PREA celebrates veterans during November meeting
Local retired educators took time out during their recent meeting to show their support for those who have served the country and thank them for their sacrifice.
In recognition of Veterans Day, Rick Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance, after which President Andrea Sorrells called the Polk Retired Educators Association monthly meeting to order.
Those who helped with the Rockmart Riverwalk Festival: Renee Pinkard, Marion Williams, Sandra Floyd-McNally and Judy Angle were acknowledged for their efforts at the booth for the cutlery sales, which made a generous amount to be donated to the Shriners Foundation.
PREA recognized the Georgia sector of Retired Educators Day on Nov. 5, wherein many area churches will distribute ribbons, and church bulletin announcements, as well as newspaper and radio stations will participate.
Applications for the New Teacher Grant totaling $500 will be delivered, with a return date of Jan. 9, 2018. After evaluation by the PREA Executive Board on Jan. 18, the winner will be announced at the February Polk Board of Education meeting, to be followed by the next PREA meeting.
A field trip to the GREA History Museum is being planned for March 5, 2018 for the cost of $15.00 to cover the cost for a comfort bus. Those interested should contact Sorrells, as soon as possible.
Bernard Willoughby, during his Invocation and prayer time, took the PREA on a mental travelogue concerning his trip out West, wherein his scripture went along with Matthew 22: 34: “Love your neighbor” in recognition of Veterans Day.
After l unch, Brad Jones, one of our guest speakers for the Association Member Benefits Advisors ( AMBA), distributed a guide sheet that explained the benefits of the various plans offered by the Plan.
For more information, please contact Sorrells or PREA members.
State Rep. Trey Kelley (R-16th District) encouraged those gathered to continue their contact with him as he works towards raising the State budget to two billion dollars, as well as striving to improve the foster care program.
With election t i me looming in 2018, many are proposing more tax payer benefits, such as: property tax, house priority for foster care, and moderating adoption rules.
Some of the areas mentioned are more than 30 years old, and it takes upward of 33 months to update them.
Both speakers thanked the PREA for their support and input.
The next meeting of the PREA will be Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the Cedartown Country Club.
Those attending are asked to bring a canned good. There will be special holiday entertainment by Tim and Sharon Malone. Spouses are welcome.