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2011-12-20
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November Message From The President, Marg Brucker The autumn leaves have slipped of the trees and mostly disappeared into bags and alleyways, reminding us that summer is over and routines are beginning. The CRTA Board members have been busy in Calgary and Edmonton looking after the interests of CRTA and ARTA. The October ARTA AGM was the scene of an Honorary Life Membership presentation to Chuck Rose to acknowledge Chuck's many years of service to ARTA. Gordon Cumming became the new vice president. In this role he will assist Marlene Reddekopp from Grand Prairie, the newly chosen president of ARTA. There are several CRTA members serving on various committees and in different elected offices. Thank you to each of them for their commitment to Alberta retired teachers. October 25th was a delightful day for many CRTA members when they journeyed to Red Deer Lake School to share the day with the Foothills Retired Teachers Association and take part in their conference activities. "Nourishment for the Heart, Mind and Body: One Day Conference for Retirees" was a very informative experience accompanied with good food and collegiality. A heartfelt thank-you goes to the FRTA members for making us feel welcome and sharing their conference with us. Many of our retired colleagues have over the years served the CBE and CCSD as substitute teachers, only to learn this year that they would not be (re)- hired in September 2010. Your president and vice president were able to speak about this matter to the superintendents of both organizations to express the view of CRTA that the mere fact of retirement should not be used to exclude them, fully qualified teachers, from applying for available work. The meetings were conducted in a cordial atmosphere and CRTA's concerns noted. By now you may have received a letter containing a cheque and an explanation of the Long Term Disability/ Demutualization and other Benefit Fund Surpluses. Thank you to all the present and past CRTA members, Earl Hjelter, Dr. Sandra Anderson and the staff at Johnson Inc. who worked tirelessly on the process of bringing this issue to a successful conclusion. There is more information on this subject further in this newsletter for your perusal. Under Gordon Cumming's capable leadership the Steppin'Out committee has been putting together a list of speakers and activities for the April 29th edition of Steppin'Out 2011. Be sure too mark your calendar and be at the Greenwood Inn at the Dalton Conference Centre on April 29, 2011. You will not be disappointed in your choices. December 8th at the Carriage Inn will bring CRTA members together with CBEREA members for a joint Christmas luncheon. This is a new endeavourby our two social committees. Bring your friends from teaching , encourage those newly retired teachers to attend and come for a traditional turkey dinner followed by some special entertainment. Be sure to check the deadline elsewhere in this newsletter. As you gather with family and friends during the festive season, "may Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!" Anon
September Message From The President, Marg Brucker Welcome to all our newly retired colleagues! Congratulations on job well done! You made a difference in the lives of Calgary students. Hectic, fabulous, and energizing are just a few of the words teachers remember when reflecting on the first day of school. Retiring teachers know that the first day of school is not the end of a lazy summer; it’s time for the continuation of golf games, strolls in the park, long coffee breaks, and so much more. Your CRTA Executive and Directors have been busy over the summer months preparing for the days ahead. Garry Jeffrey has mailed out to all new retirees Membership News in which he presents the many interesting and entertaining opportunities that are on the horizon. In August several Board members and invited guests attended the Spiritwood Retreat surrounded by the beauty of nature near Priddis, south of Calgary. Under the capable direction and leadership of facilitator Barbara Pedersen, we began to plan goals for the next three to five years for CRTA. Barb led the group through activities to discover strengths and challenges of CRTA. so that we can begin to construct goals for the future. An ad hoc committee will be reviewing the goals and charting a course of action. Due to the success of the Wellness Initiatives Workshop led by Judy Steiert last Spring, I have applied to the Alberta Retired Teachers' Association for funding for at least one more workshop during 2010-2011. Be sure to check the next newsletter for an update. Enda Junkins, LMFT said, "We need to laugh more ...spend time with fun, playful people...pay attention to children and emulate them." A great way to see thel ighter side of life is to be part of CRTA's calendar for 2010-2011. I am looking forward to a great year of smiles, laughter and new horizons
June Message From The President, Marg Brucker What an exciting and rewarding year for CRTA! It's been a privilege to work with such an outstanding group of individuals. Most recently we had an impressive line-up of speakers and presenters at the CRTA "Steppin' Out" Conference. Thank you to everyone who made this remarkable event possible: the speakers and presenters, the Conference Committee members of CRTA under Gordon Cumming's leadership, the hosts, volunteers, our partners; the Alberta Retired Teachers' Association, Johnson Inc. and Collette Vacations and the amazing staff at the Dalton Centre. Of course a special thank you to our enthusiastic participants. Without you, there would be no conference ... no "Steppin' Out". The second annual Art Show and Sale, March 27th, 2010 was an overwhelming success. Thanks to Irene Bruzga and her assembly of dedicated volunteers, the artists, and the patrons. Over six hundred people viewed the handiwork of the artists and enjoyed the opportunities to visit with former colleagues t St. Andrews United Church. Irene is already planning to add new dimensions to the 2011 Art Show. Be sure to keep in touch. As we did not have access to any grants this year, our activities for members were somewhat limited compared to last year, however, many interesting and exciting programs were enjoyed by participants. A pre-Christmas bus trip to Rosebud theatre was entertaining, "Fiddler on the Roof" was enjoyed at the Jubilee Auditorium and several members and friends attended Friday morning sessions at the Jack Singer Concert Hall listening to rehearsals by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Thank you to everyone who made these events possible for all of us to enjoy. The Valentine’s Tea was a special time to meet with friends, enjoy the goodies and remember Teachers' Conventions from the past as we celebrated our new adventures in retirement. CRTA luncheons are favorite activities for many members. The October and December functions provided good food and great opportunities to visit, catch up on travels and grand children. As soon as we are able to enjoy the spring, you can begin planning for the BBQ on June 11th at the Varsity Acres Community Centre. Plans are also under way for a June tour to Rosebud Theatre to enjoy "Oliver". More theatre: "Menopause the Musical, The Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change®" on June 29 th, and a matinee performance of Mamma Mia on September 25 at the Jubilee Auditorium. Also, Judy Steiert, a Professional Sage-ing Leader, presented a workshop related to "a profound new vision of growing older" on May 19th at Brentview Baptist Church. Something new for CRTA this year was the need to provide opportunities for members to hear about the proposed changes to the Alberta Pharmaceutical Plan and the impact on the ARTA Benefits Plan. Thank you to Ralph Levinson, Johnson Inc. and everyone who stepped up to enable the sessions sponsored by ARTA at Brentview Baptist Church in March and April.Membership Announcement: At the June BBQ members will be asked to vote on a recommendation from the Board of Directors concerning an increase in the CRTA membership fees. The Board will recommend that the new cost be $20 per year (July 1st to June 30). Presently the cost is $15 per year. Thank you for your interest and participation in CRTA activities. Your Board of Directors is looking forward to planning activities and programs for 2010 – 2011. We welcome your feedback, and suggestions and also your volunteerism if you would like to join the Board. Wishing you a great summer.
May Message From The President Marg Brucker As we get
closer to the warmer temperatures of springtime, we can look back on the
cold days of winter and remember our activities more fondly.
February 12th was a warm sunny day providing a cheery background for our
CRTA Valentine Tea at the Varsity Community Centre. Jeannie
McCauley, Kay Samphire and other members of the Social Committee
provided great food, a comfortable setting and lively music to help CRTA
members and guests enjoy an opportunity to share holidays, both achieved
and planned, and catch up on current happenings in everyone's lives. We
were fortunate to have Paul Miller and Kathy Cook, a
talented duo, entertaining us with their special music and songs. Thank
you Kathy Newman for arranging this treat for us. Thank you to
everyone who donated to the University of Calgary Food Bank.
You made a difference in the lives of many hungry students. While
some of us were enjoying our tea, fruit and squares, several CRTA
Executive members represented our organization at the Teachers'
Convention. For a number of years now CRTA, together with CBE-REA
share a booth on the Convention's Displays Floor where they have the
opportunity to share the benefits of being a member of the these two
organizations and ARTA with teachers who are contemplating retirement in
the near future. On a more serious note, the Alberta Retired
Teachers' Association and specifically the Benefits Committee
has been meeting over the last few months to discuss the concerns of the
retired teachers about Health Care Reform and the Alberta Government's
new Pharmaceutical Strategy.
February Message From The President Marg Brucker As we get closer to the warmer temperatures of springtime, we can look back on the cold days of winter and remember our activities more fondly. February 12th was a warm sunny day providing a cheery background for our CRTA Valentine Tea at the Varsity Community Centre. Jeannie McCauley, Kay Samphire and other members of the Social Committee provided great food, a comfortable setting and lively music to help CRTA members and guests enjoy an opportunity to share holidays, both achieved and planned, and catch up on current happenings in everyone's lives. We were fortunate to have Paul Miller and Kathy Cook, a talented duo, entertaining us with their special music and songs. Thank you Kathy Newman for arranging this treat for us. Thank you to everyone who donated to the University of Calgary Food Bank. You made a difference in the lives of many hungry students. While some of us were enjoying our tea, fruit and squares, several CRTA Executive members represented our organization at the Teachers' Convention. For a number of years now CRTA, together with CBE-REA share a booth on the Convention's Displays Floor where they have the opportunity to share the benefits of being a member of the these two organizations and ARTA with teachers who are contemplating retirement in the near future. On a more serious note, the Alberta Retired Teachers' Association and specifically the Benefits Committee has been meeting over the last few months to discuss the concerns of the retired teachers about Health Care Reform and the Alberta Government's new Pharmaceutical Strategy. I would urge you NOT to enroll in the Government's Drug Plan until you have received ARTA's information on the revised plan design provisions for prescription drugs, extended health care and travel benefits to be effective July 1, 2010. Go to the ARTA website: www.albertarta.org where you will find more information on proposed changes to seniors' pharmaceutical coverage and the ramifications for retired teachers. You will find information on the upcoming CRTA Art Show 2010 in this newsletter. Irene Bruzga and her committee are hard at work contacting artists and making all the arrangements to guarantee this event will be as fabulous as last year's and word has it that it will be even better. Mark your calendar and make plans to be at St. Andrew's United Church on March 27. What would April be without the "Steppin' Out 2010" Conference at the Dalton Conference Centre in the Greenwood Inn? Your CRTA Conference Committee will be offering you at least 20 sessions centered on members’ interests and passions. The committee has dedicated untold hours to planning this special day to invigorate and inspire everyone who attends. Register early and be present. You won’t regret your decision. I will look forward to seeing many of you there.
November 2009 October 21st saw many CRTA members get together of the Fall Luncheon and business meeting at the Greenwood Inn. I thank the members who attended that function for helping your Executive attend to the revision of some Bylaws by voting to accept the changes. (The details of the changes were published in the September Newsletter. This item is currently posted on the CRTA website) Chuck Rose and Gordon Cumming gave updates from the Pension Committee and the Wellness and Benefit Committee. Chuck Rose was presented with an album of "memories" by Kathy Newman, along with a barbecue set by Gordon on behalf of CRTA, as he is leaving the Executive to pursue other endeavours. CRTA continues to have Chuck's input and support on Pension issues. October 21st was also the day I took over the presidential reins from Gordon Cumming. I am looking forward to my term as president and to getting to know more of our members while serving the needs of our branch. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to accept the challenge. I am honoured, motivated and excited to serve as your president. I know it will be a stimulating journey. Your executive is a phenomenal, hardworking group of men and women, who are continually looking for new options and experiences with which to enrich the lives of our membership; all the while taking care of the many aspects of our organization. I am privileged to be part of such an enthusiastic team. At the November 4th Executive Board meeting we continued to plan for the coming year. The Social committee will be sharing stategies and ideals for the April 30th, 2010 "Steppin' Out" sessions at a planning meeting scheduled for November 13. Be sure you keep your calendar open for April 30th, as it will surely be another memorable day to get together with colleagues and friends for fun, information sharing, good food and great sessions at the Dalton Centre, Greenwood Inn. Past President Gordon Cumming wrote such a comprehensive letter in the September issue, that there is little for me to add, except to say that I will continue, with the help of the Executive and the committees, to keep you posted on the news from the Alberta Retired Teachers' Association, Johnson Inc., and the upcoming events. By now there must be a full busload of folks registered for the Rosebud Theatre excursion on November 19th. The Friday Calgary Philharmonic Open Rehearsals at the Jack Singer Concert Hall has seen many members attending. Thank you to everyone who has made these outings possible. November 17 and 18 will find me in Edmonton at the ARTA Board of Directors Meeting. I will keep you informed as to the outcomes of the sessions. Plans for the Christmas Luncheon on December 9 at the Carriage House Inn are complete thanks to Jeannie McCauley and her capable committee. Do plan to attend; you won’t be disappointed with the food and the entertainment. Again there will be a table with books available for you to browse through and take home to read. The books came from the book sale in the spring of this year that benefits the Service Anonymous Society. CRTA makes a yearly donation to this charity that helps young women realize their educational goals with assistance from the Scholarship Fund. Paul Demers and Judy Steiert are to be thanked for choosing the books and bringing them to our luncheons. As I look forward to celebrating the Christmas season, it is my wish for you that you will find peace. President Marg Brucker
We are happy to confirm dates for the luncheons (October 21, December 9, June 11th), the Art Show (March 27), the Valentines Tea (February 12), and Steppin' Out (end of April). Still to come ... activities such as Travel Days, and some of the other single day sessions that have proved so popular. Our pace may not be quite as hectic as last year, as we are between funding grants. This limits the finances we have to enhance and extend activities to you at a subsidized cost. It brings us to a big decision as a membership. Should we refine our bylaws to allow greater access to funding sources? Later in this issue you will have notice of some proposed bylaw amendments that are intended to confirm our status as a 'Seniors' organization. We have in past been very open to a liaison with the wider senior community, and thus this next step of allowing those who share our 'objectives' access to membership will makes us eligible for expanded sources of funding, including the ability to apply for a Casino. Your Executive believes this to be a positive step at this time, and will be recommending these Bylaw amendments to you at the September Luncheon. * * * * In addition to programs, other continued priorities for CRTA action include Communication, Pensions, Wellness and Benefits, and Partnerships. Communications is a particular strength of our group, with our successful Newsletter, Web-site and E-mail programs. I find that in addition to being current on issues and concerns impacting retired teachers, they are a good resource for employment and volunteer opportunities as well as ensuring we are informed of colleagues who have passed away (Remembering Section). A few minutes at http://www.calgaryretiredteachers.ca/ is usually a few minutes well spent. The Pension Committee is currently redefining direction and priorities in light of recent legislation changes. This will be a focus of their report to the September meeting. Wellness and Benefits continue to provide a lot of information seminars, as well as be available of questions and concerns. Please be sure that you are aware of Insurance Options, particularly when you are approaching the termination of group benefits from your School Board. Acting promptly will ensure coverage that may otherwise be limited by health issues. Partnerships ... Johnson Inc. not only administers the Group Insurance Plan for Retired Teachers, but has been our most active funder in supporting our various initiatives. As well, we continue to enjoy a very positive relationship with Collette Vacations and CruisePlus. They have been excellent partners in sponsoring some of our events, as well as providing excellent service and presenting at our events. There is contact information on our Web-site, and identifying yourself as a CRTA Member will bring price reductions. * * * * ARTA ... as members of CRTA we are a branch of the Alberta Retired Teachers Association. As such we enjoy their efforts and advocacy on our behalf. Later in this issue you will see a letter from Paul Boisvert, ARTA President. His update on the Province's Pharmacare Plan for Seniors is relevant to us all, and I most certainly support his call for continuing our collective efforts in this area. * * * * And a final note ... this is my final column as CRTA President. I don't have room to thank all the players, but you no doubt know who they are. The past two years have flown by because of the enthusiasm, initiative and support of an energetic and dedicated group of Executive Members. CRTA has certainly been well served. With the new hat of Past President, I am excited about the year to come. Gordon Cumming CRTA CONTINUES TO GROW AND DEVELOPFor approximately 40 years, the CRTA has served member needs for affiliation and social networking. Today, however, we are challenged to address additional issues as the Calgary region grows, changes, becomes more complex and the 'boomer generation' enters what was once called the 'Golden Years'. We are finding that people are retiring earlier. The average retirement age for teachers is 57. Retirees are living longer and are generally more active. They do not view themselves as 'old' and are looking for new challenges and opportunities. At the same time, some are faced with a challenging range of personal, family, social and financial circumstances. Health and wellness issues have become paramount, as has the need for re-educating people to a broadened concept of senior living and to the potential for continuing to utilize the many talents possessed by retirees. In response to those needs and others expressed by our members, CRTA objectives are changing. We continue to serve member needs for social interaction and fellowship. We strive to reach new retirees, to serve those who have been retired for some time and especially, to connect with those who may be at risk. Our intent is to encourage retirees to resist isolation, to live healthy, active lives and to offer an alternative perspective on retirement in which they continue to be productive, contributing members of the community. We also aim to facilitate communication between retired teachers and organizations offering services to retirees, as well as those requiring the services and talents possessed by many of our members. In order to pursue these goals, we applied for status as a registered, incorporated society. We were granted that status on August 3rd, 2006. There are a number of advantages to incorporating as a registered society. * A society has a more definite and permanent status than an unincorporated group. * A society is able to apply for government grants * A society may be entitled to tax benefits as a registered charity. * A society may hold title to property and contract in its own name. * A member of a society cannot be held responsible for a debt of the society. As such, we have begun a number of projects, the most recent of which is a convention for retired teachers to be held on April 26th. Entitled "Steppin' Out 2007", the program is directed at wellness issues, financial matters, travel, fun, fitness and the like. We have also begun a travel partnership with Collette Travel. We look forward to some exciting opportunities for retired teachers, their friends colleagues and other retirees. The CRTA Pension Committee continues a province-wide campaign aimed at educating teachers, retired teachers and government as to the need to address not only the massive unfunded liability in the pension plan, but the lack of a bridge from retirement to age 65, the inadequacy of the COLA provision, the effect of the salary rollback and the lack of voice and representation for retirees. Our committee makes representation to government, consults with individuals, small groups and offers workshops and seminars. The CRTA is also a branch of the Alberta Retired Teachers' Association (ARTA) and with that organization, addresses pension issues as well as member needs for a variety of insurance coverage, including Extended Health Care, Dental Coverage, Out-of-Province Travel, Property and Vehicle insurance. Additional membership benefits will be announced shortly. In order to participate in the insurance plan, ARTA membership is required. A special thank you to those who serve as Executive members/Directors for our association and whose leadership allows us to pursue the aforementioned goals and objectives. Thank you, our members, for your ongoing support and commitment. We encourage you to keep in touch with us, to address issues or concerns by emailing or phoning and above all, keep the suggestions and creative ideas for CRTA flowing.
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COPYRIGHT NOTICE. Copyright 2008 Calgary Retired Teachers' Association, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved.
