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October 2024
A Message from YOUR VRTA President, Karen Whetzel -
Moving Forward Together!
The 2024 VRTA Fall Conference offered opportunities for learning, growing, meeting new people, and connecting with friends. If you didn’t get to attend, some of the information will be posted on vrta.us. Here are some highlights of the 2024 Fall Conference:
The VRTA Board of Directors met; thanks to all board members who came! A question was asked about why committee reports are given at both the Board of Directors meeting and the General Business Session. The answer is that not all attendees attend the Board of Directors meeting, only those eligible to vote. Everyone needs the information!
The dynamic lunch speaker on Monday was Jared Calfee, who leads AARP Virginia’s state advocacy and financial security programming, and spoke on social security and caregiving.
Breakout Sessions on Monday afternoon, led by Janet Dye (Toolkit for Leaders), Ben McCartney (Election), Nina McClanahan (Keeping Units and Districts Active), and Weldon Martin (Treasurer’s and Financial Workshop) were well done! Thanks!
Jim DuBrueler, Agent of Record for VRTA, spoke on Monday afternoon, focusing on the open enrollment period for Medicare Rx plans as well as other VRTA benefits! The Legislative Session on Monday afternoon featured David Bailey and Chris Bailey, speaking about polls.
The VRTA/AARP after dinner reception on Monday evening was well attended. Participants networked, enjoyed great food, and learned more about AARP Speakers’ Bureau from AARP VA President Joyce Williams. More information will be coming, as VRTA and AARP work together for advocacy all over Virginia.
The Virginia Retirement System (VRS) presentation on Tuesday by Director Trish Bishop and staff informed retirees about the state of the VRS. Many attendees asked good questions.
The Tuesday Business Session was followed by a memorial service for VRTA members who passed away since last October, conducted by President Elect Drucilla Pollard.
New directories were given out by Leigh McKay, Directory Chairperson. Thanks to Leigh for her hard work on the directory. If anyone has corrections or additions, contact Leigh (clo49lm@gmail.com). The directory will be posted online in a members’ only section soon; contact me for the password!
Several individuals reported being told by the hotel before the deadline that the group rate was not available. I was able to get the rate for anyone who contacted me. If you did not contact me, and were told the rooms were sold out, let me know as we are being charged for several rooms not sold. It is important for the 2025 Spring Delegate Assembly to book your room using the online link provided or talking to the Doubletree Midlothian directly at 804-379-3800 (do not use Hilton booking number or a third party booking agency.)
As your VRTA President, I thank everyone who helped plan the 2024 VRTA Fall Conference, all who made presentations, and all who attended! Your Executive Committee will be reviewing the evaluation forms and working together as we plan for the 2025 Spring Delegate Assembly.
Contact me at kswhetzel@gmail.com, 540-740-8589, or Facebook (VRTA President Karen Whetzel.) Please invite me to events both in-person and virtually; I will come to as many as possible. As always, let me know your ideas for “Moving Forward Together” in Virginia Retired Teachers Association (VRTA)!
Our vision: All retired school personnel will be safe, productive, informed and financially secure in retirement.
Our mission: to be the voice, resource, and connection for all retired school personnel.
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