Lucas County Retired Teachers Association

  PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE   -   

Marcia Helman 
abc123helman@aol.com

After a long, cold snowy winter I think warmer weather is finally setting in.  A hundred LCRTA members were able to enjoy one of our beautiful days with a great view at the site of our last luncheon, Tamaron Country Club.

Jen Homier, our speaker, from WGTE enlightened us as to what they are doing to improve literacy with the young children throughout the community.  It was great to hear about so many positive programs they are providing to the children throughout the area.

I know you all are keeping an eye (and ear) as to what is happening at STRS as it relates to health care and benefits.  Rhea Halloran, legislative chair is watching closely so she can update us as she receives the information,  I think was are all aware of the fact that there are going to be changes for everyone.  Unfortunately, I do believe the hardest hit will be future retirees.

I hope that everyone will join us for our first luncheon in the fall.  We will be at Highland Meadows on September 24 and our speaker will be Dr. Ann Baker from the Toledo Zoo.

Have a great summer, see you in the Fall.

 Marcia Helman

Next Meeting:

2009 Luncheons

Thursday, May 28, 2009 - Tamaron Country Club

Marcia Helman & Jen Homier

The May luncheon was held at Tamaron Country Club with Jen Homier from WGTE Public Television as the speaker. Lilly Szyskowski was the winner of the 50/50 raffle.  A large number of books were collected for the United Way.

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.

Recognizing Board Members with Long Service

Fran DeLamater began her teaching career teaching English at Scott High School in 1966.  In the fall of 1971, she moved to DeVilbiss High School for three years before being coaxed to Start High School to do the yearbook.  After being yearbook advisor for one year, she was able to teach English 9-12 including AP English for several years.  She also served as department chair during her final eight years.

She earned both her Bachelor’s (1966) and Master’s Degrees (1923) at the University of Toledo.  Fran joined the U.S. Peace Corps afer her retirement in 1989 and was sent to Yemen where she taught English as a second language at Sanaa University.  She currently volunteers with AARP and serves on the Volunteer Board of the Office of Aging as the AARP representative.  She is also Vice President of the Pan Pacific Southeast Asia Women’s Association in New York.

She joined the LCRTA Board in 2000 as chair of the Informative and Protective Services Committee.  She has written articles about the Golden Buckeye Card, finding a handyman, services of AAA, etc.  In 2003 she wrote a brief description of local senior retirement communities.  In 2005, she and Peg Rabideau produced an expanded version of the booklet entitled “Survey of Senior Retirement Communities and Home Health Care Providers” including information about the five Lucas County Hospices.

 Marynette Hipp retired from Glendale Feilbach in 1993.  She joined the LCRTA Board in 1994 as Chair of the Information & Protective Services Committee.  Marynette was President of LCRTA in 1995, 1996, and 1997 during the 50th Anniversary of ORTA.  She began her teaching career at Lincoln School teaching first grade.  She taught second grade for four years in the Washington Local School System.  She took off a year to work on her Master’s Degree in Reading at the University of Toledo.  Armed with her degree she became Director of the Reading Programs in Washington Local and at Spencer Sharples Schools.  She continued with her studies and earned a Specialists Degree with a concentration in Math.  For the last several years she ably worked as Trustee and Chair of Legislation.  She keeps busy with her volunteer work at her church and at the Toledo Symphony.

LuAnn Shuman retired in 1996 from Anthony Wayne Fallen Timbers Middle School where she taught fifth grade.  Earlier in her career at Fallen Timbers she taught sixth and seventh grades.  Her first teaching assignment was in Columbus at the Hamilton Building where her husband’s uncle, Jim Shuman, developed the subdivision which included Hamilton School, after World War II.  She and her husband moved to Massillon, where she worked on a Master of Art Degree in Education with a minor in Anthropology and taught Education class at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia

 Luann joined the LCRTA Board shortly after retiring and became Budget Chairman and has continued in that capacity.  Until recently, she also took reservations for our luncheon meetings.  Luann is active in her church and sings in the choir.  She takes care of her grandchildren and tutors at Whitehouse Elementary one day a week.  She is a member of a sewing group and belongs to two book clubs!  She is Secretary for the Waite High School Scholarship Program

 VOLUNTEER OPORTUNITIES

 Linda Rosler - 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 or contact Linda Rosler (419-381-1225) or email her at lrosler@bex.net.

Annual Dues for LCRTA is $15.00

Annual Dues for ORTA is $20.00

Nan Fetter, Chair

Please keep travel toiletries that you collect over the summer to give to the Friendly Center in the fall.  SHARE A TRAVEL PERK - As you prepare for summer travel, think about collecting all of those bottles of shampoo, hand cream, etc. provided by hotels/motels. Several agencies in our area could use unopened items. We will have a lime green collection bin at each of our meetings in which to deposit items.

April 23, 2009     Mom’s house - White copy paper, toilet paper, paper towels, canned fruits/veg., juice, jars of baby food, healthy children’s snacks

May 28, 2009     United Way - Children’s Books

September 24, 2009     Boys/Girls Club - School Supplies

October 29, 2009     Friendly Center - Senior bingo games, children and adult socks, personal care  items

December 17, 2009     Lucas County Children Services- Stuffed bears/animals

Peg Rabideau , Chair

Have you thought of volunteering, but are not sure how to proceed? Our hope is to identify members and tell where they volunteer, what they like about volunteering and how they can be contacted! Last spring, Justin Moor, Area Office of Aging, called me and asked if I knew anyone who was over sixty-five years of age and had a chronic disease who would be interested in learning to lead a course for people in like circumstance. Consequently, I went to Columbus for a week to learn to lead this course which had been recently developed by six health care professionals (doctors, nurses, PhDs, etc.) at Standford University in California. The Heathly U program is a six week workshop designed for people with various chronic diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, etc. Course leaders are non-health professionals who are sixty-five or older and have chronic diesase and receive training on leading the six week course. Participants are taught how to cope with frustation, fatigue, and pain. They also learn how to exercise appropriately, use medications appropriately and communicate effectively. The classes are free, one day a week and are held at a neutral site such as a Senior Center. I have now led this course three times and my respect for the course only grows each time. if you are interested in learning more about this course, you may contact Justin Moor at the Area Office on Aging, 419-725-6969.  Your Informative & Protective Services committee want to help member address some of the annoying little prolems older adults face in our area. We’ve investigated fixing a leak and checking your oil in past Slates. We want your input on what our committee should investigate in future Slates. Please phone Fran DeLamater, chair of the committee, with your ideas: 419-841-5600.

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

 

Lakeside Home Tour

Lakeside Women’s Club is rolling out the community red carpet for the 53rd edition of this exciting event.  Doors of seven homes and cottages will swing open promptly at 9:30 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2009.  Lakeside is an historic gated Chautauqua Community established in 1873 on the shores of Lake Erie, a few miles east of Port Clinton off Rte. 163.  Enter the main entrance off Rte. 163.  Park your car and take a free tram ride to the center of Lakeside.  The fee for the annual home tour is $10.00 as well as a gate fee of $10.00 to enter the summer community containing many historic homes.  Simultaneously, you can visit an arts and craft show and the Katharine Crampton Art Show.  The website is:  www.lakesideohio.com

University of Toledo Retirees Association

UTRA is pleased to announce it has a block of 50 tickets for a special performance of Mamma Mia on Wednesday, June 17, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the Stranahan Theater at 4645 Heatherdowns, Toledo, Ohio.  Tickets for this event are available at a discounted price of $46.00 only through the UT Alumni Office.  To make your reservation, complete and return the registration form or call the office at 419-530-2586 or 1-800-235-6766 and provide your credit card information.

***********************************************************************************************************************************************Mamma Name ___________________________________________________________  Guests ______

Address _________________________________________________________  

Telephone # _______________________

 E-mail address _____________________________________________ 

Number Attending at $46.00 per person ________ 

 Total enclosed ________________    American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa Account Number below:  

_________________________________________________   Exp. Date__________________

Make checks payable to UTRA and return to :

UT Alumni Association,  2801 W. Bancroft St., MS 301,  Toledo, Ohio  43606-3395

***********************************************************************************************************************************************

Lunch at Libbey Hall and Bus Tour of The University of Toledo Campuses

Bus tour of University of Toledo Campuses includes lunch and bus tour on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 for only $19.00. Reservations are limited and are on a first-come, first serve basis.  Lunch includes Pasta primavera with roasted vegetables and a light wine sauce, salad, rolls with butter, dessert and assorted beverages.  For more information call Alumni Office at 419-530-2586 

 

Claudia Trombla, Chair

This year’s recipients of the Dr. Arthur White Memorial Scholarship are Melissa Eicholt and Lauren Bollinger.  Both students are seniors and are majoring in Middle Childhood Education in the Judith Herb College of Education. 

Melissa carries a 3.89 grade point average and has been on the Dean’s list every semester.  Her major concentration is Science and Language Arts.  She is currently vice president of UCMLA.  This organization reaches out to the community in many ways.  There is a “Saturday Camp” for Middle School students and “Adopt a Family” at Christmas time.  UTCMLA is sponsoring a Scholastic Book Fair and Melissa is busy working on the project demonstrating her leadership abilities.

Lauren’s concentration is Social Studies and Mathematics.  Her grade point average is 3.1.  For as long as she can remember she has wanted to be a mathematics teacher.  Lauren has been active in the community.  As a student, she was a soccer player and learned the value of being a team player.  In September, she was one of the thousands who participated in the Race for The Cure.  She is most proud of her mission trip to May Pen, Jamaica where she volunteered at a local orphanage.  Her job was to conduct arts and craft activities as well as organize other educational activities.
The Frank and Shirley Dick Scholarship was awarded to Rachael Perry, who received her Bachelor of Education degree in 2008 and is now enrolled in a fifth year Licensure Alternative Maters Program “LAMP”.  She will be certified to teach Middle Grade students.  Her studies are in language Arts and Social Studies.  Her academic point average is 3.6 and she is on the Dean’s List.  She stated that it has been a long and winding path to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a teacher.  Rachael began her college education in 1997 at the University of Toledo, but due to financial difficulties, she was forced to interupt her education.  In the community she works with youth at a juvenile facility, works at a summer camp devoted to the exploration of nature and volunteers as a tutor in a reading program.  Currently, she is treasurer of the UT Collegiate Middle Level Association.

 LCRTA Board Meeeting

1992     Earl Heath

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.

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.

The 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

One 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. 
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 campus. 
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.
Chrys 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.
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.
Marion 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