Tennessee Retired Teachers' Association

May 9, 2024--The May General Membership meeting was held at one of the Shelby County schools, Kirby High School. The meeting was hosted by the principal Dr. Steven Hunter in appreciation for the retired teachers who dedicated their lives to nurturing children in the community. The meeting was held in their beautiful “Clara Adams Ford” Library & Media Center.  MSCRTA is so appreciative of the special treatment received while there. Lunch was provided by “LA-K-VETT Catering” (Chef Kevin Patterson, owner). 

The speakers for this month’s meeting were Terrance Gibson, Executive Director of the Tennessee Education Association, and Danette Stokes, President of the United Education Association. Mr. Gibson highlighted the importance of the RTA support and to ask for our continued support in making sure the public understands what is important for public education to thrive. He even gave out TEA swag bags to each attendee. Ms. Stokes updated members on recent activities the organization was involved in and some of the successes.  She discussed how much Ms. Marie Feagins, Shelby County’s new superintendent, has been involved in only her first month of being appointed the new position.  

A slate of officers nominated for 2024-2025 was introduced by Dr. Charles Green, chairman of the constitution/bylaws committee. Voting was done and the newly elected officers were formally introduced to the body.  

New members and returning members were acknowledged and welcomed. Birthdays for the month of May were announced and celebrated.  Cupcakes were donated by Myles Keath Wilson, son of Arlene Wilson.

April 9, 2024--Memphis-Shelby County RTA did not have a general membership meeting this month because of the annual WTRTA meeting held in Jackson, TN. This year’s meeting was hosted by Jackson-Madison County with Rose P. Anderson presiding. 

The first guest speaker was Dr. Nathan Lewis, principal of JCM Early College High. He spoke on education at JCM Early College High and opportunities for diversified students. The second guest speaker was Stephanie Winfrey, Health Care Insurance Manager BCBS. She spoke on senior health matters.

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.