Inaugural Woodson Awards

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.

Muncy Staffers Hartland and Clayton Receive Inaugural Woodson Awards

The annual end-of-year recognition  breakfast in  the  Muncy Area School  District  was  highlighted  by  the   presentation of  special awards to third grade  teacher,  Tammie  Hartland,  and  custodian, Monique Clayton.
For  the  first  time,  the  Lycoming   Chapter  of  the  Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (LCCPASR) presented the Lauretta Woodson  Awards to deserving  “active service” employees from a Lycoming County school district who, “exhibit creativity, initiative or  productivity  to  the  learning  process and 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.
 
Making the presentations to Hartland and Clayton at the event held in the Ward L. Myers Elementary School Cafeteria, were Maria Missigman, chairwoman of the Woodson Awards committee, and William Byham, LCCPASR public relations co-chairman.   Reading from their recommendation forms, Byham described Mrs. Hartland as one who “creates a classroom of magic.  She challenges her students to problem solve, work together as a learning community, and respect differences in each other.  She welcomes volunteers into her classroom and they become excited about helping students.”  About Ms. Clayton, he said, “Monique always has a smile on her face.  She works hard to provide a clean environment where students are free to learn.  Her positive attitude and strong work ethic gives Muncy students and staff a pleasant, clean school building that supports a positive approach to community.”

 

Above, Monique Clayton (left) and Muncy Superintendent, Dr. Portia Brandt, admire the framed certificate presented to each of the recipients.  Pictured below is elementary recipient, Tammie Hartland.  LCCPASR salutes these two women for their exceptional service to the students, staff and residents of the Muncy Area School District. 

 

 

2009 PASR State Convention - A look back!
Ann Dinges, LCCPASR Public Relations Co-Chair

Front (l to r): Carol McMurray, Ann Dinges, Ivan Dinges; Back (l to r): Carla Auten, Maria Missigman, Shirley Crawley

The PASR (Pennsylvania Association for School Retirees) 47th Annual Convention was held October 4th –7th in Pittsburgh at the Radisson Hotel Green Tree.  Regions 7 and 8 hosted this year’s convention.
 
Lycoming County Delegates from Region 10-North Central were: Carla Auten, President of the Lycoming Chapter of PASR, Ann Dinges, Ivan Dinges, Carol McMurray and Maria Missigman.  Shirley Crawley, Director of Region 10 also attended.
 
The Keynote speaker was Karen Mehart, CLL, HL (Certified Laughter Leader, and Happy Lady).  She presented a program “Happiness Today.”  The delegates learned the benefits of laughter and how to cultivate more happiness in their lives.

Personal enrichment seminars presented were: "PASR Resolutions," "Covered Bridges of  Washington County," "David Bradford House," "The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium," and, "Are you getting what you pay for?"   Delegates were able to attend two of the sessions.
              
Several tour selections were also available.  Delegates could choose from one the following; "Just Ducky," "Carnegie Science Center,"  "Heinz History Center," "Meadows Casino," or a visit to the Tanger Outlets.  President, Carla Auten (see photo below, right) had the opportunity to be a driver for the "Ducky Tour." Just ask her about it!

Many state committee seminars were also held.  Delegates could choose to attend two of the following:  PASR State and Chapter By-Laws, Showcasing Successful Chapter Strategies, E.S.F. – Now and What the Future Holds, PASR Finances-What You Should Know, Gearing up for the 2010 Elections, The Silver Sneakers Program,  Strategies for Meeting Membership Goals,  Using the PASR Website for Retirement Planning, and Health Care Update.

Interesting Facts that delegates learned about the Pittsburgh Area: Arnold Palmer and Mr. Rogers were both born and raised in Latrobe Fallingwater was the first building designed in Pennsylvania by Frank Lloyd Wright Horseradish was the first product bottled by Henry Heinz in 1869. There are still 21 Covered Bridges remaining in Washington County. The banana split was invented in 1904 by Dr. David Strickler, a pharmacist at Strickler’s Drug Store in Latrobe. The world’s first suspension bridge was built in 1796 over Jacob’s Creek near Greensburg.

It appears everything was “just ducky”at the Convention! (l to r):  Carla Auten, Carol McMurray, Ann Dinges, Ivan Dinges, Shirley Crawley, Maria Missigman

Wherever she may be, our fearless leader continues to steer our ship, keeping us afloat and headed in the right direction!

Next Year’s Convention will be October 3rd –October 6th
at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College.

 

LCCPASR-sponsored Retirement Planning Seminar Provides Vital Information for Those Soon to Leave Active Service

The annual Retirement Planning Seminar hosted by the Lycoming Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees was held on October 5, 2009, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., at the Williamsport Area School District Service Center.  Thirty-eight (38) public school employees from throughout the county were in attendance.  School Districts represented were: Jersey Shore, Montgomery, Montoursville, Muncy and Williamsport. 

Following a formal welcome by Retirement Planning Committee Chairman, Phil Thomas, excerpts from the PASR video entitled, “Service to Members; Service to Others,” were shown.  The packet entitled, “Make the Most of Your Retirement,” was distributed to all potential retirees in attendance and included a copy of the “PASR Proud” speech written by Martin Labb.   The seminar featured presentations by representatives of PSERS, Social Security, as well as, the financial and legal communities.  Michelle Earnest, PSERS representative, focused on the various retirement options available and health insurance.  Drew Gretzula shared Social Security information pertinent to those contemplating retirement.  The importance of developing a financial plan prior to retirement and the care with which a financial adviser should be selected was addressed by Amy Dowling, financial consultant with Citizens and Northern Bank, and Joseph Rider, Esq., Chair of the Public Relations Committee of the Lycoming County Law Association, focused on Wills, Trusts, and related topics.

Chairman Thomas, concluded the seminar by providing compelling reasons for public school employees to take membership in both the local (LCCPASR) and state (PASR) organizations immediately upon retirement.

Those in attendance left the meeting with a wealth of pertinent and practical retirement information.

 

LCCPASR Executive Committee Adopts Fiscal 2010 Budget
Chapter Budget
July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010
Adopted August 11, 2009

 

2008-2009

2009-2010

Income	Budgeted	Actual	Adopted
Membership Dues	$400.00	$880.00	$650.00
Interest From Investments	700.00	2,259.00	1,620.00
Scholarship Fund Donations	200.00	188.00	150.00
Memorial Honor Fund	1,000.00	838.00	600.00
Awards	300.00	285.00	200.00
Luncheon Receipts	2,500.00	2,930.00	3,000.00
State Delegate Reimbursements	500.00	500.00	500.00
Miscellaneous	200.00	271.00	100.00
Totals	$5.800.00	$8,151.00	$6,820.00
Expenses
Member Luncheons	$2,240.00	$2,761.00	$2,800.00
Newsletter	1,200.00	1,235.00	1,250.00
LCCPASR Scholarship Fund	750.00	750.00	750.00
Memorial Honor Fund	660.00	800.00	700.00
Convention Delegates	750.00	750.00	750.00
Postage	0.00	125.00	200.00
Region 10 Meetings	0.00	136.00	140.00
Miscellaneous	200.00	177.00	230.00
Totals	$5,800.00	$6,734.00	$6,820.00

William Hill, Treasurer

Chapter By-Laws

Formally Adopted on September 23, 2008

 LYCOMING COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE
PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL RETIREES
BY-LAWS
------------

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Lycoming County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, hereafter referred to as the “Chapter”.

ARTICLE II – AFFILIATION

The Lycoming County Chapter is a non-profit, unincorporated association affiliated by charter with the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR).

ARTICLE III – PURPOSE

The objectives of the Chapter shall be:

• 1. To develop a cooperative and unified program of social and educational activities among and for retired school employees.
  
  
• 2. To provide opportunities for the presentation and exchange of opinions on subjects of interest to retired school employees.
  
  
• 3. To provide programs assisting retired school employees with their welfare and personal needs.
  
  
• 4. To inform its members and provide support of legislative programs for the improvement of public education and the economic status of retired school employees.
  
  
• 5. To support the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees and the National Retired Teachers Association Division of AARP in matters pertaining to the interest, welfare and education of retired school employees and the advancement of education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Chapter shall be:

• 1. Active – Any person retired under the Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System, retired from a Pennsylvania state-related educational institution, or retired under a Public School Retirement System from another state, may become an active member paying the stipulated dues, or,
  
  
• 2. Associate – Any person who is interested in the work of the Chapter, who is a retired school employee from a non-public school, who is an active school employee age 50 or more, or who is a spouse of an active member may become an associate member by paying the stipulated dues.  Associate members shall not have the right to vote or hold office in the Chapter.

ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP DUES

Chapter membership dues shall be established by the Executive Committee in consultation with the membership at a general membership function.

ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS AND DUTIES

SECTION A.              The officers of the Chapter shall be president, president-elect, treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary, assistant secretary, immediate past president and 2nd vice president.

SECTION B.              The president shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter and the Executive Committee; appoint a chairman to each committee, except the nominating committee; call meetings of the Association and of the Executive Committee as the business of the Association requires; have authority to approve or disapprove each voucher for payment of authorized expenditures and; serve as an ex-officio member of each committee.

SECTION C.              The president-elect shall serve as presiding officer in the absence of the president and in the event of the resignation or death of the president, succeed to the office of president and serve until the next regular election; serve as ex-officio member of all committees; and perform such other duties as the president or Executive Committee shall assign.

SECTION D.              The immediate past president shall serve as presiding officer in the absence of the president and the president-elect, and shall perform such other duties as the president or Executive Committee shall assign.

SECTION E.               The secretary shall be responsible for keeping a record of the proceedings of the Chapter at the general and Executive Committee meetings, and provide for the preservation of the Chapter’s records.

SECTION F.               The treasurer and/or assistant treasurer shall receive all dues and contributions; render an accounting of all monies at the regular meetings of the Association and such other times as the president or the Executive Committee direct, and pay all bills of the Chapter.

SECTION G.              Any officer who is unwilling or unable to assume and/or perform the duties and responsibilities of the office shall be immediately replaced by a person selected  by the Executive Committee.  Such person shall serve until the next regular election of the Association.
                                                          

ARTICLE VII – ELECTION OF OFFICERS

SECTION A.              The president, president-elect, treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary, assistant secretary, Immediate Past President and 2nd vice-president shall be elected to two (2) year terms at the regular December meeting in even-numbered years.

SECTION B.              The Nominating Committee shall present a previously announced slate of candidates consisting of one candidate for each office, at the meeting in which elections are held.  Additional nominations for all offices may be made from the floor with the nominee’s approval.  Elections shall be conducted by a vote of the members present.

SECTION C.              The terms of office shall begin January 1 and end December 31 of the following year.  Officers shall continue in office until their successors have been elected.

SECTION D.              Officers other than the treasurer and secretary shall not be eligible to succeed themselves.  The treasurer and secretary may succeed themselves for one (1) additional two-year term.

 

ARTICLE VIII – MEETINGS

There shall be held a minimum of three (3) general meetings of the Chapter per year, held in the spring and fall, open to all members of the Chapter and their guests.  Additional general meetings or special meetings may be called by the president at the request of the Executive Committee or upon receipt of a written request signed by at least ten (10) active members of the Chapter.

 

ARTICLE IX – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SECTION A.              An Executive Committee, chaired by the president and consisting of the officers  of the Chapter and the chairmen of standing committees, shall serve as the governing body of the Chapter.  The Committee shall construct an annual operating budget for the Chapter and submit it to the Chapter membership for adoption by July 1 of each year.

SECTION B.              Officers and members of the Lycoming County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees Executive Committee shall not be personally liable for monetary damages as such for any action taken, or any failure to take action unless:

                     1. the officer or member has breached or failed to perform the duties of office as required under section 8363 of the                          Pennsylvania Directors Liability Act relating to standard of  care and justifiable reliance by a director, and

                    2. the breach or failure to perform constitutes self-dealing, willful misconduct or recklessness.

SECTION C.              The president shall call at least two (2) meetings per year of the Executive Committee.  Five (5) members of the Executive Committee, may by written request, require the president to call a special meeting.

SECTION D.              A majority of the members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum, and each member of the Executive Committee shall have one (1) vote.

SECTION E.               Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be in accordance with Roberts Rule of Order – Revised.

 

ARTICLE X – STANDING COMMITTEES  (*)

(*  All Standing Committee chairmen shall be appointed by the president.  Additional members are to be appointed at the discretion of each committee chairman.)

SECTION A.              The standing committees of the Chapter shall include Community Participation, Legislation, Membership, Nominating, Pre-Retirement, Public Relations, Newsletter, Social Service/Memorial Honor Fund, Member Benefits and Services/Social, Ed Support, Program, Resolutions, Recreo and Auditing.

SECTION B.              Community Participation Committee.  The purpose of the Committee shall be to identify and promote activities of volunteer service by the Chapter and in individual members for the benefit of their local communities.

SECTION C.              Legislative Committee (to include L-PEC and the Legislative Contact Team). The purpose of the Committee shall be to inform the members of state and national legislative issues and to organize members of the Chapter in support of PASR’s legislative programs.

SECTION D.              Membership Committee.  The purpose of the Committee shall be to identify and encourage retired school employees, their spouses, and other interested individuals to enroll as active or associate members of both the Chapter and the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.

SECTION E.               Nominating Committee.  The purpose of the Nominating Committee which is chaired by the immediate past president, shall be to solicit recommendations of individuals to serve as officers of the Chapter, review the candidates recommended, and present a slate of nominees to the members at the Fall meeting in even numbered years.

SECTION F.               Pre-Retirement Committee.  The purpose of the committee shall be to organize and conduct at least one (1) annual program (Pre-Retirement Seminar) on various aspects of retirement planning.  Such programs shall be open to all school employees within the count(ies) covered by the Chapter and their spouses, with special efforts to enlist those persons who may be planning to retire within the next several years.

SECTION G.              Public Relations Committee.   The purpose of the committee shall be to communicate the activities of the Chapter to its members and the general  public by establishing contact with and providing information to the local media. In addition, information will be disseminated to members via a chapter website located on the PASR website and maintained by a Chapter webmaster.  The Chapter president and Public Relations Chairman will ensure that the chapter website remains current.

SECTION H.              Newsletter Committee.  The purpose of the Committee which functions under the direction of a newsletter editor, is to prepare and mail a quarterly newsletter to Chapter members communicating the many activities of interest and note at both the local and state levels.

SECTION I.                Social Service/Memorial Honor Fund Committee.  The purpose of the Committee shall be to encourage contributions to the PASR Memorial-Honor Fund in memory of or in honor of members of the Chapter, and to establish                           programs providing assistance to members who, due to illness or old age, are confined to their homes, hospitals or nursing homes.

SECTION J.               Member Benefits and Services/Social Committee.  The purpose of the Committee is to help maintain a decent quality of life for our members by making them aware of both local and state endorsed services ranging from various supplemental insurances to travel to discount shopping; and to render service to individual members needing help in solving the financial and personal problems of retirement.  It shall also be the responsibility of this committee to plan and coordinate the Chapter’s three annual member luncheons.

SECTION K.              Ed Support Committee.  The purpose of the Committee is to establish relations with other organizations involved in public education at the local level, support programs for the improvement of public education, assist public school’s throughout the county with small, supplemental projects as they are made known to the membership, and to administer the Arlene B. Hafer Memorial Scholarship, which is given annually.

SECTION L.               Program Committee.   The purpose of the Committee is to seek out and recommend to the Executive Committee appropriate entertainment for each of the member luncheons sponsored by the Chapter. Recommended entertainment must be approved prior to any event by the Executive Committee.

SECTION M.             Resolutions Committee.   The purpose of the Committee is to communicate to the Chapter membership those resolutions adopted by PASR at its annual  convention, and to prepare and forward to the Region Resolutions Committee any resolution(s) recommended for consideration at the state level by our Chapter.

SECTION N.              Recreo Committee.  The purpose of the Committee is to make Chapter members aware of planned recreational events available to the membership through PASR and other reputable, established entities who specialize in providing such services.

SECTION O.              Auditing Committee.  The purpose of the committee shall be to independently review and audit the reports of the treasurer each year and submit a report of the committee’s findings to the Executive Committee and to the members in   attendance at the fall general membership meeting.  The Auditing Committee will consist of a chairman and additional members appointed by the president.

 

ARTICLE XI – FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year and the membership year of the Chapter shall be from July 1 to June 30 of the next calendar year.

ARTICLE XII – FUNDS

SECTION A.              The Executive Committee is authorized and empowered to establish and maintain: (1) a General Fund for the deposit of dues and other contributions and the payment of authorized expenditures; (2) a Life membership Reserve Fund for the deposit and investment of life membership dues; and (3) a Scholarship Fund for the purpose of providing financial aid to a deserving high school senior who meets pre-determined criteria.

SECTION B.              The Life Membership Reserve Fund shall be invested in a savings account or other securities legal for trust funds, and may be used primarily to finance any unforeseen emergency that might arise.  When and if needed, funds from the Life Membership Fund may be transferred in to the General Fund with the approval of the Executive Committee.

SECTION C.              An audit shall be conducted each year with a report of the committee’s findings presented to the Executive Committee and to the members in attendance at the fall general membership meeting.

SECTION D.              In the event of the Chapter’s disbanding, any and all funds remaining in the Chapter’s accounts shall be delegated to the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.

 

ARTICLE XIII – AMENDMENTS

SECTION A.              Amendments to the By-Laws may be proposed by the Executive Committee, or submitted in writing and signed by any ten (10) active members of the Chapter.

SECTION B.              The proposed amendments shall be presented in writing to an Ad Hoc By-Laws Committee, and in turn, reviewed by the Executive Committee, before being presented at a general meeting of the Chapter.

SECTION C.              The proposed amendments shall be presented in writing at a general meeting previous to the meeting at which a vote is called on the proposed amendments.

SECTION D.              Adoption of proposed amendments shall require two-thirds (2/3) votes of the active members present at a general meeting.

SECTION E.               Unless otherwise stated in the amendments, amendments to the foregoing By-Laws shall become effective immediately upon adoption by the members.

 

ARTICLE XIV – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The Parliamentary Authority for these By-Laws and for conducting the affairs of the Chapter shall be Roberts Rules of Order – Revised.

Adopted September 23, 2008

     

 

Last updated 2/8/10