Illinois Retired Teachers Association
Henry/Stark General Meeting
July 11, 2018
The Henry/Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association at 10:00 July 11, 2018 at St. Luke Medical Center. Jocie’s blessing was followed by a brunch served by the medical center’s cafeteria staff. Sue Busenbark introduced Katie McCauley and her parents, Gregg and Tiffany McCauley. Katie is one of the recipients of the $500 award given in 2018. She will be attending Black Hawk College then on to ISU to pursue her education in agriculture.
Jim Bachman, Executive Director of IRTA, was the first of our guests from the state to provide some information on what is happening in Springfield. He started by telling us that the membership of 38,000 continues to grow. However, the 1,209 new members is offset by the 400 members who did not renew and the death of 500 members.
The legislation that was pending is now law, raising post-retirement limitations addressing Illinois’ teacher shortage. Taking effect with 2018-2019 school year, retired TRS members can teach 120 days or 600 hours without effecting TRS pensions. Legislation allowing a member to re-enroll into TRIP after previously dropping out is waiting the governor’s signature. Eligible members could leave TRIP, or return, only once a year during state’s annual Benefit Choice Period. Jim encouraged members to make sure that the state has their email address and that they are signed up for Voter Voice.
Cheryl Setser explained the various MBNA benefits for members. These products and services have been selected by the IRTA Board of Directors because they provide superior benefits and competitive rates. She provided an informational hand-out detailing these benefits. Cheryl had a drawing at the end of the meeting. Jeanette Ross’s name was drawn .
Rich Frankenfeld from TRS gave a presentation about the Pension Environment. He highlighted General Assembly Action, legislation approved or waiting for Governor Rauner’s signature. He explained the formulas for Tier 1, 2, and 3. Tier 1 has employer contribution. Tier 2 and 3 fully pay for their benefit but also help fund Tier 1. The handout received contained detailed information about TRIP, both the Medicare advantage plans and non-Medicare Advantage plans ,and TRS investments and revenues .
A brief business meeting followed the program. The secretary’s report and treasurer’s report were approved as read. Jan May and Gregg Christakos were welcomed as first-time members. We were informed of the passing of Sharon Shook. Friends of the Library Board are sponsoring a bus trip. The Legal Defense Fund will receive half of the$150 from the drawing.
No one adjourned the meeting, so I guess we are still meeting.
Minutes submitted by
Pam Sprout
Illinois Retired Teachers Association
Henry/Stark General Meeting
May 15, 2018
The Henry/Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association met at noon on May 15, 2018 at St. Luke Medical Center. After the pledge and blessing the attending members and guest Gail Wright enjoyed a healthy meal prepared by the medical center’s cafeteria staff.
The theme for this meeting was “Out of Africa”. Dora the Explorer and Diego the Traveler, a.k.a. Lynda and Gary DeMoss shared highlights of their trip to Africa, taken last September, 2017. They were even dressed for the part. It took a better part of 24 hours for them to reach their destination. They visited 3 game parks, Victoria Falls and were on a very dusty safari. Open jeeps were the mode of transportation most of the time. The size of the tents they sometimes stayed in was exceptionally large. Both Gary and Lynda stressed that at all times there was tight security. This is due to the fact that the countries depend on tourism and cannot afford to have anything happening to any of the tourists. We all enjoyed the beautiful pictures of animals, colorful birds and flowers. Interesting facts were given about how the animals such as the rhinos and elephants are protected from poachers. One of the lodges that they stayed in was built on the rim of a volcano with protected animals inside the volcano. When leaving one country to go into another, Gary explained that they were required to get visas, but could only use new U.S. currency in denominations of $50 and $100 bills. Schools are run mostly by missionaries. There is a very low literacy rate. Clothing is the cast off of the cast offs.
The business meeting followed. The secretary’s report was approved as read. The treasurer’s report showed a beginning balance of $6,118.75. Receipts totaled $905.00. Total expenditures were $2,505.00. Ending balance as of May 15, 2018 is $4,518. 75. Raffle was $115 in which ½ will go to IRTA PAC, the other half to HSCRTA. The treasurer’s report was approved as read.
There is legislation pending allowing those who opt out of the TRIP program, to have the opportunity to opt back into the program is they so choose. Gail Wright wanted to make members aware that the state is so far behind on paying health care providers that many of the health care providers are asking for money prior to any treatment or procedure. The state is also behind in paying insurance premiums, so the insurance companies are charging interest to the state. The state is now taking the interest charged out of the TRIP funds.
Everyone was asked to contact teachers retiring this year and encourage them to join IRTA and our local Henry Stark Unit. Alice Webster pointed out that we would need to explain that both associations are not associated with IEA or NEA.
Next meeting will be a 10:00 brunch, July 11 at St. Luke’s Medical Center. Cleta Riggins made the motion, seconded by Becky Dorman, to adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Sprout
Illinois Retired Teachers Association
Henry/Stark Unit General Meeting
March 14, 2018- Held At the Annawan Community Center
The Henry/Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association met at noon on March 14, 2018 at the Annawan Community Center. Sue Killelea opened our meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the blessing. We were served a delicious meal that was prepared by the ladies of the Annawan United Methodist Church.
Following our meal, Roger Hawk introduced Trisha Schafer, Manager of Community Relations for Freedom House located in Princeton. Freedom House, a 32-bed facility, provides a safe haven with compassion and confidentiality to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It serves the residents of Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam, and Stark Counties. Their services, supported by public, corporate, and private funds, are free to the victims and their families. There are programs offered that help educate the public about domestic violence and abuse. One such program is an in-school program that strives to educate children about anti-bullying, healthy relationships and positive, safe social media with 14,000 being reached. A crisis hotline is provided 365 days a year, 24/7. Trisha was presented with a check to Freedom House for $100 from the unit.
The minutes of the Nov. 8, 2017, provided by Alice Webster, were read by Secretary Pam Sprout. The treasurer’s report showed a starting balance of $5,257.75 with receipts of $2,072.00 and expenditures of $1,210.99, leaving a present balance of $6,118.75, not including the $140 from the raffle. Carol Cole moved to accept the reports, seconded by Roger Hawk. Minutes and treasurer’s report were accepted by the members. Pam read a thank-you letter from ITRA for the $86 donation which will be used to help with legal fees when needed to protect our pensions and state subsidized health insurance.
Phyllis Dotson reported that the number of days a retired teacher can substitute in the classroom will be increased to 120 days due to the difficulty of being able to fill the need. Our centurion, Miriam Gustafson , thanked the group for helping her celebrate her 100th birthday on Jan. 16. Helen Peck issued an invitation to join her and Jim on a Scandinavian trip, June 11-25 at a cost of $7,706 per person. People interested in this adventure can contact Helen. The raffle generated $140. IRTA Foundation and this unit will each receive half of these monies.
Roger and Sue K. presented the memorial service honoring members who have passed since March of 2017. Personal comments and memories were shared for each. Members were Joe Glattly, Annawan; Judith Taylor, Kewanee; Marilyn Seabloom, Geneseo; Frances Wiedenhoft, Geneseo; Evelyn Roark, Minooka; Marilyn Quagliano, Kewanee; Bev Bielema, Orion; Rita Wannemacher, Annawan; Ruth Kinnersley, Wethersfield; Florence Henderson, Geneseo; Ralph Moens, Atkinson. After the ceremony, it was brought to the group’s attention that Sandy Manthe and Edna Kruger had also passed. However, Edna was honored in the 2017 ceremony.
Sue Killelea made the motion seconded by Karen Ramsey to adjourn the meeting.
Pam Sprout, Secretary
2017 Minutes by Secretary Alice Webster
Illinois Retired Teachers Association
Henry/Stark Unit General Meeting
November 8, 2017
The Henry/Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association met at noon on November 8th at the Toulon Congregational Church. Jocie Saline opened the meeting with the Pledge and Roger Hawk said Grace. Due to a meal delay, the raffle was held. The raffle generated close to $190.00, half of which will be shared with the Foundation. A delicious meal was served by Sandy Langdon and friends. The group retired upstairs to hear Sam Rice’s program on his Honor Flight journey to Washington D.C. He had gone before as a chaperone but this time participated as a Vietnam Vet. His slides and memories were impressive and remind us to take the time to appreciate our freedom and thank a veteran. $25.00 will be sent to Honor Flight as a thank you for Sam’s program.
Alice Webster read the September minutes. Steve Morrison moved and Greg Moutoux seconded the motion to approve the minutes as read.
Julie DeSplinter gave the Treasurer’s report:
Balance as of Sept. 13, 2017 $ 5,909.24
Receipts: $ 729.00
Expenditures: $ 1,380.50
Balance as of Nov. 8, 2017 $ 5,57.74
The report was accepted as read.
Roger Hawk reported on the IRTA Convention held Oct. 30-31 in Springfield. A few highlights-
- The “Barnes and Noble Basket” worth $75 donated by our Unit brought in $190.00.Overall the baskets generated nearly $6,000.
- TRS is set financially, this year’s investments pulled in 20% compared to 1.8% last year.
- The Election of Officers served us well in terms of local representation, Joanne Nelson from Galesburg is our new area representative.
- Steve Morrison was complimented on our local website for being current and up to date.
- We were reminded never to let the Constitution be opened as it would be a danger to us and our needs.
- Membership is a goal as only a third of retired teachers belong to the association and we push for State membership.
President: Sue Killelea (Thank you!) Jocie will help in any way possible.
VP: Roger Hawk
Treasurer: Julie DeSplinter
Secretary: Pam Sprout
December 4th will be the planning committee’s meeting for next year. Get any ideas or suggestions for programs to your officers. Look for next year’s brochure in late February in the mail. Next year ‘s dues can be paid today. If you mail dues to Julie, send a stamped, self addressed envelope with your check and she will send you your membership card.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Webster, Secretary
Illinois Retired Teachers Association
Henry/Stark Unit General Meeting
September 13, 2017
The Henry/Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association met at the Colony School in Bishop Hill at noon on September 13, 2017 for a delicious lunch and informative program given be Don Schmidt of Toulon.
Don Schmidt, a retired chemist from Amoco shared slides and his perspective of teaching adults around the world. His program “Different Perspectives on the World” was fascinating. Whether you are teaching adults oil drilling or seventh graders geology, there are similarities in behavior, attention and attitudes. We all could relate and enjoyed his experiences.
Bill Loane, Diane Ouart. Linda Pont, Mary Kaye Fulton, Kay Hewitt and Mary Kay Ferehenbacker were introduced as first times and potential new members.
Paul Keel stopped in to introduce a new benefit-The Home Health Care Plan. It is through Kemper Insurance and backed by Northwest Mutual. A signup sheet was circulated for him to contact you and answer any questions.
The Minutes and Treasurer Reports were approved thanks to Sandy, Jean, Steve and Pam. Treasurer Report follows:
Balance as of July 10, 2017 $5,584.24
Receipts: $579.00
Expenditures: $254.00
Balance as of Sept. 13, 2017 $5,909.24
Business Points of Interest:
- Beth and Sue will represent HSCRTA at the TRS Informational Meeting on Oct. 5, 2017, 4:30pm at Kewanee High School.
- Roger and Jocie will be attending the IRTA Convention-Oct. 30-31 Crown Plaza Hotel Springfield, IL.If interested contact one of them.
- The raffle generated $119.00 to be shared with PAC.Prizes were provided by Roger and Jocie.
- $25.00 will be sent to the Foundation as a thank to Don Schmidt for his program.
- The next meeting will be November 8th at the First Congregational Church, Toulon.The program will be “Honor Flights” with Sam Rice. Reservations due by Nov.1 to Margaret Blakey, PO Box 253, Toulon, IL. (309) 286-3142 or [email protected].
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Webster, Secretary
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Illinois Retired Teachers Association
Henry/Stark Unit General Meeting
July 10, 2017
The Henry/Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association met at 10:00am at OSF St. Luke Medical Center, Kewanee for brunch. Seven recent retirees, two of our scholarship recipients, a parent and three IRTA state officers were welcomed by Jocie Saline. Roger Hawk said grace and the hospital served a delicious spread.
The brunch provided time to visit with possible new members Connie Curtis, Scott Fairfield, Sharon Hall, Mary McCauley, Mary McMillen, Amy Milroy and Cindy Saey.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Sue Busenbark introduced our scholarship award winners Haillie Miller and Meghan Curran who shared their educational goals. Later their gracious thank you notes were shared during the business meeting.
David Davison, IRTA President; Ed Wollet, Legislative Chair; and Loryann Eis, Area 1 Representative presented a very informative update on what is going on in the state, how political action is staying ahead of ongoing issues and how important our role is as members to protect our pensions.
Under regular business, the minutes of the May 10th meeting were read and approved. The treasurer’s report was given by Julie DeSplinter. Balance on May 19, 2017 was $7,121.24. Receipts totaled $750.00 and expenditures were $2,287.00. The balance as of July 10, 2017 is $5,584.24. Petty cash had $2.00. It was moved and seconded to deposit the $2.00 from petty cash into the bank balance. The motion passed and action will be reflected in the next treasurer’s report. (Yeah!!)
The raffle collection was $162.00. Half of the amount will be sent to PAC. Barb Morrison won the $15.00 gift card donated by Roger Hawk as an incentive for those signing up to give $1.00 each month (deduct) to PAC.
The raffle followed. Prizes were donated by officers this meeting. Speakers will be available to answer question after the meeting.
The next meeting will be September 13, 2017 at noon at Bishop Hill Colony School. Don Schmidt will present “Different Perspectives on the World”. Reservations are due by Sept. 6th to Jocie Saline (309)289-4994 (Leave a message).
Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Webster, Secretary
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Illinois Retired Teachers Association
Henry/Stark Unit General Meeting
May 10, 2017
The Henry/Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association met at noon on May 10, 2017 at Annawan Howes Park Community Center in Annawan. Jocie Saline opened our meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed Carrie Boelens and John Bowser of OSF St. Luke Medical Center and first timer Linnea Gustafson, who retired from Orion. After grace, given by Roger Hawk, a delicious lunch was served.
Carrie Boelen and John Bowser CEO of St. Luke Medical Center were welcomed by Roger Hawk. Carrie shared preparation taking place for the hospital’s upcoming 100th anniversary. Mr. Bowser, Chief Financial Officer of the hospital, gave us insight on OSF St. Luke’s mission to care for patients and the surrounding community. He updated us on health resources and services in our local population and economic factors which may influence their availability.
The minutes of the March 8th meeting were read and approved. Julie DeSplinter gave the Treasurer’s report. Balance on March 8, 2017 was $6,641.24. Receipts totaled $830.00 and expenditures were $350.00. Balance as of May 10, 2017 is $7,121.24. Petty cash has $2.00. The raffle at today’s meeting collected $170.00. Half of that amount will be sent to the Legal Defense Fund.
Legal action is at a standstill. The pension is solid so long as the constitution is not opened up. Changes in Health Plans were discussed. Members with questions should call the CMS office.
Sue Busenbark announced the recipients of the three $500.00 scholarships:
Meghan Curran- Annawan
Erika Seabloom- Woodhall
Haillie Miller-Orion
Winners will be invited to attend the July meeting.
A brief discussion was held on the need for a sound system, to be available when needed.
Following the raffle drawings, the meeting was adjourned. Our next meeting will be on July 10, 2017 at 10:00am. It will be a brunch at St. Luke Medical Center, Kewanee. Bring newly retired teachers. Get the word out.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Webster- Secretary
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Illinois Retired Teachers Association
Henry/Stark Unit General Meeting
March 8, 2017
The Henry/Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association met at noon on March 8, 2017 at OSF St. Luke Medical Center in Kewanee. Jocie Saline opened our meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed 35 members, Jo Anne Nelson, Area 8 Representative and Jim Nowlan, guest speaker. Connie Webster was introduced as a first timer, retiring from Elmwood. Grace was given by Roger Hawk and a delicious buffet was served by the hospital.
Following lunch, Roger formally introduced Jim Nowlan, an experience individual in many professional areas. Jim gave us insight into Illinois government and how politics was influencing education. It was very informative but reminded us to continue to support PAC.
Jocie Saline and Sue Busenbark presented a beautiful 2017 Memorial Service for deceased IRTA members.
Lydia Camp Galva Alice Gustafson
Edna Kruger Wyoming Roger Mann Wethersfield
Betty Murray Stark County Delbert Nicklaus
Rosemary Paxton Kewanee Marilyn Seabloom
Judith Taylor Kewanee David Trainor Stark County
Frances Wiedenhoeft Geneseo Janice Anderson Alwood
Michael Gene DeWulf Dorothy Deege Wyoming
Doris Kemp Galva
Personal comments and memories were shared for each.
Roger continued the business meeting as Jocie needed to leave.
The minutes of the November 9, 2016 meeting were read by Alice Webster, Secretary. Cleta Riggins moved to approve the minutes and Beth seconded the motion. The motion passed. Julie DeSplinter, read the Treasurer’s report. The balance from November 9, 2016 was $5551.24. Receipts totaled $1820.00 and expenditures were $720.00. Balance as of March 8, 2017 is $6641.24. A generous donation of $.15 was given by Greg Moutoux making $2.00 in the petty cash fund. Pam Sprout moved to approve the report and Mary Hawk seconded the motion. It was approved. Half of today’ raffle money will go to PAC. Julie also corrected her email address on the flier as [email protected]. Also Phyllis Dotson’s phone # is 309-852-2773. A convention basket will be donated in the amount of a $75.00 card to Barnes and Noble and a book of Roger’s choice.
Roger gave a Legislative update with informative handouts. Pension is pretty much under controlled but insurance with a possible 5-12% increase is a hot spot.
Jo Anne Nelson, Region 8 Area Representative, invited and encouraged members to attend Area 1 Conference at Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby on May 15th or May 16th at Northwest Territory Historic Center, Dixon. Let Julie know and your fee will be paid by our Unit.
Looking ahead, Convention will also be held at the Crown Plaza, Springfield on Oct. 30th and 31st.
Following the raffle drawings the motion to adjourn was made by Pam Sprout. Our next meeting will be on May 10th at Annawan Howes Park Community Center. Julie DeSplinter is the contact person.
Respectfully Submitted,
Alice Webster
Secretary