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The Warren County Retired Educators Association meeting was held at the Pump House in Hackettstown. The meeting was called to order by President Pat Kollar at 10:45am. Doug Morris read the Secretary's Report in the absence of Recording Secretary Theresa Ravenburg. Vicki Rhinehart gave the Treasurer's Report providing the balance in the regular account and scholarship account. Sandy Beck had no correspondence to report. She did report that the trip to Mohonk Mountain Retreat was a success. She is planning a theater trip for March 15, 2006 to see "The Producers" or "The Jersey Boys". The "Jersey Boys" was the preference of the group and Sandy will get the tickets and arrange the trip. There will be more information at the December meeting. There will be a "50/50" at each meeting to benefit the scholarship fund and defray program costs. President's Report: Pat Kollar attended meetings on parliamentary procedures, fall business and pensions and benefits. Old Business: Doug Morris attended an NJREA meeting October 7, 2005. The primary order of business was to set a private philanthropic fund to administer the scholarship funds. Also approved was a motion to have a meeting on June 30, 2006 in Orlando for South Florida residents to discuss member benefits. It was recommended that Floridians contact their Jersey relatives and friends support Corzine and other NJEA endorsed candidates. There was also a motion passed to allow the NJREA Treasurer to move money from one line item to another until approximately $95,000+ in dues money was transferred from NJEA to the NJREA accounts. The new drug prescription proposal was to increase the individual cap to $1,000 from the present $552. It was to replace the normal increase of over $600 as of January 1, 2006. There will be sixty days to study this proposal. President Kollar recommended to members that they write to the State Health Benefits office to state why the increase would be a hardship for them. Each member should write concerning their own needs--form ç letters are not recommended. Letters should be mailed by mid December. New Business: NJEA and NJREA have endorsed John Corzine for governor and Janice Kovach for Assembly in the 23rd Legislative District. Medicare recipients will be receiving letters regarding Medicare Part D. Member receiving State Health benefits should not sign up for Medicare Part D or they will lose their State Health Benefits Prescription Plan. It was recommended that if you received the letter, you should keep it for future needs. In January 1, 2006 the State Health Benefits Dental Plan will increase to $35.53 for individuals, $70.10 for husband, wife or domestic partner and $99.34 for members and children. The NJREA Convention will be held on November 9th and 10th. Pat recommended that members should attend. The NJEA Convention will be on November 10th and 11th. The WCEA will have their hospitality suite at the Borgata from 2-6pm. Ask for John Borgeson at the hotel desk. Bus transportation is available for $10 which will be refunded on arrival in Atlantic City. Call Sue Brooks to make reservations. Information is in the WCEA newsletter which is available as you leave. Carol Mertz, former WCEA President urged members to attend. Carol was applauded for her efforts to support the WCREA/NJREA. Jim Noctor encouraged members to get out and vote because our pensions and benefits may be at risk. Pat Kollar adjourned the meeting and Andrew Roblin (a one-man band) performed island and rock 'n roll songs on the banjo and guitar. New Members are: Marylu "Mac" Briggs, Barbara Cartel, Barbara Plokhooy, Carol Schulze, Betty Merring, Diane Borgeson, Carol and Clayton Mertz and Sally Stover. Joanne Jasinski won the 50/50.
Respectfully submitted, |