Retired teachers to meet Thursday

NORWALK — Huron County Retired Teachers (HCRTA) are meeting Thursday at Collins Methodist Church, 4290 Hartland Center Road, in Collins. The meeting begins at 11 a.m. and includes a social time and registration, followed by the business meeting. A noon luncheon of hamburger steak, mashed potatoes, corn, salad and dessert is planned and the cost is $12. The program planned will answer your questions about STRS, COLA and other topics. Be informed, know your state retirement system and its benefits. It's a time for old friends and new, some important state news, good food and STRS information, plus a chance to win a raffle or buy a recycled best-seller. HCRTA meets four times a year; in October, December, March and May. Each meeting is open to all retired teachers in the county and also open to any retired teachers who have relocated to this area. HCRTA is the county chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association (ORTA). ORTA is the voice of Ohio's retired educators, advocating for and promoting the improvement of pensions, benefits and services available to Ohio's retired teachers. Our May 12 meeting features information from ORTA presented by Dr. Robin Rayfield, ORTA Executive Director with STRS updates for our retred teachers. All HCRTA meetings include a Book Fund/Harriet Parcheer Classroom Award, money raising raffle, so bring something great and bring money to buy. Members also bring pre-read best-sellers and current magazines to be sold for a small amount, helping to pay for the Book Fund awards. HCRTA Book Fund awards go to purchase text books or online educational resources for students training to be a teacher. The Harriet Parcher Classroom Award can help a teacher afford to try some special projects for the students.These are much needed projects and our retired teachers can support with money. Remember to bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank. Plus — bring a newly retired teacher friend and treat the retiree to a day of friends and teacher talk. Annual HCRTA dues are $10 and can be paid at the coming May 12 meeting. Please send dues to HCRTA, 21 Eagle Drive, Norwalk, Ohio 44857, if you are not able to attend. Current members can expect a reminder call, but if no one calls, please contact Johanna Beebe (419-566-3490) for a reservation. The Huron County chapter is open to and welcomes all those who formerly taught in our local schools and those teachers who have retired from the teaching profession and are now living in this area.