Gananoque Branch News
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RWTO Gananoque is a small branch with 36 members including 1 Life member, encompassing retired women teachers from Gananoque, Westport, Portland, Seeley’s Bay, Lyndhurst and Lansdowne and Toledo. We welcome teachers from any Branch to join us at any of our events!
“By September it was time to make sure that all members would be included in our collage. Using photos already on file we compiled a 4-page collage, called “No Hats”. Copies of our collages were sent to members but for this, all member collage, a list of names was included. Some members posted their photo page and names list on the fridge and proudly say that they now know the name of every teacher member in our group!”
As warm Summer weather arrived we chose the theme of sun safety and encouraged our members to wear hats when, and if, they were able to be outside. By now, some family members were helping with the photo taking and more members were included in the collage, “Our Cats In Hats.”
“June is the month of strawberries so we sent each member a “Strawberry” Invitation, and $5 to get some strawberries. We asked that a photo of them with their treat be sent to us so we could celebrate their participation. This was a fun activity and for each activity we promoted, the number of those taking part increased.”
“It became evident that to stay safe from the Covid-19 virus, our members would need special protection. Member Carol volunteered to make enough masks, at no cost, for all of our members. The masks were mailed to all members in May with an accompanying letter and photos. “
“With the arrival of Covid-19 the events planned for our Gananoque Branch were cancelled but that didn’t mean we couldn’t enjoy our membership. Our first event would have been Lunch on April 16th, 2020 so instead we had a virtual Tea Time on the same day/time. The collage, “Tea Time 2020” shows members enjoying their tea. One member was very busy, making masks for all of us, so her tea cup is hidden behind her sewing machine, in her picture.”
Highlights of the Victorian Tea & Potluck Lunch
We opened our meeting with “God Save The Queen”, played by H. M. Royal Marines Band. As our group settled in for lunch, Queen Joan shook hands with each member, welcoming each one to the “Lyndhurst Castle”. One of our members, Betty James, has been a member of RWTO Gananoque Branch for more than 30 years.
All place settings included a china tea cup and a “jewel” in a ring setting. One member, Kay Webster, came dressed appropriately for the time period.
We always like to eat and this was no exception. Several members provided the food, including strawberries, ice cream and whipped cream!
Queen Joan honoured selected members with the title “Dame Lady” and presented each with a certificate. First to be recognized was Betty James who has been a member with us for more than 30 years. Others honoured were Nancy Sled, Deb Shultz, Kay Webster, Yvonne Landon, Donna Moon, Marion McKay, Jean Pilatzke, Mary Ellen Moulton and Amy Bracken.
Marion McKay & Jean Pilatzke first met in Teacher’s College, became fast friends but eventually lost touch as life moved on. They reunited when Jean joined our Branch. Marion was already a member. Amy Bracken was born the same year as our present Queen Elizabeth II.
May Meeting At The Junction Restaurant
Spring Meeting April 2019
March Madness
March 14, 2019
Lansdowne Community Hall
November 29, 2018
Celebrating the Season at the Lyndhurst United Church
October 11, 2018
Fall Dinner at Lyndhurst United Church
September 4,2018
Stirling Lodge, Newboro
August 9, 2018
Lunch at the Rockport Barn
Old River Road
Tall Ships Landing in Brockville, July 2018
May 2018 Spring Meeting at the Lyndhurst United Church
April 2018
Our Birthday and Membership Meeting at the Junction
Christmas Luncheon 2017
First Day of School 2017
July 2017
On July 13th, 2017 Gananoque Branch members, families & friends enjoyed lunch from the top of Thousand Island Tower on Hill Island.
The American span of the Thousand Island Bridge is shown in one of the photos.
Guests included Area 8 Director Teresa Dorey & Beryl Jacka from Napanee, Carl & Penny Morrison , teachers from Pennsylvania.
Hostess Heidi, owner of the TI Tower, welcomes visitors for viewing the amazing Frontenac Arch Biosphere, lunch and for shopping in her amazing gift shop.
Spring 2017
2016
Spring 2014
Jamie McDonald (aka “Flash”) is running across Canada to raise funds for Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. Mary Ellen Moulton met Jamie at The Junction Restaurant recently. He is an amazing person. Please read Jamie’s website and Facebook page. Go to www.jamiemcdonald.org to learn how you can help.
Teachers and friends of the RWTO Gananoque Branch recently enjoyed a Lunch & Boat Cruise with the Rockport Boat Lines. A sumptuous hot meal was served on the 2 hour cruise. Bright sunshine and a light breeze completed a picture perfect day on the St. Lawrence River.
Mon., April 15
Membership Meeting @ St. Andrew’s United Church Hall, Toledo
Guests: Provincial President Sharron Colter & Area 8 Director Teresa Dorey
Guest Speaker Sherri Merkley re African Mission Trip
Thurs., May 16
Annual Spring Meeting @ the Junction Restaurant, Hwy 15/32
June 04, 05, 06 RWTO Convention 2019: St. Catharines
Holiday Inn & Suites, St. Catharines
Thurs., June 20
Victorian Tea, Strawberry Social & Board Games Lyndhurst United Church
Thurs., July 11
Lunch @ Maximilian’s Dining Lounge, 99 Gore St E, Perth
July 18-21
Lansdowne Fair
July 25-28
Delta Fair
Wed., Aug. 28
Lunch at Muskie Jake’s, Gananoque Inn
Thousand Islands Playhouse “Ring of Fire” 2:00 pm
Tues., Sept. 03
To ‘Ell With the Bell @ Donnelly’s On The River, Ivy Lea Boat Cruise & Cost TBA
Thurs., Oct. 03
Lunch @ Athens United Church, 17 Church St., Athens
Tackaberry’s Antiques and Toys, Slack Rd, Athens.
Thurs., Nov. 21
Christmas Celebration @ Steve’s Rideau Restaurant, Westport
First Day of School 2017
July 2017
On July 13th, 2017 Gananoque Branch members, families & friends enjoyed lunch from the top of Thousand Island Tower on Hill Island.
The American span of the Thousand Island Bridge is shown in one of the photos.
Guests included Area 8 Director Teresa Dorey & Beryl Jacka from Napanee, Carl & Penny Morrison , teachers from Pennsylvania.
Hostess Heidi, owner of the TI Tower, welcomes visitors for viewing the amazing Frontenac Arch Biosphere, lunch and for shopping in her amazing gift shop.
Spring Meeting 2017 
International cartoonist, David Parkins, provided entertainment & is shown teaching us various tricks for creating cartoons. The ladies were very attentive, as shown in the photo. He was hosted at lunch by RWTO member Wilhelmina Lacelle. Director for our Area 8, Teresa Dorey and Beryl Jacka were our guests. Many ladies won prizes of flowers and money.
Winter 2015
The Gananoque RWTO welcomed a special visitor to their Christmas Dinner meeting. Mrs. Claus took a break from her work at the North Pole and joined the ladies for the meal and entertainment. Santa quite capably looked after the The Toy Shop and Mail Room while she was away.
Cora Bailey Award Winners
In the photo L-R: Mary Ellen Moulton, Margaret Mathers, Donna Dempsey, Carol Shaw, Teresa Dorey, Donna Moon, Nancy Sled, Betty James.
Margaret Mathers A Special Award Winner
Margaret Mathers is much more than a retired teacher. She is a mother and a valued volunteer for many Gananoque organizations, but for the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario, Gananoque Branch, Margaret has been the historian, archivist and keeper of the photo albums for the group for more than 26 years.
Click on this link to read the whole article about Magaret Mathers.