Are you interested in becoming a member of the provincial executive? If so, more information and and application forms are found here.

MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT 9 PRESIDENT - Diane Josling

Greeting to all of you on behalf of the District 9 Executive and Board. Words of welcome to those of you who joined RTO during the past few months. If you are reading this newsletter on line, or in a school staffroom, do explore the benefits of Membership with the Retired Teachers of Ontario. Our health plan is second to none. On your behalf, I attended two Senates and the Recruitment workshop in Toronto. It was heartwarming to attend an event with the youngsters, host families and organizers of the Children of Chernobyl

project. Rest assured that the $4000 Service to Others grant awarded to this project was put to great use. To those teachers involved, both active and retired, Thank You for keeping this project going for so many years. Another heartwarming time happened while presenting congratulations on behalf of RTO President Brian Kenny to colleagues celebrating 65 years of marriage.

Reorganization remains a challenge in terms of blending past expectations and routines with current organizational reality. Please take the opportunity to offer a few years of time and effort so that our organization retains effective decision – making at the grass roots level. That’s what happened 40 years ago: retired teachers offered their time and effort to better the lives of others. Out of that compassion and commitment grew the fine organization that provides us with so many benefits today. Currently there is a need for a more balanced representation on the District Executive and Board. In particular, retired teachers of the former Perth unit are asked to step up to the plate.

Take a moment right now to fill out the registration form on page 5 for the Annual Meeting and noon dinner on Thursday October 9 in Seaforth. As you already know, District 9 is celebrating RTO’s 40 years as an organization that day. Invited guests include President Brian Kenny; 2nd Vice- President Marg Couture; our most senior seniors; members of government and members of the local affiliates. Your presence is requested.

Best wishes to incoming President Linda McKenzie. My thanks to Linda and others who so aptly looked after the May District meeting.

Thank you for the opportunity to be your President of District 9 Huron Perth.