Retired Teachers of Ontario

Greetings everyone! The snow is gone and spring is here in full force: flowers are blooming, birds are singing, humans are raking their yards and sitting outside enjoying the sun.
Thank goodness! Since I am now receiving the Old Age Pension, I can relate to this story. Remember that old folks are worth a fortune; silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet and gas in their stomachs. I have become a little older since I saw you last and a few changes have come into my life. Frankly, I have become quite a frivolous old gal. As soon as I wake up WILL POWER helps me get out of bed. Then I go to see JOHN. Then CHARLIE HORSE comes along and takes up a lot of my time and attention.
When he leaves, ARTHRITIS shows up and stays the rest of the day. He doesn’t like to stay
in one place very long, so he takes me from joint to joint. After such a busy day, I’m really
tired and glad to go to bed with BEN GAY.
What a life!
PS The preacher came to call the other day. He said that at my age I should be thinking of
the hereafter. I told him, “Oh, I do all the time. No matter where I am, in the parlour, upstairs, in the kitchen or downstairs in the basement, I ask myself, now... What am I here after?”
I very much look forward to seeing you at our Annual General Meetings in the north and the south. Our District 18 AGM will be at Wigamog Inn in the fall.
Hope to see you soon!

In March 1968 RTO/ERO was born. It was originally called the Superannuated Teachers of Ontario orSTO/ERO. This year will likely see its 60,000thmember. Please watch in the Renaissance for more information about the celebrations this year.

We welcome the following members who have joinedDistrict 18 since our last newsletter in November.

The executive would like to set up a data base of e-mail addresses of the members of District 18. This would enable communications with members to be accomplished quickly and easily. Members without an e-mail account would still be communicated with by the telephone callers. Newsletters could also be sent by email, which would help save money and trees. If we do not have your e-mail address, please send it to Edna Madill.

The 2008 Golf Scramble will be held at the Sturgeon Point Golf Course on June 26th. All are welcome to attend for a fun day. Please see the included form for registration details. Thanks to Bob Ellis and Rich Brien for organizing this event.

The Annual General Meeting will be held at Wigamog Inn on Monday, September 30, 2008.

During the business meeting there will be a motion put forward to amend the constitution. These amendments deal with the Meritorious Service Award. We hope to see you there. A registration form is included with the newsletter.

The AGM is being held at Bonnie View Inn on June 17, 2008. The business meeting is at 10:00 a.m. and lunch is at noon. The speakers will be addressing the needs of the children of Haliburton County. If interested in attending, please contact Louise Cooper at (705) 754-9129. Cost is $20 and cheques may be sent to Louise Cooper at:

The AGM is being held at the Dunsford Community Centre on June 4, 2008. The meeting starts at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is at 6:00 p.m. The cost for the roast beef dinner is $20 per person. The registration form is included with this newsletter. Our speaker is Chris Godwin, who is the biologist at the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre. Please plan to attend.

Lawn bowling is being held this year on June 19, 2008. Participating members really enjoyed the day last year. This event provides a great opportunity to learn how to lawn bowl. We hope to see you there. Please see the included form for details. Thanks to Grace Irvine for organizing this event.

Many thanks to all our Telephone Callers and Captains who so cheerfully made our calls this year. It is good to connect with former friends and teachers and those who are not well certainly appreciate the call. We are pleased to have some new callers but still require a caller for the Burnt River area and some for the Lindsay calling area. Our list of retired teachers is growing and extra callers are always welcome to shorten the calling lists.
Submitted by Anna Marie Farrow, Convenor

This past year has been a quiet one in our district. We have had some new retirees join and a few inquiries on the phone. We have seen many improvements to the plan, as always. All of the improvements have been listed in a past copy of the Renaissance, which all members should receive.

I would like to highlight some items. We have all received new booklets outlining the plans. Please make certain that you read it and take it with you when you travel. Make certain that you understand the Out of Province/Canada Sudden and Unforseen Medical Stability Clause and its parameters, which deals with cancer, heart, lung and irregularities or abnormalities.

It has been brought to my attention that some U.S. Medical Facilities have been trying to bill our members, even though World Access Centre (WAC) has already paid the bill. If this happens to you contact WAC immediately and please let me know so I can notify RTO.

I will be attending the Health Conference on June 7-8. If you have any ideas re health plan improvements, let me know and I will present them to the RTO Conference.

There were two events organized this year. In the fall some of our members went on a Mystery Tour, which included a boat tour out of Fenelon Falls and supper at the MacKenzie Estate in Kirkfield. The weather was great and we enjoyed our day.

The weather finally cooperated with us in February for the Valentine Lunch. The event was well attended and everyone enjoyed getting out and having a good meal and a visit with other members.

Thanks to everyone who has attended any of the social events these past few years. I appreciate the support. This has been my last term on the committee. We need some member(s) to take over this position. Please let me or any executive member know if you are interested. I have an information file and would be pleased to give any help to a new committee.
Submitted by Edna Madill, Convenor

During the period April 2007 to April 2008 seven get well or thinking of you cards were sent to our sick or shut-in members. Four plants were delivered to those who had surgery or were in the hospital.

Sympathy cards were sent to families who lost loved ones and forty dollars was donated in memory of each member who passed away during the year. These donations were made to the Educational Enrichment Program.

At Christmas time, cards and packages were prepared and delivered to members confined to nursing homes or to their own residences.

Thanks to everyone who phoned to tell me when they heard of a member who needed to be remembered in some way. Please continue to do so. My phone number is 374-5513.

Darren Bailey, Human Resources/Volunteer Coordinator with Community Care for the City of Kawartha Lakes, has sent information to the executive about opportunities for our members to become involved in volunteering. There are several programs such as meals on wheels, adult day programs, providing transportation and serving on committees, to name just a few.

We welcome the following members who have joined District 18 since January 1, 2007.

Haliburton Unit
George Adams
Lynne P. Brown

Kawartha Lakes Unit
Susan Frampton
Linda George
James Johnson
Kenneth A. Barron

"SPLENDOUR OF THE SEASON: a holiday collection of music, dance, and song"
Dates: December 15 at 8:00 p.m. and December 16 at 2:00 p.m.
A well-established community tradition, "SPLENDOUR" is a Christmas program blending time honoured and modern pieces, performed by talented local soloists, choirs, dancers, instrumentalists and ensembles. Many of these young performers were recently showcased in productions of “A Chorus Line” and "The Best of Broadway,” and are well- known throughout this community. The show promises to be a wonderful family event, with truly, "something for everyone" of all ages.
For tickets, contact the Academy Theatre box office at 324-9111
ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS SHOW WILL BE DONATED TO THE ACADEMY
THEATRE FOUNDATION

Mary E. MacInnes
Geraldine Smith
Muriel McGahey
Hilda Robinson
Georgie Snoddon
Isobel Austin
Frances Jean Hogberg
Paul Sears
Bill Sage
Leona Mackie

Have something to sell? Perhaps an ad in the newsletter would help. Call Edna Madill at
(705) 324-5380 or e-mail at emadill@nexicom.net for costs.

The Retirement Planning Workshop hosted by District 18 was held October 27th, 2007, at I.E. Weldon Collegiate in Lindsay. The speakers were: Tony Savinski, the RTO Pension Officer, Don Brooks from Johnson’s Inc. the RTO Health Plan Administrators, and Joe Lovsin and Max Radiff of the District Executive. All speakers were informative and concise
and so we were able to stay within the three-hour time frame that was RTO’s goal.

Most of the teachers who registered were from our boards with a few from Bancroft, Bradford, and Peterborough. In total there were 31 teachers and spouses in attendance. The whole exercise was, therefore, very worthwhile.

My thanks go to Joe and Max for their presentations and to Edna Madill, Karen Brentnell and Mary Dickson for assisting with the registration and with the lunch arrangements.

As this is my last report to the District Executive I would like to take the opportunity to say that I have enjoyed my time working on behalf of the District and with the other members of the Executive, and I wish you much success in the future.

The Salvation Army in Lindsay is planning various ministries for disadvantaged and needy families in our community. These ministries will be conducted with the help of the new Family Services building at 30 Peel Street in Lindsay. One ministry project that is currently being planned is the tutoring of school students in specific school subjects. In consultation with
individuals at Trillium Lakelands District Board of Education we have been advised that it is best that tutors be qualified educational professionals.
The Salvation Army would like to find out if there are retired teachers who would be
interested in participating in a tutoring program for school students in our community.

I f you would like to volunteer some time to help children and teenagers who are in need of
extra help outside the classroom we would be pleased to have you work with us in this
program. Please call Mrs. Jane Sheward at the Salvation Army Community Services 705-324-7771 Monday to Friday 10 AM to 4 PM or Anna Britton at 878-5331 Tuesday & Thursday 10 AM to 4 PM.

We have revised all the lists this year and are in the process of collecting e-mail addresses from those who wish to have their communications done that way. It is good to have the personal touch of a phone call and we have many dedicated volunteers who make those calls. Our lists are growing longer and we would appreciate any new volunteers. I would like to say a big thank you to the Captains and Callers of the telephone teams who get our calls done.
CAPTAINS
Mert Davis, Joan Graham, Elsie Hall, Mary Dickson, Bob May, Doreen Roadhouse
CALLERS
Ruth Barrett, Carol Nicholson, Connie Shannon, Ann Thomson, Jean O'Neill, Donald Farrow, Dave McClelland, Eleanor Davis, Betty Anne Schewchuk, Heather Sisson, Joan Graham, Marguriete Olan, Marion McKenzie, Barbara McEachern, Margaret Davey, Doreen Patterson, Gloria Thurston, Jackie Field, Faith Crozier, Faye Nicholson, Rosella Moore, Kathleen Waite, Alice Sears, Helen Palmer, Ruby Catling, Noreen Brasier, Margaret Allen, Mabel Smith, Gloria Thurston (Lindsay) Maxine Sinclair, Dan Willison, Margaret Ferguson, Edna Madill, Grace Kelsey, Betty MacLachlan, Doreen Roadhouse

If you are interested in helping with the calls (usually only 2 or 3 a year), please call Anna Marie Farrow (738-9463),Telephone Convenor.

The following changes have been made to our health plan, effective January 1, 2008.

• semi-private hospital room reimbursement increased to 90%, with unlimited maximum
• maximum for surgical support stockings increased to $300
• annual prescription drug maximum for erectile dysfunction medications increased to $350
• annual prescription drug maximum increased to $2100
• post-surgical eyeglass restriction for laser eye surgery is removed
• dental claims will be reimbursed at 2008 fee rates
• dental services performed by an accredited, dental hygienist are covered
• monthly premium rate increases, effective Feb. 1, 2008, will be: 0% for semi-private, 2% for
extended health care and 3% for dental care

A new web site www.wowhealth.ca provides health information to older women on issues not being addressed by their health care provider due to time constraints or to embarrassment.

Health Canada Warning - Avoid using “Resolve,” a smoking cessation aid as it can cause damage to the kidney, liver or red blood cells when taken in excessive amounts.

Lucentis is a drug now approved by Health Canada to treat Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

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The RTO/ERO Bursary Award is presented to the top student in each school, who is entering
a community college to study in the Early Childhood Education or Educational Assistant
Programs. The following students are our winners for this past year:
F. F. S.S. - Ali Rankin
I.E. Weldon S S. - Courtney Spence
L. C. V. I. - Britni Horton
St. Thomas Aquinas - Serina Howard
Congratulations to these students.

CURLING BONSPEIL REPORT
The bonspiel that was to take place on November 14th was cancelled due to not
having enough people sign up to curl. There were only enough people to make 4 teams. We
will try to organize one for next November, with an earlier date and see if that might work
out better for more people. We are aware that people were disappointed, however, to make it worthwhile we need a minimum of 6 teams.
Hopefully, next year will be more successful.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Brentnell (bonspiel organizer)

The District 18 Executive passed the following resolution. Be it resolved that it is the policy of
District 18 that we use our members’ addresses, phone numbers and email addresses
strictly for RTO/ERO business. We hope that this will relieve any concerns.

E-MAIL ADDRESSES NEEDED
The executive would like to set up a data base of e-mail addresses of the members of District 18. This would enable communications with members to be accomplished quickly and easily. Members without an e-mail account would still be communicated with by the telephone
callers. Newsletters could also be sent by e-mail which would help save money and trees. If we do not have your e-mail address, please send it to Edna Madill at emadill@nexicom.net.

The breakfast club is now meeting at Neabors Family Restaurant at Lindsay Square Mall. Please feel free to join them on the first Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m.

District 18 sponsored Referendum information meetings in Haliburton and Lindsay in September. The meetings, which were open to the public as well as our members, provided a great deal of information on the referendum.

The Kawartha Lakes Executive is pleased to offer interested members a chance to become corporate members of the Lindsay Recreation Complex. As a corporate member, you will have access to a number of programs the facility offers, such as:

• WEIGHT ROOM
• SQUASH
• FITNESS CLASSES
• POOL
• PUBLIC SKATING AND SHINNY HOCKEY
Please see the advertisement for more details.

Plans are well underway for the September 25th Annual General Meeting of District 18. The details of the meeting are to be found elsewhere in this newsletter but I would like to highlight our two information topics of the day.

The first session is devoted to a presentation and discussion of the upcoming Ontario election referendum. What is being proposed in the referendum is a change in the pattern by which we will be represented at Queen's Park –a change which, in theory, will make the system a little more reflective of the way in which the voters have cast their ballots. While the whole issue is somewhat confusing its importance cannot be over-emphasized and we need to become as informed as possible in order to vote intelligently on the issue in October.

The second information session will be of great interest to those of us who like to travel, and these days that seems to be most of us! As you probably know, RTO/ERO has recently changed its official travel agency. Merit Travel Group is now the agency of record and Lori Copeland, Merit's Business Development Manager, has agreed to join us on the 25 th and to make a presentation to our group detailing the services available to RTO/ERO members from Merit. You may have seen a profile of Lori in the latest Renaissance magazine from the Provincial Office. (continued next column)

All in all, it should be a very interesting day so why not join your fellow RTO/ERO members for the experience!

One other item I would like to mention in this newsletter is the Retirement Planning Workshop to be hosted by this District in October. The District Membership Coordinator, Lorna Synnott, has the plans well in hand but she is somewhat concerned by the sparse response to her request for an expression of interest from potential retirees. If you know of anyone who is thinking of retiring in the next few years please get the word out about the Workshop – this is an opportunity not to be missed!

Since this is my last President's Message, I would like to take this opportunity to say “thanks” to Edna Madill who has worked long and hard on your behalf to make this publication a reality and, thereby, to keep in touch with all the members!

Kawartha Lakes Unit will have a Champagne Luncheon on September 4, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. at the home of Grace Irvine.
7 Redwing St .
Lindsay
(705) 328-1232
RSVP by August 27, 2007
New retirees free of charge Others $20

SPACES ARE FILLING UP QUICKLY
PLEASE RESERVE YOUR PLACE NOW
Catered by Fancy Pants

“TO HELL WITH THE BELL” Haliburton

Haliburton Unit of RTO will be holding its third annual To Hell With The Bell Luncheon on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 4, 2007, at 12 p.m. at the Summerkiss Restaurant, Moore Falls.
All RTO members, retired teachers and guests are welcome. Haliburton members will be telephoned.
Kawartha Lakes members are welcome!
Call Louise Cooper at (705) 754-9129
or Marg Valentine at (705) 454-3451
for reservations before August 28th.
Be prepared to choose either Pork Tenderloin or Shrimp Capellini.

RTO
Fall Foliage Mystery Tour
"A World Famous Tourist Destination"
Monday October 1st, 2007

When: Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Where: Lindsay Curling Club Peel St. Lindsay
Who: RTO members, family, friends
Cost: $20.00 per person - includes morning refreshments, curling, lunch, prizes for everyone
Format: Morning Refreshments 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Six end game - 10:00 a.m.
Lunch - 12:15 p.m.
Six end game - 1:30 p.m.
Social & Prizes - follows last game
Contact: Karen Brentnell
(705) 878-1075 dmacduff@cogeco.ca
Please include your usual playing position (skip, vice etc.)
Please mark this date on your calendar and come out and enjoy some curling and a wonderful social time.

With the Provincial Election coming in October, the Provincial Political Action committee has included a survey to identify issues that our membership feel need to be addressed. Please fill out and send off to Ward Levine. Details in PDF document.

This past year has once again been very successful. The executive has done an excellent job of organizing the events. The golf tournament was organized by Bob Ellis and Rich Brien. Grace Irvine, our membership coordinator, hosted a very successful “To Hell With the Bell” luncheon. Edna Madill, our social convenor, newsletter convenor and web site coordinator, has done an excellent job of organizing the social events this year, along with her tireless work on the newsletter and the web site. Anna Marie Farrow, our telephone convenor, along with her committee, have made our unit a better place to be, as they communicate our events to the members. Ev Mighton, along with Doreen Roadhouse, have done an admirable job with goodwill. Secretary Bob May and treasurer Lenore Davidson have done admirable work in their respective roles. Alf Doherty has performed his usual stellar job as education convenor. Members-at-large Mert Davis and Karen Brentnell have also contributed to the organization.
Karen organized our highly successful curling bonspiel for the last two years. Mert is chairing the committee responsible for organizing the RTO/ERO float to be included in the Lindsay 150th parade. Senator Mary Dickson has kept us informed about the Senate meetings at Provincial Office. Along with these specific tasks, each executive member volunteered in
numerous other capacities. It has been a great pleasure to work with these fine people and it is because of their combined efforts that we have such an active unit.
Joe Lovsin, President Kawartha Lake Unit

This program, which is available through the RTO/ERO Provincial Office, is designed to provide assistance in an emergency situation. This assistance may be financial or other resources, depending on the circumstances. Information is available through RTO or executive members.

The AGM is being held at the Red Umbrella Resort on June 21, 2007. The resort is located
just off Highway 35, north of Minden and south of Carnarvon. Breakfast is at 9:30 a.m.,
with the business meeting at 10:30 and lunch at noon. Shelley King will be speaking about
humour. Sounds like fun. If interested, please contact Louise Cooper at (705) 754-9129. Cost is $20 and cheques may be sent to Louise Cooper at: 1010 Shamba Trail RR 1
Haliburton, ON, KOM 1SO

The AGM is being held at the Dunsford Community Centre on June 13, 2007. The meeting starts at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is at 6:00. The cost for the roast beef dinner is $20 per person. The registration form is in this newsletter. Our speaker is Chris Colton, an officer with the RCAF, who has been involved with the restoration of the Halifax 7 Bomber. This plane was raised from a fiord in Norway. This should be a very interesting power point presentation. Don’t miss it. For a registration form, please click here to print out your form for the event.

There will be a Blue Jays game for RTO/ERO members on Sunday, August 19, 2007. Tickets on the 100 level, third base side, that normally sell for $44 are available for $30. Family and friends are welcome. There is a possibility that arrangements could be made to take a bus, if there is enough interest. Those interested in purchasing tickets should contact Joe Lovsin at 324-6000 before June 29, 2007.

E-MAIL ADDRESSES NEEDED
The executive would like to set up a data base of e-mail addresses of the members of District 18. This would enable communications with members to be accomplished quickly and easily.
Members without an e-mail account would still be communicated with by the telephone callers. Newsletters could also be sent by e-mail which would help save money and trees. If we do not have your e-mail address, please send it to Edna Madill at emadill@nexicom.net.

1. Political action will continue to lobby for income splitting.
2. Political action has accumulated a $90,000 media fund. The provincial committee has
recommended that this fund be used for a one- issue intense campaign in the next provincial
election.
3. Political action is currently researching to develop a province-wide issue of water quality
under the umbrella of health care and the environment.
4. The 9th annual Smart Consumer Calendar which has valuable tips to prevent mortgage
and identity fraud is available free from Service Ontario Centres, MPP offices or by calling 1-
800-668-9938.

With an election on the horizon, it will be an exciting time for political action. Keep yourself informed on issues, especially for seniors, and vote knowledgeably.

After five years or so, I am passing the PAC torch to Ward Levine. I have enjoyed working
in political action. I welcome Ward to the portfolio and am sure he will have some new
and exciting ideas to present and pursue.
Submitted by Grace Irvine

A survey instrument with respect to political issues for upcoming elections will be developed and pre-tested with the District Executive and circulated to the membership at the AGMs and by other means as decided to be economically feasible.
(It was agreed that the survey should be included with the August newsletter mailing.)

The bonspiel held in March was enjoyed by those who attended the event. The next one will be held in November with the hopes of more people being available to participate. The tentative date is Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 at the Lindsay Curling Club. Please mark this date on your calendar for the fall. This is open to spouses and friends of RTO members. There will be more details in the next newsletter. Karen Brentnell will continue to be the contact for this event. (705) 878-1075 or e-mail at dmacduff@cogeco.ca

Recently, RTO/ERO Health Plan Members received correspondence from Johnson Inc. outlining the types of coverage they have within their plan. Beside the item called “OUT OF COUNTRY”, it lists “No Coverage”, which suggests that members do not have any travel
coverage, which is erroneous. This item should have been listed as “SUPPLEMENTAL OUT OF COUNTRY” coverage, which, of course, is optional. The executive hopes that this information will answer any questions you may have. For more information, please contact Joe Lovsin at (705) 324-6000.

Have something to sell? Perhaps an ad in the newsletter would help Call Edna Madill at (705) 324- 5380 or e-mail at emadill@nexicom.net for cost and details.

During the period April 2006 to April 2007 twelve get well or thinking of you cards were
sent to our sick and shut-in members. Five plants were delivered to those who had surgery.

Sympathy cards were sent to nine families who lost loved ones and twenty-five dollars (forty
dollars as of Sept./06) was donated in memory of each of nine members who passed away
during the year. These donations were made to the Educational Enrichment Program.

At Christmas time ten cards and packages were prepared and delivered to members confined to nursing homes or to their own residences.

Thanks to everyone who phoned to tell me when they heard of a member who needed to be
remembered in some way. Please continue to do so. My phone number is 374-5513.
Submitted by Ev Mighton, Convenor

Our Captains and Telephoners have been very helpful in getting our messages out quickly.
We have six Captains who each phone their five Telephoners. The Telephoners then call
their own lists of approximately ten retired teachers. It is good to personally contact the
retired teachers as we often hear about changes in health, addresses and phone numbers.

We are pleased to have some new volunteers as our lists are always changing. Please call or
see me at the Annual Meeting in Dunsford with any concerns about the telephone committee or if you would consider helping us out. My phone number is (905) 738-9463.
Submitted by Anna Marie Farrow, Convenor

This past year has been busier then normal. Along with explanations and answers to questions re the Health Plan, we organized a Health Fair. The fair was held in the Lindsay Collegiate Gymnasium on Saturday, November 4. The committee consisted of Bob May, Ruth Barrett and myself. We were in the planning stages for three months and contacted fifty different
organizations, of which thirty-eight registered for the day. The fair was geared to mature adults. The displays varied from acupuncture to massage therapy to physical fitness to AA. Attendance was low but we had many compliments from the public, who found it very
informative. We also had the privilege of having Dr. Cindy Hunt, Dean of Nursing at Humber College and the University of New Brunswick, officially open the fair.

Health Plan changes for 2007
1. eye exams 80% - maximum $50/eye every 2 years
2. laser surgery 80% - $225 every 2 years max.
3. out of Province/Country - all travel claims processed
by World Access Canada Inc.
Submitted by Joe Lovsin

The year started with an enjoyable trip to the Lanark Highlands. Lots of beautiful scenery and lots of shopping.
In December we saw Naughty Pinocchio in the lovely theatre in Stirling. A great deal of laughter and fun was had by all.
The Valentine luncheon was well attended, even though the weather did not cooperate. The food was good and the company was better.
I have enjoyed my time on the social committee but I am leaving because I feel it is time for new people and new ideas. Thanks to everyone for their interest and cooperation and I hope to see you on more of the trips.
Submitted by Edna Madill, Convenor

Well, the AGM is over for another year. Thanks to all those who were in attendance - I think you will agree that it was a day enjoyably spent. The presentations by the representatives
from the OPP “Fraud Squad” and the OTF were highly informative, although D/Sgt
Cousens did lay some pretty upsetting information out there for us to consider when
we are using our credit and debit cards. Jeff Holmes’ positive approach made us feel much
more secure about our pension plan and the retirees’ status within that plan. Planning has
already started for next years meeting to be held on the Kawartha Lakes Unit’s “turf.”

The Fall Senate, at District 18's request, has passed an amendment to the Provincial
Constitution changing the name of our District to Haliburton/Kawartha Lakes. While many of
you may question the necessity of the change, since RTO/ERO districts do not normally
reflect political boundaries, we must remember that the change came to the District Executive
having been passed by an overwhelming majority at the last AGM of the Victoria Unit.
District 18 must be one of the few which is named for the two political entities that are also
the two units in the district!

Until recently I never really knew how much a “get well” message from the Unit could mean to an individual. Thanks to Marj Baldry, a card arrived at the Ross shortly after my recent surgery and it made me feel really good - thanks Marj! If you know of anyone in your Unit who should receive a card be sure to contact your Goodwill Rep and she will make it happen.

To all of you who are taking off for the winter - have a great time. To those of you (me included!) who are tougher Canadians - I hope the winter is short, mild and enjoyable! May each and every one of you have a wonderful Christmas and a 2007 full of manageable
challenges and positive experiences!
Max Radiff
President, RTO/ERO District 18

A group of pensioners has been formed. It seeks a change in the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan to ensure that all pensioners have the right to at least a 50% survivor pension benefit for an eligible spouse, and that eligible spouse would be the spouse at the time of death of the pensioner. The group seeks this benefit without any pension reduction!

The group seeks to identify other pension plan members who are in the same circumstances. You may wish to join our efforts in this cause!

Please contact us (The Ontario Teachers’ Survivor Benefit Group) by e-mail at
otsbgroup@ sympatico.ca. or by surface mail at:
Ontario Teachers’ Survivor Benefit Group,
7305 Woodbine Avenue, Suite 398,
Markham, Ontario L3R 3V7

It would be helpful if you would provide your name, address, telephone number and e-mail
address as well as a brief description about how the current survivor pension rules affect
you or your spouse.

The full information is available in pdf format here or copies will be available by phoning Edna
Madill at 705 324-5380.

Identity theft is a very serious problem, and the best way to avoid becoming a victim of this
increasing crime is to protect your information. Do not carry your Social Insurance Card with
you. Do not discard important papers such as credit card bills or bank statements carelessly:
get a shredder to make sure that they are destroyed. Identity thieves rummage through
trash searching for personal information they can use or sell. They also find dishonest
employees who have access to personal records, payroll information, insurance files,
etc. Key catchers secretly attached to a computer are another technique for stealing
information about individuals. The above information was presented by D/Sgt Doug Cousens, who was a guest speaker at the AGM in September. Please keep it in mind.

We welcome the following members who have
joined District 18 since January 1, 2006.

Haliburton Unit

The Ontario Senior Games Association is holding a Mixed Curling Bonspeil in Haliburton on Wed., Nov. 29, 2006. Each team has to have two women and two men members and they must curl alternately. Everyone has to be 55 or older as of Dec. 31, 2006. The winning
team has first chance to represent District 11 at Winterfest in Brockville from Feb. 14 to Feb. 16, 2007. Please contact Richard Bebee at richard.bebee@sympatico.ca for more details.

BREAKFAST CLUB

What are you doing on the first Tuesday of each month? We are going out to breakfast!
Come and join the regulars at Captain’s Restaurant on Highway 35 South at 9:30 a.m.

Volunteers are needed to call other RTO/ERO members, usually a few times a year. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to do this, please call Anna Marie Farrow at 705-738-9463.

There will be a Retirement Planning Workshop offered by District 18 in 2007. If you attended one of these workshops when you were getting ready to retire, you know how helpful it was. Volunteers are needed to help. Please contact Lorna Synnott at 705-324-2295.

Tickets are still available for this event. If you are interested, please call Edna Madill at
emadill@nexicom.net or 705-324-5380 as soon as possible.

Included with the Newsletter was a single sheet with a comparison between RTO/ERO with RTIP with RTIP-PLUS/ARM-Original. To see a copy download this now.

It doesn’t take long for the summer to slide by anymore - must be old age! As I draft this message August is well under way and yet it seems like only last week I was welcoming all the snowbirds back to their nests.

Plans are well in hand for District 18's Annual General Meeting at Wigamog Inn near Haliburton. The highlights are sure to be the presentations by the OPP and by Jeff Holmes, the Director of Pension and Economic Affairs with OTF. The OPP Forgery Investigation Team, headed by D/Sgt Doug Cousens, will give us an overview of the problems created for all of us by identity theft and payment card fraud while Mr. Holmes will bring us up to date on the state of our pension fund and the long-term ramifications of recent developments.

Both of these presentations will deal with matters of great concern to RTO/ERO
members in District 18 so be sure to mark September 26th on your calendars. See you there!
Max Radiff

Please be wary of any calls which you receive claiming to be from a Bell Canada service technician, especially if you are asked to test your telephone lines by touching nine (9), zero (0) and the pound sign (#) and then hanging up.
According to Bell this gives the individual full access to your telephone line, which allows him/her to place long distance calls and to bill
them to your phone number. So, DO NOT PRESS 90# FOR ANYONE! If you are suspicious about any call, please don’t hesitate to hang up and check with Bell or the police.

Interested in politics? We have the job for you! We need a Political Action Convenor on the District executive. For this position please call Grace Irvine at 328-1232. If you are interested in serving on any other committees, please call anyone on the executive.

In 2004, Eleanor MacNeil joined a small study group and spent time in Nicaragua. While she was there, she visited several schools and met with some quilters from the community of Puerto Cabezas. She was dismayed to hear that
the women had no fabric with which to sew or quilt. Upon returning to Canada, she approached the quilt guilds in Lindsay and in Haliburton Highlands. Word spread quickly and in no time, she had boxes of fabric donated, as well as money to help pay for the postage. What started out as one small group has become eight groups. As well as sending fabric, Eleanor helps sell some of the quilts for
the groups and returns the financial profits to them.

Eleanor returned to Nicaragua in July with a laptop computer which we helped her obtain. She sends her thanks. The computer was presented to Matilda Lindo
to help her research the access women have to justice. Matilda sits on the boards of Women’s Network Against Violence and the Nicaragua-Caribbean Black
Peoples’ Movement. You can contact Eleanor at elliem@sympatico.ca for further details and information.

Step aboard the Caribbean Princess and sail from Ft. Lauderdale to St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Princess Cays! Take a leisurely, hassle free way of escaping
winter. This cruise is a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes. Cruise, air flights, transfers, overnight hotel, all-inclusive meals onboard,
entertainment and much more starting at $ 1,749. For further information contact lindsay@cruiseholidays.com or (705) 324-3110 or 1- 866-963-1010.

Haliburton Unit will be holding its second annual “To Hell With the Bell” luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006 at the Riverside Inn in Norland, at noon. Haliburton Unit members will be phoned. Victoria Unit members are welcome to attend. Call Louise Cooper at (705) 754-9129 for reservations before August 28th. The all- inclusive price is $ 17.00. Be prepared to choose either Stuffed Chicken Breast or Atlantic Salmon Fillet in parchment paper.

This year the “To Hell With the Bell” champagne luncheon will be held Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006 at the home of:
Grace Irvine
7 Redwing Street
Lindsay, Ontario
705-328-1232
girvine@cogeco.ca
New retirees will be invited to attend free of charge. Anyone else may attend at a cost of $20.00. Please contact Grace Irvine by August 31, 2006 with payment if you wish to attend.

Breakfast Club

What are you doing on the first Tuesday of each month? We are going out to breakfast! Come and join us at Captain’s Restaurant on Highway 35 South at 9:30 a.m. We already have some regulars.

Well, we made it through another Canadian winter. Welcome back to those of you who made a beeline for sunny climes and well done to those who stayed here and proved that retired teachers may be old, but they’re tough!

During the winter months the Haliburton and Victoria Units have been dealing with on-going projects which they will outline for you at their respective AGMs. The District has been monitoring activities at the Provincial Office and looking after your interests at that level. At our April 11th Executive meeting we decided that District 18 will sponsor a Health Fair in the fall of 2006, probably in Lindsay. Your Health Services and Insurance Officer, Joe Lovsin, has volunteered to be the organizer and I know he could use a hand: soooooo if
you want to get involved give him a call. The Fair will be open to the public as well as to RTO/ERO members so it will not only be good for your health and wellness, but also a positive public relations for our District.

At the same meeting the Executive decided to host a Retirement Planning Workshop somewhere in District 18 in the fall of 2007. This workshop would be for those individuals who are thinking of retiring in the next few years and would be made available to active teachers from anywhere in the province. This type of workshop has been designed by the Provincial Office and officers from there will be involved in it. At the local level the organizer will be your Members’ Services Officer, Lorna Synnott, who will be looking for all kinds of help so give her a call - right after you hang up from calling Joe!

Please remember to mark September 26th on your special events calendar - that’s the day of the District AGM to be held at Wig-a-Mog Inn in Haliburton. We are planning to have some interesting things happening so you won’t want to miss it!
Max Radiff

We are really pleased to announce that Alan Longfield and Lynn-Philip Hodgson are the speakers at our AGM on June 7, 2006. These two gentlemen have a keen interest in and vast knowledge about Camp X.

Camp X was the clandestine World War II‘secret agent training school’ between Whitby and Oshawa on the shores of Lake Ontario. William Stephenson, code-named Intrepid, was its Canadian creator. Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond books was also associated with the camp.

Come to the Spring dinner and meeting and hear more about this very interesting and secret part of our local history from two men who have devoted many years researching and writing about Camp X.

There is a new scholarship program which will be of interest to our members. Twenty-five scholarships in the amount of $1000 each will be awarded annually,
starting this year. One of the main eligibility requirements is that the candidate must be a child, grandchild, niece, nephew, grandniece or grandnephew of a RTO/ERO member. The information is printed in the spring issue of Renaissance. It is also available on the Provincial web site at www.rto-ero.org , on our web site at www.rtoero-district18.com or by calling Gail Knox at 1-800-361-9888, ext.233. Applications must be received in the Provincial Office by June 30, 2006.

Interested in politics? We have the job for you! We need a Political Action Convenor on the District executive. For this position please call Grace Irvine
at 328-1232. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please call anyone on the executive.

Please remember to sign up for the golf scramble on July 13, 2006. Everyone always has a great time. Thanks to Gloria Heimbecker for doing a great job of organizing this again for us.
We had our first curling bonspiel this year in Lindsay. Eight teams curled and had a great day. Thanks to Karen Brentnell for organizing this. She is already busy organizing the next bonspiel on March 21, 2007. Both of these events are open to all the members of District 18 and their spouses.

As you know our insurance plan is continually changing. With these changes, we see continuous improvements. These changes have been noted in Renaissance so I will not reiterate.

In our own district, we have had some recent retirees join RTO/ERO as well as others who have switched from OTIP and ARM and the Board Health Plan. Our plan will no longer accept members from OTIP and ARM without a medical and if they have medical problems they may be rejected. We will continue to accept
others who are in a group plan, i.e. government, hospital and board plans.

When procuring a prescription, phone around to the drug stores to get the cost of the drug(s). The cost can vary by as much as $20 on a $60 drug Also, you can ask for a generic drug, but make certain they are of the same chemical composition. Following this procedure will help
to reduce the cost to the health plan.

STROKE WARNING SIGNS
1. Weakness---sudden, numbness, tingling in face,
arms or legs
2. Sudden loss of speech or trouble understanding
speech
3. Vision loss---in one eye or double vision
4. Sudden severe or unusual headache
5. Dizziness --- causing loss of balance

HEART ATTACK WARNING SIGNS
1. Chest pain
2. Shortness of breath
3. Pain in jaw, neck, shoulders or arms
4. Heavy pressure on chest
5. Sweating
The above symptoms are less likely to be evident in females: sometimes they do not even appear in females.

REDUCING THE RISK OF STROKES AND HEART ATTACKS

1. proper diet
2. proper exercise
3. quit smoking
4. reduce stress
5. lose weight
6. control high blood pressure
7. control high cholesterol
Submitted by Joe Lovsin

During the period April 2005 to April 2006 six get well cards or thinking about you cards were sent to our sick and shut-in members. Three plants were delivered to those who had surgery.

Sympathy cards were sent to eight families who lost loved ones and twenty-five dollars was donated in memory of each of six members who passed away during the year. These donations were made to the Educational Enrichment Program.

At Christmas time eleven cards and packages were prepared and delivered to members confined to nursing homes or to their own residences.

I wish to thank Doreen Roadhouse for her continued support and help during my absence. Thanks also to everyone who phoned to tell me when they heard of
a member who needed to be remembered in some way. Please continue to do so by phoning myself at 374-5513, Doreen Roadhouse at 328-3917 or Mary
Dickson at 328-3361.
Submitted by Ev Mighton, Convenor

We have a very dedicated group of members who work on our telephone committee. This is a very efficient method of getting messages out to our
members and for keeping in touch. We often learn of members who are ill and need a little support in the way of cards and calls. We have had a very easy
year with only two calls, a hello call in the fall and a notice of the Valentine lunch. One more call will be made in May. We always welcome new volunteers - just call Anna Marie at 738- 9463.
Submitted by Anna Marie Farrow

This year has been an interesting year. Our trip to the Bala cranberry marsh was well attended and proved challenging as we had mechanical problems with the coach. I complement all the participating members for their understanding and good cheer. The Little Red Riding Hood Pantomime in Stirling was great fun for the Christmas season. The Lord of the Rings trip is on May 10, 2006 and I am sure it will be a memorable occasion. We are looking for a member to join the social committee as I am leaving the committee. Thanks to all who have helped me with this work.
Submitted by Edna Madill

The Provincial Political Action executive has produced seven position papers - one each on the following:
● Education
● Health Care
● Long Term Care and Home Care
● Sustaining Seniors Independence
● Energy
● Environmental Concerns
● Children’s Services
These may be accessed in full at the provincial web site: www.rto-ero.org.

In the most recent federal election I approached all candidates with three questions I felt were of concern to the membership of our district. Their
replies went out in a district mailing before voting day. I hope this information was of value to you.

The political action committee is looking for members to assist in such activities as:
● Advertising
● Letter writing
● Objective planning
● Public relations
● Lobbying
● Goal setting
Anyone interested in helping out contact me.
Respectfully submitted
Grace Irvine
Political Action Convenor

This year the “To Hell With the Bell” champagne luncheon will be held Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006 at the home of:
Grace Irvine
7 Redwing Street
Lindsay, Ontario
705-328-1232
New retirees will be invited to attend free of charge. Anyone else may attend at a cost of $20.00. Please contact Grace Irvine by August 31, 2006 with payment if you wish to attend.

New retirees will be invited free of charge to our Annual General Meeting June 7, 2006 at the Dunsford Community Centre.

Please contact me if you have any other ideas for attracting new members. Our strength is in a strong membership.
Respectfully submitted by Grace Irvine, Unit
Membership Convenor

Breakfast Club

What are you doing on the first Tuesday of each month? We are going out to breakfast! If you would like to join us, you will find us at Captain’s Restaurant on Highway 35 South at 9:30 a.m. First one is on June 6th. Please try to attend as it should be fun.

The general meeting was held at the Lindsay Legion on September 29, 2005. The members who attended dealt with a full agenda which included reports, an election, a speaker and constitutional amendments. The guest speaker was Joan Murphy, who is Chair of the Provincial Membership Services Committee. She spoke to us on RTO’s four main services of emergency services, retirement planning workshops, travel information and recruitment. Her major message was that everyone must help recruit new members if RTO/ERO is to remain strong. A strong membership will help preserve our pension.

Constitutional Amendments

Max Radiff presented a new draft constitution to the membership. The basic intent of the changes to the constitution is for the two units to have the same access to expertise. For instance, the Haliburton Unit has had difficulty finding people to fill all the necessary positions on the executive because of its smaller size. The major changes are:

Article 2 District Executive
2:01 Structure of the District Executive
2:18 Duties of the Communications Officer
2:19 Duties of the Health Services and
Insurance Officer
2:20 Duties of the Members’ Services Officer
2:21 Duties of the Political Action Officer
2:22 Duties of the Pension Concerns Officer
Article 4 Units
Article 5 Banking and Finance

These amendments to the constitution were passed by the members present at the Annual General Meeting. The full document is available on our website or from Max Radiff at 488-2801.

District 18 Executive for 2005-2006

World Access Centre Office

As members of the RTO health plan the World Access Centre Office is the place we call if we are sick on holiday. This organization also does a lot more than we realize. They give:
• pre trip planning assistance
• emergency medical assistance
• rate hospitals throughout the world 1-5
• help with legal assistance
• help with lost documents
• help with translations
• collate all medical costs
• emergency medical centre
• advise on needed vaccinations
• provide emergency evacuation services
• pay for everything more than $500.00
• recover incurred costs from other
companies and OHIP
• co-ordinate all medical benefits

We are pleased to announce that Diane Reesor from F.F.S.S. and Katie Makinson from L.C.V.I. are the winners of the RTO Commencement Awards for this year. This award is presented to the top student who is entering a community college to study in the Early Childhood Education or Educational Assistant Programs.

GOLFERS WANTED!
Attention golfers of great or little ability. Reserve Thursday, July 13, 2006 for our annual golf mixed scramble. We tee off between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m.. at the Sturgeon Point Golf Course. Come join us for a morning of golf followed by a
catered lunch. It is a time of fun and fellowship. Everyone gets a prize. Hope to see you.
Gloria Heimbecker

We should be aware of some changes being made to our health plan which will not affect us but which may affect our friends. On January 1, 2006, retired teachers from individual health plans, such as OTIP, ARTIP and ARM will not
be able to transfer to the RTO/ERO plan without having a medical examination. This only applies to individual plans not group plans. Perhaps you know of someone who might need to know this information.

Lord of the Rings

There are still some tickets left for this trip. If you are interested, call me at 324-5380 or e-mail me at emadill@nexicom.net. For more information about this trip, please click on the link in the title.

● Person to become Pension Concerns Officer- Victoria Unit
● e-mail addresses for members - please send to emadill@nexicom.net

Please fill in the form below if you are interested:

Name

Phone Number:

Please Type any further questions or comments below as well as activities that may interest you:

COURTYARD MARRIOTT AGREEMENT RENEWED FOR ANOTHER YEAR

The Provincial Office is pleased to announce that its agreement with the Courtyard Marriott for special rates for RTO/ERO members has been renewed for 2006. The hotel is located in downtown Toronto, at 475 Yonge Street, one block north of College Avenue. The Preferred Corporate Rate is broken into three time periods, depending on the time of year, with specfic rates as follows: January 1 - April 15, 2006                $117
April 16 - October 31, 2006             $149
November 1 - December 30, 2006    $121

Please note this special rate is not available on the following " black out " dates:
May 20-23, 2006
June 2-5, 2006
August 13-17, 2006
September 8-16, 2006
December 31, 2006

The negotiated Preferred Corporate rates apply to a standard guestroom, single/double occupancy, based on availability. One-bedroom suites are available for an additional $100.00 above the negotiated rate. Reservations for this Preferred Corporate Rate can be made through the Hotel's Reservation Office at 1-800-847-5075. You must mention you are an RTO/ERO member and, when you arrive for your stay, you must supply some form of identification that indicated you are a member.

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GUEST SPEAKER

Rick Harding, our guest speaker at the General Meeting, has lived in Lindsay since 1964. He works as a mortgage broker. He estimates that he has traveled around the world about four times on his many trips. Rick goes on a trip for every birthday and really celebrates every fifth birthday with an extra special journey. He has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the pyramids in Egypt and has traveled across Australia on a motorcycle. He shares his adventures with the students in grades five and eleven in our local schools. Plan on attending the meeting on Wednesday, May 25 and being entertained by Rick's presentation
on Ancient Civilizations.

HELP WANTED

Members are needed for the executive and for committees. Please call Bob Ellis
at 454-1745.

TELEPHONE COMMITTE REPORT

The telephone committee forms an important link with our RTO members. We had three calls this year: a fall call to check on all members, an invitation to the Valentine Luncheon and a call in early May about the Annual General Meeting.
I appreciate the help of all captains and callers and would like to hear from any members interested in becoming callers.

Respectfully submitted
Anna Marie Farrow

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GOODWILL REPORT

During the period April 13, 2004 to April 13, 2005 seventeen get well or thinking of you cards were sent to our sick and shut-in members. Six plants were delivered to those who had surgery. Sympathy cards were sent to eight families who lost loved ones and twenty-five dollars was donated in memory of each of five members who passed away during the year. The donations were made to the Educational Enrichment Program. At Christmas time fifteen cards and packages were prepared and delivered to members confined to nursing homes or to their own residences. I wish to thank Doreen Roadhouse for her
continued support-helping in my absence as well as delivering some of the Christmas parcels. Thanks also to everyone who phoned to tell me when they
heard of a member who needed to be remembered in some way. Please continue to do so. My phone number is 374-5513.

Convenor Ev Mighton

HEALTH REPORT

Over the past few years we have seen a number of improvements to our plan. We have convenient services such as Direct Payment to Pharmacies, Direct Deposit of Claims Payment and Electronic Submission of Dental Claims. Our plan covers 15 Paramedical Practitioners who are licensed, certified or registered. It covers Convalescent Home Care, Aids and Appliances, Transportation/Ambulance, Accidental Dental, Referred Treatment Outside
Canada, Long Term Care as well as all of the common health benefits. Our plan sets the standard for retired educators. Our plan is owned by RTO/ERO and is administered by Johnson Inc. Therefore, we control all aspects of the plan. It
covers some drugs that are not covered by OHIP, provided they are approved by Health Canada and are prescribed by a medical doctor. This year I have had a number of inquiries and, as a result, we have had a number of new members
join our unit. Remember, when you travel outside of Ontario as well as out of country you should have extended care coverage. I have also reprinted the
warning signs for strokes and heart attacks. For a copy, click here to download.

Joe Lovsin

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SOCIAL COMMITTEE REPORT

The Social Committee had a successful year. In October we had a Back Roads Autumn Tour which was very interesting. The Sleeping Beauty Pantomime was a great Christmas activity. The Valentine Luncheon was held at the Lindsay Golf
and Country Club and was enjoyed by all who were able to get there. The weather did manage to stop some from attending, unfortunately. Thanks to all
members who attended these activities.

Edna Madill

EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

The Educational Enrichment Program's commencement award winners for the top graduates entering Early Childhood Education or Educational Assistant Program at a College of Applied Arts and Technology were Laura Arney from I.E. Weldon S.S., Amanda Worsley from Fenelon Falls S.S. and Marie Woychesko from L.C.V.I. There was no eligible candidate from St. Thomas Aquinas C.S.S.
The Educational Enrichment Program also funds the sending of Owl Magazine and Yes Magazine/Canada's Science Magazine for Kids to each of the twenty-five local elementary schools.

Paul Pinkney

MEMBERS ONLY WEBSITE

As advertised in the Winter 2004 issue of Renaissance, RTO/ERO is about to launch a members only section of our website. This new site will be available at the end of January and will include Tax Tips, RTO/ERO's over 45 Fact Sheets, past issues of "Computer Ease" that have appeared in Renaissance, and reports from Senate. A new Resources section will be added next month.

As mentioned in Renaissance, the instructions to "log on" or enter the members only section will be clearly outlined on the main site. Members will enter their nine digit number, exactly as it appears on their RTO/ERO membership card, as their username, and then choose their own password to "log on" to the site.
from District Updater

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RTO/ERO members are welcome to continue taking advantage of a hotel corporate rate when they visit Toronto by staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel located downtown Toronto at 475 Yonge Street. This deal, negotiated originally for the Provincial Executive and Committee members, was extended to all members. The rates are seasonal, as follows:

April 1 to October 31: $139. per night
November 1 to December 30: $109. per night

If you decide to stay at that hotel:
call 1-800-847-5075 and indicate that you want to reserve a room under "RTO/Retired Teachers of Ontario" when you check in at the hotel, supply some form of RTO identification to receive the discounted rate.
Confirmed reservation are held until 6:00 p.m. on the day of arrival. Payment by credit card in advance is required to hold a room for late arrival. Cancellations of confirmed reservations must be done before that time to avoid being charged for the night's accommodation.

SPECIAL " HOSPITAL RATE" AT HOTELS

If you are going to Toronto because of a family/friend stay at a hospital, you may be eligible for the special rate. You have to ask about the rate, may have to show some proof of medical appointment, and should call a few days in advance and inquire about the hotel's hospital rate.
In our newsletter of April 2004, there was some information on the corporate rate for the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel located at 475 Yonge Street ( College and Yonge). If you decide to use this hotel, you will call 1-800-847-5075 and indicate that you want to reserve a room under "RTO/Retired Teachers of Ontario". When you check in, you will need to show RTO/ERO identification. The hospital rate at the Courtyard Marriott is $89/night.