MADISON — From Oct. 5-7, more than 100 retired educators from across Wisconsin gathered at the DoubleTree to attend the 75th Annual Convention of the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association (WREA).

Representatives from Green County Retired Educators attended, including Vicki Colle, Ruth Espenscheid, Karene Olson, Jane Parkinson, Harriet Wells and Sue Buetzer.

This year’s theme, “A Promise Kept: 75 years of Pension Protection and Public Education” highlighted the collective strength of educators across generations and focused on advocacy, leadership, and community impact.

Convention highlights included:

● Baraboo Wisconsing Beer Choir, kicked off festivities with members singing along and enjoying the camaraderie.

● Adam Goldberg, AARP Senior Legislative Representative shared AARP’s 2026 Voter Engagement Campaign: Empowering Voters 50 and Over.

● Katie Gaertner, Professor at UW-Madison, presented a session on Artificial Intelligence (A.I.): What it is, What it isn’t, and What to do with it.

● WREA Evening of Legacy, Leadership, and Gratitude celebrating 75 years of past WREA Executive Directors and WREA Presidents and their leadership through difficult periods in WREA’s history.

WREA is a non-partisan, independent organization with more than 6,500 members and 49 local chapters across Wisconsin. The association is widely recognized for its efforts in:

● Watchdog of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)

● Protecting and preparing Wisconsin educators for retirement

● Advocating for public education

● Supporting issues affecting Wisconsin seniors

Members of WREA continue to make a significant impact in their communities, contributing an estimated $6 million in volunteer activities annually.

For more information about the local chapter or the activities of the retired educators, contact Ruth Espenscheid at 608-925-8836.