President Steve Frees welcomed members and guests to the Nov. 9, Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association meeting held in the Crawfordsville District Public Library. Following the pledge, Susie Minch gave the invocation. The members enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Sunshine-in-a-box.
Vice president Kathy Steele introduced our speaker, Abby Morgan, from the Purdue Extension Office presented the program entitled: AI for Seniors. Abby explained that there are two basic types of AI: Narrow AI and General AI. Narrow AI is specialized. ChatGPT and Voice Recognition are types of narrow AI. General AI are future ideas, broad, with human-like abilities. Uses for Narrow AI include drafting a warm email, summarizing a long article, planning a trip or exploring a hobby, organizing a volunteer project, and explaining a complex topic in a simple way. Abby uses Canva-AI for writing recommendation letters for kids, notes to parents, and volunteer tables. She told us to use better prompts for better help. Use AI as an assistant, not an authority. Always double check your facts with authentic sources. Abby mentioned that teachers are using AI apps such as Magic School AI, Storyflow, Eduaide.ai, and Microsoft Coplilot to create lesson plans that are standards-based. She stressed being careful to always avoid giving out personal information as phishing scams are a big problem. Phishing scams usually come through an email, a text message, or a phone call. Remember to use AI to assist, not replace your thinking.
President Steve called the meeting to order. He shared several funny stories with us. We sang Happy Birthday to the members celebrating November birthdays.
A motion to accept the minutes for the October meeting, which had been sent to members, was made, seconded, and passed. Sheryl Starnes gave the treasurer’s report. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to accept the treasurer’s report.
Susie Minch had no membership news. Jerilyn Yerkes stated that the October minutes were in the Journal Review. Nancy Buckles sent a couple of get-well cards to members. Kim Nixon reported that the Foundation grant money had been sent to the three recipients: Volunteers for Mental Health, Family Crisis Shelter, and the Youth Service Bureau for their REINdear project.
The basket donation money will go to the Animal Welfare Shelter.
There was no old or new business.
President Steve mentioned that he and Glenda will be leading three trips next year. He thanked Alicia MacIsaac and Susie Minch for the beautiful fall table decorations.
The next meeting will be held on Dec. 14. Table decorations will be provided by Linda Sabol and Debbie Howard. Debbie will give the invocation as well. The program will be given by the Crescendos choral club under the direction of Marsha Smith.
The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
