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.
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Ade, Secretary
MAHONING RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024 DRAKE'S LANDING
President Susan Harris called the meeting to order at 11:50 AM.
Susan Harris, Phil Butto, Debra Mettee, Ruth Falkenburg and Barbara Ade were seated at the head table.
Georgia Barkett was called to the podium where she provided the invocation, an Irish Blessing. Susan Haris then let members in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America. The meeting was then suspended for lunch.
Following lunch, the Austintown Fitch Concert Choir under the direction of Bill Klein began the afternoon's entertainment. The group performed choreographed numbers from Grease, the musical. The entire audience was tapping their toes to the upbeat performance.
The business meeting followed the musical entertainment. A collection was taken up to benefit ORTA's Pension Defense Fund. $362 was collected and that amount was matched by the MRTA treasury. $724 was sent to ORTA for the fund.
June Logan, Legislative liaison reported on the oral arguments being presented in the Wade Steen appeal on March 26th in Columbus. Mr. Steen is trying to regain his STRS board seat following his illegal dismissal by Governor DeWine. June urged members to attend the hearing on the 26th. June also asked those in attendance to contact active teachers and lobby for Michelle Flanigan, a reform candidate who is running for the active teacher seat on the STRS board. In other business, $294 was collected in the Community Service drive for the Dorothy Day House and $300 was collected in the 50/50 drawing ($150 won by Maureen Griswold). Elaine Memick won the free lunch for the May 2024 meeting, and ten others won door pries. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:31PM with 78 members present.
Respectfully submitted Barbara Ade, Secretary
MAHONING ETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2024 DRAKE'S LANDING
President Susan Harris called the meeting to order at 11:40 AM
Susan Harris, Phil Butto, Debra Mettee, Ruth Frankenburg, Barbara Ade, Martha Lopez and Sally Knapick Winsen were seated at the head table.
Gergia Barkett was called to the podium where she provided the invocation, "Thank Heaven for Mothers". Susan Harris then led members in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America. The meeting was then suspended for lunch.
Following lunch, singers from the Struthers Concert Choir under the direction Angela Russo began the afternoon's entertainment. The group performed choreographed numbers from Broadway musicals. The entire audience was tapping their toes to the upbeat performance.
Martha Lopez and Sally Winsen then recognized those MRTA members who had died during the 2023/2024 year. The list included Shirley Burnett, Cathleen Gagliardi, Patricia Holecko, Elizabeth Joyce, Kathryn Mathey, Barbara Mauch, Dr. William Nitch, Carol Ann Ohr, Doreen Parilla, Linda Paris, Earnest Ramunno, Alvira Serluco, RosemaryTaylor, Patsy Trell Jr., Bessie Veck, Paul Vlacancich and Nancy Woodman, The school bell was rung marking their passing. Sally remarked that a $50.00 contribution to the Youngstown Public Library from the John M. Knapick Memorial Fund would be given to recognize this year's deceased MRTA members on the electronic crawl in the main library's lobby. Sally also directed attention to the Memorial Table, where a list of donated books to the library could be found, as well as scrapbook and memorabilia. Peggy Bennett recognized members in attendance for their longevity.. Two members present were over 90, three were between85-90. and nine present were between 80 and 85..
During the business portion of the meeting, President Harris discussed the need to nominate two from the general membership to sit on the MRTA nominating committee for the nest biennium. Debbie Haverstock (chair), June Logan and Peggy Bennett were appointed from the current executive board to sit on the committee. At least two others from the general membership need to volunteer to fill put the committee.
June Logan, Legislative liaison reported that Wade Steen won his case, and was reinstated to the STRS Board. She also noted that the STRS Board voted 6% staff salary raises and approved STRS trips to England, Turkey, China, Japan and India.
In other business, $264.00 was collected in the Community Service drive for the Sojourner House and $266.00 was collected in the 50/50 drawing ($133.00 won by Shirley Bell). Patricia Bushman won the free lunch for the June 2024 meeting, and ten others won door prizes.
Their being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:06 PM.
Respectfully submitted Barbara Ade, Secretary
MAHONING RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2024 DRAKE'S LANDING
President Susan Harris called the meeting to order at 11:43 AM
Susan Harris, Debra Mettee, Ruth Frankenburg, Barbara Ade, and Dr. Geroge Beelen were seated at the head table.
Georgia Barkett was called to the podium where she provided the invocation, a seed packet and a saying by Kuan Chang. Susan Harris then led members in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America. The meeting was then suspended for lunch.
Following lunch, Susan introduced the day's speaker, Dr. George Beelen. Besides being a NRTA lifetime member, Dr. Beelen is also an author and retired Youngstown State University professor. Dr. Beelen talked about his latest book, Genius Know No Boundaries. The book covers the history of 30 years of the Ohio Cultural Alliance, the peopling of America, and the contributions made by those who settled here. He also discussed the recent merger of the Ohio Valley Historical Society with the Cultural Alliance.
During the business portion of the meeting, President Harris asked for volunteers to serve on the nominations committee. Mary Tsimouris and Laura Sullivan volunteered to be members. A motion was made by Marian Sickefoose to accept the nominating committee as presented (Peggy Bennett, June Logan, Laura Sullivan Mary Tsimouris and Debbie Haverstock,chair). Ruth Frankenburg seconded the motion, and the motion passed. The committee will work to find members interested in filling open positions on the MRTA board for the next biennium.
June Logan, Legislative liaison reported that reform candidate Michelle Flanigan won the active seat on the STRS board, in the April 2024 election, making the reform movement the majority of the board. She also reported that shortly after announcing Flanigan's win, board members Steen and Fichtenbaum were accused in an anonymous letter sent to governor DeWine of not doing their fiduciary duties. Ohio Attorney General Yost filed suit against these two board members in an attempt to remove them from the board. Controversy abounds.
In other business, $274.00 was collected in the Community Service drive for Ohio Special Olympics and $240.00 was collected in the 50/50 drawing ($120.00 was won by Dr. George Beelen, who generously donated it back to MRTA). Beth Meyers won the free lunch for the September 2024 meeting, and ten others won door prizes.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:24 PM