LIVINGSTON COUNTY RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

(Navana Ahrends, Editor) APRIL 2020

APRIL MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED

~A note from our president~

These are challenging times.

Our daily lives and social interactions are changing. Hopefully, you are all staying healthy and abiding by the

social distancing guidelines that are in place. These guidelines have been extended to April 30, 2020.

This health issue is very real and must be taken seriously. Our entire country is uniting in the fight to beat this virus.

We will be cancelling our April 21st, 2020 meeting due to these guidelines and will hopefully be able to meet in June.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Robert “Bob” Walter

P.S. If you see or know any health care workers, emergency service providers or public safety personnel, please say thank

you to them for their dedication and service.

LOOKING AHEAD AT MEETING DATES

June 16 Lost in Time Meeting Room Fairbury August 18 Dwight Country Club Dwight October 20 St. Mary’s Parish Hall Pontiac

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SUMMER BUS TRIP PRINCETON, IL June 30, 2020 Cost: $26.00 per person

Bob is still taking reservations and needs to receive them as soon as possible so he can make definite arrangements with the bus company. If interested contact:

Bob Walter at rkwalter@route24.net or phone 815-692-3244 This is a tentative agenda for the day:

Leave Pontiac at 9:00 a.m. on Peoria Charter Bus Arrive Hornbaker’s Hosta Gardens at 10:30

Guided Walking Tour of the gardens and garden shop Bus ride to downtown Princeton at 12:30 p.m.

Lunch and walking about downtown on your own from 1:00p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Lunch on your own with options below for you to check out.)

Leave Princeton and arrive back in Pontiac at 4:00 p.m. Fee will reserve your spot.

Options for lunch: Spoons Restaurant and Bar

Kramer’s Kitchen Four and Twenty Café

Please keep in mind you can bring guests. They don’t have to be LCRTA members. Perhaps you know some teachers that are retiring that might like to go. Good time for public relations and chat about IRTA. If you are paying in advance, checks should be made out to LCRTA for $26.00/person and put Summer Bus Trip in Memo Line. Checks should be sent to Bob Walter 538 S. 5th St. Fairbury (61739) or to our new treasurer, Rebecca Shafer 534 S. 5th St. Fairbury (61739). NOTE: If not enough reservations are made (50 are needed) then the trip will have to be cancelled. A footnote: After I sent out the last notice when I was checking email addresses, Gene Riha let me know that there were Barn Quilts in the area, too. He said maps were available at the County Fairgrounds or online.

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MEET OUR NEW TREASURER REBECCA “Becky” SHAFER Sue Schnell has retired after 6 years and Becky has kindly agreed to take over this position. Becky is a brand new member and our brand new treasurer. We very much appreciate that she agreed to take on this very challenging task. You will be receiving various things from Becky and all monies that go to LCRTA should be sent to her. Since we don’t have the Yearbook and Directory yet, this is her contact information: Rebecca Shafer 534 S. 5th St. Fairbury, IL 61739 Phone: 815-419-7697 OR bshafer7697@gmail.com Thank you, Becky, for taking on this responsibility. MEET OUR NEW OFFICERS for 2020-2021 President: Robert “Bob” Walter Vice President: ________________ Secretary: Connie Rich Treasurer: Rebecca (Becky) Shafer As you can see, we don’t have a vice president yet. There is a lot of talent for leadership in our unit so it would be wonderful if someone would “step up to the plate” and consider taking this position. If our unit is to continue being successful, we need leadership and that can only come from within our membership. Please consider this opportunity to be a leader and speak to Bob Walter about it. ABOUT OUR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ACTIVE TEACHERS Each year we give 2 - $250 scholarships (3 if determined by the scholarship committee). Each year the quality of the applications and the numbers have increased. Therefore, it is important that we have the amount of money we need in order to provide these scholarships by our October meeting. Since we will not be having an April meeting, there will not be the opportunity to participate in the 50/50 drawing for that purpose. To help meet the amount of money we would normally take in with the drawing, it would be helpful if you might choose to donate directly to the fund at this time. Again, the checks should be made out to LCRTA with scholarship in the memo line. They should be sent to Becky (address above). YEARBOOK AND DIRECTORY These will be distributed at the June meeting. With everything that is going on right now, it is best that we do it that way

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NO AREA 1 CONFERENCES TO BE HELD THIS YEAR It was determined by the IRTA Board of Directors that it would be in the best interest of everyone if these (and all the area conferences) would be cancelled. Alternate plans are being made to get the information that was to have been presented at the conferences out to the members in some reasonable format. As this information is available, I will let you know. TEACHER GRANT DUE DATE CHANGED Because of the problems with the “shelter in place” orders and schools not in session, it was determined that the teacher grants given by IRTA Foundation adjust the due date. Instead of being due on June 1, the new due date is October 1. The information is the same as on the website except for the due date. If you know of any teachers who might be interested, let them know. Everything they need to know is on the IRTA website (irtaonline.org). The application needs to be made online. MEMBERSHIP We always need help in learning who is retiring. It would be very helpful to us if you would let us know of any retirees for this year. It’s great if you know the home address, phone, or email for them. (It’s good if it’s the home email because if it’s a school email, it normally would be dropped after the end of the school year.) Cathy Montgomery, Membership Co-Chair, usually is the one who takes care of this information because we need to send it to IRTA, and we also like to invite them to our June meeting. Since she doesn’t usually get this information from the Regional Office until June, that’s often a little late. Sometimes this information is in Board minutes in the paper, but most of the time it’s not – plus the reality is that we don’t have access to all the papers. Please help us with this. Send the information to: Cathy Montgomery 401 Harrison Flanagan, IL 61740

OR cathym72@live.com IRTA OFFICE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO THE “SHELTER IN PLACE” ORDER. However, they can be reached using the email address because they are working from home. USE THE IRTA WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION. There’s a lot of material there that might be of interest to you. (irtaonline.org) In order to get into the member portion you need to create a username/password. That’s not hard. (A password must be 8-20 characters long, contain letters and numbers, and must not contain spaces, special character, or emoji.)

LIVINGSTON COUNTY RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

(Navana Ahrends, Editor)

SPECIAL EDITION April 21, 2020

(Providing a Program for our cancelled meeting)

Our Virtual Presentation For your enjoyment

Information and Thoughts

Through Interviews

Reading Material for Sheltering in Place

LCRTA NEWSLETTER APRIL 21, 2020 P.2

WELCOME TO ALL OF YOU TO OUR SPECIAL EDITION OF THE APRIL NEWSLETTER. We hope you enjoy the program we have planned for you. It is hoped that you find it both interesting and informative. We’ll start with our officers. President Robert “Bob” Walter Retired in 2009 IRTA and LCRTA Member 11 years Retired from Iroquois County C.U.S.D. #9 Spent 17 years in Administration – Principal and Special Education Coordinator Interests: grandchildren (6), travel, volunteering, reading, gardening and following politics Comments about the organization: � I have been pleased with the friendships and professional relationships that

I have made since becoming involved in the LCRTA. � The organization is an active one and provides a platform for input

regarding pension funding, protection of those funds and advocating for retired educators.

� It is always a pleasure to meet with other retired educators at our four meetings per year and share “classroom stories and experiences”.

� There are always opportunities for members to become involved at whatever level they feel comfortable.

Secretary Connie Rich Connie has been a member of IRTA and LCRTA for many years. She is experienced in various aspects of the running of the organization, including giving a program and attending a State Convention. We appreciate Connie agreeing to be our unit secretary for this term. Her experience should be very helpful to our president, Bob. Treasurer Rebecca “Becky” Shafer Becky is very new to IRTA and LCRTA having just retired in 2020 and joining us in August 2020. She had known Sue Schnell because of work they had done with IEA so being a treasurer was not new to her. Becky has a lot to learn, but she has started off well and Sue Schnell will certainly be a great mentor for her. Thank your Becky for taking on this responsibility. ( See the addendum on p.11)

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Marjorie Ehrhardt Immediate Past President Joined IRTA in 2012 Joined LCRTA in 2012 What level did you teach? I taught math science, English/Lit., social studies, music, religion, and spelling in junior high; math, science, religion and music in gr. 5-6, and pre-algebra, algebra I and II in the course of my career. Importance of being an IRTA member? The IRTA is the number one way to secure all our teacher pensions in addition to being a means of renewing friendships, enjoying great food, and learning new things. Importance of being a LCRTA member? The unit membership keeps me “in the know” and protects my pension as it offers many perks and insurance options, travel, etc. What do you do in your leisure time? A husband, an elderly mother, and seven grandchildren keep me busy with sewing (especially for The Christ Child Society of Central Illinois), playing the piano, camping/traveling. I also volunteer at the Cancer Center in Pontiac and at Evenglow. You have just finished your term as president of LCRTA. Do you have some reflections on your experience? As the current past president of LCRTA, I can say I have been active in many aspects of our organization. An organization is only as strong as its members allow it to be. When all do whatever their talents allow, much is accomplished. As the current buzz phrase goes, “We’re all in this together.” The LCRTA keeps everyone well informed on pertinent issues involving all retired teachers. We owe it to all to belong to an organization that protects all of us. Jerry & Jean Keck Community Participation Co-chairs Jerry joined IRTA and LCRTA in 2007 Jean joined IRTA and LCRTA in 2009 What level did you teach? Jerry: K-12 Vocal music for 43 yrs. Also, Elementary school 4,5,6 for 42 of those yrs. Jean: K-12 Band/Vocal 26 yrs. Importance of being an IRTA member? Both: To be supportive of the organization. How does unit membership benefit you? Jerry: A way of keeping up, maintaining friendships. Jean: Keeps us informed and be social with other retired teachers. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Jerry: Serving as musical entertainment at nursing homes, serving as organist at church, and assisting young people to develop their musical and vocal abilities. Jean: Substituting and learning something new on a regular basis. Since you’ve both been doing this for some time, why do you think it’s important that LCRTA remain active in community participation? Both: To show our faces as Retired Teachers and that we are still valuable people. For your information: Jerry served as president of LCRTA in 2012-2013.

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Jan Masching Community Participation Co-Chair Joined IRTA in 2005 Joined LCRTA in 2005 What did you teach and at what level? I taught Special Ed and Learning Disabilities at Dwight Grade School for 5 years; Learning Disabilities at Dwight HS for 2 years: Title I Reading at Dwight GS for the rest of my career. Importance of being an IRTA member? I am part of something big that represent my concerns and those of so many other retired teachers across the state of Illinois. How does unit membership benefit you? It keeps me abreast of what is going on in our area; keeps me connected with former colleagues and friends; and provides growth and information. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? I enjoy reading, gardening, sewing, having more time for family and friends, and being a wife, mother, and grandmother. What did I love about being an educator? I loved being a part of the educational system that formed the minds of young men and women who would someday make the world a better place. I strove to be a positive influence on young people. I loved almost every minute of it. What suggestion would you have about what could be done for community participation in individual communities? I feel our 2 LCRTA scholarships we offer to current teachers in Livingston County have had a positive influence on local educators. Many of our local towns, churches, and other entities in Livingston County provide Food Pantries and are often in need of volunteers and donations. Local schools in our county would welcome volunteer help in the classrooms. LCRTA does participate at Christmas ringing the Salvation Army Bell. There are a lot of other charitable organizations that could benefit from experienced and caring retired volunteers. Marge Lucht Hospitality Committee (Decorations) Joined IRTA in 2016 Jointed LCRTA in 2016 What did you teach and at what level? I taught Art to K-12 in keeping up with my artistic abilities. Importance of being a LCRTA member? I enjoy getting together with the members and listening to guest speakers. You have been a member for a relative short time, but yet you offered to decorate the tables for the annual Fall Luncheon. Why do you enjoy that? I make the centerpieces for the Fall Luncheon because I enjoy making things and decorating. Susan Michel Hospitality Committee (Cards) Joined IRTA in June 2005 Joined LCRTA in June 2005 What did you teach and at what level? High School Social Studies Importance of being an IRTA member? There is strength in numbers and the organization works tirelessly for its members. How does unit membership benefit you? By keeping up updated on issues concerning us locally as well as state-wide. Also, a chance to stay in touch with former colleagues. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Reading – 2 newspapers/day, & biographies, historical fiction, etc., working in the yard, involvement in church activities, some sewing.

LCRTA NEWSLETTER APRIL 21, 2020 P.5 Susan Michel (continued) Each year for our Fall Luncheon you had been very diligent about getting cards ready for shut ins or for those who might need some cheer because this is very special to you. What would you like to say to the membership about communication and its importance to all? Many times, when our members become homebound or move into a nursing home, they sometimes become forgotten. I would like for members to contact me by phone or mail to let me know the names and addresses of those who can no longer join us in person. This goes for those in the hospital or recovering from a medical event as well. If I hear of this information, I would be happy to send a card at any time of the year, especially for our members outside of Pontiac. Everyone likes to get a card. Irma Hesterberg IRTA Foundation Services Co-Chair Joined IRTA in 1991 Joined LCRTA in 1991 She stated she didn’t become actively involved until after she quit her job at Evenglow as their dietician/cook in 1998. What did you teach and at what level? Home Economics 9 – 12 Importance of being an IRTA member? Keeps you informed. It’s very important to belong to an organization like this because they lobby the legislators for bills that involve retired teachers. How does unit membership benefit you? There are interesting programs that are held in places I would never think to go or know about. It’s a way to stay connected. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Sewing, baking, watching TV, playing cards (but don’t like to cook). As a long-time member of LCRTA, what are some observations you would like to make about the organization. One of the first meetings I remember attending was held in the chapel at Evenglow. There were no meals served at that time. Since then things have evolved so that the Board always has interesting topics planned for meetings, varied locations (many of which have special attractions in them that most don’t know about – ex: Chatsworth, Forrest, Dwight), and pertinent information ready to be presented to members by chairmen of the various committees. It is wonderful to have so many volunteers to hold positions and take responsibilities. That is important for any organization. As far as the IRTA Foundation, members should know they have three basic goals: (1) To provide financial assistance to retired educators who are in living in time of acute financial stress (2) Has available Excellence in Education Grants for active public school teachers in K-12 who can apply each year by June 1 for special projects for their classrooms. (This year the date has been moved to October 1 – application available on website) (3) Scholarships for incoming juniors or seniors in college pursuing a degree in education. Gail Thorson IRTA Foundation Services Co-Chair Joined IRTA in 2010 Joined LCRTA in 2010 What did you teach and at what level? Family Consumer Science or Home Economics at Tri Point and Pontiac Township High School. Importance of being an IRTA member? Being a member helps me stay informed with current events in the state legislature pertaining to educators. How does unit membership benefit you? Visiting with former teachers.

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Gail Thorson (continued) What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Babysit grandchildren, travel, enjoy trying new restaurants, gardening, and cooking. I know you are interested inn programming for the unit. Why do you think this is important and what suggestions do you have for improvement? Interesting program will hopefully attract teachers to our meetings. It’s a great way to share ideas, also. A suggestion might be to include a survey, possibly in the fall, to see what topics people are interested in for future programs. Joseph Oprondek Legislative Chair Last year Joe served as co-chair of the legislative committee with Don Gibb. He and Don had taught together and were friends. Don knew he was moving out of our area (although would still me a member) so he recruited Joe to work with him on the committee so he could see what it involved. The two of them attended the State Meeting in October 2019 to help Joe better understand the workings of IRTA. We very much appreciate Joe agreeing to serve as our legislative chair for these next two years. Margaret “Maggie” Gibb Membership Booklet Preparation Joined IRTA in 2012 Joined LCRTA in 2012 What did you teach and at what level? Quincy – 5th grade – 5 yrs; Saunemin – Jr. High Language Arts & Math – 3 yrs; Ford Central – 5th grade – 5 years; Tri-Point – 3rd grade – 1 yr; and Tri-Point – Kdg., 4th – 8th – Computers – 19 yrs. Importance of being an IRTA member? IRTA works on behalf of retired teachers to assure we have good health insurance and to protect our pensions. How does unit membership benefit you? I really like seeing and talking with fellow retired teachers at a variety of venues and I enjoy the programs. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? I enjoy visiting with family and friends, pampering our cats, reading, movies, going for walks. This is the second year you have prepared the booklet for the printer. What lessons or comments do you have about doing this that the membership may not be aware that it entails? I learned there are 28 fellow retired teachers who live out of the area and still want to be part of our Livingston County group. I have learned how important it is to have correct and current name information, spelling, address, phone, etc. for 323 members. I have learned there are many committees and people doing jobs at the unit, Region 7, Area 1, and State levels. And, I have learned that Navana Ahrends and Sue Schnell work very hard and communicate superbly all the updates for the program book!

LCRTA NEWSLETTER APRIL 21, 2020 P.7 Alberta “Bert” Kinate Membership Co-Chair Joined IRTA 2004 Joined LCRTA 2004 (Retired in 2002) What did you teach and at what level? P.E. and Health at Dwight High School for 31. Years, Importance of being and IRTA member? Our membership fees pay the salaries of the people we employ in Springfield and they work to protect our pensions. How does unit membership benefit you? Being a member of LCRTA builds the membership so that IRTA can stay strong and do their jobs. I enjoy the social aspect of being a member and meeting teachers in the county. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? I continue to work part-time jobs and try to keep fit with a work-out, yoga and physical work. I have taken up the game of golf again. You have been in this position of Membership Chairperson for a long time and doing a great job bringing in IRTA members. What tips would our give our members about how they could help bring in retired teachers who haven’t yet joined the organization? What information do they need? I think the year of retirement might be good because some join right away and some wait a few years, sometimes longer, sometimes never. The important thing is that they are asked to join. Another thing you could consider is how do you use your LCRTA Yearbook and Directory. Mine is like a Bible. I carry it with me, write changes, and this morning I used it as an address book as I sent notes to some members. If they don’t use it or do not want it, why send it. It costs us money to print and mail. LCRTA is social for many that want to see and visit with the teachers they taught with. The point I always make at meetings is “would you be willing to bring a non-member into IRTA and LCRTA membership”? I could update the non-member list and we could insert it in the 2020 LCRTA Yearbook and Directory. For your information: Bert served as president two terms (2006-2007 & 2008-2009) Cathy Montgomery Membership Co-Chair Joined IRTA 2011 Joined LCRTA 2011 What did you teach and at what level? 2nd Grade at Flanagan-Cornell Unit #74. Previous to that I taught 4th grade, 3rd grade, and 1st grade at Wenona, IL. Importance of being an IRTA member? It’s important for me to be an IRTA member to stay informed about TRS and the benefits related to being a retired teacher. How does unit membership benefit you? I enjoy the fellowship with other retired teachers in our LCRTA unit and sharing our common interests. What do you do in your leisure time? My leisure time is spent with family, gardening, and traveling. You have been working mainly in the role of keeping track of newly retired teachers, reporting them to IRTA, and making contact with them from LCRTA. How could our members help you in knowing who these newly retired teachers are so that we get the information in time to invite them to our June meeting? (or any other time during the year?) The LCRTA members can help our membership committee by informing us about newly retired teachers or even teachers who have been retired for some time. In addition, our members can share the importance LCRTA with their friends who are retired teachers. Please feel free to contact me by phone: 815-674-7206 or email: cathym72@live.com with the names of teachers who are non-members. Our strength is benefited by growing our membership and uniting in our common causes.

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Louise Masching Memorial Service Chair Louise is one of our oldest members and is still very active in the unit. She is a Life member of IRTA and qualifies for be an honorary life member (except she is already a life member). She is one of our Unit Honorary members, too. For several years, Louise has conducted the memorial service for members who have passed away during the past year (from after our October of one year to the October meeting of the next). She always has a theme and honors each individual in a special way. She is assisted by her daughter, Margie Ehrhardt and by Jerry Keck on the piano. She is a special lady and does a special job with this service. Thank you, Louise. For your information: Louise served as President of LCRTA in 1990 – 1991 Andrew Holmgren Scholarship Committee Co-Chair Joined IRTA 2010 Joined LCRTA 2010 What did you teach and at what level? For the majority of my career I taught high school science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology. Importance of being an IRTA member? IRTA provides important information about legislation affecting retirees. IRTA also works to protect our retirement benefits. How does unit membership benefit you? It’s a great way to reconnect with old friends and colleagues. We also maintain communication with all the school districts in our local region. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Hiking, being with family, and participating in mission trips to different world areas where we can have a positive influence. Last year was your first year to co-chair the scholarship committee. What did you learn from this opportunity? Does it provide an important project for us to continue? It was very encouraging to be able to see so many great ideas and projects that are being proposed and initiated by teachers all over our region. These funds that we provide to local teachers, I believe, encourages creative teachers to engage in projects that enrich the educational experience of their students. We need to continue to encourage all of our teachers to be more creative. Our small monetary investment may be just what is needed to give that kind of encouragement. Wanda Holmgren Scholarship Committee Co-Chair Joined IRTA 2010 Joined LCRTA 2010 What did you teach and at what level? For most of my career, I taught elementary grades K-3, with my last 12 years as reading specialist. Importance of being an IRTA member? We get updated information on many important issues that affect retired teachers. How does unit membership benefit you? I enjoy the social contact with fellow educators and learning about local events. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? I enjoy traveling and being with family. We have also been able to travel on mission trips to several other countries. Last year was your first year to co-chair the scholarship committee. What did you learn from this opportunity? Does it provide an important project for us to continue? I learned that there are many teachers with great innovative ideas. As a group, we can help them accomplish their goals by providing funds.

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Sue Schnell Webmaster Joined IRTA 2013 Joined LCRTA 2013 What did you teach and at what level? Math at Junior High and High School level. Importance of being and IRTA member? I am able to keep up to date on issues that relate to education and retired teachers as they relate to the State of IL. How does unit membership benefit you? It allows me to stay in touch with people I met/worked with while I was teaching, as well as the opportunity to meet other educators I did not previously know. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? I love walking and spending time with my grandchildren. As having been our treasurer for 6 years, as well as out webmaster, what observations about LCRTA unit would you like to make? The LCRTA affords a great opportunity for social engagement with former educators. It is a wonderful time to catch up with old friends you don’t see often and to make new friends. Many things can and are done by mail/email, but the meeting gives us the face-to-face encounter that makes it personal. Navana Ahrends Health Information and Protective Services Chair Information Services (includes public relations and publicity) Chair Joined IRTA 2007 Joined IRTA 2007 What did you teach and at what level? General music, band, and chorus at K-8 level for the most part, but some high school For 4 years added 6,7,8 math to the music load. Had many other school related responsibilities, not related to music, but for which I was responsible during my last 24 years of teaching. Importance of being an IRTA member? I felt it was important that I belong to an organization that continued to relate directly to education. In this case IRTA was available. After joining, the awareness of what IRTA did to help benefit retired teachers, especially in the areas of pension and insurance, was a very positive experience. How does unit membership benefit you? Meeting and greeting other retired teachers and listening to what they have to say is very important. It helps provides new points of view on various subjects, and it has also become a learning experience across the board – programs, new venues, services offered (such as through AMBA) and information gleaned from officers and committee chairmen. The meetings provide varied and enjoyable experiences. What do you do in your leisure time? Musically I regularly play for two different churches each Sunday. In addition, I provide music (vocal/piano) when requested. Work regularly with two other organizations to which I belong; volunteer at Accolade Health Care and Evenglow; read; work crossword puzzles (not with fancy words); play canasta with friends; volunteer in general. How has belonging to IRTA/LCRTA made a difference in your life? The biggest thing about this membership has been the challenges it has brought into my life – and I like challenges. When becoming president, before I officially took over, we were “hit” with the changes in insurance and pension issues. So in addition to “learning the ropes” about what was involved in being president of LCRTA, I needed to find out all I could about these other two issues at the state level so that our members could be served well and helped in making decisions about the

LCRTA NEWSLETTER APRIL 21, 2020 P.10 Navana Ahrends (continued) insurance. From that time on it has been a real learning experience at all levels. In our unit I have served in various capacities, both official and unofficial, learning about all aspects of the organization. As you know I am now serving as Area 1 Region 7 Director which means I have 6 units, including ours, for which I am responsible for staying in touch with and visiting. This means I also have had more learning to do and traveling. Do I mind? NO. It is a privilege to be able to do this. (Technically I am representing our unit because it was our turn to provide an Area 7 Director and members on the board asked that I do it.) All of you should be aware that IRTA is a very well-run organization with our best interest as retired teachers at heart. The executive director, Jim Bachman, and his entire staff are very knowledgeable and approachable. When you call there, you get a human being. If you have a question, you will get an answer. In attending meetings, I have been very impressed with the organization of them and the courtesies extended to us. The website has a wealth of information on it, too. We all should take advantage of all these resources. How has belonging to these organizations affected my life? They have created challenges, learning experiences, and social interaction with people I know and people I haven’t known, but do now. Am I sorry about all this? Absolutely not. It’s work, but what isn’t when you’re having fun! For your information: Navana served as president in 2014-2015.

MEMBERSHP TRIVIA 323 Members on our records (With the exception of 3, who are unit only, all of these members belong to IRTA – pay dues directly to IRTA,) Further Breakdown

� 235 unit members (These are members who pay dues directly to LCRTA so that our unit has money to pay the expenses of the unit. No money is received from the IRTA dues.) Our dues are $15/year if you haven’t joined.

Exception o 14 honorary life or unit honorary (pay no dues)

� 12 associate members � 2 surviving spouses � 5 five- year members � 2 pipeline members � 3 unit members only

Please consider these requests from earlier newsletter or information:

� Donate to our unit scholarship fun. � IRTA Foundation is requesting donations to help subsidize those retired teachers who

need help, particularly at this time. (Go to website: irtaonline.org) � If was know someone who needs help let them know. Form on website. � IRTA is also requesting volunteer tutors for children who may need help.

BE CAREFUL BE SHELTERED IN PLACE

LCRTA NEWSLETTER APRIL 21, 2020 P.11

AN ADDENDUM

Updated Information Received from Becky Shafer I received this information from Becky today and already had the newsletter ready to go. However, these things that she sent sound very interesting, so I wanted to share them with you. Taken from her e-mail: I became a dues-paying member of both LCRTA and IRTA this January 1. I retired after 34 years of teaching high school math, mostly at Prairie Central. However, I have been an adjunct at Heartland for eight years. This spring I am filling a maternity leave, just in time to teach all four classes fully online during the COVID-19 pandemic. I have four children. The youngest is a junior at Illinois State University in the nursing program, and the oldest is a project manager in Austin, TX. I completed the Illinois Master Naturalist Program in November and in February became a tap leader at Funks Grove Nature Center, showing mostly children how to harvest maple sap. I subsequently bought my own spiles and hoses, tapped trees in my neighborhood and made my own maple syrup. Yum! Bert Kinate invited me to my first LCRTA brunch in Chatsworth. I enjoy the people in this group and look forward to the programs and the field trips. Thanks, Becky, for this information. Welcome to IRTA and LCRTA.