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. doyle@hotmail.com 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 mhutchi5@uwo.ca 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 info@hnhb.ccac-ont.ca.

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

(foundation@rto-ero.org) 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

chereen@cogeco.ca.