The Alleghany Retired Teachers Association (ARTA) met Tuesday, December 6, at Temple Baptist Church in Covington. President Joan Green welcomed the ARTA members to the holiday meeting. The members moved to the church sanctuary where they were entertained by the AHS Choirs. The Annual Choir Christmas program is an eagerly anticipated highlight at our member’s Christmas season. This year the AHS Treble choir, the Upperclassmen Men’s choir, and the Concert choir each presented an inspiring program under the direction of Amanda Sprouse. At the end of the delightful Christmas concert, ARTA members showed their appreciation to the choir by presenting a check for the donated amount of $145.
Following the musical program, the members returned to the fellowship hall where Joan Green led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Anita Rice, ARTA Vice-President, introduced Mary Asma, the 2022 Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mother. The theme of the Christmas Mother Program this year is “Be That Someone.” Mrs. Asma thanked the association for its support of the Christmas Mother program which serves over 400 Alleghany Highlands families. ARTA members presented Mrs. Asma a check for $550, as well as gift items.
During the business meeting, acting Secretary Margaret Sams distributed the minutes from the September meeting to the members. They were filed as presented.
Renee Warren, treasurer, presented the treasurer’s report. Warren’s report was accepted as presented.
Dewey Lawson, Co-Chair of the Scholarship Committee, gave an update on the scholarship fund. Anita Rice won the Scholarship 50/50 drawing.
Joan Green presented a recap of the Fall VRTA meeting held in Midlothian on October 18-19, 2022. The meeting began with Senator Jennifer McClellan, keynote speaker for the luncheon, who gave a very informative and inspirational presentation. Green noted that during the conference presentations were given by various individuals to address: VRS, legislative issues relating to education and nursing home reforms, and services provided to VRTA members by Creekside Insurance Advisors. During the VRS session, Trish Bishop discussed the importance of signing into your VRS account and the benefits of it. Members were again urged to submit a VRS Form 900 which authorizes someone to discuss account information and also a VRS-901 form which designates a power of attorney. Green told members that the recent nursing home reform bill had failed to pass in this past legislative session but will be carried over to the next session. Jim DuBrueller with Creekside Insurance Advisors updated members on the services they offer and discussed an information card designed to share with local school board offices. The card provides information about the benefits available to those planning to retire soon. During the legislative session, Chad Stewart, Policy Analyst with VEA gave a PowerPoint presentation and Senator George Barker also added some remarks. Our ARTA unit received several certificates of awards for various projects and actions. Anita Rice and Harriet Snead also attended the conference. Joan invited other members to attend future conferences.
Harriet Snead gave an update on the Fall District P Meeting at Montano’s in Roanoke on October 26. All of the seven local retired teacher associations in District P were represented. Although the Fall District P meeting has been designated as opportunity for elected officials from both political parties to discuss important pending legislation, only Sam Rasoul was present. He answered questions and expressed his commitment to both education and nursing home reform. Harriet, Anita Rice, Joan Green, and Becky Smith attended the District P meeting.
Green reminded members of some upcoming dates. The March meeting will be March 7 at Jackson River Technical Center and members were reminded to bring items for the local food pantries. Also, members will need to turn in their volunteer hours form. Members can record their hours on the ARTA form which will be sent to members prior to the meeting. Members were also given the following upcoming dates: VRTA Spring Convention scheduled for April 18-19, 2023 in Midlothian, the Spring District P in Roanoke scheduled for April 2023, and ARTA May meeting at Alleghany Arts Center in Clifton Forge on May 2.
Joan announced that several ARTA members are dealing with health issues and cards have been sent to them.
Green wished everyone both a Merry Christmas and a memorable time spent with their families.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Anita Rice read an inspirational poem before she offered the blessing for the lunch which was prepared by the chef of Scott Hill.
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