President Sandy Holcombe welcomed everyone, following with a short prayer;
then all were invited to enjoy their lunch!
Program:
At 12:45 our program began. We were educated and entertained by popular area minister and historian, Jeff Gill, talking with us about Abraham Lincoln, on this-Lincoln’s birthday. Jeff shared with us history of Abe from the point of view of his family and how they helped him become the man he was-particularly his close bonds with his mother Nancy, and his stepmother Sarah. Lincoln would tell of his memory of his mother sitting by the fire reading, and that “she taught me my letters”. Later, he would fondly remember his stepmother loving to laugh, and though unschooled, loving education. She wholeheartedly immersed herself into the good of the family.
At 1:25 the business meeting was called to order by President Sandy Holcombe with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary’s Report: Sandy shared that we had minimal minutes for our December minutes, thus they were not read and/or approved by membership…Members are reminded to look at our website for complete current minutes.
Treasurer’s Report was given by Treasurer Sharon Koppert.
Treasury Balances as of end of the year 2013:
Checking: $ 817.21 Scholarship: $1564.41
Savings: $4643.52 CD: $1655.88 TOTALS: $8681.02
ORTA Standing Committee Reports
Membership: Mary Ellinger announced that we have about 80 who have not paid this year’s local dues.
Public Relations: PLEASE Look for updates/items sent out by Eileen via email & website.
LCRTA Local Committees
Auditing Committee: Auditing has been completed for 2013.
Old/Unfinished Business:
New Business:
Sandy announced that we need a nominating committee to join her in finding officers for President and Treasurer for the next year. Although it is months away, we should have the prospective officers in place by our June meeting, and then the membership will vote at our October meeting. All other officers have agreed to continue their jobs for another year. Please consider taking one of these positions!
Sandy shared that we need to thank Eileen McNally for agreeing to be the new district 6 STRS Director, taking over early for Pat Bateman. Eileen does so much for our chapter—and beyond!
Announcements:
Eileen had noticed the large budget that ORTA has for its newsletter, and asked the following input from the membership: How valuable is the newsletter to you? –do your read it?–would you mind if it was more black/white rather than full color? –would you prefer having it sent to you via email? ANYONE WITH INPUT ON THIS, PLEASE SEND COMMENTS TO EILEEN.
Eileen also shared that she could now make our program yearbook on her home computer, and not have to have it sent out to a printer. She had a mock-up of the proposed booklet for all to see.
Judy Pflaumer reminded everyone to think about getting the Shingles vaccination.
Thanks to everyone who donated today to the Coalition of Care. Mary Ellinger shared that this is a very rewarding group to volunteer your time. This agency helps to refer people to various other appropriate agencies that can help them with a variety of needs.
Our April meeting will be on April 9th at Heath United Methodist Church, with a program by Susie Frahn, “a Stitch in Time”. Pet food will be our pantry item.
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda Leffel, Secretary, LCRTA