November BCREA Meeting

On Thursday, November 20, 2014, the Barron County Retired Educator's Association met at 10:30 am at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake.  About 50 members attended this meeting.  Russ Fell of the DNR presented information on deer hunting, frack sand mining, and several other topics of interest of the members.

Due to the length of the presentation, the business meeting had to be cut short.  Several items of the agenda were left fot the January meeting.  The membership drive was stressed and the Top 10 key facts that set WREA apart from others.  BCREA now has a special door prize available to those who bring a guest to our meeting.

The two visitors attending the meeting were Pauline Rhodes and Tom Hall.  It is hoped that there will be more visitors attending the meeting in January.  Our January meeting will be held on January 15, 2015, at "New" Living Waters church in Cameron.

Russ Fell - Presenter

Tom Hall - Visitor

Pauline Rhodes - Visitor

Meetings BCREA 2014/15

Planned meeting dates, places and programs for BCREA are as follows:

November - Thursday, November 20th at Bethany Lutheran in Rice Lake.  The program will be Russ Fell from the DNR.

January - Thursday, January 15th at Living Waters Church in Cameron.  The program will feature student from the Cameron band and choir.

March - Thursday, March 19th at Lehman's in Rice Lake.  The program will be Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald.

May - Thursday, May 7th at St. Paul Lutheran in Cumberland.  The program will be given by the Barron County Office on Aging.

All meetings start with coffee and cookies at 9:30 am during registration.  The programs being at 10:30 am with a short business meeting to follow.  Lunch is served at noon.  Meal costs are $12.  Dues for 2014/15 for BCREA are $15 with those wishing to join WREA at $50.

Retirement Planning Session Held

On Tuesday, October 14, 2014, a planning session for retirement was held at the Cameron Middle School at 7 pm.  Thirty-four people hear an hour and a half presentation by Roger Byers about the Wisconsin Retirement System and choices retirees have to make upon retirement.  

All those in attendance seemed to enjoy Roger's presentation and many statements were made about how much they had learned. 

Roger remained after the presention and talked with individuals who had questions on the presentation or on their current situation.

Steve Eichman, BCREA president, also made a short presentation on WREA and BCREA.  It is hoped that those in attendance will consider joining these organizations when they retire.

Those in attendance were given an opportunity to join WREA as an associate member with their first year free.

President Steve Eichman

Roger speaking to group

Retirement Seminar Scheduled

The Barron County Retired Educator's Association will host a free seminar for participants of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Cameron Middle School - Commons, 700 S. 1st Street, Cameron.

The focus will be on the Wisconsin Retirement System benefits and options.  The seminar is geared to all WRS participants (whether in education or not) who are planning to retire or beginning to think about it.  The presenter from the Wisconsin Retired Educator's Assoication (WREA) will be Roger Byers, a former benefit specialist with the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF).

To register, please contact John Osterloth at 715-234-4193 or email josterloth@charter.net.

2014 WREA Convention Held in Madison

President Steve Eichman and past-president John Osterloth attended the WREA State Convention held in Madison on September 23rd and 24th.  Many varied sessions were attended by the two BCREA members.
The opening address was made by Julie Underwood, Dean of Education at UW-Madison.  Her topic was: Support Public Education.  She presented many facts and figures to show how Wisconsin public education is currently doing and how the satistics show that the current climate in Madison government is hurting public education.
The next topic presented was that of Badger Honor Flights.  The presentor was unable to attend, but Clayton Chipman, a World War II vet who was flown to Washington DC with his grandson by Badger Honor Flights spoke of his experiences.  Those attending the convention were able to choose from many various topics including: Legislative session; Greater Power of Source; Myths and Facts about Depression and Aging; Know Legislators at the Grassroots Level; WREA Membership Training; Working with your Local Schools to Support Public Education; Cooking with Social Media; Man vs Mouse; and Rural with and Wisdom.
There were also speakers for the two luncheons and the banquet.  Wisconsin teachers of the year for 2013 and 2014 spoke to the group and Bo Ryan, Wisconsin Men's Basketball Coach spoke at Wednesday luncheon.
The last presentation was from Michael Williamson, Executive Director State of Wis. Investment Board(SWIB) and Bob Conlin, Secretary Department of Employee Trust Fund(ETF).  They spoke about the pension system, investments, and how the system is currently going.  Wisconsin pension system is 99.9% funded.  This is far better than most pension systems throughout the nation.  No one can predict the rest of the year, but possible senerios were presented.
Over all, those who attended were given a lot of information.

Julie Underwood

Clayton Chipman

Bo Ryan

John Osterloth and Steve Eichman

September Mtg. Held at Rolling Oaks

The first meeting of the 2014/15 school year was held on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at Rolling Oaks in Barron.  There were about 40 members and guests in attendance.
The program for the meeting wasSue Tindell of Travel Leaders and Paul Christenson of Globus Journeys.  Paul presented the various travel options available through Globus Journeys.  Everyone enjoyed his presentation and his sense of humor.
Under old business, the WREA District One meeting from last May was discussed.  The importance of submitting volunteer hours, Summer officer's meeting, raise of dues and meal costs, program and meeting dates for 2014/15 were presented, upcoming State WREA convention and last summers picnic were also part of the discussion.  Thank you letters were read from the scholarship recipent and the hat was passed for donation to the scholarship fund.
New business consisted of election Steve Eichman as president and Kathy Duerr as vice-president for BCREA for the next two years.  Also, it was decided that at the November meeting, donations will be given by members for our help for elementary schools program.
There were 3 guests/new members present at this meeting.  Keith Kolpack, Sharon Mosansky, and Sharon Clausen were first time attendees.
Our next meeting will take place at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake on Thursday, November 20th.  The program will be Russ Fell from the DNR.

Sue Tindell

Paul Christenson

Keith Kolpack

Sharon Mosansky

Sharon Clausen

Election Held

At the September 18, 2014, meeting, elections were held for president and vice-president of the BCREA.  Steve Eichman was elected president and Kathy Duerr was elected vice-president.  Each office is a two year term.  John Osterloth is now past president and will remain on the executive committee for two years.

Upcoming September 2014 Meeting

The Barron County Retired Educators’ Association will meet on Thursday, September 18, at Rolling Oaks on Highway 8 in Barron.  Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and cookies being served.  At 10:30 a.m. Sue Tindell and Paul Christenson from Globus Journeys will present a travel program.   All retired teachers, administrators, and staff are invited as well as their guests.  The cost of the noon meal is $12.  Sandy Steiner, BCREA treasurer, will be collecting state WREA dues ($50) and local BCREA dues ($15).  Reservations may be made by calling Barb Millerman at 715-743-2390 or e-mailing her at bamillerman@chibardun.net no later than Sunday evening, September 14.     

We look forward to seeing all current members at this meeting.  Remember to bring a friend or friends who are possible members.

2014 BCREA Picnic Held

On Wednesday, July 23, 2014, about 30 people attended the 2nd annual BCREA summer picnic was held at the Narrows Park in Rice Lake.  The weather was great and the food could not have been better.  Brats, hotdogs, and many dishes to pass were enjoyed by all.
The ability to socialize with others and the variety of the meal had all in attendance stating that we should have another picnic next year.
Below are a few pictures of the members enjoying each others company.

BCREA Picnic - Wednesday, July 23rd

The annual Barron County Retired Educator's Association summer picnic is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, 2014, at the Narrows Park in Rice Lake.  Members and their guests should plan on arriving around 4 pm with the meal served at 4:30 pm.

Members attending are asked to bring a dish to pass plus any type of beverage they might like.  The meat, buns, plates, napkins, eating utentils, etc. will be furnished by the organization.

All members should have been contacted by email and/or telephone about whether they plan on attending or not.  If you have not been contacted or have opened your calendar and can now attend, please contact any BCREA officer by Sunday, July 20th.

There will be plenty of food for anyone who decides to attend after the 20th.  Feel free to join us!

Summer Officer's Meeting Held

On Monday, June 30, 2014, the BCREA officers met at Perkins in Rice Lake to plan the 2014/15 activities for the organization.  All officers were present.
Dates and programs were discussed and tentative places and programs along with the dates of the meetings were set.  Officers are currently contacting the places and people who will be the presenters.  When these are finalized, the complete information will be presented to the members.  Watch for updates.
The cost of meals and other financial obligations were discussed.  The officers voted unanimously to set the meal costs for the 2014/15 year at $12, up from $10.  The yearly local dues were set at $15, up from $10.  This past year, with coffee and cookies prior to the meetings and the cost of the meal, we lost money each time we met.
The July 23rd BCREA picnic was discussed with duties of the officers finalized.  All members will be contacted by email and officers will be calling members who do not respond to the email.  It is hoped that many of the members will be able to attend the picnic at the Narrows Park in Rice Lake.  Members are encouraged to be at the Narrows Park about 4 pm with the meal being served at 4:30 pm.  Members are to bring a dish to pass and any beverages they wish to drink.  The unit will provide the meat, plates, napkins, etc.  Hope to see you there.
The encouragement for members to bring guests to our meeting was discussed.  Members brings a guest or guests will have an opportunity to win an special door prize.  The member who brings a guest will have their name placed in a hat for each guest they bring.  That the end of the business meeting, a name will be drawn from this hat and a door prize will be awarded.  Consider bringing a friend.  Remember, first time attendees are provided their meal.  It is hoped that they will enjoy the meeting and become a member.
There is still a need for a member to come forward who is willing to be the vice-president of our organization.  Please consider helping your organization function.

WREA District 1 Meeting

The WREA District 1 meeting was held on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, in Rice Lake at Turtle Back Convention Center.  Approximately 60 district 1 members, invited speakers, and staff from the WREA office attended the meeting.
A panel of Wisconsin elected officials was first on the program.  Joe Baye was the moderator for a panel consisting of Senator Bob Jauch, Representatives Mick Milroy and Stephen Smith.  The panel commented on questions dealing with Public School Funding; Common Core Standards; The State Retirement System; and Communication with legislators from both sides of the aisle.
Next, the WREA presented retiring senator Bob Jauch with a plaque thanking him for his years of service to northern Wisconsin and his support to public education.
Following a short break, Dr. Bernie Hughes, Professor Emeritus from UW Superior presented on staying active during retirement years.  Dr. Hughes will be turning 90 this September.  His talk was filled with memories of this growing up, years in education, and time since he has retired.
Prior to lunch, the WREA District 1 Foundation Challenge Award winners were presented.  With the change from fall to spring district meetings, two winners were presented to the group.  Last years winner was Rice Lake Middle School and this years was Rhinelander High School.  Steve Hoersten from the Rice Lake MS presented the winning program and Susan Hampton, along with two students from Rhinelander, presented their winning program.
Following lunch, Nancy Cramer, District Manager of MASA made a short presentation of some of the available benefits for WREA members.
After Nancy's presentation a panel of WREA members presented their views on grassroots legislative contacts and what they thought should be WREA's involvement in lobbying for education legislation.  On this panel was Joe Baye, John Bigley, Bob Opsahl, and Terry Derleth.  The moderator for this group was David Bennett.
Those attending took a short afternoon break, then Ginny Pedersen and Lynne Kagelmann, both of the WREA State Membership Committee, made a presentation (Dog and Pony Show!) on the WREA Membership Toolkit developed by the committee.  They used hand puppets of a dog and a pony to help get their points across to the audience.  A set of these puppets was given as a door prize for those attending.
The meeting wrapped up with presentation of volunteer checks recognizing unit members for volunteer hours, door prizes of plants from tables, hand puppets, and dice from the casino, along with parting statements from John Osterloth, BCREA president, and Vic Bekkum, WREA president.

Legislative Panel

Dave Bennett and Vic Bekkum presenting award to Senator Bob Jauch

Dr. Bernie Hughes

Steve Hoersten - Rice Lake MS

Rhineland HS getting award

Vic Bekkum presenting Little Red Wagon Award

Nancy Cramer - MASA

Grassroots panel

Lynne Kagelmann - Membership Comm.

Ginny Pedersen - Membership Comm.

May 1st BCREA Meeting - Cumberland

About 60 members of BCREA met at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cumberland on Thursday, May 1st.   David Bennett, WREA Executive Director, was the featured speaker.  In informed the group on the history of the WREA, the lobbying efforts of the group, and other information concerning members of the organization.  He answered many questions directed at him from the members.
There were several items discussed and voted on during the business meeting.  The District 1 meeting will be taking place at Turtle Back in Rice Lake on Wednesday, May 7th.  BCREA will be hosting this event.  Volunteers are needed to help with this event and several members came forward to help.  The WREA State Convention will be held in Middleton on September 23rd and 24th.  John Osterloth volunteered to be the delegate representing BCREA.  There was a motion and second to provide financial help to those attending the convention.  This was passed by the members.
The summer picnic for the BCREA is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23rd at the Narrows Park in Rice Lake.  Members are to arrive at about 4 pm with the meal being served at 4:30 pm.  BCREA will be providing the meat, plates, napkins, etc.  Members are to bring a dish to pass and their own beverages.  Calls will be made prior to the picnic to get reservations and remind members of the event.
BCREA is still in need of a member to volunteer to be president-elect for 2014/16.  An member interested in this position is to contact an officer.  If member(s) know of a possible candidate, please let us know.
The group recognized one of our members at this meeting.  Mildred Carlson, who turns 100 this September was able to attend this meeting.  The members were pleased she was able to attend.  Two visitors were at the meeting.  Sharon Mosansky, retired custodian from Riverview in Barron and Jan Helgeson, retired 3rd and 5th grade teacher from Cumberland.
The officers of BCREA will be meeting in June to plan next years events.  Look for information on 2014/15 coming out in late August prior to our September meeting.

Dave Bennett - WREA Executive Director

Millie Carlson

Sharon Moseansky

Jan Helgeson

BCREA March 20th Meeting

Approximately 30 members of BCREA met on Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake.  The program was presented by Lakeview Medical Center Hospice.  There were several presenters from Hospice.  They included Sylvia Blakeman, HHC/Hospice Director; Lucy Hewitt, RN Hospice Coordinator; Kris Fetkenheuer, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator; Lauri Engness, Hospice Volunteer; and Lauri's two dogs Dice and Lily who are Hospice K-9 Volunteers.

This program lasted about 70 minutes with members being able to ask many questions for the presenters.  Information was distributed about how to become a Hospice volunteer and what jobs Hospice volunteers are able to choose from to help out the program.  All volunteers must go through a 4 week, two afternoons per week, training before being able to apply to be a volunteer.

If anyone is interested in finding out more, they can contact Hospice Care at 715-236-6256.  Their office is located in Rice Lake at 2304 South Main St., Suite #6, Rose Stone Plaza.

A short business meeting followed the program.  We had one new member join BCREA at this meeting. Welcome to Larry Miller, former teacher in Chetek.  Reminder, the organization is in need of a member who is willing to be president elect next year.  Please speak to any officer if you have interest in becoming more involved with the organization.

BCREA is hosting the Spring District 1 meeting being held in Rice Lake on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at Turtleback in Rice Lake.  We are asking for volunteers to help by working that day to help register participants, etc.  If you have any interest in working, please contact John Osterloth, josterloth@charter.net, or any officer of the organization.  It is important the we also have members attend this meeting.  More information should be coming out from WREA soon.

Our next meeting is scheduled for May 1st at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cumberland.  The program scheduled is David Bennett, WREA Executive Director.  This is an opportunity for all BCREA members to meet our state Executive Director and hear about WREA.  We encourage as many members to attended this meeting as possible.

New member Larry Miller

Lauri with Dice and Lily

Information area

Sylvia Blakeman, Director

Lauri with Dice and Lily

Lucy Hewitt - RN

Kris Fetkenheuer, Volunteer Coordinator

Lucy and Kris

BCREA January 2014 WITC Meeting

On January 16th, approximately 30 members of the BCREA meet at the WITC Convention Center in Rice Lake.  Six employees of WITC presented various topics dealing with WITC programs and help for the students attending the Rice Lake Campus.  Following a delicious soup and sandwich lunch, ten members went on a 2 hour tour of the facilities, seeing many of the programs and having time to speak with several teachers of these programs.

Top picture - Betty Shaffer and Wendy Loy speaking on continuing education.
2nd picture - Lori Bowman presenting on Foundation/scholarship events.
3rd picture - Susan Janetski talking about counseling and accuplacer.
4th picture - Anne Hanson speaking on study skills/adult basic education.
Last picture - Christy Roshell who gave an overview of WITC and guided the members on their tour of the facilities.

January 2014 Meeting

The Barron County Retired Educators’ Association will meet on Thursday, January 16, in the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Conference Room located at 1900 College Drive in Rice Lake.  Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and cookies being served.  At 10:30 a.m. a program will be presented by the WITC staff concerning the college and programs it offers.  All retired teachers, administrators, and staff are invited as well as their guests.  The cost of the noon meal is $10.  After lunch tours will be provided for all interested attendees.  Reservations may be made by calling Barb Millerman at 715-743-2390 or e-mailing her at bamillerman@chibardun.net no later than Sunday evening, January 12.