The Marshall County Retired School Personnel Association met at Fisher Community Center on May 15. The program was by Carter Strand telling about the Jonathon House for orphans in Central African Republic. He has been involved with the orphans since 2012. The orphanage currently has 31 children who are receiving schooling and medical care with the hopes that many will be adopted. Anyone wanting to help can donate used items to the Second Chance on Third, a store that helps support Jonathon House or by contacting Carter Strand to financially support a child.

President Carol Permar called the meeting to order by saying the Pledge of Allegiance and by singing “God Bless America.” Barb Vana read the minutes of the last meeting; there were no corrections, and minutes were approved. Minutes are now being sent to members after each meeting. A few comments were read by members saying they appreciated this. Becky Rakers suggested the association send a memo to members before the meetings also.

Treasurer Otto Welfring was absent, but wanted to remind people that dues are now due for the next year.

Bert Permar gave a report from the district meeting at Emmetsburg earlier in May. The state meeting this Fall will be in Waterloo on Oct. 4-5 at the Clarion Inn University Plaza.

Members discussed what to do with the extra funds. A donation will be given to the Jonathon House and a donation will also be give to the House of Compassion for the School Supply Project for low income students.

President Permar reminded people to contact her before August with the volunteer hours each person has done during the past 12 months. The hours are to be separated into “educational hours” and “non-educational hours.” People do not need to specify what each is for, just the number of hours.

The social committee of Doris Hildebrandt, Sue Eads, Carolyn Hanchak and Rakers was thanked.

The next meeting will be Sept. 18 and will be a potluck at 12 p.m. at Fisher Community Center. It will be a welcome for all newly retired school personnel. The officers will serve as the social committee.

The meeting was adjourned.