June 2017 Issue 68 RAINY RIVER 1

SPECIAL INTEREST MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT MARK YOUR CALENDAR

After 4041 kilometres, Theresa and I returned home from the Spring Senate General Meeting and lunch June 15, 2017 this past Wednesday evening. We were away for 16 days and on surveying my Evangelical Covenant Church lawn, the old farmer in me concluded it was mature enough to bale. Guess what? Rainy River – my lawn tractor decided to continue its’ winter hiatus. One of the things I’ve 11 a.m. learned in retirement is patience so sooner or later the grass has to stop growing. To Hell with the Bell Brunch Ian Simpson and I attended the Spring Senate on your behalf. Thank you for August 29, 2017 honouring us with your trust and encouragement. The Senate Report will be Social: 9:30 Brunch: 10:00 found further into this Newsletter. La Place Rendezvous We have a full slate of officers for your executive except for the membership portfolio. Sallee Dick has assumed responsibility for this position but we need Annual Meeting Luncheon October 19, 2017 someone else to work with her- it really is a two-person job. Contact Sallee if you Social: 11 a.m. need further information. Lunch: 12 noon Next year, we will be celebrating RTO’s 50th Anniversary. Gord McCabe has La Place Rendezvous accepted responsibility to chair our District’s festivities. Thank you Gord. Christmas Luncheon Our next General Meeting is Thursday, June 15th in Rainy River. Hopefully December 7, 2017 many of you will take the opportunity for a leisurely drive to enjoy our beautiful Social Hour 11 a.m. Dinner 12 noon Rainy River Valley scenery and the hospitality of our Rainy River hosts. Our La Place Rendezvous District of 250 members always support our functions with 50 or more attendees. of thousands of members marvel at our enthusiasm as they generally HIGHLIGHTS only get 50 or so to attend their gatherings as well. Thank you for your support. Executive Board 2 I am extremely fortunate to have a dedicated and enthusiastic executive to Merchandise 2 work with. Often, executive members take on more than one job. So thank you Don's Website Report 3 Health Concerns 3 Walter Rogoza for assuming responsibility for assembling our Newsletter as well Treasurer's Report 4 as chairing the Social Committee. Five Questions 5 In closing, I look forward to seeing ALL of you in Rainy River on the 15th. I Report 6 Membership and promise the meeting part of the program will be very short so we can reminisce Recruitment 7 and relax. Goodwill 8 If you are unable to attend our dinner, I wish you a joyful, healthy fun-filled Foundation News 9 Dates to remember 10 summer. Stay Safe ! A Little Inspiration 11 Senate Report 12 Harold Huntley (274-6239) Page 2 of 12

RTO MEDICAL PLAN AVAILABLE DISTRICT 1 EXECUTIVE BOARD WITHIN 60 DAYS OF LEAVING January 2017 to December 2018 SPOUSE’S GROUP Past President- Sallee Dick (486-3624) RTO/ERO has several members who President – Harold Huntley (274-6239) are retired and remain under a First Vice President –Ian Simpson (274-2461) spouse’s group benefit plan until the Second Vice President – Gord McCabe (274-7458) plan expires. These individuals are Treasurer – Nancy Fretter (487-1729) eligible to join RTO/ERO Health and Maureen Ricard (274-3986) Plans within 60 days of leaving that Secretary – Shelley Jordbro (274-3718) group plan without a medical. COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS PHONING COMMITTEE MEMBERS/RECRUITMENT –Sallee Dick Gerry Parent - Committee Chair - GOODWILL – Walter Horban (274-6822) 274-3946 HEALTH, INSURANCE – Bob Barron (274-9208) POLITICAL ADVOCACY -- Merv Ahrens (274-3744) Irene Hill-Haver - 274-3091 PENSION, RETIREMENT – Larry Brown (597-6196) Gordon Ross - 274-6959 COMMUNICATIONS (Newsletter) - Walter Rogoza, Jan Marshall - 274-2254 Sallee Dick Gerry Parent — 274-3946 (Copy and Mail) - Freeda Carmody (486-3338) Jeannine Cornell - 486-3481 ARCHIVES – Pat Basaraba (274-5203) Dorothy Weir-274-6079 PHONING – Gerry Parent (274-3946) Emo SOCIAL – Walter Rogoza (274-8385), Cynthia Donald PURCHASING – Gemma Lamonato (274-9592) Joyce Meyers - 482-2086 WEBSITE - Don Ricci (852-3704) June Winik - 482-2451 Rainy River DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES Don Ricci - 852-3704 Emo - Joyce Meyers - (482-2086) Atikokan Rainy River - Don Ricci - (852-3704) Sally Speck - 597-2219 Atikokan – Alana Rechlin (597-2156)

We remind you to please HAVE YOU MOVED? notify Gerry (274-3946) if Remember to inform the Provincial Office if you you wish to attend a have a change of address. You can do this by calling: 1- meeting and have not been 800-881-6956, ext. 223. contacted by the phoning Provincial provides address labels which are committee. used in all local and provincial mailings. I order these labels for each mailing of the newsletter, and an If unable to attend after updated address ensures that it would not be registering, please call 4 days necessary to re-address your envelope. prior to the meeting to cancel or Freeda Carmody you will be expected to pay for SWAP SHOP your meal. Need new entertainment? Check out our Swap Shop at all the RTO/ERO Meeting dates are set in advance. District 1 meetings. Here’s how it works. Collect any gently used books, Sometimes circumstances require a DVDs, magazines, etc. Please bring them along and place them on the change to be made. The newsletter is Swap Shop table to share with colleagues. While you’re there you may one tool used to inform members of find a few treasures to take home as well. Try it! upcoming events. It is not always possible to inform our members of a RTO MERCHANDISE date change. The final At each luncheon, Gemma Lamonato (274-9592) has a great notification of our meetings display of items, from jackets to pens that can be purchased!! So comes through the phoning bring your checkbook. committee. Page 3 of 12 Retired Teachers of (RTO) District One: Website Report By Don Ricci

One hundred District One RTO members have signed up to receive their Newsletter in digital form by email so far this year. This is remarkable and I commend each of you in this effort not only to save mailing expenses but to do your part environmentally. All new members that sign up to join RTO are automatically put on our digital list, unless you don’t have internet or an email address. We feel that our new members are more familiar with using computers and they would be more comfortable receiving their newsletters this way. But if you prefer to receive a paper copy, please call Freeda Carmody at 807 486-3338 or email her at [email protected]. She will make sure you are mailed a copy of the latest newsletter. Please use the website to receive communications from RTO (www.rtodistrictone.ca) . There are plenty of pictures of social activities, copies of all our newsletters, special news articles, and more. If you have pictures and stories send them to me (email above) and we can include them. This is the easiest way to communicate to our local members. We look forward to seeing you at our social functions this year. Keep safe and healthy. Don

Health Care Update: by Bob Barron Extended health care plan Prescription drug benefit maximum will increase to $3000 per insured person per calendar year. Para medical practitioners maximum will increase to $1300 per insured person per calendar year. For all practitioners combined the maximum for incontinence supplies will increase to $750 per insured person per calendar year. Monthly premium rates The monthly premium rates for the extended health care plan will increase by 2.5%. The monthly premium rates for the dental plan will increase by 1%. The monthly premium rates for the semiprivate hospital and convalescent care plan will remain unchanged. Premium rate changes will be effective January 1, 2017. As your premiums are deducted from your pension/bank account in the month prior to your coverage month, your December 2016 deduction will reflect the new premiums. Semiprivate hospital and extended health care plan dental plan convalescent care plan Single $14.60 $90.37 $57.07 Couple $29.16 $180.76 $112.53 Family $34.28 $216.93 $140.33 Reminder: all claims must be received along with a fully completed claim form, and must include original, legible documents. Please ensure that each receipt is complete with: the name of the patient; the date of service or paid in full date for items purchased; a description of the service or product; a breakdown of the charges; and the vendor's information. It is recommended that you keep photocopies of all receipts that are submitted. Please note that cash register receipts or credit card statements are not accepted. Page 4 of 12

Treasurers’ Report The RTO Annual Grant of $13 987 was directly deposited into the District One Account in February. A cheque for $2 796 was sent to the Atikokan Unit as their share of this Grant, allowing for their functioning. As a follow-up to the motion at the General Meeting, a donation of $400 has been forwarded to the RTO Charitable Foundation. With all other bills having been paid, the True Bank Balance is $12 579.11. Donations for the Salvation Army from our last luncheon included food items plus $65. From our 2016 RTO gatherings, cash donations for the Salvation Army totaled $370 in addition to multiple sealed envelopes and many canned goods. Thank you for your contributions. Nancy Fretter, Maureen Ricard – Co-Treasurers

Use caution with drugs for dementia symptoms: Dr. Paula Rochon, RTO/ERO Chair in Geriatric Medicine

Scientists have found that a type of drug used to treat symptoms of dementia can have harmful effects, including Bits & Bites: falling, confusion, dependence, and now — pneumonia. A Monthly Update for In some cases, doctors prescribe benzodiazepines and related drugs known as Z-drugs to patients with dementia District Foundation Representatives who wander, have sleep disturbances or show physical aggression. RTO/ERO Foundation However, recent studies have raised concerns about Edition 1, Volume 2 prescribing these medications because of their association 4/27/2017 with falls that cause fractures, worsened cognitive function The new website is now available: and dependence that can lead to withdrawal if they’re stopped. www.embrace-aging.ca to learn more about A new study published in the Canadian Medical how your support is improving the quality of Association Journal (CMAJ) found the drugs were life of aging adults. associated with a slightly higher risk of severe pneumonia resulting in hospital admission or death. RTO Spring General Meeting “This finding is an example of a prescribing cascade, At the Rainy River where a new drug therapy causes a new medical condition, leading to yet another drug therapy.” Evangelical Covenant Church JUNE 15...... 11 am social; 12 noon lunch Dr. Paula Rochon, RTO/ERO Chair in Geriatric Medicine MENU Dr. Rochon, who developed the concept of the prescribing cascade, recommends that clinicians try non- Pork roast with mashed potatoes and pharmacological treatments before prescribing one of gravy, Sweet and sour Meat Balls these drugs. Activities that keep older adults active and (with rice), Mixed Veggies, Coleslaw, promote better sleep, reminiscence therapy, and Dinner Rolls, Pickles, Veggie Tray, reorienting dementia patients with items in their vicinity, Dessert, Tea/Coffee such as a clock, a calendar or photos of their family, can help address the symptoms of dementia. For those who are prescribed benzodiazepines or Z-drugs, the study reinforces the need for medication reviews. Dr. Rochion advises clinicians to be vigilant with medication reviews and avoid prescribing a new drug therapy for a symptom caused by the first, creating a prescribing cascade. Page 5 of 12

FIVE QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK ABOUT YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS WHEN YOU SEE YOUR DOCTOR, NURSE OR PHARMACIST

1. Changes - Have any medications been added, stopped or changed, and why? Have there been any changes to my medication? 2. Continue - What medications do I need to keep taking and why? Should I continue with my all medication? 3. Proper Use - How do I take my medications and for how long? Am I taking my medication correctly? 4. Monitor - How will I know if my medication is working and what side effects do I watch for? 5. Follow-up - Do I need any tests and when do I book my next visit?

Keep your medication record up to date. Remember to include:

 Drug allergies Vitamins and minerals Herbal/natural products

 All medications including nonprescription products

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to review all your medications to see if any can be stopped or reduced.

Source: Institute for Safe Medication Practices : RTO Liason, March 2017, Vol.10, Issue1

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT VENNGO MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS? RTO/ERO members are starting to enjoy (reap the benefits) the savings and discounts through the new Venngo MemberPerks® program which offers world-class group discount programs including health and wellness products, services and events . Venngo. MemberPerks® includes: • Discounts on everything from entertainment and restaurants to shoes and travel • Instant access to over 1,200 perks for RTO/ERO members and their families • 350+ health and wellness perks • Easy to use online or with the Venngo app for IOS, Android, Windows and BlackBerry devices • Simple redemption options in-store, online and over the phone • New and seasonal offers. Sign up for the e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date What you need to know: • MemberPerks® is free for anyone with RTO/ERO’s Extended Healthcare Plan •

RTO/ERO members and their families without RTO/ERO’s Extended Healthcare Plan can join MemberPerks® for only $24.99/year, plus HST. Create your account and start saving. Please visit rto-ero.venngo.com today. Questions? Contact Venngo customer service, 1-866- 383-6646 or [email protected]. Page 6 of 12

ATIKOKAN REPORT

Spring was early when we arrived in Britain in late March. The gorse bushes were laden with lovely yellow blossom attracting numerous bees. Magnolia trees, cherry and apple were also in full bloom alongside the horse chestnut trees with their large candle like flowers. The fields of canola, or rape seed as it is still called, were carpets of yellow contrasting with the adjacent deep green fields. Hedgerows of blackthorn with white flowers edged the fields interspersed with enormous old oak trees.

In Europe we experienced a leisurely river boat cruise along the Rhine from Basel in Switzerland to Amsterdam in the Netherlands passing through France and Germany and visiting a number of cities along the way. For anyone who enjoys historical sites and beautiful scenery, I would certainly recommend this trip. Since the last news letter, the Atikokan RTO Unit has hosted two social events, the Christmas Luncheon on December 15th and the Spring Luncheon on May 15th. Both events took place at the Royal Canadian Legion and the food was up to the usual high standard.

At the Christmas luncheon, we were entertained by 50 members of the North Star School choir. As expected there were a number of proud grandparents in the audience and the choir was great fun to watch. We had an additional treat that day because Santa took time off from his busy schedule to visit us. Much to the delight of the children, Santa was there to greet and thank them after the performance. Our RTO members and guests were also the subjects of Santa‘s scrutiny. Santa and his helper Mrs Snodgrass had gifts for all BUT we were told that although some people were on the good list the majority were on the naughty or very naughty list. Many of us will have to work hard to get on that good list for next year!!

Monday, May 15th saw thirty two RTO members and guests gathering to celebrate spring. Everyone was welcomed especially our two guest speakers Courtney Roehrig and Brenda Wood. After lunch Georgette brought attention to the items she had prepared for us from RTO/Johnsons. One page was a comparison of the RTO and RTIP plans which would be very useful to prospective retirees and members considering a switch from RTIP to RTO. There was also a generic quiz that originated from the CAA. The questions were multiple choice and related to costs of health treatment in the U.S.A. Georgette included the quiz because it was appropriate to bring home the point of the smallest card, which she had designed for our use. This is a folded wallet sized card that we can use when travelling outside of province/country. It can be used as a reference to ensure that should a medical situation arise during travels, the person has complied with the proof that ALLIANZ requires. The card includes all the information required and on the back of the card is a list of some of the acceptable proofs showing that you were in Ontario the day of or day before departure.

Georgette proceeded to introduce our guest speakers who represent Community Care Access Co-ordination and The Rainy River District Community Support Services. These organizations can be contacted locally and do not need your insurance plans to help you.

Courtney Roehrig is the local contact person for the Northwest CCAC and she summarised the Atikokan Assisted Living Program with information on the services offered to assist and support seniors living on their own within our community. The delivery of these services is flexible and individualized Care Plans are devised based on client support need. Brenda Wood is the manager of the Rainy River District Community Support Services and her staff are responsible for the home support. Home Help can include general cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, shopping etc. They also offer a bath care program, transportation services, Respite Care and Congregate Dining to tenants in Fotheringham Court. The Life Line Personal Response Service is also available. Some of these programs are available at a small cost.

Ron Speck thanked Courtney and Brenda for their informative presentations and said that they were particularly important for our group who are reaching the age where this is so relevant. Ron felt that once people had a chance to peruse the material they would find much that would be useful for them personally.

Sylvia Parker informed the group that the Rainy River District Board will be holding a public meeting in Grayson Hall at the Atikokan High School on Thursday May 18th from 5 -7pm. They are proposing a plan to amalgamate the JK to 12 students under one roof. They also wish to receive input from the general public about possible plans for the unused buildings. Page 7 of 12

Lyn Williams said that Gordon Martin had brought her attention to the fact that no students had applied for our Educational Bursary. After a brief discussion it was agreed to open it up for this year only to any student who is the son or daughter of a teacher. A motion was passed to this effect. Lyn then mentioned the Mural which will be installed in the near future. Lyn thanked all those who have helped with the preparations for the luncheon Georgette, Sally and Ron Speck, Sylvia Parker, Helen Cook and Bleddyn Williams. Larry Brown then drew the raffle prizes which were lovely colorful begonias.

I would like to say a special thank you to Georgette Rawlings. She has worked very hard to provide us with useful information with regards to health, and her design of the wallet card is particularly innovative.

Our next social is the Retirees Barbecue which will be held at Otter Cove on June 20th, the last day of spring. Invitations will be sent at a later date.

Submitted by Lyn Williams

MEMBERSHIP AND RECRUITMENT Since the fall, RTO District One is very pleased to welcome seven new members. They are:

Kim Basaraba, Judy McCabe, Gord McCabe, Susan Sieders, Tom Shumaker, Fort Frances; Daniel Mack, Emo; Dave Kerr, Atikokan

Congratulations to everyone, with all our best wishes for a happy retirement. There are now 252 members in our district. Please help the executive members welcome these new members when you meet them at our luncheons, and make them feel at home.

Jill Wilhite has completed her term and Sallee Dick has volunteered to be Membership Chairmanship in an “acting” capacity until the position can be filled. If there is anyone who would like to know more about what is involved in membership recruitment, please call Sallee and we can chat about the opportunities there are for being in touch with the schools and talking to people who are thinking about retiring. We are counting on you, our colleagues, to help us learn of potential new retirees within the district. Promotional materials are available for sharing. If you know of educational workers who are considering retirement in the next five years, please call or email me and I will get materials to you. If you are supply teaching, please take the materials and ask if you can place them in the staff rooms. Thank you. We are all part of the Recruitment Team.

Sallee Dick, acting District One Membership Chrm. 807 486-3624, [email protected]

THANK YOU Apologies to Marjorie Alice Says, “Thanks” to us All Freeda Carmody attended Alice Irvine’s 104th birthday at Rainycrest in November, 2016. She brought greetings The Goodwill report in the October 2016 District One and best wishes from all of us in RTO District One. Newsletter, listed Marjorie MacKlem’s age as 96. She After the party, Alice asked Freeda if she could find a called us to set the record straight. She is 90 years young way to thank RTO for thinking of her. She also wished and chuckling over our mistake. Sorry Marjorie and us all a very Merry Christmas, and this is the first thanks for the correction. opportunity we could share these good wishes with you. Thanks Alice for your kind words and thanks Freeda for representing us all so well. Sallee Dick Page 8 of 12

GOODWILL REPORT

By Walter Horban: : 807 274-6822 District One Member Services (Goodwill) Chairman The following cards were sent since the OCTOBER 2016 Newsletter:

NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY APRIL MAY BIRTHDAY Barney Maher Eddie Frenette Isaac Dyck Fran Shelfantook Barb Murray, Helen Cook Jan Marshall Marjorie Macklem GET WELL Jill Wilhite Jane Trivers Penny O'Leary Jill Kellar Evie Fisher SYMPATHY Don Ricci Elsie Gerula Dianne Debenedet Ray Steele Sallee Dick

Christmas Greetings: Fran Shelfantook, Eddie Frenette, Alice Irvine, Liz Donaldson, Cecile Cole, Northwestern Health Unit, La Place Rendezvous, Evelyn Fisher, June Drazenovich, Marion Duggan, Alvin and Marg Gillies, Hilda Lang, Marjorie Macklem, Barney Maher, Joseph Mahionic, Eileen Kirk, Nick Krawchuk, Jack and Elsie Cameron, Audrey Borger, Graham Ducker, Jacques Fafard, Theresa Johnston, Val Martindale, Barb Stevens, Greg Wilson, Eunice Bang, Gail Briggs, Bernie Schulzki, David Livicker, Rose Bernardi, Lorraine Branch, Jeanine Cornell, Dnald Corrigan, Jim Crackel, Tom Drew, Isaac Dyck, Jessie Enge, Cassie Fedoruk, Larry Fontana, Velma Grant, Doreen Fryer, Wallace Hannon, Gertrude Herr, Genevieve McGinnis, Jan Marshall, Rowland Morrison, David Ogden, Charleen Gustafson, Len Ricci, Gordon Ross, John Rossborough, Hendrik Smart, Evelyn Human, Alan Ker, Ed Tymkin, Dorothy Weir.

TEACHING AFTER RETIREMENT The Work After Retirement 50-day rule went into HOW TO CONTACT RTO/ERO effect September 1, 2012, with the provision that one Mail: 18 Spadina Road, Suite 300 can continue to teach to the end of the month in which , ON M5R 2S7 th the 50 day occurred. If you plan to return to work after Phone: 416-962-9463 retiring, you are encouraged to contact the Ontario Toll Free: 1-800-361-9888 Ext. 223 Teachers’ Pension Plan at: Email: [email protected] www.otpp.com, or 416-226-2770 or 1-900-668-0105 There is also a form you can fill out at the RTO website: www.rto-ero.org Teachers launch a Facebook Page Be sure to “like” your pension plan page! PENSION NEWS ONLINE http://www.otpp.com/pensionnewsonline/facebook Check out Pension News online at: http://www.otpp.com/PensionNewsOnline

SUBSIDIZED MEALS POLICY WORKING WITH THE RENDEZ-VOUS It is the policy of District 1 to subsidize the cost of the luncheon at all general meetings. The phoning committee volunteers call each member to determine If you are unable to attend after registering, you must call the number of meals to be ordered. Members pay a Gerry Parent (274-3946) or Sallee Dick at (486-3624) to flat fee of $10.00. Remainder of the cost for each meal is paid by District 1. The cost to District 1 for meals in cancel. If you fail to cancel three days prior to the meeting the last two years has ranged from $18.00 to $33.00 you are expected to pay for your meal. We sincerely with the average being $26.00 per meal. request your co-operation. Page 9 of 12

RTO FOUNDATION NEWS RELEASE May 18, 2017 – Toronto

The Retired Teachers of Ontario Foundation (RTO/ERO Foundation) announced today the funding of four new projects, valued at $100,000, to address social isolation of older adults across the province. “Social isolation is a major contributor to poor health of older adults”, says Joanne Murphy, Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors. “That is why it is a priority area for us to fund local community projects with potential to be replicated in other communities across Canada.”

One of the key criteria for funding is that the project has an intergenerational component. Funds will be distributed to the following communities through the project leads:

: St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph and Everdale Environmental Learning Centre. A micro-farm will be built to bring together seniors and youth to grow fresh organic fruits and vegetables and then collaboratively choose innovative ways to share the harvest with the community.

 Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association and community partners – With the help of police, fire, paramedics, rural mail couriers and staff in the decentralized library branches, isolated seniors will be identified and invited to participate in a series of presentations.

: The Council on Aging of Ottawa and community partners . A multimedia classroom activity will be developed to support older adults in telling their story and capturing them on video.

 London: Neighbourhood Watch London, Centre for Health Equity and Social Inclusion-Western University and community partner London Middlesex Housing Corporation.

Engage residents of a rent-geared-to-income senior’s apartment building as co-researchers to address questions and shared issues that are significant to them related to social connectedness, engagement and inclusion.

The Retired Teachers of Ontario Foundation (RTO/ERO Foundation) aims to enhance the quality of life for aging adults through the funding of aging research, training in geriatrics and gerontology and community-based programs to address social isolation in older adults

In 2014, the Foundation established the RTO/ERO Chair in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Toronto, and continues to raise funds for innovative approaches to enhancing the lives of aging adults across Ontario and beyond. Grantees are considered based on specific granting criteria and a rigorous peer-review process. With these new grants, the Foundation will have invested almost $2.8 million in projects that will enhance the quality of life of aging adults.

For more information on the RTO/ERO Foundation and to make a donation, go www.embrace-aging.ca , or contact us at 416-962-9463 or 1-800-361-9888. Page 10 of 12

2017 DATES TO REMEMBER 2017

May 15-17 Spring Senate, Toronto

June 7 Executive Meeting Wednesday La Place Rendezvous 10 a.m.

June 15 RTO Spring General Meeting Thursday At the Rainy River Evangelical CELEBRATING THE AWESOME YEARS Covenant Church, located on the highway on the left, just before the Canada customs. Social 11 a.m.- Lunch 12 noon

August 29 To Hell with the Bell Brunch Tuesday La Place Rendezvous Social 9:30 Brunch 10 a.m.

Sept. 6 Executive Meeting Wednesday La Place Rendezvous 10 a.m.

October 19 RTO-ERO General Meeting/Elections Thursday La Place Rendezvous Social 11 a.m.- Lunch 12 noon

Oct. 23-25 Fall Senate Meeting, Toronto

Nov. 15 Executive Meeting Wednesday La Place Rendezvous 10 a.m.

Dec. 7 Christmas Social Thursday La Place Rendezvous Social 11 a.m.- Lunch 12 noon Octogenarians honoured

Photos courtesy Pat Basaraba. More photos are posted on our website: www.rtodistrictone.ca Page 11 of 12 A Little Inspiration

That's Spring Source of Joy Within my soul’s most secret heart abides When the air becomes balmy, neither hot nor cold, A pool of water, crystal clear, and deep. and bumblebees appeared dressed in black and gold, Its hidden source is troubled not by tides that's spring! nor by the real world’s scrambling, manic When blue and white violets perfume the heap. air, An air of stillness holds that peaceful dell, and birds are building their nests everywhere, where birds adorn its silver trees like jewels. and baby foxes finally leave their lair, that's spring! The only sound a distant chiming bell

When showy tulips pop through the ground, which shakes the heart, as does some happy and a curled up fern becomes unwound, and news. the geese fly north with a haunting sound, When troubled, wearied by life’s harsh that's spring! demands

When the first flush of color is a butterfly, and fears that daily in the heart do cling, and mother bear with her cubs goes by, and yellow marsh marigolds face up to the sky, that refuge leads to distant peaceful lands, that's spring! like Eden in the time of Primal Spring.

When frogs join in chorus out under the A single drop sipped from a curving palm moon, and the sound from the lake is the brings joy, renewal and a lasting balm. very first loon, and crows caw incessantly but never in tune, that's spring! Written by Judith Johanson When the site of a Robin gets me in a tizzy, and the flowerbeds call to me, " time to get busy!" and all the new greens leave

me breathless and dizzy, That's spring! Written by Janice Marshall Page 12 of 12

RTO/ERO SPRING SENATE REPORT MAY 2017, Toronto

This was my 5th Senate as your representative and it was by far the most exciting/ memorable because we are in the midst of a Governance revolution. The executive designed the agenda to try to get a commitment in principle for the proposed new Governance model as recommended by the Governance Committee, a group made up of executive members and District Presidents. There was debate, and lots of it but we did get agreement in principle on the following items which now will necessitate constitution and by-law changes to be voted on officially at the Fall Senate. Senate approved in principle:

1. that all retired members have the same membership rights and privileges, regardless of member category. 2. that the Annual Meeting for RTO/ERO be held in May each year at the meeting of its corporate members, who will be referred to as Senators. 3. that the Provincial Executive shall be replaced by the Board of Directors consisting of up to eleven (11) voting members; a. Nine (9) members who are RTO/ERO corporate members at the time of the election by the Senate b. May have up to two (2) members who are external experts, appointed by the Board of Directors and confirmed by the Senate at its next meeting. 4. that the Board of Directors shall elect from its members, a Chair and Vice-Chair. 5. that the Board of Directors shall have full authority to manage the affairs of RTO/ERO. 6. that there be four (4) standing committees: Audit, Benefits, Governance and Human Resources. Each of these committees shall be chaired by a member of the Board of Directors. 7. that the Board of Directors shall have the authority to create Advisory Committees and appoint their Chairs from the membership. Currently there are five (5) Advisory Committees: Communications, Member Services, Pension and Retirement, Political Advocacy and Project Service to Others. 8. that all Provincial committees shall be accountable and report to the Board of Directors. 9. that the elections for the Board of Directors be held by an individual and open vote for each candidate. 10. that appropriate steps be taken to transfer from the jurisdiction of Ontario to the Federal jurisdiction under the provisions of the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act. 11. that a dedicated communications link be created so that all RTO/ERO members can forward to all members of the Governance Committee suggestions/ thoughts on the operationalization of the ‘new’ organization. In summary, there were a number of General motions and reports , all of which we will post on our District web-site in the near future. Both Ian and I will comment in general terms at the Rainy River General meeting on June 15th. I was doubtful that we would have accomplished what we did at Senate. There will still be much debate at the Fall Senate before we operationalize all the changes ( for example , on the appointed members) but we are poised for a new, revitaized RTO/ERO as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2018.