NEWS and VIEWS

A Publication of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Asso ciation

President: K. Dean McMullen Spring 2007

©ARTA

Goodbye Mr. Smith! CONTENTS 2. President’s message 3. Executive secretary’s page 4. Q. and A. Extended Health 6. Q. and A. Home and Auto 7. Political Pieces 8. In Memoriam 9. Health Care Research 10. ARTA assists students 11. Golf tournament 12. In the “News” 13. Who is who in Alberta

politics? 14. Concerns regarding teachers’ pensions 15. Announcements 16. Notices

News and Views is published three times a year by the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) #409, 11010-142 Street N.W., Edmonton. AB T5N 2R1 Tel: 1-780-447-9474 1-800-232-7208 (Alberta only) Fax: 1-780-447-0613

[email protected] In keeping with its continuing support for education, ARTA has www.albertarta.com established a $5,000 annual ARTA-Johnson scholarship fund. From this fund the Representative Committee selects up to five Contributions to News and Views to: David J. Flower, Editor, education students annually as recipients. The winners must have #409, 11010-142 Street N.W., Edmonton. AB T5N 2R1 parents or grand-parents who are ARTA members. Anyone wishing to apply for a scholarship should request an application form by Printing by: Alberta Teachers’ Association, 11010-142 Street, N.W., Edmonton. writing to ARTA at #409, 11010-142 Street, Edmonton. AB T5N Alberta T5N 2R1 2R1 or download an application form from ARTA’s website at www.albertarta.com

retired teachers and our services must be such that Greetings from ARTA Membership is Irresistible . The Standing and Ad Hoc Committees of ARTA have taken this challenge the President seriously and many positive changes are in the works. K. Dean McMullen Increased costs and increased services and programs have necessitated a substantial increase in membership dues. We must ensure Value for Cost for all our I am pleased to have this opportunity to communicate members. Deficit budgets in the past two years have put with the membership of ARTA. a serious strain on ARTA finances. These increased costs were incurred because of implementing the First, let me pay tribute to our recently retired Executive dramatic changes in Governance and the increase in the Secretary, Gerry Smith. ARTA has been very fortunate hours of office operation and a consequent increase in to have had the right person in the right place at the right staffing costs. Technological changes have necessitated time. This is certainly true regarding the services expenditures on equipment and furnishings. We have a provided by Gerry Smith. Gerry's communication and very attractive and efficient office operation in Barnett public relations skills served ARTA well as we House, thanks to the generosity of the ATA, and I expanded our Benefits Program and improved the many encourage each member to visit the ARTA office and services to members. His enthusiasm and energy were meet our competent staff. You will be impressed. contagious and he built an effective team to serve ARTA in the past and into the future. Best wishes to Gerry and ARTA exists for the benefit of its members. Our his wife Pat as they travel the "retirement" journey mission statement reads, "The Alberta Retired Teachers’ together. Association strives to support improvements in education, in the profession, and in the welfare of Second, I want to congratulate Don Mock on his recent present and future members, individually and in their appointment as ARTA's Executive Secretary. Don has communities”. Let's work together to realize this served ARTA very well for the past 3½ years. He mission. provided operational support services to many committees and served as Benefits Advisor before his appointment. Don's work ethic, communication skills, commitment to ARTA and his leadership abilities will serve ARTA well under the new Governance Model.

Third, I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the outstanding work of our ARTA office staff during this transitional period and time of staff shortage. After Gerry's accident and before the appointment of his successor, staff assumed greater responsibilities and their efforts are commendable. Thank you on behalf of all ARTA members. The ARTA President and newly appointed executive secretary, Don Mock, discuss upcoming events. The new Governance Model adopted by ARTA provides for much greater input into the decision-making process Did you ever wonder? by its branches. My concern is that many retired Why is it when you transport something by car, it is teachers do not belong to ARTA and many ARTA called a shipment, but when you transport something by members do not belong to a branch. In either case, these ship, it is called a cargo? retired teachers are not represented in ARTA's You know how most packages say “Open here?” What governance. I believe one of ARTA's greatest is the protocol if the package says “Open somewhere challenges is to increase its membership in ARTA and in else?” its branches. ARTA must be relevant to all of Alberta’s Why are there interstates in Hawaii?

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our members. Without their contribution we could Executive Secretary’s Report not operate. I would encourage retired teachers who – Don Mock are not already branch members to join a local branch and participate in the many activities of our growing organization.

NEW DISCOUNT SERVICE FOR MEMBERS I would like to take this opportunity to introduce I am particularly enthusiastic about a new program myself to my fellow retired teachers. that ARTA is launching on July 1, 2007. This is a My name is Don Mock and I am the newly discount service for ARTA members which will appointed Executive Secretary of the Alberta include discounts at selected hotels, car rentals, Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA). I would airport parking and some consumer goods. We are like to express my appreciation to Gerry Smith who convinced that ARTA’s membership card will has recently retired from this position. He is, by the provide savings for our members that should pay for way, recovering nicely from an accident last fall. In the membership fee and more. We hope that those the three and one half years that I worked under his retired teachers who are not yet ARTA members tutelage, he kept me involved in all aspects of the will join us and gain from this program as we know Association so that the transition to this new our members will. responsibility would be easier for me. I would also As Executive Secretary I will work hard to serve like to thank the Board of Directors for their support retired teachers and affiliate members of our and confidence. organization.

CHALLENGES ARTA Executive 2006-2007 I look forward to the challenges facing our organization. These include continuing to provide the very best Benefits Plan to our members as their President: K. Dean McMullen previous employer-sponsored benefit plan ends at Vice-President: Marlene Reddekopp age sixty-five years, or in some cases before. The Past-President: Jack Fulwiler number of participants in our Extended Health Care Treasurer: Paul Demers Benefits Plan, which includes out-of-country travel Exec. Secretary: Don Mock coverage, continues to grow. We all know, our pensions need to be improved. As yet the issues of the unfunded liability, less than full COLA increases, the lack of a bridging provision Words of Wisdom and the effects of the 1992 salary rollback are still Do you remember Bill Cosby’s advice about always to be solved. The Pension Committee of ARTA carrying a copy of Life magazine when travelling by air? continues to work toward solutions and our Branch Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of reading it. Pension Representatives across the province are available to talk to teacher groups as requested. Drive carefully. It is not only cars that can be recalled Another challenge is to support our branches across by their maker. the province. We now have 14 branches and it is from these that we get the volunteers who give their If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be time to serve on various committees and serve vague. (When in doubt, mumble).

3 spouse. Additional premium is required for couples or family coverage, versus single coverage.

Does ARTA’s Extended Health Care Plan fund wellness activities? Wellness is a high priority for ARTA’s Insurance Committee and Board of Directors. ARTA wellness and prevention are also essential to ARTA’s Benefits Program to achieve the goal of meeting the benefits needs of the majority of members at an affordable cost. In addition to funding the services of

nutritionists/dietitians up to $225 per participant per calendar year, ARTA’s EHC Plan funds up to $100 per ARTA Benefits Program – Frequently participant per calendar year for medically Asked Questions recommended educational programs including wellness or rehabilitation practitioners. The certificate of I am a recently remarried participant of ARTA’s insurance defines the coverage as Prescribed Health Extended Health Care Plan. Can my new spouse apply Educational Programs: 80 per cent reimbursement of for ARTA’s Plans without medical evidence? charges for wellness, rehabilitation and other medically ARTA’s Extended Health Care (EHC) coverage is related educational program(s) recommended by a available to all members whether single, as a couple or physician, subject to a maximum of $100 per insured as a family. If an ARTA member marries or remarries, person per calendar year. the new spouse may be added to the member’s EHC Plan as an eligible dependent. No medical evidence is Why is travel emergency medical insurance important required if the spouse applies within 60 days of losing while travelling outside your province of residence? his or her group coverage. Otherwise, the spouse would Your Provincial Government Health Insurance Plan may be considered a late entrant and coverage would be only cover a portion of your expenses (coverage varies subject to evidence of insurability. A medical from province to province), and any unpaid amounts, questionnaire would be required. would then need to be forwarded by you to any other As an ARTA member, your surviving spouse can EHC Plan you may have for additional reimbursement. continue coverage after your death under single For example, many provinces no longer cover your coverage. If the surviving spouse was not previously return home by air ambulance, which can cost more than covered, the standard 60-day window of eligibility $25,000. would apply. In addition, the surviving spouse of a ARTA’s EHC Plan with 60-day Travel will be there teacher who has not retired can become an ARTA when you need it. If you become ill or injured while member and participate in ARTA’s Plan within 60 days travelling outside your province of residence, or Canada, of the date of death. Furthermore, if your surviving comprehensive medical and supplementary benefits are spouse remarries, the new spouse and any dependent payable: 100 per cent reimbursement of unforeseen Out- children acquired, as a result of the remarriage, will be of-Province or International Travel Emergency Medical eligible for coverage, subject to the eligibility provisions Expenses to a lifetime maximum of $1,000,000 per for dependents. person, for multiple trips up to 60 days duration per trip. The Plan provides assistance for your eligible Note: ARTA’s EHC Certificate of Insurance defines emergency medical expenses through the services of spouse/surviving as: a) a person married to the member World Access Inc.. as a result of a valid civil or religious ceremony, In an emergency, the insured person, or someone on including a person divorced or separated from the their behalf, must contact World Access to ensure the member; or b) a person, who although not legally insured person’s expenses are covered. At the first onset married to the member, cohabits with the member in a of symptoms of an emergency, and before the insured conjugal (including same sex) relationship that has been person seeks medical attention, he/she must contact the recognized as such in the community in which they 24-hour World Access Assistance Centre. If the insured reside. Only one person at a time may be covered as a person is unable to do so, because he/she is medically

4 incapacitated, someone else must contact World Access Each insured person may be required to provide proof of as soon as is reasonably possible. If World Access is departure in the event of a claim. Proof can take any not contacted within 48 hours of the emergency, form, identifying you, specifying the date, and indicating payments will be limited to $2,000. that the transaction took place in your province of residence. Examples include a purchase made at the Call the World Access Helpline as soon as possible in Canadian duty-free store, a stamped passport, an airline the event of an emergency outside your province of ticket or a credit card receipt. residence: Canada & U.S.A.: 1-800-249-6556 (toll-free) For more insurance coverage information, call Johnson Mexico: 00-1-800-514-3702 (toll free) Inc. at 1-877-989-2600 . Other countries: (519) 742-6683 (toll free) Fax: (519) 742-8553 Quote of the Day - from Gerry Smith [The editor suggests you cut this out and place it in your passport] A reflection on the state of the nation now, or of our gobalized world and the growing discrepancy between Calling the above World Access Emergency Assistance the rich and the poor, perhaps, is this quote by one of Helpline gives the person insured under ARTA’s Oliver Cromwell’s soldiers, Richard Rumbold, who was Extended Health Care with Travel Plan access to the about to be hung: following services: I never could believe that Providence had sent a few (a) Medical Assistance and Consultation men into the world ready booted and spurred to ride, The insured person will be directed to the nearest and millions ready saddled and bridled to be ridden. appropriate medical facility. World Access will verify (from John Adams by David McCullough – quoted by coverage to ensure there are no delays in treatment. Jefferson in a letter dated June 24, 1826, to the mayor of (b) Up Front Payment Washington). For eligible medical expenses, World Access will guarantee coverage and arrange direct payment to the Thoughts medical providers and the hospital, wherever possible. Honesty pays, but it doesn’t seem to pay enough to suit (c) Emergency Message Centre some people. In case of an emergency, World Access can help to relay important messages to or from the insured person’s Johnson Inc. Home and Auto Insurance family, business or physician. (d) Lost Document and Ticket Replacement Program – Frequently Asked Questions World Access will assist the insured person replace lost or stolen travel documents. However, the cost of I have an SEF 20 endorsement on my Automobile obtaining replacement documents is the insured person’s Policy (loss of use coverage), how does this coverage responsibility. apply when I have been involved in an “at fault” (e) Legal Assistance collision? World Access can direct the insured person to a local When you have been involved in an “at fault” collision, lawyer or assist the insured person to arrange for bail or you may take advantage of the Loss of Use Endorsement for payment of legal fees. The cost of these services is on your Automobile Policy. This endorsement allows for the responsibility of the insured person. a substitute rental vehicle when the insured vehicle (f) Pre-trip Planning Assistance sustains loss or damage (for which indemnity is provided If the insured person calls 1-800-249-6556 World by Section C of the policy). This coverage will pay up to Access can provide information on inoculation and visa a specified amount (with Unifund Assurance it is a requirements. maximum of $40/day to a total of $900 up to a 30 day period) while the vehicle is being repaired. In cases Remember : Carry your ARTA out-of-Province/ Country where the insured vehicle is still drivable after the loss, Emergency Medical Insurance wallet card with travel the Loss of Use coverage will commence when the documents. In addition to the certificate number, World insured vehicle enters the automotive repair shop. In Access will require your Provincial Government Health cases where the insured vehicle is not drivable after the Insurance Plan number and the ARTA/World Access loss, the Loss of Use coverage will commence Identification No. 9520 in order to process payments. immediately. In both cases, the coverage will expire

5 when the vehicle has been repaired, or when the For more information regarding your own policy, please allowable limit has been reached. This last point is contact your assigned service supervisor. To obtain a important to keep in mind , since if the body shop has a free no-obligation quote on your Home and/or waiting list for repairs (over 30 days), it is possible that Automobile Insurance please call Johnson Inc. at 1-800- your coverage could expire before your vehicle is back 563-0677 on the road. Clients of Johnson Inc. should consult their policy or check with their assigned service supervisor for ** The content appearing here is not meant to substitute more information on the coverage limitations under the or modify your insurance policy/policies and or plan(s) SEF 20 endorsement. wordings. In all matters the official wordings will prevail.

Smile! A cowboy went to an insurance agency to buy a policy. The agent asked him if he’d ever had an accident. “Nope,” replied the cowboy. “Last summer, a bronco kicked in two of my ribs, and a couple of years ago, a rattlesnake bit me on the ankle.” “Wouldn’t you call those accidents?” quizzed the agent. “No, sir!” responded the cowboy. “They did it on purpose.”

Parenting in the 21 st Century As a parent, did you ever say any of these things to your children? Do you think it will change much in this century?
Don’t ask me . . . ask your mother. I have been hearing about Identity Theft in the news –
Close the door. what coverage is available?
Were you raised in a barn? or born in a field? As of January 2007 we are offering a new benefit that
Coffee will stunt your growth. provides up to $30,000 in Personal Internet and Identity
A little dirt never hurt anyone. Theft coverage. This covers: reasonable costs incurred in
Get your elbows off the table. Canada for re-filing applications for loans, or other
All joints on the table will be carved. credit instruments, any necessary documentation, long
Who said life was supposed to be fair distance phone calls, postage, credit reports, lost wages
Always say please and thank you. due to time taken off to correct records, and legal
You call that a haircut? expenses. This benefit is available as part of a package
Turn off those lights. added to your property policy – call today for details.
Do you think I’m made of money?
Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know. Each year I travel to Arizona for the winter months. I
Don’t give me any of your lip, young lady. heard that I need to have my home checked every day
You call that noise “music?” while I am away, is this correct?
No, we’re not there yet. Loss or damage caused by freezing during the usual
As long as you live under my roof, you will live heating season is NOT covered if you have been away by my rules. from your premises for more than four consecutive days
I will tell you why – because I said so. That’s unless you have taken the following precautions: why. • arranged for a competent person to enter
Wipe that smile off your face. your dwelling each day you are away to
So you think you are smart, do you? ensure that heating is being maintained,
You want something to do? I’ll give you or something to do. • shut off the water supply and have
Your mother worries. drained all the pipes and domestic water
Don’t use that tone with me. containers.

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Will the Premier deliver? 3. government’s desire to reduce [economic] risk. On September 27, 2006, Ed Stelmach officially launched his campaign for leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta. In the press release launching his bid he stated. “I will separate the teacher liability pension issue from salary negotiations and resolve the issue once and for all. I will lead with integrity and will demand the same from my government. I will lead and always listen to you.” On November 7, 2006, in Vermilion in answer to a question on the unfunded liability of the teachers’ pension plan Stelmach is reported as saying unequivocally that this was a government debt and Because of the need to construct new schools there that he would work to pay off that debt with a new is talk among several of Premier Stelmach’s cabinet plan. His main concern was the pension cost to members that since the government cannot afford current teachers and the effect of this cost on the cost of building new schools, consideration teachers staying in the profession or choosing not to should be given to using public private partnerships. enter the profession. [As an aside, this is a government with over a $5 On December 15, Ron Liepert was appointed as billion dollar surplus.] There is an organization Minister of Education and was given three primary called the Canadian Council for Public-Private tasks by the new Premier. Those tasks were (1) to Partnerships and the Hon. Lawrence Cannon, deal with the problem of new school demands, (2) Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and to deal with the unfunded liability of the teachers’ Communities, spoke to its 14th Annual Conference, pension plan, and (3) to deal with the problem of November 20, 2006 outlining the Federal the high rate of high school dropouts in Alberta. Government’s support of 3Ps. We hope and trust that Premier Stelmach and

Minister Liepert will deliver on the issue of the There are many examples of 3Ps throughout the unfunded liability. Western world and the principal questions that

might be asked are whether big business has Why is the government talking 3Ps again? developed a social conscience and is prepared to The term 3Ps is used to describe Public Private participate in such a partnership to help people, or Partnerships – mechanisms used to build public whether they are merely interested in the associated infrastructure, whether roads, hospitals, schools etc.. profit? What will happen if the private sector According to a continuing study by two university company goes bankrupt? academics from British Columbia, entitled Public-

Private Partnerships in Canada Theory and Did you know? Evidence , governments choose this direction for Canada exports 63 per cent of its oil production to three possible reasons: the U.S.. That proportion is locked in place by the 1. the minimization of on-budget government proportionality clause in the North American Free expenditures; Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This clause states that 2. the belief that the private sector can provide both Canada must continue to export the same proportion infrastructure and services at lower cost; and of oil and gas as it has done in the last three years,

even if Canadians run short.

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In Memoriam Edith Theresa Sawchuk (nee Skupa) passed away on Mary Veronica Carr (1908-2006) passed away in January 19, 2007, aged 103. She was born in Medicine Hat, October 6, 2006. On the eve of her Kansas City in 1904 and moved with her parents to retirement from a career spanning four decades, a homestead in Saskatchewan in 1905. Edith Mary wrote: “My work has been a constant joy to attended Normal School in Saskatchewan and me through the years.” She shared her joy of music taught in that province before moving to Alberta. with students and colleagues first as an elementary She married a fellow teacher and they taught for teacher in the Medicine Hat Public School system many years in rural Alberta before moving in 1958 and later as Music Supervisor. Preparing her to Sherwood Park. Edith retired in 1968 and was an students for the annual Rotary Music Festival was a active member of the Strathcona County Retired highlight of the school year for Mary. She is Teachers’ Association until her recent illness. remembered with fondness by countless former students, her many friends and family. Maureen Sleczka (nee Sheehan) (1943-2006), a long time teacher and resident of St. Albert, died Richard Erwin Kehling (1922-2006) was born and peacefully after a short but courageous battle with raised in Germany. He graduated in engineering in cancer. Maureen taught for the Greater St. Albert 1941 and immigrated to Canada in 1952. He was Catholic Schools, latterly at Albert Lacombe and an engineer for St. Albert in the late 50s. In 1962 he Vital Grandin schools. entered the vocational program at the University of Alberta and subsequently taught in Drumheller Margaret Mary Sugars passed away on October 29, Composite High School, St. Joseph’s High School 2006. She and her husband John immigrated to and St. Cecilia’s Junior High School in Edmonton. Lethbridge where they spent twenty-three He later obtained a doctorate in Religious Studies wonderful years living and working in Alberta. from Gonzaga University. Margaret taught many grade levels with the Lethbridge Public School District and was very Mary Nesdoly (1923-2006) passed away in proud of the eleven years she spent as the district Medicine Hat on October 13, 2006. Mary was born representative for south west Alberta on the in Poland and travelled as a child with her family to Provincial Executive Council of the Alberta Saskatchewan. She began her teaching career there Teachers’ Association. It was during this time that and later moved to Alberta where she taught in Margaret became most highly politicized, always Irvine and at McCoy High School in Medicine Hat. striving to improve and promote public education in After her husband’s death Mary added farming and Canada and abroad. insurance agent duties to her teaching assignment. She was an accomplished gardener and enjoyed Joseph Wayne Terriff passed away on January 13, reading and playing cards. 2007. Born in Lethbridge, Wayne earned his education degree at the University of Alberta and Marjorie Frances Pope (nee Deegan) passed away began his teaching career in Taber with subsequent on November 16, 2006 in Berwyn. After attending positions in Enchant, Brooks and Lethbridge. After Normal School she began teaching in 1936 at completing is Master’s degree at the University of Wilcox School. During her career she returned to Montana he was appointed superintendent in Hanna university to earn both a B.A. and a B.Ed. degree. where he stayed for five years before becoming the After the birth of her son she returned to teaching superintendent of schools in Crowsnest Pass. In and from 1953 to 1977 she taught at Lloyd Garrison 1995 Wayne retired and moved with his wife Beth High School. Marjorie loved music and played the to Creston, B.C.. piano for many community activities.

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The statistics show: under 65 65+ Hospital inpatients 81.1% 18.9% Day surgery patients 90.8% 9.2% Outpatient clinic patients 78.5% 21.5% Emergency department 85.7% 14.3%

Soon-to-be seniors are also not a significant Health Care Research you should know problem, because of four most common hospital about! services listed above, 50% of the people using them were under the age of 40. Sub-acute patients have

more typically been seniors (78%), although this If you have been following the debate over health use is to be expected, since the health service was care and appropriate funding in Alberta since the designed for seniors needing rehabilitative or end- reforms of 1994, you will be familiar with the of-life care which is not feasible at home. argument presented by many government MLAs: that is that a large part of the problem is The study examined two very large scale sustainability as our population in Alberta ages. Put representative, full service Canadian hospitals and simply it was supposedly the old folks (over 65s) one nursing home. Numbers as high as 1,700,390 that were causing the problem. persons were involved: outpatients and those seen

in Emergency Departments, a significant number On October 26, 2006, a research report was released for any study. The most important conclusion is which suggested that the argument used by the that “the most common users and the most common politicians might be incorrect. Cynics might even highest users of virtually all healthcare services are claim that we have been lied to. The report was persons who have not yet reached the age of 65.” completed by Professor Donna Wilson of the

Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta. The So the next time you hear the argument that seniors report studied Caritas’ health services use and client are responsible for the rising costs of our health care trends. system, ask those commenting to provide the

evidence for their claim. Make sure you show them The purpose of Prof. Wilson’s study was to explore your evidence to claim the opposite! and describe Caritas’ clients’ and health services utilization trends. The three units that were studied Thought! were the Grey Nuns Community Hospital, the

Misericordia Community Hospital and the The main trouble with mental notes is the ink fades Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre. The so fast. statistics covered the period 1995/96 to 2005/06.

Light travels faster than sound. That explains why One of the key findings states: “Caritas clients have some people appear bright until you hear them aged slightly in recent years, although Caritas speak. population aging is not a significant concern. The vast majority of hospital inpatients, day surgery The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 patients, outpatient clinic patients, and emergency chance of getting something right, there is a 90 per department patients have been and continue to be cent probability you will get it wrong. under the age of 65.”

9 ARTA assists students and encourages rely heavily on student volunteers who aren’t as volunteering available as they used to be because they have to work more hours to cover the increased costs of living and

schooling.” Teri-lynn adds, “I want to thank ARTA for When asked how they felt about receiving the Alberta the honour of receiving this award and for making such a Retired Teachers’ Association Award, both Graham Birt significant difference in my education.” and Teri-lynn Patterson echoed the same response,

“Tremendous!” Graham received the award in 2005, while Teri-lynn is this year’s newest recipient.

nd Terri-lynn (back row, 2 from left) with children at a Graham Birt with ARTA representatives, Keith and Big Brothers Big Sisters hockey game. Mary Middleton, at the Dean’s Undergraduate Scholarship Dinner. Upon completion of Graham’s student teaching practicum in Peace River his mentor teacher wrote in his The ARTA award is offered on an annual basis to a U. evaluation, “Graham shows a genuine positive attitude of A. Education student who has demonstrated a serious about learning that is contagious.” Graham demonstrated commitment to volunteering and working with youth, this positive attitude when he accepted a teaching and has maintained excellence throughout the student position at Pickering College in Newmarket, Ontario. teaching experience. Pickering College was built in 1842 and currently serves as a K-12, co-ed boarding school. “The reason I so Both Teri-lynn and Graham convey their appreciation of readily accepted a teaching job so far from home was for the ARTA for creating this significant award. “Without the opportunity to live on campus so I could interact the financial assistance of this award I would not have with students beyond the classroom and establish those been able to volunteer as a club volleyball coach, or as a crucial positive relationships.” summer camp counsellor, both of which provided me with valuable teaching experience and allowed me the Teri-lynn, a fourth year education student, completed her opportunity to provide a service to my community,” says intermediate teaching practicum at Belmead Elementary Graham. “I would like to express my deepest gratitude School in Edmonton teaching Grade 6. Teri-lynn’s and thanks to ARTA. The future work I do will be done mentor teacher wrote in her teaching evaluation, “Teri- in a spirit of gratitude for the acknowledgement and lynn has been an exceptional student teacher and shows support that has been so generously given to me.” promise in becoming an excellent teacher.” Teri-lynn explains that as she got to know the students she was Teri-lynn sees the ARTA award as not only providing better able to prepare appropriate lessons and activities assistance to students, but it has the added bonus of that met the needs of all of the students. On the last day encouraging students to volunteer. “ARTA made it of her student teaching experience, her class showed possible for me to concentrate on my studies and their appreciation by adorning her with gifts and cards, allowed me the time to volunteer for Big Brothers Big and when she read a very touching poem from one of her Sisters Organizations that provide youth mentoring and students her eyes welled up with tears of emotion over the realization that she made an impact. The teacher that

10 Teri-lynn admires most and tries to emulate is Mr. This year we were able to raise $2,000 for prostate Uyesugi, who taught at E.S.Laird, the junior high school cancer. This brings the total in the last four years to she attended in Lloydminster. “He established great $10,300. Thanks to all the golfers who had such a great relationships with me and my classmates. He would sit time and were able to donate this amount. This kind of with us during lunch, listen to us, and let us sample support is encouraging as we may be able , in some the unique foods he brought to the school. We were small way, to help find a cure for this disease. always experiencing something new around Mr. Uyesugi, and we always felt special. That’s the kind of Next year we will once again be holding the tournament relationship I want to build with my students when I at Pine Lake on the Tuesday after the long weekend in teach.” September. We encourage all male retired teachers to join us in this worthwhile cause and have a great time. Teri-lynn and Graham are living examples of the substantial benefits the ARTA Award provides for A special thanks to our major sponsors: Downtown Tim students. This generous award supports and rewards Horton’s in Red Deer, Whispering Pines Golf and education students who use and practice their skills by Country Club and Johnson Insurance Inc.. volunteering and working with young people, providing a much needed and necessary service to the community. Thank you to all of our sponsors who very generously To all the members of ARTA who contributed to this donated enough prizes so that every golfer went home award: thank you! with something. Anyone wishing to be put on the mailing list and join us Golf Tournament next year, contact Ron Hitchings 403-343-6543 or Wayne Brenna 403-347-5479. The thirteenth annual “To Hell With The Bell” golf tournament kicked off on September 5 th at Whispering Pines Golf and Country Club at Pine Lake. Fifty seven ARTA is pleased to announce the appointment male retired teachers from all over central Alberta of Jerry Stefanyk as Membership Services Co- attended. They were treated to excellent weather and a ordinator. For many years Jerry was the superbly manicured golf course. The low gross winner treasurer for the Lac La Biche Local of the was Alex Weber (below) of Rocky Mountain House Alberta Teachers’ Association. Jerry can be with a net 61, followed by Bill Elliot of Wetaskiwin, Gil contacted at the ARTA office in Edmonton at Graboski of Red Deer and David Noel of Ponoka. Low 780-447-9474. gross winner was John Stone with a 70 and runner-up was Hugh McPherson, both of Red Deer. Golfers in attendance were from Red Deer, Stettler, Rocky Mountain House, Rimbey, Innisfail, Lacombe. Ponoka, Smile Wetaskiwin, Edmonton, Windermere B.C. and Camrose. A man was explaining to his friends that he wanted to buy a motorcycle, but couldn’t decide what type to buy. “I don’t know if I want one with a high top speed but poor acceleration, or one with lots of torque and fast acceleration, but a lower top speed,” he complained. Eventually he decided on the second one because it was much less expensive. After all, torque is cheap.

The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel it burns.

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but

our nose and ears never stop growing.

11 In the “news” . . . . should be sent to your MP, the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister. On health care E-mail addresses for all MPs can be found at The president-elect of the Canadian Medical www.canada.gc/directories . Addresses for mail are Association, Dr. Brian Day, is the owner of MP name, House of Commons, Ottawa. ON. K1A Canada’s largest for-profit medical centre in 0A6, for The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Vancouver. Dr. Day made a presentation to the Finance, House of Commons, Ottawa. ON K1A Romanow Commission on the Future of Health 0A6, and the same for The Right Honourable Care in Canada. The Council of Canadians Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada. A publication Canadian Perspectives listed what he sample letter can be found at the Canadian told the Commission was necessary to “improve” Association of Retired Teachers website. health care in Canada. This included “repeal of the Canada Health Act; increasing privatization and On Grey Power contracting out, introducing competition, choice and It has been said many times before but it can bear accountability and accepting economic reality and repeating – older voters have significant power the introduction of user fees.” Canadian when it comes to elections, be they municipal, Perspectives , Autumn 2006, pages 6 and 7. school board, provincial or federal. A recent article on the BBC News was headlined “Grey vote ‘will More on health care decide election’.” The article was about Wales and “The story of American health care is one of huge pointed out that “over-55s were almost twice as expenditure with little obvious benefit. By head of likely to vote as those aged 35-44 . . .and three population America spends twice the amount times as likely to vote as people aged 25-34.” A Britain does on health. But life expectancy [in spokesman for Help the Aged in Wales stated America] is lower and infant mortality is higher. “There’s a saying that we advocate at Help the Most of the money seems to go on overheads and Aged: ‘Nothing decided about us, without us.’ We on profits for the many private companies providing have got a population of older people who are more care, the hospital groups, the drug manufacturers, aware than ever of how powerful a lobby they and above all the insurance companies . . . present. People are actually starting to stand up and As the costs spiral upwards and private employers say: ‘If you want my vote, you are going to have to ditch their health care schemes to stave off earn it’.” bankruptcy, increasing numbers of Americans have reduced their health care schemes to the barest On pension revolution? minimum.” “Caring for America’s health,” by The state pension age in Britain will be increased to Justin Webb, BBC News , January 28, 2007. 68. The pension bill proposing that change, (tabled in November 2006), sets the date for achieving that Pension-splitting for Seniors goal as 2046! According to government ministers Pierre Drouin, the Executive Director of the “the move is necessary to stave off a pension crisis Canadian Association of Retired Teachers, is and to secure the long-term financial sustainability reminding everyone that perhaps Ottawa is of the pension system, while ensuring fairness listening. The Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty, between generations.” The legislation includes announced in October that he is considering pension measures to tackle the “gender gap” whereby splitting for seniors and Drouin wonders whether it women tend to receive lower payouts than men will be included in the next budget and what the when they finish work. Under the new rules format and restrictions will be. It is important to everyone will be eligible for a state pension after 30 lobby MPs for their support and letters or e-mails years of employment. ( Guardian Unlimited – November 28, 2006.

12 Who’s who . . . . Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) designation. Alberta politics 2007! He has served for 15 years as a Scout leader and coached basketball and softball as well as Premier Ed Stelmach was sworn in as the Premier volunteering with his church community. of Alberta on December 14, 2007. Stelmach was first elected as an MLA for Fort Saskatchewan- Contact information: Vegreville in 1993. He served in several portfolios The Honourable Ed Stelmach, Premier, during his time in the Legislature, notably Minister 307 Legislature Building, of Agriculture, Minister of Food and Rural 10800 – 97 Avenue, Development, Minister of Infrastructure, Minister Edmonton. AB T5K 2B6 of Transportation and Minister of International and For his e-mail address go to the premier’s website at Intergovernmental Relations. Prior to his election to www.premier.ab.ca . the Alberta Legislature, Stelmach served as Lamont Telephone: 780-427-2251 From outside Edmonton county reeve, school trustee, chair of the Vegreville calling area 310-0000 plus area code plus number. Health Unit board a director of the Andrew Co-Op Association and was involved in 4-H. Stelmach Honourable Ron Liepert, operates a mixed farm south of Andrew on the Minister of Education, homestead originally settled by his grandfather in 323 Legislature Building, 1898. (the rest is same as above) E-mail: calgary[email protected] Ron Liepert was appointed Minister of Education Phone number: 780-427-5010. on December 15, 2007. Liepert was first elected to the Alberta Legislature on November 22, 2006, as Honourable Greg Melchin, MLA for Calgary West (Peter Lougheed’s former Minister of Seniors and Community Supports, constituency). Liepert’s biography states “he 227 Legislature Building, enrolled at the Columbia School of Broadcasting in (the rest is same as above) 1971 and then worked as a radio and television E-mail: [email protected] reporter from 1972 to 1980. He worked as press Phone number: 780-415-9550 secretary to Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed from 1980 to 1985 and then took a position as director, Wisdom? Western U.S. operations, Alberta Economic A theologian and an astronomer were talking one Development and Trade, from 1986 to 1991. From day. The astronomer said that after reading widely 1991 to 1999 Liepert worked for Telus before in the field of religion, he had concluded that all starting his own businesses: a public religion could be summed up in a single phrase: relations/communications business and “Do unto others as you would have them do unto owner/operator of a childcare centre in downtown you,” he said with some smugness knowing that his Calgary. field was so much more complex. After a brief pause, the theologian replied that after Greg Melchin was appointed Minister of Seniors reading widely in the area of astronomy he had and Community Support on December 15, 2007. concluded that all of it could be summed up in a Melchin was first elected to the Alberta Legislature single phrase also. on March 11, 1997 as the MLA for Calgary-North “Oh,” said the astronomer, “and what is that?” West. He served as Minister of Energy from 2004 to The theologian replied “Twinkle, twinkle little star, 2006. Melchin is a chartered accountant with a how I wonder what you are.” career in financial and business administration. In 2004 he was recognized by his peers and received a

13 Concerns regarding teachers’ pensions Everyone has something to offer—a friendly voice, a helping hand, a determination to get something Please share your stories on how your quality of life done, knowledge of the community, or simply a has been affected by issues such as less than full willingness to give the precious gift of time. cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), rollbacks from 1992, lack of a bridging benefit and the problem of Would you, or someone you know, like to help a the unfunded liability. senior with vision loss? For more information, please call: Responses may be published in future newsletters. Calgary 403-266-8831 If you do not want your name to be published, it can Edmonton 780-488-4871 be withheld at your request. Statistics derived from Grande Prairie 780-539-4719 your information may be used to approach Lethbridge 403-327-1044 government representatives regarding our needs. Medicine Hat 403-527-2211 Red Deer 403-346-0037 We look forward to hearing from you. Did you know? Please send your response to: “Stewardesses” is the longest word typed with only ARTA Pension Committee, the left hand and “lollipop” with the right. c/o Executive Secretary, Room 409, Barnett House, “Typewriter” is the longest word that can be made 11010 – 142 Street, N.W., using the letters on only one row of the keyboard. Edmonton. AB T5N 2R1 There are two words in the English language that Or e-mail: [email protected] have all five vowels in order: “abstemious” and “facetious.”

Canadian National Institute for the Blind The words “racecar,” “kayak,” and “level” are palindromes – the same whether they are read from Losing your sight can be devastating. Ordinary left to right or right to left. activities can present extraordinary challenges when you are faced with significant vision loss. Aging If the population of China walked past you, eight with vision loss can be a doubly isolating abreast, the line would never end because of the rate experience involving loss of independence—and the of reproduction in that country. problem is widespread. In fact, the majority of people we assist are seniors. CNIB is the primary Almonds are a member of the peach family. source of support, information and, most importantly, hope for anyone affected by vision Note: loss. We are looking for people to work one-on-one Professor E.C. (Ted) Bragg, a teachers’ champion with a senior citizen who has vision loss. and satirist, died aged 67. He was a professor of education at the University of Exeter in England What is involved? It might be as simple as a visit and wrote books and columns, especially in The over a cup of coffee. You might also be asked to Times Educational Supplement about teachers and read correspondence aloud, go shopping, be a teaching. He believed “there was no higher calling sighted guide, or drive the individual to a medical [than teaching]. Without teachers society would appointment or CNIB activity. slide back into primitive squalor.”

14 Announcements vibrant ideas. For more information contact Joy de Melo at 455-9003 or [email protected] . High School Reunion. Strathcona Composite High School in Edmonton is ARTA Branches and Contacts planning a reunion for its classes of ‘67 as it was their centennial year. The reunion will occur on Red Deer Central (CARTA) Pres: Edwin Olsen 403- August 25 and 26, 2007. Friday will be a reception 748-3325, [email protected] . at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald and Saturday will Camrose (CDRTA) Pres: Lyle Erga 780-672-6122, [email protected] . be a more formal Banquet and Dance with live Vermilion (CERTA) Pres: Janet McLennan 780-744- music. All the information regarding this reunion is 2149 [email protected] . on the website www.scona67reunion.com . The Calgary (CRTA) Pres: Dr Chuck Rose 403-288-5266, organizers are hoping that everyone can go to the [email protected] . website to find information about the reunion and Edmonton (ERTA) Pres: Joy de Mello 780-455-9003, see the class list for contact information. For [email protected] . anyone who has not joined the computer age, Jim Foothills (FRTA) Pres: Esther Dyck 403-652-7675 Matheson 780-417-3943 is in charge of registration [email protected] . or call Karen Leitch at 403-799-1090. Medicine Hat (MHADRTA) Pres: Delores Carriere 403-527-6054, [email protected] . International Service -- Retired Teachers St. Paul, Cold Lake, Elk Point (NEARTA) Pres: Bill Callas 780-594-5144, [email protected] The need: Half of the people of sub-Saharan Africa Grande Prairie, Peace River (NWARTA) Pres: and 20 percent of Central America live below the Marlene Reddekopp 780-538-1810 poverty line (earning less than $1 a day). Unable to Ponoka (PDARTA) Pres: Dorothy Ungstad 403-783- pay school fees, the poor are shut out of education 2276, [email protected] . and can not read or write. Education always has Strathcona, Sherwwod Park, Fort Sask., Vegreville been and always will be the ticket out of poverty. (SCRTA) Pres: Billie Thompson 780-467-7978 Willing to train teachers? Teach academic subjects St. Albert and Area (STARTA) Pres: Rod Throndson or vocational kills? 780-459-6301, [email protected] NGOabroad is a unique service that matches South West, Lethbridge (SWARTA) Pres: David professionals’ skills to international needs; and Lynagh 403-328-4283 custom fits where you teach to your international Wainwright (WRTA) Pres: Erika Foley 780-842-3795, [email protected] . experience, language, and with your comfort level.

NGOabroad was designed as a frugal way to More to know harness skills needed critically in other countries. No word in the English language rhymes with month, Read the website http://www.ngoabroad.com . orange, silver or purple. Interested? Then e-mail to [email protected] and A snail can sleep for three years. 1. state what you seek and what you can contribute; 2. copy and paste your resume into the e-mail – DO A cat has 32 muscles in each ear. NOT ATTACH; and 3. state your skill set in the subject line. Another smile! A tightwad was looking for a gift to give a friend. Everything was too expensive except for a glass vase Edmonton Retired Teachers Association (ERTA) that had been broken and he could purchase it for almost ERTA invites you to join us as we work to help nothing. He asked the store to send it hoping his friend make retirement an exciting time that may be shared would think it had been broken in transit. In due time he with family, friends and fellow retirees. We have received a note: “Thanks for the vase,” it read, “it was four socials a year. We look forward to new and thoughtful of you to wrap each piece separately.”

15 Notices

Canadian Publication Mailing Agreement Number 40033998

(from Hogwarts)

Accommodation available Los Sabinos Retirement Community in Southern Please return undeliverable address blocks to Mexico ARTA, #409 Barnett House, 11010-142 Street Thinking of retiring in a warm climate where the Edmonton. AB T5N 2R1 cost of living is one third it is here? Los Sabinos is a ______condo community designed for you. On the edge of a village outside the city of Oaxaca, Los Sabinos temperate year-round climate of Vancouver Island, combines all the benefits of rural and urban living combined with the ocean outside your front door, for a relaxed lifestyle. Each condo (1 or 2 and golfing, fishing, gourmet dining, and shopping bedroom) is small and easy to maintain with a small just a short distance away – it can’t get much better walled garden and a gorgeous rural setting. Check than this! Check out our website at our website at www.evrcanada.com or call Shawn www.yellowpointhaven.com or call Claudette at 1- at 1-877-382-5389 for more information. 866-874-8204 for more information.

Apartment in the South of France Time Share for Sale Holiday rentals available in the South of France – “I am selling my one-week Time Share in the mediæval house and studio in the 16 th century Bahamas. You may exchange the Time Share for village of Montagnac near Montpellier and the different places around the world. It is a member of Mediterranean – contact [email protected]. the Can-American Exchange.” If you are interested in purchasing this Time Share please contact Zyla Rent in Houston, Texas Wentz, 2606 22 nd Avenue S., Lethbridge. AB T1K Vacation in Houston, Texas! Lovely, furnished 3 1J7, telephone 403-328-3502. bedroom/3 bathroom home available May to November at reasonable rates, weekly/monthly. Hot Books for sale tub, sun room/tropical yard. Phone 1-250-434- A Skylark in Blue Yonder “…hilarious, intriguing, 4143. poignant …”(Reader’s Report, Melrose Books), a “must read” for every retired educator. Perfect gift, Spectacular One-of-a-kind Ocean-front Condo on too. Check the web site: Available by the week or by the month, this 2- www.askylarkinblueyonder.com . bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse style vacation rental condominium unit near Nanaimo, B.C., has The Church on the Trail – a History of St. Albert everything you need to make your home-away- United Church by Dave Geddes available from from-home perfect Beautiful Vancouver Island for Musée Héritage Museum, St. Albert for $20 plus either a short stay or a winter getaway. Imagine the postage and handling 780-459-1528.

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