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Editor’s Message CSANews© is published four times a year and is Copyright Summer 2016 by Medipac International Communications Inc., 180 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 2T5. (416)441-7000. Subscription Price: $9.95 Canada; $20.00 U.S. and foreign. Single copy: $3.95. Prices include tax. Published by Medipac International Communications Inc. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not necessarily those of the CSA, Medipac International Communications Inc. or its affiliates, their Directors, Officers, or other employees or agents. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No: 40063603. ISSN No: 1195-2393 Dr. Robert MacMillan David McPherson Andrew Moore-Crispin Robert Wiersema Rex Vogel Merv Magus Donna Carter Michael Coren Jennifer Cox Shari Darling James Dolan Barb & Ron Kroll Illustrator Bob Slack Jim Sherb Ron Steeves Karen Huestis John Foster Gerry Brissenden James Leroux Nancy Hopcraft Ted Popel Michael MacKenzie Wallace Weylie President First Vice-President Second Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Past President Director Director Director Executive Director Legal Counsel CSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Editor CSA Editor Vice President Art Director Director of Sales Account Manager Director of Operations J. Ross Quigley Bob Slack Chris Bradbury Peter Prusa Neville B. Levin Fran Castricone Paula McGovern FALL 2016 | ISSUE 100 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Milestones are to be celebrated. Your birthday, your anniversary, the birth of a child, graduation from school or college, or evenmilestones on the way to completing a difficult task are all important. In our own small way, we are celebrating our 100th issue of CSANews. We have adapted and changed over the years, and usually for the better, but we will have to adapt even more in this digital age. Ten years from now, our children and grandchildren will probably be asking “What’s a newspaper?”The largest newspaper in Canada, the Toronto Star, is in serious financial trouble and the New York Times is being stressed to the limit. Hundreds of newspapers around the world have entered into bankruptcy protection or just shut their doors. Well, I like holding a book in my hands – or a magazine such as this one – and we will continue to produce it. I have never been able to adapt to computer reading, or Kindles, or whatever else they may have out there now. I am very, very computer literate but I am very old school when it comes to my reading habits. We will attempt to bring you 100more issues of a “hold-in-your-hand format,” but we are fully available on the Internet AND on your phone, if you so choose. Congratulations to all of the people who make the CSANews magazine possible! Most of them have been with us from the beginning and we all learned together how to create this wonderful product for you, our wonderful readers. Sincerely, J. Ross Quigley Editor CSANews | FALL 2016 | 3
Table of Contents Features FALL 2016 | ISSUE 100 OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION 22 32 Sailing the Caribbean on a Tall Ship Not a traditional criuse. by Barb and Ron Kroll America’s National Parks Some of the best national parks for Canadian Snowbirds. by Rex Vogel Travel RV Lifestyle 30 CSANews Timeline A chronological look at the first 100 issues of CSANews. Cover Story 4 | www.snowbirds.org
Table of Contents 36 40 Departments 44 Health Pulse 45 Book Review by Robert Wiersema 46 Fitness by Jennifer Cox 47 Longevity by Jennifer Cox 48 Golf by David McPherson 50 Food & Drink by Shari Darling 52 CSA Online by Andrew Moore-Crispin 54 CSA Application 55 Benefits 56 Fun & Games 57 Grins & Giggles 58 Fast Facts 3 Editor’s Message 6 Snowbird Alert 8 Bird Talk 10 President’s Message 11 Government Relations Report 12 CSA Update 14 Insurance by Ross Quigley 16 Canada Clubs 19 Special Events 20 Profile by Donna Carter 21 Opinion by Michael Coren Checking up on your portfolio How to complete a portfolio review, and why you should. by James Dolan Travel Security Safty tips to consider when travelling abroad. by Dr. Robert MacMillan Finance Health CSANews | FALL 2016 | 5
SnowbirdAlert Poisonous Plants in Florida Recommended First Aid Steps: Remove all plant pieces from mouth. Rinse mouth and lips with cool water. Offer sips of water to drink. Wash hands with soap and water. Call the Poison Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222 (U.S. only). Your head has more blood vessels than any other part of your body, so bleeding on the surface of your brain or within your brain is a serious concern in head injuries. However, not all head injuries cause bleeding. It’s important to be aware of other symptoms to watch out for. Many symptoms of serious brain injury won’t appear right away. You should always continue to monitor your symptoms for several days after you injure your head. Common symptoms of aminor head injury include: ■■ a headache ■■ lightheadedness ■■ a spinning sensation ■■ mild confusion ■■ nausea ■■ temporary ringing in the ears The symptoms of aseverehead injury include many of the symptoms of minor head injuries. They can also include: ■■ a loss of consciousness ■■ seizures ■■ vomiting ■■ balance or co-ordination problems ■■ serious disorientation ■■ an inability to focus the eyes ■■ abnormal eye movements ■■ a loss of muscle control ■■ a persistent or worsening headache ■■ memory loss ■■ changes in mood Head injuries shouldn’t be taken lightly. See your doctor right away if you think that you have the symptoms of a serious head injury. In particular, you should always call 911 or go to an emergency room if you experience loss of consciousness, confusion or disorientation. Even if you don’t go to the ER immediately after the accident, you should seek help if you still have symptoms after a day or two. In the case of a potentially serious head injury, you should always call 911. Motion can sometimes make a head injury worse, and emergency medical personnel are trained to move patients carefully without causing additional damage. What Are the Symptoms of a Head Injury? Source: healthline.com Arrowhead Angel Trumpet Caladium Oleander Poison Ivy Poinsettia Glory Lily Rosary Pea Source: poisoncentertampa.org 6 | www.snowbirds.org
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BirdTalk Dear Bird Talk, I am travelling to the U.S. in August withmy truck and travel trailer and vacationing for three weeks in different states. I amplanning on being in Tennessee at the end of the three weeks and then storing the truck and trailer for the winter and flying back to Canada. I am planning to return the following year and continue touring the U.S. and do the same thing over and over for a few years, with the truck and trailer being stored in a different state each year until finally ending in Florida. I realize that my Canadian insurance is only good for six months and that I will have to legally import and register the truck and trailer in the U.S. due to being there for more than one year. Can you give me some direction on how/where I should register the truck and trailer and maybe an insurance company that can provide me with insurance for this type of situation?? Gerald Templeman Gander, NL Ed.: What a great few years lie ahead! The insurance issue is fairly easy to solve as Allstate, State Farm and others will love to underwrite your insurance. You will need to suspend coverages, except for comprehensive coverage (fire and theft, basically), each time you return to Canada. Your main problem will be...”Where do you live?”...on the insurance application. You will need a mailing address or a friend in the state in which you register the vehicle. The best state to register in would be in a non-border state, preferably rural in nature, and not beside those big rivers that flood or those big cities with crime. Insurance costs vary dramatically, by state, so get a few quotes first. Dear Bird Talk, Our Roadtrek 2008 is owned equally by an American citizen and a Canadian citizen. It’s licensed in Arizona and fully insured for both of us and for both countries. My question: do I have to import it into Canada when it spends about six months in each country (as do I). The approx. time intervals in the U.S. – 100 days; four trips to the U.S. over the summer of about five days’ duration each, then another 60 days until year end. While in Canada, it is not used on a daily basis, perhaps a few hours a week only. Thank you for your opinion on this question. BL Archibald Gabriola, BC Ed.: Yes, it would need to be imported into Canada. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) looks at your residency, as opposed to your citizenship. If your permanent residence is in Canada, it would be necessary to import the vehicle into Canada. According to CBSA, you are only allowed to bring temporarily into Canada a vehicle for the purpose of transporting your household or personal effects into or out of Canada (for up to 30 days). In all other circumstances, if you buy, lease, rent or borrow a vehicle while outside of Canada, Transport Canada and border services legislation does not allow you to bring a vehicle into Canada for your personal use, even temporarily, unless it meets all Transport Canada requirements and you pay the duty and federal taxes that apply. One other thing of interest is that, if you tried to cross into Canada with a U.S.-registered vehicle, they may not allow you entry and could seize the vehicle. I had a U.S.-registered car, which I personally owned, stalled at the border for two weeks in exactly those circumstances. Dear Bird Talk, Section C, question 6b on the Medipac Travel Insurance Application asks if you have been prescribed three or more medications for hypertension. One of my medications is a combination of Ramipril/ Hydrochlorothiazide in one pill. To answer that question correctly, is this considered one medication or two when applying for travel insurance? Patrick Lynch Huntsville, ON Ed.: We made the conscious decision to allow one pill to have more than one medication in it. It is only counted as one pill (medication). We felt that many people, especially seniors, would not be aware of the exact content of their medications and wanted people to travel with certainty of their coverage. One of many, many reasons to buy Medipac Travel Insurance. Dear Bird Talk, Just trying to understand the Form 8840 submission requirements. We’re first-time snowbirds and will be spending several months in the U.S. this fall and winter. Is there a submission requirement prior to leaving, or will we just have to file in 2017 for the 2016 U.S. tax year? Karl Piercey Newfoundland Ed.: Congratulations! You will love the snowbird lifestyle and meet many new friends. Try and make it to our Snowbird Extravaganza in Lakeland, Florida in late January (it’s free). The Form 8840 is a voluntary form to avoid possible U.S. taxation by showing that you are really a Canadian. I would file the form in May or June next year and annually thereafter. Dear Bird Talk, We just learned today that the company (Certas) that purchased State FarmCanada WILL NOT insure your vehicle for more than 180 days in the U.S. This was told to me at the renewal of our policy, by our local agent, and confirmed by a call to the company underwriters. In the past, with State Farm Canada, this was not an issue. I suggest that any snowbird with this coverage immediately check with their agent. Wayne Fairman Trenton, ON Ed.: The reality is that no insurance company wants to insure your vehicle for more than 180 days outside of Canada. Most insurers have limits such as a maximum 30-day absence; other insurers will charge you an additional premium to stay away for a month, or two, or six. Some will even tell you to buy your insurance elsewhere. Every snowbird should ask their agent or insurer for confirmation of coverage for the period for which they are away, preferably in writing. 8 | www.snowbirds.org
If you are travelling for less than 41 days and you are under the age of 56, you do not have to complete sections A, C and D of this application. If you are uncertain of your answer to any of the medical questions, consult your doctor. A. ELIGIBILITY ✓Check Yes or No APPLICANT 1 YES NO APPLICANT 2 YES NO 1 Have you been diagnosed as having a terminal illness, been advised by a physician not to travel or do you have HIV, AIDS or AIDS-related complex? 1 yes no yes no TRAVEL EMERGENCY MEDICAL INSURANCE 2016-2017 ACCOUNT NUMBER *123 4 5 6* Paying your premium just got easier and more secure! Pay your premium online with your bank’s website or mobile app. Here’s how… 1. Complete your Medipac Travel Insurance application and calculate your premium. 2. Log into your bank’s website andaddMEDIPACas a payee. 3. Enter your Medipac account number, found under the bar code on your application. 4. Pay your premium. 5. Send your completed application to Medipac. BirdTalk Featuring the letters & concerns of our members SEND YOUR LETTERS TO Bird Talk, c/o CSANews 180 Lesmill Road Toronto, Ontario M3B 2T5 or by e-mail: csawriteus@snowbirds.org Bird Talk Dear Bird Talk, Contrary to Ross Quigley’s experience (Editor’s Message), I got rid of the kid in me decades ago; he was always getting me into trouble. I tend to avoid adults who attend movies based on comic books and I’ve already seen enough fireworks. But I do have a healthy sense of wonder. The first time I saw the Grand Canyon (I now take guests to my Phoenix-area home up there often). I was nearly struck dumb. Years ago, I participated in the observance of a total eclipse of the sun near Estevan SK with astronomy friends and telescopes. No one present could verbally contain their incredible feelings of wonder. And, on two occasions while returning from lake trout fishing at the back end of Lake Athapapuskow in northern MB on a windless evening –the water a blue plate-glass surface matching a sky with the same blue in all directions, left, right, up, down, front, back, only separated by a thin dark line representing the distant shore – I’ve had what my artist friend calls an ”out-of-body” experience. I also remember when I first came to understand Einstein’s special relativity to the point that I realized that there was no other way to construct a universe, I had the same feelings of wonder. Bev Robertson Regina, SK Ed.: The universe is all “wonder.”We should all enjoy it more and take the time to experience it properly like Bev. Dear Bird Talk, Do you recommend getting a shingles shot? We winter in Palm Springs. Thanks. Delores Davidson Alberta Ed.: Absolutely!! And the two pneumonia shots, as well. And the flu shot every year before you travel. Past-president Gerry Brissenden ended up with a case of shingles a few years ago and it was brutal. Medipac has five doctors and they are unanimous about getting these preventive vaccinations. Dear Bird Talk, The Canadian Snowbird Association (by definition) is a Canadian group run by and for Canadians. So why, then, are your recipes in American measures only? Canada has been metric for decades, so why do you not include metric measures? Stan Ilieff Montreal, QC Ed.: Good question! I will send a note to Shari, our writer, and perhaps we can provide both measurements in future. CSANews | FALL 2016 | 9
President’s Message Bob Slack CSA President Welcome to the 100th issue of CSANews. Once I realized that this was our 100th issue, my thoughts turned to the fact that 2017 will be the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Snowbird Association. It is sometimes hard to believe that one thousand and ninety-two Canadians gathered together in 1992 has grown into a national advocacy organization with more than one hundred thousand members. I say it quite a bit, but I don’t think that I can ever say it enough – this would not have happened without the commitment and loyalty of you, our members. Once again, a sincere thank you. As you prepare for your winter in the sun, I would urge all of you to read the 5th edition of our popular Traveller Information Guide. CSA staff has put together a completely updated and revised edition that answers almost every question which you might have about spending your winter abroad. If, for some reason, you don’t find the answer to your question, just pick up the phone and call the office. If they don’t know the answer, you can rest assured that they’ll find it for you. If you are a renewing, lifetime or new member, you will be receiving a copy of the new guide in the mail shortly, if it has not already arrived. For travellers, there are few things more important than having access to current and accurate travel-related information and the Travel Information Guide has you covered. In my opinion, it alone is well worth the cost of your annual membership. Speaking of snowbird information, I know that many of you have attended one of the popular Winter Information Meetings which we host in the Sunbelt states each winter. They’re smaller than our Extravaganzas and, although they also include top-notch entertainment, the smaller size affords us the opportunity to spend more time answering individual questions which you may have regarding the snowbird lifestyle. Having said that, we realize that not everyone is able to make it to one of these free sessions and that’s why we want to do all we can to ensure that our members have an opportunity to share their concerns and questions directly with us. Five years ago, your Board of Directors approved a plan that would bring some of these great information sessions to many of you right in your local winter communities. Our idea was that if a Director were already in your area attending one of our regularly scheduled winter shows, or actually wintered themselves in your neck of the woods, this might be a great outreach initiative. Five years later, I am happy to report that this program has been – and continues to be – a tremendous success. CSA members may book a board member to make an information presentation to their local winter community or club, and both members and non-members are welcome to attend. We include non-members for the simple reason that, in order to keep growing, we would like to make them members! The presentations include information about who we are and what we do, and we attempt to answer any questions which people might have regarding a wide variety of snowbird-related topics. If you would like to book a CSA Director for one of these sessions, please contact the office for more information. A quick reminder that our annual round of Snowbird Lifestyle Presentations is right around the corner. This year, in addition to all of the great information, we’ve got Toronto-based jaxx band The Shuffle Demons, Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Michelle Wright and multi-platinum recording artist John McDermott among others, to keep you entertained. This fall’s round of shows is in Ontario and they kick off in Orillia on September 13, Belleville on September 15 and Nepean on September 16. We then take a few days to regroup before heading to Burlington for a show on September 19 and in St. Catharines on September 20. We wrap up our 2016 Snowbird Lifestyle Presentations with a show on September 22 in Sarnia. Please contact the office or check our website for specific venues and times. As always, these great shows are free of charge and we encourage you to bring a friend who is not yet a member of the CSA. Enjoy what’s left of the warm weather and safe travels to your winter homes. 10 | www.snowbirds.org
Government Relations Report Jim Sherb First Vice-President As many of you are aware, different provinces allow you to remain out of province for different lengths of time without having to re-qualify for your provincial health coverage. During the past 2.5 years, as a result of the hard work of the members, board and staff of the Canadian Snowbird Association, six additional jurisdictions have increased the amount of time for which travellers are permitted to remain out of province without risking their provincial health coverage from six to seven months. Since February of 2013, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the Northwest Territories have all adopted this important travel policy. Currently, most Canadians are only permitted to spend approximately six out of every 12 months in the United States and many of our members choose to do just that. The problem which they faced when they returned home to Canada was that many of them were taking a huge risk of losing their provincial health coverage if they were absent from the province for as little as one day during the subsequent six months of the year. The snowbirds who spent the winter in the United States and wished to attend a wedding, visit their children and grandchildren or care for a sick relative in another province during the following six months of the year were effectively prohibited from doing so, unless they were willing to lose their own provincial health care (at least temporarily). Most provinces require you to remain in the province for 90 consecutive days in order to requalify. If something were to happen to you during those 90 days, you were pretty much on your own. Governments across Canada – of all political stripes – have recognized that extending allowable provincial absence limits from six to seven months was just common sense and was the right thing to do for seniors who have spent their entire working lives paying taxes and contributing to their provinces and local jurisdictions. Unfortunately, despite many discussions, Prince Edward Island is the one remaining jurisdiction that is unwilling to grant this flexibility to their residents. We are on our way to Prince Edward Island as I write this, to sit down with representatives of the official Opposition to see if we can enlist their help in building support for this initiative. As always, we will keep you posted regarding our progress. On June 22, the CSA distributed an advisory by e-mail notifying members that legislation related to the Entry/Exit Initiative had been introduced in the House of Commons. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this issue, in 2011, Canada and the United States agreed to develop a co-ordinated entry and exit information system for cross-border travellers. This system permits information-sharing so that the record of a land entry into one country can be used to establish an exit record from the other. If an individual enters the United States from Canada, it would be recorded as an exit on the system of Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Similarly, if an individual enters Canada from the United States, it would be recorded as an exit on the system of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP). Currently, Canada and the U.S. exchange biographic entry information about third-country nationals (non-U.S. or Canadian citizens), permanent residents of Canada who are not U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. who are not Canadian citizens at land ports of entry. On June 30, 2014, the information-sharing under the Entry/ Exit Initiative was scheduled to be expanded to include Canadian and American citizens. However, this expansion was delayed since the necessary legislation and regulations were not implemented in time. On March 10, 2016, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Obama affirmed that both nations would proceed with the reciprocal exchange of entry and exit records of all cross-border travellers. On June 15, 2016, the minister of public safety and emergency preparedness, the Honourable Ralph Goodale introduced legislation, Bill C-21, An Act to amend the Customs Act, in the House of Commons which will permit Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to collect personal information about all individuals who are leaving or have left Canada. Passage of this legislation will allow for the expansion of the Entry/Exit Initiative, which will eventually include the collection and exchange of biographic entry and exit information of all travellers, including Canadian citizens. Once fully implemented, entry into one country will serve as an exit record from the other. Before any information can be shared, CBSA will have to establish information-sharing arrangements with all partners, which will include safeguards and protections regarding information management and privacy protection clauses. We will continue to closely monitor the progress of the Entry/Exit Initiative and will notify members of any new developments. CSANews | FALL 2016 | 11
CSAUpdate President Director – Ontario Karen Huestis (Ontario/Florida) Past President Director – Ontario Robert (Bob) Slack (Ontario/Florida) First Vice President Director – Atlantic Canada Ronald (Ron) Steeves (New Brunswick/Florida) Second Vice President Director – Central Canada John Foster (Saskatchewan/Arizona) Both the Canadian and American by-laws of the Canadian Snowbird Association Inc. provide that a nominating committee comprising regular members be established by the board of directors to name a slate of candidates for the CSA board of directors prior to the annual meeting. The next annual general meeting will be held in Lakeland, Florida on January 25, 2017. The 2017-2020 CSA national board of directors will be based on regionalization comprising a Western Canada region (BC, AB, YT, NT), a Central Canada region (SK, MB, NU), an Ontario region (ON), a Québec region (QC) and an Atlantic Canada region (NB, NS, PE, NL). Due to space limitations, short biographies about each nominated candidate will be posted on the CSA website at www.snowbirds.org. Secretary Director – Ontario Rod Seiling (Ontario/Florida) Treasurer Director – Ontario Garry McDonald (Ontario/Florida) Director Québec James Leroux (Québec/Florida) Director – Ontario Robert Herman (Ontario/Florida) Director – Western Canada Wendy Caban (British Columbia/Arizona) NOTICE : OTHERS WISHING TO BE CANDIDATES FOR POSITIONS ON THE CSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017-2020 Please note that candidates for the position of president and first vicepresident must have served at least one term on the board of directors. All directors must be candidates only in the province/territory in which their principal residence is situated. Any regular member in good standing who wishes to stand as a candidate for election to the board of directors of the Canadian Snowbird Association Inc., Canadian and American corporations, in opposition to those persons who have been nominated by the nominating committee, either as an officer or director, for the taking of office at the annual general meeting of the association to be held in Lakeland, Florida on January 25, 2017 must submit his/her name in writing, indicating the position sought, supported by fifty (50) signatures of bona fide, active members in good standing, no later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 to the CSA general counsel, on behalf of the secretary: Wallace Weylie CSA Legal Counsel Canadian Snowbird Association 180 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 2T5 please mark envelope “confidential” CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION INC. (A corporation without share capital under part II of The Canada Business Corporations Act) CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION INC. (A Florida not-for-profit corporation) NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION INC. (Canadian Corporation) and CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION INC. (Florida Corporation) will be held at the Lakeland Center, 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland, Florida on Wednesday, the 25 day of January, 2017 at 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon, local time, for the following purposes: • To receive the annual report and the financial statements of the corporations for the year ended October 31, 2016 (and the report of the auditors thereon); • To appoint officers and directors in accordance with procedures, as determined by the bylaws; • To appoint auditors for the ensuing year and to authorize the directors to fix the auditors’ remuneration; and • To transact such further or other business as may properly be brought before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Dated at Toronto this 30 day of June, 2016. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD John Foster, Secretary NOTICE : SLATE OF CANDIDATES FOR POSITIONS ON THE CSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017-2020 12 | www.snowbirds.org
Snowbird Currency Exchange Program TheSnowbird Currency Exchange Program is designed specifically for the snowbird lifestyle. It’s that unique! Join ranks with thousands of satisfied snowbirds who transfer money from Canada to the U.S. at exclusive, preferred exchange rates with little or no fees. It works with all major financial institutions, and the transfers are automatic. The Snowbird Currency Exchange Program is the ultimate in cross-border banking for Canadian snowbirds. The program enables you to transfer money automatically from your regular Canadian chequing account to your U.S.-based bank account. The rest is up to you! You can specify which months and what amounts you want to transfer, or you can have the same amount transferred every month on a continuous basis. What makes this program really unique is that we pool the funds of every enrolled snowbird and complete a single bulk transaction. This grants us access to bulk exchange rates otherwise unavailable to the consumer, and we pass the savings on to you. Unlike most exchange programs, the Snowbird Currency Exchange Program will not subject you to additional fees when your funds are transferred to your U.S. bank account. It’s that good! TheSnowbird Currency Exchange Program – it’s convenient, secure, trusted by thousands and worry-free. Proven by thousands of snowbirds 1-800-265-3200 For information please call the CSA or download the application from www.snowbirds.org
Insurance That was the headline on the very first CSANews magazine published in December 1992. The Canadian Snowbird Association had just won their first victory by implementing the Medipac Travel Insurance plan for members. Compared to prices available at the time, members saved more than $25 million in premium costs. That equated to more than $650 per person, or $1,300 per couple. Medipac International was chosen after an exhaustive search by the Snowbird Steering Committee; 43 different insurers and administrators made presentations to the committee for consideration. Medipac won with a unanimous decision by the Steering Committee members in a straw vote. To be very rigorous, the top three presentations were sent to KPMG, then Peat Marwick, for further review by experts. They wholeheartedly recommended Medipac as “far superior” to the other presentations and the Medipac Travel Insurance Plan was born. Over the years, many insurers, brokers, administrators and associations (some phony) have tried to duplicate the Medipac program, but they have still been unable to do so. They have had cheaper prices in some cases, but that is normally for very inferior benefits and sloppy medical assistance, if any, and long waiting periods. Some have limits that are too low to pay a simple hospital bill. Some have what we call in the industry a “firm pre-existing condition clause,” which means that if you have EVER had anything, it is not covered by your insurance. Think about that for a second or two…the insurance which they are selling you will not cover you for the most likely cause of your claim. Don’t waste your money! We received a very nice note from one of our long-term clients stating that he understood why prices have gone up so much due to the dollar, and he questioned whether the medical inflation in the United States had increased. He had obviously spent the time to figure out that the dollar depreciation was not quite enough to justify our rate increases – and he was right. The medical community in the U.S. is a mess under Obamacare. Of the 24 special health-care co-ops set up to insure Americans, 13 of them have shut their doors or gone bankrupt. The new insurance rules allow large deductibles (which is all that most people can afford) and the hospitals are unable to collect many of these amounts without denying service, which is illegal. The whole system will collapse eventually. But back to the medical inflation. Our average hospital bill, per day, in the U.S. last year was $15,981; this year it is $19,345. A doctor’s office visit (usually with some screening tests) was $2,172 last year; this year, the average bill is $2,498. That’s a ridiculous average medical inflation increase of about 20% in one year. We have not priced in all of these increases as we hope to do better next year in obtaining even better discounts to these bills. We shall see. “We Did It!” 14 | www.snowbirds.org
Insurance Another member writes that he did some research on the Internet and could not find us in the top-five cheapest companies for travel insurance. That is because we are not there at all. Only plans that pay commissions are “rated” and I use that term very loosely. Medipac does not pay commissions to brokers and, as such, we are never included in price comparisons. There is a real danger in comparing prices because there is a huge difference between a lemon and an apple. Only two types of insurance can be easily compared – one is term-life insurance and the other is automobile insurance. Both of these policies and their conditions are controlled by governments. So that is an apples-toapples comparison in almost all cases. Let’s look at house insurance for another few seconds. Do you have sewer backup coverage? Does your policy include flood and/ or earthquake coverage? Do you even know what “land subsidence” means? (It means that if your beautiful ravine home slides into the ravine, you are not covered.) If you live in Toronto or Vancouver, you can kiss that million dollars-plus good bye. Incoming CSA President Karen Huestis had a massive sinkhole open up in her front yard in Florida. She can tell you what a mess – and how expensive – it is to have incomplete coverage. We always seem to learn the hard way, including myself. Did you really read your travel insurance policy? Someone stole my painting, my diamond ring, my lawnmower, etc. Theft is NOT covered under 95% of homeowners’ policies unless the item is listed specifically and a separate additional premium is paid. Burglary, however, is covered, but do you want to split those hairs with the claims department of your insurer? Accidental breakage requires the same individual listing of items so, if you lose that two-carat diamond in your ring (breakage), there is no coverage. Oh, and if you leave the same diamond ring in the golf club washroom and it disappears – that is called “mysterious disappearance” – not covered, of course. Does anyone now actually think that we can pick our home insurance policy on price alone??? Travel insurance can be much more complicated than home insurance. Read your policy and understand your policy! But also, buy Medipac, they really are the best. J. Ross Quigley CEO Medipac International Inc. CSANews | FALL 2016 | 15
Canada Clubs Clearwater/St. Petersburg OPP Veterans’ Association – Suncoast Annual Luncheon Wednesday, March 1; Meet and Greet at 12:30 p.m.; luncheon at 1:15 p.m. Cody’s Original Roadhouse, 26210 U.S. 19 North at Enterprise Road, Clearwater, FL Info: Liz Wickund, FL (727) 530-9438, lizbillwicklund@aol.com. RCMP Annual Picnic Thursday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Sand Key Park, Site 2 in Clearwater Beach. Come and have a great time! Bring your own “everything” event. Members and guests are all welcome. Info: Jack Burbridge, ON (613) 824-2513, FL (727) 729-4565 after January 15. Toronto Police Retirees Reunion Wednesday, March 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Banquet Masters, 13355 49th Street North. This is the 25th-year reunion. Cost is $20.00 per person. Payment information will be circulated at a later date. Info: William Fordham (cell) (705) 351-1966, Florida phone number to follow. william_fordham@yahoo.com; Hugh Ferguson, FL (727) 391-1083, hgano1036@hotmail.com; Gary & Muriel Hooper, FL (727) 943-2512, muriel853@yahoo.com. Ellenton/Bradenton Canadian Club of Colony Cove Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in Manatee Hall, beginning in November and ending in March. Annual events include a breakfast before the meeting in January, Can/Am golf tournament in January and a dinner/dance in February. The Farewell Picnic takes place in March and includes games and prizes. Info: Murray Gow, FL (941) 729-7907. Fort Myers Lee County Port Authority – Southwest Florida International Airport – Guelph Alumni Wednesday, January 25. The facility is reserved for 2 hours for the exclusive use of Guelph Alumni. Alumni and guests will be seated at 10:00 AM to hear speakers from Lee County, Transportation Security Administration, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, Airport Police and a K-9 unit demonstration. Lunch on your own; a short meeting to prepare for Annual Picnic in Port Charlotte will follow at a local restaurant. Make your reservation by January 18, with Larry Thompson, in writing at 415 Claridge Drive, Nepean, ON K2J 5K2, Canada, or by using the contact information below. Info: Larry Thompson, ON (613) 823-0291, larry_t@bell.net. Lehigh Acres Canada Club of Lehigh Acres Potluck dinner/meetings are on the first Sunday of each month, beginning in December. All meetings will be held at First Presbyterian, 60 Bell Blvd N. at 4:00 p.m. Info: Debbie Golden, bruce_debbiegolden@rogers.com. Panama City Beach Canadian Snowbird Luncheon Date to be determined (end of February 2017). 12:00 p.m. at Harpoon Harry’s in Panama City Beach. Info: Nancy Hopcraft, FL (850) 233-8376 after January 1. Port Charlotte University of Guelph Alumni Annual Picnic Wednesday, March 1, at 10:30 a.m. in the recreation centre at Maple Leaf Estates. Payat-the-door cost is $20.00 per person for lunch with wine and dessert. The featured speaker is TBD. Please make your reservation before February 22. Info: Alumni Affairs & Development, (888) 266-3108, eventrsvp@uoguelph.ca. CANADIAN CALENDAR 2016/2017 Please note: Always contact the information person listed for exact details, such as time and location. FLORIDA ARIZONA Buckeye Canada Day Party at Sundance Adult Village Saturday, January 28. Canadian games start at 1:00 p.m.; potluck dinner, dance and entertainment at 6:00 p.m. Open to all those living in Sundance Adult Village. Info: Dennis O’Hare, oharedj@gmail.com. Yuma RCAF Veterans Luncheon Friday February 3, 2017. Doors open at 11:00 a.m., luncheon at 12:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 19, 2575 S Virginia Drive, Yuma, AZ. Info: Barry or Lynne Ryan, AZ (928) 248-4583 lynnebarry@shaw.ca. HAWAII Kailua, Kona Annual Canadian Potluck Thursday, January 26 at 4:00 p.m. in the large pavilion at the north end of the old airport. Please bring a dish to share, your own plates and cutlery, and beverages. A few picnic tables are available, but to be guaranteed a seat please bring your own chairs. Info: Karen Cairns, kncairns3@gmail.com. 16 | www.snowbirds.org
Canada Clubs The phone number for placemat orders is 1-877-888-2505 Oh, say canyou see by thedawn'searly light what soproudlywehailedat the twilight's lastgleaming? whosebroad stripesandbright stars thru theperilous fight, O'er the rampartswewatchedwere sogallantly streaming? and the rocket's redglare, thebombsbursting inair, gaveproof thru thenight thatour flagwas still there. Oh, saydoes that star-spangled banneryetwave O'er the landof the freeand thehomeof thebrave? STARSPANGLEDBANNER Ocanada! Ourhomeandnative land! truepatriot love inall thy sons command. withglowinghearts we see thee rise, thetrueNorth strongand free! from farandwide, Ocanada, we standonguard for thee. godkeepour land gloriousand free! Ocanada, we standonguard for thee. Ocanada, we standonguard for thee. OCANADA! arizona california florida lakelandcenter lakeland florida Mcallenconventioncenter Mcallen texas toorderplacemats foryour social function,call thecsa/Medipacplacemat lineat 1-877-888-2505orvisit www.snowbirds.org. HaveaGreatTimeToday! seeyouatanExtravaganzanearyou! Mesaconventioncenter Mesa arizona theVoiceoftravellingCanadians. Ifyou'renotamember,becomeone! 1-800-265-3200 www.snowbirds.org Yourworld isunique. We insure it. 1-800-267-8000 Enjoy the freedomof the snowbird lifestyle. Callus…beforeyou travelagain! 1-888-MEDIPAC www.medipac.com securecross-borderbanking. Preferred rates.$0-5 transfer fees. 1-800-265-3200 www.snowbirdExchange.com They are FREE and make wonderful table accessories for your Canadian event. To get your supply of placemats, choose one of the following options: ●● Visit us online at www.snowbirds.org ●● Send an e-mail to placemats@medipac.com CSA/MEDIPAC PLACEMATS Order Now! Port Charlotte Canadian Club of Port Charlotte Third Thursday of each month, at 11:30 a.m.; November through March. Held at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St. Info: Hazen Walters, NL (709) 535-1971, FL (941) 624-2073 hazenwalt@aol.com. TEXAS Mercedes Llano Grande Lake Resort Picnic Dinner/dance February 6. Picnic March 1. Cost of tickets includes food and beverages. Open to all Canadians living in Llano Grande Lake Resort. Info: Ron Cave, ON 519-524-5097, TX 956-565-8574 STIMULUS DAYS - In Montana $1 US = Loonie Reservations made for lodging at any Montana location listed below will be AtPar (see details below*) *Must request AT PAR whenmaking reservations; available 7 days a week, based on availability. Payment made in US Dollars or credit card; Does not apply to other package rates or any other special promotion. Cannot be combined with other promos or discounts. Expiration date - 12/31/16. Convenient locations between Glacier & Yellowstone National Parks 1-800-442-4667 Toll Free US & Canada TownPumpHotels.com CSANews | FALL 2016 | 17
Canada Clubs News From Gerry In Ontario Gerry Brissenden CSA Past President What a wonderful summer we have had in Canada this year but I guess, like me, many of you are looking forward to spending the winter season in nice warm areas of the United States. Before you get ready to migrate, you should prepare yourselves for the border crossing. This should not be a cause for concern. We have the friendliest border in the world and crossing it can be easy if we prepare ourselves. Let’s look at some of the ways in which we can make the crossing a pleasant trip for both us and the border guards. First of all, we must understand that spending time in the United States is a privilege and NOT a right. Therefore, be prepared to obey the rules. At the present time, we are allowed to enter the U.S. for up to 182 days in a 12-month period. This means that if you have been border-crossing to shop or attend a sporting event, the border guard has the right to deduct the amount of time which you have already spent in the U.S. from your 182 days. This does not mean that they will always do this but, as we cross the border on a B2 visa (this is the verbal visa which the guard provides to you when he or she gives you permission to enter their country), the guard has the right to use his or her discretion. Therefore, I would suggest that you make it as easy for the guards to do their job as possible. Enjoy your time in the United States and try to attend some of the Canadian Snowbird Association events; these are put on for your benefit and can prove valuable to you. Have a safe and enjoyable trip. The following are a few of the things that will assist you in crossing without problems in a vehicle. ■■ Ensure that you have your up-to-date passports ready and opened to the photo page. This includes every person in the vehicle. ■■ Take off your hat and glasses unless you wear them in the passport photo. ■■ Speak clearly and with respect to the guards. They have a tough job to do. ■■ Open both front and rear windows on the driver’s side to enable the guard to see clearly into the vehicle. ■■ Have a border-crossing binder (or envelope) prepared and include in this any doctor’s appointments which you may have upon your return to Canada. A copy of your hydro bills, TV bills, etc. A copy of your property deed or a copy of a house rental agreement. Also, a copy of your most recent 8840 (Closer Connection Form). Anything which can show that you intend to return to Canada. DO NOT SHOW THIS UNLESS THEY ASK HOW YOU CAN PROVE THAT YOU INTEND TO RETURN TO CANADA. But, as we learned in the Boy Scouts, Be Prepared. ■■ Ensure that your driver’s licence and vehicle stickers are up to date and do not expire while you are away. The same goes for your vehicle insurance. ■■ If you have purchased anything from the Duty Free Shop, have the receipts available. ■■ Answer only the questions asked of you, do not try to joke with the guards. Theirs is a serious job. Remember, they are there to ensure that only the best people are allowed to enter their country. The following topics will be covered: •Who we are •Lobbying the federal, provincial, territorial and U.S. governments •Benefits of being a CSA member •Trip planning •Border crossing issues •How to count days in the U.S. •Forms – 8840 and W-8BEN •Travel medical insurance •Canadian Retiree Visa •Question & answer period ATTENTION ALL SNOWBIRDS! To arrange a FREE presentation in your community, please email the CSA at csastaff@snowbirds.org Canadian Snowbird Association Directors are available for presentations in your local communities CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION 180 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario Canada M3B 2T5 1-800-265-3200 csastaff@snowbirds.org www.snowbirds.org 18 | www.snowbirds.org
SnowbirdEvents Join us at a CSA Winter Information Meeting! Snowbird Extravaganza The Lakeland Center 701 West Lime St. Lakeland Florida Tuesday and Wednesday, January 24 & 25, 2017 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Winter Texans’ Snowbird Extravaganza McAllen Convention Center 700 Convention Center Blvd. McAllen, Texas Tuesday and Wednesday, January 31 and February 1, 2017 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Canadian Snowbird Celebration Mesa Convention Center 201 N. Center St. Mesa, Arizona Tuesday and Wednesday, February 7 and 8, 2017 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All events start at 1:00 p.m. (doors open at noon). For more information or to volunteer, call the CSA at 1-800-265-3200 or visit www.snowbirds.org GREEN VALLEY/SAHUARITA, AZ Friday, February 10 Desert Diamond Casino 110 W. Pima Mine Rd. INDIO, CA Monday, February 13 Fantasy Springs Casino Resort 84245 Indio Springs Parkway WINTERHAVEN, CA Tuesday, February 14 Quechan Casino 525 Algodones Rd. IMMOKALEE, FL Friday, February 17 Immokalee Casino 506 South First St. PUNTA GORDA, FL Monday, February 20 Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center 75 Taylor Street DANIA BEACH, FL Friday, February 24 The Casino at Dania Beach 301 E Dania Beach Blvd. Hundreds of people and sometimes even thousands attend these one-of-a-kind meetings. Join us for a taste of Extravaganza entertainment, hear presentations from the Canadian Snowbird Association, get a Medipac insurance update and pose questions to the panel right from the audience. SUBJECT TO CHANGE CSANews | FALL 2016 | 19
Profile by Donna Carter Two snowbird retirees are among the thousands of Canadians addicted to the fastest-growing sport in North America. Over the past few years, the game with the funny name has virtually skyrocketed onto the recreational sports scene – attracting hordes of enthusiastic players such as Bill and Linda Furse. Retired school teachers living in the Blue Mountain tourist town of Collingwood, Ont., they were first introduced to pickleball in 2003 during a winter getaway in Florida. “Within a few days, we were both hooked,” said Bill. “At the time, we were into tennis and golf but pickleball quickly became muchmore of a passion than tennis ever was.” The Furses say that the game they fell in love with is a fun sport that combines many of the elements of tennis, badminton and pingpong. In simple terms, it’s played on a badminton-sized court divided in the middle by a 36-inch-high net. Special wood or high-tech paddles are used to volley perforated plastic balls back and forth over the net – much like in tennis “but with a lot less running,” said Bill. “The learning curve is also much faster than tennis,” added Linda. The couple obviously negotiated the curve very well, since they won the mixed doubles in the 70-74 age category at the 2015 Pickleball Association of Ontario Championships in Kitchener, Ont. In the same year and same category, the Furses also scored a win in the Eastern Canadian Championships together with similar wins prior to 2015. (The Furses’ expanding medal collection also includes Bill’s wins in the mixed men’s category.) The couple now look forward to competing in the 2016 Ontario Championships in the Markham Pan-Am Centre in September. Every province has its own regional and provincial competitions, culminating this year inmid-July in the Pickleball National Tournament in Kelowna, B.C. People who know nothing about the sport invariably ask the Furses why the game is called pickleball when there are no pickles involved. There are varying accounts of how it got its name, but the one most commonly accepted has a lot to do with a family dog that liked to chase balls. As the story goes, on a summer day in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington, as an antidote for a family’s boredom, the game was invented using improvised equipment which was later refined. The family dog, Pickles, is said to have continually chased after errant balls – hence the name pickleball. This account is hotly disputed by some, but remains the one most repeated. Since the sport’s accidental invention a half-century ago, the rest is history. Today, there is an explosion of pickleball clubs in every province across Canada, as well as throughout the United States and across the world: France, India, Spain, Finland, New Zealand, Australia, Peru, the U.K., etc. Touted as a game for all ages, the Furses point out that the sport has become so widely popular that accessibility to indoor and outdoor places to play can sometimes be an issue in certain communities. “This is such a fun game, it’s incredibly easy to get addicted to it,” said Linda. The couple admit, however, that there is more to the sport than just plain fun; potential benefits include increased flexibility, balance, agility, muscle tone, heightened energy and a high degree of social interaction. BobMacLeod, board president of the CSGA (Canadian Senior Games Assoc.), says that his organization includes pickleball as one of its core activities. “It’s a minimal-cost sport offering great exercise and a path to better health,” he said. Pickleball will be among the competitive events at the CSGA’s 2016 Canada 55+ Games in which each of the provinces sends pre-qualified competitors.The Games take place in mid-August in the host city of Brampton. Once summer tournaments are over and cold weather descends, pickleballers move to indoor courts – unless they are snowbirds like the Furses, who head south to Florida and The Villages retirement community north of Orlando. The couple could not have chosen a better snowbird retreat since The Villages supports pickleball in a big way. The giant retirement community has numerous courts for both regular play and scheduled competitions. Overall, Bill said that he and Linda have the best of both worlds. “Instead of total snowbirds, we like to call ourselves snowflakes. We rent inThe Villages November and December, return home for skiing in January and February, then back to Florida for March and April.” When the Furses took up pickleballing just over a decade ago, it was on the leading edge of the game’s phenomenal growth in which numbers today speak to the trend. Board president for Pickleball Canada, Val Vollman, said that an informal June 2016 count showed that there are more than 27,000 pickleball players across the country with new clubs springing up so fast that the tally increases month to month. To those not yet introduced to the game, the Furses have this advice. “Try it, you’ll love it.” WILD ABOUT PICKLEBALL 20 | www.snowbirds.org
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