It seems like yesterday that RTO-ERO’s District 27 was celebrating the advent of the 21st century. Let us remember and reminisce on the happenings of the first decade.

With dinners, dances, golf tournaments, the unforgettable Fridolinades, and “Soirées Canadiennes” organized to collect thousands of dollars for the needy, the major millennium “Haiti project” was a total success. Eight other worthy local causes were recognized and funded by the district and the provincial Project Service to Others throughout the decade. District 27 is also very proud of its local recognitions: The Awards for Exceptional Services, the Celebrity Awards initiated in 2003 and the Student Bursaries for Excellence, set up in 2004. All recognized worthy individuals.

The Social Club created in the early 80’s became part of RTO-ERO in 2002. With lessons on Monday mornings, social bridge on Mondays and Thursdays and duplicate bridge on Wednesdays continued to be one of the most popular activities of RTO-ERO.

RTO-ERO members also appreciated the many organized international trips, the Shaw Festivals and the visit to the Niagara-on-the-lake wineries, the Shakespearian Stratford Festivals, the musicals in Toronto, the visits in La Mauricie, Quebec City and Montebello, the cruise to the Madeleine Islands, the mega stage presentation of the “’Echo d’un people”, and the educational visits to the Beth Shalom’s synagogue, the Buddhist and Hindu temples and the Greek Orthodox Church including attendance at the National Orchestra’s open rehearsal.

Every year, the district, in collaboration with RWTO recognized their senior seniors with the ever popular 80+ afternoon tea. The contribution of the “Entre-Nous” choir who brought joy to the elderly in local retirement homes is a success story as well.

In 2006, the district celebrated 35 years of success with a “Book of Memories, an Ecumenical Service honouring its past-presidents, a Bridge Extravaganza, an annual event that continues to this day and a Fashion Show.

The first comprehensive Retirement Planning Workshops started 2005. Future retirees were treated to a wealth of knowledge on pension, financial considerations, health Benefits & Insurance and personal retirement factors. Other workshops and seminars on health issues, wills and estate planning and women’s self protection were appreciated by members.

Provincially, the district was well represented on the executive and on standing committees. Five of the past presidents are still actively involved in the affairs of retired teachers of the district.

As we continue to enjoy life and the many activities organized by dedicated volunteers let us remember and honour the lives of all the dearly departed, including three local past presidents. May the second decade of this century be as successful as the first one.