District 3 — RTO / ERO

Annual General Meeting

President and Executive Board Reports

May 14, 2019

Hello from our Nation’s Capital,

It has been a busy exciting year for RTO/ERO both Provincially and in District 3, Algoma. It has also

been a journey for me and my husband Mike.

Provincially, the governance process continues to evolve, as our former By-Law 1 has proposed

changes to be confirmed at the Annual Meeting in May, 2019. Building a brand for RTO/ERO that

reflects the organization, its membership, and ensures relevance to both current and future members,

continues to be a priority. A name that better reflects both active and retired educators residing across

the country will be on the Annual Meeting agenda.

Our district has had a busy year. We have revised our governance policy to reflect the provincial

changes. After Sault Search and Rescue shared their Project Lifesaver initiative at our Fall General

Meeting, our executive decided to put their name forward for the RTO/ERO Charitable Donation of

$10 000, as we felt it met the Provincial criteria. Our submission was completed by David Gooderham

(SSAR), Folgo DellaVedova and myself. We just received notification that Project Lifesaver was the

selected recipient. We celebrated 2018’s Project Service to Others - Days for Girls, Sault Ste.

Marie at our meeting in January. Our March Meeting welcomed Anya Rampersad who answered the

“Most Frequently asked questions about our Health Plan”. In our May Annual General Meeting we will

enjoy entertainment by Folgo DellaVedova and Mary Madonna asking the profound question “Where

Have All the Folk Songs Gone?” Our Silent Auction will generate money for our scholarships to

Algoma University and Sault College.

On a more personal note, I would like to thank all of you for the kind notes, thoughts

and prayers as Mike and I approach the half way point in our journey (AGM is

Day 48 of 100). Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss Stem Cell

Replacement from a caregiver’s perspective.

Our District 3 Executive has continued to work hard for all our members. Many

thanks for their generous support. We truly have an outstanding team.

Kathryn Greening, President, District 3, Algoma

District 3 Executive

President: Kathryn Greening

First Vice-President: Folgo DellaVedova

Second Vice-President: Joanne Mantha McConnell

Treasurer: Sherrill Dewar

Secretary: Joanne Mantha McConnell

Past President: Rich Prophet

First Vice President—Folgo DellaVedova The primary responsibilities of the 1st Vice President of RTO-ERO Algoma District 3 are to be a

support to the president, act in the absence of the president and to manage any applications for

provincial funding under the Charitable Donations Grant and the Project Service to Others Grant.

What an exciting and fulfilling year this has been for me in this role. Working with a talented and

dedicated group of executive and board members has been rewarding having experienced a

great deal of personal and professional growth.

In the one hundred day absence of president Kathryn Greening who has faithfully and lovingly

accompanied her husband on a significant health treatment journey, I was ready and fully

supportive of acting on her behalf. We were able to keep in touch and communicate regularly to

realize our responsibilities to our organization.

What excitement we experienced when Martha Foster, provincial RTO-ERO

President, informed me and Kathryn that our application for the $10,000

Charitable Donation Grant was successful!. I believe this was a first time

achievement for our district. The recipient of the grant this year is Sault Search

and Rescue whose contact, David Gooderham, was also over the moon with

enthusiasm.

Currently in progress is a Food Bag Programme application that will be

submitted for the $4,000 Project Service To Others Grant. The deadline is in

June and we have confidence for a potential successful outcome.

Thanks to all my colleagues for your support and excellence in dedication and

teamwork to accomplish great things for our members.

Folgo DellaVedova, First Vice President

Benefits — Bruce Avery & Page Nicolson

EXTENDED HEALTH CARE + TRAVEL INSURANCE

Maintain a healthy, active lifestyle with the Extended Health Plan

$3,400 prescription drugs—85% reimbursed $400 vision care every 2 years—80% reimbursed $150 / 2yrs. for eye exams (not covered by OHIP) 80% reimbursed $1300 Paramedicals—80% reimbursed—Doctor referral not required Comprehensive 93 day / trip Travel Insurance Guaranteed acceptance for additional travel coverage Venngo Memberperks Best Doctors

Monthly Premium Single Couple Family $99.39 $198.81 $238.59

DENTAL PLAN COVERAGE

85% reimbursed for routine dental (no maximum) $850 endodontics & periodontics (root canals, etc.)—80% reimbursed $800 crowns, posts, inlays—50% reimbursed $800 fixed bridges, partial dentures—50% reimbursed

Monthly Premium Single Couple Family $59.37 $117.08 $146.00

HOSPITAL COVERAGE

Unlimited semi-private hospital—95% reimbursed Convalescent care $75/day—80% reimbursed

Monthly Premium Single Couple Family $14.60 $29.16 $34.28

RTO/ERO

Offers

Canada's

#1

Insurance

Plan

for

Education

Retirees!

Bruce Page

The RTO/ERO Foundation Report—Bernice Whalen

“Through the Foundation we are imagining a Canada where seniors get the care and support they need, where, when and how they need it.” We aim to have a Canada where we have a better understanding of the different dimensions of aging, and more health professionals are trained to apply that knowledge. Quality of life for seniors is the dream of the RTO/ERO Foundation. On March 6th a focus group took part in a teleconference which lasted a little over an hour. It was recognized by all participants that key to the FDN has been Dr. Rochon who took the Foundation to national and international status. The Foundation is seen as a pioneer in the area of charities as it solely focuses upon aging issues of older adults.

Urinary incontinence affects 3.5 million Canadians. The condition increases with age and with prostrate problems. A joint UBC (University of British Columbia) Okanagan-Interior Health Research study (funded by the Retired Teachers of Ontario Foundation) is testing a way to encourage older adults to seek help early. The provincial Foundation team is developing tools, resources, and a support structure to establish a local level speaker series. Through the Foundation we are able to approve a total granting envelope of $100,000 for research and community-based interventions into social isolation in older adults. Successful proposals announced publicly at the May Spring Senate. Locally we are excited that Emily Noble will serve as the FDC under the umbrella of Goodwill. After the AGM, Emily will be reporting on new projects forthcoming and preparing newsletter articles to keep us up to date. Through our bereavement contributions District 3 will continue to support the foundation and its excellent work! This past year we have contributed $640+ dollars.

Bernice Whalen, Goodwill

In Honour

Social Committee — Patti Latham

The Marconi Hall is booked for

Thursday, November 28, 2019

“A Touch of Class” — $40 / ticket

Website — Gary Wills

www.rtoalgoma.com (Open 24/7)

Check out: The Little Black Book of Scams V2

http://www.rtoalgoma.com/index_htm_files/little_black_book_of_scams.pdf

** Share it with vulnerable family & friends! **

Don’t Get Scammed!!

Membership & Recruitment—Moyra O’Pallie

Welcome to our spring (we hope) meeting.

District 3 Algoma membership is presently 1,162. The new provincial monthly reports indicate the number of actively employed members in each district. At present, we have 17 whom we welcome into our ranks, as we head towards 1,200. There are plasticized cards “bragging” about the 31 Benefits of Membership in RTO, on the entrance table. Pick one up to encourage others to join. Remember, we are all recruiters.

Ask for enrollment packages if needed. Always keep your personal info changes up to date by calling RTO/ERO Provincial at 1 800 361 9888. Enjoy these nice long May days—we deserve them! Moyra O’Pallie Membership/Recruitment

Vision Screening — Bernice Whalen

Vision screening for senior kindergarten for 2018-2019 has been completed under the capable leadership of Carolyn Evoy. This is the tenth year of operation!

Twenty-one RTO-ERO members were devoted to this project as well as 3 members from the Lions’ Club.

Kudos to: Carolyn Evoy, Susan Allen, Jan Baraniuk, Ann Blake, Carmen Charsley, Mary Coulas, Frank Donnelly, Joyce Duncan, Maureen Gooderham, Mary Johns, Carol McFarlane, Wendy Piper, Linda Prodan, Carmelina Spry, Dave and Penny Tyrrel, Rita Wagner, Merrilyn Webb, Gerry Yeo, Maria LaTassa, Susan Shepherd and the Lions’ members Don Cameron, David Kidd and Myra Kieran.

• 797 students were screened. • 176 students identified as having possible vision concerns . • 98 students were absent on scheduled days • 11 students could not be assessed due to cognitive or behavioural issues. • 13 parents requested their children not be assessed. • Kindergartens at St. Joseph School and CASS were not

assessed this school year as both were screened late in the spring of 2018.

If anyone would like to join this inspiring group contact,

Carolyn Evoy at carolyn.evoy@gmail.com or phone 705-759-1145.

You can make a difference in the life of a child!!

Goodwill — Bernice Whalen Our deepest sympathy and condolence go to the families of:

Joyce MacFarlane, William Bell, Russell Disano, Francis Farquhar, Donald Ingram, Betty-Lou McChesney, Richard Kniahinicki, Bruce Campbell, Branko Danicich, Shirley Pozzebon, Alexia Newey, James Spencer, William Ferguson, Thomas McNally, Julien Chaperon, Linda King, Alison Beaton, Peter Astles, Patricia Currie, Ellen Manzo, Gayle Mendicino, Hermance St. Jules, Fay Burton, Donna Cameron, Ruth Christilaw, Doris Cameron, Patricia Speer.

Members who have lost a parent, spouse or child:

Carla Zanata’s mother (Santa Bertoncello), Betty Plaskett’s father (Buddy Mangotich), Shelley Gold’s father (Robert Wismer), Regis O’Connor’s wife (Joanne), Carmen Dowhaniuk’s husband (Walter) Kathy Poitras’ son (Jonathan), Barbara McLean’s husband (Colin), Robert Harrison’s mother (Irene), Darlene Principe’s mother (Joyce Laplante), Marjorie Garside’s son (William), Brenda Gallander’s father (Wilfred ) , Verne Mandolesi’s wife (Dolores) and John Stadnyk’s mother (Joan Maycock).

In all cases, sympathy cards were sent and a donation was made to the Foundation.

Forty-six birthday greetings were sent to those 80+!

Thanks to the generous card donations from Judy Gooderham, Gerry Yeo, Elizabeth Szczotka, Brenda Ostaff, Pat Pateman and Michelle Punch!

Hats off as well to Judy Gooderham who worked with her card making group to add to our beautiful collection of cards!

How privileged I feel to have such dedicated people as teammates!

Our “Thanks” to the callers have been so helpful in keeping me informed!

Telephone Committee—Carmelina Spry Thank you to all members of this Committee and to those who have helped out on occasion. This committee is vital to our District 3 Algoma. Information gathered for our meetings is necessary for seating and food preparation. Members of the Telephone Committee – Geraldine Yeo Ruby Buck Joyce McCrady Leslie McAuley Marilyn Rouleau Carmen Charsley Sandy Fulcher Raymond Jonusaitis Mary Coulas Brenda Wilson Delmer Weber Patricia & George Pateman Loretta McKay Sandra Gordon Janet Morris Michele Punch Ida McKinnon Diane Marshall Ann Blake Marg & Bob Cole Carol McFarlane Kathryn Greening Merrilyn Webb Carol Kirkland-Boissineau Toni Nanne-Little Rita Wagner Moyra O’Pallie Rose-Marie Valade Judith Chytil Bernice Whalen Judith Pratt Barb & Dave Lawrence Maureen Gooderham Wes & Joan Triplett Blair Sterling [Blind River] Alice Ward [St. Joes Island] Rita Rawn [Bruce Mines] Laurian Montgomery [Iron Bridge] Jean Campbell & Mary Eaton [Echo Bay] Marny Pollard [Desbarats] Carol Rossetto [Elliot Lake] Linda MacDonald [Thessalon] Barbara Jarvis [Wawa] Marion & Bruce Avery. Thank you also to Carol Fortino, Cindy Spencer and Helen McLeod for helping Blair with the Blind River area. Thank you to Leon Hamilton and also to Linda Ilola for her many years of service in Wawa.

Calls will be made the week before scheduled meetings. Please let your caller know if you will attend.

Carmelina Spry, Telephone Committee Convener

Super Seniors — Gayle Manley

Every two years RTO/ERO District 3 Algoma celebrates our members

who are 80+ years young with a luncheon.

Although a specific date has not been set, it will be in May 2020.

Stay tuned!

Davey Home Tuck Shop Volunteers — Gayle Manley

Many thanks to our RTO/ERO volunteers who helped at the Davey Home Tuck Shop this year:

Bernice Whalen, Carol McFarlane, Mary and Tom Coulterman, Kathy Greening, Marlene Falls, Patti Latham, Emma Bonin, Martha Dalseg, Brenda Filek, Gerry Yeo, Fran Chiappetta and Michele Taillefer.

We also have a willing team of spares who are available to help if needed: Rosemarie Valade, David and Susan Chiasson, Jim and Patti Best, Lois Mealey, Mary Coulas, Bob and Marg Cole, Colleen Halverson and Bill Purnis and Florence McLeod.

It is an enjoyable two-hour session where we prepare coffee, tea and hot chocolate as well as sell items from the Tuck Shop, all the while having good conversations with the residents and their visitors.

Thank you to all for their willingness to “serve” in so many ways!

Newsletter Committee—Maj-Liisa Donaghue & Gayle Manley

“Accent on Algoma”, your link to what’s happening!

If you wish to have an article in the first edition for next year, it must be submitted by August 20, 2019.

Article Submission Deadlines:

August 20th

November 20th

February 20th

Maj-Liisa Gayle

To our Executive Board Members who do not have a booklet report. Thank You for your dedication this year!

Second Vice President & Secretary …. Joanne Mantha McConnell

Treasurer ………………………………………… Sherrill Dewar

Past President …………………………………. Rich Prophet

Member-at-Large …………...………………. Marie DellaVedova

Mickey Contini Award of Merit Recipients

2014 Marie Della Vedova

2015 Bruce Avery

2015 Page Nicolson

2016 Emily Noble

2017 Bernice Whalen

2018 Kathy Greening

2019 ??????????

2000 Barbara Lamb

2000 Jean DuQuesnay

2000 Leona Galloway

2001 Ben Smith

2001 Grant Lawson

2001 Jean King

2001 John Jefferson

2001 Orlando Sicoly

2003 Bill Kidd

2003 Mary Kidd

2003 Ken Frier

2003 Mickey Contini

2004 John Fleming

2004 Maj-Liisa Donaghue

2005 Marilyn Patterson

2006 Diane Marshall

2006 Leone Hamilton

2006 Pat Fremlin

2008 Bill Purnis

2009 Geoff Shaw

2010 Ora Mae James

2010 Bonnie Forsell

2010 Moyra O'Pallie

2011 Nancy Sachro

2012 Gary Wills

2013 Gayle Manley

District 3 hosted a Retirement Planning Workshop for potential future members on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the Water Tower Inn. We were pleased to welcome almost 80 participants.

The date for the 2019 Retirement Planning Workshop

has been set for Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the Delta

Waterfront.

RTO/ERO Retirement Planning Workshop—G. Manley

Invite your education friends/former co-workers and family who are nearing retirement!

RTO/ERO supports Public Education

and

Public Healthcare