October and November Events

 While there will be no general meeting/luncheon in October, there are still events coming up in the next few weeks that will provide opportunities to stay updated on retirement programs and plans. Check your October newsletter for exciting news about our November 21, 2021 Luncheon and Meeting, and the plans for the January 2022 Luncheon and Meeting

First, WSSRA is sponsoring (and will be recording) a Zoom webinar for WSSRA retirees who use PEBB for Medicare Supplemental Insurance on Tuesday, October 26th at 9:00 a.m.  The Webinar is free and does not require pre-registration.  Ellen Wolfhagen of the Health Care Authority (HCA) will present the latest information on the impending fee changes for the UMP (Uniform Medical Plan) and the PEBB UHC (United HealthCare).  "Switching plans must take place by November 30. With cost differences now significant, those contemplating making a Medicare supplement change for 2022 will be interested in the information provided."  A flyer describing the seminar and access procedures is available HERE.

Next up, WSSRA is sponsoring two Zoom-based pre-retirement seminars in October and November 2021 (Thursday, October 28th and Thursday, November 4 at 4:30 p.m).  A flyer describing the seminars and registration procedures is available HERE.  

Dates and Topics:

Thursday, October 28th, 2021 @ 4:30PM: Department of Retirement Systems and Health Care Authority/PEBB

Thursday, November 4th, 2021 @ 4:30 PM: Social Security/Medicare and VEBA

Please promote this to all of your friends/relatives who are within 1-5 years of retirement as a certificated or classified employee.  

Contact information:

Tara Teitzel

Phone: 360-413-5496 ext 111

Website: www.wssra.org

Email: Tara@wssra.org

 Last but not least, please reach out to any new classified or certificated employees you may know about the WSSRA New Educator Zoom Webinar on November 9, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.  Webinar participants must register, but the webinar is completely free, and will provide valuable information on choices available to new employees.

This webinar will feature presentations from the following:

• WA State Department of Retirement Systems (Plan 2 vs. Plan 3 analysis)

• A certified financial specialist will explain the benefits of early planning

A copy of the flyer is available HERE.

Contact information:

To Register visit www.wssra.org and fill out the WSSRA Webinar Pre-registration form under “Events Tab” or you can email Tara@wssra.org with your name, email address and we will contact you before the seminar with Zoom instructions.

September 27th Meeting will be via Zoom

 The Monday, September 27, 2021 Zoom meeting hosted by WSSRA and featuring information about the news from our legislators, has always been our luncheon meeting with both Peter Diedrick, Legislative Chair and Alan Burke, Executive Director sharing with us.  However, we will be Zooming due to the rise in our present health situation.  The meeting will begin at 11:00 a.m.  Meeting information has been emailed, and has been provided by callers.

BFSRA MEMBER DIRECTORY & HANDBOOK DISTRIBUTION: JUNE 19, 2021!

 

MEMBER DIRECTORIES ARE HERE!!!  

DISTRIBUTION DAY:  Saturday, June 19, 2021

LOCATION:  Kennewick First United Methodist Church (address is 421 W. Kennewick Avenue, Kennewick -- but please read the special note below)

DISTRIBUTION TIMES:  10 A.M. - 1 P.M. (Note:  End time changed to 1 p.m.!!!)

SPECIAL NOTE:  Please enter the church rear parking lot from S. Dayton Street heading west toward S. Everett Street.  Drive through the portico overhang to receive your Directory. Vaccinated and masked BFSRA volunteers will hand it to you.  If you’re picking up a copy for someone else, please let them know who that person is.  Feel free to bring in your 2019-2020 Directory for shredding!  See map below.

If you can't make it to this Distribution event, the directories will also be available at the August 2021 meeting.  We may try to set up a second Distribution event as well.  Stay tuned here and on the Facebook page for more details!

Spring Meeting Update

 Due to issues beyond our control, we were unable to meet together as a unit on May 24th, 2021.  The BFSRA Executive Board met via Zoom, in a meeting dedicated to a Celebration of Life and the Installation of the 2021 Officers.  First, we recognized three significant events and accomplishments:

 1.  Our oldest member, Lola Van Campen, turned 104 years old this past January. Victoria recounted her conversation and correspondence with Lola and her daughter and described their joy at receiving flowers.

2. Elaine Banks has been awarded honorary membership due to her relentless leadership and work at the state and local levels for 20 plus years as she has reached her 90th year. We, Unit 29, are indeed the recipient of leadership, knowledge, and a special bond and friendship.

3. BFSRA Unit 29 received the Unit of Highest Distinction Award in recognition of Achievement of our goals for 2020 -2021.

Sharon Hosely, the E-8 District Representative, then completed the installation of the 2020-2021 Officers:

Victoria Russell - President

Liz Friedrich - President Elect/Program Chair

Lew Edming - Secretary

Ardith Eakin - Treasurer

Dottie Stevens - Immediate Past President

Finally, and with great respect and feeling, the Celebration of Life was led by Victoria in remembrance of those of our members who passed during 2020 and the first part of 2021.  Victoria Russell, Liz Friedrich and Dottie Stevens read the names of those who passed.  Victoria then shared a reading in memory of our deceased members.

January 25th BFSRA Zoom Meeting recording now online!

 April showers bring May flowers -- and hopefully an opportunity to get together for our May General Meeting (currently scheduled for May 24).  In the meantime, the January 25th BFSRA Zoom Meeting recording is available by clicking HERE.  This meeting featured the Superintendents of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland School Districts, and included a question and answer session at the end of the Superintendents' presentations.

January and February Retrospective

BFSRA had a General Zoom Meeting on Monday, January 25, 2021 from 10-12.  The superintendents (KSD, PSD, RSD)  'zoomed in' at 10:15.  Alan Burke acted as our moderator, and members were able to ask questions after each superintendent's presentations and then again at the end. Statistics on attendance, general notes on the meeting itself, and a link to the recorded meeting will be posted here as soon as they are available.  Members were able to participate either online, or via telephone.  

The Pre-Retirement Zoom Webinar took place on Thursday, February 18th, 2021: 5:00-7:30 PM.  Geared to Certificated and Classified Employees within 1-5 years of retirement, it was sponsored by Washington State School Retirees’ Association.  Click HERE to view the recording of the webinar.  For more information and resources, visit the WSSRA website by clicking on WEBINAR RESOURCES. 

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

Tier 1, Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccinations started to become available to those 65 and older in January.  The mass vaccination site at the Benton-Franklin Fairgrounds opened January 25. While it may be possible to schedule a vaccination with one's healthcare provider, the two primary ways of doing so are online at https://prepmod.doh.wa.gov/ or by phone (1-800-525-0127). WSSRA is tracking the statewide effort; its summaries can be found on the Current News and Projects tab (https://wssra.org/index.php/newsupdates)