Municipal Pension Retirees’ Association“With age, wisdom and power”

ADVISORTheWinter 2018

Inside This IssuePresidents Message .......................... 2Treasurer’s Report ................................ 3New Members Video ............................ 32018 Referendum ................................. 3PID Personal Identification Number....... 3Cost of Living Adjustment ..................... 3Pitcairn Island ...................................... 4Collette Travel ...................................... 4Crate Training ....................................... 5Shingles Vaccine ................................... 6Staying Active In Retirement ................. 6Thank You ........................................... 6Rewards .................................... 7Information Update ............................. 7Hiking Through Retirement ................... 8Christmas Closure ................................ 8

cont’d on page 3

Tuesday September 25, 2018 was a clear bright day in Nanaimo. The MPRA m e m b e r s f r o m D i s t r i c t # 0 5 Courtenay/Comox, District #07 Duncan, District #15 Nanaimo, District #24 Port Alberni and District #26 Powell River attended a Mini Conference at the Coast Bastion Hotel. There were 65 members in attendance including 10 Provincial Executive members.The morning began with introductions of all members. It was nice for members to meet Provincial Executive members and meet other MPRA members from other districts on Vancouver Island. Even thought the Biennial Reporting meeting was held at Sidney BC there were many members who were unable to be at that meeting. The Provincial Executive decided to have a mini conference for members of the Upper Vancouver Island, so they could hear the MPRA ideas and goals for the future. The agenda was the President's report, the Treasurer's report for the year ending 2017, Bonnie Pearson, Trustee, reviewed the BCI presentation from the May meeting, and then we heard from the Regional Vice Presidents who spoke about the Districts in their region and the activities from the districts of the region.

After lunch, L isa Hansen, Senior Consultant, Plan Benefits Western Region with Johnson Inc. gave us a review of the many insurance plans offered by Johnson. Members who had questions could ask their questions or could speak with Lisa directly. The atmosphere was friendly and the members were encouraged to participate in an open dialogue forum. We wish to thank all those who took time out of their busy lives to attend the mini conference.Feedback told us it was successful and appreciated by all that attended.

“After attending the seminar in Nanaimo, I must extend my thanks to all the folks who make the M P R A successful , especial ly Steve & Mary. You are amazing!” Monica Kirkhope

NanaimoMeeting

How to use the video for signing up new members;

After our last article in the Summer Advisor we felt it might be a good idea to recommend the video be used as a way to introduce a potential new member to the MPRA.

To bring you up to date, the membership of the MPRA is just over 10,600 and there are approximately 95,000 retirees in our plan.

NewMembers

One use for the video is to send it via email to a potential eligible member. By adding the video as an attachment or getting them to go to our website mpra.cawhere they can view the video which tells a story about the association complete with reasons to should join.

Potential members that you could send it to, might be friends, former working associates, people who will be retiring shortly and acquaintances that are eligible to join. Additionally you could request professional associations, unions, and small informal groups that meet from time to time for coffee or lunch to circulate it through their distribution list.

A short introductory email could be written explaining what the video is about.

The ADVISORPage 2 Winter 2018

Provincial Executive

2017 - 2019President

Steven Polak

1st Vice-President Terry Erskine

2nd Vice-PresidentEd Pakos

1st Vice-President-at-LargeBetty Walters

2nd Vice-President–at-LargeBonnie Pearson

Provincial SecretaryJanice Broadhurst

Provincial TreasurerMary Polak

Vice-President CommunicationsGordon Hartney

Regional Vice-PresidentsVice-President Vancouver Island

Vacant

Vice-President Lower MainlandBrian McConville

Vice-President Fraser Valley Ron Scott

Vice-President Thompson/Okanagan

Henry Tomm

Vice-President Kootenays/Out of Province

Vacant

Vice-President Cariboo/Northern BC

Ken Kerr

2 Vice-Presidents at LargeLower Mainland/Fraser Valley

Noel Gulbransen orKarin Liddle

Retirees’ Trustee Primary Bonnie Pearson

Alternate Don Sutton

Gay BurdisonWally GollubCliff Ivers

Mary PolakSteven PolakKeith Wilson

Founding Members

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Steven PolakPresident

Well Folks another year is coming to an end. When we were kids in school, the day never seemed to end, and the school year dragged on forever.

The first twelve years of school seemed like a lifetime. Now that we are older time seems to go so much faster. Now, that we are in retirement many of us are busier than when we worked. Who would have thought?Since 1973 premiums for MSP were paid from the Employer's contribution destined for the Basic Account. In addition, the Board of Trustees have establ ished that .8 of 1% of the Employer's contribution destined for the Inflation Adjustment Account (IAA) are used for Group Health Benefits. As these monies have been designated, when the actuary does the valuation these monies are considered spent and are not part of the actuaries conclusions. It is important that we have our dental subsidies reinstated. As you know we have been successful in having the Provincial Government eliminate 50 % of the MSP premiums with the total premiums eliminated by 2020. This is an important fact so there is no reason why the Municipal Pension Plan Partners cannot insure that this money is put into a separate account under the control of the Plan Partners. What the name of the account is doesn't matter. What is important is that the Plan Partners are entrusted to insure that the monies are invested and used for Group Health Benefit subsidies. As members of the Plan those of you who are former union members and those of you, who are former management, can lobby your former union or employer putting pressure on them to create this account. Take this opportunity to talk to former work mates active or retired to encourage them to do what they can to make this happen.

We also continue to ask our MLAs and the Provincial Government to put the shingles vaccine into the Pharmacare Program. You may be aware that many of us cannot afford the cost of the vaccine. The argument that has been given to us, is that the Zostavax vaccine is not effective in 50% of the people. However there is a new vaccine that is 96% effective. Therefore, that argument cannot be sustained. *See article on Shingles Vaccine.We should continue to pressure the Federal Government to bring in a National Pharmacare Program. This would enable us to make vast improvements in our Extended Health Coverage to increase reimbursements on Hearing Aids, Eye Glass coverage, Paramedical coverage etc. and improve dental coverage. We also encourage you to vote on Proportional Referendum Vote. It is important in our democracy that we exercise our right to vote. So please vote. In May 2019 we will be having our Biennial Convention. At that time, we elect our new Provincial Executive and set policy for the MPRA. At each District, d e l e g a t e s a r e e l e c t e d a t t h e i r November/December meeting to attend the convention. The MPRA member must be a regular member and a delegate to run for office. It is important that each member of a District do what they can to assist their District Executive and in some cases volunteer to participate on the District Executive. It is important for the overall organization that Districts are functioning at the membership level. Please take the opportunity to attend your District meeting and get involved. The MPRA is only as strong as its Districts. It is important that our association continues to grow.

In closing I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the Provincial Executive to wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.

The ADVISORWinter 2018 Page 3

As you are aware we receive a Cost of Living Adjustment beginning in January of each year. The COLA is not guaranteed. The Board of Trustees make the decision on what the increase will be and presently cannot exceed the cap of 2.1% as defined by the Actuary. The COLA is based on the inflation rate (CPI) as of September 30, of each year. This year the amount is 2.2 % as at September 30. As the cap is 2.1% we should be receiving a 2.1 % increase in January.

CostofLivingAdjustment

The pension plan is changing to a retiree's Person ID number instead of a Social Insurance Number. A new agreement has b e e n s i g n e d w i t h t h e P e n s i o n Corporation with the changes and the confidentiality that is required. The application form on our website has been changed to reflect the PID. You can find your PID number on your pension statement that is sent each January and July with your pension life newsletter. A retiree will need to know their PID number in future contact with the pension plan or to register on My Account on the MPP Website. Once you have registered on My Account you can review your personal information. The MPRA has changed the MPRA application to reflect the changes that are needed. If you go the MPRA website, click on Join Now on the Home page you will see the new application form.All old application forms must be destroyed as the requirement for Dues Deduction is the PID number.

PID-PersonIdentification

Number

Surrey District 35 invited a representative from Fairvote Canada/BC to give a presentation on the upcoming Provincial referendum on electoral reform. Mr. Devlin presented the information, with an unbiased as possible delivery, to try and explain a subject that many may find confusing.· Voting takes place from October 22 to

November 30, 2018.· Two questions on the ballot: 1. Keep the

current First Past The Post [FPTP] voting system or move to a system of proportional representation. 2. Voters are asked to rank the three proportional systems.

· Your ballot will be counted whether you answer both questions on the ballot or just one.

· How to decide? Mr. Devlin suggested voters to ask this question of yourself: “Which system consistently produces results that best align with where I think political power should reside?”

· A voter's guide will be sent to all households and can be found on the web site below.

· MPRA members are encouraged to go to the Elections BC web site for more info and if they have any doubts about their current voter registration: https://elections.bc.ca/referendum/

Please take the time to inform yourself and use your democratic right to vote on this very important referendum.

2018ReferendumOnElectoralReform

Here is a sample note that could be sent.

Hello—————Recently I joined a retirees association, Municipal Pension Retirees Association (MPRA). This association is for those who are retired from the Municipal Pension Plan.The MPRA has produced a video that explains the roll of the association and some of its accomplishments since it's inception. I would like to ask you to have a look at the video and consider joining. The annual fee is $35.00 per couple or $20.00 for a single membership.One of the benefits that have impressed many members is the MPRA rewards program where discounts are given on Johnsons travel insurance, Cloverdale Paint, NAPA auto parts, Lordco, and Colette Travel.The video can be found at . And mpra.cathe application can be found on Join Now I hope you enjoy the video and thanks for considering joining the association.One of the things we have all learned throughout our career is that there is strength in numbers so we need to get the membership numbers increased so that we as retirees can be heard.We need you help with this project so please consider doing your part to make the MPRA a stronger more viable association.Terry Erskine - 1st Vice President MPRA

cont’d from page 1

NewMembers

The notice for the 2019 Annual Dues has been mailed. Although our calendar year is January to December, we asked that the members mail or e-transfer their payment upon receiving the invoice. If a member would like to use e-transfer and is unsure of the process please contact the office at 250 768 1519 or email to administration@mpra.caMost of our members are having the annual dues deducted from their March

FromtheTreasurer’sDesk

Mary PolakTreasurer

TheMPRAAnnualDues

pension payment. This is an easy way to be assured that the annual dues have been paid and there is very little cost to the MPRA. In this Advisor we have spoken about the retirees PID which will be used to make the deduction in the future. Some of our members were reluctant to provide their SIN number in the past but perhaps now a member would reconsider and enroll for Dues Deduction. The MPRA is maintaining the annual dues of $20.00 for a single person and $35.00 for a couple. We know there are retirees with limited income. The MPRA believes that the cost of annual dues should not be a reason, to not be a member.

The ADVISORPage 4 Winter 2018

My wife and I love to travel. We have traveled all of our lives and particularly love the history associated with the places we visit.Most of you will remember the story and the movies about The Mutiny On The Bounty. There have been a number of movies over the years and the most recent one with Mel Gibson was in 1984. Mel Gibson who starred as Fletcher Christian, the leader of the mutineers is apparently the most authentic in the telling of the original story of the mutiny in 1790.You might be asking yourself what has Pitcairn Island got to do with "The Bounty”?My wife, Briege and I recently traveled with a Lindblad Expedition on the N a t i o n a l G e o g r a p h i c O r i o n ( 7 6 passengers) to Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean. Our travels to the South Pacific started on a flight from Santiago, Chile to Rap Nui / Easter Island. A fascinating place in itself and a story for another time. After boarding the Orion in Rap Nui we were on the high seas of the South Pacific sailing towards Tahiti with stops and landings at a number of very remote islands and atolls on the way. Many of them uninhabited.Now, back to The Mutiny On The Bounty and Pitcairn.The HMS Bounty was a British navel ship on a botanical mission sailing the South Pacific in 1790 when a number of crew members, lead by Fletcher Christian mutinied and took over the Bounty and set the captain, William Bligh and the remaining crew adrift. The mutineers set sail on the Bounty and finally landed on Pitcairn Island (area 1.75 square miles). One of the first things they did after landing on Pitcairn was to burn The Bounty. This left the mutineers stranded in one of the most isolated places on earth. Pitcairn was uninhabited in 1790, so the 9 mutineers, 12 Tahitian women and 6 Tahitian men were now the new and the only population on Pitcairn. Their descendants are a unique blend of European and Polynesian culture,

genetics and languages. Ten years after the mutineers had arrived, only 1 was still alive along with 9 Tahitian women and numerous children. John Adams, also known as Alex Smith, was the sole surviving mutineer who became the leader of the community.When our ship, the Orion, arrived off Pitcairn we were lucky to be able to land by zodiac as the seas there can be very unpredictable. The population was 47 people when we arrived. We had been provided with a few options for our day on the Island. We had a choice of strolling around the town of Adamstown with a local guide, climbing up to Fletcher Christian's cave or climbing to the top of a local cliff lookout.Adamstown is named after John Adams. The tour consisted of a visit to the graves of a number of the original mutineers, but there was no grave site for Fletcher Christian. We were shown the local flora and fauna. There is one indigenous bird, the Pitcairn warbler, which we spotted. The anchor from the Bounty is on display outside the post office. Mail is scheduled to be picked up every three months. We posted a letter to a relative in Ireland. A cannon from the Bounty is also on display.The climate is sub-tropical and it was around 29 C and very humid. The Pitcairners are very resourceful and the Island is very fertile and productive with many foods, fruits and vegetables. There is plenty of fish available.A f te r o u r to u r o f t h e to w n a n d surrounding areas, we visited the the local arts and craft market and had a packed lunch from the ship with plenty of cold water.When we left Pitcairn on our zodiac, it felt sad. We did not know it at the time but we were not quite finished with Pitcairn or Pitcairners. Two of the Pitcairners had joined us on board for the remainder of our journey to Tahiti. We had dinner and breakfast with them and further discussions about their intriguing history and isolation.Our visit to Pitcairn was highly anticipated by my wife and I from the moment we

Brian McConville

decided to go. This adventurous journey from Easter Island to Tahiti with Pitcairn was one of the highlights because of its history, location and intrigue. It was not a disappointment, it was wonderful, all we could have wished for and we will never forget it.

They say travel is one of the best ways to truly learn about a destination. It has the u n i q u e a b i l i t y t o t e a c h u s n e w information, broaden our horizons, and stir our sense of curiosity. Whether you wish to savor new cuisines, immerse yourself in a culture completely unlike your own, or see an historic landmark you've only read about in books, Collette can help make your travel dreams a reality.With 100 years of guided touring experience, over 160 tours to all seven continents, and full-time industry-leading tour managers, Collette makes sure you're in good hands. Combined with more local cuisine, more inclusive activities, and more flights out of any gateway, Collette takes care of all the details so you don't have to. MPRA members save $100 per person on any tour!Plus, use offer code MPRASAVE to learn about special savings of up to $500 per person.Call Collette toll-free at 855-672-8687 or contact your travel professional to learn more. Be sure to mention your MPRA m e m b e r b e n ef i t a n d o f fe r co d e MPRASAVE when calling.Visit http://www.gocollette.com/mpra to view tours.

Travelfar,traveloften,andtravelforlesswithCollette

HistoryandTravel-PitcairnIsland&

MutinyOnTheBounty

ADVISORThe Page 5Winter 2018

When new puppy owners are first exposed to the idea of using a crate as part of the short and long-term lifestyle for the new family member, a few are clearly horrified. Thoughts of jail cells and incarceration come to their minds and so the idea gets rejected. However, from the puppy's perspective, crates can be great. They are not only an excellent way to house train your pup, but they are also very helpful with preventing and coping with separation anxiety.

In the wild, say with foxes, wolves or coyotes, puppies are born in tight, dark dens and they spend the majority of the first 5-6 weeks in these dens before being exposed to the light of day. As they get older, more time is spent outdoors learning the ways of the world, but they always head back to the den for safety, sleep and respite. If approached in the right way, your puppy will view its crate in the same way.

Depending upon how long term the crate will be used, it is important to pick one that is large enough that, as an adult, your puppy is able to stand, turn around and sett le comfortably without being cramped. Sturdy wired crates that do not have openings big enough for a body part to get stuck work well. They should have a metal tray bottom with a washable fitted pad that is easy to clean and disinfect. For smaller breeds, plastic kennels can work well, as well. Obviously, as a puppy that is initially much smaller, a crate intended to last through all life stages would be too large. To avoid having to buy different size crates for a large breed puppy that will grow substantially, one can use a piece of plywood that is attached to the wire cage and forms a false back. As the puppy grows, this false back can slowly be moved backwards, continuing to give him just the right amount of room to stand and turn around. When being used for housetraining, it is important to allow just enough room to provide a comfortable sleeping area only. If the floor space is too large, it allows a puppy to more readily sleep at one end and use the other end as

a washroom. Puppies don't want to sleep where they soil, so the idea is to minimize any excess space allowing them to do this.

Because wire crates are open, it can be very helpful to place a large beach towel over the top to darken it down and make it appear more like a cave or den. Just like kids who play under the covers of their bed, there is a sense of security provided by being nestled into a darkened space. At the same time, placing the crate away from direct drafts, or air conditioning ducts, will make it more comfortable and closer to room temperature. It can also be comforting for your pup to have a radio playing very softly within earshot, or even a metronome to simulate a heartbeat can be soothing.

Not many puppies are inclined to fall asleep as soon as they enter the crate, so providing them with a favourite chew toy to occupy their curiosity is usually helpful to minimize the whimpering. In the initial stages, it can also be useful to offer treats or even feed your puppy inside the crate to get them feeling good. As an adult, leaving water in a bowl inside the crate is important to avoid dehydration, should you be delayed returning home. As a puppy, though, one is better not to leave food or water inside the crate. They are more likely to be tipped over and when one is house training/ crate training, having constant access to food and water will make it much more difficult to be successful.

Another challenge facing owners is where to put the crate. Some want it in their bedroom, others have it further away, barely within earshot. There is no hard and fast rule, but most owners will find it easier not to have the crate in the bedroom, rather on the main floor, often in the kitchen area. The rationale behind this is that in the middle of the night the puppy will hear you and you will hear every whimper. If you go to the puppy every time he whimpers, he will quickly learn this is how to get your attention. “Tough love” is easier to practise if you

can only hear the major cries. The other consideration is that the kitchen is the busiest room in the house and so owners tend to spend most of their time while at home somewhere in this area. This also allows your pup to take a break from the hectic day and chill out in his crate, while still knowing the family is not far off. In most cases, you can simply leave the door open, allowing your pup to go in and out as they please.

When it comes to housetraining, it is best to be proactive when dealing with an immature bladder. A rough rule of thumb is to add one to your puppy's age in months as a safe time period for them to be able to hold their bladder- i.e. a 3-month-old puppy should hopefully be able to go 4 hrs. Instead of waiting for your puppy to cry out that he needs to have a pee, you are better to wake him up in anticipation, take him outside and praise him with great fanfare and then back to bed immediately with a favourite toy. So, if you go to bed at 11 p.m. and your puppy is 3 months of age, set your alarm to get him up at 3 a.m. and then when you get up in the morning at 6-7 a.m., you immediately get him and take him outside.

The idea overall is to make a crate a safe and enjoyable space. It is very important to never scold or physically reprimand your puppy when in or around his crate. It truly has to be a positive experience to be quickly successful and never used as a punishment. Crates can be an excellent addition to ensuring an easier transition for your puppy into his new family. Most puppies will innately take to it and the vast majority of owners are very thankful of a puppy who enjoys their crate, whether it be at home or travelling in a car.

TheAdvantagesofCrateTraining Written by: Dr. Chip Coombs

The ADVISORPage 6 Winter 2018

The MPRA uses the email address for notifications to our members. It is the most e f f e c t i v e w a y t o

communicate quickly. Any change of information i.e. address, phone or cell phone please notify the office.

Did you know that

1 in 3 people will

get shingles in

their lifetime?

If you've had chickenpox, the singles virus

is already inside of you. It stays in your

nervous system and inside of you and can

re-emerge and cause the shingles rash.

Most of us think that once the shingles

rash has gone, you are completely healed.

In some cases that is correct, but in others

it can lead to serious complications,

including blindness or hearing problems,

especially if the rash occurs on the face.

There is now a new shingles vaccine called

Shingrix which is said to be highly

effective. In fact some statistics state that

it is 97% effective in people over 50 and

91% effective in those 70 and older. In

comparison, Zostavax, (the vaccine many

of us have had in the past) is 64% effective

in people over the age of 60 and then

drops to about 40% in those age 70 and up

and further decreases to only about 18%

for those 80 years and older.

Zostavax contains a live virus and is not

recommended for everyone. The new

vaccine, Shingrix is non-live and again

may pose risks to some, especially if your

immune system is compromised.

As many of you are aware, the MPRA has

been advocating with the present and

past governments to cover the cost of the

shingles vaccine. Zostavax costs

approximately $200.00 depending where

you purchase the vaccine and Shingrix

costs approximately $150.00 each shot.

Vaccine is administered in 2 doses.

Second Shingrix dose is given from two to

six months later. Many retirees cannot

afford this cost, and the MPRA feels that

the vaccine should be treated as a

preventative measure in that if taken

would lessen the cost of treatment if

shingles is contracted.

I have taken this information from many

articles over the past few years. I am not

ShinglesVaccine-ShouldWeorShouldn'tWe?

advocating taking the vaccine without

ta lk ing to your phys ic ian and or

pharmacist beforehand to ensure it will

not conflict with any medical issues you

may or may not have. The MPRA will

continue to advocate to the Provincial

Government to cover the cost of the

vaccine, as we feel the vaccine costs are

high and the cost are preventing many

retirees from choosing to receive it.

Please help us by talking to your local

MLA, if you have the opportunity as this

issue is extremely important to all of us.

by Janice Broadhurst

I n o u r M P R A S p r i n g Advisor we had an article entitled “Go out and play” which emphasized the

need for exercise and staying active at any age. Not only is it a need, it's essential that we keep ourselves active as long as possible in our retirement years. Regular exercise and daily activities is the answer to us staying mobile as long as possible.When we were working and younger we had a routine every day of going to work and getting a reasonable amount of exercise without even thinking about it. Now that we are retired we have to get organized to include more exercise in our daily life. We all have more time to get into other things after retirement and fitting in some exercise or other activities should not be a problem. But that's not always the way it seems to happen. We should not make excuses to ourselves or let other things distract us from doing some exercise on a regular basis. As we are heading into winter, it gets more difficult in many parts of the Province getting outside for activities. But we have to look for opportunities where we can. Our more fit active members probably have this covered but others who have been less active or are restricted for a number of reasons have to try harder to get some activity into their day.

StayingActiveInRetirement

By Brian MCConville

Walking is the most common form of exercise for many people but during the winter this is not always possible for many. The local Community or Seniors Centre has many programs for seniors to get exercise and stay active all year round.If you can't walk outside due to the winter conditions go to the local mall and make that the place to get your regular walking exercise. Team up with a friend or a group to make it more fun.An idea based on personal experience is that it's a good idea to have a wristband or watch that tracks movement or steps. Some of the wristbands and watches are relatively inexpensive. These record and keep track of activity that can motivate you to reach your daily goals.

Arnie and Jennie Anderson, District 32 Salmon Arm and area.

We want to thank Arnie and Jennie Anderson, Arnie for 12 years as the Chair and Jennie for her service as Arnie's second right hand and as secretary of District 32 Salmon Arm and Area.The Anderson's remain supportive members of District 32. Wayne Mather has been elected chair with Virginia Schulz and Anne Long elected as secretary and treasurer.

ThankYou

Cloverdale Paint 25% off paint and stains (not on sale items) 15% off wall papers and accessories (not on sale items)At Cloverdale Paint we are known as Municipal Pension Retirees' Association.

The ADVISOR

Pets Plus UsPhone number 1 800 364 8422www.petsplusus.com PetsPlusUs Provides comprehensive pet

owner and veterinarian designed pet i n s u r a n c e f o r y o u r cat or dog. Ask for MPRA discount at 1-800-364-8422 or www.petsplusus.comGeorgina BradleyAmbassador British Columbia778 883 4538georgina.bradley@petsplusus.comGeorgina is willing to come and speak at District Meetings.

NAPA Ask for MPRA member discounts at the store.

Page 7

REWARDS PROGRAM UPDATE(USE YOUR MPRA MEMBERSHIP CARD FOR THESE REWARDS)

Johnsons Inc . D i scounted t rave l insurance , home insurance , and extended health and dental.

Lordco 30% off most regular priced items (batteries and oil not incl.) (not on

sale items) At Lordco we are known as MPRA in their system

Reel-fin-atic Fishing Charters Offers different discounts based on number of people fishing. For informat ion and rates go to www.fin-atic.com or call Todd Sweet at 1-604-376-9011 or E: tsweet@fin-atic.com

The internet links for our sponsors are on our website under the links tab so you can quickly find what you may be looking for. Just a reminder that we have a link to our photo gallery and our Facebook page on the website.

604-881-8840 or TF 1-866-799-0000

/ Prestige

Collette Travel Discounts change and are on our website at www.mpra.ca click on links at top and then on Collette Travel

Mention you are an MPRA member for exclusive offers.

MUNICIPAL PENSION PLANIf you have a question regarding your pension or your group health benefits, please call the Municipal Pension Plan; In Victoria call 250-356-9657Toll Free for Canada & US 1-866-876-6677Have your PID Number available

PACIFIC BLUE CROSSLower Mainland 604-419-2000TF 1-877-722-2583Have your Identity Number available

JOHNSON INC Travel Ins 604-881-8840 or TF 1-866-799-0000Home Ins 1-800-563-0677Have your MPRA Member Number

Reminder from Johnson Inc.: The travel insurance policies are renewed

st stfrom September 1 to August 31 in each calendar year. However you can apply for insurance benefits at anytime during the year.

Would you help us?As members of the MPRA there is the occasional time when we would like to contact you. We would like to use a telephone number or an email. If we do not have either of these options available to us, we have no choice but to send a letter in the mail. This is very expensive and takes considerable time.

This is how you can help us.Cell #Please provide the MPRA office with your cell number. Members are giving up their landline and we do not have a telephone number.

Email AddressThis is the most effective way to communicate with a member. We would like to have your email address and we will only use it to contact you for MPRA business.New AddressMembers move for many reasons. We understand. But please don't forget us and give us your new address.

MPRA office Email is oradministration@mpra.ca

250 768 1519

Thank you.

IsYourContactInformationUptoDate?

Winter 2018

The ADVISOR

Name: ______________________________________________________

Old Address: _________________________________________________

City __________________________ Postal Code ____________________

Please change my contact information to:

Name _______________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________

City __________________________Postal Code ____________________

Telephone _____________________ Cell ______________________

Email Address:________________________________________________

Please mail or email to the address on the contact listing on this page.

CONTACT CHANGE OF INFORMATION

Page 8 Winter 2018

Contact Us1-250-768-1519administration@mpra.cawww.mpra.ca

Office #4 - 2525 Dobbin RoadWest Kelowna, BC V4T 2G1

MPRA office hours:Tuesday thru Friday9:30am to 3:00pm

Letters to Editor:administration@mpra.ca

Mail 2475 Dobbin Road Unit 22, Suite 525West Kelowna, BC V4T 2E9

Is your friend, relative

or neighbour receiving

a Municipal Pension?Would you give us

their name, phone number, address and if

possible email address so we can contact

them to become members of the MPRA.Or you could send us this form with the

information

Name: ___________________________

Phone Number ____________________Address __________________________City ____________________________

Prov ___ Postal Code ___________Email ____________________________

Throughout the year, you can find retirees Beth Bourke (District 31), Bev Dobbyn (District 38), Eileen Goudy (District 38), Patti Williams (District 38) and their friends hiking the trails around Victoria. Their usual hikes are in Royal Roads, Witty's Lagoon, Gowland Todd Provincial Park, and Oak Haven. This year they appreciated the wilderness and challenge of the Juan de Fuca Trail as day hikes, doing Bear Beach to China Beach and then Bear Beach to Magdalena Point. They're looking forward to exploring many other trails in the coming months and years.

HikingThroughRetirement

We Wish Everyonea Peaceful

Holiday Season

The MPRA Officewill be closed

December 14, 2018 toJanuary 2, 2019