The snowbirds going south for the March Break need to be sure to get their Johnson Inc. health insurance before they leave. Remember to tell Johnson Insurance if you are a member of the USCO. If you are travelling to Mexico or the Caribbean areas identified by the international health organization as medium to high risk for hepatitis A and B, be sure to get your vaccination prior to taking your vacation. A combination vaccine that protects against both hepatitis A and B is available in Canada and protects you for 15 years.

The USCO worked to help pass the legislation to allow us to split various sorts of retirement incomes. The legislation passed on November 7, 2006 in the House of Commons in Ottawa. Our own province has not made a similar declaration as yet; therefore we urge you to contact your MPP and ask them to support and work for pension splitting in Ontario. Both spouses should go to their MPP because this is a couple's issue. A personal visit is best and a letter or phone call is next best. I will also bring this issue up with the government on your behalf. Go to www.pensionsplitting.ca to find out more. Remember there is a provincial election this fall!

As we move ahead this year we acknowledge our past, recognize the future and try to envision the future of the USCO. We need to welcome change and not rest on our laurels. What are you planning for our 50th Anniversary in 2008? I know you realize that good change is not only inevitable but exciting and invigorating if we embrace it with all of its challenges.

Our resolutions are due by April 13th, 2007. Send them into our office, even if you haven't worded them correctly. Our resolution committee will record them for you. What are the issues in your area? Put them into a resolution and let us work on them together. Your Field Rep or the office has resolution forms for you.

Our 49th convention is going to be held in Cobourg on August 27, 28 and 29th at the Best Western Hotel. Keep those dates open and we will keep you informed. The registration form will be in the April voice.

Bill 140 - an Act concerning long term care homes had many hearings in January. When these findings are made public, we will put them in The Voice.

The first and only osteoporosis therapy with Vitamin D is now covered fully by the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary ODB. The drug, Fosavance® is a leading osteoporosis treatment and Vitamin D is a very important component in treating osteoporosis. The USCO is elated to receive this government announcement for care and management of this disease for our seniors.

We wish you a very Happy St. Patrick's Day on March 17th or should I say Top of the Morn?