www.rtoero-district14.org

The Newsletter of District 14 - Niagara

The Grapevine

Special Points of Interest:

• Announcing our Theatre

offerings for 2019

• Attention À Tous Les

Membres Francophones à

la page 4

• Meet the Grand Teaching

Family

• Find out what dancing can

do for you on page 4

• Time to apply for a Project

Service to Others Grant

In This Issue:

District 14 Contact

Numbers

2

In Memoriam 3

Goodwill 3

Events 5

Membership &

Recruitment 5

Health Benefits 7

Pension Concerns 7

New Members 8

Going Places 9

We’re on the Web!

www.rtoero-district14.org

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES… This was the theme for

the final 50th Anniversary Event for RTO/ERO District 14 Niaga-ra held on November 8/18. This was a celebration of so many

memories made over the past 50 years of the RTO/ERO organi-zation. At the Fall Festival Luncheon, we invited once more the

members who have celebrated their 90+ birthdays in this pre-sent year to be our guests. They were introduced, received cor-sages and boutonnieres, and acknowledged with a rousing cho-

rus of Happy Birthday and applause. One of the Founding mem-bers of District 14 Niagara and President, Wilf Tanner, was also recognized, as well as

all of the Presidents who have served the District. We were very pleased to have as a special guest, Mr. Tanners’ son, Bill Tanner, who was celebrating his 90th birthday.

The Executive has worked diligently this past year to remember and celebrate the

many achievements of District 14 Niagara. The Grapevine logo was featured on “carry bags” and distributed at several events and activities. Our members tell us that they

appreciate the bags for their usefulness and that they are excellent conversation start-ers. It gives us an opportunity to promote our organization and invite others to look

into the many benefits that are offered by our plan. We displayed the RTO/ERO Dis-trict 14 Niagara logo on a special vintage of red and white wine for the 50th Anniversary.

We shared these wine bottles at our luncheons and events as gifts to our members and we presented them to speakers who shared information with us on serious topics and

issues that are challenging our members today. We held workshops on Elder Abuse, Frauds and Scams and Wills and Power of Attorney. Our 50th Anniversary was highlight-

ed by a Life After Retirement Showcase event held in October 2018. Many of our mem-bers have hobbies, artistic pursuits and small business ventures that engage them in their next chapter of living. They brought in their wares and displayed their information.

Members were invited to attend free of charge and enjoy a complimentary beverage and delicious buffet of canapes and desserts. It was a lively exchange of ideas and a

shared appreciation for the many talents and entrepreneurial skills of our members.

We have invested in brand new banners for our District that will be displayed at

workshops and events in the coming years. Again, the banners focus on RTO/ERO as a

thriving organization that strives to service each and every member. The definition of who we are as a group is broadening because we are “opening the door” to all educa-

tional sector workers. We are inviting caretakers, early education workers, bus drivers, secretaries and others who have worked in our education system to join us. The next

50 years will bring change and even more opportunities for RTO/ERO seniors to enjoy health benefits, travel experiences and social gatherings that promote well-being and

collegial connections. Let us create together the next 50 years of great MEMORIES.

Diane Conklin

The President’s Message

WINTER 2019

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RTO/ERO District 14

Niagara Peninsula

District Executive

RTO/ERO 1-800-361-9888

Johnson’s Insurance 1-877-406-9007

Best Doctors 1-877-419-2378

Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan 1-800-668-0105

Seniors’ Safety Line 1-866-299-1011

Area Representatives

Fort Erie, Ridgeway, Stevensville,

Crystal Beach, Sherkston

Nina McCutcheon 289-320-9343

Niagara Falls

Linda L. Dueck 905-358-6931

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Virgil, Queenston, St. David’s

Brian Carty 905-468-7129

Welland, Port Robinson

Joan Sisler-Wells 289-820-5959

Port Colborne

Jan Taylor 905-834-9577

St. Catharines

Charleen Avedesian 905-934-2704

Thorold

Jane Michaud 905-227-1961

Wainfleet, Wellandport, Lowbanks, St. Ann’s,

Smithville, Caistor Center

No Representatives

Grimsby, Beamsville, Lincoln, Jordan Station,

Jordan/Vineland Station, Vineland

Mary Jane Tanner 905-562-7667

Carmela Bodogan 905-945-7821

Fonthill, Fenwick, Ridgeville, North Pelham

Wilma McNall 905-892-6834

Margot Fraser 905-892-2408

NOTE: Additional Reps are needed for Niagara Falls; Wainfleet,

Wellandport, Lowbanks, St. Ann’s, Smithville; and the

St. Catharines areas. If you are interested, please call

Margot Smith at 905-892-1891.

Diane Conklin President 905-871-3038

Don Gray Past President 905-646-9967

Chereen Osborne 1st Vice President 905-646-2640

Bill Doyle 2nd Vice President 289-668-2721

Marion Woodcock Secretary 905-562-7935

Bob Grand Treasurer 289-821-4052

John Carruthers Archives 905-356-9620

Chereen Osborne Communications 905-646-2640

Diane Conklin Events 905-871-3038

Marilyn Malton Charitable Foundation 289-397-0637

Margot Smith Goodwill 905-892-1891

Marilyn Malton Health Services 289-397-0637

Bill Doyle Membership 289-668-2721

Janice Taylor Pension Concerns 905-834-9577

Clarice West-Hobbs Political Advocacy 905-646-1367

Chereen Osborne Public Relations 905-646-2640

Bonnie Bryan Grapevine Editor 905-562-7773

John Carruthers Webmaster 905-356-9620

Donna Van Nest Data Base 905-359-1644

Luba Beange Bereavement Co-ord. 905-262-4685

Margaret Tilbert Francophone Liaison 289-479-6188

RTO/ERO DISTRICT 14 NEEDS YOU!

We are always in need of interested volunteers to fill Executive positions and

Committees. We would also like to offer opportunities for interested members to mentor with

Executive Members in all positions to prepare for future openings. Please contact Past President Don Gray if you are interested.

We also have openings for Goodwill Reps in the many Areas,

especially Wainfleet/West Lincoln.

If you are interested in this role which involves passing information along about

illnesses, birthdays, or other significant life events that need recognition,

please contact Margot Smith at 905-892-1891.

Again, please contact an Executive Member if you are interested.

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IN MEMORIAM

It is with sadness that we share with you the

passing of the following members:

Lionel Beauparlant

Peter Bolger

Bonnie Brown

Jean Coulson

Joyce Dougdeen

Margaret Downing

Joanne Dunlop

Marion Dunn

Margaret Flanagan

Antonio Giammarco

Italo Giancarlo Gerald Higenell

Daniel Jason

Murray Johnston

Catherine Jones

Eileen Kuhn

Catharine Langford

Nicholas Lariccia

Catherine Lasovich

Paulette Makse

John McGregor

Lloyd McPherson

Nial Murray

Margaret S Payne

Nettie Rahn

E Fraser Robinson

Gerald S Shantz

Emma Szeman

Ara Torigian

May they live forever in our memories.

GOODWILL

Winter is here and with it comes the time for staying put

and warm and reminiscing about all the great things that the

Goodwill Committee of District 14 were part of during the

marking of the 50th Anniversary year of RTO/ERO. At the

AGM in May, 23 members, who newly turned 80, came as

Honoured guests to the meeting and were treated to lunch

and a rose. In September all those who served as past and

present Area Reps, along with

former Chairs, Lu Beange and

Margot Fraser, were sent

invitations to enjoy a lunch

together at the Old Winery

Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-

Lake. In all, there were 30 of us

at this happy event, including

members of the Executive and Martha Foster, Chair of the

Board of Directors of RTO/ERO. Then for the Fall Festival

Lunch in November, the Committee members were back at

work, addressing and stuffing the invitations to our most

senior members. We were so pleased that 18 could come

and be treated to a great meal, entertainment and presented

with flowers. We were especially thrilled that Hilda Stroud

at 101 years was able to come. She was the oldest in

attendance. Of course December became busy with the

sending out of holiday greetings to all District 14 members

90 and over, including those who live beyond Niagara.

Do not worry. We may be remembering what has gone on

before, but our work does not really stop. The Goodwill

Committee, the heart of District 14, keeps on pumping no

matter what the season, or month, or year, as your Area

Reps, with the information provided by RTO/ERO Toronto

office, keep sending out birthday cards to those turning 80,

85 and 90 and over. Another part of the job is to help share

in the profound moments in the lives of our members,

whether they are grieving, recovering or celebrating. For this

we count on you, their fellow members to let us know when

another member is in need of attention. Just contact your

Area Rep. We are now pleased to offer such means of

communication in French, as Margaret Tilbert has agreed to

be our Francophone advisor and translator. Just let a

Goodwill Committee member know about any occasion

when this service would be welcome. Of course, if ever you

would not welcome birthday cards or invitations, please let

us know that too. We thank the members of the Executive,

especially our President and Treasurer, who have agreed to

support us in our work serving District 14.

Margot Smith, Chair

ACCEPTANCE GUARANTEED FOR RTIP 4000

POLICYHOLDERS

Members of the RTIP 4000 or RTIP dental plans

can now join our health plans with guaranteed acceptance. Those insured in the RTIP Gold 750 or

2500 plans are also invited to make the switch,

but will need to complete a health questionnaire

to qualify.

Please encourage your friends who have opted to

join RTIP and want to switch to RTO/ERO to:

Visit rto-ero.org/switch or

Call 1-800-361-9888/416-962-9463

DID YOU KNOW

The St. Catharines Public Libraries offer

free Microsoft Excel workshops !

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REMEMBRANCE DAY 2019

RTO/ERO District 14 Niagara continues to participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies

throughout the Niagara Region. We thank all who

participated in this year’s events. Presentations of the

wreaths at the cenotaphs is not necessarily limited to

one person, for this reason we encourage other

members and their families to join in the ceremonies.

At some ceremonies, a Cadet presents the wreath on

our behalf. Please show your interest by contacting us

for next year.

This year we presented wreaths at 18 ceremonies in

partnership with 16 Royal Canadian Legions. Some

Legions have the tradition of having two ceremonies,

one on the Sunday before Remembrance Day and on

Remembrance Day.

It is a great time to

remember the many

men and women who

made the supreme

sacrifice in defending

our country in both

world wars and

serving as peace

keepers in many war

torn countries. We were pleased to observe that

these ceremonies are becoming more important within

each community as large crowds of people, both chil-

dren and adults were in attendance. District 14 will be

there again next year and we invite all of our members

to join us to remember.

Bill Doyle

READING MENTORS … VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore’s

“School to Home Reading Program”

Grades 2, 3 & 4 participating students read to a Volunteer in

school for 15 minutes, take a book home to read to their

family, & then the process repeats weekly. Volunteers

choose a Program time-frame that suits them and attend

once per week for a maximum of 2 hours. They encourage

plus critique on “Tracking” sheets for Teacher & Parent as-

sessment. The program ends mid-December & restarts the

2nd week of January. We’re flexible with attendance as we

appreciate your time & talents. Now in our 8th year, join us

in helping a young Student raise their literacy level by en-

couraging fluency, comprehension, confidence & instilling the

joy of reading!

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS:

Our Lady of Fatima: 439 Vine St., St. Catharines (includes

recess time)

ENGLISH - Monday: 12:45 to 2:30

FRENCH IMMERSION -Tuesday: 12:45 to 2:30

Sainte Marguerite Bourgeoys: 12 Burleigh Hill Rd.,

St. Catharines

FLUENT FRENCH - Tuesday: 11:30 to 1:15 OR

Friday: 9:15 to 10:45

Prince of Wales: 95 Facer St., St. Catharines

ENGLISH - Thursday: 11:30 to 1:00

Harriet Tubman: 84 Henry St., St. Catharines

ENGLISH - Thursday: 9:00 to 10:20

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Linda Landry, Co-Chair of Literacy

E-Mail: service@lindalandry.ca Cell: 905-321-0506

ATTENTION À TOUS

LES MEMBRES FRANCOPHONES!

Le district 14 du Niagara comprend l'une des plus grandes

communautés francophones du sud de l'Ontario, qui

comprend également de nombreux membres

francophones. Afin de mieux vous servir, nous avons créé

le poste de liaison francophone sur notre exécutif.

Margaret Tilbert a accepté de servir dans ce rôle. Ses

responsabilités seront de guider l'exécutif en veillant à ce

que nos activités respectent les besoins de nos membres

parlant français. Cela inclut la fourniture de matériel

imprimé dans la langue française, tout en faisant tous les

efforts possibles pour inclure le français dans nos

présentations orales, et en proposant des ateliers en

français chaque fois que possible. Elle sera également

disponible pour aider les membres à trouver des services

dans la langue française. Vous pouvez la contacter à

289 479 6188 ou par courriel à mrtilbert@hotmail.com.

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RTO/ERO DISTRICT 14 NIAGARA EVENTS 2019

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & LUNCHEON

THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019

DOUBLETREE FALLSVIEW RESORT AND SPA 6039 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, ON

COST PER PERSON: $30

Meeting starts At 11 a.m.

Lunch starts at 12 p.m. followed by Entertainment to be announced

We hope to see you there! Contact Diane Conklin for your reservation or more information at drconklin@bell.net

or 289-303-7103.

THEATRE TIME! Get your calendars and lock in the dates for the 2019 Social Season. We have three great selec-

tions for you. Be sure to reserve your tickets as soon as possible.

Contact Diane Conklin at drconklin@bell.net or 289 303 7103.

FIREHALL THEATRE in Niagara Falls

April 28, 2019 - matinee at 2pm - $18 per person and a complimentary beverage

“Death and the Maiden” by Ariel Dorfman This drama will keep you on the edge of your seat. Is it a story about justice, revenge or mistaken identity? The playwright

informs us that she “wanted to look at the question of how we coexist in the same country, even in the same room, with

someone who has caused us grievous, perhaps irreparable harm. Would we be able to resist taking revenge, if that revenge

were made possible?”

SHAW FESTIVAL THEATRE in Niagara-on-the- Lake

June 28, 2019 - matinee at 2pm - $50 per person

“Brigadoon” - Lerner and Loewe musical What would you give for love? Classic songs like “Almost like being in love” and ‘I’ll go home with Bonnie Jean” will stay with

you forever. The setting is the beautiful countryside of Scotland in the mysterious village of Brigadoon. The play is filled with

song and dance that will surely lift your spirits and send you on your way with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

SHAW FESTIVAL THEATRE in Niagara-on the-Lake

September 27, 2019 - matinee at 2pm - $45 per person

“Lady Killers” – by Graham Linehan This dark comedy is based on one of the best-loved British films of all time. Set in post-World War 11 London where five

oddball crooks pose as an amateur string quintet in order to rent a room from a little old lady. They plan a heist put it soon

becomes apparent that the little old lady has got to go. But are they up to it? How hard can it be to get rid of one little old

lady?

Book your tickets now. These are great prices!

MEMBERSHIP & RECRUITMENT

Again this year we are offering a Retirement Planning Workshop for all active education sector employees. This year’s

presentation will take place on March 2nd at the Hilton Garden Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake (across the QEW from the Factory

Outlet Mall). For more information and registration please visit the RTO/ERO website at www.rto-ero.org.

RTO/ERO is now offering free membership for actively employed education sector employees!

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but when it comes to free RTO/ERO membership, it’s a different story! We are

excited to extend our offer of free membership to the education community for the duration of the individual’s active

employment. We encourage members of the education community to begin enjoying the benefits of RTO/ERO membership as

soon as possible. Also, RTO/ERO insurance plans are now open to any member 50+ who does not have benefits through

their employer. Please share this information with friends and colleagues who may be interested in these offers.

Mark your calendars now for this year’s Farewell to the Bell - 05 September 2019. We invite you to join us at the

Whirlpool Golf Club Restaurant for lunch which will give you the opportunity to renew acquaintances and meet other retired

members. Our Farewell to the Bell Luncheon is complimentary to all who retired from the education sector within the past

year and for a reasonable price for current members. If you know someone recently retired from the education sector please

mention our luncheon. Please have them contact me so I can extend an invitation to them. After lunch, if interested, you have

the opportunity, at a reduced cost, to play a round of golf at the Whirlpool Golf Club. Please contact me and/or go to our

website after May 2019 for more information - bill.doyle@hotmail.com or 289-668-2721.

Bill Doyle, Chair

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Four Generations of GRAND Educators from Killaloe to Niagara !

Margaret (Ryan) Grand recently celebrated her 99th birthday in Welland. She is a retired

teacher who is part of four generations of educators with roots in the small towns of the Ottawa Valley and the Niagara region. Margaret’s mother, Mary Hennessy, attended Model

School in Renfrew at the age of 16 and taught elementary school in the Killaloe area from

1897 to 1907. She had to stop teaching when she married Cornelius Ryan in 1907 as

married women were not allowed to teach. Margaret, one of seven children, went to

Normal School in Ottawa after graduating from Grade 13 and taught from 1939 to 1948.

These included one room schoolhouses in Valley towns such as Simpson’s Pit and Cormac.

She typically boarded with farm families near the school and taught all grades, just like in

Anne of Green Gables! After the war years there was a shortage of teachers so her mother Mary was asked to

return to teaching at the age of 67! Her first school was Simpson’s Pit (1948) where her daughter and future son in

law, Ambrose, both had already taught. Mother and daughter would often plan school lessons together. Mary loved

teaching but knew she couldn’t teach forever. At the age of 78 she finally took herself off the supply list – 61 years

after her first teaching assignment!

Ambrose Grand, one of 10 children, lived in nearby Eganville. He became a teacher in 1937. He

taught in several one room school houses, including Simpson’s Pit. Ambrose remembers going to

his schools with a horse and cart in the winter time and picking up some of his students along the

way. Besides cleaning brushes, a treasured job in the school for the students was taking care of the

horse during the school day! Ambrose was drafted during the war but was sent back home when

an x ray revealed a scar on his lungs. He was not allowed to teach because he

might have tuberculosis. A series of x rays showed that it was from childhood

pneumonia and he resumed teaching the next year. Margaret and Ambrose

met at a barn dance in Cormac and married in Killaloe in 1948. This was the start of 68 years of

marriage!

The 1950’s brought about a boom in manufacturing jobs in the Niagara area and abundant

teaching opportunities. Many of the children from the Ryan and Grand families came to live in

Niagara and work as educators and nurses. Ambrose and Margaret Grand settled in Welland

and raised a family of five active boys.

Ambrose was a principal with the DSBN for 25 years at Welland South and Afton Public Schools. His sister, Ethel Grand, taught for many years at Matthews School in Welland. During the 1960’s Ambrose got his BA from Western

by taking summer courses as principals now needed a degree. For many summers Margaret took care of the five

boys on her own, taking them to the local swimming pool and city parks. She was ready for a vacation once

Ambrose returned home! Margaret did not take up teaching in Niagara as she found that taking care of five boys

was a fulltime job! She was an active member and leader in local church groups.

Ambrose retired in 1974 and remained a member of the RTO and church

organizations for many years. He enjoyed retirement and often reflected that while

he taught for 35 years, he was collecting his teacher pension for more than 40

years – right up to the age of 98 ! He was a lifelong learner, taking real estate and

auto mechanics courses at Niagara College. In the years after his retirement many

of his nephews and nieces became teachers, including Maureen and Colleen

Stewart from Welland. Ambrose and Margaret had five boys (Tom, Terry, Bob,

Kevin and Gerard) and twelve grandchildren. Four of his boys became teachers and

three (Tom, Kevin and Gerard) married teachers (Helen, Cathy and Esha)! Continued on Page 6 . . .

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. . . continued from Page 5

Tom is a retired CBC producer. Helen taught Special Ed. Terry was a principal with the

Niagara Catholic Board and then a superintendent with the London Catholic Board. His

daughter, Jodie, is now teaching for Niagara Catholic, making her the fourth generation of Grand educators. She is pictured below with her son Alex and her grandmother,

Margaret, this fall. Bob is a retired principal with Niagara

Catholic. Kevin retired as the department head for Business

Studies at Notre Dame High School. His wife Cathy retired as an

ELL (English Language Learner) teacher. Their daughter Jill was a

high school teacher and is now raising a young family. Gerard was

a university professor at Brock (Economics) for nine years before becoming a land

developer in Niagara. His wife Esha taught FSL and kindergarten here in Niagara. With so

many teachers, summer holidays were one continuous family reunion for the Grands!

Ambrose is remembered as a kind and caring educator and father. He always put family first. Growing up, we

enjoyed going to his school with him on holidays to play ball hockey in the gym with our friends. We couldn’t

understand why he was spending that time in the principal’s office doing school work! Margaret’s advice on a

successful career in education is reflected in both her role as a teacher and as the mother of five boys, “You have to

enjoy what you’re doing and you have to be patient!” She still faces each new day with a positive outlook as she lives

her 100th year!

Joyfully Submitted by Bob Grand

HEALTH BENEFITS

Information about changes to our Benefits Plans for 2019 was

sent to all participants in the late Fall. As well as the new

premium rates for Dental, Extended Health, and Semi-Private

Hospital and Convalescent Care, changes to our additional

services were announced. Eldercare Select has been

discontinued. In its place, Best Doctors 360 will now be

extended to your parents, parent-in-law and children even if

they are not a part of your Extended Health Care Plan. Best

Doctors is also adding a new Medical Records e-Summary

service. They will collect all your medical records and put

them on a USB key for you so that you can easily take these

records with you giving you access to them wherever you go.

Our Dental Plan reimbursements will also be updated to the

2019 fee guide for general practitioners.

The Health Benefits Committee would like your input as to

changes or additions that you, as a member, would like to see

in your Plan for 2020. Please forward your suggestions to

either the Chair of the Provincial Benefits Committee,

Gayle Manley (gmanley@shaw.ca) or your District 14 –

Niaga ra Repre sent a t i v e , Ma r i l y n Ma l ton

(mmalton45@gmail.com).

Marilyn Malton, Chair

PENSION AND RETIREMENT CONCERNS

COMMITTEE

This year the main objective of the Provincial PRC Committee

is to gather resources and create awareness of the problem of social isolation among our older adult population. A Provincial workshop, held in October, attended by Kathy Smith and me,

focused on the impact of this problem on health and wellness. As well as the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Raza Mirza, a

panel discussion featured presenters from Toronto, Hamilton and Prince Edward County who outlined community projects

which identify and reach out to isolated seniors in their areas. Also, Canada's changing pension landscape was addressed by

OTPP and CUPE. Mark Firman and Lindy Charles of OTPP updated us on their current changes: a $10.3 billion surplus has

been allocated to a contingency reserve; there has been a decrease in contributions of 1.1% since January 1st; indexation

levels will be offered at 100% for all members as of January 2019. Kevin Skerret, a pension researcher from CUPE

discussed the shortcomings of "shared risk/target benefit” pension plans as opposed to our defined pension plan.

Another successful Wills, Estates and Trusts workshop with

Chris Wilson from Wilson & Opatovsky Barristers and Solici-tors, Port Colborne was held in October. This popular work-

shop will be offered again.

Janice Taylor, Chair

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Brian Baty

Sheila Bolger

Sharon Bowler

Paul Burns

Pasquale Celli

Ruth Cook

Janet Crich

Roger Demers

Dennis Essar

Christopher Evans

Rachele Giammarco

Joseph Michel Gratton

Glenn Hermanson

Margarete Higenell

Shawna Hopkins

Theodor Koudys

Marlene Mader

Paul McRoberts

Damien Mendez

Dianne Murphy

Bonnie Prentice

Jeanne Robinson

Margaret Storm

Pamela Voth

We hope you will come out and enjoy the full benefits and camaraderie of being a member of

RTO/ERO District 14 Niagara!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!

RTO/ERO PROVINCIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Retired Teachers of Ontario

are looking for students attending

a Faculty of Education in Canada

who wish to receive a $1000.00

Scholarship. To qualify, a student

must be in attendance in a full or

part-time program at a Faculty of Education in the year

in which they apply and be a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant. They must also be a child,

grandchild, niece, nephew, grandniece, grandnephew,

son-in-law, daughter-in-law or step-child of an RTO/

ERO member who will become their sponsor. The

student must submit the application (not the member)

on the RTO/ERO website (http://www.rto-ero.org/

programs-services/scholarship-program) and must use

the RTO/ERO member’s membership number. The

deadline for applying this year is February 5, 2019.

PROJECT SERVICE TO OTHERS

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING

ACCEPTED

Do you volunteer for an organization that needs funding for a special project? Please consider making

an application to District 14 for an RTO/ERO “Project

Service to Others” grant. Each year, we sponsor a

project that supports local, national and international

programs that often involve children, seniors and/or

disadvantaged groups, to a maximum of $4,000 per

project. In recent years we have given funds: to build a

“Teen Room” at Gillian’s Place; to help the opening of

the Child Advocacy Centre Niagara; to support NOVA

House in Niagara Falls; and to fund the Rinkside

Reading Rooms in Fort Erie area Arenas. This year, the

Provincial granting body is looking for projects that

have an emphasis on ending Seniors’ Social Isolation.

If you are involved in a project like one of these, or

know of a worthwhile local group that needs funding,

we encourage you to submit an application to District

14 for consideration. We want to help you!

Application Forms for approval for 2019 and a list of

previously approved projects (which are a good

resource for ideas) can be found on the RTO/ERO Website – www.ero-rto.org/programs-services/

project-service-others. We require your completed

application to be submitted to our District 14 Past

President no later than March 15, 2019. For more

information please contact Don Gray by phone at

905-646-9967 or by email at donbar99@hotmail.com.

Having trouble getting to doctor’s appointments,

grocery shopping, social functions, fitness

programmes, dental appointment, etc? There are many free or low cost alternatives in all Niagara

Communities to help you. Start with Community Support

Services Niagara (call 905-563-9501 for NW Niagara; 905-

682-3800 for St. Cath., N.F., Thorold, NOTL, Fort Erie;

905-788-3181 for Welland, Pelham, Port Colborne,

Wainfleet). Also consider Wheel Trans, the Red Cross,

the Cancer Society, or your local municipal Transit

System. Don’t isolate yourself at home!

For your own health, get out and about!

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9

Going Places and Doing Things 2019

Watch for updates on our website!

www.rtoero-district14.org

Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of RTO/ERO District

14 Niagara. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Grapevine Editor, Bonnie Bryan, at 905-562-7773 or the Chair of the Communica-

tions Committee, Chereen Osborne, at 905-646-2640.

Over 1500 Email Grapevines!

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we have your correct email address. Over 1500 copies of the Grapevine are received by

email link. If we do not have your correct email you will be missing out. Send all changes or corrections to

chereen@cogeco.ca.

The deadline for submitting material for the Spring Grapevine is March 1, 2019

FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION

Remember to visit our District 14 Niagara Website regularly for the most current Information. New, important

events sometimes come up between Newsletters, but are announced on the Website. Go to

www.rtoero-district14.org for the latest information!

DISTRICT

Firehall Theatre April 28, 2 pm

“Death & the Maiden”

$18

c

Annual General

Meeting

May 9, 11 am

Doubletree Fallsview Hotel, Niagara Falls

Watch the Spring Grapevine for Registration Form

$30

M

Shaw Festival June 28, 2 pm

“Brigadoon”

$50

Farewell to the Bell September 5, 11:30 am

Whirlpool Golf Club Restaurant, Niagara Falls

$20

Shaw Festival

September 27, 2 pm, Festival Theatre

“The Lady Killers”

$45

A portion of your cost is being subsidized by RTO/ERO District 14

PLEASE NOTE THAT NO POSTDATED CHEQUES WILL BE ACCEPTED Not all ticket requests may be filled as only a Limited Number of Tickets are available for each event.

N.B. For more information please contact Diane Conklin at 905-871-3038

or the Organizer listed above for the event. PLEASE NOTE: Because of rising costs, & subsidies, we will no longer give refunds for unused tickets.