Union County Retired Teachers hosted members of the Tennessee Retired Teachers Association for an annual workshop last month at First Baptist Fellowship Hall in Maynardville. After a welcome by President Elouise Jones, members learned about agendas, programs and projects that impact membership from a panel discussion represented by Marilyn Toppins from Union County, Libby Burney from Knox County, Pat Stonecipher from Anderson County and Bobby Jackson from Roane County.
Judy Whitehill, TRTA Membership Chairman, coordinated the panel discussion. A handout reminded participants of the duties of various officers and to update by-laws to reflect the actual work and activities of the local chapter. Executive Director Antoinette Lee gave tips on how to plan and deliver an effective meeting and to stress recruitment at every meeting. After lunch, Ted Williams, Legislative Chairman, and Drew Sutton, TEA Government Relations, reviewed key legislation effecting education that was passed or failed during the General Assembly and bills that may receive action during 2026. The voucher bill, the Freedom To Teach Bill, and a bill denying education to undocumented immigrants were reviewed. Members learned that COLA for TCRS is 2.9 percent as of last July and for Social Security will be 2.7 percent as of October 24.

The group munched on breakfast bars from Emily's Butterblume Bakehouse and apple muffins and mini cinnamon rolls from Tindell’s Farmhouse Bakery with coffee served by Cheryl Roark and Dawn Patelke. Lunch was a baked potato with chili and a variety of toppings along with a side salad and mini bundt cakes for dessert from Tindell’s. Homemade crocheted door prizes were donated by Pat Walker, who won two of the cash prizes from TRTA.

Membership in TRTA/UCRTA is always available. Just download a membership form at https://tnretiredteachers.com. Complete the form and mail a check for $65 to UCRTA, 2467 Maynardville Hwy., Maynardville, TN 37807. The next UCRTA Meeting is with the Union County Senior Citizens on December 3, 2025.