Maryland Retired School
Personnel Association

1945 - 2008

 Believe:  Members Make The Difference   

Community Service Awards - 2008

The winners of the 2008 MRSPA Community Service Awards were as follows:

The winner of the Individual Outstanding Award was Bertha Wilson, Talbot County.  Bertha has generously donated countless hours to many different groups, individuals, and organizations such as:  Upper Shore Aging, Inc., Regional Breast Center at Shore Healthy System, Talbot Hospice, and the Auxiliary at Easton Memorial Hospital.  She has worked tirelessly for almost 25 years towards the goal of annexing her West Glenwood Avenue community to the town of Easton.  Her work facilitated the success of this project, bringing town utilities, municipal services, sidewalks, streetlights and trees to her community.  She has, over the course of many years, tutored, advocated, wrote and mad speeches on behalf of the community, particularly the elderly.  She is active in her church, a member of the Maryland Senior Citizen's Hall of Fame, a winner of the Maryland You Are Beautiful Award, and most recently received a certificate from the Talbot County Council "Senior Celebration of Life - Outstanding Contributions to the Community."

Recognition awards were awarded to Beatrice Jane Fletcher, Calvert Retired School Personnel Association, Thomas R. Baine, Harford County Retired School Personnel Association and Viola Cutchember, Saint Mary's County Public School Retirees Association.  The Award of Excellence went to Max Muller, Anne Arundel Retired School Personnel Association.

The winner of the local Association Outstanding Award was Montgomery County.  The Toolkits, Books, and Backpacks Project was initiated by this association at the request of the county superintendent to help economically disadvantaged elementary school students who attend the Title 1 Extended Learning Opportunities Summer Adventures in Learning Program.  The Project had three components:  a lidded plastic box Toolkits with school supplied for summer school kindergartners for use at home and to support learning at school; new and gently used books to be distributed to students in grades one through 5 to add to or begin a home library; and backpacks of school supplies and books for each homeless child in the summer program.  Fifteen thousand dollars was raised by this association to support the 1,025 Toolkits and new books.  Well over 800 hours went into this winning project.

Recognition awards went to the following Associations:  Caroline Retired School Personnel, HEART (Association of Retired Howard County Public School Personnel), Kent County Retired School Personnel Association and Saint Mary's County Public School Personnel Association.  Awards of Excellence were given to the following Associations:  Anne Arundel Retired School Personnel Association and Prince George Public School Retirees Association. 

Sue Ann Tabler, Chair

Volunteer Opportunities

Minority Outreach Volunteers and Interns 

The primary duties of our Minority Outreach Volunteers and Interns are to educate the public about the preventions and early detection of kidney disease, and help increase the amount of community access and promotion that we provide.

Key responsibilities include:

Experience and Qualification Requirements:

Academic Background and Commitment Required:

Benefits:

For additional information contact:  Rhonda Watson, Director of Volunteer Initiatives Direct: 301-984-6654, Email: rwatson@kidneyfund.org  4/30

National Education Association

Get a head start on your vacation plans!  The National Education Association Convention is coming to Washington, DC, this summer.  Volunteers are needed to serve ovarious committees during the convention.  Volunteers receive $40.00 each day worked as well as lunch, snacks and breaks.  You will also be reimbursed for parking/bus/metro expenses.  Hours are approximately 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dates are June 30-July 6.  You need not work every day, however consecutive days are encouraged. 

Volunteers are needed for two different subcommittees:  the RA Telephone Network and The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education.  Volunteers will be trained.  You need not have been a member of the National Education Association to participate.  For further information contact LeeAnn Kaye at 301-598-5480.or lakayeneaconvention@comcast.net.

RA Telephone Network Subcommittee 

Over 10,000 NEA members from all over the country gather to conduct the business of the association.  Effective communication on the floor of the Representative Assembly (RA) is vital for the success of the workings of the RA.  Volunteers for this subcommittee are responsible for staffing and operating the microphone/telephone system used by delegates to communicate with the Presiding Officer and the Assembly in order to participate in the Association's business. (You do not need to speak on the microphones.) 

The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education

Volunteers will assist in the NEA Fund booth by collecting money from individuals wishing to make voluntary contributions to the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education. 3/8

Baby Boomer Volunteers Bring Great Knowledge to the Peace Corps! 

Are you looking for a different way to share your skills and experience and avoid traditional retirement all while living and working in a developing nation?  Peace Corps may be the answer.  Founded by President John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps was created to provide education and technical training to citizens of other countries and to foster cross‑cultural exchange.  Since 1961, over 190,000 Volunteers have served in 139 countries around the world.  Peace Corps is looking for experienced individuals to share their knowledge and skills in fields as varied as:  education, health, agriculture, the environment, community and youth development, business advising, construction and skilled trades, NGO development, and information technology. 

Volunteers in Peace Corps work with local governments, schools, youth, community members, health centers, local non-profits, and entrepreneurs to address changing and complex needs.  Volunteers have a unique experience living and working in a community and focus on connecting with locals by providing guidance and skill transfer, as well as cultural exchange.  Many older Volunteers find their age to be an asset while serving overseas. They have the unique opportunity of sharing a lifetime of work and wisdom with people of developing nations who respect and appreciate age. 

Peace Corps is a 27-month commitment and provides a living allowance,  full medical and dental care, transportation to and from the assigned country, as well as readjustment funds on completion of service.  Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and US citizens.  There is no upper age limit for Volunteers. 

Immerse yourself in a new culture and have the experience of a lifetime working with others.  For more information click here, or copy and paste the link below into your web browser. www.peacecorps.gov/minisite/50plus/?cid=rettchrs  3/29