Piscataquis County Retired Educators resumes meetings
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Eighteen members attended the April meeting at the Bear’s Den. President Gil Reynolds welcomed members and introduced Julie Pingree, manager at Rite Aid. Pingree spoke of special services that Rite Aid provides for seniors. and encouraged them to use the specials they supply.
The May meeting was attended by 16 members for a business meeting. Election of officers followed with three officers returning to office Reynolds, president; Gloria Burns, secretary: and Myrna Ricker, treasurer. The office of vice president was not filled. Reynolds announced that Nancy Grant reported the most volunteer hours and her name was submitted to the MEA.
Martha Rollins informed the group that there would be no Homecoming parade this year. She suggested that all members donate $10 in lieu of having the basket raffle for money for the scholarship — members agreed.
Minnie McCormick presented a card for all to sign in honor of Rollins’ 96th birthday.
RSU 68 Superintendent Robert Lucy was the speaker at the June 23 meeting. Lucy spoke extensively about the improvements and goals for improvement in the district. Some of them have been achieved and more are being worked on.
Lucy said he was impressed with the reception in RSU 68 and the teacher support he has received. He has a good working relationship with Foxcroft Academy. They are working on a strategic plan for 2017. He wants to update the mission and vision for the future. Lucy spoke of the wonderful technology in the district and is working on developing proficiency in all grades and a professional growth program for all teachers to help them know how to engage students in hands on activities and to develop deeper thinking of content and proficiency. It was a very informative program and we thank him for all his work.
The meeting continued as we waited for lunch Gloria Burns led the collect and the flag salute. She then gave her report followed by the treasurer’s report. Ricker reported that the Esther Pennington Scholarship went to a student in Piscataquis Community High School but had not been notified as to the winner. She sent a check for snacks to the four communities encompassing the retired educators area.
Reynolds expressed interest in forming a technology committee. He also asked for suggestions for future meetings. Rheba Michaud asked if members would be willing to put on a public dinner for one night in July or August. Some members volunteered and she will check on the date that the Congregational church will be available.
The next meeting will be July 28 with Marie Vienneau from Mayo Regional Hospital speaking about healthcare. The meeting was adjourned.