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California Retired Teachers Association

VOLUME 32 | ISSUE 1 | SUMMER 2016

Are Your Ducks in a Row? Preparing for the long life you want! page 22

CalRTA's New Educational Foundation page 10 Members Celebrate Unity at Annual Convention page 14

California Retired Teachers Association: Your partner in pension protection

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California Retired Teachers Association

CALIFORNIA RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

State Officers President Ken Hewitt President-Elect Irene Wetzel Secretary Jesse Perry Treasurer Peter Paolino Immediate Past-President Vacant

Area Directors Area I – Betty Silva Area II – Georgianna Light Area III – Chuck Denonn Area IV – Pat Seaman Area V – Richard Benitez Area VI – Carol Luhring | Jim Mahoney

FEATURES 03

President’s Message

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Government Relations Updates

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Your PAC Contribution Supports Public Education

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Pension Watch

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Educational Foundation

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7 Backyard Cleaning Tips

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The Scoop

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Members Celebrate Unity at Annual Convention

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CalRTA Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers

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Laura E. Settle Scholarship Foundation Report

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Are Your Ducks in a Row?

Area VII – Vacant Area VIII – Barbara Gera Area IX – Ron Breyer Area X – Judy Smith Area XI – Kathy O’Leary Area XII – Marianne Wurnitsch

State Committee Chairs Budget & Finance – John Gera

CalRTA’s mission is to protect and advocate for retired and active educators’ pensions and other retirement benefits and to support education in our communities. Objectives n

Bylaws – Harlan McWhorter Communications & Technology –

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Jim Sterling

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Government Relations – Lynn Lindsey Membership Recruitment & Resources – Steve Click Nominations & Elections – Vacant

CalRTA Business Office Editor Angelique Hill, CAE, IOM Managing Editor Debbie Pate-Newberry Design Carrie Dennis Design Printing BURKS Printing & Promotions

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To promote, protect and advocate for the interests of retired public California educators, To safeguard the State Teachers’ Retirement System, To study and promote or oppose state and national legislation affecting the interests of retired educators, and To promote and safeguard public education systems.

Website Addresses California Retired Teachers Association | www.calrta.org State Teachers’ Retirement System | www.calstrs.com Medicare | www.medicare.gov Send address changes to the Business Office 800 Howe Avenue, Suite 370 | Sacramento, CA 95825 | 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | 916-923-2200 | E-mail: [email protected] CalRTA CONTACT (ISSN O885-0267) is published five times per year by California Retired Teachers Association. Annual subscription is $4.50 paid by membership dues of $54 annually. Periodical postage paid at Sacramento, CA, and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 2016 CalRTA. All rights reserved.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: CalRTA Contact | 800 Howe Avenue, Suite 370 | Sacramento, CA 95825

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Contact | www.calrta.org

Unsolicited submissions for CalRTA Contact become the property of CalRTA, and can only be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed envelope containing sufficient postage.

PRESIDENT ’S MESSAGE We Have Superpowers … The 2016 Annual Convention & Delegate Assembly held in May is getting great evaluations and reviews. Thank you to everyone who helped make it so good. And thank you for your frank and honest evaluations, which will be a basis for next year’s Convention planning committee. The Division Presidents and leaders were considering their “superpowers” at a roundtable workshop. I am convinced that these powers are not to be taken lightly, so I share them with you all. Knowledge is power. And who are we teachers, if not knowledge-brokers? Part of our life’s calling involved learning and teaching the facts. Knowledge is the key to careful thinking and decision-making. I taught that, didn’t you? Remember the bumper sticker, “If you think Education is expensive, watch the cost of Ignorance.” Even today we still search through a lot of baloney in the desire for accuracy.

Ken Hewitt

CalRTA President

Knowledge is a superpower.

And there is an enemy of public education who trades in deception, not fact. We are going to defeat those evil superpowers because we are dedicated to the truth that public education is an important foundation to a strong democracy. What makes life worthwhile? Love. Caring. And teachers do more than teach lessons. They teach children. What makes education more than learning is caring. Today’s retired teacher still cares. It is one of our permanent superpowers. We care about how all the children are doing. We care about how the schools are doing. We care about how today’s teachers are doing in the classroom.

Retired teachers care.

CalRTA has scholarship programs all over the state. We give cash grants to local classrooms. We give cash grants to teachers on Facebook. CalRTA has a new 501 (c) 3 Educational Foundation by which we plan to give tens of thousands of dollars to California schools. (See article on page 10.)

CalRTA cares.

CalRTA has a new 501 (c) 3 Educational Foundation by which we plan to give tens of thousands of dollars to California schools.

And last but not least, we have the power to stick with it. I call it dedication. We do not surrender to the evil superpower of greed, nor to those who have stripped us of our Social Security benefit, nor to anyone who thinks we will stand idly by while voting rights are denied to qualified citizens, or health care to needy seniors. We do not win every battle of the superpowers, but we will not quit just because we are behind.

We are CalRTA … superpower of retirement. Y

Ken Hewitt, CalRTA President SUMMER 2016

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS UPDATES By David L. Walrath, Legislative Advocate, and Lynn Lindsey, Government Relations Committee Chair

H.R. 711

The House Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Social Security heard the CalRTAsupported H.R. 711 on March 22, 2016. The hearing was the first action on a bill to reform either the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or the Government Pension Offset (GPO). House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) is the sponsor of H.R. 711, which will provide retirees subject to the WEP with relief from their Social Security benefit cut caused by the WEP. The bill would restore up to 50 percent of the benefit cut amount.

DAVID L. WALRATH Legislative Advocate

While the full Ways and Means Committee has not yet acted on the legislation, CalRTA hopes more legislative action can occur this year. With a strong record of 2016 action, the proposal could move forward more quickly in 2017. The following are California co-sponsors for H.R. 711:

Co-sponsor

Date Co-sponsored

Rep. Lowenthal, Alan S. [D-CA-47]

05/01/2015

Rep. Nunes, Devin [R-CA-22]

06/02/2015

Rep. McNerney, Jerry [D-CA-9]

06/11/2015

Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-51]

07/20/2015

Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-3]

07/29/2015

Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33]

10/09/2015

Rep. Knight, Stephen [R-CA-25]

12/18/2015

LYNN LINDSEY

Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5]

03/15/2016

Government Relations Committee Chair

Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]

05/17/2016

WEP and GPO Campaign

CalRTA will be asking every member to send a postcard urging WEP and GPO repeal to both of the major party candidates for President of the United States, once they are officially nominated. The addresses will be available on the CalRTA website, along with messages that can be used on the postcards. We need every member to write to make sure the candidates know we will be judging them on the actions to repeal the WEP and GPO.

Lobby Day 2017

Save the date! The CalRTA Lobby Day in Washington, D.C., will be on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, and in local district Congressional Offices the same day. More information will be provided when we are closer to 2017.

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Contact | www.calrta.org

The May Revision contains $10 million for one-time investment for grants to California postsecondary institutions ... Advocacy Day 2016 Results

CalRTA Advocacy Day had two priorities. The first was to continue the appropriation to reach full funding for California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) benefits, and the second was to encourage the state to enact legislation to help recruit and retain new teachers. In his May Revision, Governor Jerry Brown continued the full-funding appropriations for CalSTRS and also included funding for new efforts for beginning teacher recruitment and retention. The May Revision contains $10 million for one-time investment for grants to California postsecondary institutions to improve upon or develop four-year integrated teacher credential programs. The May Revision also includes $2.5 million for the California Center for Teaching Careers. Both of these results show that CalRTA advocacy has results.

CalRTA Priorities Survey

This fall, CalRTA will have its biennial Legislative Priorities Survey. The survey will ask for your help in determining our priorities for healthcare and supporting public education and benefits, including federal issues affecting Medicare and Social Security. Please be ready to complete the survey and help us adopt the priorities and action plan you want.

WEP/GPO Updates

CalRTA works closely with the group “Social Security Fairness.” Sign up for their newsletter and alerts at www.ssfairness.com.

Friends of CalRTA

CalRTA does not endorse candidates, but the Association does recognize those leaders who are working toward the same retirement security and public education goals as CalRTA. For 2016 the CalRTA Board of Directors has recognized: State Senator Richard Pan who, as a pediatrician and former educator, works to promote education and health for California. Assembly Member Susan Bonilla is a former teacher, and she knows our issues. From preschool to nutrition, to teacher training, she works to support safety and quality for California education. Susan Davis is a former Board of Education member in San Diego. As a representative of the 53rd District, her key issues have been education, military families and veterans. Attorney General Kamala Harris has worked for the right to a quality education in a safe environment by improving attendance and working to eliminate gang activity. Special recognition to retiring Senator Barbara Boxer who, since 1993, has been an advocate for safety and education for children. She authored legislation to establish the first federal afterschool programs. She also has a long history of working for the safety, environment and education of our nation. Y

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Education Founda Your PAC Contribution Supports Public Education

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his November voters will decide whether or not to extend the Prop. 30 education funding they approved in 2012. The “Tax Extension to Fund Education and Healthcare Initiative” would extend for 12 years the personal income tax increase for the wealthy included in Prop. 30. The quarter-cent sales tax increase enacted by Prop. 30 would expire as planned at the end of 2016.

raising funds to help with the Prop. 30 extension campaign. We hope you’ll contribute to this important cause. And a quick reminder about our PAC … CalRTA has long been politically active, but we have never been partisan. Our PAC is devoted to issues, not candidates. Who makes the decision to spend PAC money?

Prop. 30 has been critical in helping schools recover from the devastating cuts suffered during the recent recession. With Prop. 30 funds, schools have been able to restore services, purchase supplies and hire more teachers. But those funds are now at risk. Without the Prop. 30 extension it’s estimated that schools will lose nearly $5 billion in funding in the first year alone! CalRTA is joining the fight to pass this Prop. 30 extension, but we need your help. CalRTA’s PAC is funded by voluntary contributions from CalRTA members and other supporters. This summer we’re

Why wait for the mail? Receive Contact up to two weeks earlier with email delivery! If you’d like to receive CalRTA Contact via email just let us know, and we’ll add you to our electronic distribution list. You’ll receive the publication faster AND help us reduce printing costs. Email your request to: [email protected]

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Contact | www.calrta.org

The PAC Board makes that decision as a separate legal entity. The PAC Board comprises the following CalRTA Board members: President Ken Hewitt, President-Elect Irene Wetzel, Treasurer Peter Paolino, Area VI Co-Director Carol Luhring and Area X Director Judy Smith. What campaigns has the PAC supported? The PAC has supported Prop. 45 to allow the Insurance Commissioner to regulate health insurance premiums (failed November 2014). The PAC funded an independent expenditure campaign supporting Prop. 30 for education funding (passed November 2012). Does the PAC support candidates? No. The PAC was created to support or oppose ballot propositions. Because CalRTA does not endorse candidates for office, the PAC was not formed to provide contributions to candidates.

Please mail your PAC contribution to: CalRTA-PAC Dept 34121 P.O. Box 39000 San Francisco, CA 94139-0001 Y

ation

PENSION WATCH Teacher Pensions Highlighted in The New York Times

In early June the New York Times ran an article, “For Many Women, Adequate Pensions Are Still a Far Reach,” which featured Kentucky Retired Teacher’s Association member Bert Baldwin and new research on the challenges women face in retirement. The article is important because it contrasts the retirement readiness of women with pensions compared to those without. It also properly positions the benefit levels of retired educators. The article says, “For Ms. Baldwin, her teacher’s pension affords her a comfortable middleclass life. It’s not a huge amount, about $2,100 monthly, but more than if she had been forced to rely on her late husband’s pension from his job as a railroad engineer.”

a landmark 2011 law freezing cost-of-living adjustments for retired

(Samantha Marcus, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) In early June, New Jersey's Supreme Court upheld a landmark 2011 law freezing cost-of-living adjustments for retired government workers, a decision that will slowly erode the value of pensions paid to 800,000 current and former public employees. The 6-1 ruling is a major legal victory for Gov. Chris Christie’s administration, which warned that restoring the annual increases would hurl a pension system already underfunded by $59 billion closer to insolvency.

Contact | www.calrta.org

Public workers sued, arguing before the court in March that their cost-of-living adjustments have the same protections as the pensions themselves and cannot be reduced, while a lawyer for the state said COLAs fall outside that “nonforfeitable,” or absolute, right.

government workers ...

N.J. Supreme Court Hands Christie Big Win on Pensions

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The lawsuit filed by a group of retired prosecutors hinged on whether the legal promise not to reduce workers’ pensions includes cost-of-living adjustments. Christie and state lawmakers suspended the regular increases in 2011 as part of a sweeping overhaul of employee benefits that also raised the retirement age and required workers to pay more for their pensions and health care.

In early June, New Jersey’s Supreme Court upheld

You can circulate the article on social media and by email by using this link: http://nyti. ms/1P9UYbu. The article also can be read and printed at this link.

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“State taxpayers have won another huge victory,” Christie said. “One that spares them from the burden of unaffordable benefit increases for public employee unions.”

Assistant Deputy Attorney General Jean P. Reilly agued if there’s any ambiguity in the language of the 1997 law, which granted a non-forfeitable right to the “benefits program,” it should be interpreted narrowly and in the state’s favor. Writing for the majority, Justice Jaynee LaVecchia agreed, finding “In this instance, proof of unequivocal intent to create a non-forfeitable right to yet-unreceived COLAs is lacking. Although both plaintiff retirees and the state advance plausible arguments on that question, the lack of such unmistakable legislative intent dooms the plaintiffs’ position.” The COLA suspension was part of a broader law requiring public employees and the state to pay more into the pension system. The overhaul was undertaken to reduce the state’s massive pension debt by $140 billion over 30 years and preserve the fund. Freezing cost-of-living adjustments was projected to save more than $70 billion of that total.

state COLAs, swamping the state with billions of dollars in new liabilities and intensifying the pension fund’s financial distress. The bigger checks to retirees would have moved up the timeline for insolvency, which for one fund could be as soon as 2024. Moody’s Investors Service has warned the $59 billion in unfunded liabilities could rise by a third if the state and local governments were forced to restore retirees’ cost-ofliving increases. With this ruling, it could be decades before many public workers’ COLAs can be restored. Under the law, they won’t receive increases until the individual pension plans that make up the pension fund are much healthier, which the statute defines as at least 80 percent funded. In his dissent, Justice Barry Albin wrote that in drafting the law the Legislature could have, but didn’t explicitly exclude COLAs from the contractual right. Public workers made life decisions based on what seemed a plainly written promise that they would receive regular adjustments, he added. “Many public employees may not have retired or may have deferred their retirement had COLAs not been guaranteed as part of their pension benefits program,” Albin said. “Although the Legislature had the right to suspend COLAs for those public employees whose pension benefits had not vested and who had yet to retire, it did not have the right to do so for those public employees who retired expecting that the state would keep its word.” Wendell Steinhauer, president of the New Jersey Education Association, the state’s largest public union, called the freeze “theft, plain and simple.” “I am outraged that the court has condoned the actions of Governor Christie and the New Jersey Legislature taking away the COLAs that our members have earned over the course of their careers,” he said. A ruling overturning the freeze could have forced the state to reimburse retirees for their losses since 2011 and to rein-

The full contribution recommended by actuaries — well above what the state actually pays — for this year would immediately jump from $4.4 billion to $5.7 billion. And for the governor to stick to his current payment schedule next year he would need to kick in $400 million more than planned and $1 billion more than the state is to pay in this year. Moody’s lead analyst for New Jersey, Baye Larsen, weighed in, saying the decision “eliminates a major threat to the state’s fiscal stability, which is already challenged by narrow reserves and large, rapidly growing pension costs.” The ruling marked the second major state Supreme Court decision on the 2011 pension reform law and victory for the Christie administration in as many years. In June 2015, the high court ruled a piece of the law requiring Christie to gradually increase annual payments into the system couldn’t be enforced. In both cases, the court invalidated what public workers believed to be contractual obligations binding the state to make annual contributions or pay out COLAs. “Based on this decision, all public employees should be gravely concerned that their remaining pension benefits have any legal protections left,” said Charles Ouslander, a retired prosecutor and plaintiff in the case. “In addition, given the court’s past decision ... that upheld underfunding of the pension system, despite another contractual obligation, pensioners are now only left with the obligation to pay increased contributions with nothing in return.” Y SUMMER 2016

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Educational Foundation CalRTA Launches New Educational Foundation What is your legacy? CalRTA is continuing our history of philanthropy with the launch of a new foundation targeted at helping teachers and California’s public education system. CalRTA’s Educational Foundation is designed to provide financial assistance via grants for: n n

Professional development for teachers Classroom efforts focused on innovation and enrichment

To fund these grants, members of the Foundation’s Board will research existing programs, especially opportunities from large corporations such as Apple. They will also develop a member outreach campaign highlighting ways CalRTA members can offer support via estate planning. And because the CalRTA Educational Foundation is a 501 (c) (3), contributions are tax-deductible. CalRTA leaders will provide updates at the Fall Area Workshops, and look for more information in CalRTA Contact, the e-newsletter Connections, and Division newsletters. Because this program is so new, please don’t hesitate to contact the CalRTA Business Office with questions and suggestions.

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California Retired Teachers Association

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

CalRTA never stops caring … About teachers About students About public education

You can help! Online

www.calrta.org has a link for your electronic contribution

By mail

Send a check made out to CalRTA Educational Foundation to 800 Howe Avenue, Suite 370 Sacramento, CA 95825 CalRTA’s Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) so all contributions are tax-deductible. Y

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Contact | www.calrta.org

7 Backyard Cleaning Tips

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s it time to give your home and outdoor space a clean up now that warmer temperatures are here? Here’s how!

1. Be an inspector. Take a close look at balconies, porches, railings and outdoor furniture to see if there are any missing or rusted nails or fasteners. Also check for splinters, buckled or loose boards, and uneven stair treads. 2. Say so long to slick surfaces. Keep your driveways, walkways and garden paths clear of leaves, branches and other debris. 3. Give your lawn a once-over. One misstep on uneven surfaces and you could lose your balance. Check for hazards such as roots, fallen branches, rocks or bumpy ground.

4. Don’t try to be Mr. or Ms. Fix-It. If your mower or trimmer breaks, take it to a professional repair shop. And throw away broken garden tools. 5. Keep it handy. If you have to dig around the shed or garden, or reach up to high shelves, accidents are more likely to happen. Keep frequently used yard equipment within easy reach. 6. Get slip-resistant. Add abrasive strips or rubber stair treads, and use deck paint that has a rough texture. 7. Install outdoor lights. Put in the ones that are motion-sensitive. Don’t neglect the porch, pathway, driveway and backyard. Y

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THE SCOOP

News for California’s Retired Teachers Teacher Grants Touch Many Below are two of the many thank-you notes CalRTA and its Divisions have received from grateful teachers receiving grants. The first note is from a teacher receiving a grant from Division 32 – Butte County and the second is a State Teacher Grant recipient: ne of my 10th grade girls was getting a poor grade in PE because she didn’t have PE clothes. She lives in two separate households, living part-time with her mom and part-time with her dad. It has been hectic for her to transition so frequently. With the grant money I was able to get her the Oroville HS PE clothes that she is keeping at school. Another student that I was able to help this year is a senior. She has been truly homeless for the last three years, and last year she had a baby. She was on campus for the mandatory senior meeting, and I asked if she was going on the senior trip. She said no, because she didn’t have the money to go on the trip. I asked her if I could get her trip paid for, could she get a baby sitter and go on the trip. She was thrilled!! Within an hour her sister agreed to babysit, we got her permission slips together, I drove her home to get her mom to sign them, we turned them in immediately, and she was on the senior bus the following morning headed to Santa Cruz for the senior trip!! Another senior has some lost books. OHS policy states that a senior cannot go to the graduation ceremony unless all outstanding books/bills are paid. This senior girl has also been homeless for the last year. She lost her books when she and her mom were evicted from their apartment for unpaid rent. Going to the graduation ceremony means a great deal to these youngsters, and sometimes the financial state of their parents can have a very sad impact on them. The grant money from CalRTA helped to pay for her lost books and give her a ticket to the graduation ceremony that she worked for years to earn!!

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Contact | www.calrta.org

Sara Wood (far left) and Marcia Mautner (far right) of Division 60 – South Shores present teacher Gabriela De La Torre with her $100 grant check.

Thank you so much for making a difference in the lives of these students! The memories that these seniors will now have will positively highlight their senior year for a lifetime! Patty Bauer, OHS Counselor hank you so much for the donation to our school library. We serve 1,800 students with over 700 entering the library daily. The joy of new books and the interest expressed by students is so gratifying and just plain fun to see. The impact of your donation is extensive and will thrill our students. Our students frequently have requests for specific materials that they would like to have access to. The book requests far exceed our budget, so we are very excited to utilize your funds to purchase books students have specifically requested. I placed the order early this week and just received all, with the exception of the not yet released new Harry Potter and the Cursed Child title. We’ll have the new books on display the first day of school in August. Thank you again for offering this program. We are so happy to be able to use the funds for items students really want. Linda Elliott, Teacher-Librarian Pleasant Valley High School

At the May Convention State Senator Richard Pan received a “Friend of CalRTA” award for his work to promote good health and education in the state. Though Senator Pan wasn’t available for the award presentation photo-op, Division 5 – State Capital members Paula Weiss ( far left) and Pat Geyer (far right) met with the Senator’s staff Darin Walsh, with whom CalRTA members have worked for many years.

Board meetings are always better with food! Enjoying their meal are members of Division 20 – San Joaquin.

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Members Celebrate Unity at Annual Convention

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ducational sessions, making new friends, conducting official association business, networking ... ask any of the CalRTA members who traveled to Sacramento to attend this year’s CalRTA Convention & Delegate Assembly why they participated and you’ll probably hear one of those answers. Activities began Friday with state committee meetings. Anyone arriving early for the convention, which officially started Saturday, were welcome to sit in on these meetings and see their fellow members in action. Friday afternoon Division leaders gathered for the “Presidents Leadership Session.” This “nuts and bolts” how-to session has become a staple at the convention and provides critical information for new Division leaders. Friday evening participants had the choice to venture out on their own or to participate in the planned entertainment and dessert reception. Saturday morning was all about learning. Participants learned membership recruitment and retention strategies, the latest insurance news, technology tips, and had a chance to review the bylaws amendments and proposed budget prior to the Delegate Assembly.

Getting ready for their first educational workshops are (l to r) Linda Franson and Susan Karl Dixon.

After lunch State President Ken Hewitt welcomed attendees to the Delegate Assembly. Participants then heard reports about the Bylaws amendments and proposed budget. Following the Delegate Assembly, members met in their Area caucuses to vote. In addition elections were held in the odd-numbered Areas for Area Director and Nominations and Elections Representatives. Areas I, II, III, IV and XII also welcomed their Northern Region Board member for the Laura E. Settle Scholarship Foundation. (See sidebar with results.) Saturday evening included the Annual Banquet and Awards Presentation led by Mistress of Ceremonies Betty Silva. CalRTA Past President Polly Bacich installed the newly elected Directors, LES Representative, and Nominations and Elections Representatives. Past President Betty Soennichsen presented the Ruth Q. de Prida Award to Charlotte and Russell Peck. State Communications Committee Representative Ann Hansen presented the Ed Ely Outstanding Communications Award to Gini Pedersen. (See details on pages 18 and 19)

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Contact | www.calrta.org

(l to r) State President-Elect Irene Wetzel and Past President Eva Hain.

See many more photos on the CalRTA Flickr page: www.flickr.com/photos/calrta/sets/

In addition to official Association business and award presentations, the convention is also a time for members to hear industry updates and learn new tools and techniques to use in their local Divisions. Topics of educational sessions offered Sunday included advocacy, diversity and leadership development. Sunday’s Closing Luncheon wrapped up the convention. State Government Relations Chair Lynn Lindsey presented the “Friend of CalRTA” Awards (see list on page 5). Guest speaker Jim Finnerty, an award-winning producer of shows such as “The Heartland,” gave members a sneak peek of his latest show for KVIE, the local PBS station, which is focused on teachers and education.

Past President Polly Bacich congratulates newly sworn in members of the State Nominations and Elections Committee.

Join us next year Wednesday, May 17, to Friday, May 19, at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton. (l to r) From local Division 75 – Sacramento Northeast Marti Gohring and Sandra Edwards get ready to welcome delegates to Sacramento.

The Host Committee had their smiles (and local information) ready to help attendees enjoy their time in Sacramento.

The singing group Vibrance (including member Bonnie Flint – far left) provides entertainment during Saturday’s banquet.

(l to r) Representing Division 19 – San Fernando Valley are (l to r) Marilyn Fabre and Rose Horkin, who has been a member of CalRTA for 33 years!

Contact the CalRTA Business Office if you’d like a copy of the approved budget or go to www.calrta.org and in the Members Only section (you have to log in to access the information) click on Downloads and look for CalRTA 2016-17 Budget. continued on page 16 SUMMER 2016

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Members Celebrate Unity at Annual Convention continued from page 15

Prior to the beginning of the convention, the State program committees meet. Here the Government Relations Committee reviews the upcoming November election and ballot initiatives.

Tim Lee, Executive Director of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, gives an animated explanation of the work to repeal the Social Security penalties (WEP/GPO).

Area XI Director Kathy O’Leary and Area V Director Richard Benitez.

From local Area III are (l to r) Marcie Launey, Pat Boyd, Paula Weiss and Cheryl Sewell.

(l to r) Enjoying a quick break between workshops are Emma Blanks Jenkins, Danellen Joseph, and Eva Elissie Caldwell.

Always nice to see old friends! (l) Judy Eikenberry Strobel of EJS Insurance and Lenore Shively, Division 87 Mother Lode

Our thanks to the following Preferred Benefit Providers for their support of this year's meeting:

State President Ken Hewitt addresses the Delegate Assembly.

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Contact | www.calrta.org

California Casualty ~ Auto & Home Insurance E.J.S. Insurance Services, Inc. EPIC Hearing Healthcare Hillcrest Retirement Community PlanMember Services

Delegate Assembly Election and Voting Results Here are the various election and voting results from the May 20 Delegate Assembly: Members travel from all over the state to attend the Annual Convention and Delegate Assembly!

Area Directors

Area I Director – Betty Silva
 Area III Director – Chuck Denonn
 Area V Director – Rich Benitez
 Area VII Director - Vacant
 Area IX Director – Ron Breyer
 Area XI Director – Kathy O’Leary



LES Scholarship Foundation Board Northern Seat - Carol Kalamaras

 Nominations and Elections Committee

Division leaders learned "how to" tips at the President's Leadership Session Friday afternoon.

Area I – Sue Ann Joy
 Area III – Bonnie Flint
 Area V – Chris Tsuji
 Area VII – Danellen Joseph
 Area IX – Jeannette Goar
 Area XI – Patty Bender



Bylaw Amendments President Elect Irene Wetzel honors Rick Light who was recognized as the Retired Administrator of the year from ACSA.

Amendment I | Passed Changes the duties of the Immediate Past President Amendment II | Passed Obligates the CalRTA Board to submit a balanced budget to the Delegate Assembly Amendment III | Passed Requires the Budget and Finance Committee to include a contingency fund in the annual budget Amendment IV | Passed Clarifies how the vacancy in the position of Co-Director of an Area is filled.

Add your smile to the photo during next year's event, Wednesday, May 17 to Friday, May 19, at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton.

Amendment V | Passed Changes the cut-off for determining delegate allotment for Divisions from March 31 to December 31. The proposed budget was also adopted. Y

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CalRTA Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers Charlotte and Russell Peck Receive Ruth Q. de Prida Award

Charlotte Peck was well qualified to be a teacher. She had three credentials – an elementary credential and two secondary credentials. She taught elementary for one year, middle school for two years, and then moved up to high school where she taught for 30 years. She served her teachers’ association in several capacities including Chair of the Bargaining Committee and Association President. Her community service includes children’s teacher at church, local museum member, local beautification committee chair, Girl Scout leader, high school math club advisor, math tutor, Cuban missile crisis air spotter, and many others. For CalRTA she served as Dividion 38 - Stanislaus County’s Secretary, Special Projects Chair, Membership Co-chair, and Area VI Membership Co-Chair. That’s a lot. And this year we have a bonus, because we also have her spouse as a co-recipient. Russell Peck also had three credentials – elementary and two secondary. He taught elementary for 20 years and was an administrator for 22 years. His community service includes Sunday school, church youth leader, National Ski Patrol, local museum board member, local service club member and officer, and much more. For CalRTA he has served as Division President, long-time member of the Division Board of Directors, Division Membership Co-Chair, and Area Membership Co-Chair. Together these two have worked hard to increase their Division membership, and were so successful they won awards for their increases three years in a row. They also traveled long distances around their Area providing consultation, in-

formation and support while mentoring countless others in their efforts to also increase membership. Charlotte and Russell have indeed served with distinction, dedication and devotion as educators, community leaders, and CalRTA members. They are an example for us all.

Ruth Q. de Prida Award The Ruth Q. de Prida Award was established at the CalRTA convention in 1984. The award is named in honor of CalRTA member Ruth de Prida who, for more than 50 years, lobbied for children’s hospitals, schools, teachers and retired teachers. The award is presented to a CalRTA member for exceptional service: one who is an educator and community leader; one who has served the State of California with distinction, dedication and devotion; one who has served CalRTA with diligence in many elective, appointive and voluntary capacities; and one who has furthered the cause of CalRTA by being an example for other members of readiness to serve. It is intended to be presented to a member who is not presently in the State leadership. The award is presented annually at the CalRTA convention.

Martin P. Mathiesen Award Winners (Nominees for the Ruth Q. de Prida Award) Judy Bain, Division 69 – East County San Diego Gary & Shari Beck, Division 5 – State Capital Barbara Bethel, Division 4 – San Diego Kenneth Biery, Division 1 – Pasadena Foothill Carolyn Burke, Division 35 – Lake County Diane Cadei, Division 29 – Monterey County Cathy Canaday, Division 24 – Solano County Jennie Choy, Division 36 – San Francisco Tom Collette, Division 22 – San Mateo County Cathy Cyr, Division 80 – Corona-Norco Pauline Delgado, Division 49 – Berkeley

Russell Peck accepts the Ruth Q. de Prida Award on behalf of himself and his wife, Charlotte.

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Patricia Ford, Division 73 – El Dorado County Marilyn Gallagher, Division 11 – Riverside

Judith Geppert, Division 27 – North Coast Chari Goddard, Division 45 – North San Diego County Carole Lyles, Division 13 – Pomona Valley Barbara Mendes, Division 10 – Fresno County Helene Nickel, Division 63 – Palomar Russ Rackow, Division 52 – Diablo Vista

Gini Pedersen Honored With Ed Ely Outstanding Communications Award

Once again it was difficult to single out one outstanding volunteer. All the nominees for the Ed Ely Award have fine organizational and communication skills. They exhibit the ability to write and utilize electronic communications effectively; market CalRTA to community organizations; and respond to misconceptions of others regarding CalRTA and CalSTRS. Including the qualities mentioned, Gini Pedersen has written articles for the CalRTA Contact magazine, conducted workshops at several conferences, and, after developing the redesign of our Division and Area websites, is helping members to manage them. She makes technology much easier to embrace. Thank you for sharing all your talents with us!

Divisions Recognized With Membership Awards

Each year CalRTA honors Divisions that have shown outstanding efforts in recruiting new members. Richard A. Hoffmann Awards for Excellence in Membership Gains Category A – up to 299 members Division 86 – N. San Luis Obispo County Category B – 300 - 599 members Division 60 - South Shores Category C – 600 - 899 members Division 24 - Solano County Category D – 900 members + Division 5 - State Capital Lenny Escarda Award for Recruiting the Most New Members Division 5 – State Capital Y

CalRTA State President Ken Hewitt congratulates Gini Pedersen on receiving the Ed Ely Outstanding Communications Award.

Ed Ely Outstanding Communications Award The Ed Ely Communications Award was created to honor the years of hard work and dedication of CalRTA’s former director of communications, Ed Ely. This award is given annually to the individual member who does the best job of communicating the vision and goals of CalRTA to members, legislators and the general public. The award is presented annually at the CalRTA convention.

State Membership Recruitment & Resources Committee Chair Steve Click presents the Lenny Escarda Award to Division 5 – State Capital for earning the most new members. Accepting the award is Cheryl Sewell.

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CalRTA Laura E. Settle Scholarship Foundation Annual Report

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t the CalRTA Convention May 20-22, 2016, the CalRTA Laura E. Settle Scholarship Foundation (LES Foundation) held an election for the Northern Regional Director. We congratulate and are pleased to continue working with Carol Kalamaras, who was re-elected to the LES Foundation Board of Directors!

recipients of the $750 Mabel Outler Award exhibited excellent citizenship, exemplary academic GPA and possess a love and talent for teaching with an emphasis and desire to teach in the elementary grades. They were enrolled in teacher credentialing programs as seniors or graduates and are already working in classrooms as teacher assistants. We The Mabel Outler congratulate them on this Scholarship Award is given award and wish them the very best future! to individuals planning

The LES Board that met at the convention included: William (Bill) Kipp, President; Peter Paolino, Treasurer; John Gera, on becoming elementary Budget & Finance Chair; GeorWe are pleased to honor all gianna Light, Director; Carol of our scholarship recipients school teachers in Kalamaras, Northern Regional for their personal dedicaCalifornia. Director; Adele Embry, Central tion to teaching excellence Regional Director; Robbie in the State of California! Cendejas, Southern Regional Director and Angelique Hill, CalRTA Executive Director Financial Report (Non-Voting Member). Administration and accounting The beginning fund balance on July 1, 2015, was duties are conducted by Elaine Retz. $2,520,979; the fund balance on March 31, 2016, was We would like to acknowledge all of the recipients of the $3,000 Laura E. Settle Scholarship Award for the academic year 2015–2016. Individually these future teachers embodied outstanding citizenship, academic excellence and a love and talent for teaching. They were enrolled in a teacher credentialing program as seniors or graduate students and have been logging classroom hours as teacher assistants. We congratulate them on this award and wish them the very best future! The Mabel Outler Scholarship Award is given to individuals planning on becoming elementary school teachers in California. The universities and number of scholarships given to each was stipulated by the donor, Mabel Outler, a retired elementary school teacher from Long Beach, a graduate of CSU, Long Beach and a former member of CalRTA. The Mabel Outler Award was increased to $750 effective for the 2015-2016 academic year awards. The

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$2,551,726. Our investments have performed as well as any in the market we have had to work with. Our NET return, year to date March 31, 2016, is down (1.76%), but we were up 4.12% in the month of March. Year to Date Income, 3/31/16:

$104,533

Year to Date Expenses, 3/31/16: Scholarships Paid:

($49,500)

Expenses Paid: Administrative Expense Operating Expenses

($4,849) ($18,667)

D&O, General Liability Insururance ($769) Total Expense ($73,785) Net Income/Change in Net Assets

($30,748)

2015-2016 Laura E. Settle Scholarship Award Recipients • As of 6/13/16 Cal Poly-Pomona | Maria Parker Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo | Danielle Lynn Roberts CSU, Bakersfield | Beatriz A. Cueto-Rivera CSU, Channel Islands | Nancy Gomez CSU, Chico | Nathaniel Borer CSU, Dominguez Hills | Krizole Oro CSU, East Bay | Brittany Schlaegel CSU, Fresno | Yureli S. Mandujano CSU, Fullerton | Meghann Briggs CSU, Long Beach | Elisa Ruiz CSU, Los Angeles | Courtney Judd CSU, Monterey Bay | Sused Cabrera CSU, Sacramento | Catherine Funk CSU, San Bernardino | Jessenia Oertel Humboldt State Univ | Shayne D. Sines San Francisco State Univ | Jennie Ng San Jose State University | Eunjung Oh Sonoma State University | Heather Blair UC, Berkeley | Shannon Jin-a Lamborn UC, Davis | Katherine Anderson UC, Irvine | Amanda Dorates & Juliet Mao UC, Los Angeles | Katherine Thompson UC, San Diego | Guadalupe Rangel-Lemus UC, Santa Barbara | Phoenix Plotner UC, Santa Cruz | Zachary Epperson • Natalie Herron

We’re fighting for you! And every other educator… ATTACK ON

PUBLIC

PENSIONS

Ask a friend to join us! Dues are only $54 for an entire year.

Membership applications are online at www.calrta.org or call 800-523-2782.

2015-2016 Mabel Outler Award Recipients • As of 6/13/16 CSU, Long Beach | Ellen Williams • Selene Rodriguez • Jose Malagon • Michelle Wray UC, Berkeley | Randal Hamati • Zoraida Serrano • Bonnie Tong UC, Davis | Jessica Cano-Sanchez • Lilia Cisneros • Omar Ceja Y

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Are Your Ducks in a Row?

Preparing for the long life you want! Based on presentation at 2016 CalRTA Annual Convention by Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC • Founder of Eldercare Services articipants at this year’s convention heard an insightful presentation by Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC, on issues everyone will have to deal with at some point. She stressed that advanced planning and conversations NOW will ensure living and passing the way YOU choose. Slides from her presentation, as well as other resources, are available online at http://eldercareanswers.com/calrta/. Highlights from Fodrini-Johnson’s presentation: We are living longer and that is why “those ducks” need to line up! n Baby girls born in 2000 and beyond are expected to live to be 100, however the over 85 group is growing faster than any other age group! Will you live to 100? n We are born, we live – but we don’t just die. n Quite often we are on a journey that can include some dependency before we leave this life. What are the elements and tools needed for a long life? n Knowledge of your wishes and values n Research into options for support and or assistance should you require or desire them n Legal documents to direct your wishes n Financial resources to support your designed options n An advocate who will act on your behalf should you not have the capacity briefly or ongoing Who is providing care to aging family members? You! n 52 million care for an adult who is ill or disabled. n 34 million care for someone over 50. n 9 million care for someone with dementia. n 60% of family caregivers are still in the workforce. n 78% of all care is provided by families.

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Baby girls born in 2000 and beyond are expected to live to be 100, however the over 85 group is growing faster than any other age group!

If you become the caregiver n Don’t try to do it all yourself. n Ask for specific help (hold a family meeting). n Self-care becomes critical. n Join a support group. n Have a coach or mentor who is an expert. n Learn to enjoy the moment! Planning for the “what ifs” can free you to live fully! n Look at your legal tools annually. n Can the person you request to be your advocate still act in that capacity? n Do you know a professional who could help with major decisions?

End-of-life discussions n Know your options. n Communicate your values to those who will make decisions for you! n Tell your advocate where important paperwork is stored. n Be sure to have this conversation with your primary care physician.

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Care manager/aging life care professionals www.aginglifecare.org • www.VillagePlan.com Government Programs www.benefitscheckup.org Family Caregiving www.caregiver.org Elder Law www.NAELA.org Area Agency on Aging 1-800-510-2020 • www.eldercare.gov Eldercare Services 925-937-2018 • www.EldercareAnswers.com

Lead into Difficult Conversation with Movies

During this presentation CalRTA member Gini Pedersen shared some movies she found effective in starting conversations with her husband about end-of-life issues. Numerous people asked for those titles so we thought we’d share them here: n n n n n n

Finished Life (2008) How to Die in Oregon (2011) One True Thing (1998) Short Stay in Switzerland (2009) Two Weeks (2006) Whose Life is it Anyway? (1981) Y

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