RETIRED TEACHERS MEET — Kristy Kelly, energy resource specialist with Volunteer Energy Cooperative, was the guest speaker at the August meeting of the Bradley Cleveland Retired Teachers Association. From left are Virginia Orr, secretary of the local RTA; Kelly; and Carolyn Ernest, vice president of the local group.
Carolyn Goins opened the program with the devotion.
After the luncheon, Carolyn Ernest introduced Kristy Kelly, energy resource specialist with the Volunteer Energy Cooperative.
Kelly spoke with the group about methods to make homes more energy efficient. In doing this, the consumer not only reduces his energy usage bill but also helps the Tennessee Valley Authority conserve energy which in turn can be used for other projects.
Kelly informed the group the local energy cooperatives will conduct a free walk-through energy audit of you home.
If customer utilizes the suggestions made at completion of the audit and employs TVA approved contractors, they will receive a monetary rebate as well as a reduced energy bill.
Among the numerous educational handouts, was a “do-it-yourself energy audit” kit from the TVA. After completing the home survey and mailing to TVA for processing, the TVA will notify the person the results of the evaluation.
Kelly concluded her program with a question-and-answer session.
After the program, Hilliard introduced Renee Lastra, co-chairman of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services’ “Journey Stories” exhibit at the Cleveland Public Library.
Lastra explained the need for docents (guides) during the time the exhibit is in Cleveland and encouraged the retired teachers to help fulfill these positions.
Hilliard welcomed Cindy Draper, Ann Draper, Phyllis Brown, Linda Smith, Katy Torrence, Mary Charles Blair, Jane Ross, Janice Suits, Mary Swearingen and Betty Miles as first-time guests and new members.
During the business portion of the meeting, Virginia Orr, secretary, read the minutes of the last meeting.
Harold Reno, treasurer, gave the treasurer’s report and announced that the scholarship fund has increased because of the $500 grant from the Volunteer Energy Cooperative.
Gerald Lillard, immediate past president of Tennessee Retired Teachers Association and currently serving on the Executive Board of TRTA, reported to the group that the Tennessee Retired Teachers Association has requested to meet with gubernatorial candidates Bill Haslam and Mike McWherter concerning the retirement system.
Information was given to the group pertaining to the Defined Benefits and the Defined Contributions system.
Lillard supplied a handout containing a chart explaining the differences in the two. TRTA currently uses the Defined Benefit system.
Changing to the Defined Contribution system could possibly influence the future of the retirement system.
Lillard again stressed the importance of all retired teachers becoming a member of their local association in order to have a voice in Nashville and protecting their future.
Lois Glass asked all to remember the family of Eradell Bateman and the contribution she made to education, and Alice Roberts in the loss of her husband.
The next scheduled meeting is Oct. 12 at Westwood Baptist Church at 11:30 a.m.
The local association meets bi-monthly and membership is open to any retired teacher.
