2014 Fall Newsletter - PPSREA Retired Employees,Retired

Region XI of PASR
September 2014
BUILDING BRIDGES
~ ~ ~SPEAKERS October 30th~ ~ ~
Lisa Thomas Laury
Former anchor of Action news and
host of 6abc’s award winning “Fast
Forward” , Lisa currently contributes reports and specials to all editions of Action News.
Dave Kaplan is currently a
member of the PPSREA Board
of Directors. He serves as PASR
Region 11 Legislative Chairman
and on the Board of the Pennsylvania Retirement Security
Coalition.
Action Committee Update
The Action committee contacted all Pennsylvania legislators this summer,
regarding pension reform. Through their efforts, and as members of the
Pennsylvania Retirement Security Coalition, Governor Corbett’s plan went
down to defeat at that time.
Membership Luncheon—Thursday, October 30, 2014
Mark your calendar! Plan to attend!!
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Place: Penns Landing | | Philadelphia, PA
See page 12 for registration form
Inside this issue:
President’s Message
2
Fitness Application
4
Region 11, PASR
5
Luncheon and Trip
Photos
6,7
Cultural Trip Schedule
and signup form
10
Membership
11
Bring a
Friend!
Trips
See page 10
Official Newsletter of the
Philadelphia Public School
Retired Employees
Association
Page 2
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President........................................................... Bonnie S. Uditsky
President-Elect............................................Vivien H. Hansbury
Treasurer....................................................................Stanley Field
Assistant Treasurer.......................................... Jerry Silverman
Recording Secretary ........................................... Miriam Travis
Corresponding Secretary..............................Hedy Ann Guyer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stephanie T Childs | John M Ferrier | Donald E Hackney |
Edward E Itzenson | Nathania T Johnson | David Kaplan |
David H Katz | Steven Korsin | Theresa M McKinzie | Jennifer Plumer Davis | Brenda B Taylor | Miriam Travis |
Phyllis E Watson | Donald K Williams | Frances P Williams
President’s Message
Dear Friends,
When you read the PPSREA newsletter, look closely at the
committees that are the building blocks of
our organization. Each of the chairpersons of these committees works diligently providing support and opportunities to all of our members
Awards--Pride of PPSREA, Nonagenarian, Ranieri, Lindenbaum, Woodson, and student scholarships.
PAST PRESIDENTS
Barbara W. Barnett | Sara L. Dean | Frank W. Hauser, Jr. |
Martin A. Labb | Florence Scott | Dolores R. Seiberlich |
Anna P. Simpson-Pullar
Communication--future newsletters and communication,
in addition to print, will be done by e-mail and be on our
website. We are moving toward more effective means of
connecting our members to important information in a
timely manner.
PASR Region XI Director............................. Henry J. Blaszczyk
Membership and Retirement Planning--before and after members retire, PPSREA connects them to important
information they'll need.
COMMITTEES
Awards ........................................................ Vivien H Hansbury
Educational Support (PASR) ........................Vivien H Hansbury
Lindenbaum.......................Brenda B Taylor / William Brodsky
Nonagenarian........................................................... Hedy Ann Guyer
Pride of PPSREA..........................................................Sandra L Allen
Ranieri ..........................................................................Clyde O Basham
Scholarship...........................................................Vivien H Hansbury
Woodson (PASR) ...............................................Vivien H Hansbury
Communication.........................................Edward E Itzenson
Photography .................................................................. Steven Korsin
Program ................................................................... Henry J Blaszczyk
Public Relations (PASR)/Outreach.. .Jennifer Plumer Davis/Nathania T Johnson
Publications .........................................................Edward E Itzenson
Technology ...........................Stephen V Spence / Vernard Trent
Telephone Communication...........................Barbara W Barnett
Membership and Retirement Planning.... Miriam Travis
Service.........................................................Barbara W Barnett
Community Service................................................ Margery J Lokey
Cultural ........... Rita Borsari / Phyllis E Watson / Donald K Williams
Fitness .............................................................................. Steven Korsin
Member Benefit Services (PASR) ...............Frank W Hauser, Jr
Seminars.................................................................. Henry J Blaszczyk
Service Committee ...................................................Jerry Silverman
Townsend ....................................................................Leonard Kaltz
Social .............................................................................Clifford S Lipkin
Sunshine/Gratitude..........................................Barbara W Barnett
Finance................................................................ Stanley G Field
Other Administrative................................. Bonnie S Uditsky
Action...............................................................................John M Ferrier
Bylaws .................................................................Dolores R Seiberlich
Convention ............................................................. Henry J Blaszczyk
Legislative........................................................................ David Kaplan
L/PEC (PASR) ..............................................................John M Ferrier
Nominations .......................................................... Henry J Blaszczyk
NEWSLETTER EDITOR ............................... Edward E. Itzenson
E-mail: [email protected] and [email protected]
Service--wonderful trips, luncheons, fitness reimbursement for life members, knitted caps for our active duty
military, and benefits to meet the needs of our retirees,
are just a few of this committee’s activities.
Finance--oversees the monies and investments that connect our members to valuable services.
Through the Legislative Action committee,
your pension benefits and the legislative activities to
change and/or modify those benefits are closely monitored. In addition, the committee sent letters to all members of the Pennsylvania legislature to support a defined
pension for our members.
In addition to these committees, David Kaplan and Don
Williams, on behalf of PPSREA, have connected with the
Pennsylvania Retirement Security Coalition. The PARSC is
an activist coalition of various retiree organizations in
Pennsylvania. PARSC represents and advocates for over
270,000 state and school retirees in the Commonwealth.
The PARSC supports legislation for a COLA (cost of living
adjustment) for school retirees.
Join us in strengthening bridges to members, by committee participation in your Philadelphia Public School Retired Employees Association!
Bonnie Uditsky, President
Page 3
Awards our Organization gives
PPSREA COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD was established to plan activities to meet the need for improving and extending benefits for retirees and to encourage service by retirees that benefit the community.
Each year PPSREA presents its Community Service Award to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the Philadelphia community.
PASR EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT FOUNDATION was created to augment public education enrichment
endeavors and promote the positive accomplishments of public schools and the outstanding service provided by individuals employed in the public schools. The program includes
* The scholarship program provides $750.00
* The Lauretta Woodson Recognition Program Awards are given to an outstanding educator and a
support professional in recognition of their efforts on behalf of the students. The honoree receives a medallion, pin, and a proclamation of his/her service.
HAZEL G. RANIERI MEMORIAL AWARD honors Hazel G. Ranieri for more than 40 years as a school
teacher. She was also past president of PPSREA. Mrs. Ranieri lived her entire life in Philadelphia. Following graduation from Temple University she taught at Barton, Fitler and C.W. Henry School where she
taught math to seventh and eighth graders for over fifteen years. After her retirement she traveled extensively and was active in many volunteer organizations including the United Way, Red Cross blood banks
and Olney High School Alumni Association. PPSREA is grateful to Dr. Anna Ranieri, Mrs. Ranieri’s daughter, for her generous donation of $10,000 that was used to establish the Hazel G. Ranieri Memorial Award
that recognizes those who volunteer in the Philadelphia community.
PASR BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENDATION is awarded to a person who has provided outstanding service keeping members informed on issues that effect their health and well being.
PRIDE OF PPSREA Award was established under the leadership of past president, the late Carole A. Robbins who chaired the committee that created specific guidelines for the selection of the recipients of this
special award. The selected recipient must be a graduate, employee or retiree of the School District of
Philadelphia. His/her accomplishments must reflect service and accomplishments to humanity that make
us proud that he/she has been a part of the School District of Philadelphia. The recipient must also demonstrate a commitment to either teaching, learning or sharing and should extend altruistic service beyond
his/her recompense.
SERVICE - One of the prime purposes of our Association is to further the needs and welfare of our
members. Through our Service Committee, a wide range of assistance is provided to those who are experiencing difficulties.
*If you, or someone you know , is in need of assistance, please contact the office at
[email protected] and ask for an application (for service) to be sent to you.
Page 4
THE PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC SCHOOL RETIRED EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
440 N Broad St | Rm 223 | Philadelphia, PA 19130-4015
(215)400-8750 | (215)400-8751 (fax)| [email protected]
If you are a LIFE MEMBER of PPSREA and exercise on a regular basis at a fitness facility,
you may be eligible for a $60 stipend.
(If your membership is paid by another program, such as Silver Sneakers you are no longer eligible.)
Please complete this application and return to our office at the address above,
attention: Fitness Program.
****Application deadline is November 1, 2014 ****
PPSREA FITNESS PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR THE YEAR 2014 – STIPEND $60.00
Please Print and Complete All Information
NAME:_________________________________________________
(FIRST)
(MI)
LIFE MEMBER #________________
(LAST)
ADDRESS: STREET_____________________________________________
CITY____________________________ STATE ______ ZIP _________ TEL.#(
)__________________
EMAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________
FITNESS FACILITY WHERE YOU ARE ENROLLED*___________________________________________
TELE.# (
)____________________ DO YOU ATTEND AT LEAST THREE TIMES PER WEEK?: YES or NO
AMOUNT YOU PAY AND FOR WHAT LENGTH OF TIME _________________________________.
*YOU MUST ATTACH TO THIS APPLICATION A COPY OF YOUR PAID RECEIPT SHOWING
AT LEAST THREE MONTHS OF PAID MEMBERSHIP IN 2014.
PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME ON THE RECEIPT.
PLEASE HAVE AN INSTRUCTOR OR ADMINISTRATOR FROM THE FITNESS FACILITY SIGN BELOW
I CERTIFY THAT ______________________________ IS PARTICIPATING IN A FITNESS PROGRAM AT THIS
FACILITY FOR AT LEAST THREE MONTHS IN THE PAST YEAR
_________________________________
( FITNESS PROGRAM OFFICIAL )
___________________________________
(PARTICIPANT”S SIGNATURE)
____________________________ _____________________
(TITLE)
(DATE)
___________________________
(DATE)
PLEASE NOTE: SEND THIS APPLICATION ALONG WITH YOUR PAID MEMBERSHIP RECEIPT
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RETURNED BY NOVEMBER 1ST TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE 2014 STIPEND
*If your membership is paid by another program such as Silver Sneakers, you are not eligible for the stipend.
Page 5
Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees
Legislative/Political Education Committee
CONTRIBUTION FORM
Name ________________________________________
Did you know that a campaign to urge
passage of a single piece of legislation
can cost PASR more than $200,000?
Address ______________________________________
Thank you for your support!
City _____________________________ State________
ZIP ___________ Phone: (
) _____ - _____________
E-mail Address ________________________________
ContributionAmount : $10 | $25 | $50 or $_______
REGION 11 CONTRIBUTION
Please make checks payable to L/PEC and mail to 878 Century Drive | Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-8406
Note: L/PEC contributions are not deductible for federal income taxes.
CONGRATULATIONS
To Dorothy H. Idris, former member of our Board of Directors, who was granted her Ed.D from
Widener University. Congratulations to her after much hard work.
PASR REGION #11, Henry J Blaszczyk, Director
Tuesday, November 4th Election Day, a day when your vote will have a significant effect on your pension. I think that some kind of reform in our Pension System will take
place. It is therefore imperative that we, elect the Legislators who will support the position proposed by Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, our State Organization.
Because of our Internal Revenue status we are unble to endorse candidates for office.
However, PASR and PPSREA will keep you informed about the position taken by the
various candidates regarding Pension Reform.You, too, are encouraged to ask you local
candidate his or her position on this critical issue.
Find out as much as you can and on November 4th support the candidate who supports you.
Respectfully,
Henry J. Blaszczyk
Page 6
Honoring our Nonagenarians, May 2014
Mary L Manley
Martha S DeVaughn
John
Constantine
Ann M Montchyk
Pearl C Bryan
Mildred Morgan
Margaret Braunstein
Ola Roy
Paul Isakoff
Gertrude Williamson
Charles G Scott
Lillian Heller
Frank Hauser
Dorothy
Edward B
R Jones
D’Andrea
Not pictured:
Edith W Perkins
Dr. Roberta B. Savage
Daniel J. Finkelstein
Page 7
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON MAY 2014
TRIPS
Drexel University
Philadelphia ZOO
Wells Fargo Museum
Page 8
COMMUNITY SERVICE SURVEY
To All PASR Members — Thank you for being a volunteer in our community!
PASR Chapters are interested in documenting the hours of service that volunteer retirees contribute to
their local communities. In doing this, our volunteers show to the community at large a positive picture of the activities of public school retirees. Please take a moment to complete this form, filling in the appropriate number of
hours PER YEAR that you volunteer. A summary of this information will be shared with AARP, NRTA, and PASR
Headquarters.
EDUCATIONAL
HRS/YR
RELIGIOUS
Historical Assn. .............................................. _______
Adult Instruction.............................................._______
Library ............................................................ _______
Youth Instruction............................................._______
School Board.................................................. _______
Organization ..................................................._______
Other ............................................................. _______
Visitation........................................................._______
Total .......................................................... _______
Hospital/Nursing Home..................................._______
Total..........................................................._______
SOCIAL SERVICES
Boards/Committees........................................ _______
Cancer Society............................................... _______
Drug/Alcohol .................................................. _______
Fire/Ambulance .............................................. _______
Fraternal Groups ............................................ _______
Other .............................................................. _______
Meals on Wheels............................................ _______
Office of the Aging.......................................... _______
Red Cross ...................................................... _______
Salvation Army ............................................... _______
Service Organization ...................................... _______
Soup Kitchen/Food Bank................................ _______
Visitation/Nurturing......................................... _______
Other .............................................................. _______
SERVICES TO YOUTH
Alliance with Youth ........................................._______
Classroom Volunteer ......................................_______
Head Start ......................................................_______
Latch-Key Program........................................._______
Literacy..........................................................._______
Scholarships ..................................................._______
School Volunteer ............................................_______
Sports ............................................................._______
Tutoring .........................................................._______
YMCA/YWCA ................................................._______
Other .............................................................._______
Government...................................................._______
Total..........................................................._______
Total .......................................................... _______
I have served in special leadership roles as follows:
POLITICAL
HRS/YR
Advocacy ....................................................... _______
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Boards/Commissions ..................................... _______
Elections ........................................................ _______
Total Hrs. / Year / All Categories______
Other .............................................................. _______
_______ Yes, I want my hours counted, but I do not want to be considered for the Volunteer of the Year.
Total .......................................................... _______
Phone Number___________________________________
Name________________________________________
Region___XI___
Date_______________________________
E-mail________________________________
Return this page to: PPSREA | 440 N. Broad Street | 2ND Floor - Room 223 | Philadelphia, PA 19130 attn: Margery J Lokey
Page 9
Scholarship,Vivien H. Hansbury, Chair
PPSREA 2014 SCOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
PPSREA presented scholarships to the following students. Each recipient will
receive $1,500. The recipients are:
Dieynaba Dia graduated from Benjamin Franklin HS and will attend Penn
State Abington and major in Biology.
Abdellah Mouhtafill graduated from Abraham Lincoln HS and will attend
Penn State Reading and major in Biology.
Tytiana Kent graduated from Overbrook HS and will attend LaSalle University
and major in Spanish/Biology.
Pametra Geer graduated from Martin Luther HS and will attend Spelman College and major in Political Science.
Andre Harris graduated from A. Phillip Randolph HS and will attend West
Chester University.
TYTIANA KENT AND
VIVIEN H. HANSBURY
The interviewers and presenters of the awards at either the graduation or awards ceremony were Jennifer Plumer-Davis, Barbara Barnett, Brenda Taylor, Sandra Allen, Stephanie Childs, and Vivien H.
Hansbury.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE ON
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PPSREA REQUESTS:
Do you play an instrument, sing, or know a retired member who would be interested in performing at our General Membership Luncheons? Contact our office at [email protected]. We'd
like to highlight the talent of our members at an upcoming luncheon.
If you have photos of a PPSREA event or trip, please email them to the office at
[email protected], for consideration to be included in the next newsletter.
Save the date
spring luncheon - Thursday may 14, 2015
PPSREA CULTURAL TRIPS 2014-2015
Page 10
PLACE
1) Paul Robeson House | 4949/4951 Walnut St 19139
DATE/TIME
Thursday October 23rd
“Art as a Tool for Personal Change” Civil Rights Activist/Actor/Singer
COST
$6.00
11:00 a.m.
Paul Robeson spent his last 10 years in this home
http://paulrobesonhouse.org/
2) City Hall Tour w/Greta (includes Tower)
Tuesday, November 18th
Meet at Room 121 City Hall Visitor’s Center
$6.00
10 a.m. to 12 noon
http://www.visitphilly.com/history/philadelphia/city-hall/
3) Rittenhouse Hotel | 210 W Rittenhouse Square 19103
Friday, December 5th
High Tea (first 15 people | price includes tip and tax)
http://www.rittenhousehotel.com/dining/tea
4) The Barnes Foundation | 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy 19130
$55.00
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 14th
Tour with Audio (Glacken special display) |
http://www.barnesfoundation.org/
5) Congregation Rodeph Shalom | 615 N Broad St 19123
11:00 a.m.
Tour of Sanctuary | Art Exhibit | http://rodephshalom.org/
6) Associated Services for the Blind | 919 Walnut St #5 19107
11:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Wednesday, March 18th
Thursday, February 12th
$20.00
$5.00
10:30 a.m.
http://www.asb.org/
7) Academic Bistro | 101 N 33rd St, Paul Peck Bldg, 6th fl, 19104
$5.00
donation
Monday, April 20th
$13.00
Lunch at Drexel | http://drexel.edu/hsm/about/academic-bistro/
8) Shofuso Japnese House & Garden Tour | Horticultural Dr 19131
12:00 noon
Wednesday, May 20th
$4.00
http://www.japanesehouse.org/
9) Girard College | 2101 Girard Ave 19121
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, June 16th
$15.00
See printing Braille House and Rehabilitation facility for the Blind
Founders Hall | Museum | Chapel | http://www.girardcollege.edu/
10:30 a.m.
SPECIAL - New Rails Tour around Philadelphia | October 21, 2014 | Meet 9:30 inbound Wayne Junction. | NO CHARGE - bring SEPTA pass or Medicare card. RSVP to Burt Eisenberg 215-572-7712.
TRIP RESERVATION FORM - 2014-1015
PLACE
COST
# Attending
ENCLOSED
1) Paul
Robeson House
$6.00
#
$
2) City
Hall Tour
$6.00
#
$
$55.00
#
$
$20.00
#
$
5) Congregation Rodeph Shalom
$5.00
#
$
6) Assoc Services for the Blind
$5.00
#
$
7) Academic
$13.00
#
$
8) Shofuso
$4.00
#
$
9) Girard
$15.00
#
$
3) Rittenhouse
4) The
Hotel
Barnes Foundation
Bistro
College
Wear comfortable shoes on all trips. If you do not cancel at least 48 hours in advance, your money will not be refunded. On some
trips we must pay in advance and money cannot be refunded. THERE WILL BE NO REMINDERS!! Record these dates, NOW!!
Complete the form above. Send with check made out to “PPSREA Cultural Committee”. MAIL TO: Phyllis Watson, CoChair (215-879-9260) 5747 Jefferson St | Phila, PA 19131. Thank you! Rita Borsari, Co-Chair (215-567-6555)
Page 11
CONDOLENCES to the families of our deceased colleagues
Dorothy Abrams, Violet W. Addison (106), Herman Bell, Linda A. Berry, John J. Bolton, Sr., Raymond T. Bowman (105), Gwendolyn B. Brightful, Dr. Phyllis Henderson Brown, John Page Darden, Anna C. D'Armi, Irvin R. Davis, Charles M.Day, Tony DiMidio, John E. Fekete, Doris K. Firth,
Kate FitzGerald, Marriane France, Isabelle M. Fromberg, Margaret A. George, Arlene G. Ginsburg,
Louis F. Giorno, Gertrude R. Grossman, Rosalyn S. Hall, Ruth C. Hendler, Marcia T. Horwitz, Ethel
Invernizzi, Ida Kravitz, Jacquelyn Y. Kelley, Albert H. Laverson, Bernard Lazowick, Jeannette
Lemberg, Herbert Greenberg London, Dr. Jack Lutz, Dr. Michael P. Marcase, Joseph F. McGuiness,
Mary Ellen McVeigh, Bernice L. Metz, Thomas A. Mills, Sr., John F. Murphy, Joseph A. O'Donnell,
Nancy Partridge, Alfred Potter, John H. Richardson, David J. Rose, Francis T. Sheridan, Jr., Mary
Alice Foster Short, Barbara Siegel, Elizabeth C. Speer, Edmund U. Suez, Jr., Robert L. Talaga, Joan
D. Vogt, Johanna Stier Wiedermann, Hellen S. Weinstein, Jerome H. Wiseman, Dr. Anna Bethel
Young and Ihor Zujewskyj.
***PPSREA requests***
If you have not already done so and you have an email address OR you have updated your email
address, PLEASE send an email to [email protected], so that we may update our records. In
the future we plan to send you news bulletins regarding pension reform and maybe even the
newsletter, among other things. It is a GREAT WAY to keep in touch with us!! Please include
your name along with the email.
Note: *** This email will only be used by PPSREA***
Board of Director Vacancies
We are seeking candidates to fill the following vacancies for the 2015-2016 term:
Eight (8) Directors
As we are experiencing some critical times it is important that you consider joining us on the Board to continue the vital activities and programs currently in progress.
If you are interested in serving your fellow retirees please contact our Office at [email protected], no
later than October 6, 2014, to request that a nominating petition be mailed to you.
MEMBERSHIP Committee Report, Miriam (Mimi) Travis, Chair
Thanks to all who already renewed their membership and to those who became a Life Member. If
you have not already paid your renewed membership, it is not too late. Remember, PPSREA is
working hard, going to Harrisburg to see our Senators and Representatives, to fight for money for
our schools and our pension.
Tell your friends and family about PPSREA and let me know, either by email, [email protected]
or by mail, if anyone is interested in becoming a member of this great organization.
Life Membership is $150.00. Life membership special - $100 - LIMITED TIME ONLY. Contact Mimi!!
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OUR GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
Beside each name, place a “C” for chicken or “F” for fish.
Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 11:30 a.m., Penns Landing Caterers
NAME _____________________________________________PHONE: ( ____ )______________
ADDRESS:_______________________________________________APT#:___________________
CITY: __________________________________ STATE: ____________ ZIP:________________
EMAIL: ___________________________________@_____________________________________
Enclosed find $20.00 (PPSREA pays the rest) . (AMPLE FREE PARKING!) If members would like to sit together, they should
send their money together. Guests will receive their menu choice cards when they arrive the day of the luncheon.
Make checks payable to “PPSREA”. Deadline: Thursday, October 23, 2014. No reservations taken after the deadline!
NAMES:
Send to Nathania Johnson | 1202 Yerkes Street | Philadelphia, PA 19119 | 215-549-0914
1.
_________________
5.
_________________
9.
_________________
2.
_________________
6.
_________________
10. _________________
3.
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7.
_________________
4.
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8.
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Permit #45
Havertown, PA
U.S. Postage Paid
440 N Broad St | Rm 223 | Philadelphia, PA 19130-4015
THE PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC SCHOOL RETIRED EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
PRSRT STD