Fayette County Retired Teachers Hold Welcome Back Luncheon
Fayette County Retired Teachers’ Association held a welcome back luncheon on Monday, Sept 13. at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in La Grange, with 18 members in attendance. The luncheon was hosted by the executive board, who provided salads, pizza, cookies, raspberry tea/lemonade.
President Lisa Slinkard called the meeting to order: The business portion of the meeting consisted of correction, and approval, of the July 12 minutes; the Treasurer’s Report, given by Nancy Pietsch. Committee Reports: Membership – Nancy Pietsch reported that the 2021-2022 yearbooks are completed. Members present were encouraged to take one for themselves and for others not able to be at the meeting. The remainder will be mailed. Children’s Book Project: Jan Jenkins reported on the donated amount given at the meeting. Community Service: Joan Miertschin distributed “Suggestions for Volunteer Opportunities” and encouraged all to look them over/keep records of volunteer time (anything done for others, not for pay). Member Benefits: Debbie Morrill said that she would have available phone numbers/email addresses for the new member benefit company (Trident) and will see that they are made available for all.
Legislation: Karen Fitch reported on the success of our previous “red letter campaign” to the legislature; even though retired teachers did not (again) receive a COLA (Cost Of Living Adjustment), a 13th check will be sent in January 2022. Retired teachers are further along in their quest for a COLA, than they were last year, to not despair. Rep. Ben Leman is not going to run for re-election, at the end of this term; members were given his contact information, and asked to send him thank-you notes for all that he has done for retired teachers. “We are to be vigilant, ask questions, of those who will be in the running for the next term” TRTA Foundation:
Melanie Mica reminded all that the Nov. 8 meeting will be the silent auction, which benefits the foundation; to be looking for items, for this fun event.
New Business: President Slinkard distributed an Interest Inventory for 2022-2023 for input/suggestions from members. Although the next scheduled meeting is in November, before that date, there is a field trip planned: HT Fitness in La Grange on Hwy. 71 East, between Tractor Supply and Sutherland’s Lumber. It will be on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. All are encouraged to attend.
All were reminded to bring an item for the Nov. 8 silent auction.
A ”Moment to Remember” moment of silence was held, for deceased members Arthur (Art) Holle, Mary Wehmeyer, Rose Marie Mayer, Myrtle Harbers. Donations in their memories, for each, will be given to the La Grange Public Library.
The raffle items (2) for the Children’s Book Project, were won by Melanie Mica and Karen Novak. The local dues drawing was won by Marcille Prestridge. The business portion of the meeting being completed, the group played several games of Bunco, with door prizes (gift cards) for the winners.
The next meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 8 at the FUMC Fellowship Hall; social time 1:30 p.m., business meeting (including silent auction) at 2 p.m.
For more information about the Retired Teachers’ Association, call (361) 772-3068 or stop by. While the name may imply “only” teachers, all retired school personnel are invited, and will be welcomed, even if from another city or county.