District G Virginia Retired Teachers Association

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Karen Stultz Whetzel and JoAnn Racey were the two District G members who attended the 2026 Virginia Retired Teachers Association Spring Delegate Assembly. VRTA President Karen Whetzel presided over the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and Delegate Assembly meetings. JoAnn represented District G at the Board of Directors meeting. Bylaws revisions were approved; officers for 2026-28 were elected and installed.

Karen Whetzel, Past President of District G RTA, was presented a plaque as a thank you for serving as President of VRTA 2024-26. Her term ends June 30, 2026. She will serve two years as Past President on the Executive Committee.

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Drucilla Pollard presented Karen Whetzel, the outgoing President, a gift of appreciation. Thank you Karen for serving VRTA!

Here's info about the VRTA District G meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Wood Grill in Harrisonburg. Discount for seniors on the buffet! Great program on Big Brothers, Big Sisters! RSVP with Linda Dinsmore if you can attend!

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Here's some info from a recent email message from our Creekside VRTA Agent of Record's email message that I thought appropriate for VRTA members:

You've Secured Your Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage Plan – What’s Missing?

These plans cover core medical needs (hospital stays, doctor visits, preventive care), but Medicare still leaves gaps in areas like dental, vision, funeral expense, and more. Many beneficiaries add extra protections for fuller coverage and peace of mind.

Here are key additional products worth considering, depending on your needs:

1. Dental and Vision Coverage
Why consider it? Medicare doesn't cover routine dental (cleanings, fillings, dentures), vision (exams, glasses/contacts) – all common in retirement.
Options:
Some Medicare Advantage plans include a limited amount of coverge as extra benefits (e.g., allowances for exams, dental x-rays, glasses).
If you have a Medicare Supplement (or a basic Medicare Advantage plan), look for standalone dental and vision policies from private insurers.

2. Other Gap-Fillers to Explore
Cancer or Hospital Indemnity Policies – This is especially important with a Medicare Advantage plan as they have high co-pays for inpatient care and cancer treatments. These plans typically pay lump sums or daily benefits for specific events; helpful for high-cost diagnoses that are not fully covered.
Final Expense / Funeral Insurance – Medicare covers zero funeral or burial costs. Small whole life policies help cover these expenses (often $10,000–$25,000) without burdening loved ones.

Quick Tips Before Adding More Coverage
Review your current plan with a “Creekside” Agent. We handle the shopping and policy comparisons.
Avoid duplication or unnecessary coverage.
Costs vary by age, location, health, and insurer.

Peace of mind in retirement comes from thoughtfully closing those gaps—not over-insuring. If you want a no-obligation review of your current insurance program, give us a call. We’re happy to sit down with you, take a clear look at what you already have, identify any uncovered risks or overlaps, and help build a plan that fits your life, budget, and goals.

Because of the snowstorm forecast for this weekend and the problems that will likely follow it next week, VRTA in-person lobby day scheduled for Thursday, January 29, has been cancelled. However, we hope to be successful lobbying by emails, phone calls, and letters especially Thursday, January 29 and Friday.
VRTA Legislative Co-Chair Bea Morris has sent out information for virtual lobbying to anyone on her legislative list. If you aren't on her list, and would like to be added, or would like the information, email me at [email protected]! Last year's Lobby Day photo of Karen Whetzel, VRTA President'/District G VP with Senator French & his staff.
Stay warm and safe in the snow!

Blue Ridge CASA spoke to VRTA District G last year! They are part of Giving Tuesday! Donate to them today and the donation will be matched!

Giving Tuesday is December 2nd! 🎁

🌟 Spotlight #3: Blue Ridge CASA for Children

This , support the Blue Ridge CASA for Children which is expanding its services into Shenandoah and Page Counties. Their most pressing needs center around recruiting and training new volunteer advocates and securing the financial resources necessary to sustain this growth. Each child they serve deserves a caring, trained adult to stand by their side and ensure their voice is heard in court — but as our service area grows, so does the number of children in need of that critical support. Financial contributions are essential to provide the training, supervision, and ongoing resources that empower volunteers to advocate effectively for children experiencing abuse and neglect.

On December 2nd, your donation will have double the impact thanks to matching funds! Give back and support our friends and neighbors.

👉 Learn more and donate: https://blueridgecasa.networkforgood.com/projects/261452-giving-tuesday-2025

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