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.