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