September 27, 2026
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The first meeting of the new season for the South Bruce branch of the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario/Organization des enseignantes retraitées de l’Ontario (RWTO/OERO) took place Sept. 14 at Ainsdale Golf Course.
Just like students returning to school after the summer break, local retired education workers looked forward to catching up with friends and former colleagues.
Following a delicious brunch buffet served by the Ainsdale staff, South Bruce RWTO/OERO president JoAnn Ruetz formally welcomed the three dozen attendees, including three new members: Geraldine Maxfield, Deborah Rayner and Cathy Thomson, who were presented roses. Another five new members will be officially welcomed at the October meeting.
South Bruce RWTO/OERO president JoAnn Ruetz (second from left) welcomes new members Deborah Raynor (left), Cathy Thomson and Geraldine Maxfield; photo by Pat Emmerton
Ruetz also introduced the 2026-27 executive: vice-president Deb Marion, secretary and communications director Anne Roppel, treasurer Heather Keelan, and past-president, insurance and good will director Frances Nixon.
Former goodwill director and past-president Lynda Cerson was thanked for her seven years of service and presented with a gift of appreciation, following her retirement from the board.
South Bruce RWTO/OERO president JoAnn Ruetz (left) thanks past-president and good will director Lynda Cerson for her service to the branch; photo by Christine Roberts
Vice-president Deb Marion shared details of the annual RWTO/OERO convention, which took place at Western University in London, in early June. Five members of the South Bruce branch attended the three-day event, enjoying the presentations, activities, networking and food. Marion particularly appreciated the opportunity to listen to, and vote on, issues that affect the operations of the provincial organization.
During the convention, South Bruce was pleased to receive the Barbara Bain Award for most new members in the small branch category.
Brochures containing contact information and the upcoming schedule of meetings were distributed. Other potential social events were discussed.
Insurance and goodwill updates were provided by Frances Nixon, and treasurer Heather Keelan gave the financial report.
In the spirit of caring and sharing, which is the motto of the retired teachers, Nixon and Roppel pitched a new initiative to support families in need and the Kincardine Food Bank. It’s actually two related initiatives: Meal in a Bag and Birthday in a Bag. As the names suggest, all the ingredients for a meal would be purchased and packaged in a bag with a recipe card. The Birthday in a Bag would feature items to make and decorate a cake and other celebratory enhancements. South Bruce members may choose to purchase and assemble complete meals, themselves, or contribute funds that would be used to buy components and assembled at a meeting.
Frances Nixon (right) and Anne Roppel propose a new initiative to support struggling families: Meal in a Bag and Birthday in a Bag; photo by Christine Roberts
Each South Bruce RWTO/OERO meeting includes an appeal for donations for the community. The September meeting traditionally features donations of snacks for school children which is taken to the Kincardine Food Bank and distributed to area schools. For the October meeting members are requested to donate hygiene items which will, once again, be delivered to the Kincardine Food Bank.
The next meeting will be held Friday, Oct. 16, at the Ripley-Huron Legion Hall with arrival at 10:45 a.m. Sandra O’Connor will bring drums and lead a drumming experience. Details and contact information will be posted on the branch’s page on the provincial website: rwto.org/branch-new/south-bruce under Coming Events.
The South Bruce branch of the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario welcomes any retired women teachers, audiologists, child and youth workers/counsellors, early childhood educators, educational assistants, office support staff, psychologists, social workers and speech and language pathologists living in southern Bruce County. Contact information can be found by visiting the previously mentioned web page.
The 2026-27 executive of the South Bruce RWTO/OERO branch includes vice-president Deb Marion (left), president JoAnn Ruetz, treasurer Heather Keelan, secretary and communications Anne Roppel, insurance and goodwill Frances Nixon; photo by Christine Roberts
Written ByChristine Roberts is a retired elementary school teacher, past-president of Huron Bruce Nature, executive member of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society, volunteer for the David Suzuki Foundation, VON volunteer fitness leader and a passionate lover of nature.
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