The Chester County Retired Teachers met June 15, 2022 at Snookum’s Restaurant. The meeting was called to order by President Jean Smith. All were welcomed, and Brandon Maness and his staff at Snookum’s were thanked as well as Peoples Bank for sponsoring our meal. Representatives from the bank were introduced: Todd Chapman, Seth Anthony, and Red McCaskill. Also recognized was Kendall Patterson with the Chester County Independent. Long time member Mrs. June Smith and her daughter Anita Hart were also welcomed.
Wayne Roberts led the prayer for the meal. The Pledge to the Flag was led by Faith McManus, and Keith Brown had our Thought for the Day.
Updates were given on members that have had deaths in their families as well as members who have had illness.
President Smith introduced Mike Barker, TCRS representative, who inducted the new officers for 2022-23. They were Martha Lewis – President, Jean Smith – Secretary and Jennie Fletcher – Treasurer. Mr. Barker reported on retirement investments. TCRS is 50 years old this year. He stated we would receive a 3% increase beginning July 1. A “test” was given to members revealing the differences in our life experiences as compared to many children today. President Lewis thanked Mr. Barker for his diligent work.
The minutes from the March meeting were given by Jean Smith, and Jennie Fletcher gave the treasurer’s report.
Dr. Rowlett announced the Dr. Ronald Johnson Memorial Scholarship given by Chester County Retired Teachers. Dr. Johnson was a longtime supporter of Retired Teachers as well as a member of the Chester County Board of Education for over 20 years. The scholarship winners were Faith McManus and Tatum Readhimer. Tatum was not able to attend, but Faith and her father Trent were presented. Faith thanked the group and stated she would be attending UT Knoxville this fall and majoring in kinesiology.
President Lewis recognized new members Dorothy McIntyre and Dr. Bruce Lewis. She also recognized CCRTA as recipients of the Neil Smith Imagination Library Award given by the Chamber of Commerce. Also recognized were Linda Patterson for being inducted into the Chester County Alumni Association Hall of Fame and Keith Brown for receiving his Master of Ministry degree.
CCRTA will have a table at the county wide in-service July 28. Pens will be given out, and there will be registration for drawings during the first week of school. Volunteers will be needed.
During May Teacher Appreciation Week we gave each school $10 gift cards for drawings. The service project was a donation to Imagination Library. They are considering giving monetary donations for service projects in the future. Each project would be determined by the service committee.
Plans are being made for an outing later in the summer or early fall. Watch Facebook for information.
Jean Smith recognized the track and tennis teams for reaching the state tournaments, and door prizes were awarded.
The next meeting will be Sept. 14 at Snookum’s.
