2021 Meetings
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JANUARY 12 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
Mid-Jefferson County Retired School Personnel met January 12, 2021, via Zoom. Charlie Jehlen, president, presided. Sherry Ulmer, Beaumont Public Health Director, spoke to the members about the vaccine progress in our region. She noted that scheduling was difficult because vaccine providers did not know until the last minute when and how many vaccines they would have available. In the business meeting Lynne James reported on the progress of the Retirement Education seminars for future retirees of NISD and PNG ISD. Beulah Thompson reminded members that the deadline to submit volunteer service hours is near. Scholarship Chair Gail Krohn sent word that scholarship applications are available at both Nederland and Port Neches-Groves high schools. Julie Gauthier, Deputy Superintendent at PNGISD will present the program at the February 9 meeting.
The February 9 meeting was held by Zoom with President Charlie Jehlen presiding. Julie Gauthier, Deputy Superintendent of PNGISD was the guest speaker. She discussed the progress of the new elementary campus re-building project and showed various renderings of the finished products. Members discussed the Day at the Capitol plans in Austin, which will be held virtually. Linda Briggs announced that more than 2000 books would be delivered to fourth graders in March. Officer nominations included Charlie Jehlen, president; Becky Dungan, first vice president; Linda Briggs, second vice president, Donna Lumpkin, secretary; and Wanda Borne, treasurer. The slate was elected by acclimation. District 5 Legislative Chair Floyd Broussard will be the guest speaker st the March meeting.
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MARCH 9 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
At the March 9 meeting President Charlie Jehlen introduced District 5 Legislative Chair Floyd Broussard as the guest speaker. Broussard previewed the Day at the Capitol activities planned for April and then summarized the legislative goals for TRTA during the 2021 legislative session. He explained the various bills on the floor of the house and Senate that included interests of retirees. He also spoke to issues regarding TRS Care and also a COLA for retirees. Linda Briggs announced that Bill Barnes, a TRTF trustee, would be the guest speaker in April. |
APRIL 13 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
President Charlie Jehlen introduced Bill Barnes, a trustee of the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation and former Legislative Coordinator for TRTA at the state level. Barnes reported that "things are looking good" in Austin as all bills concerning retired teachers were presented and passed He reminded members who speak to new legislators about a COLA to explain that it is a "cost of living increase," not Pepsi. Mar Sue Carter, I&PS chair, reported on the change in dialing in our area that will take place at the end of April. The "409" area code must be preceded by a 1 in order to make a connection. Plans were announced for the installation of officers at the May meeting. |
MAY 11 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
MJCRSP members met via Zoom on May 11 for the installation of new officers. During the business meeting, Richard Briggs reported that he had met with legislators in Austin and that unfortunately retirees would probably not receive a COLA in 2021. Informative & Protective Services Chair Mary Sue Carter shared handouts with information about phishing scams and temporary rules that affect summer hiring of retirees. Healthy Living Chair Helen Reynolds reported the benefits of plant-based meat. Following the business meeting, Past President Lynne James installed the following officers: President, Charles Jehlen; First Vice President, Rebecca Dungan; Second Vice President, Linda Briggs; Treasurer, Wanda Borne; and Secretary, Donna Lumpkin.
SEPTEMBER 14 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
Because the annual fall luncheon honoring new retirees was cancelled, members met via Zoom to conduct business. Charlie Jehlen presided, delivering the invocation and leading members in the pledge to the flags. During the business meeting members adopted the treasurer's report for May, June, July, and August as well as the audit report for 2020-2021 and the 2021-2022 budget. Following the membership report, Legislative Chair reported that the thirteenth check provided by the legislature would probably not arrive until after January 1. Yearbook Chair Lynne James shared that the 2021-2022 yearbook will be ready for distribution at the October meeting. Healthy Living Chair Helen Reynolds shared that for those who are 65+, a good night’s sleep is 7-8 hours – no more, no less – unless one has a special medical concern and requires medication that affects sleep. Under new business, two items were considered:
--Should we offer refreshments at future meetings? After much discussion, it was decided that members will bring their own refreshments for the October meeting and we will revisit this question at that time.
--Should we continue hosting Retirement Luncheons? Again, after much discussion, Lynne James proposed that our retirees’ luncheon be moved to May rather than the fall when we are under hurricane possibilities. However, we will revisit this at a later date.
It was also decided that our November meeting will be at Bonne Vie with members only and Dade Phelan will be our speaker.
--Should we offer refreshments at future meetings? After much discussion, it was decided that members will bring their own refreshments for the October meeting and we will revisit this question at that time.
--Should we continue hosting Retirement Luncheons? Again, after much discussion, Lynne James proposed that our retirees’ luncheon be moved to May rather than the fall when we are under hurricane possibilities. However, we will revisit this at a later date.
It was also decided that our November meeting will be at Bonne Vie with members only and Dade Phelan will be our speaker.
OCTOBER 12 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
MJCRSP met on October 12, 2021, at the Port Neches Public Library with President Charlie Jehlen presiding. Refreshments were served by Rose Reese, hospitality chair, and Candye Martin, October refreshment chair. Prior to the business meeting, Frances Thomas, retired teacher, MJCRSP member, and author, reviewed her book Eight Miles from Nowhere, which covers her early life in Anarene, Texas, specifically her school years. Membership Chair Becky Dungan conducted a drawing for 2020 and 2021 retirees who had joined TRTA and MJCRSP. 2020 retiree Brenda Holmes and 2021 retiree Brenda Duhon were the winners of their 2022-2023 dues paid in advance. Lynne James won a Walmart gift certificate for recruiting. The next meeting will again be held at the Port Neches Public Library with member Brenda Duhon presenting the program on Internet Security/Phishing.
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NOVEMBER 9 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
Members of Mid-Jefferson County Retired School Personnel met at the Port Neches Public Library on November 9. The program was presented by Dr. Brenda Duhon, a recent retiree and local unit member, who discussed Internet safety and ways to avoid phishing. Hosting the meeting was Candye Martin, who provided refreshments. During the meeting Jolene Lemaire won a Walmart gift card for member recruitment. Volunteer Chair Beulah Thompson reminded members that volunteer hours must be submitted in January. I&PS Chair Mary Carter gave tips on safe driving. Helen Reynolds delivered some healthy living advice. Richard Briggs reported legislative news and Lynne James gave out information about Trident Benefits.
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DECEMBER 14 MEETING Meeting Summary Newsletter
Officer Danny Valdez of the Beaumont Police Department addressed members of Mid-Jefferson County Retired School Personnel at their December meeting. He spoke to members about evasive techniques during an active shooter event. Following his presentation Charles Jehlen conducted a business meeting. 2022-2023 local officers will be elected at the January 11 meeting. Volunteer hours are due at that time also. The membership drive for 2021-2022 has ended, and delegated to the TRTA state convention will be selected by ballot in February.
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