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RAMC NEWSLETTER RETIREES ASSOCIATION OF MOHAWK COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

CELEBRATING & HONORING MOHAWK COLLEGE RETIREES

Winter 2019

Mohawk Retirees Curling with Glanford Senior Curling Club. Joan Hill, Liz Aldrey, Donna Dunlop, Brian Verrall, Nancy Fleming

RAMC NEEDS YOU!

Our organization is at a critical juncture, where member volunteers are desperately needed. We

have an immediate need for a Treasurer, which is a Board position, as our current Treasurer has

advised that she will be stepping down at the end of March, 2019. We are also looking for members

to contribute to the quarterly newsletter, assist with updates to the RAMC website, maintain the

membership database, and help with the organization of social events.

The reality is that, without a Treasurer, the Board will not be sustainable, and without additional

member volunteers, RAMC will simply not be able to continue providing the same level of services

and activities that our members look forward to receiving.

The future direction of RAMC will be a topic of discussion at our annual general meeting in June,

and we encourage you to be part of that discussion. In the meantime, should you be interested in

assisting with any of the activities detailed above, please contact Jane Cooper at

jane.cooper@mohawkcollege.ca.

Liz Aldrey, Co-Chair

Donna Dunlop, Co-Chair

RAMC Board of Directors

mailto:jane.cooper@mohawkcollege.ca

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MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL We hope you are well and enjoying retirement! On Friday, November 2nd, we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Mohawk College Retirees Association (RAMC) with a luncheon at Mohawk College. If you were unable to attend, you were missed! If you were able to attend, we thank you for making the event special. It was a wonderful celebration! We have attached a pdf file of the photo collage that was shared at the luncheon. We hope it brings back great memories. Please share this email with your former colleagues and invite them to Stay Connected with RAMC. If you have not yet renewed your membership for the 2018-2019 year, you are encouraged to do so now. IF PAYING ONLINE: https://events.eply.com/2018retireesmembership IF PAYING BY CHEQUE: Please complete page 2 of the attached. Page 1 provides an overview of RAMC for your interest. Benefits of Membership:

Stay connected with former colleagues.

Social events, hikes, theatre outings.

RAMC Newsletter.

Parking permit code for 16 free visits at Fennell or Stoney Creek.

Events hosted by Humber, Niagara, Sheridan & McMaster retirees.

Membership in OCRA.

CAAT Pension News.

Proud donor to Mohawk College Foundation in our outreach and annual giving to assist students. “STAY CONNECTED” ~ JOIN TODAY! Need Information? Contact: retirees@mohawkcollege.ca

UPCOMING EVENTS

MO-HAWK HIKERS: 9TH Annual Winter Hike, Wednesday February 27, 2019 MO-HAWK HIKERS: Spring Hike, Wednesday, April 17, 2019 DISCOVER HAMILTON BEER TOUR: Wednesday, May 8, 2019 SHAW FESTIVAL: Brigadoon, Thursday September 26, 2019

(Details for events on pages at end of Newsletter)

MOMENTUM MAGAZINE – Mohawk Community Magazine

From Gena Dureault Senior Development Officer: As you know at Mohawk, we continually strive to ensure our students have access to the best possible learning spaces. In our latest edition of Momentum magazine, several of those spaces have been featured. Please take a few moments and learn how we continue to build on the foundation, you as retirees, created. Thank you. https://issuu.com/mohawkcollege/docs/momentummagazinefall2018

https://events.eply.com/2018retireesmembershipmailto:retirees@mohawkcollege.ca

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CELEBRATION OF RAMC’S 25TH MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate RAMC’s 25th anniversary on Nov 2, 2018. It was great to see such a large turnout! The College co-hosted our luncheon in the newly finished Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation, a net-zero footprint facility. Chartwells provided a delicious lunch! We were entertained by the Jazz trio from the Music program. Kevin Rorwick provided an enlightening presentation on the status of the CAAT pension plan. We received e-greetings from past President Keith McIntyre, and in person greetings from current president, Ron McKerlie. Special thanks to Natalie Faria from the President’s office for coordinating the event for us. It was a great success! In keeping with our values to support students, thank you for bringing donations for the MSA food bank! Looking forward to more opportunities to celebrate together! Roberta Burke, Chair, Luncheon Committee, on behalf of the RAMC Board

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CELEBRATION HAT

Below is a visual of a tweet that was sent out by College President, Ron McKerlie along with the RAMC retweet which Gaye Yachetti sent. “REMEMBER WHEN” CHALLENGE: Do you Remember the story behind the hat????? Send stories/comments to lizaldrey@yahoo.ca.

mailto:lizaldrey@yahoo.ca

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STAYING CONNECTED

Ann Bennett, Retired Professor and General Education Coordinator. When Ann is

not in her garden or volunteering on Family Council at Idlewyld Manor, she can be

found painting and gardening in Spain. In this photo, she found paradise outside

Frigiliana Andalusia.

Linda Frank, a Mohawk retiree from General Arts and Science Program was featured in the Spectator. Linda

is one of Canada’s pre-eminent poets, winner of such awards as Banff

Centre’s Bliss Carmen Poetry prize and her new book of poetry, "Divided”

is now available. Click on link for more information: https://www.thespec.com/news-story/8737125-divided-we-fall-for-linda-frank-s-

poetry/

Lori D’Angelo volunteering in the food bank at Ancaster Community Services.

ACS provides placements for our students in the Social Service Worker Program.

Submitted by Roberta Burke, another ACS volunteer

. Suzanne Clancy

Please see article below with info re what I have been up to since retirement 11 years ago. I have been

president of this group for the last 6 years and just acclaimed for another 2. That will take me to 79 years old, if

I make it that far!!! Although I was very devoted to my 240 union work, I never dreamed I would be president

of a provincial retiree’s federation. As such, I also sit on the OFL executive council with voice and vote and the

Congress of Union Retirees of Canada with voice and vote. Between the three, it is almost a fulltime job!!! All

volunteer. I am privileged to have 16 other highly skilled retired union activists on my council who are known

far and wide provincially and federally.

https://www.thespec.com/news-story/8737125-divided-we-fall-for-linda-frank-s-poetry/https://www.thespec.com/news-story/8737125-divided-we-fall-for-linda-frank-s-poetry/

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OFUR currently includes over 50 affiliated Ontario union locals, along with several labour council affiliations. I

am especially proud of the fact the OPSEU retirees division has affiliated as whole.

In addition to the above, as president of OFUR, I also oversee the work of 8 Ontario Congress of Union

Retirees of Canada (CURC) Area Councils, the largest number in Canada.

Suzanne Clancy

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LIVING ON THE BRINK 2018 A Late Return to the Lake by Heather Brinkman Finally this late September, we have unpacked and begun to settle in at the Muskrat. At last, I can slide back into my Muskoka chair beside the boathouse window and rest my eyes on the splendour of towering green pine and scattered rock ringing the eastern shore of Virtue. With a sunny, breezy day forecast for tomorrow and rain for the day after, Frans will want to mow the grass to the plants on the water‘s edge and the tall coniferous trees on both sides of the boathouse. I look forward to the call and sight of the loon and the splashing of the playful family of Mergansers that visit and sun themselves in the cove. I will see our colourful whirley-jig figures of sea-mamal, Mussy and her baby, Mutt faithfully keeping watch atop their yellow pole as they waver back and forth in the breeze over the water. And finally, after all these years at the Muskrat, Frans will hang our long-awaited, hand -made sign for the property: Muskrat Cove est 1973 on its whimsical, cedar post at the entrance to the driveway near the end of the Muskrat Trail. Before we three leave this fall, we will bring in the signs, and Mussy and Mutt to store for the winter until we return. The Muskrat that Frans built on bedrock will remain to stand against the wind and the rain and the ice and the snow, `til the sun shines warm again on Muskrat Cove.

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SOCIAL EVENTS

SHAW FESTIVAL – GRAND HOTEL

The Mohawk College Retirees annual fall trip to the Shaw Festival was held on September 27 this year and attended by 28 members and friends. Thank you to Nancy and Brad Fleming for making the arrangements and keeping us informed and organized. Once more a warm thank you to Geoff and Lynda Brooker for hosting the trip, providing entertainment and nourishment as we traveled there. The transportation was by Badder Bus and in the capable hands of our driver Marilyn we arrived and returned in good time safe and sound. The production was called Grand Hotel. I am not sure what category to put it in as it was everything. It was a thrilling, dramatic,romance,comedy,musical. It was enthralling! The play was based on a bestselling book written by Vicki Braum in 1928, “Menschen Im Hotel" set in an elegant Weimar Berlin hotel during a time of economic prosperity post World War One. The story was reproduced in an award winning film in 1932 and in 1958 became a play. This story addressed every possible social issue or dilemma of the times and still of today. The author brought together five main characters in the hotel when story lines overlap and become intertwined in life and death, love and lust, success and failure, honesty and dishonesty. The production challenged all ones senses and leaves the observer with a great deal to think about. This was time well spent. Submitted by Ellie Latta

ABBAMANIA AND OTHERS AT CARMENS

Were you in ‘Vegas’ on December 12th, 2018 for performances by Cher, Neil Diamond and ABBA? If you were at Carmen’s with the Retirees Association of Mohawk College, you were there! A large group of retirees and friends enjoyed Carmen’s traditional chicken dinner ~ salad, pasta, chicken, potatoes, vegetables and chocolate mousse. We were then treated to a Vegas-like performance by talented tribute artists. Cher lived up to her reputation as Queen of Pop with her big, black hair, racy black outfit, and her memorable voice. Sonny Bono, a guest from the audience, joined Cher on stage to help with ‘I Got You Babe, their #1 single hit. Well done, sir! So also included ‘Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves’, ‘The Way of Love’, ‘Believe’, and other songs familiar to the audience. Neil Diamond’s talent as singer, songwriter, and musician was obvious and he dazzled in his classic diamond jacket. ‘Forever in Blue Jeans’, Solitary Man’ and ‘Shiloh’ needed no encouragement for audience participation. ‘Sweet Caroline’, with great audience participation completed the set. ABBA rounded out the programme. If you were there, you know how ABBA got its name, ie Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny, Anni. To introduce the set, two players from the musical group played parts of familiar songs while moving through the audience. Then, we were treated to some favourites – ‘When All Is Said And Done’, ‘Gimme, Gimme, Gimme’, ‘SOS’, and, of course, ‘Mama Mia’, ‘Dancing Queen’ was a fitting finale with, once again, great audience participation. It was wonderful afternoon of musical memories. Many thanks to Donna Dunlop for organizing the event with Carmen’s and the Retirees Association of Mohawk College. Submitted by Sylvia Hillyard, Member of RAMC Board of Directors

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IN MEMORIAM

BRIAN DAVID ALLICK The family of Brian David Allick sadly announce his peaceful passing at ARCH on Saturday June 23, 2018 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Joan (2004). Other family members who predeceased him include, his parents and brothers in England along with his sisters in law and brothers in law in Canada. Uncle Brian is lovingly remembered by the families of his nephew, Andy Allick (Sue) in England, his nieces, Ann Bumbacco (Ken) and Susan Grosso (Bill) in Sault Ste. Marie along with the Kettlewell family in Hamilton. Our uncle Brian was a building inspector for the city of Hamilton for many years. His passions in life included, sailing, motor bike racing and listening to classical music, especially that of Andre Rieu.

Brian Allick was at the very front end of Mohawk during 1967 and onward days.....he was with Physical Plant and some of his colleagues were our beloved Betty Hamilton and Lydia Livens. Photo is from 1967. He was a great support to the secretarial staff..... VERONICA CELINA DESCHRYVER

Passed away suddenly on October 3, 2018. She was loved by many, especially her soulmate Howard of 42 years. She was a loving mother of Dawn (Craig), Denise (Carm), and Dustin. A proud gramma of Alana, Jasmine and Hudson – and not to forget her fur-babies Buddy, Moose, Harley and Atlas. Veronica is survived by her mother Wanda, and her two sisters Lodzia (Roy) and Shirley (Ed), along with her nieces and nephew Natasha, Nicholas, Nicole and Melissa. Veronica was a

long-standing employee of Mohawk College. Veronica was so many things to so many people and will forever be missed. FLORENCE ANNE THERESA ELIZABETH HESKETH

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Florence, on Friday, September 14, 2018 at the age of 91. Much loved mother of Ernest Hesketh (Carol), and Marilyn MacAloney (Gary). Cherished grand-mother of Jennifer DeGruchy (Craig), Jeffrey MacAloney (Emily), and Evan Hesketh (Megan). Great-grandmother "GG" of Carley and Megan DeGruchy. Predeceased by her parents, Alex and

Margaret MacDougall, brothers Alistair and Joseph, and sisters Hannah Joyce and Marguerite Hayne. Sadly missed by sisters Rita Love, Marie Moores (Rupert), special sister-in-law Alice MacDougall, and brother-in-law Percy Hayne. Lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews in the Maritimes and Western Canada, and honorary "Nanny" to many. Florence was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia and eventually moved to Hamilton, Ontario where she raised her family. Her heart was always in Nova Scotia, and she made several trips "down home" through the years. Florence loved spending time with family. She enjoyed sleep-overs with her grandchildren, and was an avid hockey-grandma, school volunteer, garage saler, and bingo player. DOUGLAS WAYNE JOHNSTON

With sadness we announce the passing of Douglas Wayne Johnston, on August 31, 2018, surrounded by his family at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Loving husband of Judith Johnston. Treasured father of Emily (Mike), Heather (Kors), David, Hilary, Vanessa and Victoria. Cherished Stepfather of Thomas and Rebecca. Much loved Poppa/Grandpa to Holden, Maya, Aidan, Kayla, Tyler, Zachary, Cohen and Lochlan.

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Predeceased by his father Robert, he is survived by his mother Doreen and sister Lynn. His endless love and guidance will be deeply missed by his children and grandchildren. He was a dedicated professor at Mohawk College for over 40 years and a devoted volunteer at Mission Services. Doug touched the lives of all who knew him. Doug’s wife is one of our retirees as well. LAWRENCE ‘LARRY’ JAMES SMYTHE August 18, 1948 - October 14, 2018 Peacefully on Sunday, October 14, Larry passed away while surrounded by his family at the age of 70. Larry will be lovingly remembered by Cheryl, his wife of 43 years, daughter Kimberly (Brad) Greenholm and son Curtis Smythe. Larry will hold a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren, James and Piper. Pre-deceased by his mother, Lillie Smythe, Larry is survived by his father, Jim Smythe and sadly missed by his sisters Diana (Bob) Graham, Nancy (Pat) Confalone, along with a large extension of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry enjoyed a long career in Computer technology working at Westbourne (where he met Cheryl), Robinson's and Mohawk College where he was employed for 28 years before he retired in 2008. When not working, Larry could be found goal-tending on an ice-rink or playing first base on a ball diamond. BILL (WILLIAM) POOLER

With the same strength and strong heart that he’s shown throughout his life, Bill died at home on June 30, 2018 at the age of 59. His wife, daughter, son, and future son-in-law were with him ‘til the end. Loving husband of 36 years to Terri (nee Cochrane). Cherished and loving father to Tara (Garnett), Shane William Pooler, as well as his fur-daughter Chelsea. Beloved Granda to Tatianna, Ariana, and Liliana. Survived by his siblings June (Doug), John (Debbie), and Maureen (Steve).

Predeceased by his parents William and Roseann, and father-in-law Paul. Survived by his mother-in-law Helen, and sister-in-law Caroline (Tom). He is also predeceased by his sister-in-law Frances, and brother-in-law Vince. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Bill was an employee of Mohawk College for over 30 years and was a licensed carpenter and locksmith. Over the last few years his big passion was fishing on his boat with his family. AVRIL JEAN TAYLOR

Passed away at home surrounded by her family on January 5, 2019. Born in Wales to Harold and Blanche Evans, and the sister of Ian, she was the much beloved wife of Martin, the wonderful mother of Stuart (Kira), Sarah (Paul) and Susannah (Adam), and the loving nana of Iona, Oriana, Abigail, Maia and Julianne. Educated in the UK, as a highly respected teacher and administrator, Avril's career included positions in Vancouver, Hamilton and Victoria. Sustained and empowered by her Christian faith, she radiated love and grace to all who had

the privilege to know her as friend and colleague. She will be greatly missed by her family and wide circle of friends in Canada, the UK and the US. BONNIE (FLORENCE) URQUHART

At the age of 78, Bonnie (Florence) Urquhart made her final journey peacefully to heaven June 4, 2018 in her home, just as she wanted. Surrounded by her devoted husband Nick (Neil) of 59 years, who was her rock, faithful companion and was with her every step of her 4 year battle with cancer. Just as she was his rock and faithful companion throughout their journey together. Also by her side was her daughter Gayle and her son Mike and her beloved Sheltie Collie 'Nicky'.

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Bonnie was a retired secretary to the Dean of English at Mohawk College and was a staunch supporter and fan of minor hockey and baseball. She also cherished her times at the trailer with family. Bonnie wishes that family and friends remember her with a smile.

WAYNE ALLAN Allan, Wayne Stuart. Died quietly at Emmanuel House, Hamilton on March 28 2018, from pancreatic cancer. Beloved husband and companion of Sheila Russell, who was with him at the end. Dear stepfather of Geoffrey Walton and stepfather-in law of Treasa Levasseur, who supported him lovingly throughout his illness. Predeceased by parents Aldon and Carol Allan, by dear sister Judy and brother-in-law Brian, by brother–in-law Nigel Russell, and nephew Garrett Russell. Sadly missed by brother and sister–in-law Pat and Doug McDonell, Alan, Jackie and Thomas McDonell,

and Linda and Gareth Clemo, as well as sister-in-law Lesley Russell and brother–in-law Eugene Ladniak, niece Kate Lambacher (Chris), nephew Chris Ladniak (Tara) and much-loved children Amara and Ben Lambacher and Connor, Avery and Jacob Ladniak, as well as nephew Duncan Russell, and dear godsons Eamon and Hugh Kelly. Born in Brantford on October 9, 1941, Wayne studied philosophy at Western and McMaster Universities, then taught literature at Mohawk College for over 25 years, a job he loved. At the same time, he pursued his love of art with studies in sculpture, printmaking, collage and other media at Mohawk College, McMaster University, Dundas Valley School of Art, and elsewhere. He had many exhibitions of his work in the Hamilton area and was a member of the Carnegie Gallery in Dundas. His life was informed by every kind of human expression: visual art, literature, music, film, and dance. Wayne was active in the life of St. James Anglican Church, Dundas, loved to assist with the Taizé prayer at St. Paul’s Westdale and served as an assessor at ACPO conferences. He was a deeply spiritual man, attending many courses, retreats and workshops on meditation, psychology, spiritual life and the arts. People were drawn to him for his wit, generosity, and thoughtfulness, and he loved his many friends

VOLUNTEERING VON HAMILTON - We have a role for YOU… VON Hamilton values and appreciates the caring volunteers who are the heart of our organization. We care that our volunteers have a positive and rewarding volunteer experience. VON provides orientation, training and ongoing support to our volunteers. The following opportunities are available: Meals on Wheels - Deliver hot and/or frozen meals at lunchtime to home-bound individuals in Hamilton and Stoney Creek. Both drivers and servers are needed one or more days per week, Monday to Friday. Mileage is reimbursed for drivers. Congregate Dining - Provide transportation and assistance to seniors to attend our “lunch bunch” program every other Tuesday during the school year. Volunteer Visiting - Provide companionship to lonely and/or isolated seniors or adults with disabilities. Visits are 2 hours per week on a flexible basis. Training and ongoing support is provided. Hospice Volunteer Visiting - Offer emotional and practical support to individuals with a life-threatening or terminal illness through their end of life journey. All volunteers are provided with 30-hours palliative care education. Volunteer-Assisted Transportation - Provide a drive to medical appointments and friendly support while waiting. As needed, you decide what days you have available. Mileage is reimbursed.

Join our team today, become a VON volunteer!

Call 905-529-0700 x2251 or email voncsshamilton@von.ca

mailto:voncsshamilton@von.ca

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2017-2018 RAMC DIRECTORS Co-Chairs: Liz Aldrey 905-386-6516 lizaldrey@yahoo.ca Donna Dunlop 905 388-2394 bddunlop@rogers.com Secretary: Nancy Fleming 905 648-1960 nancy.brad.fleming@gmail.com Treasurer: (Until Mar. 31, 2019) Elaine Dunkey 289-522-0444 elaine.dunkey@mohawkcollege.ca Director: Roberta Burke roberta.burke@cogeco.ca Director: Jane Cooper jane.cooper@mohawkcollege.ca Director: Sylvia Hillyard 905 628-2313 shillyard@cogeco.ca Director: John Schaeffer 905-776-0982 johnrschaeffer@gmail.com

E-Communications Gaye Yachetti 905 526-8453 gaye.yachetti@mohawkcollege.ca Hiking Coordinator: Bill Fulton 905 627-9718 ibtcrbguu@hotmail.com

Newsletter: Liz Aldrey 905-962-3733 905-386-6516 lizaldrey@yahoo.ca Webmaster: Fred Oldfield 905 643-3442 fdo@elmlane.com The Retirees Association of Mohawk College has dedicated members who support the Board’s mandate. Would you like to join? Do you have a special event that you would like to coordinate? Can we help promote a reunion? Contact us at retirees@mohawkcollege.ca.

RETIREES ASSOCIATION OF MOHAWK COLLEGE CELEBRATING & HONOURING MOHAWK RETIREES!

DEADLINE FOR NEXT NEWSLETTER: April 15, 2019

Share News, Photos & Articles!

Organizing a Reunion? Have an Idea for an Event? Let Us Know!

E-MAIL LIZ ALDREY: lizaldrey@yahoo.ca

The Retirees Association of Mohawk College, a long-standing partner of the College, is the largest such organization in Ontario's college system. The Association

was established in November 1992 and was formally approved by the President in January 1993. Our Charter was signed on May 18, 1993. Our Association is organized

exclusively for the benefit of its membership and for assisting Mohawk College in its aims and objectives, especially as these relate to the support of students.

www.mcretirees.com retirees@mohawkcollege.ca

mailto:lizaldrey@yahoo.camailto:bddunlop@rogers.commailto:elaine.dunkey@mohawkcollege.camailto:shillyard@cogeco.camailto:johnrschaeffer@gmail.commailto:gaye.yachetti@mohawkcollege.camailto:ibtcrbguu@hotmail.commailto:lizaldrey@yahoo.camailto:fdo@elmlane.commailto:retirees@mohawkcollege.cahttp://www.mcretirees.com/mailto:retirees@mohawkcollege.ca

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