Published: July 17, 2008 04:47 pm      

Rafes speaks to Prime Timers about ECU

Prime Timers met at JD’s Cafe for a buffet dinner and meeting June 17. President Neal Beasley led flag salute and Dr. Roberto Escamilla gave the invocation.

President Beasley welcomed Richard Rafes, J.D, Ph.D., president of East Central University. Rafes reported on several priorities, especially designed to enhance Economic Development and Community Stewardship. He detailed several initiatives including adopting service-learning (a form of community service) as a curricular requirement, the Arts District of Ada initiative, the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center, a new wellness/recreational center for the university community, and the proposed new convention/conference center.

Dr. Shelley Ross Hamby, director of development for the Valley View Regional Hospital Foundation briefly told of her work with the hospital.

Susan Coleman, director of community education at Valley View and also director of the Healthy Heart Club, brought several of the club members to demonstrate fun exercise techniques. Prime Timers enjoyed the unflagging enthusiasm of the group as they performed non-stop for more than 30 minutes. Coleman stressed the value of development of cognitive patterns of thinking, especially as one becomes older.

Members and guests attending included Leland and Mary Helen Newton, Mary Sue Roberts, Dr. Richard Rafes, Dr. Roberto Escamilla, Tommy and Carol Vass, Betty and L. T. Williams, Patsy and Neal Beasley, Edwina Braxton, Mary and Joseph Rochette, Vermell and Mack Yoakum, Elvin and Sue Jaquess, Peggy Bagley, Joy Anderson, Betty Mitchell, Bobbie Sachs, M. E. and Mary Lou Carr, Alma Hogan, Pat Bonar, Ted and Jackie Savage, Margaret and Paul Sandmann, George Seaton, Bryna Lane, Ginger Adair, Patsy Moyer, Ruth Ann Taylor, Lanny Sliger, Duane Doane, Pat and Floyd Gurley, Kenneth and Mildred Clinton, Janice Hedrick, Marjorie Ross, Norma and Jerry Donaghey, Jo Ann Hunt, Bob and Bernita Horton, Aggie Allen, Susan Coleman, Dr. Shelley Hamby, Jean Erickson, Judy Hanson, and Peggy Harris.