Retired Educators of Beckham, Roger Mills, Custer and Washita Counties met May 12, 2023 for the last meeting of the 2022-23 school year. President Linda Long welcomed members Sharon Gilliland, Gwen Pasby, June Lovelace, Tana Feldman, Judy Haught, Dennis McCree, Mary Fern Carpenter, Carla Garrison, Larry Long, Jan Attocknie, Cathy Lewis, and Glenda Ivins. The meeting was held at the Elk City United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m.
Gwen gave the invocation. Judy led members in saluting the U.S.A. Flag and the State of Oklahoma Flag.
Mary Fern shared an inspiring devotional from the book, “Practice Unleashing the Power of Faith,” by wellknown Oklahoman Jane Jayroe. For this book, she gathered the stories of men and women from throughout the state who were willing to share their faith to benefit others. The story Mary Fern chose to read was, “The Boy Who Carried Bricks,” a true story written by Alton Carter, Director of Youth Services at the United Methodist Church of Stillwater, Ok. This inspiring story is about the life of a young man who was filled with hope and faith. He refused to succumb to the fate that the world would say should be his. Mary Fern referred to the scripture, Ephesians 4:29.
The Minutes were approved as presented. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read.
Glenda reported that membership stands at 70 members. In the Membership Minute she mentioned the myambadiscounts.com free benefit powered by Passport. Members can start their journey for summer travel and save hundreds of dollars on a cruise, car rental, hotel stay, and attraction visit by checking out this website. In addition, if help is needed in registering, members can check out the “Benefits” tab on the OREA.org website. Members were reminded to keep track of their volunteer hours during the summer. In the legislative report, Linda mentioned that decisions at the Capitol regarding educational issues have been delayed and will require further negotiations.
In unfinished business, the VIM selection was discussed. Mary Fern nominated Gwen for the 2023 Very Important Member. Cathy made the motion, seconded by Jan, to accept this nomination by acclamation. The motion carried.
In new business, the meeting time and day for 2023-24 meetings were topics to consider. Carla made a motion, seconded by Jan, to continue with the same schedule as the previous year, which is the second Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. The motion carried. Delegates for the State Convention are Linda, Larry, Mary Fern and Judy. Alternate Delegates are June, Gwen, Tana, Cathy and Glenda.
Judy presented the OREA Memorial Service. The lovely Monarch butterfly on the program cover symbolizes thebeauty ofthewaygood educators touch the lives of students. There were roses in bouquets of fresh flowers to represent each past educator.
SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 29:11 MESSAGE:“TheLegacy ofGoodTeachers” MUSIC: “Hymn of Promise” BELLCEREMONY: To honor past educators - Judith Bollinger, Jack Bonny, Sherri Carlson, im Crabb, Maxine Hartman, Earl Henslee, Bill Hubbard, Mildred Joyce Ivey, Bob Kennemer, Sue Shirley Newton, Jana Smithey and Mildred Wood.
CLOSING PRAYER Linda announced this Unit was awarded THE EDNA DONLEY UNIT OF DISTINCTION AWARD for the 202223 Year. She also noted two dates to remember. One date is the next meeting, September 8, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Elk City, 10:00 a.m. The other date is the OREA State Convention, October 3, 2023 at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa. The door prize was won by June. Before Linda adjourned the meeting, she commemorated the last day of this school year by reading “The Last Day of School” from “Apples for A Teacher.”
THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS! All retired teachers are invited to become a member of OREA for 20232024!
