FALL 2007

EXECUTIVE/EXÉCUTIF2007-2008

Jacques HalléPresident/Président

Carmaine Hall1st Vice-president/1ervice-président &Social

Carol Haneberry2nd Vice-president/2e

vice-présidente

Dave HodgeTreasurer/Trésorier

Pierrette NadeauCommunications

Terry MartynSecretary/Secrétaire

Guill ArchambaultPast President/ Président sortant& Archivist /Archiviste

Peter NiroPolitical Action/Action politique

Monique TaylorGoodwill/Bienfaisance

Bil l LukanHealth-Insurance/Santé-assur-ance

Ann DubeMembership/Adhésion

Francine HurtubiseNewsletter Editor/Éditrice

John KovalchukPensions

Eva KendelTravel /Voyages

Jenny RossUnit 2 Representative/Représentante Unité 2

Diane BradleyWebmaster/Webmestre

http://www.rtoerosudburymanitoulin.com

District 4THE RETIRED TEACHERS OF ONTARIO

LES ENSEIGNANTES ET ENSEIGNANTSRETRAITÉS DE L’ONTARIO

From the President’s DeskA new year, a new beginning! It is with great pleasure and humility that I accept thechallenge of the presidency of RTO District of Sudbury-Manitoulin/North Shore.Thank you so much for the vote of confidence you have given me. I will do myutmost to fulfi ll my duties and to continue in the footsteps of my predecessors. Ilook forward to working with our executive and to meeting you, the members ofRTO/ERO.One of my priorities for the coming year will be to improve the quality of li fe of ourretired teachers and seniors in general, especially those in nursing homes or in thehospital care. Also, with your help, I will do my best to recrui t new members for ourwonderful group, RTO. To achieve these goals, I would greatly appreciate anysuggestions, comments or concerns.In order to meet the various challenges or changes that the new year will bring, wemust remain united and for this reason, I count on your support. It is very importantthat we all do our part to ensure that our group, the Retired Teachers of Ontario,becomes a force, known and recognized, within each of our communities. “Wecan’t sit and watch the parade go by…we have to march in the parade.”I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our past president, GuillArchambault who by his hard work has successful ly put our group at the forefront ofmany community activities. Gui ll has given his all to the membership of RTO. Hefulfil led his role with integrity and commitment. His focus and motivation were thewell-being and best interests of RTO members. I’ve known Guil l for many years andhe has been very effective in representing his members, defending and protectingtheir rights, both at the local and provincial levels. On behalf of all the members,thank you Guill. Jacques Hal lé

Message du présidentVoilà une autre année à l’horizon…C’est avec beaucoup de plaisir et d’humilité quej’accepte le défi de la présidence de RTO/ ERO du district de Sudbury-Manitoulin/Rive-nord et je vous remercie grandement pour votre confiance en moi. Je ferai toutmon possible afin d’être à la hauteur de la situation.Ma priorité pour l’année 2007-2008 est d’améliorer la qualité de vie pour certains denos membres surtout ceux et celles placés dans certaines de nos institutions.J’aimerais aussi, avec votre aide, rehausser le nombre de membres faisant partie denotre groupe d’enseignantes et d’enseignants à la retraite. Afin de faire face auxnombreux défis qui nous seront présentés, il nous faudra demeurer unis… et il nefaut pas oublier, «Le nombre fai t la force.» Il faut faire connaître les bienfaits denotre groupe. Il est de toute importance que les Enseignantes et EnseignantsRetraités de l’Ontario (de Sudbury) soient connus et reconnus à travers lapopulation. «Il ne faut pas s’asseoir et regarder la parade passer….il faut plutôt s’yjoindre.» Qui peut mieux défendre nos points de vue…..que les nôtres, nosmembres?Je m’en voudrais de ne pas profiter du moment afin de remercier Guill, président duDistrict durant les deux dernières années et qui a fai t un travail formidable. J’auraide grands souliers à rempl ir! Guill s’est donné à 100% pour les membres d’EROcomme il l’a toujours fait d’ailleurs auprès des autres associations professionnellesoù il a œuvré. Il a pris tous les moyens disponibles afin de faire connaître notregroupe auprès de la population (Relais pour la vie) et j’ai bien l’intention decontinuer dans la même veine. Au nom de tout le groupe, merci Guill!!! Tu as gagnétes épaulettes. Bravo!!! Jacques Hallé

SOCIAL COMMITTEEDates to include in your calendar

Executive meetings:Howard Johnson Plaza, Brady Street at 9:30 a.m.

Monday, September 10, 2007Thursday, November 8, 2007Tuesday, February 5, 2008Tuesday, April 15, 2008

General meetings:Howard Johnson Plaza, Brady Street10:45-Meet and Greet11:15-Business/Guest speakers/Elections etc.12:15-Luncheon

Thursday, Oct.4, 2007 Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007 Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Exception: Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008 (Guest speaker/Coffee & dessert, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)

Did you know that…

1. The word “set” has more definitions than any other word in the Englishlanguage.

2. “Underground” is the only word in the English language that begins andends with the letters “und.”

3. There are only four words in the English language which end in “-dous”: tremendous, horrendous,stupendous, and hazardous.

4. The longest one-syl lable word in the English language is “screeched.”

5. The combination “ough” can be pronounced in nine different ways; thefollowing sentence contains them all: “A rough-coated, dough-faced,thoughtful ploughman strode through the streets of Scarborough; afterfalling into a slough, he coughed and hiccoughed.”

6. Almonds are members of the peach family.

7. There is a seven-letter word in the English language that contains tenwords without rearranging any of its letters, “therein”: the, there, he, in,rein, her, here, ere, therein, herein.

8. It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

9. Cranberries are sorted for ripeness by bouncing them; a fully ripenedcranberry can be dribbled l ike a basketball.

MEMBERSHIP

Welcome back to another interesting RTO/ERO year. I hope you enjoyed the wonderful summerweather we have just experienced.A special welcome to the retirees who have joined our ranks since the last publication of ournewsletter.

Viviane Blais Richard MayerZoryana Boyuk Lorraine RobinsonAlice Cormier Dolores StoreyFrançoise Dimaio Catherine TihanyiJohn Ellen Lorraine VrbancicLauretta Gagné Doreen WattNormande Lacasse Sandra WebsterBrigitte Marceau William Whitehouse

On September 20th, we will host a luncheon meeting for the New Retirees. Over 80 invitations weresent.My thanks to the Affiliates’ Liaisons who worked diligently to obtain the names of the retirees andmade follow up cal ls.They are:AEFO Annette Blais-Laforge & Denise MassimilianoETFO Eila TalpiainenOECTA Angela CicconeOSSTF Freda Wilson

RTO/ERO’s important function is to act as the voice for all retired members of the Ontario TeachersPension Plan. We are your “ sole voice” when it comes to pension related matters. The more mem-bers we have the stronger we are. Some retirees have not yet joined this great organization. Can youhelp? The Personal Approach is still one of the best ways to get new members.

A special thanks to al l of our Phone Captains who call our members 4 times a year to remind themabout our gatherings. More Phone Captains are needed!!! Please call me at 524-3146 for moreinformation about being a part of this important committee.Ful l and Associate members, don’t forget to attend our Fall Meeting on October 4th, 2007.

Ann Dube

Did you know that…

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. Abanana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. But energy isn’t the only waya banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number ofillnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

RTO/ERO GOODWILL/BIENFAISANCE

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can help anotherwithout helping himself.” R.W. Emerson

Once again, thank you for calling members of our committee with information about RTO/EROcolleagues who might need encouragement or who have reached a milestone. If you realize that wehave missed someone, please cal l now. It is never too late to express our concern, our congratulations.Their words of appreciation underline the importance of our gestures of solidarity.

“Thank you for your kind words of comfort and your thoughtfulness.’’“I am grateful for your support and friendship.’’“Sincères remerciements pour vos souhaits de condoléances et votre contribution.’’

RTO/ERO members mourn the death of loved ones. We have sent notes to express our condolencesand have made donations to various charities to honour them.

Laurie Macdonald – mother Elda BlanchardErna Fex – father Florent du BergerLinda and Randy Storey – mother, mother-in-law Marguerite McGillisDiana Haaranen – husband AnttiGord McKewan – mother Dorothy FairbankRomana Siegel – father Mario CattapanHelen Laidlaw – mother-in-law Eve Laidlaw

Colleagues have needed encouragement as they recover from serious injuries, surgeries or healthchallenges. Our conversations reveal that former teachers face challenges with the same positiveattitude that they instilled in their students. Gift cards have been sent along with expressions ofsupport and friendship.We are aware that many RTO/ERO members quietly and constantly respond to colleagues’ needs withcountless acts of kindness; the words of a grandson capture the depth of appreciation:“Gee. I had no idea Grand-maman had such a social network.”

Monique Taylor

Goodwill/Bienfaisance Committee Members

Call us Appelez-nous

Annette Blais Laforge 675-5985 Helen Laidlaw 523-1571Bessie Budge 869-3408 Vi McDougall 674-5311Jean Eaton 675-2036 Pierrette Nadeau 524-1972Erna Fex 671-2711 Isobel Patchet 522-0115Josie Girolometto 682-2682 Monique Taylor 853-4772

Attention!!!

RTO/ERO needs a member to take digital pictures at its generalmeetings. These occur three or four times a year.If you are interested, please call Pierrette Nadeau at 524-1972.

Jenny Ross, Carmaine Hall and Jacques Hallé atthe District 4 RTO/ERO display board of the“Northern Lights” book of student poetry project.

Carmaine Hall and Jacques Hallé at work atthe May 2007 Provincial Senate Meeting.

Did you know that…

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people sufferingfrom depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas containtryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax,improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

Eva Marie Kendel (née Lambert)1924-2007

The RTO/ERO Executive board is sad to inform its membership that it haslost one of its own, Eva Kendel.

Eva was the chairperson of the Travel Committee and up until this springshe was also chairperson of the Website Committee. It is due to Eva’sefforts and leadership that a website was created and developed for theRTO/ERO District of Sudbury-Manitoulin/North Shore.

Eva Marie Kendel (née Lambert) passed away peacefully at TorontoWestern Hospital on Thursday, August 16th, 2007 in her 83rd year after ashort but fierce battle with ALS. Eva was the wife of Rudolph for over 50years, devoted and supportive mother of Marguerite, Carmen, Susan,Michael, Kim, Monica and Jacqueline and proud grandmother of Colleen,Rebecca, Elizabeth and Simon.

Eva was born on October 31st, 1924 in Ste. Agathe, Manitoba and she was a Sudbury resident since1948. A retired Teacher, Principal and Director of library services with the Sudbury Catholic DistrictSchool Board, Eva was an active member of RTO/ERO, RWTO, Renaissance, Strumming Belles, FADD,the Starbury Tenants’ Association and organist at Holy Redeemer Church for many years. She will besadly missed by her many friends and relatives in Sudbury, Ste. Agathe and Western Canada.

Eva was a very special lady; her love of nice clothes, her thirst of knowledge and new experiences, herpassion for travel ing and photography were well known. Always well dressed and informed, she likedto be involved in her community. She participated in many committees at the local and provincial leveland in various roles, from the advisory to the presidency. Her energetic spark will be greatly missed.

The RTO/ERO Executive board of the District of Sudbury-Manitoul in/North Shore is saddened by herdeparture and will always treasure the memory of this dear friend.

In MemoriamJacques BarbeauJoan MichlowskiJenny BellayGabrielle NyeRéjeanne CholetteMarcel RobineauElsa Israelson

Since our spring Newsletter, the names of six RTO/ERO members have been added to our Memoriam.Their former colleagues, students and RTO/ERO friends will share memories at our fal l luncheon.We mourn their loss; we celebrate their lives.

Adèle SamsonEva KendelBetty StuartEdo LivelyGeorge ThomsonFrederick MatteJeno Tihanyi

RETIRED TEACHERS OF ONTARIO - District 4 Unit 1FINANCIAL STATEMENT

FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1 - AUGUST 1, 2007

Cash Balance 39.58Checking Account 8 100.07Investments - GIC 9 203.32

TOTAL 17 342.97

RECEIPTS

Annual Grant 18 272.84Bilingual Grant 632.45Project Service to Others 4 000.00Recruitment 756.49District Meetings 2208.00Interest 40.58

TOTAL 25 910.36TOTAL RECEIPTS 26 79.39

EXPENDITURES

Good Will 868.33MeetingsDistrict 2 759.46Executive 935.90Senate 1 442.07Newsletter 2 211.79Office Expenses 432.23Project Service to Others 4 000.00Recruitment 920.03Transportation 376.32Unit 2 1 500.00Other ExpensesWalk For Life 602.67

TOTAL EXPENDITURES 16 048.80BALANCE 27 204.53Represented by:Cash Balance 10.09Checking Account 17 991.12Investments - GIC 9 203.32

TOTAL 27 204.53

The data from the above report has been reviewed by President Guill and Secretary Terry, submitted to RTO/ERO as required and received at the February General Meeting.

NOTE: “Consolidated” means that Unit 2 expenditures have been included in their appropriate budget linesrather than appearing as a one item “Unit Grant”.

Dave Hodge

Health and Insurance Benefits

Information for our SnowbirdsIf you purchase supplemental Travel Insurance from Johnsons do not purchase additional travelinsurance from another company. You may not get coverage if you have a pre-existing illness. Thissituation was experienced by one of our members this past winter.

The HS&IC is maintaining current premium rates for the Supplemental Plan (trips beyond 62 days)Out-of-Province/Canada emergency medical insurance for the upcoming 2008/09 policyyears. 2.8% of our members in the EHC Plan made use of the Supplemental Plan this year. Those inthe age groups 65-74 (44.3%) and 75-84 (36.6%) form the most active groups that participate in thisplan. Inpatient hospital claims form the largest (67%) claim type for the supplemental plan. Theseclaims can range from $6 USD to $15,000 USD per day.

Although our younger, healthier members may be able to purchase supplemental insurance elsewhereat a lower rate, our plan remains the most affordable, most accessible plan for the majority of ourmembers. The marketplace uses a combination of age, health requirement to restrict entrance intotheir plans. They then use age, multiple stability factors, and trip length to determine the rates to becharged. For a trip lasting 92 days, any RTO/ERO member is charged $432. Another plan in the mar-ketplace charges participants (ages 55 to 85 ) in their three categories, rates ranging from $100 to$2,464. For a trip lasting 212 days, any RTO/ERO member is charged $1,667. Another plan in themarketplace, as above, charges rates ranging from $521 to $12,866. The same medical stability clausethat applies to RT0/ERO trips of less than 62 days and trip cancel lation insurance applies to the RTO/ERO Supplemental Plan. RTIP/ARM applies a more restrictive medical condition for extended travel.

World Access Canada (WAC) advises that if you required medical aid and had notified WAC as perproper procedure, yet you, for some reason, receive a medical bill or receive a notice from a collectionagency regarding your medical bill, you should notify WAC and they will work on your behalf to resolvethe issue with the medical provider.

If you are hospitalized during your trip to an “exotic” country, upon your release, make sure that youobtain your discharge summary or hospitalization records so that you have a personal copy, especiallyif you have paid any of the bills yourself.

WAC not only covers medical assistance, it also covers a variety of travel related matters. For example,it can provide a variety of pre-trip assistance on topics such as inoculations, Canada Direct callingnumbers, travel warning, pre-trip medical preparation and many other forms of assistance. During theTsunami disaster, WAC teams from Shanghai were sent in to assist consular operations in Thailand.

Effective April 23, 2007, Johnson Plan Benefits Claim improved its service to provide nightly depositsof claims payments. Deposits will be made each working day with weekend payments being depositedon Mondays. This provides a significant improvement over the bi-weekly deposits made prior to thechange. If you haven’t already enrolled for this service, send a “VOID” cheque with your next claim.

Effective January 1, 2007, the EHC Plan covers all types of eye examinations, to be reimbursed at 80%subject to an overall maximum of $50 for one eye examination every two years. A question had beenraised whether this includes diagnostic tests prior to cataract surgery. The answer is yes.

Bill Lukan

Group Benefits: Common Mistakes Made by Members

· Not submitting dental pre-determinations· Not reading booklet· Trip Cancellation – not notifying prior to travel date· Not keeping booklet in specific location (can’t find it)· Out of Province/Canada medical emergency – not notifying WAC with 48 hours ($2000 maximum)· Lack of awareness of WAC pre-trip assistance service· Not getting rid of old booklets· No need for drugs at 65+ due to ODB (erroneous assumption)· Not reading/understanding definitions· Assuming something covered without checking· Submitting drug receipts after claim already submitted electronically· Submitting dental paper claim after already submitted electronically· Proof of departure required for all insured travelers (e.g. 2 spouses)

Bill Lukan

Political Action

I hope that all of you have enjoyed your summer. As the summer days come to a close we move closerand closer to the Provincial Election which takes place on October 10, 2007. I urge all members to goout and vote. Before you do this, though, keep an eye on the platforms of the three major parties andhow their policies may affect Retired Teachers.In this election, it is very important for us to keep ourselves informed about the Green Party as well, asenvironmental issues are becoming more and more important for each of us. This party could affect thebalance of power at Queen’s Park after this election.From the newsletter “Inside Queen’s Park”, I have isolated the following imajor ssues that are part of allthe Parties’ platforms. Discuss with the candidates their views on health care, education, energy, longterm care for the elderly and the environment.Health care is very important to all of us. Prior to a recent government announcement that increased asenior’s meal allowance to $7.00 per day, seniors were being fed on a mere $5.00 per day. Long termcare must become more affordable and seniors should be treated with much more dignity in their lateryears.To improve education, get energy and preserve the environment all costs money. This means increasedtaxes. Can we, as seniors on fixed incomes, afford this? These are questions to ask our politicians.As a lobby group, we have a lot of power so let’s use i t to our advantage.

Peter Niro

Some Oxymorons...1. Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?2. Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?3. Why does “fat chance” and “slim chance” mean the same thing?

Pension Report

Our pension plan received top marks for service in the just released Cost Effectiveness Measurementsurvey of 64 pension plans from around the world. The Teachers’ Plan scored 88 out of 100 in thesurvey, while the top ranked plan scored 89. This is something to be proud of.

Frequently asked question:

How does the Pension Plan protect our privacy?

The Teachers’ Pension Plan has codified its commitment to safeguard your personal information. Anew privacy code has been established incorporating the principle we will follow to protect your pri-vacy when we collect, use and dispose of personal information.The principles reflect the strict privacy standards that are already applied in the administration of thepension plan to:-collect and use only that personal information required to administer the plan-never sell mailing lists- never disclose information about the members without their permission, unless required by law-protect against the loss, theft and unauthorized access of your informationTo handle any concerns or complaints about your privacy the plan has designated a senior staff mem-ber as their corporate privacy officer.The privacy code is posted on the plan’s web site: www.otpp.com

The Teachers’ Plan opened an office in London, the first office outside of Ontario. The office opened inMay with three employees to allow better access to international equity opportunities.Note: China now has 36 billionaires, the most of any Asian country. It is estimated that this year 100million people will move into the middle class.

John Kovalchuk

On a lighter note…Grandmother could not read a recipe without her glasses so she asked her grandson if he would mindreading it for her. Her grandson repl ied “Grandma it’s easy, just sound out the words.”

Voyages à venir avec le Groupe Voyages Québec :400e anniversaire de la vi lle de Québec : printemps 2008Provence et Côte d’Azur : septembre 20081ère semaine : Nice et la Côte d’Azur2e semaine : Aubagne et la ProvencePour plus de renseignements, appeler Denise Bock au 566 4228.

NORTH SHORE/MANITOULIN NEWSBEAT

Summer is winding down and volunteer organizationsare preparing to resume their activities. Our SpringLuncheon, held in Espanola, saw more than 50members gather to socialize as well as receive the latestinformation on pensions, health and retirement issues.Jacques Hallé and Monique Taylor from the Districtexecutive joined us and renewed some oldacquaintances. Elections were conducted and theexecutive remains the same. As announced at thespring meeting, it is my intention to step down as yourPresident at the end of this term. Please considerjoining our dedicated team of volunteers on theexecutive or on committees. We welcome new faces,new ideas.

2007/2008 ExecutivePresident Jenny Ross 869-2055Vice-President Claudette Bois 869-2793Treasurer Eva Mayer 585-0574Secretary Denyse Racine 848-7444Goodwill Chair Bessie Budge 869-3408

Our Fall Luncheon returns to Laurentian Lodge, north ofElliot Lake, on October 2nd. The phone committee will bein touch with you in late September. Please note thatwhen you commit to attend, the cost is yourresponsibility.

Social: 11:30 a.m. Lunch: 12:00 p.m. Meeting: 1:00 p.m.

New retirees have received an invitation to attend the District or our Unit Luncheon as complimentaryguests. Should you know a new retiree that has not received an invitation, please call me.

The Goodwill Committee continues to work diligently onour behalf under the leadership of Bessie Budge. Do remem-ber that it is the responsibility of each one of us inform themof members who are ill, are shut-ins, need a “pick-me-up” orhave lost a cherished one. Your key people are:

Espanola & area Bessie Budge869-3408

Elliot Lake Ermilina Manganiello461-3114

Little Current Barbara Cranston368-2498

East Manitoulin Jane Deyell859-3538

West Manitoulin Laila Kiviaho368-2580

Blind River Jenny Ross869-2055

If you have not joined us at our meetings in a while, whynot plan to attend and rekindleacquaintances?

Jenny Rossjennyross@personainternet.com

Quelle équipe !

Le vendredi 1er juin, l’équipe RTO/ERO participe au Relaispour la vie, activité organisée par la Société canadienne ducancer. Cinquante et un membres de notre regroupementRTO/ERO et quatorze membres de famille, amies et amis ysont de la partie.Belle température, bonne compagnie et bonne bouffe fontde cette soirée une rencontre inoubliable. Merci à l’exécutiflocal pour la location de la tente! Merci à Bob Taylor et sachaufferette, ils nous ont gardés au chaud! Merci à LionelBourgeois et sa lanterne, ils nous ont ‘éclairés’.Mais la palme va à notre contribution monétaire. Nousespérions remettre la somme de 10 000 $ à la Société.Quelle surprise! Le montant total recueilli par notre équipese chiffre à 12 922 $. Grâce au dévouement desparticipantes et des participants et à la générosité de nosfamilles, nos voisins, nos ami(e)s et quelques organismes,nous avons dépassé le but proposé. En deux ans, nousavons remis la somme de 19 082 $ à la Société du cancer.Un gros merci à vous toutes et tous!

Encore une fois le premier tour de piste par 511 survivants de tout âge émeut tous les participants.Que dire de la cérémonie des luminaires! Touchante, émouvante et à la fois réconfortante de se savoirentouré de tant d’amitié, d’autant de support et de prières.Cette année, la soirée nous réserve une surprise. À minuit nous sommes invités à un mariage. Unesurvivante et son futur époux échangent leurs vœux au centre de la piste. Quelle bonne idée!Vers 3h30 du matin, nos volontaires circulent en voiturette pour aider les gens qui commencent àquitter le terrain avec leurs bagages. Bravo à ces bénévoles qui rendent un immense service auxparticipants fatigués et parfois gelés.Encore une fois, merci. Nous espérons offrir ce service encore l’an prochain.Nous essayons d’obtenir des formulaires d’inscription pour la réunion/déjeuner de l’automne. Nousespérons que vous ferez partie de l’équipe en juin 2008! Bon automne!

Guill Archambault

What a Team!On Friday June 1st, team RTO/ERO takes part in theCanadianCancer Society’s Relay for Life. Fifty one members ofour local RTO/ERO and fourteen family members andfriends spend a great evening together. The weather iscooperating. Sandwiches and snacks are abundant. Thecompany is fantastic. Thanks to our local executive forthe huge tent! Thanks to Bob Taylor and his heater wewere NOT left out in the cold. Thanks to Lionel Bour-geois and his propane lantern we were NOT left out inthe dark!But the best is yet to come. We were hoping to collect $10,000.00 this year. But what a surprise! Ourteam total was $12,922.00. That certainly raises the bar for next year.Thanks to our devoted members and the generosity of family, friends and a few organizations, wesurpassed our expectations. In two years, we have collected $19,082.00 for the Canadian CancerSociety. Kudos to all!Again this year, the first lap is the survivors’ lap. It is quite moving and at the same time exhilaratingto see 511 survivors of all ages. And then the luminaries…Touching and yet very comforting to knowthat we are surrounded by so much love, support and prayers.

We still had another surprise. At midnight, we were all invited to attend a wedding. That’s right! Awedding! A cancer survivor and her future husband exchanged vows in the centre field. What a treat!Around 3:30 a.m., our volunteers started their loading runs. This group of volunteers assists the par-ticipants who are leaving and who have tons of stuff to bring back to their vehicles. Thank you for theservice you provide to tired, sore and sometimes frozen participants. Again thank you and we hopethat more will join us next year.We will try to have registration sheets at our fall meeting/luncheon. Many members wanted thembefore Christmas. Hope you will be part of the team in June 2008.Have a great autumn!

Guill Archambault

Équipe RTO/ERO Team2007

Cécile Archambault RTO/ERO Jacques Hallé RTO/EROGuill Archambault RTO/ERO Dave Hodge RTO/EROJacline Archambault Francine Hurtubise RTO/EROYann Archambault Angie Kajganich RTO/EROJudy Bellmore RTO/ERO Larry KavanaghAline Bidal RTO/ERO Eve Kendell RTO/EROJudy Bidal Marja-Liisa Kirby RTO/ERORoland Bidal RTO/ERO Louise Lamoureux RTO/EROIrène Bisson RTO/ERO Bill MacNeillElaine Blais RTO/ERO Dolores Mallette RTO/EROSuzanne Blais RTO/ERO Terry Martyn RTO/EROAnnette Blais-Laforge RTO/ERO Denise Massimiliano RTO/EROLionel Bourgeois Jean McNair RTO/EROLyse Bourgeois Diane MichaudPauline Carlson RTO/ERO Raymond Monette RTO/ERODenise Carré RTO/ERO André Nadeau RTO/EROFlore Couture RTO/ERO Pierrette Nadeau RTO/EROJean-Guy Couture RTO/ERO Rolande Ouimet RTO/EROFernand Dallaire Anne Parmalee RTO/EROLorraine Dallaire RTO/ERO Joan Pella RTO/ERORémi Desmarais Denise Perreault RTO/EROMariette Dignard-Dubé RTO/ERO Irène Perrin RTO/EROAnn Dube RTO/ERO Suzanne Perrin RTO/ERORino Dubé Nancy Piquette RTO/EROCharlotte Duhaime-Bogomaz RTO/ERO Joe ProulxJean Ethier RTO/ERO Louise Proulx RTO/EROClaire Ferland RTO/ERO Suzanne Proulx RTO/EROPierre-Paul Ferland Colette Richer-Simard RTO/EROKay Gilchrist RTO/ERO Susan Stuart RTO/ERODenise Glass RTO/ERO Monique Taylor RTO/EROLouise Grottoli RTO/ERO Robert (Bob) TaylorSuzanne Guénette RTO/ERO Monique Therrien RTO/ERORoger Guénette Voiturettes/Carts

Cécile Archambault RTO/ERO Roger GuénetteGuill Archambault RTO/ERO Jack HallYann Archambault Raymond Monette RTO/EROLionel Bourgeois Gerry RossFernand Dallaire Bob TaylorMarc Forget RTO/ERO

MERCI / THANK YOU

You will have to make a choice on October 10th : oneBallot, 2 VotesA Mixed Member Proportional System

A Mixed Member Proportional system combines members elected in local districts and memberselected for the whole province from party lists to serve as Members of Provincial Parliament (MPP)in the legislature. The president of the Citizens’ Assembly of Electoral Reform, Mr. George Thompsonsays, “This combination produces proportional election results that better reflect the wishes ofvoters.”

Richard Bowdidge, a member of the Citizens’ Assembly will be the guest speaker at our RTO/EROluncheon on Thursday October 4th at the Howard Johnson Plaza. You have questions?? Richard willhave the answers for you.

Richard Bowdidge has been living in Sudbury for the last fifty years. He says that he wonders howhe, “ever found the time to work” now that he’s enjoying retirement after thirty years as an editorwith the Sudbury Star. About the Assembly, he says that, “it’s an interesting subject that needs apublic hearing.”

If you want to know more about a Mixed Member Proportional system, here are three websites youmight want to visit:

www.citizensassembly.gov.on.caThis site gives information about the new system and why we should change.www.representativedemocracy.caThis site gives information why we should not change.www.yourbigdecision.caThis gives information and facts about both systems.

Come and join us on October 4th 2007.

Jacques Hallé

The project Help Stamp out Poverty has been successful in raising $140,000.00 in the pasttwenty years by processing postage stamps and envelopes recovered from incoming mail. Allmoney raised by the stamp program is passed to Oxfam’s self-help projects around the world.

If you are interested in participating in this project, Pauline Therrien asks that you leave a smallmargin when you cut around the stamps and that you keep the stamps in an envelope. She willcollect them at a later date and will send them to Toronto.

Did you know that…

Vous aurez à vous prononcer le 10 octobre!Un bulletin, 2 votes : une nouvelle façon de voter enOntarioUn système de représentation proportionnelle mixtepour l’OntarioUn système de représentation proportionnelle mixte comportera l’Assemblée législative des députésélus dans des circonscriptions locales et des députés élus pour toute la province à partir de listes departi. ‘Cette combinaison produit des résultats d’élections proportionnels qui reflètent davantage lessouhaits exprimés par les électeurs,’ dit M. George Thomson, président de l’Assemblée des citoyens.

Richard Bowdidge, membre de l’Assemblée des citoyens sera invité d’honneur à notre dîner RTO/EROle jeudi 4 octobre au Howard Johnson Plaza. Vous avez des questions? Richard fournira lesréponses.

Richard Bowdidge a quitté l’Angleterre en 1956 pour immigrer au Canada. Il s’est installé à Sudbury,où il vit depuis. Richard se demande, ‘comment il a pu trouver le temps de travailler,’ maintenant qu’ ilsavoure sa retraite, après avoir été, pendant 30 ans, rédacteur au Sudbury Star. Au sujet del’Assemblée, il déclare que c’est un ‘sujet intéressant qui a besoin d’une audience publique.’

Pour en savoir plus long à ce sujet, visitez les sites suivants :www.citizensassembly.gov.on.caCe site explique les avantages d’un système de représentation proportionnelle mixte et pourquoi nousdevons choisir ce système.www.representativedemocracy.caCe site explique les désavantages d’un système de représentation proportionnelle mixte et pourquoinous ne devons pas choisir un tel système.www.yourbigdecision.caCe site explique les avantages et désavantages des deux systèmes.

Venez vous joindre à nous le 4 octobre prochain!Jacques Hallé

Did you know that…

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its softtexture and smoothness. It also neutral izes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the liningof the stomach.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they containthe natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking & Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6,B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recoverfrom the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

RETIRED WOMEN TEACHERS OF ONTARIO (RWTO)We hope that everyone had a wonderful summer! It is time once again to resume our Fal l activitiesand RWTO members are ready to swing into action.First, we must remember three of our valued members who passed away this summer. Adèle Samsonpassed away on July 5, 2007 in Espanola at the age of 89, Elsa Israelson died the same day, July 5,2007 in Sudbury at the age of 93 and Eva Kendel died on August 16, 2007 in Toronto at the age of82. We mourn these retired teachers and they will be missed by their friends in RWTO.At our May meeting awards were bestowed on two active members, namely Eva Kendel and LucienneBergeron. Both of these retired teachers have contributed extensively to our local branch over a periodof many years and so were awarded the Cora Bailey Awards. Provincial RWTO President Sherri Stokeswas in attendance at the meeting and did the honours.

The executive for the coming year was elected as follows:Area Director: Jeannine RenaudPresident: Erna FexPast President: Valma Mongeon – also Archivist1St Vice President: Ann Dube2nd Vice President: Lauris CassidySecretary: Nancy Roussel le – also Insurance ConvenorTreasurer: Jeannine Maurice

The first RWTO meeting will be on Wednesday, September 26 at the Howard Johnsonon Brady St. * Please note that this is a change of venue this year. *The new provincial president, Jean Axcell, will be present. We welcome new members! Any femaleteacher who has taught at any level for any period of time, is eligible to join RWTO. For informationplease do not hesitate to call any member of the Executive listed above.Dues for the year are $40 – a great bargain! Our membership year is from September to June coincid-ing with the school year. Humour is an important aspect at our meetings and socializing is the mainfocus – so come and join us!Our Sudbury Branch is celebrating our 35th anniversary this year. Celebratory activities are beingplanned to mark this occasion. More information will be forthcoming about this.See you in September…wasn’t there a song by that name? Do you remember??

Yours in Caring, Sharing and Having Fun!Erna Fex

The Awards CommitteeThe Awards Committee is the responsibility of the Second Vice-President and two members of the RTO/ERO Executiveboard.Awards are to be presented on a yearly basis at the Annual General Meeting in May. Members who are resigning theirposi tions and past members to a maximum of three (3) will receive an award for their services to RTO/ERO District 4.The award will consist of a golf shirt for a member and a pewter pin and a $50 gift certi ficate for the retiring President.The award for the President was initiated in 2007.Certificates of Recognition may be given to any member who serves RTO/ERO District 4 and who volunteers for anextended period of time within the community.Any member from RTO/ERO District 4 may recommend a member for recognition to one of the members of the AwardsCommittee.The members of the Awards Committee are: Carol Haneberry 566 6895

Ann Dube 524 3146Monique Taylor 853 4722

Beyond the Bell

TravelAt our Christmas Luncheon,Dave Hodge recalled an inter-esting moment from his 3 weektour of South Africa. Dave andKari were enjoying a visit toCapetown Castle when henoticed a familiar face. Within speakingdistance, stood an RTO/ERO colleague,Ray Kaattari with his wife Grace. Ah!Yes! Our vast world has become aneighbourhood for our RTO/ERO adven-turers.

Sudbury Teachers’ Lions ClubMotto – “We Serve”This motto which reflects caring andcommitment attracted many of ourRTO/ERO colleagues. Carol Charlton,Jean Ethier, Ellen Fletcher, DianaHaaranon, Diana Johnston, HelenLaidlaw, Babara Nott, Anne Parmelee,Susan Stuart, Yvonne Yersh and SharonMilligan are busy organizing activities toraise money for:-Scholarships for student teachers-Parent-teacher workshops-Special school needs

‘Metta’ Buddhist Love OfferingA tantalizing aroma in the Elgin StreetMission assures clients that on this day,supper is more than the soup and sand-wiches served each day of the month.One day each month, five of our RTO/ERO colleagues join five other caringSudburians to buy the ingredients, cookthe varied dishes, and personal ly serve ahealthy, tasty meal to 150-180 hungrymembers of our community.The pleasant sounds of conversation,laughter and polite requests for a secondhelping remind us that a delicious mealfills more than a need for food.

Au delà de la cloche

En voyagePlusieurs de nos collègues d’ERO/RTOse joignent aux cinquante voyageurs pourqui Denise Bock recherche des destinationsfascinantes. En 2006, Denise organisa unvoyage inoubliable en Turquie et en Grèce.En 2008, elle nous invite à nous joindre auxgroupes qui exploreront soit la ville deQuébec ou la région de la Provence. Pourplus de détails, contactez Denise au 566-4228.

Devise –‘Nous servons’Cette devise attire plusieurs de noscollègues retraitées. Elles se sont jointes àdes enseignantes et enseignants qui fontpartie du Club des Lions. Ce groupe organ-ise des activités pour prélever des fonds.Les argents permettent de réaliser plusieursprojets qui avantagent notre communautéd’apprenants.-Bourses pour universitaires enéducation-Cours Parents-enseignants-Ross MacDonald School for the Blind-Snoezelen Pool Project

‘Metta’ – Offrande d’amourL’odeur de mets délicieux attire les clientsde l’Elgin Street Mission. En cette journée,le menu habituel de soupe et sandwich estoublié. Une fois par mois, cinq de noscollègues se joignent à cinq autresSudburois pour acheter la nourriture, cuiredes mets variés et servir un repas complet à155-180 membres nécessiteux de notrecommunauté. La salle qui résonne de con-versations plaisantes, d’éclats de rire et dedemandes polies pour une deuxièmeassiettée nous rappelle qu’un bon repasremplit plus qu’un besoin de nourriture.

Monique Taylor & Cécile Archambault

Projet-Service à autrui/ Service to Others Project

Toujours au service des autres! Nos membressont impliqués dans de nombreuses activitéscomme bénévoles. Cinq de nos enseignantes-membres font partie d’un groupe de dixpersonnes qui, une fois par mois, financent,préparent et servent un repas chaud aux gensqui fréquentent l’Elgin Street Mission. Elles sesont vite aperçues que les fruits frais et le lait sefaisaient rares. Elles ont donc approché notreexécutif et elles ont fait une demande d’aidefinancière auprès de notre association provincialesous le volet du dossier ‘projet-Service à autrui’.Et oui! le projet présenté par le groupe local semérite la jolie somme de 4 000 $. C’est lemontant maximal que RTO/ERO remet.

Cette année, notre association provinciale aapprouvé 29 des 32 projets soumis. Le montantd’argent attribué à chaque projet varie.Lors de notre réunion annuelle du printemps,notre président local (Guill) remet un chèque de4 000 $ à Lennis Amero, président du Conseild’administration de l’Elgin Street Misssion et àLuanne Fugart, administratrice intérimaire. Cesargents serviront à acheter des fruits frais et dulait, une fois par semaine pendant près d’un an(coût des produits varient). Le grouped’enseignantes espère trouver des organismeslocaux prêts à contribuer de façon permanenteau projet qu’el les ont entrepris.

Notre regroupement local de RTO/ERO lesfélicite pour leur initiative et surtout pour leurimplication dans la communauté. Chapeau basà vous!Nous aimerions aussi encourager d’autresmembres qui oeuvrent dans divers domaines àfaire demande d’aide financière à travers dudossier ‘projet-Service à autrui’.

Retired but still active in the community! Ourmembers are known to be generous with theirtime. Five of our members belong to a groupof ten persons who, once a month, fund,prepare and serve a hot meal to the patrons ofthe Elgin Street Mission. Noticing that freshfruit and milk were seldom available, theyapproached our local executive and applied fora ‘Service to Others’ grant. And guess what!Our Provincial Association awarded theirproject the maximum amount of $4,000.00.This year our Provincial RTO/ERO approved 29of the 32 projects that were submitted. Theamount of money that each project receivesvaries.At our annual spring meeting, our local presi-dent (Guill) presented a cheque for $4,000.00to Lennis Amero, Chairman of the Board of theElgin Street Mission and to Luanne Fugart, itsAdministrator. The money will specifically beused to purchase fresh fruit and milk once aweek over a period of nearly a year (cost ofproducts varies). This group of retired teachershopes to find local businesses who would beinterested in continuing this project on a per-manent basis. The fresh fruit and milk fundneeds the involvement of the community tobecome a reality.Our local RTO/ERO association congratulatesthis group of dedicated members for theirinitiative and also for their personal involve-ment in the community. Kudos to you!We would also like to encourage other mem-bers who are actively involved with differentorganizations to apply for a ‘Service to Others’grant. Financial support from our ProvincialRTO/ERO is available.

Cécile Archambault

Luanne Fugart and Lennis Amero receiving thecheque from Guill Archambault.

Une vinaigrette ……d’Espanola.Juin dernier, Monique Taylor et moi avons rendu visite à nosmembres de l’Unité 2 afin de partager avec eux un succulentrepas. J’ai obtenu des cuisinières une excel lente recette devinaigrette.Je la partage maintenant avec vous tous.

2 c. à table de jus de citron½ c.à thé de sucre¼ c. à thé de poivre noir½ c. à thé de sel1 c. à thé de moutarde de Dijon½ tasse d’huile végétale1 petit oignon rouge1 boîte de mandarines égouttées1 pomme de laitue romaine

Merci aux dames de la cuisine pour leur accueil chaleureux et leur bonne volonté en acceptant departager cette recette avec moi.

Jacques Hallé

A salad dressing…..from EspanolaLast June Monique Taylor and I joined our members of Unit 2 inEspanola in order to share a succulent meal and renewacquaintances. I returned home with a great recipe graciouslyshared by the ladies preparing the meal.It is now my pleasure to share it with you.

2 tbsp. lemon juice½ tsp. Sugar¼ tsp. black pepper½ tsp. salt1 tsp. Dijon mustard½ cup vegetable oil1 small red onion1 can mandarin drained oranges1 head romaine lettuce

A special thank you to the ladies for their cordial reception and their goodwill in agreeing to share thisrecipe.

Jacques Hallé

FORMULAIRE D’INSCRIPTIONHoward Johnson Plaza (rue Brady)

le jeudi 4 octobre 2007

10 h 45 à 11 h 15 Retrouvai lles – Bar payant11 h 15 à 12 h 15 Réunion d’affaires12 h 15 Déjeuner-Buffet (16 $/personne)

VOS AMI(E)S VOUS ATTENDENT…

Nom : (imprimez s.v.p.)_______________________________________________________

Montant du chèque : _____________ $ (Aucun chèque postdaté, merci)

Veuillez libeller votre chèque à RTO/ERO District 4 et le faire parvenir avec votre formulaire d’inscription à :

Carmaine Hall574, promenade Camelot

Sudbury ON P3B 3M7Carmaine (560 1532) doit recevoir le formulaire et le chèque AVANT le mercredi 26 septembre

2007.

RTO/ERO Spring LuncheonDéjeuner du printemps 2007

40037326

REGISTRATION FORM FOR RTO/ERO LUNCHEONHOWARD JOHNSON PLAZA, BRADY STREET

Thursday, OCTOBER 4th 2007

10:45 - 11:15 Meet and Greet - Cash Bar11:15 - 12:15 Business Meeting12:15 Luncheon ($16.00 per person) Buffet

Name: (please print)______________________________________________________

Amount of cheque $ _________________ (Sorry, no post-dated cheques accepted)

Please make cheques payable to RTO/ERO District 4 and sendyour registration form and cheque to

Carmaine Hall574 Camelot Drive, Sudbury (ON) P3B 3M7

Deadline for registration to reach Carmaine Hal l (560-1532) is Wednesday, September 26th , 2007.

If you have a change of address or phone numberplease contact DIANE VEZEAU at 1-800- 361-9888or by e-mail : dvezeau@rto-ero.org

Editor/éditrice: Francine Hurtubise2779 Raymond St., Sudbury ON P3B 1W7525-0971fhurtubise@sympatico.ca

ENJOY A MEAL WITH FRIENDS!!!