"You've got mail"

Congrats!
As a four year editor of a 20 page brain injury related newsletter, I take great interest in the style and substance of News and Views. Looks like N&V has another winner editor. Congratulations with a job well done. I like the many articles with substance. I also like the 'clean' look with a consistent font. One thing I aim for though is an illustration or graphic every two pages. I'm sure someone in the ATA publication department can help out.

Harlan Hulleman (Ed: received by e-mail)

Newsletter History
"I think that David [Flower] should know that Madeline Fisher did not "establish" the newsletter. Until I was the Executive Secretary, once or twice a year for many years, a "President's Newsletter" was sent to the members. At some time before 1992 a call went out for a motto for ARTA and my proposal for "Looking Ahead Since 1963" was accepted. Later still a call went out for an ARTA logo and the oval design now in use was submitted by some Medicine Hat teachers and was accepted. After I became Executive Secretary in 1992 I sent out a letter several times. In 1994 I composed a long rambling newsletter and took it to Lil Fuhr (in an ATA office) with a request for help in improving it . . .In a relatively short time the format as seen in the April 1994 issue of ARTA News and Views was presented to me as a fait accompli. I shall be forever thankful for the help that Lil's department in the ATA gave us in establishing a decent newsletter format and in the printing of the publication until 1996."

Ron Rhine (Ed: this is an extract from a longer letter from Ron.)

 

ARTA © 2005

Unfair to Seniors
I am writing on a matter that is, in my estimation, grossly unfair to seniors. The system as it exists today penalizes seniors who have been frugal in their younger days and made some attempt to save for their old age by contributing to RRSPs. The unfairness occurs when any RRIF payments or withdrawals from the fund are added on to TOTAL INCOME on income tax returns. This is fair enough when that figure is used for determining income tax to be paid by the senior, as that amount was not taxed originally, but the understanding was that the RRSP was a tax deferral method. However, that amount is also used to determine eligibility for benefits (as it is in Alberta), and therein lies the unfairness. By virtue of the added-on RRIF withdrawals or payments, which may put one over the eligibility threshold the frugal senior loses the benefits [to which he/she would otherwise be eligible] whereas the senior who did not contribute to RSSPs by choice is enjoying the benefits . ….
What I would suggest is that RRIF payments and withdrawals be included in TOTAL INCOME for income Tax purposes only, and that amount be excluded for all other purposes including the claw back and seniors' benefits.
I hope my views will generate discussion and concern. I would request ARTA and individual members take up this matter with the powers that be.

Ronald Voss (Ed: edited for length.)

 

PUN my soul! There was a man who entered a local newspaper's pun contest. He sent in ten different puns, in the hope that at least one of the puns would win. Unfortunately no pun in ten did! .