Members of the Palmerston Branch of Retired Women Teachers of Ontario (RWTO) were reminded just how important local hospitals are at their fall meeting. Jane Ford and Dale Franklin, development officers for Mount Forest Louise Marshall Hospital and the Palmerston and District Hospital were introduced by President Oriole Blyth.
Both ladies spoke about the CKNX Healthcare Heroes Radiothon and how the money raised will be used to support 14 local hospitals in the area.
The goal for Palmerston Hospital is $100,000 for the purchase of some new updated equipment. Louise Marshall Hospital will use the funds to purchase a new ultrasound machine, as the one currently being used is 10 years old. The cost of a new machine is approximately $200,000. Many were surprised to learn that the health ministry does not pay for equipment.
M&M Meat Shops’ silent auction and Wightman Telecom’s “Heels for Hospitals” walk on Oct. 18 in support of the Healthcare Heroes fundraiser were also mentioned.
Ford outlined the $5 million campaign for the redeveloping of the emergency room and the ambulatory care areas at the Louise Marshall Hospital in Mount Forest and noted that they are very encouraged so far, with the donations and commitments to donate. She thanked the Palmerston branch ladies for the ongoing donations of stuffed toys to the hospitals and read a portion of a letter from a young girl who had received one of these toys while a patient at Louise Marshall. Lynn Hodgins thanked both ladies and presented each with a donation to the radiothon in support of the local hospitals.
Blyth introduced provincial president Marilyn Emmett who brought greetings from provincial. She commented on the many accomplishments of the branch which includes donations to Sleeping Children Around the World, stuffed toys for local hospitals, involvement in interest groups, etc. She thanked members in advance for all the work they will be doing in planning for the convention in Stratford next June.
An ADHOC Committee has been set up to discuss the idea of including non-teachers in RWTO/OERO and input from the branches is needed in order to make a decision. A report will be given at the convention in Stratford.
Since the RWTO/OERO organization will be celebrating its diamond anniversary next April, a new pin has been designed and will be available for purchase at the Stratford convention.
Blyth presented branch member, Shirley McKay with flowers on the occasion of her recent 90th birthday. Three new members, June McMillan, Rosemary Chaulk and Beth Anne Kidnie have joined.
Lorraine Ballard drew attention to the 50th anniversaries celebrated this summer by Oriole and Jim Blyth as well as Lynn and Gerald Morrison.
Colleen Robertson is wished a speedy recovery from a recent illness while good thoughts went out to Shirley Jackson who is recovering from a fall.
Insurance convenor Mildred Francis reported the window for top up to the RTO’s Hospital and Home Care portion of the insurance goes from Sept. 15 to Nov. 15.
Anne Darroch announced that Elora Gorge Conservation Area is the next outing for the walking club. The next meeting for the book club is Nov. 20 and the film club members will be notified of upcoming films at the Norgan Theatre via email. A trip to the Shaw Festival to see Cabaret was set for Oct. 24 while trips for 2015 to Quebec, Port Severn or Orillia are being considered. Members should contact Lynn Morrison for more details.
Janice Benson spoke on behalf of a new group in Mount Forest called Ignite the Spark, which is connected with the Canadian Mental Health Association. They are starting a craft group and are in need of a variety of craft supplies so the ladies were asked to check their cupboards and closets and bring their donations to the next meeting.
Barb Thompson has drafted a letter to Liz Sandals regarding concerns about the format for EQAO testing as it pertains to special needs students. Branch members are encouraged to write letters as well. Local schools have been contacted by some of the members about the shortage of supply teachers and they have determined that the availability of supply teachers in the area is a real problem. The issues will be discussed further at a later meeting.
Members are asked to bring craft donations to the next meeting on Oct. 31 for Ignite the Spark and it was noted the Ramoth House needs items that can be used as Christmas gifts for mothers or for babies from 0-24 months.
