The Montgomery County chapter of Indiana Retired Teachers Association met Nov. 11 in the Crawfordsville District Public Library. Thirty-one members were present. President Marilyn Spear called the meeting to order at noon leading the group in the pledge of allegiance. She then recognized veterans who were present. The invocation was given by Debbie Howard. Allen’s Country Kitchen served a delicious meal. Carolyn Fisher and Karen Patton were thanked for the table decorations.
During lunch Ellie Dieckmeyer discussed the need for volunteers at the Athens Art Gallery. The gallery is not a museum; the art items are for sale. The gallery has hosted a juried art show this year, had a career presentation for school children, offered classes and conducted enrichment activities for the community.
After lunch Joe Ellis, Vietnam War veteran and Veteran Service Officer for this area since 2013, spoke about the Honor Flight. The Honor Flight program in Lafayette, flies veterans to Washington, D.C., to view their memorials. Before the veterans board the plane, there is a meet and greet session. Details of the day are outlined, certificates of appreciation are awarded to the veterans and patriotic songs are sung. Breakfast is served on the plane and when the plane lands in Baltimore, the veterans board buses and are escorted with a motorcade to the World War II, the Lincoln, the Korean War the Vietnam Wall and the Iwo Jima memorials. The group then visits the Arlington Memorial and observes the changing of the guard. On the flight home, there is a mail call.
Committee Reports:
Community service: Members were reminded to report their community service hours for 2019 to Nancy Bowes. Money collected at this meeting for Blue Star Mothers was $221.
Legislative Report: Diane German gave information concerning the Red for Ed Action Day on Nov. 19 at the Statehouse. Over 70 schools corporations are closing so staff can attend. So far over 8,000 people are registered to attend to demonstrate the impact of underfunding education in Indiana.
Member Concerns: Mary Lefebvre reported on cards sent.
Membership: Howard said there are now 150 members.
Old Business: Teacher were encouraged to register to ring the bell for the Salvation Army.
New Business: Tom Mellish, recently retired executive director at Indiana Retired Teachers Association reported that Trish Whitcomb, daughter of the late governor Edgar Whitcomb, is his replacement. Lynne Cox stated that Area 4 received three grants from the state this year. Anyone wanting to volunteer at the Christmas Shop should contact Kim Nixon. Last year 33 $100 food certificates were given to needy families with the profit from sales.
Next Meeting: The next meeting will be Dec. 9 with Howard, Nikki Smith and Linda Sabol in charge of table decorations. Howard will give the invocation and the program will feature the Crescendos Christmas Medley.
