May 3, 2010
Moncton Chapter is steady at
around 100 to 110 members. One small problem:
only two of eight employees retiring in 2009 elected to join our
Association, despite personal phone calls I
made to them all, encouraging
them to do so. All but one are in their
fifties. It’s generational. I suspect
they just don’t associate being pensioners
with notions of their own youthfulness, and possibilities. Hence, their reluctance. They do get together on their own for beer,
pretzels and b.s.
Nevertheless, the Moncton group carried merrily on with its usual 4 or 5
annual meetings and lobster and Christmas parties. Various special guests gave
presentations on, for example, the Moncton University of the Third Age, and most
recently, on the World Youth Athletics Federation Competitions coming up this
mid-July at the U. of Moncton’s stadium -- and possibilities for volunteer work
thereat.
Some members have queried about
health care, others about the state of
the pension surplus. Some have asked
for help to deal with personal health
problems, or how to get reimbursements. Many look to the Executive Committee in connecting with CBC and pensioners
services. We have only recently begun
using the Maritimes website. Our CBC
(English) members especially have shown
interest in it; but some have said they
weren’t able to connect. Growing pains,
I suppose. Webmaster, Dave McClafferty
has been very helpful and reliable
throughout.
This could go on. But in a nutshell, no one is complaining. Relations with Radio Canada Acadie are fine;
we got identity cards; we’re invited to yearly employee and pensioner
evenings. I hope there will be a pensioners
& employees golf meet in the autumn.
This year, Moncton Chapter celebrates its tenth anniversary, as of May
15th. On May 17th,
elections are to be held for the entire Executive Committee. I must say that most of the membership at
large seems reluctant to offer, unfortunately.
What the hell! We’ll make a toast to the pasture and the future, at our
Christmas supper.
Maurice Olsen
President, Moncton Chapter.