2009 Meetings
Click here for 2009 photos.
JANUARY 13 MEETING
Peggy Harrison, a supervision officer with the Jefferson County Drug Intervention Program, presented an informative and interesting program to members who met in January. Legislative items of interest to both active and retired educators were discussed. A committee was chosen to assist the legislative chair contact representatives when important bills are introduced. Children's Book Chairman Patricia Allen reported that 179 books were presented to fourth graders at Port Neches Elementary School during December. The remaining books were given to the school library. Becky Dungan, Richard Briggs, Linda Briggs, and Zack Byrd were chosen as delegates to the TRTA state convention in Dallas in March.
FEBRUARY 10 MEETING
Thirty-two members were present at the February meeting to hear Don Pumphrey, Customer Service Manager for Entergy, report how much energy the average citizen uses. Of special importance was his reminder of our often taking for granted its availability. He also discussed the cost and complexity of providing electricity and how to use electricity conservatively. Committee chairmen reported on volunteer hours (24,013) and miles walked (62,925) by members during 2008. Reports were also given regarding legislative issues of interest to TRTA members and the necessity to remain in contact with representatives throughout the current legislative session.
MARCH 10 MEETING
Mid-Jefferson County Retired School Personnel met March 10 at the Ritter Senior Center in Nederland. Guest Speaker was Michael Clayton, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas. Of particular interest were the precautions he stressed relative to identity theft and the suggestion he offered to avoid being victimized. He especially stressed the importance of handling both incoming and outgoing mail and how to safely handle credit cards and other important documents. The BBB will sponsor a "Shred It and Forget It" activity April 4 at Central Mall in Port Arthur. Other business included a legislative report by Zack Byrd concerning the current legislative session in Austin. Membership Chairman Dana Wasser reported on the importance of the spring membership drive; MJCRSP now has 275 members with 70 already renewing for the next year. Delegates to the TRTA state convention in Dallas will meet with members from around the state at the convention in Dallas later in March.
STATE CONVENTION ~~ CAPITOL DAY ~~ SPRING CONFERENCE
Members were active in April and May, making their presence know in Austin at the TRTA legislative rally. Attendees visited offices of legislators and made known their priorities. On May 1 members attended the District 5 Spring Leadership Workshop in Nederland. Newly selected unit officers and committee chairmen met in groups to discuss their duties before lunch was served. Following the business meeting, new district officers were installed. Representing MJCRSP on the executive board will be Loretta Morman, treasurer, and Linda Briggs, secretary.
APRIL 13 MEETING
Daniel Duplechin of Odyssey Health Care addressed the members of Mid-Jefferson County Retired School Personnel at the April 13 meeting. He outlined the services provided by hospice and answered questions after the presentation. Membership drive updates were given by Dana Wasser. Reports were given by the state convention delegates, including Norma McBee, Rebecca Dungan, Linda Briggs, and Richard Briggs. Members were presented a summary of important topics discussed at the Dallas meeting. Plans were made for the Legislative Rally in Austin. Members also prepared for the Spring Leadership Conference to be held May 1 at the First Baptist Church in Nederland.
MAY 3 MEETING
Headlining the May meeting was the installation of new officers. Rebecca Dungan will serve another term as president. Remaining members of the slate of officers include 1st Vice President Dana Wasser, 2nd Vice President Richard Briggs, Secretary Ellen Thornton, and Treasurer Wanda Borne. Nineteen members attended the Leadership Training Workshop on May 1, and seven members were in Austin for the legislative rally, TRTA's "Day at the Capital." Port Neches Police Chief Paul Lemoine addressed the group about emerging technologies in the law enforcement field. He gave an interesting and informative presentation on the use of tasers as well as new technology in the field of speed control.
SEPTEMBER 8 MEETING
OCTOBER 13 MEETING
Steve Fleming of Edward Jones Investments and former principal of Nederland High School addressed the Mid-Jefferson County Retired School Personnel at the October 13 meeting. He shared his expertise in financial matters with the group, counseling them especially about decision-making in their senior years. Rebecca Dungan presided at the meeting. Yearbooks were distributed for the 2009-2010 year, and reports were given by the membership committee. The next meeting will be held on November 10 at the Ritter Senior Center in Nederland.
NOVEMBER 10 MEETING
Physical therapist Mark Culver addressed members of the Mid-Jefferson Retired School Personnel at their November meeting. He stressed the importance of physical health care for those in retirement. Officers elected for 2010 include President, Dana Wasser; 1st Vice President, Jean Butaud; 2nd Vice President Richard Briggs; Secretary, Ellen Thornton; and Treasurer, Wanda Borne. Books for the annual Children's Book Project have been prepared for distribution, according to Chairman Patricia Allen. Membership in the local unit is now above last year's total by six members. Foundation Representative Sylvia Ramirez educated members regarding the mission of the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation. The December 8 meeting will include entertainment by member Cathy Evans and Christmas goodies provided by members in attendance.
DECEMBER 8 MEETING
Attendees at the December meeting of the Mid-Jefferson County Retired School Personnel were treated to a medley of Christmas songs led by soloist Cathy Evans, former PN-GISD teacher. She was accompanied by pianist and former Nederland ISD teacher Dottie Youngblood. Holiday refreshments were provided by those in attendance. The business meeting was conducted by President Becky Dungan. Book Project Chairman Patricia Allen reported that books were to be delivered to all fourth graders at Hillcrest and Helena Park Elementaries on December 9. Books were provided through contributions from members and a donation by Philpott Ford of Nederland. Community Volunteer Chairman Jessie Howard reminded members to turn in volunteer hours at the January meeting. Guest speaker for the January meeting will be Representative Allan Ritter, who will discuss issues facing teachers and the state in the next legislative session.