to view the Summer 2016 Newsletter

Transcription

“To Serve — Not To Be Served”
Affiliated with NRTA and AARP
Nebraska Association of Retired School Personnel
NEWSLETTER
Summer 2016
www.narsp.org
Published Twice Yearly
Don’t Be Ambushed at the ATM
‘Skimming’ devices let criminals steal your debit card data
Fraud at automated teller machines has reached an all-time high. Helping to drive the surge: Crooks have turned their attention to ATMs
now that security at retail stores is being bolstered by chip-enabled credit and debit cards, which are hard to counterfeit.
The FICO Card Alert Service, which monitors about 3 of every 5 debit cards used in the U.S., reports that the number of ATMs
compromised by criminals rose more than 500 percent last year over 2014.
The rise is being propelled by “the proliferation and sophistication of inexpensive skimming technology,” FICO official T.J. Horan tells
Scam Alert. The crooks take an average $650 from each person skimmed, according to the ATM Industry Association. The law limits your
liability—but only if you report the crime quickly.
Never heard of skimming? It’s a con in which criminals install illegal card-reading devices on ATMs, as well as gas pumps and other
public-area machines that process debit cards.You put your card in, and the device “skims” your information from the card’s magnetic strip.
A nearby hidden camera records the PIN that you enter. The criminals then make duplicate cards to drain cash from your accounts, or they
sell your card number and PIN on the black market. And they’re always upgrading their technology.
Stealthier and more advanced skimmers include “shimmers,” which wedge inside ATM slots to read data from chip-enabled cards.
Bluetooth capabilities aid transmission of stolen data to the bad guys. “Criminals are moving faster to make it harder for banks to react and
shut down the compromises,” Horan says.
The crooks also exploit the fact that cards with secure computer chips still have vulnerable magnetic strips. And updating ATMs with
new readers like those at retail stores (in which payment cards are inserted rather than swiped) is time-consuming and expensive. “Most
domestic ATMs still require, or at least accept, cards with magnetic strips, and this allows fraudsters to counterfeit cards at ATM locations,”
Horan adds.
Your defense against skimming
• Go to the bank. Although not immune to skimming, ATMs at banks are typically more secure—with their own 24/7 camera
surveillance—and better maintained. Machines at convenience stores and other non-bank locations account for the majority of
ATM compromises.
• Inspect before using. Beware of ATMs whose card slots are a different color than the rest of the machine; have unusual
equipment on the slot, keypad or sides, or overhead (which could hide a camera); or don’t accept your card smoothly. If the slot is
not securely attached, walk away. Newer ATMs have a flashing or steady light at the card slot. If it’s obscured, suspect tampering.
• Hide it. When entering a PIN, cover your hand as you press the numbers to protect personal information.
• Keep close tabs on all payment cards. As with credit cards, most banks offer real-time alerts via text message or email on
debit card transactions.
• Create a separate account. Open a smaller account, separate from your primary checking account, and use it exclusively for
debit card transactions. If the account is skimmed, the lower balance would limit your losses.
• Lower your daily limit. Banks generally set a daily limit for ATM withdrawals, but you can request to have the
amount of the limit reduced—say, $100 or less per day—to prevent scammers from making successive withdrawals within minutes.
--Article provided by NRTA (National Retired Teachers Association), AARP’s Educator Community
…a little bit of This ‘n’ That from Bob…
Robert L. (Bob) Bussmann
Executive Director of The Nebraska Association of Retired School Personnel
The focus for this column is on the
word…
cel-e-brate – to observe in some
special way; to praise or make known publicly; to
observe a special day or event with festivities
The NARSP Board of Directors’ Annual Meeting and Dinner
and the 56th State Convention is approaching soon…PLAN
TO MEET IN GRAND ISLAND on October 11 and 12! You
will find additional information on this upcoming event in
your copy of the Newsletter. As you complete your reading
of this Newsletter, please turn back to the registration form,
mark the dates on your calendar, complete the form, and place
it in the mail…come and “CELEBRATE Nebraska!” as our
state approaches its sesquicentennial (a 150th “celebration”)
in 2017. The featured presentations, the noon luncheon, many
of the theme baskets, and much more will have a focus on
Nebraska. As in the words of Jim Fras and Guy Gage Miller…
“Beautiful Nebraska, peaceful prairie land. Laced with many
rivers and the hills of sand…You will find a rainbow reaching
to the ground…”
At the 2015 State Convention, a number of proposed changes
to the NARSP Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules were
approved. These proposed changes are more reflective of the
Board of Directors being the governing body of the Association.
Each Unit would have two representatives on the Board of
Directors (i.e. President and Vice-President, Co-Presidents,
President and another Unit officer or representative, etc.). The
Board of Directors’ Meeting would serve as the Annual Meeting
of the Association. Any proposed bylaw changes, election of
officers, presentation/approval of the yearly budget, reports,
and other issues would be discussed and voted upon by the
Board. The upcoming NARSP Board of Directors’ Meeting will
be held in the late afternoon of Tuesday, October 11 with a break
for dinner. Elsewhere in this Newsletter you will find a number
of articles about the meeting agenda, a proposed change to the
Constitution related to associate membership, and election of
the NARSP President and Vice-President for the 2016-2018
term. Guests are welcome to attend the meeting and dinner.
…a “little bit” more – Congratulations to this years AARP/
NRTA Local Community Service Award recipients…Donna
Dill, Hastings Area Unit; Pam Ford, Lincoln Area Unit; Lottie
Klein Norfolk Area Unit; Patricia Leiding, North Platte
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Area Unit; and Alice Reuter, Scottsbluff Area Unit. NARSP
“celebrates” the efforts of these individuals “To Serve, Not To
Be Served.” It was interesting to see the award listing of NRTA
REAs…there were a total of 14 awards presented in five states
with Nebraska having five recipients.
We “celebrate” Karen Boatright from Falls City and Matt
Maw from Lincoln being named the recipients of the 20162017 NARSP Active Educator Scholarships. More information
about Karen and Matt can be found in this Newsletter. This is
the seventh year that NARSP has presented scholarships in the
amount of $1,000 to active educators working on an advanced
degree or endorsement. The first scholarship was presented as
part of the 50th state convention for the 2010-2011 academic
year. A total of twelve scholarships have been awarded over
these past seven years.
Some additional items of information you will find in this
Newsletter include an updated listing of Benefits Available to
Association Members through AMBA, which includes three new
benefits and articles provided by NRTA on Eight Fundamentals
of Fire Safety, 12 Smart Strategies to Keep Your Kitchen Safe,
and Don’t Be Ambushed at the ATM.
The Coalition to Make Nebraska Retiree Friendly plans to
meet in mid-August to work on continuing to get relief from
state income taxation on our Social Security benefits and
consider some options for the upcoming legislative session that
will begin in January. [2017 will be a 90-day session]
On a personal note – Billie and I had the opportunity to
attend the April meeting of the Southeast Nebraska Area Unit
(Falls City) and share information about NARSP…thanks and
appreciation are extended to the members for their hospitality,
fellowship, and wonderful luncheon.
The following challenge I present to you…register to attend
the convention, encourage a Unit member to join you at the
convention, and better yet – invite a new retiree or a member
from your Unit that has never attended a NARSP Convention.
See you in Grand Island at the Hotel Grand Conference Center
on October 11 and 12 to “CELEBRATE Nebraska!”
In conclusion…“Giving and receiving are not just reserved for the
able and the exceptional; they are just as essential as breathing and as
vital as life itself.”--Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, Founder of NRTA,
1947
56th State Convention
Hotel Grand Conference Center - Grand Island, Nebraska
Tuesday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 12, 2016
“CELEBRATE Nebraska”
*Preliminary Schedule*
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11th
4:30 p.m.
Board of Directors’ Annual Meeting
5:45 p.m.
Dinner Break
6:45 p.m.
Annual Meeting Resumes
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12th
8:15 to 9:00 a.m.
Registration Check-in - Morning Refreshments - Social Time
Purchase Your Tickets and Preview the Unit “Theme Baskets”
9:00 a.m. to Noon
MORNING SESSION
Pledge of Allegiance - Welcomes - Introductions
Memorial Service - Mini-Presentations
HN Speaker’s Program - “The History of Nebraska as Told by Peter Sarpy”
Noon
Luncheon Invocation
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Luncheon - “Nebraska Tailgate Party”
NARSP Scholarship Presentations
1:15 to 4:00 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Mini-Presentations - Installation of President and Vice President
Refreshment Break
HN Speaker’s Program - “Echoes of an Era”
NARSP Awards
Unit Community Service and Day of Service Awards
NARSP Membership Awards
Theme Basket Drawings - Monetary Door Prizes
Convention Feedback
4:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks - Adjournment
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Convention Information and Notes
Rooms at the Hotel Grand Conference Center in Grand Island
are $89.00 per night plus applicable taxes for NARSP members.
Up to four people are allowed to stay in one room. Call 1-800-5485542 (Grand 800 #) or 308-384-1330 (Local #) for making your
reservations and mention the NARSP Convention block. [Avoid
using a Third Party # (ie. Travelocity, etc.) – you may not receive
the discounted rate and NARSP will not reimburse payment for
the room.]
Please make your reservations for the hotel room by
Saturday, September 10. The block of rooms reserved for
NARSP will be released at that time. [PLEASE NOTE:You will
be asked for a credit card to guarantee your room and when
checking in to pay for incidentals that you may charge to your
room. Board of Directors’ Unit Representatives, please let the
front desk know that your room charge will be paid for by the
Association.] If you would need to cancel your room reservation,
please do so prior to 6:00 p.m. on the day before our groups’
arrival (otherwise, the Association will be charged for the room).
Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check-out is 12 Noon.
The Board of Directors is made up of the NARSP Executive
Board and two representatives of each Local Unit. The Board of
Directors will have their rooms paid for by NARSP. NARSP will
also pay mileage at the IRS/AARP rate per mile for Executive
Officers and Local Unit Board Representatives. Sharing rides and
rooms where possible will be greatly appreciated.
The menu, the number of meals, and room set-up must
be confirmed with the hotel catering prior to the event.
The registration deadline is Friday, September 30
[see Convention Registration Form located elsewhere in this
newsletter]. No refunds can be made for cancellations
after this date.
Local Units are being asked to donate a theme basket, package,
or special item for convention attendees to purchase tickets in
order to win the basket, package, or item of their choosing. Raffle
tickets may be purchased in a packet of 6 for $5.00 or $1.00 per
ticket (and of course, your purchase will not be limited to just one
packet…the more you purchase, the better your chances).You may
wish to bring along some address labels so that you won’t have to
write your name on all of your tickets. Funds raised from the ticket
sales will go toward the NARSP Active Educator Scholarships.
Drawings for the theme baskets/packages will take place at
the conclusion of the convention. Winning one (or more) of the
baskets/packages will not preclude you from being in the running
for one of the monetary ($100, $75, or $50) door prizes.
*****
A Preliminary Convention Schedule has been included in this
newsletter. You will note there are two featured presentations
this year…“The History of Nebraska as Told by Peter Sarpy” by
Darrel Draper and “Echoes of an Era” by Paul Siebert. Humanities
Nebraska provides major funding for these programs. HN receives
support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the
Nebraska State Legislature, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment,
and private donations.
*****
Casual Attire is Welcome
PLAN TO ATTEND THE 56th STATE NARSP CONVENTION
See you in Grand Island!
*****
NRTA Staff
I have checked the books from January 1, 2015, to
December 31, 2015, and have found them to be in
order.
Linda Ebeling 6-21-2016
Dara Dann, Vice President
Mary Beth Dixon, Advisor
Tom Nicholls, Senior Legislative Representative
Gene Ruiz, Senior Administrative Technician
*REMINDER*
It would be appreciated if local Units and individuals would regularly notify Wanda Samson, NARSP Treasurer, of the name(s)
of NARSP members who have changed addresses or passed away. This will help with keeping an updated membership/
mailing list as well as a listing of the necrology for the 2016 NARSP Convention Memorial Service Program. If you have
not already done so, names of members who have passed since the last convention need to be submitted
to Wanda by Wednesday, August 31 to be included in the memorial program.
[Wanda Samson, NARSP Treasurer, 1636 N. Clarmar Avenue, Fremont, NE 68025 or [email protected]]
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“CELEBRATE Nebraska!”
2016 NARSP Board of Directors’ Dinner and Convention Registration
October 11-12, 2016
Hotel Grand Conference Center
2503 South Locust Street – Grand Island, NE
1-800-548-5542 or 308-384-1330
Each individual is requested to use this form to register for the event(s) that you plan to attend.
Registrations need to be received by Friday, September 30, 2016.
Name ________________________________________ Unit ___________________________
Address _____________________________ City ____________________ Zip_____________
Phone_______________________ Email___________________________________________
Events
Amount Number
Total
Tuesday – Annual Board of Directors’ Meeting
4:30 p.m.
_____ I am serving as a Unit representative.
_____ I will be attending as a guest.
$30.00
________
________
(8:15 – 9:00 a.m. Registration check-in and
morning refreshments)
$35.00
________
________
Late Fee after September 30, 2016
$ 5.00
________
________
Tuesday – Board of Directors’ Dinner
5:45 – 6:45 p.m.
Wednesday – Convention and Luncheon
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED
Make check payable to: NARSP
Mail to: Bob Bussmann
NARSP Executive Director
3750 Normal Boulevard
Lincoln, NE 68506
$__________
#___________
_____________
Amt__________
Recd___________
Please refer to the Convention Notes and other articles elsewhere in this Newsletter for
Hotel Reservations and Additional Related Information.
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NARSP Scholarship Recipients Named
Karen Boatright, 6th grade Language
Arts and Social Studies teacher at Falls
City Middle School, and Matt Maw,
Business Education and Technology
teacher at Lincoln East High School,
have been selected as the 2016-2017
recipients of the Nebraska Association
of Retired School Personnel (NARSP)
Active Educator Scholarships. The
scholarships in the amount of $1,000
each are awarded annually to an active educator working toward
an advanced degree or endorsement in a related field of education.
By offering the scholarships to active educators in the field,
NARSP members have an opportunity to “maintain professional
contacts and to develop new ones” with the district, schools, and
educators in and around the communities of the local units.
A total of ten quality semi-finalist applications were submitted
from nine local units for review by the NARSP Executive Board.
Karen Boatright is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Reading
(PK-12) at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. The Southeast
Nebraska Association of Retired School Personnel (Falls City)
submitted her application.
Mrs. Boatright received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary
English Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She has
been an educator for twenty years.
In her application Karen stated, “I have always loved reading and
working with youth – that’s why I love teaching English! Having
taught 6-12 grades, I am shocked, amazed, and frustrated at the
number of students who struggle to read. I want to do all I can to
fix this growing problem. I also want to continue to improve and
challenge skilled readers so they continue to love reading, but I
also want to help struggling readers also become proficient readers.
When they are proficient readers, they will be more apt to enjoy,
and not only staying in school, but achieving good grades in all
subjects and be more productive citizens with a more positive selfesteem. This is why, after 20 years of teaching, that I am going back
to school to earn a Masters degree in Reading.”
One of the references indicated, “…she (Karen) has proven to
be a quality leader amongst the staff, an excellent teacher, and a
real contributor to our community. She has gone above and beyond
our expectations and continues to contribute and grow in her
profession.”
Karen is affiliated with several professional organizations. She is
involved with numerous committees and extra-curricular activities
at school and extends her involvement into various church and
community activities.
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Matt Maw is pursuing a Master
of Education degree in Educational
Leadership at Doane University. The
Lincoln Area Retired School Personnel
submitted his application.
Mr. Maw received his Bachelor
of Science in Education and Human
Sciences degree with a Business,
Marketing, Information Technology,
and
Diversified
Occupations
endorsement from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Matt has
also earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
from Doane College. He has been an educator for six years.
On his application essay, Matt noted, “I am currently pursuing
a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. This degree will
be my second Master’s, with my other degree being a Master of
Education in Curriculum and Instruction. I strive to combine
the leadership skills developed in my current program with my
knowledge of curriculum gained from my prior Master’s to be
more effective in the classroom and serve as an instructional leader
within business education. I hope to further engage colleagues and
students while creating a culture allowing everyone to be successful
in reaching individual learning goals.”
One of the references indicated, “One of Mr. Maw’s strengths is
his strong academic focus. He sets high stands for himself and his
students. Mr. Maw has a great rapport with his students. He is easy
to approach and ready to assist students when they need extra help.”
Matt is an active member of the school and district professional
learning communities. He is a member of and actively involved in
a number of professional organizations at the local, state, regional,
and national levels. He also volunteers and participates in a variety
of community service projects and activities.
“Congratulations” to Karen Boatright and Matt Maw on being
selected as this year’s scholarship recipients! Both individuals
and their guests have been invited to attend the NARSP State
Convention Luncheon in Grand Island on Wednesday, October 12
for the scholarship presentations.
Teacher: “Craig, you know you can‛t sleep
in my class.”
Craig: “I know, but maybe if you were
just a little quieter, I could.”
Nebraska Association Retired School Personnel
Financial Report
September 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016
Checkbook Balance, September 1, 2015
Income
Dues
Registration
Baskets
AMBA
Total Income
Total Balance and Income
Expenditures
Postage
Printing
Supplies
Board Expenses
Mileage
Meal
Total Board Expenses
Convention Expenses 2015
Awards
Books
Piano Rental
Food
Pictures (2014)
Printing
Mileage/Presidents
Prizes
Rooms
Speaker
Supplies
Total Convention Exp
Convention Expenses 2016
Newsletter Expenses
Postage
Printing
Total Newsletter Expenses
Miscellaneous
ASRTE Dues
Fidelity Bond
Scholarships
Stipend
Total Miscellaneous
Total Expenditures
Checkbook Balance, June 30, 2016
$13,882.88
http://myambabenefits.info/narsp
$8,395.00
$1,410.00
$345.00
$1,000.00
$11,150.00
$25,032.88
New AMBA
Benefits
Three new AMBA Benefits include:
Nationwide Pet Insurance, Orlando
Employee Discounts, and Cruise and
Vacation Benefits (a division of Touraid
Travel, Inc.). AMBA is always searching
for benefits that are of the highest quality
and value for our members and potential
members.
AMBA is a turnkey benefit provider with
exclusive, negotiated insurance programs
and discounts on travel, electronics, dining,
and more. The comprehensive menu of
benefits allows its association clients to have
a single source of contact for all member
benefit needs. AMBA’s success lies in
their proven marketing plan strategically
designed to show the tremendous value of
association membership.
Within this Newsletter you will find
the current listing of benefits available to
NARSP members.
$234.97
$7.08
$161.86
$1,127.54
$344.41
$1,471.95
$54.46
$330.53
$125.00
$2,498.80
$21.70
$107.43
$1,329.98
$225.00
$1,510.53
$122.00
$256.25
$6,581.68
$277.90
$346.59
$2,813.13
$3,159.72
Teachers deserve a lot
$100.00
$90.00
$2,000.00
$200.00
of credit. Of course, if
we paid them more, they
wouldn‛t need it.
$2,390.00
$14,285.16
$10,747.72
7
“It’s Time to Join or Renew Your NARSP Membership!”
Membership with NARSP gives you representation in the community and legislature, fellowship with other retired school personnel,
and access to many member benefits through AMBA.
All retired teachers, administrators, school personnel and support staff are invited to join our association. Spouses of members may
become associate members upon payment of annual dues. Membership dues are $15.00 per fiscal year of September 1 to August 31.
Those active and associate members with paid state membership who have reached the age of 85 or older as of August 31 will be granted
Honorary Lifetime Membership. Honorary Lifetime Members shall not be assessed dues. [PLEASE NOTE if an individual is not presently
a NARSP member and turns 85 prior to August 31 they are not automatically granted the honorary membership. They must be in good
standing with their dues paid for 2015-2016. If the individual has not been a state member, turns 85 prior to August 31, and wishes to
avail himself or herself of the honorary membership they are welcome to join NARSP for the 2016-2017 membership year. The honorary
membership would them occur for them in 2017-2018.]
If you have knowledge of a new retiree in your area, invite them to join NARSP or better yet surprise them with a retirement gift of a
membership in NARSP.
Membership with NARSP is required in order to obtain and maintain AMBA Benefits.
NARSP membership dues and/or renewals for 2016-2017 may be paid through your local unit treasurer or can be submitted using the
form found in this Newsletter to NARSP State Treasurer: Wanda Samson, 1636 N. Clarmar Avenue, Fremont, NE 68025. (There is also a
membership form located on the NARSP website – <www:narsp.org>.)
NEBRASKA ASSOCIATION OF
RETIRED SCHOOL PERSONNEL
Membership Application
(Please Print All Information)
Name ___________________________________________________________________
Birth Date_______________________________________________________________
Mailing Address __________________________________________________________
City _____________________________________ State _______ Zip ______________
County __________________________________________________________________
Phone __________________________________________________________________
E-Mail Address ___________________________________________________________
District Retired From ______________________________________ Year __________
Annual dues - $15.00 (September 1 - August 31)
Please make checks payable to NARSP
Check # _____________Amount $ _________ New Member_______Renewal ______
Signature _______________________________________ Date ___________________
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NEBRASKA ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED SCHOOL PERSONNEL
Executive Board Meeting Minutes, June 28, 2016
The Green Gateau, 330 South 10th Street, Lincoln, NE
The Nebraska Association of Retired School Personnel
Executive Board meeting was held at The Green Gateau in Lincoln,
NE on June 28, 2016. Members present were Bob Bussmann,
Executive Director; Don Leighton, President; Wauneta Peterson,
Vice-President; Billie Bussmann, Secretary; and Wanda Samson,
Treasurer.
Don Leighton called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
The minutes of the February 12, 2016 Executive Board Meeting
were approved as printed.
The treasurer’s report was accepted for financial review with
a June asset balance of $57,710.52. A financial report from
September 1, 2015 t June 30, 2016 was also provided as well as a
revised 2015 Convention financial report.
Thus far, NARSP Membership totals 813. Unit membership
includes 488 paid members and 154 (85 plus) honorary lifetime
members for a total of 624. AMBA only membership includes 136
paid members and 35 (85 plus) honorary lifetime members for a
total of 171.
No additional agenda items were indicated.
Bob reported on the conference calls/webinars with NRTA on
mission and vision.The volunteer executive directors will meet the
end of September. The Columbus Area Unit voted to not require
unified membership. An individual from the Nebraska Master
Naturalist Program from UNL contacted NARSP wanting to
publish information in our newsletter. Bob suggested he send him
the information to be shared. Bob would then forward the same to
Unit Presidents to share with members since we do not accept any
outside advertisement other than the AMBA endorsement.
An updated Unit Presidents’ List was provided to the Executive
Board.
NARSP membership continues to decrease. Bob shared the yearly
NARSP membership dating back to 1996 with 1435 members in
31 units. In 2011 with 16 units there were 1113 members. As
indicated we are now at 813 members.
Under unfinished business the IRS Exemption Status on
Reinstatement Process was discussed. Wanda indicated she cannot
complete it and just cannot wrap herself around the process.
Discussion followed. It was moved by Bob and seconded by
Wauneta to not reinstate the IRS status at this time. Motion passed.
Bob followed up with the Fremont Community Foundation
(for NARSP scholarships) by visiting with the Director of the
Foundation who answered questions we had concerning the
possible placement of our money in this Foundation. The check to
our scholarship recipients would be from the Fremont Foundation
not NARSP. They also pay the college not the recipient. Monies
would need to be $1,000 in the account with an annual charge
of 1.25% quarterly and an additional assessed investment fee of
2 to 3% per year. They invest in long-term stocks with growth.
The account balance would fluctuate with the stock market. If we
decided to not continue with the Fremont Foundation, they would
keep whatever monies remained in our account. The advantage
would be that membership could donate to the scholarship fund
and would be able to deduct from their income tax as a charitable
donation. Discussion followed with Wauneta moving to not go
with the Fremont Community Foundation and Bob seconded the
motion. The motion passed with one opposing vote.
Bob proposed a change in the associate membership category
in the Bylaws. For associate membership the wording would
change from retired person to individual who is interested in and
subscribes to the purposes of this organization. It would add that
active school personnel within three years of retirement many
become an associate member paying annual dues as an active
member. This would give pre-retirees an opportunity to take
advantage of AMBA benefits. Billie moved to accept these changes
and Wauneta seconded the motion. Motion passed.
New business began with the selection of two NARSP Scholarship
recipients. Matt Maw from Lincoln and Karen Boatright from Falls
City were chosen with Wauneta moving to approve these recipients
and Bob seconding the motion. Ten semi-finalist applications were
received from nine Units. Three Units received no applications to
submit and three Units chose not to participate. Motion passed.
Bob presented information for the NARSP “Big Apple” Award.
There was consensus agreement on a recipient. It will be presented
at the state convention. There will be no Educational Service
Awards this year.
Bob presented the proposed 2016-2017 Budget. Bob moved
to present this budget to the Board of Directors and Wauneta
seconded it. Motion passed.
The state convention was discussed with Bob presenting tentative
schedules, Humanities Nebraska program speakers Darrel Draper
and Paul Siebert, costs, etc. The State Convention will be held
at the Hotel Grand Conference Center in Grand Island, NE on
October 11 and 12, 2016.There will be more detailed information
in the newsletter.
The NARSP Newsletter articles are due Friday, July 1.
The next Executive Board meeting will be Monday, October 10
at 4 p.m. in Grand Island.
The meeting adjourned at 3:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Billie Carole Bussmann, NARSP Secretary
Remember to LIKE us on
www.facebook.com/NRTA.NE
9
Officer Election
Election for the offices of NARSP President and NARSP Vice-President
will take place during the Board of Directors’ Annual Meeting on Tuesday,
October 11, 2016.
Don Leighton, NARSP President for the past four years, and Wauneta
Peterson, NARSP Vice-President for the past four years, have consented
to stand for re-election to a new two-year term.
Don Leighton is a member of the Wayne Area Unit. He is a retired
superintendent from the Winside Public Schools. Don has been actively
involved in the Wayne Unit through committee chairs and officer
positions. He served as the NARSP Treasurer from 2005-2012.
Wauneta Peterson is a member of the Lincoln Area Unit. She retired
from the Lincoln Public Schools as a teacher of physical education and
health. Wauneta has been actively involved in LARSP. She has served two
terms as secretary, vice-president, and two separate terms as president of
the Unit. She presently serves as the LARSP Book Sale chair.
Board of Directors’
Annual Meeting
Agenda
Items of consideration during the Board of Directors’
Annual Meeting to be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday,
October 11, 2016 include the following:
--Local Unit and Unit Officer Information and Related
Topics
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--Reports
--Selection of members (from the Board) for the NARSP
Nominating Committee
--Election of NARSP President and Vice-President (2year term)
--Approval of a proposed change to the NARSP Bylaws
(Associate Membership)
The news articles for the
--Approval of the proposed 2016-2017 NARSP Budget
Spring Issue of the NARSP
--Discussion of NARSP Membership
--Discussion of future NARSP Conventions
There is always the potential of additional items being
added to the agenda between the printing of this Newsletter
and the annual meeting date.
10
Newsletter are due by
February 10, 2017.
11
12
“A Look Back
In Time”
As we approach the Nebraska Sesquicentennial in 2017, “A
Look Back In Time” will give us an opportunity to brush up on
our Nebraska History. Hopefully, you can make a score of 10 out
of 10 with your responses to the following questions…
1. When was Nebraska admitted to the Union as the 37th
State?
5. What is the State
Bird?
6. Where was the location
of the first State
Capital?
7. Who was the first
State Governor?
8. Compared to other
U. S. States, what
is unique about the
Nebraska Legislature?
3. What is the State Motto?
9. What is the name of
the statue atop the
Nebraska Capitol?
4. What is the State Flower?
10. What U.S. President was born in Nebraska and where?
2. What is the meaning of the name Nebraska?
Proposed NARSP Constitution Change
The NARSP Executive Board has proposed the following change to the NARSP Constitution. This item will be voted on during the
NARSP Board of Directors’ Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 11, 2016.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP
ACTIVE: Any retired teacher, administrator or former employee in the nation’s schools is eligible for membership.
ASSOCIATE: Spouse of members may become associate members upon payment of annual dues.
Nebraska Association Retired School Personnel
2015 Convention
Income
Expenditures
Awards
Books
Piano Rental
Food
Pictures
Printing
Mileage/Presidents
Prizes
Hotel Rooms
Speaker (Chris Sayre)
Supplies
Total Convention Exp
$1,445.00 **
$54.46
$330.53
$125.00
$2,498.80
$21.70
$107.43
$1,329.98
$225.00
$1,510.53
$172.00 ++
$256.25
Net loss
** $35 of registration was received in August, 2015
++ $50 was paid in June, 2015
Proposed Change
ASSOCIATE: (1) A spouse of an active member may become an
associate member. (2) Any individual who is interested in and subscribes to
the purposes of this organization may become an associate member with
the approval of the Executive Committee. (3) Active school personnel within
three years of retirement may become an associate member. All associate
members will make the same payment of annual dues as active members.
Associate members may not hold an office.
NARSP Executive Board
$6,631.68
-$5,186.68
Robert Bussmann, Executive Director
Don Leighton, President
Wauneta Peterson, Vice President
Billie Carole Bussmann, Secretary
Wanda Samson, Treasurer
Additional officer information located on the
NARSP Website: www.narsp.org
13
Community Service Awards
Hastings
The Hastings Area Retired
Teachers
Association
was
proud to present this year’s
Community Service Award to
Donna Dill at its March meeting.
Donna is tirelessly involved
with community activities. She
describes herself as a Type A
person who loves being busy.
In addition to the Community
Cathy Morgan presents
Service Award, in April she
Donna Dill with the AARP
received the Gretchen Lainson
Service Award
Presidents Distinguished Award.
She was one of eight women in
the over 51 category who was nominated, and she explained that
it was an extreme honor because the award is not awarded every
year. Only ten women in the past twenty years have received the
award.
Donna graduated from Juniata High School and then from
Hastings College. Both she and her husband Grayson were life-long
educators in the Hastings Public School system. They have two
children, one of whom is a teacher. She is proud of her thirteen
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Donna taught third- and fifth-grade science while her husband
taught in the high school. One of her earliest awards was a national
award she earned from the National Science Association for a
program she and a co-educator developed.
Donna is a past president of the Hastings Area Retired Teachers
Association, as well as past president of the Hospital Auxiliary, the
Women’s League of Voters, and the Hastings Education Association.
She has chaired her church’s Administrative Council, served as a
treasurer of four different organizations, secretary of two different
organizations. and has done considerable parliamentarian work,
including assisting four organizations to update their bylaws.
She has also served on the YWCA Board, served in many
capacities in her church, has been a participant in AARP RAN
meetings, and has accrued nearly 4000 hospital volunteer hours.
For the past twelve years Donna has organized all debates for
every contested election in Hastings. Every spring she visits the
Adams County high schools and helps to register seniors to vote.
She is also currently a TeamMates mentor.
The Community Service Award is given to a person for efforts
to improve the community. It is easy to see why Donna was this
year’s recipient. She plans to stay busy volunteering well into the
future. Congratulations to Donna Dill on a well-deserved award.
Lincoln
The Lincoln Area Retired School Personnel (LARSP) recognized
Pam Ford during a recent luncheon held in her honor at The Falls
Reception Hall. She was the 21st recipient of the Community
14
Service Award from AARP/NRTA and LARSP.
Pat Etherton last year’s recipient presented the award. As part
of the program, Tom White, provided a variety of vocal musical
selections.
Pam Ford taught physical education in the Lincoln Public Schools
at Pershing Elementary School. Pam was involved in many school,
district, and community volunteer projects during her years of
teaching before retiring in 2003.
Since her retirement Pam has stayed involved. Pam’s efforts and
dedicated volunteer service for LARSP over the years has included
serving on the LARSP Book Sales and Finance Committees;
assisting with set-up and take-down, pricing and sorting at the
book garage, and cashier at the book sales. For a number of years,
she also served as
LEA-R garage sale cochair and a member of
the LEA-R Board.
Pam also assists
with the Food Bank
of Lincoln Backpack
Program; involvement
in her church and
related activities and
Pam Ford (left) receiving her award
committees; assisting
the elderly in a variety
presented by Pat Etherton (right)
of ways; and the list
could go on and on.
Besides volunteering, Pam has always enjoyed reading, crossword
puzzles, Sudoku, word games, Trivia, Sequence, music, family,
Godchildren, friends, traveling, and more.
Pam shared that “Life is full of good and I hope I can continue to
offer something to all who may need help or assistance.”
In the words of Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, founder of NRTA –
“To Serve, Not To Be Served” – Pam Ford’s continued community
service and involvement definitely reflects this quote.
Do you have questions regarding your pension benefits?
Do you need additional information or need to
schedule an appointment about your pension benefits?
Have you changed your address? Contact NPERS:
Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems
1526 K Street, Suite 400
P.O. Box 94816
Lincoln, NE 68509-4816
Phone 402-471-2053
Toll Free 800-245-5712
npers.ne.gov
Eight Fundamentals of
Fire Safety
Don’t let your home go up in flames by ignoring these tips!
1. Don’t get alarm lazy. Make sure you’ve got ionization and
photoelectric alarms on every floor, including the basement.When
the alarm chirps, replace the battery.
2. Do get a multisensory device. If you are deaf or hard of
hearing, you may need an alarm that flashes or vibrates to alert you
that something is amiss.
3. Banish old space heaters. They can lower your utility bills,
but they’re also a prime cause of home fires. Buy a new model that
turns off automatically if it tips over or gets overheated.
4. Toss after 10. Problems with electric blankets and heating
pads tend to occur when they’re more than 10 years old. Replace
if they have charred spots, they have frayed or cracked electrical
cords, or they’re a decade or more old.
5. Beware of overload. Older homes may not be equipped
to handle today’s stash of electronics. Overburdened systems can
spark fires. Replace, don’t repair, damaged electrical cords.
6. Tend to the furnace. Faulty fireplaces and woodstoves are
prime hazards. Have a trained professional inspect your system,
especially if it’s been a while. Generators should also be checked,
ideally every year.
7. Practice makes protection. Have an escape plan, and
practice it. Any plan should have two ways out of every room; make
sure windows and doors open easily. Remember: Stay low, and go.
8. Smoking nos. Smoking-related fires cause the most fire
deaths in the U.S. It’s best not to smoke inside your house, but fires
can start outside, too. Dampen butts and ashes before throwing
them away.
--Article provided by NRTA (National Retired Teachers Association),
AARP’s Educator Community
“Remember the
Spotlight”
Do you have a centenarian in your local Unit that
is a member of NARSP or a member that will be
reaching that milestone in the very near future?
Plan to submit an article about that individual
along with their picture to Robert Bussmann for
inclusion in a future issue of the NARSP Newsletter so the “Spotlight on a 100-Year-Old Member”
can be turned on!
Answers to “A Look
Back In Time”
1. March 1, 1867
2. Name based on an Otoe Indian word meaning “flat water,”
referring to the Platte River that flows through the state.
3. “Equality Before The Law”
4. Goldenrod
5. Western Meadowlark
6. The capital of the Nebraska Territory had been Omaha
since the creation of the territory in 1854; however, most
of the territory’s population lived south of the Platte
River. After much of the territory south of the Platte
River considered annexation to Kansas, the territorial
legislature voted to locate the capital city south of the
river and as far west as possible. The village of Lancaster
was chosen. Lancaster eventually became Lincoln.
7. There were fourTerritorial Governors (J. Sterling Morton
was one of the four). The first elected State Governor
was David Butler. Butler took office on February 21,
1867 and left office on June 2, 1871. (Elected, but not
inaugurated, before Nebraska’s statehood. Impeached and
removed from office for misappropriation of state funds;
the impeachment was expunged six years later.) William
H. James as state Secretary of State, acted as governor for
the unexpired term (June 2, 1871 to January 13, 1873).
State governors were popularly elected, beginning in
1866, to a two-year term. In l962, the voters approved a
constitutional amendment expanding terms beginning in
1966 to four years.
8. Nebraska in the only state in the U.S. with a unicameral
(one house) legislature. Members call themselves
senators. Nebraska’s Legislature is also the only state
legislature in the U.S. that is officially nonpartisan. The
senators are elected with no party affiliation next to their
names on the ballot, and the speaker and committee
chairs are chosen at large, so that members of any party
can be chosen for these positions.
9. The Sower, a 19-foot bronze statue representing
agriculture, crowns the Capitol.
10. Former U.S. President Gerald Ford was born in Omaha,
Nebraska, but moved away shortly after birth.
15
NARSP Annual Board of Directors’ Meeting
With the passing of the proposed changes to the NARSP
Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules during the General
Business Meeting on October 28, 2015 there is also a change in the
structure of the NARSP Board of Directors.
Each Unit will have two representatives (Co-Presidents,
President and Vice President, President and another Unit officer or
representative, etc.) to serve on the Board. The NARSP Executive
Board of the Association and the immediate past State President
are also members of the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors will carry out the business of the
Association at their annual meeting. Any proposed bylaw changes,
election of officers, presentation/approval of the yearly budget,
reports, and others issues of business would be discussed and voted
upon by the Board.
As in the past there will be no general business meeting within
the convention day schedule. A brief summary report of the Board
of Directors’ Meeting would be given at the convention.The newly
elected officers will also be installed during the convention.
The NARSP Annual Board of Directors’ Meeting is scheduled
for Tuesday, October 11, 2016 beginning at 4:30 p.m. in Grand
Island at the Hotel Grand Conference Center. Related articles
about the meeting agenda are located within this newsletter. There
will be a dinner break during the meeting at 5:45 p.m.The meeting
will resume the agenda after dinner. Registration for the meeting
and dinner can be found on the registration form included in the
newsletter.
Units need to be thinking about who will serve as their designated
representatives on the Board. Guests are welcome to attend the
annual meeting and/or dinner.
What is a math teacher‛s favorite sum?
Summer!
12 Smart Strategies to Keep Your Kitchen Safe
You can keep food delicious and fun by following these essential
tips.
1. Mind your pots and pans. The Consumer Product Safety
Commission says that in 2014 more than 32,000 people were hurt
using pots and pans, from burns to shattering glass pans. Mitts are
mandatory. And remember — don’t take glass dishes directly from
the freezer to the oven, and never add liquid when a glass pan is
piping hot.
2. Leave it unwashed. Contrary to what you may have heard,
there’s no need to rinse meat, poultry or fish before cooking.
Doing so can spread bacteria to your sink, countertops and other
kitchen surfaces.
3. Forgo the cooling-off period. Illness-causing bacteria can
grow in perishable foods within two hours. So put leftovers in the
refrigerator as soon as possible, even if they’re still warm.
4. Don’t stick to Teflon. Sure it makes cooking and cleanup
easier, but pans coated with Teflon that were made before 2012
contain perfluorooctanoic acid, and studies in lab animals have
found exposure to this chemical increases the risk of certain cancers.
Stainless steel and cast iron are better choices for cookware.
5. Beware the bagel. Nearly 3,000 people in 2014 cut their
hands or fingers while trying to slice a bagel. Either buy them
sliced or, better yet, buy a bagel slicer.
6. Marinate in the fridge. Harmful germs in marinade or
food can multiply quickly at room temperature.
16
7. Nuke with care. Microwaves cause more emergency room
scald injuries than any other kitchen device. Let food cool a few
minutes before removing, and be careful touching a hot container
or removing a cover. Allow scalding steam to escape.
8. Put a lid on it. If you’re frying, keep a lid nearby to smother
a small grease fire.
9. Be dishwasher wise. Place utensils with the sharp end
down. Let the machine cool before emptying to prevent burns.
10. Keep knives sharp. Dull knives are more dangerous than
sharp ones because they require more force to slice through the
food. That makes it more likely you will lose control if the worn
edge slips.
11. Chill out. You might be tempted to save energy costs by
setting the refrigerator and freezer at slightly higher temperatures,
but you’ll be beckoning bacteria. Keep the fridge at 40 degrees,
the freezer at zero degrees.
12. Rinse all produce. Even if they are prewashed, you
should still give your fruits and vegetables a cleaning. Use a brush
to remove visible dirt and then rinse them under running water
from the faucet. Studies show that this is more effective than using
a commercial produce wash.
--Article provided by NRTA (National Retired Teachers Association),
AARP’s Educator Community
A Reflection On…
*Editorial Note - The preceding article appeared in the March newsletter issue of “HARTA Notes” that is sent out to the Hastings Area Unit membership.
A “Special Thanks” to the Hastings Unit for sharing this “Reflection on Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus” with the NARSP membership through this Summer Issue of
the NARSP Newsletter.
17
Convention Featured Presentations
Darrel W. Draper presents “The
History of Nebraska as Told by
Peter Sarpy”
Peter Sarpy: Pioneer, fur trader, and namesake of Sarpy
County, NE. Peter Sarpy (1805-1865) was a key figure in the
transformation of Indian Country into Nebraska Territory. From
his trading posts in St. Mary’s, IA and Bellevue, NE, he operated
the first steam ferryboat from Iowa to the Oregon, Mormon,
and California Gold Rush trail heads. He helped publish the first
newspaper, created the first bank, helped negotiate favorable
treaties with the Indians, laid
out the streets of Bellevue,
and was Quartermaster
General of the first Nebraska
Militia Regiment.
Dressed in period
costume and speaking in
his native French accent,
“Peter Sarpy” describes the
transformation of Nebraska
from French colony to
statehood. This dramatic
one-act play uses humor,
interactive audience participation and factual historical anecdotes.
Darrel W. Draper, a fifth generation Nebraskan, retired Navy
officer and University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate, uses
his talents as storyteller and actor to educate and entertain. He
specializes in costumed portrayals of historical figures that played
major roles in the events that shaped our state and nation. He
is considered an expert on the history of the Lewis and Clark
expedition and has personally retraced thousands of miles of
their trail by canoe and on foot. Darrel presented his portrayal
of George Drouillard, hunter, guide, and interpreter for Lewis &
Clark, at the 2005 NARSP State Convention in Hastings.
“Echoes of an Era” presented by
Paul Siebert
Using the Nebraska State Seal and Flag as a back drop, Paul
presents a musical living history program of a family’s journey
from Russia to Nebraska in the 1870’s. Using original and period
music with up to 7 different acoustic instruments, storytelling,
personal family history, period costume and extensive knowledge
on the subject of Blacksmithing/metallurgy, Paul presents an
interactive family centered entertaining program.
18
For over 30 years, Paul
Siebert’s quality blend of live
Family Entertainment has
delighted thousands with his
unique style and vast repertoire.
Paul started playing guitar at
the age of 5. At 12 he was able
to take several years of classical
guitar lessons. His music career
started at age 14 when he was
recruited to play lead electric
guitar and sing for a local county
music band. Approaching
graduation from high school,
it was then he had to make a
decision - music as a career?
Being from the Midwest, it was
not likely to make a living as a
performing artist, so Paul chose
a career in Manufacturing, still
performing for local club bands during college. After marriage
and three children, he realized his passion was music. A career as
a manufacturing engineer lasted him until his youngest daughter
was in high school, and then Paul went after his passion – music.
He started his solo touring full time in 2004 with the release
of his first solo album “Echoes of an Era.” He is a regular living
history re-enactor at the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island and Fort
Atkinson Museum in Ft. Calhoun as well as many more Nebraska
museums. He can be found at local coffee houses to corporate
and private events across the Midwest.
Darrel Draper and Paul Siebert have presented hundred of programs
over the years. Both of their programs are sponsored by Humanities
Nebraska and NARSP through the HN Speakers Bureau. Speakers Bureau
connects non-profit and educational organizations with nearly three
hundred humanities programs offered by authors, historians, and scholars.
More information about the Speakers Bureau can be found online at www.
humanitiesnebraska.org.
 UNIT REPORTS 
~ BEATRICE AREA ~
The members of the Beatrice Area Retired School Personnel
continue to volunteer at the local museum and public library.
They ring bells at Christmas for the Salvation Army and, during
the county fair, monitor the country schoolhouse on the fairgrounds. They are also donors at the Beatrice Red Cross Bloodmobile Drive held six times a year. Over 30 units of blood have
been donated during the last year. Each unit saves three lives, so
over 90 lives have been saved by these dedicated donors. They also
help as volunteers to run the drives,
Our group meets on the
third Wednesday at noon
of every other month at
Valentino’s restaurant here
in Beatrice. After lunch
together we enjoy a program before beginning the
business meeting.
Our programs cover a
wide range of interesting
and informative topics, as
illustrated by the following examples. We learned
about the helpful educational opportunities provided by Southeast Nebraska Career
Academy Partnership (SENCAP). This is a partnership between
Southeast Community College, southeastern Nebraska ESU’s,
area school districts, health care providers as well as business and
industry in a 15-county area of southeast Nebraska. Currently
there are over 400 high school seniors and juniors enrolled in the
program. SENCAP provides the opportunity for these students to
become college and career ready by taking courses on-line or in
person.
Blood donors ConnieWallman and
Gene Martin hold a plaque from the
Red Cross that acknowledges the latest thirteen gallons donated by retired
teachers in the Beatrice area.
Another presentation concentrated on the country schools
in the 1940’s and 1950’s in which a few of our members either
taught or attended. In the country schools all grades were taught
in one room, challenging the teacher’s instructional time for each
level. However, the older pupils helped in tutoring, as well as
during recesses promoting fairness and inclusiveness.
One presentation informed us about autism and how the
Beatrice Schools are dealing with it. Autism cannot be cured but
it can be improved through intervention, especially when that intervention is begun early after diagnosis. Beatrice Public Schools
provides an effective education program for autistic students with
individualized services, a structured environment, and a specialized curriculum.
We also had a glimpse into the state legislative activities during
a presentation by Senator Roy Baker which gave us an appreciation of the wide scope of the legislation he has been working on.
A partial list included property tax credits, prison reform, school
finance, a move to allow school records to be kept electronically,
and a gas tax increase which is to benefit infrastructure repairs to
roads and bridges.
Another presentation informed the group about the Resolution
Center located here in Beatrice at Indian Creek Mall, from where
it serves Gage County as well as sixteen other counties in southeastern Nebraska. The Center’s purpose is to provide conflict
resolution between victim and offender through mediation during
facilitated conversations. The presenters encouraged the retired
teachers to become mediators after attending training courses
and workshops in Lincoln and Kearney.
Rounding out this wide range of program topics were two others which dealt with the Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging and
Aseracare Hospice.
During the May meeting the group held a memorial for those
members who have passed away during the last three years. Also,
the Scholarship Committee presented two 2016 BARSP Scholarships, one to Natalie Meyer and the second to Samantha Oakes.
Both plan to major in education.
Zoe Louton, Public Relations
~ CASS COUNTY AREA ~
In September, Cass County Retired Educators began the year
by bringing school supplies to donate to local schools. Cass
County Deputy Wes Harrah presented the program about the
involvement of officers in the schools.
He described the DARE program (Drug Awareness Education
Program) that is used in grade for to six in all the county schools.
GREAT is the program for eight graders. Plattsmouth Community Schools employs a school resource officer.
Informative programs during the year included Abby Davis
from Tabitha who spoke on Bryan Health and Troy Ruffner, local
pharmacist, who gave information about Medicare and medicine.
In May the speaker was from Ted E. Bear Hollow of Omaha.
She spoke of the programs available to assist children and teens
that have experienced the death of loved one. A list of hints was
distributed for adults who are supporting grieving children.
Kids Kamps for grieving families are held on a weekend day
from 11:30 to 5:30 p.m. Offered are fun activities and celebraNebraska Association of Retired School Personnel
19
tion of the lives of those who have died. Ted E. Bear Hollow also
has services and resources available to provide grief support in
the work place for employees.
Members again held a May basket workshop for children at the
Cass County Museum in connection with Living History Days. A
May basket is made and filled and information about the history
of May Day is provided.
Vince McAndrews keeps the group updated on legislation that
pertains to teachers and schools.
~ FREMONT AREA ~
The Fremont Area Association of Retired School Personnel met
in March at the Fremont Public Schools Administration Building.
About 20 members enjoyed a catered meal of pizza and salad.
Mary Robinson, teacher of the visually impaired, led us on a tour
of the Sensory Courtyard. It was completed in August of 2015
month to Habitat workers all building season long.
Submitted by Jo Mitteis, Public Relations
~ GRAND ISLAND AREA ~
The members of the Grand Island Area Retired School Personnel look forward to the monthly meetings, thanks to our
program chairman, Nora Lindner, who arranges for interesting
and informative programs. To review the last four months of the
school year, in February we were given an insight into the life of a
soldier when Carol (Behrens) Bell reviewed a book written by her
father Wm. Behrens, “Soldier #374823425 Memories of World
War II”. In March Doug Cramer shared about the History of Hall
County Poor Farm and Finding and Marking the Graves. In April
we learned about a Nebraska Tourism tool from Erin Lentz who
explained The 2016 Nebraska Passport Program. In May we were
entertained by Doris Winkler, a popular local singer who accompanies herself on her guitar.
GIARSP supports our area’s educational programs by awarding scholarships to graduates who plan to work toward degrees
in education. This year first-time scholarships of $1,000 each
were awarded to four recent graduates from our area. In addition,
eight repeat scholarships of $500 each were awarded to college
students who are in their second or third year of college.
Fremont Area Association of Retired School Personnel took a tour of
the Sensory Courtyard led by Mary Robinson, developer of the project
after many years of fund raising and grant writing. Anyone can
make an appointment on-line to visit this magical place that all
children will enjoy.
At a meeting afterwards the current executive board agreed to
serve another year. They are: Kathy Cahill and Mary Jane Thulinco-presidents, Ruth Register- Vice President and Wanda Samson
– Treasurer.
In May about 30 members attended the meeting at St. James
Episcopal Church. A lunch was served by a committee from the
church. Volunteer hours were turned in for the year.
The guest speaker was Roger Kaczmarek, a pharmacist who
was able to answer questions about drug, prescription and healthcare concerns.
We continue to collect items each meeting to deliver to the
Low Income Ministry. In March it was toilet tissue and peanut
butter in May. Members will serve coffee and snacks once a
20
Closing out the year, at our May meeting Co-President Jean
McMindes led a meaningful memorial service to honor the
passing of three of our members. Jerry Lammers had been a
long-time teacher and coach at Walnut Junior High School. Pete
Peterson had a teaching career spanning nearly 60 years. He
began teaching in a one-room school house while still in his teens.
After college he taught in several schools around the state, his
last 34 years in Walnut Junior High School in Grand Island. After
retirement, he taught for nearly 20 years at Central Community
College in Grand Island. Lee Ramsey also began her teaching
career in a rural school, later teaching at Axtell and Minden. Two
other members lost their husbands during the year: Joyce Lind,
husband Archie; and Elizabeth Hodtwalker, husband Dick.
This spring Devon Hamner was named “Extraordinary Person”
by the Grand Island Independent. She helped make it possible for
95 families in the Dominican Republic town of El Batey to have
safe drinking water. Her daughter, Kristin, works with a mission
group in the Dominican Republic. When Devon saw the people
carrying water in very unsanitary pails, she began a campaign to
obtain clean pails and ended up with 100 pails. A well has been
dug at Kristin’s home and the people can obtain safe water in
clean pails, closer to their homes.
Our two centenarians, who had May birthdays, continue to live
busy, active lives. Edith Pinkston was 103 and Susan Wiese was
105.
Officers for the 2016-2017 year were installed in May, in a ceremony led by Nola Oberhelman. The new officers are: President,
Eldon Ervin; Vice President of programs, Nora Lindner; Vice
President of Directory, Jean McMindes; Secretary, Pat Sheehan;
Co-Treasurers, Vernon and Doris Rempe.
May, Nita Brown delivered May baskets to our over-90 members
in the Hastings area. They were all pleasantly surprised to be
remembered.
GIARSP has changed the time of its meetings. Beginning in
September, meetings will be held the 3rd Monday of September,
October, February, March, and April.
Coming up is our July membership meeting, which is always
well attended. We look forward to gaining newly-retired teachers
as new members as well as visiting with our current members.
Everyone enjoys a good meal, good entertainment, and good
conversation.
Velma Fehr, Secretary
~ HASTINGS AREA ~
It seemed strange to have a meeting in February, but inclement
weather kept us from our January meeting, so we were able to
reschedule in February. Sisters Esther and Janet Winters presented a program about their experiences and challenges they encountered as teachers in Papua New Guinea. Education is highly
valued there, but it is not available to everyone, and resources are
extremely limited.
The next month - March - saw us meeting again, this time on
our regular meeting date. A highlight of March’s meeting was the
presentation of Donna Dill with the AARP Community Service
Award. Our program was presented by Russell Wood, an AARP
volunteer representative, who spoke about driving safety for
people over age 50. He encouraged everyone to attend AARP
sponsored driving classes that will be offered throughout the state
later this year.
In May Gary Aadland announced this year’s scholarship winners. They are Courtney Anderson, an Adams-Central graduate,
who plans to major in family consumer science and McKenna
Schardt, a Bruning-Davenport graduate, who will major in elementary education. Both girls and their families will be invited
to our July luncheon meeting where they will be presented with
their scholarships. May is also the month when we honor our
members who have passed away during the previous year. Remembered this year were Margaret Cordle, Margaret Plock, John
Cameron, Ron Veburg, Darlene Veburg, and Helen Cowles. Elections were held and Karen Christensen was elected president and
LaVila Van Boening was elected vice president. Sheana Smith of
the Hastings Convention and Visitors Bureau spoke to the group.
This year, HARTA’s special project has been SASA, and members have generously
donated needed items
each month to help
victims of sexual and
spouse abuse. Since
the beginning of the
year members have
also volunteered to be
part of several voters
forums presented by
the League of Women
Nita & Janet with May basket.
Voters in Hastings. In
Karen Christensen, Vice President
~ LINCOLN AREA ~
At the conclusion of the last LARSP report we were looking
forward to the upcoming book sales and a busy spring full of
activity. LARSP had a mini-book sale as part of the Flee Market
held at the Lancaster Event Center the last Saturday and Sunday in February. In early March a larger book sale was held in a
vacant portion of a business building for fourteen days. Both sales
grossed a little over $6,000 that will go toward scholarships and
philanthropic endeavors. The downside challenge is the ongoing
costs for book storage, rental costs for tables and space, and space
location.
At our monthly meeting in March the annual Philanthropy
Presentation took place with representatives from the Child Advocacy Center, Lincoln Education Association “Harvest of Books”,
Food Bank of Lincoln Backpack Program, Friendship Home, City
Impact Reading Program, Willie’s Underwear Project, People’s
City Mission, and Center for People in Need.
Philanthropy Presentations - from left to right: Jennifer Koolen, Child
Advocacy Center; Rita Bennett, Lincoln Education Association;Viki Kugler, Lincoln Association of Retired School Personnel (LARSP) president;
ScottYoung, Food Bank of Lincoln; Kay Matthews, Friendship Home;
Todd Bowman, City Impact; Willie Shafer,Willie’s Underwear Project;
KyleWinchell, People’s City Mission; and Sande Dirks, Friendship
Home. [Not available for the picture were representatives from Center
for People in Need and Lighthouse.]
21
Each organization was the recipient of a $300.00 check. Each
shared information about their organization or program and how
the donation will be utilized.
Delivery of Art Supplies - from left to right:
DebWeber, Lincoln Arts Council Executive
Director; Billie Bussmann, LARSP Community Service chair; and Lori McAlister,
Lincoln Arts Council Program Manager
During the
months of March
and April, donated
art supplies were
collected for the
Lincoln Arts Council
project of “Art
Makes Me SmART.”
Over 100 of various
art supplies were
donated. The Arts
Council distributes
bags of art supplies
to children in lower
economic schools to
have at home and be
creative.
For April’s pro-
Scholarship recipients in the front row include: Rachael Kohrell,
Brianna Knudsen, Corbin Hubbell, and Justin Hullman. Back Row:
Lois Mayo, Scholarship Committee member; Marilyn Peterson, Scholarship Committee chair;Viki Kugler, LARSP President, and Jeanie Kissler,
Scholarship Committee member. (Kate Baker, Scholarship Committee
member, was not available for the picture.)
LARSP “Golden Apple” Awards were presented to: Kate Baker,
Lois Mayo, Marleen Johnson, Sharon Gaines, Candy Wilson, Sonia
Davies, and Jane Neal. This award gives special recognition to a
LARSP member who has demonstrated exemplary service to our
organization.
The Memorial Service for our 2015-2016 departed members
was conducted by President Viki Kugler and assisted by Becky
Hutchison and Verla Ringenberg. A rose was placed in memory
of each individual on the LARSP necrology list. They included:
Dick Raecke, Don Darnell, Barbara G. Johnson, Charlotte Custer,
Hilma Badberg, Mabel Stansbury, and Anne Bruce.
Nebraska ChristianWomen’s Chorus under the direction of
Judy Shonerd
gram, “Music was in the Air” with a variety of musical selections
presented by the Nebraska Christian Women’s Chorus under the
direction of Judy Shonerd. Fruit and cookie plates were distributed to our shut-in members after the meeting
April also gave us the opportunity to honor Pam Ford with a
luncheon at The Falls. Pam was the recipient of this year’s Community Service Award.
Many individuals were celebrated, honored, or memorialized
at the May meeting. Scholarships in the amount of $1000 each
were presented to: Rachael Kohrell, Lincoln Northeast High
School; Brianna Knudsen, Lincoln Southeast High School; Corbin
Hubbell, Lincoln East High School; and Justin Hullman, Lincoln
Southeast High School. Each recipient shared the field of education they plan to pursue and at which college or university.
22
Wauneta Peterson,
Past President and
installing officer, facilitated installation of new
officers for 2016-2018.
New officers include:
Billie and Bob Bussmann, Co-Presidents
and Jan Stamper, VicePresident. Prior to the
installation, Wauneta
presented a desktop
clock to out-going
president Viki Kugler
and thanked her for
service.
LARSP Officers installed for 20162017 – from left to right: Jan Stamper,
Vice President; Bob and Billie Bussmann,
Co-Presidents; andWauneta Peterson, Past
President and installing officer
Viki Kugler and Becky Hutchison attended the Lincoln Public
Schools Retirement Dinner to provide information about LARSP
membership to new retirees. LARSP provides a free first-year
local membership to new retirees.
LARSP takes a meeting break during the summer months. The
first meeting of the membership year will be on Monday, September 12 at Eastridge Presbyterian Church.
~ NORTH PLATTE AREA ~
Our member-pleasing guest speakers rank high on the list,
when thinking back on the good things about the North Platte
Retired School Personnel Association Spring meetings
February’s program guest,
Janice Huber, spoke about her
musical background and entertaining at retirement homes. Our
membership joined her in singing
a couple of melody favorites;
“Home on the Range” and “You
are My Sunshine”.
In March, Jim Griffin, director
of the Lincoln County Museum,
talked about hosting Humanities Nebraska speakers for “The Way
We Worked Exhibition”. With diversity being a key part of our
nation’s story, the Lincoln County Museum focused more on local
businesses, education, ranches, and farms.
Jim informed members of the Chautauqua that took place
June 8th through the
12th which highlighted
“World War I: Legacies
of a Forgotten War”. The
event featured workshops
at the Prairie Arts Center
and nightly presentations under the big tent
at the museum site. The
museum also hosted a local exhibit showing Lincoln County’s
participation in World War I.
The Museum’s 40th anniversary was held on July 4th. The same
day, the ever popular annual Anvil Shoot took place.
Mr. Griffin said plans were being finalized for historical speakers and activities to commemorate North Platte’s 150th anniversary. Jim suggested checking the Museum’s website for times and
dates.www.lincolncountymuseum.org
April’s guest speakers were Superintendent of North Platte
Public Schools, Dr. Ron Hanson, who introduced himself as being
an administrator and educational professional for over 30 years.
He then introduced Associate Superintendent, Tami Eshleman
who assisted with the presentation.
Dr. Hanson stressed the North Platte District is committed to
providing a quality education to all students. Dr. Hanson said to
improve student success the school culture must build professional competence with a teachers and principals support system. He
said it was critical
that students experience an educational
environment that is
inspiring, positive,
and enriching. He
emphasized the importance of students
looking forward to
attending school to
learn.
Superintendent Hanson mentioned the planning, developing,
and implementing of programs that prepare students for the next
phase of life. One program allows high school students to take a
total of 48 Mid-Plains Community College credits without leaving the high school campus. Students completing the required 48
credits graduate having earned an Associate’s Degree. He said it
was of the utmost importance to assist students in deciding what
they want to do in life.
Another 2015-2016 school year program the District began
was the School/Business Partnership Program. The purpose of
the program was to enhance learning by connecting students and
teachers to business partners resulting in learning experiences
that are authentic and relevant.
North Platte Retired School Personnel Association President,
Jean Allen, presented our Community Service Award to Pat
Leiding. Pat’s dedicated service to the community and our association made her very deserving of this recognition.
May’s guest presenter was the director of the Women’s Resource Center, Linda Logsdon.
She explained the services provided by the center:
• Free Self-administered pregnancy tests
• Free limited OB ultrasounds
• Facts about prenatal development
• Learn and Earn Incentive program
Learn and Earn is a program that helps
men and women as they prepare to become
parents. Classes offer information on pre-natal
development, parenting, sexual health, Bible
studies, life skills, and more.
• Parenting Classes
• Maternity and infant supplies
• Referrals for medical, adoption, and professional services
• Abortion Recovery Program
The Center offers a safe, caring environment for talking about experiences. Caring and confidential peer counseling is offered in a group setting as well as individual counseling.
23
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PAID
GRAND ISLAND, NE
PERMIT NO. 28
3750 Normal Boulevard
Lincoln, NE 68506
• Caring peer counselors
There is counseling available for abortion anxiety, drug and alcohol
abuse, suicidal thoughts, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.Training for
counseling is DVD driven with worksheets for practice.
Linda said the Center gets twenty-five visits in a week’s time
and from 1,300 to 1,400 visits a year.
President Jean Allen, reported 2,680 total volunteer hours
from our members: 1,035 Youth hours and 1,645 Community
hours.
Our members are busy with summer living by savoring the
pleasures of the season. The NPRSPA will meet again with stories
to share on the second Wednesday of September.
The winner of our $500 scholarship is Carley Youde, a graduate
of Falls City High School. She will major in elementary education
at Peru State College.
We administer two other scholarships. Anthony Baker was
awarded the Pee Wee Irwin Scholarship. The recipient major or
minor in music at a four-year college. Anthony is a graduate of
Falls City High School. This scholarship honors Pee Wee Irwin,
a Falls City native and great jazz musician. The Mina Stalder
scholarship was awarded to Louise Hamilton, a graduate of Falls
City Sacred Heart. It is given to a student who plans to study
art, music, theatre, dance or creative writing. It is funded by the
Stalder Gallery.
Submitted by Marie Parsons Secretary
Hollie Hanna - Secretary
~ SOUTHEAST NE AREA ~
The Southeast Nebraska Association of Retired School Personnel meets five times a year. We have a delicious lunch followed
by a meeting and program. Our officers for 2016- 2017 are: Ann
Meinzer- President; Paul Weinert- Vice President; Marie ParsonsSecretary; June Bowers- Treasurer
The highlight of our spring is awarding of the scholarships. We
entertain the winners and their parents at our own luncheon.
CarleyYoude
Anthony Baker
Louise Hamilton

to view the Summer 2016 Newsletter

Transcription

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