may, june 2014 • volume 67, issue no. 5

The
Journal
WASHINGTON STATE SCHOOL RETIREES’ ASSOCIATION
Affiliated with the National Retired Teachers’ Association (NRTA)–AARP’s Educator Community
MAY, JUNE 2014 • VOLUME 67, ISSUE NO. 5
Page 2
The Journal
May, June 2014
WSSRA At Work For You
A message from the president
Final Innings - Always Giving 110%
by Nick Schultz, president
The warm days of spring have
arrived. The flowers are blooming,
the asparagus harvest is underway,
the fruit trees in the Yakima Valley
are budding out and the bees are busy.
Speaking of busy, the units across the state and AMBA have
been busy recruiting new members. The membership number
is now 18,300, good job everyone! The WSSR-PAC is having
their best year ever collecting funds. They have new leadership
and a board member from all eight coordinating councils.
On Tuesday, April 8, the state committee chairs gathered in
Yakima to plan for 2015. It was a very productive series of
meetings. The committees were very focused and completed
their tasks in a timely manner. I visited each committee and
was very impressed with their commitment.
The convention committee met at the Vancouver Convention
Center on April 10th to put the final touches on the June
Delegate Assembly. The Vancouver unit has done an
outstanding job, so I’m sure you will have a great convention
experience. There will be two motions to consider so be sure
to attend the pre-convention hearing.
Kathy and I have been visiting Coordinating Councils and
Unit meetings across the state. I am always impressed with
the great job these dedicated members do. It is because of
your dedication that WSSRA is successful and continues to
grow. We did manage to get away for a little fun in the sun by
spending four days in Arizona at the Mariner’s spring training.
We met some friends there and enjoyed the warm weather.
Ed and I managed to get a day of fly fishing on the upper Yakima
River. You will have to ask Ed who caught the first fish, the
most fish, the biggest fish, and the last fish. It was a perfect
day on the river, a little on the cool side with lots of sunshine.
We both finished the day with big smiles on our faces.
I find it hard to believe that my year as president is winding
down. I have really enjoyed the experience and am so proud of
this organization. The office staff and the membership across
the state always give 110%.
The 1928 Chevrolet truck I have been working on is still in the
paint shop, so will have to wait for a future Journal to show
you the end product.
I saw a reader board the other day and it said: “Always give
100%... except when giving blood.”
I’m looking forward to seeing you at the Delegate Assembly
in June.
WSSRA Executive Board
Officers
* President Nick Schultz • 509-966-9341 • 4711 W Lincoln Ave, Yakima WA
98908 • chevyhvn@charter.net
* President-Elect
Immediate Past President Richard Anderson • 360-734-0576 • 4106
Padden Hills Ct, Bellingham WA 98229 • ander4106@comcast.net
Secretary Eileen Wascisin • 360-733-4067 • 3815 Gala Loop, Bellingham
WA 98226 • ejmw@comcast.net
Treasurer Jim Hall • 425-822-3227 • PO Box 2295, Kirkland WA 98083 •
hstamps1@frontier.com
District Representatives
NW 1 Marianne Harvey • 425-348-4993 • 4926 Dover St, Everett WA
98203 • jimmarh7@mac.com
* NW 2 Patricia Cygan • 425-486-3352 • 4126 212 St SE, Bothell WA
98021 • rcygan@earthlink.net
* SW 3 Gary Gleason • 360-457-3948 • 2211 East 7th Ave, Port Angeles
WA 98362 • ggleason@olypen.com
SW 4 Joyce Gillie • 360-352-1355 • 2430 65th Ct SW, Olympia WA
98512
* E 5 Lloyd Olson • 509-670-0042 • P O Box 190, Cle Elum WA 98922
• olydot@msn.com
E 6 Nancy Valeson • 509-782-1563 • 5600 East Cashmere Rd, Cashmere WA 98815 • njvaleson@gmail.com
E 7 Joan Butler • 509-455-8698 • 241 E 9th Ave. Spokane WA
99202 • joanbutlerpv@comcast.net
E 8 Rick Nebeker • 509-529-5632 • 1609 Greenbrier Dr, Walla Walla
WA 99362 • rnebeker@charter.net
* WSSRA Executive Committee
• Historian Rita Requa • Parliamentarian Gene Forrester
• Journal Editor Kristin Murphy
May, June 2014
The Journal
Page 3
WSSRA At Work For You
A message from the executive director
Help Us Reach the Goals that Benefit Each of You
by Ed Gonion, executive director
2014 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The State Legislature adjourned on time
and more importantly, did no harm to
present and future school retirees:
the pension bills that passed and bills that were introduced but
did not pass. The bills that did not pass are important because
they show legislative concerns that will likely continue into
future sessions, particularly in 2015.
• Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB) Medicare
Eligible Health Care Subsidy was maintained at $150
per month.
ELECTIONS MATTER
It’s a big election this year and we need to help those that are
supportive of our needs for affordable health care and financial
security in retirement.
• The State pension contribution rates already increased
in 2013, were unchanged. The increase is intended to
reduce the unfunded liability on the TRS and PERS
Plans 1.
Read the legislative articles in this issue for detailed analysis of
The
Journal
Washington State School Retirees’ Association
4726 Pacific Avenue SE • Lacey WA 98503
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.wssra.org
WSSRA Office
WSSRA office: Ed Gonion, executive director • 800-544-5219 / 360-413-5496
• 4726 Pacific Avenue SE • Lacey WA 98503 • ed@wssra.org
Address changes: mhunter@wssra.org Message center: 800-221-1269
Journal Information
Published five times per year by the Washington State School Retirees’ Association, a non-profit since 1947.
The WSSRA Journal Policy Board, WSSRA President and WSSRA Executive
Board assume no responsibility for items appearing over the signature of any source.
While every effort is made to check the accuracy of items accepted, articles cannot be
reviewed for technical accuracy.
Material appearing in The Journal, in addition to records of action by the
board, councils, committees and units, is presented to promote the general welfare of
WSSRA members and otherwise to fulfill the purposes of this association, as defined
in Article II of the bylaws.
Journal articles to: Kristin Murphy, editor
• 360-701-5044 • editor@wssra.org
Members can send contributions to the Washington State
School Retiree Political Action Committee. Please read the
article by Louie Osmonovich, PAC President. Please make
a contribution if you have not yet done so. If we do not help
candidates who support us get elected, who will help us next
year in the legislature?
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is the lifeblood of every organization, including
WSSRA. A strong membership enables us to do the important
work of the association, including legislative advocacy,
scholarships, retirement seminars, health care information,
charity, member assistance, and more.
This year, membership has increased by 724, with more joining
every day. Congratulations to the unit membership teams who
are leading the way in attracting new members: Sno-King,
Southwest King, Chelan/Douglas, Columbia Basin, Walla
Walla and Yakima. They have earned more than $4,000 in
incentive stipends for their units.
We build this association one member at a time. Invite a friend
to join our association. Come to a local unit meeting. Attend
a legislative candidate forum. Contribute to the WSSR-PAC.
Help us reach the goals that benefit each of you.
Upcoming Journal deadlines
• June 18 for July/August/September 2014 issue
• September 5 for October/November/December 2014 issue
• December 5 for January/February 2015 issue
AARP Washington Office • 1-866-227-7457, 1-888-OUR-AARP • 9750
Third Ave NE, Ste. 450, Seattle WA 98115. John Barnett, state
president; Doug Shadel, Washington state director.
Senior Citizens’ Lobby • 360-754-0207, 1-800-562-6118 during legislative
sessions • 1501 Capitol Way, Olympia WA 98501.
WSSRA Liaison to the Senior Lobby: Gene Forrester
On The Cover
“The Bandstand” located near Officer’s Row
on the Parade Ground of Fort Vancouver
National Historic Site in Vancouver,
Washington.
Page 4
The Journal
May, June 2014
Legislative News
2014 Session is Done! Pension and Health
Benefits Are Unchanged ... For Now
by Peter Diedrick, legislative coordinator
2014 LEGISLATIVE SESSION UPDATE
They’re done! The Washington State Legislature has adjourned.
More importantly, they adjourned without doing any harm to
retirees.
Legislators passed a supplemental budget that made no major
policy shifts. Budget cuts were not necessary because tax
revenue was slightly higher than anticipated. Therefore, no
changes were made to tax policy, negotiations about new
transportation projects were tabled, and legislators chose not to
pass a capital construction budget. The final budget bill passed
on an 85-13 vote in the House of Representatives, and a 48-1
vote in the Senate.
THE LEGISLATIVE ENVIRONMENT
Washington State continues to have a divided government. The
House of Representatives has a 55-43 Democratic Majority.
The Senate is controlled by a Majority Coalition Caucus
of 24 Republicans and 2 Democratic senators. Under these
circumstances, passing legislation has become a monumental
task.
Looking into the future, it is unlikely the balance of power will
shift after the November elections. The WSSRA legislative
team is preparing for at least two additional sessions with a
divided legislature.
SCHOOL RETIREE ISSUES
WSSRA made it through session unscathed. Pensions and health
benefits are unchanged. Also, the legislature made the full
actuarially recommended payment to the state pension funds.
The full payment has now been made three years in a row.
Two pieces of legislation posed a major concern this session.
Senate Bills 5851 and 6305 were both aimed at reducing
retirement benefits for future state and school employees. Both
bills died in the Senate.
Senate Bill 5851 would have created an optional defined
contribution, 401(k) style retirement plan for future school
employees. Participants in the proposed retirement plan would
not be eligible to receive a traditional defined benefit pension,
and plan annuitants would not be eligible for PEBB insurance in
retirement. SB 5851 was sponsored by Senator Barbara Bailey
(R) of Oak Harbor.
Senate Bill 6305 would have created a mandatory defined
contribution, 401(k) style retirement plan for judges, local
elected officials, and legislators. The judges association
vigorously opposed the legislation, and it never received a vote
on the Senate Floor.
Several pension enhancement bills were sponsored in the House,
but all died quick deaths. A proposal for a 1% Cost of Living
Adjustment for current school employees also died.
LOOKING AHEAD
The 2015 outlook is not rosy. The state budget is expected to
have large deficits next year. The primary expense behind the
deficit will be K-12 spending related to the Supreme Court’s
2012 McCleary decision. In fact, the state will be obligated to
increase K-12 spending by over $4 billion before 2018 in order
to satisfy the Supreme Court’s requirements.
For more information, WSSRA lobbyists Scott Nelson and Fred
Yancey have prepared a comprehensive session report that is
published on page 7 of this Journal.
Contacting State Legislators
Options for contacting your legislators
Call
Toll-free Hotline: 1-800-562-6000
E-mail
Type this address into your browser:
https://dlr.leg.wa.gov/MemberEmail/Default.aspx
Website
www.leg.wa.gov
Washington State Legislature website includes
contact information, bill information, and much more.
May, June 2014
The Journal
Page 5
Legislative News
WSSR-PAC Progress
by Louie Osmonovich, WSSR-PAC President
In the January/February and March/April issues of The
Journal, there are two very excellent and informative articles,
written by our WSSR-PAC treasurer, Gary Bloomfield, about
understanding and supporting the PAC. It is my hope that
every WSSRA member read and give the articles some serious
consideration. The support WSSR-PAC has received by
members, units, and Coordinating Councils so far has been
outstanding. The PAC is over half-way to our goal of raising
$18,000.
The WSSR-PAC sincerely thanks all who have contributed
so far. We encourage all our WSSRA members to continue to
contribute to this important endeavor, as we are heading toward
a very important legislative election year.
Many prospective legislators will be looking to us for campaign
support. We have a notable opportunity to help elect lawmakers
who could protect the pension and health benefits we, and
future retirees, earned and deserve. Along with endorsing and
contributing to supportive legislators, we hope you will also
be educating them about our concerns by visiting with your
legislators during the interim.
The WSSR-PAC Board of Directors is made up of fourteen
members, including four elected officers, two co-chairs from
the WSSRA Legislative Committee, and eight appointed board
members - one from each Coordinating Council. The chair
of each Coordinating Council appoints the board member to
represent their area. A board member from each Coordinating
Visit the WSSR-PAC
website
wssr-pac.org
Council assures WSSRA members fair representation when
important decisions are made, such as choosing candidates to
support during election years.
The current PAC Board members are:
NW-1: Timothy Knopf
NW-2: Robert Fletcher
SW-3: Marcia L. Booth
SW-4: Renata Ramm
E-5: Lloyd Olson
E-6: Mary Perkins
E-7: Donald J. Kackman
E-8: Marion R. Hughes
We are looking forward to working together for the good of our
WSSRA members and all school retirees.
Thank you to all who have contributed and encourage those
who haven’t yet, to do so. We need your help to be effective
in today’s political environment. It is critical.
Please Support WSSR-PAC
by sending a check today
Payable to: WSSR-PAC
Mail to:
WSSR-PAC Treasurer
1928 Circle Loop
Lacey, WA 98503
Page 6
The Journal
May, June 2014
WSSRA Connections
Legislators Focus on the Age Wave
By Ingrid McDonald, AARP Washington Advocacy Director
This winter the Washington state legislature convened for their
annual session in Olympia and for the first time in several years,
adjourned on time. The 60-day session was short in length and
also short on achievement.
Washingtonians are working but not saving for retirement. If
they retire without necessary resources, the state will be forced
to pick up the tab with increased costs for social services like
Meals on Wheels and housing assistance.
Legislators postponed tough decisions on tax policy and
education funding. They could not agree on a transportation
revenue package or a capitol budget. And they made only
modest adjustments to the biennial budget agreed to last session.
Likewise, if we do not help people protect themselves from the
catastrophic cost of long term care, more and more will turn to
our state Medicaid program for assistance. Medicaid is already
consuming a large and growing slice of the state budget. It’s
in everyone interests, including state
budget writers, to find better long
term care financing solutions.
While few major policy bills passed,
legislators did take time to consider
how to prepare our state for the
age wave on the horizon. They are
absorbing the demographic reality that
by 2020, one of five Washingtonians
will be 65+. And they are realizing
that this has big implications for our
society and state government.
The State House passed two bills on
this front, including a bill sponsored
by Representative Steve Tharinger
(D-Sequim) to study alternative long
term care financing options and a bill by Representative Larry
Springer (D-Kirkland) and Senator Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah)
to make it easier for people to save for retirement. Both bills
received bi-partisan support in the House but stalled in the
Senate.
Failing to act in these areas will cause budget challenges
for legislators in the future. An estimated one million
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In other areas of concern to seniors,
legislators were able to agree:
They passed a bill to develop an
Alzheimer’s State Plan, sponsored
by Senator Karen Keiser (D-Des
Moines).
They passed the Pension Poachers
Prevention Act to stop scams on
veterans, at the request of Attorney
General Bob Ferguson and sponsored by Senator Andy Hill
(R-Redmond) and Representative Kevin Parker (R-Spokane).
And they passed a bill to improve our health care system and
create more transparency around health care cost and quality,
requested by Governor Inslee and sponsored by Representative
Eileen Cody (D-West Seattle).
Finally, legislators agreed to a budget that makes small
but meaningful new investments in the Long Term Care
Ombudsman program and the Office of Public Guardianship,
programs that are the guard at the gate for some of our state’s
most vulnerable elders.
Increasingly, Governor Jay Inslee and state legislators from
both parties are aware that action is needed now to prepare for
the age wave. They want people to be successful in preparing
for retirement and stay healthy, engaged and mobile as they
age. But competing priorities and political disagreements
sometimes make for slow progress. It’s our job to ask them to
put their differences aside and embrace win-win solutions for
all generations.
May, June 2014
The Journal
Page 7
2014 Legislative Session
Pensions, Health Benefits, and Other Matters
by Fred Yancey and Scott Nelson, The Nexus Group
The 2014 session of the Washington State Legislature made
no significant changes to either health or pension benefits.
However, there were bills that were carried over from the 2013
Session and newly introduced bills and topics that, although they
failed to pass, indicate concerns for the future. The broad areas
emphasized were: pensions, health benefits, employee leave
policies, and minimum wage. More information on specific
bills is given below.
Clearly, after the dust had settled, the 2014 Session was one of
posturing and promoting issues that would aid in the upcoming
election campaigns. For Republicans, it was pension reform and
helping businesses succeed. For Democrats, it was a focus on
workers with efforts to increase the state’s current minimum
wage and mandate the provision of time off for illness or other
reasons. Very few pieces of legislation passed that met the
wishes of the parties, but campaign talking points were clearly
made.
These concerns will carry over into the 2015 Session. The
Senate Republicans are very likely to push for changing the
current pension plans into defined contribution/401K style
plans. Given the budget constraints with McCleary funding
in play, the current health care subsidy for school retirees will
also be under attack. The Democrats will continue to focus on
improving minimum wage and various paid leaves of absence.
INSURANCE BENEFIT COSTS
No change was made to the allocations to school districts for
employee insurance benefits from the current $768/month.
The remittance payment that districts have to send to the Health
Care Authority beginning September 2014 to cover the cost
of subsidies for retired school employees was reduced from
$70.39 to $66.64. This will save districts a few dollars in health
benefit costs.
The retiree health insurance subsidy for pre-Medicare retirees
remains at $150/month.
PENSION CONTRIBUTION RATES
No change was made in pension contribution rates established
by the 2013 biennial budget. That budget increased the rates to
meet the scheduled payment on the unfunded liability of TRS
and PERS Plan 1.
Contribution rates as recommended by the State Actuary
through the Pension Funding Council and adopted by the 2013
Legislature are:
Employer
Cost Plan
TRS
SERS
PERS
Rate
10.39%
9.82%
7.21%
Plan 2
Member
4.96%
4.64%
Note regarding Future Rates:
HB 2018 sponsored by Representative Ross Hunter (D)
Bellevue, regarding additional contribution rates for employers
of the Washington State Retirement System was passed by the
House but died in the Senate. This bill is important. Although
technical in nature, it attempted to address a recent court decision
in King County that held that defense attorneys under contract to
King County are covered by the state retirement system. Since
King County had made no payments into the state retirement
system to cover these employees, they were found to owe
the Department of Retirement System $19+ million dollars.
According to DRS, the lost investment earnings wouldn’t be
paid by anyone. That would mean the system would cover those
costs, which are significant enough to cause future rate increases
for members and employers in PERS. This bill, if passed, would
have prevented future losses falling on present DRS members
from occurring.
PENSIONS: THE SUPREME COURT
The Washington Supreme Court heard oral arguments on
October 24th on two lawsuits related to changes in the state’s
pension systems.
One case centered on a law affecting members in Plans 2 and 3.
It provided early retirement and other benefits as a replacement
for gain sharing benefits, which were repealed. The other case
involves the Legislature’s discontinuation of annual benefit
increases for retirees in two of the state’s older pension plans,
Plan 1.
Both the gain sharing and annual increase cases involve similar
legal issues. The Supreme Court had decided to accept direct
review of both lawsuits and heard them as companion cases.
(Legislative Session continued on page 8)
Page 8
The Journal
May, June 2014
2014 Legislative Session
(Legislative Session continued from page 7)
the earliest there could be legal certainty is 20 days following
the issuance of an opinion.
As of mid-April, the Supreme Court has not issued its rulings
on the cases.
If a member has not received his or her first benefit payment
under the 2008 early retirement factors at the time legal
certainty is reached, the early retirement factors will not
be available to the applicant. This includes those who have
applied for retirement and separated from employment, but
have not yet received the first installment of their retirement
allowance. Those who have retired and received at least one
installment prior to legal certainty would not be affected.
CAUTION
As the Washington Supreme Court deliberates on the upcoming
ruling(s) on these cases, it is important to be aware of a potential
negative effect on one’s pension depending on the outcome of
the case.
This is of particular interest to pension system members who
may be considering early retirement under the law that is
currently before the Court. The law allows members of PERS,
TRS and SERS Plan 2 and Plan 3
with at least 30 years of service
to retire at age 62 (instead of 65)
with no actuarial reduction in
their benefit. It also allows those
members to retire before age 62
with less of a benefit reduction
than had previously been provided.
These provisions, known as the
2008 early retirement factors,
are tied to a law which repealed
gain sharing benefits in 2008.
Under the law, the early retirement
factors — which were approved
as replacement benefits for gain
sharing — will terminate if gain
sharing or alternate benefits are reinstated by the courts.
The law also says the early retirement factors will continue to
be available until there is “legal certainty” in litigation over the
gain sharing repeal.
The Department of Retirement Systems believes there will be
no legal certainty in the gain sharing litigation at least until the
end of the Washington state legal proceedings in the case. While
it is not possible to predict when the Supreme Court will issue
an opinion in the gain sharing litigation, there is a 20-day period
following the issuance of an opinion in which the parties can
ask the Court to reconsider its ruling.
If there is no request for reconsideration, or once the Court rules
on reconsideration, the Court issues its ‘mandate,’ which makes
the decision final. The earliest a mandate can be issued is 20
days after the Court issues its opinion. Therefore, it appears that
Members who plan to retire under the 2008 early retirement
factors should be mindful of the processing and payment
timeline for retirement applications. Retirements are effective
on the first of the month following
the month in which the member
separated from employment, with
the first benefit paid at the end
of that month. For example, if a
person works any hours in October,
the earliest he or she could retire
would be November 1, and the
first payment would be at the end
of November.
PENSIONS-RELATED BILLS
THAT PASSED
SB 6321 sponsored by Senator
Barbara Bailey (R) Oak Harbor,
removed the statutory provision
that allows members of Plan 2 to
select a new contribution rate option each year.
If you’re a TRS Plan 3 member, you have had the opportunity in
January to change your contribution rate. The Internal Revenue
Service has provisionally qualified the state of Washington’s
TRS Plan 3 with an important condition – that the annual rate
change option be removed which the Legislature did.
TRS Plan 3 members will now have the option to change their
contribution rates in January of 2015. After that, TRS Plan 3
members would only be able to change their rate again when
they change employers.
SB 6328 sponsored by Senator Pam Roach (R) Auburn,
was an act relating to deferred compensation plans. The
choice of individual securities is now permitted as one of the
investment options for those participating in the State’s deferred
compensation program.
May, June 2014
The Journal
PENSIONS-RELATED BILLS THAT DIED
SB 5851 Creating an optional 401K pension plan for new public
employees. This bill was introduced in the 2013 Session by
Sen. Barbara Bailey (R) Oak Harbor, and passed the Senate.
The House held a hearing, but took no further action. It was
re-introduced during the 2014 Session and was removed from
Rules and placed on the Senate floor calendar for possible action.
It sat there throughout the Session with no further movement.
SB 5856 Creating a mandatory 401K pension plan for present
and future public employees. This bill was introduced in the
2013 Session and did not advance beyond a public hearing in
the Senate. There was no action during the 2014 Session. This
was sponsored by Senator Rodney Tom (D?) Bellevue.
SB 6305 Creating a defined contribution retirement option for
elected officials. This bill was introduced by Senator John Braun
(R) Chehalis, with the reasoning and argument that legislators/
elected officials should set the example for moving away from
defined benefit pensions into 401K/defined contribution plans.
Page 9
Member Benefits
Insurance BenefIts
n Long Term Care / Home Health Care Insurance
n Cancer Treatment Insurance
n Final Expense Whole Life
n Medicare Supplement Insurance
n Dental Insurance
n Vision Plan
n Tax Deferred Annuity
travel related BenefIts
n Medical Air Transportation Services
HEALTH BENEFITS-RELATED BILLS
THAT PASSED
Although no bills passed this Session concerning health benefits
for active K-12 employees, (See rate information on page 7),
it’s important to remember that in the 2012 Session, ESSB
5940, sponsored by Senator Steve Hobbs (D) Lake Stevens,
passed into law. One of that bill’s mandates is for the Health
Care Authority to submit a report to the legislature outlining
the advantages and disadvantages of moving to a consolidated
purchasing of K-12 health benefits. This report is due June 1,
2015. The Supplemental Budget that was adopted continues
funding of this study. The budget also continues funding of a
study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee
due December 2014. Their task is to analyze the impacts of
using the Washington health benefit exchange as a mechanism
for providing health insurance for part-time K-12 employees.
HEALTH BENEFITS-RELATED BILLS THAT DIED
SB 6519 sponsored by Senator Steve Litzow (R) Bellevue,
concerned the reporting of public school employees’ benefits.
This bill was meant to address the sharing of information
between the Health Care Authority, (HCA), and the Office of
the Insurance Commissioner, (OIC) to help them in doing the
study mentioned above. Although it did not pass, both the HCA
and OIC have made assurances they can still proceed with the
information they are still gathering.
n Government Employee Travel Opportunities (GETO)
n AMBA TravelPERX
n La Quinta Inn & Suites Discount
n Rental Car Discounts: Avis, Budget, & Advantage!
addItIonal BenefIts
n American Hearing Benefits (AHB)
n Identity Theft Solutions
n Dell Computer Discount Program
n Apple Discount
n 1-800-FLOWERS
n CU Wireless – Discounted Phones & Plans
For information on benefits, visit:
www.myAMBAbenefits.info/wssra
Benefits made available by
800.258.7041
Page 10
The Journal
May, June 2014
WSSRA Convention 2014
WSSRA 67th Annual Convention and Delegate Assembly
June 9 - 11, 2014 at Vancouver Hilton
2014 Convention Program In Brief
Events for Monday, June 9
8:30 am – 1:30 pm
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
6:00 pm
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Executive Board meeting (Board Room)
Registration (Heritage Pre-Function)
Legislative Workshop/WSSR-PAC General meeting
(Heritage Ballroom DCA)
Banquet (Heritage Ballroom BEF)
Pre-Convention Hearing (Heritage Ballroom DCA)
Events for Tuesday, June 10
7:00 am – 8:30 am
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
9:00 am – 9:50 am
10:00 am – 11:25 am
11:25 am
12:00 pm
1:30 pm
2:40 pm – 4:00 pm
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
Scheduled Breakfasts (rooms as assigned)
Registration (Heritage Pre-Function)
Opening Ceremonies (Heritage Ballroom DCA)
First Session, Delegate Assembly (Heritage Ballroom DCA)
Memorial Service (Heritage Ballroom DCA)
Scholarship Luncheon (Heritage Ballroom BEF)
Second Session, Delegate Assembly (Heritage Ballroom DCA)
Third Session, Delegate Assembly (Heritage Ballroom DCA)
No Host Social (Discovery AB)
Banquet (Heritage Ballroom BEF)
After Dinner Dance (Discovery AB)
Events for Wednesday, June 11
8:00 am
7:00 am – 8:00 am
8:30 am – 9:20 am
9:45 am
NOTE:
12:30 pm
Registration (Heritage Pre-Function)
WSSR-Foundation Board Meeting (Board Room)
Pre Break-out Session Breakfast (Heritage Ballroom BEF)
Break-out Sessions (Rooms as assigned)
when your Break-out Session has ended, you may leave for home
Executive Board Meeting (Board Room)
Keynote Speaker: Pamelia D. Valentine
Joining us in Vancouver, Washington as keynote speaker for the 2014 67th annual WSSRA Convention
and Delegate Assembly will be Pamelia D. Valentine. Ms. Valentine holds a Master in Teaching with
a double-major in Visual Arts and Social Studies and teaches Visual Arts at Oakland Bay Junior High
School in the Shelton School District. A teacher leader in the school, the district and in both state and
national professional organizations, she is currently the Co-President-elect serving on the Washington
Arts Education Association Board (WAEA). She is a published author writing about engaging students
in thinking and learning across curriculum and also engaging students in thinking, problem solving and
learning. She is a national presenter of teaching and learning at the NAEA National Conference, this year
in San Diego. She is also an annual state presenter of teaching and learning in the arts classroom as well
as cross curricular at the WAEA fall and spring conferences. In 2013, she was honored as Washington
State ESD 113 Regional Teacher of the Year, Shelton School District Teacher of the Year and Washington
State Middle Level Art Teacher of the Year.
May, June 2014
The Journal
Page 11
WSSRA Convention 2014
Enjoy Vancouver USA ... As Our Guests
by Donna Quesnell, Unit 30 Southwest Washington
YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS EXCITING,
HISTORICAL TOUR! via Blue Star Charter Transportation
On June 9, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.,
we invite you to meet us in the lobby of the
Hilton for a free two-hour tour of our city.
Pre-Registering for the free bus tour will be appreciated.
Contact: Donna Quesnell by telephone at 360-694-0766 or
by e-mail at dquesnel@pacifier.com.
Our tour guide will be Pat Jolotta, Vancouver’s First Citizen,
local historian, novelist and former City Council member. Pat
will relate the history of Washington’s Vancouver as no else
can – with humor and gusto!
As we proceed along the Columbia River Highway, Pat will
point out the statuary sites along the scenic river trail and
Renaissance Park. She will share history of the Old Apple Tree,
Confluence Bridge, Henry Kaiser Shipyard, where a ship a day
was made during WWII; and, the Water Resource Center, with
its hands-on, inter-active exhibits and the 350 gallon aquarium.
On Evergreen Street is Fort Vancouver’s state of the art Library
described as one of the best ‘child discovery zones in the nation.’
Across the street is Mother Joseph’s Academy, one of the last
of her 35 buildings standing today.
We proceed to Officer Row’s Historic 22 Victorian homes, built
for officers serving Fort Vancouver, including the Marshall
House and the Grant House, dubbed Vancouver’s ‘best kept
secret’.
Across the way is Fort Vancouver – established by the Hudson’s
Bay Company, which continually offers tours – one can even
forge steel in the Blacksmith’s Shop. Always the first stop for
a history buff.
Proceeding east is the Pearson Air Park Museum, built from
a hangar, housing vintage airplanes – the oldest operational
airport, west of the Mississippi River.
We will take a tour inside of St. James Catholic Church, newly
decorated, and renamed “Proto Cathedral” – The first cathedral
in Washington State.
Proceeding up Main Street we pass the Clark County Historical
Museum, then to ‘Up Town Village’ for ‘an antique’ stop and
browse! The bus leaves at 3 p.m., returning to the Hilton.
OTHER VANCOUVER EXPERIENCES
For those wishing to soak in the essence of “main street charm,”
Downtown Vancouver offers antique malls, galleries, sights,
murals, shopping; also, coffee and ice cream spots in the area!
Strolls though beautiful Esther Short Park, the oldest Public
Square in Washington, known as “The Heart of Vancouver,”
houses a Concert pavilion, a winery, play fountain, state of the
art ‘Town Clock’ from The Netherlands, and beautiful statuary.
TWO EARLY MORNING WALKS at 7:00 a.m.
Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11
(Meet in the lobby of the Hilton)
#1. The COLUMBIA RIVER TRAIL WALK commemorates
the Lewis & Clark Expedition and connects Fort Vancouver
with the Waterfront Trail. What an incredible view!
You will take a refreshing morning walk along the beautiful
Columbia River Renaissance Trail Scenic Area viewing the
beautiful statuary and Landmarks. You will see why this is one
of the most photographed areas.
#2. Another refreshing morning walk along the Columbia
River by the oldest apple tree in Washington, on to, and
over the scenic, Confluence, Land and Mural Bridge, design
advised by Maya Lin, commemorating the Lewis and Clark
Expedition. It connects Fort Vancouver with the Waterfront
Trail–an incredible view!
SOCIAL HOUR FEATURING JIM FISCHER
Tuesday, June 10: Our 9 p.m. Social Hour will feature Jim
Fischer. Mr. Fischer is an accomplished pianist, vocalist,
entertainer, and recording artist, with a keen sense of rhythm,
passion, and melody. His vast repertoire of jazz, pop and
classical music is absolute enjoyment. He is known for his
versatility -- lending easily to dancing, singing and humming
along a perfect and memorable conclusion to your Vancouver
experience! Mr. Fischer performs in many venues, and concerts
in the Vancouver-Portland area; also, with luxury world cruises.
Page 12
The Journal
May, June 2014
WSSRA Convention 2014: Candidates
Candidate Statements
Edie Moersch for President-Elect 2013-2014
My leadership experience is being unit president of Pierce County, Unit 27, for two years, district
representative for SW-3, liaison to the Scholarship Committee, and serving on the WSSRA Health
Services Committee and as co-chair of the committee for two years. I have screened, judged, and presented
scholarships to recipients in the SW-3 coordinating council, which consists of five counties. I have been
supportive of our Legislative Committee and am part of the Pierce County legislative telephone tree,
communicating important messages to take action. As future president-elect, I plan to build on the solid foundation made by our
predecessors, strive to attain our goals and accentuate the positive achievements WSSRA has made for our past, present, and future
school employees and to help increase our membership. I look forward to serving as your president-elect and working with all
WSSRA members and the outstanding support staff at the office in Lacey.
William A. (Bill) Bergsma for President-Elect 2014-2015
I live near Fall City and taught thirty years in the Issaquah schools after a one year term in Enumclaw. My
main focus in teaching quickly became Math and Health. I also coached sports at the elementary level
and football for boys and basketball for girls at the Jr. High level.
In my community I was and still am active in my church after fifty years serving on call committees,
councils, choir and clean-up of facilities and grounds, sometimes even helping with re-modeling, painting
and lawn mowing. For the last 20 years I have been a board member at Hutchinson House which was built to be a school teacher
retirement home. Spiritwood is an assisted living facility where I conducted current events sessions for residents twice a week for
over two years. The mayor asked me to serve on a committee to find a site for a new police station. That led to being on the team
to promote and pass a bond to fund construction. It was interesting working within the city. For six years I was on the board of the
Issaquah Historical Museum group where I still help out with some projects.
As a long-time retiree from East King SRA, Unit 16, I served as president, co-president, Health Services Committee at the state
level and convention delegate for many years. Currently I am serving on the WSSRA Finance Committee.
I offer my time energy and experience to you as president-elect if you’ll have me. I’ll try to help the other officers and units however
and whenever possible. We have our goals and needs and with your encouragement we will go forth to raise our visibility and
standing in the efforts to keep health care, pension gains and benefits for all school personnel. Thank you.
WSSRA Convention 2014: Visit Fort Vancouver
Fort Vancouver was originally the site of Hudson’s
Bay Company, the center of the fur trade and
other commerce in the Pacific Northwest from
1825-1849.
In 1849, the Vancouver Barracks was established
as the first military post in the Pacific Northwest.
The U.S. Army operated the Vancouver Barracks.
Fort Vancouver is part of the National Park Service.
Congress established the Fort as a national
monument in 1948 and re-designated it as a
national historic site in 1961.
Photos: main entrance gate, Vancouver Barracks,
reconstructed stockade site, Marshall House on
Officer’s Row
May, June 2014
The Journal
Page 13
WSSRA Convention 2014: Candidates
Candidate Statements
Marianne Harvey for NW-1
District Representative
My name is Marianne Harvey. I am
running for the position of NW-1
District Representative. I have been an
active member of WSSRA since 2002
when I retired from the Everett School
District after 31 years as a German teacher. I am a member of
Sno-Isle Unit 22 having served in a number of different roles.
I was Vice-President for one year followed by a two year term
as President. I am now serving as Co-President once again. I
have helped to plan numerous events including health programs
and our Christmas Brunch and Scholarship Luncheon. On a
state level, I first became involved on the Health Committee.
I also served as NW-1 Coordinating Council Chair. I was
then appointed two years ago as NW-1 District Representative
when the position became available. I am currently board
liaison to the Membership Committee. Two years ago I was
appointed to the State Scholarship Committee. I would very
much like to continue serving on the State Board, working for
the members of NW-1 in their four units. I would welcome
your continued support.
I also spend time substitute teaching in the Everett and Mukilteo
School Districts where I enjoy spending time with today’s
students. I think they keep me young.
I also maintain contact with my German teaching colleagues
and currently serve as the state chair for the National Testing
Program. I also spend time at my church serving on the mission
committee, Care Team and am chairperson for the annual
Holiday Food Basket Drive.
Kathryn (Kathy) Schultz for
E-5 District Representative
I would like to serve as E-5 representative
to the WSSRA board. Once committed to
an objective, I work hard to achieve it. In
my local unit, Yakima County SRA #34,
I have been actively involved since 2000.
Currently, I am unit president, newsletter editor and chair
of the mini-grant committee. I also serve on the retirement
planning committee. In the past I have served on the state
Communication committee, co-chaired three state conventions
in Yakima, was E-5/E-6 coordinating council secretary and have
attended 13 state conventions as a delegate. I will do my best
to serve my district well on the state board.
Curt Horne for SW-3
District Representative
In 1959 with a B.A. degree in hand
from Western Washington College
and a teaching contract in my pocket, I
began my career in education. For the
next 30+ years I was accorded teaching
opportunities at the elementary, secondary, and university levels.
After completing M.Ed and Ph.D. degrees, my career continued
with building and district level management roles.
I have made a commitment to actively participate in advancing
the mission of the Washington State School Retirees’ Association
at the local level by working to develop membership and by
serving as program chairman. At the state level I have worked
on legislation resulting in the realization that our greatest service
as an association is in working with our legislators in Olympia.
I believe it is incumbent upon our association that we work
together to assure that each retired school employee, after a
lifetime of service to children and youth in our state, is granted
the dignity of the retirement they have earned. If elected to this
position, I am firmly committed to working on behalf of you,
our Washington State Retirees’ Association members.
Mike Lanctot for
Foundation Trustee
I appreciate the opportunity and challenge
of serving in the position of Trustee for the
WSSRA Foundation. I was employed by the
Seattle School District for 33 years as a teacher
and school administrator (Assistant Principal) at the secondary
level. Mukilteo is home for me and my wife (Sue) of 46 years
and we have two adult children.
As an active member of the Sno-Isle SRA Unit #22, I have
served in a number of capacities: Bulletin Editor (2011 current), Unit Board Member (2011 - current), Unit Secretary
(2012-13), Unit Nominating Committee (2012) and at the state
level as a current member of the WSSRA Awards Committee.
I’ve been active in education in my schools, with the Seattle
Education Association and the Seattle Principal’s Association
(Boards, Contract Negotiating Team and Representing the
Assistant Principals) and outside of education leadership roles
with the Boy Scouts and the Barbershop Harmony Singing
Society.
I look forward to working with the Foundation, which will afford
me the opportunity to assist with scholarship fundraising and
will be a good fit considering my life experiences.
Page 14
The Journal
May, June 2014
WSSRA Convention 2014
Bylaw Amendment Change Proposals
The following proposed amendments to the WSSRA BYLAWS are submitted by the WSSRA Rules and Resolutions Committee.
Amendment 1 puts in place a procedure to fill the position of President-elect in the event of a vacancy. Amendment 2 reduces the
number of voting delegates from each unit to Delegate Assembly. These issues will be considered during the Convention.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT 1
PROPOSED AMENDMENT 2
Article and Title:
Article and Title:
Bylaw Article IV – OFFICERS, Section 6. Vacancies, B
Bylaw Article VIII – DELEGATE ASSEMBLY, Section 3
Currently reads as:
Currently reads as:
The number of local Unit delegates shall be apportioned
on the basis of three (3) delegates for a local Unit with
forty-nine (49) or fewer State members. In addition to
the above three (3) delegates, each local Unit is entitled
to one (1) delegate for each additional forty-nine (49)
State Association members or major fraction thereof.
The Association’s March 15 membership count will
determine the number of Delegates allowed.
B. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the
President-elect, it shall be the first order of business
at the next Delegate Assembly to elect a new
President-elect who shall become President for the
following fiscal year.
Proposed Amendment:
Delete Section 6. B and substitute
In the event of a vacancy in the office of the Presidentelect, the nominating region shall submit the name or
names of one or more nominees. The names of these
nominees along with biographies shall be submitted to
each Coordinating Council for vote. The vote must be
taken within thirty (30) days of notification and may
be by telephone or e-mail. If the vacancy occurs after
April 1, it shall be the first order of business at the next
Delegate Assembly to elect a new President-elect who
shall become President for the following year.
Rationale:
The proposed Bylaw will address the issue if the Presidentelect is unable to fulfill his/her duties prior to April 1.
Recommendation:
The Executive Board recommends: DO PASS
Note: If this is voted upon and approved by the Delegate
Assembly, it cannot be changed by other than the Delegate
Assembly
Proposed Amendment:
Delete Section 3 and substitute
The WSSRA office will reduce the total number of
convention delegates by modifying the formula used
to determine total allowed number of unit delegates,
the goal being a reduction of 30%.
Background:
The cost to units and to WSSRA as a whole, to plan, execute
and attend the annual Delegate Assembly continues to
escalate and seems excessive. Some units can no longer
afford to send a full complement of delegates.
Rationale (submitted by SW-4):
• Each unit funds what they can afford and sends the number
of delegates they can afford
• Some units cannot afford to pay the total costs for delegate
attendance
• In the past some units were shamed for not being able
to send the full compliment. No Unit should be put in
this position
(Proposed Amendment 2 continued on page 15)
May, June 2014
The Journal
(Proposed Amendment 2 continued from page 14)
• Units spend a lot of money to fill their slate of delegates
and it may not be the best use of Unit funds
• Having less delegates would open up a number of smaller
hotels and venues that are not now available to us
• The cost for meals and hotel rooms might be more
affordable in smaller venues
• This would also relieve the burden placed upon some
Units that continue to host conventions regularly
• By modifying the unit delegate formula, all Units would
still be represented equitably
Recommendation:
The Rules and Resolutions Committee met and expressed
concerns that this proposed amendment is vague and needs
to be more specific.
Rules and Resolutions Committee concerns:
• Members need to see real numbers of each unit with a
30% reduction
• Current language - members need to vote on how many
delegates their units will be allowed to bring
The Executive Board recommends:
NO RECOMMENDATION
Note: If this is voted upon and approved by the Delegate
Assembly, it cannot be changed by other than the Delegate
Assembly
Page 15
A very special Thank You to
President Nick Schultz for your tireless
dedication to the members of WSSRA.
Pictures of President Schulz:
• Newly elected as WSSRA President
• Nick’s Legislative Tool Box
• Thanking WSSRA staff for their service
• Presiding over an Executive Board meeting
• President Schultz’s theme
Page 16
The Journal
May, June 2014
Supporting Future Educators
Foundation: It’s Time to Think BASKETS Again
by Jim Hall, president, WSSR-Foundation
The WSSR-Foundation is busily preparing for its most important
fundraiser, to be held during the convention in Vancouver the
second week of June. The board looks forward to receiving
baskets and silent auction items at the 2014 convention. Our
goal is to break last year’s record.
We are always amazed at the creativity, generosity, beauty (and
sometimes sense of humor) in what is included in the baskets.
We love to present them to the lucky convention attendees.
Everyone has a good time when the names are announced. Last
year we had over 60 baskets contributed and were able to give
out 12+ baskets at each drawing.
The second part of our fund-raising at the convention is the silent
auction which includes individual items that members donate
with a specific type of recipient in mind. Art work, collectables,
craft items and “white elephants” in good condition are always
popular. You could also consider donating auction items such as
tickets to an event, an outing or use of a cabin or other vacation
spot which could bring a more substantial bid. All donations
are tax deductible, and receipts will be given at the convention.
We look forward to seeing you in Vancouver, and we plan to
have fun meeting our members as they donate to the Foundation.
We ask that units keep the baskets to a manageable size as the
Foundation board members will run around the room to deliver
the baskets and winners need to transport them back to their
homes. They should fit in an automobile (or on the train).
WASHINGTON STATE SCHOOL RETIREES’ FOUNDATION
4726 PACIFIC AVENUE SE LACEY, WA 98503-1216
Donor Name____________________________________ Address ___________________________________________
City _________________ State _________ Zip ________ Phone #____________________________________________
Donation $___________ In Honor $____________ In Memory $___________
Note: If you would like the person notified of this gift, you must include their full name and address below.
(√ box)
 In Honor  Memorial
$________
(√ box)
 In Honor  Memorial
$________
Name _________________________________________
Name _________________________________________
Person to be Notified _____________________________
Person to be Notified _____________________________
Address _______________________________________
Address _______________________________________
City ________________ State _______ Zip __________
City ________________ State _______ Zip __________
Please √ box if you would like to receive a receipt for your records.
The WSSR- Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and donations are tax deductible
within the limits of the law.
Check $ _________ # _________
Cash $ _________
May, June 2014
The Journal
Page 17
Taking
Care Of Ourselves
The Outreach
Corner
Foundation Contributors
Gary & Jean Anderson - in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Dixie Arata - in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Loretta Babbit - in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Doris Beedle - in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Bruce & Jo Caldwell - in memory of Alice Kelly and Grace
Caldwell
Martin & Annette Erickson - in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Rita Figlenski - in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Waneta Filbin - in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Kathy Fletcher - in memory of Lois Brown
James & Shirlee Hall - in memory of Nancy Rudy and
Rosalie Rifenbery
Kathleen Lisignoli - in memory of Marge Trevarthen and
Rosalie Rifenbery
Jane Madden - in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Edie & Ed Moersch - in memory of Bob Ehrenheim and
Rosalie Rifenbery
Lorna Montague - in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Donna Quesnell - in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Rita Requa - in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Donald Rifenbery - in memory of Cleon Mac McConnell,
Dorothy Fleming, Marjorie Trevarthen, William “Bill” Baird
Nick & Kathy Schultz - in memory of Lois Brown
Margaret Snitzler - in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Marge Trevarthen (estate of) - in memory of Marge
Trevarthen, Rosalie Rifenbery
Lynda Tripp - in memory of Ellie Bonanno
Despena Varkados - in memory of Marjorie Trevarthen and
Rosalie Rifenbery
Chelan-Douglas SRA - in memory of Joseph Davis and Willis
Bigelow
Kittitas County SRA - in memory of Alexander Howard and
Mike Nevills
Lewis County SRA - in memory of Bill Sand
Pierce County SRA - in memory of Robert Ehrenheim
Renton/South King RSEA - in memory of Nancy Hoben
Southwest King SRA - in memory of Nancy Rudy, June
Samuelson, and Robert Packard
Southwest Washington SRA -in memory of Rosalie Rifenbery
Thurston County SRA - in honor of Linda Sabin
Yakima County SRA - donation
Health: Making A Home
Senior Friendly
by Gail Feagins, Unit 28 Thurston County SRA
In order to stay in our homes as long as possible as we age,
we can make some simple adjustments and modifications for
safety and convenience.
First of all, fall-proof your house. That means remove the clutter
that could cause you to trip. Especially check that electrical
and phone cords are out of the way. You should remove throw
rugs or use double-sided tape to keep them secure. If you have
stairs, there should be handrails on both sides.
Lighting is also important. Install brighter, full-spectrum bulbs
in your fixtures. Get night lights for the bedrooms, bathrooms,
and hallways. Install sensor lights outside the front and back
doors and in the driveway.
Use non-skid bath rugs and a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick
strips on the shower floor or bathtub. Also, consider installing
grab bars in the shower or bath.
In the kitchen, put the things you use the most where you can
reach them without using a step stool.
For arthritic hands, replace round door-knobs with lever handles
or inexpensive door knob lever adapters. Twist knob kitchen
and bathroom faucets can be replaced with lever faucet handles
or single lever faucet handles.
Cabinets can be easier to get into if pullout shelves or Lazy
Susans are installed. D-shaped pull handles for cabinets and
drawers are easier to grab than knobs.
For the bathroom, a hand-held adjustable showerhead, shower
or bathtub seat, and toilet seat riser can make access easier.
If you use a wheelchair or walker, consider installing ramps on
entrance steps and mini-ramps over high entrance thresholds.
Doorways can be widened by two inches by installing “swing
clear” offset door hinges.
For more tips, see the Fall Prevention Center of Excellences
website at www.homemods.org and the AARP Home Fit Guide
(publication D18959) at www.homefitguide.org or call 888-6872277. You can also have an in-home assessment made by an
occupational therapist. Medicare will pay for an assessment
by an OT if prescribed by a doctor.
Page 18
The Journal
May, June 2014
On The Road In Retirement
Finding Calm in Egypt
by Gail Everett, Unit 22 - Sno-Isle
our handsome, thirty-something guide.
Clad in blue jeans and Prada shirts
and fluent in English, he held our rapt
attention as he guided us through the
sites, shedding light on Egypt past and
present.
Gail Everett with her grandson,
Atticus, on a native sailboat to
Elephantine Island, Aswan in Egypt
“Egypt Boils.
Clashes Become
Violent.”
With those headlines dominating the
news last summer, eyebrows rose when
I confessed that just a few months earlier
I’d toured Egypt with Atticus, my 15
year-old grandson.
“Did you feel safe?” friends asked. I
knew they were wondering what a 77
year-old grandmother was thinking,
taking her grandson to that wild and
crazy place.
“We felt perfectly safe. We went
just in time.” Just before massive
demonstrations, arrests, and bloodshed
spread across Egypt, Atticus and I
drifted peacefully down the Nile on a
native sailboat. We lay stretched out on
lavender cushions, watching migrating
blue herons soar overhead.
Because tourism has plummeted since
media coverage of the 2011 revolution,
tourist sites were crowd-free. Our threeperson “tour group” -- Dennis, a young
male nurse from Indonesia, Atticus and
I -- enjoyed the full attention of Ahmed,
Ahmed had a great sense of humor;
nevertheless he managed to keep a
straight face when I slipped and slid in
my sandals and ankle-length Travelsmith
skirt as I tried to follow Atticus up a
steep, sandy hill overlooking the city of
Aswan. Needless to say Atticus alone
made it to the top for a glorious view.
So why did we go to Egypt? Atticus and
I had talked about it for years. He’d been
avidly watching National Geographic
programs about King Tut and mummies.
And this charming teenager actually
wanted to travel with his grandmother?
“Just do it,” I told myself.
Marci, our travel agent, assured me we’d
be safe. “Your guide will take care of
you.” She was right. During a sevenday tour, we were welcomed everywhere
-- at hotels, tourist
sites, and in Egyptian
homes for authentic
meals.
human labor 5,000 years ago. Then we
mounted bright-blanketed camels for
the obligatory ride around the pyramids.
Back in Cairo, we viewed King Tut’s
fantastic treasures in the Egyptian
museum—thrones and chariots, gilded
chests, and statues. How did they cram
all that stuff into his tomb? When we
visited the tomb later in the week, it
appeared to be the size of a bedroom in
my suburban rambler.
After a night in our comfortable
compartment on the sleeper train
along the Nile, we reached Aswan
and our hotel, where bougainvillea
and marigolds bloomed in gardens
overlooking the river. At the swimming
pool I swam a few laps before relaxing
beside a bikini-clad young woman from
Eastern Europe. She spoke English and
we learned that our toenails shared the
same shade of OPI nail polish.
Atticus headed down to the Nile. When
I followed, he’d already plunged in the
On the morning
after our arrival, no
crowds jostled us as
we toured the Giza
pyramids outside
Cairo. Atticus
dashed about taking
pictures from every
angle. I wandered
m o r e s l o w l y,
marveling at huge
structures built with
Temple of Ramesses II and Queen Nefetari
at Abu Simbal
May, June 2014
The Journal
Page 19
On The Road In Retirement
Gail and Atticus riding camels around the Giza Pyramids
water. “I’m going to swim
across,” he told me.
“I’m not sure that’s a good
idea,” I said, picturing
hungry crocodiles. Just
in time, a hotel employee
intervened. “No swimming
in the river.” No crocodiles
but “dangerous currents.”
Atticus climbed out,
his eyes showing his
disappointment.
That evening we rode a Felucca, a
native wooden sailboat, across the Nile
to Elephantine Island for dinner with
Noori, our Nubian host. Along the way
we learned that Nubians are a southern
Sudanese ethnic group who hold to many
of their native traditions. At dinner we
all sat on red and gold couches, relishing
lentil soup, fresh tomato salad, rice and
chicken cooked in olive oil. During our
meal, Noori’s wife and daughter stayed
in a back room, but his two-year old
grandson scurried in and out like a happy
squirrel. After a dessert of heavenly
fresh mangoes, Noori explained Nubian
wedding customs and showed us photos
starring his lovely bride in a red silk
dress.
At the crack of dawn next morning, a van
carried us across the desert from Aswan
to Abu Simbel, the site where temples
were salvaged from Lake Nassar when
the Aswan Dam was built in 1971. At
Abu Simbel huge statues of Pharaoh
Ramesses II and his favorite wife,
Nefertari, guard the temples. Inside, 33foot pillars depict the Pharaoh as the god
Osiris, and huge wall carvings illustrate
his exploits. Once again we were gazing
at enormous edifices built thousands of
years before cranes and bulldozers.
Back in Aswan we boarded a native boat
we said goodbye to Ahmed,
prince of tour guides.
for a day-and-night sail to Luxor and the
Valley of the Kings. Atticus and I leaned
back on the cushions, comparing notes
on our adventure as we watched farmers
lead cows and donkeys to graze on the
lush green vegetation along the river.
A black water buffalo stared at us as we
drifted by.
On a gas-fueled burner on the deck, our
drivers cooked Baba Ganoush, made
with eggplant, and seasoned with sesame
seeds, garlic, and olive oil. That night
we lay under quilts on the deck, listening
to the river lap against our vessel and
gazing up at myriad stars.
Next day in Luxor we toured the tombs
of King Tut and Hapshepsut, the only
female Pharaoh. Later we mounted
donkeys for a ride around the Valley of
the Kings.
That evening we dined at McDonalds,
where I spooned a creamy fresh peach
sundae. Hearing “Happy Birthday” sung
in Arabic from upstairs, I went up to
check it out. A bevy of teenage girls in
long, bright-colored dresses and scarves
clustered around the one holding a lit
birthday cake. When I wished her a
happy birthday, they giggled like girls
everywhere. Muslim girls just like to
have fun.
In Cairo after a night on the sleeper train,
Maybe I should have seen
trouble coming. Ahmed, a
moderate Muslim, made it
clear that he worried about
the increasingly powerful
Brotherhood, calling them
fanatics who appealed to the
uneducated. He complained
of fuel shortages that caused long waits
at gas stations and uncollected garbage
piled alongside Cairo buildings.
On the way to the pyramids our first
morning, I had learned about the misery
of commuting in Cairo. After a long
and hungry flight the day before, I’d
gorged on the hotel breakfast - falafel,
goat cheese, and croissants washed down
with strong coffee. As our driver plowed
through seven-lane traffic on three-lane
streets, and gas fumes wafted through
the window, I felt my breakfast coming
up. Turning from the front seat, Ahmed
looked distressed. In the middle of all
those lanes of honking cars and trucks,
there’s no way we could stop. “I’m
OK,” I mumbled and managed to contain
my breakfast in handfuls of Kleenex
from my tote bag. Beside me, Atticus’s
green face reflected my own. Fresh air
at the pyramids restored us.
All in all, in the quiet before the storm
we found calm in Egypt. On the
flight home Atticus and I discussed the
meaning of happiness. “For the past
week,” I told him, “happiness has been
touring Egypt with you.” Now I pray
that peace will return to Egypt, giving
work to sailboat drivers, courteous hotel
workers, guides like Ahmed, and the
white-robed men who led our camels
around the pyramids. Would Atticus
and I like to go back? Yes, in a heartbeat.
Page 20
The Journal
May, June 2014
Strength In Numbers
Membership: Building On A Solid Foundation
by Susan Webber, chair, membership committee
WSSRA membership numbers have increased to 18,171
as of April 1, 2014. Over 171 members were enrolled as a
result of the WSSRA mailings which are completed with the
assistance of the Department of Retirement Systems. AMBA
enrolled 183 members this year. Local units enrolled 354
members. Nine units have reached an all-time high with four
of these units having all time high for 4 consecutive years.
Unfortunately, we had 421 deceased members this year.
Charts with membership totals are available by request from
the WSSRA office.
The Membership
Committee has completed
the task of developing the
responsibilities of the state
committee and the state chair. These will be included in the
Membership Handbook.
Our speaker for the Membership Breakout Session on June
11 will be Jeanie Coffey, Director of Association Relations
for AMBA. She will share membership ideas and information
from 44 associations on what works and what doesn’t work.
WSSRA board has voted to continue the $10.00 Incentive for
each member enrolled by units and $100 for the enrollment
of 25 members or more. Units have netted $4,510 from the
Membership Incentive Program with Southwest King, SnoKing, Walla Walla/Columbia, Columbia Basin, and ChelanDouglas qualifying for the $100 bonus.
1. Cut out this form
2. Give it to a retiree
Remember that Michele Hunter has enrollment forms and
other membership information including the Membership
Handbook on thumb drive. Michele can be contacted at
1-800-544-5219 or mhunter@wssra.org.
3. Have her/him complete the form
4. Mail it to WSSRA
DUES DEDUCTON AUTHORIZATION FORM
WASHINGTON STATE SCHOOL RETIREES’ ASSOCIATION
4726 PACIFIC AVE SE, LACEY WA 98503-1216
Please print
Name ____________________________________________________________________ Phone (______) _________________________________
(LAST)
(FIRST)
(MIDDLE)
Mailing Address ________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________+___________
CITY
ZIP
+4
SS Number ________-______- ________ Home/Personal Email Address _____________________________________________________________
Retirement Plan (CIRCLE) TRS1 TRS2 TRS3 PERS1 PERS2 SERS2 SERS3
Name of WSSRA Unit ________________________________________________________________________Leg Dist. _______Cong Dist. _______
I authorize the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems to deduct the following dues and any future increases as voted by the
membership, from my monthly retirement allowance and to pay such deduction to the Washington State School Retirees’ Association.
Should I wish to cancel ensuing deductions I will send a written notification of cancellation to Washington State Department of Retirement Systems
and WSSRA.
DUES: State $4 + Local $1 = Total of $5 per month
Date__________________________________ Signature _________________________________________________________________________
White Copy – WSSRA
01–Asotin-Pomeroy
02–Chelan/Douglas
03–Clallam County
04–Columbia Basin
05–Grays Harbor Pacific
06–Southwest King
07–Jefferson County
Yellow Copy – Unit
08–Kitsap County
09–Kittitas County
11–Lewis County
12–Lower Columbia
13–Lower Yakima Valley
14–Mason County
15–Okanogan County
16–East King
Pink Copy – Retained by member
18–Pend Oreille
19–Renton-South King
20–Seattle
21–Skagit/Island/San Juan
22–Sno-Isle
23–Sno-King
25–Spokane
27–Pierce County
28–Thurston County
29–Benton-Franklin
30–Southwest Washington
31–Walla Walla-Columbia
32–Whatcom County
33–Whitman County
34–Yakima County
May, June 2014
The Journal
Page 21
History: Past WSSRA Presidents
JoAnn Balmer, WSSRA President 2005-2006
by Rita Requa, historian
JoAnn Balmer is known
for her caring nature,
community involvement
and seeker of information
which has been reflected
in her school career, her
community activities, and
her involvement in her
local Unit #5, Grays Harbor
Pacific and WSSRA.
her energy and thoughtfulness.
“Soaring to Success” was JoAnn Balmer’s theme for her
presidential year. A number of WSSRA activities reflected that
theme.
The “Veteran’s Project” was initiated. Stories and memorabilia
were collected from members who had been in the armed
forces of the United States. These items were displayed at the
Convention in Yakima, as well as other venues.
JoAnn was born and
educated in Tacoma. Her
family was community service oriented and practiced service to
others in their daily life and associations. After graduation from
Tacoma’s Lincoln High School, JoAnn married Fred, had three
children and put her academic life “on hold.”
The Director of the Department of Retirement Systems agreed
to allow WSSRA to send information and application forms
through the DRS mailing department to any new retirees.
Mailings were sent to 2,300 persons under the age of 75 who
retired in 2000-2003. This was the first of annual mailings to
non-members through the DRS mailing system.
After her youngest was in school, JoAnn attended Highline
Community College and University of Puget Sound where she
received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. JoAnn
wasn’t done yet, she received an MEd in Special Education from
Seattle University and PhD studies at University of Washington.
President Balmer established a monthly mailing to local
presidents. The “President’s Pipeline” contained ideas for
membership recruitment, best practices, highlighted local units
and information about state meetings of other organizations
related to health and aging.
JoAnn’s first teaching assignment was in Tacoma where she
taught Elementary Developmental Special Education. Her
involvement with Special Education included an integrated
program, Resource Rooms, a sheltered workshop with Tacoma
Goodwill Industries, and Junior High Resource room, all
projects focusing on integration of Special Education students.
She is best known for her sheltered workshop within the Tacoma
School District for disabled 13 to 21 year old students to assess,
train and palace in sheltered and non-sheltered employment.
Legislative achievements for the year included gain-sharing
replacement, $1,000 minimum benefit, reduced vesting to 5
years for Plan 3 members, and allowing Plan 2 & 3 members
to purchase up to 7 years of out-of-state credit.
As a visionary, JoAnn started Special Olympics in the Tacoma
District, she also started the Council for Exceptional Children
in Tacoma, as well as the Division on Career Development
and Transition in Washington State for which she served as
President, newsletter editor, Secretary, and Historian of that
Division.
JoAnn has been active in the Ocean Shores Chamber of
Commerce, Ocean Shores Lions Club with a myriad of
leadership positions, and AARP. She has received Awards for
meritorious service in all those organizations.
She has served in all offices of her local Unit #5, Grays Harbor
Pacific. The WSSRA Membership Committee Chair, Health
Chair and Community Service Chair have all benefitted from
SCPP requested a ruling from the State Attorney General Office
regarding gain-sharing is a contractual or non-contractual
benefit. The ruling came down: Gain-sharing is not a contractual
benefit and the Legislature has the right to amend or repeal gain
sharing provisions.
At the annual convention the amendment passed to abolish
four state committees; communications, member services,
retirement planning (merged with membership), and education.
Subsequently Retirement Planning was continued and the
Outreach Committee established.
“Soaring to Success” is a tribute to JoAnn Balmer. Thanks,
JoAnn, for your compassion, thoughtfulness, and involvement
in all areas of WSSRA.
Page 22
The Journal
May, June 2014
WSSRA Around The State
From the districts
What’s happening in...
The food will be prepared
by the culinary students at
the Sno-Isle Skills Center in
Mukilteo. After lunch members will be entertained by Liz
and Don Healy as they talk
about their adventures on their
recent trip to Antarctica.
June will see about 15 members journeying to convention
in Vancouver. They are all
excited about getting to ride
the train.
NORTHWEST-1
Unit 21 Skagit/Island/San
Juan: Unit 21 Skagit/Island/
San Juan met for its board
meeting on February 10 and
reviewed several new ideas
for the unit. They will start
a Facebook page for the unit
that they hope will be successful. They plan to send
10 members to Convention
in June, hopefully on the
train. A meeting is planned
in May where they will invite
local superintendents to inform them about new things
being tried in their districts.
They are also planning the
schedule for next year. They
are excited to have secured
locations for a wine fest and a
candidates forum. Five board
members attended the Coordinating Council meeting on
March 3. Unit 21 is excited
they will chair Coordinating
Council next year. Joanne
Jones will be chair with Joyce
Moon serving as Secretary.
Unit 22 Sno-Isle: Unit
22-Sno-Isle had their annual Scholarship Luncheon
on March 18. A delicious
lunch was prepared for all by
the Board. After lunch their
2013-14 scholarship recipient
Ann Marie Curd was honored.
Miss Curd is currently student
teaching and was unable to
attend. Donations from this
event will be used to fund next
year’s scholarship as well as
many mini grants for active
teachers. Luncheon attendees
were entertained by renown
storyteller Jill Johnson, herself a retired educator.
In April, Unit 22 had a health
event and also heard from
Peter Diedrick, WSSRA’s
Legislative Representative.
They are also conducting a
member survey to help plan
for next year and encourage
younger retirees to get involved in activities.
In May, Unit 22 will invite
Sno-King to their annual joint
luncheon at Le Bistro Cafe.
Unit 23 Sno-King: Unit 23Sno-King had a heart emphasis month in February. They
had a program that included a
speaker who had had a heart
transplant. He spoke of his
experience and involvement
with a program called Transplant House which provides
family members of organ
recipients furnished apartments to rent located near the
UW Medical Center. Proceeds($100) from a raffle they
had that day were donated to
the program. One of SnoKing’s members spoke about
being a spouse of an organ
transplant. Thanks to Connie
Bradley for spearheading the
event.
In February and March, SnoKing sponsored a retirement
workshop in conjunction with
the Edmonds School District. There were five sessions
with Jim Siscel at the helm.
They’ve already gained several new members being at this
event. This is both a service
and a chance to share who we
are and what our organization
does for retirees. Their March
field trip took them to the Museum of History and Industry
on Lake Union in Seattle.
They car pooled and enjoyed
a nostalgic trip through local
and state history together.
Unit 32 Whatcom Co: Unit
32-Whatcom had a luncheon
in March featuring Steve
Clarke, Bellingham School
District Assistant Superintendent. He discussed the recent
successful school bond, early
childhood development in
the district, the addition of
more AP classes at the high
school level and the new
teacher evaluation system.
No meeting for Whatcom was
held in April due to the state
WSSRA Board meeting and
the state committee meetings
in Yakima.
Unit 32 would like to extend
an invitation to all to attend
their second annual Minigrant Fundraiser on Tuesday,
May 13, 4:00pm-6:00pm at
Bellingham Golf and Country Club. The later hour is in
hopes that more active members will be able to attend.
This will be an appetizer event
with Katie Brown, Washington Teacher of the Year as the
speaker. Entertainment will be
provided by the Bellingham
High Showstoppers who always offer a lively energetic
program.
NORTHWEST-2
Unit 16 East King: At the
April 17 luncheon at Hec-
May, June 2014
The Journal
Page 23
WSSRA Around The State
tor’s, East-King members
welcomed Renee Zimmerman, Executive Director of
Eastside Baby Corner, as she
presented information about
the purpose and operation of
her organization.
Then, on May 15, members
will be given a walk down
memory lane as Doug Simpson takes us through the history of the Seattle Rainiers.
After our December silent
auction fundraiser added
more than $500 to our minigrant fund, East-King was
able to give out $1,725 to
grateful recipients. All six
of our districts participated;
eleven applicants were chosen
to receive up to $200. Robert
Fletcher and Shirlee Hall
were granted permission by
principals to make surprise
presentations at staff meetings (thus giving us an opportunity to share about our
organization). Robert gave
two grants in Issaquah and
two in Snoqualmie Valley.
Shirlee presented four in the
Bellevue School District. The
other three mini-grants went
to educators in two schools
on Mercer Island.
Unit 19 Renton-South King:
On March 12, 2014, Dian
Burrows and Joan Morgenstern (co-presidents)
were given Gov. Jay Inslee’s
Proclamation for the School
Retiree Appreciation Week
at the Renton School Board
meeting. On March 18th,
Joan Morgenstern with four
members of NW-2 read the
scholarship applications at
Seattle Pemco.
SOUTHWEST-3
In April, we had our annual
Soup-Salad-Dessert Luncheon at $10 a plate. All of
the money will be divided
between our Mini-Grant Fund
and PAC. The speaker was
Bill Bergsma, nominee for
President-Elect for WSSRA.
Unit 3 Clallam Co.: Clallam County School Retirees’
Association met on March
18th. The guest speakers
were Karen Hunt and Leah
Gold from the William Shore
Memorial Pool in Port Angeles. They spoke about all of
the changes at the pool and
about exercise programs for
all physical levels. They even
led us in some simple exercises which are done in water
there. The pool is now about
90% salt water and with much
less chlorine it is much gentler
on skin, hair, and swimsuits.
The slate of nominees for the
April election was presented.
For the May meeting, the
guest speaker will be Hank
Cramer, a guitarist, singer and
story teller. He will portray
his great-great-grandfather
during his time in the Civil
War. Hank is sponsored by
the Humanities of Washington
Speakers Bureau.
The June meeting is our
Spring Luncheon at Lakeshore Retirement Community.
New officers for 2014-2015
will be installed by Pat Cygan
from NW-2. Nine delegates
from Unit 19 are attending the
Vancouver Convention.
Unit 20 Seattle: The speaker
for the March luncheon was
actress Tames Alan who,
dressed as a 19th century suffragette, gave a presentation
on the struggle for women in
this country to get the right
to vote. She centered on the
work of Susan B. Anthony and
Elizabeth Cady Stanton. For
April, we had noted film critic
and historian Robert Horton
who does movie reviews for
the “Everett Herald,” and who
has regular talks about film on
local public radio.
Unit 20 plans to have its new
Directory published shortly.
The April 15th meeting was
designated as our silent auction meeting, a fundraiser for
mini-grants for teachers, as
well as the election of officers
for the 2014 - 2015 year. The
new officers will be installed
at our May 20th meeting.
Curt Horne will speak about
state legislation and how we
can make a difference. Our
annual potluck picnic will be
in late June.
Luncheons are held at noon
on the third Tuesday of each
month (Sept. through May) at
the North Olympic Peninsula
Skills Center in Port Angeles.
Our book club meetings are at
1:30 on the second Thursday
of the month at Traylor’s
Restaurant in Port Angeles.
Each attendee is welcome to
share about a book of his or
her choice.
Unit 27 Pierce Co.: Unit 27
resolved the 2014-2015 calendar for all meetings in a February special board meeting.
Eighteen meetings spanning
monthly social breakfasts,
board meetings and general
meeting luncheons will again
take place at La Quinta Inn
and Suites in Tacoma. The
board was pleased the final
contracts included meal prices
will remain at this year’s level.
The unit has plans for participation in the installation
of Edie Moersch as WSSRA
president during the Delegate Assembly/Convention
in June. Our membership has
an allocation of 23 delegates.
Clark’s Creek South Park in
Puyallup will again host the
initial Unit 27 board meeting
August 14. Members will
bring favorite dishes to make
a picnic lunch.
A total of $400 was raised
following three Pacific Group
Advisors one-hour meetings
with attendees presented a
free lunch.
Luncheon programs for April
and May general meetings
included Advocacy for Neglected Children in April. The
last luncheon of the year has
Prison Pet Partners put on by
inmates of the women’s prison
in Purdy.
SOUTHWEST-4
Unit 5 Grays Harbor/Pacific:
Chuck Wallace, director of
Grays Harbor Emergency
Page 24
The Journal
May, June 2014
WSSRA Around The State
Tacoma’s Lincoln High School 100 Years Young
by Connie Rickman, Unit 27-Pierce Co.
How does one “Walk Down Memory Lane” with those from
different decades, each with different hopes, dreams, values,
into the oneness of a blended 100 years? You do it with Class,
and that’s what Tacoma’s Lincoln Abes did! I know, I was
there! Although not a Lincoln High School graduate, I was
Vice Principal for a number of years. In celebration of the
100 years of Lincoln High School, we set out on a mission
to double the amount in the Scholarship Fund benefitting
Lincoln HS seniors.
Many of us enjoyed a Tacoma Rainier’s Game, Comedy
Night, Downtown Summerfest, Lincoln Bowl Car Show
(including an Elvis Presley impersonator), school tours
and memorabilia display. A number of present and former
Lincoln Abes, both students and staff, were interviewed on
video to develop a Lincoln Abe History. We also honored
fallen Lincoln Abe Heroes who gave their lives in the line
of duty protecting our freedom and our safety. Attendees at
our Lincoln Day BBQ feasted on hamburgers, hot dogs, and
homemade salads - all donated so that all funds raised could
go into our Scholarship Fund!
There’s one more important event coming up, we will pause
to honor the memory of a very special Lincoln Abe, “Pappy”
Boyington - a decorated World War II combat pilot - with a
chest bronze which will become part of LHS’s “perpetual
garden” designed by the plant science students. Nearby, three
one-hundred year old bricks from the original building will
be inscribed with the names of fallen Lincoln Abe Heroes Larry Frost, Kurt Husted and Neil Turner - who died in the
line of duty, symbolizing the sacrifice of police officers, fire
fighters, and our military. If any of you wish to contribute
to this Project, our 501 (C)(3) Tax I.D. is: 91-1427997. All
donations should be addressed to: LHSAA For Perpetual
Garden, and sent to: LHSAA, ATTN: TREASURER Lincoln
High School, 701 So 37th St. Tacoma, WA 98418.
This project brought back memories for me as it was truly
an honor to compile the military experiences of our WSSRA
members to donate to the Veterans History Project of the
Library of Congress a few years ago. The human spirit of
our American warriors, who considered it their duty to serve
their country without question or hesitation, to preserve our
safety and our way of life, without regard to their own safety!
Thank you, our heroes, for your sacrifices for us all!
Management, spoke about
readiness in disasters of any
kind. Even kits for pets were
included. In March, Nick
Campbell and Pete Darrah
led a sing-along.
The annual money raiser took
place in April. The “Two Bits
a Tidbit” program featured
items that are meant to be used
up because most people don’t
want to take home things that
need shelf space. Cookies,
food packages for two, books,
and other items that can be
passed on to others are suggested.
A hand-made quilt being
raffled will be drawn in May.
Six books have been purchased and presented to libraries where deceased members
taught. The unit continues
with the Weekend Lunch
Bunch. Letters were sent to
38 active members thanking
them for being members and
telling them about the unit’s
projects.
Unit 11 Lewis County: At
the March meeting, the slate
of officers was elected. Included were Carolyn Stella,
Phillip Meany, Nancy Ely,
and Jean Barner. Peter
Diedrick, WSSRA Legislative Coordinator, spoke about
the actions and non-actions of
the legislative session. The
meeting began and ended with
the group singing Irish tunes.
Unit 12 Lower Columbia:
The March speaker met the
goal to have a speaker on legal
needs for seniors, one who
is knowledgeable concerning wills, trusts, and who to
contact when a death occurs.
He emphasized that one needs
to take time to grieve and not
make any important decisions
for 6 months to a year after
a death. “Classroom Grants
Feedback” in April featured
Noel McRae’s pictures in the
classrooms of the 33 grants
made in collaboration with
Fibre Credit Union. The unit’s
two scholarship recipients will
be honored at the May meeting. Dave Freece from the
Cowlitz County Museum will
be the speaker at the luncheon.
Unit 28 Thurston County:
The unit completed the second annual retirement planning seminar on March 13.
There were eight vendors,
61 paid educators and nine
spouses in attendance. Presenters included speakers
from three Washington State
departments, AMBA, Karen
Keller, and a financial advisor. Materials from Social Security were available. Chuck
Fowler, author of Tugboats
on Puget Sound, was the
program for February. He told
the history of tugboats in the
world and how they worked
their way to Puget Sound. The
March meeting featured Kate
Greene, Lacey Senior Center,
and “My Achin’ Knees!”
Unit 30 Southwest Washington: The unit continues
its school visitations to encourage membership of active school employees. This
month Gerry Jarvis, Don
Rifenbery, Kathy Lisignoli,
Annette Erickson, Jody
Bugg, and Jamie Dotson of
IQ Credit Union were able to
sign up seven new members
at Burnt Ridge Elementary
School. The fifth graders at
May, June 2014
The Journal
Page 25
WSSRA Around The State
Sifton Elementary sent thank
you notes for a mini-grant
presented to them this year.
At the March meeting, Lisa
Hokanson, Foster Grandparent Program Coordinator,
informed the group on how to
become a foster grandparent.
The Convention Committee
members continue to make
progress toward the fabulous
convention being planned for
June.
EAST-5
Unit 34 Yakima Co.: Unit 34,
Yakima County, has benefited
from member Paul Schafer. He organized, and with
the help of many unit members, led a retirement seminar
that was attended by over 80
people. The response from
those attending indicated their
appreciation for the well presented information. He then
shared his love of history by
entertaining the March meeting attendees regarding “The
End of Grave Robbing”. Unit
34 appreciates the enthusiasm
and knowledge Paul brings to
our organization.
Our meetings conclude with
a drawing for prizes donated
by members. The proceeds of
ticket sales are given to WSSR
Foundation for scholarships.
Unit 34 has raised over $600
as of our March meeting.
EAST-6
Unit 2 Chelan Douglas:
Chelan Douglas SRA continues with all the projects
supporting various programs.
The “Bring-a-Bag-a-Books”
program brought in over 100
books and credits have been
given to the Unit to buy books
for needy children. Tutoring
and attending Rock Island
Academy functions is still
going strong. Personal items
are collected at each meeting
for The Women’s Resource
Center.
The February speaker was Diana Haglund, the coordinator
for Wenatchee Learns. This
program will be an on-line
and in-person resource center which connects students,
parents, educators and staff,
businesses and citizens with
volunteer opportunities in
many areas.
A new place has been selected
for our lunch meetings and
our March meeting was held
at The Wild Card restaurant
in East Wenatchee. We will
be meeting on the second
Monday of each month. The
speaker was Jennifer Korfiatis, Executive Director of
Write On The River. This
program fosters the writing
arts, sustains a vital North
Central Washington writing community and nurtures
writers from inspiration to
publication. This has been
most successful in the area.
Volunteers plan to work at the
Cashmere Museum cleaning
the old school house. Several members attended the
Wenatchee School Board
meeting to receive certificates
for School Retirees’ Appreciation celebration.
Sharon Salley and JoAnn
Lewis have brought in 54 new
members so far this year.
Unit 15 - OSCRA members gathered for a Coffee
Klatch, shown from left to right in front: Homer
Hedington, Jennie Hedington, Rita Figlenski (holding
Governor’s Proclamation), Penny Garrison. Back row:
Maralee Bowling, Ida Laurie, Jayne Haun, Lou Lantrip,
Sibyl Wehmeyer, and Marcelle LaGrou.
Unit 4 Columbia Basin: Our
unit has continued to meet at
Pillar Rock Grill in Moses
Lake the last Tuesday of the
month, 11:30 to 1:00.
In February Dr. Michelle
Price, superintendent of Moses Lake School District, was
our speaker. She spoke on
how education looks in the
Columbia Basin. We gained 3
new members at this meeting.
In March, we had Peter
Diedrick, WSSRA legislative coordinator, speak on
what happened this year in
Olympia and what WSSRA
legislative priorities are. We
had a lunch meeting for retirees and a meeting at 4:00
for active school employees.
At the afternoon meeting we
gained 2 new members. Rohn
Rutledge, our AMBA representative, was available for
information, questions and an
opportunity to set up private
appointments. During the
month of March we enrolled
3 additional members outside
of our meetings.
We look forward to 3 more
meetings this year. May and
June will be at Pillar Rock
Grill in Moses Lake and the final meeting will be at a member’s home in Moses Lake.
Unit 15 Okanogan: February’s meeting saw WSSRA
President, Nick Schultz,
with his legislative toolbox
in hand giving the Unit tips
for dealing with legislative
issues. In addition, Doug
Sklar, Edward Jones Investments, informed members of
options for investments by the
Scholarship Trustees Board,
Jayne Haun, Bill Laws, and
Marcelle LaGrou. Jennie
Page 26
The Journal
May, June 2014
WSSRA Around The State
Hedington, Jayne Haun,
and Sibyl Wehmeyer were
appointed to the 2014 -2015
Nominations Committee.
Retired members, Denece
Ralston and Sharon Swayze,
were welcomed to the group.
At meeting’s end, Treasurer,
Penny Garrison, announced
$406 raised by the day’s activities for the Scholarship Fund.
March 17 found 10 members
gathered for a morning coffee
klatch at On The Avenue in
Okanogan in recognition of
Washington State School Retirees’ Week. The Scholarship
Trustees Board, Haun, Laws,
and LaGrou, together with
Unit Treasurer, Garrison, and
President, Rita Figlenski, met
at Edward Jones Investments
to begin finalizing scholarship
fund investments.
At the March 28 meeting
guest speaker, Tara Serles,
explained the volunteer organization, Court Appointed
Special Advocates for Children (CASA). Members also
voted to donate $100 to mud
slide survivors in Oso in Snohomish County.
EAST-7
Spring is arriving and end of
the year activities are gearing up for the E7 Units of
Whitman #33, Pend Oreille
#18, and Spokane #25. Don
Kackman, Coordinating
Council Chairman, held an E7
meeting at the Golden Corral
Buffet with eleven members
attending. Our WSSRA
President, Nick Schultz, was
there and it was great to have
him with us. It gave members
a chance to become better
acquainted with our president
and become more familiar
with WSSRA activities.
Marilyn Shaw, Chairman of
the state Nominating Committee, represented E7 board
member Joan Butler at the
February WSSRA Executive
Board meeting and reported
to the E7 meeting the information from the state board
meeting. Plans are well underway for the state Convention in Vancouver and items
discussed and voted on were
presented.
A committee of five members
from E7 read and evaluated
WSSRA Headquarters
4726 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey WA 98503
Phone: 360-413-5496 Toll Free: 1-800-544-5219
Office Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday-Friday
Legislative Hot Line: 1-800-562-6000
the eleven applications for the
scholarship awards. The committee said they were the most
outstanding applications ever
received for consideration. It
was also noted that the winners came from a broad section represented by E7.
Unit 25 Spokane Area:
SAREA Unit # 25 Is doing
some restructuring of the
board due to changes in officer’s situations.
The March membership meeting was highly successful with
an outstanding presentation
from the North Central High
School Capstone Project.
Nineteen students are part
of as pilot school program
in which only 17 schools
in the world are chosen to
participate and is sponsored
by Cambridge University in
London, England. Higher
level thinking skills are developed over junior and senior
years and students are given
a Capstone Diploma upon
graduation which is highly
prized when college applications are received from major
universities. The Capstone
program concept is being
made available for all high
schools in the Spokane District in coming years.
North Pines Middle School
in the Spokane Valley is still
sponsored for the Adopt-aSchool volunteer project for
SAREA members.
A push to get new members
from the active teaching community is emphasized and is
showing progress.
The final meeting of SAREA
for the year will be May 20th
at Mukogawa Commons with
a luncheon and program from
a drama department. Traditionally at the May luncheon
the scholarship recipients and
their parents are recognized
and honored. It is a good
conclusion for a good year.
Unit 33 Whitman Co.: Linda
Marler organized our March
26th meeting in LaCrosse
with 3rd-4th grade teacher
Sarah Mayer who did a presentation on the benefits of
Professional Learning Communities. Educators from
schools in Whitman County
get together at grade levels
to discuss teaching strategies
for alignment and implementation of the Common Core
State Standards. Lunch followed at the Grillbilly Cafe
in LaCrosse. The meeting on
April 22nd in Pullman included AMBA representatives.
EAST-8
Unit 1 Asotin Co-Pomeroy:
Unit 1 is excited to have
reached another all-time high
in its membership! We thank
our new members for their
support of WSSRA.
We are also excited to be
thinking outside the box and
restructuring our local high
school scholarships. We have
learned there are high school
juniors and seniors who are
capable of being a part of the
running start and advanced
placement classes but cannot
afford to pay for them. With
the help of high school coun-
May, June 2014
The Journal
Page 27
WSSRA Around The State
selors we could be helping
deserving students to earn
credits and perhaps graduate
with a high school diploma
plus an associate degree from
a junior college. This could
also lead to a job for some as
a CNA right after high school.
We enjoyed our visit from
Rohn Rutledge, AMBA representative, and hearing of
their new programs. Our
Valentine Cookie Exchange
turned out to be a lot of fun.
We had lots of good cookies
plus some good recipes!
Unit 29 Benton/Franklin:
Spring is here. The overcast
gray skies of winter are now
bright blue skies of spring.
Tom Callahan, Vice President/program chair has outlined the programs for the
next three months: H. Keith
Moo-Young, Chancellor of
WSU-Tri-Cities, Scholarship
presentations, Election and
Installation of officers and the
Memorial service.
Shirley Frare and Alice Allison, Scholarship Committee
Co-chairs and their committee
of readers chose 4 local scholarships, an increase from the
usual 3. The E-8 scholarships,
with representatives from
Walla Walla and Tri-Cities
reviewed the applications.
New this year is our sole sponsorship of the Pre-Retirement
Workshop. Previously only
teachers were included in the
workshop, however with sole
sponsorship we have now
opened it up to all school
employees. Upon sending out
Sponsored Health Insurance
Plans after Retirement
notices, the session filled rapidly. Under the leadership of
Elaine Banks, Jim Bumgarner, Don Parks and Helen
Bruggeman, the workshop
provided content rich information (PEBB/HCA, VEBA,
Social Security, AMBA, and
DRS plans I, II and III) for all
participants.
PEBB and Health Care Authority
800-200-1004
www.pebb.hca.wa.gov
Members of BFSRA were
honored by several school
districts in accordance with
the proclamation signed by
Governor Inslee, “I, Governor
Inslee do hereby proclaim the
week of March 17-23, 2014 as
School Retiree Appreciation
Week.”
Options, Take Home Pay, Etc.
Department of Retirement Systems
800-547-6657
www.drs.wa.gov
Unit 29 is looking forward to
the Convention in Vancouver.
Plans are to attend via AMTRAK.
BenefitAdvisors (SHIBA)
800-562-6900
Current/future program information and news can be
found on the web page http://
bfsraunit29.blogspot.com/
and in the monthly newsletter.
All luncheons are held at the
Country Gentleman Restaurant in Kennewick.
Unit 31 Walla Walla Columbia: One of our busiest and
most productive months was
in February. We had our annual Retirement Seminar held
in the Walla Walla School
District board room. Teachers from several neighboring school districts attended
as well as local teachers.
Representatives from Social
Security, Washington State
Teachers Retirement System
and VEBA, among others,
presented overviews of their
Social Security Benefits
800-325-0778
www.ssa.gov
State Insurance Commissioner/
Statewide Health Insurance
programs.
A few weeks later, we had our
annual scholarship fundraiser,
the Teddy Bear Tea, at the St.
Francis Social Room. Old and
young alike had a marvelous
time spent with stuffed bears
and a myriad of bear-related
activities. Raffle tickets were
also sold for two hand crafted
bears.
Our March luncheon program
included Carla Houchin who
spoke about the Walla Walla
Children’s Museum. She
gave a brief overview of the
various programs sponsored
by the organization as well as
seeking volunteers to teach
specific courses. College
Place High School principal
Kirk Jamison then discussed
the progress being made with
their new high school. This
district is currently a K-8 district. College Place will have
its first freshman class next
year. The other three grades
will be added in the next
three years. Exciting times
for this community!!. Mick
Miller, superintendent of the
Walla Walla School District,
then discussed the financial
impact of losing high school
students currently attending
Walla Walla High School who
will attend College Place High
School next year. Mr. Miller
then outlined the upcoming
bond to build new science
classrooms at Walla Walla
High School. We are also
involved in the process of
getting ready for the WSSRA
State Convention in June. Our
unit will have approximately
15 delegates in attendance.
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Washington State School Retirees’ Association
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Washington State School Retirees’ Association
Dedicated to preserving, protecting and improving
the benefits of educational retirees.
Vision
WSSRA will provide leadership
and promote action relevant
to all retired and active school personnel.
The mission of WSSRA is to...
• develop, propose and implement action that will benefit all
school retirees.
• propose legislation and legislative action that will enhance
school retirees’ lives.
• provide the support necessary to strengthen local units of
WSSRA.
• foster involvement by school retirees in educational and community activities and organizations.
• communicate to local units the activities and priorities of
NRTA, AARP and other entities that affect retired school
personnel.
• represent all present and future Washington state school
retirees, both classified and certificated.
Don’t delay – ask today
You’ll find inside...
AARP .........................................6
AMBA........................................9
Convention Information ...........10
Executive Director’s message ....3
Foundation ...............................16
Health .......................................17
History......................................21
Legislative News........................4
Membership ............................20
On the road...............................18
President’s message ...................2
Retiree contact information......27
Session Update...........................7
WSSR-PAC ................................5
WSSRA around the state..........22