2022 Region 13 Meeting

Members of LCARSP attended the MRTA Region 13 meeting October 25 at the Wright City Lions' Club. The Daniel Boone Area Retired Teachers (D-BART) of Warren County served as hosts. Unit President and Region 13 Vice President Sherry Brandes led the meeting.

Attendees enjoyed a "Retirement is Paradise With MRTA" theme with a luau-style luncheon. Reports were given from the Region's Committee Chairs included Membership, Legislative, Informative and Protective Services, Community Service and Retirement Education. Each county unit in Region 13 shared their achievements during the year.

MRTA President Martha Schatz encouraged members to 'create a little magic' this year through MRTA by meeting and engaging with people, volunteering with a purpose and supporting our active educators. She reminded us we have a great pension and a dedicated lobbyist who works hard to protect that pension. MRTA is 30,000 members strong and we have clout! Missouri legislators know us and respect us.

LCARSP's own Margaret Smith gave the MRTF (Foundation) report sharing MRTF awarded $73,000 in Classroom and PEERS grants all over Missouri this year. Applications for 2023 grants will be on the MRTA website in January and the deadline for applications will be June 30, 2023.

MRTA Executive Director Maria Walden gave the report on the PSRS/PEERS Retirement System as well as her own report on MRTA. She encouraged everyone to:

1) Take the time to thank a teacher who is currently working

2) Stay informed and engaged to help gain membership

3) Brainstorm ways to restore respect for teachers

4) Learn to use "Call to Action" where you can receive all of our Legislative Updates sent straight to your phone and then can email your legislators quickly and simply.

Mrs. Walden also shared the happy news that we will be getting a 5% COLA increase this year!

After a Time of Remembrance for Those We Have Lost, lunch was served.

Pictured L-R: Pike County President Michelle Larson, St. Charles President Barb Prideaux, Lincoln County President Clarissa Sydnor and Warren County President Sherry Brandes each read the names of those who passed this past year.

Entertainment was provided by the Wright City Ukulele Band from Wright City Middle School. This is a very special treat!

The day ended with a report from our AMBA representatives who shared a few of the benefits MRTA members are entitled. Several raffle winners were announced, including our own Terry Elia winning a "Rake In the Winnings" basket complete with yard rake and lottery cards!

LCARSP

The next Region 13 meeting will be October 24, 2023 hosted by St. Charles County Unit.

LCARSP Members Tour New Ranken Technical College West Campus

About 20 members of LCARSP toured the new West Campus of Ranken near Moscow Mills, Missouri October 13. Admissions Counselor Leah Story gave a very informative and inspiring tour of this outstanding facility! She shared the education programs at this particular location include carpentry and building construction technology, advanced precision machining and agricultural engineering technology (horticulture - hydroponics). LCARSP members were impressed at the available 'hands-on' opportunities afforded students and that the skills these students are receiving are so practical and high-tech.

Classes at the facility are a combination of hands-on technical training and general education, with many of the general education courses being offered in an online format. Courses are offered in both day and evening, with both degree and certificate options available. The education programs are available to anyone interested in learning one of these trades and there is no waiting list.

If one would like to find out more about the great education opportunities at Ranken, contact them at (855) RANKENW or via email at troyadmissions@ranken.edu