The Magazine of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Associationtion SUMMER 2018 A Kitchen inpg 48 Paris

In This Issue

Hiking Tips pg 24

The Green Sleeve pg 32

Travelling Alone pg 46 MeritTravel.com | ARTA Direct Line: 1.844.408.1770

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The Magazine of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association SUMMER 2018 | VOL. 26:4

Regular Features Articles Articles 5 President’s Message 24 Out into the Wild 52 The Deepest Mystery of 6 Executive Director’s 28 Looking Toward 100 Years the Universe Report 30 Online Database Aims to 54 Root Causes of the 8 Editorial Improve Participation in Affordable Housing Crisis 10 ARTA Health Alberta Clinical Trials 58 Retirees Help Spread the Joy of Reading 12 Proust Questionnaire 31 Parkinson Tele-Support 13 Member Services 32 Do You Have a Green Sleeve? 13 Contact Information 14 Spirituality & Wellness 40 See You In September 16 Financial 44 The Life of an Innkeeper 18 Gardening 46 Travelling Alone 20 From the Branches 48 So, Do You Want a Kitchen in Paris? 55 From our Partners Contests 61 Letters to the Editor 34 Writing Contest 2017 62 Book Review Second-Place Winners 64 Opportunities 39 Writing Contest 2018 66 In Memoriam

This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not meant as legal or other professional advice. You should not rely on, or take or fail to take any action, based upon the information provided in this publication. If you require specifi c legal or professional advice on any issue, please consult a lawyer or other professional advisor. The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association, its directors, offi cers, employees, agents and authors shall not be liable in any manner, or to any extent, for any loss, damage or expense whatsoever, arising from or in connection with any use of or reliance on the information contained in this publication, including but not limited to, any indirect or consequential damages. Regular Contributors

Marilyn Bossert President, ARTA ARTA supports an engaged lifestyle after retirement through member-centred services, advocacy, communication, wellness and leadership. Daniel Mulloy Chief Executive Offi cer and EDITOR Executive Director, ARTA Robin Carson

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Margaret Sadler

COPY EDITORS Vi Oko Robin Carson Bev Sawyer Editor, news&views ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Jennifer Hope Tony Esteves

PRINTING & DESIGN Burke Group Gary Sawatzky news&views is published four Chief Operating Offi cer and times a year by the Alberta Retired Director of Member Services, ARTA Teachers’ Association (ARTA).

Contributions to news&views are welcome. They may be sent to: Peggy McDonagh [email protected] Spirituality & Wellness Deadline for submissions to the Minister of Worship at St. David’s United summer issue is July 20, 2018. Church in Calgary. She shares refl ections on body, mind, and spiritual wellness — important Telephone: 780-822-2400 elements in her own life. Canada only: 1-855-212-2400 fax: 1-780-447-0613 Gerhard Sawatzky email: [email protected] Financial, MEd, CFP® website: arta.net Certifi ed Financial Planner® Professional, mutual funds representative, life insurance agent, Return undeliverable and accident and sickness insurance agent in Canadian addresses to: British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. 11835 149 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5L 2J1 Gerald Filipski CANADIAN PUBLICATION Gardening AGREEMENT #40033998 Member of the Garden Writers Association of America and gardening columnist for the Edmonton Journal. He is the author of Just Ask Jerry. 4 | arta.net President’s Message Marilyn Bossert | President, ARTA

Going Somewhere

The gentlemen in our group “Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before.” were outnumbered four to one, —DALAI LAMA and although they too learned from the presentations at the Growing up in rural Alberta, had stumbled upon the funerary jade factory, the pearl market, to be able to go somewhere I sculptures for Emperor Qin Shi the Xian Art Ceramic and Terra had never been before was a Huang, the fi rst emperor of the Cotta Factory, the Suzhou challenge, even if it was only Qin dynasty. Since that time, silk factory, and the National once a year. The family farm the sculptures of over eight Embroidery Institute, they were kept us close to home, except thousand warriors, one hundred not likely as enthralled by the for a visit to our grandparents chariots, four hundred horses shopping aspect. or a Sunday drive so Dad could and more than one hundred The experiences from our check out the crops in the thousand weapons have been China tour have created neighbourhood. recovered from the three pits, additional pages for our book What entices us to go and the work continues. In of memories, although I have somewhere we’ve never been 1987, the site was added to the alluded to a limited number before? As an avid reader in UNESCO World Heritage list. from this trip. Our guides, who my youth, I am always curious Like most other visitors to were quite profi cient in English, about those places described in China, our group wanted the shared as much Chinese history, the books I’ve read. Great Wall experience. Ours was culture, economics, and lifestyle As I settle in to write this at the Juyongguan Pass, one of as they thought we should know. column, we have just returned three famous passes along the I would be remiss if I did from a tour of China, a place wall near Beijing. Unfortunately, not mention how fortunate we that was never on our bucket the cold wind and snow fl urries felt as ARTA members to have list. Are we sorry we went? were a deterrent, and even the our travel insurance. Before Absolutely not. Canadians were wishing they we leave home, the checklist This was our opportunity had their winter coats. However, always includes passports, to see fi rsthand the discovery fi ve of our group of twenty- Alberta Health cards, and ARTA location of the terra cotta army. four climbed as high as was membership cards with our In 1974, farmers north of the city allowed. It’s not an easy climb emergency travel contacts. I of Xian discovered a man-sized with uneven steps, a very low am delighted to say that it was pottery fi gure while digging to hand rail on the right, and in the another amazing journey to fi nd a water source. When the lower area, lots of climbers. But somewhere we had never been Chinese government learned well worth the eff ort, no matter before, without having to use of the discovery, an excavation how high one decided to go. our travel insurance! ● team was sent out. The farmers

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 5 Executive Director’s Report Daniel Mulloy | CEO and Executive Director, ARTA

Loneliness

There is an epidemic sweeping our nation…it’s not heart disease, diabetes, or cancer (although those are on the rise across our nation as well)…it’s loneliness.

• Lonely people have faster cognitive decline “ Remember we’re all in this alone.” than those who have more satisfying —LILY TOMLIN social connections. And, according to a study by Rush Alzheimer’s While not technically a “disease state,” loneliness Disease Center in Chicago, seniors who were and social isolation are growing concerns, highly social had a 70% lower rate of cognitive especially among Canada’s senior population. decline (dementia and Alzheimer’s) than their New research in Canada shows that our elderly less social peers. population is growing increasingly lonely and The Benefi ts of Staying Connected isolated. You don’t have to be alone to feel If being lonely hurts your quality of life, it stands lonely. Loneliness is the perception of being to reason that being socially connected can alone and isolated, and having a feeling of improve it. Research backs that up. disconnectedness. You may know—or be—one According to the Global Council on Brain of the 1.4 million elderly Canadians who report Health, a body of scientifi c evidence suggests feeling lonely, according to Statistics Canada. social engagement can help maintain thinking Not only is social connectedness important skills and slow cognitive decline. Other studies for the emotional well-being of our senior link an active social life with better cardiovascular population, but it can also be benefi cial to their outcomes and greater immunity to infectious physical health. disease, among other health benefi ts. The Health Risks of Loneliness Social activity keeps you connected. When you A state of loneliness has physical consequences belong, you fi nd emotional support—and you that can be devastating, especially in seniors. know that you matter to others. That feeling goes a • The lack of social relationships is as much a risk long way toward a more positive and healthier life. factor for death as smoking or obesity. Solving the Senior Loneliness Problem • Loneliness can cause high blood pressure, So what can you do if you think you or your loved increase the risk of depression, and cause a one is struggling with isolation or loneliness? higher level of the stress hormone cortisol. Here are some simple, small steps you can take • People with few social connections or who feel today to make more meaningful connections lonely have 29% higher risk of heart disease, with others. and 32% higher risk of stroke.

6 | arta.net Not only is social connectedness important for the emotional well-being of our senior population, but it can also be benefi cial to their physical health.

1. Face-to-Face Time. Phone calls, emails • Volunteer with a nonprofi t organization (like and even FaceTime or Skype are nice; and when ARTA), a school or a civic group. friends or family live far away, they might be your • Explore options at your local church or only options. But it’s important to have in-person synagogue, such as group studies, choirs, or interactions too. In fact, the mental health service projects. benefi ts of regular face-to-face social interactions, • Have some fun with a regular bridge or poker especially among older adults, seem to reduce the night, book club, or quilting group. risk of depression. 3. Senior Living Communities. Many Things you can try: residents of senior living communities say • Attend an ARTA branch event. that having so many ways to meet people has • Set up a regular coff ee or tea date with a friend. made their lives incredibly rich. Having events, • Invite someone to have lunch or dinner with activities, clubs, dining venues, and neighbours you at home. their same age, they discover new friends that • Take your dog for a walk in a park where there feel like family. Some couples decide to move to are people you can chat with. a community as part of planning for the future. If 2. Group Activities. One Australian study anything should happen to one of them, the other found that an individual’s decline in group will have support to feel less lonely. involvement seems to lead to a similar decline in Loneliness shouldn’t be brushed aside as a quality of life. Even if you don’t like big groups, normal part of aging. By acknowledging it, you there are ways to fi nd groups of a comfortable size take the fi rst step toward a better—and possibly that will make life better: longer—life. ●

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 7 From the Editor Robin Carson | Editor, news&views

Getting It Out

I get asked many questions about how we produce news&views. For example, people often want to know why our deadlines are a full fi ve weeks before the magazine is mailed out. Or ask why we edit everything. Work for any given issue begins which time layout—how the well ahead of our copy deadline. material will be presented—also “...editing is like doing We take in articles that have gets consideration. been sent to us ‘on spec,’ and Our editors do not do fi nal a giant jigsaw puzzle.” we solicit other articles that we layout: that is a process that we hope will be of interest to our leave to professional designers. It is rare that this proof only readers. Everything gets read, We do, however, determine the requires a little work; more but we do not use every article. overall placement of articles usually, we must now make An article doesn’t have to be and advertisements throughout some hard choices. If an article ‘perfect’ to be considered as long the magazine. We try to avoid is too long, for example, and as the ideas are interesting. Our awkward positioning of material has ‘spilled’ onto another page, editors—and now we have four— both on the page and within we must decide either to trim can fi x and polish most writing. the magazine itself. If you have it, to add another page to the We reject articles that are noticed that many of our articles article itself, or to allow the spill. commercial in nature (because begin on the left side of the If the magazine has become ARTA adheres to Canadian Code open magazine and end neatly unwieldy in size, articles might of Advertising Standards); we on the right-hand page, that have to be removed entirely to reject articles that might land us layout is not accidental. We try await printing in another issue. in court; and we reject articles to avoid spilling the article onto We try to relieve pages that that might damage ARTA itself. a later page in the magazine, are dense with text with some Our deadlines for articles but sometimes we cannot avoid sort of illustration. And always, and advertising are simple doing so. brightness and colour are and have never changed. The About two weeks after the important in the presentation. twentieth of January (for copy deadline, we send all the At this stage, editing is like spring), April (for summer), edited articles, any photos that doing a giant jigsaw puzzle. July (autumn), and October have been sent to us, and a ‘fl at We send our changes back (winter) are when we must plan’—our suggested layout—to to our designer who sends us have material for an upcoming our design company. About a another proof based on our issue. Selection and editing of week later, they return to us a changes. This proof goes to material takes at least two weeks very rough magazine as a pdf, Daniel Mulloy, ARTA’s risk after the copy deadline, during our fi rst ‘proof.’ manager, who checks it for

8 | arta.net possible legal or branding problems. Then it goes to a committee of six proofreaders who try to fi x every little (or big!) problem that might have slipped by the copyeditors. We always fi nd many things to fi x, but we never, ever seem to fi nd them all. All changes from proofreading go to the design company that 6-Colour 40” press that prints news&views now produces a third proof. If it high-quality pdf of the magazine machine to produce now takes meets approval with the editors, for our website. By autumn, an advanced colour press and an a ‘printer’s hard copy’ is made— we will also fi nally have our entire team of people. And with the fi rst actual paper copy of the electronic version available! our electronic magazine on the magazine. After it is checked news&views has come a very near horizon, there are all sorts carefully, the issue is ‘signed off ,’ long way from being a simple of exciting new directions for us printed and mailed out. As well, newsletter. What once only took to explore. ● the design company makes a a typewriter and a Gestetner

2018 Application forms and criteria for the 2018 scholarships are Scholarship available online at ARTA’s website, arta.net, or by writing to: Executive Director, Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association Information 11835 149 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5L 2J1

ARTA–TW INSURANCE THE ARTA CERTIFICATE/DIPLOMA Twelve Scholarships to be Awarded DEGREE SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS

Through ARTA, TW Insurance The ARTA Certifi cate/Diploma Scholarships NEW FOR 2018/19 Brokers provides scholarships are made possible by the generosity of the for undergraduate students Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA). registered in a degree program ARTA provides scholarships to students in who are related to an ARTA a certifi cate or diploma program of two or member. These scholarships more years at an accredited post-secondary recognize academic achievement, institution and who are related to an ARTA community involvement and member. These scholarships recognize volunteer work. Future goals, academic achievement, community personal accomplishments and involvement and volunteer work. Future goals, supporting letters of reference personal accomplishments and supporting are also signifi cant in selecting letters of reference are also signifi cant in the scholarship recipients. selecting the scholarship recipients. Degree Scholarships: Certifi cate/Diploma Scholarships: $5,000 (two to be awarded) $2,500 (two to be awarded) $3,000 (two to be awarded) $1,500 (two to be awarded) $2,000 (two to be awarded) $1,000 (two to be awarded)

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 9 ARTA Health Gary Sawatzky | COO and Director of Member Services, ARTA

Update on Alberta Health Industry Agreements The Alberta Government has recently negotiated two agreements with two groups of health care providers—pharmacists and dentists—in order to try to reduce health care cost increases in Alberta. While the revised agreements will not have a substantial impact on the ARTA Retiree Benefi ts Plan, there will be some affect, likely in the longer term. The fi rst agreement is an by 2015 dental costs were, in with the lack of Government introduction of a new Alberta aggregate, almost 40% higher in involvement in the development Dental Association and College Alberta than British Columbia. of the fee guide. (ADA&C) Dental Fee Guide. This escalation in dental fees On November 22, 2017, the Prior to 2017, the ADA&C had attracted the attention of the Alberta Government announced not published a fee guide since NDP Government shortly after a new fee guide would be in 1997, and dentists in Alberta they were elected into offi ce. place, eff ective January 1, have charged fees based on At that time the Government 2018. The new fee guide was what they thought was a fair indicated it would be examining developed in conjunction with price for the services provided. the dental costs borne by the ADA&C, and would result in In the absence of a provincial Albertans and would be working aggregate savings of 8.5%. dental fee guide there has on implementing a new fee The new fee guide only been a wide variation in fees guide in the coming months. provides suggested fees. Dentists charged by dentists in Alberta. A new Dental Fee Guide was are still able to charge fees that In many cases, fees charged introduced by the ADA&C they believe are fair. by dentists are higher than the on August 17, 2017, with an reimbursement bases used by eff ective date of September group dental insurance providers 1, 2017, which resulted in “...we encourage to adjudicate claims, resulting in aggregate savings of only two you to speak to signifi cant out-of-pocket costs for to three per cent compared covered members. to marketplace costs. The your dentist and As a result of the lack of a Alberta Government voiced formal fee guide, dental costs their displeasure with the new ask how they increased signifi cantly faster fee guide—the Minister of calculate the fees in Alberta than any other Health indicated it did not go province (refer to the spring far enough to save Albertans’ they charge...” 2015 edition of news&views); money, and expressed concern

10 | arta.net Following the new The second announcement, a number of agreement that may group insurance providers aff ect the ARTA indicated that they would Retiree Benefi ts be following the new 2018 Plan, albeit not ADA&C fee guide as their basis as signifi cantly, of payment when calculating is the updated eligible dental claims. ARTA has Pharmacy not taken this position. Unless Agreement. dentists reduce their fees in This line with the new guide, dental agreement patients with insurance coverage specifi es the will need to pay even more out amount that of pocket. Instead, for the time pharmacies are being at least, the ARTA dental allowed to charge to care plan will continue to use dispense medications. the current basis of payment, There are a number of which is the 2016 Alberta Blue components that make up the Cross Usual and Customary amounts pharmacies can charge, Dental Fee guide, in order to with the largest component reduce member out-of-pocket being the dispensing fee. With a reduction in the allowable costs (the current ARTA dental the new agreement, eff ective charges for comprehensive care plan’s basis of payment May 17, 2018, the maximum annual care plans and standard pays, in aggregate, about 7.5% dispensing fee pharmacies are medication management higher than the 2018 ADA&C allowed to charge for single assessments along with fee guide). entity medications is actually follow-ups. Pharmacists will We will continue to monitor decreasing from the current also be allowed to administer the rates submitted by dentists. If $12.30 per prescription to publicly-funded vaccinations in a signifi cant number of dentists $12.15. While this decrease is addition to the fl u vaccinations. adopt the updated fee guide, not signifi cant (at only 1.2%) Finally, the frequency of marketplace economics dictate and will not result in substantial submitting the dispensing fees other dentists will also have to cost savings, it is encouraging charged will be limited. reduce their fees, which may to see the Alberta Pharmacists’ ARTA and the Health Benefi ts justify a fee guide change. Association agree to do their part Committee will continue to In the meantime, we encourage to try to reduce health care costs. monitor the plan’s experience to you to speak to your dentist and There are a few other changes best determine the eff ects each ask how they calculate the fees in the agreement, including of these agreements have had on they charge. It’s important to be a reduction in the fee that the plan and report back to our a smart consumer, even when it pharmacies can charge to covered members. ● comes to dental care. administer fl u vaccinations and

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 11 Jennifer Hope Responds to a Proust Questionnaire

1. What is your most treasured possession? My running shoes. I love to run! I love to lace up, get outside, and take in the fresh air. Not only does running keep me active, but it’s where I get my best ideas. Running keeps me sane and gives me the breaks I need from looking after two very active little boys. 2. What is your greatest regret? Although I know you are supposed to live a life of no regrets, I would say the one idea of happiness—I just need always good for a great laugh thing I would change about my to remember to take it all in. over a couple of glasses of wine. past is to have travelled more However, if you add in winning 5. What is your favourite before having a family. I did the 6/49, I could own my own place in Canada? travel a bit after university, vineyard in Kelowna and then I So far, of all the places I have which gave me a bite from the truly would be happy. visited in Canada, Victoria, B.C., travel bug; but now that I have 4. What do you appreciate is where I would love to call a a family, I know that the life of most in your friends? ‘home away from home’ one a jet-setter is long gone. That I am very lucky to have had a day. I have always loved being being said, I am looking forward lot of the same friends since around the ocean and Victoria to travelling adventures with my elementary school. Our growing to me is the perfect marriage family in the future. families have become extended of sunshine coast and urban 3. What is your idea of families to one another. “It living. To be more specifi c, happiness? takes a village to raise a child,” the community of Oak Bay in I recently read this anonymous and that is what I appreciate Victoria would be the perfect quote: “Life is so subtle the most in my friends—my place to set up shop overlooking sometimes that you barely notice ‘village’ loves my kids as if they the ocean. ● yourself walking through the were their own. If I am ever in doors you once prayed would a pinch, I can count on every Jennifer joined ARTA as Marketing open.” This idea resonated with Coordinator in March 2018 and is single one of them to step up happy to introduce herself to our me, as the life I am living is my and help out. My friends are also readers in this way.

12 | arta.net Member Services Gary Sawatzky | COO and Director of Member Services, ARTA

Membership Renewal Season Is Here!

If you are an Education Sector EEXPIRY MONTH/YEAAAR 06/18 member covered under the ARTA Contact Information Retiree Benefi ts Plan and your AgnesAgnes Candido 122345 ARTA membership expires on ARTA MEMBERSHIP NUMBER ARTA: June 30, 2018, you would have Edmonton area: received a pre-authorized debit EDUCATION SECTOR MEMBERSHIP 780-822-2400 (PAD) agreement to allow ARTA Toll-free: to deduct your membership fees 1-855-212-2400 along with your benefi ts plan Sector members (i.e., those Email: premiums each month. members who did not work for [email protected] ARTA has contacted an educational institution). No Website: those members described further action is needed for public arta.net and private sector members. above directly by email and news&views: regular mail, so you do not As this is one of our busiest times of the year, please be Email: need to contact us unless we [email protected] have notifi ed you that your patient when calling our offi ce. If you leave a voicemail, we will get Submissions: membership is expiring. [email protected] back to you as soon as we can. If you are an ARTA member Subscription changes: Alternatively, you can reach us by without health care benefi ts, [email protected] email at [email protected]. ARTA will send you a notifi cation Next Deadline: directly informing you of your If you have recently moved or July 20, 2018 renewal for the upcoming year. your contact information has ARTA Benefi ts Plan: You can continue to pay by changed, please let us know. It is cheque or credit card. important that we have the most Claims: up-to-date information. Our 1-855-444-2782 Please check your ARTA [email protected] membership card prior to calling contact information is on this page or on our website arta.net. us if you are unsure of your TW Insurance (Home and Auto) ARTA offi ce hours are 9:00 expiry date. 1-855-894-2782 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday ARTA membership is already ATRF through Friday. We are included in the monthly 780-451-4166 closed on weekends and all automatic banking withdrawal Toll-free: 1-800-661-9582 statutory holidays. [email protected] for our Public and Private ●

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 13 Spirituality and Wellness Peggy McDonagh

Pain and Suffering

A spiritual teacher told this story to his pupils during a lesson on pain and suffering. A naïve, egotistical, and wealthy eighteen-year-old man searching for adventure went on a spiritual journey in India. Having eaten some poisonous food, he woke in the night vomiting and convulsing. Desperately ill and far from his home, he spent days in the hospital deeply frightened and alone, fearful of the pain and of dying. Something unusual happened that changed the young man’s life: a kind-hearted Lama, whom the young man knew, visited him. The Lama said, “I am not interested in how much money you have or to what family you belong. I am interested in how you deal with this hardship and pain. That is the only thing that matters. How you deal with this suffering and pain determines your character and defi nes your future.”

How do you deal with pain and suff ering? Every gift of life, with all of its intricacies and beauty. person experiences pain and suff ering. No one To appreciate the fullness of life means learning escapes from them. Most people would rather to coexist with pain and hardship, by facing and avoid such experiences because they can be vexing, befriending these and being mindful of how often demanding and persistent, and sometimes they can teach and inspire us to live with greater debilitating. Whenever we face life’s challenges— creativity, clarity, and meaning. whether physical pain, loss, illness, or suff ering My spiritual director and I have often discussed of some sort—it’s natural to want to ignore them, the topics of pain, suff ering, and anxiety. He to deny their eff ects on us, or wallow in self-pity. suggested that these are gifts because they root us in However, there will come a time when these the immediacy of life. Too often when pain occurs, strategies no longer work because we either run or hardships strike, or we are suff ering in some out of energy or the pain or suff ering ultimately way, we resent these complications and hindrances immobilizes us. and question why we must endure such struggles. We must decide either to carry on pretending Frustration, bitterness, and anger result when we that we are surviving well enough or alter the way refuse to accept the suff erings of life, the burdens we relate to the situation. A reluctance to confront of pain, the betrayals of family, friends, and our our pain or suff ering, whatever shapes these take, bodies. The ego will naturally protect itself against carries a high but often hidden price. If we do not discomfort and distress. face life’s challenges with honesty and acceptance, Grief, suff ering, pain, illness, and loss are natural we never learn to deal with them eff ectively. and inevitable realities in life, and while we cannot A consequence of avoidance is the lack of often change, manipulate, or control what happens, awareness of how our suff ering aff ects the way we we can choose how we will respond. In his book, interact with our lives and an appreciation for the Man’s Search for Meaning, Victor Frankl writes,

14 | arta.net “everything can be taken from a man but one and things change, that nothing is permanent thing: the last of human freedoms—to choose one’s and people die, health fails, and loss happens. attitude in any given set of circumstances.” In We cannot address with honesty what we do not every situation, we can utilize our inner freedom to acknowledge, and it is essential for our well-being dictate our responses. Pain and suff ering are not the to walk through and take responsibility for our enemies; the enemies are our thoughts, attitudes, struggles and suff ering. and assumptions about them, our denial of them, When we are in our places of pain and hardship, and our inability to accept them. it takes courage to face them and be rooted in Many years ago my left foot hurt intensely. Much them. Acknowledging suff ering and pain does not to my regret, I did not listen to the podiatrist’s advice mean wallowing in self-pity, but rather being open or the message of my body to take it easy, to stop to them and expressing what we feel about them. jogging. One day as I was jogging my plantar fascia There’s something graciously therapeutic tendon tore. Later I learned that a torn when we are honest about our suff ering, plantar fascia is a rare occurrence. talk about it, and make peace with I was unable to put any pressure it. When we declare to our trials and on that foot for four months. As a tribulations that we choose not be person who loves being physically their victim, that they do not own us, fi t, I was hugely angry for putting or will not break us, we then have a myself in a diffi cult situation. broader perspective about them and The injury taught me about affi rm that we have the strength of change and impermanence, character and wisdom to survive. about taking pain seriously, and As you walk through and take about listening to its wisdom. responsibility for your life challenges, The pain was my body’s message suff ering, and pain, as hard as these that I chose to ignore and I will may be, recognize these as part of always have residual eff ects from the fabric of what roots you in your that injury. humanity. As the wise Lama said, In his book Things Hidden “How you deal with this suff ering and Father Richard Rohr suggests pain determines your character and that “pain teaches a most defi nes your future.” counterintuitive thing—that How we choose to face our we must go down before we even suff ering and pain helps others to know what up is.” We fi ght so hard against going understand how to deal with their struggles, and we down. “We cry aloud to the universe, why me?” Life become more compassionate, accepting and loving. I happens, and rarely is there an acceptable answer encourage you to honour your sadness, suff ering, and to a ‘why’ question. Nevertheless, the essential pain, whatever shape these take for you. Honour the questions must be asked: How do we connect with strength you have that is stronger than these. Honour the pain and suff ering that roots us in life and our the place within you that, despite the complexities of humanity? How will we choose to respond? life, still connects you to the wonder and delight that Suff ering and pain remind us that we are alive, is present in every moment, every step, every life, and that our bodies have wisdom, that life challenges every heart. ●

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 15 Financial Gerhard Sawatzky, MEd, CFP®

Do You Know Your Portfolio Risks? As a Certifi ed Financial Planner® Professional, my conversations with clients always include a discussion of fi nancial risks. How important is it to understand the risks involved in one’s portfolio of investments? A few folks I know put such thoughts aside; however, I prefer to encourage clients to ask questions and become very interested in the risk levels of their portfolio. I would like to increase your confi dence as an investor by sharing how the fi nancial industry defi nes and explains risk. Risk levels may be described term and are growth oriented important types of statistical on a three-point scale: low, for the long-term investor. risk to consider when evaluating medium, and high. Often a Examples include individual a potential investment. written questionnaire is used to stocks, smaller companies, 1. Liquidity Risk: Some determine where the investor is and certain market sectors investments can be bought most comfortable. like energy, as well as or sold quickly at a fair price. • Low risk investments have exempt market products, An investment that is diffi cult little variation in returns leveraged investing, and to sell on short notice has over time (low volatility) and emerging markets. liquidity risk. For example, usually generate low returns. Financial risk may be viewed the Toronto Stock Exchange Examples include GICs, from a statistical perspective. has constantly changing money market funds, high Financial risk defi ned in this market values for securities interest savings accounts, way is the likelihood that your based on availability and and Canadian government actual investment earnings demand. Another example is bond funds. will be diff erent from your your residence in a changing • Medium risk investments expected earnings. Note that housing market. include corporate bond funds, this defi nition does not assume 2. Political Risk: Signifi cant balanced funds (equity and the diff erence in return is changes in government policy bonds), and Canadian and only negative. You could have may aff ect investments. U.S. equity funds. These funds a pleasant surprise with a New laws can quickly swing have moderate growth over very good rate of return that investors’ returns either the long-term. indicates a higher volatility risk positively or negatively in • High risk investments have than initially thought. Below is specifi c sectors. For example, high volatility on the short- a non-conclusive list of seven the legalization of marijuana

16 | arta.net in Canada on July 1, 2018, new products, state of the investment decisions. However has created signifi cant economy, possibility of even the best intentions are growth opportunities in this labour unrest, performance dependent upon certain life industry, while concerns over of competing businesses, and events. Personal circumstances energy consumption have the impact of technology. may change. Young workers had negative eff ects for oil An eff ective way to mitigate are wise to consider the and gas. business risk is to have a consequences of illness 3. Interest Rate Risk: well diversifi ed portfolio or injury. Entrepreneurs When interest rates change, with investments in multiple are likely more fi nancially investors with fi xed-income companies, multiple sectors, vulnerable than employees in securities are at risk of and multiple economies. large organizations. There are losing value. For example, 6. Foreign Exchange Risk: signifi cant costs for insurance to as interest rates go up, bond You no doubt understand cover illness, injury, and death, values go down (an inverse how the exchange rate but it is important that such relationship). Another between Canada and the personal and family protection example of losing value is United States aff ects your is in place. Prior to retirement, a nonredeemable fi ve-year purchasing power when full-time employment is a GIC during a time of rising you travel. In the same way requirement for the success of interest rates. investors who invest across most fi nancial plans. 4. Infl ation Rate Risk: national borders risk a Retirees are likely candidates Infl ation reduces your loss due to exchange rates. for increased expenses due to purchasing power and Businesses who buy and sell illness. The Alberta government aff ects the return received products in foreign markets provides a basic benefi t plan on investments. When the also experience this risk. for all Albertans over sixty- infl ation rate is two percent, 7. Default Risk: When fi ve years of age. It is prudent, returns need to be greater companies are challenged however, to consider additional than two percent just to with making the payments on living benefi t insurance plans, maintain purchasing power. their debt, they are at risk of such as the ARTA Extended All investment returns should being unable to follow their Health Care plan. be referenced to the current payment schedule. As they There’s a need to be infl ation rate to determine issue more debt to fi nance thoughtful and informed their success. their operations, servicing the regarding statistical fi nancial 5. Business Risk: On a small debt becomes more diffi cult. risks and personal fi nancial scale, this is the uncertainty Investing in companies risks. A certifi ed fi nancial of a company’s future that have high debt loads planner professional off ers performance. On a larger increases the default risk of unbiased information and scale this is the uncertainty such an investment. will work with you to create of an entire sector’s future Understanding these statistical a quality fi nancial plan with performance. The variables risks gives investors more clearly articulated risks. ● include competition from confi dence as they make

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 17 Gardening Gerald Filipski

Container Maintenance

While I often write about how to create container gardens, an area that needs just as much focus is how to maintain the containers. The same basics are required for maintaining containers as for regular garden beds—namely watering, fertilizing, and weeding. Watering is perhaps the single after watering to keep the soil most important factor in Deadheading is from becoming too soggy. If container gardening. Because you fi nd that your containers plants in containers have another one of are drying out too fast, you can a limited amount of soil to those gardening use a mulch of shredded bark draw from, they require more to slow down the evaporation. frequent watering. Generally, chores that, while Placing the pots in groups may lighter soils or soilless mixes tedious, yields also help to slow down the are used in containers and tremendous drying process. these will dry out much more While container gardening quickly than regular garden benefi ts. requires the same gardening soils. During a hot summer day chores as regular it may be necessary to water as gardening, the container many as two or three times a the water to penetrate more is a small version of a day. If your containers are on a deeply rather than water applied bed and requires the balcony or deck that is exposed in one fell swoop. The tip off is gardener to be more to the winds, they will likely dry looking at the bottom of the pot. vigilant. Letting a out even more quickly. If you are Once the water starts to come weed gain hold in using terra cotta pots, you will out of the drain hole, you know a garden bed is one notice that you have to water the soil has been saturated. You thing, but allowing a them much more frequently might even consider using a drip weed to get too large in than your plastic or ceramic irrigation system with a timer. a container means loss pots. Terra cotta, because of its These handy systems deliver of nutrients and water porosity, loses moisture much water at preset times to the pots that should be going more rapidly. in a slow manner allowing the to the desirable plants. Watering containers requires water to fully penetrate the soil Pull the weeds as soon as a technique slightly diff erent without your having to be there you see them. Weeds can be from watering plants in garden to do the watering. camoufl aged next to your plants, beds. Water should be applied If your container has a saucer, so sometimes it takes a keen eye at a slower rate, which will allow make sure to drain the saucer to spot a weed that looks like the

18 | arta.net other plants in the pot. more fl owers rather than Deadheading is another one expending its energy on of those gardening chores that, producing seeds. The result while tedious, yields tremendous is a longer bloom time and a benefi ts. Deadheading, which healthier plant. Having said simply involves removing the this, there are new varieties spent fl owers, is important in coming out all the time that do keeping your plants looking not need to be deadheaded. It is their best. Most annual and best to check with the nursery or perennial plants will benefi t greenhouse. Commercial growers and garden from having their spent fl owers Fertilizing is a bit of a tricky centres have used this kind of pulled off . This technique topic. Too much is just as bad fertilizer for years because it encourages the plant to produce as not enough. Most soilless saves both labour and time. potting mixes have little in the Look in your garden centre for way of nutrition and need to these slow release pellets. They be supplemented with will be labelled as a container fertilizers. My favourite fertilizer. An alternative would method of fertilizing be to use a water-soluble container plants fertilizer applied every third is to use slow watering but to cut the dilution release pellets rate by one quarter. designed for Bugs can also create a problem such a use. that is amplifi ed in a small Every time container garden. Even one or you water, two insects can cause a lot of the pellets damage in a container. Picking slowly off the bugs is the easiest way dissolve to get rid of them, but a large and release problem might require an the right eff ective insecticide. Choose amount an organic product to use in a of fertilizer contained space such as a deck into the soil or balcony. over a three- Now, pour that second cup of month period. coff ee and then off you go to the This method is the deck or balcony. Water well, and easiest and least labour check those container gardens intensive way to fertilize. for weeds and bugs! ●

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 19 From the Branches Linda Manwarren | President, CRTA

Looking Back; Looking Forward The Calgary Retired Teachers’ Association (CRTA) was pleased to present awards from our educational endowment funds to three outstanding student teachers: Luke McCorquodale who is studying at St. Mary’s University, Reanna Arnold who is at Mount Royal University, and Amy Novak from the University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education. Luke McCorquodale CRTA’s other recent events included another InBody Composition Clinic, a Raising Diabetes Awareness Workshop, and a Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Workshop as well as our art lessons series and the annual art show. In the future, we look forward to enjoying another visit to Rosebud Theatre’s performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. CRTA’s annual general meeting will be in September. Reanna Arnold Amy Novak Steppin’ Out 2018 On April 27 at Calgary’s Ramada performance by our own Gray of a cheque to the Alzheimer Plaza Airport Hotel, rooms rang Jays, CRTA members who come Society from the Alberta Retired with learning, laughter, chatting, together for the love of music and Teachers Charitable Foundation. and movement because the have now begun sharing that love Of course, Steppin’ Out is also committee that brings together with others. an opportunity to chat with our annual conference, Steppin’ Participants at the conference former colleagues and make new Out, again did an outstanding job. chose three sessions from connections that feed the soul of We are truly blessed to have the an impressive list of twenty- each participant. ● leadership of Gordon Cumming to four after a great coordinate the eff orts of a creative breakfast. Lunch and hard-working committee. and a musical ‘wine The banquet had everyone down’ at the end of tapping toes, smiling, and the breakout sessions thoroughly enjoying the completed a day of Travelling Mabels, a local time well spent. group of talented musicians We also became and storytellers. Music was the vehicle for again featured with a fl ash mob the presentation Cheque Presentation 20 | arta.net From the Branches Christopher Harrison and Nadine Lung | ERTA

Second Wind: Building Connections The seventh annual Second and a Windsong instructor through travel, the importance Wind Conference is designed will off er safety suggestions of humour, and pet therapy to address the needs and regarding online shopping. will round out the full and interests of all retirees within • Back by popular demand is varied program—as well as the Edmonton region. Keynote Sylvia Galbraith to conduct a sessions on acupuncture, speakers, Mark and Alyson session on gentle yoga, chair mindfulness, oral hygiene (and Connolly, will set the tone for the yoga and breathing techniques. its eff ects on heart health), and day with a presentation designed • Cheryl Nickurak will off er singing for happiness. to inform and entertain. suggestions on nutrition and Enjoy artwork by several Following the keynote address, cooking for one. Edmonton and area artisans at breakout sessions will stimulate • Bob Stadnyk, back by request, the Second Wind art display. intellect and address issues that will present a gardening Register by June 30 to come with the aging process. session on fabulous fall bulbs. take advantage of the early • Tamara Hartson will • Dr. Adrian Wagg will share registration fee of $85 (the provide opportunities for tips on coping with loneliness. regular fee is $100) and be audience response during her • Gary Sawatzky will outline the entered in the early bird presentation on the medicinal implications of recent trends draw. Visit the Second properties of cannabis. and legislation on the ARTA Wind Conference website at • A session on maximizing the Retiree Benefi ts Plan. secondwindconference.ca for use of cell phone technology • For those who wish to be a more information and to register. is intended to help to navigate little more active, there will Plan to join colleagues and the technology environment. be a golf session, a Salsa friends at the Chateau Louis • A member of the Edmonton dance class, and Spring Hotel & Conference Centre Police Service will lead a Forest Qigong. on Thursday, September 6, session focused on computer • Presentations on Project Green 2018, for fun, fellowship, scams and Internet safety, Sleeve, expanding horizons and fulfi llment. ●

Building Connections 7th Annual Wellness Conference for Retirees $85 Early Bird )ee Save the Date: September 6, 2018
prior to June 30, 2018 Chateau Louis Conference Centre For more information, visit Edmonton, Alberta T5G 3A1 secondwindconference.ca

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 21 From the Branches Ardyth Garrison | STARTA

You as History

A number of members of the St. Albert and Area Retired Teachers’ Association (STARTA) thought they might like to try to write their own histories; so, in mid-April about thirty-fi ve teachers and community members gathered together to get started. The idea for this workshop allow people to ‘see’ the events sprang from a STARTA in our lives that we were writing breakfast meeting. We about. enjoy the fellowship of other In retirement, many of us retired teachers as well as a travel. There are certainly presentation at these gatherings. stories to be told about these Bob Layton, an amazing adventures. Where have we been storyteller, attended our and why did we go there? What December meeting. After we have we seen? learned that he does workshops Bob Layton talked about the on family history, our executive power of music to help recall decided to try an afternoon events in our life. For example, session for our members. if you saw the Beatles on Ed Bob Layton On April 13, amid laughter Sullivan, what was happening and merriment, Bob Layton led at that time in your life? Who our children and grandchildren, this group in beginning to write were the Beatles anyway? these stories often are forgotten their histories. Using stories Will future generations know if they are not written down. from his own life, he illustrated their signifi cance to our lives? Over time, memory of our the types of events that could For that matter, who was Ed life can become distorted or make for interesting reading for Sullivan? Our grandchildren and fragmented. Many times, I have future generations. “No detail is great grandchildren might enjoy wished that I had asked more worth leaving out,” he told us. knowing these things—or what questions of my grandparents Were you able to buy a fi ve-cent we thought of Elvis Presley—or and parents, and now the chocolate bar? All year long whether we ourselves played a opportunity is gone. Our own did you anticipate Japanese musical instrument. words allow future generations oranges for Christmas? Do you Why should we write our life to know us and to gain recall when coloured television story? Because we have things understanding of themselves arrived? He encouraged us to to pass on. Despite having told through their roots. ● ‘make word pictures’ that would many stories over the years to

22 | arta.net From the Branches Gerhard Sawatzky | FRTA Branch President

FRTA News

FRTA is hosting ARTA’s 2018 Annual Golf Tournament on June 21, 2018, at Highwood Golf and Country Club, High River. For registration details go to arta.net (search “highwood”). Not registered? Check arta.net for space availability.

FRTA’s annual No Bells Brunch will be held on September 4, 2018, in the Wellman Room at Highwood Golf and Country Club, High River. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with brunch at 10:00 a.m. Brunch, $15. Membership, $20. RSVP to G. Sawatzky at [email protected] by August 24. ●


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news&views SUMMER 2018 | 23 Out into the Wild: Hiking Tips for Alberta Trails Duane Radford

If you haven’t already become a hiker, there’s no better time to start than during the summer. Days are long, temperatures are comfortable, and the weather is usually ideal to spend time in the outdoors.

Map It Out towns and cities—and all through the province, If you’re new to hiking, start small and work for that matter. Search out walking trail maps for your way into longer hikes. Choose the right trail your part of the province. to begin with for your level of fi tness. There’s a Familiarize yourself with the trails you will be plethora of trails in my Edmonton neighbourhood hiking by studying a map before you set out so that I enjoy during all seasons but most of all you know where you’re going. during the summer. Trails wind through Alberta’s

24 | arta.net Pack a safety whistle in case of emergency—three loud, short blasts is the universal distress signal.

Carry Essential Hiking Equipment Job one is to get a map that illustrates the route you plan to hike, whether it’s on an established trail or cross country. I enjoy hiking in Elk Island National Park, which is close to my home. Excellent maps are available for this and other Check the Weather national and provincial parks. The better trail When it comes to hiking, I’m a cyber junkie, maps will also provide time estimates. Judge checking online weather forecasts before I head accordingly. Try to pace yourself on longer hikes; out. What’s the temperature going to be? Is there don’t rush—that’s when accidents happen. a chance of rain? What about wind? The weather A day pack is necessary to store your lunch, report is your guide to what kind of apparel you’ll high energy snacks, and water. Bring a small fi rst need during a hike and extra items to add in case aid kit with blister patches and bandages. Pack a of contingencies. safety whistle in case of emergency—three loud, Wear the Best Hiking Boots and Socks short blasts is the universal distress signal. Don’t I’ve enjoyed a lifetime of hiking in Alberta’s leave home without sunscreen; apply it before aspen parklands, foothills, shortgrass prairies, you start your hike. Pack a pocket fl ashlight and and Rockies. I rate quality leather boots with waterproof matches in case you get stranded. rubber soles as the best all-around footwear. A I take a space blanket and signal fl ares for vulcanized sole is designed to provide excellent emergencies; while I’ve never used them, they do traction on the widest ranges of surfaces. When provide insurance. treated, leather is waterproof and provides It’s a good idea to hydrate yourself with about excellent ankle support for walking on slopes and a litre of water before you start uneven surfaces. Hiking boots made of synthetic hiking. If you become fi bres are light and comfortable, but don’t meet dehydrated, you’ll the standards of leather boots; further, they’re not develop a headache always waterproof. and get dizzy. Take It’s important to tighten your laces to provide enough water to solid ankle support and minimize blisters. Finish get through the with a double knot so laces don’t come loose; day or a fi lter check laces periodically to make sure they’re tight. to purify water I prefer hiking socks made from piled synthetic along the trail fi bres or merino wool, which are breathable, light, and sip your soft, warm, and comfortable. These features are water during your important for daylong hikes. Socks must be the hike—don’t drink it right size or you’ll get a blister. On long hikes, I’ll in binges, which your take a spare pair and change them for the hike body won’t store. If it’s back to the trailhead.

Top Left: Geraldine Lakes Trail Jasper National Park (© Duane Radford) Bottom Right: Canada’s National Parks have many fi ne hiking trails (© Duane Radford)

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 25 Trail of the Fossil Hunters Dinosaur Provincial Park (© Duane Radford) going to be very hot, you’ll require a litre of water which convert to shorts) that are ideal for hiking. I each hour, but generally the amount of water prefer loose-fi tting, long-sleeved polyester shirts. you’ll need will vary according to the length and I always wear a hat. While a baseball cap is all diffi culty of the trail and weather conditions. right, a hat with a wide brim is better to shade Trekking poles are recommended for seniors. your eyes. If there’s a chance of rain, I pack a They’re like extra appendages and will provide raincoat in my day pack. I also highly recommend balance on slopes and rough ground. Take at least using polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes. one extendable trekking pole, and two if you’re in Tell Someone Where You’re Going the mountains. It’s only common sense that regardless of where Don’t leave home on a long hike without you’re hiking, it’s a good idea to tell family raingear. In the mountains, especially, it’s typically members about your plans. Be safe and be sure to bright and sunny in the morning; but, as the day tell your loved ones where you’re going. warms up, clouds may form, some of which might Off You Go! develop into thunderstorms. There’s nothing worse Hiking is not only a pleasant way to connect with than getting drenched in the outdoors. nature, it’s also a healthy activity for seniors—plus Dress the Part it’s cheap! ● While the sky is the limit in today’s outdoor apparel market, it’s really a matter of personal choice what Duane Radford is a senior freelance writer and you wear. I like to wear lightweight clothing that’s photographer with twenty-plus years of experience with hunting, fi shing, and outdoor activities like comfortable and durable. There are many styles of camping and hiking. Duane will be writing for us again. cargo pants made of synthetic material (some of

26 | arta.net SMALL GROUP TOUR

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Picture yourself lying in your cozy sleeping bag, nestled on your cot, and waking to the sun shining on the roof of your tent. As the dawn air warms, you climb out of your sleeping bag, dress, and open the tent fl ap to a spectacular view of misty mountains close enough that it seems you could reach out and touch them. “Hold on!” you’re thinking, “I have to brew your morning coff ee But again, you think, “I don’t do not want to haul a loaded because the cooks have been up want to cook all that food and backpack into camp. I don’t since before dawn, heated the make a lunch and fi gure out want to have to fuel and fi re water for washing, and coff ee is where to go hiking; it’s too much up my stove, then head to the ready for you in the dining tent. work!” Fear not, the cooks are creek to fi lter water before I can Lastly, you didn’t have to carry responsible for the planning, even have a cup of coff ee. And I your heavy pack to this particular delivery, and preparation of all really don’t want to listen to the part of paradise because the the food. Our hiking volunteers television blaring from the RV outfi tter’s horses brought your have created route guides and parked next to me!” duff el in on the fi rst day of this trail maps with lists of hikes; Ah, this is no commercial weeklong backcountry hiking all you need to do is choose the campground; the silence says and camping experience. hike that best suits your abilities you’re in the backcountry Morning continues with a on any day. Each day, you can wilderness in Canada’s beloved hearty breakfast of hot cereal, follow a day leader on your National Parks, camping with proteins such as eggs, sausage, choice of an easy, moderate, or Skyline Hikers of the Canadian and bacon, accompanied by strenuous hike. Rockies. Sounds you will hear another cup of coff ee. You then Following a day of hiking, are birds, the creek, and the quiet pack your lunch and other gear in including a leisurely lunch break chatter and laughing of your your daypack and head out with on a viewing point, you return to fellow hikers as they too emerge perhaps nine fellow hikers on a camp with your group. There’s from their tents. And you don’t day hike. hot water for a wash and fellow

28 | arta.net Above: Hiking up Allenby Pass hikers gather together for a A Part of a Rich including representing hikers’ happy hour. This time involves Canadian Heritage food needs with the cooks) sharing snacks, comparing Skyline Hikers of the Canadian • Chief Leader (organizes stories and photos from the day, Rockies has been delivering daily hikes, and ensures the discussing tomorrow’s hikes, the Skyline Experience since overall safety of the hikers and and just generally relaxing 1933 when the Canadian Pacifi c the camp) and building friendships. Soon Railway (CPR) wanted to • Musician (leads the dinner bell rings, and the provide activities for tourists campfi re singing) three-course meal is served on who had taken the train to • Medic (responsible for the picnic tables in the dining tent. the hotels and lodges of the health of the hikers) Following dinner, hikers gather Rocky Mountains. Skyline Trail So, dig out your hiking gear, dust in our ‘doughnut,’ a round tent Hikers of the Canadian Rockies off your sleeping bag, shake off with a roaring fi re in the middle. was formed, initially to guide your hesitations, and consider There you share reports of the groups between lodges. Moving joining one of our weekly camps day’s hikes, select your hike for the camping equipment was in the beautiful Canadian Rocky the next day, and enjoy campfi re a problem, though, so in 1936 Mountains. Let the horses do songs until lights out. All you one base camp was established your heavy hauling, let the cooks have to do is be present. and hikers headed out from the spoil you, and let the hiking You then climb into your single location. The fi rst camps volunteers take you to places and sleeping bag for a peaceful night used teepees; this was changed views few will ever experience. in preparation to get up and do to prospector tents in 1969. For further information it all again the next day. The Today’s tents comfortably sleep about the hiking and trailside fi nal day of hiking, Friday, may four people and their hiking camaraderie off ered by see a volunteer off ering a special equipment, with room for a Skyline Hikers, please visit our guided hike, such as a geology wood-burning stove. website at skylinehikers.ca, walk or a fl ower walk. Saturday fi nd us on Facebook, or Proudly Continuing morning you repack your duff el the Legacy into the for general information, and the outfi tter loads all the Twenty-First Century contact our executive at duff els on the horses to return [email protected]. ● The CPR terminated its to the trailhead. Following a sponsorship of the organization fi nal breakfast, you pick up your Judith Taylor has been a Skyline in 1961, and Skyline Hikers is Hiker every year since 2009. packed lunch and descend to the Since then, she has become now a not-for-profi t society, run bus at the trailhead, returning progressively more involved with by very committed volunteers. to the noise, bustle, and smells the volunteer organization and An outfi tter is hired to transport now hosts Camp 4 as well as of the front country. A fi nal co-chairing the Marketing and and set up camp, transport post-camp dinner in a local pub is Publicity Committee. You’ll fi nd her hikers’ duff els, cook all meals, arranged to reminisce about the at the end of a hike, smiling, and and manage the campsite. Each with a glass of wine in her hand. week past and the backcountry weekly camp has a staff of four adventures had, and to discuss volunteer members. returning for next year’s • Host (manages the camp, adventure with newfound friends.

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 29 Online Database Aims to Improve Participation in Alberta Clinical Trials Keith Gerein | Health Writer, Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, Edmonton Examiner

Clinical trials taking place across research in the faculty of medicine who can improve the quantity the province on everything from and dentistry at the University and quality of the data needed arthritis to melanoma to urinary of Alberta. “That’s where the for a successful study. That, in incontinence are the focus of a database comes in.” turn, could lead to quicker and new online database that aims Be the Cure is a joint eff ort of better medical advancements that to increase the participation of the U of A and the Northern improve the lives of patients. Albertans in medical research. Alberta Clinical Trials and Byrne said that while some The searchable registry Research Centre, which is part trials now use sophisticated is believed to be the most of Alberta Health Services. Any recruitment techniques, many comprehensive of its kind in the clinical trial involving testing of a still rely on posters taped up to country. It’s the easiest way to device, drug or biologic product the walls of hospitals and clinics. learn, for example, that there is a must be registered with the “It’s a diffi cult part of research trial of pressure-sensing insoles ClinicalTrials.gov website. Be to get interested, eligible, and for those with diabetic foot the Cure organizers honed in on willing participants in the studies, ulcers, or a study for those with the Alberta-based trials and then especially for conditions that may Dupuytren’s fi nger disease. arranged the data it had into a be a little more rare,” she said. The initiative is the second much more user-friendly format. Be the Cure plans to add to the phase of the Be the Cure Users can search by medical database over the next year by campaign, which launched in late condition or research location, including other types of health 2016 with the idea of improving as well as by age and sex—in case studies that aren’t trials, such as awareness of the value of clinical anyone is looking for trials specifi c research that relies on surveys studies and encouraging patients to women, seniors, or children. or interviews. Organizers said and the public to get involved. Nearly six hundred active they are not aware of any other The initial website included clinical trials are currently jurisdiction in Canada that has encouraging messages and a included in the database. Byrne a similar searchable database number of personal testimonials, said the tool can help empower organized from a province-wide but organizers soon realized patients, especially those who perspective. ● they needed to go further for the might have received a recent Learn more. Join in. initiative to be eff ective. “We saw diagnosis and are looking for Searchable registry: that we hadn’t closed the loop, an alternative treatment to bethecure.ca/fi nd-a-clinical-trial that patients may be visiting the supplement the care they are Be the Cure campaign: bethecure.ca website, but they weren’t directed already receiving. But perhaps the Northern Alberta Clinical Trials to any opportunities that they biggest benefi ciaries will be the and Research Centre: nactrc.ca could actively participate in,” said researchers, especially if it leads to National Institutes of Health Jillian Byrne, director of clinical more participants coming forward clinical trials: clinicaltrials.gov

Published in the Edmonton Journal on January 7, 2018. Material republished with the express permission of the Edmonton Journal, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.

30 | arta.net Parkinson Tele-Support: Learn, Empower, Support, Connect Brandi La Bonte

The impact of Parkinson telephone, these new groups disease is multidimensional, ensure that regardless of where aff ecting not only the individual you live in Alberta or your diagnosed, but also their loved transportation or mobility ones. Eff ects vary from person concerns, you have access to the to person, with a range that support you need to live well with includes such concerns as Parkinson disease or a Parkinson’s progressing physical limitations Plus Syndrome. Run monthly or disability, depression, and facilitated by a trained Client anxiety, increased stress, Services Coordinator, we are emotional problems, decline in pleased to off er confi dence, changes to social life 1. one group for those living with or status, or issues relating to and aff ected by Parkinson family dynamics. These factors disease contribute signifi cantly to poor 2. one for those living with and Plus Syndromes are discovering physical and mental health. aff ected by a Parkinson’s Plus that our Alberta Retired Parkinson Association of Syndrome Teachers Charitable Foundation Alberta believes no one should 3. one solely for care partners Tele-Support Groups can help have to face this journey alone. Though still a relatively new them—both individuals and As such, we provide no-cost, off ering, attendees are reporting families—adjust to the reality specialized support services, many benefi ts of attending of Parkinson’s and identify and education, referrals, information one of the tele-support groups, implement goals and actions and resources, and low-cost including gaining a sense that will manage symptoms and programming to those living with of empowerment, receiving improve quality of life despite Parkinson disease, their families, valuable peer support, combating their condition. care partners, friends, and health isolation, improving coping For more information care providers across Alberta. skills, and getting practical or to register, call We off er thirty-six support information and advice for living 1-800-561-1911, email groups across the province, well with Parkinson disease. [email protected], or including our three newest Whether it is a desire to learn visit www.parkinsonalberta. off erings—the Alberta Retired more, to share experiences, or ca/telesupportgroup ● Teachers Charitable to be a part of a community, Foundation’s Tele-Support people living with and aff ected by Brandi La Bonte is Marketing & Communications Coordinator for Groups. Conducted via Parkinson disease or Parkinson’s Parkinson Association of Alberta.

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 31 Do You Have A Green Sleeve? Claude Roberto

Nobody plans to be ill, but in Alberta you can plan the type of care you want to receive should you become ill. This involves telling your family, your friends, and your physicians what your needs and goals are so that they are able to make the right decisions according to your wishes in case of illness or medical emergency. It’s never too early to write down You can easily tell how you want people to take the medical system care of you. what is right for you If you don’t share your wishes, paramedics and physicians will and how you want use their personal assumptions to be treated. You and values, not yours, to make do it by creating a decisions about you when you Green Sleeve. can’t. On the other hand, the medical system must follow your Health Services. You can personal directive if you record it. ask your physician for these You can easily tell the medical forms: your personal system what is right for you and directive and goals of care when the time comes. It will how you want to be treated. You designation. help make an already stressful do it by creating a Green Sleeve. and uncertain time a bit Preparing Your Green Sleeve The Green Sleeve is a plastic easier. Start talking about pocket, green in colour, that Personal Directive (PD) your wishes now, before you holds your medical information. • Think about your wishes for have a health crisis. Think of it as a medical passport. health care and make health • Appoint an agent. This can be It holds important legal forms care decisions now and for anyone you choose—a spouse, that go with you through the the future. You will have to family member, or close health care system. In an think about what is important friend. It’s important to talk emergency, fi rst responders to you, and where you want about your values and wishes will look for your Green Sleeve people to care for you. You with this person, who will be and they will quickly know your will also defi ne conditions the agent advocating for you health care wishes. You should under which you do or do not and representing you if you keep the Green Sleeve on or near want certain treatment. are no longer in charge. the fridge where paramedics • Discuss your wishes with • Discuss with your physicians traditionally look for information family and friends. Talking your wishes and values on their patients. about your health with about health care. The most The Green Sleeve belongs to loved ones may be hard, but important part of advance you and it holds at least two understanding your wishes care planning will likely be the forms made available by Alberta ahead of time will help them conversations over time with

32 | arta.net your agent, loved ones, and circumstances. There are medical team. three main approaches to care • Document your plan for (resuscitation, medical, and health care. In Alberta, the comfort care) including several legal document for this is sub-categories. The GCD is a called a personal directive, medical order written by your which will be used if you doctor or nurse practitioner aren’t able to talk or make after talking with you and the your wishes known. In the medical team. You do not write PD you also name the agent on this form. Your GCD consists who will speak on your behalf of a letter and number. It helps when you can’t. Write down the health care team quickly any other information about to know your goals of care your wishes and values related and to act on your health care to health care. Your PD will wishes. Not everyone needs a help reduce confl ict or distress GCD order. and bring comfort to those In Conclusion For more information, visit: who are close to you because In addition to your PD and myhealth.alberta.ca/ it clearly states your wishes GCD, your Green Sleeve Alberta/Pages/advance- and decisions. You can write a should include information care-planning-green- PD with or without a lawyer. on prescribed medications, sleeve.aspx Anyone who is 18 years or allergies, past surgeries, and older should have a PD. medical conditions as well as myhealth.alberta.ca/ • Give a copy of the forms in details such as your Alberta Alberta/AlbertaDocuments/ the Green Sleeve to your Health Care card number. conversations-matter- agent, family, and health care It acts as a single and quick guide-english.pdf provider. Your wishes and source of information in case Dr. Claude Roberto has just retired values may change over time of emergency. Bring your after working thirty-one years for or with changes in your health, the Government of Alberta. She is Green Sleeve to all medical the founder and past president of so be sure to let your agent, appointments and be sure to the Edmonton (Alberta) Nerve Pain loved ones, or health care team take it with you when you leave. Association. In 2004, she received know if there are changes. the Queen Elizabeth II Golden If you already have a Green Jubilee Award given to outstanding Goals of Care Designation Sleeve, keep it current and Canadians for inspiring others, (GCD) update your PD as you wish. improving their life conditions, and volunteering for communities at Conversations with your If you don’t have one, start local and national levels. medical team will help decide the process that will allow your the medical approach to family and the medical system your care, or GCD, that best to make decisions according to refl ects your wishes and health your wishes. ●

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 33 2017 Writing Contest Laurie Semler | Writing Contest Coordinator

In this issue, we are pleased to present the second-place winners of ARTA’s writing contest. We hope that you will enjoy reading these stories and poems as much as we have.

2017 Writing Contest Second Place Winner: Flash Fiction Unbaked Cookies by Georgina Bernice Sullivan

She pedaled her bike furiously down the street, on it, but it didn’t open. Nana must have forgotten her long, blonde hair fl ying in all directions. Her to unlock it. She ran to the back door and pulled on red hoodie was unzipped, and the hood bounced the screen door. Nothing happened. Now Robyn on her shoulders from her anger and the power was getting mad. Here she had almost given herself of her twelve-year-old legs. She should have been a heart attack trying to get here on time, and Nana at Nana’s house ten minutes ago to start making didn’t even remember that she was coming! She cookies. And she would have been on time if her stomped to the front yard to retrieve her bike, but mother had not started that argument! then she decided to try the door one more time. “Robyn, you look like Little Red Riding Hood,” Nothing. By this time, she was fuming. She stood her mother had joked. But she didn’t think it on tiptoe to look in the little window in the door. was funny. There was Nana on the fl oor. “Don’t say that! I hate that story!” For a nanosecond she was mad at her mom for Then her mother had used her whiney voice. not letting her have a cell phone, but that thought “But whyever not?” was replaced by fear. She ran to the fl owerpot Why couldn’t her mother just say, “Why not?” where the spare key was hidden. Her hands were like other mothers? What normal person says shaking, but she managed to get the key into the “whyever?” Certainly not Delia’s mom or Becca’s. lock and open the door. Now she could see that She would have to ask Nana about that. there was a pool of blood under Nana’s head. “Because I always think what would have “Don’t panic,” she told herself. She grabbed the happened if the woodsman hadn’t appeared. hall phone and dialed 911. Then the wolf would have won.” After the ambulance had arrived and the EMTs Of course, her mother had said, were tending to Nana, Robyn fi nally realized she “Don’t be silly.” And the hadn’t phoned her mom. Of course her mom’s argument got bigger and fi rst reaction was to get mad and yell at her for not louder. phoning sooner, but once she got over the initial She dropped her shock, she started crying and said she would be bike in Nana’s front right there. Then Robyn suddenly found herself yard and ran to the sitting on the fl oor, sobbing. door. She yanked Robyn and her mother sat by Nana’s hospital

34 | arta.net 2017 Writing Contest Second Place Winner: Flash Fiction bed, holding hands and taking turns holding always been her safe place, but this time his Nana’s cold, little hand. There were wires and arms did not bring that feeling of safety that they tubes everywhere. The EMTs had told them she usually did. She just felt scared and sadder than had fallen down the stairs and hit her head on she had ever felt in her life. the newel post. She must have lain there for a Two weeks later, Robyn’s mom was emptying couple of hours. She was in critical condition, but the trash throughout the house. When she came Robyn’s quick thinking just might have saved her to Robyn’s room, she found the red hoodie in the life. Robyn cried quietly and hoped with all of her trash. She picked it out and carried it to the kitchen heart that this was true. And in her head she said, where Robyn sat at the island with her chin on “Sorry,” because she knew she should have not her hands, tears leaking from her eyes. She didn’t gotten mad at Nana when the door was locked. say anything, but just held up the hoodie with a Two days later, Nana died. Robyn didn’t think question in her eyes. she would ever be able to breathe properly again, “l can’t wear that any more, Mom. lt always her heart ached so badly. She moved in a fog reminds me that the wolf won.” through the days until the funeral. She sat cradled Her mother nodded sadly. She knew exactly in her dad’s arms through the service. That had what Robyn meant. ●

Would you like to help people throughout the world? Join Rotarians from Rotary International District 5370 as we Dream, Connect and Inspire at the Rotary District Conference, October 18-20, 2018 at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. It’s a conference for Rotarians and all who are interested in learning how we can help people throughout the world create positive change by sharing ideas, forming friendships and professional connections while making a difference in their backyards and around the world. The conference will feature excellent speakers, from Canada and several other countries, who will inform and challenge us so that we can more effectively champion peace, fi ght illiteracy, and help others help themselves. See conference5370-2018.ca for information on speakers, sessions and social events. Watch the Come join us in October! online video on the fi rst page of the website; you’ll For more information on the see why we are very excited about this conference. conference please contact Jerome You may register online for one day or for the Martin, Communications Director, entire conference. Tickets for the Governor’s Ball District Conference Committee featuring the 18-piece Trocadero Orchestra are [email protected]. available separately.

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 35 2017 Writing Contest Second Place Winner: Children’s Story Wrinkles by Carol Vaage

“I’m big enough to go on Just over there, you can see a the jobs that I choose. That’s our the hike! There’s nothing to young baobab tree. Tell me what human circle of life.” do if I stay here with Godey,” you see.” “Is that why you walk so complained eight-year-old Libby. “The little one has smooth bark. slowly?” she asked. Sulking, she watched Samuel, The old one is very fat! It has lots “Well, child,” Godey said, “when the young safari guide, lead her of lines, bumps, dints, and nicks.” you were fi rst born, you didn’t family up the mountain. Smiling, Godey said, “It shows walk so fast either. We start slow “Why do we have fl at tires? We evidence of a life fully lived. It’s and we end slow. Do you see this were supposed to go watch the like our skin, mine is old and has tortoise? He walks slowly his meerkats,” she huff ed. texture just like this old tree, and entire life. Do you think slow is a Godey just smiled, “That’s your skin is soft and fresh, like this bad thing?” how life works sometimes. young tree. Which tree is better?” “Slow and steady wins the Why don’t we take a small walk Libby replied, “They’re just race!” boasted Libby. around to see if we can fi nd diff erent. They’re both good.” “Yes,” he replied, “but this something interesting?” “Well, child,” said Godey, leopard tortoise has gone through “Fine!” she pouted and stepped “The little tree has a life force. It life at this same slow speed. Can up to walk alongside Godey, the doesn’t go away when it grows you imagine all he’s seen? Racing old safari guide. As they started older. It stays inside the centre of gazelles, migrating wildebeest, down the dusty road, Libby the tree for its entire life.” and zebra, crocodiles, ants, watched as her shoes changed “But people don’t grow like droughts.” colour. “Why is the dirt red? Why trees!” said Libby. “Wouldn’t he have been stepped is the grass brown? Why is your “No,” Godey laughed, “but they on? Or tipped over?” she asked. hair white?” change over the years in other “Maybe he was,” said Godey. “My, you have a lot of questions. ways. What’s important is that “But I’ll bet he just had patience There are minerals in the soil; dry everyone still has the same life and started moving again, one season means there’s been no rain force inside of them. Do you know step at a time. Looking for the lately. As for my hair? Look up the story of the Lion King?” next piece of grass. Every day there to the top of that mountain. Libby nodded. he has purpose to keep moving: What do you see?” “Do you remember about the to fi nd food. I guess I like the “Snow!” circle of life? Simba had his time slow down time too. It gives me “Now how would that beautiful as a cub, to play, and learn the a chance to watch everyone else white snow look if it were brown?” skills to be a great lion. Then he race by—like you! When I slow “Ewww…,” cringed Libby. took his turn at being responsible down, I have time to stop and “How come old people have for his pride. People are like that. look at things—like this rock, or wrinkles?” she asked. Your parents are helping the this leaf, or this pile of dung.” Godey laughed and walked up human ‘pride’ stay in balance: “Ewwww!” grimaced Libby. to the baobab tree. “This tree is their jobs help humans survive. “Life has both the beautiful and very old—hundreds of years old. Now I’m partly retired and just do the not so beautiful, and you can

36 | arta.net learn from it all,” said Godey. them? To nudge them up?” “It is true that elephants will “This dung tells me that elephants “Do elephants live long too?” mourn the loss of one of their passed by here a little while ago.” she asked. herd,” Godey replied. “When this “Elephants! I love elephants! “Oh, yes,” he answered. “The old gal’s time comes, the herd will How far? Come on, Godey, hurry oldest one there is the one with stay comforting, touching, saying up!” called Libby. “There are so only one broken tusk left. Her farewell with their trunks. They many of them! Is it a family?” skin looks like it’s sagging.” will remember her too.” “Elephant females stay together “Is she sick?” Libby asked. “Look,” Libby laughed. “She just to raise the young. The older males “No,” he said, “But tusks are squirted one of the babies with are off on their own, so it’s just the teeth, so she is not able to eat as water!” grandmothers, aunties, moms, and much. She’s probably lost some Godey chuckled, “She still has youngsters that are here.” of her chewing molars as well. the same life force in her too—she “I can see babies playing!” she Elephants need to eat a lot of food still likes water play! Well, I see said. “They’re so cute and tiny. every day. Watch the elephants that the repair truck is there fi xing They walk right under the bellies come up to her and touch her. our fl at tires. Should we go back?” of the big ones. Is everyone She’s still the leader. Her memory Godey asked. watching them?” is the best: she knows the routes, “No,” said Libby, patting “The babies will drink milk when to travel for ripe fruit trees, Godey’s white curls. “Could you from their moms,” he said. “But when to return to the savannah.” please tell me about that crocodile all the females help raise the “I remember the Elephant’s over there?” ● babies. See how they use their Graveyard in the Lion King,” trunks to touch them? To help Libby said.

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 37 2017 Writing Contest Second Place Winners: Poetry

Burning Well by Sharon Ingraham

“Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.” Leonard Cohen

Four plus decades and still, a glance, my insides turn molten You pass close enough and I imagine your breath on my neck Valentine Dance and touch, feeling for the scorch scar by Wayne Nylin I am sure is throbbing there. Remember those Valentine Dances where we discovered Even in the everydayness of things, One another in that low-ceilinged hall below the Bijou? you fi re me alive, quicken my breath, Our salad days. The atmosphere electric with youthful heat parts of me I cannot deny. Yearning in the dimly-lit, smoke-fi lled room. And you never leave me ablaze to burn out alone. We danced, for we were young. We rocked to Bill Haley, and slow-danced to torch songs. You char me with scents of passion, Our bodies, with bitter-sweet longing, close, underlaid with love unfaltering. But only as close as your crinolines allowed. Dusky autumn’s blazing bonfi res, hints of Rumi’s champa fl owers A lighted wheel of coloured cellophane beamed permit me to smoulder always— At a rotating globe of mini-mirrors, and spangled crave your fl ame. The insouciant faces of the dancers--green, red, Blue and gold. In baby-blue blazers and shark-black Four plus decades and still— Pants the Syncopater Five, led by Cello on trumpet You light my life, my heart, my soul. ● And Spider on drums blared out their end-of-song Tattoo, and announced, “That’s all, Jinx, that’s all, Back in twenty.”

You powdered your noses; we raced to the exits. And out back in the crisp winter air, we joked and Yellowed our initials in the snow, swigged beer and Rye, and through the rising steam, kept an eye peeled For the cops. Our sweat, wicked up by the dry, snapping Cold, we shivered our way back into the hall, And reached for the trappings of male-hood: Our smokes, lighters and rat-tail combs. ●

38 | arta.net Writing Contest 2018

Deadline for Entries: Friday, November 16, 2018 Announcement of Winners: Spring issue of news&views (March 2019)

Entry Categories: Rules: more than one category are welcome. A separate entry Flash Fiction • The contest is open to all form must accompany each 1,000-word maximum ARTA members, except members of any ARTA entry. Each entry must be A fi ctional work of extreme brevity, Committee, the ARTA Board sent as a separate fi le. that still offers character and plot of Directors, or their families. • Entries that exceed the development. Here are two links for category word count will be guidance in your writing: • All submissions must be accompanied by the offi cial disqualifi ed. thereviewreview.net/publishing- entry form as the fi rst page • Prizes are awarded for First tips/fl ash-fi ction-whats-it-all-about of the submission. (Do not and Second Place. The castlegatepress.com/four-elements- send the entry form as a selection of winners by the that-every-fl ash-fi ction-story-needs separate fi le.) Contact the Communications Committee is fi nal. Poetry ARTA offi ce if a print copy of the entry form is required. • Entry submission implies Any form, any subject, any length. All submissions must be permission to publish Poems in rhyming couplets will not • original work. in news&views. As with be considered. • Submissions with sexuality all news&views content, Once Upon A Time: or explicit or implied violence submissions will be edited A Tale for Children will be disqualifi ed. First and using The Canadian Style 1,000-word maximum second place fi nishers are and the Canadian Oxford Dictionary. Our aim is A fairy tale—often beginning published in news&views. respectful, clear writing that “once upon a time”—is a story, Submissions that do not meet avoids stereotyping. usually intended for children, that the magazine’s guidelines will Winners will be advised features such fanciful and wondrous not be considered. • privately by letter and characters as elves, goblins, wizards, • Submissions may be publicly in the spring issue of and fairies. handwritten or typed. news&views. • Electronic submissions must How to Submit: be .doc or .docx; other formats • All entrants retain ownership of publication rights to Submit electronic entries as an will not be considered. their work; winners may attachment to an email with the • Decorative fonts are not not submit their entries to subject line WRITING CONTEST to appropriate in electronic and another market until after [email protected]. You will be typed submissions to this publication in news&views. notifi ed when your submission has contest. • ARTA retains the right to use been received. Please do not resubmit • Illustrations are not accepted the entries for promotional your entry to the address below once with submissions. purposes during and after the you have submitted it electronically. • All entries require a title. competition. Handwritten or typed manuscripts • Submissions are limited • All prizes must be accepted as may be sent to Writing Contest, c/o to one entry per category; awarded. ARTA Offi ce, 11835 149 Street NW, however, submissions in Edmonton, AB T5L 2J1 news&views SUMMER 2018 | 39 See You in September... Mature Learners Head Back to School Audrey Gauthier

Think you are too old to go back to school? Increasing numbers of adults of all ages are opting to continue their education, either as a new or returning learner. According to the University Affairs online newsletter, the number of Canadians aged fi fty to sixty-nine with degrees will quadruple between 1995 and 2025. The Canadian Council on Learning reports that more than 60,000 Canadians over fi fty-fi ve years of age enrol in educational programs each year. According to the Center for leisurely activities. Merriam Mature adults have always been Generational Kinetics, boomers Webster’s online dictionary the most fl exible societal age (those born between 1947 and defi nes a mature student as group because they have, of 1964) will continue to chart someone who commences necessity, experienced social, a life path diff erent from that educational studies years after political, and informational of their parents, including discontinuing school, making change and upheaval all going back to school at an age such students older than of their lives. previously reserved for more other students. Times Have Changed There can be many compelling Don’t expect the academic world reasons for mature individuals to to be the same one you left years either return to school or attend ago. A Virtual College, UK, study a post-secondary education reports that a signifi cant number for the fi rst time: of mature students drop out • A desire to keep their because of a lack of integration brain nimble and slow with and feelings of alienation cognitive aging from the younger student body. • Alleviating the Programs and courses can loneliness and social be hard to locate if you are an isolation caused older adult. Most universities by retirement or and colleges across Canada the death of a life aim recruitment eff orts almost partner totally at high schools. Their • A need to websites, brochures and printed update or change calendars do not feature images employment skills, for of mature learners. fi nancial reasons Consider the fi nancial • Fulfi llment of a lifelong implications of returning to dream school. Tuition and other fees • Keeping in touch with newer have increased ten-fold or more ways of thinking and doing in the past forty years. Today, things.

40 | arta.net “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” - MARTIN LUTHER KING

even a paperback textbook costs 1981–1996 and 1997–present, Canadian universities off er over $100, while cafeteria prices respectively), who rely on mature applicant status, which and parking fees have kept pace electronic technology and social allows academic potential and with the private sector. Although media for their communication, life experience to count toward tablets and laptop computers as well as for productivity. being considered for admission. are pricey items, they are now According to Virtual College, The Canadian Lifelong essential for obtaining and UK, teachers of boomers need to Learning Plan (LLP) allows a completing assignments and keep these boomer tendencies Canadian citizen to withdraw communicating with instructors. in mind: up to $10,000 per calendar Visual and auditory changes • They enjoy a competitive year, to a total of $20,000, in an older learner can make it learning situation from their RRSP to cover diffi cult to understand lectures • They are comfortable educational expenses. and videos, hear other students’ questioning authority Educational Institution questions, and read small- and don’t shy away from ‘Mature Student Scorecard’ print textbooks. Will you have confrontation Evaluate a prospective university diffi culty getting around campus • Their course design needs to or college by asking questions because of mobility issues? If include a feedback mechanism such as these: you are a diabetic, how will you • They would rather cover each • Are there reduced tuition fees plan for glucose checks and subject in detail for seniors? regular snacks? • They are organized, structured • Is there a student adviser for Boomers Have a Preferred and prefer clear schedules mature students? Learning Style A Hand Up • Is there a student lounge and According to Psychology Today, Some educational institutions are there social events for boomers do utilize technology are more aware and willing mature students? to be productive. However, to put supports in place • Are there seminars geared to they prefer written, telephone, that help mature learners to novice computer and tablet and in-person communication feel respected and valued. users? and generally have good Specifi cally, the University Doing Your Homework interpersonal abilities. They of Prince Edward Island, the To be successful in your return learned in a classroom and University of Regina, York to school, you may have to get practised their new knowledge University, and the Southern your life more organized and via homework, which is in Alberta Institute of Technology make realistic expectations contrast to millennials and provide specifi c resources for of yourself. Generation Z (birth years mature students. As well, most

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 41 personality tendencies and how they will impact your upcoming student experience. Current-day high school students are taught how to construct personal and career portfolios. There are many portfolio builders online that can help you to articulate and organize information about your community involvement, your formal education, work experience and other achievements and areas of interest in your life. From this information, you can establish short- and long-term goals, complete with timelines—and Begin by ensuring that your style is more fast-paced and suddenly, life has a compelling health and well-being are as eclectic, compared to what you new direction and a sense of good as they can be before were used to. Obtain textbooks purpose. You have articulated commencing studies. Complete and do required reading what you want to do and all medical appointments ahead of time, at your leisure. can move toward your goals, (vision, hearing, dental, If housekeeping and meal revisiting and revising them medication) prior to the school preparation is a concern, hire over time. year—your time will be at a housekeeper, go out more for So, whether you return to a premium once you begin meals or organize other family formal education or prefer to be classes. Besides, you will want members to pitch in. If your pets a student of life, consider this to be able to see, hear, and feel are going to be alone a lot, ask quote by Martin Luther King: well so that you can do your a friend or neighbour to spend “Intelligence plus character—that best. If you need a hearing aid, time with them. Put your club is the goal of true education.” ● get one. If you are going to and volunteer activities on hiatus need special accommodation until you settle into a routine. Audrey Gauthier is a twice-retired such as preferential seating or Have fun getting to know public health nursing administrator and sociologist. She has returned handicapped parking, visit the yourself! An online search to school six times as an adult student learning department will fi nd you free personality learner and has just completed a and request assistance well tests, such as the Myers-Briggs veterinary assistant program at the age of 66. ahead of time. Personality Test. These can Time management is going to provide a quick and eff ective be critical. Today’s educational way to become aware of your

42 | arta.net MeritTravel.com | ARTA Direct Line: 1.844.408.1770

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PORTUGAL CULINARY TOUR Round-trip by land: Lisbon

As part of our culinary series, our Porto to Lisbon What’s included: tour is not to be missed. Enjoy a week full of • Round-trip airfare Portuguese treats and traditional cuisine to learn about, taste and enjoy. We will also travel through • Plaza Premium the peaceful and quaint countryside passing airport lounge pass $4,295* p.p. through olive groves and vineyards famous for • 4-star accommodation 9 nights wine and of course, Port. The Douro Valley, will be with breakfast and dinner Departs Toronto: a key feature of the tour, incorporating tastings of with wine daily Oct. 18, 2018 both Ports and wines of the region. • Private motor coach Group size: 24 maximum Visits to: transportation • Local English-speaking guide Lisbon - Porto - Douro Valley - Pinhao - Lamego - HOST: LIDIA SERRAS Viseu - Coimbra - Obidos - Sintra - Cascais - Estoril • Merit Travel tour host** Portuguese Food & Wine Expert • All taxes and gratuities

TUSCANY CULINARY TOUR What’s included: Round-trip by land: Rome • Round-trip airfare

Learn about and indulge in the delicious culinary • Plaza Premium traditions of Italy on this unique hosted tour. Pass airport lounge pass through the kitchens and vineyards of beautiful • 4-star accommodation Tuscany. Visit the world-renowned wine region of • 16 meals: eight breakfasts, Chianti and sample fine wines and then enjoy the two lunches, six dinners fabulous art and architecture of Florence as well as with wine Siena and Pisa. Have fun in a cooking class in San Gimignano and then reach Rome for a tour of the • Wine tastings and excursions Vatican! A luscious feast for all your senses! as per the itinerary $4,295† p.p. • Private motor coach 8 nights Visits to: transportation

Departs Toronto: Rome - Tuscany - Florence - Pisa - Chianti Wine • Professional local tour manager Sept. 29, 2018 Tasting - San Gimignano - Siena • Merit Travel tour host** Group size: 24 maximum • All taxes and gratuities

*CDN$ p.p. dbl. occ., taxes included. Single supplement: $995 p.p. Airfare available from most Canadian airports, please enquire. **Minimum 12 passengers required for a Merit Travel tour host. †CDN$ p.p. dbl. occ., taxes included. Single supplement: $1,100 p.p. Airfare available from most Canadian airports, please enquire. ON-4499356/4499372 | BC-34799 | QC–7002238 | 111 Peter Street, Suite 200, Toronto, ON. M5V 2H1 | Canadian owned ®Merit Travel is a registered trademark of Merit Travel Group Inc. All rights reserved. The Life of an Innkeeper Donna Rideout

One afternoon on one of our many trips to the Maritimes, my wife and I were having tea in the sitting room with the innkeeper of our bed and breakfast when a very rude guest came in, airing complaints for the world to hear. Donna, our hostess, was patient as she listened to someone who was patently just trying to get out of paying their bill. After Donna dealt with the problem, I asked her to write something about her perspective as an innkeeper, since almost all travel articles are written from a guest’s perspective. —Editor The picturesque town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Although the work is hard and the days can be long, the rewards of running a bed and breakfast—a B&B—usually outweigh the challenges. Up very early each morning to prepare a fresh, the time period. Our inn is also our home, and complete breakfast for our guests, we may serve we welcome guests to share it. Most people who up to twenty people. My husband, Deryl, a bit of have stayed at a B&B know what to expect and a recluse, is the cook. He is well remembered for understand these matters. his specialty, stuff ed strawberry french toast. He When people arrive, I am their fi rst contact and also makes fresh, home-made muffi ns or a loaf I try very hard to treat each person equally, with every day. Deryl works hard to accommodate any kindness and respect. I’m an outgoing person dietary restrictions and makes sure each meal is and enjoy social interaction, but my tolerance is served hot and fresh in a timely fashion. sometimes stretched. The people who wander We enjoy meeting a vast variety of people. A into Lunenburg during high season without a select few become friends beyond their stay with reservation are more likely to be looking for the us. Some guests return regularly, and we are able kind of setting provided by a hotel or motel. Our to visit with some during our off season. B&B would not be what they are seeking. But on occasion, there are people who should It’s hard to stay friendly and positive with not be staying in a B&B. Sometimes I feel that chronic complainers who criticize everything people have forgotten to pack their common as they walk through the inn. To those people sense and common courtesy when they check in. I I politely explain that this is probably not the learned very quickly not to take things personally. place for them, off er them a map of town, and Our inn is a Registered Historic Property, show them where they are likely to fi nd a hotel which means that, although we do have modern in the area. amenities, we try to keep the décor original to At the beginning of our adventure here, I did not

44 | arta.net realize that I could refuse service; and so, I learned We do enjoy doing little extras for guests, but the hard way that some people are just not happy! I stress that we are not a hotel. For example, we Within our fi rst month we were put to the test. do not have an ice machine, there is no laundry We had a couple reserve with us for a three-day service on site, and Deryl and I should not be period. The complaining started immediately expected to wait on a guest all hours of the day on their arrival—even about things totally out or night. But we do supply a full, freshly cooked of our control. I tried very calmly to address hot breakfast. Our rooms off er all the amenities their issues for about twenty minutes before my a guest should require, and we are willing to help husband came and tried also. At that point, they out with small things that people may forget. decided they would not stay for the three nights. We have a binder in each room for guests with We calmly explained our cancellation policy explanations for wi-fi , television, and information and again were met with complaints. Long story about the town. short—I tried hard for two days to make their stay In return, we expect our guests to treat their as pleasant as possible only to receive a scathing stay with us as if they were at home. Guests are review. I learned from that experience—and did a welcome to enjoy the common areas and to feel few things diff erently going forward. free to sit and visit with us—and be respectful of Through ten seasons of operating a B&B, I others. I don’t think many people would leave can honestly say that we have seen and heard their home for the day with all the lights, air almost everything. We once had a guest use the conditioning, and the TV left on. Because we are a emergency call system late at night to tell us she small business, we try very hard to keep expenses thought a guest in the next room had set an alarm down so that we are able to pass the savings on to and wasn’t shutting it off . She wanted us to go into guests in the form of lower rates. the room to silence it. On talking with her and I also encourage guests of any B&B that if there’s going upstairs to listen, it became clear that what a problem in your room or something is not right, she was hearing was the fog horn at the harbour! bring it to someone’s attention right away—the It was with a great deal of restraint that I managed problem may be able to be fi xed right then. If not, to relay this to her. Needless to say, we did not it can certainly be addressed while you’re away speak of it the next morning. for the day. However, if we don’t know there’s a We once had to deal with an elderly lady who problem, we can’t fi x it. And please, come to us locked herself in her room. Her son came to us with your complaint and not to other guests. Nor saying that he could not get in. I went with him should you wait until you’re leaving to complain, to her room and heard her very frantic and loud since there’s nothing we can do then. screaming and pounding on her door. I tried to talk As innkeepers, we’re rewarded when guests over her to get her to calm down and listen, but feel comfortable and enjoy our common areas. she was beyond that. I got our keys to the room, Spending time having coff ee or tea while chatting but quickly found out that she had also locked the about your day is a great way to end the evening. privacy lock that prohibits us from entering a room If we’ve been able to send you out on an adventure when the guest is inside. I fi nally had to shout very you’ve enjoyed, it’s always nice to hear about it. ● loudly (and sternly) to her, “Be quiet and listen!” I can still remember the look on her son’s face. Donna and Deryl Rideout are the innkeepers of the Finally, I was able to talk her through getting both Lunenburg Inn, one of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia’s Registered Historic Properties. It is one of many of the locks open. She was extremely appreciative excellent places to stay in this town, which is, itself, a but did not lock her door for the rest of her stay! UNESCO World Heritage Site.

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 45 Travelling Alone Jane Thrall

Travelling alone may in the tourism industry, seem daunting to some, and travel companies are If you decide increasingly catering to single while it can be incredibly to travel solo, it adventurers, particularly the freeing to others. mature crowd. doesn’t mean People have numerous reasons Cruise ships have been for travelling on their own. attracting solos for decades to you’re destined Maybe a business trip fi nds you their ‘singles cruises,’ pairing to be alone. tacking on a few extra days to people to share accommodations an excursion across the globe. or reducing the cost of the single For those who plan to venture Perhaps your partner doesn’t supplement. On-board activities forth on their own without the share your same wanderlust and port excursions cater to security of group travel, safety is or maybe the loss of a loved those who have registered for an important consideration. one means you no longer have the singles programming. Before leaving home be sure a travel companion. Health Tour companies specializing to let someone know your issues may keep a partner at in individual travellers have itinerary, your fl ight plans, and home while you still crave been popping up around the where you intend to stay. Keep exploration. Whatever the globe. Whether it’s hiking in in touch on a regular basis and reason, travelling alone can be New Zealand or surfi ng off be sure to make arrangements rewarding and exciting. the coast of Panama, there are for the next contact. That way, if Lone travellers have become a companies that will make a anything unexpected happens, large and valuable demographic vacation for a single person an escorted pleasure. your friends and family will

46 | arta.net know how to reach out to join a supported tour that local authorities. highlights your sport. Keep extra copies of your Eating on your own important travel documents on may at fi rst feel hand or email yourself a secure uncomfortable, copy. Do not share any personal but it off ers the information with strangers, opportunity and never discuss the location to meet of your hotel or your future people and travel plans. Use safe means get to know of transportation, preferably locals. If with other people. Take taxis you fi nd a from an authorized stand, hotel, restaurant or airport. you like, If you decide to travel solo, it frequent it doesn’t mean you’re destined often and to be alone. Consider staying become one in a hostel or smaller hotel that of the regulars. caters to international travellers Restaurants (even if you’re vacationing close with patios are to your home). Be willing to try great places to watch new activities you might not people—and people have considered. watching is a fabulous way to Guided food and wine tours experience a culture. even fi nd that you enjoy your are a great chance to meet and Travelling ‘a cappella’ allows own company. Testing your share with others. Depending you to set your own pace and boundaries is both a confi dence where you travel, there may be agenda. Sleep as late as you like, booster and good for the soul. local excursions that cater to eat when you’re hungry, and So take precautions, trust your bird watchers, museum hoppers, move on when you’re ready. instincts, and book that fl ight. ● or live theatre buff s. If you There is no better opportunity Dr. Jane Thrall is a retired enjoy snorkeling, rock climbing, to get to know yourself than optometrist who writes regularly or cycling, you may want to to take a trip alone; you may for news&views on a wide variety of topics.

Romance: Be Cautious Be wary of engaging in romantic relationships while on vacation. While it may seem perfectly natural and exotic, there are unscrupulous people who will take advantage of a single traveller. Being robbed, scammed, swindled, and worse can happen to even the worldliest vacationer.

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 47 So, Do You Want a Kitchen in Paris? Céleste Plamondon-Zurbrigg

How could we say “no” when friends who had recently been seconded to Paris invited us to share their two-bedroom apartment for two weeks?

Several times in the past, my stew? Our two weeks turned out husband and I had spent a to be a wonderful opportunity What is more few days in Paris before or to cultivate relationships with French than after other vacations. While the local butcher, market we had experienced most of sellers, and wine store staff . We cooking up a the well-known sites, I had shopped for food more often, mentioned more than once in smaller establishments, rabbit stew? that I would like to rent an compared to at home. Being apartment in Paris long enough French Canadian, I had no was turned into Julia Child’s to shop at the local markets and problem communicating with Lapin au Saupiquet. While cook our own meals. When our Parisians. In fact, each time I cooking, I thought about the friends made their generous visited the butcher, we had a lot famous American chef who, off er, I volunteered to do some of fun discussing some of the in Paris, not only learned the of the cooking. We made a deal language diff erences. On the day French language, but also that we would buy the groceries that I bought the rabbit, I asked French cuisine in the years and cook every third supper. to take a photo of him with it. following WWII. She had such One of the preparations for We had a lot of laughs as he did determination. As per her our trip included choosing diff erent poses. recipe, I had to sacrifi ce a bottle recipes that would celebrate When I returned to the of wine, along with a half cup French cooking. What is more apartment, the rabbit became of cognac. The end result? “It French than cooking up a rabbit the centre of attention as it tastes like chicken!”

48 | arta.net During our time there, I the meal, I conversed cooked balsamic chicken, with a couple from sautéed yellow and green Brittany. When we zucchini, pasta with poached were fi nished, scallops, creamed brussels we were led sprouts, and braised fennel. out by each Eating out in Paris also of us putting presented unique opportunities. a hand on We enjoyed various restaurant the shoulder meals, like Italian pasta and in front. pizza. Our friends had come When we to know the owner of the little reached the restaurant at the corner of their lighted area, block. So we dined there twice, we looked enjoying the very comfortable, at each other, intimate atmosphere. I had also laughed, and heard about some restaurants guessed who in the world where you can eat everyone was. Then in the dark. Paris has one called we saw photos of what Dans le Noir. What a unique we had eaten. I highly experience to eat in the dark, recommend the experience being served by blind people. for many reasons. For one, it In the lighted foyer, I chose sensitizes us to the challenges a three-course meal (without of eating without sight. knowing what the food would While on the subject of be) and was then introduced courses, North American diners to a blind waiter. He led me would notice some terminology into a completely dark room, diff erences in Paris. For example, brought me to a long table, an aperitif is a pre-dinner drink, and introduced me to the other while an entrée is an appetizer. customers at the table. The plat principal is the main Throughout the three courses, course, and a digestif is an after- I am pleased to say that I dinner drink. guessed all the food correctly. One day on a walk to Parc The fi rst was gazpacho; the Butte Chaumont (created main meal included salmon, in the 1800s), I spied an Page Left: St-Catherine Square rice, and puréed eggplant. ardoise (blackboard) outside Top Right: Dans Le Noir restuarant The dessert was strawberry a restaurant identifying the Bottom Right: Une ardoise shortcake. While enjoying Formule de jour. That day’s

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 49 fi xed price menu was a lamb stew and a dessert of Iles fl ottantes (Floating Islands). The dessert caught my eye. When I was growing up, our family made it, so I wanted to see how it compared. The custard was runnier than ours, and the meringue islands were poached rather than broiled. It was diff erent but very delicious. We delved into Parisian history with a Revolution walking tour, which answered many of my questions. We learned who the head revolutionists were and what their fate was. Ironically their heads were cut off by the guillotine during the Reign of Terror. I made an interesting navigational observation while in Paris. I knew that Parisians use the terms ‘left bank’ and ‘right bank’ of their river to describe the south and north banks respectively. Historically, people arrived in Paris from the east on the Seine River. As they sailed in, they used the words ‘left’ (to mean the south bank) and ‘right’ (to mean the north bank). I had spoken to a couple in a restaurant and mentioned that we were heading to Place Vosges. They suggested that we visit St-Catherine Square on the way. To explain how to get there, they said, “Walk on the right

Top: Butte Chaumont Park Bottom: Monceau Park

50 | arta.net I often thought of my ancestors who had sailed to New France in 1680. I am grateful to them, right up to my parents, for providing me with the gift of the French language.

bank of the Rue Rivoli, then turn left.” This really meant to walk on the north side of the street. We did as they said and enjoyed the small-town-square feel of Place Ste. Catherine. I often thought of my ancestors who had sailed to New France in 1680. I am grateful to them, right up to my parents, for providing me with the gift of the French language. It is amazing that after 400 years, French Canadians can still go to Perhaps it’s a little trite to to a kitchen. So did I want a France and communicate with say that Paris is an incredible kitchen in Paris? Bien oui, French citizens. Our accents city, but many areas are certainement! ● and some words are diff erent, jaw-dropping. Walking around Céleste Zurbrigg is an avid but it opened doors for me to is like visiting an open-air traveller and keeps travel diaries have casual conversations about museum. On this trip we on all her adventures various topics on the metro, enjoyed discovering more park benches, at the butcher parks than before, seeing a few shop, with store staff , and taxi familiar icons, being able to Top: Poached Scallops and ride-share drivers. food shop, and having access Bottom: Coulée Verte Linear Park

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 51 The Deepest Mystery of the Universe Ingrid Neitsch | Chair, ARTA Wellness Committee

The deepest mystery of the universe is consciousness. Astronaut, engineer, and scientist Edgar Mitchell came to this realization upon his return to earth after having walked on the moon with the Apollo 14 mission. He was convinced that the human mind is the next frontier to explore. Mindfulness meditation is a fundamental component of human consciousness that has generated signifi cant interest and research over the past several years. At one time, images of Buddhist room, and on the cover of Time and in general news articles. monks in red robes walking a magazine as the new self-help What is mindfulness meditation? labyrinth or a white clad yogi practice. During the past several Mindfulness meditation is a in lotus position represented years, interest in the eff ects of practice that develops awareness mindfulness meditation. Not mindfulness on physical and in the present moment with anymore! Mindfulness is now emotional well-being have been life-affi rming attitudes such as in the classroom, boardroom, researched and shared in medical non-judgment and kindness. Dr. local recreational centre, locker journals as well as in social media Jon Kabat-Zinn developed the

52 | arta.net mindfulness-based program at of a mindfulness meditation Bringing mindful awareness the University of Massachusetts practice in my own life journey. to the present moment any time, and introduced Mindfulness After having experienced a anywhere throughout the day Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) variety of meditation courses, I can be considered an informal into western medicine. Research have integrated a mindfulness practice. When we notice the has demonstrated that MBSR practice into my day. breath, we are experiencing benefi ts a wide variety of medical Mindfulness training the present moment. Other and psychological conditions. programs are now off ered in examples of being in the Dr. Catherine Phillips, an many school districts. Programs present moment may include assistant clinical professor at such as Mindful Schools in the feeling of the cool breeze on the University of Alberta who California, Mind Up in British your cheeks, a fi rst glimpse of is trained in MBSR, puts it this Columbia, and Mindfulness in a spring tulip, or the warmth of way, “The present moment is Schools Project in the United the sun while enjoying a cup of the only moment we have in Kingdom have demonstrated coff ee on the patio. which to experience our lives; that regular practice of As our life journeys evolve, we it is also the only moment in mindfulness exercises owe it to ourselves to maximize which we can make a conscious strengthens students’ capacity each opportunity to be an choice or take action. When fully to self-regulate attention by active participant in exploring awake and aware in the present developing attentional control. and developing the frontier of moment, we are opened to the There is also research our minds! ● possibility of living our lives that shows that the capacity with greater clarity, creativity, for increasing mindfulness and inner freedom.” awareness in daily life can be Countless individuals have cultivated through practice benefi tted from a mindfulness of mindfulness meditation. practice with improved health, For individuals interested well-being, and resilience. in establishing a formal Many of these benefi ts have mindfulness practice, been demonstrated by research, setting aside time on including reduced stress and a daily basis is a good anxiety, improvements in start. Mindfulness- conditions such as chronic based programs may pain, improved concentration include sitting meditation, and attention, greater body scan, walking emotional resiliency, and meditation, and loving enhanced well-being. kindness meditation. These On a personal level, I can may vary between ten to sixty attest to the positive eff ects minutes in length.

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 53 Root Causes of the Affordable Housing Crisis Vi Oko

The information contained in the following article rate in a market that is already in short supply. is based on research conducted by the founders Likewise, a struggling economy impacts private of Seniors Advocating for Seniors (Don Diack, Ann landlords who off er rental units at lower than market Gougeon, Ireen Slater, Paul Stocker and Richard value rates. Landlords are somewhat restricted in Tansey) in St. Albert, Alberta. Findings were how far rental rates can be reduced. A ten per cent compiled into a report entitled, “Improving Seniors’ reduction in the rental rate often is not enough to Affordable Housing,” and shared with Alberta make a noticeable diff erence for low-income tenants. Minister of Seniors and Housing, Lori Sigurdson. Mortgage rates on buildings are usually determined Many seniors are caught between a fi xed income and by projecting cash fl ow against expenses. Mortgage the high cost of rental accommodation. rates are gradually going up so the ability to lower the Although there are several programs in place to rent is limited. Expenses like maintenance and taxes assist the number of seniors who qualify, they often do not go down just because vacancy rates go up. come with limitations. Consequently, many seniors Private companies are also responsible to who need help are not getting it because these their shareholders who expect a profi t from their programs are oversubscribed, and any new subsidies investment. Private rental investors typically available are insuffi cient. expect returns of ten per cent to twelve per cent Factors that infl uence the availability of aff ordable on their equity to compensate for the high risk housing are more complex than simply a case of involved in rental development. Return on equity supply and demand. Despite the implementation of invested in low rental accommodation tends to a number of initiatives, promises from all levels of discourage investment. government and vacancy rates that have climbed to Many of the units that currently exist were above seven per cent, eff orts to provide aff ordable built during the oil boom when it cost a great housing to those who need it have proved to deal to construct. be challenging. Further reductions in rental rates risk having Any recent developments in aff ordable housing landlords exit the rental market altogether. That have largely been due to the involvement of situation occurred in the mid-2000s when scores of non-profi t organizations or government contributions rental units throughout the province were converted since it is not economically feasible for developers to into condominiums. Rental housing accounted for build new rental housing at an aff ordable rent level. only seven per cent of the housing starts between Rental revenue generated by aff ordable housing 2006 and 2014. units does not provide an adequate profi t margin In the winter 2017 edition of Legacy in Action, for developers faced with the high cost of land, site Eliza Barlow states that although there is a pressing servicing, construction, fi nancing, and marketing. need for more aff ordable housing in Alberta, A lagging economy has the greatest impact on those advocates are hopeful that recent budgetary support who earn the least because they are often employed in from the federal and provincial governments will industries that reduce the number of work hours. As a soon mean that many seniors will not have to choose result, there is a greater need for housing at a reduced between purchasing groceries and medication or paying the rent. ● 54 | arta.net From Our Partners Darlene Kirkpatrick | Division Manager, Third Party and Spending Account Administration, ASEBP

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Imagine being able to access your ARTA retiree benefi ts information anywhere, at any time. With the ARTA Members Health Care Account, you can do just that!

The ARTA Members Health Care View Benefi t Coverage page under visiting the Profi le tab and Account is more than just another the Coverage tab. choosing what you would like to website to register for and Taxes do—Edit User Profi le to update another password to remember. The ARTA Members Health Care your address, email, or phone It provides you with self-serve Account can also help to save number, or Manage Banking features designed to simplify you time with your taxes. By Details to update your deposit managing your ARTA retiree registering for an account, you and withdrawal accounts. benefi ts and is intended to save have online access to your yearly Registering for an Account you time in many ways. Premium and Claims Summary. The process for registering for an Coverage Questions You can download your summary account is an easy one: You can take the guesswork out from the Claims tab and use it to 1. Visit arta.net and click on the of your prescription medication complete the medical expenses red Members Health Care coverage without spending a portion of your personal tax Account Login button. This long time on the telephone with return. Please note that your will open the ARTA Members coverage questions by using one Premium and Claims Summary Health Care Account login of the latest features of the ARTA is not an offi cial tax receipt; it is screen. Members Health Care Account— simply a tool to assist in medical 2. Click Register. the ability to determine which expense calculations. 3. Follow the on-screen prompts. prescription medications are Updating Your Personal The January 2018 issue covered by your ARTA retiree Information of ARTAfacts on ARTA’s benefi ts. Simply log in to your Whether your banking website, arta.net, has a handy account and visit the Drug Enquiry information has changed or visual guide. Tool found under the Coverage you’ve decided to downsize, So, no matter where retirement tab. From here, you can type in the keeping your information takes you, with the ARTA name of a medication and see if it current with the ARTA Retiree Members Health Care Account, is covered by your benefi ts before Benefi ts Plan is made easy by you can always take your you fi ll your prescription. simply logging in to your ARTA ARTA retiree benefi ts along for You can also review all of your Members Health Care Account, coverage details by visiting the the ride! ●

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 55 Advertising Feature Jeff Arsenault, RIB (Ont.) | Sales and Service Assistant Manager, TW Insurance Brokers TW Insurance App and Online Access

We launched the TW Insurance app for our ARTA members three months ago and reviews have been fantastic! Whether members are on vacation, taking a break at a coffee shop, or on the road to their next adventure, TW Insurance Mobile is a one-stop shop for information on all of their home and auto insurance needs, any time and anywhere. As a member, you can still hold on to your insurance papers, but here are the top fi ve reasons to use the app:

1 Quick and easy claim submissions 2 Policies at your fi ngertips By using the TW Insurance app, you can: Access your policies online or through the TW a. Pinpoint your exact location if you are Insurance app to print, view or download your involved in an accident, since the app is insurance information, day or night without linked to the GPS on your smartphone; having to call in to speak with a broker. b. Begin the claim process right away on your phone; Easy access to coverage c. Take and attach photos of the damages to 3 the vehicle and have the ability to use pre-set How many of us have ever been in the process templates to help re-create the scene of the of renting a car and been asked if they require accident with just a few short clicks; and insurance coverage for their rental? With TW Insurance app, you can access this coverage d. Find the closest auto body repair shop, taxi, information on the spot. Don’t pay for coverage hotel, gas station and car rental provider. when you already have it on your policy—save Submitting a claim for home or auto has never that money and spend it elsewhere instead. been so easy and stress-free.

56 | arta.net 4 24/7 change requests and confi rmation 5 Access available to other family members Whether you’re up late excited about a new Do you have a family member to whom you would house or car purchase, or have a few minutes like to give access to your account for emergency during the day after an appointment to add a boat, purposes? Just provide an email address in the snowmobile or motorhome, the TW Insurance app TW Insurance app to set them up to view what you allows you to submit change requests at a time that want them to see. This option is perfect when you works best for you. One of our nationally licensed are on vacation and have someone looking after brokers will contact you to confi rm additional your home. information and that the changes have been completed within twenty-four hours of submission.

Check out the TW Insurance app to get started! We are always looking at enhancing your experience online and through the app. More updates coming soon.

How-To Guide for The TW Insurance App and Registering for TW Insurance Online

The TW Insurance app 1 Go to twinsurance.ca and click on Login. can be downloaded on any PC, smartphone, tablet or iPad by searching ‘TW Insurance’ in the iTunes App store or the Google 2 Click on Sign up. Play Store. Once you have downloaded the app and registered, you can log in and view your home and auto policies any time, anywhere!

To register for either online or app access, visit our website at twinsurance.ca. Remember to have your driver’s license and policy number to complete your registration.

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 57 Retirees Help Spread the Joy of Reading Across Alberta Jill Hilderman

When Mary enters the busy Grade One classroom to collect her reading buddies, she looks for their reaction. The faces of two particular boys light up. They start to rise, eager to leave their seats and come join her.

Photo supplied by Calgary Reads 58 | arta.net Mary is a retired teacher and she scalable model with extensive life—volunteer in the Alberta volunteers once a week through help from Steacy’s past teaching Reads Network. Volunteers like the Alberta Reads Network in colleagues and friends around the fl exibility; that training and Edmonton’s Thorncliff e School. the province. Over the last materials are provided; and that For the next thirty minutes, she three years, under the Alberta they can aff ect children’s lives so will share books and more with Reads brand, the Calgary positively. the two boys assigned to her Reads model and mindset have Sue volunteers in Cayley for eight weeks. Mary is one of been embraced in 136 schools School within the Foothills 2,600 volunteers around the sprinkled between Nanton and School District. She fi rst province helping bring the joy of Fort Saskatchewan. participated in the wee read reading to almost four thousand Member schools get access program and then trained children in schools. to programs, research, and as a Read Up! tutor. Read The wee read program Mary resources. In 2017, a new Up!, Calgary Reads’ very fi rst is involved in was developed Alberta Reads Network portal program, boosts confi dence and by Calgary Reads. It partners was established to off er schools joy in reading for Grade One and trained volunteers with two an easy and secure way to access Two students at a critical time in kindergarten or Grade One content and connect with local their development to help them children to read stories together, literacy coach support. become grade-level readers. The play games, and build language “It’s such an interactive program pairs each trained tutor skills. The program gives experience,” says Mary of wee with one student who has been support and encouragement read. “The two boys I’m reading identifi ed as likely to benefi t to children who need a little aloud with now jump in with from this extra help. The tutor extra help to get comfortable questions and comments. They spends forty-fi ve minutes, twice- with books and become excited are wondering, predicting, and a-week for thirty-fi ve to forty- about reading. The wee read sharing their own ideas about fi ve sessions with their assigned experience is one of several what’s going on and what might student. Calgary Reads programs now happen next. We take turns “I like this in-depth, off ered in schools across the picking books. They’re drawn to one-on-one experience,” says province through the Alberta ones that feature animals and Sue. “I learn about the child, Reads Network. I love choosing books that help their interests and strengths; “After fi fteen years of working further develop their vocabulary we form a special relationship with Calgary schools, we were and imagination.” as their reading skill and approached by other school These aren’t the fi rst students confi dence grows. The training boards and individual urban Mary has helped through wee for this program provides great and rural schools in Alberta. read. Her choice is to continue tools and tips to make it really They wanted to use our and she will soon have two new successful for the kids and literacy-building programs and children to read aloud to and there’s lots of support. I know resources, too,” says Steacy bond with. from experience that teachers Collyer, CEO, Calgary Reads. More retired teachers—as have a huge responsibility; and The organization developed a well as others from all walks of as a volunteer in this role, I can

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 59 be part of the puzzle pieces to support a child. I “A Reading Rally is a truly magical event as love it; I know I’m making a diff erence!” adults cuddle over books with children,” says Phyllis volunteers with the Alberta Reads Phyllis. As a retired teacher and administrator, Network in Calgary. Her roles are a little I know the value and importance of caring diff erent from Mary and Sue. Phyllis helps adults who help show that reading is fun and with the logistics for Reading Rally events held important.” within schools. These large two-hour reading Phyllis also volunteers when Calgary Reads celebrations featuring special guests, fun holds distribution days onsite at the Calgary Food activities, and lots of books are typically held in a Bank. The goal is to get books into the hands of school gymnasium and require lots of hands-on children who have none or few of their own at help. Teachers get involved by performing in a home. This relationship is just one of Calgary Readers’ Theatre; and when the party is over, Reads’ book access strategies in the community students get a bag with special books to take and within schools. In 2016–17 the charity gave home and keep. away more than twenty-one thousand donated Phyllis helps set up the event space, pulls books new and gently-used children’s books. from the school’s library, organizes snacks, and “When on site at the Calgary Food Bank we ensures that everything runs smoothly. She help children pick a book (or three!) they would sometimes joins in and sits on a mat to read with like to keep for their very own. And, if parents a small group of students, surrounded by books. are receptive, we chat with them about their children’s ages and interests and help them select books to take home,” says Phyllis. “Just like food, books are a way of nurturing each other. It feels good to help families take home the gift of reading to share together.” Sue says that despite retiring from teaching she knew she just wasn’t “done yet.” She still had a sense of purpose and a passion to help children read successfully. “The values and mission of Calgary Reads and the shared philosophy of those involved in the Alberta Reads Network resonates with me,” says Sue. “I agree that every child deserves the right to read with confi dence and joy. This is what has attracted me to volunteer. I believe in engaging families, businesses, and the community – we all share the responsibility of raising readers.” Learn more about the Alberta Reads Network and ways you might become involved: albertareadsnetwork.com ●

Jill Hilderman is an independent communications specialist who works with Calgary Reads and the Alberta Reads Network. A writer, reader, and grandmother, she is always surrounded by books and, as often as possible, by children. 60 | arta.net Letters to the Editor

To the editor: it might be hurtful to people who attend church I was reading the latest magazine and wanted to let every Sunday (from a wide variety of faiths). Even you know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new format! worse is the fact that we admit the stereotype being It was so easy to read with the large print. I still have portrayed is often accurate! pretty good vision; but, in this day and age where We must all do what we can to be truly and fully print is getting smaller and smaller to save paper, I welcoming to visitors and new participants (the two assume, it was such a pleasure to be able to read it of us and ARTA included). Please consider what easily. I don’t know who made this suggestion and can be done to prevent this negative stereotyping of ultimate decision but kudos to them. the church going public, and your role in alienating Also, congratulations to Ronna Fay Jevne for some ARTA members. In a politically correct world, writing such a provocative poem, “Guess My would you have included an article at the expense Age.” Such a wonderful, strong of groups that are far less tolerant of criticism? interpretation of this time of our lives. Please realize many churches being stigmatized Trish Haugen continue as major supporters of refugee families (ours included), war and famine victims, orphans, To the editor: Hope Mission, Mustard Seed, and more, often I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed donating to charity more than the Canadian the latest issue of news&views with its new average. If the author, or the contest judges, are not changes. I had cataract surgery about a month ago concerned for others to the same extent, you should and my eye is still stabilizing, but I was easily able not be throwing stones! to read from cover to cover, without any strain on Andrea and Brad Guthrie the old eyes. My favorites in this issue were: To the editor: Grandma’s Welcome “Guess My Age” and “Grandma’s Welcome” in the Teacher to Teacher last issue of news&views are two of the best I have Spring Cleaning Your Benefi ts ever read. I really appreciate that we still get a real Hanging Up the Keys hardcopy of our news&views—every issue is read It is interesting how certain articles in each issue from cover to cover many times and I share clips speak to me, depending on where I am in my life with family and friends. at the time. ALBERTA is still dear to our hearts—lived and Keep up the great work. taught in the Airdrie/Cochrane/Springbank areas Mary Checkley for over twenty years, but when my husband retired from the printing business, we felt after twenty- To the editor: seven years in Alberta, it was wise to move back We were recently disappointed to see the story East closer to family. “Grandma’s Welcome - Writing Contest 2017” Kudos to YOU and your staff for providing appear in the ARTA magazine, with the editor and excellent articles that are interesting and informative. judges seemingly unaware or unconcerned that Shirley Gillam

news&views SUMMER 2018 | 61 Book Review Carol Loewen | Chair, Pension and Financial Wellness Committee

Rich by Thirty Rich by Thirty, Your Guide to write specifi c details to support Financial Success, 2nd ed. By that goal. Lesley-Anne Scorgie. Dundurn, Rich by Thirty points out that 2015. Paperback, 168 pages. a major challenge for many Available as an e-book. Not people is determining and available at the ATA Library. understanding the diff erence Although Rich by Thirty is between a need and a want. written for a young audience, it While many claim to be aware provides sound fi nancial advice of this diff erence, knowing this for readers of all ages. It would diff erence is an ever-present also be a good book for those challenge that many people face. in the older generations to pass Scorgie presents a brief along to those who are just discussion about credit cards beginning their careers. and their use, with examples Rich by Thirty begins by of eff ective use. She also points commenting that “becoming out that for many, they are just rich by thirty requires us to an expensive way to purchase strike a balance between our goods, especially when the goods ideal one, but it may be one step fi nancial, personal, and career are not paid in full and on time. in getting closer to a dream work growth... When these three areas As we balance saving or career. are strong, we can reach our and spending in our lives, The conclusion reminds full potential.” As these areas of establishing an emergency us again that ‘rich by 30’ is growth come into balance, being account is an eff ective way to fi nancial, personal, and career rich takes on a new dimension help to stay out of debt from wealth to let you achieve a life and allows us to focus on other unexpected expenses—medical, lived to your potential. major areas of life. car, or home repair, for instance. This book is easy to read, The book suggests that the Being aware of how to save to follow, and to complete next step is to set ‘SMART’ and invest is important, as the examples presented. goals—goals that are Specifi c, is balancing that awareness Information is presented in Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, with job or career—or with ‘bite-sized bits’ with examples and Timely. These goals must be non-employment. Since of successful fi nancial planning formulated in a way that can be sometimes ‘it is not what you and the negative impact of understood, be reasonable, and know, but who you know,’ avoiding it. It could be used as a be achievable. Each chapter of networking is also essential. tool to affi rm fi nancial wellness the book presents a such a goal There is a need to be aware that in order to reach lifelong goals and allows the reader space to a current job may not be the and to retire ‘rich’. ●

62 | arta.net How to have a great trip: plan ahead and plan well

Whether your idea of a great travel experience is kicking back and relaxing on the beach or seeking out your next thrilling adventure, a little bit of preparation can go a long way towards having the trip of your dreams. The next time you’re looking to get away, try the following useful pre-departure tips to help elevate your trip from great to awesome.

Review your Allianz Global Assistance administered travel insurance coverage

Travel insurance is designed to help you plan for the unexpected. Reading through your ARTA-customized group policy – and in particular the benefits, exclusions and limitations – will help you better understand what you’re covered for and what help is available if you need it in an emergency. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions about your coverage before you go. Here are a few items to keep in mind: • Contact Allianz Global Assistance before any treatment. • If you are driving out of your home province, make a small The sooner we hear from you in an emergency, the purchase on your credit card the day before leaving and keep sooner we can help find a quality local medical facility to the receipt. This can serve as proof of departure, which might take care of you, make billing arrangements and more. be required if you need to make a claim.

Research your destination Pack early

Online travel sites are some great places to start when There always seems to be so much to do before you planning a trip. Be sure to also check in with the Government leave. Pack clothing and other items you plan to take of Canada’s Travel and Tourism site at https://travel.gc.ca/ for with you well in advance, including power adaptors for foreign valuable information on how to have a safe and enjoyable trip. countries, a foreign currency wallet, and a comfortable travel outfit.

Visit your doctor, pharmacist and dentist Call a sitter

See your health professionals at least 6-8 weeks before you Arranging with your neighbour, a family member or friend leave to discuss your plans and check that you’re in great to check in on your house, pick up the mail or look after health to fully enjoy your trip. It’s also an opportunity to your pet while you’re away, can make it easier to discuss any vaccinations you might need, which could stay in the moment and have a good time when you require multiple doses administered over several weeks. don’t have responsibilities at home to think about. Obtain refills for any prescriptions and ensure you have enough As a thank you, offer to return the favour the next time of a supply for the duration of your trip. they go away.

Share your itinerary Download the TripWise travel assistance app Provide your family (those travelling with you and others who aren’t) with the details of your trip so they know exactly Available at www.allianz-assistance.ca, the app where you’ll be and how to reach you during your travels. can be personalized with the 24/7 Emergency Consider providing them with a photocopy of your passport Assistance phone numbers located in your travel insurance as well (take a photo and email yourself a copy too, just in documents. Plus, if you need help in an emergency during your case), and register with the Canadians Abroad service online at trip, you can use it to quickly find local hospitals, prescription and https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration or in person at your first-aid terms, and more. destination so they can get in touch with you in an emergency.

How to reach Allianz Global Assistance — Toll-free Canada/USA: 1-844-996-9003 Other countries: call collect: 519-342-0142. International operator assistance is required for collect calls. Please confirm how to call collect from your destination prior to departure.

Travel insurance does not cover everything. For full terms and conditions, including limitations and exclusions, refer to the policy. Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company and administered by Allianz Global Assistance. Allianz Global Assistance is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd. Opportunities

Ice Cold and Deadly: A True Crime is a story of one man’s redemption and another’s destruction. It is written by W. M. Korkie, who was schooled in Alberta, graduated from the University of Alberta with a mathematics degree, and played hockey for the NAIT Ooks and the St Albert Saints. It is a chilling and captivating story, from the underbelly of Los Angeles, that involves the author’s depression, addiction, and subsequent recovery, aided by a love for hockey. amazon.com/Ice-Cold-Deadly-redemption-destruction-ebook/dp/B078QKXVN8

Calgary Co-operative Memorial Society (CCMS) CCMS is a non-profi t member-owned co- opt to enter your guidance information into operative. We arrange discounted funeral plans our online registry for access by the funeral for our members in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, home upon need. This allows you to indicate Okotoks, Strathmore, High River, Medicine your preferences at the time of death. It also Hat, Lethbridge, Taber, and surrounding areas. provides your loved ones with important Our service providers are locally owned and information they’ll need. operated. Members can save on average The most important benefi t is the peace of $2500-$5000 on their funeral arrangements mind gained from knowing that, by putting your depending on the plan selected. Plans can be affairs in order now, you will be saving your prepaid to lock in the price or can be paid at next-of-kin some hasty and painful decisions time of need. involving a large amount of money at a time Since being founded in 1965, we have had when they may be emotionally unprepared. more than 45,000 members. Membership You can purchase a lifetime membership for ensures that your wishes for your fi nal only $40 per adult. For more information visit arrangements are respected and provides you calgarymemorial.com or call the CCMS at with access to lower-priced plans for funeral 403-248-2044 or 1-800-566-9959. services from our service providers. You can

Sip & Paint the South of France Summer by the Seaside: Ocean-Front Calling all art enthusiasts. The third Condo on Beautiful Vancouver Island annual “Sip & Paint the South of France” Short stay or long visit, is happening September 5th to 15th, this comfortable two- 2018. The experience will include historic bedroom, two-bathroom Gite accommodation, and ground townhouse-style vacation- transportation to Montpellier. Enjoy rental condominium is superb painting locations with mentoring, perfect. Available by the week or by the month. if required, wine tasting, six breakfasts, Located just north of Ladysmith, B.C. Enjoy the and dinners with wine for $2300CDN temperate, year-round climate of Vancouver Island per person with a single supplement with the ocean right outside your front door. of $250CDN. The group will consist of Golfi ng, fi shing, gourmet dining, live theatre, and ten people for ten days near Pezenas, great shopping are all just a short distance away. Occitanie. For more information please Visit our website yellowpointhaven.com or call contact [email protected] Scott at 1-604-761-9179.

64 | arta.net MeritTravel.com | ARTA Direct Line: 1.844.408.1770 What is a LONGSTAYS VACATION?

Longstays Vacations are a collection of longer duration vacations, exclusively by Merit Travel. Spend up to 30 days in your favourite destination. Live like a local with the perks of a tourist! Our itineraries include excursions and some trips even have a dedicated host. We also include round-trip airfares making our itineraries and prices unprecedented!

What’s always included?

• Round-trip airfare • Plaza Premium airport lounge pass** • Airport transfers in country • Hand-picked, condo-style accommodations • Cultural excursions • Comfortable ground transportation New destinations to choose from and classic favourites! • Local representatives or a Merit Travel tour host (depending on itinerary) Request a free copy of the Longstays Vacations • All taxes brochure at MeritTravel.com/Longstays • Guidebooks for most land-based tours

Receive a 28 ALBUFEIRA, ALGARVE GIFT $100...... CARD** nights Alfagar Village - A Classic Favourite!

book by This popular resort is set in a protected area of natural Aug. 31, 2018 beauty made up of nine hectares of gardens. $3,495* p.p. Enjoy a stunning cliff - top location overlooking the sea Departure Dates: and just a five minute drive from Areias de Sãn João's shopping and entertainment areas. Feb. 5, 2019 Edmonton - $3,495* p.p. The Alfagar Village off ers spacious one-bedroom Calgary - $3,495* p.p. apartments with amenities included for comfort such Vancouver - $3,550* p.p. as: kitchen, balcony or terrace, free WiFi in the bar, main reception area, with direct access to Santa Eulália beach via private steps, restaurant and mini supermarket. Guests of Alfagar Village can use the facilities of the Alfagar hotel next door.

*CDN$ p.p. dbl. occ., taxes included. Based on a one-bedroom garden view unit. Single Supplement: $995. One-bedroom sea view upgrade: $250 p.p. dbl. occ. or $500 p.p. single occ. Subject to availability. **Per room category booked, valid for future travel. ***Plaza Premium lounge pass off ered from Toronto, Vancouver & Edmonton airports only. ON-4499356/4499372 | BC-34799 | QC–7002238 | 111 Peter Street, Suite 200, Toronto, ON. M5V 2H1 | Canadian owned ®Merit Travel is a registered trademark of Merit Travel Group Inc. All rights reserved. In Memoriam

- Isabel Allende, Eva Luna

Carl Gary Allred Eliza Cecilia Herle Dr. Toni Lynne Nelson Taber (née Fieger), Lethbridge (née Jeppson), Lethbridge Laird Almas Gwendolyn Hooks Heather Claire Peirce Ponoka Edmonton (née McKelvey), Calgary Francis Garfi eld Anderson Donald Hurst Julia “Lea” Peter Calgary Sooke, British Columbia Kelowna, British Columbia Elisabeth Bai Nasir Janmohamed Donald R. Pound Edmonton Edmonton Medicine Hat Melba Baker Sheila Jeanne Joines William “Bill” Robert Prunkl (née Wilde), Lethbridge (née Clark), Calgary Edmonton Mary “Mae” Euphemia Felix Donatus Lang Carl Saarinen Blumell Edmonton Nanaimo, British Columbia (née MacDonald), Bonshaw, Robert “Bob” George Thomas “Tom” Snee Prince Edward Island Leinweber Lethbridge Theodore Douglas Bohme Calgary Freda Arlene Staden Grande Prairie Bernard Henri Lemay (née Arthur), Mannville Dora Estelle Brown Edmonton John Ralph Stewart (née Nerland), Calgary Irene Long Edmonton Rhona Lee Campbell (née Boudreau), Brockville, Brian Fergus Tyson (née Thompson), Taber Ontario Lethbridge Monica Croft Margarette J. Low Richard Byron Vance (née Endicott), Calgary (née Hutchison), Lethbridge Orem, Utah Robert “Bob” William Dick Winston Franklin “Mac” Margaret Williams Taber MacKenzie (née Van Wieden), Lethbridge Camrose Dr. Bhagwan Dass Dua Fr. John “Jack” M. Wilson Lethbridge Betty Denise McDowell Toronto (née Newson), Medicine Hat Lorraine Helen Fieber Ruth Lilian Wilson Medicine Hat Alan Wesley R. McGee (née Hayes) Calgary Dr. Harold Melvin “Mel” Edmonton Fisher Shirley Ann McGrath Lacombe (née Gunn), Vermilion The place provided after each name Myrna Grace Fox William Milton McKay has been reported to us as the place (née McFadyen), Elk Point Calgary where that person passed away. Verta R. Gibson Gertrude McKee If you know of an ARTA member Grande Prairie Fanny Bay, British Columbia or a retired teacher who has passed Michael Gudzowaty Lillian Miller away and whom we should honour Olds (née Diamond), Lethbridge on this page, please email the editor Joan Margaret Halley Margaret Helen Miller at [email protected]. Edmonton Red Deer

66 | arta.net Let your passion ÚåĀĹåƼŅƚųĬåč±ÏƼ

Your passion for students and åÚƚϱƋĜŅĹÚåĀĹåÚƼŅƚųϱųååųſ ĹŅƵƋʱƋޱŸŸĜŅĹϱĹÚåĀĹå ƼŅƚųĬåč±ÏƼţœĜƋʱčĜüƋƋŅ ƋĘåeĬÆåųƋ±åƋĜųåÚ‰å±ÏĘåųŸ ʱųĜƋ±ÆĬå8ŅƚĹÚ±ƋĜŅĹØĹŅ ĵ±ƋƋåųƋĘåŸĜDŽåØƼŅƚϱĹĘåĬŞ ±ŸŸĜŸƋeĬÆåųƋ±ŸåĹĜŅųŸĜĹƋĘå ŞƚųŸƚĜƋŅü±ŞŞųŅŞųĜ±ƋåĘŅƚŸĜĹčØ Ęå±ĬƋĘŸåųƴĜÏåŸØ±ĹÚåÚƚϱƋĜŅĹ ƋŅĜĵŞųŅƴåƋĘåĜųĬĜƴåŸüŅųƼå±ųŸ ƋŅÏŅĵåţ

BŅĹŅƚų±ĹÚaåĵŅųĜ±Ĭ%ŅűƋĜŅĹŸ

Xå±ųĹĵŅųå±ÆŅƚƋƋĘåeĬÆåųƋ±åƋĜųåÚ‰å±ÏĘåųŸʱųĜƋ±ÆĬå8ŅƚĹÚ±ƋĜŅĹ at ±ųƋÏüţϱ or 1-855-212-2400 AUTO | HOME | LIFE Sometimes change can make cents.

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