Our next General Membership Meeting:
December 8, 2025
See you there!
Rio Bank
Corporate Banking Center - McAllen
701 E. Expressway 83
McAllen, TX 78501
Please click on Directions on the map above to get directions from your location to Rio Bank Corporate Banking Center.
Palm Valley Association of Retired School Personnel
General Meeting
September 8, 2025
Rio Bank Headquarters Event Center
The meeting was called to order at 10:30 AM by Sharon Smith. Opening Ceremonies of invocation and pledges to the flags were said.
Sharon Smith gave her presidential address in which she shared the goals of the TRTA and local organization as outlined in the state’s objectives.
Due to scheduling the guest speaker, Sergio Munoz, was unable to attend.
Minutes from the previous meeting were not presented therefore tabled until the next meeting.
The treasurer’s report was presented by Lazaro Ramirez, Treasurer.
July opening balance was $4594.98
Income $95 and expenses were $62 leaving a balance at end of July of $4627.98
August opening balance was $4627.98
Deposits were $60 for scholarship leaving a balance at end of August of $4687.98
Membership was reminded of the dues for the new year. Dues are $35 for state, and $15 for local dues of which $5 is designated specifically for scholarship as was voted on previously.
Dues can be paid beginning in March for the following year.
Committee reports:
Scholarship:
Hilda De Shazo, Scholarship chair reviewed the goal for 2 scholarships of $1000 each to be given out in May. There was discussion of fundraising options. These included pledges from members, donations from community members, Silent auction, raffle, BBQ, and a Go Fund Me page. The 50/50 will be continued during selected meetings. Melissa, the AMBA representative reminded the group that AMBA has an initiative sponsoring a membership drive luncheon and paying for the annual dues of those signing up for the first year. Hilda and Terri Salinas committee member, shared needing assistance with ideas and encouraged others to join them in committee. They will meet to discuss ideas and present to the board at the next meeting.
Community Volunteer:
Roasalinda Torline, Chair, reviewed the collection of volunteer hours and passed out forms to keep track of hours.
Children’s Book Project:
Kelly Solis reminded the group of the collection of books for distribution to hospitals and schools. She encouraged membership to donate new or lightly used books for distribution.
Under new business, Lazaro Ramirez introduced the new web site and email systems. A QR code was also demonstrated to access the web site.
Sharon Smith presented two community events for the year, Back to school supplies and donations for teachers and a pajama drive to donate to Driscoll Children’s hospital at Christmas time. Possibility of donating the teacher supplies to the School Tools at the Food bank where teachers can go an get free supplies. Everyone was encouraged to bring supplies to the next meeting.
Fund raising ideas for operational funds were presented. Chick Fil A in Palmhurst will be sent a letter to request donations for future raffles.
Sharon shared the new flyers and handouts for membership drive.
The board approved budget for the new year was presented.
For a fun activity, the group played Loteria.
Birthdays for the June through September were recognized.
The next meeting will be held on October 20, not the second Monday due to scheduling conflicts at Rio Bank.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:45.
A. Call To Order
B. Opening Activities
● Invocation (Sharon Smith)
● Pledge of Allegiance USA and Texas flag (Jerry Albrecht)
● President’s Address (Sharon Smith)
● Introduction of Guest Speaker (San Juanita Gracia)
Dr. Galam Alam, Cardiologist (20 min,)
C. Minutes - Elena Ochoa
D. Treasurer’s Report - Lazaro Ramirez
E. ABMA Presentation (Melissa Barrientos-20 mim.)
F. Committee Reports:
● Scholarship Presentation-Hilda DeShazo (10 min.)
● Book Report - Kelly Solis (5 min.)
● Volunteer Hours and Presentation - Margaret Guerra (5 min,)
● Health Survey - Janie Gracia (5 min,)
G. Old Business
● Fall Conference - STC, Weslaco, Texas-November 6, 2025
Registration deadline, November 6, 2025
Fee: $25 (must register on line)
● School Supply Donations
● Flyers and handouts
● Pending Fundraisers
● State Dues Increase
H. New Business
● TRTA Spring Virtual Conference, March 25, 2026
(Trial run for Virtual Conference on February 25,2026-
STC Campus, Rio Grande City, Texas)
● District Officers Elections
● Community Event - PJ’s for the Driscoll Children’s Hospital
(December-January)
● Pending Fundraisers
● State Dues Increase
I. Announcements
● First Time Visitors
● Breast Cancer Awareness Month
● Next General Meeting - November
J. Game
K. Adjournment
Palm Valley Association of Retired School Personnel General Meeting Minutes
November 10, 2025
Rio Bank Headquarters Event Center/McAllen, Texas
Meeting was called to order at 10:30 AM by Sharon Smith.
Ceremonies and invocation by Sharon Smith and pledges to the flags were said by Elena Ochoa. Sharon Smith gave her presidential address in which she welcomed everyone and any new members to the organizations and reiterated the goals of the TRTA and local organization as outlined in the state’s objectives.
Minutes from the previous meeting were presented and reviewed by Elena Ochoa.
Treasurer’s report was presented by Lazaro Ramirez, Treasurer. October opening balance was $4,682.38 Income $1,15750. and expenses were $105.00 leaving a balance as $5,734. as of November 10th.
Guest speaker (s) Gerry Albrecht and Maggie Gonzalez, Financial Advisors presented some important information for retired personnel, Gerry showed us a website from the State of Texas Comptroller's Office Unclaimed Property to raise awareness on how to search for unclaimed money that a person is not aware of. Maggie presented ideas on how to wisely spend our money by creating a budget, no more impulsive buying, no buying pricey gifts for family, friends etc. Save for a rainy day.
Committee Reports:
Legislative Updates by Chiqui Guerra. SB1 appropriations impact on the States contributions to the TRS pension plan for 2026-2027 biennium. The state's contribution rate pension trust fund would be 8.25% and maintain the 1.25% state contributions and .75% contributions to TRS-Care. SB500 provides a one-time $359 million contribution to keep the average premium increase in TRS-Care below 10% for FY 2026 and FY 2027. HB2 relating to public education and public-school finance which repeals the prohibition that the public education employer is prohibited from directly or indirectly passing the costs of pension and applicable health care surcharges for retirees returning to work fulltime. Visit the 2025 TRS Related Legislation Summary on the TRS website. (TRS.texas.gov)
Membership by Alicia Flores reported that there were 103 members but as of November there are 120 members and membership recruitment continues in order to increase membership. (state dues $50.00+$15.00 local) (39 paid local, 19 new members paid dues and 61 members paid both local and state) It was noted that some members only want to be part of TRTA and not local chapter
Historian - Mary Trevino did not present due to absence. However, she was thanked for promoting our chapter on Facebook and district page with posts of our meetings.
Old Business
TRTA Conference upcoming on November 14, 2025, Registration was extended from the Nov. 5th deadline, and anyone interested could register at today’s meeting or at conference. Reimbursement for travel was allowed, but it had to be 4 persons per vehicle.
School Supply Donations - The Food pantry personnel were very appreciative of donations, and they are still needing supplies especially for teachers. Suggestions if anyone has items from their classroom days to donate (decorations, books, staplers, etc.) Book Donations Chapter is still asking for books new or slightly used, especially needed for middle and high school ages.
Fundraisers Chick-fil-a responded and they are willing to donate gift certificates or Food items for possible fundraisers. Jason’s Deli as of this time has not responded to a fundraiser. Sharon informed that she would reach out to the manager.
New Business
TRTA Spring Virtual Conference March 25, 2026, was announced so that whoever would like to attend needs to attend a trial run for Virtual Conference on Feb. 25, 2026, at STC Campus in Rio Grande City, Texas. (Further information forthcoming at December’s meeting.)
District Officers Election are forthcoming for next year and if any member is interested in submitting their names must be sent to Nelda Requenez. Hilda DeShazo informed the group she was interested in a position as President or First VP.
Community Event it was suggested and agreed upon to have a pajama drive for the young patients at Driscoll Children Hospital during December and January and focusing more on middle and high school students.
Pending Fundraisers - The organization's priority is to raise funds for scholarships for Graduates in the area. Suggested to continue with the 50/50 fundraiser and every member to contribute $50 each and asking the business community for donations.
Announcements
First time visitor(s) to the meeting were individually welcomed and introduced and recognized for their attendance.
Next meeting has been scheduled for December 8th at 10:15 am
Game - At this meeting several activities and games were enjoyed by all. Members enjoyed a Left, Right game and the winner from each table won a small gift. Also, activity where each member got in groups by table to get to know each other and discuss what each was grateful for etc.
Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 12:35 p.m. Submitted by Elena S Ochoa, Secretary Reviewed by Committee Member(s) Margarita Gonzalez