February Snow Storm

Snow in February this year resulted in  BFSRA cancelling both its Executive Board Meeting and its monthly luncheon: schools were closed, roads were closed, record auto collisions and slide-offs into the ditches all around town. Oddly enough, I didn't get any pics this time, but I have this one I took of Badger Mountain February 5th of 2017.  I'm thinking this February was worse. Especially since most of us don't even remember the snow we had two years ago.  

Superintendents' Panel

The big three school districts, Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, shared their superintendents with us at the January luncheon to bring members up to date regarding their individual districts. Unfortunately, yours truly couldn't attend the luncheon, so until I could pick up a copy of the approved minutes, there wasn't much to report. I have no pics from that event, so I'll post up a few links that maybe will help you get caught up.

Dave Bond, Kennewick School District Superintendent, presented current bond projects planned for the district which includes replacing Kennewick High School (my old alma mater . . . it needed major work when I was there as a senior in 1964!), update Southridge and Kamiakin High Schools, replace Amistad Elementary, construct a new elementary, and renovations on Ridgeview Elementary. Update: The bond passed on February 25th with a 69.2% approval rating.

Learn more about the schools in Kennewick, here. 

Michelle Whitney, Pasco School District Superintendent, spoke to the physical and emotional safety of their students. A District Level Crisis response plan has been initiated.  This plan addresses Evacuation, Lock Down procedures, Sheltering in Place and various drill.  The Pasco Police Department, Resource Officers, Outside Third Party Reviews, and Safety Procedures are being instituted for the school district. Lock down buttons in security foyers are in place, or soon will be in all buildings. Update: The bond was a cliffhanger, passing at 60.07 %. 

Learn more about the schools in Pasco, here. 

Rick Schulte

Rick Schulte, who will retire at the end of the year as the Richland School District Superintendent, and his replacement, Nicole Mactavish, reported that the Kindergarten program has been expanded by one semester. Richland did not run a bond this year.
                                            Learn more about the schools in Richland, here.

Nicole Mactavish 

                   

Happy Holidays Everyone

Our good friends, Marylou and Stevie. 

Our last luncheon of each calendar year is in November, when we traditionally enjoy a turkey and dressing lunch, we are entertained with holiday music and we donate toys to the Salvation Army's collection for children at Christmas. Last year's donation held 189 toys!

It is always a good time, with good food, good music and the joy of sharing with some of the unfortunate children in our community. 

Ana Avila dn Elizabeth Amezcua, Salvation Army,
a small sampling of the toys donated this year. 

We look forward to seeing everyone back at the CG Pub House, January 28th, when we hear from our local school superintendents for their annual presentation of the state of our schools.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING
MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND
HAPPY NEW YEAR

In Honor of All our BFSRA Vets - Thank You!!

Mini Grants

Our Mini-Grants have been distributed, but since the information wasn't sent to this editor for the webpage, you may view the recipients in our newsletter at this link.

Anna King, Journalist with Northwest Public Radio, Presents "The Daughters of Hanford"

Anna King and Victoria Russell

The meeting began with a presentation from the local American Legion with three veterans presenting flags and Vickie Evans leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and a medley of hymns from branches of the Armed Services.  

Following a few committee reports, President-Elect, Victoria Russell, introduced Anna King, an award-winning journalist with Northwest Public Radio.  Ms. King's topic on "Daughters of Hanford" was excellent, and current with local involvement with the Hanford site.  Many questions were answered at the end of the presentation, and members stayed after with additional queries. 

Advice from Anna; get out of your rut – listen to different news presentations - change your routine- eat something different for breakfast. Bonsai Audio assisted with this multi-media event.  

During the Business Meeting the Legislative Committee and Pre-Retirement Committee were recognized for their hard work and accomplishment with the September Open Forum for candidates, and the October Pre-Retirement Seminar for 150 attendees.   Jim Foster and Elaine Banks commented further on these events.

90+ were in attendance including five presenters.

Meatloaf and taco salad was served for the luncheon.

Members were reminded about the November 19^th meeting and to bring unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army Toy Drive. “Mary Lou and Stevie” will be entertaining, and we will hear from WSSRA Executive Director Alan Burke.

Anna King delivers her program, "Daughters of Hanford." 

text and photographs submitted by Dottie Stevens

Pre-Retirement Seminar #6: Job Well Done

Matt Wiser, of Cornerstone Wealth Strategies, presenting,  "Social Security & Financial Planning." 

BFSRA sponsored its 6th Pre-Retirement Seminar, October 18th, at the ESD in Pasco. These seminars began in 2014 (we held two in 2015), and to date we estimate approximately 750 overall, soon-to-be-retirees, have attended overall. 

We didn't get an accurate head-count on this one, but we estimated approximately 150 in attendance, and with the help of  WSSRA Executive Director, Dr. Alan Burke, and his fresh $10 bills for any new member sign-ups, we collected 29 new members. 

Congratulations and thanks to Elaine Banks, Jim Bumgarner, Dottie Stevens, Victoria Russell, Ardith Eakins, and in absentia, Donald Parks, for their leadership, assistance and help offered.

Thank you's also go to ESD 123, from set-up to take-down, Matt Wiser, CornerstoneWeatlh Strategies; Dr. Alan Burke, WSSRA Executive Director; Larry Cade, Washington State Health Care Authority; Catherine Cadoo, Dept of Retirement Systems Plans II & III; Rohn Rutledge and Jeff Burgess, AMBA Representatives; Kristin Faris, VEBA; and Bob Fox, DRS Plan I. 

Meet the Candidates Forum

Kudos to our crack Legislative Commitee members, Jim and AJ Foster and Elaine Banks, for organizing another excellent Meet the Candidate Forum at the September luncheon. 12 of the 14 candidates from each of the three districts in our region were in attendance. When Jim asked if they will support the Plan I COLA and the funding required, everyone of them said, "Yes."

If you're wondering which district is yours, click on these links:  

Eight, Nine and Sixteen.

To see who your candidate are,
go to our Facebook Page here. 

Victoria Russell, VP/Program Chair, opening the meeting.

Elaine Banks awarding Terry Nealy, retiring
District 16 Representative, with a Certificate of Appreciation
for his many years of leadership and support. 

Sam Derosa, Health Committee Chair,
 leading members in a robust round
of challening calisthenics.  

August Luncheon: "The Picnic"

Elaine Banks presents Rep. Larry Haler
with a certificate of our appreciation. 

The opening BFSRA Luncheon welcomed 90 attendees for the annual Indoor Picnic featuring a Buffet of Pulled Pork and salads, and a Chef’s Salad.  The choices were nearly evenly divided and members commented on their appreciation of food quality even with an increase cost to $17.

Andy Eads took pictures including legislative committee and Representative Larry Haler with certificate from BFSRA recognizing his outstanding public service. In his remarks he commented on Plan 1 COLA saying he had recommended 2% but only could get 1.5% at this time.

Sam and Bill get everyone up on one foot.  

New banners were displayed with some addition to include health. The Health Committee gave an update on new Medicare Cards and lead us in an activity of standing on one foot at a time.  Expected 30 seconds, not many made it.  Advice: pick up the work out.  Thank you Sam and Bill.

Dottie Stevens, Larry Haler, Elaine Banks, Jim and AJ Foster

The Legislative Committee hit hard on VOTING!  Also reminding us of the “Meet the Candidates” BFSRA Luncheon on September 24^th with extended time from 11:30 to 1:30 pm.  There is time for presentations and questions.  Candidates for contested positions are anticipating talking with us.  We know that positions in the 16^th and 8^th will be hotly contested and look forward to hosting this open forum where you can listen, interact, and decide.  Thank you, AJ and Jim Foster, and Elaine.



Membership Committee shared new $10 premium for new members and that our Unit would also cover the in-betweens that are on cash only or WSSRA only with the $10 for those moving to direct payroll deduct. There were takers to the Treasurer’s approval.  Thank you Don.

Kathy Parks wins the basket drawing. 

Drawing for free lunches and a basket were met with enthusiasm.  The basket was chosen first and Dottie admitted to being involved with a friend to offer this prize.  Kathy Parks won!!  It was also revealed that BFSRA Baskets for the June Convention included splits of wine from Nancy and Hank Sauer.  Thank you Sauers; Nancy was a guest at the Luncheon. (see basket picture)


* Thanks to Madam President, Dottie Stevens for the report, and to Andy Eads for the photos. 

Last Luncheon: 2017 - 2018

Installation of Officers: 2018 - 2019

WSSRA President, Dr. Curtis Horne performed the installation of our "new" officers for next year. They are, L to R:  Lew Edming, Secretary; Marlys Mayer, Treasurer; Dottie Stevens, President; and Victoria Russell, President Elect/Program Chair. 

Each year BFSRA nominates two member for the prestigous Patrick T. Hoban Meritorious Award Nomination and the Stan McNaughton Outreach Award Nomination.  Our nominees this year are Helen Bruggeman, Patrick Hoban; and Bette Evans, the Stan McNaughton Outreach Award Nomination.

 

L to R:  Helen Bruggeman and Bette Evans 

  

Patrick Zuniga:  Teacher Grant Awardee Presents - 

One of our 20 Teacher Grantees, Patrick Zuniga, shared with members how his grant has been used to purchase storybooks which he will utilize with his students. Zuniga, a Prosser High graduate, recently completed a Masters where he developed his "Empowerment Learning Theory." 

Celebration of Life

Benton/Franklin School Retirees’ Association Deceased

June 2017 -- May 2018

Kathi Hand -- (1937-2017)

Jan Harlow -- (1943-2018)

Ruth Ivey -- (1936-2018)

Paul Kraus -- (1934-2018)

Robin Morris -- (1942-2017)

Vic Sands --(1929-2017)

Delfina Shockley -- (1932-2017)

Julie Van Hoy -- (1946-2018)

In Memory and Recognition of our School Retirees

Music performed by Vickie Bowles Evans

Roses presented by Dottie Stevens and Victoria Russell

                                                            May 21, 2018

  

Vicki Bowles Evans

See you next year!! 

BFSRA, Out! 

(photos by Andy Ead)

A Choir, Some Scholarships, and Honorary Members

A Choir:  An outstanding program began today with Don Parks introducing Pasco Superintendent of Schools, Michelle Whitney, who then introduced Curtis McFadden, director of the McLoughlin Middle School Treble Choir. 

Curtis McFadden, Director,
McLoughlin Middle School Treble Choir

This auditioned choir brought a twinkle to every eye in the room along with an energy level many of us haven't experienced since before retirement. 

Great job to all concerned!

The McLoughlin Middle School Treble Choir

Some Scholarships:  Two Robert J. Handy Scholarships for $900/year for up to four years, were awarded to Caitlynne Burke, Chiawana High School, and Meghan Callaway, Richland High School.  The WSSR-Foundation Scholarship, a one-time $2500 scholarship was awarded to Lizzie Stites of Southridge High School.  Congratulations to these three E8 Scholarship Winners!! 

Caitlynne Burke, Chiawana High School
Robert J. Handy Scholarship

Lizzie Stites, Southridge High School - WSSR/Foundation Scholarship

Meghan Callaway, Richland High School - Robert J. Handy Scholarship

Honorary Members:  President Dottie Stevens presented four very special members their WSSRA Honorary Membership Awards today with some assistance from Jim Bumgarner, E8 Rep to the State Board.  Honorary Members pay no more monthly dues and receive four free lunches during the year. 

L to R:  Dottie Stevens, Sybil Bolkam, Sam De Rosa, Barbara McIntyre, and Jim Bumgarner.
Not pictured was Elizabeth Gladden.

To become an Honorary Member one must have achieved the age of 90 by June 30th, have been a member of WSSRA for twenty years, and have been active, contributing members as identified by committee service, holding office, or involved in activities which support the purposes of WSSRA. Congratulations to each of these very special members!! 

Photos by Andy Eads and Jim Bumgarner

20 Mini Grants Awarded

Congratulations

to these school employees who are either Active BFSRA members,

or are sponsored by an Educational Advocate who is a BFSRA member.

20 Mini-Grant Awardees for $200 each for great ideas

affecting the eduction of students.

Patrick Zuniga, Pasco SD, Stevens MS, 7^th grade, 

Empowerment Learning in Literacy

Valerie Baker, Prosser SD, Prosser HS, Course Completion Rewards

Debbie Dohaniuk, Finley SD, Finley El and River View HS, Instruments for Kids

Lorianne Donovan, Finley SD, Finley El, 4^th grade, Sound Wave, Vibrations,

and Exploration of  Sound

Antonio Vegas, Kennewick SD, BFJJC, HS, GED Support

Brooke Canada, Kennewick SD, Kennewick Mid-Columbia Parent Partnership, 3-5^th grades,          

World Traveler

Janice Sola, Kennewick SD, BFJJC, 6-12^th grades, Classroom Library

Danielle Belliston, Kennewick SD, BFJJC CATS Program, 8-10^th grades,

Community Alternative Transition School Support

Jennifer Ward, Finley SD, Finley HS, Remix Read

Stephanie Bradshaw, Finley SD, Finley El, K-5 grades, Read with Me

Kelly Williamson, Finley SD, Finley El, 3^rd grade, Connecting

to STEM with Pulleys

Debra Kunze, Kennewick SD, Cascade El, K-5 grades, CoWriter: Universal in Special Education

Becky Denman, Pasco SD, Captain Gray STEM El, K-6 grades band, 

Band Cleaning Kits

Jennifer Appel, Richland SD, Enterprise MS, 6^th grade, Character Strong Support

Denise Senor, Kennewick SD, Kamiakin HS, CASE Curriculum Project

Ashley Williams, Kennewick SD, Kennewick HS, Shakespeare

in the Snow and Tape Measures

Kelsie Siegfried, Kennewick SD, Chinook MS, 6^th grade, Classroom Library

Alyssa Ducken, Kennewick SD, Lincoln El, 4^th grade, Flexible Seating

Wanda Cadwallader, Kennewick SD, Legacy HS, 7-12^th grades, 

Intro to Programming

Dan White, Kennewick SD, Kennewick HS, CASE Curriculum Project

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Elaine spoke at today's luncheon regarding the fact that we are closer today than we have been in seven years to some degree of legislative relief regarding a restoration of both our COLA and Medical Benefits package.

Finally, a slit of light casting the possibility of some potentially Good News this year? Maybe so, but to convert that possibility to something substantial we must make sure the legislators KNOW our issues, they need to hear from US.

A lack of contact will be perceived as a lack of concern, and lack of concern puts our issues right back where they have been the last seven years: in the ashcan.

With some of our older members living near the poverty level, and for some of the younger ones, where the future can be terrifying, we cannot allow this.

Please find the legislators email and FB page contacts in the left margin of this webpage.  Click the name, up comes your emailer, compose your note, click SEND.

***********************

The following information was provided by Peter Diedrick, Legislative Director, WSSRA, on January 15th -

The first week of the 2018 Legislative Session is complete. It was a mixed bag.

The good news. There is widespread bipartisan support for restoring the Plan 1 COLA and Retiree Medical Benefits that were eliminated in 2011. Currently, there are eight Plan 1 COLA bills active in the legislature. We expect two more to drop next week. The list of bills are:

• House Bill 1484 & Senate Bill 5556 (2017 Legislative Session), $2 per year of service credit.
• House Bill 2323 & Senate Bill 6290, 3% increase on all PERS 1 & TRS 1 pensions.
• House Bill 2452 & Senate Bill 6305, 3% increase on the first $25,000 in pension income for PERS 1 & TRS 1 retirees. Increases the Medical Benefit to at least 50% of the monthly premium.
• House Bill 2511 & Senate Bill 6340 by request of the Select Committee on Pension Policy, 3% increase on the first $25,000 in pension income for PERS 1 & TRS 1 retirees.
• Several bill drafts are circulating for a full restoration of the Plan 1 UCOLA.

We are working with legislators and other advocacy groups to coordinate this legislation and coalesce around a single bill. Currently, the strategy is to advocate for HB 2452 & SB 6305 (the red paragraph), with HB 5211 & SB 6340 as the fallback position (the blue paragraph).

***********************

"Toy Drive" with "Mary Lou and Stevie"

Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, cranberry relish, and a nice oven-warmed bun (well - sorta), were the main items on today's entree at CG Pub House for our annual November luncheon.

Members enjoyed socializing with this great meal while "Mary Lou and Stevie" created a perfect background to the affair with their wonderful Christmas music.

Apologies for no pictures today of "Mary Lou and Stevie," however this video, taken in 2016, was found in the archives, so give them a click and enjoy the moment, again.

The Big Event for the luncheon was when Anna Avile and Elizabeth Amezcua, representing 'The Salvation Army," accepted the toys collected by members for this year's Annual Toy Drive.  Ms. Avile thanked BFSRA for its donations and reported we donated 189 toys last year (we didn't get a count on today's donation), and that they have had 400 children sign up with them this year.

We did get a few pics of Anna and Elizabeth and few of the many toys:

Master Gardeners applications open until
Jan. 3rd.  Contact Alice Allison.

Only 5 Mini-Grants left of the 20 budgeted for at $200 each.  If you know someone who could use the funding, click on the "Mini-Grant" tab above to find an application.

Have you written your legislators lately?  Many know they should, but put it off and out of mind until the urge disappears. You can call them, email them, or send them a private FB Message. Find the links for email and FB in the left-hand margin on this page.  If you don't, then that "blank" supports their mentality to keep your COLA.

Have you subscribed to receive updates to your blog?  Right-hand margin. Email addresses are never shared with anyone, anywhere, at any time. Keep up with what's happening in your association, subscribe.














Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas
everyone. We'll see for our next luncheon,
January, 22, 2018.

Powerful Program Today: Human Trafficking

Tricia MacFarlan, Executive Director of Mirror-Ministries, presented a powerful program today on human trafficking in the Tri-Cities. In response to their mission of, "responding to domestic minor sex trafficking with love of Christ and through intervention and restoration," their primary focus is on minors and those same minors as they move into adulthood, over 18.

MacFarlan reported the movie, "Taken," starring Liam Neeson, "isn't what human trafficking looks like." 

The picture she painted is far bleaker. 

Many of our local kids are involved in trafficking after being lured into this evil industry; those by personal choice an extremely low number.  The estimated number of girls prostituting, again not by choice in most all cases, in the Tri-Cities, is 234; with an additional 39 other, older kids, often doing the pimping.  

An example of how they become involved is with a young girl 12 - 13 being invited to a party where unbeknownst to her, her open cup is spiked.  The next morning she awakens to find soreness, bruising, and no memory of what happened. Then she begins receiving pictures on social media of what happened while she was "out," with threats that if she tells anyone there will be trouble. 

Trapped, guilt-ridden, with no one to talk to, what follows can be a long trip through hell-on-earth, where some kids are exposed to as many as 8 - 10 "customers" a day. Many performing for things like food, a place to sleep, or being supplied with the drugs they have become addicted to.

A second example involved Play-Station where gamers can interact with one another via the internet as they play the game. Traffickers often allure young kids into their web of deceit by first making contact through this venue, and other such, gaming devices. Once a relationship is established, making actual contact, and creating the trafficking situation is the easy part.  

Local police agencies, using undercover techniques, put out ads as mom or dad selling out their own children, and received "thousands of responses." Incredible!     

The average age of entry is 12 - 13. Once inside, through such force, coercion, and fraud, the average life-span is 7 years. 

Click here to find Mirror-Ministries at their website, 

and here to find them on Facebook.