LCRTA President Fred Ciminello welcomed everyone to the August meeting, and especially our guests from United Way. Members then had their lunch.
Business Meeting:
Fred first introduced Dave Harrington, local representative for AMBA organization who helps us recruit members / offer great deals, benefits for our local chapter members. He assured us he does promote our local organization to area retirees.
Next Fred introduced Pate Bateman our District 6 Director for ORTA. She shared that we need to promote all the wonderful volunteer activities that retired teachers are involved in-we are a group who are very active in our communities. She also announced that on Saturday August 11, from 10 AM- 5 PM there will be an Ohio Retired Educators Appreciation Day, where you can see the Ohio Village Schoolhouse, etc.
Program:
For today’s program Fred then introduced Deb Dingus, new area director for our area United Way program. The Theme for this year is Lend A Hand. Deb shared that United Way holds core values for assisting those in need to help create longer lasting change in people’s lives through education, health, income, and basic needs—to hopefully see less of repeat families, etc. They focus on finding the needs of the community in these areas and what can be done to solve problems in these focus areas. An education panel has been established to address education and improving the graduation rate.
If you have a non-profit organization with a program you feel will have an impact on improving education in our community, there is a form to fill out where you may receive some funding from United Way in order to promote your program.
Deb also reminded us all that following the June storm, needs are greater in our Food Banks and there is a blood shortage for the Red Cross also.
Jeff Brown, Granville Exempted School Superintendent, and United Way representative, shared his appreciation of the positive impact the classroom teacher has on shaping the lives of their students as well as the future of our community. We need to support the ever-changing needs of our community to build success. The programs of United Way can help to improve the success of students remaining in school and becoming a successful community member.
A packet was handed out to all with information and opportunity for us to help United Way agencies through donation.