Johnson speaks to Retired Teachers Association

The Jenkins County Unit of the Georgia Retired Educators Association heard one of their own at the unit's January meeting. Art Johnson provided her fellow retired educators with an update of activities within Millen and Jenkins as part of her work with Millen Better Hometown, a state program now eight years old in our community.

Johnson listed the four areas of the state program and some of what has been done locally to implement those programs in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce.

In "Design": a façade improve- ment grant awarded last year to a local business, the Keep Jenkins Beautiful programs in April in cooperation with the county commissions, work with city and county on historical preservation to save what historical sites remain, and fund raising to renovate the park at the Millen Community House in conjunction with Millen Woman's Club.

In "Economic Restructuring": offer of assistance to Millen Merchants' Association, assistance with work required for Georgia Scenic Byway and Entrepreneur Friendly community designation, sponsorship of Market Day (weekly June-September), assistance with plans for train viewing platform, and work on community website.

In "Promotions": the community Easter Egg Hunt; the Patriotic Celebration; two shows at the Pal Theater, Sound of Music and High School Musical, with Oklahoma coming on March 1; the Harvest of Fun; and Welcome to Millen folders provided to new residents.

In "Organization": publishing the yearly Calendar of Events, support for the Fair on the Square, as well as the Martin Luther King Parade and Relay for Life.

The next meeting for the Jenkins County Unit of GREA is set for February 14, 3:30 p.m., at the Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center. Guest speaker will be Evelyn Gay, Coordinator of Georgia Cares, Georgia Legal Services for Elderly Rights, and Georgia Advance Directive.