Pasco Convention: A Great Success

The Washington State School Retiree's Association held its annual state convention in Pasco this last June 5th - 7th.

The convention featured: key note speakers, two banquets, No-Host Socials, Opening Ceremonies, a Celebration of Life for those members who passed this year, a Scholarship Luncheon for the many high school student winners who intend to pursue education as a career, Legislative Committee and PAC workshops, election and installation of new officers for 2017-2018, an After Dinner Dance that featured the Tri-Cities Big Band, and a workshop entitled, "All You Ever Wanted to Know About Wine."

The local planners were: Helen Bakshas, Dottie Stevens, Don Parks, Elaine Banks, Ardyth Eakins, Helen Bruggeman, and Jim Bumgarner.

They are commended for all their hard work in putting together an outstanding event for all our state delegates.

May 22, 2017: The Last Luncheon.

Newly Installed Officers: 
            2017-2018

L to R:  Marlys Mayer, Lew Edming, Dottie Stevens.
WSSRA President, Rick Nebeker (not picutured)
installed these newly elected officers. 

Our new slate of officers has a familiar look: 

Dottie Stevens returns for her second term in office (her first term was 2015-2016);

Lew Edming will serve again as Secretary; and 

Marlys Mayer asTreasurer.  

Jan Harlow, the new face in the group (not available for a photo)

will serve as Vice-President in
charge of Programs.  

Stan McNaughton Outread Award Nominee

Bette and her husband, George, started a library at the Benton-Franklin Juvenile Justice Center in 2002 through a local Kiwanis Club.  They continue to operate this and train others to assist.  They also tutored youth at the Center for 10 years in a Day Report, GED Program.  

"The other day, a kid said to me, 'before I was locked up, I had read only two books in my life.  If've read 70 since I've been here. That's an example of why we hang in there," says Bette.  For 16 years, Better ran the telephone tree for BFSRA.  She is retired Reading Teacher of 37 years!!  

We are honored to place her name in nomination for the prestigious State Award.

Vickie Bowles plays Amazing Grace

Celebration of Life 

At the last luncheon of the year, we also memorialize those who passed during the most recent year.  To that end, the following names were read and a rose added to a vase for each name read. They are: 

Adrienne Birdsell, Dorothy Boscola, James Harbour, 

Violet Heacock, Mary Hollibaugh, Phyllis Jensen, 

Joyce Larson, Tralice Leaumont, Dorothy Mech, Inez Miller, L. Jane Morrow, Vickie Newell, Bruce Pennington, 

Mickell Racy, Judy Rizzuti-Hare, John Robinson, 

Ruby Rutherford, Helen Shelton, Lois Springer, 

Parry Thompson and Jeanetter Whitesell.

Thank you, President, Helen Bakshas 

Helen Bakshas sings during the Celebration of Life.  In the
background, Dottie Stevens, and Rick Nebeker.

This was our last luncheon of the year.  The 2016-2017 year is officially closed, folded up, placed in the archives. Helen Bakshas was our president this year and she is to be commended for putting together a memorable year, somewhat memorialized in the last 8 or 9 posts on this blog.

Good job, Helen.

BFSRA and E8 Scholarship Winners: 2017

This is the second year BFSRA has awarded scholarships to university level students who are enrolled in WSU: Tri-Cities, College of Education - students who will teach.  Maricela Garza, from the Office of Advancement and Community Development at WSU Tri-Cities joined us April 24th and shared how our scholarship funds are being used by the university.  She introduced four of the recipients of our current year's scholarships ($1,000 each) they are:

L to R: 

Megan Gosney, Richland High graduate who plans to teach secondary language arts; 

Jessica Garcia Ramirez, Pasco High graduate, plans to teach elementary bilingual classes; 

Mark Cheney, Kamiakin High graduate who plans to teach high school chemistry; and

Nicole Strasser, Richland High graduate who plans to teach the elementary grades. 

Not pictured: Becky Rausch and Kyla Turner.

Our region, SouthEast 8 (E8) also awarded scholarships to aspiring high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in education.  The winner this year are: 

Krystal Roberts, Walla Walla High School, and Erica Leinweber, Walla Walla High School, each recipients of the Robert J. Handy Scholarship ($900/year, up to four years); and Grace Frazier, Dayton High School, won the WSSRA-Foundation Scholarship ($1500). No pics available.  

Congratulations to all.   

Mini-Grants Awarded

We are proud to announce and congratulate the winners of this years' Mini-Grant program.  BFSRA budgeted enough funding to cover 20 individual grants, valued at $200 each and this year, we had 20 winners. Here are their names and projects.

Benton-Franklin Juvenile Justice Center
Daneille Beliston - Classroom Library
Janice Sola - Classroom Library
Antonio Vegas - GED Testing Fees

Tri-Tech Skills Center
Mat Adelmund - Instructor Travel Assistance
       (Washington DC recognition #House Of Code 3D gaming)

Finley
Stephanie Bradshaw - Reading Recover Books
Lorianne Donovan - Electrical Circuits Can be a Snap
Jennifer Ward - Remix Reading
Kelly Williamson - Summer Reading Challenge

Kennewick
Stephanie Brooks - Flexible Seating
Wanda Cadwallader - Exploration in Programming
Michelle Johnson - Holiday Cards for Senior Citizens
Ron Pasma - Band Reeds
Dan White - Horse Shoe Metal Art

Pasco
Cristal Alcala - Painting Poetry
Paulette Gonzalez - Scholarship Rack
Mary Lopez - Flyers
Amanda Mars - Braille Literacy
John Weisenfield - Nat Geo DNA Geneology Project

Richland
Dawn Hansen - Classroom Books.

Pasco High's Mariachi Band a Big Hit

Bob Brawdy: Tri-City Herald

Pasco High School's Mariachi Band performed for the luncheon, March 27th. Thanks to Don Parks and Helen Bakshas for arranging with the school for these highly talented and entertaining students to join us.

To hear them play, click below for a You Tube produced from their presentation.

                           You Tube

Kennewick, Pasco, Richland School District Superintendents

Rick Schulte, Michelle Whitney, and Dave Bond.

Over one hundred luncheon attendees heard a presentation today at the newly remodeled "CG Public House" (formerly the Country Gentleman), by our three Tri-City school superintendents. Two districts, Pasco and Richland, will run bonds this year, while Kennewick will not.

Dave Bond, KSD Superintendent, explained how the district has utilized the funding from an 89.5 M bond from 2015 by completing the new Desert Hills Middle School, the Sage Crest Elementary School, and Chinook Middle School.  In progress are Westgate Elementary and the presently, yet to be named, Elementary #16 (Clearwater Creek project).  

Mr. Bond also shared how KSD received a grant from the state for just over 51M for a K-3 (kindergarten to 3rd grade) Grant sponsored by the state. That money is being used to lower class sizes throughout the district by increasing the number of classrooms at the Clearwater Creek project from 22 to 38; by rearranging where the dual language students will be housed; and by adding 20 new classrooms to Amistad Elementary.  

In April, 2019, Kennewick High School is slated for new construction. It will be a 250K sq. ft. facility with estimated expenses at $300/square foot.  Overall cost, according to Bond, will run at 75M. 

Michelle Whitney, PSD Superintendent, reported the Pasco Facilities Task Force began working in the Spring of 2015 to analyze district facilities and enrollment projections. The committee has recommended the continuation of a K-6 configuration in the elementary schools, 7-8 in the middle school, and 9-12 in the high school. 

In addition, a 16th new elementary school, upgrading of old facilities, as well as the maintenance and custodial facilities are in need of upgrading. The school district has called for a 119.7M bond, with state matching funds of 50.2M which will run at 39 cents/1,000 of assessed value. 

Rick Schulte, RSD Superintendent, said Richland schools ran a bond in 2013 for 98M, with 62M state matching funds. With that funding, RSD has installed new HVC equipment at Chief Joe MS, upgraded Fran Rish stadium, is replacing Jefferson Elementary, and a fourth middle school is under construction. 

This year, plans for replacing Badger and Tapteal elementaries along with constructing two new elementary schools, upgrading RHS's auditorium, further upgrades to Fran Rish stadium, and upgrading the playing fields at Handford High School along with the district's administration building, are included in the 99M bond with 42M in state matching funds. 

Ballots are due February 14th.  Happy Valentine's Day. 

A Great Holiday Celebration

BFSRA celebrates the holidays in November because we do not have a luncheon in December.  We had 127 members join us this month for a Great Luncheon.

To celebrate Thanksgiving, we enjoy a turkey plate with mashed 'taters and gravy, green beans, some nice rolls with butter, and an annual favorite of mine - cranberry sauce. Mmmmmm, good!

And for our Christmas celebration,  members bring a small token of joy for some of the needy children in our community; and we enjoy Christmas music together.

In past years, our musical director, Don Parks, has brought sheet music and we have had fun sing-alongs; but this year . . . Steve Haberman and Mary Lou Gnoza provided a playlist of beautifully delivered carols . . . Can I say, "WOW."

I was so impressed, I tried to do a small, and very amateurish, video.  You can click here to see it.  

Here are a few other randoms shots taken:

Thank you to President, Helen Bakshas, and Program Chair, Dottie Stevens, for putting together such a great event!!

Tri-Cities's Finest: Our Police Chiefs

The program this month featured the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, Police Chiefs:  Ken Hohenberg, Kennewick; Bob Metzger, Pasco; and Chris Skinner, Richland.  Chief Metzger was not able to attend; in his place Captain Ken Roske presented.

While outlining some of the difficult areas of crime, they also shared our area is one of the least crime-ridden in the state, and even - the nation.  Each mentioned how well the three agencies, along with the Benton and Franklin County Sheriffs, and the West Richland and Prosser agencies, work in close collaboration to keep our communities safe. All three maintain an informative web presence and interactive Facebook page.

Surprisingly, one of our highest crime activities is human trafficking. Chief Skinner, RPD, reported though as we travel about the tri-cities we see very little evidence of the underbelly of the 'seedy' side of crime; there is a robust degree of human-trafficking here. "There is an astonishing number of ongoing investigations....don't ever underestimate the amount of this that is going on."

Capt. Ken Roske, PPD, spoke primarily to the response by the department to the negativity unleashed recently in the community.  The crime rate has significantly decreased in large part due to the many efforts to improve community outreach.

Chief Ken Hohenberg, KPD, reported the crime rate in the Tri-Cities is lower than both state and national averages. That being the case, he also shared that this area is a major drug distribution center on the road from production to delivery. "We are in the business of removing some very high-level dealers from the streets," he said, then added that ATF is involved in many of those cases.

Chief Hohenberg also reiterated the importance of education in any community.  "Our challenges are similar," he said, quoting school safety, building safety, and the teaching of safety as the first order of priorities.

All would agree with Chief Hohenberg, in this day and age, "if you see something that doesn't look right," give 'em a call!

Thanks to V.P./Program Chair, Dottie Stevens for another great program.

Candidates' Debate: 2016

L to R:  Rep. Terry Nealey, Senator Mark Schoesler, Steve Simmons, Mary Dye, Rick Jansons,
Gary Downing, Rebecca Francik, Rep. Larry Haler, Rep. Brad Klippert.
Not Shown: Senator Sharon Brown, Jennifer Goulet, Bill Jenkin

BFSRA hosted its most recent Candidates' Debate at its Septermber luncheon, September 26th. In attendance were representatives and senators representing each of the three different legislative districts (the 8th, the 9th and the 16th) found in the Benton/Franklin counties. Following you will find a comment or two made by each: 

District 8, position 1: Challenger, Rick Jansons - President of the Richland School Board. "I will not vote for things that take away what has been promised." 

District 8, position 1: Incumbent, Brad Klippert - Regarding maintaining PERS 2 & TERS 2 retirement plans for futures school employees, Klippert said, "We can't make promises here, it depends on future legislative sessions." 

District 8, position 2: Incumbent, Larry Haler - "You should not have to sacrifice your healthcare to suuport our (the legislature's) budget." Regarding maintaining PERS 2 & TERS 2, "Options are being considered in the legislature." 

District 8, position 2: Challenger, Steve Simmons - "I can be very supportive of all your issues. We need to support and show appreciation of teachers, and we need to hire good teachers."

District 9, position 1:  Mary Dye - "We (the legislature) made a commitment and we need to find meaningful ways to meet those commitments." 

District 9, position 1:  Jennifer Goulet - not present.

District 9, position 2: Joe Schmick - runs unopposed, was not present.

District 9, Senator: Mark Schloesser - "I am the only person in the room who can be held accountable for the m ost complicated pension system in the U.S." "The merger of LOEF 1 and PERS I would free 3 Million/biennieum for legislative priorities, LOEF 1 members would receive cash payouts, 50 Million more wold flow into local school districts, PERS 1 would recieve 100% funding in two years, and the COLA could then be returned." Later he commented, "Don't promise anyting you can't deliver on." 

District 16, position 1: Challenger, Rebecca Frankcik - active teacher.  "The legislature should honor pension obligations without reducing other state funded programs." 

District 16, position 1: Incumbent, Bill Jenkin - not in attendance. His report delivered by Susan Webber.  "The teacher's pension system should not serve as the 'piggy bank' when state needs funding for other programs." 

District 16, position 2: Challenger, Gary Downing - "Everyone one of these issues are my issues. I will work for you. If the legislature had done its job they wouldn't be offering excuses today."

District 16, position 2: Incumbent, Terry Nealy - "You have my support, but when it comes right down to voting, it gets difficult. We make sure you don't go backwards. The COLA will be difficult this year. PERS 2/TERS 2 - we have to take a hard look at it. If we can find a way to save money we have to do that." 

Kudos to BFSRA President Helen Bakshas and Legislative Committee, Jim and A.J. Foster, and Elaine Banks for a well presented debate.

   

   

    

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to BFSRA's 2016-2017 year!!  Celebrating the opening of this new year today we began as we always do, with an indoor picnic (you just can't predict the weather) with music and socializing as we met up with friends from previous years, and a few new ones. The music was provided by, "Vickie and the Boys," who played some of older western standards; while the menu included pulled pork or hot dog or mixed salad with a brownie.

We heard from Jan Fraley regarding the SHAKE Program; Denny Brown, who is looking for mentors to work with young teachers (for a nice stipend); and from Todd Kenning with the MORE Project.

A great time was had by all.

"A Celebration of Life"

Outgoing vice-president/program chair, Helen Bakshas, put together a very moving "Celebration of Life" at the May Luncheon designed to remember, and celebrate, the lives of those members who we lost this year:   

Ardra E. Barbee, Louise O. Black, Glendine W. Boston, George A. Clark, Arthur B. Finke, Walter W. Grisham, Jill A. Hilmer, Darlene La Borde, Inez Miller, Helen K. Nash, Clyde L. Painter, Laurel R. Piippo, Alice Shaw, Ralhp P/ Stredwick, Ariden M. Vie, and Nellie A. Whetsler.

All will be sorely missed and long remembered by not only loved ones, family, and colleagues, but also the many students they taught and served throughout all those years. 

The program included a Prelude by LaVonne Johnson; "Borning Cry" sung by Helen Bakshas; "His Eye is on the Sparrow" sung by Vickie Bowles; "On Eagle's Wings" sung by Lindy Anderson; "When Peasce Like a River," sung by LaVonne Johnson, and "Amazing Grace" sung by all with accompaniment on the trumpet by Vickie Bowles. 

Names were read and member placed roses in a single vase. 

A touching celebration; thank you, Helen. 

Installation of Officers for 2016 - 2017

Meet your new officers for the upcoming year, and installing officer, WSSRA President, Bill Bergsma.  

If you see some familiar faces, you shouldn't be surprised. Lew and Marlys have held their offices for many years and continue to carry out their responsibilities in high fashion. Helen and Dottie have simply traded places, Dottie was president for 2015-2016, Helen was Vice-President/Program Chair.  We doubt this has happened very many times in the history of BFSRA, but we have no reservations about the year they are already putting together for 2016 - 2017. 

They are, L to R:  Lew Eming, Secretary; Marlys Mayer, Treasurer; Bill Bergsma, Helen Bakshas, President; and Dottie Stevens, Vice-President/Program Chair.

WSSRA President, Bill Bergsma, Visits BFSRA

Washington State School Retirees Association president, Bill Bergsma, visited BFSRA today.

He gave us an update on his experiences in that role; even commenting that BFSRA was, "the largest luncheon I have attended this year."

Bill also shared how rewarding it has been this past year working with the our new Executive Director, Michael Boring (who visited last month).

President Bergsma also installed our new officers for the 2016 - 2017 year.

Thank  you, President Bergsma. We  enjoyed having you with us today.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Curtis Horne

Dr. Curtis Horne and wife, Carolyn.

We were honored hear from Dr. Curtis Horne at the April luncheon. We heard him speak at the state convention in Wenatchee last summer and invited him to join us this month.

Dr. Horne graduated from lake Stevens High School.  He went on to earn a BA degree from Western Washington College of Education, an MA degree from Central Washington University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Idaho.

He taught elementary grades in Skagit County and in the secondary school in Pacific County. He has served vice principal and has held several central office positions including superintendent of schools; he served as a member of the board of directors and state president of the Washington Association of School Administrators. He lives in Port Angeles with his wife Carolyn.

Dr. Horne shared with us a briefing of some research he conducted into the life of organizations: how they start, how they grow, and how they end. The important factor in any organization, he said, was how that organization meets the needs of its constituents.  As long as their demands are being met the organization will grow and prosper, if not, they will experience decline. Examples he gave were some of the fraternal organizations that are no longer the driving forces they once were; specifically, the Masons, the Elks, Moose and others; many churches are experiencing the same decline.

Dr. Horne applied those concepts to WSSRA. What are the demands of the members? They are twofold: 1) We want our pensions protected, and 2) We enjoy the opportunity for social interactions.

WSSRA works diligently to protect not only our (retired members) pensions, but also those retirees of the future, the actives. He strongly advocated that each of us know our 3 legislators (we each have 3). They are "regular folks" like the rest of us, so shake hands with them at the fairs, at the town-hall meetings, and invite them to the luncheons (we do, and they are already scheduled for next fall to join us). Ask them if they believe the legislature should keep its promises, let them know your concern is that in regards to the TRS1 and PERS1, they have not. Stay in contact with them.

We know from personal interviews with them, they prefer emails. Many have told us they come right into their cell phones, and that the input they receive from their constituents is vital to their work.

Social Interaction:  Interesting Dr. Horne brought that up, there has been some discussion amongst a few of the board members about BFSRA organizing a few social activites outside the usual monthly luncheon fare. Anyone interested in a wine tour?

Thanks to Dr. Horne for sharing his insights and wisdom.

 

Scholarship Winners Announced at April Luncheon:

At our April luncheon were introduced to our Scholarship winners from both our region, E-8 (Benton/Franklin, Walla Walla, Asotin/Dayton), and our own BFSRA winners who are students in the School of Education at WSU-TriCities.

First, the Scholarship Winners:

This year, for the first time, BFSRA is awarding its 3 scholarships to students enrolled in the School of Education at WSU:TriCities. Each scholarship is valued at $1,000 and we proud to announce the winners from L to R: Kylee Chiesa, will graduate in 2017 with a degree in Special Education, she is a graduate of Southridge High School; David Isley, will also graduate in 2017 and will work in the primary grades, he graduated from Chiawana High School;  and David Ryther, who will graduate this year and plans to tech middle school math, he graduated from Kennewick High School.  

Congratulations to each!!!

L to R: Kylee Chiesa, David Isley, David Ryther.

We are also proud to announce all three winners from WSSRA-Region 8 (Benton/Franklin, Walla Walla, and Asotin/Dayton) are from our TriCity area. They are, from left to right: Madalyn Jacobs (Connell High School), Kaitlin Rosenthal (Richland High School), and Trevor Roberts, (Kamaikin High School).

Madalyn and Kaitlin, recipients of the Robert J. Handy Scholarship will receive $900/year for up to 4 years. Trevor receives the WSSSRA-Foundation Scholarhsip, a one-time grant of $1,500.  

Congratulations to each!!! 

L to R: Madalyn Jacobs, Kaitlin Rosenthal, and Trevor Roberts.