Happy Birthday PASR & LCCPASR!
Year-Long Celebration Activities Set – We Invite
You to Join the fun!!
Please mark your calendar and plan to join with us throughout 2012 as we celebrate two milestone anniversaries -- LCCPASR’s 45th and PASR’s 75th!
- January: Committee met to finalize planning the birthday activities for the year. Volunteers are still needed.
- February: Join your fellow school retirees at the Taber Museum, 858 West Fourth Street, Williamsport on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 to “Stand Up for Public Education.” (If needed, the inclement weather date will be Tuesday, February 28, 2012.)
The schedule will be as follows:
1:15-1:25 Socializing and Welcome
1:25-2:15 Free Guided Tour
2:15-3:00 Program: “100 Years of Education”
Dr. Portia Brandt, Superintendent of Muncy School District
3:00-3:30 Social with refreshments
- March: On Tuesday, March 27, 2012, celebrate with fellow retirees, family and friends by dining at Hoss’s Restaurant as an LCCPASR fundraiser which will help offset expenses for other 75th birthday celebrations during the year. Cut out the coupon from the Newsletter (p.7); it may be used all day. If you desire, make additional copies of it to share with family, friends and neighbors.
We have planned monthly activities throughout the year, many for Tuesdays, since consensus shows that Tuesdays are better for most members. The following is a tentative summary, subject to change:
- April: 75th Anniversary Easter Baskets will be delivered to shut-ins;
75th Anniversary News Release
- May: Visit the Sones Museum, Rte. 147; more details to follow.
- June: Luncheon – activities will include “Pass the Mike,” and a 100th birthday party for our oldest member. Bring items from the 1937 era or your early days in the public schools. (Copies will be made & items returned.)
- July: East Lycoming one room schoolhouse tour; more details to follow.
- August: Crosscutters picnic and baseball game;
Little League Parade Float (Little League’s 75th year, as well as, ours)
- September: LCC 45th Birthday Party Luncheon – “Pass the Mike” will be among the activities; also, bring items from the 1937 era or your early days in the public schools. (Copies will be made & items returned.)
- October: Membership Social to make a collage for the 75th State Convention in Erie, PA using copies of pictures, contracts, report cards, and other items from the 1937 time period or your early days in the public schools.
- November: Make your own “Thankful List” of 75 things to be thankful for or 75 places to volunteer.
- December: PASR 75th Birthday Party Luncheon
Watch for additional details in future newsletters.
***************************************************************************************************
LCCPASR Recreo Committee at Your Service!
Consistent with our efforts to join forces with established travel groups, the LCCPASR Recreo Committee recommends for your consideration the following tours being provided by local retirees organizations!
GTE Retirees Group (Phyllis Horton: 570-326-9789)
March 14, 7:30 a.m., Lewisburg Farmers Market & Show, Susquehanna Valley Mall, $24.00
April 12, 8:00 a.m., Hollywood Casino, Grantville, $34.00
May 17 , 8:00 a.m., Penns Peak, Jim Thorpe, King Henry & The Showman, $73.00
Divine Retiree Travelers (Marge Killian: 570-322-6723)
June 20-21, 7:00 a.m., 1000 Islands with Cruise, $185.00 p.p./dbl
July 19, 7:00 a.m., Jonah – Sight & Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $90.00
September 10-13, 6:00 a.m., Maine—Portland, Perkins Cove, Boothbay Harbor, Kennebunkport, Casco Bay, $ 495.00 p.p./dbl
When contacting these travel groups for additional information, please remind them that you are a member of Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (Lycoming Chapter)!
**************************************************************************************************
Rep. Mirabito’s Chief-of-Staff Attends December Luncheon
LCCPASR was delighted to have State Representative Rick Mirabito’s Chief-of-Staff, Tonya Anderson (above, center), in attendance at its Holiday Luncheon. Ms. Anderson enjoyed meeting and talking with many of the retirees in attendance. She was clearly impressed with the wide-range of volunteer activities LCCPASR members provide both their membership and communities.
Following the luncheon, Ms. Anderson and Phil Thomas, former LCCPASR President and Executive Committee member, discussed at length the on-going absence of a cost-of-living adjustment for Commonwealth public school retirees. It will soon be 10 years since PASR members last received a COLA. That COLA, authorized in 2002, resulted from the passage of Act 38 by the state legislature. Anderson and Thomas also discussed the negative impact Act 9, passed under cover of darkness in 2001, is having on older public school retirees. Thomas reiterated that LCC/PASR represents all classifications of public school retirees. Certainly, support staff employees who retired prior to Act 9 are now struggling to make ends meet. Clearly, retirees are living longer and those who retired prior to Act 9, regardless of their classification, are not enjoying the increased benefits provided by that legislation. The topic of health insurance was also addressed. Pennsylvania’s retired public school employees have access to Medicare supplement insurance, for which they pay a significant portion of the premium and which typically does not include dental or vision coverage.
As the conversation continued, it was apparent that Ms. Anderson was well-versed on the various issues facing public school retirees and their urgency. We feel confident that Ms. Anderson will work in concert with Rep. Mirabito to address the pressing financial needs of older public school retirees in particular. LCCPASR thanks Ms. Anderson for her genuine interest in the important issues which affect Pennsylvania’s public school retirees.
Dinges Earns “Volunteer of Year” Honors
Ann Dinges (above, right) was honored as LCCPASR’s “Volunteer of the Year” at its December Luncheon held at the Pine Run United Methodist Church. A woman who obviously rivals the energizer bunny, Ann amassed nearly three-thousand volunteer hours during 2011. These hours were distributed across five categories – education, social service, service to youth, religious activities, and political activities. With a degree in early childhood education, in 1979, Ann established the “First Nursery School” and served as its director for more than a decade. Employed by the Williamsport Area School District for more than twenty years, at the time of her retirement in 2005, Ann was serving as a primary learning support teacher at Round Hills Elementary School. An active member of First United Methodist Church, Ann has also been a Red Cross Disaster Van volunteer for more than thirty years and remains the “go-to gal” when it comes to babysitting any of her ten grandchildren all of whom are under age twelve!
Commonwealth continue to donate hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours annually which provide immense savings to both local and state government. We salute Ann and every member of our Chapter who regularly provide volunteer hours to organizations throughout Lycoming County and beyond.
Auten Captures Dillon Award
The John J. Dillon PASR Service Award, which began in 2004, provides the opportunity for chapters to recognize individuals that have given outstanding service to the Association. Dr. John J. Dillon, retired Brentwood Area School District Superintendent, was a past president of the Association and was the consummate PASR volunteer. Over a period of some twenty years, he held a record thirty-eight positions in PASR, ranging from the local to the state level.
LCCPASR has chosen from among her peers, executive committee member, Carla Auten (above, left) as the 2011 recipient of the John J. Dillon Award. A former president of the Lycoming chapter, Carla currently serves as Chair of LCCPASR’s Membership committee. Recognizing the need for LCCPASR to be represented, on numerous occasions Carla has also served as a “stand-in” for committee members unable to attend region or state meetings. Carla, who is retired from the Muncy Area School District, now serves that same district as a member of the Board of School Directors. LCCPASR commends Carla for her unselfish service to both local and state public school retirees, as well as, her community.
***************************************************************************************************
The following are selected resolutions adopted by the PASR House of Delegates at the 49th Annual PASR Convention in Valley Forge, PA, October 10-12, 2011
1. RESOLUTION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY – PENSION REFORM
WHEREAS, PASR had encouraged the General Assembly for many years to enact comprehensive pension reform legislation in order to provide proper funding of the retirement systems, reduce costs to Pennsylvania’s taxpayers, and address the needs of Pennsylvania’s retired public employees, and WHEREAS, the General Assembly passed HB 2497 by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in November, 2010 and Governor Rendell subsequently signed the bill into law as ACT 120, and WHEREAS, ACT 120 contains nearly all of the recommendations advanced by PASR to provide proper funding and reduce costs for Pennsylvania’s taxpayers, but does not include PASR’s proposal to address retirees’ need for regular cost of living adjustments, and WHEREAS, ACT 120 will enable the retirement systems to accumulate the reserves necessary to pay their benefit obligations to current employees upon retirement and, as the economy continues to improve, generate excess investment earnings that could again be used to finance cost-of-living adjustments for existing retirees, therefore BE IT RESOLVED: that we commend the General Assembly for its passage of HB 2497, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that we encourage the General Assembly to complete the task of reforming the pension systems, as the financial status of the retirement systems improve, by restoring the Commonwealth’s practice of granting regular cost-of-living adjustments to retired state and public school employees.
2. RESOLUTION TO MEMBERS OF THE RETIREMENT SECURITY COALITION
WHEREAS, all of the Commonwealth’s major state and school employee organizations, their retired member affiliates, and the independent retiree organizations (including AFSCME, APSCUF, AFT-PA, AFL-CIO, SEIU, PARA, PARSE, PASR, PSEA, and PSRF/SC) first joined together in a coalition to promote passage of a cost-of-living for all state and school retirees, and WHEREAS, this coalition of groups recently expanded its purpose to include other issues that might help both state and public school employees retain access to defined benefit pension plans and maintain their standards of living in retirement, and WHEREAS, the coalition has renamed itself the “Retirement Security Coalition”; therefore BE IT RESOLVED: that we commend all of the organizations in the Retirement Security Coalition for the efforts they have made, collectively and individually, to cast aside organizational rivalries and work together to serve the needs of all Pennsylvania state and public school employees, both active and retired.
3. RESOLUTION TO THE PSERS BOARD OF TRUSTEES– RETIREE INFORMATION
WHEREAS, for more than twenty-five years, the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees received the names and addresses of public school retirees and other demographic information from the Public School Employees’ Retirement System, and WHEREAS, in May of 2004 PSERS abruptly terminated its practice of sharing information with PASR and, in so doing, placed in jeopardy PASR’s very existence, its ability to serve the multiple needs of its members, to educate legislators about the concerns of all school retirees, to promote support for public education, and to serve the broader needs of all citizens as local community service volunteers, and WHEREAS, three years ago the General Assembly enacted major revisions to the Commonwealth’s Right to Know Law, classifying addresses as an item of information that is subject to public disclosure, except in the case of minors and persons employed in law enforcement; therefore BE IT RESOLVED: that we urge the PSERS Board of Trustees to amend its information policies to comply with the new law and restore PASR’s access to documents containing the names and addresses of persons approved by the Board to receive annuities from the System.
4. RESOLUTION TO THE PASR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ALL PASR MEMBERS—PASR’s MISSION
WHEREAS, PASR focused much attention and devoted considerable resources over the past several years to promoting passage of a comprehensive pension reform measure by the General Assembly, and WHEREAS, the attention focused on this important legislative activity overshadowed all of the other things the Association has been doing and served to create a false perception that PASR exists solely to promote passage of COLA legislation benefitting its members, and WHEREAS, the PASR Board of Directors engaged in long-term strategic planning this past year, developed a new mission statement, and redirected the Association’s publications to present a broader, more comprehensive image of who we are and what all we do as an organization to accomplish our mission, i.e. “To serve others in need and help one another enjoy retirement”, therefore BE IT RESOLVED: that we commend the members of the Board of Directors for their foresight and development of a clear, concise mission statement that we may all use to describe the purpose of this Association, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that all members of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees be enthusiastically encouraged to dedicate themselves to serving others—not themselves, and to commit themselves to service for our members, education, and the community-at-large.
5. RESOLUTION TO ALL PASR MEMBERS – SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
WHEREAS, the third stated purpose of PASR in its By-Laws is the promotion of basic and higher education, and WHEREAS, the majority of PASR members has dedicated their working careers toward Pennsylvania’s public education system and even in retirement still realize the importance of this in regards to our nation’s future, and WHEREAS, PASR and its members provide more than $60,000 a year for scholarships to individuals planning to enter the field of public education and for grants to help fund programs and projects of active teachers and other school personnel, and WHEREAS, the PASR Educational Support Committee is encouraging and providing funds to help chapters expand their activities to include the establishment of Educational Support Grant programs, providing monetary awards to active school employees to help fund innovative educational programs or activities for students; therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that all PASR members continue to remember the importance of public education to this Commonwealth and involve themselves with the volunteer opportunities that are provided through the organization and in all other available aspects of the public education system.
***************************************************************************************************
The Man of Many Hats!
LCCPASR salutes “the man of many hats,” Phil Thomas. A past president of LCCPASR, Thomas served for eleven years as Chairman of the Pre-Retirement Committee. His annual Pre-Retirement seminar served as a model for many chapters throughout the state. In 2012, he will begin his tenth year as Newsletter Editor. Among his other assignments, Thomas served as the Region 10 representative on PASR’s Education Support Committee. Along the way, he was recognized with several state commendations, as well as, the prestigious Dillon Award. In addition to his Newsletter responsibilities, Thomas currently serves as a member of LCCPASR’s Legislative Contact Team. Perhaps his most enduring contribution to our chapter is the advice and counsel he regularly provides those in leadership positions. We commend him for his tireless efforts on behalf of Lycoming County’s public school retirees.
Maria Missigman, President
Rose View Court Again Makes Generous Donation to Scholarship Fund
At our December Luncheon, as she has done each year for the past five years, Carol Shipman, Marketing Director at Rose View Court, presented LCCPASR with a very generous donation to the Arlene B. Hafer Memorial Scholarship Fund. We thank the good people at Rose View Court for their ongoing support and generosity.
Helping the Less Fortunate Celebrate Christmas!
Located near “Old Navy” at the Lycoming Mall, more than a dozen LCCPASR volunteers performed admirably as “Bell Ringers” for the Salvation Army from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., on December 7, 2011. Throughout the day, employing a variety of theatrics, the volunteers encouraged holiday shoppers to make donations to this very worthy cause. When all was said and done, LCCPASR raised almost $180.00 for the Salvation Army! We invite you to come join us next year as we continue to serve our community.
Coupons & Troopons
At each of our member luncheons, we collect manufacturers’ coupons for the military. The following guidelines will be particularly helpful to those who want to participate but typically don’t attend our luncheons. Referred to as “TROOPONS,” here are the rules:
- Coupons shouldn’t be more than 90 days past expiration date when they are mailed so that families have time to use them.
- Only manufacturer coupons for individual products are accepted by military stores. Coupons printed from the internet are not accepted.
- Clip coupons and separate by expired and active; then separate into food and nonfood categories. Package them into 8 by 8 inch quart size plastic bags. (If you bring them to the luncheon this is not necessary, but helpful.)
- Mail them the cheapest way to CouponCabin.com, Attn: Expired Troopons, P.O. Box 430, Whiting, IN 46394-0430; or to CouponCabin.com, Attn: Active Troopons, P.O. Box 231, Whiting, IN 46394-0231.
Many overseas stores have bins near their entrances filled with bags of coupons. Shoppers take the bags, sort through them, and bring back coupons that they don’t use for others to view.
We will still be collecting “Troopons” at our luncheons. We appreciate your help anyway that you can.
Thank you.
**************************************************************************************************
Trip Reminder
*PASR- sponsored 2012 RECREO Trip
Food Lover's Tour of Boston, MA
May 21-24, 2012
For additional information, please contact Ann Mohr, BOSCOV’S TRAVELCENTER, at 800-782-5605 or email her at amohr@boscovs.com. $652 pp (Dbl) $595 pp (Triple) $566 pp (Quad) $844 pp (Single)
*************************************************************************************************
Holiday Luncheon Features “Little Tykes” from St. Ann’s!
At LCCPASR’s Holiday Luncheon on December 13, 2011, some ninety members and their guests were thrust into the Christmas season by a group of 75 youngsters from St. Ann’s Elementary Center. Under the direction of music teacher, Mary Troutman, the huge chorus made up of three year olds, pre-schoolers and kindergarteners captivated the audience with their songs and unbridled enthusiasm. Their innocence and uninhibited performance allowed everyone in attendance to forget themselves for a moment, and become completely immersed in the warmth and joy of the season. To reward their outstanding performance, Maria Missigman, LCCPASR president, arranged to have candy canes delivered to St. Ann’s School the very next day for each of the performers.
**************************************************************************************************
Elementary School Counselor Receives LCCPASR Grant
Jean Daniels, Guidance Counselor, at Myers Elementary School in the Muncy Area School District, was the recipient of the 2012 LCCPASR school improvement grant. Daniels will use the $200 grant to enhance the CHAMPS Program (Climbing Higher and Making Positive Strides) which is designed for students who need an extra boost to be more successful in school. Students begin their day by “checking-in” with their mentor first thing in the morning and again at the end of each day. Each student in the program has a CHAMPS card that is used to check progress throughout the day. The Grant will be used to purchase a scanner for the purpose of scanning each student’s daily card into the computer system in order to track progress. Doing this will enable the team (a school counselor, principal, and regular or special education teacher) to quickly note any problems and where support from the team or mentor is needed. Some of the grant money will also help defray expenses associated with other aspects of the program.
The selection committee of ten LCC members solicited applications from public school employees throughout Lycoming County. The overall quality of the fifteen applications received made the selection process very difficult.
The check was presented to Ms. Daniels by members of the LCCPASR Executive Committee in a setting which also included District Superintendent, Dr. Portia Brandt.
***************************************************************************************************
Fun and Fundraising
All are welcome.
All day on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, LCCPASR is having a fundraiser at Hoss’s. Hoss’s will give us 20% of the receipts. It is important that you give the hostess the attached coupon when placing your order. You, along with friends, and family can dine, socialize and see former colleagues. Feel free to duplicate the coupon and give to others. You need not be a member of LCCPASR to participate. If you need more slips, and are unable to duplicate them, email or phone any board member for additional copies. Please enjoy a meal out and help us earn money to fund PASR’s 75th & LCCPASR’s 45th Birthday Celebrations (see pgs. 1 & 2 for a description of events).
FYI: You cannot pass out the slips on Hoss’s property; if you do so, no funds will be given to us. You can use the purchase of gift cards (3/27/12) toward this fundraiser, but those gift cards cannot be used on that day.
**************************************************************************************************
******************************************** Coupon *********************************************
Dear Friend of LCC/PASR:
We are excited to team up with Hoss's Steak and Sea House to raise money for a very worthy cause. Please consider visiting the Hoss's location listed below on March 27, 2012 to aid us in raising money to benefit Lycoming County Public School Retirees.
Clip this coupon and present it on 3/27/12 at Hoss's in Williamsport on the Golden Strip (East 3rd Street)
Hoss's will then donate 20% of your total check paid to LCC/PASR
*New this year: If your group raises $1200 or more in sales, Hoss's will donate 25%! This applies to single day, single store events only.
Group #15119
**********************************************Coupon ********************************************
Easy Way to Track Volunteer Hours!
If you haven’t been keeping a running tally of your volunteer hours, the task of tabulating those hours may seem insurmountable when the annual “Volunteer Hours” form appears in the May Newsletter. May we suggest that you track this year’s volunteer hours, using either a calendar or small notebook placed in a convenient location where it could be easily updated as often as necessary. As a reminder, annual hours are tracked from July 1 – June 30
**************************************************************************************************
The spring PASR Region 10 Meeting will be held at the Penn Wells Hotel, Wellsboro on Wednesday, April 11, 2012. If you are a member and would like to attend, please contact Maria M (322-1942) or Shirley Crawley (584-2354).
**************************************************************************************************
A Thank You from Our President
As I complete my first year as your President, I wish to thank the Officers, Executive Committee, and our more than 500 members, for helping to make it such a success. The Officers and Executive Committee have worked tirelessly to ensure that LCCPASR is meeting the needs of its members. Likewise, the generous support given by our members to food pantry and military family initiatives, among others, has been overwhelming. Please consider joining us on the Executive Committee and sharing your ideas about how we can better serve retired public school employees living in Lycoming County. Here’s to 2012, and another great year!
Maria
*****************************************************************
LCCPASR Newsletter -- May 23, 2011
PASR Sets Legislative Agenda for 2011-12
PROMOTIONAL ISSUES
These are the issues that the State Legislative Committee believes that PASR should assume the lead role in promoting to the General Assembly. PASR will draft, recruit sponsors for, seek introduction of, and actively promote passage of bills relating to these issues during this session. (Please note that the issues are simply listed in reverse alphabetical order, not in order of importance.)
§ Retirement Funding: PASR will promote the legislation required to propose an amendment to the Pennsylvania constitution barring future legislatures from underfunding the retirement systems and the legislation that would enable the PSERS to accumulate the reserves necessary to pay for COLAs upon enactment.
§ PSERS Administrative Reforms: PASR will promote legislative proposals to increase annuitant representation on the PSERS Board of Trustees, require PSERS to resume providing the names and addresses of members to legitimate active and retired employee organizations, and strengthen trustees’ accountability to the members of the system.
§ Pension Equity: PASR will promote legislative proposals to restrict the General Assembly’s ability to increase retirement benefits for those retiring in the future without providing equivalent increases to those already retired and will continue to promote restoration of equity for all annuitants who were denied the pension increases in ACT 9 of 2001.
§ Health Insurance: PASR will promote legislative proposals to increase the amount of health insurance premium assistance provided to retired school employees and expand eligibility for premium assistance to include individuals with between 15 and 24.5 years of service upon reaching the age of 65.
§ Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs): PASR will promote legislative proposals to provide a COLA to all school retirees and/or establish a system of providing COLAs on an annual basis.
SUPPORT ISSUES
These are issues that the State Legislative Committee believes other organizations or governmental entities will promote in the General Assembly during the next session. PASR would review proposals on these issues as they are introduced and, if deemed appropriate, commit its energies and resources to provide whatever support is requested by the proponents to help secure passage of the proposals. (Again, the issues are listed in reverse alphabetical order, not in order of importance.)
§ Utility Rates: PASR will review and consider providing support to organizations promoting legislation and/or regulations to provide stable utility rates, including proposals to restrict large electric rate increases that may result upon expiration of the rate caps imposed when that industry was deregulated.
§ Long-Term Care: PASR will review and consider providing support to organizations promoting legislation to improve Pennsylvania’s long-term care delivery systems, including changing Medicaid funding to shift greater funding to assisted living facilities and care for individuals in their homes.
§ Legislative Reforms: PASR will review and consider providing support to organizations promoting legislation that would help eliminate corruption in the legislature, improve transparency, and encourage legislators to address the issues of concern.
Please Record Your Volunteer Hours on the Newsletter Community Service Survey
It is once again time for LCCPASR members to officially record volunteer hours donated since June 2010. In 2009/2010 our hours were in the thousands, with a dollar value in the hundreds of thousands. To assist you in completing the survey, on the reverse side of the insert, various activities included in each of the five categories have been listed.
Why should you complete the survey and what are those hours used for? After being totaled, the report is mailed to state headquarters to be tallied with all other chapters in Pennsylvania. Among others, this total is used as a tool by PASR to help justify the critical need for a COLA. It also demonstrates to the public that LCCPASR is a caring and active organization that helps make Lycoming County a better place through our volunteering.
It is very important that you take a few minutes to fill out the survey and return it ASAP. Don’t be one of the members who never report his/her volunteer hours. No amount is too small. PLEASE complete the survey and enclose it with your luncheon reservation or bring it with you to the June luncheon. If you wish, you may simply mail the completed form to: Shirley Crawley. 85 North Fourth Street, Hughesville, PA 17737.
Enclosed Membership Form makes possible that
“Personal Touch!”
Likely, many of you are aware of colleagues who have retired over the years, and have not yet taken membership in our organization. To provide that personal touch, we’d love to have you hand-deliver the enclosed membership form to a friend or colleague who has yet to join LCCPASR/PASR and encourage them to do so – “Each One, Reach One!” If only 10% of you were successful in convincing a friend to join we’d add 55 new members to our rolls! Also, a number of you have taken membership in PASR, but not LCCPASR (or vice-versa). The enclosed membership form provides you with an almost effortless means by which to enroll in either the local or state organizations, whichever is appropriate.
Our Angels of Mercy
Sharon Clemens and Carol McMurray
A sincere and very big thank you is given to these ladies for their hard work and dedication in remembering our shut-ins. Sharon and Carol are such a ray of sunshine when visiting our many members who are in various living situations. They are tireless in their card-sending, gift-giving and visits which always include a kind word or remembrance. Please keep them informed of all our members who are in need of a card or visit. Sharon (322-2924) or Carol (433-0835).
Maria Missigman, President
Benefits of Local Membership
We thank those of you who have already taken membership in LCCPASR. Using your $10.00 yearly or $50.00 life membership dues we are able to:
- Award a $750.00 scholarship to a deserving high school senior, who has chosen to major in education.
- Publish four Newsletters annually, each packed with “tons” of information.
- Provide a $200.00 Grant to an active-service employee, which enables them to do something additional for their school that the budget did not include.
- Recognize a certificated and non-certificated employee in active service with the Loretta Woodson Award. This includes a certificate, medallion and small gift.
- Schedule three member luncheons annually at locations throughout the county which feature excellent programs and much socializing.
- Visit or contact members who are Home- bound or in Nursing Homes at least six (6) times a year. This includes personal visits, providing small gifts and sending many cards.
A Life Dedicated to Serving Others with Care and Compassion
I first met Charlene Blanchard when Sharon Clemens and I agreed to take over the Social Services/Memorial Honor Fund Committee from her and her good friend Eleanor Love. I was immediately taken by how dedicated to this organization and its members she was. She had attended the state convention sixteen times, as well as, numerous regional meetings. Charlene and Eleanor co-chaired the committee for twenty years. They ordered poinsettias, sent cards to shut-ins and other members when appropriate, assembled and delivered Easter baskets and prepared other packages and mailings for our shut-ins. When Charlene was less mobile, her niece, Donna Flook helped get things done. Charlene and Eleanor mentored us as we began to do what they had done over the years. Through this process, I became friends with Charlene and we would visit over the phone, even when she went to visit her son and his family over the winter months. Charlene was an active and caring lady. She belonged to the Clio Club, the DAR and a Bible study group. She had her regular game of Yahtzee every Friday night with Eleanor and friends. Charlene had a long and memorable teaching career. She continued to serve others in our organization. It is amazing how many lives she touched. Charlene, who passed away earlier this spring, will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know her and especially those of us associated
with the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.
Carol McMurray, LCCPASR Executive Committee Member
Montoursville Teacher Receives LCCPASR Grant
Pictured l to r: Christopher King, Assistant Principal, Maria Missigman, LCCPASR President, Nan Rusczyk, LCCPASR Secretary, Karen Avery, and Daniel Taormina, Principal
The Lycoming County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees has awarded Karen Avery of the Montoursville Area School District, its first Educational Support Grant in the amount of $200.00. She is a Montoursville Area High School Science Teacher who will use this money to establish a Science National Honor Society. The Grant will be used to purchase materials and will also fund both field trips, and speakers, all of which are needed to accomplish this goal. She will serve as volunteer advisor and hopes to increase awareness of opportunities in Science for her students. Ms. Avery‘s plan is to “honor students who are motivated to take challenging science courses and to empower these students to seek opportunities to share science with their classmates and community”. The selection committee solicited proposals from district employees throughout the county. We salute Ms. Avery for her energy and enthusiasm.
LCCPASR Recreo Committee at Your Service!
Consistent with our efforts to join forces with established travel groups, the LCCPASR Recreo Committee recommends for your consideration the following tours being provided by local retirees organizations!
GTE Retirees Group (Phyllis Horton: 570.326.9789)
June 17, 8:00 am, Mount Airy Casino, Mount Pocono, PA, $31.00
July 15, 6:00 am, MYSTERY TOUR, $85.00
August 18, 8:00 am, Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre, PA, $25.00
September 15, 8:00 am, Rainbow Dinner Theatre (“John Loves Mary”), Paradise, PA, $80.00
Divine Retiree Travelers (Marge Killian: 570.322.6723)
Sept. 18-21, 7:00 am, Ocean City Maryland (virtually everything included!), $395.00/pp/dbl
When contacting these travel groups for additional information, please remind them that you are a member of
Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (Lycoming Chapter)!
When contacting these travel groups for additional information, please remind them that you are a member of
Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (Lycoming Chapter)!
SS/MHF Asks You to Help Feed the “Piggybank!”
At our June Luncheon, we will be asking you to bring some spare change to feed the piggybank. The collection will be used to send a contribution to the state Memorial Honor Fund. Each year, our committee receives an allocation from the state to serve our members who are confined to home and/or living in nursing homes or other facilities. The “piggybank feed” described above, helps to make sure that this fund, which allows us to stay connected with our shut-ins, remains solvent.
Our committee just delivered 27 plants to members and sent four care packages for May Month of Caring. Poinsettias and Easter baskets are also delivered and cards are sent at Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and as a new project during the summer. If you know of someone we should add to our list of contacts, please call Carol McMurray at (570) 433-0835 to let her know.
Hill, Maurer Switch Offices
For health reasons, veteran LCCPASR Treasurer, Bill Hill, has stepped down. At its February 2011 meeting, the Board named Assistant Treasurer, Gail Maurer, to succeed Hill who will, in turn, assume the position of Assistant Treasurer.
Coupons for the Commissary Benefits Soldiers’ Families
Are you a coupon clipper? Once you’re done clipping, are there generally a few left? Well, don’t toss them out! Bring all of those extra coupons to any of our member luncheons. Remember to cut them neatly, making sure the expiration date and bar code are intact. We collect these coupons for use in the commissaries overseas. The commissaries will accept coupons up to 6 months past their expiration date. What an uncomplicated way to make life a little easier for our deployed families!
How to Contact LCCPASR
With questions, call, write, or email:
Maria Missigman, President
1414 Shiffler Avenue
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 322-1942
nonnie6564@verizon.net
To access the LCCPASR Webpage:
Go to PASR Website: www.pasr.org
Click on “Local Associations”
Click “Northcentral 10” on Regional map
Scroll down to “Region 10 Chapter Websites”
Click on “Lycoming”
How To Contact PASR
President – Dr. John Nye
Executive Director – Richard Rowland
Director of Administration – Kathleen Rehbein
878 Century Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 697-7077
pasr@pasr.org
A Special “Thanks” to All Who Participated!
The Executive Committee of LCCPASR would like to extend a sincere “Thank You!” to all who participated in our Hoss’ fundraiser on March 29, 2011. Thanks to your efforts, we received over $140 from this day-long event. The money earned will help us continue to address the needs of our members and will, likewise, help us remain very visible throughout the county.
Benefits for PASR Members
PASR members have the opportunity to take advantage of significant savings on:
- Final Expense Life Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Long Term Care Planning
- Home Health Insurance
- Nursing Home Insurance
If you are a PASR member, you benefit from our group purchasing power. For more information call:
1-800-382-1352
The PASR Annual State Convention
will be held at the Radisson Hotel and Suites, in Valley Forge, PA, October 10-12, 2011.
If you are a member and would like to attend, please contact Maria Missigman (322-1942) for additional info.
******************************************************************
LCCPASR Newsletter -- August 22, 2011
Muncy, Montoursville Staffers Receive 2011 Woodson Awards
Again this year, the Lycoming Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (LCCPASR) presented the Lauretta Woodson Awards to deserving “active service” employees from Lycoming County school districts who, “exhibit creativity, initiative and productivity to the learning process and/or growth of children.” LCCPASR sought applications for these awards from each of the public school systems in Lycoming County, as well as, the Intermediate Unit and Career Consortium.
Receiving the 2011 awards were Mrs. Donna Bennett (pictured), Elementary School Librarian in the Muncy Area School District, and Mr. Mike Lander, Maintenance Supervisor in the Montoursville Area School District. Each was recognized at an end-of-year event in their respective districts where presentations, which included a citation, medallion, and small gift, were made by LCCPASR and district officials.
Dr. Portia Brandt, Muncy Superintendent, said of Mrs. Bennett, “As elementary librarian, she serves all students grades K-6th. Mrs. Bennett provides the normal services of getting children actively involved with literacy and also goes further with her programs. She seeks grant monies to provide Children’s author visits. Additionally, she organizes book fairs that give our students the opportunity to purchase good literature at a good price. This year she implemented a “Reading on the School Bus” program that lends books to students for reading while they are on the bus. Donna Bennett goes the extra for kids!”
Describing Mr. Lander, Dr. Dominic Cavallaro, Montoursville Superintendent, said, “When I first met Mike, I knew by his dedication to details he would do a great job for the district. Mike also possesses an outstanding moral character and work ethic. He gives you 110% in everything he does. During the last three years, Mike has committed himself to the construction work at the McCall Middle School. This undertaking was above and beyond his everyday duties. We would not have such a good product had Mike nor overseen the construction workers.”
LCCPASR salutes Mrs. Bennett and Mr. Lander for their exceptional service to the students, staff and residents of the Muncy and Montoursville Area School Districts.
Know someone who is soon to retire? Encourage them to register for LCCPASR’s free, annual Pre-Retirement Seminar to be held on the evening of October 3, 2011 at the Jackson Elementary School, 2500 Newberry St., Williamsport. Sign-up materials will be available in their schools on September 12.
The Woodson Awards, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR), go to an outstanding professional and support staff member from a public school district in each of the organization’s sixty-two chapters statewide. Dr. Woodson after whom the award is named, received her Doctorate from Temple University, taught high school English and served for more than twenty five years on the faculty of Temple University. Following her retirement, she was active in PASR and upon her passing, bequeathed a sum of money allowing for the establishment of these awards which she hoped would provide positive recognition for those still in active service to children and generate positive publicity for public education throughout the Commonwealth.
SB 1053 Seeks to End PSERS Address Lockout
On Wednesday morning, June 1, 2011, Phil Thomas (Lycoming Chapter) and Dave Heberlig (Union County Chapter) met with Sen. Gene Yaw (23rd Senate District) and his Executive Assistant, Gerald "Arnie" Kriner. The meeting was held at 10:00 a.m. in the Senator's Williamsport office and lasted approximately thirty minutes.
The purpose of this meeting was to determine the status of Senate Bill No. 110 (which was originally introduced in 2007) and is now being re-introduced by the original primary sponsor, Sen. Jeffrey Piccola. As a refresher, SB 110 has to do with PSERS releasing the names and addresses of retiring public school employees to "legitimate" retiree organizations. The unfair, if not unreasonable stance by PSERS to deny legitimate retirees organizations like PASR the names and addresses of retiring public school employees has made it extremely difficult for PASR to maintain its membership.
Copies of PASR's Legislative Analysis of the Bill and the Bill itself were provided to Sen. Yaw and Mr. Kriner by Thomas and Heberlig. An in-depth discussion followed. It should be noted that the Senator paid particular attention to paragraph four on page two of PASR’s Legislative Analysis which reads, “In our view, PSEA's legal fights to bar school districts from releasing the home addresses of retiring employees to any entity for any reason, including PASR, has more to do with its desire to become the sole representative for both active and retired school employees than it does protecting employees. In the nearly 75 years that PASR was receiving addresses from PSERS and school districts, neither PSERS nor any school district has ever alleged or received a complaint that PASR used information it obtained to invade the privacy or jeopardize the personal security of annuitants."
We strongly urged Sen. Yaw to support the legislation and give every consideration to signing on as a co-sponsor. He made no commitment, yet, his reaction seemed favorable.
As a follow-up, Kriner indicated that he would first check with the Senator's Harrisburg Office to see if a "Co-Sponsorship Memorandum" had been received from Piccola's Office. In the absence of this or any additional information regarding the re-introduction of Senate Bill No. 110, he indicated he would contact Sen. Piccola's Office directly.
It should also be noted that, at the time of the meeting, much of the Senator's time and effort, as well as, that of his staff, was being directed toward the development and passage of a state budget. In fact, On June 3, 2011, SB 1053 (formerly SB 110) was referred to the Finance Committee. Because of budget talks, the Senate did not address this issue prior to the summer break. Consideration of this bill should now occur in the fall session.
In addition to the discussion of SB 110 (now SB 1053), Thomas and Heberlig also briefly addressed with the Senator the resolution currently being drafted calling for an economic impact study of Pennsylvania's statewide public employee retirement systems.
A True Diamond in the Rough
Carla Auten
I wish to extend a sincere and grateful thank you to LCCPASR past-president and Membership Chair, Carla Auten. While president, Carla established a number of new programs which helped us to reach many of PASR’s goals for local chapters. These initiatives garnered LCCPASR cash awards from the state organization which helped to keep us solvent and able to address the important needs of our members. Carla also spearheaded the effort which resulted in two long-serving and dedicated members of LCCPASR, Phil Thomas and Oscar Knade, receiving the prestigious John Dillon Award. Sensitive to the needs of families in uniform, Carla established several projects to ease the plight of those serving in the armed forces, especially those who are separated from their loved ones. In short, any request made of Carla has always been met with an enthusiastic response. Regardless of the assignment, she has always done an outstanding job for LCCPASR and its members. We in LCCPASR are so fortunate to have Carla as one of us!
Maria Missigman, President
SS/MHF – Making Sure Our Members Stay Connected!!
Annual Report: July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011
The SSMHF committee extends a sincere thank you to our members for their contributions to the “pass the pig” project at our June luncheon. Through your generosity we collected $148, which was sent to state headquarters. We also thank those who contributed to the local fund in memory of Charlene Blanchard. During the past year, we made 10 phone calls and 63 personal visits. We sent 281 cards and distributed 67 flowers and 80 gifts including Easter baskets, bookmarks and care packages. We apologize if we missed anyone but we depend on other members to keep us informed of those who are sick or injured. We also need to keep up to date if members are confined at home or have moved to assisted living or nursing facilities. Please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can remember those who need us. Call Carol McMurray at 433-0835 (anytime) or Sharon Clemens at 322-2924 (November through April).
Williamsport Area H.S. Graduate Receives 2011 Hafer Scholarship
Cassandra Fay, a recent Williamsport Area High School graduate, was the recipient of this year’s Arlene B. Hafer Memorial Scholarship. Cassie excelled in the classroom, in extra-curricular activities, and in service to her church and community.
Faculty members described Cassie as, “a truly gifted and well-rounded student who has earned the respect and admiration of her teachers and peers.” She is further portrayed by her teachers as a, “caring young woman and wonderful person; a young lady who is a natural leader with strong organizational skills.”
When asked why she would pursue a degree in education, Cassie responded, “I have wanted to be an educator since I was in second grade. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Dunkleberger, was one of the most amazing teachers I have ever had. As I pursue my career goal of becoming a teacher, I hope to use techniques like Mrs. Dunkleberger used. I want the classroom I am in to make children want to come to school and not have the classroom make children upset about coming to school. I want to influence a child’s life the way every single one of my teachers have influenced mine; that is my main goal for my teaching career.”
The scholarship, named for Mrs. Arlene B. Hafer, a long time and beloved teacher and principal in the Williamsport school district, and a past president of LCCPASR, is in the amount of seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00) and was presented at the organization’s June Luncheon.
We commend Cassie’s family for instilling in her those qualities which make her such an outstanding role model and fine young woman. We also, want to recognize and laud those teachers who over the years have made a profound and lasting impression on Cassie’s life.
The membership of LCCPASR wishes Cassandra much success in the years ahead.
LCCPASR Recreo Committee at Your Service!
Consistent with our efforts to join forces with established travel groups, the LCCPASR Recreo Committee recommends for your consideration the following tours being provided by local retirees organizations!
GTE Retirees Group (Phyllis Horton: 570.326.9789)
September 23 6:00 am Flight 93 Memorial – Southwestern PA $89.00
October 13 TBA Seneca Casino, Salamanca, NY $50.00
November 10 8:00 am “An Allenberry Christmas Show,” Allenberry Playhouse $82.00
Divine Retiree Travelers (Marge Killian: 570.322.6723)
December 6 7:30 am “A Branson Christmas,” Split Rock Resort $75.00
When contacting these travel groups for additional information, please remind them that you are a member of
Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (Lycoming Chapter)!
Soldiers Come First
We need names of men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan: a family member, neighbor, friend, etc. Please email (nonnie6564@verizon.net) or call (570-322-1942) Maria Missigman with the information as soon as you can.
Our goal is to send a box packed with assorted “goodies” to as many of those serving as possible. We will collect the items, as well as, postage donations at our December 2011 Luncheon.
Suggestions:
- Toiletries – hotel size are great. Save yours from summer vacation.
- Baby wipes – great for cleaning up after marching all day.
- Tampons – help keep the blowing sand out of rifle barrels and, sadly, are also used to staunch the blood from wounds.
- Food – popcorn, “Oodles of Noodles,” or other non perishable snacks.
- Paperback Books – those slightly used are fine.
- Small items for children, such as school supplies (soldiers are starting schools), stuffed animals, etc.
Many of these items can also be purchased at the Dollar Tree. A monetary donation can be mailed to Maria Missigman, 1414 Shiffler Avenue, Williamsport, PA, 17701. This will be used to purchase items and to help with postage.
With each package, we will include this note: “We represent the Lycoming County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees and are your school family. We thank you for your service to us and your country.”
Please do your best to help and, for that, we offer our sincere thanks. Remember our motto, “To Serve, Not Be Served”.
It’s Time Again for Food Pantry Donations!
Remember, this is your opportunity to win by helping others. At our September Luncheon we are asking members to provide nonperishable food items. These items will be donated to Son-Light Food Pantry, Muncy. Son-Light, established in 1982, is a non-profit, ecumenical, and community-supported resource that distributes food, clothing, and limited furniture to individuals and families in need.
For each food item you contribute, you will be given a coupon. Each coupon will give you an opportunity to win a tasty treat. The more items donated, the more chances you have of winning.
Some suggested items are cereal, soup, noodles, mixes of all kinds, jello & pudding, tea, coffee, cocoa, etc.
So, bring your nonperishable food items to the upcoming luncheon, and you may go home with a delicious treat.
As you may recall, each year the food collected at our September luncheon is donated to a different area food pantry. Please let Maria Missigman (322-1942) know if you are volunteering at one of our local food pantries. It is our wish to donate the food where our members volunteer.
What is LCCPASR?
Have you ever been asked by your retired colleagues for a little more information about your retirees organization? Perhaps the following information will help the next time someone inquires.
“LCCPASR” stands for the Lycoming County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees. We are one of many such chapters under the PASR umbrella and include in our membership all classifications of public school employees and represent only those who have retired from the public schools of Lycoming County, as well as, IU #17 and the Career Consortium. Our goals are:
- To promote the interest and serve the needs of all Pennsylvania public school retirees. Among others, we visit and send cards to our members who are house bound or are in nursing homes.
- To encourage our membership to “give back to the communities” by volunteering in schools, churches, hospitals, libraries or wherever our support is needed.
- To support public education, by providing countless volunteer hours in public schools and, in Lycoming County, by giving three annual awards.
- The first is a $750 scholarship given to a graduating senior from a Lycoming County high school who has chosen education as his/her college major.
- The second award provides a Lycoming County public school employee with a grant of $200 to help enrich student growth and development, enhance and/or advance educational opportunities for the students and/or school or school district or to do something special that would not be otherwise possible.
- The third is to honor a person in active service with the Lauretta Woodson Award. This award which includes a certificate, medallion and small gift, is given to both a professional and support staff member from among the public schools in Lycoming County.
We hope this provides you with some ammunition the next time one of your retired colleagues asks about your retirees organization and why it might be right for them. When it comes to membership, it is critical for, “Each One, to Reach One!”
Legislative Committee Receives Updates
The Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) continues to aggressively pursue legislation which addresses the critical needs of public school retirees. In addition to the summary of important legislation below, a key resolution adopted at the recent state convention in opposition to proposed school voucher legislation appears elsewhere in this Newsletter – Ed.
The Committee was pleased to note that the 2011/12 general fund budget passed by the legislature in June fully funded the employer contributions to PSERS called for in the pension reform legislation that PASR advocated and the General Assembly passed in November 2010. The contributions to the retirement system represented one of the very few items in the budget that received an increase. The Committee was also pleased to note that the legislature retained the exemption for increases in contributions to the retirement system in the law (Act 1) that requires districts to obtain voter approval for tax increases beyond the rate of inflation. These actions demonstrate that the current legislature and governor are committed to increasing employer contributions and restoring proper funding of the retirement systems.
PASR’s proposal (SB 1053) to require that PSERS resume providing the names and addresses of persons retiring from the schools to all legitimate active and retired member organizations was referred to the Senate Finance Committee in June. The Finance committee was directed by Senate leaders to focus all attention on budget-related bills. Therefore, SB 1053 was not scheduled for consideration prior to the summer recess. Lancaster legislative contact members have scheduled a meeting with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) on September 30 to discuss the bill and request that the bill be scheduled for consideration upon the legislature’s return to session this fall. Executive Director Rowland will attend the meeting to provide background and answer any questions the senator might have. PASR’s resolution calling for an economic impact study of the retirement system’s investments and expenditures was drafted by Representative David Millard (R-Columbia), but not formally introduced prior to the summer recess as PASR sought. Millard was directed by House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) not to introduce the resolution prior to the recess. A meeting has been requested with Representative Turzai to discuss and seek to resolve any concerns he might have with the proposal, so that it might be introduced upon the legislature’s return in late September or early October. Legislative Contact Teams for members of the House should be prepared to meet with their legislators in the fall to help promote co-sponsors for the resolution.
At the committee’s suggestion, Executive Director Rowland and Governmental Consultant Fred McKillop met with Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry spokesperson Gene Barr to explore whether or not the Chamber might be interested in helping PASR promote passage of the economic impact resolution. The Chamber is interested in the investment portion of the resolution and is neutral on the expenditures and COLA provisions. Additional meetings are planned with officials from the retirement systems and the Department of Community and Economic Development on this. The General Assembly returned to session in late September of this year.
Would you like to have the above information at your fingertips at any moment? Becoming a state member assures you of immediate access to this important information on line!
PASR- sponsored 2012 RECREO Trip
Food Lover's Tour of Boston, MA May 21-24, 2012
Includes:
- Round trip transportation via private motorcoach equipped with reclining seats and restroom.
- Three (3) nights' hotel accommodations–two nights in suburban Boston, one night at the Johnson & Wales Inn, Seekonk, Massachusetts. Baggage handling for one bag per person is included.
- Guided tour of the Mark Twain House, Hartford, Connecticut
- Guided tour of Boston, MA. Among the sights you'll see are the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Boston Common, Old Statehouse, Old North Church, and USS Constitution.
- Guided tour of Harvard Yard at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Guided tour and tasting at Sam Adams Brewery, Boston
- Visit to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
- Guided tour of Boston's North End Italian market–On this "walking Italian cooking class," you'll learn the history of this vibrant neighborhood and visit local shops.
- Culinary Tour of Johnson & Wales University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Visit to the Johnson & Wales Culinary Archives and Museum
- Culinary demonstration–Learn how to make tableside desserts and the latest trends in dessert presentation.
- Visit an Italian bakery on Federal Hill in Providence, started in 1916 as a family business, this bakery has original art deco features and original ovens (dating to the 1920s) that are still used today.
- Six included meals–three breakfasts and three dinners
- Services of a Boscov's Tour Director
- Taxes and gratuities, including gratuities for tour director, motorcoach driver, and local guides
For additional information, please contact Ann Mohr, BOSCOV’S TRAVELCENTER, P.O. Box 4309, Reading, PA 19606-4309. You may also call Ann at 800-782-5605 or email her at amohr@boscovs.com.
- Departs Boscov’s York, Camp Hill (Harrisburg) & Easton
- $652 pp (Dbl) $595 pp (Triple) $566 pp (Quad) $844 pp (Single)
Annual Retirement Planning Seminar Clarifies the Process!
The annual Retirement Planning Seminar hosted by the Lycoming Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees was held on October 3, 2011, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at the Jackson Elementary School. Twenty-three public school employees from throughout the county were in attendance. School Districts represented were: Jersey Shore, Loyalsock, South Williamsport, and Williamsport. The event was planned and coordinated by Co-Chairmen, David Michael and Gene Kurzejewski.
The seminar featured presentations by representatives of PSERS, as well as the financial and legal communities. Laura Kreger, PSERS representative, focused on the various retirement options available. She also addressed the topic of health insurance. The importance of developing a financial plan and selecting a financial adviser prior to retirement were discussed by Philip Prough, Vice-President of Financial Services of Citizens and Northern Bank. Joseph Rider, Esq., Chair of the Public Relations Committee of the Lycoming County Law Association, focused on Wills, Trusts and related topics. In addition, a copy of “Make the Most of your Retirement,” as well as, a packet of information from the Office of Social Security were distributed to all potential retirees in attendance.
Both Kurzejewski and Michael felt the design and content of the seminar made retirement planning a much less daunting process for those who attended.
PASR Opposes Private School Tuition Voucher Legislation
Earlier this fall, the Pennsylvania Senate passed a Private School Voucher Bill and sent it to the House for consideration. Reports from Harrisburg indicate that the House of Representatives finds fault with some of the provisions contained in the Bill and, as a result, will not act upon it prior to the conclusion of this legislative session scheduled for November 23. This allows time for LCC/PASR members to contact their legislators prior to and immediately after the Legislature reconvenes in January 2012, to voice opposition to such a plan. The text of PASR’s resolution regarding this matter formally adopted at its recent state convention follows – Ed.
WHEREAS, the poor Economy, expiration of federal stimulus funding, and the resulting state budget deficit prompted the legislature to enact deep cuts in funding for both basic and higher education throughout the Commonwealth this year, and
WHEREAS, strong forces in both the General Assembly and Governor’s Office, while promoting continued cuts in funding for public education, are advocating significant increases in expenditures to establish a statewide program providing tuition vouchers to parents who opt to send their children to parochial and other private schools, and
WHEREAS, the members of both the PASR Educational Support Committee and the PASR Board of Directors considered the voucher proposals in the legislature, including SB 1, and voted unanimously to express opposition to their individual legislators, and
WHEREAS, the Governor and the General Assembly will not likely be deterred from enacting a voucher proposal with expressions of opposition from organizational leaders alone, and that contact from massive numbers of legislators’ constituents will be required to stop the state from enacting a voucher proposal, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that all PASR members contact their state senators and representatives and urge the legislators not to further undermine public education in the Commonwealth with enactment of an extensive and expensive private school voucher plan.
PASR Convention cites need for Membership Increase
This year’s annual PASR state convention was held October 10 – 12 in Valley Forge, PA. The Lycoming County Chapter was represented by four delegates -- Shirley Crawley, Gail Maurer, Carol McMurray and Maria Missigman. Among those topics discussed at the convention were PASR’s financial troubles resulting from declining membership.
Convention discussions focused on the need to increase membership at both the state and local levels, as well as, strategies which might be employed to achieve that goal. Also discussed was PASR’s upcoming 75th Anniversary which will be celebrated throughout 2012. Chapter committees will be formed to plan monthly events recognizing this milestone in the life of PASR. Individual enrichment sessions, although not as plentiful due to the shortened convention, were very informative. LCCPASR’s delegates returned home with much information and many new ideas designed to enrich the programs and services we provide our members.
An in-depth financial report was presented during the business session. Like so many similar organizations, PASR is feeling the effects of the current recession – more than 70% of our revenue comes from investments. To compensate for this declining revenue, headquarters staff has been reduced and the wages of those who remain have been frozen. In addition, state membership dues have been increased to $50 per year to provide additional income.
Regrettably, PASR President, Dr. John Nye, was not in attendance due to health problems. PASR’s new slate of officers, who will assume their posts in January 2012, was introduced. Our incoming President is Dr. Stephen Vak, and our new President-elect is Mr. Barry Kelly. Richard Rowland remains as our Executive Director.
“To serve others in need and help one another enjoy retirement.”
This is PASR’s new mission statement unveiled at the 2011 convention. Among our goals at both the local and state levels is to provide our members with pertinent information regarding benefits, to hold social events which provide a casual forum for interaction among members, and to facilitate opportunities for group and individual travel.
In the past PASR has secured money ($100.00) to help members with the cost of health insurance premiums (HOP). They have also gotten us discounts on vision, dental and car insurance, as well as, help with long term care planning. Please remember all discounts go to you the member – PASR does not benefit.
We want to know what other discounts you are interested in. If you have ideas or suggestions, please let our Member Benefits and Services Chair, Evelyn Caldera, know. She may be reached by calling 570.323.1764 or by emailing her at granngatz@verizon.net. Your input is needed. How can we continue to help you? Please let us know.
Member Luncheons are Enjoyed by All!
Three times each year – June, September and December – LCCPASR members come together for lunch in church social halls strategically located throughout the county (presently Williamsport, Muncy, and Linden). These luncheons, customarily attended by 75-80 members, feature excellent food at a very reasonable price, an opportunity to catch-up with “old” friends, entertainment, and a brief business meeting.
Beginning with this year’s November Luncheon, your Board has established a new goal with regard to luncheon attendance and we would call on each and every one of you to help us achieve it! Our goal is to have a minimum of 100 members in attenda
nce at every luncheon! If you typically attend our member luncheons, call a member friend and invite him/her to come along. If you aren’t in the habit of attending our luncheons, now is a great time to start! Check out the menu and program on pg.5!
We continue to be interested in your thoughts regarding our luncheon format, location, programs, etc. We encourage you to share with us issues you may have regarding transportation problems that make it difficult for you to attend; perhaps you know of a venue that can accommodate 75-100 people in a private setting and provide a quality meal, served quickly, for less than the $13 we are now charging; would you like to suggest that our luncheon programs be informational (speaker) rather than entertaining (performing group) or a combination of both? Please contact LCCPASR President, Maria Missigman, with your suggestions. Her contact information is found at the top of pg. 5. You may also enclose your suggestions with your luncheon reservation. We appreciate your ongoing interest in making these events pleasurable and successful.
Membership Dues (Annual/Life):
LCCPASR $10/$50; PASR $50/$500
Make Checks Payable to: LCCPASR
Mail to: Carla Auten, 1440 Rabbittown Rd, Muncy 17756
Contributors
Evelyn Caldera, Gene Kurzejewski, Maria Missigman, PASR Staff, Judy Ryder, Agnes Steppe, Phil Thomas
*****************************************************************