Getting Ready for another GREAT PREA Meeting!
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Gail Lawrence, Laura Weiss, Susan Lester, Gloria King, Janet Peppers, Barbara Cohran, Sandy Parson, and Pam Matthews
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Meeting on March 13, 2025
PREA Brings Engaging Guest Speakers for our Members
Patti Swift, Dana Strack from the Paulding County Historical Society, and Beth Black
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Patti, Dana, Nicole and Beth
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Nicole Forsyth Program Coordinator for the Paulding County Senior Center
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Dana Strack accepts donation of Historic Paulding County Educators Bicentennial Quilt from Joan Champion (right) and Beth Black
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Cathy Amos, Jeaneen Camp, and Leah Smith with PREA Scrapbooks that were also donated to the Historical Society
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Having a Good Time
Gloria King, Sandy Parson, Margaret Arnold, Christy Loftin and Jane Atcheson
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Pam Matthews, Peggy and Doug Mohler, and Sharon Pattillo
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Christy Loftin shares words of inspiration and blesses our meal.
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Sharon Pattillo and Janet Peppers help layout the spread. Ooo, Janet, that sun sure is bright!
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L0ok who won door prizes!!!
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Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation
Paulette Rakestraw, Leah Smith, Susan Lester, Jeaneen Camp, Laura Weiss, Beth Black, Christy Loftin, Carol Griffith, Gloria King, Margaret Arnold, Barbara Cohran, and Patti Swift
Leaders of our PREA meeting on February 13th, 2025
LeeAnn Sturtz (AMBA), area director Frank Hutcheson, Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson, and co-presidents Beth Black and Patti Swift
Fun Times with PREA Friends
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Sheriff Henson gives an impassioned talk to our members. Patti and Beth discuss the delivery of more than 20 book bags donated by PREA members for Hiram High students. Retha and Margaret grace the lovely buffet enjoyed by all.
PREA Making a Positive Impact in our Community
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The Dallas New Era featured PREA and the speaking points of Sheriff Ashley Henson in its publication. Co-president Patti Swift presents 21 backpacks to Hiram High School counselors Dr. Walker and Ms. Hrisak who expressed great appreciation for the donations.
Christy Loftin sharing words of Inspiration to begin our November 14, 2024 meeting at the beautiful Hardy Lake House.
Members hear a personal testimony of the great work done by Make-a-Wish Georgia. PREA is proud to support this organization.
Donna Cochran shows photos of daughter Ansley who sadly lost her battle with cancer. Donna and her husband Lamar set up the Ansley Foundation in her memory. She told of the beautiful beach vacation the whole family enjoyed together courtesy of Make-a-Wish.
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Patti Swift, Lamar Cochran, Donna Cochran, Beth Black, and Area Director Frank Hutcheson.
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Joan Champion Presents Quilt of Schools to
PREA Co-Presidents
Patti, Beth, and Joan with the quilt of Paulding County Schools raffled off at the bicentennial celebration in 1976. Her husband Don won it. Joan presented it to PREA and the executive committee is working to find a suitable place to display it at the county office. Thank you Joan and Don!
Paulding County Commission Chairman Dave Carmichael and School Superintendent Steve Barnett
Present the Proclamation from the
State of Georgia
stating
November 3rd is Retired Georgia Educators Day.
PREA is so thankful for recognition of our years of service. Gratefully accepting the Proclamation are Laura Weiss, former PREA President, Sandy Parson, former PREA Treasurer, PREA Co-President Patti Swift, Paulding County Commission Chairman Dave Carmichael, Paulding County School Superintendent Steve Barnett, PREA Co-President Beth Black, and esteemed Scholarship Chair, Susan Lester.
Giving Back to our School Community
Beth Black, Laura Weiss, and Patti Swift were participant volunteers at the Reality Fair on October 15th at North Paulding High School. There they helped students from Crossroads and McClure Middle Schools navigate the simulated necessities of adulthood. Students were allowed to choose their profession, but were assigned tangibles such as a spouse or children. They had to "pay" for housing from their prescribed salaries, purchase an automobile, buy groceries, insurance, and so forth. It was a real eye-opening experience for most of the students, and for the volunteers a nice time for interacting with young people. This is a yearly event. Please consider volunteering next year.
A Happy Group of Retired Educators at our first meeting of 2024-2025!
Current officers and "retiring" Treasurer, Sandy.
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Secretary Leah Smith, Co-Presidents Patti Swift and Beth Black, and current Treasurer, Paulette Rakestraw. Sandy Parson outshines the flowers she holds.
2024 PREA Scholarship Recipients
Shonta Pauldin, Patti Swift, Beth Black, Marshaune James, Scholarship Chair Susan Lester, and Joshua Bearden
Our fearless leaders with guest speaker Shelly Harris and her support dog, George. Everyone was inspired with her words and their work in our schools. Thank you for making our meeting extra special!
No meeting would be complete without collecting supplies for students at our School of the Year. This year Hiram High School is at the receiving end of our generous members. No one is more generous with her time than Retha Tibbitts, pictured here with Hiram High teacher Shonta Pauldin holding one of the gorgeous hand-knit bags lovingly made for teachers and students. Retha has made hundreds of these bags for our schools, and faces always light up when they receive one. Retha, like your bags, you're one of a kind! Thank you!
Your PREA Executive Committee Members at the Planning meeting...Hats on and Hats Off to Educators!
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Barbara Cohran, Patti Swift, Laura Weiss, Susan Lester Christy Loftin,
Sandy Parson, Beth Black, Paulette Rakestraw, Gloria King and Jeaneen Camp.
Sandy Parson, Beth Black, Paulette Rakestraw, Gloria King and Jeaneen Camp.
Area 15 Getting Ready for a GREAt 2024-2025 Year!
Area 15 Director Frank Hutcheson (left)with representatives from Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Floyd, Haralson, Paulding, Pickens, and Polk counties.
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Our new Co-Presidents Beth Black and Patti Swift
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Board of Education Meeting Tuesday, 6/25/24 Honoring PREA 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Board and PREA Members (from left) Nicholas Chester, Theresa Lyons, Jeff Fuller, Susan Lester, Deborah Collette, Steve Barnette, Laura Weiss, Sandy Parson, Beth Black, Patti Swift, and John Dean
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PREA Members with Scholarship Recipients-Third from left Marshaune James and center Joshua Bearden. Not pictured is Shonta Pauldin.
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PREA Members Celebrating New Paulding Retirees on May 17, 2024
Jeaneen Camp, Leah Smith, Gloria King, Frankie Shaw, Barbara Cohran, Laura Weiss, Margaret Arnold, Beth Black and Patti Swift
Barbara and Gloria--Frankie and Jeaneen
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Our talented members made all these desserts!
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Families of our Dearly Departed Members (Harriet Ruff, Randy Arnold, Charles Magill and Sammy McClure) at our meeting on March 14, 2023
Terry Moon, Margaret Arnold, Dinah Henderson, Jimmy Henderson, Hilda Henderson Moon, Rhonda Magill, Tim Magill , Reginald McClure, Margaret McClure, Jill McClure, Victoria Sellers, Tonnya McClure, Sammy McClure Jr., and Bryce Sellers
Past President Ricky Clemmons told wonderful remembrances of our missing members. Gloria King presented a Leadership Award to Laura Weiss on her last official meeting with PREA.
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January 11, 2024 Guest Speakers Got on the Bus!!!
AMBA Advisor LeeAnn Sturtz, TRS Communications Manager Mike Zarem, and GREA President Joe Boland
The South Paulding Middle School Chorus
We were so blessed by the performance at our January meeting of these wonderful young people, led by instructor Amelia Kuhlken! Thank you, Principal Neal!
Happy times at our January Meeting
Presidents Elect Beth Black, Patti Swift, Treasurer Sandy Parson, and Secretary Leah Smith get everyone signed in.
Sharon Pattillo and Ann Vogt are "chillin.'"
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Former PREA Presidents (and very good friends!) Gloria King and Barbara Cohran
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Frankie Shaw and Gloria King inspect the spread. Our hosts Carol, Cathy, and Sharon were terrific!
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Paulette Rakestraw, Joan Champion, Sharon Watford and Susan Lester make for a very happy group.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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Honoring Retired Georgia Educators-Sunday, Nov. 5th
In the photo the names from left to right, are:
Deborah Collette-School Board Representative (district 4)
Angelia M.Farries-Sr. Administrative Assistant to Dave Carmichael, Chairman
Sandy Parson-PREA Treasurer
Margaret Arnold-PREA former president
Laura Weiss-PREA current president
David Carmichael-Paulding County Board of Commissioners Chairman
Steve Barnette-Paulding County Schools Superintendent
It was an honor to accept the signed Proclamation on behalf of the Paulding Retired Educators Association.
Deborah Collette-School Board Representative (district 4)
Angelia M.Farries-Sr. Administrative Assistant to Dave Carmichael, Chairman
Sandy Parson-PREA Treasurer
Margaret Arnold-PREA former president
Laura Weiss-PREA current president
David Carmichael-Paulding County Board of Commissioners Chairman
Steve Barnette-Paulding County Schools Superintendent
It was an honor to accept the signed Proclamation on behalf of the Paulding Retired Educators Association.
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We Got on the Bus!!!
Jim Henson and Burton Turner are Getting on the Bus!
Unit 15 Meeting, Thursday, September 14th, 2023
Jeaneen and Frankie Burton and Laura
are Getting on the Bus!!!
Beth, Ann, and Teresa
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Christy leads us with words of Inspiration
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Steven, Sharon, Christy and Carol
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Margaret B, Patsy, Pauline, Jeaneen, Margaret A, and Frankie
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A New Year: Welcome 2023-2024!
Above: Planning members with supplies for South Paulding Middle School
Right: President elect Patti Swift, former President Barbara Cohran, and President elect Beth Black Below: Getting on the Bus at the Area 15/16 Meeting in Rock Spring 
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PC Fire Specialist Jim Sprankel
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Area 15 Director Frank Hutcheson
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Susan lifts the heavy helmet
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Frank pronounces our two members, Beth Black and Patti Swift (not pictured) are Presidents Elect
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Margaret, Jeaneen, Frankie, Gloria and Patsy
Sandy
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Frankie, Leah and Sandy
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Museum Entrance 10/24/23
Our group in front of the Wall of Honor
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Barbara's look of surprise when she sees her name on the plaque:-)
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Display of an old-fashioned classroom
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Our unit Scrapbook page displayed at the museum.
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PREA Scholarship Recipients 2023-2024
Paulding County BOE Board members oversee presentation of scholarship awards from PREA on June 13th. Pictured are Deborah Collett, Nicholas Chester, Theresa Lyons, Adriana DePierre, Jeff Fuller, Jessica Estes, Adam Clayton, Laura Hartman,, Dan Nolan, Kristi Davis (standing in for Lauren LaFevre), John Dean, Laura Weiss, Steve Barnette, Susan Lester and Sandy Parson.
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Scholarship Chairman Susan Lester with the recipients at our meeting September 14, 2023
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Jessica Estes, Adriana DePierre and Lauren LaFevre (not pictured-Laura Hartman)
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Retirement Luncheon, May 2, 2023
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Top left: Past PREA President Barbara Cohran gets everyone all fired up about the importance of joining GREA. Top right: Margaret Barton gets her just deserts after serving Special Ed for 35 years. Bottom: Great greetings from PREA members Dinah Hardeman, Leah Smith, and Jeaneen Camp-Wigley as they help new retirees get their questions answered
Area 15 Cluster Meeting at Cherokee Golf Club on April 6th, 2023
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Top left: Area 15 Director Liz Bouis, Laura Weiss, Frankie Shaw, Sandy Parson, Barbara Cohran, and Gloria King. Right: 50% Replica of the Tomb of the Unknown viewed by Sandy, Gloria and two other Area 15 members. Bottom left: Memorial Wreath
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At our Memorial Meeting on Thursday, March 16th we were blessed to have the family of our dearly departed member, Vikki Garmon. Pictured are Don Brown, Lisa Brown, Nicole King, Brigette Eskew, Josh Cardell, Zack Garmon, Dani Garmon and Kiliegh Eskew.
Vikki was a dedicated and amazing educator who will be sorely missed.
The highlight of our January meeting. Performances by members of the Hiram High School Chorus with Music Director and former scholarship recipient, Ashley Peeler.
The highlight of our January meeting. Performances by members of the Hiram High School Chorus with Music Director and former scholarship recipient, Ashley Peeler.
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Mehari Benson, Bryan Opie, Angelique Pierre, and Zoe Mason
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More photos from our January meeting.
Top photos: Dinah Hardeman helps with the Check-in Table along with Leah Smith and Gloria King. Not pictured is Sandy Parson.
Bottom photos: Laura Weiss with Area 15 Director, Liz Bouis. Betty Vollenweider, Sandy Parson, Christy Loftin, and Beth Black add some final touches to our snack table. Laura pictured with the bounty of personal hygiene items donated by our members for needy students at Allgood Elementary School.
Bottom photos: Laura Weiss with Area 15 Director, Liz Bouis. Betty Vollenweider, Sandy Parson, Christy Loftin, and Beth Black add some final touches to our snack table. Laura pictured with the bounty of personal hygiene items donated by our members for needy students at Allgood Elementary School.
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The signing of the Proclamation for Georgia Retired Educators Day (Sunday, November 6, 2022) was presented to Laura Weiss (2nd from left) by Paulding County Schools Superintendent Steve Barnette, Commissioner Post II Sandy Kaecher, Commissioner Post IV Brian Stover, and County Manager Frank Baker.
Our members received a copy of the Proclamation signed by Governor Kemp at out meeting on Tuesday, September 12th. Paulding County Commission Chairman David Carmichael signed the Proclamation for Paulding County.
2021-2022 Scholarship Recipients
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The left photo shows certificates presented to two of the three recipients of PREA's annual scholarship awards at the July 12th Board meeting. From left to right: Adam Clayton, Jeff Fuller, Nicholas Chester, Deborah Collett, Philip Delgado, Jennifer Lenman, Theresa Lyons, Susan Lester, Laura Weiss, Dan Nolan, and Steve Barnette. Not pictured is recipient Chynna Stevens. The right photo is presentation of the certificates at our September meeting. Left to right: Philip Delgado, Susan Lester, and Chynna Stevens. Not pictured is Jennifer Lenman.
Barbara Cohran, Sandy Parson, Laura Weiss and Gloria King proudly receive the Retired Educators Day Proclamation from the Paulding County Board of Education Officers.
So much to be Thankful for...our November 10th Meeting
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Top Left: our Hosts Leah Smith, Patsy Dorrough, and Jeaneen Camp-Wigley. Top Right: Members enjoy a bountiful feast. Middle Left: Gail Lawrence, Guest Speaker Sergeant Ashley Henson, Joan Champion, Sharon Britt, and Laura Weiss. Interesting note: with the exception of Laura Weiss, all taught officer Henson at Abney Elementary School. Middle Right: Susan Lester with Scholarship recipient Jennifer Lenman, and new member Kristi Bodnar. Bottom Left: Jeaneen Camp, Leah Smith, Rodney Tumlin, Frankie Shaw, and Susan Lester. Bottom Right: food as varied as our members
PREA was recognized at the Board of Education on July 12, 2022 as the July Partner in Education of the month. Pictured from left to right: Jeff fuller, Adam Clayton, Nicholas Chester, Deborah Collett, Theresa Lyons, Susan Lester, Jana Stegall, Laura Weiss, Dan Nolan and Steve Barnette
Certificates presented to two of the three recipients of PREA's annual scholarship awards at the July 12th Board meeting. From left to right: Adam Clayton, Jeff Fuller, Nicholas Chester, Deborah Collett, Philip Delgado, Jennifer Lenman, Theresa Lyons, Susan Lester, Laura Weiss, Dan Nolan, and Steve Barnette. Not pictured is recipient Chynna Stevens.
Paulding County Superintendent Steve Barnett
Mr. Steve Barnett visited Paulding REA at our meeting on February 10th, 2022. He brought Burton Turner and Dr. Susan Browning to discuss how PREA members can help in the classrooms of our county.
May 4, 2022
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Retirement Celebration Participants (from left to right) Gloria King, Leah Smith, Beth Black, Sandy Parson, Barbara Cohran, and Susan Lester display the wonderful cupcakes and treats for our new retirees. May 4, 2022
PREA Members in November, 2020
Area 15 Director Liz Bouis attended our meeting for the installation of officers for 2022-2024, which will take effect on July 1st, 2022.
From left to right: Liz Bouis, Susan Lester (President Elect), Laura Weiss (President), Sandy Parson (Treasurer), Gloria King (Past President). Not pictured is Leah Smith (Secretary).
PREA Events in November, 2021
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Board of Commissioners Chairman Dave Carmichael and PREA President Gloria King
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Proclamation of November 7th, 2021 as Paulding County Retired Educators Day
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Paulding REA Meeting November 9, 2021 at
Dallas First United Methodist Church
Dallas First United Methodist Church
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Guest Speakers: Cristen Cochran AMBA Insurance Representative and Vicky Hogue Chief Nurses Officer at Wellstar Paulding
At the check-in table: Sandy Parson, Frankie Shaw and Laura Weiss
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Words of Inspiration
from Susan Lester |
Devoted members Cathy Amos and Carol Griffith
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PREA thanks everyone who walked and donated to the Alzheimer's walk Nov. 21, 2020 and made it another success!
A Huge "Thank you" to Dinah Hardeman for leading this campaign!
Dinah and a friend walk to fight Alzheimer's.
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Barbara walks to fight Alzheimer's.
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November 2020
Laura Weiss, VP and Tammy Walker,
McKenna Farms Therapy Services
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Shiloh, Therapy associate
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March 2020
Billy Freeman's family attended his memorial during meeting
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March speaker:
Paulding Senior Center Program Director, Nicole Forsyth
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January 2020
Barbara, our speaker Reva Burks from Helping Hands, Susan
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Dr. Rebecca Vaughn speaks on her father's memoirs Holiday sing-a-long Cathy Amos shares her hand-crafted jewelry.
September 2019
PREA members attending meeting and commemorating GA Retired Educators Day.
March 2019
Family of Mary Nell Gann Burch attended her memorial today..
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Our speaker, Dr. Bonnie Cochran, Associate Superintendent
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President Mrs. Cohran, District Rep Joe Boland, and President-elect Mrs. KIng
January 2019
Gloria King with Dr.Joe Tanner, Silver Sneakers instructor
November 2018
Author Lee St. John read from her published stories of her past teaching experiences.
September 2018
PREA Scholarship recipient, Alan Daws, spoke at our meeting
April 2018 District meeting
PREA members who hosted the District 15 meeting in Cedartown.
March 2018
Mrs. Janell Flemister's family and Dr. Allene Magill's family attended the memorials for these beloved educators.
November 2017
Ricky Clemmons introduced our speakers on Public Safety: Sherriff Gary Gullege &
Sgt. Ashley Henson
October 2017
Inspiring speakers today: 2017 PREA Scholarship winners, Mary Ann Parker and Angie Maxwell Rogers. Center: Susan Lester, Scholarship Chair
January 2017
Speakers for the meeting: Dr. Brian Otott; Associate Superintendent, Ricky Clemmons; Cliff Cole, Superintendent of Paulding School.
September 2016
Jesse Hunter, GREA president, Debbie Ross & Betsy Wagenhauser, Ferst Foundation, Barbara Cohram
PREA Members with David Austin, Commission chair & Jesse Hunter, GREA president
March 2016
 Marsha, Mike Faulkner, Barbara Egner of Paulding Literacy Council
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Lt. Billy Hurst and his partner, K-9 Major
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Joe Boland, Area XV Director
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January 2016
Certificates of Service presented to John Schneider, Steve Lester, Randy Arnold, Lt. Col Bernie Booth, Sgt. Maj. Lymus Holman. Commisioner Mike Roby.
Not present: Tye Rakestraw, Clyde Childers
Dept. of Veterans Services presented PREA with copy of the act passed to commemorate 50th anniversary Viet Nam service.
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Wagon donated by PREA for care of children. Designed by Chad Lindsey. Several hundred are now in area hospitals.
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Marcia welcomed our speaker, Commissioner Mike Roby, who spoke on Veteran Services.
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September 2015
Thank you to our speaker, Beth Ochoa, Paulding's School Nurse Supervisor.
July 2015 PREA Planning Committee
PREA Officers attending the planning meeting for 2015-2016.
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PREA Committee Chairs attending the Planning meeting for 2015-2016.
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March 10, 2015 Meeting
Family and friends of Bob Watson.
Velma Freeman and Helen Fox presented memorial.
March speakers Jesse Hunter, District 15 Director; Lee Hooker, photographer.
Co-presidents: Marsha & Don Rauscher
January 13, 2015
Supt. Cliff Cole brought updates on Paulding Schools.
November 11, 2014 Luncheon Meeting
Thank you to our speakers Mike Mason [on estate planning] and Janis Kleinberger [on Hospice care].
September 9 , 2014 Legislative Meeting
Thank you to these legislators for
bringing updates.
March 11, 2014 Memorial Breakfast
Mr. Sammy McClure spoke remembrance for Ms. Lena Moses
Susan Lester remembered Mrs. Louise
Hall.
GREA president Bill Sloan and Area Representative
Jesse Hunter brought greetings.
January 14, 2014
Superintendent of Paulding Schools Cliff Cole
brought an update of Paulding School System.
brought an update of Paulding School System.
November 12, 2013
Legistative Luncheon
Thank you to our speakers bringing legislative updates:
Rep. Howard Maxwell; Sen. Mike Dugan; Mayor Doris Devey;
Sen. Bill Heath; Jeff Ezell, TRS; Rep. Kimberly Alexander;
Mayor Boyd Austin; Ricky Clemmons, Committee Chair.
Rep. Howard Maxwell; Sen. Mike Dugan; Mayor Doris Devey;
Sen. Bill Heath; Jeff Ezell, TRS; Rep. Kimberly Alexander;
Mayor Boyd Austin; Ricky Clemmons, Committee Chair.
September 10, 2013
Services to Members
PREA Volunteer 2012-2013 Award Winners:
Cathy Amos and Carol Griffith
April 4, 2013 Area 15 Meeting at Cedartown
PREA members at meeting
Special thank you to Ricky Clemmons for giving keynote speech for
luncheon.
March 12, 2013
Memorial Service for Mrs. Jimmie Gilbert and Mrs. Jane Scott
Special Guest Jesse Hunter, Area XV Director
Family of Mrs. Jimmie Gilbert with Janelle Flemister, who presented
memorial
Mike Scott with Ricky Clemmons, who presented memorial for Jane.