Montana Retired Educators Association

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1 Winter 2015 Montana Retired Educators Association MREA Volunteer of the Year Judy Kinonen, a member of the North Central Montana Retired Educators, was chosen as 2014 s Volunteer of the Year. Judy has been the publisher of the unit s newsletter since Some of the local members say they join in order to receive the newsletter. During the fair she has volunteered as a hostess at the Zion School, a one room school located on the fairgrounds. Before Christmas she does her shifts of ringing bells for the Salvation Army. These are all projects of her REA unit. Shortly after retirement, Judy began rocking babies at the neo-natal unit of Benefis Hospital. She continues to volunteer at the information desk and to raise funds through the Christmas Bazaar. Through her church she works at Left to right; Judy Spilde, Judy Kinonen, Doris Balko, Karen Richardson. FISH (emergency food program) giving out food to the less fortunate. Judy has held several different offices in the Salvation Army Auxiliary from Secretary to President. She has been the chairman of the annual luncheon and sale held by the auxiliary and can be found most Wednesdays during the year cleaning glassware, washing and ironing linens and getting other items ready for the big sale. A few years ago she was chosen the auxiliary s Volunteer of the Year. Judy compiles and distributes membership lists for the local PEO chapters. As well she organized the first annual PEO card party to raise funds for support of women s educational goals. She also compiles lists and contacts for her golf league Volunteer of the Year Nominees Anaconda Unit of MREA nominated member Bea Mc- Carthy for Volunteer of the Year. Bea s volunteer service to MREA and many other organizations is recognized by all. During her 4 year term as the president of MREA, Bea prompted the Peanut Butter Project. Many, many jars of peanut butter have been donated to local food banks by retired educators thanks to Bea s great project. Big Sky Unit nominated Lloyd-Ann McMahan as their Volunteer of the Year. She is especially recognized for her strength in increasing membership in MREA. She volunteers countless hours in local schools teaching art, cooking and helping teachers in many ways. Lloyd-Ann also volunteers in many community groups including: Mended Hearts, Wonderlust, Singing Souls, Unity Way, Delta Kappa Gamma, AARP and her church. Western Montana Unit s nominee was George Sherry. George has been very active in his local REA unit serving as secretary for several years as well as serving MREA as state secretary for 6 years. George is also very active in his community with service to Radio Reading to the blind, programs for schools, service groups and churches. It doesn t end there as he serves on the advisory board of Intermountain children s home and volunteers at a retirement home. George is always willing to help and steps up when he sees a need. Southwest Unit nominated the husband and wife team of Jim and Pat Anderson for their service to Southwest Montana Retired Educators. They served as President and Vice President of the unit. They have helped to build homes in Whitehall, Butte and Dillon as part of Habitat for Humanity and have donated time to help the YMCA, to support the local hospital. They serve in the activities of their church. 1

2 MONTANA RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT: Doris Balko VICE-PRESIDENT: Frances Schisler SECRETARY: Marilyn Hamer TREASURER: Tom Altmaier PAST PRESIDENT: Bea McCarthy WITH OUR YOUTH Doris Balko LEGISLATIVE Charlene Suckow Executive Director s Report Here we are at the beginning of another year. It has been a busy year for MREA across the state as our units compete to sign up the most new members for their unit. The contest will end March 1, Who will be this year s winners? We find ourselves at the beginning of a legislative session. We all need to keep alert as things progress in Helena. Although TRS and PERS are stable it does not mean that they will be left alone. I hope you know who your representatives are and will be in contact with them when it is necessary. Here is another reminder to sign up with our Legislative Chair to receive information. March 12 has been designated as Montana Retired Educator Day. Units across the state are being asked to plan something in their area. President Doris Balko will be sending out suggestions to units. There will also be a gathering of retired educators at the state capital in Helena on that day. Those traveling to Helena will be updated on legislation, given a tour of the capital and possibly a chance to visit with their representatives. MREA plans to have a meeting with the press. Make plans to be a part of celebrating that day in your home town or in Helena. More information will be coming out. Members who travelled to Ireland in October had a wonderful time. This year plans are for Italy in September-October. You have received a brochure in the mail. Travelers will likely be able to fly out of Bozeman, Helena, Great Falls and Missoula at the same fare as out of Billings. Make your plans now to travel with a great group. DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES: Joan Tomich (Dist. 1) joantomich@hotmail.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Karen Richardson PO Box 53 Somers, MT (Condon) (cell phone) tbark@bresnan.net Keep up to date Join the MREA club by sending an to cagasuckow@gmail.com with club in the subject line. Visit our website at Like us on Facebook Pat Searle (Dist. 3) judyk@edtech-fcu.com Joyce English (Dist. 5) joyceenglish@yahoo.com MREA WEBSITE: Lorri Keith (Dist. 2) llkeith@bresnan.net Elaine Shong (Dist. 4)

3 Legislative Report Teachers Retirement System I know many of you are wondering about the pending lawsuit on the TRS s GABA benefit. Nothing has been changed in the status, however the court has been asked to make a summary judgment. Many believe it will rule against implementation. The TRS actuaries have put the 1.5% back in the budget. With the GABA in place, the TRS is considered actuarially sound. A pension is considered actuarially sound if it s able to pay off all the cost of benefits in 30 years (similar to a home mortgage). At this time the TRS funding is slightly below the 30 year funding. We are in good shape because of the increase of a 1% contribution from both the active members and the school districts which was passed during the last session. The TRS projects an increase of valuation because of earned investment interest each year of 7%. During this past year the return was at 17.79% which also keeps the system in good shape. With all the good news you would think that the legislature would leave our pension alone this upcoming session, however, there is some talk about making changes to the system as some legislators are asking questions about a new term for an old worry about what they call cash burn. Essentially a mature pension is evaluated by the value of the contributions plus the interest minus cost of operation. There are some legislators talking about their concern that some interest is being used (thus cash burn) to pay current benefits. As it is our system is considered actuarial sound but that doesn t keep some from trying to push a defined benefit onto the system. During the session I will keep you updated on the upcoming bills and ask you to write your legislators for or against proposals. I encourage for you to join the club if you aren t a member so you can keep up on the issues coming up in the legislator. My address is cagasuckow@gmail.com if you send me a note, I ll add your name. Charlene Suckow, MREA Legislative Chair Annual Chapter and REA Unit Community Service Award Big Sky Unit of Gallatin and Park Counties recognizes an outstanding volunteer every year. This is done by completing the form and submitting it to NRTA. That nominee is recognized by NRTA with a certificate, a pin and a congratulatory letter from AARP. In October at the AARP awards banquet held in Helena, the Big Sky Unit winners for 2013 and 2014 were recognized for their exceptional volunteer work. The nomination is also submitted to Montana REA to be considered for the MREA Volunteer of the year. Rita Fish was the 2013 Big Sky winner of the award. Her leadership qualities served her well as the President of the Big Sky Unit for 3 years. She suggested and had encouraged support of $ Rita Fish and 2014 Lloyd-Ann McMahan. Montana State University Scholarship for a junior education major. She has participated in the making of baked goods for the Deaf and Blind School Bake Sale, Cookies for the Teachers, the Peanut Butter State Project and Books for Children at the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Other student based volunteer activities she has been a part of are Big Brothers and Big Sisters, The Eagle Mount swim program, gift making at the Bozeman Public Library, PBS Celebrates America Sings, collecting school supplies for students and summer park programs. Rita is active in Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, church projects, and her golf league. Lloyd-Ann McMahan was Big Sky s 2014 winner of the Unit Community Service Award. Education, art, music, volunteering, serving others, church and family are top priorities in her life. She has been a an active member of her unit. Lloyd-Ann was the Big Sky nominee for the MREA Volunteer of the Year and more of her biography can be seen in that section of this newsletter. 3

4 Western Montana On the day that school starts in Missoula, Western Montana Retired Educators meet for lunch at a local restraint to recognize that we don t have to do the first day of school. At our fall meetings we had a speaker on senior issues relating to end-of-life planning, advance directives for health care, etc. Another informative speaker was from Smooth Transitions who gave us tips for seniors on moving, how to de-clutter, and how to stay organized. A wonderful 6-piece Jazz band (Blue Hour Combo) from Hellgate HS played for our Xmas meeting. We always have music in Dec. We raise money for scholarships with birthday raffles. This is how it works. Members with current birthdays bring an unwrapped present to raffle off at the meeting. Also, friends and members donated $580 for the scholarship fund in the memory of Joan Lloyd, longtime member of our organization. A scholarship was presented at the College of Education and Human Sciences scholarship recognition dinner on the campus of the University of Montana. Nicole Jarrett of Missoula was awarded a $1000 scholarship. Doris Balko, MREA President, was very proud of her lovely granddaughter. A Spring Chocolate Fling membership mixer was held on April 28. The objective was to meet prospective members and get acquainted. Fruit and desserts were served (the chocolate fountain was special}. We played games and prizes were given. This did bring in some new members and WMREA won the $50 membership award for the largest number of new members in the state contest that ended in March. We support the local food bank by bringing donations to each meeting. We have been donating between 130 to 160 pounds of food at each meeting. We also help those working in the field of education who need help with medical bills or other unexpected expenses. All in all, we are a pretty nice, giving group of people. Southwest Montana Southwest Montana Unit met in October for our annual fall get together. It included an educational program with a luncheon. In February our group has a Valentine s Day Party, a social gathering as well as some form of entertainment. Our summer get-together will be a picnic and kind-of-a membership drive. The exact place dates and times are decided by our unit officers who meet 3 or 4 times a year, depending upon the necessity of a meeting. NEWS FROM MREA UNITS 4 Southeast Montana The Southeast Unit of MREA meets the first Friday of each month at the 600 café meeting room. We have lunch followed by a business meeting. At our meetings we discuss legislative issues with a member who keeps up on all the issues. We bring paper products and peanut butter for the Food Bank. Our group donates to various needy causes such as Dollars for Scholars. Some of our members help deliver Meals on Wheels for those who cannot get out. There is a rural schoolhouse at the Range Rider s Museum where we help with the upkeep. We are working to recruit new members Big Sky Programs bring members to Big Sky Retired Educator Association meetings! The needs of homeless students in the area were brought into focus by Anna Edwards of the Bozeman School District, at the September meeting. As a result of Anna s information, the Bozeman, Belgrade, and Manhattan schools Children in Need programs, which are a part of NCLB, received gifts of clothing and personal care items. Friend or Foe:Fish Bowls and Flowers was addressed by Dr. Jane Mangold, MSU professor and Montana Extension Invasive Plants Specialist, when she spoke and showed pictures of invasive species. Dr. Mangold pointed out noxious weeds that may be found in the area. She was introduced by member, Mary Vant Hull, who has been active, locally, in the fight against noxious weeds in Gallatin County. November allowed members and guests to vicariously explore our counties as William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, did. Norm Miller of Livingston shared large maps he has developed, which show his interpretation of the trails and waterways which trace the route and the footsteps of William Clark throughout Park, Gallatin and Broadwater counties. Mr. Miller used topo maps and recent pictures of the areas showing where Clark s group camped and traveled. Many landmarks shown were ones well know to the members. On June 17, 2015, BSREA members look forward to a new event, a coffee/tea in Livingston at the Montana Cup. Projects infuse enthusiasm. Currently, the Big Sky unit has accrued over one thousand hours of volunteer time from July through November of Community volunteer hours number over 440 hours; With Our Youth volunteer hours, during the same time period, equal over 660 hours. Both are National projects. Collecting peanut butter for the Food Bank, a state project, has resulted in 57 jars of peanut butter being

5 given to the Food Bank from July through November Another State led project, collecting the stories of retired educators, has proven exciting. Articles from local newspapers about members, and programs given by member of Big Sky Unit, continue to add to our trove of stories. We are looking forward to April, when JoAnne Troxel, a poet in our midst, is to present her life story as a retired educator--in original poetic form. Local projects include the awarding of a $500 scholarship to an MSU junior in the field of education each year. An envelope is available at the meetings for people to contribute to the scholarship. Each April or May the scholarship is awarded at our regular meeting. The scholarship winner, MSU faculty, and student leaders from MSU student organizations relating to education are our guests at lunch. In February, individual members may choose to support the Worthy Student Scholarship programs in Bozeman and in Belgrade. Our unit supports reading as we collect gently used children s books for the Food Bank. While adults pick up food, their children may choose a few books to take home. In November the Big Sky Unit salutes educators, by taking treats to local schools, administration offices, the county superintendent of schools, and the College of Education Health and Human Development staff at MSU. In all, 23 offices and staff rooms in Bozeman, Belgrade and rural areas received gifts, of fruit, nuts, sweets, and other treats, during American Education Week this November. It has become a tradition to hold a Bake Sale at the December meeting, with proceeds going to the Great Falls School for the Deaf and Blind. We look forward, in February and March, to celebrating Dr. Seuss Birthday and America Reads. In the fall, a team of members from the unit begins to gather information about the member to be recognized for the Community Service Award for the Big Sky Unit. NRTA/AARP nomination forms, due by January 31, 2015, are used for the process. In the Big Sky Unit, the same person who receives the Community Service Award is nominated for the MREA Award. The first Community Service Award from the Big Sky Unit was presented in A CSA recipient has been chosen every year since that time. It s a Great Time to Enroll in Medical Air Services Association Do you have $10,000+ ready at a moment s notice? Do you or your family travel? Do you live in a rural area? Do you want access to the best medical facilities in the country? These are only a few of the many reasons why members join Medical Air Services Association (MASA). Whether traveling, or even at home, MASA could provide you with potential life saving services. In the event of an emergency, MASA will transport you to the medical and support system you trust. Without this benefit, the average price for a ground ambulance is between $600 and $2,000 and an air ambulance can cost you between $10,000 and $50,000. With the MASA pre-paid emergency assistance program, you are protected from catastrophic financial loss resulting from emergency ground or air ambulance transportation. There are NO deductibles, NO age limits, NO health questions and NO dollar limits! To learn more about this valuable benefit, or any other MREA member benefits, contact AMBA at To learn more about MASA and other MREA member benefits visit: To schedule a benefits speaker for any of your local meetings, please contact Susan Lowry, AMBA Regional Director of Association Relations at , ext We re on the Web! Join MREA s PEANUT BUTTER CLUB MREA s President Doris Balko continues to emphasize the Peanut Butter Club. This will be the fifth year of this great program to donate peanut butter to local food banks across Montana. To join bring a jar of peanut butter to every Retired Educators meeting. State Board members must bring one to every board meeting or be fined $5. MREA members continue to make a difference in lives of children. 5

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7 Governor Bullock and Lt Gov McClean meet with MREA members. 7

8 Montana Retired educators association PO BOX 53 SOMERS, MT NON PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID KALISPELL, MT PERMIT NO. 20 Montana Retired educators association MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Complete and mail this application along with a check payable to MREA. Type of membership: New Renewal 1.) Name: Date: 2.) Address City, State, Zip 3.) Phone: Cell: 4.) Date of Birth: Year of retirement If the information on line 4; has previously been filed, please disregard State dues: $ Local dues: $ (Please refer to the list of local dues below.) Donation: $ Total dues: $ (Please make checks payable to MREA.) Local Units & Dues Anaconda $5 Bear Paw (Havre) $5 Big Sky (Bozeman) $5 Butte/Silver Bow $10 Lewis & Clark (Helena) $10 North Central Montana (Great Falls) $7 8 Mail to: Tom Altmaier, Treasurer 1024 Wausesha Helena, MT Northeast Montana (Glasgow) $5 Northwest Montana (Kalispell) $5 Southeast Montana (Miles City) $7 Southwest Montana (Dillon) $5 Western Montana (Missoula) $10 Yellowstone Valley (Billings) $5 MREA will send you a membership card by mail after we ve received your application and check. Please visit our website at WELCOME AND THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MREA!