Winter 2013
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**Special offer is valid on new bookings only made from 12/1/13 - 1/12/14 for travel from 5/1/14 - 4/30/15. 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 unless otherwise indicated. Other restrictions may apply. *Land only, per person, double occupancy. Also applies to Special Offer rate. Special Offer rate includes ARTA member benefit and is not combinable with any other offer. Travel Industry Council of Ontario Reg#3206405 BC Reg#23337 For more information, contact your local agent or call Collette Vacations at 855.694.8687 and mention promo code CAS0-AX1-918. Or visit www.collettevacations.ca The Magazine of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association
Winter 2013 Vol. 22:2
news & views Table of Contents Editor Robin Carson President’s Assistant Editors Columns From the Branches Vi Oko 5 Message Bev Sawyer Second Wind Executive Comm/Tech 6 2013 Graphic Designer Director’s Report 23 Hazel Adair 7 What Are We Doing Now? PDARTA ARTA Liaison Letters to the 10 Jerry Stefanyk 8 Editor 39 Workshop Perry Dorgan Printing news & views 14 NEARTA Central Web and Privacy 8 Diane Britton 41 Celebrates Its news & views is published 22 Volunteer Award four times a year by the In My Opinion Winners Alberta Retired Teachers’ 9 Lynne Butler Association (ARTA). 26 Contributions to In Memoriam ERTA Gala th news & views 17 50 Anniversary 44 are welcome. They may be sent to Information 409, 11010–142 Street NW, History of PARTA Articles Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1 Office 28 or email Information Waiting for the [email protected]. 2 History of CDRTA 29 Second Shoe to 4 Deadline for submissions Contests Drop for the spring issue is 3 History of FRTA January 25, 2014. 30 2014 Photo History of AGM Highlights Tel.: 780‑822‑2400; Contest 12 Alberta only: 37 32 NEARTA 1‑855‑212‑2400; Classified History of Elections at the fax: 1‑780‑447‑0613; AGM email: [email protected]; 44 Advertisements 34 NWARTA 13 website: www.arta.net 50th Anniversary Travel Scholarship Return undeliverable 36 Wrap-Up Report 23 Information Canadian addresses to 409, 11010–142 Street NW, Nubian Temples ARTA Gala Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1 18 38 24 Scholarships Features Vacation Supply 27 of Medication AXA Assistance: 4 Waiting 7 Foundations 40 A Friend in Need for the Grandpa and Second Prescription 42 the Glacier Shoe 14 Drugs to Drop in Alberta ARTA Launches 43 Facebook news & views Deadlines Spring Issue: January 25, 2014 ARTA Office News Summer Issue: April 25, 2014 Autumn Issue: July 25, 2014 Winter Issue: Holiday Hours October 25, 2014 Your letters and ARTA (1-855-212-2400) ideas are welcome. Please send them to Closed 12:00 pm December 24, 2013, to January 2, 2014 [email protected] We will have limited access to email and voicemail during the holidays, but will do our best to respond to any urgent matters in a timely fashion. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ASEBP (1-855-444-2782) Early closure (at 1:00 pm) December 24, 2013 ARTA 780-822-2400 Closed December 25, 26 and 27, 2013 Toll-free: Early closure (at 1:00 pm) December 31, 2013 1-855-212-2400 Email: Closed January 1, 2014 [email protected]
news & views AXA Assistance can be reached for travel emergencies 24 hours a day, [email protected] or every day during the holiday season. news & views 409, 11010–142 Street NW 1-888-W996-9003 (from Canada/United States) Edmonton, AB T5N 1R1 1-514-285-0142 (collect from any other country)
ATRF 780-451-4166 Toll-free: 1-800-661-9582 Email: [email protected]
CPP & OAS Benefits Toll-free: 1-800-277-9914
ASEBP Claims: 1-855-444-2782
TW Insurance (Home and Auto) 1-855-894-2782
Pension Deposit Dates (Third last business day of the month; early at Christmas) Dec. 20 Jan. 29 Feb. 26 March 27 April 28 May 28 June 26 July 29 Aug. 27 Sept. 26 Oct. 29 Nov. 26
2 Winter 2013 Contests by Chyrisse Dekker
Thank you to all who We’re happy to announce that the ARTA Member Benefits Account is now available to all ARTA entered Contest 17. We Retiree Benefits Plan members. Through our partnership with the Alberta School Employee Benefit apologize, but because of Plan (ASEBP), we are proud to be able to offer this online resource that will allow you to manage a late draw, the names of many features of your benefits plan at your own convenience. the winners of that contest With the online ARTA Member Benefits Account, you can: will be given in the spring • View your extended health and dental care claims history issue of news & views. (for claims paid on or after January 1, 2013) • View your benefit coverage information • Request ARTA Benefits ID cards, or print your own Contest 18 • Manage your personal information, including your mailing address, phone number and banking Once again, TW Insurance information has generously donated • Access reliable health information and e-services, such as health risk assessments, via Apple-a-Day, through a partnership with ASEBP and Organizational Health Inc. two $50 gift cards for the
How to register two winners of Contest 18. 1. Visit www.arta.net Answer the two questions 2. Click on the ARTA Member Benefits Account icon, located under Featured Sections on the below correctly. Submit homepage. The icon looks like this your correct answers to ARTA before the deadline date of January 20, 2014. 3. This will open a new browser window with a login and registration page. 4. Click on the registration button and you will be walked through the process of signing up for an 1. Which of ARTA’s four account. plan options offer travel insurance? If you have difficulty registering or have questions about the ARTA Member Benefits Account, please contact an ARTA Benefit Plan Coordinator at 780-989-8709 in the Edmonton area, or toll-free at 2. When was Alberta 1-855-444-ARTA (2782). You may also contact an ARTA Benefit Plan Coordinator by email at [email protected], or visit ASEBP’s office Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. established as a province?
Mail your answers to: ARTA Contest #18, Contact news & views: 409, 11010–142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1 To change your mailing address, call Jerry Stefanyk at 780‑822‑2400 or The contest officially (toll-free) 1-855-212-2400 closes January 31, 2014, General information: [email protected] at 4:00 pm. The contest is Editor: Robin Carson [email protected] (not advertising) open to all ARTA members Advertising: Call Jerry Stefanyk at 780-822-2400 or (toll-free) in good standing, both 1-855-212-2400 regular and affiliate. Submissions of letters, articles and pictures are always welcome at Entries received after the news & views. We also consider poetry and very short stories. Articles closing date and time will should be no more than 1100 words, and are appreciated by email in doc, docx and rtf formats only. You may also send a hardcopy of your article to not be considered. The news & views, Room 409, 11010–142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1. decision of the judges is Please expect that your work will be edited both for length and mechanics. final. Email entries are not Please submit your material to [email protected], or to considered. [email protected]
Winter 2013 3 Waiting for the Second Shoe to Drop by Noel Somerville Chair, Seniors Task Force, Public Interest Alberta
The first shoe fell with the by leaks from government healthy and out of March 2013 provincial budget that the new plan will not hospital, it also ignores announcement that the Seniors be introduced on January 1, the fact that prescription Drug Plan would be terminated 2014, but there is no indication medications are an integral part and replaced with a means-tested of when the new plan will be of our health care system as pharmacare plan on January 1, implemented. essential to population health as 2014. This occurred despite the The government’s rationale for doctors and hospitals. government’s categorical, pre- dropping the Seniors’ Drug Plan The Seniors Task Force of Public election assurances that the is that some seniors can afford to Interest Alberta recently adopted Seniors Drug Plan would not be cover their own drug costs, and a position paper on Pharmacare touched. taxpayer dollars should be used to that is available on the PIA It was also announced that cover only the poor. That ‘ability website (www.pialberta.org). this change would save the to pay’ principle is the one that It points out that, of all the government $180 million. Canadians rejected in our Medicare countries with universal, single- However, when the government system and in the Canada Health payer health care systems, cuts its costs, it actually transfers Act. We said that medical care Canada is the only one that does these costs. In this instance, the should be available on the basis not include comprehensive costs are not being transferred of need, not ability to pay. prescription drug coverage. to all seniors, only to those who Abandonment of that principle The paper also points out require prescription drugs. is the reason why income-based that in Canada, we pay 30% It was suggested that the plans, like the BC model, do more for pharmaceuticals than new plan would be based on not work. So many people, the average for other OECD BC’s income-based model that particularly seniors, no longer countries. This is so largely applies to all BC residents, able to afford the medications because we do not utilize the not just seniors, and has they require to stay healthy, end advantage a single-payer system been in existence for the past up costing the health care system has to become a single bulk- decade. This model makes the more than the savings on drugs. buyer when dealing with the government the last payer, and This is not surprising when one drug manufacturers. Research provides coverage only after considers that, in the population done by the Canadian Centre the patient has already spent at large, 80% of prescription for Policy Alternatives has a fixed percentage of their ‘net drugs are taken by 20% of the shown that if Canada were to income’ on prescription drugs. population. However, in the over- adopt Universal Pharmacare, That percentage can be 0%, 1%, 65 age group, the proportion it could realize savings of up 2%, 3% or 4% of net income, dependent on medications to to $10.7 billion on total drug depending on the patient’s stay healthy must be well in expenditures. income level. excess of 90%. Further, for many At its recent convention, the It was further announced that seniors, this dependence comes Canadian Medical Association the specific details of the Alberta at the same time that they or called for a National Strategy on plan would be announced in their spouse lose the prescription Seniors Care. To be economically due course; but since then, we coverage they had through their viable, such a strategy needs have heard nothing. Speculation working lives. to focus on high quality home is that, to avoid the expected By abandoning the Seniors’ and facility care, and on an backlash, the plan will be kept Drug Plan and replacing it affordable, accessible and under wraps until after Premier with an income-based plan, the universal pharmacare plan. Redford’s leadership review at government is not only ignoring Perhaps the Alberta government the November PC convention. the crucial role that prescription needs to re-think its position before This speculation is reinforced drugs play in keeping seniors dropping the second shoe.
4 Winter 2013 Greetings from the President
Future Shade by Gordon Cumming
celebration and was to create an ongoing “A society grows great when old men plant trees legacy for the organization. There was the whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” quilting and curling, the golf and ARTA —Greek Proverb authors, the photography and the ARTA outstanding volunteer awards. All were great projects; however, the awards If you will indulge me one more time, particularly moved me, because they allowed I would like to take this annual opportunity branches and members at large to acknowledge to reflect on the past year, and then attempt to the commitment and dedication of those who be ARTA’s Nostradamus for the year ahead. have made a difference. Each one of the fifty Personally, I find hindsight the easier of the awards presented had a unique and moving two activities. story of a fellow retiree who daily impacts their The Annual General Meeting ‘community and beyond.’ in October concluded our 50th I had the honor of presenting the anniversary celebrations, For most retirees, six Calgary awards. Their contributions provide an example and certainly it has been an the desire to outstanding year. From an ‘‘ of service and commitment contribute and organizational perspective we have recognized across the province. built our capacity to meet the engage in a Accomplishments included needs and expectations of our productive lifestyle community activism, leadership on rapidly growing membership. We serves not only ARTA and CRTA boards and have achieved this by improving committees; nurturing folk music the needs of facilities and technology, and and musicians; being a ‘White expanding our staff complement to family, friends and Hatter,’ goodwill and parish meet the demand. Similarly, community, but ‘‘ volunteer, and mentor to grieving committees are coming of age and also their own best children; demonstrating leadership expanding and extending their in ‘Optimist’ endeavors, including interests. mandates. concerts, hampers, ‘Women in If there is a central theme that Need’ and band competitions, pervades the organization, it is Master Gardener at the Calgary a thrust to foster ‘Active Aging.’ For all of us, Zoo; establishing a lifetime involvement and a aging is inevitable. However, for most retirees, legacy of commitment to the homeless the desire to contribute and engage in a orphans of Brazil; fifty years of Science Fair productive lifestyle serves not only the needs of leadership at the local and national level; and family, friends and community, but also their leadership in Rotary ‘Stay in School’ and own best interests. The past year demonstrates ‘Student Programs.’ that this aspiration has been strongly Fifty awards barely scratches the surface of mentored by the work of ARTA’s committees. recognizing the contributions of our members; A particular acknowledgement has to go to however, ARTA, through the Human Resources the 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee, that Committee, will continue this initiative; and, understood its mandate went beyond mere collectively, we will continue to have the
Winter 2013 5 opportunity to celebrate the difference we make in our communities. We concluded the Comm/Tech celebrations with a gala on the first night of the AGM. As well as being feasted and Free Virus Protection for Windows entertained, it gave us the by Larry Wyatt opportunity to acknowledge the ‘human’ dimension of our Antivirus software provides an essential layer of protection organization. ARTA thrives from a multitude of virus, trojan, worm, spyware and today because of the vision adware infections. There are a number of good, free virus and dedication of past leaders protection programs that anyone can make use of just by and representatives, and it going to a trusted website and downloading them. was a pleasure to recognize The ones listed below seem to do the job well, so choice them. comes down to a matter of personal preference. I have used The AGM also saw the AVG for years, and have never been disappointed with it. passing of the torch. We made The makers introduce you to their free version, let you use presentations to, and had the it for a year, and then ask you to buy the enhanced version. opportunity to thank, departing McAfee seems to be everywhere these days, attempting committee chairs and branch to have you to install their product for free. I have not had presidents for their contribution much experience with the program, since I only used it for and leadership over the past a few weeks before I moved to the Microsoft program. years. What followed were Microsoft Security Essentials is the application that I strongly contested elections for currently use, and I have been very satisfied with it. I have open committee membership installed it on my Windows 7 laptop, my Windows XP positions. Special thanks to laptop and our Windows XP Desktop computer. It was easy Marlene Reddikopp, Juanita to install and has kept our computers virus-free. Knight and Paul Demers who There are many antivirus programs available on the will continue their roles as Internet, and they all provide the protection that you need. ARTA officers. ARTA has been It appears to be up to the individual to decide which one is and will continue to be well best for them. served. Although I have not discussed programs that are The road ahead … We designed to protect Apple computers, there are versions will respond to and meet designed specifically for them. While Apple malware is the challenges that come rare, it is not unknown, so Mac users might want to out of changes to the seniors research what is available. pharmaceutical plan. We will examine and amend Sources of Anti-virus Software for Windows Computers our current configuration to better utilize our resources AVG Free Antivirus http://free.avg.com/ca-en/homepage as well as reflect priorities McAfee Antivirus home.mcafee.com/AntiVirus of the organization. We will Plus continue to anticipate and be relevant to the needs of our Microsoft Security http://windows.microsoft.com/ membership. ARTA will be an Essentials en-CA/windows/ articulate leader in addressing security-essentials-download issues along with the needs of Avast Free Antivirus http://www.avast.com/en-ca/index seniors and retirees. Thanks for your support. Panda Cloud http://www.cloudantivirus.com/ I look forward to continuing Antivirus en/#!/free-antivirus-download to serve in 2013/14.
6 Winter 2013 Executive Director’s Report
Foundations by Daniel Mulloy
to work with dedicated professionals who have “Living life.. is like building a house, you been steadfast pioneers in building this great have to have a solid foundation before you province, and who have assisted in developing begin to build or your whole structure will its supporting programs. ARTA is composed of come tumbling down.” talented retirees who have paid their fair due, —Rashida Rowe built the communities in which they reside, lobbied for fair programs for the sick and for the less fortunate, and have been fundamental As most of you are aware by now, on in building the solid foundations of Alberta March 7, the Government of Alberta society. What this current government is announced its 2013 budget. In that budget, doing to our seniors is chipping away at that one of the most significant changes brought very foundation, and a house with a failing forth was the announcement of a new foundation will most certainly fall. PharmaCare program to be implemented ARTA has made its position on Pharmacare January 1, 2014. According to the budget known, and we have delivered our objections documents, the new program will be income- and concerns to the Minister of Health and to based and will replace, with a single plan, leaders of the opposition parties in Alberta. We about a dozen existing government-sponsored believe that a government proposing a health drug-benefit programs. The one change that care system that turns its back on seniors is not affects our members most is the replacement of in the best interest of any Albertan. We have the current drug plan for seniors. let them know that the proposed saving of It has also been announced that the new 180 million dollars will pale in comparison to program will likely be similar to British the increased hospital stays, long care-facility Columbia’s Fair PharmaCare Plan. Because enrollments and overall costs that will be that program is structured on income-based realized with increased health and social issues deductibles, the potential of a like program directly related to the implementation of the affecting our members who have fixed incomes, proposed program. take prescription drugs and who are already in I do not ordinarily take a stance on political need of medical attention for various age- issues, but this is not just a political issue—this related conditions and advanced stages of is an issue of respect. I for one do not understand disease is great. In my opinion, in its essence, how members of the Alberta government could the new program is a tax on the sick and aging. live with themselves by so blatantly disregarding While we wait for more information on the what seniors have meant to Alberta. structure of the new Pharmacare program, it I hope that they take the time to re-evaluate occurred to me that what the current government their position on Pharmacare. The current is doing to our members and to seniors across government not only needs to look at ensuring Alberta may well be compromising the that fair health care is available to everyone, foundation of trust and equity in health care but more importantly, also needs to pay that has taken decades to build. respect to those who have taught, built, and In my time with the Alberta Retired crafted the foundation of Alberta that makes it Teachers’ Association, I have been privileged the best place on earth to live.
Winter 2013 7 Letters
Editor, news & views to the Editor 409, 11010–142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1 Email [email protected]
Albertan and curtail our love gains. It is difficult for me to see To the editor: affair with carbon fuels, which the benefits for Albertans of this Kudos to Robin Carson for his have accounted for so much of practice. ‘Doom ‘n’ Gloom’ article. It is the Alberta story. But our Ma Nature’s patience seems to easier to focus on the delights of children and our grandchildren be wearing thin in all the ways white grapefruit than to belong to the future, and we do Robin outlined in his editorial, acknowledge the situation we have some small influence and and she is now speaking to us humans are creating for a somewhat larger responsibility in a language that causes us to ourselves. According to Global to do what we can to leave them take notice. Are we truly strong News (Aug 20, 2013) “Worldwide a healthy environment with clean enough to take the necessary costs of natural disasters have air and water. And I also cannot steps through actions dictated increased steadily from an help but notice that, alongside by our minds, hearts, and annual average of losses of the immense environmental wallets, or do we still prefer to $25 million in the 1980s to destruction caused by the focus our attention on $130 billion in the 2000(s).” tarsands extraction that will preference of white or red In all things doomy and undoubtedly riddle Albertans in grapefruit? Perhaps the recent gloomy, I prefer to look at particular and Canadians in election of solid, caring mayors causes and seek prevention general with huge externalized will be the catalyst for change rather than to focus on raising costs in health care alone— away from doom and gloom. funds for cures. It is indeed along with all this, the Alberta difficult to be, or have been, an treasury is not reporting huge Ev Abell
n&v and Privacy by Robin Carson, Editor You will notice that in this issue, there are very few photographs in which individuals can be recognized. The article on the 50th Anniversary Gala, for example, contains no candid photographs. The reason is that we are now bound by the ARTA Privacy Policy, itself a product of provincial privacy legislation, that does not permit disclosure of personal information without express permission. A picture in which you are identifiable is personal information. This policy will have at least two results. First of all, you will be asked for your permission to publish your picture. At the branch level, if you will be photographing an event and want, say, pictures of the winners of a golf tournament to be published, we must have permission from each person in the picture who can be identified. At large events, you might find a disclaimer by way of a sign or an announcement that photographs are being taken. The second result is that where n&v does not have permission to publish, we cannot publish. That is the reason for the lack of candid photographs in this issue. This is not the fault of ARTA, but of Alberta legislation. So, in the future, don’t be surprised to have someone ask you to release your likeness when your photo has been taken. You always have a choice, but we would love to share your ARTA experience with others.
8 Winter 2013 In My Opinion A Difficult Choice by Robin Carson
For some time now, news & views staff nature of the information, we have tried to and the Communications and Technology include community involvement of the person, Committee have struggled with the problem of as well as significant awards. As a result, the how best to acknowledge the deaths of ARTA entries on the In Memoriam pages range from members and teachers who have provided a brief line to several paragraphs. great service to Alberta. It is a problem that After considerable discussion over the last has several aspects that have led us to the year, we have decided to move to the model format that you will find beginning in this used by PostScript, the magazine for retired issue. teachers in British Columbia. This is the format The first part of the that you will find in this issue problem is one I have of news & views. We are aware addressed in a previous that it is much briefer than editorial, and that is that our previous format, but the news & views has no direct We want to give the readers decision has nothing to do with access to information saving space. Rather, we looked from, say, pension records, ‘‘ of our In Memoriam section for a format that provides a about who has passed the information they need to respectful acknowledgement of away. Because of privacy a life well lived in the service laws in this province, that pause and remember, and of others, and a format that information is blocked to we want to do so in a clear ‘‘ is equitable in its expression. us. While such laws protect We want to give the readers of the privacy of families who and gentle way. our In Memoriam section the might not want the death information they need to pause of a loved one made public, and remember, and we want to it leaves news & views in the do so in a clear and gentle way. awkward position of having We earnestly hope that our to solicit the information directly from grieving new format is viewed as we intend it, namely families, from information sent to us from as an earnest acknowledgement that is free the branches, or directly from the obituaries of the awkwardness and inequities that the published in local newspapers. Obviously, we truncated obituaries have often presented in often do not have information that is remotely the past. We must remember those people who complete. In addition, ARTA’s non-teacher have made such a great difference to so many, membership such as CUPE members, who do but it is terribly hard to do that with material not have the branch input that retired teachers that is so varied. have, is seldom represented. Please help us to present the names of those The second part of the problem is that people you know who have retired as teachers the information sent to us by members may or nurses or as members of ARTA’s other member contain either too much information or too organizations, and who have passed away. little. Some time ago, we stopped reporting Please help us, too, with your comments about names of family members and causes and the new format. This has been a difficult decision circumstances of deaths. Depending on the to make, but is one we hope is sensible.
Winter 2013 9 What Are We Doing Now?
New Life for Old Sleds by Marilyn Bossert
With the first snowfall, the excitement of those Trophies from Alberta and Saskatchewan races who love snowmobiling begins to build. We have line the shelves of his workshop. Collections of seen it with our students and also in the eyes of our armbands and racing numbers generate stories colleagues. This was especially true of my former of those early racing days. colleague, Chris Swan. At the end of the 1978 season, Chris retired from racing to spend more time with his Chris Swan, a teacher at J.R. Robson School in family. He sold his machines and purchased Vermilion, was a triple winner in power tobogganing cross-country skiing equipment for the family. races at the Winter Carnival. Chris won the obstacle Apparently, though, racing was still in his course, the cross-country, and the lap race in the blood: soon he and daughter, Erin, were under-320 cc classes. (Vermilion Standard, 1969)— involved in cross-country ski races. a very impressive start in the racing world! A bike crash in 1992 brought the world of snowmobiles back into his life, but this time Like many of us in the 1960s, Chris Swan down a different path. While he recovered began snowmobiling for recreation. Over from broken ribs and a broken shoulder, he the years, he greatly expanded his world of read Warriors of Winter: The previously untold snowmobiling. history of snowmobile racing by Bill Vint. Then Chris raced on the sanctioned circuit with he began to wonder what had become of the North Western Snowmobile Association. his first sled. This question would launch a
10 Winter 2013 new passion that would lead to restoration in places such as Edmonton, Myrnam, Elk (rebuilding and repainting) of nineteen Point, Camrose, or Elk Island Park. machines and refurbishing of another eight. Chris is a member of the Relic Riders, Chris begins rebuilding with selection. Once an Alberta-based group. When they meet, he has chosen a vintage machine, he totally conversation includes both their current and disassembles it down to the last nut and bolt. vintage machines, and how to deal with the Throughout this process, he makes copious latest challenges. The group plays a major notes and keeps his camera by his side to role at the October Alberta Snowmobile and record each step of disassembly. This step, he Power Sport Show at the Expo Center in explains with a grin, will help future recall Edmonton. There, the Relic Riders display a when he is ready to begin reassembly. variety of Ski-Doo, Polaris, Arctic Cat, and Chris cleans the engine and delivers it to other similar vintage sleds. Chris displays his a mechanic who is an expert with vintage Ski-Doo vintage machines along with posters machines. While the engine is being rebuilt, that give information about features, changes Chris sands any welding repairs on the chassis. in development, background, and the purpose Sandblasting is necessary to remove rust and (recreation or racing) of the machines. old paint. He will spend many more hours This is a great event at which to make repairing and prepping the fibreglass hood connections. Prospective collectors receive and chassis, including priming, before he encouragement and a wealth of information sends them to the paint shop. about restoring vintage machines. Chances are Every part of the sled must be cleaned and they will also be steered to a helpful website assessed to determine if it can be used in the vintagesleds.com. reassembly. Any part that is damaged or is At present, Chris’s collection of snow missing will have to be replaced. Chris will machines totals forty-six: nineteen restored, check his NOS supply (new old stock: unused eight refurbished, two in progress, and new parts found on dealers’ shelves). If he does eighteen in original condition (housed in not have what he needs, he will do a search three sheds and one Quonset). Corresponding on the Internet or make some phone calls. memorabilia accompanying each machine This may lead to a road trip to Minnesota, includes helmet, suit, operating manual, Wisconsin and Michigan to swap-meets where brochures, authentic decals, and snowmobile he can find an abundance of reproduction magazines as far back as 1966. parts and decals. Chris Swan will get to the original eighteen After Chris has prepped and painted all when all the parts he needs are gathered. The the small parts, the machine is ready to be world of snowmobiling has become his passion. reassembled, including hood and chassis, where he will place reproduced decals. Now the Share your retirement experiences with news & views. sled is ready to be shown to the world. He then Contact [email protected] loads it onto a trailer for a Show and Ride event
Winter 2013 11 ARTA AGM Highlights 2013 by Vi Oko
• Immediately following Governance Committee is the announcement of the charged with initiating a proposed Pharmacare process to review and revamp program last spring, the ARTA’s organizational ARTA Health and Wellness structure in the coming year. Committee requested • A survey conducted last May a meeting with Health to evaluate the new ARTA • Representatives of the Minister Fred Horne to Executive Director received eighteen branches (including discuss the implications for very positive feedback. the satellite branch in the Alberta seniors if the plan • The Strategic Planning Okanagan) and members of is implemented. Further Committee intends to develop the ARTA Board of Directors communication suggests an advocacy policy for the met for the 50th Annual that the income-based plan association. General Meeting of the will be put into effect in late • The Charitable Foundation Alberta Retired Teachers’ 2014. The present ARTA plan Ad Hoc Committee is in the Association (ARTA) at the design will remain in effect process of completing all of Greenwood Inn & Suites in until specific details of the the Canada Revenue Agency Calgary on October 1 and 2. Pharmacare program are requirements before being • Gordon Cumming, Juanita unveiled. granted charitable status. Knight and Paul Demers were • The total balance of the • The ARTA 50th Anniversary re-elected by acclamation investment accounts for Ad Hoc Committee initiated to the positions of president, the two sectors of the ARTA both a photography contest vice-president and treasurer, Benefit Plan Trust Fund and the presentation of respectively. is currently greater than Outstanding Volunteer • ARTA officers, committee $9,000,000. Growth in both Awards that were awarded chairs, representatives accounts this year has been by seventeen branches; and the Executive Director in excess of 6.2%. sponsored a curling together with the branch • The redesigned ARTA bonspiel, golf tournament, presidents reported on website has been cloned to and a bridge and cribbage association and branch become the Calgary branch tournament; and promoted activities for the past year. website. This template will be the production of a • The transition from one available to other branches commemorative quilt and a service provider of the ARTA for their use. province-wide opportunity Benefit Plan to another • ARTA has purchased a to publicize and display required a tremendous subscription to and will soon the written work of retired amount of time, energy and begin to use Fluid Surveys, teachers. The news & views resources to implement. an online survey tool that is publications over the year Change of this magnitude deemed to be easier to use record these events and resulted in a few glitches. and more secure than Survey projects along with the Plan growth in both the Monkey. histories submitted by each of education and public/ • The committee framework the branches. Filling an ARTA private sectors exceeded 15%. and the specific roles time capsule, to be opened Presently over 9,225 policies and responsibilities of at the ARTA centennial provide health insurance each committee require celebration, will culminate coverage for more than restructuring in order to the 50th anniversary year- 14,000 people. operate more efficiently. The long commemoration.
12 Winter 2013 • The Wellness Ad Hoc are becoming much more was paid to 24,667 retired Committee sponsored two stringent under changing teachers who received initiatives. A COSCO training government regulations. pensions from the Alberta workshop in Red Deer was An application for a casino Teachers’ Retirement attended by representatives license has been submitted. Fund. The current teacher of seventeen branches. Casino funds will be contribution rate is 13.46%. The Great ARTA Walking directed toward Charitable Plan contributions should Challenge ‘challenged’ Foundation services provided decrease over the next 15 twenty people in all eighteen in kind by ARTA. years beginning in September branches to see how far they • In the past fiscal year 2017. could walk in twenty days ending June 30, 2013, • An very large number of using pedometers supplied by receipts totalled $1,497,707 ARTA members were the committee. The Wellness while expenditures nominated to stand for Committee is planning to amounted to $1,480,629 election to vacant positions make this activity an annual resulting in a year-end on the eight standing event using more reliable surplus of $17,078. committees. Voting delegates pedometers to encourage Projected revenue for were faced with choosing more people to ‘get walking.’ 2013–2014 is $1,886,700 from an impressive slate of ARTA board and committee and anticipated expenses candidates. members were introduced to are $1,758,790, leaving a • ARTA is the successful ‘pole walking’ at the retreat balance of $127,910 after association it is today in Canmore. the contribution of $50,000 because of the unstinting • The new accounting package in funds and services to the efforts of its committed staff is fully operational and will Alberta Retired Teachers and tireless volunteers who produce a paper trail of Charitable Foundation. provide the energy and purchases that will result in • As of August 31, 2013, vision to ensure the long- more precise reporting. Rules an annual payroll of term sustainability of the for non-profit organizations approximately $712 million organization.
Elections at the 2013 AGM by Juanita Knight Elections for ARTA’s principal officers took place at the 50th Annual General Meeting of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association in Calgary on October 1 and 2, 2013. In addition, there were elections for members of standing committees. Paul Boisvert presided over the elections with the Pension Committee: following ARTA members elected as principal Trudy Hall officers: Ted Gerlinski President: Gordon Cumming Bob Pawlowski, serving two years, to replace Vice President: Juanita Knight a resigning member Treasurer: Paul Demers Wellness Committee: (the newest standing The following ARTA members were elected to committee) committees: Ron Thompson, for a four-year term Membership/Marketing Committee: Adrienne Coull, for a three-year term Brenda Kane Mary Checkley, for a two-year term Strategic Planning Committee: Don Checkley Ingrid Neitsch, for a one-year term Human Resources Committee: Marilyn Resler Governance Committee: Esther Oaks Thank you to all candidates for putting forth Benefits Committee: Patti Atkinson your names for election, and congratulations to Communications/Technology Committee: the new committee members. Ray Roy Circle October 1 & 2, 2014 for next year’s AGM!
Winter 2013 13 Perry Dorgan, BA, YPMI, is a senior vice-president of Aon Hewitt and is ARTA’s lead benefits consultant. He was recently recognized by Risk & Insurance magazine as the top Broker/Consultant working in the education sector in North America.
(Note that Perry’s column this month has been contributed by Alexander Uborcev, PhD, MBA, a senior associate with Aon Hewitt and a key analytics resource to the consulting team serving ARTA.) Prescription Drug Dispensing Fee and Related Changes Announced in Alberta by Alexander Uborcev
On October 2, 2013, the Government of Alberta announced that the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association, Alberta Blue Cross, and the Alberta Government had reached an agreement-in- principle to amend the current pharmacy fee reimbursement agreement effective April 1, 2014. Under the proposed new agreement, there will be a flat maximum allowable dispensing fee of $12.30 per prescription, and higher charges for distribution allowance and revised mark-up charges. (http://alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=35108D0D03235-A11F-0CEF-8717E3276BF62450) Under the current pharmacy fee reimbursement agreement, which expires Maximum March 31, 2014, the maximum allowable Acquisition Dispensing Inventory Total reimbursement for dispensing prescription Cost* Fee Allowance (per script) drugs is based on the pharmacy’s actual Up to $74.99 $10.22 $1.71 $11.93 acquisition cost, as follows: $75.00 to $15.53 $2.00 $17.53 ARTA does not currently have a $149.99 dispensing fee maximum for prescription $150.00 and drugs; the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan $20.94 $5.03 $25.97 pays up to the maximums outlined in the over current pharmacy agreement as outlined *The actual acquisition cost is the net cost of a drug in this table. purchased from the manufacturer or wholesaler in Alberta.
Revised Prescription Drug Dispensing Fees The Alberta Pharmacists’ Association, the Government of Alberta, and Alberta Blue Cross must approve the proposed Pharmacy Agreement details by December 31, 2013, in order for it to be effective for the period April 1, 2014, to March 31, 2018. The agreement-in-principle is expected to impact both public and private plans as follows:
April 1, 2014 April 1, 2015 April 1, 2016 April 1, 2017
Dispensing Fee $12.30 $12.30 $12.30 $12.30
Distribution Allowance 3% 3% 3% 3%
Retail Mark Up 5.5% (max $100) 6% (max $100) 6.5% (max $100) 7% (max $100)
14 Winter 2013 The average dispensing fee paid under ARTA’s plan in 2012 was $9.23, meaning that the new proposed dispensing fee alone could increase by as much as 33%. The introduction of distribution allowance and retail mark-up will have an additional impact on costs for both generic and brand name prescription drugs. For generic drugs, cost for these two components will additionally increase by about 9% per claim under ARTA’s plan. For generic drugs, the current average cost per claim will increase from $16.16 to about $20.38, an increase of 26.1% effective April 1, 2014, and it will continue to grow for the next three years (April 2015–2017). For brand name drugs, the current average cost per claim of $38.06 will increase to about $39.50, an increase of about 3.7%. It appears that one of the objectives of these price changes may be to encourage pharmacists to dispense generic drug products wherever possible.
Changes of Total Drug Cost Under Old Regulations After Patent Cliff Effect (Base Case)
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
New Regulations—Lower Generic Drug Prices (19.97%) (19.90%) (19.68%) (19.37%) (18.99%)
Dispensing Fee Increase up to $12.30 7.38% 9.85% 9.88% 9.92% 9.96%
Pricing Structure Change, Distribution Allowance & Retail 1.24% 1.93% 2.27% 2.6% 2.65% Mark-Up
Net Impact (11.35%) (8.12%) (7.53%) (6.86%) (6.37%)
With the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union expected to be in effect in 2016, the expected extension of up to four years of additional protection for patent drugs may result in an estimated annual drug cost increase in the range of 1% to 4% (depending on final details which have not yet been released). This means the Net Impact (lower costs) indicated in the table above for the years 2016–2018 for $30,000,000 ARTA plan participants will likely be reduced even further, $25,000,000 to the 2 to 6% range. The increased dispensing $20,000,000 fee, mark-up, and the distribution allowance could $15,000,000 take away about two thirds of the savings, which the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan realized $10,000,000 as a result of the Alberta Health mandated reduction $5,000,000 in generic drug prices in recent years (the increase in $0 cost from the black line to 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 the green line in the graph below). In the five-year period Total Drugs Under Old Regulations Without Patent Cliff Effect 2014–2018 inclusive, these Total Drugs Under Old Regulations With Patent Cliff Effect increased pharmacy costs Drug Cost Under New Regulations With Patent Cliff Effect and proposed to be effective Reduction of Generic Drugs to 18% and 25% Effective April 1, 2013, April 1, 2014, are estimated to and May 1, 2013, Respectively be $9.3 million for the ARTA Total Drug Cost with the Proposed Changes Retiree Benefits Plan alone.
Winter 2013 15 The pharmacy these changes could increase will be hard at work over the reimbursement increases the Extended Health Care (EHC) next few months. We will for health management premiums for the ARTA plan assess the cumulative services appear to be part by about 100%, depending continuing impact of Alberta’s of Alberta Health’s strategy on the income thresholds legislated generic drug price to engage pharmacists to a selected by Alberta Health in reductions, expected savings greater degree in delivering the final Pharmacare program related to the patent drugs drug management plans details (which have yet to be coming off patent, the to individual Albertans. If announced). proposed dispensing fee and the pharmacy changes are These two sets of Government related cost increases effective approved effective April 1, changes scheduled for April April 1, 2014, the possible 2014, we would hope to and September 2014 could introduction of a Pharmacare see the list of services that mean additional combined program in Alberta (effective pharmacists will deliver to out-of-pocket and after-tax September 1, 2014?), and the Albertans and the outcome expenditures by retired ARTA potential impact (commencing measures for this initiative. members of up to $37.9M in 2016) to patent drug costs The cost impact of these in the period 2014–2018 ($9.3M as a result of the recently proposed increases in for dispensing fees and related signed free trade agreement remuneration agreed to in price increases, and $28.6M (CETA) between Canada and principle by Alberta Health for the doubling of the ARTA the European Union. for Alberta pharmacists do health premium because of As more precise details not include the additional Pharmacare). This $37.9M of about these two sets of costs that will result for ARTA estimated potential new cost for changes proposed by Alberta plan participants as a result ARTA member retirees in the Health for 2014, and the CETA of the proposed termination next four years (2014–2018), will patent drug implications of the Alberta Seniors’ Drug have been offset by legislated become available, we will Plan and the introduction of generic price reductions in then refine our initial cost a Pharmacare Program for all Alberta estimated to be impact estimates outlined Albertans (which would make $15.2M for this same period, above, and with the guidance the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan resulting in an estimated of the ARTA Benefits first payor) “later in 2014” additional net cost to ARTA Committee, analyze and (let’s assume September 1, plan participants of $22.7M develop a range of rate and 2014). for this same period. plan design options for 2014 As we pointed out in the The ARTA Benefits for consideration by the ARTA summer issue of news & views, Committee and Aon Hewitt Board of Directors.
16 Winter 2013 —
Please note that for former teachers in this memorial, the place given is where they last taught.
ANDERSON, Marjorie, Wainwright KUPCHANKO, Walter (John), Morinville AUBIN, John Leonard, Cold Lake POYNTON, Carol, Vauxhall BERLANDO, Joseph, Edmonton PROCTOR, John, Lethbridge BUCKINGHAM, Marguerite Ernestine, RASMUSSON, Howard, Vegreville Lloydminster SCHUMACHER, Muriel, Athabasca BUSHROD, Steven, County of Camrose TARLTON, Fred, Edmonton CALKINS, Jack Cleveland, Edmonton TOFER, Martha Cecile, Grand Prairie CASWELL, Audrey, Edmonton TWA, Jim, Lethbridge CLARK, Ronald, Calgary WALKER, Allen, Edmonton DROPKO, Laurette Evelina, Edmonton WALKER, Sheila, Edmonton EMERY, Jennie, Coaldale WEHLAGE, Marie, Masinasin FISHER, Ruth, Taber YARMOLOY, Allison Jimmy, Claresholm MASCHIO, Jean, Canmore WENTZ, Zyla, Lethbridge McPHERSON, Neil John, St. Albert
HAYDEN, Ruth, Sherwood Park Please note that the Calgary teachers who have passed away are remembered on the CRTA website at HOZAK, Elizabeth Muriel, Streamstown calgaryretiredteachers.org KORTES, Edward William, Edmonton
Winter 2013 17 Egypt’s Nubian Temples on Lake Nasser by Catharine Warren
In February 2013, I sailed with a friend on Lake Nasser for four nights aboard the Prince Arras, a luxury riverboat, from Aswan to the fabled Abu Simbel. We stopped at four sites to see rescued Nubian monuments along the way. Aswan has an excellent UNESCO Nubian Museum. We visited it before and after our boat trip to learn the history of peoples of Nubia, a geographical region between the first and fourth cataracts on the Nile. Nubians live in both Egypt and the Sudan. Lake Nasser—Lake Nubia as the Nubians call it—is a man- made lake between the first and second cataracts, created as a The Prince Arras, our home for the tour consequence of building the Aswan High Dam in 1971. Only 380 km of the lake’s total 500 km distance is in Egypt, the rest is in the Sudan. Our voyage began at Aswan, near the first cataract, ending in Abu Simbel before the second. Because the creation of Lake Nasser would submerge hundreds of archeological sites, a number of monuments were moved from potentially watery gravesites before the new dam was flooded. These treasures were saved by an international campaign (1961–1968) under the auspices of UNESCO. Nubia, a desert, historically was important for its mineral resources, especially gold deposits. Abu Simbel from the boat It was a link between equatorial
18 Winter 2013
Africa and the Mediterranean for traders transporting spices, ivory, A lovely colonnade leading to the Temple of Isis, has and other exotic goods. During ‘‘ the New Kingdom (1550–1076 BC) ‘‘ 31 Greek columns with individual plant-shaped capitals Egypt extended its influence over Nubia and built cities, temples of Egyptian papyrus plants in various stages of budding. and shrines in the region as a sign of political and religious might. Many Nubian temples show early Egyptian origins but some were also re-built during the Ptolemic Greek Dynasty (323BC–30 AD) and the Roman Dynasty (30 BC–395 AD). The two magnificent temples at Abu Simbel, built much earlier during the reign of the Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II (1304–1237 BC), were not subjected to later foreign colonizers. Greek Ptolemies, Romans, and other invaders never colonized this site, perhaps because of its isolation. The Ptolemic dynasty, which descended from a Greek general of Alexander the Great after they conquered Egypt in 332 BC, left its mark on many Nubian monuments. Its artistic motifs included Grecian, Egyptian, or an The Temple of Isis at Philae amalgamation of both cultures. For example, Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love, became incorporated into Hathor, the Egyptian cow goddess. Day 1: Philae and New Kalabasha. Before boarding the boat in Aswan, we visited the rescued site of Philae—beautiful, romantic, and spiritual with its Ptolemic- and Roman-built temples, now resting on an island near the Aswan High Dam. A lovely colonnade leading to the Temple of Isis, has 31 Greek columns with individual plant- shaped capitals of Egyptian papyrus plants in various stages of budding. New Kalabsha. The Temple of Kalababsha was built during the reign of the Roman emperor Colonnade at the Temple of Isis
Winter 2013 19
Augustus (30BC–14AD) over the
ruins of an earlier temple, dating Known to locals as the Valley of the Lions, back to the reign of Egyptian ‘‘ Pharaoh Amenophis II (1453–1419 ‘‘ this temple originally was built during the latter half of BC). It was dedicated to the god the reign of Ramesses II. Mandulis, a Nubian form of Horus, son and consort of the Goddess Isis. While Horus typically is presented in Egypt as a human with a falcon head, a bas-relief here shows him with a bird body and a human head, perhaps a Nubian innovation. Bas-reliefs of personages of the Heliopolis cult, centered in ancient Thebes were Amun or Amun-Re who was the Sun-God, his consort, Mut, and their child, the moon god, Khonsu. Day Two: New Sebua. Upon arrival at Temple Wadi al-Sebua, we became aware of our isolation and the immensity of the Sahara. A policeman, with a Russian rifle to protect us from possible bandits, escorted us off the Prince to the little boat and onto the temple site. Known to locals as the Valley of the Lions, this temple originally The Temple of Wadi al-Sebua. Notice the armed policeman. was built during the latter half of the reign of Ramesses II. Half the temple is rock cut from a large sandstone outcrop. An avenue of leonine sphinxes fronts the constructed portion of the temple. In the first courtyard were six human-headed sphinxes, each wearing the double crown of Egypt, representing the union of Lower and Upper Egypt. Crowned sphinxes represent Ramesses II. Reliefs inside show bound figures with enlarged lips, black curly hair and other features of non-Egyptian slaves and prisoners—Nubians, Assyrians and Libyans. Day Three: New Amada. This site has the most ancient temple in Nubia, the Temple of Amada, flanked by the Temple of Derr and the rock-cut Tomb of Pennut, the One of the sphinxes in the Valley of the Lions only tomb rescued by UNESCO.
20 Winter 2013 Amada Temple dates from the a double crown decorate the 18th dynasty (1504–1386 BC). façade of the temple, flanking an Built by three different pharaohs, entrance topped by a frieze of sun the temple was lifted in one piece worshipping baboons. by UNESCO using a complicated Next to the chubby legs of the hydraulic lift, put on rails, and Pharaoh are six statues no higher taken 2.6 km, then lifted 40 meters than his knees. They are Nefertari higher than its original position. his consort wife, the queen mother, A simplified rock-cut version of two princes and two princesses. the great temple at Abu Simbel, Not all of his family is here for it celebrates the first Jubilee of Ramesses is said to have had 37 Ramesses. Its hall includes scenes wives and over 150 children. The of the king making offerings temple’s axis is positioned so that connected with Jubilee ceremonies. twice a year the first rays of the One relief represents Ramesses sun can penetrate the sanctuary under the sacred ished tree of life. inside, illuminating sculptures on He stands between the god Thoth, its back wall. an ibis, who is writing the name of The temple of Queen Nefertari, the Pharaoh on the tree, and Ptah, though dedicated to Hathor, deifies god of artists. the human queen, Nefertari, Day Four: Qasr Ibrim and Ramesses’ favorite wife. Her Abu Simbel. We cruised to Qasr temple is smaller than his but Ibrim, the only archaeological imposing and beautiful. She Nubian site that did not need to be stands with her husband while moved. Descriptions dating back their children cluster at their to the period of Amenophis I knees. To show the importance (1546–1526 BC) suggest it was of of the Queen, Ramesses built her great strategic importance. Its ruins the same size as him, a first for a are mostly Coptic—dominated by woman in the history of Egyptian Statues of Ramesses at the a large Christian cathedral, the art. Sun God temple seat of an ancient bishopric dating from the 7th century. After leaving Quasr Ibrim, we soon saw signs of two huge rock-cut grandeurs—the Sun-God Temple of Ramesses II, and the Temple of Hathor and Nefertari, both built by Ramesses at Abu Simbel, a remote part of Egypt and the most famous site in Nubia. A spectacular rescue operation salvaging the two rock-cut temples was carried out, cutting one into 8000 pieces, the other into 3000. A head, fallen from one of the colossi after an early earthquake, was moved and placed in the fallen position at the new site. The Sun-God Temple took twenty years to finish—in 1262 BC. The four colossal twenty-metre high statues of Ramesses with Queen Nefertari’s temple dedicated to Hathor
Winter 2013 21 Diane Britton is a registered dietitian whose background includes sports nutrition, individual nutrition counselling, workshops and media.
Smart Eating Out Helps Manage Your Weight By Diane Britton, Registered Dietitian
Did you know that by eating just 100–300 calories—almost the amount of energy in an calories less per day you can lose 10 to 30 entire meal) and save 240 calories! pounds in a year? You have to create a deficit • 1% chocolate milk (250 ml / 158 calories) of 3500 calories to lose one pound of body instead of a bottle of pop (591 ml / 260 calories) fat. It all comes down to smart choices, small and save 102 calories! changes and a little bit of planning. • a baked potato with low-fat sour cream (187 calories) instead of french fries (450 calories) When eating out a few small changes and save 263 calories! can make a big difference around your • no special sauce, mayonnaise or bacon on waist. your sandwich and save 20–180 calories! • Order sauces or dressings on the side and dip your food into them rather than having Plan ahead for smart snacking. them smother your food. Read labels! Compare nutrition information • Switch from iced tea and pop to milk or water. labels to choose the best snacks for you. Look • Switch from full-fat latte with whipping for brands lower in fat and salt and higher in cream to no-fat latte—and hold the fibre. Vegetables and fruits don’t need labels whipping cream. and always make a great snack! At least one • Be menu lingo savvy: order grilled, broiled, of your snacks daily should include vegetables baked or steamed items. and fruit. • Order the small or seniors-sized items. Smart snackers choose • Share high calorie foods with a friend, or • pretzels (30 ml / 100 calories) instead of take half home for another day. corn chips (30 ml / 150 calories) and save • Ask the restaurant for their nutrition 50 calories! information. It is often posted on their • low-fat microwave popcorn (250 ml / website, so you can plan what you are going 70 calories) instead of the buttered kind to order ahead of time to ensure that you (250 ml / 140 calories) and save 70 calories! make a smart choice. • frozen yogurt (125 ml / 115 calories) instead of ice cream (125 ml / 349 calories) and save But do these changes really make a 234 calories! difference? • a cheese string (30 g / 79 calories) instead of Let’s compare. Choose cheese crackers (30 g / 142 calories) and save • a small fries (210 calories) instead of a large 63 calories! fries (610 calories), and you save 400 calories! • a small hamburger (280 calories) instead of We all like to eat out, and we all like to a large hamburger (590 calories), and you snack. It’s easy to pack in the calories and pack save 310 calories! Fill up on a side salad and on the weight when we do that. It’s almost as milk. easy, though, to choose just a little more wisely, • a non-fat latte with no whipped cream still enjoy our snacks and our meals out, but (500 ml / 160 calories) instead of a full-fat not have to worry about gaining unwanted latte with whipping cream (500 ml / 400 pounds.
22 Winter 2013 ARTA–TW Insurance * RENEW * RECONNECT * RE-ENERGIZE * Degree Scholarships by Marilyn Resler Second Wind Conference The ARTA–TW INSURANCE SCHOLARSHIPS are made possible by the generosity of TW Insurance Brokers, 2013 a service partner for home and auto insurance. TW Insurance Brokers provides, through ARTA, scholarships by Vi Oko for undergraduate students who are related to an ARTA member. These scholarships recognize academic Over 150 Edmonton area retired achievement plus community involvement and volunteer teachers and their friends spent the work. Future goals, personal accomplishment and best part of their day on September 25 at the Chateau Louis Conference supporting letters of reference will also be significant in Centre catching their ‘Second Wind,’ a the overall determination of the scholarship recipients. one-day conference for retirees. Second The value of the scholarship fund is dispersed as follows: Wind was energizing, enlightening and 1st Place—$2,500.00 entertaining. The diversity of sessions 2nd Place—$1,500.00 offered registrants an opportunity to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. 3rd Place—$1,000.00 The morning began with a light Applications are welcome from direct relatives breakfast followed by a plenary session. (children, grandchildren, first and second generation The keynote speaker, Laurie Greenwood, nieces and nephews) who are sponsored by current ARTA shared her love of books and some of members. her experiences as a bookseller. There was one seventy-five minute ARTA Certificate/Diploma Scholarships session in the morning and two in the afternoon. Conference participants The ARTA Certificate/Diploma Scholarships are made chose from an assortment of possible by the generosity of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ presentations that ranged from travel Association (ARTA). ARTA provides scholarships to tips to how to make easy, everyday students in a certificate or diploma program of two or meals both delicious and nutritious; more years at an accredited post-secondary institution. from finding out about simple exercises These scholarships recognize academic achievement, that can bring you peace and harmony community involvement and volunteer work. Future while increasing your energy level and zest for life to ascertaining the secret goals, personal accomplishments and supporting that will guarantee a passionate life; letters of reference will also be significant in the overall from learning about the features and determination of the scholarship recipients. benefits of popular mobile devices to The value of the scholarship fund is dispersed as follows: experiencing the primordial beat of the 1st Place—$2,500.00 drum. The variety and appeal of the topics often made selection difficult. 2nd Place—$1,500.00 The day ended with a ‘wine down’ and 3rd Place—$1,000.00 an opportunity to renew acquaintances Applications are welcome from direct relatives and reconnect with colleagues. (children, grandchildren, first and second generation The spacious rooms, the relaxed nieces and nephews) who are sponsored by current ARTA atmosphere, the gracious staff, the members. music at noon hour, the incredible art displays and the fellowship—all made Application forms and criteria are available by writing to for a very enjoyable experience. ARTA, 409 11010–142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1 Conference organizers representing or may be downloaded from ARTA’s website at several local retired teacher branches are to be commended for a well- www.arta.net organized and enriching event. Application deadline: July 21, 2014
Winter 2013 23 Scholarship Winners – 2013 ARTA congratulates these outstanding recipients and wishes each one every success in the years ahead!
ARTA–TW Insurance Degree Scholarships $2500, Kelsey Allen (North Vancouver) at UBC in Honours Physics (Sponsor, Terry Allen—Grandfather) With this incredibly generous scholarship from ARTA, I can continue to pursue my dream of inspiring students to become involved in science. At a young age, my grandparents encouraged me to explore the world with a scientific mind. From examining rocks on the beach, to an introduction to Canadian astronauts, I was amazed at how much there was to learn. I pursued an honours physics degree at the University of British Columbia to learn more, which also gave me many wonderful opportunities to become involved with education and outreach in our department. Simultaneously, I have been able to become involved with many research projects, which has further fuelled my desire to understand nature. I will therefore be pursuing graduate school in the future, with the intention of ultimately becoming a professor. This will allow me, like my grandparents, to inspire young minds, as well as to continue to push the boundaries of our knowledge of the world around us. Thanks again for selecting me! $1500, Gordon Logie (Lethbridge) at the U of Lethbridge, BSc (Sponsor, Sheila Young—Aunt) I am a geography student at the University of Lethbridge. I finished my Bachelor of Science degree over the summer of this year. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Science program in Geography, specializing in remote sensing and geographic information science. Remote sensing involves imaging the Earth’s surface with various kinds of sensors from the air and from satellites in order to derive information about it. This information is used in many important applications from agriculture and forestry to urban planning and climate monitoring. My own work will focus on using small unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the health and water use of streamside vegetation near Lethbridge and Drumheller, Alberta. I am passionate about environmental issues. I hope that my education will allow me to contribute to keeping the environment healthy for a sustainable future in Alberta and Canada. I also enjoy reading, photography, travelling, riding my motorcycle, and spending time with my family. When I have finished my master’s degree I would like to take an extensive motorcycle tour either through Europe or parts of Asia. I am incredibly grateful to have been selected for this award. I would like to sincerely thank the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association, Dr. Craig Coburn and Dr. Stefan Kienzle for providing excellent references, and my aunt Sheila for sponsoring me for the award.
$1000, Adam Manfrin (Edmonton) at the U of A in Chemical Engineering (ARTA Sponsor, Robert Manfrin—Father) I want to thank ARTA for their generosity in supporting my education. With ARTA’s help I can continue to focus on my studies in Biomedical Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta. During my studies I lead a mental health initiative to get people thinking about the often stigmatized mental health issues facing students and young people. The support of ARTA and associations like it will help me to achieve my goal of biomedical research so that I can one day work on nanoparticle drug delivery systems to treat diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. Thank you Alberta retired teachers!
24 Winter 2013 ARTA Certificate/Diploma Scholarships $2500, Jamey Wagner (Sherwood Park) at Grant MacEwan in Massage Therapy (ARTA Sponsor, Lillian Wagner—Aunt) I want to thank the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association for this scholarship. I am currently in my third and final year of retraining to become a massage therapist after losing my sight very unexpectedly from being struck by another driver while driving to work. This is therefore my second round of college, and, of course, it is much trickier than the first time. This scholarship, however, makes this attempt much more bearable and enjoyable, so thank you very much for this support. I have chosen to retrain as a massage therapist because I enjoy working with people and my sense of touch now is quite enhanced since losing my sight. I already know I made the right choice as I love being able to help others with the skills I am developing. It feels great to give people back their ability to function and enjoy life pain-free. I am determined to succeed in my studies, and I look forward to having the opportunity to get back into the work force in a new career where my goal will be to help people recover from injuries and car accidents like the one that changed my life.
$1500, Alexis Mitchell (Edmonton) at NAIT in Architectural Technology (ARTA Sponsor, Barbara Gibeau—Grandmother) I would like to give thanks to ARTA for awarding me this scholarship. I am entering my second year of Architecture Technologies at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. This two-year program has maintained my full interest since the day I started. I love the course material, the people I get to interact with, and the numerous career possibilities that it allows me. I plan on continuing my education by enrolling in courses leading towards an Interior Design Technologies Diploma and a Bachelor of Technologies following this first two-year diploma. I hope to expand my education by working towards a masters degree in architecture later on in my career. I have played in wind orchestras for eight years as a baritone saxophonist. This year is my second year in the Edmonton Cosmopolitan Music Society and I love the variety of music we play and all the different venues as well. Music and architecture are my two passions and I am lucky enough that they play such big roles in my life. This scholarship will help ease some burdens so I can focus and excel at my passions.
$1000, Abby Hall (Raymond) at NAIT in Lab and X-Ray Technology (ARTA Sponsor, Reid Heggie—Grandfather) I am currently in my second year at the combined Lab and X-Ray Technology program at NAIT. I am originally from Raymond, and am now finishing up the practicum portion of my program at the Taber Hospital. I would like to thank ARTA for awarding the scholarship to me. Going through school is tough financially and this scholarship will help to enable me to pursue my educational goals. I love both the lab and x-ray portions of my studies and plan to continue my education in diagnostic imaging as there are so many options. With the help of this scholarship my goals are much more obtainable. Thank you once again.
Winter 2013 25 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.
The Goods on the Goods by Lynne Butler
Home-made approaches to dealing with “There are more things in Heaven and Earth, household and personal items abound, but are Horatio, than are mentioned in your will.” not legally effective. A system that is persistently (With apologies to William Shakespeare) popular in Alberta, particularly among women, is to attach a piece of masking tape to the back of a household item and to write the name of the intended recipient on the tape. I once One of the most frustrating estates I presented a seminar to about 250 rural Alberta worked on involved a gift by a woman (let’s call women and asked how many of them were her Mrs. Smith) of a Hummel figurine to her using this system, and almost all of them raised daughter-in-law, Suzanne. When Mrs. Smith their hands. passed away, her son Michael was her executor. Unfortunately, this method of distribution has He and Suzanne were married at the time no legal effect whatsoever. Neither does verbally Mrs. Smith made her will, but bitterly divorced telling your children that you will leave certain by the time Mrs. Smith passed away. He utterly items to them, or videotaping yourself talking refused to let Suzanne have the Hummel figurine about distributing your household and personal because he did not want her to have something goods. that had belonged to his mother. There are two effective ways to let your Michael’s siblings sided with Suzanne because executor and your beneficiaries know what to do they wanted to honour their mother’s wishes. with your belongings. The first is to use your will The case ended up in court, with lawyers for to instruct your executor to give specific items to both the son and the estate arguing about who certain people. This has legal force, of course, as should have a figurine that cost less than $100. long as your will is valid and unrevoked. The court decided that Suzanne should have the The downside to including personal items in figurine just as Mrs. Smith had wanted. your will is that you may need to make changes. This fight was never about money; it was You may acquire new possessions that you wish always about sentiment. Unfortunately, all of the to list, or you might decide to give the item to the children in the family were drawn into the rift. beneficiary while you are alive. If so, you will Believe it or not, when a parent has passed then need a new will, or a Codicil to amend your away, disputes among the children are much will in order to list your new instructions. This is more likely to involve the parent’s personal time-consuming and costly. and household belongings than the parent’s I generally recommend to clients that they money. These belongings may be valuable, only include specific gifts of household or such as jewelry, family heirlooms, or even tools. personal items if they are quite sure they are not Others have little or no monetary value, such going to change their minds. Very few specific as photo albums. Regardless of dollar value, the gifs, other than wedding rings, meet this test. sentimental value of personal items cannot be The second way of distributing household and overstated. personal items is to prepare a Memorandum of Knowing that this is such a sensitive issue, Personal Effects. That is a fancy title for a simple parents should consider giving directions for list of who is to get what once you pass away. distributing these items should the parent pass These are popular with clients because of their away. When we know we can prevent a serious flexibility, low cost and ease of preparation. rift between our children, why not take the While some people like to make a comprehensive appropriate steps to do so? list of everything in the house, others choose
26 Winter 2013 only one or two items that they believe have limitations, leading to an accidental revocation sentimental value. To each his own. Both of their wills. approaches are legally acceptable. The legal limitations are that you cannot If you prepare a Memorandum of Personal dispose of real estate (which includes mines and Effects before you sign your will, you have the minerals titles) in a Memorandum, nor can you option of referring to it in the will by mentioning dispose of sums of cash. Including either of those the date on which it was signed. If you do so, assets would in effect create a new will, which the Memorandum is then considered to be would revoke your actual will. incorporated by reference into the will. This is not Also important to remember when preparing a popular option, as once the Memorandum is a Memorandum is that it is going to be used incorporated, it cannot be changed. Most clients when you are not around to offer explanations prefer to be able to change the Memorandum or clarity. You should use full names and not whenever they want to. The more common way nicknames or shortened versions. If you have of mentioning a Memorandum in the will is a brother named Joseph who has a son named simply to state that you may make one, which Joseph Jr. and a grandson named Joey, it is not a alerts your executor to look for it. good idea simply to refer to Joe. Similarly, items The inherent danger with a Memorandum of should be described in enough detail so that they Personal Effects is that you are preparing a legal may easily be identified. document without legal guidance. Occasionally With strong legal documents in place, items this means that individuals who are not aware such as Mrs. Smith’s Hummel figurine are much of the limitations of the document exceed those less likely to be the cause of a dispute.
Vacation Supply of Medication by Robin Doan, ASEBP
Prescription coverage for the ARTA Retiree Option 2: Use this option Benefits Plan allows plan members to receive a if you are making your 100-day supply of medication when refilling request within five business their prescriptions, with the next refill available days of your trip’s start date, or when you return. when 70% of the current supply has been used. 1. Contact the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan team Most times, this hundred-day supply is sufficient and request an Early Refill form or print it for plan members; but you do have options for from ARTA’s website, www.arta.net, under those times when you need a larger quantity, like Benefits Programs; when you are travelling. 2. Send the completed Early Refill form along Depending how close you are to your with your EHC and Vision Care Claim form departure date, you have two options. and original receipts to the address located Option 1: Use this option if you are making on the form. your request five business days or more before (If you previously submitted the claim the start of your trip. and it was rejected, resubmit the claim 1. Complete a Greater than 100-Day Supply form, with a completed Early Refill form and the which you can obtain from the ARTA Retiree Explanation of Benefits outlining the rejected claims to the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan for Benefits Plan team or on ARTA’s website, reimbursement.) www.arta.net, under Benefits Programs; • Your claim will be reimbursed to the plan 2. Send the completed form to the address coinsurance and maximums by direct provided in the header of the form; and deposit to the bank account that the ARTA 3. Once processed, your pharmacy will be Retiree Benefits Plan has on file. notified to release the remaining prescription that has been requested. The pharmacy Contact the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan at will typically call you when the remaining 1-855-444-2782 for additional information about prescription has been released. this program.
Winter 2013 27 Parkland Area Retired Teachers’ Association: A Brief History by Iona Robertson, Maxine Anderson
Retired Teachers’ Association agreed to help connect retiring became an official branch of staff with our association by the Alberta Retired Teachers’ allowing us to attend meetings, Association. Today, we have a place our contact information paid membership of sixty-three on their website and include with new registrations received an invitation to our branch at each monthly brunch. In in their retired teachers’ addition, we have contact information package. PARTA information for over two is now a contributing member hundred retirees residing within of the GERTA Second Wind our area. Conference, has members who Now in its third year of serve on ARTA committees Although the teachers of operation, PARTA is up and and is committed to inform Parkland School Division have running with a full slate of the membership of both the always been politically active executive officers and plans benefits of membership in ARTA and rather influential at the to develop committees to fully and in the local group. PARTA provincial level, it was not until serve the membership and contributes to the Parkland Food 2007 that Irl Miller and Aileen preserve the heritage of this Bank and the Kinettes Christmas Munro, retirees from Memorial fledgling group. The secretary, Hamper Project. Composite High School in Stony treasurer and phone convener One of the mandates of the Plain, began to gather names have established a database of executive is to insure vibrant and contact information of retirees within the area, and leadership by allowing co-positions fellow retirees to charter a retired a webmaster is learning the and shared responsibilities that teachers’ organization in the necessary skills for the time that will enhance personal retirement area. PARTA will have its own web objectives and not burden Their enthusiasm for and page. individuals with unwanted roles. dedication to this project resulted A marketing and It is hoped that this approach in a ‘Spring Fling’ luncheon, management committee is will encourage participation by held on May 19, 2009. Fifty- planned to develop promotional many and promote fellowship four individuals attended and strategies and events to and purpose for our members. encouraged further social increase active membership, As we continue into our functions such as wine and and so is a care committee future, it is expected that cheese receptions, brunches to receive and provide timely PARTA will work to provide and lunches. In May 2010, an information in order to bring information, social and interim executive was appointed social acknowledgements from volunteer opportunities as well to recruit members and organize PARTA to families and members as encouragement and support a local branch of ARTA in as required. An historical for its diversified membership. the Parkland area. Under the committee will organize and We intend to put out the word leadership of Irl Miller, Aileen preserve records and branch that PARTA is not only an Munroe, Dave Johansson and information. organization of select, specific Maxine Anderson, along with In 2013, the members’ individuals, but that it welcomes several experienced organizers, handbook, bylaws, logo and a variety of like-minded retirees local events were planned and history are ready for publication whose contributions will membership steadily grew. On and distribution. The ATA strengthen the group and ensure May 27, 2010, Parkland Area Local No. 10 has graciously its success.
28 Winter 2013 Camrose and District Retired Teachers’ Association History by Nan Shute and Lyle Erga
In 1928 John W. Barnett the branch for nearly ten years parked his gray Dort in front of until the current president, Ron the Camrose Normal School and Williams was elected. pitched his idea of a provincial Secretary-treasurers included teachers’ organization to Olive Steen, Laverne Nesvold and principal William Stricker and Ed Overbo. Marion Bennett now the classes of teachers in training. serves in that capacity. The Alberta Teachers’ Association Previous activities included was formed as a result of the the Christmas banquet in the efforts of J. W. Barnett, and some Camrose United Church that saw of those teachers in training attendance reach 90 members. eventually joined the Camrose This activity is still a highlight and District Retired Teachers’ of the branch’s social activities. Association. Spring daytrips by bus were In 1976 the Camrose and enjoyed by many area retired District branch was chartered with teachers and guests. The pot luck Mary Studholm as president and suppers in the Camrose Seniors’ former ATA president (1965–66) Centre were very popular. These Mac MacDonnell as vice-president. suppers included music and a Mac MacDonnell soon became guest speaker—often the ARTA president and served until Margie president or executive secretary. McCrea succeeded him. Following Former ATA executive member Margie, Mary Studholm returned Alan Strandberg was active in as president and served until her these CDRTA events. passing. Nan Shute completed Members of the CDRTA branch Mary’s term and went on to serve today focus on the strength of the as president until Ed Marken ATA and ARTA as strong voices accepted the presidency. Ed served advocating on behalf of teachers in this capacity for several years. and retired teachers. As well, the Following Ed, Nan Shute returned branch strives to retain a rich and to the office of president until meaningful connection with fellow Lyle Erga was elected. Nan and retired teachers who have shared Lyle rotated the presidency of this special journey.
Winter 2013 29 Foothills Retired Teachers’ Association: Eleven Years Young! by Garry Hoffart
Imagine being eleven years old Fran Porter, and Margaret Rarick again, looking forward to the as area representatives (Okotoks, teenage years. All the most High River, and Black Diamond/ exciting things are about to Turner Valley). The group decided happen and you are at the brink to form a local association, which of an exhilarating new world. would be affiliated with ARTA. Life previously open only to In this way, Foothills Retired teenagers and young adults is Teachers’ Association (FRTA) now opening up before you. Oh, became a living, viable entity. The just thinking about it makes you efforts of those individuals cannot quiver! be overemphasized. Twelve short years ago, a group Their proposal for affiliation of Foothills retired teachers— with ARTA was presented and Noreen Stroud, Norma Dudgeon, accepted at the general meeting Gillian Ross, Margaret Rarick, of ARTA on February 27, 2002, Margaret McLuskey, Fran Porter in Edmonton, and FRTA became and Felicity Patterson—along the fourteenth branch. Gerry with two teachers from Senegal Smith and ARTA president Gordon (Shel Montgomery and Jean Lowe presented Gillian Ross Francois Deschenes), met on and Margaret McLuskey with September 6, 2001, and endorsed $500.00 start-up money to assist the idea of forming a local in planning and organizing. The association of retired teachers. FRTA constitution was ratified Knowing that the acronym of at the May 28, 2002 combined Foothills Association of Retired inaugural AGM and golf Teachers would not be a good tournament. Terry Storch was idea, they chose FRTA instead. elected to serve as Branch Benefit Letting the thoughts, ideas, and Representative. Not much has plans simmer and gurgle until changed in this regard except January of 2002, the group called for the occasional rainstorm that another meeting and asked Gerry prevents the golfers from going out Smith, ARTA’s Executive Director, to enjoy the collegiality. to attend. He came as the guest Through the years FRTA has speaker and left with another achieved the goals established retired teachers’ branch proposal by that originating group. Each under his hat. The newly elected executive strives to make sure that executive—President Gillian these goals are maintained. Ross, Vice-President Margaret The Foothills Retired Teachers’ Rarick, and Secretary/Treasurer Association provides liaison with Margaret McLuskey—were joined ARTA and offers opportunities for by Past President Noreen Stroud, retired teachers and support staff
30 Winter 2013 to meet and exchange experiences of the Foothills: the West End and memories with former (Black Diamond/Turner Valley), colleagues and friends. FRTA Okotoks, and High River. Members encourages the participation of from each of these areas plan the new retirees and promotes contact Christmas event and the rest of the with other retired teachers and membership enjoys a marvellous support staff in the area through Christmas dinner. We usually have our social and recreational a musical interlude presented by activities. It is indeed exciting to be one of the local school jazz bands, twelve years old! choral groups or performance In response to the needs of our bands. members, there is an increasing In 2010 we held our first One focus upon financial and health Day Conference, Nourishment issues as changing economic for the Retired Heart, Mind and and political conditions affect Body at the Red Deer Lake School. all seniors. Health and wellness Much planning and wonderful education, information about speakers made it a very successful the ARTA Benefits Plan (which event. In 2012 we had our second includes extended health care and one-day Conference. Those who out-of- province travel insurance) attended were very pleased with and protection of our pensions are the result and recommended that critical issues. we continue this type of activity. Even though Foothills may be Another avenue that we considered rural, we definitely have explored is offering have cultural activities entwined our membership numerous in our yearly activities. We have worldwide travel opportunities. had trips to Rosebud Theatre, Our association with Collette Dewdney Players of Okotoks, Travel has allowed our members a night of cowboy poetry and wonderful holiday possibilities. music, and our own main We continue to support all stage performances at Foothills Composite High School for the of our members with valuable Performing Arts. information and have a number Each September on the first day of our FRTA members sitting of school, we celebrate with our as representatives on various fellow colleagues and FRTA members committees within ARTA. at a free pancake breakfast hosted Some new initiatives we are by the current executive. Many of undertaking are broadening our members just like to kick back our base to include retirees and enjoy the collegiality and from the surrounding areas, conversation; but on many rotating executive meetings occasions, we have had guest in area schools, developing a speakers who have imparted much process to send out relevant news wisdom about our Benefit Plan, information items, and a news financial planning and other ARTA bulletin in October. Last, the information. Many of our members executive is hoping to develop even go to their schools of choice consistent strategies to contact to assist in that school’s pancake all of our retirees at the end of breakfast and then come to our each year, to streamline our opening-day breakfast as well. operations, and to look forward We have an annual Christmas to developing new, collegial dinner in one of the three areas activities for our members.
Winter 2013 31 North Eastern Alberta Teachers’ Association (NEARTA) The Eleventh Branch of ARTA by Paul Boisvert
NEARTA was officially on a number of occasions, proclaimed as the eleventh travelled to Vermilion to attend branch of ARTA at the Annual functions organized by the up General Meeting held on and running Central Eastern October 22, 1986. While its Alberta Retired Teachers’ birth was not painful, NEARTA’s Association (CEARTA), a branch gestation period was rather which was formed in 1975. lengthy. For several years, some These visiting retirees liked retired teachers from the Elk what was happening at Point and St. Paul areas had, CEARTA and received a lot of
North Eastern Alberta Retired Teachers — Elected an executive for their newly formed association at a meeting held in Elk Point with seventeen former teachers present. From left to right are President Sid Holthe, Secretary Vera Romanchuk, Treasurer Ruth Yausie and Vice-President Oliver Lafleur.
32 Winter 2013 encouragement from their 1986. Twenty-nine retired historical sites and museums CEARTA colleagues. teachers attended this meeting, throughout the region. In early discussions, some of and an interim executive was As the years go on, old the Elk Point retired teachers elected and directed to proceed activities cease and new thought they might simply join in whatever manner necessary ones begin. Given the large CEARTA. to establish a branch of ARTA. geographical area NEARTA However, Sid Holthe who And so it came to pass that at covers, travel, especially in the had been active in the St. Paul/ that ARTA AGM on October 22, winter months, is a concern, as Elk Point ATA Local took the 1986, the president of CEARTA is finding sites where we can lead on getting a minimum made a motion that ARTA hold a meeting of forty to fifty of twenty-five retired teachers recognize NEARTA as a branch members with a decent meal at from Elk Point and St. Paul of ARTA. a reasonable rural-Alberta cost. together to form their own The first executive of NEARTA We seem to have found a site in branch. In May of 1986, Sid consisted of Sid Holthe (Elk Glendon where all our meetings Holthe and Lawrence Modin Point) as president, Oliver this year will be held—except called an informal meeting Lafleur (St. Paul) as vice- for the traditional Christmas to be held in Elk Point. To president, Vera Romanchuk dinner meeting in Bonnyville their surprise, in addition to (Elk Point) as secretary and which features a traditional attendees from St. Paul, four Ruth Yausie (Grand Centre) French Canadian holiday attendees came from Bonnyville as treasurer. The first official menu. and Cold Lake. At this meeting meeting of NEARTA was held Since its inception, NEARTA it was decided that if a new on November 27, 1986, at has been a strong supporter of branch were to be formed, it the Cultural Centre in St. Paul. ARTA, and two of its members would cover the area north of By the end of this meeting, the North Saskatchewan River thirty-six full memberships have held the office of president from the Saskatchewan border had been registered, along with of ARTA while a number of to Smoky Lake in the west. Over fifteen associate memberships others have served and the course of the summer, a for non-teaching spouses. continue to serve on ARTA’s list of more than eighty retired From its onset, NEARTA many committees. NEARTA has teachers was compiled and has always tried to rotate its also hosted a number of retreats all on the list were invited to meetings and events around the for the ARTA Board of Directors, attend a meeting to be held entire area it represents. At one and the annual ARTA Memorial in Elk Point on September 18, time the yearly scheduled bus Golf Tournament. And there is travel tour was very popular. more to come. … Also, some very interesting Pictured is the restored Fern visitations to a variety of sites Chapel historical school site have been part of the meeting located in the Ferguson Flats programs. These included a district of the County of St. Paul. personally guided visit to the Olga Ockerman (deceased) Mosque in Lac La Biche, being a past president of NEARTA able to sit in a fighter jet (F-18) was responsible for having the in the hangar at #4 Squadron site declared historical and at CFB Cold Lake, touring overseeing the restoration of the the ESSO installation near original school building which Cold Lake and visiting many dates back to 1913.
In 1912 classes were held in a house Mr. W.R. Ferguson constructed on SW 2-58-5-W4th. Mr. Lewis Blacker was the teacher. In 1913 a schoolhouse was constructed on the NE Corner 22-57-5-W4th. The building was made of logs with a rock foundation. Mr. John McCuen supervised the construction. The bricks were hauled from Vermilion. Siding and a porch were added a few years later. Vivienne Kennedy was the teacher in 1914. Gwen Nelson was the last teacher in 1949. Dan Groves, a settler, suggested the name as this was the name of his second school district back in Oklahoma.
Winter 2013 33 History of NWARTA, the Northwestern Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association by Lorna McIlroy, NWARTA President
inception, expansion and the of ARTA in 1983 when he very existence of this branch. lived in Edmonton. Meetings have bounced back On June 16, 1973, a and forth from South to North meeting was held at Harry Peace, being held over the Balfour School in Grande years in Rycroft, Spirit River, Prairie with eleven retired Grimshaw, Beaverlodge, teachers and Carol Garrod Hythe, Fairview, LaGlace and and Ada Lent of Edmonton Clairmont as well as the larger in attendance. As a result of centres of Grande Prairie, this meeting, Beatrice St. Jean Geographically, the Fairview and Peace River. attended the ARTA AGM in northwestern Alberta branch Historically, meetings tended Edmonton. Then, on March of retired teachers is the to be held in the area where 13, 1974, Martha Gitzel largest branch in the province. most of the executive lived. notified the 32 members that The branch area is divided by Even before the creation they now had enough to the mighty Peace River into of NWARTA, Grande Prairie start a branch. The annual the separate communities of had a voice at early ARTA fee was originally $2, but North and South Peace. These meetings with representation subsequently increased to $3. facts have played an by James Alexander Smith Ten days later they elected important role in the who later became a president an executive with Margaret
34 Winter 2013 (Peggy) Smith as president, an elected position), and Marjorie Knapp as vice- Jean Polasek, Earle Guertin, president, Martha Gitzel as Marlene Reddekopp, Wilma secretary-treasurer and Gladys Friesen and others sitting Quick as representative to on provincial committees. ARTA. On April 3, 1974, Marlene Reddekopp served NWARTA received formal ARTA as vice-president, recognition and their charter president and is the currently at the ARTA Executive meeting past president. in Calgary, becoming ARTA’s It should be noted that sixth branch. NWARTA has led the province The charter members were with its participation in the Ruth Bristow, Katherine local teachers’ convention. Brhjell, Gertrude Bryan, In 2005, when Susan Ruth Conley, Myrtle Evans, Thomson was president of Simone Frey, Irma Gibreault, the Mighty Peace Teachers’ Martha Gitzel, Sister Alice Convention Board, NWARTA Goulet, Bessie Grumbly, Viola Earle Guertin president Marlene Reddekopp Hopkins, Lorna Horte, Anne negotiated a deal. In return Johnson, Marjorie Kaiser, Peace River), and Fay Boyle of for retired teachers manning Marjorie Knapp, Yvonne Grimshaw became secretary- the registration table at Lange, Agnes Loberg, Grace treasurer. In 1988, both spring the convention, the retired Logan, Anna Mackey, Alice and fall meetings were held teachers would receive a McBride, Elizabeth Moon, in Peace River, with ARTA free booth to promote their Bertha Moore, Mona Newton, president Ron Rhine and his association and would Elmer Oliver, Inisbjorg Olsson, wife Kay in attendance at the have a representative on Olivia Patterson, Isabel Perry, spring meeting. the Convention Board. This Gladys Perry, Gladys Quick, Kay Mackey of Sexsmith arrangement continues Margaret Smith, Beatrice St. and Grande Prairie, a member with an excellent working Jean, Kathleen Tveiten and since 1979, while serving as relationship between the two Isabella Vass. president in 1991 summarized groups. In 1987, Ethel White the history of NWARTA, which The issues of distance became president, and Isabel was then entrusted to Earle and division continue to Thompson of Spirit River Guertin of Fairview. This part plague the branch. Notices became secretary. The spring of the North Peace has played of meetings and activities meeting was held in Grande an important role with Vera are circulated to all known Prairie, and a September Boyd, Earle Guertin and others potential members in the meeting was held in Spirit serving in various positions. area. In 2012, NWARTA was River where, on the occasion In 2003, all of the executive pleased to obtain a branch of her 80th birthday, Sister members were from the initiatives grant that was Alice Goulet was honoured for Grande Prairie area with used to finance a day trip her work in the organization. Wilma Friesen as president by five NWARTA executive Names were solicited for a and Paul Lemay, Cliff Mitchell, members to the North planned reunion of teachers Mary Wild and Jean Polasek Peace communities of Peace who had attended Camrose rounding out the Executive. River and Fairview to hold Normal School. NWARTA has had a informational meetings for Subsequently Helen proud history of service potential members. A strong Sideroff replaced Ann Dixon to ARTA, with Marjorie J. focus for the future will be the on the pension board. The Simpson of Peace River development of membership new president was Marjorie serving as president in 1993, opportunities for all retired Simpson, vice-president Wilma Friesen serving as teachers in northwestern Aurelia Vangrud (both of secretary (while it was still Alberta.
Winter 2013 35 ARTA 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee Wrap-Up Report Submitted by Dean McMullen, Committee Chair
“Howdy Partners” was a very appropriate support the goals of the 50th anniversary. The introduction for my message to the Wind-Up Train the Trainers wellness workshop and the Gala audience at the ARTA AGM banquet. 20-20-20 Fitness Walking Challenge involved The 50th anniversary celebrations throughout the participation of most ARTA branches. the past year were certainly an effort of total The success of our 50th anniversary efforts partnership. The western-themed Wind-Up could only have been realized with the Gala, hosted by the Calgary Retired Teachers’ outstanding support of our ARTA office staff Association, provided the under the leadership of appropriate (YAHOO!) executive director, Daniel exclamation mark for the Mulloy. With their excellent commemoration of our assistance the Kick-Off 50th anniversary. Banquet and the Wind-Up It was an incredible honor Gala were great successes. for me to have been selected Other projects that succeeded by the ARTA Board to chair because of their support the ARTA 50th Anniversary were the promotional videos, Ad Hoc Committee. The the sponsorship program, committee included Lily appropriate swag for our McCool and Chuck Rose events, display material as appointed members for teachers’ conventions, along with Paul Boisvert as the Outstanding Volunteer consultant as well as Gordon Awards certificates, the ARTA Cumming and Daniel Mulloy website and contributions as ex-officio members. To assist the committee to news & views. The publicity and coverage to fulfill certain responsibilities, we added Janet provided by news & views, under the leadership McLennan as communications coordinator of our editor Robin Carson, contributed greatly and Ardith Trudzik on the sub-committee that to our 50th anniversary celebrations. The worked on the Retired Teacher Authors project. permanent record of our events and programs These creative, enthusiastic, hard-working contained in our 2013 magazines will serve as committee members deserve the credit for a lasting legacy of this incredible year. the successful completion of the many 50th We are most appreciative of the tremendous anniversary programs, projects and events contributions of our many sponsors. The carried out this past year. Alberta Teachers’ Association and Aon To ensure that our committee’s initiatives Hewitt subscribed as gold sponsors. Stride would enhance, rather than interfere with, Management was a silver sponsor and the ongoing work of other ARTA committees Best Doctors (benefits plan) and Caskey & we met with Greg Chitrenky (Communication Company (chartered accountants) were bronze and Technology), Edna Warriner (Human sponsors. TW Insurance was not associated Resources), Robin Carson (news & views editor) with ARTA at the time the sponsorship and Sherry Robbins (Membership/Marketing) program was launched; however, they were as needed. The Wellness Committee, under the very generous in their support of many of our leadership of Shirley Crawford, planned and programs throughout the year. As a result implemented two very important initiatives to of this sponsorship, the committee hopes to
36 Winter 2013 contribute about $10,000 of excess funds to and made available to our membership. the ARTA Charitable Foundation, which will Quilted squares from across our membership provide a lasting legacy from sponsorship were submitted to support the commemorative funds. quilt project. This beautiful quilt is a legacy Without the enthusiastic and outstanding that will be displayed permanently at the efforts of many ARTA branches, the 50th ARTA office. The Photography Contest was well anniversary celebrations would have been received with the many submissions attesting very small. Four informative, well-attended to the incredible photographic skills of our conferences were sponsored by the Calgary, members. Foothills, North Eastern and Edmonton area The committee would like to have branches. The Central East branch sponsored the preparation of a time capsule, to be the curling bonspiel and the production of opened in 2063, bring the 50th anniversary the commemorative quilt. The Ponoka and celebrations to a fitting conclusion. Branches District branch sponsored the bridge and and members are encouraged to make cribbage tournament and the golf tournament. appropriate suggestions or contributions for Every ARTA branch participated in the ARTA inclusion in the time capsule. The bottle of Outstanding Volunteer Awards program. spirits contributed by our Okanagan branch Forty-five retired teachers were recognized for needs some company. Just remember, ‘Time their incredible volunteer efforts. We know is of the essence,’ and it may be our children that these recipients were really representative or grandchildren who will open that time of thousands of retired teachers who capsule. provide valuable volunteer service in their It has been a great honor for me to have communities and beyond. been given the opportunity to serve as Chair of Some of the most successful programs the ARTA 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee or events were open to all retired teacher this year. The enthusiastic participation of my members. The Retired Teacher Authors committee members, our ARTA committees, program was carried out by a sub-committee our branches, our office staff and our consisting of Lily McCool, Chuck Rose and membership at large have made this one of Ardith Trudzik. Many creative works, authored the most rewarding volunteer ventures of my by retired teachers, were celebrated, publicized life. Thank you very much! The 2014 ARTA Photo Contest by Paul Boisvert
In response to the many comments received from ARTA members during the 50th Anniversary Photo Contest, it has been decided that a photo contest will become an annual event. A number of minor changes will be made to the rules based on our experience with last year’s contest. The theme for this year’s contest is “Winter in Alberta.” Within this theme we have four categories: Winter Landscape; Winter Outdoor Activities; Animals in Winter; Black and White Winter (prints must be in black and white). Each entrant will be permitted to submit one print in each category. A complete set of rules and the entry form will be available on the ARTA website and Facebook in January 1914. The deadline for entries is May 31, 2014.
Winter 2013 37 It May Not Be the Easy Way, But It’s the Cowboy Way by Daniel Mulloy
Fifty years… that is a ARTA kerchief, transforming tremendous milestone for any everyone into true cowfolk. organization, and to put together During the gala festivities, we a celebration to celebrate such a celebrated our anniversary, ‘From momentous event is no small feat; the Classroom and Beyond,’ but thanks to the Calgary Retired by enjoying the exhibits and Teachers’ Association and their work of ARTA’s quilters, authors, leaders, ARTA celebrated its 50th and photographers, and took anniversary in true style: cowboy the opportunity to recognize style. those members who make The ARTA 50th Anniversary exceptional contributions to their Gala was celebrated in communities. conjunction with ARTA’s Annual Our master of ceremonies for General Meeting, held for the the evening was Gery Schubert, first time ever in Calgary. The a man of a thousand voices, a event was ‘Cowboy and Cowgirl’ hundred faces and at least twelve themed, and every attendee wigs. Gery is a professional actor, received a white Stetson and an comedian, teacher, speaker,
38 Winter 2013 facilitator, and performer. Most importantly, he honed his craft in the classrooms of Rocky View School Division. We were also delighted to welcome The Tuesday Jammers providing pre- and post- dinner entertainment. This night—and in fact this entire year of celebration—could not have been the success it was without the guidance, diligence and hard work of the ARTA 50th Anniversary Committee comprised of Dean McMullen (Chair), Lily McCool, Chuck Rose, Paul Boisvert and Gordon Cumming. Their hard work and vision made this celebration something to remember. ARTA also thanks all the guests of the committee who assisted in ensuring that the events and opportunities met and exceeded expectations. Thank you to everyone. If the last fifty years is any indication, then there is much to look forward to in the next fifty!
PDARTA Workshop by Juanita Knight
Ponoka and District Retired Teachers hosted a new workshop called Antiques, Collectables, Family Treasures or Junk: Downsizing Your Valuables, held at the Fort Ostell Museum in Ponoka. Neil McMullen, retired teacher and antique dealer, and Todd Demers provided a very enjoyable day that focused on evaluations of items, downsizing, and where you might sell treasures. Participants brought items, shared stories of the items and received an approximate value for each item. Assistance with funding the workshop came via an ARTA Branch Initiative Grant. This well-attended workshop was positively received and the organizers were encouraged to hold a followup early next year.
Winter 2013 39 AXA Assistance: A Friend in Need by Marja Augot, Assistance Director
Who we are • Hospital and name of not be alarmed. Simply contact us treating physician, if already Welcome to AXA Assistance. if you receive such a notice that hospitalized As the second largest assistance insists on payment. We will look provider worldwide, we bring The AC will then explain our into the matter and verify that the innovative solutions to a diverse role in your specific situation and invoice in question has been paid client base to help solve some of will proceed with the following by our office. their toughest business challenges. steps: Requesting a We offer you our expertise, 1. We will locate and organize your dynamic structure and global visit to a hospital or clinic near reimbursement presence so that you will have you offering our guarantee of You can call us to submit access to a level of performance payment to the hospital or clinic your claim for fees incurred that any individual may rightfully to avoid the need for you to pay outside of your province or for demand when going through a up front. trip cancellation covered under sensitive situation whether it is 2. If you are hospitalized, our your policy. You will be required medical or non-medical in nature. medical department will be to submit all documentation On a daily basis, or in the involved. A member of our justifying your claim. event of a medical emergency, medical team will contact your We invite you to open a file our doctors, nurses, multilingual treating physician to ensure with us. We will then send you the assistance coordinators (AC) and that you are receiving the documentation to be completed our many associates are available appropriate treatment and will and returned to us so we can at any time to help our clients in monitor your medical care each process your request. Canada and around the world. day. Please be prepared to answer these questions: The way it works 3. If you must be repatriated home or evacuated by air ambulance 1. Is your claim related to a trip The need for medical assistance or commercial flight to a higher you took out of your province? in a foreign country is often level of care, we will organize 2. What are the fees being claimed stressful. We can support you in everything for you. Rest assured, (i.e. hospital bill, doctor’s these situations and calling us our medical team will be visit, wheelchair rental, trip as soon as you know you require available to answer any of your cancellation)? assistance will ensure quick questions. intervention. Letting us know 3. What is the reason for the before you visit a doctor or a 4. We complete our assistance with expense (i.e. biking accident, hospital will allow us to refer you a courtesy call to you to ensure cough, ear infection, death of a to one of our preferred providers. that your needs have been met family member, weather causing The AC who answers your call before we close the operational flight to be cancelled, etc.)? verifies your eligibility and will aspect of your case. 4. When did the event occur? open your file by asking a series of questions. This process will Medical expenses in the We keep you safe guide us to determine the best way USA AXA Assistance is committed to to assist you. We ask you to be In order to pay the medical your well-being and that of your prepared to answer the following fees, we send to the providers family. Remember, when you pack, questions: involved a document confirming AXA Assistance will be with you all • Policy number that payment is guaranteed by of the way. • Contact information—telephone AXA Assistance and that all and/or email invoices must be sent to our billing • Travel dates department. Hospitals in the USA • Means of transport—did you tend to forward their bills to the travel by plane, car, train, etc. patient as well as to our billing • Current address and home department. Often, these messages address can be intimidating. Please do
40 Winter 2013 NEARTA Celebrates Its Volunteer Award Winners by Paul Boisvert
NEARTA was pleased to Ad Hoc Committee. Having Margaret’s work with the welcome Juanita Knight, Vice- a keen interest in the rapidly St. Paul and Area Palliative President of ARTA, to Glendon creeping technology of the world Care Association led to the (peroghy capital of Alberta) on of communications, which was establishment of a palliative care September 24 to present the in its infancy when she retired, unit at the local hospital. She Outstanding Volunteer Awards to has led her into many of her established the Friends for World NEARTA members Lorraine volunteer efforts. Lily has used Development, which raises funds Kwiatkowski and Lily McCool her skills to edit a newsletter, for third-world projects. and Margaret Michaud, a past typeset memoirs of a friend, assist member of NEARTA currently with the editing and typing of living in Edmonton. two editions of teacher anecdotes. Lorraine Kwiatkowski served She has been an active supporter NEARTA for more than twenty years of Friends of World Development as a very competent treasurer. and devotes many hours helping Lorraine’s story is very much one worthwhile clubs and causes of devotion to her pupils and her whenever they are short of bingo community. She was able to workers. juggle her responsibilities of In addition to sewing for mother, farm wife and teacher in her growing family, many such a way that she was always organizations know of her ability available to carry more than her to create costumes and residents share of the load whenever the at the Extendicare long-term care community demanded it. She has facility have been blessed to have been an active sponsor of the her do repairs and modifications Haying in the 30’s Cancer to their clothing. She can also be Support Society and demonstrates found at the Quilting Bees Guild the skills of a competent loom sewing quilts and other items to worker. Her fortitude and sense of be donated to cancer patients caring for others has been or sold to raise funds for a wide recognized by all those living variety of national and local near Goodridge where she charitable events. remains in her farm home. Margaret Michaud had been Lily McCool shares many of an active member of NEARTA the same experiences as Lorraine from the time of her retirement in that she, too, was a mother, to her move to Edmonton. For farm wife and teacher—all at many years Margaret organized the same time. Her entry into NEARTA’s yearly bus tour, the world of volunteerism really booking transportation, lodging, began when she retired from meals and attractions. teaching. She has maintained Her volunteer efforts evolved an active association with ARTA, from her years of involvement having served as president at in the Mother Theresa Project, Left to right: Lily McCool, Lorraine both the branch and provincial which culminated when Mother Kwiatkowski, Margaret Michaud and level and most recently as a Theresa visited St. Paul to Juanita Knight at the Peroghy Park in member of the 50th Anniversary accept a million dollar cheque. Glendon, AB.
Winter 2013 41 Grandpa and the Glacier by James F. Lavers (from Life Stories, 2009)
We stood in the huge basin with the roadway a few yards away. The remains of a stream from the glacier, now a trickle, were not far away. Grandfather said, “I spent the coldest night of my life right here in 1895.” I must have looked startled, since his sojourn as a teenager, looking after a herd of cattle on the open range in winter, living in a tent partly dug down into the ground before it ‘froze in’ was one of the legends of the family.
“The ice here,” pointing at the ground, “was sixty- five feet thick, and we “The ice here,” pointing at the ground, “was sixty-five ‘‘ camped on top of it so feet thick, and we camped on top of it so triangulations triangulations could be made ‘‘ in the morning. The terminal could be made in the morning.” moraine (swinging his arm across the valley) was where the ice ended.” I didn’t know my grandfather and his brother had been part of the Dominion Geological Survey, first as wranglers, then as part of the survey crews, so that words like ‘triangulation’ and ‘terminal moraine’ were familiar to him. That remembrance, that visitation, occurred fifty years ago and Angel Glacier is no more, having retreated into nothingness. In one hundred and fifteen years, a mere blip in geological time, a valley full of ice, thousands of years old, has vanished, never to return.
42 Winter 2013
ARTA Launches Facebook by Daniel Mulloy We will be updating our profile page with news and alerts on all ‘‘ ‘‘ matters of interest to our members. www.facebook.com/arta
With communication and circle of friends and like-minded connectivity being one of ARTA’s community members. News and primary goals, the inclusion of a events in areas as far away as robust and interactive Facebook thousands of kilometres become page in our communications tool ‘local communities,’ enabling a kit seemed like a natural extension broadening of communication, and addition to enable our contacts and friendship circles. members to connect, interact and Some interesting facts about share common interests. We Facebook: launched the ARTA Facebook page • Since its launch eight years ago on October 15, 2013. in 2005, Facebook has grown to Within twenty-four hours of an active monthly membership our launch, we had already and user base of 1.11 billion achieved 400+ ‘Likes,’ and the with over 800 million daily chit-chat, dialogue and ‘telephone users. effect’ started in earnest. We are • 47.9% of all Canadians are delighted with the warm response regular users of Facebook. and have already connected • 57% of all Albertans are regular long-disconnected colleagues and users. friends. • 13% of users fall in the 45- to Just two days after our launch, 64-year-old age group. Throwback Thursdays on ARTA’s • 60% of users access Facebook Facebook page began and the call on mobile devices (smartphones went out for photographs and and tablets). memories of yesteryear. There were • The founder of the Facebook many heart-warming, humorous phenomenon, Mark Zuckerberg, and nostalgic memories shared. is red-green colour blind, which Follow us on Facebook and share is why Facebook’s’ primary in this weekly special forum chat. colour is blue. We will be updating our profile • In 2008, Collins English Dictionary page with news and alerts on all declared ‘Facebook’ its new word matters of interest to our members. of the year! www.facebook.com/arta • In 2009, New Oxford American Facebook is a valuable platform Dictionary voted the Facebook and tool to keep you updated on term ‘unfriend’ the new verb of the news and events in your own the year!
Winter 2013 43 lassifie C advertising d
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ERTA’s Gala: A Celebration of ARTA’s Fifty Years by Vi Oko
The Edmonton Retired Teachers’ Luncheon attendees spent some time, initially, Association (ERTA) marked ARTA’s 50th mingling with colleagues and engaged in animated anniversary with a gala luncheon on conversation while checking out the visually September 18 at the Chateau Louis Convention appealing exhibits before the festivities began. Centre. Dean McMullen, Chair of the ARTA 50th Project display boards located around Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee, and Ron Rhine, the perimeter of the banquet room featured a former ARTA treasurer, president and executive educational milestones and historical highlights. secretary were the guest speakers. The recipients Two anniversary cakes and literary works of the Outstanding Volunteer Awards, a 50th authored by retired teachers in Alberta were anniversary initiative, were honoured at this on display as well. Branch members actively special function. participated in the event by recording on The formal part of the luncheon program coloured hearts the year their own teaching commenced with the viewing of the ARTA careers were launched and when they retired 50th anniversary video and concluded with a before affixing the hearts to the appropriate retrospective montage created by Brenda Kane decade boards. Several months prior to the (with assistance from members of the STARTA luncheon date, branch members were asked to Executive). recall where they were and what they were doing Gala guests were appreciative of the meaningful in 1963. These recollections were recorded on displays and the ceremonial program presented paper especially designed for the occasion and to commemorate this significant milestone in set out for viewing. ARTA’s history.
44 Winter 2013 There’s no place like home.
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