LCRTA June 2019 Minutes
 
Welcome:
In Eileen’s absence, Vice President Karen welcomed everyone.
Sandy opened with a prayer.  
Program:
Following lunch, Karen introduced our program: Horticulturist Luke and educational director Abby from Dawes Arboretum. Their goal is education and appreciation of the arboretum for all. Luke shared some of the operational aspects of Dawes, Abby shared some of the informational programs for adults and children, especially the various programs for children and the summer camps on different topics that are on-going, such as “Bug-ology” and “Little Buckeyes”. And note that on the first Wed. of each month Dawes hold their “Senior Days Tours”. Dawes also is continually looking for volunteers.
 
Business Meeting / Reports / Notes
*Karen then opened the business meeting, sharing “Why I like retirement!” 
*David led us in the Pledge. 
*Karen reminded everyone to look at the agenda and minutes from our last meeting in April. *Please send any additions or changes needing to be made to either Eileen or Linda. 
*David also shared about the Denison Art Space in downtown Newark. There will be an Arts Open House on June 15th from 6-8 PM. 
*Karen asked everyone to look over the papers on each table for writing down any ideas that we may have for next year’s program ideas, as Karen is beginning to get the year filled up.
*Everyone seems to enjoy coming to the Davis-Shai House. Their prices will likely go up to $16 by our August meeting. We are continuing to negotiate with them.
 
Secretary’s Report:Previous meeting’s Sec. Report is on the table to review. Send any additions/changes to Eileen. 
 
*Treasurer Report:
Checking Account: $4246.79      Savings: $1144.70       Scholarship: $1735.44
Today’s Donations: Scholarship: $63.00      Pantry: $47.00
 
Scholarship:Reminding everyone that our scholarships now go to Student teachers attending OSU Newark Campus. We reviewed applications from 6 eligible students, and chose 2: Gabby Coyle and Keegan Muth. We hope our contribution will help make their student teaching even more successful! 
 
Next Meeting: Our next meeting will be Wed. August 14th at 12 noon at the Davis-Shai House.
 
 
 
TREASURER’S REPORT
As of July 31st

Checking- $4,355.09
Savings- $1.144.75
Scholarship- $1,798.48i
 
 

​Licking County Retired Teachers Assoc.
April 10th, 2019 Minutes
 
Welcome:
President Eileen McNally welcomed 36 members and guests to our April Luncheon, graciously hosted by Kendal Senior Living, in Granville . Eileen’s theme for spring was new things...renewal.
 
Program:  
We all enjoyed hearing from Kendal representative Peggy Qualls, discussing “Making Sense of Senior Living”. After informing us of various options, she also spoke to anyone interested in Kendal opportunities as
Well as giving a tour of Kendal to anyone desiring to visit.  
 
Business Meeting/Reports:
Eileen led us in the pledge, then opened a brief business meeting:
 
Secretary:Minutes from our February, 2019 meeting were on the tables, and current Minutes can be found online following each meeting.
*Please direct any corrections/additions to Pres. Eileen or Sec.Linda.
 
Care & Concern...Reminder:please write down names of any members needing a card from us to lift them up in various circumstances. Please indicate the circumstances...and type of card needed ( “thinking of you”, “Get-Well” or a “Sympathy” card, etc.). *Don’t forget to put down ADDRESS if you know it. Also, you may get this information to either Linda or Eileen between our meeting dates.
 
Community Services: Nothing to report this month.
 
Treasurer Report: TreasurerDebra Shelly, reports as of March 31st:
Checking: $4,186.79      Savings: $1,144.72          Scholarship: $2,670.42      
Donations:Today we collected items and $81 for Licking County Pet Adoption Center, and $65 towards Scholarship. 
 
Legislative:There was nothing else new to report. 
 
Membership: Currently there are 10 members who have not renewed their membership of $10/year.
 
Scholarship:
Thanks for donating to our scholarship fund today! As of today we have received 6 applications for our newly redesigned scholarship. We will choose our recipients by the end of April. The 3 teachers who have each received the new “first year teacher” scholarship will come share what they have been able to do in their classrooms with the money.
 
New Business:
Cindy Reeves shared about the one room schoolhouse in Johnstown. The school, Cornell School, provides school and group tours.
 
Updates/Notesshared:
Next meeting is Wednesday June 12th, at noon, at the Davis-Shai House.
Speaker: from Dawes Arboretum  Pantry Collection: Hair products
 
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Leffel
LCRTA Secretary
 
 
​

Licking County Retired Teachers Assoc.
 October 10th, 2018 Minutes
 
Welcome:
President Eileen McNally welcomed all to our October 10th meeting at our new venue, the lovely Davis-Shai House in Heath. Our October and December meetings will both be here, then we will make decisions on where we’ll continue to meet as of next year.  Eileen’s theme for the month is Kindness and then she gave the Invocation.  
 
Program:  
Following lunch, VP Karen introduced today’s program: Dr. Melissa Jungers, Professor at OSUN, sharing with us about her work, particularly PROSODY: language patterns and inflections, not what you say, but rather the way something is said that influences our meaning when we speak. She has done much research and studies on this language area.
*PROGRAM 60: She also shared about a program for seniors, aged 60
And over, to attend OSUN classes for free if there is room available. Papers about the program were handed out, but you can call the OSUN office for information or to register at : 740-366-9333.
 
Business Meeting/Reports:
Eileen led us in the pledge, then opened a brief business meeting.  
 
Secretary:Minutes from our August meeting were on the tables, and current Minutes can be found online following each meeting. August Minutes were approved as read.
*Please direct any corrections/additions to Pres. Eileen or Sec.Linda. 
 
Care & Concern...You are reminded to please write down the names of any members needing a card from us to lift them up in various circumstances. Please indicate the circumstances...and whether a “thinking of you”, “Get-Well” or a “Sympathy” card is needed.  And don’t forget to put down ADDRESS if you know it. Also, you may get this information to either Linda or Eileen between our meeting dates.
 
Community Services:
David Greene shares that there will be a Community Gathering/Prayer Vigil on Sunday, October 14th to show support for a Licking County Public Transportation System. Various local churches and other groups will be participating. The next Labor Council / Freedom School film will be shown October 25th at the Union Hall on Hudson Avenue. Playing will be “The Devil We Know”, film about the use of Teflon/
 
Treasurer Report: TreasurerDebra Shelly,August 1st,2018- report:
Checking: $3,189.29     Savings: $1,144.66  Scholarship: $1920.31.    CD:$4,861.61     
Donations:collected Baby items and $78 for the Baby Pantry. 
 
Legislative:  Karen encourages us to also join ORTA. Look online to see about paying dues.  You can also see all the benefits offered through ORTA online also- orta.org.
 
Membership: Dues can be paid now and at our Dec. meeting. If you do have your  $10 dues paid by Dec. you will be entered into a drawing for a local restaurant gift card!
 
Scholarship
*Remember our scholarship program has changed and our funds will be offered to student teachers in the spring of 2019.
*Today Eileen announced this year’s teachers to receive special $200 grants for materials needed for their classrooms. The 3 selected were Christina Rausch / Lakewood HS; Leah Boyden / Heath MS 8th Gr. Special Ed; and Stephanie Maddux / Heath, Stevenson Gr. 3-5
Members donated $140 for scholarship fund today.
New Business:
VP Karen has been diligently working on programing for next year, which includes a trip with complimentary lunch and tour of Kendal.
 
Updates/Notesshared:
Next meeting is Wed, Dec.12th, 12 noon, at the Davis-Shai House.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Leffel
LCRTA Secretary

​Licking County Retired Teachers Assoc.
 August 15th, 2018 Minutes
 
Welcome:
President Eileen McNally welcomed all to our August meeting.  Eileen’s theme for August:  Spread Mercy, Kindness and Self Control.  Pull away unkindness and unforgiving thoughts and actions like pulling weeds from your garden.  
She also read from a Guideposts article to us. 
 
Program:  
Following lunch,Eileen introduced today’s program presented by ORTA Liasson Ken Moody who shared about some of the things ORTA is continuing to work on for our behalf, like COLA, INsurance, and other supplemental offerings.
He also  discussed “From Ditto Machine to today’s technology”, bringing back many memories of earlier days and machines we used!
 
Business Meeting/Reports:
David led us in the pledge, followed by Eileen opening a brief business meeting.  
 
Secretary:Minutes from our April  meeting were on the tables, and new
Minutes can be found online following each meeting. April Minutes were approved as read.
*Please direct any corrections/additions to Pres. Eileen or Sec.Linda. 
 
Care & Concern...You are reminded to please write down the names of any members needing a card from us to lift them up in various circumstances. Please get those names AND THEIR ADDRESSES to either Linda or Eileen between our meeting dates.
 
Community Services:
David Greene shared that our local Labor Parade will take place on Sept 3rd.  The next Labor Council film series begins September 20th, and every third Thursday. Charlie Chaplan movie, :Modern Times” showing mechanical and technological changes in manufacturing.
 
Treasurer Report: TreasurerDebra Shelly,August 1st,2018- report:
Checking: $2,519.85  Savings: $1,144.51    Scholarship: $2,904.95     CD:$4,861.61     
Donationscollected today were items and $79 for Food Pantry.
 
Legislative:  Karen encourages us to also join ORTA. Look online to see about paying dues.  You can also see all the benefits offered through ORTA online also- orta.org.
 
Membership: Debra Shelly and Gail Dufford, in charge of membership, shares that we will now only collect local dues for LCRTA, and ORTA will collect the Ohio ORTA dues. We will be collecting next year’s dues at our Oct. and Dec. meetings. 
 
Scholarship
*Remember that funding for our Scholarships come from all of you, collected each month at our meetings. Reminder that our Scholarships will now be given out to student teachers at OSUN. Our first funds will be offered to student teachers in the spring of 2019.
*And...3-4 first or second year teachers will receive special grants for materials needed or personal items as they begin their student teaching. These teachers will be invited next August to share how they’ve used the money presented. Today we collected $78 for scholarship fund.
Updates/Notesshared:
*Our next meeting will be…
 Wednesday, October 10th, 12 noon, at Stacey’s Buffet.  Pantry Products will be collected for the Baby Pantry.
New Business:
Schools, especially C-Tec are in need of Substitute Teachers.  You can get a temporary substitute license for $25.
*Our next meeting will be October 10th, Stacey’s Buffet, 12 Noon
Bring items for the Baby Pantry at Wright Memorial Church
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Leffel
LCRTA Secretary
 
 

​Licking County Retired Teachers Assoc. June 13th, 2018 Minutes
 
Welcome:
President Eileen McNally welcomed all to our June meeting.  Eileen’s theme for June: “Every day is a gift to be treasured.” She also read from a Guideposts article to us. 
 
Program:  
Following lunch,Eileen introduced today’s program presented by Mary Miller…”Comedy, Music and Inspiration”. Besides her Stand-Up Comedy, Mary has started a Charity, “Fill Your Cups”, that supplies Breast Prosthetics for cancer survivors. 
 
Business Meeting/Reports:
David Greene led us in the pledge, and Eileen followed by opening a brief business meeting after our entertainment.
 
Secretary:Minutes from our April meeting were on the tables, and new
Minutes can be found online following each meeting. April Minutes were approved as read.
*Please direct any corrections/additions to Pres. Eileen or Sec.Linda. 
 
Care & Concern...You are reminded to please write down the names of any members needing a card from us to lift them up in various circumstances. Please get those names AND THEIR ADDRESSES to either Linda or Eileen between our meeting dates.
 
Community Services:
David Greene again reminds us retired teachers have much to give and continue to volunteer in many ways...please remember to log all those countless volunteer hours and give to him.
He shares that there is still interest, and local citizens are still working on forming a Newark community public transportation system. 
The 4-county Labor Council held an essay contest for students writing about working and labor history, etc. About 50 essays were received, 2 student’s essays were chosen. Look for photos on our website.  
 
Treasurer Report: TreasurerDebra Shelly, May 31st,2018- report:
Checking: $3,422.99   Savings: $1,144.60     Scholarship: $3,688.24      CD:$4,861.61      ($2,000 of scholarship is from Shelly Staugh fund)
Donationscollected today were announced: 
$163  collected for Scholarship fund. $27 & Hair Products for Pantry.
 
Legislative:  Karen Butt reminded all to please continue to look on the STRS and ORTA websites for updates/information. 
www.orta.org  and   [email protected]
She shared a letter from new Exec. Director at ORTA, Robin Rayfield:  A letter is circulating to ORTA members about a group called “POP5”, which supposedly covers the 5 public employees retirement groups, soliciting money. The central liaison for ORTA, Kara Mendenhal was also with us to explain that this organization’s soliciting is questionable and ORTA is NOT affiliated with this group at all;  advises us to ignore requests.
 
Membership: Both Mary Ellinger and Mary Kashac can no longer be Membership Co-Chairpersons...we thank them for years of service. Debra Shelly, our Treasurer, and Gail Dufford, Scholarship Chair. have agreed to team together to be in charge of Membership as Co-Chairs. We thank them for stepping up to this additional position!
 
Scholarship: Continued thanks for the donations towards scholarship given each meeting. Remember that our general Scholarship program has been changed to assist Student Teachers instead of graduating high school seniors. Unfortunately, the information about our scholarship was somehow miscommunicated with faculty at OSUN who were to get the information out to upcoming student teacher candidates. Chairperson Gail Dufford said that we will be sure to get the information out to those doing their student teaching in the fall.
We were pleased to have scholarship recipients, Abby McNaught and Jordan Aronowirz, with us today to share a little about themselves.
 
Updates/Notesshared:
*Our next meeting will be…
 Wednesday, August 15th, 12 noon, at Stacey’s Buffet.
Our program will be Ken Moody with “From the Ditto Machine to Today!” Pantry Products donations will be Personal Hygiene Products.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Leffel
LCRTA Secretary

​Licking County Retired Teachers Assoc. April 11th, 2018 Minutes,
 
Welcome:
President Eileen McNally welcomed all to our April meeting.  Theme for April was “Do Everything in Love”, and she read an article to us. 
 
Program:  
Following lunch,Eileen introduced Board Member Bob Stein from Ohio STRS to share some important details and updates, as well as how the system has arrived at certain financial decisions.  He stated that STRS is always striving to keep costs down and services up to the members.
*70% of assets are managed internally, saving us $100-million/year.
*Still will be able to provide health care, although not mandated to do so.
*To insure solvency 30 years to 2047, as stated last fall, some changes  
  to the plan will need to be made.
*For further information or to address your questions, the following are 
 suggested :
 www.nirsonline.org(for Nat’l Institute for Retirement Security)
 www.pionline.com(for Pensions/Investments)
 www.governing.com
 [email protected] (to email Bob Stein, other Bd. Members
Bob share a lot of very pertinent information. 
 
Our Legislative Chr. Karen Butt also shared the following from
 ORTA/AMBA (Association Membership Benefits Advisors)
*Executive board of LCRTA met with representatives from ORTA/AMBA, who shared more important information for the membership, and advises all  to look over the benefits available to us.
*Our ORTA Benefits Advisor is Dennis Evans
  Contact him at: [email protected]and 614-886-1087
 
*ORTA contact information is:
  www.orta.org     and  614-431-7002 / 877-431-7002
 
Business Meeting/Reports:
Eileen opened a brief business meeting
 
 
Secretary:Minutes from our February meeting were on the tables, and you can find minutes online following each meeting. 
*Please direct any corrections/additions to Pres. Eileen or Sec.Linda. 
 
Care & Concern...You are reminded to please write down the names of any members needing a card from us to lift them up in various circumstances. Please get those names to either Linda or Eileen between our meeting dates.
 
Treasurer Report: TreasurerDebra Shelly, April 2018- report:
Checking: $3,278.47   Savings: $1,144.60      Scholarship: $3,590.18       CD:$4,861.61      ($2,000 of scholarship is from Shelly Staugh fund)
 
Donations collected today were announced: 
$88 collected towards our Scholarship fund.
$54 plus pet items, donated to Licking County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.
 
Legislative:Karen reminded all to please continue to look on the STRS website for information. 
Membership: Dues still aren’t up-to-date with all members.
 
Scholarship:Continued thanks for the donations towards scholarship given each meeting. Our general Scholarship program has been changed to assist Student Teachers instead of graduating high school seniors. Unfortunately the information about our scholarship was somehow miscommunicated with faculty at OSUN who were to get the information out to upcoming student teacher candidates. So, we will not be giving this scholarship out this year.
Two-$1,000 Scholarships from the Sherry Stach fund will be given.
 
Updates/Notes shared:
*Our next meeting will be…
 Wednesday, June 13th, 12 noon, at Stacey’s Buffet.
Our program will be Mary Miller, a very inspiring, informative and fun entertainer
 
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Leffel
LCRTA Secretary

Licking County Retired Teachers Association
February 14, 2018 Minutes, Stacey’s Buffet, Elder Care, AMBA
 
Welcome:
President Eileen McNally welcomed the 20 members present. Today’s theme was “Try, Try Again” and she read a verse about try, try again. Lunch at the buffet.
 
Program:
Robert Hendrix spoke about Elder Care and offered his services to anyone who had questions. Dennis Evans and Jim Cane from AMBA (Association Member Benefits Advisors) spoke about benefits available to ORTA members and encouraged us to take advantage of these benefits. They also offered their services for anyone who had questions or wanted more information.
 
Reports:
Scholarships
Student Teacher Grant - Gail Dufford reported that the Student Teacher Grant will not be awarded until late next fall. This is due to the fact that all student teachers at OSUN do their student teaching in the fall semester. Then some graduate in Dec. and some have courses to complete during the spring semester. If we offered the Grant this spring we would not be able to include those who graduated in Dec. OSUN will help distribute the information and applications in late April, to be submitted by September 1, 2018. Then the committee will review the applications and make decisions.
Labor Scholarship Essay Contest - David Greene reported that the information for the scholarship contest has been released to schools in the Licking, Knox, Muskingum and Coshocton County Area. There is an April 4 deadline. Anyone interested in helping review the essays should contact David.
Freedom School Film - Thursday, February 3 the film will be Overnighters (gas and oil workers in the job field needing homes where they are working and how this affects the community)
Public Transportation Meeting – Feb 24th.
 
Business Meeting:
*David Greene opened the business meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
*Eileen reported that most of the executive committee was not able to make the meeting on Monday and that many of these people are not able to attend our meetings on a regular basis due to travel, or health concerns of family members. Members need to be willing to step in to some of these positions. Membership Committee especially needs assistance as Mary Ellinger will not be working on that committee any more.
*Eileen also spoke to that fact that getting things ready for a meeting at Heritage Hall had been extremely difficult for her (getting ice, making coffee, set up and clean up, etc.) Having today’s meeting at Stacey’s was good because she had no pre-meeting preparations and no clean up. It is also nice because no reservations are needed which saves Jean a lot of work. Also, members could decide at the last minute to come.
*Eileen stated that if we would switch our meetings to Stacey’s for every meeting she would remain as president, as it would be easier for her.
**It was decided that we would discontinue our meetings at Heritage Hall and meet at Stacey’s for the rest of 2018. The only problem will be space in the meeting room. Another group meets in the room connected to ours and we probably wouldn’t be able to have a double room. This may be a problem when STRS representatives come because we usually have a bigger group that day. (ASIDE from Eileen: Karen Butt will check on the possibility of have both portions of the room, at least for the April meeting.)
Secretary:
Minutes from the December meeting were available at the front table of the room. Minutes from each meeting can also be found online.
 
Care and Concern:
You are reminded to please write down names of any members needing a card form us in various circumstances. Please get those names to either Linda or Eileen between our meeting dates.
 
Membership Gift Card Drawing:
In February, all members who have paid their dues are entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card at a restaurant of their choice in Newark. The winner was Anastacia Anest. Debby will contact her.
 
Treasurer’s Report:
Savings - $1144.57
Checking - $2800.27
Scholarship (includes Stauch endowment) - $3408.12
 
Todays’ Donations:
Food Pantry - $48.00  plus a few items
Scholarship - $52.00
 
* February door prizes were handed out to lucky attendees!
 
Next meeting – Wednesday, April 11 – 12:00 – Stacey’s
Speaker – Bob Stein, STRS updates
Donations – Pet supplies for Licking Co. dog shelter
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Gail Dufford
Stand-in Secretary

​Licking County Retired Teachers Association
December 13th, 2017 Minutes, Heritage Hall, LC Aging Program
 
Welcome:
President Eileen McNally welcomed all to our December meeting.  Theme for December was “Loving One Another”, and she read an article from Guideposts. Enjoy this opportunity to be with family and friends...that’s your biggest gift.  Lunch was  shared, provided by Creative Catering.
 
Program:  Eileen introduced Ann Robinson with the Carson Elementary School Choir with a fun holiday program.
 
Memorial:  Sandy Holcombe led a memorial service to honor those members who have passed away this year.
 
Business Meeting/Reports:
Eileen opened business meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
Secretary: Minutes from our October meeting were on the tables, and you can find minutes online following each meeting.
*Please direct any corrections/additions to Pres. Eileen or Sec.Linda.
 
Care & Concern...You are reminded to please write down the names of any members needing a card from us to lift them up in various circumstances. Please get those names to either Linda or Eileen between our meeting dates.
 
Treasurer Report: Treasurer Debra Shelly, Oct. 1st, 2017- report:
Checking: $2,623.81    Savings: $1,144.54   Scholarship: $3,227.06       CD:$4,861.61      ($2,000 of scholarship is from Shelly Staugh fund)
 
Donations collected today were announced:
$110 was collected towards our Scholarship fund.
$110, plus items, donated for the Food Pantry.
*December Door Prizes were handed out to lucky attendees!
Community Services:  Volunteer hours sheets were collected by David.
 
Legislative: Karen reminded all to please continue to look on the STRS website for important  updates, as well as our ORTA Bulletin.  We have a new Executive Director and a new Logo.
Membership:  Dues were being collected today...remember that anyone who pays their dues for next year by our Feb. 2018 meeting will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Gift Card!
 
Scholarship: Remember that it is our contributions that fund the scholarships! Keep your donations coming in!
*Eileen again clarified about the changes of our scholarship program in our by-laws:
*The Fran Alspach Scholarship given to students, rotating among LC Schools each year, was given in her honor, but no funds came from her.
*The Sherry Stauch Scholarship originated from $10,000 given from her estate. $8,000 of the fund has been used, and the $2,000 remaining will be given to 2 students this year, and then will be done.
*Now our chapter will be awarding current classroom student teachers, at OSUN, showing a commitment to education, for costs of many materials needed at that time.
*We also plan to give $200 grants to first (1-3) years teachers grants for much needed materials in their classrooms.
 
Updates/Notes shared:
*Eileen hoped that everyone has received their 2018 Program Booklets, and to please notice that the Wednesday dates need to be changed.
*We will continue having our meetings at Heritage Hall, as it seems to be the most convenient and reasonable for our group.
*Please also note that our FEBRUARY MTG. ONLY will be changed to Stacey’s Hometown Buffet, when weather may be a problem and we would not need reservations.
*Our meeting time MAY NEED TO BE CHANGED due to scheduling issues-WILL BE ANNOUNCED WITH RESERVATION EMAIL if changed.
And, please respond to email about the meeting to reserve your lunch, as we need a correct number for the caterer.
*Eileen shared about the status of our chapter. She will be President through the 2018 year. She is calling on all members to think about helping to keep our organization going by stepping up to take on officer, and committee roles.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Leffel
LCRTA Secretary