September 21, 2022 Chester County Retired Teachers Meeting

The Chester County Retired Teachers met Wednesday, Sept. 21, at Snookum’s Restaurant. The meeting was called to order by Jean Smith. First Bank of Henderson was the sponsor. The bank donated beautiful mums for door prizes. Brandon Maness and his staff were thanked for providing a delicious meal.
Everyone was welcomed. Special recognition was to Joe and Clara Sue Stanfill. Also welcomed were new members Jill Irwin, Sherri Henson, Dorothy McIntyre, and Dr. Bruce Lewis. The pledge to the flag was led by Mrs. Kay Ivy, and the prayer for the meal was led by Mr. Bob Ivy. After a delicious meal, President Martha Lewis introduced Dr. Bruce Lewis who gave the Thought for the Day.
Next Mr. Mike Smith, Director of Southwest Human Resource Agency, was introduced. Mr. Smith gave a very informative overview of the programs available through SWHRA. He stated what a positive impact the organization has on our county as well as West Tennessee. Mr. Smith also entertained the group with memories of the McNairy Co./ Chester Co. rivalry through the years. Mr. Smith was thanked for his informative presentation.
As a special treat for the group, Mrs. Sally Kilpatrick, daughter of our Jane Rowlett, gave a brief review of her book “Much Ado About Barbeque.” Sally signed her book Saturday at the Chester County Library. She is an award winning author of southern fiction. Sally is a graduate of Chester County High School.
Jennie Fletcher gave the treasurer’s report of a balance of $1,300.11. The report was approved as read. Jane Rowlett stated the audit report was clean with no findings.
In Old Business: President Lewis reported the table at the County Wide in Service on July 28 was very successful. Seventy-seven teachers stopped by the table, and many indicated an interest in retired teachers. A drawing was held with Mrs. Melissa Judd receiving a gift basket, donated by Jane Rowlett. A special thanks go to President Lewis, Jane Rowlett, Marti McDaniel, and Linda Patterson for their work.
President Lewis reminded the group of a new plan for more members. We have lost some members to moving away and death.
A goal of 10% by our December meeting was encouraged.
New Business: The 2022-24 yearbooks are ready. Be alert to times your committee is needed. The service project this month is a donation to North Chester School.
Plans were made for an outing Saturday, Oct. 8, to go to Pinson Mounds. The group will meet at the Piggly Wiggly parking lot at 10 a.m., tour the mounds and then lunch at Catfish Cabin at noon. Please contact Jean Smith for any ideas for a winter outing.
Then we played a guess who game and enjoyed trying to figure out who the person was based on three clues. Drawings for door prizes were next.
Thanks to those who brought items. The next meeting will be Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Hope Shull Library at Freed-Hardeman University.
Meeting was adjourned.