The Sept. 13 meeting of MCRTA was held at the Crawfordsville Public Library and called to order by President Kathy Steele. She led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation was given by Sheila Hodges. Steele welcomed new members: Alan Clifton, Elana Dove, Kris Ervin, Diane Fike, Helen Gunn, Jordan Hatch, Bonita Hirsch, Trent Hopkins, Greg Hunt, Larry Hutcheson, Jennifer Jeffers, Kelly Johnson, Ellen Lewis, Brenda Lovold, Cindy McCormick, Dee Meagher, Lynn Oliver, Karen Selby, Joan Starnes, Bronna Utterback and Jamie Williever.
Vice President Kim Nixon introduced our speaker, Colleen Page, a representative for Association Member Benefits Advisors. Page explained the advantages to being a member of the state organization including many benefits and insurance opportunities.
A letter was read from the IRTA, the state organization, about the nomination process for awards for members who do volunteer work in the community.
The minutes of the June meeting were read by secretary Karen Patton and placed in the record as read.
Treasurer Larry Manlove gave the treasurer’s report and it was accepted.
Membership contact Pam Crull requested that the paper receive the new location of meetings so that there would be no confusion.
The community service co-choir Jan Armbruster reported we would be collecting money for the county backpack program at this meeting. A total of $163 was collected.
There were no reports from the audit or constitution committees.
Diane German reported that redistricting of district is the only thing being done now until the legislature meets again for its regular session.
Kim Nixon asked that the Foundation Grant Committee meet to determine how to use the funds available for disbursement.
Member Concerns Chair Mary Lefebvre reported that cards had been sent to homebound members and get well cards had been sent to several members.
Membership Chairs Debbie and Darrell Howard announced the dues for new members. MCRTA now has 195 members.
New program books will be available at the next meeting. The next meeting will be Oct. 11.
Sheila Hodges asked people to start thinking of people to nominate for officers for next year.
New Business
Steele reminded people that what was formerly MUFFY is now United Way of Montgomery County and that it benefits many non-profit organizations in our community. Cards for pledges were available for people to take.
Sue Mullendore announced that goody bags were given to the 60 new teachers in the county through the Montgomery County Educational Foundation. It included a red folder to keep good memos, positive thoughts, emails and thank you notes from students so that the teachers could remember that they are doing important work.
Steele thanked our speaker Page, members Shiela Hodges and Jane Leibenguth for decorations and our caterer Trish Schwabe.
Door prizes were awarded and members were reminded that the next meeting will be Oct. 11 at the library with Whitney Nixon as the speaker.
The meeting was adjourned.
