Annual Report

2010 ANNUAL REPORT

PORTAGE COUNTY

RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

President: Dave Gynn

Vice Presidents: Ken and Nancy Granvillle

Recording Secretary: Ruth Weigand

Corresponding Secretary: Barbara Cribbs

Treasurer: Darlene Fetterhoff

Assistant Treasurer: Ria Mastromatteo

ORTA Trustee: Dan McCombs

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Archival: Norm Park Nominations: Jan Fencl

Community Service: Judith Morgan Public Relations: Evelyn Park

Informative Services: Kay Wise Retirement Planning: Helena Parry

Legislative: Dan McCombs Reservations: Les Bennett

Membership: Art Fesemyer Scholarship: Jim Moneaquila

Memorial/Sunshine: Mary Brannon Social/Travel: John and Sandy Kerstetter

Newsletter: Pat Gynn Tele./Communications: Saroj Sutaria

NEOUCOM Scheduling: Edith Scott Webmaster: Connie Evans

INTRODUCTION

Since 1966 Portage County Retired Teachers Association has played an important role in Portage County. The fabric or our organization has always been rich with dedicated volunteers who serve the organization and provide service to the county. One of our purposes is to function as a cooperative and active chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association and to cooperate with the Retired Teacher Division of AARP and other organizations having similar purposes and aims.

We create opportunities for retired teachers to have meaningful contact with other retired teachers and provide the framework through which retired teachers can continue a life of service to the community, fellow members, and their active colleagues. We encourage active educators to prepare for retirement and assist future educators with scholarships.

ADMINISTRATION

The business of PCRTA is conducted at an organizational planning meeting in January and at executive board meetings one week prior to each bi-monthly luncheon meeting. Business decisions and operations are reported to members in our newsletter and announcements are made at luncheons.

Each executive board member maintains a notebook describing activities which will be helpful to the next person transitioning to the position. ORTA provides a monthly leadership bulletin which is distributed to all board members. The ORTA and PCRTA websites provide current leadership information.

We were saddened by the death of our president, Ray Troxtell, early in the year. Dave Gynn, past president, was elected by the board to fill Ray's one-year term. A member survey showed most members are satisfied with the location, time, and program of PCRTA luncheons. Members attend to meet people, legislative and STRS concerns, and programs.

Members voted to revise our bylaws to align with the new ORTA bylaws and be in line with requirements for incorporation. The bylaws require dual membership with ORTA for all new members. Revisions to committees and responsibilities were made.

We were well represented at the ORTA area conference on April 14 at the McKinley Grand Hotel in Canton with Ed and Peg Hall, Barbara Cribbs, Jan Fencl, Kay Wise, Dave and Pat Gynn, Dan McCombs, and Ken and Nancy Granville attending. Bob Stein and Jim McGreevy, retired teacher members on STRS board, were keynote speakers. Many other sessions were held for officers and committee chairs.

TRUSTEE

Dan McCombs served his third year as our ORTA Trustee and has represented us well at ORTA meetings. He also serves as chair of the ORTA legislative committee. A change in ORTA's bylaws will reduce the number of trustees. PCRTA will need to be one of the ten largest chapters to continue having a trustee.

Dan reports at each board and general meeting as well as preparing an article for each newsletter. He kept members aware of the Health Care and Pension Advocates working with STRS to support an accessible, affordable health care program. He reported on the Ohio Retirement Study Council's plans to strengthen the solvency of the five state retirement systems.

SECRETARIES

Recording Secretary Ruth Weigand prepares detailed minutes from each board meeting and luncheon meeting. A complete set of minutes is available on our website; a summary of each meeting's minutes is printed in the newsletter. Barbara Cribbs has filled the expanded role of corresponding secretary. She will manage the Notify Now program which will generate automatic phone calls for PCRTA to use for announcements and emergencies.

TREASURERS

Treasurer Darlene Fetterhoff processes member dues, scholarship monies, and luncheon reservations. She prepares the annual budget and arranges for the annual audit and filing of the required IRS report. She reports regularly to the board and the newsletter. Assistant Treasurer Ria Mastromatteo has duplicates of the financial records.

PROGRAMS

Ken and Nancy Granville, co-vice presidents, planned and organized luncheon meetings. Luncheons were held at the United Methodist Church of Kent. The cost is $10. The church donates the profits from our meals to mission projects locally and throughout the world. Each meeting included greeters, singing led by Les Bennett, moments of reflection, and the pledge of allegiance.

Nationally acclaimed photographer Gary Harwood presented photos and stories from his book, Growing Season-The Life of a Migrant Community, at our first meeting in March. His artful photography captures the work and play and the religious, medical, family and communal experiences of migrant workers in Hartville.

Rev. Rebecca Heller, minister of the First Christian Church in Kent, conducted a meaningful memorial service in May for departed members Doris T. Wise, Clinton Howard Hobbs, Eric May, Irene George, Dorothy Leonard Franks, Raymond L. Troxtell, Mildred Pearl Price, Dorothy Ann Turk, Mary E. Baker, and James Canigila. Mary Jane Brannon prepared a beautiful table with roses and obituaries for each person.

Scholarship recipients Katelyn Alesci (Streetsboro), Kyle Dreger (Rootstown), Molly McCreary (Kent Roosevelt), Miranda Titko (Field), and Alex Wolfe (Waterloo) were introduced at the July meeting. Jim Montaquila led a round-robin panel presentation to learn more about these exceptional future teachers. Dr. Clint Snyder thanked members for volunteering 750 hours of proctoring NEOUCOM tests.

Roger DiPaolo, Record Courier editor and author of "Rooted in Kent," spoke about education in Portage County at the September meeting where newly retired teachers were guests. He relayed how teachers affect eternity and highlighted the careers of notable teachers.

Our November meeting featured Kris Baughman, president of the local Tree City Toastmasters, whose interactive presentation demonstrated how to increase self-confidence, improve communications, and develop leadership skills. 2011 officers were elected at our annual meeting.

We were entertained in December by a brass trio comprised of retired band directors: our own Ken Granville (Streetsboro), Sam Mayes (Wadsworth), and Ray Harcar) Waterloo). STRS Communications Director Laura Ecklar brought current information about our pensions and health care. Pat Pinney, ORTA District XI Director, installed 2011 officers. Many members stayed to play Bingo and won marvelous white elephant prizes.

ARCHIVAL

Norm Park prepared articles for the newsletter from PCRTA archives and personal reflections. We encouraged attendance at Kent Historical Society presented a special display called "School Days in Kent, 1880-1940" and retired history teacher Bruce Dzeda's presentation based on his book Railroad Town: Kent and the Erie Railroad.

Our archival records have been deposited with Portage County Historical Society and are available for reference purposes to anyone interested in our organization.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Judy Morgan, with assistance from her husband Chuck, planned a service project for each luncheon meeting.

Our March service project was collecting toiletries and hygiene items for Safer Futures, a resource center shelter for women and children seeking freedom from domestic violence. RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) coordinator Mandy Zantow described the program and urged members to enlist and serve. Disney encouraged volunteers by offering free park tickets to volunteers.

In May we collected items needed for Freedom House, a transitional shelter in Kent for 14 single males who are homeless veterans. A large shipment of toiletries, non-perishable foods, and cleaning supplies were donated. We served as hosts, served refreshments, and prepared and presented congratulations cards to GED graduates at Maplewood Career Center GED graduation.

Members brought books to trade to the July meeting. Leftover books were donated to the Reed Memorial Library book sale. The September service project was collecting new back-to-school supplies which were delivered to participating elementary schools. This was a part of AARP/NRTA Make a Difference Day project.

In November we gathered non-perishable foods for Center of Hope and money for turkeys. The December community service project was donating children's hats, gloves, and mittens to the County Clothing Center.

Several members served as judges for the Future Teachers of America state competitions. assisted with a Junior Achievement project at Suffield Elementary School, and volunteered for regular blood mobile collection drives. John Yoho, who represents Empower Portage, coordinates volunteers who provide support for people seeking to transition out of poverty.

Members are encouraged to track and report their volunteer hours. Only 4,403 hours were reported. There are many other unreported volunteer hours of service to the community.

INFORMATIVE AND PROTECTIIVE SERVICES

Kay Wise, a retired librarian, provided a wealth of information to members at meetings and through the newsletter. Newsletter articles were about scams and personal experiences of members were enlightening. She furnished a list of great websites.

Informative services at luncheons included NEOUCOM pharmacy students screening for osteoporosis and discussing medications. Rick Conley from Miracle-Ear conducted free hearing screening in September as a part of the R.E.A.C.H. Reach, Educate, and Communicate Hearing) program. Jerry Weingart encouraged members to use the services of AMBA (Association Member Benefits Advisors) which is endorsed by ORTA. They offer long-term health care, cancer insurance, a travel program, and many other services to member. Bissler's Funeral Home provided estate and funeral planning brochures.

The Drug and Health Guide on the Express-Scripts website personalizes information for members. Giant Engle offers health screenings. Participation in the Mentor-Mentee program at KSU, the AT&T classroom summer teach camps for kids, and the Reed Memorial Library local authors programs were encouraged.

LEGISLATIVE

Dan McCombs reported regularly in our newsletter and at meetings. He educated members on the defined benefits retirement program and the proposed legislation affecting STRS participants. Members were encouraged to contact representatives; contact information was listed in the newsletter.

There is concern for Ohio's deficit and discussion about potentially borrowing from STRS. Our retirement has become envy for angry citizens who do not understand the system. Double dipping is a major issue. It has been a frustrating lame duck session in Columbus.

A meet-the-candidates lunch was held for all Ohio House representative candidates in Portage County. Get-to-know-you meetings were held with the two successful candidates, both new to the House.

MEMBERSHIP

Art Fesemyer and his large committee was very active this year. They focused on the three Rs of membership - Reclaim, Recruit, and Retain members. The annual dual membership (total members less deceased and non-renewals) increased from 394 to 441 members. We have 11 PCRTA only and 23 associate members. All new members must be dual members; current associate members can continue to renew their membership.

The committee contacted retiring teachers with letters, newsletters, and a newly developed color brochure. Current members were encouraged to talk with non-member retirees. Members were informed of the ORTA dues increase and encouraged to renew their membership early. Some people joined as life members before the dues increase. A special mailing with reduced PCRTA dues was sent to ORTA life members who reside in Portage County.

MEMORIAL AND SUNSHINE

Mary Jane Brannon mails sympathy and get well cards to members when notified by other members. A very meaningful memorial service was held at the May luncheon. Framed obituaries and flowers honored each deceased member. Each year clergy from a different church is asked to preside.

NEWSLETTER

Pat Gynn prepares five issues of The Deskktop, a 12-page newsletter. It is mailed before each luncheon meeting and has the luncheon reservation form as well as the luncheon program information. Other content includes summaries of the secretary's report, a treasurer's report, and reports from committees. Community service projects and protective services activities are featured.

This has been our primary member communications device for many years. The newsletter is archived on our website. Members are encouraged to have the newsletter e-mailed to save printing and mailing costs. We use a printer broker who selects the most reasonable printer, arranges for a postal permit, and assembles and mails the newsletters.

NEOUCOM PROJECT SCHEDULING

Edith Scott coordinates the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and Pharmacy proctor schedule. New proctors attended a training session this year, and additional hours of proctoring were required. The college donates money to our scholarship program in relationship to the number of volunteer proctor hours. This year 750 hours of proctoring netted $7,500 in contributions.

NOMINATIONS

Jan Fencl and her committee had a difficult job finding a candidate for president. Thee officers are elected for two-year terms each year. The 2011-12 officers are President, Ron Snowberger; Corresponding Secretary, Barbara Cribbs; and Assistant Treasurer, Ria Mastromatteo. In 2011 we will elect the vice president, treasurer, and recording secretary

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Evelyn Park sends an announcement of each meeting to the Record Courier. She schedules a Record Courier photographer to take pictures of scholarship winners and new officers. The newspaper also accepts emailed articles and digital pictures about our community service projects.

PRE-RETIREMENT PLANNING

Helena Parry planned and conducted a successful pre-retirement program in October. It was held at the United Methodist Church of Kent and included a light supper. There was no fee to attendees. A "save the date" announcement was sent to each school in May and a follow-up announcement in September.

Attorney John Flynn talked about estate planning. An STRS representative spoke about changes in the retirement system. Diane Hladky and Ronald Brown from the Legend Group provided financial planning and investing information.

The board reviewed the program and recommended it be offered to active teachers every other year unless there is a major change in the STRS system and a need for information for active teachers.

RESERVATIONS

Les Bennett handles all luncheon reservations by collecting money and preparing name tags. Reservations are paid in advance, and late reservations are discouraged. This position was added to executive committee this year

SCHOLARSHIP

Jim Montaquila contacted all schools in Portage County with scholarship application information and followed up with post cards. A committee evaluated 23 applications from nine schools to determine six scholarship winners. Presentations were made at each school's awards program. Winners and their parents were introduced at the July luncheon where they each received $1,000. One winner changed her mind about a career in education; her scholarship will be granted to her if she reconsiders her education program.

Income from NEOUCOM proctoring provides much of the funding for the scholarship program. Donations in memory of deceased members, direct donations, and money from estates add to the fund. Donations are recognized in the newsletter and scholarships are named after major donors.

The board is investigating establishing an endowment fund. The Portage Foundation was researched, and it was determined not to be the right vehicle for our organization

SOCIAL/TRAVEL

John and Sandy Kerstetter, who are pictured in the October issue of Ohio Magazine at Beckwith Orchard, led a trolley ride through the orchard with a narrated history of the farm and orchard. Members enjoyed apple pie, coffee, shopping, and socializing. They arranged travel options through Paskey Tours whose theme reflects our interests: bringing friends together.

Options for tickets to Blossom concerts, Porthouse theater, the Tall Ships in Cleveland, and Phanton of the Opera at the Palace Theater were announced. Hal DuBois presented a reading program in preparation for Kent State University's presentation of Hamlet.

TELEPHONE AND COMMUNICATIONS

Saroj Sutaria will arrange transportation to meeting when members notify her.

WEBMASTER

Connie Evans updates our website regularly with announcements, current information, and archival information. Notes from former scholarship winners are posted whenever they arrive. This site is increasing in importance and the number of site visits increases monthly. Connie participated in a meeting at ORTA to develop web guidelines for chapters.

LOOKING AHEAD

The passion and commitment of our members, especially members of the board, forecast a very bright future of our organization. We look forward to continuing the activities and experiences of our organization.

Retired teachers are looking at difficult times ahead. An unsympathetic legislature will soon consider a revision to our retirement program during a time when Ohio has a huge budget deficit. PCRTA will continue to represent all retirees in Portage County. All retirees should be members of PCRTA and ORTA.

Teachers are natural story tellers. We need to tell the PCRTA/ORTA story to all potential members. The greater our membership, the stronger our organization.