Alva Review-Courier -

Dr. Kay Decker, executive director of Freedom West, presented the program at the Dec. 19 meeting of the Woods County Retired Educators Association (WCREA). She spoke about the programs offered at Graceful Arts Gallery and Studios located at 523 Barnes St. in Alva. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Decker distributed copies of the 2020 Spring Class Schedule listing after-school art classes for children and youth; children's make-n-take programs; and classes and workshops for youth and adults. The gallery also supports Friday Night Art Walks featuring artists from Oklahoma and Kansas, summer youth art camps, and also displays works from artists-in-residence at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Following the program, President Lenny Reed called the business meeting to order. Jerry Cox led the flag salute and Thelma Crouch led the group in prayer. The minutes of the November meeting were read and approved and a treasurer's report was given.

Members were reminded to stay in contact with their legislators and encourage them to consider a cost of living increase for retired educators. The monthly Community Coffee events sponsored by the Alva Chamber of Commerce present an opportunity for area residents to let their views be known.

Members viewed a slide presentation prepared by organizational specialist Floyd Cox on ways to get new members involved in our local organization.

Cosette Wymer, OREA northwest district director, discussed the interim studies regarding the affordability of a cost of living increase for retirees. She reiterated the importance of keeping in contact with our legislators on this topic.

There will not be a meeting in January. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. in the Alva Public Library auditorium. Megan Lehr will give a presentation on the Bank It Program.