President Debra Marino opened the regular meeting of the Hancock County Association of Retired School Employees at noon on September 17, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Church in New Cumberland, West Virginia. Sixty members, seven guests, and two media attended.
President Marino called the meeting to order, introduced the guests, led the Pledge of Allegiance, led the Grace, and thanked the Women’s Guild of Immaculate Conception Church for preparing the meal.
Marino introduced a new Association program, Support Our Schools (SOS), incorporating awareness and support of events affecting our Hancock County Schools. Marino then introduced Mr. Dan Enich, Superintendent of Hancock County Schools. He discussed several noteworthy topics and updated the audience on the upcoming levy and why supporting this effort is essential.
In honor of WVARSE’s sixty-seventh anniversary, all of the mayors of Hancock County presented written proclamations to WVARSE, recognizing and honoring their continued generosity of service and donations given to the communities in Hancock County. Chester’s Mayor Ed Wedgewood’s proclamation was accepted by Liz Pugh. New Cumberland’s Mayor, Will White, was received by Debra Marino, and Weirton’s Mayor, Harold Miller, was received by Earleen Jones.
Marino introduced WVARSE President Bill Milam and his wife, Darlene. Milam discussed several items, including changing the newsletter from postal to email. President Marino presented Milam with a birthday cake and a song to celebrate the sixty-seventh birthday of the WVARSE Association.
Secretary Liz Pugh read the minutes for the regular May meeting, which the president accepted without corrections.
Treasurer Rita Orler presented the financial report. Marino filed the report for audit with no corrections.
Community Service Chairman Michel Robinson suggested that any members dressed in Halloween costumes would receive an extra door prize ticket. Robinson thanked Sherry Emery for planning a Facebook page to represent the association.
Under new business, Marino reported that the new project SOS helped support bus transportation from Chester to Weirton for the Communities in Schools Backpack Project in August and reminded members to track their volunteer hours. Melanie Donofe reported several ideas and news she received while attending various meetings.
In the absence of 50/50 Chairman Rosalie Lebec, Michel Robinson announced Donna Robinson as the raffle winner.
Door Prize Chairman Michel Robinson presented prizes to several winners.
President Marino announced Gio’s Restaurant of Weirton would be the location for the next regular meeting at noon on October 15, 2024. If necessary, extra parking spaces will be provided. The October Food Bank will be the association’s monthly project.
Marino closed the meeting by reminding members to invite a friend.
