Organisation des enseignantes retraitées de l'Ontario
Welcome to the new RWTO/OERO Website !! ........ Over the next few days, we will continue many updates as they are requested......... We are so Grateful for your patience!
Welcome to the new RWTO/OERO Website !! ........ Over the next few days, we will continue many updates as they are requested......... We are so Grateful for your patience!😉Welcome to the new RWTO/OERO Website !! ........ Over the next few days, we will continue many updates as they are requested......... We are so Grateful for your patience!😉
On Sept. 9, 2026, our RWTO/OERO Niagara Falls Branch members enjoyed our Fall Luncheon at Betty’s Restaurant. Branch member and author Stephanie Nielsen gave a wonderful presentation on her creative pursuits. Steph also brought copies of her books to sell. Steph will donate all proceeds to Birchway Niagara. Thank you to Honorary President Sherry Stokes for helping with the sale. Cheryl Scott also sold copies of the Birchway November Allied Against Abuse Daily Raffle Calendar. Cheryle is Birchway’s longest serving volunteer and in 2025 received the Birchway Volunteer Recognition Award. Information about the raffle is available at
https://birchway.ca/events/detail/raffle
Thank you to Cheryl Wyllie for the photos.
Included are some photos of our activities for the 2025-26 year.
Some are interest groups, including hiking, games and drumming,
Some photos are from our luncheons.
The Belleville Branch held their June 24,2026 meeting at St. Matthews United Church in Belleville. The Trenton Branch was invited to join us for a Summer Tea.
President Wendy Bryson thanked everyone for bringing in donations for the Gleaners Food Bank. Donations totalled $1289.10
Reports were presented by the secretary, treasurer, insurance convener, and Tri-fold committee.
The 2026 convention report was presented by Kay Snedden. 250 delegates met at Western University for 3 days. The theme of the event was “Aging Well”. Dr. Angela Roberts, a professor from Western University has been studying “super agers” and has concluded that two of the key characteristics of these individuals “purpose” and “social connection”.
Kay also highlighted that Branches with under 50 members , now have 2 votes at the convention. A victory and should be commended.
During the business portion of the meeting new members were introduced.
President, Wendy Bryson, recognized the executive and thanked callers and emailers. She reminded us that there is an opening for 2nd Vice President. Positions are for 3 years.
Area Director, Lynda Sommers, thanked everyone for supporting her over the last 4 years, and welcomed the new Area 7 Director, Nancy Patterson-Wickson- Trenton Branch.
Lynda Sommer then installed our new slate of officers.
Prizes were presented to lucky winners followed by a lovely summer picnic style luncheon including salads and cold meats, vegie trays, buns and fresh Strawberry Shortcake.
Our guest speaker was Dan Buchanan. Dan is a local author who has studied and written books on the history of “Rum Runners” in our area.
Some errors and omissions were made in my first posting on the Convention which I must correct. My sincere apologies to all concerned.
Many of our members were volunteers at this Convention and I hope not to miss mention of any.
Registration desk: Joan Slater, Charlene Kivell, Linda Freeman, Jane Macdonald
Convention Registrar and Technology: I saw her work her magic on her laptop to show information on two big screens at the AGM meetings.
Hospitality: Dianne Heatherington and Hilary Charles.
Greeters: Christine Sangster, Michele Specht, Helen Bobyk.
Scrutineers: Linda Gaudet and Janice Thielenhaus
Doors: Maureen Tipping (during the AGM when delegates left and re-entered the room, voting cards were collected, then returned)
Table decorations: Irene Gauvin, Sue Scruton, Helen Munce, Cathy Harrison, Gayle Murray, Joy Morrison, Rosanne Wadsworth, Marg Delagran, Terri Lyons
Door prizes: Linda Freeman
As was mentioned before, our choir sang, I do not have all their names, but you see them at our luncheons in November and May.
The first error I made was about when the Town Crier, Sandy O’Brien performed.
In fact, her role was at the Thursday Luncheon for the “over 90s members” and the mother/daughter members. The Town Crier announced each member and their guest.
Secondly, I forgot to mention a Piper piped in the Board of Directors before the Wednesday Banquet began.
Next error, two of the four excursions that were to be offered on Wednesday afternoon were cancelled due to insufficient interest, which left just the lunch at Pinecroft and the Port Stanley trip.
Also, I wish to add some details about the Wednesday afternoon walk around Medway Heritage Forest which was marked out by Sharon Lunau in the morning and the walk was led by our members Cathy Harrison and Mary Jane Finn.
In addition to the many volunteers from our Branch, the following delegates were in attendance for the entire Convention –
Linda Freeman, Hilary Charles, Christine Sangster, Michele Specht and Helen Bobyk.
Delegates vote on the various motions put forward for consideration, as has been discussed and approved by the Branch executive, prior to the Convention
The picture, I chose this time was of some of our members who were delegates/volunteers enjoying the hospitality area.
On April 1, the Cambridge Branch of RWTO/OERO gathered for a memorable luncheon filled with celebration, reflection, and fellowship. Members welcomed new inductee Linda Innanen, hosted Provincial President Linda Sargeant, and honoured Cambridge Branch President Mary Jane Novak as she transitioned into the role of Past President. The gathering also marked a very special milestone — 70 years of friendship and connection within the Branch.
Following a brief business meeting and a delicious meal, members enjoyed sharing treasured memories from their teaching careers. Conversation flowed easily as members reflected on prompts such as their first day of teaching, humorous classroom moments, and students who had made a lasting impact on their lives — and vice versa.
Historical newsletters, annual meeting reports, and other memorabilia were displayed throughout the room, creating a wonderful sense of nostalgia. With six past presidents in attendance, the afternoon became a heartfelt celebration of the Cambridge Branch’s rich history, enduring friendships, and shared commitment to supporting retired women educators.
Our Branch honoured 2 special 90 year ladies at our June meeting.
Jean Elliott and Rochelle Craig were each presented with a special gift
and recalled memories from their careers. Sue Cummings made the presentations.
Upper Canada East celebrated the 70th Anniversary with a gathering in Prescott at the Royal Canadian Legion. 47 ladies arrived to meet our new Provincial President, BettyLee Daigle, and say hello to several guests, including Glennda Olivier, Area 8 Director, and Joan Gamble, President of the Gananoque Branch. A beautiful memorial service, led by Betty Lou Cassselman, remembered the three ladies who have passed and those loved ones lost this year. As a ” thank you,” a 70th Anniversary pin with a blue or yellow butterfly attached was given to all the ladies who had taken on a role this past year, as well as the Executive. This year’s Cora Bailey award was presented by Lynda Leader to Jean Mills, a worthy recipient who has shown exemplary dedication to our Branch over many years. Joyce Millard gave a carnation to each of the birthday gals as we sang to them. Lunch was fabulous, and the 70th Anniversary cake was delicious! After lunch, we were entertained by a lovely, talented quartet, the ” Fourtune Seekers” who had us participating with actions to a delightful camp song. Many of the ladies went home with lovely gifts from the gift-sharing table. The Prescott/Maymard/Brockville group did an exceptional job planning this special meeting. Thanks to all who made this celebration one to remember.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars to attend the Quarter Frenzy during our September 16th gathering at the Winchester United Church in Winchester.
It was a lovely gathering to honour our oldest member today in recognition of her 100th Birthday. Winnifred Medcalf opened her presents from us (certificate, flowers, Amica manicure, gifts from members) as we visited with her and her daughter Margaret Rayner from London. Three former co-workers AND RWTO/OERO Windsor-Essex members also joined in the fun -the Dianas – Diana Carter, Diana Forbes, Diana Harris all worked with Winnie at Alicia Mason School.
Thanks to Anna, Lowanna, Rosemary, Val and Vicky. 100 years is a celebration!
