The FCRTA began its 35th year as an organization with a meeting that was held on Sept. 16, in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church on Robinson Avenue in Conway. Carl J. Barger presiding during the 2008-09 term follows a legacy which began in 1973 with Dr. Dean W. Blackburn who helped found the local unit and became its first president. Before retiring Dr. Blackburn served as head of the Department of Economics, Sociology and Business at the University of Central Arkansas.

Barger, who was a school superintendent for many years before retiring, called the meeting to order and welcomed the membership. The first order of business was the introduction of this year's officers. President-Elect Sharon Rapp, First Vice President Kathryn Starr, Second Vice President Linda Fullerton, Secretary Julia Fraser, Treasurer Sandra Bradberry, Historian Charlotte Bell, and Reporter and Parliamentarian Nancy Mitchell were asked to stand to be recognized. Denver Prince was also given recognition for his continued efforts in donating his photography skills in the form of pictures, which are used for the unit's historical record and news releases.

Steve Singleton, the executive director of the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association, who resides in Conway, spoke to the group about the advantages of being a member of the state organization which has membership of 10,800 retired teachers and administrators. He reminded the audience of the insurance benefits provided to members, the legislative issues that ARTA brings before the state legislature on behalf of all of the state's retired teachers, and travel opportunities that are being planned for 2009 and 2010. Anyone interested in gathering additional information concerning the excursions are to contact Sharon Johnson at the ARTA office by calling 501-375-2958 or 1-888-929-0955.

Rapp, Bill Larsen and Foy Lisenby were honored for being part of the team that represented the FCRTA at the Faulkner County Literacy Council's Fourth Annual "Bee" for Literacy which took place on June 26th. The team won by successfully spelling the word Schadenfreude and winsome. The three posed for a picture which will be placed in the organization's historical book.

New members who were present were introduced. They were Bonnie Peck who taught in Nashville, Ark. and Carolyn Pittman who is retired from the Arkansas Department of Education.

Secretary Julia Fraser read the minutes of the May 6th unit meeting and the May 15th board planning meeting. The minutes were approved as read. Fraser also read cards received over the summer from family members who thanked the organization for the memorials sent to ARTA on their behalf of deceased FCRTA members. These include Raymond Bright, Doris Morse, Jerry Rose, Jane Neff and Charles McGibbony.

Elizabeth Rose Black introduced member Dr. Florence Phipps who presented a program entitled, "Basic Dog Obedience." Dr. Phipps earned a BSE and MSE from Arkansas State University in Jonesborro. She earned a PhD from Texas A&M where she had a graduate assistantship. During her teaching career, she taught two years at Searcy Junior High, one year at Grapevine High school and was a physical education and math teacher at Hall High School in the Little Rock School District for 32 years before retiring in 1998.

For the past twenty years, she has been a volunteer instructor for the Little Rock Dog Training Club. She has had several pet dogs that have been in competitive shows and received titles. At the FCRTA meeting, she had her pet Papillon dog, Rocket. He is being trained for competition.

Dr. Phipps explained the necessity of dog training and the importance of teaching the animal to be a good citizen and family member. She said that there were five basic skills that every dog needs. Foundational is learning how to sit and stay. The number one problem that most people encounter with dogs is jumping on guests. She demonstrated several techniques which are used in dog obedience classes and informed the membership about classes that are available to the public through the Little Rock Dog Training Club.

President-Elect Sharon Rapp introduced and thanked the September Host/Hostess Committee for providing refreshments for the membership. Members were Paulette Herring, Elizabeth Rose Black, Ann Broach, Norma Crass, Dottie Patterson, Florence Phipps, JoAnn Ratliff, and Edna Ruth Rives. The committee decorated the table in a "Back to School" theme.

Community Service Chair Jean Bell reported that there was a total of 1036 service hours for the months of June, July, and August and Attendance Reporter Elizabeth Rose Black reported sixty-one members were present.

Nancy Mitchell told the group about the Bookcase Literacy Banquet which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 16 at 6:30 PM at the Bob Courtway Middle School Cafeteria. Cost of banquet is set at $15.95 per person which will include a copy of Jim Davidson's book, a family style dinner, and entertainment by Jason Rapert and his Living Grace Bluegrass Gospel Band. Tim Trawick, Arkansas State Champion Fiddle Player, is scheduled to make a special appearance. Everyone who attends are asked to bring "gently used" children's books which will be given to local Head Start children along with a bookcase which will be given at a special awards ceremony in the spring.

The meeting was adjourned for a time of refreshments and fellowship.

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