The ladies of the Palmerston and District Branch of Retired Women Teachers of Ontario (RWTO) were treated to a fashion show from Cynthia and Co. of Mount Forest at their meeting on May 23.
Joan Woods introduced Jenny Whetham, owner of Cynthia and Co. for the past 10 years. As Jenny described the fashions, models Janice Benson, Anne Darroch, Janice Fisher, Barb Jones and Donna McFarlane kept things lively while giving everyone a first hand look at the outfits.
Seeing some of the new trends and styles as well as comfortable, easy care materials by some Canadian designers kept everyone interested.
The French Dressing brand is very popular and was shown in some of the outfits worn by the models. It was good to learn that a portion of every French Dressing item sold is donated to breast cancer organizations throughout North America.
Whetham also gave information about “The Little Black Dress Affair” being held at the Mount Forest Legion on Sept. 27. It is an evening just for ladies and supports Cancer Patient Services as well as the local hospital foundation.
Ladies of the branch were greeted at the door by Dorothy Dickson and the table linens were donated by Jenny of Benson Event Rentals. Lunch was prepared by the ladies of Knox Presbyterian Church in Palmerston. President Oriole Blyth presented each of the church ladies with a flower to thank them for the meals they prepare for the RWTO/OERO organization.
Colleen Robertson conducted a memorial service in remembrance of four members who have passed away. Lorraine Ballard, Betty Tarc, Shirley Jackson and Betty Audet placed flowers in memory of Berniece Allendorf, Alice Shepard, Marian Adams and Cicely Wareham.
Resolutions to be voted on at the June convention in Ottawa were outlined by Blyth and Robertson. Input was received from branch members. Donations of personal items, toiletries, etc. were collected for Ramoth House in Mount Forest. Several baby bonnets have been knitted to be donated to the hospitals.
Travel convenor Lynn Morrison gave an update on travel opportunities to Hamilton, Boston, Cabaret at the Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake and The Gospel Side of Elvis at the Walters Family Theatre.
The next outing for the walking club will be at the Luther Marsh and the book club meets at the South Street Cafe in Harriston on June 26 for the end of the year get together. Book choices for next year will be decided upon then. New members are welcome.
The Strawberry Social is still on hold and will depend on the availability of strawberries.
Pauline Brown encouraged the ladies to consider attending a Toastmasters meeting in Mount Forest.
Mildred Francis gave the insurance report and suggested it is a good idea to take another person along when attending medical appointments to have “a second set of ears.”
Barb Thompson asked for volunteers to help collect data regarding the shortage of supply teachers in the north schools to see how big the problem is, and if there is some way the group can help. She also noted that there is some concern about the format of the EQAO testing with regards to special needs students.
