Dear Members, Finally we are seeing a bit of spring weather! Nature seems to have its own timeline. Just when it seems as if we are going to suffer through another cold spell, the temperatures warm up. Just when it seems like those branches are

going to stay brown forever, buds appear on the trees and bushes. We are being shown that there is always hope for a bright future. It’s the same situation for our RWTO/OERO organization. The natural progression for your Board members is at a changing point. It is time again to elect our Board members for a new year. I know you will continue to support the Board who acts on your behalf. I also hope you may make a change for yourself and get involved at some level be it as a convenor or as a committee member.

Of course, you can still become involved in Celebration 60 – Rally by the River, the Provincial AGM which we are hosting in 2016. This will be such an exciting opportunity to highlight the area and hospitality of Windsor-Essex. We already have the mayor of Windsor and the

warden of Essex County on board to assist us. One other timeline that is cycling through is my term as your President. I am grateful for the opportunity to have led the Branch for the past two years. I gained a lot of confidence heading the Board. I gained a lot of respect for the women who serve on the Board. Together we have ensured that our Windsor-Essex Branch is a group of professional women who care and share with others.

Karen Clark-Lauzon

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Pg. 1 President’s Message Pg. 2 Resolution #4 Pg. 3 Annual Spring Luncheon & Meeting Pg. 4 Issues & Concerns

Pg. 5 Convention 2016

Insurance Matters 2015 AGM

Pg. 6 In Memoriam

Pg. 7 Pasta Fund Raiser

Pg. 8 A Book Of My Own

Pg. 9 Petrolia Day Trip

Pg. 10 Branch Board Openings

Pg. 11 News

Pg. 12

Fall Festival Tour

RWTO/OERO WINDSOR-ESSEX BRANCH APRIL 2015

1

At the AGM in June 2014 the following resolution was brought forward to the delegates: Constitution - Article 111, Membership and Fees, section 1 be amended to include the addition of: retired women Educational Assistants be eligible for membership in RWTO/OERO on the same basis as retired women teachers. Much discussion followed and some of your branch representatives took a turn at the microphone to express their thoughts. The discussion resulted in that motion being deferred and the following motion coming forward: That the Board create an Ad Hoc Committee to study the implications of extending the membership to other retired women in education and to report back to the 2015 AGM. This motion was carried and by September we had heard from the Ad Hoc Committee which requested that the membership share their views with the committee before it presented its report to the 2015 AGM. Discussion continued with the Branch Presidents and Area Director at our annual Area 3 meeting in October. Getting different perspectives allowed us to be better informed. That information was shared with your Branch Board members.

At our Fall and Christmas luncheons, it was announced that your thoughts could be shared with your Executive and also with Peggy Stock at the Provincial level. Also, the issue was addressed in our newsletters and members were encouraged to send a letter. Your Board has spent a serious amount of time at 5 meetings sharing their ideas and the ramifications of passing the resolution. The passionate response from everyone demonstrates that our organization is a very viable one and needs to continue. Your Board developed a response from the Windsor-Essex Branch and sent it to the Ad Hoc Committee. Our unanimous response was to speak against the resolution to extend membership to anyone other than retired

women teachers. We also decided that each one of us would write our own individual response. We thought that the more responses

they received, the more they would understand how members felt and then proceed in a logical way. The plan from here is that the Ad Hoc Committee will read all the responses from members throughout the province and present a report at the 2015 AGM. We will keep you informed. Thank you to all members for trusting us, your Board, to make a thoughtful decision.

Karen Clark-Lauzon - President

Resolution #4 from Convention 2014

RWTO/OERO WINDSOR-ESSEX BRANCH APRIL 2015

2

RWTO/OERO WINDSOR-ESSEX BRANCH APRIL 2015

Doors open at 11:00 a.m. Lunch – 12:00 noon

Caboto Club 2175 Parent Ave. at Tecumseh Rd. E. Windsor

(Elevator available)

The luncheon will be buffet style and help will be provided for anyone in need. The buffet will include: salad, chicken, pasta, bread and butter A second meat will be the kitchen’s choice (roast beef, sausage, etc.) A cooked vegetable will be the kitchen’s choice. Cake for dessert with coffee/tea. Members: $18.00 Non-members: $23.00 Once again we ask you to share with those less fortunate by bringing: Canned Goods: Unemployed Help Centre Toiletries: Windsor Youth Centre Eye glasses: will be donated to a third world country Share the Wealth: Convention 2016 A new child’s book: A Book of My Own Literacy Campaign Book exchange will be available again for your pleasure. Special Door Prize: 1 year membership Tickets: 1 for $2 or 3 for $5 Funds raised will be used for Convention 2016 expenses. CUT HERE …………………………………………………………………………………………

Yes, I would like to receive my newsletter via email. Email Address: …………………………………………………….

Only paid members have the privilege of the lower luncheon fee. NAME: ……………………………………………………. GUEST: …………………………………………………………….

Is your guest a retired teacher? Yes ___ No___ Is this her first luncheon? Yes ___ No ____

Member: ($18) _________ Guest: ($23) _________ Total enclosed: _________

Is this your first luncheon as a retired teacher? Yes ____ No ____

Please send to:

Gayle Broad, R.W.T.O. Windsor-Essex Branch 2170 Trapper Ave., Windsor, ON N8P 1T3

3

Do you feel that you have some extra time on your hands? Would you like to volunteer to help

a senior in need? In this newsletter, I would like to inform you of an agency that could use your help. Retired Seniors Volunteer Program or RSVP are

concerned citizens who volunteer their time assisting homebound seniors in Windsor and the immediate surrounding area. Founded in 1989 by the late Sister Caroline O’Connor who was concerned about the isolation of the aging population and was looking for a way to be of service to seniors, the name was chosen to show that it is mainly seniors helping seniors. The organization strives to give volunteers an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution within the community, in their own way, and at their own convenience. It offers a specific service that allows seniors to stay in their own homes while enabling them to keep in touch with their health care providers. RSVP provides free transportation to and from medical appointments for senior citizens 65 and older.

As a volunteer you would accompany clients to and from their appointments in order to make sure that they are safe and do not have to wait long to be taken home. You would be assigned clients in your own general area. Drive time is flexible so as not to conflict with your personal schedule. There is no specific number of hours or drives to which you must commit – you choose according to your availability. Drivers cannot accommodate wheelchairs. RSVP is a non-profit volunteer organization which does not receive any government funding. Funds are raised through private donations, service clubs, and bingos. Income tax receipts are

issued for all donations over $5.00. The RSVP office is located at 1675 Ottawa Street. Cathy Bellis, the coordinator, can be contacted at 519-972-7771 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. She was thrilled to know that perhaps some RWTO/OERO members might be interested in volunteering at RSVP. You may also know a member of our organization who could benefit from this service. Christine Pastorius

ISSUES AND CONCERNS

4

Rally by the River is a work in progress. Chairpersons and their committees are busy planning, organizing, and creating. In just two months’ time, we will be in Stratford, this year’s Convention host, inviting all RWTO/OERO members to come to Windsor/Essex in June 2016. Visit our website in June for a firsthand look at our prepared video highlighting the Top Ten Reasons to Visit Windsor-Essex. We need you too, to rally for fundraising activities such as our pasta dinner (see page 7), another chance to win a free membership, and other surprises along the way. Find out more at the Spring Luncheon!

It has been my privilege to serve as the Insurance Convenor for RWTO/OERO Windsor-Essex Branch for the past three years. I encourage you to consider taking on this role. Please contact me if you have any questions about the position. Jo-Anne Duffy

Information about this year’s convention in Stratford was included in the Spring Provincial newsletter. Based on our membership numbers, we are able to send 6 delegates. Your Windsor-Essex delegates will be Gayle Broad, Karen Clark-Lauzon, Kathy Gallagher, Emy McBride, Janice Murphy, and Arlene Veitch. Any member is welcome to attend at her own cost. Let us know if you plan to attend.

2015 AGM – Festival… Fantastique! – Stratford – June 2-4

Insurance Matters

Convention 2016

5

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;

In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter there’s a Spring that waits to be,

Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see. In our end is our beginning;

in our time – infinity; In our doubt there is believing;

in our life – eternity, In our death, a resurrection;

at the last, a victory, Unrevealed until its season,

Something God alone can see. By Natalie Sleeth

Both ladies will be missed but not forgotten.

~~ In Memoriam ~~

RWTO/OERO WINDSOR-ESSEX BRANCH APRIL 2015

A new children’s book will be donated by RWTO/OERO Windsor-Essex Branch to their local community libraries in their memory.

January 7, 2015 January 21, 2015

6

MAY PASTA DINNER FUND RAISER

DATE: Thursday May 28,105

LOCATION: Fogolar Furlan Club, Windsor

TICKET PRICE: Adults: $20.00 Children (4 to 12 years): $10.00

For Tickets Contact

Karen Clark-Lauzon 519-978-2834

No tickets sold at the door

DOORS OPEN: 5:00 p.m.

MEAL SERVICE: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

MEAL DETAILS: pasta (2 sauce choices), tossed salad, rolls and butter, coffee and tea, desserts

Cash Bar Silent Auction Door Prizes

** All proceeds from the Pasta Dinner will be directed

toward the cost of the 2016 Convention

7

Spring is going to be very busy for our organization.

We are presently working to organize donated books for our big joint book sale with The

Windsor Star at Windsor Crossing on Saturday and Sunday April 11 and 12. This huge sale

will feature new and gently used books at bargain prices. The following Saturday April 18

will provide another opportunity to acquire some literary treasures if you were unable to attend the

previous weekend.

In May, we will be hosting pasta dinners at the Riverside Sportsmen Club every

Wednesday evening. The menu consists of all-you-can-eat pasta, salad, and a roll for $8 a

person. Yummy desserts provided by our directors will be available for purchase at

reasonable prices. A Book of My Own gets a percentage of each dinner sold as well as

showing off our baking talents.

The end of May will also see us delivering to our partner social service agencies which now number 30.

Based on past May deliveries, we expect that we will provide close to 2000 new children’s books to young

people in Windsor and Essex County who are facing various challenges. If you would like to help us with this

task, please remember to bring a new children’s book to the May luncheon, or you can make a financial

donation if you are uncertain of what kind of book we might need. Donations of $10 or more will receive an

income tax receipt. Please make your cheque payable to A Book of My Own. You can hand in your donation

at the May luncheon, or mail your cheque to:

A Book of My Own, 1168 Drouillard Road, Windsor ON N8Y 2R1.

On behalf of the young people we serve, thank you for your support.

Mary Jane Finn

RWTO/OERO WINDSOR-ESSEX BRANCH APRIL 2015

A BOOK OF MY OWN

8

Trip Itinerary

7:15 a.m. Group meets at Devonshire Mall - north side of Sears 7:30 a.m. Depart in a 55 passenger motor coach for the first stop at Sarnia

9:30 a.m. Approximate arrival into Sarnia.

Explore the Sarnia’s Farmer’s Market

11:15 a.m. Depart Sarnia to travel to Petrolia

12:30 p.m. Enjoy lunch at Connie’s Tea Room in Petrolia

2:00 p.m. Matinee performance of “A Second Helping –

The Church Basement Ladies Sequel” at the Victoria Playhouse.

A musical set in the 1960’s where the world is changing fast and the ladies of the church prepare for changes of their own.

4:15 p.m. Depart for Chatham

5:00 p.m. Dinner at a restaurant in Chatham

6:30 pm Depart for Windsor

8:00 p.m. Arrival in Windsor at the Sears parking lot at the Devonshire Mall. Total cost for the trip is $135.00 per person 30-39 passengers $119.00 per person 40 + passengers Cut here ——————————————————————————————————————

PAYMENT IN FULL IS DUE BY WEDNESDAY APRIL 22, 2015

Make cheques payable to: RWTO and mail to Lowanna Closs 313 Kensington Blvd. Tecumseh, Ontario, N8N 2K8 Name: ………………………………………………………………….. Telephone:………………………………… Address: …………………………………………………………………………….Postal Code : ………………………………………… Email: …………………………………………………………… Amount Enclosed:………………………………………

RWT/OERO WINDSOR-ESSEX BRANCH APRIL 2015

Petrolia Victoria Playhouse Theatre/Queen For The Day

9

It is time for our annual election, and now could be your turn to have a say in what happens in your Branch. Every position

except that of Honorary President and Past President is open. Therefore nominations are now being accepted for the positions of President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer. Perhaps you might prefer to be the convenor for one of the following committees: Insurance, Goodwill, Issues and Concerns, Membership, Newsletter/Website, Activities, or Archivist. We do have two positions vacant, that of 2nd Vice-President and Insurance Convenor. We are outlining the duties of both positions so that you can make a knowledgeable decision. The Second Vice-President ( one year term)

Participates in all Branch functions and supports the President

Assists the First Vice-President with the non-business portion of the luncheon program

Is responsible for organizing the pick-up and delivery of the donations that are received at each luncheon – keeps a record of the associations that receive these items

May assist with the review of the Treasurer’s books at the end of our fiscal year.

*It is understood that when you accept the position of Second Vice-President, you are willing to eventually move up to First Vice-President, and then President of the Branch.*

The Insurance Convenor Participates in all Branch functions and

supports the President Attends information meetings and training

workshops organized by the Area Director and/or the Provincial Insurance Convenor whenever possible

Promotes the RWTO/OERO Hospital and Home Care Plan and the Personal Accidental Death and Dismemberment Plan

Informs members of current information regarding the RWTO/OERO Insurance Plans

Informs newly retired members that they should join the Plan in their first year of retirement or they may be requested to complete a medical questionnaire later

Provides highlights of the plans in the newsletter and on the Branch website

Serves as the initial contact person for members requiring information or assistance

Provides feedback to the Provincial Insurance Convenor

Selects a committee member to present her report when she is absent.

Others presently serving on the Board have indicated that they will leave their names stand if no one else steps forward, but anyone is welcome to become part of this group of dedicated women. As soon as possible, nominations should be sent to Karen Clark-Lauzon or Janice Murphy. Nominations will also be accepted at the Spring Luncheon.

Now’s Your Chance!

10

This year our 80+ ladies will once again enjoy their annual afternoon tea party at Seasons Royal Oak Village in LaSalle. This event will take place on Monday June 15

from 2 until 4 p.m. Invitations will be sent out in May. Looking forward to seeing and serving you! Regards from Activities Committee and your fellow RWTO/OERO members

80+ Tea

Our heartfelt appreciation is extended to these members who helped out in different ways at our Christmas luncheon: Rita Pallisco, Teresa Gesuale, Arlene Veitch, Pat Mulvey, Mary Jane Finn, and to the 7 members who stayed to play Quarter Frenzy (we were a small group but we had a lot of fun). Tuesday September 22nd

Tuesday December 1st

A Special Thank You

From Vivian LaCroix, a member of our Branch, who creates the afghan presented to our 90+ members: Join some of your fellow RWTO/OERO members at our Quilt Show, Friday May 1st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and/or Saturday and Sunday May 2nd and 3rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh Street in Windsor. We feature Viewers’ Choice, Merchants Mall of sewing items, Scissors Sharpener, Boutique, and a Little Quilt Auction on Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information, contact: Ann Mueller at 519-735-5474 or annmueller19@cogeco.ca .

Thursday September 24th

11

Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23, 2015

Trip Itinerary Thursday, October 22/15 6:45 a.m. Group meets at Devonshire Mall-side of Sears near Howard and E.C. Row. 7:00 a.m. Depart in a 47 passenger motor coach for Niagara Falls. Lunch along the way. 1:30 p.m. Approximate arrival at Niagara on the Lake. 2:00 p.m. Shaw Festival Theatre matinee performance, Musical, “Sweet Charity” 5:00 p.m. Depart directly for The Skylon Tower. 6:00 p.m. Dinner at the Skylon Tower followed by a visit to the Observation Level 7:30-8:00 p.m. After dinner continue to hotel for check-in. After check-in, you may choose to visit the Casino Niagara or view the Illumination of the Falls.

Friday October 23/15 7:45 a.m. Enjoy a hot breakfast buffet. 9:15 a.m. Checkout and depart for Niagara-on-the Lake. Morning at your leisure/shopping. Lunch on your own. 2:30 p.m. Arrive at Jackson Triggs winery. Enjoy a Connoisseur Tour plus wine/cheese tasting. 3:30-4:00 p.m. Depart for home. Stop en route for dinner in London at White Oaks Mall or Jack Astor’s. 9:00 p.m. Approximate return to Sears at Devonshire Mall in Windsor.

Price per person based on a minimum of 30 paying people.

SINGLE DOUBLE TRIPLE QUAD

30-39 people $385.00 $335.00 $319.00 $310.00 40-47 people $350.00 $305.00 $285.00 $279.00

—-Cut here——————————————————————————————————————

DOWN PAYMENT OF $50.00 IS DUE BY FRIDAY JUNE 12/15 BALANCE IS DUE BY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4,2015

Make cheques payable to RWTO and mail to Lowanna Closs 313 Kensington Blvd. Tecumseh, Ontario, N8N 2K8 Name: _________________________________________________ Telephone____________________________

Address:________________________________________________ Postal Code________________

Email:___________________________ ____________________________

Rooming with:__________________________________________________________________________

Oct. 23/15 Supper stop: Jack Astor’s ____ or White Oaks Mall ____

Amount enclosed:____________

12