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Spring has arrived
Le printemps est arrivé
STONY BRIDGES
March 2015 – Issue 113
North York
District 23 Executive
Past-president . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret Lato
Newsletter Associate Editor. . . . . . . Mary Valtellini
President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Courtney Doldron
Newsletter Distribution . . . . . . . . . Gerard MacNeil
margaret.lato@gmail.com
csdoldron@rogers.com
1st Vice-president: . . . . . . . . . . . Maureen Capotosto
mpcapotosto@sympatico.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 905-883-1496
2nd Vice-president: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Siegel
jdsiegel@yahoo.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647-802-1418
Treasurer:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gwen Scriven
gscriven@rogers.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-226-0226
Assistant Treasurer:. . . . . . . . . Lorraine Hennessey
lhennessey@pathcom.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-444-8535
Secretary:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra Motta
smotta1073@rogers.com
Archivist: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Cairo
mcairo@rogers.com
Book Club: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irene Kitchell
irenekitchell@hotmail.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-733-8711
Bridge: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan Ward
alanward@interlog.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 905-889-3687
Communications:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Quinn
kquinn56@gmail.com
Goodwill: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gwen Bumbury
ggrant98@hotmail.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-491-1213
Health Services & Constitution: . . . . . George Meek
george.meek@sympatico.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-226-3568
Membership:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Giannone
johngiannone01@gmail.com
Needlework Craft. . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret Schuman
& Have-A-Java:
m.p.schuman@sympatico.ca
Newsletter Editor: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Quinn
SUBMISSIONS
kquinn56@gmail.com
mary.valtellini@rogers.com
g.macneil@bell.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-481-7411
Pension & Retirement . . . . . . . . . . Gretchen Schuler
gmschuler@sympatico.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-421-0292
Pole Walking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Shorney
k_shorney@yahoo.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-225-1336
Political Advocacy:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Shorney
k_shorney@yahoo.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-225-1336
Recruitment:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Ellen Lawless
med.lawless@sympatico.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-223-4969
Service to Others:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Siegel
jdsiegel@yahoo.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647-802-1418
Social:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mildred Frank
speakingfrankly@hotmail.com . . . . . . . . . . 416-221-5328
Strollers:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joanne Famiglietti
jcfamiglietti@hotmail.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-483-4968
Strollers:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret Schuman
m.p.schuman@sympatico.ca
Trips:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bernadette Walsh
bernadette_walsh@sympatico.ca. . . . . . . . . 416-449-8780
Trips:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Denise Venditti
mary.venditti@sympatico.ca . . . . . . . . . . . 416-245-3749
Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dianne Fair
diannefair@rogers.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-229-2696
Webmaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara Di Nallo
sdinallo@outlook.com
Member-at-Large. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marisa Agostini
marisaagostini1247@gmail.com . . . . . . . . . 416-242-8774
Member-at-Large & Cycling. . . . . . . Eileen Kearns
eileen_kearns@edu.yorku.ca
STONY BRIDGES RTO/ERO North York District 23 welcomes submissions for STONY BRIDGES from members. Do you
have a story to tell, an experience to share or a poem you have written? Consider submitting your work for publication.
Please include name, address and telephone number (for identification only) and some past and present biographical
information (for publication if space permits). Articles should be from 400 to 1200 words (one half to one pages)
in length. Photos are also welcome (minimum 300 dpi). Please send photos as attachments and do not reduce the
size. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters or submissions. Send submissions to: Mary Valtellini at
mary.valtellini@rogers.com STONY BRIDGES publishes in March, August and November for the Retired Teachers of North
York, District 23.
THE DUE DATE FOR MATERIALS FOR THE NEXT ISSUE IS: JUNE 19, 2015
Issue 113
STONY BRIDGES | 3
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
ISSUE 113
Executive List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
by John Giannone
North York Strollers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
by Joanne Famiglietti
President’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
by Courtney Doldron
New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
by John Giannone
Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Alan Ward
Communications & Web Alert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
by Karen Quinn & Sara DiNallo
Service to Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
by Jan Siegel
Needle Work & Craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
by Margaret Schuman
Nordic Pole Walking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
by Kathy Shorney
Speaker Series: April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
by Jan Siegel
Have-a-Java . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
by Margaret Schuman
Book Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
by Irene Kitchell
Goodwill Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
by Gwen Bumbury
Cycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
by Eileen Kearns
Celebrating the Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
by Mary Cairo
Champagne Breakfast 2015. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
AGM and Spring Luncheon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Theatre/Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 & 23
by Bernadette Walsh, Mary Denise Venditti
From the Archives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
by Mary Cairo
Member Submissions
The Avalon Journals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Events / Notices
RTO/ERO Photoshoot: Call for Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Events Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Golf Tournment: Organizational Leader Needed . . . . . . 14
Toronto Choristers: Annual Spring Concert Bulletin . . . 14
Event Registration Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Policy for Trips & Other Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Upcoming Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Health Services and Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 11
by George Meek
Cover photos credit – Brian Quinn
Layout & Typography by: Sean Quinn – SQ design
Issue 113
4 | STONY BRIDGES
October:
I
In Memoriam
t is with great sadness that we
inform you of the passing of the
following members of District 23.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to
their families and friends.
The following information was taken from
RTO/ERO Provincial’s Monthly Updates from:
October 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015
Shirley M. Baile, Peter J. Brennan, Marion Felker,
Edward J. Hallewick, Siegfried Kruh, Gordon W. Quinn,
Eva Teich, Miriam R. Wallace, Frances Watson, Ruth E. Watson,
Mary Elizabeth Wyatt, Joan E. Wyllie
November:
June L. Barber, James W. Racicot, Brian J. Richardson,
Bruce E. Tettmar
December:
Norman C. Clark, Ronald W. Cumming, Marion Gifford, Frank Lunn,
Mary McRory, Jean S. Temins
January:
Frank J. Gregoire, Heinz Grund, James L. Huffman, Florence Tanney,
Elinor M. Winfield
North York Strollers
by Joanne Famiglietti – Convener
O
ur Strollers walk on the first Thursday of
every month regardless of the weather.
Come dressed for the weather and be prepared
to enjoy the friendship of our members, some of
the hidden secrets of our city and some culinary
delights.
Thursday April 2nd, 2015
Meeting places are listed below for each walk.
Hopefully we will all be able to enjoy a light lunch
together at the end of our Community Walks.
Thursday May 7th, 2015
For more information and/or directions please
call Joanne Famiglietti at 416-483-4968 or
Margaret Schuman at 416-924-0267. If you let us
know that you are definitely coming we will delay
the start of the walk if you are a little late.
Kensington and Chinatown Led by Joanne Famiglietti and Margaret Schuman
Meet at Queens Park Subway Station
(Do Not Exit Station)
A Historical Walk
Led by Jo-Ann Slack and Joanne Famiglietti
Meet at Union Station (Inside by the clock)
Thursday June 4th, 2015
Centre Island Led by Margaret Schuman and Joanne Famiglietti
Meet at Ferry Docks 9:45 a.m. SHARP !!!
DO YOU LOVE HAVING YOUR PHOTO TAKEN? Do you want to be “RTO/ERO’s next top model?”
RTO/ERO’s Provincial Office is looking for members in the GTA area to participate in its annual member photo shoot to take
place late spring 2015 at a to-be-determined location in the GTA. To reflect RTO/ERO’s ever growing diversity, we are looking
for members of all ethnicities. Photos taken will be used in RTO/ERO promotional materials, online on its website and social
media, and for use by Districts. In return for participating, we will provide you with three of your best shots as digital images,
an RTO/ERO gift as a token of our appreciation and cover all transportation and parking costs. No experience required.
INTERESTED?
Issue 113
Email Susannah Maxcy, smaxcy@rto-ero.org or
call 416-962-9463, 1-800-361-9888 ext. 244 for more
STONY BRIDGES | 5
SPRING EVENT CALENDAR
MARCH
President’s Message
by Courtney Doldron – President
As I sit down to write this message, I am guided by the fact that 2014
was a very energetic and productive year for RTO-ERO District 23.
It appears that 2015 will be much of the same, as we prepare for all of our
planned activities and especially the Spring Senate and our Annual General
Meeting.
Once again the Holiday Season Luncheon was a success, and the
entertainment was excellent. At the Toronto District Council level, which is
made up of the four Toronto Districts, we attended a joint District workshop
in November entitled “Enhancing Lines of Communication.” Simon
Liebowitz brought greetings from Provincial. TICO Compliance Officer
attended this function and provided very helpful information regarding the
trips status. District 23 was well represented.
We look forward to seeing the members at our various planned activities
throughout 2015.
New Members
by John Giannone – Convener
T
he Executive welcomes all new members who have recently joined
RTO/ERO District 23, and invite them to become active participants
in all of our activities. As of January 31, 2015 RTO/ERO District 23 has a
total membership of 2649 members.
The following information was taken from RTO/ERO Provincial’s monthly
updates from October 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015.
October:
Paola Bertoia-Suriano, Donald S. Felker, Theresa Gomes,
Mary Hallewick, Evelyn Hurwitz, James Jeffery,
Yvonne I. M. E. Leenaers, Rocco Policheni, Sandra Quinn-Duff,
James Smith, Pat Tamburri
November:
Joan Hershorn, Wilf Navarrete, Carol M .Richardson, Esther Rosenfeld,
Philippe Selvon
December:
Susan Alvarado, Sivam Chanthirasekaram, Tova Fisch, Orietta Hayward,
Donna M. Lunn, John McRory, James Robert Strickland, Sevi Wolfowicz
January:
Linda Boshan, Mary Catherine Bourgeois, Mary E. Campbell,
Geraldine E. Cumming, Hripsime Guluyan, Sybil J. Huffman,
Yee Kuan Kam, Michael Lescombe, Liwayway Mallari, Malcolm Rae,
Caterina Russo, Bonnie Willows
Issue 113
3Bridge
5
North York Strollers
10Bridge
17Bridge
Nordic Pole Walking
18Have-a-Java
(Special Event)
19
Needlework & Crafts
20
Blue Jays Ticket
Purchase Cut Off Date
24Bridge
25
Book Club
31Bridge
APRIL
2
6
North York Strollers
Aga Khan Museum
Cut Off Date
7Bridge
8
Speaker Series Engagement
14Bridge
15Have-a-Java
Aga Khan Museum Trip
16
Needlework & Crafts
18
Toronto Blue Jays Game
21Bridge
Nordic Pole Walking
24
Titanic Cut Off Date
28Bridge
29
Book Club
MAY
5Bridge
7
North York Strollers
12Bridge
15
TSO: The Wizard and I,
Cut Off Date
19Bridge
Nordic Pole Walking
20Have-a-Java
21Cycling
Needlework & Crafts
26Bridge
27
Book Club
Titanic Theatre
28
AGM/Spring Luncheon
JUNE
2Bridge
4
North York Strollers
9Bridge
11Cycling
16Bridge
Nordic Pole Walking
17Have-a-Java
TSO: The Wizard and I
Performance
18Cycling
25Cycling
SEPTEMBER
24
Champagne Breakfest
6 | STONY BRIDGES
Bridge Report
by Alan Ward – Convener
Acknowledgements
This group thanks members who come early to set up the
room and assist in the kitchen before and after the meeting
as well as all whose generosity and skills as bakers have
enhanced our enjoyment of the afternoon.
The Table Champions
Congratulations to the following players who were
undefeated in the first five rounds one or more times
between October 2014 and January 2015. To win five
consecutive rounds requires better than average hands
coupled with the ability to bid them to their limits and
play them judiciously. Since the losing pair move and we
all change partners after each round of four hands, only
25% of players remain undefeated after two rounds. The
undefeated 5 or 6 players must then survive three more
rounds to make the Honour List.
Jo Burt, Lydia Dhillon, David Fleming, Bruce Henderson, Irene
Loberto (3), Mavis McKernan, Bev Suzuki, Vic Suzuki, Ilona Taray
The Slam Bidders
A group of 24 players (6 tables) play about 200 hands
on an average day and 1% of hands result in successful
slams. About 0.1% of hands result in successful grand
slams. Bidding a grand slam is often a losing proposition,
especially if success depends upon finessing for a missing
king or queen. The defending player with the opening lead
will often play quite differently if defending against a
grand slam rather than a slam.
Oct. 7
Carson Klinck 6S
& Larry Miller
Oct. 7
Helen Lamping & Mavis McKernan
6H
Oct. 7
Lorraine Schiedel & Mavis McKernan
6N
Oct. 7
Oct. 28
Nov. 25
Dec. 16
Jan. 13
Joyce Arnsby
& Lorraine Schiedel
Irene Loberto & Angela Jutlah
Larry Miller & Magdi Barsoum
Irene Loberto & Lorraine Schiedel
Joyce Arnsby & Alan Ward
6N
7S bid and made
6H
6S bid 7S made
6D
Jan. 13
Marg Jang & Renga Ramasawny
Jan. 27
Magdi Barsoum & Kathy Shorney
Jan. 20
Jan. 27
Larry Miller & Alan Ward
Magdi Barsoum & Helen Wiber
6S bid 7S made
6C bid 7C made
6N bid 7N made
6N bid 7N made
The Throw-In At Notrump
How
often
when
playing a notrump game
contract do you find
yourself looking at eight
top tricks and having to
decide between several
options for creating
the ninth trick. Often
you may be faced with
a choice of finesses in
two suits. A finesse is chancy: wouldn’t you rather make
your opponents take the risks? Consider this hand where
neither opponent entered the bidding except to pass. South
is declarer at 3N and West leads the king of hearts.
Declarer can see eight top tricks but the ninth trick will have
to be won with the queen of spades or the jack of diamonds.
After permitting West to hold two tricks, South takes the
third heart lead with the ace after East has shown out. A
successful finesse in diamonds or spades will bring home
the contract, but should the finesse lose, West will cash two
more hearts to defeat the contract.
It is time to employ a throw-in and force West to lead into
one of South’s tenaces. South begins by playing the club suit.
Three rounds suffice to strip both opponents in this suit and
West is forced to discard a low spade. South must keep East
off lead so throws West in by playing a heart. West wins and
cashes the remaining heart, but must now lead a spade or a
diamond, providing South with the ninth trick. No finesse is
needed. Even if West had started with six hearts and only two
spades, the contract could still be made. When South leads
the third and fourth clubs, West will be forced to discard
hearts to protect the diamond queen and spade king.
There will be many occasions when taking a finesse is
unavoidable, but it should be the final recourse after other
options have been considered.
The Bridge Club continues to meet at Willowdale United Church on Kenneth Avenue just north of Church St. (south of Finch, 2 blocks east of Yonge) on Tuesday
afternoons. The RTO/ERO District 23 magazine has a full list of dates for the Spring session. New members are welcome: please try to arrive by 12.45 p.m. Basic
instruction is provided for members who have never played bridge or have limited experience. For further information contact Alan Ward at 905-889-3687 or email
alanward@interlog.com.
STONY BRIDGES | 7
Stay Connected with STONY & Email Updates!
by Karen Quinn – Convener | Webmaster Convener – Sara Di Nallo
STONY Bridges is published in August,
November and March of each year. Due
to rising costs in the publishing world and
in the paper and mail industries, we have
made the decision to reduce the number
of pages in the STONY Bridges newsletter. We hope to
continue to bring you all the news of North York District
23. Our website: http://district23.rto-ero.org/ will allow
you to keep up to date with our monthly events, our Member
Writer’s pages and the photo collections from some of our
major events.
STONY Bridges Online :
To date, 164 members have opted to receive their STONY
Bridges online. You can get yours online too. See the details
below. If you wish to receive STONY Bridges online, starting
with the July 2015 issue, May 31, 2015 is the cut-off date
for making this request. Send the following information to
Karen Quinn, Editor: kquinn56@gmail.com
“I would like to receive my copy of STONY Bridges
beginning with the July, 2015 edition online.” Provide
your name, address, postal code, telephone number and
email address. Every issue of STONY Bridges is posted
to the website. Use this version to print out registration
forms for our many events, if you do not want to rip
pages from your copy of STONY.
STONY Bridges captures most of our activities but North
York District 23 has many different opportunities that do
not always fit the publishing schedule. Don’t want to miss
a chance to participate in the return of cycling? Want to see
the next Mirvish play? We can keep you up to date with the
latest activities!
Register today and participate in our email fan-out and
you will always be connected. At the end of each month
reminders will be sent out listing the new month’s activities,
theatre productions, and dates for cherished events such as
Bridge, Pole Walking, Book Club and Have-a-Java among
others. This is an efficient, expeditious and economical way
to deliver the important, current information to our members
Midway down the District 23 webpage is a button to sign
up for the monthly e-newsletter. See the blue banner
-- “Register for our E-news with the button”. Please direct
any of your friends or colleagues to this location to sign up
for this monthly fan out.
Our emails will arrive in your boxes from “rto_erodistrict23”.
Please make sure to add that name to your accepted contact
list to receive regular emails from our group. If your
email address has changed simply, send me an update and
the correction will be made ASAP. Your information will
remain confidential. We do not distribute or sell it to anyone
else. Please note that when you receive an email from our
service, it will not show your email address or anyone else’s
email address. Usually we send no more than 2 or 3 notices
per month.
We now have a mailing list of 1050 members.
Service to Others
by Jan Siegel - Convener
T
hank you once again for your generosity. Numerous
gift cards were collected for the Canadian Helen Keller
Centre from a variety of places such as: Walmart, Metro,
Dollar Store and Shoppers for a total of $215. A total of
$315 was raised jointly from both the knitting craft draw and
the profits from the annual golf tournament which was also
given to CHKC. They were most appreciative and have been
able to provide the needed resources for their various senior
activities. Melanie and Martha were overwhelmed by the
kindness of District 23 on the day of the Holiday Luncheon.
We have a couple of suggested organizations for our next
project. We will be deciding on which one we will support
for this year at our April Executive meeting. Other suggested
groups are still able to submit.
Thank you for your continued support.
Issue 113
8 | STONY BRIDGES
Needlework & Craft Group
by Margaret Schuman – Convener
T
he members of our group are very happy to report that
$285.00 was raised at the Holiday Luncheon from the
draws and sale of Bookworms. The proceeds were donated
to our Service to Others Project the Canadian Helen Keller
Center. We offer a very sincere THANK YOU to all who
helped us support this very worthwhile cause.
Members of our group are now very busy planning and
creating unique items for the draws at our AGM in May.
We will continue to meet at Mitchell Field C.C. on the third
Thursday of most months. We welcome new members and
new ideas. Please consider joining us. You are welcome to
join us to share your talents or to learn from other members.
We have numerous donated knitting needles and hook
needles and many yarns to share. Members are delighted
to share their skills. Don’t be afraid to come if you are new
to these crafts. We are delighted to teach beginners and if
you have a skill to share we would be an attentive audience.
Future meetings dates have been set and approved
by Mitchell Field Community Centre and include:
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Thursday, May 21, 2015
All meetings are between: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
For more information contact:
Joan Bourne – jbourne@sympatico.ca
Margaret Schuman – schumanmp@gmail.com
Winter / Spring Nordic Pole / Walking Group
by Kathy Shorney – Convener
T
he Nordic Pole Walking Group meets on the third Tuesday
at 10:00 a.m. at a local trail or park. Pole walkers of all
experience levels and walking speeds are encouraged to join us
for an approximately one hour long walk. Due to weather and ice
conditions, we will try walking in (hopefully) cleared locations.
Washrooms are not always available. We are always looking for
new members to join our group at any fitness level. Just come
for a nice walk with friends to explore Toronto’s trails.
THE SPRING SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS:
Tuesday, March 17 – Edwards Gardens /
Toronto Botanical Garden
Please use the parking lot off Leslie Street at
Lawrence Avenue
Tuesday, April 21 – Earl Bales Park lower level
Please enter off Sheppard W (east of Bathurst) at the west
end of the bridge via the Don Valley River Road. The parking
lot is at the bottom of the hill.
Tuesday, May 19 – Leslie Street Trail
When driving eastbound on Sheppard Avenue, take Old
Leslie right over the bridge and over Sheppard towards the
medical buildings. Pass in front of the building and directly
ahead is a parking lot for the park.
When approaching from the West on Sheppard Avenue,
take first right past Leslie and turn right at the brown
building –parking just below.
Tuesday, June 16 – Serena Gundy Park
Please enter off Leslie street just above Eglinton at the
Wilket Creek Park entrance. Take the first left in the road
and go under the bridge, over Eglinton Avenue, and you will
find the large parking lot we will use as the meeting place.
In case of extreme bad weather/icy conditions, we will
reschedule the walk for the next day at 9:00 a.m. indoors
at Bayview Village. We can join the Have-a-Java group at
10:00 a.m. Poles with rubber tips are fine in the mall. Walkers
need to check in with security for a badge (no charge).
Watch the District 23 website for updates or e-mail: k_shorney@yahoo.com or call 416 225 1336.
Issue 113
STONY BRIDGES | 9
Speaker Series: April
by Jan Siegel – Second Vice President
B
rock Godfrey, who is jointly working with the RCMP
and OPP under the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and
originally from the Ministry of Education, will be coming
to speak to our members about:
Mass Marketing Fraud and Cyber crime Awareness:
A presentation by the RCMP and the Canadian Anti- Fraud
Centre covering Mass Marketing Fraud, Identity Theft,
other scams – and how to avoid them. Nearly 80 percent
of mass marketing fraud is conducted by organized crime
groups and is currently the second most common criminal
activity funding terrorist activities.
We look forward to you joining us for this interesting and
informative session.
Please RSVP to jdsiegel@yahoo.ca by April 1st, 2015.
• Wednesday, April 8, 2015
| 11:00 a.m.
The Grand Luxe Event Boutique,
3125 Bayview Ave.
Have-a-Java
by Margaret Schuman – Convener
Coffee & Treat - $4.00 subsidy per person
Timothy’s at Bayview Village - 10:00 a.m. - noon
Attendees continue to enjoy our “just show up policy”.
Some members walk in the mall before our event. Once
around is l km. There continues to be a lively exchange of
information, ideas and friendship.
Members are encouraged to contact former colleagues and
invite them to attend our March event which is held during
March Break.
Upcoming Have-a-Java events:
March 18, 2015, April 15, 2015,
May 20, 2015, June 17, 2015
Please note: We meet on 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Wanted: By Your Health Services & Insurance Committee Convener
by Geogre Meek – Convener
M
any of you come across health related items or short articles which you would
like to share with others including our members. Here is your chance!
Please send these electronically to george.meek@sympatico.ca. Some of these could find
their way into George’s health services report which appears in each STONY Bridges.
Much of the material that was used in previous reports came from Health Matters, which
you now receive as part of Renaissance. You could be the source of an item or article
for our next and future reports. Thanks for your consideration and cooperation.
Issue 113
10 | STONY BRIDGES
Health Service & Insurance
by George Meek – Convener
of service of maintaining the “health” of our benefit plans.
Mark will be missed on our team but will be using his skills
at the RTO/ERO provincial Executive table instead.”
2.) Claims Status Report and Health Plans Participation:
As of the end of October, participation in all plans over
2013 at the same time has increased by 2.9%. Electronic
claims are also up from last year.
3.) Update 2015:
You received this document since the beginning of 2015
which outlined the changes to the plans effective January
1, 2015 (please keep in the pocket of your 2014 Insurance
Health Plan Booklet). Please review it carefully.
D
ue to a decision made at the 2012 Fall RTO/ERO Senate,
‘Health Matters’ which is produced by the Health Services
and Insurance Committee (HSIC) has been included as part of
‘Renaissance’ and is found on pages 34 to 41 of the 2014 Winter
edition. It is my intention to highlight some of the important
matters found therein along with other current important
information. What follows is a possible roadmap to reviewing
the many health plan and related articles that are found in
this Winter 2014 edition of Renaissance. It is sometimes a bit
overwhelming to see all of these in 2 or 3 places all at once.
Now you can organize your reading of the articles that interest
you and then check them off.
On another important matter, if you require more information in
advance of, or after contacting Johnson Inc. or Global Allianz
about a claim or any other Health Plans related matter, please do
not hesitate to contact me at 416-226-3568 or at george.meek@
sympatico.ca. Please ‘look after your health and your finances’.
About the Fall Edition of Renaissance:
“Renaissance” is a theme publication and this Winter’s edition’s
theme is centred around ‘your bucket list’. Do not forget your
health matters as you review your ‘bucket list’.
Important Health Plan Matters:
1.) From Gayle Manley (New Chair- Algoma);
“It is my honour and privilege to serve the Retired Teachers
of Ontario as Chair of the Health Services and Insurance
Committee and I look forward to the next three years
working with the committee members and you, as District
Health Representatives. Having just completed my first
meeting as chair, I would like to recognize and thank the
former chair, Mark Tinkess (Dryden), for his eleven years
Issue 113
• Premium increases of 2.9 % in the EHC plan and 2.0%
for the dental plan were announced.
Also outlined were the following positive benefit changes:
Extended Health Care Plan, Dental and Out-of-Province/
Canada Travel Plan (all are important but note last one).
• Prescription
drugs will be reimbursed on a mandatory
generic substitution basis. (See # 4 below for details.)
• Prescription Drug benefit maximum will increase to
$3,100 per insured person per calendar year.
• Erectile Dysfunction has been re-categorized as Sexual
Dysfunction and treatments will now be subject to the
overall Prescription Drug benefit maximum.
• Paramedical Practitioners maximum will increase to
$1,100 per insured person per calendar year for all
practitioners combined.
• The maximum for Prescription Eyewear benefit
will increase to $375 per insured person in any two
consecutive calendar years.
• The additional lifetime maximum for new lenses
required due to eye surgery will also increase to $375
per insured person.
• Reimbursement will be updated to the 2015 ODA Dental
Fee Guide for General Practitioners.
• The Out-of-Province/Canada Travel benefit has been
extended to cover any number of trips of up to 93 days in
duration per trip. (See ‘[Going Places’ for Supplemental
Travel Plan rates.)
4.) Mandatory Generic Drug Substitution:
One of the biggest challenges in the delivery of health
benefits is managing the rising cost of prescription drugs.
Prescription drugs make up the largest single cost in your
Extended Health Care (EHC) Plan. In 2013, prescription
STONY BRIDGES | 11
drugs accounted for 43.2% of the RTO/ERO EHC Plan
claims. The numbers are even more dramatic when we
examine the 2013 claims experience of the top 20 drugs
under the RTO/ERO EHC Prescription Drug benefit. Generic
drugs accounted for 82% of the prescriptions, but only 46%
of the total cost.
We know prescription drugs are an important benefit to you
and your family. Our objective at RTO/ERO is to ensure
we can continue to provide high-quality benefits today and
for many years to come that meet the needs of the majority.
Rising drug costs put pressure on the plan’s ability to keep
your existing prescription drug coverage sustainable. In an
effort to slow down these rising costs, effective January 1,
2015, the RTO/ERO EHC Plan will move to a Mandatory
Generic Substitution plan under its Prescription Drug benefit.
Health Canada mandates that a generic drug is designed to
work the same way in the body as the original brand-name
drug. Choosing lower cost generic drugs contributes to an
affordable and viable drug plan for you and your family,
saving you and the plan money and allowing more room in
your Prescription Drug benefit maximum.
How does a mandatory generic substitution plan work?
Your plan will reimburse the cost of your prescription
drug up to the price of the lowest-priced interchangeable
drug, which is typically a generic drug. If you choose to
purchase the brand-name drug, you will be required to pay
the difference between the cost of the brand and the lowest
cost interchangeable drug.
What if you cannot tolerate the generic drug? You may
have a medical reason preventing you from tolerating the
generic drug. If so, have your attending physician complete
a ‘Group Benefits Request for Approval of Brand-Name
Drug’ form, including the medical reason for the request.
The completed form will need to be submitted to Johnson
Inc. for assessment. If your request is approved, the plan will
cover the cost of the brand‑name drug subject to the benefit
limitations. Please contact Johnson Inc. Plan Benefits
Claims for a form. If you have any questions or want more
information about this change, please contact Johnson Inc.
Plan Benefits Claims.
5.) ‘Going Places’:
Also accompanying the ‘Update 2015’ was a document
entitled ‘Going places’. If you travel outside the province /
Canada, you need to review this carefully. It is a supplement
to the 2014 Travel Booklet (and should also be retained).
The new Supplemental Travel Plan rates and plan are
articulated. If you wish to review the full Stability Clause
(and you should), please look at the inside of the cover page
of the booklet and it is entitled: ‘Important Medical Stability
Information’. Any clarification questions should be directed
to Global Allianz or Johnson Inc.
Important Health Plan Matters in ‘Health Matters’ in the
2014 Winter Edition of Renaissance
(It is important to consider keeping on file the previous 3 or 4
copies of Renaissance/Health Matters for future reference.)
• TravelMedic Mobile App - Allianz Global Assistance has
launched an app to help travelling Members.(Winter:
page 38)
• Enhanced Claims Service – Johnson Inc. has created a
Complex Claims Unit which will allow a dedicated staff
member to spend whatever time is necessary to see a
more complex claim through to resolution. This is a new
service. (Winter: page 40)
Other Health Articles in Winter ‘Health Matters’ That
May Be of Interest
• Music and Memory - This could assist those who suffer
from Alzheimer or other forms of Dementia (ADOD).
(Winter:Page 35/ 36)
• Mindfulness and Depression - A cognitive therapy that
provides patients in remission from depression with
strategies to avoid negative thinking that can cause
them to relapse. (Winter: Page 36)
• Mindfulness Meditation - Is a complementary therapy
which can be used for simple relaxation or to cope with
stress and anxiety. (Winter: Page 37)
• Check Items Off Your Bucket List - Boost Your Brain
Power- Six activities to maximize your brain health.
(Winter: Page 39)
• Be Healthier and Happier - Volunteer- People who
volunteer also get added value- they get a ‘health boost’.
(Winter: Page 41)
Disclaimer: Information contained herein is intended to be used
for general information and should not replace consultation
with health care professionals. Consult a qualified health care
professional before making medical decisions or if you have
questions about your individual medical situation. RTO/ERO
makes every effort to ensure that the information in ‘Health
Matters’, HealthWise and this article is accurate and reliable,
but cannot guarantee that it is error free or complete. RTO/
ERO does not endorse any product, treatment or therapy;
neither does it evaluate the quality of services operated by
other organizations mentioned or linked to our publications.
Issue 113
12 | STONY BRIDGES
Issue 113
Holiday Luncheon Photo Gallery
STONY BRIDGES | 13
Photo Credit: Dianne Fair
Issue 113
14 | STONY BRIDGES
BOOK CLUB
by Irene Kitchell – Convener
The Book Club meets on the last Wednesday
of the month at Edithvale Community Centre,
7 Edithvale Dr. North York (west of Yonge
on the south side of Finch) on the last
Wednesday of each month from 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.
The District 23 Book Club continues as a popular
activity with attendance ranging from twelve to
twenty individuals who enjoy reading, discussing
and gaining new appreciation for a range of
literary genres based on the opinions and thoughts
of one another. One book is explored each month
during the year and occasionally guest speakers
are invited to meet with the group.
Outlined below are the books for the coming
months. We hope that you will find a title or genre
you enjoy and join us for some lively discussions.
District 23 12th Annual Golf Tournament
Organizational Leader Needed
For the past 11 years, many of our members have
enjoyed participating in our Annual Golf Tournament.
It is a charitable activity with all proceeds assisting
our RTO-ERO Service to Others Project. We are
looking for one of our members or former colleagues
to help in the organization of this tournament this
year. We are seeking a volunteer to help coordinate
this annual event so that we can continue to offer this
activity to our members. If you are interested, please
contact Helen Wiber to relay your interest before
April 1, 2015. helen.wiber@me.com
Books to be discussed:
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth
--- Chris Hatfield
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Sea Sick: the Global Ocean in Crisis
--- Alanna Mitchell
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
From the Fifteenth District --- Mavis Gallant
The Toronto Choristers
Anual Spiring Concert - May 20th, 2015 | 7:30 pm
We are a choir of over 100 voices, mainly retired
teachers and others who have worked in the field
of education. We sing a wide range of musical
works: selections from Broadway musicals, religious
and spiritual anthems, jazz, works by Canadian
composers and medleys from various musical genres,
just to name a few.
Contact:
Irene Kitchell
Mary Ellen Lawless
Issue 113
Our annual Spring Concert at Sir John A. MacDonald
Collegiate Institute, 2300 Pharmacy Ave. takes place
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $ 15
each, available through choir members or at the door.
416-733-8711
416-223-4969
We love to sing and to share the enjoyment of choral
singing. We invite you to be a part of our audience on
May 20, 2015.
STONY BRIDGES | 15
THE AVALON JOURNALS
A Professional Development Day for Students
A letter from the Principal of Avalon High
School was printed in The Avalon Dispatch and
distributed to all parents of students of the High
School regretting the action of several of the
senior boys. These young wags, on the eve of
the annual football game against Orangeville,
had ‘stolen’ a cow from a local farmer, attached
an Indian head dress to the horns (the team is
known as the Apaches) and painted the beast
in the colours of the school team. The boys
responsible were suspended for two days and
had to apologize personally to the farmer. The
local vet assured everyone that the cow had not
suffered any damage and, of course, the boys
were acclaimed as ‘Animal House’ heroes by
the other students.
At this time in Toronto’s history, there was a
rather dubious house of entertainment at the
corner of Spadina and Dundas. When it was
erected in 1921, it was called The Standard and
specialized in Yiddish productions. In 1934, it
was a converted into a regular neighbourhood
movie theatre and became The Strand. But
in the 60’s, it was renamed The Victory and
it specialized in ‘Burlesque’ with the feature
attraction being a striptease artiste.
Such
notables as Pussy Willow, Busty Boswell and
Satan’s Angel were frequent headliners. As you
would expect being aware of its reputation as
‘Toronto the Good’, the city fathers laid down
strict rules regarding what could and could not
be revealed during these performances.
This incident reminded me of a rather infamous
event that took place at …….. ……. Secondary
School where I taught back in the sixties. It
was a Friday afternoon in the ‘dog days’ of May
when the staff became aware that something was
afoot.
Well it so happened that during the week in
question, the feature attraction at the Victory
was a young woman who went under the stage
name, “Baby Bubbles”. Not a household name,
perhaps, but a small cadre of young admirers
knew not only her real name but also that she
was a former student of …….. ……. Secondary
School. And so it was on that fateful afternoon,
when the information was circulated, that the
senior male students felt honour bound to pay
homage to this Queen of Burlesque. Thus the
disappearing act. When Baby Bubbles came on
stage to perform her routine, the entire student
body from …….. ……. Secondary School who
were in the audience rose as one and sang the
school song. According to the reports of the
event, Miss Bubbles gave the performance of
her career. But to screams of “More, more”,
she made a demure exit stage left to a standing
ovation. The tribute having been paid to their
illustrious school mate, the boys marched out
of the Victory to a rousing chorus of a popular
version of Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu, “I’m
Forever Blowing Bubbles”.
There was an unexplained excitement building
among the boys of the graduating classes but
no one was able to determine the cause of the
‘ripple’.
After the first lunch period, however, several
teachers reported that a number of their students
had not shown up for class. The same absentee
reports came in after the second lunch. By two
o’clock, it was known that at least two hundred
senior boys had ‘skipped school’. Calls to the
parents only brought some surprises and the fact
that the boys had not gone home. By the time
school was over for the day, there was still no
explanation for the ‘missing persons’. Perhaps
some learned of the reason for the ‘walk out’
over the weekend, but most of us had to wait
until Monday morning to get the full story.
On Monday morning the Principal and his
Vice-principals met to discuss the appropriate
measures to be taken.
One Vice-principal
recommended two days suspension for skipping
classes. But if that was applied to everyone, the
senior classes would be virtually empty for no
doubt there would be considerable sympathy for
the ‘noble students who had seen their duty and
done it’. Their supporters, like the classmates
of the miscreants who painted the farmer’s cow,
would offer minimal participation. Neither did
it seem appropriate to select and penalize the
‘ring leaders’….if they could be identified….
for their parents would be on to the Trustees like
she bears protecting their cubs and demanding
the same penalty for every recalcitrant. In the
end, it was decided that, in view of the ‘unusual
circumstances’, to take no action except to warn
the student body that such behavior would not
be tolerated in the future.
When the staff learned of the decision, they
tended to agree for who among us could fail to
admit to having participated in some ‘outrageous
behaviour’ in our school days? Is it not part of
the rights of passage?
The following day a small poster was tacked
on the school bulletin board…..Be thankful for
small mercies, Baby Bubbles could have been a
former teacher.
Was it not W. S. Gilbert who reminded us…..
My object all sublime
I shall achieve in time,
To let the punishment fit the crime
The punishment fit the crime
DEREK BRADLEY
Change of Address and Related Membership Items
The Provincial Office does not accept notices of address changes of members from third parties, such as district
executive members. Changes must come directly from the member or the member’s Power of Attorney form
(accompanied with a Power of Attorney if RTO/ERO or Johnson Inc. does not have one currently on file). If
an executive member receives a change of address notice they will redirect the call to contact the Membership
Department at the Provincial Office. Please direct all change of address emails to: membership@RTO/ERO.org.
Please note that our district executives are NOT allowed to forward member information to another member.
Privacy legislation does not allow us to provide this, as it would be an infringement of members’ privacy. We
suggest you directly contact the Membership Department at the Provincial Office.
Issue 113
16 | STONY BRIDGES
Goodwill Committee
by Gwen Bumbury – Convener
T
he Annual General Meeting is held in May followed with
a luncheon. At this luncheon we recognize members
reaching milestone birthdays – 70 and 90. The Spring Luncheon
also provides an opportunity for District 23 members to connect
and celebrate with retired colleagues and friends.
Significant Birthdays:
Are you celebrating a 70th or 90th birthday during 2015? If
yes, then District 23 has a great treat for you. In honour
of our members reaching these significant birthdays, District
23 invites them to be guests at the AGM/Spring Luncheon.
Members who are 70 years of age are encouraged to
complete and submit the appropriate form that is found in
this Newsletter and indicate that you are our birthday guest.
For those members born in 1925, a personal invitation with
regard to date and location will be sent closer to the date of
the event. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend if
possible. We look forward to seeing you all.
District 23 also recognizes members reaching their 80th,
85th, 90th and 95th birthdays. We honour these members
by donating annually to support nutrition programs in the
Toronto Catholic District School Board and the Toronto
District School Board.
Thanks and Appreciation:
District 23, Goodwill Committee is very thankful to have
worked with Polly Clarke. Polly joined the Committee in
2013, and diligently assumed the task of sending birthday
cards to members 80 and over. Your time and your energy
were very much appreciated. Best wishes Polly in all your
future endeavours.
Please keep us informed if know of anyone who is ill or
would welcome a phone call – contact numbers below:
Birthday Cards over 80
Kathy Shorney
416-225-1336
Gwen Bumbury
416-491-1213
Birthday Cards for
Associate Members
Nancy Thomson
416-493-3476
Bereavement
Xenia Cooper
905-661-5481
Keeping in Touch & Get
Well & Telephone
Calls 90 and over,
Sick & Shut-in
Gwen Bumbury
416-491-1213
District 23 Cycling Event
by Eileen Kearns – Convener
S
pring is in the air! This means that the RTO/ERO District
23 Cycling Group commences its cycling season for 2015.
Who?
For those who have a comfortable and confident skill level
with cycling
Where?
Route: Cummer Valley Ravine (East Don Parkland)
• an
off road 10 km ride through the scenic Cummer
Ravine
• Washrooms available
• Parking:-on Craigmont Drive north side (north of
Cummer Avenue)
• Meeting Site: Craigmont Drive and Cummer Avenue
When?
Thursday, May 21, June 11,
18 & 25, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Requirements:
Participating cyclist must have:
• bike with bell
• air in tires
• bicycle helmet certified approved
by CSA, Snell, ASTM,
CPSC, or ANSI worn
• running shoes
• water bottle
• cyclist will be required to sign a waiver form before each
cycling trip.
To register, email eileen_kearns@edu.yorku.ca by Monday May 18th 2015. Registering is most important as cycling is weather dependent
and the trip could be cancelled.
Issue 113
STONY BRIDGES | 17
Celebrating the Holidays
by Mary Cairo – Archivist
R
TO North York District 23 hosted this year’s holiday
luncheon at Spirale’s Banquet Center on Wednesday,
Dec. 3, 2014. A crowd of 130 attendees were treated to a very
successful artisan/craft fair, a sumptuous lunch followed by
speakers, and the energetic/lively tunes of the Blazing Fiddles
that had some guests dancing around their tables.
Guests were encouraged to arrive early to attend the artisan/
craft fair. A variety of crafts were available to purchase and the
artisans gladly described and explained their products. Many
attendees managed to purchase gifts to share over the holidays.
This was also an opportunity for mingling and reconnecting
with friends and acquaintances.
Mildred Frank set the stage for the event inviting everyone
to find their places. She drew attention to the pens that the
RTO had provided for everyone and congratulated the 1000th
member of our email fan-out, Evie Collins. Mildred introduced
Courtney Doldron, President of District 23, who proceeded to
welcome everyone to this annual affair. Special guests on this
occasion included Norbert Boudreau (Provincial Executive),
Sheila Tate (President of District 22), Melanie Gauthier-Perly
and Marta Zaharia (Helen Keller Center).
Karen Quinn led us in Grace before we sat to enjoy lunch. As
lunch was winding down, Jan Siegal rose to speak about the
Helen Keller Center, our Service to Others project for this year.
She thanked everyone for their donations of gifts cards that are
to be used to provide materials for programs and other support
for those who have vision and hearing difficulties. Jan also
presented Melanie and Marta with a cheque for $3200 from the
provincial RTO. Melanie and Marta offered thanks on behalf of
the center for our work and donations provided.
Norbert Boudreau spoke to us on behalf of the provincial
executive. He said that a big part of his job is to meet RTO
members and he was so pleased to see so many people
attending our events. Norbert extended thanks to all our
volunteers and extended best wishes to the district.
Margaret Shuman presided over a draw for the beautiful knitted
goods created by the volunteers in the knitting group. The
draw raised $300, which has been donated to the Helen Keller
Center.
Congratulations are extended to the winners:
• Margaret Branscombe won a scarf created by Myrna
Frost
• Sara DiNallo won a baby blanket and frame created by
Myrna Frost
• Mary Valtellini won a shrug created by Olga McKenzie
• Bev Phillips won a scarf created by Myrna Frost
• Sandra Whittall won a hat and scarf created by Nancy
Thomson
The Blazing Fiddles, consisting of Adam on the keyboards,
Chris on the bass and two fiddlers, Rebecca and Jeff, regaled
us with traditional, classic and country music. Their versatility
and energy was felt throughout their performance. We swayed
to Rebecca’s rendition of Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” and we tapped
to Adam’s spoons during a Celtic tune. The crowd clapped,
tapped their toes and bobbed their heads, keeping time with the
music. The versatility of the performers and their instruments
was evident particularly in their rendition of “Orange Blossom
Special”. We almost believed there was a train whistling
and chugging our way. Alan Ward thanked the musicians,
eloquently expressing the appreciation of all the listeners.
Door prize winners:
• Tim Horton’s Cards: Melanie Gauthier-Perley,
Brenda Howard, Gloria Broks
• Canadian Tire: Betty Appleby, Kenneth Slate, Aida
Martayan
• LCBO: Sylvia Sorensen, Madeleine Merrick
Written on behalf of the Social Committee by Mary Cairo.
Issue 113
18 | STONY BRIDGES
The Champagne Breakfast 2015
Presented by RTO/ERO District 23, North York
Come and celebrate our colleagues who have newly
retired, at the District 23 North York Champagne
Breakfast on Thursday, September 24, 2015.
Parkview Manor Banquet and Conference Centre
55 Barber Greene Road (North of Eglinton Avenue) Free Parking
9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Coffee/Tea
Program
The Program will introduce you to the activities of RTO/ERO
and the benefits of membership.
COST: For the newly retired and prospective members: FREE
Member and one guest: $15.00
Additional Guest: $21.00
CUT OFF DATE: Monday, September 21, 2015
If you wish to attend please fill out the form below.
Menu:
• Chilled orange juice and grapefruit juice
• Sliced fresh seasonal fruit
• Farm fresh scrambled eggs
• Choice of bacon or country sausages
• Home-fried potatoes
• Bakery basket of Danish pastries, croissants,
muffins and toast
• Fruit preserves, marmalade and butter
• Brewed coffee, decaffeinated coffee and tea
Notify Mildred at 416-221-5328 of any dietary
requirements
The Champagne Breakfast 2015 – Thursday, September 24, 2015 – 9:30 a.m.
COST: See above for details | CUT OFF DATE: Monday, September 21, 2015
Name:Email:
Telephone:Guest:
# of tickets
@ $15.00
# of tickets
@ $21.00
Cheque enclosed for $ .00
Newly Retired/Prospective Member:
(Check here and attend for free)
Please make cheque payable to RTO/ERO District 23 and mail to:
Mildred Frank 505 Cummer Avenue, Suite 705 Toronto, ON M2K 2L8 Phone: 416-221-5328
I have read the Acknowledgement, Waiver & Release Form printed on the page 22.
Issue 113
STONY BRIDGES | 19
Annual General Meeting and Spring Luncheon
Presented by RTO/ERO District 23, North York
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2015
Thornhill Golf and Country Club
7994 Yonge Street, Thornhill Free Parking
9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 11:45 a.m. Registration and Coffee
AGM
Cocktails
Lunch served
Menu:
• Plated
appetizer of coconut shrimp and fresh Thai
spring roll with dipping sauce
• Assorted baby kale and spinach topped with fresh
strawberries, pecans and homemade pomegranate
dressing on the side
• 4 oz. filet mignon (cooked medium) with red wine au
jus OR steamed salmon filet with baby shrimp and
chive beurre blanc
• Mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables
• Chocolate amaretto mousse in a chocolate tulip cup
served with fresh berries
• Assorted fresh-baked rolls, flatbreads and butter
• Coffee/tea
Notify Mildred at 416-221-5328 of any dietary requirements.
There will be a draw for unique articles made by the members of the Needlework and Craft Group. All proceeds will go the
RTO/ERO Foundation. A $5 donation will give you 5 chances to win one or more of these creative items.
COST: Member & guest $22.00 Additional Guest $39.00 | CUT OFF DATE: Friday May 22, 2015
If you wish to attend please fill out the form below.
AGM & Spring Luncheon – Thursday, May 28, 2015 – 9:30 a.m.
COST: See above for details | CUT OFF DATE: Friday, May 22, 2015
Name:Email:
Telephone:Guest:
Please circle entrée dish:
Filet Mignon Salmon Please circle entrée dish:
Filet Mignon Salmon
Born in 1945? Check box & dine free
# of tickets
@ $22.00
@ $39.00 Cheque enclosed for $ .00
Please make cheque payable to RTO/ERO District 23 and mail to:
Mildred Frank 505 Cummer Avenue, Suite 705 Toronto, ON M2K 2L8 Phone: 416-221-5328
I have read the Acknowledgement, Waiver & Release Form printed on the page 22.
Issue 113
District 23 Trips & Events
by Bernadette Walsh & Mary Denise Venditti – Conveners
Wed., April 15, 2015
AGA Khan
Museum & Park |
10 - 11:00 A.M. Tours
Wed., May 27, 2015
TITANIC: The Musical | 2:00 Matinée
Princess of Wales Theatre (300 King Street, West)
77 Wynford Park, Toronto
(One block north of Eglinton
east off Don Mills Road)
LUNCH: 12:00 p.m. Options: • Court Yard Café (approximately $10) or bring your own)
• Diwan Dining Room
($5 for soup to $20 for main courses)
Please view lunch menu: www.agakhanmuseum.org/dine
You will pay for your own lunch on April 15th, but please indicate
on the form if you wish to dine in the Diwan, so tables can be
reserved. Before and after lunch you are free to roam around the
Museum or the Gift Shop. At 2:00 p.m. another tour has been
arranged next door at the Ismaili Centre.
www.theismaili.org/ismailicentres/toronto
Parking is $10 for the whole day. You may wish to car pool.
COST: Age 65+ $20.00 [Admission $10 + 1.5h tour $10]
Age 65- $38.00 [Admission $18 + 1.5h tour $20]
CUT OFF DATE:
Monday, April 5, 2015
40 TICKETS AVAILABLE! Registration form on pg.22
Ben Heppner, the greatest opera tenor of his generation will be
joining the cast of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical TITANIC.
The haunting story of the great ship is transformed by composer and
lyricist Maury Yeston into a riveting musical in which the hopes and
the dreams of rich and poor, heroes and cowards, lovers and foes are
woven together in a celebration of the human spirit.
COST: $76.00 | CUT OFF DATE: Friday, April 10, 2015
40 TICKETS AVAILABLE! Registration form on pg.22
Wed., June 17, 2015
TSO: The Wizard and I: Broadway Hits 1:30 Matinée
Roy Thomson Hall, King St. W.
Wed., October 21, 2015
MOTOWN: The Musical
(based on the life of Berry Gordy) | 2:00 Matinée
Ed Mirvish Theatre (244 Victoria Street)
This TSO concert showcases the music of the GRAMMY Award and
Oscar winning composer, Stephen Schwarz. Enjoy all the greatest
songs from such fabulous hit musicals such as Godspell,
Wicked and Pippin.
COST: $76.00 | CUT OFF DATE: Friday, August 7, 2015
40 TICKETS AVAILABLE!
Registration form on pg.22
Issue 113
COST: $48.00 | CUT OFF DATE: Friday, May 15, 2015
30 TICKETS AVAILABLE! Registration form on pg.22
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ OUR INFORMATION ON OUR POLICY FOR TRIPS (PAGE 27)
All forms submitted without agreeing to the terms on page 22 will result in a full refund and participation will not be allowed.
AGA Khan Museum & Park – Wednesday, April 15, 2015 – 10:00 a.m.
COST: 65+ $20.00 65– $38.00 | CUT OFF DATE: Monday, April 5, 2015
Name:Email:
Telephone:Guest:
# of tickets
@ $20.00
Meal at Diwan
Y
N
@ $38.00 Cheque enclosed for $ .00
Please make cheque payable to: RTO/ERO District 23 and mail to:
RTO/ERO c/o L. Hennessey, #869-6021 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M2M 3W2
I have read the Acknowledgement,
Waiver & Release Form printed on page 22.
Motown: The Musical – Wednesday, Oct 21, 2015 – 2:00 p.m.
COST: $76.00 | CUT OFF DATE: Friday, August 7, 2015
Name:Email:
Telephone:Guest:
# of tickets
@ $76.00
Cheque enclosed for $ .00
Please make cheque payable to RTO/ERO District 23 and mail to:
RTO/ERO c/o L. Hennessey, #869-6021 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M2M 3W2
I have read the Acknowledgement,
Waiver & Release Form printed on page 22.
Titanic: The Musical – Wednesday, May 27, 2015 – 2:00 p.m.
COST: $76.00 | CUT OFF DATE: Friday, April 10, 2015
Name:Email:
Telephone:Guest:
# of tickets
@ $76.00
Cheque enclosed for $ .00
Please make cheque payable to RTO/ERO District 23 and mail to:
RTO/ERO c/o L. Hennessey, #869-6021 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M2M 3W2
I have read the Acknowledgement,
Waiver & Release Form printed on page 22.
TSO: The Wizard and I: Broadway Hits – Wednesday, June 17, 2015 – 1:30 p.m.
COST: $48.00 | CUT OFF DATE: Friday, May 15, 2014
Name:Email:
Telephone:Guest:
# of tickets
@ $48.00
Cheque enclosed for $ .00
Please make cheque payable to RTO/ERO District 23 and mail to:
RTO/ERO c/o L. Hennessey, #869-6021 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M2M 3W2
I have read the Acknowledgement,
Waiver & Release Form printed on page 22.
Issue 113
REMINDER OF POLICY FOR TRIPS
ALL CHEQUES MUST BE POSTDATED TO THE CUT-OFF DATE
Cheques will be deposited into the bank on the day after the cut-off
no refunds, unless there is a waiting list. The onus is on you to find
a ticket to each performance. If your cheque has not been cashed
of a performance, if you are late arriving at the theatre, please go to
date or shortly thereafter. Your cancelled cheque is proof that you have
within ten days after the cut-off date, please phone Lorraine
Hennessey, Assistant Treasurer at 416-444-8535. Members who
send in their cheques after the quota of seats has been filled, will be
phoned and asked if they wish their names to be put on a waiting list.
If no one cancels, the cheques of the people on the waiting list will
be shredded. We do not mail your cheques back to you. As well, if
you cancel your ticket(s) prior to the cut-off date, your cheque will
be shredded. However, once the cheque has been cashed, there are
someone to use your tickets, but we will try to help you. On the day
the Box Office to pick up your ticket(s). Please note that all our seats
are in the Orchestra section of the theatre. Tickets are assigned in
the order in which the requests are received. The earlier you send in
your request, the better your seats will be. And finally, if you have
any suggestions of performances that you think our members would
enjoy, please contact Mary Denise or Bernadette. Please be aware that
we need about five months lead time in order to advertise in STONY
BRIDGES.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, WAIVER & RELEASE FORM for RTO/ERO
District 23 Bus Trips, Excursions, Events Note: Participants in RTO/
officers, members, agents, employees and volunteers (collectively,
participant in RTO/ERO District 23 Bus Trips, Excursions, Events
demands (collectively, the “Claims”) from any loss, injury or damage
ERO District 23 bus trips will be asked to sign a release form. The
acknowledges and agrees that RTO/ERO, including District 23, will not
be responsible for any loss, injury or damage of any nature, including
death, howsoever arising in connection with this trip/excursion/event.
Participants in the RTO/ERO sponsored events are therefore hereby
advised to carry their own insurance in connection therewith. By
signing on attached pages and in consideration of the participant’s
attendance at the event, the participant hereby releases and forever
discharges RTO/ERO, District 23, and their respective directors,
REGISTRATION FORMS
When filling out your registration slips, follow the
guidelines listed below. This will help our Assistant
Treasurer sort and direct tickets.
1. A separate cheque is required for each event/activity.
2. Each person’s name and phone number must be included on each
form for each event/activity.
3. When applicable, an RTO/ERO member may bring ONE guest
who pays the advertised cost. If the event is subsidized additional
guests will pay the full cost.
4. Unless you are contacted, your registration form and cancelled
cheque are your confirmation for the activity/event.
5. Tickets, if required, are given out on the day of the function.
the “releases”) from any and all actions, causes of action, claims and
of any nature, including death, which has arisen or may arise from
the participant’s attendance at the event, unless such loss, injury or
damage has arisen as a result of the sole negligence of one or more of
the releasees. Any Claims arising out of the participant’s attendance
at the event will be governed by the laws of Ontario, Canada, and
the participant consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts in
Ontario, Canada in any such action.
REFUND POLICY
1. All trips and events advertised in STONY BRIDGES and requiring
a cheque and order form, will show a cut-off date. The date is set
to enable us to comply with our commitment to pay for the event.
All cheques must be postdated to the cut-off date.
2. Any booking can be cancelled at any time prior to the cut-off date
by phoning Lorraine Hennessey, Assistant Treasurer at 416-4448535 (trips/theatre) or Mildred Frank, Social Convener at 416221-5328. Your cheque will be shredded when you cancel an event
prior to the cut-off date. We do not mail cheques back to you.
3. 3. Cancellations beyond this date will only be accepted if we can
sell your ticket(s) to someone on the waiting list.
4. 4. Ticket holders are welcome to sell, give or transfer their ticket(s)
privately
Photos taken at any RTO/ERO North York District 23 event may appear in
STONY BRIDGES, on the District 23 Website or at later events.
Issue 113
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Wed., September 16, 2015
KINKY BOOTS | 2:00 Matinée
Royal Alexandra Theatre, King St. W.
Broadway’s high-heeled hit KINKY BOOTS tells the story of
Charlie, who has inherited his father’s nearly bankrupt shoe
factory. Trying to save his family business, he finds inspiration
-- and much more – in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in
need of some sturdy stilettos.
COST: $76.00 | CUT OFF DATE: Friday, July 3, 2015
80 TICKETS AVAILABLE! This production employs strobe lighting effects
Registration form is below
Fri., October 2, 2015
CAROUSEL | 2:00 Matinée
Avon Theatre, Stratford | Buffet Lunch at the Queen’s Inn
Please note that there is a change in the out of town trips policy.
As directed by our Provincial Office, from now on it will be the
responsibility of a registered TICO tour operator to oversee any
trips that require transportation.
COST: $140.00 | CUT OFF DATE: Friday, August 14, 2015
54 TICKETS AVAILABLE! Meet at Bayview Village at 9:15 a.m. (The bus will be at the south-west section
of the parking lot. Please park your vehicles around the outside edge of the parking lot.)
Registration form is below
(please note change in payable information on form)
MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO TRIPSETTER INC.
PLEASE NOTE: TRIPSETTER INC. is a licensed TICO operator, and will
provide individual receipts for each person’s payment.
Kinky Boots – Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015 – 2:00 p.m.
COST: $76.00 | CUT OFF DATE: Friday, July 3, 2015
Name:Email:
Telephone:Guest:
# of tickets
@ $76.00
Cheque enclosed for $ .00
Please make cheque payable to RTO/ERO District 23 and mail to:
RTO/ERO c/o L. Hennessey, #869-6021 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M2M 3W2
I have read the Acknowledgement,
Waiver & Release Form printed on page 22.
Carousel – Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 – 2:00 p.m.
COST: $140.00 | CUT OFF DATE: Friday, August 14, 2014
Name:Email:
Telephone:Guest:
# of tickets
@ $140.00
Cheque enclosed for $ .00
Please make cheque payable to TRIPSETTER INC. and mail to:
RTO/ERO c/o L. Hennessey, #869-6021 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M2M 3W2
I have read the Acknowledgement,
Waiver & Release Form printed on page 22.
Issue 113
FROM THE ARCHIVES ...
by Mary Cairo – Archivist
TRAVELOGUES
Over the years, many members
of North York RTO District 23
have enjoyed travelling virtually
by listening to the stories and
recollections of others who have
visited countries around the world.
They gathered to hear about the
spectacular vistas and the rich
cultures of our world.
Change Of Postal/ Email Address or Other Information
Please send same to: RTO/ERO c/o Dianne Vezeau, 18 Spadina Road, Suite 300, Toronto, ON, M2R2S7
or to dvezeau@RTO/ERO.org;or call the RTO/ERO Membership Section at 416 962-9463 or 1-800-361-9888 or fax: 416-962-1061.
This will ensure your continued receipt of STONY BRIDGES, renaissance, your RTO/ERO annual diary and other RTO/ERO mailings. If you did not receive your copy of STONY BRIDGES,
contact Gerard MacNeil at 416-481-7411 or email him at g.macneil@bell.net.
40042060
STONY BRIDGES
C/O Gerard MacNeil
1407-88 Erskine Ave.,
Toronto Ontario
M4P 1V3