Archive of Minutes 2020

PCRTA LUNCHEON MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021

President Chris DeMarco opened the meeting by thanking greeter Judy Hendershot. He then introduced Michelle Cooley who spoke about the Portage County Head Start Program. She said there are four centers in Portage County, and there are teaching positions available with good benefits. Chris introduced Missy Harmon, a member of the Lions Club. She spoke about the Lions Club and said they welcome new members. Doug Long talked about the Lions fundraiser which is selling Cobelenz Chocolates which he had available. Chris announced that since we would not be able to have the 50/50, there would be a donation box at each meeting to help defray the costs of the venue and programing.

Chris announced that Helena Parry had been nominated for Vice President and asked if there were any other nominations. Fran Purchenski made a motion to add Helena to the slate. It was seconded by Maureen Haska. The motion passed. Gifts were given to outgoing Board members Dave Gynn and Carole Stokes in appreciation for their years of service. Carol Kinsey conducted an installation ceremony of officers JoAnn McEwen, Treasurer; Helena Parry, Vice President; and Lisa DeMarco, Recording Secretary.

Helena Parry gave the meditation.

Following lunch members were entertained by the Aces from Roosevelt High School.

PCRTA SPECIAL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

DECEMBER 17, 2020 via ZOOM

Members present: Chris DeMarco, Kay Wise, Denise Craig, Helena Parry, Judith Hendershot,

Jan Fencl, Carole Stokes and John Kerstetter.

President Chris DeMarco called a special PCRTA Executive Board meeting to discuss a proposed donation to the forensic audit of STRS. Information was presented, questions were asked and discussion ensued. Due to the lack of a quorum, the vote was tabled until next month’s meeting.

Jan Fencl made a motion to invite Robin Rayfield to the January 14, 2021, meeting. It was seconded by Denise Craig. The motion passed.

The meeting adjourned.

PCRTA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Members present: Chris DeMarco, Jan Fencl, Dave Gynn, Pat Gynn, Jeane Nolte, Connie Evans, Denise Craig, Helena Parry, Kay Wise, Ron Snowberger, John Kerstetter, Sandy Kerstetter, Karen Balog, Judy Hendershot, Darlene Fetterhoff and Carole Stokes.

President Chris DeMarco called the 501c3 meeting to order.

Treasurer Dave Gynn gave the Scholarship Treasury Report as of November 11, 2020.

Checking Account Balance $6,805.25

Savings Account Balance $15,926.62

Marathon Balance $82,448.64

Note: See the website for the full report.

Chris DeMarco gave Scholarship Chair Jim Montaquila’s report. There were nine applicants for the Teacher Grant. There will be a meeting of the Teacher Grant Program Committee on December 14, 2020. The following members are on the committee: Dave Gynn, Maureen Haska, Darlene Fetterhoff, Ron Snowberger and Jim Montaquila.

Kay Wise made a motion to adjourn the 501c3 meeting. Connie Evans seconded it. The motion passed.

Chris opened the 501c4 meeting.

Recording Secretary Carole Stokes asked if there were any additions or corrections to the previous minutes. There were none. Denise Craig made a motion to accept the minutes. It was seconded by Jeane Nolte. The motion passed.

Dave Gynn gave the PCRTA Treasury Report as of November 11, 2020.

Checking Account Balance : $l,564.19.
Savings Account Balance: $1,310.08.
Marathon Account Balance $44,205.44.

Note: See the website for the full report.

Chris DeMarco presented the calendar for 2021. It was noted that since PCRTA has its own Zoom account, it can be used for other meetings which can accommodate up to 100 people. Jan Fencl made a motion to adopt the calendar. It was seconded by Dave Gynn.

Archival Chair Pat Gynn reported that she has been putting information on COVID in the archives.

Denise Craig announced that Kent Social Services and the Center of Hope are accepting hats, gloves and scarves. They can be taken to either site.

Membership Chair Judy Hendershot reported that she received a list of about 100 retirees from ORTA. She plans to prepare a letter stressing health care and pensions to send to the retirees. Denise Craig offered to help.

Proctor Chair Jeane Nolte stated that she is keeping the communication lines open with Sara at NEOMED. She also shared her experience of having COVID.

Nominations Chair Jan Fencl made a motion to accept the following officers for 2021

President Chris DeMarco,
Assistant Treasurer Darlene Fetterhoff
Corresponding Secretary

Denise Craig. It was seconded by Dave Gynn, and the motion passed.

Informative Chair Kay Wise said there is pop-up COVID testing today at NEOMED. It takes 20 seconds, and the results are available in three days.

Dave Gynn announced that the information on the scholarship recipients was finally published by the Record Courier. He said he sent a news release about the Teacher Grants.

President Chris DeMarco said that ORTA wants pictures for the newsletter that reflect a diverse membership. It was suggested to send photos from the Maplewood Career Aspire Program. Dave said that he had sent ORTA information on the scholarship recipients.

Technology Chair Connie Evans stated that she has been storing backup on extra drive but is running out of space. She could store it with the PCRTA web company Hostcentric for $4.00 per month, which would be split with Freedom Township. Jan Fencl made a motion to store the backup with the company. It was seconded by Denise Craig. The motion passed.

Helena Parry spoke about possible programs for 2021 which would depend on COVID. She also reported that the Clothing Center is open, but PCRTA volunteering has been suspended due to COVID.

Dave Gynn reported the Finance Committee met with Marathon; everything looks good, and our goals have been met.

Chris DeMarco explained the forensic audit of STRS which ORTA is coordinating. The cost would be $75,000, which would need to be raised by donations. Discussion followed, and questions were raised. It was decided that there would be a Zoom meeting on December 17 at 9:30 to discuss the audit and hear Chris’s findings after the ORTA meeting.

The pandemic curtailed school activities for the winners of last year’s 2020 grants, which are now being completed. Gretchen Sivinski from Ravenna High School is using a vinyl cutting machine to make inspirational wall decals throughout the building. Nicole Wallack-Giammo and Vanessa Shafer from James A. Garfield Middle School are using their grant to purchase materials to increase interest in STEM careers. which ORTA is coordinating. The cost would be $75,000, which would need to be raised by donations. Discussion followed, and questions were raised. It was decided that there would be a Zoom meeting on December 17 at 9:30 to discuss the audit and hear Chris’s findings after the ORTA meeting.

Jan Fencl made a motion to adjourn the 501c4 meeting. It was seconded by Carole Stokes. The meeting concluded at 12:15.

PCRTA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 2020, via ZOOM

Members present Chris DeMarco, Jim Montaquila, Jan Fencl, Carole Stokes, Connie Evans, Denise Craig, Kay Wise, Karen Balog, John Kerstetter, Dave Gynn, Pat Gynn, Ron Snowberger, Jeane Nolte, Helena Parry, Sandy Kerstetter, Judy Hendershot

President Chris DeMarco opened the 501c3 meeting.

Treasurer Dave Gynn gave the Scholarship Treasury Report September 8, 2020.

Scholarship Fund Checking Balance $ 8,549.61

Savings Balance 15,917.61

Investments $79,909.69

PCRTA General Fund

Checking Balance $1,702.70

Savings Balance 1,310.08

Investments $48.287.80

Scholarship Chair Jim Montaquila reported that he sent an email to all the superintendents about the Teacher Grant program and attached an application. The deadline for the applications has been extended to December 4, 2020. He is also sending letters with application forms to the superintendents. He stated that he did have a call from the new band director at Streetsboro.

Kay Wise made a motion to adjourn the 501c3 meeting. Karen Balog seconded it. The motion passed.

Chris opened the 501c4 meeting.

Recording Secretary Carole Stokes thanked Helena Parry for taking notes until she could access ZOOM during the July meeting. She asked for additions or corrections of the July minutes. There were none. Jan Fencl moved to accept the minutes. It was seconded by Denise Craig. The motion passed.

Treasurer Dave Gynn gave the PCRTA Treasury Report September 8, 2020.

President Chris DeMarco spoke about our discussion to extend the terms of the three officers due to be elected this year. He asked Jan Fencl to write something for the newsletter to explain the extended terms to the members. He announced that ORTA has a podcast, and our chapter will get a few cents for everyone who listens. He stated that there are lots of retirees this year and ORTA has a list available, but it is not organized.

NEOMED Proctoring Co-Chair, Jeane Nolte, reported that she talked with Sara Adair our decision not to proctor this autumn. Chris sent a thank you letter to Sara thanking her for being understanding and paying us for the spring semester.

Chris reported that our pension system is leading in every critical area except the COLA. ORTA continues to work on reinstating the COLA.

Nominations Chair Jan Fencl announced that Pat Gynn is now on the nominating committee.

Public Relations Chair Dave Gynn reported that he sent an article and photos about the scholarship winners to the Record Courier a couple of months ago, and they have not been published.

Protective Services Chair Kay Wise announced that Hudson Library has great programs on ZOOM. She also stated that an appointment is needed to donate at the County Clothing Center. Denise Craig added that Candy comes out with a tub for donations.

Membership Chair Judy Hendershot stated she is working on a letter to send to recent retirees.

Reservations Chair Karen Balog reported she has seven future luncheon reservations. ZOOM ended.

The PCRTA Executive Board, with the directions of ORTA, voted to extend the terms of three officers due for election this year. The three officers are: President Chris DeMarco, Corresponding Secretary Denise Craig, Assistant Treasurer Darlene Fetterhoff. They will remain in office and will serve two years beginning in January 2021.

The election was canceled due to COVID. Nominations Committee, Pat Gynn, Dan McCombs, Jan Fencl.

PCTA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING JULY 9, 2020,

via ZOOM

Members present: Chris DeMarco, Judy Hendershot, Helena Parry, Denise Craig, Dave Gynn, Pat Gynn, Jan Fencl, Jim Montaquila, Carole Stokes, Kay Wise, Connie Evans, Karen Balog, Sandy Kerstetter and Jeane Nolte.

President Chris DeMarco called the 501c3 meeting to order at 9:35 a.m.

The scholarship report will be filed for audit. Assistant Treasurer Darlene Fetterhoff had previously sent the report to all board members.

Scholarship Chair Jim Montaquila read a thank-you note from Abigail Camera from Roosevelt High School. At the request of the guidance office at Roosevelt High School, Jim said he prepared a virtual video presentation from his home porch regarding the scholarship winner Abigail Camera. Further, Jim emailed the Superintendent of Streetsboro Schools to inquire about preparing a virtual video regarding the Teacher Grant Program winner; however, he received no response. At her request, member Joann Stikes has been added to the Scholarship Committee. Maureen Haska has been added to the Teacher Grant Program Committee.

Kay Wise made a motion to adjourn the 501c3 meeting. Connie Evans seconded it. The motion carried.

Chris opened the 501c4 meeting.

Denise Craig made a motion to accept the Recording Secretary’s report. It was seconded by Kay Wise. The motion passed.

Dave also reported that in spite of the volatile market, our investments have increased in value. He said $345 of luncheon reservations have been transferred to the scholarship fund. He recommended dropping membership for people who have not paid dues since 2019. Dave announced after consulting with Paul Organ from Marathon Financial that the Investment Policies Guidelines #7 was expanded to clarify “sector” by adding “such as medical, financial, travel, etc.” This applies to both PCRTA and PCRTA Scholarship policies.

Following discussion, Jan Fencl made a motion to cancel all luncheon meetings for the rest of the year, with an option to do something special if conditions permit us to do so. It was seconded by Denise Craig. The motion passed. The November luncheon meeting is normally the time to elect the President, Assistant Treasurer, and the Corresponding Secretary for the next two years. After much discussion, the Board decided to recommend the terms of President Chris DeMarco, Assistant Treasurer Darlene Fetterhoff and Corresponding Secretary Denise Craig be extended for two years, if they are willing. Information will be in the next newsletter, and members are encouraged to respond. Jan Fencl made a motion to extend the terms of these officers for two years. Kay Wise seconded it. The motion passed.

Protective Services Chair Kay Wise reported on an AARP Smart Driver course. www.org/drivingsafe85 promo code drive safe.

Interim Public Relations Chair Dave Gynn sent a release to the Record Courier with information on the scholarship winners. He will include information on the cancellation of our luncheon meetings.

Tech Chair Connie Evans announced that Freedom Township paid one half of the web dues for 3 years.

Jan Fencl made a motion to adjourn the 501c4 meeting. Judy Hendershot seconded it. The motion passed.

PCRTA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MAY 14, 2020 (Virtual)

Members present: Chris DeMarco, Judy Hendershot, Kay Wise, Darlene Fetterhoff, Carole Stokes, Jim Montaquila, John, Kerstetter, Denise Craig, Linda Roberts, Pat Gynn, Dave Gynn, Helena Parry, Karen Balog and Connie Evans

President Chris DeMarco opened the 501c3 meeting.

Assistant Treasurer Darlene Fetterhoff gave the Scholarship Treasury Report as of May 13, 2020.

Checking Account Balance $10,199.20

Savings Account Balance $15,918.64

Marathon Balance $71,327.10

She reported that Alan Balog charged $268 for the 999 audit and donated back $100. She also reported that she received a check for $2,000 from NEOMED.

Scholarship Chair Jim Montaquila said that he received nine applications from students from six different high schools. He felt that there was good communication from the high school guidance counselors. He stated that he sent letters to the winners, letters to those who did not win and letters to the guidance counselors. The winners are:

Caylee J. Mackey from Southeast High School plans to attend Youngstown State University.

Alice Hesmondhalgh from Aurora High School plans to attend Ohio University.

Kaylee Klein from Streetsboro High School plans to attend Slippery Rock University. She won the Ken and Nancy Bliss Scholarship.

Abigail Camara from Kent Roosevelt High School plans to attend Central Michigan University.

The awarding of the Teacher Grants was discussed and tabled until the next meeting.

Dave Gynn presented the investment policy and explained that it was constructed after much research. He stated that the 501c4 status should always be considered. Paul Organ, the investment advisor, suggested the distribution. Denise Craig made a motion to accept the investment policy. It was seconded by Kay Wise. The motion passed.

_________________________________________________________________

The 501c3 meeting was adjourned and the 501c4 meeting was called to order. Denise Craig made a motion to accept the secretary’s report. It was seconded by Judy Hendershot. The motion passed.

Treasurer Dave Gynn gave the PCRTA Treasury Report as of May 13, 2020

Checking Account Balance $2,478.65

Savings Account Balance $1,309.75

Marathon Balance $39,128.90

Dave reported that he reviewed the PCRTA membership and granted lifetime membership to everyone who has paid dues for 15 years. He also said that there are 15 members who have not paid dues for this year, and he has called them.

At this point there were some questions about number seven in the investment policy. Discussion about changing the wording followed. Dave felt that Paul Organ should be consulted about this. Kay Wise made a motion to table this until the next meeting. Darlene Fetterhoff seconded it. The motion passed.

There will be a PCRTA Executive Board Zoom Meeting on July 9, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. The July Luncheon Meeting is canceled due to Covid 19. The 501c4 meeting was adjourned.

PCRTA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MARCH 12, 2020

Members present: Chris DeMarco, Helena Parry, Kay Wise, Jim Montaquila, Jeane Nolte, Denise Craig, Judy Morgan, Linda Roberts, Dave Gynn, Pat Gynn, John Kerstetter, Connie Evans, Carole Stokes

President Chris DeMarco opened the 501c3 meeting.

Scholarship Chair Jim Montaquila reported that in January scholarship applications were delivered to all the schools in Portage County. To date only one application has been turned in. The closing date for the applications is April 3, 2020. The committee will meet on April 13, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. to decide who will receive the scholarships.

ORTA is offering a free membership to newly retired teachers. Helena Parry made a motion that PCRTA offer a free membership to 2020 newly retired teachers. It was seconded by Kay Wise. Discussion followed. The motion passed.

Dave Gynn gave the Scholarship Treasury Report for Darlene Fetterhoff March 10, 2020.

Checking Account Balance $8,177.11

Savings Account Balance $15,914.67

Marathon Balance $72,174.73

Denise Craig made a motion to adjourn the 501c3 meeting. It was seconded by Kay Wise. The motion passed.

President Chris DeMarco opened the 501c4 meeting.

Treasurer Dave Gynn reported that two members paid the difference to become a life member, and there are 36 non renewals. He announced the Finance Committee needs to meet with Marathon to develop an investment policy. Dave gave the PCRTA Treasury Report March 10, 2020.

Checking Account Balance $1,939.28

Savings Account Balance $1,309.42

Marathon Balance $39,500.24

President Chris DeMarco reported that ORTA will pay the $150 for a booth at the Kent Heritage Festival on June 27 and will provide literature, pens, and other giveaways. We need to make a banner and have literature and membership cards. Chris showed us T-shirts with the PCRTA logo on them and passed around order information. They would be $24 each if one dozen were ordered. John Kerstetter made a motion to go forward with having a booth at the Kent Heritage Festival. It was seconded by Helene Parry. The motion passed. There was discussion of what PCRTA could have as giveaways plus the need for flyers.

Dave Gynn made a motion to cancel the March 19 luncheon meeting due to the coronavirus. It was seconded by Kay Wise. The motion passed.

Proctor Chair Jeane Nolte reported that NEOMED is going to online classes but will continue to have in person exams with smaller groups. This will probably mean that more proctors will be needed.

Archival Chair Pat Gynn brought the 50^th anniversary book to show everyone since ORTA’s 75^th anniversary is this year.

Community Service Chair Judy Morgan announced the May project is Bair Foundation, a therapeutic foster care agency, which needs summer toys and items, such as water toys, outside games, sunscreen, etc. for 6 – 12 year old children. She reminded us that June 4^th is the Maplewood GED graduation. Servers, cards, and refreshments are needed. She distributed sheets on which members can record volunteer hours.

Sunshine Chair Linda Roberts asked for information on Ron Snowberger and Harvey Warner, who will be 90, as well as anyone else that she needs to send cards to.

Newsletter Chair Helena Parry explained the process of submitting material to Judy Kirkman.

Protective Chair Kay Wise announced that this is the month to take advantage of the driver safety program.

Denise Craig made a motion to adjourn the 501c4 meeting. It was seconded by John Kerstetter. The motion passed.

SUMMARY OF THE JANUARY 9, 2020, PLANNING MEETING

It was voted to give four student scholarships this year, but more if membership donations warrant doing so.

Discussions were held regarding increasing membership, increasing luncheon attendance, improving public awareness, newsletter content and format.

It was stated that Dave Gynn will take care of Public Relations until a replacement is found.

Committee Chairs were asked to submit information to Judy Hendershot so she can post items onto Facebook weekly.

It was suggested that perhaps we could add more prizes with the 50/50.

To save cost for our luncheons, we will now eat before our meeting and speaker program.

The PCRTA 2020 budget was approved.

Scholarship Chair Jim Montaquila gave the Scholarship Committee Report. He reported that they will be hand delivering applications to all the schools in Portage County.