President Steve Frees welcomed members and guests to the Oct. 12, Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association meeting held in the Crawfordsville District Public Library. Following the pledge, Cherlyn Hunter gave the invocation. The members enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Sunshine-in-a box. President Steve thanked Cherlyn Hunter, Marilyn Spear, and Mary Lou Dawald for the lovely fall table decorations. The money collected in the basket donation will go to help the Youth Service Bureau’s REINdear project.
Kathy Steele introduced Belinda Young from the Crawfordsville Park and Recreation Dept. Belinda is the Director of Public Transportation and Senior Programs. She shared information about the Living Well 55 program that sponsors fun events for seniors, such as Lunch Adventure, Day Trips, and Bingo. The main portion of Belinda’s talk focused on the Crawfordsville Area Transportation program. This public transportation program is open to all Montgomery County residents. The League of Women Voters pushed for this program as there is a huge need in our county for public transportation. It is a ride share program serving the county from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents can call and make reservations to ride and should call at least two days before they need transportation. The fare for anyone under the age of 60 is $3 one way if they are city residents. The fare for people under 60, living in the county, is $5 one way. Residents over the age of 60 are able to ride for a donation.
President Steve reported that he and Kathy Steele attended the state IRTA meeting. He asked all MCRTA members to consider joining the state organization. IRTA needs our support when requesting the stipend from the state legislature. It is not a guaranteed payment to retired teachers and must be requested each year.
Committee Reports
The minutes from the September meeting, which were sent to members, were approved. Sheryl Starnes presented the treasurer’s report. A motion to accept the report was made and seconded. The motion passed.
Susie Minch stated that we have 88 paid members.
Nancy Buckles sent eight get-well and sympathy cards.
Kim Nixon reported that we have interest from the MCRTA/IRTA Foundation grants. Her committee decided to give money to the Family Crisis Shelter, the Volunteers for Mental Health and the Youth Service Bureau for their REINdear project.
The next meeting will be held Nov. 9. The table decorations will be provided by Alicia MacIsaac and Susie Minch. The program will be “AI for Seniors” presented by Abby Morgan, Purdue Extension. Donations will be collected for the Animal Welfare League. Money, pet food, towels, blankets, pet toys, collars and leashes will be accepted.
There was no old or new business and the meeting was adjourned.
