Retired Women Teachers of Ontario

SESSION 1 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2004

Retired Women Teachers of Ontario
ANNUAL MEETING June 8 - 9, 2005
Four Points Sheraton Hotel and Suites
285 King St. E., Kingston, ON

MINUTES

SESSION #1 - Wednesday, June 8, 2005

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks [Carol Martin - President]
The 49th Annual Meeting of the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario was called to order at 8:45 a.m. by President, Carol Martin, who welcomed all delegates and visitors. From the many kilometers that she traveled this year as she visited Branches throughout this wonderful province, Carol gave us suggestions on how to help pass the time when driving alone. However, many of these hints are sure to get you some strange looks from people in other vehicles! Carol also read an excerpt from the “hot off the press” book, Forever Young, Retired Women Teachers of Ontario, Belleville Branch.
As there were several changes to the Agenda, Carol announced that we the revised agenda was printed on green paper.

.01 Introduction of New Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Martha Abra - Carol Martin introduced Martha Abra to the RWTO members attending the Annual Meeting. Carol spoke about the hiring process and how Martha was unanimously thought to be the top candidate. She thanked Martha for doing a superb job!

2. Announcements [Convention Convenors] - Judy Moulton and Dorothy Pearson made several housekeeping announcements. The seating reservation process for the banquet was explained. Lost and found items were announced and very important information regarding the Wolfe Island tour was given.

3. Delegate Voting Information [Carol Bell - Program Convenor] - Carol Bell announced that there were 152 delegates present. Resolutions #1 through #5 would require a 66% vote or 100 votes. Resolutions #6 and #7 would require a simple majority [50% + 1] or 76 votes. Resolution #9 and #10 would require an 80% or 122 votes. Speakers would have a maximum time of 2 minutes to address each motion. Delegates presenting motions and/or amendments were asked to come to the head table to sign motion sheets. Carol Martin introduced and explained the roles of the time keeper, the Scrutineers and the Steering Committee.

4. Minutes of the 2004 Annual Meeting [Marilyn Emmett - Recording Secretary] - Marilyn briefly highlighted the resolutions from the 48th Annual Meeting that affected the Handbook or Policies and Procedures Manual.

Motion # AM-05-01
Moved by Carolyn Shoup, seconded by Margot Smith, that the minutes of the 48th Annual Meeting be accepted as presented. Carried

5. Reports

.01 Treasurer’s Report/Presentation 2005-2006 Budget
[Martha Abra - Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Assisted by Carol Martin]

Martha A. gave a detailed explanation of the financial statement and budget as printed in her reports. Martha reported that the auditor gave the highest rating that the statements “present fairly” the financial position and the statement of operations for the year ending March 31, 2005. Details were given about several lines of the Financial Statement. Pie charts breaking down the Proposed 2005-2006 Budget amounts for Revenue and Expenses were reviewed and discussed. The proposed budget for each individual line was reviewed and discussed. Martha also notified the membership that the Board had passed a motion to have up to $ 40,000.00 put into reserves to be available for the Book Project.

.02 Constitution/Resolutions Report [Joy Patyk - First Vice-President] - Joy referred to her report on page 13 of the 2005 Annual Report. She added: As a result of Resolution 4 we needed to add resolutions 9 & 10. The resolutions will be considered in the following order #1 through #5, #6, #9 and #10, then #8 and then, if necessary #7.

Announcement: Eileen Collins, Hamilton/Wentworth, reported on how to pre order a copy of the 50th Anniversary Book Project book, Chalk, Challenge and Change. Cost $18.00

6. Resolutions [Joy Patyk, First Vice-President, Lee Beech - Parliamentarian] - Lee announced that there would be some changes to the wording of the resolutions that would not change their intent but would simplify wording.

RESOLUTION # 1 [From the Board of Directors]
Moved by Martha Summers, seconded by Patricia Fremlin
Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended by the addition of the following content:

Article IV - Organization
Add 1. (b) (xi) Communications Convenor

Article VI - Duties of Executive Officers
ADD 12. Communications Convenor

Communications Convenor shall:
(a) attend all meetings of the board and executive
(b) chair the Communications Committee
(c) coordinate the publication of the newsletter, the updating of the website, and such other documents as may be identified by the Board of Directors
(d) work with the Executive Secretary-Treasurer to ensure that the business aspects of the production of the newsletter and website meet the needs of the organization.
(e) Make recommendations to the Board of Directors and the Executive for major changes to the newsletter and website as needed.

Article VIII Duties and Structures of Provincial Committee
Under the subheading Standing Committee,
Add 6. Communication Committee

The Communications Committee shall:

(a) be chaired by the Communications Convenor
(b) be comprised of up to three members appointed by the Board of Directors
(c) be responsible for the production of the newsletter, website and other official communication publications
(d) determine content, including all information identified by the Constitutions and Resolutions Committee of RWTO, by the Board of Directors, and other such items as may be submitted by committees and individuals
(e) ensure that the content is relevant and of interest to RWTO members

Motion # AM-05-02

Moved by Marilyn Childerhose, Mississauga Branch, seconded by Eleanor Dallimore, Mississauga Branch, that the following amendment be added to Resolution 1: that the following subsection be added to 12. Communications Convenor:
f. hold the position for 2 [two] years and be eligible for a second term of 2 [two] years. Carried

Vote on the amended resolution #1. Carried
RESOLUTION # 2 [From the Board of Directors]
Moved by Martha Summers, seconded by Patricia Fremlin
Be it resolved that the Constitution, Article XI - Communications, be amended to read:

1, The newsletter and website shall be the official means of communication with members of RWTO.
2. The content of the newsletter and website shall be determined by the Communications Committee in consultation with the Board of Directors.
3. Frequency of publication and format of the newsletter and updating of the website shall be determined by the Communications Committee in Consultation with the Executive Secretary-Treasurer and approved by the Board of Directors. Carried

RESOLUTION # 3 [From the Board of Directors]
Moved by Barbara Bain, seconded by Sherri Stokes
Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended by the addition of the following:

Article IV - Organization
Add 1. (b) (xii) Membership Convenor

Article VI - Duties of Executive Officers
Add 13. Membership Convenor

The Membership Convenor shall:

(a) hold the position for 2 years
(b) attend all meetings of the Board and Executive
(c) chair the Membership Committee
(d) make recommendations to Board of Directors as needed
(e) call meetings to carry out the committee’s business
(f) prepare an agenda for the committee’s business meetings
(g) supply updated and meaningful information to branch presidents at least once a year, preferably at the Annual Convention or shortly thereafter.
(h) prepare and submit a membership report for each newsletter
(i) train a committee member to take over as chair when the position is up for renewal
(j) work closely with the committee members, sharing responsibility
(k) report to the Provincial President, the Executive and the Board of Directors

Article VII - Duties and Structures of Provincial Committees
Under the subheading Standing Committees
Add 7. Membership Committee

The Membership Committee shall:

(a) support existing branches
(b) assist any branch in need
(c) identify which areas in the province may wish to learn more about RWTO
(d) assist in opening new branches
(e) offer workshops, seminars and presentations when requested
(f) attend all meetings at the call of the chair

Motion # AM-05-03
Moved by Alba Falconi, Mississauga Branch, seconded by Marilyn Albertowicz, Mississauga Branch, that the following amendment be added to Resolution 3: that Section 13. Membership Convenor, subsection a. be changed to:
a. hold the position for 2 [two] years and be eligible for a second term of 2 [two] years. Carried

Vote on the amended resolution #3. Carried

RESOLUTION #4 [From the Board of Directors]
Moved by Patricia Fremlin, seconded by Sylvia Kajiura
Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended by the addition of:

Article VI - Duties of the Executive Officers
5. Second Vice President

The Second Vice-President shall:

(c) keep a current database for the “over 90's”
(d) send flowers to members celebrating their 100th birthdays Carried

RESOLUTION # 5 [From the Board of Directors]
Moved by Patricia Fremlin, seconded by Sylvia Kajiura
Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended by adding another article:

Article VI - Duties of the Executive Officers
2. Past President

The Past President shall:

(d) assume responsibility for updating and keeping the policy manual current Carried

RESOLUTION # 9 [From the Provincial RWTO Executive]
Moved by Joy Patyk, seconded by Sherri Stokes
Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended ad follows:

Article VIII - Duties and Structures of Provincial Committees
Appointed Committee / Convenors

The Goodwill Convenor shall:

(a), (b) and (c) remain as written
(d) keep current the database for the over 90's
(e) send flowers to members celebrating their 100th birthday Carried

RESOLUTION # 10 [From the Provincial RWTO Executive]
Moved by Joy Patyk, seconded by Sherri Stokes
Be it resolved that the constitution be amended to read as follows:

Work of Provincial Committees
B. Appointed Committee / Convenors
1. Goodwill add:

(a) keep current database for the “over 90's”
(b) send flowers to members celebrating their 100th birthday Carried

7. Reports [Continued]

.03 Nominations [Patricia Fremlin - Past President] - Patricia Fremlin presented the 2005-2006 Proposed Slate of Officers as printed on page 32 of the 2005 Annual Report with addition of Mavis Rupnow as Director of Area7.

8. Coffee Break

9. Networking Sessions:

#1 - 50th Anniversary Book Project [Eileen Collins]
#2 - The “5 I’s” of Membership [Barbara Bain]
#3 - RWTO - Programs and Fund-Raising [Alba Falconi]

SESSION #2 - Thursday, June 9, 2005
Please note some agenda items have been renumbered to reflect the order of events.

8:45 A.M. Carol Martin called the meeting to order and made a few housekeeping announcements. We sang Happy Birthday to Dorothy Pearson. Branch presidents were asked to pick up Boundary Redefinition materials from Barbara Johnston.

I0. In Memoriam Service [Mary Jane Finn - Archivist] - A very moving and affective Memorial Service, to honour those members who have passed away, was conducted by Archivist, Mary Jane Finn, with participation by Carol Martin and the Area Directors.

Motion # AM-05-04
Moved by Patricia Fremlin, seconded by Mary Kidd, that the Nominations report presented yesterday be accepted as presented. Carried

11. Reports [Continued]

.04 Program-Coordinator [Carol Bell] - Carol B. referred to her report on page 14 of the 2005 Annual Report. She thanked the Directors for their work during their term on the Board. She asked departing directors to have a brief meeting with their successor and pass on “the binder” and other information. She also asked the Directors to sit with their Area representatives during the business meeting.

.05 Membership [Barbara Bain - Membership Committee Chair] - Barbara referred to her report on page 12 of the 2005 Annual Report. She reported that the new membership brochures should be ready by the fall. Of special interest to many branches - those branches encouraging increases in membership will be eligible for cash awards. These awards will go to the three branches with the largest percentage increase in membership from April1, 2005 to March 31, 2006, in their respective Branch Size Group. This award is to be called, The Barbara Bain Membership Award.
The Feather in Your Hat Award was presented to Windsor-Essex and to Scarborough. New Feather in Your Hat information is to be sent to Sandra Train who will be the new Membership Chair for 2005-2006.

.06 Honorary Life Membership [Judy Moulton] - The Honorary Life Membership awards were presented last night to Thérèse Bradley, Carol Martin and Emy McBride. Thérèse Bradley’s award was presented posthumously. All of these ladies were remembered with some tears, some laughter and many good wishes. Congratulations!

.07 Issues and Concerns [Carole Watson - Convenor] - Carole referred to her report on page 30 of the 2005 Annual Report. If you have a topic for her to consider for the newsletter, please contact her.

.08 Archivist [Mary Jane Finn] - Mary Jane reported that the In Memoriam book is on display at the Convention. Each Area Director has a booklet with the past In Memoriam services in it. It is also available for individual branches.

.09 Goodwill [Sherri Stokes - Second Vice-President] - Sherri referred to her report on page 29 of the 2005 Annual Report. She also asked us for help in locating some of our “lost trails.” Sherri commented that it had been a busy, but most rewarding year and then read some of the thank you notes and messages of appreciation she had received. She has sent more than 1100 cards. We now have 33 members over 100 years of age and several over 105. Special congratulations goes to these ladies!

.10 Insurance [Judith Hood, Convenor/Bernice Pew - Assistant Convenor] - Judith referred to the Insurance report on page 12 of the 2005 Annual Report. [Note: Should read Accidental Death (not Life) and Dismemberment.] She reminded us of Motion 04/05 - 57 that was passed at the April Executive Meeting.
Year 1 - Provincial Insurance Convenors will visit all 12 areas.
Year 2 - The Branch Convenors & Treasurers will meet at a central location for presentations from ENCON et al. September 2005 will be a Year 2.
This year’s Insurance Workshop will take place after the Board of Directors meetings at the Holiday Inn Fairway Road, Kitchener, on the afternoon and evening of September 14, 2005. She added that next year’s membership card will show Insurance information on it and that the Insurance Convenors are looking for Insurance testimonials. RWTO received a profit-sharing cheque from Encon for $29,084.00.

.11 Outreach Program [Patricia Fremlin - Chair] - Patricia complimented the branches on the great displays of their Outreach programs. Send new Outreach grant applications to Carol Martin, before June 2006.

.12 50th Anniversary Book Project Report [Carol Bell - Board Liaison] - Carol B. referred to her report on page 31 of the 2005 Annual Report and submitted a more recent statement of the status of the 50th Anniversary Book Project. Her report, a copy of which will be attached the copy of these minutes that goes to Archives, summarizes what has been done, our present status and where we are going in the future.

Motion # AM-05-05
Moved by Jeannine Renaud, seconded by Linda Seath, that the Committee reports be accepted as presented. Carried

6. Resolutions [Joy Patyk, First Vice-President, Lee Beech, Parliamentarian - Continued from Wednesday’s session]
Carol Bell explained that as we had fewer delegates this morning, resolution # 6 would require 100 votes to be carried and that resolutions # 8 and # 7 would require 76 votes.

RESOLUTION # 6 [From the Sault Ste. Marie and Central Algoma Branches]
Moved by Joyce Mertes, seconded by Joan MacKay
Be it resolved that the constitution be amended by adding:

Article III - Membership and Fees
4. Fees
(f) Fees for new members shall be 50% of their regular fees for their first year, if they join in the first year of retirement. Defeated

RESOLUTION # 8 [From the Hamilton-Wentworth Branch]
Moved by Eileen Collins, seconded by Jeannie Hrycenko
Be it resolved that the Annual Rebate paid to Branches be increased to 30% of the membership fee, effective 2006-2007.

Motion # AM-05-06
Moved by Barbara Johnston, Mississauga Branch, seconded by Alba Falconi, Mississauga Branch, that Resolution 8 be changed by deleting the words 30% of the membership fee and replaced with:
Be it resolved the annual rebate paid to Branches be increased by one dollar ($1.00)

Vote on the amendment to Resolution #8. Defeated

Motion # AM-05-07
Moved by Joy Patyk, seconded by Marilyn Emmett, that a tabulated, secret ballot vote be held for Resolution 8. Carried

The results of this vote administered by the Steering Committee is as follows:
For - 64
Against - 84
Abstaining - 0
As a result, Resolution #8 was defeated. Defeated

Motion # AM-05-08
Moved by Sheila Wright, seconded by Isabel Ward, that the ballots for Resolution #8 be destroyed. Carried

RESOLUTION # 7 [From the Windsor-Essex Branch]
Moved by Emy McBride, seconded by Valerie Luscott
Be it resolved that the Provincial RWTO will reimburse local branches at forty cents ($0.40) per member to be used for goodwill expenses.

Motion # AM-05-09
Moved by Margot Smith, Niagara South Branch, seconded by Nancy Kumpf, Burlington Branch, that Resolution #7 be changed by the wording: will reimburse local branches an additional forty cents ($0.40) per regular and sustaining member. ~~[for goodwill purposes]~~

Vote on the amendment to Resolution #7. Defeated

Action taken: Motion #7 was referred to the Board of Directors.

Motion # AM-05-10
Moved by Helen Mutton, seconded by Carole Watson, that Resolution # 7 be referred to the Board of Directors. Carried

Motion # AM-05-11
Moved by Isabel Ward, seconded by Linda Seath, that on behalf of the RWTO Board of Directors, the President write to the applicable Provincial politicians indicating our opposition to and protest of any adoption or inclusion of Shariah Law, its terms and practices, in the Province of Ontario. Carried [unanimously]

12. Executive Secretary-Treasurer’s Report [Martha Abra] - In the interest of time Martha referred us to the last page of the financial report on which was printed a list of major projects she had completed to date, since March 1, 2005 and projects she has planned for the next year.

13. Budget Approval

Motion # AM-05-12
Moved by Joy Patyk, seconded by Barbara Bain, that the budget presented at yesterday’s session be approved. Carried

14. Invitation to 2006 Convention [Kitchener] We were invited to mingle and mix in Waterloo in 2006 to celebrate 50 years of OASWT / RWTO.

15. Adjournment

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