Local retired teachers celebrate Black History

The Falls County Retired Teachers Chapter met Thursday, February 8 at The Chicken Place. Those in attendance included Helen Smith, LaTonja Taplin, Elizabeth Richardson, Linda Lockridge, Hermetta Paul, Marye Jackson, Annie McGruder, Ethelene Green, Barbara Stewart and Patricia Brown.

Bobbie Milton, Healthy Living chair, provided the monthly program focused on adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle including getting enough quality sleep, eat better, stop smoking, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress and managing blood sugar and blood pressure. Annie McGruder,Community Volunteer Service, reported the chapter provided over 7986 hours in volunteer service for 2023 plus 190 books were donated to first graders at schools in Falls County. The membership drive will start in March. The chapter will have a Meet and Greet Breakfast event. 

In memory of the late educator retiree Charles Herman Paul, the group voted to donate to the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF) Helping Hands Assistance Program. Since its inception, the program has provided more than $200,000 to retirees in dire financial need. In other matters, President Elizabeth Richardson will serve as the chapter delegate at the upcoming State Convention in Corpus. District 12 TRTF raffle tickets were distributed to members for the gift card wreath $250 value. If interested in purchasing a ticket, please see a chapter member.

Prior to the meeting adjournment, members who were dressed in AfroCentric fashions, displayed their “We’ve come a long way” back in the day relics including afro-pics, pressing comb, pencil case calculator, Royal Crown Hair Dressing, can/bottle opener and a personal brooch pen from the late school teacher AES Johnson.