The Slate

 

 

 cimg0077-custom.JPGPRESIDENT’S MESSAGE   -   Mildred Allred at her desk at Bedford High School

 

Mildred Allred

 

milallred@bex.net

 I know that all of you enjoyed the long Holiday season, with delicious food, fun and fellowship with family and friends, lively music, worship and travel.  Now we are looking forward to another year of activities with our LCRTA Organization.

What an honor and privilege to be your President and work with a Board consisting of a very vibrant group of retirees with so much zest!!  Between the Officers and the Committee Chairs we have the schedule of this year’s luncheon dates and places all ready to go.  Lists will be available at The Toledo Club on March 24, 2010.

Nan Fetter, Chair of Community Participation, has included a list of charity organizations we are sponsoring and what to bring to each luncheon.  This information can also be found on the LCRTA.org website.

We have several people retiring from the Board this year, Linda Rosler, Membership Chair; Marilyn Town and Marilyn Gabriel as Social Co-Chairs.  A big Thank You to all three as we deeply appreciate the time and energy they have devoted to LCRTA.  The time so many of you devote to volunteering is a tribute to the generosity of our wonderful membership.  I’m looking forward to meeting with you on March 24, 2010.  

Mildred Allred, President 2010

 

 Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 24 at the Toledo Club at 12:00 pm.

 Menu:  

1._______Chicken Piccata( Sautéed breast of chicken with lemon caper butter sauce).   OR

2._______Potato Encrusted Whitefish( Fresh whitefish encrusted with crisp shredded potato and scallions served with mustard mousseline sauce)

Both come with salad, warm rolls, California blend vegetables, herb roasted red skins, coffee or tea and miniature elegants for dessert.

Cost:  $ 16.00

SPEAKER: “Tooling The Information Highway” is the topic of our speaker, Mr. Walter Carstensen, President of Buckeye Cable System.  He is full of fun as well as a good speaker!  He will focus on rapid technological changes in the information field.  Will we be ready for these changes? 

Reservations are due by March 17, 2010.       Please make check out to LCRTA and mail to Kathleen Brunt, 3460 Shadywood Circle, Lamberville, MI  48144 as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Membership

Check your mailing label!

“L” = Life member, “09″, “10″ ,”11″ = year membership expires

L/09 (represents a Life membership in LCRTA, 09 year ORTA membership expires)

09/L  (represents a 09 expiration date for LCRTA and a Life membership in ORTA)

09/   (represents a 09 expiration date for LCRTA and no membership in ORTA)

Membership Dues cover the period from January 1 through December 31.  All memberships other that Life Membership expire on December 31.  Dues received in October, November, and December are posted to the next calendar year.  Membership cards will be mailed if a stamped, self-addressed envelope is enclosed with your dues, or you can pick one up at one of the luncheons.

 

 LCRTA Scholarship Fund

The Lucas Country Retired Teachers Association awards scholarships to worthy University of Toledo students from Lucas County who are majoring in the field of education.  You may donate to this fund to assure the continuance of this worthwhile project.  Checks can be made out to the LCRTA Scholarship Fund and sent to LCRTA, 2155 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio  43609.  If the donation is a memorial, please indicate to whom the memorial is made and an address where a note can be sent indicating that a gift was made in your name.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LCRTA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
 
In memory of Rita Kunisch                 Rita Halloran
General Contribution                          Mildred Allred

 

Help Us Find Our Members;

We have had several mailings returned from the Post Office for each of the following members.  If you know the whereabouts of any of the people listed, please email , lcrta@hotmail.com .   Louise H. Alexander,  Susan Brotje, Shirley Carroll, Nancy A. Dargart, Carolyn Su George, Helen D. Gordon, Grace Griffith, Norma J. Hoover, Donna Katafiasz, Rita Kolbeck, Ruth G. Lambert, Naomi Miller, Mary L. Mullet,  Ann Mumford, Flora V. Poad,  Milton Sawyers, Velma Terrell, and Marian Winchester.

Have you changed your address?  Please let us know so we can continue to send you The Slate to keep you informed of upcoming events and happenings with LCRTA.

 

LCRTA Board Openings

There are two openings on the LCRTA board for Membership Chairman and Information and Protective Services Chairman.  The duties of Membership Chair are as follows:  Member of the board, obtain names of retirees from ORTA and from members who suggest names of  retirees, and mail membership brochures to new retirees. The Informative Chairman is also a member of the board and identifies the  needs or interests of the members and researches those topics…a current member has volunteered to help the new chair.  If you would be interested in helping us continue to grow, please contact Millie Allred at 419-531-5906 or email her at milallred@ bex.net.

  

 

 

 

 

2009 Luncheons

Thursday, December 17 - Inverness Country Club

 One hundred and thirty members and guests attended the LCRTA luncheon and meeting on December 17, 2009 at the Inverness Country Club.  Nan Fetter, community participation chair, thanked us for the many bears and other stuffed animals for Lucas County Children Services.  Everyone had positive comments about the beautifully decorated Inverness County Club.  Many members enjoyed the valet parking.  Most had positive comments about the luncheon.  Everyone felt that the Bowsher Rebeliers show was great entertainment.  The Rebeliers will be putting on “Beauty and the Beast”, March 25, 26,and 27, 2010, check with school for more details.

50/50 Raffle Winner

 Nancy Wigham won $82.00 at the luncheon from the 50/50 raffle

 

Thursday, October 22 - Belmont Country Club

 Eighty-seven members and guest attended the LCRTA luncheon and meeting held October 22, 2009 at Belmont Country Club.  Samantha Long and Melissa Eickholt were awarded teaching scholarships.  Kathleen Brunt thanked us for the contributions to the Friendly Center.   Everyone enjoyed the tasty chicken dinner with the delicious apple dumpling.  The Belmont Country Club also had many positive comments.  Many members shared that is was a “Great meal and it was a lovely setting !”, “ Great to see young people so positive as they begin their teaching careers!”, and the “Friendly Center project very worthwhile”.

50/50 Raffle Winner

Barbara Gilmore  won $62.00 at the luncheon from the 50/50 raffle.

Scholarship Recipients

The Arthur White Memorial Scholarship for $1000.00 went to Samantha Long, a senior at the University of Toledo majoring in Middle School Education of math and science.

While the Frank and Shirley Dick Scholarship for $1000.00 went to Melissa Eickholt who had also received a scholarship from us last year.  She is a 5th years senior majoring in Middle School Education with Language Arts and science.

Thursday, September 24 - Highland Meadows Golf Club

One hundred thirty-five members and guests attended the LCRTA luncheon and meeting held at Highland Meadows Country Club.  Dr. Ann Baker spoke about the new children’s zoo exhibition, Nature’s Neighborhood.  Also Shawna Woody from the Boys and Girls Club shared information about the Power Hour Program which is an after-school tutoring program.  Our school supply donations are very much appreciated by tutors and students.  Many members had positive responses about both speakers.  Most members enjoyed Highland Meadows facility.  Many thought the salad, rolls, and cheesecake were great, but the fettuccini with grilled chicken needed to be warmer.  A new member wrote, “ Super speakers and very friendly people”.  Other members shared, “Good portions for the dollar!”, “Staff was very helpful and available”, and “having Dr. Ann Baker was great!”

Welcome New Members;

Margaret Forquer, Micaela Lynch, and Emily Thayer.

50/50 Raffle Winner

Mary Hafner won $71.00 at the luncheon from the 50/50 raffle.

Door Prize Winner

Doreen Yountz won the Toledo Symphony Cookbook at the luncheon

Thursday, May 28, 2009 - Tamaron Country Club

Marcia Helman & Jen Homier

 

Ninety-eight members and guests attended the LCRTA luncheon and meeting held May 28, 2009 at Tamaron Country Club.  Jen Honier, Director of Marketing for WGTE presented “Any Time is Learning Time” program for low income families.  Also Sara Mattson from the United Way thanks us for our children’s books donations for the second year.  She discussed “Let’s Read You and Me”.  Both programs had positive responses.  Once member said, “Wonderful-caught me up on the programs being used!”  Many of the members enjoyed the chicken marsala luncheon and the dining room with the view of the golf course.  Lilly Szyskowski was the winner of the 50/50 raffle.  A large number of books were collected for the United Way.

 

Nan Fetter

Nan Fetter & Sara Mattson

Thursday, April 23, 2009 - Toledo Botanical Gardens

April 23 was a bright sunny warm day at the Botanical Gardens the location of the second LCRTA luncheon with seventy-three members attending.  A box lunch from Pam’s Corner was enjoyed by everyone.  We learned first hand what students learn when they take a field trip to the Garden through the same hand-on activities they participate in.  After the meeting several members continued enjoying the beautiful setting by wandering though the gardens.   Collection was for Mom’s House.

Thursday, March 26, 2009 - Brandywine Country Club

The first meeting of 2009 was held at Brandywine Country Club with seventy-eight members attending.  The food was delicious and John Tharp from the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office was informative.  He talked about how technology was affecting the teenage population negatively and some safety measures for seniors.  Collection was for Beach House.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Membership

 - Chair

Please encourage retired teachers from Lucas County to become involved and join LCRTA.  It is easy to join, just visit website: www.lcrta.org

Annual Dues for LCRTA is $15.00

Annual Dues for ORTA is $20.00



Legislative

Rhea Halloran, Chair 
 

     LCRTA Legislative Report

 

 An article by Tom Seamon, Editor, appeared in the 2009 ORTA Newsletter Winter Quarterly.
Among the information there were  important statements in the last paragraph.
“In retirement, we are receiving our money back - with interest!  Of the money that we
receive each month, about 70-80% of it is interest earned on the money that STRS has invested for us. 
To be perfectly accurate, taxpayers did fund our work as active teachers.  However, the money that pays us now was set aside during our working years, so when we retired, the pension money was there and paid for. There are NO TAXPAYER DOLLARS needed to pay Ohio retired teachers pensions. They were funded by teachers and their employers before retirement.”
 Too many people are of the mistaken notion that taxpayers pay for our retirements.  The above paragraph shows that is simply not the truth.
 
It is also important for all of us to understand how important our Defined Benefit Plans are for the future of the State Teachers Retirements.  “Defined Benefit Plans are good for our members and good for Ohio.” 
    1. They provide financial protection for both plan members and taxpayers.
    2. Defined Benefit Plans are both effecient and economical.
    3. Defined Benefit plans support Ohio workers - NIRS reports that Ohio
         received $8.41 billion in pension benefits from state and local pensions plans
         with (in 2006) $8.29 billion paid from plans within the state and other
         monies originated from plans in other states.
    4. Defined Benefit Plans support Ohio workers.
    5. Defined Benefit Plans support the services provided by local, state, and federal
          governments through the taxes paid on these pensions.
    6. Defined Benefit Plans play a critical role in reducing the risk of poverty and
           hardship among older individuals.
 
Any starting point for discussions must be the saving of the defined Benefit Plan offered by all of the systems.  These plans provide major economic drives for the state.  These plans are administered efficiently and economically: they provide a stable retirement income for all of our public workers in Ohio.  Thus reducing the burden on taxpayers and the Social Security System.
 
The latter information was taken from NIRS (National Institute on Retirement Security) report
from Jan-Feb 2010.
 

 

 

 

 

 



Community Participation

Nan Fetter, Chair

 

   

BEACH HOUSE  NEEDS NEW AND GENTLY USED BATH TOWELS AND WASH CLOTHS
Beach House is a facility that provides emergency shelter to as many as 30 homeless women,children and families We need to be sure that their linen closets are full. Please see if you have NEW and GENTLY USED BATH TOWELS and WASH CLOTHS that you can donate, and bring these items to the March 26th meeting at the Toledo Club to benefit Beach House. A warm bath and a clean towel can provide hope, so please look in your linen closet and shop the sales so that the many people who rely on Beach House may have the comfort that they need.
_________________________________________________________________

ATTENTION MEMBERS! SAVE THIS DONATION LIST.


Please keep the following list as a reminder of items to bring to each of our luncheons. We hope knowing in advance will allow you to shop the sales.
SHOPPING LIST - 2010 Community Participation Projects
March 24  Beach House - Bath towels/wash cloths
April 29    Moms House - white copy paper, toilet paper, paper towels
May 18     United Way - Children’s Books
 
Sept. 29    FOCUS - kitchen items
Oct. 28     Friendly Center - Senior bingo prizes, child and adult socks, 
                personal care items
Dec 15     Lucas County Children Services  - Stuffed Bears/animals

__________________________________________________________________
Member donations at the Holiday luncheon were outstanding. We filled Sherry Dunn’s car with stuffed animals.
“Dear Friends,
Your generosity helped touch the lives of many children….On behalf of the families and children we serve, thank you again. Our best wishes are with you for a safe and happy new year.
Sincerely,
Sherry Dunn, LSW MAFS
Public Information Specialist
Lucas County Children Services”

________________________________________________________________
SHARE A TRAVEL PERK
As you travel, think about collecting bottles of shampoo, hand cream, etc. provided by hotels/motels. Several agencies in our area, like Beach House, could use unopened items.  We will have a lime green collection bin at each of our meetings.

 



Informative & Protective Services

Fitness Centers in Toledo 

 It is easy to stay fit in Northwest Ohio.  Fitness centers are open almost 24/7; dozen of programs are offered and professional staffs often work as personal trainers for most members.  Fees vary.  Recent changes in health insurance for STRS members may include membership fees for health classes.  More information will be available in the fall but teachers are urged to check with their particular insurance company to see if fees in exercise classes will be waived.

 

For Women Only:

The management wanted to emphasize that there are many special sign up fees throughout the year and they ask teachers to call their local Curves location about these specials.  Some insurance programs will pay the entire fee at Curves so that you might be able to work out free.  Please call Marian, 419-478-8112, Curves Manager for more information. There are 22 Curves locations within 30 miles of Toledo. 

Senior Centers

Most senior centers in Northwestern Ohio offer fitness workouts through special classes in Line Dancing or Body Recall but two have an extensive program of fitness opportunities.  Senior Centers do not always charge dues but there are low fees for fitness programs.  Two very active centers are:

Sylvania Area Senior Center which offers many exercise classes Monday through Saturday.  They are not open on Sundays.  You do not have to be a member of the Center to enroll in the classes.  Health and fitness classes include Body Recall, Tai Chi, Yoga, Strength and Balance (3 classes), Swimming, Step It Up ( Step aerobics without the platform), and Jazzercise. Website:  www.scsonline.org/seniors.htm  Cost: varies with class, from $20 to $50, classes vary from 4 to 8 weeks.  Membership fee:  None  Phone:  419-885-3913

Maumee Senior Center has classes listed on their website: any senior can enroll in an exercise class.  Offered are Simply-lite Jazzercise, Body Recall, Water Aerobics (held at the South Toledo YMCA) and Water Arthritis Program (held at Sunshine Children’s Home).  Really fun classes that don’t “feel” like exercise include line dancing, soft shoe dance class and square dancing.  Body Recall is a non-impact aerobic class for older adults.  It emphasizes mobility, flexibility, and strengthening.  St. Luke’s Hospital provides Maumee’s class.  There are a number of Body Recall classes in the Toledo area.  Website:  www.maumeeseniorcenter.com/Social.html.  Cost:  Varies with class:  $24 to $50 for 4 to 8 weeks. Membership Fee:  None   Phone:  419-893-1994

 

Large Fitness Centers

YMCA/JCC

 

:  The Original Fitness center, the YMCA/JCC offers an unbelievable array of classes from 5:15 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.  Most experienced of all health organizations (founded 150 years ago in 1859) the “Y/JCC” offers MAX and Associate Memberships.  Discounts are awarded to corporations that maintain 10 or more group memberships and to designated subscribers who belong to Paramount Health Care and Family Health Plan.  The Silver Sneakers Program is financed through Anthem Insurance and Aetna Medicare.  With 9 area locations, the Y/JCC works with all ages of members, including people with disabilities who need accommodations for programs and facilities.  One class-Senior Sculpt– is designed specifically for the older adult but Y instructors emphasize that many classes can be taken successfully for the older adult.  A brand new West Toledo YMCA on Tremainsville opened in August.  Website” ymcatoledo.org/  Cost:  Over 62 -Family, $823.04, Individual, $573.25  Corporate/Senior Partnership Members, 5% discount—Church 10% discount.  Membership Fee:  A one-time joiner Fee from $150 to $54 depending on type of membership and whether member is joining as a family, individual or youth.  This Joiner Fee is included in the prices quoted about.  Phone:  419-475-3496

Wildwood Athletic Club

Wildwood is another club that is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  It offers 70 pieces of the latest cardiovascular equipment and a full line of Cybex, Body Master and Free Motion selectorized weight machines.  A large free weight area is also available.  Luxurious locker rooms offer not only towel but free amenities such as body wash; in fact they will wash your workout clothes (for a fee) and place them back in your own locker.  Wildwood has an indoor swimming pool, cushioned track, gymnasium for group exercise classes and a great Kid’s Club area.  Only two special classes for senior are listed:  Arthritis Aquatics and Senior Sculpt.  Website:  www.wildwoodathleticclub.com  Cost:  Individual membership, Initiation fee, $99, monthly dues, $75.  Couple membership, Initiation fee, $149, monthly dues, $114.  Parent plus Child Membership, Initiation fee, $199, monthly dues, $100.  Family Membership (includes one child), Initiation fee $249, monthly dues, $139.  Membership Fee:  A $20 signed fee will apply to all memberships based on 12 full paid months.  Phone:  419-539-0235.

Move To Improve 

Is a private class especially designed for the older person (men are welcome in the class).  Peggy Lenz, certified physical fitness instructor for 25 years, carefully plans the course to include a variety of exercises performed to music.  Class meets at Reformation Lutheran Church, Douglas Road from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.  Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

The class emphasized strength training, balance training and range of motion stretching.  Relaxation and stress reduction are also a part of the exercises.  Participants find the class especially beneficial after hip or knee replacements. 

It is a comfortable class in which participants can improve physical fitness but are encouraged to “go at their own pace”.  Exercise mats, balls, and other supplies are provided.

Retired teachers may attend a class free September 10, 14, 15, or 17.  Please call Ms. Lenz to tell her you will be attending. 

Website:  Contact Peggy Lenz, email: plenz44@bex.net

Cost:  $65 for 13 weeks of class

Membership Fee:  none

Phone:  419-536-1319

Lifelong Learning Program at Lourdes

A wonderful program that is intellectually stimulating and that focuses on the older adult who wished to keep active mentally.  Many teachers already belong but some might wish to join them.

Lourdes College Lifelong Learning provides educational and cultural programs in a variety of formats-programs that are designed for the older citizen who wished to continue to grow mentally.  Established in 1993, the group is affiliated with the Elderhostel Program headquartered in Boston.  Registration for the new season will be at 10 a.m. September 18, 2009 at the Franciscan Center on the college campus.

These are some of the challenging activities they offer members:  Daytime classes from one day to 5 or 6 weeks, taught by college faculty, or members who are exceptional in particular topics.  No homework or papers, just knowledge is offered.

Monthly meetings (free to members) followed by “Hot Topics” discussions at lunch.  Scheduled so far are topics such as “Should freedom of speech ever be restricted?”  and “Does affirmative active advance racial equality?”

Seminars and roadrunner trips to other cities are open to both members and guests.  One roadrunner trip is already scheduled for Ethel Merman’s Broadway to be presented at the Gem Century Theatre in Detroit, December 3, 2009.  Bus transportation and lunch will be provided.

For additional information, retired teachers are encouraged to attend the opening meeting September 18, 2009 or call Gloria Burke at 419-885-1413 or visit the website:  www.lourdes.edu , click on Alumni and Friends, then click on Community Outreach, scroll down to Lifelong Learning.  Ms. Burke may also be reached at gburke@lourdes.edu.

 

For Women Only:

Curves offers an efficient 30-minute workout that works all sets of muscles on a variety of hydraulic resistance machines.  The design of the machines makes it easier to work out without dealing with the weights used in many gyms. Members are encouraged to work out three times a week but are welcome to work out more.  There are 22 Curves locations within 30 miles of Toledo.  Curves offers a unique Curves Smart program which provides members with instant information on their physical fitness using a special computer program.  No special senior workouts but their exercise program can be adapted to older who can move at their own pace on the equipment.  A friendly staff works in the comfortable setting.  Website:  www.curvesinformation.com.  Dues:  $34 monthly; if members are traveling or out-of-town in the winter, dues will be applied to another month.  Membership Fee:  $199 a year: sometimes on sale for $100, plus a free month of workouts.  Guest passes are available.  Phone:  800-754-7505

 Lifestyles for Ladies Only:

Features exciting classes such as cardio dance, belly dancing, cycle and sculpt, but only one class advertises that it is for the older woman-Young at Heart.  This class combines low impact aerobics with lightweight training and stretching.  Lifestyles is well e quipped with the latest exercise machines offers babysitting

services and is open convenient hours.  It is the only gym in Northwest Ohio that offers 70 aerobic classes.  Unlimited tanning is available for $10 a mot.  All supplies are provided.  Lifestyles promises to call you if you fail to show up and will freeze membership in case of illness.  Since it is for women only =, there is a comfortable feeling to the center: the staff is friendly and cheerful.  Website:   www.lifestylesforladiesonly.com  Dues:  $19 monthly.  15% off for members over 62.  Group rates are available.  Phone:  419-475-5355

 

Urban Active Fitness Center

Name the exercise machine or a fitness class and Urban Active Fitness Center has it.  To quote from their brochure, “Urban Active offers you a fleet of the fitness industry’s top strength equipment, cardio machines and free weights.”  They maintain a private Women-Only exercise room, an indoor lap pool, cushioned walking track, and personalized training by certified experts.  You can watch recent movies in their Cardio Cinema while you use the treadmill.  And like most centers, Urban Active opens its doors at 5 a.m. and closes them at 11 p.m.  Classes sound challenging but once again there are one specifically planned for the older body.  A supervised children’s playroom is open in case you are babysitting grandchildren.   Website:  www.urbanactive.com   Cost:  $ 150 a month   Membership Fee:  $200 annually   Phone:  419-535-6669

 

 

 



Travel

cimg0077-custom.JPGMillie Allred,Travel Chair (For information phone 419-531-5906 or the Alumni Office at 419-530-2586)

 

Biltmore Estate and Asheville, North Carolina Bus Trip

Date:  May 23-28, 2010       Departure:  The University of Toledo, Parking Area #21

Time:  8:00 a.m.         Cost:  $469.00 per person (double occupancy)

Make your reservation now for this fabulous trip that includes a full-day visit to the spectacular Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in America.  It sits in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, is full of grand Victorian furniture and has a vast array of gorgeous gardens.  There is a guided tour of Asheville that features Art Deco architecture, a famous Folk Art Center and the magnificent St. Lawrence Basilica.  For those interested in gems, a trip to Gem Mountain is another choice available.

If you are interested in seeing the Biltmore Estate, make your reservation and deposit of $75.00 as soon as possible.  For information call the Alumni Office at 419-503-2586.  Final payment is due by March 26, 2010.

Name: __________________________________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________________

Phone:________________________________

If Single, Rooming with:___________________________________________________________

Total Deposit:_______________     Number of Persons_____________ X $75.00=______________

MC, Visa, American Express, or Discover:________________________________________________

Expiration Date:_________________  Make checks made payable to ULTA

Return to :  The University of Toledo Alumni Association, 2801 W. Bancroft St., MS 301, Toledo, OH  43606-3395

 



Scholarship

Claudia Trombla, Chair

 

2010 Scholarship Recipients

Meet Samantha Long, aka Sami.  Ms. Long was the Arthur White Memorial Scholarship recipient for 2009.  This young lady is 21 years old and has been on her own for three years, currently working two part-time jobs, putting in an average of 45 hours a week, and still going to school full time.  She is a volunteer basketball coach for the local YMCA.  LCRTA is proud to present Sami with a scholarship of $1000.00 to help with financing her education.

Melissa Eickholt was the 2009 recipient of the Frank and Shirley Dick $1000.00 Scholarship.  Ms. Eickholt, a high energy, enthused, and curious student has committed her talents to becoming a teacher of middle grade students.  She has been on the Dean’s List seven out of seven semesters.  Her present GPA is 3.894.  She is a member of the Science Education Council of Ohio, was an 8th grade Science Fair judge in 2009 for the Toledo Islamic Academy Science Fair, volunteered as a 2009 Salvation Army Christmas, and participated in intramural volleyball and softball through UT’s recreation center. It is an honor to select her as the 2009 scholarship recipient.

 



2008 Luncheons

 LCRTA Board Meeeting

On December 2, 2008, the LCRTA Board had their final board meeting of 2008.  The meeting was held at the Casey-Pomeroy House on N. Huron Street in downtown Toledo.  The house is a beautifully restored 3 story home.  The restoration is currently in progress, but enough of it is finished so they are able to have a Bed and Breakfast establishment there.  The house can also be used for meetings, luncheons and teas.
Our board meeting-luncheon was held for two special events.  The first was to honor the ten past-presidents.  They are:
1990     Elda Thompson
1992     Earl Heath
1992, 1996 & 2002     Janet Keifer
1994 & 1998     Mildred Meyer
1997     Marynette Hipp
1999 & 2003     Catherine Jacquot
2004 & 2006    Marge Lovell
2005     John Ahern
2007     Suellen Newnham
The luncheon was excellent, and the honorees said they enjoyed the afternoon (in spite of it being a bit cold that day, even inside).
The second event of the day was the installation of the new officers for 2009.  the new officers were introduced at our last luncehon held on December 16, 2008 at the Clarion Hotel (Secor Road) banquet room.
As immediate past president, I wish the new officers and board the best for 2009.  I am looking forward to the luncheons and speakers.
Rhea Halloran

December 16 - Clarion Hotel

We had 91 people fill out their evaluation forms for today’s meeting at the Clarion Hotel.  In the future it would be nice if everyone would turn in their forms.  The tables were decorated beautifully by Kathy Decsman and Carol Ludwig.  The colors were green and red and they really sparkled.

 Eighty five out of ninety one people were pleased with the location.  However, some thought it was hard to hear in the room.

lcrta

Teddy Bear Project

Nan Fetter introduced Sherry Dunn from Lucas County Children’s Services and she told about how she uses some of bears, that we provide, in her school program to teach about adoption and foster care.  She seems to be a dedicated woman and very good at her job.

 Jeff Chapman, a board member for STRS, gave us an overview about our pension fund and the problems keeping this fund solvent during this economic crisis.  He explained how they have been trying to introduce HB 315 and how its presentation has been stopped.  They are hoping for relief after the new congress is sworn in January first.  There were some criticism that he talked too long.

Whitmer StringsThe Whitmer High School Strings played for us and they were enjoyed by all.The food was given mixed reviews.  Many commented that they thought that the food was too heavy for lunch time.  Others were very pleased with the menu.

 This was Rhea’s last meeting as president and there were many comments on the super job she has done this year.  We look forward to a new year and more terrific meetings.

October 30 - The Toledo Club


Marcy Kaptur & Rhea HalloranOne hundred forty-four members and guests attended the LCRTA meeting and luncheon October 30 at the Toledo Club.  As they have many times before, Kathy Decsman and Carol Ludwig provided really attractive fall table decorations.  Congresswoman, Marcy Kaptur especially commended the University of Toledo and their efforts toward researching creative alternative power sources such as solar energy and wins turbines.  Marcy also spoke of the benefits of living in northwest Ohio.  Most of the evaluations praised her speech.  A few felt it was too political.  Claudia Trombla, Scholarship Chair, introduced Frank Dick and the three Scholarship recipients.  The Frank and Shirley Dick Scholarship was awarded to Rachel Perry.  The two Dr. Arhtur White Scholarships were awarded to Melissa Eicholt and Lauren Bollinger.  The nominees for the slate of officers for the 2009 year were then presented and accepted. 
Nan Fetter, Chair of Community Participation, presented the giant thank you card that came from the Boys and Girls Club thanking us for the gifts we gave at the last meeting and thanked all who brought the many items for the Friendly Center. 
Nan reminded us that at our December 16 meeting at the Clarion we will bring teddy bears for Children’s Services.  Rev. Harris thanked members for their generous donations!  He also gave a few remarks about the Friendly Center. 
From STRS Governing Relations, Terri Bierdeman assured members that our retirement benefits are in excellent condition and not to worry about our monthly checks.  Most of the evaluations rated the location and speaker as excellent.  A few thought the food was slow in coming and a little too heavy for a lunch.  Generally, the location, speaker and food were rated between excellent and positive.  All of you comments and recommendations will be shared with the Board at our next Board meeting.  We welcome your evaluations, comments and attendance.  We look forward to seeing all of you on December 16 at the Clarion.

September 16 - Oak Openings Metropark


 One hundred perople attended the LCRTA meeting and luncheon held on September 16 at Oak Openings lodge, the largest Metropark which has more rare and endangered plant species than any place else its size in Ohio as well as 50 miles of trails for walkers, cyclists and horsemen.   The scenery was beautiful and the tables were nicely decorated by Kathy Descman. The weather could not have been better. 
Dave David Speas from Springfield Ohio, a former teacher, a former STRS Board Member and the author of “SagamoreOmega Wolf” mesmerized us with history about how wolves helped make him the person he is today.  He brought two wolf dogs, Dakota and Kae Jae with him and we were able to pet them and talk with them. He showed beautiful pictures of wolves and educated us on how these animals live and used the wolf pack to demonstrate how responsibility is the first step to success.  
 
 
 
Nancy Pfau from the new ProMedica Hospice reported on the philosophy of Hospice and encouraged us to become volunteers at the new building replacing Crestview, on the Flower Hospital caNan Fettermpus. 
Nan Fetter thanked everyone for bringing numerous school supplies for the Boys and Girls Club.  Most of the evaluations spoke of truly enjoying the speaker, the location and the food.  We welcome your evaluations and look forward to seeing you October 30 at the Toledo Club.
The 50/50 raffle was won by Susan Mag.

May 29 -Toledo Country Club


One hundred forty-four members and guests attended the LCRTA meeting and luncheon May 29 at the Toledo Country Club. Maybe a “first” that all who attended made reservations! Many commented on how attractive the setting was. The tables were very attractive with decorations by Kathy Decsman and Carol Ludwig.
dsc00238.JPGChrys Peterson, news anchor of WTOL-TV was our guest speaker. She gave an enjoyable personal history of her journailsm journey to Toledo and how much she enjoyed her job, her fellow workers and being in Toledo. Members showed their appreciation with comments such as: terrific, great, excellent. She gave us many laughs and lots of information. She graciously answered many of our questions. dsc00242.JPG
Nan Fetter, Community Participation Chair introduced the Ambassador of Reading project and then introduced Sarah Matsson from United Way. Sarah was overwhelmed by your gifts of gently used and new books for the United Way preschool reading program.
dsc00246.JPGMarion Boyer, Slate editior, Erlene Bond, and Gene Conger told of their positive experience being judges for the first Lego League Tournament and they hoped many of our members would become involved and volunteer to be a judge at future contests. Most of our evlautions rated an excellent for Chrys Peterson, the location and the food. Some of the comments were a thank you for the great locations and meetings for this year. A few said that they had a wonderful afternoon. A few has problems with parking but on the whole most enjoyed the meeting. “Best” and “Great” were also used to express appreciation. Some requested the ‘garden guy” to return. We welcome your evaluations, comments and attendance. We look forward to seeing all of you on Tueday, Septmber 16.

March 26 - Inverness Country Club

One hundred and one members and guests attended the LCRTA meeting and luncheon held on March 26 at Inverness Country Club. The tables were beautifully decorated by Kathy Decsman and Carol Ludwig using the Easter theme.
Chrisitina Alvarado was the keynote speaker. She told how her family, sponsored by a church group, came to the U.S.A. from Cuba. Christina graduated with a full scholarship to the University of Toledo where she graduated with a degree in medical robotics and is employed by St. Vincent’s Hospital She plans to continue her education towards a degree in nursing. Comments on the evaluation form gave Inverness Country Club an excellent score. The food did not fare as well with only thirty excellent scores. Many members and guests