Can you believe summer is half over, and it is August? Where does the time go? My summer is very busy every year. I went to South Carolina to visit a friend I hadn't seen in eight years. It was nice to reconnect with her and her family. I took my granddaughters Holly (11) and her sister Amber (8) to Louisville, KY to visit family. Also went camping with my children and grandchildren. I hope your summer is going well, and that you are healthy. September will be here before we know it! Remember, the luncheons are always on the second Wednesday of March, May, June, September, November and December. They are at Drake's Landing on Western Reserve Rd. and they begin at 11:30.
We have lined up good speakers for the last half of the year. Jim Cain from AMBA/ORTA, will join us in September. In November, Dr. Jeanine Mincher from YSU will talk about food as medicine. And, in December, ORTA Executive Director, Dr. Robin Rayfield will update us on STRA and ORTA, and the Boardman Jaz Band will perform. Please attend; we need our members to support us! Consider inviting a retired teacher or friend to one or our luncheons.
Speaking of STRS, things seem to only be getting worse. Ohio Lawmakers in a last-minute budget bill amendment removed the elected STRS board members to be replaced by political appointees. This move takes STRS board control away from retirees and puts it in politicians's hands. Read the full article on the ORTA webpage - ORTA NEWS: Our Voice Matters, dated 7/16/25.
Now let's talk about the loses of the COLA Suffice it to say, without the annual 3% a year, many of Ohio's retired teachers have found it difficult to maintain a decent standard of living. Our retirement hasn't kept up with inflation, that's for sure. How much did the 1.5% COLA put in your monthly paycheck? Mine was $63.00! Thanks STRS!! Now a little about Jim Cain and ORTA. AMBA and ORTA provide many benefits at a discounted cost to you. The September meeting should be very informative and productive. I heard Jim speak at the ORTA Northeast Regional meeting and learned a lot. I had some questions for him, and we worked out a time for him to call me to answer them. This discussion proved to be very beneficial for me. It definitely opened my eyes about some information I did not know. I look forward to seeing you all in September, and the remainder of the year.