Weakley County Retired Teachers Present Christmas Program with Dresden High School Students

The Weakley County Retired Teachers Association had its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dresden. The meeting began at 11:00 A.M. with the first order of business being a Christmas program in the church’s sanctuary presented by five members of Dresden High School’s and their music and vocal teacher Jacob Abbott. After the beautiful program, members relocated to the fellowship hall to enjoy a lunch catered by Renee Kimsey.

Following the meal, President Pam Harris began the business portion of the meeting. She thanked host and hostesses Mark Maddox, Carol Bowlin, Kathy Stover, and Janice Newbill for the decorations and door prizes. Minutes and the treasurer’s report were approved, then Harris reported on the Tennessee Retired Teachers Association meeting she and treasurer P.K. Kelley had attended in March in Trenton. A representative of the Tennessee Education Association, she said, had told the group that Gov. Lee’s goal is to pass a bill called the Education Freedom Act which would provide vouchers for any student to attend private school at taxpayer expense. She encouraged members, if they are opposed to the passage of this bill, to email their representatives and let them know they are opposed. After some discussion of the bill, Harris addressed the membership issue.

She said she knew some people are concerned about any part of the dues going to NEA, but she had checked into this and was reassured no part of our dues goes to a political action committee. The small amount of our dues that go to NEA are to provide discounts and benefits to retired teachers.

Kelley announced she had brought handouts about some of the benefits from the regional meeting and copies were available for members to pick up before leaving.

With their being no further business, door prizes were given and the meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be in Martin at the Trinity Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 11:00 A.M.