RAINY RIVER, DISTRICT 1
July, 2009
Issue 47
Special Interest!
• SPRING SENATE
REPORT, Page 3
• UPCOMING
EVENTS – Important
Dates on Page 5
•CONGRATULATIONS
Certificates of
Recognition
See Page 11
HEALTH SERVICES
REPORT
Page 8
Highlights:
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
With summer finally here I
want to take this
opportunity to encourage
all of you to enjoy the hot
sun and cool waters.
Winter will come much too
soon for most of us. The
year has been shy of bugs
but unfortunately the
swarms are hitting us
now. However, do not
stop from getting out with
your favourite family
members and friends to
enjoy a picnic and share
our good life. If the bugs
are a hassle call someone
up for a dine in cup of tea.
The bottom line is do not
waste the great
opportunities for venturing
out – the ice and snow will
return quick enough to
mar your mobility.
A special thanks to Carroll
McFayden for her
wonderful Goodwill cards
– a homemade treat for
the sick and suffering.
Our district has accepted
a challenge to run a
retirement workshop in
October. If you know of
active educators and
support staff who are
getting close to their
pension dreams let
Freeda and Joyce know
so we can send out a
personal invitation to
attend. It is never too
early for them to line up
their ducks and make sure
they have covered all the
bases as their careers
wind down.
A special thanks to the
Fort Frances crew in
hosting the June Social.
We’re always happy to
have the opportunity to
assembly and swap
stories, share a meal, and,
brag about our latest
grandkid or fish trip. I’ll
even buy coffee for the
oldest member who goes
water skiing.
Have a great summer
Larry Brown
Executive Board
2
Retirement Plan
2
BELL RINGER BREAKFAST
Spring Senate
3
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Atikokan Report
4
th
40 Celebration
4
Merveline Brown
5
Membership
8
Health Services
8
Departure Proof
9
Treasurer Report 9
Goodwill Report
10
Recognition
11
Social – 11:00 a.m.
Luncheon – 12:00 noon
Tentative Menu
The Canadian Breakfast Buffet
Scrambled Eggs
Pan Fried Potatoes
Pancakes with Syrup and Butter
Biscuits and Selected Pastries
Seasonal Sliced Fruit
Coffee
Tea
REMEMBER the Non-perishable or Monetary Donation
For the Salvation Army
Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, July, 2009
Our District Representatives
are District 1, RTO/ERO
communication link
throughout the District. They
attend District Executive
Board Meetings. Any
concerns or information you
may have regarding RTO
may be channelled through
your District Representatives.
PHONING COMMITTEE
Edie Frenette - Committee Chair 274-7421
Fort Frances
Irene Hill-Haver - 274-3091
Gordon Ross - 274-6959
Jan Marshall - 274-2254
Edie Frenette - 274-7421
Jeannine Cornell - 486-3481 (Spare)
Emo
Joyce Meyers - 482-2086
June Winik - 482-2451
Rainy River
Don Ricci - 852-3704
Atikokan
Sally Speck - 597-2219
We remind you to please notify
Edie (274-7421) if you wish to
attend a meeting and have not
been contacted by the phoning
committee. If unable to attend
after registering, please call to
cancel or you will be expected to
pay for your meal.
Meeting dates are set in advance.
Sometimes circumstances require a
change to be made. The newsletter
is one tool used to inform members
of upcoming events. It is not
always possible to inform our
members of a date change. The
final notification of our meetings
comes through the phoning
committee.
Page 2 of 13
DISTRICT 1 EXECUTIVE BOARD
January, 2009 to December, 2010
Immediate Past President – Bob Barron (274-9208)
President – Larry Brown (597-6196)
First Vice President – Mariette McRae (274-7258)
Second Vice President – Mel McFayden (274-3136)
Treasurer - Len LaRocque (274-9593)
Secretary - Betty Ann LaRocque (274-9593)
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
RECRUITMENT - Freeda Carmody (486-3338)
GOODWILL - Carroll McFayden (274-3136)
HEALTH, INSURANCE – Mariette McRae (274-3338)
and Ralph Brown (597-6196)
POLITICAL ACTION - Gary Gamsby (483-5435)
PENSION, RETIREMENT - Larry Brown (597-6196)
COMMUNICATIONS - Carroll McFayden (274-3136)
and Angela LaForest (274-6806)
(Typing) - Carol Lyons
(Copy and Mail) - Jim and Freeda Carmody
ARCHIVES - Carroll McFayden (274-3136)
PHONING - Edwina Frenette (274-7421)
SOCIAL – Sallee Dick (275-7521)
PURCHASING - Barb Cousineau (274-4472)
WEBSITE - Don Ricci (852-3704)
DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES
Emo - Joyce Meyers - (482-2086)
Rainy River - Don Ricci - (852-3704)
Atikokan -
RETIREMENT PLANNING WORKSHOP
There will be a Retirement
Planning Workshop on October 15,
2009. The key leaders of this
workshop will be the Retired
Teachers of Ontario and Johnson
Insurance, Inc.
This is a valuable workshop
for anyone considering retirement
within the next 5 years. All
educational/support staff are
encouraged to attend.
There will be a powerpoint
presentation which includes:
(a) Pension
(b) Financial Considerations
(c) Health and Benefits Insurance
(d) Personal Considerations
Special counseling will be
available if time permits. Call head
office to make your appointment.
PLACE: Knights of Columbus Hall
404 Scott Street
Fort Frances, Ontario
TIME:
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The workshop fee is $10.00 and the
participant booklet is $6.00. A light
lunch will be served as part of the
fee.
Please keep October 15 on your
calendar. There will be more
information to come.
Freeda Carmody
Page 3 of 13 Rainy
River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, July, 2009
er Title
SPRING 2009 SENATE REPORT
Larry Brown, Senator One, District One
Mel McFayden, Senator Two, District One
Spring Senate, Toronto
May, 2009-05-26
Notes for Discussion or Edification
Thanks to Mel for taking time to volunteer to attend on behalf of our members.
1. Passing of Committee Member, Dave Ross, Kenora, after a short battle with cancer. Regrets passed on to his
District members.
2. Leadership of Brian Kenny, Dryden, in second term as President of RTO – highly commendable and much
appreciated. Suggest invitation in Fall for our AGM meeting guest speaker.
3. Membership currently sits at over 62 000 in 47 Districts with 100 over the age of 100 and 2 300 over the age of 90.
Average pension is $42 000. Teachers work for an average of 26 and draw a pension for 31.
4. Pension funds will have a $19.5 billion shortfall for the next 4 years due to the real estate devaluation on our physical
assets – unless interest rates and values increase to past levels. Currently spending $4 billion in pension distribution
and accruing $2 billion in active teacher pension contributions. We are almost at one retired teacher for one active
teacher. In 1970 we had 10. In 2011 the partners must file a balanced actuarial budget. Fund stands at $87 billion,
down 18 percent. Fortunately we do not have to sell our assets and we have time to rebound. Note that 80 percent
of Canadians do not have a private pension.
5. District assets average $13, 14. Rainy River is at $28. Suggestion made to support more member or community
activities.
6. Constitutional review is due by the Fall of 2009. Next one will occur in 2014.
7. Annual donation of $10 000 will be made at the RTO Blue Jay game in August to the James Bartleman Book Club for
Remote First Nations Communities (some in our area may qualify; i.e., Mine Centre, Lac la Croix.)
8. Upcoming Meetings provincially:
a. Health
b. Goodwill
c. Pensions Concerns
d. Treasurer
e. President
f. Webmaster
9. Hot topics for Debate:
a. Commuted Members – Associate or Full (800)
b. Long Term Care in Closed Hospital Wings
c. Hiring of a Lobbyist
d. One Senate or Two
e. HST – Fair and transparent or not
f. RENET and web site to become more friendly
g. Allocation of staff time/resources to Johnson, Inc. business
h. LHINS – meeting the needs of seniors
i. Defined Benefit Pension Plan vs. Defined Contribution (RRSP)
j. President workshops – how often?
10. RPW to invite potential associate members. New participants’ manual produced.
11. District 39 Peel, received Greatest Percentage Increase award and District 16 Toronto, the greatest Numbers Award.
12. Guest Speaker was Jim Leech, CEO of OTPP. Just over one year in leadership and still very positive although
humbled by the economic downturn. Future is bright and has every confidence of a recovery. OTPP in a defence
mode trying hard to recover asset losses. Rental properties are still the key mode of revenue source.
13. Teaching days after retirement remain the same at this time: 90 for 3 years, then, 20 per year.
14. Articles coming on “Aging Drivers in Today’s Traffic” and “Pre-death Planning Sheet.”
Page 4 of 13
Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, July, 2009
er Title
ATIKOKAN UNIT, DISTRICT 1 RTO/ERO REPORT
Congratulations to
Atikokan Unit’s
recipients of
Certificates of
Appreciation:
Georgette Rawlings
Sally Speck
Pam Money
Ron Speck
On Wednesday, May 20, 36 members
gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion for
coffee and conversation prior to a
“Celebration of Spring” luncheon. We
enjoyed an excellent luncheon served by the
Legion Ladies.
Special prayers were said for Carol
Ogden and Charlie Viddal who had passed
away.
Our guest speaker was Eva Shields and
she was introduced by Pam Money. Eva
spoke of the Service to Others Project for
which we have received a grant of $3,000
from RTO.
The Atikokan Youth Initiatives is working
toward establishing and operating a Teen
Centre on Main Street, Atikokan, and the
funds from RTO will be used to support a
home-like atmosphere where Teens can:
 draw, paint and create using various
media
 play acoustic instruments
 participate in some physical group
games
 relax with peers.
Eva was presented with the cheque and also
a Meany original paddle.
Georgette Rawlings presented a
Certificate of Appreciation to Past Chair
Ron Speck in recognition of his many years
of service to Atikokan and District RTO.
It was a day for presentations. Ron
presented certificates to Georgette
Rawlings, Sally Speck and Pam Money. All
three have worked tirelessly on our behalf
for which we are very grateful. Paul Money
was also thanked for his work in the
background as photographer, general
helper and chef at our barbeques.
Pam and Paul Money have since moved
to Southern Ontario to be closer to family so
the luncheon was also a farewell to good
friends and colleagues. We are at present
looking for a replacement for Pam as our
District Representative.
Sadly Georgette Rawlings’ mother,
Mary Ellen Parkin, passed away on June 7,
2009. A Service of Celebration and
Remembrance was held at Knox United
Church on Saturday, June 13.
The Annual New Members Barbeque
will be held at Otter Cove, the Rawlings’
residence, on Thursday, June 25 at 4:30
p.m. We have one new retiree this year.
Wayne McAndrew will be retiring from his
role as Principal of St. Patricks School.
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
DISTRICT 1 CELEBRATES RTO/ERO 40th YEAR
District 1 RTO/ERO celebration took place at the Christmas luncheon held at La Place Rendez-Vous on
December 4, 2009. The room was festive with each table sporting balloons as a centerpiece. Joyce Myers
added special touches for the 40th celebration. Special invitations had been sent out to all members and
spouses 80 years and older to be our special guests at the Christmas luncheon. Fifteen out of twenty-three
invitees attended. With a count of 90 people attending, this was the largest turn-out our district has ever had.
Honoured Guests . . . Jo Benson, Laura Donaldson, Vera LaRocque, Barney Maher, Edith Newman, Joy
Bouree, Eva Fleurie, Nita Mills, Chris and Al Lowe, Gordon Ross, Fran Shelfantook, Gerald and Merveline
Brown, Edie Frenette, Barb and Bruce Murray and Margaret Livingstone.
Merveline Brown, in her letter of acceptance, recalled her beginnings in the teaching profession in 1944.
This letter has been included in our June newsletter so all can share in her words. Thank you, Merveline, for
taking the time to jot down some of your early experiences.
Every meeting members have the opportunity to donate to the Salvation Army Food bank. At the
Christmas luncheon you donated food plus $507 total in cash and/or cheques. This was a worthy birthday gift to
our community on RTO/ERO’s 40th Birthday celebration.
Page 5 of 13
Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, July, 2009
MERVELINE BROWN RECALLS THE EARLY YEARS
“Life was quite different in 1944 when high school
Grades 12 and 13 were invited to take part in a 6week education course as teachers were scarce. I
attended (war time) school at Toronto’s Pape Avenue
School. Thelma Neilson from north of Stratton and I
went by bus from Emo to Kenora and then by CPR
train to Toronto.
When we arrived in Toronto we gathered our
luggage and hired a taxi to take us to Pape Avenue.
We finally found a place to rent. The Teachers’
College had a list of people and phone numbers to
phone for a boarding place.
At the Pape Avenue School enough young Grade
12 and 13 attended in 1944 July-August that there
were 10 classes and rooms. We were divided
alphabetically. I was in Class 1 and Thelma Neilson.
in Class 10. Janice Kennett, Norma Belluz and
Sybil Austin also attended from the Rainy River
District.
When we returned home we applied to the school
that needed teachers. I was hired by Dewart and
Sifton #3. Thelma was hired by a school north of me
5 or so miles.
There were about 20 pupils from Grades 1 to 8.
There were 2 pupils in Grade 8. That year in June they
both passed the Ontario Entrance Exams. That was
the last year of those exams. One student, a girl, went
on to high school in Fort Frances. I lived in an upstairs
room in the teacherage. My parents supplied me with
my bed and a cook stove. I was from Barwick, so close
enough to bring what I needed. The school was about
20 miles north of Stratton. I taught there two years. I
then moved to Pattullo #6 about 12 miles south of there
with $1200 for salary then. At the Dewart and Sifton
School, salary the first year was $1000 a year.
I was married August 7, 1946 and retired
December, 1946 from the school. We raised four
beautiful daughters who were talented! One studied
business, the second took three-year nursing at Port
Arthur General Hospital. Our third daughter became a
teacher, first job at Sioux Lookout. Started a week or
10 days early as there were too many in Grade 1, 2, 3.
School needed 3 teachers instead of 2. Our fourth
daughter took 1 year at McKellar Hospital nursing study
and switched to 1 year nursing program and took short
courses in medications. She is now nursing at Princess
St. Long term Senior Place in Dryden.”
UPCOMING DISTRICT 1 MEETINGS
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009
Bellringer Breakfast
La Place Rendez-Vous
Social, 9:30 a.m.
Breakfast at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009
District 1
Executive Meeting
La Place Rendez-Vous
10:00 a.m.
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
District 1
Annual General Meeting
La Place Rendez-Vous
Social, 11:00 a.m
Lunch, 12:00 noon
Monday, Oct. 26 to
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
Fall Senate
Toronto
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009
District 1
Christmas Luncheon
La Place Rendez-Vous
Social, 11:00 a.m.
Lunch, 12:00 noon
PENSION and RETIRMENT
Bob Barron will be attending the Pension and Retirement Concerns Workshop in
Toronto on September 19 and 20, 2009.
RTO
MERCHANDISE
There will be new
RTO/ERO items for
sale at our next
meeting. RTO
sweatshirts with a
copper logo on the
chest are now
available. Glass
drinking mugs,
playing cards and
cotton canvas totes
have been added to
the list of articles on
display. Come and
check out the shirts.
Barb Cousineau, 2744472, Purchasing
Page 6 of 13
Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, July, 2009
OCTOGENARIAN 2008
Cecile Cole
Cecile was born in Mrs. Cuthbertson’s
Nursing Home on the Devlin Corner. She
grew up on the Pope, now Cornell farm north
of LaVallee. Her Aunt Gordie was her first
teacher and together they walked and skied
to the old LaVallee School. After graduation
from North Bay Normal School she began
teaching aback in LaVallee School.
In 1950 while teaching in Sudbury she
met and married Jim Cole. They have five
children. During Jim’s air force and bush pilot
jobs Cecile taught in Sault Ste. Marie, Sioux
Lookout, Winnipeg, Sept-Iles, Quebec and
finally Nestor Falls. Since retiring in 1988
they fulfilled a dream of owning a sailboat
and cruised on Lake of the Woods and
Georgian Bay. The boat was traded for a fifth
wheel trailer which visited most of Canada
and the U.S.
They are presently restoring a Piper 3J
Cub plane (known as a “tail dragger”) which
is parked in the garage – now referred to as
the hangar.
So maybe next year, if you see a small
white and blue plane “cubbing” over the tree
tops, be sure to wave.
INTERVIEW WITH YOUR PHARMACIST
A reminder to your District/Unit membership over
the age of 65 years who require three or more
prescription drugs, that a personal, confidential
interview is available from their pharmacist upon
request. Discussion will concern correct use and
cautions to be aware of in the use of the drugs
prescribed. There is no financial charge for this
service.
From DHR/UHR Newsletter
DISTRICT 1 WEBSITE REPORT
www.rtodistrictone.ca
is the address of our local website. Check it
out! Go to our photo gallery and see the many
pictures taken at our local events. The link page
can connect you to the provincial website.
Information about our local district can be found
there as well. If you have suggestions, email
Don Ricci: [email protected]
WANNA SWAP?
Here’s an idea from our travels. Maybe you’ll enjoy
it as much as we have. In a lot of the campgrounds
the Host has a large bin of donated books,
magazines, videos, CDs tapes. Anyone can take
something from the bin to enjoy, and you are asked
to make your own contribution. At our RTO
lucheons we could have a table ready to receive
your ”gently used and still in good condition”
reading material, movies or music. Bring a
donation and go home with some great “new”
entertainment. We could try the SWAP at the
October 22 District Meeting. Happy sorting!
Sallee and Vance Dick
OUT of PROVINCE/COUNTRY
All Out-of-Country/Province RTO/ERO Health
Plan Claims will be processed through WORLD
ACCESS CANADA regardless of the dollar
amount. Members must call WAC within 48
hours of emergency. Failure to do so limits the
claim to $2000. Ensure you have your
insurance card readily available - the numbers
to call are on it.
DO YOU HAVE A RESIDENCE OUTSIDE
THE PROVINCE/COUNTRY?
One factor that you need to be aware of is your
“Out of Province/Country” insurance is just
that. Some people have cottages that are in a
different province and may stay there longer
than the allotted number of 62 days and then
are caught short when they need assistance.
So do be aware if you have residences outside
of Ontario.
RTO MEDICAL PLAN AVAILABLE
WITHIN 60 DAYS OF LEAVING
SPOUSE`S GROUP
RTO/ERO has several members who are
retired and remain under a spouse’s group
benefit plan until the plan expires. These
individuals are eligible to join RTO/ERO Health
Plans within 60 days of leaving that group plan
without a medical.
Page 7 of 13
Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, July, 2009
PHONING COMMITTEE
Edie Frenette - Committee Chair - 274-7421
Fort Frances
Irene Hill-Haver - 274-3091
Gordon Ross - 274-6959
Jan Marshall - 274-2254
Edie Frenette - 274-7421
Jeannine Cornell - 486-3481 (Spare)
Emo
Joyce Meyers - 482-2086
June Winik - 482-2451
Rainy River
Don Ricci - 852-3704
Atikokan
Sally Speck - 597-2219
TAKE THESE LINES TO HEART
I dreamed death came to me one night,
and heaven’s gates flew open wide.
With kindly grace St. Peter came and
ushered me inside.
There to my astonishment were friends I
had known on earth.
Some I had labeled as unfit and some of
little worth.
Indignant words flew to my lips: words I
could not set free.
For every face showed stunned surprise
– no one expected me!
SALVATION ARMY FOOD BANK
The Salvation Army Food Bank is always in
need of contributions. The District 1 Executive
Board has decided to
provide the opportunity for
members to make
donations at all meetings.
The executive has
arranged to have the food and
monetary donations delivered on
your behalf. Your generosity is most
appreciated.
We remind you to please notify Edie (274-7421) if you
wish to attend a meeting and have not been contacted
by the phoning committee. If unable to attend after
registering, please call to cancel or you will be expected
to pay for your meal.
Meeting dates are set in advance. Sometimes
circumstances require a change to be made. The
newsletter is one tool used to inform members of
upcoming events. It is not always possible to inform our
members of a date change. The final notification of our
meetings comes through the phoning committee.
HOW TO CONTACT RTO
18 Spadina Road, Suite 300,
Toronto, ON M5R 2S7
Phone:
416-962-9463
Toll Free: 1-800-361-9888 Ext 223
Email:
[email protected]
There is a form that you can fill out at the RTO
website,
www.rto-ero.org
Mail:
SUBSIDIZED MEALS POLICY
It is the policy of District 1 to subsidize the cost
of the luncheon at all general meetings. The
phoning committee volunteers call each member to
determine the number of meals to be ordered.
Members pay a flat fee of $10.00. Remainder of
the cost for each meal is paid by District 1.
The cost to District 1 for meals in the last two years
has ranged from $18.00 to $33.00 with the average
being $26.00 per meal.
If you are unable to attend after registering,
you must call Edwina Frenette (274-7421) to
cancel. If you fail to cancel two days prior to the
meeting you are expected to pay for your meal.
We sincerely request your co-operation.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Newsletter publishes Committee Reports
so that the membership will be kept informed of
District 1 activities. Any inquiries arising from the
reports will be addressed at the General
Meeting. Informational materials are available on
the display area or from executive members.
Page 8 of 13
Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, July, 2009
HEALTH SERVICES and INSURANCE
REPORT
I recently attended the Health Services and
Insurance Conference in Toronto and was
impressed with the level of professionalism and
dedication displayed by the Provincial
Committee. These people expend a great deal
of time and effort to ensure we are well
represented in negotiations with the insurers.
Some changes were made to our Insurance
plan this year. Please take a few minutes to
familiarize yourself with the benefit
improvements.
Health Plan Changes, Effective Jan. 1, 2009
Extended Health Care Plan
Effective January 1, 2009:
 the annual prescription drug benefit
maximum is increased to $2,300.
 the hearing aid benefit maximum for
either one or two hearing aids is
increased to a combined annual
maximum of $1,000 every 3 consecutive
calendar years.
 the orthotics benefit frequency is
decreased to once every two years.
 the prescription eyewear benefit
maximum is increased to $300 every two
consecutive calendar years.
 the eye exam benefit maximum is
increased to $75 in any two consecutive
calendar years (each calendar year for
dependent children).
Dental Plan
Effective January 1, 2009 dental claims will be
reimbursed based on the 2009 Dental Fee
Guide for General Practitioners.
Semi-Private Hospital Plan
Effective January 1, 2009:
 the Semi-Private Hospital room
reimbursement level is increased to 95%
with an unlimited maximum.
 the Semi-Private Hospital Convalescent
Home Care benefit per-day maximum
following a 24 hour hospitalization is
increased to $75.
 the Semi-Private Hospital Convalescent
Home Care benefit following surgery is
increased to a maximum of 3 days
coverage and increased to $75 per day.
Health Report Continued
Group Health Plans Monthly Premiums
Effective February 1, 2009
Semi Private
Single
Couple
Family
2009
$16.26
$32.49
$38.18
2009*
$17.56
$35.09
$41.23
Extended Health Care 2009
Single
$67.46
Couple
$134.94
Family
$161.94
2009*
$72.86
$145.74
$174.90
Dental
Single
Couple
Family
2009*
$54.50
$107.46
$134.01
2009
$50.46
$99.50
$124.08
*Including 8 percent Ontario Retail Sales Tax,
applicable to group insurance plans.
\
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
We have several new retirees this year and I
have personally visited and delivered to each
one an RTO/ERO Retirement Information
Package. It is helpful if each of us plays a part
and encourages others to join and reap the
benefits of being a member.
New Retirees
John Dutton, Joyce Martinson, Sharron
Preston, Brenda Ferris-Hyatt, Sarah Geyshick,
and Rosemary Tetu.
More Members gives us a stronger voice.
Freeda Carmody
HAVE YOU MOVED?
Remember to inform the Provincial Office if
you have a change of address. You can do this by
calling: 1-800-881-6956, ext. 223.
Provincial provides address labels which are
used in all local and provincial mailings. I order these
labels for each mailing of the newsletter, and an
updated address ensures that it would not be
necessary to re-address your envelope.
Freeda Carmody
Page 9 of 13
Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, July, 2009
PROOF OF DEPARTURE FOR HEALTH
and/or TRAVEL INTERRUPTION CLAIMS
HOW TO PROTECT OUR IDENTIFICATION
IN THE LOSS OF A WALLET
written by Mary Ellen Lawless
In the event of a claim to Mondial Assistance when
you are travelling, you, your spouse and eligible
dependent children each need to have proof as to
when you were last in your province of residence. In
the event of a claim, Mondial assistance will require
proof of the day prior to, or of, your departure from
your province of residence.
A few examples of proof of departure and/or proof of
early return are:
 Purchase receipt from a Canadian duty free
store
 Airline ticket or boarding pass
 Signed credit card receipt
 Stamped passport
 A copy of a receipt for a bill payment made at
your bank
 A hotel receipt from province of departure.
Each person travelling must retain his/her own proof.
The proof should:
 Identify you (by showing either your name or
signature)
 Indicate that the transaction took place in your
province of residence before your trip (or
during the original trip dates in the case of
early return).
 Specify the date.
Please refer to Page 12 of the RTO/ERO Out-ofProvince/Canada Travel Booklet for more information.
Failure to produce proof of departure can significantly
restrict reimbursement of claims.
Health Insurance
Mariette McRae – 274-7258
TREASURER’S REPORT
As of June 3, 2009, RTO/ERO District 1 Rainy River
bank balance stands at $12.919.38. The Executive
Board of District 1 have set the amount at $10 for
members paying for meals. The cost for meals in the
last two years averages to be $26 per person.
Congratulations to the Atikokan unit on receiving
$3,000 from RTO/ERO’s Project Service to Others
Fund in support of the Atikokan Youth Initiative’s
Youth Centre Project.
Len LaRocque, Treasurer
When ordering cheques use initials rather
than the full name with which you sign your
cheques. If your cheques are lost or stolen they
cannot be forged as only your bank will know
how you sign your cheques.
Rather than signing the back of credit cards
write “photo ID required.”
If you write cheque to pay credit card
accounts record only the last four numbers of
the account on the face of the cheque.
Photocopy the front and back of all the
contents of your wallet and place in a safe
location along with the toll free numbers to call if
your wallet is lost or stolen. Call the police
immediately. They will provide you with an
incident number which you can quote to
exonerate you from having to pay for any
purchases made in your name after the cards
were stolen/lost.
There are two national credit reporting
organizations which you need to notify if you
have a lost or stolen wallet: Equifax Canada, 1877-249-2705 and TransUnion, 1-877-5253823. These two organizations will place a fraud
alert on your name and social insurance
number. Therefore, any company that checks
your credit knows your information was stolen
and they will contact you to authorize any new
credit requests.
If you are approached in a store by a person
asking you questions about a product or item,
ignore the person and turn around to see who is
behind you trying to lift your wallet from your
purse/pocket. This happened to me and I can
tell you from experience that the major
department/grocery stores do not have a
protocol in place for handling reported thefts. A
theft is treated very casually. Nor do these
stores train their staffs to follow a set procedure
in this situation. Because of this lax attitude
malls are a paradise for thieves.
Finally, never carry your social insurance
card with you. If you are asked for your SIN,
ask why. It should be reserved for legal
documentation only.
Page 10 of 13
Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, July, 2009
GOODWILL REPORT
Cards Sent Out
2009
April 29 Monique and Frank Strain (Thinking of you, Frank’s operation)
May 3
Lyla Coran (Thinking of you, tests)
May 5
Al Lowe (90th Birthday, February 25)
May 5
Eva Fleurie (95th Birthday celebration)
May 6
Renata Winkler, R. Ph. (Thank You, speaker at April 30 luncheon)
May 10 Shirley Russell (Thinking of you, move to Rainycrest)
May 10 Jacques Fafard (Thank you, volunteering, Festival Adjudicator – French drama)
May 10 Carol Lyons (Thank You, volunteering Festival Committee)
May 10 Charlene Gustafson (Thank You, volunteering Festival Committee)
May 29 Mildred Brockie (Sympathy, death of husband, David. Donation to Fort Frances
Sportsmen’s Club
May 29 Larry Armstrong (Sympathy, death of sister Pat Nicholson)
May 30 Sharon Tibbs (Thinking of you, treatments)
June 1 Bernie Cousineau (Thinking of you, move to Rainycrest)
June 1 Barb Cousineau (Thinking of you, Bernie’s move to Rainycrest)
June 5 Helen Crook (Congratulations: Recipient of 2009 Ontario Volunteer Service Award
Legion Ladies’ Auxilliary: 10 years)
June 5 Ken Stanley (Congratulations: Recipient of 2009 Ontario Volunteer Service Award
Halkirk Fire Protection Team: 5 years)
June 5 Barb Cousineau (Congratulations: Recipient of 2009 Ontario Volunteer Service Award
Knox United Church: 20 years)
June 8 Carol Rogoza (Thinking of you, treatments)
June 9 Pam and Paul Money (Best Wishes, move to Peterborough)
June 12 Marj Bolen (Thinking of you, move to Mine Centre)
June 15 Georgette Rawlings (Sympathy, death of mother)
June 15 Merveline Brown (Thank you, letter used in July newsletter)
June 19 Fran Shelfantook (Happy 96th Birthday)
June 19 Jack Hedman (Congratulations: Presented with the Jack O`Dette Conservation
Leadership Award by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters)
June 19 Jill Keller (Thinking of you, husband Allan ill)
June 19 Renée Martin-Brown (Thank you, entertainment, June 18 meeting and two
students: Taylor Shouldice and Kennedy Latimer)
June 22 Pat Stoyka (Sympathy, death of husband, Frank. Donation made to the Canadian
Cancer Society)
June 22 Tony Weir (Congratulations: Awarded the Senior of the Year Award from
Township of Alberton)
June 23 Gordon Ross (Thank you, wrote biography for newsletter)
Sincere apologies if anyone has been missed. I depend on you keeping in touch with me about our
members. Remember, it is never too late to send a card.
Carroll McFayden, 274-3136
Page 11 of 13
Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, July, 2009
CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
Upon the request of District 1 President Larry
Brown, Provincial Head Office of RTO/ERO
presented Certificates of Recognition to longserving members of the Executive and Unit Boards.
Many of these members have been part of the
Board since retirement. Angela LaForest, Joyce
Meyers and Bob Barron have served as District
Presidents and Ron Speck as Atikokan Unit
President. All are presently active on the District
and Unit Boards.
Certificates presented at the Atikokan Unit
meeting, May 20:
 Ron Speck, President
 Sally Speck, Goodwill and Communications
 Pam Money, Atikokan Unit Representative
 Georgette Rawlings, Treasurer

Certificates presented at the District 1 General
Meeting, June 18:
 Bob Barron, Past President, Leadership
 Jack Dillon, Auditing Services
 Gordon Ross, Auditing Services
 Joyce Meyers, Social and Community
Service
 Freeda Carmody, Membership
Recruitment
 Edwina Frenette, Member Communications
 Betty Ann LaRocque, Secretarial
Leadership
 Len LaRocque, Financial Services
Leadership
 Barb Cousineau, Promotion of RTO
Service Merchandise
 Don Ricci, Internet Communication and
Services
MEETING DATE REMINDER
Meeting dates are set in advance. Sometimes
circumstances require a change to be made.
The newsletter is one tool used to inform
members of upcoming events. It is not always
possible to inform our members of a date
change. The final notification of our
meetings comes through the phoning
committee.
HEALTH and WELLNESS
EYE HEALTH
By the age of 80 more than 50 percent of
the population will have a cataract, a clouding of
the lens in the eye. As we age some of the
protein in the lens may clump together and start
to cloud. Over time this may grow larger
affecting vision.
The development of cataracts may be
delayed by wearing sunglasses and a widebrimmed hat to block UV rays. It is also
recommended that you stop smoking.
Researchers believe that good nutrition (green
leafy vegetables and fruit rich in antioxidants)
also plays a role in reducing the risk of agerelated cataracts.
The symptoms of early stage cataracts
maybe improved with new eyeglasses, brighter
lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying
lenses. If vision loss interferes with everyday
activities such as driving or reading, surgery
(removing the cloudy lens and replacing with an
artificial one) may be needed. Unlike some
other eye disorders, there is rarely a need to
rush decision making. In most cases, delaying
surgery will not cause long-term damage or
make the eventual surgery more difficult. It may
be many years, if ever, before surgery is
necessary. This is a decision to be made with
your eye care professional based on a full
understanding of benefits, risks, etc.
Sometimes surgery may be recommended even
if the cataract is not affecting your vision; e.g.,
should it prevent examination or treatment of
other eye problems.
If you are age 60 or older, you should have
a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least
every two years to check for signs of cataracts,
age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma
and other vision disorders. Early treatment of
some eye diseases may save your sight.
(Source: US National Institute of Health,
National Eye Institute)
Page 12 of 13
Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, July, 2009
GORDON JAMES ROSS
NEWSLETTER BIOGRAPHY
I was born in Sutcliff’s private hospital in
Emo in 1927. My parents were Alexander
and Gladys Ross of Blackhawk and I was the
seventh child. The family was later increased
by my youngest sister, making of total of five
boys and three girls.
My elementary schooling and also Grades
9 and 10 were taken at SS No. 7, Tait,
Blackhawk. The school is still standing and is
used as a residence. I feel fortunate to have
had very good teachers – they were Kay
McTavish (Whalen), Caroline Croome,
Dorothy Radbourne (Beninger), Irene Wheeler
and Lloyd Morphet.
My High School, Grades 11 to 13, were
taken at Fort Frances High School. Grade 11
was a tough year as I struggled with the
adjustment from a one-room school with one
teacher to a much larger school with many
teachers. After graduating from High School
in 1945, I attended a one-year teacher training
at North Bay Normal School and began my
teaching career in McIrvine teaching Grades
2, 3 and 4. I transferred to Robert Moore
School the next year and taught Grade 5 for 2
years, Grade 6 for 2 years and Grades 7 and
8, one year each. No one else wanted to
teach art to Grades 7 and 8, so that became
my responsibility for two years.
I left Robert Moore in 1953 to teach a
variety of subjects at Fort Frances High
School in my first year. I like to joke that it
took two teachers to replace me at Robert
Moore – one to teach the academic subjects
and one to teach Art. In High School I taught
Math, Social Studies and then English and for
my last eighteen years I was Head of
Guidance Services, retiring in 1982, for a total
of thirty-six years.
I completed my BA by summer school and
winter study from Queen’s University,
graduating in 1952, and then later completed
the required courses for my Guidance
Specialist, making a total of eleven summers
of study.
In 1955 I married Muriel Yakimischak, the
Home Economics teacher at the High School.
Together we have two fine daughters –
Kathleen in Family Medicine in Winnipeg and
Janet, DDS, with her own practice in Kingston.
I also have two wonderful grandsons and two
equally great sons-in-law.
My wife and I and our daughters travelled
extensively in Canada and the United States
and also travelled to Great Britain. Muriel and
I travelled to Spain, Portugal, Madeira,
France, Belgium, Holland, Cuba, Hawaii (3
times) and England. Since my wife’s death
from cancer in 1989 I have continued to travel
to such places as Oberammergau, Germany,
Austria, Switzerland, China, Thailand,
Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New
Zealand, Fiji, the Algarve, Israel, Jordan,
Egypt, Russia and several trips to Italy and
Great Britain. Some trips were with family and
others were with Travel Guild or Flair Travel,
Winnipeg.
I was President of District 1 RTO/ERO
several years ago and still attend meetings. I
am active in my church and was campaign
chairman for the local unit of the Canadian
Cancer Society for 21 years. I maintain my
own home, house-keeping, cooking and some
gardening (flowers). My travels are mainly
confined to frequent trips to Winnipeg and
Kingston, but I would still enjoy another trip to
Scotland.
IN MEMORIAM
FRANK STOYKA
Frank was born in Arbor viate in the very
house he lived his entire life. He worked out
of his home as a radio and TV repairman for
many years. In 1996 he retired from the MNR
after 23 years as a maintenance foreman at
Caliper Lake Provincial Park. He loved the
outdoors, was an avid gardener and took
great pride in maintaining a beautiful yard.
Frank was well known throughout the District
as the “Bedpanjo Man”, after he crafted a
unique musical instrument from a stainless
steel bedpan. The Executive Board and
membership of District 1 RTO/ERO extend
sincere condolences to Pat and family.
Page 13 of 13
Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, July, 2009
IN MEMORIAM
DAVID BROCKIE
David was born in Alexandria, Manitoba. He apprenticed as a watchmaker in Portage la
Prairie, MB. Dave moved to Fort Frances to pitch baseball and work at Gledhill’s Jewellery.
He was nicknamed “Diamond Dave” because diamonds were involved in both his sport and his
business. Mildred and Dave were married in Toronto in 1942 as he was en route to England
where he spent two years working on Halifax bombers with the RCAF. In 1947 he purchased
Mr. Gledhill’s business and established Brockie’s Jewellers. He was highly respected in his
business dealings and for his kindness and thoughtfulness. He retired in 1980. Over the years
David had been active in the Boy Scouts; Royal Canadian Legion, receiving his 50-year pin in
2000; an ardent support of the Kiwanis Sunny Cove Camp project; member of the Sportsmen’s
Club and the Canadian Wildlife Federation. He also was one of the charter members of the
Fort Frances Museum and the SOS Heritage Building Fund. The Executive and Board and
membership of District 1 RTO/ERO extend sincere condolences to Mildred and family.
From the Atikokan Progress, Monday, May 25, 2009
The Atikokan Unit of the Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO) has stepped up to
support the Atikokan Youth Initiative’s youth project with a $3000 grant. Pictured
above presenting the donation are Atikokan RTO leaders Pam Money and Lyn
Williams (left) and Larry Brown, president of the Rainy River District RTO (and, of
course, also a member of the 50-strong Atikokan Unit). Accepting on behalf of
the AYI Board are Eva Shields and Shawndra Morden. The RTO annually
donates about $100,000 to worthwhile projects across the province through its
Service to Others programme.