National Education Support Professionals Day!

Nov 20, 2019

As part of American Education Week, today is National Education Support Professionals Day! Get resources to celebrate the contributions of our ESP at https://bit.ly/2XDw8gx. #WeLoveOurESPs #AEW2019

MEA-Retired President's Conclave

Nov 15, 2019

On Thursday, November 14, MEA-Retired held its annual President’s Conclave training.  This year MEA-Retired invited Chapter Presidents to bring a guest from their local chapter. Presidents were asked to invite someone who is fairly new to retirement and has the potential, or interest, in becoming an emerging leader within the MEA-Retired organization.  In attendance at the training were approximately 30 chapter presidents from all over the State of Michigan, including three from the Upper Peninsula. Along with our Presidents, we welcomed more than 15 guests and introduced them to MEA-Retired and how our organization works.  The meeting focused on helping Chapter Presidents about the importance of social media and how to capture a bigger audience.

Agenda topics covered:

Recap: Summer’s MEA-Retired Vision-Setting Activity        

Review of MEA-Retired Goals(2019-2022)

PAC Drive scheduled

Quick Tech Check

21st Century Communication Skills                  

Optum Rx changes for Medicare Part D

Nov 14, 2019

Those of you who utilize Optum Rx for your Medicare Part D (prescription) coverage should have received detailed information about the changes in your plan effective January 1-December 31, 2020. Please make sure that you read this information, and if you have any questions or concerns, contact OptumRx Member Services. Phone (toll-free): 1-866-443-1095 TTY users: 711 Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Website: www.optumrx.com

Message from MEA-Retired President, Kay Walker-Telma

Nov 07, 2019

Thanking many, including all of you

Spectacular fall color adorned the trees in northwestern Michigan as I spent a little time leaf-peeping this past weekend. Admiring the surrounding beauty, I also thought about how lucky I am to kick my way through stray piles of crisp, fallen leaves, notice the vibrant hues around me and enjoy a doughnut and cider with friends.

Ah, but how quickly the seasons change. The area’s first Winter Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service caused a stir on my phone this morning. I wonder if I’ll be seeing a lot of white stuff on the ground when the turkey is carved later this month.

November means we can look forward to Thanksgiving.  I love the annual food fest, savoring both a delicious meal and precious hours with some of the people that I am thankful to have in my life. In a couple of weeks, I’ll be thankful to spend time with others who give their time and talents to MEA-Retired, including our own officers, region directors, chapter presidents and our MEA officers and staff members. We’re thankful for the members of MEA-Retired—37,000 strong—who spent years making a difference in Michigan’s public schools and are continuing to make a difference in their communities.

From November 18-22, we celebrate NEA’s American Education Week. These five days give us an opportunity to thank MEA/NEA members who still work with our young people every day, whether providing safe transportation to school, serving a nutritious lunch, keeping buildings clean and secure or inspiring in the classroom. Think about taking a moment to take some treats to a school district building that week. Post a thank you on social media or send a letter to the editor to the local paper thanking our members for what they do.

I think I’ll get that butter to room temp, get out the mixer and deliver a few goodies to a nearby school office that week. If I had a commercial kitchen, I’d start today and bake one of my oatmeal dried cherry treats for each one of you to thank you for what you have done and what you continue to do every day. Happy Thanksgiving!

Action Requested from NEA President, Lily Eskelsen García

Oct 28, 2019