President Steve Frees welcomed members and guests to the Feb. 10, Mongomery County Retired Teachers Association meeting held in the Crawfordsville District Public Library. Frees led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the invocation. Lunch was provided by the Creekside Restaurant.
Kathy Steele introduced our guest speakers, Kelly Taylor and Michaelan Pantoja-Sharp. Taylor is the chief executive officer of the Montgomery County Community Foundation and Pantoja-Sharp is the director of the new Montgomery County Early Learning Center. Taylor told the group that Montgomery County is considered a childcare desert. Businesses and employers have continually stated that they cannot hire enough workers because of a lack of childcare in our community. The new center, located at 110 W. South Blvd. will accommodate 124 children ages six weeks to age 5. Enrollment is presently open. KinderCare will be the operator of the facility and it is projected to open on March 17. The community is invited to two open houses; one on March 6 from 4-6 p.m. and the other open house will take place March 12.
Frees opened the business meeting following the program. The minutes from the December meeting, which were sent to members previously, were approved. He also read the treasurer’s report and it was approved.
Janet Armbruster gave a report from the community service committee. She gave us the update on volunteer hours from our area and suggested many ways that our members presently volunteer in the community.
Diane and Charley German gave a legislative update. Both attended the December and February legislative breakfasts. They mentioned that we need to call our representatives and senators to urge support for public education. Diane German also told us that they feel fairly positive that we will receive our 13th paycheck.
Mary Lefebre sent 20 cards at Christmas to 25 members. She recently sent nine cards to members for health concerns and expressions of sympathy.
Frees thanked Sheryl Starnes and Jerilyn Yerkes for the table decorations. The next meeting will be March 10. Nancy Bowes and Lefebrve are responsible for the table decorations. Brenda Lovold will give the invocation. The program will be 4-H Tech Changemakers-Digital Literacy Skills for Seniors. A motion was made to adjourn the meeting and it was passed.
