~~ ANNUAL SPRING MEETING & LUNCHEON ~~

Tuesday, May 4, 2010.Social Hour from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Lunch – 12:15 p.m.

~ OTHER PLACE CATERING ~1395 Walker Rd. near Ottawa St.

Windsor

~ Menu ~Chicken Piccata

Potato du Jour Vegetable du JourGarden salad

Assorted rolls/ French sticks and butterCrème Brule Coffee/tea

Cash Bar

Members: $25.00 Non-Members: $30.00

Once again we ask you to share with those less fortunate by bringing:Canned Goods: The Unemployment Help Centre.Toiletries: Leamington Salvation Army.Eye Glasses: will be donated to a third world country.50/50 Draw: Proceeds to the Food Bank at St. Mary’s Anglican Church.A new child’s book: to A Book of My Own Literacy Campaign.Book exchange: will be available again for your pleasure.

Please complete and return the bottom portion of this page with your cheque made payable to R.W.T.O. no later than Friday, April 23, 2010 if you wish to attend the luncheon.

CUT HERE ……………………………………………………………………………… Yes, I would like to receive my newsletter online.

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: ($25.) _________ Guest: ($30.) _________ 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 2221 Windermere Rd., Windsor, ON N8W 2S7

NEEDED: A Second Vice- President

As in most organizations, we are having problems filling positions on our Executive. We need new blood! Most of us have been on the Executive for a number of years and we need new people to refresh our group. We would rather not “recycle” members already on the Executive. Right now, we need a second vice-president. We know that our members often travel but that isn’t a problem, as we have members of the Executive willing to cover when someone is away. Join the Executive with a friend. We can always use extra people. Please help us keep RWTO Windsor/Essex a vibrant, active branch. Emy McBride – Membership Convenor

ANNUAL RWTO/OERO CONVENTION

JUNE 1, 2, 3 2010London, Ontario

The delegates to this year’s Annual Meeting are Freddie Beekhuis, Gayle Broad, Val Luscott, Emy McBride (Provincial Representative), Genny Rudzinski and Karen Smith. Visitors are Denise Otoupal and Linda White. All these members will represent our branch in London.Mary Jane Finn will also attend the convention as the out going Provincial President.

RTO/ERO District 7 Windsor/Essex

~~25th Anniversary Celebration ~~

When: Friday, September 24, 2010 Where: Fogolar Furlan Club Time: 5 p.m. Social Hour 6 p.m. Dinner

Cost: $45. per person. This will be a fun-filled evening with lots of entertainment.

Tickets available from any member of the RTO/ERO Executive or call Emy McBride at 519-945-1380

President’s Message

The spring is finally here and the ever so long winter is over. It is a time of new beginnings!

I will quote a former Provincial President, Sherri Stokes: “Spring is the time of renewal, rejuvenation and rebirth; it is also the time in which the leadership of many RWTO Branches changes. New leadership is the precursor of expansion and growth of our organization. With the renewal of ideas and the changing of the guard we dispel the notion that this is a "closed shop". To grow, we must participate; to grow we must volunteer; and to grow is to build the future of our organization.”

She was speaking of the Provincial organization and the local branches; but this also applies to our local, Windsor/Essex Branch of RWTO. Karen Smith will be moving into the position of President; she is ready for this new position. She knows that she will have the same support that I have received for the past three years.

Many of our members have a variety of experiences and skills; this is the time to let you use those skills and talents. Some people feel that they do not have what it takes to take on an executive position. However, with the experienced people on the executive, it is easier than you think.

Presently, we have members filling all positions except that of Second Vice-President. All positions are open, except those of President and Past President. If you feel that you would like to join the team, please contact me. If you know someone who could take on this challenge, please encourage them. When I joined the branch as your Vice -President, I had no former experience with RWTO – if I could do it; so can you.

In the coming months, we have some great activities planned for you. These will be listed on the activity page. Two, that I will mention here, are both in May: the General Annual Meeting and the third annual Fashion Show. Details of these events are listed in this newsletter.

RWTO Windsor/Essex always follows through with the RWTO motto: of Caring and Sharing. When we see the items that you bring in at the luncheons, it is wonderful. The thank you notes that we receive, as a result of your generous efforts are very touching – thank you on behalf of those organizations!

It has been a pleasure serving you as President. Thank you to all who have participated at our luncheons and activities; and to those who have volunteered their time on the Executive or at our many functions. I have found over my three years as president that our members have enjoyed attending our three luncheons and other events. It is always fun seeing our old friends and meeting new friends. Looking forward to seeing you in the coming months.

Freddie Beekhuis

NEW: Luncheon Guest Policy

Starting in May of 2010, a non-member may attend only one luncheon, as a guest. If the same name is sent in for future luncheons, the request will be declined.

Exceptions to this policy are those who drive our older members to the luncheons.

GOODWILL

I have sent 74 birthday cards, 32 Thinking of you and 14 cards for Thank You, New Home etc. Our Special List members receive 60 Thinking of You, 36 Christmas, 32 Valentines and 34 Easter cards. Keep sending calls to 519-839-4666 or email

jddicker@hotmail.com when you know of someone who could use a card.

Thank you for helping me with the Caring and Sharing. Shirley Dicker

Let’s Think Spring!

Your Windsor-Essex RWTO Presents

Fashions from: Jenny Lee’s “Image” Linda’s

Our third annual Fashion Show Modrigal Join us at Stepping Out Essex Golf & Country Club Top Drawer Casuals

Wednesday, May 19th Lunch & Fashion Walkabout

Tickets are $30. Doors open 11:00 a.m. Limit 150 attendees Luncheon 12:00 Fashion Walkabout 1:00

p.m.

Tickets are available from executive members or call Linda White @ 519-969-7345 Special seating arrangements (8 per table) can be made through Linda White. Final day to purchase tickets is Wed. May 12th.

Essex Golf & Country Club Policy - Guests are reminded of the club’s policies regarding dress code and cell phone use. Be advised that denim wear of any kind is not allowed in the clubhouse and cell phone use is only allowed in the reserved rooms.

~~ A Book of My Own Literacy Campaign ~~

Many thanks to all our members who donated new children’s books at our Christmas Luncheon. These books were given to disadvantaged children as part of our November/December book distribution. Twenty-eight agencies in Windsor and Essex County helped us distribute 2200 new books to their children. The many thank you cards and notes that we received made us aware of how important this program has become. We are now preparing for our May distribution.You can help A Book of My Own by bringing a new children’s book (ages infancy to 15 years) to our May luncheon.

Please Note: A Book of My Own is having a gently used book sale:

SATURDAY, JUNE 5TH on the lawn of St. Mary’s Anglican Church (across from Art in the Park). The hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We have a great deal of books this year. All proceeds from the sale will go to purchase new books for disadvantaged children in the city and county.

~~ In Memoriam ~~

Rita M. DubeJanuary 11, 2010

Time is not measured by the years that you liveBut by the deeds that you do and the joy that you giveAnd each day as it comes brings a chance to each one

To love to the fullest, leaving nothing undoneThat would brighten the life or lighten the load

Of some weary traveler lost on life’s road – So what does it matter how long we may live

If as long as we live we unselfishly give.

In memory of Rita, a new children’s book has been donated to the downtown branch of the Windsor Public Library.

GOODWILL Now that the weather has finally improved, I have been able to make more visits. We had a visiting blitz over the Christmas period, delivering gifts to some of our members. In February, Ethel Allison celebrated her ninetieth birthday. Friends and family congregated at Woodslee United Church. So many lined up to give their wishes to this wonderful lady. It was indeed a heartwarming event. RWTO will be recognizing Ethel’s birthday at the Spring luncheon, May 4th, at The Other Place Catering. Come help us celebrate Ethel’s birthday.I am once again asking if there are any members who would be able to spare a few hours each month to help with visiting some of our members. Our ladies are so grateful when they see a friendly face coming to visit. You, as the visitor also receive a good deal of emotional satisfaction. Last December, several members paid a visit to Rita Dube at Malden Park. Even though this spirited lady was suffering a great deal, she was so delighted to have a visit. We came away feeling spiritually refreshed and glad that we had brought some comfort to a dying lady.Val Luscott

THANK YOU MARY JANE…….

Our own Mary Jane Finn is completing her term as Provincial President at this year’s Annual Convention in London, Ontario. For her service both locally and provincially, Mary Jane will receive an Honorary Membership to RWTO/OERO. Congratulations, Mary Jane. Way to go….you have made us all very proud.

INSURANCE INFORMATION If you are in need of information on RWTO Insurance please contact Brenda Irving at

519-251-8845

****IMPORTANT REMINDER****

IF YOU ARE RECEIVING THE ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS HAS CHANGED, PLEASE NOTIFY CARMEN EATON BY PHONE 519-979-9806 OR BY EMAIL hicarm@mnsi.net AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

$$ SENIOR SAVINGS $$

Michigan Diner – (1331 Manning Rd.) Seniors (60) Menu 3-6 p.m. Open Tues. – Sun. 11 – 9

Beyond Limits Day Spa – (1107 Lesperance Rd.) Senior (60) 10% discount on services (ie.manicure, pedicure, etc.) Open Tues. – Sat.

Roseland Golf & Country Club – Monday’s 55+ 10% off after 3:30 p.m.

Garden Buffet – 4388 Walker Rd. (just north of Provincial Rd.) 20% Senior 65+ discount everyday (no MSG)

Adriatic Family Restaurant – (formerly Howard Diner) 10% Senior (65+) discount everyday.2590 Howard Ave.

ST. JACOBS DAY TRIP – WED. JULY 14, 2010

Wednesday, July 14, 20107:00 a.m. Meet your deluxe full size motor coach in the Sear’s parking lot at the Devonshire Mall. Depart for St. Jacobs.

11:00 a.m. Arrive at St. Jacobs. Enjoy a bit of shopping.

12:30 p.m. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

2:00 p.m. Theatre performance begins at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse Theatre.Play – THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

An instant sensation on Broadway, this crowd pleasing production is the unlikeliest hit musical about the most improbable group of heroes: a charmingcast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out, yet fit in, at the same time.

In one word, it’s irresistible. Drat! I-R-R-E-S-I-S-T-I-B-L-E.

4:30 p.m. Leave for the journey back to Windsor, with a stop en route in London for dinner.

8:00 p.m. Arrive back in Windsor.

COST: Minimum of 30 paying passengers: $145This includes the bus, theatre ticket and lunch.

Full payment is due by: May 28, 2010. See the next page for the form for this trip.

TORONTO – FAMOUS PEOPLE PLAYERS 2010

Wednesday, October 20 and Thursday, October 21

Wednesday, October 20

7:00 a.m. Meet your deluxe 47-passenger motor coach in the Sear’s parking lot atthe Devonshire Mall in the corner facing Howard and the expressway.

1:00 p.m. We arrive in Toronto and proceed to our downtown hotel.

2:00 p.m. Check into the WESTIN HARBOUR CASTLE HOTEL.

5:30 p.m. Leave for the Famous People Player Theatre.Dinner is served in the main dining room.

8:00 p.m. The performance begins in the Phil Collins Theatre.

9:30 p.m. Following the performance, coffee, tea and dessert will be served.

If you haven’t seen a performance by the Famous People Players, you arein for a real treat!

Thursday, October 21

7:00 a.m. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

9:00 a.m. Leave for “SQUARE ONE” shopping mall. This is Ontario’s largest retailshopping centre with over 330 stores to explore. Lunch is on your own today.

3:30 p.m. We leave for home. I will see if we can stop at a nice restaurant for supper. These arrangements will be made later if we get enough for the trip.

8:30 p.m. We arrive home (approximately).

Cost: 30 people - Single: $363 Double: $295 Triple: $285 Quad: $280Cost: 40 people – Single: $330 Double: $263 Triple: $255 Quad: $249A down payment of $100 is due by June 30 th . Make cheques payable to:

RWTO Windsor-Essex and mail to: Emy McBride, 1733 Eastgate Estates, Windsor N8T 2S8

************************************************************************************ST.JACOBS DAYTRIP – WEDNESDAY, JULY 14 $145 (See above information for chequeinformation and mailing.

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________Address: _________________________________________________________________________Postal code: _____________________ Phone#: ________________________

***********************************************************************************TORONTO TRIP – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 AND THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21

Name: _______________________________ Rooming with: _____________________________ Address: __________________________________________ __________________________________________________Postal code: ________________ _____________________________Phone#: _________________________________

REMINDER: DOWNPAYMENT OF $100 IS DUE BY JUNE 30 TH .