R E T I R E D W O M E N T E A C H E R S O F O N TA R I O. President s Message

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1 MARCH 2008 CONNECTIONS R E T I R E D W O M E N T E A C H E R S O F O N TA R I O Jean Axcell - President Now that the dismal gray days of winter are waning, I trust that many of you are returning from sunnier climes or exciting travels. Some of you, like myself, are abandoning the comfort of the easy chair by the fireplace and are eagerly anticipating the pleasures that the arrival of spring brings. With the arrival of brighter days we can approach our duties with renewed vigour and I personally look forward to the continuation of branch visits and final preparations for the Annual Meeting. As I have travelled throughout the province this year I have been given the honour of presenting 100 year old members with roses, the pleasure of presenting Cora Bailey Awards to members who have contributed so much to RWTO, and in the upcoming visits I will have the opportunity to install the executives in several branches. I have been made aware of the various initiatives, the numerous outreach programs and the remarkable methods of sharing and caring that are carried on in our branches, from the smallest to the largest. It is my plan, that at the end of my term of office, I will share some of the unique ideas I have found on my travels with each branch. This year I have been made totally aware of my age and my inability to keep up with technology. The age of digital cameras, ipods, and docks, wii s, portable hard drives, memory cards, discs and blackberries, not to mention the computer, all of which my grandchildren execute with ease, has provided an old mind ample opportunity to keep active, to expand and to become confused and frustrated on occasion. I am pleased that many C A R I N G & S H A R I N G President s Message of our new members are knowledgeable in these fields and will be able to move RWTO forward electronically. For RWTO the computer has certainly been a cost saving force. Over the year I have received many excellent suggestions and some of these we will be reviewing at our April Executive meeting. As you are aware, changes are made slowly, but we will certainly listen and try to bring to fruition as many suggestions as we can. In the spirit of making our organization a better one, it is important that the branches take ownership. Submitting ideas for consideration by the board is one way to achieve this. Taking an active part at the branch and provincial level is another. Now is the time to step up and offer your services, because in the next few months executives will be created for , even though it seems like only yesterday when we began planning the present year. When I was teaching, I worked for five years of my career with my principal husband, Larry, and I used to frequently tease him that he was only as good as his staff made him look. I can now verify that this can be applied to presidents as well. The Provincial Executive H O W T O C O N TA C T U S Provincial President: Jean Axcell 1443 Firwood Cres., Peterborough K9K 1J larjeaxl@sympatico.ca Provincial First Vice-President: Carole Watson 9 Farley Pl., St Thomas N5R 3E carole.watson@sympatico.ca Insurance Convenor: Carolle Kennedy 116 Creekwood Cres., Whitby L1R 2K kennedy.c@sympatico.ca Manulife Financial Broker, Terry Kennedy tkennedy34@cogeco.ca and Board have been outstanding in their commitment and support to me and the organization. They are volunteers who give many hours to RWTO on your behalf. Our newly hired Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Gloria Drake, whose knowledge, expertise and congenial personality are exceptional, has made the role of President an enjoyable experience. Carolle Kennedy and Anne Graham worked hard to organize an Insurance Workshop in the fall and Martha Abra skilfully provided a workshop for the treasurers at the same time. I want to thank all the committees who, with creativity and enthusiasm, have performed their duties admirably well. Many of the board members have submitted excellent articles to the Newsletter and I want to commend Joyce Fee, our Communications Convenor, for her work in looking after the web site and producing our newsletter. This is a monumental task that takes hours and hours of preparation. Marilyn Emmett, our program convenor, guided the directors in their roles and has provided information about the continued page 3 Provincial Office Executive Secretary-Treasurer: Gloria Drake 2332 Woodburn Rd., Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0 Phone: (289) Fax: (905) Toll Free: info@rwto.org PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: RWTO Provincial Office 2332 WOODBURN RD BINBROOK ON L0R 1C0 Publication This newsletter is published three times each year in September, November and March. Deadline for submissions is the second Tuesday of the previous month. Circulation is approximately 6,000 copies.

2 2 In Memoriam NAME CITY BRANCH NAME CITY BRANCH Barkwell, Marion Bright s Grove Sarnia-Lambton Bell, Mary Jane St Catharines St. Catharines Bell, Ruth Hamilton Blue Mountain Bezaire, Elizabeth Amherstburg Windsor-Essex Blackmore, Ethel Hamilton Hamilton-Wentworth Blais, Glorette Chelmsford Sudbury Blakeney, Josephine Orleans Ottawa-Carleton Brown, Florence Thedford South Bruce Burnett, Marjorie Toronto Rendezvous Chisholm, Flora London South Bruce Coe, Grace Bracebridge Muskoka Coghlin, Verna Hamilton Hamilton-Wentworth Couch, Marguerite Havelock Peterborough Craig, Frances Ottawa Ottawa-Carleton Craig, Nita Brampton Peel North Cronk, Ila Kingston Kingston Davidson, Edith Blenheim Chatham-Kent Dawson, Glenn Ancaster Hamilton-Wentworth Dawson, Marion Chatham Chatham-Kent Demaine, Jessie Bath Kingston DeVilliers, Medora Penetanguishene Pay Direct Dorland, Jean London London-Middlesex Doyle, Kathleen Windsor Windsor-Essex Elliott, Ellen South River East Parry Sound Emptage, Helen Orleans Ottawa-Carleton Engel, Stella Fort Erie Niagara South Everard, Doris Sundridge East Parry Sound Fallona, Margaret London London-Middlesex Farber, Mary East York Rendezvous Fisher, Laura Stevensville Belleville Fisher, Velma Peterborough Peterborough Ford, Kathryne Ridgetown Windsor-Essex Foster, Doris London London-Middlesex Fountain, Iola Sault Ste Marie Sault Ste.Marie Francis, Norma Prescott Grenville East Gailey, Elizabeth Toronto Rendezvous Godak, Mary Niagara Falls Niagara Falls Gordon, Dorothy Niagara Falls Niagara Falls Grant, Wilhelmine North York Scarborough Hamilton, Ethel Atwood Listowel Hardy, Jean Strathroy London-Middlesex Harrison, Olga Peterborough Peterborough Hawton, Helen Bradford Peel North Holland, Margaret Scarborough Scarborough Hollands, Sarah Kincardine South Bruce Holley, Ruby London London-Middlesex Hoy, Mary S. St Pauls Station Stratford Hurley, Frances Toronto Hamilton-Wentworth Israelson, Elsa Lively Sudbury Kendel, Eve Sudbury Sudbury Kennedy, Roberta (Betty) Sarnia Sarnia-Lambton Kerr, Kathleen Athens Brockville Kipp, Dorothy St Thomas St. Thomas-Elgin Klinck, Trudy West Montrose Pay Direct Laidlaw, Clara Brantford Chatham-Kent Laughlin, Lois Coldwater Coldwater Lewis, Patricia Hamilton Hamilton-Wentworth Lynch, Bertha Belleville Belleville MacAdoo, Eleanor Belleville Kingston MacDonald, Ada Mountain Grove Kingston Malcolm, Kate North York York North Marskell, Beulah Hamilton Hamilton-Wentworth Marvin, Marian F. Port Hope Northumberland Mason, Vera Collingwood Blue Mountain Matthews, Muriel Orillia Orillia McAllister, Irene Cannington Durham North McDougall, Marjorie Orangeville Peel North Miller, Anna Kitchener Kitchener-Waterloo Miller, Donna London London-Middlesex Morison, Margaret Grassie Lincoln West Mutton, Helen Sarnia Sarnia-Lambton Noecker, Shirley Moorefield Palmerston Norton, Ruth Meaford Beaver Valley Nye, Gabrielle Sudbury Sudbury O Hagan, Kathleen Walkerton South Bruce Olsen, Doris Tilbury Chatham-Kent O Neil, Frances Watford Sarnia-Lambton Paddon, Doris Ottawa Ottawa-Carleton Pawlik, Sharon Flamborough Hamilton-Wentworth Peckham, Josephine Etobicoke Rendezvous Pimblett, Hazel Lindsay Durham North Pincombe, Virginia Oakville Peel North Poole, Leona Ridgetown Chatham-Kent Powis, Helen Sault Ste Marie Central Algoma Price, Amy Tillsonburg St. Thomas-Elgin Racher, Isabel Petrolia Sarnia-Lambton Raymond, Laurette Sudbury Sudbury Real, Margaret Uxbridge Durham North Rice, Catherine Vineland Niagara South Robinson, Monna Belleville Belleville Russell, Dorothy M. Napanee Napanee Saegusa, Ayako Waterdown Rendezvous Samson, Adèle Espanola Sudbury Savigny, Corona Peterborough Peterborough Schoular, Thelma Smiths Falls Lanark Scott, Marie Cambridge Palmerston Searle, Alma St Thomas St. Thomas-Elgin Sharpe, Doris Brampton Peel North Simpson, Elsie Brantford Grenville East Smith, Dorothy Hillsburgh Guelph-Wellington Smith, Florence Alvinston Sarnia-Lambton Smitheram, Mildred Windsor Hamilton-Wentworth Snobelen, Annie Toronto York North Snow, Phyllis Sudbury Sudbury Spence, Miriam Thornhill York North Stewart, Evelyn Almonte Lanark Swanson, Gladys Cannington Stratford Sweeney, Madeline Toronto Scarborough continued page 3

3 3 continued from page 2 In Memoriam NAME CITY BRANCH Sweet, Pearl Essex Windsor-Essex Thierry, Anna Kitchener Kitchener-Waterloo Thompson, G. Marie Sarnia Sarnia-Lambton Tooley, Ethel Trenton Trenton Trousdell, Rita Peterborough Chatham-Kent Tufford, Muriel Beamsville Lincoln West Tulecki, Alice Kitchener Kitchener-Waterloo Tyrrell, Marjorie Burlington Oakville Vasey, Verna Welland Niagara South Vaughan, Agnes Windsor Windsor-Essex Verner, Adeline Bolton Blue Mountain Wainwright, Winnifred North York York North Wallace, Sheila Welland Niagara South Watkinson, Bess Midland Pay Direct Watson, Edna Orillia Orillia Watson, Jessie Collingwood Scarborough White, Marguerite Chatham Chatham-Kent Williston, Irma St Catharines St. Catharines Wilson, Catherine Sarnia Sarnia-Lambton Wilson, Mary Brampton Peel North Wolstenholme, Ruby Hamilton Hamilton-Wentworth Wright, Anne Odessa Napanee From Goodwill: A perk of being the Goodwill Convenor is receiving the inspiring and informative notes from the members to whom I have sent a birthday and/or Christmas card on your behalf. These women are 90 years young and older. All of them have conveyed to me how much they appreciate being remembered by RWTO. At this time, the most recent message has come from Lotta Fretz, a member of the Niagara South Branch, who celebrated her 100th birthday on January 16th. Her note states, The RWTO have made my 100th birthday very special. Thank you for the beautiful gifts of cards and flowers. I am honoured to be a member of RWTO, a distinguished order of Ontario society. Congratulations also to Grace Coe, Muskoka Branch, who reached this special milestone on February 23, and Mildred Roblin, Napanee Branch, who marked this special day on March 12. Thank you to the executive of the above branches who arranged to have flowers delivered to these members from RWTO. Please continue to make Gloria Drake and/or myself aware of any changes in your branch information as it pertains to the over 90 group. It is only with your help that we can continue to remember this very important segment of our membership. Yours in caring and sharing, Mary Jane Finn continued from page 1 President s Message annual meeting to the branches. This was a huge task, done behind the scenes. Mary Jane Finn has taken time to send greetings to our 90 year old members at Christmas, in the spring, and on their birthdays. Many, many thanks to Mary Lanktree and Ruth Kaufman along with the branches in Area One, for their many hours of time and commitment in hosting the 2008 Convention in the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood this year. We are looking forward to renewed friendships, lots of fun, and, of course, a productive business meeting. Last of all, my thanks are extended to the branches who have so graciously invited me to share in their meetings and have provided me with exciting newsletters. As a result of my visits I have found all branches are showing remarkable interest in increasing their membership and in providing exciting and varied programming for all age groups. Congratulations in your effort to meet the goals of Sharing, Caring and, particularly at this stage of our lives, Having Fun. I was pleased to meet and talk with many branch executives. They are strong members who meet their obligations with good humour, sincerity and professionalism. The number of cards I received from the branches when my mother passed away in October is just a small indication of the effectual caring and sharing that exists in the branches. My sincere thank you for your expressions of sympathy. Above all, I want to thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to serve as your president this year and as you engage in your RWTO activities, to quote the Irish Blessing: May you always have work for your hands to do. May your pockets hold always a coin or two. May the sun shine bright on your window pane. May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you. And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. With warmest regards and yours in Caring and Sharing and Having Fun, Jean Axcell, President RWTO Brochures New brochures are now available from the Provincial office. Contact Gloria Drake at or info@rwto.org C A R I N G & S H A R I N G

4 4 Branch News Grenville East What do we treasure? Here are but a few. We treasure our friends RWTO members like you. Come to our meetings Where friendships renew; You ll see a real treasure Smiling back at you. Our members celebrated fifty years by creating a book, Teachers Treasures, in which we highlighted what is special to us. Each page of this book describes something that is especially important to one of our members, and is showcased with the owner s photo. We all prize this collection, as it introduces us to unique interests in the lives of our friends. The proceeds from the sale of this album have been put to good use in our Outreach Project, by enriching the experiences of local children at Rideau Hill Camp. Our members introduced various ideas to the Moms and Tots program at camp last summer by providing materials, instruction and inspiration. Each year we continue to supply the camp with a variety of craft items for use during the camping season. We know from the very positive feedback we receive that the young people appreciate these offerings, and our members enjoy playing a part in this worthwhile organization. Penta The five branches that make up District 12: Burlington, Lydia Snow, Mississauga, North Peel and Oakville, call themselves PENTA. Under the guidance of chair person Ruth Ferguson, the Burlington Branch hosted the 2007 annual PENTA Luncheon, a star-studded event, attended by 275 members from across the district. President Jean Axcell addressed the audience with grace and humour. Entertainment was provided by a Burlington based seniors performing troupe, The Footnotes. A delicious lunch and prizes contributed to a special time together. East Parry Sound Our branch of fifty-seven members is as lively and as active a group as ever. Speakers this fall gave us insight into financial planning and teaching in China. Our five monthly meetings were supplemented by a July day trip and cruise in Parry Sound and a December Carol Sing with residents of the Eastholme Seniors Home. Outreach projects this year were extended to include raising funds for a small rural school in Lesotho, Africa. We called this project Nickels for Knowledge. In October, we had a lot of fun at our Silent Auction. Bidding on each other s hand-crafted items was a great way to do some early Christmas shopping. St. Catharines Our branch has four luncheons a year held at different venues. A brief meeting is conducted before lunch followed by some form of entertainment after lunch. We offer many different interest groups to our members. These take place from September to June, except for the golf group. We do some fundraising and over the past year we raised enough money so that we could make a $ donation to the women s shelter. Our donation helped purchase the electronic equipment in the new shelter. We have started to communicate electronically with our members who wish to receive their newsletters and meeting reminders via . With cards, a visit or a phone call, we remember our forever young ladies. Hamilton Wentworth Members enjoyed a delicious buffet brunch, Breakfast by the Bay. A Summer Reading Sale took place with all proceeds going to women s shelters via our Outreach Fund. Toiletries were collected for the shelters. As part of this event, a memorial service was held for those members who had passed away. The Goodwill Committee made a donation to McMaster Seniors Services, in their memory. Four ladies were awarded Cora Bailey awards for their outstanding contributions: Liz Verrall, Judy Coombe, Jeannie Hrycenko, and Marg Parsons. Muskoka Muskoka s RWTO year will be forever memorable due to our special speakers. Alex Tilley, a Muskoka resident and creator of the famous line of Tilley Endurables Clothing, entertained us with his success stories at our September luncheon in Bracebridge. (In the photo, some members sport their Tilley clothing. Mr. Tilley is fourth from the left.) Hat and Glove Garden Lunch continued page 5

5 5 continued from page 4 Branch News Provincial President, Jean Axcell, will travel to our March 27th luncheon to be held at the prestigious Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. Dr. Ken Evans, son of our newsletter convenor, Janet Evans, will address our gathering. Ken is involved with cancer research at the MaRS Centre in Toronto Burlington Members and friends of the Burlington Branch of RWTO gathered at the Burlington Central Library in the Children s Department for the donation of the Circle of Fun activity centre to encourage literacy and learning. Some of the children from Story Time showed us how much they enjoyed using this active learning centre. President, May Lyons, thanked the committee of past President Ruth Ferguson, Carol Martin, Provincial Representative and Sharron Crawford-White for their work in representing RWTO in such a beneficial way in our community. Coldwater When we found that our group needed programming for the fall of 2007 we asked for three volunteers for each month. Members readily signed up and plans were made. For October, members brought their favourite fall poems and we enjoyed a catered lunch. In November, we ate homemade soup and sandwiches. A knowledgeable representative from RWTO head office brought us up to date regarding insurance issues. Our December meeting was a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings followed by Christmas carols. Our new president, Lee LaFrance, assumed office at the December meeting. Lincoln West The fifty-one members have enjoyed a variety of entertainment. Speakers have included a local politician, Shirley Martin, who is a fundraiser for our local Hospice Niagara McNally House, located in Grimsby; Bras by Lucy was interesting as to proper fittings; Barbara Laughland, who travelled across Canada by bicycle, and Earl Clint, a travel agent, showed us slides of a trip to Newfoundland. The youth choir from Great Lakes Christian College sang with enthusiasm and was greatly appreciated by all. Our ladies are involved in supporting Women s Place and shelter for battered women. President Laurena Brouwer sends personal invitations to newly retired teachers. Peel North Peel North has continued to add activities for members to participate in and to get to know other members a little better. Outings, lunches, and movie-going remain popular. Euchre and bridge participants meet monthly. The golfers can t wait for the return of sunny days. Other activities are in the early days of organization. Oakville Hey, Miss. I m not in Level H anymore. I m in Level J now. These were words of excitement and pride that were heard by the group of Oakville Branch members who volunteered this past spring at a local school, working with individual students in the All Star Reading Program. This program is designed to increase the literacy rate of the participating students. Our volunteers would hear them read aloud one or two times a week from a variety of books at their reading level as well as review some basic reading skills. Our provincial project money was used by the school to purchase books for use in this literacy program. The pleasure that was observed in each student s growth and accomplishments was most gratifying. Orillia ODE TO THE SCHOOL BELLES One day when at a meeting A list was passed around Sign up if you are willing For your voices to resound. There was no hesitation To be a volunteer A group of retired teachers Would sing and bring good cheer. Fingers dance across the piano Feet deftly slide across the floor Drama, poems and recitations, A cat, a play and much, much more. Besides our weekly sing-a-long Many outings we hold dear The fellowship and friendship Often emote a happy tear. The School Belles number twelve To brighten one s day their aim Love and joy an added benefit Warmth and wonder a special refrain. C A R I N G & S H A R I N G

6 6 nd RWTO 52 Annual Convention June 3, 4 & 5 Blue Mountain Inn, Collingwood N.B: Did you participate in the Blue Mountain Inn raffle at the Sarnia Convention? To receive the $10 Convention Package discount your receipt MUST accompany your registration. Tours Each tour will last approximately 4 hours and cost $50, lunch included. Indicate your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices on your Registration Form. 1. Tom Thomson Tour Enjoy the scenic drive to the Annan-Leith area along the shores of Georgian Bay. After a catered lunch at Trinity United Church in Annan, you will have a tour of the historic Leith Church, grave site and early home of landscape artist Tom Thomson. Then you'll visit the Tom Thomson Memorial Art Gallery, a regional art centre and national cultural attraction. Easy limited walking 2. Grey Roots Museum Explore the rich history and splendor of Grey County at Grey Roots Museum and Archives. Lunch will be supplied by the European Bakery Café. You will visit the galleries, theatre and Heritage Village where a replica schoolhouse has been added courtesy of retired teachers. Easy walking 3. Magnificent Meaford Don't miss the opportunity of visiting historic Meaford, eating lunch in a restaurant that was once a church and enjoying the marvelous views of Georgian Bay along the way. You will have the pleasure of touring through the newly renovated and restored Meaford Hall, viewing the work of local artists in the Gallery and stopping at Christ Church Anglican to marvel at the magnificent church window constructed of glass fragments salvaged from European cathedrals that were bombed during World War II. Easy walking When you come to the Blue Mountain Inn you will find a first class resort for our 52nd Annual General Meeting. The Inn is proud to offer first class accommodations, spacious meeting rooms and a very obliging resort staff. Many hours have been spent to bring the best possible, affordable rates to you. What a unique idea to offer all-inclusive registration packages! ** Please Quote Retired Women Teachers of Ontario Reservation Number 31H2J5 when making reservations * If you are staying at the resort for three days, it is expected that you will sign up for the three day registration package. Standard Rooms Condo Suites Double Beds 2 Bedroom - $ $ (tax & RAF included) 3 Bedroom - $ Blue Mountain Resorts Ltd. R.R. #3 Collingwood, Ontario L9Y 3Z2 Phone: Toll Free: Delegates and Guests for the 2008 Covention are welcome and encouraged to reserve rooms or condos as soon as possible to ensure preference How do I get to Blue Mountain Inn? Blue Mountain Inn is a short distance west of Collingwood. For information By Air: Contact Collingwood Airport at (705) By Bus: Contact Greyhound at By Car: From the East: Take Hwy. 26 West to Collingwood. Turn right onto Pretty River Parkway. Turn left onto Huron St. Continue on this road to Jozo Weider Blvd entrance #2. This will take you through Collingwood, crossing High St., passing A&P and WalMart to Blue Mtn. Turn left and follow the signs to the hotel. Please note: after you turn onto Huron Street, you do not turn again until you come to Jozo Weider Blvd. From the South: Take Hwy 24 (part of which is County Rd. 124) through Collingwood to First St. Turn left. Follow directions above from First St. From the West: Take Hwy. 26 East to Jozo Weider Blvd., entrance #3. Turn right and follow signs to hotel. For a map of the area go to 4. Valley Views We will travel the highways and byways exploring this part of the Niagara Escarpment; learn about its biodiversity and ecological features and the development of the area by the pioneers who settled here in the mid 1800s. We will visit three of the area's beautiful waterfalls, three breath-taking lookout points and explore a grotto-like cave for lichens, moss and ferns. A buffet lunch will be provided at the Falls Inn at Walters Falls. This will be an interactive day trip so wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera. Hiking will be over some uneven terrain with the longest walk being about 5 minutes. Tuesday Workshops Three interesting and informative workshops are being offered on a voluntary basis. Join in to share ideas and successful initiatives from your Branch. You can rotate through two sessions. Please mark your intent to attend on the registration form. (3:00 and/or 4:00 pm) 1. Lee Beech: Parliamentary Procedures for New Delegates 2. Gerri Wilson: Program - A Networking Session 3. Carol Martin: Liability Insurance Note: Your confirmation and receipt will be mailed after the April 15 deadline.

7 7 RWTO Convention 2008 Retired Women Teachers of Ontario 52nd Annual Meeting June 3, 4, 5 HOSTED BY AREA 1 Grey/Bruce Branches Name: Given Name Surname Check your role at Convention: Delegate (votes at business meetings) Address: RWTO Member City: Guest Prov. Postal Code Contact: ( ) - Provincial Board Member Home Phone # Address RWTO Branch: Other Special Dietary Requirements (if any) Ambulatory Requirements (if any) Event Cost x My Cost Tours: Convention Packages Indicate your 1st, 2nd & 3rd choices: 1. Full Convention Package (All tours include lunch) includes 3 day registration, Tues. dinner, Wed. buffet breakfast and banquet and Tom Thomson Tour Thurs. breakfast and luncheon 2. Wednesday Convention Package $245 Grey Roots Museum Magnificent Meaford includes 1 day registration, buffet breakfast Valley Views and banquet $ Thursday Convention Package Check here if you do not have includes 1 day registration and luncheon Other $50. a roommate and want help finding one. Wednesday Tour and Lunch (not included in pkgs.) Late registration fee (after April 15) Tuesday Workshops: Attendance is Voluntary 1. Parliamentary Procedures for New Delegates 2. Program Ideas: A Networking Session 3. Liability Insurance * Individual meal rates are available for members' guests. OFFICE USE ONLY Total Enclosed (no post-dated cheques) $ $50. $25. Free Send in the completed application with your cheque payable to RWTO Convention 2008 by April 15, 2008 to: RWTO CONVENTION 2008 c/o Linda Murray Grey Road 40 R R # 2 Meaford ON N4L 1W6 Cancellation Policy Registration fees are refundable upon receipt of written notification prior to May 1, 2008 less a $25.00 service fee. Registrar: Linda Murray Telephone linmur@bmts.com Convention Location: Blue Mountain Resorts Ltd R R # 3 Collingwood, Ontario L9Y 3Z2 Room Booking: Toll Free Quote Retired Women Teachers of Ontario Reservation Number 31H2J5 C A R I N G & S H A R I N G

8 8 The Value of Laughter Few sounds are as enchanting to me as the sweet, spontaneous laughter of the young: babies, infants, and young children, as they respond with irrepressible glee to some laughter evoking stimulus. However, it would seem that we become too soon cumbered with the cares and responsibilities of life which can rob us of our joy and silence our laughter. It is tragic to see even children losing that joyous humour when their lives are fraught with poverty, dangers, difficulties and loss. There is increasing evidence that laughter is more vital to our wellbeing than we might have thought. The person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed. Bennett Alfred Cerf Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects. Arnold H. Glasgow An optimist laughs to forget, a pessimist forgets to laugh. Arnold H. Glasgow Beware of those who laugh at nothing or everything. Arnold H. Glasgow Laugh and the world will laugh with you. Traditional A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. Proverbs 17:22 Laughter is the best exercise, the cheapest medicine, the cheapest vacation, the cheapest tonic. It stirs the blood, exercises the chest, stimulates the nerves, chases fear, prevents ulcers, cures the blues, relaxes strangers, wins friends and gives all a cleansing rehabilitation. author unknown There are physical benefits to laughter beyond the exercising of fourteen muscles. Laughter can be therapeutic as tensions are eased and the mind as well as the body relaxes. Some doctors who follow holistic principles prescribe laughter instead of valium. Who wouldn t prefer a daily dose of humour to dependence on drugs? And stories of some who have laughed themselves back to health have been documented. An article Overcome terminal seriousness: Let go, laugh, and lighten up! (Strickland, 1999) examines humour and laughter as essential tools that can successfully combat stress. Norman Cousins Anatomy of an Ilness (1978) established the therapeutic value of laughter. If laughter can keep us well or help us to regain our health that would seem to be more than enough justification for developing the practice of laughing or laughing more. Laughter, it would appear, is a serious matter and well worth our consideration. Laughter as an antidote for stress helps in the pursuit of happiness and studies reveal that happy people are more energetic, decisive, creative, social, trusting, loving and responsive. More than 70% of illnesses are stress-related including: high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, anxiety, psychosomatic disorders, migraine, allergies, and peptic ulcers; the list is not definitive. Antibodies in the mucous membranes of the nose and respiratory passages increase after laughter, resulting in reduced frequency of colds, sore throats, and chest infections. Laughter increases the level of endorphins, the body s natural pain killers, reducing pain in those who suffer from arthritis, spondylitis, and migraine. Laughter is also beneficial to asthmatics when it increases oxygen levels in the blood and improves lung capacity. So, why don t some of us laugh more? Doland (1994) suggests than a laugh every 15 minutes keeps one fresh. But adults on average laugh only 15 times each day while children laugh over 300 times. Considering the overwhelming benefits of laughter we can t afford not to laugh. This is especially true for the elderly who frequently lose their sense of humour, perhaps opening the door to unnecessary stress and illness. Having resolved to live, laugh, love more, we should realize that not all laughter is beneficial physically, emotionally, mentally. Healthy laughter comes from the belly; unhealthy or nervous laughter comes from the throat. This is not true laughter, but an expression of tension and anxiety which does not relax but rather makes the laugher even more tense. Healthy laughter does not ridicule, embarrass, humiliate or demean another; no one benefits from laughter which finds amusement at another s expense. Learning to laugh at ourselves, however, is desirable if not essential. Self-esteem is closely related to a sense of humour; we need to be able to laugh at our own imperfections and foibles. If an individual cannot laugh, this inability may reflect a highly controlled childhood in which laughter was discouraged or forbidden; in adulthood such an individual has no release for the problems, tensions, and stresses of life. Learning to laugh could be critical for the health of such. Depressed people can t laugh at themselves, and the depression, if not treated, would most certainly lead to serious illness. Losing your ability to laugh is no laughing matter! There are several ways in which an individual might develop or recover a sense of humour. Clowns and comedians are paid to elicit laughter from their audiences, often inviting their audiences to laugh at them. When they are successful in drawing laughter they are not offended, but rather rewarded. One public speaker, Izzy Gesell, instructs those attending his workshops in learning how to tell a joke. Canada has produced many superior comedians who have gained international reputations; and Canada has developed a plethora of genuinely funny political satires and comedy programmes which demonstrate our ability, if not propensity, to laugh at ourselves. There is sufficient scope and variety in these programmes to appeal to everyone. Watching these professionals and looking for humour in our own lives could help us to develop or exercise our sense of humour, and perhaps help us to avoid the diseases and conditions previously cited. If you, like me, would like to laugh more, you might find something amusing in the following lighter side of money. A woman at the bank asked to open a joint account. When asked if the account would be with her husband, she replied, Oh no, couldn t I have one with someone who has a lot of money? continued page 12

9 9 Membership News In the November newsletter, I shared a little of my involvement in quilting. My love of quilting is more than an enjoyment of the fabrics, colours or the process. It is everything about quilting. It s the history being connected to our foremothers. It s a symbol of recycling, of conservation, of making do. I love the traditions of fellowship that quilting encompasses. I have found that quilters are a group of great people, helpful and generous. They share ideas, techniques, their time, their work and best of all their fabrics. RWTO members are a group of great people too just minus the fabric. Quilting is taking common scraps of fabric and turning them into a warm covering of love for someone special. A quilt is a legacy. As retired teachers, we can only hope that the skills and the love of learning we instilled in our many students will be a personal legacy we leave behind. We, involved in RWTO, wish to create a legacy of caring and sharing, not only amongst our members, but also in our communities too. RWTO has also established a tradition of fellowship and service that we all wish to see continued for many years to come. Most of our branches give back to their communities in a variety of ways. In addition to benefiting our areas, our projects also serve to promote our organization in a positive manner. A case in point is our Napanee Branch, presented with the Feather in Your Hat recognition, proving that even small branches can do great things by enlisting the help of others. Special thanks are due to Teresa Dorey for all her ongoing efforts in this project. Like The Little Engine that Could, the Napanee Branch of RWTO has been involved in a community outreach project that has seen its efforts grow by leaps and bounds in just three years despite initial setbacks. In the fall of 2004, the Napanee Branch applied for five hundred dollars to begin a community outreach project called Books for Babies. The purpose of the project was to promote literacy skills beginning with the youngest members of the community. Under the program each newborn baby at the Lennox and Addington General Hospital in Napanee would be presented with a book suitable for infants and toddlers. Many of the branch members, also hospital auxiliary volunteers, would be able to present the books to the newborns. Alas, that was not to be. Although the grant money was received in the spring of 2005, it was learned that the maternity ward of the hospital was closing. Not to be thwarted, the local Health Unit was contacted and the nurses there generously agreed to deliver the books when they made visits to newborns in Lennox and Addington County. This increased the number of recipients as many of the Lennox and Addington babies were already making their entrance into the world at Kingston General Hospital. The program was viable again and the books were purchased. As well, Lennox and Addington Resources for Children was contacted and they provided pamphlets, to include with the books, that suggested suitable authors for young children and ways to develop early literacy skills. A tape cassette of music suitable for young children, a fridge magnet, and a booklet of finger plays were also donated. Following the fall dinner meeting on October 25th, 2005, a packaging bee was held and 66 kits were prepared by the membership and delivered to the Health Unit nurses for distribution. The feedback from the nurses and parents was so positive that it was decided to continue the project by seeking donations from other community groups. The Napanee District Community Foundation, Retired Teachers of Ontario District 20, Grandview Women s Institute, and other private donors have all contributed to keep the program viable since that time. This spring (2007), RWTO Napanee Branch teamed with Lennox and Addington Resources for Children and the Kingston-Frontenac-Lennox-and-Addington Health Unit and successfully applied for a Trillium Grant to keep the program running. They have been granted $17,000 to continue the program for two years. With this amount the kits have been upgraded to include two books and a quality compact disc as well as the brochures and booklet of finger plays. To reflect the CD inclusion, the program has been renamed Tales and Tunes for Tots. As well, in addition to the Napanee area, the kits will now be distributed in the northern and eastern parts of Lennox and Addington by the Health Unit Nurses. It is estimated that from an original target of fifty babies per year the number of babies receiving these early literacy kits will reach 200 to 259 infants per year. Truly, this has been an amazing feat for a small branch of just 51 members. This will be my last newsletter communication as the Chair of Membership. I have enjoyed my involvement in RWTO and all the warm, caring women I have met while serving on my branch executive, as Area 6 Director and as part of the provincial executive. Our committee is more than willing to assist branches with any issues concerning membership, or to attend a meeting of your branch as a guest speaker on the topic. Don t forget that recruiting new membership is an ongoing process to be undertaken by all members! All the best for a wonderful spring. Sandra Train North Bay Normal School FANTASY FLIGHT XIII September 19, 20, Hidden Valley Resort (near Huntsville) Contact: Lois Adams Joy Gutjahr C A R I N G & S H A R I N G

10 10 Insurance Matters We are fast approaching the end of the plan year for the Hospital & Home Care plan and we are pleased to let you know that there will be no rate increase for the upcoming plan year (2007/2008). The plan year runs from April 1st to March 31st. Members have from time to time, wondered about the value of this plan and if in fact it is worth the premiums they pay particularly when they ve been fortunate enough to enjoy good health and have not had to submit a claim. We thought it would be worthwhile to provide members with some historical claims data to demonstrate more tangibly the value of this plan and some facts that might be of interest. In the 2006/2007 plan year (the last year for which there is available data), over $95,000 was paid to members for claims. The benefits that have the greatest dollar amounts and incidence of claim paid are the Comfort Care Benefit and the Convalescent Benefit respectively. For the Comfort Care Benefit, members claimed an average of $300 per injury or sickness. The Convalescent Care Benefit paid claiming members an average of $ When you consider that the premium paid per member per month is only $14.49, you can clearly see the value of this plan. If you haven t applied for this plan, you are encouraged to. If you have recently retired (still within your first year of retirement) you have a limited opportunity to enrol without answering any medical questions and your application cannot be declined; your acceptance is guaranteed! We thought, too, that we would take this opportunity to provide you with information about the pre-existing condition exclusion that is included in the Hospital & Home Care plan contract as there are periodically questions about it. If a member has received any medical or surgical treatment or advice or investigation of a condition from a physician or surgeon in the three month period immediately preceding the effective date of her coverage, no benefits will be available to her for those conditions for which treatment/advice/investigation was given, until such time as the insured member has recovered sufficiently to go without medical or surgical advice, treatment or investigation for the condition(s) for a period of three continuous months after the effective date, or until her coverage has remained continuously in force for twelve consecutive months, whichever occurs first. So, preexisting medical conditions are only temporarily excluded. Any other condition that develops after the Hospital & Home Care plan becomes effective would be covered, as would accidental injuries. From time to time there have been improvements made to this plan, most often because of member input! A very good example of this is the inclusion of a Cataract Surgery Benefit which came about because of member input. We, therefore, encourage members to contact their Branch Insurance Convenor with your suggestions for improvements or changes. Your Branch Insurance Convenor will then get in touch with the Provincial Insurance Convenor or the Assistant Provincial Insurance Convenor who will work with our Broker, Terry Kennedy, to determine if the proposed improvement can be reasonably accommodated. Finally, just a reminder when planning your next trip, consider the RWTO Travel Insurance Plan and travel protected! Call and let one of the bilingual travel counsellors secure the right travel insurance for your personal needs and budget. Carolle Kennedy, Insurance Convenor Resolutions for 2008 Annual Meeting RESOLUTIONS FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Note: Resolutions which amend the Constitution require a 66% majority vote of the registered delegates (Constitution Article X Annual Meeting, Section 4(a)) RESOLUTION 1 Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended to read as follows: Article IV - Organization 1. Board of Directors (g) Appointed Convenors: Goodwill, Issues & Concerns. Remove the word Convention as one of the appointed Convenors as the Convention Convenor is already named in part (d). RESOLUTION 2 Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended to read as follows: Article VI - Duties of the Executive Officers 5. Second Vice-President (a) chair the Goodwill Committee Remove parts (b), (c) and (d) as they are covered under the job description of the Goodwill Convenor. Part (c), the database, is now kept by the Executive Secretary-Treasurer with the assistance of the Goodwill Convenor. RESOLUTION 3 Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended to read as follows: Article V1 Duties of the Executive Officers 11. Executive Secretary-Treasurer (g) arrange for the distribution of the provincial newsletter Remove the words prepare and as the communications committee now prepares the provincial newsletter. continued page 11

11 11 continued from page 10 Resolutions for 2008 Annual Meeting RESOLUTION 4 Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended to read as follows: Article VI Duties of the Executive Officers 11. Executive Secretary-Treasurer (i) be subject to an annual performance appraisal, with periodic reviews as required. This formalizes the present schedule of reviews. RESOLUTION 5 Be it resolved that the Constitution, Article VIII, Section A: Standing Committees, be amended by the addition of the following: 9. Policy Committee The Policy Committee shall: a. be chaired by the Past President b. have two additional members who shall be current or past members of the Board of Directors c. ensure that the Policies and Procedures Handbook is maintained in a consistent, easy-to-use format, and is updated as changes to policies or procedures are approved by the Board d. review annually, in conjunction with the Executive, the Policies and Procedures Handbook to identify areas for which new, expanded, or revised policies would be useful for RWTO operations e. work with committees and Board members to prepare proposed additions or revisions, so that changes will adhere to current policies, procedures and Constitutional Articles, and will be consistent in format with the remainder of the document f. provide updated files to the Provincial Office for insertion into the master document which is made available to the Board and Branches I. The Policies and Procedures Handbook is constantly evolving as the organization grows, Board membership changes, and technology impacts how things are done. It is important that the handbook be as current, relevant and user-friendly as possible for use by the Board and Branches. Establishment of an ongoing committee to undertake this work demonstrates the commitment of the organization to be efficient and responsible. II. Members of the committee must be knowledgeable about RWTO governance and operations, and the writing of policies and procedures. The proposed structure of the committee addresses this. III. It is important that the Provincial Office have a current master copy of the handbook for distribution to Board members, potential Board members and Branches to meet their needs. IV. The only financial implication for this committee would be the cost of paper for printing out the document, and C A R I N G & S H A R I N G perhaps the occasional telephone call. Work of the committee would be done electronically. RESOLUTION 6 Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended to read as follows: Article VIII Duties and Structure of Provincial Committees B Appointed Committees/Convenors 1. Goodwill Convenor (d) assist the Executive Secretary-Treasurer with keeping the database current for members over 90. The Executive Secretary-Treasurer now keeps the database current with the assistance of the Goodwill Convenor RESOLUTIONS FROM THE BRANCHES RESOLUTION 7 from Grenville East Be it resolved that the branch name for Grenville East be changed to Upper Canada East. Our membership is drawn from a larger geographical area than Grenville East. It now encompasses members from as far as Ingleside to the East, Vernon to the North, Prescott to the South and the Maitland - Brockville area to the West. For this reason we are requesting this name change to encompass the area now served by our group. This resolution gives a sense of belonging to present members and opens our membership to include the Upper Canada District School Board. RESOLUTION 8 from Windsor-Essex Be it resolved that the annual Branch rebate per paid provincial member shall be 25% of the membership fee of $40.00, commencing with the membership year. 1. Increase in the local fee is impossible since the provincial dues increased by $ Expenses for running the Branch are constantly rising; therefore, we need a higher rebate to continue with our present programmes. 3. Local branches should not have to fundraise in order to cover their expenses. RESOLUTION 9 from York North Be it resolved that the annual Branch rebate per paid provincial member shall be 20% (twenty percent) of the membership fee. Rationale : This motion sets the process that the rebate shall be a percentage of the membership fee. It enables future meetings to change the fee without changing the percentage of the rebate. It also enables future annual meetings to change the rebate percentage without changing the membership fee. continued page 12

12 12 continued from page 11 Resolutions for 2008 Annual Meeting RESOLUTION 10 from Hamilton Wentworth Be it resolved that an audio-visual presentation, explaining the details of the RWTO insurance plans, be prepared for use by local branch representatives. 1. This would eliminate the need for costly in-service workshops, both centrally and at the branch level. 2. The content of the presentation would include details by professionals and could be done on DVD, VCR, or in a format to be sent by computer. 3. The information will be accessible to all branch representatives (and others) to be used for local presentations. 4. The high cost of the insurance workshops is in opposition to the executive s attempts at economic restraint. 5. Insurance representation at the executive table could be adjusted accordingly. 6. Since the amount of money returned to RWTO from the insurance company is not always certain, it is advisable to formulate a less costly presentation. continued from page 8 The Value of Laughter A physician phoned one of his delinquent patients. Mrs. Taylor, he said, I m sorry to tell you this, but your cheque just came back. So did my arthritis, she replied and hung up. A young policeman was asked during an oral exam what he would do to break up a crowd. His answer revealed a genuine knowledge of human nature: I d just take up a collection. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket. Inflation hasn t ruined everything. A dime can still be used as a screwdriver. Linda Seath, Issues and Concerns PM Agreement RWTO Provincial Office 2332 WOODBURN RD BINBROOK ON L0R 1C0