Ruth Henderson McQueen, President
UTIA Retirees Association
Dear Friends,
As 2018 draws to a close, it is a perfect time to not only look back over the activities of the past year but to also eagerly anticipate the new year of 2019. The coming year will be an exciting one as we mark the fiftieth anniversary of the UTIA Retirees Association. During this golden year of celebration, I would like to encourage active participation by each retiree. In addition to attending meetings and sharing information through the newsletter and updates, there are three other goals where your expertise and knowledge are needed:
1. Stories—Being a part of UTIA has given us all many memories—some humorous, some touching, and all interesting! You are invited to share some of these memorable events so they will not be lost to posterity. There are no length limits, however short or long, they all will be read and, with your permission, some will be shared during the year.
2. Lessons for Life—What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were twenty-five years old (or thirty-five or forty-five)? These can be just a sentence or two long and can cover any subject matter. The hope is that at least fifty will be collected. All contributions will be greatly appreciated and can be sent to my mailing address (at the end of this newsletter) or to my email. Submissions are welcome at any time, but it would be especially helpful to have some prior to the next newsletter deadline of February 15.
3. Membership—Please encourage friends and former co-workers who have not yet joined the Association to do so. It is the perfect way to stay connected and could make a nice gift for someone on your list. Even though we are no longer actively employed, we can continue to be supportive of UTIA and the land-grant university mission and be a positive force for good.
Each Region has been very active during the last twelve months and the state/district/area officers have held several well-planned and enjoyable events. From Carver’s Apple Orchard in Cosby, the Preserve at Pickwick Lake, the 4-H Center at Crossville, Miss Bobo’s in Lynchburg to events in Chattanooga, Leiper’s Fork, Murfreesboro, and Maryville, groups have gathered for fellowship and fun and an abundance of good food. More information and photos from some of these events will be found elsewhere in this newsletter. I would like to sincerely thank all who accepted an office or a leadership role and make the association operate so efficiently. George Mays and John Jared work closely with the UTIA Marketing and Communications staff to produce this newsletter and for that I am especially grateful.
May the blessings of the season be with you and your families and may we all rejoice in the New Year.