PASR State Convention Report

FROM: JOANN HEIMER

TO: All CCPASR MEMBERS

Report from PASR State Convention

October 10-12, 2011 King of Prussia, PA

Recently Carol Rocco & I attended the PASR State Convention held in King of Prussia from October 10-12. The absence of Pres. Dr. John Nye was felt. Pres-Elect Dr. Stephen Vak presided (will take office in Jan., 2012)

Richard Rowland - Exec. Director gave this report

-“Members fought hard to secure passage of the pension reform legislation passed in Nov. and signed into law by Gov. Rendell in Dec., 2010. While legislators failed to include the COLA we advocated, the new law does include everything PASR advocated to correct the retirement systems’ funding problems and reduce costs to PA’s taxpayers.”

-Announced the addition of Director of Communication Kimberly Taylor Carmo – an excellent job of redesigning the content & appearance of print publications & the PASR Website (www.pasr.org). It is planned that this website will be a “one stop-shopping” site for not only renewing both state and local memberships, but a resource of links for everything of importance to retirees. I recently took the time to look around the PASR Website and found many things of interest. I encourage you to check it out! During an Enrichment Seminar, Ms. Taylor Carmo showed our Clinton County PASR Website and commended us for our work. I spoke up to say that Clinton County was represented at the session but not the man who is primarily for our site, Rich Wykoff.

It is at the state level that administrative staff and elected officers direct the activities of PASR on a daily basis. It is at this level that policies are established to guide and direct the activities of the region and chapter levels. And it is from our headquarters in Mechanicsburg that significant support and assistance is given to our chapters and regions to help us better meet the needs of you, the PASR members. Locally, we are often unaware of this support. As an example, the State disbursed $14,000 in rewards to local chapters for completed activities from July 2010 to June 2011. Our chapter received $275. For 2011-2012, there are 21 activities that fall under five areas: Service to others, Social Opportunities for Members, Information to Members/Nonmembers, Economic Benefits for Members, Growing and Strengthen OUR Association. We can earn up to $625 by accomplishing all 21 activities – our goal is to accomplish as many as possible. .

We also received $268 for the work of our Social Services Memorial Honor Fund Committee. Carol Rocco will tell you about that.

PASR’s Mission – “To serve others in need and help one another enjoy retirement”

Each of our committees uses the Mission Statement and the chapter goals and activities, determined at the state level, to guide our projects throughout the year. We hope that you will volunteer with us to participate in our many activities. (Ask committees to stand).

If you are unsure about working on a year-round committee, 2012 offers a special opportunity, PASR’S 75^th Birthday Celebration. The state committee has developed a long list of ideas to facilitate our local “PASR Birthday Party”. We encourage you to become involved with our celebration by joining our planning committee.

RECREO Opportunities 2011-2012

PASR Up-Coming RECREO Opportunities 2011-2012

Lou Bernard Guided Walk in Nov.

- Lou Bernard of the Clinton County Historical Society will lead a weekday morning walk to perhaps the Saint Mary’s Cemetery, the Lock Haven Historic District, or the Hill Section. Date, time & location TBD

Heritage Day at Priestley House - Nov 6

Joseph Priestly was an 18^th Century English theologian, political philosopher and scientist who is usually credited with the discovery of oxygen. He spent the last 10 years of his life on Northumberland, PA where his home is now a museum. Guests may tour the mansion at their own pace, talk with costumed interpreters about the Priestley family at home and join Dr. Priestley in his laboratory for chemistry demonstrations. www.josephpriestleyhouse.org

Gettysburg Battlefield Loop Hike – Saturday, November 12 

- Nine miles - Moderate. Join a local Sierra Club to hike the Billy Yank Trail, a loop that begins on Cemetery Ridge and passes through the locales of most of the major encounters including the Wheatfields, Devils Den, Little Round Top, and Picketts Charge before finishing back at Cemetery Ridge. A scenic hike through history. We would car pool to Gettysburg.

Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail - Wednesday, Nov. 16

Come along as we spend the day touring vineyards and wineries in the Susquehanna Valley.

Gabriel’s Restaurant, New Berlin, PA (just below Lewisburg) Wed., Nov. 30

The Inn at New Berlin - Fine Dining at their Award-winning restaurant, entrees priced $19-32.

A Food Lover’s Tour of Boston, MA– May 21-24, 2012

Travel with the state PASR group for guided tours of such highlights as the Mark Twain House, sites of Boston, MA., Harvard Yard at Harvard University, Sam Adams Brewery, Boston's North End Italian market, Culinary Tour of Johnson & Wales University, Providence, Rhode Island with a Culinary demonstration. This 4-day, 3-night excursion, chock full of guided tours and also time to wander, includes bus transportation, lodging, 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners and all taxes and tips. Prices range from $566 (Quad), $652 (Double) to $844 (Single).

Cruising Burgundy & Provence to the Cote D’Azur 

River Cruise Tour – 13 days from $3895 – Oct. 15, 2012 – Sponsored by the Berks County PASR

Heimer-led group tour – summer, 2013 

In January, 2012, I will begin planning next adult group tour to Europe. Where would YOU like to travel in Europe?

Contact Joanne Heimer at 753-3699 or jheimer@comcast.net for greater details, to facilitate arrangements if you plan to attend an event, OR to request future day-trips.

RECREO Elk Watch and Wine Tour

Elk Watch and Wine Tour – Friday, June 17

Come Elk watching with us! We're headed to Benezette, Elk County area to do some Elk watching! We'll check out the new Elk Country Visitor's Center, spending time there seeing an excellent movie and all there is to learn about elk and other wildlife and recreation in the region. We’ll travel to several elk viewing areas, then make a pit stop for lunch (dutch treat) before heading to nearby Elk Mountain Winery where we’ll do a bit of wine tasting and shopping before heading home. If you're interested in the elk, this is a great way to get educated and to see these animals up close. Meet at the Save-a-Lot parking lot on Walnut Street, LH at 9:30 AM to carpool. Cost is several $ for the film at the Visitor Center, lunch at your own cost and sharing in the cost of gas.

As always, feel free to bring friends. When you plan to attend, you should contact Joanne Heimer at 753-3699 or jheimer@comcast.net to facilitate arrangements.

RECREO Boalsburg Trip

Come join PASR RECREO as we travel to Boalsburg

Saturday, May 28

During Memorial Day Weekend, we’ll travel back in time to WWII. However, we’ll begin our trip with lunch at either the Elk Creek Café in Millheim or Duffy’s Tavern in Boalsburg. After lunch, we’ll watch a small squad tactical demonstration and have time in the PA Military Museum (we’ll need at least 10 people for a guided group tour). Then at 3:00, The Andrews Sisters will sing and dance to all the tunes of the era! Meet at the Save-a-Lot parking lot on Walnut Street, LH at 10:30 AM to carpool. We will return by 5 PM. Cost is $6 for the Military Museum (+ $8 for a guided tour), lunch at your own cost and sharing in the cost of gas.

When you plan to attend, you should contact Joanne Heimer at 753-3699 or jheimer@comcast.net to facilitate arrangements.

BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS PICNIC

Donna Yost spoke with the newly appointed BBBS Program Coordinator, Jovana DeSalvo. Jovana would like to plan a picnic activity with PASR. Here are some possible dates to consider: July 9, or 25. We will need a small number of volunteers for whatever date is chosen. Jovana and the BB/BS will plan a nature scavenger hunt at Bald Eagle Park and our group would supply the picnic food and drink. Details will be posted when finalized. However, we do need some idea of how many members will be committed to help.

Anyone interested in helping with time or donations for this event should contact Donna Yost: 748- 5824 or e-mail sy1dy2@yahoo.com

PASR LUNCHEON INVITATION

PASR

Clinton County Chapter

May 1, 2011

The Clinton County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) Spring Luncheon will be held at the Red Eye Center in Flemington on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 12:00 noon. A business meeting will be held at 11:00. Come and hear about what is happening in our local chapter.

Turkey, filling, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cole slaw, ice cream and beverages will be served.

Our program will include the announcement of our 2011 scholarship winners. We will also hear from our 2010 scholarship winners. Our guest speaker will be John Nye, the president of the state PASR. John, a Lock Haven native, will tell us all about PASR happenings at the state level.

Please fill out your volunteer hours form. Send an e-mail with your totals to Phyllis Grenoble at phyllis1@chilitech.net. Or you may call Phyllis at 570-398-1313. Remember to include in your volunteer hours, time spent in caring for family members and others.

Erla Mae Fredericks will have 2011 Millbrook tickets available for anyone who would like to purchase them.

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LUNCHEON RESERVATION

Name _________________________Guest’s Name (if applicable) ________________

Number of Reservations _________ Luncheon Tickets $11.00 per person

Please list your phone number/s ____________________________________________

Members who have received this information via e-mail have a choice as to how to register and pay for the luncheon and your dues.

1. You may print and fill out the form on this page. Mail forms and payment for the luncheon and payment for your dues to Carolyn Burrows, 116 Beverly Drive, Beech Creek, PA 16822 by May 19, 2011. Make check for luncheon and/or dues payable to PASR.

You may write out only one check to pay for the luncheon, local and state dues.

2. You may call Carolyn at 570-962-3286 to register and then pay for the luncheon at the door.
3. You may e-mail Carolyn at wesley_burrows@comcast.net to register and pay for the luncheon at the door.

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Annual Dues Information

Dues for 2011-2012 should be paid at this time. State dues are $45.00 and local dues are $10.00. Members who have received this information via e-mail have a choice as to how to pay.

Both state and local dues should be paid locally so that Fran has an accurate record of your payments.

1. Before May 19, 2011, you may send your dues payment to Carolyn Burrows. (See address above.)
2. After May 19, 2011, you may print and fill out the form below. Mail form and payment for your dues to Fran Kramer at 48 Church St. Lock Haven, PA 17745.

Make check for dues payable to PASR.

3. You may pay for your dues when you come to the luncheon

Name ____________________________________________ State dues ___________

Address __________________________________________ Local dues ___________

___________________________________________ TOTAL (dues) _______

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

Phyllis Grenoble, recipient of the state level John J. Dillon PASR Service Award accompanied by Clinton County Chapter President Bill Kraus

Jo Anne Hoberman is accompanied by Clinton County President Bill Kraus and Phyllis Grenoble, chairperson of Community Service Committee receiving the Clinton County Chapter of PASR “John Barry Volunteer of the Year” award. Jo Anne serves on the Advisory Board of the Clinton County Community Dental Clinic in Lock Haven, and has worked at the clinic as a volunteer during its first year of operation.

Educational Support Committee

Recipients of the Lauretta Woodson awards with KCSD’s Director of Special Education and Chairperson of Educational Support Committee.

Left to right: Judith Petruzzi, Director of KCSD Special Education, recipient Diane Day, Life Skills Teacher at CMMS, recipient Donna Hardy, para educator at KCSD Heart Academy, Donna Yost, Chairperson of Educational Support Committee