The Gallia County chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association met June 10, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church
at 12 p.m. The ladies of the church served a delicious meal of chicken salad, veggies and cake. Grace was said by Bob Powell
and we recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. We gave the ladies of the church a round of applause.
The
meeting was called to order by Henry Dillon in the absence of President Barb Shelton who was on vacation with her family.
Henry welcomed “first timers” Robin Lane and Darla Saunders. Robin and Darla are both recent retirees as is Julie
Dragoo who was in attendance but not a “first timer”. Also recognized were the anniversary of Ellen Schopis and
the birthday of Irene Clark. Henry also welcomed ORTA State president Bob Dengler as well as 6th grade presenters from Hannan
Trace, Kirsten Burnette and Jayla Wolford and their parents.
Henry read a letter from Barb Shelton regarding
the late Doug Wetherholt extolling some of his virtues and what an asset to the community and to our organization he was.
He will be sorely missed. Henry read a thank you note from Janet Wetherholt. Marlene Hoffman, memorial chair,
reported another of our members, Mildred Duncan died recently.
Karen Cornell introduced Kirsten Burnette and
Jayla Wolford who presented their History Day Project “The Innovation of the Underground
Railroad, a Road to Freedom, not a game – The Price is Right; Hide and Seek; Let’s Make a Deal.”
The girls visited many historical venues regarding the Underground Railroad and did voluminous research to prepare their project.
Their presentation was interesting, very well done and enjoyed by all. There was a Q&A period afterwards. Karen presented
gifts to the girls.
John Milhoan introduced state ORTA president Bob Dengler, a WWII veteran, who as an active
retiree has been involved on many levels of ORTA. He served as a delegate to many NEA conventions when he was an active member
of the Akron Education Association. He made remarks regarding pension matters and some of the cuts which have been made. He
stated that STRS did not want to cut benefits but were required to by law to maintain the long-term solvency of our retirement
system. He handed out a booklet prepared by AARP regarding the new health care legislation. He stressed that we should contact
our legislators about education funding. It is of primary importance to preserve the defined benefit plan we currently have,
ORTA may need to lobby regarding a bill on this matter. There was a Q&A afterwards.
Under committee reports
Jane Ann Slagle reported her committee is contacting newly retired teachers about joining ORTA. Marlene Hoffman reported the
Website Guidelines developed by the committee on which she serves has been approved by the state board. Henry reported our
chapter received a $50 award for getting our reports in on time.
Wanda Willis reported on the scholarship
committee work. The following students have been selected to receive scholarships in the amount of $350 each:
Allie Saunders - Gallia Academy
Samantha Hammond – South Gallia
Sean Seeger – River Valley
More information on the scholarship recipients will be included in the August newsletter.
The scholarships will be awarded at the August 12 meeting, which is a potluck picnic at the First Baptist Church shelter house.
Awarding the scholarships at this meeting will allow us to invite the winners and their extended families without a huge cost
as this is a potluck meal. (* Don’t forget to bring a covered dish to the Aug. meeting!!)
The raffle netted $124. Winners are: Eileen Stitt, handmade patriotic afghan made by Nancy Hood; “Lucky Lois”
Carter, a Pampered Chef Cookbook donated by Roberta Wilson.
Treasurers Report: (as of 5-31-10)
Local
Life Membership Savings: $7700.39
Scholarship Savings:
511.68
Scholarship CDs
21338.06
Checking:
2769.98
Louise Greenlee made the motion to adjourn and the second was
by Wil Church. Meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Hoffman, Secretary
NEXT MEETING: AUGUST 12, 2010 - NOON
PICNIC POTLUCK –
* BRING A COVERED DISH TO SHARE
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SHELTER HOUSE
Program:
Awarding of scholarships
Surprise presentation
(??)
