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A regular meeting of the WCREA was held on the above date at 'Good Times' in Oxford, NJ. The meeting was called to order at 10:30 by President Pat Kollar, who led the flag salute. This was followed by the singing of 'America the Beautiful', led by Richard Buralli. Next, Shirley Sloyer read a poem about love...it is never out of season and can be shown in many ways. The secretary read the minutes of the last meeting. Treasurer Vicki Rhinehart reported a balance of $3,053.04 and $774.00 in the WCREA Award account. Both reports were approved as read. Vicki reported that our membership is now 202 people. Then as scholarship chairperson, she reported that scholarship applications have been sent to all five high schools. In the absence of Corresponding Secretary Sandy Beck, Pres. Kollar read a letter of thanks and appreciation from Linda Kohn, Music Director at Lopatcong School for allowing her choir to perform at our December meeting. Next, the business meeting was interrupted by our entertainment, 'Pieces of 8', a female barbershop group from Phillipsburg High School under the direction of Ms. Kathy Hartman. Twelve girls (out of twenty in the group) performed several songs a capella. The group is part of the student organization of the 'Sweet Adelines'. Their harmonies were very well received. Under Old Business, President Pat reported on several meetings she and others had attended earlier this year. At a pension and health benefits meetings at Region 29 in February, NJREA's advice was to be vigilant and don't take benefits for granted. Pat had a sign-up sheet for anyone willing to protest or write letters to legislators as needed. Pat, Doug Morris and Barbara Esposito attended the NJEA Legislative meeting and luncheon on February 25. Governor John Corzine and Senator Robert Menendez were the speakers. They were very impressed with Sen. Menendez, who was very well-spoken. He expressed a great concern for NJ's youth, and would like to see all high school graduates given the opportunity for higher education. At the NJREA Northern Regional Workshop on March 16, roundtable discussion concerned increasing membership and how NJEA can help with pension and benefits issues. The consensus was the NJEA needs to really inform members and stress the importance of contributing to PAC, which really helps to elect NJEA friendly legislators. Pat also reported that the WCREA sponsored bus trip to NY to see 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' was a great success. Under further old business, it was questioned why we didn't include Warren Tech in the WCREA Awards. After discussion of the fact, it was moved and seconded, and passed that Warren Tech be included in the Awards program beginning this year. Vicki Rhinehart will send them a letter to this effect. Under New Business, flyers were distributed for a WCREA fall trip on October 26 to the Culinary Institute of America and the Vanderbilt Mansion at Hyde Park, NY, at a cost of $68.00. Reservations are to be made to Sandy Beck as soon as possible. President Pat announced several upcoming events: April 5--the Warren/Hunterdon Legislative dinner will be held at Harkers Hollow. Senator Leonard Lance and Assembly persons Maria Karron and Mike Doherty are expected to attend and speak. April 6--a meeting of the NJREA County Presidents will be held at NJEA Headquarters to discuss the governor's budget and revenue proposals. April 27--The NJREA spring meeting and luncheon be held at the East Brunswick Chateau. Current information for retirees will be available there. Next, Pat explained the enrollment procedure for Medicare as people become 65. You must submit a copy of enrollment, Part B to the Division of Pensions and Benefits. Social Security will deduct this amount (currently $88.50), but it will be added to your pension check. Pat explained the 'NJ STARS' student tuition rewards scholarships, available to qualified high school graduates (top 20% of class) to attend community colleges, and later transfer to four year schools. Barbara Esposito, Nominations Committee
Chairperson presented the following slate of officers for
the next two years: With no nominations from the floor, a motion as made and seconded to accept the slate as presented. The motion was passed. Carol Mertz stated that Sandy Beck chose not to continue as Corresponding Secretary because her position as'trip coordinator/planner' is very time consuming. Anyone with suggestions for future trips should contact Sandy. The next meeting of the WCREA will be held on Tuesday, June 6 at Asbury Willows. With not further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 am and luncheon (chicken parmesan) was served. The 50/50 winner $86.00 was Mary Salamone. She donated $30.00 back to the awards fund.
Respectfully submitted |