Retired educators news
Ten members of the Piscataquis Region Retired Educators Association met on May 23 at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft. Guest speaker Patrick Myers presented an interesting overview of educational programs provided by Center Theater staff and volunteers.
This will be the 25th year of the Summer Drama Camp. The drama camps have expanded in age levels and geographic reach with the towns of Dexter, Monson, Milo, and Greenville added to the central location in Dover-Foxcroft. Young adults work with the younger thespians 40 hours per week when a drama camp is in session. Three years ago a high school traveling show was started when the teens wanted more than just a summer camp. Four years ago a free after-school theater program became available. It’s a safe space where students are able to do some acting, work on props and fulfill backstage jobs.
STATE CONVENTION — Local retirees attending the MEA-R Convention in early May at the Augusta Civic Center were standing, from left, Nancy Grant, Linda Howard, and Jane Conroy. Seated, Phyllis Moore, Rachel Page, and Karen Longevin. Not pictured, convention coordinator Rheba Michaud who worked diligently to create a fabulous event for Maine’s retired educators.
Myers is looking to hire someone to oversee educational programs and is always open to new ideas. As with many programs aimed at adults, interest ebbs and flows. However interest in the major fundraiser for the Center Theater, the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival is always high! Mark your calendars for June 24 in downtown Dover-Foxcroft.
Members brought a brown bag lunch and chatted briefly before President Rheba Michaud called the meeting to order. In old business she reported that there is some money left from the We Care Grant that will need to be used this summer. Distribution of The Day of Caring Grant monies, $100 for each of the five districts, will be given more thought and voted on at the June meeting.
Michaud reported on a very successful MEA-R Convention held on May 4 at the Augusta Civic Center. Six members from our group were in attendance and their comments included; well run day, great food, the lunch line was fast, the speaker was phenomenal, and the breakout sessions were interesting. Michaud will be chairing the event for two more years and is seeking volunteers.
LEADERSHIP AWARD — Linda Howard received the Leadership Award for the Piscataquis Region at the ME-A-R convention last month in Augusta. From Dover-Foxcroft, Howard keeps very busy volunteering in her community and helping her friends and neighbors.
Six members of this group submitted ‘volunteer hours’ to Michaud, with Jane Conroy topping the list. Way to go, Jane! Michaud shared that in the State of Maine 34,638 hours were volunteered in 2022! Just imagine the money saved thanks to all of these wonderful, generous volunteers.
The June meeting will be in Guilford at the Craft Cafe on Tuesday, June 27 at 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker will be an officer from the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office. We will also have our annual “Pound Auction” so remember your 1-pound gift-wrapped item and your money for the bidding.