Minutes Excerpts from April 12, 2019
The program was presented by Dr. Rayfield, Director of ORTA,
He shared information on the Cost of Living (COLA), stating that he is working on a "pathway" to the restoration of at least some portion of the COLA.
He is suggesting that at least some portion of the COLA be given prior reaching 100% funding, which is now the requirement. Another possibility would be to base the COLA on a specified amount. (example - the first $30,000 - $40,000.00.to old business, increased membership in ORTA was encouraged to help with political clout! The more members, the stronger the message to STRS and legislatures.
Marcia Weldy from the Brumback Library ws present to share a little information about the summer reading program. R. Gardner moved to donate $250.00 to that program.
Members were encouraged to write to Representative Kirk Schuring, the chair of the Ohio Retirement Study Council, to encourage him to consider working toward the restoration of the COLA!
The next meeting will be July 12, 2019 at noon at Willow Bend.
MINUTES OF APRIL 10 MEETING
The meeting was attended by 23 members and 2 guests. The meeting opened with The Pledge of Allegiance followed by table grace given by Major Barter of the Salvation Army.
Following the meal Major Barter and Salvation Army Capital Campaign Chairperson, Donna Grimm, presented a program on the services of the Salvation Army as well as the ongoing campaign. They shared ways that financial and food donations can be made and announced that the Corp, especially the Thrift Store, can always use volunteers.
The business meeting was opened by President Rita Hurless who declared all new officers as duly installed. The minutes of the last meeting and the current treasurer's report were given.
During committee reports, Jerry Holscher and Rita Hurless reported on various scams that are happening, some to do with blacktopping and phone solicitations and others found on your computer.
Community service Chair E. Schweyer reported that our chapter provided 2,140
volunteer hours last year, with Rita Hurless having the most hours turned in.
Membership issues were shared and it was noted that those who have been members in the past but who have not yet renewed for the current year were contacted personally.
Legislative Chair R. Gardner reported that bills continue to be introduced to change our "defined benefits."
(Editor's note: This a major reason why all retired teachers should join ORTA as they are constantly working to see that we maintain that "defined benefits" status.)
A motion to contribute to the Salvation Army's capital campaign was tabled to the July meeting so changes can be made in the checking account to allow us to not have to have such a high minimum balance before penalties are assessed.
It was moved and seconded and passed unanimously to once again support the Brumback Library Summer Reading Program with a donation of $500.00.
The group decided to hold a Silent Auction at the July meeting. Those attending are asked to donate food items or White Elephant items to be auctioned off to those in attendance that day. The proceeds will go towards the Salvation Army Capital Campaign.
The next meeting will be held July 10, 2015 at Willow Bend.
MINUTES EXCERPTS OF JULY 2015 MEETING
The meeting was held on July 10th and was attended by 21 members and guests.
Bonnie Thatcher, recent Van Wert City Schools retiree, was introduced as a new member and Bruce Hodges, ORTA District II Director was introduced as a guest.
Following the meal, Jackie Welch, Administrator of the Van Wert Manor Nursing Home, presented a very nice program on dementia- brain conditions - related to Alzheimer, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and other diseases affecting memory.
Bruce Hodges started off the business meeting by reporting that ORTA is stressing three areas of growth: membership at all levels, financial, and technological. He shared a membership proposal for local chapters that would require those joining a local chapter to also join ORTA at $30.00, with 10% of that figure going back to the local chapter as a rebate. In reality it is a win win for both levels.
The second area of growth, financial, will come about through putting aside all "lifetime" membership income in a "lockbox" for future use as needed.
The third growth area, technology improvement, will be addressed by hiring a technology expert as a full time position.
Director Hodges finished his presentation by encouraging all of us to continue to contact our legislators about our concerns, especially the guarantee that we won't lose our defined benefit pension plan.
During the business meeting, and following discussion, it was moved to change our By Laws to include the ORTA suggestion to have local members be required to also join ORTA and have 10% of that fee returned to our chapter. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The Executive Committee will now meet to prepare it for vote at the October meeting.
From the tabled topic from the April meeting, it was moved to give a $500.00 donation to the Salvation Army for their capital campaign. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
The secretary and treasurer's reports were read and approved.
A report was given that we recently lost two of our members/past members: Wilma Snyder and Robert Lybarger and that Earl Gerdeman is dealing with major health issues and Vice President Kleinhenz is healing from a knee fracture.
Committee reports were given and E. Schweyer reminded everyone to have their volunteer hours ready to turn in to her at the October meeting.
To close the meeting, the high bids for the silent auction items were announced.
The next meeting will be at Willow Bend on Friday, October 9, 2015.
The meeting was attended by 23 members and 2 guests. The meeting opened with The Pledge of Allegiance followed by table grace given by Major Barter of the Salvation Army.
Following the meal Major Barter and Salvation Army Capital Campaign Chairperson, Donna Grimm, presented a program on the services of the Salvation Army as well as the ongoing campaign. They shared ways that financial and food donations can be made and announced that the Corp, especially the Thrift Store, can always use volunteers.
The business meeting was opened by President Rita Hurless who declared all new officers as duly installed. The minutes of the last meeting and the current treasurer's report were given.
During committee reports, Jerry Holscher and Rita Hurless reported on various scams that are happening, some to do with blacktopping and phone solicitations and others found on your computer.
Community service Chair E. Schweyer reported that our chapter provided 2,140
volunteer hours last year, with Rita Hurless having the most hours turned in.
Membership issues were shared and it was noted that those who have been members in the past but who have not yet renewed for the current year were contacted personally.
Legislative Chair R. Gardner reported that bills continue to be introduced to change our "defined benefits."
(Editor's note: This a major reason why all retired teachers should join ORTA as they are constantly working to see that we maintain that "defined benefits" status.)
A motion to contribute to the Salvation Army's capital campaign was tabled to the July meeting so changes can be made in the checking account to allow us to not have to have such a high minimum balance before penalties are assessed.
It was moved and seconded and passed unanimously to once again support the Brumback Library Summer Reading Program with a donation of $500.00.
The group decided to hold a Silent Auction at the July meeting. Those attending are asked to donate food items or White Elephant items to be auctioned off to those in attendance that day. The proceeds will go towards the Salvation Army Capital Campaign.
The next meeting will be held July 10, 2015 at Willow Bend.
MINUTES EXCERPTS OF JULY 2015 MEETING
The meeting was held on July 10th and was attended by 21 members and guests.
Bonnie Thatcher, recent Van Wert City Schools retiree, was introduced as a new member and Bruce Hodges, ORTA District II Director was introduced as a guest.
Following the meal, Jackie Welch, Administrator of the Van Wert Manor Nursing Home, presented a very nice program on dementia- brain conditions - related to Alzheimer, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and other diseases affecting memory.
Bruce Hodges started off the business meeting by reporting that ORTA is stressing three areas of growth: membership at all levels, financial, and technological. He shared a membership proposal for local chapters that would require those joining a local chapter to also join ORTA at $30.00, with 10% of that figure going back to the local chapter as a rebate. In reality it is a win win for both levels.
The second area of growth, financial, will come about through putting aside all "lifetime" membership income in a "lockbox" for future use as needed.
The third growth area, technology improvement, will be addressed by hiring a technology expert as a full time position.
Director Hodges finished his presentation by encouraging all of us to continue to contact our legislators about our concerns, especially the guarantee that we won't lose our defined benefit pension plan.
During the business meeting, and following discussion, it was moved to change our By Laws to include the ORTA suggestion to have local members be required to also join ORTA and have 10% of that fee returned to our chapter. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The Executive Committee will now meet to prepare it for vote at the October meeting.
From the tabled topic from the April meeting, it was moved to give a $500.00 donation to the Salvation Army for their capital campaign. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
The secretary and treasurer's reports were read and approved.
A report was given that we recently lost two of our members/past members: Wilma Snyder and Robert Lybarger and that Earl Gerdeman is dealing with major health issues and Vice President Kleinhenz is healing from a knee fracture.
Committee reports were given and E. Schweyer reminded everyone to have their volunteer hours ready to turn in to her at the October meeting.
To close the meeting, the high bids for the silent auction items were announced.
The next meeting will be at Willow Bend on Friday, October 9, 2015.
Minutes Excerpts of October 2015 Meeting
Twenty-eight members and guests were in attendance for the meeting which was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and table grace.
Speakers for the day and new member Connie Drake were introduced.
Dancie Mohler, Health Education Coordinator of the Area 3 Agency on Aging, shared information about health education classes that are available in our area as well as opportunities to become trained volunteers in these areas.
Lunch was served, followed by the program presented by Jim Cain, District Manager of AMBA. He explained benefits available to ORTA members ranging from Medical Air Services Association (MASA) to various health insurances.
The business meeting had reports from ORTA District 2 Director Bruce Hodges sharing info on the status of Charter Schools and E-Schools being held accountable for their student's learning, and the various committee reports. E. Schweyer encouraged members to get their 2014-15 volunteer hours turned in as soon as possible and the minutes of the July meeting and the financial report were given and approved.
A revised copy of the VWCRTA Constitution and By-Laws was presented by President Hurless and approved as presented. Changes made bring it into closer compliance with ORTA.
A nominating committee of Mary Collins, Randy and Cindy Gardner was appointed and will have a slate prepared for a vote at the December meeting.
Another silent auction will be held at the December meeting with 10 members volunteering to provide items to be auctioned.
The next meeting will be the Annual Meeting on December 11, 2015 at the Willow Bend Country Club.
Excerpts of October 8, 2021 Minutes
Twenty-eight members and guests were in attendance for the meeting which was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and table grace.
Speakers for the day and new member Connie Drake were introduced.
Dancie Mohler, Health Education Coordinator of the Area 3 Agency on Aging, shared information about health education classes that are available in our area as well as opportunities to become trained volunteers in these areas.
Lunch was served, followed by the program presented by Jim Cain, District Manager of AMBA. He explained benefits available to ORTA members ranging from Medical Air Services Association (MASA) to various health insurances.
The business meeting had reports from ORTA District 2 Director Bruce Hodges sharing info on the status of Charter Schools and E-Schools being held accountable for their student's learning, and the various committee reports. E. Schweyer encouraged members to get their 2014-15 volunteer hours turned in as soon as possible and the minutes of the July meeting and the financial report were given and approved.
A revised copy of the VWCRTA Constitution and By-Laws was presented by President Hurless and approved as presented. Changes made bring it into closer compliance with ORTA.
A nominating committee of Mary Collins, Randy and Cindy Gardner was appointed and will have a slate prepared for a vote at the December meeting.
Another silent auction will be held at the December meeting with 10 members volunteering to provide items to be auctioned.
The next meeting will be the Annual Meeting on December 11, 2015 at the Willow Bend Country Club.
Excerpts of October 8, 2021 Minutes