IRTA Honored by CASA for

Volunteerism Efforts

IRTA was recognized for outstanding volunteerism at the National CASA convention (Court Appointed Special Advocate), held recently in Washington DC. LEFT PHOTO: IRTA leaders staffed the National Retired Teachers Association booth at the convention. IRTA President-Elect Nancy Tolson (standing); IRTA President Eugene Wease (seated); and Mrs. Jeanne Wease. Tolson and the Weases all serve as volunteers for Indiana CASA. RIGHT PHOTO: At the podium during the convention, IRTA Executive Ralph Ayres encourages CASA convention delegates to follow Indiana’s example and work with retired educators in their states to recruit CASA volunteers. During their trip to Washington DC, IRTA leaders also met with Congressman Pete Visclosky. PHOTO BELOW, left to right: IRTA Executive Director Ralph Ayres, Mrs. Jeanne Wease, IRTA President Eugene Wease, Jack Tolson, and Congressman Visckosky.

Governor Hosts Ceremonial

Bill Signing for COLA Legislation

IRTA leaders participate in ceremonial bill signing of the COLA bill with Governor Daniels. TOP LEFT PHOTO: Seated: IRTA Executive Director Ralph D. Ayres, Governor Daniels, Representative Dennis Avery (D-Evansville); Standing: Jeanne Wease, IRTA President Eugene Wease, Catherine Franklin, Area 1 Director Don Franklin, President Elect Nancy Tolson, TRF Director Steve Russo and TRF General Counsel Eric Wright. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Ralph Ayres confers with Rep. Avery and Governor Daniels prior to the signing. BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO: Ralph Ayres and Nancy Tolson confer with TRF top staff. BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO: IRTA officers pose with a mock check for $20,717,425 for the State of Indiana, which is the value of the 1,203,752 volunteer hours given by IRTA members during 2007. IRTA members have donated over one million volunteer hours during each of the last four consecutive years. Video and photos by Glenn Hatmaker.

Parke-Vermillion RTA Honored by CASA for Volunteer Service

Members of the Parke-Vermillion Retired Teachers Association (PVRTA) received certificates of appreciation from Indiana CASA leaders in recognition of PVRTA's dedication to the CASA program. The certificates were presented at PVRTA's April 8, 2008 meeting. Kathryn Harkey, PVRTA member and CASA volunteer, Roleen Pickard, IRTA Board of Directors member and Area Four Director, were each presented with a certificate. PHOTO, left to right: Carrie Savage, CASA volunteer; Corey Hobson, CASA volunteer; Kathryn Harkey; Judge Sam Swaim, CASA Advisory Council Chairman; Roleen Pickard; Larry Carlson, PVRTA President; Leslie Rogers Dunn, J.D., Indiana CASA Director; Teresa Christianson, Indiana CASA Assistant Director; present but not in photo, Paula Stites, Parke County Program Director. Photo by Karen Carlson. Information about Indiana CASA is available at www.in.gov/judiciary/galcasa, or call toll-free 1-800-542-0813. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) helps children in the court system who have been abused or neglected, and IRTA has partnered with CASA to recruit volunteers. Pickard originally suggested the idea of partnering with CASA to her fellow IRTA Board of Directors members, and the CASA-IRTA partnership quickly became the IRTA's leading volunteer project.

IRTA JOINS IN PRESENTING $10,000 AARP AWARD TO SEEGER JR-SR HIGH