PASR-McKean The McKean County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees met April 30 at Togi’s “Blue Room” Restaurant, Bradford, with 39 in attendance. Following a welcome by President Connie King, the Pledge of Allegiance was said.

She thanked Norm King and Charlotte Stoughton for helping to set up the venue and menu. A spring atmosphere was enjoyed by all. Happy Birthday was recognized for Ray Brzezinski from Kane.

A COLA update was presented. We were reminded that another COLA bill was introduced and was passed April 9 by the PA House of Representatives. The bill will now go the PA Senate to be voted upon.

Francene Imbrogno, secretary, read the minutes of the Oct. 30 meeting, which were approved.

The treasurer’s report given by Charlotte Stoughton was accepted.

In the committee reports, Community Service volunteer hours are to be given to Charlotte Stoughton before the end of June. The Educational Support Mini-grant for 2025 is going to Port Allegany Elementary School for a “Little Gator Closet.” The money will be used to purchase basic needs and updates in the area used for that purpose. A Class of 2025 Otto-Eldred High School senior will be selected for our scholarship. In the membership report, Connie King announced that there are 188 members including two new ones, Charlene Gross and Ken Gross from Port Allegany. She talked about the recent Newsletter sent and about keeping dues paid up.

Both Francene and Connie read numerous thank you notes from members’ families. Lynda Rook spoke about the Social Service Memorial Honor Fund and what it entails. She mentioned about letting the person in each district know if someone is in the hospital, a nursing home, or needs a card. Bradford is in need of someone to take over Lynda’s position.

It was decided to bring canned goods to the next meeting which will be on Oct. 29 in Kane. The goods will be given to local food pantries. A brief Region 10 report was given by Connie, Charlotte, and Norm who attended the Wellsboro meeting on April 10. It was basically about the COLA update. The House of Delegates (convention) will be held on Oct. 5-6-7 at the PennStater Hotel in State College. Our PASRMcKean is allowed two delegates, and those elected were Connie King and Norm King.

Following adjournment, the Yellow Rose Memorial Ceremony to remember and honor 5 members who passed away recently was held.

When their names were announced, memories of these deceased colleagues and friends were shared. They were Larry Snyder, James R. “Dick” Miller, Patricia VanTine, Patricia Payne, and Edna Turner. Thank you to Ray Brzezinski as he did the 50/50 drawing and presented Char Gross as the winner. In turn, she donated her share back to PASR-McKean.

Marcie Schellhammer, editor and award-winning reporter for The Bradford Era, presented a program about her growing up in a large family and the history of newspaper reporting in our rural area. She gave some credit to her O-E teachers who helped with her achievements along the way. Everyone enjoyed her delightful and informative talk.

Later she was presented with a gift bag. Norm King gave the invocation, and a delicious lunch was served at noon by Togi’s.