Noble County Retired Teachers Association

2010-12-09T18:57:00.055-05:00

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The Noble County Retired Teachers Association held its December 2011 meeting on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Lori's Family Restaurant in Caldwell. Those present included: David and Sandy Carter, Ruth McElfresh, Ken Harmon, Judy James, Lynn and Peg Zerkle, Delora Frakes, Deno and Sylvia Capello, Lori Tilton, Lucy Jane Bates, Sandy Payette, Candi Miller, Linda Buckey, Debbie Furry, Don and Carol Hodkinson, David and Carol Cunningham, Ruth Annette Reed, Cathy Neuhart, Don and Deloris Ullmann and ORTA President Elect Dave Gynn.

President Don Ullmann welcomed the members. The invocation was given by Lynn Zerkle. We ordered from the menu and listened to the secretary and treasurer's report by Dee Frakes. Both reports were approved. Committee Reports were then given. Linda Buckey reminded us of an upcoming STRS meeting to be held at the Pritchard Laughlin Center. Dee Frakes reminded us that dues are due for 2012. Some Christmas games led by Sandy Carter were enjoyed. Don Ullmann stated that he would make some committee changes for next year. He asked for our input. Lynn Zerkle on the cello and Deloris Ullmann on the violin provided Christmas music for our entertainment. Dave Gynn then spoke and answered questions from the group. Poinsettia centerpieces were given as door prizes.

The committee for the meeting consisted of Sandy Carter, Cynthia Stallings and Deloris Ullmann. Thanks to Cynthia Stalling for providing the games, Sandy Carter for the beautifully decorated tables, Dave Carter for his famous fudge and Judy James for the crocus bulbs.

The next meeting will be on February 16, 2011. at Lori's Family Restaurant. NOTE DATE CHANGE FOR FEBRUARY. The committee for the meeting consists of Chairman: Candy Miller, Ruth Annette Reed and Judy James.

December 2011 Meeting Report

2009-12-15T13:00:00.004-05:00

The Noble County Retired Teachers Association held its December 2011 meeting on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Lori's Family Restaurant in Caldwell. Those present included: David and Sandy Carter, Ruth McElfresh, Ken Harmon, Judy James, Lynn and Peg Zerkle, Delora Frakes, Deno and Sylvia Capello, Lori Tilton, Lucy Jane Bates, Sandy Payette, Candi Miller, Linda Buckey, Debbie Furry, Don and Carol Hodkinson, David and Carol Cunningham, Ruth Annette Reed, Cathy Neuhart, Don and Deloris Ullmann and ORTA President Elect Dave Gynn.

President Don Ullmann welcomed the members. The invocation was given by Lynn Zerkle. We ordered from the menu and listened to the secretary and treasurer's report by Dee Frakes. Both reports were approved. Committee Reports were then given. Linda Buckey reminded us of an upcoming STRS meeting to be held at the Pritchard Laughlin Center. Dee Frakes reminded us that dues are due for 2012. Some Christmas games led by Sandy Carter were enjoyed. Don Ullmann stated that he would make some committee changes for next year. He asked for our input. Lynn Zerkle on the cello and Deloris Ullmann on the violin provided Christmas music for our entertainment. Dave Gynn then spoke and answered questions from the group. Poinsettia centerpieces were given as door prizes.

The committee for the meeting consisted of Sandy Carter, Cynthia Stallings and Deloris Ullmann. Thanks to Cynthia Stalling for providing the games, Sandy Carter for the beautifully decorated tables, Dave Carter for his famous fudge and Judy James for the crocus bulbs.

The next meeting will be on February 9, 2011. at an undetermined place. The committee for the meeting consists of Chairman: Candy Miller, Ruth Annette Reed and Judy James.

October 2011 Meeting Report

2009-10-14T15:20:00.000-04:00

The Noble County Retired Teachers Association held its October Meeting at the Mt. Ephraim United Methodist Church in Mt. Ephraim OH on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. The following were in attendance:

ORTA President Karen Butt, District VIII Director Juanita Baker, Washington County RTA President Joan Ingram, Monroe County RTA President Denny Easterling and wife Esther, Judy James, Lori Tilton, Candi Miller, David and Carol Cunningham, Delora Frakes, Don and Carol Hodkinson, Deno and Sylvia Capello, Martha Daugherty, Ruth Annette Reed, Ruth McElfresh, David and Sandy Carter, Linda Buckey, Sue Sleeper, Lucy Bates, Cathy Neuhart and Don and Deloris Ullmann.

The group enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the women of the Mt. Ephraim United Methodist Church.

President Don Ullmann conducted the meeting offering the prayer before dinner and giving the welcome. Delora Frakes gave the secretary and treasurer's report. Committee reports were given including a report by Linda Buckey on Informative and Protective Services concerning the sleep apnea clinic at Southeastern Medical Center in Cambridge. Sunshine Concerns were addressed by Judy James.

Karen Butt, ORTA President, gave an interesting report concerning legislative items currently of interest. Much discussion evolved, especially on the subject of Ohio Issue 2.

District VIII Director Juanita Baker was introduced as well as Joan Ingram from Washington County.

The December meeting will be held at Lori's Restaurant in Caldwell. The date is December 8. The time is 12:30 p.m. The committee responsible for this meeting consists of Cynthia Stallings, Sandy Carter, Mike Franko and Deloris Ullmann.

August 2011 Meeting Report

2009-09-28T22:42:00.000-04:00

The Noble County Retired Teachers Association held its August picnic at the Wolf Run State Park Pavilion on August 11, 2011 at 12 Noon.

Members present were: Lana Anderson and husband, Dave; Debbie Furry; Delora Frakes; Don and Deloris Ullmann; Wendy Barnhart, guest; Lori Tilton; Judy James; Sandra Payette; Deno and Sylvia Capello; Ken Harmon; David and Sandy Carter; Sue Sleeper; Carol Hodkinson and husband, Don; Jim and Cathi Neuhart.

Don Ullmann welcomed members and guests.

The invocation was given by Rev. Sandra Payette.

Committee reports were given by some of the following committees: Nominating, Sunshine/Concerns; Scholarship; Legislative; Community Participation; Inofrmative and Protective Services; Membership; Pre-Retirement Planning and Public Relations.

Wendy Barnett presented the program concerning the Noble County Tourism center and volunteeism.

Since there was nothing else for the good of the order, the meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be on the second Thurday in October at the Mt. Ephraim United Methodist Church.

August 2010 Meeting Report

2009-09-28T22:02:00.000-04:00

Noble County Retired Teachers Meeting

August 12, 2010

Wolf Run State Park

The Noble County Retired Teachers Association held their annual picnic at the Wolf Run Pavilion on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 12:00 noon. Some twenty members were in attendance to enjoy a wonderful potluck dinner including broasted chicken, drinks and many desserts.

President Don Ullmann opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and presenting the treasurer’s report in the absence of Martha Daugherty, secretary-treasurer. Deno Capello made a motion to accept the report and Dave Carter seconded the motion. No secretary’s report was given.

Scholarship winners for this year were announced. They are Kristen Nau of Caldwell and Clair Roberts of Shenandoah. Scholarship winners are to be reminded to contact Treasurer Daugherty for payment.

A discussion took place about ways to make money for the scholarship. Ideas suggested were bake sales, yard sales, etc. The most popular idea was to continue the mailing to retirees for donations. President Ullmann noted that the increase in dues from $2.50 to $5.00 would produce some extra income for the scholarship, also.

Sandy Carter, representing the Nominating Committee presented a slate of officers for the years 2010-2012. They are: President – Don Ullmann; Vice President – Candy Miller and Secretary-Treasurer Dee Frakes. Lana Anderson made a motion to accept the slate of officers. Deno Capello seconded the motion. The list of officers for the next two years was approved.

Sandy Carter representing the Informative and Protective Services committee gave an interesting reading on the nutritional benefits of tomatoes. Additionally, the Carters brought baskets of tomatoes and other veggies from their garden to share with members.

Dee Frakes representing the Community Participation Committee asked if the group would like to collect Campbell Soup Labels and Box Tops for Education to make some extra money. She also invited members to go on a trip to Longaberger on September 10 and gave her phone number as 838-5722.

Deloris Ullmann from the Legislative Committee gave an update on legislative-pension happenings. Don Ullmann distributed a copy of the Leadership Bulletin from ORTA for the information of the members. Members are encouraged to contact their state representative and senator to let them know that the defined benefit pension is important to them and express appreciation for it.

Deloris Ullmann encouraged every attendee to bring a guest to the next Noble RTA meeting in October to be held at the Mt. Ephraim United Methodist Church. Members are reminded that our bylaws state the following concerning membership in our organization: “All teachers drawing retirement allowances from the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, or other State Teachers' Retirement Systems are eligible for membership. Others who are especially interested in the concerns of the chapter and of public education may be admitted as associate members without vote, with the payment of dues.” Several people noted that they were unaware of the possibility of associate membership.

Those present at the meeting included: Deno and Sylvia Capello, Dave and Sandy Carter, Sandy Payette, Don and Deloris Ullmann, Candy Miller, Cathi Neuhart, Ken Harmon, Dee Frakes, Lucy Bates, Dave and Lana Anderson, Lori Tilton, Judy James, Dave and Carol Cunningham.

A very interesting program was presented by Master Gardener Cathi Neuhart concerning Biblical Herbs. The ten biblical herbs discussed by Cathi were Anis, Blackberry, Coriander, Flax, Garlic-Onions-Leeks, Hissup, Mint, Nettle, Rue and Wormwood.

October 2010 Meeting Report

2009-09-28T22:01:00.000-04:00

The Noble County Retired Teachers association held its October, 2010 meeting on October 14 at the Mt. Ephraim United Methodist Church. The meeting began at 12:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church with a greeting by President Don Ullmann and prayer by Lynn Zerkle.

A delicious meal was enjoyed in the fellowship hall served by the ladies of the church. Complete with appetizers, a buffet of home cooked foods and dessert, the group enjoyed a supurb meal. The tables were covered with orange tablecloths donned by fall decorations. After thanking the ladies for the wonderful meal, the group returned to the sanctuary for the business meeting.

Committee members were called upon to give reports, dues for the upcoming year were collected and other business transpired. Linda Buckey and Sandy Carter passed out the new insurance rates for 2011. Linda Buckey reported that she would be attending an insurance meeting in Cambridge. Linda will inform us of any new developments in the insurance situation. Deloris Ullmann read the minutes of the last meeting in the absence of the secretary, Dee Frakes. Martha Daugherty, Treasurer, gave the treasurer's report. ORTA President Karen Butt was present and gave an informative talk about the current situations existing in our retirement system.

Following this, the meeting adjourned.

In attendance were: Lucy Jane Bates, Candy Miller, Mike Franko, Martha Daugherty, Linda Buckey, Sandy and Dave Carter, Peg and Lynn Zerkle, Kenneth Harmon, Ruth Annette Reed, Deno and Sylvia Capello, Dave and Carol Cunningham, Lori Tilton, Debbie Furry, Ruth McElfresh, Denny and Esther Easterling, Don and Deloris Ullmann.

The next meeting will be on December 9 at 12:30 at Lori's Family Restaurant. The program committee for December will be Cynthia Stallings, Chairman; Deloris Ullmann; Mike Franko and Sandy Carter.

December 2010 Meeting Report

2009-09-28T21:59:00.001-04:00

The Noble County Retired Teachers met on December 9, 2010 at Lori's Family Restaurant in Caldwell. Twenty-four members were in attendance. Before the meeting, Quin Pickenpaugh played carols on vintage musical instruments to the enjoyment of all.

President Don Ullmann called the meeting to order. The minutes of the last meeting were read. Dee Frakes gave the treasurer's report. Both reports were approved as read. Linda Buckey representing the Informative and Protective Services Committee gave an update on insurance changes for the upcoming year. Linda had attended an STRS meeting in Cambridge and had a lot of information to share. Dee Frakes from the Community Participation Committee asked members to turn in their volunteer hours. She also asked members to turn in the soup labels they have collected. Deloris Ullmann from the Public Relations Committee had prepared a December 2010 newletter that was passed out to the members. Judy James from the Sunshine/Concerns Committee distributed cards for members to sign to send to our shut-ins. Cyn Stallings reported on the Scholarship Committee. Last year we had only one scholarship recipient.

Members ordered dinner from the restaurant menu. David Carter made some of his famous fudge and brought plates of it for each table. The fudge was a real hit! After the meal, Quin Pickenpaugh had presented some printed Christmas carols and accompanied the group with her autoharp as they sang them. The program committee consisted of Sandy Carter, Cyn Stallings and Deloris Ullmann. Deloris led the group as they shared Christmas memories. Sandy Carter asked some interesting questions and awarded door prizes.

President Ullmann thanked the group for coming and the meeting was adjourned.

The next meeting will be on the second Thursday in February, 2011. The 2011-12 schedule is upcoming.

February 2011 Meeting Report

2009-09-28T21:57:00.000-04:00

The Noble County Retired Teachers met on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at Archwood Restaurant on the square in Caldwell at 12:30 a.m. Those in attendance were: Deno and Sylvia Capello, Linda Buckey, Debbie Furry, Judy James, Peg and Lynn Zerkle, Ken Harmon, Cathi Neuhart, Carol Cunningham, Ruth McElfresh, Ruth Annette Reed, Lucy Jane Bates, Cynthia Stallings, Candy Miller, Dee Frakes and Don and Deloris Ullmann. Also in attendance was Don Crock.

The table were decorated with live carnations, plates of cookies and Valentine candies. The program committee was: Candy Miller, Judy James, Ruth Annette Reed and Eleanor Sanford. Members ordered from the menu. Don Ullmann offered the blessing.

Dee Frakes gave the secretary and treasurer reports. There is presently $749.70 in the treasury. $250 remains to be paid as a scholarship for Clara Roberts. An expenditure of $12.01 was for cards and stamps. Deno Capello made a motion to accept the reports. Lucy Bates seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Judy James distributed Valentine cards to be sent to shut-ins: Eleanor Sanford, Eleanor Moore, Edna Wiley, Betty Douglass and Wilma Jordan.

Cathi Neuhart spoke about the possibilities for volunteering for The Noble County Soakum Festival.

Linda Buckey from the Informative and Protective Services committee passed out a sheet concerning the benefits of cinnamon. This included a recipe in which cinnamon is used. Sandy Carter who was absent had contributed to this project.

Cyn Stallings taked of the need to solicit scholarship money. A message about donating to be fund by members will be mailed to the membership.

The need for a possible retirement planning committee gathering was discussed. This would consist of active teachers as well as retirees. The speaker would be from STRS. The Retirement Planning committee will look into this project. Don Ullmann offered to make the arrangements for the setting of this meeting.

Deloris Ullmann from the Public Relations committee had prepared a newsletter for the group. Members were advised to visit this website for current information concerning legislative matters.

Judy James introduced Don Crock from Summit Acres Nursing Home. Several members told of the good experiences their own family members had at the facility. Don Crock than gave an informative presentation concerning the operation of the nursing home and the services available there.

The meeting was adjourned.

The next meeting will be April 14, 2011. Ruth McElfresh is chairman of the committee. Other committee members are Jane Barnett, Ken Harmon, Linda Buckey and Lucy Jane Bates. The place of the meeting will be determined by the committee.

April 2011 Meeting Report

2009-09-28T21:55:00.000-04:00

The Noble County Retired Teachers met on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Lori's Family Restaurant at 12:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Don Ullmann. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Wilma Jordan, former NRTA Secretary-Treasurer. Lynn Zerkle gave the invocation. Members ordered from the restaurant menu.

Members in attendance were: Don Ullmann, Deloris Ullmann, Linda Buckey, Martha Daugherty, Delora Frakes, Debbie Furry, Ken Harmon, Candi Miller, Judy James, Lori Tilton, Ruth McElfresh, David Carter, Sandy Carter, Lynn Zerkle, Larry McCullough and Cathi Neuhart. Linda Snider joined us as a new member. Also present was Thomasina Crock, the speaker of the day.

Secretary/Treasurer Dee Frakes gave her reports. There is $81 in the scholarship fund and the treasury has a balance of $1065.40

A newsletter with the latest legislative information was passed out. Judy James made a motion that a donation be made to the Caldwell Fire Departent in the amount of the cost of a flower in memory of Wilma Jordan. The group signed a sypathy card to be mailed to the family of Wilma Jordan. Cynthia Stallings passed out letters to members asking for donations to the scholarship fund. Letters will be mailed to those members not in attendance.

Those on the shut-in list included Eleanor Sanford, Eleanor Moore and Edna Wiley at Summit Acres Nursing Home. Betty Douglas is also in the rest home at Cardinal House.

Linda Buckey speaking for the program committee for the meeting consisting of: Ruth McElfresh, Chairman; Jane Barnett; Ken Harmon; Linda Buckey and Lucy Jane Bates, introduced the speaker for the day, Thomasina Crock. Mrs. Crock spoke about the Take Shape for Life Health program.

Since there was no more business, the meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be June 9, 2011 at Archwood Restaurant. The program committee is: Lori Tilton, Chairman; Deno Capello; Martha Daugherty and Cathy Neuhart. The meeting will begin at 12:30 p.m.

June 2011 Meeting Minutes

2009-09-28T21:52:00.000-04:00

Noble RTA 2011 June Meeting

The Noble County Retired Teachers met on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Archwood Family Restaurant on the square in Caldwell at 12:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Don Ullmann who also gave the invocation. Members ordered from the restaurant menu.

Members in attendance were: Don Ullmann, Deloris Ullmann, Ruth McElfresh, Lori Tilton, Debbie Furry, Martha Daugherty, Delora Frakes, Sandra Payette, Deno Capello, Sylvia Capello, Tamla Cole - STRS Representative, Judy James, Linda Buckey, David Carter, Sandra Carter, Cynthia Stallings, Lana Anderson, David Anderson, Karola Housley, Cathi Neuhart and new member, Sue Sleeper.

Secretary/Treasurer Dee Frakes gave her reports. The reports were accepted as read.

Sandy Carter, representating the Community Participation gave her report. Cyn Stallings reported no news at this time for the Membership Committee. The same was reported for the Retirement Planning Committee. Deloris Ullmann gave an update on legislation. Don Ullmann passed out a copy of the front page of www.orta.org to show members where they could find certain information concerning retirees.

Cyn Stalling representing the Scholarship Committee reported that over $500 had been received from member donations to meet the scholarship needs for this year. Two scholarships will be presented, one from the Caldwell Exempted Village Schools and Noble Local Schools.

Card were signed for shut-ins. Eleanor Sanford is now at home. Eleanor Moore and Edna Wiley are at Summit Acres. (Edna Wiley has since passed on.) Betty Douglas is at the rest home at the Cardinal House.

Lori Tilton speaking for the program committee for the meeting consisting of: Lori Tilton, Chairman; Deno Capello, Martha Daugherty and Cathy Neuhart, introduced the speaker for the day, Tamla Cole, STRS Representative who gave an update on STRS Health Care as well as current Legislative issues. Tamla also addressed any questions given from the group.

The next meeting will be a picnic on August 11, 2011 at the Wolf Run State Park pavilion. Meat and drinks will be provided. Members are to bring a covered dish. The program committee is: Lana Anderson, Chairman; Delora Frakes, Kenny Williams and Debbie Furry. Please plan to join us for fellowship and good food.

Since there was no more business for the "good of the order" the meeting was adjourned.

April 2011 Updates

2009-04-09T08:22:00.000-04:00

“We must be diligent with our phone calls, our e-mails, our letters and our meetings with legislators.” – ORTA President Karen Butt

“It is most important that we continue to work toward securing the STRS defined benefit pension plan, the fiduciary role of the pension boards and access to affordable retiree health care. - Ann Hanning, ORTA Executive Director

New WEP/GPO Social Security Bill HR1332 Needs Your Response – Contacts Listed Check the website www.orta.org

You are encouraged to contact your legislators concerning the upcoming pension bills, i.e. SB3 and HB69. These bills concern our pensions. Consult the website www.orta.org and read the ORTA Quarterly for more details. The pension bill will be the next major focus on the agenda. Contact information is available at www.noblerta.blogspot.com . Contact information for the Ohio Retirement Study Council is available at www.orta.org. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Wilma Jordan. Wilma served as secretary-treasurer for our organization for a number of years. She has been added to our memoriam list on the website.

At this time Eleanor Sanford is at Summit Acres Nursing Home in therapy following a stroke. Eleanor Moore and Edna Wiley are also at SANH. Please remember these members with a card or visit.

Since some of our local schools are having an STRS representative talk with them about retirement options, a retirement planning meeting may not be necessary at this time. Please know that STRS representatives are available to make presentations at our meetings about another important topic – Health Care. Committee members for the upcoming 2011 meetings might consider this option.

Please visit our websites for more information on current issues. There is a lot going on right now and it is most important to stay informed.

It's Time to Send Letters Such as This

2009-01-03T09:17:00.002-05:00

1/3/12

Rep. Thompson:

It’s time to adopt the STRS pension system's plan to make the systems solvent.

Why are we spending extra money for another actuarial study???

From today’s Dispatch

Then, after the 2008 collapse of the financial markets, the pension plans themselves proposed making workers stay on the job longer, pay more toward their retirement, and get lower annual cost-of-living adjustments in their pension checks.

Legislators are waiting until an outside review is finished this year before acting. Why????

Hutras said he has no problem with the study ordered by his bosses: six lawmakers and three gubernatorial appointees who have voting power on the panel. Yet he wishes the legislature would adopt pension changes in the interim to keep the situation from getting worse.

“It will certainly get done because it’s undeniable,” he said of proposed pension reforms, none of which he sees as draconian. “The revised code is not the Ten Commandments. If you’ve done too much, do less — just amend it. If you haven’t done enough, just come back and amend that.”

From the following article: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/01/03/hutras-helped-ohios-pension-oversight-earn-respect.html