Our Retired Teachers, a Community Treasure!

We all fondly remember our best teachers, whose early influence in shaping our lives has helped to make us what we are today. Even today, some of the best teachers from my school days more than a few years ago continue to have a dramatic impact upon our community and its youth.

Today, I commend the members of the Patrick County Retired Teachers Association (PCRTA) for the excellent work that they continue to do, so well, in fact, that it has earned them a prestigious national award for the third time. PCRTA President Phyllis Eastridge and Treasurer of the PCRTA Ethel Frazier recently attended the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA):AARP Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The Patrick County Retired Teachers Association was presented with the NRTA's "With Our Youth!" Excellence Award as the outstanding local unit in the entire nation for its work with young people. What is even more remarkable is that the local association has won this this award two times previously.

"Patrick County Retired Teachers Association volunteers are model citizens. They show the world how educators keep giving long after leaving the classroom. Multiple generations benefit and go on to contribute thanks to the dedication of these volunteers," said an NRTA spokesperson.

Retired teachers in Patrick County this year, as in years past, found hundreds of ways to celebrate the special talents of nearly 3,300 youth in our community. Members assisted in the classroom and helped students with their homework and class projects, including science and book fairs. They retired teachers connected with youth through church activities, after-school enrichment programs and day camps. In addition to their local efforts, association members sent school supplies to children in Tanzania. These volunteers also headed local programs for cancer research organizations and those which provide assistance with children's medical expenses.

The PCRTA also helps youth develop marketable skills in the business and learning communities including money management through the "Reality Store" progam and public speaking. The group also awards a scholarship each year to a graduating senior who is planning a career in education.

During the PCRTA's appreciation banquet Friday night (9/26/08) at the Patrick County Community Center, 42 of the association's 66 members were presented certificates recognizing their outstanding service to people of the community. In addition, 28 of the local unit's members were recognized for their work with youth which won the association its 3rd national award.

The statistics are impressive indeed! From July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008, 42 Patrick County Retired Teachers Association members logged a total of 10,282 hours of service to the community. The most active member was Ella Sue Joyce with 654 hours of service. Associaiton members also donated an additional 1,470 hours during the same one year period serving our youth in various ways. A total of 3,298 youth were served by association members during those hours.

Ms. Joyce said she really enjoys keeping busy and serving others in her retirement. "If you have something you want to do, do it before you retire, because you won't have time afterward," she advised prospective retirees. Ms. Joyce said an uncle one responded to a question about his retirement activities by saying "I'm doing what I please." Ms. Joyce said she thinks that's good for retired people adding that members of the local retired teachers association are doing what they please and serving the community at the same time.

I commend the members of the Patrick County Retired Teachers Associaton, some of whom taught me all those years ago, for their outstanding work in the community and urge you to express your appreciation to them.

Until next time, I leave you with my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great day"!

Listen for "The Great Day in the Morning Show" weekdays from 6-10 a.m. on 1270 AM-WHEO, "the Heart of Patrick County".

Richard