April 2009
This has been a busy month, possibly because is was a shorter time between Board Meetings and the fact that we are on the cusp of the AGM.
I have visited four chapters and had mail or phone contact with several others:
March 27: BOYNE Chapter: The roads that day were treacherous so I arrived a few minutes late for the breakfast meeting. I was asked to give a short update on RTAM proceedings following their AGM. Although the attendance was challenged by the weather conditions, this chapter is vibrant under the leadership of Lana Rinn who will continue as president.
April 16: Retired Women Teachers of Manitoba - It was the AGM of this very vibrant group who have numerous plans for the forthcoming year as well as a full slate of officers with Barbara McDole continuing as president.
April 16: (evening) EMR Chapter: At their meeting Shannon Patershuk gave a full report on the various benefit plans and answered numerous questions. They were also having their AGM.
April 20: The Dauphin and Area Chapter: At this meeting there were some active teachers present and included with the very large turnout of retired teachers. I was asked to present on the activities of RTAM. Numerous questions and spirited dialogue took place. I acknowledged the motion received by RTAM at the last meeting and tried to emphasize that RTAM is willing to talk. I had a copy of "Ready, Set, Retire" with me which was requested by one of the members along with the promise that President Rosalie will take a supply back to Dauphin. Rosalie did a stellar job of bringing news to the people and seeking feedback on the proposed mini-rally.
April 9: The VanIsles Chapter held their AGM. The co-presidents, Val Davies and Jim Reid, asked for greetings to be sent to be read at their meeting which I managed to do from my retreat in Miami. Subsequently I talked with both co-presidents who had been disappointed with the attendance and with the reticence of anyone to take over the helm. However, in a subsequent conversation they were in the process of filming for a CD to be sent to our MLA's.
April 7: The Westman Retired Teachers' Association held their luncheon meeting and AGM. I was not present due to a weather initiated late plane connection but I have sent a note to the president and have asked him to distribute it to the members.
May 7: I received an invitation to the N.E.W. Chapter but I need to send regrets as I am already booked for another function.
April 17: This was the Retirement Reception for Judy Bradley and I appreciated very much the Board's support to attend. There were numerous speeches and congratulatory letters read which lauded Judy's efforts over her distinguished career with MTS. (We did not make the cut for either communication.) I was pleased that Bill and Val were there from the Board. It was a lovely evening with lots of great connections.
April 14: I attended the Pension Committee meeting but while at it I had a short discussion with Jeff Norton re the letters to Premier Doer, Hon. Greg Selinger and Hon. Peter Bjornson. In reference to the motion at the last meeting, Jeff informed me that the government has not made a formal announcement about the irrevocable component of the $1.5B and therefore asked if we could delay sending it until after he makes the announcement at our AGM when the Annual Report is ready.
Letters Sent:
Invitations to all former RTAM Presidents
Thank you not to Corinne Barrett de Wille
Invitation to Pat Isaak to attend our AGM
Invitation to Hon. Peter Bjornson to attend our AGM
A draft letter to Pat Isaak re her not attending President's platform