www.rtoero-district14.org THE DISTRICT 14 GRAPEVINE - SUMMER 2013
Special Points of
Interest:
A Special Spring
Luncheon!
Meandering With
Mike: “Gettysburg
at 150 - An Epic
Stuggle and Lincoln’s
Legendary Speech”
Join us at the Annual
Labour Day Parade
It’ Time for Farewell
to the Bell!
In This Issue:
District 14 Contact
Numbers
2
In Memoriam 3
Spring Senate Report 4
Aging at Home
Part 3
5
New Members 6
Going Places 8
The Newsletter of District 14 - Niagara
Summer 2013 RTO/ERO has only two categories of
The Grapevine
We’re on the Web!
www.rtoero-district14.org
Our President’s Message
I hope that everyone is enjoying these warm sunny days. The
weather has been good for my trips to Toronto for Provincial RTO/
ERO meetings.
The District Presidents’ Workshop held at the end of April pro-
vided a great opportunity for presidents to share ideas for recruiting
members to serve on our Executives. We also looked at ways to
increase awareness of RTO/ERO’s role in our communities. If you
have any suggestions, we would love to hear from you.
The highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Dr. Samir Sinha. He is the Pro-
vincial Lead for Ontario’s Seniors Strategy. His message about the strategies that are
being implemented this spring to improve the overall health of our aging population
was interesting and encouraging. The reason that we must all look at a change in the
way we look at the care of our Seniors is the fact that currently we represent 14.6%
of the population but account for nearly half of all health and social care spending. In
the next twenty years, our older population doubles, while our 85+ population is set
to quadruple. This means a crippling increase in the cost of health care. Dr. Sinha,
based on his extensive research, urges that we refocus our efforts on smarter ways
to serve our older population. Ways to do this include promoting wellness in our
elder communities; supporting more “Ageing in Place” over long term care; elder
friendly hospital care and more effective transitions back to the community; and en-
hancing long-term care environments to include short-stay and restorative care op-
tions. Dr. Sinha is truly committed to improving the lives of all seniors!
Then on May 13-15th, four of your executive represented you at the RTO/ERO
Spring Senate. We put forward two resolutions, and although they were defeated,
we are certain that they will be addressed in the near future. That has often been the
case with District 14 resolutions. It was, for example, a Niagara initiative to establish
The Charitable Foundation to support a Chair of Geriatric Studies. For information
on the various ways to support this foundation contact any of us or RTO/ERO at 1
800 361-9888, ext. 245.
Thank you again to our hard working Executive. In particular, I would like to thank
Larry Rendall, our long time Political Advocacy Chair who is retiring from this posi-
tion. His devoted service to our district for many years has been outstanding! We
will miss him. I look forward to seeing all of you at Farewell to the Bell on Septem-
ber 10, 2013 and our Annual General meeting on November 12, 2013.
Marilyn Malton
www.rtoero-district14.org THE DISTRICT 14 GRAPEVINE - SUMMER 2013
2
RTO/ERO District 14
Niagara Peninsula
District Executive
RTO/ERO 1-800-361-9888
Johnson’s Insurance 1-877-406-9007
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan 1-800-668-0105
Seniors’ Safety Line 1-866-299-1011
Area Representatives
Fort Erie, Ridgeway, Stevensville, Crystal Beach, Sherkston
Doris Emerson 905-382-6149
Nina McCutcheon 289-320-9343
Niagara Falls
Bill Houston 905-356-6524
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Virgil, Queenston, St. David’s
Dorothy Lees 905-468-7575
Welland, Port Robinson
Mary Ann Stocco 905-835-5709
Jo-Anne Fabris 905-732-1509
Port Colborne
Norma Sieber 905-835-8340
Jan Taylor 905-834-9577
St. Catharines
Charleen Avedesian 905-934-2704
Kathy Main 905-688-0702
Thorold
Jane Michaud 905-227-1961
Wainfleet, Wellandport, Lowbanks, St. Ann’s, Smithville,
Caistor Center
Lois Tobias 905-774-6604
Grimsby, Beamsville, Lincoln, Jordan Station,
Jordan/Vineland Station, Vineland
Phyllis Dowd 905-563-3242
Mary Jane Tanner 905-562-7667
Fonthill, Fenwick, Ridgeville, North Pelham
Margot Smith 905-892-1891
Joan Wells 905-892-3960
NOTE: Additional Reps are needed for Niagara Falls, and the Grimsby
to Jordan Area. If you are interested, please call
Margot Fraser at 905-892-2408.
Marilyn Malton President 905-354-1831
Bill Doyle Past President 289-668-2721
Bonnie Bryan 1st Vice President 905-562-7773
Joe McDonald 2nd Vice President 905-732-4073
Marion Woodcock Secretary 905-562-7935
Kathy Smith Treasurer 289-820-7615
John Carruthers Archives 905-356-9620
Chereen Osborne Communications 905-646-2640
Mary Hesser Events 905-871-4353
Margot Fraser Goodwill 905-892-2408
Joe Santone Health Services 905-732-2298
Pat Davis Membership 905-835-8056
Don Gray Pension Concerns 905-646-9967
Chereen Osborne Political Advocacy 905-646-2640
Joe McDonald Public Relations 905-732-4073
Bonnie Bryan Grapevine Editor 905-562-7773
John Carruthers Webmaster 905-356-9620
Donna Van Nest Data Base 289-820-9558
RTO/ERO DISTRICT 14 NEEDS YOU!
We are always in need of interested volunteers to fill Executive positions and
Committees.
We currently have openings for Goodwill Reps in the Areas of Niagara Falls, and
Grimsby to Jordan. If you are interested in this role which involves passing
information along about illnesses, birthdays, or other significant life events
that need recognition, please contact Margot Fraser at 905-892-2408.
We would also like to offer opportunities for interested members to mentor
with Executive Members in all positions to prepare for future openings.
Again, please contact an Executive Member if you are interested.
www.rtoero-district14.org THE DISTRICT 14 GRAPEVINE - SUMMER 2013
3
IN MEMORIAM
It is with sadness that we share with you the pass-
ing of the following members.
Madge Annis
Vernon Beamer
David Benner
Marcel Brooks
Sister Beatrice Brunner
Paul Fell
Josephine Fitzpatrick
Jacqueline Gardiner
Thomas Graham
Winifred Grey
Ruth Henry
Donald Herne
Rose Krar
Frank Pascuzzi
Addie Pecknold
Robert Pyper
Gloria Taggart
John Van Wyk
Diane White
Marion Willick
William Wilson
May they live forever in our memories.
RTO/ERO PROVINCIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
The Retired Teachers of Ontario are
looking for students attending a Fac-
ulty of Education in Canada who wish
to receive a $1000.00 Scholarship.
To qualify, a student must be in atten-
dance in a full or part-time program at a Faculty of
Education in the year in which they apply and be a Ca-
nadian 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 an RTO/ERO member who will become their spon-
sor. They should apply on the RTO/ERO website
(http://www.ero-rto.org/application) and must use the
RTO/ERO member’s membership number. The dead-
line for applying is July 15 of the year they will be in
attendance at the Faculty of Education.
A CHANGING OF THE GUARD
As of June 1st, District 14 - Niagara has a new
Database Manager. Robert Halfyard has
“retired” from this role, after a number of years of faith-ful, outstanding service. We are all sad to see him leave,
but wish him well! Donna Van Nest has agreed to step
into this role after mentoring with Robert for the last
few months. We would also like to welcome Don Gray
who is filling the position of Retirement & Pension Con-
cerns Chair. We welcome them both aboard!
CHANGING YOUR INFORMATION?
If you have moved or changed telephone numbers
PLEASE inform RTO/ERO head office, and Donna
Van Nest (our Database Manager) as soon as possible.
SPRING LUNCHEON
On Thursday, May 9, over 80 District 14 - Niagara
members gathered at Legends Golf Course in Chip-
pewa to celebrate the return of Spring. We were
treated to a terrific meal and a wonderful talk by the
new CEO of the Shaw Festival, Elaine Calder. With wit
and sincerity, Elaine recounted to us her history in the
Arts, and her dedication to
continuing the community
based traditions of the Shaw
Festival, praising the continued
patronage of District 14, and
thanking teachers in general
for our devotion to the young
people of Canada.
We were also treated to a surprise guest who was
there to make a special presentation. Niagara Falls
M.P.P. Kim Craitor attended to present a special award
and gifts to our Executive Member, Mary Hesser, who
has spent her life dedicated to public service at many
levels. Mary will soon turn 90, and claims that she is
finally retiring. We will believe it when we see it! But
we will miss her tireless energy, her quick wit, and her
hard work on behalf of all the members of RTO/ERO locally and provincially. We wish her all the best in
“retirement”!
www.rtoero-district14.org THE DISTRICT 14 GRAPEVINE - SUMMER 2013
4
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2?
VOLUNTEER TO WALK, DRIVE, OR RIDE.
Want to walk, but “the legs ain’t what they used to be”? Complete the route by riding.
All participants will receive refreshment tickets to use at the end of the parade.
Please e-mail Bill Doyle at bill. [email protected] or leave a phone message 289 668 2721 with the following:
· NAME
· PHONE NUMBER and/or EMAIL ADDRESS
· NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS YOU RECRUITED
· HOW YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE:
° MARCH/WALK
° VOLUNTEER YOUR VEHICLE and DRIVE (Convertibles, Vans, 2/4 door)
° VOLUNTEER YOUR VEHICLE and OFFER RIDES FOR OTHERS
¨ Number of passengers you can accommodate
° FORM A MUSICAL GROUP/BAND
° OTHER IDEAS WELCOMED!
PARTICIPATE IN THE MERRITTON COMMUNITY/ST. CATHARINES
LABOUR DAY PARADE
Let’s show our continued involvement in
our Community . . . INVITE family and
friends to join you in the parade
ATTENTION FORMER HEALTH AND SEXUAL
EDUCATION TEACHERS
I am a PhD student at the University of Western On-
tario and I am looking for teachers to participate in a oral history project who taught sexual education
(commonly known as family life education or health edu-
cation) in Ontario Public Schools during the 1960s and/
or the 1970s. I would like to interview teachers to dis-
cover what happened in classrooms; how the teaching
and content of sexual education evolved during this
time; the training that teachers received; and how sexual
education differed for youths based on their gen-
der. During the interview I will be asking a few ques-
tions and you may share whichever stories you would
like to tell. I will be respectful of the information that
you share with me and will mindful of your privacy
throughout. Since this is a historical project, there no
anticipated risks to those who participate. If you are
interested please contact me for more
information: Michelle Hutchinson
Grondin at [email protected] or
519-660-9662.
Ethics Number: 103319
SPRING SENATE REPORT
On May 14 and 15 President Marilyn Malton, and 1st
Vice President Bonnie Bryan represented District 14 as
Delegates at the 2013 RTO/ERO Spring Senate in To-ronto. 2nd Vice President Joe McDonald and Secretary
Marion Woodcock attended as Observers. Included in
the business of this year’s Senate were two resolutions
sponsored by our District. While they were defeated,
both generated very lengthy discussion and Executive
action. Our request for a Provincial Public Relations
Committee sparked the creation of a “PR Primer” avail-
able to all Districts to help them carry out this vital ac-
tivity; and a requirement for all Provincial Committees
to formally address PR in their support work. Our mo-
tion to require Senate to approve any future Partnership
Agreements, like the recent one with Shoppers Drug
Mart, resulted in the creation of a “Preferred Partner-
ship Protocol” which will guide the Provincial Executive
when it makes the final decision on which partnerships
we will enter into in the future. As always, Niagara leads
the way for RTO/ERO. They do not always follow us
exactly, but at least we spark thought and action Provin-
cially!
www.rtoero-district14.org THE DISTRICT 14 GRAPEVINE - SUMMER 2013
5
“AGING AT HOME” PART 2
In the Winter Grapevine we began a series of reports on a
relatively new government mandate for Local Health Inte-
gration Networks (LHINs) called “Aging at Home”. The
government believes that it is important to provide the sup-
port programs seniors need to help them to stay in their
homes for a longer period of time without having to be read-
mitted to hospitals because they do not have the help and
care they need at home. Out of the number of topics pre-
sented at the RTO/ERO District 14 Conference held in Octo-
ber 2012, this edition will focus on other Community pro-
grammes that available to support seniors living in their own
homes.
Safety in the Home is a program deliv-
ered by CCAC. They will come to your
home and make recommendations on
how to make it safer. They will also
make referrals to other services. There
are limited subsidy dollars to help with
those purchases that are required to en-
sure that your home is safe. The emphasis is on pre-
venting needless falls and fires. The CCAC also has ac-
cess to volunteers for snow removal and can recom-
mend workers for home repairs.
Community Health Centers are
found in Port Colborne, Fort Erie
and St. Catharines. Bridges in Port
Colborne and Fort Erie offers a self
care program entitled Take Charge
which helps people deal with chronic
diseases such as arthritis, M.S., diabetes and Parkinson.
The self help groups meet weekly for 6 weeks. It equips
you with the skills needed in order to cope with your
chronic disease as you look at what you can do and
what you can change. It empowers you to become
your own agent in health care. There is a focus on
communication skills, positive thinking and the different
ways that you can manage pain. Quest is the center
found in St. Catharines.
Type 2 Diabetes is one of the most common chronic
diseases in Canada. It currently
affects more than 2 million Canadi-
ans. In Type 2 diabetes the pan-creas does not produce enough
insulin or the cells cannot use the
insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes
occurs most often in persons who
are overweight, and can affect both
adults and children. Once you are
diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes it
is important to be vigilant in caring
for this condition. It is vital to monitor your blood sugar
levels and closely follow your recommended diet and
medication plans. Since a number of the participants in
the Aging at Home Workshop had Type 2 Diabetes there
was considerable discussion about the topic. Some noted
that their doctor had identified that they were in the Pre-
diabetic Stage and had made definite restrictions to their
diet and exercise regimen. Terri Armstrong, the pre-
senter, stressed that a controlled diet that limits red
meat and focuses on vegetables and fruit is essential.
Regular exercise is also a must. This can prevent or delay
the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. While other types of Dia-
bestes, like Type 1 and Gestational Diabetes, generally
affect children and younger people, all older people are at
risk of developing Type 2. There are many complications arising from all types of diabetes. It can lead to early
death, blindness, heart attack or stroke, amputations of
limbs, or kidney failure. It is important to examine your
feet regularly and take proper care of any small cuts or
sores. For all people with diabetes or with a family his-
tory of diabetes, diet and exercise are key factors in living
a healthy life. Follow Canada’s Food Rules and focus on
vegetables and fruit. Kelli noted
there are many resources available on
the Internet for help like: Eat Right
Ontario.ca; My Food Guide.net; and
Health Canada.ca.
For more information: CCAC: telephone 905-684-9441 or toll free 1-800-810-
0000 (A real person answers the phone! Our group
tried it and Yes - we got someone who knew what to do
next); or email [email protected].
Niagara Region: Seniors: telephone 905-984-2621 or
toll free 1-877-212-3922; or visit their website at
www.niagararegion.ca/living/seniors.
Canadian Diabetes Association: telephone 905-646-
4843 or toll free 1-800-226-8464; or visit their website at
www.diabetes.ca.
Bridges Community Health Centre: chronic disease
self care management programs; Port Colborne - tele-
phone 289-479-5017 and Fort Erie - telephone 905-871-
7621; or visit their website at www.bridgeschc.ca.
Quest Community Health Centre: St. Catharines –
telephone 905-688-2558; or visit their website at
www.questchc.ca.
www.rtoero-district14.org THE DISTRICT 14 GRAPEVINE - SUMMER 2013
6
We hope you will come out and enjoy the full benefits and camaraderie of being a member of RTO/ERO District 14 Niagara!
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!
Jean Buckland
Shauna Christian
Gary Crole
Katherine Demers
Judith Fell
James Fishman
Linda Gray
Monique Grenier
Robert Hodgson
Joan Juhlin
Dorothy Lindenas
Helen McGlone
Robert Mellor
Brian Mulligan
Ronald Newton
Agnes Petkau
Michael Rice
Neva Tesolin
Kevin Walsh
Geraldine Wilson
FAREWELL
TO THE BELL
2013
We are excited to again provide RTO/ERO
District 14 members an opportunity to meet
the 2012/2013 retirees from the field of educa-
tion. All of the new teaching and support staff
retirees are cordially invited to join us as our
guests on September 10, 2013 at the Whirlpool
Golf Course in Niagara Falls for an entertaining
luncheon. Please see the flyer attached to
this newsletter for the details. We look for-
ward to seeing you there!
HAVE YOU CONTRIBUTED YET?
For the last two years, RTO/ERO has been promoting a
“grass-roots” fundraising campaign to establish and support
an Endowed Chair in Geriatric Medicine at the University
of Toronto. This campaign is dependent on voluntary do-
nations from you, our members. This is an investment in
your future well-being! Did you know that currently most
medical schools in Canada require all their students to take
courses in Pediatric Care, but not in Geriatric Care even
though it estimated that seniors account for nearly half of
all health care spending? We ask you to please con-
sider making a tax deductible contribution to this
important cause. For information on how to do this you
can visit the RTO/ERO Charitable Foundation website
([email protected]) or telephone 1-800-361-9888.
www.rtoero-district14.org THE DISTRICT 14 GRAPEVINE - SUMMER 2013
7
The scope is truly epic. Inside Gettysburg National Military Park, there are 371 cannons, most with their original
barrels, (the carriages are reproductions) and 1,328 monuments, markers and memorials. The three-day bloody
battle in 1863 led to the ultimate Confederate defeat in America’s Civil War (1861 – 1865). The park is a vast bat-
tlefield of close to 24,281square km (6,000 acres), so it’s a bit strange that guide, Paul Marhevka, starts the automo-
bile tour at the 24th Michigan monument, a small marker set back in the woods. He explains that thousands of Ca-
nadians fought in the Civil War and that two dozen fought with this Union regiment. He wonders if we have seen
the monument in Kincardine dedicated to Solomon Secord, a field surgeon in the Confederate 20th Georgia Volun-
teers. Niagara’s Laura Secord was his great aunt! In July, Gettysburg celebrates the 150th anniversary of the famous battle, and
the festivities might well outdo our War of 1812 ceremonies.
In Steven Spielberg’s recent, award-winning movie, Lincoln rides solemnly through Civil War carnage.
Here, the tiny town of 2,400 residents contended with 7,058 corpses (3,155 Union, 3,903 Confederate),
another 33,264 wounded (14,529 Union, 18,735 Confederate), amputated limbs literally in heaps and
5,000 dead horses and mules, creating a stench that permeated for weeks.
Here, General George G. Meade’s Union Army of 97,000 met Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of
75,000 by chance. Because the Confederates were running out of food in the south, Lee chose south
central Pennsylvania where it was plentiful. They aimed to attack Harrisburg, the state capital.
From the Gettysburg Visitors Center museum displays, I learn interesting facts:
More than in both World Wars (405,399), 622, 511 died in the American Civil War, 66% from disease
and 33% from wounds. At Gettysburg, 32,000 were wounded of which, 8,000 died. 94% of the casualties
were caused by bullets, less than 1% from bayonets and about 5% from cannon.
The Virginia monument, one of most famous in the world, depicts Robert E. Lee on his horse,
“Traveler,” the only statue of a southern general in the park.
Most soldiers used muzzle-loading muskets with mini balls that were lethal at 182 metres (200 yards) and
effective at 914 metres (a thousand yards). The cavalry used smaller guns called carbines, efficient at 457
metres (500 yards).
Union General Butterfield was General Meade's chief of staff. He didn't like the last bugle call at night, so he whistled a tune
and asked the bugler to perform it, to become known as “taps” or reveille.
90,000 horses were employed at Gettysburg.
In the Union army, 200,000 soldiers were under the age of 16 while 300 were not yet 13.
The Pennsylvania monument (1910) is the largest in the park. One-third of those fighting (34,900) were from Pennsylvania,
with all of their names recorded.
From July 4-7, there will be 2-3 battles reenacted per day here with “living history” taught
throughout the encampments as re-enactors answer questions from visitors. Organized
along the same lines as the two armies, the logistics involve 18,000 soldiers and 8,000 civil-
ians, the whole operation rigidly controlled.
A word of warning – Adams County has 2,600 hotel rooms. 170,000 visitors are expected
to arrive during the 10-day anniversary with ceremonies, programs, re-enactments and the
opening of the Seminary Ridge Museum, ranging from June 28 through July 7, 2013. Federal
Pointe Inn owner, Peter Monahan, tells me he was sold out well before my November stay.
Whitehead suggests tourists make Gettysburg a year-long visit. A second large wave will
arrive for the November 19th 150th Anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and it’s a good bet that
President Obama will be invited to speak of his hero.
Side bar: If you go
The Gettysburg Re-enactment: www.gettysburgreenactment.com
Calendar of Events: www.gettysburg.travel/event.asp
Gettysburg’s 150th Anniversary Commemoration: www.gettysburgcivilwar150.com
Gettysburg National Military Park: www.nps.gov/gett
Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau: www.gettysburg.travel
Read: Michael Shaara was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1975 for his The Killer Angels an historical work that de-
scribes the battle.
Mike writes for Sun Media & is reached at: www.whattravelwriterssay.com;
where you can visit the Niagara Blog at http://www.whattravelwriterssay.com/wtwsblog2.html and
his St. Catharines Standard humour column at: http://www.whattravelwriterssay.com/indexseniorhumour.html
Meandering With Mike: Gettysburg at 150 – An Epic Struggle and Lincoln’s Legendary Speech
by Mike Keenan
General George G.
Meade
General Robert E. Lee
Gen. Warren Statue on
Little Round Top
www.rtoero-district14.org THE DISTRICT 14 GRAPEVINE - SUMMER 2013
8
The deadline for submitting material for the Fall Grapevine is August 1, 2013.
Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of RTO/ERO Dis-
trict 14 Niagara. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Grapevine Editor, Bonnie Bryan, at 905-562-7773 or the Chair of the
Communications Committee, Chereen Osborne, at 905-646-2640.
PLEASE NOTE All participants in District 14 Organized Trips MUST sign a Liability Waiver prior to the beginning of the activity. These
forms can be found on our District 14 Website. You must include one when you mail your payment to Mary Hesser.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Shaw Festival
September 10 - “Lady Windemere’s Fan”
$56
Farewell
To The Bell
September 10, 11:30 a.m.
Whirlpool Golf Course, Niagara Falls
See the Attached Flyer for Details
$20 For RTO Members
Cambridge
Theatre
October 2, “Lend Me a Tenor”
Laughs Guaranteed!
N.B. Bus leaves . . .
Walmart Plaza (Welland) @ 9 a.m.
Lincoln Mall (St. Catharines) @ 9:30 a.m.
$70
Annual
General Meeting
November 12, 11:00 a.m.
Details to be Announced in the Fall Grapevine
t.b.a.
Going Places and Doing Things
2013
A portion of your cost is being subsidized by District 14
PLEASE NOTE THAT NO POSTDATED CHEQUES WILL BE ACCEPTED
Not all ticket requests may be filled as only a Limited Number of Tickets
are available for each event.
N.B. For all information, except where indicated, please contact Mary Hesser,
673 Niagara Boulevard, Fort Erie, L2A 3H9, Phone: (905) 871-4353
DISTRICT 14
Over 900 Email Grapevines!
Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we have your correct email address. Over 900 copies of the Grapevine are received by
email link. If we do not have your correct email you will be missing out. Send all changes or corrections to