Tennessee Retired Teachers' Association

March 2025--Rutherford County RTA members learned about the local Habitat for Humanity happenings from their director, Randy Allen at the March meeting. He shared about a new community of homes being built and the many ways we can help the organization. Plans were discussed for hosting the Regional TRTA Workshop in Murfreesboro on March 18. We are excited to welcome members of other Associations to Murfreesboro. Snacks and fellowship were enjoyed by all. 

February 2025--Rutherford County RTA had a fun and informative February meeting. Mary Watkins, retired teacher, artist, and historian from the African-American Historical Society of Rutherford County shared about local African-American history. Cindy Cliche, retired math coordinator, led the group in a math activity that can be done with our grandkids and Julia Vaughn from Cornerstone Financial Credit Union provided refreshments and shared brief remarks. Phyllis Washington won the door prize, a copy of the book Challenges of Being a Teacher. Our very own author, Felicia Jackson, wrote the book!  

January 2025--Rutherford County RTA hosted an online event for in-service teachers in the Murfreesboro, Rutherford and Cannon County School Systems on January 16. Ryan Marlin, Retirement Plan Advisor, RetireReadyTN and James Armistead, Outreach Specialist with the Treasury Department presented the Pre-Retirement Seminar.  Greg Lyles, RCRTA President, welcomed the 218 participants and informed the participants about RCRTA. Mr. Armistead received questions in the chat and was able to respond throughout the program to provide much needed information to teachers considering retirement. 

November 2024--The RCRTA had their November potluck and live auction to raise money for Greenhouse Ministries. Delicious food was enjoyed by members after an inspirational devotional by Phyllis W. The 2024-2025 MTSU Scholarship recipients were announced and included in the luncheon. The association raised $650 to donate to the ministry center that allows us to use space to hold our monthly meetings. 

October 2024--The October meeting of RCRTA began with delicious snacks provided by Honeyhill Homecare. The guest speaker was Dr. Michelle Stevens who spoke about the MTSU Tennessee Teach Back Initiative, a new program to mentor and guide pre-service teachers through their college program. Members collected peanut butter and soup for Greenhouse Ministries and enjoyed the food, learning, and fellowship.

September 10, 2024--Rutherford County RTA had the first meeting of the new school year. Newly elected president, Greg Lyles, led the meeting. A necrology service was held and the new membership yearbooks were dedicated to the memory of the members that we lost last year. The Read to Succeed director visited the meeting to discuss volunteer opportunities. Felicia Jackson shared about her new book Overcoming The Challenges of Being a Teacher. A local lender provided delicious snacks and members brought donations of peanut butter and jelly for the food bank at Greenhouse Ministries. Two visiting retirees joined the Association. It was great meeting to start the year!

June 4, 2024--Rutherford County Retired Teachers had their annual picnic luncheon on June 4 to honor new retirees and welcome new members. A delicious box lunch was enjoyed by everyone. New t-shirts were available for purchase and many door prizes were won. Visitors played a Price is Right game to see the value of membership. The new officers for 2024-25 were installed at a fun and informative meeting. 

Sept. 19--The Sequatchie Co RTA met at the SETHRA Building in Dunlap. The devotional was read by Vice-President Glenn Eidson. Mountain Valley Bank Customer Service Representatives Cassie Cooley and Jessica Partin spoke about financial fraud and elder abuse. They specifically spoke about the recent rise in scams that target our oldest adults. Report submitted by Secretary Diane Martin.