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!