The Gallia County Chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association
met at the First Baptist Church Fellowship room for the August 12, 2010 meeting. Originally scheduled to be held in the shelter
house the meeting was moved inside because of excessive heat. It was a potluck picnic style meal with Wanda Willis supplying
the meat and drinks with members bringing side dishes to share. This was a first time event, it was agreed we should do it
again next year as everybody enjoyed the meal. Grace was said by Cliff Wilson and we recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was called to order by President Barb Shelton. She
welcomed “first timer” Diana Drummond as well as Karen Butt, State ORTA President-elect and District VII Director
Jerry Webb. We sang “Happy Birthday” to Hazel Carico who will be 88 years young on Aug. 14.
The first order of business was to present checks to the scholarship
winners Alli Saunders, Sean Siegert and Samantha Hammond. Alli was on vacation with her family but sent a very nice letter,
which Wanda Willis read to the group. Sean who is the grandson of Wanda and the late John Holle (Gallia RTA members) was attending
OU orientation but got here in time to accept his check. Samantha and her parents were in attendance, she received her check
also. It was very nice to hear these young people talk about their aspirations and dreams to become teachers. Each was inspired
by a teacher somewhere along the way.
Marlene Hoffman introduced Jerry Webb who spoke on legislative matters. He stressed the need to contact legislators and
tell them we need to keep the DEFINED BENEFIT. Marlene then introduced Karen Butt who opened her remarks by saying, “Unless
there is a coup, I will be your president next year”. She then told a bit about herself and reiterated that we need
to stress keeping the DEFINED BENEFIT retirement plan. She noted that Ann Hanning ORTA Executive Director works tirelessly
on our behalf. She spoke about health care, COLA and Medicare.
Under committee reports Karen Cornell reminded folks she has volunteer forms if anyone needs one
and to be keeping them up to date for the end of year report. Under membership Jimmy Steele reported he has been to Columbus
to get membership materials for distribution. He has obtained permission for RTA to attend each of the three school systems
on the first day for teachers. Volunteers for distribution are: Gallipolis City: Barb Shelton, Darla Saunders and Marlene
Hoffman; Gallia County: Jimmy Steele; BHCC: Roy Sprague and Steve Saunders. Dues are going up Sept. 1. We are trying to give
active teachers a heads up to join now and avoid the dues increase. A big THANK YOU to Jimmy for taking the initiative. The
secretary mentioned we will need to take a look at the By-Laws at the next meeting, concerning dues structure, also she wants
to put the By-Laws on the website to be in compliance with the recently instituted web guidelines.
We signed a sympathy card for the family of Jim Bostick, long
time teacher at Rio Grande Elementary who died in June. He passed away in his sleep of a heart attack. It was said Jim had
6 computers and 3 laptops in his office, which brought a smile to those who knew him. We signed get-well cards for Sally Moshier
and Eileen Stitt. Barb Shelton announced the Meigs Chapter of RTA has expressed an interest in doing retirement planning activities
with our chapter.
Today’s
raffle netted $70. A hand-knitted afghan donated by Nancy Hood was won by Cliff Wilson; two Longaberger frames donated by
Darla Saunders were won by Samantha Hammond and Cliff Wilson; a corn hole score keeper donated by Karen Cornell was won by
Darla Saunders.
Meeting adjourned
at 1:30 p.m., motion by Darla Saunders second by Jim Steele.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Hoffman, Secretary
NEXT MEETING: October 14 - Rodney Methodist
Church (Ham loaf!!)
Program by Melvin Biars of Floral Fashions
Treasurer’s Report: (as of 7-31-2010)
Checking
$2854.49
Local Life Membership Savings 7709.99
Scholarship Savings
512.09
Scholarship CD’s
21338.06
