The Gallia County chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association
met August 13, 2009 at the Presbyterian Church. President Barb Shelton called the meeting to order. The women of the church
served a delicious meal of chicken salad, veggies and cake. Barb welcomed several "first timers".
Lois Carter introduced the speaker, Rushie McCallister who gave
an interesting presentation, "The Underground Railroad, Code Signal Quilt". She has been interested in freedom and
the Underground Railroad most of her adult life. She began to tell this story after reading Hidden in Plain View by Jackie Tobin. Quilts were used as signaling devices for slaves escaping enslavement
by traveling on the Underground Railroad. She displayed a sampler quilt and explained the hidden signals of each square. Her
presentation was most informative, a learning experience for all.
A handout regarding STRS was given out by Jim Foster for all to read. We need to stay informed on matters that
are being decided by the STRS. Major decisions will be made at the August 20th-21st board meeting.
We were reminded by Christy Woodall to be keeping track of our volunteer hours to
turn in at the end of the year for transmittal to the state organization.
Webmaster Marlene Hoffman informed the group that the website has been renewed for one year
at the cost of $104.39. She made a donation toward this expense and encouraged others to do the same. It was suggested at
the last meeting we might need to make individual contributions to projects like this. If you enjoy the website PLEASE CONTRIBUTE.
Marlene Hoffman conducted the annual Memorial Service. She lit
a white candle to represent the lives of those of our organization who died during the past year. They are: Theresa Muriel Allison, Estivaun Matthews and Joann Thompson. She then
read "What do you Make?" the theme of which was that teachers MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of their students.
The group participated in a litany "We Remember Them". After a closing prayer the candle was extinguished.
The raffle netted $57. The prizes were won by Irene Clark, Karen
Cornell, Cliff Wilson and Lois Carter. Interesting little side note: Lois' name was actually drawn four times but she
only took one prize. It was suggested she might want to go buy a lottery ticket.
Meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene
Hoffman, secretary
Treasurer's
Report (as of 7-31-09)
Checking
$24.34
Local Life Membership savings
$45.40
Scholarship Savings
$86.40
Local Life
Membership CD $10,497.41
Scholarship CD's
$21,017.32
