Mercer County Quilt Block Story

The Mercer County Chapter Retired Teachers were members of a combined Auglaize-Mercer County Chapter RTA from May 20, 1967 through 1974. Through the suggestions of a District II Director, Mercy County Chapter RTA became independent in December 10, 1974. Membership listed in the 1975 program booklet was 34. Present (2007) membership is 134. From the years as a part of the combined Auglaize-Mercer County Chapter and through the years as the Mercer County Chapter RTA, interest has been keen concerning items relative to the welfare of retired teachers. Mercer County Chapter representatives have attended regional and state meetings. Members send letters and phone calls to legislators when requested. Also, many state ORTA officials have addressed the chapter thus keeping the members informed of upcoming issues. Local Mercer County peole have discussed subjects of special interest to the membership.

The Mercer County Chapter RTA meets six times a year on the odd months. Meetings are held as luncheon meetings. At present, one meeting is a special outing. In 2005 this outing was a combined three-county chapter meeting held at a banquet hall. Invitations are extended to guests, new retirees and spouses. Executive meetings are held in months when no chapter meeting is scheduled.

Mercer County Chapter RTA led the Mercer County Chapter RTA to consider having a memorial card presented to the families of deceased chapter members in lieu of a floral tribute. Ohio Retired Teachers Associaition became interested in the project. ORTA reimbursed Mercer County Chapter RTA for its investment of memorial cards and made the memorial card available to all chapters in the state.

As an organization, the Mercer County Chapter RTA members are pleased with the accomplishments of the county chapter and look with anticipation and enthusiasm to the future as they continue to serve the retirees in the Mercer County area. The Mercer County Chapter RTA plans to continue to join with other chapters of ORTA in improving the welfare of those who have given unselfishly of their time and talents in preparing the youth for future challenges ahead.