It was with Christmas cheer that President Linda Long welcomed members Cathy Lewis, Judy Haught, Glenda Ivins, Janice Mollet, Stephanie Malone, Nan Hubbard, June Lovelace, Larry Long, Mary Fern Carpenter, Dennis McRee, Karen Whitely, Dana Anderson, Jan Attocknie, Carla Garrison and Gwen Pasby to the December OREA meeting. Members gathered at Elk City United Methodist Church, 10:00 a.m. for the last meeting of 2023.
Gwen gave the invocation. Judy led the U.S. Flag salute and the State of Oklahoma Flag salute. Members sang the Happy Birthday song to recognize the December birthdays of Glenda, Carla, June and Karen.
Dana gave the devotional. She shared her personal story of faith and of God’s constant care. Dana referred members to the scripture, Isaiah 41:10. She ended the devotional with a prayer.
The minutes were approved as presented. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read. Committee reports followed, beginning with the Scholarship report. This year’s scholarship is being offered to SWOSU education students who will be doing student teaching in the 2nd Semester. In the membership report, Glenda noted there are currently 71 members. It was announced that Volunteer Hours need to be turned in by the end of this year, December 2023. Linda reported that legislators are beginning to file bills and are preparing to go into session in February. Of interest to OREA members are the three COLA Bills that are being considered. Linda reported that Pac Fund Donations collected at the last meeting amounted to a total of $175.
Today’s program featured the annual Christmas Scholarship Auction. Colors of red and green decorated the room and Christmas Carols could be heard in the background. Delicious snacks were enjoyed as the scholarship auction began. Carla was the auctioneer. She gave a delightful description of each item that was waiting for a new home. Members had fun placing their bids on the Christmas treasures. Individual donations and all the proceeds from the auction are used to fund the Beckham/Roger Mills Unit OREA Scholarship.
The arrival of the New Year brings thoughts of the next meeting, January 12, 2024. Elk City United Methodist Church is the location. All area, retired educators are invited to attend the 10:00 a.m. meeting. Representative Nick Archer will be on hand to do the program. Danny McClure is scheduled to present the devotional. The meetings are informative, enjoyable and relative to the issues that affect retired educators.
Larry won the door prize. Linda adjourned the meeting in due form.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
