Minutes Nov 2017
Monroe County Retired Teachers' Association Minutes
Meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 6 th , 2017
Location: MCCSC Service Building
Jo Weddle, our president, called the meeting to order and welcomed our guests for the
afternoon: Tom Mellish, Executive Director of IRTA, and David Lennen, Area 8 Director.
We also welcomed our presenter Dayna Thompson, an Alzheimer Educator for IU Health.
1. Jo reminded us that the October minutes had been sent out and inquired whether
any of us were not receiving the email updates. Mike Horvath is keeping our
information updated and he reported to Jo that our numbers of members were
down this year. Dues are just $5 for the year and may be mailed to Mike at 2444
Rock Creek Drive, 47401.
2. Martha Street reminded us that the donations being collected (a basket was
passed around) go toward scholarships through the IRTA Foundation. Our
donations are sent in memory of our deceased members.
3. More members would be welcome for the social committee for refreshment
preparation. More members are needed for the nominating committee too. Please
let Jo know if you are interested in either of these committees. The nominating
committee starts work in January and needs 2 more members.
4. MCRTA Volunteer hour forms for 2017 should be sent to Dianna Johnson by Jan
15 th . Forms were passed out at the last 2 meetings. Jo's challenge is to have more
volunteer hours for 2017 than last year; hopefully 16,000 hours. Hopefully
someone will win the CLOCK award for great volunteerism. Dianna's address is
4274 W. Meadowvale Drive. 47404. If you do not have a form, you can send her a
note with your total hours.
5. Dianna Johnson is responsible for the April field trip to Derby Dinner Playhouse in
Clarksville, IN on Wednesday, April 18 th . A newsletter will be sent to you in
January with a reservation form included. Total cost for the buffet dinner and
theatre presentation is $58. Dianna is putting together a list of names so send
yours to her any time. We have space for 50 people on the bus.
6. Dianne Shewmaker reported on the Monroe County Community Schools Foundation
Great Grownup Spelling Bee. She was a volunteer participant on the Foundation
team which won first place. Bravo!!
7. Monday, Dec 4 th is a volunteer opportunity for MCRTA ringing the Salvation Army
bell in front of Ulta Beauty, the remodeled entrance to the College Mall. Contact
Dianna if you can help.
8. Tom Mellish, Executive Director of IRTA spoke about what is happening in the
legislature with regard to retired teachers' benefits, how plans are changing for
future teachers, and about staying connected. The website, retiredteachers.org,
is a location for retired teachers and those nearing retirement to visit to find out
about advances and changes. State membership in IRTA is $35 and can be
accessed online.
9. Our main speaker was Dayna Thompson, Alzheimers Educator for IU Health.Her
topic was “Dementia: What is it and How Do We Help?” In case you have
questions, her email is dthompson6@iuhealth.org. Her focus was on dementia and
Alzheimers and the similarities and differences. She also discussed what is normal
aging and what is NOT normal aging as well as what parts of the brain are
affected as one moves into Alzheimers and dementia. Her presentation was
fabulous and many folks got specific questions answered.
Benny Holt and her committee provided delicious refreshments again this meeting. Many
thanks.
Respectively submitted,
Nancy Stockwell, Secretary