What’s Up?
Provincial & Local Scholarships
LOCAL Scholarships - District 3 has established awards of $500
at both Algoma University and Sault College.
District 3 Contact: Rich Prophet, President District 3
rtoalgoma@gmail.com
____________________________
PROVINCIAL Scholarship Programme - Applicants, who are
members’ relatives, who apply for scholarships must be in the last
year from a Faculty of Education or who were in any programme
in their final year of a College or university. Provincial Deadline:
March 15, 2018 CLICK HERE, for Provincial Details
The Mickey Contini Award of Merit
Mickey Contini Award of Merit Recipients
2000 Barbara Lamb
2000 Jean DuQuesnay
2000 Leona Galloway
2001 Ben Smith
2001 Grant Lawson
2001 Jean King
2001 John Jefferson
2001 Orlando Sicoly
2003 Bill Kidd
2003 Mary Kidd
2003 Ken Frier
2003 Mickey Contini
2004 John Fleming
2004 Maj-Liisa Donaghue
2005 Marilyn Patterson
2006 Diane Marshall
2006 Leone Hamilton
2006 Pat Fremlin
2008 Bill Purnis
2009 Geoff Shaw
2010 Ora Mae James
2010 Bonnie Forsell
2010 Moyra O'Pallie
2011 Nancy Sachro
2012 Gary Wills
2013 Gayle Manley
2014 Marie Della Vedova
2015 Bruce Avery
2015 Page Nicolson
2016 Emily Noble
2017 Bernice Whalen
2018 Kathryn Greening
Mickey passed away December 7, 2014.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SENIOR SOCIALS
Every Wednesday afternoon at the Legion, from 2:00 to 4:00, the Happy
Days Band (which includes a few retired teachers) plays great dancing
and listening music. All seniors and retired people are welcome. There
is a donation basket is at the door where you can throw in a toonie if you
wish. Your favourite beverages are available at the bar.
Our meetings venue, the Royal Canadian Legion, SSM
RTO/ERO HISTORY
We would like to establish a written chronological history of
District 3 Algoma: each Past President would write a summary
or highlights of their term as the leader of our group. It will be
enjoyable to read the background and narration of our
organization from the earliest times to the present.
If you could send a 150-175 word reflection of your year(s) at
be greatly appreciated. We hope to publish these incrementally
in the near future.
Algoma U Offers Free Tuition for Senior Students
Did You Say “Free”?!
Are you a lifelong learner? Have you always wanted to learn French or
Italian? How about a Fine Arts degree? Algoma University has a deal for
you if you are 60 years old or older- you do not have to pay tuition!
David Marasco, University Registrar, wants to get the good news out to
all of us of a “certain age”. Active in retirement and lifelong learners,
retired teachers fit the bill perfectly for this unique opportunity in the Sault
Ste. Marie area. “I am a strong supporter of the tuition exemption
program,” states Marasco. “It benefits not only the senior learners but
also the learning community at the university.” The university experience
is enhanced by the diversity of students of all ages with varied
experiences to share. David Marasco wants to assure us that all are
welcome in the Algoma University community.
Russ Mason, retired from teaching for twenty years, is well-known as a
weaver and dyer and often a part of artists’ shows like the Sylvan Valley
Tour. Russ has now taken on a new challenge at Algoma University,
enrolled in the first year of a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts program.
“Pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts was my dream when I entered
university many years ago in 1963 but following my parents’ advice, I got
a real job!” stated Russ. “The course load is incredibly heavy for
someone who has been out of the student mode for over 40 years but I
must say that staff and students are incredible with their support and
encouragement. Added to that no one has called me Grandpa yet!”
While senior students age 60 and over are exempt from paying tuition
there are other student fees. For example, if you are enrolled in a course
worth 3 credits, you have to pay $118.74 and for 6 credits it is $168.59.
It would appear that the more credits you take, the better the deal. Senior
citizens are not eligible to join the George Leach Centre as students but
may join as community members. Parking passes are available for $100
per semester.
Now it is just a matter of picking a course of interest. How about Science
Fiction or Fantasy in English? Or Introductory French or Spanish?
Anishinaabemowin? Film and Modern History? Computer Science? The
choices are varied and interesting; check things out at www.algomau.ca
Russ Mason offers these words of encouragement: “Your time is now.
Go back to school and take the course you always wanted to do. Take
advantage of the tuition breaks offered at Algoma University.”
The Mickey Contini Award of Merit
The Mickey Contini Award of Merit was established within
the Algoma District RTO/ERO to recognize outstanding
contributions to the organization.
Nominees for the award will be selected in recognition of their
outstanding and/or long term contributions to the work of
RTO/ERO at the Provincial and/or District level.
The Mickey Contini Award of Merit recognizes the great
effort that Mickey Contini put forth on behalf of the members
of RTO for so many years.
DO YOU KNOW A DESERVING MEMBER?
WHY NOT NOMINATE THEM?
Send Nomimations to Second Vice-President
Folgo Della Vedova, rtoalgoma@gmail.com
Russ Mason, four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts student
at Algoma U - Tuition Free.
Celebrating our Super Seniors: May 1, 2018
Over 100 people enjoyed the Super Seniors Celebration on Tuesday,
May 1 at the Royal Canadian Legion. As our guests came in the door,
they were greeted by members of the organizing committee who pinned
corsages and boutonniers on our Super Seniors. There was a lot of
laughter and visiting going on in the room as people met up with friends
and former colleagues. We were pleased to have Dorothy Morrow cut the
cake on behalf of all those present. Moyra O’Pallie added clever quips
and quotes to make us laugh over the lunch hour. Topping things off was
the entertainment with the wonderful Korah Korahsters with teacher,
Denine Williams. A great event for all concerned!
Thanks to Sherrill Dewar, Bruce Avery, Page Nicholson and Bob Cole
who helped to bring some members to the celebration. Many thanks to
the organizing committee: Kathy Greening, Bernice Whalen, Bettyanne
Plaskett, Marlene Falls, Marie Della Vedova, Joanne Mantha McConnell,
Judy Conlin, Gary Wills and Gayle Manley. Special thanks to Gary Wills
who provided photos, background music, almanac scrolls and visuals for
the event.
Mark your calendars for our next celebration in May 2020!
District 3 Celebrates Fifty
Years
By Bernice Whalen
So much was in the planning stage with the
release of our March newsletter. As a committee we
are
proud to say that all our goals were achieved with support of the Executive
Board. On March 2nd, thanks to the work behind the scene by Gayle
Manley, a proclamation was read by city council declaring March 14th as
RTO;ERO recognition day locally. Rich Prophet addressed the city council
praising the work of RTO-ERO members. It was stressed that not only do
we work provincially to better the lives of seniors but that we contribute an
extensive number of volunteer hours within District 3 to enrich our
communities in so many ways.
On March 14th Channel 10 featured an hour tribute to some of the RTO-
ERO involvement that enriches District 3. This went into a loop and was
repeated throughout the month. The District 3 video featured fifteen
people who played a critical role in this production: Mary Johns effectively
presented our involvement in vision screening of kindergarten children,
Folgo Della Vedova represented the Northland Chorus who has raised
almost $100.000 for speech and language pathology at our local hospital;
Rich Prophet gave testimony to the fact that this past year over a hundred
RTO-ERO members were involved raising $100,000 through the Festival
of Trees for the Lung Society; Gayle Manley spoke about involvement with
the Davey Home Tuck Shop, Women in Crises and the Zonta Club; Rita
Wagner addressed grocery shopping and meal preparation for the Soup
Kitchen at St. Vincent’s Place; John Fleming focussed upon the ham that
is hidden within teachers and the beauty they bring to the arts; Diane
Marshall (known as Mrs. Christmas Cheer) spoke about the RTO-ERO
involvement with making Christmas special; Moyra O’Pallie outlined her
involvement on the library Board and the community aspect that libraries
now provide; Joanne Mantha McConnell spoke of the rewarding aspect
provided by volunteering at ARCH; Loretta MacKay spoke with passion
about volunteering at the Sault and Area Hospital; Sherrill Dewar as chair
of Camp MacDougall spoke about involvement with the non-profit
children’s camp; Kathy Greening addressed her involvement with Breton
House and the silent auction conducted by RTO-ERO each May in order
to provide two five hundred dollar scholarships---one to Algoma University
and one to Sault College; Jean Huntley from the Horticultural Society
developed awareness of the commitment to the community gardens,
beautification undertakings in the city as well as maintenance of the
hospital garden. Bruce Avery and I had the privilege to serve as co-hosts
for this impressive cross representation of RTO-ERO volunteers.
On Tuesday April 3rd a 50th a birthday party was held at the Royal
Canadian Legion and a complementary lunch was provided. Balloon trees
and take home sweet treats graced the tables. A lovely walk down memory
lane was executed by our talented computer whiz, Gary Wills. What a
party it was ----but the best part was the donation of the $2,000 cheque to
ARCH for the new pediatric room. As members involved in education we
are so proud to continue to impact positively upon children even at the end
of life!
A onetime award (the June Szeman Award) was designed by the
provincial committee. It was intended to be presented to an individual who
has made a difference in the daily operation of our district. Gary Wills was
unanimously named the recipient and the great part is that no one outside
the committee was aware as to whom this honour would go. This speaks
of the calibre of people within our unit.
The yummy and beautiful anniversary cake was cut by Gary and enjoyed
by all.
What a special year this has been! Many, many thanks to all who have
played a part in any way and special thanks to the supportive Executive
Board as well as my diligent and hard working committee team mates:
Bruce Avery, Sherrill Dewar, and Rich Prophet.
RTO-ERO District 3 Algoma
Mickey Contini Award of Merit
Congratulations Kathryn Greening!
The Mickey Contini Award of Merit
recognizes outstanding contributions
to the organization at the local and/or
provincial levels. On May, 16, 2018
at the last General Membership
meeting of the year, 2nd Vice
President, Folgo DellaVedova
announced the recipient of this
prestigious award.
Since 2009 Kathy has demonstrated
long-time service, dedication and strong engagement as a member.
Characterized as a team player and highly capable individual, she has
devoted time, energy and talent to the Christmas socials, silent auctions,
the local district’s 40th Anniversary celebration and the Super Seniors
celebrations. Additionally, she made a significant contribution to the
District 3 Historical Document that was submitted to provincial office for
their archives as part of this year’s RTO-ERO’s 50th Anniversary.
Kathy has served on the executive in several leadership roles and has
also racked up volunteer hours in our community, namely, in the Zonta
Club, the Davey Home Tuck Shop and the Festival of Trees events. Her
interests and involvement do not end there. She has served in leadership
roles as the Board Chair of Breton House and Board Director for Women
In Crisis.
Her personality would aptly be described as warm, caring, cheerful,
artistic, industrious, generous and dependable. She clearly reflects the
values and spirit of the Mickey Contini Award and those treasured in our
organization. On behalf of all of us well done and well deserved
Kathryn Greening!
David Gooderham, of the Sault
Search & Rescue, presented
“Project Lifesaver” at the October
2018 General Membership
Meeting. David would like to
thank District 3 for the
presentation opportunity AND for
the spontaneous donations made
in support of Project Lifesaver.
NEW District 3 Travel Allowance Rates!
District 3 has mirrored the Provincial Travel Rate of 53 cents per
kilometre traveled, door-to-door, both ways, for members to attend
District Meetings.
The Executive will have Travel Forms available at each General
Membership Meeting. As well, you may download a travel form in
advance of your trip, by clicking on the Travel Form link below.
To calculate your distance travelled, you may choose to set your vehicle
odometer and then double the distance traveled from your door to the
door of the venue.
You can use the website https://www.distancefromto.net/ and
fill in:
•
Your Home Address
•
The SSM Legion Address (96 Great Northern Rd, Sault Ste.
Marie, ON P6B 4Y5)
•
Click “Driving Distance”
•
Click MEASURE (NOTE THE “Distance in km” CALCULATED
ON SCREEN)
•
Download & Complete the District 3 Travel Allowance Form
(Download HERE)
•
Bring to the meeting for immediate payment or mail in
(address on Form)
See YOU and the next District 3 General Membership Meeting!!