NEW CUMBERLAND — The Hancock County Association of Retired School Employees met Sept. 16 with a football season theme.

President Melanie Donofe kicked off the meeting noting this is the organization’s 59th year. Those in attendance went straight to halftime, enjoying a salad buffet luncheon prepared by the women’s club at Immaculate Conception Church in New Cumberland.

The community outreach program consisted of members donating various supplies to the animals at the Hancock County Animal Shelter.

A third-quarter business meeting followed, with Loretta Fischer leading the group in reciting the mission statement. The minutes were read by Vice President Earlean Jones. The treasurer’s report was given by Rita Orler. Membership Chair Orler reported there are 84 paid members, with 20 signed up at the meeting. Donofe read thank-you notes from the Gabriel Project at two area churches, one from Serra Manor and one from a scholarship recipient.

Donofe reported on the June HUBS meeting she attended with Orler and Rosalie Lebec in Glenville, W.Va. A silver certificate of merit was on display, awarded to the group for its activities last year. An oversized card was displayed to celebrate West Virginia Association of Retired Employees Week. The group will collect magazines during its next few meetings for student projects at Weir Middle School’s art classes. Joann Kerr was recognized for celebrating her 90th birthday.

During the meeting’s fourth quarter, a 50/50 drawing was won by Orler.

Birthday cookies were won by Anna Mae Matey and Carolyn Allison. Door prizes were won by Wendy Speer, Joyce Andrews, Lisa Topley, Orler, Allison, Diane Mikula, Cecelia Clark, Ruth Fuller, Jill Dieguez, Sharon Gill, Judy Comm, Bonnie Queses, Loretta Fischer, Lebec, Kathleen McDonald and Kathy Alatis. A certificate for a free luncheon was won by Terri McAtee.

The next meeting will be held Oct. 21 at the Crazy Mexican restaurant.