Ogle-Lee Retired Teachers' Association Meeting – September 13, 2023
The spring meeting of the Ogle-Lee RTA was held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the Stronghold Camp, Conference & Retreat Center, Oregon, IL with registration beginning at 11:30AM, lunch served at 12:30PM, Program at 1:20PM, and adjournment at 1:50 PM. Forty-eight members and four guests of Ogle-Lee RTA attended. One AMBA Lunch & Learn Program guest attended. Registration opened at 11:30AM with Secretary Elke Grennan distributing name tags and Treasurer Linda Kenney collecting the $15.00 luncheon fee and the $5.00 membership dues for 2024 annual members.
The motion by Jean Hoff and seconded by Jean Whipple to accept the Treasurer's Report was approved. As of 09/05/2023, the checking account balance was $5577.12, the Memorial Fund balance was $445.81, and the Life Account balance was $8081.11, resulting in total assets of $14,104.04.
The motion by Betty Scarbrough and seconded by MaryAnne Louis to accept the May 10, 2023 Membership Meeting Minutes was approved.
Membership Chairperson Jean Whipple announced that Ogle-Lee RTA has 294 members with two potential new members. New member Susan Guzman-Holland was welcomed. AMBA sponsored a Lunch & Learn Program inviting local nonmember TRS retirees to attend local IRTA meetings and encouraging them to join IRTA and the local unit. Members were encouraged to invite recent retirees to join IRTA and/or Ogle-Lee Unit of IRTA.
Foundation Chairperson Phil Bratta announced that Judy Kohler, Ogle-Lee RTA Scholarship Winner, is now student teaching and sends her thanks for our financial support. Phil reminded us that the goal of our Scholarship Fund is to encourage future teachers and Ogle-Lee RTA will award another scholarship when there is adequate funding. $100 was donated by members to the Memorial Fund that funds the scholarships.
Legislative Chairperson Kim McKenna reported that Charles Kinsella will be the new Legislative Chairperson for Ogle-Lee RTA. IRTA agreed to dismiss the 2022 insurance underfunding lawsuit against the State of Illinois as the state agreed to fund what was owed, so that benefits will not need to be reduced. Members were encouraged to go to the IRTA website for legislative updates.
Area 1 Representative JoAnne Nelson added that Jim Bachman, IRTA Executive Director, was instrumental in health insurance monitoring and the lawsuit. Since Jim Bachman is retiring, the search for a new executive Director is in process. IRTA hopes to have the position filled by the October State Convention. Members were encouraged to sign up for the monthly $1 dues deduct for IRTA Political Action Committee. Currently about 5000 IRTA members participate. The Political Action Committee (PAC) is currently seeking new local representatives to voice local concerns via Zoom meetings and meet with local politicians to advocate for IRTA retirees.
Historian and Memorial Chairperson Jean Hoff briefly highlighted the lives of 2022 Deceased Ogle-Lee RTA members: Myrna Hart 3/31/22, Mary Louise Floski 6/29/22, Nellie Winters 7/26/22, Russell Hoernecke 8/16/22, and Ruth Loomis 9/23/22 . Ogle-Lee RTA makes a donation to the IRTA Foundation in their memory.
Kevin Ridley, from AMBA (Association Member Benefits Advisors) highlighted benefits available to IRTA members and how these benefits exceed the cost of membership. He encouraged members to check the AMBA website for travel discounts and annuities. AMBA benefits are used as a recruiting tool to attract new IRTA members. Linda Kahl-Langston name was drawn for the AMBA gift card.
Since candidates for the 2024-2025 term of office: Co- Presidents: Mary Gardner & Jean Whipple,
Co-Vice Presidents: Carol Richardson & Belinda Luxton, Secretary: Elke Grennan, Treasurer: Linda Kenny were running unopposed, the slate was approved by consensus.
Member Kathy Connor gave the blessing.
The business meeting was recessed at 12:15 and at 12:30 the buffet lunch catered by Stronghold Camp, Conference & Retreat Center featuring grilled chicken breasts, mixed vegetables, roasted potatoes, salad bar, dinner rolls, assorted pies and cake, and coffee/iced tea/lemonade was served.
President Kim McKenna called the business meeting back to order at 1:20 PM.
The program “History and Highlights of Stronghold” was presented Dr. Danny Pierce, Stronghold Castle Executive Director. He invited members to tour the grounds after the meeting.
President Kim McKenna thanked :
Carole Sutton for booking the site, making luncheon arrangements, and table favors,
Mary Gardner and Jean Whipple for attending the October 2023 IRTA State Convention,
Stronghold kitchen staff,
Executive Board for their service.
Incoming Co-President Jean Whipple and Mary Gardner thanked Kim McKenna for her four years serving as Ogle-Lee RTA President.
There was no other new business.
Next Executive Board Meeting - November 14th, 9:30 AM with location to be announced.
Next Membership Meetings- 2024 dates/locations/agendas to be announced later.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:50 PM.
Elke Grennan, Secretary