The Magazine of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association SPRING 2018
2017 Writing Contest
Winnerspg 29
In This Issue
Employer of Choice Award pg 13
Exploring the Balkans pg 34
Hanging Up the Keys pg 58 MeritTravel.com | ARTA Direct Line: 1.844.408.1770
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The Magazine of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association SPRING 2018 | VOL. 26:3 18 24 34
Regular Features Articles Articles 5 President’s Message 10 ARTA, ASEBP and 56 Maybe I Am Good 7 Executive Director’s Alberta Blue Cross: Enough Report How Claims Work 58 Hanging Up the Keys 9 Editorial 24 The Grandmothers to 60 The Great-Grandfather Grandmothers Campaign 14 Spirituality & Wellness with No Gravestone 26 The Upside of Downsizing 16 Financial 64 Needed: Affordable 34 Exploring the Balkans Seniors’ Housing! 18 Gardening 40 Looking to the 20 From the Branches Alternatives: 29 23 Contact Information Outreach Education 39 Letters to the Editor 42 Hearing Loss and Social 50 From our Partners Connectedness 62 Opportunities 44 Give to Live: Volunteer 66 In Memoriam 46 Teacher to Teacher Contests 49 Book Review 6 2018 Photo Contest 29 Writing Contest 2017 Winners
This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not meant as legal or other professional advice. You should not rely on, or take or fail to take any action, based upon the information provided in this publication. If you require specific legal or professional advice on any issue, please consult a lawyer or other professional advisor. The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association, its directors, officers, employees, agents and authors shall not be liable in any manner, or to any extent, for any loss, damage or expense whatsoever, arising from or in connection with any use of or reliance on the information contained in this publication, including but not limited to, any indirect or consequential damages. Regular Contributors
Marilyn Bossert President, ARTA ARTA President and a long-serving member ARTA supports an engaged of ARTA who used to write the “What Are lifestyle after retirement through We Doing Now” column for news&views. member-centred services, advocacy, communication, wellness and leadership. Daniel Mulloy Chief Executive Officer and EDITOR Executive Director, ARTA Robin Carson
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Margaret Sadler
COPY EDITORS Vi Oko Gary Sawatzky Bev Sawyer Chief Operating Officer and ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Director of Member Services, ARTA Amanda Shaw Tony Esteves
PRINTING & DESIGN Peggy McDonagh Burke Group Spirituality & Wellness news&views is published four Minister of Worship at St. David’s United times a year by the Alberta Retired Church in Calgary, shares reflections on body, Teachers’ Association (ARTA). mind and spiritual wellness — important elements in her own life. Contributions to news&views are welcome. They may be sent to: [email protected] Gerhard Sawatzky Financial, MEd, CFP® Deadline for submissions to the Certified Financial Planner® Professional, mutual summer issue is April 20, 2018. funds representative, life insurance agent, Telephone: 780‑822‑2400 and accident and sickness insurance agent in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Canada only: 1‑855‑212‑2400 fax: 1‑780‑447‑0613 email: [email protected] Gerald Filipski Gardening website: arta.net Member of the Garden Writers Association Return undeliverable of America and gardening columnist for the Canadian addresses to: Edmonton Journal. He is the author of Just 11835 149 Street NW Ask Jerry. Edmonton, AB T5L 2J1 CANADIAN PUBLICATION Price Correction Notice: Dear reader, Merit Travel extends an AGREEMENT #40033998 apology regarding an incorrect price printed in the Winter 2017 edition of ARTA news&views. The correct price for the 15-night cruise, Passage to Polynesia, is $5,995 CAD per person, for an inside cabin in category G. Merit Travel would like to apologize for 4 | arta.net the error and regrets any disappointments this may have caused. President’s Message Marilyn Bossert | President, ARTA
Strong Relationships
Before Christmas, I was privileged to attend the Volunteer Award presentations at three different branches across Alberta. My congratulations to Laverne Wilson, Fran Porter, Lillian Konieczny and Helen King.
The ARTA Volunteer Program, events, workshops, conferences in the number of face-to-face a legacy of the ARTA fiftieth and tournaments. contacts as we send texts or emails anniversary celebration, was All members of the ARTA instead of making a telephone designed to recognize those who, Board of Directors as well as call or stopping by for a visit. The in their retirement, give of their all committee members are number of people living alone time and talents to enhance the volunteers who spend a multitude continues to rise. lives of others. of hours away from home working Volunteering offers retirees Each year ARTA branches are for the ARTA membership. a sense of purpose and can encouraged to select from their A very noteworthy act of counteract the effects of anxiety membership a recipient who volunteerism this year is the and loneliness. As I was writing provides exceptional volunteer extensive contribution made by this column, Dawna Friesen of service in their community and the Porters who have channelled Global National was interviewing beyond. a personal tragedy into helping Susan Pinker, a psychologist, ARTA retirees give in so many others by advocating for the regarding the consequences of ways. Within their community, mentally ill. social isolation. Again, we are told retirees are often the driving force And the list goes on and on… that social interaction diminishes in their church, at the library or For most of us, the term stress, combats depression, keeps museum or hospital auxiliary, and volunteer generates images of us mentally stimulated and helps in local service clubs and senior reaching out to help others. to maintain our physical health. citizens’ organizations. Those Volunteering makes us feel good; I leave you with the message on with the love of music are sharing it is a positive and productive the card that accompanies the their talents by singing in a choir, behaviour. What may surprise ARTA Volunteer Award: providing the accompaniment, or us is the research in recent years Inukshuk is an Inuit word even directing the choir. In the that indicates that volunteering is meaning “image of man’s world of athletics, many retirees also beneficial to the health and spirit.” Originally the Inuit with coaching or officiating skills wellness of the volunteer. built these manlike sculptures are still supporting youth and Dialogue on volunteering of rock along Canada’s senior events. includes the numerous benefits, northern shores to lead their In the branches, retired but it appears the common thread way. Today they serve as teacher volunteers are planning is staying connected with others. symbols to remind us of our engaging activities for both When we retire, we often miss dependence on one another ARTA and community members the camaraderie of our working and the importance of strong that include luncheons, travel community. The use of social relationships! ● media has resulted in the decline news&views SPRING 2018 | 5 2018 PHOTO CONTEST
ARTA is proud to sponsor its sixth annual photo contest. All ARTA members— regular or affiliate—are eligible to enter. Winners will be announced in the autumn 2018 issue of news&views and posted on ARTA electronic media sites.
CONTEST RULES
1. Each photo may be entered 7. Participants are limited to one 12. Entries will not be into one of the following photograph per category. returned automatically. If categories: 8. Each entry must be the work of you require the return of Travel (Sponsored by the participant. your entries, please send a Collette Travel) self-addressed envelope of 9. Entries must not have Well-Aged the appropriate size or email been judged in any other [email protected] to Small Things photography competition. Black & White (any subject) arrange to pick up entries from 10. Only entries with a copy of the the ARTA office. 2. NEW! In 2018, all images official entry form attached 13. ARTA retains the right to use must have a title. to the back of the photo the entries for promotional 3. All rectangular entries must will be accepted. Since the purposes during and after have an image that is no entry form is detached from the competition. smaller than 5” x 7” and no the photo during the judging larger than 8” x 10”. Square process, attach the form using 14. Prizes for a Best of Category images will be accepted only a bit of tape. (Do not and Second Place will provided that they are no glue the form to the back of be awarded. Up to two smaller than 7” x 7” and no the photo.) Honourable Mentions per category may be awarded at larger than 12” x 12”. 11. Photos of people must be the discretion of the judges. 4. Entries must be mounted on accompanied by an official rigid backing that is no thinner permission form, signed by 15. All prizes must be accepted than file folder stock. the subject of the photo, or as awarded. 5. Matted or framed photos will if the subject is a minor, by 16. Download the entry form at not be accepted. their legal guardian. A copy of arta.net/arta-2018-photo- the official permission form contest 6. Photographs taken of can be found at arta.net/ other photographs will arta-2018-photo-contest. not be accepted.
All entries must be received by ARTA no later than 4:00 p.m., May 31, 2018. Entries should be mailed or hand-delivered to: ARTA Photo Contest 2018, 11835 149 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5L 2J1
6 | arta.net Executive Director’s Report Daniel Mulloy | CEO and Executive Director, ARTA
Image is Everything
I am very proud of our magazine and the people who put it together. The work that is done to get this publication assembled is amazing and the people behind the scenes are great at what they do.
New, Attractive Cover Design ARTA is a leader and advocate “An image is not simply The new cover helps us in the promotion of wellness a trademark, a design, modernize the magazine while for retirees. ARTA develops a slogan or an easily the images allow the reader to and implements strategies to remembered picture. gain the insight that this is a enhance the quality of the life of It is a studiously crafted magazine for people who are its members and retired people in personality profile of an seeking a vibrant and engaged the community. individual, institution, lifestyle in retirement. Advocacy corporation, product Strategic Branding Dots ARTA ensures a unified or service.” These dots are used to align voice is heard on issues affecting DANIEL J. BOORSTIN articles and pieces of information current and future retired to one or more of ARTA’s individuals. This issue of news&views strategic goals. These dots help us ARTA is an effective advocate for incorporates a few new changes ensure that everything we do is its members and retirees with that are all designed to ensure in line with one or more of those similar interests and concerns. that we are in line with our strategic goals. The strategic goals ARTA is recognized as a valued association’s visual and branding represent the promises we made and respected spokesperson on guidelines. The guidelines to our members as outlined in our behalf of its members and those were set up to go beyond just a strategic plan, Looking Ahead. in the broader community. memorable logo. Good branding Member Services Organizational increases the value of a company, ARTA fosters vibrant, Excellence provides employees with engaged, and informed members. ARTA nurtures leadership, direction and motivation, and ARTA is a member-centred encourages communication, makes acquiring new members organization, proactively identifying recognizes achievement and easier. A brand represents the the needs of its present and embraces sustainability. sum of people’s perceptions of future membership and providing ARTA is an effective, ethical a company’s customer service, information about programs and and transparent organization reputation, advertising and logo. services to meet these needs. that provides services, resources So, what are these changes? and advocacy in the pursuit Please allow me to outline a few Wellness of an engaged lifestyle after of the changes we hope you will ARTA promotes a healthy, retirement for its members. ARTA enjoy within the pages of this active and enhanced quality of life is recognized as an employer fine publication: for retired people. news&views SPRING 2018 | 7 of choice by the business and version to be used on a variety of magazine. We understand the non-profit community in the devices…look for the new digital needs of our members and having province of Alberta. news&views to come your way in a larger font that is easy on the Reader-Friendly Columns the months ahead. eyes just makes sense. You will notice that articles Reader-Friendly Font I hope you enjoy these subtle have gone from two columns We have changed some of the changes to the magazine and are as to three columns. This change fonts to a large, wide reader- proud of the magazine as we are. makes the articles easier to read friendly size and style throughout We believe that the magazine helps both in magazine form and in the magazine. The text and all of define our association and our digital form. We are working the headings have been changed association’s unique personality.● hard at creating a digital-friendly to increase the readability of the
Edvantage Program Update Amanda Shaw | Manager of Public Relations, ARTA
Our partners at Edvantage have been hard at work lining up national and western-focused discounts to make the program more relevant for ARTA members. We appreciate your patience as we have worked to bring these partnerships online since announcing the merger of the Affinity and Edvantage programs in May of 2017.
Several new offers were locations offer the best prices Works offers gourmet quality recently announced, bringing out of any national hotel coffee. Save 21% on your increased value to the chain, are pet friendly and online order of coffee. Orders Edvantage program for our offer locations across North over $59 (after the discount) ARTA members. These include: America, in cities both large will also receive free shipping. • Jubilations Dinner Theatre in and small. The corporate plus Because the Edvantage team Edmonton and Calgary: 25% discount code makes it easy continues to enhance the off any adult tickets at both to secure discounted rates program with more and more Jubilations Dinner Theatre both online, on their app, offers, monitor the Edvantage locations for current and or by calling their central website (edvantage.ca/arta) upcoming shows. booking system. or watch ARTA communications • Motel 6: Travelling on a • Java Works: A Canadian for new announcements ● budget? Motel 6 and Studio 6 online coffee shop, Java
8 | arta.net From the Editor Robin Carson | Editor, news&views
Small Changes news&views began as a simple newsletter, then became a small, black-and- white magazine. When I assumed the role of editor in 2011, it had morphed into a handsome, full-colour publication. Since then, its design has undergone several major changes, with the magazine that you are reading being the fourth of these.
Along the way, we have attempted well-known supplier of workwear this issue of news&views, they to improve the magazine’s or one of the last remaining have changed to little coloured over-all appeal in both content department stores. Colour icons that represent the four and presentation. Our focus differentiates among grocery stores dimensions of ARTA: Member has always been on improving with pale green for one, bright Services, Wellness, Advocacy readability through our selection yellow for another and so on. and Organizational Excellence. of typefaces and sizes, and in such Historically, branding has However, they are still seen as the matters as rarely using all caps always been important: just same familiar row of little dots or printing coloured text on a ask any rancher. Logos present and are easy to recognize as an coloured background. the modern form of the kind of identifying mark of ARTA. This time, the focus of our branding that identified cattle and They fit so very well to define redesign is on integrating are yet another way to identify ARTA itself, but sometimes it may news&views with the over-all products. Even the jingles of the be a bit of a squeeze to apply them branding of ARTA’s other 1950s and 1960s were a form of to, say, an article on the history publications and with ARTA’s branding. (“You’ll wonder where of Two Hills. We hope to become website. We have also taken the the yellow went...”) comfortable with them quickly; opportunity to give the magazine Brands not carefully tended fall but far more important is that you a ‘cleaner’ appearance with how away. ‘Aspirin’ was once a brand, become comfortable with them. we handle the cover and the look not a generic word; Xerox fought With our new design, as of the pages. long and hard both in court and with anything else to do with Branding, in its modern sense, out to hang on to its very name news&views, please let us know is identification. Companies lest it go the way of aspirin. what you think! You can always seek an overall look and feel Since our last design change, reach me at [email protected] that defines them to the world. you have seen little dots in the and I have a pretty good Some brands are powerful: I can margins of our magazine. Those reputation for replying quickly. tell, for example, just by display little dots are part of ARTA’s Please remember, though, that if of colour and by the look of the brand, and have appeared on you write to me as the editor, you typeface whether a flyer tucked business cards, letterhead, annual mustn’t expect confidentiality. ● into my Thursday newspaper is a reports—anything ARTA. In
news&views SPRING 2018 | 9 ARTA Health Gary Sawatzky | COO and Director of Member Services, ARTA
ARTA, ASEBP and Alberta Blue Cross: How Claims Work
Determining who is responsible for paying a person’s health claim may not always appear to be straightforward. It may be confusing when a person covered under the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan is also covered under another health benefit plan, which is often the case for people aged sixty-five and over. Questions arise regarding who is responsible for paying their eligible claims, and why they sometimes receive multiple documents for a single submitted claim.
Once an Alberta resident turns diabetic supplies (i.e. a number Retiree Benefits Plan, to provide sixty-five, they, and their eligible of goods and services not third-party claims adjudication dependants, are eligible to join covered by the Alberta Health services on behalf of ASEBP. the Alberta Coverage for Seniors Care Insurance Plan). Alberta Alberta Blue Cross first benefit. This premium-free residents must apply for this determines if a submitted claim plan is sponsored by Alberta coverage prior to reaching age is eligible to be covered by the Health and is administered on sixty-five—enrolment in the plan Alberta Coverage for Seniors their behalf by Alberta Blue is not automatic. Benefit, then submits it to the Cross. (Some people refer to this If a person has other private ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan. plan as the ‘Alberta Blue Cross coverage available, such as the This process means there are Seniors Plan’ since most of the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan, often two letters sent by Alberta documents people receive for they may submit their out-of- Blue Cross for one claim— it are printed on Alberta Blue pocket expenses to the private one on behalf of the Alberta Cross letterhead. However, it plan to cover those costs. Coverage for Seniors plan, and should not be confused with It may be confusing when one on behalf of the ARTA other private optional individual ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan Retiree Benefits Plan. plans Alberta Blue Cross offers members see Alberta Blue If a person is covered by to seniors in Alberta.) Cross letterhead on dental care more than one health plan, The Alberta Coverage pre-determination forms or all health claims adjudicators for Seniors benefit covers Explanation of Benefits forms (such as Alberta Blue Cross, prescription drugs listed on in addition to Alberta Coverage Sun Life, Manulife, etc.) use the Alberta Drug Benefit List for Seniors documents. This guidelines published by the (with a copay amount paid situation occurs because Canadian Life and Health out-of-pocket by the covered Alberta Blue Cross has also Insurance Association (CLHIA) person), ambulance costs, a few been contracted by ASEBP, to determine the claim paramedical practitioners, and the administrator of the ARTA payment order to follow. The
10 | arta.net ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan is claimant is covered by more (unsurprisingly) considered a than one plan, Alberta Blue retiree benefits plan according Cross determines which plan Claim Submitted to the CLHIA guidelines should pay the first portion of to ASEBP (available for your reference the claim, and which plan(s) at goo.gl/wodAiw). This pay any outstanding amounts payment order guideline means (based on the coordination of any government-sponsored plan benefits guidelines outlined under which a person is covered earlier in this article). The pays first, any active employee actual reimbursement amount ASEBP Confirms Benefits and plan under which a person is is calculated based on these Coverage Level covered pays next, then the determinations, and the claim ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan (or is paid—either to the provider any group retiree benefits plan) if the claim was submitted pays, and finally any individual electronically, or to the covered health plan a person may have member if the claimant paid Determined if pays the eligible remaining the expenses out-of-pocket. Coordination claim amount, if applicable. The final step is to provide an of Benefits is Anytime a covered member Explanation of Benefits to the Required submits a claim, it is important covered member, which outlines for the claims adjudicator (the each of these steps and indicates claims payer) to process the if any claim amounts submitted claim quickly and accurately were not paid (for example, if and pay according to the a maximum has been reached wording used in the group for that particular item, or if the Reimbursement benefits plan contract. Doing submitted item is not eligible for Level Calculated so ensures that the plan pays coverage under the plan). all claims that are eligible for As you can see, there are coverage under the plan at the a number of organizations appropriate coverage level. working together to ensure that Once an ARTA plan member ARTA members covered by the Benefits Paid to submits a claim to ASEBP ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan Service Provider (which may be submitted continue to receive exemplary or Plan Member electronically by the health benefits coverage and service care provider, or submitted via from our partner organizations. paper claim form by the plan We are always working to make member), ASEBP confirms the the plan, and the administration plan member’s coverage level of the plan, more efficient in (for example, if the claimant is order to best meet the needs of Explanation of covered under the Total Health our covered members. ● Benefits sent to Plan or the Ultimate Health Plan Member Plan). Next, in the event the
news&views SPRING 2018 | 11 Gary Sawatzky Responds to a Proust Questionnaire
1. What do you appreciate most in your friends? I’m grateful for their never- ending ability to make me laugh. My best friends are those whom I’ve known since I was a teenager. My friends and I recognize that we are all busy with our family, social and work lives, so we make a concerted effort to get together five or six times a year to play poker. It’s never about the card game when we’re together—it’s about catching up with each other, reminiscing and having fun, 3. If not yourself, who would 5. What is your favourite which is something everyone you be? place in Canada? could use more of in their lives. I would choose to be a better I love to spend time outdoors. 2. What is your idea of version of myself—there’s always A few of my favourite spots happiness? room for improvement—or a in Canada are Rock Bay on I’m certain my response to this professional race-car driver. Vancouver Island (a fantastic question is the same as most 4. What is your most middle-of-nowhere fishing and people—it’s spending time treasured possession? camping spot), Sir Winston with my family. To provide It’s my smart phone, sadly. Churchill Provincial Park (where a more specific answer, it’s My phone keeps me in touch I spent a lot of my childhood, no camping with my family in the with everybody in my life, it doubt giving rise to my proclivity summertime. Our best and lets me answer work emails, for camping as an adult) and favourite times always seem to it answers my questions and Mahone Bay in Nova Scotia (my coincide with a camping trip. curiosities, it captures my one-day retirement home), but I My kids are following my lead good times and experiences, it have to admit my favourite place and have become avid campers reminds me to do things, it pays in Canada is a city—Montreal, themselves. They always lament for my morning latté, it gives especially the city’s downtown the time we have to pack up the me direction (literally), and it and the Old Port. There is so trailer and go home and have can keep me entertained at the much great history, great food, been asking me all winter when press of a button. great shopping and great people; the first family camping trip of I never get tired of being there. ● 2018 will be. Gary Sawatzky is ARTA’s new COO and Director of Member Services. 12 | arta.net ARTA Recognized as an Employer of Choice
We are excited to announce that ARTA is the recipient of the 2017 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC).
The NEOC award recognizes nonprofit organizations that have committed themselves to become better managers of both financial and human resources. Candidates for the NEOC award are those nonprofits whose people, leadership, and vision translate into exemplary talent management practices, supporting successful mission delivery in the communities they serve. ARTA could not be more proud to receive this award, and we look forward to continuing to ensure that ARTA is a great place to work.
“I would like to thank the dedicated staff, Board of Directors, committee members and ARTA members who make ARTA such a great work environment. This award is the result of the hard work of those who believe in ARTA and who continue to make this a great place to work.” – DANIEL MULLOY, CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BECOME INVOLVED Do you want to get involved in your community? Children’s Education Funds Inc. (CEFI) is looking for a few individuals to sell our Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to parents/ grandparents in your immediate area.
Great opportunity, flexible hours and wonderful perks “to boot”. For a confidential interview, please contact: Albert John Haid President, Founder and Ultimate Designated Person E-mail: [email protected] or Cellular: (905) 520 1109, 24/7 www.cefi.ca
news&views SPRING 2018 | 13 Spirituality and Wellness Peggy McDonagh
Permission of Another Kind
Recently I read a research paper written by Nico Rose entitled, “Introducing Self-Permission: Theoretical Framework and Proposed Assessment.”
In his paper, Rose considers the University of Houston who giving ourselves permission can to what extent happiness and has spent sixteen years studying be life-changing. satisfaction with life is directly courage, vulnerability, shame, From the time we are young, influenced by ourselves versus and empathy. Her TED Talk we are conditioned to believe what lies beyond our sphere “The Power of Vulnerability” is certain things about the world, of control. One paper he cites one of the top five most viewed society, other people, and suggests that “fifty percent of talks in the world. ourselves. Society and people our individual happiness is Brown writes about her often have much to say about determined by our genes and difficult childhood and her early how we should act, what we 10% is influenced by external adulthood experiences of fear, should look like, how we should living conditions such as the doubt, longing to belong, and behave, and what we can do country we live in, or the amount alcoholism. She recalls the day or not do. We often evaluate of money we earn. That leaves that she was to be interviewed our worthiness based on the a solid forty percent of our by Oprah Winfrey. Her reactions and opinions of others. happiness under our personal daughter had sent her a text When we yearn for the control that can best be activated asking if she had signed and approval of family, friends, by adopting mindsets and returned a permission slip for a colleagues, bosses, and spouses, engaging intentional activities school trip. After reassuring her we can lose sight of our authentic that promote happiness.” daughter, Brown found herself humanity. Generally, people do Whatever the percentage, fighting back tears in a room not like to be judged, criticized, the fact is that part of our full of people. She thought to rejected, denied love and respect, happiness is under our personal herself, “I need a permission or be at the receiving end of control and this is what slip to stop being so serious and disapproval. To avoid such inspires me to write on spiritual afraid, I need permission to disfavour, we may succumb to practices that can help us to have fun today.” the demands placed on us and adopt a positive mindset that On a sticky note, she wrote, create masks to hide our pain; promotes personal happiness. “Permission to be excited and but in so doing, we disallow our The subject of this article came goofy and have fun.” This first true selves from being present in by way of the book Braving the permission slip evolved into a real and honest ways. Wilderness: The Quest for True spiritual practice that has helped We tend to put a lot Belonging written by Brené Brown reconnect with her of pressure on ourselves Brown, a research professor at authentic self. The practice of to meet the demands of
14 | arta.net school, work, family and uniqueness of our humanity could significantly benefit the living in a society driven by with all its intricacies and psychological well-being of materialism, consumerism characteristics and to change people on this planet.” and technology; and, at the how we perceive ourselves I invite you to practise giving same time, endeavour to live so that we can retrieve our yourself permission: permission up to unrealistic expectations personal power. When we give to rest when you need it, to of others and ourselves. The ourselves permission to stop feel joy by letting go of toxic more we allow external forces judging ourselves, we stop relationships, to simplify your and people to control the way listening to the judgments of life and help others, to forgive we define ourselves, the more others. When we give ourselves yourself and trust your intuition. we mask our authentic and permission to trust our beautiful humanity. intuition, we are likely to I give myself permission to Brené Brown found that by make better choices. When giving herself permission she we give ourselves permission be imperfect • laugh out loud was able to shed the weight of to value our worthiness, we let things go • make a mess her serious self as a speaker, stop being devalued. play • trust myself • take a nap recovering alcoholic, mother, Nico Rose contends that feel beautiful • try, and fail wife, and teacher, and free self-permission affects forgive • her authentic playful self. all of life and leads to a say the wrong thing Rose’s research suggests that better, healthier and more get angry • laugh at myself giving ourselves permission abundant life. His research speak up • cry when I need to is concerned with the cause showed that self-permission be wrong • enjoy the journey of potentially unfavourable brings satisfaction, creates a outcomes in the future. positive frame of mind, and If we do not give ourselves enables people to flourish. Give yourself permission to permission to name our truth, According to Rose the more make mistakes and be less we harbour deep shame and pain we give ourselves permission serious, to take care of yourself and can fall into despair. If we to make choices on our own and be strong, to be whatever do not give ourselves permission terms, the more we will see that body shape you are and release to grieve, the grief will fester we have more choices than we your fears, and to act boldly and and significantly alter our thought possible. “Considering have courage. relationships and lives. People how important it seems to Give yourself permission to who do not give themselves most individuals to make the embrace fully the happiness that permission to express their full best out of their lives, to live is under your personal control humanity live in states of deep up to a deeply felt purpose, and in so doing lead a more depression and anxiety. to ‘seize the day,’ and build fulfilling and gratifying life as Self-permission allows us a meaningful life with those your best self. ● to reclaim the wonderful days, exploring self-permission
news&views SPRING 2018 | 15 Financial Gerhard Sawatzky, MEd, CFP®
Should Seniors Take on Debt? It Depends In the summer 2017 edition of news&views, Bill Fraser wrote an article about the pros and cons of reverse mortgages. The following article brings up a larger question for retirees: Should seniors take on debt? A longer answer includes the pros and cons of reverse mortgages, lines of credit, credit card debt, borrowing to invest, and so on. The short answer, ‘It depends,’ has us think about the individual and the circumstance.
Good debt and bad debt are in 2016 will have payments learned that loans should be paid terms used to categorize our debt increase to 33% of a worker’s off as quickly as possible to save quality. We generally accept that average lifetime earnings by money. The prudent approach home mortgages, student loans, 2025. It is important that living was to design a repayment and borrowing to top-up RRSP costs be reduced at retirement to schedule that ensured extra contributions are good debt. In match loss of income. payments could be made and contrast, money borrowed to Lending institutions are then to increase payments as purchase luxury items, to go on reluctant to lend money to clients circumstances allowed. expensive holidays, or to invest in who have retired. Lenders need The exception to this approach high-risk ventures are considered to see that collateral exists in case is when a loan is used to offset bad debt. Before we begin to of default or death. Collateral income tax. For example, an categorize debt simply as good may be in the form of the investment loan is used to or bad, we need to dig deeper client’s residence, an investment purchase mutual funds or stocks, because that categorization portfolio, or the cash value in a or even rental real estate that depends on several factors. Here life insurance policy. generates cash flow. These are some of those considerations: 2. Loan Payment Schedule. investments generate income 1. Age. A common goal for As a full-time employee, we could that is taxable. The interest Canadians is to be debt-free purchase a family home and take payment on an investment loan before retirement. We know on a mortgage with a 25-year can be claimed as an investment that our income will take a amortization. The value of real expense; so, only the interest radical drop when employment estate was increasing. It seemed on the loan is paid rather than ceases. Canada Pension Plan like a very good investment. The a combination of interest and (CPP) payments were originally long-term downside was that we principal. The loan is fully repaid designed to be 25% of an were paying for our home three when the investment is sold. industrial worker’s average times when we added up all of 3. Risk Tolerance. We each lifetime earnings. Reforms made our payments. From that, we have a unique level of tolerance
16 | arta.net for risk. Borrowing decisions it makes sense to allow the 6. Impact on Long-Term should be made with a clear loan to continue. Our current Financial Plan. Every understanding of the risks low-interest environment significant financial decision involved. It is not a problem makes loans attractive. A should reflect our long-term to take risks when we fully word of caution: interest rates financial plan. We should plan understand what the risks are. (borrowing costs) are slowly for emergency expenses and For example, a risk for real estate increasing and this trend is family events that might be purchases is that the property projected to continue. costly such as weddings and will lose value due to fluctuating 5. Purpose of Borrowing. funerals. Our plan should home prices, but this is not a What type of ‘important include savings contributions problem unless we wish to sell expense’ might warrant a loan? such as maximizing our tax-free the property quickly. Higher risk It depends. Many Canadians savings account (TFSA) each investments will generally bring borrow money every month by year and planning for income tax greater rewards. Clients who using their credit card to make liabilities. The cost of borrowing invest in GICs, for example, will purchases. There is no direct money should also be in our generally earn less than clients cost to us when we pay the financial plan. who invest in equity funds. credit card invoice fully each By considering the details When money is borrowed, month. I suggest a low-limit behind a decision to borrow, we the risk is that the interest rate credit card for small purchases understand when a loan makes will increase, making the loan from unfamiliar sources and a good sense. A reverse mortgage more expensive. In a reverse higher-limit for larger purchases is not free money: it is a large mortgage, for example, with from reputable businesses. A loan using our home as collateral. increasing interest rates the cost debit card is another option for This is a good plan in some of the mortgage will increase; purchases and the better option circumstances; but we should that is, the home will lose value when making cash withdrawals. project costs forward many years more quickly than may have When a family emergency or to understand the consequences. been projected. large medical expense occurs, we In Canada, we are very fortunate 4. Cost of Borrowing. When may need to have funds available to have the option to borrow there is collateral available for quickly. For retirees, even short- money at reasonable rates. Our a loan, the cost is decreased. term borrowing is sometimes challenge is to be thoughtful A reverse mortgage and home awkward. The lender will want about our financial plan and line of credit is a low-cost to know details before making a to carefully consider the short- loan. Credit card debt is just loan available. Alternatively, if term and long-term effect of the opposite: it is a high-cost we have a high limit on a credit borrowing on our own well-being loan. If low-cost loans are used card or an established line of and that of our family. In most effectively, they provide a good credit, we simply make the situations, it is very appropriate option when cash is needed for payment required. Short-term to involve our children in an important expense. In the borrowing like this makes more significant financial decisions. situation where investments sense than having a large cash A professional financial planner are increasing in value more balance in our chequing account offers unbiased information and quickly than the cost of a loan, earning little or no return. will assist with creating a quality financial plan. ●
news&views SPRING 2018 | 17 Gardening Gerald Filipski
Greening Your Thumb
Being a ‘green’ gardener means more than keeping your plants’ leaves the right colour. There are many ways to garden in an eco-friendly way whether you have a full-scale garden or if your garden only consists of containers on the balcony or patio. You can even apply some of these principles if your gardening is of the indoor variety.
Some gardeners think that good green technique. Setting out But what about those their garden is relatively small sticky traps is another alternative. gardeners who have no space for composting? Vermicomposting and that their ‘going green’ There are times when the invaders are present in such is the answer. Just what is would not have a large impact large numbers that hand vermicomposting? Red worms on the environment. However, picking or other non-pesticide are put into a plastic bin with if you factor in every garden’s methods just won’t work. You moist shredded newspaper, pesticide use,, for example, the can try an insecticidal soap; peat moss, brown leaves, or impact is indeed a large one. but usually, in cases such as straw. Food scraps like apple Changing even a few things in these, I recommend using an cores, vegetable peelings and your garden can have a major environmentally friendly spray coffee grounds are buried in product based on pyrethrin. the bedding. The worms eat impact on the environment. Pyrethrins are natural the scraps and produce a great Anyone who gardens knows insecticides that are derived compost that can be used to that insects can prove to be from pyrethrum daisies. The enrich the soil of your house more than troublesome if not spray is effective against many plants, containers and beds. controlled. Controlling insect insects and is readily available in Vermicomposting is usually pests is an area in gardening major garden centres. done indoors and is a great way that now offers eco-friendly Many small-scale gardeners for condo dwellers or gardeners approaches to many problems lament the fact that they have with a lack of space to compost. that were previously dealt neither the room nor the It is odourless and can be done with solely through the use capability to produce their own in a small plastic tote. You can of manufactured chemicals. compost like gardeners who have get more information by visiting The time-honoured ways of a large yard. Townhome owners the City of Edmonton worm controlling insects still apply. or those homeowners with small composting website at If the pests are present in small lots, for example, can dedicate edmonton.ca/residential_ numbers picking them off by a corner of their yard to a small neighbourhoods/ hand or spraying them off with composter—some as small as fifty gardens_lawns_trees/ a sharp stream of water is a very gallons take little space. worm-composting.aspx.
18 | arta.net The website will also tell texturize the container with Finally, using rain barrels to you where you can find the one of the many textured catch rainwater for watering is a worms needed to get a start on paints on the market today. great idea. Read more about rain vermicomposting. By producing Conserving water is one of the barrels at the Epcor website at and using your own compost main ways we can be mindful epcor.com/learn/efficiency- you will eliminate the need for of the environment. Water conservation/outside/ using chemical fertilizers, and is a precious commodity and Pages/rain-barrels.aspx. your plants will love you for it. gardeners can certainly do their Small changes in your Plants love growing on compost. part in helping to conserve gardening habits and methods Another green idea is to use this resource. Using plastic can make a large difference to recycled containers to grow containers rather than terra the environment. The beauty of your plants in. Some of these cotta will help to cut down on some of the suggestions is that containers are made from some of the loss of moisture due they require very little effort and recycled material. Others are to evaporation. Gardeners can are cost efficient as well. Be a containers that may have been also conserve water through the true Green Thumb. ● used for another purpose that use of mulches. can make interesting and very Mulching the exposed soil at useful plant containers. Try the top of a container or in the these ideas for interesting garden will help to cut down even planters: more on evaporation to serve • Antiques as planters. Stop a threefold purpose. First, in at an antique dealer or a conservation of water is local flea market and look for important. Second, antiques that would serve as moisture retained plant containers. These might by the mulch include galvanized washtubs, keeps your plants milk cans, or earthenware happy because crocks. they have an • Cracked or broken even source of kitchenware. Old teapots can moisture, which hold a small plant and be is especially an outdoor or indoor table important on centrepiece. hot and dry • Coffee cans or other kitchen summer days cans. Punching a few holes when some in the bottom of the can and containers might painting the outside can need to be watered create your own custom- two or three times. made container. You can Third, you, the gardener, customize your colours to fit stay happy because you into a colour scheme or even have to water less.
news&views SPRING 2018 | 19 From the Branches Edna Warriner | CARTA Branch President
CARTA’s Distinguished
Volunteers Central Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association
At our Christmas luncheon, the Central Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (CARTA) was pleased to recognize our distinguished volunteers for 2017 – David Bouchard and Ed Shields. Each was presented with an ARTA Volunteer Award. Thank you to ARTA for continuing its support of this Barb Borle and David Bouchard Ed Shields and Jeanette Van Hyfte worthwhile award, and thanks, schools in the area. involved with a monthly drop too, to Laurie Bauer of TW Ed Shields has used his in. For over twenty years Ed Insurance for the door prizes at retirement time for travel has served as a driver for Meals our functions. but also for giving back to his on Wheels and volunteered David Bouchard has been community. Ed hails from New as treasurer for the Red Deer a volunteer in Red Deer for York, but in the 1960s he moved Clothing Bank. He has been a twenty-nine years. He has to British Columbia where he blood donor for over forty years. volunteered with the Rotary was promised a job. As a bonus, Ed has also been our CARTA Sunrise Club (and has served his bishop promised to find him photographer for fifteen years. as president), with the Knights a wife. Carolyn and Ed have now This January our CARTA of Columbus, and with Sacred been married for fifty years! writing group, the Ink Blots, Heart Catholic Church where Ed was a founder of the Red will be celebrating its first he has provided adult education Deer Titans Track Club in which anniversary. In October of 2016, in religion. He has also been a his three children participated. Robin Carson, our news&views volunteer for the Mount Calvary In retirement, Ed has been editor, provided a framework and Cemetery for fifteen years. active in training others for suggestions and from this session An important focus for David various ministry positions at our writing group emerged. We since 2009 has been Magdalene St. Mary’s Church and is a meet every two weeks to share House, a private facility that team leader for ministry at the our writings and readings—and provides care for people Michener Extendicare. Through for discussion. Thanks to Lyle exploited by human trafficking. his church, he has also organized Meeres, our Ink Blots leader, for David has made presentations trips to the Diamond Jubilee providing structure, suggestions on human trafficking to service Arena, the Rosebud Theatre, and, especially, support for all clubs, high schools and middle and mystery trips. He is also our writers. ● 20 | arta.net From the Branches Doreen Pawlowski | SWARTA Branch President
SWARTA Presents the ARTA Volunteer Award The South West Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (SWARTA) held its annual Christmas Luncheon on November 30 at the Lethbridge Senior Citizens’ Centre. It was our privilege to present the 2017 Volunteer Award to Karen Thomas.
Karen Thomas worked for the the program manager, she got County of Lethbridge, now to go on a police ride-along known as the Palliser School to see if this position actually District. She served the South was what she expected. It was Western Alberta Teachers’ NOT—but she was hooked. Most Convention Association as a of the required qualifications presenter, board member and teachers already have—such president. For many years as good communication skills, she also served as local ATA compassion and the ability to representative and worked manage stressful situations. on the Health and Physical Victim Services Advocates Education Committee as provide emotional and Karen Thomas and Doreen Pawlowski an executive member and informational support for presenter. victims of crime and trauma. though in most circumstances, After many years of Advocates are there to listen because of the tragedy and crisis volunteering for school- with compassion and to provide victims have suffered, they don’t related and ATA-related support and information on remember who you are—but positions, retirement gave her where victims may access they do remember what you did the opportunity to expand financial and social supports to for them.” her volunteering into the aid healing. As first responders, Among other volunteering community. She came across an volunteers work in conjunction Karen has done is working the advertisement for Lethbridge with the police and are present Crime Stoppers phone line, Victim Services in the volunteer for on-scene crisis intervention. volunteering at the soup kitchen section of the newspaper. As well, Karen also does court through her church—and now Not having a law background orientation and accompaniment, spending quality time with her but wanting to do something when needed. grandchild. unfamiliar and challenging, Why does she do it? Karen Thank you, Karen, for all she submitted her name. After says, “Simple, because I can; and your hard work. We are proud getting a background check, volunteering for Victim Services that you are SWARTA’s 2017 interview, and meeting with is incredibly rewarding, even Volunteer of the Year. ●
news&views SPRING 2018 | 21 From the Branches Gerhard Sawatzky | FRTA Branch President
ARTA Volunteer Award: Fran Porter As our local branch celebrates its fifteen-year anniversary, we think back to those who helped to establish Foothills Retired Teachers’ Association (FRTA). One of our founding members has continued to volunteer and contribute to her community despite extraordinary circumstances. FRTA members see Fran Porter as a loving parent, a hardworking English teacher, a very successful writer and an active volunteer. In addition, we recognize Fran’s courage and conviction as the mother of a child with mental illness.
In her retirement, Fran Porter in dialectical behaviour therapy, has written the recently- the most successful BPD published book When the treatment. The therapist has set Ship Has No Stabilizers that up a program there, ‘Developing chronicles the life of Fran’s Better Techniques’ (DBT), daughter Colleen, who was available to clients without cost severely afflicted with borderline and without a waiting list. Fran personality disorder (BPD). and her husband Andy continue This devastating mental illness to donate all proceeds, including Gerhard Sawatzky, FRTA ultimately caused Colleen to honoraria from related speaking President; Fran Porter; Marilyn take her own life in June of opportunities to this effort. Bossert, ARTA President 2010. The book includes Fran’s They will be donating another own extensive research revealing $10,000 in the near future. new information to guide the Speaking engagements treatment of BPD. for Fran have included the All proceeds of the sales of FRTA Health and Wellness her book are being donated Conference, the Rotary circuit, to McMan Youth, Family and libraries, churches, book clubs, Community Services Calgary, Al-Anon meetings, the Calgary an organization that works Teachers’ Convention, the regularly with mentally-ill Calgary Optimist Club and Esther Dyck, Winner of the ARTA adolescents like Colleen who various McMan functions. In Walking Challenge, Most Steps – are on the streets. McMan has addition, she and Andy have Individual Category. Presentation at FRTA Christmas Banquet used funds raised so far by the offered individual support and (November 23, 2017) book to hire a clinician trained counsel to many parents and
22 | arta.net relatives going through the same strives to welcome all minority infancy at that time. Fran has incredible challenges they did. groups, particularly members of supported FRTA through her They have provided information, the LGBTQ community. regular attendance at events, support, and resources to This fall Swerve Magazine her willing participation assist families and adolescents (Calgary Herald, November as a speaker, and with her impacted by BPD. 10, 2017) featured Fran and wonderfully positive attitude. There are additional examples Andy Porter as Outstanding As well, she and Andy keep of how Fran and Andy have given Philanthropic Family honorees, track of their many, many steps resources and support to their nominated by McMan Calgary and submit these for the ARTA community. They sponsor an and Area. “Calgarians Fran Walking Challenge each year. annual meal for the homeless and Andy Porter have been Fran leads by example. She at the Calgary Drop-In Centre named this year’s Outstanding and Andy have experienced that members from their church Philanthropic Family, for their family tragedy but have worked Outreach Committee help to volunteer commitment to many tirelessly to help other families serve. Typically, they feed 900 groups in and around Calgary…” in similar circumstances. Their to 1,100 people. Fran is also a FRTA members greatly work is paying dividends, with member of ‘Community and appreciate Fran for her many more adolescents receiving Congregational Care’ at Deer continuing interest in the support and many families Lake United Church, regularly welfare of this organization. As learning how to better cope with visiting shut-ins. She coordinates a founding member, Fran easily BPD. They are active in their the Prayer Ministry and the recalls how our initial branch church community to assist those ‘Christmas Cookie Ministry’ goals were focused on social who are in need. We applaud delivering Christmas cookies to events that brought us together. their work and generosity, the sick and shut-ins. Fran and The founding group recognized and congratulate Fran on this Andy have been active leaders that there was potential in the nomination as our 2017 ARTA of the Affirm Movement within idea of a retired teacher benefit Volunteer Award recipient. ● their own church. This initiative plan, but that was only in its
Contact Information
ARTA: news&views: ARTA Benefits Plan: Edmonton area: Email: Claims: 780-822-2400 [email protected] 1-855-444-2782 Toll-free: Submissions: [email protected] 1-855-212-2400 [email protected] TW Insurance (Home and Auto): Email: Subscription changes: 1-855-894-2782 [email protected] [email protected] ATRF Website: Next Deadline: 780-451-4166 arta.net April 20, 2018 Toll-free: 1-800-661-9582 [email protected]
news&views SPRING 2018 | 23 The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign Susan Bell and Vivian Pich
Have you ever wondered how to fill the time that retirement has given you? Some people find a passion and follow it throughout their lives. For many Canadian grandmothers that passion is the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign. Why not consider joining them?
The Stephen Lewis Foundation’s grandmothers as they struggled the African grandmothers and Grandmothers to Grandmothers to raise children orphaned by the children in their care. In the Campaign is a dynamic AIDS. Those first Canadian first ten years of the campaign movement of thousands of grandmothers who joined the more than twenty-five million grandmothers and grandothers campaign made a commitment dollars were raised. in 240 groups across Canada. to African grandmothers: we will African grandmothers are Groups have recently formed in not rest until they can rest. The central to the life of their Australia, the United Kingdom, Canadian grandmothers’ groups communities. When the AIDS and the United States. Launched focus on three goals: raise pandemic created millions of in 2006, the campaign was awareness, build solidarity, and orphans, the grandmothers a grassroots response to the raise funds for the community- took on the role of parenting emerging crisis faced by African based organizations that support once again. They put their
Above: Grandmother group members in Uganda. Photographer: AM Right: Children who attend day care run by Grandmother group members in South Africa. Photographer: AM
24 | arta.net grandchildren through school, grow crops, create local banking groups, teach others about HIV prevention and treatment, form support groups, and deliver hope and comfort through home-based care. African grandmothers are able to do all this because they have the support of a network of community-based organizations. HIV-AIDS has not just been a health crisis; it has been a full-blown humanitarian crisis Canadian and African grandmothers at the first leaving families destitute and Grandmothers’ Gathering in Toronto. Photographer: PB communities overwhelmed. The Stephen Lewis Foundation related health services and A few Canadians have travelled— supports community-based therapy. Once those needs are at their own expense—to African organizations in fifteen met, the organizations work gatherings with the Stephen sub-Saharan countries that on positive living, education, Lewis Foundation and are are the hardest hit by the income generation and food eager to report what they have AIDS pandemic. These CBOs security. Special attention is witnessed. Many grandmother bring people living with AIDS given to psychological and groups participate in ‘Read In’ into treatment, and provide emotional well-being. celebrations in schools where protection from violence, The Canadian grandmother they are able to read stories about housing assistance, HIV-AIDS- groups devote a great deal of time African culture and children. and energy to raising awareness Sometimes they work with a of the continuing devastation school on a social justice project. to families and communities The Canadian grandmothers caused by the pandemic. cherish solidarity with their Canadian grandmothers African sisters. They turn out and grandothers welcome to welcome and listen when opportunities to speak to service donated Aeroplan Miles enable clubs, faith-based organizations, African grandmothers to visit community leagues and any Canada. You often see Canadian other interested group. Many grandmothers in information Canadian grandmothers have booths at conferences or walking met African grandmothers and in community parades. representatives of the African An important part of the work community-based organizations. of the Canadian grandmothers is
news&views SPRING 2018 | 25 raising funds to assist the African sales, bridge luncheons, and, For more information go to grandmothers. They have found of course, the best craft sales of edmgrandmothers.org. ● amazing ways to create funds. special items created by skilled In Alberta several grandmother practitioners. Susan Bell and Vivian Pich are enthusiastic members of the GANG groups have held ‘fabric frenzies’ Why not join us in the (Grandmothers of Alberta for a in which donated fabrics, yarns, Grandmothers to Grandmothers New Generation). and notions are sold much below Campaign? Heartwarming Photographs by Alexis MacDonald, the original sale price raising benefits that come with work on Stephen Lewis Foundation (AM) thousands of dollars. There have the campaign are the richness and Peter Bregg (PB). been scrabble tournaments, of new friendships and a shared rhubarb teas, fashion shows, art sense of accomplishment.
The Upside of Downsizing Jane Thrall
Whether you live in a five-bedroom house or a one-bedroom apartment, the time may come when your home seems too big for your needs.
There are as many reasons to but for those considering doing your things and deciding what consider downsizing as there are so it can be quite daunting. makes the move and what finds a families and living situations. The first thing to consider new home with someone else can Maybe the kids have flown the is, “Do I really need to DO be difficult if not traumatizing. coop and set up their own nests, it?” What are the benefits and Every item has a story; every leaving empty rooms and extra will it be in my best interest? gift has a giver. Each piece of space. Perhaps the reasons Moving can be a very stressful furniture may hold a memory for are financial—your current proposition especially if the you, and being surrounded by home is costing more than you move involves any significant familiar objects can bring a sense want to allocate to housing. distance. If you’ve been in the of security and comfort. Perhaps health challenges are same place for an extended On the other hand, discarding making the yard work and home time, you’ll have undoubtedly or passing on those things that maintenance burdensome or made friends and connections are no longer needed has its own stairs are becoming increasingly in your community. Proximity reward. Clutter can be unhealthy difficult to manage. to family may be an important in many ways; simplicity can Whatever the reason, many consideration in choosing be stress-relieving. Consider retirees find themselves whether to stay put or move on. that one set of salt and pepper downsizing at some point in Then there’s the actual process shakers you brought home their latter years. Not everyone to consider. Downsizing means from Europe that has somehow is a homeowner nor does a commitment to reducing one’s morphed into a two-hundred- everybody need to transition to possessions, a task not everyone piece collection harbouring dust something more manageable, finds pleasant. Going through in the dining room. Or the closet
26 | arta.net full of 1980s pantsuits that are ‘just too good to throw out.’ If you stay in the same place long enough, you’re bound to accumulate things, sometimes to excess. Studies have linked clutter with depression, poor focus, reduced productivity—and procrastination. Whether you hold a you’re gone, then ask if you relinquish your own treasures, garage sale, post your treasures really need them in the interim. you can start with the empty online, or simply drop them off Consider taking photos of the boxes in the garage or the toys at the local thrift store, getting cards or making a keepsake of that even the grandkids won’t rid of superfluous items cannot some of the clothes if you must. play with, slowly working only clear your home but can Save memories, not tchotchkes. your way toward those rusty clear your mind. When I began downsizing my utensils for the barbecue and For those who don’t know home in anticipation of moving that lawnmower that no longer where to start, some businesses to a much smaller condo, it took works. I guarantee you— specialize in helping to me almost a year to undergo the nobody’s last words are, “I wish downsize. Using a strict set transition. Still, there was one I’d saved that broken crockpot.” of rules, they can help you thing I just couldn’t minimize: If none of this resonates to cleanse your home of my art collection. Although I’d with you, if the very thought unnecessary clutter. It’s not be moving into a home with fifty of surrendering even one complicated: if you don’t use it, percent less wall space, I wasn’t treasured item makes you don’t love it, and don’t need it, willing to reduce my collection cringe with anxiety, downsizing trash it. Yes, you might use that by even ten percent. may not be right for you. But canner next fall when the apples I carefully packed each keep in mind that (with the are abundant, but chances are it painting, photo, and family possible exception of Egyptian will sit in the closet like it did for heirloom and brought them pharaohs) we will all thoroughly the past ten seasons. with me. Most still reside in a downsize in the end. ● space in my hall closet behind What about all those things Dr. Jane Thrall enjoys writing that hold special memories— the duvet covers and bed sheets. since the results take up so little the boxes of baby clothes or Someday I’ll tackle that chore, space in her condo. She is a retired but I’m not yet ready to part optometrist who, for more than five Christmas cards dating back to years, has written on a wide variety the last century? Ask yourself with my beloved objets d’art. of topics for news&views. what will become of them after If you’re reluctant to
news&views SPRING 2018 | 27 Travelling tips: New adventure travellers
Top 3 health considerations for “new” adventure travellers
One of the hottest travel trends for 2018 is adventure travel. Before you start thinking bungee jumping, heli-skiing or other adrenaline pumping Before you travel, download the TripWise app from activities, the definition is evolving to mean new cultural experiences www.allianz-assistance.ca onto your phone and such as walking tours in Bhutan or Arctic expeditions. Even for personalize it with the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone experienced travellers, factors such as climate and new foods can require numbers located in your travel insurance documents. If you to adjust your usual routine. Keep reading for three considerations to necessary during your trip, you can refer to it to quickly help ensure your health is also up for the adventure. find local hospitals, prescription and first-aid terms, and more to help you save precious moments and get the help you need in an emergency. 1 Get a health check. As with any trip, visit your doctor before you leave. In addition to getting a physical, this is a good time to renew any prescriptions you’ll need and ask about If you experience an emergency while travelling, call or update any required vaccinations. If you plan to boost your fitness level in Allianz Global Assistance first within 48 hours of an preparation for your trip, ask about how to do so safely. Just like during your trip, emergency, or when reasonably possible. If you’re remember to stay within your limits while you’re active. unable to call us, a family member or travelling companion can call on your behalf. This also applies if a 2 Know the signs of overexertion and dehydration. medical provider asks you for a large upfront deposit or Excitement and enthusiasm can take their toll during new travel experiences. So to surrender your passport. it’s important to know – and heed – the signs of overexertion and dehydration, The 24/7/365 emergency assistance team will guide you such as difficulty speaking, fatigue, dry mouth and nausea. Following are some to an accredited healthcare provider as well as: tips to help you avoid these symptoms altogether, potentially saving yourself from an accident or more serious medical emergency. • Efficiently access and navigate the health care system in the region you’re visiting • Train in advance for the activities and conditions you might face during your • Monitor your care trip. Start slowly if necessary and pace yourself, gradually building up your strength and endurance. If you like, stretch afterwards to help your body • Facilitate direct bill payment to the medical recover more quickly. provider whenever possible to avoid costly out-of- pocket expenses • Rest when you need to. Factors such as the weather could mean this happens more – and also offers more opportunities to take in the • Address questionable, unnecessary and potentially surrounding scenery. costly local practices that you may encounter • Assist with your safe return home • Drink water and other fluids regularly – about 15-30 mL1 for every pound you weigh. Adjust the amount based on your age, weight, gender, type and level • Co-ordinate with the Canadian embassy or of physical activity and climate. consulate if necessary 1 Water and Your Diet: Staying Slim and Regular With H2O, WebMD
3 Keep your medications with you at all times. This one is especially important if you take medications according to a schedule. Ensure you stick to any special storage requirements if you’ll need to take them during your excursion. For example, if your medications need to be kept at a certain temperature, be sure to account for this when planning your outing.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Travel insurance does not cover everything. Please always refer to your Group policy document for full terms and conditions, including limitations and exclusions. Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators group of companies and administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd.
X026FS-0118.indd 1 2018-02-26 9:30 AM 2017 Writing Contest Laurie Semler | Writing Contest Coordinator
ARTA members, we have many The contributions of Amanda will see their pieces published talented authors in our ranks! Shaw, ARTA’s Manager of Public in this month’s issue. Second- Your fellow members submitted Relations, and Tony Esteves, place winners will see their pieces a total of seventy-two entries in ARTA’s Communications and published in a future issue. three separate categories. The Social Media Coordinator, The Communications Poetry category garnered the must also be acknowledged. Committee would like to thank most interest with thirty-six They ensured that the writing all writers who participated in entries. A wide range of styles contest was well publicized to the 2017 Writing Contest. We and topics were submitted in the our members. Tony scanned and are gratified that more entries nineteen entries for Flash Fiction. forwarded all mailed entries, while were received this year than last. Some excellent results came from Amanda assisted with numerous Stay tuned for information about seventeen authors who tried their administrative details including the 2018 Writing Contest. Some hand at this year’s brand-new arranging for the awesome prizes intriguing twists on submission category: Children’s Fiction. our winners will receive this year. categories are in the works. With so many entries of such Thank you, Amanda and Tony! Submission guidelines will also high quality, selecting winners First and second place winners be refined in order to clarify and proved challenging for our judges. were selected for each category. streamline the process. Countless hours went into the Due to the difficulty in selecting The Communications final decisions for each category. just two pieces of writing per Committee thanks Laurie Semler, Many thanks to the judging panel, category, several additional who bravely took on the role comprising six people this year. entries were selected for of coordinator, and continues Without their willingness to serve, honourable mention. The first- to serve as a member of the this contest would not be possible. place winners in each category Communications Committee. ●
Children’s Fiction Poetry Flash Fiction First Place First Place First Place “Pilates Gets Stranded” “Guess My Age” “Grandma’s Welcome” by Julie Margaret Bain by Ronna Fay Jevne by Jock Mackenzie Second Place Second Place Second Place “Wrinkles” by Carol Vaage “Burning Well” “Unbaked Cookies” Honourable Mention by Sharon Ingraham by Georgina Bernice Sullivan “My Nana Paddles a Dragon Boat” “Valentine Dance” Honourable Mention by Jeannette Labbe by Wayne Nylin “The Jelly Beans” “A Wise Choice for Queen of May” Honourable Mention by Ardith Trudzik by Ardith Trudzik “Swan Song” “Bubbaloo: The Bear Who by Audrey Brooks Couldn’t Sleep” by Randy Duffy news&views SPRING 2018 | 29 Writing Contest 2017 First Place Winner: Children’s Story
Pilates Gets Stranded by Julie Margaret Bain
Pilates, the pilot whale, lolled on was so impressed he wanted top of the ocean. His relatives to try it himself. He dove floated and rested nearby. Pilates’ straight down and tried to mother was the leader of the keep his tail above the water pod of thirty whales. Some days and slap with it. He made a it annoyed him that his mother feeble smooching sound. This whistles, and made all the decisions. He felt was going to take some practice! buzzes through hungry and wanted some of the He spun around to watch the the water. He giant squid that he liked, but humpback and saw it had moved tried to flick he knew he must wait until his further into the bay. Pilates his tail like a mother gave the signal to dive. followed along, hoping that he rudder to turn himself As he drifted lazily with the could get some hints about tail around. But all that did was dig waves and the current he heard slapping. him into the sand. He was now in a strange sound in the distance. The humpback was swimming less than a metre of water and the It sounded as though a giant across the mouth of the bay, tide was going out. baseball bat was hitting the water gradually getting closer and closer Pilates heard his mother and again and again. Pilates knew he to the beach. Occasionally he gave his entire pod approaching. shouldn’t stray from his pod but a few tail slaps or fin claps, which Desperately he clicked to warn he was curious and wanted to kept Pilates fascinated. He drifted them to stay away from him and discover what was making this closer. Suddenly, the humpback not come into the shallow water. new and different sound. turned and with a flick of his tail But on they swam. His mother told He slunk beneath the water sped away out to the open ocean. him that pilot whales always tried and headed towards it. Thwack. Pilates watched him disappear to help any member who was in Thwack. Thwack. Cautiously he and wondered why he had left so trouble, even if it meant they all broke the surface of the water and quickly. got hurt. Pilates felt terrible. He pushed his head above the waves At that moment, his belly had called to his pod and now they to spy hop and look around. He scraped on the sandy bottom. were in the shallow water and, just was astounded. A humpback One minute he was in deep water like him, they couldn’t turn around whale was lifting his tail out of the and the next he had gone over the or go backwards to get into the water and smacking it with all his drop off into the shallow water. deeper water. strength onto the surface of the Panic gripped him. He couldn’t Pilates felt the water ebbing water. Thwack. Thwack. Thwack. turn. The waves pushed him away leaving the whole pod Again and again the humpback towards the beach. And now he stranded on the beach. It was all slapped the water. realized he had strayed a long way his fault. Their only hope was that Pilates had never seen a whale from his pod. Frantically he called at high tide the water would be do anything like this before. He to his mother sending his clicks, deep enough for them to float out
30 | arta.net of the bay. But that was still six sand. Some people sang. Others something. It was a person’s legs. hours away. stroked the whales and murmured They saw the people had made a Pilates could feel his skin in a soothing voice. These people huge human chain across the bay drying out. He was panting from had seen the stranding and were to block the whales and stop them the heat. When he looked either staying with the whales to help returning to the beach and getting side of him, all he could see were keep them wet and calm while stranded again. big, dark grey hulks dotted along they waited for high tide. With relief, Pilates and his pod the beach. Stranded. And nothing Eventually Pilates felt the water turned the other way and swam to do but wait for the tide. Pilates around him get deeper. Soon it towards the deep, open waters shut his eyes. It was too horrible was half way up his body but he of the ocean. Pilates took a big seeing his pod lying on the beach still couldn’t turn around. Gentle breath and plunged under the unable to move. but firm hands pressed on his water. When he surfaced he blew He must have dozed off because sides. He was being pushed out as hard as he could, sending a he was jolted awake by the feel from the beach like a boat being plume of spray into the air to of water sloshing over his back. launched into the waves. Water thank the people who had saved Pilates flicked his eyes open lapped around him. He could his pod. He would practise his and gazed around. There float again. tail slapping another day, but far were people moving among the But Pilates was disoriented and away from a beach. whales and pouring buckets of distraught after being stranded Author’s note: water over them. He felt a cloth for so long. He called to his This story is based on an incident put gently over his body. Some mother but she too didn’t know that happened on February 10, people dug into the sand around which direction to go to reach 2017. More than 400 pilot whales were stranded at Farewell Spit, him making a small pool so he the open sea. Slowly they started New Zealand. Over 500 volunteers could sink deeper into the damp swimming. They bumped against came to help the whales.
Writing Contest 2017 First Place Winner: Poetry
Guess My Age by Ronna Fay Jevne
I am only old I am only old I am never old When I climb stairs When the clock strikes ten When I stand Or look in the mirror. And I want desperately On the mountain’s ledge Never when I lie To slip away Whipped by the wind Beneath the birch From the noise Arms open Staring at the sky. Of the wedding dance. Singing to the universe.
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news&views SPRING 2018 | 31 Writing Contest 2017 First Place Winner: Poetry
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I am only old I am only old I am only old When I listen When I attend When I go to emergency To late night radio Funeral after funeral And the physician And Perry Como And say good bye Looks like a teenager Is still the voice To yet one more friend And the nurse I long to hear. I made memories with. Calls me “dear”.
I am never old I am never old I am never old When I plunge When I meet a curious mind When I cycle Into the icy water And we have our first, With nifty cycling shorts Of a mountain lake Three-hour tea And a spiffy helmet. And rise like a dolphin And figure out I glide for 40 kilometres In full breach. What to do with Trump. And never break a sweat.
I am only old I am only old I am only old In the digital world When I look at my shoes When I yearn Where user names And none of them have heels For a real letter And passwords And there are no open toes That says “How are you?” And upgrades and downloads Or sandals with single straps. Or “Thanks for your gift” Make me a dinosaur. And they all have insoles. Written with a fountain pen.
I am never old I am never old I am never old When a friend When rain pelts down When I watch women’s hockey Comes for tea On my yellow slicker And I have tears And we tell tall tales And I taste each drop As they stand on the podium And other lies And savour it like wine All with gold medals Of adventures to come. And laugh. And ‘O Canada’ begins to play.
I am only old I am only old I have never been this When the young ones ask When I never leave home age before— “Who is Robert Redford?” Without Tylenol Older than yesterday And when they visit And I order Younger than tomorrow. They never ask for cookies From the children’s menu Or bed time stories anymore. And the waitress just smiles.
I am never old I am never old When I kayak, When I order prime rib When my paddle Medium rare Slips through quiet waters And I eat all ten ounces And I hear the loon And follow it Calling across the marsh. With lemon pie.
32 | arta.net Writing Contest 2017 First Place Winner: Flash Fiction
Grandma’s Welcome by Jock Mackenzie
When my grandmother moved wondered What is the matter the hymns, the offering—who across town, it meant finding a with these people? Surely, some knows? How could she even think? new church. She did. On the first of them must be able to spy a But, after the service, as she was Sunday morning, she entered stranger in their midst. Was this leaving, a lady came up to her— the church with mixed feelings; the way Christians were supposed miracle of miracles. Talk about anticipation and trepidation to act? Was there something salvation at the eleventh hour! were vying for first place. Shared wrong with her? The lady asked if she had between the two emotions was When she left the church on liked the sermon, enjoyed the the question, “Who will greet me that third Sunday, she made a hymns, marveled at the beauty and welcome me?” No one did. promise to herself. If she received of the stained glass. The lady was No member of the congregation the same treatment the next friendly, warm, genuine, open, greeted her as she entered week, that was it; she would just concerned. the vestibule, neither of the have to find another church. To The thing that Grandma people handing out the orders say she stewed about her dilemma remembered most distinctly of service welcomed her, and, for seven days would be an from that conversation was one after the service as she dawdled understatement. question that she asked of the momentarily on her way out, no Eventually, the Sunday morning lady who had finally made her feel one noticed her as a newcomer. arrived. As she entered the welcome. She asked, “And how No one said a word. vestibule, everything went as it long have you been coming here?” Grandma returned the next had before. The greeters handed The response, “Oh, this is my Sunday and the next and was met her the order of service, smiled, first time.” with exactly the same scene. She nodded, were silent. The sermon,
news&views SPRING 2018 | 33 Exploring the Balkans: Ancient Walls, Rocky Beaches, and Grandmother’s Pite Dee MacPherson
If you’ve thought about visiting any of the Balkan countries, do it now before it’s too late! Croatia, especially, has become a very popular destination, and the others are quickly following suit. We travelled independently, experienced few problems with language, appreciated breath-taking scenery, met friendly people, and enjoyed delicious cuisines. A perfect combination, wouldn’t you say?
The clear water of Hvar
34 | arta.net Ljubljana, looking toward Ljubljana Castle Hvar at Sunset and a street of great restaurants.
Our twenty-day journey began in or meats), ocvirki (akin to almost quadruples on any given Ljubljana, Slovenia—a smallish a perogy, either savoury or day in the summer. The water city with a calm and peaceful sweet—meat or fruit-filled), and is absolutely crystal clear, but historic centre that is completely kreme snita (a creamy layered most of the beaches are rocky. I pedestrian and bicycle-friendly. dessert, like a vanilla slice). All don’t mean pebbly. I mean large Ljubljana prides itself on being so good—not low calorie, but boulders! Often ladders attached the greenest city in Europe with tasty! A local woman insisted to these large rocks assist in a great emphasis on recycling, that we try the smoren (a thick getting in and out of the water. reusing and reducing waste crepe chopped up, fried, and Hvar town has many narrow, (especially food). Ljubljana dolloped with stewed fruit). She crowded streets full of shops Castle sits atop the hill in the was right—it was delicious! and restaurants. To complete centre of town, easily accessible After several days in Ljubljana, the experience we were treated via the funicular or a walking we travelled for two and a half to some delectable food: grilled path. hours by train to Zagreb, the shark, Dalmatian beef stew, and The city has many great capital of Croatia, and then cherry grappa (a staple on the restaurants; and on Friday onward to Hvar. Hvar is one of island). Several places present nights in the summer and fall, the easiest Adriatic islands to live music—lots of familiar tunes an ‘Open Kitchen’ offers food get to. Although quite touristed sung with a Croatian accent. choices from at least fifty food and with a reputation as a ‘party From Hvar, we made our stalls. With plenty of seating in town,’ we managed to find some way via a three-hour ferry to the square, it’s a perfect place quiet places to walk along the Dubrovnik. Visitors must be to people-watch and sample seawall and on some of the sure to take in the view from some local cuisine. We tried residential back streets near our Mount Srd at sunset, looking burak (phyllo pastry stuffed apartment. Hvar’s permanent down on the Old Town and with cheese, cheese and spinach, population is four thousand, but the rest of the city. We spent
news&views SPRING 2018 | 35 Albania apart from the other Balkan countries we visited. Our food experiences in Albania centred mostly on meat cooked over an open fire, lots of feta type cheeses, and delicious yogurt. A prominent statue of Mother Teresa in the centre of Shkoder indicates her historic connection to Albania. Shkoder is the main centre in northern Albania. Within a three-block radius stand a large mosque, a large Roman Catholic church, and an Orthodox church, reflecting the confluence of religions in this predominantly Muslim country. The walled ‘old town’ of Dubrovnik seen from Mount Srd. After an overnight in Shkoder, we took a local bus one day walking the fifteenth- city provides a challenging, for a harrowing, but beautiful century wall of the Old Town but exhilarating hike with a two-hour road journey followed and exploring inside the gates beautiful view as a reward. by a two and a half hour ferry where it is a virtual rabbit Morning is best, before the sun across Koman Lake. Luckily the warren of roads and lanes (no comes over the mountain. scenery distracted us from the cars, thankfully). A local bus took us to the driving conditions—incredible After Dubrovnik, we were off nearby coastal village of Perast, mountains, amazing gorges, to Montenegro, the coastal town which has a population of 270— and water! The mountains are of Kotor. The drive to Kotor is but sixteen churches! From called the Accursed Mountains, stunningly beautiful. It follows Perast, a water taxi took us in part due to their apparent the Adriatic coast and the Bay out to Our Lady of the Rocks, impenetrability. Along the way, of Kotor, which is actually a a church built in the fifteenth we saw bee colonies, large herds southern fjord. Kotor, the jewel century on a fabricated island. of goats and cows on the road, at the end of the bay, is much After four days in Kotor, we and farms perched high on smaller than Dubrovnik, about departed for Albania. On the hillsides. Our destination was an one third the size. The Old Town journey, we noted that the area called Valbona. There’s next offers shops, accommodation, countryside is poorer, with to no development here, only a restaurants, and ... cats! They smaller farms and more litter few scattered guesthouses, but are everywhere and are a symbol strewn about. The language is the scenery and the opportunities of Kotor. They roam quite quite different from the other for hiking are amazing. Speaking freely, but do not appear to be Balkan states we visited: I of goats, one of the menu options feral. A ninth-century fortress would say more Slavic in tone. at our guesthouse was ‘goat in built high on the hill above the The currency and food also set oven,’ which turned out to be a tasty stew.
36 | arta.net Returning to Shkoder, we found a pleasant young man to show us his city. He led us to Shkoder Lake, the largest lake in southern Europe, and up to Rozafa Castle, built in the 1400s. Our guide, Lisomel, also took us to his home, introduced us to his grandmother, and served us some raki (Albanian firewater!) and pite (similar to Greek tiropita). Both were excellent. And what a pleasure to meet his grandmother, a warm and welcoming woman with whom we enjoyed a visit even though we don’t speak Albanian and she doesn’t speak English! Kotor from the Fortress showing the fjord-like Bay of Kotor. Our journey was excellent. We explored new territory, saw some terrific scenery, had some great meals, and met interesting people. Although we only visited a few of the Balkan countries, it gave us a taste of the area and a desire to explore more. ●
An inveterate traveller, Dee MacPherson prefers to go off the beaten track and has recently visited India and Africa. She has even been known to jump from an airplane! At home she enjoys her friends, takes piano lessons, bowls, golfs, and tends her garden.
The Accursed Mountains in the Valbona area of Albania.
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To the editor: (Re: “Into Africa: Zambia 1963–1968,” Winter 2017) Having lived and worked in Zambia for two the fortunes of Zambia—as well as many other years—1988–91—I was very interested in the countries in Africa in which I lived, worked or above noted article, having visited and/or seen visited—and so I, too, closely follow the fortunes many of the sites noted. As a result of my life of Zambia and other countries. I do this in part by and travel in Zambia, I have numerous photos sponsoring a child through World Vision, which I and artifacts that I am willing to show or share would recommend to others. with others. I, too, became very interested in Wilbur Collin
To the editor: (Re: “Estate Planning–Six Legacy Strategies,” Winter 2017) I read the financial column on estate planning in contributions made until December 31 of the year the winter edition. It was good information, but in which the beneficiary turns 49. item 4 on the Registered Disability Savings Plan An RDSP may be opened for a beneficiary and (RDSP) had some incorrect information. contributions can be made to it until the end of It stated: “Contributions may be made until the year in which he or she becomes 59 years of the individual is 49 years of age.” This is actually age, not 49. the Canada disability savings grant age limit. Lorn Stanners, CPA, CMA A beneficiary’s RDSP can receive a grant on
Gerhard Sawatzky, the writer of the article, made this reply: Thank you for clarifying this age limit distinction. Yes, contributions may be made until the end of the year in which the beneficiary turns 59; however, no grants or bonds are paid after 49 years of age. The grants are only paid into a RDSP until December 31 of the year the beneficiary turns 49. Similarly, a government bond can be paid into an RDSP until the year in which the beneficiary turns 49. It is the generous grants and bonds that make the RDSP attractive, especially for low-income Canadians with disabilities.
news&views SPRING 2018 | 39 Looking to the Alternatives: Outreach Education Margaret Sadler | Associate Editor Some students, “due to individual circumstances, find that the traditional school setting doesn’t meet their needs” and with those words Alberta Education (education.alberta.ca) suggests an outreach program to provide an educational alternative. Many of the province’s sixty-one school boards offer alternative programs. From Edmonton’s Centre High and Lethbridge’s six very specific outreach schools to Fort McMurray’s Outreach Education Program and Grande Prairie’s Bridge Network—there are so many options for students throughout the province.
By way of example, in at Alternative High School. that emphasizes student choice Calgary, Alternative High Alternative High School has and responsibility. School invites prospective offered its unique program Heartfelt testimonials from students on its website for almost forty years. principal, parents, and students (schools.cbe.ab.ca/b863): Unique features of our school for Calgary Board of Education’s You may be considering a include: Circle of Courage “Altie” can be heard on their change in schools or moving philosophy embedded in all website (soundcloud.com/ into Calgary. You may thrive we do, flexible timetabling, alternative-high-school). in a smaller, more informal and a highly interactive Below is another testimonial and highly personalized education model based on the from a news&views reader. setting such as the one offered democratic process format A Toast to Alternative High School Penny Tash
It was such an extraordinary hardship and sadness, without individualism. While everything graduation and Papa and I a positive focus in life. They had seemed outdated, we also felt an journeyed to Calgary early on been ‘rescued’ by some very atmosphere of happiness and a Friday in June 2013 to be outstanding teachers at Calgary rescue. Students were allowed part of a very special day. This Board of Education’s Alternative to decorate or paint whatever celebration was made up of kids High School. they wanted on their lockers. who had been in trouble (family, The school building itself was Teachers were addressed by drugs, broken relationships), a surprise. It was a very old; their first names! were ultra-creative, or simply everything was well used and in We sat in the gymnasium for didn’t fit into the regular need of repair or replacement. the opening program among school program. They were At the same time, the place people anxiously awaiting probably on their way to lives of had a feeling of freedom and the procession of graduates.
40 | arta.net The grads arrived in any form Inn. A delicious buffet me and I am so grateful that the of dress that they chose: top was followed by the usual Alternative High School, made hat and tails, ballerina tutu, formalities—toasts, responses, possible by the Calgary Board of whatever. Some looked like class history, special music and Education and the outstanding characters from The Wizard the valedictory address. We felt individuals who teach there, of Oz or some other stage honoured that our grandson gave our grandson and thirty- production. Others wore was one of the MCs. The grad five other young people a new traditional dress. processional consisted of start in life. ● The program was very casual thirty-six very proud students, Penny Tash, whose husband, the and consisted mostly of the complete with caps and late Donald Tash, was a teacher at graduates speaking about gowns, ready to receive their Wm. E. Hay High School in Stettler, their school experience and graduation certificates. AB, from 1967 to 1996, shares their experience of the high school how grateful they were to have This day and ceremony will graduation of their grandson, Shirdi. had the opportunity to finish always be a special memory for high school. Then people in the audience—the family and friends—began to line up to speak. Parents, siblings, grandparents and friends took their turn to say how proud they were of their particular grad. We heard many stories of struggle and uncertainty. There wasn’t a dry eye in the building! The more formal part of the day was held at the Glenmore
Building Connections 7th Annual Wellness Conference for Retirees $85 Early Bird fee Save the Date: September 6, 2018 prior to June 30, 2018 Chateau Louis Conference Centre For more information, visit Edmonton, Alberta T5G 3A1 secondwindconference.ca
news&views SPRING 2018 | 41 Hearing Loss and Social Connectedness Jillian Price Hearing is a social sense. We rely on it to hear and understand what people are saying. When we lose our hearing, we lose one of our connections to the world. We may become socially withdrawn, irritable because of the inaudibility, and for some, frustrating to be around. Social events allow us to share good times with loved ones, but hearing loss can make it hard to engage actively in conversation with the people who matter to us most.
Staying Socially Connected restaurant with details that seat is the one beside a friend or with Hearing Loss minimize background noise. loved one who can repeat parts Noisy social gatherings can Look for carpeting, cork or of the conversation you may be challenging for those with acoustic ceiling tiles, curtains, have missed. hearing loss. The addition tablecloths, seat cushions, and At parties, stand away from of sources of noise such as other noise-absorbing features. the centre of the room and the background music or restaurant Request a corner table or a quiet source of any music. Position chatter can create a listening spot away from the kitchen. your back to a wall or soft situation that is difficult even for When you sit at a table, select furnishings, such as curtains, people with normal hearing. a seat that lets you see as many to block distracting sounds. If you have hearing loss, a faces as possible. This will help Corners create a good barrier to little planning can help you you read lips when people are noise on several sides. Also, do socialize with less effort in any speaking. Also, choose brighter not shy away from telling people number of social situations. lighting to help you pick up that you have a hearing loss. It If you’re dining out, select a visual cues. Sometimes the best is tempting to nod and pretend
42 | arta.net you hear, but people are usually more than double the rate of toward dementia. happy to accommodate. depression when hearing loss Furthermore, hearing loss is One of the most important is present. Dr. Li acknowledges not traditionally screened for. strategies for hearing better that the study does not establish Health practitioners usually in social settings is to wear a cause-and-effect relationship, wait for the patient to mention your hearing aids. You’ll be but Dr. Sergei Kochkin of a hearing impairment before able to hear what you want to the Better Hearing Institute hearing loss is even diagnosed. hear, even in situations with observes that nine out of ten The Canadian Health Measures several people speaking. Try out people report a significant Survey of 2012 and 2013 different hearing aid settings in improvement in quality of life reported that seventy percent of advance to see which setting is after acquiring hearing aids and adult Canadians with measured best in noisy environments. thorough professional services. hearing loss were unaware that Depression and Hearing Loss Hearing Loss Is Often they had a hearing impairment. Go Hand in Hand Diagnosed Too Late By the time hearing loss is A recent study by the National A significant amount of diagnosed and treated, the effects Institute on Deafness and Other age-related hearing loss can be of hearing loss have already Communication Disorders subclinical, meaning that those greatly affected one’s social provided statistical confirmation with hearing impairment may relationships and mental health. of a long-suspected and logical not notice the effects of hearing Hearing Loss Screening Is connection between hearing loss on their lives until those Important loss and depression. Hearing effects are severe and prolonged. Forty-seven percent of adults loss creates communication Hearing loss may happen so over the age of sixty experience difficulties that can cause gradually that people learn to some level of hearing loss. embarrassment, frustration, accommodate their hearing Although hearing loss can occur fatigue, retreat from social issues by learning to lip-read, at any age, getting hearing tested situations and, ultimately, tilting their heads toward the annually if you are sixty years isolation. That isolation, in turn, sound they’re trying to hear, or of age or older can help to catch creates feelings of loneliness, regularly asking others to speak and treat hearing loss early—a misunderstanding, and up or repeat themselves. proactive step that both you and depression. Dr. Chuan-Ming Li, The brain plays a significant your loved ones will appreciate.● the study’s author, noted that role in accommodating hearing Jillian Price, MSc, Aud(C), Reg. over eleven percent of adults loss. More mental energy is CASLPO, is the chief audiologist with “a little hearing trouble or used to lip-read, fill in the for HearingLife and its national affiliates. She also runs the national greater hearing impairment” blanks, and understand what is Campaign for Better Hearing’s suffer moderate to severe being said than what would be Give-Back program that provides depression compared to only used if one had normal hearing. hearing aids to Canadians who need, but can’t afford them. five percent of the population This can result in mental with “excellent” hearing. That’s fatigue and may even contribute
news&views SPRING 2018 | 43 Give to Live: Volunteer Bev Mallett | Wellness Committee
Wellness has many dimensions and one key element is emotional well-being. When thinking about well-being, physical and financial well-being may be the first factors that come to mind. One challenge not often spoken of among the retired population is the aspect of social isolation and, occasionally, depression that is a result of no longer being part of the work force. When we leave our careers and sometimes our communities behind to begin the next stage of life, it is often difficult to forge new relationships or find meaning in the midst of upheaval and change.
When a spouse becomes lifestyle. Research from incapacitated or passes away, Toronto’s Baycrest Health Seniors volunteer the healthy or surviving partner Sciences noted that seniors needs to make new connections who volunteer are happier, more hours per alone. Single people now face healthier and live longer a world where there may not than non-volunteers. They year than any be a lot of contact in their daily also have fewer hip fractures other age group lives. Volunteering, whether in and lower blood pressure the community or within their than non-volunteers. And, own family and circle of friends, interestingly, seniors with often serves to allow retired chronic health conditions often the recruiters for more seniors to continue to contribute may benefit the most from volunteers. And, in dollar terms, in a meaningful way while volunteering. Volunteering the financial benefits to our enhancing their own well-being. also contributes to intellectual society are considerable. Even Volunteering, according to well-being by stimulating our attributing the minimum wage Volunteer Canada, plays a brains to learn new skills and to the volunteer hours that vital role in healthy ageing. gain new knowledge. And, seniors contribute yearly to their Many studies show that conversely, using our brains and communities, organizations, seniors who volunteer have skills increases our self-esteem families and friends, the fewer stress-related illnesses, thereby contributing to our monetary value is astounding. are less likely to feel isolated health and well-being. Seniors do not volunteer and have higher self-esteem And, seniors do volunteer! to ‘network’ or to make than individuals who are less Volunteer Canada statistics advantageous work-related involved in the community. show that seniors volunteer contacts. They volunteer to Through volunteering, more hours per year than any contribute to the community individuals can meet people other age group. They are and for social reasons. It is a and develop new social loyal to the organizations with win-win situation for both the relationships. Volunteering also which they are affiliated and community and the individual. promotes physical well-being that quality is a bonus to those by contributing to an active organizations. Volunteers are
44 | arta.net All About You 2017 • About 15% are caregivers by shouldering some of the The ARTA Member Survey for a family member or caregiving or childminding included several questions about friend and roughly 24% duties for family members or the extent to which our members provide childminding or friends, is shown to be a major are involved in volunteer care for grandchildren or contributor to the wellness activities. Volunteering, in the other children. of people of all ages. For the broader sense of the word, not When most retired teachers retired population in particular, only means being involved in began their careers, the world it is a highly effective way of structured community-based and schools looked very different staying connected, continuing to activities or events but also than they do today. The teaching make a difference and thereby includes the time spent caring profession requires enormous improving our health and for others, either families or flexibility and considerable skill well-being. ● friends. The survey results to adapt to constant change. Websites for further regarding ARTA volunteer The interpersonal skills learned information: activities are interesting: over a career spent working with volunteer.ca • Over 55% of ARTA members people of all ages are invaluable volunteeralberta.ca volunteer for an organization assets. Retirees, therefore, volunteerbc.ca in the community, with 37% bring a wealth of abilities and baycrest.org/smart-aging contributing between five and skills to the volunteer sector. blog.chartwell.com twenty hours per week; Volunteering, whether in health.harvard.edu/blog • Another 28% of ARTA an organized manner with members volunteer monthly or community groups, by serving as needed for various events; on committees or boards, or
news&views SPRING 2018 | 45 Teacher to Teacher: Sharing the Wisdom of Experience Debbie Bailey and Cynthia Prasow
In 2016–17, we contacted retired teacher organizations across Canada to ask them to distribute a survey to their members. The intent of the survey was to gather the wisdom that seasoned educators had collected over their many years in schools, and to share this experience with practising teachers, particularly those new to the profession. We received 658 completed responses representing every Canadian province and territory. As we read through the many pages of detailed responses, these seven major themes emerged.
Professionalism and the Art every child. “Teaching is the relationships. Building positive, of Teaching most rewarding career that one compassionate, empathic Respondents wrote about can choose. You have the ability relationships with those you what it means to be a teacher. to have a positive impact on wish to serve will assist the They saw it as a challenging, many lives.” learning process.” Ensuring rewarding, and honourable Developing Positive that students felt safe, accepted, career, and a role that requires Relationships and respected was emphasized. qualities such as optimism, There were extensive comments “I learned that children persistence, kindness, resilience, about the importance of appreciated fairness and humour, determination, and relationships with students, consistency. They won’t always integrity. They wrote about the colleagues, parents, and the remember what you taught joy of being with young people community. “Teaching and them, but they will remember and the importance of valuing leading in education is all about how you treated them.”
46 | arta.net Finding a Mentor engaged participants. “Students Retired teachers strongly urged will learn if they perceive there beginning teachers to seek is a need, that the learning is out a mentor to discuss their relevant to their lives, and if they challenges and to celebrate their are interested.” successes. “Ask for help from Challenges and Solutions your fellow teachers.... They While passionate about their will [think] that you are asking profession, retirees shared some for help because you want to be of the challenges they faced. the best you can be.” Finding Respondents also provided the right mentor is important. suggestions on how to weather “Find a teacher who exemplifies these challenges. “As you grow all that you admire in the in your profession, surround reflective practitioner—learning teaching profession and make a yourself with positive, optimistic from students, colleagues, connection with them.” colleagues. It doesn’t mean you parents, and one’s own work. Creating a Space for shouldn’t have a critical eye...but “Teachers need to understand Teaching and Learning the temptation to become jaded that to be a great teacher is A clear message surfaced that and cynical will be there. Stay always a state of becoming, that all students have the potential focused on your students.” they need to be...in constant to learn, and that they learn at Work–Life Balance search of ways to better help different rates and in different Many respondents saw teaching their students to learn.” ways. “The best teachers are as a vocation that can be We hope the above summary those who are able to allow their all-consuming. “Balance your provides an indication of the students to be who they are, passion and commitment to richness of the comments shared while giving them opportunities your career with excellent by respondents. We want to that are varied enough for the self-care. Stay grounded thank the participating retired individuality of the student.” with a variety of personal teacher organizations for their Respondents shared a wide pursuits.” The benefit of doing willingness to distribute the range of suggestions for so is that “you’ll be a better survey. Most importantly, we ensuring the classroom was teacher, especially in the more want to thank those retired one in which each student challenging moments.” could succeed. The importance teachers who took the time Lifelong Learning of the teacher having sound to complete the survey so Teaching is a constantly curriculum knowledge, strong thoughtfully and openly. ● changing career that requires classroom management skills, Debbie Bailey is a retired teacher educators to be open to new and a willingness to plan and former administrator of the ideas, willing to take risks, and carefully for learning was Calgary Board of Education and thoughtful about implementing Cynthia Prasow is Director, Student emphasized. Classrooms need Experiences, Werklund School of change. Our respondents to be places where children are Education, University of Calgary. stressed the need to be a
news&views SPRING 2018 | 47 Thursday April 26th Join us for dinner followed by an entertaining evening with THE TRAVELLING MABELS, a folk and country female trio full of spirit, spunk and laughter. This trio of singer- songwriters performs songs with intelligent and humorous lyrics, melodic harmonies, and the trio's energetic brand of country and roots. Collectively, their songs bring a wealth of life experience to the stage.
Friday April 27th Breakfast, lunch, wind-up social hour and, in “STEPPIN’ between, over twenty exciting presentations from which to choose on topics ranging from OUT 2018” making a difference, benefits, dance, fitness, finance, gardening, health, heritage, history, The Calgary Retired leisure, lifestyle, nutrition, spiritual wellness, travel, tourism, volunteerism, writing and more. Teachers’ Association Ramada Plaza Calgary Airport is delighted to invite Hotel and Conference Centre
you to “Steppin’ Out,” 3515 26 Street NE Calgary, Alberta their annual banquet Complete program and registration and conference for information is available online at retired colleagues and calgaryretiredteachers.org or contact Linda Manwarren at friends. We’re saving 403-259-5597or contact or [email protected] Linda Manwarren at 403-259-5597 or [email protected]
a spot just for you. CRTA wishes to thank the following funders and sponsorsCRTA forwishes making to thank our conference the following possible. funders and sponsors for making our conference or contact Linda Manwarren at 403-259-5597 or [email protected].
CRTA wishes to thank the following funders and sponsors for making our conference possible.
48 | arta.net Book Review Carol Loewen | Chair, Pension and Financial Wellness Committee
Financing Your Future
How Much Is Enough begins ways to become financially with “The Attitude Quiz,” which knowledgeable and to have the consists of fourteen statements will to begin the life-long process. to determine whether you are Warren Buffet said, “I want a spender, a builder, a giver or to give my kids just enough a saver—or a combination of that they would feel they could these. It then deals with how do anything, but not so much our attitude may be changed by that they would feel like doing money myths we believe to be nothing.” With that in mind, true. The first is “I’m going to other areas of growing your inherit.” Well, yes, you might; money through various plans are however, your parents may not explained in order to have better have money to give or they may family financial health. There are live a long life and spend all of it. easy-to-understand explanations The book continues with the about the variety of tools and challenge of determining where descriptions of such investment one’s money goes each month. items as TFSAs and RRSPs. Spending is allocated into nine Equally important, the author How Much Is categories as a starting point. considers ages and stages of life Enough? Balancing After using this process, the and the importance of having a Today’s Needs harder question to consider plan and goals for each phase of with Tomorrow’s is “What do you want?” This life. While one may take some Retirement Goals new awareness is followed by financial risks, it is equally By Diane McCurdy how to set financial goals for important to establish a good the months and years ahead credit history. John Wiley & Sons to finally reach the desired The final chapters consider Canada, Ltd, 2013 retirement years. determining how to have enough The second part challenges the to retire comfortably and how Paperback, 259 pages reader to get on track now that to live in retirement. Finally, there is the knowledge to follow the book concludes with an area Available as an through on long-range plans for many people are uneasy about e-book the future. Sometimes the biggest considering—wills, executors, issue is to separate and recognize and the work to be done prior to Available at the ATA the difference between ‘needs’ the end of life. These topics are Library, Barnett House and ‘wants’ in life. This section handled in a positive, thoughtful also includes budgets and finding and encouraging way. ●
news&views SPRING 2018 | 49 From Our Partners Darlene Kirkpatrick | Division Manager, Third Party and Spending Account Administration, ASEBP
Spring Cleaning… Your Benefits? Birds are starting to return, and plants are getting ready to shake off their winter frost. Fresh starts are on their way with spring just around the corner. As part of our own fresh starts, many of us will prepare our homes for the beginning of another warm season. Spring cleaning is a great way to welcome a brighter season and all of the pleasures that it brings.
Spring cleaning is a good idea Do You Have All the Benefits Other Coverage in other areas of your life, You Need? ARTA also offers supplementary too. It’s easy to get used to Extended Health Care travel coverage, extending the the way things are and run The ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan travel coverage included in the on auto-pilot—after all, if it offers four extended health care Total and Ultimate Health plans ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? plans to choose from: Health beyond ninety-two days. We But maybe we’re holding onto Wise, Health Wise Plus, Total also offer stand-alone Annual things that aren’t serving us Health and Ultimate Health. Trip Cancellation/Interruption as well as we think or we’re The major differences among Insurance for members who don’t missing out on something we the plans are the coverage have travel coverage to assist really need. maximums for certain benefits. when travel plans go off track. Consider using this time to Two of the plans offer travel Learn more about these plans take stock of your ARTA retiree coverage (Total and Ultimate on the ARTA website, arta.net benefits as part of your spring Health), while the other two and click on Benefits at a Glance, cleaning. Whether you’ve been don’t. You can learn more found under the Retiree Benefits enrolled for a couple of years or about each plan on the ARTA tab, or call an ARTA benefit plan have been with us for a decade, website, arta.net, by visiting coordinator at 1-855-444-ARTA now is a great time to review your Benefits at a Glance found under (2782). benefits to ensure they’re still the Retiree Benefits tab. Is Your Information Up-to-Date? meeting your needs. Remember, Dental Keeping your banking, you can increase your benefits at The ARTA Retiree Benefits contact and other important any time; however, you must be Plan offers three dental plans to information current is an enrolled for at least twenty-four choose from. Each plan offers essential part of ensuring that months before you can decrease slightly different coverage levels, your ARTA retiree benefits run your Extended Health Care or which can be reviewed on the smoothly—after all, ARTA can’t Dental coverage. ARTA website, arta.net. Visit pay your benefit claims without Benefits at a Glance, found correct banking information. under the Retiree Benefits tab. 50 | arta.net 2018 Scholarship Information Application forms and Executive Director, criteria for the 2018 Alberta Retired The easiest way to review all of this scholarships are available Teachers’ Association information is through the ARTA Members online at ARTA’s website, 11835 149 Street NW, Health Care Account. arta.net, or by writing to: Edmonton, AB T5L 2J1 To update your banking and contact ARTA–TW INSURANCE DEGREE information, including mailing address, SCHOLARSHIPS visit the Profile tab once you’ve logged into Through ARTA, TW Insurance Brokers provides your account. scholarships for undergraduate students If you don’t have an account, it is easy to registered in a degree program who are related register: to an ARTA member. These scholarships 1. Visit arta.net and click on the red recognize academic achievement, community Members Health Care Account involvement and volunteer work. Future goals, Login button. This will open the ARTA personal accomplishments and supporting letters Members Health Care Account login of reference are also significant in selecting the screen. scholarship recipients. 2. Click on the orange Register button. Degree Scholarships are awarded as follows: 3. Enter your ARTA Benefits ID number, 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place date of birth, section code and postal $5,000 $3,000 $2,000 code (ID number and section code can be found on your ARTA Benefits ID card). THE ARTA CERTIFICATE/DIPLOMA Click Continue. SCHOLARSHIPS 4. Read the terms and conditions, and click The ARTA Certificate/Diploma Scholarships are I Understand. made possible by the generosity of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA). ARTA 5. Enter your email address and create a provides scholarships to students in a certificate password. Click Create Profile. or diploma program of two or more years at 6. You’ll receive a confirmation email an accredited post-secondary institution and to the email address you specified in who are related to an ARTA member. These your profile. You must click on the scholarships recognize academic achievement, confirmation link in this email community involvement and volunteer work. within 24 hours to complete your Future goals, personal accomplishments registration. and supporting letters of reference are also We’re Here to Help significant in selecting the scholarship recipients. If you have any questions while reviewing Certificate/Diploma Scholarships are your benefits, contact an ARTA benefit plan awarded as follows: coordinator at [email protected] or toll-free 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place at 1-855-444-ARTA (2782). $2,500 $1,500 $1,000 Enjoy your spring cleaning! ●
news&views SPRING 2018 | 51 From Our Partners Laurie Bauer | Business Development Manager, TW Insurance Brokers
Winter Storms and Your Insurance: How to Protect Yourself and Your Roof from Heavy Snow Load!
Fun-filled outdoor activities Building Code. The roof is then snow load; like skiing, snowboarding, and designed to support a minimum of however, making snow angels are integral one kilopascal (twenty-one pounds there may parts of Canadian winters. Who per square foot) or higher. also be a need doesn’t love a winter wonderland? Code requirements and design to consider Sometimes our winter methods have changed over extenuating wonderland takes a turn for the time, as have the construction circumstances. In any case, a worse. At the end of April 1967, materials used. Roof trusses have claim for snow load damage in less than two weeks, Alberta been popular for several decades should be reported to the insurer received a record-breaking 175 cm due to ease of construction and immediately so an appropriate of snow. The brunt of the impact flexibility in design, while older investigation can take place. was felt by farmers, as livestock roofs were typically hand-framed How to Prevent Roof Collapse froze in the fields and resources with rafters. That’s not to say that • Perform regular maintenance became scarce. Eventually, food, having a forty-year-old roof is on your roof, and ensure that fuel, and feed were airlifted and cause for concern; in fact, it has necessary repairs are done to army units were dispatched to demonstrated its viability over keep it in good condition. 1 assist with snow clearing . forty winters. • It is always recommended to Sometimes our winter Warning Signs That Your take steps to mitigate the chance wonderland can be devastating to Roof is at Risk of Collapsing of a roof collapse by contacting our environment, livelihoods and • Ceilings have sagged. a contractor to properly remove homes. The 1967 winter storm • Cracks have appeared in excessive snow and prevent was exceptionally bad, but how ceilings and/or interior walls. further damage or risk of injury. do we prepare for more common • The roof leaks. Under no circumstances should issues every winter? Below is • Unusual cracking or popping you attempt to remove the snow some insight—and some tips on sounds can be heard. yourself—the risk of personal how to prevent a roof collapse due • Doors and windows no longer injury is too great. to a heavy snow load. close or are hard to open. • Keep roof drains, gutters Risk of Roof Collapsing From • Utility pipes have bent or are and downspouts clear and Snow Load warped. unblocked. According to the National Home Insurance Policy • Avoid piling snow against 2 Research Council Canada , Regarding Coverage of downspouts. the average residential roof is Collapses from Snow Load Questions about snow loads and designed for a combination of Most homeowner’s policies cover your home policy? Contact your snow and rain load according to a damage by roof collapse due to insurance broker. ● table of locations in the National 1 cottagelife.com/outdoors/canadas-worst-winter-storms-of-the-past-century/ 2 nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/solutions/advisory/codes_centre/faq/snow_loads.html#Q3 52 | arta.net MeritTravel.com | ARTA DirectMeritTravel.com Line: 1.844.408.1770 | ARTA Direct Line: 1.844.408.1770
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Have fun in a cookingSiena class and in Pisa.San Gimignano Have fun in a cooking class inclass San with Gimignano lunch, one wine tasting with Group size: 24 maximum Siena Visits and Pisa. to: Have fun in a cooking class in San Gimignanolunch and six dinners with wine lunch and six dinners with wine † p.p. and then reach Rome† p.p.for a tour of theand Vatican! then reach Rome for a tour of the Vatican!•lunch Merit and Travel six dinners tour host with†† wine $4,295 $4,295 p.p. andRome then - Tuscany reach Rome - Florence for a tour- Pisa of - theChianti Vatican! Wine Tasting• wine- tastings and excursions • wine tastings and excursions $4,295Come with† us as we explore the towns,Come streets with us and as we explore the towns, streets• •wine all and taxes tastings and and gratuities excursions SanCome Gimignano with us as - weSiena explore the towns, streets and as per the itinerary as per the itinerary 8 nights 8 nights 8 nights as per the itinerary countryside of this picturesquecountryside region, of thiscountryside picturesque rich in fresh of region, this produce picturesque rich in fresh produce region, rich in fresh produce Departs Vancouver: Departsand hearty Vancouver:Departs cuisine. Vancouver: A lusciousand hearty feast cuisine.and for A allhearty luscious your cuisine. senses!feast for allA luscious your senses! feast• private for all motor •your private senses! coach motor transportation coach transportation• private motor coach transportation *CDN$ p.p. dbl. occ.Sept. taxes 29, included. 2018 Single supplement:Sept. $995 29,p.p. 2018 AirfareSept. available 29, 2018 from most Canadian airports, please enquire. **Minimum 12 passengers required for a Merit Travel tour host. †CDN$ p.p. dbl. occ. taxes • professional local tour manager included. Single supplement: $1,100 p.p.Group Airfare availablesize: 24 maximumfrom most Canadian airports, Visits please to: enquire. ††Minimum 12 passengers required for a Merit• professional Travel tour host. ON-4499356/4499372local tour manager | BC-34799• professional | QC–7002238 | local tour manager Group111 Peter size: Street, 24 Suite maximum 200, Toronto, ON. M5V 2H1 | GroupCanadian Visits size: owned to: 24 maximum ®Merit Travel is a registered trademark Visits to:of Merit Travel Group Inc. All rights reserved. • Merit Travel tour host†† Rome - Tuscany - Florence - Pisa - Chianti Wine Tasting• - Merit Travel tour host†† • Merit Travel tour host†† Rome - Tuscany - FlorenceSan Gimignano - Pisa - Chianti Rome- Siena -Wine Tuscany Tasting - Florence - - Pisa - Chianti Wine• all taxes Tasting and gratuities- San Gimignano - Siena San Gimignano - Siena • all taxes and gratuities • all taxes and gratuities
*CDN$ p.p. dbl. occ. taxes included. Single supplement: $995 p.p. Airfare available from most Canadian airports, please enquire. **Minimum 12 passengers required for a Merit Travel tour host. †CDN$ p.p. dbl. occ. taxes included. Single supplement: $1,100 p.p. Airfare available from most Canadian airports, please enquire. ††Minimum 12 passengers required for a Merit Travel tour host. ON-4499356/4499372 | BC-34799 | QC–7002238 | *CDN$ p.p. dbl. occ. taxes included. Single111 supplement:*CDN$ Peter Street, p.p. dbl. Suite$995 occ. 200, p.p. taxes Toronto, Airfare included. ON. available M5V 2H1Single from | Canadian supplement: most owned Canadian $995 airports, p.p. ®Merit Airfare Travel please isavailable a registered enquire. from trademark**Minimum most Canadian of Merit 12 passengers Travel airports, Group Inc.required please All rights enquire. for reserved. a Merit **Minimum Travel tour 12 host. passengers †CDN$ p.p.required dbl. occ. for a taxes Merit Travel tour host. †CDN$ p.p. dbl. occ. taxes included. Single supplement: $1,100 p.p. Airfareincluded. available Single from supplement: most Canadian $1,100 airports, p.p. Airfare please available enquire. from ††Minimum most Canadian 12 passengers airports, required please enquire. for a Merit ††Minimum Travel tour 12 host. passengers ON-4499356/4499372 required for a Merit | BC-34799 Travel tour | QC–7002238 host. ON-4499356/4499372 | | BC-34799 | QC–7002238 | 111 Peter Street, Suite 200, Toronto, ON. M5V111 2H1 Peter | Canadian Street, Suite owned 200, Toronto, ®Merit ON. TravelM5V 2H1 is a |registered Canadian ownedtrademark of Merit ®Merit Travel Travel Group is a Inc.registered All rights trademark reserved. of Merit Travel Group Inc. All rights reserved. From Our Partners Paul Michna | Manager of Corporate Communications, ATRF
Finding Your Pension Answers with ATRF Having access to a team of knowledgeable and understanding pension experts at the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF) over the course of a teaching career proved invaluable, according to retired plan members Carol Anderson and Judy Darroch.
Both agreed their interaction counsellor also met with her at a with ATRF resulted in a smooth coffee shop to accommodate her Retirement is a major pension experience. That’s not schedule. decision for anyone. And to say the two teachers didn’t The access was important, it goes beyond just filling encounter issues and concerns but the teachers agree that it’s out paperwork. about their pensions along the just as important for active way. But having the ability to teachers—no matter how new retirement, which helps prepare pick up the phone or drop in or experienced they may be— for the eventual retirement and meet with professional and to begin thinking about and conversations with ATRF. experienced pension experts planning their retirement. “When you’re nearing made life a little less stressful. When it comes time to decide retirement, you start asking “Thank goodness for the on retirement, both suggest that your colleagues questions about pension counsellor I was teachers figure out what their their pensions and advice along dealing with,” said Carol, who goals are and learn about the the way,” said Judy. “But you remembers a series of calls and pension implications of life and also find a lot more information meetings about one specific career decisions. that’s pertinent to you once pension issue. “She thought “Retirement is such a big you’re in front of your pension of things I never would have decision. And it’s a permanent counsellor. I was able to ask and thought about. I appreciated decision,” said Judy, who confirm information I had heard the fact I could phone a pension retired three years ago. “It’s about, and they were able to counsellor and ask them a very personal. You have to ask provide scenarios based on the question, think about it for a yourself a lot of questions. For options I was considering. The while, ask another question example, do you retire and take information was laid out very and then if I needed to, drive what you have, or sub and work well for me, and was very easy to to the office and meet with that somewhere else part-time to go through.” person to go over even more make up the difference?” According to Carol, issues information.” A lot of teachers get advice like maternity leave and buying Another ATRF pension from their colleagues about back service, moving from
54 | arta.net Carol Anderson, Judy Darroch
school to school (or even to There were big decisions At the same time, ATRF different jurisdictions) can, over to make. They were very provided a service that reflected the length of a career, make it professional, and she told me the importance of retirement. more challenging to understand what I needed to know.” “It’s not only about the pension statements and As the two retired teachers numbers,” added Carol. “It’s in information at first glance. point out, retirement is a major the emotions, too. Retirement “It can be totally confusing, decision for anyone. And it is a big decision. You want to even when you’re prepared. goes beyond just filling out get it right. But the pension I had it laid out for me in the paperwork. They were both counsellor I dealt with didn’t ATRF office. I asked questions, pleased that ATRF gave them push me or influence me in any and all the time in the world the personal touch. particular direction. She didn’t was offered to me. I went Online tools as well as the try to influence me by saying, away, thought about it, talked Pension Points newsletter also ‘More than twenty-five people it over with my family, had proved helpful in keeping tabs have taken this option and more questions, and came back on their pensions and learning they’re all happy, so you should again. And you know what? She about changes and news in the do this, too.’” ● answered all of my questions. pension realm, they said.
news&views SPRING 2018 | 55 Maybe I Am Good Enough: Volunteering for Alberta Health Services Linda Pearce
Imagine for a moment that you had the ability to cheer and comfort someone who was sick or even dying. If you start thinking about this, you may quickly become uneasy. You might find reasons why you don’t believe you have that ability or wouldn’t want to pursue it. You might think: “I have too many of my own issues and problems.” “I wouldn’t have a clue what to say to a stranger in a hospital bed.” “I don’t want to catch anything.” “I don’t want to have to hold anyone’s hands.” Or, most insidious of all, “Maybe I’m not good enough.”
But a stand-up comedian once provide you with the names of Assistant with Calgary’s said, “Ninety percent of success people who need your help. Volunteer Resources branch in life comes from just showing This year I was lucky enough of AHS. In her office at Peter up.” And from a patient’s point to find out that Alberta Health Lougheed Hospital in Calgary of view, that’s usually all that Services (AHS) has a robust we had a fruitful conversation is required. At the very least and varied volunteer program about my background, about the sick person will recognize that operates across the entire volunteer opportunities, and that someone cared enough to province in five zones: Central, about training. share their difficult experience South, North, Calgary, and New volunteers first have with them. And in the best Edmonton. Each zone has its own to complete a police check, case, a bond can form that is volunteer staff and programs. attend orientation and training comforting and life-affirming for I hoped to do home visits, sessions, and preferably have both parties. primarily palliative, with those immunizations to protect If you were to decide that at end of life. Discovering the themselves and clients. you would be interested in AHS link online, I filled in the Immunizations are not volunteering in this way, you application form. Soon, I was mandatory, however. might look for an organization able to schedule an appointment The police check is vital to offer you training and for a suitability interview to protect the well-being of guidance—and that would with Zoe Payne, the Program vulnerable clients. Applicants in
56 | arta.net the Calgary zone are required to important issues are brought to too tiring. Companionship is all be a resident of Calgary, to have the attention of AHS. that’s required. lived in Calgary for more than Some of the volunteer It’s useful to find conversation a year and to be over eighteen opportunities available starters in the patient’s years of age. I completed this through Alberta Health environment: photographs, process online; the forms were Services include the following: music, hobbies, TV programs, rigorous but took less than an • Friendly Visiting. Patients and books can all generate hour to complete. Eventually the who may or may not be something to talk about. results were sent to AHS and I receiving palliative care are Focusing on the client’s interests was cleared to proceed. visited at home. Usually can help the volunteer get a Once approved, I attended clients are visited once a week sense of them as they really a volunteer orientation at the for one to three hours. are. It’s easy to listen and to hospital. Sitting in a small office • Caring Hands. This is a encourage a client to talk about with Zoe and another new program that supports their memories. volunteer, we watched a slide families with multiple One client said to me, “I’m show and were able to ask a lot of newborn babies. Here, the just so grateful that the questions. The emphasis in this volunteer can provide three volunteer program exists. It’s training was on compassionate hours once a week to help made a big difference to my life.” communication and developing with baby care in the presence These kinds of client-volunteer listening skills. We learned of at least one of the parents. interactions and benefits go about the importance of setting • No One Dies Alone. both ways, because they make a boundaries and about how vital Companions are provided at big difference to the lives of the confidentiality is. We were taught end of life at times when family volunteers, too. ● never to give medical advice or or friends can’t be present. Watch a touching video guidance. There was information My own focus is on the on empathy by Dr. Brené about safety, hand hygiene, and Friendly Visiting program. As a Brown at youtube.com/ personal care. volunteer, I found that anxiety watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw All AHS volunteer programs about not knowing what to say fit in with their mandate for can be a severe drawback. But AHS volunteer family-centred care. What does I soon found that it’s always resources webpage: this mean? It means that the possible just to say, “I don’t albertahealthservices.ca/ patient, their family and friends, know what to say.” And it’s info/Page12616.aspx and their volunteers are all in often fruitful to sit in silence. Linda Pearce enjoyed a career at a partnership with medical But in any case, many clients the University of Calgary, most of professionals. Information is like to watch TV together or do the time as a systems manager. kept confidential and shared only puzzles or play cards or board She travelled widely before and after her retirement in 2003 and within that group of caregivers games, and those activities can lived in Ontario and BC. Now with the permission of the start friendly conversation. she’s an Alberta Health volunteer, patient. Part of the volunteer’s Also, because many clients are self-publisher, therapeutic touch practitioner, computer geek, role is to advocate for the patient chronically isolated, they might occasional editor, and a very through a volunteer coordinator not be capable of talking for amateur pianist. so that when necessary, two or three hours. It can be far news&views SPRING 2018 | 57 Hanging Up the Keys Adrian Joosten
I love driving! This past June I made my maiden trek to the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Parks of Alberta and Saskatchewan including stops at three dinosaur attractions in East End, Saskatchewan, and Dinosaur Park and the Tyrell Museum in Alberta. Even as I am writing this article I am on a driving holiday to Tofino, British Columbia. One of the joys of retirement is the freedom and independence to be able to finally give loose rein to my wanderlust for the road.
I know that I will not always know when it is time to give in offering advice on how a be able to take on a long up the reins and make the medical condition may impact road trip or, perhaps in time, necessary change to other driving. As well, medical doctors even be able to drive at all. forms of transportation? are required to complete the So, questions arise. What Some of my questions were Medical Examination form for issues will I face as I age in answered for me at an interview their patients at age seventy- regard to driving? What can I had with Dr. Stickney-Lee, five or earlier if someone has a I do to prolong my driving a family medicine physician physical or medical condition or independence? How will I specializing in care of the elderly a driver’s licence that requires it. in general and in forms of The doctor’s assessment dementia in particular. One of goes toward completing the the most important points Medical Examination for that was impressed Motor Vehicle Operators form. upon me was that Physicians may also recommend determining a road test or further medical whether a senior testing before approving this is qualified to form. It is well worth it to continue to view this form by going to drive is not a transportation. question of alberta.ca/content/ age at all, but docType45/Production/ of the medical ElectronicMedicalReport.pdf health of A driver must repeat this the driver! process at age eighty, and every In Alberta, two years thereafter. Using the it is the Canadian Council of Motor responsibility Transport Administration of drivers to Medical Standards for Drivers, ensure that their the Driver Fitness and health is adequate Monitoring Section of Alberta for driving. Physicians Transportation makes the final play an important role decision regarding qualification
58 | arta.net to drive. A person can view clarifying some common myths by the Canadian Automobile these standards and other about senior drivers as well as Association (CAA) and the AMA information and valuable links providing tips and advice for is called Tips for Aging Drivers. at transportation.alberta.ca safe driving. This pamphlet covers what to Dr. Stickney-Lee also stressed Excellent resources are look for and expect as you age, the importance of drivers available for ageing drivers the effects of medical conditions becoming more health literate in from a variety of driving on driving ability, as well as how general and, more specifically, associations. The Alberta to create a driving retirement becoming informed of their Motor Association (AMA) has plan. And finally, the CAA site responsibilities as ageing excellent materials for mature itself at caa.ca/seniors is well drivers. With growing medical drivers in terms of courses to worth the effort to navigate for issues, cognitive changes and brush up driving skills, a senior further resources on a variety of more functional impairments, driver-in-vehicle evaluation, topics concerning ageing drivers. the need to anticipate and and proactive defensive driving I hope to have many good become thoughtfully prepared courses, the latter being years of driving in front of me. for the inevitable conclusion of available online or in a class It will be my responsibility driving independence before format. To help prepare for not to monitor my health and my actually having to face it in driving, the AMA provides a ability to drive as I age and to the form of a crisis is critical. transportation cost worksheet remember that there are many There are alternative forms of that works well for comparing organizations and people I can transportation that can help the costs of maintaining an turn to for help to discern my make a smooth transition if we automobile with alternative drive-ability. Just as it was an choose to do so. forms of transportation as earned privilege years ago to The doctor also recommended outlined in their Getting There become a driver as a teen, I also an excellent and reliable source worksheet. One particularly realize that the question about to review the myths and facts valuable online resource my on-going ability to drive can concerning ageing drivers as borrowed from the American only be answered in time when, well as a website with several Automobile Association (AAA) with the help of my family and resources: the Medically is the Drivers 65 Plus: Check my family physician, it will be At-Risk Driver Centre website Your Performance booklet in everyone’s interest that I at mard.ualberta.ca One that promotes itself as a retire from driving. I hope and of the free documents I found self-rating tool with facts and pray that I can face that time online was the resource entitled suggestions for safe driving. with dignity and serenity. In the “Myths and Facts: Information This self-rating exercise is meantime, my Tofino holiday for Health Care Professionals, designed to help to examine is coming to an end. Tomorrow Patients, and Families on one’s ability to drive safely, and we load the truck to head back Assessment and Referral Issues to provide information on how to Alberta! (3rd edition).” This resource is to improve one’s driving. A Here’s hoping your travelling very helpful in identifying and similar print version published days are safe and memorable! ●
news&views SPRING 2018 | 59 The Great-Grandfather With No Gravestone Margaret F. Sadler An old man, out early in the morning, to walk in the garden, say his prayers, and sing hymns... It’s one of the few memories the family has of Great-Grandfather Filip and one of the memories shared last summer at his graveside.
In August 1952 a small family later, his gravesite had not been Filip had lived his final year in group had gathered in Weyburn marked? In 1952, his four eldest the Weyburn Mental Hospital, a to bury ninety-year-old Filip. In children who had accompanied common enough solution for the August 2017 a family group a him to Saskatchewan from elderly with dementia of some generation and more on gathered Austria were still hard at work sort. One daughter had moved at the same place to mark Filip’s supporting themselves, and his to the States; the other daughter place with a gravestone. grandchildren were starting had cared for him until he was How is it that sixty-five years families of their own. eighty-nine. The two sons’
60 | arta.net households were caring for their great-grandchildren were with enough information to elderly in-laws. encouraged by the few give visitors a sense of the man Weyburn was a long way remaining grandchildren to lying beneath. Since Filip’s from his daughter—no consider marking his grave in descendants now stand on Sunday afternoon drive. One some way. Marcus is the son of a three continents, his great granddaughter remembers daughter of a daughter of Filip’s grandchildren were inspired to trips to Weyburn in order for and Karen is the daughter of a find an epitaph that spoke of her parents to visit Filip, but son of a son of Filip’s. In that that expanse. she herself stayed with relatives way, Karen carries Filip’s family Although the gravestone had along the way or in the car with name, but Marcus is two name been installed, Marcus threw her small children. changes on. The two of them out one more test—was anyone Meanwhile, two of Filip’s went to work tracking down interested in gathering at the younger daughters were firmly their cousins. One email led to new stone to dedicate it in Filip’s rooted in Austria and raised another and another; eventually memory? Again, the positive families there, but two more there were fifty names on a response was immediate; he of his sons—who had been too circulation list. and Karen prepared a service young to accompany him in Marcus contacted a funeral for August 14, 2017, the date 1909—uprooted from Austria home in Weyburn about prices marking sixty-five years since and sailed to Brazil in 1925. and procedures for gravestones Filip’s death. Marcus kept it There over time, they worked, in Hillcrest Cemetery. A stone simple with an opportunity for married, raised families. was chosen. With a price in those with memories to share Seventy-five years after this hand, the target was identified. them and with a request that emigration, one of Filip’s Marcus and Karen began their people bring a pebble from Brazilian great-granddaughters family-exclusive crowdsourcing home to mark their presence met a Canadian engineer efforts with the Filip Heise at this time. Twenty-seven working in Sao Paulo. In a bold Memorial Project Letter #1. descendants—grandchildren move, she came to Ontario with Within a matter of hours, to great great grandchildren— her new husband, where in her the first contribution had gathered on a windy but sunny free time she sought out her been e-transferred to a bank summer day to commemorate Canadian cousins. She landed account—from the Brazilian a simple man who had taken on cousin Karen’s Facebook cousin. Each successive month, a bold step to emigrate from page coincidental with a family Marcus added information and Europe to western Canada. ● reunion in Saskatoon, so she reminders to a sequence of Filip made another brave leap to Heise Memorial Project letters. Margaret F. Sadler is addicted to genealogy. While this story comes attend, thus joining the dots It wasn’t long before the goal from her husband’s family history, between the Brazilian and was achieved. she has many stories from her side. Canadian families. A great granddaughter with She has almost seven thousand names accumulated in their shared In the summer of 2016, two graphic skills helped shape the database in the genealogy program of Filip’s western Canadian design—simple but tasteful, called Reunion.
news&views SPRING 2018 | 61 Opportunities
Volunteers are a Parkinson’s disease. At Parkinson Association of precious resource Alberta you are not just another volunteer, but a vital member of our exceptional team! The Parkinson Association of Alberta While we have many opportunities to is growing in leaps and bounds across volunteer year round, our current need is for the province! Every day more and more reception/administrative help in our Calgary individuals, families, and professionals turn to (310, 6807 Railway St SE) and Edmonton us, in need of our services. It’s only with the (11209 86 St NW) offices. assistance of volunteers such as yourself that Volunteers in this position are key, ensuring that we can rise to meet these challenges. people living with Parkinson’s disease and their Volunteers are vital to the Parkinson families feel welcomed and supported at first Association of Alberta. They dedicate their contact with our association. We are looking for time, energy, and passion to help make a volunteers to help assist us for approximately difference not only within our organization, but 20–25 hours/week. This position includes in the Parkinson’s community as well! reception and light administrative duties (ie: Our volunteers are clients, care partners and answering phones, filing, data entry, etc.). families, students, retirees, individuals, and Please visit our website at parkinsonalberta.ca/ companies that believe that together we can make volunteer to read more about the wide range of a difference in the lives of those individuals facing volunteer opportunities we have available.
Calgary Co-operative Memorial Society (CCMS) CCMS is a nonprofit member- Since being founded in 1965, The most important benefit owned co-operative. We we have had more than 45,000 is the peace of mind gained arrange discounted funeral members. Membership ensures from knowing that, by putting plans for our members in that your wishes for your final your affairs in order now, you Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, arrangements are respected will be saving your next-of- Okotoks, Strathmore, and provides you with access to kin some hasty and painful High River, Medicine Hat, lower-priced plans for funeral decisions involving a large Lethbridge, Taber, and services from our service amount of money at a time surrounding areas. Our service providers. You can opt to enter when they may be emotionally providers are locally owned your guidance information into unprepared. and operated. Members can our online registry for access You can purchase a lifetime save on average $2500–$5000 by the funeral home upon need. membership for only $40 per on their funeral arrangements This procedure allows you to adult. For more information depending on the plan indicate your preferences at the visit calgarymemorial.com or selected. Plans can be prepaid time of death. It also provides call the CCMS at 403-248-2044 to lock in the price or can be your loved ones with important or 1-800-566-9959. paid at time of need. information they'll need.
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62 | arta.net 2018 ARTA ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT June 21, 2018 Highwood Golf and Country Club, High River, Alberta
Information for Golfers Special Activities for Non-Golfers Welcome and lunch: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Creative painting with artist Annie Froese* Texas Scramble Start Time: 1:30 p.m. 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Buffet Dinner and Awards: 6:30 p.m. Venue: Art and Soul Studio 124 – 6 th Avenue SW, High River Golf Registration: $125 per person Class Size: 5 – 14 Cost: $50 (Includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, dinner, PGA Tour golf shirt, swag bag, and prizes) Over the course of this three-hour workshop students will gain a good grasp of basic Prizes: Total value of over $30,000 colour theory and watercolour techniques Hole-in-One Prize: 2018 Toyota RAV4 (wet brush, dry brush). Projects will be Tournament profit will be donated to the Alberta fun, and the skills learned will add to each Retired Teachers Charitable Foundation, designated student’s ability. All materials are provided. for the two Alzheimer societies in Alberta, the *Pre-registration required by May 1, 2018. Parkinson Association of Alberta, and CNIB. Please use the ARTA Golf Tournament Registration form.
Mug creation with potter Connie Pike* 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. For more information and for Venue: Pike Studios registration forms, go to arta.net 70 9th Avenue SE, High River Class Size: 10 – 12 Cost: $40 Special thanks to our sponsors: In this class you will make a handmade mug with wooden stamps. No experience is MeritTravel.com | ARTA Direct Line: 1.844.408.1770 necessary. Connie will bisque and glaze the mugs which may then be picked up at the Pre and post travel programs available! | Low single supplementsstudio for Solo Travellers!six weeks after the class. Find out more about High River itself at *Pre-registration required by May 1, 2018. highriver.ca/attractions › Beautiful new vessels with luxurious furnishings › Free-flowing red and white wines from Europe’sPlease famous use wine regions, the ARTA Golf Tournament beer and so drinks with every lunch and dinner onboard › Gourmet dining onboard Registration form. Discover the › Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner Best Value › Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard › Complimentary use of onboard bicycles in Luxury River › All local taxes and port charges included Cruising!
7 nights 7 nights 7 nights
RHINE DANUBE SYMPHONY DANUBE RHAPSODY PARIS AND NORMANDY ON THE Onboard Amadeus Silver III Onboard Amadeus Silver RIVER SEINE Travel round-trip from Cologne to Eight days cruising the beautiful and Onboard Amadeus Diamond news&views SPRING 2018 | 63 Passau and experience the best of romantic Danube River. Discover one of the most beautiful these two iconic European Rivers. Passau, Melk, Vienna, Budapest, regions in France, with the most chaming towns and villages. Cologne, Rudesheim, Bratislava, Linz Wiltenberg, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Paris, Conflans, Rouen, Le Harve, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau $3,025* p.p. Caudebec en Caux, Les Andelys, Vernon Jun. 7-14, 2018 $2,495* p.p. $1,850* p.p. Oct. 5-12, 2018 Oct. 25-Nov. 1, 2018
*CDN$ p.p. dbl. occ. in a Cat. C4 stateroom, taxes Included. Airfare available from most Canadian gateways, please enquire. For further information and full detailed itineraries contact us or visit our website: http://www.merittravel.com. ON-4499356/4499372 | BC-34799 | QC–7002238 | 111 Peter Street, Suite 200, Toronto, ON. M5V 2H1 | Canadian owned ®Merit Travel is a registered trademark of Merit Travel Group Inc. All rights reserved. Needed: Affordable Seniors’ Housing! Vi Oko and Iona Robertson
Forward: The information contained in the following article is based on research conducted by the founders of Seniors Advocating for Seniors (Don Diack, Ann Gougeon, Ireen Slater, Paul Stocker and Richard Tansy) in St. Albert, Alberta. Findings were compiled into a report entitled, “Improving Seniors’ Affordable Housing”, and shared with Alberta Minister of Seniors and Housing, Lori Sigurdson.
A representative of the Greater on the consumer price index, Edmonton Foundation the average housing expense Housing for Seniors was for Canadian seniors is 53.2% quoted in an Edmonton of their income compared Senior Newspaper to have to 26.7% for Canadians in said, “housing is a basic right general.4 Based on numbers and one that requires an extrapolated from the Capital entire community to ensure Region Housing Report for it is there when you need it.”1 2016, about 15,000 Alberta Ideally, every senior in Alberta seniors pay more than 30% of should be able to live out their their gross income on housing, remaining years in a suitable, the maximum level of housing safe and affordable home that cost burden established by the is within their financial means. Canada Mortgage and Housing Seniors are the fastest Corporation. growing demographic in The National Housing Canada. According to the Strategy, released by the Alberta Seniors Overview, Government of Canada in there are approximately November of 2017, was based 515,000 seniors in Alberta, on a consultation process that the number of which is involved the general public projected to double in the next and housing organizations twenty years.2 across Canada. According to In the past fifteen years, the report, there has been an housing costs have increased upsurge in the incidences of by 118% (77% adjusted severe core housing need where to inflation).3 During the households spend more than same time frame, the 50% of the income on housing.5 availability of affordable Based on 2015 statistics, housing has decreased. 149,324 seniors6 in Alberta Statistics in the Overview were receiving a monthly document indicate that, based federal government income
64 | arta.net supplement (Old Age Security looking to downsize may crisis for seniors everywhere will and Guaranteed Income have great difficulty finding undoubtedly lead to a benefit for Supplement). Generally, to affordable ownership options. all generations. ● qualify for the benefit program, The associated stress often single seniors must have an results in health issues and Notes: annual income of $27, 300 or social isolation which negatively 1 Edmonton Senior Newspaper, 7 less and couples, $44,335. impact seniors’ quality of life November, 2009. Many lower-income and general well-being. 2 Alberta, Alberta Seniors households cannot afford Recognizing why this housing Overview. even modest rental units crisis has occurred and how that approximate the market to overcome its effects on all 3 Statistics Canada, “Canada’s average. Assuming a senior’s of society requires a strategy Housing Prices Surging”. monthly income is based solely for action from all levels of globalpropertyguide.com/ on Canada Pension Plan ($584) government, community North-America/Canada/ and Old Age Security benefits organizations and agencies. Price-History ($1114-$1698), the maximum Multigenerational family 4 Alberta, Alberta Seniors a single senior could pay to units seem a thing of the past. Overview. remain at the housing cost Encouragement of physical 5 Jordan Press, The Canadian burden limit per month is $509. and financial independence Press, posted January 12, 2017. This amount compares very has created new needs in our unfavourably with the average society that were not anticipated 6 Alberta Seniors Benefit. market rent of $1000+ per by government, community or, Email response from month for 2016. Availability of families. The reality of people [email protected], affordable rental housing is one living longer and healthier lives March 31, 2016 to request issue; however, income below apart from their nuclear family, for data. the local income threshold combined with unrealistic 7 Alberta Seniors Benefit. becomes an underlying cause for or absent financial planning seniors-housing.alberta. affordability issues. or retirement strategies, has ca/seniors/seniors-benefit- Unfortunately, many seniors created difficulties in housing program.html are faced with an insufficient not previously experienced. number of subsidized housing Housing choices are determined or low-cost rental options, by proximity to health services, limitations imposed by social transportation options and housing regulations, high rental shopping facilities. The need costs and limited income. for attention to these matters Likewise, senior homeowners and the firm, focused resolve to with little equity who are address and solve the housing
news&views SPRING 2018 | 65 In Memoriam
“If you can remember me, I will be with you always.” - Isabel Allende, Eva Luna The place provided after each name has been reported to us as the place where that person passed away.
Beatrice Marion Bodell Lillian "Avis" Hunt Bernice May Richter (née Reynolds), Sherwood (née Millidge), Lethbridge (née Rubbelke), Medicine Hat Park Margaret R. Jensen Janet Small Laurette Brooker (née Wiebe), Medicine Hat Calgary (née Legault), Fort Naomi Joy Kimoto Janet Snider Saskatchewan Taber Vancouver, British Columbia Patricia Brosz-Cook Lyonel "Wes" Wesley Kruger Jessie Margaret Snow (née Hendel), Calgary Edmonton (née Cuthbert), Calgary Raymond (Ray) George Carolyn "Lyn" Leier Renee Elizabeth (Foss) Cherer Penticton, British Columbia Steele Calgary Lillus Leiren (née Eidem), Medicine Hat Dora Belle Corbett Bawlf Marianne Szabo (née Brooks), Calgary Bernard Henri Lemay Peace River Patrick Barry Dawson Edmonton Glida Bernice Tipton Comox, British Columbia Lillian Margaret Lowe Penticton, British Columbia Hamilton William McArthur (née Wilson), Grande Prairie Dr. Johanna "Anna" Cornelia Craig Donaldson Vander Beek County of Strathcona Sylvia Adele Lyon Camrose (née Kayen), Lethbridge Margaret Augusta Doran James Ven Hao Zia (née McLean), Ponoka Ellen MacDonald (née Starchuk), Edmonton Port Moody, British Columbia Thérèse Louise Gervais (née Rostaing), St. Albert Dr. Sharon Marie McGuire (née McCool), Parkland Leo Girard County Calgary Mary Stirling Miller Anita Antoinette Grant (née Marshall), Milk River (née Marse), Lethbridge Richard Louis Old Helmut Fritz Erich Guenther Calgary Calgary Kathleen Ellen Woodhouse Vera Henderson Peta (née Featherstone), Medicine (née Haney), Lethbridge Hat Mildred Piper Theodor "Ted" Hintz (née Roth), Foremost Abbotsford, British Columbia Ann Proden Marylynne Dianne Howard Calgary Calgary
66 | arta.net “If you can remember me, I will be with you always.” - Isabel Allende, Eva Luna The place provided after each name has been reported to us as the place where that person passed away.
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From classrooms and beyond, the Alberta Retired Teachers Charitable Foundation and its members are linked by one passionate purpose: to help assist Alberta seniors in the pursuit of appropriate housing, health services, and education to improve their lives — and our lives! — for years to come. No donation is too small, because when a group of like-minded people come together toward a single purpose, it’s amazing what can be achieved. Find out more about how we’re helping Alberta’s future, how you can get involved, and what this all means for you.
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