New Dungeness Lighthouse near Sequim, Washington

Transcription

The
Journal
WASHINGTON STATE SCHOOL RETIREES’ ASSOCIATION
Affiliated with the National Retired Teachers’ Association (NRTA)–AARP’s Educator Community
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2015 • VOLUME 69, ISSUE NO. 2
New Dungeness Lighthouse
near Sequim, Washington
(see article on page 8)
Page 2
The Journal
October, November, December 2015
WSSRA At Work For You
A message from the president
G r ow i n g To S er ve
by Bill Bergsma, president
I have enjoyed visiting unit picnics
and meetings this summer. Port
Angeles, Whatcom County, SnoKing and East King SRA units all
welcomed me and let me speak
briefly. Not only that, they shared a nice meal with me. I also
listened to their reports and discussions.
Some members are eager to help schools by substituting in
local classrooms. The rules that make it impossible for them
were not changed this past legislative session but the topic
was discussed by legislators. They are aware of the need and
will hopefully deal with it in the 2016 legislative session.
Most public schools had a very hard time last year because
no substitutes were on their rosters and staff members were
stretched to help cover classes besides their own. Talk to
your legislative representatives about this problem. At the
same time, remember to thank them for keeping our health
insurance funds in the budget. These monthly contributions
of $150.00 are a big help and are worth about two years worth
of dues to WSSRA.
After several years of urging by the state actuary, the legislature
approved full funding of the pension system. I wonder what
kind of bankroll would be in place if that had been done every
year. It is a great system doing well with the investments so
that $.84 of every pension dollar you receive is from the gains
in the investments. We can't let our pension system fail when
it has been so successful. Many state’s pensions are under fire
and being erased because of their failures or abuse.
The wild fires in Eastern Washington have hit some of our
members and friends very hard. If you or your units can find
funds to help them out please send them to one of the agencies in
the local areas that are doing so much to give aid and help with
replacement housing and clothing. Our board representatives
and units from the Chelan, Omak and Wenatchee areas can
direct you to the best places to send funds. Email or call them
as their numbers are in the Journal (see below). I am sure
they will be glad to give you the best information. The book,
"Smokejumper" by Jason Ramos, offers a good read about what
firefighters face with wild fires.
President, continued on page 4
WSSRA Executive Board
Officers
* President Bill Bergsma • 425-802-2965 • 29212 SE Issaquah-Fall
City Road, Fall City, WA 98024 • billbergsma55@hotmail.com
* President-Elect Rick Nebeker • 509-529-5632 • 1609 Greenbrier
Dr, Walla Walla WA 99362 • rnebeker@outlook.com
Immediate Past President Edie Moersch • 360-893-2506 • 15205
136th Ave E, Puyallup WA 98374 • edie_moersch@hotmail.
com
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 Robin Stroben • 425-432-2718 • 22401 236th Avenue SE, Maple
Valley 98038 • rstroben@msn.com
* SW 3 Curt Horne • 360-417-1117 • PO Box 2967, Port Angeles WA
98362 • curthorne@msn.com
SW 4 Joyce Gillie • 360-352-1355 • 2430 65th Ct SW, Olympia WA
98512
* E 5 Kathy Schultz • 509-966-9341 • 4711 W Lincoln Ave, Yakima WA
98908 • chevyhvn@charter.net
E 6 Nancy Valeson • 509-782-1563 • 5600 East Cashmere Rd, Cashmere WA 98815 • njvaleson@gmail.com
E 7 Pam Francis • 509-926-5021 • 4717 South Skipworth, Spokane
99206 • pamkf4491@gmail.com
E 8 Jerry Hendrickson • 509-243-4404 • 15970 Snake River Road,
Asotin 99402 • rosewind4404@gmail.com
* WSSRA Executive Committee
• Historian Lloyd Olson • Parliamentarian Gene Forrester
• Journal Editor Kristin Murphy
The Journal
Page 3
WSSRA At Work For You
A message from the executive director
Hitting T he Road
by Dr. Mike Boring, executive director
We have twenty-nine units in our
Association located around the state.
One of my goals for this year is to
visit as many of these as possible.
Presently there are twelve dates for
visits on the calendar. We hope there will be more as the year
moves on. In addition to visiting units, here are other objectives
for my initial year as Executive Director:
UNITS AND COORDINATING COUNCILS
Providing support for unit and council meetings—we have a
list of ideas to share which will be coming out to officers, chairs
and vice-chairs soon.
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: Dr. Mike Boring, executive director • mike@wssra.org
800-544-5219 • 360-413-5496 • Message center: 800-221-1269
ADDRESS CHANGES: mhunter@wssra.org • 360-413-5496
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
Upcoming Journal deadlines
• December 5, 2015 for January/February 2016 issue
• February 5, 2016 for March/April 2016 issue
• April 5, 2016 for May/June 2016 issue
AARP Washington Office • 1-866-227-7457, 1-888-OUR-AARP •
9750 Third Ave NE, Ste. 450, Seattle WA 98115
Mike Tucker, 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
MEMBERSHIP
Working on growing our membership—presently our total
membership is hovering just under 18,000 and we hope to see
that number increase. You may recall from legislative reports
that WSSRA was able to communicate our legislative goals
with particular effectiveness this past year. That was due in
large part to members being willing to contact legislators at key
points. Your influence was also enhanced by our legislative
team being able to cite a membership of 18,000 well informed
citizens—that is important to legislators when they consider
who and how many voters are a part of our group.
ADMINISTRATORS
Since my background includes a lengthy career of working
with administrators throughout the state, I hope to be able to
reach out to encourage their membership and the advantages
which WSSRA offers in supporting local education initiatives,
volunteering in the schools, providing grants to school staff
members and offering scholarships to prospective educators.
WEBSITE
The use of the internet and websites continues to increase
among virtually all segments of our population. The WSSRA
website presently provides important information for
prospective and current members alike. We hope to review
how we can increase the effectiveness of the website for all
WSSRA members and we welcome your suggestions. Another
possibility is to determine if our office can offer support to
councils and units in their website development.
It has been a busy summer for the WSSRA Office. Our
building in Lacey provides an excellent facility for the work
of the Association. As with most facilities, however, there are
maintenance needs. The recent weeks have included several
projects—repair for the restrooms, cutting overhanging trees,
and the usual window and carpet cleaning. One surprise was
to have the heating/cooling system break down—unfortunately
that happened in the middle of the 90-100 degree weather.
It ultimately seemed wisest to replace the thirteen year-old
unit—that took two weeks so we were all definitely warm and
cozy with no cooling or air movement. Fortunately it is now
working well.
Executive Director, continued on page 7
Page 4
The Journal
Legislative News
Connecting W ith Your Legislators
by Peter Diedrick, legislative coordinator
A GREAT TIME TO CONNECT WITH YOUR
LEGISLATORS
The most effective lobbying is done between legislative
sessions. Legislative sessions are a very busy time for elected
officials. Most receive thousands of letters and contacts over
the course of a few months. Personal meetings are limited to
ten and fifteen minute windows.
In the summer and autumn, legislators are in their communities
and are much more available to their constituents. Please feel
encouraged to connect with your legislators during this time
of year. Not only will it be easier and more convenient to
schedule an appointment, but your meeting will be free from
distractions that are commonplace at the capitol building.
District meetings provide an opportunity to share your concerns
in a more personal way, and in your own community. This can
be much more worthwhile than a brief ten minute appointment
in Olympia.
It is easy to get in contact with your representatives. In most
cases, your local school retiree unit will have already invited
your legislative delegation to a unit meeting at some point over
the fall. Please attend these meetings. Legislators make time
for them because they like connecting with you! Otherwise,
it is simple to contact your legislators through their office.
For contact information simply visit www.leg.wa.gov or call
1-800-562-6000.
2015 SUMMER POLITICAL UPDATE
There will be one legislative election of statewide significance
this November. The 30th Legislative District House race in
Federal Way will be an extremely close election. The current
make-up of the House of Representatives is a thin 51/47
Democratic majority. In the 30th district race, the incumbent
is a Democratic member, and a loss would leave Democrats
with the slimmest of majorities during the 2016 session. Both
parties are fighting hard for a victory.
Washington State
Legislature
Call
Toll-free Hotline:
1-800-562-6000
Website
www.leg.wa.gov
President, continued from page 2
The executive board officers and area representatives held
an orientation session in August. Newly elected board
representatives Robin Stroben (NW2) and Pam Francis (E7),
along with Jerry Hendrickson (E8) who is filling the board
representative seat vacated by newly elected president-elect
Rick Nebeker, are all great additions and will do a wonderful
job. The board spent part of one session discussing the book,
"Life Reimagined" by Richard Leider and Alan M. Webber. The
book and concepts were also part of a break-out session during
last June's state convention. We feel that it may be a helpful
thing for units to talk about in helping friends and members deal
with life changing events and times. It is better to do this with
a friend or two instead of going through those times
alone.
I trust that all units have their calendars filled with great
programs and high goals for this coming year. Be prepared for
new health insurance options this fall, too.
I close with positive thoughts and feelings about working
with Dr. Mike Boring. He has jumped into action eagerly and
positively. Come to your unit meeting when he visits. He
wants to meet you too.
The Journal
Page 5
WSSR-PAC News
WSSR PAC: Preparing for 2016
by Louie Osmonovich, WSSR-PAC President
Even though 2015 legislative election action is minimal, it's not
too early to look forward and prepare for the 2016 legislative
races which will be of major importance to our present and
future retirees’ livelihood. Election 2016 will produce many
more legislative candidate races of which we will need to decide
who to support that will help keep and improve our retirement
benefits.
As your WSSR-PAC President, I am amazed and very grateful
for the support members have shown the PAC committee through
your generous contributions in the past. Your willingness to
support our PAC treasury with your individual and low cost
fundraiser contributions inspires us as PAC officers and board
members to continue volunteering our time in our positions.
We would like to extend our appreciation for the great help,
during this recent Convention, from Linda Averill (Unit 22),
Scott Nelson, Nexus Group and Karen Mahan in going above
and beyond to enhance WSSR-PAC Treasury.
On behalf of the WSSR-PAC committee, I would like to thank
you all for your great support in 2014 and your continuing
financial contributions so far in 2015. Dr. Gary Bloomfield,
PAC treasurer, informed me that we are doing well financially
despite the fact this year (2015) has few contested legislative
races. Our goal, again is to reach $18,000. We currently stand
at $14,000. If everyone who has not contributed yet would
contribute $5.00 or more, we will reach our goal.
Our WSSR-PAC board members represent each coordinating
council area. If any member has a question or concern you
may contact them or any of the PAC officers. The contact
information is on our PAC website (WSSR-PAC.org)
When you contribute to the PAC, it is preferred that you do it
by writing a check so we have a record of who our WSSR-PAC
members are and you can receive a receipt from our treasurer.
The fact that our retirement benefits were not negatively affected
this past legislative session indicates our success in members
contacting their district lawmakers and letting them know of
our retirees' concerns. Our members support of WSSR-PAC
is, I believe, influential in guiding legislators to make the right
decisions for our retirees.
I encourage you all to continue your support of WSSR-PAC
through individual and low-cost fundraiser contributions. Let's
look ahead and prepare for the 2016 election year.
Please Support WSSR-PAC
by sending a check today
During the 2014 election season, the PAC received several
requests for our financial help and endorsement. I believe this
indicates that WSSR-PAC is becoming influential to prospective
candidates running for legislative positions in both the Senate
and House of Representatives of both political parties. We
need their support more than ever to protect and enhance our
earned and promised pension benefits. To be a force in this
endeavor, we need help from all our members.
Payable to:
Mail to:
Visit the WSSR-PAC website
www.wssr-pac.org
WSSR-PAC
WSSR-PAC Treasurer
1928 Circle Loop
Lacey, WA 98503
www.wssr-pac.org
Page 6
The Journal
Supporting Future Educators
Fundraising For Scholarships
by , Jerry Hendrickson, president, WSSR-Foundation
The WSSR Foundation Board of Directors, consisting of
Jerry Hendrickson, Rita Figlenski, Mike Lanctot, and Ronald
Crawford would like to thank units and individuals who
furnished baskets and silent auction items for the convention.
There were 79 baskets that brought in $5,665.00. The silent
auction items amounted to $2,049.00. Everyone seemed to
be pleased with their items, however it was suggested that the
baskets not be so large, but have more of them. At our meeting
on June 9, Greg Stapp performed an audit procedure and found
everything to be in good order.
Making Scholarships Possible
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Make memorial donations.
Donate in honor of a friend or family member.
Remember the foundation in your will.
End of the year contributions help lower your
tax bill.
Give a sum monthly or quarterly.
Help with your unit’s convention basket(s) these are big money makers.
Bring or send auction items to our June
convention - big money makers.
Encourage your unit and coordinating council
to make donations.
Fund a scholarship in your name or in the
name of your family.
Have a unit fundraising event with proceeds
going to the foundation.
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 $ _________
The Journal
Foundation Contributors
Carol Brandt - in memory of Mary Wining
Shirley Elfbrandt - in honor of Ed & Diane Gonion
Kathy Fletcher - in memory of Gwen Bradley
Penny Garrison - in memory of Keith Davis
James & Shirlee Hall - in memory of Mary Wining
Janet Hall - in memory of Mary Wining
Curtis Horne - in honor of Ed & Diane Gonion
Nancy Kleinschmidt - donation
Edward & Edie Moersch - in memory of Betty Robinson and
Mary Wining
Joanne Nelson - in memory of Betty Robinson
Lloyd & Dorothy Olson - in memory of Mary Wining
Ruth Parman - in memory of Keith Davis
Donald Rifenbery - in memory of Betty Robinson, Betty
Vaughn, Doris Troxel, Elizabeth Stephens, and Marjorie
Trevarthen
Mona Stacy - in memory of Gwen Bradley
Asotin Co./Pomeroy SRA - in memory of Curtis Bowers,
Denise Savoy, and Terry Carlson
Chelan/Douglas SRA - in memory of Kathleen Van Well,
James Taylor, William Steward
East King SRA - in memory of Mary Wining
Lewis Co. SRA - in memory of Arlene J. Bay, Gene Groshong,
Leroy H. Lund, Louis D. Eddy, Veronica M. Livingston,
Volana s. Gleason
Lower Columbia SRA - in memory of Vern King
Lower Valley Yakima SRA - donation Unit 13
Renton/South King RSEA - in memory of Virgil Andrews and
Robert Cole
Sno-Isle SRA - in honor of Ed and Diane Gonion
Southwest King SRA - in memory of James Anderson, Mary
Wining, Robert Owren, and Ruth Looney
WSSRA - donation
WSSRA Members - in honor of Ed and Diane Gonion
Executive Director, continued from page 3
The August WSSR Foundation meeting and the Executive
Board meetings were held on August 18, 19 and 20. Since
this was the first board meeting for the new executive director
it was an opportunity to learn more of the Association’s work
and patterns. They were productive and launched the year
in terms of our councils, committees, and units.
Finally, as we all are painfully aware, there are periodic
“data breaches” in which personal information about
people is inadvertently released or stolen by computer
hackers. We will be addressing this issue from our office
to strengthen our operations in terms of membership
information confidentiality. This will be examined for both
our Association office as well as the council, committee and
unit work as well.
Page 7
Remembering
Mary Ann Wining
WSSRA Executive Board 2009 - 2012
It is with heavy hearts that we
announce the passing of Mary Wining
on July 23, 2015.
Mary was a member of the Southwest
King School Retirees Association
(Unit 6). She served on the WSSRA
Executive Board as NW 2 District
Representative from 2009-2012.
After retiring in 1992, Mary became involved with her local
unit which was known, at the time, as the Highline School
Retirees’ Association. Mary held several positions with the
unit, including unit president for three different years. She also
served her unit as newsletter editor, secretary, communications,
and represented her unit at many state conventions.
Mary was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 14, 1932 to parents
Lynn and Jessie Mae Hemenway. While attending college in
Ellensburg, Washington, Mary met and married Richard (Dick)
Wining on June 10, 1955 in Walla Walla, Washington. He
preceded her in death in 2006. Together they had 3 children, Dirk
Wining, who preceded her in death in 1993, and two daughters
Maurya (Ron) Radvilas, Kingston, Washington and Blaine
(George) Cone, Baldwin City, Kansas. She has 2 grandchildren,
Brandon (Amber Rose) Cone, Bremerton and Amanda (Trey)
Watts, Ottawa, Kansas and 2 great grandchildren. She is
survived by two sisters, Peg Dull of Seattle, Washington and
Susan Lowell of Reston, Virginia.
As her family wrote...We knew her as Mom, Big Grandma,
and Double G. In listening to other’s stories, her family learned
how others saw her. The common themes include her infectious
smile, boisterous laugh, her gentle and kind demeanor toward
all and her gracious way of including and accepting everyone.
Even in the last few days, Mary found the humor in just about
everything, bringing smiles and laughter to the moment. She
will be remembered for her laugh, certainly red lipstick, and
colorful beads. She brightened the room. Her home is now
quiet, too quiet.
She left behind a legacy that won’t be forgotten as she touched
the lives of many students that she counseled over the years.
She always found time for her family, always there when they
needed her. If the world embraced the way Mom and Dad (Mary
and Dick) approached life, the world would be a better place.
We will miss you Mom.
Mary Wining's Celebration of Life was held in September. In
lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made on
Mary’s behalf to: Washington State School Retirees Foundation
– The Scholarship Fund, 4726 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA
98503.
Page 8
The Journal
On The Road In Retirement
New Dungeness Lighthouse…
by Kathy Storment, Unit 33 Whitman County
Sometimes we don’t have to travel
far for the adventure of a lifetime!
My husband, Daryl, has numerous
experiences on his “bucket list.” My
favorite quote is, “I haven’t been
everywhere, but it’s on my list” (Susan
Sontag, American writer, filmmaker,
teacher, and political activist). Staying
in a lighthouse was on his bucket list
and definitely fit my criteria too.
While visiting our Colfax doctor, we discovered a way right here
in Washington to fulfill a dream vacation. She had experienced a
week long stay at the New Dungeness Lighthouse near Sequim.
She “prescribed” it for us and for anyone else who likes to
relax, work, and meet interesting people. We checked out the
website (newdungenesslighthouse.com) and learned there was
space available in mid-April. Usually six (friends, relatives,
or strangers) stay at the 1904 keeper’s quarters. We signed up,
wrote our check (yes, you do have to pay to volunteer), and
were ready for a unique adventure!
The lighthouse is situated near the end of the five-mile long
Dungeness Spit which juts out into the Strait of Juan de
Fuca. Keepers are driven out at low
tide usually on a Saturday. Sometimes
that can be in the middle of the night!
Our trip was at 8:30 a.m., though. All
food, clothing, and other necessities
must accompany you. If you forget
something, you must walk the thirteenmiles back to the nearest store. Needless
to say, we made our list and checked it
twice! I can honestly say that we had
everything we could possibly need or
want. A week later, the pick-up vehicle
comes to get the expert lighthouse
keepers (you!) and gear and brings the
next novice group.
A list of general duties includes giving tours, maintaining the
grounds and buildings, cooking, journaling, and relaxing. It
really isn’t slave labor! In fact, it is my feeling that it is always
more fun to work somewhere other than your own home!
There’s plenty of time for walking the beach and taking in the
gorgeous scenery.
We experienced mostly beautiful spring weather. In fact, the
spit gets half the rain that Sequim receives (and Sequim is
known for its lack of precipitation!). The air was pristine, and
the views exquisite. The lights of Victoria, B.C. (18.4 miles
away) twinkled at night, and Mt. Baker (to the northeast) and
the Olympics (to the southwest) majestically loomed in the
distance during the day. Climbing those
seventy-six steps to the top of lighthouse
was well worth it to be able to take in
such magnificent views!
New Dungeness Lighthouse situated on the Dungeness Spit near Sequim, Washington.
The Journal
Page 9
On The Road In Retirement
Stay a Week … Memories for a Lifetime
Daryl and I were excited to
have bald eagles greet us in the
mornings and stay to enthrall
the visitors. Many other birds
and four-footed animals call
the Dungeness Spit home. They
seem happy to share the nature
preserve with the keepers and
other guests.
We inlanders from eastern
Washington also enjoyed the
marine traffic. We experienced
m a n y c a rg o s h i p s , s o m e
pleasure boats, and we were
even treated to two submarines
and accompanying vessels
passing by.
Our approximately 200 visitors
that week were from numerous
states and countries. They made
the ten-mile round-trip trek, enjoyed their lunches at picnic
tables situated on the well-groomed lawns, toured the stately
light station, and then returned to their cars they had parked at
the Dungeness Recreation Area. Our adult daughter asked me
what kind of people visited the lighthouse. My response was,
“Fit…very fit!” Even though it
is a distance, most people said it
was well worth the walk.
The New Dungeness Lighthouse,
on the National Register of
Historic Places, is maintained
by a non-profit foundation. No
government money is involved.
The U.S. Coast Guard is in
charge of the light at the top,
but that is very automated in our
modern times. At the website
(newdungenesslighthouse.
com) you can learn more about
this worthy cause and perhaps
consider donating or joining.
If you, too, want to be a keeper,
please plan ahead. The schedule
fills up months in advance.
Whether you choose to be a
keeper for a week or just hike out for a day’s adventure, you
will be glad you did. The New Dungeness Lighthouse is truly
an exquisite jewel right here in our state.
www.newdungenesslighthouse.com
(top) Kathy and Daryl Storment during their week-long stay as lighthouse keepers at the New Dungeness
Lighthouse near Sequim, Washington.
Page 10
The Journal
Outreach Corner
Outreach: Ideas from the Outreach Session
by Mary Jo Geidl, Unit 31 Walla Walla/Columbia
At the WSSRA convention in June, those who attended the
Outreach break-out session shared successful ideas that came
from the individual units. As a way of learning from others
about what can be done, this article compiles suggestions that
came from the meeting.
We need to provide services to members and to prospective
members. Most of the units award mini-grants to active
members. If possible, the unit can present the grants to recipients
at teachers’ meetings. A nice typed certificate (framed is even
better) can be given to each person
who receives a mini-grant. Some
units send out cards to members
who have lost loved ones, who are
ill, who received an honor, etc. A
good retirement planning session
is helpful, maybe even changing
the title to “financial planning and
retirement seminar.” Some units
even provide “goodie bags” to
actives, including candy, cookies,
or simple school supplies.
Reminding people about events
helps attendance. Some units send
post cards to remind members of
meetings while others establish a
calling committee that phones to
remind members of meetings and
to offer rides if needed. Flyers
can be posted in every school
that allows it, giving dates of
activities.
We all enjoy special luncheons. One unit holds a holiday brunch
at a country club with entertainment by a local high school
singing group. Another uses poinsettias for decorations at the
Christmas lunch and then delivers them to members who are
shut-ins. A third unit had an especially good program about
dogs for the deaf, with the speaker bringing a dog and showing
how it was trained.
Of course, supporting those less fortunate is a common goal.
Units throughout the state provide support including:
• Donating money for supplies for the homeless.
• Collecting clothes/coats for Haven of Hope.
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Filling boxes with needed school supplies, toys and
clothes.
Donating eyeglasses to the Lions’ Club.
Having a dinner for support of Solomon’s Porch.
Delivering needed articles to a woman’s shelter.
Providing help purchasing uniforms for a minority group
of high school girls.
Supporting Trail Seekers (boys from disadvantaged
homes).
• Book assembly for schools
and reading with students at an
underprivileged school.
Our organization needs to
become more “tech savvy”
to appeal to younger people.
Several units have websites
and Facebook pages. One unit
paid for training someone to set
up and manage a website that
shows what the unit is doing.
Publicity is always important.
To get our name recognized,
units can attend school board
meetings or have a social event
at a local coffee shop during
retired school employees
appreciation week. Some units
write letters to the editor about
the activities of the group, and
pictures of people volunteering
may appear in the paper.
If your unit has trouble getting anyone to run for president,
consider doing what Chelan/Douglas does. Hire someone to
do the paperwork – an activities director. Then break down
the job duties within the unit so each committee knows what
it is responsible for doing. Members volunteer to be in charge
of one meeting per year. An experienced member may recruit
another newer member to help plan that meeting for example.
We hope this gives unit members some guidance on ideas that
are successful. Although not all the ideas were included, this is
an overview. We hope that you can use some of them.
The Journal
Page 11
Taking Care Of Ourselves
Healthier Living: Who Gives Care to the Caregiver?
by Star Christman, Unit 2 Chelan/Douglas Co.
As baby boomers age, along with those of us coming before,
there is a health issue that is fairly well hidden from the general
public: that of the well-being of a caregiver. Even the roles of
family physicians and gerontologists are being overwhelmed
by the sheer numbers of elderly or infirm being cared for in
the home.
oneself about the illness the patient faces, and how it
might affect his/her pain level and behavior.
• Praying for strength, and reminding oneself that this is
to be expected from the aging process.
• Ask – and if necessary, insist, on help from family
members.
Caregivers, especially as length of time passes, often with
increasing isolation, are at high risk for depression and anxiety.
These become compounded when the patient has behavioral
problems. Where can the caregiver go to learn coping strategies?
What are the signs that an outside opinion can help? The
emotional, physical and financial stresses become a caregiver’s
burden, often shouldered alone more than we know. This person
becomes an ‘invisible patient.’
Caregivers who are firm and more directive are less likely
to have depression. Caregivers who confront issues and use
problem-based strategies (as opposed to emotional approaches)
are less likely to face burnout. In fact, the tendency to use
emotion-focused responses is one indicator of risk of burnout.
In addition, caregivers are more likely to face difficulties with
grief processes once the patient dies.
Among risk factors for caregiver burden are:
• Being a woman.
• The number of hours of care provided.
• The complexity of medical tasks or complex medical
routines. Transitions from one location to another, as
from home to hospital, to skilled nursing care, to rehab,
to respite care.
• Financial stress.
• Cognitive impairment of the patient.
• A less educated caregiver.
• A caregiver living with a patient.
• A lack of choice in assuming the caregiver role.
• The caregiver’s own vulnerability: age and health.
• The caregiver’s immune function is likely to decrease,
viral illnesses to last longer, and mortality risk to increase
(65% higher than in a control group).
Strategies for caregiver stress relief:
• Identify public agencies available for assistance, such
as a local office on aging.
• Develop and maintain a strong social network.
• Adult day services which relieve the caregiver and
provide activities for the patient.
• Getting outside help in order to get regular time outside
the home.
• Encourage the patient to assist with simple household
tasks.
• Develop a larger sense of the illness by making educating
The higher the degree of caregiver burden, the greater the
possibility of placing the patient into a long-term care facility
and/or increased use of formal in–home services. The societal
and economic benefits of maintaining care in the home should
encourage all of us to look out for our relatives and friends who
are placed into the role of being an ‘invisible patient’ and to
actively seek ways to assist our friends and family members,
even in small ways.
Resources for obtaining information
Alzheimer’s Association
800-272-3900 http:/www.alz.org
American Association of Retired Persons
800-424-3410
National Council on Aging
202-479-1200
Children of Aging Parents
800-227-7294
Resources for this article
“A Practical Guide for Caring for Caregivers” –
American Family Physicians http:/www.aafp.org/
afp/2000/1215/p2613.html
“Seeing the ‘Invisible patient’ “, by Jane Gross
Nov. 17, 2014, NYTimes http:/newoldage.blog.
nytimes.com/2014/11/17/seeing-the-invisiblepatient/?ref=topics
Page 12
The Journal
Histor y: Past WSSRA Presidents
Don Rifenbery, WSSRA President 2011-2012
by Lloyd Olson, historian
Don Rifenbery was born on
November 17, 1926 in Wenatchee,
Washington. He grew up in Crescent
Bar, Washington on the Columbia
River, about twenty-five miles south
of Wenatchee.
Don attended Trinidad Elementary
and is a proud graduate of Quincy
High School where he was a baseball player for the “Jackrabbits.”
His next challenge was serving our country in the United States
Navy for two and a half years. Don saw serious combat action
in the Pacific aboard a Destroyer Escort (DE 184) the U.S.S.
Wesson, during WWII.
Upon his return to civilian life, Don enrolled at Central
Washington College of Education (now, Central Washington
University) to become a teacher. He graduated in 1950 and
immediately signed a contract to teach 34 seventh graders in
Fruit Valley Elementary School where he stayed for six years.
He also taught upper grade P.E. and coached. He did his
postgraduate work at the University of Oregon.
Don accepted a job as an elementary school principal in
Vancouver, Washington in 1955 where he was to stay for 24
years. The district also asked him to supervise the district
language arts program in addition to his work as a principal.
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During that time he was also asked to serve as the “lead” on
the Architect Team in the design of three “Open Concept”
elementary schools. In addition, he led the development team
in creating the educational specifications for three elementary
schools.
Commitment to community led him to active roles in the Lion’s
Club, Friends of the Carpenter and the Columbia Presbyterian
Church where he served for 60 + years as a member and an
Elder.
After retiring in 1979, Don’s WSSRA activities at his local
unit include stints as Vice President, President, and Chair of
the Outreach Committee. He has been a Coordinating Council
Chair and capped his volunteer career as a WSSRA district board
member for four years and as Vice President and President of
WSSRA.
Don’s WSSRA presidency was highlighted by several events.
WSSRA lost two very important veteran workers, Barbara
Pugh and Leslie Main, during his tenure. He led the board in
selecting two excellent replacements that are still on the job. It
was also the year that Rita Requa became the WSSRA Historian.
He presided over a very productive year and a well-organized
convention.
Don and Rosalie, his wife of 66 years have one son, Jim, a
surgeon in the Tacoma area and spouse Jennifer, head of the
U.P.S. Health Clinic. Three grandchildren round out his closeknit family. Rosalie Rifenbery was a very accomplished person
and true partner to Don in all matters.
Golf was mentioned when discussing hobbies but the real
passion is evident when Don discusses woodworking. “If I
can sketch it, I can build it!” Attendees at the annual WSSRA
Convention have repeatedly requested that he make one of
his legendary jewelry boxes. For years he has donated the
jewelry boxes as prizes to raise money for scholarships and
other WSSRA activities.
When asked what he believed his legacy would be, he quickly
responded by saying, “I love people and the involvement to
enhance the relative comfort of others.”
The word “gentleman” and Don Rifenbery go well together!
The Journal
Page 13
Membership: Strength In Numbers
Without Members We Have No Association
by Barbara Landrock, State Membership Committee Chair
The Membership Committee has a new state chairman - Barbara
Landrock from Burlington, Washington. A little background on
Barbara, she has held the state membership chair position twice
before. The second time with Kathy Fletcher as co-chair. Barb is
also a past state president and a past NW1 district representative.
thoughts and information
about membership to their
coordinating councils and
local units throughout the
year.
The Membership Committee met in Lacey on September 16,
2015 to discuss the plans and responsibilities of the committee for
the coming year. We discussed membership and how important
the committee is to the WSSRA. We also talked about how to
help local membership chairs in their responsibilities. Local
units can earn a membership incentive of $10 for every new
member a local unit enrolls, this money goes to the local unit.
In addition, any unit enrolling 25 new members or more receives
a bonus of $100. The committee members will bring their ideas,
REMEMBER! WITHOUT MEMBERS WE HAVE NO
ASSOCIATION. Every member of WSSRA is a member of
the unit membership committee. It is up to each one of us to
enroll a new member.
All WSSRA members should have handy two ADD forms - white
for a school retiree and green for an active school employee in
our state. (ADD stands for Automatic Dues Deduction.)
WSSRA Membership Enrollment Form
Do you know a school retiree who should be a member? Clip this form and ask them to complete and return the form today!
DUES DEDUCTION AUTHORIZATION FORM
WASHINGTON STATE RETIREES’ ASSOCIATION
4726 PACIFIC AVE SE, LACEY, WA 98503-1216
Please Print
Name _________________________________________________________
Phone ____________________________
Mailing Address______________________________________________ City ____________________ St_____ Zip _____
SS Number ________-______-________ Home/Personal Email Address ________________________________________
Retirement Plan (CIRCLE) TRS1 TRS2 TRS3 PERS1 PERS2 SERS2 SERS3
Name of WSSRA Unit _________________________________________________________________________________
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 $5 + Local $2 = Total of $7 per month
Date ________________________
01–Asotin-Pomeroy
02–Chelan/Douglas
03–Clallam County
04–Columbia Basin
05–Grays Harbor/
Pacific
06–Southwest King
07–Jefferson County
08–Kitsap County
09–Kittitas County
11–Lewis County
12–Lower Columbia
Signature ___________________________________________________________
14–Mason County
15–Okanogan County
16–East King
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 WallaColumbia
32–Whatcom County
33–Whitman County
34–Yakima County
Contact WSSRA for membership information: Michele Hunter, mhunter@wssra.org or 1-800-544-5219
Page 14
The Journal
WSSRA Connections
Medicare: Keeping Us Healthy for 50 Years
By AARP State Director Doug Shadel and CMS Regional Administrator John Hammarlund
Fifty years ago, on July 30, 1965, the landscape of health care
in America changed forever when President Lyndon B. Johnson
signed landmark legislation giving life to the Medicare and
Medicaid programs. As we commemorate Medicare’s 50th
Anniversary, we celebrate the legacy of the program and commit
ourselves to keep it strong for current and future generations.
What is Medicare’s legacy? Before 1965, roughly half of all
seniors were uninsured. That meant if a person became ill they
risked not only the loss of their health, but what little savings
they may have had, not to mention their dignity. Although Social
Security had been in effect for almost 30 years, nearly one of
every three older Americans was still living in poverty.
Today, fifty years on, Medicare provides guaranteed, affordable
coverage for roughly 46 million Americans 65 and older and
about 11 million people with disabilities. The program has
transformed the lives of millions by helping them pay for vital
health care services including hospitalizations, physician visits,
prescription drugs, and preventive services.
Along with Medicaid, Medicare provides Americans with access
to the quality and affordable health care they need to live happy,
healthy and productive lives. Over the course of five decades,
Medicare and Medicaid have become the standard bearers for
coverage, quality and innovation in American health care.
Medicare remains a vital pillar of support for older Americans
and those with disabilities -- and will likely remain so for as long
as illness and injury overtake human beings. Yes, Medicare’s
Journal
Available
via E-Mail
golden anniversary is a cause for celebration and reflection. Yet
it is also a time to think ahead about how we can ensure that the
program continues to fulfill its essential role.
Medicare today faces a number of challenges, including the
rising cost of health care and a growing aging population. There
are more than 1 million Medicare beneficiaries in Washington
State, and every day, 10,000 Boomers nationally are turning
65. By 2030, Medicare will be serving twice as many people
as it did in 2000.
Fortunately, there are responsible solutions that can stabilize
Medicare for future generations and keep its promise for many
years to come. Medicare is constantly transforming to create
a health care system that delivers better care, spends health
care dollars more wisely, and results in healthier people. We
are committed to fostering efforts to keep Medicare strong
– not only for today’s retirees but also for our children and
grandchildren.
How has Medicare helped your life or the life of someone you
care about? You can share your Medicare story at Medicare.gov.
Doug Shadel (left) is State Director of AARP Washington and
John Hammarlund (right) is Regional Administrator of the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Are you interested in receiving The Journal via email?
If so, please contact the WSSRA office at
360-413-5496 or 1-800-544-5219.
You can also find The Journal by visiting www.wssra.org
The Journal
Page 15
HELP PROTECT YOURSELF
HELP PROTECT YOUR FAMILY
Flexible Choice Cancer, Heart Attack & Stroke Insurance
Member Benefits
Insurance BenefIts
Contact Association Member Benefits Advisors
to get a quote for you and your entire family!
1-800-258-7041
Cigna Supplemental Solutions®, through Loyal
American Life Insurance Company, offers Flexible
Choice Cancer, Heart Attack & Stroke insurance
which can help ease the financial challenges that
arise when a critical health event occurs.
› Issue ages 18 – 99 and your dependents
› Lump sum benefits from $5,000 to $100,0001 in benefits.
› Customize your policy to suit your budget and lifestyle
by adding optional riders2 to increase benefits
› Guaranteed renewable for life3
› Pays your selected benefit regardless of any other
insurance you may have
› No tobacco questions on the application
This is a solicitation for insurance. A licensed agent will contact
you. Policies have exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits
and terms under which the policies may be continued in force or
discontinued. For cost and complete details of coverage call your
insurance agent. THE LUMP SUM CANCER, HEART ATTACK AND
STROKE POLICY provides limited benefits and should be used to
supplement existing medical coverage. THE LUMP SUM CANCER
POLICY IS A CANCER ONLY POLICY, which should be used to
supplement existing medical coverage. Availability may vary by
state. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by
or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including
Loyal American Life Insurance Company. The Cigna name, logo,
and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property,
Inc © 2015 Cigna.
1. A maximum total of $100,000 of coverage is available for
similar policies from our combined family of companies.
2. Optional riders available for an additional premium.
3. Subject to the company’s right to increase premiums on a
class basis.
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
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 16
The Journal
WSSRA Around The State
What’s happening in...
From the districts
Our next board meeting will
be on November 2, the place
to be determined. Our plans to
meet in different locations are
bringing in some new people,
always a goal for our group.
Nominating Regions, Districts and Local Units
32
21
NW-1
3
22
SW-3
E-7
2
25
NW-2
14
5
18
23
6 16 19 20
8
7
15
E-6
25
27
28
9
SW-3
SW-4
4
E-8
33
E-5
11
34
29
31
1
12
30
1 Asotin County-Pomeroy (E-8)
SW-4
2 Chelan-Douglas
(E-6)
3 Clallam (SW-3)
4 Columbia Basin (E-6)
5 Grays Harbor-Pacific (SW-4)
6 SW King (NW-2)
7 Jefferson (SW-3)
8 Kitsap (SW-3)
9 Kittitas (E-5)
11 Lewis (SW-4)
NORTHWEST-1
Unit 21 Skagit/Island/San
Juan: Fall is here after the
long, hot summer, and Unit
21 is ready to move into the
new year.
On July 22, the board and
interested members met at Padilla Bay for our annual planning retreat. We established
our calendar for the upcoming
year, and planned events for
the group. Members turned
in scrapbooks from previous
years, which they had completed; we found them to be
very interesting and full of
memories. We hope to store
them at the Sedro Woolley
Museum in the future.
Our co-presidents have been
worked with the League of
Women Voters in the planning
and hosting of a candidate
12
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
22
23
Lower Columbia (SW-4)
Mason (SW-3)
Okanogan (E-6)
East King (NW-2)
Pend Oreille (E-7)
Renton-South King (NW-2)
Seattle (NW-2)
Skagit/Island/San Juan (NW-1)
Sno-Isle (NW-1)
Sno-King (NW-1)
forum held on September 21.
Local mayoral candidates
and those for ports of Anacortes and Skagit spoke and
answered questions about
their positions. All ten candidates planned to participate.
Other members of our board
provided cookies and refreshments for the good turnout
from voters.
Barbara Landrock will be
chairing the mini-grant committee this year. These are
offered in September to all of
the local school district employees. We are also happy to
report that Barbara has been
asked to assume the chairmanship for the state membership
committee.
We are all missing Joyce
Scoll, a member of our board,
who recently moved to Spokane. Hopefully the group
25
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Spokane Area (E-7)
Pierce (SW-3)
Thurston (SW-4)
Benton-Franklin (E-8)
Southwest Washington (SW-4)
Walla Walla-Columbia (E-8)
Whatcom (NW-1)
Whitman (E-7)
Yakima (E-5)
there will benefit from her
wisdom and kindness, and
we wish her the best in her
new home.
After our busy summer, we
thought a good finale would
be for the board to meet in
Anacortes, and invite local
WSSRA members to join us
for a walk on the beach, followed by a delicious lunch
at Gere A Deli. Each board
member called 7-8 local members personally and brought
them up to date on some of
our activities. Sadly, it was
a very rainy and windy day,
even though we badly need
the moisture, unfortunately,
our walk was cancelled. We
did enjoy a wonderful lunch
and several new faces were
present. We welcomed Mary
Henderson Jones to our
board, she will be our new
Health Committee chair.
Our annual Holiday Brunch,
which will take place on
December 9, this year. We
are planning a slightly different event, with some nice
surprises for guests.
As always, we have high
hopes for our new year, and
look forward to each event.
Unit 22 Sno-Isle:
Our September meeting was
held at Bob’s Burgers and
Brew in Everett. We started
off the year with a BANG!
The purpose of the meeting was to become better
acquainted with all of our
members. First, we played
a game called “three things
people don’t know about me.”
Then each person donated to a
fund for PAC and received a
balloon. When the members
popped the balloons, everyone found a number inside.
The person with the lowest
number got to choose a prize
donated by a board member.
The highest number chose last
and had the chance to change
his/her gift for any other. It
was really fun to see which
gifts were the most popular.
This year we have decided to
change the label on grants to
teachers. They will no longer
be grants but rather learning
support funds. We are hop-
The Journal
Page 17
ing the change in name will
help us gain access to several districts which now have
complicated grant processes.
We are planning to give out
25 checks in the amount of $
200 each. The funds will be
chosen at random and given
out in December.
Our October meeting will
continue the theme of getting
to know you. Bill Bergsma,
our new WSSRA State President and Mike Boring our
new Executive Director will
be our special guests. This
meeting will once again be
held at Bob’s Burgers and
Brew. We look forward to
getting to know our new leaders better.
Unit 23 Sno-King:
The summer hiatus is over
and Sno-King School Retirees
are back to work. We had
a very successful picnic in
mid-July at the City Park in
Edmonds. We were pleased
to welcome new members,
grant recipients, Marianne
Harvey - NW-1 Representative, and President Bill
Bergsma. August 20 found
us meeting at the Foundation
House in Bothell to do our
annual planning. Committee
reports, suggestions for the
year, and a sharing of what
we’d like to see happen with
our group were the main items
of discussion. We welcomed
our new newsletter editors,
Bruce and Jo Caldwell. This
was followed by a wonderful
lunch provided by the Foundation House.
Benefits fairs were held September 13 in both Edmonds
and Shoreline School Districts. Our unit sponsored a
table, promoted membership,
and shared what we do. Our
table sported our new banners
and looked so professional.
Unit 32 Whatcom Co:
Jerry Finkbonner has been
an organized, energetic new
leader as co-president. Jerry
served as vice-president during 2014/15. We appreciate
his willingness to serve in the
lead position this year.
Whatcom members were busy
the last weeks of August and
the first weeks in September
visiting the seven local school
district’s benefit fairs. Bev
Smith continues as our benefit
fair contact. We also gave
some of our active members
in every district membership
forms to pass out. This will be
a work in progress throughout
the year as we try to reach
new active member prospects.
Each form will be accompanied by a letter explaining
the benefits of membership in
WSSRA/WCSRA. Thanks to
Linda Pettett for providing
the letters.
Our September 17 event was
held at Jalepenos Restaurant
in Bellingham. A representative from Bellingham Parks
and Recreation shared new
facilities and activities in
Bellingham.
The October event will feature the Nooksack Salmon
Enhancement Project.
In November we will honor
our Veterans. We hope to
have representatives of Growing Veterans tell about their
garden project growing vegetables to help veterans feel
more connected to their community. The large produce
garden is located between
Bellingham and Lynden on
the Guide Meridian.
Unit 32 will not have an event
in December.
NORTHWEST-2
Unit 6 Southwest King:
Unit 6 is looking forward to an
invigorating new year. After
enduring the heat of summer,
we gathered for a retreat at
Wesley Terrace to plan out
our new year and adopt a
budget that reflects the dues
increases approved at convention. These funds will allow
us to expand our assistance
grants for active staff. The
meeting included a BBQ with
residents from Wesley Homes.
Our schedule will remain
as in the past with monthly
meetings generally on the
fourth Monday and board
meetings on the first Tuesday.
Contact President Bill Tracy
at billnancytracy@aol.com
for details.
On October 26 we will meet
our new executive direc-
tor, Mike Boring, as well
as honor the state association’s Legislator of the Year,
State Senator Karen Keiser.
November 23 will feature
comedy and Toys for Tots,
while January 25 meeting we
will focus on the homeless in
southwest King County.
Please join us at Prince of
Peace Lutheran Church in
SeaTac.
Unit 16 East King:
East-King Unit 16’s September luncheon featured
author Harriet Arkley. As a
retired early childhood and
elementary school principal
and teacher, Harriet spent a
lifetime working with and
caring for children. In her
book, The Good News Chair,
she shares how a very special
chair changed the culture
of an elementary school by
highlighting and encouraging
positive behavior.
East-King members are very
much looking forward to October’s luncheon at Hector’s,
too, when they’ll have the
opportunity to meet our new
WSSRA Executive Director,
Dr. Michael Boring. After
hearing from him and having
the chance to get questions
answered, attendees will also
hear from Jake Henderson
from AMBA.
Unit 19 Renton-South
King: Renton-South King,
Unit 19 had their September
meeting at the Lakeshore Re-
Page 18
The Journal
tirement Community on September 1. Our guest speaker
was Marcie Maxwell, Senior
Policy Advisor for Education with the office of Governor Jay Inslee. She gave
the members a power-point
presentation and discussed the
educational outcomes from
the last legislative session.
At the October meeting, Unit
19 will have a Humanities
Washington speaker, Teresa
Ciabattari a Sociologist professor at Pacific Lutheran
University. Her topic will be
“Family Diversity: Past, Present, and Future.”
The guest speaker at the November 3rd meeting will be
Rohn Rutledge, AMBA Ben-
efit Representative. He will
inform our members about the
many benefits that AMBA has
for them.
On December 1st, the luncheon meeting will be at
Lakeshore Retirement Community. Dr. Mike Boring the
new Executive Director of
WSSRA and his wife Sharon
will be our guests.
Robin Stroben from our Unit
19 was elected NW2 Representative.
Renton-South King has a new
website on Facebook.
Unit 20 Seattle:
Unit 20 has been working
hard to obtain a new office
space since losing its office at
the PEMCO building. Under
the leadership of Jim DeJarnatt, we have found a new
office and are in the process
of moving.
year for the award to a local
college student who is about
to do student teaching. The
program is headed by Patricia
MacGowan, Unit 20’s Scholarship Committee Chair.
Our first luncheon featured
the Washington State Teacher
of the Year, Lyon Terry, who
teaches at Lawton Elementary in Seattle. He explained
the joys and complexities of
teaching fourth graders today.
He ended his presentation
with a sing-along while he
played his guitar.
SOUTHWEST-3
Unit 20 is also in the process
of selecting the recipient of a
$5,000 Teaching Intern Scholarship. This is the second
Unit 8 Kitsap Co.:
We had a busy summer with
the WSSRA Convention in
Wenatchee. We had seven
members go and all learned
many new ideas to bring back
to the group. The weather
was warm but we all enjoyed
ourselves and are looking forward to another convention.
At the end of June we had
our Summer Luncheon at McCormick Woods Clubhouse
Restaurant. Our new officers
were introduced for the 20152016 year. We are all looking
forward to working with our
membership and making this
an inspiring, fun and eventful
year for all of us.
Unit 27 Pierce County: Our
Unit 8: (left) Unit 8 delegates attend the WSSRA Convention in June - Jim
Hunt, Allison Morris, Doris Bucher, Thelma Gurske-Taylor, Patty Marz, Joanne
Hergert and Joan Lingenfelter.
(right) Unit 8 Vice President Joanne Hergert, Secretary Patty Marz, President
Doris Bucher, Treasurer Allison Morris and Social Chairman Julie Geyer.
current year got off to a fast
start with our annual potluck
picnic at the Clark’s Creek
South Park in Puyallup on
August 6. Our honored guest
was our own WSSRA Past
President, Edie Moersch,
who was presented with a
gift certificate to Watson’s
Greenhouse and Nursery. The
first board meeting was held at
the LaQuinta Inn on August
13. Our goals this year are to
encourage more members to
become active by volunteering for a committee and to
The Journal
Page 19
promote more participation in
our luncheons, breakfasts, and
fund raising activities.
The first general membership meeting of the year was
September 17 at our usual
meeting place, the LaQuinta
Inn which is near the Tacoma
Dome in Tacoma. Dr. Michael Boring, the WSSRA
Executive Director was our
speaker.
Our second general membership meeting is on November
19. As with all luncheons
they start at 12:00 p.m. with
a buffet luncheon.
We are continuing our unit’s
breakfasts which are also held
at the LaQuinta Inn on the
first Thursday of the month
at 9:00 a.m.
To encourage more participation we have decided to invite
all new members to our luncheons and will pay for their
luncheon at the first general
membership meeting they attend. The unit will be offering
two $1,000 scholarships again
this year to college students
from Pierce County who have
completed two years of college and are continuing in the
field of education.
As we have done in past years,
we will be inviting all Pierce
County state legislators to a
legislative breakfast which
will be held on October 15 at
the LaQuinta Inn starting at
8:30 a.m. Jean Hayes is our
primary contact for the annual
legislative breakfast.
SOUTHWEST-4
Unit 5 Grays Harbor/
Pacific:
Unit 5 is up and ready for
another year of meeting and
greeting over our spread out
service area. We have officers
in place. We have members
who have committed to responsibility for each meeting
of the year to find a location,
obtain the program and arrange for the luncheon. This
has worked very well for us.
We are putting a lot of effort
into increasing our membership and we think this year
is going to be the year we
DO IT!
Unit 11 Lewis County:
The yearly planning meeting
of Unit 11, LCSRA was held
at past president Carolyn
Stella’s home on August 10.
There were nine committee
members and officers present. President Philip Meany
presided.
An open house was held the
afternoon of September 12
at the Borst Home and One
Room Schoolhouse. Familyfriendly events included a
baked goods auction, quilting demonstrations and live
music. Admission was by
donation and proceeds will be
used to upgrade the carpet in
the Borst Home.
Benefit fairs were held in
early September in the Centralia and Chehalis School
Districts. President Philip
Meany asked volunteers to
help present information at
the fairs.
Centralia College’s Scholarship Awards Night was
held on September 17. Martha Glanz and Nancy Ely
presented the LCSRA Endowed Scholarship to Lleoniza Vasquez, Centralia High
School graduate, who will
be majoring in education at
Centralia College.
Carolyn Stella and Philip
Meany are co-chairs for the
Membership Committee of
LCSRA. In addition, Carolyn
is a member of the WSSRA
Membership Committee,
which meets twice a year.
Unit 12 Lower Columbia:
In August we did a brainstorming session as a board
and already have most of the
year’s programs scheduled. It
is looking good for programs.
As for officers we are struggling to find new blood and
volunteers. Noel McRae
has volunteered to serve as
president. We had no nominees for any position. Fortunately, Mary Lou Salberg
is continuing as treasurer and
Mary Ann Gennette is staying on as secretary (praying
for a replacement as soon as
we can find one). We have
no confirmed vice-president
and no legislative committee
representative.
Jennifer Ideker volunteered
to be vice president and help
organize the programs for the
year. The program for September featured Jason Biggs,
from the Washington State
Department of Transportation,
Rail Division. He spoke about
plans to upgrade train travel
between Seattle and Portland
in the next 10-15 years, using
rapid transit.
In September, AMBA provided information. In October, Noel McRae will share
pictures and stories from his
recent exploration of remote
areas in Utah with his wife
Georgia. Our November
meeting will feature WSSRA
Executive Director Dr. Michael Boring.
SW-4 Coordinating Council
will be moving their meeting place to the Centralia/
Chehalis Elks Club facility
because the Eagles building,
where we’ve been meeting,
is closing.
TCSRA Unit 28 opened the
year in August. With the cooperation of the Olympia School
District, Ron Crawford coordinated a “new teacher materials exchange.” Donated or
purchased items such as bulletin board borders, children’s
books, markers and such were
distributed to 27 first-year
teachers. All left with a full
box of goodies and smiles on
their faces.
While enjoying a delicious
potluck lunch, the LCSRA
Executive Board agreed our
planning meeting was a success. Let the new year begin!!
Unit 28 Thurston County:
Page 20
The Journal
Members got a chance to meet
Dr. Mike Boring at our September luncheon. Mike has
been a unit member for many
years. We are glad to have him
at the helm of WSSRA.
Mini-grant applications have
been read by our Endowment
Team of Jo Edwards, Liz
Eaton, Karen Coulson and
Janet Brown. Twenty grants
of $150 each were awarded
to elementary teachers in
Thurston County. Thanks to
generous donations over the
years, our Endowment Fund
(which is invested with the
Community Foundation) is
able to support our grants primarily from interest without
touching principle.
In October, State Representative Chris Reykdal (Legislative District 22) will give an
update on current education
issues.
Gary Gerst will give one of
his wonderful history’s mysteries talks at our November
luncheon. Gary titled his talk
“What do Sarah Hale, FDR,
Venison, and Cod Have in
Common?”
Find us on Facebook – yes,
just type in Thurston County
School Retirees in the Facebook search bar and our page
will pop up. Ask to join.
Unit 30 Southwest Washington:
Unit 30 had a good turnout,
about 25 members, for its
July picnic. State Representative Paul Harris (District 17)
dropped by to visit with us.
We learned later that State
Senator Annette Cleveland
(District 49) was on her way,
but got caught in bridge traffic. She will join us at our
October meeting.
We lost two Bettys this year,
Betty Vaughn who left us in
the spring and Betty Robinson who passed away in July.
Both women were integral
members of SWWSRA and
WSSRA. Betty Vaughn attended all meetings until she
Sponsored Health Insurance
Plans after Retirement
PEBB and Health Care Authority
800-200-1004
www.pebb.hca.wa.gov
was admitted to a nursing facility, and then she came when
she was able. Betty Robinson is a former recipient of the
Patrick J. Hoban Meritorious
Award. She was twice a
president of Unit 30, worked
on the state health committee,
was on our local mini grants
committee, and gathered up
school supplies for needy
children and took new school
bags filled with those supplies
to various schools over the
years. She faithfully attended
our monthly board meetings
and our general meetings and
luncheons held most months
until her health really began
to fail. We will miss our two
Bettys.
In mid-August the Executive
Board had a potluck gathering
at Jody Bugg’s home to plan
for the upcoming year. Those
in attendance were Jeanie
Anderson, Marty Erickson,
Mina Milligan, Gerry Jarvis, Margaret Snitzler, Fran
Person, Despo Varkados,
Sherry Boose, Linda Bannon, Kathy Lisignoli, Wa-
Options, Take Home Pay, Etc.
Department of Retirement Systems
800-547-6657
www.drs.wa.gov
Social Security Benefits
State Insurance Commissioner/
Statewide Health Insurance
800-325-0778
www.ssa.gov
BenefitAdvisors (SHIBA)
800-562-6900
neta Filbin, Pam Nelsen, and
Donell Morley. We discussed
money we inherited from Doris Troxel, another member to
leave us this year. It will go
into the scholarship fund.
EAST-5
Unit 34 Yakima Co.:
“Shake it up! Try something
different! Don’t just sit at
your spot, get up and mingle
with the attendees.” Those
were the words new president Kathy Fletcher spoke
to the Yakima County School
Employees’ Board at the first
meeting of the school year.
Each board member has been
asked for ideas about what
we can do to get better acquainted. We must also think
about how to hold member’s
attention and keep them returning to meetings. Kathy is
tenacious in attaining a goal....
so we have “thinking” to do
with action to follow. Unit 34
will keep you informed.
EAST-6
Unit 2 Chelan Douglas:
Our members enjoyed the
state convention and welcoming our many friends to
Wenatchee. We appreciated
all the help from Columbia
Basin and Okanogan. The
recent fire in Wenatchee took
many homes, including two
of our own member’s homes.
We participated in a 4th of
July lunch for all the families
affected by the fire and are
The Journal
Page 21
Membership Dues Increase
planning more help as needed.
A bookmaking session was
held in July to make books
for Rock Island and Cascade
elementary schools. These
books are for students to keep
at home and follow the reading program in their classes.
This is a great program for
children who have no books
at home. Many ESL students
help to teach their parents
English using these books.
On August 17th we had our
summer planning board meeting. Pat Strand, our new unit
president, discussed possible
programs and projects for
the coming year. We want
programs that are educational
and entertaining so as to draw
members to the unit meetings.
Plans for getting new members
included attending Wenatchee
and East Wenatchee School
Districts’ benefits fairs before
school starts. A drawing for
a gift certificate from Educational Tool Box will be presented to a lucky new member. Marie Buckner and Lisa
Chaney, a brand new member
who just moved here from
Atlanta, Georgia, attended
the state Outreach Committee
meeting on August 25th and
26th at the Lacey office.
We are looking forward to an
exciting year!
Unit 4 Columbia Basin:
In August we started our new
year by participating in three
school district benefit fairs.
We are happy to report that
we gained two new members
from Moses Lake, six from
Othello and four from Royal
for a total of twelve new active
members.
On Wednesday, September
2nd twenty of us celebrated
the start of school with our
Hallelujah Luncheon at the
Pillar Rock Grill in Moses
Lake. We had music provided
by Nordic Breeze, lots of
visiting, welcomed our new
retirees, had a brief association update and good food.
We are currently selecting our
student teacher scholarship
winners. Over the next two
months we are looking forward to receiving classroom
grant applications.
We have luncheons on the
last Tuesday of the month
at the Pillar Rock Grill in
Moses Lake. We don’t meet
in December. We have board
meetings the Thursday before
the lunch. We are anticipating
an enjoyable and productive
year.
Unit 15 Okanogan:
Vice presidents Jennie Hedington, Jayne Haun, and
Marj Thompson will fill the
void left by newly-elected
president Jacquie Clark’s
move to the Walla Walla area.
Our unit hosted Dr. Mike
Boring, Executive Director, and Bill Bergsma, State
President, at its September
meeting. The October 30
business meeting will find
You may have noticed that your monthly dues to WSSRA
have increased to $7 per month ($5 to association + $2 to
local units = $7 monthly dues). Over the past year, both the
state and local dues increase proposals were discussed at
local units, coordinating councils and covered in the Journal
several times. Here is a brief overview of the recent dues
increase.
The last state dues increase was twelve years ago in 2003
and the last increase for local units was in 1996 (nineteen
years ago). Five dollars per month was no longer adequate to
maintain operations and support local units. The Association
has historically needed a dues increase every eight to nine
years since it was founded in 1947.
For the past two years, a transfer of funds from the WSSRA
reserves to the operating budget was needed in order to
achieve a balanced budget. We contained costs and stretched
our resources for the past twelve years. Meanwhile, the cost
of everything continues to increase: utilities, maintenance,
real estate taxes (building), insurance, building repairs,
equipment, computer services, office supplies, printing,
postage, web services, marketing, hotels, meeting rooms.
After considerable study, discussion, and feedback from units
and coordinating councils, the Executive Board proposed that
state association dues be increased by $1.00 per month. Many
local units requested that dues also be increased as they have
not had a unit dues increase in nineteen years. The Executive
Board proposed a $1.00 per month increase in local unit dues.
In June, at the WSSRA Convention, the Delegate Assembly
voted to approve the both proposed dues increases (state and
local). These changes have been implemented at the school
district level and with the Department of Retirement Systems.
The work of the Washington State School Retirees
Association has expanded significantly over the past 12
years. The active work with the Legislature, the quality of
The Journal, the support for Units and their impressive work
at the local and regional level, scholarship activity, the well
planned conventions, grant activity, retirement information
and more have all extended the work of WSSRA. The
steady increase of costs in the past decade, however, had
strained the budget to the point that either revenue would
need to increase or the Association’s work would have to be
reduced. WSSRA needed a dues increase to remain a wellrespected professional organization in this state and continue
to represent and support current and future Washington State
school retirees.
Page 22
The Journal
Okanogan High School music
instructor, Kathy Bryson,
and her students entertaining
the unit. November 13 is set
as a non-meeting social and a
time to sharpen greeting card
making skills with Connie
Palmer and Carol Payne.
State wise, Marcelle LaGrou will chair the WSSR
State Nominating and Review
Committee and Penny Garrison will represent E6 on the
State’s Retirement Committee. Rita Figlenski continues
to work as the Eastern WA
representative to the WSSR
Foundation.
2014 – 2015 Treasurer ’s
books have been reviewed
by Bill Laws and Ida Laurie
who found things to be in
order.
The first E5/E6 Coordinating
Council meeting is slated
for the Wenatchee Red Lion
October 14.
Finally but important to our
actively teaching members,
Okanogan High School’s
library is the site of the fall
Retirement Seminar to be
held October 20. Active
members are encouraged to
attend more than one seminar
prior to retirement. Retirement planning cannot begin
too early according to experts
in the field.
EAST-7
As schools begin the 20152016 year so do the E7 units.
They’re getting ready for their
unit meetings and activities.
Unit 18 Pend Orielle
County:
Unit 18 Pend Oreille County’s
Secretary Sandy Ellersick
shared that the first meeting
was on Monday, September
21st at 11:00am for a lunch
meeting at the Chinese restau-
rant in Newport. Dave Myers
explained that Unit 18 meets
four times a year and enjoy
getting together to discuss
retirement, listen to a speaker
and unit issues.
Unit 25 Spokane Area:
SAREA Unit #25 is busy planning their events, which began
with a potluck at President’s
Karen Mahan’s home in
August. It was fun getting
back together after attending
the WSSRA convention in
Wenatchee. We had lots to
catch up on as friends and
fellow board members.
Dixie Eggleston, Courtesy
Committee and Betty Bowers, Necrology sent out 47
cards of either “Congratulations”, “Get Well” or “Sympathy” over the last 12 months.
It’s important to recognize our
members and their families.
Unit 25: Potluck at Unit President Karen Mahan’s home in August.
Les Francis has 2 committees
that were busy this summer:
First, SAREA website committee has met and designed
a “Logo” for both our Unit
to use on the site and our letterhead, they’ve decided on
site content, drop-down headings, etc. Thanks to Marilyn
Richards for some wonderful
pictures which will enhance
the written content. Second, a retirement conference
committee which will cover
sessions for a) current school
employees; b) new retirees;
and c) already retired. There
will be a range of topics covering survival, health, legal, and
insurance needs. The conference, “Help With Maximizing
Your Retirement” will be held
in April 2016.
On September 23rd we held
our first general membership meeting and luncheon
at Mukogawa at Fort Wright
Commons at 11:30am.
We were so fortunate to have
the Association of Washington School Principals name
Rogers High School’s Lori
Wyborney as “Washington
State 2015 High School Principal of the Year.” Since Lori
came to Rogers High School,
the school has improved in
virtually every way: improving graduation rates, test
scores, special education,
and the number of students
going to college. Lori remarked, “Our kids have never
backed at what we’ve asked
them to do and our staff has
just worked their tails off to
get to this point, so the atten-
The Journal
Page 23
tion the school has been getting because of that certainly
is deserved.” Rogers High
School was recently removed
from the “schools that need
improvement “ list. Lori was
quick to add Rogers’ success
isn’t about her.
Community Service cochairs, Rodger Lake and
Jan McFarland reported
that mini-grant applications
will be mailed at an earlier
date, on October 10, 2015,
with return by November 11,
2015. A request was made
to the Board to increase their
budget allowance by $1,000.
The motion passed for a total
of $3,200 for teacher projects
which means more students
will have additional learning
support.
Also, Jeff Hunter, Outreach
Chairman reminded everyone
that we are again collecting
books for the Spokane project
“Success By Six.” Please remember that we are collecting
students’ hats and mittens for
the Salvation Army. So bring
books, hats and gloves to your
next SAREA meeting.
Unit 33 Whitman Co.:
Unit 33 Whitman County’s
Fall gatherings were held
September 15th in Colfax at
the Colfax Library and September 16th in Pullman at
the Columbia Bank. At both
events, active teachers were
“welcomed” and a reception
was held in their honor. The
events were spearheaded by
Alice Davis, Kathy Storment
and Linda Marler.
EAST-8
Unit 29 Benton/Franklin:
The 2015-16 year started
with an “indoor” picnic at the
Country Gentleman restaurant
in Kennewick. It’s become a
tradition to have an “indoor”
picnic. In the past we’ve had
rain, wind and even an invasion of yellow jackets.
President Dottie Stevens
welcomed members, visitors
and guests. Officers and the
executive board were introduced and announcements
were made. Entertainment
was provided by Kelly Noel
Parks, singer, and guitarist,
Dan Cass. Both are graduates
of the Tri-City schools.
A new project this year is
SHAKE (Seniors Helping All
Kids’ Education). School supplies and backpacks were collected. Our donations helped
area youth get off to a good
school start.
Membership recruitment is
a top priority. Membership
Chair, Don Parks arranged
for BFSRA members to attend benefit’s fairs at school
districts in Kennewick, Pasco,
Benton City, and Richland.
However, Pasco’s fair was
cancelled due to the PAE/
Pasco School District strike.
The September meeting
brought Rohn Rutledge,
AMBA, (Association Member Benefits Advisor) as a
speaker. Rohn shared and
explained the many benefits
available to our members.
Most popular are the long
term care program, cancer
treatment program and MASA
(Medical Air Transport Services).
Other services
include travel perks, hotel
discounts, identity theft prevention and more. Members
were impressed by the variety
of benefits that are provided
to us.
The October program will be
a tribute to our Armed Forces,
organized by Helen Bakshas,
vice president/program chair.
This wonderful program is a
sincere heartfelt recognition
for what the members of the
Armed Forces do for us and
for our country. From Taps to
Flags, it will be a memorable
event.
Current/future program information and news can be
found on the webpage http://
bfsraunit29.blogspot.com/
and in the monthly newsletter.
All luncheons will be held at
the Country Gentleman Restaurant, 9211W. Clearwater
Ave, Kennewick.
Unit 31 Walla Walla/Columbia:
Unit 31 began the school
year by helping supervise
the education building at the
fairground during Walla Walla
Fair and Frontier Days. It
gave our group a chance to
visit with school supporters
and to answer questions when
possible. The group also provides goodie bags for all of
our active members to offer a
pick me up and thank you for
all they do. We know members statewide were seriously
impacted by the wildfires
this summer. We send our
thoughts and prayers for the
rebuilding of their communities and lives.
Please Submit
ADDRESS CHANGES
to:
WSSRA
4726 Pacific Ave SE,
Lacey WA 98503
Phone: 360-413-5496
Toll Free: 1-800-544-5219
The
PRSRT STD
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
SEATTLE WA
PERMIT # 2389
Journal
4726 Pacific Avenue SE • Lacey WA 98503
Change Service Requested
Ask a friend to join us
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........................................14
AMBA.......................................15
Executive Director’s message.....3
Foundation..................................6
Health........................................11
History......................................12
Legislative News.........................4
Membership..............................13
Outreach....................................10
President’s message....................2
Remembering..............................7
Retiree contact information.......20
Travel..........................................8
WSSR-PAC.................................5
WSSRA Around The State........16

New Dungeness Lighthouse near Sequim, Washington

Transcription

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