​South Bruce Retired Women Teachers learn about local sustainability initiatives

Members of the South Bruce Retired Women Teachers of Ontario/Organization des enseignantes retraitées de l’Ontario (RWTO/OERO) gathered for their annual general meeting April 8 at the Walker House in Southampton.

President Jo Ann Ruetz welcomed the group and new member Paula Fischer. She reviewed resolutions for the provincial annual general meeting and solicited input from South Bruce members.

Betty Johnson presented insurance updates and announced her retirement from the position after many years assisting members. Frances Nixon will assume her duties.

The budget prepared by treasurer Heather Keelan was presented and discussed.

After a delicious lunch, the ladies welcomed Kincardine Environmental Action Network (KEAN) president Amanda Saxton who presented the group’s vision which includes informing and empowering local citizens to act sustainably to improve their health and that of the community and the planet.

Some specific KEAN initiatives for 2026 include promoting the benefits of adding native plants to home gardens to increase biodiversity of plants and wildlife. A winter sowing workshop was provided in January and followed up with a seedling swap in April. KEAN is also urging the Municipality of Kincardine to amend yard maintenance bylaws to allow for naturalized gardens.

Encouraging a circular economy is at the core of KEAN’s programs. This cycle endeavours to keep resources and materials in use and out of the landfill longer by returning, reusing, repairing and remaking before finally recycling.

Repair Cafes are free events where people bring broken household items to be repaired by volunteer “fixers.” KEAN has sponsored three highly successful events in Kincardine and plans to hold more in the coming months. A bike tune-up event is planned for May 23, from 12:30–2:30 p.m. outside the Kincardine Library.

In partnership with the Kincardine Theatre Guild, KEAN is hosting a circular fashion show, Relove Runway, June 18 at 6:30 p.m., featuring clothing from local second-hand stores.

Saxton also highlighted the public library’s extensive lending list of items other than books and KEAN’s own loaner party kit which includes dishes and a variety of décor.

Lynda Cerson thanked Saxton for her information-packed presentation and tireless efforts to make improvements in the community.

In keeping with the spirit of the presentation, a draw was made for a beautiful tote bag made by Anne Roppel from samples of upholstery leathers and fabrics. Audrey MacDonald was thrilled to take it home and put it to good use.

The next meeting of the South Bruce branch takes place May 13 at the Ripley-Huron Legion Hall. The ladies will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding provincial organization, with an afternoon tea.