Club Chronicles: Retired Educators learn about BIGS

The Franklin County Education Retirees Association held its Nov. 14 meeting at the Country Cottage Assisted Living. Their director presented the welcome, and the staff generously served a wonderful Thanksgiving luncheon to everyone.

In recognition of National Retirees Appreciation Day, each attendee received an apple with caramel dip.

Carole Fowler, director of the Golden Tiger BIGS Mentoring Program, was guest speaker.

The BIGS program is a mentoring program for students that meets during school hours and runs from August until May. As a non-profit organization, it is a community-, school- and site-based program. In order to participate in the Golden Tiger BIGS Mentoring Program, the student must be enrolled in the Russellville City Schools system.

Some of the objectives of the program include learning good manners, developing social skills, building good listening skills and increasing confidence.

Retirees Association President Sandy Gibson gave information on upcoming legislative issues affecting retirees, and hygiene items were collected from members for local schools.  Donations were given by members to the Russellville City Schools Special Olympics.

At the close of the meeting, The Cottage gave door prizes to four lucky retirees.

The Dec. 19 meeting will be held at the Russellville First United Methodist Church at noon. This will be a covered dish luncheon. The program is “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Dulcimer Style.”

Club Chronicles is written by Susie Hovater Malone.