Alabama Education Retirees Association holds its district meeting in Russellville
RUSSELLVILLE – For seven decades, education retirees in Alabama have stayed connected through fellowship and a shared commitment to service and advocacy.
That dedication was celebrated in Russellville as District 1 gathered for its annual meeting at First Methodist Church, bringing together members from eight counties — Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Marion, Morgan and Winston.
District 1 Director Dr. Delaina Greene welcomed 77 members and led the meeting.
Florence/Lauderdale County chapter President Dr. Randy Pettus gave the invocation, setting a thoughtful tone.
Service took center stage as AERA President Peggy Mobley announced this year’s statewide community service project will support the Ronald McDonald House.
The nonprofit gives families a place to stay close to the hospital while their children undergo treatment.
Mobley encouraged members to collect pop tabs, hold fundraisers or make direct donations.
Each local unit has also been asked to contribute $1 per member. That effort will sponsor a room for a year at the Ronald McDonald House.
The day also included recognition of Kathy Archer, former Franklin County AERA president, who was congratulated on her induction into the Senior Hall of Fame for her years of dedicated service.
Interim Executive Director Keron Forte reported that this year marks AERA’s 70th anniversary. The milestone underscores the group’s long tradition of advocacy, fellowship and service.
That same spirit carried to Montgomery, where more than 600 delegates and guests gathered for the statewide business meeting and annual luncheon at the Renaissance Convention Center.
Retirement Systems of Alabama CEO Dr. David Bronner delivered the keynote address. AERA Community Service winners were also recognized on the statewide stage.
The numbers tell a powerful story. In 2024, AERA members logged nearly 589,000 hours of community service.
According to the nonprofit coalition Independent Sector, one hour of volunteer time last year was valued at $33.49, bringing the association’s total service value to more than $19.7 million for Alabama communities — a testament to the continued impact of their work.
In addition, nine scholarships totaling $18,000 were presented to members pursuing advanced education. These awards are presented annually as part of AERA’s commitment to supporting continued learning.
The scholarships are open to both certified and non-certified employees in Alabama’s public school systems and institutions.
To qualify, applicants must be active members of the Alabama Education Association and demonstrate both excellence and initiative in their field.
Practical matters rounded out the agenda.
Peggy Mobley reported that the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) and the Public Education Employees’ Health Insurance Plan (PEEHIP) are fully funded through 2026.
Erica Thomas reported that open enrollment is now underway for members to adjust plans or update dependent coverage.
Health coverage remained a key topic. Necia Williams announced that the 2026 PEEHIP Humana Group Medicare PPO and PDP plans will host informational meetings for retirees.
During these sessions, Humana representatives will share a short presentation followed by a questionand- answer period.
Jeff Collins of Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA) finished the discussion with remarks on hospital and indemnity plans. He noted that long-term care coverage through Aetna is also available.
The meeting concluded with a look ahead as members were encouraged to register for advocacy training scheduled for Dec. 10 in Cullman.
Such training is designed to equip members with tools to better engage with lawmakers and to ensure that retiree concerns remain heard at the Capitol.
That effort is part of AERA’s continued work to prepare retirees to remain strong voices for education in Alabama.
Seventy years on, AERA members continue to show that retirement does not end a lifetime of service — it only gives it new direction.
“The AERA’s 70th anniversary underscores the group’s long tradition of advocacy, fellowship and service. The service numbers tell a powerful story. In 2024, AERA members logged nearly 589,000 hours of community service.”
