10:11 AM Linda Bannon opened the meeting and led the members in the flag salute.
Dr. Alan Burke (Executive Director)
Dr. Burke reminded us that the retirement seminar is this evening at 5:00 PM. There are 2,200 educators registered. Hopefully, this will result in new members. This year’s annual convention will be October 3-6 in Pasco, WA.
He reported the following legislative issues:
- We need to keep our Medicare Eligible Healthcare Benefit stable at $183.00 per month.
- Make the actuarially recommended pension payment. Mina Milligan mentioned that the republicans are sponsoring a bill to merge pension funds for the Teachers Retirement System Plan 1 and Law Enforcement Officers & Fire Fighters Plan 1. Currently, TRS 1 is underfunded and LEOFF 1 (Law Enforcement Officers & Fire Fighters) is overfunded. Dr. Burke explained the big difference between the two groups. LEOFF are very protective of their plan.
- Two bills that failed are #1040 to re-open the PEBB enrollment window for retirees who opted out or were not able to join PEBB at the time of retirement and reducing the retirement age from 62 to 60.
Bruce Boyer (WSSRA President-elect)
Bruce Boyer’s task right now is to fill openings on State committees. He reviewed the open positions and referred us to the Willingness to Serve form on the WSSRA website.
The following are still open for the SW-4 region and are for one year and can be continued if the person desires:
- The SW regions for the Awards Committee (this is a three-year position, but from what I can tell doesn’t require a lot of time commitment)
The following are still open for the SW-4 region and are for one year and can be continued if the person desires.
- Membership: Donna Quesnell will continue
- Retirement: Despo Varkados will continue
- Convention: I currently have Ron Crawford and Pat Sloson. I still need the CC chairperson and one other person.
- Legislative: Mina Milligan will continue There is one remaining spot.
TREASURES REPORT: (Marty Erickson)
| Savings Account Revenues | $7,752.07 |
| Checking | $484.98 |
| 12 Month Certificate | $3,119.62 |
| Scholarship Account | $3,031.92 |
| Net worth to date | $14,387.74 |
Marty Erickson reported that there is $1,342.62 remaining for mini-grants. Most of the grants have gone to Camas teachers. He sent in
$300 to WSSRA’s Foundation in honor of Gene Forrester.
Despo Varkados exclaimed that we need “more bang for our buck”. Everyone agreed with her! Having a picture taken with one of the school Foundation’s recipients was discussed. Marty Erickson said he would be willing to make a large check on a piece of plywood for a picture take. There was a discussion concerning informational mailings sent to all of our members. Bruce Boyer will send Despo Varkados and Linda Bannon an example of their newsletter that his unit sends out.
Mina Milligan will call for information about Unit 28’s printer, South Bay Press (Mel is their contact) 4003 8th Ave SE Lacey WA 98503 (360) 459-3015 and The Mailbox of Olympia (Dave is their contact) 120 State Ave NE Olympia WA 98501 (360) 754-6800. Their monthly expense for 950 members are (rounded to nearest $):
- Bulk mailing= $250
- Printing= $265
- Mailing= $137.
MINUTES (Mina MilIgan)
January 21, 2020 Minutes were approved as written.
MEMBERSHIP (Margaret Snitzler)
Linda Bannon reported for Margaret Snitzler that we now have 510 members, down from 516 members in January.
HEALTH (Fran Person)
Referring to PUD’s Utilities monthly newsletter Fran Person stated that the City of Vancouver and Clark Public Utilities need help ensuring streetlights continue to work properly. If one malfunctions, do you know who to call? The simplest way to identify whether a street light is maintained by a city or the utility is street light ID tag on the pole, which is highest on the pole. Often there is more than one tag on a pole, so make sure you’re inspecting the right one. The number can be found on most poles approximately 10 feet above the ground and will be at least nine digits on yellow. If the code begins with the letter “P” it is maintained by Clark Public Utilities. If it begins with something else, the light is maintained by the city. When reporting a streetlight issue, Clark PUD will ask for the number on the pole or the street address location.
FRIENDSHIP (Jane Madden)
Birthday cards were sent to Joy Gault, Marty Erickson, Margaret Snitzler (belated for her Dec. birthday–Valentine Day card) February 6, Sympathy cards were sent to families of James Brothers, and Barbara Cox. Jane Madden will send cards to the family of Roy Brothers as soon as she receives an updated address from the State, which will be after the first of March. He passed away February 15 at age of 92.
MINI GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS & DONATIONS (Waneta Filbin)
Mina Milligan reported that $350 will be granted to suitable requests from school employees until $8,000 is used up. In the last couple of days, there have been many requests.
Irma Slocum, (Donna Quesnell)
CECELIA, Irma’s care-taker, and Irma’s kids are really spending a lot of time to make this special for their mom, Irma Slocum. They have arranged a “Drive Through” 100th Birthday congratulations for IRMA!
DETAILS: On Saturday, March 6th, 1:30-2:30 PM. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 1220 NE 68th Street, Vancouver (Off HY 99 or St. Johns.)
(We call it the Noah’s Arch Church, cause that’s how it looks).
There will be a chance for us to gather at her church, in the parking lot. Then, when guided up hill, to the tent, balloons, etc., where she is,
We can greet, or sing and shout, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY IRMA,” GIVE HER A BD CARD, WHATEVER!
If you cannot go, perhaps you can send her a card. Address: Irma Slocum 14109 NW 43rd Ave. Vancouver. 98685.
If you have questions, you may contact Cecelia at (360) 450-8448 or Donna at (360) 694-0766, dquesnel@pacifier.com
WEBSITE (Mina Milligan)
Mina Milligan reported that the site is all up to date. Please visit www.wssra-units.org/southwest-unit30
New Business (Linda Bannon)
New officers are needed for next year. The names have to be submitted by May, 2021. Mina Milligan mentioned someone for President and Vice-president is all that is needed since Marty Erickson and Mina Milligan will continue their office.
Jeannie Anderson remined us we need an awards committee to select a member for the Patrick T. Hoban Meritorious and Stan McNaughton Outreach Awards.
Next Zoom Meeting is March 18, 2021 at 11:30 AM
Adjourned at 11:27 AM
Mina Milligan, SWWSRA Secretary
DATES TO REMEMBER:
| February 2nd | Groundhog Day |
| February 12th | Lincoln’s Birthday |
| Chinese New Year | |
| February 14th | Valentine’s Day |
| February 15th | President’s Day |
| National Flag Day of Canada | |
| Family Day (Canada) | |
| February 16th | Mardi Gras |
| February 17Th | Ash Wednesday |
| February 22nd | Washington’s Birthday |
| March 8th | Commonwealth Day (Canada) |
| March 14th | Daylight Saving Time begins |
| March 17th | St Patrick’s Day |
| March 18th | SWWSRA Zoom Board Meeting (11:30am) |