October, 2011 Issue 54 RAINY RIVER, DISTRICT 1

SPECIAL INTEREST MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT • MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW Autumn is one of my residency, indoor sports or our Service to Others chair favourite times of the year. start up of the bridge club. will bring more news on GENERAL MEETING Here is just a start of why. I really could go on why I the2011 grant to LUNCHEON With roots deep in the like this time of the year but Rainycrest. NEW DATE La Place Rendez-Vous Stratton soil the harvest of I will leave that to you In closing I must say that October 19, 2011 tending root and seed except to say it is a time to making a Bucket List is in crops is such a reward take stock of our year itself a very good tool to CHRISTMAS especially these days when personally and as a measure your state of mind LUNCHEON we can make so many member of this great and depth of your personal La Place Rendez-Vous different cultural preserves association. From your achievement. Recently I December 6, 2011 for winter enjoyment. Every executive we certainly want was sadly informed that my Retirement Meeting country we have travelled to say Thanks for right eye had gone to a wet October 17 has relishes and sweet volunteering in the macular degenerational sauces fit for the richest of community, on our state and the result was a connoisseurs. The colours committees and attending hampering loss of vision. of the various deciduous the many socials and Yet, on my list was my first and lowly tarmac trees general meetings. Your ever trip to Scotland to HIGHLIGHTS send out a cascade over support and input is vital occur in mid-September. I Executive Board 2 the rocks and waters of our and greatly appreciated. We can now announce that with Canadian Shield. One can are blessed to have so Lauren’s help, having been Membership Rpt 2 easily visualize the artists much support as new born in Aberdeen, we General Meeting 3 brush strokes as the members join and others completed a fantastic back images are ever changing contemplate how enriched packing journey around this Atikokan Report 4 on the march to winter. we are to have such strong great country and despite a Treasurer Report 5 Consider the beehive of leadership across this great few more headaches and a Fall Senate 6 activity as we northerners province. Retirement is lot less reading, the Upcoming Dates 6 must prepare our homes certainly a continuation of checkmark on the list was and vehicles for the harsh learning in our books and boldly stroked with no Bio Guest Speaker 7 changes in the climate we hopefully you will make regrets. We even managed Read Alert 9 are about to witness. No every effort to venture into to keep a running blog Health Report 10 one ever can become new challenges this year. going through Blogspot.com Retirement complacent or too soon the I would like to ask you to with the help of free internet Planning 11 yards are covered with help us by using the web service in every library in Pension Committee knee deep snow which can pages or our public forums the land of pubs, Robbie Report 12 at times outline the images to voice your opinions of Burns and a whole lot of Communications of picnic tables, lawn growing old with dignity. history and pride. If you too Conference Rpt 13 chairs, kids toys left too late Remember to join us at the have a dream we In Memoriam 13 much like the fable of the Annual meeting in October encourage you this Fall to Grasshopper. The where our guest speaker make the plans to put Web News 14 conversations begin to turn will enlighten you on our together the puzzle pieces Service to Others 14 to politics, arthritis, ginseng, new venture, the RTO-ERO of your life and live it fully. Goodwill 15 southern vacations or Charitable Foundation, and, Larry Brown, President Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011 Page 2 of 16

Our District Representatives DISTRICT 1 EXECUTIVE BOARD are District 1, RTO/ERO January, 2011 to December, 2012 communication link throughout the District. They Immediate Past President – Bob Barron (274-9208) attend District Executive President – Larry Brown (597-6196) Board Meetings. Any First Vice President – Mariette McRae (274-7725) concerns or information you Second Vice President – Mel McFayden (274-3136) may have regarding RTO may be channelled through Treasurer - Len LaRocque (274-9593) your District Representatives. Secretary - Betty Ann LaRocque (274-9593)

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS PHONING COMMITTEE RECRUITMENT - Freeda Carmody (486-3338) Gerry Parent - Committee Chair - GOODWILL - Carroll McFayden (274-3136) 274-3946 HEALTH, INSURANCE – Mariette McRae (274-7725) Fort Frances and Georgette Rawlings (Atikokan, 929-1133) Irene Hill-Haver - 274-3091 POLITICAL ADVOCACY – Ralph Brown (597-6196) Gordon Ross - 274-6959 -- Merv Ahrens (274-3744) Jan Marshall - 274-2254 PENSION, RETIREMENT – Bob Barron (274-9208) Gerry Parent – 274-3946 COMMUNICATIONS - Carroll McFayden (274-3136) Jeannine Cornell - 486-3481 and Angela LaForest (274-6806) Dorothy Weir – 274-6079 (Typing) - Carol Lyons (274-3050) Emo (Copy and Mail) - Freeda Carmody (486-3338) Joyce Meyers - 482-2086 ARCHIVES - Carroll McFayden (274-3136) June Winik - 482-2451 PHONING – Gerry Parent (274-3946) Rainy River SOCIAL – Sallee Dick (275-7521) Don Ricci - 852-3704 PURCHASING – Gemma Lamonato (274-9592) WEBSITE - Don Ricci (852-3704) Atikokan Sally Speck - 597-2219 DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES Emo - Joyce Meyers - (482-2086) We remind you to please notify Rainy River - Don Ricci - (852-3704) Gerry (274-3946) if you wish to Atikokan – Alana Rechlin (597-2156) attend a meeting and have not been contacted by the phoning committee. If unable to attend MEMBERSHIP REPORT after registering, please call 3 days prior to the meeting to cancel or Welcome to new members of RTO/ERO District 1 you will be expected to pay for your meal. Ed Cain (Fort Frances) Karen Houghton (Fort Frances) Meeting dates are set in advance. Karen Woods (Fort Frances) Sometimes circumstances require a change to be made. The newsletter REMEMBER, MORE MEMBERS MEANS A STRONGER VOICE is one tool used to inform members of upcoming events. It is not We now have 232 members. There are 182 in Unit 1 and 50 members always possible to inform our in Unit 2 (Atikokan). members of a date change. The final notification of our meetings We look forward to seeing new members in the near future. Freeda Carmody, Membership, 486-3338 comes through the phoning committee. Page 3 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter October, 2011

DISTRICT 1 RTO/ERO ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday, October 19, 2011 La Place Rendez-Vous, Fort Frances

Social 11:00 a.m. Lunch, 12:00 noon MENU Hot Buffet Mixed Green Salad Marinated Vegetables Penne Pasta Salad Green Beans Almondine Meat Balls Honey-Dijon Chicken Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Apple Strudel Tea Coffee

Cost: $10.00

Guest Speaker: Gordon Cressy, Chair Marketing Arm of RTO/ERO Charitable Foundation

REMEMBER the Non-Perishable or Monetary Donation to the Salvation Army

RTO/ERO FACT SHEETS

The Provincial Office has prepared over 45 Fact Sheets on a variety of social, health, legal, pension and financial issues. Fact Sheets are organized by topic under the headings listed below: MAIN TOPICS A – Financial B – Government Benefits C – Health D – Insurance E – Legal F – Marital Matters G – Surviving H – Retirement Issues

FACT SHEET COPIES AVAILABLE: Provincial Website (www.rto-ero.org) District Website (rtodistrictone.ca) Provincial Office – (800) 361-9888 District 1 Secretary – (807) 274-9593

The Fact Sheet Binder is available for perusal at District One Meetings Page 4 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011 er Title ATIKOKAN UNIT, DISTRICT 1 RTO/ERO REPORT

We are fortunate indeed living in Northwestern schools will be contacted to encourage anyone Ontario. After enjoying a beautiful summer, the nearing retirement to attend for the information Fall is proving to be as good if not better. Warm and to receive answers to any questions they Special “Thank days, sunny skies and the fantastic colours of the might have. You” this month to: vegetation, trees, shrubs and undergrowth are sights to sooth the spirit. We know that winter Larry also mentioned that the RTO/ERO Ron and Sally Speck, will be with us soon, but we can appreciate the Charitable Foundation Director of Advancement Bleddyn Williams, Ida present as long as it lasts. Autumn walks in the and Fundraising, Gordon Cressy, will be in Fort Docking, Ralph Brown, bush for both hunters and the rest of us are a joy Frances on October 19, 2011 to speak about Alana Rechlin and at this time of year. RTO/ERO’s quest to raise $3,000,000 for an endowed chair in the geriatrics unit of the Georgette Rawlings for More than 40 RTO members and spouses University of Toronto. Meal costs will be the extra duties they gathered at the Little Falls Community Centre for covered for anyone wishing to attend. carry out their 16th annual “To Hell With The Bell Breakfast”, on August 30, 2011. The place was a Georgette Rawlings, Health Rep, reported on buzz as the group gathered, enjoyed coffee and the June conference. She reminded members Best wishes to met with friends. to read her full report in the Newsletter, but Allysha Gosselin, our brought up the following points that members scholarship winner, At 9 o’clock, President Lyn rang the bell and should pay particular attention to: who is presently welcomed everyone. She offered a special A letter from a physician regarding your health continuing her studies welcome to Jeanne Bailey’s sister and brother- does not overrule decisions made by Johnson in- law (Nancy and Dan) from St. Catherines, her Inc. or Mondial in education. mother Edith Jones from the UK and Eunice  when dealing with Mondial, detail EVERY Bang from Thunder Bay. item they might require  RTO/Johnson Inc. determines the risk it is The Atikokan Unit were happy that Helen Cook prepared to accept and this is why you may DON`T FORGET! and Janis McFee were both able to join us after be denied out of country coverage with the difficult summer they had medically. Lyn certain medical conditions The Christmas asked that everyone keep Joan and Carl Branch  members should send a notarized copy of Luncheon on in their thoughts and prayers, as they struggle their POA (Power of Attorney for health) to December 14, with Carl’s medical situation; and the family of Johnson Inc. They will make a copy of it 2011 former teaching colleague Rose Gillies who and return same to you. This would help to passed away recently. speed up any issues for health coverage and that may occur when/if you are unable to There was good news. While not present at the communicate for yourself. The Spring breakfast, there are two new members: Art Social Rheault and Bernadette Danco. Neither are new Sally Speck shared some personal information Luncheon which retirees, but we are happy to welcome them to regarding out of country coverage. She Atikokan will RTO. Liz and Don MacKay were back from their provided printed information for anyone who host for the adventures in China. The unexpected often might require coverage for their travels. District on May occurs in their travels and this trip was no 31, 2012 exception. Liz had some up close and personal Alana Rechlin, District Rep., had nothing new to experiences of Chinese hospitals which gave her report. a somewhat different perspective of China from Don. Ralph Brown, Political Action Rep., reminded members of the upcoming election on Oct. 6 The group enjoyed a delicious breakfast and at where the Conservatives are supporting all day the conclusion the caterers were thanked. kindergarten. He also mentioned the issue of Larry Brown, District 1 President, spoke of the student/ teacher ratio that was escalating. He need to recruit new members into the saluted Dennis Brown, member and Mayor of organization. To this end, there will be an Atikokan, on his dedication to working for the informal gathering at the White Otter Inn on town and its people. Sunday, October 16, 2011 and a formal meeting on October 17, 2011 in Fort Frances. The local . . .Continued Page 5 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011

Atikokan Report, continued off to enjoy a round of golf organized by Ron and Sally Speck. Our RTO/ERO local scholarship fund was awarded to There are some important thank you’s to be made: Allysha Gosselin this year. She will continue her Ron and Sally Speck, Bleddyn Williams and Ida studies in the field of education. (Allysha happens to Docking for the numerous duties that you carry out be the granddaughter of member Hank Smit and wife on our behalf. Ralph Brown who is our Political Reiny.) Advocacy Representative, Alana Rechlin, our District Representative and Georgette Rawlings who As treasurer, Georgette Rawlings, made a wears many hats as Secretary, Treasurer and presentation on how the Atikokan Unit has changed Health Representative. over the years - especially financially. She gave credit Sally will be our Goodwill Representative until to Ron Speck, Dave Ogden and Kay Modeland for October 15th and Ida Docking will take over at that promoting the creation of the unit. In the beginning, point. there was never enough money and the executive financed many things. But she thanked Ron for his As mentioned at the Breakfast, we are always foresight to attain money for the unit based on the looking for new blood to help lighten the load. Most percentage of members in Atikokan. Now the unit is of our Executive have been active for a number of doing well and actually has surplus funds. She years and do not wish to continue indefinitely. So far suggested that the group might like to make donations these requests have fallen on deaf ears. Please to groups or organizations fostering education or consider a role which YOU might be able to fill. issues relating to aging and retirement. Members were asked to send their thoughts and ideas to Important upcoming events for the Atikokan Unit of president Lyn so they can be discussed by the RTO/ERO are as follows: executive and decisions made at the Christmas  The Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday, luncheon. December 14th, 2011.  The Spring Social Luncheon, which we host District President Larry added to this report by for the District on May 31st, 2012. indicating that if groups were carrying a surplus they might be subjected to audits, which would then change It just remains to wish everyone the best of health the funding. He encouraged people to share their and happiness for the winter ahead. Enjoy families, ideas with the executive to use this money wisely. ( As friends and travels. an addition to this, we remind members to please call Lyn, so far only one idea has been suggested!) Submitted by Lyn Williams After the meeting was adjourned a group of golfers set President of Atikokan Unit

TREASURER’S REPORT (as of September 7, 2011)

As of September 7, 2011 our bank balance was $14,885.62. Once the Project Service to Others project is completed, this balance will be reduced by $4,000.00. Provincial Office has grandfathered the additional grants we receive for size, distance from Toronto and population density until 2015. This will allow us to remain financially solvent in the next few years. Len LaRocque, Treasurer

RTO/ERO NEWSLETTER . . . Electronically? The District One Newsletter is now available on the District website: rtodistrictone.ca Presently the newsletter is being mailed at a considerable cost to our district. We are making a transition to deliver the newsletter via email to members requesting this format. If you prefer to receive an email copy please submit your email address to: [email protected] or telephone 807-274-7725. Thank you! Page 6 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011

FALL SENATE DATES TO REMEMBER

President Larry Brown and First Vice President NOTICE: The Annual General RTO/ERO meeting Mariette McRae will be attending the Fall Senate will be held Wednesday, October 19, instead of in Toronto on October 24-26. If you have any Thursday, October 20 to accommodate the questions, concerns you would like your schedule of our guest speaker, Gordon Cressy. representative to address, please contact them or speak to them at our October 19 Annual General Oct. 17 Retirement Planning Workshop Meeting. Our next newsletter publication will Mon. New Beginnings Church (4:30 – 9:00) appear in the new year, late April 2012. The Oct. 19 District 1 Annual General Meeting District Fall Senate Report will be filed and Wed. La Place Rendez-Vous available on request through District 1 Secretary, (Social 11:00, Lunch12:00) Betty Ann LaRocque (274-9593). GUEST SPEAKER: Gordon Cressy, Chair of the Marketing Arm of The Renaissance publication will contain a RTO/ERO Charitable Foundation detailed report of the Fall Senate and is sent to all RTO/ERO members. Oct 24-26 Fall Senate Meeting, Toronto Nov. 2 District 1 Executive Meeting Wed. La Place Rendez-Vous (10:00 a.m.) 2011 OCTOGENARIANS Dec. 8 Christmas Luncheon Thur. La Place Rendez-Vous Happy Birthday to the four members of (Social 11:00, Lunch 12:00) District 1 who became Octogenarians this 2012 year! District 1 RTO/ERO Rainy River will Apr. 25 District 1 Executive Meeting honour these members with a complimentary Wed. La Place Rendez-Vous (10:00) luncheon at the Christmas Social, December May 15,16 Spring Senate (Toronto) 8, at La Place Rendez-Vous. Atikokan Unit May 24 District 1 General Meeting will honour (Joan) Lorraine Branch at Thur. La Place Rendez-Vous Atikokan’s Christmas luncheon. RTO/ERO (Social 11:00, Lunch12:00) Special Member Recognition Pins will be May 30 District 1 Executive Meeting presented to: Wed. La Place Rendez-Vous (10:00)  Dorothy Weir (January 26) Fort Frances  Rowland Morrison (August 1) Rainy May 31 District 1 Spring Social Meeting River Thur. hosted by Unit 1 Atikokan Atikokan Canadian Legion  (Joan) Lorraine Branch (November 1) (Social 11:00, Lunch 12:00) Atikokan  Larry Fontana (December 13) Fort Aug. Bellringer Breakfast La Place Rendez-Vous Frances (Social 9:30, Breakfast 10:00) Sept. 12 District 1 Executive Meeting SLATE, an online magazine of news, politics, and Wed. La Place Rendez-Vous (10:00) culture, has listed USA’s most influential octogenarians of 2010. Top of the list, the head of Oct. 18 District 1 Annual General Meeting Thur. La Place Rendez-Vous the Mormon Church, Thomas S. Monson at 83. (Social 11:00, Lunch12:00) Others who have remained relevant into their ninth **Election of Officers (Jan) 2013-2014 (Dec) decade include Warren Buffet, George Soros, and Clint Eastwood all a spry 80, along with Barbara Nov. 14 District 1 Executive Meeting Walters, Noam Chomsky, E.O. Wilson, and Gordon Wed. La Place Rendez-Vous (10:00) Moore. Special kudos were offered to Wesley E. Dec. 6 Christmas Luncheon Brown, 103, who with the aid of oxygen tanks is the La Place Rendez-Vous oldest sitting Federal Court judge. (Social 11:00, Lunch12:00) Page 7 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011

Guest Speaker: Gordon Cressy OUT OF PROVINCE/COUNTRY TRAVEL Gordon Cressy began his career in 1963 as a young CUSO volunteer, working with the YMCA in ALL out-of-country/province RTO/ERO Health Plan Trinidad. Just 20, he ran a youth hostel, developed Claims (Johnsons’ Inc.) will be processed through a swimming program, facilitated programs between MONDIAL ASSISTANCE. different cultural groups and started his first major fundraising project – selling 1500 Canadian For specific instructions consult the Out of Province/Canada travel booklet. Christmas trees in Trinidad! This experience motivated him to pursue a career in community IN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY: service. You must contact Mondial Assistance within 48 Following his studies at George Williams hours of the emergency or payments will be limited College, and earning his Master of Social Work to $2,000 per insured person per trip. degree at the University of Toronto, Gordon went on Mondial Assistance emergency contact numbers are to create an After-four program at Rose Avenue listed on the back cover of the travel booklet, and on Public School. The first program of its kind, it would page 40 of the Group Benefits booklet. become a model for similar initiatives across Canada. He ran two group homes for troubled youth. He SUGGESTION: Put a copy of the back cover of the moved to the faculty of the Ontario Institute of booklet, “out-of-Province/Canada Travel Booklet” Studies in Education, teaching and consulting for with your Health Card. Boards of Education across the province. Gordon was elected to both City of Toronto and Metropolitan Proof of departure from your province of residence is Toronto where he served on a wide number of required to make a claim under this policy. More committees as an Executive Alderman. In 1982 he details regarding eligible proof of departure are on was hired as President and CEO of the United Way page 14 of the Travel booklet, and on Page 9 of this of Greater Toronto. He pioneered outreach newsletter. strategies that helped re-establish the organization’s relevance in Toronto. His work on diversity has only grown in scope and ambition over the years. He has READ ALERT served as Vice President at Ryerson University and the University of Toronto where he has been “ . . . the illiterate of the future won’t be those responsible for fundraising, public affairs, who cannot read and write – but those who government, community and alumni relations. cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” Gordon and his wife have just completed a three- year assignment to work with Tobago YMCA to Alvin Toffler create the first ever public swimming pool, coming Future Shock full circle from his first time in Trinidad 45 years ago.

WELLNESS Eat to Beat High Blood Pressure HAVE YOU MOVED? As more Canadian women are being diagnosed with Remember to inform the Provincial Office if you high blood pressure, many are taking medications. have a change of address. You can do this by calling: 1- But smart food choices may offer some benefit as 800-881-6956, ext. 223. well. In a recent British study, people either drank Provincial provides address labels which are used beet juice or took nitrate pills. The nitrates in both reduced everyone’s blood pressure within 24 hours. in all local and provincial mailings. I order these labels “The hope is that we could advise people to eat for each mailing of the newsletter, and an updated vegetables with high nitrate content,” author Amrita address ensures that it would not be necessary to re- Ahluwalia told the BBC. So enjoy the fall bounty: address your envelope. Nitrate-rich veggies include not just beets but also Freeda Carmody leafy greens, celery and radishes. Page 8 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011

MEETING DATE REMINDER SUBSIDIZED MEALS POLICY

Meeting dates are set in advance. Sometimes It is the policy of District 1 to subsidize the cost of the luncheon at all general meetings. The circumstances require a change to be made. phoning committee volunteers call each member The newsletter is one tool used to inform to determine the number of meals to be ordered. members of upcoming events. It is not always Members pay a flat fee of $10.00. Remainder of possible to inform our members of a date the cost for each meal is paid by District 1. change. The final notification of our The cost to District 1 for meals in the last two years has ranged from $18.00 to $33.00 with the meetings comes through the phoning average being $26.00 per meal. committee. WORKING WITH THE RENDEZ-VOUS La Place Rendez-Vous now requires a written contract committing us to pay for 60 meals unless they receive our actual number of confirmed MERCHANDISE meals by noon of the third business day before Christmas is just around the corner. Come and our scheduled luncheon. Usually 45-55 RTO check out the great selection of items available from members enjoy these meals. Christmas RTO at the October 19 luncheon. Choose from attendance is around 80. It is important to get an stocking stuffers to men’s and ladies’ golf shirts, accurate count of confirmed meals so we don’t winter vests and winter jackets. If your size is not end up paying for 60 meals if only 55 members there, no problem! It can be ordered and arrive in attend. If the luncheon is on Thursday, we need time for the RTO Christmas luncheon. Come and to call in the final number of meals by Monday at browse for good quality clothing and other items at noon. That is the reason your calling committee affordable prices. member contacts you so far in advance of the luncheon and tries to determine whether you will NEW ITEMS be there. Pens $.95 Glass Mugs $6.50 Stainless Steel Coffee Mug $7.74 If you are unable to attend after registering, you must call Gerry Parent (274-3946) or Sallee Dry Wicking Ladies’ Pink Shirt $16.00 Dick (275-7521) to cancel. If you fail to cancel Golf Balls (12 per package) $31.64 three days prior to the meeting you are expected Unisex Hooded Jacket $48.00 to pay for your meal. We sincerely request your Navy Down-filled Quilted Jacket $96.00 co-operation. Sallee Dick, Social Chairperson CONTACT: Gemma Lamonato (274-9592) email: [email protected]

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Articles are required for consideration for inclusion in future issues. Do you have: * information you would like to see in the newsletter * an account of an unusual holiday * an important question * special memories of a colleague or student * items of humour (credit source) WRITE TO TELL US! c/o Angela LaForest 1039 River Road, Fort Frances, ON P9A 2V3 email – [email protected] c/o Carroll McFayden 209 Armit Avenue, Fort Frances, ON P9A 2H1 email – [email protected] Page 9 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011

SALVATION ARMY FOOD BANK READ ALERT Travel Proof of Departure The Salvation Army Food Bank is always in need of contributions. The District 1 Executive In the event of a claim, Mondial Assistance will Board has decided to provide the opportunity for require proof of the day prior to, or day of your members to make departure from your province of residence. For donations at all meetings. coverage verification purposes, the proof must The executive has confirm that you were in your province of arranged to have the food and residence, and not when you arrived at your monetary donations delivered on destination. Each person travelling must retain your behalf. Your generosity is much his/her own proof. Proof of departure can take any appreciated. form as long as it meets the following criteria:  Identifies you (that is, your name is shown or it HOW TO CONTACT RTO/ERO bears your signature. Mail: 18 Spadina Road, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M5R 2S7  Indicates that the transaction took place in your Phone: 416-962-9463 province of residence before your trip (or prior Toll Free: 1-800-361-9888 Ext 223 to your original return date in the case of early Email: [email protected] return); and  specifies the date. There is a form that you can fill out at the RTO website, www.rto-ero.org Examples of acceptable proof include, but are not limited to:  a border crossing receipt; WANNA SWAP?  duty free receipt;  airline ticket or boarding pass; Here’s an idea from our travels. Maybe you’ll  enjoy it as much as we have. In a lot of the credit card receipt; campgrounds the Host has a large bin of  signed and dated bank or financial institution donated books, magazines, videos, CDs tapes. documents that proves you were in your Anyone can take something from the bin to province of residence the day before your enjoy, and you are asked to make your own scheduled day of departure. contribution. At our RTO luncheons we could have a table ready to receive your “gently used Proof of departure may present a challenge only in and still in good condition” reading material, the event that you drive to your destination. In all movies or music. Bring a donation and go home other instances, a board pass from a common with some great “new” entertainment. carrier is readily available, and is sufficient proof. Sallee and Vance Dick YOU MUST contact Mondial COMMITTEE REPORTS Assistance within 48 hours of The Newsletter publishes Committee Reports so that the emergency, or payments will the membership will be kept informed of District 1 be limited to $2,000 per insured activities. Any inquiries arising from the reports person. will be addressed at the General Meeting. Informational materials are available on the display area or from executive members. Page 10 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011

HEALTH REPORT top down and slower to react to market pressures. There are very few retiree plans on the market other than that There are a couple of important Health and of our closest competitor; therefore the reviewer Benefit items that our Provincial body would like considered only the highest level guaranteed acceptance, shared with all of our membership. This (no need for medical underwriting, if applied for in the newsletter will feature those items. The first required timeline) plan designs for Ontario residents. item documents an independent review of our Most of the compatible plans are offered on an individual Extended Health Plan, and is quite reassuring. basis, versus the group basis under which the RTO/ERO plan is established. To be able to assess each plan against The second, from Johnson Inc. is an in-depth a level playing field, the reviewer considered all main review of the scope of our Semi-Private Hospital benefit lines (Semi-Private Hospital, Extended Health coverage, including some aspects of which we may Care, including Out-of-Province/Canada travel, and Dental not all be aware . I offer this information for Care), with the premium payment requirements for a your enjoyment and enlightenment. couple, each aged 71, which is the average age of the RTO/ERO membership. Mariette McRae, Health Services and Insurance Representative While the reviewer felt that the members are getting good value for their benefits dollar, a few INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THE RTO/ERO recommendations were offered by the reviewer and the INDEPENDENT HEALTH PLANS HS&IC will be looking at each of the 20 recommendations in detail in the near future. The Health Services and Insurance Committee (HS&IC) contracted the services of Coughlin We also requested that the Coughlin team compare the Employee Benefits Specialists to conduct a review of RTO/ERO plan to the benefits available through the the plan design for the Extended Health Plans. Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) retiree We can report at this time that the Independent programs, of which there are three levels. The core Consultants rated the RTO/ERO plan as equal to or advantage to the RTO/ERO over the CAAT is the travel superior when looking at the components of the insurance coverage offered. coverage to the other plans in most areas. Furthermore, when the reviewer assessed the The HS&IC are extremely pleased with the findings of overall coverage offered by all the assessed plans, the reviewer. We continue to lead the way for voluntary the RTO/ERO plan was found to be superior to plans retiree insurance plans offered to the elementary and secondary employees and support staff, including our closest competitor. A MESSAGE FROM JOHNSON INC. – SEMI- PRIVATE COVERAGE MORE THAN HOSPITAL The reviewer noted that the RTO/ERO plan COVERAGE design evolved over the years with input from various sources, which included the RTO/ERO The RTO/ERO Semi-Private Hospital Plan covers more membership. The RTO/ERO plan is more grounded than just hospital accommodation - it also covers to its membership’s needs and feedback. This convalescent care at home. Convalescent home care can be provides a distinct advantage and is an important provided to you in your home, mainly for the purpose of value-added component compared to most of the assistance with activities of daily living (such as toileting, other comparators used by the reviewer. The eating, bathing, dressing and transferring positions). structure of the comparative plans tends to be more Page 11 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011

Benefits are eligible upon discharge from an acute, RETIREMENT PLANNING WORKSHOP active hospital stay of a minimum 24 hour period. Reimbursement is 80% to a maximum of $75 per day, Your help is needed to encourage your active friends in our Boards of Education to begin for a maximum of 30 days. thinking of their retirement future. Come out October 17, Monday, (4:30 – 9:00) to the New Below are some details pertaining to the convalescent Beginnings Fellowship Church and listen to home care benefit: RTO/ERO Tom Sawinski, Pension and Benefits • The 30 days of care do not have to be Officer, and David Brawley, Johnson Insurance consecutive. consultant, work through any questions they may • Approved benefits begin on the discharge have. In every school in the District an Ad Brochure has been posted for the Retirement date, and care must be rendered within 90 days of Planning Workshop. In the Atikokan District, discharge. Sunday evening, October 16, 6:30, at the White • Convalescent home care must be rendered by Otter Inn a question and answer session has an individual working under the supervision of a been organized. licensed home care agency or home health care Larry Brown, President agency. BIOGRAPHY • The person rendering the service must not Tony Sawinski, Pension and Benefits Officer ordinarily reside with the patient or in the home of an extended family member and cannot be related Tony has Bachelor degrees in Science by blood or marriage. and Education, and an Honours Specialist in • Convalescent home care must be provided in a Mathemativs and Chemistry. He began his private residence – which is not necessarily always career in 1983 at Timmins High and Vocational School, where he spent all of his time teaching the patient’s permanent residence. Care may take various mathematics and science classes, except place in the home of a friend, family member, for three years near the beginning, when he was neighbour, etc. at Roland Michener Secondary School. • Accommodation charges in a rest home, nursing home, convalescent home and chronic care Effective September 1, 2006, Tony facility are excluded from the convalescent care Sawinski joined RTO/ERO as its Pension and benefit. Benefits Officer. He comes from the District School Board of Ontario North East, with • There is a separate convalescent care benefit experience in health and insurance plans and for care required post non-elective day surgery, pension matters since 1989. As the Pension and where approved care is paid at 80% to a $75 daily Benefits Office at RTO/ERO, Tony has been co- maximum for a limit of three days only – a doctor’s ordinating and delivering retirement pension plan note with diagnosis and recommendation for said workshops since 2006. Currently, Tony care is all that is required in this situation. participates on the OTF Pension Committee. It is important to note that written authorization of BIOGRAPHY a physician and completion of a Johnson Inc. David Brawley authorization form are required to ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements for the convalescent David Brawley rejoined Johnson Inc. in home care benefit. July, 2010, as a Consultant on the RTO/ERO For more information, please refer to the Semi- Consulting team. His role is to oversee the Private Hospital Plan section in your RTO/ERO financial aspects of the RTO/ERO Group Benefits Program. Previously, David was part of the Insurance Plans Booklet. Alternatively, you can Consulting team that managed MEDOC, contact the Johnson Inc. Plan Benefits Claims Johnson’s travel insurance program. department at 905.764.4888 or 1.800.638.4753. . . . continued Page 12 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011

David Brawley Biography, continued PENSION and RETIREMENT COMMITTEE REPORT David has 14 years of group insurance experience (A summary of the last provincial committee report) combining the insurance carrier and consulting perspectives for life, health and disability benefits. Several Fact Sheets have been revised and are David has completed Level 2 of the Certified General Accountants program. He also holds his Ontario Real posted on the RTO/ERO website. The newly updated Estate Licence and spent a few years in the new ones are: Canada Pension Plan, Long Term Care Facilities, Auto Insurance Endorsements and homes and condominiums market in the Greater Toronto Area. Planning your Legal and Financial Affairs. The Fact Sheet on Import Family Documents will be available shortly. WELLNESS Keep On Smiling! There will be a document (CAREGIVING Say cheese! Flashing your pearly whites may add RESOURCES) sent to the October Senate for years to your life. Researchers at Wayne State approval. It is a list of CAREGIVING RESOURCES University in Detroit studied photos of professional available in our communities. baseball players from the ‘50s and found that on average, players who gave the biggest grins to the Senate will be asked to approve a September. 2012 camera lived five years longer than those who kept a workshop of the Pension and Retirement straight face. Smiling has been linked to marriage representatives. success, but this is the first time it’s been tied to living longer. Feeling grouchy? Put on a happy face The committee’s priorities for 2012 are: Monitoring anyway; scientists say that even a forced smile Pension Changes, distributing the Caregiving stimulates the brain in a similar way to real happiness! Resource Document and completion of Aging Successfully through Wellness.

Bill 133 will introduce changes in the way marriage breakdowns are handled in Ontario regulated pensions. It is proposed that there be a lump sum transfer to the former spouse. Before January 1, 2012 this could only happen upon the death of the spouse.

We are advised by Johnson Inc. that stamped passports by American Customs are no longer accepted as proof of departure date when you are out of province. RTO MEDICAL PLAN AVAILABLE WITHIN 60 DAYS OF LEAVING Bob Barron SPOUSE’S GROUP Pension and Retirement Representative RTO/ERO has several members who are retired and remain under a spouse’s group benefit plan until the plan expires. These individuals are There’s an upside to grandparenthood. You play, eligible to join RTO/ERO Health Plans within 60 you give, you love, than you hand them back and go days of leaving that group plan without a medical to an early movie. Billy Crystal

My father said there were two kinds of people in I had my car towed yesterday – there was the world – givers and takers. The takers may eat nothing wrong with it, but it was cheaper than a better, but the givers sleep better tank of gas. Marlo Thomas Page 13 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011

IN MEMORIAM situated in every part of Canada and range in LYLA RAE CORAN age from mid fifties to well over a hundred years of age. Lyla was born in Fort Frances to Rollie Bridging the gap between traditional and Helen Hyre. She grew up on the family farm and online communication: Keynote Speaker, in Burriss Township spending summers at the Trish Krause, emphasized that the story cabin on Lake Despair. Lyla attended Burriss (message) is key. We need to understand the School and Fort Frances High School then went media used, understand our audience, and on to North Bay Teachers’ College. She happily that everyone learns or communicates returned to teach at Burriss School under the differently. guidance of her mother who was the school The Printed Newsletter: Only a principal. Following her marriage to Raymond percentage of members take part in most Coran in 1954, Lyla began teaching in Fort RTO/ERO activities but everyone gets a Frances with the RRSSB. newsletter. It is our most important tool for Ray and Lyla were blessed with four communication. You can find our newsletter children: Reno, Teresa, Diane and Michael, and on our website (www.rtodistrictone.ca), click they became the focus of her life. They also Newsletter button. welcomed ten grand-children but suffered the Communication with Local Media: We sudden loss of grand-daughter Nina Rae. This need to tell our story to the public, not to pat spring they were overjoyed by the arrival of ourselves on the back, but relate how our Evan, their first great grand-child. organization might attract new members, and Lyla was an avid reader, enjoyed let the public know that retired teachers care gardening and was artistically gifted, qualities and are out there volunteering and helping. she nurtured in her children and grand-children. We need to let others know about healthy She particularly cherished the summers spent living, travelling safely, and enjoying our lives with Ray and her family at their retirement cabin in our later years. on Red Gut Bay. E-newsletter: I discovered that District Lyla was an actively involved member of 1 was doing quite well in this department, the Catholic Women’s League, Rainycrest especially since we have a relatively small Auxiliary and the LaVerendrye Hospital Auxiliary. mailing as compared to the other large She was very fond of socializing with the Burriss districts. Ladies and Italian Ladies groups. Online Communication and Social Lyla’s sensitivity and caring ways will Media for RTO/ERO: Renee Mercuri, staff always be remembered by her family, colleagues member, revealed how RTO/ERO is currently and friends. The Executive Board and communicating online. Did you know that RTO membership of District 1, RTO/ERO extend has a Facebook page, a Twitter account, a sincere condolences to Raymond and Family. YouTube account, and uses Flickr and . Stock.xchng to promote recruitment, member relations, marketing, human resources, budgets and political lobbying? She DISCOVER, CONNECT, COMMUNICATE suggested using the blended approach to 2011 Communications Conference Report reach people where they are at. Using the June 5, 6, 2011 internet today can be a very powerful tool to interact with others. RTO/ERO President, Diane Murphy, opened the I am thankful for having the opportunity conference by emphasizing the importance of to attend this conference. communicating to our members. Our group is Don Ricci, Website Page 14 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011

RTO DISTRICT ONE WEB NEWS SERVICE TO OTHERS (STO) – 2011 Project

www.rtodistrictone.ca is our local web site As you may recall our District 1 received the address. You need to check it out for a wealth of maximum STO grant of $4000 from RTO information that is available to you. provincial. Although identifying and acquiring the “senior-suitable” outdoor courtyard furnishings for Rainycrest Long Term Care has been a slow process, the project is nearing completion. The courtyard furnishings are being “made-to-order” by Turtle Wood Enterprises, based in Atikokan. A FEW P (Check out their product lines at www.turtle-wood.com/contact A big thanks to our RTO president, Larry Brown, If you can’t make it to one of our meetings you for helping to locate a district supplier of these can see pictures of those that did attend on our quality furnishings. Although a little late for this website. I will try and keep this up to date. As you year, these items should be in the courtyards for know summer and good weather don’t help in this the Rainycrest residents by mid-October. Please endeavour. I am waiting for a rainy day to get this watch for local media coverage of this event. work done. I do have several new pictures ready to go online. Keep checking for them. They are found in the Merv Ahrens Photo Galleries tab, just click on the photo gallery of STO 2011 Applicant your choice. You look at the pictures one at a time or on a slide show. I will keep you informed as to the dates of our executive meetings, social events and general meetings. You can even find out the menus of the upcoming events. This is if you happen to lose your newsletter. Speaking of the newsletter, a copy of our latest newsletters are found on the website as well. Just click on the tab ‘newsletters’ and choose the newsletter you would like to read. You can even print it on your own printer. This way you would get the coloured version. There is a wealth of information both provincially and locally found on our website. Give it a go. REMEMBER: www.rtodistrictone.ca

Don Ricci, Webmaster (852-3704) or ([email protected])

PHOTOS Solving problems at the Atikokan Breakfast, 2011. Looks like everyone was having a great visit. Page 15 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011

GOODWILL REPORT (As of August, 2011)

Aug. 30 Dale and Mary Cooper (Sympathy, death of Dale’s sister) Aug. 30 Shirley Russell (Happy Birthday, Rainycrest) Sept. 3 (Joan) Lorraine Branch (Thinking of you, husband unwell) Sept. 6 Rene and Carolee Hogue (Sympathy, death of Carolee’s dad) Sept. 6 Lyla Coran (Thinking of you, hospital) Sept. 6 Joseph Maronic (Thinking of you, health concerns) Sept. 12 Jacques and Paulette Fafard (Sympathy, death of Jacque’s brother) Sept. 12 Karen Houghton (Welcome, new member) Sept. 12 Ed Cain (Welcome new member) Sept. 12 Alice Irvine (Sympathy, death of sister) Sept. 14 Laura Donaldson (Thinking of you, health concerns) Sept. 20 Janet Young (Thinking of you, surgery) Sept. 20 Karen Woods (Welcome, new member) Sept. 22 Ray Coran (Sympathy, death of member Lyla Coran: donation to Tamarack House, Thunder Bay) Sept. 24 Cecil Ogden (Thinking of you, hospital) Sept. 26 Diane Maxey (Thinking of you, surgery) Sept. 28 Joyce Meyers (Thinking of you, surgerty) Oct. 1 Irene Hill-Haver (Thinking of you, death of a friend) Cards to be sent out, November to April

Octogenarian 2011 Invitations Dorothy Weir Rowland Morrison (Joan) Lorraine Branch Larry Fontana

Nov. 2011 Christmas Luncheon Invitations: Members 80 years and older Faith Adair Rose Bernardi Joy Bourre Mervaline Brown Cecile Cole Jack Dillon Laura Donaldson Tom Drew Isaac Dyck Jessie Enge Cassie Fedoruk Edwina Frenette Wallace Hannon Alan Kerr Nick Krawchuk Vera LaRocque Al Lowe Marjorie Macklem Bernard Maher Margaret Livingston Jan Marshall Nita Mills Barb Murray Kathleen Modeland Edith Newman Lenard Ricci Gordon Ross Geneviere McGinnis Hendrik Smit Ed Tymkin Larry Fontana Fran Shelfantook Rowland Morrison Velma Grant Dorothy Weir Chris Von Niebelschutz Eunice Hamilton (Joan) Lorraine Branch

Dec. Christmas Cards Fran Shelfantook

Cards, plus $10.00 gift . . . Rainycrest, Fort Frances Golden Age Manor, Emo Shirley Russell Alice Irvine Laura Donaldson Vera Larocque Astrid Fairington Page 16 of 16 Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2011

Goodwill Report, continued

Special Cards

Mal Steele Carson McQuaker (First Christmas without Iris) Cecile Cole (First Christmas without Jim) Karen Houghton (First Christmas without Brian) Freeda Carmody (First Christmas without Jim) Wendy Murphy (First Christmas without Jo Benson, mother) Mary-Alice Isaac (First Christmas without aunt, Eva Fleurie) Dick and Carol Lyons (newsletter) Maurice and Angela LaForest (newsletter) La Place Rendez-Vous Northwestern Health Unit (use of display boards)

Out of Area

Barb Cousineau (Kanata) Mary Lynn Bondett (North Bay) Ari and Audrey Borger (Thunder Bay) Jack and Elsie Cameron (Manitoba) June Drazenovich (Minneapolis) Jacques and Pauletter Fafard (Keewatin) Eileen Kirk (Prior Lake, Minnesota) Nick Krawchuk (Winnipeg) Hilda Lang (Regina) Marjorie Macklem (Winnipeg) Jessie Martinson (Vancouver, BC) Eunice and Ron Bang (Thunder Bay) John and Marion Duggan (Toronto) Pam and Paul Money (Cavan, Ontario) Bill and Bonnie Morrison (Thunder Bay) Lawrie and Mary Ann Sundin (Thunder Bay) Graham and Stella Ducker (Oshawa) Jane Turple (mailed to family, Saskatchewan) Marg and Al Gillies (Guelph) Barb Stevens (Winnipeg) Gail Briggs (Thunder Bay)

*Sincere apologies to any member who has been missed. I depend on YOU keeping in touch about our members. It is never too late to send a card! I need your input, please.

In my winter absence, Betty Ann LaRocque will be the Goodwill Committee contact (November to April) 807-274-9593 Email: [email protected]

Carroll McFayden Goodwill