HARRIETT and BOB HAMRICK

1998-1999

1999-2000

Even though husband - wife team, Harriette and Bob Hamrick, functioned as individual presidents of GCREA, many of the visions they had for the association were shared. Increased membership, communication, organization, and a strong caring local unit were held as hallmarks of their terms. Many of the meetings for executive officers and board of directors were held at their home at Pebble Bend Drive in Snellville, Georgia

Harriette's term as President of the local association was from 1998-1999, and Bob's term was from 1999-2000. During the 1998-99 years, the name of the state organization was changed from Georgia Retired Teachers Association to Georgia Retired Educators Association. The local unit name, likewise, was changed from Gwinnett County Retired Teachers Association to Geinnett County Retired Educators Association. The logo for the yearbook directory during Harriette's term depicted the original name of the local association with an outline map of Gwwinnett county. Since the name change reflected the Fall of 1999, Bob's handbook depicted the new name along with the lamp of learning and the date, 1972, the origin of the local association.

Harriette's dream for GCREA was to have "a place of our own" -- one which could serve not only working office for meetings, planning sessions, etc. but a place for local unit memorabilia, including files, records, scrapbooks and pictures. Prior to her term as President, she and Bob met with Alvin Wilbanks, Gwinnett County School Superintendent. Through common interests and efforts of various personnel, our local GCREA gained a room (office) located at the Old Suwanee school on Highway 23. As Bob's tenure evolved, the room became even more useful as furniture and copying machine were in the "plans for the GCREA office" due to numerous phone calls and contacts.

The Hamricks chose colorful yearly handbook - directories for the group, transforming page after page with artistic outlines and designs, pages for new members were also included. Much care and time was spent on monthly programs held at Hamilton Mill Restaurant. A special "Keeping In Touch" section was included with each members program. This section informed members of those ill, having surgery or losing a family member. Marquees were prepared which depicted the guest speaker or program for each monthly luncheon held for the association.

One of the best means of "Keeping In Touch" was through informative yet personable newsletters mailed to each member family. Envelopes were either specially labeled according to the season or hand illustrated.

Greeters were designated at luncheon meetings, and these individuals would welcome members present. A colorful sign-in book was available at each meeting, and a special form which proved helpful for the annual scholarship-auction was prepared. This also aided in organizing items and monies spent. October auctions produced record amounts. In 1998-1999 ($2519) and in 1999-2000 (more than $2900) all which benefited future teachers and those in education.

Membership and informative programs were seen as goals of focus by both Bob and Harriette. Future monies for scholarships were also of interest. On July 29, 1998, Reid Mullins, Investment Chairperson, and the Investment Committee purchased 238 shares of stocks in the name of the association. (138 in Southern Company; 100 in Home Depot).

The "History of Gwinnett County Retired Teachers Association" from 1972-73 to 1997-98 was compiled by Gaylia Raines, Deloris Mullins and Mary Long as this time reflected the 25th anniversary of the local association.

At the annual conventions held at Jekyll Island (1998-1999) and at Macon (1999-2000) GCREA received numerous awards including Unit of Excellence, Handbook, Scrapbook and Newsletter. The Hamricks each received GREA Leadership Award Certificates and presented each Past President of GCREA a gold name badge hoping this tradition will be continued by future local Presidents.

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