The Gallia County Chapter of the ORTA met April 14 at the Nazarene
Church Family Life Center. The delicious roasted pork meal was prepared by Anita Merry Catering. FYI Anita will be catering
our December meeting.
President Barb Shelton
called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the prayer was said by Henry Dillon. Celebrating birthdays
were Bob Powell and Barb Shelton.
Barb introduced
the speaker Bob Hood. Bob thanked his teachers several of whom were present. Bob is the chair of the Convention & Visitors
Bureau. He gave a most informative and interesting presentation on what is going on in and around Gallipolis and Gallia County.
One activity is “Be a Tourist in Your Own Back Yard” scheduled for the week of May 9. Tourist attractions will
be open during evening hours with curators presenting information. Also of note is the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War.
Gallipolis played a part in this war. Some things of note are: Morgan’s Raid; Our House tavern; the memorial Bandstand;
the GDC grounds served as a hospital, etc. A little known fact is the youngest (13) officer from the Civil War is buried at
Mound Hill Cemetery. A statue called “Keeper of the Bridge” was discovered by accident on Mound Hill. This statue
is featured in visitor information guides. One of Bob’s points is that we need to be good ambassadors for our community
and should be knowledgeable about “our own backyard” should we encounter visitors to our county. A big THANK-YOU
to Bob for coming to speak to our group.
Debbie
Rhodes announced a tour her book club is taking July 11-14 to Charleston, SC where there will be many historic places to visit.
There are still places left on the tour bus if anyone is interested.
Karen Cornell presented Marlene Hoffman with a plaque for her hours of volunteer work. Karen said that Marlene
has won this award for several years. This year she had 852 hours of volunteer service. Karen reminded everyone to keep track
of all volunteer hours. Marlene noted that she read an article that said finding time in your life to be of service to others
is at the heart of the Christian faith… something to think about.
Marlene gave a presentation on SB5 and HB69. She gave a handout that describes Defined
Contribution and Defined Benefit. Simply put Defined
Benefit, which we currently have and want to keep is: we contribute money to
the retirement system all the years we work and after we retire we receive a benefit check for life. Defined Contribution, which we DO NOT
want is: after we retire we receive a benefit until the money contributed runs out after which we would stop getting a benefit
check. That’s right you STOP GETTING A CHECK. We need to keep Defined Benefit!! Let your legislators know how you feel.
Marlene handed out information about how to contact legislators,
senators and the governor. She stated that we are basically helpless on these things. What we can
do is stay informed (check www.orta.org for info), back our “actives”, advocate for ourselves, contact our legislators
and VOTE come November!!
OEA-retired is sponsoring an informational meeting Wed. May 11 from 1-3 p.m. at the Bossard Memorial Library.
You do not have to be a member of OEA-R to attend. The information sheet specifically said they want to invite non OEA-R members
to come. The purpose of this meeting is to focus on the concerns of retirees.
The raffle netted $67. Winners are: Wil Church, Irene Surber (x2), Robin Lane, Barb Shelton,
Judy Burdell, Janet Wetherholt, Diana Drummond and Bob Hood. Thanks to all who contributed. Meeting adjourned 2 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Hoffman, Secretary
Finance
Report by Henry Dillon: (as of 3-31-11)
Checking Account
$1521.37
Local Life Membership Savings 7735.12
Scholarship Savings
513.36
Scholarship CD’s
21608.45
