Asking members to produce centerpieces was a brilliant idea. There are two examples here with remarkable African animal figures. There were many other lovely ones. Now we have something else to look forward to when we show up on Thursday, March 17, for lunch. I really enjoy our meetings and I hope you do also. The food is great and the camaraderie is outstanding. MCREA is stimulating mentally and socially. I have never belonged to a group from which emanated such warmth and conviviality.
School Board members, Karen Carpenter and David Miner were guests at our Feb. meeting. We were able to show them that we too are interested in the Legislative actions and their effect on our schools. Thank you, Susan Darovec, Legislative Chair, for your report and for keeping us informed. This is the witching time in Tallahassee. The session is nearly at an end, so all the bills which have been moving through committees slowly are now being added to other bills which moved more quickly. It is in this period, that most of the ill-considered bills can get passed because of the glut and the time required to read each bill carefully. Some will be sneaked through on the tails of a more popular bill, and we can only hope they will not be detrimental to our pensions and to the Florida schools.
The Legislature and the Senate stood firm on their budget, striking out the governor's plan to cut taxes to corporations and to require counties to raise taxes to run the schools. For the first time in a long time, the money to aid school building projects will come from the state, not local property owners. Of course, it is not enough money, and it has to be shared with charter schools, some of which are business ventures, so that aid constitutes corporate welfare.
Minnie Lee Jones planned a trip to Big Cat Habitat for MCREA members and her AAUW Branch. Combining the two groups was her idea and it has made it possible for attendees to get special rates and even a bus to dinner and Selby Gardens at Christmas. She is now gathering a list of members who would like to attend the Sarasota Sailor Circus. We really appreciate her efforts in organizing these events.
Deborah Thomas and her committee have gathered all the essay entrees from the fifth graders in the county. Six schools sent essays, and they were read with a winner chosen. I will leave the announcement of the winner's name to Deborah at our meeting. The winning essay will be sent to FREA's contest. The best essay locally will receive a $25 gift card for its author and a $25 gift card to his or her teacher and classroom.
Local MCREA Scholarship Applications have been sent out to all the high schools. They must be returned by April 8th. Then, Committee Chair, Diana Buell, will convene the committee to choose a winner or winners. Then too, will the amount of the award be discussed. Last year, MCREA gave two $500 scholarships. There has been some informal discussion with the board about boosting that amount. Of course, as always, the money available depends on your donations. If you have not donated to the scholarship fund this year, please consider doing so since, except for the 50/50 drawings at meetings, we do not do money raising.
Spring is here, I think. My eyes are watering and the car is covered in pollen. The traffic in terrible and going out to eat is pretty iffy. Still, it is a lovely time of year before the big heat sets in. I hope you are getting out and enjoying the days.
Our meeting this month is on Thursday, March 17, at Renaissance on 9th, at eleven or soon after, if you want a good seat and a chance to chat with your friends. If you have not heard from your caller by Friday, March 12, please call Sue Roe, 792-4786, to make a reservation.
See you soon,
Ellen
