Retired Educators of Beckham/ Roger Mills counties recently met at the new Elk City Arrowhead Center for the Unit’s March 10, 2023 meeting. President Linda Long welcomed members June Lovelace, Jan Attocknie, Carla Garrison, Stephanie Malone, Tana Feldman, Mary Beth Mahanay, Sharon Gilliland, Mary Fern Carpenter, Larry Long, Gwen Pasby, Cathy Lewis, Glenda Ivins and guests Karen S. Whitely, Cheryl Buchanan, Pam and Dean Holland.
June gave the invocation. Cathy led members in saluting the flags of the USA and the State of Oklahoma.
The program consisted of a guided tour of the Arrowhead Center, which opened its doors to the public October 4, 2022. The facility is open to the public between 7am – 7pm, Monday through Friday. The retired teachers enjoyed seeing all the Arrowhead Center has to offer. For information about obtaining membership to this multifaceted facility, one can contact the City Hall on FB @ cityofelkcity or call City Hall at 580-225-3230.
A March Birthday was celebrated as members sang the Happy Birthday song to guest, Cheryl Joy Buchanan.
In timely manner, Mary Fern shared the devotional about Christianity in Ireland and the influential role St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, played in that. His death was on March 17, 461, which is remembered each year as St. Patrick’s Day. Having traveled to Ireland, Mary Fern saw firsthand many symbols the Irish culture uses to express Christianity. The Shamrock is one of the symbols that Ireland shares with America. Its leaves represent the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
The minutes were approved as presented. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read.
In committee reports, Glenda reported 70 local members. In the legislative report, Linda mentioned a few bills to be aware of including HB 2171 and HB 2279. It is important to contact State Representative Nick Archer to show support for the house bills that benefit educators and retired educators.
In new business the selection of the 2023 VIM (Very Important Member) was discussed. This VIM will be selected at the April meeting. The 2022 VIM is Bill Hubbard. Both VIMs will be honored at this year’s OREA State Convention scheduled for October 3, 2023 in Tulsa.
An important date to remember is April 14, which is the date for this Unit’s next meeting. The meeting place is the Elk City United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. Sabra Tucker, OREA Executive Director, will present the program. Suzanne Walker will present the devotional. Another important date to remember is March 29, which is Retiree’s Lobby Day at the State Capitol. Pam Holland won the door prize. Linda adjourned the meeting.
OREA meetings are a great place to find support, fellowship, information and fun. All area, retired educators are welcome! OREA’s mantra is “Together, We Can”!
