Suggestions for free things to do together include: free curling for Seniors on Wednesday afternoon, free Seniors’ armchair exercise sessions 3X a week, fishing on a day when it is free; a picnic at Pisew Falls or Herb Lake Landing or Wekusko Falls; a tour of the University College of the North, a tour of the School Board Office, and a trip to the greenhouse at Wabowden. Inexpensive ideas included bowling and pool/billiards.
This chapter has had a very busy year with a variety of events which brought to our 91 members everything from great food to mind- nourishing speakers and entertainers. Our goal is to have four formal luncheons which are held at Seniors for Seniors. The exclusive and delicious menus are chosen by the executive; the opportunities for entertainment are prioritized by members.
Guest speakers on topics such as: wills, power of attorney, living wills, and estate planning; financial issues such as RRSP and RTFS; health issues such as Northern Patient Transport, Medivac and accessing Home Care after surgery rounded out the list of suggestions. As we could not cover all of these suggestions in one year, we have much left to consider for another year.
Our September meeting was designed to acknowledge the request from the RTAM Board to engage in meetings with our MLA candidates. A total contingent of three representatives from both Brandon East and Brandon West were in attendance to answer our questions. This forum offered our members and guests the opportunity to meet and reflect on election issues.
VanIsles Chapter – 139 members Respectfully submitted, Val Davies and Jim Reid
In November our entertainment consisted of two Brandon Police Service officers, Constables Basaraba and Kirby Sararas, who provided numerous tips on personal safety. The officers cited various scams and offered pertinent suggestions on how to avoid fraudulent situations. Neelin High School drama class brought to us unique improvisations in February. We were pleased to involve one of our local schools and to marvel at their spontaneous and humorous enactments.
Executive for 2012-2013 Co-Presidents: Gerry Saleski (Victoria) and Garry Finlay (Qualicum Beach) Past Co-Presidents: Val Davies and Jim Reid Secretary: Patti Dobroski (Victoria) Treasurer: Roy Richmond (Nanaimo) Three Area Directors: Charles Moody: Victoria and area Victoria Olchowecki: Nanaimo and Area: Mac Taylor: Parksville, Qualicum & Northern area This was the fifth AGM of VanIsles Chapter which was organized in 2007, and the third AGM held at Arbutus Ridge in Cobble Hill overlooking the strait and Mt. Baker. This is a beautiful setting for a lunch gathering with fellow Manitoba retirees and is a mid-point for those members coming to the AGM.
At our April event the topic of wills and power of attorney, presented by local lawyer, Doug Paterson offered sage advice on the importance of having our affairs in order. In addition to these regular luncheon meetings we have had several other opportunities for fellowship. In December a Christmas event was held at the Green Spot (which is a local green house) offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the seasonal greenery and be entertained by a local men’s chorus. Our gathering was expanded in number due to an invitation having also being extended to Seniors in three of our assisted living homes.
In 2011 our membership grew by six: 21 members are spread from as far north as Campbell River, Comox, and Courtenay; west to Port Alberni; on Salt Spring Island, and in the communities of Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, and Lake Cowichan. 28 members live in Qualicum Beach, Parksville, Errington, and Nanoose Bay. 29 members live in Nanaimo, including one member on Gabriola Island. 53 members live in Victoria and surrounding areas, including Brentwood Bay, Pender Island, Sidney, North Saanich, and Sooke. There are also 8 members who have moved from Vancouver Island, but who have indicated that they wish to remain on the group email contact list, meaning that we have contact with 139 VanIsles members.
On March 27 we held an afternoon Wellness Event and although our attendance was challenged by a sudden snow fall, our half day event was deemed as having been of great value. Physiotherapist Bobbi Schram provided us with a plethora of suggestions on how to respect and nourish our bodies through exercise, proper diet and careful movements. Our second speaker, Mark Mercure , who is one of seven certified pharmacists in Manitoba provided us with expert advice on the careful use of prescription meds as well as herbal remedies and other “over the counter” interventions.
Email is our main vehicle of communication with our members, who appreciate the messages and reports that we forward from the RTAM Executive in Winnipeg.
Our Past President Rick Oakden communicates each of these events via email with those who do not own computers receiving personal phone calls from Mavis Johnson. To nurture our members there are cards sent to those who are ill or bereaved. In addition this year our membership voted to support the Seniors for Seniors venue by purchasing new speakers for the sound system, a convenience which will also be an enhancement for our enjoyment.
Several of our members return to visit family and friends in Manitoba. On one such visit Garry Finlay attended the Manitoba Legislature last spring with other RTAM members from Winnipeg. Even though the Bill died, which was to ensure that an RTAM member would be appointed to the TRAF board, it was great to have a VanIsles member in the gallery. On August 31st forty VanIsles members enjoyed a delicious lunch and socializing with former colleagues in the lovely garden at the home of Elizabeth Kozak in Victoria. As the outgoing co-presidents, we wish to thank the executive and all the VanIsles members for their participation, for introducing new members to the chapter, and for the support we have had over the past five years. Our best wishes to the incoming executive. Here’s to a long life for this chapter of RTAM. Westman Retired Teachers’ Association - 91 Members Respectfully submitted, Pat Bowslaugh 2012-2013 Executive President: Peggy Wojnarski Vice President: Heather Shelton Treasurer: Mavis Johnston Secretary: Judy Olmstead Director: Bill Taylor Past President: Pat Bowslaugh
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In addition to the above events the Westman members meet informally on the first Wednesday of the month for breakfast at the Trails West Motor Inn and on each Thursday at Valleyview Community Centre for bridge.
We trust that the variety of activities has provided meaningful choices for ongoing health and wellness.
A career . . . (continued from page 11) celebration at the French Cultural Center, which I was happy to do in both languages. A fellow there asked me to be on his radio program called “Boots and Saddles” at the University of Winnipeg. I have been on the program five times as an entertainer and twice as a disk jockey. Music has become an interesting “career” in my retirement, the seeds being sown in my first career as a teacher. Doors always seem to open. A saxophonist hearing me play jazz at the library asked me to join him. . . why not?!! Summer 2012