2023 Executive Minutes
PCRTA Luncheon Minutes – November 9th, 2023
Doors opened at 11.00 am at Kent United Methodist Church in Kent Ohio.
Lisa DeMarco, Secretary
Greeters were Phyllis Spangler and her husband.
President Chris DeMarco opened the luncheon with a welcome and lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Meditation and prayer were given by Paul Stutzman.
Meal was served, Purchase To-Go lunches were sold, and tables were cleared.
Announcements: January 2024 Board will meet to plan for the coming year. July meeting will be on Wednesday, July 3 due to the holiday.
Officers were installed: Treasurer, JoAnn McEwen, Recording Secretary, Lisa DeMarco, and Vice President, Wendy Cooley who was unable to be at the dinner.
Paul Stutzman was the speaker. He had a slide show and spoke about hiking through the Appalachian Tail and cycling across country.
PCRTA Executive Board Meeting Minutes – November 2, 2023
Members Present: Chris DeMarco, Lisa DeMarco, Denise Craig, Connie Evans,
Karen Balog, Kay Wise, Rosemary Hostler, Judy Morgan, Dan McCombs, and Jim Montaquila, John Kerstetter and David Gynn.
President Chris DeMarco called to order the 501(c)(3) meeting.
Scholarship Treasurer’s report:
Deposits – $11,576.61
Payments – $15,853.62
November Balance – $ 2,282.65
Savings Balance – $12,183.15
Investments – $83,627.00
Scholarship/Teacher Grant report: Jim Montaquila reported that the committee will begin work after the new year. The committee was contacted by Ravenna High School and was invited to attend their scholarship night on Thursday, November 9th. Jim and Kay wise will be attending the event. The committee has received nine applications from six different Portage County school districts. The committee will meet on November 14th to make their selections.
The board decided to give out 8 grants if the applicants meet all criteria.
Kay Wise moved to adjourn the 501(c)(3) and David Gynn seconded the motion.
President Chris DeMarco called to order the 201(c)(4) meeting.
Recording Secretary’s Report: No revisions were made from the September meeting. All reports are online.
Corresponding Secretary Report: Denise Craig sent a Sympathy Card to JoAnn McEwen and David Gynn sent a card to the family of Ken Grandville.
Treasurer’s Report: Checking account – $01,430.12.
Investments – $40,931.00
V.P. Report – David Stutzman will be the speaker at our November 9th luncheon.
President report – Check out the ORTA web site. Dan McCombs received a thank you letter form the president of ORTA thanking him and our Board for backing the Pension Defense Fund.
We are looking for someone to chair the membership committee and we also need a newsletter editor.
Finance Committee: met on October 11, 2023, and will be meeting again on April 10th and October 9th. Committee was resized to 5 members.
New Business – Judy Morgan, our community Service Chair, reports that we will be collecting children’s clothing at our December luncheon.
John Kerstetter will be sending out a date at the beginning of the year for our social committee to meet.
Rosemary Hostler reported that three new people have been added to proctoring at Neo Med.
Kay Wise moved to adjourn the meeting and Karen Balog seconded the motion.
PCRTA Luncheon Minutes – September 14, 2023
Doors open at 11.00 am at Kent United Methodist Church in Kent Ohio.
Greeters were Adele Fussner and her husband.
President Chris DeMarco opened the luncheon with a welcome, information on STRS, and lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Sandy Kerstettler spoke about our next outing on October 17, 2023.
We will be meeting at the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio at 12:00 pm
Bing a lunch and meet in picnic area near the Visitors Center.
Please have reservations in by September 30.
Send to: John Kerstetter, (jkerstet@kent. edu)
Meditation and prayer were given by Rev. Nathan Howe, pastor of the united Methodist Church.
After lunch a donation box was passed around and To-Go Lunches were purchased.
The Program was given by the Treasure of Portage County, Brad Cromes.
The speaker for our next program in November is author, David Stutzman.
PCRTA Executive Board Meeting Minutes – September 7, 2023
Members Present: Chris DeMarco, Helena Parry, Lisa DeMarco, Denise Craig,
Jean Nolte, Connie Evans, Karen Balog, Kay Wise, Maureen Haska, Rosemary Hostler, JoAnn McEwen, Judy Morgan, Dan McCombs, and Jim Montaquila
President Chris DeMarco called to order the 501(c)(3) meeting.
Scholarship Treasurer’s report:
Scholarship Investment Account Balance on 9-7-23 $86,964.48
Savings account of $25.00 will be closed.
PCRTA Investments $43.072.64
Scholarship/Teacher Grant report: Committee will not begin until January of 2024.
Grant application forms is now on the website and letters have been sent to all Portage County superintendents. The Closing date for our grants is Friday, October 7, 2023.
This past year we have had five grants and took a vote to continue the same number of grants for teachers in 2024. Helena Perry made a motion to continue the five grants and Denise Crag 2nd the motion.
President Chris DeMarco called to order the 201(c)(4) meeting.
Recording Secretary’s Report: No revisions were made from the July meeting. All reports are online.
Corresponding Secretary Report: Denise Craig sent Get well card to Jim Montaquila.
Treasurer’s Report: The Scholarship account had two sources of income, $76.00 from individual contributions from the luncheon reservations and $2,375 from NEOMED first quarter.
The balance of the account is $4,563.68.
V.P Report – September luncheon speaker is Brad Chromes, author David Stutzman will speak and installation of Officers at the November Luncheon, (we are still looking for a Membership chair person), and a STRS person will be speaking about the changes in the insurance, and Chris and Lisa DeMarco will be the entertainment.
President Report: ORTA Candidate endorsements won the last five elections, ORAT is establishing a Pension Defense Fund currently assisting Wade Steen.
PCRTA will collect money and support the fund up to $500.00. Dan made a motion to support and cause and Helena 2nd the motion.
Kay Wise: September 30, 2023 is A Celebration of Public Education with OEA Members at our Cleveland Zoo and Aquarium.
Reminder:
Michael Angelo’s Winery on September 19 time has been changed to 11:30.
October 14 we will meet at Holden Arboretum.
Hope to see everyone there.
Kay made a motion to close the meeting and JoAnn 2nd the motion.
PCRTA Luncheon Minutes – July 13, 2023
Submitted by Lisa DeMarco
Doors opened at 11:00 am at Kent United Methodist Church in Kent Ohio.
President Chris DeMarco opened the luncheon with a welcome and lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greeters were Tony Liberatore and Phyllis Spangler.
Helena Perry gave the meditation and lunch was served.
After lunch a donation box was passed around and To-Go Lunches were purchased.
Announcements
Social Events: We will be meeting at Michael Angelo’s winery on September 19 at 4:30 pm.
On Thursday, July 20th, there will be a reception and training for all proctors from 1:00-3:00.
Program
John Tedesco was a teacher at Rootstown from 1970 to 2000. Then, he became a volunteer at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens as a substitute secretarial aid, public programs aide, photography wedding escort, and wedding assistant. In 2008 he was hired as an Event Coordinator/Wedding Specialist and retired in 2021. He shared his most memorable experiences of his Wedding Specialist Days.
PCRTA Executive Board Meeting Minutes – July 6, 2023
Submitted by Lisa DeMarco
Members Present: Chris DeMarco, Helena Parry, Lisa DeMarco, Denise Craig, Jean Nolte, Connie Evans, Karen Balog, Pat Gynn, John KersteIer, Kay Wise, Maureen Haska.
President Chris DeMarco called to order the 501(c)(3) meeting.
Scholarship Treasurer’s report: Investment Account Balance as of 7-6-2023 – $87,520.64 Savings Account Balance as of 7-6-2023 – $5,142.12
Savings and Checking accounts moved from 717 Credit Union to Hometown Bank. Donations made in memory of Elaine Reynolds and Elaine Lumley
Scholarship/Teacher Grant report: No new report currently.
Denise Craig made a motion to adjourn the 501(c)(3) meeting and Maureen Haska seconded the motion.
President Chris DeMarco called to order the 201(c)(4) meeting.
Recording Secretary’s Report: No revisions were made from the May meeting. All reports are online.
Corresponding Secretary Report: Denise Craig sent cards to Adel Fussner, whose brother passed away, Adrienne Kaper Ford, whose mother passed away, Don Turoso, who hand surgery, and Beverly Willis, whose husband passed away.
Treasurer’s Report:
Checking account balance $ 1,664.82
Savings account balance $ 25.00
(Marathon)
PCRTA balance $43,570.00
Scholarship balance $87,520.00
V.P Report: Reminded us that the election is coming up in August.
President Report:
Dean Dennis will become the new President on Aug. 1 for ORTA.
Steve Seagrave is our new President-Elect for ORTA.
ORTA will no longer accept payments for local dues on their Web sites.
Send technology passwords to the president for safekeeping/emergency use in the event of incapacitation.
Jean Nolte reported that the Proctoring Appreciation Event will be on held July 20, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Training will also be held on the same day. Anyone who is interested please let Jean know. We are always in need of proctors.
Our social group will be meeting at Michael Angelo’s winery on September 19th. Kay Wise made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Jean Nolte seconded the motion.
MAY 11,2023 – PCRTA LUNCHEON MINUTES
Submitted by Lisa DeMarco
Doors opened at 11:00 am at Kent United Methodist Church in Kent Ohio.
President Chris DeMarco opened the luncheon with a welcome and lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pat Gynn gave the meditation and lunch was served.
After lunch, a donation box was passed around and To-Go Lunches were purchased.
Announcements
Social Events: Wendy Cooley reminded the group that on June 5th, PCRTA will be going to see “Ragtime” at Weathervane Playhouse and then to Papa Joe’s for dinner.
We will again be going to see the Akron Rubberducks on July 21, at 7:05. Admission is $12.00 and all tickets will be on your cell phone. There are no paper tickets.
Judy Morgan thanked everyone for bringing the Community Service items and reminded everyone that graduation will be held for Maplewood GED students on June 15.
Maureen Haska reminded us that May 24 at 4:00 will be a Seminar for Portage County Educators at Reed Memorial Library. Speakers are from STRS, ORTA, estate planning, and financial planning. Note: This event was canceled due to low numbers.
David Gynn introduced the following teachers who received grants from PCRTA:
Jennifer Bindus from Aurora Leighton Elementary (Phonics Cart)
Taylor Gosseck from Field Middle School (Digital Camera for the Art Department)
Nick Kukorola for Aurora High School (Oculus Headsets for Social Studies)
Karen Sunderhaft and Laurie Schofield-Carter form Aurora Harmon Middle School (Study of Water)
Jen Yonally from Aurora Miller Elementary (Storytelling Center for Kindergarten)
PCRTA has been giving out Scholarships beginning in 1994.
Jim Montaquila introduced the following Future Teacher Scholarship winners:
Hannah Chrin
Kaitlin Long
Sophia Marcini
Alexis Bailey
Congratulations to all teachers and students.
PCRTA EX. Board Meeting May 4, 2023
Members Present: Chris DeMarco, Helena Parry, Lisa DeMarco, Denise Craig, Jim Montaquila, JoAnn McEwen, Jean Nolte, Rosemary Hostler, Connie Evans, Karen Balog, Judy Morgan, Pat Gynn, John Kerstetter.
President Chris DeMarco called to order the 501(c)(3)meeting.
Scholarship Treasurer’s report:
Checking account balance as of 1-1-2023 – $6,559.66.
Checking account balance as of 5-1-2023 – $2,108.60
Savings account balance as of 5-1-2023 – $12,151.27
Scholarship/Teacher Grant report:
The Grant Committee sent out Teacher Grant Winner letters and invited them to our May luncheon. They will give a short presentation on their projects.
The Scholarship Committee Met on April 19 to select the students who will receive $2,500 Future Teacher Scholarship awards. There are invited to our May luncheon.
Jean Nolte made a motion to adjourn the 501(c)(3) meeting and Karen Balog seconded the motion.
President Chris DeMarco called to order the 201(c)(4) meeting.
Recording Secretary’s Report: No revisions were made from the March meeting.
Corresponding Secretary Report: Denise Craig sent a Get Will card to Janis Tabbs who had surgery and a Sympathy card to Dan McCombs for the death of his brother.
Treasurer’s Report: Checking balance $1,860.94
Savings Balance $ 472.15
(Marathon) PCRTA $42,498.62
Scholarship $85,920.32
V.P Report — Looking for someone to read the meditation before the luncheon.
President Report: Dean Dennis will become the new President Aug. 1 for ORTA and Steve
Seagrave is our new President-Elect.
ORTA will no long have payments for local dues on their Web sites.
Committee Reports:
Social Committee: Dave Bands Big Band will be performing on June 3, at 7:30pm, doors open at 6:45 and tickets are $25.00.
June 25, we will be going to Weathervane Playhouse to see Rag Time and then to Papa Joes. July 21, going to see the Ducks baseball game in Akron.
Seminar for Portage County Educators: Maureen Haska and Kay Wise went to all Portage County school with posters for the May 24 program, which will be held at the Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna. Doors open at 3:30pm and program begins at 4:00pm, which will feature speakers for STRS, ORTA, estate and financial planners. Free membership to Teachers.
Community Service: May luncheon, please bring number 4, 5, and 6 diapers, copy paper, baby wipes.
Proctoring: Jeane Nolte needs more proctors. If you can help, please let her know.
Technology: Connie Evans has changed Website host from Hostentric to SiteGround. Under old site our total cost was 596.86. The new site is now $189.99.
Chris DeMarco added that we need to think about having access to technology and finances in the event of the death or incapacity of the custodial member.
Pat Gynn made a motion to adjourn the meet and John Kerstetter seconded the motion.
Executive Board Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2023
Submitted by Lisa DeMarco
People in attendance: Denise Craig, Jim Montaquila, Pat Gynn, David Gynn, Connie Evans, Maureen Haska, Helena Parry, Rosemary Hostler, JoAnn McEwen, Kay Wise, Chris DeMarco, Lisa DeMarco, Judy Morgan and Karen Balog
President Chris DeMarco called to order the 501(c)(3) Meeting.
The Scholarship Treasurer’s Report was given by David Gynn.
Expenses for lunches – $323.00
Deposits – $100.00 for active members
$ 20.00 for out-of-state members
$ 10.00 and $20.00 for active members
Balance of checking – $1,867.60
Balance of savings – $12,153.87
Jim Montaquila reported on the Scholarship and Teacher Grant Committees.
- Grant money of $500.00 was presented to teachers at the January school board meetings in Aurora and Field. Winners were asked to attend our May luncheon and make a brief presentation.
- Kay Wise and Jim Montaquila took applications to all Portage County High Schools for this year’s $2,500.00 Future Teacher Scholarships. Applications are due by April 7, 2023. We have already received an application from a young lady at Southeast High School.
- On January 13, Jim Montaquila as a PCRTA member was invited to and attended a Rootstown High School Scholarship breakfast for seniors.
Pat Gynn made a motion to adjourn the 501(c)(3) meeting and Rosemary Hostler seconded the motion.
President Chris DeMarco called to order the 501(C)(4) meeting.
Recording Secretary’s Report from our last meeting can be found in the PCRTA newsletter.
Corresponding Secretary Denise Craig sent a card to Virginia Goodell for her 100th Birthday. Happy Birthday! She also sent a sympathy card to Don Lumley for the loss of his wife, Elaine.
JoAnn McEwen gave the Treasurer’s report.
| • | Total Income | $12,111.00 |
| • | Total Expenses | $13,591.90 |
| • | Checking Balance | $ 1,411.52 |
| • | Savings Balance | $ 467.06 |
| • | PCRTA Investments | $43,794.43 |
| • | Scholarship Investment | $85,066.43 |
V.P Helena Parry asked for someone to do the invocation at our March luncheon. Kay Wise accepted and Maureen Haska will be a greeter. We are also looking for a new VP to replace Helena when her term is up.
President Chris DeMarco reported that Bryan Miller has become ORTA’s new website manager. ORTA has a new look and rebranded as Ohio Retirement for Teachers Association.
Our next social event will be Friday, March 24, at 7:30 pm at Kent State University to see the Dance Ensemble and enjoy dinner at Rockne’s at 5:45. Look for details of all upcoming events on our PCRTA website.
Maureen Haska is heading up a committee to organize a PCRTA & ORTA Awareness Event.
PCRTA is waiting to hear from the Kent Heritage Festival group. PCRTA would like to have a booth during the festival on July 1, 2023.
Members have been asking for a discount for new members’ luncheon. “Join our membership and get a free lunch.”
Denise Craig made a motion to close the meeting and Kay Wise seconded the motion.
Joe Maddalon (AMBA) Chris DeMarco (President), Kay Wise, (Informative & Protective Services) John Kerstetter (Social/Travel)
PCRTA Luncheon Minutes – March 9, 2023
Submitted by Lisa DeMarco
Our Luncheon was held at the Kent United Methodist Church in Pierson Hall. Doors opened at 11:00, with Greeter Maureen Haska.
At 11:30 President Chris DeMarco welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Kay Wise made the announcement that on March 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Ravenna Courthouse lawn, Jonathan Floyd will be recognized as the newest Honorary Way recipient. All teachers and friends are encouraged to show support for the young man.
John Kerstetter announced a list of events that are coming up. Please go to our PCRTA website for more information.
Carol Pozue is a new member attending our luncheon. Welcome, we are so glad to have you. *All new members will receive their first lunch courtesy of PCRTA.
Kay Wise shared the meditation, and our donations box was passed around.
After the wonderful luncheon served by Guido’s of Ravenna, Karen Balog and Connie Evans presented a beautiful Celebration of Life for 2022.
Joe Maddalon, AMBA Regional Vice President, spoke about the AMBA services available to the teachers of ORTA. A webinar of different available services is available on the third Tuesday of every month at 9:00 am. If you have any questions about AMBA, please contact Belinda Boucher at 330-5715660.
Judy Morgan spoke on the importance of donations to our community. Next month please remember to bring items for the Clothing Center. Items that are needed are on the PCRTA website.
PCRTA EX. BD. Minutes DATE: 01/05/23
Members Present: Chris DeMarco, Helena Parry, Lisa DeMarco, JoAnn MeEwen, Kay Wise, Jim Montaquila, Denise Craig, Karen Balog, Connie Evans, John Kerstetter, Jean Nolte
At 9:30 President Chris DeMarco Call to order — 501(C)(3) Meeting
Scholarship Treasurer’s Report – report will be due in April
Chair of Scholarship/Teacher Grants Committee Report – David Gynn is out of town and will report at next meeting.
Adjourn 501(C)(3) Dan McCombs made a motion to close and Helena Parry 2nd the motion.
President Chris Demarco called to order 501(C)(4)
Recording Secretary’s Report – Pat Gynn recorded last months records.
Corresponding Secretary’s Report -Denise Craig send sympathy cards to Julie Piccone Beach and Donald Eckert.
Treasurer’s Report – Savings Total: 3250.00 Expense Total – 3250.00.
A thank you note was sent Matt Leedman for Printing and mailing
V.P.’s Report – John Tadesco of Rootstown will Speak in July and Paul Stutzman will speak in November
President’s Report
- Guido’s luncheon price will remain the same ($15.95) for 2023.
- PCRTA Calendar for 2023 has been filed with the Kent United Methodist Church and the dates placed on their calendar.
New Business
- Joe Maddalon, AMBA Representative, Membership enhancement – Some on how to recruit new members. Monthly webinar for AMBA and ORTA will be at 9:30 am on January 17.
- 2023 Budget
- KentFest Booth — seeking ORTA grant to fund/partially fund
- Discount luncheon for retired teacher guest of a member- talking about $5.00 for new members’ guest.
- $10 Active Teacher ORTA membership Membership
Committee Reports — Keep it brief, reports of new activities/important updates only, please. Social Committee meeting on January 18 at 12:00 Old Business
- Number/amount of scholarships/grants need to look this up for the next meeting Adjourn 501(C)(4) – Denise Craig makes a motion to adjourn and Jen Nolte 2nd the motion.