Ripley County Retired Teachers goes inactive
Lack of interest cited
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

According to the Indiana Retired Teachers Association, Ripley County has more than 120 retired teachers. Yet only 14 retired teachers attended the Thursday, October 14, meeting, less than 12% of that number.

In the past five years attendance has declined even though the organization has only two meetings a year - a spring meeting in April and a fall one in October.

Several changes have taken place to encourage attendance. One of those was to have a luncheon instead of a dinner meeting to compensate for those who prefer not to drive at night.

Qualified speakers have presented programs, which also have included special music by area groups. Table decorations and favors made and donated by Mrs. Neva Hill have been outstanding.

At the Thursday, October 14, meeting South Ripley Superintendent Ted Ahaus spoke to the group concerning the financial picture of the county's schools. Audience members found his talk informative and his presentation of a fictional football program complying with "No Child Left Behind" not only entertaining, but true of the educational expectations today.

South Ripley Choral Director Rae Jean Auterson sang and played piano during the luncheon - a variety of Broadway tunes that delighted the audience. Mrs. Patsy Holdsworth had chaired the program for the October meeting.

Fall decorations adorned the tables with special treats and cupcakes at each place. Mrs. Karen Goris and ladies of Tyson United Methodist Church served a soup and sandwich luncheon in the Tyson Fellowship Hall.
Although those in attendance were reluctant to see the organization become inactive, long time president William (Gus) Moorhead pointed out the lack of interest, small attendance, and inability to get officers and committee chairs as major reasons for the decision.

Scholarship Chair and Treasurer Alma Price agreed the Ripley County Retired Teachers Scholarship would continue through donations from the county's retired teachers to be handled through a mailout.

Moorhead also noted those interested in being a member of a retired teachers organization could join one of the surrounding counties. Groups are available in Dearborn County, Decatur County, Jefferson County, and Jennings County.

It is also possible to join the state organization, which Legislative Chairperson Sherman Lemon reported continues to lobby for retired teachers' interests.