At the September 2018 meeting Representatives Mike Unes and Norine Hammond answered questions from the group about legislation affecting retired teachers. Senator David Koehler was unable to attend but came in October. Before he addressed the group, Dixie Wheeler, Area 4 Legislative Rep, explained her role and the process of endorsing candidates, and Larry Pfeiffer, a TRS trustee, spoke about the retirement system and his fiduciary responsibility as a trustee. He introduced the term ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) which some organizations use to limit the investments of their portfolios. Then Senator Koehler spoke about the level of funding the state has provided to TRS and answered many questions about pending legislation.
On May 16, 2017, Eliida Lakota spoke to the group about the Lakota culture and her journey discovering her background. Here she holds a dress she made from deer skins. She put the dress together instinctively and later learned at a workshop on Lakota dressmaking that she had done what her ancestors had when making the garment. She stressed the importance of acknowledging our DNA and relying upon our past in seeking answers in the present. She is wearing a dress made of muslin, which the Lakota women used for garments and tipis once they were placed on reservations and had no access to animal skins.
At the March 28, 2017, meeting, Sally Weber and Ed Wollett came from IRTA to speak about technology and legislative issues. Kevin Coleman, head pharmacist at Canton's HyVee store, presented a grab bag of information about pharmacists, pharmacy procedures, and prescription drugs. Mike Delligatti spoke of his travels throughout Japan as part of a group of teachers sponsored by a grant from Toyota.
At the November 15, 2016, meeting Morgan Johnson and her father Drew came to give a presentation on their trip to Okinawa, Japan, to learn karate during the Goji Ryu Centenary. Morgan left Illinois as ichi kyu, first degree brown belt, holder. After five days of classes (2 hours in the morning and 2 in the afternoon) as well as extra training at a private dojo, Morgan was promoted to the rank of shodan, or black belt. While in Japan, she visited the Fukushu-en Chinese garden, Shuri Castle, and the Peace Museum. She also participated in the Giant Tug of War sponsored by Sensei Higa, an annual event that qualifies for the Guinness Book of World Records. Morgan urges people of all ages to attend Kosho Ryu Kempo karate classes at the Canton YMCA on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
At the September 2016 meeting, lawmakers came to address concerns from the membership. The panel discussion was led by Diana Waren, Region 10 Legislative Committee member. 46th District Senator David Koehler, 94th District Representative Norine Hammond, and 91st District Representative Mike Unes fielded questions primarily about the state budget and legislation that affects retirees.
At the May 17, 2016, meeting, the group was entertained by Nathan Taylor, owner of The Breathing Tree, "a place of rest and relaxation." The Breathing Tree offers classes in yoga and reflexology. Nathan studied fiddle and banjo in North Carolina and loves what he calls "roots" music--country, blues, jazz. He sang several traditional songs and one of his own compositions.
At the April 26, 2016, meeting, Sally Weber from IRTA spoke to the group about her role in communications for the organization. Colin Davis received a check to support the scholarships Spoon River College provides students throughout the county. Justin Haynes' Lewistown high school and junior high music students performed pieces they had presented at contest.