The Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association met at noon Nov. 14 at the Crawfordsville District Public Library. Twenty-nine people attended with many enjoying the catered meal of roasted pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, salad and caramel apple cake served by Sunoco.
President Kim Nixon called the meeting to order. A welcome was given to first-time attendee Laurel Moore. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the invocation was given by Debbie Howard. November birthdays were recognized.
Program — A very informative program was given by Sally Zachary Motsch. Sally is originally from Ladoga. As a young married woman, she lived in New York City and then in 1983 moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with her husband, Larry, for his work. They lived there in a walled compound with about 3,000 other people until 1997, at which time Sally moved back to the U.S. with her children. Ex-pat students can only stay through eighth grade as the Saudis don’t want their high-schoolers to mix with them. Sally’s husband continued to live and work in Jeddah until 2004. Moving to Jeddah was quite a transition from NYC, but Sally made the best of it. She gives the following advice for moving to a foreign country: 1. identify the rules (e.g. she chose to dress in a black abaya and a head covering) 2. Find friends (it was difficult to communicate with family at home because phone calls were expensive and monitored) 3. Don’t sit around and moan about what you don’t have but find what is there to explore and do (she scuba dived in the Red Sea). Sally worked parttime at a private girls’ school where she was able to interact with Arab women and children. She noted that the literacy rate has risen dramatically for girls since the first girl’s school opened 1955. For women three factors shape them: tribal and family loyalty, tradition, and the Islam religion which is the foundation of the legal system. Things are gradually changing for women but it is still a male-dominated system. Sally feels the Saudi women don’t necessarily want to be “us.” Sally demonstrated the Saudi dress of the men and women, using volunteer “models” from the audience.
Secretary’s report — There were no minutes available from the October meeting to be read at the meeting. They will be emailed to the group. Karen Thada shared thank yous from the Montgomery County Free Clinic for the gift of $126 and from the Family Crisis Shelter for the gift of $120.
Treasurer’s report — Larry Manlove reported a Nov. 14 balance of $3,566.31 after deposits of $387 for dues and meals, and disbursements of $364 to Sunoco for meals.
Community service — Nancy Bowes reported that $75 was collected for Blue Star Mothers at today’s meeting. Nancy needs our volunteer hours by the end of the year, preferably at the next meeting. She has forms if needed. Please separate youth hours from other hours.
MCRTA/IRTA Foundation Grants — Kim Nixon reported the MCCF grant for $1,000 was sent to Youth Service Bureau.
Member concerns and services – sympathy cards were sent to the families of Margie Zimmerman, Dr. Robert Brower, Marge Hughes and Barb Cook. Many other get well and thinking-of-you cards were sent as well.
Membership stands at 114.
Colleen from AMBA shared that she has had lots of questions about Medicare Advantage plans. She explained that Indiana Retired Teachers Association does not endorse any Advantage Plans.
Old business — Because attending membership is down, Kim sent an email asking for input on how to make MCRTA better. She had only four responses and she shared that information. Kim asked for further input and suggestions for menus.
New business — In the recent edition of Bulletin Board Laura Penman is said to be hosting Retiredside Chats. Chat three is now up. You can tune in to hear important legislative updates from Steve Beebe, IRTA lobbyist and Nancy Tolson, IRTA Legislative Committee Chair. You can watch these chats on the IRTA website.
Next meeting is Dec. 12. Deb Howard and Linda Sabol are doing decorations. Debbie Howard will have devotions. The program will be music from The Crescendos.
Door prizes were distributed.
Darlene Dusek moved to adjourn at 1:45 p.m. Barb Foster seconded. Motion carried.
