Submitted photoCity of Thomasville Mayor Greg Hobbs presents a proclamation in recognition of Retired Educators’ Day to Thomasville-Thomas County Retired Educators Association President Judith Ament.

Spearheaded by Judith Ament, members of the Thomasville-Thomas County Retired Educators Association have been on a mission to recruit retired local educators to join their ranks.

The Georgia Retired Educators Association began in 1958 as the Georgia Retired Teachers Association. The organization evolved and eventually adopted the present name. TTCREA is a part of the statewide organization.

GREA is the only organization to concentrate on the needs of Georgia’s retired educators, according to the group’s officials. It works to promote the economic, social and professional status of retired educators, distribute information, promote passage of beneficial legislation, promote advancement of high-quality education to enable educators to maintain their interest in education and fields of specialization, promote involvement in community service and the decision-making process in state and local communities, present image of aging as one of dignity and independence and to encourage active educators to begin retirement preparation early in their careers.

To meet these state goals, the local group planned programs such as Becky Magharious discussing hospice, recognition of Retired Educators’ Day with City of Thomasville Mayor Greg Hobbs, a luncheon with Rep. Sam Watson set up by local legislative chair Grant Plymel, members touring the Jack Hadley Black History Museum while listening to Hadley discuss history, Pat Press giving a lecture featuring the Audubon Society and local attorney Stephen Sullivan discussing estate planning and Five Wishes for planning health care at the end of life.

Each member is encouraged to perform and log volunteer service and time to continue a life of service members and their local community.

Other activities are planned to meet the motto of Fellowship … Service … Support. The local group received the Unit of Excellence Award last year and hopes for a repeat this year, TTCREA President Ament added.