elginnewsmarch/april 2017 volume 26 … 2017 volume 26 number 1. ... as lunch settles we will travel...
TRANSCRIPT
President's Message
Christmas Luncheon2016
The St. Thomas Seniors’ Centre wasabuzz with festivity as RTO membersand their guests gathered for theirannual Christmas Luncheon onDecember 7th, 2016. The Centre dida wonderful job of decorating the roomthis year. Their new black table clothsset off by red and green napkins madethe event feel a tad more formal than inthe past, which was appreciated bypeople wanting to kick off the Christmasseason in style. With The Ukes ofHazard filling the air with livelyChristmas tunes, old friends visitedand, when really motivated, joined insinging seasonal favourites. Goodmusic, good friends, a lovely settingand last but not least, a delicious turkeydinner made for an event I was glad Ididn’t miss.
Member @
LargeDiane Herter
5196370079
MemberatLargeSuzanne Thain5196371690Photography
DebRosebrugh
5196813077
President
ELGIN RTO CURLING FUNSPIELOn the morning of January 27, thirtyfour curlers tookto the ice to participate in Elgin RTO’s annual curlingfunspiel. Teams made up of experienced and novicecurlers played six ends in fun competition. A numberof RTO members came to watch the activity on theice and joined the curlers for lunch prepared bymembers of the Sr. Men’s League. This was a funevent and there is room for more curlers to join usnext year. Organizers Judy and Dave Mennill andDeb Rosebrugh are asking you to mark next year’scurling funspiel date, January 26, 2018, on yourcalendar.
Fall Bus Tour 2017 Wednesday Sept 27,2017
This year’s adventure will take us north to Huron County. Our first stop will be the Dark HorseWinery. It is situated, deep in the heart of the lush, green Huron County countryside, right next tothe iconic Huron Country Playhouse. With unique architecture and luxurious furnishings, you aresure to enjoy this tour and tasting experience. We will stay there for a buffet lunch and coffee to takethe edge off the wine.
As lunch settles we will travel north to the small town of Hensall where we will take a 90 minute tourof Iceculture Inc. Iceculture is famous for the ice truck they built for the Canadian Tire battery ad. They have built ice lounges in many countries around the world. We will learn how crystal clear ice ismanufactured and processed and then transformed into an endless array of fascinating designs andwatch a live ice carving demonstration.
Our final stop will be Stonetown Artisan Cheese. Located in St. Marys on their own dairy farm, HansWeber and his family produce a variety of Alpine cheeses that are sure to tempt your pallet. Weshould return home around 7PM. The cost is $75 per Elgin RTO member/spouse and $95 for nonmember guests.
Pick Up Wed Sept 27th: Aylmer Arena 9:30 St. Thomas Elgin Mall 9:55 Shedden Keystone Complex 10:15
Our Fall Trip sold out quickly last year, so forward your cheques ASAP to avoid disappointment. Include the tear off sheet below with your registration.…………………………………………………………………………...................
Name(s)_____________________________________________________
email________________________________
Phone__________________
Elgin RTO Members/spouse x $75=______ Non member x 95=_____
Departure (circle) Aylmer St Thomas Shedden
Cheques payable to: District 41 RTO and mailed to Wayne Grosvenor 113 Southgate Parkway, St Thomas, ON N5R 0A2
Health Services& Insurance Chair
Wayne Grosvenor5196310446
In 2016, Canada welcomed 25,000 Syrian refugeesas well as many more from the troubled spots in theworld. A number have resettled in Elgin Countyand we are anticipating the arrival of several newfamilies. Some of our retired teachers may beinterested in tutoring some of these students wholost their education as they lived in camps. Supportmay also include helping with backpacks andschool supplies or language training during summermonths. Drivers are also needed for appointmentsor grocery shopping. Refugee resettlement groupsoften need help financially as they take on theresponsibility for the needs of a family for a year. Ifyou wish to help, please contact the YMCAResettlement Committee at 5196319800 ext.240. For more information contact www.uniteforrefugees.org Last September 2016, the Province of Ontariosuspended additional wind turbines as we had toomuch energy for the next 10 years. However, theyapproved the project in Dutton Dunwich. 84percent of the citizens had voted against it and theskyrocketing electricity bills associated with thesewind turbines. It is still early in the planning processand the wind company Invenergy has not receiveda "Notice to proceed". It is an ideal time to avoidfurther damage to the economy and community. For more information on how to stop wind turbinescontact [email protected] (Dutton Dunwich Opponentsof Wind Turbines).
We will continue to work with our seniors on scamswith the Police Services Board. Remember not toanswer unknown numbers. A recent scam tries toget you to answer "Yes" so they can approve orderson your credit card. Always be aware of scams inyour area.
Don't hesitate to contact Karen Vecchio if you have concerns for the next Federal Budget.
Political Advocacy
Chair
John Taylor5196313134
Political Action
District No. 41 - Elgin
Consolodated Financial Statement
2016
Assets at January 1
General Ledger Balance $ 7,282.45
Investments 5,087.79
Other assets:_________________________Uncashed Cheques (901.15)
Total Assets $ 11,469.09
Revenue
Grants
Annual $ 12,478.00
Bilingual Services
Project - Service to Others
Retirement Planning Workshops 364.98
Interest on Bank Balance and Investments 17.26
Other_____________________________________11,004.14
Total Revenue: $ 23,864.38
Expenses
District Goodwill $ 425.89
Bilingual Services
Project - Service to Others 34.30
Recruitment
Meetings
Executive 491.28
District 636.55
Senate 1,370.27
Provincial Workshops
Newsletter (mailings, printing, postage) 1,884.09
Office expenses
(bank charges, faxes, photocopies, stamps, stationery, telephone etc.)253.17
Retiree Receptions 1,013.31
Retirement Planning Workshops 798.46
Transportation
Website 299.00
Donations 700.00
Political Advocacy 36.16
Other ExpensesGifts / Honourariums 371.59
Meals 3,020.13
Member Activities 8,355.70
Total Expenses $ 19,689.90
A) Assets + Revenue - Expenses: $ 15,643.57
Assets at December 31
General Ledger balance 14,466.31
Investments 1,517.26
Other assets:uncashed cheques (340.00)
B) Total Assets $ 15,643.57
Treasurer
Dennis Collins5196310932
Project Service to Others for 2017 Sleep KitsI met with Liz Brown, Executive Director of Violence Against Women Services in Elgin County thispast August and we discussed the needs of children who come to emergency shelter when theirlives are in crisis. Their routines to facilitate play, homework, and sleep may have been disruptedby an abusive family member and reestablishing all of these is very important.Routine and healthy sleep are of great benefit to our emotional agility and physical well being.Children who have experienced abuse in their homes feel tremendous hurt. Their lives, includingsleep are often disrupted and this impacts their ability to learn and to be all that they can be. Whenregular story time is provided near bedtime it helps set the tone and routine for sleep. It alsoestablishes a time of day to be relied on for connection with your parent. I am very pleased andproud to announce that District 41 will be applying for a Service To Others grant to fund Sleep Kits.The sleep kits will vary with books specifically for different ages of children. We also plan to includea stuffed animal, a journal and or colouring book and pencil crayons, I Tunes cards for ages 13years and up to name just a few of the materials we may provide. The kits will go with familieswhen they relocate to safe housing. The application will be submitted in the first week of June tothe Provincial Service To Others’ Committee. It is my hope that many of our members will assistwith this project if we are successful in obtaining grant monies. Please let me know if you wouldlike to help with our 2017 project. I will need to include the number of volunteers and a descriptionof their service when I complete the application. Services could include purchasing materials,packing and delivering kits and approaching other agencies to contribute. Please contact me by telephone (5196316515) or email ([email protected]) if you wouldlike to assist. We will be notified in the fall of 2017 by the Provincial Executive if our application hasbeen approved and our service would commence at that time.
Respectfully submitted by Fran WrenDistrict 41 Service To Others Committee
Recruitment ReportThe Retirement Planning Workshop held on Saturday, November 19th at the Knights of ColumbusHall was a very well attended, successful session. The survey completed by the participantsindicated that the presenters provided very valuable information to aid in their retirement planning.They enjoyed the atmosphere and ease of access at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Martha Fosterwelcomed everyone and brought greetings from the Provincial Executive. Our guest speakers onceagain were well prepared and guided everyone through the health, insurance and monetaryplanning so necessary in preparing for a healthy worry free retirement. Dave Giles, Diane Allen,Diane Herter and Shelley Stayzk provided very valuable advice and humour in their sections of theagenda. The retirement planning materials made available by RTO/ERO are invaluable. Participants alwaysappreciate the quality and usefulness of these documents. The prizes were most generous andcreated a stir of excitement.Please remind your friends that it is necessary to apply for membership when they retire. It is alsoimportant to indicate that they wish to be members of District 41 if they wish to be involved in ourarea activities. We sometimes do not know of educational employees who retire at Christmas or thebeginning of the second semester. Please inform us of former colleagues who have chosen thisretirement date. We would like to invite them to join us and enjoy the benefits of belonging toElgin RTO District 41. Our next retirement workshop is scheduled for November 4th, 2017.
Respectfully submitted by Fran Wren
RecruitmentService to Others
Scholarship
Fran Wren5196316515
As announced in December, RTO/ERO is holding an open enrolment period for its insurance plans for retirees in thebroader education community from Feb. 1 to April 30.
A website landing page has been created that provides key messages about the open enrolment campaign:
English: https://www.rtoero.org/hereforyourfutureFor RTO/ERO members who have purchased an individual insurance plan in the market following their retirement,switching from your plan to the RTO/ERO group plans normally requires medical documentation. During the open
enrolment period, acceptance is guaranteed no medical required. You're automatically guaranteed acceptance intoany of our plans if you have the same existing coverage.
RTO/ERO members who already belong to our insurance plans can use the landing page to share information about thecampaign by clicking on the "Refer a friend" tab.
Every day many people find themselves at risk for consumer fraud. Fraudsters use many schemes to skim money fromunsuspecting people, such as the grandparent scam; lottery/prize scam or a relationship scam.Do not proceed with a money transfer if you have been asked to send money: *to an individual you have not met in person *for an unconfirmed emergency situation *for anti-virus protection that you did not initiate *to claim lottery or prize winnings *for a mystery shopping assignment *for an employment opportunity *to resolve an immigration matter Fraudsters are using the internet, the mail, and the telephone to get you to fall victim to their frauds. It’s important toremember that fraudsters are clever at gaining your trust and gathering your personal information.One of the most serious type of fraud is identity theft.The Canadian RCMP have an excellent website with assistanceguide information for identify fraud victims.Check out the website: www.rcmp-grc.gc.caDave GilesBenefits Information [email protected]
Louise Tyler, is organizing a 50 year CECI Reunion for May 27th and 28th, 2017. She would also like to invite any CECI
teachers who were teaching at that time. The site to visit for more info is [email protected].
50 year CECI Reunion
Open Enrollment Period forRTO's insurance Plans
Pension BenefitsChair
Dave Giles5197623631
Pension BenefitsChair
Dave Giles5197623631
Pension BenefitsChair
Dave Giles5197623631
RTO/EROFoundation Chair
5192687909
Wellness DayMark your calendars for Monday, October 23rd. It will be our tenth Wellness Day and we are planninga great array of workshops. You can try your hand at crafts, tone up with exercises, and sampledifferent cooking methods. There will be singing, dancing and even some sipping. We’ll have oldfavourites to update your wardrobe and spruce up your garden. Just to keep from getting stale, we’lllearn about canning, exotic fruits and how to win at poker. It should be a great day. In May,registration forms will be on the website, emailed and available at the AGM. Register early toguarantee your first choices.
Wayne
PickleballThe fastest growing sport for seniors inNorth America is Pickleball. Despite thestrange name it really is good exercise anda lot of fun. It is a cross between pingpong, tennis and badminton.
We have a great opportunity to test out thissport free of charge and without having tocompete with experienced players. Thecity is in the process of building new courtsand thanks to the generosity of the localpickleball clubwe get a free trial. They willbe there to instruct and assist and supplythe equipment. All you have to do is bringyour running shoes and a smile (andsuitable clothes.) If we get a good showingthis could become a repeated event. Spouses are welcome. Let’s give it a try.
Date: Tuesday June 13, 2017 (rain date June 15)Time: 912Place: Pinafore Park
To register, just drop me an email andI’ll put you on the list. Wayne [email protected]
How to Play the GameBasic Overview
Pickleball® is played on a badmintonsized court: 20’ x 44.’The ball is served diagonally (starting with the righthandservicesquare), and points can only be scored by the sidethat serves.
Players on each side must let the ball bounce once beforevolleys are allowed, and there is a sevenfoot novolley zoneon each side of the net, to prevent “spiking.” The servercontinues to serve, alternating service courts, until he or shefaults. The first side scoring eleven points and leading by atleast two points wins. Pickleball® can be played with singlesor doubles.
The Serve
Serves are to be made diagonally, starting with therighthand servicesquare and alternating each serve. Theserve must clear the sevenfoot nonvolleyzone in front ofthe net and land in the diagonal service court.
Serves should always be done underhand with the paddlebelow the waist, and the server must keep both feet behindthe back line when serving. The ball should be hit into the airwithout being bounced. The serving side will continue toserve until the there is a fault on the service, at which pointthe service will be given to the opposing side. (However, ifthe ball touches the net but still lands within the appropriateservice court, the serve may be taken over.)
Volleys
To volley means to hit a ball in the air without first letting itbounce. In Pickleball®, this can only be done when theplayer’s feet are behind the nonvolley zone line (seven feetbehind the net).
DoubleBounce Rule
Each team must play their first shot off of the bounce. Thatis, the receiving team must let the serve bounce and theserving team must let the return of the serve bounce beforeplaying it. Once these two bounces have occurred, the ballcan either be volleyed or played off the bounce.
Fault
A fault is committed when the ball:
Touches any part of the nonvolley zone on the serve(including the line).Is hit out of bounds
A Lively Racket Game forall Ages and Abilities
Pickleball® was created with one thing inmind: fun. It was designed to be easy to learnand play whether you’re five, eightyfive orsomewhere in between.
Court and GearPickleball® is traditionally played on abadmintonsized court with specialPickleball® paddles, made of wood orhightech aerospace materials. The ball usedis similar to a wiffle ball, but slightly smaller.The lower net and wiffle ball allow the gameto be accessible to people of all ages andabilities, while still allowing more competitiveplayers to test their mettle.