The Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association met at noon May 8 at the Crawfordsville District Public Library for their regular monthly meeting. A welcome was given by President Kim Nixon. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and an invocation was given by Sue Mullendore. A meal of chicken salad on croissant, potato salad, coleslaw, chips and apple cake was served by the Sunoco crew. Caterer Trish Schwabe also asked for input on future meals with a survey form at the tables. Thanks to Nancy Buckles, Susie Larson and Cherlynn Hunter for the patriotic table decorations. Following the meal, Nixon recognized the May birthdays. Happy 50th anniversary to Steve and Glenda Frees.
Steve Frees introduced the speaker for the day, Sue Lucas, program manager for Crawfordsville Main Street. The organization was formed in 2002. It exists to preserve and showcase the special history, beauty and character of Crawfordsville’s downtown historic district. CMS uses a four-point approach of economic vitality, design, promotion and organization to carry out its vision. It is an Indiana Main Street accredited program with memberships in Main Street America and Indiana Landmarks as well. Individual and business memberships, sponsorships and funding from the City of Crawfordsville and the Montgomery County Community Foundation help to finance the organization. Sue praised the 117 volunteers who, in 2022, provided 3,655 hours of service to CMS, valued at $97,908. Annual programming includes urban forestry education and promotion, Lunch on the Plaza and First Fridays in June, July and August, downtown curb appeal efforts with flower pots and hanging baskets, and Downtown Party Night and Small Business Saturday. Coming soon is wayfinding signage and a new Crawford Fountain at the Marie Canine Plaza. CMS also recently launched the Architectural and Engineering Assessment Grant program to help downtown historic building owners have a professional conditions assessment of their property. MCRTA members were invited to support CMS by becoming a member and/or contributing to the Crawford Fountain Fund at MCCF.
Kim Nixon called the business meeting to order. Minutes of the April meeting were emailed to the membership. Nancy Bowes moved and Carolyn Fisher seconded they be approved. Motion passed. Larry Manlove presented the treasurer’s report. He shared a thank you letter from Larry Paarlberg at the Lew Wallace Study for the ArchiCamp sponsorship.
Bowes gave a report for the membership committee. She was pleased to announce that Hunter and Ruggles will receive honorable mention and Kathy Steele will receive the clock award at the IRTA Representative Assembly for their volunteer service to the community. Steele’s award is one of only 10 given in the state and it was noted that four of our members have received the clock award in the last five years. Thanks Bowes and Janet Armbruster for keeping and submitting those volunteer hours each year.
Sheila Hodges gave a nominating committee report. Thank you to Nixon, Frees and Manlove for agreeing to continue in their positions for the 2023-24 year. A secretary is still needed.
Indiana Retired Teachers Association Representative Assembly will be held June 7 at Primo Banquet Hall in Indianapolis. Reservations required by May 10.
A collection for Camp Milligan was taken. Bowes reported $87 was donated for the cause.
The next meeting of MCRTA will be held June 12, when Sue Mullendore will conduct a memorial service for teachers who have died in the last year. Installation of 2023-24 officers will also be held. Donations for school backpacks will be collected. Lynn Robison, Marilyn Spear and Carol Homann are in charge of table decorations and Robison will also have the invocation. Lunch will be barbecue pork, baked beans, pasta salad, watermelon and peanut butter or chocolate sheet cake.
Door prizes were distributed. Darlene Dusek moved and Manlove seconded the meeting be adjourned.
