Hardin County Retired Teachers Association Releases Minutes of Recent Luncheon Meeting

HCRTA Pres. Sandy Moore welcomed 17 Hardin Co. Retired Teacher Association members and 4 guests to the luncheon at the Kenton Elks on May 21 at noon.

She thanked Chr. Jodine McKinley and committee of Jean Kearns, Donna Myers, and Joan Sullinger for the lovely arrangements. She also thanked Sue Buroker and her staff for the delicious meal.

Guests Cheryl Hiller plus Hope Cauley and her Kudo Studio workers Eric and Braden were introduced.

Moore offered Grace as sent by Melanie Kindell before all enjoyed lunch. The lunch consisted of jello salad, baked steak, roasted red potatoes, mixed fruit, roll & butter, beverage, and vanilla bean ice cream and cookie.

She introduced Hope Cauley to speak about the Kudo Studio at 14 North Main St., Kenton. This art studio helps interested Harco students to develop their artistic talents through drawing, watercolor painting, pour painting, coloring, etc. The students have found art to be an effective way for expression whether they physically endure autism or cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, etc. Cauley introduced her art workers Eric and Braden and let them talk about some of the samples of their artwork that they brought for the day.

Kudo Studio is not yet open to the public due to pandemic restrictions, but Cauley hopes that things will improve for opening in June. She is very happy with the new space in which they now reside for the studio’s needs. Cauley has 9 students who work on their artistic expression as well as basic living skills. They must learn to plug in a sweeper in order to use it, learn to mop a floor, or learn to use their money that they have earned, etc. Harco students are given the chance to work with art, but not all are interested in it. The students are brought in a van when not attending swim classes or bowling or shopping at their favorite Hobby Lobby. They learn to be polite, caring, and still have fun. A highlight has been making cards for veterans at county nursing homes.

The Kudo Studio was begun in 2010. Amber Shaffer is the coordinator so one can ask questions by calling 419-673-1042. Also check www.Kudostudio.Com for more information. Art is for sale and several retirees bought interesting pieces after the presentation. Cauley hopes that the store will be open once again with hours of 9 am to 1:30 pm. for 5 days a week.

Moore led the group in thanking Kudo Studio attendees before beginning the business meeting. Sec. Norma Frederick had her report accepted as digitally sent. Frederick asked for information for Sally Bacon as her meeting schedule had been returned. Joan Mouser read thank you notes from God’s Lifeline and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to which HCRTA had donated. Treasurer Joan Mouser had her report filed for audit. A collection was taken for the scholarship fund.

Other committee reports followed. Moore reported about the latest election of board members for STRS. Of the 2 seats that were voted for replacement, HCRTA heard that favorite Rudy Fichtenbaum won a seat. HCRTA hopes that he can help get the COLA back as deemed by law. It was difficult to believe that STRS had been given a high rating of transparency. The membership committee invited educators of the county to join. Madelyn Lowery announced that there were 2,777 volunteer hours accumulated by attendees. Moore reminded that the election of officers would be needed for the September meeting. An officer meeting will take place in August so details will come later.

Donations were gathered for Helping Hands. Having no other business, Moore reminded that the next meeting will be on September 17 at noon at the Kenton Elks. The hostess committee will be Ruth Ann Poling, Sharon Beitler, Audrey Hemmerly, and Martha Cramer. Donations will be gathered for Safe Haven with speaker being Deb Oestreich. Moore read a closing prayer from Melanie Kindell and adjourned the meeting. She wished all safe travels home.