​South Bruce retired women teachers celebrate new school year with branch breakfast

The first day back for Bluewater District schools was just nicely under way when 30 members and guests of the South Bruce branch of the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario/Organization des eneignantes retraitées de l’Ontario (RWTO/OERO) arrived at the Ainsdale Golf Course for their annual not-going-back-to-school breakfast.

Looking relaxed and happy, the ladies enjoyed catching up with friends and former colleagues in the social time prior to the event.

Incoming branch president Jo Ann Ruetz welcomed everyone and introduced special guest, provincial president Linda Sargeant, who came from Hamilton to join the celebration.

Following a delicious and bountiful breakfast, Sargeant shared reminiscences of her teaching career, early retirement time and discovery of the retired women teachers’ group. She joined her local branch and worked her way up through the ranks – a journey she thoroughly enjoyed - until it was suggested she become involved at the provincial executive level.

The coming year marks the 70th anniversary of the provincial organization which began as a political group determined to improve pension benefits for retired women teachers. Over time, it evolved into a social group, providing retired women educators emotional support, social interaction and friendship.

As with many organizations, maintaining membership numbers is key to survival and success. In recent years the group has expanded membership categories to include retired women audiologists, child and youth workers/counsellors, early childhood educators, educational assistants, office support staff, psychologists, social workers and speech and language pathologists.

Sargeant spoke of the history of the RWTO/OERO and encouraged South Bruce members to attend the 70th anniversary annual general meeting in June at Western University, and promoted some of the events that are planned for the milestone gathering.

Ruetz thanked Sargeant for bringing news from the provincial board and invited her to install the new executive.

Pledging to perform their duties faithfully, the new officers include president Jo Ann Ruetz, vice-president Deb Marion, treasurer Heather Keelan, secretary Rosemary Neilson, insurance convener Betty Johnson; goodwill convener Lynda Cerson, and past-president Frances Nixon.

Ruetz presented the Cora Bailey Award to Frances Nixon, recognizing her contributions and outstanding service to the branch during her tenure as president.

With the meeting nearly finished, door prizes were awarded and members were reminded to note the upcoming meeting dates listed in the branch brochure which was distributed to all.

Retired women educators in southern Bruce County are warmly invited to join the branch and may find contact information at rwto.org/branch-new/south-bruce/.