The 906 Chapter of SERA (State Employee Retirees Association) which represents all State of Michigan retirees in the Upper Peninsula will hold its first meeting since the COVID-19 regulations in March literally shut down all meetings in the state.

In announcing the meeting at the Highlands Golf Club, about seven miles west of Escanaba, president of the chapter Tony Grudnoski explained, “We are at the point in recovery that the board of the 906 chapter feels we can safely conduct our annual meeting with elections and presenters. We will employ the mask protocol and will be taking temperatures of those who attend. We expect to safely conduct our business.”

Presenters for the session will include Blue Cross representatives who will talk about COVID-19 healthcare and how insurance coverage for retirees is being adjusted to help face the pandemic; the chair of the SERA Coordinating Council, Bob Kopasz, who will explain to retirees how SERA is working with the state to keep retirees safe and informed; and Senator Ed McBroom who will explain what the legislature is faced with in dealing with the close down of the state and the massive budget shortfall in the year ahead.

All retired State of Michigan employees are welcome to attend the luncheon and meeting. Cost of the luncheon will be $15. Those wishing to attend need to contact 906 SERA Membership Chair Edgar Sommers II at 906-250-5560.

906 SERA represents all State of Michigan retirees in matters of medical care, mental health care, dental and vision matters and in prescription medications.

Members may bring friends and spouses to the meeting, but all must reserve seating with Edgar so that the required seating conventions can be observed.

Deadline for reservations is Labor Day, Sept. 7, for reservations.