Dale Kennedy and Abby Hanner presented a program about CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate program) to the Butler County Retired Teachers and School Personnel Feb. 19.
The group also heard from Kadi Dare about a marker recycling program being instituted in Poplar Bluff elementary schools.
Used markers can be collected and sent to Crayola at no cost. The markers are then recycled to be used as petroleum.
Dare also asked members to keep track of volunteer hours and contributions made to hunger relief.
In 2019, Butler County retired teachers reported 6,763 volunteer hours and contributed almost $10,000 to hunger relief.
Rod Priest reminded members about legislative issues important to retirees and reported on progress made at the MRTA Legislative Day in February. He provided a handout that listed issues and contact information for legislators.
Diana Taylor reported for the scholarship committee. Each year the Butler County unit offers a $300 scholarship to a high school senior in one of the three school districts in Butler County.
This year the scholarship will be awarded to a Twin Rivers senior. The student must plan to pursue a degree in education.
Applications are available in the counselor’s office. They must be returned by April 1. If anyone knows a senior who qualifies, encourage him or her to apply.
The unit will meet again at 10 a.m. April 15 in the Missouri Room at the Poplar Bluff Schools administration building.
Rebeca Pacheco from the Community Resource Council will present a program on issues important to seniors.
All retired teachers and school personnel are welcome and encouraged to attend.