Retired Women Teachers of Ontario

Kathleen Goodfellow | Mar 02, 2016

The Retired Women Teachers, Kingston Branch held their fall meeting at the Edith Rankin United Church, Collins Bay.

President Bonnie Greavett welcomed Provincial President Dianne Rice and Teresa Dorey, Area 8 Director, who is replacing Dorothy Pearson. Members of the Napanee Branch were also welcomed.

Karen Thompson, Treasurer, reminded members that annual fees ($40) were due and that the payment was necessary in order to be eligible for the Group Insurance Plan. Benefits have increased, but premiums have not.

Dianne Rice brought greetings from the provincial office as well as a gift of $200 for our branch as part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of R.W.T.O. To celebrate this anniversary, the Kingston and Napanee branches will hold their spring meeting at the Lennox and Addington County Museum for a catered "Afternoon Tea", April 27, from 2 to 4 pm.

In 1956, a small group of retired women teachers organized, and through hard work and determination brought pension change that made a difference in the lives of all retired women teachers. Thus, R.W.T.O. was formed.

Dianne Rice expressed the need for all branches to focus on retaining and gaining members. She expressed thanks to retiring Dorothy Pearson for her provincial service, and welcomed Theresa Dorey as the new provincial director for Area 8 (Kingston and area). She also paid tribute to the branches for their service to others with caring and sharing programs. She mentioned Kingston's "Bags Plus" program that supported children, local agencies and senior citizens. Napanee's "Tales and Tunes for Tots" is outstanding. Both groups support local food banks and women and children in crisis.

Bev Ritchie, in charge of Kingston's "Military Project", read a 'thank-you' letter from the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Our care package arrived in the Middle East and was given to a Padre, who shared it after a church service. The troops had been in the area for several months and it was a welcome surprise. Most rewarding was that people back home were thinking of them.

Joelle Hubner-McLean was introduced. Originally from France, she graduated from Trent University and York University. As a retired teacher, she continues her interest in writing plays, stories and about historical issues. She is a published author in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Ottawa. A sample of her children's books was presented to the group. Her other achievements will be acknowledged at the spring meeting where she will do a presentation.

Marge Baldwin, president of the Napanee branch, thanked the Edith Rankin catering group for the delicious roast beef dinner.