The DeWitt County Retired School Personnel met Oct. 21 at the Cuero Municipal Library.
President Sandra Tate called the meeting to order. Secretary Joyce Ann Warwas presented the minutes, which were approved, and Treasurer Judy Faulkner presented the financial report, which was also approved. Judy reported that the in-house silent auction netted $480. The auction is an effort to keep the scholarship funded, and the scholarship has been funded for the 2025-26 year. She also stated that TRTA dues would increase in 2027 after not being raised for 13 years.
Members were reminded that there are 97,000 members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association statewide. The best way to manage retirement is through membership in this organization. DWCRSP is a branch of TRTA.
Librarian Katelyn Meitzen spoke to the group about various library services. She noted that libraries have lost significant state and local funding, but the Cuero library works with local organizations to meet community needs. The library accepts books and media that are in good shape. Some donations are sold to the public.
Linda Hemphil, health chairperson, reminded members to get their mammograms. This is breast cancer awareness month. She also reminded members that rather than a gift exchange, members are asked to bring items for rest home residents. She provided a list of needed items as well as a list of craft items the activity director at a rest home could use.
Another service project of DCRSPA is to collect new or gently used books for Deputy Santa to distribute during the Christmas season. This year the group collected 347 books with a few more to be added.
The next meeting will be held at the Church of Christ Activity Hall at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 2. A slate of officers for 2026-2028 will be chosen. Members should bring an ornament to exchange and a snack to be enjoyed by all. Also, members should bring their gifts for the rest homes.
Any retired person who is part of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, regardless of where the service was rendered, is eligible to belong to the DeWitt County Retired School Personnel. Meetings are regularly held the third Tuesday of each month at 2 PM at the Cuero ISD Administration Building. For more information, call President Sandra Tate at 361-275-4370.
