NEW Exclusive Discoun S Ts Ave up to $800* Per Couple!

12 H315 ARTA Winter Ad_Dec12_Layout 1 10/24/12 8:39 AM Page 1

Members save on Worldwide Travel NEW Exclusive Discoun S ts ave up to $800* per couple!

Collette Vacations, a major provider of guided travel since 1918, is offering ARTA members the chance to save on trips to all seven continents. From Italy to Australia to the wonder of South America and beyond, embrace your dreams. We seamlessly handle the details - you experience the world.

This unbelievable offer can be used on the purchase price of both land and air portions on any of our escorted tours.

How does it work? Call your local agency and advise the booking agent that you are travelling with Collette Vacations. OR Call Collette Vacations at 877.604.8086. In both cases provide your ARTA Affinity Member code: R844-AX1-918

On all air-inclusive tours, receive roundtrip home to airport sedan service!†

For more information call 877.604.8086 or visit www.collettevacations.ca and order your FREE brochure!

* Savings amount varies by tour and is valid on new bookings only. Offers can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability. Space is on a first come, first served basis. Offers are not valid on group or existing bookings or combinable with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply. † Not valid on group travel. Service is offered on all air-inclusive departures when within 100 km radius from most major Canadian gateways. One transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route. Other restrictions may apply; call for details. Travel Industry Council of Ontario Reg#3206405 BC Reg#23337 News & Views Contents Table of Volume 21 Number 2 Winter 2012

President’s 50th From Our Travel 3 Message Anniversary Readers An Opportunity Executive The Bridge 22 of a Lifetime 4 Director’s Club Report 2 A Marking of 30 Time

14 Articles Letters ARTA Book to the Editor 5 Fair To Hell With the Bell ARTA’s 50th 10

Anniversary When Your Car In My Opinion 6 32 Launch 13 Conks Out Our Next 33 In Memoriam 20 Great Debate From Our Scholarships Partners Classified Ads 2012 40 26 ARTA’s New Tell Your 8 Benefit Plan Columns 50th 28 Story Partners 7 Anniversary Update From the Lynne Butler 12 ARTA ARTA Office Volunteer What Are We 19 Recognition Two Items of Doing Now? 15 Award 17 Note ARTA AGM Rockin’ 18 Diane Britton 40 Photo Contest 36 Highlights 17 Retirement

News and Views is published four times a year by the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA). Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to 409, 11010-142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1. Tel.: 780-822-2400; Alberta only: 1-855-212-2400; fax: 1-780-447-0613; e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.albertarta.org Contributions to News and Views to the editor: Robin Carson, 409, 11010 – 142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1 or e-mail [email protected]. Deadline for submissions for the spring issue is January 25, 2013. Assistant Editor: Vi Oko; Graphic Artist: Hazel Adair; Printing by Central Web, 16940 – 110 Avenue NW, Edmonton T5P 1G9

AR-ARTA-12 The Bridge Club by Doug Mirtle

When I see young people today, of cards, like bridge, we used our a collective pride knowing that especially those who work in the talents, knowledge and skills to we led—and lead—the way for electronics industry in one form or play out the expectations of those the next generation to seek their another, I am astonished at how my roles with the resources available. own new worlds. As Ralph Waldo world has changed, and how quickly Emerson wrote: We were given the realities of it changed—right before my eyes. a post-war society; and with the Why should we grope among the I find myself on the sidelines, emergence of new demands, dry bones of the past, or put the figuratively watching the passing became the facilitators of imple- living generation into masquer- parade of progress; but I am des- menting change. We started in ade out of its faded wardrobe? tined to remain on the sidelines. a climate of political, social, and … There are new lands, new However, it has occurred to me economic stability. We were the men, new thoughts. (Works, that I, and all of us who are retir- ones who, when the realities Volume 1, p. 9) ees and seniors, are, in part, responsible for I do not like looking this transformation. at myself as being We moved society one of the ‘dry bones from old crystal sets of the past,’ but I or Marconi radios that guess I was. I guess were as big as a we all were. That modern entertainment is just what we had centre to the new hi- inherited, that is what tech realities of today. we had to work with. The last fifty or so We had to change and years have witnessed change fast! Look incredible changes in now and see how far our society and life- we carried the next style, and we were generation! When there! We were cogs you look around at in the dynamics of the positive fruits of social, economic, and our labours, I am sure political changes. The you will agree that old world reached the we must have been a new world through us. strong bridge. Yes, you, too, are responsible! changed, opened the doors to new Unfortunately, societal values have Think of this: all societies stand on possibilities. We took possibilities not matched the growth of technol- the shoulders of their predecessors and turned them into realities. We ogy, but this is an issue the next to carry on, to emerge, to seek out had to continually adjust our sails generation will have to sort out. I improvements to their physical and according to the winds of change. did my job; you did yours. We car- social structures. In this way they It was our blood, sweat, and tears ried them this far. We bridged the form a link, a connecting bridge by that were the grit that enabled old world into this new world and which the new generation is able society to be transformed into this are therefore more than a group of to take what it finds useful, and brave new world. We carried the retirees or seniors. We are mem- discard that which no longer fits burden of experimenting, sort- bers of a far more important club. the realities of their time. Each of ing, and finally transforming the We are members of a bridge club: us was given many roles during the world of the past into a new world The Bridge Club! That is pretty course of our adult life: like a game driven by technology. We can take exclusive when you think about it.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 2 News & Views Greetings from the President

The People We Worked With Gordon Cumming

“What counts in life is not the mere the best way to handle an intro- what you wanted to do.” It was fact that we have lived. It is what duction to an irate parent is to a great line, and it still echoes difference we have made to the smile, give a warm handshake, during the occasional meeting lives of others that will determine and hang up their coat—being a or debate. the significance of the life we lead.” welcoming host dissolved many Chuck Rose, long-time col- —Nelson Mandela a problem, and made many a league, and CRTA President in new friend. 2005 taught me to telephone Calgary Retired Teachers have a So many colleagues impacted late at night when volunteers great project under way to cele- my practice and thinking. I wish are most vulnerable… tell them brate ARTA’s 50th year. Entitled I could acknowledge them all; there will be only three or four Remember an Inspirational Educa- but as space is limited, I will meetings a year, and that you can tor, CRTA is collecting anecdotal highlight just two: launch them into a great ‘sec- stories about Calgary educators Sharleen Kapp and Doris ond’ career working for retired who, through their exemplary ser- Barber, Grade Seven teachers, teachers. Seven years later, both vice, inspired students and colleagues 1981. It was my second school of us are still engaged in ARTA during the past fifty years. as principal, and my first real pursuits, although I do not know I have to apologize, because I have experience with a high-needs what happened to the three- or not done my homework yet, but I community. It was so easy to four-meeting limit. have been thinking. There is a long echo the chorus, “These kids And finally, my dad, a small town list, and it’s hard to narrow down; can’t …!” However, these two doctor, but in his own way a phi- but here are some of the major teachers, in the early years of losopher and teacher, influenced impacts on my teaching and career: their careers, just assumed that my career as well. Again, many R.B. Walls, my first principal, their students would be suc- thoughts echo through my head. 1966. He was nine feet tall and cessful, and that was the only One thing that he taught me was a legend, and I was a humble outcome they would accept. With the greatest rubric for evalua- and uncertain beginning teacher. commitment, caring and expec- tion: “Is it worth the wear and tear “What do you teach?” “Math tation, they made a difference; on the chicken to lay the egg?” and Science, and I could do and they were rewarded, every When we look back on our careers, Social Studies.” And then came day by smiling eager faces and it is those people we worked with the thundering response … “In active learners. The principal who dominate our memories. this school we teach children!” learned a valuable lesson too. When we speak, we hear the echo Norm Holden, my second prin- Garfield Anderson, 1983. (I of their voices. When we act, we cipal, 1973. He encouraged us was his assistant superinten- know they would approve. Above to innovate and take risks. And dent.) On those days when the all, their impact continues because when we met with success, he phone was ringing, and there we are now on the lists of our for- was quick to give credit … and seemed to be a line-up of sus- mer students and colleagues. on those rare occasions, when an pensions, new policies, and upset idea cratered, he shouldered the parents, he would say, “When All the best for the holiday season and blame. He also taught me that you applied for this job, this is the rest of our anniversary year.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 3 Executive Director’s Report

Keeping Our

Daniel Mulloy Balance

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To best value to help us move forward, potential and the long-term effects keep your balance you must keep to ensure the proper balance that of securing these new strategic moving.” —Albert Einstein Einstein alludes to. partnerships, I know we are serving our present and future members Keeping our balance and mov- The key relationships that have in the best way possible. ARTA is ing forward has been a direction come out of our market search building a strategy to reach out to of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ have been a move from Johnson all retired teachers and affiliate Association (ARTA) since its Inc. as our benefit plan administra- partners, creating a plan to sup- inception in November 1963. As tor to the Alberta School Employee port the health and welfare of our the association enters into its 50th Benefit Plan (ASEBP). Another members, and bringing an added year of operation, it keeps moving key move is the change in the travel level of financial stability that will forward. Through this movement, insurance provider from Desjardin serve us best, well into the future. we are forever striving to ensure Financial (Sigma Assistel) to SSQ perfect balance. The last six Financial Group (and their part- These changes have also been months have been an intricate act ner—AXA Assistance). A new challenging in that, as we have of moving and balancing to ensure relationship that has been estab- fostered new relationships, old the long-term sustainability of our lished is in home and auto insurance relationships were impacted. The association and the overall wellness products, a move from our sole long-term relationship we have had of our more than 12,000 members. endorsement of Johnson Inc. to with Johnson Inc. is one of those Over the last six months, ARTA has TW Insurance Brokers. relationships that will change as kept moving by developing new a result of our change in business relationships and partnerships that These new relationships and part- philosophy. ensure proper balance will be in nerships fit together to give our place for all of its members for the members access to the best value, The Retired Teachers’ Association next fifteen to twenty years. and they also help to ensure and is especially grateful to Johnson preserve the balance and long-term Inc. for their dedication and ser- ARTA has entered into a partner- sustainability of our association. vice throughout the past seventeen ship with Aon Hewitt to provide Keeping balance while manag- years, and to that I would like to consultation and marketing support ing competing priorities, industry add my personal thanks. They have to our association to help ARTA and economic changes, and other enabled the association to expand to protect and grow our brand, to emerging factors, is hard to do; between 1995 and 2012, helped ensure the long-term integrity of but the new relationships and part- us maintain balance in our initial our benefit plan and to provide nerships truly allow ARTA to be phase, and were behind us when guidance when entering preferred balanced as we move forward. we needed them. strategic partnerships that give the best value to all of our members. To some, these changes may seem Our organizational changes are no Through this relationship, ARTA to be somewhat overwhelming. I, reflection on their service or dedi- has gone to the market to find for one, feel overwhelmed some cation. Rather, it was a result of partners that would provide the days; but when I reflect on the ARTA’s growth as an organization

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 4 News & Views that required us to establish a more operations. In short, these changes to take the time and thank those dynamic set of services and infra- will help the association to move who have brought us this far— structure. These were available in ahead while allowing us to main- past ARTA Executives, tireless the market at competitive costs. tain the balance Einstein mentions. volunteers, dedicated staff and Such new services and deliverables Balancing and moving has been corporate partners. ARTA has are what will allow us to secure ARTA’s mandate for almost fifty done a masterful job in managing ARTA’s future and maintain years. As we look back and reflect the delicate, sometimes difficult— ARTA’s course towards more inde- on what changes have occurred but always rewarding—task of pendence and autonomy in our over the last half century, we need balancing and moving forward.

Attention All ARTA Authors: ARTA Book Fair by Ardith Trudzik

Thank you for submitting the titles of books that you have written. (And if you have not done so yet, please do.) The following information is required to include on the website for our book display: the name of your book, a brief description of what your book is about, your mailing address, phone number and the price of your book, so that those wishing to order the book can contact you directly. Please forward a copy of each book you wish to donate for the display to Ardith Trudzik, c/o ARTA, Barnett House, 409, 11010 – 142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1.

A Tribute to a Writer by Ardith Trudzik

Jeannette Evangeline Romaniuk (née Gaumond), born in the French community of Shell River, Saskatchewan, completed much of her secondary education through correspondence. She obtained a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta. Jeanette just loved teaching! After her retirement in 1984, she continued to tutor many children at various levels. Her passion to write about her own life experiences resulted in two books: Bread Upon the Waters and Gathering Roses Among the Thorns (Trafford Publishing). Both books can be found on the ARTA website and will be included in the ARTA book display at Barnett House, or at a Book Fair at branch level celebrations. Copies of each book are available for purchase and can be ordered by contacting the author directly. Jeanette urges retired teachers to devote their skills and energy toward voluntary literacy programs for adults who have not yet mastered the written word.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 5 ARTA’s 50th Anniversary Launch

The ARTA 50th anniversary cel- topped off by a dish of tiramisu, presentation with an invitation ebrations were launched at the was followed by the presentation to retired teachers throughout first annual Recognition Banquet of brass school bells to retiring the province to participate in held on the evening of October 3. board members. one or more activities planned to celebrate the anniversary at the The festivities began with a happy Entertainment was provided by Bill provincial or branch level. hour in the ATA cafeteria. ARTA and Myrna Lasecki who sang three delegates, past presidents, and songs: “The One-Room School,” The evening concluded with the past executive secretaries along a folksong from Newfoundland; screening of a six-minute video with their guests were greeted in “What a Wonderful World,” by Bob produced in recognition of ARTA’s the Barnett House Auditorium, Thiele; and “ARTA and Retired golden jubilee. transformed for the occasion, Teachers’ Tribute,” an original Thanks to the hard work of members by the master of ceremonies for work by NEARTA members. the evening, the CBC’s Mark of the office staff, ARTA Executive, Connolly. ARTA President, Gordon Chuck Rose shared a brief time- Human Resources Committee Cumming, welcomed banquet line of events that led to the and the 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc attendees, and Paul Boisvert formation of the Alberta Retired Committee, the kick-off of ARTA’s delivered a soul-stirring blessing. Teachers’ Association in 1963. anniversary celebrations was a A delectable prime rib dinner, Dean McMullen followed Chuck’s memorable occasion.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 6 News & Views 50th ANNIVERSARY UPDATE by Dean McMullen, 50 th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee Chair

special project will be on display in the ARTA office and will serve as a great reminder of the 50th anniversary commemoration. The Ponoka and District branch is sponsoring the 50th Anniversary Golf Tournament in Ponoka on June 19. This event will be the fourth annual golf tournament and will feature special 50th anniversary touches. A Book Fair will feature the creative works of retired teachers. Let the ARTA office know if you have literary works you would like to have included in this project. A 50th anniversary Volunteer Recognition Program, outlined in detail in this magazine, will recognize many outstanding retired teacher volunteers with a special award. Branches are encouraged to com- pile a brief Branch History that th The ARTA 50 anniversary cel- SO, WHAT IS NEXT? can be featured in future issues of ebrations were launched at the The first membership-wide activ- News & Views. The history should Annual General Meeting ban- th include some significant photos. quet on October 3. Thanks to the ity is the ARTA 50 Anniversary Bonspiel sponsored by the Central hard work of members of the Many branches are planning special East branch on November 16 and Human Resources Committee, the 50th anniversary activities of their 17 in Vermilion. The bonspiel will office staff, the 50th Anniversary own. The committee commends Committee and the ARTA “Remember Floyd Sweet.” Floyd served as the ARTA president for these efforts and will support the Executive the kick-off of ARTA’s branch whenever possible. anniversary celebrations was very three years and as the president successful. of the Canadian Association of More information on all of the Retired Teachers for two years. projects and activities relating to The special touch of the table The Photography Contest is the 50th anniversary can be found centrepieces, the great job done on the ARTA website. Visit this site by CBC’s Mark Connolly as master ongoing. Special recognition and often for all things ARTA. of ceremonies, and the special prizes await winners in the many categories. entertainment provided by Bill and th Myrna Lasecki made this an eve- A Feature Quilt is being cre- LET’S CELEBRATE OUR 50 , ning to be remembered. My thanks ated from the many quilt squares A VERY SIGNIFICANT go out to all. submitted by our members. This MILESTONE IN OUR HISTORY!

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 7 ARTA’s New Benefit Plan Partners: January 1, 2013 by Katie Gates

If you have ever made an invest- teachers and support staff across ment, purchased a home or even the country. booked a flight, you know that • The Alberta School Employee markets can change minute-by- Benefit Plan (ASEBP) and their minute. Sometimes staying ahead partner Alberta Blue Cross (all of the curve means shifting strat- What Does This Change administration, EHC and dental egy to ensure that you are getting claims—including drugs); the most for your money. Mean for You? • SSQ Financial and their partner At ARTA, we have done just that. There will be no change to your AXA Assistance (travel and ARTA’s goal is to ensure our mem- current coverage. Your rates, emergency travel assistance); bers continue to receive the same options and benefit plan provisions and will remain the same. You will great ARTA Health and Wellness • TW Insurance Brokers/The Benefit Plan coverage, rates, enjoy the same great ARTA education and public sector benefits Ontario Teachers’ Insurance Plan benefit options and service, while (OTIP) (for home and auto). protecting the long-term sustain- coverage with more options for ability of our plan. We are shifting managing your overall health and ARTA’s new provider partners to new benefit plan partners effec- wellness. will provide a very good match for tive January 1, 2013, when we The following ARTA Health and ARTA’s current benefit plan partic- will be able to provide you with Wellness Benefit Plan’s new pro- ipants’ needs. There is a schematic more comprehensive and easy- vider partners have an exceptional at the end of this article that sum- to-access service for your benefit depth of understanding of the marizes the changes in partners for needs, while adding some features benefits needs of retirees because the respective services provided to and programs that add even more these providers already provide ARTA and plan participants as of value to the ARTA benefit offering. coverage for active and retired January 1, 2013.

ARTA’s Benefit Services Did you know? and New Features There are more tools coming in the The new ARTA provider partners have some of the most com- first six months of 2013 to support prehensive interactive online benefit service options available all aspects of your health and well- in Canada. You will be able to access your health claims ness. These tools will include the information online, while taking advantage of the improved following: electronic access to information on coverage and new health and wellness tools. Over 90% of health and dental claims • Online Access to Your Benefit Account—Using your ARTA (including vision care and most paramedical claims) will be member login (you need to handled electronically in the new ARTA partner environment. register on the ARTA site), you With the ARTA online member’s portal, you can review all of will have access to your benefit your coverage, plan information and options at any time, from account at all times, allowing anywhere in the world that you have Internet access! you to check your health and travel benefits, and get information about the nearest service

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 8 News & Views provider should you have a travel Whatever your need, more tions to inform about treatment emergency. information will now be at options and symptom manage- • Mobile Access to Claims your fingertips! ment. These libraries supplement Information—You will have • Educational Member Program- the health advice you receive access to details on your health ming—ARTA members will be from your professional health and dental claims using a new able to enjoy highly rated well- care practitioners. mobile application designed by ness education tools. In addition By July 1, 2013, ARTA members ARTA’s new administrator. to tips on diet and exercise, will be able to access this new sup- • Planning Tools for Health and there is lifestyle coaching, which port for health and wellness. Along Wellness—You will have access connects to a fitness expert, with with many new tools and ser- to new tools to manage your dietician or counsellor to help vices to help achieve and maintain individual health and wellness: set personal goals, create an a healthy lifestyle, there is a wealth action plan and then follow-up to ° If you want to better under- of experts and resources available. stand your health care risk support and encourage healthy If you have further questions about factors, there is a general behaviours. these partnership services or need tool, Health Risk Assessment. • Informational Libraries —ARTA’s support in understanding these new There are also more spe- new websites will also be a re- features, please check the ARTA cific tools such as the Heart source for credible information website http://www.albertarta.org Disease Risk Calculator, on health-related information. or telephone our administrator at Stroke Risk Assessment or The medication library provides 1-877-438-4545, or the ARTA Target Cholesterol Calculator. up-to-date information about office at 1-855-212-2400. The ° Use the “Ask an Expert” web- prescriptions from top medical timetable for the introduction of page to get answers to your experts. There is also access to a these services will be published on health and lifestyle questions. library on diseases and condi- the ARTA site in December 2012.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 9 To Hell With the Bell: 2012 by Ron Hitchings

The nineteenth annual To Hell of Red Deer, Alex Weber of Rocky With the Bell golf tournament Mountain House, and Al Rimer of kicked off on September 4th at Red Deer. River Bend Golf Club in Red Deer. Fifty-nine male, retired teach- The low gross winner was Hugh ers from all over central Alberta MacPherson of Red Deer with attended. They were treated to a 74, followed by Phil Boston of excellent weather, a great golf Lacombe. course and superb hospitality. Golfers in attendance were Net winners were Larry Pizzey from Red Deer, Stettler, Rocky of Red Deer with a score of 62, Mountain House, Lacombe, followed by Ross MacEchern of Wetaskiwin, Edmonton and Edmonton, Lawrence Sidebottom Camrose. Hugh McPherson, Low Gross, 74

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 10 News & Views This year we were able to raise Red Deer, River Bend Golf Club, $3,000 for the Alberta Cancer Henry’s Eavestroughing of Red Foundation, which brings the total Deer, Ron Olney (Sun Life) and in the last ten years to approxi- Johnson Inc. mately $21,000. Thanks to all of Our thanks is extended as well the golfers and sponsors who had to the rest of our sponsors who such a great time and were able to help us raise this amount. This very generously donated enough kind of support is encouraging as prizes that every golfer went we may be able to, in some small home with something. way, help to find a cure for this Current members of the tourna- disease. ment committee will be stepping Next year, we will once again down after this year. It has been hold the tournament at River a good run, but after nineteen Bend in Red Deer on Tuesday, years, we need some new blood September 3. We encourage all with some new ideas. male retired teachers to join us Anyone wishing to get on the in such a worthwhile cause and in mailing list and to join us next having such a great time. year should contact Norm We are especially grateful to our McDougall at 403-347-3491 or major sponsors Canwest Travel of Don Taylor at 403-342-5493. Larry Pizzey, Low Net, 62

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 11 Lynne Butler, BA, LLB is a senior Will and Estate Planner for Scotiabank, with an extensive background in elder law in Alberta. Her blog is at www.estatelawcanada.com.

What Do I Need to Know About Tax on My Estate? Lynne Butler

Tax is the area of estate plan- Income Tax to the fact that tax is not paid on ning that many find to be the There are plenty of tax conse- the funds until we take them back most confusing of all. There is quences when a person passes out again. a great temptation simply to away. This is largely because of push all tangled thoughts of Every time we take out a portion the fact that a person’s assets of the funds, we pay the tax on that taxation aside for the accountants are deemed by law to have been to worry about later. However, portion. So if you were to dispose disposed of by the deceased imme- of your entire estate one minute doing so would be bad news for diately before he or she died. those we leave behind. When before you died, and as part of we do not understand how taxes doing so you took all of the money will affect our estates, we leave out of your RRIF, then you would our loved ones holding the bag. have to pay the taxes on all of it. Overlooking taxation is one of the In reality, your estate would pay most common mistakes made by those taxes, even though the per- individuals. son named as the beneficiary of I hope to clarify some of the tax your RRSP or RRIF may not be concepts and rules that are impor- your estate. For example, you could tant to your estate planning. I hope own a RRIF worth $100,000 and you will find that you can apply have designated your son as the what you read here to your own beneficiary of the plan. When you situation. pass away, your son would receive $100,000. Interestingly, it is not Canada does not have a specific the son who pays the tax on that. tax that is levied against beneficia- Let us say the tax on your RRIF ries inheriting under an estate. You will be $30,000. This $30,000 will may leave money to any individual come out of your general estate, in Canada without their having to not out of the RRIF (though if pay tax on it. There is no specific there is not enough in the estate tax on dying either. So, you may be to pay the tax, Canada Revenue wondering why, if there is no inher- Agency might well pursue the son itance tax or death tax, there is so to pay the rest of the tax). much talk about planning ahead to minimize and pay for taxes in an For example, everyone who owns You can defer paying those taxes if estate. an RRSP or RRIF likely knows the beneficiary you designate is that we do not pay tax on the your spouse or a disabled child. If There are two major sources of tax money we put into our plan until you named your spouse as the ben- in an estate. They are income tax we take it back out. In other eficiary of that same $100,000 and capital gains tax. Both of these words, the money is not tax-free: it RRIF, the entire RRIF could roll apply to almost all of us. is tax-deferred. The deferral refers over to your spouse with no tax

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 12 News & Views payable at the time. The tax would property in question is real estate. There is an exception to the rule be further deferred until your Shares of privately owned corpo- that taxes the increase in value of spouse takes money out, or passes rations are also capital property, so land. Your estate does not have to away. business owners need to be aware pay any capital gains tax on your of who will pay this tax. principal residence. This is referred Most of us receive this advice at to as a capital gains exemption. If the bank or from our financial The tax is payable on the increase you have a home and a cabin, or a advisors at the time we first set in value. For example, if you bought home and a rental property, you up our RRSP or RRIF. However, a cabin at the lake for $50,000 can claim the exemption only on I often still see individuals who years ago, and by the time you die one property, that being your usual have named a son or daughter, the cabin is worth $90,000, then place of residence. A husband and especially in a second marriage the value of your property has wife can only have one principal situation, without realizing that gained $40,000. Half of that gain residence between them. the tax bill is going to be footed by is taxable. Your executor would someone else. then have to include $20,000 (half It is worthwhile to sit down with of the gain) on your last tax return an accountant or estate-planning Capital Gains Tax as income. lawyer to make sure that you are aware of all of the possible tax Another tax liability that arises This tax is also payable out of your consequences of your death and when a person passes away is estate. If you leave your cabin to that of your spouse. You also want capital gains tax. This is a tax on your son and the rest of the estate to make sure that you are aware of capital property that has increased to your daughter, the capital gains ways to reduce taxes and to have in value since the day you acquired tax on the cabin comes out of the cash flow available to pay the por- it. For most of us, the capital daughter’s share. tion that cannot be avoided.

When Your Car Conks Out at –30° by Robin Carson

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the off • First aid kit chance that you are stranded in winter. • Fire extinguisher • Always keep your vehicle at least half-full of gas. • Small tool kit or a multi-tool • Dress as if you had to walk to where you are • Extra clothing and footwear going. • Blankets, or a sleeping bag • Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. If you • Non-perishable energy foods such as chocolate become stranded, your car provides shelter, but or granola bars not much else. • Bottled water (Today snow is not fit for • Stay with your vehicle unless it has stopped in a consumption.) dangerous place. • Candles and a small tin can to use as a candle holder Include these items in your survival kit: • Matches or a butane lighter • Snowbrush and ice scraper • Cellphone with a charging cable • Small shovel The candles in your emergency kit will provide at • Sand, rock chips, or other traction aid least some heat in your closed car—as well as light. • Booster cables • Road flares, folding warning triangles or warn- If you do become stranded and you intend to run ing lights your vehicle, make sure the tailpipe is not blocked • Gas-line antifreeze with snow. • A hand-crank flashlight, or a flashlight with Pushing a vehicle is a great way to have a heart reliable batteries attack. If you can, wait for help.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 13 To the Editor: introduced to Canada by Mr. Moy fifty years Regarding the Tai Chi article by Steve Burger in the fall issue, it ago. was an excellent review except Tai Chi is now recognized for the reference to “signing out a medically, and a physi- DVD.” You can’t learn anything of cian has always been a kinaesthetic nature by watching on the Board of the Taoist Tai Chi a DVD. Society. In my case (written up My ‘acquaintance’ with Tai Chi for the National Headquarters in goes back to 1986, shortly after 2000), I would not be able to walk retirement, when about a dozen of if I had not become a constant us met above the bicycle shop on practitioner (again, DVDs are for Whyte Avenue, across from Earl’s the dilettante), beginning over restaurant. twenty-five years ago, since I had Guillane-Barre’s Syndrome (mis- curative. Also, as a society, the The teaching of the Taoist Tai Chi taken for polio) at age twenty-five. Taoist movement lends itself to Society (now the Fung Loy Kok I was paralyzed for ten days and “The Way” and reliance on the Taoist Tai Chi Society) has always in constant pain thereafter, with good work and efforts of the been very good, and the Society, polymyalgia rheumatica by age many. twice a year as part of Taoist seventy-five. outreach, cooks for and feeds up It works. I and hundreds of others to 400 people from the Mustard Since I spent fifteen years as a are proof of well-being there- Seed Church and beyond. There professional physical educator, from—but, you have to work at it! are now thousands of people in including supervision and national Edmonton practicing Tai Chi, level projects, I can verify the Regards, many in the Taoist tradition physical aspects of Tai Chi being Jim Lavers

News & Views Special Issue The 2013 spring issue of News & Views will be a special 50th anniversary issue. We would love to have your input about what it should contain. In addition, we are also looking for original writing, photographs or anything else that you feel might be appropriate for the issue. The deadline for material is January 25, 2013. Contact Robin Carson at [email protected] or send a letter addressed to the ARTA office at 409, 11010–142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1.

ALBERTA RETIREDALBERTA TEACHERS’ RETIRED ASSOCIATIONTEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION News & Views Volume 19,21, No.Volume 32 21, No. 1 14 News & Views 14 What Are We Doing Now?

A Tribute to ARTA’s Anniversary Marilyn Bossert By Marilyn Bossert

Retirement is a time to do what we want, when we want, if we want. My column is designed to share with you stories of how retired teachers are doing just that. —Marilyn Bossert

Bill and Myrna Lasecki’s gift of who lives and loves music. He to substitute, his guitar is with music was instrumental in initiat- plays piano and the saxophone, him. ing the kick-off to the celebration but it is his guitar that is never th At the kick-off banquet, Bill and of ARTA’s 50 anniversary held at far from his side. Although his Myrna Lasecki performed the Barnett House on October 3. major was Physical Education, song composed by the five of them, It all started at the last Christmas he taught many music classes. with Bill on guitar. These are the NEARTA meeting when Paul Even now, when he goes to a school words. Boisvert put forth a call for members to contribute to the 50th anniversary celebration. Bill and Myrna Lasecki took up the challenge, along with Viv Plouffe, Claudette Proulx and Jeanne Robinson. They decided to compose lyrics for a song. The five of them met in September to brain- storm for the ideas and concepts for the lyrics. Myrna polished the final outcome. In the meantime, Bill composed the music. Myrna describes her husband as someone

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 15 ARTA and Retired Teachers’ Tribute Refrain IMPORTANT When you think about your teaching and the students you’ve been reaching Just remember, another best is yet to come. (X2) CONTACTS When you became a teacher You had lofty goals to reach: ARTA You were set to fulfill dreams and change the world. Then realities came at you: 780-822-2400 You were overwhelmed by challenge, Toll-free: You worked twenty-four and seven to succeed 1-855-212-2400 To meet your students’ many needs. You gave all that you could muster, email: Making everything worthwhile when they achieved. [email protected] The next decades kept changing: New curriculum, new methods; News & Views You adapted, you learned and you improved. New initiatives were constant; never time to rest on laurels, [email protected] There was always the latest thing you had to do or And always those new terms would come at you! News and Views (Spoken) Technology, balanced literacy, multiple intelligences, 409, 11010 - 142 Street NW integrated centre-based learning, moral intelligence, learning modalities, Edmonton, AB T5N 1R1 hands-on math, modified curriculum, personal PD, individual education plans, PAT exams, changing modes of evaluation, pillars of accountability, coaching, staff meetings, ATRF parent meetings, committee meetings, supervision (voice trails off tiredly) 780-451-4166 At the heart of all your efforts Toll-free: Were the students touched forever. You planted seeds you know will grow always. 1-800-661-9582 You took the time for listening and you took the time for caring: email: You wanted them to know that you would stay. [email protected] And now your treasured memories of successes you have fostered Still help you feel the value of your days. CPP & OAS Benefits Now retirement is your lifestyle; You’ve found change is still around you, Toll-free: But at your pace, on your own whim each day. 1-800-277-9914 Bells are gone, and so are plan-books, Free from working in the classroom. Just wake up every day to pension pay! Johnson Inc. (Spoken) Supervision is now grandparenting; Service: Meetings—coffee dates and volunteering; 1-877-221-2127 Coaching—yoga, walking, curling, golf; Home and Auto: Art is quilting, woodwork, hobbies; 1-888-739-1209 Field trips—international travel; Busily chasing goals and dreams since classroom work is done, We all pursue our ‘bucket lists’ as time goes marching on. Pension Deposit Dates ARTA’s celebrating fifty (Third last business day of the Years of connecting and supporting. month; early at Christmas) It informs and advocates for us Who enter senior years. November 28 December 20 May retirement life continue March 28 April 26 To be graced by friendly colleagues May 29 June 26 As ARTA carries on to be a strong and vibrant team! July 29 August 28 Final refrain: When we think about retirement, and the teachers ARTA’s reaching, September 26 October 29 Just remember ARTA’s best is yet to come! (repeat)

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 16 News & Views ARTA Office News

Two Items of Note Rockin’ Retirement by Evelyn Morin @ Your ATA Library Did You Receive by Sandra Anderson, BA, MLIS Your New Provider It is a little-known fact that life- Information Letter time members of the ATA can and ID Cards? still access the ATA Library after retirement. Even better, did you If you are a member of the know that the library will send out ARTA Health and Wellness books, videos and articles to you Benefit Plan, you should anywhere in the province free of already have received a charge? And the library will even letter notifying you of the pre-pay the shipping back! How change in ARTA partner cool is that? providers, along with a new Interesting… but what does the ID card for health and travel library have that would be of inter- benefits. Also included are est to retired teachers? Well, if some answers to the most you are curious about the online frequently asked questions world, your ATA Library has books about the ARTA partner and videos about using Facebook, provider changes that will Twitter, Linked In and other Web occur effective January 1, 2.0 web tools. We have materials 2013. on how to get started blogging and podcasting. We have books like If you did not receive your Life after Teaching: Road Map letter from ARTA, go to the To Retirement Happiness, How to ARTA website at: http:// When ARTA members receive new Love Your Retirement, and How to www.albertarta.org or call ARTA cards, the left-hand side Retire Happy, Wild, and Free. We the ARTA service line at of the page shows the name and also have books about the history 1-855-212-2400 to ensure address. This is the receipt for pay- of teaching in Alberta and across we have your most up-to- ment, and may be used for income Canada. You will be surprised by date mailing information. tax purposes. all of the interesting things you can find at your library! It is important that we have ARTA members can pay mem- your address (and email berships online. After making address too!) on file so a payment, select ‘Continue,’ or that you will receive your ‘Submit.’ The screen will then full Welcome Package in show an order number, and indi- December. You will also cate that the transaction was receive further updates in completed. An emailed receipt You can visit the library online at will follow that will show name, 2013 with more informa- http://library.teachers.ab.ca and address, date, order number and tion about the new ARTA browse through the catalogue. But amount paid. health- and benefits-related do not miss our amazing webpages tools and services that you If you do not receive a card and full of links to great websites on will be able to access later receipt from the ARTA office many different topics. Visit http:// in 2013. within two weeks, please contact bit.ly/Rky9qQ to access these the office at 780-822-2400. pages at home.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 17 Diane Britton is a registered dietitian who has worked as a sports nutritionist at the U of A, and who has done contract work for the RCMP, Health Canada, and the Southwest Alberta Child and Family Services. She worked for nine years at the University of Lethbridge, and now works for Alberta Health and the Lethbridge Health and Wellness Centre. The Holidays?

Diane Britton Just weight!

Holiday Survival Tips spritzers, Bloody Marys, or mix (which inevitably happens) and spirits with water or diet pop. begin eating ‘normally’ again, your Holidays are a time to relax and • Drink up! Staying hydrated body is very good at putting energy rejuvenate your energy levels. All helps you to avoid overeating. that it is not used to receiving into too often, the holidays become a Health Canada recommends fat stores. Research shows after time for weight gain as well. Here nine cups (2.25 L) of fluid daily quitting dieting, most people put are some tips to help prevent ‘waisted’ for women and thirteen cups on the weight they lost—plus a calories this holiday season. (3.25 L) of fluid per day for bit more. Why? Because they did • Eat before a party or Christmas men. Focus on water for best not change their ‘normal’ eating dinner. Not eating all day to weight management. habits and lifestyle choices. Weight ‘save up’ for the feast is a sure • Get active! Enjoy winter activi- loss that lasts requires two things: way to overeat. Eat a nutritious ties like skating and skiing. Go permanent changes to the way you breakfast and lunch. Snack in for a walk with family and eat, and physical activity as a part the morning and afternoon on friends. Enjoy indoor activities of your daily life. In order for those vegetables such as carrot sticks such as swimming, badminton, changes to happen, they have to be with dip and fruit such as man- racquetball or shooting hoops enjoyable. Here are some tips to darin oranges. This way you will at a community gym. Make the get you started. arrive at the party or the dinner holidays an active time to visit Eat yogurt. Research at the table pleasantly hungry, but not and have fun with loved ones. University of Tennessee found starving. that people who ate three serv- • Control portions. Take small New Year’s Resolution: ings a day (one serving = 175g) portions of your favorite foods; Stop Dieting! lost 61% more body fat and 81% savor and enjoy them. Be more stomach fat than people who “Lose 10 pounds this week!” We choosy! If you do not love it, did not eat any yogurt. Calcium in have all read it, some have tried leave it. Most people will eat yogurt (and other dairy products) it—and it even worked for a few; all the food in front of them; so, is thought to help burn body fat and but weight always comes back this avoid overfilling your plate. A prevent fat storage–especially on way. Fad diets, celebrity diets, quick good trick for portion control is the belly, hips and thighs. In fact, weight-loss promises do not work to not let any foods touch each research tells us that people who long term and cause the yo-yo effect: other on your plate. eat a low calcium diet have twice the weight loss—weight gain cycle. • Limit alcohol. Packing a the risk of being overweight. New So start this year by not dieting; whopping seven calories per data from Health Canada show and, instead, focus on healthy eating. gram, alcohol is an easy way to most Canadians are not consuming increase calorie intake without When calorie intake is too low, even the minimum recommended even feeling full. Try alternat- your body simply decreases the number of servings of dairy prod- ing alcoholic drinks with a glass amount of energy it burns. The ucts each day, the main source of of water. Drink lower calorie result? A lower metabolism that calcium in a Canadian diet. Is it festive beverages like wine means when you stop dieting a coincidence that the number of

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 18 News & Views obese and overweight adults in and the body does not convert as Get active. It does not take much Canada has reached almost 60%? much energy into fat stores. to boost your metabolism. Health Pass the yogurt please! Canada’s Physical Activity Guide Taste. Savor. Enjoy. When was the recommends thirty to sixty minutes Eat breakfast. An alarming last time you really enjoyed eating? of physical activity a day. You can number of people skip breakfast. With the fast pace of life it is easy add activity up in ten-minute ses- Breakfast skippers are more likely to ‘gobble and go,’ making it even sions. Take a ‘walk break’ instead to be overweight and have a lower easier to overeat. Any extra calo- of a coffee break. You will feel intake of key nutrients like cal- ries from protein, carbohydrates or more energized, and physical activ- cium, fibre and vitamin C. Even a fat that your body cannot use will ity helps your brain focus better. small amount of food counts; cof- be converted into fat stores. Slow Remember, though, to check anything fee alone does not. down and enjoy your food and you strenuous with your doctor. Stay will soon find you are full! Snack smart. Breakfast increases within your limits, but stay active. your metabolism (a good thing) Check your portions. Most food So, stop dieting this year. Healthy and you may find light snacks (fruit, served in restaurants is enough eating means a balanced nutri- vegetables and dairy/soy choices) for two meals. Save some for the tion plan that includes foods you between meals curb your appetite next day or share a meal with a enjoy. Incorporate enjoyable physi- so you can enjoy a smaller meal friend instead of finishing your cal activity into your day. Little and still feel full. Smaller meals plate by yourself. Recommended changes go a long way toward and snacks spread throughout the portions are smaller than most permanent weight loss and better day help boost your metabolism, people think. health.

ARTA Volunteer Recognition Award by Dean McMullen, 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee Chair

A great number of retired teachers provide invaluable volunteer service to their communities and beyond. ARTA believes that these retired teachers deserve special recognition. The 50th anniversary gives ARTA the opportunity to initiate a recognition project for such efforts; and so, a special recognition award is being introduced to do just that. Those retired teachers who provide exceptional volunteer services to their community or beyond their immediate community will be eligible for this award. Where ARTA branches exist, it is the ARTA branch that will select award recipients. Retired teacher volunteers working in areas where there is no ARTA branch can be nominated by ARTA members directly. These nominations should be sent to the ARTA office. A limited number of the 50th Anniversary Outstanding Volunteer Awards will be presented to worthy recipients selected from all of the nominees. The Volunteer Recognition Award Project provides ARTA branches with the opportunity to select worthy recipients for this award. Branches can identify the same number of award recipients as they have eligible voting members representing their branch at the ARTA Annual General Meeting. This project will operate during the 2012–2013 school year so it is important to begin now to identify worthy recipients. Award presentations will be arranged by the branch or in the community where the recipient lives if there is no ARTA branch. This is a significant project, and we hope that both branches and ARTA members will help to identify worthy retired teachers in their communities who have given of their time and energy to provide assistance where it is needed.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 19 Our Next Great Debate by Paul E. Boisvert

“Power is power. It exists of and for itself. And the power to sway the human mind is the greatest and most lethal power of all.” Jack Whyte–The Eagles’ Brood Language has been called the most powerful drug known to humanity. The words we hear and speak distort our points of view and affect our innermost feelings. Consequently, words, either clearly understood or misunderstood, have a greater impact on our lives and relationships than we sometimes want to admit. Words are most poignant when the conversation is centered on either the quality of living or on dying with dignity. There was a time in the not-so- long-ago when we knew that certain illnesses were an absolute death sentence. Upon the receipt of the ‘bad news,’ preparations began for the arrival of that final heartbeat. Generally, the duration of one’s suffering, while perhaps more arduous than it is currently, did not last for a protracted period of time. Death seemed to be more readily accepted as a fact of life. At the present time, the treatment for ailments and afflictions to which we are subject has intensi- fied to the point, where uncon- sciously, we begin to believe and act as if we will live forever. This possibility lies either in the advan- ces made through conventional medicine with its overabundance of drugs or amid the plethora of non-conventional treatments, which cover the spectrum from naturopathic

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 20 News & Views medicine, to Aunt Martha’s chicken to swing open at the slightest way to die with dignity exists. It is soup, to outright quackery! nudge. Over time, is it the ques- also essential that we understand As the senior population grows, the tion of a right or wrong that has that euthanasia, or choosing to end discussion of the dignity of both supported each of these practices one’s life with the assistance of a life and death has become more or legalities, or is it the fact that, trained medical specialist, are, in prevalent among us. As a result of with increased use and familiarity, fact, two very different actions. comes acceptance? such discussions, our cultural belief The discussion of this fundamental systems are being tried in a man- While the intrinsic right to live a topic has been rather limited in ner not experienced previously. life of personal dignity is revered, Alberta. Albertans often seem to Sociologists are quick to remind it is not limited to seniors (approxi- be unwilling or unable to discuss us that our belief systems are, for mately twenty percent of the matters such as these in a pub- the most part, anchored in defined population). We must pause to con- lic forum. The arguments for or religious dogma. The Dalai Lama sider not only what is, but what is against these matters are very states, “Our behaviors are greatly yet to come. The following question much a testimonial of how words different if we believe that humans needs to be asked: is it possible that can incite uncontrolled hysteria. are spiritual beings on a human a vision that embraces new eth- Is it justifiable to believe that journey, or human beings on a ics and social norms—and which those who oppose euthanasia or spiritual journey.” integrates euthanasia and assisted assisted dying will die without Looking closely at the history of dying in medical practices—would dignity while all others who con- Canada over the past 100 years, we greatly alter our acceptance and done such practices are somehow can find numerous examples where understanding of the end of our guaranteed a dignified death? This ‘royal battles’ have been fought life, of dying, of life supports, of ambiguity is very much promoted on matters that are rooted in our medical practices, of the relation- by pro-euthanasia interest groups diverse belief systems. Military ship between patient and doctor, pushing for a rapid political solution conscription, unwed motherhood, and the relationship amongst those steeped in thought subject to great abortion, same-sex marriage and who provide health care in all its emotion. Why has this demand for divorce are just a few such issues. forms? the right to die with dignity arisen? My commentary is not intended to Given the volatility of this discus- One needs to look no further than demonstrate which side of the issue sion, it is absolutely necessary that the rise of therapeutic practices, is correct and justifiable. Rather, it we reflect upon the implications of which are relentless in their com- is to simply admit that each of the our sentiments for our institutions mitment to ‘fight tooth and nail’ for issues mentioned has, in its time, of justice, ethics and societal sup- extending living. A case in point created a significant change in the ports; for, eventually, the legal of such intervention is the Karen general belief system of our nur- justification of a medical practice Ann Quinlan case. Although in an tured Canadian culture. which supports assisted dying will irreversible coma, she was kept Conscription was considered to become common practice by a con- ‘alive’ from 1975 to 1985, when be a divine absolute: war was sensus which may be both socially the courts finally decreed that all fought for God and country equally. acceptable and totally irreversible. forms of life support be removed. Unwed motherhood condemned While universal acceptance is no more possible for this issue than it The strongest voices in our midst the victim to a life of shame, which seem to have reached a consensus often caused the collapse of an has been for the previously mentioned historical cultural changes, that the human right that supports entire family—let alone prejudg- the individual’s right in matters ing forever the innocent newborn. euthanasia, assisted dying and suicide must be dealt with in our time. relating to the quality of one’s life Abortion was sold on the ‘right’ of must be maintained and protected each woman to have total respon- In current reports and other lit- at all costs. Only then can we be sibility for her physical being. erature that supports the right to assured that, when circumstances Same-sex marriage is permitted a dignified death, there are some demand it, we will have the jus- in our country because our courts key words that keep arising and tifiable right to make the final have deemed that this is a matter seem to be used to define the determination of when and how that supports human rights. While same or even different meanings. our life will end. divorce was accepted early in our Euthanasia and assisted dying social structure for very limited (also known as assisted suicide) Where do you stand on these reasons, today the door appears are often presented as if no other matters?

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 21 An Opportunity of a Lifetime by Barbara Olynyk

To retire, or not to retire? That and put the bug in her ear because country, Burundi has joined the was the question I faced in 2005. having a partner would be much East African Economic Union. To What will I do with all the skills more fun. Well that bug began become a member, English had to I had acquired over my thirty-five buzzing! She had received the be adopted as an official language. years of teaching? What a waste to same email and, in time, became not make use of them! Substitute involved with the school project Eight million people live in teaching would be an option. So in Burundi through the sender of Burundi, most of whom belong to retire I did, and life hummed the email, who had established an one of three tribes—Hutus, Tutsies along—a wonderful mix of work, organization (Tanbur African Aid or Twa. Major discord and even play and travel. Society) to get the projects going. genocide has occured between the first two. I decided to accompany my friend But then one day in 2007, an to Burundi for three months instead Safety was a big concern. But interesting email from a fellow of going to Tanzania for one month. I was assured by the Burundian Friendship Force member travel- Tanzania I had knowledge of, but founders of the school that the ling in Africa sparked my interest. where in the world was Burundi? I problems were over and that She said that they desperately had never heard of it! Burundi was safe. Once I came to needed native English-speaking terms with that, it was all signals teachers to help them set up an Burundi is a very small country go: booking flights, applying for a English school in Burundi, and located near the equator, border- visa, getting vaccinations, prepar- to conduct two-week Math and ing Rwanda, Tanzania and Lake ing a Grade One program to teach English workshops for the teachers Tanganyika. The country, known there and then deciding what to in Tanzania. “WOW! ” I thought, “I as the land of a thousand and pack. We knew we would be liv- could do that for one month!” I had one hills, covers an area from ing in a secure house and that the skills, the time, the means, the Vegreville to Spruce Grove and there would be a gardener and a health—and now I had the oppor- then south to Red Deer. In order ‘houseboy.’ All would be provided tunity. So I called a teacher friend to advance the economy of the for us. After packing two suitcases, each with fifty pounds of school supplies, there was little room left for clothes. Mosquito repellent and sunscreen were a must. On the day of departure at the beginning of September 2008, I was off to the airport laden with 100 pounds of checked luggage, a carry-on packed to the max and a ‘purse’ loaded to overflowing. After a tearful goodbye to my husband, children and grandchildren, I flew to London, then Nairobi, and finally to my destination, Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi. My first sense of being on an adventure came when I was in the Nairobi airport. I was distinctly aware that I was the only white

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 22 News & Views person in the room, and it seemed Teaching and learning was by rote. had learned. During ‘read-alouds’ that all eyes were on me. It was my Post-secondary training had been students built both vocabulary and first such experience. There was very poor and did not prepare the general knowledge because their also a distinctly different smell, a teachers for teaching. Because teachers could translate when smell I had come to know as Africa. teachers are so poorly paid (as needed. Both drama and songs When I landed in Bujumbura, I was little as US$60 per month), teach- built comprehension, and toys met by the school founder, so all ing was not a job to aspire to. sent from Edmonton built bridges was well. Our school offered many advan- between our western content and My first sights of Africa—of tages, both to the teachers and the their lives. These were kids just Burundi—left me awestruck! What students: very small classes, much like kids in Canada, but with a an incredibly different world! professional development for the different language and different Bicycles laden with huge loads of teachers, and plentiful supplies, customs—customs that we had the bananas, sacks of charcoal, grass books and equipment, which were privilege of enjoying. for cows, buckets and almost any- sent in a container from Edmonton On weekends, we were often taken thing imaginable shared the road in 2008. They came to know about out to the country to see life outside with vehicles and people. There Canada. St. Maria Goretti Catholic the city, where traditional customs were people everywhere—men School in Edmonton adopted the were more strongly observed. We and women working in fields of school as their social justice proj- saw many little villages joined with rice or vegetables; activity of all ect and became their pen pals and windy, rough roads that either went kinds in the streets—and colour, so sponsors. up a hill, down a hill or around a much colour in people’s dress. The children were amazing and hill; hillsides spotted with shacks When we arrived at our very easily won my heart! How quickly where families lived and worked comfortable gated house, I met they learned! All the children, the rich, reddish-brown soil with the cook and gardener, shared a aged three to six, started with no crude, heavy hoes, growing vegeta- delicious, nutritious supper with English at all, but through a variety bles of all kinds; worn paths up the my friends and then slept and slept of methods, they learned vocabu- hills where people walked to their and slept. lary, letters and sounds. There was shacks, carrying water and other no opportunity for the students staples on their heads; women The school was an old abandoned to get help from home, but we dressed in the traditional bright seminary rented from the Catholic still sent ‘home study’ with them colors of Burundi with babies Church. It required some work so they could practise what they tied to their backs, working in the before we were ready to welcome students on Monday. I was excited to meet the staff, particularly the Grade One teacher I would be men- toring for the next three months. She was very eager to learn, but it was obvious that, though she had taught in an English Montessori School, she would be challenged by the program we would be imple- menting. But learn she did! I am sure she must have felt completely overwhelmed at times, but she per- severed. And work we did! There was so much to do and such a short time to do it all. The teachers were amazed at our stimulating methods of instruc- tion. Education to them meant 70 to 100 students in one class with limited supplies and equipment, sharing a few old textbooks.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 23 world, with a view of the hills of The Republic of Congo to the northwest. I went back again in 2009 for another three months, this time with another teacher friend who implemented the Grade Two program. This time it was easier because I already had my shots, I knew what to do, what to pack, what to expect. It felt like I was going home. This time I enjoyed watching my new partner experience Africa for the first time, and I was very pleasantly surprised to see how much the students had learned from the time I left in November. They grew some more during the three months we spent with them. Participating in an opportunity like this has many perks: a wonderful holiday in a warm, tropical setting; a chance to be pampered making one feel like royalty (wholesome, nutritious, meals cooked for us using natural, locally grown foods; very comfortable lodging; laun- dry and cleaning done; with the added bonus of losing at least ten pounds—it just happens). There are also opportunities to extend your travel to unique places you might not go otherwise. After all, you ARE in Africa. For me it was a visit to Egypt and a safari in Kenya. We never know what life will bring us. I did not wish for this experience: it happened because it was meant to be. I am hoping that reading this article will move you to respond as I did. We are always fields, cooking over braziers, car- engagement. What an incred- looking for volunteers for projects rying loads on their heads or just ible, unique celebration! We also both at the school in Burundi at any sitting in the shade with their laun- attended an anniversary of a time during the school year and dry drying on the grass; barefoot church, a wedding, a funeral and a summer school in July and August, children dressed in tattered shorts baptism, each with its own unique and in Tanzania to deliver math and T-shirts, playing with sticks in customs. Graceful, agile, strong and English workshops at any time the dirt. The men often worked in dancers and drummers performed of the year. If you would like more the city, leaving their families for at most of the celebrations. information, please contact the months at a time. Sunday was a great day to spend TAAS project coordinator, Diana We attended a traditional dowry on the beaches of Lake Tanganyika, McIntyre at [email protected] or party, which celebrated a couple’s the third deepest lake in the at 780-469-4140.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 24 News & Views The members of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association actively support continued learning by funding scholarships and endowments. ARTA provides one scholarship independently and partners with Johnson Inc. to provide a second one.

ARTA–Johnson Scholarship Degree Program The ARTA–JOHNSON SCHOLARSHIPS are made possible by the generosity of Johnson Inc., the Plan Administrator for ARTA’s benefit package. Johnson Inc. provides, through ARTA, scholarships for undergraduate students in the second, third, or fourth year of their first degree and who are related to an ARTA member. These scholarships recognize academic achievement as well as community involvement and volunteer work. Future goals, personal accomplishment and supporting letters of reference are also significant in the determination of scholarship recipients.

ARTA Scholarship Certificate/Diploma Program The ARTA Certificate/Diploma Scholarships are made possible by the generosity of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA). ARTA provides scholarships to students in a certificate or diploma program of two or more years at an accredited post-secondary institution. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, community involvement and volunteer work. Future goals, personal accomplishments and supporting letters of reference are also significant in the overall determination of scholarship recipients.

Scholarship prizes are awarded as follows: 1st place recipient—$2,500.00 2nd place recipient—$1,500.00 3rd place recipient—$1,000.00

Application forms and criteria are available by writing to: ARTA, 409, 11010–142 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5N 2R1 or may be downloaded from ARTA’s website at www.albertarta.org Application deadline: July 31, 2013

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 25 Scholarships, 2012 by Robin Carson

ARTA changed the way it awards This year’s winners were as follows: scholarships to deserving young people in the last year. Scholarships ARTA–Johnson Scholarship Degree Program: are now awarded in two cat- Kelsey Lank, Ponoka $2,500 Sponsor: Frederick Lawrence egories, with three scholarships in each category. The categories are Joshua Iverson, Wainwright $1,500 Sponsor: Stuart Iverson the ARTA–Johnson Scholarship Katelyn Larson, Calgary $1,000 Sponsor: Carolyn McGonigal Degree Program and the ARTA Scholarship Certificate/DiplomaARTA Scholarship Certificate/Diploma Program: Program. Scholarships of $2,500, Danika Watt, Carbon $2,500 Sponsor: Duane Binning $1,500, and $1,000 are awarded in each category. The criteria for It was a real pleasure to have Kelsey Lank join ARTA members at the receiving one of these scholarships AGM luncheon where she was presented with her award and where her are included in this magazine and sponsors were introduced. will be printed in every subsequent issue. The criteria can also be found Sincere congratulations to the scholarship winners and best wishes for on the ARTA website. every success in the years ahead!

I want to thank ARTA for presenting me with such an incredible opportunity to advance my education through the degree program scholarship. As a result of the Association’s generosity I will be one step closer to achiev- ing my future goals. Currently, I am in my third year of post-secondary education in the BSc Environmental Sciences Program at the University of Lethbridge. As a consequence of spending the majority of my childhood outside with my sister, I have always been passionate about the outdoors and nature. I have known the career path that I wanted to pursue from a young age. After completing my degree, my intention is to pursue law school and become an environmental lawyer. In this way I can fulfill my desire to help the world we live in at a professional level and to love my career every day because I will know that I am making a difference. Kelsey Lank

I am a second year Bachelor of Music student at the University of Alberta, studying clarinet performance. I enjoy being an active member of the local arts community and am involved in many performance and teaching activities independently and through the university. In the future, I hope to perform with a symphony orchestra, continue teaching and be a part of outreach programs through music. Thanks to whoever makes this scholarship possible. It is incredibly helpful and I really appreciate it.

Josh Iverson

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 26 News & Views I would like to thank ARTA for selecting me for the ARTA–Johnson Scholarship! I am from Calgary, but I am currently completing my second year in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph. Sport has always been a huge part of my life, and being a member of the women’s varsity volleyball team has increased my desire to pursue sports medicine as a career. After I complete my undergraduate degree, I plan to come back out west to attend medical school and eventually become a doctor of sports medicine. I am looking forward to the next few years of my life and what the future has in store for me down the road!

Katelyn Larson

I am currently in my second year of my Accounting Diploma Program, and will graduate this spring from Lethbridge College. I plan on transferring to Athabasca University, taking Bachelor of Commerce classes part-time, while working full-time in an office environment. I hope to graduate from Athabasca University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting in the next three to five years, at which time I will be able to pursue a designation in Accounting over the following two years. It is always hard to make the decision to go back to school when you could be working full-time and making money instead of going to school full-time and running yourself into debt. Scholarships, such as the ones provided by the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association, support students Danika Watt who otherwise would be looking at a lifetime of paying back student loans. I would like to thank the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association for helping me pursue the education and career that I desire.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 27 Tell Your Story by Lyle Meeres

One Saturday night four of us were want to know about the Great It must be a good story, but Bill chatting, and I noticed just how Depression, for example, they is dead, and I know only the bare often conversation included little would need both kinds of history. bones of Bill’s story. Oral history all stories. The little stories that we Sadly, personal history does not too often perishes with the teller. tell when we are with others have often get the respect it deserves. social benefits, of course. Interest Lori Lansens in Rush Home Road My father-in-law, Bill, was unable perks up when the conversation writes: “She wanted to tell this to get a job during the Depression includes some incident or yarn. man her tale too, for lately she’d so he and three other young men been thinking if she didn’t tell As well as social benefits, many filled freighter canoes with sup- someone, she would die and her stories have educational benefits. plies and headed north from Fort story be lost on the worms and on The big events of history preserve McMurray on the rivers toward the Lord, who already knew.” important knowledge; but the Great Bear Lake, intending to sell ordinary people who live through supplies to prospectors and min- There are good reasons to preserve a major event preserve a differ- ers, and do some prospecting on memories, and telling your story is ent kind of history, one that works their own. As we see today, gold is certainly a way of doing just that. through felt insights. If people particularly valued in tough times. Some memories are essential to

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 28 News & Views the identity of each of us. Some families. We rarely know who or stories increase the understand- what is involved. ing and compassion of those who There are many ways to preserve ARTA learn the tale. In the novel When memories. I treasure an enlarged God Was a Rabbit, Sarah Winman photograph from an exchange Contest 14 writes, “ ‘Memories,’ she said program that took us to a couple’s to me, ‘no matter how small or home in Corfe Castle, England. Congratulations to Ardith inconsequential, are the pages that Our daughter, Wendy, used art to define us.’ ” Trudzik of Edmonton, AB, preserve family history in a mixed who correctly answered Despite this, personal stories media series she called Roots. I the two questions in are often casually disregarded. made a PowerPoint presentation Contest No. 14. Ardith’s However, authors seem to be based on our trip to China. Some prize is a two-night stay at aware. In The Golden Spruce, John people use scrapbooking. the Executive Royal Inn Vaillant quotes Leslie Marmon My preferred method of preserv- and Conference Centre in Silko who says, ing memories is through stories. Calgary, AB. I will tell you something about I worked with “Starting Anew” stories which was an Alberta Regional Answers: Museums network centennial proj- [he said] Question No. 1: ARTA ect to build a collection of stories They aren’t just entertainment. will be celebrating its 50th of immigrants to Central Alberta. Don’t be fooled. Anniversary in 2013. They are all we have, you see, Some stories were taped and tran- all we have to fight off scribed. Some individuals wrote Question No. 2: News & illness and death. their own stories, sometimes with View’s editor’s legal first coaching. name is Robert. (Ed. note: There have been some unusual It’s actually Harry, but ways of preserving memories, as I also worked with residents of Piper Creek Lodge who created Robert is close enough.) we learn in Lisa See’s novel, Snow th Flower and the Secret Fan. A fan a book of stories to mark the 50 ARTA thanks the bearing secret writing, used only anniversary of the Lodge. The goal Executive Royal Inn for by women, is exchanged. In this for each story was not to produce the prize. Thanks as well way, the two women tell the stories a biography, but to tell some inci- to all who entered our of their existence. dent that was meaningful to the resident. Again, some individuals contest. More common was the use of wrote their own stories, sometimes Watch for Contest No. 15 poetry to preserve memories. with coaching. Rather than taping in the spring edition of In The Witch of Babylon, D. J. others, two of us conducted inter- News & Views. McIntosh writes, “Before the views and wrote the stories from advent of writing, information notes. The book is called Golden could only be passed down orally, Hours: Stories from Piper Creek and the raw information that was Lodge. vital for future generations had to be expressed in the most dramatic These were worthwhile, satisfying way possible—through poetry. The projects. Everyone has at least one rhymes and tempo of poetry made favourite personal story: a happy the stories easier to recall.” event, a problem faced, an interesting person met, an occurrence that I tried this. I wrote a poem about taught something, or a moment my mother and her days with that created excitement. It is Alzheimer’s disease. worthwhile to record these events My father once tried to preserve for the sake of family, for history, a bit of family history by writing or to preserve one’s identity. names right on photographs. He The article above is based on a talk was right to try. We now have two and PowerPoint presentation I gave boxes full of pictures from two in Red Deer on August 23, 2011.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 29 “A Marking of Time” on P. 31 is a happy blend of talents. The Worthingtons offer a treat for eye and ear both in their books and in their classes. Keith Worthington Renate Worthington Keith Worthington is a Calgary poet and a Renate Worthington is a charter member of the Bow Valley University of Calgary graduate (BEd, 1971). Calligraphy Guild in Calgary and continues to participate He has authored two collections of poetry: in its projects, exhibitions and publications. Since her first Puffs of Breath (2007) and Poet on a Cargo course in l979, she has studied with many instructors and Plane (2010). In both books, lines and images shared this knowledge with her calligraphy classes. Renate from many of the poems are enhanced by the enjoys making letters not only on paper, but has also worked calligraphy of Keith’s wife Renate. He is cur- on vellum, wood, walls and canvas. Her commissions include rently working on a collection of hockey poems. work for schools, businesses and individual clients.

Corrigenda Two items from the fall issue require correction. Sincere apologies to those concerned. First, Lyle Meeres was the writer of our travel feature, “Rhine River Cruise.” The photographs were also his. Second, in the article, “A Special Relationship: Grandparents and Grandchildren” written by Marilyn Marks, a word changed during the editing process changed the meaning of one of the statements. In the middle column on Page 24, the statement “… denial of access by grandparents to their grandchildren,” should read, “… denial of access of grandparents to their grandchildren.” Again, sincere apologies to Lyle Meeres and to Marilyn Marks for these errors.

News & Views Deadlines 50th Anniversary Issue: January 25, 2013 Summer Issue: April 25, 2013 Fall Issue: July 25, 2013 Winter Issue: October 25, 2013 Your letters and ideas are welcome. Please send them to [email protected]

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 30 News & Views ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 31 In My Opinion by Robin Carson

The Issues of the Issues Robin Carson

In this issue, rather than stating Incidentally, that special issue will material will fit in the magazine. my opinion on a topic, I would like still have the usual material in it, Often, we are sent articles that are to tell you a little about News & such as In Memoriam, our columns, very long, and these must be cut to Views, how to make a submission, and the like. The material from the fit. About 800 words fit on a page— and what happens to material that 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Commit fewer, if there are photographs. So, comes to us. Sometimes, stating tee will be in addition to that. if you were to send us, say, 2,500 a point of view—or even report- words, that would be over three ing on an event—can seem pretty full pages of text. As you know, most daunting; but it really does not of our articles are just a page or two. need to be so. Second, we work on mechanics and First of all, just so you know, expression. The idea here is to re- the N&V staff is tiny. I’m duce the number of words and to the editor, and Vi Oko is make the writer sound better. the assistant editor. That’s Reducing the number of words, it. If there is typing to be simply means weeding out the done, we do it. If there are unnecessary, so that “I’d like emails to be answered, to say that the folding of pa- we do it. The two of us per is important …” becomes, are responsible for both “Folding paper is impor- copyediting and proofread- tant… .” We also quietly correct ing. We take the material we spelling and punctuation, and are given, rework it to fit in the apply Canadian standards to both. magazine, and send it along to Decisions about what to print are our really talented graphic artist often difficult to make. We must at the ATA, Hazel Adair, who actu- abide by legal standards for printed ally makes the magazine itself. When a submission is made to the material, but beyond that, N&V is Jerry Stefanyk, ARTA’s Associate magazine and we decide to print it, pretty much free to print whatever is Executive Director, takes an unof- it gets edited. There are no excep- in the interests of ARTA’s member- ficial look at the final product to tions, even if you add the little note, ship. Are there political consider- assist with proofreading, but that’s “Print this ‘as is’,” which is just ations, or considerations related to the entire staff. not possible, with the exception of our advertisers? Of course there classified advertisements. As well, In the upcoming spring issue, we are, but these are not dealt with we cannot return material to you will be featuring ARTA’s 50th anni- ‘under the table.’ Most of you will after editing so that you can check versary. The material we receive have seen the back-and-forth that it, since there is just not enough for that issue will be passed along time to do so. to the 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee that has a special coor- We editors do two things. The first In My Opinion dinator for anniversary material. of these is to ensure that the continues on page 35.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 32 News & Views In Memoriam Olga Margaret Alexandruk (née School and began her teaching Mary Nell Biollo Doyle passed Topolnisky) of Fort Saskatchewan career in 1938. Tillie began teach- away on September 16 at the age of passed away on June 14, 2012. ing at Shoal Lake School, but 96, after a life dedicated to family, She became an RN at Archer later moved to Edmonton where friends, students, and her Roman Memorial Hospital in Lamont she taught for Edmonton Public Catholic faith. Born on September in 1966, then continued at the Schools. After her retirement in 26, 1915, Mary grew up in Venice, University of Alberta to receive 1974, she continued to work as a Alberta, which her father helped a BSc in Nursing in Teaching and substitute teacher. Tillie was a reli- found and named for his home Supervision. She taught nursing able volunteer and loved painting, province in Italy. She taught school students at the School of Nursing needlepoint and travelling. in Venice and Christie Creek, then in Lamont until 1971. After moved to Edmonton where she receiving an Education Diploma Ethel May Davies passed away in taught for Edmonton Separate from the University of Alberta Calgary on September 1, 2012, at Schools, Sturgeon County and the in 1975, she began a teaching the age of 92. She had a long and County of Leduc. When she retired, career at Rudolph Hennig School rewarding teaching career, begin- Mary enjoyed choral singing, in Fort Saskatchewan. In 1996, ning in Spirit River and ending horseback riding, hiking and cross- she earned a BEd degree. When in Ponoka. She travelled widely country skiing with the Edmonton she retired in 2000, she had taught in her retirement and enjoyed Trekker’s Club, and traveling. She Grades Two to Nine. She had also many years golfing at the Ponoka also spent time living in Victoria been active with a variety of cur- Community Golf Club. and Chemainus, British Columbia. riculum committees and with the Francis Edward Dembicki passed Eleanor Ferguson passed away ATA as an ARA representative, away on May 10, 2012, at the age of in Victoria, British Columbia, on on committees, and as president 96. Born in Mundare, Francis vol- September 13, 2012. Eleanor of the Strathcona ATA Local from unteered for active service during was a high school teacher, and a 1990 to 1992. After having served World War II. He was a high school diaconal minister in the United as a cooperating teacher, following teacher in Fort Saskatchewan until Church. She was an avid reader her retirement she worked in the his retirement in 1979. During his and well-known for always being practicum program in the Faculty retirement, he travelled and was ready to engage in a conversation of Education at the University of an active volunteer. to explore ideas. Alberta. Hendrikje “Henny” Dobyanski, William James “Jim” Ferguson Robert Donald “Don” Biamonte formerly of Dapp, passed away passed away on August 27, 2011, passed away in Edmonton on on August 30, 2012, in Barrhead at the age of 63. After three years September 27, 2012, at the age at the age of 88. She actively at the University of Alberta in the of 80. Don graduated from the worked for the Resistance in the Faculty of Education he spent a University of Alberta in 1959 Netherlands during the Second year teaching in Whitecourt. When with a BEd, then taught English World War, opposing German occu- he completed his degree, he began and was a principal at several pation. In addition, her family hid a 34-year teaching career with St. high schools. He spent most of his a Jewish mother and daughter suc- Albert Protestant Schools where career at Archbishop Macdonald cessfully until the war’s end. After he worked at the elementary, junior High School. Don was also known the war, she moved to Flatbush high, and senior high levels. Jim as an actor, and loved to study and started a family. She began taught with creativity and dedica- Shakespeare and attend the opera. a thirty-year teaching career in tion a wide range of subjects, from He gained most joy from his stu- Westlock that culminated with the math, science, and chemistry, to dents, his friends and his family. position of vice-principal at R. F. physical education, outdoor educa- Tillie Chinneck passed away in Staples School. She was an active tion and work experience. He was Edmonton on July 28, 2012, at the volunteer with the Legion, Meals instrumental in the development age of 92. Tillie was born in Myrnam on Wheels, the Westlock Library of the outdoor education program and moved to Mellowdale in 1925. Board, Victim Services and the in St. Albert and Whitecourt. Jim She graduated from Normal Westlock Museum. also spent six years as a high school

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 33 math evaluator for the Alberta in education at the University of Ministry at Canterbury Court in Distance Learning Centre. Alberta. He and his family moved Edmonton. He approached both teaching to Medicine Hat where he taught Stanley Alfred Oracheski passed and learning with passion, and he Building Construction at Medicine away in Edmonton on August 18, continued to pursue his love of Hat High School and did volunteer 2012, at the age of 84. He was knowledge after his retirement by work. an educator for thirty-five years, focusing on geology. Jim’s love of Margaret Joan Leah of Sherwood and had a passion for running, fish encompassed both the breed- Park passed away on August 21, swimming, skating, cross-country ing of tropical aquarium fish and 2012, at the age of 81. She had skiing, and biking. He participated the catching and releasing of gray- a long and distinguished teach- in several Iron Man Challenges ling and trout in Alberta lakes and ing career with Edmonton Public throughout the years and ran his streams. Schools. Margaret was also an avid last marathon when he was 80. golfer who loved to travel. Sarah Carolina “Lina” Flaig of Monsignor Felix (“Father Fee”) Medicine Hat passed away on Edward Otterson of Edmonton August 31, 2012, at the age of 102. Please note the Calgary passed away on September 9, She was born in Belfast, Ireland, 2012. He was 79. He studied at teachers who have passed immigrating to Canada when she St. Joseph’s Seminary and was was two. She attended Normal away are remembered on ordained a priest in 1948. He re- School in Calgary and began her the CRTA website at ceived a BA, a Diploma of Educa- teaching career in southeastern tion and a BEd from the University Alberta, moving to Medicine Hat calgaryretiredteachers.org of Alberta and an MA in Latin after teaching in several rural Classics from Fordham University schools. Lina operated the Jack in New York. He also studied at Anna Laura MacGregor of Calgary and Jill Kindergarten for fourteen Notre Dame University. In 2011, passed away on October 2, 2012, years before returning to the public the University of Alberta awarded at the age of 91. Anna took the schools as a teacher and a teacher- him an Alumni Honour Award. librarian. She returned to school eight-month teacher preparation program at the Calgary Normal Father Fee spent thirty-four years herself, and earned her BEd in with Edmonton Catholic Schools 1968. Lina received the Children’s School then began teaching in a one-room school near Kinsella. teaching and guiding students at Service Award in 1992 from the St. Joseph, St. Mary and Austin Early Childhood Professional She later attended the University of Calgary where she attained her O’Brien High Schools in Edmonton. Association of Alberta for her work He presided over the Mass and as a volunteer in her church, with degree and subsequently was made principal of Rosemount School. She commencement ceremonies at Girl Guides and with many other Austin O’Brien School for over organizations. retired in 1983 after almost thirty- six years of teaching. During her thirty years. In 2010, Edmonton Edna Jacober-Stern passed away retirement, she was elected coun- Catholic Schools named an ele- on December 23, 2011, at the age of cillor for the Municipal District of mentary/junior high school for him. 87. She was born in Saskatchewan, Big Horn and served four years. He loved theatre and travel but taught for over thirty-five years and attended performances in Amelia “Amy” Nash (née in the Schuler area and in Redcliff. Stratford, New York and London. Edna volunteered for many organi- Werbisky) passed away in zations and continued to do so after Edmonton on August 10, 2012, at Norman Leslie Penner passed she retired. She enjoyed travelling, the age of 83. Born in St. Michael, away on July 30, 2012. He especially cruises. she moved to Edmonton where was born in 1928 in Herbert, she completed her BEd with a Saskatchewan. After teaching in Peter Lawson of Medicine Hat Home Economics specialization various Saskatchewan communi- passed away on March 3, 2012, at in 1950. She taught for four years ties, he moved to Medicine Hat the age of 90. A long-time member in Drumheller before returning in 1966 where he worked as a of MHADRTA, Peter was born in to Edmonton. She also worked teacher and teacher-librarian in Verigin, Saskatchewan. After he for Edmonton Public Libraries. several schools. He and his wife retired from the Air Force at the Amy loved cooking and sewing as operated a flower shop and later end of WWII, having flown con- well as world travels. In her later a bookstore. Norman’s life was voy protection duty, he enrolled years, she was active in the Caring characterized by service to others.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 34 News & Views Gayle Kathleen Penton (née and Air Cadets, Lachlan enjoyed 2007. Vicki loved creative writ- Zimmel) passed away on May 10, reading, gardening, travelling and ing, and has published some of her 2012, at the age of 63. Born in woodworking. poems and stories. Killam and educated in Edmonton, Jean Larine (Schmidt) Taylor Joyce Wiedeman passed away in she moved to Calgary after gradu- (née Selthun) passed away on Edmonton on December 27, 2011, ation. She was a devoted teacher for August 29, 2012, at the age of at the age of 89. Born in Vandura, the Calgary Catholic School District 79. She was born in Avonlea, Saskatchewan, she spent her school for twenty-eight years. After her re- Saskatchewan, and was a civil years in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, tirement from teaching, Gayle worked servant in Edmonton during the and then moved to Ottawa where as a pastoral care volunteer, and war. Jean studied the violin, was she joined the army during WWII. also volunteered in schools. a member of the Edmonton Pops After marrying in 1945, she and Orchestra, and took music at the her husband settled in Schuler, Lachlan Sinclair Phimester Banff School of Fine Arts. She Alberta, where she taught for passed away in Peace River on also studied Home Economics at many years. A volunteer for many August 2, 2012. He was 86. A the Vermilion Agricultural School. organizations, she continued this veteran of both the RCAF and the In 1973, Jean obtained a BEd work after retiring to Medicine Army, he attended the University from the University of Alberta, Hat. Later, she moved to St. Albert of Alberta for a year then com- and began a successful career as a to be near her family. pleted his BEd with summer kindergarten and remedial reading school in Edmonton, and evening M. Joan Zimmerman, long-time teacher. She moved to Victoria in courses in Grande Prairie. He resident of Grande Prairie, passed 2003. also received an MEd in 1970. away on July 30, 2012, at the Lachlan taught at Nampa School, Victoria Vera Wachowich passed age of 76. She was educated in T. A. Norris Jr./Sr. High School, away in Edmonton on September Beaverlodge near where she grew and was principal at Peace River 14, 2012. She was 80. Vicki spent up on a farm. Her initial teacher High School. In 1975, he became her early years in the hamlet of training was taken at the University Assistant Superintendent then Opal, studied Education at the of Alberta where she received her later Superintendent for North University of Alberta, and gradu- BEd in 1978. Over a thirty-year Peace Catholic School Division. ated in 1943. She began teaching teaching career, she taught in After his retirement, he worked in rural Alberta, then taught at Edmonton and in the County of as Superintendent for North Grandin School in Edmonton. Vicki Grande Prairie, but mostly in the Peace Catholic School Division also spent many years in Montreal City of Grande Prairie. Joan was and Spirit River School Division. working for Price Waterhouse very talented in music, artwork, Active in both the Anglican Church before returning to Edmonton in needlework and cooking.

teachers who have passed away. fam ily members, nor do we include In My Opinion First of all, as I mentioned in a details of the death itself. continues from page 32 previous issue, Alberta’s privacy laws prevent us from gaining direct Last, I would invite you to be in is possible on the letters page, for access to sources that might inform touch with me. Little would please example. us of deaths. It is important that me more than to assist you with a piece of writing. You are also wel- We have been trying to run a little branches and individual members send us the names of and relevant come to send a letter to the N&V of our members’ creative work. letters page or to send me a note Magazines used to do that, and I information about those whom we should include in the section. about concerns you might have believe that they still should. Since about the magazine. The N&V N&V is not a literary magazine, Please be aware, though, that this email address is newsandviews@ there is not a lot of room for poems is not an obituary section. The N&V focus is on education and the shaw.ca. Email to that address and stories, but what little there is contribution a deceased member comes directly to me; but you can will be filled with what you send us. has made to it. We will include also contact N&V at the address on A word about In Memoriam, the age, and date and place of death, the table of contents page in the section in which we honour retired but we do not include a list of magazine.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 35 ARTA AGM Highlights 2012

Delegates representing the eigh- previous year. A total of 23,892 ARTA officers, committee chairs, teen ARTA branches (including pensions were paid for an annual branch presidents together with the newest branch—the Heartland payroll of approximately $670 the Executive Director reported on Alberta Retired Teachers’ million. The assets of the Teachers’ Association and branch activities Association), nine standing and Pension Plan for the post-August for the past year. three ad hoc committee chairs, 1992 benefit period presently trustees and liaison appointees, amount to $7.2 billion. The pen- The Communications/Technology ARTA officers and staff, along sion fund had a very positive return Committee reported that the with a handful of observers met of 7.8% in the last fiscal year, redesigned website, which is at Barnett House on October 3 exceeding the benchmark (recently compatible with the new mem- and 4 for the 2012 ARTA Annual lowered from 6.75% to 6.25% due bership database, has been General Meeting (AGM). to continued volatility in the invest- launched. ARTA will use Fluid ment market) by 1.5%. As a result Surveys rather than Survey Gordon Cumming, Juanita Knight of negative market extremes over Monkey to conduct surveys in and Paul Demers were re-elected the past dozen years and the fact the future because it meets all to their respective positions of that retired teachers are drawing of the required privacy regula- president, vice-president and a pension for a greater number of tions. Instead of supplying laptops treasurer. years, an increase in the contribu- to all members of the Board of The Alberta Teachers’ Retirement tion rate is required to ensure that Directors, ARTA is now providing Fund (ATRF) CEO reported current benefits are being funded. an $800 grant, amortized at a rate that the number of new pensions Contribution rates will increase of 50% per year over a four-year (1,234) that commenced in the over the next three years before term, to cover the purchase of year ending August 31, 2012, beginning to decrease in 2015 as hardware, software and Internet increased substantially from the earlier deficiencies are recouped. virus protection.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 36 News & Views The workload of the Health and effective January 1, 2013, for marketing efforts on that particu- Wellness Benefits Committeeadministration and claims services. lar sector. increased dramatically as the year Elder care has been added to the Trustees of the ARTA Health and unfolded. Committee members extended health care option and Wellness Benefit Plan reported that were very busy dealing with issues registered social workers and those the Trust Fund has reserve funds in related to consulting services, mar- with a Masters of Social Work excess of four million dollars. keting and data reporting. ARTA degree are now included under enlisted the services of Perry paramedical coverage, all for no Wordsmithing changes were made Dorgan, formerly with Johnson Inc. additional cost to the policyholder. to several bylaws. A bylaw was but now with Aon Hewitt, as an The ARTA Benefit Plan grew by added authorizing the ARTA Board independent consultant. With the 16.2% last year. Enrollment in the of Directors to enter into an agree- separation of consulting services education sector is projected to ment with the Alberta Teachers’ from Johnson Inc., it was neces- accelerate in the coming year as Association (ATA) to formally rec- sary to negotiate a new contract, a result of the increased focus of ognize ARTA as a Special Retired

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 37 Teachers’ Local of the ATA. A sec- will follow up with a comprehen- become an annual event. ARTA’s ond new bylaw enables the Board sive review later in the year. The 50th anniversary celebrations were of Directors as well as committees office renovation and expansion launched at the event as well. to conduct meetings using elec- resulted in a greatly improved tronic media. visual image and working environ- In an effort to develop a greater ment. Additional staff were hired understanding of how ARTA can A branch pension representatives to provide financial, word process- effectively advocate on behalf workshop, to be held at a future ing, and administrative support of its members, the Strategic date, will include presentations services. A two-day off-site retreat Planning Committee arranged for from the ATA, ATRF, and, hopefully, for office staff has been approved an advocacy/lobbying presenta- the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) in an effort to encourage ongoing tion last November. At the retreat and Old Age Security (OAS). professional development. The in February involving board and The Human Resources Committee Recognition Banquet, held the committee members, it soon conducted a six-month evaluation first evening of the AGM to honour became apparent that there is a of the new Executive Director and retiring board members, will now lack of understanding of the role

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 38 News & Views of various committees and their reporting and detailed information bonspiel, photography contest, contribution to the organization. that will allow for greater accu- book fair, volunteer recognition Based on the retreat report, a stra- racy in budget projections. ARTA award program and a kick-off ban- tegic plan will be developed and revenue amounted to $1,078,890 quet have been planned. presented to board members for while disbursements totalled The ARTA liaison to the Canadian their consideration. The first Joint $1,164,017, resulting in a deficit Association of Retired Teachers Strategic Planning Committee of $85,127 for the fiscal year outlined concerns regarding retire- and Committee Chair Meeting, ending June 30, 2012. Current ment income security, shortcomings implemented to help improve association unrestricted net assets of the Canadian health care system communication and facilitate the equal $262,028. The operational and the negative impact of sharing of committee activities, budget for next year is expected to Canadian-European trade agree- was held early in May with a sec- reach $1.5 million. ments. An ARTA representative ond one scheduled for mid-October. associated with Public Interest As a result committee meetings Members of the Wellness Ad Hoc Alberta (PIA) made AGM partici- were clustered, which allowed for Committee attended conferences pants aware of the various PIA more effective use of time and relating to seniors issues for the initiatives and actions undertaken resources, and the duplication of purpose of gathering resources on behalf of Alberta seniors in the activities was rectified. and compiling a list of presenters. A sponsorship grant was made past year. The ARTA liaison to the The thrust of the work of the available to branches that wished ATA Educational Trust Board of Membership/Marketing Committee to organize a wellness event. Trustees reported that a total of was to determine ways to make $100,000 in bursaries and project ARTA more visible and irresistible The Charitable Foundation Ad Hoc and conference grants were to both active teachers and new Committee has registered the Al- awarded to Alberta teachers last retirees. Committee initiatives for berta Retired Teachers Foundation year. ARTA makes a $2,000 dona- the upcoming year include devel- as a non-profit society. The Founda- tion to the Trust annually. oping a marketing plan, promoting tion needs to achieve charitable sta- Over sixty retired teachers contrib- ARTA at ARA conferences and tus before it can become a reality. uted countless hours to the work of liaising with other seniors advo- The 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc the Association provincially while cacy groups. Committee was formed to initiate many more provided services to Recently acquired, state-of-the-art activities to commemorate this fellow retirees at the branch level. accounting software will provide significant milestone in ARTA’s his- Retired teachers in Alberta are better tracking of expenses, timely tory. An anniversary quilt, curling being well served indeed!

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 19,21, No. 32 News & Views 39 CUBA—‘Spanish Studies in Cuba’ (Havana), $2,500.00 Can. for 4 wks. Hotel with breakfast and dinner, tuition The deadline for classified advertising for the fee. (Air fare not included). 250‑478‑0494 [email protected] next issue of News and Views is January 25, 2013

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA. For your next trip to the land of the sun, consider renting one of our condos. Pictures and prices available at www.29desertsunescape.com; or email [email protected] for information or call Kathy 519‑720‑0267 (Ontario).

Kelowna B.C. 2 weeks time share per year in March in Kelowna or trade these weeks for anywhere in the world. Good till 2023. Phone 780-929-7269. $1,400.00

Timeshare for Sale: Royal Resorts Royalty Gold Club – Access properties in North America, Asia, th Europe, Australia, India and RCI. 2 bedroom, ARTA 50 Anniversary 165 points, annual use, red season. RTU 2029. For Photography Contest more information, call 780‑637‑1234.

Do you “snowbird” or travel extensively As part of the celebrations commemorating ARTA’s 50th anniversary, in the USA? ARTA is holding a photography contest Would you like the advantage of discounts and open to all regular and associate savings on food, travel, and shopping while you members. enjoy the sunshine? For more details, contest rules and an Check out the membership benefits of the American official entry form, visit our website at www.albertarta.org Association of Retired People (AARP) at www. AARP.org/aarpsavings or call 1-800-308-7937.

London Drugs is pleased to offer to ARTA members Special Pricing for ARTA a discount on computers, monitors, printers and scanners. London Drugs carries a wide variety of ARTA members can receive a discount on brands such as Apple, ASUS, Certified Data, Hewlett personal computer purchases made through Packard, Panasonic, Toshiba and Sony. London Drugs' Computer Departments. When a quote is created it shall be calculated at Come in and speak to a londondrugs.com Computer Specialist today! our vendor preferred pricing on the hardware listed above (or in the event that a sale price is offered lower, the lower of the two will always be charged). Please see the Computer Department Manager or Assistant Manager to obtain this special pricing. This offer is available at any of the London Drug stores in Alberta. This discount offer will end June 30, 2013 – at which time it will be evaluated and possibly extended.

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Volume 21, No. 2 40 News & Views JustJust forfor You...You...

Seniors Menu & Weekly Promotions www.albertsfamilyrestaurants.com Canadian Publication Agreement #40033998 Real People. Passionate Service. TW is proud to partner with ARTA to offer its members preferred rates for auto and home insurance. With over 90 years’ experience in Alberta, our competent and friendly staff ensure the coverage you have is also the coverage you need. We are real people, offering real value, with the goal to exceed all of your expectations.

Request a quote online at www.twinsurance.ca/ARTA or call us at 1.855.TW4.ARTA.

Gloria C., CAIB Branch Operations Manager