TCREA Newsletter

TCREA NEWS Sept., 2016
Members 1954
Sept. 2016-Oct. 2016
Volume 20, Issue 4
President’s Message
September 2016
Happy Fall to you all. I hope you survived the
summer heat (which still seems to be around)
and are ready for the change of seasons. I
have been joking about starting my Christmas
shopping soon, but it is not really a joke. It
will be here before we know it. As part of my
Fall plans, I was looking at maybe taking a
trip down to Disneyland. I have not been
there for a few years, so about time to visit.
Talk about sticker shock. I priced 2-day Park
Hopper passes for four…$940.00 plus tax!! That does not include hotel rooms,
food or travel expenses. How do people do it? I just don’t remember it being
that expensive, but I am shopping for discounts.
Speaking of travel, we just completed our Fall Bus Trip to Catalina Island (yes,
I know a bus does not go to Catalina). We left Visalia with 49 retirees and
guests at 5:45 AM and headed for Long Beach. We then got on the Catalina
Express and next stop…Avalon. We had a relaxing 3-4 hours there and then
began the return trip. Frankly, everything went very well and we had a very
relaxing day overall. We have done well over a dozen bus trips and every one
of them has gone well.
We still have seats available for our first weekend bus trip to Laughlin. We will
leave Visalia on Friday, October 28 and return on Sunday, October 30. The
cost is $160 per person based on double occupancy. Once we arrive in Laughlin, the time is yours. As with all our trips, we will have plenty of snacks, Bingo and prizes on the bus. Joe Rosas is our driver and he does an excellent job
getting us to our destination. Give it some thought...you will have a great time.
Open enrollment will begin shortly for our supplemental insurance program
through Pacific Group Agencies. You will be receiving your packets in the
mail sometime after October 1. My understanding is that there are no significant rate increases on any of the plans. If you find a plan you are interested in
any of the plans, premiums can be deducted from your monthly pension check.
This will be our third or fourth year with Pacific Group, and we have had very
few complaints from our membership.
Our November luncheon is just around the corner and our focus will be on
health plans for the upcoming year. At the meeting, we will have representatives from Pacific Group Agencies, county health insurance and HICAP (Health
Insurance Counselling & Advocacy Program). In addition, we will be finalizing nominations and voting for our 2017 Board members. The newsletter has
additional information about nominations.
I look forward to seeing you soon…Kevin
1
Special Notice:
There are always many
things to do when you
move to a new address.
One of the most important
is to let the Retirement
Board know in writing
your new address so you
won’t miss receiving your
Newsletter and pension
check
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
President’s Message……………..1
New Members…………………...2
In Memoria……………...…....…2
Interesting Tidbits………………2
Secretary Minutes……………….3
Upcoming Dates…………..……3
Benefit Plan Open Enrollment.....4
Luncheon Reservations…………5
Bus Trips……...………………..6
Officers……..…………………..6
Nomination Form……..…….….7
Tucoemas…………………...….8
The TCREA NEWS is published five
times each year. The information
in the TCREA NEWS is believed
to be from reliable sources. However, no responsibility is assumed
by the TCREA NEWS for inaccuracies contained herein.
Russell Deathriage
Shirley Ito
Linda Anaya
Ruth McKee
Daniel Fox
Mary Sanchez
Richard Quick
Elouise Churchill
Ollie Dimery-Ratliff
Maria Figueroa
Esther Avitua
Nadine Alexander
Cynthia Natzke
Debra Turner
TCREA externds our condolences to the family and friends of the following deceased, as
reported by the Retirement Office:
Gerard Blyleven
Elaine Ables
Clyde Churchill
Larry Myers
Wesley Perine
Don Turner
Ethel Robnett
Sarah Sheena
Interesting Tidbits
WE RECENTLY RECEIVED A NICE LETTER
FROM AN OUT OF STATE TCREA MEMBER
AND THOUGHT WE WOULD SHARE WITH
OUR GROUP
Tulare County Retired Employees: Hello
my name is Erika Emke. I live in Fallon, Nevada. I own my home here and live with
my Shih tzu puppy. My husband passed
away 3 years ago. Thank you so much for
keeping in touch with me. I wish I could
Participants given 200 milligrams of caffeine in tablet form---the amount
of caffeine contained in a strong cup of coffee—performed better on a
memory test than people who were not given caffeine.
A Study of 160 people, ages 18-30, none of whom consumed caffeine on
a regular basis, by researchers at John Hopkins University, published in
Nature Neuroscience.
What is dementia?
"Many people think Alzheimer's is the same thing as dementia,"
says David Knopman, M.D., a professor of neurology at the
Mayo Clinic. "It isn't. Dementia is a symptom; Alzheimer's is a
disease." Alzheimer's, however, is the most common reason for
dementia. Two other top causes are strokes and Lewy body disease, which is similar to Parkinson's.
drive over to see you but I'm terrible with
directions and would probably get lost. I
wish it wasn't so far! Again, Thank you for
remembering me!! If anyone there would
like to come see Nevada, you are welcome
According to a recent study .people who ate at least 3 servings of these fruits
per week were up 26% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.the fruits are blueberries, grapes, and apples than people who ate less of these fruits. Eat the
whole fruit, not the juice. Fruit juice increases risk for diabetes.
( Study of 187,382 health professionals by researchers from US, UK,and Singapore, published in BMJ.
Tulare County Retired Employees...I am
impressed that you would still keep in
touch. Thank you. Sincerely, Ericka Emke.
Pill Free Cure for Insomnia
Just before bed, try this acupressure trick. With your thumbs, press the
soles of your feet where the heel and the arch meet. Lie on your back( on
a carpeted floor is best) and bend your knees, using your right hand on
your right foot and left hand on your left. Press as hard as you can for at
least 2 minutes. You should feel the tension leaving your body.
2
TULARE COUNTY RETIRED EMPLOYEES
ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON
MINUTES—AUGUST 18, 2016
President Kevin Mizner called the luncheon to order at 12:00. He led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the opening prayer.
Lunch was served, and then Kevin introduced Tommy Sullivan, the President of the Kaweah Delta District Hospital Volunteer Guild. Mr. Sullivan noted that this year was the 60th birthday of the guild. They have 150 active
members, 145 females and 5 males. The minimum age to volunteer is 30. Ideally, they would like to train all the
volunteers in all seven areas of work. Those are information desk, gift shop, discharge area, ICU, surgery waiting
room, dialysis and knitters for Paradise House. This year the guild held sales to raise $130,000 which they donated to the hospital for medical equipment. In their 60 years of service, they have donated over $2 million for medical equipment. Mr. Sullivan left applications, brochures and cards with his home number for any interested parties. The only requirement to be an active member is to volunteer for four hours a month, 48 hours per year.
Their motto: “United we are to help others.”
The upcoming trip to Catalina Island will be Saturday, September 17, 2016. The bus will leave at 5:45 a.m. and
return to Visalia about 8:45 p.m. The cost is $106 and a couple seats are still open. The time spent on the island is
about four hours.
The next trip will be to Laughlin in October, the 28th-30th. The bus will leave at 8 a.m. The cost will be $160 per
person ($320 for a couple) There will be a free breakfast buffet. There are five rooms, for 10 people, still available at the Riverside Hotel.
Kevin noted that the election for the Tulare County Board of Retirement is coming up. Patte Crawford and Jan
Taylor are running.
The raffle was next. Six baskets were given out, the winners were: Gloria Chavez, Javier Robles, Maria Lanteria,
Jana Morales, Wilma Hicks and Rachel Munoz. A $25 check was won by Sandra Seymore. Free lunches were
won by Ann Parlier, Bob Brown and Mary Lou Brown.
The person whose name was called for the Progressive Drawing, Juanita Case, was not present so the money will
be used in the next Progressive Drawing. Today it was for $350, next drawing will be for $400.
Kevin welcomed Elva Strawn back. Then he welcomed new retirees.
The luncheon meeting was adjourned at 1:38 p.m.
Upcoming Dates for 2016
Luncheons—12:00
October 20, 2016
December 15, 2016
Board Meetings—3:00 p.m.
November 10, 2016
All Luncheons are held at Lampliter Inn, 3300 W.
Mineral King, Visalia. All Board Meetings held at
TCERA, 136 N. Akers, Visalia, CA
3
Announcing the TCREA Benefit Plans Open Enrollment
During October, all TCREA members will receive their 2017 TCREA Benefits Open Enrollment package. This package provides comprehensive details on the benefit plans that are
available exclusively to TCREA members.
Benefit plans being offered include:
PPO dental that provides you with a $1,500 annual benefit and includes coverage for
implants. Additional benefits include the “banking” of unused calendar year benefits
for your future use.
HMO dental that has low co-pay for all 380+ covered procedures including crowns and
implants.
VSP vision plan with coverage for exams, lenses, frames, and contacts.
Discounted Car & Home coverages are available through a special arrangement with
Liberty Mutual.
Legal Shield coverage with free Will preparation, contract and document review, phone
calls and letters regarding legal issues, IRS audit protection, and much more.
Identity Theft Shield that proactively helps protect you against ID Theft and will restore
your credit should you be the victim.
Nationwide / VPI Pet Insurance that helps cover the cost of visiting the vet, from the
routine to the expensive and unexpected.
United Pet Care HMO pet that offers discounted services from a network of licensed
vets and pet care stores.
Comprehensive Travel insurance to help cover the non-refundable costs of going on a
trip should the unexpected happen.
Personal Accident and Secure Travel to help protect you and your loved ones from mishaps or when you need assistance when traveling.
Term Life Insurance ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 in benefit.
Free Hearing Aid benefit.
Most of these plans are pension check deducted and coverage is available for the retiree/
Association member individually, or you may also insure your spouse or domestic partner, and your dependent children up to age 26. Coverage is also available for disabled
children regardless of age.
The enrollment deadline for the dental and vision plans is November 25th, so please
make sure to submit your enrollment form before then. Enrollment in the other plans is
also available throughout the year. If you are currently enrolled in one of these plans, there
is no need to re-enroll as your coverage will continue automatically.
Pacific Group Agencies, our Benefit Plan Administrator, will have a representative at our
October 20th luncheon, who will be able to answer any questions you may have on the
plans.
4
October Luncheon
Thursday, October 20, 2016
12:00 Noon
Lamplighter Inn
3300 W. Mineral King Ave
Visalia, CA
Program will include
 Activities and fitness for the home
bound
 Progressive Drawing $400.00
 Raffle prizes
 Presentation from Pacific Group
Menu: Mixed green salad, Turkey, Dressing, Mashed potatoes , Green Beans.
Dessert: Pumpkin Pie. Drinks: Coffee, Iced tea, and Water .
Lunch served promptly at 12 noon. Cost: $8.00 for each member and $8.00 for (1) guest. The
Association pays the remaining cost of the meal
Please call for your reservations so we can plan accordingly.
Deadline for Reservations: Call before Thursday, October 13, 2016 Please mention if
you are a first time attendee.
Please call for reservations to one of the following:
Valerie Barnhart
280-9679
Mary Thomas
636-6139
Judy Akers
732-0467
Jan Taylor
594-4885
5
A Bonus Bus Trip
A Weekend in Laughlin, Nevada
CALL TODAY TO RESERVE
YOUR SPOT!!
TCREA Officers for 2016
President
Kevin Mizner - 623–6638
1st. Vice - President
We currently have 2 double occupancy rooms still available for this
exciting bus trip. The dates are October 28-30, 2016. The cost is
$320.00 per room ($160 per person based on double occupancy).
This includes the bus ride to and from Visalia Wyndham Hotel, 2
nights stay in the Riverside Hotel and Casino and a buffet breakfast. Please contact Valerie Barnhart, 559-280-9679 to reserve
your spot!
Jan Taylor - 594-4885
Final Payments for the Bus Trip must be made by sending
checks made payable to TCREA no later than October 1,
2016.
Treasurer
Mailing address:
Jerry Pundt - 361-0430
TCREA
Directors - at– Large
P.O. Box 6981
Elva Strawn, Delegate - 9369643
Visalia, CA 93290-6981
Catalina Fun Times
2nd. Vice - President/Alt.
Delegate—
Mike Barnhart 799-0255
Secretary
Dianne Pyle - 733-8373
Thelma Telford - 627-2033
Past President
Valerie Barnhart—280-9679
Mary Thomas - 636-6139
Judy Akers-
732-0467
Newsletter Editor
Valerie Barnhart—280-9679
Retirement Board Member
Patte’ Crawford - 732-9441
Jan Taylor– Alt. Member 594-4885
6
It is again election time. The Board terms are one year and include the following positions. Any member of the Association may be
nominated for any of the positions. (Associate members cannot hold office.)
President: Incumbent, Kevin Mizner
Presides at all meetings, may sign checks, appoint delegates and supervises activities of the organization.
1st Vice President: Incumbent, Jan Taylor
May act in the place of the President and be responsible for all General Membership programs.
2nd Vice President: Incumbent, Mike Barnhart
Shall act in place of the 1st Vice President, handle membership duties, and be responsible for the Scholarship Program.
Secretary: Incumbent, Dianne Pyle
Shall keep record of all meetings, do organization correspondence and have record custody.
Treasurer: Incumbent, Thelma Telford
Custodian of the funds, receipts and disbursements. Prepares financial reports and budgets. Should have a general knowledge of
bookkeeping procedures.
Directors at Large (4): Incumbents, Elva Strawn, Mary Thomas, Judy Akers, Val Barnhart
Shall perform any duties assigned by the President and temporarily fill an officer’s position due to absence or disability at the request
of the President.
If you nominate a member for a Board position, please be certain the member is willing to accept the nomination.
HAVE YOUR NOMINATION FORM SUBMITTED BY OCTOBER 10, 2016 TO:
Nomination Committee, TCREA, P.O. Box 6981, Visalia, California 93290-6981
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please call:
Kevin Mizner, Nominations Committee Chair
(559) 623-6638
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------
NOMINATIONS FORM
YOUR NAME: ____________________________________________________________
YOUR PHONE NUMBER___________________________________________________
POSITION OF NOMINEE__________________________________________________
PRINT NAME OF NOMINEE_______________________________________________
NOMINEE’S PHONE NUMBER_____________________________________________
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS OCTOBER 10, 2016
7
TULARE COUNTY RETIRED EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 6981
VISALIA, CA 93290-6981
8