Tennessee Retired Teachers' Association

March 13, 2024--The Franklin County Retired Teachers Association held its March meeting on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at North Lake Elementary School. 

Following a devotion by member Andy Groves and a short business meeting during which officers for the coming 2-year term were elected, students from North Lake Elementary School presented a wonderful program.

Fourth and fifth grade students on the school's Leadership Team presented a football themed skit and slide show that reviewed memorable events from their current school year, including their recent recognition as a Reward School. Four very brave Pre-K students each displayed dinosaurs that they made and told us all about them. Finally, five fifth grade students shared their Black History Month wax museum projects. Students were amazing, and we all enjoyed the projects that they shared with us. 

Following the program, members enjoyed a fabulous lunch provided for us by the North Lake faculty and staff. The school also provided a gift for each member present and provided several lovely flower arrangements as door prizes.

January 11, 2024--The FCRTA met at the Franklin County Board of Education for a regular meeting.  The meeting opened with a devotional by Bob Zimmerman. The meeting's presenters were Christopher Smith, Director of the Winchester TN Civic Choir, and the Civic Choir, composed of members from Franklin and surrounding counties.  

The choir practices regularly from August until December in preparation for their Fall/ Christmas Celebration, which is open to the public in early December. 

An ensemble of about 20 choir members performed three of their winter- themed songs for our meeting.  About half of these 20 members are, or have been, teachers, and several are members of our RTA.

• The Gibson Co RTA met on October 11 at the First Presbyterian Church in Trenton. Member Linda Holmes read the devotional. Mr. Ben Sterling, TN Archives Advocate, was the guest speaker. He encourages the local community to become mentors for the program. The primary duty of a mentor is to work to ensure that local high school seniors meet all deadlines for college. Meeting report submitted by Secretary Vera Jones.

• Sept. 13th, the Gibson Co. RTA met at First Presbyterian Church in Trenton for a regular membership meeting. TRTA President Bill Murray served as the guest speaker. Bill gave a TRTA statewide update. --Vera Jones and Vicki Sorrels reporting.

June 12, 2024--Members of the Grainger County Retired Teachers Association met on Thursday, June 12 at Grainger County Park. Following the meeting members enjoyed a picnic. 

The roster of 2024-2025 GCRTA officers were read and include the following:

President-Glenda Roach: Vice President-Barbara Morgan: Secretary-Darla Leonard: Treasurer-Joyce Daughtery; Membership-Barbara Morgan: Legislative-Al Daughtery: and Chaplain-Kay Gowan.

The next GCRTA meeting will be held Thursday, September 12, at Grainger County Schools Central Office at 1:00. Director of School Mark Briscoe will present the program.

March 14, 2024-- The Grainger County Retired Teacher Association met on Thursday, March 14, at the home of Linda and David Hodges. Members were treated with a wonderful meal prepared by member Linda Hodges. Following the business meeting, members played games and were served a variety of desserts.

The next GCRTA meeting will be held at Grainger County Park on Thursday, June 14, at 1:00. To celebrate summer, we will have a barbecue picnic and all members are encouraged to attend.

Any Grainger County retired teacher interested in joining GCRTA should contact Joyce Daughtery at 865-828-4860 or Barbara Morgan at 865-828-4684

Picture: l-r Linda Hodges-hostess and Kay Gowan GCRTA  President

December 14, 2023--Grainger County Retired Teachers Association met Thursday, December 14, at the Down Home Restaurant. Al Daughtery, Legislative Chair, reported on information received from the East Tennessee Retired Teachers Meeting. At that meeting members were encouraged to write letters to their congressmen concerning issues with charter schools.

Following the business meeting, Becky Gibson, President of the Grainger County Imagination Library, discussed information concerning the library and the success of the program in Grainger County. GCRTA members donated a total of $207 for the Grainger County Imagination Library.

The next GCRTA meeting will be held on Thursday, March 14, at the home of Linda Hodges. Any retired teachers interested in joining the association can contact Joyce Daughtery at 865-828-48860 or Barbara Morgan at 865-828-4684.

September 13, 2023--Grainger County Retired Teachers met Thursday, September 13, at Pizza Plus. Glenda Roach, GCRT Chaplain, gave the thought for the day and discussed information concerning Constitution Week, which will be held September 17-23.

Following the business meeting, guest speaker Betsy Williams, Supervisor of Nursing at the Grainger County Health Department, presented the program. 

Betsy informed the group of the services the health department provides, including immunizations, well child screening, dental services, WIC programs, women's health services, family planning services, STD screening, birth and death certificates, and Chant. Chant is (Community Health Access and Navigation in Tennessee) This program is a combination of three programs: Helps Us Grow Successfully (HUGS), Children's Special Services (CSS) and Tenncare Kids Community Outreach. 

The health department also provides services within the community, including oral health promotion, health education, supporting healthy communities, restaurant and pool inspections, and community emergency response. 

Following the presentation Betsy answered questions from the group.

• The Greeneville-Greene Co. RTA met on December 4th at the Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church and held their regular meeting. Rev. Jim Allen, Pastor at First Baptist Church, provided the devotional. The Chuckey Doak Choir directed by Cari Allen provided the members with musical entertainment. --Report submitted by the GGCRTA Corresponding Secretary Linda Duggar.

• The Greeneville/Greene Co RTA met on October 2 at the Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Member Dan Duggar read the devotional. Nicole Radar, Director of Roby Senior Adult Center, provided the members with an update about the classes and activities offered at Roby Adult Center. Meeting report submitted by Corresponding Secretary Linda Duggar.