Masthead for AASRA Newsletter Spring 2015 Spring 2015 PRESIDENT’S CORNER Duane Nelson AASRA State President Greetings from the entire AASRA Board of Directors and wishing you a pleasant spring, and for us in Arizona, that means HEAT so stay cool and hydrated! My column focuses on the news from the Capitol and our concerns with the state budget. This latest budget cuts $352 million from school districts, when the prior year assistance is factored in, which covers technology, classroom supplies and building repairs. This budget alone cuts $113.4 million, which is a loss of $135 per student. School districts around the state of Arizona are lining up to propose four day work weeks and informing parents of other budget cuts facing their children for the next school year. The budget also cuts $100 million from state universities and all funding for Maricopa and Pima County Community Colleges. Now, we retirees might say this will have no effect on our daily lives or us and we don't need to worry! Well, it could bring about a great deal of concern for your children attending college here in the state and your grandchildren attending K-12 classrooms in neighborhood schools. The justification for this budget was to overcome a $717 million deficit in the state coffers. I'm not sure why Arizona's poor and middle class are usually affected the most by budgets like this, year after year. In other news, Co-Executive Director Janet Fee and I attended the National Retired Teacher's Association Volunteer Leadership Meeting March 2-5 in San Antonio, Texas. We gained information from other states on problems they are facing, recruitment and retention of members, talking to Legislators, using social media to benefit our groups, how to use "real people" stories and a presentation on the new AARP Fraud Watch program. Volume 53 No. 3 Volume 53 No. 3 Janet and I will be sharing the information that we learned in San Antonio with AASRA members. Lastly I want to make a pitch for our AASRA Convention, which will be held, again, at the Embassy Suites at Interstate 17 and Greenway in Phoenix. Our convention is filled with lots of valuable information, a chance to see old friends and make lots of new ones. Besides, there is lots of fun, so why not come and join in on all that fun as I end my first year as your AASRA President! Mary Anne Vath We say goodbye to AASRA’s “guiding light”. Mary Anne passed away on February 15, 2015. She shared with many of us her love of lighthouses and the beacon of light and hope they bring. The following is a "Shine on, guiding light..." poem she wrote and shared which so describes her shining smile and positive attitude. We will miss her. BEACONS OF LIGHT By Mary Anne Vath When we traverse rough water of storms at sea, Our vessel is tossed towards the dangerous rocks When suddenly we see the lifesaving beacon of light That shines brightly and guides us to the safety of the shore. We are grateful and joyful for the lighthouse beam That reaches our life and uplifts our soul And gives us hope and strength to withstand our challenges. CONVENTION REMINDERS Aluminum Pop-top tabs for Ronald McDonald House Glasses for the Lions’ Club Toiletries for the Red Cross 1 2015 BOARD CHANGES TO AASRA CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS Recommend by the AASRA Board New wording shall be in italics. Deletions in the wording shall be done as a strikethrough. One change is just formatting – change “by-laws” to “bylaws” throughout the document. A few copies of the current AASRA constitution and bylaws will be available for members at the raffle ticket table. Constitution: changes must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any Annual Meeting of AASRA and become effective at the close of that Annual Meeting. The proposed changes must be submitted to all members at least 30 days before the date of the Annual Meeting. Publication in the NEWSLETTER shall serve to meet this requirement. C1. Article II- Purpose, Sec. 1 The purpose of this Association shall be: Add K. To monitor and support the Arizona State Retirement System on pensions, health programs, and long term disabilities programs. Rationale: This is one of the main things AASRA does for its members. C2. Article V – Officers, Sec.1 Board of Directors, C. C. The Board of Directors may appoint executive director(s) and/ or other individual(s) to help carry out the purposes and administration of the organization. 1. The duties of the appointed executive director(s)and/or other individuals shall be set by the Board. Rationale: We needed the wording of executive director in the document to make it easier to file documents with government entities C3. Article V – Officers, Sec. 2 Executive Committee A. & Sec. Elective officers, A. Sec. 2, A. The Executive Committee shall be: 1. The President All Elective Officers 2. The immediate Past President Sec. 3, A. The Elective Officers s: 1. The President -elect 2. President – elect Former #2. Is renumbered 3. District 1 Vice – President All the rest will be renumbered ending with #12. The Treasurer Rationale: It was felt the President is elected and should be included in the Elective Officers section. So the wording in the Executive Committee needed to be changed. C4. Article V – Officers, Sec. 6 Appointive Officers, 4. 4. The Arizona State Retirement Board System Liaison Rationale: The proper name of the ASRS should be indicated correctly. A package has a constitution part and a bylaws part that work together, so they are presented together. C5. package Article V – Officers, Sec. 7 Standing Committees, A Add – 9. Constitution, Bylaws, Policies and Procedures Bylaws: page 8 Sec. 9 The Constitution, Bylaws, Policies and Procedures: A. Shall periodically review the Constitution, Bylaws, Policies and Procedures B. Shall advise the Board and members on additions, deletions, corrections and other recommended changes C. Shall review, interpret, and/or initiate appropriate actions on petitions to amend Association governing documents D. Shall review requests for amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws, Policies and Procedures and propose wording for such amendments. The committee drafts amendments, or may review and edit/approve the language of amendments proposed by members E. Shall review, evaluate, and formulate changes to the Policies & Procedures manual Rationale: Every organization needs to keep its documents current. All organizations have situations that need to be addressed in their governing and administrative documents. These are ongoing tasks. The organization should have a standing committee, not an ad hoc one that is called every 3 to 5 years. (The Board or members have the final say on the committee suggestions and recommendations.) C6. package Article VI – Amendments Sec. 1 and Sec. 2 Sec. 1 This Constitution may be . . . any Annual Meeting (convention) of the . . . of that Annual Meeting (convention). Sec. 2 Copies of proposed . . . of the Annual Meeting (convention). Publication . . .. Bylaws: Page 6 – Article II – Duties of Elected Officers, Sec. Treasurer, F. F. Shall. . . Annual Meeting (convention) of the Association Page 8 - Article VI – Meetings Sec. 1 Add. (convention) after Annual Meeting If any phrase has been missed - add (convention) after Annual Meeting any place in the document. Rationale: We have called this Annual Meeting a convention for a number of years. But left in Annual Meeting as it was in the original document – thought it would indicate to government entities, this is where we conduct our major business with the members of the Association. 2 April 6, 2015 consultant has indicated that he needs to increase his fee, which has not been changed since 2008. OPTIONS 1. Raise State dues from $20 to $28. Operations from $14 to $20, Advocacy Fund from $6 to $8. Unit dues remain $10. Total for Automatic Dues Deduction (ADD): $38 ($3.16 per month). 2. Same as Option 1 (above) but raise Unit dues to $15. Total for ADD: $43 ($3.58 per month). 3. Raise the State dues from $20 to $30 and let the Board decide the exact amount for Operations and Advocacy. Unit dues remain at $10 or increase to $15. 4. Leave dues as they are. This will risk loss of our Legislative consultant, inability to computerize our records, and further erosion of our Operations and Program budget amounts. NEXT STEPS This is an important decision! While the Board has the authority to raise dues, we want to represent YOU, our members. We need your thoughts, concerns, suggestions and ideas. Please take some time individually and in your Units to consider the Concerns and Options and let us know your thoughts. Sincerely, Duane Nelson, AASRA President Please email or send your response to Duane Nelson, AASRA, 16165 N. 83rd Ave., Suite 201, Peoria, AZ 85382-5816. Dear Members, This open letter is written to inform AASRA members of a potential dues increase for 2016. The AASRA Board’s Bylaws provides the authority to set the dues amount. However, your Board would like members’ input on this decision. The following information is for members to consider, discuss at your Unit meetings and among yourselves. This is a preliminary survey to gather members’ input. A vote will be taken at the AASRA state convention on June 2nd or 3rd and tabulated after the convention. Any member may express his/her thoughts or have questions answered in an email, letter or phone call to his/her Unit President or District Vice President. If you choose to fill out the survey, email AASRA President Duane Nelson (dnelson@ctaz.com) and complete by May 25, 2015. Letters to Duane should also be mailed by May 25 to the AASRA office, at 16165 North 83rd Avenue, Suite 201, Peoria, AZ 85382-5816. BACKGROUND The operating portion of the state dues was set at $14.00 around the year 2000 and has not been increased in 15 years. During the 2005 convention, members voted overwhelmingly to start an advocacy fund of $6.00 per member per year. This fund was to be used to pay the fees for a legislative consultant who would provide information to the legislative team to help them be more effective volunteer lobbyists at the legislature for our Association concerns. That resulted in the increase to $20.00 for AASRA state dues beginning in 2006. With a delay of some units not starting to pay the additional $6.00 until 2007, a consultant was not contracted until 2008. After interviews with several candidates a consultant was contracted in 2008. Total dues for Automatic Dues Deduction (ADD) were/are $30.00, including $10.00 for Unit dues. Some Units charge less or more than $10.00. CONCERNS Business/operations costs have increased since 2000, including: cost of newsletters, tracking membership, postage, office supplies, etc. The Board has determined that we need to purchase a laptop computer to maintain Association records and keep track of individual volunteers’ work done on their own computers. This will maintain consistency in our Association as officers change and new volunteers become involved. We need to increase funds for membership recruitment to maintain and grow our Association. And, our legislative I support (circle one): Option 1 Option 3 Option 4 Option 2 CONVENTION NEWS Date: June 2nd & 3rd: The Convention Committee has been very busy planning the annual convention and it is now time to begin registering for the convention. The cost of the convention is $70.00 for members and $80.00 for guests. Please use the registration form included in this newsletter and mail your registration form to Sue Secrest by May 18th. There will be many exciting events at the convention. Laurie Roberts from the Arizona Republic will be one of our speakers, excellent Gold Mines are planned, officers will be elected and for those who arrive early, you can come join the Committee on June 1st for a Mexican dinner at Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant. This dinner is on your own. After dinner on June 1st, there will be a pre-conference session demonstrating the use of Facebook that will include dessert and coffee. 3 AASRA 2015 CONVENTION RAFFLE We hope you are looking forward to our Annual Scholarship Foundation Raffle at the State Convention, June 2-3. Remember the raffle is the only fundraiser for the Scholarship Foundation each year. We appreciate the wonderful items, such as handmade quilts, Diamondback game tickets, restaurant cards or movie tickets just to name a few things that have been donated in the past. What will you be donating when you come to the convention? Just a reminder for all new members, the AASRA Scholarship Foundation gives three (3) scholarships annually for future educators, one to each of our state universities, UofA, NAU, and ASU. We would like to thank you for all your support to this important function of AASRA. Garry York, Scholarship Foundation Committee ASRS NEWS ASRS Fund The fund was $34.7 Billion plus on February 27,2015. At the Board meeting of February 27th, the Board voted to shift investing focus. An article in the March 23rd Arizona Republic by Russ Wiles explained what the focus would be. It included shifts that would be taken during the next two years. Paul Matson was quoted in saying that the fund is between 76% and 82% funded depending on how it is measured. Key message: ASRS is an Earned Benefit DENTAL INSURANCE It has been five years since dental insurance has gone out to bid. ASRS issued a request for bids in February. The Health committee, on which I serve, will be meeting in April to help evaluate the bids. It should go to the Board to be approved in May. The new contract becomes effective January 1, 2016. ASRS Social Media ASRS is on social media. Its Facebook page is very informative. DEFEND OUR PENSION BY RECRUITING A NEW MEMBER There is strength in numbers! Janet Fee, ASRS Liaison “I have considered the pension list of the republic a roll of honor.”- Grover Cleveland Trent & Patsy Cone Why Are You Members of AASRA? Bonnie Ford, Membership Co-chair, interviewed Patsy and Trent Cone of the Saguaro Unit at last year’s state convention. Here are their responses as to why they are happy to be members of AASRA. Patsy: I joined because AASRA keeps us up to date on our retirement situation. Trent: AASRA works to protect our retirement from encroachment from other government agencies. Patsy and Trent: We also like the camaraderie and social aspects of AASRA. Patsy and Trent: We like the fact that our Unit is involved in altruistic projects that gives our group members an opportunity to volunteer. We have the opportunity to have input in supporting bills that support our children’s education. Bonnie Ford, Membership Co-chair HEAT! HEAT! HEAT! This is the time of year that brings on the heat. The following is a list of important reminders to avoid problems when it’s hot. 1. Work outside early in the morning and keep hydrated. 2. Working inside also requires you to drink water in between your chores. 3, Take a cooler with you when you go out. (Not for other beverages!) but filled with bottles of water. 4. Add a washcloth to your cooler in case you become over-heated. 5, Be sure you take a towel to cover the steering wheel of your car. 6. Read your prescription bottles, certain prescriptions require you to stay out of the sun. 7. When returning home after being out for a time, rinse your arms and wipe down your neck and forehead to return your temperature to its normal rate then rest for a while. Remember: Always drink plenty of water and rehydrate yourself. All these reminders will help you survive the Arizona summer. Have a great summer and keep safe and stay out of the heat! Virginia Brant, Health Chair 4 NORTHWEST UNIT Northwest Unit would like to congratulate member, Barb Weber, who has been selected to receive the Washington Elementary School District’s Lamp of Learning award. This is the highest recognition given in the District to community members and staff members who go “above and Barb Weber beyond” in the work they do to support the education of WESD students. Barb and the other honorees will be celebrated on May 1st at the annual Lamp of Learning Awards dinner. Joe Carter, Northwest Unit President PCSRA’s “Memories to Memoirs” Celebrating the entire month of February as “Love of Reading” and its related skill . . . Writing . . . is always such a joy! PCSRA chose this special month to honor all its members who are published authors: David Grassie Pete Bourret, Burgess Needle, Roni Capin, Rivera-Ashford, Bill Peltier, David Grassie, Paris Rebl. Gerry Hernbrode, Dr.Carroll Rinehart, Gayle Jandrey,“Kita” Scrivner, Lorna Kraemer These eleven published authors write on a wide range of topics: mystery, science, culture, music, historical biography, desert animals, children stories, and poetry as a way to heal a wounded heart . . . Our guest speaker, AASRA Board Member, Jim Grosbach, inspired our members to begin writing their own life stories. Jim gave us many story possibilities to get past the blank page syndrome. He shared his own family stories filled with exciting real family drama to illustrate his points. He suggested ways to organize events that were the defining moments of a family history. His most important suggestion: “ Just get started!” Each written memoir could keep the family stories always alive and vibrant. Thank you Jim Grosbach! Ann Reaban, Pima County Unit President “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” —Ernest Hemingway SAGUARO UNIT Saguaro unit has been enjoying a variety of programs the last couple of months. February featured Linda Davis, sharing information on genealogy, and how to begin researching your family history. In March, Oly Cowles, from “Justa Connie Stephens & Center” was featured. Justa Justa Center’s Oly Cowles Center provides a safe daytime environment for homeless seniors. Justa Center has helped these seniors straighten out social security benefits fraud on their accounts; secure safe housing; seek needed medical care; and accomplish mundane tasks, such as laundry and showering. Our April program will feature Gigi Aja, Coordinator for the Buckeye Union High School District Career and Technical Education programs. Our March food bank donation amounted to forty-two pounds of canned and boxed foods. The unit's members have contributed 7582 volunteer hours during 2014. We have made a difference in our schools, libraries, churches, and in the lives of the elderly, sick, and downtrodden. Connie Stephens, Saguaro Unit President EAST VALLEY UNIT AND THE WINNER IS… Sue Wicke East Valley member, Sue Wicke, won the quilted play mat and baby themed basket filled with all things baby for our Fall Scholarship Raffle. Sue and family are expecting an addition to the family soon and was very excited to be our winner. The East Valley School Retirees Association’s Scholarship Committee’s major fundraising comes from the annual raffle or raffles. Our scholarships go to an Arizona State University education major. This year’s winner was Cherri Redd. Mary Ann Gallagher, EVSRA Scholarship Committee 5 LOST DUTCHMAN UNIT AARP’S David Parra joined members of the Lost Dutchman Unit in a very informative presentation of AARP’s educational program Fraud Watch at their March meeting in Apache Junction. Member Carolyn Eye (seated 2nd from left) presented Debbie Duncan with a beautiful hand-made double bed quilt she was donating to the Scholarship Foundation Raffle at the 2015 June Convention. Thank you, Carolyn! Debbie Duncan, AASRA District Vice-President WESTSIDE UNIT Westside Unit had a very exciting year. Katie Elgar spoke about the Red Cross and what members can do to help as volunteers. The Glendale High School Choir led by Amanda Estes sang at our Christmas meeting. We heard from Larry Ceruarich, founder of the Homeless Youth Connection speak about the 35 Glendale H.S. Chorus with Director, high schools the group is Amanda Estes helping. They provide students with clothing and places to stay enabling them to complete their education and graduate from high school. Dr. Adam Lee from Vision Wellness is scheduled for our April meeting and Mrs. Brenton’s first grade class will perform in May. Westside Unit has been involved in the following altruistic projects: donating items to the Justa Center, Box tops and Labels for Education, Women’s Crisis Center and for our 1st graders, we will be donating a library book on their reading level, plus crayons and coloring books. Sandy Marshall, Westside Unit President NORTHWEST UNIT AASRA’s newest unit has been very busy this year! We are growing! We have 46 members and, thanks to our eager recruiters, we’re continuing to grow. This year our speakers have included AZ State Representative Lela Alston, David Haddad, president of Friends of Freedom, Phoenix Firefighters Association, Alan Roselieb, docent at President Joe Carter with AZ State Representative the Musical Instrument Lela Alston Museum, Terri Alexon, Arizona Corporation Commission, Scott Ritchey, Justa Center, and our very own Alice Reule, Lori Good and Marge Threewit, speaking about Little Dresses for Africa and Schools for Africa. On February 18th, Northwest members joined other AASRA members from around the state at AASRA’s second Legislative Awareness Day at the Arizona State Capitol. Our legislative consultant, John Moody, greeted us. Some of us signed up to speak, either in person or electronically, at committee hearings. Rep. Kate Brophy McGee introduced our group on the House floor. All in all, we enjoyed an informative and interesting day. Joe Carter, Northwest Unit President COPPER CENTER UNIT Copper Center Unit ‘s March 13, 2015 meeting was officiated by new President, Emelie Plunkett (seated to the right at the table). We discussed the upcoming AASRA Annual Convention in June and brainstormed for raffle items to be brought to our meeting in early May. Again we had guests who expressed an interest in joining our organization and current members highlighted the benefits of membership. The meeting was concluded with a spirited discussion of the state of education in Arizona and what should be and could be changed for the better! Emilie Kanon, Outgoing President 6 AASRA POLICY & PROCEDURES COMMITTEE The Policy and Procedures Committee members would like to invite all interested AASRA members to attend a brief workshop on how to utilize social media, especially Facebook, to publicize your local Unit and enhance its image in your community. We will be meeting at the Embassy Suites at 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening, June 1st following dinner at Manuel’s. A wifi connection is available at the hotel, so please bring your laptop computer, tablet or smart phone. We expect the workshop to last less than 30 minutes. Joe Carter, Committee Chair AMBA New Member Benefits website provides easy access to information! Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA) is endorsed by AASRA to provide supplemental “Member-Only” benefits to AASRA members. These benefits have been heavily negotiated on behalf of retirees and are of the highest quality and value for you. AASRA endorses the following benefits: ¥ Long Term Care / Home Health Care Insurance; ¥ Long Term Care Annuity ¥ First Diagnosis Cancer Insurance; ¥ Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans ¥ Final Expense Whole Life Policy; ¥ Tax-Deferred Annuity ¥ Medical Air Services Association (MASA) ¥ Discounts available for: ¥ American Hearing Benefits (AHB); ¥ Government Employee Travel Opportunities (GETO) ¥ LaQuinta Inn & Suites Discount; ¥ Hertz, Avis, & Budget Car Rental Discounts ¥ AMBA TravelPERX; ¥ Identity Theft Protection Please contact AMBA Regional Director of Association Relations, Susan Lowry, at 1.800.258.7041 ext.110 for questions about the benefits or to schedule a speaker for your unit meetings. Susan Lowry, AMBA Regional Director of Association Relations, speaking to Westside Unit AARP FAMILY CAREGIVER CONFERENCES AARP is giving two very informative conferences to help family caregivers deal with issues that are a part of taking care of a loved one. One will be held in east Mesa near Superstition Springs Mall, Tuesday May 19th, at the Arizona Golf Resort, 25 Power Road in Mesa. The other will be Wednesday September 16th in southeast Arizona at a Sierra Vista location. Last Fall AARP held two very outstanding conferences in the greater Phoenix area. Caregivers who attended said the information learned was definitely worth their time. More details will be available approximately three weeks in advance at http://states.aarp.org/region/arizona/ or from Steve Jennings (602) 317-5364. Don Ritchie, AARP Liaison This will be the last time I prepare the AASRA Newsletter and I want to thank all of you who so willingly provided articles and support. My role has changed as a caregiver and so must some of my responsibilities as a volunteer. We have decided to take time to enjoy some of the “fun” things we used to do while we can. I will see you at the Convention! Carol The AASRA Newsletter is published three times a year. Articles can be sent to: AASRA 16165 N. 83rd Avenue, Suite 201 Peoria, AZ 85382-5816 or cam642@aol.com AMBA has designed a new website exclusively for AASRA members and provides easy access to information about the benefits. Visit www.myambabenefits.info/aasra to find out more! ! President – Duane Nelson Past President– Steve Poe Co-Executive Directors – Janet Fee & Garry York Secretary – Pearl Nancarrow Treasurer – Sue Secrest Newsletter Editor – Carol Morton www.aasra.org 7 . AASRA • 16165 N. 83rd Avenue, Suite 201 • Peoria, AZ 85382-5816 • Tel: 602-262-5174 • www.aasra.org 5514 2015 AASRA STATE CONVENTION “LET OUR LIGHT SHINE” Tentative Schedule of Events Monday, June 1, 2015 – Early Registration 2:30 to 5:00 then Manuel’s for dinner at 5:30 7:30 – Facebook session Tuesday, June 2, 2015 6:30 – 8:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Registration & Breakfast Buffet 1st Session – Keynote Speaker to be announced Feature Speaker Laurie Roberts, Arizona Republic Columnist 12:00 p.m. Lunch – Speaker – Dana Kennedy, AARP State Director 1:45 p.m. 2nd General Session 2:30 p.m. Unit Presidents and Unit Treasurers Meet (Break for everyone else) 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Gold Mines 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Happy Hour (Hotel guests show room card, other attendees $10) 6:30 p.m. Banquet, entertainment, and Awards Wednesday, June 3, 2015 6:30 – 7:45 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:15 p.m. Breakfast 3rd General Session Time of Remembrance Introduction of AASRA Legislator of the Year: Representative Kate Brophy McGee by John Moody, AASRA Legislative Consultant Lunch - Speaker - Paul Matson, Arizona State Retirement Systems, Executive Director 8
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