ORTA Chapter Webpages

2011-06-29T21:12:00.020-04:00

ORTA Chapter Webpages and Site Links
* Denotes chapters with Web Sites
Currently 50 ORTA Chapters Have Websites

BACK TO WWW.ORTA.ORG

If your chapter would like to have a website, we can help. If you would like changes made to your chapter webpage, let us know. Contact us at ortawebmaster@gmail.com.

Ohio Retired Teachers Association features a webpage for each of its 90 chapters. Included on the pages are pictures of the quilt squares submitted by each chapter for ORTA's 60th Anniversary, a story about the chapter and a schedule of meeting places, dates and times. Chapters that have their own websites have links to their sites on their webpages. ORTA's Website Program exists for the purpose of helping to keep our members more informed and up-to-date. We appreciate all of the people who participate in this program and commend them for their efforts.

The url of this website is: http://ortachapterwebpages.blogspot.com/ This address is linked to www.orta.org, the ORTA official website.

This Chapter Webpage Website was made with Google Blogger...a free application for making blogs and websites.

Click here for a Powerpoint Presentation explaining how to make a chapter website with this tool.

Visit www.freechaptersite.com
Here are some screenshots of that site: Click on any of them to go to the site.

Wyandot County

2010-07-01T19:56:00.005-04:00

Wyandot County Quilt Block Story

“Club Representation and Meaning”
The quilt block for Wyandot County was developed to include the following:
Blue Background: Truthfulness and honesty
Open Book: The love of learning and teaching
Arrowhead: The past and the significance of our Native American history
Computer: The Future
Steel tipped pen and bottle of ink: Wyandot County Teachers in their one room school houses
T-square: The vocational teachers who balanced the academic with the practical
1968: Miss Helen Reynolds gathered the original 20 members of the WCRTA

2011 Wyandot County RTA Meeting Information

January 25, 2011	12:30 p.m.	Trinity Evangelical Methodist Church 108 Malabar Drive	Upper Sandusky
April 26, 2011	12:30 p.m.	Same as above
June 28, 2011	12:30 p.m.	Same as above
October 25, 2011	12:30 p.m.	Same as above

Wood County

2010-07-01T19:54:00.006-04:00

Click on the quilt block below to visit the Wood County RTA Website or click on the link below the quilt block:

Wood County Website

Wood County Quilt Block Story

From its humble beginnings on November 13, 1968, the Wood County RTA has prospered, evolved, and grown to its present pinnacle of service to retired teachers of Wood County.

Irene Barckert was the designated spark that started the group in 1968. From the first President Erwin Kreischer elected in 1969, to the current President Bernie Scott, who was installed in 2006, the organization has flourished.

It is with great honor and respect that we acknowledge one of our members as the 2007 President of ORTA during this, the 60th anniversary of the state association. Dr. Don Bright of Bowling Green has represented the voice and concerns of all levels of active and especially retired teachers and educators for decades.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

March 17, 2011	12:00 Noon	Riverview Banquet Center	Pemberville OH
May 19, 2011	12:00 Noon	First United Methodist Church E. Wooster St.	Bowling Green OH
October 20, 2011	12:00 Noon	First United Methodist Church E. Wooster St.	Bowling Green OH
December 7, 2011	12:00 Noon	Perrysburg Holiday Inn Express Rt. 20 and I-75	Perrysburg OH

Williams County

2010-07-01T19:51:00.004-04:00

Williams County Quilt Block Story

The organization of a Williams County Chapter of Retired Teachers of the ORTA was formulated and officers were elected at an informational luncheon held on Tuesday, September 17, 1968 at Everhart’s Restaurant in Bryan, Ohio. The officers elected for the WCRTA were: Orville Thomas of Northwest Township- President, and Mrs. Lela Thomas of rural Bryan- Secretary/Treasurer. Local dues were voted to be $1.00 per year.

At the first general meeting of the Williams Co. RTA, held on October 1, 1968 a chapter constitution was adopted. Twenty-six chapter members were listed on the roll.

The chapter has flourished with ambitious leaders and committee chairpersons through the years. Dues are now $5.00 and we have 225 members on the roll.

We have established a scholarship given to students going into the field of education. The scholarship fund has grown so that we can give three $1000 scholarships each year.

We purchased a brick with our chapter name on it when the STRS building was remodeled. It can be seen on the STRS patio at Broad St. and Fifth St. in Columbus.

Currently, we are gathering funds to annually buy dictionaries for all Third Graders in the county. 2007 is our second year of this on-going project.

Our chapter meets four times a year: April, June, September, and November, at the Ramada Inn at Montpelier. All meetings are at noon with a lovely luncheon. The exception is that our June meeting is held at 6:00 p.m. and is a dinner meeting. We usually have about 80 retired educators attending our meetings.

We invite you to join us.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

April 26, 2011	12:00 Noon	Ramada Inn 1350 SR 15	Montpelier OH
June 28, 2011	6:00 p.m.	Same as above
September 27, 2011	12:00 Noon	Same as above
November 8, 2011	12:00 Noon	Same as above
December 13, 2011	12:00 Noon	Same as above

Wayne County

2010-07-01T19:49:00.008-04:00

Click on the quilt block to visit the Wayne County RTA Website

click on the link below the quilt block.

Wayne County Website

Wayne County Quilt Block Story

From a humble beginning in 1958 of ten Wayne County retired teachers meeting in homes, a chapter constitution and bylaws were drafted under the leadership of Nan Wylie, president. Local dues were $1.00. The chapter met twelve times each year.

In 1965, the number of meetings was reduced to seven. The members met in public buildings. Since 1976, luncheon meetings, followed by a program, have been held at the Hawkins Cafeteria in Wooster. One meeting each year is a joint meeting with our Ashland County Chapter friends with hosting duties alternating.

Wayne County Retired Teachers Association introduced helpful yearbooks in 1977 which included current officers, committee members, area senators and representatives, program topics, and a directory of chapter members’ names, addresses, and phone numbers. Spring and fall newsletters began in 1990.

Our chapter provides grants to several active teachers biennially for special projects in their classrooms. These grants are funded by contributions from area retired teachers and friends through the Wayne Co. Community Foundation.

Under our 2007 president, Juanita Hines, many of our 137 members can still be found serving as tutors, mentors, assisting with Meals on Wheels, helping in hospitals and nursing homes, offering income tax assistance, and being active in local musicals and churches.

2011 Wayne County RTA Meeting Information

March 22, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Wooster United Methodist Church 243 N. Market St.	Wooster
April 26, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Same as above
May 24, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Combined with Ashland Co. RTA	TBA
September 27, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Wooster United Methodist Church	Wooster
October 25, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Same as above
November 15, 2010	11:00 a.m.	TBA

Washington County

2010-07-01T19:46:00.006-04:00

Click on the quilt block to visit the Washington County Website or click on the link below the quilt block.

Washington County Website

Washington County Quilt Block Story

The Washington Co. Chapter of ORTA was organized on May 18, 1966, in Marietta with a charter membership count of twenty-five. Annual dues were set at $1.00. Today, the chapter meets every other month at the historic Hotel Lafayette for fellowship, lunch, a program, and a business meeting.

Members of the WCRTA take pride in their volunteer activities and their ongoing support of teachers and education. Each year, the WCRTA awards a scholarship to a high school graduate who aspires to become an educator. The chapter also organizes and hosts seminars for teachers who are contemplating retirement.

The WCRTA is proud of this history of statewide service. Two of our members, Ethel Guthrie and Hugh Coffman, have served as President of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. In 2007, our membership is approaching three hundred and continues to grow.

The retired teachers of Washington County saluted ORTA on the occasion of its 60th anniversary with the above quilt square.

We invite all Washington County educators, retired and active to join us.

2011 Washington County RTA Meeting Information

January 9, 2011 Executive Meeting	Noon	Ryan's 823 Pike St.	Marietta
February 9, 2011	Noon	Lafayette Hotel Front/Greene Sts.	Marietta
March 14, 2011 Executive Meeting	Noon	Ryan's 823 Pike St.	Marietta
April 13, 2011	Noon	Lafayette Hotel Front/Green Sts.	Marietta
May 9, 2011 Executive Meeting	Noon	Ryan's 823 Pike St.	Marietta
June 8, 2011	Noon	Lafayette Hotel Front/Greene Sts.	Marietta
July 11, 2011 Executive Meeting	Noon	Ryan's 823 Pike St.	Marietta
August 10, 2011	Noon	Lafayette Hotel Front/Green Sts.	Marietta
September 12, 2011 Executive Meeting	Noon	Ryan's 823 Pike St.	Marietta
October 12, 2011	Noon	Lafayette Hotel Front/Green Sts.	Marietta
November, 2010 Executive Meeting TBA	Noon	Ryan's 823 Pike St.	Marietta
December, 2010 TBA	Noon	Lafayette Hotel Front/Green Sts.	Marietta

Warren County

2010-07-01T19:43:00.010-04:00

Click on the quilt block to visit the Warren County website or click on the link below the quilt block.

Warren County Website

Warren County Quilt Block Story

The Warren County RTA, organized in 1971, carries on a commitment to education in Warren County which began in 1798, with the completion of a log school house build by neighbors in the Lebanon area. Students ranged in age from 8 to 28.

A charter member of WCRTA, Barnett Butterworth, was a descendant of Henry T. Butterworth, a conductor on the Underground Railroad. The Butterworth’s were among the families who arrived in the area in the 1790’s.

Lebanon was also the home of Southwestern Normal School, a teachers’ college which graduated 80,000 students from 1855 to 1915.

Today, WCRTA members are active in volunteer activities in their community and interested in current educational developments. Chapter activities include antiquing trips, attending the Waynesville Sauerkraut Festival, Fort Ancient, spelling bees, and the Golden Lamb.

We always have room for more. Please consider joining us.
http://www.wcrta.hostcentric.com

Vinton County

2010-07-01T19:41:00.000-04:00

Vinton County Quilt Block Story

The Vinton County RTA was organized in August of 1966. That same year the Allensville, Hamden, McArthur, Wilkesville, and Zaleski schools were consolidated into the county-wide Vinton County School System. Now all of our members have taught for the same school system.

The purpose of the VCRTA is to:

Promote fellowship among the retired teachers of Vinton Co.
Promote the economic and professional welfare of teachers.
Sponsor and support such legislation in Ohio which shall contribute to the comfort and welfare of teachers.

Vinton Co. RTA has 24 members. The chapter meets four times a year at the Community Building in McArthur.

Vinton County is very rural and very scenic. We have state parks, covered bridges, quilt barns, iron furnaces and a haunted tunnel.

Everyone is welcome to join our group.

2011 Vinton County RTA Meeting Information

March 7, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Vinton County Community Building SR 93 North	McArthur
June 6, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Same as above
August 29, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Same as above
December 5, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Same as above

Van Wert County

2010-07-01T19:37:00.003-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Van Wert County Website.

Van Wert County Website

Van Wert County Quilt Block Story

The peony gardens and commercial fields in Van Wert County gave birth to the first Peony Festival in 1932. By 1959, the festivities had grown to where the 103rd General Assembly of Ohio passed a resolution declaring Van Wert County the “Peony Center of the World.” After declining interest from 1961 to 1991, the festival re-vitalized in 1992 and is now held annually. The huge peony gardens and commercial sales have disappeared, but the parade, crowning of the queen, the concert in the park, and other activities are done in the spirit of the original event.

The Van Wert RTA meets four times a year at the Willow Bend County Club. VWRTA programs include speakers for ORTA and STRS as well as local entertainment for area high schools.

We stress volunteering in our community to give back to the public that supported us in our careers. In retirement, our time is now ours to give. Join us.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

April 8, 2010	12:00 Noon	Willow Bend Country Club 579 Hospital Drive	Van Wert OH
July 8, 2011	12:00 Noon	Same as above
October 14, 2011	12:00 Noon	Same as above
December 9, 2011	12:00 Noon	Same as above

Union County

2010-07-01T19:35:00.000-04:00

Union County Quilt Block Story

On August 6, 1963, a group of retired teachers met at the American Legion Memorial Building on West 5th Street, in Marysville and founded the Union County Retired Teachers Association. There were 34 chapter charter members, of which 25 were life members of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association.

The first officers were:
President Wilbur George
Vice President Ethel Helser
Secretary Phyliss Baldwin
Assistant Secretary Reneva Knotts
Treasurer Nelle Kloepfer
Assistant Treasurer Marguerite Williams

In 1994, a committee consisting of Jim Shaw and Dorothy Myers was appointed to establish a scholarship foundation. This was accomplished and put in place during the 1994 term and continues to grow. The scholarship awarded by the chapter, and the volunteer hours spent contributing to the community, are two of the primary projects of this chapter.

During the existence of UCRTA, the members have supported the ORTA in legislative actions under the leadership of our Legislative Committee.

Everyone is welcome at UCRTA.

Union County Meeting Dates and Locations

April 1, 2011 Elks Lodge 125 E. 5th St. in Marysville
May 6, 2011 Halycon Village SR38 Maryville
June 3, 2011 Trinity Church E. 5th St., Marysville
September 2, 2011 Richwood Church of Christ
October 7, 2011 Presbyterian Church W. 5th St. in Marysville
November 4, 2011 Winters Campground SR347 Broadway

Tuscarawas County

2010-07-01T19:32:00.003-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Tuscarawas County Website:

Tuscarawas County Website

Tuscarawas County Quilt Block Story

The Tuscarawas County RTA was organized on August 15, 1951 with forty-six paid members. Membership has grown to four hundred and eighteen in 2007. Due to the increase in membership, TRTA has maintained an ORTA trustee seat since 1999.

Community service has been an on-going part of this organization. TRTA has contributed financially to Kent State Branch Library, Buckeye Career Center, the Ohio Historical Society, and Trumpet in the Land. The most outstanding financial contribution has been the awarding of two scholarships per year to high school graduates who are relatives of chapter members.

In addition to financial contributions to organizations and scholarships to students, TRTA members contribute school supplies and canned goods to the needy, tutor in the local schools, and work at food banks. Many other worthy projects are on the TRTA volunteer agenda as the need arises.

A large project that many members contributed to was the publication of the book, “History of the Schools in Tuscarawas County.” In 1976, five hundred copies of this book were printed and sold. In 1992, a new hard cover version of the book was printed that contained 800 pages. The sale of the book established the TRTA scholarship fund.
We welcome all educators, past and present, to join us in making Tuscarawas County a great place to live.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

January 5, 2011	7:30 a.m.	Tents of Grace Restaurant, Gnadenhutten
February 2, 2011	7:30 a.m.	Tents of Grace Restaurant, Gnadenhutten
March 2, 2011	12 Noon	Tuscarawas Co. Sr. Cntr, 1425 Prospect St., Dover
April 6, 2011	7:30 a.m.	Tents of Grace Restaurant, Gnadenhutten
May 4, 2011	10:30 a.m.	Ragersville Zion United C of C, Ragersville OH
June 1, 2011	7:30 a.m.	Tents of Grace Restaurant, Gnadenhutten
July 6, 2011	7:30 a.m.	Tents of Grace Restaurant, Gnadenhutten
August 3, 2011	5:30 p.m.	R & S Party Cntr, 115 Front Ave SW, New Philadelphia
September 7, 2011	7:30 a.m.	Tents of Grace Restaurant, Gnadenhutten
October 5, 2011	10:30 a.m.	Gnadenhutten Moravian Church
November 2, 2011	7:30 a.m.	Tents of Grace Restaurant, Gnadenhutten
December 7, 2011	10:30 a.m.	Dover United Methodist Church, Dover

Trumbull County

2010-07-01T19:30:00.005-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Trumbull County Website.

Trumbull County Website

Trumbull County Quilt Block Story

January, 1965:	12 retired teachers met, formed local chapter of ORTA.
February, 1965:	50 retirees and ORTA vice-president complete TRTA constitution - $1.00 dues.
1970:	257 members – legislation – well-being of members – interest in public education
1974:	$2.00 dues – 378 members – support local, state, and national education and health issues – ORTA banner for membership growth and chapter meeting attendance.
1980:	405 members – education issues.
1985:	550 members – 13th check – 3% COLA increase – prescription drug and spousal insurance offered – ORTA recognition for community participation: used eye glass collection, County Fair Spelling Bee trophies/judges, money to Mobile Meals, supplies for Latch Key Kid programs – annual free health screenings – info about senior citizen opportunities, financial and legislative updates.
1987:	$3.00 dues
1991:	$1.00 of each $5.00 dues helped establish scholarship fund.
1992:	1st $500 scholarship awarded
1996:	$6,000 scholarships to date,
Beginning 1994:	Scholarship priority applicant’s careers in education.
TRTA members who have served in ORTA positions during the first 42 years include:	President-Donald Haines; District Directors-Merrill Cooley, Della Mathews, Grayce Bequeath; Trustees- Sim Earich, Al Lopez, Melvin Frank, Della Mathews, Donald Haines, Bill Maurice, Grayce Bequeath, Roberta Davis, Tony Gelsomino, Lydia Caskey.
August, 2006	NRTA “With Our Youth!” award, 1 of 3 in the U.S. Yearly ORTA awards for outstanding committee work.
2007:	$10 dues.
507 members nurture friendships, serve membership and community through: bi-monthly luncheon meetings and newsletters (including TRTA lifelines, health and protective info), annual scholarships, community service projects; used cell phones, eyeglasses, hearing aids, yarn scrap becomes afghans for Someplace Safe and New Life Maternity Home, cancelled stamps for veterans’ therapy, books and clothing for “Poorest of the Poor,” County Fair Spelling Bee trophies/judges and 4-H project judges, TC schools’ teacher aids, non-perishables and money to Scope/Salvation Army, centerpiece profits to Mobile Meals, OHIO READS participation, and National Day of Service, 24 members at six locations.

Trumbull County can use your talents through TRTA. Join us.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

January 11, 2011	10:00 a.m. Ex. Bd, Mtg.	Grace UMC, 1725 Drexel Ave. NW Warren
February 8, 2011	12:00 Noon	Ciminero's Banquet Centre, 123 N. Main St., Niles
March 8, 2011	Same as January
April 12, 2011	12:00 Noon	Ciminero's Banquet Centre, 123 N. Main St., Niles
May 10, 2011	Same as January
June 14, 2011	12:00 Noon	Ciminero's Banquet Centre, 123 N. Main St., Niles
July 12, 2011	Same as January
August 9, 2011	12:00 Noon	Ciminero's Banquet Centre, 123 N. Main St., Niles
September 13, 2011	Same as January
October 11, 2011	12:00 Noon	Ciminero's Banquet Centre, 123 N. Main St., Niles
November 8, 2011	Same as January
December 13, 2011	12:00 Noon	Ciminero's Banquet Centre, 123 N. Main St., Nile

Summit County

2010-07-01T19:26:00.004-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Summit County Website.

Summit County Website

Summit County Quilt Block Story

The Summit County Retired Teachers Association was formed in the early 1950’s by combining the Akron Retired Teachers Association and the Cuyahoga Falls Retired Teachers Association and inviting all retired teachers in Summit County to join.

The chapter meetings were held in South High and East High Schools in Akron, Summit School’s Federal Credit Union, the Cathedral of Tomorrow in Cuyahoga Falls, and the Tangier Restaurant in Akron. SCRTA meetings are now held at Guy’s Party Center in Akron.

An Honor Fund was established in 1983 to financially aid retired teachers. A scholarship fund was established in 2004 for relatives of members.

The Summit County Chapter of ORTA has four meetings a year, with the board of management meeting at least five times a year. The chapter takes two one-day trips per year.

We urge all active and retired teachers in the Summit Co.area to join us for fun and fellowship as well as service to our community.

Stark County

2010-07-01T19:23:00.003-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Stark County Website.

Stark County Website

Stark County Quilt Block Story

The Stark County Retired Teachers Association was organized in January 1959. Since 1975 we have held four meetings per year in March, May, September, and December on the second Friday of the month. We meet for a luncheon at Trinity United Church of Christ.

A variety of programs are planned. We work closely with our legislators and they speak at the meeting frequently.

Collections are taken at each chapter meeting. Currently we are contributing to:
The Salvation Army
Habitat for Humanity
Calvary Mission

Chapter members are encouraged to bring food and paper products for the Salvation Army and eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club.

We have two scholarship funds that provide money for college Juniors and Seniors.

Christmas cookies and messages are taken to members in nursing homes and those who are shut-ins. A memorial service for deceased members is held each year.

All teachers of Stark County are welcome to our meetings and to our activities.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

March 11, 2011	Noon	Trinity United Church of Christ 39309 Blackburn Rd. NW Canton OH
May 13, 2011	Noon	"
September 9, 2011	Noon	"
December 9, 2011	Noon	"

Shelby County

2010-07-01T19:21:00.000-04:00

Shelby County Quilt Block Story

The Shelby County Chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association was formed on September 24, 1970; the function being to discover, study, and transmit information and suggestions concerning pertinent current interests and concerns of retired teachers at the community level.

Projects in which the chapter has been involved include:
Serving meals at a camp for special needs children
Donating money to -
Dental clinic
Nearby school for needy children
State hospital
Local literary projects
Local food banks
Presentation of a yearly scholarship to a student enrolled in a teacher education program.

Shelby County Chapter members are very active and participate in nearly 100 different volunteer organizations throughout the county. Members contribute thousands of hours for the welfare of the community, thereby fulfilling the chapter’s motto: “To Serve, Not Be Served.”

Please consider joining your teaching peers in Shelby County.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

February 3, 2011	12 Noon	Moose Country Club, 1200 N. Broadway, Sidney OH
April 7, 2011	12 Noon	"
June 2, 2011	12 Noon	"
August 4, 2011	12 Noon	Dorothy Love Retirement Center, 3003 Cisco Rd., Sidney OH
October 6, 2011	12 Noon	Moose Country Club, 1200 N. Broadway Sidney OH
December 1, 2011	12 Noon	"

*Executive Board meeting are held on the first Thursday of the months of January, March, May, July, September and November at the Moose Country Club, 1200 N. Broadway, Sidney OH

Seneca County

2010-07-01T19:18:00.004-04:00

Seneca County Quilt Block Story

SCRTA first met in October, 1968 with 32 charter members. Today our 115 members enjoy meetings that are informative and entertaining.

These few people perform thousands of volunteer hours each year. Individuals serve in capacities such as Grey Ladies, Museum Docents, and deliver Meals on Wheels. Group activities include such activities as donating toys to the Sheriff Department and caps and mittens for school kids.

SCRTA has also founded a scholarship that is funded entirely by donations of the members.

Everyone is welcome to join us in our many worthwhile and joyous activities.

Scioto County

2010-07-01T19:14:00.006-04:00

Click on the quilt block below to visit the Scioto County Retired Teachers Association Website:

Scioto County Website

Scioto County Quilt Block Story

The Scioto County Chapter of Retired Teachers was founded in July of 1959 by a grou p of sixteen charter members. The small group of Scioto County RTA members grew to 400 in the late 1980s.

Four meeting are held each year at Hillview Retirement Center in Portsmouth.

The Scioto members are highly regarded in the community for their civic participation and volunteerism. Scioto RTA has established a scholarship for a student entering the field of education.

The real success story of Scioto County Chapter RTA is in the willingness of its members to serve and to help it grow.

The Scioto County Chapter RTA meets the fourth Tuesday of March, June, September and December. There is a 30-minute social hour and group singing before the program and business meeting.

Scioto County Chapter RTA members are proud of their teaching profession and enjoy the participation they have with ORTA.

Scioto County RTA Meetings and Dates for 2011

Day	Time	Address	City
March 22, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Friends Center 1202 18th St.	Portsmouth OH 45662
June 28, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Same as above
September 27, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Same as above
December 13, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Same as above

Sandusky County

2010-07-01T19:11:00.006-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below to visit the Sandusky County Website.

Sandusky County Website

Sandusky County Quilt Block Story

In November 1968, thirty-two retired teachers met to sign the Sandusky County Retired Teachers Charter for the formation of a new organization. The purpose of the organization was to improve the economic and social welfare of retired teachers and to provide opportunities for group community work and interests. The group continues to meet four times a year for luncheon meetings with about one hundred members attending.

At a State Teachers Retirement System meeting in 1979, it was discussed as to what should be done about the money that was left over at the end of each year. It was Ruby Criger’s suggestion that when a surplus did exist, that a 13th check could be sent to retirees in the month of December. Ms. Criger was chiefly responsible for organizing the SCRTA.

The Sandusky Chapter continues to support the young people of our area high schools by providing annually two book scholarships to graduating high school graduates who are pursuing degrees in education. From time to time, music groups present programs at our meetings. Sometimes foreign exchange students speak to us. A student who was supported financially by SCRTA in his travel to Australia told about his travels at one of our meetings.

Area superintendents are invited to meetings to inform the members about what is happening in their schools systems. Donated items are brought to the meetings for distribution to a county homeless shelter.

The members of SCRTA have given undivided attention and time to offices, to programs, and to projects. The members are proud to be part of the Sandusky County Retired Teachers Association. We would also be proud to have you join us.

Meeting Times and Places

February 5, 2011 - Executive Board	1:00 p.m.	East Side Presbyterian Church, Fremont Ohio
March 12, 2011 -	12:00 p.m.	Fremont Country Club, E. Slate St., Fremont OH
May 7, 2011 - Executive Board	1:00 p.m.	East Side Presbyterian Church, Fremont OH
June 12, 2011	12:00 p.m.	Clyde United Methodist Church, Clyde OH
August 5, 2011 - Executive Board	1:00 p.m.	Presbyterian Church, Fremont OH
September 10, 2011	12:00 p.m.	St. John's Lutheran Church, Fremont OH
November 5, 2011 - Executive Board	1:00 p.m.	Presbyterian Church, Fremont OH
December 10, 2011	12:00 p.m.	St. John's Lutheran Church, Fremont OH

Ross County

2010-07-01T19:09:00.007-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Ross County Website.

Ross County Website

Ross County Quilt Block Story

The retired teachers of Ross County first met to organize an association in September of 1959. A constitution for the Ross County Chapter RTA was approved in December of that year. Ross Co. RTA now has four meeting per year.

Chillicothe, the county seat of Ross County, was the first capital of Ohio. Chillicothe was a major canal port for the Ohio-Erie Canal and offered Ross County farmers adequate shipping of their crops to market. Today, the outdoor drama, “Tecumseh” is staged in the summer at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre.

The Ross County RTA is active in the community. The members volunteer to help with projects in the community, and keep up-to-date with legislative matters in Ohio.

We hope all retired teachers in Ross County will consider joining our efforts.

Richland County

2010-07-01T19:06:00.008-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Richland County Website.

Richland County Website

Richland County Quilt Block Story This club, now forty years old, has matured and met the usual challenges that age brings.

Our members have put in 25,207 volunteer hours this past year.

We are a traveling group with members going on a cruise to Mexico and many bus trips.

A large number of our members can be found in the lounge of the luncheon meeting place chatting with old and new friends long before the beginning of each meeting.

We like to be entertained and informed. Our meeting programs are always relative, current, and interesting. We use up-to-date experts on a variety of subjects to keep us moving forward.

2011 Richland County RTA Meeting Information

April 11, 2011	Noon	TBA
July 11, 2011	Noon	Same as above
September 12, 2011	Noon	Same as above
November 14, 2011	Noon	Same as above

Putnam County

2010-07-01T19:03:00.010-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Putnam County Website.

Putnam County Website

Putnam County Quilt Block Story

On November 7, 1968, a group of fifteen retired teachers met at the Black Angus Restaurant in Kalida with Mr. O.J. Frederick of Findlay for the purpose of forming an organization that would support retired teachers. At this first meeting it was established that meetings would be entertaining and informative in nature and include legislative topics pertinent to the members.

The first officers were:
President: Gaylord Myers
Vice President: Russell White
Secretary: Mary Lichty
Treasurer: Eva Jan McDowell
Constitutional Chairperson: Martha G. Huber
Reporter: Nellie Hiner

The organization has grown from these first 15 members to 160 local members. The Executive Committee meets four times per year. The entire membership has four meetings a year at various locations around the county.

Examples of our meeting programs are presentations from counselors from State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) and from the Ohio Retired Teachers Association (ORTA) speaking on such topics as cost of living, medical care, legislative issues, and other retirement topics.

Since 1994 the December meeting has been our Christmas celebration.

We also schedule speakers who present different social topics of interest to all.

Currently our committees are Community Participation, Legislative, Membership and Pre-Retirement Planning, Protective Services, and Public Relations.

The one-room school house chosen for the motif of our quilt block is Bridenbaugh School located on Road 6, north of Pandora in Putnam County. Every township had a one-room school that had inspired many present day retired teachers. This one-room school is included in the book, Putnam County, OH – One Room Schools, edited by Mary L. Sheeley, a charter member of the PCRTA. Today, this school house is visited by many students on field trips to learn about the history of education in Ohio.

Putnam County Meeting Locations and Times

Day	Time	Address	City
April 14, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Dick's Restaurant, Main Street	Kalida OH
July 14, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Henry's Restaurant, 810 North Locust St.	Ottawa OH
September 8, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Briedenbaugh School, Road 6	Pandora OH
December 8, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Pike Run golf Course, Road H	Ottawa OH

Preble County

2010-07-01T18:58:00.009-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Preble County Website.

Preble County Website

Preble County Quilt Block Story

Preble County, located in southwestern Ohio, is home to seven covered bridges, including Robert’s Double-Barrel Bridge. Also found in Preble County are the historic Fort St. Clair and the annual Preble County Pork Festival. Current school districts are Eaton Community, Preble County Educational Service Center, National Trail Local, Preble Shawnee Local, Tri-County North Local, Twin Valley Community Local and College Corner Local, a joint school district in Ohio and Indiana.

The Preble Co. RTA was organized on June 12, 1969 with Genevieve Petry as the first President. PCRTA began with 25 members and grew to 135 members by 1996. Current membership is 189 with 75 actively attending the four annual meetings. 110 of these members are also members of ORTA. PCRTA supports the Preble County community by making contributions to a “Tools for Schools” project. The project was started by the late Barbara Bower with the purpose of providing essential school supplies to needy children.

Members volunteer time in local organizations such as the Preble Co. Literacy Coalition, (founded by PRCTA member Odessa Kramer). Members also volunteer in schools, hospitals, and the Food Bank.
2007 officers are Mary Jo Baker, Sue Carico, Mabel Garst, George Henry, Judy Looker, Larry Russell, Harold Steiner, Ken Stryker, Phyllis Turner, and Phyllis White.

We look forward to you joining us.

Portage County

2010-07-01T18:35:00.009-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Portage County Website:

Portage County Website

Portage County 2010 Annual Report

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

January 15, 2011	Ex. Bd. Mtg. 9:30 a.m.	Kent UMC, 1435 East Main St., Kent
March 10, 2011 March 17, 2011	Ex. Bd. Mtg. 9:30 a.m. 12:00 Lunch	" "
May 12, 2011 May 19, 2011	Ex. Bd. Mtg. 9:30 a.m. 12:00 Lunch	" "
July 14, 2011 July 21, 2011	Ex. Bd. Mtg. 9:30 a.m. 12:00 Lunch	" "
September 8, 2011 Septeber 15, 2011	Ex. Bd. Mtg. 9:30 a.m. 12:00 Lunch	" "
November 10, 2011 November 17 2011	Ex. Bd. Mtg. 9:30 a.m. 12:00 Lunch	Kent Free Library, 312 West Main St., Kent OH Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 SR 44, Rootstown, OH
December 8, 2011	12:00 Lunch	Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 SR 44, Rootstown, OH

Pike County

2010-07-01T18:32:00.004-04:00

Pike County Quilt Block Story

The Pike Co. RTA was organized in September of 1959 by Ms. Harriet Shy and others. There were eleven Pike County Chapter Charter Members, all of whom are deceased. However, many of the past Pike Co. RTA presidents are living and many are still active in the life of the chapter.

PCRTA holds a luncheon meeting six times per year. Many chapter members participate in a variety of local volunteer activities. The chapter members do much in and outside in community life in Pike County.

Pike County is basically a rural area with much farming and forestry. There are lakes and streams for aquatic sports. Retired educators in Pike County are active people who work for improving our communities, keeping alert to legislation and sponsoring a scholarship.

Pickaway County

2010-07-01T18:30:00.007-04:00

Pickaway County Quilt Block Story

The Pickaway Co. and adjacent area Retired Teachers group held its first meeting on December 9, 1967 at the Pickaway Arms with 43 very interested persons in attendance.

At the second meeting on March 16, 1968, fifty-seven members were listed on the Charter Membership Enrollment List.

Adopted name: Pickaway County and Adjacent Area Retired Teachers Association
Group organizers: Leslie Dearth, Mildred and J. Austin Dowden.

First officers:
President – Alva A. White
Vice President – Helen Dowler
Second Vice President – Florence Baker
Secretary – Merle Penn
Treasurer – Avis Sark
Publicity – Rose Klophenstein

The Pickaway Co. RTA celebrated their 40th year with 157 members.
We look forward to many more productive years with many more members.

2011 Pickaway County RTA Meeting Information

March 16, 2011	11:30 a.m.	St. Joseph's Church Hall, 134 W Mound St.	Circleville
May 18, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Pickaway Cty. Dist. Public Library, 1160 Court St.	Circleville
June 15, 2011	11:30 a.m.	St. Joseph's Church Hall, 134 W Mound St.	Circleville
August 20, 2011	Noon	Picnic - AMVETS Shelter House 816 Tarleton Road	Circleville
October 12, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Pickaway County Senior Center 2105 Chickasaw Drive	Circleville
December 7, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Same as above

Perry County

2010-07-01T18:27:00.010-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Perry County Website.

Perry County Website

Perry County Quilt Block Story

Perry Co. RTA members and local citizens have participated in many educational as well as entertaining programs such as hearing amazing facts about bees, learning about programs at the Perry County District Library and its branches, discovering the many services of the Perry County ESC, sharing hobbies at a summer picnic, keeping abreast of the latest legislation affecting retired teachers, learning about nutrition for seniors, and participating in yearly bake sales.

PCRTA members donate yearly to the Perry County Food Pantries and have contributed items to Children’s Hospital Ronald McDonald House, supplied dental health kits to Lutheran Social Services, and collected school supplies for the county school districts.

PCRTA awards a year five hundred dollar book grant to a senior enrolled in a college of education. It rotates among graduates of the four Perry County schools. In 2006, PCRTA was financially able to award two such grants. In 2007, PCRTA and Gamma Sigma, the local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, partnered to supply chapter books to all first grade students in Southern Local School District. During the next three years PCRTA will do the same for each of the remaining county school districts. A special interest book is donated to the Perry County Library District Library in memory of deceased members.

Martha Sagan, past president of PCRTA, serves in 2007 as District III Director for the Ohio Retired Teachers Association (ORTA). Past President Elizabeth Cooperrider served as the District Director from 1992 to 1996. Paul Mechling, also a past president of PCRTA, is a former State Representative.
The Perry Co. RTA meets every other month (beginning in Feb.) on the 4th Tuesday at noon in various locations around the county. Organized in 1967, PCRTA continues to play a vital role in supporting and enriching the Perry County community and its schools and students.

Nancy Canniff designed the quilt square. Presently PCRTA has 100 members, and is always looking for more.

2011 Perry County RTA Meeting Information

February 22, 2011	Noon	Perry County ESC, 1605 Airport Rd	New Lexington
April 26, 2011	Noon	Shawnee United Methodist Church, East Walnut St	Shawnee
June 28, 2011	Noon	New Lexington First UMC, 126 S. Union St.	New Lexington OH
August 23, 2011	Noon	Iliff United Methodist Church 3992 Flint Ridge Rd. NE	Crooksville
October 25, 2011	Noon	Somerset United Methodist Church, 139 E. Main St	Somerset
December 13, 2011	Noon	Grace Lutheran Church 65 E. Columbus	Thornville

Paulding County

2010-07-01T18:23:00.008-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Paulding County website.

Paulding County Website

Paulding County Quilt Block Story

The Paulding County RTA was organized on October 31, 1968 in Paulding. The first chapter meeting was a luncheon held on November 13, 1968. The membership had 36 retired teachers and 3 associate members. The first officers were: President Wanda Jenkins, Vice President Norma Simon, Secretary Neola Gordon, and Treasurer Clara Gorrell.

The original members gathered from the individual school districts of Antwerp, Blue Creed, Grover Hill, Oakwood, Paulding Exempted Village Schools, and Payne. These districts are now combined into the three districts of Antwerp Local Schools, Paulding Exempted Village Schools, and Wayne Trace Local Schools.

The Paulding Co. RTA is a small, but ambitious organization which exemplifies the high standards of the teaching profession. Its purpose is to educate its members about current legislative proposals and their impact on education today, as well as events impacting all retired Americans. Its 2007 officers were: Co-Presidents Nancy Brown and Mary Derck, Vice President Martin Harmon, Secretary Marcia Pressler, and Treasurer Bill Fast.

All are welcome to join us.

Meeting Times and Places

February 14, 2011 - Executive Board	9:00 a.m.	Black Swamp Nature Center
April 11, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Senior Center in Paulding OH
June 13, 2011
August 9, 2011	12:00 p.m.	Presbyterian Church in Paulding OH
October 3, 2011	5:30 p.m.	Paulding United Methodist Church in Paulding OH

Ottawa County

2010-07-01T18:20:00.008-04:00

Ottawa County Quilt Block Story

The Ottawa County Retired Teachers began with thirty-three members on November 19, 1968 at Port Clinton High School. A charter was granted on October 22, 1970 with Harriet Peters serving as the first president. Fifty additional retired teachers joined the charter members the first year. As of January 2007, OCRTA has 149 members with 124 having dual membership with both the local and state affiliation.

Members continue to perform community and educational outreaches. Each spring, OCRTA provides a book stipend for a high school senior graduating from any accredited high school in Ottawa County. On a regular basis, various members still volunteer in county schools as tutors and readers. Others have opted to serve senior citizens at various county sites.

Retired teachers have attended OCRTA meetings via boat and plane as well as by automobile. Covering 255 square miles and having 323 square miles of waterways and 107 miles of shoreline, Ottawa County stretches form Clay Center and Genoa in the west to the Bass Islands in the north to Marblehead in the east and Elmore in the south with Rocky Ridge, Graytown, Oak Harbor, Gypsum and Port Clinton in the middle. As a result, classes taught in schools throughout the county vary from the expected 3-Rs to farming and marine trades. Ottawa, a Native American word for "trader" indicates the diversity of the county.

The OCRTA presidents to date includea: Harriett Peters, Verdi Von Thorne, Dr. Russell Smith, Thalia Brown, Avonelle Angus, Grace Borman, Helen Randall, Adeline Schmidlin, Jerry Kissell, Bernice Moritz, Earl Wiseman, Kay Barber, Richard R. Celek, David Wheaton, Edna Hansen, Joyce Doust, Robert Eickel, Ann Klafter and Margaret J. Phillips.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

February 24, 2011	12:00 Noon	Oak Harbor American Legion 221 Park Street	Oak Harbor OH
May 26, 2011	12:00 Noon	Trinity United Methodist Church 135 Adams Street	Port Clinton OH
August 25, 2011	6:00 p.m.	The Depot	Elmore OH
October 27, 2011	12:00 Noon	Trinity United Methodist Church 135 Adams Street	Port Clinton OH

Noble County

2010-07-01T12:03:00.009-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Noble County website.

Noble County Website

Noble County Quilt Block Story

Members come and members go,
we welcome new ones so we can grow!
On new legislation we keep up-to-date,
So we know how changes may relate!
We've been a chapter since '65,
New members are needed for us to survive.

The Noble County Chapter RTA was organized on September 14, 1965 with the assistance of Charles W. Layman, a former Noble County teacher and trustee for Ohio Retired Teachers Association and Edwin Roe of Zanesville, Eastern Ohio Director of Ohio Retired Teachers Association. The first president of Noble RTA was William Forshey, Vice-President was R. R. Ullman and Secretary/Treasurer was Sadie Brothers. The committee to prepare the constitution and by-laws included A. G. Wharton, Minerva Frazier and Wayne Mallett.

Noble County was the site of the crash of the dirigible U.S.S. Shenandoah. You can read more about this crash at the following web site: http://www.noblecountyohio.com/shenandoah.html. Noble County has two high schools, Caldwell and Shenandoah. The latter was named for the U.S.S. Shenandoah and the insignia for the school is The Zeps for Zeplinian.

2011 Noble County RTA Meeting Information

February 10, 2011	12:30 a.m.	Archwood Family Restaurant	Caldwell
April 14, 2011	12:30 a.m.	Lori's Family Restaurant	Caldwell
June 9, 2011	12:30 a.m.	Archwood Family Restaurant	Caldwell
August 11, 2011	12:00 a.m.	Wolf Run State Park Pavilion - Picnic	Wolf Run State Park near Belle Valley
October 13, 2011	12:30 a.m.	Mt. Ephraim United Methodist Church SR 147 in Mt. Ephraim	Mt. Ephraim
December 8, 2011	12:30 a.m.	TBA	Caldwell

Muskingum County

2010-07-01T12:01:00.007-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Muskingum County website.

Muskingum County Website

Muskingum County Quilt Block Story

The Muskingum County Retired Teachers Association has been an active organization for forty-one years. The organizational meeting was held on July 1, 1965 with thirty-seven retired teachers present. MCRTA currently has 225 members. Zanesville City, East Muskingum, Franklin, Maysville, Tri-Valley and West Muskingum Local Schoo lDistricts, Mid-East Career and Technology Center, Zane State College and Ohio University-Zanesville are represented by the group.
MCRTA is located in southeastern Ohio and is home to author/sportsman Zane Grey, the famous Y-Bridge, The Wilds, The Longaberger Company, nationally acclaimed Tom's Ice Cream Bowl and has a rich history of ceramic production - Weller, Roseville, Ransbottom, McCory, Hartstone and numerous other potteries.

The bi-monthly luncheon meetings are attended by over 100 retired teachers. Our mission is to support the educational community, affect political changes for education, provide social opportunities for retirees as well as inform members of ORTA and NRTA activities.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

February 7, 2011 (Snow Date Feb. 14)	Faith United Methodist Church 1616 Blue Ave.	Zanesville OH
April 11 or 13, 2011	TBA
May 21, 2011	Scholarship Breakfast @ Applebee's	Zanesville OH
June 8, 2011	Senior Center 200 Sunrise Center Dr.	Zanesville OH
August 10, 2011	Trinity United Presbyterian Church - Military Rd.	Zanesville OH
October 10, 2011	Pleasant Grove Church 400 Pleasant Grove Rd. Michael Nehf, STRS	Zanesville OH
December 7 2011	VFW, 1318 Putnam Ave.	Zanesville OH

Morrow County

2010-07-01T11:58:00.009-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Morrow County website.

Morrow County Website

Morrow County Quilt Block Story

Reaching out to retired teachers and the community at large has been the passion of the Morrow County Retired Teachers Association over their 40-year history. MCRTA has been credited with the passage of the HB1476 that contained provisions to end the inequality of retired teachers' benefits. The dedicated efforts and perseverance of our members raised the living standards for many Ohio retired teachers then, (1974) and now.

2011 Morrow County RTA Meeting Information

March 9, 2011	Breakfast 9:00 a.m.	Thomas E's Depot	Edison
April 4, 2011	Noon	Trinity United Methodist Church	Mt. Gilead
June 6, 2011	Noon	Trinity United Methodist Church	Mt. Gilead
July 12, 2011	6:00 p.m.	Picnic at MG State Park
September 4, 2011	TBA	Fair Parade at Morrow County Fairgrounds
October 3, 2011	Noon	Trinity United Methodist Church	Mt. Gilead
December 5, 2011	Noon	Trinity United Methodist Church	Mt. Gilead

Morgan County

2010-07-01T11:56:00.004-04:00

Morgan County Quilt Block Story

The Morgan County Chapter Retired Teachers Association was organized August 31, 1967 at the Masonic Temple in McConnelsville. Mrs. Ethel Guthrie of Marietta, Trustee of ORTA, was present and assisted in organizing the chapter. The first officers were: Helen Mae Davis, President; Ernistine Ball, Vice President; and Metta Banks, Secretary.

The first year's membership was thirty and in 1997 the chapter had 47 members.

The members of the Morgan County Chapter are involved in various community activities. Some members substitute teach, serve as judges for contests, volunteer at rest homes, at the Historical Society, the thrift shop and food pantry. Others deliver Meals on Wheels. Retired teachers continue these activities in the community.

The Morgan County Historical Society moved a one-room school to Malta and some members of the Morgan Chapter serve as docents for tour groups. These groups of visitors may spend the day learning about how schools operated at the turn of the century.

Morgan RTA offers a yearly scholarship to a graduating senior who is pursuing a future in the teaching profession, holds interesting programs and takes summer excursions. Ruth Hart, now deceased, served as treasurer and was an influential leader in the chapter.

Please contact the ORTA office at 614 431-7002 for information concerning Morgan County RTA meetings.

Montgomery County

2010-07-01T11:53:00.008-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Montgomery County Website.

Montgomery County Website

Montgomery County Quilt Block Story

Records of the chartering and establishment of the Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association Chapter are not available. The minutes of the annual meeting, April 27, 1950 is the first formal record. The 25th Anniversary of the MCRTA Chapter was celebrated in 1972, so the beginning of the MCRTA began around 1947. MCRTA is representative of 18 school districts in Montgomery County.

At the MCRTA Board meeting, July 26, 1950 it was decided to send a form letter to every retired teacher in Montgomery County inviting them to join the chapter. Local membership cards were printed and dues were set at $.50 per year. In 1974, dues were raised to $2 and now are $8.

At the general meeting on October 29, 1956 it was decided to change the name of the local chapter to Western District Chapter of the ORTA. The organization included Auglaize, Darke, Greene, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery and Shelby counties. The 1971 revision of the constitution and by-laws changed the name of the local chapter to the Montgomery County Chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association.

Beginning in 1950, semi-annual meetings were scheduled in April and October. In 1977, four general meetings were scheduled -- March, May, September and October. From 1978 until 1981 there were five meetings. In 1981 , a sixth meeting was added. We meet in March, April, May, September, October and December. A picnic is planned for August 19, 2007 to celebrate ORTA's 60th anniversary and retirees.

The Shoe Fund was established in 1984. Members' donations have provided shoes for thousand of needy students in Dayton and Montgomery County schools. In 1991, Bob Daniszewski designed and built a Mitten Tree and each December members decorate it with mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, socks and stuffed toys for area needy children.

2011 Meeting Information

March 15, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Presidential Banquet Center, 4548 Presidential Way	Kettering OH
April 27, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Walnut Grove Country Club, 5050 Linden Ave.	Dayton OH
May 12, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Miami Valley Golf Club, 3311 Salem Ave.	Dayton OH
September 15, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Miami Valley Golf Club 3311 Salem Ave.	Dayton OH
October 18, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Walnut Grove, 5050 Linden Ave.	Dayton OH
December 2, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Presidential Banquet Center 4548 Presidential Way	Kettering OH

Monroe County

2010-07-01T11:49:00.002-04:00

Monroe County Quilt Block Story

Our forefathers recognized the great importance of a good education; thus, each community established a school to reach the children in its particular area. In time, educators in Monroe County, Ohio served in more than one hundred one-room rural schools. Proud of this rich past history, dedicated Monroe County retired teachers organized an association (MCRTA) in 1966 to preserve their past heritage and to provide a positive influence on schools and teachers of the future. Mr. I. M. Straight, retired school principal, chaired the first meeting. The chapter's purpose was "to make retirement time alert, active and available."

The MCRTA affirms positive contributions. Retired teachers composed the 1976 booklet entitled The One Room Schools of Monroe County. MCRTA honored senior citizens ninety years old or older and presented to the Monroe County Historical Society an antique teacher's desk. In 1985 School Superintendent Delven Devore was elected District Director of the East District of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. In 1986 the chapter voted to oppose the ruling that ORTA's fund be placed under federal jurisdiction. Currently the MCRTA schedules annual events and places a book in the Monroe County Library in memory of deceased members.

Miami County

2010-07-01T11:46:00.007-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Miami County website.

Miami County Website

Miami County Quilt Block Story

Miami County Retired Teachers Association held its first meeting on December 3, 1970 in Troy, OH at the First National Bank in the Heritage Room on W. Main Street. In October 1978, MCRTA changed its meeting place to Terry's Cafeteria in Piqua. In 2001 MCRTA reconstituted itself and became one of the fastest growing chapters in the state. Among its service projects, MCRTA presents four $250 Book Scholarships to deserving Miani County students. It also makes various contributions to the Miami County Family Abuse Shelter. At regular meetings, the chapter Spotlights County School Systems by inviting Superintendents to speak about their schools. Many guest speakers from ORTA and STRS are featured to help keep the membership informed about retiree issues and health concerns. But this is a fun-loving group. We enjoy many good local entertainment groups from the community and the schools. In September 2006, MCRTA sponsored a Vendor/Service Organization Fair featuring Miami County and ORTA Vendors. This was an overwhelming success for MCRTA and allowed members to gain useful information as well as having the opportunity to volunteer with the various service organizations. Currently MCRTA holds its regular meetings at the First Church of the Nazarene in Troy OH.

Meeting Dates and Times for 2011

January 18, 2011

Planning Committee 10:00a.m.

February 21, 2011 11:45a.m.

April 18, 2011 11:45a.m.

June 20, 2011 6:00p.m.

July 18, 2011

Planning Committee 10:00a.m.

August15, 2011 10:00a.m.

October 17, 2011 11:45a.m.

December 12, 2011 11:45a.m.

Mercer County

2010-07-01T11:43:00.003-04:00

Mercer County Quilt Block Story

The Mercer County Chapter Retired Teachers were members of a combined Auglaize-Mercer County Chapter RTA from May 20, 1967 through 1974. Through the suggestions of a District II Director, Mercy County Chapter RTA became independent in December 10, 1974. Membership listed in the 1975 program booklet was 34. Present (2007) membership is 134. From the years as a part of the combined Auglaize-Mercer County Chapter and through the years as the Mercer County Chapter RTA, interest has been keen concerning items relative to the welfare of retired teachers. Mercer County Chapter representatives have attended regional and state meetings. Members send letters and phone calls to legislators when requested. Also, many state ORTA officials have addressed the chapter thus keeping the members informed of upcoming issues. Local Mercer County peole have discussed subjects of special interest to the membership.

The Mercer County Chapter RTA meets six times a year on the odd months. Meetings are held as luncheon meetings. At present, one meeting is a special outing. In 2005 this outing was a combined three-county chapter meeting held at a banquet hall. Invitations are extended to guests, new retirees and spouses. Executive meetings are held in months when no chapter meeting is scheduled.

Mercer County Chapter RTA led the Mercer County Chapter RTA to consider having a memorial card presented to the families of deceased chapter members in lieu of a floral tribute. Ohio Retired Teachers Associaition became interested in the project. ORTA reimbursed Mercer County Chapter RTA for its investment of memorial cards and made the memorial card available to all chapters in the state.

As an organization, the Mercer County Chapter RTA members are pleased with the accomplishments of the county chapter and look with anticipation and enthusiasm to the future as they continue to serve the retirees in the Mercer County area. The Mercer County Chapter RTA plans to continue to join with other chapters of ORTA in improving the welfare of those who have given unselfishly of their time and talents in preparing the youth for future challenges ahead.

Meigs County

2010-07-01T11:40:00.007-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Meigs County website.

Meigs County Website

Meigs County Quilt Block Story

The Meigs County chapter of ORTA, down along the Ohio River, was organized on September 19, 1969 by Katherine McCall of Portsmouth. Southeast District Director of ORTA, with fourteen charter members, took part in the organization. The officers that first year were Lucille Smith, president; Clara Lochary, vice-president; Gladys Hayman, secretary and Anna Hildore, treasurer.

Important early projects consisted of helping to establish the Meigs County Council on Aging and contributing time and money toward the Carleton School for mentally challenged children.

The group continues today with various noteworthy projects: retirement planning seminars for active teachers; lending many volunteer hours to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program through the senior center; tutoring in reading programs in the schools and participating in a special Yesteryear program of teaching old-time crafts such as quilting and breadmaking to fifth grade students in the county. Our group may have the oldest still-active volunteer in the state. Her name is Kathleen Scott who is 101 years of age. Kathleen quilts for others and plays the piano at her church each Sunday as she has done since she was 16 years of age.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

March 17, 2011	12 Noon	TBA
April 21, 2011	12 Noon	TBA
May 19, 2011	12 Noon	TBA
September 15, 2011	12 Noon	TBA
October 20, 2011	12 Noon	TBA
December 1, 2011	12 Noon	TBA

Medina County

2010-07-01T11:37:00.002-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Medina County website.

Medina County Website

Medina County Quilt Block Story

The Medina County Chapter Retired Teacher Association was organized in 1967 with a membership of fifty-one retired teachers. The Medina County Chapter RTA meets four times a year for business and pleasure. Retired teachers from the entire county are eligible to belong regardless of whether they taught in the area.

When the retired teachers get together, one hears many stories concerning past experiences. Certification requirements make an interesting topic. Back in the early one-room school days, requirements for teaching were practically nil. The fact that married women were not permitted to teach is also remembered by some. The old county normal school furnished an opporutnity for many teachers to secure courses leading to meeting certification requirements.

When the retired teachers of Medina County meet today, problems are discussed and legislative matters are brought before legislators. Friendships are maintained.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

April 12, 2011	Noon	Medina Presbyterian Church 5020 Burgundy Bay Blvd. Medina
June 14, 2011	Noon	Same
August 9, 2011	Noon	Same
October 11, 2011	Noo	Same

Marion County

2010-07-01T11:35:00.004-04:00

Marion County Quilt Block Story

More than fifty years ago, a Marion teacher, Arena Hinds, held a meeting to explore the possibility of forming an association for retired teachers. Six teachers attended this first meeting to discuss how such an organization could help address some of the welfare issues of retired teachers. Later when Miss Hinds was in her first year of retirement, the Marion County (now known as Marion City-County) RTA was established on March 28, 1953 with 23 teachers in attendance. This new organization came to serve not only the social needs of retired teachers but also became their advocate on issues related to pensions, insurance, health care and community involvement.

Over the years, the Marion City-County RTA (MCCRTA) has grown and flourished. Membership has increased from the original 23 members to nearly 300 members. Meeting times have increased from four to seven times per year with five luncheon meetings and, in recent years, two dinner meetings to accommodate the schedules of an increasing number of retired teachers wo are working after they retire. Over time, meeting locations have changed form homes to area churches, to community centers and ultimately to restaurants. In 1959, chapter members added programs and entertainment to the meetings. Today's yearly schedule includes a balance of entertainment and informative programs.

In community service participation, MCCRTA members contribute countless volunteer hours to our community. Recently, as a service to future teacher retirees, MCCRTA held its first Retirement Planning Seminar, which included three speakers and a light dinner for 150 active teachers.

Today's members are committed to making the efforts and adjustments necessary to assure that MCCRTA will grow and continue to fulfill the mission of its dedicated founders

Mahoning County

2010-07-01T11:33:00.005-04:00

Mahoning County Quilt Block Story

A View of Mahoning Valley by George D. Beelen, Ph.D.

Located among the green rolling hills of northeast Ohio, Mahoning County abuts western Pennsylvania and is nestled between Trumbull and Columbiana counties. With a 2007 population of about 257,000 people, it occupies an area of 423 square miles. "Mahoning is an Indian word meaning "at the licks", or "place of nourishment". Locally, it is the name of a river, a geographic place, and the site of nourishment for those many diverse peoples who settled and lived here for years.

From its formation in 1846, the county population grew rapidly until the 1930's when it leveled off. Its economic growth was propelled to a large extent by forest-derived charcoal and later raw coal which were used for smelting iron and eventually for manufacturing steel. Steel, and the resultant railroad industry, was to become the life-blood of the entire Mahoning Valley until the late 1970's and a changing world market.

Waves of immigrants settled in the county providing the necessary labor for the booming businesses and industries. As the economy and population grew, so did the need for education, business and commerce leadership, cultural activity, good government and athletics. Mahoning County dutifully nourished those needs with resident William Holmes McGuffey and his famous McGuffey Readers. County residents are also justifiably proud of their own Youngstown State University, which began as the private YMCA-associated Youngstown College and in 1967 became a state university.

2011 Mahoning County RTA Meeting Information

February 10, 2011 Executive Board	9:00 a.m.	Boardman Methodist Church 6809 Market St.	Boardman
March 9, 2011	11:45 a.m.	Antone's Banquet Center 8578 Market St.	Boardman
April 14, 2011 Executive Board	9:00 a.m.	Boardman Methodist Church	Boardman
May 11, 2011	11:45 a.m.	Antone's Banquet Center	Boardman
June 8, 2011	5:00 p.m.	Antone's Banquet Center	Boardman
August 11, 2011 Executibe Board	9:00 a.m.	Boardman Methodist Church	Boardman
September 14, 2011	11:45 a.m.	Antone's Banquet Center	Boardman
October 13, 2011 Executive Board	9:00 a.m.	Boardman Methodist Church	Boardman
November 9, 2011	11:45 a.m.	Antone's Banquet Center	Boardman
December 14, 2011	11:45 a.m.	Antone's Banquet Center	Boardman

Madison County

2010-07-01T11:30:00.006-04:00

Madison County Quilt Block Story

Madison County is a rural county in Central Ohio - an area of large farms and the second largest school district, mile wise, in the state of Ohio. Being sparsely populated, it has a small student enrollment in the four school districts: Jonathan Alder, London Madison Plains, West Jefferson and Tolles Technical Center that serves the vocational students of the area.

Twelve local retired teachers met at London High School on February 21, 1967 to set up a chapter of ORTA. Mr. H.W. Carr, Central District Director and later president of ORTA (1970), presided at the session. Mr. Carr was assisted by Mrs. Ethel Helser, president of the Union County RTA Chapter. Temporary officers were named to serve until the next meeting.

Today, Madison County RTA has six meetings a year. Individual members participate in volunteer programs throughout the year. A newsletter helps keep members informed about current topics.

The quilt block is a tribute to Jonathan Alder, the first settler.

Lucas County

2010-07-01T11:27:00.007-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Lucas County website.

Lucas County Website Lucas County Quilt Block Story

The names of 97 Toledo Ohio area retired teachers were listed on the roster as charter members of the Retired Teachers League of Ohio, Lucas County Chapter. Established January 25, 1947, the organization mailed a letter dated March 6 of that year to Ohio retired teachers, encouraging membership and recommending that a county chapter be organized.

The constitution and bylaws of the Lucas County Chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association were adopted October 27, 1955. Amendments and revisions have been made through the years.

Membership in Lucas County RTA has grown steadily. The membership has long been active writing to legislators to express support for bills that would benefit retired teachers.

2011 Meeting Information

March 23, 2011	12:00 Noon	Sylvania Country Club 5201 Corey Rd. Sylvania OH 43560
April 28, 2011	12:00 Noon	Brandywine C. C. 7005 Salisbury Rd. Maumee OH 43537
May 25, 2011	12:00 Noon	Toledo C.C. 3949 River Rd. Toledo OH 43614
September 26, 2011	12:00 Noon	Belmont CC 29601 Bates Rd. Rossford OH 43460
October 27, 2011	12:00 Noon	The Toledo Club 235 14th St. Toledo OH43604
December 15, 2011	12:00 Noon	Inverness CC 4601 Dorr Toledo OH 43615

Lorain County

2010-07-01T11:24:00.006-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Lorain County website.

Lorain County Website

Lorain County Quilt Block Story

On February 13, 1948 thirteen retired teachers organized to form the Lorain County Retired Teachers Association with J. S. Mason as the first president. After that date, our history is very sketchy until 1966 when we once again surfaced with Vietta Lindsley as the president and sixty members. These members helped with contributions to provide financial assistance to teachers with below-average retirement incomes.

In 1973, the organization was growing steadily, therefore, a more permanent meeting place with a large parking lot, handicap accessibility and reasonable rates was needed. Finally in 1984 the group settled on DeLuca's place in the Park in Lorain, OH. We have remained there to the present day.

We meet four times each year, each time with a delicious lunch and a legislative update followed by information from candidates for local, state or federal offices, scholarship presentations, entertainment from local High Schools or local people who bring us updated information on many topics of interest to our membership. We have a picnic in the summer with entertainment, so our members can get together once for pure enjoyment.

In 1973, George Thourot and Fran Cole started the newsletter LORCORTA NEWS. We have two scholarships: The Orrin Findley Scholarship, instituted in 1984 to offer scholarships to high school graduates whose family members were teachers. This scholarship is supported by the members as well as interest from the fund. In 1992, Mary Elizabeth Keller set up a trust fund, the interest of which grants scholarships to junior or senior college students studying in the field of education. During the years we have donated to many worthy causes.

At the time of the 50th Anniversary of our chapter, we donated to Kinship Care to assist grandparents raising and caring for their grandchildren on a daily basis.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

February 2, 2011	1 p.m. Ex. Bd. Mtg.	N. Ridgeville Public Library
March 16, 2011	11:30 a.m.	DeLuca's Place in the Park 6075 Middle Ridge Rd., Lorain
April 6, 2011	1 p.m. Ex. Bd. Mtg.	N. Ridgeville Public Library
May 18, 2011	11:30 a.m.	DeLuca's Place in the Park 6075 Middle Ridge Rd., Lorain
August 1, 2011	5 p.m.	Picnic at DeLuca's
September 7, 2011	1 p.m. Ex. Bd. Mtg.	N. Ridgeville Public Library
October 19, 2011	11:30 a.m.	DeLuca's Place in the Park6075 Middle Ridge Rd., Lorain
November 2, 2011	1 p.m. Ex. Bd. Mtg.	N. Ridgeville Public Library
December 14, 2011	11:30 a.m.	DeLuca's/Same as above

Logan County

2010-07-01T11:22:00.006-04:00

Logan County Quilt Block Story

The Logan County Retired Teachers Association had its beginning when a small group met in the home of Kathryn Cooper in Bellefontaine, OH on September 13, 1962. There were eleven prospective members in attendance. Representatives from ORTA were present to assist in organizing the Logan County Chapter RTA and to help planning activities for the coming year.

Four meetings are held each year in various locations throughout Logan County. At least one of these meetings is held in a school building. The programs are varied.

The group has established a scholarship fund for high school graduates who are entering the field of education. The first scholarship was awarded in 1997.

Logan County Chapter RTA members are involved in many endeavors in addition to retired teacher activities. Many donate their time and talents to hospital guilds, the Historical Society, the Cultural Commission, local churches and various service organizations.

Licking County

2010-07-01T11:18:00.007-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Licking County website.

Licking County Website

Licking County Quilt Block Story

The Licking County Retired Teachers Association was established in 1965. Our members are as unique and fascinating as the architecture represented in our quilt block. Over two hundred members strong, our group gathers six times a year to learn about interesting ideas, people, places and things; we love to laugh and have a great time at our meetings; and we appreciate the fine lunches prepared by the great cooks in our county. We travel together, always seeking to inform ourselves and share the fun of the journey. Come visit us.

2011 Licking County RTA Meeting Information

February 9, 2011	Noon	Stacey's Homestyle Buffett 833 South 30th Street	Heath
April 13, 2011	Noon	Heath United Methodist Church 1149 Hebron Rd.	Heath
June 8, 2011	Noon	Christ United Methodist Church 10 North Cedar St.	Newark
August 10, 2011	Noon	Stacey's Homestyle Buffett 833 South 30th St.	Heath
October 12, 2011	Noon	Utica United Methodist Church 626 North Street	Utica
December 14, 2011	Noon	Central Christian Church 587 Mt. Vernon Road	Newark

Lawrence County

2010-07-01T11:16:00.006-04:00

Lawrence County Quilt Block Story

In April 1966 twenty retired teachers of Lawrence County OH met to organize the Lawrence County Retired Teachers Association. We have met six times yearly for the last forty-one years.

The current enrollment in the Lawrence County Retired Teachers Association is approximately 90. We usually have an average of 30 members at each meeting.

Our members retired from: Ironton City, Chesapeake Exempted Village, Dawson Bryant, Fairland, Rock Hill, South Point and Symmes Valley School Districts.

Each year we strive to have at least one speaker from the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. Last year we were honored to have the President travel a long distance to be with us. His speech was very informative about current legislative action and other topics of interest.

Lawrence County is the most southern of all of Ohio's counties. We are very proud of our riverboat heritage, the superior iron ore produced from 1818 to 1916 and the development of the first Rome Beauty apple. So on our quilt blocks we included the anvil to represent the iron ore industry and the apple that were both parts of our history.

The teaching profession continues to deal with a demanding society. We know that the present teachers' job is not easy, but schools are being built, levies are being passed, materials are being purchased and new ideas are being exchanged. With a little sweat, lots of patience and a sense of humor, these teachers will survive.

Lake County

2010-07-01T11:13:00.003-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Lake County website.

Lake County Website

Lake County Quilt Block Story

Lake County RTA was founded on August 4, 1966 at the Painesville City Board of Education office. There a meeting was held with Robert L. Fleming from Youngstown and past president of ORTA and a group of retired public school teachers to discuss the formation of Lake County Chapter RTA. The original people in attendance included Nell Giffin, William Snell, Oren Casey, Ruth Shaw, Marian Leuty, Lelia Knyeart and Evelyn St. Pierre. William Snell was elected temporary president and Nell Giffin was elected secretary. The mission of the group, with the aid of ORTA, was to send 130 letters of invitation to retired Lake County teachers.

A luncheon meeting was held at Studio Inn in Painesville with 62 attendees. ORTA President, James McDowell was the guest speaker. The following month, Evelyn St. Pierre presented the first draft of the Lake County RTA Constitution at the meeting. The Constitution was adopted.

The mission of the Lake County Chapter was:

to aid in advancement of public schools
to foster good fellowship between retired and public school teachers
to promote interest and welfare of retired public school techers in OHio.

In 1969 the first directory appeared with a logo on the cover designed by Ruth Shaw. That logo is still used today as the Lake County RTA symbol.

Over the years, revisions have taken place in the mission of the group. Nell Giffin wrote that the letters LCCORTA stand for - "let's cut capers over really terrific affairs" and we have been doing it ever since.

Knox County

2010-07-01T11:11:00.003-04:00

Knox County Quilt Block Story

The Knox County Retired Teachers Association was established in 1965 in Mt. Vernon OH. Mt. Vernon is known as the Dogwood City. The chapter has given $100 worth of books annually to the Public Library since 1971 in memory of deceased members.

Knox RTA donated a $500 scholarship to Ashland College in honor of Tyrone Nobel who served as our president for 14 years (1981-1996). Our chapter has 120 members and has had four presidents in 42 years. The anniversary quilt patches were made by member Virginia Mae Kline.

Jefferson County

2010-07-01T11:02:00.008-04:00

Jefferson County Quilt Block Story

The Jefferson County Retired Teachers held their organizational meeting on August 18, 1964 at the home of Mrs. Elsie Hannan.

The charter members were Ruby Bailie, Florence Bucey, B. L. Brommer, Clemmie Burris, Merrill Dennis, Pauline Everson, W. I. Everson, Margaret Evans, Willella Fleming, Octa Foster and Blanche Francy.

Officers elected at this meeting were President Clyde Sutherland, Vice-President Elsie Hannan and Secretary/Treasurer Gladys Kracer. Mrs. Alverna Baer and Mrs. Alma Zinninger of Canton briefed the group on the functions of the organizaiton.

Dues were established at $1.00 per year.

Present day officers are President Dave Nicholson, Vice-President Janie Wittmer, Secretary Janis Westfall and Treasurer Ida Haynes. Membership is 258 and dues are $6.00.

Meetings are held four times per year at various area churches. Programs vary according to the needs and interests of the members.

2011 Jefferson County RTA Meeting Information

April 12, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Richmond United Methodist Church	Richmond
June 14, 2011	11:00 a.m.	First United Presbyterian Church 2nd and Main	Brilliant
September 13, 2011	11:00 a.m.	First Presbyterian Church of Toronto 116 N. 3rd St.	Toronto
November 1, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Starkdale Presbyterian Church 4600 Sunset Blvd.	Wintersville

Jackson County

2010-07-01T10:58:00.007-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Jackson County website.

Jackson County Website

Jackson County Quilt Block Story

August 15, 1965, a group of former teachers and state retired teachers held their yearly picnic at Lake Jackson. District Director Katherine McCall spoke to those present about the advantages of becoming affiliated with ORTA and explained the procedures the Chapter would need to follow to gain this affiliation. Following Mrs. McCall's presentation, a proposed slate of officers was nominated and elected and a committee was formed to write the constitution for the Jackson County Chapter. On September 15, 1965 a special meeting was held for the presentation and adoption of a constitution. The first year there were ninety-one members, including associate members. The late Donna Stanley served as District VII Director and in 1982 served as ORTA President. The late William C. (Bill) McDonald served as an executive board member and president of the Ohio Education Association. He later served ORTA and served on the State Teachers' Retirement Board.

The chapter meets four times a year. One meeting is held in each part of the county - Jackson, Wellston and Oak Hill, with the fourth meeting being held in Jackson on odd years and in Wellston on even years. Present membership includes ninety-six dual and seven associate members. The chapter awards two small college stipends each year.

Members of the Jackson County Retired Teachers Association are very active volunteers in the community. Many serve as tutors in the local schools or at the county jail. Service organizations, clothesline/food pantry, church school, church choirs, Historical Society and Jackson County Apple Festival projects are some areas that keep everyone busy.

The JCRTA presidents to date include: Mary Hannah Lewis Davis, Mary Lucas, Tilberry Dixon, Daniel F. Jones, Rev. Orlan C. Cooper, Anna Houser, Claude Swick, Esther Lloyd Dauber, Rev. John D. Davis, Reba Kisor, Eva Caulley, Vesta Wilson, Gomer Morris, Mary Houser, Helen J. Anderson, John E. Worthington, Margaret Benson, Viola Gettles, Hope Keller, Roxie Underwood, Susan Will, Wilbur McCormick, Sharon Needham and Georgia Gillfillan.

Huron County

2010-07-01T10:55:00.005-04:00

Huron County Quilt Block Story

The Huron County Retired Teachers Association was organized on February 17, 1968 at the Huron County Education Department in New London OH. The chapter's purpose was to educate, to entertain and to serve. The 35 chapter charter members met at the Senior Center in Norwalk OH under the leadership of Thelma Toby. Ms. Toby was elected president with Kenneth Weaver as vice-president and Margaret Weaver as secretary. Meetings were held on the second Thursday of February, May, August and November. By 1973 the membership had grown to 65 members. In 1996 the membership was 114 and in 2007 it was 138.

The HCRTA now meets on the second Thursday in March, May, October and December. Most of the time the meetings are held in churches alternating in the various communities in Huron County which include Norwalk, New London, Willard, North Fairfield and Greenwich.

A scholarship fund was established to provide scholarships to any high school senior or anyone in the county enrolled in a teacher education program. Different members wrote histories of each school district in Huron County and they were compiled into a book on the History of Huron County Schools. The proceeds of the books that were sold were put into the scholarship fund.

Members of HCRTA are involved in many kinds of volunteer work.

2011 Meeting Dates and Locations

February 10, 2011	Ex. Bd Mtg. 10:00 a.m.	Monroeville Public Library
March 10, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Seybert UMC, Main St by Wendy's on Rt. 20, Bellevue
April 19, 2011	Ex. Bd. Mtg. 10:00 a.m.	Monroeville Public Library
May 12, 2011	11:00 a.m.	United Methodist Church, New London OH
September 8, 2011	Ex. Bd. Mtg. 10:00 a.m.	Monroeville Public Library
October 13 2011	11:00 a.m.	Trinity Lutheran Church, Williard
November 10, 2011	Ex. Bd. Mtg. 10:00 a.m.	Monroeville Public Library
December 8, 2011	11:00 a.m.	North Fairfield UMC, North Fairfield

Holmes County

2010-07-01T10:52:00.005-04:00

Holmes County Quilt Block Story

Twenty-three retired teachers met in Killbuck OH in the home of Rod and Faye Franks to organize the last chapter of RTA from the East Central Ohio Teachers' Organization, . The founding members had an average of 33.8 years of teaching experience. Several began their teaching at age 18 with full certification. Many had their career interrupted by war duties or by marriage. Earlier local policy prohibited married women from teaching, but the scarcity of teachers in the 1940's and 1950's brought about a change in that policy. The first officers were of Holmes County RTA were: President, J. J. Weltmer; Vice-President, Charles Sigrist; Treasurer, Corinne Snyder; Secretary, Ferne Palmer.

Many retired teachers choose to remain in Holmes County with its conservative agricultural environment, beautiful green rolling hills and scenery and small communities providing all the essentials for daily life. Retired teachers hold many leadership positions in community and county service organizations and groups with their talents and influence reaching statewide and nationwide.

The chapter administers the PM Graham Scholarship Fund to one of its former members giving $1,500 scholarships to 10-15 Holmes County students yearly to attend Wooster College or Kent State University.

Holmes County is now consolidated into two school districts, East Holmes Local and West Holmes Local. The Holmes County Chapter carries a membership of around 65 members as of 2007.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

April 21, 2011	11:30 a.m.	West Fork, Holmes Co. Sr. Ctr., Millersburg
May 19, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Hotel Millersburg, Jackson St., Millersburg
June 16, 2011	6 p.m.	Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen, Mt. Hope
July 21, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Rails to Trails, Depot Drive, Millersburg
September 15, 2011	6 p.m.	Save and Serve, S. Washington St., Millersburg
October 20, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Walnut Hills Retirement Community, Walnut Creek
November 17, 2011	11:30 a.m.	West Fork Sr. Center, Glen Dr., Millersburg

Hocking County

2010-07-01T10:48:00.005-04:00

Hocking County Quilt Block Story

The Hocking County Chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association was organized on October 9, 1969. Ethel Guthrie, District III Director for Ohio Retired Teachers Association, came to Logan on October 9, 1969 for the organizational meeting. The meeting was held at Brandt's Restaurant at 2 p.m. Ms. Guthrie and Mr. Ralph Walker worked together in this organization of the Hocking County Chapter RTA.

On the Hocking County quilt blocks, the background fabrics in the desginated block are representative of the Hocking County area. The blue in the upper left represents the sky and reflective water. Visitors to Hocking County find numerous fishing and wildlife viewing areas.

The green foliage is representative of the beautiful vegetation found in our numerous State Parks.

Hocking County has long been rich in the heritage of clay and brick making. Clay sewer tile is shipped all over the world for use in major cities. Recently, these items have found a new venue in the area of decorative garden art.

The brown fabric represents the wonderful hiking trails found in our State Parks. These have been preserved for generations and attract a variety of visitors to our area.

The Heart constructed from a Kids print symbolized the Heart of the Child. As retired teachers it is most appropriate that we recall the focus of so many years of service.

Highland County

2010-07-01T10:46:00.007-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Highland County website.

Highland County Website

Highland County Quilt Block Story

Highland County is located in the southwestern region of the state. The ORTA Highland County RTA meetings are held four times each year at the senior citizens building in Hillsboro. We have one hundred two members and have an average of forty members attending each of the luncheons.

Highland County RTA gives two educational scholarships to a Highland County graduate who will attend the Southern State Community College in Hillsboro each year.

2011 Highland County RTA Meeting Information

January 4, 2011 Executive Committee	9:00 a.m.	251 Harry Sauner	Hillsboro
February 7, 2011	11:00 a.m.	185 Muntz	Hillsboro
April 5, 2011 Executive Committee	9:00 a.m.	251 Harry Sauner	Hillsboro
May 2, 2011	11:00 a.m.	185 Muntz	Hillsboro
July 5, 2011 Executive Committee	9:00 a.m.	251 Harry Sauner	Hillsboro
August 1, 2011	11:00 a.m.	185 Muntz	Hillsboro
October 4, 2011 Executive Committee	9:00 a.m.	251 Harry Sauner	Hillsboro
November 7, 2011	11:00 a.m.	185 Muntz	Hillsboro

For more information on the above meetings, please visit the website www.hcrta.org.

Henry County

2010-07-01T10:43:00.002-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Henry County website.

Henry County Website

Henry County Quilt Block Story
Henry County Chapter

Organized - 1968
Original Membership - 28
2007 Membership - over 160
Cost of meal - $1.60 plus tax and tip
Constitution amended - 1970, 2006
$500 Foundation Book Grants - given yearly

Past Presidents

1968-69 - F. J. Neiderhiser	1988-90 - Myra Orthwein
1970 -1972 - Luella Lighthill	1991 - Jim Kieffer
1973 - Betty House	1992 - Margaret Sherman
1974-75 - Mary Tate	1993-95 - Doris Ruby
1976-77 - Luella Lighthill	1996-97 - Charles Griffith
1978 - Lillian Reiser	1998 - Jim Kieffer
1978-79 - Mary Mayer	1999 - 2000 - Jim Nagel
1980 - Christine Riswold, Mary Mayer	2001-03 - Charles Griffith
1980 - 87 - Luella Lighthill	2004-05 - Gene Grime
1985 - 87 - Margaret Sherman	2006-07 - Bonnie Eddy

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

March 14, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Oberhaus Park, W. Maumee Ave.	Napoleon, OH
May 9, 2011	5:30 p.m.	Same as above
July 11, 2011	5:30 p.m.	Same as above
September 12, 2011	5:30 p.m.	Same as above
November 14, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Same as above
December 12, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Same as above

Harrison County

2010-07-01T10:40:00.006-04:00

Harrison County Quilt Block Story

The Harrison County chapter of the RTA was organized in 1966 under the leadership of George Redman, a former Superintendent of Schools. Membership has varied from the original 12 to about 70 members, most also ORTA members.

Chapter programs over the years have included educational, pension system, legislative, historical and entertainment information plus visits to local areas of interest. Generally, the ORTA Director and a retired teacher on the STRS Board are invited to speak each year.

Among the projects of the chapter, perhaps the most outstanding was publishing Lest We Forget - Harrison County Early Schools, edited by Ruth Dotson on the 112 early schools. Other past projects included generous contributions to the Puskarich Public Library and to the resotration of Ourant School, the county's last one-room school. Each year retired teachers and members of the Ourant School Foundation teach sscond grade classes using "turn of the century" style lessons. Former President, Isabelle Wallace, along with members of the Ourant Foundation, developed the curriculum and teaching materials (including McGuffey readers).

Notable past members of the chapter include Dean Harrah, named "Man of the Year" by the Ohio Baseball Hall of Fame for more than 60 years of actively playing and coaching youth athletics, Dorothy Birney (taught 55 years), R. A. Kammeyer (the Jewett Opera House was named in his honor), and Martha Haverfield, a chapter leader dedicated to recruiting new members.

Past and current members have contributed to the community in many ways: volunteering at the Harrison Community Hospital and local hospices, with the Ruritans and DAR to recognize top students and at their churches. Current notable include Mary Ford, author of a historical column, Twice Told Tales for the local paper; Clarence and Joyce Lannum, long term officers in the Deersville Community Players; Anita Coultrap,Assistant Director, Chamber of Commerce; Carolyn Addy, member of the county Board of Elections; Robert Hugh, past county commissioner, and Bette Hill, chair of the Mental Health and Recovery Board. Several members are active in lobbying state and federal legislators on behalf of retired teachers and educational issues.

Hardin County

2010-07-01T10:38:00.007-04:00

Hardin County Quilt Block Story

On October 2, 1968 a group of eighteen retired teachers met with Second Vice President of Ohio Retired Teachers Association, Mr. H.W. Carr and Northwest District Director, Mr. O. J. Frederick for the purpose of organizing a Hardin County Chapter for retired teachers. The Hardin County Constitution was ratified on November 6, 1968 with 39 charter members. In 2006 membership was 81. Meetings are held six times a year at noon in various churches in the county. The group has been active in legislative affairs that are important for the welfare of retired teachers. Many members are actively volunteering in schools, churches, hospitals and other organizations. The group sponsors a scholarship annually for a college senior majoring in education. Marie Price is the only living charter member at the age of 106 in 2007.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

April 11, 2011	12:00 Noon	The Wishing Well Ohio Northern University	Ada OH
May 20, 2011	12: 00 Noon	Church of Christ SR 292	Ridgeway OH
June 17, 2011	12:00 Noon	Walnut Grove Church 13502 TR80	Kenton OH
September 16, 2011	12:00 Noon	Forest United Methodist Church 111 E. Dixon St.	Forest OH
October 21, 2011	12:00 Noon	First United Methodist Church 234 N. Main St.	Kenton OH
November 18, 2011	12:00 Noon	Plaza Inn 491 S. Main St.	Mt. Victory OH

Hancock County

2010-07-01T10:35:00.003-04:00

Hancock County Quilt Block Story

The Hancock County Retired Teachers organization was founded in October 16, 1966. Fourteen retirees attended the first meeting.

The Little Red School House is located on County Road 236 in Hancock County and was built in 1864. It was schoolhouse for 72 years. This makes it one of the longest used schools in Ohio history. The building was built on the Wiseley farm and when approached about the idea of restoring the school and providing public tours, the Wiseley Family responded favorably. The local Retired Teachers Organization renovated the building. It is now a part of the Hancock County Historical Museum.

The chapter is still going strong with over 225 members. Twelve meetings are held each year which include four business meetings and eight breakfast meetings. The group has added a Scholarship Program where two $500 scholarships are awarded per year. This committee is busy most of the year promoting this scholarship to the young people, collecting the information and then making the final selections. The winners are then guests at one of the regular meetings.

Tours of the Little Red School House are available during the summer. We would encourage the public to visit the school and feel the effects of the early "Little Red School House."

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

January 12, 2011	9 a.m.	I Hop, 7777 CR 216, Findlay OH
February 9, 2011	9 a.m.	"
March 9, 2011	9 a.m.	"
April 15, 2011	Noon	Mt. Blanchard United Methodist Church, 204 S. Main St., Mt. Blanchard OH
May 11, 2011	9 a.m.	I Hop
June 17, 2011	Noon	Senior Center, 339 E. Melrose, Findlay OH
July 13, 2011	9 a.m.	I Hop
August 19, 2011	Noon	Riverbend Park, 16618 TR 200, Findlay OH
September 14, 2011	9 a.m.	I Hop
October 21, 2011	Noon	Senior Center, 339 E. Melrose, Findlay OH
November 9, 2011	9 a.m.	I Hop
December 14, 2011	9 a.m.	I Hop

Hamilton County

2010-06-30T20:02:00.003-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Hamilton County website.

Hamilton County Website

Hamilton County Quilt Block Story

Hamilton County Retired Teachers Association was founded on January 7, 1947 by A. O. Jones and Benjamin Siehl. Since that early beginning our membership now numbers over 1500 retired teachers.
Hamilton County Retired Teachers Association is very active providing a variety of activities and services to its members and the community. The chapter meets regularly for luncheons and programs of interest including travel slides and local history. Members frequently join together for travel, including cruises through the Panama Canal and the Mediterranean. Members accumulate thousands of volunteer hours to hospitals, nursing homes and schools. The chapter's latest project is in cooperation with the Heritage Village of Sharon Woods to move and restore a one-room schoolhouse.
A golden apple pin and honor life membership are presented to members who have reached the age of eighty or who have been a member for twenty years.

Guernsey County

2010-06-30T19:59:00.006-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Guernsey County Website.

Guernsey County Website

Guernsey County Quilt Block Story

The Guernsey County Chapter of Retired Teachers was organized on September 7, 1963. In 1980, Wilma Wiggington led a project to compose a book of one-room schoolhouses in Guernsey County. That book was published in 1987. In that same year a project began to preserve a one-room schoolhouse. The school had to be dismantled and rebuilt on the Guernsey County Fairgrounds. Alfred M. Glass, local member and ORTA President in 1992 was the project chairperson.

2011 Guernsey County RTA Meeting Information

April 27, 2011	Noon	Old Washington United Methodist Church 118 Old National Rd.	Old Washington
May 25, 2011	Noon	Same as above
June 22, 2011	Noon	Same as above
August 24, 2011	Noon	Same as above
September 28, 2011	Noon	Same as above
October 26, 2011	Noon	Same as above

Greene County

2010-06-30T19:55:00.007-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Greene County website.

Greene County Website

Greene County General Membership Meeting Info:

11:30 A.M. - Memorial Presbyterian Church
12:00 Noon - Lunch
12:45 P.M. - Program

Dates 2011
May 25, 2011
August 24, 2011
November 16, 2011

Greater Cleveland

2010-06-30T19:50:00.010-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Greater Cleveland website.

Greater Cleveland Website

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Greater Cleveland Quilt Block Story

Founding Date 1948 - 109 Members - Dues $.251982: Life Membership Established - Total Life Members in 2007 - 445

1986: Scholarship Fund Established -- First Award $250.00 -- Present Awards $1,000.00 - Over 40 Awards given to Cleveland Public and Suburban School Districts - "Apple Pin" for Donors

Awards:

1984 Winner "Honor Chapter Blue Banner" Award

2001 Recipient National Retired Teachers Association National Crystal Award

2001 Recipient Colin Powell Promise Keepers "Little Red Wagon" Award

ORTA Certificates and Monetary Awards for Committee Reports (6th in the State)

AARP Awards for "Significant Achievement"

Adopt-A-School Tutoring Program - Pre-Kindergarten thru 8th Grade

Supports Homeless Shelters - Hunger Task Force

Annual Appreciation Day - All GCC Members and Newly Retired Teachers

Annual Talent Revue Programs

Displays of Artful Posters and Pictures Depicting Chapter Activities

2011 Greater Cleveland RTA Meeting Information

January 12, 2011	10 a.m. Ex Bd Mtg	Denny's, 4331 W. 150th St.	Cleveland

March 9, 2011	10 a.m. Ex Bd Mtg 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Reg. Mtg.	Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5300 Rockside Rd.	Independence
April 13, 2011	"	Same as above
May 11, 2011	"	Same as above
June 8, 2011	"	Same as above
July 13, 2011	Bd. Mtg. Only	Denny's, 4331 W. 150th St.	Cleveland

September 14, 2011	10 a.m. Ex Bd Mtg 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Reg. Mtg.	Same as above
October 12, 2011	"	Same as above
November 9, 2011	"	Same as above
December 14, 2011	"	Same as above

Geauga County

2010-06-30T19:46:00.001-04:00

Geauga County Quilt Block StoryThe Geauga County Chapter of retired teachers was officially organized on October 19, 1966 at Punderson Manor House in Newbury. Twenty-seven retired teachers met for lunch, adopted the constitution and by-laws and elected officers.
GCRTA's membership increased to 90 members by 1968 and is presently at 300. Notable guest speakers were brought to luncheon meetings and welfare activities were encouraged. In December of 1982, members started bringing food stuffs and money to the luncheons to be distributed to the Geauga County welfare recipients. A total of 40,000 volunteer hours were given by members in 1995, many to Gaeuga Hospital and the county schools.

On November 30, 1987 the Chardon Library dedicated the Loretta Mae Holmes Cancer Library in honor of her many years of service to the Cancer Society. In January 1989, Jeannette Grosvenor and other chapter memebers unearthed 1811 to '900 Geauga County Court House records to prepare them in proper order for microfilming. Jeannette is also in charge of the Geauga County Public Library Genealogy Department.

In August 1988, the first collegiate scholarship award was presented. It is now given annually to a Geauga County high school graduate who is a senior studying education.

2011 Geauga County RTA Meeting Information

January 6, 2011	10:00 a.m. Ex. Comm. Mtg.	West Geauga Library Chillocothe Rd.	Chesterland
February 1, 2011	11:15 a.m.	Geauga County Library, Admn. Bldg. Ravewood Dr.	Chardon
March 1, 2011	Same as January
April 5, 2011	11:15 a.m.	The Lorelta Pananini School of Cooking 8613 Mayfield Rd.	Chesterland
May 3, 2011	Same as Jauary
June 7, 2011	11:15 a.m.	Chardon UMC 515 North St.	Chardon
July 5, 2010	Same as January
August 2, 2011	11:15 a.m.	Geauga County Park (Reservation not complete for this location)
September 6, 2011	Same as January
October 4, 2011	11:15 a.m.	Grand River Cellars Winery, 5750 S, Madison Rd	Madison
November 1, 2011	Same as January
December 6, 2011	11:15 a.m.	Fowlerl's Mill Golf Course, 13095 Rockhaven Rd.	Chesterland

Gallia County

2010-06-30T19:43:00.008-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Gallia County website.

Gallia County Website

Gallia County Quilt Block Story

The organizational meeting for the Gallia County Retired Teachers was held in July of 1970 at the request of Marguerite Hineman and with the assistance of District Director, Kathryn McCall. Marguerite then served as the Chapter's first president.Meetings are now held six times each year at different churches and restaurants. The group's newsletter is mailed to 260 members. Each year one student from each of the county's three high schools, who is entering college as an education major, is given the Kathryn Williams Scholarship. The names of four state presidents are found on the membership list of Gallia County Retired Teachers. They are: Irene Brannon, 1984; Albert Durose, 1988; Jean Mills, 1999 and John MIlhoan, 2002.

2011 Gallia County RTA Meeting Information

February 10, 2011	Noon	Golden Corral Upper R. 7 North	Gallipolis
April 14, 2011	Noon	Nazarene Church Family Life Center 1110 1st Ave.	Gallipolis
June 9, 2011	Noon	Presbyterian Church 51 State Street	Gallipolis
August 11, 2011	Noon	First Baptist Church, 1100 4th Ave.	Gallipolis
October 13, 2011	Noon	Rodney Church 6611 SR 588	Gallipolis
December 8, 2011	Noon	Nazarene Church Family Life Center 1110 1st Ave.	Gallipolis

Fulton County

2010-06-30T13:41:00.000-04:00

Fulton County Quilt Block Story

The thirty-eight year history of the Fulton County Chapter of the Retired Teachers Association of the Ohio Retired Teachers has been documented and maintained through the efforts of past chapter presidents and numerous dedicated officers, committees and past local association members.The organizing process of the Fulton County Chapter was initiated on October 8, 1968 through the leadership of Mervin Farber, a local teacher retiree and twenty-eight other interested retired educators who met for a dinner meeting get-together. This group was assisted by Second Vice-president H. W. Carr of the Ohio Retired Teachers.

Organizational ideas were developed and pursued resulting in a thirty-five member Fulton County Chapter of the Retired Teachers Association.

Throughout the ensuing years, the Fulton County Chapter has sponsored community services within the seven local school districts and has undertaken a multitude of interesting and exciting trips throughout the Eastern Regions of our United States and Canada.

Presently, our local communities provide a variety of tutorial, health-related and post-retirement teaching opportunities for both our current and future members of the Fulton County Chapter of Retired Teachers.

Franklin County

2010-06-30T13:39:00.003-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Franklin County website.

Franklin County Website

Franklin County Quilt Block Story

The Franklin County Retired Teachers' Association had an unusual beginning. Its history was so intertwined with the beginning of Ohio Retired Teachers Association that the two seem inseparable.In 1947, there were two organizations of retired teachers in Franklin County. One was the Retired Schoolmasters Club which consisted entirly of men. The other was the Retired Teachers Club. With the Teachers League of Ohio, these groups became one as the Ohio Reitred Teachers Association.

In 1949, a meeting of Franklin County retired teachers was called by W. O. Lambert. The Franklin County Chapter of ORTA was formed at this time.

In 1984 a newsletter was started for Franklin County.

Today, the Franklin County Chapter RTA continues to grow, continues to do volunteer work both as individuals and as a group and has received a variety of awards for their continued efforts.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

April 13, 2011	!2 Noon	Berwick, 3250 Refugee Rd.
May 11, 2011	12 Noon	Villa Milano, 1630 Schrock Rd.
June 15, 2011	12 Noon	Aladdin Shrine, 3850 Stelzer Rd.
September 14, 2011	12 Noon	Ramada Plaza Hotel Conference Center, 4900 Sinclair Rd.
October 12, 2011	12 Noon	Villa Milano, 1630 Schrock Rd.
December 14, 2011	12 Noon	Berwick, 3250 Refugee Rd.

Fayette County

2010-06-30T13:34:00.002-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Franklin County website.

Fayette County Website

Fayette County Quilt Block Story

Fayette County Retired Teachers Association was organized May 9, 1968. The Fayette County Chapter was to be a service organization, a division of AARP. Its purpose was to aid the advancement of public schools, to foster good fellowship and to promote the interest and welfare of teachers.President Gladys Melson presided over the first meeting in August, 1968 with 24 members present. FCRTA has grown to 100 members in May, 2007 and meets six times a year.Since 1971 books have been presented to Carnegie Public Library in Washington Courthouse as memorials to deceased members. The "Banana Express" has delivered fruit and Christmas cards to Fayette County nursing homes since 1981. In 1988 an annual scholarship was established for graduates of Miami Trace High School and Washington Senior High School who plan to major in education. FCRTA members volunteer in many areas including churches, precinct work for the election board, Fayette County Memorial Hospital and local schools.FCRTA members don't return to school each fall, but they continue to share their lives and talents with the Fayette County community.

2011 Fayette County RTA Meeting Information

A January 6, 2011 meeting was held of officers and committee chairs for reporting and planning.

February 3, 2011	Noon	Grace United Methodist Church 301 East Market Street	Washington Courthouse
April 7, 2011	Noon	Same as above
June 2, 2011	Noon	Same as above
August 4, 2011	5:30 p.m.	Same as above
October 6, 2011	Noon	Same as above
December 1, 2011	Noon	Same as above Holiday visit to nursing homes after the meeting.

Cuyahoga West formerly Fairview Park

2010-06-30T13:31:00.000-04:00

Cuyahoga West Quilt Block Story (formerly Fairview Park)

In the early days of Fairview Park, a small group of retired teachers from the Fairview Village school system was like family and wished to continue its relationship even after retirement. In the summer of 1971, a group gathered for a social evening and the idea of organizing as a progessional retired group began to take shape.

The earliest recorded minutes, dated October 9, 1972, reported that the group met for a potluck supper. A slate of officers was presented and the election named Anne Trocke, president; Lucy Millsom, vice-president and Lillian Bailey, secretary-treasurer.

In the spring of 1973, Mr. M. R. Simpson, District X Director of ORTA, guided the Cuyahoga Fairview branch through the procedures of preparing a constitution and by-laws and affiliating with the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. At that time membership totaled thirty-six.

After one sweltering August meeting in 1993, the CFRTA voted to hold future meetings at the convenient and comfortable air-conditioned public rooms of The Renaissance, a local retirement community. Four times a year this meeting site sees a large contingent of the present 104 membership gather for lunch, conversation, meaningful speakers and entertainment. A nine-member Board plans and directs local activities.

2011 Cuyahoga West RTA Meeting Information
March 11, 2011 12:30 p.m. The Renaissance
26376 John Road North Olmsted
May 13, 2011 12:30 p.m. Same as above
August 12, 2011 12:30 p.m. Same as above
November 11, 2011 12:30 p.m. Same as above

Fairfield County

2010-06-30T13:28:00.005-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below it to visit the Fairfield County website.

Fairfield County Website

Fairfield County Quilt Block Story

The Fairfield County Chapter of Retired Teachers has been an active organization since its inception on March 15, 1965. At this time a group of forty retired teachers met to elect officers and select committee members. The group held four meetings that year and the tradition of four meetings each year has continued.The group has always been very active working for beneficial legislation for retired teachers. The legislative committee has been a very important committee in the Fairfield County Chapter RTA.In 1978 the Fairfield County Chapter RTA was presented a school bell from the Ohio Retired Teachers Association for having a 10% increase in membership. Throughout the years membership has steadily increased.

An important feature that has helped to keep those members who cannot attend meetings up-to-date with important issues is the Fairfied County Chapter newsletter, Bellringer, which was started in 1993. The newsletter has been instrumental in keeping older members and attracting new members interested in the issues of retired teachers. In December 1995, the group established a scholarship to be given to a college student in his/her junior or senior year.

Fairfield County Chapter RTA has always stressed the importance of ORTA and has been active in supporting any legislation affecting retired teachers.

2011 Fairfield County RTA Meeting Information

March 8, 2011	Cheers Chalet 1211 Coonpath Rd.	Lancaster
June 14, 2011	Same as above
September 13, 2011	Same as above
December 13, 2011	Same as above

Erie County

2010-06-30T13:25:00.000-04:00

Erie County Quilt Block Story

Erie County Retired Teachers Association had its birth on April 28, 1948 when fifteen teachers met to organize the Chapter. Most of the meetings until September 9, 1955 were held in the homes of members, in the Follett House in Sandusky, OH, or occasionally at the Sandusky Business Women's Club.

The Erie County Chapter's 10th Anniversary was celebrated with a dinner on April 11, 1958. During the years 1956-1969, the Erie County Chapter RTA continued to play an active role on the part of retired teachers. It had a full slate of committees functioning and the membership reached 51 members.

During the 1980s and into the 1990s the Erie County Chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association has continued to prosper. Membership continues to grow steadily and the chapter now boasts a membership of more than 130 members. It continues a long tradition of legislative involvement.

2011 Erie County RTA Meeting Information

February 11, 2011	Noon	First Presbyterian Church 225 Williams St.	Huron
April 8, 2011	Noon	Same as above
June 10, 2011	Noon	Same as above
October 14, 2011	Noon	Same as above
December 9, 2011	11:45 a.m.	Same as above

Delaware County

2010-06-30T13:23:00.006-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Delaware County website.

Delaware County Website

Delaware County Quilt Block Story

At the end of the school year in 1959, May Sipe, a second grade teacher for 36 years, retired. In September 1959, she started the Delaware County Chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. Under her leadership for the next four years the chapter became an active and well-knitted organization.The Delaware County Chapter members participate in local activities and support the efforts of the state organization.

The Delaware County Chapter RTA meets four times a year, usually on the third Friday of the months of March, June, September and December. There is a luncheon, business meeting and program. Opportunity for camaraderie and for keeping abreast of educational trends occurs throughout the time.

The quilt square represents The Little Brown Jug, a premier pacing classic for three-year olds. The Jug is held every year in September as part of the Delaware County Fair.

Defiance County

2010-06-30T13:20:00.003-04:00

Defiance County Quilt Block Story

To represent the Defiance County Retired Teachers, we chose the seal of the Defiance College. It shows a native American and a white general who were historically in defiance of each other, hence our county's name. The apple tree represents Johnny Appleseed, important to our story, and the apple, a symbol for a teacher. The cross is an indication of the faith of most of the people in Defiance.

The Defiance County Retired Teachers has a membership of almost two hundred. Many of us continue to be active as volunteers and still make an impact in our home community.

2011 Meeting Dates/Places

April 21, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Defiance United Church of Christ	Defiance
June 16, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Hicksville Grace United Methodist Church	Hicksville
October 20, 2010	11:30 a.m.	Defiance United Church of Christ	Defiance

Darke County

2010-06-30T13:17:00.003-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Darke County website.

Darke County Website

Darke County Quilt Block Story

On February 15, 1969 twenty-one retired teachers met at the Arcanum Public Library to form a county chapter. Leah Huston of Greenville became the first president. The chapter was granted a charter by the National Retired Teachers Association in 1973.The current membership of 154 includes retired teachers from Ansonia, Arcanum, Bradford, Franklin Monroe, Greenville, Mississinawa Valley, Tri-Village and Versailles. One teacher from these districts is chosen each May as Darke County Teacher of the Year.Genevieve Albright, a Gettysburg teacher, served as president for the Ohio Retired Teachers Association in 1987, Thelma Ross of Greenville was District III Director in 1986-1989.

Current members are active volunteers in the community. Member donations, a garage sale and a conitnuing book sale add money to the scholarship fund. A scholarship is given every spring to a graduating senior from a county school who plans to major in education.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

February 7, 2011 - Executive Board	4:00 p.m.	Edison St. College 601 Wagner Ave.	Greenville
March 17, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Brethren's Home 750 Chestnut St.	Greenville
April 4, 2011 - Executive Board	4:00 p.m.	Edison St. College 601 Wagner Ave.	Greenville
May 10, 2011	6:30 p.m.	First Presbyterian Church 114 E. 4th St.	Greenville
August 1, 2011 - Executive Board	4:00 p.m.	Edison St. College 601 Wagner Ave.	Greenville
September 15, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Brethren's Home 750 Chestnut St.	Greenville
October 3, 2011 - Executive Board	4:00 p.m.	Edison St. College 601 Wagner Ave.	Greenville
November 17, 2011	11:30 p.m.	Brethren's Home 750 Chestnut St.	Greenville

Crawford County

2010-06-30T13:14:00.001-04:00

Crawford County Quilt Block Story

The chapter was organized in April 1966. Membership was open to all retired teachers and administrators in Crawford County. The purpose for the chapter was to aid in the advancement of public instruction, to foster good fellowship among retired teachers and to promote the interests and welfare of the retired teachers of Ohio. The first constitution was drafted by Dr. E. Dietrich and D. C. Baer. It has been revised several times with the last revision done in 2005. The first dues were set at $1.00 per year and have been increased to the current annual dues of $5.00. The chapter has been recognized by the Ohio Retired Teachers Association as an Honor Chapter. Officers are elected at the fall meeting for a two-year term that starts the beginning of the following year. Standing committees have changed over the years but now include Community Service, Informative and Protective, Legislative, Membership, Public Relations and Retirement Planning.The first luncheon meeting was held on September 19, 1966 at Morton's Motel and Restaurant. (The current meetings are held in four churches in the towns of Bucyrus and Galion.) Matters of concern for the new chapter were state and national control of education, pensions, enrollment of new members, health care, Medicare, new members, luncheon reservations made but not paid for, more new members, length of meetings, legislative issues, volunteering and community involvement and, yes, more new members. During the last few years there was a concern about the composition of the State Teachers Retirement Board and the combination of one faction. Changes have taken place to produce a more balanced STRS Board.

A Community project of our Crawford County chapter has been the renovation of a one-room school house. This project in nearing completion and Harvey School will soon be open for classes conducted the "old-fashioned way" with volunteers from our chapter. It has been quite a project with several community organizations involved along with our chapter.

One of our members, Richard Stearns, was elected to serve on the Ohio Retired Teachers Association Board in 1999 as District V Director. He then served as Vice-president for the western side of the state, President-Elect and state President of ORTA. Richard is currently a member and past president of ORTA and also our local chapter.

Coshocton County

2010-06-30T13:11:00.004-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Coshocton County website.

Coshocton County Website

Coshocton County Quilt Block Story

The Coshocton County Retired Teachers Association was founded in Coshocton, Ohio in June 1966. It was officially renamed the J. F. Lautenschlager Coshocton County Chapter of Ohio Retired Teachers Association in September 1984. Mr. Lautenschlager was the county superintendent of schools serving from 1931 to 1957.The first meeting was held on September 28, 1966 at the Coshocton YWCA and by June 1967, twenty-eight members were affiliated. This number has grown to 114 affiliated members at present - 2007.Over the years, the J. F. Lautenschlager Coshocton County Chapter has been active in community affairs. Monetary donations have been given to "Dollars for Scholars," the Ohio Retired Teachers Association's Schoolhouse Fund and the local library. A book is donated to the library in memory of each deceased member.

The chapter meetings are held the second Friday of April, June, September and December. Meetings consist of a served luncheon at one of the area churches, a local speaker of interest and a short business meeting. Following lunch a ticket is drawn for a free lunch at the next meeting. A hand bell, presented as an award in 1979, tolls to open and close each session of the chapter.

Coshocton Chapter RTA members have enjoyed the company of many district directors at their meetings. The chapter has always been active in attending district and state meetings and looks forward to many more years of local, district and state affiliation.

The chapter meetings are held the second Friday of April, June, September and December.

Columbiana County

2010-06-30T13:08:00.003-04:00

Columbiana County Quilt Block Story

The Columbiana County Retired Teachers Association was organized in May of 1967. Paul Reeves served as the first President with Beman Ludwig as Vice-President and Alberta Windle as Secretary/Treasurer.

Over the years dedicated members have been involved in promoting active community participation in many volunteer programs such as RSVP, tutoring grading essays, visiting nursing homes, etc. An active group of officers attend many District and State meetings and are continually looking for ways to improve teacher retirement in Columbiana County.

Six meetings are scheduled each year, five luncheons and one day trip. The luncheons are held the third Thursday in April, May, September, October and November. They are a time for socialization as well as learning. We schedule speakers on topics of interest to the members. The day trip in June or July is a fun bus trip to an area point of interest or entertainment.

The Co-Co Crier, our chapter newsletter, keeps members informed of pending legislation, area information, retirement tips and other topics of interest.

The CCRTA also awards five book grants each year in May to county seniors who intend to major in education in college.

Clinton County

2010-06-30T13:06:00.001-04:00

Clinton County Quilt Block Story

The Clinton County Retired Teachers Association is completing 37 years of continual existence. On April 15, 1970 several interested retired teachers met with Walter Nichols in the Clinton County school superintendent's office and decided to organize the county retired teachers. It was decided to hold between two and four meetings a year.

Early meetings were held at the General Denver Hotel. The first general meeting was held June 10, 1970 with fifty-two members attending.

Clinton County Retired Teachers Association has been active in community volunteer service since the mid-seventies. Members are asked to report their hours of volunteer service and a record is kept. These services range from volunteering at Clinton Memorial Hospital, churches, tutoring programs, historical, genealogy, Habitat for Humanity and many others.

In December 1991, Rodger Borror, then president of CCRTA proposed the establishment of an annual scholarship fund of $1,000 to be awarded to a student(s) pursuing a teaching career and attending a college in Clinton County. This was later changed to allow the student to attend any college. Since 1992 several scholarships have been awarded to graduating seniors in the county. The scholarship fund continues to grow through contributions of the members and our yearly auction.

The Clinton County Retired Teachers Association continues to grow and develop new ways to serve education and the community.

Clermont County

2010-06-30T13:03:00.005-04:00

Click on the quilt block to visit the Clermont County website or click on the link below the quilt block.

Visit the Clermont County Website

Clermont County Quilt Block Story

The Clermont County Retired Teachers Association was organized on April 22, 1970 in Batavia, Ohio, Clermont County's Seat. Former Superintendent of Milford Exempted Village Schools, James H. Fley, was elected its first president. By the time the Charter was presented to ORTA, on October 15, 1970, fifty-five members were enrolled.Over the past thirty-seven years, the CCRTA has shown a deep and caring concern for its members thru local, state and national issues such as health care, United Appeal, scholarships, cost of living and the security of its pension.

At the present time, CCRTA has one hundred seventy-five members representing the following schools: Milford, Goshen, West Clermont, Williamsburg, Bethel Tate, Felicity Franklin, New Richmond, Batavia, Clermont Northeastern and the two Vocational Schools, Live Oaks and U. S. Grant.

2011 Clermont County RTA Meeting Information

March 16, 2011	11:00 Social Hour; 12:00 Meal	Grant Career Center, 718 W. Plane, Bethel, OH	Bethel OH
June 15, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Owensville United Methodist Church 2580 U.S. Hwy 50, East of Owensville	Batavia OH
September 21, 2011	Same as above	Same as above
November 16, 2011	Same as above	Same as above

Clark County

2010-06-30T12:59:00.006-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Clark County website.

Clark County Website

Clark County Quilt Block Story

On October 17, 1949, twenty-four retired teachers met in the Ohio Fuel Gas Company Auditorium in Springfield, Ohio for the purpose of organizing an association for the mutual benefit of teachers who have entered retirement. One week later, October 24, 1949, the group of retired teachers chose the name Clark County Chapter of the Ohio Retired Teacher Association. The constitution was approved and after the new officers were elected, they took over immediately. Annual dues of $.50 were agreed upon.Early meetings were held in various community buildings and member homes. Two general meetings proceeded by executive board meetings were held each year.

In 1970 CCRTA had over 200 state and local members, entitling it to a state trustee. The luncheon setting format began and the luncheon cost was $2.00 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In 1989 the Clark County Courier newsletter was begun and the computer was first used. Also, this year "The Honored Member Program" began erasing dues for those 85 years and older.

In 1996 a scholarship program was inaugurated and the first award of $500.00 was given in April. The program has continued through the years and in 2006 the scholarship awards rose to $1,000.00 each.

In 2000 dues were $220.00 for dual Life membership in CCRTA and ORTA and in 2001 they were raised to $380.00.

With the hard work of members, the Advance One Room School House, built in 1878, was acquired by the Chapter in 1999. After raising the necessary money, the school was totally restored and rededicated in August, 2003. To meet the cost of maintaining the school a Car Cruise In was begun in 2003 and has been held annually. One Room School Volunteer Teachers greet 4th grade students of Clark County for a step back in time and an experience in 1878 history.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

February 24, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Courtyard by Marriott 100 S. Fountain Ave.	Springfield
April 21, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Same as above
June 2, 2011	11:00 a.m.- Picnic	Veterans Park Eagle City Rd.	Springfield
September 17, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Courtyard by Marriott 100 S. Fountain Ave.	Springfield
December 1, 2011	11:00 a.m.	Same as above

Champaign County

2010-06-29T22:05:00.006-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Champaign County website.

Champaign County Website

Champaign County Quilt Block Story

On October 5, 1967 fourteen retired teachers met with Mr. H. W. Carr, Director pro-tem of the Central district of Ohio Retired Teachers Association, to discuss the organization of a Champaign County Chapter of ORTA. As a result, on November 2, 1967, a new chapter was formed. 28 retired teachers were present and Mr. Lewis Prine was elected President.Dues were fixed at $1.00 and remained so until 1987 at which time they were raised to $2.00. Dues are now $10.00 for local membership. The group met in various placed including homes of members, St. Paris Methodist Church, Urbana Methodist Church, Urbana Local School, Camp Shawnee, Graham High School, Ol'South Restaurant and Millner's Cafeteria. For several years now they have been meeting at the Urbana University.

Programs have been as varied as the places they have met. On September 24, 1972, Friendship Day was enjoyed by 100 members and guests at Graham High School in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of RTA and the 5th Anniversary of Champaign County RTA.
Special highlights include a donation to the historical society concerning records of the Champaign County Retired Teachers dating from 1892-1910. Earlier, Dale Heskett, one of the chapter's most active members and superintendent, had been honored by having a Cuyahoga County school named for him.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

February 8, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.	Nazarene Church of Urbana, Corner St. Rt. 20 an Dugan Rd.	Urbana OH
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.	Westville United Methodist Church, Corner of Rt 36 and Rt 56	Westville OH
Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.	Urbana University	Urbana OH
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.	Potluck at Champaign County Historical Society, 809 E. Lawn	Urbana OH
Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.	Urbana First Baptist Church, 400 N. Main St.	Urbana OH
Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.	TBA

*Executive Board meets the second Tuesday of odd months at the Champaign County Library, Scioto St., Urbana OH at 10:00 a.m.

Carroll County

2010-06-29T22:00:00.002-04:00

Click on the quilt block below to visit the Carroll County Website.

The Carroll County Website

Carroll County Quilt Block Story

The Carroll County Retired Teachers Association was organized by twelve local teachers June 22, 1062. A Constitution and Bylaws were adopted in November 1962. From the early organization there were two outstanding members: Dr. John Nelson Mowls, City Superintendent of Schools in Pa, often called "father of the tenure law"' and James Steer, active in People to People and in the restoration of the one-room schoolhouse and steam mill at Petersburg. This later inspired the CCRTA to prepare the school for visitation during the Algonquin Festival every year by young students. A video was made by Virgil and Claire Springer, Bernice McClester and Cicely Worthington which is now in the County Library.

McClester, in 1990, directed a project that erected a monument at the cemetery of the Golden Age Retreat in memory of persons buried in unmarked graves, some nameless. At the request of Helen Skinner, director of the Carroll County Library, McClester recruited members of CCRTA to organize several thousand slides of Edwin and Doris Preston, avid world travelers from Leesville, who had given many materials from their travels to the library. Under her guidance also, visual and audio tapes were made based upon the history of one-room schools in the county and on two outstanding women in the community, cousins Mary Herron and Velma Griffin.

CCRTA has a history of supporting the Carroll County District Library. It was dedicated in 1994 with Harry Anderson as President for many years, other outstanding contributors in various roles have been Evelyn Jones of Dellroy, Margaret Longsworth and Livonia McCreary. McCreary was cited by Oliver Ocasek for her lobbying efforts for Carroll County before the State Library Board for funding.

McCreary, past District IX Director and Legislative Chair of CCRTA was an outstanding leader for the betterment of teachers and a most charismatic member of the local chapter. Other faithful members who have had leadership roles for many years are President Sandy Busler, treasurer Alice Jacobs, and John Beck, former district director. Carroll County has the distinction of being the "Daffodil County" of Ohio. Many years ago Daisy Johnson, Home Demonstration Agent, obtained many bushels of daffodil bulbs which were given to folds to plant along the highways and byways of the county. Every Spring we are blessed and have a renewed spirit when we see the yellow blossoms of these daffodils.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

April 29, 2011 -12 Noon - Church of Christ, 353 Moody Ave., Carrolton OH

June 17, 2011 - 12 Noon - Days Inn 1111 Canton Rd. NW, Carrollton OH

August 12, 2011 - 12 Noon - London Twp. Community Hall, Germano Rd., Kilgore OH

October 14, 2011 - 12 Noon - Malvern United Methodist Church, 1221 Wood St., Malvern OH

Butler County

2010-06-29T21:57:00.002-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Butler County website.

Butler County Website

Butler County Quilt Block Story

BCRTA started with twenty-six persons on February 28th, 1947 and grew to 300 members in 1976. There are now some 600 members with between 80 and 100 attending the six meetings a year. Scholarships, collecting books for Head Start and collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House are high priorities for the group.

In 60 years there have been 26 presidents and hundreds even thousands of dedicated officers and members. The presidents still living are: Thelma Schraer, Harry Hann, Dale Ridenour, Robert Bogan, Al Bruno, James Barton and June E. Gilmore. Deceased presidents were: Howard O. Carter, N.B. LaMonde, Charles Finlay, Kenneth Koger, Marie Schmidt, Harold Wissman, Fred Brandel, Lester Dickey, Maurice Ittel, Marvin McCollum, George Hofstader and Robert DeMass.

The next 60 years will be a challenge for the younger retiring teachers of Butler County and Ohio!

Brown County

2010-06-29T21:54:00.003-04:00

Brown County Quilt Block Story

Brown County is in southwest Ohio and has the Ohio River as one of its borders.The Retired Teachers of Brown County, Ohio met February 8, 1947 at the county superintendent's office to organize the Brown County Retired Teachers Association and to elect officers. There were twelve members present at the organization meeting.

Brown County's members have a history of being active in legislation affecting retired teachers. The chapter has also been active in local and community affairs. The constitution and bylaws of the chapter were updated in 1995.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

April 28, 2011	12 Noon - Catered meal	Board of Education Bldg. at the Fairgrounds in Georgetown OH
June 23, 2011	12 Noon	"
August 25, 2011	12 Noon	"
October 27, 2011	12 Noon	"

Belmont County

2010-06-29T21:51:00.006-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Belmont County website.

Belmont County Website

Belmont County Quilt Block Story

The Belmont County Chapter of ORTA continues to grow in membership. At present there are 256 listed members. About 65-80 members attend regularly at each of our meetings, which is four meeting per year. Some of our members live out of the state and some are unable to attend because of health issues or other reasons for non-attendance.

All committees continue to do the work which they are responsible to do. Community Participation Committee has a canned goods and paper products collection for the food pantries of the county in April and November. Tools for Schools are collected at the September meeting. Sometimes, items are collected for the Tri-County Help Center at the June meeting. These are items given to the different school districts and the district is selected by random drawing at the end of each meeting.

A Friendship Committee was formed in the chapter in order to keep in close touch with our members. Using the service of our Telephone Committee, this group sends out cards to the members that are sick or in the hospital. The members of the committee go to visit any member that cannot attend the meetings because of health reasons. They visit the different hospitals and nursing homes to keep in touch with our members on a regular basis.

A Memorial Service is conducted by a committee of five at our June meeting each year.

In 2000 the chapter received a donation of $2,000 from the estate of Elizabeth Dew. It was given with the express wish to offer a scholarship to a graduating high school student to further their education as a teacher in some field of study. Our chapter president, Betty Rippey, suggested that the immediate past-president, Barbara Heidelbach, take on the new task of spear-heading the campaign to raise funds for this project. A Scholarship Committee consisting of seventeen members was formed to draft an application form for the prospective applicants. Projects were discussed and we chose "A Mile of Pennies" project to begin our challenge to raise funds. After several years, we received a bequest of $15,000 from the estate of Ada Carleton. This helped us tremendously. CD's were purchased at several banks to continue our fund. Then we decided to start a raffle at each of our four meetings with items donated by our members. The scholarship became the Carleton-Dew Scholarship. Last June 2006, we were able to present a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior from the Bellaire High School. We will present a scholarship to another local student at the June meeting of this year.

2011 Belmont County RTA Meeting Information

April 14, 2011	Noon	Belmont Hills Country Club 47080 National Rd.	St. Clairsville
June 9, 2011	Noon	Same as above
September 8, 2011	Noon	Same as above
November 10, 2011	Noon	Same as above

Auglaize County

2010-06-29T21:41:00.009-04:00

Auglaize County Quilt Block Story

The first meeting of the Auglaize County Chapter of ORTA was held on January 22, 1975 after the state organization decided that each county should have its own chapter.Previously, on June 23, 1967, Auglaize County had combined with Mercer County to form a retired teachers' organization between the two counties.

Through the years, members have served in state offices and have seen former pupils become active in professional fields, as well as agriculture and volunteerism.

Members follow the saying, "Giving is doing for other" by taking a leading role in civic and church activities, fund drives and adult education.

Meeting four times a year, the ACRTA is enriched by interesting programs, good food and the fellowship of long-time friends.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

February 9, 2011	12:00 Noon	Lost in the 50's Diner 1533 Celina Rd.	St. Marys OH
April 13, 2011	12: 00 Noon	NBA	Wapakoneta OH
July 13, 2011	12:00 Noon	NBA	New Knoxville OH
October 12, 2011	12:00 Noon	NBA	New Bremen OH

Athens County

2010-06-29T21:07:00.001-04:00

Athens County Quilt Block Story

In 1966 a small group of energetic retired teachers started discussing the need to become organized as a group - to have closer contact with the state organization. They met at regular intervals in the old Athens High School located on West State Street. They became officially organized in 1968 as a part of the state organization. The first president was Mabel Olson Bell followed by Iris Fierce, Helen Dinsmoor, Pauline Fierce, Mary Helen Rose, Clara Belle Burns, Thomas C. Porter, Dorothy McDonald, Bernice Koehler, Harold Kessler, Marjorie Malone, Bernice Koehler, Christopher Peterson, Beatrice Peterson and Eva Brown. Each person served a period of two years.

Helen Dinsmoor and Mabel Howell are the only two known charter members. The membership has grown from 10 members to 125 members in 1996.

In 1992, Athens County RTA celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

January 5, 2011	12 Noon	Ponderosa, E. State St., Athens
March 2, 2011	12 Noon	Masonic Temple, Stimson Ave., Athens
May 4, 2011	12 Noon	Shade Community Center, Rt 33A, Shade
July 6, 2011	12 Noon	Wayne National Forest Bldg, 13700 US 33, Nelsonville
September 7, 2011	12 Noon	Toscasco's, W. Union St., Athens
November 2, 2011	12 Noon	The Plains United Methodist Church SR 681, The Plains

Ashtabula County

2010-06-29T20:25:00.000-04:00

Ashtabula County Quilt Block Story

The Ashtabula County RTA was officially organized in September of 1963. A meeting date of the first Friday of the month was established at the October 1963 meeting.

Ashtabula County is the northeasternmost county in Ohio. Ashtabula County offers sixteen historic covered bridges and fifteen wineries. Ashtabula is the largest county in Ohio It borders Pennsylvania and Lake Erie forming part of the Northcoast of America. The county offers many opportunities for fishing.

Ashland County

2010-06-29T19:53:00.000-04:00

Ashland County Quilt Block Story

ACRTA was founded September 26, 1963. The first meeting was attended by 20 persons who organized and elected the first officers. By 1993 the organization held four luncheon meetings per year plus a summer picnic and had 222 members. The membership has grown to 435 in 2007.
The activities and programs have been varied over the years and included helath care, school projects, community service and memorial services. The greatest interest from the beginning has been to, "Protect and preserve teacher retirement benefits and pensions." To that end there have been and still are presentations by the Ohio Retired Teachers Association and the Ohio Education Association on what is happening at the State level to benefit or harm retired teachers. We also take the time to have fun with programs wuch as a barbershop quartet and a theater/singing group from our local university.
We now meet six times per year and this year we are scheduld to have an additional summer picnic.

Ashland County Meeting Locations and Times

Day	Time	Address	City
March 23, 2010	11:30 a.m.	Buehler's Mill Restaurant Mtg. Room 1055 Sugarbush Drive	Ashland OH
April 27, 2010	11:30 a.m.	Samaritan on Main 6663 E. Main Street	Ashland OH
May 25, 2010	11:30 a.m.	ATI Wooster - Shisler Center 1328 Dover Road	Wooster OH 44691
July	TBA	Bus Trip
September 28, 2010	11:30 a.m.	Pump House Restaurant & Ministries 400 Orange Street	Ashland OH
October 26, 2010	11:30 a.m.	Ashland County Council on Aging 240 E. 3rd St.	Ashland OH
December 3, 2010	11:30 a.m.	Ashland Senior High School 1440 King Road	Ashland OH

Alliance Area

2010-06-29T19:44:00.006-04:00

Click on the quilt block or the link below the quilt block to visit the Alliance Area RTA website.

Alliance-Area Website

The mission of the Alliance Area Retired Teachers Association is to support legislation that will benefit educators and to provide volunteer service for community agencies.

The Alliance Retired Teachers Association (ARTA) was formally established at the home of Mabel Hartzell on Saturday, October 23 1948 with eleven retired teachers in attendance. Mrs. Frances Vaughn was its first elected president. In 1980 the name was changed to the Alliance Area Retired Teachers Association (AARTA) with no set geographical boundaries.

The 1867 home of Miss Hartzell (retired Alliance teacher and prominent business woman) has been preserved as the Mabel Hartzell Museum and is listed on the National Register of Ohio Historic Places. In 2009, Miss Hartzell's contributions to the Alliance Community were acknowledged by an Ohio Historical Marker.

Many AARTA members, by social organizations or by affiliation with community agencies and schools have been featured or publicly recognized in local and county newspaper articles that laud their spirited benefaction in respective communities.

AARTA members have expanded the association's loci of activity via association-sponsored projects and association-sponsored community activities.

AARTA-SPONSORED PROJECTS

Book Awards for prospective teachers
Book Exchanges held in April and October
Fundraisers - Heating Bags
"Pancakes for Pages" Breakfast
Silent Auction
Legislative contact to preserve retirement pensions and benefits
Memorial Books - Rodman Public Library

AARTA-SUPPORTED COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Contributions have been made to these organizations
DuVall Home for Mentally Challenged - used stamps & Campbell label bar codes
Lions Club - used eyeglasses
Ohio School for the Deaf - aluminum tabs
Salvation Army Christmas Gifts for Children
---individual participation was suggested
Salvation Army Food Pantry
Monetary donations
Newspapers in Education (The Review)
YWCA "ABC for Kids" school supplies
Volunteer Services
Alliance Area Senior Center Fundraiser - Bingo Food Service
Salvation Army Red Kettle Day December Fundraiser

The Ohio Retired Teachers Association has recognized AARTA's growth with achievement awards for Community Service, Informative Services, Membership, Legislative, Public Relations and its School Bell Newsletter.
AARTA Luncheon meetings are held six times a year (April, June, July, September, October and December). Currently, all six meetings are scheduled for the Murphy Auditorium in the Copeland Oaks Retirement Community. The AARTA Anniversary luncheon-meeting is held in October.

Information submitted by Faye Heim, AARTA President revised April 2011

2012 Alliance County RTA Meeting Information

April 20, 2012 12 Noon	History of Hats	Copeland Oaks Murphy Auditorium 800 15th St. S., Sebring OH
June 15, 2012 Luncheon 11:30	Stephen Foster	Same as above
July 20, 2012 Noon	Civil War Soldiers	Same as above
September 21, 2012 Noon	Salvation Army	Same as above
October 19, 2012 Noon	ORTA Update	Same as above
December 21, 2012 Noon	Christmas Music	Courtney Banquet Center 981 E. State St. Alliance OH

Allen County

2010-06-29T19:36:00.001-04:00

Allen County Quilt Block Story

The Allen County Chapter of ORTA had its beginnings with a group of Lima retired teachers that organized on September 28, 1948. The next year the group was expanded to include the whole county and was organized on November 12, 1949.Community service projects that the chapter has participated in from 1974 include providing a book study program at the former Lima State Hospital, sponsoring Defensive Driving programs for more than 20 years and contributing memorial books to the public library for deceased members. Individual members have been active in many community services as volunteers for Tax Aide, Red Cross and Literary Council.

Meeting Dates and Locations for 2011

February 3, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Westside United Methodist Church 604 Gloria Ave.	Lima OH
April 7, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Forest Park United Methodist Church 315 Collins	Lima OH
June 2, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Immanuel United Methodist Church 699 Sunnydale	Elida OH
August 4, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Westside United Methodist Church 604 Gloria Ave	Lima OH
October 6, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Forest Park United Methodist Church 315 Collins	Lima OH
December 1, 2011	11:30 a.m.	Immanuel United Methodist Church 699 Sunnydale	Elida OH

Adams County

2010-06-29T19:07:00.000-04:00

Adams County Quilt Block Story

The Retired Teachers Association of Adams County first met on February 23, 1949. They were active for two years. The group reorganized on November 12, 1956.

Adams County is in southwestern Ohio with one boundary, the Ohio River. This is a rural area with rolling hills. In the 1970′s, Amish moved into Adams County in the Wheat Ridge and Cherry Fork areas. Visitors come to the area today to visit the Amish Community.

In 2001, Adams County Retired Teachers purchased a one-room school, the Page School in West Union, and the land surrounding that school. This year all third graders in the county we invited for a one-day session. The Page School is open the last Saturday of the month for visitors. There is a wooded area that will provide a nature trail. All monies come from chapter members