Karnes County Retired Teachers’ Association began the new organizational year with a meeting at Barth’s on Sept. 19. Secretary/Treasurer Jan Anderson called the meeting to order at 2:30, welcoming 16 members and 2 guests, Helen Sadler and Jeanenne Dumont. As members arrived they received the new chapter yearbooks which had been prepared by 1st Vice President Pam Kerlick. Jan provided those assembled with words of advice as she read from The Book of Texas Wisdom and concluded with the insight of Proverbs 3: 5 and 6. District 3 President Helen Sadler led the members in pledges to the American and Texas flags. The minutes of the May 16, 2012 meeting were read by Mary Hickok and approved as read. Mary Kiesling reported that an audit had been conducted, and the treasurer’s books were in order.

District President Sadler presented an explanation of a defined benefit plan versus a defined contribution plan. Members had been provided with a handout on the subject. At 3 p.m. a call from TRS allowed members to ask questions of representatives there regarding the upcoming changes to TRS Care, specifically the new Medicare Advantage Plan. 2nd Vice-President Gary Deskin had made the arrangements for the call. At the conclusion of the call Helen spoke further on this issue. Helen also addressed matters relating to the district, in particular the upcoming Fall Convention and participation in state projects – the Children’s Book Project, Community Volunteer Services and the Walk A Million Program. The District 3 Fall Conference will be Oct. 31 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Columbus, Texas.

Jan Anderson noted the need for a President for the organization and asked members to consider serving in this position. A Pre-Retirement Committee Chairman is also needed. Committee reports were given. Laura Gamez reported that she had accepted the position of Information and Protective Services Chairman. She provided members with two handouts; “Six Ways Lack of Sleep is Costing you a Fortune” and “10 Ways to Save Gas (and Money)!” Margaret Ryan proposed helping school district nurses with their eye and hearing screenings. Certification is available through workshops on Oct. 17 and 18. Those interested need to contact Margaret. Jan Anderson reminded members to keep track of their volunteer hours.

Arrangements for the meeting were handled by Group 1 members and a variety of cookies, along with coffee and tea, were available for everyone to enjoy. The next meeting will be Oct. 17 at 2:30 p.m. at Barth’s and will be hosted by Group 2. Membership in KCRTA is open to any retired school personnel, not just teachers. One of the purposes of KCRTA is to advance the interest and welfare of retired school personnel in the state and local community. For questions regarding membership please call Jan Anderson 583 3312.