2014 Meetings
Click here for 2014 photos.
JANUARY 14 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
Mike Fitzsimmons of Angels Among Us, a local home health service, addressed members regarding the benefits of home health care. He explained the process for access to home health and the varied conditions that qualify individuals for home health care. He emphasized the fact that home health care today is structured toward preventive services. In addition, he pointed out that Medicare has broadened coverage toward that end. President Linda Briggs presided at the business meeting. Nominations were in order for president and Gail Krohn was elected. Clara Graham will assume the duties of first vice president, who chairs the membership committee. Other officers for 2014-2015 include Diane Trevey, second vice president and chairman of programs and publicity; Susan Jones, recording secretary, and Mary Beth McDuff, treasurer. Delegates to the 2014 state convention were elected, and they include Richard Briggs, Becky Dungan, Lynne James, and Clara graham. Linda Briggs and Loretta Morman will also attend as representatives of District 5. The next meeting will be February 11, 2014.
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FEBRUARY 11 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
Larry Hansing, Director of Public Relations with Forest Lawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home/Dignity Memorial gave members ten ways to keep themselves and their families safe. He touched on such topics as home invasions, cons and scams, safety while in town or at the mall, fire safety, end of life planning, identity theft, and coping with severe weather. President Linda Briggs presided at the business meeting. Membership Chairman Dana Wasser collected information from members for the "Each One bring One" drawing. The unit now has 321 members, and the new membership year begins March 1. Associate member Curtis Harrison had 1362 volunteer hours for 2013, the most of any other MJCRSP member. Political candidates Dade Pelan and Leanne Johnson addressed the group prior to refreshments, which were provided by Gail Krohn (chairman), Wanda Borne, Candice Zummo, Paula Kanesaw, and Dana Wasser. The next meeting will be March 11 with Port Arthur News Editor Roger Cowles as the guest speaker.
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MARCH 11 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
In his presentation What's Up with Print? Port Arthur News Editor Roger Cowles reviewed his career as a journalist and explained the impact of technology on print media. President Linda Briggs presided at the business meeting. Refreshments were provided by Gail Krohn (chairman), Wanda Borne, Candice Zummo, Paula Kanesaw, and Dana Wasser. Legislative chairman Gail Krohn emphasized the need for TRTA members to remain politically active during the legislative off-season. Major decisions will be made in 2015 concerning healthcare and our retirement fund. Since many of or political allies have chosen not to seek re-election, it is very important that we participate in upcoming elections with a knowledge of where candidates stand on issues important to us. Donna Lumpkin was elected to the position of secretary for the 2014-2015 year, The next meeting will be April 8 with stroke awareness as the program topic.
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APRIL 8 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
Tammy Lilly, RN, of the Medical Center of Southeast Texas informed members about strokes: what to look for, what to do, and what can be done for you. President Linda Briggs presided at the business meeting. Refreshments were provided by Donna Lumpkin (chairman), Susan Jones, Carolyn Martin, Dixie Tucker, and Linda Fong. President Linda Briggs emphasized the need for TRTA members to remain politically active during the legislative off-season. A special election will be held May 27 to replace our state senator, Tommy Williams, who has supported TRTA issues. Republican and Democratic Party runoff elections are set for May 10. She emphasized the importance of supporting candidates who will be supportive of retired teachers. Major decisions will be made in 2015 concerning healthcare and our retirement fund. Since many of or political allies have chosen not to seek re-election, it is very important that we participate in upcoming elections with a knowledge of where candidates stand on issues important to us. Richard Briggs, Linda Briggs, Loretta Morman, Clara Graham, Lynne James, and Becky Dungan will be delegates to the TRTA state convention April 13-15. MJCRSP will host the District V Spring Leadership Training on May 9. The program for the April 13 meeting will be the installation of officers for 2014-1015.
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MAY 13 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
President Linda Briggs presided at the May 13, 2014, business meeting. Prior to the meeting, ice cream sundae refreshments were provided by Donna Lumpkin (chairman), Susan Jones, Carolyn Martin, Dixie Tucker, and Linda Fong. End-of-year reports were given by committee chairmen. President Linda Briggs emphasized the need for TRTA members to remain politically active during the legislative off-season. A special election will be held May 27 to replace our state senator, Tommy Williams, who has supported TRTA issues. She emphasized the importance of supporting candidates who will be supportive of retired teachers. Major decisions will be made in 2015 concerning healthcare and our retirement fund. Since many of our political allies have chosen not to seek re-election, it is very important that we participate in upcoming elections with a knowledge of where candidates stand on issues important to us. Richard Briggs, Linda Briggs, Loretta Morman, Clara Graham, Lynne James, and Becky Dungan were delegates to the TRTA state convention April 13-15. MJCRSP hosted the District V Spring Leadership Training on May 9. New officers were installed before the meeting adjourned. Incoming president Gail Krohn will be assisted by Clara Graham, first vice president; Dianne Trevey, second vice president, Donna Lumpkin, secretary, and Mary Beth McDuff, secretary. Officers and committee chairmen will meet on August 12 at First United Methodist Church in Nederland from 10 AM until noon to plan for the upcoming activities of the next year.
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SEPTEMBER 9 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
President Gail Krohn presided at the September 9, 2014, new retiree fall luncheon and business meeting. New retirees in attendance included Dixie Dubuisson, Jolene Lemaire, Sylvia Sanchez, and Roy Gaspard. The program was presented by retiring Texas State Representative Allan Ritter, who gave those in attendance insight into the upcoming legislative session. Other special guests included Judge Brad Burnett and County Commissioner Brent Weaver. Beverly Minaldi was in charge of decorations and was assisted by the hospitality committee members: Dixie Tucker, Rosalie Reese, Candice Zummo, and Candye Martin.
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OCTOBER 14 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
Mid-Jefferson County Retired School personnel met October 14, 2014, at the Nederland Police Station conference room with President Gail Krohn presiding. The program was presented by Peggy Harrison of the Port Neches Lions Club, who gave members insight into the Texas Lion's Camp,which is provided free of change to Texas children who qualify. Refreshments were served by Dixie Tucker (chairman), Helen Reynolds, Linda Fong, and Ted and Mary Lofton. The November meeting will be held at the Hughes Public Library in Nederland with representatives of Harbor Hospice providing the program.
NOVEMBER 11 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
The November meeting of MJCRSP was held at the Hughes Public Library in Nederland. Gail Krohn called the meeting to order with Susan Jones giving the invocation and Loretta Morman leading pledges of the flags. District V President R. A. Hidalgo addressed the members about the upcoming legislative session and the importance of reporting volunteer hours. Cindy Allen and Brenna Rodriguez of Harbor Hospice informed those in attendance about the basics of hospice care and the many misconceptions people often have about hospice. The December meeting will be held at the Groves Public Library on December 9, 2014.
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DECEMBER 9 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
On December 9, President Gail Krohn presided at the meeting of the Mid-Jefferson County Retired School Personnel held at the Groves Public Library. Members provided Christmas "goodies" from home while the refreshment committee of Rose Reese (chairman), Becky Dungan, Beverly Minaldi, Richard Briggs, Linda Briggs, and Lynne James assisted with the decorations. The program was provided by member Lori Hamilton, who sang her favorite Christmas music. Committee reports included a report for the Book Project Chairman Patricia Allen, who informed the members that all third graders at Woodcrest Elementary in Port Neches and Van Buren Elementary in Groves had received books courtesy of MJCRSP and Philpott Ford in Nederland. The January meeting will also be held at the Ritter Center in Nederland with Debbie Spittler of Edward Jones providing the program
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