Have you ever noticed that, even though we are retired, when July rolls around there is a definite ‘vacation’ feeling? What is it about July that makes us think of vacation time, holiday planning, taking things a little easier…we can pretty well do that all year. Yet with July, those crazy, hazy, lazy days of summer make life seem all the easier, and we all slip into that vacation feeling. For the Executive of NSGREA, we continue to work through July, because, although we might ease up a tad, there is no vacation when addressing the needs and wishes of our membership. Planning for this year’s Convention, Monday, September 21st is in full swing and you should have received your agenda by now. We are hoping for the largest attendance since COVID, and with elections to take place, some excitement, and surprises,…and, of course, some great humour!
While we enjoy the warm summer breezes of July, either having a cold drink, walking beaches or just sitting still for a while, I wish you all the very best of this special time of the year…and I hope that ‘vacation’ vibe stays with you all month!
Key Message – There is lots of good news this month!!
We have a new home!!! It is at 190 Victoria Road in Dartmouth. Charles Keating once owned the building, and he ran his cable company out of it. It is easy to get to as it is one turn off both the 102 and the 101 and it is halfway between both bridges. It is completely accessible, on the ground floor. First suite on the left inside the door. It also has a completely accessible washroom. It is set up more like an office with a reception area, 2 offices, a meeting room and a kitchen. It is not much more expensive than our previous office space and is a little bigger. In addition, we inherit some lovely furniture. We will be moving in the middle of August, and we hope to be able to give you a video tour at the Convention.
The Convention is just under 2 months away!! You will have received your Invitation package either via Canada Post or e-mail. We understand that the formatting may have shifted on the e-mail version of the registration form. So, if you are experiencing difficulty please feel free to call the office at 902 865-5050 or toll free at 1 800-677-8666 and we will take your registration over the phone. You can then send a cheque or e-transfer () for your $30.00 registration fee.
The Resolution, Pension and Benefits, Convention, Nomination and Strategic Planning Committees have all been working hard. You will receive updates at the Convention, and we will put any presentations on our website following the Convention.
Our new Treasurer, Matt Debois, is working hard on completing a financial Report and Budget for 2026-2027.
The following positions are up for election this year. Valerie Bobyk and Shannon Kelly are on the Nominating Committee so will have a report for the Convention. Anyone interested in any of these positions is encouraged to be in touch with the office. There will also be an opportunity for nominations from the floor on the day of the Convention.
- President – 2 year term
- Vice-President – 1 year term
- Treasurer – 1 year term
- Secretary – 2 year term
- Membership Secretary – 2 year term
Our new website is up and running but is not complete. We have already heard positive comments about it. However, we have much to add and perhaps some to correct. We are all just learning how to add content so be patient with us! We think it is beautiful and we hope you find it easier to navigate and more informative. There is now a button you can click to join or renew your membership. There is a calendar we can keep updated with Regional meetings and other events. You can access it at www.nsgrea.ca
There is updated information on the Dental Plan with new rates for 2026 so please have a look.
There are new rates from GMS which have been updated on our website. This information was also sent out with the Convention Invitation.
As a reminder to existing dental /travel and health plan members, any plan changes for the coming year can be made at this time in writing to G.M.S. or emailed to before July 31, 2026
Unfortunately, we remain behind on our emails so huge apologies for that. We continue to work away at them and are hopeful our potential new admin assistant will make a huge dent if and when they join our team.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!! Stay tuned to my August Message!!
Cheers!!
Patricia