Audrain County Area Public School Retirees met at Spartan Light Metal Products for their Aug. 6 meeting.

Spartan’s Human Resources Manager Terry Sutton and Environmentalist and Safety and Health employee Michelle Eddy shared an informative introduction to the company, which included the company’s history, new products they are working on, education opportunities for employees, and checking with our Vo-Tech school for possible future employees. This was followed by a tour for those who wanted to walk through the production area, and a video tour for those who preferred to stay in the meeting room.

Our business meeting was then called to order by co-president Deborah Teague. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cary Travis, and a devotion about ‘Grace, Do We Understand It’ was shared by Pam Miller. A thank you was extended to the Social Committee with Chairs Susan Atkins and Tori Webber.

The secretary's report from the previous meeting, which had been e-mailed to members, was up for any corrections or additions. Upon none being brought forward, minutes were called for acceptance with a motion from Sue Ann Keith and a second from Maureen Hacker. With all “Ayes” and no “Nays,” minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report from Joan Fecht noted we only have 18 more members remaining who need to pay dues.

Cheri Erdel was unable to attend today, so Diana Henage offered information regarding Duane Martin, with the Secretary of State office, who was filing a petition to amend the Missouri Constitution to ensure that public taxpayer funds go toward public schools instead of being siphoned off to private and parochial schools. With enough signatures, the aim is to get this petition on the November ballot. This effort is in response to Governor Mike Kehoe’s allotment of $50 million dollars to the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts which benefit charter schools, private and parochial schools.

There was no Informative Protective, or Membership report today; however, it was noted that we need new MRTA members.

In Retirement Education, with chairs Lois Runnels and Tori Webber, all were reminded of the upcoming meeting at Central Office Oct. 18.

Sally Stuart reported on Community Participation, asking all to continue turning in their Moser’s receipts, bringing books to sell at our meetings, and to bring food for the Middle School Food Pantry starting with the October meeting.

Our Special Committee report on the Region 4 hosting event on Monday, Oct. 27, included a sign-up sheet for help needed, and the introduction of “Blind Date with a Book,” with ideas of how to cover and decorate it. Money from this goes to our local grant.

Classroom grant applications were read by Diana Henage and Janice Douglas in July. In Region 4, 27 grant applications were submitted, from which Audrain County had four winners.

For the upcoming Annual Meeting Sept. 23-24 in Independence, MO, Deborah Teague is planning to attend as a voting delegate, and Susan Atkins as an alternate.

The next Planning Committee meeting for our Region 4 Event is Sept. 11 at 10 a.m., with a meeting place to be determined.

The Retirement Education meeting will be at the Central Office on Oct. 18 for Lois Runnels and her committee.

There was some discussion about our Region 4 meeting at the Presbyterian Church Oct. 27. A sign-up sheet was available for those interested in helping.

Program Book Changes and Additions information is needed by the end of the year. Maureen Hacker is heading that project. Members were asked to check their information to be certain it is correct, and submit changes as needed.

The next ACAPSR meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 10:30 at the YMCA cafeteria with Tiffany Maxwell presenting “Staying Fit.” The Social Committee is Joyce Lowry, Iris Shoemaker, Christine Shire, Jane Coatsworth, Lois Runnels, Fran Robley, Donna Quinlan, Susan Atkins, and Sally Stuart.

Tori Webber gave the prayer for our meal, and we were dismissed for lunch at Pig Up and Go for those who wanted to attend.