MURAnews Winter 2019

President's Corner

Seems the down side of a milder winter so far has been the lack of sunshine. Perhaps some of you are fortunate enough to be able to spend some of the winter season in warmer locations. MURA members did receive a bit of sunny news in January with a modest pension increase to start off 2019. You can find details about how the increase is calculated in the article by Brian Beckberger and Cliff Andrews below.

The ever popular annual Christmas luncheon on December 5th was well attended and well organized as always. Close to 170 people came out not only for the buffet but to catch up with colleagues. MURA Honourary President, Alvin Lee, opened the event with a brief message to members and we were delighted as well that the winner of this year’s MURA scholarship, Kaitlyn Jaggers, was able to join us. Many thanks to Helen Barton, Beth Csordas, Nora Gaskin, Kathy Overholt and everyone else who worked diligently on the details to ensure a successful and enjoyable event for our members. As always, MURA gratefully extends our appreciation to President Patrick Deane’s office for subsidizing some of the cost of the luncheon, and welcoming new retirees by fully covering the cost of their lunches.

Many of you will have received the notice from Parking Services in late December about the changes in parking availability on central campus for retirees which took effect January 7, 2019. MURA has received some feedback from members which we will be sharing with the University Administration. You can read more about the changes and the reasons they were made below.

CURAC (College and University Retiree Associations of Canada) will be holding its annual conference at the University of Guelph May 24-26, 2019. As the conference is being held locally, it is a great opportunity to meet with other retiree association members from across the country and to hear speakers on topics relevant to our members. More details will be forthcoming in the MURA Spring newsletter and will be posted on the CURAC website.

The next large MURA gathering will be the Annual General Membership Meeting and Luncheon on June 5th. The AGM consists of lunch, followed by a special speaker, and then the very important business of elections. If you are interested or can recommend someone who would make an excellent candidate for MURA Council, please contact Les King, Chair of the Nominating Committee. All nominations are welcome. MURA especially needs individuals who have recently retired and have recent connections within the University. You can find the details regarding the Call for Nominations on page 5. Mark the AGM in your calendars now. Further details on the AGM will be announced in the Spring newsletter.

Heather Grigg, MURA President

See more pictures of the Christmas lunch at

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mcmaster-retirees/sets/72157705658796594/

Your Money / Your Health

January 2019 pension plan increases

On December 14th, 2018, MURA notified members (those who have provided MURA with an email address) of a 1.89% increase in pensions starting January 2019. This increase applies to both the Salaried Pension Plan and the Hourly Pension Plan.

The full increase of 1.89% applied to those who were receiving a pension from either of the plans on June 30, 2017, and is equivalent to the average monthly increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2017/18. Those who retired between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018 received a pro-rated increase. Those who retired after June 30, 2018 received no increase. There were no supplementary increases this year since the previous three increases were the maximum allowed under the provisions of the plans.

The annual pension increases, if any, are based on the amount that the 5-year average rate of return on the pension funds, as of the previous June 30th, exceeds 4.5% for the Salaried Plan and 6.0% for the Hourly Plan. Any increase, however, is limited to the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the previous year. The 5-year average rate of return as of June 30, 2018 was 9.57% for the Salaried Plan, and 9.92% for the Hourly Plan. The average monthly increase in the Consumer Price Index was 1.89%. Since CPI is the limiting factor, both salaried and hourly retirees received a 1.89% increase.

Additional pension plan information can be found on the Working at McMaster website at: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/retirees/pension/.

Pension statements

In December 2018 and continuing bi-annually, the University will be providing all McMaster pensioners with a statement summarizing their annual pension. These statements will be prepared every two (2) years and mailed to retiree home addresses.

These statements are for informational purposes only and no action is required.

If you did not receive a statement or if there are questions about your statement, please contact Human Resource Services at 905-525-9140 x22247.

What you should know about ambulance fees in Ontario

When you receive a bill for ambulance services, pay the bill and then apply for reimbursement from Sun Life. Instructions for claiming benefits can be found at: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/employees/total-rewards/benefit-information/.

For questions about your post-retirement benefits, call Sun Life Financial at 1-800-361-6212 or Human Resources at 905-525-9140 ext. 22247. You should have the University’s policy number (in most cases, 25018) and your member ID (your former employee ID number) available when making the call.

For more information, visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care web site at http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/publications/ohip/amb.aspx

How do you invest in your financial well being?

The following is an excerpt from an article featured on the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal – ww.mcmasteroptimalaging.org. For more evidence-based tips and information on poverty reduction, browse all the blogs on this topic https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/-in-category/categories/healthcare-delivery/poverty-reduction.

Canadians are living longer, which means needing more financial resources to see you through your later years. Once retired, older adults (and their caregivers) face the challenge of making a realistic budget based on fixed and limited incomes, while juggling many priority expenses.

Financial literacy refers to having the knowledge, skills and confidence to make responsible financial decisions. It is a critical skill at every stage of life, from childhood, through adulthood and into the retirement years. It can also be challenging to understand which government benefits you are eligible for based on your age, family situation or even health status.We have compiled some resources to help you invest in your financial well-being:

• Blog post: A nest egg for our old days: Helping older adults manage their finances
  
• Blog post: How do we measure poverty?
  
• Blog Post: Fiscal measures to support older adults and reduce poverty
  
• Blog Post: Older adults increasingly targeted by fraud and scams
  
• Evidence summary: Financial education may have a positive impact on savings behaviours and record keeping
  
• Evidence summary: Several measures should be used to have a clear picture of poverty in old age, including income, consumption, assets, wealth, and self-perceived poverty
  
• Web resource rating: Financial literacy self-assessment quiz
  

Do you value credible health information? McMaster University has developed the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal to give you access to research-based information to help you age well and manage your health conditions. Visit their website for more evidence-based information to support healthy aging.

Parking Permit Expiry Renewal Reminder

Retiree parking permits are issued on a 12-month basis and must be renewed annually. Renew prior to your expiry date, online at McMaster Parking Services "Retiree Parking" web page, or in person at the Parking Office (E.T. Clarke or Campus Store). Your transponder number is on the back of your transponder.

Parking Services will send email reminders each month to those who have a permit expiring within the next 30 days. To receive an email reminder, ensure that Parking Services has your current email address on file.

If you have questions or have not made note of your expiry date, please contact McMaster Parking Services by email at parking@mcmaster.ca or at (905) 525-9140 ext. 24232.

McMaster Update

Every Friday the University publishes via email a document entitled McMaster Update. Many of you will remember receiving McMaster Update while you worked at the University and some of you have continued to receive it following retirement. We have heard from several retirees, however, that they are no longer receiving this publication and wonder how they can get back on the email list.

If you are interested in being on the email list for McMaster Update, please send your name and email address to Communications & Public Affairs at daily@mcmaster.ca.

What's Happening at Mac

Changes

As of Monday, January 7, 2019 retiree permit parking in Lots B, C, D and I is limited to 12:30 pm onwards on weekdays. Access to Lots H, K, M, N, P and the Underground Stadium will be permitted at any time on weekdays. Access to all lots will be permitted at any time on weekends and holidays, and from May to August each year. For more information on these changes, contact Parking Services at 905-525-9140, ext 24232 or parking@mcmaster.ca.

As a follow-up regarding these recent changes to parking privileges for retirees, the following background information may be of interest. The University Administration invited MURA representatives to a couple of meetings in the summer of 2018 to provide information regarding changes being considered to parking privileges at the University (not just for retirees). Parking challenges were identified as a result of several factors including construction on campus and overall growth within the McMaster community. During those consultations, it was noted that the 12:30 pm onwards restriction was part of the retiree parking policy for many years, but the parking gate technology wasn’t enabled to apply the policy until recently.

Parking Services also shared the following statistics with MURA based on an analysis of data from the calendar year of 2017.

• Retiree visits in Lots B, C, D and I totalled 11,183, of which 9,260 visits (83%) were of four or more hours duration.
• Out of a total of 764 active retiree permit holders, 253 (33%) were still employed by the University.
• 48% (14,294 out of 29,674) of retiree visits in 2017 occurred between 8 am and 11 am, which are considered to be prime time for parking.
• 38% (11,183 out of 29,674) of all retiree visits were four hours or longer.
• As of 2018 the number of active retiree permits was 678.

In addition, MURA members should be aware that parking for McMaster retirees at no cost during designated times is a perk typically not offered at other Canadian universities.

What is a MacID and why should you have one?

The MacID is a unique McMaster identifier assigned by University Technology Services (UTS). It is not the same as your employee number. Whether you have a McMaster email account or not, your MacID is usually the part of your current or former McMaster email address that precedes “@mcmaster.ca”, for example “smithjp” from the email address smithjp@mcmaster.ca.

Retirees are entitled to have a MacID for life. It provides access to a variety of free services including a McMaster email account*, access to Wi-Fi service while you are on campus, library e-resources and WorkPerks***.

Read about the MacID at:

If you don't have one, you may request a MacID by contacting the UTS Service Desk.

* Retiring employees may choose to keep their McMaster email account. Retirees who want a McMaster email account can request one by contacting the UTS Service Desk.

*** WorkPerks is the McMaster group discount program, which offers savings on everything from health and wellness to entertainment, restaurants, travel and more. More information is available at:https://hr.mcmaster.ca/employees/health_safety_well-being/my-well-being/employee-discount-program/.

Recent Passings

John Arapura, Religious Studies, Nov. 30/18

Colin Barnes, Medicine, Oct. 5/18

George Breckenridge, Political Science, Dec. 11/18

Ruth Byles, Education Services, Oct. 23/18

Terrence Curry, Service Operations, Nov. 23/18

Stuart Frayne, Divinity College, Jan. 12/18

J. Philip Hooper, University Advancement, Oct. 15/18

Helen Hurley, Hospitality Services, Oct. 31/18

Yun-hua Jan, Religious Studies, Dec. 31/18

David Jenkins, Security & Parking Services, Dec. 10/18

Joyce Junker, Financial Services, Oct. 26/18

Eileen McKeag, Purchasing Services, Aug. 14/18

Lucy McMahon, Bookstore, Oct. 16/18

Victor Nunn, University Library, Jan. 4/19

Howard Petch, Materials Science & Eng, Nov. 26/18

Raimo Repo, Surgery, Nov. 6/18

Stepan Szpak, University Library, Oct. 13/18

Frieda Tepper, Building Operations, Nov. 15/18

Martin van Oosten, Materials Science & Eng, Nov. 27/18

Joy Waun, Accelerator Lab, Oct. 2/18

Donna Wilcockson, Health Information Research, Oct. 13/18

Welcome New Retirees

Sharon Cameron, Postgraduate Education

Daniel Cassidy, Engineering Physics

Josephine Costa, Medicine

Lori Danby, Regional Medical Associates

Laurie Doering, Pathology

Domina Falcone, Biochemistry

Vicki Galea, Rehabilitation Sciences

Louise Gallant, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Denise Julian, Oncology

Renee Kurak, Regional Medical Associates

Pauline Laba, Medicine

Dieter Stolle, Civil Engineering

Donna Waxman, Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour

Congratulations to Dorothy Willott on the occasion of her 100th birthday!

Born in Wales, Dorothy Willott moved to London and joined the civil service during the Second World War. Following the war, she and her husband, Norman, came to Canada to start a new life. Dorothy worked at McMaster as secretary to the chair of the Department of Geography for 15 years.

In an interview for Niagara This Week, Dorothy was asked, “What is the secret to making it all the way to 100 years old?” She said, “Live your life to the fullest. And always be kind, be loving and be good.”

Call for Nominations

The duly constituted MURA Nominating Committee is now receiving input for the nomination of Council members for the three-year term starting in June 2019, as well as for President and Vice-President for 2019/20.

The Committee comprises:

Les King (Chair), Helen Ayre, Phyllis DeRosa-Koetting, John Horsman, and Betty Ann Levy.

The Committee is especially looking for those people who are interested in the following portfolios:

• Communications
• Trips & Special Events
• Annual General Meeting
• Christmas Lunch
• MURAnews
• Pension & Benefits

For information regarding these portfolios, see https://mcmaster-retirees.ca/nominations-2019.
Please forward expressions of personal interest and/or suggestions for nominees to the Committee Chair, Les King: kinglj@mcmaster.ca or 905-648-6636 or to any Nominating Committee member, no later than February 8, 2019.

Submitted by Nora Gaskin, MURA Secretary

Volunteer Opportunities

Don’t want to volunteer alone? Sign up with a friend.

Canadian Cancer Society

2019 is going to be a great year to volunteer. The Canadian Cancer Society is a national organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. Three different types of opportunities are currently available in the Hamilton area:

1. The Relay for Life organizing committee has leadership positions still open for the 2019 event.
2. In April there are opportunities for coordinating and participating in storefront pin sales during the annual Daffodil campaign in order to raise funds and promote cancer awareness.
3. There are a few regular weekly shifts available providing ongoing administrative support in the Hamilton office.

For more information please review the specific postings available at Charity Village: CCS volunteer positions Hamilton or contact Lynn Felker at lynn.felker@ontario.cancer.ca.

Exam Hospitality 2019 @ McMaster

Volunteers are being welcomed to help out for exam drop-in this April. We are looking for individuals who would like to spend time with students dropping in for a coffee break from studying. The shifts are from 5:30- 7:15 pm or 7:15-9:00pm. Drop-ins are hosted Thursday, April 11 until Sunday, April 21 — excluding Saturdays. We also welcome cookie donations (store bought or homemade — peanut free). If interested, please contact Kristine Sabido at chaplain@mcmaster.ca or call 905-525-9140 x24207.

The Bay Area Science & Engineering Fair

BASEF is an annual exhibition and competition showcasing projects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students in grades 7 to 12 from Hamilton, Halton, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk and Six Nations display their innovations and discoveries throughout the fair. Mac retirees from all backgrounds are encouraged to help make this event a success by volunteering at the fair in various capacities.

General Volunteers - March 28-April — Help with set-up, registration, supervising student activities, and welcoming and guiding participants and visitors. To sign up, please visit basef.ca > Helping Out > Volunteering or email volunteers@basef.ca.

Judging — Judging day is Friday March 29. To become a judge, please visit basef.ca > Helping Out > Judging or email judging@basef.ca.

Let Us Know If We Can Stop Mailing MURAnews to YOU

Please help MURA’s budget by opting out of the postal mailing of MURAnews. Email Helen Barton at barton@mcmaster.ca or call her at 905-518-5339.
You can print your own MURAnewsfrom the PDF copy we send by email, just click the link in the email, or visit our web site and read online.

Contacting MURA

Mail: Gilmour Hall B108, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8

Phone: (905) 525-9140, ext. 23171 (voicemail is checked once a week)

Email: mura@mcmaster.ca

Exploring the treasures of Burgundy

MURA member, HOWARD ASTER, and his opera director wife JEANNETTE, have had a love affair with the Burgundy region of France for over 25 years. Since 2000, they have established a second home and a cultural centre at La Roche D’Hys, a stunning 22 acre farm retreat. Please have a look at www.larochedhysacademie.com for more details relating to location, facilities, photos and activities. The couple have become great enthusiasts of the local customs and traditions and are always happy to share their passion for the culture, history and beauty of the region. At the urging of some academic colleagues, Howard and Jeannette thought that MURA members may well be interested in spending some time exploring the richness of Burgundy — its history, art, architecture, gastronomic delights and, of course, the famous Burgundian wines of the Côte d’Or and Chablis.

They propose an eleven-day itinerary from May 23rd to June 3rd 2019 which could include:

• Cultural Exploration: Burgundy is so very rich in history and local culture. Visits to various chateaux, quaint medieval villages, ancient monasteries which developed the initial vineyards of Burgundy almost 800 years ago, pagan and Roman sites, great museums and colourful street markets of Dijon and Beaune, local festivals are all part of the total epicurean experience.
• Viticulture Programme: Focus is on discovering the true art of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Aligoté, Beaujolais. Visits to wine-making equipment depots, the famous Burgundian barrel makers exploring the mysteries of organic/biodynamic wine growing and production, a viticulture nursery, and of course the obligatory stops at the important caves of the Cote d'Or and Chablis. We like to focus on the smaller wine makers and growers who take the time to take us into their caves and vineyards.
• Culinary Discoveries: Focus is on getting a real insiders’ look at the sources from which the legendary cuisine of Burgundy gets its reputation. Visits include local cheese makers, discovering the secrets of Dijon mustard, raising escargot de Bourgogne, and many more regional specialties.

Howard and Jeannette would prepare the detailed itinerary based upon the consensus interests of the MURA group and guide you throughout the tour, offering a personal insiders’ perspective.

The MURA group would be housed at Le Domaine de la Roche D’Hys. Cost would be 85 Euros per person per day based on double occupancy and includes three meals daily of regional and local products — Dinner is always an aperitif, four courses, including regional cheeses, as well a variety of local wines.

Further details regarding local transportation costs, entry fees etc. to be calculated according to the final itinerary and the number of participants. Ideal number would be 8 guests.

Space is limited so an indication of interest BEFORE February 15th would be appreciated.

Enquiries addressed to: howardaster22@gmail.com or aster.jeannette@gmail.com

Please address any further questions to the above emails or call 905-844-0963.

We are sure this adventure would be a delight to any MURA members.

MURA Note Cards for Sale

These beautiful note cards were produced to celebrate MURA’s 25th anniversary in 2010.

Stephanie Lisak, a McMaster retiree, very generously gave us permission to reproduce one of her original watercolour paintings, Fall Colours at Mac. The image depicts a particularly lovely view of the oldest part of campus. Pat Vinton, a photographer with Media Services at the University, donated her expertise to produce a very high-quality digital image. We are grateful to both for their support. The cards were printed at McMaster on 80 lb. textured paper, which gives the effect of an original watercolour painting. The 9" x 4" card is blank inside and can be used for special occasions, for saying thank you and for other short notes. It could even be framed.

Cards are available at $1.50 each. All proceeds go toward MURA’s Special Projects Fund.

The cards are for sale at the MURA Christmas lunch and Annual General Meeting. They are also available by mail in packages of five or ten cards. To order cards by mail, please send your name, address and phone number to mura@mcmaster.ca or leave a message at 905-525-9140 ext 23171. We will let you know, based on your address and the number of cards requested, what the total cost including postage will be.

Alumni winter and spring events

Registration for these events is required. MURA Members can register online at alumni.mcmaster.ca and see the ‘Event Listing’ under the ‘Meet People’ dropdown menu or call 1-888-217-6003.

February 13, 2pm — Special Lager Presentation with Dr. Samantha Nutt '91 & '94 (War Child Canada Founder)

February 21, 7pm — Lager Lecture: The Brutal Politics of Climate Change, with Dr. Robert O’Brien

March 25, 7pm — Lager Lecture: Three Minute Thesis - Select Presentations

April 11, 7pm — Lager Lecture: Concussion Research: State-of-the-art Technologies for Evaluating the Diffusely Damaged Brain, with Drs. John Connolly and Mike Noseworthy

April 25, 7pm — Stress Less, with Dr. Nathan Cooper

May 21 — Day Trip to Stratford to see Merry Wives of Windsor

McMaster Alumni and Friends Travel Program — Visit discoveryourmacadventure.ca (or call 905-525-9140, ext. 24882) for a complete list of all the trips we have planned through the McMaster Alumni and Friends Travel Program in 2019. 2020 trips coming soon!

MURAnews is produced by MURA members Helen Barton (News Editor), Phyllis DeRosa-Koetting (Production Editor), Marju Drynan, John Horsman, Mary Johnston, Kathy Overholt, Carolyn Rosenthal and Marianne Van der Wel. We welcome submissions from MURA members. If you do not have access to a computer and would like a copy of any of the items for which we have provided computer links, please leave a message on the MURA phone (905-525-9140, ext. 23171) and we will print a copy and mail it to you.