Retired educator news
MONSON — Eighteen members of the Piscataquis County Retired Educators met Tuesday, June 25 for a delicious luncheon at The Lakeshore House. Registered Maine Guide and founder of Actor Earth Ways Wendy Weiger shared information on transforming lives while healing Earth. She offers programs on mindful nature walks, nature-focused meditation and celebrations of the seasons. She recently has authored her first book “Heaven Beneath Our Feet.” Though her job at the Appalachian Trail Center in Monson focuses on educating trail hikers, she shared a dozen or more helpful tips for safe, doable hikes for retirees.
The regular monthly meeting was led by President Rheba Michaud. It was reported that the $100 grant for the annual Day of Caring will be matched from the treasury and each of the five elementary schools in Piscataquis County will receive monies toward healthy snacks programs.
The group will be providing food for the monthly community meal on Monday, Aug. 19 at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church. The annual Silent Auction for the Scholarship Fund will be at the Sept. 24 meeting at the Red Maple Inn in Guilford. Attendees were reminded that this event is the major scholarship fundraiser and they hope for a large turnout of retirees (and any guests) as well as many fabulous items for the auction. The excitement from this auction discussion led to the decision to do a “Pig in a Poke” auction in May 2020. This fun event requires that each member bring an item weighing only one pound, wrapped beautifully to entice bidders.
Legislative Liaison Jane Conroy reported that Gov. Mills has vetoed several educational bills including collective bargaining and teacher prep time.
This group has been traveling to towns within the area for monthly meetings in hopes to increase membership while enjoying new venues. In celebration of successfully meeting this goal, Conroy recommended that the Ritter Grant monies be used at the August meeting at DKB Catering in Greenville.
The next meeting is on Wednesday, July 24 at 11:30 a.m. at the Bear’s Den in Dover-Foxcroft. All retired educators are welcome at the meetings.