Wow! Can you believe this is my last President’s Report for The AERA Voice! and to you as an AERA member? A lot has happened since April 1, 2007 when I became your president. On March 31, 2008 when I step aside and Robert Davis becomes your president, there will be a great amount of mixed feelings. The travel to national, state and local meetings has been a challenge to keep balanced with my personal responsibilities as husband, father and grandfather. And, this along with calls to church and community, have provided for a packed calendar on many days, weeks, and months. There are many circumstances that “stand out” in my tenure, but none any more than the day when my friend Bob Bentley (a retired veterinarian) and I left Huntsville at 6:00 a.m. with 2,000 plus books headed to Bayou LaBatre. Those books were made possible because of Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro and the work of Jo Smith Many children and adults who lost all library books because of Hurricane Katrina, again, had books to read. And by the way, Bob and I returned the same day at 9:00 p.m. Would we do it again? You Bet Ya!

Establishing an Adhoc Committtee to continually look at ways to fund COLAs (cost-of-living adjustments) for Alabama’s education retirees was a move that I believe will have a far-reaching impact on the financial status of retirees. The committee has met twice and a subcommittee has been formed that has met twice with the actuary, RSA officials, and AEA (Dr. Paul Hubbert) to look at options. These joint efforts, I believe, directly affected the 13th check received by retirees in December of 2007. The economic status of the world, nation, and state does not bode well for a 13th check in 2008 or a pay increase for Active teachers (2008-2009). Please be aware that the 13th check is Onetime and Is Not a COLA. Funds must be available and approved By The Legislature.

Thank you retirees for giving back so much to the students and people of Alabama! As I pointed out in a previous President’s Report, AERA was recognized Nationally for its efforts to restore books, clothing, equipment, etc. in the wake of devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina! This was a project that AERA, through the Community Service Committee, Mattie Shepard, Chairman, chose to emphasize. Believe me, this is only one portion of Giving by retirees. I am reminded of two retired teachers who set up an after-school program for “latchkey” children. Their efforts involved the provision of time and place for school-aged children in a church. There was No Pay to the retirees for this service—just two great retirees who saw a need and took care of it! Also, there are many retired teachers (too numerous to mention) who volunteer in a local school Every Day!

Mark your calendar for the Annual Meeting on March 18, 2008 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center, Birmingham, Alabama. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with Call To Order at 9:30. Lt. Governor Jim Folsom, Jr. will speak at 10:00. You will not want to miss the Unit of Excellence and Community Service Awards given by AERA Executive Secretary Janice Charlesworth.

Be aware of what is happening in the lives of retirees and actives. Read Every issue of The AERA Voice! and AEA’s Alabama School Journal. And, if you have any concerns relative to retirees, Do Not hesitate to call any of the Fantastic AERA staff. They work hard for You!