CN Pensioners Association of Manitoba...President’s View—Ron Davis Winter 2012 / 2013 CN...

President’s View—Ron Davis

Winter 2012 / 2013 www.cnpensioners.ca

CN Pensioners Association

of Manitoba Meetings held at 1:30 p.m. on the 1st Wed of the Month at the

Norwood Legion, 134 Marion St., Winnipeg except for the

months of July, August and December

Special Points

of Interest:

Symington Family Day

2012 Bursary Awards

Welcome to New

Members

Spotlight on Harvey

Hosfield

Commemorative

Armed Forces Pin

We are now on Face-

book

Inside This Issue:

President’s Re-

port

1

Membership Re-

port

2

Special Events 3

Outreach Report 4,5

Spotlight 6

Misc, Facebook 7

Frequently

Called Numbers

8

2012 Bursary Awards

As President of the CN Pensioners’ Association of Manitoba, I am pleased to announce

this year’s recipients of the 2012 Bursary Award which is sponsored by our Association.

Congratulations to Melissa McIvor and Michael Lachowicz. They will each receive $1000

towards their studies.

Melissa McIvor, step-daughter of Marshall Mann, anticipates completing her BA Honours

undergraduate degree in English this coming year. Fascinated with the world of literature,

communications and education, Melissa plans on pursuing her studies with the ultimate

goal of obtaining her PhD.

Michael Lachowicz, grandson of Roland Senez, is just entering University. Actively inter-

ested in various aspects of Health Care, Michael plans on pursuing a career in the pharma-

ceutical end of this diverse industry.

Both of the successful candidates have been notified of

their awards. On behalf of the entire membership, we

wish you much success in your educational pursuits

and in all of your future endeavours.

To all of the applicants, we want to thank you for tak-

ing the time and effort to apply for the bursaries spon-

sored by our Association. The Selection Committee

was very impressed by the quality of all the applica-

tions which undoubtedly made the selection process

very challenging. We wish you all much success in all

your future endeavours!

Commemorative Armed Forces Pin CN Retirees who served in the Armed Forces can receive a special Commemorative Pin

created by CN to honor their service. Please email [email protected] and provide the follow-

ing details: Military Branch(es), years of service, highest rank attained, tours of duty (if

applicable), delivery address and Employee Pin. Although you won’t receive it in time for

Remembrance Day this year, you can proudly wear it in the future.

Michael Lachowicz

Membership Report—Wayne Zaharia

CN Pensioners Association of Manitoba

Executive Council 2012—2013 (Precede all MB numbers with 204)

President

Ron Davis, 489 4485

[email protected]

Past President

John Mozol, 885 6031

[email protected]

Vice President

Carson Hull, 269 2692

[email protected]

Secretary

Patrick McMullin, 415 0358

[email protected]

Treasurer

Ernie Borowski, 255 1123

[email protected]

Committee Chairs

Hospitality

Gary Davis, 663 7722

Special Events

Linda Schram, 255 5636

[email protected]

Membership

Wayne Zaharia. 694 5133

[email protected]

Outreach

Rose Chapman, 832 1105

[email protected]

Webmaster & Editor

Janet L Anderson, 275 0482

[email protected]

Publicity

Harvey Hosfield, 489 6257

[email protected]

Member at Large

Bill Cameron, 256 6488 [email protected]

National Council Directors

Carson Hull

Janet Lewis Anderson

Ron Davis, Past President

Pension Cheque deduction 3,800

Fees paid by cheque 180

Total paid membership 3,980

Welcome to the following new members:

It’s that time of the year for cheque paying members. Your 2013 fees are coming due

and I would appreciate you signing up for pension cheque deduction of $1 a

month. This makes it easier for all by saving time inputting data into our membership

data base, taking cheques to the bank and informing National Council of members pay-

ing by cheque. It saves you time in not having to make out application, envelope and

buying stamps but most importantly you don’t have to wonder did I pay my member-

ship or not. It’s quick and easy to do – just give me a call at 204-694-5133 and I will

make the necessary arrangements for you. Remember we are all volunteers working

on your behalf. Thanks very much. For those still wishing to pay by cheque and have not

done so as yet, enclosed is an application form with your newsletter.

If you are a pension cheque deduction member, you do not have to renew every

year.

First Time Attendees & New Members

A hearty welcome to all new members and an especially warm welcome to those who have

attended their first General Meeting where they received a Pensioners pin. Here is a list of

first time attendees from September 2012: Sukh Kambo, Samuel Singer, Max Sywak, Linda

Hutchings, James Molnar, Diane Borowski, Lloyd Barthelette, Mel Poworoznyk, Walter

Lotocki, Glen Fidler, Jim Lenoski, Ron Young, Paul Burak, Joe Snobi, Ron Melville, Gaston

Belanger, Chris Evans, Cliff Fisher, Collin Campbell, Walter Maxymowich; October 2012:

Barry Levandoski; November 2012: N/A.

Adamson, Harry

Anderson, Ann

Ayre, Darlene

Braz, Nelza

Bruce, May

Brychka, Emily

Cadoreth, Jonina

Cairns, Dorothy

Cole, Morris

Desiatnyk, Wayne

Devenny, Verna

Diddur, Stephan

Doner, Bruce

English, Hazel

Gaba, Peter

Galayda, Agnes

Gates, Dorothy

Golis, Jim

Gomien, Roger

Greenway, Ronald

Hawthorn, Neil

Heuvel, Gloria

Hrynyk, Leonard

Ireland, Carollyne

Jackson, Terence

Johnston, Donald

Juskow, Catherine

Kachur, Dennis

Keeble, Christina

Killeen, Dolores

King, Glennis

Kouk, Larry

Kulbaba, Paul

Kulchyski, Doreen

Lyons, Ronald

MacCoy, Frances

MacDonald, David

Mann, Ann

McMurray, Keith

Mitchell, Isabel

Morin, Guy

Moroso, Danuta (Donna)

Morton, Heather

Mrozek, Stella

Mudrick, Raymond

Novak, Bob

Park, Doris

Patterson, Garth

Payne, Charles

Peloquin, Simone

Shiplack, Wayne

Silvarie, John

Solomon, Betty

Spak, Orest

Squires, Stanley

Thomas, Trevor

Turnley, Gerrie

Urski, Bruce

Vuckovic, Silvestar

Warburton, Edward

Weldon, Jack

Wojcik, Mike

Wright, Shirley

Zankowski, Jennie

www.cnpensioners.ca CN Pensioners

Special Events Report—Linda Schram

Just a reminder—our meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at 1:30 at the Norwood Legion. Spouses

are welcome. No meetings in July, August and December. Our Christmas Luncheon will be held on Wednesday,

December 5th. Cut-off for tickets was November 23rd so hopefully everyone who is coming has their tickets.

Upcoming Speakers:

January 2nd, 2013: Guest speaker will be Bonnie Hopps from The Arthritis Society of Manitoba. Bonnie is a

fitness leader and educator on arthritis and other chronic conditions.

February 6th, 2013: Guest speaker will be from the CNIB. Topic will be on eyes diseases, eye health and ser-

vices available from the CNIB.

March 6th, 2013: Guest speaker will be Lawyer Heather Dixon, Heather is well known as an advocate for sen-

iors. She will be speaking on Wills and Estates.

Seniors Publications: Many publications are available from the Province of Manitoba containing valuable in-

formation for seniors. Here are just a couple:

A Legal Information Guide for Seniors

Seniors Guide 2012/2013

You can also contact Seniors and Healthy Aging at 1610-155 Carlton St. Winnipeg, phone 204-945-6565, toll

free 1-800-665-6565, or email [email protected]. Their website is www.gov.mb.ca/shas/.

Health Committee Report—Carson Hull

By now all CN Pensioners who are members of our CNPA Blue Cross Plan should be using their “Direct Pay”

card when picking up pharmaceuticals (drugs). Any one of you who is not using your Direct Pay card is contribut-

ing to higher costs to run our Plan. Make sure you know how much you are paying for your dispensing fee. Where

ever possible, shop around for a better dispensing fee at different Pharmacies. If any of you do not have your Di-

rect Pay Blue Cross card please call me.

Please do not keep your receipts for Extended Health Care items such as Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, Speech

Therapist, etc; these receipts should be taken to Blue Cross on a regular basis, at the very least quarterly. Hoard-

ing these items to year end puts an added work load on Blue Cross which in the end costs our Plan money.

For those of you living with diabetes and purchasing test strips and lancets I wanted to make sure you are aware

you may purchase them with your Direct Pay card.

There are two items for Snow-Birds; 1) make sure your insurance covers you in the event you are injured in an

accident while travelling in a taxi-cab while out of country; 2) when preparing for a trip south contact your Health

Care Committee Rep and arrangements for a six month supply of meds can be made. This must be arranged for,

each year so do not leave it until the last minute.

Please be advised the latest edition of our Blue Cross Booklet is available at “cnpensioner.org”. When you are on

the website make your choice of language and then you will see a line of options immediately under “CN Pen-

sioners Association, Inc. Select Healthcare and you will have a single page offering you first the “New” Blue

Cross Manual. Prior to selecting the manual if you scroll down you will see that the rates for all of Canada are

available in either language.

mailto:[email protected]

Outreach Chair’s Report—Rose Chapman 204-832-1105 Outreach Committee Hank Gosselin 204-255-2722 George Lintick 204-254-1032 Linda Ksionzek 204-669-8308 Mel Rusiecki 204-255-1361 Please contact any member on the Outreach Committee with information on pensioners who are hospitalized, or ill at

home, and on those who have had or will be celebrating special birthdays or milestone anniversaries. Remember—

please keep us informed!

To those previously mentioned on our Sick List, we hope that you are feeling much better. To those who are currently ill

or still experiencing health problems, please know you are in our thoughts. The membership joins us in extending Best

Wishes for a speedy recovery. We have received reports and updates on the following Pensioners since the last newslet-

ter: (* denotes member).

Joseph Borges* had a stroke in early spring and is now at home after spending five months in hospi-

tal.

Beatrice Frederick* is in poor health and now resides in Beacon Hill Lodge, 5th Floor, 190 Fort

Street. Visitors would be welcome.

Peter McCarthy* is home from hospital.

Jack Oliver* had a stroke and is in the Riverview Health Centre.

Stanley Siwik* is now in the Poseidon Care Centre, 70 Poseidon Bay.

Tom Cantafio* is in Concordia Hospital with various health problems.

Doug Knapp* was recently in hospital due to water on his lungs. He is home and feeling better.

Roy O’Neill* fell and broke three ribs. He is recuperating at home.

Birthdays: Wilfred Dickey* celebrated his 90th birthday on September 3rd. Lou Koldy* celebrated his 80th birthday on October 28th.

Paul Prince* will celebrate his 89th birthday on November 8th.

Harold Rubin* celebrated his 80th birthday on December 2nd.

Gerry Russell* celebrated his 83rd birthday on November 2nd.

Nellie Serofin* celebrated her 96th birthday on September 13th.

Stanley Siwik* celebrated his 86th birthday on October 8th.

Maurice Trepanier* celebrated his 80th birthday on August 11th.

Les Weir* celebrated his 81st birthday on August 13th.

Peggy Weir celebrated her 80th birthday on September 22nd Anniversaries: William* and Diana Baran will celebrate their 57th Wedding Anniversary on October 8th.

Hank* and Verona Gosselin celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary on August 24th.

Lou* and June Koldy will celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary on October 18th.

Ben* and Mary Kolodka will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on October 6th.

Doug* and Joan Knapp celebrated their 52nd Wedding Anniversary in August.

Bruce* and Margaret Luke celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on September 1st.

Gerry* and Mary Ann Russell celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary on October 14th.

Stanley* and Leona Siwik will celebrate their 63rd Wedding Anniversary on October 1st.

Dan* and Elaine Trochim will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on September 8th.


Celebrations—Congratulations to All!

Birthday of the Month: August: Lyle Corbet

September: Rose Chapman

October: Mike Dubeck

November: Dennis Brown

Door Prizes: September: Jim Spears, Dennis Brown, Margaret Hoppensack, Joe Snobi

October: Elmer Pawliuk, Patrick McMullin, Sukh Kambo, Fred Diachun

November: Marge Jacobson, John Yarema, Barry Levandoski, Gary Taylor

Obituaries: The following pensioners have passed away since the last report (* denotes member of the

Manitoba Pensioners' Association).

The CN Pensioners Association of Manitoba extends our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.


Ron Ayre*

Arthur Barker*

Marie Anne Berry

Charles Ken Booth*

Marie Cardy

Bruce Carroll, father of

Ken Carroll*

Lawrence Chmielnicki*

Thomas Clark*

Thomas Collette*

Merle Currey*

Robert Dahl*

Wesley Davis

Abel Decastro

Metro Dutka

Olga Dutka

Jack Finch*

Mary Finch, wife of Jack Finch†

Mary Felewich, mother of Mike*

and Allan* Felewich

Roman Gereta

Czeslaw Gertner*

Vivian Gervais*

Thomas Gibson

Margaret Goodale*

Roy Hall*

Harry Hapin

John Hill*

Lawrence Ireland*

Alexandra Iwasiuk*

David (Lary) James*

William Kane

John Kizlyk*

Sharon Kosowan*

Norman Kramble*

Joseph T. Kulchyski*

Lawrence Kvamme*

Mary Lagiewka

Flora Laing

Anna Leniuk*

Steve Leskiw

Rose Lozinski*

Hugh MacCoy*

Onufriu Mandybur*

Nelson Marchant

Percy Mayham*

Agnes McKee

Jean Middleton*

Ralph Miller*

Wilhelm Miller

William Brown Mitchell*

Clementine Moskalewski*

William Nykoluk*

John Oliver*

Frances Pearson

Ann Pickley

William Rekrut*

Leone Rettie*

Thomas Riddick*

Patrick Rockwell*

Nick Romsa*

Dorothy Sanfilippo

Reginald Sembaluk

Irvin Silvius*

Liz Spencer*

Tillie Stevenson

Lucille (Babs) Stewart*

Ernie Stupak

Fred Taylor*

Phyllis Thompson

Roger Vande Vyvere*

Stan Wach*

Katherine Wallack

Angeline Wardrop*

Harold Weitzel*, father of

Rick Weitzel* & father-in-

law of Denis Monnier*

Alexander Wood*

Donald Wordsworth*

Pauline Wutke

David Young*

Jim Zaboroski*

Walter Zaporzan*

John Ziegler

John Zinnick


Spotlight on Harvey Hosfield Harvey Hosfield, retired Conductor, is very proud of his family railway history as

well as his own career which spanned 36 years. Harvey hired on with CN as a

Trainmen in August of 1950. No sooner had he hired on when the railway unions

went on strike. Once settled, work slowed and unfortunately by September of that

year, Harvey found himself without a job. In November 1950, John Kramble,

Crew Supervisor, contacted Harvey to advise him that they needed men in Rainy

River. In need of work, Harvey gladly headed off to Rainy and continued working

there until January 1951. Upon returning to his home terminal of Transcona, he

once again found himself without work. Fortunately, there was a shortage of men

in Capreol, ON so once again Harvey was actively employed from February to

April. Upon returning to Winnipeg, he was still unable to hold and so found his

way back to Rainy River from May 1951 to January 1952. Still unable to hold in

Transcona, Harvey went west to Prince George, BC where he worked from January

to April, after which he ended up back in Rainy River, where he married a local girl by the name of Sonia Beyak.

They settled in Rainy until June 1960 when they moved back to Transcona. Other than having to work in Mel-

ville during the winter months over the next 3 years, Harvey was, for the most part, able to hold in Transcona and

finally at Symington.

After settling in Rainy River in 1952, Harvey had the opportunity to meet Tom Millsap who was the Treasurer

for the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen in Rainy River at that time. Tom Millsap canvassed Harvey and con-

vinced him to join the union. Harvey soon found himself elected to the local Board of Adjustment. In June of

1960, Harvey returned to Transcona to work and soon became active in the same capacity with B of RT under

the Chairmanship of John Almdal who represented the Trainmen and then Jim Brooks, Chairman of the Conduc-

tors. Harvey happily took on the role of Treasurer when elected to that position upon the retirement of then

Treasurer, Lee Johnson.

At that time, the Local Chairmen of the Conductors, the Trainmen, the Passenger Trainmen, President, Secretary

and Treasurer were paid a monthly stipend. When Revenue Canada audited their books, it was insisted that they

declare this as income. This meant that T-4 slips had to be issued annually, with the appropriate deductions cal-

culated E.I., and Income Tax. As this was becoming a time consuming effort, Harvey finally gave up the Treas-

urer’s job in the early 1980’s. In 1986, after 36 years of service, Harvey decided to “pull the pin” retiring from

his long railway career.

Harvey has many fond memories of his time on the road as well with the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.

Through his involvement he has met many fine people with the B of RT as well as Company Officials and feels

honored to have developed so many lasting friendships over the years. He continues to be very active in the CN

Pensioners Association of Manitoba, not only as Publicity Chair, but also by being ever ready to extend a helping

hand to his fellow pensioners. Thank you Harvey for so many years of dedication!

The CN Pensioners’ Association of Manitoba Annual Financial Review took place on October 17th and was

conducted by Walter Lesiuk. Here is his statement: “ I have reviewed the financial position of the CN Pension-

ers’ Association of Manitoba. This review consisted of inquiry, analytical procedures and discussions related to

the information supplied to me by the Treasurer. Based on my review, nothing has come to my attention that

causes me to believe that the financial statements are not in all material respects in accordance with generally

accepted accounting practices. Original signed by W. Lesiuk, Oct 17th, 2012.”

Treasurer’s Report—Ernie Borowski


The Travel Corner

Shooting Star Casino—Feb 24th-26th, 2013.

Contact Albert Delbaere at 204-256-8419.

New Zealand & Australia Cruise with Ken & Liz

Carroll January 27th—March 4th, 2013.

Inaugural Mediterranean Cruise Barcelona to

Venice onboard the beautiful new Royal Princess

with Janet & Bruce Anderson June 23rd to July

6th, 2013.

For more information about these cruises, contact Bev

Harbour at Carlson Wagonlit Travel, 204-336-7240 or

toll free at 1-800-661-3193.

Symington Family Day—Saturday, September 15th, 2012

Saturday, September 15th, 2012 dawned bright and clear with a forecast high of 28 degrees. The big tent was set

up to shelter the food, ice cream and beverages. The menu consisted of roast pork, pork & beans, potato, maca-

roni, coleslaw salads, barbeque wieners and smokies. Beverages included water, soft drinks and coffee. The cot-

ton candy machine was a big hit and was busy all day long. Over 2,800 meals were served in all – thanks to

Danny’s Whole Hog who catered the event.

The silent auction, which consisted of some 125 bags / boxes, was in another area which was also protected from

any adverse weather effects. There was a variety of inflatables for the children to play on - a great place to work

off steam after such a great meal.

The train consisted of a diesel unit and two business cars that seated 86 people. They were painted in the colour

of the Illinois Central Railway which is owned by CN. Vice-President, Kim Madigan made a special trip from

Montreal to attend the Family Day celebration. There were a total of 145 volunteers including 21 pensioners.

Some of the actives started their day at 06:00 hours and didn’t get away until after 19:30 hours. The work of re-

turning the space to its normal state continued until Monday.

Proceeds from the silent auction resulted in $14,940 being raised for The Children’s Hospital Foundation of

Manitoba as well as over $3,700 for the United Way of Winnipeg.

CN shopping bags were given to Symington employees as well as CN Pensioners as they left for home at the

close of the event! Congratulations to all those who worked so hard to make this such an enjoyable celebration!

www.cnpensioners.ca

Check out our website for updates and events. Don’t

forget to visit our Photo Section.

Grand Beach Memories Wanted

Barbara Lange, Author, Speaker and Editor of

“Through the Window of a Train – A Canadian Rail-

way Anthology” (also wife of CN Retiree Lawrence

Lange), is looking for CNR memories from the Victo-

ria Beach (MB) subdivision for her second book. If

you have stories to share about “Grand Beach”, please

contact Barbara at 204-667-8521 in Winnipeg or email

her at [email protected].

Lest We Forget

In honor and in memory of all those who

have served our Country!

CN Railroaders in the Community Retiree Program

Introduced in October 2010, this program recognizes

efforts of retired employees by providing a $500 cash

grant to the community based charitable organization

they choose to support through their volunteer efforts.

To learn more or to apply, visit www.cn.ca/en/corporate

-citizenship-community-employee-volunteers.htm.

November 7th is National Railway Day!

mailto:[email protected]

P.O. Box 2669

Winnipeg, MB

R3C 4B3

CN Pensioners

Association of Manitoba

Looking for gift ideas? How about one of the books authored and published by one of our fellow pensioners? To obtain a copy of one of these books and for an interesting read check out the following: Smoke, Cinders & Railroaders, contact Paul Doroschuk at 204-638-4312 In One Lifetime: by Theresa Shanoha, 204-774 -390. A Sentimental Journey: by Karl Olafson, 204-256-5221. Through the Window of a Train: by Barbara Lange, 204-667-8521. In The Arms of The Angels—Our Journey Through the Darkness of Dementia:

by Janet Lewis Anderson, 204-275-0482. Events in the Life of Kei: by Gerrit Boonstra, 204-268-3998.

The Book Store

CN Pensioners Association of Manitoba

We’re on the Web—

www.cnpensioners.ca

Letters to the Editor are

much appreciated. If you

have something of interest

with other CN pensioners

I’ll be happy to pass it

along. Email jelretired-

[email protected]. Be

sure to identify CN Pen-

sioners in the subject line.

Mail address—55 Four

Oaks Cove, Winnipeg MB

R3K 0V7.

The newsletter is mailed

out quarterly by your local

Assoc. Total cost of the

mail-out is borne by the

Assoc.

Volunteers in Mailing—Thank you to all who came out to assist in mailing

this edition, and with past editions. The reason we did not post names of the volunteers

this time is because the newsletter goes to print before we actually know who will be out

to help. And so to all Volunteers past and present, please know that we truly value and

appreciate your participation and we look forward to your continued support.

Bowling— CNPA Mixed 5-Pin League every Thursday at 10:00 at Mosienko Lanes.

To join or to spare, please call Marge Jacobson at 204-222-6012.

Frequently Called Numbers

The CN Pensioners Help Line 1 800 361 0739. Always have your PIN to better identify you when making inquiries. If you move, advise the above number. If you are married at the time of retirement, make sure that CN has your spouse’s name on file. Changing banks, with direct deposit, never close your old account until the cheque shows up in the new account. Change of Address 1-800-361-0739 Canada Pension & Old Age Security 1-800-277-9914 Canada Custom & Revenue Service 1-800-959-8281 Blue Cross, contract number 93115 204-775-0161 Income Tax Preparation—Jim Miln 204-253-0137 Health Links Info 204-788-8200, or 1‑888-315‑9257 Phone numbers for International Employees: U. S. Railroad Retirement—Fargo 1-877-772-5772 U.S. Social Security— Grand Forks 1-701-772-5518

For information about the CN Scholarship Program, please

visit www.cnpensioners.org or www.cn.ca.

For information about the Bursary Program sponsored by the

CNPA of MB, please visit www.cnpensioners.ca.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Email Fraud? Report

any Email fraud / phish-

ing to the RCMP at

www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/

scams-fraudes/index-

eng.htm.

Report Phone / Telemar-

keting Fraud to the FTC

at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/

microsites/phonefraud/

report.shtml.

Newsletter On Line: Go to www.cnpensioners.ca, then Publicity Page,

then “Members Only. A pop up screen will appear requesting a username and pass-

word. Username name is: cnpamb; Password for everyone is: newsletter.

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