1955 Mrs. Billie Hefner, acting president ofWCRTA, conducted the business
meeting. Mr. John Zentmyer was elected President of the
newly organized association.
The group endorsed the state-wide pension bill that would provide not
less that $1250 per annum for any retired teacher who had rendered 25
years of credible service.
1957 Mr. Zentmyer, Legislative Chairman, discussed House Bill 128 which
was passed and provides for the teachers of Washington County an
allowance additional to that which was received from the state.
1963 The first banquet was held at Williamsport Methodist Church. Membership chairman reported 53 members.
Contact leaders were appointed for rural and urban areas to collect dues
from area retirees, visit them when ill, and urge attendance at regular
County meetings.
1964 For the first time in the history of WCRT A a strictly social event--a
Christmas Tea--was held at the Women's Club, at which place all future
meetings were to be held.
1966 "Travel Tour" chairmen were appointed-first suggested adventures to
be picnics held at interesting Washington County locations.
1968 Memberships grew to 182 members.
1969 Mr. William Diehl explained that "Over 50 Drivers Insurance" is now
available to Retired Teachers.
1972 Local and state dues raised to $2.00 each per year. The $4.00 to be paid
to local treasurers.
1973 WCRTA has been duly elected and accepted for affiliation with MRTA
and is therefore entitled to all honors, rights, and privileges pertaining
thereto.
1974 Any member reaching 90 years of age will have local and state dues paid
by the local unit.
1975 Constitution Revision -- Article IX -- All officers shall be elected at the
Bi-Annual Spring Meeting (Changed from Annual Spring Meeting).
1975 "We Love the U.S.A" was adopted as the state Bicentennial Song.
1975 Income Tax Training Sessions for Retired Teachers who will act
as Tax Aide Coordinators for 1975-76 will be held at the Board of
Education Center, T. Wilson Cahall, chairman.
1979 Mrs. Esther Corderman, pen name Lily Barr, is author of book "For a
Dream Cometh" published by Ashley Book Company.
1979 "Report Card" - a new publication appeared on the local education
scene. This newsletter, to be received four times a year at regular
intervals, will convey to WCRTA members interesting and informative
news of the Association. Editor: Robert Lesher.
1979 The Report Card contained a chart listing area Nursing Homes, addresses, telephone numbers, name of Administrator, and rates charged.
1980 352 Retired Teachers now belong to WCRTA
1980 Dues for the county and state are raised to $3.00 each to be paid
to the local membership Chairman.
1980 National Annual Dues are $4.00, to be mailed directly to
national R.T.A
1980 WCRT's voted to make provisions in the Constitution for an Assistant
Treasurer.
1980 The new Maryland Pension System went into effect for persons hired
after January, 1980.
1980 Elizabeth C. Clopper becomes editor of the Report Card.
1980 The Historical Research Committee, Louise Hewitt, chairman, applied
for a grant from the Maryland Historical Society. The reply stated that
the project was a worthy one, but could not be funded at this time.
1981 The Historical Research Committee again applied for a grant. $250.00
was given from the state and $350.00 approved by WCRTA
1981 The Telephone Committee was organized to inform members of
legislative, social, etc., affairs.
1984 The Executive Committee voted to make the Ethel Foltz Fund ($1580'(XJ)
available to Crime Prevention for the solving of any crime against the
elderly.
1985 Twenty dollars to be presented to the Scholarship Fund in honor of
deceased retired members.
1985 The Association has awarded a scholarship grant of $500.00 for the first
time in its history. The fund to be awarded to a deserving applicant from
Washington County who expects to enter the educational field.
1985 Louise Hewitt made her first presentation of slides of our counties old
school buildings.
1987 WCRTA's dues increased to $5.00 per year.
1988 A donation of $600.00 was given to Alzheimers and related disorders.
1988 Ruth B. Busch and Catherine H. Schnebly were inducted into the
Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.
1989 Former WCRTA President, now MRTA President Elect Elsie Horst, is
making plans for the Annual MRTA Convention which will be held in
Ocean City, Maryland. The Convention Chairman, Downs Hewitt, is
working very diligently with Elsie.
1988-89 WCRT proudly announces that Elsie Horst has been elected to the
office of President of the Maryland RTA
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