The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany Retired Teachers Association held its March 4 meeting, at Jackson River Technical Center in Covington, VA. After a meet and greet, the meeting was called to order. President Joan Green welcomed the ARTA members and guests, including our scholarship recipients, she then led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Vice President Anita Rice introduced the guest speaker, Karen Brown who not only is a member of ARTA but created Serendipity Baskets. Before her presentation, Ms. Brown gave all in attendance a present, a beautiful handmade fish ornament. She presented a program on basket weaving. She brought several baskets illustrating the different techniques used. Karen learned to make baskets while living in the mountains of western Virginia. She has been making baskets and teaching basket classes for the last forty years. After over thirty years of teaching, Karen retired to spend more time collecting grapevine, honeysuckle, twigs, bark, and other pliable materials to weave her creations. Living in Alleghany County, Virginia, she divides her time between family, gardening, The Alleghany Arts and Crafts Center, and her basketry work.
Karen Brown stated, “I am inspired by nature. The textures, colors, tastes, and scents stimulate my creativity. I enjoy working with renewable resources to create beautiful artwork. My basketry is made with reed and other natural materials the traditional way using no nails. I use Alleghany County black walnuts to stain the basketry and a coating of linseed oil to provide a protective coating to the reed. Enjoy using a Serendipity Basketry creation, I enjoyed creating it!”
After a very informational presentation of Karen’s beautiful baskets, we went into the Business meeting. Secretary Robbie Thomas distributed the minutes of the December meeting, which were then approved.
Treasurer Renee Warren presented Treasurer’s Report which was accepted as presented. Renee thanked everyone for their monetary donations to the scholarship fund and the food banks.
Harriet Snead won the 50/50 and donated her winnings back to the scholarship fund.
The Alleghany Retired Teachers were able to give out four scholarships, each in the amount of $600 this year. Brenda Lawson, Scholarship Co-Chairman, presented the scholarships. Brenda introduced the four scholarship recipients: Riley Cosby, Charity Craft, Allie Taylor, and Gavin Via. Each student shared their college plans to achieve a degree related to teaching. Everyone received congratulations and best wishes for their future educational pursuits.
President Green also 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 $642 plus food items donated. Donations of $557 for the scholarship fund were collected.
President Green shared two “Thank You” notes from the Christmas Mother and South Covington Food Pantry. She reported that “Thinking of You” and “Get-Well” cards were sent to several members. She also informed members of the passing of Evelyn Simmons who was the ARTA treasurer for several years.
Green also mentioned that Mountain Gateway Community College was looking for a part-time math instructor in the fall. She passed around a paper concerning the position available for anyone interested.
Green announced the schedule for upcoming meetings. The Spring VRTA Delegate Assembly will be held on April 29-30 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Midlothian, VA. The ARTA May meeting is on May 6 at the Discovery Center in Covington. The Spring District P meeting will be at Montano’s in Roanoke on May 19.
Nancy Moga, an ARTA member, announced that April is Clean Up Month for the area. She encouraged members to volunteer to help with the cleanup program which beautifies our community while creating a more welcoming environment for our visitors.
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 JRTC Culinary Arts students, taught by Chef Rob. During lunch, the ARTA members expressed their appreciation to Chef Rob and the students.
Karen Brown, Guest Speaker (Photo courtesy Joan Green)
Left to right – Brenda Lawson, Gavin Via, Riley Cosby, Charity Craft, and Allie Taylor (Photo courtesy Joan Green)
