2018 Minutes: by Pam Sprout
Henry/Stark Retired Teachers Association
Illinois Retired Teachers Association
Henry/Stark General Meeting
November 14, 2018
The Henry/Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association met at noon November 14, 2018 at the Toulon Congregational Church. Following the pledge and blessing, our members enjoyed the meal prepared by Sandy Langdon and her Congo Culinary Crew.
Pam introduced Jennifer Nutzhorn and three of her children, who entertained us with musical numbers and narrations.
Pam read the secretary report for the September 12, 2018 meeting. Motion was made by Alice Webster, seconded by Roger to accept the minutes as read . Motioned carried. Julie read the treasure’s report. Balance as of September 12, 2018 was $5,048.25. Total receipts were $698.00, total expenditures were $846.25, leaving a balance of $4,900.00. The treasure’s report was approved as read. Money from the raffle was $170. One half of the raffle will go to IRTA PAC, and one half to the IRTA Foundation.
The motion was made by Henry Stark RTA executive board to donate $25 to the IRTA Foundation in memory of our past president, David Cole. Motion was seconded by Roger Hawk and was approved.
Jan Buck and Beth Dolsleiger were thanked for helping at the TRS fall retirement meeting held at Kewanee High School in October 17, 2018.
Linda Jepsen was introduced as a new member.
President Sue reminded us that we still need to be watchful of what is happening to our teachers’ pensions and insurance. Be sure to read IRTA notes that come via emails and IRTA action notes. IRTA made the motion to oppose taxing retirement income and oppose any changes in funding law that would adversely affect the financial health of Teachers Retirement system. Items on the docket at the state are waiting for new state leaders.
No one wanted to submit their name for a position on the board of officers, so congratulations to the current officers who have consented to stay. President Sue made the motion seconded by Karen Ramsey to adjourn. Motion carried.
Minutes submitted by Pam Sprout
Henry/Stark General Meeting
November 14, 2018
The Henry/Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association met at noon November 14, 2018 at the Toulon Congregational Church. Following the pledge and blessing, our members enjoyed the meal prepared by Sandy Langdon and her Congo Culinary Crew.
Pam introduced Jennifer Nutzhorn and three of her children, who entertained us with musical numbers and narrations.
Pam read the secretary report for the September 12, 2018 meeting. Motion was made by Alice Webster, seconded by Roger to accept the minutes as read . Motioned carried. Julie read the treasure’s report. Balance as of September 12, 2018 was $5,048.25. Total receipts were $698.00, total expenditures were $846.25, leaving a balance of $4,900.00. The treasure’s report was approved as read. Money from the raffle was $170. One half of the raffle will go to IRTA PAC, and one half to the IRTA Foundation.
The motion was made by Henry Stark RTA executive board to donate $25 to the IRTA Foundation in memory of our past president, David Cole. Motion was seconded by Roger Hawk and was approved.
Jan Buck and Beth Dolsleiger were thanked for helping at the TRS fall retirement meeting held at Kewanee High School in October 17, 2018.
Linda Jepsen was introduced as a new member.
President Sue reminded us that we still need to be watchful of what is happening to our teachers’ pensions and insurance. Be sure to read IRTA notes that come via emails and IRTA action notes. IRTA made the motion to oppose taxing retirement income and oppose any changes in funding law that would adversely affect the financial health of Teachers Retirement system. Items on the docket at the state are waiting for new state leaders.
No one wanted to submit their name for a position on the board of officers, so congratulations to the current officers who have consented to stay. President Sue made the motion seconded by Karen Ramsey to adjourn. Motion carried.
Minutes submitted by Pam Sprout
Illinois Retired Teachers Association
Henry/Stark General Meeting
September 12, 2018
The Henry/Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association met at noon September 12, 2018, in the Bishop Hill Colony School. The pledge and Roger’s blessing was followed by the usual delicious meal prepared by the Filling Station.
Our program was presented by Jacque Jaquet from Eagle Enterprises Recycling. The family-run business has been operating for 25 years in Galva. It was originally started by the idea of using shredded newspaper, instead of straw, for bedding for their farm animals. Since newspaper was cheaper bedding, it was decided to bale it and sell to other farmers. That gave way to the idea that they could recycle other items to prevent entry into landfills. Today there are 28 employees and 8 drivers to cover a wide area from Quad Cities, Peoria, Eureka, Goodfield, Mineral, Sheffield, and down river to Lewistown. Jacque provided us with hand-outs listing the accepted items for recycling as well as some surprising facts about the importance of recycling. She stressed the importance of recycling electronics and the part that the state plays in these recyclables.
The clever and attractive table decorations that were also part of the raffle prizes were made from recycled bottles, jars, and cans. Nancy Anderson and Sue Schults put in a lot of thought and time to make the decorations so hats off to you ladies.
Following the program Pam read the secretary’s report for the July 11. It was approved as read. Julie gave the treasure’s report. Balance as of July 11, 2018 was $4,743.25. Receipts were $580.00, expenditures were $275.00 leaving a balance of $5,48.25. The treasure’s report was approved as read. Money from the raffle was $178.
Sue introduced Barbara Chiles, the Area 8 representative and member of the legislative committee, keeping track of the activities on bills in the general assembly. She told us that the bill allowing retired teachers to substitute for 120 days or 600 hours is for this school year, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. Barbara also said that the governor had signed the bill allowing a retiree to opt back into TRIP at sign-up time. She provided a list of 5 goals for 2018 that the IRTA Legislative Committee has: 1) In each region, annually have the Legislative Committee member attend one local unit meeting in order to promote a greater understanding of the connection of IRTA to local units. 2) Maintain and support actuarial funding for TRS. 3) Maintain TRIP. Work to repeal Windfall Elimination Provision (WPO) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). 5) Coordinate with local units so they are aware of bills that could impact their pensions and health insurance.
JoAnne Nelson, the Area 1 representative, informed us that because the teacher shortage, schools can hire a retired teacher for a year without it affecting that retiree’s pension.
Jan Buck and Beth Dolsleiger will provide information brochures for new retirees at Kewanee High School, October 17, 2018 .
New members were introduced. Deb Lindbeck was a High School Special Education teacher. Lynn Travis retired from Champaign County.
Sue Killelea made the motion to adjourn the meeting , seconded by Sue Saey. Motion carried. Next meeting will be at the First Congregational Church in Toulon on November 14, 2018.
Minutes submitted by
Pam Sprout
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.
Minutes Submitted by: Pam Sprout, Secretary