MEA-Retired Convention coming to Augusta May 4

AUGUSTA — The MEA-Retired Convention and Annual Meeting is May 4 at the Augusta Civic Center. It opens  at 8:30 a.m. and goes to 2:30 p.m. It has speakers from MEA groups, viewing of vendors and affiliate tables and four breakout sessions.

These are followed by lunch and main speaker, humorist Gary Crocker of West Gardiner. After his humorous  speech, the awards and business meeting begins. Please register if you would like to come, $20 for everything including brunch and lunch. Send registration: Name, address, e-mail, phone number, first and second choice from breakout sessions, and a $20 check to Larry Given, Registrar, 84 Kenway Drive, Litchfield, ME 04350. Come for all day or part of the day.

The morning speakers come from Maine PERS, MEA Benefits Trust, MEA, MEA Gov. Relations, plus Legacy Committee giving grants to affiliates and a scholarship to a student. A memoriam tribute will be given before a break at 10:30 a.m. This is time to view the many vendors and affiliate tables.

There are four breakout sessions at 11: 1. Line Dancing by Jim and Lynn Lubas. It is for beginners as well as those who have experiences. 2. Prison Advocacy with Jan Collins. She works with families who have the stigma of having a parent in prison. 3. John Nale of Waterville will discuss planning of end-of-life issues. His law firm has worked over 20 years serving the legal needs of seniors in Maine. 4. “The World of the Maine Wild” presented by Earl Brechlin of Bar Harbor. He is a Registered Maine Guide and author of adventure guides and casual histories about Maine and New England. If you plan to register, write your first and second choice of breakout sessions by writing the name of the session. 

A delicious buffet lunch is served followed by Crocker. He is a retired teacher. He has spoken to various audiences all across the country and will be a most memorable way to spend a day. 

The business meeting and installation of officers follows Crocker’s delightful talk. 

There will be raffles from many vendors and giveaways, a free book exchange. Feel free to bring some books to exchange or just take some books home. Both children and adult books are welcome. There will be, also, a silent auction and 50/50 tickets sold. 

Many awards are given out in the afternoon meeting like the Leadership awards, Community Participation awards, and Membership awards. 

You have time to visit with colleagues and make new friends. Plan to come and enjoy our fun, interesting convention for only $20.