“Decorating On a Dime” was the theme for the October meeting of the Palmerston branch of Retired Women Teachers of Ontario.
Judith Vines of Listowel demonstrated how to make Christmas decorations using a few inexpensive items.
Vines originally operated Vines Candles and Gifts in Listowel but now has her own interior design business. She showed the group how to make a tabletop Christmas tree in a few minutes, using a wire tomato cage, some tie wraps and white garland.
Vines gave some tips on how to fill a decorated basket with scented pine cones and Christmas balls, as well as how to make a simple bow.
Prizes donated by Vines were won by Dorothy Dickson, Lucy Ellison and Joan Woods.
Tina Haldenby thanked Vines for sharing her expertise.
Continuing with the theme, Kathy Watt showed a fall decoration with candles that she had made very inexpensively and Donna McFarlane gave a tip on how to make lavender water.
President Anne Darroch welcomed visitors Dianne Rice, RWTO/OERO provincial president, and area director Dianne Winkler to the meeting.
Wearing a diamond tiara, Rice spoke about the upcoming 60th anniversary of the RWTO organization in 2016 and reflected on the difference this organization has made in the lives of many retired women teachers over the years.
Winkler remarked on various charities and interest groups supported by the Palmerston branch. She also spoke about the Cora Bailey Awards, the “over-90” visits and the upcoming Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Vice-president Colleen Robertson thanked the ladies and presented each with a gift.
Darroch thanked members for donating stuffed animals to be given to the two local hospitals. Darroch welcomed new member Eleanor Butt and presented her with an RWTO/OERO pin.
Issues and concerns reporter Barb Thompson reminded the group of the ongoing labour situation for the elementary teachers and again asked that they not rely solely on what is read and heard in the media. It is important to check the facts.
The Walking Club was to meet on Nov. 10 at the Mount Forest Sports Complex to walk the trail and the Book Club will be discussing two books about the Second World War on Nov. 19.
Travel convener Lynn Morrison gave an update on the five-day Washington, DC trip planned for Sept. 26 to 30, 2016 and the trip to Stratford Theater to see A Chorus Line in October, 2016.
The next meeting will be at The Roundhouse in Palmerston for a Christmas dinner on Dec. 4.
