Johnson-Somervell Counties Retired School Employees Association

2015-2016 Executive Officers

L to R: Patsy Helmcamp - President & Historian, Anita Goodale - 1st VP -Membership, Bonnie Parks - 2nd VP Public Relations, Verdye Lackey - 3rd

VP of Programs, Edith Anderson - Treasurer, Carolyn Tarta - Secretary, Shelly Samuels - Intermediate Past President & Parliamentarian.

Our Local Unit theme for 2015-2016 is “Sights and Sounds of Johnson-Somervell Counties Retired School Employees Association”. The theme will continue throughout the year with a variety of different programs that are guaranteed to entertain our members and guests and keep

them wanting to come back for more.

We kicked off our first meeting with a skit from the Carnegie Player’s production of the ODD COUPLE. Hillard Cochran & Dave Irwin portrayed the well-known characters, Oscar & Felix.

A potluck barbeque luncheon was served to JSCRSEA members and district

superintendents. In addition, all of JSCRSEA’s yearbook advertisers were invited to show our appreciation for their support of our local unit. Their generous contributions made it possible for JSCRSEA to provide such things as: 10 - $200 grants for active teachers to enhance learning experiences in their classroom, a $1,000 scholarship to one deserving high school senior, and $200 to help send elementary students to Camp Grady Spruce. We had enough money to purchase new books for each student in the Head Start program.

Johnson-Somervell Counties Retired School Employees Association

2015-2016 Executive Officers

Our October program was entitled, “Cultural Arts of JN Long”, and reflects the many Sights and Sounds of the Cleburne area. Three board members of the Cleburne Friends of the Cultural Arts presented a program to JSCRSEA members. Ms. Charlotte Lawson, president of the Johnson County Art Guild, gave the history, purpose, and ongoing/current/future events of the JCAG, CFCA and the J. N. Long Cultural

Arts Center. On display were photographs, art work and poems that were drawn from J.N. Long's current "Interpretive Art Show". Ms. Sherry Clark, member in the Johnson County Poetry Club and active in the local theaters, recited two poems, one of which she wrote. Ms. Clark also accompanied Ms. Denise Dozier, ballet/tap instructor, singer/songwriter, in singing two songs while Ms. Dozier strummed her guitar. The audience enjoyed singing along to "This Land is Your Land"

Our next program was presented by the Show Stoppers, members of Plaza Academy. The program consisted of some of the students who are studying at the Plaza Dance Academy in Cleburne under the direction of Tina Barrus, Tabitha Barrus, and their assistant Hannah Midkiff. These students entertained the retired teachers with singing and dancing hip hop & tap. The Academy enrolls over a hundred students ages 6-18 in their many different classes. Jazz, ballet, hip hop, and tap are a few of the options available for young students

Johnson-Somervell Counties Retired School Employees Association

2015-2016 Executive Officers

Our December program was a Christmas Carol Sing Along led by the very talented Hilliard Cochran and piano accompanist, Darla Hamilton. Mr. Cochran began by singing a solo, "Mary, Did You Know?" Everyone was in the Christmas spirit by the end of the program.

We enjoyed delicious Christmas refreshments and beautiful table decorations.

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Our January JSCRSEA program was presented by Mark Hines who is affiliated with the Scott Cain Agency, Attorneys at Law in Cleburne. Mr. Hines gave a very informative presentation about the various documents that are necessary to protect our families at the time of death. He talked about the importance of wills and naming our spouses as the medical Power of Attorney. He stressed the importance of preparing the necessary documents now rather than wait until decisions had to be made at an emotional time.

The February program was presented by Marsha Thauwald, one of JSCRSEA’s own members, who shared her first novel, “Big Southern Hair & Highlights, Please don’t dye without us.” She told us that many events in the book were based on her real life.

Johnson-Somervell Counties Retired School Employees Association

2015-2016 Executive OfficersAfter making a grand entrance by riding her bicycle into the meeting, Marsha proceeded to act out scenes from her book. She shared historical facts spanning three decades. The author ended her performance by having us sing andsway to the old-time favorite song, “What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love.”

Eddie Sewell, JSCRSEA Health chairman, still believes in a walking program to keep our members healthy. His 2015 year-end totals reflect just how serious he is with a total of 93,443,624 steps (46,721,812 miles) walked. 83 walkers met 1 million goals, 10 super walkers walked 3 million or more steps. Great big thanks to Eddie for keeping us healthy!!

Diane Strobel, chair for Community Volunteer Hours, reported that JSCRSEA members donated 83,286 hours this past year volunteering their time to the community to help those in need.

We are very proud of our Local Unit which has only 200 members. Each year we compete with the big leagues that have over 600 members. Even though we came in 3rd in District XI we are still proud of our achievement. We believe it is not always about winning, but the joy that it

brings to us for helping our community that supported us for so long. Certificates were presented to each of the members who had the most hours: Charles & Ruby Lee Head, Sheryl Gray, Norma Massey and Delores Stringer.

Johnson-Somervell Counties Retired School Employees Association

2015-2016 Executive OfficersEach year JSCRSEA donates new books to the Head Start Program under the guidance of Mary Bullard. Sarah Carlson, Director of Head Start, and Megan Cliston, Family Advocate, were on hand to receive the books. In addition, JSCRSEA members donated both new and slightly used books to be distributed among the various schools in Johnson-Somervell Counties.