Luncheon Meeting Minutes, Wednesday, September 13, 2023 Drake's Landing
President Susan Harris called the meeting to order at 11:40 AM. Susan Harris, Phil Butto, Ruth Frankenburg, Debra Mettee, Joyce Mistovich(Education Director at the Butler Institute of American Art) and Babara Ade were seated at the head table.
Georgia Barkett was called to the podium where she provided the invocation, grace, and a sweet M & M treat. Susan Harris led members in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America. The meeting was then suspended for lunch.
The meeting resumed at 12:22PM with Vice-President Phil Butto introducing our speaker, Joyce Mistovich. Besides being a MRTA member, Joyce also heads the education program at the Butler Institute of American Art. Joyce stated that the Butler is celebrating it's 104th anniversary. She said that the Institute is solely dedicated to American art and that the museum, designed by McKim, Lloyd and Wright, was gifted to the City of Youngstown by Joseph Butler. Joyce then described some of the more famous pointing housed at the Butler and she talked about the recent additions to the museum and its collections.
During the business meeting, June Logan, Legislative chair, spoke about STRS Boad Member, Wade Steen. Steen is fighting to regain his board position after having been discharged by Governor DeWine. The discussion about taking up a collection for Wade's defense fund was tabled until the November meeting. June also talked about ORTA'S new president, Dean Dennis. Debbie Haverstock was then called to the podium to discuss changes in the Standing Rules and By-Laws. She stated that all changes are on the MRTA website, as well as full copy of Standing Rules and By-Laws, so printed copies were not provided. Peg Bennett moved to dispense with the reading of the Standing Rules and By-Laws revisions. Bonnie Pearl seconded the motion. Motion passed. Following discussion, a motion was made by Kim Pontuti to accept the revisions to both Standing Rules and By-Laws with Barbara Ade seconding. Motion passed. A motion was made by Debbie Haverstock to send a contribution to striking Youngstown Education Association members. Bonnie Pearl seconded the motion. Motion passed. President Harris expressed a need for volunteers to sit on the Nomination committee. Interested members were asked to contact her. She also asked for someone to come forward and assist Maggie Skripac in reservations/hospitality. Susan also reported that the next MRTA meeting would be November 8, 203 when newly retired teachers will be introduced.
In other business, $275.00 was colleted for the 50/50 raffle. Georgia Barkett won $137.50 in the drawing. $302.00 was collected in the Community Service drive for the YWCA's Young Women with Bright Futures. Leilani Drake won the free lunch for the November meeting, and 10 others won door prizes.
Without further business being presented, the meeting adjourned at 1:15PM with 75 members in attendance.
Respectfully submitted Barbara Ade, Secretary.
MAHONING RETIRED TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023 DRAKE'S LANDING
President Susan Harris called the meeting to order at 11:45 AM.
Susan Harris, Ruth Frankenburg, Debra Mettee, Dr. Robin Rayfield(ORTA Executive Director), Jayne Boucherle(Canfield VFW Auxiliary), Mike Kubitza, Dominic DiLoreto(Canfield VFW) and Barbara Ade were seated at the head table.
Georgia Barkett was called to the podium where she provided the invocation and grace. Susan Harris led members in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America. The meeting was then suspended for lunch.
The meeting resumed at 12;22 PM with President Harris introducing our first speaker, Jayne Boucherle. Jayne stated the mission and goals of the VFW Auxiliary, and describe ed some of the projects they participate in. All the goals revolve around servicing our country's veterans. The auxiliary donates money to various hospitals and agencies that specifically address veteran needs.
Susan next introduced Dr. Robin Rayfield, ORTA Executive director, who provided an update on STRS. He said there are five STRS board members who support reform, and the rest do not. He stated the Wade Steen case is ongoing with a decision expected sometime next spring. Rayfield also said that STRS is the only public pension system in the U.S. where active members pay 14% but get only 10% in return. He stressed member vigilance and attention to upcoming board elections so that we continue to get reform minded candidates seated on the board.
During the business meeting, Darlene Malaska was introduced as a new lifetime member. Susan also stated that there are 629 MRTA lifetime members, and 52 yearly members.
In other business, $320.00 was collected for the 50/50 raffle. Laura Sullivan's name was drawn, and she netted $160.00. $366.00 was collected in the Community Service Drive for the Canfield Veteran's Auxiliary. Kathy McGee won the free lunch for the November meeting, and 10 others won door prizes.
Without further business being presented, the meeting adjourned at 1:39PM with 83 members in attendance.
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Ada, Secretary
MAHONING RETIRED TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 DRAKE'S LANDING
President Susan Harris called the meeting to order at 11:45AM.
Susan Harris, Phil Butto, Debra Mettee, and Barbara Ade were seated at the head table.
Georgia Barkett was called to the podium where she provided the invocation "Why I Like Christmas", and grace. Susan Harris led members in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America. The meeting was then suspended for the lunch.
During lunch, the Boardman Jazz Band under the direction of Tom Ruggieri began playing. The band entertained members with holiday favorites and jazz pieces that featured various vocals.
The business meeting followed the jazz band. A power point presentation report from Dr. Robin Rayfield, ORTA Executive Director was made available. President Harris asked members to let her, or Vice-=President Butto know if they had any ideas for speakers for the upcoming year. President Harris also asked members to consider volunteering to assist or serve on the executive board.
Under New Business, Steve Solak made a motion to form an MRTA political action committee. Following discussion, Mr. Solak withdrew the motion, as additional information needs to be collected before such a motion can be presented. Jeanne Vild seconded Solak's motion withdrawal. Motion passed.
In other business, $400.00 was collected in the Community Service drive for the Salvation Army. Kim Pontuti, Community Service Director, collected member community service hours. July through December 2023. 2023 hours will be posted in the spring newsletter. $330.00 was collected in the 50/50 drawing and Marilyn DeLuco won $165.00 in the drawing. She graciously accepted, then donated the money back to MRTA. June Logan won the free lunch for the March 2024 meeting. And ten others won door prizes.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:27PM with 88 members present.