MCRTA2 met at N.O. Nelson Complex in Edwardsville, Illinois, on December 4, 2012.
Fifty-seven members and guests attended the meeting. President Ann Jacox called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was given. The minutes of the October 9, 2012, were approved as printed in the Tidings with one correction: *Anise* changed to *Annice.*
Co-Treasurer Dottie Stickels gave the treasurer*s report. It was approved as printed and will be filed for audit.
The following are the committee reports:
Budget/Finance: Dale Dickerson stated that at the next board meeting the 2013 budget will be presented. He talked about the importance of getting the shingles vaccine. He stated that if you go to a Walgreens Take Care Clinic and you are a member of HealthLink, you can get them to pay for the shot. He went to the one in Upper Alton.
Communications: Charlotte Heeren/Joyce Tappy -- All members need to make sure Joyce Tappy and Linda Brazier have your correct e-mail addresses.
Foundation/Information Services: Linda Brazier sent the IRTA handbook to the Executive Board Members. Any active teacher can become a member of IRTA. It is not necessary to be within the *three years to five years of retirement.* IRTA membership is currently reported at 34,308 with 311 associate members. Associate members do not have voting privileges. This number includes 19,700 *deduct* members, 9,439 life members and 279 Illinois Principals Association deduct members. There are 26,387 address listings on the data base who are not members of IRTA. Excellence in Education Active Teacher Grants: The list of winners of these grants was distributed. The grants for Areas 3 and 4 totaled just under $15,000, and the checks will be delivered soon by Charlie Christian. There were 160 applications for the grants with 37 grants being awarded to 41 teachers. I CARE Report: This report was given by Jim Bachman in the absence of Jamie Freschi, Regional Ombudsman. New funding for the Ombudsman programs throughout the state is available through the Long Term Care Provider Fund which comes from the collection of bed taxes paid by the facilities. ICARE will no longer be receiving funding from the Civil Monetary Penalty Grant but will continue to receive funding from the Money Fellows the Person Grant. A fund-raiser was held in September that raised over $5,000 after expenses.
Scholarship Report: The scholarships winners were listed, and each received the first half of their money during the summer months. The balance will be paid upon receipt of their spring class schedule and aand a certified transcript from the fall 2012 semester. The application form was reviewed, and Shirley Dodd moved that the requirements be changed to reflect that a recipient must be a resident of Illinois or have graduated from an Illinois High School. Motion passed.
Teacher Assistance: Shirley Dodds presented a report on Retired Teacher Support. It reflected that 15 annuitants are receiving a monthly stipend and that several one-time assistance stipends had been awarded. The total projected 2012 payment for Retired Teacher Support is $64,694.12.
State Coordinator*s Report: Jim Bachman reported that to date the label campaign raised $183,500 with expenses of $53,863. The firm who handles this project (Centempo) is asking for a three year contract in 2013. Mo Shaner reported that the IRTA website now has a store where members may buy items with a IRTA logo.
Membership/Health: Lori Uhe/Mary May -- Mary May reported we had several new members. She requested update information on addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mails. She thanked everyone for making their reservations for the meeting.
Program: Donnie Calvin/Jodi Henderson--The next MCRTA2 meeting will be held on March 12, 2013. (See page 1 for details.) The program will be Mr. Patrick Anderson. (See page 1.) Jodi Henderson used Christmas tree ornaments and small candy as table decorations and favors for members.
Retirement Education/Activities: Walther Ahlemeyer reported that the wine tour and Branson trip had been cancelled. Some had gone to Branson with the American Legion Group. The committee would like suggestions for activities for 2013.
New Business: Ed Gray talked about the veto session. He stated the legislators will be talking about pension reform in the January veto session. All members need to stay informed and use Voter Voice. Joyce Tappy and Linda Brazier will keep us informed.
The 50/50 drawing raised $76.00 to be donated to Oasis. Mary May won the 50/50 and donated her winnings to Oasis. MCRTA2 will be giving all of this money to Oasis. Christine Wallace won the free lunch.
The meeting was adjourned. Don Jenkins gave the invocation. Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal served by Bella Milano.
The program was given by Kimberly Westcoff from Collinsville and Mary Lu Bretsch, a retired librarian from Belleville. Kimberly sang several songs. Mary Lu Bretsch told two interesting stories. Everyone enjoyed the program.
The next Executive Board meeting will be held on February 12 at Eden UCC in Edwardsville starting at 9:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted by Joan Gusewelle
Co-Treasurer Dottie Stickels gave the treasurer*s report. It was approved as printed and will be filed for audit.
The following are the committee reports:
Budget/Finance: Dale Dickerson stated that at the next board meeting the 2013 budget will be presented. He talked about the importance of getting the shingles vaccine. He stated that if you go to a Walgreens Take Care Clinic and you are a member of HealthLink, you can get them to pay for the shot. He went to the one in Upper Alton.
Communications: Charlotte Heeren/Joyce Tappy -- All members need to make sure Joyce Tappy and Linda Brazier have your correct e-mail addresses.
Foundation/Information Services: Linda Brazier sent the IRTA handbook to the Executive Board Members. Any active teacher can become a member of IRTA. It is not necessary to be within the *three years to five years of retirement.* IRTA membership is currently reported at 34,308 with 311 associate members. Associate members do not have voting privileges. This number includes 19,700 *deduct* members, 9,439 life members and 279 Illinois Principals Association deduct members. There are 26,387 address listings on the data base who are not members of IRTA. Excellence in Education Active Teacher Grants: The list of winners of these grants was distributed. The grants for Areas 3 and 4 totaled just under $15,000, and the checks will be delivered soon by Charlie Christian. There were 160 applications for the grants with 37 grants being awarded to 41 teachers. I CARE Report: This report was given by Jim Bachman in the absence of Jamie Freschi, Regional Ombudsman. New funding for the Ombudsman programs throughout the state is available through the Long Term Care Provider Fund which comes from the collection of bed taxes paid by the facilities. ICARE will no longer be receiving funding from the Civil Monetary Penalty Grant but will continue to receive funding from the Money Fellows the Person Grant. A fund-raiser was held in September that raised over $5,000 after expenses.
Scholarship Report: The scholarships winners were listed, and each received the first half of their money during the summer months. The balance will be paid upon receipt of their spring class schedule and aand a certified transcript from the fall 2012 semester. The application form was reviewed, and Shirley Dodd moved that the requirements be changed to reflect that a recipient must be a resident of Illinois or have graduated from an Illinois High School. Motion passed.
Teacher Assistance: Shirley Dodds presented a report on Retired Teacher Support. It reflected that 15 annuitants are receiving a monthly stipend and that several one-time assistance stipends had been awarded. The total projected 2012 payment for Retired Teacher Support is $64,694.12.
State Coordinator*s Report: Jim Bachman reported that to date the label campaign raised $183,500 with expenses of $53,863. The firm who handles this project (Centempo) is asking for a three year contract in 2013. Mo Shaner reported that the IRTA website now has a store where members may buy items with a IRTA logo.
Membership/Health: Lori Uhe/Mary May -- Mary May reported we had several new members. She requested update information on addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mails. She thanked everyone for making their reservations for the meeting.
Program: Donnie Calvin/Jodi Henderson--The next MCRTA2 meeting will be held on March 12, 2013. (See page 1 for details.) The program will be Mr. Patrick Anderson. (See page 1.) Jodi Henderson used Christmas tree ornaments and small candy as table decorations and favors for members.
Retirement Education/Activities: Walther Ahlemeyer reported that the wine tour and Branson trip had been cancelled. Some had gone to Branson with the American Legion Group. The committee would like suggestions for activities for 2013.
New Business: Ed Gray talked about the veto session. He stated the legislators will be talking about pension reform in the January veto session. All members need to stay informed and use Voter Voice. Joyce Tappy and Linda Brazier will keep us informed.
The 50/50 drawing raised $76.00 to be donated to Oasis. Mary May won the 50/50 and donated her winnings to Oasis. MCRTA2 will be giving all of this money to Oasis. Christine Wallace won the free lunch.
The meeting was adjourned. Don Jenkins gave the invocation. Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal served by Bella Milano.
The program was given by Kimberly Westcoff from Collinsville and Mary Lu Bretsch, a retired librarian from Belleville. Kimberly sang several songs. Mary Lu Bretsch told two interesting stories. Everyone enjoyed the program.
The next Executive Board meeting will be held on February 12 at Eden UCC in Edwardsville starting at 9:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted by Joan Gusewelle