The Franklin County Education Retirees Association ended the year with its annual Christmas covered dish luncheon. FCERA furnished the meat and drinks; members brought vegetables, salads, desserts and breads.

This holiday event was held at the Russellville First United Methodist Church. The Ministry Center was adorned with gorgeous hanging wreaths. Officers decorated each table with beautiful Christmas centerpieces.

Sandy Gibson, president, called the meeting to order and introduced guests Shelia and Joe Tucker.

Brenda Oliver presented the devotion, “Hearts are breaking.” She suggested listening to others and sharing their feelings can help heal a broken heart. A little kindness and encouragement can make a difference in helping individuals.

Brenda also acknowledged the 10th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, in which 20 first-graders and six educators were killed. The long-awaited memorial to the victims officially opened to the public this year. A new school was built on the same property, but not in the same footprint as the old one, which was torn down after the shooting Dec. 14, 2012.

“Christmas Time is Here” was the theme of the program. Mark Tucker, Leah Lane and their two children presented an entertaining program consisting of Christmas music. They performed some of their favorites such as “Jesus is Here,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

A short business session consisted of Faye Swinney, secretary, reading the November minutes and the treasurer’s report by Judy Baker. A $100 check was mailed to AERA for the State Food Bank project.

Members were reminded to continue making donations for the local homeless survival back packs. Members turned in their community service volunteer hours.

Sandy announced that members should be receiving their United Health Care PEEHIP insurance card this month, which will become effective in January 2023.

The next meeting will be held Feb. 15.

Susie Hovater Malone is lifestyles columnist for the Franklin County Times.