Meeting Highlights

The Henry/Stark Unit Website for the
Illinois Retired Teachers Association Unit 24
Meeting Highlights

Retired Teachers Celebrates 50th!
--- On November 9th sixty-five retired teachers of Henry-Stark Counties gathered at the Toulon Congregational Church to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organization. Sandy Langdon themed the event with all the appropriate garnishes with decoration and food. Alice Webster provided chocolate "50 cent pieces" as tasty mementos.
--- Executive Director Jim Bachman of Springfield provided an update on the events surrounding pension and insurance, as well as, compliments to the strength of the local unit for actively seeking involvement of retired teachers at the local and state level. Currently the organization has over 120 dues paying members at the local level and double that figure at the state level. The importance of remaining politically involved and alert was the theme.
--- Chris Gluck(Stark representative) and Nancy Cramer (Henry representative) attended to outline the benefits that are available to members including insurance programs, transportation and lodging opportunities, and discounts on others services such as technology. There were extensive questions for all guest speakers.
--- Lynne Roark, local member, concluded the celebration with a medley of tunes from the past fifty years in a "Name That Tune" format, enjoyed by all. Outgoing President Jocie Saline of Dahinda announced incoming officers: President Gary DeMoss, Geneseo, Co Vice Presidents Roger Hawk, Toulon and Jocie Saline, Dahinda, who will also serve as local membership chair. Openings for the Treasurer and public relations are currently being sought. Sering in state positions are A;J Harland, LaFayette, Sue Busenbark, Kewanee and Roger Hawk, Toulon.
--- An organizational meeting will be conducted in January 2012 for the coming year and brochures will be distributed to all members.

The Chill n Grill of Kewanee accommodated 60 retired teachers and guests on July13th with an excellent BBQ buffet. The day was filled with interpretations and information regarding the state of the insurance, pension, and political scene as it pertains to teachers. Information was shared at the state level by a brief appearance of Rep.Don Moffitt, and was supported by local insights at the area level by David Davison of Rochelle and Loryann Eis at the regional level from Moline. Local member Larry Lock gave support to many teachers in recent months regarding the confusion over insurance coverage and provided an update.

The annual theme of The "Golden" Life of Retirement commemorating our fifty years as an organization in Henry-Stark Counties was further amplified in this meeting's theme of "Life of Learning....Making a Difference." Joel Newman of Big Brothers Big Sisters gave insights of the organizational philosophy of the program which serves over 140 children in Henry County. Kristin Keane and Melissa Shipp, Kewanee Hospital personnel, provided testimony on their individual experiences of their Little Brother and the fullfilment reaped over the past year. Many questions of interest followed and were rewarded with a piece of candy. Anyone who may have been moved by this presentation may contact Joel at 309.944.9876 for further information and direction. Big Brothers Big Sisters currently is involved with 1300 children in 13 counties out of the Davenport office.

President Jocie Saline conducted the business at hand with reports and information on the upcoming convention October 17/18 in Springfield. Reservations to participate must go through the President. A. J. Harland of LaFayette has been nominated to serve at the state level as Region Representative serving Mercer, Rock Island, Knox, Whiteside, Henry and Stark Counties for 2012. He was introduced to the group and commended for his volunteerism.

Five first time attendees were introduced, followed by the fundraiser drawing of donated baked goods by the officers to support expenses and the foundation. Meeting adjourned after two 1/2 hours of professional updates and social connections.

The Henry Stark Counties Retired Teachers Association was organized by a group of teachers fifty years ago this month. As we continue this year’s Theme “The “Golden” Life of Retirement” 75 teachers met at the Dunes on May 11th to take a look at the past, study the present and keep a sense of humor about things. Currently 113 local members are supporting with local dues to maintain a goal of awareness. Participants enjoyed a chicken/ham salad buffet by the Dunes staff and brownies provided by Mary Hawk. Bob Lyons, member of the Teacher Retirement System Board visited from Hoffman Estates to provide his perceptions of the trends and activities surrounding our retirement. Some things are simply not predictable.

Following the informative portion of the program and highlights by President Jocie Saline, Retired Galva Art Teacher Nancy Anderson and an unidentified guest provided Scandinavian Humor. It was reported that the Ole must have must have been of “mixed heritage” as his accent tended to wander on occasion, as did his memory. Olga held true to her heritage however. The point of the event was that one of life’s best gifts is laughter. Previously in March we celebrated the life of legislation and luminaries. Phyllis Dotson was recognized for her state honor for educational volunteerism with the Dept of Corrections. Fist timer Nancy Neyt attended from Geneseo.

An informational brochure of the year’s event was sent last month to over 300 teachers that retired from the Henry Stark area. The next meeting is scheduled at the Chill n Grill in Kewanee on July 13th at noon. Reservations should be submitted from now through July 6 to Sue Busenbark, 1330 W. Prospect St., Kewanee, IL 61443. The program will be Life of Learning…..Making a Difference by Joel Newman, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and updates from the regional Director Loryann Eis of Moline. First Timers are our guests! Items for the fundraiser will be provided by Sue Busenbark and Barb Morrision.
Baked and gift items provided by Jocie Saline and Roger Hawk provided funds to offset expenses and make a contribution to the foundation.

A festive 55th birthday party was celebrated by the Henry Stark Retired Teachers at the First Congregational Church of Toulon on November 10th. Illinois Retired Teachers Association was established in Springfield in 1955 being the sole professional representative of retired teachers in Illinois. State President Phil Robbins of Godfrey was unable to attend due to a medical appointment but the state highlights were provided by President Jocie Saline. Members sharing birthdays for October, November and December were presented with cards and an enclosed “Celebrate” postage stamp. Officers for the coming year were presented: Jocie Saline President, vacancy for Vice President, Carol Lee Cole Treasurer, Alice Webster Secretary, Barb Morrision Corresponding Secretary and Scrapbook, Larry Lock Health Insurance, Roger Hawk Legislation and Information Services, Roger Mann Webmaster.

The board donated an ample supply of consumable treats that were awarded to recipients who supported with a donation to the foundation which provides scholarships, grants and support to indigent retired teachers. In addition to donations being made during the year the board elected to send an additional amount to three organizations that assist teachers: I CARE ombudsmen program, IRTA Foundation and REPAC, the political action network.

With 47 teachers present first timer Beth Bisschop of Kewanee was introduced. Following lunch complete with a birthday cupcake and ice cream members retired to the church sanctuary for a program by Lynne Roark who shared a classical piece, a sing along and “name that tune”. The next meeting will be March 9 at the LaFayette Methodist Church as we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the local unit.

Any members who have not paid their local dues for 2011 are encouraged to send a $15 check to Carol Lee Cole, 20611 E 2500 Street Annawan IL 61234

The Henry Stark Counties Retired Teachers hosted their fourth meeting for the year at the Orion Methodist Church with a chicken casserole luncheon served by the church ladies. Two first timers were welcomed. Sue Killilea retired from Kewanee Central School Home Economics and Sue Curtiss from Kewanee Belle Alexander School Kindergarten. Three distinguished guests provided the state of education as it reflects on the retirement program. Rep Don Moffitt gave a picture from the legislature, Jim Bachman, IRTA Executive Director of Springfield, provided lobbyist insights, and David Davidson, Area I Director from Rockton, provided highlights to monitor within our region. Everyone celebrating birthdays in August through October were presented with a card a small remembrance with special recognition going to Jane Kneppler for her 91st birthday. She prides herself in having traveled nine continents and all the states. Consumable delicacies were awarded to numerous recipients for their support of our foundation which awards grants, scholarships and assists retired teachers in financial crisis. President Jocie Saline conducted the business meeting which adjourned in a timely fashion to enjoy the beautiful day outside. The final meeting and presentation of officers for 2011 will be held at the Toulon Congregational Church on November 10th at noon.

Approximately 50 members of the Henry Stark Counties Retired Teachers met at a new location, The Chill n Grill in Kewanee, on July 14 for their meeting and the preceding board meeting. New attendees were Verna Marshall, Jennifer Collister, Mariellen Davis and Carol Leininger. President Jocie Saline welcomed visitor Joe Thiele from Rochelle, IL who serves as an Information Chair in his Region which includes most of the northern counties. Material on all the benefits that come with being a member of Illinois Retired Teachers were distributed and reviewed by Christopher Gluck of Shaumberg. He addressed a number of inquiries and kept the interest of everyone by having a quiz at the end that involved prizes. Ongoing contact by members can be made to 800.258.7041. There was an update by the president on the political climate related to pension and an urgency to stay involved and aware of this topic, followed by committee reports. Carol and Dave Cole of Annawan were the primary contributors to the baked goods that lured everyone to contribute to the drawing which supports our state foundation as well as supports our local expenses. The next meeting will be at the Orion United Methodist Church on September 8th at noon. Reservations and $10.00 should be mailed to Marilyn Seabloom PO Box 652 Orion IL 61273 by September 1st. Food Items for the raffle will be contributed by Larry Lock and Jocie Saline.

Over sixty Henry Stark Counties Retired Teachers met at McKay’s Grill for luncheon meeting on May 12th. It was an informational-filled session starting with Bryan Rudolph of Sen. Aaron Shock’s office regarding “What You Should Know About Social Security Benefits.” Retired teachers receive eligibility for Medicare and a minimal amount due to legislation prohibiting the Social Security payment and the pension.

Next the group was greeted by Rep Don Moffitt who provided a state picture of legislation and the Springfield picture. At the district level LoryAnn Eis of Moline shared insights to the recent Area I Spring Conference and state issues of concern regarding pension legislation and benefits.

President Jocie Saline completed with the local highlights recognizing new attendees and those celebrating birthdays in the months of April, May and June. Each received a card with a usable “Celebrate” postage stamp, designed by the daughter of Secretary Carol Lee and David Cole of Annawan.

A fundraiser of baked goods by Barb Morrision and Secretary Carolyn Taylor, in addition to contributed items from other members netted close to $150 to be shared with local expenses and the state foundation to provide scholarships and grants, as well as assist retired teachers in crisis.

The next meeting is scheduled for July 14 at noon at the Chill ‘n Grill in Kewanee. Paid reservations to Sue Busenbark by July 7th. Local dues of $15 should be mailed to Carol Lee Cole 20611 E 2500 Street Annawan IL 61234.

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