The Covington County Education Retirees Association is looking for more members.

Dr. Louise Anderson said that more than 600 retired teachers and administrators from the Andalusia City Schools, Covington County Schools and the Opp City Schools live in the county.

Kim Dyess, treasurer of the CCERA, reports that only 78 retirees have paid the $10 local dues to become members for the current year.

“Membership in the state association is encouraged, but is not required to be a local member,” Dyess said. “By joining the local association and contributing to the scholarship fund, retirees can also have a part in presenting a scholarship to a deserving Covington County student who plans to pursue a career in education.”

CCERA president Margaret Sanders said that many changes are going on in public education.

“With so many changes in public education, this requires all education retirees to be involved to maintain current benefits we have already earned,” Sanders said. “Plus any benefits, such as the 13th check we received at the end of June this year. All these benefits are at the discretion of our legislators and they listen to large numbers. More members mean a stronger voice.”

The new year for the CCERA began in September.

“Interesting programs for the meetings have already been planned,” Anderson said. “The programs are designed to help keep retirees informed of the services and events in our area and the current issues and legislation that may affect retirees.”

Meetings of the local association are held the first Wednesday of September through April with the exception of January.

In May, the local association members are encouraged to attend the Alabama Education Retirees Association’s Annual Meeting, which will be held at the Pelham Civic Complex this year.

The next meeting of the CCERA will be October 3, at 11 a.m., at the Covington County Board of Education.

Free flu shots and free wellness screenings, with an insurance card, will be available starting at 10 a.m.

Andalusia Health and Fitness will present the program with an emphasis on the Silver Sneakers program.

“If you are one of the hundreds of public education retirees living in Covington County, the CCERA would like for you to join,” Anderson said. “There will be no better time than now.”