Club Chronicles: Franklin County Education Retirees kick off new year of programming

The Franklin County Education Retiree Association kicked off the year with its annual covered dish luncheon at the First United Methodist Church Ministry Center Oct. 17.

Sandy Gibson, president, called the meeting to order and welcomed back current members and guests. Barbara Ayers presented the invocation.

The program speakers included local legislative candidates Johnny Mack Morrow, Eddie Britton and Jamie Kiel. They shared their stances on issues of concern to public education retirees and answered questions.

Members were urged to vote and keep abreast of issues impacting retirees.

Free flu shots and required wellness screenings for those younger than 65 were available for members at the meeting.

Local officers for the upcoming year were recognized, and Gibson reported on the Alabama Education Retirees Association’s past accomplishments and urged members to attend the AERA District Meeting, Advocacy Training Meeting and Annual Meeting. These meetings provide more information about what the AERA is and does for every education retiree.

The ongoing work of AERA is enhanced with each new member. Numbers matter, as legislators know we are the highest percentage of voters compared to any other age group.

The county’s education retirees’ projects for this year include contributing hygiene products and school supplies to the city and county schools; RCS Special Olympics; and scholarships to Northwest-Shoals Community College.

On the state level, our retirees’ organization will contribute to the Student Displacement Program.

The Nov. 14 meeting of the Franklin County Education Retiree Association will be held at Country Cottage Assisted Living. Lunch will be provided at 12:30 p.m. The program, “Mentoring Opportunities,” will be presented by Carole Fowler.

The Club Chronicles column is written by Susie Hovater Malone.