Celebrating California's retired teachers

FALLBROOK — November 1-7 will be the 11th annual California Retired Teachers Week.

Each year, California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) members volunteer in their community and report their hours, which are combined with statistics around the state to reach a grand total. CalRTA members reported 2.7 million hours, worth more than $54.6 million!

Area XI, of which Fallbrook is a part, led the state with 20 percent of members reporting. This dollar figure illustrates to California’s Legislature and to the public that retired educators continue to care about and give back to their communities, especially in these tough economic times.

During Retired Teachers Week, CalRTA Fallbrook Avocado Division 81 will celebrate their own members by placing information on the Potter Jr. High School marquee as well as honoring members Bud Roberds and Lucile Reeder with special recognitions.

Roberds was recently awarded the Martin Mathiesen Award for his services to the community as he taught music to two generations at Fallbrook High School. He still gives to others his love of music by helping young musicians.

Roberds served as Division 45’s president for two years and was instrumental in organizing Division 81 in 1988. He has served as president of the local division and as its legislative chair.

One of Roberds’ former students is now director of music at Fallbrook High. Roberds is known as “Mr. Music,” as he continues to be a pianist in high demand at venues throughout the area.

Reeder now serves as co-president of Fallbrook CalRTA Division 81. This is her second time around as president, having also served in this capacity from 2003 to 2007.

Reeder was recently recognized with a Volunteer Service Award for her many contributions to the community and as a member of the North San Diego County Scholarship Foundation.