At 12:30 Eileen Started with the theme of this meeting: Speaking words of kindness. She then read a story from the January 1, 2017 Daily Guideposts on the topic.
Invocation was given by Eileen
Karen Butt, Vice-President of LCRTA introduced the guest speaker, Colleen Upton from the Licking County Aging Program. Colleen spoke about the many things available at Heritage Hall, while directing attention to the booklets and other handouts she shared. Members were quite interested and asked Colleen questions both during the presentation and after the meeting.
David Green led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mary Ellinger had Colleen Upton pick the name of the $25 gift certificate. The box of names included everyone who had paid their 2017 dues. The winner was Mary Ellen Strahm. Congratulations, Mary Ellen!
Those in attendance were reminded that the minutes from the December meeting were on the tables. Included on the back was the current treasurers report: CHECKING: $1787.28 SAVINGS: $1144.45 SCHOLARSHIP (which includes Stauch memorial monies) $7370.13 Debby Shelly, treasurer also stated that the required 990N report to the federal government was completed. The minutes and treasurer’s report were approved as printed.
David Greene, Community Affairs chair, told members about two movies being shown by the Freedom School group. All were invited and interested people were to see David for a handout.
Two cards that were received were read to the membership. The first was from Janet Simross thanking us for the Thomas Kinkade picture. The second card was from the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, thanking us for our generous donations of items and money.
Eileen explained what she knew about a recent letter all retired teachers received recently from Protecting Our Pensions also known as POP5. After explanation, Eileen said that the choice to join was up to each member, but that she was not going to join.
Karen Butt reviewed recent actions by STRS affecting the membership. Of concern is the possibility that all COLA’s will be eliminated. She shared portions of a letter that ORTA delivered to STRS regarding our COLA. ORTA does not support any elimination of our COLA. The letter is on the ORTA website for those wanting to rad the entire thing. Karen encourage everyone to sign up for the e-Update from STRS. It was noted that Eileen always posts these on the LCRTA website. Member discussed various aspects of her report and acknowledged that we must, if necessary, make our voices heard. Eileen will keep members who have email up to date and rally them if ORTA calls upon us to do so.
In addition to the many paper products donated, $53.37 will be delivered to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.
$100.50 was donated to our scholarship fund.
LCRTA members are quite generous!
Closing thoughts: Smile and count your blessings.
Our next meeting:
April 12, 2017 12 Noon
$13.00
Heritage Hall
Speaker: Trina Woods, Coalition of Care and Housing
Pantry items: County animal rescue… pet food, etc. no toys.
Respectively submitted
Eileen McNally
for Linda Leffel