06/06/2026
Region 5 Members Continue “Stitching Together a Stronger MRTA Future” in Boonville
MRTA Region 5 members gathered on June 4 at the Evangelical United Church of Christ Educational Building in Boonville for a day filled with fellowship, information, advocacy updates, and celebration of public education. Hosted by the Cooper County Area Retired Teachers and School Personnel Unit, attendees were welcomed under this year’s MRTA theme, “Stitching Together a Stronger MRTA Future.”
Region 5 Vice President Wendy Bernier did the roll call of units over the meeting, while Cooper County Unit President Margaret Scott welcomed attendees presided over the meeting and introduced the day’s speakers. Members enjoyed a light breakfast, visited with colleagues from across the region, and participated in the MRTA Foundation raffle ticket sales.
Cooper County Presiding Commissioner George Monk welcomed members to the county and thanked retired educators for their continued service and contributions to Missouri communities.
Kell Smalley from MRTA’s partner, AMBA, provided updates on member benefits and services available to retirees.
Region 5 Foundation Representative Dan Eckard shared his personal story about the impact education had on his life, information about the important work of the MRTA Foundation and the impact grant programs continue to have on Missouri educators and school personnel.
MRTA President Virgie Cook inspired attendees with remarks centered around this year’s theme, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, mentoring future leaders, strengthening local units, and ensuring every member feels connected and valued. She reminded members that MRTA’s success is woven together through advocacy, friendship, service, and purpose.
Region committee reports highlighted the many accomplishments occurring throughout the region. Legislative Chair Margaret Gladbach provided updates on legislative issues affecting retirees and public education. Community Service Chair Cheryl Adams showcased the many volunteer hours and charitable contributions being made by members, while Membership Chair Amy Chambers Thieman encouraged continued efforts to recruit and retain members.
State Representative Terry Thompson, recipient of MRTA’s 2025 Legislator of the Year Award, addressed attendees and discussed issues facing Missouri’s public schools, retirees, and rural communities, including Amendment 5.
MRTA Executive Director Maria Walden provided a legislative and organizational update, emphasizing the importance of grassroots advocacy and member engagement. She reminded members that every phone call, email, conversation, and action alert matters. Walden discussed challenges facing public education and retirement security while highlighting MRTA’s continued efforts to protect retiree benefits, advocate for strong public schools, and ensure members have a voice in Jefferson City. She encouraged attendees to stay informed, stay engaged, and continue showing up for Missouri’s students, educators, and retirees.
Following Maria, attendees heard from featured speaker Mitchell Hackman, who presented “Teaching the Body to Keep Moving and Learning About Parkinson’s Disease.” His presentation offered valuable information about Parkinson’s disease awareness, movement, and healthy aging. There were a ton of questions.
The afternoon concluded with recognition of school personnel members, the MRTA Foundation raffle drawing, door prizes, and a special reading of “Our Devotion to America’s Public Schools” by Kurt Rohr, read by Gay Baer. I will post later. Great job by both
As the meeting came to a close, members were reminded that MRTA’s strength continues to come from dedicated individuals working together across Missouri. The Region 5 gathering served as another example of how retirees remain committed to advocacy, benefits, community service, and supporting public education.
Thank you to Margaret Scott, the Cooper County Unit, Wendy Bernier, volunteers, presenters, and all attendees for making the Region 5 Meeting a tremendous success.
Region 5 members will gather again next year in Johnson County.
Special thank you to Randy and Terry for guiding parking.
