Retired educators focus on giving

The Aroostook Retired Educators’ Association met in June at the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum in Littleton for the first of a four-part luncheon series.
President Carol McElwee opened the meeting welcoming the retired educators to their first summer luncheon with a special thank you to all members who brought in canned goods for a donation to the Orient Food Pantry. As a service project for this year members will bring in food supplies for all the four A.R.E.A meeting sites in Aroostook.
Eighty-five retired educators attended the luncheon, catered by the Ag. Museum ladies. The meal was followed by a special power point presentation by Aaron Buzza, instructor of the Presque Isle High School Farm program.
“Aaron has a passion for his job and a total commitment to his students,” said McElwee.
During the business meeting McElwee noted that Bob White had recently been presented the John Soucie Award for his contribution to the Maine Principals’ Association.
McElwee was also honored for receiving Aroostook County’s Leadership Award at the Maine Education Association of Retirees meeting in Augusta. She received an engraved mantel clock as a gift.
Lee Bouchard, membership chair reported that the Aroostook chapter had 453 members, making it the largest in the state. The group received a $50 gift for exceeding their membership goal. They are working toward a goal of 465 for next year.
Janet Woods of Caribou, community service chairman, explained the upcoming September 11 ‘Day of Service’ project. The group plans to donate about 150 or more ‘stretchy-type’ book covers to a school in the central Aroostook area. Members are asked to donate these at the upcoming summer meetings.
Bob White of Caribou reported that a pre-retirement meeting will be held at Presque Isle High School on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. until noon.
Members were reminded of the Jane Ritter Grant, which provides transportation and meals to the luncheons and cultural events for those members in need, but these services must be applied for through the organization.
The Executive Board also voted to contribute $100 to the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum.
If anyone wishes to serve on the Executive Board, let the nominating committee know. The slate of officers will be presented Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the next luncheon to be held at Limestone’s Job-Corp Center, followed by the installation of officers on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center.
At the close of the meeting, Fort Kent’s Jeannette Nadeau’s name was drawn for a $25 door prize.