Muscogee Retired Educators Association

Our Area 9 April meeting and luncheon had a lot to share! Muscogee REA President Patricia Davis cheerfully and warmly called the April 10th meeting to order and welcomed everyone. She gave an update on all of the volunteer opportunities that our members have helped with so far this year and reminded members of upcoming volunteer opportunities. Josie Johnson led the pledge and gave the inspirational “When It Rains It Pours," reminding us how the Lord pours his love and blessings on us even when we undergo challenges and hardships. She gave the order for lunch and everyone enjoyed the delicious meal prepared by the St. Luke Ministry Center Staff. Dr. Ralph Huling, President-Elect and Chair of the Nominating Committee, presented the 2026-27 slate of officers. There were no nominations from the floor and the motion was made and passed to accept the slate of officers that were presented. Carole Mashburn, Membership Chair, recognized George Corradino as an Emeritus Member. George delighted us all by playing “Fly Me to the Moon” on his saxophone! Carole interviewed George with several questions about his life and career. His advice to us, which was given to him by his father, is “to surround yourself with good people." Robbie Montford from the River Valley Area Agency on Aging was unable to be with us for the meeting, but we were blessed to have Sandra Hawthorne, Local Chapter President of AARP, Inc. with us. She gave us information on the local chapter, how to join, and benefits and resources that are available. Margaret Ingersoll, Community Service Chair, thanked everyone for their volunteer support in the community. The Community Service Award for 2026 will be announced at the June meeting. MREA will be showing appreciation to the faculty and staff at a school in the Muscogee County School District 3 in May. Karen Hartin thanked members for their contributions to our two charities this year, Children’s Hospital of Atlanta and Feeding the Valley. She encouraged everyone to continue to support the two charities with monetary donations and by bringing canned food for Feeding the Valley. Rochelle Jones reminded us about buying Spotlight Ads to support our local teachers and paraprofessionals with scholarships to continue their education. Bobbie Getz pointed out that the last information sent for the GREA Bulletin did not appear in print but thanks to Kristine Mitchell it was included in the April newsletter. The 2026 Scrapbook will be ready very soon and will be shared with the membership. Vanessa Biggers, our Courtesy and Memorial Chair, celebrated March, April, and May birthdays with a gift to those individuals! Dr. Marietta Webb informed us that the District 9 and 10 meeting will be held at the St. Luke Ministry Center on August 20, 2026 from 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. This meeting will include lunch. If anyone could add items to the goodie bags for the meeting please let her know. She will be sending out more information about the district meeting. Our meeting closed with the drawing of winners for 2 free lunches and door prizes by Amelia Hoag and Karen Wetherell.

Welcome April! Here's our April newsletter. Enjoy!

MREA April 2026 Check out this US Letter designed by Kristine Mitchell.

MREA president Patricia Davis along with MREA members Aubrey Davis and Kristine Mitchell participated in the Outrun Hunger 5K to support our charity Feeding the Valley. It was the tenth year for the race and the tenth time for Patricia and Aubrey to run. Both medaled for their age group! Thank you for supporting Feeding the Valley!

MREA Members attended the Empty Bowl Luncheon on Sunday, March 8 to support Feeding the Valley Food Bank. Pictured with Rebecca Roth Nicks, the Chief Executive Office or Feeding the Valley Food Bank, are Patricia and Aubrey Davis. MREA member Karen Hartin and her husband Gene also attended.

MREA President Patricia Davis and her husband Aubrey Davis took a tour of Dimon Magnet Academy on March 12, 2026. They met with Dr. Pamela Wetherington Director of the Professional Development Lab School at Dimon, to discuss a future collaboration between MREA members and the school.

MREA showed up and stepped up at Feeding the Valley!

MREA member Kimberly Scott participated int he 2026 Lupus Advocacy Day at the Georgia Capitol.

Here's a digital only MREA newsletter for March. Our next print edition will mail in April. Enjoy!

MREA March 2026 Check out this US Letter designed by Kristine Mitchell.

Two of Muscogee REA's members (Karen Hartin and Bobbie Getz) volunteered to help set-up and serve at Relay for Life's Survivor Luncheon held at St. Paul's church, Columbus , GA on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

MREA members enjoyed lunch and a program on "History of Early Churches in Columbus" presented by Elizabeth Walden, Executive Director of the Historic Columbus Foundation.