Chapter History

It all began with an idea.

On May 18, 1966, a group of retired teachers from Geauga County met for lunch at the Punderson Manor House, Newbury, Ohio. Special guests from ORTA were First Vice-President W. Fletcher Simpson from Kent and Northeast Director Pro-tem Robert L. Fleming from Youngstown. The business meeting was called to order by acting chairman Frank Schofield.

Jo Urpi was appointed as acting secretary.

The next meeting was held on October 19, 1966, with twenty-seven retired teachers and guests present. Frank Schofield explained that the time had come for an organization of retired educators in Geauga County. Seventy-nine names were on the list of retirees. He hoped the organization would find a way to express its wants or wishes for future programming.

The Chapter Constitution, adopted a year later, stated:

Article 1

       Section 1 : The name of the organization shall be Geauga County Retired Teachers Association.

       Section 2 : The purpose of the organization shall be:

                   A. To aid in the advancement of public schools
B. To foster good fellowship among retired public school teachers
C. To help promote the interest and welfare of retired public school teachers