Ogle-Lee Retired Teachers’ Association Executive Board Meeting-November 13, 2018

The November 13, 2018 Ogle-Lee retired Teachers’ Association Executive Board Meeting was
called to order by Co-Presidents Becky Cheek and Michele Glen at 10:25 a.m. at the Flagg-
Rochelle Public Library with the following members present: Becky Cheek, Michele Glen,
Diane Kenney, Carole Sutton, Linda Kenney, Jean Whipple, Kim McKenna, Marvel Blomberg,
and Elke Grennan.
The motion by Jean Whipple and seconded by Diane Kenney to accept the minutes from the
October 2, 2018 Membership Meeting as printed was approved.
The November 1, 2018 treasurer’s report and 2018 annual treasurer's report was presented by
Treasurer Linda Kenney. The Checking Account Balance was $8475.95, the Memorial Fund
Balance was $235.81, and the Life Account Balance was $7,689.73. Total assets were
$16,401.49. No discrepancies were found in the annual review. However, a printing bill and a
supply bill may still be submitted under 2018 expenses. The motion by Jean Whipple and
seconded by Carole Sutton to accept the November 1, 2018 treasurer's report, verify the 2018
annual review of the treasurer's books, and commend the treasurer for keeping concise records
was approved. The signers on the bank account will continue to be treasurer Linda Kenney and
secretary Elke Grennan, with only one signature needed on checks.
Membership Chairperson Jean Whipple reported that Amy Davis (after speaking at Candidates'
Forum) has joined IRTA and Ogle-Lee Unit as a life member. Twenty-eight second notice
membership renewals were sent out mostly via e-mail. The Ogle-Lee Constitution membership
article was discussed with no action taken.
Kim McKenna, Legislative Chairperson, reported that the Legislature will be back in Springfield
for a veto session. Kim was thanked for organizing a well-received Candidates' Forum.
Necrology Chairperson Loretta Bell will present the annual Memorial to deceased members at
the April Membership Meeting.
Calling Coordinator Marvel Blomberg requested callers e-mail her the luncheon reservation
names instead of leaving a message on her answering machine. Jean Whipple will add to the
caller's letters that request and a reminder to contact every member on the caller's list in order to
update calling information. Jean will also prepare an article for the newsletter on luncheon
procedures. It was noted that Ogle-Lee must give the food vendor a guaranteed count.
Co- Vice Presidents Diane Kenney and Carole Sutton presented tentative program ideas and
possible luncheon venues with a priority of hosting a meeting in the Dixon area for 2019
membership luncheon meetings. Members will be surveyed on meeting days, program ideas,
and locations of meetings sites able to host 75 to 100 people. The Co-Vice Presidents were
requested to use best judgment in selecting possible venues and programs in consultation with
the Co-Presidents. Tentative Program for the April Membership Meeting: Memorial Service-
Loretta Bell, Newest AMBA Benefits (20 minutes)- Larry Newman, and Irish Ballad Singer-
Louise Price.
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The motion by Diane Kenney and seconded by Marvel Blomberg to invite Retiring State Senator
Tim Bivins to attend a luncheon (possibly April 9, 2019) to thank him for his service was
approved.
After some members expressed concerns about not being able to enjoy their meal at luncheon
membership meetings because the program had started, it was decided to allow more time for
members to eat their meals and the agenda will be adjusted as needed. By general consensus the
meal fee will remain at $15.00.
Jean Whipple was thanked for attending the local Area 1 teacher grant award ceremony. Diane
Kenney and Carole Sutton were thanked for distributing RTA and Ogle-Lee RTA membership
information at the TRS Retirement Meeting on October 2, 2018 in Dixon.
The Co-Presidents are accepting recommendations and will contact any candidates for future Co-
Presidents and Webmaster.
After a discussion of the difficulty of finding a replacement webmaster and that this may be a
good time to update the website format and documentation, it was agreed upon by general
consensus to contact IRTA for assistance with updating the Ogle-Lee RTA website. Kim
McKenna volunteered to work with Elke and webmaster Richard Longfellow on this project.
Elke Grennan will contact Nathan Mihelich, IRTA Director of Membership & Marketing.
Michele Glen is working on creating a logo for the Ogle-Lee Unit based on our current sign.
It was discussed that some IRTA Springfield staff have begun using the term "lobbying
organization for retired teachers" which may have a more negative interpretation rather than the
more positive "advocate for retired teachers".
The next Membership Luncheon Meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2019 with location and
programming to be finalized later. The remaining two 2019 Membership Luncheon Meetings
dates, locations, and programming will be on the March 12, 2019 agenda.
The first 2019 Executive Board Meeting will be on Tuesday March 12, 2019 at the Flagg-
Rochelle Public Library. Secretary Elke Grennan will not attend the March board meeting. Other
Executive Board meeting times and locations to be announced by the Co-Presidents.
The motion by Carole Sutton and seconded by Diane Kenney to adjourn at 11:56 a.m. ended the
meeting.

Submitted by Elke Grennan, Secretary

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