e x p r e s s - california retired teachers association · vickie mcgregor did a wonderful job in...
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E X P R E S S
Divis ion 7 5
S a cra m e n to North e a s t - Are a III
Ca liforn ia Re t ire d Te a ch e rs As socia t ion
North
East
Nov. – Dec. 2019
https://www.div75.calrta.org
CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER CONTEST
Join Div. 75 & 5 at the December Holiday Luncheon
Bring an unwrapped toy OPTIONAL: Wear an Ugly Christmas Sweater/Vest/Suit
North Ridge Country Club - - December 17, 2019
Read More on Page 4
Luncheon Entertainment RIVER CITY CHORALE
CHAMBER CHOIR
Director: David Vanderbout
• A fixture in Sacramento since 1977
• 16 Member Chamber Choir sings classical, traditional, contemporary, Broadway, and jazz
• Performs internationally every third year since 1983
• Director David Vanderbout -Choir Director at El Camino High School since 2012
CalRTA State President, Dr. Jim Mahoney states,
“Who else does that? – NOBODY!” At Division 75’s October Luncheon, Dr. Mahoney emphasized that we give away over $500, 000 each year to classroom teachers and future teachers.
He continued to say, “We protect retirees and we are investing in the present and future of education in California.”
Stating ambitious goals for the new year, Dr. Mahoney declared that CalRTA is well equipped to accomplish these objectives and more.
Answering questions from the “floor”, he spoke of the progress we are making in repealing the WEP and GPO penalties on teachers.
http://www.calrta.org
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Dear Members:
Our October 15th Luncheon was a tremendous success! We were fortunate to have Dr. Jim Mahoney, CalRTA State President, to present the goals and objectives of our organization. He emphasized that more and more legislators agree that the WEP/GPO must be eliminated.
He also stated that we can now enroll new members online by following this eight-step procedure: • Type in calrta.org on your computer or smart phone • Select Join Us/Renew on the page that opens • Scroll down and select, Apply Online – (Enter personal information) • Check information and make necessary corrections • Click Submit and a credit card screen should appear • Enter Credit Card information • Click Submit to complete your membership application
It greatly saddens me to report that Susan Hammond, our fantastic Membership Chairperson, and Membership Chairperson for Area III, passed away recently. Kathy Houser presented a beautiful tribute to Susan at the luncheon.
Our other presenter, Kathy Boyd Fellure, talked about her childhood and how it influenced her to become an author. Her father was a teacher and she was always surrounded by books. The audience was fascinated by her story and her obvious joy in writing.
Vickie McGregor did a wonderful job in getting our 2019-2020 Directory completed. The Directory is available upon request by calling Vickie at 1 (916) 966-0650 or email: [email protected] . It will also be at the luncheon. Bring your old Directories to the December Luncheon and give to Vickie McGregor to be shredded.
I’m looking forward to seeing you at our Holiday Luncheon, scheduled for December 17, 2019.
Sincerely,
Ron
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President’s Corner Ron Dworitz
1 (916) 488-4363
Board of Directors – CalRTA Division 75 – Sacramento Northeast President Government Relations Parliamentarian/Bylaws Ron Dworitz Sandy Edwards Pat Boyd
Vice President / Programs Insurance Scholarship Foundation Linda Darling Don Houser Kathy Houser
Secretary Membership Social Marjorie Knieriem Vickie McGregor Pat Boyd
Treasurer Mini-Grants Sunshine Judy Croce Jeanie Campbell Gale Hooper
Budget Newsletter Editors Technology
Dick Baron Kathy/Don Houser Vickie McGregor
Communications [email protected] [email protected]
Jola Jones
Gale Hooper Needs to hear from you if you know someone who needs a Card – a Cheery
Note – a Caring Remembrance
CALL: 1 (916) 988-6880
WOW! SAVE CalRTA $$$!
CHANGE YOUR POSTAL NEWSLETTER TO ONE THAT IS EMAILED TO YOU IN COLOR Contact Tech Support Vickie McGregor
[email protected] or 1 (916) 966-0650
Apply On-Line!
Lessons from The Classroom of Life Nov/Dec 2019 Donald F Houser, Insurance Chair
Here We Go Again! More Changes for Medicare in 2020!
• Medicare Premiums: Scheduled to increase from $135.50 to $144.30/month in 2020.
• Other Medicare Changes: Deductibles, “Medigap” plans, prescription drugs and surcharges.
• COLA: Social Security recipients will get a 1.6% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2020.
• Medicare Open Enrollment: Begins on October 15th and will continue until December 7th. No penalty for
changes made during this period.
• More Detailed Information: Detailed Information on Medicare and Social Security will be available at the “Learn-How-To-Center” at the December Luncheon.
“Will My Defined Benefit Pension Plan Still Be Here In The Years To Come?”
• Absolutely! The world economic turmoil of 2001 and 2008 affected the investment returns of CalSTRS for a while, but the funding got “back on track” in 2014.
• Here’s what happened: Because the State Teachers’ Retirement System must go through the Legislature to get contribution levels increased, it took until 2014 for everyone to agree on the amount of contributions needed.
• Where We Are Today? CalSTRS is financially “sound” and on a path to reach full funding by 2046. You can be proud that CalRTA was a “key player” in getting the Legislature and the Governor to agree on a solution!
• Additional information: More information will be available at the “Learn-How-To-Center” at the December Luncheon.
Legacy Planning – “Put Everything in One Drawer”
• Future Planning: When someone we love passes away, the grief we feel can be overwhelming. Why make this process worse by making your family search for where you’ve kept your important papers?
• Legacy Drawer: Many financial advisors recommend a “One-Stop” system: a document, a binder, or a single desk drawer, that has all your financial & legal papers in one place for those who survive us.
• Additional information: Information on Legacy Planning and copies of the CalSTRS Recipient Designation Form will be at the “Learn-How-To-Center”.
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RANCHO CORDOVA CLASSROOM TEACHER WINS STATE GRANT! CalRTA State Office holds a drawing three times a year to award a $100 grant to 50 active classroom teachers.
Eligibility requires teachers to apply online. Deadlines for the second and third awards are 11/6/19 and 2/5/20. It only takes 30 seconds to apply.
Ron Dworitz presents a Teacher State Grant to Susanna Verplanchen of Williamson School in Rancho Cordova. SHE’S A WINNER!
CalRTA Dues Increase
A CalRTA dues increase will begin on January 1, 2020.
The new amount is $5.50 per month, or $66.00 annually.
Renewal dates AFTER January 1, 2020 will be $66.00.
If you are “Dues Deduct”, the amount will be adjusted automatically.
Members who are renewing by check, can find your renewal date on the CalRTA website. Just log-on to– www.calrta.org – and the renewal date will appear in the upper left corner of the page.
A JOYFUL EFFORT…CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE! Division 75 and Division 5 are joining forces to “Help A Child To Smile” at Christmas. Members need to bring an unwrapped toy to the December 17th Holiday Luncheon. The Christmas Toy Drive works through Family Promise (an affiliate of Loaves and Fishes) to support families not living in traditional homes.
Please Be Aware….. • Toys should be for a boy or girl, 5 to 10 years old. Toys should be unwrapped. • Some suggestions are: board games, Legos, stuffed animals, sports equipment,
bikes, scooters, toy trucks/cars, art supplies, jump ropes, and dolls. (Battery powered toys may be hard to maintain).
HELP A CHILD TO SMILE --- AND YOU WILL BE SMILING TOO! Jola Jones, Communications Chair
OPTIONAL: UGLIEST CHRISTMAS SWEATER, VEST, OR SUIT CONTEST! DECEMBER LUNCHEON
• All members pick up five Red tickets • You will give 1 ticket to 5 individuals wearing the Ugliest Sweater, Vest, or Suit • TO PARTICIPATE: o Find an old sweater, vest, or suit (can be “Christmas or Plain”)
o Apply additional embellishments, as needed (Dollar Store offers good decorating selections!)
o Upon arrival, ask for a Contestant ID and Bag o The 3 individuals with the most tickets WIN A PRIZE! o Questions: Contact “Elf” Vickie at 1 (916) 966-0650
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Dues Deduct: I authorize the State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) to deduct my CalRTA monthly dues. Should the amount of dues be adjusted as deemed necessary by CalRTA, I authorize the adjusted deductions shall continue unless I notify the CalRTA business office in writing to the contrary. To terminate dues deductions, I agree to make my request in writing to the CalRTA office.
California Retired Teachers Association – DIVISION 75
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Mail to: Membership Chair – Vickie McGregor, P. O. Box 2556, Fair Oaks, CA 95628-2556
Email to:[email protected]
or call: Vickie McGregor at 1 (916) 966-0650
We do not share your information with other organizations
Payment by Cash/Check: Please enclose your check payable to CalRTA ($54.00 / year if your renewal date is before January 1, 2020 - $66.00 after 1/1/2020)
Name______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________City__________________Zip Code_________________ Social Security Number (for Dues Deduct Only)____________________________________________________________________ Email_________________________________________________________Phone________________________________________ Retired from District: (Name/Year)______________________________________________________________________________ Signature________________________________________________________________Date_______________________________
MOVING? NEW PHONE? CHANGED EMAIL? NO NEWSLETTER DELIVERED?
CONTACT TECH SUPPORT VICKIE MCGREGOR
[email protected] or 1 (916) 966-0650
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Member Application Form
Dues Deduction ($4.50 / month from your STRS warrant - $5.50 / month after January 1, 2020)
MEMBERSHIP EXTRAVAGANZA!
Building Membership ------Critical Task!
When your referrals became new members, your name and $5.00 was added to the Extravaganza Bag
The Drawing for All the Cash in the Bag…. December Holiday Luncheon
DON’T MISS IT! Remember: Bringing in New Members is Everyone’s Job!
MORE MEMBERS – BIGGER VOICE!! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Welcome, New Members!
Deanna K. Butts
Carmichael, CA
Yvonne Manley
Sacramento, CA
Patricia White
Sacramento, CA
Linda Wortman
Orangevale, CA
Sandy Edwards welcomes New Members and First-Timers to the Division 75 October Luncheon.
Celebrating Retired Teachers’ Week
November 3 – 9, 2019
Division 75’s Board of Directors sent personalized greetings to Honorary Sweethearts and Out-Of-State Members to thank them for their service.
Twenty-three Honorary Sweethearts and thirty Out-Of-State Members were contacted during Retired Teachers’ Week.
Board Members shared that they were so happy to acknowledge these individuals. Jola Jones, Communications Chair
Trash Bin Or Recycle? NO! - NO! - NO!
Bring Your Directory to the Next Luncheon
To Be Shredded Keep Your Information
Confidential
Where is My Newsletter?
Contact Tech Support: Vickie McGregor
Contact Tech Support Vickie McGregor [email protected] or 1 (916) 966-0650
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CalRTA’s Goal: To be the dominant authoritative voice for all retired teachers. CalRTA’s Purpose: To enhance and protect the benefits of retired teachers.
WE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! This year (because of your generosity) the Scholarship Foundation will be able to award seven scholarships to worthy American River College students for a total of $10,500!
After listening to the stories of last year’s winners, everyone knows how much our scholarship awards are appreciated!
Did you know that tuition, books and health insurance at ARC average about $5,000 per year? There can be no doubt that students need help!
Your donations make the difference between a student’s failure or success to complete their education. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Kathy Houser, Scholarship Foundation President
OUR SCHOLARSHIPS “PAY IT FORWARD!”
How do your donations to the Scholarship Foundation benefit you?
Besides knowing that you have helped to make a difference, the impact of your donation directly improves the surrounding community where you live.
This enriches your life and mine.
BE THE DIFFERENCE! THANK YOU
The Retired Teachers Scholarship Foundation Established by CalRTA Division 75
Please remember that memorials, birthdays, honorariums, and outstanding service can be honored with donations to the Scholarship Foundation. All donations are acknowledged in writing. Recipient or Next of Kin will be notified of your gift but the amount will not be disclosed. If you feel you would like to do something special today, write us a check!
Make checks payable to: The Retired Teachers Scholarship Foundation Inc.
Mail to: RTSF, Inc., PO Box 1451, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Donor’s Name _________________________________________ Date ______________ Address _________________________________________________________________ Enclosed is my contribution to the above scholarship fund in the amount of $ ________________________ In Honor / Memory of: Name ____________________________________________________
__ As a Memorial __ Special Recognition __ As a Bequest __ Birthday __ Other Please send an acknowledgement of this contribution to: ___ Person being honored ___ Next of Kin
Honoree / Next of Kin Name: ____________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________
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Carolyn Fisher, RTSF Treasurer
Division 75 Honored Susan Hammond With
“A Tribute”
A POEM FOR SUSAN by Kathy Houser
Enthusiasm…………………Abounding Spontaneously……………..Funny Positivity................................Overflowing Especially………………….Gifted Shimmering ..........................Bright Connecting…………………People Motion………………………Forward Motivating…………………All Fitness………………………Conscious Invigorating………………..Vitality Dedicated ..............................Golfer Welcoming…………………Smile Activities................................Producer Fully………………………..Alive Membership ..........................Chair Loving……………………...Everyone
THIS WAS SUSAN HAMMOND
THIS IS HOW WE WILL REMEMBER HER
AND THROUGH OUR TEARS….
WE WILL SMILE!
We Remember With Love In Memoriam
Susan Hammond Gerald E. Meyers
Ruth M. Thompson
DID YOU KNOW?
CALRTA HAS A NEW LOGO!
CALRTA MEMBER BENEFITS Social Benefits
• Make New Friends • Strengthen Connections • Keep Learning • Have Fun! • Impact Your Community
GOOD HEALTH TIP
EAT A
“RAINBOW”
OF VEGETABLES
DAILY!
OLD LOGO
NEW LOGO
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DECEMBER LUNCHEON
Tuesday, December 17, 2019 North Ridge Country Club Ballroom
7600 Madison Ave., Fair Oaks, CA 95628 9:30 AM Social Time and Greetings 10:00 AM: Division 75 Update 11:00 AM: Break and Raffle 11:20 AM: Lunch 12:30 PM: Entertainment
Jitney transport from parking lot
River City Chorale Chamber Choir Director: David Vanderbout
Remember: Bring An Unwrapped Toy
Entrees 1
Chicken Marsala – Scalloped Potatoes – Seasonal Vegetables
2 Vegetarian Lasagna - Glazed Baby Carrots – Fruit Cup
Dessert – Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce
All Entrees include: Rolls & Butter, Coffee, Iced Tea & Water
RSVP by December 9, 2019
*** Reservations postmarked after December 9, 2019 will be $30.00 ***
No phone orders
Entrée Number (See Above)
Name____________________________________________________________
Name____________________________________________________________
Are you a FIRST TIME ATTENDEE? Please check here: .............................................
Email address: ___________________________________________________________________
Checks to CalRTA Division 75: - $25.00 per Entrée - After December 9th, - $30.00 per Entrée
Amount Enclosed: $_____________
Mail Reservations to: CalRTA Division 75, 5917 Via Casitas, Carmichael, CA 95608-6539
Note: Luncheon dates are intended to be on a regular day of the week each year. However, North Ridge
reserves the right to schedule events as needed so some future dates may have to change.
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Participating In The Ugliest Christmas Sweater/Vest/Suit Contest? – Check here
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PHOTOS FROM THE OCTOBER 2019 BUS TRIP TO CORNERSTONE GARDENS AND DIVISION 75 LUNCHEON
Photo Captions
1. Chris Graser and Muffet McCleneghan 2. CalRTA State President Dr. Jim Mahoney and Pat Boyd 3. First Time Attendees Sally Weber and Ozzie Palos 4. Illene Carroll, Delores Bousliman, and Lois Penman 5. Sandy Edwards and Linda Darling 6. Ronda Biondi and Kathy Houser at Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma 7. First Time Attendee, Mary Ann Armstrong, with Kathy Galli 8. Carolyn Garland 9. The Tribute to Susan Hammond at the October Luncheon
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CalRTA Yearly VOLUNTEER TIME SURVEY (2019‐2020)
***Please mail by April 1, 2020***
This form is to be used only as a yearly report. It will be distributed at the Dec., Feb. and Apr. meetings, and will be available on the Division 75 website ‐ http://div75.calrta.org Please Respond:
Are you currently serving on any government board or commission (not CalRTA) Yes_ No If Yes, what board or commission?
*******Your Name:_____________________________________________________________________ ***** Your Address:_____________________________________________________________________
Please enter your name and address above. Check off items on the list that apply. Note: These are only examples. Feel free to add other activities that are not on the list. Don’t forget to include: telephone calls, office chores, preparation and travel time to and from the volunteer service site in calculating your hours.
SENIOR SERVICES Hrs. Senior Center Meals on Wheels Senior Transportation Convalescent Home Others_
CHURCH Hrs. Choir/Music Teacher Aide Officer or Usher Committees Others_
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Hrs. CalRTA, NRTA ASCAR, AARP Red Cross or Blood Bank Club Officer or Committee Rotary, AAUW, Elks, Kiwanis, etc. Others
CIVIC Hrs. Boards or Committees Community Betterment Youth Groups & Organizations Fund Raising Others
HEALTH & WELFARE Hrs. Caretaker of relatives or others Hospitals, Clinics, Nursing Homes Hospice, Handicap Services Babysitting (friends & family) Others_
EDUCATION _Hrs. School Tutoring or PTA Event Judge Counselor/Teacher/Aide Scholarship Others_
CULTURAL Hrs. Library/Museum/Docent Music/Symphony/Concert Art Group/Hobby/Craft Leader / Assistant
Others_ _____Hrs. Day of the Teacher/Retired Teachers' Week California Senior Legislators Other Activities
Total Hours:
Signature Date:
Thank you for completing this form. Please fold, stamp and mail to: Chris Graser, 372 Seaton Dr., Folsom, CA 95630‐7947.
Thank you for helping CalRTA inform Legislators of your volunteer hours and show them how much you and other retired
teachers continue to contribute to the State of California.
Chris Graser
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Happy Travels Erna Giesbrecht 1 (916) 723-4136 Email: [email protected]
Travel Corner Nov. / Dec. 2019 By Marti Gohring 1 (916) 709-1346
Our group had a great time in Rome and the Greek Isles! We look forward to future travel together. Come join us! Fall Day Trip: The trip to Sonoma and the Cornerstone Gardens Tour was a success! Contact Erna Giesbrecht, [email protected] or 1 (916) 723-4136, to sign up for our SPRING 2020 DAY TRIP Spring 2020 14-day Transatlantic Celebrity Cruise: Fort Lauderdale to Dublin Ireland, April 23-May 8, 2020. Prices from $1549 per person double occupancy for inside cabin (port taxes $128.25 pp); Oceanview $1819; Balcony from $1829. Call Marti Gohring for more information. 1 (916) 709-1346 or email [email protected]. Spring 2020 River Cruise: On the Blue Danube with Tauck-12 Days from Prague to Budapest, May 10-22. Call Marti Gohring for pricing and details. 1 (916) 709-1346 or email [email protected]. Summer 2020 Alaska: Seven-night roundtrip cruise from Seattle-July 24-July 31, 2020. Call Marti Gohring for pricing. 1 (916) 709-1346 or email [email protected]
California Retired Teachers Association Sacramento Northeast Division 75 P.O. Box 2556 Fair Oaks, CA 95628-2556
Non-Profit Org US Postage Paid
Permit #1745 Sacramento, CA
Happy Travels Marti Gohring 1 (916) 709-1346 Email: [email protected]
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