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 [email protected] [email protected] 1st Vice-president: . . . . . . . . . . . Maureen Capotosto [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . 905-883-1496 2nd Vice-president: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Siegel [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647-802-1418 Treasurer:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gwen Scriven [email protected]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-226-0226 Assistant Treasurer:. . . . . . . . . Lorraine Hennessey [email protected]. . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-444-8535 Secretary:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra Motta [email protected] Archivist: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Cairo [email protected] Book Club: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irene Kitchell [email protected]. . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-733-8711 Bridge: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan Ward [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 905-889-3687 Communications:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Quinn [email protected] Goodwill: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gwen Bumbury [email protected]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-491-1213 Health Services & Constitution: . . . . . George Meek [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-226-3568 Membership:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Giannone [email protected] Needlework Craft. . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret Schuman & Have-A-Java: [email protected] Newsletter Editor: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Quinn SUBMISSIONS [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-481-7411 Pension & Retirement . . . . . . . . . . Gretchen Schuler [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-421-0292 Pole Walking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Shorney [email protected]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-225-1336 Political Advocacy:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Shorney [email protected]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-225-1336 Recruitment:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Ellen Lawless [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-223-4969 Service to Others:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Siegel [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647-802-1418 Social:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mildred Frank [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . 416-221-5328 Strollers:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joanne Famiglietti [email protected]. . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-483-4968 Strollers:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret Schuman [email protected] Trips:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bernadette Walsh [email protected]. . . . . . . . . 416-449-8780 Trips:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Denise Venditti [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . 416-245-3749 Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dianne Fair [email protected]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-229-2696 Webmaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara Di Nallo [email protected] Member-at-Large. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marisa Agostini [email protected] . . . . . . . . . 416-242-8774 Member-at-Large & Cycling. . . . . . . Eileen Kearns [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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, [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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: [email protected] “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 – [email protected] Margaret Schuman – [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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. [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 40042060 STONY BRIDGES C/O Gerard MacNeil 1407-88 Erskine Ave., Toronto Ontario M4P 1V3
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