vlrea 2015-16 member handbook

Valdosta Lowndes Retired Educators

Association

2015-16 Member Handbook

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PURPOSE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 GOALS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 LOCAL AND STATE OFFICERS ------------------------------------------------- 5 VLREA STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS----------------------------------- 5 VLREA 2015-16 PROGRAMS ----------------------------------------------------- 7 TIMELINE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS------------------------------------------------ 9 VLREA OFFICER/COMMITTEE CHAIRS RESPONSIBILITIES---------- 12 HISTORY OF VLREA--------------------------------------------------------------- 18 PAST PRESIDENTS ----------------------------------------------------------------- 27 AWARDS GIVEN IN THE PAST-------------------------------------------------- 28 REASONS TO JOIN GREA--------------------------------------------------------- 33 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR VLREA/GREA ----------------- 34 VLREA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION----------------------------------------- 35 GREA MEMBERSHIP FORM------------------------------------------------------ 36 SCHOLARSHIP DONATION FORM --------------------------------------------- 37 GREA SPOTLIGHT AD FORM---------------------------------------------------- 38 VOLUNTEER SERVICE RECORD ----------------------------------------------- 39

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PURPOSE

VALDOSTA-LOWNDES RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION

To provide opportunity for support and fellowship among friends and retired educators. To provide an organizational framework through which retired educators can continue their contributions in their communities. To respond to community needs and encourage retired educators to contribute their talents and experience to the community. To familiarize retired and active educators with benefits of membership in the local unit and the state organization.

2015-16 Theme

Meetings

VLREA meets the second Monday of the month (September-May) at the Holiday Inn, 1805 West Hill Avenue, Valdosta, GA at 11:00 a. m. unless otherwise noted.

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GOALS

1. Provide important, up-to-date information for all retired educators, including the benefits of joining VLREA, GREA and making new retirees aware of other community organizations.

2. Create an environment of fellowship, support, and service by working together as retired educators.

3. Demonstrate that VLREA is an active, integral part of the community by working together as an organization to improve our community through charitable works.

4. Award one $2,000 scholarship to a high school senior who plans to be an educator.

5. Increase VLREA membership by at least10%.

6. Increase GREA membership by at least10%.

7. Sell more than 30 Spotlight Ads before March 1, 2016.

8. Increase member volunteer hours by at least 10%.

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LOCAL AND STATE OFFICERS 2015-16

LOCAL

President--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sandra Dickson 247-9781 [email protected]

President-elect----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Elvita Miller 671-4979 [email protected]

Recording Secretaries----------------------------------------------------------------------DeeDee Girardin 559-5889 [email protected]

Betty Murchison 263-5242 [email protected]

Treasurer---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------John Rice 242-2698 [email protected]

VLREA STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Community Service------------------------------------------------------------------- Marguerite Gravelee

Door Prizes---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Brenda Gilpatrick 247-7469 [email protected]

Greeter------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elvita Miller

Handbook/Public Relations-----------------------------------------------------------------------Ron Irwin 244-5538 [email protected]

Legislative------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mark Gilpatrick 247-7469 [email protected]

Membership-------------------------------------------------------------------------Pat McRae/Carol Irwin 244-1085 [email protected] 244-5538 [email protected]

Necrology----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ruth Council 242-2718

Newsletter--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Alice DeVane 244-7066 [email protected]

Nominations-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Joanna Jones 242-5810

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Programs---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Elvita Miller

Scholarship---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Susan Roberson 244-8246 [email protected]

Scrapbook--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Not Filled

Social---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ruth Council

Spotlight Ads-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Bettye McClendon 247-1348 [email protected]

AD HOC COMMITTEE CHAIRS Belks Charity Sale-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Annie Fisher

242-5873 [email protected]

Calling----------------------------------------------------------------Virginia Thompson /Agnes OKelly 244-3169 [email protected] 671-1382 [email protected]

Devotions---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lyndal Webb 244-1661 [email protected]

Decorations---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sandra Connell 242-5501 [email protected]

Parliamentarian---------------------------------------------------------------------------Joseph Brown 244-1991 [email protected]

STATE

GREA Office (770) 287-7721 (800) 637-2883 FAX: (770) 287-0567

President------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Haymans [email protected] President-elect-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Jessie Hunter

[email protected]

Area 3 Director-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------David Ronn 630-5685 [email protected]

Executive Director--------------------------------------------------------------------William G. Sloan, Jr. [email protected]

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VLREA 2015-16 PROGRAMS

DATE TIME PROGRAM PLACE

09/14/15 11:00 AM VLREA Update Sandra Dickson GREA Update David Ronn HOLIDAY INN

WEST HILL AVE

10/12/15 11:00 AM Legislative Update HOLIDAY INN WEST HILL AVE

11/09/15 11:00 AM Retired Educators Day HOLlDAY INN WEST HILL AVE

12/14/15 11:00 AM VLREA Christmas Party HOLIDAY INN

01/11/16 11:00 AM Valdosta/Lowndes Humane Society Candice Wakefield HOLIDAY INN

WEST HILL AVE

02/08/16 11:00 AM New SGRL Outreach Programs Miguel Vincente HOLIDAY INN

WEST HILL AVE

03/14/16 11:00 AM Valdosta Literary Outreach Fair Brenda Smith HOLIDAY INN

WEST HILL AVE

04/11/16 11:00 AM VLREA Awards & Recognition HOLIDAY INN WEST HILL AVE

05/09/16 11:00 AM Necrology Service & Officer Installation HOLIDAY INN

WEST HILL AVE

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Timeline

When Time Who What Where6/1/15 Past President Local Unit History form due GREA/Area 3 Dir .6/1/15 President List of Local Unit Officers due GREA/Area 3 Dir .

7/1-31/15 All Committee Chrs Meet with Past Comm. Chrs, Receive Info Local group meetings

8/10/15 Newsletter Editor Deadline for 1st Newsletter8/18/15 9:30 AM VLREA Of ficers Area Meeting Tift Area Conf. Center

9/1/15 President Submit Goals to Area Director Area 3 Dir9/3/15 10:00 AM Ex Bd Ex Bd Mtg Senior Center

9/14/15 11:00 AM Members Regular Meeting Holiday Inn9/14/15 Members Begin Spotlight Ad sales

10/12/15 11:00 AM Members Regular Meeting Holiday Inn10/29/15 10:00 AM Ex Bd Ex Bd Mtg Senior Center

11/1/15 President Submit Local Handbook to Area Director Area 3 Dir11/1/15 President Submit Local Nominations for State Offices GREA11/8/15 Newsletter Editor Deadline for 2nd Newsletter11/9/15 11:00 AM Members Regular Meeting Holiday Inn

12/3/15 10:00 AM Ex Bd Ex Bd Mtg Senior Center12/14/15 11:00 AM Members Christmas Party Holiday Inn

1/11/16 11:00 AM Members Regular Meeting Holiday Inn1/28/16 10:00 AM Ex Bd Ex Bd Meeting Senior Center1/31/16 President Community Service Award nomination form due AARP

2/8/16 11:00 AM Members Regular Meeting Holiday Inn2/15/16 GREA Members Officer, Area Director ballots due GREA2/28/16 Scholarship Chair Scholarship Application Deadline

3/1/16 President Local unit recognition certificates GREA3/1/16 President Deadline for president's awards checklist Area 3 Dir3/1/16 President Spotlight Ad deadline GREA3/3/16 10:00 AM Ex Bd Ex Bd Mtg Senior Center

3/14/16 11:00 AM Members Regular Meeting Holiday Inn3/15/16 Newsletter Editor Deadline for 3rd Newsletter

4/1/16 Area Director Deadline for Area Director submit Local Awards GREA4/11/16 11:00 AM Members Regular Meeting Holiday Inn

5/3-5/16 GREA GREA Convention Augusta5/9/16 11:00 AM Members Regular Meeting Holiday Inn

5/26/16 10:00 AM Ex Bd Ex Bd Mtg Senior Center

6/1/16 President Deadline for local info sheets GREA6/1/16 Past President 2015-16 Local Unit History form due GREA

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS Valdosta Lowndes Retired Educators Association

(Adopted May 1971) (Amended May 1976; Jan. 1984; Nov. 1999; May 2004;

Oct. 2008; Oct. 2010; 12 Mar. 2012)

Article I (Name) The name of this association shall be the Valdosta Lowndes Retired Educators Association, hereafter referred to as the Association and as VLREA.

Article II (Purpose):

Section 1 To serve as a local unit of the Georgia Retired Educators Association and to maintain affiliation with the National Retired Educators Association

Section 2 To cooperate with the Georgia Retired Educators Association and encourage membership therein

Section 3 To encourage membership in other organizations (NRTA, AARP) as appropriate Section 4 To help retired teachers maintain identity with the teaching profession and to

further the cause of education

Section 5 To help advance the interest and welfare of the retired teachers in the state and local community

Section 6 To foster good fellowship among retired teachers

Section 7 To promote the participation of retired teachers in community service

Article III (Definition and Membership) Section 1 Membership shall be open to any person interested in the work of this association.

(Amended 12 Mar 2012)

Section 2 The fiscal and membership year shall begin on June 1 and end on May 31 of each year. (Amended 12 Mar 2012)

Section 3 Life membership shall be granted to any person who pays Life Membership dues. (Amended 13 Oct 2008)

Section 4 Emeritus membership shall be granted by the Executive Board to current VLREA members who have attained the age of ninety and who have been members for five years immediately preceding their ninetieth birthday. No future dues are required. (Amended 13 Oct 2008)

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Article IV (Officers)

Section 1 The elected officers of the association shall be a President, President-elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. The term of office shall be one year and shall begin when the new officers are installed. No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms in an elective office. However, if the Nominating Committee is unable to find a nominee for any given office, the Executive Board may approve the continuation of that officer beyond two consecutive terms if the person is willing to continue serving and is elected by the membership at large.

Section 2 Officers shall be nominated at the February meeting, elected at the March meeting, and installed at the May meeting. Nomination for office shall be open to the full membership. A majority vote of those present shall constitute election.

Article V (Executive Board)

Section 1 The Executive Board shall consist of the officers and the chairpersons of the standing committees.

Section 2 The Executive Board shall:

a. Carry on the business of the association subject to approval of membership. b. Submit to the members a budget of the year at the October meeting.

Section 3 The Executive Board shall meet a minimum of four times each year. A majority shall constitute a quorum. The president shall preside at all meetings of the Board and shall vote only in the case of a tie ballot.

Section 4 Vacancies of the Executive Board during the year shall be filled by the president with the advice and consent of the Executive Board.

Section 5 The Executive Committee, composed of the elected officers, may act for the Executive Board in an emergency situation.

Article VI (Standing Committees)

Section 1 The president shall, with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee, appoint chairpersons for the following permanent standing committees:

Membership; Program; Legislative; Public Relations; Community Service; Social; Necrology; Door Prizes; Newsletter; Scholarship; Scrapbook; Handbook; and Spotlight Ads. (Amended 12 Mar 2012) Other committees may be established, as needed, by the President and the Executive Board.

Section 2 A Nominating Committee of three shall be appointed by the Executive Board at its first meeting. This committee shall submit, at the February meeting, at least one nominee for each elected office, after getting the nominees consent.

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Article VII (Amendments) This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the association by a two-thirds affirmative vote of members present, provided the amendment has been presented in writing and has been discussed at the preceding regular meeting.

Article VIII (Adoption and Effective Date) This constitution shall become effective immediately upon adoption, provided, however, that nothing in this constitution shall be deemed to impair any acts or proceeding heretofore undertaken by or on behalf of the association.

BY-LAWS

Article I (Installation of Officers) Officers shall be installed at the May meeting and shall hold office for one year.

Article II (Dues) Local dues shall be recommended by the Executive Board and approved by the membership.

Article III (Meetings) Section 1 There shall be nine local meetings of the association each year which shall be

held on the second Monday in September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, and May.

Section 2 The time of the meetings shall be 11:00 a.m. unless due notice is given of a change in time.

Article IV (Amendments) By-laws may be amended at any regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present.

Article V (Rules of Order) A Parliamentarian shall be appointed by the President. The rules contained in Roberts Rules of Order, Revised, shall govern this Association in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these By-laws.

Amendments to By-Laws The unit will pay the registration fees for up to four persons to attend the State Meeting, with preference given to the officers. It will also pay for two rooms and expenses for one car. The unit will pay for up to four meals for four persons to attend area meetings and for expenses for one car. (Updated Nov 1999 and May 2004)

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VLREA OFFICER/COMMITTEE CHAIRS RESPONSIBILITIES

The Associations officers and committee chairs are the backbone of our organization. We are fortunate to have an excellent group, which together comprises our Executive Board. Below is information from our Bylaws, our Handbook, the GREA, and other sources about the Executive Board and officers.

When called on to be a part of a committee or serve the Association in another way, please respond willingly. The more people who are involved in the management of our Association, the easier all our jobs will be! The Executive Board shall consist of the officers and the chairpersons of the committees.

The Executive Board shall:

a. Carry on the business of the association subject to approval of membership. b. Submit to the members a budget of the year at the October meeting.

The Executive Board shall meet a minimum of four times each year. A majority shall constitute a quorum. The president shall preside at all meetings of the Board and shall vote only in the case of a tie ballot.

Vacancies of the Executive Board during the year shall be filled by the president with the advice and consent of the Executive Board.

VLREA Officers:

President President Elect Treasurer Secretary Past President

The elected officers of the association shall be a president, president-elect, secretary, and treasurer. The term of office shall be one year and shall begin when the new officers are installed. No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms in an elective office. However, if the Nominating Committee is unable to find a nominee for any given office, the Executive Board may approve the continuation of that officer beyond two consecutive terms if the person is willing to continue serving and is elected by the membership at large.

The presidents duties are as follows: 1. Preside at all meetings of the membership and the Executive Board and perform any other duties pertaining to the office of president. 2. Appoint committee chairs and members of the committees and be an ex-officio member of all committees.

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3. Call regular and special meetings of the Executive Board. 4. Make recommendations to the Executive Board for programs of action. 5. Act as official spokesperson for the VLREA.

The president-elects duties are as follows: 1. Assist the president in the performance of the duties of the office of president and perform other duties as may be delegated by the president. 2. Preside at meetings of the membership and the Executive Board in the absence of the president.

The president-elect will also serve as program chair. There shall be nine local meetings of the association each year which shall be held on the second Monday in September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, and May. The time of the meetings shall be 11:00 a.m. unless due notice is given of a change in time. Programs will comply with Standards for Local Units of Excellence criteria. The schedule of programs will be provided to the Handbook Committee for publication.

The program chair will plan programs for each meeting, remind speakers before the meeting, and thank them after the meeting.

The secretarys duties are as follows: 1. Record the minutes of VLREA meetings and the Executive Board meetings. 2. Submit a copy of the minutes for approval at the next meeting. 3. Submit an approved copy of the minutes to the president for filing.

The treasurers duties are as follows: 1. Chair the Budget Committee and develop an annual budget to be approved by the Executive Board and submitted to the members at the October meeting. 2. Present financial reports to the Executive Board and the membership. 3. Serve as a signer of checks.

The past president will act as an advisor to the Association and may chair the Nominating Committee.

Community Service

Each unit can participate in the Community Service Award by compiling the volunteer hours performed by the members of the local unit. The hours include all hours volunteered for any worthwhile community service working with children, youth or adults in schools, churches, hospitals and civic organizations, etc. The sum of all volunteer hours should be recorded on the HISTORY UPDATE FORM and sent to the Area 3 Director by the deadline.

The committee will select a member who gives volunteer service to the community as the Community Service awardee. This person should have been engaged in several community service projects in the last two years. The recipient will be recognized at the March VLREA meeting.

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Door Prizes

The committee will collect and award door prizes. Funds collected are to be used for scholarships. Committee chair will forward money collected to the treasurer.

Greeter

The committee will have greeter(s) to welcome guests and members to meetings.

Handbook

The committee shall consist of members deemed appropriate to the committee chair.

The committee will prepare and distribute a local handbook with pertinent information. The handbook will be revised annually as appropriate. It will be submitted to the GREA Area 3 Director.

All information in the handbook will be in MS Word format, New Times Roman, 12 point.

Legislative


The committee is charged with the responsibility of promoting the GREA/VLREA legislative priorities and monitoring the Georgia and U.S. legislatures, especially when the Georgia General Assembly is in session. The committees duty shall be to keep the officers and members informed on legislative matters. The committee will coordinate correspondence in conjunction with GREA between members and legislators regarding issues before the legislature.

Membership


The committee is responsible for membership recruitment and retention, both for the VLREA and the GREA. It will plan and coordinate a function in the spring of each year to encourage retiring teachers to join VLREA/GREA. A representative should be available at each meeting to enroll and provide membership cards to people joining our local unit.

The committee will work toward development of an accurate database of members for the current year.

The committee is responsible for informing VLREA members on matters related to membership.

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Necrology

The committee shall consist of a chair and at least two other members, one of whom will be from the Membership Committee.

The committee should keep a list of members who pass away and conduct a memorial service at the May meeting in memory of deceased members of the VLREA. The committee chair will report the death of VLREA members at the next meeting of the Executive Board so an appropriate memorial may be considered by the Board. The committee should also report to the Board members who are seriously ill or who are entering a long-term care facility.

The committee will provide GREA with a list of deceased GREA members from this area.

The committee may plan other such services to honor all deceased educators from the community, whether association members or not, as approved by the Executive Board, sponsored by the VLREA, and held in a community-accessible location.

Newsletter

The committee shall consist of a chair and other members at the discretion of the chair.

The committee will publish at least three issues of the VLREA Newsletter to inform the members of coming events. Newsletters may also be distributed to other education and community leaders. A copy of each issue should be sent to the Area Director by the deadline.

The newsletter committee will follow the GREA Newsletter Award guidelines.

Nominations

The committee shall consist of a chair, who is a past president, and two other members.

This committee shall submit, at the February meeting, at least one nominee for each elected office, after getting the nominee's consent. The committee shall supervise the election of officers at the March meeting, counting ballots and announcing the election results if ballots are needed.

Public Relations


Purpose of the committee is public awareness of contributions of retired educators and recognition of VLREA activities. The committee shall communicate activities and programs of the VLREA to the membership and to the public, utilizing the media as necessary. The committee will advertise dates, times, locations, and program information for regular and special association meetings through the media, email, and whatever other means are available.

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The committee shall be charged with preparing and publicizing Georgias Retired Educators Day activities.

The committee shall fulfill requirements for earning the GREA PR Award by verifying three or more of the following items at one mailing by the deadline: Newspaper article(s) about retired educators; copy of the write-up(s) and date(s) aired of TV/radio announcements relating to retired educators and/or their programs; pictures of marquee(s) with date and place presented; clipping(s) from other organizations newsletters or bulletins where activities of retired educators are promoted.

The committee shall develop criteria for and nominate an Outstanding Educator awardee to the Executive Board in February.

Scholarship Committee

The committee shall consist of members deemed appropriate to the committee chair, with advisement from high school counselors.

One $2,000 scholarship is given annually to a senior who intends to enter the teaching profession from ECS, LCS, or VCS based solely on the students merits. If no qualified applicants are found, VLREA may award the scholarship to either local graduates already in college educational preparation programs or employees of schools who are pursuing education degrees.

The following timeline should be observed by the committee: In November or earlier, start the process and set all dates. Develop a list of documents

required from the recipient to get the scholarship check and specify who verifies the documents. Revise the application as needed.

Encourage school counselors to develop one database of available scholarships similar to the one used at Lowndes High School and distribute this information to all seniors.

Work with a specific counselor at each school who will publicize, promote and collect applications.

Before Christmas break, start publicizing availability of scholarship in community, VLREA, and media. Increase publicity at schools using social media, posters, PA announcements, fliers for senior home rooms. Email scholarship information to all educators through each school districts mass email facility.

Review all applications and select a recipient as soon as possible after the deadline. Inform the president of the name of recipient. Invite the scholarship recipient and parents to attend the April or May VLREA meeting.

Information about the scholarship winner from the prior year shall be sent to the Area 3 Director by March 1.

The committee should arrange for the scholarship check to be given to the recipient in a timely manner.

Scrapbook


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The committee will obtain scrapbook materials that cover events of the current year, which begins March of the previous year. The current organization theme must be carried throughout book with pictures of events and news articles. Also included may be evidence of community involvement and a history update. Publicity items should also be included.

The Scrapbook committee will follow GREA guidelines. Scrapbook information need only be checked on the Presidents Award Checklist, but local units are encouraged to bring their scrapbooks to the convention for display.

In addition, one two-sided scrapbook page will be created and sent to GREAs History & Archives committee to be placed in the state scrapbook. The page is given at the area meeting and must be sent to the GREA Archives & History Committee before the deadline.

Social


The committee will recognize members on their birthdays. The committee will determine the method they wish to utilize. This committee will also be responsible to plan social activities appropriate for local members.

Spotlight Ads


VLREA participates in selling sponsorships for the Spotlight publication online. Spotlight is a fund-raising effort to allow local businesses to show their support of Georgia retired educators. Spotlight ads will be placed on the GREA website (www.garetirededucators.org).

The unit goal this year is to significantly increase Spotlight ad sales over last year by having each member sell at least one ad and our top sellers maintain their great record. The committee may consider awarding a top prize to the top seller.

The committee will chart sales monthly at VLREA meetings and report to the Area Director by the deadline.

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HISTORY OF VLREA

The Valdosta-Lowndes Retired Teachers Association was organized in February 1970 for the following purposes:

1. To protect teachers rights. 2. To maintain an interest in and to support the local educational system. 3. To promote the welfare and to increase the benefits of all retired school employees. 4. To provide social contact with other retired teachers. 5. To cooperate and work with the state organization, Georgia Retired Educators.

Valdosta-Lowndes Retired Teachers Association had excellent leadership in its early implementation. Mr. W. G. Nunn, superintendent of Valdosta City Schools, had been briefed on the plans to organize the retiring teachers into an organization that could represent them in state affairs much as had GAE over their employed years. At the same time, Valdosta State College had six or more professors who were eligible for retirement within the next two years. Mr. Nunn approached them about joining with the retiring teachers and together organizing a group. The college group who worked with Mr. Nunn was as follows: Dr. J. A. Durrenberger; Mrs. Corrine Knight; Miss Fredeva Ogletree; Dr. Graham Wall; and Dr. Harold Gulliver. Our unit has always been indebted to these people for their leadership and help through the years since. Mr. A. B. Martin, Lowndes County School superintendent, gave his cooperation also and encouraged the retired county teachers to join the city school retirees increasing the strength of the movement in this area. The organization became Area I and was the largest area in the state. The area included counties east of Valdosta to Brunswick. In February 1970, Mr. Nunn presided over the first meeting of the Valdosta-Lowndes Retired Teachers. They met to elect officers and organize. Officers elected were as follows: Fredeva Ogletree, President; Dr. Ralph Thaxton, Vice President; E. T. Townsend and Anna McClure, Treasurer; Frances Dekle, Secretary. Four meetings were scheduled per year: September, October, one at G.E.A. in Waycross, and one in May. There were 62 members by May 1970, with a balance of $30 in the treasury. Local dues were $2.00. The meetings were held the 4th Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m. at the Valdosta Lowndes Public Library. In the 1980s membership increased to about 90 active members. There were six local meetings a year. Delegates were sent to the State RTA Convention in Macon. National, state, and local dues were collected at each meeting. A newsletter was sent to each member. The committees were Legislative, Membership, Program, Community Participation, Informative and Protective Services, Refreshments, Pre-Retirement Planning, Newsletter, Public Relations, Arts and Crafts, and Scrapbook. The Constitution and By-Laws were revised in 1984. In 1985 a treasurers report gave $462.55 on hand. In the early 1990s the local unit meeting place was changed to Mr. Js Restaurant. A luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. was held first with the business afterwards. Community Service Awards were given to several retirees. State dues were $18 per year, life membership dues, $200, and local-unit dues, $5. Delegates from the local unit attended Area I and Cluster Meetings. The program chairman planned a variety of programs which included having our Area I Director, Legislators, and the State President or Vice President of GRTA to speak. During November the city and county superintendents would give receptions for the retired teachers. Schools invited the retirees to eat Thanksgiving lunch at the schools from which they retired.

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In 1994 we put together a handbook for our local unit with the logo of a schoolhouse and the name Valdosta-Lowndes Retired Teachers Association on it. The motto Serving, Not Served was adopted. In 1995 our meeting place was changed to the Holiday Inn Restaurant. The business meeting was held first at 11:00 a.m. with a buffet luncheon following. Members were urged to participate in community activities and to keep a list of volunteer hours. Articles were printed in the Valdosta Daily Times, Cat Chat (Valdosta Schools paper), and Chalk Talk (Lowndes County Schools paper) each month about retired teachers. Mayor James Rainwater made a proclamation and presented it to our local unit declaring November 17, 1996 as Georgia Retired Educators Day. During the 1996-1997 year our number of meetings were changed from six to nine a year September through May. The meeting day changed to the second Monday of each month. These changes were made and put in the local units by-laws and became effective in September of 1997. In February 1997, our retirees took part in the Heart Power Program sponsored by the South Georgia Medical Center and the American Heart Association. Kits were taken to schools and volunteers demonstrated how to use them. A scrapbook was entered in the state competition each year. Our retired teachers volunteer hours were turned in and sent to the GRTA office. On October 13, 1998 a check made out for $137,657, representing the total volunteer hours multiplied by $13, was presented to Mayor James H. Rainwater. National Retired Teachers Day was celebrated in November 1997. Dr. Virginia Harrneyer, a member of the Georgia Silver Haired Legislature, was chosen as Distinguished Senior Georgian. Our local unit now had five Emeritus members (90 years and above). In 1998, our Georgia Retired Teachers Association became Georgia Retired Educators Association. Our local unit continued to grow under the leadership of President Dorothy Pearlman. Our area had changed to Area III and Director LaRonnia Williams was from our local unit. The following events occurred during the years 1999-2000, 2000-2001 and beyond: Emeritus membership was awarded to the following: Eva Carruthers (2000); Nell Greene (2000); Leila Collins (2001); Leah Wood (2001); Frances Worstall (2002); Elizabeth Copeland (2003); Blanche Lanier (2003); and Monroe Atkinson (2003). During the year 2000 we lost the following emeritus members: Eva Carruthers, Ernest Townsend and Marguerite Ford. We also lost our only centenarian, Dr. Joseph A. Durrenburger. We continued the practice of awarding an annual $500 scholarship to a promising high school senior who planned to become a teacher. Additional awards were given each year and are listed elsewhere in the Handbook. We sent delegates to each of the annual conventions: Alex Mc Fadden and John Rice to Macon in 2000; Annie Fisher and John Rice to Savannah in 2001; Marjorie Fitzsimons also attended but not as a delegate. We met all of the standards set forth by the State Office to be declared a Unit of Excellence. Our scrapbook, prepared by Dorris Stovall in 2000 and by Brinkley McNeal in 2001, contributed to our attainment of a Unit of Excellence. LaRonnia Williams from our unit completed two successful terms as Area III director in May 2001. Marjorie Fitzsimons, also from our unit, succeeded LaRonnia as Area III director and was installed at the convention in Savannah in May 2001. On November 7, 2001, our unit President, Annie Fisher, was elected to the Valdosta City Board of Education. In keeping with our custom, Mayor Jimmy Rainwater signed a proclamation each year in November in recognition of National Retired Teachers Day. On November 15, 2000, Valdosta Lowndes retired educators attended a reception at the Valdosta Country Club.

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We were saddened in May 2001 by the unexpected passing of Sue Love. She was our faithful and enthusiastic membership chair who served our unit exceptionally well wherever she was needed. We continued to meet at the Gold Plate Restaurant where we had met since 1997. It was here where we had hosted several area meetings. Membership, both locally and statewide, continues to be of great concern since the number of TRS beneficiaries is increasing but membership statewide is not. Locally we have experienced some growth, but we are not reaching a large segment of retired educators in Lowndes County. In May 2000, in Macon, we received two awards for the highest percentage of increase in membership and top recognition for an increase in membership enrollment. In May 2001 in Savannah, we received seven Award Certificates; unfortunately, though, our membership increase did not merit special recognition. The 2002 State Convention was held in Macon on May 7, 8, and 9. Annie Fisher, Frank Williams, Seba Lanier, and Marjorie Fitzsimmons (Area III Director) attended. We were awarded the Unit of Excellence and the following awards: Handbook Participation Award, Scrapbook of Excellence, Scholarship Participation, Public Relations Award, GREA Local Unit History Award, GREA Leadership Award, and Community Service Award. In the spring of 2003, John Husley, Executive Director of GREA, announced his resignation. Bill Gardner, a former school superintendent in Americus, succeeded Dr. Hulsey. Although this change did not specifically impact our unit, it is worthy of mention. On November 21, 2002, a reception sponsored by the local boards of education, was held for retired educators at the Converse-Dalton-Ferrell House. The State Convention was held in Augusta on May 6, 7, and 8, 2003. Our unit was represented by President-Elect Barbara Milhous; John Wayne Baxter, Member-at Large; Billy Hayes, Legislative Chairperson; and President Seba Lanier. Awards and recognitions received by our unit at the Convention are cited under AWARDS GIVEN IN THE PAST. As has been the custom over the years, a reception was held at the end of the school year for retiring educators this year on May 22, 2003 at the Lowndes County Board of Education office. During 2003-2004, we lost 14 members and added 31. Two moved away from the area. On November 18, 2003 approximately 75 retired educators from the two local school systems attended a reception at the Valdosta Country Club which was hosted this year by the Valdosta City School System. The State Convention was held May 4, 5, 6, 2004 in Macon. Our unit was represented by Outgoing President Barbara Milhous, Incoming President John Wayne Baxter, President-Elect Lyndal Webb and Betty and Frank Wilson. The Milhous Gospel Quartet from Valdosta First United Methodist Church, accompanied by our own Barbara Milhous, sang at the banquet on Wednesday evening. Seven state awards and recognitions were received this year and are listed under AWARDS GIVEN IN THE PAST. The end-of-year reception for retiring educators elementary, secondary, and post secondary was held on May 11 at the Arts Center on Patterson Street. Approximately 17 retirees attended. During 2004-2005, we lost 5 members and added 22. One moved away from the area. On November 18, 2004, approximately 75 retired educators from the two local school systems attended a reception at the Valdosta Country Club. The State Convention was held in Augusta May 3, 4, 5, 2005. Our unit was represented by Dr. John Rice, incoming treasurer of our local unit. Six state awards and recognitions were received this year and are listed under AWARDS GIVEN IN THE PAST. The end-of-year reception for retiring educators was held on April 26 at the Arts Center on Patterson Street. Approximately 25 retirees attended.

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During 2005-2006, we lost 12 members and added 20 members. In November 2005, approximately 85 retired educators from Lowndes and Valdosta City Schools attended a reception in their honor at the Valdosta Country Club. The State Convention was held in Augusta on May 3, 4, 5, 2006. Our unit was represented by Lyndal Webb, President; Joanna Jones, President-Elect; and Annie Fisher. State awards and recognitions received this year are listed under AWARDS GIVEN IN THE PAST. The reception for retiring educators was held on April 18 at the Arts Center on Patterson St. Approximately 30 retirees attended. Total membership for the year 2006-2007 was 83 members and 9 members were lost through death. In November, 2006 approximately 85 retired educators were honored at a reception at the Valdosta Country Club. A reception for retiring educators was held at the Annette Howell Turner Arts Center on April 24 with 23 retiring educators in attendance. The State Convention was held in Augusta May 1, 2, and 3, 2007. Our unit was represented by Joanna Jones, President, Ronald Irwin, Carol Irwin, and Annie Fisher. State awards and recognitions received this year are listed under AWARDS GIVEN IN THE PAST. Dr. William G. Sloan, Jr. completed his second year as Executive Director of the GREA. Harry Werner, State GREA President made an official visit to our unit in February, 2007 and entertained us with his rendition of Johnny Appleseed. Total membership for the 2007-2008 was 112 members. Two members were lost through death. In November, 2007 approximately 90 retired educators were honored at a reception at the Valdosta Country Club. A reception for retiring educators was held at the Annette Howell Turner Arts Center on April 22, 2008 with 29 retiring educators in attendance. The State Convention was held in Athens May 6, 7, and 8. Our unit was represented by Joseph Brown, President; Ronald Irwin, President-Elect; Carol Irwin; Gertie Bell; Joanna Jones; Annie Fisher; Ruth Council; and Betty ONeal. Members of the local unit attended the fall Area III meeting on October 9 in Adel, and the spring Area III meeting on June 11 in Quitman. State awards and recognitions received this year are listed under AWARDS GIVEN IN THE PAST. Dr. William G. Sloan, Jr. completed his third year as Executive Director of the GREA. Dr. Sloan made an official visit to our unit on May 12 for the installation of officers. The 2008-09 year was very good for VLREA thanks to an outstanding Executive Board, an enthusiastic membership, and the leadership of President Ron Irwin. Below is a chart showing our goals, what measures were used to determine achievement, and our 2008-09 accomplishments. Working together, we met all our goals!

Executive Board members for 2008-2009 were as follows: Community Service, Mamie Pipkins; Door Prizes, Bettye Wilson; Greeter, James A. Goolsby; Handbook, Barbara Milhous; Legislative, Mark Gilpatrick; Membership, Lyndal Webb; Necrology, Annie Fisher; Newsletter, Carol Irwin; Nominations, Joanna Jones; Past President, Joseph Brown; President-Elect, Gertie

GOAL ACTIVITY 2008-09Provide competent, well-trained leadership Leadership training Held 6//2008Utilize functioning committees doing Association work Committees restructured All functioningHold fun and informative meetings Meeting attendance 13% increase over previous yearIncrease membership by at least 10% over last year's membership Membership 29% increase over previous yearCreate a balanced budget Balanced budget Yes

Spotlight ads sold 75% increase over previous yearScholarships funded 4 ($2500)

Complete at least one successful fund raiser in addition to Spotlight ads Fundraiser (Belk's) YesEstablish member database including all pertinent information Member database created DoneImprove member services including Handbook revision Handbook revised, digitized DoneParticipate in GREA awards program Awards in all categories Yes

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Bell; President, Ron Irwin; Public Relations, David Ronn; Scholarship, Joseph Brown; Scrapbook, Janet Myrick; Secretary, Beverly Hickox; Social, Ruth Council; Spotlight Ads, Bettye McClendon; and Treasurer, John Rice. At the VLREA meeting on April 13, Nominations Chair Joanna Jones presented the following slate of officers for 2009-2010: David Ronn, President-Elect; Beverly Hickox, Secretary; and John Rice, Treasurer. The members unanimously elected the nominees. Gertie Bell, next years President, and the other officers were sworn in by GREA President, Dr. Beverly A. Roberts at the May 11 meeting. Virginia Prince, a pioneer in education in South Georgia, died this year. She witnessed and participated in some of the most sweeping changes ever seen in American education in her 41 years as a teacher and principal in Echols County and Lowndes County. When VLREA designated the Scholarship Fund to honor her life, they opened opportunities for area young people to continue her work as an educator and for her legacy to continue. The Scholarship Committee recommended one $1,000 scholarship (named for Virginia Prince) and two $500 scholarships for Lowndes and Valdosta students for 2008-2009. Total membership for 2009-2010 was 153. We lost 4 members through death. A Breakfast Planning Meeting was attended by our Executive Board Members on August 8, 2009 at Ryans Restaurant. The board consisted of Elected Officers and Committee Chairs. Five members of the local unit attended the Area Three Meeting on August 26, 2009 in Waycross. Retired Educators Day was observed at our October 12, 2009 meeting. A Proclamation from Governor Perdues office was used by members of the local unit to do a skit. Valdostas Mayor John Fretti made an official visit to our unit and presented a Proclamation to us from Valdosta. December 1, 2009 Retired Educators were honored at a Breakfast Salute to Retired Educators held at the Hilton Inn Hotel. It was sponsored by city and county superintendents. A reception for retiring educators was held at the Annette Howell Turner Arts Center on April 24, 2010 with 30 retiring educators in attendance. The reception was sponsored by our unit. The state convention was held in Macon on May 4, 5, and 6. Our unit was represented by Gertie Bell, President; David Ronn, President-Elect; John Rice, Treasurer; Mark Gilpatrick; Joanna Jones; Ronald Irwin; and Carol Irwin, Area Director. State Awards and recognitions received this year are listed under AWARDS GIVEN IN THE PAST. Dr. John C. Upchurch, President of GREA made an official visit to our unit on May 10, 2010 for the installation of our 2010-2011 Elected Officers: Mark Gilpatrick, President-Elect; John Rice, Treasurer; Beverly Hickox, Secretary; and David Ronn, President. VLREA members experienced an excellent 2010 2011 year largely due to the efforts of the Executive Board, the leadership of President David Ronn, and the support of the members. We gained 23 new members to end the year with 154. Three $500 scholarships were presented to local high school seniors who entered into a college education curriculum in the fall of 2010. As a part of Project Hope, VLREA members gave hundreds of clothing items (socks, T-shirts, sweatshirts/pants) to the residents of SW State Hospital in Thomasville in February 2011. Our participation in two Belks Charity Sales, led by Annie Fisher, was a huge success in obtaining money towards the VLREA scholarship fund. President-Elect Mark Gilpatrick organized interesting and informative monthly programs. Our local state legislators spoke at our October meeting. We celebrated Retired Educators Day with our city Mayor Fretti in November. In December, we had a retiree breakfast and program with our two school system superintendents. On April 21, VLREA honored this years local area retirees with a reception at the Howell Turner Center for the Arts. On May 2, we honored two retirees who died during the year at our necrology service. Dorothy Wilson, GREA

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President, joined us and installed our new officers for 2011 2012 at this meeting. The new officers are: Mark Gilpatrick, President; Beulah Hennly, President-Elect; Dr. Elveta Miller, Secretary; and Dr. John Rice, Treasurer. The GREA State Convention, held in Savannah from May 10 12, was attended by eight of our members. They were as follows: Gertie Bell, Annie Fisher, Joanna Jones, Ron Irwin, Past Presidents; Carol Irwin, Area III Director; Mark Gilpatrick, President-Elect; and David Ronn, President. State awards and recognition received this year are listed under AWARDS GIVEN IN THE PAST. VLREA had a great 2011-2012 year, thanks to the Executive Board and President Mark Gilpatricks leadership. The year ended with 148 members. Four $500.00 scholarships were awarded to seniors majoring in education from Valdosta, Lowndes, and Echols County Schools. In support of GREAs President Kate Finchs Lend a Hand Bring a Can Project, members brought 772 food items to this years monthly meetings. Our local project supporting Teachers Harvest saw VLREA members contribute hundreds of school supplies for students in the area public schools. Volunteers from VLREA, under the direction of Annie Fisher, raised over $1,000 for VLREA at the Belk's sale. President Mark Gilpatrick organized interesting programs. Our state legislators updated us at the October meeting. We celebrated Georgia Retired Educators Day at our November meeting. VCS and LCS honored retired educators with a brunch in December. Hospice of South Georgia, AMBA, and attorney Steve Gupton presented programs at other meetings, and we were entertained by our own Barbara Milhous Gospel Quartet. GREA President Kate Finch installed officers for 2012-2013 in May. VLREA was very blessed not to have any members pass away during our year. Seven VLREA members attended the GREA Convention at Callaway Gardens, including Area Director Carol Irwin; Ron Irwin; Secretary Elveta Miller; Membership Chair Patricia McRae; Belks Charity Fundraiser Coordinator Annie Fisher; President-elect Alice DeVane; and President Mark Gilpatrick. State awards and recognition received this year are listed under AWARDS GIVEN IN THE PAST. With the help of many faithful members, President Mark Gilpatrick brought his second term of office in 2012-2013, to a successful conclusion. The year ended with 135 members. Two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to two Lowndes High students. In support of GREA President Mary Ann McDaniels project, Georgia Educators Museums building fund, VLREA members contributed $405. For VLREAs local project, Hungry at Home, we donated 1,000 food items to Lake Park Elementary School to feed children on weekends. Once again, under the leadership of Past President David Ronn and Annie Fisher, member volunteers raised well over our $1,000 during the Belks Charity Sale. In August, thirteen members attended the Areas 3 and 4 meeting, hosted by Thomasville in Valdosta. Our famous VLREA singers started off our September meeting with songs. Besides our traditional programs of meeting the legislators and celebrating Georgia Retired Educators Day, our local school systems honored retirees with a brunch; we heard a presentation on Georgia tourism opportunities; member Annette ONeal serenaded us; and we enjoyed the piano talents of Susan Wheeler. Again, our Association was fortunate not to have any members pass away. On May 19, 2013, VLREA sponsored a memorial service for all local educators who had died in the past twelve months at the St. Paul AME Church. The May 7-9, 2013 GREA State Convention marked changes to our Area 3. VLREA Past President David Ronn was installed as our new area director, stepping in for VLREA member Carol Irwin, who had served two 2-year terms. In addition, Denise Ronn, Ron Irwin,

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Treasurer John Rice, Secretary Elveta Miller, President-elect Alice DeVane, and President Mark Gilpatrick attended. Awards and recognitions received at this years convention are listed under AWARDS GIVEN IN THE PAST. Valdosta Lowndes Retired Educators Association began the year 2013-2014 by with 13 members attending the area-wide meeting at Homerville REA. During the summer, President Alice DeVane met with all the committee chairs, instructed them in any changes in their responsibilities, and thanked them for their service. At the first executive board meeting Alice DeVane, president; Rubye Pompey, president-elect; John Rice, treasurer; Betty Paulk, secretary, and the board members planned a year of activities which were fulfilled during a very busy year. The September meeting was a get-together with friends with entertainment with our very own VLREA Singers. We began working for VLREA, especially keeping up with our record breaking17,563 volunteer hours, and more importantly, finding new ways to help the community. In October, we were visited by with Representative Ellis Black who talked about what would be happening in the legislature in the 2014 session. In November, we were visited by both Valdosta City Council and Lowndes County Commissioners representatives who read proclamations for Retired Educators Day; we also honored our veterans with a visit from one of our favorite veterans, Elvis himself, who shook, rattled and rolled We celebrated at our first Christmas party by giving over 100 toys to the Salvation Army. We sang Christmas carols and songs, and had a very special visit with Santa Claus who told us we had been very, very good! In addition, we attended the annual Christmas brunch given to us by both the Valdosta City and Lowndes County School Systems. In January we heard Vernotis Williams of the Valdosta Police speak on the benefits of having a Neighborhood Watch Program and what must be done to establish one in a neighborhood In February, we celebrated Valentines Day with music by members of the Strummers II a ukulele band who performs all over the area. In March retired Chief J. D. Rice of the Valdosta Fire Department emphasized the departments focus on fire prevention through the junior fire marshal program for schools, college, businesses and adult community members. He introduced Freddie Broome who was Valdostas new fire chief. In addition, President Alice DeVane was chosen by VLREA as a nominee for the Valdosta Junior Womens Club 2014 Woman of the Year, the first time VLREA had been invited to participate in the program. April was our first Celebration of Excellence in which members gave and received awards earned throughout the year. We presented Kim Lessman, Heather Epley, and Billie Page, Teachers of the Year from Lowndes, Valdosta, and Echols, the Outstanding Educators Awards and $50.00 checks each; Betty Murchison, the GREA Community Service Award; Kim Souther and Lisa Mitchell, from Holiday Inn Certificates of Appreciation, and the new scholarship winners, Meaghan Hoffman and Brittany Marie Koppen, Academic Award certificates; Alice Devane, the Leadership Award; and we honored our 100 year old member, Thelma Branham, with a birthday party. We took one more mile and gave $1,000 to be divided among the American Cancer Society in support of 2014-2015 GREA President Vivian Teasley and her fight against cancer; Hungry at Home to feed children during the weekends; Teachers Harvest to pay for school supplies for children who cannot afford them; Alzheimers Caregivers Timeout for our friends and neighbors who need help with Alzheimers family members; and NCNW Tutoring Program

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for Valdosta & Lowndes school children. In addition, we gave two $1,000 scholarships to worthy high school seniors, Lowndes Highs Parker Roberts and Echols Highs Victoria Crouch, earning the money by selling 27 Spotlight ads and selling Belks Charity Sale Ads during the year. Also in April, the GREA State Convention was held in Savannah. Alice DeVane, president; Pat McRae, membership; Betty Paulk, secretary; Rubye Pompey, president-elect; members Ron and Carol Irwin, Denise Ronn, and Area 3 Director David Ronn attended. The awards and recognition received are listed in Awards Given in the Past. In late May, we honored all the retired educators in the area schools at a Retired Educators Reception, and we also remembered all area educators who had died between May 2013 and May 2014 at a the second annual memorial service held at a local church for the public. In May we installed new officers with the help of Carol Irwin, former Area 3 director, who replaced GREA President Vivian Teasley due to illness: President, Rubye Pompey; President elect, Dr. Sandra Dickson; Treasurer, Dr. John Rice; Secretaries, DeeDee Girardin and Betty Murchison. President DeVane passed the gavel to Rubye Pompey, new president and thanked all of the members who made her term possible. New president Pompey thanked Past President DeVane for her service and gave a brick for GEM in her honor. Valdosta Lowndes Retired Educators Association was busy as a bee in 2014-15, as united we buzzed with many activities. Monthly meetings and luncheons were held at the Valdosta Holiday Inn. At each meeting, we celebrated members birthday by singing Happy Birthday, and President Rubye Pompey gave each celebrant a bag of her famous chocolate chip cookies. Door prizes were raffled off by Brenda Gilpatrick and helpers near the end of each meeting. President Pompey gave a $10.00 Chic-fl-la gift card to the person who sat in the lucky chair. At our September meet and greet, Area Director David Ronn and VLREA President Rubye Pompey spoke to 60 people in attendance about the importance of membership in GREA and VLREA. We discussed our goals for the year, our community Service projects, and introduced our officials and community chairs. The Area 3 and 4 meeting and luncheon was held at the Valdosta Holiday Inn on September 30, 2014. Valdosta Lowndes Association of Educators had 15 members in attendance. GREA officers spoke to the members about goals for 2014-2015 term. Goodie bags and door prizes were given to those in attendance. In October, Bert Chancy, co-owner of Chancy Drugs and marketing director, Amy Draper spoke to the members on prescription medications verses non-prescriptive medications and the importance of taking them correctly. They also introduced a new Ready Med Plus Program that they provide free of charge to their customers. In November, VLREA celebrated Retired Educators Day and Veterans Day. We were visited by both County Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter and Valdosta Mayor John Gayle who read proclamations declaring November 2 as Retired Educators Day. All veterans and their spouses were asked to stand and were thanked for their service to our country. At our December meeting, we celebrated Christmas by singing Christmas Carols, the reading of Christmas poems and a visit by Santa who rewarded all who had been good with mints. The highlight of the party was the presentation of over 100 toys to Major Starr of the Salvation Army. Some members of VLREA went to the Salvation Army to assist parents in choosing toys for their children. Also in December, VLREA members also attended the annual Christmas reception given by both the Lowndes County and Valdosta City School Systems. The reception was held at

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Valdosta High School Fine Arts Building. Entertainment was provided by the Valdosta High School Chorus under the direction of Taurance Phillips. In January, Sergeant Staples of the Valdosta Fire Department spoke on Fire Safety and Insurance. Area Director David Ronn encouraged VLREA members to work harder to reach our quota of 41 new members. David also encouraged officers and members to attend the State Convention in April. In February, Actress Katherine Smith mesmerized us with her dramatic poems on the Loves of Our Lives. Susan Roberson accompanied by Barbara Milhous led VLREA in a medley of love songs. At our March meeting, President-elect Sandra Dickson led a discussion on identity thefts and scams in the absence of our speaker Chief Brian Childress who sent pamphlets ahead of the meeting. Having been a victim of identity theft, Sandra gave excellent points on how to avoid being victimized. April was our Celebration of Excellence Many members received and gave awards. VLREA presented a $2000 dollar scholarship to Rebecca Gracie Herring of Valdosta High School. Three teachers of the year, Bobbi Staten-Echols County, Amy Broad-Lowndes County, and Wanda Hunter-Valdosta City Schools each received a certificate and a $50.00 check. Roxanne Hare got the Community Service Award for 4,368 volunteer hours. Agnes OKelley got the Emeritus Award and Rubye Pompey received the Leadership Award. As part of our community Service project, we collected over 56,000 can tabs to give to the GREA project. Bettye McClendon presented a certificate to each member who sold or bought a Spotlight Ad. John Rice was presented a gift for selling the most ads. Rubye Pompey presented each Board member with a certificate of appreciation. Also in April, the GREA Convention was held at the Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier Islands. In attendance were President Rubye Pompey, President-elect Sandra Dickson, Nomination Chairman Joanna Jones and members Carol and Ron Irwin, Jerry Dickson, Ora and Dennis Morrison and Area 3 Director David Ronn and wife Denise Ronn. VLREA was recognized as a Unit of Excellence by GREA. In May, we ended our year with a Necrology Service honoring the life of Thelma J. Branham, our oldest member. President Pompey presented a $275 check to the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and Choice for Life Foster Care Inc. The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts was also presented a certificate of appreciation for their years of support to VLREA. Former Area 3 Director Carol Irwin installed the new officers for 2015-2016. Rubye Pompey presented the VLREA Presidents pin and passed the gavel to the new President Sandra Dickson. Sandra thanked VLREA and gave an overview of her plans as president before the meeting adjourned with high hopes for our 46th year.

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PAST PRESIDENTS

1970 - 1971 Fredeva Ogletree 1971 - 1972 Corrine Knight 1972 - 1973 Dr. J. A. Durrenberger 1973 - 1974 W. L. Blanchard 1974 - 1975 W. E. Love 1975 - 1976 T. H. Wall 1976 - 1978 Monroe Atkinson 1978 - 1980 Alice Dewar 1980 - 1982 Thelma J. Branham 1982 - 1983 Ralph Johnson 1983 - 1984 Elena Atkinson 1984 - 1986 Sidney L. McHargue 1986 - 1988 Margaret Dukes 1988 - 1990 Ruth Council 1990 - 1991 Charles Scarborough 1991 - 1992 Thelma J. Branham 1992 - 1993 Margaret Dukes 1993 - 1994 Charles Scarborough 1994 - 1996 Isaiah Isom 1996 - 1997 Shelby Stovall 1997 - 1999 Dorothy Pearlman 1999 - 2000 Alex B. McFadden 2000 - 2001 John Rice 2001 - 2002 Annie Fisher 2002 - 2003 Seba Lanier 2003 - 2004 Barbara Milhous 2004 - 2005 Wayne Baxter 2005 - 2006 Lyndal Webb 2006 - 2007 Joanna Jones 2007 - 2008 Dr. Joseph Brown 2008 - 2009 Ron Irwin 2009 - 2010 Gertie Bell 2010 - 2011 David Ronn 2011 - 2012 Mark Gilpatrick 2012 - 2013 Mark Gilpatrick 2013 2014 Alice DeVane 2014 2015 Rubye Bailey Pompey

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AWARDS GIVEN IN THE PAST

1989 Emeritus Award--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. J. A. Durrenberger

1993 Community Service Award------------------------------------------------------Shelby Stovall and Bettye Wilson

1994 Community Service Award-------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. J. A. Durrenberger

1996 Community Service Award---------------------------Thelma Branham; Frankie Bridges, Willie Jones, Dr. J. A. Durrenberger

1997 Emeritus Award--------------------------------------------Ernest T. Townsend, Barbara King, William E. Love Community Service Award---------------------------------------------------------------------------Amanda Brown Scholarship Award $500.00-----------------------------------------------Barbara Brooks, Valdosta High School Outstanding Educator Award-----------------------------------------------LaRonnia Williams, Emily Anderson Academic Award---------------------------------------------------------Charlotte Hughes, Lowndes High School

Amanda Fiveash, Georgia Christian School Daniel Mitchell, J.L. Newbern Sarah Edwards, Valwood Middle School

1998 Community Service Award-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Juanita Miller Presidents Award-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dorothy Pearlman Scholarship Award $500--------------------------------------------Bimal Alimchandani, Lowndes High School Allison Warren, Valdosta High School Outstanding Educator Award--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gale Eger Leadership Award------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Monroe Atkinson Faithful Service Award---------------------------------------------------Ernest T. Townsend, Elisabeth McLane Academic Award-------------------------------------------------------Michael B. Walker, Valdosta High School

Joe Reilly, Lowndes Christian School Cohn Zimmerman, St. John Catholic Ben Prince, Lowndes Middle School

1999 Emeritus Award--------------------------------------------------------------------------Marguerite Ford, Nan Allen Centenarian Award-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. J. A. Durrenberger Presidents Award-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dorothy Pearlman Outstanding Educator Award-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sam Allen Leadership Award-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ruth Council Academic Award---------------------------------------------------------Sarah Hanchett, Valdosta Middle School

Klein Ashley Bonner, Hahira Middle School John Dukes, Valwood High School Leah Crosby, Open Bible High School

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2000 Emeritus Award-------------------------------------------------------------------------Eva Carruthers, Nell Greene Community Service Award--------------------------------------------------------------Betty and Logan Thackery Presidents Award--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Alex McFadden Scholarship Award $500-----------------------------------------------Trina Arrowwood, Lowndes High School Outstanding Educator Award --------------------------------------------------------------------------James Bridges Leadership Award-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Billy Hayes Appreciation Award-----------------------------------------------------Linda Rice Sellars, Gold Plate Restaurant Academic Award----------------------------------------------------------Rebecca Fackler, Lowndes High School

Samuel Clemons Jr., Lowndes Middle School Katie Klimko, Valdosta Middle School

2001 Emeritus Award------------------------------------------------------------------------Lila M. Collins, Leah Woods Community Service Award------------------------------------------------------------------------------Annie Fisher Scholarship Award $500-------------------------------------------Ebony Leann Thomas, Valdosta High School Outstanding Educator Award-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Hugh Bailey Leadership Award-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Billy Hayes Appreciation Award-----------------------------------------------------Linda Rice Sellars, Gold Plate Restaurant Jennifer Pope for News Articles, Valdosta Daily Times

2002 Emeritus Award---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Frances Worstall Community Service Award------------------------------------------------------------------------------Betty Wilson Scholarship Award $500-----------------------------------------------Amy D. Brasenier, Lowndes High School Outstanding Educator Award----------------------------------------------------------------------------Annie Fisher Leadership Award-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Billy Hayes Certificate of Appreciation---------------------------------------------Linda Rice Sellars, Gold Plate Restaurant

2003 Emeritus Award-----------------------------------------------------Elizabeth Copeland, Blanche Lanier, Monroe Community Service Award--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Seba Lanier Scholarship Award $500--------------------------------------------------Rebecca Brown, Valdosta High School Outstanding Educator Award------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ken Colson Leadership Award-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Seba Lanier Certificate of Appreciation---------------------------------------------------------------------Gold Plate Restaurant State Awards---------Unit of Excellence, Public Relations, History Participation, Scrapbook of Excellence, Handbook, Scholarship, Spotlight Ads

2004 Emeritus Award---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lila Collins Community Service Award------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lyndal Webb Scholarship Award ($500)---------------------------------------------------Charles Todd, Lowndes High School Outstanding Educator Award------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cheryl Rice Leadership Award-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Barbara Milhous Certificate of Appreciation---------------------------------------------Linda Rice Sellars, Gold Plate Restaurant State Awards----------------------------------------Unit of Excellence, Public Relations, History Participation, Scrapbook of Excellence, Handbook, Scholarship Spotlight Ads ,

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2005 Emeritus Award---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thelma Branham Community Service Award------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nancy Curtis Scholarship Award ($500)---------------------------------------------------Tierra Brown, Valdosta High School Outstanding Educator Award-------------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. Steve Smith Leadership Award---------------------------------------------------------------------------------John Wayne Baxter State Awards-----------------------------------------Unit of Excellence, Public Relations, History Participation Scrapbook of Excellence, Handbook, Scholarship

2006 Community Service Award----------------------------------------------------------------------------Mamie Pipkins Scholarship Award ($500)------------------------------------Michelle Rebecca Rogers, Lowndes High School Outstanding Educator Award--------------------------------------------------------------------------Lynn Williams Leadership Award-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lyndal Webb State Awards------------------------------------Unit of Distinction, Unit of Excellence, History, Participation, Handbook, Scholarship

2007 Community Service Award----------------------------------------------------------------------------Mamie Pipkins Scholarship Award ($500)-----------------------------------------------Amber Rickman, Valdosta High School

Jill Perry, Lowndes High School Outstanding Educator Award-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Fred Davis Leadership Award-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Joanna Jones Certificates of Appreciation----------------------------------Gold Plate Restaurant, Lake Park School Retirees State Awards---------------------------------------Unit of Distinction, Unit of Excellence, History, Handbook, Newsletter, Scrapbook of Excellence, Scholarship, GREA Foundation, Spotlight Ads

2008 Community Service Awards--------------------------------------------------------------------------Mark Gilpatrick Scholarship Awards ($500---------------------------------------------------------------------------Ann Marie Avila Outstanding Educator Award------------------------------------------------------------------------------Amy Carter Leadership Award----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Joseph Brown State Awards-----------------------------------Unit of Excellence, History, Handbook, Newsletter, Scrapbook of Excellence, Scholarship, GREA Foundation, Spotlight Ads Certificate of Appreciation---------------------------------------------------------------------Gold Plate Restaurant

2009 Community Service Award-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Carol McLeod Scholarship Awards----------------------------------------------Myron C. Grant ($1000), Valdosta High School

Amber Smith ($500), Lowndes High School Crystal B. Fletcher ($500), Lowndes High School

Outstanding Educator Award----------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. Joseph Brown Leadership Award---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ron Irwin State Awards-------------------------------Unit of Excellence, History Participation, Handbook Participation, Newsletter Participation, Scrapbook of Excellence, Scholarship Participation, Support of GREA Foundation, Spotlight Ads, Local Scholarship Presentation Awards, Outstanding Educator Award, and Membership Increase

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2010 Community Service Award------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. John Rice Scholarship Awards--------------------------------------------------Elizabeth Ann Register ($500), Echols High Kelsi Herring ($500), Lowndes High Julia Wright ($500), Valdosta High Outstanding Educator Award------------------------------------------------------------------------------Amy Carter Leadership Award--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gertie Bell State Awards------------------------------------------------------------- Unit of Excellence, History Participation,

Handbook Participation, Newsletter Participation, Scrapbook of Excellence, Community Service Award, Local Scholarship Presentation Awards, With Our Youth Award, GREA Foundation Support, GREA Museum and GREA Archives

2011 Community Service Award-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Carol McLeod Scholarship Awards----------------------------------------------------------------------Maribel Trejo, Echols High

Shayla Samaras, Lowndes High Columbus Carter III, Lowndes High Joseph Durrah, Valdosta High

Outstanding Educator Award----------------------------------------------------------------------------Anne Gunter Leadership Award------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------David Ronn State Awards-------------------------------------------------------------Unit of Excellence, History Participation, Handbook Participation, Newsletter Participation, Scrapbook of Excellence, Scholarship Participation, Public Relations, With Our Youth Project, Spotlight Award of Excellence, GREA Foundation Support, GEM Support, GREA Archives and History Support, and GREA Membership Increase

2012 Community Service Award------------------------------------------------------------------Alice DeVane Scholarship Awards---------------------------------------Chelsea Walker from Valdosta City Schools

Shakela Primrose from Lowndes County Schools Kayla Helton from Echols County Schools

Leadership award----------------------------------------------------------------------------Mark Gilpatrick State Awards---------------------------------------------------Unit of Excellence, History Participation,

Handbook Participation, Newsletter Participation Scrapbook Participation, Scholarship Participation, Public Relations, Spotlight Award of Excellence,

GREA Foundation Support, GEM Support, GREA Archives and History Support

2013 Community Service Award------------------------------------------------------------------Alice DeVane Scholarship Awards---------------------------------------- Meaghan Hoffman, Lowndes High School Brittany Marie Koppen, Lowndes High School

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Leadership award---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Carol Irwin State Awards---------------------------------------------------Unit of Excellence, History Participation,

Handbook Participation, Newsletter Participation Scrapbook Participation, Scholarship Participation, Public Relations, Spotlight Award of Excellence,

GREA Foundation Support, GEM Support, GREA Archives and History Support, GREA

Membership (5th place in Class AAA and 10th place in Spotlight Ad Sales

2014

Academic--------------------------------------------------Victoria Crouch, Echols County High School Parker Roberts, Lowndes High School Outstanding Educators------------------------------------ ToY Kim Lessman, Echols County Schools ToY Heather Epley, Lowndes County Schools

ToY Billie Page, Valdosta City Schools Community Service Award--------------------------------------------------------------- Betty Murchison Appreciation----------------------------------------------------------------------Kim Souther, Holiday Inn Lisa Mitchell, Holiday Inn Leadership--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Alice DeVane 100th Birthday Award and Party---------------------------------------------------------Thelma Branham State Awards-------------------------------------------Unit of Excellence/History Participation Award

Handbook Participation, Newsletter Participation Scrapbook Participation, Scholarship Participation

Public Relations, Spotlight Award of Excellence GREA Foundation Support, GEM Support

GREA Archives and History Support, GREA

2015

Community Service Award ----------------------------------------------------------------Roxanne Hare Scholarship Award -----------------------------------------------------------Rebecca Gracie Herring

($2000), Valdosta High School Outstanding Educators Award --------------------------------------------Bobbi Staten-Echols County,

Amy Broad-Lowndes County, Wanda Hunter-Valdosta City Schools Leadership Award -------------------------------------------------------------------Rubye Bailey Pompey State Awards -------------------------------------------------------------------Unit of Excellence, History

Participation, Handbook Participation Newsletter Participation, Scrapbook

Scrapbook Participation, Spotlight Ads Scholarship Presentation (local),

Outstanding Educator Award

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REASONS TO JOIN GREA

1. GREA is the only organization that concentrates exclusively on the needs of Georgia retired educators.

2. GREA develops a legislative program every two years which is designed to improve the financial benefits of Georgia retired educators.

3. GREA members make contact with candidates for state office for the purpose of getting commitments to the associations legislative program.

4. GREA executive director and legislative committee members keep track of legislation that concerns Georgia retired educators during the legislative session.

5. GREA members have personal satisfaction when they know that they are doing their part to strengthen education in Georgia.

6. GREA affords opportunities for united action in solving problems relative to the needs of retired educators.

7. GREA members

vlrea 2015-16 member handbook

Documents

active educators

vlrea membership application

history of vlrea

grea membership form

theme meetings vlrea

benefits of membership

community organizations

community needs