ORTA MINUTES
February 14, 2008
The February meeting of the
Gallia County Retired Teacher's meeting was held February 14, 2008 at Dave's American Grill. The meeting was called
to order by President Lois Carter who wished everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. Nancy Hood decorated the tables with a
valentine theme. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and grace was said. Prior to the start of the meeting raffle tickets
were sold on a red velvet cake baked by Barb Shelton. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to help defray publication costs
of the newsletter.
Lois introduced
first time attendees: Jan Ratliff who retired in 2005 and Jean Ann Lemon who retired in 2003. Both retired from Gallia Academy
High School. After a tasty lunch of spaghetti and salad with cake for
dessert Lois introduced Dr. David Smith as the first guest speaker. Dr. Smith stressed how he values education and its impact
on the youth of Gallia Co. He provided toothbrushes for everyone.
Barb Shelton next introduced attorney James
Henry as today's special guest speaker. Barb told a few stories on James from having him in her 8th grade Ohio History
class at Gallia Academy. He began by telling all how learning the 88 counties changed his life. James went on to talk about
estate planning for each of us. He explained the process of what happens in Ohio if someone does not have a will in place.
He told us having a will in place simply makes the process easier for the family after someone has passed away. James informed
the group about the importance of choosing an appropriate administrator of your will or estate. He also explained various
kinds of trusts to the group. Estate planning tools we all should consider:
1. Choose a guardian for
your children.
2. Have a Power of Attorney to
carry on business affairs when we are no longer able to make our own decisions. This can be revoked at any time.
3. Have a Living Will to express our wishes for end-of-life
care.
4. Best to have pre-arranged funeral so
that expenses are taken care of. It is best to have a funeral trust in the event one may move, the funeral home goes out of
business, etc.
5. Medicaid planning was discussed.
The next item of business was the 2007 ORTA report. The first
item from this report discussed was volunteer hours. Our chapter had a total of 2184 volunteer hours reported with Marlene
Hoffman having the top number of 795 hours. Lois explained volunteer hours as anything we do without pay that benefits the
community without being family. Karen Cornell has more information on this. Lois said we lacked points on the report in special
projects. The members are encouraged to think of a special community project we can all get involved in as an organization.
Wanda Willis chair of the scholarship committee reported she
has contacted all local schools concerning scholarships which will be available in May. Lois announced the upcoming conference in Athens at the Ohio University Inn. This conference is for officers
as well as other members. We need 10 members to attend. The conference is April 9 with March 11 as the deadline to register.
The cost is $18, includes morning and afternoon workshops and lunch.
The cake raffle netted $59 and was won by Jeannine Cunningham.
Next meeting APRIL 10 at Courtside meeting room.
Speaker: Christy Woodall director of RSVP
Respectfully submitted,
Barb Shelton
Secretary
pro tem
