw mountains of trash and half built classrooms there was no money to complete. Large groups of students were left unattended because their teachers were sick and there were no funds to pay substitutes. A peek in the window of the computer lab and library revealed equipment in obvious need of cleaning and repair. Children spent their day copying complicated notes from the board in beautiful handwriting but couldn’t read a thing they’d written. It was easy to see why a tutoring centre like the one where we worked was necessary when the children’s public school education was so lacking.

Our time in Jamaica was an unforgettable learning experience that not only engaged our senses but also touched our hearts.

Check out my blog What Next. Under the Jamaica category are twenty- seven stories about our month in Runaway Bay several of which detail the history and day -to -day operations of the tutoring centre.

If you would be interested in volunteering get in touch with me at maryloudriedger@gmail.com and I will give you contact information for Mildred and Tony Beach who run the tutoring centre and the bed and breakfast where we stayed. §

Letter to the Editor

Responding to William Mahon

I, too, do want to assume that the author has the best intentions in the world. There are a number of statements that were a result of a personal passion for a position that has been considered over a period of time, but it is still incorrect. I must take, at face value, that the author is knowledgeable in pensions, but also has chosen a preferred type of pension that he favours. I am most pleased that one with a seemingly good knowledge of finances and pensions doesn’t argue with my premise that pensions are a deferred wage and not some freebee given by the employer. This also presupposes that this agreement on this deferred wage was reached by mutual consent between employee and employer. That is how wages, deferred or otherwise, work. The disagreement with my article by Mr. Mahon rests on additional information which I acknowledge. This additional information is either incorrect, as it relates to RRSPs, for example, or is irrelevant to the discussion as it speaks to the variety of Defined Pensions types that currently exist. What is important is: what is the pension type that they originally agreed to. I can relate to poor Alice, in Mr. Mahon’s example. If she was promised and planned for one type of deferred pension in her retirement and then had a cheaper poorer pension given to her after she had been retired. The response also matches what I had described as the process used to attack defined benefit pensions. Does it truly matter how many different versions of Defined Benefit Pension Plans there are? Would it matter if there was a fourth one? Does it really matter that one pays more than the other? Wages are like that as well. A fourth one could be even more different than the previous three. Add some truth and muddy the waters.

There was just not one consistent issue raised but rather a plethora of issues. In paragraph 5 the author speaks of a huge liability for the employer. What assumptions were made for this liability to occur and be reported as it was? Were all the employees to retire at the same time and no one working? During the career lifetime of these employees: • how well managed was the fund? • was “pay as you go” chosen by the employer as the technique for paying pensions? • did the employees pay premiums along with the employers? • was this money invested with a return of 10% each year (a rate that a well managed fund should return as the Mr. Mahon states) and was it considered? • what actuarial advice was received? Was it followed? • what actuarial advice followed the rising trend in

longevity and was it followed? • introducing an additional benefit (reduction of retirement age) is an additional cost. Did the employers consider the manner in which this would be handled in the long term before accepting it? What did their actuaries say? Negotiations require the two sides to accommodate the end result.

Is this just more mud to cloud the issue? Add a little truth and mix.

It is interesting that Mr. Mahon adds a third “proposition” to the mix in my thought experiment. Why stop at three. There also could be a fourth or fifth side, but I digress. The third proposition is obviously touted as the best of all options. Wow! It is certainly obvious to all that “an individual RRSP has growth potential and flexibility that no pension plan can match.” That is certainly theoretically true if you look into the past only and don’t use it in the future. Is that why RRSPs are so well used by most people? Have their financial advisors been obtaining huge returns for them in the past? I assume these returns were well beyond 10%, which a well managed fund should return according to the author. This follows from the description of RRSP, by the Mr. Mahon, as having “growth potential and flexibility that no pension fund can possibly match.” I assume that people with RRSPs received this “over 10% return” from their advisors and decided not to place any more money into RRSPs. That is why so few people use this financial tool. Note the sarcasm here. This is a total red herring and it is certainly unfair to compare to other pension options as a valid choice. RRSPs, as a pension, are a particularly poor choice for everyday people. The amount of their pension depends on when they decide to retire and where the stock market and interest rates are at during that time. The cost of managing an RRSP portfolio is typically higher than a pension fund. The opportunity to truly diversify a small portfolio is extremely difficult. This may work for the author and possibly people of wealth, who have financial flexibility. In reality, it doesn’t work in the real world where most of us live. I am sorry, but I do not understand the reason for the many comments with respect to CPP. There appears to be a real personal dislike for this plan by Mr. Mahon. However, CPP is theoretically not even a Defined Benefit Plan. CPP, as I understand it, is a Target Pension Plan. Enough said. That is an entirely different issue for which I see Mr. Mahon has strong and potentially biased feelings. More mud and fog to an issue?

Thank you for your input. §

Ralph Cibula

Wealth in Canada is concentrated heavily in the top 10% – with the bottom 30% of Canadians accounting for less than 1% of all wealth and the bottom half accounting for less than 6%.

This explosion of wealth going to the top already wealthy is rapidly eroding the wealth gains by the bottom 75 percent of the Canadian population. This had been observed for some time and very little has been done about it.

Wealth or net worth is defined as bank account savings plus the value of other things such as property, stocks, bonds, minus the value of debts like loans and mortgages.

A major analysis, conducted by the Broadbent Institute, is based on custom Statistics Canada data from the agency’s Survey of Financial Security, a snapshot of the distribution of assets, debts and net worth of Canadians.

The top 10% of Canadians accounted for almost half (47.9%) of all wealth in 2012. This group saw their median net worth rise by 41.9% since 2005 (to $2.1 million). Compare this to a 150% drop in the median net worth of the bottom 10% (to negative $5,100).

Other sources are indicated in the internet available items at the end of this short preamble.

I pose this exposee to try and make some sense out of this tragedy of our modern economic system because it is wreaking havoc on most of us weather we be youth, seniors or all those in between who don’t fall into the category of the top 10%. Since this problem is quite similar to what is going on in the USA I am leaving you with two website videos and one website article the to help clarify what is really going on.

Knowledge is power if we do something with it.

The wealth of the nation belongs to all it’s citizens in what we call a reasonable fairness of distribution. And that is what is presently way out of whack. Your thoughts and suggestions are most welcome. We need a process of unified support and actions to move us toward reasonable fairness and distribution as it will not happen in the unrestricted working of the present system. § For your online viewing:

1. Wealth Inequality in America: 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPK-

KQnijnsM 3. Rich People Don’t Create Jobs: 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK-

Cvf8E7V1g 5. The Wealth Gap --- Perceptions and Misconceptions in Canada (Dec 2014) 6. http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/ broadbent/legacy_url/308/wealthgap-en-final.pdf?1431294010