The Georgia State Retirees Association is forming its first local chapter in Valdosta under the leadership of Lamar Cole, local chapter president, Frank Golden, vice president, George Ann Thomas, secretary and Carroll Griffin, treasurer. Jeanine Dell is the membership chair, Nelda Ryan is the legislative liaison and Guy McAllister is the social coordinator.

The GSRA is a statewide organization of State of Georgia retirees who came together in early 2007 when concerns arose over the future of retiree and health insurance benefits for state retirees.

The GSRA is a not-for-profit association that provides information about retiree benefits for more than 100,000 State of Georgia retirees, educates members on issues affecting their well-being and offers networking opportunities as well. Membership in the association is open to any current or retired employee of the State of Georgia who is eligible for membership in a health insurance or retirement plan administered by a state agency or by the Board of Regents.

For more information on the Valdosta chapter of the Georgia State Retirees Association, send an e-mail to Valdostagsra@yahoo.com or write to: GSRA, Inc., Valdosta Chapter, P.O. Box 4281, Valdosta, Ga., 31604. Further information about the Georgia State Retirees Association is available online at http://www

.MyGSRA.com or by writing to the Georgia State Retirees Association, Inc., P.O. Box 108, Bethlehem, Ga., 30620.