November, 2011 Newsletter ~ Issue 104

A Newsletter for the Members of RTO/ERO District 23, North York
Published March, August, November

Editor: Marisa Celenza

The deadline for materials for the next issue is February 8, 2012.

Click on most pictures to see larger version.
Colour versions may be available from the 'Photos' Link above.

Download August PDF Version Here ~ 4.5mb

Cover photos by: Mary Martin (Toronto Island) and Marisa Celenza (The BrickWorks)

Items on this page
Backpacks Again	Beyond the Further Horizon	Book Club
Bridge	Bulletin Board	Calendar of Events
Call for 2012 Proposals	Champagne Breakfast	Email Service
Executive List	From the Archives	Golf Tournament
Goodwill	Have-A-Java	Health Services & Insurance
Holiday Season Lunch	In Memoriam	Journal of a Solitude
Needlework and Craft	Neighbour Link	New Members
North York Strollers	NY Women’s Shelter	Presidents’ Report
Recruitment	Reruns	Service to Others
Theatre / Trips	Web Alert

Calendar of Events

Click to Download a PDF version

President’s Report
By Maureen Capotosto

When you receive this issue of STONY, we will be into the month of November. However, I am writing this note on Thanksgiving Monday. It seems to me that anyone in Ontario will remember this long weekend with its glorious weather and colour. Outside my window is a Maple that is stunning, covered in glorious red leaves.

In the coming months, the executive has many activities planned for our members. You can be as involved as you would like playing bridge, knitting for our Service to Others project, reading, strolling and joining friends for a coffee at Have-A-Java. You will find several upcoming entertainment opportunities advertised within STONY. Our conveners ensure that these events are always fun to attend. As well, we keep informed about issues and topics of interest to our members related to health, pension, retirement concerns and political advocacy issues. In addition, we reach out to our members through our Goodwill committee and involve ourselves in our Project: Service to Others, currently supporting the North York Women’s Shelter.

As an executive, we meet monthly and report on our area of responsibility. The meetings are informative and congenial. Some members of our executive have served for many years and others are brand new. In order for District 23 North York to continue to be as vibrant as it is, we need new people to get involved on the executive. You may have an interest you would like to bring to our district or you might like to take on an area that is vacant. Please consider joining us. Contact any member of the executive listed on the inside page for questions or further information. We do have vacancies. Come join us.

Get up! Get out! Get involved!

Happy New Year
The RTO/ERO North York District 23 executive wishes you and your families all the best for a joyful present and a well remembered past and an exciting New Year!

We hope that the coming year will bring you peace, good health, good cheer and much prosperity. We look forward to seeing you at our many events and sharing our stories.

RTO/ERO North York District 23 Executive

Download Executive Contact List Here

Backpacks Again

This is our third year for the Packing the Backpacks event. Three years ago, we were involved through our Project: Service to Others with The Teresa Group. The Teresa Group supports needy children and families with HIV/AIDS. Our initial project funded the contents of the backpacks that are distributed to the children as they start back to school. This year an enthusiastic group of members responded to an email request, meeting at The Teresa Group office in late August. Everyone pitched in to organize the supplies and then we packed the backpacks in record time. It was a fun, energetic activity for all. We left the room with empty boxes and filled backpacks. Simone Shindler, program director and Constance Nobes, volunteer coordinator expressed their appreciation for our help with what would be an onerous task for their small staff.

Constance gave us an overview of upcoming events being held by The Teresa Group in support of their work. Some of our members might be interested in the Bingo Palooza, which will be a new fund-raising event for The Teresa Group. It will be held on Thursday April 19, 2012 at the Capitol Event Theatre, in the Yonge and Eglinton area from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Contact Constance Nobes at 416.596.7703 or volunteer.support@on.aibn.com for further information.

New Members
By Jean Wilson, Membership

The executive welcomes all new members who have joined RTO/ERO District 23, which as of August 31, 2011 has 2401 members. The following information is taken from RTO/ERO, Provincial Office’s updates from May 2011 to October 2011. I apologize for any errors or omissions.

In Memoriam
By Jean Wilson, Membership

We regret to inform you that some of our members have passed away. Our condolences go to family and friends. We hope they find comfort in fond memories of days gone by. The following information was taken from RTO/ERO, provincial office’s monthly updates from May 2011 to October 2011. I apologize for any errors or omissions.

2011 Champagne Breakfast
By Mildred Frank, Convener

The Champagne Breakfast sponsored by District 23, held at Spirale on September 14, was a great success. At this annual event, we welcome new retirees and members new to the district. It is an opportunity for them to get to know us, learn about our activities and the benefits of belonging.

Flowers, posters and a display of knitted goods created an inviting atmosphere. Maureen Capotosto, president of RTO/ERO North York District 23, welcomed everyone and introduced the guests. Margaret Lato, second vice-president offered the grace. Sandra Motta set the tone for the morning with a charming toast to the new retirees. Maureen then invited the various convenors to speak briefly about the activities they offer.

Charlene Catchpole and Lorraine Johnson from the North York Women’s Shelter were present. They accepted gift certificates for the purchase of items on their wish list from Margaret Schuman on behalf of the Needlework and Craft Group. Once again prizes were available for raffle: gift certificates from Chapters, the LCBO, Timothy’s, Tim Horton’s, as well as one free admission to the Holiday Season Luncheon and one to the Spring Luncheon, and several pots of flowers. The winners are pictured below. Enjoy your selections! The raffle of knitted items continues to be very popular. Thank you to the Needlework and Craft Group. Sandra Whittall won the small afghan, Gwen Scriven the turquoise scarf, Jean King the child’s sweater, Janice Rickerby the purple afghan and Barb Higgs the navy cowl. Congratulations!

Mary Valtellini, first vice president, bade us good-bye, reminding us of the Nordic Pole Speaker’s Series event to which we are all invited on November 9, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Grand Luxe on Bayview, just south of Finch. Enjoy the photos taken by Dianne Fair, Jean Wilson and Marisa Celenza on the opposite page of our members and prospective members.

Prize Winners l to r: Jan Siegel, Mildred Frank, Liz Gibson, Mary Tersigni, Nunzio Italiano, Gwen Scriven, Jane Western, Bruce Manning, Francine Green, Michael Astill, Zarina Velsi, Florence Guttman, June Southgate, Beverley Goldbach, Mary Ellen Lawless, Mary Cairo

Raffle Prize Winners l to r: Barbara Higgs Gwen Scriven, Jean King, Janice Rickerby, Sandra Whittall

Andrée Nottage and Mildred Frank

Joan Smith and Jean King

Web Alert
By Dianne Fair, Webmaster

Check Us Out!!

Info is simply a click away at www.rtoerotorontodistricts.org. Select North York District 23 to view: Activities Classifieds Executive Newsletter Photos / Amateur Bulletin Board Travel

What’s New on the District 23 Homepage
The current online slideshow features the The Champagne Breakfast held at Spirale Banquet and Convention Centre on September 14, 2011. Click on Photos to view these photos individually or to download photos. Simply right click on the photo and select - Save picture as.

Photos
New photos of the Breakfast and Golf Tournament can also be accessed by clicking on the word Photos at the top of the homepage. NEW... See a pic on the website and wish you had a copy?

It is now possible for you to receive a printable JPG photo by following the steps below. (These instructions also appear below the pictures on the website)
1. Locate the required photo on the grid: e.g. F4.
2. Email the grid data to Dianne at diannefair@rogers.com.
3. Files are 2mb to 5mb in size so make sure that your email is capable of delivery.

Calling all Writers
We are still looking for writers who wish to have their work posted on the website.

Attention Amateur Photographers
We are still looking for District 23 members to share their photos on our website. You can contribute up to ten photos per month.

STONY Online
To date 159 members have opted to receive their STONY BRIDGES online. You can get yours online too. If you want to receive STONY BRIDGES online, starting with the March 2012 issue, February 15, 2012 is the cut-off date for making this request. Send the following information to Dianne: I would like to receive my copy of STONY BRIDGES beginning with the March 2012 edition online. Provide your name, address, postal code, telephone number and email address. Every issue of STONY BRIDGES is posted to the website. Use this version to print out registration forms for our many events, if you do not want to rip pages from your copy of STONY!

Send an email to diannefair@rogers.com if you would like to contribute to the website.

Retired Teachers Volunteer with NeighbourLink North York
By Myrna Frost

What is NeighbourLink?
NeighbourLink is a network of churches in the North York area that provide volunteers who help seniors and people in need. NeighbourLink began as the dream of five churches in 1995. These churches were concerned with the growing number of people, seniors in particular, who were living in isolation and poverty. These people have limited funds for taxi fare to take them to medical appointments or to go shopping or to food banks. Many just need a friendly visitor to spend time with them. Originally, NeighbourLink was an arm of World Vision, whose focus is the well-being of children. As of three years ago, NeighbourLinks throughout Canada operate independently. With the exception of the director, which is a salaried position NeighbourLink operates entirely with volunteers.

How does NeighbourLink work?
We have an office in one of the churches where the director and office volunteers work. The office is open Tuesday and Friday mornings and Wednesday afternoon. The office volunteers respond to calls from clients asking for help and people calling for information about our services. The office staff then forwards the request to one of the NeighbourLink co-ordinators in one of the NeighbourLink churches who endeavours to find a volunteer to meet that particular need.

What are some of the most needed services?
Drivers are needed to take people to medical appointments. Many of the people we serve are elderly or disabled which prevents them from taking the TTC. Some are blind and need someone to guide them once they reach the building where the appointment is. We have many requests for shopping, either to take someone shopping or to do the shopping and deliver the groceries. The CCAC and other agencies refer people to us, who are lonely and would benefit from having someone visit them. There is a variety of other services that we try to provide: occasional home repairs; respite care; filling out income tax returns; helping with packing and moving. We also assist people by referring them to other agencies that offer specific services. NeighbourLink also runs a Personal Care Center where personal items such as toothpaste, shampoo and diapers are collected from churches to give to people who cannot afford these items on a limited budget. At Christmas, hampers are provided for families in need.

NeighbourLink services are desperately needed and appreciated because they supply services that people cannot access elsewhere. To be a volunteer all you need is a bit of extra time, a caring heart and a police check. Volunteers are the heart of NeighbourLink as we strive to meet the needs of the poor and disadvantaged in our North York Community.

Three Retired Teachers who have made a difference
Joanne Laing has faithfully taken a woman shopping every week for the past year. Ruth Haizell has been responsible for our Personal Care Center for several years. Since retiring in 1997, Myrna Frost has served as a co-ordinator of volunteer services and as a board member. If you know of anyone who could use the services of NeighbourLink please ask them to call our office at 416-221-8283. We love to help !!!

Email Service
By Michael Sheffe

Occasionally RTO/ERO North York District 23 executive members have items of interest to share with the members. These may arise between published issues of STONY BRIDGES. We have an email fan-out service, which we use to inform our members of such events. This is an efficient, expeditious and economical way to deliver important information to our members. To date, we have 676 members on the fan-out list. If you would like to be included, please email your name and email address to: msheffe@rogers.com. For the subject line use, 'Add me to the District 23 email list.' If your email address changes, please inform Michael. Your information is kept confidential. We do not distribute or sell it to anyone else. Please note that when you receive an email from this service, it does not show your email address, nor anyone else’s email address.

Bridge Report
By Alan Ward, Convener

We have met on only four occasions since the last article was published in July, so no lists of table champs or slam bidders will be included in this issue. As always, I extend particular thanks to Lee White, who has organized setting up the room and refreshments and to David Fleming, Mel York and Joyce Arnsby for their regular support and assistance.

Game or Slam: using Splinter bids
Most of us are familiar with the Blackwood convention whereby after reaching agreement on a suit, a bid of 4NT asks for an ace count. Blackwood should not be used where the initiator has a void, since the ace of the void suit in partner’s hand will represent a wasted value. When the partnership has two aces and a void in a third suit, a slam is still possible, but harder to find. This may happen when partner opens and responder has 13-15 HCP: with as few as 27- 28 points between the two hands, a slam is unlikely unless a void in one hand can prevent the opponents from taking tricks in that suit. (Opener should also avoid using Blackwood with a hand containing a suit lacking ace or king and with two or more low cards, since the opponents may be able to cash two or more quick tricks should partner’s hand also lack stoppers in that same suit).

Where the partnership should be in game but a slam possibility exists, Splinters allow the waters to be tested without getting too high in the bidding. Since most 1H or 1S openings represent 13-14 HCP rather than 18-19, responders with 13-15 points could simply sign off at 4H or 4S with four cards in partner’s suit. Some slams will be missed by doing this.

If the opening bid is 1S, a response of 2C, 2D or 2H implies 10-11 points, whereas 3C, 3D or 3H implies 17-19. Using Splinters, a bid of 4C, 4D or 4H promises 4 trump (spades), opening points and a singleton or void in the club, diamond or heart suit. These double jump bids are not needed for anything else.

If Opener has an 18-19 point hand, Opener may also use a Splinter bid, in a sequence such as 1S 2D 4C (This is not asking for aces: the Gerber convention should only be used after a no-trump opening). Opener must be more cautious than responder, since responder’s point count is not yet fully established. If you have AK in partner’s Splinter suit, there will be some wasted values and it will be wise to sign off in game.

Consider the following two hands.

After a 1S opening, responder may bid 3S to show 10-12 points and 4+ trump. Opener cannot use Blackwood safely and will sign off in game. A bid of 4C by responder shows 13-15 points (with distribution) and a singleton or void in clubs. Opener can now safely use Blackwood, knowing that the partnership can sign off at 5S if responder lacks the ace of spades.

Missing a biddable and makeable slam is always sad: if you are playing Duplicate, it is positively tragic! Try adding Splinter Bids to your armoury before our next duplicate session.

The Bridge Club will continue to meet at Willowdale United Church on Kenneth Avenue at Church St (south of Finch, two blocks east of Yonge) every Tuesday, with the exception of December 6, when the room is unavailable. New members are warmly welcomed: please arrive by 12.45 p.m. since competitive play begins at 1 p.m. For further information, contact Alan Ward at 905-889- 3687 or at alanward@interlog.com.

Bulletin Board

1. Opportunity to help run
   North York District 23
   Come join our executive as our Service to Others Project convener. As convener you will manage the current project underway for this year, maintaining contact with the North York Women’s Shelter, informing and reporting on the progress of the project at appropriate times. The convener will coordinate the activities related to the project and report to the provincial office at the appropriate time. In addition, the convener will solicit proposals for our next project application and manage the selection process and the application for the provincial grant. The Service to Others convener works closely with the executive who support the current project as well.

2. RTO/ERO Provincial Executive
   Recently at the Fall Senate the following members were elected to serve as your provincial Executive:
   President Jim Sparrow
   Past president Joan Murphy
   First Vice- President Leo Normandeau
   Second Vice-President Norbert Boudreau
   Executive Members: Margaret Clarke, June Szeman

Recruitment
By Margaret Schuman, Convener

The ongoing recruitment of new members is the life-blood of any organization. Currently RTO/ERO, provincially and locally, is trying to get out the message that anyone who has worked in any aspect of education is now eligible, in retirement, for membership and thus for the many benefits this organization has to offer: from social gatherings to theatre outings, from a range of information pamphlets on need-to-know issues around wills, taxes etc. to excellent health, long-term care, house and car insurance, from in-service sessions on retirement planning to newsletters designed to help retirees keep current and involved. Membership in RTO/ERO offers outstanding bang for the buck.

Personal, one-to-one communication continues to be the best way to reach potential members. Thus, if each member who receives and reads this article would invite one eligible person to join North York District 23 of RTO/ERO, our membership would increase exponentially and each of us would be comforted to know that many others are enjoying the benefits of membership.

Going forward, I plan to expand the recruitment role into a committee with specific tasks. If you are interested in this committee you are invited to contact me directly at med.lawless@symaptico.ca. I look forward to answering any questions you may have with a view to making RTO/ ERONorth York District 23 ever more meaningful to all members.

The four Toronto Districts of RTO/ERO will continue to offer three 3-hour Retirement Planning Workshops in 2012. The first one is scheduled for Thursday, January 19 at Q-ssis in the evening; the second one for Saturday, March 31 at “The 519” Church St. in the morning; and the final one will be in the west end of the city in October 2012. Potential retirees are asked to watch the staffroom bulletin boards for registration details.

Report on 2011-12 Project: Service to Others
By Maureen Capotosto, President

The North York Women’s Shelter has been a place of support and hope for women and their children since 1984; it is an important institution in our area and for RTO/ERO District 23, North York.

While services for mothers are numerous and varied, there is an identified need for more services for their children, many of whom have witnessed violence, experienced abuse and enter the shelter with severe emotional and psychological damage.

Art Therapy is a proven program with positive results. RTO/ERO District 23, North York supported the North York Women’s Shelter by providing funds to set up an Art Therapy program for children resident in the centre. This project began in the summer of 2011 and will continue for one year, or until the funds are exhausted. The Shelter hopes that funding will become available from another source so that this year will be the inaugural year for a continuing program.

Supporting the Children
Witnessing violence in the home or experiencing abuse has severe emotional and psychological effects on children; they can develop low self-esteem and poor self-concept. Therapeutic programs, such as Art therapy promote self-expression, self-awareness and the ability to communicate. It is reported that there can be a dramatic improvement in a child’s mood, behaviour and performance, which has been evident both within shelters when they have such a program and in the child’s school. Supporting the Art Therapy program is an investment at a time when it will have the greatest impact in the future of these children.

Exposure to violence not only distorts children’s thoughts, but also forces them into a position of having to “hide the family secret.” This prevents children from having real relationships and has lifelong effects. Since our ability to form healthy social relationships is learned, abused children are deprived of many skills necessary to navigate the social world. It is often the case that when children arrive at the shelter they have already lost their curiosity and wonder of the world. They are withdrawn and do not wish to try new things or exercise their mind. With a provincial grant, donations and fundraising events, RTO/ERO North York District 23 supports the Art Therapy Program and the North York Women’s Shelter. Thus such a child will have the opportunity to achieve his or her intellectual funding a therapeutic program for children who have had exposure to domestic violence demonstrates that teachers continue to serve.

Hope Lives Here
Creating for the North York Women’s Shelter
Our members may give donations “in kind” at all of our events, the Champagne Breakfast, the Holiday Season Luncheon and our monthly Have-A-Java get-togethers. The Needlework and Craft group are committed to supporting the children at the North York Women’s Shelter. They provide monthly knitting sessions and instruction to new knitters. They also encourage the involvement of members who are restricted in getting out by providing yarn and needles so that they can be involved in the project. Knitted items are created for donation or to be used in fundraising.

The North York Women’s Shelter (NYWS) would like to express its sincerest gratitude for the generosity shown throughout this year by the members of RTO/ERO North York District 23. The funds donated ensure that the art therapy program for our children continues. Art therapy is an integral part of the healing process for the children. We also wish to express our thanks for the beautiful hand-crafted items, the retail gift cards and the TTC tokens.

NYWS wishes all the members and their loved ones a happy holiday season and prosperous new year.

Residents, Staff and Board of Directors, North York Women’s Shelter
Myrna Frost & Nancy Thomson (RTO/ERO crafters) Charlene Catchpole & Lorraine Johnson (NYWS)

Call for 2012 Project Service to Others Proposals

Members are invited to submit the name of an organization or possible projects that we might develop into a District 23 initiative for the 2012 Project: Service To Others. We apply to the Provincial RTO/ERO program for a grant to support our project. ؀e intent is to contribute to a community project and thereby raise the proԀle of the RTO/ERO by demonstrating to active teachers and to the public that retired teachers care about their communities and about public education, and are willing to help others who need assistance. In selecting a project, we are looking for one that facilitates member participation in the initiative.

Please submit information and suggestions to Maureen Capotosto at mpcapotosto@sympatico.ca or call 905-883-1496 by January 15, 2012. Please include your contact information along with any connection you might have with the organization you are recommending. Recommendations are reviewed and the executive will select one proposal. We then create an application to be forwarded to the Provincial RTO/ERO for approval and support.

Golf Tournament a winner!
By Helen Wiber, Golf Convener

Without our many volunteers and prize donors, the day would not have been such a success. Johnson inc, Teachers’ Life and golf Town donated prizes for our award-winning teams. executive members donated other items that were added to the prize table. A special thanks to the Knitting Club, which contributed a wonderful afghan that was very quickly selected.

Gathering prizes for 80 golfers is a huge task, which Darlene McCowan has undertaken for all eight years of the tournament, with a little help from Dianne Fair and other executive members. running the Putting Contest and taking pictures were Andrée Nottage and Dianne Fair. A big thank you to Marilyn Johnson for handling the registration and setting up the teams each year since the beginning tournament.

We appreciate the assistance of George Meek, David Fleming and the others who helped with the setup, announcements and awarding prizes. A special thanks to our hosts at Cardinal golf Club. ?e evaluation forms showed that the majority of golfers preferred to remain at that Club.

Congratulations to our award winners:

Low score male team: Dave Stewart, Ray Murphy, Paul Daniel and Michael Attwood
Low score female team: Lynda Ublansky, Mary Ellen Anglin, Lorraine Tseretopoulos
Low score mixed team: Verna & Winston Hamilton, Sat Taniguchi, Brad Gajria
Closest ball to the pin: Marilyn Ore and Paul Daniel

If you have suggestions for next year’s tournament, contact Helen Wiber at wibermccowan@rogers.com. 

Circle this date for the 9th Annual Golf Tournament:
Thursday, September 20, 2012

Goodwill Report
By Gwen Bumbury

The Goodwill committee continues to reach out to our members that are ill, have lost a loved one or are celebrating a milestone birthday. If you know a member that should receive a card or a call, see below for contact information.

For Cards:
Call: Birthday over 80 ~ Judy Neilson / 416.256.2731
       Birthday for Associate Members ~ Nancy Thomson / 416.493.3476
       Bereavement ~ Xenia Cooper / 905.881.5481
       Keeping in Touch & Get Well ~ Joan Smith / 416.449.4422
       90 & over, Sick, Shut-in etc. ~ Gwen Bumbury / 416.491.1213

Needlework & Craft Group
By Margaret Schuman, Convener

Members of the Needlework and Craft Group, friends and members of District 23 continue to create and support our Goodwill project – The North York Women’s Shelter. Joanne Laing, a member of the Needlework and Craft Group forwarded the following to me.

A labourer is one who makes something with his hands. A craftsman is one who makes something with his hands and mind. An artist is one who makes something with his hands, mind and heart.

The labours of love created by members have demonstrated that there are many accomplished artists in District 23. Their creations have been very well received at the shelter. In addition, their unique artistic creations, for the draws at the Champagne Breakfast, proved to be very enticing. We raised $280.00 to buy items on the wish list of The North York Women’s Shelter. Thank you to all who supported the draws. You have truly helped RTO/ERO District 23 make a difference to the lives of the women and children who are supported by The North York Women’s Shelter.

The Needlework and Craft Group invites you to join us in supporting The North York Women’s Shelter. The women and children who arrive at the shelter have many needs as they usually bring very little with them. So our group has and will again create items for these very special women and children. Just about anything you can think of will be welcomed and treasured – hats, mitts, shawls, baby clothes, sweaters, baby blankets, afghans and the list goes on and on. So we invite you to make something special -something you would like or your children or grandchildren would like. The items can be knit, crotched, sewn, quilted, woven or whatever.

We do have some yarns available and are looking for creative hands to work magic with them. Feel free to contact us with your ideas/proposals. The Needlework Group will continue to meet at the Mitchell Field Community Centre on:
• Thursday January 19, 2012
• Thursday February 16, 2012
• Thursday March 22, 2012
• Thursday April 19, 2012
• Thursday May 17, 2012

We meet from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Please join us. We welcome “crafters” of all levels of experience and expertise. We would be delighted to help you brush up your knitting, crocheting and sewing skills or introduce you to these skills.

For more information contact:

Joan Bourne jbourne@sympatico.ca
Margaret Schuman m.p.schuman@sympatico.ca
Nancy Thomson nathomson@sympatico.ca

l to r: Nancy Thomson, Myrna Frost, Joan Bourne, Margaret Schuman

Book Club

The Book Club meets on the last Wednesday of each month at the Edithvale Community Centre
7 Edithvale Dr. North York (west of Yonge on the south side of Finch) from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Books to be discussed:

November 30, 2011 1491 New Revelations of the Americas before Columbus by Charles C. Mann

January 25, 2012 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

February 29, 2012 Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

March, 28, 2012 I Curse the River of Time by Per Petterson

April, 25, 2012 The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis

May, 30, 2012 Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik

Contact:

• Irene Kitchell 416.733.8711

• Mary Ellen Lawless 416.223.4969

Book Club Report
By Mary Ellen Lawless, Assistant Book Club Convener

The District 23 Book Club continues to meet at 2:00 p.m. on the last Wednesday of most months at the Edithvale Community Centre on Finch Ave., just west of Yonge St. While the books chosen for each month are listed in each edition of STONY, occasionally the plan needs to be changed as happened on Wednesday, October 26th when one of the regular members of the group was given the opportunity to have a published author attend the meeting. What a rich experience that was! Keith Ross Leckie, author of the novel Coppermine shared with the group some background to this excellent read, some of the challenges of writing and getting a book published and some of the background stories for future novels about little known Canadian characters few of us have heard about.

Keith’s background is extensive, from documentary series for CBC and movie scripts, teaching writing courses at York, traversing the northern parts of Canada, especially by canoe, and the detailed research of actual historical events on which he bases his novels. Keith told us he is particularly interested in little-known historical events in Canada which he can weave into gripping historical fiction. Such is the book Coppermine: a must-read based on the actual murder of two Oblate priests who were sent to the Coppermine area of the far Arctic in 1911. The role of the Northwest Mounted Police in locating the perpetrators of the crime and the subsequent trials of the two Inuit in Edmonton are all woven into a story with several unusual twists, including fascinating factual information about the culture and practices of the native Copper tribe. The book has just been released in paperback and would make an excellent gift. All of us present are looking forward to the movie version of this compelling story.

North York Strollers

Join us for a walk on the first Thursday of every month regardless of the weather. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to enjoy friendship and the beauty of nature and our city. Meeting places are listed for each walk.

Walks begin at 10:00 a.m.

New walkers are always welcome!

Dec. 1, 2011 City Hall & Environs
Led by Joanne Famiglietti & Margaret Schuman
Meet at Osgoode Subway Station

February 2, 2012 A Nostalgic Walk
Led by Joanne Famiglietti & Margaret Schuman
Meet at Union Station – indoors by the clock

March 1, 2012 PATH
Led by Sue Harkness & JoAnn Slack
Meet at Union Station – indoors by the clock

April 5, 2012 Little India
Led by Joanne Famiglietti & Margaret Schuman
Meet at Coxwell Subway Station

May 3, 2012 Sugar Beach & Museum
Led by Joanne Famiglietti & Margaret Schuman
Meet at Union Station – indoors by the clock

June 7, 2012 Centre Island
Led by Joanne Famiglietti & Margaret Schuman
Meet at Ferry Docks at 9:45 am. SHARP!

Photos by Mary Martin (Island) & Marisa Celenza (The BrickWorks)

For more information and/or directions please call Joanne Famiglietti 416.483.4968 or Margaret Schuman at 416.924.0267. If you let us know that you are definitely coming we will delay the start of the walk if you are a little late.

Have-a-java on District 23

Coffee & treat / $4.00 subsidy per person
Timothy’s in Bayview Village
10:00 a.m.

Join us at 9:00 a.m. for a walk in the mall. Once around is about 1 km

Wednesdays:

• November 16, 2011
• January 18, 2012
• February 15, 2012
• March 14, 2012
• April 18, 2012
• May 16, 2012

Special Event
Members are asked to invite former colleagues and friends to the March event in order to get to know about RTO/ERO North York District 23 and enjoy a Have-Java on us.

For further information contact: Margaret Schuman: m.p.schuman@sympatico.ca

From Our Members

Journal of a Solitude ( a Meditation ) Forever flowing great river At the centre In the peace In the silence, the solitude Of our lives. Here we walk free To touch all our secret Hopes and dreams, Our most sacred of moments. A soul full Far beyond religion, Beyond the farthest stars, Deeper than The greatest of great chasms, Windfall and rainfall, The soft dew on softest grasses, Purest of song, Happiest of memory Where we fly free, unencumbered Above bitterest cold and storm, Shadow, loss, and death. Lead us Deep within the deepest Far beyond a world Of cruelty, mistrust, And bloodied war. A place of grace and beauty Happy memory And strongest love, A place of peace Far far away From nightmare, The cruel storms of fate And circumstance. Uplifted free spinning Forested land of dreams Green shining leaf and bough, Storm swept cathedral, Home of the free flying wind Darkened shores and lifting shadow, Waves dashed in silver and cobalt The overwhelming, The dark moan high up Of leaf and branch hidden Deep within a calling sky. Oh land of searching wilderness And lucent dreams Land of hope, happy memory Purest of places, The wild, the free, Conqueror of time and loss. Let us hold again The lost moments Of a long lifetime Confide secrets of the wounded, Assuage the pain Of too many things too long unsaid, undone. Hold each other against the raging storm The dark memories of the too often, The half lived hours and days. The forest is wild and deep The long hard path strewn in thorn And bramble, But high above The cry of soaring hawk, the eagle, The song of a resting dove. Far far from the slavery Of malign history, To roam wide and free Overcome by the beauty Of the still moment In a deepening silence. To walk along rocky stream bed Under the cool spray Of a full pouring waterfall Refreshed Baptism of solitude And the peace, the joy Purest meditation. Here to fly free In a world unencumbered Without time, care, loss, or longing. Bev Gorbet, August 2011

Reruns My big sister Protector, confidante Mother, scolder Betrayer, controller. Submission of autonomy The toll for acceptance. Refuse to forfeit? Access denied ! Marking your dying (with grief and relief), I shudder as your son Drapes control in gentle tones To mask his iron stakes. Your daughter’s worrying warnings Ricochet within the car interior. Here the legacy. Patterns of control. Reruns. Joyce Arnsby, January 2, 1997 Photos by Marisa Celenza

Health Services and Insurance Report
By George Meek, Convener

Health Plan Matters

Note: You can access this information on the RTO/ERO Members Centre (www.rto-ero.org) in a tabloid format entitled Health Matters produced by the RTO/ERO Health Services and Insurance Committee following each of its meetings under Senate Committees. Much of this information comes from 2010 October/November edition. If you require assistance or more information after contacting Johnson Inc. about a claim matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at 416-226-3568 or at george.meek@sympatico.ca.

Purchasing Assistive Devices Equipment: Members are reminded to contact Johnson Inc. if anticipating purchasing assistive devices equipment to see if it qualifies for reimbursement under the Extended Health Care Plan. As an RTO/ERO member residing in Ontario, you have two main sources of coverage: the RTO/ERO Extended Health Care Plan and the Ontario government’s Assistive Devices Program. For more information, call 1-800-268-6021 or 416-327-8804 if in the Toronto area; or TTY 1-800-387-5559. You can also search on the government website at www.health.gov.on.ca.

Health Emergency While Travelling Outside Ontario, in Canada and Outside Canada:
You MUST contact Mondial Assistance within 48 hours of the emergency or payments will be limited to $2,000 per insured person. Their contact information is listed on the back page of the RTO/ERO Out-of-Province /Canada Travel Booklet and on the reverse of your blue and white RTO/ERO Health Card (both of which you are to take with you along with your OHIP Card).

Independent Review of the RTO/ERO Extended Health Plans: The Health Services and Insurance Committee (HS&IC) contracted the services of Coughlin Employee Benefits Specialists to conduct a review of the plan design for the Extended Health Plans. The report was presented at the April committee meeting and during the June committee meeting, the committee reviewed the recommendations presented by the Coughlin representatives.

We can report at this time that the Independent Consultants rated the RTO/ERO plan as equal to or superior when looking at the components of the coverage to the other plans in most areas. Furthermore, when the reviewer assessed the overall coverage offered by all the assessed plans, the RTO/ERO plan was found to be superior to plans offered to the elementary and secondary employees and support staff, including our closest competitor.

The reviewer noted that the RTO/ERO plan design evolved over the years with input from various sources, which included the RTO/ERO membership. The RTO/ERO plan is more grounded to its membership’s needs and feedback. This provides a distinct advantage and is an important value-added component compared to most of the other comparators used by the reviewer. The structure of the comparative plans tends to be more top down and slower to react to market pressures. There are very few retiree plans on the market other than that of our closest competitor; therefore the reviewer considered only the highest level guaranteed acceptance, (no need for medical underwriting, if applied for in the required timeline) plan designs for Ontario residents. Most of the compatible plans are offered on an individual basis, versus the group basis under which the RTO/ERO plan is established. To be able to assess each plan against a level playing field, the reviewer considered all main benefit lines (Semi-Private Hospital, Extended Health Care, including Out-of-Province/Canada travel, and Dental Care), with the premium payment requirements for a couple, each aged 71, which is the average age of the RTO/ERO membership.

While the reviewer felt that the members are getting good value for their benefits dollar, a few recommendations were offered by the reviewer and the HS&IC will be looking at each of the 20 recommendations in detail in the near future.

We also requested that the Coughlin team compare the RTO/ ERO plan to the benefits available through the Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) retiree programmes, of which there are three levels. The core advantage to the RTO/ ERO over the CAAT is the travel insurance coverage offered. The HS&IC are extremely pleased with the findings of the reviewer. We continue to lead the way for voluntary retiree insurance plans.

General Comments from the Chair of HS & IC, Daisie Gregory:

• A very successful and informative RTO/ERO Health Services Seminar involving District Health Representatives was held June 12-13, 2011 (George Meek and Maureen Capotosto attended on behalf of District 23). Major presentations were made on diabetes and by Johnson Inc., and the agenda included a wellness marketplace. Many positive comments followed the workshop. For your information, a copy the current Health Matters will be included with the Fall issue of Renaissance

• Semi Private Hospital and Dental plans continue to show a surplus after four months of experience in 2011 whereas the Extended Health continues to show a deficit as of April 30, 2011.

• We are continuing to see an increase in single and couple plan participants in the Extended Health Plans. The family participation rate is showing a slight decrease as dependent children either finish their schooling or reach the age of 30 and are no longer eligible for coverage under the RTO/ ERO Insurance Plans.

The Semi-Private Hospital Plan is More than Hospital Coverage (Johnson Inc.)
The RTO/ERO Semi-Private Hospital Plan covers more than just hospital accommodation; it also covers convalescent care at home. Convalescent home care can be provided to you in your home, mainly for the purpose of assistance with activities of daily living, such as toileting, eating, bathing, dressing and transferring positions. Benefits are eligible upon discharge from an acute, active hospital stay of a minimum 24-hour period. Reimbursement is 80% to a maximum of $75 per day, for a maximum of 30 days. Below are some details pertaining to the convalescent home care benefit:

• The 30 days of care do not have to be consecutive.

• Approved benefits begin on the discharge date, and care must be rendered within 90 days of discharge.

• Convalescent home care must be rendered by an individual working under the supervision of a licensed home care agency or home health care agency.

• The person rendering the service must not ordinarily reside with the patient or in the home of an extended family member and cannot be related by blood or marriage.

• Convalescent home care must be provided in a private residence, which is not necessarily always the patient’s permanent residence. Care may take place in the home of a friend, family member, neighbour, etc.

• Accommodation charges in a rest home, nursing home, convalescent home and chronic care facility are excluded from the convalescent care benefit.

• There is a separate convalescent care benefit for care required post non-elective day surgery, where approved care is paid at 80% to a $75 daily maximum for a limit of three days only. A doctor’s note with diagnosis and recommendation for said care is all that is required in this situation.

It is important to note that written authorization of a physician and advance completion of a Johnson Inc. authorization form are required to ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements for the convalescent home care benefit.

For more information, please refer to the Semi-Private Hospital Plan section in your RTO/ERO Insurance Plans Booklet. Alternatively, you can contact the Johnson Inc. Plan Benefits Claims department at 905-764-4888 or 1-800-638-4753.

Proof of Medical Insurance for Eastern European Travel
Canadians travelling to Europe are urged to carry proof of supplemental health insurance as various governments now require visitors to have adequate medical coverage while in their respective countries. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), it is essential to obtain supplementary travel insurance (health, life, disability, driving, vehicle and trip cancellation) before leaving Canada. Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) states that, in addition to Cuba, which last year announced it would require visitors to show proof of medical insurance when entering the country, more nations, particularly in Europe, are also requiring such proof.

The DFAIT website lists Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine as specifically requiring Canadian citizens to be prepared to show proof of medical coverage while visiting. It notes further that in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Estonia, the minimum medical coverage required is 30,000 Euros (approximately $42,500 Canadian). Lithuania stipulates that health insurance is mandatory for all non-European Union citizens and visitors unable to demonstrate sufficient proof of medical coverage must purchase short term insurance at the border. Similarly, DFAIT notes that the government of the Ukraine requires all visitors to obtain mandatory health insurance from a state-supported company at their point of entry. The small amounts provinces pay for out-of-country health services would not meet these coverage requirements, although supplemental, private travel insurance plans available in Canada cover, at minimum, $1 million of medical emergency and repatriation expenses.

All Canadians travelling abroad are advised to check the DFAIT website at www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menueng.asp and click on the countries they are planning to visit to determine their medical insurance requirements, if any. They will be found in the Entry Exit Requirements section.

Source: The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada, May 2011

Mondial Assistance Information:
• Address: P.O. Box 277; Waterloo ON N2J 4A4
• 1-800-249-6556 from Canada and the U.S.
• 00-1-800-514-3702 toll free from Mexico
• 1-888-751-4403 toll free from Dominican Republic
• 1-800-9221-9221 toll free from other countries that participate in Universal International Toll Free program (Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom)
• 1-519-742-6683 collect from anywhere else and 1-519- 742-8553 fax
• webpage: www.mondial-assistance.ca

Diabetes- Health Highlight:
More than three million Canadians (one million in Ontario) have diabetes.

There are three main types:

• Approximately 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes, which is usually diagnosed in children and teens. Type 1 occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, a hormone that controls the amount of glucose in the blood.
• The remaining 90% have Type 2 diabetes. This type is usually diagnosed in adults, although it is also seen in an increasing number of children in high-risk populations. Type 2 occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin that it produces.
• A third type, gestational diabetes, is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

• Blurred vision
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
• Dry and itchy skin
• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
• Frequent or recurring infections
• Frequent urination
• Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
• Trouble getting or maintaining an erection
• Unusual thirst
• Weight change without trying (gain or loss)

Many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms at all, so it is important to be tested regularly, especially if you have one of the risk factors noted below.

What are the risk factors?
If you are age 40 or older, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes and should be tested at least every three years. If any of the following additional risks factors apply to you, you should be tested earlier and/or more often:

• are a member of a high-risk ethnic group (Aboriginal, African, Asian, Hispanic or South Asian descent);
• diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, acanthosis nigricans (darkened patches of skin) or schizophrenia;
• have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes;
• given birth to a baby that weighed more than 4 kg (9 lb);
• had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy);
• have health complications that are associated with diabetes;
• have high blood pressure;
• have high cholesterol or other fats in the blood;
• impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose; and/or
• are overweight (especially if you carry most of your weight around your middle).

Can you prevent diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Scientists believe that lifestyle changes can help to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. To do this, you can: reach and maintain a healthy body weight; be physically active every day; take your prescribed medications for other conditions; and make healthy food choices.

How is diabetes treated?
Diabetes can be treated in many ways, and people with diabetes become an active participant in their treatment. Treatment includes education, physical activity, nutrition changes, weight management, medication, lifestyle management and blood pressure control.

What can you do?

• Meet with diabetes educators. Stay current on how to manage your diabetes so that you can engage in meaningful discussions with your health care team.
• Take your medications as directed.
• Be active a total of 30 minutes most days. Ask your doctor what activities are best for you.
• Follow the healthy eating plan that you and your doctor or dietitian have worked out.
• Use a blood glucose meter and have your A1C levels tested three to four times per year. Your A1C results will tell you what your overall blood glucose control is over the preceding several months.
• Have a yearly eye exam.
• Check your cholesterol levels yearly.
• Target a blood pressure of 130/80.
• Have a periodic EKG, and depending on your situation, an exercise stress test.
• Do a yearly urine albumin/creatine ratio test and creatine/eFGR test.
• Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness or sore toe nails. Have your toenails cut carefully. Ask your doctor to examine your feet yearly and check how well nerves in your feet sense feeling.
• Get an annual flu shot, and get a pneumococcal vaccine.
• Print a copy of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Diabetes Passport (http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ ms/diabetes/en/passportgoalcard.html). Bring it with you to every appointment and use it with your health care team.

Where can I go for more information?
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a good start. You can visit their website at www.diabetes.ca. On this website look for the article entitled “Footcare: A Step Toward Good Health.” You can also check your provincial government’s website for additional resources. In Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has developed a diabetes strategy, and designed their Stand Up To Diabetes website to help educate Ontarians, provide a credible source of information, and link to other sites that could prove useful to you.

The website is divided into three major categories:

a) Preventing Diabetes
Learn what diabetes is, the risk factors and the warning signs, and how you may be able to prevent it by staying active and making healthy food choices. If you have questions about healthy eating or nutrition, Ontario is funding EatRight Ontario, a toll-free telephone line where you can speak to a Registered Dietician free. You can access practical tools, such as recipes, a menu planner and practical tips on their website, www. eatrightontario.ca.

b) Managing Diabetes
For those newly diagnosed with diabetes, there are fact sheets and videos that show you how to modify certain ethnic diets to make them more diabetes-friendly, how to manage your medication, your stress levels, your lifestyle and how to work with your healthcare team. For those already living with diabetes, this portion of the website provides information on government programs available to assist Ontarians. We would recommend reviewing both sections of the managing diabetes portion of the website. Both have valuable information to help manage diabetes.

c) Diabetes Education
At last count, there were over 200 diabetes education centres in Ontario. Each centre has a team of educators available to teach Ontarians the special skills they need to help them care for themselves as diabetics. You can search for the education centre nearest you by accessing the Stand Up To Diabetes website at www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/diabetes/en/ or you can go to www.health.gov.on.ca and click the diabetes link on the right-hand side.
For more information on the coverage available under the RTO/ ERO Group Benefits Program, review your most recent RTO/ERO Insurance Plans booklet, or turn to the back page of the booklet for Johnson Inc.’s contact information.

Sources: Canadian Diabetes Association, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Dr. Ian Blumer

How to Avoid Illness from Hamburger:
The Issue: If you eat undercooked ground beef, it may result in a type of food poisoning that is commonly called hamburger disease. You can minimize your risks by handling and cooking raw ground beef properly.

Background: Hamburger disease is caused by a specific type of bacteria called E.coli 0157:H7. E.coli live in the intestines of cattle and can be transferred to the outer surface of meat when an animal is butchered. The process of grinding can then spread the bacteria throughout the meat. You cannot tell the difference between contaminated or non-contaminated ground beef by the way it looks, smells or tastes.

Contact with E.coli 0157:H7: Two of the most common ways to be exposed to E. coli 0157:H7 are by directly handling raw ground beef without taking precautions and by eating ground beef that is undercooked. People who get hamburger disease often report that they ate ground beef before they became ill. You can also be exposed to this type of E.coli through other sources, including fermented (culture added) meats, unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized apple cider, unchlorinated water and contaminated vegetables. In addition, you can spread the bacteria just by touching an infected surface, such as a cutting board in your kitchen and then touching another surface.

Symptoms of Hamburger Disease: People who become infected with E. coli 0157:H7 experience a wide range of health effects. Some do not get sick at all. Others feel as though they have a bad case of the flu, with symptoms ranging from severe stomach cramps, to vomiting, fever and watery or bloody diarrhea. These symptoms usually appear within one to ten days after contact with the bacteria and clear up within five to ten days. Some people experience life-threatening symptoms including kidney failure, seizures and stroke. While most of these people will recover completely, others may suffer permanent health effects, such as kidney damage, and some may die.

Minimizing Your Risk: By following some common sense guidelines in the way you handle and cook food, you can Fight BAC!' and drastically reduce your risk of contracting hamburger disease and other food borne illnesses.

a) Chill:
Bacteria grow quickly at room temperature, so when you are running errands, make grocery shopping your last stop.
• Buy perishable foods last, and refrigerate or freeze them as soon as you get home.
• Never defrost food at room temperature; thaw food in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave if you are going to be cooking it immediately.
• Marinate food in the refrigerator. Set your refrigerator to 4°C (40°F) and your freezer to -18°C (0°F)

b) Clean:
Always wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before handling food and after handling raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs.
• Sanitize countertops, cutting boards and utensils with a mild
bleach and water solution before and after preparing food.
• Use paper towels to wipe kitchen surfaces or change dishcloths daily to avoid the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria.
• Avoid using sponges, as they are harder to keep bacteria-free.

c) Separate:
Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods in your grocery cart.
• Store these raw foods in sealed containers or plastic bags on bottom shelves in your refrigerator to keep their juices from dripping onto other foods.
• Use one cutting board for produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry and seafood.

d) Cook:
To make sure you kill bacteria, cook hamburger and other ground meats thoroughly, as ground beef can turn brown before disease-causing bacteria are killed. Use a digital instant read food thermometer to ensure thorough cooking to an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F)
• Never place cooked food back on the same plate or cutting board that previously held raw food: people often make this mistake when cooking on the barbeque.
• Never use left-over marinade for basting or as a sauce, unless you boil it first to kill bacteria

Health Canada’s Role:
Health Canada sets policies and standards governing the safety and nutritional quality of all food sold in Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) enforces the policies and standards, ensuring that any food borne illness is detected early and that all necessary warnings go out to the public quickly.

As a founding member of the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education, Health Canada also participates in public awareness campaigns about safe food practices. One example is a program called Fight BAC!', which encourages Canadian consumers to think of food safety at every step of the food handling process, from shopping for groceries to re-heating leftovers.

Source: Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/food-aliment/meat-viande-eng.php 
® Fight BAC! is copyrighted by the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food

Look after your health and your finances!

Disclaimer: Information contained herein is intended to be used for general information and should not replace consultation with health care professionals. Consult a qualified health care professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your individual medical situation. RTO/ERO makes every effort to ensure that the information in ‘Health Matters’ is accurate and reliable, but cannot guarantee that it is error free or complete. RTO/ERO does not endorse any product, treatment or therapy; neither does it evaluate the quality of services operated by other organizations mentioned or linked to ‘Health Matters’.

Beyond the Further Horizon or
Who Needs Twenty-six Letters?

Something I did not know. Now that you are totally amazed and i have your attention at this admission of a former incomprehensible gap in my knowledge, let me explain. The Hawaiian alphabet has only 12 letters (some sources say 13) plus two diacritical marks: the kahako, an elongated vowel sound represented by a macron (–) directly above the vowel and the okina, which indicates a break in the breath as in “oh-oh” and is represented by an apostrophe. There are seven consonants p, k, h, l, m, n and w, and five vowels a, e, i, o and u. This is enough for Hawaiian communication. We shall not go into the pronunciation rules at this time. The wonderful intricacies of this alphabet are worth looking up on the internet.

Our journey of discovery started on an ominous note. We were booked on Air Canada, which is an oxymoron because we spent more time on the ground than in the air. First, the departure time was adjusted. Translation: spend some time in our waiting area and spend money on food because you will not get any on the plane, unless you would like to spend $5 per sandwich. ?en we sat on the tarmac because some lost soul was hauled o? to immigration. His travelling companions were told he might make the next flight. Next, there was a delay due to an odour of methane gas from the lavatory. ?is was resolved, positively we hoped. We did not want to travel with the forward set of washrooms out of commission. A further set back occurred when the push crew (the guys and cart who push the plane out to the runway) went to another aircraft because we were so slow. ?en we lost our place in the taxi line. even after all this, the person detained for questioning was a no show: probably on his way to Guantanamo, Cuba.

The domino effect now comes into play: late leaving; late arriving; no push crew in Los Angeles. They were busy with other less tardy planes: no entry gate available. Someone else sneaked in there. Only 20 minutes on the tarmac, a slight delay in getting our luggage and we are in the City of Angels. Major philosophical point to ponder arising out of the flight: why can’t they give you a sandwich that costs about 50 cents for the ingredients and preparation, but they will happily (?) serve you a liquor miniature or several soft drinks whose cost has to be a couple of bucks?

The ocean voyage to Hawaii was uneventful. definition here means no one broke or dislocated bones or joints, fell overboard or had to have their stomach pumped for overeating. Lest you misunderstand, there were events like crafts, dancing, mini golf, bridge, lectures, art auctions, movies, eating and other mind boggling activities to keep us busy. Some passengers had cabins with windows looking out onto the promenade deck. You are not supposed to be able to see into the cabins through those windows, except when the lights are on. That is where one found the longest line-ups on the Island Princess.

The cabins on the ship are about as big as the walk-in closets in many of our homes. And the mystery of the basement crawl spaces some of us have to endure has been solved. It is a place to practice for going from ship to tender and to some ports where four-foot high entrances are the norm. One must duck to pass through or suffer a painful beaning as hard hats are neither supplied nor sold (how the cruise ships missed this chance to make a buck I will never know). If you walk or crawl around in your crawl space in the dark, that is excellent practice for going into lava tunnels in Hawaii or elsewhere.

On the islands we saw the prerequisite volcanoes, beaches, captivating scenery, nenes (a favourite word in crossword puzzles - Hawaiian geese), roosters running rampant, canyons, rugged sea shores and in Kona, coffee plants growing on a trellis. The man who started this procedure patented the process, and all other coffee growers have to pay him royalties. Kona coffee sells for about US$45 a pound. We also ate poi, pineapples, macadamia nuts, coconut and shrimp at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. We received pineapple samples, leis and flowers, but missed the luau.

In the harbour at Lahaina, Maui, during breakfast, the whales entertained us with a splendid show blowing, tail slapping and breaching. The best demonstration we saw on the trip. On Maui we were faced with a mathematical problem. The Iao needle rises 2250 ft. It is 134 steps and ramps from what we will call Point A to an observation lookout. Then you walk down the 134 steps plus another 40 to the lowest point in the valley. Then when returning, you climb 32 steps back to Point A. What happened to the other eight steps?

Photos clockwise from top-left: Maui, Maui, Kuai, Kona

We saw a Banyan tree planted in 1873 on Maui. With all its drooping tendrils and new shoots, it now occupies a city block and houses most of the bird population of Lahaina. Be careful when walking under this tree.

In Kauai one of our group got clobbered by a wave, but saved her camera or her husband did, after first taking a photo of her sprawled in the surf. She had the last laugh though because her husband had to buy her a complete new outfit at a boutique in a hotel.

The big non-events in Hawaii (not necessarily in order of importance): no volcanoes erupted, no tsunamis surged ashore, no one was bashed by a whale, there were no major (minor maybe) food poisoning incidents and no one was arrested for lewd and lascivious behaviour.

Since we were already on the west coast, we headed south to Mexico on another cruise ship. However, the Mexican Riviera sojourn turned out to be one glorified shopping excursion. It started on the Mercury when the Shopping Coordinator bombarded us daily with the wonderful bargains and places where we could be parted from our money. Of course, one did not have to listen or go to his lectures, but the lure of free gifts and raffles attracted many.

On the first day, I won a raffle. My prize was a US$500 certificate for a piece of art. I was assured that its real appraised value was US$620. I went to collect the artwork, and was given the choice of five unsightly prints (my opinion, but I am sure the painters’ mothers thought they were great). No, I could not take the print with me said the art dealer. It would cost US$295 to frame it and another US$35 to ship it from the warehouse in Michigan. I gave the certificate away to someone from East Haystack, Nebraska. We thought all six ports were summed up on the first day when an enterprising shop keeper in Cabo San Lucas welcomed us to his stall (store) with the persuasive remark, “Come see our most beautiful collection of junk.” It was.

The whale watchers in Cabo San Lucas were treated to a neat display by the large mammals. Those of us who went whale watching in Puerto Vallarta barely saw two whales, but were able to observe brown-footed boobies and pelicans doing their vertical dives for lunch or dinner, as the case may have been.

Acapulco gave us a variety of things to discuss. The drug war in Acapulco bypassed us (although we learned the next day that a couple of Canadian tourists had been unintentional targets in the lobby of a hotel). The cliff divers were true to form and none was hurt or killed. The publicists say no one has been killed since they started performing this act for tourists dozens of years ago. The bullfights were cancelled. Most of us passed up an opportunity to see Mexican nightlife in order to watch the Superbowl. Being Sunday, the admission to Fort San Diego was free. Best bargain of the trip.

Zihuatanejo was notable for its actual native market tucked away in the back streets with virtually no tourists and the difficulty in pronouncing the name (zee-whanta-neigh-ho).

In Manzanillo we hired a van and were taken to a lake reputedly full of alligators or at least that’s what the warning sign said. We saw a few birds and lots of mud: no alligators.

Then came the return trip to Toronto. Once more an inauspicious sign as we were told to proceed to gate 13. An hour after the scheduled boarding time we were told the aircraft was late. On looking through the waiting room window, we could plainly see that there was no plane at the boarding ramp. A similar announcement was made 30 minutes later, but with the optimistic information that the plane would arrive shortly and the pessimistic information that the food supply on the plane was exhausted and they would not have time to take on supplies. Why not I wondered, since they are going to load the baggage ....I hope.

After a two hour wait (plus or minus a few minutes) we boarded, lost the push crew (again), spent the prescribed time on the tarmac and then took off with the happy announcement that the plane actually had a limited supply of food: still five bucks a sandwich. But by the time we had reached the Grand Canyon, easily visible from the air, they had run out this limited supply of victuals.

Kudos to Air Canada though, we arrived, albeit a couple of hours late, at the same time as our baggage... well some of it anyway.

Photos clockwise from top-left: Oahu, Hilo, Hilo, Kona, Kauai

The RTO/ERO North York District 23 trip to Stratford to see Camelot was a great success as we can witness from the smiles above.
Thank you to Maureen Capotosto for sharing her photos.

From the Archives
Mary Cairo, Archivist

Welcoming the Newcomers, September 24, 1996

*
Norma Brown, Audrey Miller, Betty Mollet, Madge Parker, Thelma Austerberry   *   Harold Schmidt welcomes Lee White

*
Elizabeth Bromstein and Ann Holloway   *   Mildred Frank and Sam Habib greet new retirees.

Regina and Bruce Henderson

Submissions for STONY BRIDGES

STONY BRIDGES welcomes submissions from members. Do you have a story to tell, an experience to share or a poem you have written? Consider submitting your
work for publication. Please include name, address and telephone number (for identification only) and some past and present biographical information (for publication if space permits). Articles should be from 400 to 1400 words (one half to two pages) in length. Photos are also welcome (minimum 300 dpi). We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters or submissions.

Send submissions to:
  Marisa Celenza at marisa.celenza@sympatico.ca, or
  Mary Ellen Lawless at med.lawless@sympatico.ca

The due date for materials for the next issue is: February 8, 2012. STONY BRIDGES publishes in March, August and November for the Retired Teachers of North York, District 23.