The Alleghany Retired Teachers Association met on September 5, at Granbery United Methodist Church in Covington, Virginia. President Joan Green called the meeting to order and welcomed the ARTA members and guests, then led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Before beginning the program, each member introduced themselves and shared their teaching experience.
A program about issues faced by seniors was presented by Connie Scaggs, AARP presenter after she was introduced by Anita Rice, ARTA Vice President. She shared AARP’s strategies for helping adults be able to stay in their homes as they age or experience health challenges. The program was designed to show types of home modifications addressing accessibility and safety. For example, all homes should have at least one walk-in shower; all homes need a bath on the main floor: and all homes should have 36” wide doors. She suggested some other modifications as simple as avoiding clutter on the floor or steps that could cause falls, using dining room chairs with arms that help when standing, spreading out furniture to make more open floor space, or installing grab bars in the bathroom. Her discussion covered all areas of the house. Ms. Scaggs challenged members to make two quick safety fixes to their homes in the next three months.
During the business meeting, Margaret Sams, Acting Secretary distributed the minutes from the May meeting to the members. They were filed as presented. It was announced that Robbie Thomas has volunteered to assume the office of secretary.
Joan Green presented the treasurer’s report. The report was accepted as presented. Joan offered the proposed 2023-2024 budget for approval. The budget was approved.
Scholarship Co-Chairman Dewey Lawson announced that $32 had been collected for the 50/50 drawing. Dewey won the drawing and donated the winnings back to the scholarship fund. Members were reminded that scholarship donations are a good way to honor our teacher friends who have passed.
Helen Jean Fitzgerald reported over 7,000-member volunteer hours this year.
Joan told members that emailing informational letters and other correspondence saves quite a bit of money on postage and encouraged additional members to take advantage of that option. She thanked members for their donations to the food banks and schools. Joan passed around a signup sheet for the Fall VRTA Delegate Assembly and the Fall District P meetings. She encouraged members to attend the meetings. She also made some comments on the data breach reported by the VRS and assured members that steps have been taken to correct the security problems. Since the May meeting, get well and sympathy cards have been sent to several members.
President Green gave several dates for upcoming events. The ARTA meetings for 2023-2024 will be on December 5, March 5, and May 7. The VRTA Delegate Assembly will be in Midlothian with the Fall conference September 26-27, 2023, and the Spring conference April 16-17, 2024. The District P meeting in Roanoke will be on October 11.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Anita Rice blessed the food which had been prepared by the Granbery Agape Ladies.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.