|
A regular meeting of the WCREA was held on the above date at Flynn's in Phillipsburg. President Pat Kollar called the meeting to order at 10:45 and led in the flag salute. Richard Buralli then led the singing of "America". Next, Shirley Sloyer's thought for the day was read by Theresa Ravenburg in Shirley's absence. It was a holiday poem with sounds and sight of Christmas, wishing "a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year" also. The Secretary read November's minutes and Treasurer Vicki Rhinehart reported a balance of $3,132.53 and $624 in the WCREA award fund. Vicki reported that we now have a membership of 192, four new ones. She continues to send notices to non-member retirees as she discovers them. Sandy Beck distributed fliers about March 8th to see "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". Cost is $90. Under Old Business, President Pat reported that all of our WCREA Executive Board Members are confirmed members of the NJREA/NJEA/NEA-R as per NJREA regulations. She reported that she, Barbara Esposito and Doug Morris had attended the NJREA Convention in November. Barbara reported on a pension and benefits workshop she had attended there. She said to be careful if you take a job in retirement. If you become a "mentor" or "consultant" in a NJ public school, you could lose your pension. Subbing is OK. Doug reported on a legal services workshop where it was stated that retired members are entitled to the same legal services as active members. Pat and Barbara attended the NJEA/NJREA President's dinner, at which Governor-elect Jon Corzine called on speaker phone and spoke with NJEA President Joyce Power thanking her for NJEA's support and promising that he will not forget us. Pat reported on election day results. 90% of NJEA endorsed candidates were elected. 1300 people (NJREA/NJEA) worked on the election. She, Barbara Esposito and Doug Morris went to the UniServ office in Stanhope and made phone calls. Under New Business, Pa reported that the State Health Benefits Commission will be meeting December 20th to vote on proposed prescription caps. She will attend the meeting. Postcards were distributed to be signed, opposing the proposed $1,000 prescription cap. They were collected and will be sent to Governor-elect Corzine. Pat reported that the "Smart Bill" would cut property taxes in half is supported by NJEA. She has petitions and buttons available on the subject. Doug Morris reported on the Division of Pensions Convention which he attended along with Barbara Esposito and Pat Kollar. Dennis Testa and James Joyner were elected as new members of the Commission. Also, members were reminded to notify the Division three months prior to collecting Medicare to make sure the Division of Pensions will pay your Medicare. Also, supposedly, the Division of Pensions will be easier to call with shorter waiting times--4-5 minute wait. Unreported due to insufficient time: The Division of Pensions is looking at allocating up to 13% of their money to invest in areas such as real estate, hedge funds, etc. and the money would be administered by a private investment company which would charge a fee plus a percentage of any profits. Investments exceeded the benchmark which was a positive, but the negative side was the investments didn't exceed the benchmark estimated by council. The next WCREA meeting will be at "Good Times" in Oxford on April 4, 2006. With no further business the meeting was adjourned. Entertainment provided by the Lopatcong Middle School 5/6 and 7/8 grade choirs under the direction of Linda Cole. This concluded with a Christmas Sing-Along. Next the choirs and audience sang "Happy Birthday" to Bessie Earnhart for her upcoming 100th birthday, after which she blew out the candles on a large birthday cake, which was served after the luncheon as dessert. The 50/50 raffle winners were drawn. The following won tote bags brought from the NJEA Convention: Thelma McNulty, Diane Borgeson, Pat O'Neil, Nancy MIller and Theresa Ravenberg. Both cash awards of $55 each were won by Jim Brodt, who donated $25 to the scholarship fund. Finally, a roast beef family-style dinner was served.
Respectfully submitted, |