Retired educator Marilyn Johnson will share experiences as a Black American teacher at Monday’s SMARTS meeting. Submitted Photo
Marilyn Johnson to speak to area retired teachers
The San Marcos Area Retired Teachers and Staff (SMARTS) will have their first Zoom meeting of 2021 at 10 a.m., Jan. 12, with Marilyn Johnson speaking to them on “Celebrating Heritage and History.” Johnson graduated from San Marcos High School and Texas State University (then-Southwest Texas State). She will share her story, the good and the bad, growing up as a Black American in San Marcos and beyond. She celebrates her history and the lessons learned by accomplishing goals, despite a few roadblocks.
Johnson retired from the teaching profession after almost 40 years. She was able to teach in many different places, even the Philippines, since her husband was in the military. Johnson and her husband presently reside in New Braunfels. She is very active in her home church, Jackson Chapel United Methodist, as the church’s treasurer, Bible study teacher and a Certified Lay Speaker. She also is a volunteer with the Hands of Hope in San Marcos as a coordinator and teacher.
Also speaking at the SMARTS Zoom meeting will be Clay DeStefano. As executive director of the Price Center, Mr. DeStefano will give an update of what is currently happening at the Center. He is anxious to share about their community art shows, in-house resale shop and other activities.
SMARTS is a Hays County association, affiliated with the Texas Retired Teachers Association. They have a two-pronged goal: to be liaisons to the Texas legislature in lobbying concerning their healthcare and pension, plus being involved in volunteering in Hays County — giving books to several facilities, giving food and money to the Food Bank, helping with School Fuel and other activities. Plus, SMARTS is a social outlet for retired teachers and staff. They offer helpful health and protective information each month.
If you are interested in being a part of this group of retired educators and would like a Zoom invitation, contact SMART president, Janis Brown: jsugbrown@gmail.com
For more information, call Ms. Brown at 512-393-9823.
