Douglas/Ozark Counties RTA Meeting at Gainesville October 21, 2014

The Douglas and Ozark Counties Retired Teachers and Other School Personnel had the October meeting and ate lunch at the Gainesville Senior Center, Tuesday, October 21. Those in attendance that day were Ruth Evans, Ida Mae Huse, Yolanda Dolecki, Judy Turner, Marie Bristol, Norma Stillings, Jenny Billings, Sue Robirds, Julane Williams, and Betty Moore.

Marie Bristol, Betty Moore, Norma Stillings, Ruth Evans, Carol Feiler, and Ida Mae Huse had attended the MRTA Region 10 meeting, Friday, October 17. Marie had brought back information and materials concerning the proposed Amendment 3 that would tie teacher evaluations directly to standardized tests not yet developed. Marie had “Vote No” signs that could be posted in our area.

The Informative and Protective Committee Chair, Norma Stillings, reported on elder abuse. Membership Committee goals were shared by Marie Bristol to increase membership to at least 50 in the local unit and 25,000 members at the state level. Marie also reminded retiree to keep track of and report their Community Service hours. These hours plus the gift of pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House, Best Choice and other labels given to schools are important “In-Kind” contributions for our status as an active non-profit agency. Ida Mae Huse reporting for the Legislative committee also emphasized the importance of being informed on all legislative issues that impact retirees.

Ruth Evans, Chair of the Nominating Committee, reported that Barbara Roberts had agreed to be nominated as Vice president, Norma Stillings as secretary, Julane Williams as treasurer, and Marie Bristol as president. The nominations were approved unanimously by all those present.

The group dismissed to go to the Gainesville Square to visit the Ozark County Historium. Local instrumentalists, songwriters, and singers were featured this month. Instruments, newspaper clippings, sheet music, pictures, stories, and even some of the clothing worn by these entertainers were on display. Next month they will have a display of locally made quilts. The retirees were invited to come back for that.

The November 16 meeting of the Douglas and Ozark Counties RTA will be at Autumn’s Café at 11:30 for lunch. Retired art teachers, Regina Robertson and Carolyn Wallace have been invited to have a display of crafts and there will be games.