The Gallia County Chapter of the
Ohio Retired Teachers Association met for the October 14 meeting at the Rodney Methodist Church. The meal consisting of ham
loaf, green beans, cheesy potatoes, cranberry cup and pumpkin torte was prepared by the church ladies. It was an excellent
meal as usual and we gave the cooks a resounding round of applause. Cliff Wilson said the blessing.
The meeting was called to order by President Barb Shelton. She welcomed first
timers: Bruce Wilson, Phyllis Mulholland, Mary Lanier, Mary Lou King, Emily Robinson and Jean Fisher (Barb’s mother).
Roger and Lynn Rees were visiting from Columbus where they now make their home. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Barb
announced the speaker for today Melvin Biars is in the hospital with kidney stones…again!! This time last year Melvin
was absent because of kidney stones. As retired teachers we recognize a “repeat” illness when we see it. Just
kidding Melvin, we hope you get well soon. Barb stopped by Melvin’s florist shop and gathered items to give away because
Melvin always brings very nice gifts for our group.
Cher Bellar from Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) spoke on the “GrandPal” program that stresses
literacy by pairing students with senior volunteers who write letters to 5th graders monthly. RSVP provides envelopes
and stationary. Each month has a theme, ie: charity, honesty, etc. RSVP is in need of 60 volunteers to pair with 5th
graders at Addaville Elementary. At the end of the year the student and “GrandPal” meet for a pizza luncheon,
which is looked forward to by both student and “GrandPal” alike. She distributed forms for possible volunteers.
In Melvin’s absence Barb Shelton
made a special presentation to Janet Wetherholt of a framed picture from Melvin of the Bandstand in memory of Janet’s
late husband Douglas Wetherholt. Doug loved the history of Gallipolis and gave many informative talks on the Ohio River and
the city park. Janet is compiling a comprehensive exhibit of chapter newsletters to be given to the Historical Society. She
was president when “The Slate” was initiated. Barb Richards was a big help. Janet presented a framed picture to
Barb of the WWII battleship that recently passed through Gallipolis. It seems they had to “chase” the ship down
the river to get a good view.
Barb did
her best imitation of Melvin by telling us of the latest in floral fashions, the main one being that non-traditional colors
are “in”. (note to Melvin, your job is not in jeopardy) Seriously, it is harder than it looks to make the presentations
Melvin does for us. There were lots of give-away items that were used as part of the raffle today. Other donated raffle items
were pampered chef items by Darla Saunders and hand appliquéd towels by Julie Dragoo. Mary Lanier won the fall wreath
donated by Floral Fashions, other winners are too numerous to mention. The raffle netted $164, which will be used to defray
the cost of postage for the newsletter. Thanks to all who donated and all who bought raffle tickets.
We recognized the 33rd anniversary of Robin and Gary Lane. Gary is in HMC at
the present time, it was also noted that Bev Gettles husband is ill and in need of our support. Jimmy Steele reported we have
9 new life members from the membership drive we did on the first day of school. (mea culpa: in the Aug. newsletter I left out the name of
Jane Ann Slagle who helped at River Valley.) The new members
are: Steve Saunders, Darla Saunders, Letty Willis, Cathy Greenleaf, Penny Roush, Leanna Martin, Marilyn Kuhn, Eileen Stitt
and Joyce Hill. Welcome to our organization! Jimmy gave apple recipe holders to new members who were present, also to a few
other attendees. Adjournment at 1:30 p.m., motion by Will Church, second by Cliff Wilson.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Hoffman, Secretary
NEXT MEETING: December 9 at the Nazarene Family Life Center. Christmas
Sing-along and Memorial Service.
In the absence of the treasurer Marlene Hoffman gave the Treasurer’s report as of 9-30-10:
Checking:
$1876.46
Local Life Savings:
7719.72
Scholarship Savings:
512.74
Scholarship CD’s:
21338.06
