Fayette County Retired Teachers Meet

The Fayette County Retired Teachers’ Association met on Monday, Sept. 11, at the Fellowship Hall of the New Life Methodist Church (formerly First United Methodist Church) in La Grange, with 31 in attendance. Fellowship Time was a “Welcome Back!” social with Blue Bell ice cream.

The speaker was Susie Shank, Director of the Accss (Alliance for College and Career Student Success) Program at Blinn College. The program strives to eliminate barriers for students by providing resources, guidance and support for preparing students for university study, or a career in the high demand field.

Partner high schools are Columbus, Fayetteville, Flatonia, Schulenburg, and Weimar.

Dual credit courses include those in welding, certified nursing aide, medical terminology, and construction. For more information students are encouraged to contact Susie Shank (979743-5239) or susie.shank@Blinn.edu.

The business portion of the meeting included the treasurer’s report (Chris Morrison), and extensive information/ discussion on the upcoming November 7 election, which includes voting for Proposition 9. This proposition concerns a COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for both past, and present, teachers.

Karen Fitch, Legislative Chair, said that a detailed letter would be soon sent to all members.

It will include the following: the importance of being registered to vote, and the following deadlines: last day to register to vote – October 10; Early voting – Oct. 23-Nov. 3; last day to request a mail ballot – Oct. 27; in person voting – Nov. 7. Also discussed will be directives for picking up yard signs, “push” cards (postcards), and buttons.

Kathy Koch, healthy living chair, provided information on “Seniors and the Digestive System”, which included information on “Steps to Improve Digestions”. New Business: Wednesday, Oct. 11: Field Trip to the Blue Mule Winery in Fayetteville, and Monday, Nov. 13: Silent auction to benefit the TRTA Foundation. Raffle Item (Children’s Book Project) donated by Jan Jenkins, was won by Carol Daniels; Local- dues-paid drawing, won by Marian Tajchman; New member drawing (gift card), won by Donna Wick.

The next meeting will be Monday, Nov. 13.

For information about the Fayette County RTA, phone (713) 303-0837, or visit www.localunits.org/fayette.

While the name may imply “teachers only” all retired public school employees are invited, even if from another city, county, or state.