Hardin Co. Retired Teacher Association Recently Held Meeting at Kenton Elks

On September 19, the Hardin Co. Retired Teacher Association met at the Kenton Elks at noon. There were 21 members, guest Connie Graessle, and speakers Theresa Price and Marsha Watkins who were welcomed by Pres. Madelyn Lowery. Grace was offered by Chaplain Melanie Kindell. Lowery thanked the committee of Sandy Moore, Madelyn Lowery, Holly Ruhlen, and Pat Ritchey.

Lunch followed with lettuce salad with chicken and dressings, fruit cup, beverages, and desserts. Sue Buroker and her Elks volunteers were thanked for their delicious luncheon.

VP Jodine McKinley introduced Price and Watkins to speak about LifeWise Academy that is in or being started in all Hardin County Schools except for Riverdale, which has its own program. Price represented Hardin Northern School as it begins its 4th year of LifeWise while Watkins represents Kenton Schools in its 3rd year of the LifeWise Academy. They both were enthusiastic to share how well the program is growing as more students want to be included each year.

LifeWise Academy was begun in Ohio in 2018. Ohio has made it legal to allow such learning but off-site. The concept has caught on and spread to several states. The aims of LifeWise is to increase student attendance and improve behavior along with planting a foundation of Bible knowledge. It has been found that many students have not been to church or Sunday School nor understood the gospel of Jesus Christ since they have never heard any biblical stories. Students are absorbing the Bible stories and asking questions as they attend this academy.

LifeWise Academy is a Christian ministry in our public schools but off-site which means that students must be bussed. This happens during the study hall part of the day with parent permission. Permission slips must be signed to allow the students to travel with 2 volunteers. Each student will receive a free Bible appropriate for their age. The choices are Beginners Bible, Adventure Bible, and Action Bible, a graphic novel. The curriculum was developed by the Gospel Project and supported by Christians from various denominations. Both Price and Watkins have noticed students making time to read their Bibles without a special assignment, but students also keep a folder for their activities. They did specify that there are activities such as singing and games at the site so the students are not just sitting and reading while attending this class.

There is no cost to the family for their child to attend, but sponsors have been found to fund this project. There are more students in Kenton so the cost is around $90,000. This covers the cost of materials, needs for the site,  buses and drivers, and teachers. Hardin Northern School must pay about $43,000. They are continually working to include more students and ages. Donations are always welcome. Home schooled students are accepted as well. The sites have security and volunteers must have a background check for each. They also must attend volunteer meetings. Volunteers are always needed as they take turns to accompany the students on the bus and help in the class on site.

After a question-answer period, Pres. Lowery led the group in thanking the speakers. Lowery began the meeting with Sec. Norma Frederick reading the May 16 minutes which were accepted. Treas. Joyce Hubbell had her report filed for audit. She had paid $500 scholarships to each of 3 teachers this summer. Hubbell distributed corrections for the addresses in the contacts. She also read a thank you from God’s Lifeline. Frederick also received a thank you from Becky Coker, librarian at Hardin Northern’s Public Library, for HCRTA’s donation for her summer reading program. Hubbell collected $121 for future scholarships. Donations totaling $112 were collected from attendees for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Volunteer hours since the last meeting totaled 333 hours. Lowery announced the deaths of Reba Coats, Keitha Dugan, and Anda Tudor since the May meeting. Cards were signed for Martha Cramer, Jean Kearns, and Joan Mouser.

Melanie Kindell gave the report from Annette Ansley about STRS. There has been a change by Gov. DeWine to add more of his choices, who are not active or retired teachers, to sit on the STRS board.He wants to eliminate most of the reformer teachers on the STRS board which have been voted to serve by the active and retired teachers in Ohio. A lawsuit has begun contending that this is an illegal move. None of the other retirement groups have had this problem in Ohio.

In other committees, Jodine McKinley received word that Angels for the Elderly are now preparing 100-105 boxes of food and personal hygiene products per month. Nancy Rickenbacher received the door prize. Donna Myers reported that books for children from birth are possible within Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Ann McKinley had nothing to report at this time. A reminder was given to check with Joyce Hubbell for payment of dues. In closing, Kindell offered a prayer.

The next meeting is October 17 at noon at the Kenton Elks. A Kenton choir will perform. The hostess committee is Kim Thomas, Melanie Kindell,  Nancy Rickenbacher, and Amy Long. Members are to bring bags of wrapped candy for teachers at Hardin Co. Schools. It is also suggested to bring socks or slippers for needy children at Helping Hands for their Christmas packages. Pres. Lowery adjourned the meeting and wished everyone a safe trip home.