Submitted by Sharron Colter
On Monday November 14, 2022 the Retired Women Teachers, RWTO/OERO of the Bruce Peninsula and area met at the Propeller Club in Wiarton. Joanne and her volunteers catered a delicious turkey meal with all of the trimmings.
We welcomed RWTO/OERO Provincial President, Judy Drummond from Lanark Ontario who brought greetings from the Board.
There were three speakers during the luncheon meeting. Rachel Taylor from Home and Community Support Services presented the many programs offered to older adults who want to stay in their own homes. Some of the programs include transportation, meals on wheels, frozen meals availability, day away, respite for caregivers, housekeeping and friendly home visitation. Rachel explained that the challenges for the success of these programs are dependent on volunteers who keep the cost of services affordable for older adults. Contact hcssgreybruce.com to receive support, to volunteer or to donate.
Eileen White, a retired woman teacher of the Bluewater District School Board has created an amazing digital Literacy program in her retirement to teach young children how to read and write. The program can also be used to teach adults who are learning to read and write in English as a second language.
After a delicious turkey dinner was served, we were honored to acknowledge the Land of the Bruce Peninsula and welcome Elder Shirley John from Saugeen who presented an informative workshop related to Truth and Reconciliation. The following statement brings hope for the future, “We acknowledge with respect, the history, spirituality, and culture of the Anishinabek and the Haudenosaunee peoples on whose traditional territories we gather and whose ancestors signed Treaties with our ancestors. We recognize also, the Ojibway of Nawash and the Ojibway of Saugeen, whose ancestors shared this land and these waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. May we all live with respect on this land and live in peace and friendship with all of its diverse peoples.”
The retired women teachers are sending monetary donations to the Tobermory, Lion’s Head, Wiarton and Tara Food Banks. At this meeting, 50 pounds of food, several gifts for children, $300 and a $25 Foodland gift card were generously donated to the Salvation Army Wiarton Food Bank by the retired women teachers in attendance. A donation was also made to Home and Community Support Services.
The mission of the group is to meet to connect with others who want to give back with community outreach to help women and children and make their communities better. New members are welcome to join the RWTO/OERO Wiarton Branch and Area. Email Sharron Colter at dshcolter@eastlink.ca or phone 519-793-3473 for more information. The next meeting will be held on May 8, 2023.
