The Boone-Newton County Retired Teachers and Support Staff met Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Western Sizzlin Restaurant in Harrison, Arkansas at 11:30 am. The meeting was called to order by President Lynn Holmes who welcomed members and guests. Charles Adair led the invocation, and Claude Whited led the pledge of allegiance.
Minutes which had been emailed to members and posted on Facebook were approved, and the treasurer's report was also approved. Currently there are 32 members in the organization. Amy Young shared information related to counting volunteer hours, and said the due date for reporting those hours is May 6, 2025. Jane Adair reported that the Boone & Newton Counties Retired Teachers and Support Staff Association scholarship application deadline has been extended to April 15, 2025. This scholarship to North Arkansas College is for a student pursuing a career in teaching. For information call 870-365-8065.
The ARTA state meeting begins at 10:00 at the Benton Convention Center on May 13, 2025. Dr. Brooks Blevins, who has authored several books and narrated at least one AR PBS documentary about Ozark life, will be the keynote speaker. He will address early education Arkansas. Registration is $30.00 if you register by April 25. After April 25 there is a $10 late registration fee. Registration forms were available at the meeting. Lynn asked that if one plans to attend the conference to please plan to stay for our Area planning meeting afterwards. The conference will be over about 2:00 pm.
Our ARTA Regional Area Conference will be October 2nd from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.
Discussion of the area conference included discussion of the First Christian Church as a place to meet. Jane said she would check with the church. Members were asked to think of places we might secure catering for the noon meal.
President Holmes suggested that we try to reach out to teachers and support staff planning to retire this year in each school district with a nice book mark and an information letter about our organization. School districts in Boone and Newton Counties were assigned, and Lynn needs the list of retirees by April 24th.
Nominations for 2025-2026 officers were: President—Lynn Holmes; Secretary—Amy Young; and Treasurer—Linda Mathis. Claude Whited volunteered to check with another member about the Vice President position.
President Holmes introduced former member Jim Works who presented an informational program about his and Brenda's trip to Utah last summer. His presentation was like a travelogue through Missouri, Nebraska, and Wyoming highlighting various historical and scenic areas they visited.
Upon reaching Utah, most of their time was spent in Zion and Bryce Canyons and in Salt Lake City. There were some stunning photographs of colors and rock formations taken in the canyons. The highlight of the trip for Jim, a former music educator, was the opportunity to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and orchestra as well as one of the largest pipe organs in the world being played. The group greatly appreciated the effort Jim and Brenda made to come back to Harrison to visit and share the highlights of their vacation.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned. The next meeting of BNCRTSS is May 6, 2025 at Western Sizzlin at 11:30 for our business meeting. Afterward, we will be having a tour of Baker Prairie led by Cheryl Satterfield. All retired teachers and school support staff are cordially invited to attend.
