PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Members of the Aroostook Retired Educators Association gathered Oct. 1 at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center for their last meeting of the summer season.
Following a ham meal, President Rena Kearney introduced the guest speaker, Joy Barresi Saucier, executive director of the Aroostook Agency on Aging.
The agency’s mission is to improve the quality of life, maximize the independence and promote the well-being of older people in northern Maine. Saucier encouraged AREA members to utilize the websites aroostookaging.org and eldercare.acl.gov. The agency features more than 20 programs and services that help folks live independently in their own homes.
Barresi Saucier then introduced Patricia Oh of the Maine AARP. A discussion of what makes a community age-friendly followed, and Oh encouraged AREA members to continue to be engaged in their communities.
Kearney introduced Kay Grindall, Maine Education Association – Retired president, who brought greetings from MEA-R. She acknowledged the leadership folks who represent Aroostook County, and summarized past legislative successes as well as bills that are being proposed.
The business meeting followed, highlighted by the installation of officers conducted by Grindall.
The following officers were installed: president, Ben Paradis; vice president, Roger Roy; treasurer, Bob Souther; corresponding secretary, Linda Hawkins-Pelletier; and recording secretary, Betsy York.
Kearney presented Paradis with the official gavel. Paradis then presented her with a wood spirit carving, a gift certificate and a certificate of appreciation. Members gave new Past President Kearney a standing ovation.
Meetings will resume in June 2020.
AREA’s members hail from the St. John Valley through southern Aroostook County.
