President's Message

On Tuesday, October 21, almost 100 new members joined the Executive and our Convenors for the New Members' Breakfast at the Old Mill. Convenors had an opportunity to talk about their programmes and members of the Executive shared their roles. If you are a new member who was unable to join us this year, we do permit members to attend next fall. Lori MacDonald Blundon, Consultant, Plan Benefits, Johnson Inc. brought a door prize and stayed to answer questions.

Imagine the voices of 143 Grade 5 and 6 students singing to open our Annual Meeting of Senate in October. Senators and observers from 47 Districts from across Ontario, the B.C. mainland and Vancouver Island were very impressed with the award winning choir from Northlea PS As a former elementary teacher, I marveled at the effort it took to get that many students, parents and teachers to the Mariott for 8:45am and to have such an impressive program ready for a first concert in October of a school year.

Members of the Project Service to Others Committee reviewed 108 scholarship applications over the month of July and August. Twenty-five recipients who met the criteria were selected candidates. There were 108 applications received from 38 out of 47 districts. Seven applications were received from District 16 and Meghan Chambers, Katherine Tittel and Mischa Levine were the successful applicants. Applications for 2009 scholarships are available on the RTO/ERO website. During Senate, a motion was made to have the Provincial Executive consider extending scholarships to students pursuing a career as a doctor or nurse due to the shortage of doctors in many smaller communities.

At Senate, we heard from Janet Marissen – Guide Dog Program, Lions Foundation of Canada. Her group received a STO grant to produce a children's book on guide dogs. She held the Senators spellbound as she introduced a three month old apricot poodle-in-training whose destiny will be made in nine more months. At that time it will be decided if he is best suited for the seeing eye program, the program for a deaf person or a dog that is trained to let its owner know they are about to have a seizure. Project – Service to Others provides grants up to a maximum of $4000 for initiatives that support the concept of "Service to Others." Consider submitting an application for 2010. (The deadline for District 16 to determine a submission for 2009 was November 1, 2008.)

Brian Kenny was re-elected to serve a second year as president for RTO/ERO. One year terms are the norm with the Provincial Executive but senators unanimously approved his second term. Those of you who attended our AGM in May will remember Brian for his wit and humour. He has been away from his home in Dryden over 200 days in the last year. Members of our executive who have worked with him are most impressed with his dedication and leadership. Like your local executive, positions on the provincial executive are voluntary. Marg Couture, District 46 Muskoka is our First Vice- President, Joan Murphy, District 33-Chatham/Kent, Second Vice-President and the two additional Executive Members are Doug Carter, District 27 Ottawa-Carleton and Sue Stephenson, District 39, Peel. Three of our District 16 Executive serve on Provincial Standing Committees: Pat Carson on Political Action; Bill Menagh on Communications; Bob Putnam on Audit. We are honoured to have them there and know they have much to offer at the provincial level.

Senators and Provincial Executive gave a standing ovation to our speaker Ron Edwards, who presided over his 43rd consecutive Senate. Imagine, over 21 years of impressive service. When I asked him what he might be doing with his newly found time, he replied, "Tending my 140 different lilies in my perennial garden."

Many thanks to Carmelita Salazar, Pat McGregor and Kay Jeffery for co-ordinating a most successful Craft Show of over 20 crafters at our Fall Luncheon. There were many wonderful items available for holiday gifts.

Members of the Teachers' Pension Plan will be receiving a cost of living increase of 2.5%. You should be receiving notification by the end of November.

Due to the popularity of our Wellness series in 2006 and 2008, we have decided to hold a Financial Wellness Series on four consecutive Mondays in February 2009 at the Forest Hill Loblaws at Bathurst and St. Clair. We were pleased to have the expertise of our past president, John Bratton and our first vice president Dave Shanoff to help organize this series. One session will be presented by Johnson Inc. consultant Lori MacDonald Blundon who will discuss options of our insurance provider. See page 14 for details.

In closing, I would like to thank our very dedicated volunteer Executive and Convenors for their hard work on our behalf. But, none of us are indestructible and succession planning is a need in any successful organization. We invite interested members to consider organizing groups or joining our Executive. The motto of RTO/ERO is:

"Here for you now…
Here for your future."

Social/Club 16 Activities
Contact: Telephone/416.927.0416 ~ Email/ csalazar8@sympatico.ca

Time really flies… Live the way you want! Enjoy what you can! Smile! Be happy!

Come and join us in some or all of the activities planned for you. That is, if you have not done so yet! Don't be alone! There is so much to do! We need you! We want you to enjoy life! Please join us!

The Toronto Choristers will once again entertain us with a very special concert for RTO/ERO members and guests on December 1 at 1:30pm at St. Margaret's Anglican Church. Make sure you come!

I hope you enjoyed shopping at our Annual RTO Craft Show… amazing goods made by our RTO members. Maybe you can start now for next year's Craft Show. It's time to show off your hidden talents!

Here's what happens at St. Margaret's Church at Eglinton and Avenue Road:

Play Bridge under the leadership of John Lane… my favourite mentor! If it's your first time to play bridge, the group is really friendly, helpful and welcoming. You will have lots of fun! Give it a try! They start at one o'clock sharp and play the first, third, and fifth Tuesdays of the month. There is no charge! Come, have fun and enjoy the afternoon. Light refreshments are provided. Phone John at 416.486.0697.

Crafts with Bernice Iles meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month. You can create little projects to give away or for your own home use. Relax with other members while you make a variety of crafts. Call Bernice at 416.651.4378.

Travelogue led by Dick and Marilyn Holyer will let you travel along with the presenter's colorful, interesting, and delightful experiences as they reminisce about the countries visited in their journeys to other parts of the world! Enjoy the decadent treats after the vivid, lively presentations! See below for the January and February presentations. For more details call 416.929.8512.

The following groups meet at various sites:

Art and Sketch - meets on the first or second Thursday of the month. Anyone is welcome to join. They work with different portable medium that interest them - pencils, crayons, ink, water colors, etc Their sketches of flowers, animals, architecture, landscapes, and nudes are amazing! For more information call Anita Davies at 416.531.3408 or email ajdaoustat@sympatico.ca.

Book Club - meetings are held on the first Monday of each month from 1:00 to 3:00pm from the Monday after Labour Day to June. The group selects different authors each month. They have a wonderful social following the discussions.

Call Joan Johnston at 416.691.6368 or Elaine MacIntosh at 416.463.2637.

November ~ Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

December ~ Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Adichie 　

January ~ Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay

February ~ The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill

March ~ Plague A Story of Smallpox in Montreal by Michael Bliss

Friday Night Movies - The group attends the early evening movie around 7:00pm at a central, subway located theatre on the 2nd Friday of each month from September to June. Afterwards they meet for coffee. Members are notified by phone or emailed a day or two before the movie date. For information call Mary Malcolm at 905.509.9511 or email mary@rogers.com

Monday Matinee Movies - this group attends the matinee on the third Monday of the month at a central location usually on a subway line. Each month a volunteer selects a movie for the group who afterwards have coffee or snacks at a nearby café. Anne Ludwigsen at 416.324.0909 is the convener.

Super Tees Golf is still looking for a new location. Please contact Rosalie Parente 905 856.6936.

Walking with Phyllis Walker 416.653.3521 or email llanoka@aol.com. Enjoy the gardens; walk by the waterside; breathe the fresh air; enjoy the flowers; walk the malls in really bad weather!

Theatre Day Trips by Jack de Groot are most popular and very much enjoyed by all participants. I am always in awe whenever I get lucky enough to be a participant of this incredible deal of the ever popular all day trip - sumptuous lunch, first class show, and an awesome dinner! Very relaxing, loaded with excitement, and an incredible deal! Please phone Travel Chair Ian Baird 416.491.8906 for information.

I wish to thank all the wonderful conveners for making these activities possible. Please join the fun and extend the camaraderie even further by bringing your friends too. And I want to thank all of you for supporting these activities.

If you wish to start a group, please do not hesitate to contact me at 416.927.0416 or at csalazar8@sympatico.ca.

Enjoy and be happy! Have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Carmelita Salazar

PENSION NEWS

OTPP Cost-of-Living Increase Announcement
Your Teachers' pension will increase 2.5% in 2009. If you started your pension this year, your inflation increase will be pro-rated. Based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), this adjustment will be applied to your pension in January 2009 and details of the total increase will appear on the direct deposit notice that you will receive at the end of January.

Source: OTPP website

Re-Employment Changes Announced
Effective Jan. 1, 2009, the Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF) and the Ontario government have changed the plan's re-employment provisions.

1. The re-employment limits apply regardless of your age. Before the change, the limits did not apply after age 71.
2. You no longer contribute to the pension plan if you exceed the re-employment limit. Contact your employer if contributions are inadvertently deducted from your pay after Dec. 31, 2008. (Your pension will be suspended if you work after the month in which you exceed the limit.)
3. You can choose to have your pension recalculated to include the additional credit you accumulate while re-employed only if you:
   • return to work in education for the first time after Dec. 31, 2008;
   • notify us of your intention before you return to work; and
   • will work for the equivalent of a year or more.

If you do this, your pension will be suspended and you will contribute to the plan during your re-employment.

For more information on working after retirement, please visit our website:
http://otpp.com/web/website.nsf/web/workingafterretirement

Pension Changes for Future Retirees

This information regarding the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan is provided for your interest only. Changes described have NO IMPACT on current retirees nor those retiring in 2008 or 2009.

In September announcements were made regarding changes in the benefits to be received from the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

The following details are obtained from the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Website: www.otpp.com

Additional information can be found on the websites of:

The Ontario Teachers' Federation: www.otffeo.on.ca

The OTF Affiliates:

AEFO: www.aefo.on.ca
ETFO: www.etfo.on.ca
OECTA: www.oecta.on.ca
OSSTF: www.osstf.on.ca

For those retiring after 2009, the Cost of Living adjustments will be based on two components:

1. The portion of a member's pension credit earned before 2010 will still be 100% protected against changes in the cost of living.
2. The portion of a member's pension credit earned after 2009 will be 100% protected against cost-of-living changes as long as the plan has sufficient assets.
3. If the plan has insufficient assets:
   • Cost-of-living increases for pension credit earned after 2009 will be between 50% and 100% of the change in the CPI, depending on how much the plan can pay. Any reduced inflation payment will remain in effect until a funding valuation shows there are sufficient funds to provide full inflation protection again. If there is enough surplus, pension payments could be further increased to the amount they would have been with full inflation protection.
   • The Ontario government and designated employers that participate in the plan will continue to share pension costs by making extra payments equal to any inflation increases members forgo due to a funding deficiency.
4. Only the plan's cost-of-living provision is changing to help manage future funding challenges and will apply only to the pension credit of those retiring in 2010 or later.
   Pensions being paid to retired members, including full inflation protection, and the value of pension benefits already earned by working members are protected by legislation.
5. While the pension plan is not immune to current market conditions, your pension is secure. Today's market conditions will not affect the pensions of retired members or pension benefits already earned by working members. Unlike other retirement savings vehicles, such as RRSPs, your pension is defined by a formula that takes into account your years of service and average salary.
6. The change in the cost-of-living provision paves the way for the elimination of the $12.7 billion shortfall by reducing the level of risk in the pension plan.
7. The 2008 shortfall is now eliminated. By making cost-of-living increases conditional on the financial health of the pension plan for pension credit earned after 2009, the pension plan now has the flexibility to manage future funding deficiencies.

[Editors: Jim Leech, President and CEO of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan has accepted an invitation to address our Toronto District Annual General Meeting next May.]

MINDING YOUR MONEY ~ Chuck Carr

Market Commentary
(Click on Graphs for larger version)

This commentary is intended to provide some perspective on today's market conditions. It is hoped that it helps! Nobody is disputing that things are bad, but we've been there before and have lived to earn again!

The markets continue to be volatile and upsetting. Fortunately, many of us have been invested for five years or more and it is our gains (profits) that are being reduced – not our principal. (I realize that this might be cold comfort.) That is not the case, however, for newer retirees/investors. Take heart however, this recession is not without precedent, nor will the recovery that will inevitably follow.

Inserted below are three graphs that provide a historical perspective on what's happening in the markets today. The first graph shows how the value of $100 invested in 1974 fared over the years to the year 2000 - just before the crash of 2000 to 2003. Despite all the market recessions that occurred from 1974 to 2000, the value of the $100 invested continued inexorably to increase. So will yours over time. During the crash of 2000, the original $100 investment was still worth about $2,300, even after a 25% decline in the S&P/TSX. The S&P/TSX index was around 10,000 basis points (BP) at the time of the 2000 crash. In May, 2008 the S&P/TSX index broke 15,000 BP – 50% greater than at the peak before the depression of 2000. If the markets overcame that market correction, they will do it again.

The second graph shows the magnitude and duration of bear and bull markets for the period 1956 to 2007. Here you will see that bear markets (down markets) occur regularly, but are of shorter duration and lesser magnitude than bull markets. Today's bear market will inevitably give way to a recovery and the indices will not only return to their pre-2008 levels, but will surpass them. It is interesting to note that over the period 1956 to 2007, Bear Markets lasted about 10 months and dropped 26%, while Bull Markets rose 125% and lasted for 47 months. Hence, the probability that we will experience a market correction/recession about every five years.

The third graph shows how counter intuitive investing is. When markets are at their peak and investors are euphoric, investors are in most danger of a crash. When the markets have recessed into a trough and investors are in despair, that is actually the point of greatest opportunity for growth. So it is today. People who are retiring now or investing in the market have the greatest opportunity to make great gains.

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RTO/ERO ACTIONS

 

Your Toronto Executive has met twice and:

 

• reported that the September Newsletter Mailing of 4000 items was completed in record time (Ed. Thanks to our volunteers. Consider joining us in January.)
• reported finances to October 6, 2008 of: Income: $54,655.73; Expenses: 41,128.35; Total Equity: 64,056.55;
• agreed to sponsor the ‘Screw-the-Bell' Golf Tournament as an RTO/ERO Toronto District 16 event;
• accepted Bob Neal's volunteering to head up the Golf Tournament;
• received a report regarding comparative costs should the mailing of the Newsletter require an outside service-provider;
• agreed to print the Newsletter cover-page in colour;
• determined that the Newsletter be printed using environmentally friendly ink and paper. [Editors: our printer has a policy that includes use of recycled content in copy paper (30% post-consumer waste.)]
• authorized the purchase of notepads and magnets for District promotion;
• authorized the hosting of a ‘Financial Seminar'.

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RTO/ERO Toronto Districts (representing RTO/ERO Districts 16, 22, 23, 24) fulfills a couple of joint responsibilities on behalf of it's sponsors:

• hosts a joint website (www.rtoerotorontodistricts.org)
• sponsors three Retirement Planning Workshops (RPW) per school year. Our first workshop was successfully held on November 13 with two additional, single-session RPWs on:
  • Saturday, March 28 at the Toronto Catholic District School Board
  • Thursday, April 23 at the Toronto Board Etobicoke Office

If you are aware of any potential retirees, let them know that Registration Forms are available on our website.

In-depth, four-session RPWs are also available for TCDSB and TDSB employees. These registration forms also available on our website.

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RTO/ERO at its Fall Senate determined the following:

• no member fee increase this year [we would have been quite irritated if they had. Ed.]
• approved a number of benefit changes (see Supplement)
• approved programs and direction for 2009 (see supplement or log on to the Members Only portion of the RTO/ERO Website: www.rto-ero.org for full reports).
• for 2009, Pat Carson, Bill Menagh and Bob Putnam have been appointed to the Provincial Political Action, Communications and Audit committees respectively;
• no Founding Member Award will be granted in 2008

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From the Fall 2008 Issue:

• remove your name from the College of Teachers Status List so you are not considered
• Suspended for Non-Payment of Fees (p4);
• active teachers can join RTO/ERO (p5);
• 2009 Pocket Planner included in the mailing (p6);
• Service-to-Others 2008 Grant recipients List (p28; includes District 16);
• Correction: Long-Term Care toll free number is 1.800.467.4155 (p27)

Above: Photos from our New Members' Breakfast ~ October 21, 2008.
Left: As an environmental tribute in memory of deceased colleagues, your Executive has arranged for the planting of a tree as indicated in the Certificate.

Christmas Concerts Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 7:00pm Jubilee United Church 40 Underhill Drive (first stoplight east of the DVP, north of Lawrence Ave.E.) Admission: a donation to the Church Outreach Program and Monday, December 1 at 1:30pm at St. Margaret's Church (Avenue Road, just north of Eglinton) Bill Smyke	Terry Storr: Clarinet Baird Knechtel: Viola John Selleck: Piano Present Three Concerts at All Saints Kingsway Anglican Church 2850 Bloor Street West at Prince Edward Drive ~ 2:00pm Concert I: successfully held on November 2, 2008 Concert II: February 1, 2009 featuring guest soprano Renée Bouthot Reineke ~ Trio in A Major • Schubert ~ Sheperd on the Rock Milton Barnes ~ 4 Songs • Mozart ~ "Kegelstatt" Trio in Eb; K. 498 Concert III: May 3, 2009 Schumann ~ Fairy Tale Pictures • Mozart ~ Sonata in E minor Selleck ~ 3 Piano Preludes • Bruch ~ Double Concerto for Clarinet and Viola Tickets: Regular/$18.00; Seniors & Students/$12.50 Information: Baird Knechtel / 416.242.2131 Order Advance Tickets: 103 North Drive, Toronto ON M9A 4P5 Make cheque payable to Baird Knechtel (for Trio Bravo) Tickets at the Door: Regular/$20.00; Seniors & Students/$15.00 Baird Knechtel
TEOF ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR BANQUET Friday, February 6, 2009 Celebrate the ‘Year of the Ox' 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 or 1997) However, if your birthday is between January 22 - February 16, you could be ‘A Tiger'. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 for a table of ten. Advance reservations can be made through Theresa Lennox at 416.393.8861 or theresa.lennox@tdsb.on.ca. Contact Valerie Mah 416.533.0445 or vmah@ican.net	Adult Literacy Project Seeks Volunteers IBM Canada Ltd. gives literacy software to non-profit organizations working with newcomers (ESL) and other adults with literacy needs. We are looking for volunteers to ‘Canadianize' existing electronic books on topics such as citizenship, how to get a driver's licence, financial literacy, and employment. If you are interested in finding out more about this community-based literacy project, please contact RTO/ERO member Elizabeth MacDonald at 416.913.1087. Elizabeth MacDonald
RTO/ERO Toronto Financial Wellness Series Every Monday in February, 2009 RTO/ERO Toronto is pleased to present a seminar on four different aspects of financial wellness. Where? Upstairs at the Forest Hill Loblaws (396 St. Clair Avenue West) When? Monday mornings in February from 9:30am to 11:30am Cost? $20 person for series of four sessions (spouses, friends welcome) February 2, 2009: Wills and Estates (everyone needs a will and why) Powers of Attorney, Executors, Estate Planning/Mininmize Taxation, Inheritance February 9, 2009: Investing 101: How to Prosper in Difficult Times; RRSPs/RIFs; Stocks/Bonds/ Mutual Funds; Guaranteed Investments (GICs, Annuities, Seg Funds); Principal Protected Notes, 5 Simple Tips for Long-Term Investors February 16, 2009: Lori MacDonald Blundon (Sr. Consultant Plan Benefits Johnsons Inc.) Group Benefits Program Update; Group Benefits Program (Travel); Other available plans: Long Term Care, Critical Care, Life February 23, 2009: Maximize Your Retirement: Pulling It All Together CPP, OAS, GIS – How to apply for and maximize your benefits; Income Splitting and Taxation Tips; Financial Planning and Budgeting; Outliving your money, or do I have enough?; Charitable Giving, Foundations, Creating a Legacy NOTE: There is a limit of 30 participants so register now! How to register: Call David Shanoff at 416.656.3245 or email dayshan@sympatico.ca. Once your registration is confirmed, please complete the registration form below and remit a cheque for $20 payable to RTO District 16 (Financial Wellness Series) . Download Registration Form Here

Consumer Corner

National Do Not Call List (DNCL) F?rom the Website of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC): The National DNCL gives you a choice about receiving telemarketing calls. You can now register your home phone, cellular or fax number(s). Signing up is simple, quick and free. Once you have signed up, many telemarketers can no longer call you starting 31 days after your registration. You must renew your registration every three years if you want your number(s) to stay on the National DNCL. You can sign up online at: www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca or by calling, toll-free, 1.866.580.3625. Registering on the National DNCL will reduce but not eliminate all telemarketing calls and faxes. There are certain kinds of telemarketing calls and faxes that are exempt from the National DNCL, including those made by or on behalf of: registered charities seeking donations newspapers looking for subscriptions political parties and their candidates, and companies with whom you have an existing commercial relationship; for example, if you have done business with a company in the previous 18 months - such as a carpet-cleaning company - that company can call you. (Telemarketers making exempt calls must maintain their own do not call lists. If you do not want to be called by these telemarketers, you can ask to be put on their do not call lists. They are obliged to do so within 31 days.) You will continue to receive calls from organizations conducting market research, polls or surveys. These are not considered telemarketing calls because they are not selling a product or service, or requesting donations. Editors: Should you wish to easily opt out of the exempted organizations, try the link below. You will be asked for your telephone number. You can opt to have any personal information deleted after you have competed the form. www.IOptOut.ca

Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) The Government of Canada has created new TFSAs. Beginning in 2009, you can contribute up to $5,000 per year to a TFSA where the holdings grow and earn income tax-free. If you don't contribute the maximum amount in one year, you are able to carry forward your unused contribution room to future years. You can withdraw funds from your TFSA at any time and for any purpose. They are unaffected by federal income-tested benefits or credits e.g. Guaranteed Income Supplement, Old Age Security benefits, Age credit, Goods and Services Tax credit. Amounts withdrawn from TFSAs can be added to your unused contribution room so that the funds withdrawn can be put back into a TFSA in a subsequent year. You are not taxed on any income or capital gains earned on investments in the TFSA and you are not taxed on funds withdrawn from your TFSA. [Ed. Money placed in TFSAs have already been taxed.] Contributions to TFSAs are not tax deductible. Interest on funds borrowed to contribute to a TFSA are not deductible. Excess contributions will be subject to a penalty tax. Like RRSPs, qualifying investments for a TFSA include cash, guaranteed investment certificates (GICs), mutual funds, publicly traded securities, government and corporate bonds. For more detailed information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2008/txfr-eng.html Also see Chuck Carr's Minding Your Money archive posted here on our website. Note: All banking institutions have details on their websites related to this new savings opportunity. For maximum benefit, study up on what's available so that you can invest as early in January as possible.

BENEFITS & HEALTH NEWS/INFORMATION

This month we bring you some ‘food-for-thought' as distributed by our provincial Health Services & Insurance Committee.

 

Benefit Entitlement Review
Members are reminded to clearly identify which of the three criteria was not met when filling out the Benefit Entitlement Review (BER) application form.

Forms that do not clearly identify at least one of the criteria are returned to the member. Those criteria are:

1. Ambiguous wording of the RTO/ERO Health Plans (Reviews will be based on the intent of the benefit coverage in the policy including industry guidelines where applicable.);

2. Incorrect written representation provided by Johnson Inc. and World Access Canada to the members of RTO/ERO; or

3. A misinterpretation of the RTO/ERO Health Plans by JI and World Access Canada to the members of RTO/ERO.

Drug Information Update

Januvia – New Diabetes Drug
Merck Frosst introduced Januvia in February 2008 to be used in combination with metformin to improve blood sugar levels in adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Januvia is a DPP-4 inhibitor helping to improve the levels of insulin and decreasing the amount of sugar made by the body. The drug is available in tablet form (100 mg sitagliptin) and is to be taken once daily.

Source: Merck Frosst, February 2008

Losec & Nexium - New Safety Info
Health Canada was undertaking additional analysis to confirm or deny reports which linked the use of Losec and Nexium with an increase in serious cardiovascular incidents.

Health Canada has now completed its analysis concluding that there is no evidence to support an increased cardiovascular risk associated with the long-term use of Nexium. However, they were unable to definitively conclude if there was a potential for increased risk with Losec.

In light of this information, patients taking Losec and Nexium should not make any changes to their medication unless discussed with their doctor.

Source: Health Canada, Feb. 27, 2008

Majority of Seniors Have Made Plans for Dying but Few Have Made Plans for Independent Living
According to the recent "Living for Today - Ready for Tomorrow" survey of Canadians aged 65 to 85 conducted by Ipsos-Reid, there is a big discrepancy between seniors' desire to remain in their homes and the plans they're making to reach this goal. As the health of many people in this age group will inevitably deteriorate at some point in the future, there will be a need for support services and/or different living arrangements to ensure they are leading independent lives.

The survey showed:

• Nine out of ten Canadians between the ages of 65 and 85 have a will, half have a cemetery plot and 44% have a pre-arranged funeral.

• 97% will attempt to live independently as long as they can.

While independence is a big priority, they are not planning for their future living arrangements or talking to their families about what their options might be:

• Less than half (47%) of older Canadians have researched ways to help themselves live independently at home.

• Over half (51%) have not made any modifications to their home to ensure it's a safe environment.

• 82% say they will do everything they can to avoid moving into a nursing home.

With the lack of planning, it is evident that this group will be attempting to access services and care during a time of stress. In general, it seems that older Canadians are not seriously planning home care as an option, even though governments are investing more in this area to alleviate the burden on hospitals and nursing homes.

Source: CNW Group, March 2008

Fact Sheets on Required Vaccinations
For more information on diseases prevalent in different areas, there is an online website that offers travellers some assistance. The Travelvac's web-site offers travellers the ability to click on a global map of the destination to which they will be

travelling. The site then returns information on what diseases exist in that destination and the degree of risk for the disease in each of the local regions. By further clicking on the diseases noted, the site will identify the vaccinations that should be taken before travelling, additional information on the disease and some prevention tips while travelling in those areas. The website address is http://www.travelvacs.ca/en/Before_Leaving/Disease_Map.cfm

Source: Travelvac website, Feb. 2008

Falls and Seniors:

• Every 10 minutes in Ontario at least one senior will visit the Emergency Department after a fall;

• Every 30 minutes in Ontario at least one senior will be admitted to hospital due to a fall;

• 40% of admissions to long-term care homes are fall-related;

• Over 60% of seniors who fall do not return to their previous functional levels;

• Falls and falls-related injuries are the leading cause of death among seniors in Canada.

Source: Mississauga Halton Health Integration Network, May 2008

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'Tis To LAUGH : Remember Merit Pay, Eh?
Teachers should have had a Merit Pay package like that of the CEOs and money managers responsible for the current economic melt-down. On the other hand, teachers were competent so likely would not qualify.

Jack DeGroot's Day Trips

The first group of daytrips has been planned and reservations can be made as noted below. As always, your day will include your theatre ticket, transportation by motorcoach, lunch, dinner and all applicable taxes and gratuities. Each day has a matinee performance and a limited time for shopping.

To book your seat:
Please call Jack DeGroot at 416.691.3046 on Wednesday, December 3, 2009 at 8:00am

Once your booking has been made, please forward a deposit of $50.00 (Payable to Club 16) to Jack DeGroot at 19 Elm Drive, Toronto ON M1M 2W3. Please note the date(s) of your trip(s) on the face of your cheque.

The cost for each production is $110.00 per person.

At Drayton Festival Theatre

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 ~ Country Legends

This presentation is a salute to the Country Music Pioneers in the tradition of the Grande Ole Opry. Some of Country Music's greatest performers are celebrated in this energetic, fun-filled musical review.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 ~ Brigadoon

Two wayward travellers unlock the mystery of the fantastical kingdom ‘Brigadoon'. In this magical musical your soul will be stirred and your imagination unleashed.

At King's Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene

Thursday, June 25, 2009 ~ The Odd Couple

Neil Simon has created this mirthful battle of wits between two mismatched room-mates who have been kicked out by their wives. Two men, one neat freak and the other a slob, are forced to live together. Come, enjoy the fun!

At St. Jacob's Schoolhouse Theatre

Thursday, November 5, 2009 ~ 2 Pianos ~ 4 Hands

Inspired by the wizardry of classical pianists like Beethoven and Bach and rock artists like Jerry Lee Lewis, two incredibly talented virtuosos strive for fame in this hilarious musical comedy.

Other Stratford/Shaw productions will be announced in our next Newsletter.

A Tribute ~ Lest We Forget… Let's Celebrate

November reminds us of All Soul's Day, Remembrance Day and Thanksgiving Day. Lest we forget the departed ‘souls' for whom we mourn eternally at this time, may we remember not only the soldiers and heroes, but also the teachers who, in their time, strived to bring to fruition the success of the children who have become the men and women of our society.

Lest We Forget… Let's Celebrate Their Lives!

Marjorie Blake

Welcome to New Members

W?elcome to new members who have joined us from August to October. Consider joining our activities as a participant or a leader. 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.

Bob Neal, Membership

IN MEMORIAM

RTO/ERO District 16 extends condolences to families, friends and colleagues of those deceased. May we, together, share in the mourning of the loss and in celebration of service rendered.

Sue Booker, Goodwill Chair

NEXT MAILING ~ VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS WELCOME

Join us to benefit from camaraderie, refreshment, and the joy of accomplishment at our next Newsletter Mailing on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at St. Margaret's. Starting at about 9:00am and finishing by 11:30am.

~ Arlene Freeman, Mail Chair

Future Publications Schedule: Submissions:
     The First of September, November, January, March, May

Future Mailings:
     The last Thursday of September, November, January, March, May

USE YOUR DISTRICT 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

CHANGES IN RURAL FIRE ADDRESSES

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.