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| Volume 32, Issue
5 President: David Shanoff 416.656.3245 |
|
May, 2010 Editor: Bill Menagh 416.488.3372 |
PDF
complete version of this Newsletter ~
800kbComplete Holyers 'Members Write' Article ~
64kb |
Non-Member Newsletter Subscription Form ~
70kb |
|
Personal Data Document
~
139kb) (Supplement to May, 2008 Newsletter) |
RTO/ERO Services Supplement, September, 2009
~ 98kb
(updated annually) |
|
Toronto Political Representatives Insert from the May,
2009 Issue
~
150kb |
|
www.rtoerotorontodistricts.org
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.
|
From Your Editors
We are very proud of RTO/ERO and its service to educator
retirees. From its origins in the effort
to have teacher pensions indexed, to the creation and
maintenance of affordable health insurance
in retirement, and its on-going advocacy for older
persons, RTO/ERO has been pro-active in its
support for members. Members have been well served by its
constitutional governance and growing
use of technology to facilitate direct member access to services
and the committees responsible for
them.
From time-to-time we express our point of view on policy within RTO/ERO (see our March Issue Editorial on Pensions, p7). These editorials may or may not reflect the official position of RTO/ERO nor that of the Toronto Executive. It is, therefore, disappointing when relations between Toronto District (and some others, apparently) and the provincial organization become strained over the implementation process of a new ‘waiver' policy. See below. |
'Screw~the~Bell' Golf, 2009
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Dates to Remember Reminder: Our Bridge, Executive and Travelogue activities take place at Holy Rosary Parish Hall. Google Map on our website. June, 2010 July/August/September, 2010 Coming Up: |
President's Message
David Shanoff
Due to some personal time constraints, this version of the President's Message will be somewhat shorter than usual. I apologize for any disappointment that this may cause (Okay, you can stop chuckling now).
For those of you who have recently returned from your winter vacation, I hope that you enjoyed better weather than Marilyn and I experienced. Often, the temperature in Toronto was the same as in our part of Florida. It was disheartening but we were there, and not here, and we did not have to shovel the precipitation.
Our Annual General Meeting was held on May 5 at the Old Mill. At that time our new District Executive was chosen for this coming year. It is my pleasure to welcome a number of new members to the Executive, and to express thanks to those who are leaving. The members of your new Executive for 2010-2011 may be found at the end of my message on Page 4.
As your read this message, I encourage you to consider a position on a future Executive. Being there will give you greater insight as to how RTO/ERO functions, both at the District and at the Provincial levels. As well, you will have an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process affecting the various activities that are offered to our members by the District. There are usually 8 Executive Meetings a year. The real bonus for working on the Executive is that you will be working with an exceptional group of volunteers who bring their various experiences to the table.
By the time you read this message, 4 Members of the Executive will have attended the Spring Senate of RTO/ERO. The two Senators are E. Roy Harvey (1st Vice President) and myself (President). The two Observers are Bob Putnam (Treasurer) and Lone Smith (Member-at-Large). Senate is held twice a year, and is the opportunity for representatives from all 47 Districts (including 2 from British Columbia) to get together and to make decisions affecting the entire organization. District 16 is the largest District with well over 4000 members, but we only have two votes, as do all the other Districts. Any attempt in the past to change this apparent inequity has been unsuccessful.
Finally, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all those who contributed, both the members of the Executive and the many volunteers who were responsible for the amazing variety of activities offered this past year. I have enjoyed serving as your President and I look forward to another successful year.
Thanks to our many members for your continued support of District 16 and I hope that you have a very enjoyable and restful summer. I look forward to communicating with you with in our next Newsletter in September. Until then, be well.
David Shanoff
RTO/ERO Toronto District 16 Executive ~ July 1, 2010 ~ June 30, 2011
POSITION ~
Volunteer
President ~ David Shanoff
Past
President ~ Valerie Mah
First Vice-President ~ Roy Harvey
Second
Vice-President ~ Lone Smith
Treasurer ~ Bob Putnam
Secretary ~
VACANT
Archives ~ Doreen Olds
Communications ~ Bill Menagh
Goodwill ~ Marjorie Blake
Health Services and Insurance ~ Bill Tajer
Membership ~ Bob Neal
Political Action ~ Pat Carson
Program ~ Kay
Jeffery
Retirement/Pension Concerns ~ Shashi Makhija
Social/Recreation ~ Carmelita Salazar
Travel ~ John Bratton
Members-at-Large ~ Anne Ludwigsen, Lou Manning, Helen Milton, Susan
Weinert, Roger Wilson
Volunteer Needed for District Secretary
Please Help! Even if just for a year, we could use some assistance on our Executive in the position of Secretary. There are, typically, 8 Executive Meetings and 1 AGM and you can still take a vacation - other executive members will fill in as necessary. Plenty of assistance is available. Contact Valerie Mah at 416.533.0445 / vmah@ican.net .
Our AGM gave opportunity, in accordance with policy, to publicly thank executive members who have served us well through many years: Ian Baird and Arlene Freeman (16 years each); Jack DeGroot (11 years); Valerie Mah (President’s Pin).
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AGM/Spring Luncheon Photos
Assorted AGM/Spring Luncheon Photos includes:
First 3
-
President
David Shanoff; Event Organizer Kay Jeffery;
Scholarship recipient Michael Ali and
RTO/ERO Sponsor Anne Rahamut; .
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More AGM/Spring Luncheon Photos includes:
Top 3 -
Executive Service Award receiver Jack
DeGroot; War Child Canada speaker
Emma Cosgrove; Past President Valerie Mah
presents the proposed slate of the 2010/11
Executive.
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AGM Entertainment: The McAndrew Sisters
Arranged by Kay Jeffery and well-received by our Spring Luncheon attendees, these entertainers, The McAndrew Sisters, may be booked through Jayco Productions at jaycoproductions@yahoo.com / 905.628.6103. See our website for more photos.
Social/Club 16 Activities
Contact: Telephone/416.927.0416 ~ Email/
csalazar8@sympatico.ca
Summer
is here… we welcome the sunshine and rain showers once in a while… it keeps
our plants growing and flowers blooming. Take time
to go outdoors and enjoy the beautiful gardens
around the city in this wonderful weather.
There are all kinds of activities going on around the city and suburbs. Best of all, we have planned many activities for you where you can meet your colleagues and share some of your activities, experiences, travels, and retirement stories.
Do come and meet your colleagues and have some FUN!
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.'
Art
& Sketch: Dahlia Day Bramfield / 905.882.8662
meets on the first or second Thursday of the month. Anyone is welcome to join. They work with different portable medium that interests them (pencils, crayons, ink, water colors, etc.) Their sketches of flowers, animals, architecture, landscapes are amazing!
Book
Club: Joan Johnston / 416.691.5368 or
Elaine MacKintosh / 416.483.2637
meets on the first Monday of each month from 1:00 - 3:00pm. The group selects different authors each month. They have a wonderful social following the discussions.
June: Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
September: Paris 1919: Six Months that Changed the World by Margaret MacMillan
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!New! Non-Fiction Book Club !New! Sharon Goodier (416•916•6991) has volunteered to start a non-fiction book club in September. It will be eclectic: bring whatever you’re reading at the moment and tell us about it. Maybe we can even exchange books and save our retired wallets some money. We will meet at her place until we get too large for my living room which can handle 8 – which is really enough for a discussion anyway. We’ll remind you in our E-zine.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010 from 2:00 - 4/5:00pm |
Bridge:
John Lane - Convenor / 416.486.0697
Don't worry if it's your first time to play bridge… the group is really friendly, helpful, and welcoming. You will have lots of fun! They start at 1:00pm sharp and play the first, third, and fifth Tuesdays of the month. There is no charge and light refreshments are served.
Day
Trips ~ Organized
by Jack DeGroot, these events are extremely popular. Our
Fall Series is sold out so watch future Newsletters for new trips.
Note the RTO/ERO | Merit Travel
below.
| All RTO/ERO Toronto Day Trips and other activities are organized with responsible agencies that carry their own insurance (transportation companies, eateries, theatres, etc.). Participants should, however, carry their own personal health and accident insurance since RTO/ERO does not provide this type of coverage. Although this is not a change from past practice, RTO/ERO now feels obliged to remind participants that RTO/ERO will not be held responsible for any misadventure that may occur. A 'waiver' may be required before participation. |
Friday
Night Movie Group: Mary Malcolm / 905.509.9511
attends the early evening movie around 7:00pm at a central, subway-located theatre on the 2nd Friday of the month from September to June and then meet for coffee. Members are notified by phone or email a day or two before the movie date.
Investment
Group ~ Convenor: Lone Smith / 416.234.1969
The purpose of this group is to exchange information and knowledge. We each bring an item we have learned about from the world of finance and share the data. The group got started as we all lost faith in financial advisors who charge a lot but earn us little. We are all smart teachers who love to do research.
| Investment Group:
The purpose of this group is to exchange information
and knowledge. We each bring an item we
have learned about from the world of finance and share the data. The
group got started as we all lost faith in
financial advisors who charge a lot but earn us little. We are all
smart teachers who love to do research. The last meeting was very lively with discussions on a few stocks and new website that we can use for free. Our next meeting is: June 24, 4:30-6:00pm. Please feel free to ask any question you may have: 416•234•1969 Lone Smith, Convenor |
Monday
Matinee Movie Club: Anne Ludwigsen / 416.324.0909 / acludwigsen@rogers.com
attends the early matinée on the third Monday of the month, twelve months a year. They attend a central location usually on a subway line leaving time to get together for refreshments before the rush-hour starts. Friends are welcome!
Our last February Monday matinée was The Last Station at the Cumberland. Fifteen people met afterwards for Hungarian delicacies at the Coffee Mill. Our next movies will be April 19. If you'd like to join the Monday Movie Club, me at acludwigsen@rogers.com, phone 416•324•0909.
The Monday Afternoon Movie Club meets on the third Monday of every month. The dates for 2010 are: June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 20. Contact me at 416•324•0909 or acludwigsen@rogers.com. See you at the movies! Ann Ludwigsen, Convenor
Super
Tees Golf Group: Rosalie Parente / 905.856.6936
We welcome everyone interested in playing golf. Join the fun and socialize! It's a great exercise and keeps you ‘forever young' says Rosalie.
Travelogue: Dick & Marilyn Holyer, Convenors / 416.929.8512
You travel along with the presenters' colourful, interesting, and delightful experiences as they reminisce about the countries visited in their journey to the other part of the world! Enjoy the decadent treats after the lively presentations!
Walking
Group: Phyllis Walker / 416.653.3521/llanoka@aol.com
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Future dates: June 18 to the Toronto Music Garden at Harbourfront. Reluctantly, we announce the retirement of Phyllis from the convenorship of our Walkers Group. For the past two years she has faithfully organized informative and healthy trips for a number of our members. Should other members wish to continue Phyllis' activity, please contact Carmelita. Phyllis Walker, Convenor |
Carmelita Salazar
RTO/ERO Activity Insurance
Editors: When the RTO/ERO ‘Insurance Waiver' Policy became known, we pointed out in our January Newsletter that such a waiver might be required for our Day Trips. We also reminded members in our March Newsletter that RTO/ERO does not provide health and accident insurance for those participating in these events. Under threat of ‘failure to assure the [Provincial Executive] within one week that this action will be taken [i.e. comply with the new policy], will have consequences…' , we have included the full policy below and will reference it for all our activities.
Memo To District Presidents Re Trip Waiver Form / January 2010
Context And Rationale
T he trip waiver form was
developed in response to a District's request for guidance re liability
arising for District organized trips. There is no requirement for
those attending a District meeting including
breakfast/luncheon/dinner or District Executive/Committee meeting to sign a
waiver.
Nor is a waiver required for District group activities such as playing bridge where no extraordinary physical exertion is required.
The waiver serves a number of purposes. It is a reminder to all Districts and members who organize trips and events involving physical effort beyond regular daily routine that care and diligence are required in the planning and preparation of such events. It also protects RTO/ERO, Districts and members who organize District events in case of a mishap which leads to a claim against any of the above, and a court determines negligence on the part of RTO/ERO, its District(s) or members.
The waiver also serves to remind participants in any event, be they members or non-members, of their responsibility re coverage and that they should consider their level of fitness and readiness before participating in an RTO/ERO District sponsored event.
Some individuals have suggested that the waiver is meaningless and that people will sue anyway should something go wrong. The waiver does not prevent individuals from suing, but it demonstrates that RTO/ERO and its Districts have an established practice of due diligence in organizing such events, and therefore negligence would be the only legitimate basis for a lawsuit. [Italics added]
Implementation Processes
Districts are advised that
the waiver and or reference to the waiver should accompany all
advertisements for trips and special events. [Italics
added]
It is acceptable to publish the waiver in a newsletter or on the District web site and to have each participant sign on the registration form that s/he has read and agree to the statements in the waiver. The signature cannot be on a blanket form i.e. for unspecified trips/events over a period of time. A District may list a number of events on one page, but each participant must sign off against each trip/event in which s/he plans to participate and must sign off on having seen and agreed to the waiver.
It would be prudent that Districts include advice to participants in any trip/event that requires physical activity/effort beyond what they ordinarily exert. Participants should be advised to consult their doctor especially if they have a pre-existing condition that raises concern.
Districts should retain signed waivers for one year in cases where nothing
untoward has occurred. Where there has been an
incident, the District Executive should consult with the
Director of
Financial, Business and Building Services at the Provincial Office about how
long waivers should be retained.
PENSION NEWS
As
you may know from the media, the OTPP made significant investment gains
in 2009 (13%). Nevertheless the Plan reported
a $17.1 billion preliminary funding shortfall at January 1,
2010. Although the Plan has sufficient funds to pay all pensions
for a significant time into the future, steps
must be taken to eliminate the shortfall before the next funding
valuation is filed with the provincial pension
regulator. The next regulatory filing is due in 2012, but the plan
sponsors can choose to file voluntarily before then.
To eliminate a funding shortfall, the Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF)
and the Ontario
government, the two plan sponsors, can:
• increase contribution rates;
• invoke conditional inflation
protection for pension credit earned after 2009;
• reduce pension
benefits members will earn in the future; or
• adopt a combination
of these options.
The value of pension benefits already earned by working and retired members cannot be reduced under current law.
Sustainability Working Group
This group was formed
in September 2009 to look at ways to keep the Teachers' pension plan
affordable and secure for all plan members in the future. The
group comprises representatives of the OTF,
the Ontario government and pension plan management. It will develop an
action plan in mid-2010.
A committee of the sustainability group has produced five presentations
to help educate members on key funding issues.
You can view the presentations at:
www.fundingyourpension.com
Detailed Plan financial information can be obtained at www.otpp.com.
At the OTPP AGM
Your Newsletter Committee was
represented at the OTPP Annual General Meeting (April 9,
2010). We provide here specific issues that were brought to the
attention of the meeting along with the
response in italics. Questions and answers are paraphrased for space and
multiplicity of similar items. We recommend
the websites in this article for additional, perhaps more detailed,
information direct from the source.
Can the investment calculations be based on other assumptions so as to negate the need for contribution or benefits changes in the future? The current assumptions have been established for some time and have served the Plan well. Changes in assumptions will be one of the considerations of the Sustainability Working Group.
How does ‘ethical investing' as described on the OTPP website align with OTPP investments in mining in Central America (Goldcorp); labour issues (TD Centre); Israel (walling off of Palestine)? The OTPP does its due diligence before investments are made. However, legislation requires that the only consideration for buying/divesting are those related to the financial well-being of the Plan in the interest of its members.
The OTPP spent about $130/member to provide its highly rated personal service to members; so can members live with poorer service? This cost in 2009 is a cost incorporating a variety of changes to member service that came due in 2009 and are not anticipated to remain at that cost level.
What changes are planned for a survivor pension for spouses married after retirement? There will be a reduction to your pension if there is no other eligible individual - contact the OTPP directly for advice.
By the time you read this, the report of the OTPP AGM, including questions and answers, may be posted on the OTPP website.
Teaching After Retirement ~ Rule Changes
Agreement
has now been reached by the OTPP partners (Ontario Government and
Ontario Teachers Federation) to make the
following changes to address some of the issues related to
teaching after retirement [see our March Issue, V3 I4, 2010, page
7]:
New 50-day limit; employers to report re-employment service
Beginning Sept. 1, 2012, you will be able to work in education without
affecting your Teachers' pension for up to 50
days in each school year you work following retirement. This single-tier
limit means you'll only have one number to worry about if you
become re-employed in education after
retirement.
Clearer definition of "re-employed pensioner"
This
plan change, effective Sept. 1, 2010, will make it clear and eliminate
uncertainty as to what is considered
re-employment: if you provide any services for compensation after
retirement for an employer who participates in
the pension plan, you will be considered a re-employed
pensioner and subject to re-employment rules and regulations.
This applies whether you are employed,
self-employed or hired through a third party. Also note that you can't
forgo compensation to circumvent the rules.
Any changes to re-employment rules must be made by the co-sponsors.
Q. My employer hires retired teachers through a third party. Do re-employment rules now apply for these types of employment arrangements? Re-employment rules have always applied to these types of work arrangements that involved teaching. The expanded definition of "re-employed pensioner" will now include all re-employment, teaching or non-teaching, whether done on an employment, self-employment or third-party basis.
Q. What kind of work counts toward the limit? Any re-employment in education 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 re-employment rules. Source: OTPP Website: www.otpp.com
Minding Your Money ~ Chuck Carr
Nothing lasts forever!
Nothing lasts forever - our youth, our health, our vitality, and yes, even Minding Your Money!
After almost three decades, (I began writing a financial column for TPSPA in the 1980s.) I have run out of new issues to discuss. This is my last Minding Your Money column. It is time to hand the torch over to younger people with new ideas.
Many thanks to RTO/ERO Toronto District 16 for allowing me to indulge in my passion for learning, sharing and writing. You have enriched my retirement. Many thanks to the countless District 16 members who have brought questions to me over the years. You've made me feel useful.
The fact that nothing lasts forever leads naturally to an admonition of
"Don't procrastinate!" Do those things that you promised yourself you
would do when you had the time.
You are retired now and have the
time, health and mobility. The "no go" stage of retirement arrives long
before you expect it.
Remember: if you mind your money today, it will look after you tomorrow!
Chuck
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Chuck's Original RTO/ERO Toronto Column
Minding Your Money ~ September, 1998
Seniors Benefit - Good News! Get Organized and Communicate While driving on a main highway in New Hampshire, a large tractor-trailer loaded with logs was in front of us. It began to slow down as we were starting up a mountain incline. My wife, Marcia, who was driving, checked in the mirror, then turned on the left-turn signal. There were no cars in sight. She pulled out to pass the truck. A white car, about five car lengths away, driving in the wrong direction and heading right at us, appeared. Marcia swerved to avoid the culprit, lost control of the car and ended up in the ditch facing the opposite way. The airbag deployed, severely injuring Marcia's face - especially her eyes. The doctor at the trauma centre said that it was a miracle that we weren't both killed. Before we left for vacation we had made a list of all our bank accounts, insurance policies, investments, lawyer, and other pertinent information. We photocopied the lists and gave each of our daughters a copy in case of some unforeseen tragedy. (Our daughters are joint executrixes of our wills.) We did not want to burden them unnecessarily in the event of a fatal or completely debilitating accident. Such an accident can happen to anybody even in the most innocent circumstances. Our organization and communication would have relieved our daughters of unnecessary problems in a time of grief, if we had been killed. Don't place an unnecessary burden on your loved ones. Get organized and communicate. Death and Taxes |
RTO/ERO Toronto ‘No-Bell Laureate Luncheon'
This event was first held last year. Join us again this year. Pre-Register by August 25 with one of the contacts below giving name, phone and email address.
Tuesday September 7, 2010
Cost: $15.00 at the door
Location: The Mandarin (Yonge & Eglinton)
Organizing Committee:
John Cox: cox06@live.com
Anne Ludwigsen:
416•324•0909 / acludwigsen@rogers.com
Valerie Mah:
416•533•0445 / vmah@ican.net
RTO/ERO Toronto Charity
‘Screw the Bell' Golf Tournament
Wanted: Male and Female Golfers
Join us on September 7, 2010 (first day of the 2010/2011 school year!)
Golfers and Golfer-Wannabes are invited to create their foursome (or contact us and we will try to create a foursome for you).
$80.00/person or $320.00/foursome (includes green fees, prizes, dinner and power cart)
Look for the entry form in our next Newsletter (actually, it'll be available on our website before May)
There will be a Charity Draw for BIG PRIZES! Great odds!
Contact: Bob Neal / 416.694.9683
Committee:
John Bratton *
Bruce Godbold *
Bob Neal
416.782.2530
* 416.425.2972 *
416.694.9683
Jim Nightingale
* Bob Rocks
705.727.0054
* 705.737.2571
Innisbrook Golf Course
2957 Lockhart Road, Barrie ON L4N
9G7
T: 705.721.9210 / F: 705.721.9270
www.golfinnisbrook.com
RTO/ERO ACTIONS
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Brian Kenny, RTO/ERO Past President Update We are pleased to report on Brian Kenny, Past President of RTO/ERO. In our January Newsletter we informed you of Brian’s serious accident (hitting black ice; going over a 30-foot rock ridge and breaking his back (L-1) in a snow storm). We are pleased to report that Brian continues to recover at home with pain subsiding and physio-therapy continuing. Brian was able to attend his f rst Provincial Executive meeting in February although he was happy to get home. He can be reached by email at bnkenny@shaw.ca. |
Your
Toronto Executive met on March and April and:
• approved policy and constitution motions for the
district AGM and the list of those to be recognized for their service to the
District: Ian Baird, Arlene Freeman, Bernice Iles, Valerie Mah;
•
approved a review of charges for Luncheons for implementation in 2011 (the
current charge of $25 has been in place for many years and the subsidization
costs have crept up to about $18/person);
• after receiving an email from
the RTO/ERO Provincial President regarding the appearance of Toronto
District's non-compliance with the new ‘waiver policy', requested
clarification of ‘consequences' and full discussion of the matter at Spring
Senate, 2010 with full documentation as to the authority and rationale for
the implementation of such a directive requiring waivers;
• approved the
planting of a tree in memory of those members having passed away in 2009;
• received the Treasurer's Report to April 6, 2010: Assets/$61,254.53;
Expenditures to Date/$18,113.06; Income to Date/$29624.52
• approved the
sponsorship of a new activity (a Non-Fiction Book Club) and expressed
appreciation to Sharon Goodier for volunteering to organize;
• approved
the purchase of a portable sound system (up to $500) for Travelogue usage;
The AGM's File of Reports is available on our website. (Governance Link)
T
his co-operative group of the four RTO/ERO Districts in Toronto held its
latest Retirement Planning Workshop for over 75 potential retirees on April
27.
A joint announcement has been sent to TDSB and TCDSB schools regarding each district's Welcome Breakfast for new or potential members.
Watch for our November 18, 2010 Retirement Planning Workshop
RTO/ERO
Provincial:
RTO/ERO Provincial Spring Senate Business: (our print deadline allows us to highlight only those issues to be determined. We will update you through our E-zine)
• establish ‘The Charitable Foundation of the RTO/ERO';
• establish
the ‘RTO/ERO Endowed Chair of Geriatrics at the UofT';
• the 2010
Charitable Donation ($10,000) be made to ‘Pennies for Peace';
• be
asked to be provided with ‘detailed written legal information regarding
the rationale and source of authority for implementing the ‘Liability
Waiver.'
The Service to Others Awards is determined each Spring by RTO/ERO on district submissions. The 2010 Awards will be announced at Spring Senate and reported here when available. Watch our Newsletter for the 2011 process. Six applications were made to your Executive for 2010.
RTO/ERO Scholarships, 2010
A system of Scholarships has been established by RTO/ERO. Last year's
procedure is reprinted below but there is one
change: applicants cannot gain access to the on-line form unless they
have the sponsoring RTO/ERO member's
membership number - the first thing they need to key in.
Electronic Application Forms are now available only from the
Provincial Website:
www.rto-ero.org
. No hard copies will be mailed or emailed.
What You Need to Know Before Completing RTO/ERO's Application Form:
Deadline Date
The close of business, Eastern
Standard Time, on Monday, August 9th, 2010. Applications received after
the deadline date will be considered late and not eligible for
consideration.
Eligibility: Program and Proof of Enrollment
Enrolled in a full- or part-time program which will lead directly to a
career in teaching in Canada at the time at
which the Project - STO (Scholarship) Committee meets to consider the
applications (September 24, 2010).
Evidence of enrollment must be included. An Offer of Enrollment is not sufficient. Please provide official documentation that supports acceptance.
Eligibility: Citizenship
A resident Canadian
citizen or a landed immigrant. If applicant is a successful scholarship
winner, applicant will be required to complete a Form attesting
to citizenship status.
Relationship to RTO/ERO Sponsor
A child, grandchild,
niece, nephew, grandniece, grandnephew, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or
step-child of an RTO/ERO member.
Attachments
Attachments to this on-line application
must be submitted as either a Word or PDF document -
no exceptions. All attachments must be in typewritten format.
Application Process if Requested Information is not Provided
On-line Applications will not be electronically forwarded to the
Provincial Office if all requested information
is not provided. Applicant will be prompted regarding the information
needed to complete the Application.
‘Tis To Laugh!"
News Item: Greece receives a downgrade in its debt
rating.
This by the same companies who couldn't/wouldn't identify the
degraded debt of the financial institutions responsible for the sub-prime
mortgage fiasco followed by the major financial meltdown of 2008-2009.
BENEFITS
& HEALTH NEWS/INFORMATION
Benefits
Premiums & the HST:
Ontario will continue its application of tax
at a rate of 8 per cent on the same types of insurance
premiums currently taxed under Federal Retail Sales Tax
(RST). Insurance that is currently exempt from
RST, such as automobile insurance premiums [and RTO/ERO Health Benefits
Premiums], will continue to be exempt from RST after June
30, 2010. Therefore, no change to premiums under
the HST.
Lower Drug Costs:
The Ontario Government
has moved to lower the cost of generic drugs by gradually removing the
‘kickback' that pharmaceutical companies pay to
druggists. Quoting Ontario Health Minister Deb
Matthews as printed in the Toronto Star (April 20, 2010): ‘There will be
substantial savings…there is no question that
people who have their drugs paid for through an employer plan
will benefit from this.'
There will be no change to the RTO/ERO Benefits Premiums until at least February, 2011. By that time, there may be limited data for our provincial Health Services and Insurance Committee to determine any gain to our Plans because of this and other factors, including usage. Changes are normally communicated to RTO/ERO Benefits participants in late November or early December.
Benefits Changes 2011:
Our Provincial Health Services and Insurance Committee will soon be
evaluating changes to the RTO/ERO Benefits for
2011. If you have suggestions, please contact this committee at:
healthcommittee@rto-ero.org
Copy Bill Tajer should you wish the Toronto Executive to consider adding its voice to your request.
Political Advocacy ~ Pat Carson
There exist some concerns regarding the benefits provided by Local
Health Initiative Networks (LHINs) and Community Care Access Centres
(CCACs). Do they serve the interests of Ontario's population or are they
simply an additional layer of bureaucracy designed to pay inflated
administrative salaries?
We would appreciate your telling us your experiences with these agencies (good or not-so-good) so that our Provincial Advocacy Committee can prepare policy and action to try to improve the value of these agencies.
Contact Pat Carson: 416•626•5995 /
pcarson@rogers.com
Editors: Recently the media has reported on the lack of standards for
care-workers in retirement homes or in the growing ‘in-home'
care-services offered by private companies. Additionally, the Ontario
Government refuses to consider the establishment of such standards (CBC:
April 26, 2010).
We have multiple members living in the same retirement home/complex for a number of years. This leads us to believe that the care received and the amenities available in these locations are appreciated and enjoyed. We do not know anything about companies that provide ‘in-home' care so could not help our members, if asked.
We would like to hear from those of you who have positive experiences with both retirement homes and ‘in-home' care companies.
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RTO/ERO Toronto's Annual Craft & Artisan's Show We are pleased to host another Craft/Artisan Show. If you would like to participate in this activity, complete the form below and forward it as indicated. A Registration Form is also available on our website.This event will take place, at The Old Mill, on Wednesday, November 9, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Set-up details will be sent to participants. There is a $25.00 Table Fee (to help cover costs of room rental) and you will be provided with one Fall Luncheon Ticket to be used as you see fit. There is room for 30 participants only, so please register early. Space will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Should multiple Registration forms arrive on the same date, post mark dates will determine order of receipt. A waiting list will be kept should a registrant drop out. Photos of previous Craft Shows are available on our website: www.rtoerotorontodistricts.org A list of participant will be published in our September newsletter. NOTE: products shown should be self-produced and not manufactured by a third party. This is not a garage sale. Send to: Carmelita Salazar 40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto M4Y 1L2 416.927.0416 / csalazar8@sympatico.ca Remember to enclose your $25.00 Table Fee. (payable to RTO/ERO District 16) A table cannot be provided without the Table Fee. |
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Re: When The Doctor Retires, by Marjorie Blake [V32 I3, January, 2010] My problem was my family doctor died of a brain haemorrhage at 60 years old. He was very good too. They posted a list of six doctors on his office door. I had to retrieve my medical health records from Medical Records Storage & Retrieval Services, within a year. I paid over a$100.00 plus to obtain them. The first thing I did was make copies of all my health records for the future. Luckily for me my two sons went to a walk in clinic about one subway stop away from where I live. When I needed to visit a doctor I went there. I liked him too. When I told him my sons were registered with him already, he said, "Why not register here also". My former doctor and present one have good specialists for reference if needed. I am set for now and relieved. Make copies of your medical records when you get a chance. Thank you. Yours truly, John Rooney |
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What on Earth is a TEOF? Eh?
As well as being President of District 16 RTO/ERO, I am also on the Board of the Toronto Education Opportunity Fund ~ TEOF, along with Valerie Mah who is now President of TEOF.
Since the amalgamation of all of the public schools boards within
the new City of Toronto, much of this was taken up by the Toronto
Foundation for Student Success. TEOF As well as providing snacks for needy kids, TEOF is also providing funding for Parenting Centres which encourage parents to prepare meals/snacks for themselves and their children in a school setting. This has proven to be very successful. We just had a report on this today from the coordinator. I hope that this will clarify for you, and your colleagues, what TEOF is all about. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me, David Shanoff, (416•656•0305 / davshan@sympatico.ca) , or Valerie Mah (416•533•0445 / vmah@ican.net ). David Shanoff |
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Coffee Cohort
Ann Ludwigsen Editors: This is not an ‘official' RTO/ERO Toronto activity but it does give us an idea: A number of districts offer this type of opportunity to their members within their membership territory. Is there anyone else who would like to start a loosely-organized activity like this within, say, their own Postal Code. Sounds like a great idea to us but would need some volunteers to implement. Interested? Call Carmelita 416•927•0416 / csalazar8@sympatico.ca or any executive member and we'll try to help set this up for the Fall. |
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Project ~ Service to Others (STO)
Grants RTO/ERO has granted $2,180 to The Queensmen of Toronto Male Chorus for their ‘Sing ‘N Learn' program. This RTO/ERO Toronto supported request promotes the development of choral music in elementary and secondary schools. The focus of this grant will be North Etobicoke with large populations of recent immigrants. A field teacher and support materials will be funded. A local agency, Darearts Foundation, is also involved. |
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 Club 48 is an association of retired teachers who meet socially nine times a year from October to June, usually the second Wednesday of the month. It was named "Club 48" because it was founded in 1948. We attend plays, have lunch, take out-of-town trips, and hear most interesting speakers. Our membership fee is $20/year. For some events a member can attend a lecture and enjoy refreshments at no charge; for others you may wish to join us for lunch as well as the entertainment. Guests are welcome. For further information, please contact Christine Newhouse at 416•924•5226. |
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Island
Science School 50th Anniversary T he 50th Anniversary of the Island Natural Science School will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 11:00am to 3:00pm, with our Celebratory Ceremony at 2:15pm in the New School. We hope that you will attend and; Contact: |
RTO/ERO North York ~ Newsletter Editor Needed
RTO/ERO North York District 23 is seeking a new Newsletter Editor. The only required necessity is to transfer your RTO/ERO membership to RTO/ERO North York District 23. For complete details regarding this position, please contact Michael Sheffe at msheffe@rogers.com. This is an executive position and an excellent opportunity for some involvement in retirement. |
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Neil Wilson / TSAA Golf Tournament
Wednesday June 30th, 2010
Rolling Hills Golf Club ~ The Championship Course (par 72)
Times:
Social: 6:30pm
Cost:
Register by June 18, 2010 Avoid disappointment, register early ~ we were over subscribed last year Open to all RTO/ERO members |
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 RTO/ERO
Annual Blue Jays GameHere are the details for the annual RTO/ERO Blue Jays Game with presentation of cheque for $10,000 to a designated charity as selected by Senate in May. A cheque will be presented in a pre-game ceremony.
To order tickets, please contact the Blue Jays directly. Our contact is Andy Topolie: 416•341•1565 or 888•654•6529 x14946 or andy.topolie@bluejayscom |
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Editors. Some members, a little shorter
‘in-the-tooth' than others, have asked what our oft-advertised
charity ‘TEOF' is. We include an explanation below.
TEOF, as indicated in one of our E-Zines, is a legacy Toronto Board
of Education initiative which was started around 1980. It initially
raised money to help provide breakfasts for kids in need, as
identified by what used to be called, the Inner City Index. We raise
funds through a variety of sources including a Chinese Lunar New
Year Celebration. Would you like one or more tickets at $50 per?
A group of RTO/ERO Toronto members and friends
meets every Wednesday and Saturday at 10am for coffee at the Village
Rainbow restaurant, 477 Church St. The restaurant is on the NE
corner of Church and Maitland, one block south of Wellesley. Stop by
sometime and join us for coffee if you're in the neighbourhood!
Consumer Corner
HST
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) comes into effect
on July 1. There remains some concern regarding potential increases in
costs - especially for services (eg: condo property management fees,
plumbers, gardeners, other service providers). One should be reassured
that the full cost of the additional tax (the 8% Provincial Sales Tax)
ought not to be passed on to the consumer. Condo board members and
others having on-going service contracts should watch carefully to
ensure they know the facts about the HST and, through ignorance accept
inappropriate escalation in their service charges. The following
material is available at the Ontario Government website:
www.ontario.ca and is used with
permission.
1 Some purchases will likely cost more because some goods and services that were not subject to the PST will be subject to the provincial portion (eight per cent) of the HST for the first time. 83% of consumer expenditures will not see a new tax. On a number of items, prices are expected to eventually come down.
2 Replacing the provincial sales tax (PST) will help eliminate the hidden sales tax that many products carry. Businesses, in general, will pay less tax, generating savings which they'll be able to pass along to consumers in the form of lower prices. Currently, PST is applied at every step in the creation of a product and embedded in the price you pay at the store. You also pay PST on the final purchase price. The HST is paid only on the final purchase price.
3 The HST will not be charged on the following items that are currently
not subject to PST:
• Basic groceries • Prescription drugs • Some
medical devices • Municipal public transit • Health and education
services • Legal aid • Most financial services • Child care • Tutoring •
Music lessons • Residential rents.
4 Consumers will not have to pay the provincial portion (8%) of the HST for: • Qualified prepared food and beverages sold for a total of $4 and under • Print newspapers • Children's clothing and footwear • Children's car seats and car booster seats • Diapers • Feminine hygiene products • Books (including audio books)
5 Buyers of new homes receive a rebate of up to $24,000 regardless of the price of the new home: • Buyers of new residential rental properties receive a similar rebate • The HST will not apply to purchases of resale homes.
6 Benefits for Business: • The HST and cuts to business taxes will cut Ontario's marginal effective tax rate on new investment in half • The general Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate will be lowered from 14% to 10% over the next three years • The small business CIT rate will be cut from 5.5% to 4.5% • The small business deduction surtax will be eliminated • Fewer small and medium-sized businesses will have to pay the Corporate Minimum Tax, and the rate will be cut from 4% to 2.7% in 2010.
This is in addition to the existing plan to eliminate the capital tax.
Capital tax was already eliminated for firms primarily engaged in
manufacturing and resource activities in 2007.
For all other
businesses, the capital tax rate will be cut by 33% on January 1, 2010
and then completely eliminated on July 1, 2010.
7 Reduced Business Costs: • Most businesses will receive input tax
credits for sales tax they pay on many of their business purchases and
capital investments, providing significant
savings • Businesses will
save in administrative and compliance costs • Administration of a single
tax instead of two means one set of forms, one payment and one point of
contact for audits, appeals and taxpayer services.
Editors: note that items 6 and 7 should help further offset any need to pass on full HST changes to the consumer.
Powers-of-Attorney:
Should you become incapable of
making health or property/financial decisions on your own, it is
imperative that you have your Powers-of-Attorney up-to-date and
registered with those institutions which may have to be contacted on
your behalf. Your financial institution(s) and Johnson Inc. (the
administrator of your RTO/ERO Benefits) are two agencies that come to
mind. Your house insurance carrier may also need a copy - OTIP/RAEO
does.
File Your Taxes:
A number of new or enhanced
benefits and credits are available to eligible tax filers as part of
Ontario's tax plan:
• Up to $260 a year for each member of your family from the new Ontario
Sales Tax Credit, paid quarterly beginning in August.
• Up to $1,000
($1,125 for seniors) for the 2009 tax year from the Ontario Property and
Sales Tax Credits.
• Up to $500 a year to help senior homeowners pay
their property taxes with the Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax
Grant.
• Up to $1,000 for families (including single parents) or up
to $300 for single people in new Ontario Sales Tax Transition Benefit
payments.
Ontarians can still qualify for these credits and benefits by filing a return after the April 30 deadline, but payments may be delayed.
Our Members Write
Dick & Marilyn Holyer
RTO/ERO Toronto
Travelogue Hosts
Our first major trip of this year was unusual for us because we have
always avoided prolonged exposure to hordes of
people, hell-bent on over-indulging in food and drink, often accompanied
by loud music and the rude behaviour typical under such
circumstances. But, overcome by curiosity and
a certain fatigue generated by several years of facilitating workshops
for seniors, we signed up for a holiday
consisting of a week in St. Pete's Beach, Florida followed by a one-week
cruise in the Western Caribbean.
Thus, we ended up on a deluxe express coach with our favourite tour company for a 36 hour marathon from Toronto to Florida.
A few days on the silver strand at the beautiful Tradewinds Resort near Tampa Bay did wonders for the body and soul, especially after we bundled up in all the layers we had brought.
But good things don't last forever, and, on the last night of the stay in that resort, Marilyn awoke with severe cramps and then numbness in both legs just hours before we were to board our tour bus to catch the cruise ship in Fort Lauderdale. An executive decision was made to call for help because this condition could be the harbinger of a return of the serious blood clot from which I suffered a few years ago. Our young tour director called a cab and whisked us to the nearest emergency ward at 1:30am.
The young doc on duty appeared and said there was no blood clot, but that the kidney function analysis showed severe dehydration, which, as he had thought, had caused the muscle cramps! Meanwhile, Dick had been busy on the phone with the international phone number provided by our teachers health insurance plan; approval of the claim came through by fax very promptly and did not delay my treatment at all. (This was a trial run for us with the comprehensive health insurance we purchase thru the Retired Teachers Organization.) The incident was a positive experience in many ways, and I vowed to stay hydrated for the duration of the trip.
Ironically, it was actually a little warmer in the Frozen North than it
was in parts of Florida at the time. In fact,
getting off the cruise ship, we had encountered customs people and
security guards attired in warm coats, hats and gloves and shivering
miserably.
Life on the ship, however, was good if somewhat unreal for people unaccustomed to being waited on hand and foot by a bevy of smiling Indonesian stewards. It seemed dreadfully decadent to order a full breakfast to be delivered to the room. The various buffets offered a multitude of gastronomic delights. The two swimming pools reminded us of the wharf at San Francisco where the barking seals flop in the sun. Here the urge to bare all in the bikini and the disturbing number of the obese among the sun bathers was disturbing, and the blaring disco music from the bar would have drowned out the seals, so we simply avoided the pool areas and sought out secluded deck chairs in the shade. Our favourite refuge became the quiet lounge where an exceptionally talented string quartet played soothingly for several hours after dinner every evening.
We enjoyed the three shore excursions: a private cay in the Bahamas;
and, the desert islands of Aruba and Curacao,
but, even a brief exposure to the blazing sun, was enough to
remind
us that we are more comfortable in the northern climate, snow and all.
Apparently, we were not the only passengers
who preferred the A/C on the ship to the heat.
We observed, even
among our own small group, that some people had apparently become
"cruisaholics", chalking up dozens of trips, and perhaps the
price of room and board and entertainment on
board is inviting enough to tempt a retiree with a decent pension to
make the cruise ships a semi- permanent
address. We noted wryly that in the Caribbean travel book we
purchased on board the ship, the island of Cuba appeared on the
map but was not to be found in the descriptive
passages.
On reflection, the current cruise prices do seem "reasonable", and the
aggressive marketing of future cruises was
tempting, with attractive discounts being offered, requiring only
a
small down payment to hold the space. Our main deck cabin with an ocean
view was available for about $800 for a week.
We looked forward to the lazy days at sea and began to love exploring
this floating city with its diverse population and stimulating
activities. We were both delighted with daily
computer lessons subsidized by Microsoft and well presented by a young
"Techspert" who offered sessions on enhancing
digital photos with free soft ware.
Re-entering Canada, our spare driver went into the customs office and emerged quickly, saying he needed "four volunteers for a strip search". That woke up several snoozing people and raised an eyebrow or two, but then our two bus drivers began to laugh, as we wheeled away from the border, not even having had to show our Canadian passports or lay eyes on a customs official.
Obviously, they have seen a regular stream of tour buses with seniors
heading for Florida at this time of year on
round trips to the sun belt. Oh, Canada! We were SO glad to be HOME
again!
Editors: Dick and Marilyn's report has been edited for
space - their complete, unedited
report is available here.
Day Trips ~ Jack DeGroot
Travel ~ RTO/ERO Agawa Excursion
September 28 to
October 1, 2010
Merit Travel and RTO/ERO have arranged an excursion to the Agawa Canyon. 50 participants are required to keep the cost as advertised. If this arrangement works well, additional opportunities will be made available. Jack DeGroot
Tuesday, September 28: 8:00 leave Bayview Village Parking Lot. We cross the border at Port Huron and lunch at the Bavarian Inn, Frankenmuth, famous for their "chicken dinners". Free time in Frankenmuth or at Birch Run Outlet Mall. Since we are out of Canada more than 48 hours, purchases made in the US are duty free to a value of $200. Our next stop will be St. Ignace, MI where we spend the night at the Best Western Harbour Pointe Lakefront. Dinner is on your own.
Wednesday, September 29: After breakfast at the hotel we will board the 10:30am ferry for Mackinac Island. After a short ferry ride, we a horse-drawn carriage takes us to the Grand Hotel where we enjoy their delicious buffet lunch. Following lunch, there is be free time to explore the island. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island. We board the 4:00pm ferry to return us to our coach in St Ignace and proceed to Sault Ste. Marie where we stay for the next 2 nights. Dinner will be on your own. (You may not need it after the lunch at the Grand Hotel.)
Thursday, September 30: We take the train for our trip through the spectacular Agawa Canyon. Breakfast is served on the train and a boxed lunch is provided. There is a 2 hour stop at the Canyon; then the train returns to Sault Ste. Marie. We stay at the Watertower Inn and dinner is included.
Friday, October 1: Following breakfast at the hotel we
start our return journey to Toronto. Comfort stops and a luncheon
break will be made along the way.
Price: double
occupancy: $699.00 single supplement: $200.00 based on 50 participants
Included in price: Return transportation, three nights
accommodation, Famous Bavarian Inn Chicken dinner, Ferry to/from
Mackinac Island, Horse-drawn carriage ride, buffet luncheon at Grand
Hotel, full day train excursion including breakfast and box lunch in
Agawa Canyon, final evening Dinner, Tip for driver.
To book this
package, please call:
Tommi Hayhoe
Merit Kleinburg Travel
10480 Islington Avenue Box 292
Kleinburg ON L0J 1C0
1•800•463•6187
x7116 or
tommi.hayhoe@merit.ca
Welcome to New Members
Welcome
to those having joined us in January and February, 2010. 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 April 1, 2010, our Toronto District membership stood at 4177.
Bob Neal, Membership
| Margaret W Allman | Michael Ball | Mary-Anne Baraniuk |
| Eileen A Barton | Susan C Bradley | John Cameron |
| Lynn Daigneault | Jane Douglas-Oliver | Elizabeth Estall |
| Bruce Galbraith | Violet Gulletson | Bonnie Hamp |
| Margaret Ann Lougheed | Arlene Mawson | Edwin Meeking |
| Rita Moonilal | Eugene Morishita-Miki | Gordon Robinson |
| Joyce Rogers | Karin Schindler | Michael J Seward |
| Murray Shukyn | Raymond Stoddart | Harold Tamminen |
| Gloria Torrance | Helena Vaiceliunas | Janette M Vedan |
| Holli Verkade | Paulette Volgyesi | Eric Willcocks |
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.
 |
Allan Allman | Owen Barton | Ruth Bell |
| Elizabeth Brown | Alexandra Crysler-Wiggins | Louise Dick | |
| Ostap Dykun | Patricia Flood | Helmi Garscadden | |
| Gary O. Gray | Jean Hunter | Teressa Jacenty | |
| Jane Merkley | Louise McGill | Clare McGroarty | |
| Mabel B. Morley | Gladys Morrison | William Sager | |
| Viola E. Webster |
Sue Booker, Goodwill Chair
Future Publications Schedule: Submissions:
The First of September, November, January, March,
May
Future Mailings:
On or near 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
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.
CHANGES IN 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, Paul Rowney
Annual Publications Schedule: Submissions: Annually ~ the first of September, November, January, March, May
Mailings: Annually ~ the last Thursday of September, November, January, March, May