Minutes: September 7,
2005
The first meeting of WCREA for the
2005-2006 year was held on the above date at Harker's Hollow
G. C. President Pat Kollar opened the meeting at 10:45 am
with a moment of silence for the victims of hurricane
Katrina. The flag was saluted, R. Buralli led the singing of
"America" and Shirley Sloyer read an inspirational poem
about spending time wisely by being positive and
friendly.
Secretary Theresa Ravenburg (completing
the term of Mary Lou Kovacs who resigned due to baby sitting
commitments) read the minutes of the last meeting. Treasurer
Vicki Rhinehart reported a balance of $3,424.40. Both
reports were accepted as read.
Membership Chairperson Vicki Rhinehart
reported that we currently have 155 members, 81 in
attendance today. She has sent out letters to about 30
former members; hopefully they will respond and
join.
Vicki, as Scholarship Chairperson gave
the following report about the 2005 scholarship
winners:
- Belvidere HS--David Kolodziejczyk,
Fairleigh Dickinson University,
- North Warren HS--Megan Mescall,
Molonoy College
- Phillipsburg HS--Dorothy Osifchin,
WCCC
- Warren Hills HS--Amy Egerer,
Kutztown
- Hackettstown--Toni Gellock,
Kutztown
All are majoring in education.
Sandy Beck, Corresponding Secretary,
passed out flyers detailing the upcoming trip to Mohonk Mt.
House on October 27. 38 are currently signed up; there's
room on the bus for more reservations, due by Sept. 25 are
$65 per person.
President Pat reported the following old
business:
1.) Tom Nolan, former 2nd Vice-President of NJREA died July
3. WCREA sent a message of sympathy to the family.
2.) We will have a 50/50 fundraising for the scholarship
fund at each meeting. Doug Morris is in charge of this.
3.) There is a change in the structure of WCREA as follows"
member--$6.00 per year; Associate--$4.00;
luncheons--$17.00
4.) A rally against the proposed elimination of the cap on
prescription payments was held in Trenton July 20, attended
by Vicki Rhinehart, Pat Kollar, Barbara Miller and some
actives. Vicki was one of many who testified before the SHBP
commissioners about why caps would not be raised or
eliminated. NJREA and NJEA officers and staff did a great
job in organizing the rally, which was well
attended.
Under new business, Pat reported that
there are currently no plans for a Constitutional Convention
as the state Senate did not support the proposal. However,
vigilance about the topic is still needed. She announced the
Fall luncheon of NJREA is Sept. 22 at Angeloni's in Cedar
Garden. The entire Assembly and new governor will be elected
in Nov.' NJEA has endorsed Jon Corzine for governor; the
NJREA convention will be held in Atlantic City on Nov. 9
& 10.
Next, Pat introduced our guest speaker,
Fred Aug, NJREA President. Mr. Aug thanked WCREA for support
in his election which he won by 4,000 votes (64% of the
vote). He stated that NJREA is very vocal and active in
opposing the prescription drug cap elimination. NJEA is also
on board with this. He said that the July rally cost $51,000
which was paid by NEA. He also noted that the current $552
cap on prescriptions will probably stay as is for one year
as the present administration doesn't want to "make waves".
The governor has been talked to by Jon Corzine. "We think he
needs our votes in Nov.", so the cap probably will not be
raised. Corzine has said, if elected, he will look at the
"whole program". Fred also said that we need to fight for
our health benefits and for this all members must be
vigilant. We must stay informed and on top of the health
benefits issue as the legislature tries to "chip away" at
them. We fought for our retirement benefits, were promised
them and "a promise is a promise" that must be
kept.
After Mr. Aug's talk the following new
members introduced themselves: Bonnie Cummins, Barbara
Emery, Carl Cortezzo, Cathy Cortezzo, Bernice Frankenfield,
Genya Pantuso, Judith Merlo and Barbara Van Zandt.
President Pat requested volunteers to sign up to go to
Trenton as needed--make phone calls, write letters, etc.
Barbara Columb said she had sent a letter to the Express but
it was never published.
Doug Morris reminded everyone that all pertinent WCREA/NJREA
information is listed on the WCEA web site. Log on and click
on WCREA.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 and a
chicken luncheon was served.
The 50/50 was won by Dolly Corcoran of
Phillipsburg.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Ravenburg
Secretary, WCREA
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