State Committee Chair Appointed

John Osterloth, member of BCREA, has been appointed temporary Chair Person of the State Committee on Member Benefits of the Wisconsin Retired Educator's Association (WREA).  Due to illness the current committee chair is unable to preform this duty.

November BCREA Held

On Thursday, November 10, 2016, the Barron County Retired Educator's Association held their November meeting at Red's in Chetek.  The presenter was Bob Unbehaun about his sixty-two day kayaking trip around Lake Superior.  This trip took place 12 years ago and he travel approximately 1,200 miles by kayak.
Twenty-seven members were entertained by many pictures of places that can only be reached and seen by traveling on the water.  Bob had many stories to go with the pictures.  He also allowed ample time for the many questions the member had.
A business meeting took place following the program.  President Kathy
Duerr presided over the meeting.  She showed the members the BCREA blog and the WREA website.  Information was given on the previous meeting, the current membership count, and the amount in our checking account.  A special thank you was given to Frank Peichel for his resigning of 14 previous members of BCREA.
Arlyn Colby gave on update of the Caboose project that is this year's service project for BCREA.
A good time was had by all who attended.

Bob Unbehaun presenting pictures of his trip.

November Meeting of BCREA Announced

The Barron County Retired Educators’ Association will meet on Thursday, November 10, at Red’s (formerly Pete’s Landing) located at 121 Lakeview Dr., Chetek.  Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with coffee and cookies being served.  Local BCREA dues of $15 and state WREA dues of $50 can be paid at that time.  At 10:30 a.m., Bob Unbehaun of Chetek will share some of his interesting kayaking experiences.  All retired teachers, administrators, and staff are invited including guests.  The cost of the noon meal is $12.  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, November 6. 

Jim Perala Recognized

Jim Perala was recognized by WREA President, Marcia Trentlage at the WREA 65th Annual Convention for his many years of service to the organization He has served on the WREA membership committee, served as District I Director for 4 years and as Arizona Liaison for 5 years.  Jim deserves our appreciation for representing Barron County Retired Educators Association for these many years.  

WREA president Marcia Trentlage and Jim Perala

WREA president Marcia Trentlage and Jim Perala

Vic Bekkum, Jim Perala, and BCREA vice president Keith Kolpack

September 2016 BCREA Meeting

About 40 members of the Barron County Retired Educator's Association (BCREA) attended the September 15, 2016, meeting held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake.  The program was the new Executive Director of the Wisconsin Retired Educator's Association (WREA).  Diane Wilcenski was recently hired as the full time director.  She spoke on the topics of the upcoming election, possible items that may be changes in education in the upcoming legislator, benefits available to members of WREA, and several other topics.
Kathy Duerr was president and Keith Kolpack was elected as vice-president of the organization.  The service project voted on for this year is the Caboose currently housed at the Barron Museum.  All BCREA members are asked to submit their volunteer hours to Steve Eichman or Kathy Duerr.
The next meeting will be November 10th at the Chetek Lutheran Church.  This site is subject to change.  Watch for updated information.  The program will be Bob Unbehaun on the topic of Kayaking.

Diane Wilcenski

Diane Wilcenski

Please consider join us for future meeting and becoming a member of BCREA and WREA.

Members listening to presentation

Pesident - Kathy Duerr

Vice President - Keith Kolpack

Visitor - Shirley Peterson

New Executive Director Named

We proudly announce that Diane Wilcenski, Ed.D. has been named as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Retired Educators' Association (WREA) as of September 1, 2016.

September meeting

WREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ADDRESSES LOCAL RETIRED EDUCATORS (BCREA)

The Barron County Retired Educators’ Association will meet on Thursday, September 15, at Bethany Lutheran Church located at 35 W. Messenger St., Rice Lake.  Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with coffee and cookies being served.  Local BCREA dues of $15 and state WREA dues of $50 can be paid at that time.  At 10:30 a.m., Diane Wilcenski, WREA Executive Director, will present a program on WREA’s website, benefits, and educational position.  All retired teachers, administrators, and staff are invited including guests.  The cost of the noon meal is $12.  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 11.     

New Year Begins

The 1st meeting for 2016/17 of the BCREA will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2016.  It will take place at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake.  Social hour/registration will take place from 9:30 am to 10:30 am with the program to begin at 10:30 am.  The program will be a representative from the Wisconsin Retired Educator's Association speaking about the association and the educational positions of the association in this year's election.
A new president and vice-president will be elected at this meeting.  It is important that all members/prospective members try to attend this meeting.
A copy of the dates, places, and programs for the 2016/17 year will be handed out at this meeting.

Annual BCREA Summer Picnic

The annual Barron County Retired Educator's Association picnic was held on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at the Narrows Park in Rice Lake.  A turn out of about 30 members/prospective members had a great time talking and enjoying the meal.  Brats on the grill were provided and the pot luck of the dishes people brought were much enjoyed.  No one went home hunger.  Two recently retired educators were present at this picnic.  They were Mary Hoeft and Joe Huftel, both running for office in this year's election.

May 5th BCREA Mtg.

MAY BCREA MEETING

 Date:  Thursday, May 5, 2016

 Time:  9:30 a.m. for coffee and cookies – registration

PROGRAM BY LOUIE’S FINER MEATS:  10:30 a.m.

Short Business Meeting:  11:30 a.m.

NOON LUNCHEON:  12 noon

 

Cost:  $12 – GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!!!

PLACE:  St. Paul Lutheran Church, 743  22 1/2 Ave., Cumberland

(Coming in on Hwy. 48 from R.L. – before you actually come into Cumberland)

Reservations can be made by:

Responding to this e-mail

or

Calling Barb @715.743.2390 up until 9 a.m., Friday Morning, April 29

or

e-mailing Sandy Steiner at smsteiner@centurytel.net

or

calling Sandy between Friday morning and Sunday evening, May 1,

at 715-234-4085 

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU A WEEK FROM THURSDAY!!!

March Meeting Held

The BCREA held it March meeting on Thursday, March 17, 2016, at the Rolling Oaks in Barron.  There were approximately 40 in attendance.
Carol Kettner presented a program on "Volunteering as a Master Gardner".  She gave a power point presentation showing various activities the Master Gardner's have done throughout Barron County over the past several years.  Some of these activities were one time events, others are ongoing.  The group was amazed by the number of projects and the scale of some of them.  Such things as Farm Progress Days or involvement at the Barron County Fair were examples of activities this group has been or is currently connected .

Carol Kettner



A business meeting followed Ms. Kettner's program.  Vice-president Kathy Duerr made a presentation on the activities she is currently leading to contact past or potential members for our organization.  A survey was handed out to those present asking for input on possible locations and programs for 2016-17.
There will be an officers meeting in June and a BCREA picnic in July, but exact dates have yet to be set.  A reminder was given of the District I meeting to be held in Rice Lake on Wednesday, May 11th.  All members are invited and encouraged to attend.  More information can be found on the WREA website.
There is a need for a person to be the vice-president of BCREA for the years 2016-17 and 2017-18.  This election will take place in September, but a candidate's name is needed by the May meeting.
A chicken dinner followed the meeting.
Next meeting to be held on May 5, 2016, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cumberland.  Coffee, cookies and registration at 9:30 am with the meeting to begin at 10:30 am.  The program will be Louis Muench of Louis' Meats and Bill Wagner of Seneca Canning.
We hope to see you there.

BCREA March Meeting Announced

The Barron County Retired Educators’ Association will meet on Thursday, March 17, at the Rolling Oaks Restaurant located at 450 W. Division Avenue in Barron.  Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and cookies being served.  At 10:30 a.m. Carol Kettner will present a program on the Master Gardener Volunteers, a part of the UW Extension. These trained volunteers are involved in many educational projects around the county and work to teach people about gardening of all types, from growing food to dealing with insects and diseases on ornamental plants.      All retired teachers, administrators, and staff are invited including guests.  The cost of the noon meal is $12.  Members can pay their state WREA dues ($50) and/or local BCREA dues ($15) while registering.  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, March 13.

Summary of January 21st Mtg

The Barron County Retired Educator's Association(BCREA) met at the Faith Lutheran Church in Cameron on Thursday, January 21, 2016.  Approximately 30 members attended the presentation by Lori Bowman, Executive Director of the Benjamin House located in Rice Lake.  Ms. Bowman presented information such as where Benjamin House was located, procedures for staying, procedures for volunteering your time, and needs they have beyond funds.  A hat was passed to collect funds to help Benjamin House.  $415 was collected from the group.
During the business meeting several items were presented.  The need for District 1 representatives for the state organization on the Community Services and Member Benefits committees was presented by past state president of WREA, Vic Bekkum.  There is still a need for members to approach other retirees and have them come to see what BCREA is all about.

President Steve Eichman presenting $415 donation to Lori Bowman, Benjamin House Executive Director.

January 2016 Meeting

BCREA JANUARY MEETING

Date & Place:  Thursday, January 21, 2016

Faith Lutheran Church, 201 S. Fourth St., Cameron

Time:  Coffee & cookies beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Program begins promptly at 10:30 a.m.

Program:  Benjamin’s House Emergency Shelter, Rice Lake

Presenter:  Lori Bowman, Exec. Director of Benjamin’s House

(Passing of the Hat for Benjamin’s House)

Short Business Meeting:  11:30 a.m.

Complete Chicken Dinner:  12 Noon/Cost:  $12

Served by:  Faith Lutheran Church Ladies

Guests are always welcome!!!

Reservations due by:  Sunday evening, January 17

Can make reservations by responding to this e-mail

or calling Barb Millerman at 715-743-2390

If you cannot attend and would like to contribute to the Benjamin House, you can send your contribution to Sandy Steiner, BCREA Treasurer, 315 Carrie Circle, Rice Lake, WI 54868.  Local BCREA dues of $15 or state WREA dues of $50 can be sent to her as well.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and safe winter to all of you!