Contributed by SCREA
Seminole County Retired Educators Association recently welcomed 2026 during their regular meeting, with the traditional look back and look forward.
Looking back, members reported an impressive number of volunteer hours that they had contributed to their community. Looking forward, plans were made to participate in AARP’s annual Cupid Crew project on Valentine’s Day. Our effort to donate stuffed animals for first responders to give to children in stressful situations was given a boost with a generous donation by member Pat Burkett. Carrie Frye updated us on what our state organization is doing to support us and how we can get involved to help.
Guests Deborah Dubois and Sue Orell from Sandcastle Storytellers of Deland reminded us of the importance and pleasures of storytelling as they shared some of their experiences as educators. We laughed at familiar situations and the things that children said in Sue’s classrooms. We marveled at mental image of Deborah, as a petite young woman fresh out of college, substituting in a high school auto mechanics classroom.
Ruth Crowell was in the Member Spotlight this time. She was recognized for her many years as library media specialist at Lyman High School, as well as her volunteer activities at Winter Park Library. She also serves SCREA by maintaining the group’s Facebook page (and by writing articles like this).
Our next SCREA meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 10. 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] for more information.
