On September 5, 2024, several members of the Colleton County Education Association-Retired (CCEA-R) held their monthly meeting, after the summer break, at the Colleton County Memorial Library, where they launched a “new start” for the year. The CCEA-Retired is an affiliate of both the South Carolina and the National Education Association-Retired. Members of The SCEA-Retired stay connected with other retired professionals by attending local retired association meetings where we fellowship with other retirees, volunteer with community service projects, participate in The SCEA-Retired Leadership/Membership Conference in August, participate in The SCEA-Retired Delegate Assembly in October, and attend The SCEA-Retired Annual Convention in April. The SCEA-Retired Legislative Program addresses the need for retired public school educators to actively advocate for education and benefits for retirees.
In the local chapter, members have been consistently involved in Read Across America-Annual Dr. Seuss Day at Low Country Headstart in Cottageville. Also, scholarship support is given to the American Legion youth candidates and local citizens’ support. They participate in “Lobby Day,” which impacts educational issues, at the State House. Local workshops are held to inform and take action that yields positive outcomes in public education and in our community. Further, annual holiday gatherings are planned for the members to fellowship.
The association’s newly elected officers are as follows: President, Charlie Armentrout; Vice President, Vera M. Bodison; Secretary, Queenie Crawford; Assistant Secretary, Willie Rabb; Treasurer, Gloristine Williams; Assistant Treasurer, Esther Black; Chaplin, Celia Price; and Membership Chairman, Anna S. Bright. One of the association’s goals this year is to increase its membership. Public school retirees (administrators, teachers, teacher assistants, secretaries, bus drivers, and others) are invited to join. Please contact Anna S. Bright at 843-217-1163 or annasbright56@gmail.com if you are interested in becoming a member. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 3, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at Colleton County Memorial Library on Hampton Street in Walterboro.
