THE SCHOOL BELL

 PROGRAMS - SPRING 2020

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27 - BACKSTAGE AT THE MAC - See driving/parking information at the end of this newsletter.

·         Meet in the I. U. Musical Art Center lobby at 12:45 - 1:00 tour - 2:30 short meeting.

·         Program - Tour of the backstage of the MAC including stage settings, costume and wig areas.

·         Drivers needed for carpooling if desired.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 - HISTORICAL SECRETS AT STORY, INDIANA

·         11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Lunch and historical tour of Story, Indiana located southeast of Nashville, Indiana. 

·         Carpooling from the old K Mart parking lot on East 3rd Street.  Drivers needed.

·         Send $20 for lunch and reservation to Dianne Shewmaker, 4611 W. Middle Ct., 47403.  Reservations must reach Dianne by Friday, April 10.  Checks to MCRTA.

MONDAY, JUNE 1 - PICNIC AT THE PARK (*Note the day/date change from earlier notices.)

Annual Pitch-In Picnic, 5:30 p.m. - Karst Farm Park, Shelter House # 3.  Bring a dish to share.  Meat and bread provided.  Guests - 2020 retirees.  

4.  CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE - http://sites.google.com/site/monroecountyretiredteachers/

5.  MCRTA MEMBERSHIP DUES - If you have not paid your dues for this year there is still time. Remember

     2019 retirees have a free membership this year. Call Mike Horvath if you are uncertain whether you have

     paid or not for 2019-2020.  Send your $5 made out to MCRTA to Mike at 2444 E. Rock Creek Drive,

     Bloomington, IN 47401.  IRTA is holding a School Bell Award & Membership Contest this year.  Read more

     about this on the IRTA website.  Prizes will be awarded for bringing new members to IRTA.

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IRTA FOUNDATION - The IRTA Foundation provides funding for some important programs. A Hands Up is a program to address and provide assistance for an immediate financial need of an IRTA member undergoing temporary or emergency hardship.  Scholarships are offered to college juniors and seniors studying to become teachers and sponsored by IRTA members. A Hands Up is offered year-round.  Scholarship applications are due April 24, 2020.  Look online at www.retiredteacher.org for more information and applications for these offerings. In addition, you can support the Foundation by becoming part of the Kroger Community Rewards Program.  Go to www.kroger.com to enroll and your Kroger purchases will contribute to the Foundation. And, of course, all donations to the Foundation are always welcome and tax deductible.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 12:45 - 3:00 p.m.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY MUSICAL ART CENTER - BACKSTAGE TOUR

12:45 - MEET IN THE LOBBY AT THE MAC, 1:00 TOUR, 2:30 SHORT MCRTA MEETING IN THE MAC LOBBY

PARKING - Individuals can park in the Jordan Street Parking Lot and walk back across Jordon to the MAC.  This is not a free parking lot and is often busy during the day but it is one option. Another is to park at the Memorial Union but it is rather expensive and a longer walk to the MAC.  Jordan Parking Lot fees cost the same as the Union.

OPTIONAL PARKING FOR CARLOADS - Janis Stockhouse is working with John Porter, Ticketing, Sales and House Manager of the MAC. If we can get 4-5 people to serve as drivers we can meet at the OLD K MART EAST parking lot.  We will meet at 12:15 and leave at 12:30.  John is going to clear space in the circle drive in front of the MAC where our carpool drivers can unload and park.  But, we have to get these arrangements made well ahead of the 27th.

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If you are willing to be a driver or want to ride with a driver, CUT THIS OFF, FILL IT OUT AND SEND THIS SLIP TO Sandy Bender at 2727 S. Sare Road, Blmgtn., IN 47401,  or call her at 812-345-0642. This information must get to Sandy no later than Friday, February 21.  If you call and she does not answer you MUST leave a message.

Name_____________________________________________  Email address___________________________

Phone Number_____________________________

*I would be willing to be a driver and take people in my car_______________________

       Besides myself, I would have room for_______________people.

*I do not want to drive but want to ride with someone in their car________________

       If I ride with someone else, it would be just me or me and _______ other(s).

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, TOUR/LUNCH AT HISTORICAL STORY, INDIANA

I would be willing to drive and take people in my car__________________________________

If you are willing to drive to this event, also let Sandy Bender know by mail, email or phone as listed above.

MCRTA INVOLVEMENT FOR 2020

1.    VOLUNTEER HOURS - Continue serving our community by volunteering and keeping track of the number of hours you serve each year. Start recording these in your new 2020 calendar.

2.    MCRTA PROJECT FOR THIS YEAR - TEMPLETON ELEMENTARY - In September we voted to give an award to Templeton Elementary, one of our Title I schools and an International Baccalaureate School.  We are collecting funds that will go for books they can purchase to support their initiatives as an IB School. To date we have received over $400. If you wish to contribute, send a check made out to MCRTA to our treasurer Martha Street at 8292 W. Rice Road, Bloomington, IN 47403. We will end our collection on February 27 - this will give Templeton time to order books for use by teachers and students this spring. 

     3.  MEMBERSHIP CHALLENGE - Increase numbers of members in MCRTA AND IRTA.

     The MCRTA Board strongly encourages you to join both MCRTA and IRTA. Being a member of

     IRTA does not make you a member of MCRTA. Our local dues are used to help provide

     programs and activities throughout the year. IRTA supports retired educators by working to

     increase pension benefits and making available many other benefits that can help you save

     money.  For information on joining IRTA go to www.retiredteachers.org.