CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Marshalltown High School Extended Learning instructor, Susan Fritzell is flanked by Yessenia Alvarez Zamora and Leticia Herrera, winners of the National History Debate with the presentation “La Huelga: The Struggle That Earned Farm Workers Rights.” The two showed a slide presentation to the Marshall County Retired School Personnel Association.

The Marshall County Retired School Personnel Association met Sept. 19 at the newly remodeled Marshalltown Arts and Civic Center. A potluck luncheon was enjoyed by 25 members and six guests.

The program was Susan Fritzell who brought two students from Marshalltown High School who had won the National History Day Debate with their presentation entitled “La Huelga: The Struggle That Earned Farm Workers Rights.” Students Yessenia Alvarez Zamora and Leticia Herrera had a computer presentation telling how immigrant workers in the 1960s struggled to get workers’ rights, safety and better living conditions, and how they worked together with the grape growers to resolve issues.

The meeting was called to order by President Carole Permar. Minutes of the last meeting were read by Rita Smith. Otto Welfring gave the treasurer’s report and reminded people to pay dues ($23) if they haven’t already done so. Outstanding bills for the yearly booklets and for printing and postage were presented.

Permar shared information in the state newsletter as well as information about AMBA insurance options and benefits. It needs to be noted that the MASA insurance program will be raising rates Oct. 1.

The new yearly program booklets were dispersed, and members were asked to review personal information for accuracy and take booklets for friends who weren’t present. The theme of MCRSPA is to “inform and entertain.”

A thank you note was read from the family of Louise Springer for the memorial book given to the public library in her memory. Members were asked to turn in the volunteer hours and to keep track of future hours for the coming year. These hours are valuable and are used to get matching grants. Anything people do as a volunteer can be counted.

A report from Phil Tetzloff told about the current condition of IPERS. It has taken a hit with the current market, but it still remains solvent and one of the best public insurance companies in the nation. There are currently no plans to make any changes.

A brief discussion was held about where to have future meetings. Several locations were suggested, such as various churches, the Orpheum, library and school district central office. Permar was going to check on them; members will be notified of the location before the next meeting. The social committee for the meeting was Permar, Sue Garrels, Smith, Barb Vana and Welfring, were thanked.

The next meeting will be Oct. 17 and the program will be “Grandma’s Attic.” Each member is asked to bring a family item or heirloom of interest to share. The social committee will be Kathy and Randy Baker, Ardelle Downey and Steve Kennedy.