The Shadow
The Alleghany Retired Teachers Association met Tuesday, March 5, at Jackson River Technical Center. After a meet and greet, the meeting was called to order. President Joan Green welcomed the ARTA Members and guests, then led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mrs. Green then read a poem entitled “Hands That Serve.”
Anita Rice, Vice President, introduced the guest speaker, Jessa Bryington Wright. She presented a wonderful program on Essential Oils. Jessa told the group about how these oils from doTERRA help with so many health problems. The doTERRA essential oils may be used in several different manners. She explained ways to use the oils: Aromatic, breathing in the oils; Topical, applying oils directly to the skin; and Internal, ingesting the oils. Jessa brought samples of several oils for the members to smell, apply, and put in their water to see all the ways these oils can be used. Ms. Wright had a drawing for the Deep Blue oil which was won by Robbie Thomas.
Brenda and Dewey Lawson presented the scholarships for this year. Brenda introduced the four scholarship recipients: Matthew “Moose” Clayton, Lexi Dressler, Sadie Moye, and Adam Tremblay. Each recipient received a gift and a check for $700. Each recipient shared what college they will be attending next year, and the major they hope to pursue.
During the business meeting, Secretary Robbie Thomas distributed the minutes from the December meeting to the members. The minutes 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 Kathy Cvizic who donated her winnings back to the scholarship fund.
President Green thanked members for their generous donations to the scholarship fund and the local food pantries. The members service project for the March meeting was to collect donations for food pantries which totaled $340 plus food items donated. Donations for the scholarship fund were also collected which amounted to $457.50.
Green announced that members had been asked to vote on raising the District P dues from $5 to $7 starting Fall 2024. A vote was taken, and it was passed to raise the District P dues to $7.
Joan also announced that the Virginia Retired Teachers Association has a new web address: VRTA.US. The VRTA benefits web address stayed the same: VRTAbenefits.org. Members were told that they will receive a cost of living raise in August.
President Green read two thank you notes from the Christmas Mother and South Covington Food Pantry. She also mentioned that thinking of you cards and get-well cards were sent to several of the members.
Green announced the schedule for upcoming meetings. The Spring VRTA Delegate Assembly will be held April 16-17 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Midlothian, VA. The Spring District P meeting will be at Montano’s in Roanoke on April 23. The ARTA May meeting will be held at the Arts Center in Clifton Forge on May 7.
Nancy Moga, ARTA member, gave a short announcement on “The Wall that Heals” that is coming to Covington. It will be on display at Jackson River Sports Complex from October 3-6, 2024. This is a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Nancy passed out informational flyers concerning the event.
Scholarship recipients and their parents were guests for the ARTA luncheon following the meeting.
Anita Rice gave the blessing for our delicious lunch which was prepared and served by the Culinary Arts students under the direction of Chef Rob at Jackson River Technical Center. During lunch the ARTA members expressed their appreciation to Chef Rob and the students.
