To many retirees, the end of answering that alarm clock and meeting the workday schedule means it's finally time for non-stop relaxation and lazy days that are all your own. That picture, however, doesn't really apply to a group of local professionals who aren't quite ready to toss in the towel all together. If you remember the schoolteachers who meant the most to you and required the best from you, then you can be pretty sure they're still around and still involved in what they love. The only difference is now they're doing it as members of the Emanuel Retired Educators Association, and this past year was a busy one for them.
2022 activities got off to a quick calendar start with the group's September meeting at Swainsboro High School. A very special lunch was prepared by the school’s CTAE student organizations. Following that treat, Superintendent of Schools, Scotty Hattaway, visited with members and provided an informative picture of the "state of the school district" with an update for the group. Dr. David Schecter, President of East Georgia State College, shared his goals for the local postsecondary institution at the October meeting which was held at Emanuel County Institute. The Family and Consumer Science students prepared and served a delicious lunch for members. In November, our local State legislators, Senator Max Burns and Representative Butch Parrish, were guest speakers at the traditional legislative perspective meeting held at Swainsboro Middle School, and both officials provided a most informative presentation. Group discussion is always appreciated by the retired educators, and they heard our local legislators' expression of appreciation for the many years of service devoted by EREA members. Throughout the fall, members of the organization collected and donated stuffed animals and school supplies for the local Sunshine House Children’s Advocacy Center to be used with their young clients who are served by the child advocacy organization. As the group began 2023, members welcomed Mike Zarem, Georgia Teacher Retirement System Program Manager, who provided an update on the Teacher Retirement System. He assured members that the teacher retirement system was in very good shape and is the 23rd largest U.S. public pension plan. In February, the Swainsboro Primary School administrative team provided a thorough review of the many wonderful programs and activities taking place at the Pre-K-2 school. Kathy Durden, COO of Care Partners of Georgia, entertained and enlightened the group in April with her presentation regarding staying mentally fit after retirement. At its May meeting, members awarded the 2022-23 $1000 EREA Scholarship to Madison Grimm who will be heading to Georgia Southern University in the fall majoring in elementary education. Our Georgia Retired Educators District Director, Dr. Connie Cooper, also attended and installed the EREA 2023-24 officers.
Emanuel Retired Educators are actively involved in the local school system and remain engaged in many different aspects of the education experience. For these retirees, the dedication and devotion they developed over a career of professional instruction is still alive and well and very busy. As one member said, "The classroom was my second home for many years, and it's always good to come home." The Emanuel Retired Educators Association looks forward to another active and meaningful year in 2023-24.
