Please join us June 3-5 for the 77th annual WSSRA convention in Wenatchee. The convention planning committee has put together a lively agenda filled with multiple learning opportunities along with plenty of time for socialization. Early June in North Central Washington is always warm and sunny, with plenty to do in the Chelan and Douglas county areas.
Keynoter Dottie Metcalf-Lindenberger will highlight the Tuesday morning session. Dottie, a former astronaut, will wow attendees with a multi-media presentation that combines space travel with a message on how to improve life in local communities. On Monday afternoon, Dr. Gene Sharratt, longtime Washington educator and friend of WSSRA, will open the convention with a keynote that will focus on positive developments in the current educational landscape. Gene always leaves his audiences with a smile, and reminds us that we can make a difference in our communities.
As for Monday afternoon breakout sessions, we have scheduled a Health Care Authority team to discuss the latest developments with cost cutting measures for Uniform Medical Plan-Classic, by far the most expensive (and popular) PEBB Medicare supplement plan. In addition, breakouts are scheduled for Estate Planning and Senior Care for the Aged, the latter a presentation that will delve into the challenges of arranging services in home-based care, assisted living, nursing home, and hospice. All of us, at some time or another, will be faced with making those decisions for loved ones. This presentation will offer needed guidance in choosing the right care option.
In addition, on Monday President Ron Crawford will report on the latest findings in the unit rejuvenation process, a session that will provide insights into the all-too-common challenge that units face in attracting new members, and in finding key leaders to plan meetings, chair committees, and organize luncheon programs. Finally, incoming Executive Director Peter Diedrick will review the latest in legislative advocacy and share his thoughts on the status of WSSRA heading into the middle of this decade.
For those who have not yet made a convention attendance decision, please come to Wenatchee! We have plenty of extra space and can assure that you will learn lots and have a great time connecting with colleagues from your unit and from around the state. Please contact your unit president, or call the Lacey office, for registration information.
Alan Burke