OTTAWA – The LaSalle County Retired Teachers Association held their spring general meeting on April 22 at Festivities Unlimited in Ottawa.

Members were informed about various updates including the Little Free Library, goals met this year, new committees and other items.

There is currently an opening for the position of Recording Secretary.

Chris Dvorak, Regional Superintendent of Schools, updated members on current changes of interest to retired educators.

Matthew Winchester, Assistant Regional Superintendent, then spoke about the teacher shortage in Illinois.

Krissy Darm, ROE Director of Professional Development, told members about the County Institute on Oct. 11.

John Flaherty, IRTA Vice-President informed members of IRTA concerns and introduced Doug Strand.

Doug Strand, IRTA endorsed candidate for the TRS position, reviewed his credentials and urged members to vote in the TRS election which ended on May 1.

IRTA Region 7 Director Navana Ahrends brought members up-to-date on Region 7 activities including the June 18 IRTA Area 1 Conference at IVCC, Constant Contact and Voter Voice.

After a short break LSCRTA Vice-President Alice Joop introduced Rich Frankenfeld.

Rich Frankenfeld, TRS Director of Outreach, then informed members about what’s happening with the TRS pensions and other valuable information of interest to members.