LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Each year the California Retired Teachers Association, or CalRTA, highlights retired teachers by celebrating Retired Teachers Week.

This year’s event, which takes place Nov. 1 to 7, marks the 22nd year the celebration has been held during the organization's 91-year history.

In 1929, as the country entered the Great Depression, a small group of teachers united to fight for retirement security.

In addition to helping California’s educators, early CalRTA leaders went on to form other retiree organizations, such as AARP, formed by Ethel Percy Andrus.

CalRTA is still living up to the example of past leaders, vigilantly fighting for retirement security, Social Security fairness, affordable health care and quality education.

In Lake County, CalRTA Division 35 offers mini-grants to classroom teachers and supports future teachers through its Scholarship Foundation.

The group asks community members to celebrate Retired Teachers Week by contacting and expressing appreciation for a well-remembered educator who influenced your life.