Awards, a special guest, musical entertainment and stuffed animals were all part of a very busy spring meeting for the Palmerston Branch of Retired Teachers of Ontario (RWTO) on April 25 at the Presbyterian Church in Palmerston.
President Oriole Blyth welcomed everyone and introduced provincial president Anne Graham who spoke of her travels visiting the many branches throughout the province, meeting new people and getting to see how “caring and sharing” is taking place in local communities. Anne Darroch presented her with a gift and a Town of Minto pin.
Three members of the Palmerston Branch received the Cora Bailey Award for their dedication and service. Pauline Brown presented Doris French with her award and highlighted her teaching career from a one-room schoolhouse at the age of 18 to teaching at both the elementary and secondary levels. French has been very involved in the federation and the RWTO/OERO organizations, holding many positions.
Colleen Robertson surprised her friend Lorraine Ballard with the award and spoke of Ballard’s teaching career at Norwell District Secondary School as well as the time she spends volunteering at Royal Terrace in Palmerston and playing the organ at the Palmerston United Church. Ballard has been very active in the RWTO/OERO organization working on the goodwill, archives and membership committees as well as visiting shut ins.
Kathy Brown was presented with her award by her friend Janice Benson. While president of the Palmerston branch, Benson was instrumental in setting up interest groups and, with the help of the executive, promoted varied and informative meeting programs. She encouraged the group to focus on different charities and was always reaching out to new members.
Following a meal prepared by the ladies of the Palmerston Presbyterian Church, Oriole introduced the musical group “No Strings Attached” from the Arthur/Fergus area. The group of seven friends has been playing together since the 1990s. Three of the members, Barb Kidd, Mary Townsend and Bonnie McDougall entertained the ladies with several musical numbers. The group was thanked by Lynn Hodgins.
Members donated stuffed animals to be sent to Louise Marshall Hospital in Mount Forest and the Palmerston District Hospital. The stuffed animals will be given to children who are in the hospital. Lynn Hodgins thanked the ladies for the donations on behalf of the hospital foundation and remarked on how much they are appreciated. Blyth reminded the group that knitted baby hats for the hospitals will be collected next month.
Treasurer Joanne Matthews presented the budget for 2014/15 which was approved.
Mildred Francis asked members to check out insurance coverage and to be sure everyone has a power of attorney and a will that is current. She also stressed the importance of exercise.
The Walking Club was to go to the Luther Marsh on May 13 and the Book Club was to meet at Hodgins’ place on May 15 to discuss The Long Song.
Lynn Morrison has arranged a bus trip to Hamilton on June 18 to visit Dundurn Castle and the Botanical Gardens and on Sept. 11 there will be a trip to the Walters Family Theatre in Bright to hear the Blackwood Quartet perform, The Gospel Side of Elvis.
The Boston/Salem trip on Sept. 22 to 26 still has a few seats left. A trip to Niagara-on-the Lake to the Shaw Festival Theatre to see Cabaret in October has also been planned.
The date for the Strawberry Social at Drew Park in June will depend on weather and the availability of strawberries this year. It will either be June 20 or June 27.
Barb Thompson reported there is some concern about supply teachers in the north. Many are having difficulty getting their name on the list, yet there is a shortage of supply teachers in the area. The group was asked to come up with suggestions that might help the situation.
Secretary Joan Woods read correspondence from Sleeping Children Around the World and from the families of Marian Adams and Alice Shepard, who passed away recently.
The Lucky Draw prize donated by Doris French was won by Marilyn Cherry and seven members paid fines for not wearing a pin. Marilyn Cherry was the greeter at the door.
The next meeting is on May 23 with a fashion show.
Submitted by Joan Woods
