The Rush County Retired Teachers Association met at the Rush County Schools Central Office for a noon luncheon on June 25. There were 64 members and guests in attendance. Steve Foley led the group in a prayer before the meal. Following the meal, President Bud King introduced new retirees present: Rosalie Earnest, Judy Sadler, Anita Mohr, Jeff Houser, Jim Darnell and Edna Moster. Marc Ellis and Vada Lord were recognized for those having been retired the longest.

Marc Ellis gave an inspiring memorial for those members who passed away during the past year. Those remembered were: Lois Ruth Shields, Eugene Smith, Reba Macy, Beulah Bishop, Helen Earnest, Moreida Fordice and Sue Ann Land.

King then introduced Andy Thomas, the new Executive Director of Indiana Retired Teachers Association. He represents IRTA's 25,500 members throughout the state. He has served as Deputy Indiana Attorney General in the Government Litigation Department and was also a State Senator. Thomas said that he was bringing words of hope in a tough economic years as retired teachers will get a COLA in September as a one time only payment. He explained that it is a fight every year to get money for the cost of living adjustment. He mentioned some of the discounts and benefits offered retirees through IRTA and said that he is working on more.  

The secretary's report was approved as received from Phyllis Fecher. Jerri Hay gave the treasurer's report. Thank-you notes were read from the Rush County Community Foundation for the donation in honor of Leona Michel's 100th birthday and from Rita Emsweller for help with the Reality Store. Kristi Amos sent a thank you for volunteers who helped at the Root Building during the fair. Cards made and addressed by Louise and Barbara Kendall were circulated to be sent to shut-in members. King thanked Barbara Kendall and Phyllis Fecher for attending the IRTA Representative Assembly with him.

It was announced that the summer planning meeting was to be held at 1 p.m. July 14 at In Stitches. Shirley Jones said that Rush County Retired Teachers reported 6,492.75 hours of volunteer service to our community for last year. Each hour is valued at $19.51; therefore, our retirees provided Rush County with $126,673.55 worth of time and savings. Top volunteers for 2008 were: Susan Kirkpatrick, Elaine Stewart, Steve and Betty Foley, Al Hodge, Mike and Kathy Wright, Ken and Charlotte Brashaber, Jerry and Janice Cain, Marva Dyer, Phyllis Fecher, and Paul David and Libby Smith. All volunteers were thanked for their service.  

The 50/50 Drawing was won by Andy Taff. Those Bragging-for-a-Quarter were: Andy Thomas, Mike Wright, John Williams, Ken Brashaber, Anita Mohr and Bud King. Birthdays for April, May, and June were recognized. Perfect attendees for the Year were: Ken and Charlotte Brashaber, Marc and Evelyn Ellis, Barbara Kendall, Bud and Marie King, Verlin and Betty English, Shirley Henshaw, George and Fay Ellen Lee, Vada Lord, Tom and Claire Mercer, Nancy O'Dell, Phil Shanahan and Andy Taff.  

The next meeting will be Sept. 24. The place and time will be announced.