Illinois Retired Teachers Association Henry Stark General Meeting September 13, 2023
The Henry Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association met on September 13, 2023, at The Old Colony School in Bishop Hill. In the opening statements, President Sue Killelea introduced Linda Jepsen, Bill Good, Jean Ann Carter, Monica Breed and Kathy Johnson. Linnea Gustafson gave the blessing following the pledge. We had a delicious meal prepared by the Filling Station. Thanks to Sue Schultz and Nancy Anderson for providing the circus themed table decorations. Our program was presented by Toulon native, Marjorie Henneberry Rogers. Marg and her family were circus performers starting around 1955 and ending in the year 2000. She reminisced about memorable moments that they had traveling all over the United States, including the White House, as well as performing in Europe. Marg and her siblings attended Toulon public school, keeping up with their homework by studying in the car or under exit lights, as well as participating in sports. Their family circus acts included magic, juggling, riding unicycles, and playing the calliope to name a few. The magic acts used a rabbit as well as doves. Marg humorously told us she never mastered the act of juggling or playing the calliope. To this day, the Henneberry family holds the record for the unicyclist taking the feet off the pedals, placing them on the wheel to keep the cycle moving, then putting the feet back on the pedals and keep moving. That’s something only the circus world would know. She showed a photograph of that trick. Probably the most amusing experience that Marg shared with us was about the time that Tina the Chimp had her brother Mick under one arm and was climbing up the ladder that belonged to another circus act. This program was enjoyed by all. After the program, Pam Sprout read the minutes of the July 12, 2023, meeting. We received a Thank You from Bill Funkhouser for our donation of $75 to PAC, the Political Action Committee. Steve Morrison made the motion seconded by Beth Dolieslager to accept the minutes as read. Motion carried. Julie DeSplinter gave the treasurer’s report. The starting balance was $1,405.59. Total receipts were $810.00, total expenditures were $905.00. Balance as of September 13, 2023, was $1,310.17. Amron Buchanen made the motion seconded by Pat Welti to accept the treasure’s report. Our program presenter for this meeting, Marjorie Rogers, declined the $50 that was offered for her program. There were no volunteers to attend the IRTA Conference on October 16, 2023. The only news from Springfield is that TRS investments seem to be doing very good. On September 12, Denice Brown, Karen Ramsey and Sue Killelea attended the fall benefit meeting for future retirees that was held at Kewanee High School. Nick Stabler presented information to the 16 people in attendance. President Sue reported that there were 60 people at the meeting held last year. Steve Morrison was recognized for his work keeping the Henry Stark website up to date with minutes and photos. New officers are needed for the 2024 year. Motion to adjourn was made by Jean Mann, seconded by Pam Sprout. Motion carried. Our next meeting will be a buffet at The Downtown Eatery. Don Schmidt will present the program about Lizzie Borden . Respectfully submitted, Pam Sprout, Secretary
Illinois Retired Teachers Association Henry Stark General Meeting July 12, 2023
The Henry Stark Unit of the Illinois retired Teachers Association met on July 12, 2023, at the Downtown Eatery and Bakery in Kewanee. After the pledge, Linnea Gustafson gave the blessing. While we were waiting for our food to be served, President Sue Killelea introduced the representatives from the state office who would be presenting the program following the meal. Sue introduced two new members, Sue Carrington, and Brenda Smith, who were attending for the first time. She also introduced the recipients of our awards given this year to high school graduates who plan to pursue teaching careers. Attending the meeting were Jennifer Abbott, Madeline Nightingale, Courtney Loncka, and representing Lena Miller were her mother and grandmother. Following the meal, IRTA President, Bill Funkhouse reminded us of the information that we can receive from our emails. Coffee with Jim, Good Dog News, Webinar with AMBA, zoom conferences Aug 9 and Sept 6 are some the electronic news that are designed to keep us informed. Bill told us that the Executive Director, Jim Bachman, will be retiring and IRTA is currently in the process of interviewing applicants for a new director. The IRTA Convention will be held October 16 and 17, 2023. We need to continue the financial support of our PAC. It is non-partisan and protects our pensions and health insurance. Continue to encourage new retirees to join IRTA because an average of 80 members are lost a month. That loss needs to be made up with new membership. Nick Stabler spoke to us on TRS. He gave us updates on funding and investments, explanation of TRIP/TRAIL, programs and legislation and new legislation. He answered questions about insurance. TRS has 440,000 members as of July 12, 2023. The oldest members who had been receiving benefits just recently passed away at the age of 108. Now, the oldest living recipient is 106 years old. The last of our state representatives were from AMBA. Lori Fairfield represents Henry County. Cheryl Stetzer represents Stark County. They gave a lengthy report of all the policies and perks that are available through the AMBA services. Following the reports from the state representatives it was decided by the executive board to dispense with the reading of the minutes and the treasures report. FYI, balance on hand as of July 12, 2023, is $1,405.59. Received but not read were thank you notes from the award winners Lena Miller, Madeline Nightingale, and Courtney Loncka. Also received, but not read was a thank you letter from Bill Funkhouser for our donation of $70 to the IRTA Foundation from May’s raffle. Raffle money for this July meeting was $150. Due to the noise level in the room at the end of the meeting, I was not able to hear who adjourned the meeting or seconded the motion, but I promise you, we did adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Pam Sprout, Secretary
Illinois Retired Teachers Association Henry/Stark General Meeting March 8, 2023
The Henry/Stark Unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association met on March 8, 2023 at the Annawan Community Center. After the pledge, Linnea Gustafson gave the blessing. Our meal was prepared and served by the ladies of the Annawan United Methodist Church.
Wyatt Breiser, a Physical Therapist from Hammond Henry Hospital in Geneseo presented the program titled “Wellness Programming at Home”. He stressed the need to make a deliberate effort to maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit. He led us through steps that help us maintain our health and a healthy lifestyle.
Following the program, we had our business meeting. Pam Sprout read the secretary’s report from the March 11, 2020, meeting. There were no additions or corrections to the minutes. Patty Lancaster made the motion, seconded by Linnea Gustafson to accept the minutes as read. Motion carried.
Julie DeSplinter gave the treasure’s report. The balance as of March 10, 2021, was $3,614. 82. Total receipts as of March 8, 2023, were $2,360. Expenditures totaled $2,659.00. These expenditures were for three years-2021, 2022, 2023. Balance as of March 8, 2023 was $3,315.82 Sue Saey made the motion, seconded by Jan McElvain to accept the treasure’s report as read. Motion carried. During the absence of having our regular meetings, the executive board made the decision to award the grants to seniors who were going into the field of education in college. Those grants were awarded to Gracey Damaron (Kewanee) and Caroline Burmahl (Geneseo) for the year 2020; William Plumley (Geneseo) and Zoey Nielson (Annawan) for the year of 2021; Allyson Celus (Annawan)and Madison Greenwood (Orion) for the year of 2022. Sue Busenbark will be receiving applications for the award to be given this year.
There was some discussion about the new insurance program and use of pharmacies. The state may still be working on dental and vision coverage.
President Sue Killelea has information for the IRTA convention if anyone is interested in attending. The convention will be October 16-17, 2023, at the Crown Plaza in Springfield. The state has sent information to everyone in an email.
Sue Busenbark read the names of 27 retired teachers that have passed away since the last memorial ceremony of March 2020. She read a poem at the end of the ceremony. Steve Morrison reported that the website has been updated .
Our raffle followed the meeting. Door prizes were provided by members and the board. The raffle made $86.
The next meeting will be held at noon on May 10, 2023 at Kewanee St. Luke’s hospital. Minutes submitted by Secretary Pam Sprout