BCRSP May Newsletter 2016 - TRTA Local Unit Directory

LETS
“JAZZ IT
UP” THIS YEAR IN
BCRSP!
BCRSP NEWSLETTER
MAY 25, 2016 – VOLUME 9
Brazos County Retired School Personnel
May 25, 2016
Newsletter
Meeting Agenda
Gathering:
•Pay for lunch and sign in
•Procure door prize ticket
•Perhaps donate to scholarship jar or
book basket (money or books)
•Put on name tag/ socialize/find table
Luncheon:
⇒Stand for Invocation / Pledges
Effie Perry / Shirley Burkhalter
⇒Serving begins at 11:30
Meeting format:
o
Treasurer’s Report / Minutes
Diana DeFrancesco / Elaine Peninger
Unfinished Business:
Membership Dues—2016-2017
Patsy Bolch
* Program Suggestions – 2016-2017
Sheila Fields
* Legislative Update – James Warner
PROGRAM:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SCHOLARSHIP
RECIPIENTS!
CSISD:
Leah Lewis
College Station High School
BISD:
Austin Miller
Rudder High School
ENTERTAINMENT:
*
New Business:
Ø District VI Spring Leadership
Training - Carolyn Taylor
Ø Unit/Individual Awards - Carolyn
Taylor
Ø Nominating Committee Report – James
Warner
Ø Yearbook Ads – Carolyn Taylor
Membership appreciation:
Birthdays – Mary Sue Ribardo
In the Spotlight – Mary Sue Ribardo
Pats on the Back – Carolyn Taylor
Recognition of New Members - Patsy Bolch
Door Prizes – Cathy Berry
Chuckle of the Day – Linda Coats
RECOGNITION OF
SPECIAL GUESTS
Dr. Thomas Wallis, BISD
Superintendent
Dr. Clark Ealy, CSISD
Superintendent
Sandra Davis, BISD
Education Foundation Director
Teresa Bendon, CSISD
Education Foundation Director
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
NEXT MEETING!
WEDNESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 28
FRANCES MALONEY
Frances was born on
August 16 in Houston
and after she was 6
weeks old she and her
family moved to Snook
where she was raised.
She was the first of her family to graduate from high school and a
university. She graduated from Texas A&M in 1981 with a B.S. and
received her Masters in 1986 in Early Childhood Education. Her
first 7 years of teaching were in Somerville ISD in Kindergarten.
She retired from Bryan ISD as a Kindergarten teacher.
She has 2 children, a daughter and a son. Each is married and has 3
children, so Frances has 6 grandbabies!
Her hobbies include vegetable patio gardening and
traveling with her hubby. Their last trip abroad was to
London, Paris and Bruje, Belgium. Frances enjoys
everything about BCRSP, including meeting new
people, running across colleagues, catching up with
friends and the camaraderie.
Welcome to BCRSP, Frances!
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
As the year comes to a close before we take a break for the summer, I want to
thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your president this year.
We have had a great year! I look forward to completing my term next year
and have already started thinking of ways to make it even better than this
year!
Your Executive Committee will be meeting in June and August to make plans
for the coming year. We encourage and welcome your ideas and suggestions.
This is YOUR organization and we exist solely to serve YOU!
You can help us by renewing your membership, recruiting new members,
recruiting state-only members to join BCRSP and helping us regain those
members who have dropped out. There are many other ways you can help as
well. If you are interested in becoming more involved as an officer or serving
on a committee, please let me know.
I hope you all have a wonderful summer!
WELCOME TO OUR DISTINGUISHED GUESTS:
We always look forward to honoring our scholarship recipients in May and
welcome them and their parents. We are honored to have the superintendents
of Bryan ISD and College Station ISD, Dr. Tommy Wallis and Dr. Clark Ealy.
We would also like to welcome the directors of the educational foundations
from each district, Teresa Bendon from College Station ISD and Sandra Davis
from Bryan ISD, who are instrumental in helping us identify the scholarship
recipients.
PATS ON THE BACK:
Each month this year we have been recognizing individuals who have made
contributions to BCRSP with pats on the back.
This month our pats on the back will go to all members who have had perfect
attendance this year. Thanks for your support and dedication to BCRSP!
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE FOR 2016-2017:
Patsy Bolch, 1st Vice-President for Membership reminds us that the
membership drive for next year is well underway. Early payment of dues has
many advantages. You have more time to enjoy the benefits of membership,
you receive your membership card earlier, you get your name in the
yearbook, etc. We will be having a drawing at the end of this meeting from
those who have renewed their membership for next year. The prize is a
beautiful gift basket from Aggieland Outfitters valued at $170.
Dues are $50 ($35 for TRTA and $15 for BCRSP). We also hope you will
include a contribution to the scholarship fund with your dues.
Please consider Diamond Plus Membership. With your authorization TRTA
will deduct your dues monthly ($2.92) and indefinitely until you decide to
withdraw that authorization. You will then only need to worry about paying
local dues each year. It is convenient and reduces paperwork for everyone,
thus saving money! You receive a permanent membership card. Please see
Patsy if you would like to join as a Diamond Plus member.
Lastly, we hope you will help us recruit members. We have a critical
legislative agenda to advance in the next legislative session, beginning in
January, 2017 and we need all retirees enrolled as members! Numbers speak
to legislators!!!
YEARBOOK AD SALES:
We are going to be selling ads for the yearbook this summer to help cover the
cost of printing them. If you know a business that would like to advertise in
our yearbook, please see me for a form to use. Prices will be: Whole Page $100, Half Page - $50, One-Fourth Page - $25.
BUSY SUMMER AHEAD FOR BCRSP:
The BCRSP Executive Committee will hold its summer planning meeting on
June 15. Programs for 2016-2017 will be considered, a budget will be
developed and committee reports will be given.
The Executive Committee will also meet at the Brazos Center on August 10 to
participate in the annual Brazos Valley Food Bank Feast of Caring, which is
one of the projects of BCRSP.
We will meet again on September 14 to assemble the yearbooks, prepare a
mail out and finalize plans for the first meeting on September 28. As you can
see, we will be very busy!
REPORT ON DISTRICT VI SPRING LEADERSHIP TRAINING:
BCRSP was well represented at the District VI Spring Leadership Training in
Huntsville on May 12 at the Region VI Education Service Center. Those in
attendance were: Patsy Bolch, Diana DeFrancesco, Sheila Fields, James
Warner, Linda Warner, Dale Schafer, Sharon Ogden, Mildred Davis, Vera
Wallem and Carolyn Taylor. Officers and Committee Chairpersons received
training in their respective positions.
President Jamie Larson and TRTA Secretary, Leroy DeHaven addressed the
group and new officers for the next biennium for District VI were installed.
BCRSP received 5 awards! It was a very productive day, with opportunities
to network with others in District VI and share ideas.
TRTA Spring Convention, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr. James Warner has been named the new District VI Legislative
Chairperson for the next biennium. With his knowledge, expertise,
experience and passion for legislative matters, we are in good hands!
Congratulations, James!
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
A.
“The recent decision by the
Texas Supreme Court (finding
Texas’ method of funding public
education to be constitutional)
was a blow to public education
and it demonstrates the absolute
need to elect legislators who care about educators, public education and
retired school employees.”
Tim Lee, Executive Director, TRTA
This decision and the attitude displayed toward it by top state political
leaders indicates that very little additional state funding and now new
means of revenue growth are likely to be forthcoming in Texas. This probably
means that hope for a COLA for those retiring after 2004 or an increase of any kind
for retirees is in vain.
B.
An even more immediate concern is an announcement on May 13 by
TRS Executive Director Brian Guthrie. The TRS Board of Trustees was
told that increasing financial pressure many force the Board to take some
actions as early as next month to help forestall an impending deficit
situation.
Possible options to be considered by the Board include:
• Premium or out-of-pocket increases;
• Limiting network access; and
• Enhanced network management.
Each member is urged to go to the TRTA website and carefully review
Tim Lee’s The Inside Line article of Friday, May 13 for a more
extensive view of this matter. Members will be e-mailed a copy of the
article prior to our May 25th meeting.
We have passed the point where we can assume that we will be taken
care of; that someone else will write our letters or make our phone calls;
that elected officials will automatically know and act in our best interests.
We need more members and voices, and we need them yesterday.
James Warner
BCRSP Legislative Chairman
BIRTHDAYS:
MAY
04 – SUE ASHBURN
10 – CHARLOTTE PROUDFOOT
11 – LINDA ASBERRY
14 – NANCY WHITLOCK
15 – BILLYE PRATT
18 – MARGARET GODFREY
19 – VIRGINIA TURNER
22 – ELIZABETH WHITLEY
26 – MARY ANN GAYLORD
28 – PAT GUNTER
29 – BEVERLY CATALINA
31 – SANDY SHERROD
JUNE
02 – MARIA CATALENA
03 – PERRY BELL
05 – BETTY NEVILLE
06 – NAOMI ALMANY
08 – RICHARD STOUT
10 – VERA WALLEM
13 – MARTHA SEATE
18 – JUNE SCOTT
20 – SHIRLEY BURKHALTER
SANDY LITZENBERG
21 – SANDRA PETTY
27 – ANNE FOSTER
28 – HIAWATHA GODINE
JULY
01 – JEANETTE JAMES
04 – JOANN WIMBISH
05 – SANDRA BASS
07 – DOUG KOEBERNICK
11 – CAROLYN KELLAM
12 – CHARLOTTE STOUT
14 – CAROLYN MCDANIEL
JOYCE MEADS
16 – ALBERT CAMPBELL
18 – DORIS RUFFINO
20 – JOAN MOORE
21 – BOBBY LEBOW
22 – ZANDY PUSTAY
23 – DIXIE TRACY
24 – TOMMIE BOOKER
BECKY HALL
25 – BETTY ALTIMORE
SUE ANDERSON
NANDINE EATON
26 – SAM ENLOE
DIXIE WOODELL
27 – CYNTHIA BOYER
BECKY COKER
31 – PEGGY CRITTENDEN
LINDA PARRISH
AUGUST
07 – KAREE GRIFFITH
09 – PEGGY HENSON
GRACE KIEFFER
10 – JANE LEBLEU
12 – BETTY GREENING
15 – GEORGE MCBEE
16 – FRANCES MALONEY
17 – ANN TREAT
LIBBY VASTANO
18 – CONNIE LIPSEY
19 – JOYCE CAWLEY
THOMYE STEEN
20 – LILA CASHION
21 – SANDRA WILLIAMS
23 – LINDA FISHER
JUDY HARBER
DANNY STRIBLING
26 – SANDRA DAVIS
28 – CARLA PLACE
29 – BERT BAKER
BRENDA OWENS
30 – MARY RODRIGUEZ
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:
The Office of Communications in Bryan ISD hosts several events throughout
the year and many times need help. They need greeters for the End of Year
Awards at Central Baptist Church, hostesses for a reception, help making end
of the year goodie bags and New Teacher Welcome Bags (this is the greatest
need), Please call Sabrina Fronterhouse at (979) 209-1020 or email her at
sabrina.fronterhouse@bryanisd.org if you are interested in this volunteer
opportunity.
THANK YOU NOTE:
We received a thank you note from Leah Lewis, one of our scholarship
recipients. Leah writes, “I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am for
the scholarship you have provided. I am so excited to pursue a career as an
elementary school teacher and truly appreciate your generosity towards my
college! It truly is a tremendous blessing to my family and me! Thank you!
Leah and her parents at the May 25th award ceremony!
Informative and Protective Services
“Protect You and Your Family”
Regional, State, and Federal Agencies
Texas
Consumer
Protection
Department
of Aging and
Disability
Services
(DADS)
Department
of Assistive
and
Rehabilitativ
e Services
(DARS)
Texas
Roadway
Conditions
and
Information
National
Weather
Service
FEMA
Disaster
Assistance
National
Flood
Insurance
Program
Report
Suspicious
Activity
CenterPoint
Energy
Entergy
800.621.0508
texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer
512.438.3011
www.dad.state.tx.us
800.628.5115
866.581.9328
(TTY)
www.dars.state.tx.us
800.452.9292
txdot.gov/travel@txdot or @txdothoustonpio or
facebook.com/txdot
281.337.5074
weather.gov/Houston@nwshouston or
facebook.com/us.nationalweatherservice.houstongalveston.g
ov
800.621.FEMA
(3362)
diasterassistance.gov@ fema or facebook.com/fema
888.379.9531
floodsmart.gov
Emergency 911
NonEmergency:
855.i.Watch.4
(855.492.8224)
Electric:
800.332.7143
Gas:
800.752.8036
800.9.OUTAG
E
(800.968.8243)
iwatchhouston.org
centerpointenergy.com/outagetracker@CNPAlerts or
facebook.com/centerpointenergy
www.etrviewoutage.com/external/tx.aspx or
facebook.com/EntergyTX
Health Care Committee Report
BRAZOS COUNTY RETIRED SCHOOL PERSONNELL
Minutes: April 27, 2016
Call to order/Remarks:
• The regular March meeting was called to order by President Carolyn Taylor
at 11:30 A.M. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3081 University Drive, College
Station 77802. The Secretary was present.
• Pledges to the United States and Texas flags: Shirley Burkhalter
• Serving began at 11:30
• Attendance: 70
Program:
• Entertainment: Take Me Out To The Ballgame
• Mark Johnson – “How to Hit Homeruns In Retirement”
Memorial Ceremony honoring our deceased members
Meeting:
New Business:
• Report on State Convention: Carolyn Taylor
• Treasurer’s Report and Minutes: Diana DeFrancesco and Elaine Peninger
• Membership Update – Patsy Bolch 53
• Our Unit was recognized for the most new members from “Each one Bring
one”
• Legislature: Carolyn Taylor
• Scholarship Activities: Linda Coats
• District VI Spring Leadership Training Conference, May 12, Hunstville,
Region VI Education Service Center
• Program Suggestions for 2016-2017
Unfinished Business:
• 2016-2017 Membership drive begins
Membership Appreciation:
Mary Sue Ribardo
• Birthdays
• In the Spotlight: Frances Maloney
Pats-on-the-Back – Carolyn Taylor
• Vera Wallem
• Becky Coker
• Ann Seale
Chuckle of the Day: Linda Coats
Door Prizes: Cathy Berry
Adjourned: 1:30
Elaine Peninger, Secretary
TRTA District 6 Spring Conference
Take Me
Out To
The
Ballgame!
April 27, 2016