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RAMC NEWSLETTER RETIREES ASSOCIATION OF MOHAWK COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

CELEBRATING & HONORING MOHAWK COLLEGE RETIREES

Fall 2017

RAMC CHAIR MESSAGE

When I retired 3 years ago, my thoughts were to create some space between Mohawk College and me. After 33 years, it was time to focus on family and perhaps some new challenges. That was easier said than done. About a year into my retirement, I was invited to a session that was arranged by the Board of the RAMC to do some strategic thinking about where the Association was going and how it could attract new members in order to remain viable and vibrant – even though it was already one of the largest retiree associations in the College system. I decided to participate but only for the day. The one day session turned into a year on the Board and then a second year. Then, last month I agreed to Chair the Board for the upcoming year. So much for creating space. I find that I still feel very connected to the College and especially to the many great people that I worked with over my career. The past couple of years have actually been a bit of a struggle at the Board in terms of finding volunteers to keep the Association operating. I want to thank those that have worked hard to move the Association forward over this period. All Board members and adjunct members are to be applauded for their efforts. I want to thank Jack Freiburger and Nancy Fleming in particular for their work this past year. Their work on changing the Association constitution and their support for the 50th anniversary Celebration of Excellence event has resulted in renewed interest in the Board. We now have a full slate of 9 Directors on the Board – an improvement from the 4 we had last year. We also have a number of former Board members who we call adjunct

members and they carry out a range of important functions for us. It was also encouraging to me to know that several other retirees expressed interest in becoming involved and we need to find ways to use their talents. The Celebration of Excellence event on June 6 was very enjoyable. One senior administrator at the College who has many years at Mohawk wrote to me afterwards and said that the event “makes my shortlist for best college events I’ve attended”. I couldn’t agree more. It was quite historic to see 4 Mohawk Presidents on one stage offering reflections of their time at the College. The most enjoyable part of the event for me was meeting many former colleagues including some that I hadn’t seen in over 20 years. The Board is hoping that we can build on this success and would really like to see many of you again at next year’s annual meeting and luncheon. A more comprehensive article about the Celebration of Excellence event can be found in this issue. Fred Deys

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2017 AGM

WASN’T THAT A PARTY! Have you ever wished you could live a day over again – either to fix it or to enjoy it again? Those who missed the Retirees’ Luncheon on June 6, 2017 should wish to go back and change their decision. Those 155 retirees and some partners – no doubt at all – would love to replay that event over and over. About a third of the retirees had attended the Annual General Meeting of the association and were elated to see the new life breathed into the Board! A lively nominating session brought the Board to a full complement of directors for the first time in many years. Constitutional changes over the past two years have made the role inviting – to the point where we even have a few more interested in taking an active role in future. When was the last time you attended a nomination session with that result? Maybe, if you missed that meeting, you should check it out next year to see what’s happening!

So, buoyed by the AGM, members walked down the E Wing corridor to the Arnie. The Student Centre was positively throbbing with music and chatter! Many more familiar (I won’t say “old”) faces of bygone years were there to hug, shake hands – perhaps after reading your name tag! The bar was busy and around the room booths of various streams of nostalgia commemorated phases of the building of the campuses, sports successes, Captain Crunch events and so on. “So that’s what you looked like in 1973” was a common refrain. I particularly enjoyed seeing many of my former beloved Rec Leadership students now running this event. Validation is a wonderful feeling. The Arnold Centre itself was also a statement of respect – white table cloths, good cutlery and china, and a fine (senior portion) hot meal and dessert. There had been earlier discussion of finger foods, but this was an upgrade that was quietly eloquent. Hearing aids were cranked to max as the

conversation bubbled along over the meal. Then

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we were entertained by a panel of “The Four Presidents” moderated by Sue Prescott. While there was fear this could be heavy (you know

what I mean) presidents Mary Lynn Westmoyns, Keith McIntyre, Rob McIsaac and Ron McKerley were prepped to discuss their funniest, or most embarrassing or most satisfying moments in office. Their enjoyment in sharing these memories and their teasing of each other may spark a rematch, but certainly were a delightful retrospect from the top. Repeatedly they expressed their appreciation for the talent, knowledge, dedication and professionalism of those of us who built the College’s foundations. The emotion built to the point where the champagne toast was nearly forgotten and had to be chug-a-lugged as we rose to leave. How fitting in the Arnie! Not to be outdone by their indoor associates, the Parking people covered every eventuality. The nearest parking lot was reserved for the less nimble, shuttle carts brought people to the door as needed, and, when it was pouring as we left, covered vehicles chauffeured us to our cars. If we didn’t feel like V.I.P.s by the end of this event, we must have dozed off! College administration have vowed that this will not be a one-off. They want to treat us as well at the President’s Breakfast on August 30, and at the wind-up to the year of celebration on November 10. Don’t be one of those to regret not attending – BE THERE!

Jack Freiburger

CAAT PENSION NEWS

50 Facts 50 Years. CAAT pension plan is also

celebrating 50 years. As part of the 50th year, they are providing a series of “50 facts” throughout the year. To see a list of facts go to: http://tinyurl.com/y8kwekva. The CAAT pension plan is a DB pension plan. Members and employers share the risks and costs of the plan, and make all the decisions about the Plan together. Be a pension champion. Read some facts about the CAAT pension plan: http://tinyurl.com/y9uogca2.

Interest has grown in CAAT Plan ‘growth initiative’ after the success of the ROM Pension Plan Merger into the CAAT Plan. Recently the Board of Trustees and Sponsors’ Committee agreed to the merger of the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB) Pension Plan into the CAAT Plan (effective January 1, 2018). Further information: http://tinyurl.com/yav9rc2c. The CAAT Pension Plan 2016 Annual Report, The Next Fifty Years, is now available on CAAT website. http://tinyurl.com/y8aae2fc. Common-law qualification period moves to 3 years starting January 2018. Your marital status will be considered common-law after you have lived together with your common-law spouse for at least three years. More information: http://tinyurl.com/y9b5qwmu. (CAAT Pension news continued on page 15)

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“LEGENDS OF FOLK” CARMEN’S

EVENT JUNE 27/17

It is said that the music one loves in one’s twenties will be the favourite music for one’s life. If so, the toe tapping, body swaying and verbatim singing along confirmed that the 45 retirees of Mohawk and McMaster (a growing component) and their friends to music from 1958 – 1968 are… ahem… seniors. They knew well the music of Peter, Paul and Mary, the Kingston Trio, Simon and Garfunkel (Sounds of Silence was done wonderfully), Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan and of course “Puff the Magic Dragon.” One Mohawker commented that she knew all the words to some of the songs and some of the words to the rest of them. As I glanced around, that seemed generally true. Of course we had a satisfying lunch, perhaps eased down by a glass of vino. Carmen’s must like our growing presence as our seating was

more favourable as well. We look forward to

doing one or two more shows in the winter and spring. Join us then! Jack Freiburger

OCRA NEWS

OCRA cancelled the October 25, 2017 General Meeting at Humber College Lakeshore campus due to the OPSEU faculty strike. The meeting will be re-scheduled in 2018 and you will receive an invite when the new date is determined. For the latest OCRA newsletter Click here. A comparison of major extended health insurance care plans for retirees as of March 31, 2017 is available to paid up OCRA members only by contacting Yvonne Glenville at communications@ocraretirees.ca

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MO-HAWK HIKERS

CROOKS HALLOW HIKE MAY 23, 2017

Iroquoia Heights HIKE OCT. 2, 2017 Next hike

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CELEBRTING RETIREES

This photo includes the staff from “Secretarial Studies”, now Office Administration, November 10, 1980.

“LEADERS AWARD” FOR SANTOSH

DALAL FROM AMERICAN FOUNDRY

SOCIETY. The American Foundry Society (AFS) and the Canadian Foundry Association (CFA) at their joint dinner and scholarship awards meeting, held on March 23, 2017 at the Waterfront Convention Centre, Hamilton, presented the “LEADERS AWARD” to Santosh (Sandy) Dalal for his “Significant and Lasting Contribution to Foundry Education and Training”. Only one AWARD is usually given in a year by AFS and another one by CFA. This award is the second one for Santosh from AFS/CFA and is greater in honour than his first one. The first one was given in 2013 as ‘Award of Recognition’ for his dedicated services to the metal casting industry and education over 36 years. This was highlighted in the RAMC Newsletter (Fall/2013). This unique and beautiful ‘Leaders Award’ is a silicon bronze casting of a foundryman pouring molten metal in a sand mould. The casting was made by the experimental casting team at the CANMET casting lab. The CANMET Materials is a part of Natural Resources Canada located in Hamilton. The Supervisor of the Experimental Casing Laboratory is Peter Newcombe, who is a former student of Santosh and recently became the vice-chairman of the AFS Ontario Chapter. The pattern of the casting was created in the

Additive Manufacturing Centre at Mohawk College. Santosh was a Professor in the Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Technology Program at Mohawk College for 26 years before retiring in 1996. He is a Life Member of the AFS and has been associated with it since 1966. The award was presented by Robert Logan, the then Chairman of the AFS Ontario, and the introduction was made by Prof. Ravindran of Ryerson University and AFS Scholarship Committee member. Three former students of Santosh are currently serving in the AFS Ontario Board of Directors, including Peter Newcombe.

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1988 – Staff from Library, registrar’s office, faculty office, bookstore and

main office, Saltfleet Campus

Back Row: Marilyn Hodge, Elaine Dunkey, Edna Barnes, Margaret

Hollingshead, Chris Zych, Pia Foss Pederson, Faye Ferguson, Joanne

Byron, Marjorie Parker

Middle left: Eleanor Blanchette, ?, Joan Roberts

Front Row: Sylvia Santor, Bonnie Muir,

Marie Crick, Barbara Lumsden

Late 1970’s or 1980’s – Staff library, bookstore, main office and faculty office, Saltfleet Campus. Taken in front of the registration reception desk in main entrance hallway. Edna Barnes, Marilyn Hodge, Elaine Dunkey, Terry Fair, Judith Johnston, Vivian Everley Jane Morris, Chris Zych, Pia Foss Pederson Faye Ferguson, black sweater?, Kathy, Linneborn Elizabeth Bain, Iren Fenton, Barbara Lumsden

Keith Nixon in the 1980’s at Saltfleet Campus

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Nov. 2009 Back row: Marilyn Hodge, Marjorie Parker, Edna Barnes Front row: Chris Zych, Faye Fergerson

Above photos courtsey of Marilyn Hodge

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Mo-Hawk Hikers: Mon. Feb.

5, 2018, 10:00 am.

Waterfront Trail, Lunch 12:30

Fisher’s Pier 4 Restaurant

The George Rose Band:

Carmen’s Banquet Centre,

Wed. Feb. 14, 2018

2017 TRIP TO SHAW FESTIVAL ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3RD.

40 Mohawk retirees and guests assembled at the Dave Andrechuk Mountain Arena parking lot for departure by Badder Bus at 10:15am to attend the 100th performance this season of the musical ME AND MY GIRL at the Shaw Festival theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The group this year included 6 McMaster retirees and 2 Humber College retirees. It was a beautiful sunny warm fall day and we arrived at Betty's Restaurant in Chippawa for lunch a little early due to lighter traffic than normal. If you haven't yet patronized Betty's Restaurant, add it to your list of restaurants to visit. The food is excellent and economical, specialities being a generous Haddock fillet fried in a very light batter with fries and house cole slaw. Their many varied dessert pies are to die for, my favorite being coconut creme, in spite of a summer special peach pie offered. We then had a leisurely tour along the Niagara Parkway passing the Canadian and American Falls, whirlpool and gorge. The views from the bus heights are spectacular. The floral plantings along the parkway were still in full glorious bloom from the more than usual summer rains. We arrived at the Festival Theater at 1:15pm which allowed the more mobile and nimble retirees to make a quick jog along several blocks of quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake which was teeming with tourists enjoying the great shirtsleeve early October weather. The musical ME AND MY GIRL was first performed in 1936 - 1937 followed by a movie THE LAMBETH WALK in 1939 and revitalized for reopening in 1986. The setting is in rural Hampshire, outside London in the UK with urban scenes in Mayfair and Lambeth in London in the 1930s. It is a spoof about "over the top” uneducated, impoverished lower class cockney society and wealthy aristocratic upper class society in England. There are many clever word phrases and plays on words during the musical. The staging and scene settings are really well done. However seniors with any hearing deficiencies might find the cockney and erudite English diction, pronunciation and enunciation of the lyrics and dialogue somewhat bewildering!

The most memorable vigorous and famous music / dancing scene THE LAMBETH WALK is undoubtedly the hit of the musical. It reminded me of WATERLOO, the long awaited music / dance hit of ABBA in MAMA MIA that finally arrived in the first encore. Our bus ride back to Hamilton was a good time for some quiet time shut eye. All in all, another good outing for Mohawk retirees. Many thanks to:

- Ann Dunn for first organizing this annual outing many years ago - To Geoff and Lynda Brooker for hosting again this bus trip - To Nancy Fleming for organizing and promoting this year's trip. Trip reporter, Keith McIntyre, 1996 retiree

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IN MEMORIUM

life with honesty, vitality, curiosity, courage, love,

laughter and a strong sense of purpose. She treasured her family and her many strong friendships and with them shared many globetrotting vacations, ski trips, golf games, book clubs, bridge and summers at the cottage. Elizabeth was extremely proud of her grandchildren Connor and Scarlett and delighted in every music concert, sports game, school event and visit. Her intellectual curiosity and love of chemistry was fulfilled through both her career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist and as a Professor at Mohawk College. Elizabeth's family is forever grateful for her warm smile, generous heart and most of all her unconditional love and inspiration.

JACK BROWN April 30, 1942 - July 17, 2017 Beloved husband of Merle, father and father-in-law of Rosanne Brown and Joel Weinstein, Michael Brown and Nadira Khan, Brian Brown and Alessia Baccarani. A proud Hamiltonian. Jack was a cherished professor at Mohawk College. He loved his Ti-Cats. Being Zadie brought the biggest smile and sense of pride to him. The Candy man will be missed by Tsippora, Aaron, Lenox, Mala, Zane, Sidra and baby Marley.

. SYED "SHAH" BUKHARI

Passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, October 26, 2017 in his 81st year. Beloved uncle of Dr. Zaheer Shah and his wife Naveed Shah, great-uncle to Nadia Shah and Hassan Shah and his wife Sonya and their daughter Anya from the United States. Shah is dearly loved by his extended family here in Hamilton, Anna and Pino Randazzo, Cona-Marie and David Stocco, Michael Randazzo, Adrianna, Sofia and Gemma. Shah was much loved by his predeceased little buddy, Marc. The entire Randazzo family thought

MIRIAM ARNOTT

Passed away on December 24, 2017. Born in Hamilton June 22, 1926 to John and Edith Church (deceased). Children Larry (Nancy), Randy (Audrey), Kimberly Ann Recine. Proud grandmother of Becki, Rachel, Casidy, Brooke, Ryan and Hannah. Great-grandmother to Olivia and William. Miriam will be lovingly missed by her four sisters and two brothers; Kathleen (Ted, deceased) Lawrence-Reese, Harold (Bernie) Church (deceased), Elizabeth (Bob, deceased) Naylor, Trudy (Ken) Mills, Jeanette (Gord) Carey and Ron (Joyce) Church (deceased). She will also be missed by her many nieces, nephews and special friends. Miriam's passion of fine fabrics and her love of sewing those fabrics into the latest fashions filled any spare time during her career years. She retired from the Faculty of Engineering at Mohawk College in 1989 and has enjoyed a very happy, healthy retirement.

ELIZABETH BROUGHTON

March 23, 1944 - October 14, 2017. It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Elizabeth on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at the age of 73. Beloved wife of Larry for 53 years, dearly loved mother of Sharon and Gary (Susan), cherished grandmother of Connor and Scarlett and much loved sister-in- law to Susan Kirouac (the late Tom) and Aunt to Michael (Andrea) and Ryan. Elizabeth lived her

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so highly of Shah and will miss him. Shah retired from Mohawk College after more than 25 years of service. Shah was a valued member of the Metallurgy Department and the Foundry Lab as a Technologist. He will be dearly missed by his friends and neighbours on the East Mountain. Shah was loved by all who knew him. He had a big heart and always showed such kindness and compassion. Shah embraced us each day with his gift of his friendship.

BOB DAWSON

At the Juravinski Hospital on Sunday, December 10, 2017, Bob Dawson age 85 years. Beloved husband of Louise Dawson for 65 years. Loving father of Debbie Pratt (Bob) and Lori Dawson. Cherished grandfather of Jennifer and Kathyrn Pratt. Dear brother of Glenn Dawson in Australia. Predeceased by his brothers Gerry and Louie. Bob played for the Hamilton Tiger Cats from 1953-1959, winning Grey Cups in 1953 and 1957. Bob also won the Gruen Trophy for the Canadian Rookie of the Year in the C.F.L. in 1953. He coached the Burlington Braves and McMaster Marauders from 1961 to 1965 (Ontario Championships in 1962, 1963 and 1964). He was Vice President of Sales at CHCH TV, Co-owner of Alexander, Pearson and Dawson National Television Sales Organization and a Professor of Advertising and Media at Mohawk College.

MICHELLE HARKNESS

Peacefully on August 22, 2017, Michelle passed away at the age of 55, surrounded by her loving husband Glenn, her daughter Kasey and future son-in-law Tyler. Survived by parents Robert and Lois Long of Markdale, ON. Dearly loved by family, friends and colleagues, Michelle touched the lives of so many and will be missed by all.

ALAN HAYWARD

Peacefully passed away at home on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Alan retired from Mohawk in April of 2016 following a distinguished 15-year career with our Security department. Alan first joined Mohawk as the youngest ever Commissionaire, when the Corps of Commissionaires provided security services to our college. Alan became a college employee when he was appointed Manager of Security Services in 2005. Alan built a strong and collaborative relationship with our Student Rights and Responsibilities Office and was also a valued member of the Ontario Association of College and University Security Administrators. Alan had proudly served in the Royal Military Police before joining our college.

All of us want to be remembered for having contributed something lasting and meaningful to this world. Alan did exactly that at Mohawk. He was a good man with a big heart and a wonderfully dry sense of British wit. Alan could

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always be counted on to do what was right and fair and was a tremendous support to students and colleagues in their times of need. Under his watch, Alan was wholly committed to keeping Mohawk a safe place for all of us to learn and work. Unbelievable was Alan’s standard response whenever you asked how he was doing, regardless of what was happening around him. He will be unbelievably missed and fondly remembered. Please share this note with your teams and anyone who had the privilege of working with Alan over the years. Excerpt from memorandum written by Deborah Brown, Vice President, Corporate Services

TINA LIABOTIS

Peacefully, at home, after a long illness due to Aplastic Anemia, on December 29, 2017. Tina was born in Tillsonburg. She attended Queen's University where she studied Math, Science, and English, obtaining a BA. She was married to William Liabotis for 57 years. After working as a social worker for the Children's Aid Society, she began teaching at Mohawk College, in the Academic Upgrading Program. She was loved by her students for her fairness, kindness, and commitment; and took the time to explain things so that each student could understand. Tina was, a devoted mother, daughter, yiayia and wife, who gave tremendously to her family. Among her many skills were design, flower arranging and cooking. She is survived by her husband William, son Peter and daughter Dr. Stephanie (Dr. Robert Goodman), her brother Deno (Sherry), and many cousins she loved deeply.

ELIZABETH MAUS Passed peacefully on September 11, 2017 at The Wellington in Hamilton after a life of achievement, public service and support and dedication to a large family. She had previously resided at St

Elizabeth Village in Hamilton for more than 30 years. She had her 98th birthday in July. Elizabeth was predeceased by her four sisters, Agnes, Jean, Margaret and Frances and four brothers John, Douglas, Donald and Hugh. She was born at Fairview Farm in Brant county and attended elementary and secondary school in Paris before earning her diploma in Nursing at Toronto General Hospital, her Teaching certificate at the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Western Ontario. She was a passionate educator and mentor during her accomplished career with active care and teaching hospitals in Toronto, London, Kitchener Waterloo, Port Colborne, Galt and Hamilton. She rose to become the Director of the Hamilton and District School of Nursing and as administrative head she oversaw the consolidation of regional schools into the current Mohawk College Department of Nursing. She was a faithful involved member of the congregation at Chedoke Presbyterian Church. And even as she achieved professional success she continued to put family first and will always be remembered for her loving, strong, support as an inspiration and example to many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was a consummate adventurer who spent every summer travelling the globe, from China in the 1950s to rugged tenting treks with her nieces in Canada's far north well into her senior years. She continued to learn and to teach during her entire long life and her example will continue to inspire for years to come.

DOROTHY MCCLURE

Peacefully at University Hospital, London on Friday, October 6, 2017 following a brief illness, Dorothy Norma McClure, in her 90th year. Born in 1927 to the late Jesse and Emma (Atkinson) McClure. Dorothy chose nursing as her life's work, both in public health practice and in teaching (at Hamilton Civic Hospitals School of

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Nursing) and administration. She retired from Hamilton Health Sciences (McMaster) in 1992 and enjoyed her home "at the Lake" at Port Franks, Ontario for many years, along with travels to many parts of the world, and singing with the Forest Community Singers. She moved to London in 2011.

MOHOMMED EL FARRAM

Mohammed El-Farram was retired from Mohawk College Nursing faculty. He died Tuesday December 19 in Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton. Mohammed El-Farram considered himself in service to humanity from the time he was a young Palestinian, living and working as supervisor and general duty head nurse in Baptist Hospital in Gaza. He immigrated from the Middle East in 1968 and settled in Hamilton where he found employment as a nurse (at Hamilton General Hospital) and a teacher (at Mohawk College) and later moved to Brantford. Mohammed El-Farram established the Brantford Mosque in 1982 and served as imam until 2012. His community involvement was varied including serving on Brant-Brantford Multicultural Fest, on various committees of the Brant District Health Council and on the chaplaincy committee at Brantford General Hospital; he was vice-president of immigrant settlement and counselling; and was a member of the mayor's committee to eliminate domestic violence and of the roundtable for the elimination of poverty. He is survived by his wife Sohaila, two sons, Ahmad and Sami, and a daughter, Summer.

CAAT PENSION NEWS (continued from page 3)

Youth Services Bureau, Ottawa, pension members overwhelmingly endorsed merger with CAAT Pension and joined the CAAT Pension Plan, effective January 1, 2018. Under the merger, the 300 active, retired and deferred pension YSB plan members will receive a pension based on the YSB plan provisions for service accrued to December 31, 2017, and a pension based on CAAT Plan provisions for service accrued after that date. As one of the largest and most comprehensive non-profit agencies in Ottawa, the YSB offers more than 30 programs and services to 3,000 youth and families every month. The merger allows the YSB to exit the pension-management business and focus on its core competency of supporting youth and families with services in housing, mental health, youth justice, employment, health, diversity, and youth engagement.

RETIREE VOLUNTEERS: AID

OLDER ADULTS THROUGH THE

HEALTH TAPESTRY PROGRAM The Canadian Red Cross, in partnership with the Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, is recruiting volunteers for the new Health Tapestry program. Health TAPESTRY, a program developed at McMaster University, aims to help older adults stay out of emergency rooms and be more mobile. As part of this program, trained volunteers visit people in their homes, and capture the client’s health and life goals through technology-enabled software on iPads. This information is then sent to the client’s primary health team who suggest supports and community organizations to help access activities and resources in their communities that will help the client stay healthy longer. Client visits take 1 to 2 hours and visits are within the community. Local travel via personal or public transit is required. Meetings and supervision may be in person, by telephone, email or internet, so volunteers need access to these. Most volunteers commit about 6 hours per month to these activities. For more information about these volunteer positions, please contact the volunteer coordinator, Nelson Ruiz Blanco at Nelson.RuizBlanco@redcrossca or call 905-522-8485, ext. 5221266.

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LIVING ON THE BRINK WITH

JORDI

~~ A Late September Heat Wave at the Lake~ ~ How we love to see our 12 year-old Jordi, a short-legged, cream and coffee coloured Corgi, Husky, Beagle Cross enjoy his life up at the lake at the Muskrat. During this heat wave, we see our boat-riding dog repeatedly bake his body in the sun on the sand, then rise to walk like a prince into the cool water of the lake. Timidly, he swims out in an arc to just over his head, proudly nosing-it- back to the safety of the shore. Shaking himself off, he looks at us for praise assured that he too is a “swimding” dog like his younger, canine neighbour, Cooper, a Golden Retriever, who can swim across the lake. We clap to recognize his achievement. Ah, those late afternoon hours in a hot, humid September sitting on the shore in our Muskoka chairs, Sipping white wine with water on ice, Nibbling on morsels of smoked Applewood cheese, And feeling the kiss of a waning sun on bare skin with the wonderful absence of flies. All the time knowing we can rise to the challenge of a cool autumnal swim. But that heat was not to last. On September 25th the temperature dropped dramatically by 10 degrees Celsius! Blue jean jacket, turtle neck autumn had returned with gusto. Now you know why we always talk about the weather in Canada. by Heather Brinkman

HEAT WAVE IN LATE

SEPTEMBER 2017 Unexpectedly from the south a warm, humid blanket of air descends on Virtue Lake forcing the dwellers of the Muskrat with her front windows facing east to draw the blinds at sunrise. In the cool of semi-darkness and fans blowing I keep busy inside to the words and sound of CBC Radio while Frans works outside in the shade. No need for AC under this roof. Mid-afternoon the sun’s oppression lifts and the cold water of Virtue beckons us with her sparkle to rise from our beach chairs, grab a noodle, and brave an exhilarating plunge into her cool embrace. An energizing pleasure to swim and float and feel the chill of spring-fed water, to pause on a favourite rock on a farther shore, and view the green of the spirit-filled conifers with scattered deciduous colour. by Heather Brinkman

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2016-2017 RAMC DIRECTORS Chair: Fred Deys 905-962-3733 fred.deys@rogers.com Past Chair & Hiking Coordinator: Bill Fulton 905 627-9718 ibtcrbguu@hotmail.com Vice Chair / Newsletter: Liz Aldrey 905-386-6516 lizaldrey@yahoo.ca Secretary: Nancy Fleming 905 648-1960 nancyfleming@cogeco.ca Treasurer: Elaine Dunkey 289-522-0444 elaine.dunkey@mohawkcollege.ca Director: Geoff Brooker 905-772-5160 lyndabrooker42@gmail.com Director: Jack Freiburger 905 388-9837 jackfrei@bell.net Director: Donna Dunlop 905 388-2394 bddunlop@rogers.com Director: Sylvia Hillyard 905 628-2313 shillyard@cogeco.ca

E-Communications Gaye Yachetti 905 526-8453 gaye.yachetti@mohawkcollege.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!

The Quarterly Newsletter for the Retirees Association of Mohawk College is published In January, April, June, and October.

WINTER ISSUE DEADLINE: Friday February 16, 2018

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

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Spring Lectures 2018

April 6th to May 11th

The Atrium Building, McMaster Innovation Park

175 Longwood Ave., South. Click on Location Map

Understanding the 21st Century

How do we begin to understand the 21st century? Our world is a very complex and confusing place where

change is happening at an ever faster pace. The speakers will cover a range of topics providing insights into this

century’s problems and possibilities.

Don't miss the dynamic line up of speakers for the 6 lecture spring series!

Where: The Atrium building McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Ave South, Hamilton

Dates: April 6 to May 11, 2018

Time: Friday mornings 10 to 12 noon including question and answer period

Cost: $50.00 with parking

Please see HTAL website for details www.htal.ca

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