Gallia County Minutes 2010
Date: February 11, 2010
Place: Golden Corral
Attendees: Gail Belville, Lois Carter, Will & Marie Church, Irene & Jim Clark, Karen Cornell, Henry & Pat
Dillon, Nancy Hood, Barb & Lewis Shelton, Sara & Gene Spurlock, Janet & Doug Wetherholt (16).
Opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer was offered by Henry Dillon.
Program: Doug Wetherholt - Riverboats on the Ohio River. Doug shared many memories of his days
along the Ohio River and many interesting facts concerning the locks, the depth and width of the river, as
well as his love for the river. He said, "Respect the river and it will respect you - it gives you no chances.
But....learn to swim first!"
Reports:
Volunteer Hours - Hours were down this year.
2007 - 2184 hours
2008 - 2800 hours
2009 - 1836 hours
Volunteer winner this year - Marlene Hoffman with 932 hours (Congratulations!)
Annual Report
After reviewing the reports, Barb shared that we need to do more Community Service Projects. Some
ideas are: helping out at the Blood Mobile; donating blood; helping with the Health Fair (a group project);
bring books for children to our meetings that will be donated to Serenity House, Holzer, or the WIC
Program. Or money may be donated for the purchase of these books and this could be put in the
newsletter to get the word out to those who would like to participate in this project.
Treasurer's Report
Checking Account
L.L.M.S.
Scholarship
Scholarship CD
Raffle
$2841.68
$7690.90
$86.62
$21,338.06
$47.00
Other:
Maxine Whitehead, from MCRTA, would like to plan a joint retirement planning seminar. Roy Sprague
will be contacted about this. Maxine invited our group to their next meeting which will be March 25 - 12:00
noon at the Wild Horse Cafe in Pomeroy, OH. Their group is dwindling and she hopes we could
encourage them.
Jim Clark shared thoughts about retirement. He mentioned that people cannot retire on 60% of what
your income was. He suggested that we encourage our working friends to save more (put more in 403B
or IRA) and not retire until they can afford it.
We had one active teacher present at this meeting - Gail Belville.
Thanks to Irene Clark for putting the meeting announcement in the newspaper, it was very helpful and
several people said they saw it and appreciated the reminder.
Will Church commented that we have a good organization because we have good officers and well
planned programs.
Raffle
Three afghans were donated by Nancy Hood and a heart shaped cake by Barb Shelton: Winners:




Karen Cornell - afghan
Marie Church - afghan
Barb Shelton - afghan
Irene Clark - cake
Next meeting:
April 8th - Nazarene Church Family Life Center - catered by Park Front Dinner.
Adjourn
Gail Belville made the motion to adjourn and Will Church seconded. Meeting was adjouned.
Submitted by
Pat Dillon, secretary Pro-tem
Minutes - April 8, 2010
The Gallia County chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers
Association met April 8, 2010 at the Nazarene Family Life
Center. The main course, catered by Becky Naskey consisted
of lasagne and chicken pasta alfredo. Wanda Willis made
homemade green beans and the officers provided salad and
scrumptious homemade desserts.
President Barb Shelton called the meeting to order and
welcomed 36 members and guests. We recited the Pledge of
Allegiance and Henry Dillon said the blessing.
Marlene Hoffman introduced the speaker for the day, Herman
Stewart from Oakhill. He is retired from the Wesleyan Church
where he pastored for 20 years. He is an artist who has been
painting for 37 years. He prefers to paint portraits and had
three beautiful portraits on display. His wife Katie who is a
retired teacher makes music CD's one of which he played
while he painted a picture. He reminded us that what God has
placed in our hands we should use; it does not have to be big,
small things are just as important. The point is to use the
talents we have. Every season has its beauty: Summer,
Autumn, Winter and Spring. His painting represented the
Winter, he donated it as one of the raffle prizes. Jeannine
Cunningham was the lucky winner of this painting. Katie gave
away several of her CD's.
Karen Cornell volunteer chairperson presented Marlene
Hoffman with the plaque for the most volunteer hours, 932
hours. Marlene thanked Karen for the plaque and stated that
she was shocked when she added up the hours and checked
her math to make sure it was correct. She said that while she
was teaching she looked forward to volunteering as a retiree
and feels blessed that she is able to be doing exactly as she
envisioned; she stated she receives much more from her
volunteer work than she gives.
Under committee reports Marlene Hoffman, webmaster,
reported that she has been asked to serve on a newly formed
committee of the state organization, the Website Guidelines
Committee. She attended a meeting at the ORTA offices in
Columbus on March 11, 2010. At this meeting the committee
formulated website guidelines, which are now being presented
to area meetings around the state. After the area meetings the
committee will put together a final draft to be approved at the
Spring board meeting of ORTA.
The raffle netted $113. Jeannie Cunningham had the first
number drawn and selected the painting by Herman Stewart.
Janet Wetherholt donated framed photographs of the city park
and the Delta Queen, which were won by Karen Cornell,
Marlene Hoffman and Nancy Hood. A beautiful afghan
handcrafted by Nancy Hood was won by Wil Church and a
wooden hanging-rack made by Norm Snyder was won by
Kristy Woodall. The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Hoffman, Secretary
NEXT MEETING: June 10 at the Presbyterian Church;
12 noon
Program: scholarship winners, state president
Treasurer's Report (as of 3-31-10)
Checking:
$2675.13
Local Life Membership CD
7700.39
Scholarship Savings
86.73
Scholarship CD's
21,338.06
Submitted by:
Henry Dillon, Treasurer
June 10, 2010 Minutes
The Gallia County chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association met June 10, 2010 at the First
Presbyterian Church at 12 p.m. The ladies of the church served a delicious meal of chicken salad,
veggies and cake. Grace was said by Bob Powell and we recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the
flag. We gave the ladies of the church a round of applause.
The meeting was called to order by Henry Dillon in the absence of President Barb Shelton who was
on vacation with her family. Henry welcomed “first timers” Robin Lane and Darla Saunders. Robin
and Darla are both recent retirees as is Julie Dragoo who was in attendance but not a “first timer”.
Also recognized were the anniversary of Ellen Schopis and the birthday of Irene Clark. Henry also
welcomed ORTA State president Bob Dengler as well as 6th grade presenters from Hannan Trace,
Kirsten Burnette and Jayla Wolford and their parents.
Henry read a letter from Barb Shelton regarding the late Doug Wetherholt extolling some of his
virtues and what an asset to the community and to our organization he was. He will be sorely
missed. Henry read a thank you note from Janet Wetherholt. Marlene Hoffman, memorial chair,
reported another of our members, Mildred Duncan died recently.
Karen Cornell introduced Kirsten Burnette and Jayla Wolford who presented their History Day
Project“The Innovation of the Underground Railroad, a Road to Freedom, not a game – The
Price is Right; Hide and Seek; Let’s Make a Deal.” The girls visited many historical venues
regarding the Underground Railroad and did voluminous research to prepare their project. Their
presentation was interesting, very well done and enjoyed by all. There was a Q&A period
afterwards. Karen presented gifts to the girls.
John Milhoan introduced state ORTA president Bob Dengler, a WWII veteran, who as an active
retiree has been involved on many levels of ORTA. He served as a delegate to many NEA
conventions when he was an active member of the Akron Education Association. He made remarks
regarding pension matters and some of the cuts which have been made. He stated that STRS did
not want to cut benefits but were required to by law to maintain the long-term solvency of our
retirement system. He handed out a booklet prepared by AARP regarding the new health care
legislation. He stressed that we should contact our legislators about education funding. It is of
primary importance to preserve the defined benefit plan we currently have, ORTA may need to
lobby regarding a bill on this matter. There was a Q&A afterwards.
Under committee reports Jane Ann Slagle reported her committee is contacting newly retired
teachers about joining ORTA. Marlene Hoffman reported the Website Guidelines developed by the
committee on which she serves has been approved by the state board. Henry reported our chapter
received a $50 award for getting our reports in on time.
Wanda Willis reported on the scholarship committee work. The following students have been
selected to receive scholarships in the amount of $350 each:
Allie Saunders - Gallia Academy
Samantha Hammond – South Gallia
Sean Seeger – River Valley
More information on the scholarship recipients will be included in the August newsletter. The
scholarships will be awarded at the August 12 meeting, which is a potluck picnic at the First Baptist
Church shelter house. Awarding the scholarships at this meeting will allow us to invite the winners
and their extended families without a huge cost as this is a potluck meal. (* Don’t forget to bring a
covered dish to the Aug. meeting!!)
The raffle netted $124. Winners are: Eileen Stitt, handmade patriotic afghan made by Nancy Hood;
“Lucky Lois” Carter, a Pampered Chef Cookbook donated by Roberta Wilson.
Treasurers Report: (as of 5-31-10)
Local Life Membership Savings: $7700.39
Scholarship Savings:
511.68
Scholarship CDs
21338.06
Checking:
2769.98
Louise Greenlee made the motion to adjourn and the second was by Wil Church. Meeting
adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Hoffman, Secretary
NEXT MEETING: AUGUST 12, 2010 - NOON
PICNIC POTLUCK –
* BRING A COVERED DISH TO SHARE
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SHELTER HOUSE
Program: Awarding of scholarships
Surprise presentation (??)
Doug Wetherholt
2-11-10
August 2010
The Gallia County Chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association met at the First Baptist
Church Fellowship room for the August 12, 2010 meeting. Originally scheduled to be held in the
shelter house the meeting was moved inside because of excessive heat. It was a potluck picnic style
meal with Wanda Willis supplying the meat and drinks with members bringing side dishes to share.
This was a first time event, it was agreed we should do it again next year as everybody enjoyed the
meal. Grace was said by Cliff Wilson and we recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was called to order by President Barb Shelton. She welcomed “first timer” Diana
Drummond as well as Karen Butt, State ORTA President-elect and District VII Director Jerry
Webb. We sang “Happy Birthday” to Hazel Carico who will be 88 years young on Aug. 14.
The first order of business was to present checks to the scholarship winners Alli Saunders, Sean
Siegert and Samantha Hammond. Alli was on vacation with her family but sent a very nice letter,
which Wanda Willis read to the group. Sean who is the grandson of Wanda and the late John Holle
(Gallia RTA members) was attending OU orientation but got here in time to accept his check.
Samantha and her parents were in attendance, she received her check also. It was very nice to hear
these young people talk about their aspirations and dreams to become teachers. Each was inspired
by a teacher somewhere along the way.
Marlene Hoffman introduced Jerry Webb who spoke on legislative matters. He stressed the need
to contact legislators and tell them we need to keep the DEFINED BENEFIT. Marlene then
introduced Karen Butt who opened her remarks by saying, “Unless there is a coup, I will be your
president next year”. She then told a bit about herself and reiterated that we need to stress
keeping the DEFINED BENEFIT retirement plan. She noted that Ann Hanning ORTA Executive
Director works tirelessly on our behalf. She spoke about health care, COLA and Medicare.
Under committee reports Karen Cornell reminded folks she has volunteer forms if anyone needs one
and to be keeping them up to date for the end of year report. Under membership Jimmy Steele
reported he has been to Columbus to get membership materials for distribution. He has obtained
permission for RTA to attend each of the three school systems on the first day for teachers.
Volunteers for distribution are: Gallipolis City: Barb Shelton, Darla Saunders and Marlene Hoffman;
Gallia County: Jimmy Steele; BHCC: Roy Sprague and Steve Saunders. Dues are going up Sept. 1. We
are trying to give active teachers a heads up to join now and avoid the dues increase. A big THANK
YOU to Jimmy for taking the initiative. The secretary mentioned we will need to take a look at the
By-Laws at the next meeting, concerning dues structure, also she wants to put the By-Laws on the
website to be in compliance with the recently instituted web guidelines.
We signed a sympathy card for the family of Jim Bostick, long time teacher at Rio Grande
Elementary who died in June. He passed away in his sleep of a heart attack. It was said Jim had 6
computers and 3 laptops in his office, which brought a smile to those who knew him. We signed getwell cards for Sally Moshier and Eileen Stitt. Barb Shelton announced the Meigs Chapter of RTA
has expressed an interest in doing retirement planning activities with our chapter.
Today’s raffle netted $70. A hand-knitted afghan donated by Nancy Hood was won by Cliff Wilson;
two Longaberger frames donated by Darla Saunders were won by Samantha Hammond and Cliff
Wilson; a corn hole score keeper donated by Karen Cornell was won by Darla Saunders.
Meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m., motion by Darla Saunders second by Jim Steele.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Hoffman, Secretary
NEXT MEETING: October 14 - Rodney Methodist Church (Ham loaf!!)
Program by Melvin Biars of Floral Fashions
Treasurer’s Report: (as of 7-31-2010)
Checking
$2854.49
Local Life Membership Savings
7709.99
Scholarship Savings
512.09
Scholarship CD’s
21338.06
October 2010 Minutes
Minutes
The Gallia County Chapter of the Ohio Retired
Teachers Association met for the October 14
meeting at the Rodney Methodist Church. The
meal consisting of ham loaf, green beans, cheesy
potatoes, cranberry cup and pumpkin torte was
prepared by the church ladies. It was an excellent
meal as usual and we gave the cooks a resounding
round of applause. Cliff Wilson said the blessing.
The meeting was called to order by President
Barb Shelton. She welcomed first timers: Bruce
Wilson, Phyllis Mulholland, Mary Lanier, Mary Lou
King, Emily Robinson and Jean Fisher (Barb’s
mother). Roger and Lynn Rees were visiting from
Columbus where they now make their home. We
recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Barb announced
the speaker for today Melvin Biars is in the
hospital with kidney stones…again!! This time last
year Melvin was absent because of kidney stones.
As retired teachers we recognize a “repeat”
illness when we see it. Just kidding Melvin, we
hope you get well soon. Barb stopped by Melvin’s
florist shop and gathered items to give away
because Melvin always brings very nice gifts for
our group.
Cher Bellar from Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
spoke on the “GrandPal” program that stresses literacy by
pairing students with senior volunteers who write letters
to 5thgraders monthly. RSVP provides envelopes and
stationary. Each month has a theme, ie: charity, honesty,
etc. RSVP is in need of 60 volunteers to pair with
5th graders at Addaville Elementary. At the end of the year
the student and “GrandPal” meet for a pizza luncheon,
which is looked forward to by both student and
“GrandPal” alike. She distributed forms for possible
volunteers.
In Melvin’s absence Barb Shelton made a special
presentation to Janet Wetherholt of a framed
picture from Melvin of the Bandstand in memory
of Janet’s late husband Douglas Wetherholt. Doug
loved the history of Gallipolis and gave many
informative talks on the Ohio River and the city
park. Janet is compiling a comprehensive exhibit
of chapter newsletters to be given to the
Historical Society. She was president when “The
Slate” was initiated. Barb Richards was a big help.
Janet presented a framed picture to Barb of the
WWII battleship that recently passed through
Gallipolis. It seems they had to “chase” the ship
down the river to get a good view.
Barb did her best imitation of Melvin by telling us
of the latest in floral fashions, the main one being
that non-traditional colors are “in”. (note to
Melvin, your job is not in jeopardy) Seriously, it is
harder than it looks to make the presentations
Melvin does for us. There were lots of give-away
items that were used as part of the raffle today.
Other donated raffle items were pampered chef
items by Darla Saunders and hand appliquéd
towels by Julie Dragoo. Mary Lanier won the fall
wreath donated by Floral Fashions, other winners
are too numerous to mention. The raffle netted
$164, which will be used to defray the cost of
postage for the newsletter. Thanks to all who
donated and all who bought raffle tickets.
We recognized the 33rd anniversary of Robin and
Gary Lane. Gary is in HMC at the present time, it
was also noted that Bev Gettles husband is ill and
in need of our support. Jimmy Steele reported we
have 9 new life members from the membership
drive we did on the first day of school. (mea culpa:
in the Aug. newsletter I left out the name of Jane Ann
Slagle who helped at River Valley.) The new members
are: Steve Saunders, Darla Saunders, Letty Willis,
Cathy Greenleaf, Penny Roush, Leanna Martin,
Marilyn Kuhn, Eileen Stitt and Joyce Hill.
Welcome to our organization! Jimmy gave apple
recipe holders to new members who were present,
also to a few other attendees. Adjournment at
1:30 p.m., motion by Will Church, second by Cliff
Wilson.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Hoffman, Secretary
NEXT MEETING: December 9 at the Nazarene Family
Life Center. Christmas Sing-along and Memorial Service.
In the absence of the treasurer Marlene
Hoffman gave the Treasurer’s report as of 9-3010:
Checking:
Local Life Savings:
$1876.46
7719.72
Scholarship Savings:
Scholarship CD’s:
512.74
21338.06
December 9, 2010 Minutes
ORTA Gallia County Chapter
The Gallia County Chapter of the Ohio Retired
Teachers Association met December 9, 2010 at the
Nazarene Family Life Center. Anita Merry catered the
delicious meal consisting of Baked Steak and all the
trimmings. We gave Anita and her crew a round of
applause and asked if she would consider being our
“caterer on call”. She said yes.
Barbara Shelton President welcomed “first timers”
Sharon Vannoy, Patty Young, and Marilyn Kuhn.
Celebrating birthdays this month are Wil Church,
Henry Dillon, Vicki Powell, Marilyn Kuhn and Karen
Cornell. Henry Dillon led the Pledge of Allegiance and
gave the prayer.
The program today consisted of members offerings
rather than having an outside speaker. Marlene
Hoffman, Memorial Chairperson presented the annual
memorial service for those of our association who have
died this year. A candle was lit in memory then a poem
was read after which Marlene slowly read the names:
Irma Willeen Rupe Edwards (9-28-10)
Marian R. Smith (2009)
Douglas J. Wetherholt (5-12-10)
Mildred J. Duncan (6-02-10)
Jim Bostick (6-‘10)
Ronald E. Paxton (12-10-10)
We then participated in a litany called “We Remember
Them”. The candle was extinguished.
The next presentation was from Mrs. Claus (aka Vicki
Powell). She read a very entertaining book by Carol V.
Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell called “The Elf on the
Shelf”. An assistant was needed and Roy Sprague
volunteered to serve in this capacity. Thank you Mrs.
Claus and Roy.
Under Committee Reports Karen Cornell Volunteer
chairperson reminded everyone she needs volunteer
hours by the first of the year. She had forms and selfaddressed envelopes available for folks to use to send
their volunteer hours to her as soon as possible.
The secretary distributed copies of proposed revisions
of the By-Laws and Constitution. The dues structure
had to be changed. We also added an article regarding
speakers so as not to have any confusion when folks
wish to speak to our organization. The revised version
was passed with a unanimous vote. The revised
documents will be available on the website
(galliarta.org).
The Executive Committee will meet January 6, 2011 at
Henry and Pat Dillon’s home to make plans for 2011
meetings and programs.
The next item was the installation of officers for 2011.
Wilbert Church past president, installed the following
officers: President: Barbara Shelton; Secretary:
Marlene Hoffman; Treasurer: Henry Dillon.
The raffle netted $143 and will be used for mailing the
newsletter. Many of our members donated very nice
raffle items. Thank You.
Marlene led the group in the annual December
Christmas Sing-a-Long. Everyone sang with hearty
voices, a good way to end 2010 and ring in 2011. HAPPY
NEW YEAR to all!
NEXT MEETING: February 10, 2011 NOON - Golden
Corral
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Hoffman, Secretary
Financial Report as of November 30, 2010
Checking
$1863.81
Local Life Membership
7719.72
Scholarship Savings
512.74
Scholarship CD’s
21338.06