RTO/ERO District 27

New 2012 Executive elected at Annual General Meeting
Ottawa, November 9, 2011 — A new executive for 2012 was installed at the recent Annual General Meeting. There are no new faces among the District 27 RTO/ERO leadership ranks, and there were no challenges to the existing slate of candidates.

Over 50 members gathered at the prestigious Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club for the luncheon and AGM. For the first time in years, the business portion of the meeting was held after lunch, allowing members to come only for the business part if they preferred.

Former 1st Vice-President Louise Noailles is President Elect while outgoing President Ray Ball becomes Past President.

Vernon Phillips steps into the 1st Vice-Presidency, leaving the position of 2nd Vice-President vacant.

Roger Régimbal remains Treasurer and Judy Pillai stays on as Secretary.

The new Executive takes over the reigns in January. Meanwhile, it is hoped that a suitable candidate will be found to fill the 2nd Vice-President vacancy.

Guest speaker, Provincial President Jim Sparrow, complimented members on their local initiatives and for their active participation at the provincial level.

Two members were presented with Awards for Exceptional Service to RTO/ERO and ti the community (see stories on this page).

[See Pictures]

Project Service to Others nominations due January 31, 2012
Each year, District 27 invites you to submit nominations for the Project Service to Others grant. This project is a provincial RTO/ERO program which provides grants up to $4000 for initiatives which support the concept of “Service to Others.” The intent is to raise the profile of retired teachers by visibly demonstrating that we care about our communities and about public education and are willing to do something to help those in need of assistance.

Previous unsuccessful applications may be reconsidered each year.

Nominations due by January 31
Submit a completed application form to District 27 2nd Vice-President:
Vernon Phillips , 787 Willow Avenue, Orleans, ON, K1E 1C8 or 613-824-0605
or email rto-erotravel@rogers.com

[Read more on our Awards and Bursaries pages]

RTO/ERO Trips reinstated for 2012
Join us on a trip to “The City That Never Sleeps” — The Big Apple!

Our deluxe motor coach leaves Ottawa early on Friday, May 25th, 2012, arriving in New York City late afternoon.

The next three days will be packed with activities and time to explore on your own. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Arts, Greenwich Village, Central Park, Times Square, Ground Zero, take in a Broadway Show, enjoy fine dining, or just shop.

We return to Ottawa by late afternoon on Monday, May 28th.

The Tour Package includes transpor-tation, three nights accommodations, three American style buffet breakfasts, two tours of New York City (by day and by night), transportation to a Broadway show, a tour guide, tips and all taxes.

Cost:
Quad: $450* Triple: $485*
Double: $555* Single: $770*

Registration:
Send a cheque for $100.00 per person made out to RTO/ERO, District 27 Travel-Voyages, and mail to Vern Phillips, 787 Willow Ave., Orleans, ON. K1E 1C8.

Deadline for registration:
Friday, February 3, 2012
Balance Due: Monday, April 2, 2012

Note:
1. A valid Canadian passport is imperative.
2. All participants must sign a Trip Waiver Form. See the Travel page of our website.
[Print a Trip Waiver]

*Rates based on minimum of 40 passengers.

Next trip: Stratford Festival - mid-to-late September, 2012

New Waiver Form for Trips
RTO/ERO Provincial Office has requested that we have each person who participates in an RTO/ERO trip or excursion sign the acknowledgement, waiver and release form.

PLEASE NOTE: At the bottom of your Trip Registration form there will be a sentence saying that you have read and agree with the terms of this Waiver. Be sure to put your initials in the box beside this sentence before sending in your Trip Registration Form.

Please read it carefully. >Click here for the Waiver Form for Trips

Local president chosen for the Board of new RTO/ERO Charitable Foundation

Toronto, October, 2011 — The public launch of the new RTO/ERO Charitable Foundation occurred at October's Annual Senate. Last spring, District 27 President, Ray Ball, learned that he had been selected as a director on the Board for a three year term.

Founded in 2011 by members of RTO/ERO, the Charitable Foundation aims to raise funds to increase the numbers of professional and support staff qualified and trained in geriatric care as well as to support research and programs that improve the quality of life of seniors in Ontario and Canada. The project is designed to attract funding, participation and engagement from multiple sources, but with RTO/ERO as the lead organization.

An impressive list of prominent people in Ontario has agreed to serve as the Honorary Advisory Group, including William Davis, Stephen Lewis, Lyn McLeod, Dave Cooke, Lise Routhier-Boudreau, Dr. Roberta Bondar and Dr. Bette Lee Stephenson.

The RTO/ERO Charitable Foundation is committed to an initial, major project of raising $3 million over the next three years to fund The RTO/ERO Chair in Geriatrics in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

The Department of Medicine has the largest Regional Geriatric Program in Ontario with a network of 28 participating institutions whose services span the continuum of hospital and community based care.

The RTO/ERO Charitable Foundation Endowed Chair in Geriatrics' goal is an opportunity to set an example that changes the model of fundraising for medical research. It is not a wealthy donor or a pharmaceutical company leading the way, but a collective of teachers establishing a path we hope other groups will follow.

[Read more in Renaissance magazine article - pdf]

Defensive Driving course offered next spring
The Senior Citizens Council of Ottawa, in conjunction with RTO/ERO, offers two defensive driving courses annually.

A Defensive Driving course will be offered next spring (date to be announced). This course reviews the many ways to ensure one is driving safely and defensively. The cost for the session is $25, which includes a workbook and a volunteer instructor who was trained at the expense of the Senior Citizens Council. Contact Carol Rannie at 613-728-6944 or email c.rannie@sympatico.ca

The 55+ Alive course was held in October and is designed to improve awareness of traffic hazards, new traffic laws and new technology. The course helps to identify and correct bad driving habits. This makes it a good review for everyone, especially for those who are facing the test that comes with reaching age 80.

Member honoured by her peers for exceptional service to RTO/ERO members
Ottawa, November 9, 2011—Lyndi McDonald, past editor of Horizons 27 magazine, was recognized recently for her dedicated service to Ottawa-Carleton's nearly 4,000 members.

The Exceptional Service Award was presented to Lyndi at the 2011 Annual General Meeting, held at the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club, in recognition of her work as editor of Horizons 27 magazine. For over five years, Lyndi has put in long hours including weekends and holidays, to ensure that the magazine lived up to her high standards and was distributed on time. Under Lyndi's watchful eye, Horizons 27 has evolved to become one of the top ranking publications in all of RTO/ERO's 48 Districts.

Besides her District 27 commitments, Lyndi was also asked to present at a provincial communications conference in Toronto, where Horizons 27 was held up as a model publication.

Even though Lyndi officially "retired" from her duties early in 2011, she still takes an active role in assisting the new co-editors of the magazine. She was also instrumental in designing the 2011 special 40th Anniversary edition, Remembering 1971 to 2011.

Each year, District 27 offers two awards: one that recognizes outstanding service to RTO/ERO and the other that is given for exceptional service to the community.

On behalf of District 27 Executive and members, congratulations and thank you Lyndi. (See photo in left sidebar.)

[See Pictures]

Choir member honoured by her peers for exceptional service to the community
Ottawa, November 9, 2011— Carmelle Rochon, one of the most dedicated members of the Entre-Nous Choir, was recognized recently for her dedicated service to the community of Ottawa-Carleton.

The Exceptional Service Award was presented to Carmelle at the 2011 Annual General Meeting, held at the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club, in recognition of 15 years of service to the choir. In her discreet way, she works diligently at printing and managing the vast repertoire of music sheets needed for the choir's rehearsals and performances. She has also participated in virtually all the annual weekend training conferences of l'Alliance chorale de l'Ontario.

Carmelle is very proud of the bilingual Entre-Nous Choir, and never misses an opportunity to praise the choir and what it has done for the wellbeing of seniors in our community.

Each year, District 27 offers two awards: one that recognizes outstanding service to RTO/ERO and the other that is given for exceptional service to the community.

Congratulations Carmelle. (See photo in left sidebar.)

[See Pictures]

Local RTO/ERO District member elected as Provincial Second Vice-President
Toronto, November 4, 2011— The Retired Teachers of Ontario/les enseignantes et enseignants retraités de l'Ontario (RTO/ERO) is pleased to announce that Norbert Boudreau of Ottawa has been elected to serve as Second Vice-President on the Provincial Executive that will govern the organization until October 2012. Last year he served as Executive Member.

Norbert Boudreau has been an active RTO/ERO member for several years. Provincially, he served as member of the Communications Committee from 2005-2010, serving as Chair from 2008-2010. At the local District level, Boudreau has served in several capacities, including: newsletter editor, committee chair for both the 35th and 40th anniversary celebrations, board and executive members, and as President. He is also the recipient of an Exceptional Service Award for Outstanding Service within his District.

Boudreau’s teaching career began in 1966, spanning 32 years with the Carleton and Lanark School Boards. During that period, he was a Core and Immersion French Teacher, a Department Head, a French Consultant and a Languages Coordinator.

At the national level, Boudreau was actively involved with the Canadian Association of Immersion Teachers (ACPI-CAIT) from 1987-1995, serving as its Treasurer, Newsletter Editor, Executive Member and President. Since 2009, he has been the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Retired Teachers (ACER-CART).

Outside of education, Boudreau has been a swim official for 30 years, refereeing swim and championship meets at the local and provincial levels. In 2002 he received a “Swim Ontario Roll of Honour” award recognizing 20 or more years of dedicated service. In 2011, they recognized him with the “Lifetime Achievement” award.

A bilingual and voluntary organization, The Retired Teachers of Ontario/les enseignantes et enseignants retraités de l'Ontario has a tradition of excellence of providing programs and services to its 66,100 members since 1968. These include: pension support; health care coverage; advocacy on social, political and economic issues; group travel programs; community involvement; and regular communication from both Provincial and District levels.

Further information on RTO/ERO is available at www.rto-ero.org.

Know Your RTO/ERO Health Plan presentations draw many participants
by Roger Lalonde,
Health Services Representative

Ottawa, October 18, 2011— More than 50 RTO/ERO members attended an information meeting concerning the various RTO/ERO insurance plans. Sixteen of those present were from districts outside of Ottawa-Carleton, including Districts 45, 32 and 21.

Johnson Inc. representatives
presented the sessions.

Sessions were offered in both French and English. The English workshop was led by Lori MacDonald Blundon, Senior Consultant with Johnson Inc., who presented an overview of the various group and private plans: Extended Health Care, Travel Insurance, Semi-Private Hospital, Dental, Long Term Care as well as Auto and Home insurance plans.

Members had an excellent opportunity to ask questions to clarify their understanding of their plans and were able to speak directly with a very knowledgeable Johnson representative.

Celebrating 40 years of success, 40th Anniversary, 80+ Reception draws large crowd
by Norbert Boudreau,
40th Anniversary Committee Chair

Ottawa, October 4, 2011— Over 250 members and guests enjoyed refreshments and entertainment as they gathered at the Confederation Education Centre to celebrity District 27's 40th Anniversary.

The combined Anniversary Tea and 80+ Reception not only featured the 80 plus members and its past presidents, it also highlighted the members of the Board of Directors who have served diligently over the past fifteen years.

Imagine the vision of the founding members of RTO/ERO’s District 27 some forty years ago. They wanted to be part of a provincial association which lobbied on behalf of retired teachers and retirees in general. Today, District 27 continues to successfully serve almost 4,000 members of which 733 are aged 80 and over. District 27 is very proud of its "senior seniors" and its six centenarians.

Lise Routhier Boudreau, past president of both AEFO and the French and Acadian Communities, joined the celebrations. In 2010, she received "l'Ordre de la Pléiade" for her outstanding contribution to Ontario's Francophonie, and, in September, 2011, she was the recipient of "l’Ordre de la Francophonies des Amériques." As well, Lise recently joined the Honourary Advisory group for the RTO/ERO Charitable Foundation.

Joan Murphy, Provincial President of RTO/ERO, brought greetings from the Executive. The Entre-Nous Choir, along with other entertainers, presented a bilingual program especially prepared for the occasion. Artists, writers and musicians— all retired teachers — were featured as well.

Members of the 40th Anniversary Committee gave freely of their time to mark the occasion, for which they are to be commended. Committee members would like to thank all volunteers too numerous to name.

It was good to see so many gathered to celebrate 40 years of success with us.

[See Pictures]

[Read more stories]

Chorale Entre-Nous Choir enjoys successful year with more to come
The executive steering committee held its fall meeting on August 24th. Members of the new executive are:

Chair – John Knobel
Vice-Chair – Ronald Desroches
Secretary – Murielle Cayouette
Treasurer – Lucille Labbé
Choir Director – Louise Bard
Archivist – Carmelle Rochon

Come join us every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in St Peter’s Room, Heron Road Community Centre, 1480 Heron Road, Ottawa. Contact Murielle Cayouette, murielle@cayouette.com We always welcome new members.

Choir Dates 2011

December 1, 2:00 p.m
Mont St. Joseph, 50 Maple Lane

December 8, 2:00 p.m.
Manoir Belcourt,
1334 Belcourt Blvd, Orleans

December 15, 11:30 a.m.
RTO Christmas Luncheon,
RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive

[See Entre-Nous page]

Congratulations to our latest web winner!
Ginette Patenaude is the lucky winner of a $100 gift card from the electronics store, Best Buy. She was one of many new subscribers to our e-news bulletin. You too could be a winner if you subscribe by December 1, 2011. Gift cards are available from the Apple Store, Future Shop and Best Buy. Visit our website for sign-up details.

[Read more]

Member recognized for her contributions
Ottawa June 25, 2011 — Yvonne Harper, Past President of the RTO/ERO Social Club, received the Lignum Vitae Award from the National Institute of Jamaican Canadians on Saturday, June 25th.

A native of Trinidad, Yvonne was recognized for her work in co-founding Impact Heritage to introduce Black children to their African history and the culture of Africa and the Caribbean. Her passion for teaching and her professionalism are evidenced in her relationships with her colleagues, students and community. She is an inspiration to those with whom she is in contact and influential in the lives of many young people.

In 1987, when she was appointed principal of St. Luke School, Yvonne became one of the first Blacks in the Ottawa area to become a principal. The Lignum Vitae Award publicly recognizes her contributions as an outstanding educator and community leader.

You can complete an application by clicking on the Awards & Bursaries button on the home page of our website.

RTO/ERO Provincial makes $10,000 charitable donation
Sarnia, ON, June 21, 2011 — Norbert Boudreau, Provincial Executive Member, RTO/ERO was in Sarnia on June 21, 2011 to present a cheque to WO Stephen Gillis from the Royal Canadian Regiment.

Cpl Brent Poland who was killed in Afghanistan in April 2007 was honoured by RTO/ERO who made a $10,000 charitable donation to the Royal Canadian Regiment Education Fund for Families of Fallen Soldiers.  Lambton-District 38’s executive wanted to support the post-secondary education of the children of soldiers of the Regiment who have died in the service of Canada.  Brent’s parents Pat and Don were in attendance.  Brent will be forever remembered by the recipients of this trust fund.



[See more pictures]

2011 Celebrity Award Winner Announced
by Vern Phillips
Awards Committee, Chair

Ottawa, May 26, 2011 — The Awards Committee of RTO/ERO takes great pleasure in announcing that its 2011 Celebrity award was presented to Madame Andrée Lortie at the Spring Luncheon at the Camelot Golf and Country Club on May 26th, 2011.

Madame Lortie, who is a graduate of both the University of Ottawa and the University of Alberta, has been an active advocate of French education in Ottawa and Ontario, especially within the college system. She has played a vital role in the development of college education for francophone communities outside Quebec. In this regard she was granted an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Ottawa.

André Lortie takes pride in the fact that she was the Founding President of La Citié Collégiale, the first French-Language College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario, established in 1989. In addition, she has served on many boards and committees within the Ottawa region.

Madame Lortie’s work in education has spanned more than two decades in this area. Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. She has been awarded the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario, and the Ordre de la Pléiade, among others.

[See more photos]

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
2003 Suzanne Pinel
2004 Dave Smith
2005 Max Keeping
2006 Dominic D’Arcy
2007 Mike Fisher
2009 Brian Kilrea
2010 Alex Munter

Ottawa is best place to live, reports MoneySense
Posted Apr 7, 2011 (English only)
BY SABINE GIBBINS, MoneySense staff | Online only, 29/03/11

What makes a city or town a great place to live? Can a community’s “livability” be measured? MoneySense believes that, to a certain extent, it can.

[Read more online]
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