www.rtoero-district14.org

Special Points of

Interest:

• You could be a winner in our New Contest - see pg. 8

• Retirement Planning Workshops continue virtually - see pg. 4

• Announcing our new Executive Board

• Time to apply for Scholarships!

• See how District 14 is helping the Niagara Community

In This Issue:

District 14 Contact

Numbers

2

In Memoriam 3

Charitable Foundation

3

Goodwill 4

Francophone Liaison 4

New Members 7

Benefits 7

We’re on the Web!

www.rtoero-district14.org

The noise you hear is that of a huge sigh of relief as we slam the door on 2020. Hopefully this will be a better year. All was not a total loss. We have learned to use new technology and the importance of staying connected. We have learned to cherish family and friends, making sacrifices to keep them safe.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Diane Conklin for her years of service as the president of

RTOERO District 14. She has led us through the many changes in the governance of the organization and meeting the challenges of the past year. We look forward to her expertise and guidance as she takes on the role of Past President. Many other members of the Board have shifted positions to take on new responsibilities. I thank them for their willingness to continue to serve.

As we acknowledge the installation of a new Executive Board, we would also like to send out heartfelt best wishes to Marion Woodcock who has served District 14 for many years, always bringing her wisdom and sage advice to the executive table. We will miss you Marion!

Since we can't meet in person the Board and Executive and some committees have been meeting via Zoom. The Corporate AGM from Toronto was held by webinar. In order to serve our members, we are using our new found skills to provide opportunities on our website to stay fit, combat isolation and keep up with trending news. Those of you receiving this Newsletter by email can just click on the links provided on pages of the Grapevine to tap into those services. If you are receiving a hard copy you will have to log onto rtoero-district14.org.

We don’t know what the future holds in store for us but we are continuing to serve our members to the best of our abilities. There is always room for you on our committees. I do believe that it is through giving help to others that we best help ourself. Happy 2021! Chereen Osborne

The President’s Message

WINTER 2021

The Newsletter of District 14 - Niagara

The Grapevine

www.rtoero-district14.org

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RTOERO District 14 Niagara Peninsula District Executive

RTOERO 1-800-361-9888 Johnson’s Insurance 1-877-406-9007 Best Doctors 1-877-419-2378 Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan 1-800-668-0105 Seniors’ Safety Line 1-866-299-1011

Area Representatives

Fort Erie, Ridgeway, Stevensville, Crystal Beach, Sherkston

Nina McCutcheon 289-320-9343

Niagara Falls Linda L. Dueck 905-358-6931

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Virgil, Queenston, St. David’s Brian Carty 905-468-7129

Welland, Port Robinson Joan Sisler-Wells 289-820-5959

Port Colborne Jan Taylor 905-834-9577

St. Catharines Charleen Avedesian 905-934-2704

Thorold Jane Michaud 905-227-1961

Wainfleet, Wellandport, Lowbanks, St. Ann’s, Smithville, Caistor Center

Marion Woodcock 905-562-7935

Grimsby, Beamsville, Lincoln, Jordan Station, Jordan/Vineland Station, Vineland Mary Jane Tanner 905-562-7667

Another Representative is needed for this area

Fonthill, Fenwick, Ridgeville, North Pelham Wilma McNall 905-892-6834 Margot Fraser 905-892-2408

NOTE: Additional Reps are needed for Niagara Falls; Wainfleet, Wellandport, Lowbanks, St. Ann’s, Smithville; Grimsby; and The St. Catharines areas. If you are interested, please call

Margot Smith at 905-892-1891.

Chereen Osborne President 905-646-2640

Diane Conklin Past President 289-303-7103

Bill Doyle 1st Vice President 289-668-2721

Marilyn Malton 2nd Vice President 289-397-0637

Brian Carty Secretary 905-468-7129

Bob Grand Treasurer 289-821-4052

John Carruthers Archives 905-356-9620

Bonnie Bryan Communications 905-562-7773

Diane Conklin Events 289-303-7103

Don Gray Charitable Foundation 905-646-9967

Margot Smith Goodwill 905-892-1891

Marilyn Malton Health Services 289-397-0637

Bill Doyle Membership 289-668-2721

Janice Taylor Pension Issues 905-834-9577

Diane Conklin Political Advocacy 289-303-7103

Bonnie Bryan Grapevine Editor 905-562-7773

John Carruthers Webmaster 905-356-9620

Donna Van Nest Data Base 905-359-1644

Luba Beange Bereavement Co-ord. 905-262-4685

Margaret Tilbert Francophone Liaison 289-479-6188

RTOERO DISTRICT 14 NEEDS YOU!

We are always in need of interested volunteers to fill Executive positions and Committees. We would also like to offer opportunities for

interested members to mentor with Executive Members in all positions to prepare for future openings. Please contact

Past President Diane Conklin if you are interested. We also have openings for Goodwill Reps in the many Areas,

especially Grimsby, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Wainfleet/West Lincoln. If you are interested in this role which involves passing information along about

illnesses, birthdays, or other significant life events that need recognition, please contact Margot Smith at 905-892-1891.

Again, please contact an Executive Member if you are interested.

www.rtoero-district14.org

3

CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

We all know that there is a lack of geriatric specialists, family doctors, nurses, social and support workers with adequate knowledge of and training in geriatrics. The RTOERO Charitable Foundation’s mission is to correct this situation.

Along with this focus, the Foundation has also placed an emphasis on Social Isolation which has become an even more important issue in this time of Pandemic Isolation. October was Social Isolation Awareness Month. The Foundation needs to raise funds for research to combat this serious issue. Please consider making a donation to help achieve their goal of raising $100,000. Details of this initiative and much more useful information can be found in the Fall edition of the Foundation’s newsletter, “Embrace Aging”, mailed to all members in September.

The Foundation is funded in a variety of ways: by individual donations; by District fundraisers; and by Corporate donations. One meaningful and popular way that individuals and Districts can support the mission of RTOERO Foundation is with gifts made “In Memory” or “In Honour” of someone special. Our Foundation Liaison has delivered “In Memory” donation cards to all of the funeral homes in Niagara. We ask that you consider supporting our Foundation in their quest to enrich our life-long pursuit of aging well. For more information, contact Don Gray (phone 905-646-9967 or email at: donbar99@hotmail.com).

May they live forever in our memories.

IN MEMORIAM

It is with sadness that we share with you the passing of the following members:

Patricia Anzovino Gordon Bedford Patricia Boles Sylvia Bosch

Micheline Boucher Shirley Burns

Elizabeth Condon Lawrence R Cooper

Erika Cronin Paul Di Marco

Patrick Dickson Edward Findlater

Brian Finora Pauline Galambos

Nick Golia Lawrence Grist

Jerry Hagen Mary Herman

Margaret Jackson Ivan Kelly

Herbert Kornelsen

Valentina Krusich Margaret Lysick

Marilyn MacDonald Shirley MacKie

Marguerite McInerney Joanne Nemy

Wendell Palmer Joseph Pohorly

Ernest Pries Margaret Reid

Laurence Rendall William Patrick Ryan

Heather Schram Donald Smith John Smith

Mary Thompson Tamara Tkaczuk

Anna-Maria Trivieri Gene Wilson Bruce Wolfe

Michael Yednoroz

RETIRING IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS OR KNOW OF SOMEONE WHO IS?

Register for an RTOERO virtual retirement planning workshop designed for all those in the education sector – early years, K-12, post-secondary and more.

Learn more about:

• Planning for your financial future

• Your pension

• Health benefit needs in retirement

• RTOERO benefit plans Retirement insights from your peers

All workshops have an approximate duration of 3 hours from point of check-in.

To register for a workshop, go to the RTOERO Website at rtoero.ca and click on the Registration box at the top of the home page. All workshops are being done virtually until further notice.

Each year, District 14 makes a large donation to the RTOERO Charitable Foundation in memory of all of

our members who have passed away.

WHEN YOU NEED HELP

With the extra pressures and isolation brought on by the Pandemic, many people are struggling emotionally to get through each day. Getting help is essential if you or a loved one is going through a crisis or needs emotional support. Crisis Services Canada provides a list of crisis and listening centers across the country (including local grief and bereavement support groups). These centers are there to respond to people who ask for help. You can contact the national crisis line at 1-833-456-4566, or you can contact one of these local numbers: • St. Catharines, Niagara Falls & Area Crisis Line: (905)

688-3711 • Port Colborne, Wainfleet & Area Crisis Line: (905) 734

-1212 • Fort Erie & Area Crisis Line: (905) 382-0689 • Grimsby & West Lincoln Crisis Line: (905) 563-6674

www.rtoero-district14.org

4

GOODWILL

As this strange year of 2020 with its COVID 19 pandemic draws to a close, your Goodwill Committee wants you to know that we still care what is happening with you, our members of District 14. The Area Reps have carried on with the sending of birthday cards and “thinking-of-you cards.” We have tried to respond to any requests for written communication to the members of a specific Area, when informed about someone in need of consoling, or perhaps congratulations. It all depends on you to inform the Goodwill Rep for your Area or the Liaison for Francophone members about such a need. We shall also continue to use the telephone more to make any “visits” with our more “senior” members.

It has been a tough year for any of you who reached milestone birthdays, as we could not offer you the same way to celebrate at one of our luncheons. I can tell you that the florist who usually works on the long stem roses or the boutonnieres and corsages has also been disappointed. For our centenarians, many could not even be sent the usual flower arrangements, as many places of residence were not permitting delivery. You must feel rather like those students who graduated either from Elementary or High School in 2020.

I can assure you that the Goodwill Committee will be meeting (probably by Zoom) soon to discuss whether we press on with hoping everything will be safe to use our usual Grand Luncheon approach in 2021, or find alternate ways in smaller, more intimate groups to honour those members turning 80 and those who reach 90+ years. In the meantime if you are 90 and over, you can expect to receive Happy Christmas or New Year’s greetings from your Area Representative, on behalf of District 14. Once again we make these 2 earnest appeals: 1) if you do not want to receive such greetings please contact your Area Representative right away, or Margot Smith, Chair of the Committee. 2) Please ensure all your contact information is up to date by using the toll-free telephone number or the email address for the RTOERO head Office in Toronto. Both are printed in all issues of the Grapevine, or on your yearly calendars.

Wishing you all a safe and healthy 2021 and please help us to stay connected with one another.

Margot Smith Chair, Goodwill Committee

FREE MEMBERSHIP WHILE ACTIVELY EMPLOYED!

We are excited to extend our offer of free membership to anyone in the education community for the duration of the individual’s active employment. We encourage members of the education community to begin enjoying the benefits of RTOERO membership as soon as pos-sible. Membership benefits include access to all of our award-winning publications, and notifications of up-coming events like Retirement Planning Workshops, and access to customized travel adventures at special rates. Our Health Benefit coverage is also now open to any members 50 years and older who do not have benefits through their employer. This coverage includes medical and cancellation travel insurance at no additional cost. Please tell all of your friends who are still working in the education sector that they can find more information about these benefits, and how to join RTOERO by visiting the Provincial Website at:

https://rtoero.ca .

ATTENTION À TOUS LES MEMBRES FRANCOPHONES!

Le secteur francophone travaille de très proche avec Margot Smith, la coordonnatrice pour la bienfaisance. Notre but est de communiquer avec les membres le plus possible. A notre prochaine réunion, nous allons communiquer avec chaque petite region pour tout ce qui vous concerne dans le district 14.

Le president de l'Association Franco-Ontarien, Carol Jolin vient de saluer la signature finale de l'entente fédéral-Ontario pour la mise en place de l'Université de l'Ontario français à Toronto. Vraimant, c'est une entente historique et tenez-vous au cournant des nouvelles pour vos petits. N'oubliez pas que si nous avons au moins nos 2 langues officielles, nous avons plus de chance de réussir.

N'oubliez pas de me contacter à 289 479 6188 ou par courriel à mrtilbert@hotmail.com. Je suis à votre disposition.

Margaret Tilbert Liaison francophone du district 14 du Niagara

PLEASE REMEMBER!

In this time of forced isolation for our own physical well-being, some of our members

and friends are suffering from Social Isolation. If you know someone like this, please take a few minutes to check in with them, and let them know that you care!

We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper!

PLEASE NOTE

The address for the national RTOERO Website has changed!

It is now:

rtoero.ca

www.rtoero-district14.org

5

STAYING CONNECTED DURING THE PANDEMIC

In the new world of physical distancing, we are using more technology to stay connected with each other. A pandemic lockdown is challenging for those who look forward to joining with family and friends for dinners and get-togethers. However, you can still have fun with friends and loved ones outside of your household, if you have a smartphone or device with video-chat capabilities. Here are few ideas to get you in the virtual-fun spirit:

Host a virtual family/friends dinner. Invite your family or friends to log in to Skype at dinner time for a video call, set your device on the table and enjoy a meal together (while apart). Order take-out from your favourite restaurant and share views of your special meal by focusing the camera on your plate.

Join a movie watch party. Use Teleparty to watch your favourite movies with your grandkids or friends at the same time.

Dress your pet for a virtual party. Pets are fun, but pets in crazy costumes are even better. Invite a few friends with pets to join a Zoom video call for the party. Best costume wins bragging rights!

Sing karaoke. Log in to Google Meet with your friends, download the karaoke app (Yokee), select your favourite songs and sing the night away.

Bakers unite. Share your favourite recipe with friends, gather the ingredients then jump on a WhatsApp video call. It’s almost as good as baking in the same kitchen together.

Gathering with friends and family for some fun and relaxation may be a bit different this year, but they can still be fun and fulfilling. Stay in touch with each other while staying apart!

PROJECT SERVICE TO OTHERS APPLICATIONS NOW BEING

SOUGHT

Do you volunteer for an organization that needs funding for a special project? Please consider making an application to District 14 for an RTOERO “Project Service to Others” grant. Each year, we sponsor a project that supports local, national and international programs that often involve children, seniors and/or disadvantaged groups, to a maximum of $4,000 per project. In recent years we have given funds: to build a “Teen Room” at Gillian’s Place; to help the opening of the Child Advocacy Centre Niagara; to support NOVA House in Niagara Falls; and to fund the Rinkside Reading Rooms in Fort Erie area Arenas. This year, the Provincial granting body is again looking for projects that have an emphasis on ending Seniors’ Social Isolation.

If you are involved in a project like one of these, or know of a worthwhile local group that needs funding, we encourage you to submit an application to District 14 for consideration. We want to help you! Application Forms for approval for 2021 and a list of previously approved projects (which are a good resource for ideas) will be found on the RTOERO Website – https://rtoero.ca/giving-back/grants/ on February 21, 2021. We require your completed application to be submitted to our District 14 Past President, Diane Conklin, no later than April 1, 2021. For more information please contact her by phone at 289-303-7103 or by email at drconklin11@bell.net.

RTOERO PROVINCIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Retired Teachers of Ontario are looking for students attending a Faculty of Education in Canada who wish to receive a $1000.00 Scholarship. To qualify, a student must be in attendance in a full or part-time program at a Faculty of Education in the year in which they apply and be a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant. They must also be a child, grandchild, niece, nephew, grandniece, grand-nephew, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or step-child of an RTOERO member who will become their sponsor. The student must submit the application (not the member) on the RTOERO website (https://rtoero.ca/giving-back/scholarships/) and must use the RTOERO member’s membership number. The deadline for applying this year is January 29, 2021.

MEET YOUR 2021-22 DISTRICT BOARD

In the last newsletter we presented all members with a tentative Slate of Officers in our Annual Report seeking nominations/volunteers for those positions. No one stepped forward, so the Slate was acclaimed.

Please meet your new Executive Board of RTOERO District 14 - Niagara:

Executive Past President - Diane Conklin President - Chereen Osborne 1st Vice-President - Bill Doyle

2nd Vice-President - Marilyn Malton Secretary - Brian Carty Treasurer - Bob Grand

Committee Chairs Communications - Bonnie Bryan

Events - Diane Conklin Goodwill - Margot Smith

Foundation Liaison - Don Gray Benefits - Marilyn Malton Membership - Bill Doyle

Political Advocacy - Diane Conklin Pension Concerns - Janice Taylor

Francophone Liaison - Margaret Tilbert

www.rtoero-district14.org

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HELPING OUR NEIGHBOURS During this difficult time of unemployment, food insecurity, housing insecurity and heightened mental

health challenges brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Board of RTOERO District 14 voted to give financial support to the following critical agencies:

• All of the Foodbanks of Niagara Region; • Women’s Place, South Niagara; • Gillian’s Place, St. Catharines; and • The Kids Help Phone.

Since we were not able to take up collections at our Spring and Fall Luncheons for Habitat for Humanity and the local Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Funds,

as we would normally do, District 14 sent $400 to Habitat and distributed a total of $1500 to all of the local Legions.

We also made a major donation to Niagara Nutrition Partners, an organization that works to ensure that all children in our region’s schools have at least one nutritious meal a day through their school breakfast or lunch programs. When school was not in session, they endeavoured to safely deliver these meals to needy homes. Like many charities, NNP has lost a lot of its usual fundraising sources due to the pandemic. They were very grateful for the donation!

If you know of other worthwhile charities working to support all those in need here in Niagara, please contact a member of the Executive (see page 2) so that we can consider extending our help.

As part of our Extended Health Benefits, Best Doctors world-renowned experts are here to give you medical advice from the comfort of your own home for chronic conditions, cancelled treatments, postponed surgeries, and general healthcare concerns. We can provide answers to your concerns, a medical opinion on your condition, and guidance on how to proceed while you wait for rescheduled appointments. We’re here to help if you: • Are unsure about a diagnosis or need help deciding on

a treatment option; • Have medical questions or concerns and want a lead-

ing expert’s advice; • Would like to find a local expert who specializes in your

condition; • Need guidance navigating the current healthcare envi-

ronment.

NEED HELP WITH TECHNOLOGY?

According to a recent study, 78% of seniors aged 65-75 owned a smartphone, but only reported “moderate”levels of confidence in using them. TechServeTO, founded in April 2020, has a solution. They are connecting digital-savvy millennial volunteers with older adults who just need a little bit of technical help to improve their everyday lives. TechServeTO is a federally incorporated non-profit that provides services across Canada to older adults through one-on-one sessions, workshops in partnerships with older adults’ associations, and a set of financial literacy resources. Their mission is: “We want all older adults in Canada to build their digital literacy skills and become confident in using technology.” Although the

organization was founded as a COVID-response initiative, they think that their mission to help older adults with digital literacy skills will endure for the years to come.

TechServeTO solves everyday technology problems for those in need. No costs. No strings attached. To learn more: visit their website at: https://www.techserveto.com/;

or telephone: 1-888-418-4771.

COST OF THE GRAPEVINE

Our last Grapevine, distributed in the Fall, was very expensive for the District to distribute by Canada Post. Part of this cost was created by the need to distribute our Annual Report due to the COVID Pandemic. But, even in ordinary times, printing and distributing hard copies of our newsletter is costly.

Here is the breakdown of the costs of the expanded Fall Grapevine newsletter:

Postage Canadian $ 1,022.40 (1276 members) Postage USA $ 5.88 (2 members) Data Management + Production Services $ 998.04 Printing $ 2 998.06

TOTAL BEFORE H.S.T. $ 5,024.38

The cost of distributing the digital edition of the same document to our registered email members (1,805) was only $ 259.92.

We urge all members who are still receiving their Grapevine by mailed hard copy to switch to the digital version which is always posted on our District Website (rtoero-district14.org) to read and reference at any time. You will also find a lot of other information and updates about our activities not found in the Grapevine. To make this switch, contact the Communications Committee Chair, Bonnie Bryan, at bonjim1915@gmail.com.

Presentation of the District donation by

Pres. Chereen Osborne to Niagara Nutrition Partners at Harriet

Tubman Elementary School.

www.rtoero-district14.org

7

Ronald Brady Penny Cecconi Maria Cogswell

Sandra Creelman Angela Di Marco Ruth Findlater

Monique Finora Marion Grist

Roberta Harper Carol House

Brenda Knauer Clara Kornelsen

Lori Lehne

Lauren McIntosh David Mousseau

Joanne Nicol Roy Olsen

Marlene Rendall Mildred Robertson Chantal Robitaille Catherine Stratton

Frank Trivieri Sandra Van der Kant

Frances Wolfe Sandra Wybrow Allister Young

We hope you will come out and enjoy the full benefits and camaraderie of being a member of RTOERO District 14 Niagara!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!

BENEFIT NEWS! In December, we all received “Communiqué”, our 2021 Health Benefits Update. It announced many improvements to our plan and premiums because of the surplus generated by the inability of many of us to take advantage of our qualifying services due to the Lockdowns and restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. On the financial side of the improvements, we will receive a 3% reduction of the premiums for each of our three plans, and guaranteed subsidization of premiums for the next five years. We will also receive improvements in five areas of our benefits:

1. Our dental plan reimbursements will be updated to the 2021 fee guide for general practitioners. 2. Our travel insurance now covers COVID-19 medical emergencies while travelling, even during the

time of government-issued travel advisories. This change is retroactive to October 1, 2020. 3. Our Trip Cancellation or Interruption coverage remains in place if you need to cancel or interrupt

your trip for any of the reasons on pages 73-76 of your Insurance Plan Booklet, including an existing medical condition that has become unstable. Please note that you are not covered for trip cancellation or interruption related to COVID-19. However, unlike other travel plans, RTOERO will continue to reimburse for cancellations and interruptions unrelated to COVID-19.

4. Our Stability Clause (you must be medically stable for 90 days to be covered by our travel insurance) has been improved so that a reduction or discontinuation in medication due to an improvement in your condition is no longer subject to the stability clause.

5. General Exclusion #6 for the Emergency Medical Travel Plan has been updated to clarify that you continue to be covered if you continue pro-active care for a stable condition while you are travelling.

You can always find the Updated Insurance Plan Booklet (2021) online at rtoero.ca/resources/insurance-plan-updates. If you do not have internet access, you can request a printed copy by calling 1-800-361-9888. If you need more clarification about any part of the plan, call 1-800-563-3274.

www.rtoero-district14.org

8

DISTRICT 14 NIAGARA CONTEST 2021 ENTER NOW TO WIN

GREAT PRIZES - $50 IN VALUE

Complete the following statement in 25 words or less…

I like the RTOERO District 14 Niagara newsletter, the Grapevine and website because ….

Your name will be submitted to qualify for a draw to win a gift bag of RTOERO ITEMS including such items as a cloth carry bag, an aluminum drinking cup,

a black toque with logo, a pair of socks and mittens and a special bookmark. There will be 10 lucky winners!

Send your entry to D. Conklin at drconklin11@bell.net or mail it to D. Conklin 19 Phipps Street, Fort Erie On L2A2V3.

The names of the 10 winners will be published in the next newsletter, and our website.

DISTRICT 14 NIAGARA CONTEST 2021 ENTREZ MAINTENANT POUR GAGNER

GRANDS PRIX - 50 $ EN VALEUR

Complétez la déclaration suivante en 25 mots ou moins...

J’aime le RTOERO District 14 Niagara newsletter, le Grapevine et le site web parce que ....

Votre nom sera soumis pour se qualifier pour un tirage au sort pour gagner un sac cadeau d’articles RTOERO tels qu’un sac de transport en tissu, une tasse à boire en aluminium, un touque noir avec lo-

go, une paire de chaussettes et de mitaines et un signet spécial. Il y aura 10 heureux gagnants.

Envoyez votre entrée à D. Conklin à drconklin11@bell.net ou envoyez-la par la poste à D. Conklin 19 Phipps Street, Fort Érié Sur L2A2V3.

Les noms des 10 gagnants seront publiés dans le prochain bulletin d’information et sur le site Web.

Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of RTOERO District

14 Niagara. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Grapevine Editor & Communications Chair, Bonnie Bryan, at 905-562-7773.

Over 1500 Email Grapevines!

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we have your correct email address. Over 1500 copies of the Grapevine are received by

email link. If we do not have your correct email you will be missing out. Send all changes or corrections to

bonnieb773@gmail.com.

The deadline for submitting material for the Spring Grapevine is February 1, 2021

FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION

Remember to visit our District 14 Niagara Website regularly for the most current Information. New, important

events sometimes come up between Newsletters, but are announced on the Website. Go to

www.rtoero-district14.org for the latest information!