volume 43, issue 1 september, 2020 · right to edit submissions for clarity or length. please keep...
TRANSCRIPT
Volume 43, Issue 1 September, 2020
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca2 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 3
Opinions expressed in this Newsletter do not necessarily reflect the position ofRTOERO or RTOERO Toronto District 16.
Third-party content is presented for information only anddoes not necessarily imply endorsement by your editors or RTOERO Toronto.
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this Newsletter, important decisions should be made only after consulting with
the appropriate professional or organization.
Table of Contents
Activities with ZOOM
President’s Message ~ Barbara Antheunis
Front Cover: RTOERO Toronto Executive Table Officers Plus photos of some of our COVID-19 affected activities.Back Cover: RTOERO Toronto Executive meets prior to COVID-19.
RTOERO Board of Governors have advised districts that in-person meetings and events are curtailed until further notice. HOWEVER, some of our activities are being arranged as ZOOM meetings. Our current list includes:Bridge: ...........................Tessie Leung, [email protected] Group: ...........Lone Smith [email protected] Club: ..................Jackie Chartier [email protected] Club: ..................Mara Santarossa [email protected] book club: ..Nancy Ballanger [email protected] End Book Club: ....Steve Feldman [email protected]
Activity descriptions on page 23.
Activities with ZOOM ......................... 2An Invitation for Members to Write ....34Benefits Comparison ............................44Benefits Report .....................................29Bill Menagh ~ Editor, 2005 - 2020 ......35Breaking Out From COVID-19 ...........27Change of Address, Status, District .....47District 16 Developments .................... 8eBlasts ~ On-Line Communications ....22Engage RTOERO on Social Media ......17First Vice President ............................. 8Global Excel Management Inc. ............14Goodwill .............................................28In Memoriam .......................................46Membership Report .............................27Movies to Enjoy ...................................40My COVID Tale! .................................37*New* RTOERO Website ....................18Political Advocacy/Pension .................33
President’s Message ............................. 3Programs ..............................................23RTOERO Scholarships ........................38RTOERO Board Decisions ..................10RTOERO Foundation ...........................38RTO/ERO Governance ........................11RTOERO Partners ................................21RTOERO Preferred Sponsors ..............20RTO/ERO Publications ........................16RTO/ERO Toronto Executive .............. 7RTOERO Toronto Election Process ..... 5RTOERO Website Information ............19RTO Toronto Executive 2020 ..............47Second Vice President .......................... 9Supplementary Travel Insurance Rates .15The Pandemic… And Me .....................34Toronto Scholarship Recipients ...........39Travel Insurance Reminders ...............15
Our Way Forward In Uncertain TimesDear Members,Who could have imagined the last few months that we have all experienced? As a book or movie plot, people would have relegated it to science fiction or found it totally implausible. Having lived through it, however, we know it to be a truth that has totally altered all of our lives. At this point we do not know what the immediate future holds nor what the long-term looks like and when will we be able to interact with one another sans face covering and most important, hug those we love without fear of spreading this unseen foe? When vacancies occur between Annual Meetings, the Executive can fill any vacancies by appointment until such time as an Annual Meeting can be held. The executive filled a number of vacancies by this process and as Betty Lou Reynolds resigned effective June 30 I was appointed President. Your full Executive is listed on page_6. Betty Lou deserves a lot of credit, as she saw us through the beginnings of the Pandemic and charted a heretofore unknown path of Zoom meetings and virtual get-togethers. District 16 and I were the recipients of her skills and level-headedness. I am most grateful for her mentoring. I thank all of the members who have served and are now going on to other endeavors. One such member, however, deserves special mention A huge loss for District 16 came in the resignation of Bill Menagh, who served as Chair of the Communications Committee for 20 years. Bill published the E-zine on a monthly basis; totally oversaw the entire scope of putting together our Newsletter; served as our webmaster and provided marketing materials for all our large events. He was a one-man publishing dynamo and he will be sorely missed. Bill has agreed to continue helping out with all of the above until a new Chair can be appointed. I am pleased to announce that Joan Elliott, our Past President has stepped forward to become Interim Chair and will work closely with Bill as we advertise for and find a new Chair. If you are interested in publishing a terrific newsletter and have the requisite computer skills, I urge you to apply to [email protected], Chair of the Nominations Committee. At this time, we have no idea when the next Annual Meeting will be held. This meeting, usually held in May, is a wonderful occasion where so many of our members get together to exercise their vote, express concerns and meet up with friends. It is only one of many different occasions that we all counted on to renew acquaintances and enjoy the company of fellow RTO members. This year we are also missing out on our Freedom From The Bell Lunch at the Mandarin organized by Valerie Mah. And while we continue to welcome our new members via email, there was no New Members Breakfast at the Old Mill in September. Our hugely popular Health and Wellness workshops were
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca4 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 5
Source: RTOERO Board of Governors, August 20, 2020
There is no legal obligation for districts to hold an annual meeting, however, a process has been developed to allow districts to hold an election for the core executive positions – president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer.
1. RTOERO will provide a template to districts for completion.2. Districts will list the nominees for the executive roles for which your
membership normally votes. Provide a date by which any member interested in running for election must self-nominate.
3. The replies will go to the president, who will forward any nominations received by the deadline to the past president or to the person designated to receive nominations.
4. Districts are encouraged to include information about the election and district annual meeting, if having one, in their fall newsletter to be mailed to members for whom we do not have an email address. Be sure to allow sufficient turnaround time.
5. RTOERO will email the election information to all members in the district with email addresses in our database.
6. Districts may also connect by telephone with members who do not have email, to inform them about the election process and annual meeting, if there is one.
7. Following the deadline, if there is only one candidate for a role, the person is acclaimed. If there is more than one nominee, the district will contact Simon Leibovitz, chief administrative officer, [email protected] for assistance to run a virtual election.
8. If districts wish to provide information to members about their activities over the past year, they may choose to hold a virtual annual meeting using the district’s Zoom account.
9. Executive members acclaimed or elected through this process will remain in their roles until the next district annual meeting.
If needed in the interim, the district executive may continue to serve beyond their term of office. The term can be extended by a motion passed by the district executive.
The Toronto executive, following our district’s Annual Meeting approved process, replaced a number of resignations and extended the 2019/20 term to 2020/21. Steps will be taken to follow the above procedures for 2021/22, and, to involve as many of our 5800+ members as we can communicate with.
To help in this endeavour keep your contact information currentwith RTOERO at [email protected] or phone 416•962•9463
RTOERO Toronto Election Process
Contact: Barbara Antheunis ~ [email protected]
totally filled up and had to be cancelled at the last minute. We are also unable to host our Fall Luncheon and Craft Sale, usually held in November where we also honour all our 75 year olds. All in-person events are on hold until 2021. So why am I telling you about all of these events, which together with many of our clubs and activities are not happening? I want to let you know that all of these events and activities will be rescheduled, and the clubs and activities will resume at some point. A list of all activities and clubs are detailed in our newsletter as well as whether they are currently continuing via Zoom. So how do we continue to connect with one another when in-person contact may be hazardous to our health? One way is through Marjorie Blake, our Goodwill Ambassador who sends out about 100 cards a month commemorating birthdays, passings and many other significant occasions for our members. Another way we would like to further facilitate our members connecting with one another, is to publish submissions from our members in our newsletter. I believe we have much to say to each other, especially around the Pandemic and its affects on us. On a macro level it is true that “We Are All In This Together” but on an individual level, these difficult times have touched us in many different ways. Some of us live alone, others in extended families with little room to self-isolate. Some of us have family and friends near by and some are very far away or have children who are Essential Workers and we worry mightily. We each have a story, a COVID Tale that is ripe for sharing. Be they funny episodes or sad times, uplifting or upsetting, we all have opinions and experiences that other members can relate to. In this we are not alone! If you are willing to write a short story or construct a poem that illustrates something important to you about your experience with COVID, send it to Joan Elliott [email protected] or to P.O. Box 68516, Toronto Ontario M5S 3C9, Interim Chair of our Communications Committee. We have published some of your submissions in this newsletter. (We reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity or length. Please keep your submissions to one page/500 words or less.) In future issues we will try other new ways to connect members with each other as well as with the Executive through our publications. If you have thoughts or ideas that you would like me or the Executive to know about, email me. I will always take your thoughts and opinions seriously and respond where possible. Your Executive is a totally volunteer Board and we have taken these jobs to serve you, our members and are honoured that you allow us to do so, especially during these difficult times. Be well and stay safe.
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca6 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 7
RTO/ERO Toronto District 16 Executive ~ July 1, 2020
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Ruth Baumann 416•651•5124 [email protected]
COMMUNICATIONS Joan Elliott 416•666•4830 [email protected]
POLITICAL ADVOCACY/PENSION Susan Weinert 416•367•9917 [email protected]
TRAVEL Karen Sinclair 416•690•4961 [email protected]
Lou Manning416•285•[email protected]
PAST PRESIDENT Joan Elliott 416•666•4830 [email protected]
SECRETARY & TREASURER Herb Stover 416.964.2020 [email protected]
BENEFITS & HEALTH Bill Tajer 416•494•8590 [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP/RECRUITMENT Lone Smith 416•234•1969 [email protected]
SOCIAL Kay Jeffery 416•767•8179 [email protected]
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE (5)Gord MacLean416•651•[email protected]
PRESIDENT Barbara Antheunis 416.444.3207 [email protected]
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Varla Abrams 905.881.8839 [email protected]
ARCHIVES Valerie Mah 416•533•0445 [email protected]
GOODWILL Marjorie Blake 905•837•0874 [email protected]
PROGRAM Heather Talbot 416•265•8930 [email protected]
Phil Egginton905•571•[email protected]
Beverley Purchase647•236•[email protected]
Billie Anne Robinson416•481•[email protected]
Executive Meetings are typically held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church Parish Hall (St. Clair and Tweedsmuir) on the second Thursday of September, October, November, December (as necessary), January, February, March, April, May and June (as necessary). Open to all members, advance notice is requested. If one wishes to address the executive on a particular
matter, please let the president know the topic in advance so that the agenda can allocate the appropriate amount of time and the full executive can be informed before the meeting. Note that some meetings may be cancelled or postponed during holiday times or other disruptions. Currently we meet on-line via ZOOM.
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca8 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 9
First Vice President ~ Ruth Baumann Second Vice President ~ Varla Abrams
Contact: Ruth Baumann ~ [email protected] Contact: Varla Abrams ~ [email protected]
District 16 Developments• a request for a volunteer to fill the position
of Communications Chair(you would be best to provide a brief description of your qualifications for the position)
• Because so much communication nowadays happens through the internet, it is really important that we have your email address or that of someone you trust to get the news to you. You can register one at https://rtoero.ca, it does not have to be your own. It could be your child’s or a trusted friend. Ask first to make sure they are on board.
• provision is being made for our activity convenors, where possible, to hold their meetings via Zoom. See Page 2 and 23.
RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 9
RTOERO Toronto Districts is a voluntary
organization representing four RTOERO Districts in the City ofToronto. We sponsor retirement workshops in the City of Toronto. These workshops are also available to those employed in Mississauga, York, Durham but find these locations more convenient.
FALL 2020 RETIREMENT PLANNING WORKSHOPSOFFERED AS ON-LINE WEBINARS
On-Line Registration available at: https://www.rto-ero.rg/rpw
As the sunny summer days begin to grow cooler we all look back at how our world has been changed in so many ways over the last few months.
As we move forward to the next stages of our response to Covid-19, we can anticipate new challenges and in some ways, new celebrations.. As an Executive we had to ask how would we keep working to communicate with our members, share information and support our various clubs and events. As a relatively new member of the executive, I was so inspired and empowered by the resilient creative ways that we moved ahead and “JUST DID IT! The conveners of the many clubs and services found a way to continue to support their groups. Marjorie Blake continued to reach out to celebrate special birthdays and support those in our community who had lost love ones. Hopefully together we can all rise to the challenges. We also know that our retired friends are not far away and are there to help guide. As teachers and students head back to schools in-person or on-line, our working teacher colleagues may also need our leadership and support. We will be there for them.
One thing that doesn’t seem to have been affected by the pandemic is telephone fraud.
Calls from a deep and serious computer voice claiming to be from Service Canada’s legal department, early morning calls purporting to be from VISA about unauthorized charges, calls about the security of your home computer – all these and more continue. Here are some things to remember: 1. You don’t have to respond to anyone over the phone. If you get the so-
called VISA call, you should call VISA yourself (use the number on the back of the card or on your statement) to check.
2. No government agency will use a robo-call to do business with you of an urgent, individual nature. If you’re unsure, call the agency – but never a number given by the caller.
3. Never, ever send gift cards or money orders in response to a distress call that you haven’t independently checked. That means calling the grandchild or your adult children to make sure that there’s an emergency.
Contact: Joan Elliott ~ [email protected]
RTOERO Toronto Districts
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RTOERO Board Decisions
RTOERO is an incorporated organization under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA). The incorporation date is February 9, 2018.
The Corporate Members consist of: (a) two individuals elected or appointed by each District; (b) individuals elected or appointed to the Board of Directors; and, (c) individuals appointed as Chairs of Advisory Committees.
RTOERO Board of Directors (The ‘Board’):The board of directors comprises nine members who are elected by our corporate members at the annual meeting. Each board member is the liaison to a group of districts.
By-Laws and PoliciesOur by-laws and policies outline how we operate as an organization.
Committees:Audit (Jacqueline Aird, Chair, Hamilton-Wentworth Haldimand)• To receive reports on the financial reporting process and to review internal
controls from the auditor or the chief financial officer and report to the board• To revise the scope and terms of the audit engagement, including the proposed
fees, and review the plan for the annual audit with the external auditor and report to the board.
• To recommend to the board the appointment of an external auditor, in consultation with management.
• To review the audited financial statements with the external auditor and management, and to report with recommendations to the board.
• To review the organization’s management of risk and highlight any areas requiring review.
• To prepare a written report to the board for the annual meeting related to the aforementioned duties.
Benefits (Gayle Manley, Chair, Algoma)• Develop and make recommendations as necessary to the Board on the
operation, administration, interpretation, and application of the RTOERO group insurance program.
• Develop and make recommendations to the board, as necessary, on the development of policies and procedures to provide for the governance of the RTOERO group insurance program.
• Make recommendations to the board on the appointment and review of insurance carriers, underwriters, administrators, claim payers, consultants, and other professional help. A formal review of these third party providers
RTO/ERO Governance
Having been postponed by COVID-19 from May, the RTOERO annual meeting will be
held on October 20 as a Zoom webinar. RTOERO members can view the annual meeting on Facebook Live or view the recording when posted on the website.
Districts will be invited to a Zoom meeting to provide feedback on the 2021 budget, based on the strategic plan.
Districts should not hire RTOERO members to provide paid services. Paying a member of your district for service is considered a conflict of interest. Giving out gift cards to members is contrary to Canada Revenue Agency rules for non-profit organizations. Districts may provide branded items from the eStore (https://www.rtostore.ca) or from an alternate supplier.
Regarding Health Plans 2020 Premiums: The pandemic temporarily impacted members’ ability to use some of your benefits, including paramedical services and dental treatments. Other eligible items, such as prescription medicines and aids/appliances have continued to be used at normal rates. Our travel insurance has supported a record number of members who have cancelled future trips or whose trip was interrupted by the pandemic and needed help returning to Canada.
The plans undergo a reconciliation process at year-end, where the claims paid are compared to the premiums collected for the year. If the plans see a surplus, these funds are fully reinvested back into the plan – offsetting future costs and deficits from years with higher claiming.
Retirement planning webinars continue for remainder of 2020
Goodwill notelets and birthday cards are now available through eStore These beautiful new branded items are bundles of 20 cards ($15/bundle).
eStore Birthday Cards eStore Notelets
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shall be done by an external organization, approved by the board, at least every seven years and make recommendations to the board.
• Review and make recommendations to the board on plan design and premiums. Oversee the Benefit Entitlement Review (BER) process and ensure that unresolved issues and their ongoing status are reported to the board.
• Provide, through the board, a written report at the annual meeting and at the Fall Forum of RTOERO wherein the financial experience and operation of the various plans of RTOERO are disclosed.
• Make recommendations to the board on any requirement to establish a separate fund or expend money from the Health Premium Stabilization Fund.
• Recommend to the board strategies and resources regarding wellness for members.
Governance (Rich Prophet, Chair, Algoma)• To be familiar with the content of the by-Law and policies.• To review amendments to the by-law and to provide advice to the board on
any possible amendments as requested by the board.• To provide procedural leadership at the Annual Meeting and at Forum meetings
as required.• To make recommendations to the board about improving procedures based
on Annual Meeting evaluations.• To review and advise districts on their district governance manuals on a
cyclical basis.• To review motions approved at the Annual Meeting to ensure that appropriate
amendments have been made to the by-law.• To review motions submitted by districts for the Annual Meeting and to provide
feedback to districts on appropriate wording as necessary.
Marketing and Communications (Margaret Coleman, Chair, Waterloo)• Provide outreach to prospective members including conference representation.• Recommend to the board communication issues, strategies, initiatives and
products to be developed by RTOERO.• Serve as a resource to the board, districts and other committees.• Monitor RTOERO communication practices and provide recommendations to
the Board regarding effective internal and external communication practices.• Offer district and regional workshops when requested and within the
committee’s budget.
Member Services (Suzanne Poudrette-Gagnon, Chair, EstaRIO)• To provide outreach to prospective members including conference
representation.• To make recommendations to the board regarding the development and
implementation of a district volunteer, recruitment, and succession planning
strategy.• To provide recommendations to the board about continuous improvement of
retirement planning workshops.• To review the service and outreach of the Goodwill program and recommend
initiatives to the board.• To encourage districts to have a Goodwill program.• To provide advice regarding district travel.• To recommend strategies and resources to the board related to the provision
of relevant information to members regarding wills, powers of attorney and estate planning.
Nomination (Martin Higgs, Chair, Peterborough)• To develop, review and recommend competencies to the board that would
be an asset to the board.• To recommend to the board the competencies needed in the next set of
directors to be elected.• To conduct a call for applications for election to the board from the RTOERO
membership.• To review the applications, submitted to the executive director, of candidates
standing for election to the board at the annual meeting.• To conduct the election of candidates standing for election to the board.• To conduct the election of the chair and vice-chair for the board by board
members who will be serving on June 1st.• To recommend to the board members at large to serve as members of the
Benefits and Governance Committees.• To recommend to the board, members at large to serve as chairs and members
of the advisory committees.
Political Advocacy (Rick Victor, Chair, Lambton)• To identify and monitor external organizations and issues related to retirees,
seniors and pensioners and to recommend initiatives to the Board.• To identify and provide resources supporting district advocacy and pension
initiatives as approved by the board.• To support district advocacy committees on local advocacy, of board approved
initiatives.• To recommend to the board criteria for district use in election campaigns.• To be knowledgeable about the provisions of all pension plans represented
throughout our current and prospective membership and to make recommendations to the board regarding the communication of relevant pension information.
• To provide advice on the development and implementation of federal or provincial legislation which does not support defined benefit pensions.
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Project Service to Others (Carol Carkner, Chair, Prescott-Russell)• Make recommendations to the board regarding the selection criteria for PSTO
grants and scholarships.• Review and evaluate applications for PSTO grants and scholarships and
recommend successful applicants for approval to the board.• Ensure that all approved PSTO projects include appropriate recognition and
visibility for RTOERO in the local community.
Agency to access/claim RTOERO Benefits while out-of-province/country
See your Benefits Agreement Booklet or Communiqué for details. If you have misplaced either copy, they are available at https://rtoero.ca.
The Global Excel app provides 24-hour secure claim access. Designed to provide policyholders with real-time claim information, you can also notify us of a claim, update your personal information and send us a question.
Global Excel Management Inc.
1-877-346-1467 (from Canada/USA)01-800-062-4728 (from Mexico)+ 819-780-0647 (Worldwide - call collect)https://www.globalexcelservices.com/
VIRUS WARNING FROM GLOBAL EXCELDue to the spread of the coronavirus, we are experiencing exceptionally high call volumes. The Government of Canada has issued an advisory to avoid all non-essential international travel. If you currently have a trip planned outside of Canada and you need to open a trip cancellation claim, please review your insurance contract to ensure that you have the appropriate coverage and meet all eligibility requirements. If you do meet these conditions, we invite you to contact your travel supplier to cancel your arrangements, and then submit your claim online at www.globalexcelservices.com. Note that you have the option to submit your claim later, and we will review your insurance claim at our earliest convenience.
RTOERO, Johnson Inc., and Global Excel cannot give a specific guarantee on personal health status and coverage when Out-of-Province/Canada.
This insurance is intended to cover a sudden and unforeseen medical emergency. A physician’s consent to travel does not establish your medical stability nor override the definition of sudden and unforeseen.
There are some limitations to coverage and some conditions not covered. Check your Benefits Booklet (Page 77).
NOTE 1: Your Benefits Booklet explains how to access out-of-province/country benefits. Take your booklet with you when you travel; or, download the PDF version to your smartphone/laptop/tablet.NOTE 2: You are not insured should you travel to countries for which the Government of Canada has issued a Travel Advisory. Check the website:
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisoriesNOTE 3: Questions? Call Global Excel or Johnson Inc. before you travel.
Travel Insurance Reminders/Limitations
Complete details regarding RTO/ERO Supplementary Travel Insurance available through the RTOERO website.* These options available only in Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. Max for all other provinces: 182 days
Supplementary Travel Insurance RatesSeptember 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021
Your RTO/ERO Benefits include the first 93 days of travel.Single Premium Rates shown. Couple Rate: 2 x Single RateFor Family Rates or any other questions contact:Plan Benefits Service at Johnson Inc. at 416•920•7248 | 1•877•406•9007 In Ontario, the Provincial portion of the HST (8%) is added to premiums.
TotalTrip
DaysAge Band & Premium
<55 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+98 $ 20 $ 26 $ 39 $ 53 $ 68 $ 117 $ 197 $ 263
107 65 81 134 179 233 415 690 929122 137 179 292 391 522 944 1,606 2,119137 242 298 486 672 880 1,538 2,502 3,361152 341 472 806 1,031 1,359 2,319 3,752 5,105167 441 601 1,045 1,346 1,737 2,941 4,798 6,473182 543 744 1,280 1,677 2,185 3,714 5,873 7,850
197* 648 889 1,535 2,019 2,628 4,421 6,933 9,285212* 759 1,037 1,776 2,371 3,112 5,183 8,118 10,831
Family
Rates
Availa
ble
SAME AS2019/20
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eBlast ~ an emailed communication to Toronto District 16 members from the district president regarding developing issues.
Communiqué – Health Benefits Update ~ published annually and sent to members by mail providing an overview of changes made to insurance plans and processes.
Health Insurance Plans Booklet ~ published every three years (current printing, 2020) and sent directly to all benefits participants. This document is a complete, detailed, summary of all RTOERO Insurance Benefits. Retain your copy in a safe place. Should you misplace your copy, a PDF version is available from the RTOERO website. Take the travel booklet portion on your trips. (Store the PDF on your mobile.).
Liaison ~ a bi-monthly, brief review of current developments within RTOERO emailed to members.
Pocket Planner ~ annually produced and mailed to all members in mid-summer.
Position Papers ~ created as required for political advocacy issues; used by local district Political Advocacy Committees. There is an emphasis on matters related to older citizens. Most recent: COVID-19 and Long-Term-Care Homes sent to provincial and federal politicians. RTOERO does not support political parties.
Renaissance Magazine ~ a quarterly publication mailed/emailed directly to all members. The award-winning, official magazine of RTOERO.
RTO/ERO District Newsletters ~ published by RTOERO districts for district members. Available to others from district websites.
Annual Meeting Agenda ~ a few weeks prior to the May* Annual Meeting, committee reports and filed motions are made available to members. (*Virus-delayed in 2020.)
Tax Tips for RTO/ERO Members ~ produced annually to assist those preparing their own Income Tax submissions. It is posted on-line in February and available at the RTOERO Office (416•962•9463 | 1•800•361•9888).
From time to time, additional items are prepared by RTOERO committees that are useful to members. Your RTOERO Toronto Newsletter editors try to keep you informed of their availability through our publications.
RTO/ERO Publications
Connect with RTOERO on social media to discover: • Healthy aging tips, information and resources
• Fun member stories, photos and contents • RTOERO news • Connections with like-minded RTOERO members • Retirement ideas and inspirationFollow, like, and subscribe so you don’t miss any content:
• Like RTOERO’s Facebook page – facebook.com/rto.ero
• Follow RTOERO’s Twitter account – twitter.com/rto_ero
• Subscribe to RTOERO’s YouTube channel – bit.ly/YouTubeRTO
• Follow RTOERO’s LinkedIn page – linkedin.com/company/rto-ero
• Follow Board Chair Martha Foster on Twitter – twitter.com/marthalfoster
• Follow CEO Jim Grieve on Twitter – twitter.com/jimawesomeyears
Engage with RTOERO on Social Media
3 KEY ISSUEShttps://rtoero.ca/vibrant-voices/
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca18 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 19
Your RTOERO has morphed in its 50+ years to grow with changing cliental and technologies. Established in 1968 as the Superannuated Teachers of
Ontario (STO) serving Ontario teachers only; adding French-language service (STO/ERO in 1971); updating its name to RTO/ERO (Superannuated becomes Retired in 1998); it is now, after federal incorporation in 2018, simply RTOERO serving members of the Canadian education workers.
New technologies (social media, and a new, redesigned Uniform Resource Locator (URL)) have allowed RTOERO to better serve its current membership (81,000+), and attract new members from a wide-ranging national base.
*NEW* RTOERO WEBSITE: https://rtoero.ca RTOERO Website-Available Information
Home About Annual reports Board of directors Committees FAQs Foundation board Our team Preferred sponsors RTOERO districts RTOERO history Strategic planAccessibility policyBrand resourcesCode of conductDistrict contactsEvents Host a retirement planning event Retirement planning workshops Search for a workshop near youGiving back Advocacy Advocacy resources Key issues Past campaigns RTOERO speaks out Goodwill member services Grants Project Service to Others grants ScholarshipsInsurance Accidental death & dismemberment Compare insurance plans Dental plan Eligibility Extended health care + travel Guaranteed life insurance Home and car insurance Hospital and convalescent care plan Hospital Money Insurance while you’re working Late applicants Life insurance Our plans at a glance Semi-private hospital plan Supplemental travel
Travel insuranceMembership Member benefits Membership FAQs Payment gateway Refer a friendNews and updatesPrivacy policyPrograms and services Best Doctors Classifieds Preferred sponsors RTOERO merchandise Venngo MemberPerks®Resources Advertise with RTOERO Insurance plan updates Liaison Newsletters Renaissance Retirement planning RTOERO blogs Tax tips VideosRTOERO Foundation About Accountability Foundation news Our story Our team Blog Donate Get involved Help fundraise Newsletter Social isolation awareness Webinar series Our work Endowed chair Foundation grants Impact The causeRTOERO Pandemic PreparednessSocial Media PolicySummer FestivalVibrant Voices
RTOERO Website Site Map
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca20 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 21
Preferred sponsorsWe partner with like-minded organizations across Canada to strengthen our impact and enhance services for our members
HearingLife ~ https://hearinglifeadvantage.ca/rtoHearingLife and its network partners form the largest network of hearing healthcare providers in Canada. RTOERO members receive exclusive benefits through the HearingLife Member Advantage Program. Learn more and register.
IRIS ~ https://iris.ca/en/advantage-retired-teachers-ontarioIRIS has been improving the vision of Canadians for over 30 years, offering exceptional products and services to meet all of your vision care requirements. RTOERO members and members of their household have access to savings on a full range of vision care products. Learn more and register.
Johnson Inc. ~ https://rtoero.johnson.caJohnson Inc has been a dedicated partner for more than 35 years as the claims administrator for the health insurance plans owned by RTOERO. They also offer discounts to members on individual insurance such as home and car coverage.
Venngo ~ https://rto-ero.venngo.com/loginVenngo MemberPerks® is a world-class group discount program. We partner with Venngo to provide members with exclusive discounts on everything from health and wellness to entertainment, restaurants, travel and more. Learn more and register.
RTOERO Preferred Sponsors
Partners Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario ~ http://www.eapon.caElder Abuse Prevention Ontario supports a variety of vital community programs and active collaborative initiatives to promote research, best practices and service delivery around elder abuse and neglect issues. As a partner, the organization shares content that may be relevant for members, has spoken at events, is our expert resource on the topic of elder abuse and has trained RTOERO volunteers to become Tea and Talk facilitators.
National Association of Federal Retirees ~ https://www.federalretirees.ca/en
The National Association of Federal Retirees is the largest national advocacy organization representing active and retired members of the federal public service, Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and retired federally appointed judges, as well as their partners and survivors. We partner with the National Association of Federal Retirees on advocacy efforts.
Choosing Wisely Canada ~ https://choosingwiselycanada.orgChoosing Wisely Canada is the national voice for reducing unnecessary tests and treatments in health care. The organization is part of a global movement that began in the United States in 2012, and which now spans 20 countries across five continents. We partner with Choosing Wisely Canada to provide relevant information to members.
McMaster Optimal Aging Portal ~ https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org
The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal provides direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions relevant to older adults and their caregivers. We partner with the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal to provide information to members, including notifying members of webinars that may be of interest to them.
Canadian Health Coalition ~ http://www.healthcoalition.ca/The Canadian Health Coalition (CHC) is a public advocacy organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of public health care in Canada. We partner with The Canadian Health Coalition to advocate on various health issues of importance to our members and seniors.
RTOERO Partners
If you’re more likely to consult with “Dr. Google” for a second opinion rather than make an appointment to see a separate physician, Best Doctors is a service you can benefit from. Best Doctors connects you to the expertise of the best medical minds in the world. Its range of services can be accessed at no additional cost once you are an RTOERO Extended Health Plan holder.• locate family doctors/specialists based on your location, medical history;• analyze your medical records to produce a summary with recommendations;• locate treatment specialists outside of Canada;• collects all of your medical records and puts them on a USB key;• can also be accessed by your parents, parents-in-law and children.
Included in RTOERO Benefits Planhttps://bestdoctors.com/canada/rtoero/
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca22 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 23
eBlasts, (pictured right) designed by, and emailed to District members, from the RTOERO Marketing Department are now the official methods of emailed communications to RTOERO Members. You may already have received bi-lingual emails from the Chair of the Board of Governors (Martha Foster) regarding governance developments, partners’ offers, eStore (https://www.rtostore.ca) products, COVID-19 issues and other information thought to be of importance to members. eBlasts are designed to be similar to all RTOERO emailed communications so as to encourage all members to recognize and trust the source - RTOERO.
RTOERO Toronto District 16 now uses these types of communications in place of our E-zines to keep you up-to-date on local district activities. These will be sent to you from the president, Barbara Antheunis.
However, we can only communicate with our members in this fashion if we have your current email address and you continue to allow them.
Email Addresses: register (or correct if changed) your email address by emailing RTOERO Member Services at [email protected]. Ask to be registered for all on-line communication. When your first communication arrives, set your preferences the way you want for an assortment of RTOERO communications.
There is a ‘Set Marketing Preferences’ link at the base of all RTOERO emailed communications where you can set the types of communications or stop them all - but we hope you would keep accepting those from Toronto District 16. the RTOERO Chair, Renaissance, and Insurance.
eBlasts ~ Our On-Line Communications
We rely on the volunteerism of our members for the breadth of activities available. If you have a special interest and are looking for an outlet,
consider contacting Heather with a proposal. She’ll bring it to the Executive; we’ll place an ad in our Newsletter.
Art Friends ~ Marie Lynch [416•421•4936 | [email protected]] An open studio for those interested in sketching and painting. A lovely well lit space is available and, although no instruction is provided, there is plenty of support and good fellowship. Members bring their own drawing and painting
materials. We meet at Holy Rosary Parish Hall on the first Friday of the month from 10:00am to 12:00, except in July and August.
Bridge ~ Tessie Leung [416•421•9054 | [email protected]] Join us at Holy Rosary Parish Hall on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of the month from September to June from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Anyone familiar with the basic bidding rules of bridge is welcomed. Tea is served.
La Belle Langue/French Group ~ Si vous aimez parler en français entre amis, rejoignez-nous le deuxième lundi de chaque mois de 5h. à 6h a Holy Rosary. Nous sommes en vacances pour les mois de juillet et aout, mais on commence à nouveau en septembre. Si cela vous intéresse vous pouvez me joindre à
[email protected]. bientôt! Jacqueline ChartierActivities continued on Page 24 +
Art, Bridge, La Belle Langue, Non-Fiction & West End Book Clubs, and Travelogues meet at Holy Rosary Parish Hall on St. Clair between Spadina and Bathurst (streetcar to Tweedsmuir), east of Loblaws and Subway Station.
Programs ~ Heather Talbot
Contact Heather: 416•265•8930 | [email protected]
Holy Rosary Parish Hall ~ immediately west of the church | east of the Subway
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca24 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 25
The following activities meet at various locations.Recreation/Social continued from Page 23
Non-Fiction Book Club ~ Nancy Ballanger [416•762•5638 | [email protected]) and Ruhi Tuzlak (416•487•2191 | [email protected]] host this club at Holy Rosary Hall on the second Tuesday of the month from 1:30 to 3:30.
Travelogue ~ Linda Johnson and Tom Menagh [416•469•3706 | [email protected]] go around the world with slide/digital presentations and treats at Holy Rosary Hall on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 1:00pm: October to May (NOT December).
West End Book Club ~ Steve Feldman [416•588•6637 | [email protected]] hosts this book club in Room 2 at Holy Rosary Church Hall. We meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month, September to June (NOT December): 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Continued on Page 25 +
September 8: Tiny Beautiful Things: advice on love…by Cheryl Strayed
Ô
October 13: Bolder : Making the Most of Our Longer Livesby Carl Honoré Ô
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November 10: Forgiveness: A Gift from My Grandparentsy by Mark Sakamoto
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December 8: Risk : Why We Fear the things we shouldn’t - and Put Ourselves in Danger
by Dan Gardner
Recreation/Social continued from Page 24
Brain Games ~ Chris Gandy [[email protected]] welcomes you to try out this group. Do you sometimes lose your keys, phone, or car? Then this group is for you. Brain Games may help, plus you will have fun and meet new friends. We meet at Chris’ home the near the Dundas West subway station.
Downtown Coffee Club ~ Ann Ludwigsen (416•270•4166)and John Stiver [416-963-5152, [email protected]] The Downtown Coffee Club meets just SE of the Yonge/Bloor subway station at 625 Church St. You will see The Croissant
Tree on the corner of Church and Charles Street East. We try to make it easy for people who don’t live downtown, but would like to get in occasionally for coffee and conversation. We are there Wednesday and Saturday mornings from about 10:30 to 12:00. Let us know if you’re coming for the first time so we can look out for you.
Financial Group ~ Lone Smith (416•234•1969 | [email protected]) You are invited to join the Financial Group on the 4th Thursday of the month from 4:15-5:45pm at Delmanor Retirement Residence, 4180 Dundas St W. We explore all topics related to money, from wills to stocks, in
order to become better financial consumers. We learn with and from each other and have presentations by experts in their field. We cover any area within the world of money. Please contact Lone Smith at [email protected] for more information.
Italian Group ~ Mara Santarossa [[email protected]], looks forward to renewing this new activity. Our café meetings and discussions were just getting off to a great start this year.
Continued on Page 26 +WE MISS YOU!OUR IN-PERSON
ACTIVITIESWILL RETURN!
BUT!SOME HAVE RETURNED VIA
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca26 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 27
Recreation/Social continued from Page 25
Monday Matinée Movie ~ Join us and we’ll notify you once a month of an early afternoon movie at the Yonge- Dundas Cinemas located at 10 Dundas East just east of Yonge Street on the north side of Dundas East. We meet on the 4th Monday of the month
eleven months of the year (NOT in December). If you are free after, join us for coffee/tea/dessert/a late lunch or early dinner at Milestone’s, which is located on the same level as the theatres just across the entrance and to its right. Convenor: for January, February, March, July, August, November Dale Vibert ([email protected]) Convenor: for April, May, June, September, October Steve Feldman ([email protected]) If you would like to receive our monthly email, please contact Steve at the above email address.
Rock-Climbing Club ~ James Snetsinger hosts this activity in a modern gym. You’re wearing a harness, and your belay partner uses a failsafe belay device to keep you tight on a rope attached to the ceiling. Routes are graded with so you can pick how hard you want to climb. Wear climbing shoes with stiff
grippy soles. Climbing requires more endurance than power, and older people actually have greater endurance. Contact James: [email protected]
SuperTees Golf Group ~ We play every second Wednesday from early May to the end of October at Scarlett Woods Golf Club, (executive course, par 4 and 3 only) at Jane and Eglinton (entrance off Eglinton). We ask that each player indicate their intention to play through email by the Tuesday of the week before we play.
The convenors call the club to confirm the number of tee times. You pay your fees at the pro shop. A reminder email is sent to all players to confirm attendance by the cut-off date and another is sent indicating tee times and foursomes. We are golfers of all abilities who play a friendly game and often have a drink or snack at the 19th hole café. If you are interested in joining us please email Cindy Shore-Beauvais [email protected]. (Liability Waiver required.)
Theatre Day Trips ~ Karen Sinclair and her committee arrange unique, all-inclusive, excursions each Autumn and Spring theatre season. Due to the unknown duration of Covid-19, the Theatre Daytrips for Fall 2020 have been cancelled. Trips for 2021 will be advertised in the January 2021 Newsletter.
Membership Report: September 1, 2020 ~ Lone Smith
Breaking Out From COVID-19
A Super-Tees’ spin-off group has worked out well We only golf among ourselves so our interactions are
limited - the best way to proceed in the time of Covid. Just for the record: Evelyn Gillies got a hole-in-one last week. What an accomplishment! We were allowed to celebrate on the patio together; not quite 6 feet apart, but that was only for the picture. And we’re still healthy! Cindy Shore-Beauvais
Photos: Right: Those pictured honouring Evelyn are SuperTees. They played at Tam O’Shanter Golf Course.Left: Evelyn Gillies marks her success.
Total Retired + Active Teaching Members: 5627 + 267 = 5894 New members: 36 | Transferred in: 0 Transferred out: 1 | Deceased: 12
Age Banding reportAge group This Month Last Month
Age Band: Under 60 276 27360-69 1508 150470-79 2658 266380-89 1087 109490-99 220 224100+ 10 10
TOTAL 5759 5765
September Birthdays 80-89 106 90-99 24 100+ 2
Contact Lone: 416•234•1969 | [email protected]
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca28 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 29
Benefits Report ~ Bill TajerRTOERO & OHIP TRAVEL COVERAGE
RTOERO BENEFITS TRAVEL COVERAGE(Extended Health Care Plan and Supplementary Travel Insurance)
See pages 72 to 76 in the RTOERO Insurance Plans Booklet.Travel within Canada is covered. Please follow the COVID-19 restrictions issued by the provincial and municipal public health officials for the area(s) you plan to visit.When travelling in Canada, you remain covered for trip cancellation or interruption. Emergency Medical coverage, including COVID-19, is available as long as you have not experienced any symptoms prior to leaving.
For International Travel, You are covered for medical emergencies, except for claims related to COVID-19, while the government travel advisory* is in effect. (*See bottom of Page 32: Official Global Travel Advisories.)
OHIP COVERAGE ACROSS CANADASource: https://www.ontario.ca/page/health-care-ontario
What’s covered elsewhere in CanadaWhen you show your valid Ontario health card in another Canadian province or territory, you will be covered for some of the same services you’re covered for in Ontario including:• physician services (e.g. visit to a walk-in clinic)• services provided in a public hospital (e.g. emergency, diagnostic, laboratory)Any service or treatment you receive in another Canadian province or territory must be medically necessary for it to be covered by OHIP.
What’s not covered elsewhere in CanadaServices that are not covered in another Canadian province or territory include:• services not covered in Ontario (e.g. cosmetic surgery)• ambulance services (including transport and paramedic)• prescription drugs and other drugs given outside a hospital• home-care services• fees charged by private hospitals or facilities• diagnostic or laboratory services outside of a public hospital• long-term care or residential services• assistive devices (e.g. prosthetics)We recommend that you buy private health insurance before leaving Ontario to cover any uninsured services you may need. Continued on Page 30 +
Goodwill ~ Marjorie Blake
Contact:Marjorie Blake 905•837•0874 | [email protected] Mah 416•533•0445 | [email protected]
In our last Newsletter of March 2020, there was the anticipation of an approaching mild Spring followed by a hot and humid Summer. This
anticipation was laid to rest as the world slowly became unhinged with the devastating arrival of the global pandemic – COVID-19. There is the ongoing loss of lives, as well as an increase of survivors in different parts of the world, however, as we don our variety of masks, practice social distancing, continue to maintain good hand-washing, and remain in our own bubble (social circle), we look forward to the creation of a successful vaccine, as well as to a new-normal lifestyle. As fall arrives let us remember…WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER ! During the early months of the pandemic there was communication with centenarians or their relatives or caregivers. All were in good care and spirits. Cards of condolence were sent to relatives of sixty-five deceased members. Birthday cards were sent to: eighty-four 80-year olds; nineteen 90-year olds; and, four-100+ year-olds. Congratulatory, Keeping in Touch, New Home, Birthday, Encouragement, and Get Well cards were sent to other members. Thanks to Heather Talbot for her advice and help to a recent Grieving widow. Six members of our Executive retired in June, namely: Betty Lou Reynolds, Outgoing President; Robert (Bob) Putnam, Treasurer; William (Bill) Menagh, Communications/Marketing; Linda Sue Thomas, Membership/Recruitment; Sheila MacMillan, Political Advocacy/Pensions; and, Patricia Lambert/Member-at-large. A token of appreciation was sent to each member on behalf of RTOERO Toronto District 16 for their services rendered over the years. A “Thank You” response was received from each member. Thank you letters, cards, e-mails, and telephone calls were received from members who expressed their gratitude for contacts made during their time of celebration or sorrow. Special thanks to members who have informed us, and kept us updated about members with whom we should keep in touch. Your help and attention is greatly appreciated.
HERE FOR YOU NOW… HERE FOR YOUR FUTURE
A BETTER FUTURE — TOGETHER
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca28
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca30 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 31
Away for more than seven monthsIf you’re going to visit, work or study in another Canadian province or territory for more than seven out of twelve months, you need to confirm your coverage before you leave. Call ServiceOntario (1•866•532•3161) to determine what you may need to do.
Get pre-approval for planned proceduresYou need prior written approval from us for OHIP to cover some services in other Canadian provinces and territories. Usually this is for surgical procedures that are planned ahead of time (not an emergency).
How to get money backYou may be charged for medically needed services or treatment you receive in another Canadian province or territory if:• you don’t show your valid Ontario health card• a doctor charges you even if you show your health card (they have the right)If this happens, you can submit a claim to OHIP within 12 months of the date you received the service or treatment to get your money back. We assess claims and reimburse you according to Ontario’s physician rates.
Follow these steps to submit an OHIP claim for reimbursement:• Fill out the Out of Province/Country Claims Submission form.• Attach an original (not photocopied) statement from the person who provided
treatment that: ◦ describes the service ◦ itemizes the fee ◦ names the patient who had the service
• Include proof of payment.• Make copies of the completed form, statement and proof of payment.• Mail your claim to: OHIP Claims Office 75 Albert Street, 7th Floor, Ottawa, ON K1P 5Y9
Moving in CanadaIf you’re moving permanently to another province or territory in Canada, OHIP will cover you for the same services as when you are going away temporarily until the last day of the second full month after you leave Ontario.
Contact or visit the nearest ServiceOntario centre with any questions.
OHIP COVERAGE WHILE OUTSIDE CANADAOntarians travelling abroad are always encouraged to purchase the appropriate travel insurance coverage in the event emergency health and doctor services are needed out of country.
Check your health card before you goYou should bring your health card with you if you’re planning to travel outside of Canada, but first, make sure it’s still valid. A valid Ontario health card has:• not expired• your correct personal information on it (e.g. name, birthdate)• your current address that’s on file with ServiceOntarioIf you’ve moved, you can update your address online with ServiceOntario.If your name has changed since receiving your current health card, you will need to visit ServiceOntario and bring a form and specific documents.
Away for more than seven months please visit the website:https://www.ontario.ca/page/health-care-ontario
If Studying or Working outside Canada please visit the website:https://www.ontario.ca/page/health-care-ontario
How to get money backIf you paid for qualifying services outside Canada that were received up to and including December 31, 2019, you may be able to get some of your money back. You must submit an OHIP claim within 12 months of receiving and paying for the services. The last day that an emergency out-of-country health and/or doctor service claim can be submitted to OHIP for reimbursement will be December 31, 2020 if that service was provided on December 31, 2019.
To submit a claim:• Fill out the Out of Province/Country Claims Submission form.
◦ Attach a detailed statement in English or French with the: ◦ date you were admitted ◦ date you were discharged ◦ description of service(s) ◦ nature of any complications ◦ kind and number of any laboratory, radiological or other diagnostic tests performed
◦ nature of any treatment, procedure or surgery that was performed ◦ discharge diagnosis ◦ itemized fees for each service ◦ health card number (and version code, if applicable)
Contact Bill: 416•494•8590 | [email protected] Benefits Service (Johnson Inc.) 416•920•7248
RTOERO Benefits Claims (Johnson Inc.) 905•764•4888https://rtoero.johnson.ca/
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca32 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 33
◦ your name and current address in Ontario• Also include original receipts for payment to the:
◦ hospital or health facility ◦ doctor/surgeon, if billed separately from the hospital/facility
• Mail originals to the London, Thunder Bay or Ottawa claims office as indicated on the form.
How to get money back for renal careClaims for hemodialysis treatments received out-of-country should be submitted based on the date of treatment, not the date the claim is submitted.
To submit a claim:Fill out the Out of Province/Country Claims Submission form for treatment received on or before December 31. Submit claims to the Ontario Renal Network for hemodialysis treatments received out of country on or after January 1, 2020. If you receive hemodialysis treatment both before and after January 1, 2020, submit 2 separate claims.
Doctor-recommended out-of-country careIf recommended by your Ontario doctor, OHIP may cover some medical services in a licensed hospital or facility outside Canada, but you must get written prior approval from the Ministry of Health before you receive the services.
As of August 19, 2020Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further noticeAvoid all cruise ship travel outside Canada until further notice
If you choose to travel despite these advisories:• you may have difficulty obtaining essential products and services• you may suddenly face strict movement restrictions and quarantines at
designated facilities and at your own cost• your insurance may not cover your travel or medical expenses • we may have limited capacity to offer you consular services.
Travel Advice and AdvisoriesSource: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisoriesThe Travel Advice and Advisories are the Government of Canada’s official source of destination-specific travel information. They give you important advice to help you to make informed decisions and to travel safely while you are abroad.
OFFICIAL GLOBAL TRAVEL ADVISORIES
Political Advocacy/Pension ~ Susan Weinert
Contact Susan: 416•367•9917 | [email protected] (specific personal concerns):
416•226•2700 | 1•800•668•0105 | www.otpp.comOMERS (specific personal concerns):
416•369•2400 | 1•800•387•0813 | www.omers.com
TORONTO, August 25, 2020 -- Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (Ontario Teachers’) today announced its net assets totaled $204.7 billion
as of June 30, 2020. The total-fund net loss was 0.4% for the first six months of the year. “The first half of this year has brought significant challenges for investors, with financial markets experiencing unprecedented volatility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which in turn has had a devastating impact on the global economy, as well as companies and communities around the world,” said Jo Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our diversified and high-quality portfolio has so far been quite resilient, highlighting the benefits of our balanced capital allocations and long-term investment approach. That said, we expect this pandemic to have lasting repercussions, and we want to remain vigilant and agile until the full impact can be established.”
About Ontario Teachers’The Ontario Teachers’ is the administrator of Canada’s largest single-profession pension plan, with $204.7 billion in net assets (all figures at June 30, 2020 unless noted). It holds a diverse global portfolio of assets, approximately 80% of which is managed in-house, and has earned an annual total-fund net return of 9.5% since the plan’s founding in 1990. Ontario Teachers’ is an independent organization headquartered in Toronto. Its Asia-Pacific region office is located in Hong Kong and its Europe, Middle East & Africa region office is in London. The defined-benefit plan, which is fully funded as at January 1, 2020, invests and administers the pensions of the province of Ontario’s 329,000 active and retired teachers. For more information, visit otpp.com and follow us on Twitter @OtppInfo.
RTOERO Political AdvocacyVibrant Voices (https://rtoero.ca/vibrant-voices) is a community-based advocacy campaign supported by nine organizations (including RTOERO) representing more than two million older adults and their families. The 2020 focus is on Seniors Strategy, Geriatric Healthcare and Environmental Stewardship.
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca34 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 35
For many of the members of District 16, Bill Menagh’s name has been synonymous with communications. Many
of us were teachers with the Toronto Board of Education before amalgamation in 1997 and became the Toronto District
School Board. Bill, at retirement, was the treasurer for the Toronto Teachers’ Federation (TTF) and the editor of the annual TTF Directory of members that listed, with permission, the names and addresses of every elementary school and their staff. Bill joined RTOERO in 1997, joined the District 16 Executive and the Newsletter Committee chaired by Mary Noylander in 1998 and, after the leaving of Paul Rowney, became the editor of our newsletter and Communications Chair. Bill was our first webmaster in 2003. Following President Bob Neal’s precedent-setting three-year term, Bill Menagh served three years as president from 2002 – 2005. Bill began his Newsletter journey helping Val Fiedler and her committee pre-address newsletter envelopes. These would be processed (stuffed, stamped, sealed) by 40-50 RTOERO members at St. Margaret’s Church (below) for immediate delivery to Canada Post. Bringing the design and editing in-house, Bill would design the newsletters, take the edited PDF to the printer, purchase envelopes and produce labels and deliver the finished newsletters to St. Margaret’s Church where, five times a year, a cohort of about 40-50 members would meet to ‘stuff the mail’. It was, as you can see, a very social time. We worked well as teams. Bill then loaded his car and took the Newsletters to the post office.
Continued on Page 36 +
Bill Menagh ~ Editor, 2005 - 2020
RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 35
Photos by V. Mah circa 2015
An Invitation for Members to Write
Send your submissions: stories (fiction or not), poems, points-of-view, suggestions for articles we might include, photos, whatever is on your mind, to:
Joan Elliott at [email protected] of submissions (original, copyright-free) is subject to consideration and editing for space and content by the Newsletter Committee.
THE PANDEMIC… AND MEMarch 12 found me at an RTOERO meeting at 10:00am to 12:00 noon. At 1:00pm to 2:00pm I was having my physiotherapy and acupuncture treatment. Between 4:00pm and 5:00pm l made a visit to the bank, stopped at a buffet restaurant for a quick meal, then headed home on my 25 minute express train to my destination, and then a trip to Shopper’s Drug Mart, the grocery store, and finally, home. Little did l know that this was my final outing until June when I was accompanied to my bank. Why? This was a WORLD-WIDE PANDEMIC! The TV and the medical experts were my guiding star… self-isolation!… lockdown!… flatten the curve/plank!… were some of the daily mantras. Besides watching the daily reports and advices, as well as trying to maintain a daily diary (which lasted for two months), I was not afraid nor frightened! I thought that l would get a lot done on my “decluttering project” and many of my “unfinished tasks”, but many of my “dreams” were unaccomplished… shattered!. The ritual maintained throughout the PANDEMIC started with the 8:00am daily mass, followed by my meals, some household chores – indoors and outdoors, calls from family and friends offering to help in anyway that they could; phoned family and friends at home and abroad; slept (especially on some of those windy, wet days); worked on RTOERO activities – sending cards and phoning centenarians, especially through their relatives and caregivers. Last, but not least, l continued my weekly 5:00pm mass devotion on You Tube every Saturday. It’s now September 13, and, with the everyday lingo of wearing my mask, washing hands assiduously, adopting new ways of greeting people, coughing into my elbow, and practicing social-distancing, l am now a part of this “New-Normal World”, as the PANDEMIC continues. Marjorie Blake
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca36 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 37
Bill Menagh continued from Page 35
At our District 16 social functions, Bill, who had searched out items for the executive to select as commemorative gifts, would distribute them to attendees as they handed in their name-tags. Photos of these events where taken by Bill and included in subsequent Newsletters. He also designed the annual File-of-Reports for district Annual Meetings along with numerous promotional items for RTOERO marketing purposes. Beginning 2001, with the creation of
RTOERO Toronto Districts (a representative Council of Districts 16, 22, 23, 24), he was their first treasurer, and, after a few breaks over the years, he continues as the current treasurer. Toronto Districts RPW ads and other promotional items were produced and distributed by Bill. In 2013, after our executive’s nomination and a three-year period as a member of the RTOERO Communications Committee, he was awarded the RTOERO Distinguished Member Award in recognition of “outstanding contributions at the Provincial and District levels.”
Photos by Valerie Mahfrom notes by Valerie Mah
Bob Putnam & Bill prepare mailingfor delivery to Canada Post.
During the lockdown I spent more hours at home and filled my time with various activities, which included reading, painting, yoga practice,
creating new recipes, to name a few. I never missed my daily walk in High Park with a friend, where I practiced one of my hobbies… nature photography; observing nature reawakening in Spring was truly wonderful! Often I enjoyed colouring as a form of meditation while listening to relaxing music; then a picture inspired me to write a short poem. Here is an example...
* In our recent eBlast, Barbara Antheunis asked members to consider submitting their creativity to the Newsletter: to pull up a chair to your computer to write a short story or construct a poem that illustrates something important to you about your experience with COVID. We appreciate Mara’s answer to this invitation and are pleased to include it below.
My COVID Tale!* ~ Mara Santarossa
INNOCENCE
How wonderful it was hide’n seek we’d playout in the fields not a worry all day.
Amongst pretty flowers and rolling hillsaround the trees until we got our fill.
Do not think our innocence is lost,as to still be kids there is no cost.
Just go into nature and happily walk, play a little too, then...
VOILA’your inner child unlocks!
Mara Santarossa
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca38 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 39
In 2020, two scholarships were awarded in RTOERO Toronto District 16. Anna Hall nominated her daughter, Cassidy Swanston; and Glynis
McCallum-Mustard nominated her daughter, Katherine Mustard.
The recipients were asked to provide us with a brief biography:
Cassidy Swanston:I recently graduated with my Honours Bachelor of Science degree in biology, with a minor in communication at the University of Ottawa. Alongside continuing to lead as the Executive Director of Pulsar Collective and the Communications Director of the Pelling Lab, I have just begun my master’s thesis at the University of Ottawa in science communication and policy. (Inset: Anna Hall)
Katherine Mustard:My degree is an Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Focus in Finance) and Minor in Environmental Studies from McMaster University. Since graduating, I have been working at CIBC as part of their Financial Advisor Campus Development Program (FACDP). The FACDP is a 9-month, full-time developmental program designed to provide recent graduates with the training and accreditations necessary to become an Imperial Service Financial Advisor (FA) with CIBC. Upon completion of the 9-month program, I’ll transition into the FA role and establish a portfolio of clients with the bank. (Inset: Glynis McCallum-Mustard)
Toronto RTOERO Scholarship Recipients, 2020
RTOERO Foundation
The Foundation invests funding in efforts that benefit Canada’s seniors. That includes research, awareness and community projects to address
social isolation. One in five Canadians over 65 feels isolated and another 30% are at risk of becoming isolated.
Try these tips to help:• Be open to learning and using new technology that can keep you connected.• Reach out to neighbours, friends and family members who might be
struggling. Make time to talk to them and be a sympathetic ear.• Arrange chores, like grocery shopping or meal deliveries, for people on their own.• Sign up to be part of the foundation’s Social Isolation Awareness campaign,
which takes place every October. Help raise awareness about this critical issue.
RTOERO $3000 Scholarships
Your family members can access scholarships for post-secondary education.
https://rtoero.ca/giving-back/scholarships/
Family members can apply for scholarships of $3000 for their final year of a post-secondary program. Up to 20 scholarships are awarded each year.
Over 20 years, RTOERO awarded 374 scholarships totalling $340,000.
Selection criteria• The applicant must be related to an RTOERO member. Family members
include children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews.• The applicant must be in their final year of a post-secondary program.• Upon graduation, the applicant’s credentials will be recognized in Canada.• In addition to the completed application, the applicant must provide proof
of enrolment, a current letters of reference for academic/extra-curricular/co-curricular/leadership letter and community/volunteer/coordinator/employer.
How to applyApplications are accepted in the fall/winter. Contact [email protected].
See Page 39 for our 2020 Recipients
DONATE AThttps://rtoero.ca/rtoero-foundation
Applications Available NOW - Due by January 29, 2021
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca40 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 41
As I write this article on a steamy day in August, I am looking forward to going into a darkened theatre to see a movie the way it was meant
to be seen. This will be the first time in eight long months and the movie will be Christopher Nolan’s newest masterpiece - a sci-fi, time scrambled, film called TENET. I have reserved seats in an IMAX theatre that will allow only fifty people, safely-distanced and all masked. It will be different, maybe even weird, but this beats staying at home and not experiencing the passionate feeling of seeing a film on a large super-screen with ultra-perfect sound. It’s almost a spiritual atmosphere.
But, such experiences during this Twilight Zone Age of Covid-19 will be few and far between. Many of the films I was looking forward to seeing have postponed their release dates until December and into 2021. Even the Oscars have been postponed from early February to mid-April so that more films worthy of consideration may come out. And so we wait and wait and wait for things we used to take for granted.
However, in the meantime, like most of you, I have been watching old DVDs from the library (curb-side pick-up!), Netflix, and other TV stations that offer more movies, many of them dreadful and mediocre, but many of them golden, perhaps forgotten, gems. This form of movie-going is far inferior to actually
Continued on Page 41 +
Movies to Enjoy ~ John Borovilos Movies continued from Page 40
being in an audience and watching a movie without interruption, but we have to make the best of unsettled times and choose good films from those that are available to us (if we’re not doing other good things like taking a walk, eating on a patio, redecorating our homes, singing to ourselves, or reading a good book).
I have had the pleasure of producing an annual list of the movies that I thought the best over the last 18 years for the RTO Toronto District 16 Newsletter - and I intend on producing another one for the best films I have seen (in some way) in 2020. I usually list 25 TOP MOVIES, but this year it may be considerably less.
I thought that, given the times and the fact that we’re trying to find good films to watch on our TV screens or on DVDs, it would be helpful to list the top films and the runners-up that I have chosen over the last 18 years for your viewing, emotional, and thinking pleasure. Keep in mind, as usual, that these have been my preferences and may not be to everyone’s taste. Hope you find them somehow, somewhere, and enjoy my picks.
2002 ...........Adaptation; The Hours 2003 ...........Mystic River; 21 Grams 2004 ...........Kinsey; The Aviator 2005 ...........Crash; A History of Violence 2006 ...........The Departed; Babel 2007 ...........Atonement; Juno 2008 ...........Slumdog Millionaire; Wall-E 2009 ...........Up in the Air; An Education 2010 ...........The King’s Speech; The Social Network 2011 ...........Hugo; Midnight in Paris 2012 ...........Lincoln; Silver Linings Playbook 2013 ........... 12 Years a Slave; Philomena 2014 ...........Whiplash; Imitation Game 2015 ...........Steve Jobs; Sicario 2016 ...........La La Land; Manchester by the Sea 2017 ...........Dunkirk; Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri 2018 ...........Green Book; A Star Is Born 2019 ...........Parasite; Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
By the way, the devastating Contagion, probably the best film on a viral pandemic to be produced, is still available on Netflix and I would highly recommend it.
Enjoy, and see you at the movies one day. John Borovilos
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca42 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 43
Solution on Page 46CROSSWORD © Puzzle Choice
Across
1. Young nocturnal bird6. Fastner10. Reckless14. Fumble15. Look16. Male singing voice17. Relating to kidneys18. Footwear19. Layer20. Immerse22. Urge on24. Tender25. Outflow27. Candy29. Lofty33. Device used to shape metal34. Individual structure35. Swarm37. Postage token41. Form of transport42. Angered or excited44. Negative vote45. Livid48. Entice49. Agitate50. Small island52. Short hours employment54. Can make your eyes water58. Stead59. Unwell60. Female red deer62. The second of two66. Destroy68. Den70. System of five lines in music71. Boundary of a surface
72. Gumbo73. Spooky74. Surface impression75. Submerged rock or coral76. Mythical cave-dwelling creature
Down
1. Fiend2. Small bird3. Lengthy4. Shoulder board5. Bank employee6. Cooking surface7. Highly excited8. Single-masted sailing vessel9. Explosive device10. Rodent11. Legal excuse12. Beer mug13. Multitude21. Belief23. Rostrum26. Bow down28. Allow29. Musical instrument30. Burden31. Desire32. Outfit36. Wall painting38. Opposing39. Wound seriously40. Funeral mound43. Danger46. Sense organ47. Close49. Stammer51. Sartor
53. Tableware54. Weary55. Evade56. Coordinate57. Reptile61. Desperate
63. Root vegetable64. Malevolent65. Bobbin67. Trap69. One of the Britisharmed services, initially
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca44 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 45
Benefits C
omparison
https://district16.rto-ero.org | https://rtoero.ca46 RTOERO Toronto Newsletter ~ September, 2020 47
Condolences to families, friends and colleagues of those recently deceased. We share in the mourning of the loss and we celebrate the services they rendered.
Contact Marjorie: 905•837•0874 / [email protected]
In Memoriam ~ Marjorie Blake
William BaranJulius BellRoss BestHelen BolkeJean BrownDorothy Helen BrunelleTheodore CattonNataliCholeFlorence CohenPhyllis CooperMari DelagranJoan DraperNorman FormaLawrence GamulkLouis GlaitMurray GreenCecile Harvey-Francis
Marjorie HayHarold HayesJoan HomewoodWilliam HusakPaul IrvineKrystyna KepkaWilliam KissickA.Baird KnechtelEllen LottRuth MabenJessie MaughanEgon MorellJoanna MorrisElizabeth NormanGary Robert PrussAnna SavageEmma StricklandEljo Willebrands
This Newsletter is provided through your fees as a Member of RTOERO Toronto District 16. Join our email service ([email protected]) and we’ll let you know
when it’s posted so you can download the PDF for free.
Obtaining Your Newsletter
President: Barbara Antheunis Past President: Joan ElliottFirst Vice-President: Varla Abrams Second Vice-President: Ruth BaumannTreasurer: Herb Stover Secretary: Herb StoverActivities: Heather Talbot Archives: Valerie MahBenefits: Bill Tajer Communications: Joan ElliottExcursions: Karen Sinclair Goodwill: Marjorie Blake Member Services: Lone Smith Political Advocacy: Susan Weinert Social: Kay JefferyMembers-at-Large: Phil Egginton, Gord MacLean, Lou Manning, Beverley Purchase, Billie Anne Robinson Executive Meetings are typically held on the second Thursday of the month and are open to RTOERO Toronto members. Prior notification is appreciated.
RTO Toronto Executive 2020
To limit confusion regarding a change in address, other contact information, or district the ONLY contact is the Provincial Office/416•962•9463 or 1•800•361•9888). On-line
form available at: https://rtoero.ca | Email: [email protected]
Change of Address, Status, District
Your Newsletter Committee welcomes submissions from members that may be of interest to others: travels, events, volunteer opportunities, etc. ‘Letters-
to-the-Editor’ are also welcome. The editors reserve the right to reject, or modify, any submission to fit space available and to determine the appropriateness of any submission in a particular issue. Other RTOERO Districts are welcome to use content in this document with appropriate attribution. Third-party submissions must include all source details. Submission standards: Electronic file preferred, (TXT, DOC/DOCX, WordPerfect WPD, or PDF file) emailed to [email protected]. Save submissions created in other programs as TXT files. Typed or hand-printed copy accepted, but earlier submission is advised. Photo specs: original; hi-res; if people, the subject’s permission to print.Editorial Committee: Barbara Antheunis, Ian Baird, Ruth Baumann, Joan Elliott, Valerie Mah, Mary El Milosh, Lone SmithMailings: Mid to late September, November, January, March, May
Newsletter Submissions
RTOERO300-18 Spadina Road416•962•9463/1•800•361•9888https://rtoero.ca
Benefits Service/Johnson Inc416•920•7248
1•877•406•8077www.johnson.ca
Teachers’ Pension416•226•2700
1•800•668•0105www.otpp.com
RTOERO Contact Information
OMERS: 416•369•2400 | 1•800•387•0813 | www.omers.com
Solution to Crossword Puzzle
on Page 42.© Puzzle Choice
48
RTOERO Toronto Newsletterc/o Joan ElliottPO Box 68516 WALMERToronto ON M5S 3C9
Visi
t our
Web
siteRTOERO is the only organization welcoming all
employees in Canadian educational institutions: public, private, Catholic, francophone schools; colleges and universities; Early Childhood Education centers; and, indigenous schools.
Your Toronto District 16 Executive in 2020 before COVID-19’s arrival.