May 2023
President’s Message
The VRTA Spring Delegate Assembly was planned with a clear vision of VRTA’s goals. Our vision is that all retired school personnel will be safe, productive, informed, and financially secure in retirement. The two-day event featured excellent speakers that presented valuable information to those attending the April 18-19, 2023, Assembly. Attendance is increasing and soon we will be back to pre-pandemic numbers. The members that attend the assembly share information with their local units and districts. Sharing information is what makes VRTA’s mission a success.
Lily Liu, AARP Historian Emerita, was our luncheon guest speaker. She gave a memorable presentation that told the history of AARP and NRTA. Her slide show is posted on the website, vrta.org. VRTA presented Ms. Liu with an Honorarium check to thank her for traveling and speaking at our Assembly. Lily immediately declined the check and donated the funds to support VRTA programs. Lily’s storytelling skills and dedication to caregiving are impressive.
VRTA Benefits/Advisor, James M. DuBrueler, Jr.’s presentation was packed with information intended to inform members of various benefits. He or a member of his staff can be scheduled to present a program for your unit or district meeting. There is a VRTA Benefits link on our website, vrta.org.
Bea Morris, Legislative Committee Chair; and Bonnie Atwood, Lobbyist; continue to keep us current on the latest issues that affect education, retirees, and our daily lives. Their session’s participants consisted of a panel of high school and college students that answered questions and expressed their feelings concerning today’s violence in our schools and communities. These young people were quite vocal and impressed all of us that attended the Spring Delegate Assembly.
Virginia Retirement System Director, Patricia S. Bishop, delivered a VRS Update that included a VRS Overview, VRS News Update, 2023 Legislative and Budget Items, Investment Update, Security and Your Accounts, and Your Benefits in Retirement. A complete copy of her report is posted at the end of the home page on the website, vrta.org.
Those attending the Spring Delegate Assembly received valuable information and had the opportunity to socialize and have fun. Thanks to Jim Dau, AARP/VRTA State Director and Joyce Williams, AARP State President for sponsoring the Reception on Tuesday night. This gave us an opportunity to visit with old friends and make new ones.
The Door Prize Patrol, Rose Ann Burgess, and Judy McConville did an amazing job collecting prizes from units and districts. Thank you for your dedication to a successful Spring Delegate Assembly. These ladies are again asking units and districts to donate items from their region for the Fall Conference.
The number of banners on display was impressive, and thanks to the Marketplace participants.
Teacher Appreciation Week was officially celebrated May 8-12. I hope that time was spent recognizing the value of retired teachers as well as those still on the job. VRTA donates to VA News and sponsored the May 8 edition.
Make plans to attend the VRTA Fall Conference on September 26-27, 2023, and the Spring Delegate Assembly on April 16-17, 2024. The deadline for submitting information for the VRTA Fall Newsletter is Friday, August 11, 2023.
Jean Marrow
VRTA President
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