By Dr. Deborah Partridge
In late October, Liz Randall and her husband delivered 335 books to Union Correctional Institution in Raiford as part of their outreach to promote literacy among the inmates. Early November brought a successful scholarship fundraiser in partnership with Sanford’s Texas Roadhouse. Current chapter president Deb Partridge and past presidents Darlene Cooper and Kerry McRae welcomed patrons with an attractive table full of mini activity books for children.
Since our November meeting fell on Veterans Day, we honored our veterans Jimmy Lyon, Lemuel Stallworth, and Tom Billings by presenting them with special pins. Assisting in the presentation were guests from FREA, District 8 Representative Sheila King and Dr. Monica Johnson, Chairperson of Volunteer Services. The meeting also featured a tribute to Lemuel Stallworth for his many years of service to education and to our organization; a presentation by professional photographer and former guidance counselor Claire Closson; and the collection of member donations of books both for the prison project and for SCPS schools, of personal care items for SafeHouse, and of items for an upcoming silent auction to raise more scholarship funds.
In conjunction with Florida Retired Educators Day later in the month, Sanford’s Mayor Art Woodruff, a Seminole County educator himself, issued a proclamation recognizing retirees’ continuing contributions through numerous volunteer hours, scholarships, and other community support.
A group of members had the opportunity to feel like Santa’s elves when they visited elementary school teachers who are new or new to a grade level. The teachers were thrilled to receive books for their classroom libraries as well as supplies like paper, erasers, and markers.
If you are retired from the educational field (not just teachers), please consider joining our team. Community members may also support the efforts of SCREA by becoming an associate member through a small tax-deductible donation. Contact Deb Partridge at [email protected]
Pictures explained:
Table with mini-books
Vets group - left to right, Sheila King, Jimmy Lyon, Lemuel Stallworth, Tom Billings, Monica Johnson
Lemuel - Stallworth
Closson - Claire
Class Books2 & 4 - Deb Partridge and teachers whose names and school I don't know
Class Books7 - donated supplies
