WSSRA-Sponsored Town Hall Meeting and Interview via Zoom Meetings

WSSRA is sponsoring two Zoom meetings over the next week. You can attend the meetings via computer or by phone. Click on the title of the meeting to find out how!

** NOTE: Per WSSRA, if you cannot attend either or both virtual events, they will be recorded and posted on the WSSRA website. **

June 18th

Thursday, May 28th. WSSRA Town Hall Meeting -- PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE!!!

Western Washington members at 9 am PST
Eastern Washington members at 11 am PST

Description edited: Executive Director, Alan Burke, and Legislative Director, Peter Diedrick will review legislative issues given the recent drop in state revenue, the upcoming virtual convention on June 30th (which is replacing the Pasco event), retiree benefits, the process for legislative candidate endorsements, and general announcements concerning association business.

Monday, June 1 at 2 pm PST. WSSRA and HCA Virtual Interview (held as scheduled)

WSSRA Executive Director Alan Burke interviews Health Care Authority Employees and Retirees Benefits (ERB) Director David Iseminger. The Interview was recorded on Zoom and is available for viewing by clicking HERE.

Celebration of Life

Celebration of Life

We offer virtual roses in memory of our members who have passed.

Due to our inability to gather as a group, we continue to shelter in place for safety from the COVID -19 which was identified in March, 2020. We take time to recognize and remember our cohorts. Our members, friends and fellow teachers have given their commitment, talents and love to the education of children. Roses will be presented when we meet again. 

Special salute, May 25, 2020, Memorial Day

Victoria Russell, President

Benton Franklin School Retirees Association Members 

Deceased Spring 2019 - Spring 2020

2019

Maxine Bumgarner

Paul Dann

Marion Hughes

Gerald Lane

Maurice Meilleur

Max Purser

Ava Thacker

Julie Van Hoy

2020

Rose Allen

Ethel Boothe

Wilma Burgess

John Burke

Kathryn Carlson

Theodore Carratt

Randy Dolven

Hershel Griggs

Peggy Jensen

Dorothy Korstad

Lucy Larsen

John Moffitt

Arlene Rogers

Kenneth Russell

Robert Schuyler

Linda St. George

Judith Trainer

Ernest Unruh

Robert Vanliew

John Walker

Wendall Weld

Linda Williams

Apologies and Updates

Apologies and updates:

First, I apologize for having neglected our page -- I managed to fall and break three ribs on the very day that I posted that the March luncheon was cancelled -- that, coupled with adjustments in lifestyles and other issues has caused me to have a much lower digital profile than I would normally.

Several critical updates which I'll summarize here, and on the BFSRA FB page -- and will work on providing additional information over the next day or so.

#1. The 2019/2020 convention will be in Pasco October 5-7, 2020 will not take place. The 2020-2021 Convention will be at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel June 7-9, 2021. [Edited August 21, 2020]

#2. The Plan 1 COLA bill (EHB 1390) was signed into law April 3, 2020.

#3. The April luncheon/meeting was cancelled. Details on any upcoming meetings (i.e., May) will be published as soon as I have them.

#4 Past issues of the newsletter and other relevant articles will be available for viewing on this site by May 13.

Cancellation of March Luncheon/Meeting

Due to the restrictions in place for reducing/avoiding the COVID-19 Virus, the March Luncheon/Meeting is cancelled. Details to follow . .

Update:  The following Luncheon Meetings are cancelled:

March 23, 2020

April 27, 2020

May 18, 2020

February 24, 2020 BFSRA Luncheon and Meeting: Australia with Margaret Holloway

 This meeting was greatly anticipated by members and was the most popular of the year.  Our member Margaret Holloway is a dual citizen of the USA and Australia.  We love her accent and her willingness to share specifics of her culture.  We each received a token Australian flag with our cake dessert.  Margaret shared her prepared visuals and commentary on the wildlife, flora and locations special to her.  Unfortunately, wildfires have jeopardized large geographic areas of Australia, recently.  There are several organizations to which donations can be made. These include: 

SAVE THE KOALA --  Sydney Zoo Foundation. https://sydneyzoofoundation.com.au

Science for Wildlife -- https://chuffed.org/project/wildlife-bushfire-crisis#inspiringaction

New South Wales Rural Fire Service -- https:/www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/about-us/funding

We were reminded that these might be good ideas for birthday and Christmas, by making a donation in a special person's name. 

Victoria Russell

Welcome!

Welcome to BFSRA!  The Benton/Franklin School Retirees' Association (BFSRA) is the local affiliate of the Washington State School Retirees' Association (WSSRA) -- whose sole purpose to enhance the security and vitality of your retirement years.  If you belong to either the TRS, PERS, or SERS retiree plans, we are your primary advocate in the state of Washington for your retirement pension benefits.

We welcome all present members of, as well as any and all future TRS, PERS and SERS retirees to join us, for it is through our strength in numbers that we will have the greatest positive impact on what happens in Olympia with our pension funds and retirement benefits.

We provide pro-retiree, pro-education advocacy and leadership to the Washington State Legislature. We have representatives who work with legislators who impact retirement and pension plans and issues, and we collaborate and advocate with other groups that share our vision, values, and aims.

We sponsor pre-retirement seminars, and award substantial scholarships to college students enrolled in their school's college of education. We also provide education support grants to active teachers and education support staff in local schools, and encourage volunteer activities in support of Washington's school children.

We also provide access to many members-only benefits through the Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA). Special insurance rates, travel discounts, and product savings are available to our members.

We consider ourselves educators for life. If you are or have been a certificated or classified school district employee in the state of Washington—from superintendents to school nurses,  bus drivers to behavioral psychologists —you are welcome here.

January 27, 2020 - BFSRA General Meeting and Luncheon, Pasco Red Lion

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. This is always a hugely popular luncheon event -- and this time was no exception! 

First, Jan Fraley was recognized for her work with SHAKE and collecting school supplies for students. Alyssa St. Hilaire talked about Destination Imagination and made a request for volunteers. Diana Baker shared an update on the BFSRA Directory and made a reminder to turn in past Directories for shredding; there is too much information in them to throw away and have this document misused.

Then, Dr. Traci Pierce (KSD, Dr. Michelle Whitney (PSD), and Dr. Rick Schulte (RSD) all provided updates on their districts. 

Dr. Traci Pierce introduced the Panel and presented an overview of the Kennewick School District.  Dr. Pierce became Superintendent this year after working last year with Superintendent Dave Bond.  There are over 18,000 students in KSD.  There is a focus for Kennewick students to access digital resources.  The Dual Language Program is expanding.  The current Bond funded building plan was shared.  Current projects include Amistad Elementary, Tri-Tech, and Kennewick High School.  Some future plans include expanding the other high schools for a capacity of 2,000 at each of the three high schools.  The mission of the District is to provide every student with a safe environment, and every student should reach the goal of graduating from high school prepared for a successful life.

Dr. Michelle Whitney, Superintendent of Pasco School District, shared the Five Outrageous Outcomes Plan.  Research has shown this plan results in the K-12 goal of graduating on the path to a career.

100% of third graders at language proficiency by end of year

100% of ninth graders pass Algebra by end of year

100% of ninth graders on track for graduation

100% of graduates have a career path

100% of students engaged in extracurricular activities

Dr. Rick Schulte, Superintendent of Richland School District, shared District goals including the Promise K Project.  This promotes that all Kindergartners meet age requirements for enrollment purposes.  All students are in involved in early learning activities.  The school counselors and psychologists have formed a special education task force to develop programs for the Richland School District.

We are so grateful for the Superintendents for sharing their time and their insights with the BFSRA.

Dottie Stevens

November 25, 2019: Toy Drive and entertainment with “Mary Lou and Stevie”

 We had a fast paced and entertaining meeting with “Mary Lou and Stevie” singing and playing holiday favorites and our favorites.  Also, it was the Salvation Army Toy Drive and the tables were loaded with games, books, and toys.  WSSRA Executive Director Dr. Alan Burke presented a brief overview on Washington State School Retirees’ and legislation progress.  Always concerned with COLA and ways to benefit all members in all three plans for teachers, classified staff, and administrators.  A new focus this year is on the Volunteer Fact Sheet.  This is useful when talking to legislators so that the contributions of time, service, and breadth of volunteering are made known.  Don’t forget to report your volunteer hours to President Elect, Liz Friedrich. 

These photos show two of several tables of donations from BFSRA Unit 29 for the Salvation Army annual Toy Drive.

Dr. Burke addresses the members of BFSRA.

Dottie Stevens

October 28, 2019: Fitness, Yoga with instructor from Yoga Community

 

On October 28, 2019, we experienced another way to exercise and become healthy.  The Yoga Community was represented by Margaret Callahan and associate who led us in chair yoga.  A great way to exercise after lunch and before our meeting.  Our own exercise guru, Sam De Rosa, took a back sit this month.  We were all set to welcome the trick-or-treaters in a few days, and enjoyed all the fun Halloween outfits from our members.  (Victoria)

Alex Eads kindly furnished several pictures.

Photos of our Guest speaker, Margaret Callahan, Yoga Community and Associate, Kate Girdelli as guest at the BFSRA October luncheon.  Participants and officers enjoyed hearing some history of Yoga in the United States and participation in various positions.  It was a delightful experience.

Victoria Russell

photos: Alex Eads

September 23, 2019 BFSRA Luncheon and Meeting - Legislative

 On September 23, 2019, we were so pleased to acknowledge visitors, Sharon Hoseley, E-8 District Representative and Angela Hernandez, MOP- (Mothers of Preschoolers) asking our aid as volunteers for their organization. Joining us also was our own Peter Diedrick, WSSRA Legislative Director, who shared with us the time for a better outlook for the COLA and many other issues to be determined in 2020.  He  introduced Senator Sharon Brown and Senator Mark Schoessler, who presented information of importance to retired school employees as well as active teachers.  We heard also about the disparity in funding which affected education on all levels and for retired school employees for now and the future. 

Victoria Russell

August 26, 2019 BFSRA Luncheon and Meeting -- Indoor Picnic, SHAKE school supplies

 

Our August 26, 2019 meeting was kicked off with music, an Indoor Picnic, fellowship and a short meeting.  We enjoyed pork barbeque and salad, and were entertained by Brian Swearingen who possesses amazing musical talent at the piano. After lunch, we held a short meeting and thanked our members for their generous donations of school supplies to start the school year for our Community Service Project --S.H.A.K.E.-- Seniors Helping All Kids' Education.

Helping us start off the year right, this meeting featured a Book Table (pricing based on, "What's it Worth to You?"); the table also included puzzles and games.  Donations went to BFSRA Scholarships and Grants.

Our new BFSRA President presiding at the General Meeting and Luncheon.  Welcome Victoria Russell.

Maureen Bell led the school supply drive for SHAKE.

Books, puzzles, and games, OH MY!

Dottie Stevens

Installation of Officers for 2019 - 2020

BFSRA's newly elected officers were installed by WSSRA President, Linda Averill, at our May luncheon.

Pictured, L to R, are Linda Averill, Victoria Russell, President; Elizabeth Friedrich, President-Elect; Lew Edming, Secretary; and Marlys Mayer, Treasurer. 






Dr. Alan Burke, Executive Director of WSSRA, also attended the May luncheon. He spoke regarding the recent legislative action in Olympia where, once again, we came away with NO COLA, but a $15/month increase in our Medicare subsidies.  Dr. Burke shared that for those of us in Plan I who retired in and around the year 2000, our pensions have decreased by 15% in value in the last 19 years. 

Celebration of Life

In honor of those of whom we lost this last year, 

a rose for each of them was placed in a vase and their names read. 

Vickie Evans provided the music. 

Free Jazz from the Dave Clark Saxtette Group

Three Rivers Saxtette

Thanks to Don Parks for inviting Dave Clark (not the Dave Clark Five Dave Clark), but Dave Clark of the Three Rivers Saxtette Quartet to present a true Concert Event at our April luncheon.  If you missed it, you missed out.

Crank up your speakers and catch a small bit of their performance by clicking the picture.

The following, borrowed from the Joe Lane Real Estate team page:      

"The Three Rivers Saxtette is a Saxophone Quartet comprised of Dave Clark on Soprano/Alto Saxophone, Bill Murray on Alto Saxophone, Wayne Land on Tenor Saxophone and Doug Edwards on Baritone Saxophone. Playing on the rhythm section for the band are Kelin Kreider on Electric Bass and Jerry Larson on Drums.

The saxophone is a woodwind instrument commonly used to produce Jazz music. The mind and body get to benefit a lot from listening to this type music. Studies show that the sound of Saxophone can actually raise the heartbeat and makes one motivated. Indulging in Jazz also relieves stress and reduces anxiety. Enjoy these benefits as you delight in the performance of the Three Rivers Saxtette at the Emerald of Siam."

March Luncheon

Marisol Rodriguez-Price and Sarah Duran 

The program today was Heritage University, with Marisol Rodriguez-Price and Sarah Duran.

Heritage, 40 years young, is based in Toppenish, but they have opened a thriving satellite campus on the larger campus of Columbia Basin College in Pasco.

Heritage offers programs where Associate Degrees or Bachelor's Degrees can be turned into a master's. While they offer an extensive degree program, our interests lie mainly with those focused on a future career as a professional educator.

The Masters In Teaching Program (MIT), is designed for students wanting to obtain Washington State Certification for a career in education. They may be undergraduates to begin, or they may have earned Bachelor's degrees years before, but have decided they want to teach.

We wish them all great success!!