"Installation of Officers: 2014 - 2015"

Past president of BFSRA and past State president, Marion Hughes, installed the following officers for the 2014 - 2015 year. They are, from left to right:  President, Tom Callahan; Marion Hughes; VP and Program Chair, Dottie Stevens; Treasurer, Marlys Mayer; and Secretary, Lew Edming. We not only wish them well in their new terms but offer any assistance they may need in order to more effectively fulfill their terms as they advance the missions of both WSSRA and our own local association, BFSRA.

"Final Message from President Jim Bumgarner"

Jim taking potshots at pigeons from aboard the USS Yorktown.

And so we end another year here at BFSRA, and what a great year it has been!  We have welcomed many new members, awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships and teacher grants,  delivered nine monthly newsletters, four of which are snail mailed, to over 600 people, provided hundreds of Toys for Tots during the holiday season, and hosted a very successful Pre-Retirement Workshop to over 100 people. 

Outstanding programs from Terry Simmelink entertaining us in August; to the Candidate's Debate; Saundra Hill, Supt. PSD; the Toy Drive; Lisa Toomey and the Hanford Reach Project; Callaway Gardens and Alzheimers;  and WSU Tri-Cities, presented by Chancellor H. Keith Moo-Young, kept us entertained, interested and informed.

We continue to try to cut a few expenses by decreasing snail-mailed newsletters and increasing email deliveries (snail-mail deliveries cost just over $1200/year for four issues).  We want to significantly increase the number of teachers applying for our grants, and we have some good ideas about how to go about doing so. And we have newly elected leaders chomping at the bit to get next year put together before August arrives.

We are in good hands with Tom Callahan, Dottie Stevens, Marlys Mayer and Lew Edming at the helm for the upcoming year. 

Thank YOU for two great years as your President, and here's hoping you have a great summer!  

Jim Bumgarner, Outgoing President 

May 19, 2014: Memorial Service

Thanks to President-elect, Tom Callahan, and Leona Hassing for the Memorial Services they presented at our last luncheon of the year.  Announcements were distributed to members and as Tom called out names, Leona placed a red rose into a vase for each named called.



 

"Scholarship Winners: 2013"

As we like to say  here at BFSRA,  we like to "grow our own," and in so doing, our scholarship winners were proudly awarded their scholarships at the April luncheon this past Monday.

They are, from left to right: 

Neydeen Martinez is a Pasco High Running Start student who plans to transfer to Eastern Washington University to pursue an elementary education major and Spanish minor. She received a $1,000 BFSRA scholarship.

Madeline Serrano, a Pasco High senior, is planning to teach kindergarten after attending Eastern Washington University as an early childhood major. She received a $1,000 BFSRA scholarship and also a Washington State School Retirees Association Foundation $1,500 scholarship.

Kaitlynn Kleinbach of Connell High School is planning to attend Whitworth University as an early elementary education major. She received a $900 Robert J. Handy Scholarship, sponsored by PEMCO, that is renewable for four years, for a total of $3,600.

Courtney Lybbert of Southridge High plans to major in elementary education and minor in child development. Her goal is teaching grades K-4. She received a $1,000 scholarship.

Unable to the luncheon was, Gianna Nino-Tapio, a senior at Southridge High School, who is considering enrollment at Oregon State University with a dual major in education and health. She received a $1,000 scholarship.

A large dose of gratitude goes to Scholarship Committee Co-Chairs, Shirley Frare and Alice Allison, for their dedication and hard work that went into this year's selections; and to Don Parks for stepping in to make the presentations at the luncheon due to Shirley and Alice both not being able to attend.  All went very well.

"Retirement Workshop: A Big Success"

Jan Fraley delivering her "Retirement - What do I do First?" presentation.

One hundred and two school employees contemplating retirement, from the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas attended BFSRA's Retirement Workshop, Thursday evening, April 17th, in the Pasco School District administrative office.  The workshop was a resounding success.    

Thank you to all of the following for their help, assistance, guidance and expertise: 

The Presenters:  
"What do I do Now?" - Jan Fraley;  PEBB Health Insurance - Larry Cade; VEBA - Kristin Faris and Jessica Haguewood; Social Security and Retirement Tips - Matthew Riesenweber and Matt Wise from Waddell & Reed; WSSRA - Rick Nebeker; BFSRA - Don Parks; AMBA - Rohn Rutledge; DRS Plans I & II - Bob Fox; and Plan III - Mark Miller. 

Pasco School District #1: 

Saundra Hill, Superintendent; John Morgan, Assistant Superintendent; Randy Nunamaker, Director Support Services; and Rosalie.

Kathy Goodwin, Walla Walla and Regional (E8) Retirement Planning Committee

Supertintendent Secretaries - 7 Regional School Districts: 

Connie Smith - Kahlotus; Jean Martin - Pasco;  Linda Tucker - Kennewick; Nancy Mayer - Richland, Peggy D - Patterson; Rawline Mann - North Franklin; Shelly Knight - Kiona/Benton

Benton/Franklin School Employees Association: 

Elaine Banks, Chair Retirement Planning Committee; Don Parks, Chair Membership Committee; Helen Bruggeman, Refreshments

Helpers and Volunteers from BFSRA:

Marlys Mayer, Jan Nilsson, Leona Hassing, Helen Bakshas, Tom Callahan, Lew Edming, Alice Allison,Sharon Weens.

March Program: "Dr. H. Keith Moo-Young, Chancellor WSU Tri-Cities"

Our speaker at the March luncheon was Dr. H. Keith Moo-Young, Chancellor WSU Tri-Cities.  Dr. Moo-Young joined Washington State University Tri-Cities on June 1, 2013.

A licensed Professional Engineer, Dr. Moo-Yong served as Dean of the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology at California State University, Los Angeles, prior to coming to the Tri-Cities.  He earned his Ph.D. and an MS in Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an Executive Master's in Technology Management from the University of Pennsylvania, and his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Morgan State University.

Dr. Moo-Young spoke of the history of WSU Tri-Cities - surprising most in the room when he told how it started in the 1960's, long before the governor of Washington signed a law in 1989 forming 5 branch canvases: 2 for the University of Washington and 3 for Washington State University. 

He shared his thoughts and plans for creating an educational environment that will help ensure the USA be a strong competitor in the global landscape. With "China producing one-million engineers annually, India producing 700,000 engineers annually and the USA producing only 70,000," he said, "we are no longer globally competitive."  In face of these statistics, Dr. Moo-Young remains positive.  "This creates an opportunity for us," he said.  "With 5,000 scientist and engineers adjacent to WSU Tri-Cities we can achieve at much higher rates than most other places."

"With little to no recruiting, we have students from 28 of the 38 Washington counties, 12 states outside Washington state, and 10 countries."  He said WSU TC has access to two-million dollars earmarked for tuition scholarships.  "We can provide tuition scholarships that will decrease the cost of attending here to less than the in-state tuition California charges its own students."

Student housing will improve as well as the opportunity for students to be involved in athletics.  "This is not an intramural program we are building but a Club-Sports program, one where anyone can play and compete with other such programs throughout the Northwest.  Athletic involvement creates ownership and feelings of belonging in students and that encourages higher graduation rates."

It is indeed encouraging to hear such focused and aggressive leadership coming out of our own higher ed community. 

Thanks to Tom Callahan for another outstanding program for our members this month.

February: "Attendance Matters Update" and "Aging, Dementia, and Alzheimer's"

At today's luncheon two excellent presentations were offered:

Michelle Roth of "United Way", provided us an update on the "Attendance Matters" program which Dr. Bruce Hawkins, Superintendent of ESD #123, first presented to our members last September. Ms. Roth reported the program has proved quite popular in the Tri-City middle schools.

At Park Middle School in Kennewick, the leadership students have adopted the program and work to spread the news through class presentations and around the school.  PMS reported 200 perfect attenders through first semester this year.  Not one of those records will ever be surpassed.  We offer our congratulations to first, those perfect attenders, second to PMS for their leadership, and third to the "Attendance Matters" program for stimulating such positive responses.  Way to go!!

Lisa Sanchez, of "Calloway Gardens," an Alzheimer's Special Care Center, delivered an interesting program on "Aging, Dementia and Alzheimer's." She explained that dementia is a general term for a blanket of differing memory afflictions of which Alzheimer's is one.  It is also the most prevalent.

Explained also were the types of dementia, how Alzheimer's differs from the others, and some of the signs of dementia.  Interested members can find further information HERE.

Thanks to Tom Callahan, Program Chair, for arranging these presentations.
 

"Retirement Workshop Closed to Further RSVP's"

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to the Retirement Seminar to be hosted by the Benton/Franklin School Retirees Association on April 17th, we are CLOSING the opportunity for further rsvp's as of the posting of this message.

Thank you to everyone who helped get the word out initially.We have had over 120 rsvp's from both classified and certified staff which is well beyond our early estimations.

Elaine Banks, Chair Pre-Retirement Workshop Committee

Don Parks, member

Jim Bumgarner, member

January: The Hanford Reach Project

Lisa Toomey, Director of the Hanford Reach Project, provided members with an update of this historically troubled, controversial, and finally astonishing project.  Once the location of the facility was determined and approved, construction began almost immediately in the western end of the Columbia Park.  It will be ready for its public opening in July, this year.  The official title, "The Hanford Reach Interpretive Center." 

The Reach will offer programs for all ages in performing and visual arts, our natural history, historical features of the area, agricultural, and many others. The educational program will include programs for K-12 students revolving around the science, art, and physical activities.  Staff development and inservice programs for local teachers will be offered. 

Tours will be offered in the following areas:  photo safaris, Ice Age Floods, bird watching, B Reactor, wildflowers, orchards and vinyards, wineries and breweries, foods, a concert at Maryhill Museum, cooking and tasting tours, a Day on the Farm, an oil plant, various jet boat excursions, and Palouse Falls. 

Indeed, there will be something for everyone and something which will significantly enhance the quality of life in the TriCity area. 

November: Toy Drive and Musical Entertainment

In November we held our annual toy drive for the Salvation Army.  Anna Avila, Social Services Director for the Salvation Army, presented a brief history of the Salvatin Army and its program of providing help to 106 nations around the world. She also spoke about the Food Bank, clothing drive3s, and helping the homeless in the TriCities.  Anna graciously thanked the BFSRA members for their donations of toys and games to the Annual Salvation Army Toy Drive, and said, "many children will receive gifts for Christmas this year because of your efforts."  Thank you Anna.  We were honored to be a part of the program.

Following the Toy Drive, we were entertained by the Columbia Connection, A Quartet.  Member of the quartet were Lois Raymond, Jo Yetter, Tami Rawlins and Janet Christian.  Most of the music was focused on the Christmas season, but in their opening number they sang, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."  Here you see them wearing their lion manes.  

OCTOBER: Lunch with Saundra Hill, Supt of the Year, 2013.

Saundra Hill, Superintendent of
Pasco School District.

When Saundra Hill delivered her talk to the WSSRA State Convention in Pasco last June, we decided to invite her to share that talk with us at one of luncheons.  She was gracious enough to join us in October and we were thrilled to have her with us. After her talk, yours truly said to her, "If I were a young teacher looking for a job and knew what I now know about you and your district, I would be handing you an application, right now!"  
Saundra has been Pasco School District’s Superintendent since 2002, but her roots in this community reach back three decades. She came to Pasco in 1982 already a veteran teacher, having worked in Bickleton and PeEll prior to entering the Pasco School District as a Migrant Resource Teacher at Longfellow Elementary. Her career in the District continued on an upward trajectory. By 1986 Hill had been promoted to District Bilingual Program Administrator, by 1990 she had taken a cabinet position as Director of Staff Development and Evaluation, and in 1993 she took the helm as Director of Special Programs, overseeing such programs such as Title 1 Basic, Migrant, Bilingual Education, and Student Assessment and Evaluation, as well as supervising and developing programs to improve student achievement.  In 2013, she was named Superintendent of the Year in Washington State.

She is also "one of us," a member Benton/Franklin School Retirees Association. 



 

"September Legislative Luncheon"

At the September luncheon, one of our guests, Dr. Bruce Hawkins, Superintendent of ESD #123, shared with us the new "Attendance Matters" program the ESD has developed in conjunction with United Way of Benton & Franklin counties. 

 

In this first year of implementation, the program is directed toward those middle school students who have already begun demonstrating less than productive attendance in school.  Our membership gave a resounding round of applause in response to his request for our endorsement of the program. 

 

L to R:  Jim Foster, standing; Sharon Brown, standing; Bruce Hawkins, seated at the head table; and
Phil Lemley, standing against the dark background to the right.

The main focus for the luncheon was to meet the two candidates for the 8th district (Kennewick) senate seat:  Sharon Brown (R) and Phil Lemley (R).  Jim Foster, our legislative grill-master, asked the candidates a series of questions for which they had a set amount of time to respond.  Let it be said by this reporter the questions didn't always get answered, but Jim did a great job of keeping the two candidates focused on those questions, while at the same time "schooling" them on our issues.

Following the formal Q&A, Jim opened the floor for members questions.  A lively discussion ensued, and either fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, we ran out of time.
 
Big thank you's to Jim and A.J. Foster and Elaine Banks for not only meeting with these candidates so they can be informed of what our issues as school retirees are, but also for getting them to the luncheon where we get to know them better and consequently are able to cast more informed votes at the ballot box in November.

"August Picnic"

The Annual August Picnic was held, Monday, August 26th, at the Country Gentleman in Kennewick.  Sixty-three members attended and many reported the hamburgers were excellent in taste and preparation.  The  most popular item however, was the brownies! 

President Jim welcomed everyone back, introduced his mother, and the Executive Board members; and made a few announcements. The remainder of the event was filled with social interactions carried out against the soothing and very melodic sounds of Terry Simmilink's music.

Announcements:

1.  The Country Gentleman has asked us to park behind the building.  The reason is folks driving by looking for a quick lunch won't see a full parking lot and will be encouraged to come on in.  We will have the tables for pay and PAC contributions near the back door entrance beginning in September.

2.  A Craft Table will be set up at each meeting for anyone who has crafts of some sort they want to offer to membership for sale.  A minimum of 50% of any proceeds will go to the scholarship/teacher grant funds.  We have no one to head that up, so if anyone is interested, let us know! 

3.  A correction in program from the most recent newsletter:  Bruce Hawkins, Supt. of ESD 123, will speak briefly at the September luncheon.  The main event in September of course will be the legislators seeking another, or a new, term in office. 

4.  The board has decided the $1400/year we spend on newsletter mail-outs could be better utilized for scholarships and/or teacher grant monies.  To that end, anyone wanting to receive the standard 4 mail-out newsletter/year will be charged a whopping $2 subscription fee.  This will begin in January of 2014 and will run during the regular Jan-Dec year. 

That's it for now. 

"Welcome to Another Year at BFSRA"

Greetings to All,

We hope you can join us at the annual "August Picnic" Aug. 26th at the Country Gentleman at 11:30am.  We will enjoy a buffet of hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and all the fixin's, while listening once again to the smooth and tender vocals of Terry Simmelink.  (Oh, and by the way, we meet indoors because we can predict neither the weather or the voraciousness of the insect populations these days.)

For those of you who are usual in your attendance, we hope you will maintain your visits with us this year; and for those of you who, for whatever reasons, have found it difficult to attend, we want to extend a special invitation to you.  Tom Callahan has put together an outstanding group of presenters and entertainers for us, as well as a mouth-watering menu for each luncheon. And of course, we wish we could do this for 5 bucks a lunch, but prices simply won't allow that anymore.

We can all be proud of our association.  Last year we provided three $1,000 scholarships to local graduates who plan to teach, a thousand dollars in teacher grants, and we collected a truck-load of toys for the little ones during the holiday season.  We provide sharp focus on the legislators, especially since many of them believe the state budget can be balanced out of our pocketbooks and bank accounts.  Then there is the mere social aspect of the association; for some this is one of the few opportunities available for person-to-person contact and for that we can all be grateful.

I hope to see all of you this year.  It is going to be an even better one than last year, because as Elaine said, I've got one more year to "get it right."  Let's hope, with your help and encouragement, that happens.

Be sure to watch for updates, schedules, menus, and other important information right here on our web page. 

Hope to see you at the picnic!   

Jim Bumgarner, president. 
   

"State Convention"

Speaking as the chair of the local organizing committee for the WSSRA State Convention this past June in Pasco, I want to express my deep gratification and commendations to a group of people who put it all together, the are the entire E8 region:

Asotin/Pomeroy and Walla Walla for their support, encouragement, and outstanding table arrangements, and . . .

The local committee members here in the Tri-Cities, members of which were:

            Leona Hassing                      Planning Commitee, Goodie Bags for Monday

            Don Parks                             Planning Committee, Entertainment

            Marlys Mayer                       Treasurer

            Marion Hughes                     Memorial Services

            Helen Bruggeman                 Hospitality, Walk Guide

            Gracie Cooper/Julie Hyde     Table Decorations

            Gracie Cooper                        Ticket Takers/Pages/ and Registration Workers

And,  Lynn Leaverton of Pomeroy, our Official Photographer. 

We decided early on we wanted to put together a "lean and mean" convention; or to put another way, one that could be described as "elegantly simple."  Congratulations to all these folks who were a part of making it happen. We achieved our goal; and we still came in just over 25%, under-budget, without a hitch!! 

The newly installed president of WSSRA, Nick Schultz, commented from the podium that the "local group certainly raised the bar to new heights" in terms of putting on a smoothly run convention.  Thanks, Nick!  

To view the photos of the convention, go to this link. 

Great job, Everyone.

Jim Bumgarner, Chair