News

President’s Report

As we settle into another warm and wonderful summer, I hope this message finds you well, happy, and thriving. There’s something uniquely invigorating about this summer season—perhaps it’s the longer days, the sunshine, or the freedom to plan our time without the bells and schedules we once lived by. Whatever it may be, summer offers the perfect opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and recharge.

After the many years that we dedicated to nurturing young minds, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of our labour—and what better time than the sunny months of the summer to do just that? I know many of you are taking full advantage of the warmer weather, spending time gardening, walking, biking, volunteering, or traveling. Whether you're adventuring abroad, at the lake, or simply savoring the beauty of your backyard, I encourage each of you to stay active, engaged, and joyful in all that you do.

Staying Active: Mind, Body, and Spirit

One of the privileges of retirement is having the flexibility and time to prioritize our health and well-being. Staying active doesn’t have to mean running marathons (though kudos to anyone that does!). Sometimes, it means a daily stroll through the neighborhood, stretching in the morning sun, reading, socializing, or even taking on a new hobby like painting or picking up pickle ball. The key is to keep moving—not just physically, but mentally and socially as well.

Our organization has always been about more than just monthly board meetings or weekly events. It’s about community, shared memories, and supporting one another through this vibrant chapter of our life. This past spring, we saw wonderful participation in our choir and French book club as well as activities such as the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s or the Goldeyes Game where teachers were honoured. The enthusiasm was a testament to the spirit of our members. I encourage all of you to continue seeking out chances to connect. Many Manitoba towns have festivals such as Winnipeg’s Fringe Festival or Folklorama, Morden’s Corn and Apple Festival, Steinbach’s Summer in the City or Dauphin’s Country Fest that we can attend as well as the many beaches and parks that can keep us active and engaged. Let’s keep that momentum going!

Upcoming Event: Summer Golf Tournament

Speaking of staying active—mark your calendars! We are excited to invite all members to our Annual Summer Golf Tournament, taking place on Friday, September 5th at Quarry Oaks Golf Course in Steinbach.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or have never picked up a club before, this event is all about fun, laughter, and camaraderie. You can come as a player or a volunteer or simply enjoy a beautiful afternoon socializing at the clubhouse with fellow retirees. There will be prizes and a chance to share stories while soaking in the sunshine.

Please register in your member portal through the RTAM website. We’d love to see as many faces as possible—golfers, volunteers, and spectators alike!

Looking Ahead

As we enjoy the summer months, we’re also looking forward to our fall programming. We’re planning a series of speakers focused on topics relevant to retired educators, including travel tips for seniors, navigating healthcare changes, and estate planning. Our goal is to continue offering events and content that are both enjoyable and practical. If you would like to offer a session or have suggestions for speakers or topics, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the RTAM office. This organization belongs to all of us, and your input is always welcome.

Gratitude and Connection

I want to close by saying thank you. Thank you for staying connected, for bringing your positive energy and ideas, and for being the heart of what makes our association special. It’s easy to feel a bit adrift in retirement, especially after years of structure and purpose. But together, we remind one another that our community is strong, vibrant, and still very much alive with potential.

Let’s make this summer one to remember. Get outside, try something new, attend family get-togethers, reconnect with an old friend, or show up at an event you’ve never attended before. The joy of this season—and this chapter of our life—is in the freedom to explore and enjoy it fully.

Wishing you sunshine, good health, and great company.

Warm regards,

Jayesh Maniar
President