Opinions expressed in this Newsletter do not necessarily reflect the position of
RTO/ERO or RTO/ERO Toronto.

Third-party opportunities are presented for the reader’s information only
and do not necessarily reflect endorsement by your editors or RTO/ERO Toronto.

Cover Photo: Kay Jeffery (centre) and Carmelita Salazar (right) present a prize to one of the draw winners at our Fall Luncheon.

From Your Editors:
Welcome to 2012! Your Toronto District 16 Executive and Editorial Committee hope that this year brings you health and good fortune.
Our Supplement, to use paper wisely, has been prepared with a smaller font. We recognize that this may be a bit problematic for some of our readers and will not make this a regular occurrence.

The March Issue will contain detail about our District's Annual General Meeting. We hope that you will consider attending and stay for the Luncheon afterwards. Or, if you're coming to the Luncheon, arrive early for the AGM. We'll try to include an interesting guest speaker to augment the business. Typical attendance is about 80 members. Can we try for 100?

Your editors try to gear our January and June Supplements to topical issues affecting older citizens. A controversial issue, but one that is being legitimized more often, is ‘end-of-life care'. The concept includes euthanasia, doctor-assisted-suicide and the many legalized variations around the world. Is this a topic we should pursue? Let us know. Or make an alternate suggestion.

Dates to Remember: (Our Bridge, Executive and Travelogue activities take place at Holy Rosary Parish Hall. Google Map on our website.

President's Message

I have, for a long time, been fascinated by words. The English language is a luscious collection of wonderful, expressive vehicles of thought. We learn virtually all that we learn through language and in turn convey our thoughts the same way. In poetry, prose and speech we give meaning to our experiences and expression to our emotions. The alphabet itself is an elegant thing, containing a mere five vowels delivering essential sounds. OK, sometimes "Y", right? That makes six, to be quite correct!

It's fun to explore words and play with them. When I read and come across a new word, I reach for my Concise Oxford and record the definition. I have my own private inventory, just for fun.

How about a New Year's challenge? I will offer a few words that may be new or interesting to you. Each word will appear in bold type. You can enter the contest for today. Details appear at the end of this column.

Obsequious: obedient, dutiful, servile, fawning. This is a great word. It even sounds good. It can be applied in many circumstances to explain behaviour. If you are in a relationship, obsequiousness is a survival strategy to be wisely applied from time to time.

Terminological inexactitude: This is attributed to Winston Churchill when, in Parliament, he was accused of lying. His reply was, "What I said was not a lie – merely a terminological inexactitude". This is a tidy bit that you can use when and if you are similarly accused. It sounds so scientific, you may get away with it. Just be careful.

Sycophantic dreck: Not that I am a fan of Conrad Black, but the man does have a way with words, as this expression plucked from his writings illustrates. A sycophant is a toady, a parasitic type who would probably appear obsequious. This term can be used to dismiss a piece of writing or speech as so much drivel inspired by an overly zealous desire to please and curry favour. Please be kind and refrain from applying this term to what you read here.

Wodge: chunk. Here's a word that is seldom used. "Have a wodge of cheese, my friend". Your friend may not know what you mean, will decline, and you keep the cheese for yourself.

Ideate: to imagine, conceive, form ideas. How many times in your life did you "ideate" and didn't even know it? Be careful in using this word, however, as it is
suggestive of another word starting with the same two letters but carrying quite another meaning. Maybe don't use it.

Frangible: fragile, breakable. This is a very good word because it sounds more gentle than its meaning. It can be used to soften the real impact of an action such as when you drop a piece of the heirloom china on the floor. You explain that the material proves to be rather "frangible". Well, you can try.

Dolorous: distressing, painful, dismal. This can be applied to executive meetings, family gatherings or a lousy play. Used skilfully in a social setting, it has a definite kind of intellectual ring to it, especially when applied to a piece of theatre or literature. Raise the nose slightly and hold forth!

That's the end of the list. Now, here's how the challenge works. You compose a single, coherent sentence that includes all of the above highlighted words and submit your effort to the address below by February 29, 2012. An elite jury chosen from our Executive will select a winner who will receive a $100.00 gift certificate from Chapters which could be used to purchase, say, a good dictionary. Submissions must be typed and the sender clearly identified. You may submit by Canada Post or by email to:

District 16 contest
C/O E34-288 Mill Rd
Toronto ON M9C4X7
or, eroy.harvey@sympatico.ca

Good luck, Roy Harvey

Our local AGM will occur on Wednesday, May 2 at the Old Mill. If you have motions you wish presented, contact Roger Wilson (416•921•5259/rogerapwolson@sympatico.ca or would like to volunteer on an executive position, contact David Shanoff (416•656•3245/davshan@sympatico.ca). Our March Newsletter will contain AGM details.

RTO/ERO awards 25 $1000 Education Scholarships to selected member relatives. Parameters and on-line-only applications are available now at www.rtoerotorontodistricts.org or www.rto-ero.org. Details in our March Newsletter.

Social/Rcreation Activities
Contact: Telephone/416.927.0416 ~ Email/ csalazar8@sympatico.ca

We try to provide activities according to our members' wishes. If you would like to lead a group of like-minded individuals, contact Carmelita at 416•927•0416 or csalazar8@sympatico.ca and we'll help you start. Possibilities: bowling, billiards, dining, photography, dancercize, photography, swimming, etc.

Art, Bridge and Travelogue meet at Holy Rosary Church Parish Hall:

Art Friends - Convenor Marie Lynch (416•421•4936 / jmdlmom@yahoo.com ) A group of like-minded people get together monthly to create and share ideas. Occasional workshops are given by members or invited guest artists. As a result of the publicity and positive feedback that Art Friends received at The New Members' Breakfast in October, our membership has increased from five to twenty! We have a lovely studio space in Holy Rosary Church Hall where we meet, sketch and paint on the first Friday of the month from10:00am to 12:00N.

Bridge - Convenor Tessie Leung (416•421•9054 / tessiel@sympatico.ca ) encourages everyone including beginners to join. They play from on the first, third, and fifth Tuesdays of the month from September to June from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. You will enjoy the friendly atmosphere of this group. Tea is served.

Travelogue - Convenors Dick and Marilyn Holyer (416•929•8512 / mar.dickholyer@sympatico.ca ) take you around the world through slide or digital presentations and exotic snacks and treats after the show. They meet the fourth Wednesday of the month. See Box for up-coming presentations.

The following meet at varying locations:

Book Club ~ Convenors Lynne Fitzpatrick/ fitz@ruralwave.ca ) and Elaine MacIntosh/416•463•2637 host this activity from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on the first Monday of the month from the Monday after Labour Day to June. The group selects one book per month for discussion. A social follows the discussions. Unfortunately, the group is at capacity and not taking new members. We will keep the readership informed should this situation change. We will continue to list our selections for those interested in what we are reading.

February: Mistress of Nothing by Kate Pullinger

March: Galore by Michael Crummy

April: Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny

May: In the Garden of Beasts by Eric Larson

Book Club ~ Non-Fiction: Sharon Goodier (416•916•6991) hosts this non-fiction book club. An eclectic group, one brings whatever is being read and tells about it. Maybe we can even exchange books and save our retired wallets some money. Contact Sharon regarding coming sessions - space is limited. Two more members from the New Member Breakfast asked for information but their contact details were lost. Please contact Sharon as above.

Day Trips ~ are arranged each theatre season by Jack DeGroot. Notice is published, Spring and Fall, in our Newsletter. See box below.

Finances ~ Lone Smith (416•234•1969) hosts this group in her home on the third Thursday of the month at 4:30pm: November 24 (Topic: Sources of Good Research) and December 22. The purpose of the group is to learn about the world of money. We learn from each other and guest presenters. Topics covered include RIFFs, RRSPs, stock investments in all forms (ETFs and Bonds). Upcoming date: February 23, March 22. 

Friday Night Movie ~ Do you love movies? Join the Friday Night Movie Club! We meet every month on the second Friday at a centrally located theatre easily accessible by TTC/vehicle. Selections are geared to the early showing (6:00pm -7:00pm) followed by a discussion at a nearby coffee shop or restaurant. Interested movie-goers receive an email or phone call during the second week of the month advising them of details. Attendance is not mandatory, so feel free to send your contact information and join us when you can. Hope to see you at the movies! Contact Fernanda Freitas: FridayMovieClub@gmail.com / 416•859•6134.

Monday Matinée Movie ~ see an early afternoon movie downtown and socialize in a restaurant afterwards. We get together monthly on the third Monday, twelve months a year. Participants are notified the weekend before. Friends welcome! Future events: November 16, December 19, 2011; January 16, 2012. Contact Anne Ludwigsen: 416•324•0909 / acludwigsen@rogers.com.

Super Tees Golf Group ~ Contact Rosalie Parente at 905•856•6936. (Liability Waiver required for this event.)

Walking/Talking Group ~ Phyllis Broom Walker: llanoka@aol.com / 416•653•3521. Our walking group is organized informally. When I see something that is free and available I send the information to the group or to anyone who sends me their e-mail address. This is a recommended activity for continued health and well-being. Put your name on her email list.

RTO/ERO advises prudence ‘for participants in any trip/event that requires physical activity/effort beyond what they ordinarily exert. Participants are also advised to consult their doctor especially if they have a pre-existing condition that raises concern.'

A group of RTO/ERO members and friends meets for coffee near the College Subway Station. This Downtown Coffee Club continues to meet every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer at the Second Cup, 475 Yonge St., one block north of Carlton at Yonge and Wood St.

Contact: Ann Ludwigsen at 416•324•0909 / acludwigsen@rogers.com.

A group of RTO/ERO members and friends meets for coffee near the College Subway Station every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year at the Second Cup, 475 Yonge St., one block north of Carlton at Yonge and Wood St.

Ann Ludwigsen adds some history of this group's origins: January marks the 3rd anniversary of the Downtown Coffee Club, started by three members of the Monday Movie Club who realised they lived close together. We invited other friends in the neighbourhood to join, then doubled our membership when Bill Menagh put us in this newsletter. Now, some members - one retired 29 years - come on bus and subway. In these three years we've learned a lot from each other, celebrated and grieved together, visited each other in hospital, and gone out on New Year's Eve. We meet at the Second Cup at 475 Yonge St. every Wednesday and Saturday. If you'd like to try it, please call me for all the details.

Editors: Many of our members live within the same Postal Code area. Perhaps a few would be interested in starting an ad hoc group close to home at a local eatery for coffee, breakfast, mall-walk or whatever. Once established it could develop a life of its own with little ‘official' administration by the original organizer.
Contact: Ann Ludwigsen at 416•324•0909 / acludwigsen@rogers.com.

Mah Jongg Anyone?

I'm looking for 3-4 players who would be interested in a monthly or bi-weekly game during the day using the rules from the Mah Jongg league. There is another mah jongg game using traditional rules (not using the card from the Mah Jongg league, and if there is interest in that, there could also be a table of players for that game. We could alternate at members' houses or, maybe if we get enough interest, have 2 to 3 tables and use the hall at the church.
Contact Cindy Shore-Beauvais: shorbeau@sympatico.ca

Fall Luncheon

Organized by Kay Jeffery, hosted by Roy Harvey, with Barb and Bob Putnam handling registrations, the buffet meal, camaraderie, background music (Ken Edge) and sing-along provided a most enjoyable event. Both before and after the Luncheon, participants visited the Craft Show booths to patronize the crafters and purchase assorted homemade delectables and seasonal gifts.

 PENSION NEWS

Your Toronto District Executive recently discussed the seeming confusion regarding Teaching after Retirement vis-à-vis Volunteering and the potential effect on one's pension. Apparently some retirees wishing to volunteer for simple activities have been told that their pension payment could be in jeopardy. To help clarify, your editor contacted the OTPP with the following:

There appears to be some confusion regarding Volunteering After Retirement as agreed to by the Partners. The [OTPP] Q&A document appears to permit volunteering in a school in positions that do not receive compensation.

"Any re-employment for which you are entitled to compensation counts toward the limit. If you work as a volunteer and the position or duty is normally compensated, you and your employer can't forgo payment to circumvent reemployment rules."

We have been informed that, say, a retired grandparent receiving an OTPP pension cannot volunteer to accompany a class on a field trip or spend a day in the school library filing books, or join a class for a reading group – all of these positions not normally compensated. Can you provide any clarification to this issue?

We received the following reply [emphases added]:

Thank you kindly for your e-mail.

As re-employment activities may not be easily discerned by a pensioner or the school board for which s/he is volunteering, we do suggest that all pensioners contact us to clarify whether any activity would be considered re-employment. We understand that this task may be time-consuming, but it ensures that no pensioner is penalized for re-employment reasons.

Also, we wish to clarify that there are situations involving volunteering that are not deemed re-employment. These cases involve situations where the pensioner is volunteering and not receiving nor forgoing payment, where there would otherwise not be a paid employee to perform this activity.

We hope not to detract members from volunteering, as we understand this can be a very rewarding experience. On the other hand, we must ensure that we are following all regulatory requirements without prejudice.

If you wish to seek further clarification, we welcome you to visit our offices at 5650 Yonge Street anytime during business hours. Please note, no scheduled visit is necessary in this regard. However, since many of the re-employment considerations are decided upon in a case by case basis, it would be difficult to capture all examples that could arise. Nevertheless, we would be more than happy to speak with you in person to discuss typical examples of re-employment and how to avoid such situations.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Client Services Department and we will be happy to assist you. You can reach us by phone (between 8:00 am and 5:30 pm Monday to Friday) or by e-mail.

Warm regards,
Client Services, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
416•226•2700 or 1•800•668•0105 (toll free) or www.otpp.com

Although the rules of re-employment appear clear to us, the actual interpretation by schoolboard administrators may not be so evident. Let us know if we should pursue this matter any further.

OTPP Media Release regarding Ethical Investing:

TORONTO (September 15, 2011): The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (Teachers') today announced that it is a signatory to the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment Initiative (PRI).

PRI is a set of six principles that reflect the view that environmental, social and corporate governance issues – or ESG issues – need to be appropriately considered in the investment process as they can affect portfolio performance. The principles provide a voluntary framework by which investors can incorporate ESG issues into their decision-making and ownership practices. Approximately 900 investment institutions and service providers, with assets under management of approximately US$25 trillion, have become signatories. More information about PRI is available at www.unpri.org.

"We are pleased to endorse PRI and look forward to sharing best practices and collaborating with like-minded investors from around the world as we analyze the financial implications of ESG risks and opportunities," said Teachers' President and CEO Jim Leech. "Our investing practices were already aligned with most of the principles and PRI reflects the increasing importance of responsible investing to our members and potential partners. As a natural extension to our long record of leadership on matters of corporate governance, PRI is consistent with our core values of championing accountability and risk consciousness."

In concert with its joining PRI, Teachers' has co-produced, with the Cormana Group of Toronto, a 20-minute video documentary on the topic of responsible investing that captures insights from experts across the investment spectrum (Watch the trailer). Responsible Investing – An Evolving Story is available for viewing online at www.otpp.com/responsibleinvesting. Also available on the website is a series of roundtable discussions with senior members of Teachers' investment team about key responsible investing questions and an interactive video feature that explains Teachers' investment process.

Register at the iAccess Link to receive notice of the AGM in early April.

Source: OTPP website www.otpp.com

RTO/ERO ACTIONS

Your Toronto District Executive met in November and December report the following:

• the Friday Night Movie Group has a membership of about 30 participants;
• contact with People for Education (Annie Kidder) has been made through our Political Advocacy Chair;
• there are 7 centenarians in our membership;
• members need to ensure they know the terms of ‘pre-existing condition' in the RTO/ERO Travel Insurance Coverage;
Mondial is NOT able to provide pre-authorization or pre-trip advice regarding one's status vis-à-vis pre-existing conditions - this is a member's determination and coverage is determined AFTER the claim is made;
a request will be made to the Health Services Committee to consider a self-purchased option for those with a pre-existing condition that would enable them to travel with some coverage;
• 2013 will be the 40th year of RTO/ERO Toronto District;
• the University of Toronto's Gerontology Department will include a write-up on the RTO/ERO Charitable Foundation in their Newsletter;
• approved a members' Tax Seminar (details were made available through our January E-zine).

Since Fall Senate, the Provincial Executive is/has:

• exploring the possibility of collaborating with the University of Toronto on an Osteoporosis Research Project;
• sending a memorandum to District Presidents/Treasurers with guidelines on finance to include an appropriate level of reserves to be held by Districts (proposing 6 months), expenditures being approved by a District Executive, and matters of reporting/transparency;
[Editors: this issue has arisen because of debate over the size of some district reserves - especially those which receive special grants beyond the standard rebate formula. The question relates to collecting fees to provide services to those from whom the fee is collected or building substantial reserves that grow over time. This has also become an issue in regards to the funding of the RTO/ERO Charitable Foundation - see item in box below.]
• looking into budget implications of including internet access for Senators at Senate meetings;
[Editors: we assume that those Senators requesting this service would not be expecting a member-fee increase to cover such costs.]
• sending to District Presidents a memo regarding website domain name issues;
• approved a Social Media Policy;
• approved, subject to Senate authorization, a review of the administration and claims function of Johnson Inc.

BENEFITS & HEALTH NEWS/INFORMATION

Erratum: In our November Newsletter Supplement, we included a list of the Top 20 Drugs paid through our benefits. One of our members has informed us that NORVASC is a Calcium Channel Blocker members may have been confused by the original description. See below.

RTO/ERO Benefits issues as reported to District Health Reps in June, 2011:

• Items to be considered for coverage in 2013:

coverage for implants (Ed. we assume a dental benefit);
out-of-Province/Canada travel insurance for members with pre-existing medical conditions related to cancer, health and lung;
consider prescriptions from a Naturopathic Doctor;
would an annual deductible ($25.00 single/$50.00 couple/family) affect premiums;
increase complementary practitioner coverage;
breast thermography;
more dental cleanings.

• Lost luggage must first be claimed against your home insurance and any coverage by the common carrier, or specific extra purchase;
• Out-of-Province/Canada Travel benefit provides coverage for an eligible medical emergency while travelling. This coverage is continuous while the patient is awaiting a bed. Mondial Assistance utilizes the services of "bed finding" companies to assist with the process of locating a suitable bed within the patient's catchment area, as defined by the provincial government.
• RTO/ERO measures market share on an annual basis. While some members make the personal decision to choose a less expensive plan that offers reduced coverage, RTO/ERO continues to gain market share, year over year.
• including non-teachers has had no impact on the RTO/ERO Plans.
• Mondial Assistance is monitored by both Johnson Inc. and Manulife Financial. In a situation where a member makes a complaint regarding Mondial, a full review of the claim and the recorded conversations is conducted.
• A comparison with MROO (Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario) has been developed and will be distributed to districts.
• Reasons to stay with RTO/ERO Benefits after age 65 include:

there are over 15,000 drugs that are available for sale in Canada. The Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB) covers approximately 3,400 of these medications.

 Those not covered by ODB include: Nexium, Lyrica, Viagra, Cialis, Zostavax, and Nasonex.

A portion of the 3,400 are "limited use", meaning you try similar medications before receiving ODB coverage for the "limited use" drug. Examples of these medications covered by ODB, where the RTO/ERO Extended Health Care Plan would see claims are: Plavix, Losec, Pantoloc, Singulair, Celebrex, and Ezetrol.
The experience of the RTO/ERO Extended Health Care Plan indicates there remain significant expenses under ODB.

The RTO/ERO Extended Health Care Plan covers items such as (in alpha order):

· Accidental dental
· Diagnostic and other procedures
· Education program
· Medical aids and appliances
· Out-of-Province/Canada travel
· Paramedical practitioners
· Registered nursing
· Transportation/ambulance
· Vision Care

• Educational exercise programs for seniors are not covered because of a ruling by Revenue Canada. Johnson Inc. will seek the specifics of this.

• Some Eastern European countries are now requesting proof of medical insurance. You can obtain this letter of medical proof by calling Johnson Inc. Cuba may begin doing this, too.

• The Out-of-Province/Canada travel coverage provides for accidental dental coverage at 100%; whereas the in-province care is reimbursed at 80%.

• Proof of Departure date – joint names on a credit card statement will serve as proof for both card holders so long as the cardholders carry different numbers and the statement shows activity on both cards. Proof of departure can take any form, as long as it:
Identifies you (shows your name or your signature);
Specifies the date;
Indicates that the transaction took place in your province of residence.

Each person travelling must obtain his/her own proof of departure. In addition to traditional forms of proof (boarding pass, stamped passport), members can also use recent claims for a service rendered (physiotherapy, dental cleaning), signed/dated financial institution transactions.

• RTO/ERO receives an Administrative Services Allowance (ASA) from Johnson Inc. equal to 2% of the premiums for the health plans as well as the other individual plans that are offered. This ASA, in part, goes to fund the day-to-day operation of the organization.

• Any surplus generated by the Health Plans is used to pay deficits, top up the Claims Fluctuation Reserve (CFR) and the remainder into the Health Plan Stabilization Fund. These surpluses do not form part of the operation of RTO/ERO.

• Johnson Inc. acts as the consultant for RTO/ERO. In a study conducted by Coughlin & Associates on the consulting services received, it was reported that RTO/ERO receives above average service at a very competitive market rate.

• Johnson Inc. is also the Claims Payor and Administrator of the Health Plans on behalf of RTO/ERO. These rates are also competitive in the market and are negotiated on a yearly basis. Johnson Inc. is a resource to the Health Services & Insurance Committee. Rates are a percentage of premium collected.

• Prescription Drugs, Paramedical Practitioners and Vision Care are the benefits most used by members.

• The RTO/ERO Extended Health Care Plan covers certain life sustaining over the counter (OTC) medications. Recently, the Federal Government began reclassifying OTCs to Natural Health Products (NHPs). NHPs are ineligible for the Federal Government's medical expense tax credit, and due to the tax implications for members' premiums, the RTO/ERO Extended Health Care Plan is unable to cover NHPs.

• A physician's advice does not override the terms of the RTO/ERO Extended Health Care Plan. If, according to the policy, your condition was not stable prior to travel (i.e. you were hospitalized within the 90 days prior to date of departure for at least 24 hours) then a medical emergency related to that condition is not covered. (Ed. We highly recommend one be familiar with Travel Coverage.)

• The services of a homeopathic practitioner are eligible under RTO/ERO's Extended Health Care Plan paramedical practitioner benefit, up to $700 per person/year (all practitioners combined). Homeopathic remedies are not eligible as they do not meet the Federal Government's criteria for the medical expense tax credit.
• The newest treatments approved by Health Canada (Visudyne and Lucentis) for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration are covered under RTO/ERO's Extended Health Care Plan.

• All claims, regardless of cost, are adjudicated based upon the same criteria. This ensures that all members are treated equally and there is a consistent practice.

A Message from Johnson Inc.

Did you know that certain claims require the pre-approval of Johnson Inc. Plan Benefits Claims before they may be submitted for reimbursement under the RTO/ERO Health Plans?

Aids and Appliances Benefit
Under the Aids and Appliances benefit, please call Johnson Inc. Plan Benefits Claims for pre-approval of your item, before making your purchase. Plan Benefits Claims will request a written prescription, including diagnosis, from a physician and/or the completion of an authorization form. Additional information may be requested to assess the eligibility of the aid or appliance. This process ensures that you know the amount eligible for reimbursement prior to making your purchase.
There may be financial assistance for your aid and/or appliance available through your provincial Assistive Devices Program (ADP). An application must first be submitted through the ADP for all eligible equipment prior to submitt ing your claim to Johnson Inc. Reimbursements under the RTO/ERO Aids and Appliances benefit are only offset by the amount eligible for payment through the ADP, whether or not application is made. Please note that if an application for funding is not made to the ADP prior to the purchase, the ADP may decline the item.

Dental Plan
Certain procedures under the RTO/ERO Dental Plan require pre-approval. If the cost of proposed dental work is expected to exceed $600, you should submit a detailed pre-treatment plan to Johnson Inc. Plan Benefits Claims. For major restorative work, the pre-treatment radiograph will be requested. This pre-approval is not intended to limit you in your choice of dentist, to tell you or your dentist what treatment should be performed, to tell the dentist what fee to charge, or to guarantee reimbursement after coverage ceases. This process advises you of the amount eligible for reimbursement under the plan, before the work begins.
For further information about these benefits, please contact Johnson Inc. Plan Benefits Claims at 1•800•638•4753.

Source: RTO/ERO Health Matters, October, 2011.

Exceptional Access Program (EAP)
The Exceptional Access Program (EAP) facilitates patient access in exceptional circumstances to drugs not funded on the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Formulary, or where no listed alternative was available.

Inquiries regarding the Exceptional Access Program should be directed to:
EAPFeedback.MOH@ontario.ca; or, 416•327•8109 or 1•866•811•9893;
Exceptional Access Program
3rd Floor, 5700 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON M2M 4K5
Source: www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/drugs/eap_mn.html

Errata: This information was originally printed in the Fall Senate File of Reports and then, by us, in our November Newsletter. A revised list was distributed at Senate and is reproduced below. One of our members let us know, and we confirmed and corrected, the original description of Norvasc was in error. The top twenty drugs, with correction, paid by our Extended Health Care Plan are listed below for August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2011:

Download list here.

Top 25 Movies for 2011

It is always difficult choosing films and then ranking them in any given year. It is like choosing amongst memorable students or teachers, or amongst favourite friends. Everyone is different and wonderful in different ways, even if there are some similarities. This year was no different with movies ranging from exquisite comedies and love stories to stories of childhood innocence as well as bizarre teenage violence and its horrible impact on unsuspecting parents, from films about political corruption to man's earliest artistic expressions in the prehistoric caves of France. Some films were overhyped and disappointing, but somehow appealed to professional critics who seem more interested in impressing other critics than seeing the dullness of the film they are promoting as high art. And so it goes.

Nevertheless, my passion remains high for good films that shake me, make me laugh, make me cry and grieve, make my imagination soar, and fill me with awe and which still exist in any given year. These movies make me want to share them with other people who might also want to see mature, "adult," films that signify a degree of intelligence, instead of the loud, explosive flicks (usually wildly popular with teenagers and college students), full of sound and fury signifying nothing. Isn't one crash very similar to another, and ultimately boring and predictable anyway?

And so… here are my top 25 picks for 2011, followed by some brief commentary on some of the films:

1. Hugo
2. Midnight in Paris
3. The Descendants
4. Albert Nobbs
5. Tree of Life
6. Contagion
7. The Help
8. Carnage
9. The Skin I Live In
10. J. Edgar
11. The Ides of March
12. Margin Call
13. Cave of Forgotten Dreams
14. Super 8
15. Beautiful Boy
16. We Need to Talk about Kevin
17. The Artist
18. Horrible Bosses
19. The Guard
20. The Debt
21. Moneyball
22. Beginners
23. My Week with Marilyn
24. Young Adult
25. Devil's Double

Hugo: A dazzling, magical movie that seems like a film for kids, including a Dickensian orphan as the central character, but is actually for adults in Martin Scorsese's love letter to the enchanting world of early film-making. The cinematography was nothing short of brilliant and one of the very few examples of how to use 3D in a way that draws you in, rather than putting you off. Let the magic rub off on you.

Midnight in Paris: Also magical in Woody Allen's best film since Matchpoint, it warns in an utterly witty manner the flaws in thinking nostalgically about the past, even if that past included "romantic" 1920s Paris populated by the likes of T.S. Eliot, Hemingway, Dali, Fitzgerald, Picasso, Stein, and, yes, the elegant Cole Porter.

The Descendants: A film about family betrayals and greed, set in the seeming paradise of Hawaii (a fallen Eden), George Clooney is forced to confront unpleasant truths about his relatives, friends, and wife, and, in so doing, redeem himself. The last few scenes are brilliant and will require a box of Kleenex.

Contagion: A highly suspenseful, intelligent thriller about a deadly virus that also comments on our society's silliness in believing the false prophets/bloggers of the Internet world. You'll want your hand sanitizer handy after this one.

The Skin I Live In: A horrific rethinking of the old Frankenstein myth and our society's unhealthy obsession with physical beauty and plastic surgery. It will give you nightmares (but in a good way).

Carnage: A film that examines what happens when four so-called civilized parents get together to discuss their children caught up in a bullying situation. Led by Jodie Foster's self-righteous, uptight mother of the injured child, the four actors, trying to act so properly at first, ultimately become more violent and ridiculous than their children ever could.

Quick thoughts:
See Beginners to watch Christopher Plummer's amazing transformation from a grieving widower to an out-and-proud, liberated man.
See Albert Nobbs for the amazing performance of Glenn Close as a woman passing as a man in late-19th C Ireland in order to get and keep a job as a butler during desperate times when women were offered few opportunities to work.
See Tree of Life, but don't expect a normal narrative structure. Do expect an awesome and visually compelling film that carries you along like a dream, from the origins of the universe (and possibly "God") to the evolution of humans (as seen in a 1950s middle-class Texas family) to a possible after-life.
See Horrible Bosses and The Guard, both dark, satirical comedies of the type the Brits used to make in the 1950s about corruption in high places, bumbling perpetrators, and seemingly inefficient lawmen - and laugh!

It should be noted that I could not see Iron Lady in time for this review. It stars the inimitable Meryl Streep, my favourite actress, as Margaret Thatcher, from her present dementia to her past rise to power to British Prime Minister. It may win her her third Oscar and her first since 1981 (competition will be tough though from Michelle William's Marilyn Monroe, Glenn Close, and The Help's Viola Davis).

Most Over-hyped and Disappointing Movies
Don't listen to the critics. These films that promised so much just did not live up to the hype. Avoid them: Melancholia (a dreadfully slow movie about a manic-depressive living in a world that is about to end - and, get this, by a planet called Melancholia crashing into the Earth!); A Dangerous Method; Rampart; 50/50; Terri; Drive. You may disagree, but I really found these films pretentious and/or boring. Let me know if you disagree. I'm passionate, but quite open (and vulnerable).
Get your popcorn (buttered or not) and see you at the movies.

John Borovilos

A Little Humour

I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.
If the object of parenting is to enable the child to get along without the parent, what is the object of grand-parenting?

Washington Post Neologisms:
   Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk.
   Gargoyle (n), olive-flavoured mouthwash.
   Balderdash (n.), a rapidly receding hairline.

Communiqués

Toronto Education Opportunity Fund ~ TEOF

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon!

Friday, February 10, 2012
Dim Sum King Seafood Restaurant
(new and larger location)
421 Dundas Street West (south side between Beverley and Huron)
3rd floor (Ramp from street and elevator)
(Municipal parking west of restaurant on south side of Dundas between Huron & Spadina)

6:00pm/cocktails - 6:30pm dinner

Tickets are $50 per person or $500 for a table of ten. Tax Receipt available for a portion of the ticket. Advance reservations may be made through:

Theresa Lennox: 416•393•8861 / theresa.lennox@tdsb.on.ca 
Valerie Mah: 416•533•0445 / vmah@ican.net. 

Craft/Artisan Show

RTO/ERO Toronto District 16 Craft/Artisan Show: Organized by Carmelita Salazar, Kay Jeffery and Bob Putnam (registrar), The fifteen crafters did well according to reports. Many Fall Luncheon attendees arrived early to benefit from the many shopping opportunities to fulfill their Christmas shopping needs and take the opportunity to renew friendships in a relaxed setting. Background music was provided by Ken Edge ( www.edgmusic.ca ).

School Events

Central Commerce celebrates its 100th Anniversary ~ Friday – Sunday May 5, 6 & 7, 2012. Friday pub night; Saturday open house and evening gala; Sunday staff brunch. Information: www.centralcommerce100.com

Duke Of Connaught Public School ~ celebrates its 100th Anniversary with a year long celebration: Homecoming Weekend, open house, decade rooms, time capsule, tree planting, legacy project, reminiscing. Former staff/students are invited to help plan, share memorabilia, photos and stories. October 20 ~ information: www.duke100th.com

King George Junior Public School ~ Celebrate our 100th Anniversary. Memorabilia wanted. Contact Jan Davies, Principal at 416•394•3060 / janet.davies@tdsb.on.ca  
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/King-George-Jr-Public-School-100-Years-At-the-Heart-of-Our-Community/209219642455774

North Toronto Collegiate ~ celebrates its 100th Anniversary from May 10 - 13. Events: open house, dinner-dance, music gala, athletic night, golf tournament, talent show, staff reunion, heritage book and much more! Volunteers welcome. Information: www.nt100th.ca / nt100th@gmail.com.

Trio Bravo Concert Series

Baird Knechtel/Viola, Terry Storr/Clarinet, John Seleck/piano are pleased to announce their 2011/12 concert series.

Feb. 5 / featuring Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn
May 6 / featuring Mozart and Dvorak

2:00pm at All Saints Kingsway Anglican Church
(2850 Bloor St. W at Prince Edward Drive)

Tickets: $18.00 or $50.00/series (Seniors: $12.50 or $30.00/series).
$20.00/$15.00 at the door

Order tickets in advance at 103 North Drive, Etobicoke ON M9A 4R5.

Make your cheque payable to Baird Knechtel (for Trio Bravo).

Visit www.triobravo.ca for details or, contact: Baird Knechtel at 416•242•2131.

The Toronto Choristers' Christmas Concert

Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 7:30pm
Jubilee United Church 40 Underhill Drive, Toronto
(one stoplight east of the DVP, north of Lawrence Avenue)

Donations accepted at the door for the church's outreach programs!

Advance Notice: 20th Anniversary Concert Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 7:30 pm

Consumer Corner

Source: www.cra.gc.ca  

Our Members Write

Goodwill

Welcome letters were sent to 42 new members in October and November. Sympathy cards were sent to 10 families of deceased members and a Keeping-in-Touch/Christmas card was send to one member in Blemheim. Sympathy cards were also sent to Virginia Boyce on the recent loss of her husband and to Irene Wasilishin on the loss of her mother.

Our seven centenarians whose ages range from 100 to 103 years received gifts of poinsettias and shortbread during the Christmas Season. Shashi Makhija and Sandra Roberston joined me in visiting our oldest centenarians: Harry McQueen and Marjorie Roberston (no relation). We enjoyed a hearty one-hour chat with both of them and they were far from being camera-shy as we posed to take photographs. Both daughters of these two centenarians expressed their gratitude that their parents were being remembered by RTO/ERO.

As well, thank-you letters and telephone calls were received from the relatives of some centenarians who were unable to accommodate visitors.

Congratulations to Clara Lahmer who celebrated her 100th birthday on January 1, 2012 and who is now our eighth and youngest centenarian. A floral arrangement was sent to Clara.

Thanks to those members who continue to notify us about recent happenings. With a membership of over 4,000 we still need to hear more about our members who may need Goodwill support.

Left: Marjorie Blake
 Harry McQueen
 Shashi Makhija

Right: Marjorie Blake
Marjorie Robertson
Sandra Robertson

Contact persons:
Marjorie Blake: 905•837•0874 / 905•837•8453
Ann Ludwigsen: 416•324•0909 / acludwigsen@rogers.com
Valerie Mah: 416•533•0445 / vmah@ican.net

'Tis to Laugh

We'd like to thank the children who gave up their day-care and community-centre programs, the TTC riders who gave up their transportation improvements, the former city-worker families whose bread-winner is now unemployed, and others so that drivers can be spared their $60 registration fee.

Welcome to New Members

Welcome to those having joined RTO/ERO from May to July, 2011. Occasionally new members join us in error - there are four Districts in Toronto (Etobicoke/York-22, North York-23, Scarborough/East York-24, Toronto-16) and others across Ontario.

As of August 1, 2011, our Toronto District membership stood at 4444.

Bob Neal, Membership

IN MEMORIAM

Condolences to families, friends and colleagues of those deceased recently. We share in the mourning of the loss and we celebrate the services they rendered. Marjorie Blake, Goodwill

Who We Are

RTO/ERO is a service organization representing retired education employees ~ typically those receiving pensions from the OTPP or OMERS. We welcome former members of AEFO, CUPE, ETFO, OECTA, OSSTF, Administrators’ Associations and other employee groups

Administrative Information

Use Your Executive
Your District Executive can only provide service and assistance if they are aware of issues that are on your mind. Do not hesitate to call those who perform the functions of the office they occupy. Please refer to your September Newsletter or website for contact information.

Change of Address, Status, District
To limit confusion regarding a change in address or other contact information, the ONLY contact is Dianne Vezeau (Provincial Office ~ 416.962.9463 or 1.800.361.9888). Also, to change your District, call Dianne. Obtain a Change-of-Status Form Here.

Rural Fire Addresses
Canada Post requires rural areas to have a fire number as part of one’s address. This has resulted in changes to street addresses and postal codes. RTO/ERO would appreciate being informed of these changed addresses as it would reduce the number of Renaissance magazines and District Newsletters returned due to improper or incorrect labelling. To ensure that you receive your mailings on time, please report changes to Dianne Vezeau at the Provincial Office by calling her at: 416.962.9463, x223 or 1.800.361.9888, x223, or dvezeau@rto-ero.org.

Newsletter Editorial Policy
Your Newsletter Editorial Committee is guided by the following:
Policy Statement:
a) Content, including complete source data, is submitted by the writer;
b) Our general editorial policy is to be informative to members regarding the governance of RTO/ERO and informative to retired persons regarding life issues;
c) Although published by the district, operations will be maintained at 'arm's length'.

Content and Advertising Criteria:
Submissions may include:
a) President's Message, Health News, Money Matters, District Sixteen Calendar of Events, trips and tours, In Memoriam, actions of RTOERO Toronto Districts, RTO/ERO (Province).
b) Community Service requests for volunteers and activities:
i) must be community or education oriented
ii) must be non-profit for the organization or individual
Advertising:
The position of RTO/ERO Toronto District 16 on advertising shall be that of RTO/ERO and subject to space availability:
The content of all advertising is subject to the approval of RTO/ERO. We accept no material that may be considered advertising from political parties, religious groups, financial planners/advisers, investment firms and the like.

How to Obtain Your Newsletter
This Newsletter is provided through your fees as a Member of RTO/ERO Toronto District 16. Non District 16 individuals are able to obtain printed copies via subscription ($10/annum) or downloaded PDF from our website. Join our email service and we'll let you know when it's posted.

Newsletter Submissions
Your Newsletter Committee welcomes submissions from members that may be of interest to others: travels, events, life milestones, etc. The editor reserves the right to modify or reject any submission to fit space available and to determine the appropriateness of any submission in a particular issue. Other RTO/ERO Districts are welcome to use any of the material contained in this document providing that appropriate attribution is made regarding source. Third-party submissions must include all source details.

Submission standards: Electronic TXT file preferred, (or Word DOC or WordPerfect WPD file) emailed to the editor at bmenagh@eol.ca. If you create your submission in another program, save it as a TXT file. Typed or hand-printed submissions accepted but earlier submission is requested.

Editorial Committee: Ian Baird, Bill Menagh, Mary El Milosh

Annual Publications Schedule: Submissions: Annually ~ the first of September, November, January, March, May

Mailings: Annually ~ end of September, November, January, March, May

RTO/ERO Waiver
RTO/ERO insists on a waiver being signed prior to participation in some of our organized activities. Download a sample waiver here.