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!  

November Meeting - SITE CHANGE!

We apologize for the late notice on our November 5 meeting, but we experienced a last-minute cancellation by Renegade’s.  Due to a staff change, they were unable to accommodate us.  Steve finally found the VFW in Almena who has graciously volunteered to host us.  Here are the details:

BCREA NOVEMBER MEETING

Date:  Thursday, November 5, 2015

Time:  Coffee & Cookies:  9:30 a.m.; program at 10:30 a.m.

Program:  Maintaining Good Physical & Mental Health by Cumberland Healthcare Clinic - Speaker Kate Keck

Business Meeting at 11:30 a.m.; Lunch at 12 noon

Place:  VFW, 201 Soo Ave., Almena, WI 54805; (715) 357-0012

Menu:  broasted chicken, potato, veggie, & salad plus beverage (Cost:  $12)

Reservations due by Sunday evening, November 1; guests are always welcome!

Can either e-mail Barb Millerman (bamillerman@chibardun.net) or call her at 715-743-2390

If you cannot be present, you may send your $50 WREA state dues or $15 BCREA dues to

Sandy Steiner, 315 Carrie Circle, Rice Lake, WI 54868 – a combined check can be made out to BCREA for $65

Your membership cards will be sent to you.

Picnic 2015

The 3rd annual BCREA picnic took place on Wednesday, July 22nd, at the Narrows Park in Rice Lake.  Steve Eichman, BCREA President, did a wonderful job cooking the brats and hot dogs once again.  About 20 people enjoyed the food and conversations.  We were delighted to have Glen  and Sue Palmer from Prairie Farm join us for the picnic.  Most of the year they live in the Trenton/Princeton New Jersey area.  Glen formerly taught in Chetek and Sue, in Rice Lake.  The weather was perfect for the picnic.  A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!!!

BCREA Picnic July 22, 2015

The 3rd annual picnic will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at the Narrows Park in Rice Lake.  The social hour will start at 4 pm with eating beginning at 4:30 pm.  Those attending should bring a dish to pass and some type of beverage.  The BCREA will provide dishes, plasticware, grilled meat, buns, etc.  Members should receive phone calls prior to the picnic.  We hope many of the members will be able to attend.