"BFSRA Pre-Retirement Workshop"

Working in conjunction with the WEA Uniserve Offices, and a crew of volunteers from BFSRA, the Pre-Retirement Workshop held today at the Tri-Tech School in Kennewick was a very successful event.

 

Kudos to Sharon Adkins, WEA Uniserve Offices, for making the arrangments with Tri-Tech, for organizing the program, contacting the presenters, making copies of important documents for presenters and attendees, and for keeping Jim Bumgarner in-line and under control as the workshop facilitator.  She also helped get the box lunches together. 

 

Kudos also to the team of BFSRA volunteers who helped with registration (Marlys Mayer, Leona Hassing, and Sally Lindsay); for helping set up the room (Tom Callahan and Peter Bixby); for arranging membership information and collecting new members (Connie Bailey); and especially to Jim and AJ Foster and Elaine Banks for their informative and well delivered presentation regarding the legislature and its continual slide from wisdom.

And last, but never least, BIG KUDOS to our own Elaine Banks for serving as the Chair of our Pre-Retirement Workshop Commitee.  Due to her talented efforts in working with Sharon Adkins, the workshop was a great success. 

 

  

Programs and presenters:

1.  "Social Security - Important Basics You Need to Know."  Matt Wiser, Financial Advisor, Waddell & Reed

2.  "State Health Insurance - Your Options going Into Retirement."  Larry Cade, PEBB - Health Care Authority.

3.  "Legislation _ Sometimes Good; Sometimes Not.  Changes That May Affect Your Retirement Benefits."  Elaine Banks, WSSRA Legislative Committee,  and Jim Foster, BFSRA Legislative Committee Co-Chair.

4.  "Your Financial Check Up - What Do I Need To Do For Retirement Security?  Did I Miss Something??"  Matthew Riesenweber, Financial Advisor, Waddell & Reed

5.  "Retirement paper work:  What Comes First?  And Then What??"  Jan Fraley, Kennewick Retired Teachers. 

"BFSRA Awards 3 - $1,000 Scholarship at April Luncheon"



L to R:  Stephanie Crowther, McCade Bell, Brenda Rodriguez

The scholarships were awarded to these three outstanding high school seniors who have their sights set on becoming teachers.  We were pleased to meet them and their families, and we congratulate each of them on their impressive accomplishements to date as they enter into this next phase of their lives.  Good fortune to each of them!   
 

Brenda Rodriguez, a senior at Connell HS has always wanted to be a teacher. She plans to attend WSU with plans to focus on elementary education. She’s also interested in studying both psychology and Spanish. She will receive a $1000 scholarship.

The second $1000 scholarship is awarded to McCade Bell, a senior at Hanford HS. The son of educators, he has planned on a teaching career from his early years. He will attend Portland State University, with an English major and history or political science minor. He is planning a graduate degree in Education.

The Marion Hankwitz $1000 memorial scholarship awarded to Stephanie Crowther, Connell HS valedictorian. She plans to attend BYU-Idaho with an elementary education major and music minor. Stephanie has been involved in a multitude of school, community and church activities.

These BFSRA winners from Hanford and Connell High Schools with their parents have been invited to attend the April 22 meeting to meet our members.
 

Shirley Frare, Scholarship Chair

"March Luncheon a Sleeper"

A couple of months ago we had people dancing in the aisles, literally.  But in March, when Yoga instructor, Heather Anastos, presented her program she put everyone to sleep.

Really.  The pictures are proof.

Actually, Heather's presentation was one of the best of the year.  My suspicion is that many of us, myself included, didn't know much about yoga.

It has been reported she has added a new class since with interested BFSRA'ers since her presentation.










We had some interesting results from the surveys. Due to the "busy-ness" of the session the number of respondents was low, but five of the twelve replies to the Menu section are notable:

1.  Move back to the Red Lion
2.  Food and service has been great at the Country G - Keep it up.
3.  Shish kabobs, ribs, gourmet burgers with blue cheese.
4.  lower calorie meals that introduce new recipes, and 
5.  No change - the food is great!  

The diversity in these replies leads me to believe we will no doubt make someone happy.

Other survey results: Ten people have visited the website; nine have not.  Eight people voted "yes" regarding moving to an exclusively electronic newsletter; ten said, "no."  53 were silent.  The clear winner, in a 16 - 3 vote, was "yes" to creating a side-table for members to offer craft items for sale to raise scholarship funds. 

 

A wise old farmer once said, "Timing has everything to do with the outcome of a Rain Dance," and Tom Jefferson once said a democracy must have an educated citizenry for its survival. But often it seems it is the legislators who aren't well educated, so there is no one but us to bring them up to speed - with our emails and phone calls. Failure on our parts could bring a severe drought to our livelihood.    
      

Scholarships Winners Announced

BFSRA members Alice Allison, Don Parks, and Jim Bumgarner, met February 28, 2013 to read scholarship applications. The following students were awarded the three 2013 BFSRA Scholarships.

Brenda Rodriguez, a senior at Connell High School plans to attend WSU to become elementary teacher. She’s interested in studying both psychology and Spanish. She will receive a $1000 scholarship.

Another $1000 scholarship will go to Stephanie Crowthers, Connell HS valedictorian. She plans to attend BYU-Idaho to obtain an elementary education major and music minor.

The Marion Hankowitz $1000 memorial scholarship will be awarded to McCade Bell, a senior at Hanford HS. The son of educators, he has planned on a teaching career from his early years. He will attend either UW or Western WA University, Bellingham, with an English major and history or political science minor. He is planning a graduate degree in Education.

These BFSRA winners from Hanford and Connell High Schools, with their parents have been invited to attend the April 22 meeting to meet our members. The scholarships are for the 2013-14 school year.

Shirley Frare, Scholarship chairperson

"School Retirees' Appreciation Week"

Governor Jay Inslee has signed a decree proclaiming the week of March 18-24, 2013, as School Retirees' Appreciation Week. A letter has been sent to all school superintendents in the State of Washington along with a copy of the proclamation and request that they consider adopting the proclamation and recognizing school retirees in their respective school districts.

"And a Good Time Was Had by All"

Thanks to Tom Callahan and Don Parks for an excellent program yesterday, Jan 28th.  With ninety-one members present, some tasty chicken-fried steak, and one great Czeckoslovakian story, we had a great time.

First up was Frank Kumzak, Mueller's Funeral Home.  Frank gave us an update on "End of Life Planning." Something rather grim to consider, but also something important to keep in mind for those left behind who must handle all the arrangements, one way or the other.

The second part of the program was presented by Ben Leggett and the Richland Elementary Steel Band, and what a show they put on! 

As you can see by the pics, everyone enjoyed the program and some even got up and did the "hoky-poky" with the kids around the room.


In other news: 

Our legislative team is off to Olympia this week to meet up with the legislators.

Connie Bailey handed out free lunch tickets to those who have brought in two or more new members.

Jim Bumgarner announced that Stevens Middle School is looking for science fair judges.  The fair will be held on Feb. 7th from 8am to 2pm.  If interested, just be there sometime that day. 

Tom Callahan won the Free Lunch.

Thanks to Elmer Bailey for manning the PAC collection jar at the door and taking care of the donations for the past 18 months!

And thanks to All of our Telephone
Tree members led by the most able Bette

Evans and JoAnn Deichman for the super job they do with notifications and reservations!!

All of the primary Chair positions have been filled for the State Convention coming up in June in Pasco.  We will be asking for volunteers to head up the Registration Desk, to take tickets at the banquet room doors, and we will be looking for a few folks to serve as pages. None of these positions can be held by delegates, so if you aren't on, get your "Volunteer Hat" on and step forward.

"And Here We Go"

Now that the holidays, and the elections, are behind us it is time to get back in the saddle and start moving forward here at BFSRA.  Thanks to Tom Callahan, we have some interesting programs coming up for the remainder of the year, and everytime I check out the menus coming up, my mouth waters up a bit. 

Our scholarship collections continue climbing and Shirley Frare has the wheels rolling in regards to getting the newly modified applications out to our area schools.  I find this such an interesting and rewarding part of what we do in "growing our own" here at BFSRA. Please keep those hundred dollar bills coming into the envelopes, and don't forget about the books and puzzles, and maybe a notecard or two, to help out.

The teacher mini-grant program is also warming up for this spring.  Clarence Alford does a great job with this program and we look forward to hearing about the good those funds will do for the teachers and students involved.  It's too bad we can't find a way to bring those teachers, and maybe some of their students, in to one of our general meetings to share the excitement the mini-grants always generate.  We also look forward to any new members that Clarence might be able to find in the process.  Go get'em, Clarence.

We are so fortunate to have such great people like the Fosters and Elaine Banks to bird-dog the goings-on over in Olympia.  Hard as it is sometimes to find the time and the wherewithal to sit down and write the legislators a letter/note, the importance of doing so cannot be shuffled away.  It our welfare and our way of life we are protecting here, as well as that of the younger folks coming through the tunnel, the Plan II'ers and III's.

The State Convention in Pasco looms ever closer.  The planning is ongoing and it is beginning to look like somthing that might actually happen.  If you want to check it out, go to the tab above, just under the header, titled, "State Convention Planning."

I look forward to the rest of the year.  I'm having a blast, as we used to say way back when, and I hope you are too. 

      

 

"WSSRA Executive Director Ed Gonion Visits"

We were honored to have executive director, Ed Gonion, join us for lunch today at the Country Gentleman here in Kennewick.  We would have been considerably more honored if his lovely wife, Diane, could have joined us as well - but hey, one outa two isn't too bad . . . is it?

However, let it be said, Ed delivered today, just as he always does.  His stories are memorable, but his message is important, and it boils down to this:  We want our COLA back, even though we probably won't get it back this year, we still want it back; we want the monthly Medicare subsidy moved from $150/month back to the previous $182; we do not want Plan II to disappear; and we overwhelmingly support Treasurer James McIntyre's proposed amendment to the Washington State Constitution to fully support the public pension system, fully.   


Also mentioned at today's meeting were:

Debbie Thurston spoke briefly regarding PSD's Enterprise Week and its need for assistance.
Contact her here if you are interested.

Connie Bailey reported on the Membership Drive.  We need your help!  You get two new members, we'll buy your next lunch! REALLY!

Hollis Morris reported on the meetings he attended in Lacey regarding the Health and Protective Services.

Elaine Banks, reported the need for us to contact our legislators regarding our concerns for the decisions they make which impact our finanacial lives.  Another good time to contact them is just after the upcoming elections.

There being nothing further to come before the good of the order, president Jim Bumgarner adjourned the meeting. 

Join us next month for the Toy Drive and the annual sing-a-long with the ever illustrious, Don Parks. 

"107 Attend the Legislators Meet 'N Greet"

We were treated to a very successful program this month when the legislators and contenders from the 8th, 9th and 16th legislative districts joined us at the Country Gentleman.  It is always a treat to be able to meet with these distinguished folks, shake hands, discuss important issues and hear what they have to say in regards to our concerns. 

 

Thanks to Jim and AJ Foster, Elaine Banks, and Tom Callahan, for organizing the "Meet and Greet Your Legislators/Contenders."  We had 107 members, visitors, legislators/aides, and contenders in the room.  We also had visitors from both Prosser and Walla Walla. 

 

 

Our collective concerns regarding cuts to our pensions/benefits, the loss of our Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), the reinstatement of our medicare subsidy to $184/month, our support for State Treasurer McIntire's proposal for a constitutional amendment requiring full pension funding, our concerns regarding any further increases in health care costs and the maintainance of the Plan 2 Defined Benefit plan were all masterfully presented to the legislators and contenders by Jim Foster.
 

L to R:  Jim Foster; Terry Nealey; Bryce Barret, assitant to Mike Hewitt;
Mary Ruth Edwards; and Maureen Walsh to the left of the podium.  

 

L to R:  Jay Clough, Brad Klippert, Larry Haler, Richard Reuther, and
Susan Fagan to the right of the podum.

 



It is too bad we didn't have more time for each of them to expand on some of their responses, or give members more opportunity for questions, but time moves on. At least we heard some of what we wanted to hear, and maybe some of what we didn't directly from the folks who will be instrumental in making these decisions for us in Olympia. 

 

Thanks again to those involved in organizing the event.

The following NEW MEMBERS were welcomed and names shared with members at the luncheon:

Melinda Anderson

Maxine Bumgarner

Brooke Canada

Susan Hall

Frances Beltran

Linda Marquez

Lionel Marquez

Yolanda Freyman

Patricia Noakes and 

Glen Allison

 

President Jim also discussed the planning for the State Convention coming up next June in Pasco.  Sign up sheets were spread around the tables for those interested in volunteering.  Four people indicated interest.  We have a ways to go with this.

And how about that Beef Medallion with Mushroom Ragu?  Mmmmmmm.  Way to go Country Gentleman!!!

 

"Come Meet Your Legislators Sept 24th"

We have invited all of the Legislators and Contenders to our luncheon on September 24th, scheduled from 11 am to 1:30 for this special event.  To that end, the following message comes from our Legislative Committee: Elaine, AJ and Jim.

"The Legislators and Contenders who are attending our luncheon on Sept 24th are:

Klippert and Clough (8th reps); Haler and Reuther (8th reps) ; Delvin (8th sen); Fagan (9th rep);  Walsh and Edwards (16th reps); Nealey (16th rep) and Hewitt (16th sen). 

"We are emphasizing to all Legislators:  1) we do not want any new cuts to our pensions/benefits; 2) we need our COLA back; 3) our medicare subsidy be returned to $184; 4) we Support State Treasurer McIntire's proposal/constitutional amendment requiring pension to be full funding; 5) we do not want any more increases in health care costs; and 6) maintain Plan 2 Defined Benefit plan.

"As retirees, we must remind legislators that it is not the enactment of MUCH NEEDED pension benefit improvement that is the problem, it is the Legislature's failure to pay for such benefits in a timely fashion that is the problem.

"Come to the luncheon. Bring a friend. Be informed, be involved and VOTE.  As our new WSSRA President says 'STAND UP AND BE HEARD'.  


Legislative comm:Elaine, AJ and Jim

              "ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF PENSION PAYMENTS

...Wa state has 110,795 annuitants in the Public Employees and Teachers Retirement Systems. Total monthly annuity payments equal $228,273,106.

...Every $1 paid to retirees generates $1.37 in total economic output.  State annuity payments create $312,734,155 monthly economic activity.

...Reinstatement of the Plan 1 Uniform Cost of Living Adjustment would increase the state's economic activity by $82,178,318 annually.

...WA state's own stimulus program."

"Membership Drive Underway"

At Helen Bruggeman's invitation, President Jim met with the
Highland Middle School retirees' group for their annual "Neener Neener" luncheon held on the
first day of school.  Three new members were added to our membership list and Helen gets to

claim all three for the membership drive. 
Congratulations, Helen!  

   

Sue Sherrell, Mona Alzheimer, Kathi Hand, Diane Difani, Judy Duncan, Becky Wedberg, Jim Bumgarner, Jan Fraley, Judy Robbins, Dewey Robbins, Helen Bruggeman.

 The Benefit Fairs are prime events for educating school employees as to who we are,

as well as finding new members.  Members have already worked the 

Pre-Benefit Fair in Kennewick, and both Benefit Fairs in Pasco and Richland. 

Kennewick's actual Benefit Fair will be held next week. 

 

Don Parks and Connie Bailey share information with Pasco staffers.

 

 

Pasco Benefit Fair

 

 

Pasco Benefit Fair

"Annual Indoor Picnic Held at CG Today"

The Benton/Franklin School Retirees held their Annual Picnic today at the Country Gentleman in Kennewick.  Fifty-eight members, guests and visitors, were served. The menu provided consisted of hamburgers and hot dogs.  As an alternative, veggie burgers and dogs were served. 

Terry Simmelink, long time entertainer, Kennewick resident, and public school supporter provided the music.  Singing a collection of older standards, he was well received.      



President, Jim Bumgarner, welcomed members, visitor and guests, and provided some background regarding what the association is about in terms of membership, health and protective services, legislative bird-dogging, scholarships, teacher grants, the membership directory and newsletter, the telephone committee, books-dvds and puzzles for scholarships, media and regional connections.  Each committee chair and officer was introduced.   

  

President Jim also encouraged members to find ways to help the association, primarily by matching their interests up with committee chair responsibilities.  He reminded everyone that those positions are not permanent and now would be a good time to contact one of the chairs and offer assistance.

We are looking for someone to assume the position of Memorial Chair, to help with the presentation of the Memorial Services next May. 

We also need someone to step into Shirley Frare's position of Scholarship Chair.  Shirley says she has been doing this long enough and is ready for someone to take it over.  This year she is willing to stay as Chair and train her replacement.  If anyone is interested, contact either Shirley, or Jim Bumgarner.

It was also announced that we need three callers replacements and those positions were filled today. 
 

The Membership Drive this year entails a challenge to all members to bring new members into the association.  To that end we have decided to offer a free lunch for every two new members a member signs up.  The new member may still be working (active), retired, and must not be named in the directory.  Click the link "Membership Drive" in the left-hand margin for details. 

President Jim also stated that for any member who invites him to one of the many "coffee klatches" retired educators hold regularly in our area, he will reward that member with how ever many "sponsor tickets for a free lunch" that are generated from the group.  The race is on.

The webpage was mentioned as a means of immediate feedback regarding what is going on with the association.  All members were invited follow the blog by entering their email address in the "Email for Updates" link in the right margin.  These secured addresses are used for no other reason than to notify said follower when the webpage is updated. 

The Country Gentleman is our new home this year.  We are excited about meeting in a locally owned facility and look forward to developing a smooth working relationship the the good folks at CG. 

Members will be responsible for letting the callers know if they prefer an alternative menu which will normally be a chef salad.  Members requiring a menu more specific in terms of diabetic, gluten free, etc., will need to contact the Country Gentleman themselves during the week prior to the scheduled luncheon. 

We will be hosting the State Convention at the Pasco Red Lion next June. Jim asked for assitance where assistance may be needed and invited members to offer wherever they thought they might be able to help.

 

A Note from President Jim Bumgarner

Welcome to this new year at BFSRA.  Members of the executive board began planning for this year last spring and it is exciting now that we are standing on the threshold of the new year, and ready to open the door.

We will hold our “Annual Indoor Picnic” at the Country Gentleman in Kennewick, August 13^th from 11:30 to 1pm.  Cost for the luncheon will be $13, (not the $12 that I announced at last May’s meeting).  We have invited each of our 77 active members to attend, and entertainment will be provided by Terry Simmelink, long time Kennewick resident, and full-time supporter of public education. We are sure this will be a great time to renew old friendships and possibly make some news ones as well.   

As a reminder, all our luncheons this year are scheduled at the “Country Gentleman.” We believe our support of this locally owned establishment will be as good for us as it will be for the owners and staff there.  I know the good folks at “CG” are looking forward helping us make this year a success, and we look forward to working with them.       

I am coming into the year with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. I look forward to working closely with Connie Bailey with the Membership Drive this year, I will be re-emphasizing the need for interested parties to assist our committee chairs, and will be looking toward increasing electronic communications with as many members as possible.  I also want to encourage  members to continue supporting the outstanding work our Legislative Committee does in keeping our legislators up-to-date on the very reasonable demands we expect them to support.

Then one additional item – and not a small one - WSSRA will hold its Annual Convention in Pasco next June.  We have already had a few planning meetings, and it is with your ideas and assistance that we look forward to putting together an outstanding Convention.

See you at the Picnic!!

Jim Bumgarner, President, 2012 - 2013 

"UPDATE: Spokane WSSRA Convention and Legislators' Event"

"STAND UP AND BE HEARD"

is the theme for next year. Fourteen delegates went to the WSSRA Conference in Spokane this week. Four of those same people, Jim and AJ Foster, Elaine Banks, Tom Callahan, and Jim Bumgarner, then attended a reception for those local candidates running for office the evening they got back to the Tri-Cities.

We have much to share once we have digested all we heard and learned. We encourage all of you to keep in touch with your legislators in the meantime. We need to keep our agenda/concerns before them. Go visit their local offices, treat them to coffee, take them cookies, volunteer for them, whatever you can to keep them aware of who we are and what our agenda is.

1. We want our Cola back,
2. We want our medical subsidy returned to the $183,
3. Follow the State Treasurer McIntyre's Pension Funding Reform Plan calling for a Constitutional Amendment for the state to tend to its Pension Obligations.
4. Do not increase Health Care Costs.

Read Jim Bumgarner's message below. Jim is our President for the next year and he is off to a great start with the Blog. Check it out. We will be sharing info from time to time with you through out the summer. Have a great one.

Jim and AJ Foster

"Gearing Up for 2012 - 2013"

The blog is presently being updated and readied for what promises to be another great year for the Benton/Franklin School Retiree's Association. We hope everyone's hopes, plans and dreams for another summer are all exceeded and when we all return for the picnic August at the Country Gentleman it will be with a renewed sense of excitement and purpose in working together to attain our goals as members of this great organization.

Peace,

Jim Bumgarner
President for 2012 - 2013