Highlights Of The History Of WCREPA
2023 - One scholarship of $1,000 was given to a graduate of Williamsport High School $1,000.00
Members gave $2,075 to support children who have no beds to sleep on $2,075.00
"Sleep in Heavenly Peace" endeavor
2022 - One $2,000 scholarship was given to a junior level college student aspiring $2,000.00
to teach in Washington County MD.
Members' checks totaling $1,423.00 were donated to Meal on Wheels
This amount will provide 159 noon-time meals to shut-in senior citizens. $1,423.00
At the December Holiday Luncheon members contributed $3,000 for Holly Place -
a home for needy elderly people. The value was increased to $6,000 when it
was doubled by being matched by a local community group. $6,000.00
On May 6, 2022, members voted to raise WCREPA dues to $12.00 - beginning in 2023-2024.
2021- Many activities were eliminated.
Two $1,000 each scholarships to WCPS students who are aspiring to become teachers. $2,000.00
Members donated $2,423.00 to Holly place. A community matching grant doubled the value to $4,846.00
2020- The year of the COVID-19 Virus pandemic. All social activities were eliminated.
Six $1.000 each scholarships to WCPS students who are
aspiring to become teachers. $6,000.00
Since the first scholarship was given in 1985,
WCREPA has given $141,200 in scholarships to 118
different students.
Members checks totaling $2,055.00 were donated to Meals on Wheels.
This amount will provide 250 noon-time meals to shut-in senior citizens. $2,055.00
2019 - Six $1,000 each scholarships to WCPS students who are aspiring to become teachers $6,000.00
Members donated $950.00 to Meals on Wheels $950.00
Members donated $2120.00 to Holly place. A community matching grant doubled the value to $4,240.00
2018 ~ WCREPA made community donations as follows:
Members donated $1,472.00 to Holly Place, a home for needy elderly people. A community matching
grant doubled the value to $2,944.00.
Six $1,000 each scholarships to WCPS students who are
aspiring to become teachers $6,000.00
Members donated $1,350.00 to Brooke's House - a
facility for females recovering from drug addictions $1,350.00
The membership voted to increase the local dues from
$8.00 per year to $10.00 per year starting in 2019.
The dues remained at $8.00 for 14 years.
The cost of producing newsletters and a directory caused
the need to increase to $10.00.
Our member Ann Marie Downey was installed as the president of the Maryland Retired School Personnel
Association on May 8, 2018.
She is only our second member receiving that honor since WCREPA's founding 63 years ago.
Elsie Horst was the previous member who served in the position in 1988-89.
Twenty-two WCREPA members attended the annual MRSPA business meeting as delegates.
2017 ~ WCREPA made community donations as follows: $2,136.00
Participated in the Bowl for Kids tournament - April 23
Participated in the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Walk - April 22
Members donated $2,136.00 to Brooke's House -
a facility for females recovering from drug addictions
Six scholarships of $1,000.00 each to WCPS graduates $6,000.00
aspiring to be teachers
2016 ~ WCREPA made community donations as follows:
Seven scholarships of $600.00 each $4,200.00
Star Community for the disabled $910.00 Doey's Hospice House Building Fund $2,535.00
Donations to Doey's House to-date, 2014-2016, are
$8,230.
A plaque will be placed in a patient-room garden
patio recognizing WCREPA for our generosity.
Also several engraved paver stones acknowledging
WCREPA will be placed.
Meals on Wheels $1,284.00
Twenty-one members attended the MRSPA annual
meeting at Turf Valley Resort in May 2016.
2015 ~ WCREPA made community donations as follows: $6,000.00
Six scholarships of $1,000 each $625.00
MIHI Project Life Saver
Doey's Hospice House Building Fund $2,555.00
Holly Place $1,406.00
On May 1, members celebrated our 60th anniversary with
a luncheon and display of significant activities and
events during those 60
years. A free, glossy, 16 page booklet showcasing
members and events was given to each
member attending the luncheon. The booklet
contained the names of all scholarship recipients
from 1985 -- 101 different recipients totaling
$113,000 in scholarships.
Research and photography were conducted by Carolyn & Dale Seburn.
2014 ~ WCREPA made community donations as
Doey's Hospice House Building Fund $3,140.00
Six scholarships of $1,000 each $6,000.00
Doleman Black Heritage Museum approx $460.00
Holly Place $1,400.00
WCREPA renewed its website name for 5 more years -- to 2019
Total membership was 602 on April 1, 2014
2013 ~ WCREPA made community donations as follows:
Six scholarships of $1,000.00 each $6,000.00
Washington County Family Center $700.00
Holly Place $920.00
Korean War Veterans Memorial Fund $300.00
2012 ~ WCREPA launched its first web-page.
2011~ Dr. Peter Callas, Legislation Chairman, and previous President, was inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizen Hall of Fame.
2010 ~ Members visited the newly opened Barbara Ingram School for the Arts,
Washington County Family Center, and Washington County Rural Heritage Museum.
2009 ~ Phyllis McCleaf, Co-President, was inducted into the Maryland Senior
Citizen Hall of Fame.
Members visited 3 newly built schools – Rockland Woods, Maugansville, and Pangborn
2008 ~ Carolyn Seburn, Co-President of WCREPA, & Dale Seburn, Associate
member, were inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizen Hall of Fame and
were recipients of the prestigious GERI award.
2007 ~ WCREPA filed its first tax return and did so electronically.
Linda Hovis received the Maryland Retired School Personnel Association’s
Community Service Award.
WCREPA was approved as a 501(c)(7) organization and was granted
exemption from federal income taxes. It also became exempt from state
income taxes.
A Charter and a new Constitution and By-laws were adopted by WCREPA.
2005 ~ The estates of Emmett Lake and Nellie Lytton almost $200,000 were given to WCREPA as an endowment fund with income totaling to be used for
scholarships for needy students who graduate from Washington County Public Schools and plan to become teachers.
2000 ~ The name of the organization was changed to Washington County Retired
Educational Personnel Association and all retired Employees of the school
system were invited to join.
1999 ~ Downs Hewitt, former President, was inducted into the Maryland Senior
Citizen Hall of Fame.
Dr. William Brish, Superintendent of Washington County schools from
1953 – 1973 was honored by the group and received a standing ovation
1995 ~ A 40th year anniversary celebration was held at the Venice Inn.
1989 Ruth B. Busch and Catherine H. Schnebly were inducted into the
Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Geri award.
1988-89 ~ WCRTA proudly announces that Elsie Horst has been elected to the
office of President of the Maryland RTA
1989 ~ Former WCRTA President, now MRTA President Elect Elsie Horst, is
making plans for the Annual MRTA Convention which will be held in
Ocean City, Maryland. The Convention Chairman, Downs Hewitt, is
working very diligently with Elsie.
1988 ~ A donation of $600.00 was given to Alzheimer and related disorders.
1987 ~ WCRTA's dues increased to $5.00 per year.
1986 ~ WCRTA dues were $3.00 and MRTA dues were $5.00.
1985 ~ Louise Hewitt made her first presentation of slides of our county's old
school buildings.
The Association has awarded a scholarship grant of $500.00 for the first
time in its history. The fund to be awarded to a deserving applicant from
Washington County who expects to enter the educational field.
Twenty dollars to be presented to the Scholarship Fund in honor of
deceased retired members:
1984 ~ The Executive Committee voted to make the Ethel Foltz Fund ($1580)
available to Crime Prevention for the solving of any crime against the
elderly.
1982 ~ The membership was 418 and total assets were $4,453.
1981 ~ The Telephone Committee was organized to inform members of
legislative, social, etc., affairs
The Historical Research Committee again applied for a grant. $250.00 was
given from the state and $350 approved by WCRTA.
1980 ~ The Historical Research Committee, Louise Hewitt, chairman, applied for a
grant from the Maryland Historical Society. The reply stated that the
project was a worthy one, but could not be funded at this time.
Dues for the county and state are raised to $3.00 each to be paid to the local
Membership Chairman. National Annual dues are $4.00 to be
mailed directly to national RTA. 352 Retired Teachers now belong to
WCRTA.
1979 ~ "Report Card" - a new publication appeared on the local education
scene. This newsletter, to be received four times a year at regular
intervals, will convey to WCRTA members interesting and informative
news of the Association. Editor: Robert Lesher
Mrs. Esther Corderman, pen name Lily Barr, is author of book "For a
Dream Cometh" published by Ashley Book Company.
1975 ~ "We Love the U.S.A" was adopted as the state Bicentennial Song.
Income Tax Training Sessions for Retired Teachers who will act
as Tax Aide Coordinators for 1975-76 will be held at the Board of
Education Center, T. Wilson Cahall, chairman.
1975 ~ Constitution Revision -- Article IX -- All officers shall be elected at the
Bi-Annual Spring Meeting (Changed from Annual Spring Meeting).
1974 ~ Any member reaching 90 years of age will have local and state dues paid
by the local unit.
1973 ~ WCRTA has been duly elected and accepted for affiliation with MRTA
and is therefore entitled to all honors, rights, and privileges pertaining
there to.
1972 ~ Local and state dues raised to $2.00 each per year. The $4.00 to be paid
to local treasurers.
1969 ~ Mr. William Diehl explained that "Over 50 Drivers Insurance" is now
available to Retired Teachers
1968 ~ Memberships grew to 182 members.
1966 ~ "Travel Tour" chairmen were appointed-first suggested adventures to
be picnics held at interesting Washington County locations.
1964 ~ For the first time in the history of WCRTA a strictly social event--a
Christmas Tea--was held at the Women's Club, at which place all future
meetings were to be held.
1963 ~ The first banquet was held at Williamsport Methodist Church. Membership
chairman reported 53 members. Contact leaders were appointed for rural and
urban areas to collect dues from area retirees, visit them when they are ill and
urge attendance at regular County meetings.
1957 ~ Mr. Zentmyer, Legislative Chairman, discussed House Bill 128 which
was passed and provides for the teachers of Washington County an
allowance additional to that which was received from the state.
1955 ~ Mrs. Billie Hefner, acting president of WCRTA, conducted the business
meeting. Mr. John Zentmyer was elected President of the newly organized
association. The group endorsed the state-wide pension bill that would
provide not less that $1250 per annum for any retired teacher who had
rendered 25 years of credible service.
Six scholarships of $1,000.00 each $6,000.00
Washington County Family Center $700.00
Holly Place $920.00
Korean War Veterans Memorial Fund $300.00
2012 ~ WCREPA launched its first web-page.
2011~ Dr. Peter Callas, Legislation Chairman, and previous President, was inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizen Hall of Fame.
2010 ~ Members visited the newly opened Barbara Ingram School for the Arts,
Washington County Family Center, and Washington County Rural Heritage Museum.
2009 ~ Phyllis McCleaf, Co-President, was inducted into the Maryland Senior
Citizen Hall of Fame.
Members visited 3 newly built schools – Rockland Woods, Maugansville, and Pangborn
2008 ~ Carolyn Seburn, Co-President of WCREPA, & Dale Seburn, Associate
member, were inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizen Hall of Fame and
were recipients of the prestigious GERI award.
2007 ~ WCREPA filed its first tax return and did so electronically.
Linda Hovis received the Maryland Retired School Personnel Association’s
Community Service Award.
WCREPA was approved as a 501(c)(7) organization and was granted
exemption from federal income taxes. It also became exempt from state
income taxes.
A Charter and a new Constitution and By-laws were adopted by WCREPA.
2005 ~ The estates of Emmett Lake and Nellie Lytton almost $200,000 were given to WCREPA as an endowment fund with income totaling to be used for
scholarships for needy students who graduate from Washington County Public Schools and plan to become teachers.
2000 ~ The name of the organization was changed to Washington County Retired
Educational Personnel Association and all retired Employees of the school
system were invited to join.
1999 ~ Downs Hewitt, former President, was inducted into the Maryland Senior
Citizen Hall of Fame.
Dr. William Brish, Superintendent of Washington County schools from
1953 – 1973 was honored by the group and received a standing ovation
1995 ~ A 40th year anniversary celebration was held at the Venice Inn.
1989 Ruth B. Busch and Catherine H. Schnebly were inducted into the
Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Geri award.
1988-89 ~ WCRTA proudly announces that Elsie Horst has been elected to the
office of President of the Maryland RTA
1989 ~ Former WCRTA President, now MRTA President Elect Elsie Horst, is
making plans for the Annual MRTA Convention which will be held in
Ocean City, Maryland. The Convention Chairman, Downs Hewitt, is
working very diligently with Elsie.
1988 ~ A donation of $600.00 was given to Alzheimer and related disorders.
1987 ~ WCRTA's dues increased to $5.00 per year.
1986 ~ WCRTA dues were $3.00 and MRTA dues were $5.00.
1985 ~ Louise Hewitt made her first presentation of slides of our county's old
school buildings.
The Association has awarded a scholarship grant of $500.00 for the first
time in its history. The fund to be awarded to a deserving applicant from
Washington County who expects to enter the educational field.
Twenty dollars to be presented to the Scholarship Fund in honor of
deceased retired members:
1984 ~ The Executive Committee voted to make the Ethel Foltz Fund ($1580)
available to Crime Prevention for the solving of any crime against the
elderly.
1982 ~ The membership was 418 and total assets were $4,453.
1981 ~ The Telephone Committee was organized to inform members of
legislative, social, etc., affairs
The Historical Research Committee again applied for a grant. $250.00 was
given from the state and $350 approved by WCRTA.
1980 ~ The Historical Research Committee, Louise Hewitt, chairman, applied for a
grant from the Maryland Historical Society. The reply stated that the
project was a worthy one, but could not be funded at this time.
Dues for the county and state are raised to $3.00 each to be paid to the local
Membership Chairman. National Annual dues are $4.00 to be
mailed directly to national RTA. 352 Retired Teachers now belong to
WCRTA.
1979 ~ "Report Card" - a new publication appeared on the local education
scene. This newsletter, to be received four times a year at regular
intervals, will convey to WCRTA members interesting and informative
news of the Association. Editor: Robert Lesher
Mrs. Esther Corderman, pen name Lily Barr, is author of book "For a
Dream Cometh" published by Ashley Book Company.
1975 ~ "We Love the U.S.A" was adopted as the state Bicentennial Song.
Income Tax Training Sessions for Retired Teachers who will act
as Tax Aide Coordinators for 1975-76 will be held at the Board of
Education Center, T. Wilson Cahall, chairman.
1975 ~ Constitution Revision -- Article IX -- All officers shall be elected at the
Bi-Annual Spring Meeting (Changed from Annual Spring Meeting).
1974 ~ Any member reaching 90 years of age will have local and state dues paid
by the local unit.
1973 ~ WCRTA has been duly elected and accepted for affiliation with MRTA
and is therefore entitled to all honors, rights, and privileges pertaining
there to.
1972 ~ Local and state dues raised to $2.00 each per year. The $4.00 to be paid
to local treasurers.
1969 ~ Mr. William Diehl explained that "Over 50 Drivers Insurance" is now
available to Retired Teachers
1968 ~ Memberships grew to 182 members.
1966 ~ "Travel Tour" chairmen were appointed-first suggested adventures to
be picnics held at interesting Washington County locations.
1964 ~ For the first time in the history of WCRTA a strictly social event--a
Christmas Tea--was held at the Women's Club, at which place all future
meetings were to be held.
1963 ~ The first banquet was held at Williamsport Methodist Church. Membership
chairman reported 53 members. Contact leaders were appointed for rural and
urban areas to collect dues from area retirees, visit them when they are ill and
urge attendance at regular County meetings.
1957 ~ Mr. Zentmyer, Legislative Chairman, discussed House Bill 128 which
was passed and provides for the teachers of Washington County an
allowance additional to that which was received from the state.
1955 ~ Mrs. Billie Hefner, acting president of WCRTA, conducted the business
meeting. Mr. John Zentmyer was elected President of the newly organized
association. The group endorsed the state-wide pension bill that would
provide not less that $1250 per annum for any retired teacher who had
rendered 25 years of credible service.
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