Retired Teachers Assemble Baskets For Active Teachers

Members of the Fayette County Retired Teachers’ Association met on Monday, Jan. 9, with 29 in attendance. The fellowship time was hosted by Rebecca Halder, Karen Fitch, and Christine Morrison; the Raffle Item (benefiting the Children’s Book Project) was given by Marian Tajchman.

The guest speaker was Fred Weisser, pre-arrangement aftercare specialist, from Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia. He spoke on Pre-need/Funeral Planning, and distributed “A Thought-ful Decisions Guide” which included information on, ”Why Plan Ahead?” “Funeral Planning and Medicaid” and lists of items for putting together family vital statistics and important documents, personal wishes for the service. The talk concluded with a question and answer time.

The business meeting included reports from committee chairs, treasurer: Chris Morrison was introduced as the Interim Treasurer, and distributed her report. Community Service: Joan Miertschin provided paper for known volunteer hours, and reminded those present that the deadline for them is Jan. 14; she said that any number of hours are important because each hour is worth approximately $30 to the state of Texas. A list of all volunteer hours (for which no pay is received) is turned in to the Texas governor, and to legislators, so that they can see the worth of time given by retired teachers. Informative and Protective Services: Kim Joost told all to keep up with their passwords (like, have a list), and to have someone else know the location of the list. Healthy Living: Kathy Koch made available, copies of “January 2023 District 13 Healthy Living News”, which included information on diabetes and getting a second flu shot in January.

New Business: A revised edition of the Standing Rules for Fayette County RTA was available, voted on, and passed unanimously. President Slinkard said that the offices of President and Treasurer need to be filled in the odd-numbered years, so names are needed by the April meeting. Melanie Mica is the chair of the nominations committee. Members proceeded to fill the “goodie baskets” with snack items for active teachers/staff at all schools in Fayette County; arrangements were made for basket deliveries and pick-up.

A drawing was held for Retention Members present; won by Debbie Morrill. There were two raffle drawings – the Book Project drawing was won by Chris Morrison, and a donated gift from Sabrina Rotter was won by Linda Oltmann.

Members were reminded of upcoming dates to remember: Feb. 13 (Monday): field trip/ fellowship gathering: Robert’s Steakhouse, Flatonia,TimeTBD.

March 13: No meeting, due to spring break. April 10 (Monday): Next regularly- scheduled meeting, including elections of officers. April 12 (Wednesday): “Day at the Capitol” in Austin. Karen Fitch, Legislative Chair, emphasized the importance of as many as possible, attending and wearing red; we will carpool with reimbursement for drivers. She said that we have strength in numbers.

May 8 (Monday): Regularlyscheduled meeting, will be a Fellowship Gathering with Recipe Swap and Tasting.

June 12 (Monday): Regularly- scheduled with awards and officer installation.

For information about the Fayette County Retired Teachers’ Association, phone (713) 303-0837 or visit www.localunits. org/fayette. While the name may imply “teachers only” all retired public school personnel are invited, and will be welcomed, even if from another city, county, or state.