2022 Meetings
Click here for 2022 photos.
JANUARY 11, 2022 Newsletter Minutes
Mid-Jefferson County Retired School Personnel met January 11, 2022, at the Port Neches Public Library with MJCRSP President Charlie Jehlen presiding. Judith Smith, representing the Port Arthur Health Department, gave an informative presentation about COVID, touching on the difficulties of diagnosing the virus, providing all vaccines needed, and staying ahead of the Omicron spread. Officer and committee reports were given during the business meeting. Officers elected to serve during 2022-2023 include Charlie Jehlen, president, Becky Dungan, first vice president, Cathy Purgahn, second vice president, Wanda Borne, treasurer, and Donna Lumpkin, secretary. Delegates to the TRTA state convention in April include Linda Briggs, Richard Briggs, Mary Carter, Lynne James, and Donna Lumpkin. Members enjoyed treats supplied by the January hostess committee. In February, Sharon Benaud, director of The Giving Fields, will provide the program.
FEBRUARY 8, 2022 Newsletter Minutes
In February MJCRSP members heard an interesting program by Sharon Begnaud, the founder of The Giving Fields on Liberty Street in Beaumont. She explained that food harvested from the Giving Fields is donated to soup kitchens and how school children are directly involved in the creation and maintenance of the fields. Membership Chair Becky Dungan reminded members that the annual membership drive will begin on March 1. The 2021 Book Project, under the direction of Linda Briggs, was carried out at both Langham and Helena Park Elementaries in Nederland with 197 books being distributed. Beulah Thompson's volunteer report for 2021 was the highest in MJCRSP history and at the top of other units in District 5. Henry Bodden, PNG graduate and historian, will present a program in March about his travels to World War II battle sites and the book he wrote and published based on his travels.
MARCH8, 2022 Newsletter Minutes
Henry Bodden, PNG graduate who now resides in Oklahoma presented an interesting and colorful program to those attending the March 8 meeting. Bodden traveled to WWII battlesights and published a book in 2011 chronicling his travels by interviewing as many residents and participants he could. His book In the Footsteps of Valor include his first-hand accounts of his visits to the European and Pacific theaters. Attendees were able to view and/or purchase copies at the end of the program. During the business meeting, Membership Chair Becky Dungan announced awards available to those who join or renew members early as well as those current members who recruit new members. Volunteer Chair Beulah Thompson reported that MJCRSP members contributed 46,833 volunteer hours in 2021, worth $1, 336,613.82 to our local communities, according to the state established rate of volunteer hours in Texas.
APRIL 12, 2022 Newsletter Minutes
NISD Superintendent Dr. Stuart Kieschnick visited MJCRSP in April to report on the progress of the recent bond election in his district. In his presentation he highlighted the progress of each school in NISD. Following his presentation the business meeting included membership reports, reports on scholarship applications, and plans for the May 10 luncheon with TRTA Executive Director Tim addressing members and guests at Bon Vie. The staff at Bonne Vie, will host the luncheon under the direction of Natalie Schiflett. Members absent from the meeting included the following delates attending the TRTA State Convention in Dallas: Loretta Morman, Beverly Minaldi, Linda Briggs, Richard Briggs, Lynne James, Mary Carter, Donna Lumpkin, and Wanda Borne. Louise Lattimore reported that 27 senios had applied for the two $1500 scholarships this year.
MAY 10, 2022 Newsletter Minutes
MJCRSP members and guests filled the Antoine Room at Bonne Vie in Port Arthur on May 10 as guests of the staff at Bonne Vie. After introductory remarks, those attending were served a delicious meal courtesy of the Bonne Vie staff. Following the luncheon Tim Lee updated members on the COLA situation from the 2021 legislative session and on the attempts being made nationwide to repeal the WEP and GPO. A short business meeting followed Lee's address, which culminated in the installation of officers for 2022-2023: President Charlie Jehlen, First Vice President Becky Dungan, Second Vice President Cathy Purgahn, Treasurer Wanda Borne, and Secretary Donna Lumpkin. Immediate Past President Lynne James was the installing officer.
MJCRSP members met at the Port Neches Public Library on September 13 to begin a new chapter year. The guest speaker was former State Senator Carl Parker, who discussed the importance of the US Constitution during Constitution Month. Following the business meeting, members approved the new standing rules, which changed the organization from a "unit" to a "chapter." Richard Briggs delivered the legislative report, emphasizing the need for member participation at the Day at the Capitol in April. Copies of the 2021-2022 digital scrapbook were made available to all members who attended.
October 11, 2022 Newsletter Minutes
MJCRSP members met at the Port Neches Public Library on October 11. Guest speaker was Dr. Lindsay Shaefer, Aud, who made an informed presentation about hearing loss in the elderly. Members were able to ask questions and were also invited to free hearing scans. Richard Briggs, legislative chair for the chapter, encouraged members to attend the Day at the Capitol on April 12, 2023. the 2022-2023 yearbooks were distributed to members who attended the meeting. In November the chapter will meet in the newly remodeled PNGISD board room with guest speaker Dr. Michael Gonzales as guest speaker.
MJCRSP members held their November meeting at the new Port Neches-Groves ISD administration building on November 8, 2022. Superintendent Mike Gonzales was the guest speaker. He summarized the progress of the bond issue that will provide four new elementary schools in the district, two in Groves and two in Port Neches. He was well received by members in attendance. Committee members gave reports and enjoyed the delicious refreshments provided by the November hostess committee. The next meeting will again be held at the PNGISD administration building with Sarah Lynch, AMBA District Manager, serving TRTA District 5.
DECEMBER 13, 2022 Newsletter Minutes
Mid-Jefferson County RSP met on December 13 at the PNGISD Administration Building with First Vice President Becky Dungan presiding in place of President Charlie Jehlen. Health Chair Helen Reynolds encouraged members to be optimistic since "mind over matter" is beneficial to maintaining good health. VP Dungan reported that local chapter membership is 270, which does not include at-large members who belong to TRTA. Second Vice President Cathy Purgahn reported that Philpott Ford in Mid-County donated $500 to our book project. She announced that member Donna Lumpkin would present the program in January, and she also introduced the December program presenters: Jerry Miller, who entertained us with Christmas music, and Sarah Lynch, AMBA District Director, who reviewed the many benefits provided to TRTA members by AMBA. Elections for 2023-24 officers will be held in January.