Retired Women Teachers of Ontario

Report of the 47th Annual Meeting

Date: June 3, 4, 5th 2003

Location: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario

The 47th Annual RWTO Meeting was hosted by the Hamilton Branch at McMaster University. With only one year to plan and coordinate the event the co -chairs Carol Burnell ,Karen Cosier and Eileen Collins and their committee did a fabulous job!

Although there were many challenges, positive attitudes and creative problem-solving prevailed to make the Convention a great success.

The Hospitality Room was a wonderful meeting place .The abundance of Raffle prizes, generously donated from the Branches across the province, the Crafts on display and for sale and the delicious snacks available in abundance at all hours, provided the delegates and visitors with the opportunity to greet and exchange ideas with their fellow RWTO members.

Shirley Hoover, RWTO President, presided over the proceedings with her usual good humour (and funny stories) and Juanita Rathbun as Parliamentarian kept the Business meetings moving smoothly so that many Resolutions were dealt with and approved by the 121 voting delegates.

Our thanks to the Steering Committee -Helen Mutton, Marie Vaughn, Isabelle Parker; Poll Clerk Inez Haid and the Scrutineers - Anne McFarlane, Karen Walton, Isobel Gilbank and Iris Edwards for volunteering their time to assist in the business portion of the meeting.

Johanna Vanderpol, Executive Secretary-Treasurer reported a budget surplus of $1544.53 for the year 2002-2003.
RWTO now has over 6,000 members, 589 new members this year.
In the proposed budget for 2003-2004, $26,500 has been allotted to cover Community outreach projects ($500) per branch.
Ask your Area Director for the criteria for applying for the grant.
The complete budget is on pg.6 of the Newsletter.

Report Highlights

Resolutions referred to Committee at the 2002 Convention have been studied

York North and Mississauga Branches have been consulted

The committee will present its recommendations at the Annual Meeting, June 2004

Program Coordinator Elsie Seddon thanked those who had assisted her this year and explained voting procedures for the business meetings (121 voting delegates)

Policies and Procedures Committee is preparing a Policy Handbook that will include updates on various Guidelines and Procedures

The various methods used in the different areas to elect/select Area Directors will be part of this information

In Memoriam and Honorary Life Membership books have been updated and were on display during the Convention

Insurance Convenors-Joan Sisler-Wells and Judith Hood reported a successful year

RWTO received $13233.05 from Encon (4% of the Insurance premiums)

The Convenors were pleased with the success of the Insurance Workshop held last fall and plan to host a similar one this year

Judy Moulton invited delegates and visitors to view displays on Scams and The Royal Oak Trees set up in the Hospitality Room

Goodwill Convenor reported that a new Caring and Sharing policy meant that 8 members received fresh flowers or plants on their 100th birthdays

Goodwill Convenors are reminded to fill out Over 90's information forms

Barbara Bain reported on the successful amalgamation of East and West Parry Sound Branches into one Branch to be known as East Parry Sound

Honorary President Marie Smith expressed her appreciation for all the caring and sharing shown to her through the years and reported that she had thoroughly enjoyed her 8 years in various Provincial Offices and the past year as honorary President.

Convention 2004, Scarborough

The Business Session ended with a lively and professional Power Point Presentation inviting everyone to attend Convention 2004, Hats Off to RWTO, hosted by Scarborough next June in Markham.Co-chairs for this event are Durelle Harford McAllister and Sherri Stokes - Director Area 5.

This 47th Annual Meeting not only accomplished a lot of necessary business, but also provided a chance to showcase local talent ….Jude Johnson entertainer at Wed. night's banquet -Wonderful presentation of Songs of the Decades…..Tues. Night's Reception entertainment- the Hamilton All Star Jazz Band…Wow! From hiking to lunch at Dundurn Castle, to networking with friends old and new, the delegates experienced the Best of Hamilton! A Good Time was had by all! Thank You Hamilton Branch!

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