Co-Chairman, Veterans Committee
Member, Public Works Committee
Member, Special Projects Committee
Director/Leader, Woodson Terrace Senior Activities
Rita and her husband (Carl) have been residents of Woodson Terrace since 1983. Rita was appointed as an Alderman in Ward 1 in 2000 to fill an unexpired term of a member who moved out of Woodson Terrace. In the April 2001 election, Rita was successful in winning the “seat” and has done so to continue her “seat” on the Board as her term expires. Rita served two (2) annual terms as President of the Board of Aldermen (2009 & 2010).
Following 43 years with the Flow Controls Division of Emerson Electric, Rita retired in August 2009. During her employment tenure she served 9 years as an Adviser with Junior Achievement, was recipient of an Emerson YWCA Leadership Award, and assisted in 1971 in collecting information, etc. for organizing the company’s retirees and has continued to be an active part, as well as serving as their Secretary since the group’s inception in 1972, as well as in her retirement.
Rita is married to former Woodson Terrace Police Captain Carl Martin. Carl was a member of the Woodson Terrace Police force for 28 years before retiring in 2000 and in addition, was a member of the St. Louis Area Major Squad. He, too, is involved with Woodson Terrace activities and is the other “Co-Chair” of the City’s Veterans Committee. Additionally, Carl is a member of the City’s Board of Adjustment.
Rita and her husband are both members of the Pvt. George Phillips Marine Corps League … Carl having served in the Marine Corps is a member of the Detachment and Rita is a member of the Auxiliary and together, they volunteer in a variety of fundraisers with the Detachment/Auxiliary. They are active with the World War II Honor Flight Program and are regular volunteers with the Franklin County Honor Flight Program. In addition, both are active in a variety of “Outreach Programs” at Fee Fee Baptist Church in Bridgeton. Rita has volunteer commitments in the kitchen, the nursery, has an assigned Sunday as a greeter, and serves on the Nominating Committee. Recently she and Carl began working with Fee Fee’s AWANA’s Program and listen and assist several five year olds recite Bible verses.
In April of 2010, Rita revamped the Woodson Terrace Seniors group with a 3 month trial program that was an overwhelming success. The Woodson Terrace Seniors now meet monthly (second Thursday of the month from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) at the Woodson Terrace Community Center. The program includes a complimentary lunch/beverage to Woodson Terrace residents along with a guest speaker, Bingo, and a “white elephant” game of which everyone is asked to bring a new or slightly used wrapped gift valued at $2.00 or less. In November the “seniors” take a motor coach trip locally and in 2010 travelled to the Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery in Kimmswick and in November of 2011, will be going to Pere Marquette. Other than the November trip, those interested in attending the monthly meeting must RSVP to City Hall the Monday prior to the meeting (314-427-2600). Rita solely handles the November “Senior Activity” RSVP’s due to motor coach capacity, etc.
rmartin@woodsonterrace.net
