The Hancock County Association of Retired School Employees meeting of October 21, 2025 was called to order by President Melanie Donofe at 12:15. The meeting was held at the Crazy Mexican restaurant with a Halloween theme. There were 40 members in attendance
Debra Marino led Pledge to the flag and Terry McAtee led the group in the mission statement.
Earlean Jones read the minutes and a treasurer’s report was report was read by Rita Orler. Both were approved.
Orler also gave a report on membership that we now have 109 members and
membership is still open.
A thank you card was read from Donna Ferguson, member who has moved out of the area.
Shanna Early, physician’s assistant from Weirton Elementary School based Health Center spoke to the group about the back pack programs at Weirton Elementary, Weir Middle and Weir High Schools. She explained how food is distributed to students for the weekends when they cannot get breakfast or lunch at school. Covid changed the way donations are made. Now she purchases the food in advance for the programs.
During new business, the PEIA/Humana programs were discussed. Two new cards will be given with these programs, one for PEIA and one for prescriptions. There will be a 12% increase in PEIA/Humana benefits beginning in January.
It was also suggested to give the backpack program a donation and a donation to the same kind of program for the northern end of the county. The donations were approved.
A card with Important Numbers for survivors was handed out by President Donofe.This can help grieving family members during a difficult time. Members were very pleased for this little card.
Volunteer hours need documented as we will send totals to Charleston. The
Outreach project for the month was for the Weirton Community Bread Basket.
Members brought nonperishable food items to donate.
A scholarship committee is being formed with members, Susan Brown, Kathy
Bowman, Terry McAtee, Mary Lou James and Melanie Donofe. They are just in
the beginning stages of developing a scholarship application. Three scholarships will be available, one at Oak Glen, one at Weir High and one at the John D. Rockefeller Center.
Guessing jar prizes were won by Susan Gracie and Diane France. The 50/50
drawing was won by Sherry Emery. Other members winning door prizes were:
Nancy Wetzel (2), Theres Veltri (2), Jennie Ralston (2), Donna Durkin, Loretta
Fsher, Rosalie Lebec, Chris Snyder, Kathy Bowman, Kathy Alatis, Kim Hughes
and Liz Pugh. Eileen Snyder and Rita Schmitt won birthday cookies.
The next meeting will be November 18, 2025 at the John D Rockefeller Career Center at noon.
Pictured are Cherie Odell, administrative assistant of the Bread Basket, and Melanie Donofe,president of the HCARSE
