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Previous Announcements (From Earliest to Most Recent)
Oct 14, 2008
Fundraiser Bus Trip to Fallingwater This trip, planned by Paskey Tours, is open to members and guests.The trip leaves Kent Plaza. Lunch is at Seven Springs
Mountain Resort. An on-site video tour is possible for those who find the walking tour too strenuous. The cost of the
bus trip is $64, which includes Paskey Tour's Premium Coach Bus with Professional Driver, Lunch at Seven springs Mountain
Resort, and Admission to Falling Water. Send your check to Darlene Fetterhoff, 2417 Duck Pond Drive, Ravenna, OH 44266.
Oct 16
11:00 a.m. Talk with Kathleen Chandler PCRTA is sponsoring a lunch and talk with Representative Kathleen Chandler on Thursday, October 16, at Luna's Restaurant, 1225 West Main Street, Kent at 11:00 a.m. You may order from the menu at your own expense. Let's learn what Rep. Chandler has planned for the next legislative session and offer our suggestions. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers. Reservations are not required. The talk is open to the public.
October 19
Wizard of Oz at Carousel Carousel takes you "Somewhere over the Rainbow," in one of the most beloved musicals of all time. The 2008 production will whisk you directly into the action and transport you to the Land of Oz. Tickets are $48.50 and include a delicious meal (including gratuity) and fantastic show.
Send your check (payable to PCRTA) to Mary Jane Brannon, 5291 Deer Trace Drive, Kent, OH 44240. Deadline: September
24 Oct 23
5:50 p.m. A Retirement Planning Worshop will be held at Channels 45/49. It is open to
educators planning to retire in the next five years. There is no cost. Oct 25, 2008 Make a Difference Day Nov 06, 2008 9:30 a.m. Executive Committee Meeting
at Williamson Alumni Center
Nov 20, 2008 12:00 p.m.
Luncheon Meeting Program: Willie Wilcox, Election of Officers,
and Flu Shots
FREE
FLU SHOTS for Medicare members at our November luncheon meeting, provided by the Portage County Health Department.
Please bring your Medicare identification with you. Non-Medicare members may receive an injection for $20. Dec 18, 2008 12:00 p.m. Luncheon Meeting Program:
Ars Nova Singers from Kent State University, S Michael Nehf from STRS, and Officer Installation
The Ars Nova Singers ensemble is a small, highly-select group that specializes in unaccompanied vocal chamber music and usually consists of six to seven singers under the direction of Kerry Glann. Members are selected by auditions each fall; all of the members are also members of the Kent State University Chorale.
Michael Nehf, the new director of STRS Ohio will speak to us about STRS and our pensions at the December luncheon. He has been the director since July 1, succeeding Damon Asbury. Mr. Nehf said, "In the coming months, one of the things I look most forward to is meeting and talking with our members. We are faced with many challenges. But there will be no surprises; I believe in communication-early and often." If you are curious about the safety and security of your pension, come and hear what Mr. Nehf has to say. Bring your questions and concerns to the December luncheon meeting. December 19 Radio City Rockettes
in Cleveland Tickets are $88 and include luxury bus transportation,
time for shopping at Tower City, and the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes at the Palace Theater. Pick up times: Ravenna, 10:00 am; Kent, 1:30 am; Streetsboro, 1:45 am. Send check (payable to Paskey Tours) to 1428 River Trail Blvd, Kent, OH 44240
Mar 7 9:30
p.m. Executive Committee Meeting at Williamson Center Mar 19 12:00 p.m.
Luncheon Meeting - Memorial Service Our March program will be led by Kathy
Baker, an author and writer for the Record-Courier, who offers her wit and wisdom through her popular newspaper
column. Although Kathy’s background includes more than 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing,
and communications, her greatest talents are as a speaker and as a writer. Her first book, Leaving Adversity Plaza, came out several years ago—complete with a highly coveted chicken
Soup for the Soul endorsement! Today Kathy’s well-chosen words inspire and motivate people throughout the United
States. “I delight in using words to help people recognize and celebrate their own unique gifts,” says Kathy.
“My passion is energizing, encouraging, and engaging with others.”
You can meet Edna Hansen, the new ORTA president at our March meeting. She will join us with greetings from the ORTA office and to let us in on her goals for ORTA in 2009. Our own Ray Troxtell, the 2008 President of ORTA, will be returning to PCRTA as our new president
for two years. Ray previously served PCRTA as our President in 1966-67 and as our ORTA Trustee. Welcome back, Ray!
Dave Gynn, past president of PCRTA, has been elected as the Eastern Area Regional Vice-President
of ORTA, a job which may eventually lead to being the President of ORTA in the future. Ohio is divided into
two regions—Eastern and Western. Dave will be responsible for all the retired teacher chapters in the eastern
half of the state this year, as well as serving on our executive committee as past president. Our community service project for March is to collect disposable diapers for the County Clothing Center. They are in desperate need for diapers and pull-ups in all sizes from newborn on. You can bring in a package of "nappies" or donate some money towards the purchase of some. Thanks in advance. Mar 12 9:30 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting at Williamson Center
May 21 12:00 p.m. Luncheon Meeting
April 26 2:00 p.m. NORTHHEAST OHIO SENIOR ADULT SPELLING BEE Bring Your "A" Game to the Bee! Grand Prize Trip to 5th
Annual Spelling Bee for Adults 55+
Where: Laurel Lake Retirement Community 200 Laurel Lake Drive, Hudson How: It's free! Register early by calling 330-678-9210. Who: Adults 55 or older Why: Grand Prize: Trip for Two to AARP National Spelling Bee in Cheyenne, WY Sponsored ByThe Center for Healthy Aging Optional Practice Sessions to be held at Laurel Lake on February 26 and March 26. Call 1-866-650-2100 for details.
FREEDOM HOUSE NEEDS OUR HELP Freedom House, a transitional
shelter in Kent for 14 single adult males who are veterans and homeless is this month’s community service project.
They are in need of: Toiletry items for Men,
Garbage Bags, Laundry Detergent, Coffee, Sugar, Cleaning Products, Paper Towels and Toilet Paper, Over-the-counter Medication,
Light Bulbs, Non-Perishable Food Products and Single Bed Sheet Sets. Please bring what you can to share with
these veterans on or our May 21st meeting. June 11, 2009
GED Graduation at Maplewood Career Center
July 9, 2009 9:30 Executive Committee Meeting at Williamson Alumni Center July 16, 2009 12:00 Luncheon Meeting at Twin Lakes Country Club Introduction of Scholarship Winners Bring a Book - Take a Book Sept 10, 2009 9:30 Executive Committee Meeting at
Williamson Alumni Center
Sept 10, 2009 10:00 Orientation session at NEOUCOM for testing proctors. Call Edie Scott at 330-297-1812 to be put on the list to start proctoring. Sept 17, 2009 12:00 Luncheon Meeting at Twin Lakes Country Club Carrie Starre Lmiecik portrays Dorothy Fuldheim New Retirees Make a reservation by completing the bottom half of the next to the last page of the newsletter and sending it in. September Community Service Project: School Supplies Remember Dorothy Fuldheim? Who could forget her. She was the feisty, outspoken journalist and television
broadcaster who worked for The Cleveland Press and WEWS-TV. She was the first woman in the United States to host her
own television show and to anchor a television news broadcast as well. She has been referred to as "The First Lady
of Television News." During the ‘20's, Fuldheim moved to Cleveland where she began her theatrical, lecturing, and broadcasting careers. She began her television career at age 54 when she joined the staff of Channel 5 in Cleveland in 1947. She traveled widely to cover a variety of news stories, and was regarded as a broadcaster of national importance. In 1959, she began to formulate her own newscast in response to the new "Eyewitness News" which was the first half-hour newscast in the country. She centered her newscast around her interviews, a general overview of the news, and her commentaries (during which the very opinionated Fuldheim frequently inserted her own opinions about the stories). Fuldheim, recognizable for her fiery red hair, was well known for her sometimes- controversial opinions. She was not shy about supporting unpopular causes nor in voicing her opposition if she disagreed with a guest. On May 4, 1970 while live on the air, she made this statement regarding the actions of the Ohio National Guard during the Kent State shootings, "What is wrong with our country? We're killing our own children." Upset that she referred to the shooting of four students as murder, there were many calls from viewers for her to resign. Fuldheim died in 1989, but she will be brought back to life for the day by Carol Starre-Kmiecik who portrays a number of famous women in her one-woman shows. She has been performing her characters on stage for over 35 years. Starre-Kmiecek has a Degree in Speech and Theatre Arts from Baldwin-Wallace College and studied Improvisational Theater at Chicago's Second City for two years. Join us as she brings Dorothy Fuldheim to life right in front of our eyes.Oct 21, 2009
Retirement Workshop Know anyone who is planning to retire this year or within the next few years? Invite them to attend the free Portage County Retired Teachers Association Retirement Planning Seminar on October 21. Due to the economic downturn, there are some changes being discussed within STRS that are important to those teachers considering retirement:
WHO: Anyone considering retirement this year or within the next few years. WHEN: October 21, 5:00-7:00 WHERE: Western Reserve Public Media (Formerly PBS 45/49) WHY: Find out about: 1. Retirement 101: the Basics -STRS 2 Financial and Estate Planning -Bill Hoover from BroadLeaf Partners 3. PCRTA and ORTA-Advocates for retirees Refreshments will be provided before the meeting. To register, call Les Bennett
at 330-673-4115, or E-mail Ria Mastromaatteo at mmastromatteo@gmail.com. Oct 24, 2009
Make a Difference Day Oct. 24, 2009
Make a Difference Day Nov. 5, 2009 9:30 Executive Committee Meeting at Williamson Center Nov. 19, 2009 12:00 Luncheon Meeting at American Legion Post, 1945 Mogadore Road, Kent Cost = $12.00 Officer Election
Dec. 17, 2009 12:00 Luncheon
Meeting at American Legion Post, 1945 Mogadore Road, Kent Cost = $12.00
Jan. 14, 2010
Re-Organization Meeting for Officers and Committee Chairmen United Methodist Chuch in Kent
9:30
New Dining Digs!
03/11/10 9:30 Executive Committee Meeting - United Methodist
Church of Kent 03/10/10 12:00 Luncheon Meeting - United Methodist Church of Kent March Project: Safer Futures Safer Futures is a resource center shelter for women and children seeking greesom from domestic violence. The center provides shelter, advocacy, moral support, education concerning domestic violence, and access to relevant community resources. Please bring toiletries and hygiene items for Safer Futures to the March luncheon meeting. Program: Growing Season
- The Life of the Migrant Community The ORTA spring
conference for our area will be Wednesday, April 14, at the McKinley Grand Hotel in Canton. It is open to
all ORTA members, and you are encouraged to attend. Bob Stein and Jim McGreevy, the retired teacher members on the STRS board, will be the keynote speakers. Attendees will vote on the proposed restatement of the ORTA bylaws. Afternoon break-out sessions will provide leadership training, information, and opportunity for input to the many areas of concern which ORTA is involved. Registration cost is $20 and includes lunch. Advance registration is required. Call Dave Gynn (330-678-8423)
for more information and to register. Let's have a large delegation from Portage County. PCRTA Members Attend ORTA Area Meeting in Canton Eleven PCRTA Members attended the ORTA Area Meeting for the north-eastern region in Canton at the McKinley Grand
Hotel on Wednesday, April 14, 2010. They heard speakers from the STRS Board, Bob Stein and Jim McGreavy, who talked about the status of teacher pensions and healthcare. They also voted on the changes in the ORTA by-laws. After lunch, they attended several informational sessions.
05/20/2010
12:00 Dinner Meeting Kent United Methodist Church REV. REBECCA HELLER TO LEAD MEMORIAL SERVICE Our memorial service will be led by Rev. Rebecca M. Heller who has served as Minister of the First
Christian Church in Kent since June 2003. She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Rev. Heller received a BA in
Religion form Hamelin University in St. Paul and a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University Divinity School in Nashville,
Tennessee. In Memory
Of Doris T. Wise
July 1, 2009 Ravenna City Schools Clinton Howard Hobbs
October 26, 2009 Kent State University Raymond L Troxtell
January 14, 2010 Twinsburg/Newton Falls Who's Ready for Some Trips? Mark your calendars for one or two fun days where you can sit back
and not worry about the drive, see something new, and enjoy old and new friends. 1. Friday, July 9, 2010 the Tall Ships come to Cleveland. We will leave at 10:00 from Kent and head to
the decks of the Goodtime III and enjoy a buffet lunch while we cruise past the ships and along the Cuyahoga River.
Newly retired teachers will be guests of PCRTA at our September 16 luncheon. The speaker will be Roger J. DiPaolo, editor of the Record Courier. DiPaolo says he is proud to be rooted in Portage County, where his Italian immigrant grandparents were welcomed when they settled here as teenaged newlyweds nearly a century ago. A graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School, he earned his degree in journalism at Kent State University. He has been employed at the Record Courier for 33 years. He began with a KSU internship as a reporter, was named assistant city editor in 1981, promoted to city editor in 1982 and was named editor of the Record Courier in 1991. Roger has earned writing awards from UPI for feature writing, editorial writing and headlines. In 1997, he was honored by the KSU School of Journalism as one of its 60 outstanding graduates. He calls himself an amateur historian and is the author of "Portage Pathways," a column
in the Sunday Record Courier that is the source of stories featured in his new book. OUR SEPTEMBER SERVICE
PROJECT: BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES WHAT DID YOU SAY...FREE HEARING CHECKUPS??
Trolley ride through the orchard with a narrated history of the farm and orchard on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14,1:30 p.m. The cost is $2.00 a person. This includes a slice of apple pie and coffee or cider, and a chance to shop . To make a reservation, call John and Sandy Kerstetter at 330-673-0129, or email them jkerstet@kent.edu before October 12.
Our next luncheon meeting on Thursday, November 18,
will feature Kris Baughman, President of the local Tree City Toastmasters, a chapter of Toastmasters International.
The purpose of the Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment where members have the opportunity to develop communications skills which help to increase confidence and develop leadership skills. Our members will have the opportunity to take part in an interactive activity as well. We will vote for next year's officers-President, Corresponding Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. Janet Fencl, Nominations Chair, has presented the following slate of officers for 2011-20131: President, Ron Snowberger; Corresponding Secretary, Barbara Cribbs; and Assistant Treasurer Maria Mastromatteo. Nominations may be made from the floor with prior consent of nominee. Our Community
Service project for November is to collect some nonperishable items for the Center of Hope in Ravenna. You may also
donate money to purchase turkeys. Open your hearts and help another family have something to be thankful for as they
celebrate their Thanksgiving dinner together.
2011 Officers and Laura Ekler of STRS
Are you using the benefits available to you through AMBA as an ORTA member?
Besides dental and vision insurance, you can also get discounts on hotels and vacation plans, car rentals, and funeral expenses. ORTA PRESIDENT KAREN BUTT SAYS...LET’S GET IT DONE—IN TWO-ZERO-ONE-ONE ORTA President Karen Butt will bring greetings to PCRTA members at our March 17 luncheon. Karen is a retired health and physical education teacher who also coached volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, and track. She has demonstrated her spirit and enthusiasm as she served ORTA on several committees, as District Director, Eastern Area Vice President, and President-Elect. As president she is challenging every member to do a part in growing our organization. Leaning on her coaching experience, she often quotes John Wooden, who is remembered for saying: "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." President Butts' theme for the year is "Let's get it done--in Two-Zero-One-One." Safer Futures Needs Our Help!
Our May community service project is to provide items for Safer Futures. Safer Futures is a resource center shelter for women and children seeking freedom from domestic violence. They provide shelter, advocacy, moral support, education concerning domestic violence, and help clients have access to relevant community resources. They are in need of things you might need if you had to leave home in a hurry: Full-size toiletries and personal items like shampoo, deodorant, soap, combs and brushes, socks, underwear. They also need things to set up a new life in a new household: towels and washcloths, silverware, dishes, glasses, homewares, day planners. Name it...they need it!
FREEDOM HOUSE: OUR MARCH 2011 SERVICE
PROJECT:
Freedom House is a transitional shelter in Kent for 14 single adult males who are veterans and homeless. Opened in 2008, Freedom House provides these veterans with assistance in finding jobs and permanent housing, mental health and substance abuse counseling, involvement in community activities, and an aftercare program of follow-up and support. It is estimated that there are 154,000 homeless veterans on any given night. This represents about a fourth of the adult homeless population. Nearly half of these homeless veterans served during the Vietnam War. Most had an honorable discharge but found themselves alone and homeless though poor choices and unlucky breaks. Bring to the luncheon some of the things that are currently needed by Freedom House to help our veterans, such as: canned fruit, pancake or waffle mix, pillow cases, plastic containers with lids (shoe box size and smaller), and money donations to buy meat.
03-17-2011 Luncheon Meeting: Welcome,
Mr. President!
Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated as the 16th President of the United States 150 years ago on March 4, 1861. Shortly after starting his second term of office he was assassinated while attending the theater with his wife. President Lincoln will be brought back to life at our March meeting by Gerald Payn. He began to portray Mr. Lincoln in 1999, and in the last two years he has portrayed him over 160 times. He most recently was in our area at Reed Memorial Library for their display on Lincoln. Mr. Payn is a most avid student of President Lincoln. He has visited every place that Mr. Lincoln lived in his lifetime plus a number of Civil War battle sites. He can deliver any of Lincoln's speeches. Mr. Payn is a life member of the National Association of Lincoln Presenters, one of almost 200 members. He can speak on a large variety of topics-any chapter in Lincoln's life, politics, religion, the law, slavery, and the trials and tribulations of the presidency. Payn performs in costume and whiskers as a full-height Lincoln standing 6'4" and presents in the first person. Besides presenting Lincoln, Jerry Payn likes to travel, be with his grandchildren, sing, and play the tuba. He is proud to say that he was a member of the OSU Marching Band as a tuba player and got to be the "dotter of the i." A retired science teacher, he is a member of the Wayne County Retired Teachers and ORTA. Come prepared to be in the presence of Abraham Lincoln. 05-19-2011 Luncheon Meeting: Introductions
of Scholarship Winners Best of the Best Receive PCRTA Future Teacher Scholarships! Bring Books to Trade
to our July Meeting! Leftover books will be donated to the Reed Memorial Library book 05-19-2011 Luncheon Meeting: Memorial Service
Our Annual Memorial Service honoring those members who passed away during the last year will be held at our May luncheon meeting. Special music will be provided by a brass trio of three retired band directors: Ken Granville, Sam Mayes, and Ray Harcar. Jane Bissler to lead
Memorial Service
September 15, 2011 Luncheon Meeting at Kent United Methodist
Church 12:00 Guest: Stacey Schneider from NEOMED with information on shingles at 11:30 Guest Speaker Ralf Pfingsten: History of the Ravenna Arsenal Located between Ravenna and Newton Falls along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad tracks, the Ravenna Arsenal was created in 1940 to produce munitions for WW II. Can you imagine being a farmer and being given thirty days to vacate your farm? Would you believe that within ten months of the first land purchases, the plant was producing munitions? Ralph Pfingsten, the author of The History of the Ravenna Arsenal, will be our speaker at the luncheon in September.
Ralph is a retired science teacher from the Cleveland Public Schools. He became interested in the arsenal’s past while
doing biological surveys for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Pfingsten will share pictures and the history of
this area that has been “shrouded in secrecy.” His talk gives you the “chance to peer inside the arsenals
security fences and see what secrets these formerly classified military facilities possessed.” Bring your curiosity
about the arsenal then and now and get your questions answered. Welcome to the Retirement Class of 2011 If you know any recent retirees please call and invite them to join us at one of our luncheons. Most should have received a packet including a ticket for a free luncheon meal. All you have to do is ask them and include them in your reservation or give them the reservation information so they can make their own reservations.
Going Your Way! Everyone knows someone who needs PARTA. PARTA (Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority) offers fixed route and door-to-door services to county residents. PARTA moves the people who need it most. They make sure seniors have rides to the bank and grocery store or for medical appointments (doctor, dentist, dialysis, etc.) They help disabled people meet their full potential and assist working families break the cycle of poverty by getting riders where they need to go. PARTA buses can be seen at Kent State, traveling between Kent and Ravenna, and throughout Portage County. Many retired teachers have never ridden a PARTA bus and may not be aware of the services. We have invited PARTA to bring a bus to the September luncheon - get on the bus, try it out, and be aware of how PARTA can help you and your family. The bus will be here at 11:30, before the luncheon. Let PARTA teach you how to ride the bus. Call 330-678-1287 x119 or 330-678-7745 X108 and learn how to plan a trip, read a bus schedule, make transfers, reach a specific destination, and much more. Bring
school supplies to the luncheon meeting on September 15th! Dear David and fellow Retired Educator Leaders, As you know, many children nationwide are unprepared for school. With far too many families unable to afford school supplies and schools across the country facing budget cuts, children often go to school without the proper materials they need to succeed. As part of our continuing efforts to help more students be Equipped to Learn and to celebrate the volunteer spirit of retired educators, NRTA and AARP’s Create the Good team are conducting a random drawing that will award over 200 individuals with a $20 gift card to a school supply store. The winners can either enjoy the gift card themselves or consider using it to purchase school supplies for a teacher, student or school of their choice. Anyone over the age of 45 may enter the random drawing and entrants need not have donated supplies or helped with their communities in other ways…..but, if you were involved in activities like that since the first of the year, I hope you will let us know through the optional fields on the entry form. There are two ways to enter the random drawing: 1. Online: Click here to access the easy online entry form. Entries will be accepted at the online site until 11:59 PM (ET) on November 11, 2011. Although you are only allowed one entry person, an individual may input multiple online entries in order to help those who may not have computer access or do not like online entries. You are welcome to forward this email to other retired educator friends who might want to enter the drawing. 2. Paper Entry: You may submit a paper entry by downloading a form from the NRTA Drawing 2011 folder. (We are also sending a hard copy of the entry form to you in the mail.) Feel free to make copies of the form to share with other retired educators who do not have access to a computer. As with the online entries, paper entries must be received by NRTA by November 11, 2011. Send paper entries to: NRTA– ETL
Random Drawing If you would like to explore other volunteer opportunities, many with ready-to-use toolkits, I invite you to visit www.CreateTheGood.org. The site is also a pathway to post volunteer activities being coordinated by your retired educator association or community group. I hope you will take a moment to enter our Equipped to Learn random drawing to help us celebrate the work of retired educator volunteers. I also hope that you will help us spread the word! With best regards, Megan Megan Stevens Hookey Vice President – NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community P.S. Remember…all entries are due by November 11, 2011. Good luck!
Field Trip to Beckwith's Orchard
People enjoyed the trip to Beckwith's Orchard last year for a trolley ride through the orchard, a behind-the-scenes look at the action, apple tasting, and of course the yummy apple pie and ice cream and coffee so much that...we're doing it again this year! Thursday, October 27 2-3:30 pm All for $5 No Reservation Needed-Just Show Up for the Fun!!!
November 17th, 2011 12:00 Luncheon
at Ralph Regula Conference Center at NEOMED Our next luncheon meeting on Thursday, November 17, will feature Gene Easter, who has been a science educator for 40 years. He has been affiliated with Streetsboro Schools, Kent State University, Case Western Reserve University, and has been the instructor for the Summer Science Workshops for Martha Jennings Foundation. Nationally known as one of the "Flying Bernoulli Brothers," Gene presents entertaining, off-the-wall programs that teach scientific process to the public. Prepare to be amazed as Gene Easter presents his science concepts as an entertainment extravaganza! We will vote for next year's officers-Vice-President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer.
The officers will be installed by ORTA President-Elect Dave Gynn. Jan
Fencl, Nominations Chair has presented the following slate of officers for 2012-2014: Co Vice-Presidents, Georgia
Darrah and Jan Snowberger; Recording Secretary, Ruth Weigand; Treasurer, Darlene Fetterhoff. According to
our bylaws, these offices are to be elected in the odd-numbered years. Nominations may be made from the floor with the
prior consent of the nominee. The new officers will be installed during the November luncheon. At the last Board meeting, Ron Snowberger was elected as our new Trustee to ORTA. He
will serve for two years and will also be installed at the luncheon.
December
8th, 2011 12:00 Luncheon at Ralph Regula Conference Center at NEOMED Our
luncheon on December 8 (Note the changed date) will be a Christmas Party. We will be entertained by a brass trio comprised
of three retired band directors: our own Ken Granville, retired from Streetsboro playing a baritone; Sam Mayes from Wadsworth
Schools on the bass trombone; and Ray Harcar of Waterloo Schools playing the tenor trombone. They will entertain us
with holiday music, and we will sing some favorite Christmas tunes. Several
members have suggested having a small gift exchange. If you are interested in participating, bring a small wrapped gift
in the $5-$10 range. We will have some fun with the gift exchange, but won't tell you what until the luncheon. Following the lunch and meeting, those who want can stay to play BINGO for prizes
that President Ron is gathering for us. I wonder what goodies he will find. Remember to bring hats, gloves, or mittens to be donated to the County Clothing Center to keep the little ones warm this winter.  ARRP Drawing for Gift Cards Dear David and fellow Retired Educator Leaders, As you know, many children nationwide are unprepared for school. With far too many families unable to afford school supplies and schools across the country facing budget cuts, children often go to school without the proper materials they need to succeed. As part of our continuing efforts to help more students be Equipped to Learn and to celebrate the volunteer spirit of retired educators, NRTA and AARP’s Create the Good team are conducting a random drawing that will award over 200 individuals with a $20 gift card to a school supply store. The winners can either enjoy the gift card themselves or consider using it to purchase school supplies for a teacher, student or school of their choice. Anyone over the age of 45 may enter the random drawing and entrants need not have donated supplies or helped with their communities in other ways…..but, if you were involved in activities like that since the first of the year, I hope you will let us know through the optional fields on the entry form. There are two ways to enter the random drawing: 1. Online: Click here to access the easy online entry form. Entries will be accepted at the online site until 11:59 PM (ET) on November 11, 2011. Although you are only allowed one entry person, an individual may input multiple online entries in order to help those who may not have computer access or do not like online entries. You are welcome to forward this email to other retired educator friends who might want to enter the drawing. 2. Paper Entry: You may submit a paper entry by downloading a form from the NRTA Drawing 2011 folder. (We are also sending a hard copy of the entry form to you in the mail.) Feel free to make copies of the form to share with other retired educators who do not have access to a computer. As with the online entries, paper entries must be received by NRTA by November 11, 2011. Send paper entries to: NRTA– ETL
Random Drawing If you would like to explore other volunteer opportunities, many with ready-to-use toolkits, I invite you to visit www.CreateTheGood.org. The site is also a pathway to post volunteer activities being coordinated by your retired educator association or community group. I hope you will take a moment to enter our Equipped to Learn random drawing to help us celebrate the work of retired educator volunteers. I also hope that you will help us spread the word! With best regards, Megan Megan Stevens Hookey Vice President – NRTA: AARP’s
Educator Community P.S.
Remember…all entries are due by November 11, 2011.
Good luck!
Field Trip to Beckwith's Orchard People enjoyed the trip to Beckwith's Orchard last year for a trolley ride through the orchard, a behind-the-scenes look at the action, apple tasting, and of course the yummy apple pie and ice cream and coffee so much that...we're doing it again this year!
Thursday, October 27 2-3:30 pm All for $5 No Reservation Needed-Just Show Up for the Fun!!! Nashville Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel Paskey Tours is trying to get more people to sign up for their "Nashville Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel" tour which is scheduled for Nov. 18-21 (4 days and 3 nights). The cost is $ 689 per person/double, $ 629 per person/triple, and $ 929 per person/single. The package includes: * deluxe motor coach transportation from Kent * 3 nights lodging at the fabulous Opryland Hotel * 3 meals (1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner) * luncheon cruise on the General Jackson showboat * tickets to Radio City Christmas Spectacular, "ICE", the Louise Mandrell Dinner and Show, Treasure for the Holidays, and the World-famous Grand Ole Opry * all taxes, gratuities, and baggage handling. Ron Paskey can be reached at 330-677-1000 if anyone has any questions Poverty Simulation A Poverty Simulation will be held on November 4, 2011 at the United Methodist Church of Kent. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of the struggles of poverty and to hopefully inspire people to volunteer their time to support and encourage those in the program to transition out of poverty. Please see the brochures on the simultation below. Download Poverty Simultation Brochure Download Empower Portage Brochure PCRTA LEADERS ATTEND ORTA CONFERENCE Strong leaders equal a strong organization. National Retired Teachers Association representative, Sharon Smith, conducted a leadership development workshop recently for ORTA at their office in Columbus. Ron Snowberger, Georgia Darrah, and Dave Gynn participated in small group, activity-oriented projects to strengthen leadership skills. Connie Evans participated in a website workshop session. All felt the day in Columbus was worthwhile .
How do I become a Poll Worker?The Portage County Board of Elections is looking for individuals who can spare a day, help their community, and get paid for working on Election Day as a Poll Worker. Be one of the nearly 550 individuals hired to staff the 131 precincts on Election Days.
PCRTA Social Event:
RAGTIME at KSU The next social event for association
members and guests is the opportunity to attend the Kent State University stage production of the musical RAGTIME. The date
for our attendance will be February 17, 2012, starting at 8:00 pm. RAGTIME is a story about life in America at the beginning
of the 20th century. The show illustrates the issues of the day - from imigration, racism and politics to industrialization
and social upheaval. Historical figures mingle with fictional characters. Tickets are $7.00 (group rate). An additional option
is to meet for a 5:45pm seating for dinner at the Pufferbelly Restaurant before the show (each person paying for their meal.)
Reservations and $7.00 group rate ticket payment will be needed in advance by February 1st. For more information call John
or Sandy Kerstetter at 330-673-0129. March 15th Meeting at NEOMED Safer Futures is a program of Family and Community Services, Inc. which has been one of the
community programs that PCRTA has supported by collecting needed items for the shelter. Felicia Johnson and Emily Kulow
will be the speakers at our March luncheon meeting to tell us about the services of Safer Futures,
an organization which provides support, information and advocacy to those affected by domestic violence in Portage County. The Safer Futures Shelter and Resource Center provides a
safe place for women and their children to stay while they take the time to make choices about their futures in a safe environment.
They can be with other women who face the same problems. Women's Advocates work with them to create their own personal
case plan, to help determine new options, and to provide support services for family needs during their stay at the center. WINGGS (Women in Need Getting and Giving
Support) is a support group for women and children with topics including healthy relationships, safety planning, and dealing
with stress. A children's group is offered to children 5 and over, and child care is available to children of all ages. Interested in supporting Safer Futures? Volunteer...donate
wish list items...purchase gifts for a family at the holidays...make a financial donation...collect used cell phones. Do you know someone who may be encountering physical, sexual, verbal,
or emotional abuse? Direct them to the Safer Futures 24/7 support lines at 330-673-2500 or 330-296-2100 where domestic violence
specialists are ready to answer their calls and provide emergency help through information, referrals and safety planning. We see such sad stories on TV every day...you could help prevent a bad
situation from becoming worse. Safer Futures is our Community
Service Project for March. Felicia Johnson says they are currently in need of body soaps, deodorants for women,
and toothpaste for adults and children. They always need towels and wash cloths, standard pillowcases, and twin and full sheet
sets. Other things would be sanitary pads or tampons, hair products/combs/ponytail holders, and toiletries. And of course,
money donations are always helpful. Do you know someone that this might help? PRE-RETIREMENT WORKSHOP There will be a pre-retirement
workshop for educators who will retire in the next ten years on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. The workshop
will be at the Channels 45/49 Building on 1750 Campus Drive off State Rt. 261. Attorney John
Flynn, Financial advisor Chris Perme, and STRS representative John Vuch will be
the speakers. Light Refreshments are included. There is no cost to educators and their spouses. Find out about:
Questions and/or Reservations: Richard and Mary Ann Brockett
Cookies and Servers Needed! On June 7th the PCRTA will be serving cookies to the GED graduates at the reception after graduation at Maplewood. If you could bring cookies or help serve, please contact Judy at 614-309-4893 or 330-653-8174. Please bring cookies at 6:00. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ May 17, 2012 PCRTA Luncheon 12:00 NEOMED in Rootstown Guest speaker: Regina Brett Be the Miracle: 50 Lessons for Making the Impossible Want to live your dreams-or even surpass them? Want the world to change for the better? Want to see a miracle? What are we waiting for? Why not be the miracle? This is the challenge that New York Times bestselling author, award-winning Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist and radio host Regina Brett sets forth to readers in her new book of inspirational essays, Be The Miracle. PCRTA is excited to have Regina Brett be our speaker for our May luncheon meeting on May 15 at the Ralph Regula Conference Center at NEOMED. Regina Brett has been a newspaper columnist for 16 years, 11 of them for Cleveland's Plain
Dealer, where she was a finalist in 2008 and 2009 for the Pulitzer Prize in Commentary. Her last book, God Never Blinks, was
a New York Times bestseller and has been published in 18 different countries. Regina hosts a call-in radio show, The Regina
Brett Show, on WKSU, the Cleveland NPR affiliate. She is an honoree in the Ravenna Schools Hall of Fame. Through inspirational essays from "Do Your Best and Forget the Rest" to "Sometimes It's Enough to Make One Person Happy," Regina shares lessons that will help people make a difference in the world around them. These stories come from Regina's life experience and from the lives of others she has met in her years as a journalist. Each lesson can stand alone, but together they form a handbook for seeing the miracle of change everywhere. Regina's books will be on sale at the meeting at a special reduced rate for our members
and guests. Call your friends and invite them to come hear this renowned speaker, and who knows...you might learn how to "be
the miracle" too. County Clothing Center ... Our May Community Service Project Dave's Diary... by Dave Gynn, President of ORTA and member of our own PCRTA chapter Serving as president of ORTA has been an incredible journey. Pat and I have traveled many miles throughout Ohio and have met hundreds of enthusiastic ORTA members. One of my first responsibilities was to appoint members to each of the ORTA committees. I am proud that each committee has membership from all areas of the state. The largest and the smallest counties and everything in between are represented on the state committees. All committees met in Columbus in February. We appreciated the unusually nice February weather. The dedication of the committee chairs and members have planned worthwhile ORTA activities. Our biannual area meetings were held in four locations in March. There was much planning as the participants in each area were different. The attendees came away with great ideas. Our 65th birthday cookbook project is going well. County chapters are submitting recipes and ordering the cookbook of easy recipes for busy volunteers. Our "Year of the Volunteer" theme has been embraced as chapters plan to increase volunteerism. Pat and I spent several days at the National Retired Teacher Association leadership
conference in Savannah, Georgia. Both the conference and the city were exciting. Unfortunately, we had an auto accident on
the way home, so our future travel has been put on hold for now.
September 20, 2012 Luncheon Meeting at noon at Ralph
Regula Conference Center at NEOMED Bring School Supplies for Portage County Children! Need a Ride? Call Evelyn Park @at 330-274-2171 or Saroj Sutaria at 330-6679045. Know of anyone who needs a card for illness, sympathy, or congratulations? Call Pat Mazzer at 330-673-3174 or E-mail her at patmazzer@aol.com and she will send that person a card from PCRTA. SILVER SNEAKERS, HEALTH, AND FITNESS FOR SENIORS There is a fountain of youth. Millions have discovered it-the
secret to feeling better and living longer. It's called staying active. Finding a program that works for you and sticking
with it can pay big dividends. Our September luncheon speaker will be Deb Tatro, who is the fitness coordinator manager for Assura Med and is also a SilverSneakers' coordinator. She will present a PowerPoint presentation along with the "how-to's" for healthy living, strength building, balance, and cardio strength for adult living. Margo Terry, an instructor from the Tallmadge Rec Center, will accompany Deb. They will demonstrate some moves and stretching activities that you can use at your own home as well as some audience participation for those who can and want to participate. The National Institute on Aging recommends that seniors employ four different kinds of exercises
in order to stay healthy and fit: Endurance activities like walking, riding a bike and swimming that increase your heart rate
and breathing for an extended period of time. Starting with as little as 5 minutes at a time, you can gradually build up your
endurance. Strength exercises which build muscle tissue and increase your metabolism, which help keep your weight and blood
sugar in check. Stretching exercises to keep the body limber and flexible. Balance exercises to reduce the chances of falling.
Welcome
to the Retirement Class of 2012! AURORA CITY SCHOOLS— Raymond Beese, Natalie Mandle CRESTWOOD SCHOOLS— 8 Retirees FIELD SCHOOLS— Pat Bissler, Darcy Gillespie, Joyce Lee, Carlene Lundgren, Ron Swearington, Pam Way GARFIELD SCHOOLS— 2 Retirees KENT CITY SCHOOLS— Tony Barbuto, Julia Barnett, Ann Conard, Donna Crews, Julie Dietz, Dr. Tim Dortch, Erin Gutowski, Caroline Loomer, Peggy McDaniel, Laura Murphey, Lynne Penix, Heidi Ports, Ernie Rutsky, Michael Sanders, Aurora Stewart, Carol Strobl, Larry Strobl KENT STATE UNIVERSITY—None available MAPLEWOOD CAREER CENTER— 5 Retirees RAVENNA CITY SCHOOLS— Brenda Bault, John Bault, Darlene Creager, Linda Ferguson, Jill Helman, Pam Nichols, Jane O’Brien, Donna Sell, Mark Stahl, Janet Varner, Pam Thomas, Therese Wakefield ROOTSTOWN SCHOOLS— Ed Bose, Virginia Kuyon, Debbie Medkeff, Ruth Seton, Sue Schwartzhoff SOUTHEAST SCHOOLS— Nancy Barrett, Sherrie Cicora, Joseph DeNobile, Michelle Faulstick, Marie Leach, Victor Marozzi, Carol Weigand, Rita Wilcox STREETSBORO SCHOOLS— 0 Retirees WATERLOO SCHOOLS— Janice Evanovich, Doris Yerkey WINDHAM CITY SCHOOLS— 5 Retirees Portage
County RTA Officers Nomination Report, September 2012 Election of President, Assistant Treasurer, and Corresponding Secretary occur in the even-numbered years. We accept, with regret, the resignation of Ron Snowberger as President as of December 31, 2012, and we commend Ron for his outstanding service. Our bylaws state that there can be nominations from the floor. If you are interested, please contact Nominations Chair Jan Fencl at : 330-678-1758. Elections will be held at the November luncheon meeting. Social Committee Formed A social committee has been formed to plan and carry out social activities for PCRTA. The members are: Darlene Fetterhoff, Saroj Sutaria, Nancy and Ken Granville, with Sandy and John Kerstetter serving as co-chairs. If any member has suggestions for special events for the entire membership please contact Sandy or John at 330-673-0129. School Time
= Dues Time It's that time of year again! When we see the school buses start to roll for a new year, it's our reminder to pay our annual dues to ORTA and PCRTA for the next year-2013. Of course if you are a lifetime member, you don't have to worry-you are all paid up! New Proctor Orientation Meeting
Bring Books to Trade! We will have our annual book exchange at our July luncheon meeting. Bring a few books you have recently enjoyed, and take home a few that look good to you. Please leave your old college texts, older books, and your old encyclopedias at home. Leftover books will be donated to the Reed Memorial Library book sale.
Our Last two Meetings in 2012
The December Christmas Party luncheon will be
held on Thursday, December 13 (note that this is the second Thursday rather than our usual third Thursday
date). Our PCRTA members will be joyfully entertained by Forever Harmony Chorus, a women's acapella barbershop
group from the Akron area under the direction of Millie Miles. The chorus is a chapter of Harmony Inc., which is an international
group of singers very similar to the Sweet Adelines. A special presentation of "Christmas at Rock-Away Rest" will be performed for you by the soon-to-be-formed PCRTA Players- a treat you surely won't want to miss! Remember to bring hats, gloves, mittens, or scarves to be donated to the County Clothing Center to keep the little ones warm this winter. This luncheon will be held at the Ralph Regula Conference Center at NEOMED, the Northeast Ohio Medical College in Rootstown, located at 4209 State Route 44. PCRTA SOCIAL / TRAVEL COMMITTEE REPORT UPCOMING
ACTIVITIES Holiday
Christmas Concert, Sunday, December 16, 2013 Bowling and Lunch, Thursday, February 7, 2013
03-21-2013 Luncheon Meeting: Honor Flight of Cleveland. Please bring clothng for the County Clothing
Center.
In May 2004 when President Bush dedicated the World
War II Memorial to honor "The Greatest Generation," every veteran who had fought in that war was already
a senior citizen. Few had the monetary or physical resources to complete the trip on their own via car, bus or plane.
Enter: Honor Flight Cleveland. Funded
entirely by contributions from individuals, as well as fraternal organizations like the American Legion, VFW and Am
Vets, Honor Flight Cleveland provides an all-expense-paid trip to the memorial for 25 veterans nine or ten times each
year. From 2007 to 2012, more than 2,300 U.S. veterans have participated in these excursions that depart from Cleveland-Hopkins
Airport. In
addition to the WWII Memorial, highlights of the trip include the Korean and Viet Nam War memorials, the Lincoln Memorial,
and Arlington National Cemetery. Veterans tour Washington, D.C. in climate-controlled motor coaches, accompanied by
Guardians, board members and volunteers. It is volunteers who make these trips possible, contributing more than 53,000
hours since the program's inception. Veterans
are flown on a first-come, first-served basis. Top priority is currently given to WWII veterans and all other veterans
with a terminal illness. Second priority is Korean War veterans and then Viet Nam War veterans. At Cleveland Hopkins
Airport, each veteran is provided a wheelchair for use throughout the trip. For information, applications or to make
a donation, visit their website at http:www.honorflightcleveland.com.
PCRTA member, John
Lilley, participated in an Honor Flight on May 19, 2012, which just happened to be his wedding anniversary
with his wife Kathy. John was accompanied by his son, Ian, as a Guardian who paid his own fare. They left Akron-Canton
Airport around 5 in the morning and got home late the same day. He was impressed with everything they saw, especially
the World War II Memorial. John enjoyed the many people who stopped to talk to the vets. John served in WW II in the Navy with the Lighter Than Air unit, assembling and repairing blimps. When he attended Kent State, he joined ROTC and was later commissioned as an Army lieutenant, serving for 27 years. KSU Fashion Museum Guided Tour Thursday, April 11, 2013
Guided Tour at 10:00 AM $4.00 for tour and Lunch at Lazizi's following tour around 11:30 AM Individual checks For more information, contact John and Sandy Kerstetter at 330-673-0129 or E-mail them at jkerstet@kent.edu.
02-01-2013 ORTA TRUSTEE REPORT By Ron Snowberger I am pleased to be serving the
second year of my term. This year I will be on the legislative and public relations committees and will attend the
Board of Directors meetings. ORTA President Linda Beaver has determined Membership will be our theme for the year. I urge you to keep informed of ORTA activities through the website
- ORTA.org. I commend our members for volunteering over 10,000 hours last year and urge you to repeat or improve that
number this year. Contact me if your need information or have
ideas. I am here to serve you.
Christmas Rock-Away-Rest Review by Helena Parry We had a very humorous presentation by the newly formed "Drama Club of PCRTA." The performance was called "Christmas at Rock Away Rest". Everyone was laughing minute after minute due to the unusual acting out of this crew. Ask Dave Gynn what he was flashing to the crew members. Ask Dottie Emerick why she kept trying to escape from the group or ask Tom Emerick if he could remember a joke. Ask Adele Fussner why she was in a wheel chair and could not remember where she was. Ask Darlene Fetterhoff why she kept blowing a horn. Ask Sandy Kerstetter and Sue Dyett how hard it is to be a nurse or ask Pat Gynn about being an activity director. Ask John Kerstetter to lead us all in a chorus of "Oh, we're gold and gray, we ain't what we used to be." It was a real hoot. I can't wait to see what this what the new drama club will do next year.
05-23-13 Luncheon Meeting 12:00 Guest: DR. RANDY OVERBECK-
TEACHER HEROES' STORIES Dr. Randy Overbeck will be
the featured speaker at the PCRTA luncheon meeting at noon on Thursday, May 16, in the Ralph Regula Conference
Center at NEOMED in Rootstown. Dr. Overbeck is a veteran educator who has devoted more than three
decades to the service of children as a teacher, college professor and administrator. He has worked with thousands of teachers,
custodians, secretaries and administrators in schools, large and small, rural and suburban. He knows schools,
and his writing has vividly captured the drama of the world of education. Dr. Overbeck writes for Heroic Teacher Press, which began in 2009 as a publisher of adult fiction with a
mission to change perceptions about teachers. The focus of the company is to call attention to the altruistic
accomplishments of teachers, both the mundane, unselfish efforts undertaken everyday by teachers on behalf of
children, as well as the life-altering, life-saving actions of educators that go largely unnoticed by society
at large.Leave No Child Behind, Dr. Overbeck's recent novel, tells the story of Dee Dee Sterber, who just wants
to teach, to make a difference in the lives of her students. With missionary zeal, she returns to teach in her hometown
determined to open her students' minds to the ideas of the world's greatest writers. Instead she finds out
she has to act to save them from one of the world's greatest threats. Terrorists take over the school and use
the students as leverage to have one of their Al Quaida brothers released from a nearby prison. They threaten
that no child will be left alive if their demands are not met. In
addition to his fictional story, you will hear and see stories from Dr. Overbeck about real-life teachers who have
been actual heroes. Teachers have been getting a lot of bad press lately as being overpaid and underworked.
You will leave the luncheon being confirmed in our chosen profession and proud to have been an educator. Dr. Overbeck will
have copies of his thriller, Leave No Child Behind, so you can purchase an autographed copy. Don't
miss this powerful multi-media presentation. Invite a friend to attend with you. This would be a wonderful
time to invite a new retiree for a great shot of esteem as being a part of an honored profession.
Our community service project for the May meeting is to collect needed items for the Portage Animal Protective League at 8122 Infirmary Road, Ravenna. The Portage APL is a private, nonprofit organization, which means all of their operating funds come from community donors like us. They receive no money from taxes or government agencies. The Portage APL is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, which appreciates donations of cash, time and items to help the shelter operate. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Neither the shelter nor its programs would exist without the generous donations from the community. All funds received are used to pay for utilities, food and medicine, veterinary costs, vaccinations and to shelter and care for the animals. Here are some items from the Shelter's Wish List: Purina ONE or Pedigree Dog or Puppy Food, Purina ONE Indoor or Sensitive Cat or Kitten Food, Milk Bone Biscuits (minis), Tidy Cat Non-clumping /Scoop Litter, Mr. Clean or Spic and Span Cleaners, Clorox Bleach, Paper, Towels *Heavy Duty Trash Bags *Tall Kitchen Trash Bags *Dog & Cat Toys *Dog & Cat Treats *Dog Beds *Old Towels and Blankets, Rubber-backed Rugs (bathroom type), or Cash Donations. Please open your hearts to this worthwhile agency.
09-19-13
Luncheon Meeting 12:00 Giving
Dolls Find Their to Children Who Need a Hug Welcome to Retirement, Class of 2013 PCRTA members.....this a program you will not want to miss! The creator and founder of the non-profit "Giving Dolls", Jan Householder, will be the guest speaker at our next PCRTA luncheon meeting at noon on Thursday, September 19, in the Ralph Regula Conference Center at NEOMED in Rootstown. In 2006, Jan decided to make a wide-eyed happy doll as an act of kindness for the daughter of a close friend. The little girl was headed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital to undergo treatment as part of a research program. Little did Jan know that this was the beginning of a wonderful program that would eventually touch the lives of children throughout the United States and internationally in 45 countries. You will be amazed at some of the stories Jan will be sharing with us. Recently, PCRTA
members Judy Morgan and Georgia Darrah made a visit to the "Giving Dolls" Headquarters in Wadsworth and
came back quite excited about all they had seen and heard during their visit. This is a program that is guaranteed
to touch your heart. OUR SEPTEMBER SERVICE PROJECT-GIVING DOLLS' MATERIALS: The most-needed items to make the Giving Dolls are: Gift Cards from JoAnn Fabric, Michaels, Wal-Mart, and VISA Craft Items: Hair-colored yarn, woven cotton and cotton blend fabric, thread, trims, lace, and elastic (3/8 and 1/4" wide). They buy the stuffing in bulk. Tax Deductible Cash Donations. 2013 PCRTA Social Committee The social committee met and reviewed the interest survey. After discussion it was decided that we would plan three events for next year- a museum or park event for fall, the Christmas Band Concert in Hudson followed by dinner at Zeppe's, and a spring theater production. The three that are being planned are the following:
Fall Ride on the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Scenic Railroad October 10, 2013 10:10 to 2:20 Only $15 — September 25 deadline Narrated Tour — Handicap Accessible Leaves from Akron North Station 27 Ridge Street, Akron Goes to Cleveland Station & back Send check made out to PCRTA to Darlene Fetterhoff, 2417 Duck Pond Drive, Ravenna 44266
OUR LAST TWO MEETINGS IN 2013 Our next
luncheon meeting on Thursday, November 21 at noon, will feature PCRTA's Past President and current ORTA
Trustee, Ron Snowberger, as our speaker talking about his fantastic cultural experiences in China.
We will vote for next year's officers-Vice-President,
Recording Secretary, and Treasurer. The new officers will be installed and will start their 2-year terms in January. Come early for free blood pressure checks by NEOMED students. We will vote for next year's officers-President, Corresponding Secretary,
and Assistant Treasurer. The new officers will be installed and will start their 2-year term in January.
ORTA Trustee's Report - Ron Snowberger
I will be attending the fall conference on October 23 and 24 at ORTA. Please contact me with any concerns or questions you would like addressed at the conference or any time: 330-678-32688, email: ronsnogardens@gmail.com. Also, keep up to date by reading our local and state websites. As always, the Social Security coverage keeps emerging. Read up on HRC 19. Support for this bill has been submitted by ORTA. There are only 12 states where large numbers of public employees remain outside of the Social Security program. Information is available on the website at www.orta.org Best always and I hope to see you at the luncheon meetings. Ron PCRTA OFFICERS NOMINATION REPORT, SEPTEMBER 2013 Election of Vice-President, Treasurer, and Recording Secretary occur in the odd-numbered years. We accept with regret the resignation of Darlene Fetterhoff as Treasurer as of December 31, 2013, and we commend Darlene for her outstanding over-the-top service. Our bylaws state that there can be nominations from the floor. If you are interested, please contact Nominations Chair, Jan Fencl at330-678-1758 Elections and installation will be held at the November luncheon meeting. Proposed State of Officers 2014/2015:
It's Time to Renew Your ORTA-PCRTA Membership
November-December 2013
When you see the school busses roll down the streets, it is a good reminder that you are retired and don't need to go to school today. Seeing the busses should also jog your memory - It is time to renew your membership in the professional organization that speaks up for retired teachers. Although the school year starts in August, the membership year in PCRTA/ORTA begins in January. If you pay your dues annually, remit your 2014 dues by December. You can send your payment of $40 ($30 ORTA and $10 PCRTA) to our Treasurer Darlene Fetterhoff now or give it to her at the luncheon. If you are a life member, thank you for your continuing support. If you joined only PCRTA as a life member, your ORTA annual dues of $30 are due now. Please check your membership status on the newsletter label. If you receive your newsletter via email, you can contact Darlene by phone (330-673-8164) or email (darfett@yahoo.com) to check your status. How to read your newsletter mailing label
for dues payment information:
S=State
(ORTA) P=Portage (PCRTA) Life memberships are indicated by (life). Annual memberships are indicated by (ann). Example: S (life) P (ann) 2012 means you are a lifetime member of the state, and that your local dues are paid through 2012 and would be due at this time.
December Band Concert in Hudson followed by dinner at Zeppe's Time and place TBA
George
Sleigh to Speak at NEOMED at the March 20 Luncheon On September 11, George Sleigh (on the left) arrived at his office on the 91st floor of the North Tower by 7:30 a.m. He began his day as usual, checking his phone messages and emails. At 8:45, while talking to a colleague on the phone, George looked out the window and saw an American Airlines plane headed straight for his building. The plane crashed into the building not more than 50 feet above his head. Thus begins the incredible story that George will be sharing with us of his descent down the stairs of the building. You will not want to miss hearing his firsthand experience of surviving this unbelievable tragedy that stunned our entire nation.
Good News! IRS Finally Rules! by
Darlene Fetterhoff, Assistant Treasurer January
10, 2014 On Jan. 10, I am happy to announce, the IRS granted the Portage County Retired Teachers Association 501c4 status. PCRTA is now tax exempt. At this same time, the IRS granted 501c3 status to PCRTA Scholarship (PCRTAS). This is a new entity which is a “not for profit” public charity so contributions are tax deductible. Any business that involves scholarships including donations should be addressed to PCRTAS only.
A history of how this, at times, monumental task evolved: Alan Balog and I first submitted an application seeking 501c3 status for PCRTA. Feedback from the IRS stated that we definitely were involved in influencing legislation that would benefit our members; thus, no 501c3 status could be obtained; however, the IRS also recognized that our scholarship program and other activities proved that PCRTA also had strong charitable endeavors. It was strongly recommended that PCRTA be split into two entities. Thus PCRTA Scholarship was born.
David Gynn, as treasurer, will handle all things that are not scholarship related including dues, luncheon checks, etc. He can be reached at 4210 Lancaster Lane, Kent, OH 44240 phone 330 678-8423 - email davegynn9@aol.com. When paying your dues, make your check to PCRTA, and, if you wish to donate to the scholarship fund at the same time, please make a separate check out to PCRTAS. You may send the scholarship check with your dues or luncheon check to Dave and he can pass it on to me.
However, if dues are not involved, a scholarship check made out to PCRTA Scholarship should be mailed directly to Darlene Fetterhoff, Ass’t Treasurer, 2417 Duck Pond Drive, Ravenna, OH 44266. Basically remember dues and luncheons funds still are PCRTA (501c4) checks, and all scholarship donations are PCRTA Scholarship(501c3) checks.
I cannot thank CPA Alan Balog enough for the hard work and many, many hours that he donated so unselfishly to our organization. Our task began in August of 2012 and the finale was in Jan. 2014. Both of us are so relieved that the outcome is so positive and hope that our scholarship program will grow even stronger now that it will be part of a public charity. Whenever you see Alan and have the opportunity, please thank him. Also, kudos to all who helped us along the way.
NEW MEMBERSHIP CHAIRPERSON
We are very happy to have Judy Hendershot take the lead with the Membership Committee. Judy is a National Board Certified Teacher who retired from Brimfield Elementary School, but has been teaching at The University of Akron. Judy is the author of "In Coal Country" and "Up the Tracks to Grandma's," two picture books for young readers. Judy is the Musical Director, organist, and director of the Traditional Choir at St. Peters of the Fields Church in Rootstown. Judy is a member of the Brimfield Lions Club and belongs to several professional organizations. She and her husband, Richard, have three children, two grandchildren, and they are waiting for the arrival of a great granddaughter.
PLEASE TRY TO KEEP YOUR MEMBERSHIP
UP TO DATE AS WE NEED YOU. IT HELPS SAVE OUR OPERATING FUND WHEN WE DO NOT HAVE TO SEND OUT REMINDER NOTICES
ABOUT YOUR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. HELP KEEP OUR VOICE STRONG IN COLUMBUS AS
WELL AS IN PCRTA.
Pre-Retirement Workshop Thursday. April 17, 2014 This workshop is for anyone planning on retiring
within the next few years. Find out about STRS retirement, financial services, and legal information. For questions
or reservations, please contact Richard or Mary Brocket mabrockett@gmail.com or call 330-204 or 3151. For more information, please click on the following link: |
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