Minutes Feb 2017

Monroe-Owen County Retired Teachers Association

Meeting Minutes

Thursday, February 23, 2017

     The meeting was called to order by our president, Joanne Weddle, at 11:30 am.

A welcome was extended to all in attendance.  Guests, Vicki and Harold Popp, were introduced along with Paula Jones, our IRTA Area 8 Director.

      Meeting agendas were distributed with the following explanations provided:

·         Secretary’s Reports – These are posted on our website.

·         Treasurer’s Report – Sheila Henry – A copy of her report was submitted.

·         Membership – Mike Horvath could not be present.  Jo reminded members to send any changes in contact information to Mike at horvath3@comcast.net.

·         Legislature – Linda Woods – Linda provided a list of area legislators and their contact information.  To find out which person represents you, Linda said to go to the following address and enter your home address -  iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/.

·         Technology – Terry Daugherty is keeping our online data current.  Go to: https://sites.google.com/site/monroecountyretiredteachers/ to read about our association.  Also continue to find out about our state organization at www.retiredteachers.org.

·         Volunteer Opportunities – Dianna Johnson reported that 58 of our members reported their total hours of volunteer work during 2016.  Our grand total was 14,847 hours which was an increase from 8,446 reported in 2015.  Paula explained the importance of our members in keeping track and reporting time spent volunteering in our community. This is especially helpful to our legislators when negotiating. Dianne also turned in an Honorable Mention Certificate of Recognition awarded to MORTA for our website in 2016. We will place this certificate in our scrapbook. Jo announced a request from the Teachers’ Warehouse for assistance. Hours of the warehouse are M-Th from 3:30 – 6:00.  They would like our group to form a crew of 2-3 to work from 9:30 – 12:30 on the 5th Saturdays this year on the dates of April 29, July 29, and September 30.  Let Jo Weddle know if you are willing to be part of a crew to represent our organization.

·         Nominations Committee – Will be formed and begin working this spring.

·         Upcoming Programs – Terre Haute joint field trip on April 11 with Delta Kappa Gamma.  Space for 50 people with 32 currently signed up.  Cost is $40 for the day.  Contact Bob or Penny Austin to register.  A registration form is attached to this email.  Annual end-of-year pitch-in picnic at Karst Farm Park Shelter 1, 5:00, Tuesday, May 23. Bring a dish to share.

·         Program - James Madison, IU Professor, was introduced by Bob Austin.  James gave an outstanding presentation on Indiana History.

      The  meeting was adjourned at 12:30 pm.