Coryell retired teachers held Sept. 22 meeting

The first meeting of CRSP (Coryell Retired School Personnel) was held on Thurs., Sept. 22, at Eastwood Baptist Church. The social period began around 5:30 p.m. so members could catch up on summer activities, pay dues and pick up a yearbook for 2022-2023. The theme of the meeting was “Cruising Back.”

Guest speaker Dr. Barrett Pollard addressed the group of retirees before the planned “potluck dinner” so he could leave early and attend the Thursday night homecoming bonfire. He delivered a short message on the opening of schools this year. He indicated that students do not seem to be fearful about safety issues and returning to school this fall. Security measures have been addressed this summer (such as keeping classroom doors locked during class), and he reported that GISD now has its own police department with an officer on each campus. School activities are starting off in great shape with students excelling in football, volleyball, cross country, tennis, choir, and band to name only a few. This kind of success fosters teamwork and builds spirit among students. Enrollment is up this year, and necessary teachers are in place and subs are available. It seems that GISD is off to a good start. 

Following Dr. Pollard’s presentation, a “potluck” dinner was followed by a short business meeting. 

First item on the agenda was introduction of officers. These included Gail Johnson, President; JoAnn Sugg, Immediate Past President; Gayla Linton, First Vice President; Marsha Lee, Second Vice-President; Kathy Smith, Secretary; and Anne Byrom, Treasurer. Committee Chairmen included Debbie Grmela, Volunteer Services; Frances Wise, Health Care; Gerald Linton, Informative/ Protective Services; Yvonne Dutschmann, Legislative; Stella Wiegreffe and Terri Phillips, Technology Contacts; Gayla Linton, Membership; Marsha Lee, Public Relations; Mary Bruton, Local Retirement; Sue Vernon, Local Benefits Representative; JoAnn Sugg, Foundation; Debbie Grmela and Kathy Smith, Yearbook; Betty Brown, Telephone; Velva Riddle, Scholarship; and Gayla Linton, Social Activities.

Programs planned for the coming year include the following: Gatesville Fire Department (Oct. 27); Dr. Rev. Buddy Wheat, “Count Your Blessings” plus Foundation Month (Nov. 17); Trip to Cleburne for lunch and a performance of “A Christmas Carol” (Dec. 3); “Silent Auction” to raise money for Scholarship Fund and speaker TBA (Jan. 26); “B-I-N-G-O for Books” to raise money for children’s books project (Feb. 23); M.J. Wofford, “The Love Story of Elizabeth Barrett Browning” (Mar. 23); Ride the bus for “Day at the Capital” (Apr. 12); and Becky Coward with “What’s New in 4-H?” (Apr. 27).

Johnson briefly thanked various members for passed offices held in CRSP: Ann Eubanks, Bill and Nancy Ashcraft, Frankie Stephens, and Mary Kafer. A tribute to members lost in the last year – Martha Ann Yows, Carol Smith and Sammie Skinner – was given by Gayla Linton. Members were reminded to pay their dues to Anne Byrom if they have not already done so. If interested in subscribing to “The Inside Line,” an email newsletter from Tim Lee, members were instructed to go to “trta.org” to sign up. Members may also look up the Coryell CRSP website, “rta.org/districts-and-local-units/Coryell-rta/” or they may go to Coryell Retired School Personnel on Facebook. Following these announcements, the meeting was adjourned, followed by giving away door prizes.