PCRTA  EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING  NOVEMBER 9, 2017 by Carole Stokes

Darlene Fetterhoff gave the Scholarship Treasury Report September 5 – November 7, 2017

Checking Account Balance    $5,828.18

Savings Account Balance     $15,672.33

Stifel Balance                        $60,745.85

Note: See website for the full report.

Darlene Fetterhoff made a motion to adjourn the 501c3 meeting, and Denise Craig seconded it. The motion passed.

President Helena Parry called the 501c4 meeting to order.

Kay Wise made a motion to accept the minutes, and Georgia Darrah seconded it. The motion passed.

Treasurer Dave Gynn gave the PCRTA Treasury Report August 31 – October 31, 2017.

Checking Account Balance      $3,535.45

Savings Account Balance          $906.17

Stifel Balance                      $32,254.64             See our website for the full report.

Vice President Georgia Darrah reported that the guest for our November luncheon is Lynn Poulton, a certified professional organizer and owner of Wholly Organized! For our December Christmas program we will have a musical group called the “Tuba Fours.”

Helena Parry gave the ORTA Trustee Report from the meeting on October 27, 2017. Dr. Robin Rayfield, the new Excutive Director, presented some of his major goals:

Goal 1: ORTA will work improving financial conditions for STRS recipients. Goal 2: ORTA will work towards the continuation of affordable and functional health care programs available to STRS beneficiaries.  Goal 3: ORTA will work to increase membership across the state.

PCRTA NOVEMBER 9, 2017, MEETING CONTINED

The year- long work of the ORTA Strategic Planning Committee, Co-Chaired by Dave Gynn and Bea Lehner, resulted in changes to the structure and governance of the organization. There will be five geographical regions in Ohio: N.E., N.W., Central, S.E. and S.W. Within each area there will be 3 liaisons, one of which will serve on the ORTA Executive Committee along with the ORTA officers. There will no longer be Trustees.

Nominations Co-Chair Jan Fencl presented the committee’s nominations: Vice President: Chris DeMarco; Treasurer:  David Gynn;        Recording  Secretary:  Carole Stokes.

Community Services Chair Judy Morgan reminded us that the project for November is non-perishable foods for the Center of Hope. For December the project is children’s hats, gloves, scarves or outer wear for the County Clothing Center. She also asked for suggestions for future projects.

Protective Services Chair Kay Wise reported on three possible venues for our luncheons next year. In addition, she announced that she requested 30 copies of the pamphlet “Signs of a Scam” from the Portage County Sheriff’s office.

Public Relations Chair Georgia Darrah reported, “As always, Laura Nethken does a wonderful job of making sure the articles I email to her are published in the Record Courier. I always send her an announcement of our upcoming meetings and then a picture and article after each meeting.”

Webmaster Connie Evans reported that she has been receiving messages stating that anything www. withhout the http: is not safe. After some discussion, it was agreed that she should take steps to secure the website. The cost for three years is $95.00. Karen Balog moved to get a SSL Certificate to make the web safer. Darlene Fetterhoff seconded it.

Helena Parry adjourned the meeting.

PCRTA LUNCHEON MEETING NOVEMBER 16, 2017

 President Helena Parry welcomed everyone and thanked the greeters,Patty Miller and Phyllis Spangler.

Len Suzelis led us in singing “We Gather Together.” Proctoring Chair Edith Scott announced that she needs more proctors for December. There is one period that 36 proctors are needed.

Membership Chair Judy Hendershot introduced two new members: Mary McCulley and Darlene Krieger.

Judy Morgan reminded us that the December project is children’s hats, gloves or outerwear for the County Clothing Center.

Legislative Chair Dan McCombs said we should be worried about what is going on with the proposed new tax bill. Carol Kinsey from ORTA added that she is concerned about the elimination of the teacher deduction. Ken Granville reminded us that the Western Reserve Christmas Band Concert and Dinner at Zepppe’s is December 17. Helena Parry recognized Georgia Darrah, the outgoing Vice-President, for her excellent work. Kelley Neal from AARP presented Dave Gynn with the AARP Award of Excellence in Uniting Generations. Saroj Sutaria offered the slate of officers and invited any other nominations. Judy Hendershot made a motion to approve the candidates. It was seconded by Len Suzelis. The motion carried. Carol Kinsey installed the new officers: Vice President Chris DeMarco, Treasurer David Gynn, and Recording Secretary Carole Stokes. Joyce Naujoks won the 50/50. For the meditation Georgia Darrah read a humorous piece titled, “The Twelve Days of Thanksgiving.” The speaker was Lynne Poulton, a Professional Organizer and owner of Wholly Organized! LLC. She shared lots of tips on how to make decisions and organize.

PCRTA  Executive Committee Meeting September 14, 2017

Members present: Georgia Darrah, Darlene Fetterhoff, Jim Montaquila, Carole Stokes, Denise Craig, Dave Gynn, Pat Gynn, Dan McCombs, Edith Scott, Kay Wise, Karen Balog, John Kerstetter, Connie Evans, Chris DeMarco

Vice President Georgia Darrah opened the 501c3 meeting. Kay Wise made a motion to accept the scholarship minutes, which was seconded by Denise Craig. The motion passed.

Treasurer Darlene Fetterhoff gave the Scholarship Treasury Report July 5 – September 5, 2017.

Scholarship

Checking Account Balance         $7,339.52

Savings Account Balance          $15,663.38

Stifel Balance                             $59,144.79    Note: See the website for the full report.

Karen Balog made a motion to accept the scholarship treasury report. It was seconded by John Kerstetter. The motion carried.

Scholarship Chair Jim Montaquila asked the Executive Committee for ideas for the theme for next year’s scholarship luncheon.

Dan McCombs made a motion to adjourn the 501c3 meeting. It was seconded by Connie Evans. The motion passed.

Vice President Georgia Darrah opened the 501c4 meeting. Kay Wise made a motion to accept the minutes, and Denise Craig seconded it. The motion passed.

Corresponding Secretary Denise Craig read a thank you note from Edie Scott.

Treasurer Dave Gynn gave the PCRTA Treasury Report July1 – August 31, 2017.

PCRTA

Checking Account Balance                $3,019.44        – Current PCRTA    Checking $3,690.44

Savings Account Balance                       $906.17       –  Current PCRTA  Savings        $ 170.00

Stifel Balance                                     $34,370.23       –  Current Stifel   PCRT         $34, 370. 23

Note: See the website for the full report.

Georgia reported that Hope Short, STRS Member Education Specialist, will be our luncheon speaker. She also reminded us that our service project for September is small gifts for seniors, gift cards or cash.

Dave Gynn gave the ORTA report for Helena. He stated that Robin Rayfield is our new Executive Director, which is now a part-time position. ORTA is also doing away with trustees which will result in savings.

Legislative Chair Dan McCombs reported that ORTA’s mission is to protect our pensions. He also said that Carol Kinsey will be back to work on legislation. Dan shared the email from ORTA regarding POP 5.

NEOMED`Proctor Scheduling Chair Edie Scott announced that there will be an orientation next week. She also said that Sue Hricko will be having a hip replacement.

Protective Services Chair Kay Wise reported that she and her husband Ralph attended ORTA’s 70^th anniversary. They received a “Goody Bag,” watched a movie about the building of the canal, toured the village, and enjoyed a canal boat ride.

Reservations Chair Karen Balog reported that she has 36 reservations for the luncheon. After some discussion, Karen made a motion to accept into PCRTA only membership teachers who are not beneficiaries of STRS. Darlene Fetterhoff seconded it. The motion passed. 

Social Chair John Kerstetter announced that the next event is the Kent State University Orchestra Concert on November 5 at 3:00PM in Cartwright Hall. The cost is $10, and the coordinator is Terry Schoettler, 316 Woodard Avenue, Kent, OH 44240 330-673-3099. Dinner follows at Bricco’s Restaurant at 5p.m. 210 S. Depeyster St. Kent,

On November 8 there is a tour of Harry London Candy. There is no cost, but reservations are needed. Coordinators are Chris DeMarco 330-730-7204 and Phyllis Spangler 330-593-5253. Meet at University Plaza for carpools at 10:00 AM. Lunch follows at Samantha’s  at 4954 Portage St. NW, N. Canton, Oh 44720. 

Sunday, December 17, 2017, Western Reserve Christmas Band Concert and Dinner at the First Congregational Church  at 4:00 p.m. 47 Aurora St. Hudson, OH 44236. Dinner at Zeppe’s Bistro & Pizzzaria 5843 Darrow Rd. Hudson. Contacts: Ken Grandville P.O. Box 2526 Streetsboro, OH 44241 330-626-2154 Kregville@yahoo.com or Kay Wise 5350 Rootstown Rd. Ravenna, OH 44266 330-297-1110 KayWise@aol.com

Webmaster Connie Evans reported that the cost for the web is over $600. The reasons for this are because she signed up for three years to get a better price, plus fees to cover domain protection and domain privacy. Our web has had 19,349 hits so far.

Kay Wise made a motion to adjourn the 501c4 meeting. It was seconded by Darlene Fetterhoff. The motion passed.

PCRTA SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON MEETING JULY 20, 2017 by Carole Stokes

President Helena Parry thanked greeters Bill and Adele Fussner. She welcomed everyone, especially the scholarship winners and their families. Additionally, Helena welcomed Suzanne Hricko and Mary Starbuck from Academic Affairs of NEOMED. Helena introduced Sandy Halem, a former teacher and the new Enrichment Coordinator of Family and Community Services. Helena announced that the Executive Director of ORTA will be a part time position. Helena also announced that the Coshocton County Retired Teachers will be hosting a celebration of ORTA’s 70^th Anniversary on Wednesday, August 16, 10:00 – 4:00 at Roscoe Village Visitors’ Center. People are to meet at the picnic shelter behind the Center to get a packet of coupons and then move though-out the village for the events.

Membership Chair Judy Hendershot stated that she received the names of 17 retirees and is working on securing the names of retired teachers who didn’t teach in Portage County but live here. She is also working on Facebook.

Community Service Chair Judy Morgan announced that the Community Service project for September will be small gifts for seniors or cash.

Dave Gynn is the Eastern Vice President of ORTA again since the current Vice President resigned.

Suzanne Hricko thanked and recognized all of the proctors and announced that there will probably be an orientation session in September.

Pat Gynn brought the book of all of the scholarship winners and invited everyone to look at it.

Ron Snowberger gave the meditation. He read three thought provoking pieces: Touch of the Master’s Hand, Success and a note he received in a graduation card.

Judy Hendershot won the 50/50.

Following lunch, Scholarship Chair Jim Montaquila introduced the scholarship winners, who said a few words about themselves, and introduced the family members who accompanied them. Jim then began the program by explaining that the committee chose the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as this year’s theme. The committee selected the songs of seven inductees and developed questions for each of the scholarship winners. The songs were played with the aid of Connie Evans on the video, and each student responded to his/her song.

WELCOME NEW PCRTA MEMBERS Sandy Halem of Kent who is currently the Enrichment Coordinator for Family and Community Services in Ravenna.  She is asking for volunteers to read to kids. Call Sandy at 330-620-2756. Welcome Bonnie Oliver from Garrettsville who retired from Maplewood in 2009.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTE MEETING JULY 13, 2017

Members present: Helena Parry, Jim Montaquila, Carole Stokes, Denise Craig, Dave Gynn, Ron Snowberger, Pat Gynn, Dan McCombs, Judy Hendershot, Edith Scott, Jan Fencl, Kay Wise, Karen Balog, Connie Evans, Chris DeMarco.

President Helena Parry opened the 501c3 meeting.

Scholarship Chair Jim Montaquila reported that we will be honoring seven graduating seniors at our scholarship luncheon. Emma Tuel of Field will not be able to attend since she is competing in a 4-H sewing competition that day.

President Helena Parry adjourned the 501c3 meeting and opened the 501c4 meeting.

Kay Wise made a motion to accept the previous minutes. It was seconded by Jan Fencl. The motion carried.

President Helena Parry read a thank you note from Pat Bateman for the planter we sent her congratulating her on her new position as the new Interim Executive Director of ORTA. Helena also read an announcement from Carol Kinsey, XI District Director of ORTA,  that stated ORTA is seeking a part-time Executive Director.

Archival Chair Pat Gynn reported that she is completing a notebook of students who have received the scholarships through the years.

Legislative Chair Dan McCombs continued to emphasize that our biggest concern is being watchdogs over our pensions.

Membership and Sunshine Chair Judy Hendershot stated that letters were sent to17 retirees. Twenty members were dropped because of non renewal, and one member, Paul Kitchen, just passed away at the age of 98. Judy sent cards to Paul’s family, as well as several other cards. There were a few renewals due to the recent phone calls by board members.

Denise Craig said that she sent 23 letters to members who haven’t renewed.

There was discussion on whether we really need to have a pre-retirement program. It was put on hold until September.

Helena read Georgia Darrah’s report that the Record Courier published the picture and information  about the program at NEOMED honoring members who proctor. Our July meeting reminder was also published.

Webmaster Connie Evans reported that there were 18,921 hits on the website.

President Helena Parry adjourned the meeting.

Executive Committee Meeting May 11, 2017

Treasurer Darlene Fetterhoff gave the Scholarship Treasury Report March 9 – May 10, 2017.

Checking Account Balance:   $8,914.32

Savings Account Balance:   $15, 664.47

Stifel Balance:                       $56,729.75         Note:  See the website for the full report.

Scholarship Chair Jim Montaquila reported that the committee met and selected the scholarship recipients. There were 18 applicants from seven different Portage County high schools. Seven applicants were chosen for scholarships of $1500 each.  Kay Wise made a motion to adjourn the 501c3 meeting. It was seconded by Connie Evans.

Karen Balog made a motion to approve the previous minutes. It was seconded by Edith Scott. The motion carried.

Corresponding Secretary Denise Craig read a thank you note from the County Clothing Center for the supplies and donations collected at the March luncheon.

Treasurer Dave Gynn gave the PCRTA Treasury Report March 1 – April 30, 2017.

Checking Account Balance      $3,696.79

Savings Account Balance            $905.95

Stifel Balance                            $33,080.22

Alan Balog, CPA, submitted the report of the annual audit and filing of tax report. Note:  See the website for the full report.

Helena Parry gave the ORTA Trustee Report. The meeting was held at the Columbus Zoo to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of ORTA. A letter written by President Randy Overbeck was read giving reasons why the past Executive Director Dr. John Cavenaugh’s tenure ended with ORTA on May 1, 2017. Pat Bateman was introduced as the new interim Executive Director. Bob Stein, President and Retiree Trustee on the STRS Board, spoke on the changes coming to both the pension and health care plans. He said the cash flow deficit was 4.4 billion in 2016. Membership Chair Bruce Hodges spoke about the need to increase ORTA membership. He said there are 21,000 members out of a possible 130,000 retirees in Ohio. There was also a presentation and discussion on the recommendations of the Strategic Planning Committee.

Community Service Chair Judy Morgan stated that in May art supplies and donations will be given to the Coleman Center. She informed us that there will be a signup sheet at the May luncheon for the GED graduation. In July there will be two collections: school supplies and also gift cards and donations to Big Brothers – Big Sisters of Portage County. Judy reported that so far in 2017 there are 690 volunteer hours.

Dave Gynn gave Dan’s legislative report. Dan urged us to be aware of legislation at the state level that will affect our pensions.

Dave also reported that Membership Chair Judy Hendershot has contacted various schools for names of new retirees. Kay Wise contributed to that effort by calling the Ravenna Board of Education. Judy has also been calling members who have not renewed their memberships. Dave passed around the remaining list and asked board members to choose three names and call them to remind them to renew.

Webmaster Connie Evans reported that the site went down due to two reasons. It ran out of space and a plug  didn’t work. She said the company,  Host Centric, has always responded to all problems.

Ron Snowberger made a motion to send a planter to Pat Bateman not to exceed $50.00. It was seconded by Pat Gynn. The motion passed.

PCRTA LUNCHEON MEETING MAY 18, 2017

President Helena Parry thanked the greeters Judy Morgan and Terry Schoettler. She welcomed members, the speakers and Carol Kinsey, District XI Director of ORTA.

Carol Kinsey spoke about the COLA. She explained that the COLA has been reduced to 0% indefinitely to be reviewed in five years. She said that Mike Nehf said the investment returns will be reviewed every September, but they need to reach a certain average to reinstate COLA. There are 75 people who receive benefits in the STRS system who are over 100 years old. Due to the termination of Dr. John Cavenaugh, Pat Bateman has been appointed the new interim Executive Director of ORTA. STRS will also be looking at health care.

Edith Scott, Proctoring Chair, encouraged proctors to attend the Proctor Appreciation Program on May 25 at 10:00 a.m. She is planning an orientation this summer.

Membership Chair Judy Hendershot announced that there are 31 members who have not renewed their memberships. If you would like to help call, see her. She is in the process of securing names of new retirees, but the list is small.

Community Service Chair Judy Morgan thanked everyone for donations to the Coleman Center. She reminded us that in July there will be two collections: school supplies and also gift cards and donations to Big Brothers – Big Sisters of Portage County. Judy announced that June 8 is the GED graduation at Maplewood. Members can contribute a dessert and/or help.

50/50:  Jim Montaquila chose the cash and donated it to the scholarship fund. Ken Bliss won the basket full of baking supplies.

Georgia Darrah read a lovely poem about spring for the meditation. She followed with a prayer.

Author and radio host Pat Rullo presented the program, “Speak Up and Stay Alive.” The focus was how to stay safe during a hospital stay. As a result of her observations during her mother’s hospital experiences, Pat felt compelled to write a book also entitled,  “Speak Up and Stay Alive.” Her mother was in intensive care in the hospital for four months. She has also incorporated extensive research on problems encountered in hospitals. Her radio show is on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. on WHKW AM 1220.

PCRTA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MARCH 9, 2017

Members present: Helena Parry, Georgia Darrah, Dave Gynn, Pat Gynn, Carole Stokes, Denise Craig, Judy Morgan, Judy Hendershot, Edith Scott, Saroj Sutaria, Kay Wise, Karen Balog, Sandy Kerstetter, Connie Evans

President Helena Parry called the 501c3 meeting to order. She read Scholarship Chair
Jim Montaquila’s report, which stated that applications for the 2017 PCRTA scholarships were hand delivered to all of the Portage County high schools. Kay, Ria, and Darlene helped Jim deliver them to all of the guidance counselors and principals. Last Friday he sent postcards to all of the guidance counselors reminding them that the due date for the applications is Friday, April 7. After that the committee will meet to make the selections.

501c3 Scholarship Treasury Report January 1 – February 28, 2017

Prepared by Darlene Fetterhoff; given by Dave Gynn.

Checking Account Balance $7,059.32
Savings Account Balance $15,660.61
Stifel Balance (end of 2016) $54,470.91

Note: See the website for the full report.

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

President Helena Parry called the 501c4 meeting to order.

Recording Secretary Carole Stokes corrected the January 17, 2017, minutes to read as follows: There are 208 life members of both ORTA and PCRTA. There are 15 life members in PCRTA with an annual membership in ORTA and 11 life members in ORTA with an annual membership in PCRTA. Edie Scott made a motion to approve the minutes. It was seconded by Karen Balog. The motion passed.

Corresponding Secretary Denise Craig reported that she wrote an apology note to Rudy Bachna. In addition, she contacted Dick Ruch about helping on the Pre-Retirement Workshop Committee. He wants to do “hands on” activities. She also sent “notify now” to all members about POP 5. She said that the cost should be about $23.33.

Treasurer Dave Gynn gave the PCRTA Treasury Report January 1 – February 28, 2017

Checking Balance $3,486.84
Savings Balance $905.95
Stifel Balance $32,161.94

Note: See the PCRTA website for the full report.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MINUTES

Vice President Georgia Darrah reported that all of the programs for this year have been set up and placed on our calendar. The speaker for the March program has been changed to
Alan Kearns.

Dave Gynn reported on the Five Year Strategic Planning Proposal. He said the Restructuring
Committee researched the organization in other states, which resulted in 14 suggestions to make it more convenient and efficient. The committee feels the need to replace the current by-laws.

Helena Parry gave the ORTA Trustee Report in which she stated that John Cavanaugh’s focus is to use electronics to communicate. She reported that over 217 newsletters were mailed, and in March over 200 were emailed. She announced that May 9 is the ORTA 70th anniversary at the Columbus zoo.

Community Service Chair Judy Morgan announced that the project for May is the Coleman Center with donations of craft items: markers, coloring books, colored paper, paints, colored pencils, etc.

Membership Chair Judy Hendershot stated that she has nearly completed phone calls to all 40 members who had not renewed their memberships. Five have paid their dues, and one life member of PCRTA inquired about being a life member of ORTA.

Sunshine/Memorial Chair Judy Hendershot said that “Connie Evans and Karen Balog have created an outstanding Power Point program featuring (11) eleven members who have passed away since last year. To date two family members have responded that they will attend: Pat Bateman and Kathy Lilley. Letters inviting family members of those to be honored were mailed in early February. There were five deceased members who had no local contacts.” Judy also said that Patty Miller has volunteered to assume some responsibilities for the Sunshine Committee.

NEOMED Proctoring Chair Edie Scott stated that she needs a few more people in the near future.

Protective Services Chair Kay Wise reported that she and her husband Ralph participated in the AARP Driver Safety Program in Tallmadge and saved $77.00 on their car insurance. She also announced that St. Patrick’s Day weekend will be the Reed Memorial Library book sale.

Public Relations Chair Georgia Darrah reported that the news release about the March luncheon was published last week. Also the news release alerting high school seniors that they can apply for a PCRTA scholarship if they are planning to go into education should be in the newspaper soon.

Social/Travel Chair Sandy Kerstetter reported that so far 18 have signed up for the play “Jesus Christ Superstar” on April 1.

Webmaster Connie Evans said that she has added a plug to make the site more convenient.

Kay Wise made a motion to adjourn. It was seconded by Denise Craig. The motion carried.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JANUARY 12, 2017, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

After the 2017 PCRTA budget was presented by Dave Gynn, Dan McCombs moved to accept the budget and Judy Hendershot seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

Trustee, Helena Parry, reported that if you do not get the ORTA Quarterly you need to contact ORTA directly to ask for it to be either emailed or sent by postal mail.

Edith Scott reported that she had six PCRTA members interested in proctoring and will schedule an orientation meeting in January.

Membership Chairperson, Judy Hendershot, is looking into setting up a Facebook page for PCRTA members only.

Pat Gynn is still organizing the PCRTA archival materials.

Dave Gynn reported that he is serving on a five year Strategic Planning Committee with ORTA which will have some decisions by October of 2017. Check the PCRTA website for minutes.

PCRTA Treasury Report
January 1 – December 31, 2016

INCOME
PCRTA Dues 1,510.00
PCRTA Life Membership 300.00
ORTA Dues 4,530.00
Luncheons 5,662.00 Checking Balance 4,424.85
50/50 Drawings 454.50 Savings Balance 905.72
Donations 518.00 Stifel Balance 31,872.57
Scholarship 1,454.35
Social/Travel 685.00 Scholarship Savings Balance 15,656.86
Savings Withdrawal Scholarship Checking Balance 4,547.85
Redeposit Checks and Fees124.00 Scholarship Stifel Balance 54,470.91
Total Income 15,237.85
Treasurer, Dave Gynn
EXPENSES Auditor, Ron Snowberger
Life Membership Savings 150.00
ORTA DUES 4,500.00
Luncheon Program 607.00
Luncheon Decorations 12.00
Luncheons 5,616.50
Scholarship Transfer 1,571.35
Auditing & Filing Fees 240.00
Postage/Supplies 169.02
Committees
Archives 28.40
Membership 42.50
Memorial/Sunshine 126.07
Newsletter 1,435.22
Pre-Retirement Workshop 238.35
Misc. 800.00
Social 658.00
Returned checks 124.00
Habitat lunch 82.29
Website 32.99
Total Expenses 16,433.69