PERI chapter celebrates the season

STEUBENVILLE -- The local chapter of a public employee retirement advocacy agency enjoyed each other's company during a Christmas party at Froehlich's Classic Corner Wednesday.

District 9, Chapter 5 of the Public Employees Retirement Inc. discussed some business before engaging in relaxed revelry during the most recent of their meetings, which occur on the second Wednesday of each month. The 25-member chapter is composed of Jefferson County residents from Mingo Junction, Toronto, Stratton, Steubenville, Wintersville and Bloomingdale.

PERI itself represents active, retired or disability status public employees -- those who worked in federal, state, county or municipal government -- who are members of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, which issues pension and health care benefits for its members. PERI advocates for the needs of OPERS members, monitors related legislation and ensures benefits remain intact for those members.

Organized into 11 districts throughout Ohio, PERI in Jefferson County and District 9 is represented by Jim Range. Heading the local Chapter 5 are co-Presidents Terry Jennings and Pat Horton, along with Vice President Rosemary O'Brien, Treasurer John McDevitt and Secretary Fran Veltri.

"(PERI) protects our investments for our retirement fund, and they advocate for issues that affect us," Horton said, adding that chapter meetings are a "time to get together, fellowship with each other and keep on top of PERI information."

Although Horton and Jennings covered some business regarding yearly dues and an upcoming visit from the district representative on Jan. 10 at 10:50 a.m., the Wednesday meeting's focus was the social aspect of PERI.

Judy McDevitt made party favors, organized door prizes and brought several festive cookie trays. Horton and Jennings provided 2024 calendars, given to all members.

Joyce Summers, a member of the chapter's telephone committee, read holiday humorous, holiday-themed, parody poems, including one called "The Night After Christmas" in which the mailman delivers Christmas shopping bills. All members participated in a game of "left right" Christmas gift passing game.

As Christmas music played in the background, members enjoyed a meal, served to them by the chapter's regular waitress, Melissa Hayes, who Horton said "always takes really good care of us." The chapter also recognized the December birthdays of Jennings and members Eileen Warfield and Kathleen West.

The meeting opened with a prayer by Summer and closed with a prayer from former chapter president Doris Starr, who said, "We pray for our country, Lord. We don't know what's going to happen here, but we know everything is in your hands, and we're thankful."

But Chapter 5 can do more than just throw a party. At its regular meetings, the chapter invites relevant guest speakers. Horton noted that previous speakers included Jim Range, Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. and representatives from Our Place senior activity center, Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority and AMBA, which Horton said helps provide greater perspective on insurance options.

Horton said as part of its year-end giving, the chapter made a donation from its funds to the Friendship Room in Steubenville and the Steubenville Police Department's Christmas shopping program for kids.

On the state level, Horton said, PERI hosts monthly meetings to discuss issues pertaining to OPERS. One notable piece of legislation on PERI's watchlist is H.R. 82, a bill that -- if passed -- would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which limit Social Security benefits for those receiving other benefits, such as from OPERS.

County employees Donna Balzano and Rose Chappano both joined Chapter 5 relatively recently.

Balzano said PERI's informing members when benefit situations are changing is good, adding, "If they are making changes, we want to know about it."

Chappano said she appreciates the speakers, some of whom have presented pertinent information about local senior services.

Member Linda Wells is the spouse of a former public employee. She said she is a member of PERI to actively stay updated on benefit information, saying that it's preferable to hear about it firsthand rather than receive a surprise letter.

Doris Starr is the spouse of a public employee. Having been president of Chapter 5 for six years, Starr said she likes that PERI monitors the Ohio General Assembly, and it's important to her that pension and hospitalization insurance remain intact.

Jennings, who began working as a public employee at the age of 19, said it's crucial for young people to begin saving in a benefit program rather than spending their money prematurely.

Summers said, "It's good to be a part of this organization to know what's going on because a couple of years ago they tried to cut our cost-of-living (adjustment), and we all wrote letters and … different people came in and told us what was going on."