The Parke-Vermillion Retired Teachers Association met at noon, Monday, May 11, at the Clinton United Methodist Church. President Sandee Frye thanked the hostesses, Nancy Reed, Nancy Contri and Karen Carlson. She welcomed new member Cheryl Brown to the organization; she is a retiree from North Vermillion schools. Frye also welcomed a prospective member, Joann Bogetto's daughter Elizabeth; she student taught with Frye.

            We had a special early birthday celebration for member Edith Vignocchi; she will be 100 years young on July 8^th. Edith thanked everyone before we celebrated her birthday with cake and ice cream.

            Frye led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Dale Payne recited a special psalm, the 91^st, to Edith and then gave the invocation. We all enjoyed a delicious meal served by the Esther Circle of Methodist Women of the church and Frye thanked them.

            Our program was presented by Jerry and Susan Zanandrea. They gave a talk on Clinton's heritage and the Coal Museum. Jerry is the former director of the museum. The museum was created circa the year 2000 in order to pay homage to the coal miners,the immigrants who settled in the Clinton area and their cultures. The museum is housed in the former passenger and freight depots in Clinton. Many artifacts and pictures were donated by local residents for the museum. Volunteers are welcomed to participate in the projects for the museum. It was opened especially for the PVRTA members today; normally, it is open only during the Little Italy Festival. Frye thanked the Zanandreas for their talk and gave them a token of our thanks; they said it would be donated to the museum. After the meeting, many members went to tour the museum with commentary by the Zanandreas.

            Under Old Business, Secretary Linda Burnette read the minutes of the September meeting. Sue Woodard made a motion to approve the minutes with corrections; Karen Carlson seconded. The motion carried. Roleen Pickard gave the treasurer's report. K. Carlson moved to approve the report; Nancy Reed seconded and the motion carried. Frye reported that the Indiana Retired Teachers Association would like all RTAs to link to their website.  Mike Hardesty, a PVRTA member, is setting up the PVRTA website under his domain (mhardesty.com, then click on the PVRTA link).  There is a link to the IRTA website as well as other subjects.  The minutes of every meeting, starting with this month, will be on the website.

            Under New Business, Patti Spurr reported on our volunteer hours for 2014.  She reminded members that you must be a member of the IRTA to receive an award at the Representative Assembly. Jan McVay had the highest number of  volunteer hours with 1200, followed by Donna Woodard, 883 and Nancy Reed, 720; they all received Outstanding awards form our association. Eldon Everidge, 582, Mary Everidge, 530, and Roleen Pickard, 473, received Honorable Mention awards. Our group project with the local food banks has won one of the IRTA awards for community service; it will be presented at the IRTA Representative Assembly in June.

            Area 4 Director Ken Pierce gave a report on the state of the IRTA. They are redoing their website; it will be ready in the fall. PVRTA can then link to the new site which will be free through the IRTA. On the site, we can access links to membership, benefits, contact information, calendars and others. He said that the IRTA will also be offering lower member dues if we opt for life, three year or five year memberships. The new IRTA Executive Director is Tom Mellish, a retired teacher and principal from Montgomery County. He was very active along with Nancy Tolson in lobbying our legislature to give a COLA or 13^th check to our members statewide.  The House approved both unanimously, but the Senate, led by Senator Kenley, did not approve either. In the final hours before the end of the session, a 13^th check was approved by both the House and Senate. We all need to thank the legislators for approving it. Representative Cherry is on the Pension Planning Committee and has wondered why this must be approved every session. Hopefully there will be a change in that in the next session.  Pierce reported that our officers will be attending the IRTA Representative Assembly on June 17, the Leadership workshop is in Clay City on July 21^st and the President's workshop will be in July.

            Burnette spoke about the new senior citizens' apartments being constructed in Montezuma through their Town Council and the Community Action Program of Western Indiana. In order to qualify for the program, there are income limits; one household member, either the head or the spouse, must be at least 55 years old or disabled. Burnette asked members to tell their friends or family members about this new housing opportunity. Prospective renters can add their name to the sign-up sheet in the Montezuma Utility Office or contact Donna VanEtta (CAPWI) at 765-793-4881.

            Taylor Vukovits, Rockville HS and Ball State, has applied for the IRTA Foundation Area 4 scholarship for Education majors.  The deadline for the application is May 31. 

            Pickard reported on the members who have passed away recently, including Jean Foltz, Everett Smith and Madeline Counsell.  Frey led a moment of silence in their honor. Several members have been ill, including Adrene and Parke Brown, Louise Michael. Bruce and Evelyn Brown were in an automobile accident, but are at home now. Catherine Weeks is in a nursing home in Terre Haute. Members may send cards to her son and he will get them to her. His address is 7313 S. Mockingbird St., Terre Haute, 47802.  The phone number is 812-299-8934.

            Sande Bemis reported that June 20^th from 9-4 is the Kappa Kappa Kappa Art Affair on the Square in Rockville.  Main Street is holding the Brick Street Market the same day. K. Carlson has more IRTA Associate membership forms; the cost is $10.00. Anyone can join and they get the same benefits as members.  Frey asked members to encourage current teachers to join the IRTA as associates.

            Joanne Dowers selected the Food Pantry at the Clinton United Methodist Church as the recipient of the canned good and cash donations.  It was suggested that monetary donations are better for most food panties; since they know their inventory, they can then buy what is needed.

            Wave petunia door prizes were won by Nancy Vignocchi, Sue North, Larry Carlson, Teresa Adams, Rhonda Majors, Elaine Albers, Sue Woodard, Mary Philpott and Jan Palmatier.

            The officers will be meeting this summer to set the programs for the following year.  If anyone has any suggestions on meeting sites or programs, please contact one of the officers.

            Adams made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Payne. The motion passed.