PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Past PresidentAl Linnell734-1538PresidentGord Miall944-1061President-ElectSimone Rickerby979-4094Vice-PresidentMarg Clarke735-0727SecretaryJudy Bowden948-5214TreasurerJim Sparrow972-0826Asst. TreasurerGeorge Merrett979-0734Newsletter EditorJohn McLaughlin736-5761

J u l y a n dA u g u s t a r e

usual ly the

“wo n d e r f u l”

months in my

calendar. This

has been an

e v e n t f u l

summer and

we are only

h a l f w a ythrough. What

a shock it was

to see the devastation in the Leamington

area. The way the community rebounded

and helped support one another in the

cleanup was a real demonstration of the

best a community can offer in help and

cooperation. I’m thankful that a little

water in my basement was all the cleanup

that had to be done in our house. This is usually a quiet time for the

RTO/ERO Executive, but a lot is going on

in the next two months. We are having a

Members’ Get Together at St. Gregory the

Great Church Hall on July 26. TheGoodwill Committee and friends have

been planning this for a long time. I

hope those of you who attended had a

great time. On September 7th we will

be holding our “Hell With The Bell”

breakfast at the Dominion Golf Club.

Simone and her committee are looking

forward to the 100+ RTO/ERO

members who usually attend. All of us

are looking forward to meeting thenew retirees at that time as well. The

“Piece de Resistance” is on September

24th. This is the day we are holding our

25th Anniversary Dinner/Dance. This

promises to be an excellent party at the

Fogolar Furlan Club celebrating the 25

years District 7, Windsor-Essex, has

been in existence. The planning has

been going on for well over two years,

to make this an event to remember.Marg Couture, the current RTO/ERO

Provincial President, has shined up her

dancing shoes. She and her husband

Leo promise to get this event off on the

RETURN - RTO/ERO Publication Mail AgreementJohn McLaughlin #4005237358 Venetian DriveAmherstburgONN9V 3A2

THE RETIRED TEACHERS OF ONTARIO - LES ENSEIGNANTES ET ENSEIGNANTES RETRAITES DE L’ONTARIO

(Visit our website at http://www.rtoero-district7.org)

PublicationMail Agreement

#40052373EDITOR

John McLaughlinSummer 2010

President Elect Report

right foot. The Spring Senate as usual was interesting and

very busy. We spent parts of our two days debatingand voting on something that will take RTO/ERO ina new and important philanthropic direction. It wasagreed that the 47 Districts would raise $3 millionover the next two or three years to fund the RTO/EROEndowed Chair of Geriatrics at the University ofToronto School of Medicine. This is a hugeundertaking and we will all be receiving much moredetailed information from our Provincial Executive.Please refer to the Summer 2010 Renaissancemagazine for the report on the Senate deliberations. The local Executive has historically been active at theProvincial level. This group is no exception. We mustcongratulate Norm Renaud who will be assuming theChair of the Project Service to Others ProvincialCommittee in November. Margaret Clarke will berunning for a position on the Provincial Executive andJim Sparrow will be looking to move up to the FirstVice President’s position. We will be supporting theircampaigns at the Fall Senate. On a sadder note, BobLamoureux resigned from our local executive inApril. Bob has served District 7 in many positions,both locally and Provincially. His “sober secondthought”, his consummate organizational skills andhis energy and enthusiasm will be missed by all.

Gord MiallPresident

Social Committee Report

There are many activities planned for the up andcoming year. The most exciting is the 25th

Anniversary Celebration taking place on Friday,September 24th at the Fogolar Furlan Club. A greatmenu as well as entertainment will appeal to all ourmembers. Our committee has been very busy for the last twoyears planning for this event. We hope that you willbe part of this memorable celebration. As of the end of September, I am resigning aschairperson of the Social Committee for our district. I hope that our new retirees will get involved andtake on this enjoyable position. I thank all who have supported my endeavours inproviding you with new activities during my 8 yearsas Social Chairperson. See you at the Hell with the Bell on September 7th,the golf tournament on September 27th and mostimportantly at our 25th Anniversary Celebration onSeptember 24th.

Simone RickerbySocial Committee Chairperson

DID YOU KNOW........Why ships and aircraft in trouble use 'mayday' astheir call for help.This comes from the French word m'aidez -meaning 'help me' – and is pronounced 'mayday.'

Why dimes and quarters have notches, whilepennies and nickels do not? The Mint began putting notches on the edges ofcoins containing gold and silver to discourageholders from shaving off small quantities of theprecious metals. Dimes, quarters are notchedbecause they used to contain silver. Pennies andnickels aren't notched because the metals theycontain are not valuable enough to shave.

Why people in the public eye are said to be 'in the limelight'? Invented in 1825, limelight was used in lighthousesand stage lighting by burning a cylinder of limewhich produced a brilliant light. In the theatre,performers on stage 'in the limelight' were seen bythe audience to be the centre of attention.

As president elect of District 7, I was able to attend theSpring Senate in Toronto. Indeed this is a veryrewarding experience to be able to witness andparticipate in this organization. We are very fortunate tohave many experienced and creative individuals whoadvocate on our behalf. I encourage you to become actively involved at theDistrict level and perhaps at the Provincial level toexperience what is being done on your behalf.

Simone RickerbyPresident-elect

THOUGHTFUL PUNS A hangover is the wrath of grapes.

Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?

Reading while sunbathing makes you well red.

RTO / ERO DISTRICT 7CRAFTS / ARTISANS SHOW

The District 7 RTO/ERO Executive are pleased to host the Fourth Annual Craft/ Artisan Showand Sales at our November Lunch Meeting on November 18, 2010 at the Fogolar

Furlan Club. Have you prepared some items for a School Fair… a Church Bazaar…. A Club /Sorority Sale…Art in the Park…( or Alley )? We know that there is a great deal of artistic talentwithin the District 7 membership.

What better way to display this talent ( and make some money ) than to highlight these talents atour November 18, Fall Luncheon. We have 8 to 10 booths set aside for our participants that willbe open before and after the luncheon from 11AM-12PM and then 1PM-2PM.

There is no charge for participants ( who must be RTO/ERO members ). There

is a requirement that participants register for the luncheon (a subsidized cost

of $22.00).

Photos of the products, as available, will be posted on our local web site (http://www.rtoero-district7.org )or the Provincial website ( http://www.rto-ero.org) then click ondistrict web site, then click on District 7 Windsor-Essex ). A catalogue or description may beincluded in our Fall Newsletter.……………………………………………………………………………………………...........................

NAME - ___________________________ PHONE - ______________________

ADDRESS - ______________________________________________________

E-MAIL - _________________________________________________________

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION -_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Forward a good quality photo to : Gord Miall, 870 Patrice Dr., Windsor, Ont. N8S 2R8

Phone 519-944-1061 e-mail – gmiall@cogeco.ca

HEALTH REPORT

YOU, ME AND OUR HEALTH PLAN On June 14th & 15th I attended the RTO/EROWorkshop for District Health Representatives whichwas held in Toronto. Our Keynote Speaker was Dr. Fred Hui M.D. He hasblended the best of Western and Chinese therapies andhe spoke on a number of topics including sleep,lifelong learning and training, exercise, maintaining thebrain and the body (*aspirin, alcohol and fish oil), anti-aging hormones, chelation therapy (for which he isworld famous), supplements and a host of other things.If you are interested in finding out more – check out hiswebsite DRHUI.com. One piece of advice he did give us was to have yourDoctor check out your Vitamin D level (many doctorsdon’t and it is such an important vitamin for so manyreasons – tell your Doctor you read this somewhere). Dr. Hui conducted a memory experiment with some ofthe delegates and even I was amazed at the resultsdemonstrated by the use of a variety of memoryenhancing techniques. The one presentation on day two of the workshop thatmost interested and informed me was from MondialAssistance – and the workings and benefits of thatgroup’s international assistance.*The most important thing that I learned – PLANAHEAD! Pre-trip assistance is available throughMondial. Call ahead for information such as areatelephone codes, the state of medical services in aspecific country (how many stethoscopes they haveavailable (seriously) etc.).FYI – did you know that Cuba does not allow collectcalls!!PLAN IMPROVEMENTS to be considered by ourCommittee for 2011 are:> Aids and appliances> Paramedical Professionals> Prescription Drugs> Vision Care – increasing check-up coverage> Dental increase

The Health Services and Insurance Committee (HSIC)is now accepting submissions for consideration for2012.Contact me if you have concerns or suggestions you

would like forwarded to the Provincial Committee.

Submitted by Bill Bowden, District 7 Health Representative

Executive members John McLaughlin and AnnCotter attended the District Webmasters’ Workshopon June 7 and 8, 2010 in Toronto. All RTO/ERODistricts were invited to send representatives to thisworkshop sponsored by the ProvincialCommunications Committee. The purpose of theworkshop was to provide support for districts indeveloping, maintaining or enhancing DistrictWebsites. The Keynote Speaker was Jesse Brown, Radio andTV Journalist, who spoke on “Social Media”.Social media is online communication that includesemail, texting, blogging, YouTube, Facebook andmany other ways of communicating in the InternetAge. He gave us common sense rules, such as behonest, be yourself, and learn from others. Do youfind all of this as overwhelming as I do? I guessthat we will all learn about it, if we ask ourgrandchildren!Next we learned about Microsoft Communicator.With this software on your computer and awebcam, you can talk to and see the person (yes,bad hairdo and all) that you are connecting with.This software is similar to Skype, of which you mayhave heard . The main focus of the workshop wasto introduce the participants to the new ContentManagement System usedbyProvincial RTO/ERO.What, you may ask, is a Content ManagementSystem? It is a way of developing a website usinga template. The good news is that, by using atemplate, it is no longer necessary to know codinglanguage to create and maintain a website. Ourprovincial website is currently being redesigned byusing a template. The next phase by Provincial

DISTRICT WEBMASTERS’ WORKSHOPMonday and Tuesday June 7 and 8, 2010

SENATE REPORT

What an Experience I have served as District Secretary for the pastsix years and last May I attended, as anObserver, my first Provincial Senate. Truly –what an experience! Yes we were well fed, wellhoused and well entertained but all that aside Iwas privileged to witness history in the making.Although a number of issues were discussed andcommittee reports were read (all of which werevery interesting and are included in the Summer2010 Renaissance) the landmark issue was thatof the establishment of the RTO/EROCharitable Foundation. At the Spring Senate the Senators voted ‘YES’to the establishment of the RTO/EROCharitable Foundation – the establishment ofwhich will be a legacy achievement in raisingthe profile of RTO/ERO as the pre-eminentorganization serving retired teachers and thebroader community in Ontario. The purpose of the foundation is two-fold. Thefirst purpose of the Foundation will be to bringunder one umbrella all of the charitable andsocially responsible programmes currentlyfunded by RTO/ERO – Project Service toOthers, the 25 Scholarships awarded annually tothose pursuing careers in education, the $10,000Charitable donation as well as donations madein the wake of natural disasters, Goodwill andthe emergency Assistance Programme. The second of these is to establish, maintainand support the endowed Chair in Geriatrics atthe University of Toronto – this Chair willundertake research and the training of varioushealth care professionals in issues relates to thehealth and quality of life for seniors. Currentlyavailable information on this issue can be foundin Renaissance and by contacting your DistrictExecutive. More details and information withregards to funding (rest assured that it will notbe taken out of your dues or by an imposed levybut will be strictly voluntary) will also beforthcoming in the months ahead. So stay tuned! The Senate proceedings were conducted in ahighly professional and democratic manner and demonstrated what a truly class act this

organization is. This is made even moreamazing when you realize that the 47 Districts(two of which are in British Columbia) withover 63,000 members is governed almostexclusively by volunteers with Provincial Officebeing manned by less than 20 paid employees. I am proud to be a member of this organizationand to serve on our District Executive. I urgeyou to get involved and to see RTO/ERO atwork up close and personal.

Submitted By Judy BowdenDistrict 7 Secretary

Join the District 7 Table Executive The Table Executive of District 7 is quite alarge group. Anyone who is interested inbecoming an active part of this very active andimportant organization is very welcome to cometo our meetings. At the moment District 7,Windsor-Essex is looking for someone to takeon the work of Assistant Editor for ournewsletter. This position would suit a personwho has some word-processing background andwho would be ready to work on formatting andediting articles before the newsletter is passedon to a commercial printer. The majority of thework is done at home with contact by emailbetween the Assistant Editor and the Editor. The other position which is currently vacant isthe Chair of the Membership Committee.Training and support will be provided to anyonewho wants to get involved. Another committee that does outstanding workis the Goodwill Committee. There so manyways that you can be involved as retired teacher.Our Social Committee is soon looking for a newChairperson as Simone Rickerby is steppingdown after 8 years as chair. The good news isthat Simone stays on as President-elect. If anyone wants to offer to help in any way,you will be made very welcome by a veryfriendly group of retired teachers who stillcontribute much to the welfare of our localretired teachers and the community in general.

SERVICE TO OTHERS ~ AU SERVICE D’AUTRUI

http://www .rtoero-district7.org

GRANT REQUEST TO DISTRICT 7 – WINDSOR ESSEX RTO/ERO

District 7 of the Retired Teachers of Ontario sets aside approximately $1500.00 yearly

in order to provide special grants to local groups and organizations. These grants are

awarded based on the following criteria:

� Groups/ organizations must be non-profit

� Intended project must benefit children, seniors or the community in general

� Project must take place during the year in which the grant is awarded

� Involvement of local RTO/ERO members is required

� Application must be received by January 10th of the calendar year in which

the event is to take place

� Application must be completed in full and be accompanied by a detailed

financial statement outlining expected revenues and expenditures

Applications will be reviewed by the Committee at the January Executive Meeting and

applicants will be notified of the Committee’s decision shortly thereafter.

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS HAVE BEEN AWARDED GRANTS?

� Local Heritage and culture projects

-Maidstone Historical Society

-Queen Elizabeth School (Symphony)

� Special arts and education programs for children

-BookFest Windsor

-Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Association

-Queen Elizabeth School (Symphony)

-Silver Ambassadors

� Medical and social programs

-Centres For Seniors – Step Training Programme

-Sports Fest Windsor

-Parents Time Out

-Barbara Parry Pediatric Oncology Association

-Ready-Set-Go Parental Support Coalition

-Wonder Broads

� ESL, literacy and numeracy programs

-Windsor Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation Learning Centre

DISTRICT 7 WINDSOR-ESSEX

RTO/ERO DISTRICT 7 GRANT APPLICATION FORM

Please complete the form below and return to Gord Miall, President, RTO/ ERO District 7, 870

Patrice Drive, Windsor, ON, N8S 2R8, by January 10, 2011 for events scheduled to take place

during 2011. Grant requests will be considered at the January Executive Meeting and your

Organization will be notified shortly thereafter.

Name of Group or Organization __________________________________________________________

Contact person (s) ________________________________________________________________________

Contact address, e-mail, fax and phone number __________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Amount requested ______________________________________________________________________________

Is this for an ongoing project _____ or a special event ______? Date of Event: ________________

Describe how the grant would be used. Be specific. Use an attachment, if necessary.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

What other groups are contributing, or will be asked to contribute to the project?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

How much will your organization be contributing to the project? ________________________________

How are RTO/ERO members involved in this project? ____________________________________________

How will RTO/ERO District 7 be recognized or what publicity will RTO/ERO receive?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please attach a detailed financial statement, showing expected revenues and expenditures.

A follow-up report would also be appreciated.

DISTRICT 7 WINDSOR-ESSEX

RTO/ERO DISTRICT 7 TABLE EXECUTIVE 2010-2011

RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

POSITION NAME PHONE E-MAILPAST PRES. Al Linnell 734-1538 alinnell@cogeco.caPRESIDENT Gord Miall 944-1061 gmiall@cogeco.caPRESIDENT ELECT Simone Rickerby 979-4094 simspal@aol.comVICE-PRESIDENT Margaret Clarke 735-0727 mclarke@wincom.netSECRETARY Judith Bowden 948-5214 judithcbowden@hotmail.comTREASURER Jim Sparrow 972-0826 sparrowj@sympatico.caAsst. TREASURER George Merrett 979-0734 gmerrett@cogeco.ca

CHAIRPERSONS & COMMITTEESARCHIVIST Emy McBride 945-1380 emily.mcbride@sympatico.caCOMMUNICATION Chair/Media Rep. Mike Murphy 736-6518 murpmike22@yahoo.ca

Newsletter Editor John McLaughlin 736-5761 jmclaugh@cogeco.caAssistant EditorWeb Master Ann Cotter 733-3266 ann_cotter@teksavvy.com

GOODWILL City Mary Mason 735-1766

City Glenna Hemphill 735-7022 rhemphill@sympatico.caCounty Val Luscott 839-5128 luscotts@gosfieldtel.com

HEALTH Bill Bowden 948-5214 billben9999@yahoo.ca MEMBERSHIP

Member Records Glenna Hemphill 735-7022 rhemphill@sympatico.caPENSION Keith Robertson 948-4407 k.rob6@sympatico.caPOLITICAL ACTION Norm Renaud 948-6859 norm.sof@sympatico.caSOCIAL Simone Rickerby 979-4094 simspal@aol.ca Travel Bill Bowden 948-5214 billben9999@yahoo.ca PROVINCIAL REPS Jim Sparrow 2nd Vice-President sparrowj@sympatico.ca Norm Renaud Project- Service to Others norm.sof@sympatico.ca

RTO/ERO PROVINCIAL OFFICE1-800-361-9888 (TOLL FREE - Canada & United States)

FAX (416) 962-1061Website www.rto-ero.org

Office Hours 8:30a.m. to 5:30p.m., Monday to Friday

ONTARIO TEACHERS PENSION PLAN BOARD1-800-668-0105

FAX (416)730-5349Website www.otpp.com

Office Hours 8:00a.m. to 5:30p.m., Monday to FridayJOHNSON INC.

(RTO/ERO Health Plan Administrator)Service 1-877-406-9007 C Claims 1-800-638-4753