Upcoming evening workshops offered at Hamilton Jewish Family Services (30 King Street East, Dundas):

• Citizens In A Digital Age: Parenting Our Children During The Age of Screens – Wednesday, February 12th
• Age Shift: How to Thrive Beyond Midlife – Thursday, March 12th
• Both events are free, with a suggested Pay What You Can. All are welcome.
  

Contact information:
Alexis Wenzowski, M. Ed.
Executive Director
Phone: 905-627-9922 x 21
Email: alexisw@hamiltonjfs.ca

Two course locations:

Dates: Tuesdays, March 3rd, 10th, 24th, 31st from 10:00-12:00 noon
Location: Turner Park Library – 352 Rymal Rd E., Hamilton

Dates: Thursdays, March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th from 1:00-3:00pm
Location: VON Adult Day Centre – 400 Victoria Ave N., Hamilton

• FREE 4-part education series designed to help caregivers thrive in their journey
• Learn about the concept of caregiver stress and developing self-care
• Learn how to regain control when feeling powerlessness, guilt and anger
• Link with community resources (LHIN; Adult Day Programs; Respite Services)
  

Course materials and refreshments provided.
 
Registration is required. Please call Renate Fries at 905-523-1055 ext. 408 or e-mail renate.fries@von.ca

VON: Free Caregiver Support Group

Locations and times vary. Registration is required.
Please contact Renate Fries at 905-523-1055 ext. 408 or e-mail renate.fries@von.ca

• FREE support group designed for caregivers to meet, learn and exchange experiences
• Talk openly and honestly about your feelings in a non-judgmental environment
• Understand that you are not alone
• Participate in relaxation activities to help de-stress

 

The MURA Member Survey is online now at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/muramembers. It will take approximately 8-10 minutes to complete.

The survey aims to improve MURA’s programs and services, and demonstrate the vital functions McMaster retirees or their spousal survivors fill at McMaster and in the wider community.  It will close on February 29, 2020, but please respond as soon as possible. It’s important that MURA know what its members do, and what you would like it to do for you.

We have mailed you a paper copy if we don't have your email address. If you haven't received the survey, or have questions, please contact MURA at mura@mcmaster.ca or leave a message on the MURA voicemail (905) 525-9140, ext. 23171.

Winter 2020 -- in HTML / in PDF

Greetings fellow McMaster Retirees,
We are pleased to inform you that the Board of Governors has approved the following increases to pensions effective January 2020:

For retirees of the Salaried Pension Plan, there will be a regular pension increase as outlined below:

• 2.06% for employees who were hired on or after May 1, 2010 and who retired from the University as a Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Member
• 2.12% for all other retirees
  

Members must have been receiving a pension on June 30, 2018 to receive the full pension increase. Those who retired between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019 will receive a pro-rated increase. There will be no supplementary increase this year. Details can be found at: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/pensioner-increase-calculation-salaried-pension-plans/.

For retirees of the Hourly Pension Plan, there will be a regular pension increase of 0.33% for retirees who were receiving a pension on June 30, 2018. Those who retired between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019 will receive a pro-rated increase. Details can be found at: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/pensioner-increase-hourly-pension-plan/.

-- your MURA Council

Dear McMaster Retiree,

Did you know that retiree contributions made up 12% of McMaster’s United Way Workplace Campaign last year? Your donations make a huge difference to the success of the campaign and to the agencies and programs serving people in the Hamilton community.
 
In 2018, 76 retirees pledged more than $34,000 in total. This year the need is greater and we are aiming even higher –  We’re looking for 100 retiree donors to raise $40,000 of this year’s $290,000 campaign goal.

The United Way of Halton & Hamilton focusses on giving children the support they need to get a great start in life, do well in school and reach their full potential; helping meet the basic needs of our community’s most vulnerable people, giving everyone the opportunity to realize a better future; and creating vibrant neighbourhoods, where everyone experiences a sense of belonging and connection to one another.

Emily and her sister have had to grow up fast. In their neighbourhood, many kids do.

Five-year-old Emily and her 8-year-old sister are often responsible for waking up and getting ready for school by themselves, as their mother works the night shift at the hospital. She knows that her mother is working hard to provide a happy home for her and her sister but wishes that they could spend more time together.

When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Emily answers “I want to be a teacher at my school.” Emily is a very independent 5-year-old and because of the vast network of United Way programs and services helping with meal programs, clothing and childcare, she gets to enjoy being a kid. For her, she is just happy to visit her friends and have a place to go where she is not alone. Read more of Emily’s story.

I hope that you will be able to join me in making your first donation or increasing your existing pledge. Many of our fellow Hamiltonians, like Emily, are counting on our support.

Best wishes,
Sarrah Lal, Sara Campbell and Nicole Moning
McMaster United Way Workplace Campaign Committee Chairs
 
P.S. If you are considering donating at the leadership level of $1200 per year or more, this is the time to do it. Now, you can double your impact with a matching gift from The Sprott Foundation for new and increased leadership-level donations.

McMaster Parking Services has moved to building T32 Room 106 (building adjacent to the McMaster Children's Centre). The E.T. Clarke office location closed on Friday, October 11 and  reopened on Tuesday, October 22 at its new location in T32. 

Drivers are also encouraged to update account information, purchase term permits or pay tickets online.

All parking related services are also available at the Campus Store parking office in the basement of Gilmour Hall (GH B101).

Additional information on the move is available at https://parking.mcmaster.ca/documents/move_2019.pdf