The Alleghany Retired Teachers Association met Tuesday, March 7, at Jackson River Technical Center. President Joan Green welcomed the ARTA members and guests, then led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Stephanie Hepler from the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board presented a program on “Senior Mental Health.” Her remarks were especially appropriate because many people worry about becoming forgetful as they age and fear the words “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s. She discussed some causes of forgetfulness such as stress, the side effect of some medicines, and lack of sleep. She noted the importance of keeping the mind and body active and distributed a handout with sample brain-improvement activities. Stephanie also gave a list of foods that help keep the brain healthy. A question-and-answer period followed her presentation.
Dewey Lawson introduced our three scholarship recipients: Alivia Hoover and Gracie Barron from Alleghany High School, and Brianna Tetreault from Covington High School. Each recipient received a gift and a check for $700. Each young lady shared the names of the colleges they will attend next year, and the major they hope to pursue. The trio also went around to each table and expressed their thanks for being chosen as scholarship recipients.
President Green read a touching thank you note from a former scholarship recipient, Zack Silver, who is graduating from college this year.
During the business meeting, Secretary Margaret Sams distributed the minutes from the December meeting to the members. They were filed as presented.
Renee Warren, treasurer, presented the treasurer’s report. The report was accepted as presented.
The 50/50 drawing was won by Joan Green who donated her winnings back to the scholarship fund.
President Green thanked members for their donations to the scholarship fund and the local food pantries. Treasurer Renee Warren announced that the members had donated $501 to the food pantries and $400 to the scholarship fund at the March meeting.
Joan announced there is a need for volunteers on the calling committees.
President Green recently sent several cards to members who have been in the nursing home and recovering at home.
Members were reminded to turn in their volunteer-hour sheets to Helen Jean Fitzgerald.
Green announced the schedule for upcoming meetings. The Spring VRTA Delegate Assembly will be held April 18-19 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Midlothian, VA. The Spring District P meeting will be at the Roanoke Country Club on April 26. The ARTA May meeting will be held at the Arts Center in Clifton Forge on May 2.
Scholarship recipients and their parents were guests at the ARTA luncheon following the meeting.
Dewey Lawson gave the blessing for our delicious lunch which was prepared and served by the Culinary Arts students at Jackson River Technical Center who were thanked by the membership during lunch.
