President Helena Parry thanked greeters Judy Hendershot and Saroj Sutaria. She welcomed the scholarship recipients and their families as well as PCRTA members and guests.Len Suzelis led us in singing America the Beautiful.Kay Wise introduced Mayor Frank Seman who read a proclamation honoring PCRTA’s 50 years of service and more than 2 million volunteer hours. He proclaimed this PCRTA Day. He then presented the proclamation to Kay Wise.

Membership Chair Judy Hendershot announced that she had just received a “gift”. ORTA sent a list of all teachers who retired this year—something she had been unable to acquire from other sources.

Edith Scott thanked all who proctor and announced that there will be an orientation meeting on August 11, 2016 at !0:00 a.m. She introduced guests Sue Hricko and Mary Starbuck from  NEOMED.

Community Chair Judy Morgan urged members to please send in their volunteer hours. She also thanked everyone who helped at the GED graduation.

Dave Gynn announced that the September 15 luncheon meeting will be the 50^th anniversary celebration. Members can participate by donating a door prize, placing an ad in a special Record Courier supplement, contributing to the scholarship fund, and attending the luncheon. The door prizes do not need to be wrapped and should be taken to Ron Snowberger.

Georgia Darrah read a thoughtful piece on education followed by a prayer.

Following lunch Dan McCombs presided over the 50/50 and won the cash prize which he donated to PCRTA. The names of Sally Hershiser, Georgia Darrah, and Bill Conroy were drawn, and each chose three books as part of the 50/50.

Two very interesting collections were displayed. Evelyn Park displayed her husband Norm’s collection of arrow heads, and Jim Montaquila displayed his collection of presidential campaign buttons.

Miranda Titko, a previous scholarship winner, spoke, She is now a Field High School teacher. She thanked PCRTA and gave the scholarship recipients tips based on her experiences.

Jim Montaquila began the program by thanking the program committee and the scholarship committee. The committee presented a program with very entertaining presidential campaign songs and quotations from selected Presidents which he asked the scholarship recipients to respond to. Each student also gave some personal background information and introduced the persons who accompanied them to the luncheon.

PCRTA Executive Committee Meeting July 14, 2016

Members present: Helena Parry, Jim Montiquila, Darlene Fetterhoff, Carole Stokes, Barbara Cribbs, Dave Gynn, Georgia Darrah, Judy Morgan, Dan McCombs, Judy Hendershot, Edith Scott, Jan Fencl, Kay Wise, Karen Balog, Evelyn Park, Connie Evans, Ria Mastromatteo, Denise Craig.

Vice President Georgia Darrah distributed pens to everyone to celebrate PCRTA’s 50^th anniversary. These will be distributed at the luncheon meeting.

President Helena Parry called the 501c3 meeting to order.

Assistant Treasurer Darlene Fetterhoff gave the 501c3 Scholarship Treasury Report May 6-July 14

Checking Account Balance       8,995.83

Savings Account Balance       14,003.33

Stifel Balance                       50,932.51

NOTE: See the website for the full report.

Scholarship Chair Jim Montaquila reported that the committee has been working hard to put together the program for the Scholarship Luncheon. They have made contact with all seven winners and expect that they and their families will attend. He sent out reminder post cards to each. In May Georgia and Jim met at Connie’s house to develop the program. They will have a power point slide show depicting the seven scholarship winners. Because this is a Presidential election year, the theme this year revolves around different Presidents and Presidential candidates. He will be asking each of the scholarship recipients to explain how a quote of one of the Presidents/Presidential candidates can relate to their seeking to become a teacher.

Jim has been a collector of Presidential campaign buttons for almost fifty years. He will bring them for display. Also the committee has developed a Presidential trivia quiz that will be put on the tables for our guests.

Jim also reported that he was alerted by members of the scholarship committee that the Record Courier reported that Steven Joseph Farhat, one of our scholarship recipients, anticipated attending college to become a lawyer. Jim pursued the matter by calling the recipient and Ken and Nancy Bliss, the donors of that scholarship. Steven Joseph said that his intention is to go to Kent State and seek a double major in Pre-Law and Political Science. His goal is to become a Political Science instructor at the college level. Ken and Nancy said they were fine with this. However, Jim thinks the committee should address how to tighten up our application process so that problems could be eliminated in the future. He asked the committee to stay for a short meeting.

President Helena Parry asked for a motion to adjourn the 501c3 meeting. Dan McCombs made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Kay Wise. The motion passed.

President Helena Parry called the 501c4 meeting to order.

Recording Secretary Carole Stokes made two corrections to May’s minutes. The first was that Dave Gynn was on the scholarship selection committee instead of Pat Gynn. The second was that the anonymous donor of $500.00 was on the staff of 7/17 Credit Union instead of NEOMED.   Jan Fencl made a motion to accept the minutes. It was seconded by Georgia Darrah. The motion passed.

President Helena Parry reported that she and her sister prepared the food for Habitat for Humanity. She thanked everyone for their cash donations to purchase the food.

Treasurer Dave Gynn gave the Treasury Report May 1 – June 30, 2016

Checking Balance     $4,742.23

Savings Balance             755.52

Stifel Balance             29,764.43

NOTE; See the website for the full report.

Vice President Georgia Darrah reported that she has been busy verifying what is going on with the guest speakers.

Archival Chair report was given by Dave Gynn for Pat Gynn. He reported that she has every newsletter that we have ever published. She has put them into notebooks which she will display.

Community Services Chair Judy Morgan said she received a thank you note from Maplewood for providing donated items and serving the GED graduation. She was also presented with a plaque to PCRTA recognizing their services during the GED graduation. The award is the Portage County Literacy Coalition Community Partner Award for 2016. She reported 3,081 community service hours so far this year which is low. She said our project for September is hygiene items, toiletries, or financial support for Safer Futures.

Legislative Chair Dan McCombs didn’t have anything to report since the legislature is on a recess at present. He read ORTA President Carol Remington’s message “You can be assured that the ORTA team is daily doing all we can to continue to assure that the Ohio retired teachers pension plan is secured and to help supply other benefits to our retired teachers.” The ORTA 70^th anniversary is in 2017.

Membership Chair Judy Hendershot stated that she has had no contacts yet from this year’s retirees. She said letters are being mailed to previously retired teachers who have not yet joined PCRTA to encourage them to consider membership. So far I have gone back two years. We are attempting to recruit 50 members this year, and only 27 names of current retirees have been given to us. We are considering a letter to each local teacher’s association president reminding them of our existence and encouraging them to become familiar with ORTA and PCRTA. We will send brochures and website addresses. Darlene Fetterhoff suggested sending representatives to local teacher excutive meetings which are after school. Edith Scott suggested candy dishes in each lounge with a sign compliments of PCRTA.

Memorial/Sunshine Chair Judy Hendershot said she sent several cards including a 50^th anniversary card since the last board meeting.

NEOMED Proctor Scheduling Chair Edith Scott said she invited Sue Hricko and Lisa Moore from NEOMED Academic Services to our scholarship luncheon. She also said there will be an orientation meeting soon.

Nominating Chair Jan Fencl said they are still looking for someone to take over the newsletter. Since this is an even year, nominations will be needed for the President and Assistant Treasurer.

Protective Services Chair Kay Wise stated the last two dates for the AARP driver program are August 18, 2016 and November 17, 2016.

She mailed the dates July 21 and September 15 to Pete Shipley for Representative Clyde but has not received a reply. Mayor Frank Seman will attend the November luncheon.

Public Relations Chair Georgia Darrah sent the article about Judy Morgan receiving the plaque to the Record Courier.

Reservations Chair Karen Balog reported that she has 74 reservations and three new members:  Vicki and Ken Guessford and Richard Ruch.

Webmaster Connie Evans reported that she has organized the announcements and minutes by the year.

Dave Gynn reported on the 50^th anniversary progress. 50^th anniversary calls are being made. Adele Fussner agreed to send letters to anyone out of state. Dave has contacted the Record Courier, and they will do an insert on September 13 if PCRTA can get $3,000 worth of ads.

The committee would appreciate it if you have any possible ad contacts. They will have door prizeswhich they are asking members to donate. They will need 100, and all of them need to be given to Ron Snowberger by September 1. There will be floral arrangements for centerpieces. Ria Mastromatteo will do programs. They are beginning a Pay It Forward Scholarship fund.

Edie Scott made the motion to adjourn, and Kay Wise seconded it. The motion passed.

PCRTA  Executive  Committee Meeting May 12, 2016

Members present: Jim Montaquila, Georgia Darrah, Carole Stokes, Kay Wise, Edith Scott, Judy Morgan, Mary Ann Brockett,  Richard Brockett, Karen Balog, Ron Snowberger,Connie Evans, John Kerstetter, Dan McCombs, Darlene Fetterhoff

Vice President Georgia Darrah called the 501c3 meeting to order.

Scholarship Chair Jim Montaquila reported that the committee met on Friday, April 15 to review the applications for scholarships. The committee members were Jim Montaquila, Jan Fencl, Pat Gynn, Lowell Myers, Darlene Fetterhoff, Ria Mastromatteo, and Kay Wise. There were thirteen applicants from five schools. The committee  selected seven students to receive scholarships of $1,500. They are:Zachary Adair from Roosevelt, Reagan Butler from Roosevelt, Ryan Conroy from Field, Steve Joseph Farhat.from Ravenna, Emi Lee Hartman from Roosevelt, Coreena Wise from Roosevelt, and Madeline Zupho from Streetsboro. Letters were sent to the winners and the principals and guidance counselors as well as those not selected. The following members will give out the certificates at the various honors programs:  Ria Mastromatteo at Field, Sylvia Armstrong at Roosevelt, and Jim Montaquila at Streetsboro.

Vice President Georgia Darrah said we needed to adjourn the 501c3 meeting until later. Kay Wise made the motion to adjourn, and John Kerstetter seconded it. The motion passed.

Georgia called the 501c4 meeting to order. She asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes. Kay Wise made a motion to approve the minutes.  It was seconded by Dan McCombs. The motion passed.

Vice President Georgia Darrah reported that the May luncheon speaker will be Barbara Petroski from the Portage County Historical Society. She will be speaking on the educational heritage of schools in Portage County to go along with the celebration of PCRTA’s 50^th anniversary. She also reported that the Record Courier published the article she submitted of our donation from the March luncheon of items for the County Clothing Center. They also published the news release of our upcoming May luncheon. However, they have not yet published the picture and information from the March luncheon which she submitted.

Community Chair Judy Morgan announced that PCRTA’s Community Service Project for May is gift cards or donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage County. She urged everyone to turn in their volunteer hours. She announced that the GED graduation will be June 9, and she will need help. She said that she along with other members worked at the Women Build with Habitat for Humanity restoring a house. She said Carol Remington from ORTA worked all day.

Legislative Chair Dan McCombs reported that Carol Kinsey ORTA Legislative Chair has resigned and said that she has been very good about keeping us informed. At the state legislative meeting it was emphasized that ORTA and PCRTA  must remain objective politically. However, it is critical that we  are  aware of the candidates for the STRS board because they deal with our pensions, and legislation can change internal structures. Jim McGreevy and Bob Stein are good candidates. ORTA  DAY at the statehouse will address budget concerns. ORTA suggests that we maintain contact with our legislators ALL THE TIME.

NEOMED Proctor Scheduling Chair Edith Scott reported that by the end of June we will have proctored 120 exams with 327 proctors donating 895 hours.

Pre Retirement Co Chairs Richard and Mary Ann Brockett reported on the Pre Reitrement Workshop which was held on April 16, 2016.  The program included Judy Hendershot who spoke on behalf of PCRTA, Lawyer Michelle Keith who spoke on legal necessities for retirement, Investment Counselor Ray Kline who spoke about maximizing income before retirement, and STRS Counselor John Buch who discussed retirement income and health care issues. The program was well received by the audience. Twelve teachers attended. With spouses, friends, speakers and PCRTA members there were thirty in attendance.

Protective Services  Chair Kay Wise reported that the PCRTA members who participated in Women Build with Habitat for Humanity were Karen Balog, Judy Morgan, Phyllis Spangler, and Kay Wise. Carol Remington joined us and worked very hard. We did everything from putting vinyl siding on to tearing off the old back deck. ( pictures on ORTA web site.) For our efforts we received lunch, a shirt, a builder’s apron and a pink water bottle. In the afternoon a young man who carried the 80 pound bags of cement joined us. We learned that it is going to be his and his mother’s home.

Commissioners Kathleen Chandler, Maureen Frederick, and Vicki Kline stated that they would be able to attend the May 19 luncheon but would not be able to stay for the meal. Kathleen Clyde and Ann Benjamin Wormer will also join us.

Reservations Chair Karen Balog stated that she has 45 reservations for the luncheon so far. She has a new email address specifically for PCRTA.    pcrta.luncheon@gmail.com

Social Chair John Kerstetter distributed information on the upcoming social events. He will also distribute these at the luncheon. On Tuesday, May 24 a tour at the Portage County Historical Museumat 6549 N. Chestnut St, Ravenna is scheduled at 10:00 am. The cost is $5. On Sunday, June 26 Monty Python’s Spamalot will be at the Weathervane Playhouse at 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron at 2:00pm. Dinner at Papa Joe’s will follow.the performance.

Webmaster Connie Evans stated that for privacy reasons information about the scholarship winners has been removed from the web. She has been working to divide the minutes and the announcements into years. As it was, the pages were getting so long that she could not save the information, and therefore, could not make corrections or additions.

Assistant Treasurer Darlene Fetterhoff gave the 501c3 Scholarship Treasury Report January , 2016 – May 6, 2016.

Checking Account Balance            $8,981.48

Saving Account Balance              $11,900.08

Stifel  Balance 4-30-16               $50,059.59

She said a donor from 7/17 Credit union donated $500.00.

NOTE: See the website for the full report.

Connie Evans made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  It was seconded by Mary Ann Brockett. The motion passed.

PCRTA Treasury Report March 1 – April 30, 2016

Prepared by Treasurer Dave Gynn given by Darlene Fetterhoff.

Checking Account Balance          $5,170.05

Saving account Balance                $755.33

Stifel Balance 4-30-16             $29,196.66

Darlene Fetterhoff also presented the PCRTA  audit prepared by Alan Balog, CPA on May 5, 2016.  Dan McCombs made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. Mary Ann Brockett seconded it. The motion passed.

Ron Snowberger gave the Trustee’s report. He said the STRS program at Alliance was outstanding, but there were not many people there. STRS made it clear that our health benefits are not guaranteed—never were. The ORTA Board Conference is in the fall. It would be wise for people to attend. ORTA  membership is critical in order to have influence on the legislature.

Dan McCombs made a motion to adjourn. John Kerstetter seconded it. The motion passed.

PCRTA   Luncheon Meeting May 19, 2016

President Helena Parry welcomed Portage County Commissioners Kathleen Chandler, Maureen Frederick and Vicki Kline. Maureen Frederick paid tribute to Doris Wise who was with the Ravenna school system during the time of the strike. She related that Doris was willing to go to jail for the cause of teachers –which she did. She concluded by thanking all teachers for their service and preparation of students.

Kathleen Chandler, Maureen Frederick, and Vicki Kline read a proclamation honoring PCRTA and recognizing PCRTA for the volunteer hours and scholarships given over the years. They thanked us for our commitment and presented Helena with a certificate.   Helena then introduced Ann Womer Benjamin, Mayor of Aurora, Ohio. She stated that “Teachers are near and dear to my heart.” Her father was a lawyer who represented teachers. She presented a proclamation to all teachers and concluded by thanking everyone for our many years of service. Representative Kathleen Clyde had planned to come but was unable to.

President Helena Parry declared Kay Wise Keeper of Proclamations.

President Helena Parry thanked greeters Bill and Adele Fussner. Additionally, she thanked Judy Hendershot for displaying some of her husband’s beautiful wood turnings. Helena said she was asked to provide food for Habitat for Humanity workers. The basket was passed for any donations.

Ron Snowberger reported that ORTA needs more members in order to influence legislators. We need to encourage current teachers to become members.

Registration Chair Karen Balog distributed sheets so that members could register now for July and September luncheons.

Len Suzelis led us in singing “School Days”.

Dave Gynn reported on the Spring conference.

Edith Scott gave a proctoring update. She needs 2-3 more proctors. She encouraged proctors to attend the Volunteer Recognition Program at NEOMED next Thursday. She also announced that there will be an orientation this summer.

Membership Chair Judy Hendershot reported that the committee has been contacting people who have not renewed their memberships. She reported that not many teachers are retiring this year, and we need 50 new members.

Community Service Chair Judy Morgan urged members to turn in volunteer hours. She announced that the GED program will be June 9, and she will need help.

Phyliss Spangler and John Kerstetter distributed information on the future social events Phyllis stated that the Historical Society Tour includes seven buildings and to wear comfortable shoes. The next event will be Monty Python’s Spamalot at the Weathervane Playhouse on June 26.

Pat Farley won the 50/50 basket of maple treats, and Earl Kilchemann won $58.00 which he donated to PCRTA.

Ruth Weigand gave a thought provoking meditation.

Len Suzelis said a few words in memory of Marty Hatcher who recently passed away.

Following lunch Helena introduced Barbara Petroski who spoke on The Educational Heritage of Portage County Schools. It was an interesting program which included many pictures of early classes in the county schools.

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PCRTA Executive Committee Meeting March 10, 2016

Members present: Helena Parry, Jim Montaquila, Dave Gynn, Georgia Darrah, Carole Stokes,

Ron Snowberger, Dan Mccombs, Judy Hendershot, Edith Scott, Kay Wise, Richard Brockett, Pat Farley, Karen Balog, John Kerstetter, Connie Evans

President Helena Parry called the 501c3 meeting to order.

501c3 Scholarship Treasury Report January 1 – February 29, 2016

Prepared by Assistant Treasurer Darlene Fetterhoff given by Dave Gynn

Checking Account Balance     $ 8,544.14

Savings Account Balance       $11,897.11

Stifel Balance                       $46,408.17

NOTE: See the website for the full report.

Scholarship ChairJim Montaquila reported that in January scholarship applications were sent to all of the schools. On March 9 he sent reminders to get the applications in. They are due on March 25. Public Relations Chair Georgia Darrah.sent an article about the scholarships to the Record Courier and that all applications are due.

President Helena Parry adjourned the 501c3 meeting.

President Helena Parry called the 501c4 meeting to order.

Past President Ron Snowberger gave a report from ORTA. ORTA’s goal is to increase membership by 2,000 new members. Our chapter needs 27 new members for our share. He suggested we consider small grants to current teachers as some groups are already doing. This publicity might help us get new members. He mentioned that the Portage County chapter is respected at meetings in Columbus.

President Helena Parry asked if there were any additions or corrections to the previous minutes.

Kay Wise made a motion to accept the minutes. It was seconded by Pat Farley. The motion passed.

Treasurer Dave Gynn gave the PCRTA Treasury Report for January 1 – February 29, 2016.

Checking Balance         $ 5,591.70

Savings Balance           $    755.14

Stifel Balance               $27,072.98

NOTE: See the website for the full report.

Dave also reported that 29 members have not renewed their membership for 2016. He has been trying to contact all of them. There is an incentive program where PCRTA receives a $3.00 rebate for each new member. This ends in June.

Dave is the new Vice President for the eastern region of ORTA.

Vice President Georgia Darrah reported that all of the programs for 2016 have been planned, and a copy is listed on our website. A news release was sent to the Record Courier and was published about our upcoming March luncheon. Our March luncheon speaker is Diana Zuranski who will be speaking to us about Habitat for Humanity. This year PCRTA and ORTA are joining hands with Habitat to be of assistance to them.

ORTA Trustee Helena Parry reported that ORTA needs to update the email addresses of members. Judy Hendershot volunteered to call people to update the email addresses.

Dave Gynn said that Pat will organize the 50^th anniversary book by years. If anyone has any information to contribute, please contact Pat Gynn.

NEOMED Proctor Scheduling Chair Edith Scott donated to PCRTA the bell she received when she became a life member of ORTA.

PCRTA’s Community Service Project for March is cleaning supplies for the County Clothing Center. The project for May is gift cards or donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage County.

Legislative Chair Dan McCombs passed along information from STRS Ohio Legislative News.

STRS Ohio learned that legislation aimed at providing assistance to Puerto Rico also contains unrelated provisions related to pensions….alerted STRS Ohio that the pension provisions are effectively the Safe Annuities for Employees (SAFE) Act and the Public Employees Pension Transparency Act (PEPTA). Neither of these bills has been

introduced during this Congress nor have the underlying premises been the subject of public discussion before any Congressional bodies. The SAFE Act would allow state and local governments to provide for yearly annuities for their employees. The    concern is that these annuities would be seen as viable alternatives to the state systems.

Michael J. Nehf, Executive Director of STRS, sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader.Mitch McConnell protesting these provisions.

Dan also reported that Carol Kinsey wrote that our pension system and health care are among ORTA top Legislative priorities. STRS is looking very seriously at what needs to be done to maintan quality health care as long as they can. These decisions will be made internally.

Membership Chair Judy Hendershot will send out letters to local associations on April.  She purchased Reflections on Life gift books to give to family members at the memorial service. Her granddaughter made nameplates to put in them.

NEOMED Proctor Scheduling Chair Edith Scott stated that she will arrange another orientation when 3 or 4 people are interested.

Pre-Retirement Chair Richard Brockett delivered fliers to each County Superintendent on March 4. The Pre-Retirement Workshop will be on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at Channels 45/49 at 5:00 – 7:00pm.

Protective Services Chair Kay Wise noted a correction for the AARP Smart Driver Program. The correct date is May 26, 2016.

She stated that the 50^th Anniversary Celebration May guests would be

Ann Wormer Benjamin

Kathleen Clyde

Kathleen Chandler

Vicki Kline

Perhaps Maureen Frederick

The Virginia Hamilton Conference is April 7 & 8, 2016.

Social/Travel Chair John Kerstetter passed out sheets with the planned events. On April 14, Thursday, 10:00: Bingo with lunch at the Field Restaurant in Brimfield Plaza. In May there will be a Portage County Museum Tour date TBA.

Webmaster Connie Evans has added 50^th Anniversary to the top of the web page.

President Helena Parry adjourned the meeting.

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