MEA-Retired News
MEA-Retired’s success story highlighted at annual meeting’s silver anniversary celebration
Beverly Wolkow, former executive director of MEA, was invited as a guest speaker at the MEA-Retired annual meeting April 16. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the group. Wolkow was executive director when it formed in 1983. The group started with fewer than 1,800 members; today, the group represents about 26,000 members.
Addressing more than 200 people attending the MEA-Retired annual meeting last week, MEA President Iris Salters asked them to recall an earlier era.
“Do you remember when you were 25?” Salters asked, as many smiled and nodded.
Then, Salters led the audience in applause and cheering to celebrate 25 years, marking the silver anniversary of MEA-Retired. The group promotes retirement with dignity, happiness and adequate income.
MEA-Retired was created in 1983. It began with fewer than 1,800 members. Today, the group numbers about 26,000.
Three former presidents of MEA-Retired attended the 2008 annual meeting in Lansing on April 16. They are, from left to right: Phyllis Rule, Barbara Brotherton and Ann Speicher.
At its annual meeting in Lansing on April 16, MEA-Retired took some time to commemorate the milestone with cake and the “Happy Birthday” song.
“You’ve come a long way, baby!” Salters said.
Beverly Wolkow, who was executive director of MEA when the retired group formed, recounted many of the group’s accomplishments.
She cited efforts to boost membership, to provide training, and to raise money to support pro-public education candidates for elective office. She also praised the group’s efforts to continue to help students through volunteerism and scholarships.
Former MEA Executive Director Beverly Wolkow, left, is greeted by Ann Speicher, an MEA-Retired member from Sault Ste. Marie. Speicher once served as president of MEA-Retired.
“I’m truly impressed with your successes,” Wolkow said.
The MEA-Retired meeting included updates on legislative issues, adoption of the 2008-2009 budget, and fund-raising for the MEA Scholarship Golf Outing.
MEA-Retired Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Delegates to the MEA-Retired annual meeting elected a new slate of officers to three-year terms starting in September 2007: President Mary Christian (right), Vice President Judy Foster and Secretary-Treasurer Dan Rudd.
MEA-Retired celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, 2008.
The first MEA-Retired Annual Meeting was held April 20, 1985. Since that first meeting the organization has continued to grow.
Today we are 27,000 strong and 85,000 MEA members enrolled in All Inclusive Membership.