Sen. Orrin Hatch announced the details Tuesday for the 24th annual Conference for Seniors. This year’s Conference will feature former United States Secretary of State James Baker, III; and will be held on Monday, Aug. 29, at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City.
Secretary Baker has served in senior government positions under three United States presidents. He served as the nation’s 61st Secretary of State under President George H. W. Bush. During his tenure at the State Department, Baker traveled to 90 foreign countries as the United States confronted the unprecedented challenges and opportunities of the post-Cold War era.
Baker is presently a senior partner in the law firm of Baker Botts and is the honorary chairman of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.
In addition to Baker, the Senator is delighted to also host Michael McLean and Alex Boye two nationally-recognized performers who have been entertaining audiences for years with their beautiful music and emotional messages. McLean has written music and lyrics for more than 25 albums which have sold more than one million copies since 1983. Ever the engaging performer and master storyteller, McLean has shared his beloved Christmas musical, The Forgotten Carols, with more than a half-million people across the country since 2001.
British-born singer Alex Boye became the lead singer in the European boy band “Awesome” and signed a recording contract with Universal Records in 1996. The band had hits in over 15 countries, selling over half a million CDs. In 2000 Boye felt compelled to move to Utah, to pursue a career in gospel music. His hit single “Crazy for You” has been played by radio stations nationwide; and his recent “Be Still My Soul: Classic Hymns and Folksongs” has achieved professional and commercial success.
“I am thrilled that Secretary James Baker will be joining us this year,” stated Hatch. “Secretary Baker was at the forefront of national security during some of the most critical times in our nation’s history. I think Utah’s seniors will find it fascinating to listen to the insights he will share. And the musical entertainment that will be provided in the morning by Michael McLean, and the afternoon by Alex Boye will be truly wonderful. Both of these men have spent many years providing truly inspiring and beautiful music. I am grateful they will share their talents with Utah’s seniors.”
The Conference will also feature many local workshop presenters on a variety of topics such as health care, financial planning and veteran’s services, and many other topics. Participants can also take part in one-on-one discussions throughout the day with representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Social Security Administration; and the AARP will be offering a CarFit Exam for those interested in ensuring that they or their loved one fits their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety.
Anyone interested in attending can contact (801) 413-9133 to register. The Conference will begin at 9 a.m., and the cost is $10 which includes lunch and registration materials.