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STEUBENVILLE -- The Jefferson County Retirement for Teachers Association celebrated its 60th anniversary with a social hour, featuring live piano music, appetizers and refreshments. A program led by President Dave Nicholson and Vice President Gina Judy followed. Judy served as organizer and pianist. Officials thanked the church women's kitchen crew, led by member Kitty Ferguson.
Approximately 30 people were in attendance. Officials thanked Deacon Jason Sindledecker for his audio expertise, and Paula Bush and her helper for providing the place-settings and centerpiece decorations. Bush and Judy decorated in a patriotic-theme.
Nicholson provided the opening prayer, led in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and led the singing of "God Bless America."
Judy introduced the board members in attendance, including Barb Losey, necrology; Larry Coleman, membership volunteerism; Toni Dondzila, membership; and Barb Pritts, legislative. She then acknowledged Webmaster Avis Henry, Recording Secretary Carolyn Piergallini and Treasurer Marge Andres.
Judy introduced Nicholson to the audience, thanking him for his continuing presidency these past 15 years. She noted his background with the organization and in education, presenting him with gift-certificates of appreciation from the board. She read a statement from Nicholson, who spoke about his years as president; then introduced dignitaries present, including members of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center board, including President Chuck Kokiko; Amber Fomenko, Lee Gillison, Toni Dondzilla amd former JCRTA president Gloria Renda.
Robin Rayfield, executive director of ORTA and Chris DeMarco, ORTA's past president, traveled from Columbus for the event. Officials introduced retirees Joseph Roshak and Vincent Talarico. Roshak is the former superintendent of Indian Creek, former ESC curriculum director and past principal of Hills Elementary School.
Talarico is a retired member of the organization and former Indian-Creek principal of Wayne, Buchanan Junior-High and Bantam Ridge Elementary schools.
Nicholson introduced Rayfield, who spoke about the issues facing Ohio retirees. DeMarco spoke on COLA issues and their fights for retirees in Columbus. Nicholson gave a synopsis of individuals who held office under him. He gave the audience an opportunity to reminisce. Past President Gloria Renda spoke briefly and applauded the organization. Connie Crawford provided background information on the Pleasant Hill Schoolhouse Historical Museum. Door prizes were awarded to Larry Coleman, Linda Holub, Michele Fabbro and Rayfield. Nicholson closed by thanking the audience for their efforts and for attending.