The Franklin County Education Retirees Association wrapped up 2020 with a piano mini-concert presentation by Avery Guinn. He is the son of Sandy and Dr. Tim Guinn of Russellville, who are also educators.

Avery is a talented young man who attends Northwest-Shoals Community College on a performing arts scholarship. He has performed in numerous musical productions in the Shoals area and locally.  He is well known for his role as Fred the Elf in the Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular.

His future ambition is to pursue a career in the performing arts, such as Disney World offers.

Avery enjoys playing instruments, his guitar and especially the piano. For the Retired Education Association, his repertoire included some of his favorites from “The Phantom of the Opera” and other classical arrangements.

He spoke often of his grandmother’s influence, and as a tribute to her, he played and sung some of her favorites, such as “I’ll Fly Away” and other gospels.

Everyone enjoyed a wonderful luncheon, which featured the traditional holiday menu of turkey, ham, dressing, numerous casseroles and desserts provided by the members.

There was very little business since this was a festive occasion for everyone.

The invocation was given by Juanita Wells, and the reading of minutes was presented by Faye Swinney.  The treasurer’s report was given by Judy Baker. She also reported that there are 67 members in the Franklin County Education Retirees Association.

President Sandy Gibson gave a brief synopsis of the Legislative dinner meetings, which were sponsored by the Alabama Education Association Uniserv Director Tracey Moore of the Fourth District.

Rep. Jamie Kiel and Sen. Dr. Larry Stutts attended and gave a report on past legislative sessions and the tentative plans for the 2022 legislative session. Several teachers, support staff, and retired educators from Franklin, Lawrence and Colbert counties also attended. There was a question-and-answer time allowed for the attendees.

President Gibson reported that our local FCERA contributed $100 to the Alabama Education Retirement Association project to Help Feed Alabama. For this project, $8,119 was raised statewide for the AERA community service initiative.