WACO-MCLENNAN COUNTY RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
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Waco-McLennan County
Retired Teachers Association
May 2020
From the President
-- Gary Bender
WMRTA met last week for a test meeting using a videoconference tool
called Zoom to determine how we could move forward with planning for
2020-2021. Brad Franchione with AMBA set up and hosted the
meeting for us on Zoom and it was quite successful. We then
scheduled to meet the following week for our regularly scheduled
Board Meeting, May 5th. The information reviewed included the state
TRTA guidance to renew our efforts for membership. Walter Drake
reported that our current local membership renewal is 54. The state
membership grew to 97,000 before renewal began on March 1st. You
can find the membership renewal form by clicking here or on the
WMRTA web site and you can contact Walter for assistance.
Planning for the coming year revolved around a discussion about our fall luncheon. With our
current health concerns in the community,
we are working to set a tentative date and
agenda for the luncheon. Information will be
shared upon confirmation of date and
speaker. Next, we discussed the member
directory and what that may look like with
our business ad sponsors. At this time, we
will delay approaching ad sponsors until we
have firmed up our direction for the
directory.
We introduced new Board Members and
Committee Chairs at this meeting. We are
excited to welcome the following:
Merrikay Shade - Recording Secretary
Charlotte Carpenter - Foundation
Elaine Spence - Community Volunteer
Services
Patricia Stewart – Legislative
Susan Cavazos – Telephone Committee
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I am thankful for the service of these new officers and look forward to a new and different kind
of year. I would like to say Thank You to Barbara Rountree, Hazel Robinson, Dana McMahon
and Elaine Spence for their service in these positions during this last year. We will look for
you at the onset of our new year. A special Thank You to Sandra Hansen for coordinating
and producing the WMRTA Newsletter. Our June planning meeting for Board Members and
Committee Chairs is tentatively scheduled for June 16, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. by Zoom.
Enjoy your summer and stay safe!
Spotlight
WMRTA and TRTA Membership News – JOIN NOW!
--Walter Drake, Membership Chair!
Your Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) achieved its
highest membership ever in 2019, reaching 98,111 members. Our
goal for the 2020 – 2021 year is 100,000 and Beyond. Last year,
TRTA local units gave out 318 scholarships and grants for a total
monetary value of $254,964. The Student to Student Book Program
and the Children’s Book Project distributed 167,868 books to students
in Texas schools.
Our local Waco McLennan County Retired Teachers Association
(WMRTA) gave two $1,000 scholarships to high school students of
McLennan County in 2019-20. We have provided the schools of our
county with free books through our local Children’s Book Program. Your membership dues
help TRTA and WMRTA accomplish all of these goals. With the 2020-21 school year
including a legislative session, your membership will add your voice to topics that concern
retired teachers across the state. There is strength in numbers! Please send your
membership forms in SOON! Click this link for the 2020-2021 MEMBERSHIP FORM. If you
have trouble printing the form, email our membership chairman, Walter Drake, at
wdrake@grandecom.net or call 776-5960 – We will get a copy to you. JOIN NOW!
Important Links:
• WMRTA Email Address –wmrta.local@gmail.com
• WMRTA Webpage - https://localunits.org/waco/
• WMRTA Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/wmrta500
• TRTA Inside Line - TRTA Inside Line
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Informative & Protective Services
--Merrikay Shade, I&PS Chair
How to Support Older People During the Pandemic
People aged 60 and over are at the highest risk of experiencing
significant health complications due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But
the keys to preventing the spread of the coronavirus—quarantine and
self-isolation—also have negative health impacts for their physical
and mental health.
“Being socially isolated creates a health risk equivalent to smoking 15
cigarettes a day,” says Rebecca Jackson Stoeckle, who directs the
Education Development Council’s initiatives in health, technology, and aging. She adds that
the pandemic will also cause interruptions in how many older adults access their health care
needs. For example, “If you are an older adult who routinely goes to the local senior center to
get your blood pressure checked, and that center is now closed, how will you monitor your
health?” Stoeckle asks.
As the world tries to adapt to the new social realities imposed by COVID-19, it is essential
that older adults continue to feel connected to loved ones, friends, and caregivers around
them. Here, Stoeckle offers three tips for making this happen.
1. Embrace technology
Stoeckle says that the fact that more and more older adults are embracing mobile phones,
social media, and online tools is a boon at a time when physical proximity to loved ones can
actually be harmful to older adults’ health. She encourages families to use technology tools to
stay in touch with each other.
Regular routines can be altered to include technology. For instance, families can use Skype
to enable an older relative to join them for dinner or read bedtime stories.
“I see this as an opportunity for bonding, especially if a grandchild offers to talk to their
grandparents through setting up a Skype account so they can see one another,” says
Stoeckle.
2. Use existing support networks to stay active
Many older adults already have structures that help support their physical and emotional
health and wellness—including faith communities, neighborhood or exercise groups, or even
weekly bridge games with friends. In a time of social distancing, these networks can help
older adults continue to feel connected, even if the events themselves are not happening.
Stoeckle recommends that loved ones check in with older adults about their support networks
and help them find ways to stay connected to these groups and routines. Some religious and
civic organizations may already have a plan in place for reaching out to older adults in their
community. If so, make sure that the older adults know that too, and help them connect with
whatever services may be available.
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Informal support networks may be harder to replicate, but it’s not impossible. For example,
there are plenty of fitness apps that can help older adults stay active, even if they are not
going to their weekly swim or Zumba class. And while card games may be harder to do
virtually, keeping the routine of getting together with friends—even if it is only over the phone
or Skype—is still valuable.
“The most important things are the human-to-human touch and helping people who live
alone,” says Stoeckle. “I think we all need to identify people in our building, in our
neighborhood, or in our life who may be vulnerable, and we have to make sure they are in
touch with someone on a regular basis.”
3. Connect, connect, connect
Finally, Stoeckle says that the most important way to support older adults during this time is
to connect however possible. Whether it’s a video chat, phone call, written letter, or even a
text, those messages are vital to fostering connectivity and community.
“In many independent living communities, many people have a phone buddy—someone they
talk to every day,” she says. “I’m hearing a lot of people say that they are going to start doing
that with their loved ones now.”
Stoeckle stresses that even simple connections can be powerful—and that phone calls and
text messages may be easier to continue for the long term anyway once the need for virtual
get-togethers fades away.
“In times like this, we feel the value of human connection even more powerfully,” Stoeckle
says.
--EDC
May Business Sponsors
Let our sponsors know we appreciate their support when using their services!
• FOX 44 KWKT-TV (254)776-3844
• Alzheimer’s Association (254)232-4446
• Advanced Carpet & Interiors (254)772-1717
• AMBA – Association Member Benefits Advisors (512)666-1273
• Before I Do – Kathy Thorman (254)723-3354
• The Gift Horse (254)752-2105
• Patrick’s Dry Cleaners Boot & Shoe Repair (254)772-9994
• NuTone Cleaners (254)772-7137
• GTR Vacations (254)732-2404
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Dessert Night at Stilwell Retirement Center
--Merrikay Shade
Chocolate—cake, brownies, cookies! Banana Pudding! Cookies of every flavor imaginable!
Cakes—square, round, bundt! Sweets to delight the eye and the appetite.
This was the scene at Stilwell Retirement Center one cold evening in January. Each year,
Waco McLennan County Retired Teachers Association prepares mouthwatering desserts for
both the first and second dinner seating for the residents at Stilwell. The table was festively
decorated by Dana McMahan. Servers from WMRTA appear to cut, plate, and serve these
delicious homemade goodies. Smaller treats are bagged and sent with residents for a
midnight snack or to sample the next day. Servers from WMRTA carry these tempting items
from table to table, take special requests, or, if so inclined, the residents can peruse the
dessert bar for themselves. “May we have seconds?” Is a request made often, and let’s us
know the night has been a hit. Desserts are brought in for the first serving; then new ones
arrive for the second serving. We don’t just tempt the residents, but we share with the ladies
who serve the meals daily.
The residents love this special event, but more than
dessert, they enjoy the interaction with the members of
WMRTA who work at this yearly event. New friends are
made, a few pounds are added, and everyone can’t wait
until the next Dessert Night at Stilwell.
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WMRTA 2019 Volunteerism
Hazel Robinson, Community Volunteer Service Chair
WMRTA members did it again: We found various ways to give
time to be of service to our families, friends, neighbors,
churches, sick and shut-in and our communities. We personified
the words of President John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your
country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country".
Collectively, seventy WMRTA members contributed a total of
39,859 volunteer hours to District 12's total of 303,358 volunteer
hours for a state total of 6,140,139 volunteer hours. Those
39,859 volunteer hours are comparable to $1,013,614.37 at
$25.43 per hour. "Thank you" for your continuous support of
WMRTA Community Volunteer Service. All of our volunteer
efforts are greatly appreciated.
As we move forward in 2020 our volunteer efforts are currently
impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic that has restricted
our volunteering pursuits. My sincerest hope is that we are Hazel Robinson encouraged
taking care of ourselves/our families/our friends and finding ladies at Westside Church of
ways to be of service in our communities. Christ, Mexia, Texas on 3/15/20.
Healthy Living Tips
--Liz Smiley, Healthy Living Chair
7 Tips for Alzheimer's Prevention
1. Eat clean. The best diet for your brain is the Mediterranean diet.
Lots of leafy greens, whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains
in moderation, lean protein, fatty fish and healthy fats. Limit or
eliminate sugar.
2. Exercise consistently. Exercise at least 3-4 times a week for a
minimum of 150 minutes total.
3. Aim for 7.5 hours of sleep. Quality sleep helps your brain clean
out damaging plaques.
4. Socialize regularly. Maintaining relationships and social connections helps stimulate
your brain.
5. Listen to or play music. Listening is good but playing music or singing has many brain
benefits.
6. Challenge your brain. Use your mind often. Learning something new stimulates your
brain.
7. Cut back on alcohol. Women should drink no more than 4-7 servings per week. Men
should drink no more than 7-10 servings per week.
Joke
Question: What’s the best way to make a small fortune in the stock market?
Answer: Start out with a big one.
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WMRTA Scholarships Awarded
Rhonda Trest, Scholarship Chair
The WMRTA Scholarship Committee consisted of Rhonda Trest (Chair) and Lynn Allen,
Debbie Piscacek, and Merrikay Shade. This year’s meetings were very different as we
socially distanced and reviewed applications from our homes. We had a Facetime conference
call to choose the final two recipients. Learning to navigate Zoom and Facetime meetings has
been challenging but fun!
This year’s recipients of a $1,000 scholarship each were Peyton Elmore from Crawford High
School and Daniel Tiedemann from China Spring High School. We had fourteen total
applicants this year – a lower number than usual – most likely because students were not in
school and not being reminded quite as often about available scholarships. Our candidates
were all spectacular this year so deciding was difficult.
Peyton Elmore stood out for many reasons but primarily because her letters of
recommendation were outstanding, and she took the time to submit extra information not
necessarily required but certainly appreciated.
Our two applications this year from China Spring were twins! Daniel Tiedemann stood out
because of his detailed application, his volunteer work, and the time he took to include
additional information which the committee found very useful.
We won’t be able to award these scholarships this year in person as is our custom. This is a
huge disappointment because nothing is more rewarding than to see the smiles on these
young people’s faces when they are rewarded for their hard work in high school. I know
Daniel and Peyton will be very happy nonetheless!
New Legislative Chair Message
Patricia (Pat) Stewart
With our efforts to remain in place, I am given time to reflect on many meaningful parts of my
80 years. One such has been my blessing to have become a retired public school teacher in
Texas. I am so very grateful to receive a monthly annuity on which I can depend until my
passing. Our state Representatives meet every two years in Austin and the topic at the top of
their discussion list seems always to be about us and our group of retired teachers. During
this time of my recall, these outstanding Reps have provided for me a couple of CPI (catch-
up increases) to my monthly checks. They have also provided me with what they named a
“13th check” thus far on three different occasions. What magnificent leadership we have with
Tim Lee at the helm, guiding our efforts along with our TRTA officers! In the months ahead I,
as new local Legislative Committee Chair, hope to bring you full reports and good news about
the 2021 TRTA priorities. If you want to thank our District 56 House Representative, Charles
'Doc' Anderson, you might drop a note to him at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768 or locally
at 900 Austin Avenue, Suite 804, Waco, TX 76703.
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Reminder: Mark your calendars for the next WMRTA meeting!
Luncheon
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 11:00 a.m.
Location: Region 12 Education Service Center
Speaker: Tim Lee, Executive Director, TRTA
Honoring New School Retirees and Special Guests
Lunch catered by TCP
Cost: $12.00
*Reservations are required for the meal.
Memories
--Merrikay Shade, Inspiration
A couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup,
the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things
down to help them remember.
Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. “Want anything while
I'm in the kitchen?” he asks.
“Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?”
“Sure.”
“Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?” she asks.
“No, I can remember it.”
“Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so's not to
forget it?”
He says, “I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.”
“I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down.” she says.
Irritated, he says, “I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with
strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!”
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Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, the old man returns from the kitchen
and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plate for a moment.
“Where's my toast?”
Nothing enhances the good old days more than a poor memory.
--Sunny Skyz Blog
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