Minutes Oct 2017

Monroe County Retired Teachers' Association Minutes

Meeting: Thursday, October 12, 2017

Location: MCPL Ellettsville Branch

Jo Weddle, MCRTA President, called the meeting to order at 1:10 after folks had

signed in and had some refreshments. Jo welcomed those present and handed out some

papers that had been handed out at the first meeting at Cook Headquarters. Jo

mentioned that there are several openings for committee chairs. Let her know if you are

interesting in assuming a position. Two members are needed for the Nominations

Committee.

1. The next meeting is at 1;00 P.M., Tuesday, Nov. 7 th, at the MCCSC Service Building

where Dayna Thompson, Alzheimer’s Educator from IU Health will speak. IRTA

Executive Director, Tom Mellish, be our special guest. That building is located at

the corner of Henderson and Miller Drive.

2. Jo complimented our group for charting and turning in so many volunteer hours

last year and is challenging us to meet and exceed that number for this year.

There are many volunteer and donation opportunities such as Teachers'

Warehouse, Hope Shelter and The Nest, First Book, and the Foundation of MCCS.

3. Jo congratulated Nancy Stockwell who is being honored as an Everyday Hero.

4. Several folks attended the fall IRTA Fall Leadership Workshop. The IRTA

Foundation offers active and retired teacher scholarships. There is also a H.S

Senior Scholarship that goes to someone who plans to enter the education field.

Please see Jo if you have someone to nominate.

5. Linda Woods reported on Legislative activity and said they are still working on

confirming the “13 th check”.

6. There are many benefits of joining IRTA. Those benefits can be found on the

IRTA website.

7. Kerry Conway presented some important information about the Area 10 Agency

on Aging and brochures were handed out to those present. There are many in-

home and support services including a meal option. Their goal is to help older

adults and those with disabilities to age in their own homes. Please see their

website for more information. (www.area10agency.org) The Area 10 Agency has 82

employees and 450 volunteers but can always use more volunteers.

8. Our Wednesday, April 18 th meeting is our annual field trip. This year it is to Derby

Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville, IN. there will be a noon buffet luncheon and

production of Oklahoma. The cost if $58 and you need to sign up by March 1 st ,

2018.

9. Stephanie Gaston Holman, Head Children's Librarian at the Ellettsvills MCPL

Branch, presented a wonderful program about children's books, reading with

children, storytelling, use of puppets, and more. Stephanie has been at the

Ellettsville branch for 28 years and been bringing books to life for children all

that time. She told us about the planned remodel and expansion of the Ellettsville

branch. Stephanie thanked the Friends of the Library Board for many of the

wonderful books and other materials she uses with her story hours and other

presentations to children. She also mentioned the Power of Words, November 17 th ,

featuring Jamie Ford and his book, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet as

well as the NEA BIG READ featuring the book, Everything I Never Told You by

Celeste Ng. More information about both events, as well as many other early

literacy opportunities, can be found on the MCPL website.

Jo thanked the social committee for the wonderful refreshments and mentioned that

they could use a few more members to contribute items for meetings.

The meeting was adjourned about 2:15.

Respectively submitted,

Nancy Stockwell, Secreetary