MINUTES
Woodford County Retired Teachers’ Association
September 18, 2015
OPENING
WCRTA met at the Maple Lawn Gathering Place in Eureka with 31 members and one guest present.
PROGRAM
Representing the all-volunteer organization Paws Giving Independence, Donna Kosner and Michelle Yuen explained how the service dogs are trained to assist children and adults with disabilities. Also at the meeting were a retired service dog and a facility dog who helps at Easter Seals in Peoria. Facility dogs can also be found in prisons, courtrooms, nursing homes and schools. The benefits of a service dog are many—social barriers decreased, independence increased, and the individual’s mood and focus are improved.
MEETING,
President Lynn Campbell welcomed all. Bill White moved and Jo Crow seconded that WCRTA donate $100 to Paws Giving Independence. Motion adopted.
Minutes and Treasurer’s Report. Minutes of the July 17, 2015 meeting were approved as printed. Treasurer Jane Roth reported an ending balance of $3,173.95. The report will be filed for audit.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Membership: Judith Quiram reported that only 9 members had not paid their local dues. Two new retirees have become members. Pres. Lynn complimented Judith’s membership efforts.
Legislation: Bill White said he had no special report since the legislature has not been in session. Bill was thanked for the excellent job he does notifying members of legislative issuess.
Public Relations: Kim Haas reported that she has been sending birthday cards to members who are 90 or older.
Benefits: Pete Hughes advised that all WCRTA members receive the same information on benefits coming to him. He had no added report.
Foundation: John Byrne reminded members that the annual collection for the IRTA Foundation will be at the November meeting.
Community Participation: Jo Crow reported that gowns, toys, “no-no” bands, and blankets are ready to be packed and shipped. She asked for volunteers to come to a packing meeting at her home on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 1:00 pm.
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Unfinished Business: Pres. Lynn thanked members who donated gift cards or cash for cards which will be displayed for a fundraiser at the IRTA Convention on October 26-27. Currently we have ten $25 cards.
New Business
Pres. Lynn expressed appreciation for those who brought school supplies for Heart House. She reminded members to sign up on the sheets passed during the meeting to be greeters or reservationists and to make suggestions for 2016 programs .
Attendees at the convention will be Lynn Campbell, Larry and Jane Roth, and Pete and Carol Hughes. Lynn, Pete, and Carol will serve as the unit’s delegates.
Carol Hughes presented WCRTA with an award from the American Cancer recognizing the Golden Apples team for raising over $10,000 for the 2015 Relay For Life of Eureka. The final team total was $11,888.55.
Mary Neubuker of Morton invited members to attend The Takeover of Public Education in America, a presentation by A. Patrick Huff, Ph.D, who has researched the accountability system and the consequences of not meeting standards. The event will take place at Freedom Hall in Morton on Sept. 26 at 2:00 pm.
Tom Eckert encouraged members who have not done so to fill out the form for File of Life and post it on their refrigerators.
Announcements:
Breakfast Lovers: Cornerstone Restaurant, Eureka, on October 12 at 8:30 am.
Nov. 20th Meeting: Program – “Vets and Veterans Affairs” presented by Becky Weber
Collection for IRTA Foundation
The meeting adjourned followed by lunch.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Hughes, Secretary