President Phil Butto called the meeting to order at 11:44AM. Phil Butto, Susan Harris, Barbara Ade, Debra Mettee, Ruth Frankenberg, American Legion Commander, Mike Kubitza and Bonnie Dodge, owner of "Susttaining Bliss" were seated at the head table.
Susan Harris gave the invocation and said grace. Commander Mike Kubitza and Dominic DiLoreto presented the colors while Phil Butto led the group in The Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America. A moment of silence was offered honoring all veterans. The meeting was then suspended for lunch.
The meeting resumed at 12:20PM. Mike Kubitza spoke briefly about the Canfield American Legion Auxiliary and the part it plays in servicing veterans. Bonnie Dodge then talked about her business, "Sustaining Bliss" which is located in Poland, Ohio. She talked about eco-friendly products manufactured and sold there and the roles these products play in sustain[ng the environment.
Under old business, STRS is rebating $600 to members from insurance. The rebate will come in a December benefit payment. Insurance premiums for the upcoming year will be less than previously stated in an STRS letter. To find premium rates, go to the STRS website. The $2,000 scholarship winner for this year is Nathaniel Sulak. Sonia Tsvetkoff, Scholarship Chairman, read a letter of thanks submitted by Nathaniel.
In new business, new members David Evans, Claudia Freeze and Linda Ellis were introduced. June Logan, winner of the 50/50 raffle in September donated $100 back to the MRTA treasury. The slate of officers for the 2023-25 biennium was presented. Susan Harris-President, Phil Butto-First Vice-president, Ruth Frankenberg-Second Vice-president, Barbara Ade-Secretary, Debra Mettee-treasurer. There being no nominations from the floor,, the slate was unanimously elected. Their duties will commence on January 1, 2023. President Butto thanked the nominating committee for securing the slate.
$215 was collected in the 50/50 raffle. Geri Freeze won $105.50 in the drawing.
The Community Service Collection netted $439.00 benefiting the Canfield American Legion Auxiliary.
Linda Ellis won the free lunch for the December meeting. And ten others won door prizes.
Happy Birthday greetings were extended to Jim Ransey, who turned 95 on November 11th.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:13 PM.
President Phil Butto called the meeting to order at 11:38 AM Phil Butto, Susan Harris, Barbara Ade, Debra Mettee, and ORTA Executive Director, Dr. Robin Rayfield were seated at the head table.
Phil led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America. Georgia Barkett gave the invocation, the Peppermint Promise, and said grace. The meeting was then suspended for lunch.
The meeting resumed at 12:10 with the introduction of Tom Ruggieri and the Boardman Ensemble I Jazz Band. The band entertained us with holiday favorites and jazz renditions of popular songs. following their performance, Dr. Robin Rayfield was introduced. He spoke about the current condition of the STRS pension fund. He noted that 5.3 billion dollars had been lost due to mismanagement this past year, and more than 10 million dollars had been given out in bonuses to STRS employees. A lively discussion ensued.
Following the discussion, Dr. Rayfield did the honor of installing the officers for the upcoming biennium. Susan Harris, President; Phil Butto, First vice-president; Barbara Ade, Secretary, and Debra Mettee, Treasurer were sworn in. Second Vice-president, Ruth Frankenberg will be installed at a later date.
$320 was collected in the 50/50 raffle. Mary Ellen Lenton won $160 in the drawing.
The Community Service Collection netted $428 benefitting the Salvation Army.
Patricia Chizmar won the free lunch for the March 2023 meeting, and ten others won door prizes.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 PM
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Ade, Recording Secretary
Luncheon meeting minutes for Wednesday, March 8, 2023 - Drake"s Landing
President Susan Harris called the meeting to order at 11:45 AM. Susan Harris, Phil Butto, Ruth Fankenberg, Debra Mettee, Barbara Ade and Randy Overbeck were seated at the head table.
Margaret Skripac began the meeting with an Irish blessing and grace. She reminded members to return their nametags before the meeting ended. Susan then led members in saying the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America. The meeting was then suspended for lunch.
The meeting resumed at 12;10. Vice-President Phil Butto introduced our speaker, Dr. Randy Overbeck to the audience. Randy's talk revolved around the existence of the paranormal in Ohio. Randy has done considerable research and written books on his findings. A brief question and answer period followed, as well as the sale of his books to interested members.
During the business meeting, President Harris reminded members to provide updated information on addresses, phone numbers and to report on deceased members. Archived MRTA information saved by past historians was given to the Mahoning County Historical Society for safekeeping.
$170 was collected in the 50/50 raffle. Barbara Ade won $85.00 in the drawing.
Patricia Zalka won the free lunch for the May 2023 meeting, and ten others won door prizes.
The Community Service Collection was donated to Mina's Closet.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:26PM
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Ade, Recording Secretary