AGM Package
RTO/ERO DISTRICT 22
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Wednesday, June 10th, 2015
10:00 a.m.
CROWNE PLAZA, Toronto Airport
RTO/ERO
THE RETIRED TEACHERS OF ONTARIO
District 22 Etobicoke - York
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
CROWNE PLAZA, Toronto Airport
Wednesday, June 10th, 2015
10:00 a.m.
List of Contents:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Agenda of Annual General Meeting, June 10th, 2015
Past Presidents of RTO/ERO District 22
In Memoriam
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting, June 4th, 2014
Executive Reports for AGM, June 10th, 2015
 President’s Message
Sheila Tait
 Nomination Committee
Gary Parkinson
 Treasurer’s Report 2014
Harold Royle
 Awards Committee
Sharon Kular
 Social Committee
Judy Paton
 Membership/Telephone
Lynn Farquharson
 Goodwill Report
Maryanne Chard
 Senior Seniors
Dorothy Garvin
 Membership/Recruitment
Adele Pick
 Travel Report
Pamela Guy
 Health and Insurance Services Vicki Stainton
 Website/Communications`
Joel Nasimok
 Political Advocacy
Art Witham
 Resolutions
Claudia Mang
AGENDA
1.
Welcome
Sheila Tait
2.
In Memoriam
Dorothy Garvin
3.
Provincial RTO/ERO Greetings
Norbert Boudreau
Joel Nasimok
4.
Approval of the Agenda
Sheila Tait
5.
Minutes of the AGM June 4th, 2014
Janet Thacker
6.
President’s Report
Sheila Tait
7.
Nomination Committee Report
Gary Parkinson
8.
Treasurer’s Report
Harold Royle
9.
Constitution
Karl Sprogis
10.
EXECUTIVE REPORTS
In Package
11.
Other Business
Sheila Tait
12.
Special Guest
Harold Brathwaite
Claudia Mang
13.
Outstanding Community Service Awards
Sharon Kular
14.
Project Service To Others Award
Sharon Kular
15.
Elections
Gary Parkinson
16.
President’s Remarks
Sheila Tait
17.
Introduction of the Executive
Sheila Tait
18.
Executive Award
Bonnie Hamilton
Adjournment
Past Presidents of RTO/ERO District 22, Etobicoke and York
Hugh Barret
Ralph Russell
Art Irwin
John W. Scott
Jack Luke
C. R. Pearson
E. H. Tyers
Jack Griffiths
T. Jarvis
Jack Davy
Ralph Atkinson
Fred Hall
Ken Thom
Walter Wild
Jim Willson
Mary Macdonald
Jim Hughes
Rita Dupuis
John McPhee
Donal Fraser
James Kirk
Donald Routley
Herb Cooney
David Pautz
Brenda Miller
Irwin Kelly
Gary Vipond
Silvio Sauro
Bonnie Hamilton
Gary Parkinson
1973-1974
1974-1975
1975-1976
1976-1978
1978-1979
1979-1980
1980-1981
1981-1982
1982-1983
1983-1984
1984-1985
1985-1986
1986-1987
1987-1988
1988-1989
1989-1990
1990-1991
1991-1993
1993-1994
1994-1995
1995-1997
1997-1999
1999-2002
2001
2002-2004
2004-2006
2006-2008
2008-2010
2010-2012
2012-2014
In Memoriam
Earla Alexander
Iris Henderson
Dulcie Nicholson
Michaela Almassy
Alfred Houghton
Irene Niepomnik
Alice Arato
Muriel Hurst
Ann Ralston
Stanley Bailey
Helen Jackson
Maria Salvatori
Donald Banks
Daniel Jones
Muriel Samborsky
Joyce Bentham
Arthur Keating
Anthony Sario
Max Berketa
Ruth Lazenby
T. Ronald Scovell
Evelyn Bloom Hughes
Catherin E. Lawson
Doris Skinner
Harry Bovay
Marea Lemke
Marilyn Spanetz
Valerie Brook
Felix Lewiecki
Gloria Sutherland
Thomas Byrne
Grace McClelland
Kathleen Takahashi
Cheryl Cheeseman
Jeannine McConnell
Gloria Tenia
Dirk Chow
David McCullough
Marion Thorburn
Carole Cook
Katharine McDonald
Allan Turner
Ruth Cook
Terrance McDonald
Joanne Valiukas
Gary Cruickshank
William McLeod
Molly Warrick
Marilyn Dodds
Phyllis Moniz-Whyte
Henry Welch
Ian Fife
Barbara Monteith
Hilton Wilson
Robert Greenham
Joan Marie Moore
Ruth Wyllie
Charles Haller
Paul Motink
Evelyn Yelland
Lorne Hammond
Edward Mugford
RTO DISTRICT 22
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Wednesday, June 4th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
CROWNE PLAZA, Toronto Airport
DRAFT
MINUTES of AGM 2014
1.
Welcome: Gary Parkinson welcomed all members of District 22 to take part in the business of
the District. He reminded the members that his duties as President will end in the next two hours.
Visiting guests were introduced: Lone Smith (Toronto District), Mary Ellen Lawless representing
North York, and Bill Sparks, Scarborough and East York.
2.
In Memoriam: Sheila Tait, 1st VP, paid tribute to those members who died in the past year whose
names are listed in the program and mentioned that Lorne Hammond should also be
remembered. All the names on the Honour Roll displayed at the entrance to the hall, are the
calligraphy of Carol Howe. Thank you Carol for helping us to honour the memory of these
members.
3.
Provincial RTO/ERO Greetings:
Martin Higgs recognized Joel Nasimok, who is serving on the Provincial Communications
Committee. He indicated that it is good for the provincial representatives to get to know the
members in this capacity and encouraged other members from District 22 to get involved.
The Foundation has experienced some challenging moments, but is focused on seniors and their
health issues. The Executive of RTO/ERO continues to meet with members of the Provincial
Government to discuss matters pertaining to seniors. As elections come up in the future, look
carefully and sort through the information to make the wisest choice in your interest.
It was recommended that all members check the website for RTO/ERO on a regular basis and
follow the links to our own District as well.
4.
Approval of the Agenda: Gary Parkinson requested a motion of approval.
It was moved by Claudia Mang and seconded by Adele Pick that the Agenda be approved.
CARRIED
5.
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting June12th, 2013: Janet Thacker requested a motion of
approval.
It was moved by Joel Nasimok and seconded by Maryanne Chard that the Minutes be approved
as circulated. CARRIED
6.
President’s Report:
Gary Parkinson suggested that all members who have an email account should consider receiving
the Newsletter in that manner. It arrives almost three weeks earlier than snail mail. He
recognized the work of the new editor, Helen Gill, who has put her own spin on the publication.
Members who contribute their own stories to our Newsletter, keep us all in touch. What are you
up to? What do you find of interest? Please consider sending your anecdotes on to the
Newsletter team.
Gary Parkinson discussed the issue of the “Three Million Dollar Motion”, the RTO/ERO Charitable
Foundation monies that were awarded at the Fall Senate. The recorded vote passed by a whisker,
in the last moments of the meeting, and thus became a concern with regards to possible future
motions put forward during the Senate meetings. District 22, along with other Districts is
preparing a joint motion to manage future monetary decisions. This has been discussed at
Toronto Districts meetings and it has been recommended that Bonnie Hamilton represent our
views.
Gary Parkinson has served as President for two years now and it is time to pass along the torch.
He thanked the membership for their support and gave his thanks to the Executive who have
made his job an easy one.
7.
Nomination Committee Report: Bonnie Hamilton, Past President, reported the following
nominations for Executive positions were proposed for 2014 - 2015:
President:
Sheila Tait
Past President:
Gary Parkinson
1st Vice President:
Claudia Mang
2nd Vice President:
Karl Sprogis
Secretary:
Janet Thacker
Treasurer:
Harold Royle
Archivist/Registrar:
Jeanne Rutherford
Awards:
Sharon Kular
Goodwill:
Maryanne Chard
Health/Insurance:
Vicki Stainton
Newsletter:
Helen Gill
Social:
Judy Paton
Political Advocacy:
Art Witham
Constitution:
Claudia Mang
Senior Seniors: Dorothy Garvin Member at Large:
Travel:
Bonnie Hamilton
Pamela Guy
Communication/Webmaster:
Joel Nasimok
Membership/Recruitment:
Adele Pick
Membership/Telephone:
Lynn Farquharson
Pension/Retirement Concerns:
Irwin Kelly
Bonnie Hamilton drew attention to the list in the Package and indicated that the Executive has
agreed to stand for office again. Anyone wishing to serve requires a nominator and a seconder
and notice will be taken from the floor prior to elections later in the meeting.
8.
Treasurer’s Report: Harold Royle presented the report for January to December 2013 which
included the Proposed Budget for 2014.
It was moved by Harold Royle and seconded by Alice Casselman that the Treasurer’s Report be
approved. CARRIED
9.
Constitution: Claudia Mang has received notification from the Provincial Constitution Committee
with regards to the following Ammendments on which we will vote today:
Item 2.03
a) The Executive shall meet at the call of the President or at the request of any two members of
the Executive. A quorum shall be a simple majority or a number of members to be determined
by the Executive at the first meeting of each year.
b) The following procedures will be used when an electronic vote is taken by the Executive
between Executive meetings:
i. The President or designate shall propose a motion with rationale and email it to the Executive;
ii. Members of the Executive shall vote by return email via “Reply All” within 5 days of receipt of
the motion;
iii.
A quorum of the Executive must vote on the motion or it is deemed lost;
iv.
The President shall declare the motion passed or lost and inform the Executive;
v. The motion and its disposition shall be reported as information at the next Executive meeting
and the minutes shall include the report.
Item 3.02
(j) Tours Committee:
To plan same-day trips and excursions for District members to places of interest inside Ontario.
Any other trips/excursions must adhere to the regulations of the Travel Industry Council of
Ontario (TICO).
The vote was called. CARRIED.
10.
Executive Reports: Gary Parkinson suggested that the membership peruse the reports of each
portfolio submittted by the Executive. He mentioned that if there were questions, that each
committee chair would be able to entertain individual questions after the meeting and during
lunch.
11.
Outstanding Community Service Award:
Sharon Kular thanked the Awards Committee for the immense amount of work that this
committee demands: Jane Shaw, Joel Nasimok, Ann McIlroy and Don Routley.
This award, available to members of District 22, is designed to recognize members who have
devoted much of their time in retirement and earlier, to volunteer activities.
$1000 is awarded to the recipient for the charity of his/her choice.
She called on Karl Sprogis to please come forward and enjoy the accolades.
Karl gives of his time, leadership and talent without reservation. Many groups have benefited
from his tireless devotion. His passion for the arts is evident in his 15 years of service to Arts
Etobicoke, advocating relentlessly for funding and recognition for the arts. While Principal of
North Albion Collegiate he came to recognize the plight of his students and their neighbourhood.
He continues to assist the community in problem solving and visioning. Karl was described by one
of the nominators as “a hidden treasure, never seeking accolades for himself”. We celebrate
today, one of our own who gives so selflessly to those around him.
It is apt that Karl receives not only the RTO District 22 Award, but also received the distinction of
the Queen’s Jubilee Award in 2012. Congratulations Karl!
12.
Elections: Bonnie Hamilton called on the members for further nominations from the floor, three
times, as specified. There were no further nominations.
It was moved by Bonnie Hamilton and seconded by Sharon Kular that the slate of Executives for
District 22 will stand as presented for 2014-2015. CARRIED
13.
New President’s Remarks:
Sheila Tait thanked Gary Parkinson for his tireless leadership. Through his inspiration, the
Executive of District 22 is a well oiled machine that is up for all challenges and even bumps along
the way. She recognized the membership of the District and thanked all for their continued
support as we represent over 2300 members. It was asked if most of us reflect on our activities
during retirement whether it be bingo or bridge, the zoo or seniors homes, travel or continued
learning, coffee or wine tasting, and of course hours and hours of volunteering. How did we ever
find the time for all this when we were working?
14.
Introduction of the Executive: Sheila Tait introduced the Executive and welcomed the newest
member, Karl Sprogis as 2nd Vice President.
15.
Executive Awards and Past President’s Pin Presentation:
Gary Parkinson introduced siblings, Judy Paton and Harold Royle who have both served on the
Executive of District 22 for 10 years.
In her typical unassuming way, Judy gets massive amounts of work done! She makes every task
look easy and is ready to tackle anything that is asked of her. She is our Social Diva!
Harold, the money man, is the mastermind behind our finances. His efficient, unflappable manner
keeps us on track fiscally. Thank you Harold!
And of course, we thank our President Gary Parkinson for his quiet, tireless leadership and we
couldn’t be more pleased to have him serve as Past President for the next two years.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m. as moved by Irwin Kelly and seconded
by Claudia Mang.
Committee Reports
PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2014- 2015
My heartfelt thanks to members of the Executive who provided support and guidance during my first year
as President. This year has posed some challenges and brought some changes provincially and locally.
Harold Brathwaite, who has served since 2004 as Executive Director of RTO/ERO, will retire this year.
His successor who was confirmed at Spring Senate is Jim Grieve, an educator who brings a wealth of
experience having worked in several school boards in Ontario and at the Ministry.
District 22 is indeed honoured to welcome Harold Braithwaite to the AGM where appreciation will be
given for his outstanding contribution always with the interest of all members at heart.
One challenge faced this year was the travel requirements demanded by Travel Industry Council of
Ontario (TICO). Our travel reps Irwin Kelly and Pamela Guy have worked hard to achieve compliance.
This has involved changes in procedures and also entailed moving to a new carrier. Solutions will be
sought for any logistical details which remain to be ironed out.
The Toronto Districts held a very successful Joint meeting at Black Creek Pioneer Village of the full
executives of all 4 districts, D 16 (Toronto), D 22 (Etobicoke/York), D 23 (North York) & D 24
(Scarborough & East York). The meeting, held every other year, was organized by D16. The next meeting
to be held in 2016 will be the responsibility of D 22. The Presidents and VPs of the 4 districts continue to
meet every other month for discussion of items of mutual concerns and of our RPWs.
There is always a fine balance in maintaining our organization. It is said that many members join only for
the health plans and travel benefits but the opportunities for social interaction of our membership must
never be ignored or understated. It is the aim of the executive to run an efficient organization which
adheres to our constitution, but an organization at the heart of which will always be a variety of activities
to enhance camaraderie and social contact. This year we bid farewell to many stalwarts who have made a
considerable contribution and difference through many devoted years of service on our executive.
Jeanne Rutherford is the longest serving member of D22. Her first portfolio in1986 was that of Secretary
a role which she held for many years, also serving as Treasurer and member at large. In 1998 she became
Historian, then Archivist and finally Archivist/Registrar. She chaired the committee along with Dorothy
Garvin and Adele Pick which produced 30 Years and Growing, A History [of D22] 1973- 2003. In
2008 she received the Distinguished Member Award. At age 97, she is a striking example of enthusiastic
involvement and dedication. We wish her good health and hope she continues to dance on her birthday.
Dorothy Garvin joined the Executive in 1996. She served as 2nd VP, Goodwill rep and in 2004 was
designated Health/Insurance/Pension rep, a role which became Health /Insurance then Health. In 20102012 she was member-at-large, creating the Senior Seniors portfolio in 2012 for which she was so aptly
suited. Her personal outreach brought comfort to many. She is a fount of knowledge of the history of the
organization. Our thanks for her caring concern and spirited involvement.
Irwin Kelly has served in many capacities; creator of the web page in 2000, 1st VP, President, Past
President, Treasurer, Travel, Pensions and as of, 2010 Pension & Travel. He has also served as Treasurer
of Toronto Districts. Although he will be leaving the executive, he will continue to work with Pam Guy
on travel. Appreciation is expressed for his sterling efforts in guiding D22 through the TICO changes, for
his sage analyses of pension issues and for organizing so many enjoyable and memorable trips.
Vicki Stainton has done an outstanding job as our Health/Insurance rep since 2012. Regretfully she is
unable to continue on the executive but is willing to be called on when needed. Her resourceful work in
the demanding Health portfolio kept the membership up to date on all pertinent information and changes.
The contribution of these members typifies the hard work, altruism and dedication which epitomize the
spirit of volunteerism and which underlie the welcoming outreach of our district. We salute them, thank
them and wish them well.
Sheila Tait
Nomination Committee Report 2015
The Nominating Committee is putting the following candidates forward for election to the
2015-2016 Executive:
Table Officers:
President
Sheila Tait
Past President
Gary Parkinson
1st Vice-President
Claudia Mang
2nd Vice-President
Karl Sprogis
Treasurer
Harold Royle
Secretary
Janet Thacker
In addition the following have been named as Committee Chairs for 2015-2016
Archives/Registrar
--------------------
Awards
Sharon Kular
Goodwill
Maryanne Chard
Health/Insurance
Ann McIlroy
Membership/Recruitment
Adele Pick
Membership/Telephone
Lynn Farquharson
Members at Large
Bonnie Hamilton, Marilyn Jones
Newsletter
Helen Gill
Pension/Retirement Concerns
Janis McCaskill
Political Advocacy
Art Witham
Senior Seniors
--------------------
Social
Judy Paton
Travel
Pamela Guy
Website/Communication
Joel Nasimok
Nominating Committee:
Gary Parkinson, Chair
Sheila Tait
Claudia Mang
RTO District 22
Treasurer's Report
2014
Actual
2014
Balance on hand Jan 1/14
INCOME
AGM lunch inc.
Fall Luncheon
Interest Inc:
Bank
ING
Member Grant
Project S.T.O.
Trip income
TOTAL INCOME
TOTAL ASSETS
EXPENSES
AGM lunch exp.
AGM Meeting
Bank Charge
Executive
Budget
2014
Diff @
Dec.31
Budget
2015
38340.45
3035.00
2160.00
4000
3000
965.00
840.00
4000
3000
393.93
32167.21
2000.00
34798.00
6.07
0.00
0.00
0.00
300
112894.59
400
32167.21
2000
34798
76365.21
-36529.38
13487.96
756.39
18.04
1277.90
12000
2500
100
2000
-1487.96
1743.61
81.96
722.10
0
0
10000
2500
100
2000
Fall Lunch exp.
Goodwill
Health and Pen.
Newsletter
office:
Political Advocacy
Proj.S.T.O exp.
Membership exp
Recruitment exp
Senate
service award
Social
Travel com. Exp
Toronto Dist
Comm service Award
Membership recog.
Trip exp.
TOTAL EXPENSES
952.40
2055.00
650.35
35098.00
8000
1000
100
10000
1000
500
2000
200
3000
2000
300
500
500
1000
3500
1000
35098
80584.07
86298
6506.40
1318.67
11526.90
281.82
2000.00
130.51
1965.94
2463.89
93.90
INCOME LESS EXPENSES
32310.52
BALANCE JAN. 1 / 2015
32310.52
1493.60
-318.67
100.00
-1526.90
718.18
500.00
0.00
69.49
1034.06
-463.89
206.10
500.00
500.00
47.60
1445.00
349.65
0.00
8000
1200
100
12000
1000
500
0
200
3000
3000
300
500
500
1000
3500
1000
0
50400
Awards Committee 2015
As the Awards Committee, Sharon Kular (Chair), Anne McIlroy, Joel Nasimok,
Don Routley and Jane Shaw, we are responsible for administering five annual awards.
STO or SERVICE TO OTHERS AWARD
The Provincial Committee sponsors this award. Our responsibility is to review all requests and
recommend to the District Executive a group to be nominated. If successful, the group is eligible
for a grant up to $4000. Details of this award and an application form are available on the
RTO/ERO web site at www.rto-ero.org. On the left, click on Project STO. Completed applications
must be submitted to the Awards Committee of District 22 by April 30, 2015. This year’s recipient
is Alice Casselman with her Association for Canadian Educational Resources (ACER) project.
Congratulations Alice!
10 YEAR SERVICE AWARD
After completing 10 years as a member of the Executive of District 22, a special recognition
award is presented. This year’s recipient is Sharon Kular. Congratulations Sharon!
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
This award is available only to members of District 22. Nominations for this award of $1000.00
must be submitted to the Awards Committee by March 31, 2015. This award is designed to
recognize members who have devoted much of their time in retirement and earlier to voluntary
community activities. This year’s recipients are Carol Howe, Mary Margaret MacInnes and
Stewart Hill. Congratulations Carol, Mary Margaret and Stewart!
25 YEAR MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES
These certificates are presented at our June Luncheon to individuals who have been a member of RTO for
the past 25 years. This year we have 29 such recipients. We are fortunate to have 13 of these members
present today to receive their certificates.
Congratulations Yogi Bidani, Doreen Ferns, Patricia Foubert, Stuart Hayward, Dorothea Klassen, Theodore
Kozminchuk, Mary Ruth McDonald, David John Phillips, Edna Rollauer, Frank Shuttleworth, Roy Switzer,
June Walker and
William Wilson!
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - RTO/ERO PROVINCIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
To qualify a student must be in attendance in a full or part-time program at the Faculty of Education
or in any program in their final year of a college or university in the year in which they apply and
be a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant. They must also be a child, grandchild, niece, nephew,
grandniece, grandnephew, son-in- law, daughter-in-law or step-child of a RTO/ERO member who
will become their sponsor. They would apply on the RTO/ERO website and must use the
RTO/ERO member’s membership number. The deadline for applying is February 15, 2015. There
is no recipient from District 22 this year.
RTO/ERO DISTINGUISHED MEMBER AWARD
Three (3) RTO/ERO distinguished Member Awards may be granted on an annual basis by the
Provincial Awards Committee. Nominees for the Provincial Award will be selected in recognition
of their outstanding and/or long term contributions to the RTO/ERO at the Provincial and/or
District level. This award will comprise a plaque, a donation of $350 to a charity of each recipient’s
choice and an invitation will be issued to attend the October Senate meeting. Districts are invited
to submit one nominee by June 1, 2015. This year
District 22 does not have a nominee.
Sharon Kular
Social Committee 2015
Each spring when I sit down to write this report, I marvel at how quickly the time has gone by.
This is probably due to the fact that it has been a busy year. Our 2014 Fall Luncheon took place
on November 14th at Lambton Golf and Country Club. Approximately 100 members and guests
enjoyed a delicious meal, followed by our entertainer, Steven Brinder. Steven is a “stand up”
comedian and a supply teacher with TDSB. Naturally, as retired colleagues, we understood his
hilarious anecdotes. The chuckles and smiles attested to this!
Once again, our AGM and June Luncheon are being held at The Crowne Plaza on June 10th, 2015.
The AGM is always interesting and this year, we will hear from Harold
Brathwaite, retiring RTO/ERO Executive Director. Luncheon will follow and we will be
entertained by Pan Man Pat.
These functions always provide delicious meals, good entertainment and a pleasant day. It is a
great opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues from our past. If you know someone
who doesn’t usually attend, why not call them up and get a group together for the next luncheon?
I do want to thank everyone for their support. The short notes, comments and suggestions are
greatly appreciated. They are most helpful and I encourage you to continue to send on your
thoughts and ideas.
Judy Paton
Membership/Telephone Report
The main function of this executive position is to co-ordinate the telephone contact of all RTO
District 22 members to encourage them to attend the Annual General Meeting and spring
luncheon in June. At this event, members are able to meet the people who volunteer as executive
members for District 22 and hear about opportunities available to them as members. They also
have input into the management of the organization through participation at the AGM. Very
importantly, it is also an opportunity for all attendees to reconnect with friends and colleagues.
The work of the Membership/Phone committee begins in February when executive members
contact those people who have volunteered to call our membership in the past and confirm their
willingness to call this year. While our goal is contact all our membership, we do not ask our
volunteers to make any calls that would be long distance from their homes. Many of our
volunteers have been calling for years whereas others have just signed on for the task this year.
Recruitment of callers occurs at our three main yearly gatherings including: To Hell with the
Bell” breakfast in September, the Fall Luncheon and the AGM/Spring Luncheon. There is a
sign-up sheet available on each table or interested members can call me directly. This year we
also made an appeal for volunteer callers in the fall newsletter.
With the size of our membership being well over 2000 people, we need many people to perform
this task. This year we had the help of 85 volunteers, including executive members to call the
membership. Each person called an average of 23 people (local calls only). For our callers, this
is often an opportunity to reconnect with former friends and colleagues and results in many
pleasant conversations. We value the personal contact that a phone call can provide as it often
yields information that we may not be aware of such as a change of contact information or
personal circumstance such as an illness.
This is a valuable and important outreach activity in our district. In that regard, I offer thanks
and appreciation to our volunteer callers for their time and diligence in ensuring that we make
contact with our membership. The success of our AGM and Spring luncheon is a testament to
their efforts.
Lynn Farquharson
Goodwill Report 2015
I would like to thank our phone volunteers who called to let me know of members who were ill or in
need of cheering up. Appropriate cards, (“Thinking of You/ Good Cheer/Get Well”) were sent out to
these members.
As well, cards or letters of condolence were sent to the families of deceased members.
Our “Have a Java on Us” club has been up and running for a little over a year now and so far 39
members have participated at one time or another. We always welcome new members. We meet at
Second Cup in Cloverdale Mall, located in the North end of the Mall close to the Rexall Drug store.
When you sign in, you will be given a coupon for $3.00 towards the purchase of your beverage and/or
snack. Come out, relax, socialize and enjoy! We look forward to seeing you there.
We will be holding this on the third Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Upcoming Dates: June 18 July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, and December
17, as posted on our website.
We presently have two other active social groups:


the Lunch Group meets the second Monday of each month;
the Square Dancing group meets each week on Tuesday afternoons.
We can resurrect our Duplicate Bridge club if we can find a suitable venue that is a quiet space with at
least 5 to 7 tables. I would be open to any suggestions and welcome new members. If you are
interested in joining any of these groups, please contact:
Adele Pick (416) 622-7361 or Maryanne Chard (416) 626-1353
Anyone who is interested in volunteering to help on the Goodwill Committee
(ie. visiting members in residences, phone calls to keep in touch, sending cards, etc.), please contact me.
Also, if any members know of someone who is celebrating a significant birthday or someone who is ill or
needs cheering up, please call me at 416 626-1353, or contact me by email at mbchard@rogers.com.
Maryanne Chard
Senior Seniors 2015
This committee, specific to District 22, is an offshoot of the Goodwill Committee. Special occasion cards
and small gifts are given to members who are 90 and over! We are happy to remember these folks who
were vibrant, active members for so many years. Thanks for all your referrals, as we really do make a
difference.
Dorothy Garvin
Membership/Recruitment 2015
Membership in District 22 is increasing at a much slower rate compared to other years. The number
of Associate Members is definitely on the increase as more and more people are becoming aware
of their eligibility. On May 1st, 2013, there were 2285 members, and as of May 1st, 2015, District
22 sits at 2365, representing an increase of only 3.5 percent. It is interesting to note that 95
members are between the ages of 90 and 99 (24 men, 71 women) with 4 women and 2 men in the
over 100 group!
Most of our members are between the ages of 65 and 74.
Our To Hell With the Bell Breakfast will be held at the Canadiana Restaurant on September 16th,
2015.
Do you know of any potential recruits who might enjoy a free breakfast to learn more about RTOERO? Several of our existing members pay $15 to discover once again why we joined District 22,
Etobicoke and York.
Adele Pick
Travel Report 2015
Again, as in past years, our trips have proved very popular and have been mostly sold out. At the
end of last year, as well as our regularly scheduled trips to Stratford and the Erie Canal, we were
fortunate to add a November concert with John McDermott, who delighted everyone with his
wonderful voice and amusing anecdotes.
2015 is shaping up to be another winner! We began the year in Niagara Falls and saw “At the
Movies”. This turned out to be a very special day for us as we stopped en route at the Welland
Canal Museum at Lock 3. Here we were treated to a presentation of the traditional top hat to the
Captain of the first ship to enter the seaway in the new season. This ceremony, presented by the
St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation usually occurs during the third or fourth week in
March, but had been postponed until later due to the unusually large amount of ice in the Seaway.
What good luck for us!
Our other spring trips included Shaw’s “Sweet Charity”, including stops at a winery and chocolate
specialty shop as well as the popular “Chicago” at Drayton.
We were sorry to lose the services of Seniors Carefree Travel at the end of 2014. We had been
with them for many years and had always been treated well. After some serious searching, we
have joined with Year Round Travel and have been very happy with the service. We appreciate
your patience while sorting out the details that this change involved. A huge vote of thanks to
Irwin Kelly, for his work in getting us set up with this new company. We look forward to another
good year of travel.
Pamela Guy
Health and Insurance Services Report, June 2015
As another year as your Health and Insurance Representative is coming to a close, I am pleased to take this
opportunity to thank our RTO members and Executive who have supported me in so many ways. Each year
seems to bring new topics, questions and more open communication with our members; from this I continue
to learn.
Through your inquiries and the consequent follow-up, I recognize that our RTO and government supports
and benefits are ever-changing, with more promises for improved benefits and services on the horizon. I
encourage every member to keep abreast of these changes and enhancements. Most often we learn of these
through communiqués from RTO newsletters, mailings, websites, fact sheets and publications such as
Renaissance Magazine, Liaison Newsletter, and Health Matters. These are excellent resources for all of us.
In addition, I cannot stress enough, the value of regularly perusing your Insurance Plans Booklet (green and
white), and its 2015 updates. Most of us know the basics of our plan and how it has served us in the past.
However, as the Plan package changes and more importantly, as our personal health and travel needs
change, there are benefits described within which we may not have realized are available to us. You may
be quite surprised to find further help available. Happy reading and learning!
Vicki Stainton
Website/Communications
Looking at the website for District 22 is a good way to keep updated on all the latest information. To get
to our website you go to http://www.district22.rto-ero.org . If there are any questions, I can be contacted
at nasimok@rogers.com .
Work with the Provincial Office continues to bring all member emails up-to-date. It is important that
members contact Provincial Office if they change their email addresses or add a new email address for
contact purposes. The Province is hoping to send emails and important notices direct to all members with
email addresses in the near future. When a change has been made to your address, phone number, or email,
it is important that Provincial Office be informed of the change directly by the member. To do this you call
or contact:
DianneVezeau
Membership Database Administrator
( 416) 962- 9463
ext. 223
dvezeau@rto-ero.org
Once the email information is received locally, it can then be noted whether the member wants to receive
the newsletter by mail and only receive the bulletins or whether they want all communication by email.
This should save our District a lot of money in postage and save a lot of trees as well.
Communications has become an important part of this portfolio. This year the Communications Committee
at the provincial level is looking into potential workshops for the next year. They include using Excel to
organize memberships, using Facebook as a form of communication, and the possibility of having another
workshop to train Newsletter Editors throughout the province of Ontario.
We are also looking into the possibility of changing to Drupal 7 to allow webmasters to learn how to control
their own district websites using this program.
Webmasters and Newsletter Editors are also being encouraged to use Renet 2, a program that will allow
better communication among districts.
At the local level, the Communication Chairman will continue to be available to answer questions, or at
least direct the member to the person who can answer their questions.
Joel Nasimok
Political Advocacy 2015
The past year has seen some profound changes in governance in our city and province.
In Toronto, we have seen a less scandalous approach to civic affairs with a muting of raucous
rhetoric and more effort by our city councilors to find more or less common ground in making the
city work and in getting things done. Transportation and infrastructure expansion/refurbishment
are front and centre. (Those of us in central Etobicoke will soon be able to travel Kipling Avenue
without it being a bone-jarring experience.)
In the rush to provide facilities for the Pan/Para Am Games, along with extension of subways,
LRT’s, replacement of roads and bridgework, it is easy to lose sight of other issues important to
us as residents of more advanced years. Local health care, accessibility, and general living supports
are as important to us as pot hole filling and storm sewer augmentation.
It is to our advantage to know our councilors and it is important to contact them in a constructive
fashion to keep issues before them that are in their power to correct. Letters and e-mails leave a
more permanent trace than phone calls, so follow-up the phone call with something written.
We now have a provincial government with a majority which will be in place for a few more years.
It does, however, seem to be beset with some large fiscal challenges. We must keep our eye on
proposed solutions lest they be options that are neither in our best interests nor the best interests
of the rest of our fellow citizens. Health care issues must be watched carefully, especially local
access and home care.
Again, know who our MPP’s are and feel free to contact them. (Also, resist any attempts of aides
and flacks to fob you off.) Feel free to send topics of your contacts and issues to RTO – locally or
provincially – so that we might keep abreast of the concerns of our members. We can add this
knowledge to our own presentations to government.
Don’t hesitate to send messages of approval to our elected representatives when they do something
right – it can only encourage them to replicate this sort of behaviour in the future. A dollop of
positive reinforcement may well help keep them on the rails.
A federal election looms for the Fall. Sadly, the trend of late has been to castigate one’s opponents
in the nastiest possible manner, rather than to advance one’s own platform as the best possible
choice for our society and its citizenry. Alas, this process is already in train for the coming election.
While there may be a few boutique proposals targeted to select groups across the country, our task
as citizens will be to discern what is best for our nation – for us and our successors – over the long
haul. These will not necessarily be easy decisions to make.
Not only must we be cognizant of programmes to be enacted, continued or discontinued but we
must keep our eye firmly fixed on funding. The best programme in the world is useless if not
adequately funded. Defunding – particularly in health and elder care – must be carefully
scrutinized. However, all our best intentions, our right to raise our voices are naught if we do not
exercise our right (and obligation) to vote.
Art Witham
Resolutions Committee Report 2015
In the year since our last AGM, I had the opportunity to work with Executive Members from
District 4- Sudbury/Manitoulin, District 16- Toronto, District 18- Haliburton/Kawartha Lakes and
District 38- Lambton. As a group, we were tasked with writing two amendments to change the
RTO-ERO Provincial Constitution. This took place over the months of July and August 2014.
These proposals were approved by the Executives of all five Districts and sent to the Provincial
Office in a timely manner to be dealt with at the Fall AGM Senate of RTO-ERO.
At the October Senate meeting, I had the privilege to be the mover of one of these resolutions and
to speak to the motion. Both motions passed at the Senate meeting and thus our Provincial
Constitution was amended. These two amendments fundamentally change how reserve funds are
handled by The Provincial Executive and by the RTO-ERO Senate Members.
As Chair of the District 22 Resolutions Committee, I am open to receiving resolutions from our
members. These will be presented to the Executive Board of District 22 for consideration.
At this year’s AGM, there are a number of resolutions before you that amend our local constitution.
These resolutions come about from the recommendations made by the RTO-ERO Provincial
Constitution Committee after their review of our District Constitution. They are as follows:
1. That the Title of the District 22 Constitution be amended to read: District 22 Etobicoke and
York Constitution
2. That the pre-amble of the District 22 Constitution on page 3 be amended to read:
The name of the District shall be Etobicoke and York. (Etobicoke/York)
Rationale for Resolutions 1 and 2: In the Provincial Constitution of RTO-ERO, District
22’s name is legally identified as Etobicoke and York. In keeping with this legally defined
name, the Provincial Constitution Committee has recommended this change.
3. That Article 2.17 be amended to read:
A district Executive shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting of District 22 in the
month of June and the term of the new Executive shall begin the 1st day of July, the month
following the Annual Meeting for a specified period of one year. All Executive members
have the option of standing for election for a second term in the same position. This second
term shall be for a period of one year.
Rationale: The Provincial Constitution Committee recommended a clarification of the
length of term.
4. That Article 3.01 (a) (i) be amended by addition to read “First Vice-President”.
5. That Article 3.01 (d) (i) be amended by addition to read “First Vice-President”.
Rationale for Resolutions 4 and 5: Clarification of which Vice-President shall chair
particular committees.
6. That Article 3.01 (b) (ii) be amended by the deletion of the words “in the interpretation of
this document”.
Rationale: This Article refers to the Provincial Constitution of RTO-ERO not District 22’s
Constitution. The Provincial Constitution Committee is the sole interpreter of the
Provincial Constitution.
7. That the last paragraph of Clause 3.02 (e) be amended by substitution to read “Provincial
Communications Committee” instead of “Provincial Member Services Committee”.
Rationale: This article refers to the role of the District 22 Communications Committee.
8. That Article 3.02 (j) be amended to read: To plan trips and excursions for the District
members. All trips/excursions must adhere to the regulations of the Travel Industry Council
of Ontario (TICO).”
Rationale: The Provincial Constitution Committee recommended the words match those
found in the Model District Constitution of 2014.
9. That Article 5.03 be amended by substitution to read: “All accounts payable and other
disbursements made by District 22 shall be made by cheque. All cheques shall require two
signatures by any two signing officers.” Rationale: Clarification only.
Claudia Mang