Montgomery County Retired Teachers

MCRTA minutes

February 9, 2026

     President Steve Frees welcomed members and guests to the February 9, meeting of the Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association. President Steve opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Nancy Buckles.  The table decorations were provided by Nancy Buckles and friends.  Creekside Restaurant provided a taco lunch for the group.

     Kathy Steele introduced our speakers, Paul and Judy Pfledderer. They shared their experiences with the behind the scenes work for our Strawberry Festival.  Paul has served on the Strawberry Festival committee since 1982!  There are numerous people working on committees to make our festival great.  Paul expressed that they need young, new members to serve on the steering committee.  Paul and Judy told us how the festival has expanded over the years.  There are some new exciting plans for this year’s festival.

     President Steve called the business meeting to order. The minutes which had previously been sent to members were approved.   Barb Foster gave the Treasurer’s report which was approved.  Her report was approved. Nancy Buckles gave the member concerns report.  She has sent 3 thinking- of- you /get well cards and 5 sympathy cards.  Kathy Steele asked members to volunteer to be on the Nominating committee. Nancy Bowes stated that our group has provided 2,251.5 youth volunteer hours and 7,889 adult volunteer hours to our community.  The total, 10,140.5, was sent to the state.  Nancy told us that the basket donation is going to the Family Crisis Shelter. Diane and Charley German gave a state legislative update to bills that involve education and teacher retirement money.  Charley told members that we should all set a good example and vote in the May 5 primary.

     Colleen, from AMBA talked about the Medicare Birthday Rule which is a state-regulated annual 30- to- 60- day window following a Medigap policyholder’s birthday allowing them to switch to a new Medicare Supplement plan without underwriting or health questions.

     The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 at the Crawfordsville Public Library.  The table decorations will be provided by Alicia MacIsaac and Brenda Lovold. Brenda will also provide the invocation.   Tara Page from Through the Gate will provide the program.

      The meeting was adjourned.