PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It seems like I just finished writing my messagefor the Winter, 2012 Newsletter (literally, thisis almost true, as I am writing this a month ormore before you will read it). It took me a whileas a member of the Executive to realize that theyear can mean many different things. I havebeen asked by members if they have given theircontribution for the year but I have to thinkabout the ‘year’ in question., Our Executiveyear is AGM to AGM, which means June toJune, but our budget year is actually April 1 toMarch 31. Given that we need to publishannouncements for the AGM in the SpringNewsletter, including the treasurer’s reportbased on the fiscal year, constitutionalamendments, and date and place of the AGM,we have to prepare this Newsletter far inadvance for production, printing and allow forthe vagaries of the mailing system in order toget the Spring Newsletter to members in earlyJune.

Since this is the “end of the year”president’s message, I want to thank theoutgoing members of the executive: P.Landoni, who did an exemplar job as treasurerthis past year, E. Reiche, who has workeddiligently to “shape up” our website during histime on Executive, and D. Lockie who has nowfinished his career on Executive following thepath of Executive member, V-P, President, Past-President, and has served as our representativeon the Board of Governors’ PensionCommittee . Their departure (plus earlier

Spring 2012

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPHRETIREES ASSOCIAT ION

UGRA

UGRA

www.ugra.cacontinued on page 2

Agenda for AnnualGeneral Meeting 2012

The UGRA Annual General Meetingwill be held on June 21, 2012 from10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at theUniversity Arboretum Centre. Coffeeand refreshments will be served. Themeeting agenda is as follows:

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of the Agenda

3. Guest Speaker and Topic (T.B.A.)

4. Approval of the Minutes of the June 2011 AGM

5. Business Arising from the Minutes

6. President’s Remarks

7. Approval of Changes to the UGRAConstitution as circulated

8. Reports

a. Treasurer’s Report andNomination of the Auditor

b. Questions regarding other UGRA issues

9. Nominations Committee Reportand the Election of the Executivefor 2012-2013

10. Remarks from the New President

11. Other Business

12. Adjournment

In this issue

P3 UGRA Spring Forum

Survey of RetireeAssociations

P4 The Health of theUGRA Benefit System

P5 Proposed Amendmentsto the UGRAConstitution

P5 The UGRA Budget2012-2013

Proposed UGRABudget for 2012/2013

P6 Third Age LearningLecture Series Fall 2012

Retirees

Passings

P7 Share Your Wisdomand Skills

Be a ContributingMember of the UGRA

P8 Save the Date for anAfternoon Social

The UGRA ExecutiveNeeds Feedback

Editor: Susan Evers

2

resignations) means we again will have alarge turn-over in our Executivemembership for 2012-2013. On a relatedExecutive note, we have operated for mostof the year without a Vice-President, but asof the April Executive meeting D. Swaynehas accepted the nomination of theExecutive and will fill the position for therest of the year. Also, we have nominatedR. Davidson-Arnott to represent us on theBoard of Governors’ Pension Committeefor a two year term. I would be remiss if Ididn’t mention one other person – BruceRyan. He has not only served on theExecutive, but has also been our Newslettereditor for the past number of years. Manythanks to Bruce. With this issue theeditorship is being taken over by S. Evers.

Please note the announcement of theAnnual General Meeting elsewhere in thisNewsletter. Unfortunately, we have had toleave blank the invited speaker’s name andtopic, because we recently were informedthat Don O’Leary, who had previouslyagreed to address the members at the AGM,will be out of the country at that time andunable to attend. I will send an e-mailreminder of the AGM in June to those forwhom who we have an e-mail address,announcing the speaker and topic.

We now have established a pattern of two

Forums a year. The recent Forum in Aprilhad a good turnout and seemed wellreceived by those in attendance. We alreadyhave obtained two speakers –who will talkon brain fitness and alternatives inresidential living for the UGRA Fall Forum2012 in October (Note the announcementof time and date in this Newsletter, the FallNewsletter will be published after theForum). Also, please take note of PresidentSummerlee’s Retirees’ Social in August.

While this Newsletter publication is inprogress the Executive will still be workingfor two more months. One issue we wishwe had more feedback on is whethermembers are interested in a socialluncheon. The feedback from the article onthis in the last Newsletter was minimal.The possibility of a luncheon will be furtherdiscussed by the Executive and brought upat the AGM. Also, looking at the last fewbudget years and the projection of a deficitfor next year, we could possibly have deficitsfor three consecutive years. The Executivewill be discussing ways of increasing thenumber of members making donationsand/or other strategies for increasingrevenues. One example of the latter isaccepting advertisements in the newsletter,such as the ad in this issue for StaeblerInsurance. Otherwise, it is clear we will bespending down reserves and will have to

eventually cut back on expenditures – suchas switching to e-mail newsletters only, assome other University retiree organizationshave done. Executive will also discusswhether to contact members on a regularyearly basis as a reminder for contributions.Up until now we have left it to thediscretion of the members to contributewhen it best suited them; in fact, a largeproportion of members previously madetheir contribution in June at the U of GPresident’s Luncheon. Perhaps a moreregular timeline could be implemented.

The United Steelworkers Union of Guelph-Wellington has formed a retiree chapter inorder to enhance activities of retiredsteelworkers in Guelph-Wellington. It iscalled SOAR (Steelworkers Organization ofActive Retirees), chapter 6-03. A largenumber of steelworker retirees in Guelph-Wellington were members of local 4010,the University of Guelph employees’chapter, so there is an overlap between theirorganization and ours. But SOAR alsoincludes steelworker retirees who are notuniversity retirees. I have congratulatedthem on their start-up and indicated awillingness to discuss with them in the nearfuture possible ways of cooperating onmatters of joint interest.

Gary Frankie, President, UGRA

UGRASpring 2012

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UGRA FORUMFALL 2012Date/Time:October 18th, 1:30 to 4 PM.

Place:Arboretum Centre.

Speakers:Dr. Mark Fenske,Associate Professor, Department of Psychology,University of Guelph.“Brain fitness and resilience”

Trevor Lee,CEO, The Elliott Community.“Where to live:Some choices for retirees”

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Spring 2012UGRA

The second annual UGRA Spring Forumwas held on April 12th at the ArboretumCentre with two engaging speakers:Robin-Lee Norris, a partner with MillerThomson LLP, and Kim Coulter, who isthe President of Coulter BuildingConsultants and a Director of the GoldenHorseshoe Chapter of the CanadianCondominium Institute. Almost 70people attended the forum on Preparingfor Change.

Ms Norris provided valuable informationon wills and power of attorney documentspunctuated by descriptions of difficultsituations that could have been avoidedwith careful planning. She urged theaudience to review their own documentscarefully, particularly if there has been achange in their marital status.

The power of attorney (POA) for personalcare appoints someone to act on behalf ofan individual when that person is nolonger able to make decisions. Ms Norrisstressed the importance of givingdirections to the person who will hold thepower of attorney; for example, whethercertain types of medical treatments shouldbe withheld and under whatcircumstances. She urged members of theaudience to make sure that others in thefamily know of their wishes so there canbe no question about what is desired.

The POA for property gives anotherperson the authority to make decisionsabout property and finances. In responseto a question about the danger of theperson with the POA being able to use thefinancial resources to their own ends, MsNorris said that today banks and otherfinancial institutions are better atconstraining such actions. She alsosuggested giving the POA to two peoplejointly. This would make it less likely thatfraud could occur.

Mr. Coulter addressed the issue of movinginto condominium forms of homeownership. He opened his presentationwith background information on therecent rapid growth in condodevelopment and noted that increasingnumbers of seniors are downsizing bymoving into building forms that requiremuch less maintenance. He discussed thebenefits [maintenance covered, sense ofcommunity] and disadvantages [rules andbylaws, noise, limited parking] of condolife. The switch from a single familydwelling to a condo is a major life change!Mr. Coulter explained the governance ofcondominiums and the responsibilities ofthe Board of Directors. He closed withgreat advice for those who are consideringa move to a condo: before closing the dealconsult with a lawyer who specializes incondos. For additional information checkthe web site of the Canadian Condo-minium Institute at www.ghccci.org.

A lively question and answer sessionfollowed each presentation. It was a mostinteresting afternoon!

UGRA Spring Forum

Robin Lee Norris

Kim Coulter

Dana Paramskas, a member of the UGRAexecutive, recently reviewed the web sitesof 13 universities in Ontario to compare theactivities and benefits of their retirees’associations. There some consistencies butalso tremendous variations. It is importantto note that the information is restricted towhat is currently posted on the associations’web sites; in a few instances the web sitesmake no mention of such basics as annualfees, benefits, privileges, and special events.We cannot infer that these associations arenot doing anything for their members, justthat they aren’t telling anyone who is notconnected with their university!

Annual fees are $10 to $20 with additionalcharges for luncheons, special events suchas seminars, and excursions. Twouniversities provide staff support to theretirees’ association; this, of course, makes itpossible to organize trips for theatre, winetasting, sports and other events. Some offerretirees parking for free or at reduced rates,university club and recreational centermemberships at little or no cost. Only four[including the UGRA] mention anewsletter. Common benefits include e-mail access, library privileges, and tuitionwaivers.

How does the University of Guelphcompare? The benefits and privilegesaccorded retirees are described on theUGRA website. In brief these are extendedhealth benefits and out-of-country coveragethrough Sun Life [if retirees sign up atretirement], scholarship plan, tuitionwaiver, 50% reduction in parking rate,eligibility to purchase an Athleticsmembership, UG e-mail account, libraryservices, university club membership [if amember at retirement], and of course, thenewsletter! Each Spring and Fall theUGRA Executive organizes a forum ontopics of interest to our members.

Survey of University Retiree Associations

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UGRASpring 2012

In the midst of a continuing period of financialupheaval since 2008, many questions are beingasked about the future of existing pension andbenefit systems. In this piece we will consider theshort to medium term prospects of theUniversity of Guelph benefit packages as theyapply to retirees that receive them. Althoughthere are two retiree plans, with the “old” planclosing in 1996, we will treat them as a singleplan for purposes of this article. While their costsare very similar, the premium revenue for eachplan is segregated and rates are calculatedseparately.

We will focus on two themes: first, the prospectsfor continued cost sharing by the university; andsecondly, the likelihood of increases in theoverall cost of our healthcare benefits. As wehave been advised on a number of occasions, thehealth of the pension plan is largely tied to theprevailing level of long-term interest rates andpresumably it will regain strength once theserates increase by a few percentage points at sometime in the future. The benefit system is alsosubject to a range of different influences such asthe prices of existing and new drugs andtreatments, and the lengthening life span of itsmembers.

The University of Guelph benefit package isvery good, covering most drugs and providingout of country coverage. It is also a cost sharedarrangement, something that some retireeseither don’t seem to know or have forgotten.The university picks up 70% of the cost of theextended health care package and 50% of thecost of the dental benefits. Overall, if a retireereceives coverage under both of these plans, heor she is receiving a 65% subsidy of the cost ofthe benefits from the university. To put that intodollars and cents, the cost to an individual planmember holding individual coverage is $2762.46

per year with the individual paying only $963.36of that amount. The university picks up thedifference or $1799.10 each year for each planmember. For a couple, the savings would bedouble and the same level of subsidizationapplies to family coverage. If one has declinedthe dental coverage, as is the case with about20% of retirees and especially among thoseunder the old plan, then the subsidy is 70% butfor a smaller range of benefits. It is important forretirees to be aware of how their benefits arefinanced and the scale of the university’scontribution.

Another aspect of this subsidy is that it isfinancially more significant for those receivingsmaller pensions. Since the absolute size of thesubsidy is the same for all members, it constitutesa larger share of the amount of pension incomereceived by those with smaller pensions. It wouldbe relatively more costly for these members topay the full cost of their benefits and in this sensethe subsidy has a progressive impact on theincomes of retirees, helping those with smallerpensions more than those with larger pensions.

How secure is the future of this subsidyarrangement? To the best of my knowledge thereis no written commitment that enshrines thisrelationship in law. Any significant change inthis relationship would have importantconsequences for the plan members given thesize of the subsidy. At the same time it appears tohave been in place for as long as the pensionsystem and its related benefit package have beenin existence. Furthermore, it is undoubtedly acentral feature in the logic behind individualplan members planning to stay in the universitypension system rather than cashing out theirpension and seeking their own arrangements. Asa result I believe that there is a reasonablelikelihood that the university would be

constrained to respect the existing shared costarrangement for plan members already retired,even if financial pressures made some changesappear attractive to the administration of theuniversity. What might happen to future retireesis possibly a little more uncertain, although thereduction or elimination of the subsidy maysubstantially increase the numbers of retireeswho choose to cash out their pension. This isprobably something that the university wouldnot find desirable.

The second theme concerns the likelihood of arate increase. The media frequently commenton the rising costs of new drug therapies and thethreat this poses for the finances of benefit plans.The last increase in the rates for retirees occurredin May 1, 2007 and no increase is planned for2012. The claims experience for the retirees’plan this past year has apparently been slightlybetter than that of those currently employed,who will face an increase in their rates, as retireepremiums have more fully covered the costs oftheir plan.

There are slight differences in the plans for thosestill working and those retired. While they sharea common insurance company (Sun Life) andbenefit from the same volume discounts, thefinances of each plan are segregated to avoid anycross-subsidization between the plans. Anyfuture increases will be based on the claimsexperience of the two retiree plans and if anyincrease in rates were required, it would takeplace within the existing subsidized framework.

In light of the ongoing pressures of austerityfacing the university and the provincialgovernment as well, University of Guelphpensioners should pay attention todevelopments related to their benefits. Increasesin our pensions are likely to be very modest atbest. However, benefit cost increases could occurin future years.

Ken Woodside

The Health of the UGRA Benefit System

In the Winter 2012 newsletter, UGRAPresident Gary Frankie discussed theneed to consider amendments to theconstitution which would allow theExecutive Committee to continue tofunction when members resignunexpectedly during the year. The firstchange would allow the replacement for aresigning member to fill the vacant seatuntil the next AGM, at which time s/hecan be elected for a full two year term.The second change defines a quorum as50% of the current members of theExecutive. UGRA members will beasked to approve these changes at theAnnual General Meeting.

First Proposed Change

Old Language:

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS ANDDIRECTIORS:

4.Line 5........ Should a vacancy in anyoffice other than that of the President orVice-President occur during a term ofoffice, the Executive Committee mayask the Nominations and ElectionsCommittee to name a member tocomplete the unexpired term.

New Language:

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS ANDDIRECTORS:

4. Line 5........ Should a vacancy in anyoffice other than that of the President orVice-President occur during a term ofoffice, the Executive Committee mayask the Nomination and ElectionsCommittee to name a member to servein that position until the next AnnualGeneral Meeting, at which time themember may stand for election to a twoyear term.

Second Proposed Change

Old Language:

ARTICLE V: EXECUTIVECOMMITTEE;

4. A quorum of the ExecutiveCommittee shall be seven (7) members.

New Language:

ARTICLE V; EXECUTIVECOMMITTEE:

4. A quorum of the ExecutiveCommittee shall be 50% plus one (1) ofthe number of members of the Executiveat that time.

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Spring 2012UGRA

Proposed Amendments to the UGRA Constitution

The budget situation is approaching acritical point. The association continues torun at a loss with a deficit of $2400projected in the 2012/2013 budget. Theprimary source of revenue is the annualcontribution from members. Unfortunate-ly, among the approximately 2000members, fewer than 20% contribute. Theterm deposits mature in 2013; these monieswill be needed to cover projected deficitsin 2014 and beyond. The major expense isthe newsletter published three times a year.This is an essential means of communictionbetween the UGRA and its members sinceonly 30% of retirees have provided an e-mail address. Membership in CURAC[College and University RetireeAssociations of Canada] allows us toexchange information and learn about the

‘best practices’ of other organizations.Unless revenue increases, some toughoptions will have to be considered such asdropping one issue of the newsletter and/orhaving just one forum per year. If you arenot a regular contributor to the associationplease consider it this year!

The UGRA Budget 2011-2012Approved and Actual

Approved Actual

Total Receipts $9,500 $9,560

Expenses

Newsletter and Web $7,300 $6,850

Meetings $1,000 $1,005 CURAC Membership $300 $300 CURAC Conference $1,350 $1,120 Scholarship $1,500 $ - Bank Charges $20 $13 Audit $125 $80 Photocopy $50 $41 Office Supplies & Misc. $100 $ - UGRA Forum $500 $355

Total Expenses $12,245 $9,764

VarianceSurplus (Deficit) ($2,745) ($ 204)

UGRA Year End Asset Position for2011/2012 as at March 31, 2012

Chequing Account Balance $ 6,539.58

Savings Account Balance $ 440.20

Term Deposits with Meridian Credit Union $10,000.00

Total Assets at March 31, 2012 $16,979.78

Proposed UGRA Budget for2012/2013

ProposedTotal Receipts $10,500

ExpensesNewsletter and Web $7,500 Meetings $1,200 CURAC Membership $300 CURAC Conference $1,300 Scholarship $1,500 Audit $125 Office & Admin. Expense $175 UGRA Forum $800 Total Expenses $12,900 Variance Surplus (Deficit) $(2,400)

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Spring 2012UGRA

September 1, 2011

Glen WilsonLand Resource Science

February 1, 2012

Allan SmithKC - Continuing Education

March 1, 2012

Gisele MacNeilHuman Resources

April 1, 2012

Alan McKeownPlant Agriculture

Angelo PiacampoPhysical Resources - Custodial

Bette Anne QuinnPathobiology

Lynn HamiltonPsychology

Gary NephewKC - Continuing Education

PassingsEthel Evans March 21, 2011Floyd Roadhouse January 20, 2012Stuart Dixon February 2, 2012Bryce Burrows February 14, 2012Patricia Yelf February 23, 2012Anthony Yanchus March 9, 2012Debbie Reeve March 15, 2012Cyril Cook March 16, 2012Valentine Zboralski March 18, 2012Donald Gruber March 21, 2012Quinton Van De Vrie March 28, 2012

RETIREESThird Age Learning Lecture Series – Fall 2012Arboretum Centre10 AM: THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA: HOPES AND FEARS

Sept 19 Miloud ChennoufiIslamists, Monarchists, Hamas, Fatah and Israel. Is Peace Possible In this Political Environment?

Sept 26 TO BE ANNOUNCED

Oct 3 Danny RosenbergThe Challenges of Modern Israel as a Jewish-Democratic State

Oct 10 Mike WardTurkey, Canada and the New Middle East

Oct 17 Marina NematPrisoner of Tehran

Oct 24 NO TALK THIS DAY

Oct 31 Mark SedraEgypt’s Bumpy Road to Democracy.

Nov 7 Meena Sharif-FunkWomen and Islam: From Clichés to Conversations.

Nov 14 Geoff StevensThe Impact of the US Election Results on Canada.

1:30 PM: VENTURING TO COUNTRIES OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Sept 19 Nota KlentrouThe Other Greece: What Tourists Do Not Know.

Sept 26 Paulette CoteChina’s Philosophy on Performing Artists: A Critical Examination of Values.

Oct 3 D’Arcy McGeeLithuania, The Land Beyond

Oct 10 Pauline Head & Rick PedersonFrom St. Jean to Santiago: Two Pilgrims’ Progress.

Oct 17 Allan EdelsparreDon’t ever call an Icelandic Horse a PONY.

Oct 24 NO TALK THIS DAY

Oct 31 Susan Ratcliffe‘Jump on my Back!’ Adventures in Oman and Dubai.

Nov 7 Jeff ThomasonDid Darwin’s Visit Spell the Downfall of Galapagos?

Nov 14 Julie LindhoutHope for Haiti.

NOTE: for the final list of lecture topics, and information on fees, pleaseconsult the Third Age Learning website atwww.thirdagelearningguelph.ca �

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Spring 2012UGRA

University of Guelph Retirees Association (UGRA) Contributing Membership Form (2012-2013)

YES! I want to help promote the welfare of retirees and to foster a mutually beneficial relationshipbetween retirees and the University. Please accept my contribution to the UGRA’s administrative costs.

Name.................................................................................................................. Date...................................................

Address ...........................................................................................................................................................................

City/Province ...................................................................................................... Postal Code.......................................

E-mail ..............................................................................................................................................................................

Amount of your contribution: ........................................

I would like to receive more information about serving on the Executive of the UGRA or on one of itscommittees. Yes No Maybe Later (Please circle one)

If Yes, please provide a phone number: .......................................................................................................................

Please make cheques payable to: University of Guelph Retirees Association

Mail this form with your cheque to: University of Guelph Retirees AssociationUniversity of GuelphGuelph Ontario, N1G 2W1

Share Your Wisdom and Skills!UGRA members have skills and expertise that are a great resource forcommunity organizations. Many retirees have a long history ofvolunteer work; others may be looking for an appropriate opportunity.The UGRA Executive plans to use this space to let members know aboutsuch possibilities. If you are currently involved with an organizationthat is looking for volunteers please send a description of theorganization and a summary of the responsibilities tougra@uoguelph.ca. Alternatively, send a letter to: UGRA, PO Box 48-4916, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1. To start, K9 Helpersis hoping to recruit volunteers:

K9 Helpers is a charitable organization that provides trained servicedogs for adults with mental health disabilities. K9 Helpers is seekingvolunteer directors. The successful candidates must be able to make asubstantial time commitment and as part of this operational board,play an active role in the day-to-day responsibilities of thisorganization.

They should also have proven board experience in a not-for-profitsetting or work experience in a similar role with an understanding ofbest board practices. Experience in the field of mental illness and/ordog training is a definite asset. If you are interested in making adifference in the lives of people with mental disabilities and can make areasonable commitment to serving on an operational board, pleasesubmit your resume on-line to the following email address:info@k9helpers.org with “Board Vacancies” in the subject line.Website: www.k9helpers.org

Be a ContributingMember of the UGRA(2011-2012)All retirees are automatically members of theUniversity of Guelph Retirees Association,but our capacity to operate effectively onbehalf of retirees depends on membersvolunteering to become ContributingMembers. This money covers the costs of thenewsletter, scholarships, meeting roomrentals and support for a member of theUGRA to attend the annual meeting of theCollege and University Retirees Associationof Canada.

Please use the attached ContributingMembership Form to send with yourContributing Membership payment. Wehave asked for a contribution of $20 butalways appreciate those members who addsome extra funds to help us carry on thework.We have also provided a place on theform for those who might wish to contributemore actively to theUGRA either by awillingness to serveon the Executive orby working on acommittee ortask group tocarry out short termprojects.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40064673

RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: ITEMS TOUNIVERSITY OF GUELPH RETIREES’ ASSOCIATIONP.O. BOX 4916UNIVERSITY OF GUELPHGUELPH, ONTARIOCANADA N1G 2W1

The UGRA Executive CommitteeNeeds FeedbackThe UGRA Executive Committee is supposed tobe acting on behalf of the interests ofUniversity of Guelph retirees. Without inputfrom our members, we operate partly in avacuum where we try to imagine what retireessee as important issues and concerns. To do thisjob well, it helps to have more information. So,please take the opportunity to let us know whatyou are thinking about.

Here are the ways you can contact us. Pleaseprovide a name, address and phone number.This will enable us to follow up on requestspromptly. Thank you!

By Email:president@ugra.ca

Via the ‘Contact Us’ tab on the website:www.ugra.ca

By Phone:519-824-4120 x52197. This is phonemail only. Just leave a message.

By Letter:University of Guelph Retirees AssociationP.O. Box 48-4916University of GuelphGuelph, ON N1G 2W1

2:30 P.M.,THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012ALEXANDER HALL (formerly the Axelrod Building)

Please join President AlastairSummerlee for an afternoon socialto reconnect with friends and hearwhat's new and changing at theuniversity. There will also be anopportunity to address anyquestions or concerns you may haveabout your retirement benefits.

Alexander Hall was named in honour ofChancellor Emeritus, Lincoln Alexander.The building was officially opened bythe former Chancellor last Novemberand now houses an environmentalteaching and research centre.

Save the Date