ORTA MINUTES
December 11, 2008
The Gallia County Retired Teachers Association met at noon December 11, 2008
at the family life center of the Nazarene Church. The women and men (!) of the church served a delicious ham dinner. Grace
was said and we recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A big thank you and a round of applause was given to the cooks.
Vice-President Barb Shelton welcomed members, guests and first time attendees. President Lois Carter was not in attendance
because her mother died this week. She did however send thank you gifts to all officers, her term of office ends with the
installation of officers today. We sent a flower arrangement to Lois.
Barb introduced Melvin Biars, speaker
for the day. Melvin was originally scheduled for the October meeting but had to postpone because of illness. He gave his usual
highly entertaining and informative presentation about the many floral as well as other types of arrangements available for
the holidays and other occasions. He gave us money saving tips such as take an arrangement instead of having it delivered
if possible. As usual he gave away many prizes, the highlight of which was two beautiful dried Christmas arrangements and
a Christmas throw. The winners are too numerous to mention. (see picture at galliarta.org). The raffle netted $122.
Karen Cornell, volunteer chairperson reminded us volunteer hours are due to her by January 10, either by mail or call with
your volunteer hours for the year.
Past president, Wil Church conducted the installation of officers. Those
installed were:
President: Barbara Shelton
Vice-President: vacant
Secretary: Marlene Hoffman
Treasurer: Henry Dillon
A discussion was held regarding the office of Vice-President. Our by-laws dictate
the vice-president ascends to the presidency after two years. It was the feeling of the group that more folks might be willing
to serve in this office if the ascendency to the presidency was not part of the deal. We agreed to take a look at the by-laws
and investigate the feasibility of changing this article. Volunteers filled most committee positions by the end of the
meeting. A big thank you was given to Louise Greenlee who is stepping down as phone committee chair after many years of serving
in this position.
Mrs. Claus (aka Vickie Powell) made an appearance and did a reading of a charming story
entitled Stick Man, which is set in the United Kingdom. Jim Clark helped out
by "playing" the part of the Stick Man. (see picture at galliarta.org)
The planning committee will
meet January 6, 2009, at noon at the Nazarene church family life center. A light soup and salad lunch will be provided. There
was not time for a Christmas sing-along; however Marlene led us in singing "Silent Night". Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Hoffman
Secretary
