October, 2009 RAINY RIVER, DISTRICT 1 Issue 48 · PDF filewonderful autumn and ... Bob Barron...

October, 2009

Issue 48RAINY RIVER, DISTRICT 1

Special Interest!

• NOTE ANNUAL GENERAL

MEETING DATE CHANGE, Page 3

NEW DATE: Oct 19

• UPCOMING EVENTS – Important Dates on Page 5

•RETIREMENT PLANNING

WORKSHOP0

HEALTH SERVICESREPORT

H1N1 Flu Questionsand Answers

Page 7

Highlights:

Executive Board 2

Treasurer Report 3

Atikokan Report 4

Read Alert HST 5

Octogenarians 6

Upcoming Mtgs 5

Health – H1N1 7

Travel Info 8

Goodwill Report 9

CFL Bulb Warning 10

Retirement Workshop 10

Biography 11

In Memoriam 12

Finally our summer has arrived. On behalf of your Board we welcome you to another active year in RTO-ERO. Both Bellringer breakfasts were a resounding success and an opportunity to share summer stories – so far no one has claimed the coffee prize for water skiing. October has several guests arriving to assist us in a Retirementworkshop and deliver the state of our pension world. Details are outlined in other areas but please circle your calendar and spread the word of our activities, not the least attending or offering to assist. We certainly look forward to seeing you and give thanks for our many blessings and offer our gratitude to our provincial president, Brian Kenny of

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTDryden, for his fine leadership.

Plans are in the works to apply for another Service to Others grant for a very worthwhile children’s project in the west end; namely, Emo. Our thanks to Joyce for heading up the project. However, we also learned of a district project getting off the ground at Rainycrest thanks to Merv Ahrens and the Family Council. It is our intention to encourage all of you to talk with him and see if you can be of assistance and RTO will prioritize our involvement for 2011 if this need still exists. The youth project in Atikokan is progressing well and we hope to see it in operation late this Fall. As a District organization we are

apolitical or as much as possible. However, we do encourage all of you to stay informed and if there are concerns on behalf of seniors contact us and your local Mp or MPP. One such item on the agenda is the HST (harmonized Sales Tax). There is no doubt there will be impacts but it is not a done deal yet so we have this issue and many, many more.

In closing I wish you a wonderful autumn and thank you for all your support in our educational and local communities. Try often to get involved and pass along your hard earned talents and sage advice.

Sincerely,Larry Brown, President, District 1

ATTENTION District 1 Annual General Meeting was moved from the date published in the July, 2009 Newsletter, to accommodate the schedule of the Provincial President. REMEMBER, Monday,

October 19 is the correct date.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING DETAILSCAN BE FOUND ON PAGE 3

Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 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.

DISTRICT 1 EXECUTIVE BOARDJanuary, 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 CHAIRPERSONSRECRUITMENT - Freeda Carmody (486-3338)

GOODWILL - Carroll McFayden (274-3136)HEALTH, INSURANCE – Mariette McRae (274-3338)

and Georgette Rawlings (Atikokan, 929-1133)POLITICAL ADVOCACY – Ralph Brown (597-6196)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 REPRESENTATIVESEmo - Joyce Meyers - (482-2086)

Rainy River - Don Ricci - (852-3704)Atikokan – Alana Rechlin (597-2156)

Welcome new RTO/ERO members:

Brenda Ferris-Hyatt Sharon Preston Dona Pollard

We are a growing organization. Our RTO/ERO District 1 Rainy River membership total is 230.

REMEMBER: More Membership = A Stronger Voice

Freeda Carmody (Membership)486-3338

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PHONING COMMITTEEEdie Frenette - Committee Chair -

274-7421Fort Frances

Irene Hill-Haver - 274-3091Gordon Ross - 274-6959Jan Marshall - 274-2254Edie Frenette - 274-7421

Jeannine Cornell - 486-3481 (Spare)Emo

Joyce Meyers - 482-2086June Winik - 482-2451

Rainy RiverDon Ricci - 852-3704

AtikokanSally 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 3 daysprior the meeting 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.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT


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DISTRICT 1 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGMONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2009

La Place Rendez-VousSocial 11:00 a.m. Luncheon 12:00 noon

BUFFET MEAL

Mixed Seasonal GreensFour Bean Salad

Penne Pasta SaladPEI Vegetable MixMashed Potatoes

Meat BallsHoney-Dijon Chicken

Belgian Chocolate Mousse TorteTea Coffee

Cost: $10.00

GUEST: RTO/ERO Provincial President Brian Kenney

Remember the Non-perishable or Monetary Donation for the Salvation Army

TREASURER’S REPORT, September 9, 2009

Opening Balance (January 1, 2009) $ 4 832.94Received to September 9, 2009 17 229.00 TOTAL $ 22 061.94

Spent, January 1 to September 9, 2009 12 231.66 BALANCE (September 9, 2009) $ 9 830.28

Len LaRocque, Treasurer

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM MARK TWAINGolf is a good walk spoiled.

Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.I am opposed to millionaires, but it would be dangerous to offer me the position.

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The Atikokan Unit has hosted two functions this summer, a barbeque held at Otter Cove, the lakeside home of Georgette and Glen Rawlings on June 25 and the “To Hell with the Bell Breakfast” at the Little Falls Community Centre on Wednesday, September 2. There were approximately 30 people at each of the events and we enjoyed bright sunny weather on each occasion. This was certainly appreciated at the barbecue and also for the Golf Scramble which followed the breakfast. Thanks are due to those members who contributed to the barbecue with their delicious appetizers, buns, baked beans, salads and desserts.

After breakfast, belated 50th

Anniversary wishes were extended to Wally and Marilyn Hannon. President Lyn also conveyed the hardships that Dennis and Kathy Livicker have been having with health, lightning and fires at their lakeside home and asked everyone to keep them in their thoughts.

District President Larry Brown brought greetings from head office. He reminded the executive of a meeting in Fort Frances on September 9 as well as two fall events:

1. Retirement Planning Workshop in Fort Frances on October 15 beginning at 5:30

2. President Kenny’s visit scheduled in Fort Frances for October 19.

Ralph Brown, our Political Advocacy Representative, reported on the new

ATIKOKAN UNIT, DISTRICT 1 RTO/ERO REPORT

Thanks to

Alana Rechlin

for volunteering for the

District Liaison position

and to

Ida Docking

for taking over the

Goodwill job for Sally

Speck while she’s

away

plans for the harmonized tax and how it will affect our pocket books dearly. He suggested that you should contact your MPP to express your thoughts or go on the web to www.unfairtaxgrap.com

Past President Ron Speck made a special presentation to Jessie Enge –octogenarian. He has been trying to catch up with her for over a year.

Hank Smit expressed his concern that he was an octogenarian but had not been acknowledged. Ron explained that we were awaiting the pin. President Lyn also explained that whenwe asked for our info sheets somepeople did not fill in the date of birth item and that has made it difficult for us to know when someone qualifies. Hank was assured that we are working on it.

Thank you to Alana Rechlin who has agreed to be the District liaison, a position left vacant when Pam Money moved to Eastern Ontario.

Our next event will be the Christmas luncheon.

In response to a request from the Atikokan Branch of the Canadian Legion, Lyn Williams wrote a letter of support for their application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation. They have applied for a grant to improve accessibility to their facility and replace the roof over the hall and kitchen.

Sally Speck is still taking on the responsibility of good will until she leaves for Texas when Ida Docking will be the person to contact.


er Title

DON’T FORGET THE ANNUAL

GENERAL MEETING IN

FORT FRANCES at La Place

Rendez-VousMonday

October 19

UPCOMINGATIKOKAN

EVENT

Christmas Luncheon

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The proposed blended GST and PST to kick in next July is being opposed by RTO as having a most negative effect on seniors and those living across Northern Ontario.

In reality, this proposed tax (already an Ottawa [Federal] –Toronto [Provincial] agreement) will cost the average citizen hundreds of dollars more above and beyond any kickback or reduced income taxes. The RTO/ERO position is that the extra taxes should have at least a neutral effect on seniors.

RTO Toronto has been lobbying the last three weeks with Government members, ministers and their aides against the present proposed HST of 13 percent on virtually all goods and services.

PAC meetings (Political Advocacy) with MPPs from 12 districts across the province have set the stage for an increased awareness by the Government as to our concerns.

Six examples of the extra cost of an HST on residential utilities ALONE in the Thunder Bay

READ ALERT from RTO/ERO PROVINCIAL POLITICAL ADVOCACY COMMITTEEHST Harmonized Sales Tax

(Blended 5 percent GST and 8 percent PST)

Thursday, October 15 Retirement Planning Workshop New Beginnings Church, 5:30 – 8:30

Monday, October 19 RTO/ERO District 1 La Place Rendez-Vous, Social 11:00Annual General Meeting Luncheon, 12:00

Monday, October 26-28 Fall Senate Toronto

Wednesday, Nov. 4 District 1 Executive Meeting La Place Rendez-Vous, 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009 Christmas Social La Place Rendez-Vous, Social, 11:00 a.m.Luncheon, 12:00 noon

Wednesday, April 21/10 District 1 Executive Meeting La Place Rendez-Vous, 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, May 13/10 RTO/ERO General Meeting La Place Rendez-Vous, Social, 11:00 a.m.Luncheon, 12:00 noon

May 17, 18, 19/10 Spring Senate Meeting Toronto

Thursday, June 17/10 RTO/ERO General Meeting Rainy River (Details to come later)

UPCOMING DISTRICT 1 MEETINGS and SOCIALS

District ranges from at least $300 to $600 a year. Cliff Huber, Chair, District 2

Political Advocacy Committee and Chair Designate for Provincial PAC

The HST issue continues to be discussed by the Provincial Executive and the provincial political advocacy committee with input and advice by government relations specialist Len Domino.

Over the next few months members of the Provincial Executive and senior staff plan to meet with the staff in the Office of the Minister of Revenue, responsible for implementation of the HST, to outline RTO/ERO’s position and seek opportunities to continue dialoguing with the Provincial Government in a collegial, respectful atmosphere.

Any questions, please phone 807-597-2233 or email [email protected]. Ralph Brown, Atikokan Unit is on District 1 RTO/ERO Executive Board and chair of the Political Advocacy Committee.

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/COUNTRYTRAVEL

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.

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.

2009 OCTOGENARIANSHappy Birthday! This year District 1 RTO/ERO will honour 5 members who will be the Octogenarians of 2009. At the Christmas Luncheon, December 3 at La Place Rendez-Vous, these members will be presented with the RTO/ERO pewter pin. Atikokan Unit may choose to honour their members at their Christmas Social.

Tom Drew (March 8) (Fort Frances Faith Adair (April 6) (Fort Frances) Alan Kerr (July 10) (Atikokan) Hendrik Smit (July 15) (Atikokan) Nick Krawchuk (August 9) (Winnipeg)

Welcome to RTO/ERO District 1 Octogenarians of 2009!

Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October, 2009 of 12

FALL SENATE, 2009President Larry Brown and First Vice

President Mariette McRae will be attending the Fall Senate in Toronto on October 26 –28. Our next newsletter publication will appear in the new year, late April, 2010. The Fall Senate report will be filed by our local representatives and be available on request through our secretary, Betty Ann LaRocque (274-9593).

The Renaissance publication will contain a detailed report of the Fall Senate and is sent to all RTO/ERO members.

A CHANGE IN FORT FRANCESCOMMUNITY CLINIC POLICY

We would like to draw RTO/ERO members’ attention to the new safety and privacy procedure starting September 21, 2009 at the Fort Frances Clinic. All people MUST check in at the front desk where they will be assigned a pass which will allow them access to the lab, billings department, appointments with their physicians, nurse practioners, other health care providers and administration.

Anyone without a PASS will be asked to leave the restricted area.

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, 274-4472, Purchasing

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.

SALVATION ARMY FOOD BANKThe 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.

HEALTH REPORTH1N1 Flu Virus in CanadaQuestions and Answers

Question 1: Does the Government of Canada expect to see more cases of H1N1 Flu Virus in Canada? Or a second wave of the illness?We fully expect that new cases will continue to be identified. Although some cases have been severe, including some deaths, most of the cases continue to be mild. We continue to work with our international partners to learn more about this virus and to prepare for additional waves of illness and/or changes to the nature of the virus.Question 2: What can I do to protect myself from infection?The Public Health Agency advises Canadians to:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer.

Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve. Keep doing what you normally do, but stay

home if sick. Check www.fightflu.ca for more

information. Check www.voyage.gc.ca for travel notices

and advisories. Talk to a health professional if you

experience severe flu-like symptoms.Question 3: Are there drugs that can treat H1N1 Flu Virus?Yes. Early research indicates that there are two

prescription antiviral drugs, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) that are effective in treating H1N1 Flu Virus.Questions 4: How are antiviral drugs made available if needed?Antiviral medications are prescription drugs. They may be obtained from a pharmacy with a regular prescription. There is a national stockpile of antiviral medication and some provinces and territories also have their own stockpiles. Every province and territory has access to the national stockpile and antivirals have been distributed on a per-capita basis.Question 5: I got my flu shot this year. Will it protect me against H1N1 Flu Virus?It is unlikely that the seasonal flu shot will provide protection against H1N1 Flu Virus. The flu shot will protect against the seasonal flu. A new pandemic vaccine will be available to all Canadians who need and want to receive it.Question 6: When will the vaccine be ready in Canada?We remain on target to have a safe and effective vaccine available in November, 2009. However, we remain adaptive to the situation at hand. At present, we are seeing relatively mild illness which indicates we have time for a complete Health Canada vaccine approval process. We expect the vaccine could be available as early as mid October should this be necessary.

This information was excerpted from the Government of Canada’s website www.publichhealth.gc.ca on September 18,2009. Please visit the site for more information.

Mariette McRae, District 1 Health Insurance Rep



PROOF OF DEPARTURE FOR HEALTHand/or TRAVEL INTERRUPTION CLAIMS

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-of-Province/Canada Travel Booklet for more information. Failure to produce proof of departure can significantly restrict reimbursement of claims.

Health InsuranceMariette McRae – 274-7258

HOW TO CONTACT RTOMail: 18 Spadina Road, Suite 300,

Toronto, ON M5R 2S7Phone: 416-962-9463Toll Free: 1-800-361-9888 Ext 223Email: [email protected]

There is a form that you can fill out at the RTO website,

www.rto-ero.org

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

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.

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONSArticles are required for consideration for inclusion in future issues. Do you have:* information you would like to see in the newsletter* an account of an unusual holiday* an important question* special memories of a colleague or student* items of humour (credit source)

WRITE TO TELL US!c/o Angela LaForest 1039 River Road, Fort Frances, ON P9A 2V3c/o Carroll McFayden 209 Armit Avenue, Fort Frances, ON P9A 2H1


GOODWILL REPORT

Cards Sent Out . . .2009June 26 Sandra Brunetta (Thank you – donation of artwork at RainycrestJuly 9 Barb Cousineau (Thinking of you – death of Aunt)July 9 Laura Donaldson (Thinking of you – hospital, broken pelvis)July 9 Azaela McQuaker (Thinking of you – daughter-in-law died)July 9 Sharon Tibbs (Thinking of you – nearing end of treatments)July 9 Helen Crook (Thinking of you – upcoming surgery)July 9 Don and Joyce Meyers (Happy 40th Anniversary)July 13 Elizabeth Donaldson (Sympathy – death of husband Gale; donation: Parkinsons Society)July 13 Lorne and Maureen Ricard (Thinking of you – death of uncle, Gale Donaldson)July 13 Don and Dianne DeBenedet (Thinking of you – death of uncle, Gale Donaldson)July 16 Dick and Jane Trivers (Celebrate granddaughter’s achievement: Canadian National

Team: diving)July 16 Iris McQuaker (Thinking of you – fell and broke her hip)Aug. 3 Azaela McQuaker (Happy Birthday, August 6, 91 years)Aug. 6 Brenda Ferriss-Hyatt (Welcome new member and pin)Aug. 6 Sharon Preston (Welcome new member and pin)Aug. 8 Shirley Russell (Sympathy – death of mother)Aug 12 Helen Crook (Thinking of you – upcoming treatments)Aug. 20 Luke and Josie Schill (Happy 50th Anniversary)Aug. 20 Laura Donaldson (Thinking of you – hospital)Aug. 24 Joan Allison (Celebrating son David’s induction into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall

of Fame)Aug. 24 Shirley Russell (Happy Birthday – Rainycrest resident)Aug. 30 Marj Macklem (Thank you – sent autobiography for newsletter)Sept. 3 Larry and Betty Fontana (Thinking of you – son’s health)Sept. 4 Barb Stevens (Thinking of you – temporary move)Sept. 6 Faith Adair (Thinking of You – home from hospital)Sept. 8 Dona Pollard (Welcome new member and pin)Sept. 10 Alana Rechlin (Welcome to RTO/ERO, District 1 Executive Board as Atikokan

representative)Sept. 20 Mel and Carroll McFayden (Sympathy, death of Mel’s mom)

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! Please contact me at 274-3136.

ATTENTION: I will be away for the winter. Thank you Betty Ann LaRocque and Jan Marshall fortaking Goodwill at these times . . .

November to December: Please contact Betty Ann LaRocque at 274-9593January to April: Please contact Jan Marshall at 274-2254

Carroll McFayden, 274-3136

CFL BULBS BREAKAGESAFETY CONCERN

CAUTION: If a bulb breaks or wears out . . . Compact fluorescent light bulbs are made of glass tubes filled with gas and mercury. Though the tiny amount of mercury is contained safely within the bulb, you should follow certain procedures if the bulb breaks or burns out. If a CFL bulb breaks: Shut off the heat or air conditioning in

the room, open the windows and leave the room for 15 minutes, allowing mercury vapors to dissipate.

If the bulb breaks on a smooth surface, scoop up the fragments with a stiff piece of paper or cardboard and place everything in a lidded glass jar or sealed plastic bag. If it breaks on carpeting, carefully pick up the fragments.

Use duct tape to pick up remaining fragments. Place the tape in the jar or sealed bag.

For smooth surfaces, wipe the areaclean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the jar or sealed bag.

For carpeting, vacuum until all fragments and powder are gone. Remove the vacuum bag and place it in a sealed plastic bag.

Immediately put all sealed plastic bags with cleanup materials in an outdoor trash can.

Wash hands thoroughly. The next time you vacuum the area, turn

off the heat or air-conditioning and open the windows before you start. Keep the heat and AC off and windows open for 15 minutes after vacuuming.

Arizona Republic, March, 2008

DISPOSAL OF CFL BULBSCall or email your community`s waste disposal or Public Works to inquire about CFL disposal.


RETIREMENT PLANNING WORKSHOPOctober 15, 2009

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 ConsiderationsSpecial counselling will be available if time

permits.

PLACE: New Beginnings Church(Across the highway from the turn-off toLa Place Rendez-Vous)Fort Frances, Ontario

TIME: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.FEE: $10.00 plus $6.00 for participant booklet.

A light lunch will be served as part of thefee.

Please keep October 15 on your calendar. There will be more information to come.

NOTICE Change of Location for Workshop: NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH(Across the highway from the turn-off to La Place Rendez-Vous)

For further information, please contact: Freeda Carmody ([email protected]) Joyce Meyers ([email protected]) Larry Brown ([email protected])

If you know of anyone within 5 years of retirement, please bring this workshop to their attention.

Rainy River, District 1 RTO/ERO Newsletter, October , 2009 of 12

NEWSLETTER BIOGRAPHYMARJORIE MACKLEM

I was born on a snowy morning, June 2, 1926, in the Griffith’s Nursing Home in Fort Frances. My wonderful parents Elsie and Fred Morrish christened me Marjorie Edna. I became their only child, loved and adored but spanked when necessary. I owe my happy childhood, values and pursuit of education to them. They were supportive in everything I did.

My early childhood years were spent in our home on Third Street East. As my parents’ relatives were all in England our loving Italian and French neighbours were very supportive.

My father worked as a machinist for Russell Brothers on Front Street. The company built new boats. Most of the men employed at Russell Brothers were from England, so Dad felt right at home among his kin. Many wonderful friendships were formed with these people.

I started school at age five along with my lifelong friend Margaret (Peggy) Williams who later married Jack Tierney. Peg had waited a year to start school so we could go together. Miss Penwarden was our teacher.

After Russell Brothers moved their plant to Owen Sound, Dad and some of his friends remained in the Fort. Dad was able to get a job at Kenora at Stone’s Boatworks so we headed to Kenora for a few years. We went by boat through Warroad to Kenora. I remember sitting on our trunk on the deck of the ship enjoying all the beautiful scenery.

My school memories in Kenora involve an incident with “my first bully.” However a lovely teacher, Miss Eastwood, soon straightened him out and I had a couple of happy years making new friends.

We lived in an upstairs apartment in a retired school teacher’s home. Mrs. Sherrington was her name and she and I would go off to Sunday School every Sunday morning. I think I was in Grade 3 at that time and was learning my multiplication tables. So I remember as we trudged along over a bridge to church she would have me reciting the multiplication tables. It was fun and I guess it really left an impression as I have always believeddrill is very necessary.

Returning from Kenora I again was happy to be reunited with my friend Peg and returned to Robert Moore School. Dad was employed as a machinist with the Pulp and Paper Mill and later became Safety Supervisor. Our roots were now planted in Fort Frances.

My school days were happy years in Robert Moore School with many wonderful teachers. I remember Miss Welsh, Margaret Stuart, Elsie Pope, Bob Steele, Margaret Miller, Keitha Hyde, Bessie Smythe, Margaret Cochlan – just to name a few. Many were on staff when I returned to teach there.

My parents had purchased a home at 281 First Street East the year I completed Grade 8. As our home was just across from Fort Frances High School I had no excuses to be late for school when I started Grade 9 in the fall.

I graduated from Grade 13 in June, 1939. I remember our speaker at Graduation exercises was Mr. Muir. He said, “Always set your goals high and strive to attain them.” These words always remained in my mind. Many of our graduating class followed this thought and became teachers, engineers, scientists, journalists and nurses, etc.

After graduation I decided to pursue teaching as my career goal—so I set out in September, 1943 to attend North Bay Normal School. Although the class was made up of only 51students, one being male, we had a wonderful year, making many new friendships.

In September, 1944, I began my teaching in a one-room school, Alberton #2, Crozier. I had a class of 25 wonderful students from Grades 1 to 8. Salary was $1100 a year. We had a wonderful Christmas Concert, thanks to many talented pupils. The Grade 8s successfully passed their Entrance exams—one student took the highest mark in Math for the district. I was elated with my first year of teaching.

When I look back, I was so glad I had taught my first year in a rural school. I felt I had gained so much insight into the curriculum of all grades and learned how to manage many groups of children effectively.

On September, 1945, I began my teaching career in Robert Moore School with a Grade 1 and


2 class. The class contained some remedial students. It was the most challenging year as you had to devise your own techniques for teaching these children. The only other help available was in an annual visit from a specialist in Special Education, a Dr. Streithers from Toronto. This year was exciting and rewarding.

I remained at Robert Moore School for seven years teaching Grades 1, 2 and 3. Teaching phonics and reading was my greatest passion so I enjoyed these grades immensely. During the first five years I also worked to achieve my Permanent Teaching Certificate as required.

On July 5, 1950, I started a new career-marriage. I was married to Rae Macklem, an ex-fighter pilot in World War 2. I remained teaching the first year of our marriage, as having purchased a home, it was financially beneficial for me to help in the payment of our new home. The price on our home was $8,500 which at that time was considered a high price for a bungalow.

So, according to plan, I sent in my resignation in May, 1951, to become a full-time wife. However, to our surprise and joy we found out I was pregnant with our first child.

In September, 1951, instead of my head being full of day plan ideas I was happily awaiting the arrival of our son, Larry, born on February 9, 1952. Teaching ideas were now replaced with thoughts of formulas, diapers, colic and reading from Dr. Spock’s book on parenting.

For the next few years I remained a stay-at-home mother with the birth of our daughter, Marilyn, September 28, 1956. My time now was spent in teaching my children and preparing Larry for Kindergarten.

Time marched on and as the children were older I began to work as a substitute teacher in Kindergarten and Grades 1 to 4. Later on I worked as Principal’s Relief for Henry Miller, Jan Marshall and Doug Judson.

When the children entered University I was offered a permanent half-day teaching job atAlexander McKenzie School with Doug Judson as Principal. My assignment was to teach music for Grades 1 to 4 and math and reading to Grades 1 and 2. The classes were on a Rotary system and it worked extremely well.

Many changes were being made in the Educational field at this time and it was wonderful to be a part of it.

I organized a music program for Grades 1 to 4 with the guidance of Mr. Vernon Christianson, our music consultant. With the co-operation of the staff and their expertise in drama and art we were able to produce many operettas. The children participated with real enthusiasm.

I worked in this capacity for eight years under Principal Judson, Mel McFayden and Nelson Rogoza. With all the changes and the music program I felt this was a very enjoyable time in my teaching career.

As my husband retired and the children had finished university I resigned in June, 1981. Larry had begun his career as a Computer Information Systems Analyst and Marilyn had started her career as a Home Economics teacher.

My sadness in leaving teaching was soon surpassed by my visits to the children and travelling with Rae. Later we were also blessed with wonderful grandchildren.

IN MEMORIAMGALE DONALDSON

Gale was born in Nokomis, Saskatchewan and his family moved back to Ontario when he was three years old. On December 22,1956, Gale and Elizabeth were married. Together they raised seven boys and one girl on the family farm in Burriss. As well as working for others, Gale enjoyed the activities of raising cattle and crops and gardening. He also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hunting. He took great pride in his family heritage and proud that descendants of the original Donaldson homesteaders from 1898 still remain on that farm in Burriss. Gale was always interested in his genealogy, local history, map reading, surveys and the geology of the area. The Executive Board and membership of District 1 RTO/ERO extend sincere sympathy to Elizabeth and family.

October, 2009 RAINY RIVER, DISTRICT 1 Issue 48 · PDF filewonderful autumn and ... Bob Barron...

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Transcript of October, 2009 RAINY RIVER, DISTRICT 1 Issue 48 · PDF filewonderful autumn and ... Bob Barron...