Meet the new President

Bob Dengler of Akron Takes

ORTA Helm for 2010

During the teaching part of my career, I was active in my local asso-ciation. (Akron Education As-sociation) as school repre-sentative on the AEA Board of Directors. Be-fore becoming

an administrator, I served as treasurer of the association. Also I worked with the NorthEast Ohio Teachers Association.

During my teaching and administra-tive career I was a life member of the Ohio Education Association and served on committees and as president of the OEA ADMINISTRATOR GROUP. As a life member of the National Education Association (NEA), I have attended from thirty to forty NEA National Rep-resentative Assemblies and about five to ten NEA-R assemblies.

After I retired in 1982 I became a life member of the Summit County Retired Teachers Association (SCRTA) and the Ohio Retired Teachers Association (ORTA). I served four years as treasurer (1997-2000), four years as VP (2001-2004), and four years as President (2004-2007) of SCRTA.

After SCRTA, I served as Eastern Area VP of ORTA in 2008 and attended some fine chapter meetings and met many fine, active retirees. In 2009 I served as president- elect, and now in 2010, I look forward to serving as ORTA President. - Bob Dengler

Nationwide, state and local pension benefit expenditures supported more than 2.5 million jobs to other Americans in 2006. Close to $360 billion in total economic output in the U.S. was attrib-utable to state and local pension benefits in that year. Benefits paid by state and local pension supported over $57 billion in tax revenue at the local, state, and federal levels.

In supplying a firm source of income to retirees, state and local pension plans sup-port the national economy. They also support local economies with jobs, incomes, and tax rev-enue. In these times of financial crisis and economic instability, public pension plans play a very important role in providing a stable, reliable source of income for retired public servants. These retirement checks are spent in the local economies, so the local, state and national economy all benefit.

Ms. Boivie’s research presents a strong case for Defined Benefit Pension Plans (DB plans).

She pointed out that DB pension income contributes significantly to the well-being of older Ameri-cans and also reduces economic risks to women and minorities.

She said poverty and material hardships characterized by reli-ance on public assistance would

be much greater if not for the presence of DB pen-sion income. The DB plans have built in economic efficiencies: (better management of longevity risk, enhanced returns because of balanced portfolio, and professional management). The result is sig-nificant cost savings for taxpayers and employ-ers. Decision makers should continue to carefully evaluate claims that “defined contribution (DC) plans will save money.” They do not!Further information on NIRS and their independent studies on retirement issues can be found on www.nirsonline.org.

Quarterly

Vol. 63 No. 1Winter 2010

http://www.orta.org

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin

ORTAThe Voice of Ohio’s Retired Teachers

Economic Benefits of Retiree Pensions are Huge. . .. . .for retiree / spousal independence, jobs, economy, tax revenues

“Pensions reduce - and in some cases elimi-nate - the risk of poverty and public-assistance dependence that some members of society would otherwise face.” Policy Analyst Ilana Boivie of the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) addressed the ORTA board at their meeting in November. Ms. Boivie con-ducts original research and analysis regarding U.S. retirement issues. As the lead author on “Pensionomics: The Economic Impact of State and Local Pension Plans,” she primarily cov-ered two subjects at the meeting: the economic impact of pensions and the wisdom of Defined Benefit Pension Plans (DB plans).

Ms. Boivie referred to the Pensionomics study that indicated state and local pension plans provide a critical source of reliable income for more than 7 million retired Ameri-cans. She said that these plans are also a cost effective way to provide retirement security, a lifetime income, and economic protections for the spouses for our nation’s retired public servants.

“The economic impact of state and local government pension plans reaches well be-yond those who earned benefits in these plans during their working years. Because these funds supply secure income to retirees, they provide local economies with stable sources of revenue. Retirees are able to spend their paychecks regularly and without hesitation in their local economies, no matter what the state of the rest of the economy may be, thus providing a boost to local business revenues and local workers’ incomes.”

The Defined Benefit plans have built in economic effi-

ciencies: (better management of longevity risk, enhanced

returns because of balanced portfolio, and professional management) -NIRS Study

Ilana Boivie

Ann W. Hanning, Executive DirectorTom Seamon, Editor - Director of PublicationsMary Lauer, Administrative Assistant - TreasurerJudy Durst, Administrative Assistant - MembershipDeloris Ullmann - Webmaster Ohio Retired Teachers Association, Inc. 8050 N. High Street, Ste. 190 Columbus, OH 43235 Telephone: 614-431-7002 or 877-431-7002 FAX 614-431-7003 - E-mail: ortastaff@orta.org Website: http://www.orta.org

OFFICERS 2010Robert Dengler, President

5644 Myers Rd.Akron, OH 44319

Karen Butt, President Elect259 S. Kasson Street

Johnstown, OH 43031

Bill Phillips, Vice-President, Western Area510 E. Main Street

Troy, OH 45373

David Gynn, Vice-President, Eastern Area4210 Lancaster Ln.

Kent, OH 44240

Edna Hansen, Immediate Past President307 East 11th Street

Port Clinton, OH 43452

DISTRICT DIRECTORSI. V. Joyce Doust 52 S. Meachem Rd. Port Clinton, OH 43452II. W. Jerome Holscher 5570 Ross Rd. Rockford, OH 45882III. Darlene Ruzicka 1946 N. Highgate Ct. Beavercreek, OH 45432IV. June Gilmore 6120 Michael Rod. Middletown OH 45042V. Sam Harvey 516 South Marion St. Cardington, OH 43315 VI. Mary Lou Partee 445 Northridge Rd. Circleville, OH 43113-1494VII. Jerry R. Webb 101 Nelson Av. South Point, OH 45680VIII. Martha Sagan 5207 Rush Creek Rd. Somerset, OH 43783IX. Ted Humphrey 14199 Robins Rd. Senecaville, OH 43780 X. Nancy Boomhower 111 Pin Oak Dr. Seville, OH 44273XI. Patrick Pinney 205 Mansell Dr. Youngstown, OH 44511

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ORTA Quarterly, Ste. 190 8050 N. High Street Columbus, OH 43235-6488

THE ORTA QUARTERLY(USPS 412-240)

Publication and Circulation Office8050 N. High Street, Suite 190Columbus, Ohio 43235-6488

The ORTA Quarterly (USPS 412-240) is published quarterly in January, April, July and October by the Ohio Retired Teachers Association, Inc., 8050 N. High Street, Suite 190, Columbus, OH 43235-6488 for $20.00 per year as a subscription of membership only. Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, Ohio and additional mailing offices.

TRUSTEESRoger Stagge, Butler Howard Stahl, Clark

Eileen Young, Franklin Margaret Schwegel, Greater Cleveland

Linda Beaver, GreenePat Ortman, HamiltonMarilyn Decker, Lake

Eileen McNally, Licking Mary L. McAtee, LorainSuellen Newnham, LucasWilliam Nitch, Mahoning

Nazarean Mayes, MontgomeryDaniel McCombs, Portage

Jane Anderson, StarkRebecca Ann Zurava, Summit

Ruby Hawkins, TrumbullPaul Fanti, Tuscarawas

Juanita Baker, WashingtonDon Bright, Wood

From the Executive Director - Ann Hanning

NIRS NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community has joined NIRS

(National Institute on Retirement Security) to provide retired teacher associations and their members with timely research about public pensions. NIRS is a research and education not-for-profit organization in Washington, DC. The membership enables active and retired educators to have access to an array of NIRS products and services at no cost that can help strengthen REA advocacy efforts.

NIRS was founded in 2007 by the National Council on Teacher Retirement, the Council of International Investors,

and the National Association of State Retirement Administrators. The organization was created to fill a gap in information on the value that defined benefit pensions have for insuring retirement security for workers, as well as the value of these defined benefit plans to employers and the local and state economies. NIRS has a diverse membership of organizations including employee benefit plans, state or local agencies that manage retirement plans, trade associations, financial services firms,and other retirement service providers. You may visit www.nirsonline.org. There is also information and a link on the ORTA website.

GPO/WEPHR 235 currently has 311 co-sponsors. The bill would repeal the social security penal-

ties applied to the social security benefits of STRS benefit recipients and educators in 14 other states; as well as other public employees in all 50 states.1. Most of these public employees are teachers, police and fire fighters.2. Ohio has several thousand retired teachers who qualify for social security benefits or are married to a social security earner. They are being denied their full earned social security benefits.3. Ohio is one of 15 states where public educators are penalized.4. If a teacher works for 20 years in the private sector and then enters teaching and teaches for 20 years, that teacher would lose more than ½ of the earned social security benefit.5. If a teachers’ spouse was a social security earner and benefit recipient, and preced- ed the teacher in death, the retired teacher would lose the spousal SS benefit.

The Texas Retired Teachers Association is leading the efforts to have a summit in Washington, DC in March to bring attention to the GPO/WEP inequity and repeal it. ORTA continues to support repeal of the GPO/WEP.

STRS Defined Benefit (DB) Plans

A defined contribution (DC) plan is available when one enters the teaching profession. These plans provide a set cash amount upon retirement. This set amount must provide for one’s healthcare and pension for a lifetime. People relying on a moderately funded DC plan may outlive their assets.

As STRS and the other public pension systems in Ohio address the (ORSC) Ohio Retirement Study Council’s directive to make revisions in their benefit plans to provide for long term stability, the viability of continuing defined benefits plans for public employees is being questioned by some legislators, the media and the public. Suggestions have been made to replace defined benefit plans with defined contribution plans, such as a 401(k).

ORTA fully supports the STRS defined benefit plan for retired teachers. Retirees in a defined benefit plan can rely on a steady income for life.

STRS defined pensions are funded by the teachers’ contribution, their deferred com-pensation (employer contribution) and the income generated by these invested funds. The reasons for supporting a defined benefit (DB) plan include:• They can deliver the same retirement income as DC plans, but at a substantially lower (46%) cost. This is according to a 2008 NIRS report.• Ohio public employees do not participate in Social Security. They do not receive this benefit, unless they also worked in the private sector. Often their social security is offset (decreased). They are also ineligible for the spousal social security benefit. (See GPO/WEP above). (continued at top of next page)

STRS defined pensions are fund-ed by the teachers’ contribution, their deferred compen-sation (employer contribution) and the income gen-erated by these invested funds.

ORTA Quarterly 3

President’s Message - Bob Dengler, 2010 ORTA President

If you are enrolled in the Aetna Medicare Plan (PPO), Medical Mutual Basic or Plus Plan, or a Paramount plan sponsored by STRS Ohio, you have been advised of the changes to your prescription drug coverage for 2010. Copayments for generic drugs will remain unchanged. Tier 1 generics

are still available for $10 at retail (30-day supply) and $25 through home delivery (90-day supply). A 90-day supply of Low-Cost Generic Drug Program medications

is also available for $9 through home delivery. In addition, a 28-day supply of over-the-counter proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications, such as Prilosec OTC, OTC Omeprazole and Prevacid 24HR, is still available for $5 with a prescription at retail. You will pay more for other PPI medications. By utilizing generic alternatives, you save money on your prescriptions and help retain money in the STRS Ohio Health Care Stabilization Fund. ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE - Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, there is a $150

annual deductible per enrollee for Tier 2 and Tier 3 drugs combined. This means you will pay the full cost of Tier 2 and Tier 3 drugs until the deductible is reached. After the deductible is reached, you will begin paying the applicable copayment/coinsurance for these drugs.TIER 2 COPAYMENTS - After the annual deductible met, the

copayment for Tier 2 drugs is $30 ($50 PPI) at retail and $75 ($125 PPI) through home delivery. For example, if you are taking a Tier 2 drug that costs $300 at retail, your cost for the first fill of the year would be $180 ($150 deductible plus the $30 retail copayment). At this point, your annual deductible for Tier 2 and Tier 3 drugs combined has been met, and you will pay the applicable copayment/coinsur-ance for Tier 2 and Tier 3 drugs at retail and home delivery for the remainder of the year.

TIER 3 COINSURANCE - After the annual deductible is met, you will pay a 50% coinsurance for Tier 3 drugs at retail and home delivery, with a maximum expense of $100 ($150 PPI) at retail and $200 ($300 PPI) through home delivery. For example, if you are taking a Tier 3 drug that costs $450 at retail, your cost for the first fill of the year would be $250. ($450 minus $150 deductible equals $300. Your 50% coinsurance applies to the $300, which equals $150. This coinsurance amount exceeds the maximum expense of $100, so you would pay the $150 deductible, plus the $100 maximum coinsur-ance, or $250.) At this point, your annual deductible for Tier 2 and Tier 3 drugs combined has been met, and you will pay the applicable copayment/coinsurance for Tier 2 and Tier 3 drugs at retail and home delivery for the remainder of the year. TIER 4 DRUG COSTS - Express Scripts has added a Tier 4

category of non-covered drugs for which you will pay 100% of the negotiated discount cost. Drugs in this category include nonsedating antihistamines, erectile dysfunction drugs, cosmetic-purpose drugs, drugs that promote hair growth or treat male pattern baldness, and drugs that depigment skin. HOW TO CONTACT EXPRESS SCRIPTS - On the Internet, log

on to www.express-scripts.com. If you are a registered member, enter your username and password. If you are not a registered member, you will need to activate your account to get started. If you do not have Internet access, call Express Scripts toll-free at 1-866-685-2792, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.Whether by Internet or phone, have ready:• Your ID number (on the front of your Express Scripts ID card);• Your prescribing doctor’s name and phone number; and• Your medications or medicine containers.

Dear fellowretirees,

As I begin my year as ORTA Presi-dent, the major thrust I would l i ke to see is increased membership. I n c r e a s e d membership

is necessary. Why is it necessary? The more constituents that you have, the more likely legislators will listen to our concerns. One way of getting more members is to sign up OEA-Re-tired members. OEA-R and ORTA are working toward the same goals. Pres-ently many OEA-R members are also ORTA members and I am sure many more would like to be part of an ORTA chapter.

Another way of getting new members would be payroll deduction from STRS. We have been working on this for a long time, and hope there will be a break-through soon.

We need to start working on getting members interested in attending our April meetings for each section of the state. (A registration form is on the next page).

We will probably need to charge a little more this year to cover expenses.

We will probably have to have a dues increase for 2011. ORTA has not had a dues increase since 2001. It might seem that a dues increase would decrease membership, but if put to the member or perspective member in a way that the dues are extremely low for the benefits that they receive, then we will increase membership.

I am looking forward working with you in 2010.

“There is always strengthin numbers.

The more individuals ororganizations that you can rally to

your cause, the better.” Mark Shields

political columnist and commentator

• Ohio’s public pension plans are a critical compo- nent of the local and state economies. NIRS has noted that every dollar received by public retirees, returns $1.33 to the state economy.• Retirees with the stability of a defined pension benefit and an annual COLA (cost of living adjust- ments) are able to support school and library levies and other local programs. These retirees are more likely to be able to volunteer and provide other services to their communities.

ORTA continues to communicate with legislators who have to approve any major changes in the pension sys-tems. We have on-going discussions with STRS board members and staff. We talk and listen to our members and work with other organizations.

As a member of the Healthcare and Pension Advocates (HPA) Coalition, ORTA makes every effort to bring your ideas and recommendations to the discussions.

We’ll keep you as informed as possible. You are encouraged to review the Fall, 2009 ORTA Quarterly articles on defined benefits and pensionomics. You are also encouraged to check ORTA’s and STRS’s websites

for up-dated information. The ORTA staff thanks you for

your support and wishes you a PEACEFUL,

PROSPEROUS and PRODUCTIVE 2010

Express Scripts Plan Changes for 2010

(continued from previous page)

4 Winter 2010

2010 Area Meetings Set for April Dates and locations have been set for the four 2010 Area Conferences. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the first general session at

9:30 a.m. Coffee and tea will be served at registration. Lunch will be served at noon. The complete schedule of sessions will be or the ORTA website in February, 2010. All sessions will end at 3:00 p.m. Registration form is below.

qDistricts 1,2,5 qDistricts 3,4,6 qDistricts 7,8 qDistricts 9,10,11 Wednesday, April 7 Thursday, April 8 Tuesday, April 13 Wednesday, April 14 Findlay Inn & Conference Center Roberts Centre Ohio University Inn McKinley Grand Hotel 200 East Main Cross St., Findlay 123 Gano Road, Wilmington 331 Richland Av., Athens 320 Market Av. South, Canton,

Registration FormThe registration fee is $20.00. Registration can be made through your chapter president. If you wish to register directly with the state office, complete and send the form below along with your check for $20.00 per person to:

ORTA, 8050 N. High St., Ste. 190, Columbus, OH 43235

Name:_____________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Chapter:___________________________________________________________

Conference Attending: qFindlay qWilmington qAthens qCanton

Registrationsdue byMarch 17

Medicare ....................................800-633-4227AARP Ohio .......................................866-5653

www.aarp.org/ohOhio Consumers Council...........877-742-5622Ohio Department of Aging .........800-266-4346

www.aging.ohio.govSTRS Ohio ................................888-227-7877

www.strsoh.orgExpress Scripts..........................866-685-2792

www.express-scripts.comAetna .........................................800-645-5677Medical Mutual ..........................800-854-8139Paramount Health......................800-462-4589STRS Dental Plan .....................866-349-1286STRS Long Term Care .............800-537-8521STRS Vision Service Plan .........800-877-7195

Important Telephone Numbers/web sites

for ORTA Members

Services

ORTA .........................................877-431-7002www.orta.org

Member benefit companiesAMBA.........................................800-258-7041

www.amba.info PNG Long Distance Service ......866-392-9661Olson Insurance ........................800-282-5146WebWiseSeniors .......................866-232-7032

...there have been 101,040 visitors to the site at www.orta.org since we developed it two years ago.

Website Review- Deloris Ullmann-ORTA WebmasterORTA continues to

move forward with efforts to meet the needs of its members who use the web as a medium for securing information. We are aware that as each new retiree joins the system, it is highly

possible that he/she expects to find informa-tion for retirees on the World Wide Web. Thus, we continue to focus upon improving our web presence.

Soon, a committee will be formed to estab-lish web guidelines for chapters that plan to link their chapter websites to the one at ORTA. This committee will establish goals, purpose, methods and simple standards. Webmasters and others with website interest and ideas will compose the committee. Several people have indicated an interest in being a part of this group. This commit-tee will be announced in the near future.

As the committee completes its work, we plan to use its outcome as a reference for one of the training sessions at the area meetings scheduled for the spring of 2010. Webmasters and others interested in using the web as a medium for disseminat-ing the news are encouraged to attend these sessions. We will be looking for suggestions

and ideas for improvement. A question and answer session will be included.

Currently, web guidelines from universi-ties and organizations similar to ours are being compiled as suggestions for the web committee. If you have suggestions for web guidelines, please submit them to: dullmann@hickory-hills.net or mail to: ORTA, 8050 N. High St., Ste. 190 Columbus, OH 43235

The committee will select the guidelines that are best suited to ORTA.

More chapter websites continue to be linked at www.orta.org. Several chapters have indicated that they are working on sites that are not yet published. There are likely some chapters that may never have a web presence, at least in the near future. However, many of the sites that are up and running continue to be an excellent source of information for chapter members.

At this writing there have been 101,040 visitors to the site at www.orta.org since we developed it two years ago. This number pro-

vides evidence that the web program at ORTA gains importance with time. Thus, our focus will continue to be upon web presence improvement while maintaining our written material at the same time. ORTA strives to meet the communication needs of all of its members.

ORTA Quarterly 5

The Ohio Retired Teachers Association ThanksRetiring Members of Board for their Dedicated Service

Below: Immediate Past President Ray Troxtell congratu-lating 2010 Bob Dengler after he competed the installa-tion of the 2010 ORTA officers. Next to President Den-

gler is the 2009 President Edna Hansen, President Elect Karen Butt, Eastern Area Vice President Dave Gynn, and Western Area Vice President Bill Phillips.

With the new board (2010) members present, the 2009 ORTA board members presented their committee reports and reviewed the past year.

President Edna Hansen installed the re-elected and newly elected District Directors and Trustees. Past President Ray Troxtell installed the new officers. Ray thanked his colleagues and reminded them to begin the recruiting process of new members, and to mentor suc-cessors to positions of leadership.

AMBA Representative Rick Billeaud reported that his company considers the partnership of ORTA and AMBA a continuing success. ORTA and AMBA have extended their contractual relationship.

Above: At dinner the evening before the Board meeting, Edna Hansen presented the traditional clock to Immediate Past President RayTroxtell, as a thank you for his many years on the board and executive committee. Seated at the right is Ray’s wife, Emily.

Below: New or re-elected Trustees - Back: Dan Mc-Combs, Portage Co., Howard Stahl, Clark Co., Jane Anderson, Stark Co., Paul Fanti, Tuscarawas Co., Wil-liam Nitch, Mahoning Co., Front: Eileen McNally, Licking Co., Ruby Hawkins, Trumbull Co., Eileen Young, Franklin Co., Suellen Newnham, Lucas Co.

Above: Outgoing Directors - Bill Jabs, District IX, Bill Phillips, District III Director, Jim Antell, District XI Director.Not pictured: Walter Bevins.

Above:Outgoing Trustees:Barbara Pettit, Licking Co., and Lydia Caskey,Trumbull Co.Not Pictured: Doug Wilcox.

Below:Outgoing OCHER

RepresentativeBob Gandee.

Right: New or re-elected

Directors Back: Ted

Humphrey, District IX

Director, Sam Harvey, District V Director (re-elected), Patrick Pinney, District XI Director. Front: Joyce Doust, District I Director (re-elected), Jerry Webb, District VII Director, Darlene Ruzicka, District III Director.

Leadershipis action,

not position.Donald H.

McGannon

6 Winter 2010

Volunteering After Retirement - Is It For You? By Anna Banks

Most people think of retirement as a time when they plan on doing all the fun things that they had to forgo because of the demands made on them by their job. However, there is an increasing number of retirees who view this as a time when they can contribute to society. Hence, they seek opportunities to do volunteer work.

Apart from giving retiring baby boomers the chance of using their vast knowledge and skills which they have accumulated over the years, many of them find volunteer work a source of incredible fulfillment, often giving new purpose and meaning to life. On leaving a career, most baby boomers need some kind of new activity to regain the meaningfulness of life. In fact, experts agree that one of the most important factors of aging well is to find this kind of purpose and meaning in life.

Some of the ways in which volunteering can add to the meaningfulness of life are: using abilities, wisdom, knowledge and skills in purposeful and new ways; enriching others lives; learning new skills; making a difference for the better to the community or even the world; feeling good about how time is being utilized.

Volunteer work can involve any sort of activity like writing letters, answering telephone calls, caring for people, running errands, shopping and deliv-ering things to shut-ins. One of the most fulfilling things that you can do is to spend time reading to terminally ill children at the hospital in your area. There are many people who provide a lot of pleasure to people with visual impairment by reading for recorded books. Another valuable way in which you can contribute is to help with crisis or homework hotlines.

If you are a retiree, and feel volunteer work is for you, you can find opportunities for volunteering all around you. All you

need to do is be open to new kinds of ways of helping other people and know where to look for such opportunities. For example, you could check with the hospitals in your locality, or a VA hospital near you, hospices, nursing homes, charitable organizations, the police, and the fire department. Community and government organizations also require volunteers to help them out in many ways.

Also check with your church, they usually recruit volunteers to do various things such as teaching less privileged children, cooking, delivering food or groceries to shut-ins, and so on. The Internet is also a great source of finding a wide variety of volunteering work.

Of course, every person will need to look for the organization and offer the kind of volun-teering work that suits their interests and skills the best. But you can be assured that whatever abilities or skills you have, there will be some organization either in your locality or some worldwide organization, which will require them. If this kind of activity is new to you, it may come as a pleasant surprise to find out the sense of accomplishment and purpose that you can derive from it. All you need to do is find a niche that you feel you can be the most useful in, and you will soon discover the many ways you have the ability to make that difference that brings so much amelioration and joy to others, which can be such a rewarding and joyous experience for you in return.Senior Daily Living - www.seniordailyliving.com - Reprinted withpermission

. . . experts agree that one of the most important factors of aging well is to find

this kind of purpose and meaning in life.

ORTA Community ServiceCommittee Serves as Your

Chapter Volunteer CoordinatorThe Community Services Committee is

your chapter’s volunteer arm. ORTA chapters in the state of Ohio have in place volunteer activities that continue all year long. ORTA members around the state contribute thou-sands of volunteer hours each year in their communities. We are extremely proud of the wonderful retired teacher volunteers and their outstanding efforts. Take advantage of your committee by asking the CSC Chairman where you can help. Perhaps you know of a need that is presently going unfulfilled. It may be an op-

portunity to expand your chap-ters volunteer efforts.

The ORTA Com-munity Services Committee stands ready to assist you and/your chapter in finding projects or ideas that might assist your search for community projects.

Remember to report your individual volun-teer hours to your committee chairman. The yearly report must be sent to the state office, postmarked by 1/15/10 to be included in this years annual report.

We Salute

We SaluteWe Salute We Salute

J o e E n d r y o f Westerville and the Franklin Co. RTA was inducted into the Ohio Capital Conference Hall of Fame in Sep-tember of 2009. Joe

was honored for his role in starting the OCC more than 40 years ago. He was a founding father of the league and served as the first president of its executive com-mittee. As the principal at Reynoldsburg in 1966, he called a meeting between his school, Gahanna, and Whitehall to initi-ate talks to form the league. Westerville and Worthington came on board a few weeks later. Today, the league includes 32 central Ohio teams with four divisions. Joe retired from Reynoldsburg in 1988 as the superintendent of the district. He then served 12 years as the Executive Director of ORTA and 4 years as the retired teacher member of STRS. The OCC Hall of Fame was formed in 1996 to honor administra-tors, coaches, and athletic directors.

Paul Papanek, retired from Dayton Public Schools, is a member of Miami Co. RTA. Since his retirement in 1992 he has been traveling to Standing Rock Reserva-tion in S. Dakota several times a year. He collects clothing, backpacks, and school supplies for the Lakota Indian children. He also teaches woodcarving there and in December, plays Santa Claus (see above) He is available to speak to groups about his involvement and accepts donations of basswood, knives, sewing machines, and fabric that can be used in the schools. Paul can be reached at 3304 Magnolia Dr., Troy, OH 45373 or by phone: 937-667-8401.

We Salute

ORTA Quarterly 7

RESTATED BYLAWS TO BE VOTED ON AT SPRING MEETINGS

The Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association are printed on the next 4 pages. (pp. 7 through 10) Over the past several years, the ORTA Bylaws Committee has been working on revisions to this document in order to ad-dress:• Legal concerns, and• Issues from the strategic plan of 2006. The Bylaws Committee completed their work and sent the revisions to the ORTA Board on September 9, 2009. The Board then voted to send it to the membership for your perusal and acceptance. Please take a few minutes to read the amended and restated bylaws.

AMENDED AND RESTATEDBYLAWS OF THE OHIO RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION, INC

(PROPOSED 2009)

ARTICLE I – NAMEAND PURPOSE

1. NAME: The name of this organiza-tion shall be the Ohio Retired Teachers Association, Inc. hereinafter known as the Association. The Association is also known as ORTA.

2. PURPOSE: The primary purpose of the Association shall be to encourage individuals to improve and develop their capabilities to meet the social and economic changes and issues subse-quent to their retirement, and to spon-sor and support legislation and pro-grams intended to contribute to their well-being - locally, state-wide and nationally.

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP1. Membership is open to any teacher or

administrator retired from the public schools, state and municipal colleges and universities of Ohio; any teacher or administrator retired in any other state but living in Ohio; any spouse who becomes a benefit recipient of State Teachers Retirement System (STRS); and any person in Ohio in-terested in education and the issues of retirees.

2. Members shall have the right to vote and to receive copies of all periodic official publications of the Associa-tion.

3. While ORTA offers only one level of membership, chapters may elect to have multiple levels of membership.

ARTICLE III – CHAPTER AFFILIATION

1. The Association shall utilize chapter affiliations to assist in accomplishing the purpose as set forth in Article I. The Association encourages chapters to develop their membership to meet the social and economic changes and issues subsequent to retirement by exchanging information, providing workshops, conferences and leader-ship training.

2. Chapter affiliates shall follow the pur-pose of the Association as set forth in Article I and shall assist the Associa-tion in recruiting, forming, developing and sustaining membership.

ARTICLE IV – ORGANIZATIONThe state shall be divided into districts

as determined by the Board, with a director for each district. Districts are to facilitate and unify the work of the Association, to promote the success-ful operation of local chapters, and to secure prompt and unified action to-ward accepted goals.

ARTICLE V – OFFICIAL BOARD1. The corporate powers, affairs and

properties of the Association shall be exercised, conducted and controlled by the official Board, hereafter known as the Board.

Each person serving on the Board shall be a member of the Association in good standing and shall be an STRS

benefit recipient. Board members shall be Ohio resi-

dents. Transportation expenses shall be paid from the member’s perma-nent place of residence in Ohio to any Board or Committee meeting.

The necessary expenses of Board members (and non-members invited by the Board or the Executive Com-mittee) in conducting the business of the Association shall be paid from the Association’s treasury.

The Board may adopt bylaws to govern its own proceedings and its transaction of business and any other matters properly within the authority and discretion of the Board, so long as consistent with the State of Ohio, Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws.

2. The Board shall consist of the Presi-dent, the Immediate Past President, the President Elect, the Eastern Area Vice President, the Western Area Vice President, the District Direc-tors, and the Chapter Trustees. The Executive Director is a non-voting member of the Board.

The Board shall elect a successor to fill the unexpired term of any member of the Executive Commit-tee, except the President who shall be succeeded by the President Elect. An Executive Committee member completing an unexpired term shall be eligible for election to serve an additional one-year term in that of-fice.

A vacancy created by any other member of the Board shall be filled in the same way used in selecting the original holder of the vacated position.

3. The District Directors shall be elect-ed by the Chapter Presidents within their Districts under procedures in-corporated in the Standing Rules established by the Board and ad-ministered by the appropriate Vice President.

The District Directors of Districts I, III, V, VII, IX, and XI shall be elected by the fall of the odd num-bered years. The District Directors of II, IV, VI, VIII and X shall be elected by the fall of the even num-bered years. District Directors shall

ORTAByLaws

I

II

III

IV

V

Send questions, comments and/or concerns to the state office via email or USPS by March 15. Voting by the membership will be done at the four Area Meetings in April.

8 Winter 2010

be elected for a two-year term or the remainder of an unexpired term and may succeed themselves once.

4. The 10 chapters maintaining the high-est paid-up dual membership shall be entitled to elect one Chapter Trustee per chapter to represent them on the Board. Upon submission of the paid-up dual membership of each chapter the Executive Director shall deter-mine the top 10 chapters. Trustees may be elected for a two-year term or the remainder of an unexpired term and may succeed themselves once.

5. The duties of the Board members shall be:

a. To attend as many Board, commit-tee, and ORTA sponsored meetings as possible. Board meetings will be held semi-annually in the spring and fall. The President is empowered to call emergency meetings of the Board, af-ter approval by a majority vote of the Executive Committee either at an of-ficial meeting or by written ballot.

b. To receive and review the secretari-al, financial, and other reports.

c. To promote the planning, develop-ing and implementing of programs in cooperation with the local chapters.

d. To work cooperatively with the directors in their respective districts by volunteering assistance and by re-sponding to requests for help.

6. Unless another place is designated by the Board, the place of all meetings shall be the principal office of the As-sociation. However, if necessary, any meeting may be held by telephone or other communications.

7. Written notice of the time and place of each meeting of the Board shall be given to each Board member, ei-ther by personal delivery, or by mail, e-mail, telegram or telecopy, at least two days before each meeting. Any Board member may waive notice of the time and place of any meeting of the Board, either before or after the holding of the meeting. Any waiver of notice must be in writing and filed with or entered upon the records of the Association. Business transacted at all special meetings shall be con-fined to subjects stated in the call and related matters.

8. Except as otherwise provided in these

Bylaws, a majority of the number of Board members shall be present in person at any meeting of the Board in order to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at such meeting. However, if the meeting is held by telephone or through other communications allowing all persons participating in the meeting to con-temporaneously communicate with each other (Ohio Rev. Code, Section 1702.01), then such participation shall constitute attendance at such meeting. In the absence of a quorum of any meeting of the Board, a major-ity of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quo-rum shall be present and notice of the adjourned meeting need not be given. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the act of a majority of the Board members present at any meet-ing of the Board shall be the act of the Board.

9. Any action which may be authorized or taken at a meeting of the Board may be taken without a meeting if autho-rized by a statement signed by each of the Board members or if submitted by a Board member by electronic means to a designated officer of the Board. Any such statement shall be filed with or entered upon the record of the As-sociation.

10.Any Board member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President or Executive Director. A resignation shall take place at the time specified therein or shall become effective upon delivery. The accep-tance of any resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless so specified in the resignation.

11.Any Board member may be removed, with or without cause, at any time by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the elected Board members.

12.Every Board member shall avoid any conflict between his or her own re-spective, individual interests and the interests of the Association, and any and all actions taken by such Board member on behalf of the Association in his or her respective capacities. Every Board member shall conduct himself or herself in accordance with the requirements of law, of these By-

laws, and such other policies, includ-ing policies on conflict of interest, as may from time to time be adopted by the Board.

ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS1. The elected officers of the Associa-

tion shall constitute the Executive Committee. The Executive Commit-tee shall be composed of the Presi-dent, the Immediate Past President, the President Elect, the Eastern Area Vice President and the Western Area Vice President.

The Executive Director shall be a non-voting member of the Executive Committee.

Candidates for election to the Execu-tive Committee shall be recommend-ed by the Nominative Committee or nominated from the floor, and shall be elected by the ORTA Board in Novem-ber for one-year terms. The Executive Committee shall take office January 1 following election. Its members shall be ineligible to succeed themselves in the same office, except that the East-ern and Western Area Vice Presidents are permitted to succeed themselves one year.

The Executive Committee shall be re-sponsible for necessary interim action between Board meetings. The Execu-tive Committee shall employ the Ex-ecutive Director and fix the compen-sation for that position.

The officers shall be STRS benefit recipients, Ohio residents, and mem-bers of the Association in good stand-ing.

2. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and of the Board, carry out the instructions of the Association and of the Board and perform all the duties, which usu-ally pertain to this office. The Presi-dent shall appoint all committees. The President and the President Elect shall be ex-officio members of all commit-tees except the Nominating Commit-tee.

3. If the President is incapacitated, the President Elect shall temporarily as-sume the duties and responsibilities of the President.

4. The two Vice Presidents shall have identical duties in their respective ar-eas of the state, as follows:

ORTA Quarterly 9

a. The Western Area Vice President shall serve as chairman for the Dis-trict Directors of Districts I through VI.

b. The Eastern Area Vice President shall serve as chairman for the District Directors of Districts VII through XI.

c. The Vice Presidents shall cooperate fully with the District Directors and Trustees in their area of the state in all phases of the work for the local chapters and for the Association. The Vice-Presidents shall be members of the Legislative Committee.

5. The Executive Director shall be re-sponsible for the administration of the day to day operations of the Associa-tion. The Executive Director may em-ploy other staff members as required. The general duties of the Executive Director and other staff members shall be defined in the policies of the Association.

6. It is expected that Executive Com-mittee members will attend as many meetings of the Executive Committee as possible.

a. Unless another place is designat-ed by the President, the place of all meetings of the Executive Committee shall be the principal office of the As-sociation. However, any meeting may be held by telephone or through other communications.

b. Written notice of the time and place of each meeting of the Executive Committee shall be given to each Ex-ecutive Committee member, either by personal delivery, or by mail, e-mail, telegram or telecopy, at least two days before each meeting. Any Execu-tive Committee member may waive notice of the time and place of any meeting of the Executive Commit-tee, either before or after the holding of the meeting. Any waiver of notice must be in writing and filed with or entered upon the records of the As-sociation. Business transacted at all special meetings shall be confined to subjects stated in the call and related matters.

c. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, four of the Executive Committee members shall be pres-ent in person or via technology at any meeting of the Executive Committee

in order to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at such meet-ing. However, if the meeting is held by telephone or through other com-munications allowing all persons participating in the meeting to con-temporaneously communicate with each other (Ohio Rev. Code, Section 1702.01), then such participation shall constitute attendance at such meeting. In the absence of a quorum of any meeting of the Executive Commit-tee, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be present and notice of the adjourned meeting need not be given. Except as otherwise pro-vided in these Bylaws, the act of three of the Executive Committee members present at any meeting of the Execu-tive Committee shall be the act of the Execu-tive Committee.

d. Any action which may be au-thorized or taken at a meeting of the Executive Committee may be taken without a meeting if authorized by a statement signed by each of the Ex-ecutive Committee members, or if submitted by an Executive Commit-tee member by electronic means to a designated officer of the Executive Committee. Any such statement shall be filed with or entered upon the re-cord of the Association.

7. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President or Executive Director. A resignation shall take place at the time specified and, unless otherwise specified, shall become effective upon delivery. The acceptance of any resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless so specified in the resignation.

8. Any Executive Committee member may be removed, with or without cause, at any time by the affirmative vote of three of the Executive Com-mittee members then in office.

9. Every Executive Committee member shall avoid any conflict between his or her own respective, individual in-terests and the interests of the Asso-ciation, and any and all actions taken by such Executive Committee mem-ber on behalf of the Association in his or her respective capacities. Every Executive Committee member shall

conduct himself or herself in accor-dance with the requirements of law, of these Bylaws, and such other poli-cies, including policies on conflict of interest, as may from time to time be adopted by the Executive Commit-tee.

ARTICLE VII - COMMITTEES1. Nominating Committee: The Presi-

dent, at least 90 days before the No-vember meeting, shall appoint a com-mittee of three members to serve as the Nominating Committee and shall notify the Board of the names of the committee members. The Nominat-ing Committee shall develop a re-sume format and make it available to anyone interested in a position on the Executive Committee. The Nomi-nating Committee shall consider all individuals who submit a resume. The Nominating Committee shall nominate one or more persons for each elective office of the Executive Committee except that of the Presi-dent, which office will be automati-cally filled by the current President Elect. As of 2002, the Eastern Area Vice President will automatically be nominated the President elect in even years. The Western Area Vice Presi-dent will automatically be nominated the President Elect in uneven years. The nominating committee shall re-port these nominations at the Novem-ber Board meeting. Nominations may be made from the floor.

2. Finance and Auditing Committee: The President shall appoint this com-mittee. Before the November meet-ing of the Board, this Committee shall review the annual budget for the ensuing year as submitted by the Ex-ecutive Director and shall make rec-ommendations to the Board relative to its adoption. This committee shall meet with an outside auditor before the May meeting and receive the re-port on the previous year’s financial statements and make recommenda-tions with respect to other policies on financial matters.

3. Bylaws and Standing Rules Com-mittee: The President shall appoint this committee. This committee shall recommend any proposed changes

10 Winter 2010

in the Bylaws and Standing Rules to the Executive Committee for its ap-proval and submission to the Board. This Committee shall also be respon-sible for preparing the reasons for the proposed changes which shall be published in an official ORTA publi-cation before voting by the member-ship in the case of the Bylaws or by the Board in the case of the Standing Rules.

4. Other Standing State Committees: The President shall appoint state standing committees to provide pe-riodic training and on-going support for local chapter committees in the following areas:

a. Community Services b. Informative & Protective Services c. Legislative5. Authority and Manner of Acting

– Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws or unless otherwise ordered by the Board, any such commit-tee shall act by majority of all of its members at a meeting at such place or through electronic communication as permitted under the laws of the State of Ohio, or by a statement or state-ments signed by all of its members. A committee is authorized to take any action or transact any business spe-cifically delegated by the Board. If a committee is delegated complete au-thority to take a specific action or to transact a specific business matter by the Board, any such action or busi-ness transaction of the committee pursuant to the delegation of author-ity, shall be as effective for all pur-poses as an act or business transacted by the Board. All committees of the Board shall prepare and file minutes of all meetings with the Executive Director to be filed with or entered upon the records of the Association.

ARTICLE VIII – CHAPTERS1. Chapter officers shall be elected in

the fall of the year for terms begin-ning the following January 1st.

2. Chapter officers and chairs of the chapter standing committees must be ORTA members in good standing.

3. Chapters must have by-laws and oth-er pertinent documents on file with the state office.

4. Chapters must submit annual reports as requested.

ARTICLE IX – DUESThe Dues of the Association shall be as

follows: a. Annual and lifetime member-

ship dues shall be determined by the Board.

b. The fiscal year of the Association shall be January 1 through December 31.

ARTICLE X – MEETINGS1. The ORTA shall hold a biennial state

meeting in even numbered years at a place determined by the Executive Committee. All arrangements for this meeting shall be the responsibility of the Executive Committee. Expansion of the meeting to more than one day shall occur only by Board action.

2. Biennial one-day meetings are to be held in odd numbered years in the ar-eas defined by the Board. The Board shall set the dates.

3. Biennial one-day meetings are to be held in even numbered years in each of the districts as defined by the Board. The Board shall set the dates.

4. The Executive Committee may change or cancel the above meetings.

ARTICLE XI – STATUSThe Association is intended to be and

remains a 501(c)(4) non-profit corpo-ration organized and existing for the mutual benefit of retired educators.

The Association and its Board shall re-frain from any action or activity which might harm its status as an organiza-tion whose receipts are exempt from income taxes.

The Association shall be dedicated to education, social, charitable and ben-eficial purposes.

No membership lists or directories shall be available to anyone except for As-sociation purposes.

ARTICLE XII – AMENDMENTSThe Bylaws of the Association may

be amended by an affirmative vote of two thirds of the voting members present at (a) a biennial state meeting; (b) at the area or district meetings; or (c) by a vote by mail of the member-

ship upon direction of the Board. The Board shall have approved the pro-posed amendment and notice of such amendment shall have been published in an official ORTA publication.

ARTICLE XIII – RULES OF ORDER

Except as otherwise provided in the By-laws or the Standing Rules, Robert’s Rules of Order, latest revision, shall govern the Association in its proce-dures.

ARTICLE XIV – SEALThe Association shall have an official

corporate seal, in form and content as shown here:

ARTICLE XV – DISSOLUTIONThis Association may be dissolved only

after:1. An affirmative vote of at least two-

thirds of the total membership of the Board, and

2. Thereafter, an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the Association casting a ballot, pro-vided notification of each election is announced at least 60 days before the voting takes place.

In the event of dissolution, whether vol-untary or involuntary or by operation of law, its property and assets shall be given to an Ohio education or chari-table organization(s) selected by the Board. Such organization shall be an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.

ARTICLE XVI – PROHIBITION AGAINST SHARING IN ASSETS

No member or employee of the Associa-tion shall receive at any time any of the net earnings or pecuniary profit from the operation of the Association, except that payment shall be made for reasonable compensation or expenses for services rendered to or for the As-sociation in carrying out its purposes as fixed by the Board.

The 2009 Perry Co. RTA Scholarship was awarded to Ashley Folk, a student in the College of Education and Human Ecology at Ohio State University, Newark. Ashley is a graduate of New Lexington H.S. and is preparing to be a middle school teacher. Pictured with Ashley is Dona White, PCRTA President and Mary Todd, Scholarship Chair.

Joanne Hoover, PCRTA secretary, received Ohio’s Hill Country Heri-tage Area Lifetime Achievement Award for her 20-year com-mitment to preserv-ing Perry County history. The award recognizes those

who have donated significant time and effort contributing to the historic preser-vation and economic development of the Appalachian Ohio region and outstanding leadership.Paul Mechling, a

past PCRTA presi-dent, was inducted into the State Fair Hall of Fame on July 30, 2009. Paul worked at the Fair six years and chaired the livestock com-mittee that dealt with tampering issues in-volving the junior fair livestock show. Paul also served as an Ohio Expositions Commissioner for several years, taking the role of chairman of the agriculture committee. Paul is an ardent advocate for youth development and educational programs. He received his plaque at a special luncheon at the Rhodes Center Auditorium in July, accompanied by his family. Paul joins the ranks of other notable recipients including Bob Evans, Dave Thomas and Governors Rhodes and Voinovich.

ORTA Quarterly 11

We Salute

We SaluteWe Salute We Salute

We Salute

Joanne Hoover

Paul Mechling DELL COMPUTER DISCOUNTGreat discounts are available from Dell

through the Employee PurchaseProgram for Dell products.

Call Dell at 866.257.4711 or visitwww.dell.com/epp and enter your

ID number of PS95750248to receive your discount.

Please note that the web site has changed from www.dell.com/edubuyto the one above. However, this old email address should be OK through

February - according to Dell.

Discounted Local and LongDistance Phone and Dial-upInternet Rate for Members

and Families Two new plans that could fit your phone

needs are available through Power Net Global, one of ORTA’s benefit providers.

The Digital Phone @ Home 100 Plan provides 100 long distance minutes AND unlimited local minutes in domestic USA for only $19.99 per month. (additional minutes are 3.9 cents)

The Digital Phone @ Home Unlimited Plan provides unlimited local and unlimited long distance minutes in domestic USA and Canada for $24. 99 per month.

Digital service is available to any residence that has DSL or Broadband service. With this service you can use your phone while you are on the computer.

Both plans include call forwarding, caller I.D., 3-way calling, speed dial, voice mail, and 14 other features.

There are several up-front fees to these digital plans. If you wish to keep your exist-ing number, there is a one time transfer fee of $10.00. Also, there is a one time activiation fee of $29.95 and a shipping and handling fee of $9.95 for the adapter box.

If you are already a customer of the PNG regular (not digital) land line long distance plan, you are eligible for a rate reduction. Call Brad Walton at the number below to receive the new rates of 3.9 cents state to state and 5.9 cents to most of Ohio.

The regular land line- local and long dis-tance unlimited plan is available for $39.99 per month from PNG. Customers do not need DSL or Broadband for the regular land line services.

PNG also has an unlimited enhanced dial up internet plan for $9.95 per month.

Call PNG Agent Brad Walton if you have any questions or want more information. Mon. thru Sat.740-392-9661 or 1-866-392-9661.

NEWLong Term Care

Annuity for ORTA Members

If you are like many members who have either passed on long term care insurance (LTCI) due to its high cost, purchased a limited benefit LTCI policy, or are “self in-suring” because you feel you have adequate assets to pay your own way in the event that you need long term care services, the fol-lowing announcement may be of particular interest to you.

A new type of annuity is now available to ORTA members, up to age 79.

This policy guarantees you a minimum i n t e r e s t rate of 3%

and triples your account value in the event that you need long term care services.

For example, if a member repositions $100,000 of their assets into a long term care annuity and needs care after 24 months, the annuity will provide over $300,000 in benefits for your care. These benefits are tax free and are payable for home health care, assisted living facility care, and nursing home care.

The Pension Protection Act changes, ef-fective January 1, 2010, make distributions from a long term care annuity tax free, as well as the cost of the long term care rider. The cost of a long term care rider attached to a fixed annuity is approximately one-third of the cost of traditional long term care in-surance. Because the payment comes from within the annuity, there is no impact on your monthly or annual budget.

This is like having your cake and eating it too! Hopefully, you will never need long term care services. However, if you do, a long term care annuity triples your one time deposit. If you are fortunate enough to never need long term care then the full account value will bypass probate and go directly to your beneficiary.

By simply repositioning a portion of your assets into a long term care annuity, you will enjoy a guaranteed 3% minimum rate of interest which will grow tax deferred and there is no market risk. Your deposit is secured by an A+ (Superior) carrier, rated by A. M. Best. You will have the peace of mind knowing that if you need care, your account value will be tripled.

To learn more about this new ORTA en-dorsed policy, please call Association Mem-ber Benefits Advisors at 1-800-258-7041.

12 Winter 2010

Hitting the Road for Dorothy’s

QuiltThe Morrow County Retired

Teachers Association orga-nized a trip to Vinton County to see the quilts which have been placed on barns in the county. One of the quilts honored one of our members, Doro-thy Scott--a long time Vin-ton County one-room school teacher. Lunch was at Etta’s Lunchbox Cafe which featured over 850 lunchboxes spanning 100 years. A birthday cake rec-ognizing Dorothy’s upcoming 89th birthday was the dessert. Dorothy has written a book “I Fell in Love Every September” which is available from the Vinton County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, PO Box 307, McArthur, OH 45651.

The quilt square honoring Dorothy hangs on the Swan School where she taught. Pictured are: (L-R) Linda Ruehrmund, Mary Jo Peterman, Kay Goodwillie, Phylis Miller, Angie Hamilton, Dorothy Scott, Jan Riddlebaugh, Delores Poast, and Lois Wood.

We Salute

We SaluteWe Salute We Salute

We Salute

Evelyn and Lloyd Barker of Alliance have donated the cost of decorating the Williamsburg Room at the Allliance Area Senior Center. Evelyn retired from teach-ing in 1987 and is a life member of AARTA and ORTA. The inscription on the plaque in the redecorated room includes these words: ‘In this world, it is not what we take, but what we give that makes us rich.’

Former students of Riverside, Bolton, and North Lincoln schools call themselves the North End - Next Generation. They meet monthly and also hold a yearly reunion. At the reunion in 2009, they recognized and honored their first and second grade teachers at Riverside, Marie Megary Moser and Maralee Gruey. The two honorees are members of the Alliance Area RTA. Sixty former students attended the affair.

“It’s a wonderful con-tibution to the Soci-ety,” said co-chair B.J. Abrams of the Salem BiCentennial as he ac-cepted the four volumes containing over 350 News stories covering the Salem BiCentenial. The work was donated

by Alliance Area RTA Public Relations chairman Faye Heim. Faye served on the 2003 Ohio BiCentennial for AARTA and saved all articles concerning that event. When Salem celebrated its 2006 bicentennial, Faye obtained every article concerning the bicentennial from June 2006 to May 2008. She wound up with over 200 pages of stories about the event. Abrams called Faye’s work as ‘awesome’ and a ‘treasure.’

Faye Heim

answers can be found at www.orta.org

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?T R I V I A Q U E S T I O N S? ? ? ? ? ?The only blind marching band in the na-tion is the 17 member band at the School for the Blind in Columbus. Where was the band on January 1, 2010?

What Ohio City became the first U.S. city with a paid professional fire depart-ment?

Dear Editor,Several years ago there was an article in the Quarterly (Winter 2006) touting reverse

mortgages as a means of having additional income. I wrote you then and criticized the article and said I felt that instead of telling readers how they can diminish their wealth, you should tell them how they can retain and increase their wealth.

In the October 25, 2009 Parade Magazine, there are loud warning signals about reverse mortages. High fees, fraud, bait and switch, and scams have been associated with these mortages, many times resulting in people losing their homes anyway.

Taking a home equity line of credit or downsizing are two viable alternatives for those needing to lessen their financial burden, according to AARP.

Sincerely, Theodore Sipes, Bowling Green, OH

Dear Mr. Sipes, The Parade ‘Intelligence Report” correctly reports that consumer

advocates have long cautioned that reverse mortgages should be used as a last resort because of their high fees. At the time of the article in 2006, however, AARP did tout the mortgage as a means of using ones home equity. They even published a FREE 52 page booklet “Home Made Money” that fully explained costs and tips concerning reverse mortgages.

Government backed reverse mortgages are not inherently bad, and certainly are not fraudu-lent. Their disadvantages are high fees and high rates of interest. As you correctly point out, they are only one of several ways to lessen financial burdens.

Thank you for your interest, The Q Editor

NOTE: Mr. Sipes’ letter has reminded us that today, unscrupulous lenders are at it again, this time with reverse mortgages, not unlike the fraud that occured during the subprime lend-ing boom.

Retirees must be extremely careful with the multiplicity of scams during these tough times. If you have a doubt about being offered something that sounds too good to be true, contact your local Better Business Bureau. A company offering something that may be questionable to you can be easily checked through the bureau. On the next page is a list of Better Business Bureau contacts throughout the state of Ohio. Do not hesitate to contact them if you are unsure about a company. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, call the Attorney General’s office at 800-282-0515. Be extremely careful with your money. Seniors have always been a prime target of scam artists.

As with any business arrangement having to do with finances, you should begin by educat-ing yourself, dealing with people you know to be proven trustworthy financial counselors, and by getting consumer safeguard counseling from your bank.

ORTA Quarterly 13

GLANCING BACK

Germany became the first nation in the world to adopt an ‘old-age’ social insurance program in 1889, designed by Germany’s Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck. The idea was first put forward, at Bismarck’s behest, in 1881 by Germany’s Emperor, William the First, in a ground-breaking letter to the German Parliament. William wrote: “. . .those who are disabled from work by age and invalidity have a well-grounded claim to care from the state.”

Two reasons Bismarck introduced social insurance: 1) to promote the well-being of workers in order to keep the German economy operating at maximum efficiency, and 2) to stave-off calls for more radical socialist al-ternatives. Despite his right-wing credentials, Bismarck would be called a socialist for in-troducing these programs, as would President Roosevelt 70 years later. In his speech to the Reichstag during the 1881 debates, Bismarck would reply: “Call it socialism or whatever you like. It is the same to me.”

The German system provided contributory retirement benefits and disability benefits as well. Participation was mandatory and contri-butions were taken from the employee, the em-ployer and the government. Coupled with the workers’ compensation program established in 1884 and the “sickness” insurance enacted the year before, this gave the Germans a com-prehensive system of income security based on social insurance principles. (They added unemployment insurance in 1927.)

One persistent myth about the German pro-gram is that it adopted age 65 as the standard retirement age because that was Bismarck’s age. This myth is important because Germany was one of the models America looked to in designing its own Social Security plan; and the myth is that America adopted age 65 as the age for retirement benefits because this was the age adopted by Germany when they created their program. In fact, Germany initially set age 70 as the retirement age (and Bismarck himself was 74 at the time) and it was not until 27 years later (in 1916) that the age was lowered to 65. Bismarck died 18 years earlier, in 1898. http://www.ssa.gov/history/ottob.html

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Otto von Bismarck

“Social Insurance” Started120 years ago in Germany

Rep. Todd Book, ORSC Chairman, Drops

Congressional Run State Rep. Todd Book (D-McDermott) has

announced his intention to withdraw from the upcoming 2010 Democratic primary for Ohio’s Second Congres-sional District. Rep. Book is the Chairman of the Ohio Retirement Study Council (ORSC).Book, who cited growing

commitments in his current capacity as state representative as his deciding factor, leaves David Krikorian as the Democratic candidate in the upcoming May primary. The winner would hope to challenge incum-

bent Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) in next fall’s election. “The people of the 89th District elected me to be

a leader in the statehouse and that is something I take very seriously. It is with that in mind that I have decided I cannot commit the necessary time to run for U.S. Congress. ” Book said.Book is now free to lead House Democratic

caucus efforts on two pieces of legislation fac-ing the House. Both involve the Constitutional amendment issues which passed in the November election. One concerns the agriculture standards and the other is the casino issue. Rep. Book is scheduled to be the lead legisla-

tor on pension redesign legislation that will be introduced early in 2010.Richard Murray, one of the three Governor’s ap-

pointees to ORSC, has resigned from the council to become the Executive Director of the Ohio School Facilities Commission. Mr. Murray is the Mayor of Marblecliff. Sources: The Ironton Tribune Nov. 27, 2009STRS Legislative News Dec. 2009 ORSC website: www.orsc.org

Rep. Todd Book

Gingersnaps Perform at Board Dinner

This high steeping and energetic group of women danced and sang for the ORTA Board members in November. They tap danced to Buckeye Cheerleading numbers, Patriotic songs, and broadway hits. The ladies range in age from 56 to 84 years old.

14 ORTA Quarterly

Above: Gretchen Reed, President of Trumbull Retired Teachers, shows her surprise and delight as David Gynn, Ohio Retired Teachers Association Eastern Area Vice President, presented two awards to the chapter. Mr. Gynn brought the national award from NRTA and a state award for outstanding work in volunteerism by TRTA members.

Above: Gretchen Reed, Ann Hanning, ORTA Executive Director, David Gynn, and Betty Jean Bahmer, TRTA Community Participation chairman were at the October meeting for local retired teachers. Mrs. Hanning updated the membership about changes in health care and the pension system that are on the horizon and other national and state issues.Pictures & legends courtesy of Roselyn Gadd, TCRTA

Above: Jim Cuchna representing his wife Anna Mae, Nancy Izzi-Dom, Sally Thomas of the Sutliff Museum and Diana Bauman. These former Niles teachers were presented the “Little Red Wagon,” for an outstanding work with young people. The National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) awards the Little Red Wagon as part of the With Our Youth! program based on projects sub-mitted to them from RTA’s across the country. Trumbull Co. RTA was recognized for the Underground Railroad Suitcase Program.

With the Sutliff Museum curator as the catalyst, three members of the Trumbull Chapter Ohio Retired Teachers Association helped develop an Underground Railroad Suit-case Program for fourth grade students. The Sutliff family, for whom the museum is named, were pioneers in Trumbull County, and were abolitionists active in the Underground Railroad. The curator and volunteers were eager to develop and present this program so that the youth in the community could learn about their local history and the major role which the county played in the anti-slavery movement.

The retirees have been presenting the Underground Railroad Suitcase Program for ap-proximately three years. The lessons take place in the classroom, at the Museum and at historic sites within Trumbull County. Retired educators also provide book bags (filled with information and worksheets) to the teachers to help them know more about the his-tory of slavery and the Underground Railroad in their community with the hope that they will weave relevant content into their social studies curriculum.

Betty Jean Bahmer, the local community service chair, stated, “The children are es-pecially attentive as symbols of slavery are shown (bull whip, chains, hobble, lanterns, etc.) and stories are told about slaves and what happened when they tried to escape. At the conclusion of the program, the children are eager to ask questions…” The program has reached about 300 students from grade school through high school, and Bahmer added, “we hope to continue this program indefinitely.”

In addition to the Suitcase Program, members commit a significant amount of time to other projects benefiting the youth in their community. The retired educators chair and coordinate the county-wide spelling bee at the Trumbull County Fair each year. They are also involved with judging the 4-H booths at the fair and providing evaluations to the youth about their project to help their future entries. Some retirees assist teachers in the reading program while others work one-on-one with students to improve reading skills. In addition to all their volunteer work in their community, each year the Association provides ten $500 scholarships to graduating seniors. That’s how to win a little red wagon!

Winning a Little Red Wagon

The Little Red WagonA parent tows his child . . . A toddler drags her teddy bear and dolls . . . An older

brother pulls his younger siblings . . . Pre-adolescent friends tumble wildly down a grassy hill . . . A teenager hauls his newspapers along his delivery route . . . in a little red wagon.

The little red wagon is synonymous with youth. The wagon shares a child’s adventures and responsibilities. The wagon supports the child and, in turn, provides the child with opportunities to support others. A child learns he/she is loved and has the capacity to love. The little red wagon. A symbol of childhood. It could be filled with a child’s hopes and dreams or weighed down with their burdens. Millions of American children need our help to pull that wagon along. Let’s all pull together.

Founding ChairmanGeneral Colin L. Powell

It is this comfort, this stability, that America’s Promise seeks to provide every child. In the early years, a child needs to understand that he/she is loved. As they grow, so grows their spirit. Each child must understand that their potential knows no bounds. As they mature, each must learn that service to others is important and as fulfilling as their own needs. They will become a responsible and integral part of their community. They will give and guide, just as each of them has received and followed.

We offer the little red wagon to every at-risk youth. In the beginning, we will pull you along, support you, nurture you. Soon, you will support yourself, proudly, inde-pendently. And then, you will support others.

The little red wagon is a promise, and a challenge. We, your elders, we care. We will give you the tools you need. But you must use them to your fullest potential. Then, we promise, you will achieve your dreams.

NOTE: Chapters interested in submitting entries in 2010, can obtain a summary of tips on how to complete a strong NRTA With Our Youth! nomination form from the ORTA office. You can also visit www.aarp.org/nrta and/or www.orta.org for additional information.

Winter 2010 15

PLEASE NOTE: If your address is incorrect on your label, please advise us in the space provided on the reverse side of this page. Active members, the expiration date of your membership is above your name on the label.

There are 90 chapters of the Ohio Re-tired Teachers Association, (at least one in every county). For the maximum ben-efit of being a retired teacher in Ohio, we urge you to join the local chapter in your area.

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82 NEW LIFE MEMBERS June 1, 2009 through December 1, 2009

Alicia Anderson, MadisonBonita Anderson, Norwalk

Sharon Anthony, HeathDamon Asbury, Westerville

Betty Bahmer, WarrenJulia Bajda, Elyria

Constance Bancroft, AlliancePatricia Bash, Galion

Marilyn Beatty, BataviaAllen Berger, Savannah, GA

Linda Berridge, JacksonLaura Bethel, Circleville

Sharon Bixler, SpringfieldMargaret Bodie, Port Clinton

Kathleen Brough, FremontAnn Brown, Hamilton

Connie Brown, MarionJames Brown, Stow

Meredith Bush, MedinaKenneth Cronin, Edgerton

Beverly Davies, WapakonetaDorothy DeGraffenreid, West Chester

Karen Deighton, DelawareThomas Dominique, Bryan

Loretta Douglas, McDonaldKathryn Frasure, LoganKathleen Gall, Bellbrook

Michele Gentilcore, NilesBarth Gibson, Willard

Carol Goodwin, SardiniaRebecca Grandstaff, Huntsville

Deborah Hammond, JacksonEmma Hartkemeier, Cincinnati

Sherry Hiederkorn, MentorLaura Hill, DublinMarie Holt, Stow

Robert Hoover, AshvilleDolores Houk, W. Middlesex, PA

Carolyn Huffman, PandoraCynthia Johnson, PolandBeth Johnston, Carrollton

Joan Kasotis, MarionLinda Kinney, BucyrusMargaret Kok, DublinMary Lang, E. LiverpoolNancy Lantz, Cincinnati

Harolyn Legg, FindlayConnie Lightfoot, CelinaDonna Livingston, WarrenEllen Luken, TroyBrenda Maurer, Milford

Susan Maxwell, StowTimothy McLinden, Yellow Springs

Michael Merry, CincinnatiGerald Michel, North CantonStephanie Moore, GahannaPamela Moreland, WillardAlbert Muhleman, Jr., CincinnatiSusan Muth, Mansfield

Gayle Noel, ColumbianaJudith O’Ryan, BellbrookKaren Pairan, MillersportRonald Pairan, MillersportPenny Pavelko, LeetoniaRuby Peltz, CampbellDiane Pfile, LowellRichard Preston, Bowling GreenJoyce Regoli-Salamon, North CantonElaine Root, PlymouthConnie Schanz, ClintonPatricia Schultz, ToledoKaren Shuttleworth, Canfield

Nan Smith, E. LiverpoolFrancis Starner, Jr., FrazeysburgKaren Steffan, LeipsicJudith Steider, CableMary Stein, MinsterMarna Thomas, PowellElizabeth Tuccinardi, ChillicotheAnita Visoky, LyndhurstCarol Wood, GalenaJoyce Zimmerman, Toronto

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Columbus, Ohio

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning. ~T.S. Eliot,

As the length of our daylight hours shorten and the cold nights signal the ending of an-other season, so this report signals the ending of my fourth year as Dis-trict IX Director.

Chapter visits within the block of

eight East-Central Ohio counties continued into early December. The bond between each chapter and ORTA appears to strengthen with each visit. Retired members have a grow-ing understanding of factors that affect our healthcare and pension systems. They know that ORTA is working on their behalf during these times of great change.

During this year several chapters have experienced an influx of new members. New faces seem to reaf-firm a chapter’s sense of purpose and level of commitment. All chapters are now using name tags that add a degree of comfort and strengthen comradeship among all members. A number have willingly ac-cepted leadership roles. For these trends to

exist and continue, a great deal of effort and support from all members is re-quired.During this down-

New faces seem to reaffirm a

chapter’s sense of purpose and level of commitment.

Changing Economic AtmosphereCalls for Renewed

Strength, Purpose and Support by Bill Jabs ORTA outgoing District IX Director (written November 3, 2009)

turn of the economy, county chapters continue to increase support of schol-arships, food banks, shelters, Junior Achievement and many other com-munity projects.

It is very difficult for our retirees to understand why our savings draw one-half percent, CD’s draw one or two percent while mailings from our banks explain that credit card debt might entail interest and penalties as high as twenty five, thirty or thirty-five percent. (The cost of doing business !)

The cost of chapter visits, mileage and meals undertaken to maintain and build stronger relationships between chapter members and ORTA since

spring will be a gift from my family.

It is imperative that every ORTA chapter, every ORTA member be made to feel the im-portance of their voice. To this goal we must

redouble our efforts.Visiting each chapter for the last

time and observing the openness that has developed among the members is very satisfying. It is within this type of atmosphere that each member begins to feel the strength of their voice and con-viction. Upon this base we will have the strength we need to achieve our many common goals and resist splintering over minor differences.

Betty and Bill Davis of Alliance celebrated their 60th wedding anniver-sary on Sept. 4, 2009. Betty retired from Mar-lington Local in 1990 where she was a music teacher. She is a life member of AARTA and ORTA.

Elma and Jim Ramsey of Poland celebrated their 60th wedding ann ive r sa ry in October of 2009. Jim is a life member of ORTA and is the public relations chair of Mahoning Co. RTA. His career spanned 35 years in the Youngstown school system as a music instructor and band director.

Special Celebrations

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most op-pressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busy-bodies.

The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. -C. S. Lewis: