The Effingham County Retired Educators Association (EREA) held its annual banquet Sept. 12 at New Ebenezer Retreat Center. Those in attendance enjoyed the opportunity to visit friends and enjoy a good meal. 

Following opening remarks by outgoing President Kim Johnson, the banquet included an inspiration by Brenda Barrow, entertainment by Aileene Tuten and Susan Hartzog, recognition of scholarship recipients (Sarah Puentes and Michelle Fuller), a speech by guest speaker Rep. Jon Burns, installation of officers by Dr. Connie Cooper along with a short business meeting, and a raffle to benefit future scholarships.  

Beginning their years of service for the 2022-2024 EREA officers term are newly installed President Pam Anderegg, Vice President Beth Kight, Secretary Sylvia Arnsdorff, Treasurer Wallace Blackstock  and Past President Kim Johnson.  

This year, the EREA has three main service projects. The first project is for the school. The EREA will assist Encompass in developing a reading library that contains books for all reading levels. The second project is for the community. EREA will gather items for the Effingham County Nursing Home.  he third project is gathering dimes for the March of Dimes as a part of the Georgia Retired Educators Association's main service project for the 2022-2023 year.  

The next EREA meeting is scheduled Oct.  10, All retirees are invited and encouraged to attend.

Each Retired Educators’ meeting contains a raffle of items in the $20-$25 price range,  which is one of the association’s fundraisers for providing scholarships to future educators and current Effingham educators pursuing higher degrees. EREA also welcomes donations from the community. 

To help the EREA with raffle items or one of its service projects, contact Anderegg at effingham.rea@gmail.com.