I read in your Speak Out column in the September 21 issue that one of your readers had a misconception about a meeting held at the Russell Center at Locklin Technical Center. I would like to offer clarification. The meeting referenced was one of the monthly meetings held there by the Santa Rosa County Retired Educators Association. Please note that the organization is open to all educators, and our ranks include school secretaries and food service workers, among other support staff. Membership is open to any person who has retired from the education field under the Florida Retirement or the Teacher Retirement System with five or more years of service. Other interested parties may join as Associate Members. Purposes of the SRCREA include to maintain and improve the social, educational, economic and recreational welfare of retired educators; to further the cause of education and provide opportunities for meaningful contact with friends and associates; to gather and disseminate information of value to members; and to provide a framework through which retired educators can continue a life of service. Retired educators tend to be very active in the community as volunteers. One of our members was named the 2011-12 Volunteer of the Year for District I, which incorporates the Panhandle, all the way from Escambia east to Bay County. We invite all retired educators to join us. Our dues and the monies generated by various fund-raisers are spent such worthy causes as scholarships and essay contests for students. The next meeting will be Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. At each meeting we enjoy an informational program, hold a business meeting, conduct a fundraising activity to help fund our projects, and enjoy the fellowship of old and new friends in the education field. We also enjoy refreshments provided by our membership in the form of a pot-luck lunch.
Melanie Waite SRCRE President Milton, Fla.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Speak Out question clarified