Retired Educators hold final meeting, install new officers

CARIBOU – The Aroostook Retired Educators Association (AREA), the largest such group in the state at nearly 400 members, held its fourth and final luncheon meeting of the year at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center on Sept. 25.     Jo-Ellen Kelley of Limestone was guest speaker, having a Power Point presentation and talk on the Literacy Volunteers of Aroostook.    She is executive director of that group which has volunteers throughout the County who work with people wanting to improve their literacy skills.
    Mabel Desmond of Mapleton, outgoing AREA president, presided at the business meeting. Paul Lynch of Presque Isle, past AREA and state Retired Educators Association president, installed the new officers: Robert White of Caribou, president; Peter Edgecomb of Caribou, 1st vice-president; Carol McElwee of Caribou, 2nd vice-president; Lorraine Redwine of St. David, recording secretary; Diane Parent of Caribou, corresponding secretary; Paul Bouchard of Fort Kent, treasurer and Rena Kearney of Mars Hill, assistant treasurer.
    Lynch also congratulated Mabel Desmond on having been recently appointed to the Maine State Board of Education.
    Brenda Currie of Limestone received the Community Participation and Read for ME volunteer awards. Theresa Dumais of Madawaska won the door prize.