Phyllis Eastridge, past Virginia Retired Teachers Association (VRTA) president; Jean Gilley, local and district legislative chairperson; and Sue Bleckley, Patrick County Retired Teachers Association (PCRTA) member, attended VRTA Fall Conference at Midlothian October 2-4. During the awards’ session, the Patrick County RTA unit received Virginia’s Most Active Unit Award. The unit has received this distinguished award six times previously from National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) recognizing the unit as the outstanding unit nationwide.
Dara Dan, vice president for NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community, remarked “Those Patrick County volunteers symbolize the giving spirit of the NRTA With Our Youth Award. They have a steadfast passion to serve America’s youth who are in need of support from a caring adult.” In 2015-2016, 56 PCRTA members served 1,726 youth by providing five key ingredients: an ongoing relationship with caring adults, a healthy start in life, safe places to learn and grow, marketable skills upon graduation, and an opportunity for youth to serve in their community. In addition, these members volunteered a total of 5,065 hours of community service in the areas of health, church, organizations, education, and community. Through volunteer activities, Patrick County retired teachers reach out to both youth and the community. Phyllis Eastridge, PCRTA
