MERRY CHRISTMAS

     Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our members and those who read this blog.  Our next meeting will be on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at the WITC in Rice Lake.  Our program will be a presentation on WITC and what is available on the campus.  Following the lunch, there will be tours of the facilities available to those who wish to see what is offered in Rice Lake.
    Thank you to those who turned in your volunteer hours.  All forms required by the WREA have been completed and turned in for 2013.  Along with the January meeting at WITC, we have our March 20th meeting at Bethany Lutheran in Rice Lake with a program on Hospice Care and our May 1st meeting in Cumberland with a program provided by David Bennett, the WREA Executive Director.
     The Barron County Retired Educator's Association (BCREA) will be hosting the spring District 1 meeting being held in Rice Lake.  The exact date and time will be announced at a later date.
     I look forward to seeing many of you in January.  For those who have left for the warmer climate, safe travels and see you later in the spring.

John Osterloth
BCREA President

November BCREA Meeting

About 45 members attending the November 14, 2013, meeting of the Barron County Retired Educator's Association which was held at Renegade's outside of Turtle Lake.  The program was presented by Jennifer Beaudette, Director of Member Services of Barron Electric Co-op.  Two new members attended this meeting.  They are Saundra and Bill Bergum of Cumberland.  If members have volunteer hours and were not at the meeting to turn them in, please email them to John Osterloth at josterloth@charter.net. Also, at this meeting, funds were collected to help Barron county elementary schools.  If members still wish to contribute, they can send them to Sandy Steiner, BCREA treasurer.

Jennifer Beaudette presenting

Jennifer speaking to group

Melissa Klump - Technology Coordinator with Jennifer
Beaudette and John Schaffer in backgound

Members listen to Jennifer's presentation

New members of the BCREA -
Saundra & Bill Bergum of Cumberland

WREA Foundation Challenge Award - District 1

Berland Meyer (WREA Foundation Liaison), Vic Bekkum (WREA President), and John Osterloth (BCREA President) attended the Rice Lake School Board meeting on Monday, October 28, 2013.  They were at the meeting to recognize the Rice Lake Middle School as winners of the 2013 Challenge Award for District 1 of WREA.  The project "STEAM: A Collaborative Approach to Engineering and Design" received the award.

A check for $2000 was presented to Steve Hoersten, Technology and Engineering Teacher at the Rice Lake Middle School.  The focus of the project was to challenge students to use the tools of art and design with the principles of engineering and technology to find solutions to problems that have an impact on society.

The project has expanded to the point that students and parents attend "Saturday School" so extra time can be given for lab work.  The last Saturday school had approximately 50 students and 20 parents in attendance.

Rice Lake Middle School is one of five middle schools throughout the state being recognized this year by WREA.  The foundation rotates elementary, middle, and high school awards, with this year being the middle school recognition.

November BCREA Meeting

The Barron County Retired Educator's Association will be meeting on Thursday, November 14, 2013, at the Renegades Bar outside Turtle Lake.  There will be a coffee and cookies hour starting at 9:30 am with the meeting starting at 10:30 am.  The program will be "Energy Conservation", presented by representatives of the Polk/Burnett Electric Company.
Members are reminded that we will be collecting monies for the "School Supplies" program sponsored by the BCREA each year.  At the November meeting we also collect the sheets listing the volunteer hours our members have done throughout 2013.  Members who can not make the meeting should email their hours to John Osterloth, President, at josterloth@charter.net.
Those who did not make the September meeting may pay their yearly dues of $10 for local dues at this meeting.  WREA dues may also be paid at the meeting or on line at the WREA website.

September 2013 BCREA Mtg

The BCREA met on September 19th at Rolling Oaks in Barron.  The presenter was Barron County Administrator, Jeff French.  Approximately 50 members attended this first meeting of the 2013/14 school year.
Among those things discussed were: Marie Anderson and Sandy Steiner were re-elected as secretary and treasurer of the organization; the organization will continue to collect funds for elementary schools in the county with funds from the treasure to be used if necessary to guarantee at least $500;  and several members volunteered to contact past or potential members who live in the county.

 Above - Jeff French's presentation and members enjoying coffee, cookies, and conversation prior to the start of the meeting.

BCREA September 19th Meeting

PROGRAM:  Jeff French, Barron County Administrator

“Building the Barron County Budget”

Date:  Thursday, September 19, 2013

Time:  Registration from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

(Coffee and Cookies will be served during this hour.)

Place:  Rolling Oaks Restaurant – on Hwy. 8 in Barron

450 West Division Avenue

(Cars can park on the lower level if the steps are an issue for some.)

Program:  Jeff French – 10:30 a.m.

(Followed by a short business meeting)

Noon Lunch served Buffet Style – Cost:  $10

(Broasted chicken, salad, vegetables, potatoes, rolls, dessert, and beverage)

Reservations Due By:  Sunday evening, September 15, 2013

(Can call Barb Millerman at 715.743.2390 or e-mail her at

bamillerman@chibardun.net.)

New WREA State Dues Structure

Local dues will remain at $10 per year; however, state dues have increased to $50 for one year, $135 for 3 years, and $625 for a lifetime membership.  If you cannot attend the September meeting, you can mail your local or state or both sets of dues to BCREA Treasurer, Sandy Steiner, at 315 Carrie Circle, Rice Lake, WI 54868.  She can forward your WREA dues on to the state office in Madison.  You may write out one combined check for your dues to BCREA.  Due may also be paid on line at the WREA website, WREA.net.

BCREA holds picnic

On July 17th, BCREA held its first "annual" summer picnic and pot luck.  Twenty-one members and guests attended this event held at the Narrows Park in Rice Lake.  Brats, hot dogs, along with side dishes, salads, and desserts were enjoyed by all.  The weather was hot, but the shelter at the park provided shade and there was a nice breeze helping to cool those attending.  The discussion at the event was that we should definitely have a picnic again next year.   Below are some pictures from the event.

Retirement Information Meeting Held

On July 17th, a retirement information meeting was held at the Rice Lake High School Auditorium.  Roger Byers, presenter from WREA, spoke to 15 attendees about the retirement system.  Also in attendance was John Osterloth, President of the BCREA.  Those attending were given information on how the system is set up, what they should be looking at in their yearly report, and the choices they will have to make when they retire.  Roger emphasized that every member of the retirement system should check to see who they have listed as the beneficiary.  They should make sure that this form is up to date.  For more information, go to the retirement website.  

NEW ACTIVITY - SUMMER POT LUCK

For the first time our local BCREA is hosting a social event—a summer picnic--to which you and your guests are invited.  Help us to spread the word.  Hope to see many of you there—details below:

All prospective, former, and regular members of the

Barron County Retired Educators Association

are invited to a cookout/picnic

at Narrows Park, 815 E. Sawyer St., so. end of Rice Lake

beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17.

Members are asked to bring either a salad or dessert

or other dish to complement the cookout.

Please bring your own beverages as well.

BCREA will provide the meat, buns, and condiments

as well as the plates, cups, and silverware.

Please RSVP to this invitation by contacting

Barb Millerman (715-743-2390) or by replying

to this e-mail no later than Friday, July 12.

Summer Executive Committee Meeting Held

On Tuesday, June 18, 2013, the Executive Committee of BCREA met for their summer planning meeting.  This meeting took place at Perkins in Rice Lake.  Attending the meeting were: John Osterloth - President; Marie Anderson - Secretary; Sandy Steiner - Treasurer; Steve Eichman - Vice President; and Helen Block - Scholarships.
At this meeting we discussed membership numbers and what we might do to increase our numbers.  We set meeting dates, places, and programs for the 2013-14 meeting schedule.  This is getting finalized and will be available prior to the September meeting.
We talked about scholarships and found out that we did present one scholarship this year.  Information will be presented at the September meeting.
We also discussed and planned a summer get together.  On July 17th, we will be having a pot luck get together at Narrows Park in Rice Lake.  Look for more information to follow.
We also discussed local dues and decided to keep them at $10 this year.

Passing of the gavel

Current WREA president Carol Lamp passes the gavel to WREA president elect Vic Bekkum at the end of the 2013 WREA state convention.  Vic will state his two year term as president of the organization on June 1st.

Pictures from WREA State Convention

 WREA State President Elect Vic Bekkum, BCREA President John Osterloth, and WREA Board Member Jim Perala attending the 2013 WREA State Convention held in Stevens Point on May 7th & 8th.

 Barron County Retired Educators Association President - John Osterloth

WREA State President Elect Vic Bekkum and BCREA President John Osterloth

May 2nd Meeting CANCELLED

The information below as sent out prior to the scheduled May 2nd meeting.  Who would have thought that the area would get 17 inches of snow on that date.  This meeting was cancelled and will not be rescheduled at this time.  Watch for possible activities scheduled for over the summer.

John Osterloth - President BCREA

Good Morning, BCREA Members:

A copy of the individuals who have signed up to attend this coming Thursday’s meeting is attached.  Our attendance is way down this May, so it is very important that we ALL honor our reservations.  Our menu at the ‘R Bar should include broasted chicken, a baked potato, CA style vegetables, coleslaw, a brownie, and coffee or milk for the beverage.  (We did not have to pay for the meeting room.)

I know that Jeff French, our Barron County Administrator, is working very hard to provide an informational and interactive program for us on how the Barron County Budget is developed.

This blind copy is being sent to only those members who are attending and have given me an e-mail address.

See you Thursday!

Barb Millerman

Membership Chair

BCREA May meeting set

The Barron County Retired Educators’ Association will meet on Thursday, May 2, at

‘R Bar (formerly Sportsman’s) between Cameron and Chetek with  reservations beginning at

10 a.m. and lunch at noon.  Jeff French, Barron County Administrator, will present

an informative program on “Building the Barron County Budget.”  All retired teachers,

administrators, and staff are invited as well as their guests.  The cost of the meal is $10. 

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, April 28.

March 21st BCREA Minutes

Barron County Retired Educators

March 21, 2013

10:30 a.m

Barron County Retired Educators met on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Rolling Oaks in Barron. Our meeting was called to order by our president, John Osterloth. He presented our speaker, Leslie Fijalkriewicz, Barron County Nutritionist, Eating Healthy.

·         Water is most important.

·         Onions and garlic are good antioxidants.

·         A little fat in your diet is essential.

·         Take your pick of whole grains and include them in a variety of ways. (whole grain breads, whole grain cereals, whole grain pasta, and brown rice) Good sources of soluble and insoluble fibers.

·         Beans provide fiber any kind.

·         Yogurt is great for digestion, bones, teeth, and gums.

·         Nuts: brazil nuts, walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds.

·         Broccoli has more nutrients than any other food.

·         Melons are very healthy.

We began the business meeting by the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.

·         Two visitors were recognized.

·         Secretary’s report  was given by the Marie Anderson and seconded by Steve Eichman.

·         Treasurer’s report was given by Sandy Steiner with a balance in the treasury of $1,275.34. The Scholarship Fund has $16,204.92. The report was accepted by Frank Peichel.

·         Barb Millerman gave a membership update: 88 local and 148 WRE, State. We had six no-shows at this meeting. Barb will contact them.

·         Lynn reported that school supply donations were made to six schools this year.

New Business

·         State Convention is May 7-8 at Stevens Point. John Osterloth will be attending. $600 was allocated towards expenses.

·         Lynn Hansee received state recognition for community volunteer service. She received a pen and plaque for her Outstanding Volunteer Award.

·         Spring Retirement Planning Session will be at the Cameron Middle School, April 11, 2013. Three volunteers are needed. The presenter will be Roger Byers . A volunteer is needed to replace Howard Hanson in his position. A round of applause was given for his work.

·         Volunteers are needed for the Wisconsin Academic Decathlon. Information is available if interested.

·         We need to take a stand on Walker’s proposed aid to schools.

·         Those on the core retirement plan will be cut a minus  9.6%. The variable will be plus 9%. One can’t go below with what you started with. The good news is that this is the last year for smoothing.

·         Door prizes were won by Darlene Bratager and Mary Scchramke.

·          Ken Mosentine let us in the dinner prayer.

A delicious meal was served to about 40 people. Our next meeting will be at the R Bar, formerly Sportsman’s Club east of Cameron on Thursday May 2, at 10:30 a.m

Secretary,

Marie Anderson

Retirement Planning Seminar Postponed

The WRS Retirement Planning Seminar has been rescheduled for July 17, at 1:00 p.m. in the Rice Lake High School Auditorium.  Primary to the scheduling of this event is the availability of the speaker, Roger Byers.   No pre-registrations are needed for this Seminar.  All materials for the Seminar will be provided on arrival.

We trust that you will have opportunity to attend even though summer offers a variety of activities and interests.

Barron County Retired Educators Association

Howard Hanson

Spring Retirement Meeting Planned

A spring retirement meeting is planned for Thursday, April 11th, at 4:00 pm at the Cameron Middle School.  The speaker will be Roger Byers.  Watch for more information posted at the schools in Barron County and in the newspapers.

Speaker Leslie Fijalkiewicz

About 40 members listened to Leslie Fijalkiewicz, Barron County Nutritionist, speaking on "Eating Healthy" at the March 21st meeting taking place at the Rolling Oaks in Barron.  Leslie's Top Ten Super Foods are not listed in any specific order, but are foods that we should have in our diets.  Why we should eat them is listed next to the food.

Outstanding Volunteer Award

Lynne Hanse receiving WREA's Outstanding Volunteer Award from President John Osterloth at the BCREA's March meeting.

January 2013 Minutes

Barron County Retired Educators

January 17, 2013

10:30 a.m

Barron County Retired Educators met on Thursday, January 17, 2013, at Bethany Lutheran church in Rice Lake at 10:30 a.m. The meeting was called to order by our president, John Osterloth. We began with our Musical Benefit Program presented by David Midboe from New Auburn and Julia Loiselle from Barron. David sang several musical selections which were greatly enjoyed by all and accompanied by Julia. What great musical talent these two people shared with us.      The business meeting was called to order and we began with Pledge Allegiance to the Flag. A moment of silence was held for Byrnie Dodge and he will be missed at our meetings.

·         Secretary’s report was read and approved by Grace Schell and Ken Mosentine.

·         Treasurer’s report was given by Sandy Steiner and approved by Jeanette Thompson. Balance in the treasury of $1,239.34. The scholarship fund has $16,204.92.

·         Barb Millerman gave us a membership update: 139 state plus 3, 78 local, plus 6. We were short 3 reservations so they will be contacted to reimburse.

·         Lynn gave a report on the school supplies donations. Last year $400 was collected and served 7 schools. They liked the clothes. Linda and Lynn delivered them to the schools.

·         Turn in your 2012 volunteer hours or send them to John.

·         Howard Hanson was thanked for his help and service as coordinator for the spring retirement seminar. He is retiring from that position so a new volunteer is needed for 2014.

Vick Bekkum gave a report on WREA activities.

·         There will be three addition editions rather than four because of the cost. It costs 9,000 for them.

·         The fall meeting at Turtle Back was one of the best with the superintendants from Superior and Cumberland presenting.

·         There will be five $2,000 awards to middle school teachers this year.

·         The spring convention will be May 7th and 8^th at Steven’s Point. Vick will be installed as president on the 8^th.

·         Monitor and watch our pension. Core plus 13.6 variables is a plus 16.9. The annuity adjustment for the core will be between zero and a minus 13% and the variable between seven and 9%. This is the last year for smoothing. The effective date is May 1^st.

·         Dues haven’t raised for 12 years so it’s likely they will increase at the convention to $50.

·         We need to try and raise attendance one idea is reduce membership for couples.

Door prizes were won by Gene Rick and Mardell Schnell. John Osterloth led us in our dinner prayer. A delicious meal was served to 44 people. Our next meeting will be March 21^st, 2013 at Rolling Oaks in Barron. The program will be “Eating Healthy” by Leslie Fijalkiewicz. Secretary, Marie Anderson

Musical Program - January 17

Dave Midboe and Julia Loiselle presented a musical program for the BCREA when we met on January 17, 2013, in Rice Lake at Bethany Lutheran Church.  Dave sang several songs while being accompanied by Julia.  About 50 people attended the meeting and were highly entertained.

Letter from the President

Happy New Year to All!

The Barron County Retired Educators will be meeting on Thursday, January 17th starting with registration at 10 am with meeting to start at 10:30 am.  This meeting will take place at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake.  Bethany's address is 35 W Messenger Street.  The presentation at the meeting will be a Dave Midboe Musical Program.  Those who attended his presentation at the November 2011 meeting will remember what a great performer he is.  If you missed that program, you will certainly want to attend this year's program.

The Minutes from the November 1st meeting that took place at Faith Lutheran Church in Cameron have been posted to the blog.  The link to the blog is at the end of this email. 

I still need to get the hours of volunteering the members did in 2012.  You can reply to this email with the total number of hours you volunteered at various locations in 2012 or you can bring them to the January meeting.  At the January meeting a form will be distributed to keep track monthly of the hours you volunteer during 2013.  I will be sending the total hours from 2012 to the WREA office following the January meeting.  Remember, all I need is the total number of hours, not where they were put in or when they were done.

We are always looking for new members to our organization.  If you know someone who was in education, but has not joined, please encourage them to come to a meeting with you.  You can tell them that first time attendees are eligible for a free meal on BCREA.

I am sorry to report that Byron Dodge died on Friday, January 4th.  Many of our members knew Byron and he will be missed.

Hope to see you all at the January 17th meeting.  Be sure and check the blog for up to date information and pictures of events.  Remember to submit items that you think should be added to the blog.  Pictures of events are really appreciated.

Newspaper Release - January Mtg

The Barron County Retired Educators’ Association will meet on Thursday, January 17, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 35 West Messenger St., in Rice Lake with reservations beginning at 10 a.m. and lunch at noon.  A musical program will be presented by Dave Midboe (New Auburn) and Julia Loiselle (Barron). A special monetary collection will be taken for Emergency Clothing Supplies for local elementary schools.  All retired teachers, administrators, and staff are invited as well as their guests.  The cost of the meal is $10.  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 13.

Some of you knew Bynie Dodge and Janet Campbell (Lloyd's wife) of Barron.

Bynie's visitation is from 4-7 p.m. today (Tues.) at Rausch & Steel Funeral Home in Barron; the funeral at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Lutheran Church in Barron on the corner of West LaSalle Avenue.

Janet's visitation is from 4-7 p.m. Friday evening, January 11, same funeral home, and her funeral is at 11 a.m. on Saturday at First Lutheran in Barron.

November Minutes

Barron County Retired Educators

November 1, 2012

10:30 a.m

            Baron County Retired Educators met November 1, 2012, at Faith Lutheran Church in Cameron at 10.30  a.m. The meeting was called to order by our new president, John Osterloth. He introduced our guest speaker, Tim Jergenson, who presented the program “Agriculture and the Adoption of Technology”. Tim is the Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Horticulture Agent for Baron County. He has served in Baron County for 29 years. Demille Richter who is also on the technology team came with him. Some of the highlights were:

·        1940s to the 60s, there were great changes from horses to tractors.

·        Today you see minimum till to save the soil. It keeps it in place.

·        The newest is robotic milkers.

·        Use of cell phone for checking on pests.

·        1950-1960’s  No soy beans

·        Soy beans and corn are herbicide crops.

·        Use of unmanned aircraft to monitor crops.

·        Phosphorous is a no-no!!!!

60^th Farm Technology Days

·        Expect 50 to 60,0000 visitors in July

·        1987- Sutherland  Farm  near Cumberland

·        First show in Wisconsin in 1954 with emphasis on education.

·        Today it’s the cutting edge in technology with leadership development.

·        3years ago it was in Pierce County.

·        It’s July 9-11 2013 at Breezy Hill Dairy, Alex and Mary Olson Farm on County highway A between and Ridgeland and Dallas.

o   1,200 volunteers involved

o   Economic benefits for 15,000 people: food, business vendors, etc.

o   485 cows plus young stock

Business Meeting:

·        Began the meeting with Pledge Allegiance To The Flag

·        Recognized one new member

·        Secretaries’ report with one correction made: Dave Bennett is our new executive director. Motion made to accept the minutes by Karen Schroeder  and seconded by Frank Peichel

·         Treasurer’s report given by Sandy with a balance in the treasury of $1,135.54. Report was approved by Stan Bergum. No change in the Scholarship  Fund

·        Barb Millerman gave a membership update

·        Donations were collected for school supplies and those who didn’t give will do so in January.

·        We also decided to continue passing the hat for scholarships.

·        Several people attended the fall district meeting.

o   We received Unit Of Distinction Award

o   We also had the second largest symbolic check for recognizing volunteer hours by our members. ( $222,565.90 volunteer  time)

o   Superintendent panel : Cumberland and Superior

·        Door prizes were won by Roberta Neuman and John Osterloth

·        Our dinner prayer was given by Harold Thorson

Dinner was served to 49 people. Our next meeting is January 17, 2013 at 10:30 a.m  at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake.

Secretary,

Marie Anderson