There were 28 Fulton County Retired Teachers and guests who met at The Moose Family Center on June 27, 2013 for a lovely luncheon prepared by Robin Burkett and staff from The Loghouse Restaurant, Argos.  President Ilene Howard introduced our honored  guests legislators Bill Friend, Macy and Tim Harmon, Warsaw; Nancy Tolson, Indianapolis CEO for Indiana Retired Teachers and the newly retired teachers attending: Eileen Fellers, StepheniaBarkman, Joellen Wynn,  Barry and Donna Frisinger from Rochester and Linda Wade from the Caston Schools.  Also, Area #3 Director Jim Lund and wife Dorris from Peru.

After saying the Pledge to the Flag, President Howard introduced Nancy Tolson who spoke about  how she likes Fulton County and stressed to everyone how it has been five years since the retired teachers have had a COLA (cost of living) increase and if the trend continues the loss of purchasing power that will have on all retired teachers.  We appreciate the 13th check that comes in September but that is a stipend or one-time check and has to be lobbied each year.  She encouraged the new teachers to join the state organization because there is strength in numbers.  She pointed out the benefits teachers receive when they join.  She urged the legislators to keep teachers in mind when they conduct the business in Indianapolis.  It is up to each local member to try to find at least one new retiree who has not joined who will become a Regular Member and to find one or more teachers still in the classroom to sign up as an Associate Member. 

  Representative Harmon gave some remarks about his first time experience at being elected to office.  He said as a ‘freshman”  in the Legislature it was definitely a learning year.  He attended many social activities and did get a bill filed.  He learned the process and found out it is not a part-time job.  He got involved with farm groups via a website and building relationships with legislators.  He stated that many of the bills are bi-partisan and so benefit many.  When asked why he wanted to run for office, he said he wanted to get involved and he felt a calling to serve.

   Bill Friend was introduced and he thanked the teachers for volunteering when he accepted a check replica from Katie McCarter, Community Service chairperson for the over 8,000 volunteer hours from Fulton County teachers and their worth.  Fulton County is in District 23 of the House of Representatives.  Mr. Friend was elected in 1992 and served on several committees doing budgets for years.  He covered several areas in his interest  fields  and stated it is important to listen and to listen accurately especially with teachers, women voters, and farmers about the environment and budgets.  He also said that of the 69 legislators 37 have served two years or less.  He also fielded questions about schools and the voucher system where each child is allowed $4500, ISTEP, and the Common Core programs.

Karmin Reeves was recognized as the outstanding volunteer and received her certificate from Kay Horn.  Also, Kay Horn showed the two certificates she accepted at the 48th Representative Assembly for the Outstanding Press Release and the Honorable Mention Website

   Kay Horn gave the minutes of the April meeting and the treasurer’s report of $918.44.

  President Howard read a letter from Junior Achievement thanking the teachers for their donation to the Bowl-a-thon. 

   Also, a plea to join the IRTA Foundation from each county group was given.  It was suggested the $1 donation be given to the Foundation for each member in each local.  This goes toward the 8 scholarships given in the spring to worthy students.  Also, there is a Helping Hand assistance to IRTA members experiencing a financial hardship; Committee Grants to IRTA committees to assist them in fulfilling their missions; and a Teacher Grant which is given to active teachers who foster creativity in the classroom.

   The next retired teachers meeting will be at Wynnfield Crossing on August 29th.  Donna Frisinger will be the speaker and talk about becoming an author with her Bink and Slinky Adventure.

  On July 23rd there is an IRTA president’s workshop in Peru.  If you want to attend contact Ilene Howard.