RTO / ERO Peterborough District 36 36 NEWS › sites › district36.rto-ero...District 36 NEWS July...

District 36District 36

NEWSNEWS July 2010

RTO / ERO PeterboroughRTO / ERO Peterborough

President’s MessagePresident’s Message

We still have class.We still have class.

3636

contact Ceris at 748-9282 or [email protected]

I regularly get emails with wonderfully funny takes on aging and retirement. There is nothing better late at night, when the pains of the day weigh heaviest, than to have the opportunity to laugh at our senior moments. Laughter does put everything into perspective. If nothing else, we do not have the chickens’ soup worry, do we? On one Internet site I read this witticism penned by an

unknown author: “I Used to Teach — Now I Have No Class”. As with much about being a senior, this has so many layers. Being retired certainly never interferes with our desire to teach and never a day goes by where someone does not benefit from our talents District 36 has accomplished much in the last year which supports our desire for life long learning and we have year ahead full of some new and old ideas to keep us all involved. We are still in the process of developing a Goodwill Committee and are planning on developing an honour guard for members’ funerals. We are looking at means to encourage membership from more secondary teacher retirees and those from both Trent and Sir Sanford Fleming. We continue to grow our positive community image. We will again have our monthly breakfasts at Holiday Inn every third Wednesday and we have plans for another and even better Christmas Party. We have more Wellness Events planned and, of course, we will think of a year-end cruise activity with a new twist if possible. District 36 is bringing back the “To Hell With The Bell” event this year with a fantastic day bus trip to St. Jacobs. We are also planning on celebrating with our new members to District 36 early in the fall and also for the first time we will have a senior seniors’ birthday party. I am especially excited about the way the shopping trip to Erie, PA has developed. The information on the trips show you a lot has been included in one great price, so don’t delay booking your seats. Now we have no class? – I think not. Have a great summer and see you in the fall.

In this edition:In this edition: Story of a Challenged Senior Aquasize to Energize Cuba Requires Health Insurance Vitamin D Over the Counter Meds Viamede Lunch & Cruise Trent Valley Literacy Association 2010 Financial Report Fort Erie trip flyer Pennsylvania Trip Flyer 2009 / 11 District 36 Executive

RTO/ERO District 36 News ----

Cuba requires visitors to Cuba requires visitors to buy health insurancebuy health insurance According to an official communiqué posted by the Cuban government, all visitors entering Cuba

beginning May 1, 2010, will be required to have health insurance. The in-surance is to be sold by foreign countries approved by the government, or by Cuban firms providing in-surance products at Cuba’s ports of entry. All tourists, foreigners with temporary residence

in Cuba, and Cubans living abroad visiting the country, are covered by the decree. Diplomats and representatives of accredited international organizations will be exempt. Upon entering Cuba, RTO/ERO Group Health Plans participants will be required to show a let-ter from Mondial Assistance confirming that you have have insurance. This letter can be obtained from Johnson Inc. or from Mondial Assistance directly. Their contact information can be lo-cated on the back page of your RTO/ERO Health Plans booklets. In addition to the letter from Mondial Assis-tance, we would suggest that you also travel with your Group Benefits ID Card, government health card and your RTO/ERO Health Plans Booklet. Source: The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada, March 2010

What is Vitamin D? What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps the body use calcium and phosphorous to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Too little vitamin D can cause calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood to decrease, leading to calcium being pulled out of the bones to help maintain stable blood levels. This can cause osteoporosis (fragile bones) in adults. However, too much vitamin D can cause too much calcium to be deposited in the body, which can lead to calcification of the kidney and other soft tissues including the heart, lungs and blood vessels.

What About Adults Over the Age of Fifty? The recommended vitamin D intake levels set for adults age 50 and over are based on the role

of vitamin D in bone health. While Eating Well With Canada's Food Guide provides sound nutrition advice for people over the age of 50, the amount of vitamin D in foods as

recommended by the Food Guide is not enough to meet the Adequate Intakes necessary for people over the age of 50 to help reduce the risk of bone fractures. Therefore, for adults over the age of 50, Health Canada recommends that, in addition to following Canada's Food Guide, everyone over the age of 50 should take a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU. Source: Health Canada, July 2009

CongratulationsCongratulations To Bill Bird who has been appointed to the RTO Health Services & Insurance Committee for a three-year term and to Roger Pitt whose term on the same committee has been extended for a fourth year.

As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his cell phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on Highway 401. Please be careful!" "It's not just one car," said Herman. "It's hundreds of them!"


At a certain age, everyone will understand this poor guy… I thought about the 30 year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a Blackberry that played mu-sic, took videos, pictures and communicated with Facebook and Twitter. I signed up under duress for Twitter and Facebook, so my seven kids, their

spouses, 13 grandkids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in the modern way. I figured I could han-dle something as simple as Twitter with only 140 characters of space. That was before one of my grandkids hooked me up for Tweeter, Twee-tree, Twhirl, Twitterfon, Tweetie and something that sends every message to my cell phone and

every other program within the texting world. My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything except the bowel movements of the entire next generation. I am not ready to live like this. I keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag. The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday be-cause they say I get lost every now and then going over to the grocery store or library. I keep that in a box under my tool bench with the Bluetooth [it's red] phone I am supposed to use when I drive. I wore it once and was standing in line at Chapters talking to my wife as everyone in the nearest 50 yards was glaring at me. Seems I have to take my hearing aid out to use it and I got a little loud.

Story of a Challenged SeniorStory of a Challenged Senior I mean the GPS looked pretty smart on my dash board, but the lady inside was the most annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time. Every 10 minutes, she would sarcastically say, "Re-calc-ul-ating" You would think that she could be nicer. It was like she could barely tolerate me. She would let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the next light. Then when I would make a right turn instead, it was not good. When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the cross streets and while she is starting to develop the same tone as Gypsy, the GPS lady, at least she loves me. I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless phones in our house. We have had them for 4 years, but I still haven't figured out how I can lose three phones all at once and have to run around digging under chair cushions and checking bathrooms and the dirty laundry baskets when the phone rings. (sounds familiar, please let it keep ringing until I find it. . . don't laugh, I am serious) The world is just getting too complex for me. They even mess me up every time I go to the grocery store. You would think they could settle on some-thing themselves but this sudden "Paper or Plastic?" every time I check out just knocks me for a loop. I bought some of those cloth reusable bags to avoid looking confused but I never remember to take them in with me. Now I toss it back to them. When they ask me, "Paper or Plastic?" I just say, "Doesn't matter to me. I am bi-sacksual." Then it's their turn to stare at me with a blank look.

Water exercise to strengthen your whole body without stressing your joints.

Aquasize Aquasize to Energizeto Energize

Trent University Pool Mondays, Sept. 13 through Nov. 15, 9:20 - 10:20 a.m. For more information, please call your certified Water ART instructors, Joan Dawson (745-3691) or Harold Dinesen (745-6236).


Viamede Lunch and Cruise Viamede Lunch and Cruise -- June 2June 2


Photos - Barb Lohnes

So many RTO/ERO members, on retirement, start whole new professions which often have roots in things we do during our teach-ing careers. For example, Lyle Couch, who did teaching exchanges, now is a travel es-cort with Lakeshore Tours and Travel. Lyle contacted me a few months back and I was thrilled to see all the different opportunities this company could provide for us. Lyle will be escorting both our trips this time and has agreed to receive any cheques to pay for the trip as long as the cheque is made out to Lakeshore Tours and Travel. I will also do that, if it makes it easier, but you will

need to contact Lake-shore Tours and

Travel to book your seat as well. How-

ever, as you see in the posters, the easiest way to pay for these trips would be to use the 1- 800 num-ber and phone in your credit card informa-tion. As always, everyone, including our guests, who goes on our trips must sign the liability waiver. I will have a form for you to sign before you get on the bus for each trip and that will save you from mailing it to me in advance. Ceris

Our Next Two TripsOur Next Two Trips St. Jacobs Market - Sept. 7 Erie Pennsylvania - Nov. 10-12

See Flyers on Page 6 and 7 for details.


The Trent Valley Literacy Association (TVLA) is accepting applications for new board members. TVLA is a registered charity and United Way member agency formed to help adults in the City & Country of Peterborough acquire the literacy, numeracy and computer skills needed to live and work successfully in the community. If you have a background or strong interest in literacy, fundraising and/ or financial management, consider volunteering with TVLA. We're a re-spected community organization in it's 33rd year of serving the Peterborough region.

Submit your letter of interest to the following address: Trent Valley Literacy Association - Re: Board Applications 139 Douro Street, Peterborough, ON K9J 1H5 Contact TVLA at (705)749-0777 for more information or email [email protected] Other Volunteer Opportunities Also Available

I I Owe My MotherOwe My Mother My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE. "If you're going to kill each other, do it outside.. I just finished cleaning." My mother taught me RELIGION. "You better pray that will come out of the carpet.." My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL. "If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!" My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS. "Shut your mouth and eat your supper." My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM. "Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!" My mother taught me about WEATHER. "This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it." My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE. "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.." My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION . "Stop acting like your father!"


My mother taught me about ENVY. "There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do." My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION. " Just wait until we get home." My mother taught me about RECEIVING . "You are going to get it when you get home!" My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE. "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way." My mother taught me ESP. "Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?" My mother taught me GENETICS. "You're just like your father." My mother taught me about my ROOTS. "Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?" My mother taught me WISDOM. "When you get to be my age, you'll understand." My mother taught me about JUSTICE. "One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"

Trent Valley Literacy Association Seeks Board membersTrent Valley Literacy Association Seeks Board members

mailto:[email protected]�

Be nice to others, because time will make a difference

A Beautiful LifeA Beautiful Life LessonLesson

Over the Counter Medications Over the Counter Medications The RTO/ERO Extended Health Care Plan covers drugs, sera and injectables that legally require a prescription. In many instances, RTO/ERO also extends the Prescription Drug benefit to those who required life-sustaining over the counter (OTC) medications, when certain medical criteria are met. OTC medications are those that can be sold without a prescription. In the Budget presented in 2008, the Canadian Government an-nounced that OTC medications were ineligible for the medical expense tax credit. Insurance plans; however, continued to provide coverage for OTC medications. A 2009 ruling by the Canada Revenue Agency reinforced the government’s position that OTC medications were ineligible for the medical expense tax credit. Also in 2009, Health Canada began reclassifying many OTC medications and issuing a Natural Health Product Number (NHP) rather than a Drug Identi-fication Number (DIN). Canada Revenue Agency confirmed that the medical expense tax credit did not apply to NHPs. If the RTO/ERO Extended Health Care Plan continued to cover life-sustaining OTC medications, or those that were reclassified as NHPs, then the premiums you paid for the Extended Health Care Plan may not have been eligible for the medical expense tax credit. Based on Canada Revenue Agency guidelines, OTC medi-cations and NHP’s are no longer eligible for coverage under the RTO/ERO Extended Health Care Plan. This ensures that your premium continues to be eligible for medical expense tax credit purposes.

A Message from Johnson Inc.


Health ReportHealth Report 1. Do you meet the RTO health standards for travel insurance? Mondial Assistance will advise you on behalf of RTO. 2. If you are travelling to countries with perhaps less than adequate health care, check with Mondial which has support in many but not in all countries .

There is no harm in second guessing your travel agent and being able to travel safely and with adequate support in case something goes wrong. Mondial Assistance 1-800-249-6556 or Google Mondial on the web.

Peter van Katwijk, Health Rep.

RTO/ERO DISTRICT 36 FINANCIAL REPORTRTO/ERO DISTRICT 36 FINANCIAL REPORT

January 1, 2009 -- December 31, 2009

ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS (Bank Accounts & Petty Cash) $ 11,860.84

Operating Funds Annual Budget Balance forwarded from 2008 $ 8,719.79 Income RTO/ERO Annual Grant (50% of Annual Grant) $ 14,210.22 $ 14,000.00 "Service to Others" Grant $ 2,500.00 Retirement Planning Workshop Grant $ 901.56 $ 420.00 Winter Social Revenue (Petes' Hockey Game) $ 420.00 $ 500.00 Spring Events Revenue $ 1,870.00 $ 1,800.00 Fall General Meeting Revenue $ 432.00 $ 1,400.00 Fall & Christmas Events Revenue $ 1,020.00 $ 2,500.00 Collections at Meetings $ 400.00 Donations $ 100.00 Other Income $ 1,029.89 $ 1,200.00 Interest $ 43.44 $ 130.00 Total Funds Available $ 31,246.90 $ 22,350.00 Expenditures Winter Social (Petes' Hockey Game) $ 560.00 $ 560.00 Spring Events (Wellness Mtg.; Liftlock Cruise) $ 3,534.91 $ 3,000.00 Fall General Meeting $ 814.00 $ 2,700.00 Fall & Christmas Events $ 1,262.00 $ 3,600.00 R.T.O. Breakfasts $ 69.83 $ 75.00 Executive Meetings $ 358.80 $ 200.00 Newsletter - production $ 3,681.97 $ 3,000.00 - postage $ 1,926.35 $ 2,000.00 RTO/ERO Senate Expenses $ 847.42 $ 2,600.00 Project "Service to Others" (Heart & Stroke) $ 2,500.00 District Goodwill $ 628.73 $ 560.00 Health & Safety $ 125.00 Political Advocacy $ 200.00 Travel $ 282.00 $ 350.00 Office supplies $ 99.95 $ 350.00 Internet service $ 95.00 $ 100.00 Recruitment $ 1,062.49 $ 800.00 Gifts & Awards $ 100.00 $ 400.00 Donations $ 800.00 $ 600.00 Sundry $ 738.25 $ 1,100.00

Bank charges $ 24.36 $ 30.00 Total Disbursements $ 19,386.06 $ 22,350.00 Balance as of December 31, 2009 $ 11,860.84

R. W. Johnson, Treasurer


In MemoriamIn Memoriam

Kathleen Baker Joyce Banks Arthur Crooks Kenneth Fife Erik Palbum Mary Ruth Rutherford

NewNew MembersMembers

George Banks Leonard Cotton Irene Crook

Monthly BreakfastsMonthly Breakfasts

A “Drop-In” Social for District 36 members.

Breakfast at the Holiday Inn starting at 8:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.

Upcoming Dates: Sept.15 - At this breakfast there will be an opportunity to make a small donation for the Alzheimer Society's annual "Coffee Break" fundraiser.) Oct. 20 Nov. 17 Dec. 15

GoodwillGoodwill If you know any members of RTO/ERO District 36 who are

seriously ill or shut in, please let Hilary Downie,

Goodwill Committee, or any member of the Executive know and

we will send a note on behalf of the membership.

Please notify Hilary of the passing of any members of District 36 so a donation in the member’s memory can be made to an appropriate charity.

Phone Hilary at 745-1247 or email her at [email protected] .


Sometimes we have been informed by members that they do not receive their copy of the latest newsletter. We receive address labels from the provincial office in Toronto each time we send out a newsletter. If you move, please call the toll-free number so that any mail sent from the Provincial office or the local district is sent to your current address. The number is 1-800-361-9888.

Moving?Moving?

Wendy Daynes Nancy Pendergest Brenda Willoughby

Coming EventsComing Events Mark your calendars and watch our next issue for more information about the following events: Sept. 28 Newcomers Dinner at Chemong Lodge Oct. 6 Wellness Event at Princess Gardens Protect Yourself Against Frauds and Scams

presented by a senior member of SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) and a member of the Peterborough Police Dept.

Dec. 1 Christmas Party Peterborough Golf & Country Club

RTORTO--ERO District 36 Executive & Board ERO District 36 Executive & Board -- 2009/112009/11 President Ceris Higgs (748-9282) Vice-President

Past-President Dave Cummings (743-8427) Pension Harold Dinesen (745-6236)

Treasurer Ray Johnson (745-2557) Pension Pat Smith (748-5964)

Secretary Lenda Ducharme (742-5749) Member-at-Large Bill Bird (745-2929)

Communications Martin Higgs (748-9282) Member-at-Large Velma Coprian (745-4587)

Health Peter vanKatwijk (745-5689) Member-at-Large Jim Dancey

Goodwill Hilary Downey (745-1247) Member-at-Large Joan Dawson (745-3691)

Membership Audrey Moore (745-4516) Member-at-Large Pan Lancaster

Social Barb Lohnes (742-9762) Member-at-Large Roger Pitt (745-8414)

Newsletter Editor 1004 Hatfield Cres.

Peterborough, ON K9H 6L8

Internet AddressesInternet Addresses Peterborough District RTO - www.rto-eropeterborough.org Local news and events plus links to other interesting sites.

Provincial RTO - www.rto-ero.org Provincial news, health services, etc.

Johnsons Insurance - www. johnson.ca

Email your Peterborough District RTO - [email protected]


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