Tennessee Retired Teachers' Association

January 16, 2025--We had a great meeting on January 16, 2025.  A half an hour before the meeting began, many of us gathered to share hospitality and fellowship while enjoying live music. After all, we do live in Nashville, the home of country music. As we gathered to greet each other, Mike Bell, spouse of member, Melanie Bell, gifted us with his extraordinary and varied piano pieces.  Some gathered around the piano to harmonize with  "Bye-Bye Love" by the Everly Brothers, while others swayed to the melody of "Moon River."

Ann Smith, Outreach Coordinator with the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General, Division of Consumer Affairs, shared information on Scams Targeted at Seniors. This was extremely informative, and many members had stories to share. We will all be more cognizant of red flags in the future to avoid becoming victims of scams.

Because February is the month to talk to legislators about issues important to the continuation of public education, our second speaker was Antoinette Lee, Uniserv Director and Government Relations Specialist. A very lively discussion about Gov. Lee's Voucher Bill got us all excited.  One member started a page opposing the Voucher Bill.  Our members signed the letter and we gave it to Antoinette as she was leaving. 

November 2024--MNRTA's November meeting was a huge success.  We began our socialization time with a brass trio featuring Christmas music and delicious food prepared by our Hospitality Committee.  Talking about insurance always brings in a lot of members, and we had a full house with over 50 in attendance in person and on Zoom.

We have added another benefit for our members through Premier World Discovery.  This month we introduced the opportunity to travel together while also making money for our organization. On September 20, 2025, our group will take a trip to Cape Cod and the Islands for a seven-day excursion. Money from each traveler's fees will be awarded to MNRTA.

Membership Marathon is in full swing.  Our membership has increased by 23 since September 2024.  One of the pictures shows a gathering where we are preparing a mailing to 100 potential members.

Our December Board meeting will take place at the home of our president, Jill Speering, where we will have a potluck lunch prior to playing Dirty Santa.  We are ending the year with a celebration of our friendships as we plan to engage in a new year and continue recruiting new members. Thank you for visiting Tennessee Retired Teachers Association. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those in need through various programs and initiatives. Explore our website to learn more about our mission and how you can get involved.

September 19, 2024--What a great meeting we had today with our featured speaker, Rep. Gloria Johnson. Gloria spoke to our group of almost 50 educators for an hour and answered questions. She provided yard signs for those who wish to display a sign in their yards.  Although we do not endorse candidates, we provide opportunities for our members to be informed about issues. We reached out to Senator Marsha Blackburn's office but did not receive a reply.  

Our Membership Marathon is off to a great start.  Three members brought potential members to today's meeting.  Melanie Bell, our new Membership Chair, is doing a great job.  We distributed $20 to one of our members for bringing two guests. 

Providing 30 minutes before the meeting for members to socialize, snack, and enjoy music provides a wonderful opportunity for us to enjoy each other. 

July 18, 2024--It's a new year for Nashville Retired Teachers!  Our theme is Membership Marathon.  We will award a $20 bill to the member who brings the most "potential" members to each meeting. In May 2025, the person who has secured the most "new" members will be awarded a $100 bill. 

We listened to our members and potential members who indicated that their interests in joining MNRTA could be peaked if we started a bit later; therefore, we changed our meeting start time from 9:30 to 10:00. The block of time from 9:30 - 10:00 is now dedicated for fellowship and refreshments. The early risers can still come early. This opportunity spawned excitement as member Nancy Holland and teacher Derick Richardson provided a jovial atmosphere through their brass duet. Even our refreshments were improved by providing coffee to go along with sandwiches and cookies for members and guests. 

At our July 18th, 2024, meeting, attorney Julie Moss from the Blair Law Firm, provided our program.  She shared information on Wills, Probate, Revocable Living Trusts, Durable Power of Attorney, and more.  Our members left with new insights and motivated to follow-up with some of Julie's recommendations for their estate planning.

October 24, 2023-- The Monroe Co RTA met on October 24th and held their regular meeting at Bert’s Hometown Grill in Madisonville. The devotional was read by member Edna Stephens. 

Sweetwater Hospital Association Human Resources Officer Beth Makowski served as the guest speaker. Beth discussed advances inpatient care. 

MCRTA was recognized for their recent membership growth. The members voted to support Madisonville Friends of the Library through a donation-driven ongoing service project. Kim Townson representing MCRTA would present a donation check to the Co-chairperson of the Friends of the Library Jan Johnson and librarian Kim Hicks in early November. --Report submitted by Janet Tweed.