Maine Motif Issue 1 Volume I | Page 48

something that all organizations such as ours should have and we incur a heavy burden of liability without it. In the near future, I will be asking for district treasurers to model what we are doing with records at the state level so that we can bring some amount of unity in our financial records. I believe that district treasurers will be covered under this liability insurance as long as periodic statements are sent to the MMEA accountant. District treasuries will maintain their autonomy operating as they currently do- separate from the state treasury. Anyhow, that is more technical than what most of you are interested in hearing. Bottom line: we are financially healthy heading into the 2016-17 school year. I wish you all a wonderful finale to your summer. Sincerely, Andrew J. Forster MMEA Treasurer State Executive Director Report By Silvia (Sam) Moore-Young, [email protected] MEMBERSHIP Although MMEA did not increase Active Member dues this year, NAfME increased dues by $2 to cover technology costs. As of this past July 1, 2016, combined membership is $130. Spousal membership is $20 less. Go to NAfME.org to join or renew. There is a box to click on in the upper right of the main page. Some of you may ask “why” and my short answer is “You are a professional; a professional belongs to their professional organization.” That is a very simplistic answer but would you seek the services of a doctor or lawyer if they were not members of the AMA or ABA? Keep in mind that being a member gives you access to links on the NAfME.org website. These links connect you to lesson plans for all music genres; suggestions regarding how