The March meeting of Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association was held at the Crawfordsville District Public Library on March 13. Vice president Steve Frees led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Nancy Bowes gave the invocation including an Irish Blessing. A delicious meal of garlic chicken and rice, broccoli salad and lemon cake was served by Trish Schwabe.
The program was introduced by Frees. Lisa Walter presented the work of the Montgomery County Early Childhood Coalition. In order to address the problem of a lack of adequate high quality child care in the county, 10 organizations have united in a coalition to solve the problem. Sara Storms of the Montgomery County Community Foundation was present with Walter to explain to the MCRTA member how the coalition works in developing high quality accredited early childhood education as well as child care and to assist providers to achieve programs that support social and emotional development of young children enabling them to succeed in school.
In addition to local non-profit organizations, several industries have provided financial support. One visible project in the renovation of the former government building on South Boulevard into an early childhood center. The coalition also initiated a summer camp with the help of the Parks and Recreation Department. It is called Camp Milligan and provides a 10-week program for about 40 children.
In the business meeting Frees announced people celebrating birthdays and asked for a motion to accept the minutes which were emailed to members. Bowes made the motion and Barb Foster seconded the motion. The motion passed. Larry Manlove read the treasurer’s report and it was accepted into the records.
Membership chair Kathy Steele reported that we have 121 members. Member concerns chair Mary Lefebvre reported cards had been sent to members who lost loved ones and that Easter cards would be sent out in the future.
Nominations chair Sheila reported we still need a vice president and secretary for the slate of candidates. A collection was taken for the Volunteers for Mental Health and $104 was collected. There was no new business.
The meeting was adjourned and door prizes were awarded.
