HCARSE GIVES TO NONPROFIT — Members of the Hancock County Association of Retired School Employees donated non-perishable food items to the Community Bread Basket in Weirton as part of its outreach project for October. At left, taking part in the distribution were, from left, Cherie Odell, administrative assistant for the CBB; Jeanie Montgomery, program administrator for the CBB; and Keith Fabianich, CBB volunteer. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — The Hancock County Association of Retired School Employees met Oct. 21 at the Crazy Mexican restaurant in Weirton where President Melanie Donofe called the Halloween-themed meeting to order.

There were 40 members in attendance for the meeting, all of whom recited the Pledge of Allegiance that was led by Debra Marino.

Members then read the mission statement led by Terry McAtee.

Earlean Jones read the minutes from the previous meeting, which were approved.

The treasurer’s report was given by Rita Orler, who reported on membership, which totals 109 members. It was noted membership is still open to those wanting to join. A thank-you card was read from Donna Ferguson, a member who has moved out of the area.

HCARSE GIVES TO NONPROFIT — Members of the Hancock County Association of Retired School Employees donated non-perishable food items to the Community Bread Basket in Weirton as part of its outreach project for October. Taking part in the distribution were, Cherie Odell, left, administrative assistant for the CBB; and HCARSE President Melanie Donofe, who transported the donations and was pleased with the group’s contributions to the nonprofit.

Shanna Early, physician’s assistant from the Weirton Elementary School-based health center, spoke to the group about the backpack programs offered at Weirton Elementary, Weir Middle and Weir High schools.

Early explained how food is distributed to students for the weekends, during the time when they cannot receive breakfast or lunch at their respective school.

She noted COVID changed the way donations are made and how she now purchases the food in advance for the programs.

It was suggested and approved the group give the backpack program a donation on behalf of the retired school employees.

Members noted they would like to make a donation to the northern portion of the county as well for the same kind of program.

Those in attendance agreed with the request.

Regarding 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 percent increase in PEIA/Humana benefits, beginning in January, officials stated.

Donofe distributed to everyone in attendance a card which contains important numbers. These numbers are meant for survivors to hold onto in case there is ever a family member who is grieving during a difficult time and needs to call somebody for assistance.

It was announced that members were pleased to have been given the card.

Officials commented that volunteer hours need to be documented because all total hours need to be sent to Charleston.

The outreach project for the month of October was for the Weirton Community Bread Basket.

Members were asked to bring in non-perishable food items which will be donated to the nonprofit organization.

A scholarship committee is being formed, consisting of members Susan Brown, Kathy Bowman, McAtee, Mary Lou James and Donofe.

The committee is in its beginning stages of developing a scholarship application.

Three scholarships will be available, one for a student attending Oak Glen High School, one for 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.

Others winning door prizes included: Nancy Wetzel, two prizes; Theres Veltri, two prizes; Jennie Ralston, two prizes; and Donna Durkin, Loretta Fisher, Rosalie Lebec, Chris Snyder, Bowman, Kathy Alatis, Kim Hughes and Liz Pugh.

Eileen Snyder and Rita Schmitt won birthday cookies.

The next meeting will be held at noon on Nov. 18 at the John D. Rockefeller Career Center.