The rain held off as we arrived for our first luncheon of this our Jubilee Year 2026. The chef at RiverBend offered us a delicious lunch and the wait staff were applauded for their work.
We were fortunate to have as our guest, Provincial President, Linda Sargeant who spoke about her travels around the province to attend Branch meetings and meet so many engaged RWTO members.
Our Program featured a presentation from Nikki about Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) which provides work experience and assists youth in successfully finding employment – a service which began in 1982. An associated service, Joan’s Place, opened in March 2025; it is a temporary residence for homeless young people with wraparound services that aims to get them back on their feet to school or employment and independent living.
Items made by YOU were made available for sale and were eagerly bought by our members.
Our Outreach this month was for Joan’s place and along with donated items we raised $1245.00.
Sharon Lunau introduced two new members Deb Smith and Rosie Triebner who is a “social member” because she is still working at the faculty of Education, Western University.
Later, Sharon Lunau and Michele Specht explained their “70 Sisters” project is giving 70 reusable cloth tote bags filled with small personal items intended to give a little pampering to 70 mothers who face economic hardship in their daily lives, as a Mother’s Day gift.
However, first the tote bags are to be made, and volunteers are requested by Sharon. Michele is asking for volunteers to assist in making 70 note cards “from one mother to another” that will go in each bag.
An announcement was made about our Branch History Highlights cards on each table starting with the beginning of the London Branch of Superannuated Women Teachers in 1954, then the forerunner of RWTO in 1956, 70 years ago. There will be a new chapter card for each of the six luncheons throughout the Jubilee Year, 2026. In May and again in November the cards will be sent in digital form to all our members.
The “Share the Wealth” draw was made and two members won $98.00 each.
Jane Macdonald made an enthusiastic pitch for people to register to attend the RWTO Annual Convention being held in Clare Hall, Western University June 2, 3, 4th.
As always, the table decorations with an Easter theme were much admired, thanks were given by Linda Freeman, to Irene Gauvin’s very creative team of eight women who make them.
By:- Janice Thielenhaus
Email:- jthielenhaus@hotmail.com
