IMPORTANT PLANS ADOPTED AT THE CalRTA Visit the CalRTA web site … · 2019-07-26 · Online, the...

“The easiest way to findsomething lost around thehouse is to buy areplacement.”

Author Unknown

Volume 6 Number 3 “To Enhance and Protect the Benefits of Retired Educators” Summer 2009

California Retired Teachers Association Fremont, Union City, Newark Division #91

Visit the CalRTA website www.calrta.org

See page 6 for moredetailed instructions

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Book Club........................................p. 15

Bus Tours.........................................p. 16

Cheer & Courtesy..............................p. 7

Communications...............................p. 14

Directory.............................................p. 4

Enrollment Form………...................p.11

Have your Heard?...........................p. 8, 9

In Memory..........................................p. 7

Insurance............................................p. 2

Legislation..........................................p. 3

Luncheon..........................................p. 13

Membership.......................................p.11

Resource Services.......................p. 12, 13

Scholarship/Grant Fund....................p. 10

Treasurer’s Report.............................p.15

Web Wanderings.................................p.6

WCP/CPO..........................................p. 5

President: Ric Arenas Legislation: John LowreyPresident: Elect: Mary Kay Henderson Resource Services: Sharon YoolSecretary: JoAnn Houk Web Site & Tutoring: Cora AlamedaTreasurer: Gene Amaral Reservations: Janie CaldwellMembership: Muriel Rodrigues Historian: Diane NessFinancial Secretary: Judy Molander Phone Tree: Liz Poe/Karen MuellerNewsletter Editor: Jean Bloxsom Circulation: Carolyn ZeljakInsurance: Yvonne Brown Nominating Com.: Joan CultisCheer/Courtesy: Florence Griffin Travel Coordinator: Gail MooreCommunications: Stephanie Moody Publicity: Miranda MillerPAC: Leo Hinkel Scholarships/Grants: Joan Mullen/JoAnn HoukParliamentarian: Gene Dias

OFFICERS AND CHAIRPERSONS

IMPORTANT PLANS ADOPTED AT THE CalRTACONVENTION, MAY 14-17, 2009

Submitted by Charlotte Lowrey, Member

Sharon Yool with other Convention Participant Mary Kay Henderson, Sharon Yool, C. & J. Lowrey

The annual CalRta convention was held in Los Angeles, May 14-17. Those attendingfrom Division #91 were Orville and Jean Johnson, Sharon Yool, Charlotte and JohnLowry, and Mary Kay Henderson. While the 2009 Convention of the CaliforniaRetired Teachers Association celebrated the past 80 years of organizationachievements, the main emphasis focused on planning for the future.

Planning has been underway at the state level for several years to uniquely identify theorganization and its mission to protect and improve the retirement teachers have earnedthrough years of service educating the youth of the state. Last fall the organizationcontracted with an outside consultant to conduct a membership research project. Keyfindings highlighted the need to identify CalRTA as a unique organization, understandthe needs and outlook of retiring teachers in order to do innovative recruiting, andmake sure that members and non-members realize that the pension fight is not over.

A number of plans and activities will take place over the next months including amembership marketing initiative, a communications improvement initiative, aleadership development initiative and a structure and governance study. Progress willbe shared with members in the Contact magazine at workshops and online.

Online, the CalRTA web site address is www.calrta.org Please see page 6 to learn howto access this site for more information.

INSURANCE BITS ‘N PIECESYvonne Brown, Insurance Chairperson

At the State CRTA Insurance Committee meeting in March, 09, decisions on the following weremade:

1. The insurance committee and the CRTA Board voted a position of support for SB810 (formerly SB 840) the CA Universal Single Payer Health Care Bill.

2. The insurance committee voted to support the goal of National Health Care asadvocated in the Federal bill, HR 676.

3. The committee will continue to support the needs of members regarding AB 528(1985), such as retirees having the right to access health care insurance offered toactives in their district of service. Some districts either are ignorant of the law, orchoose to ignore the law while some members are not aware of their limits in thislaw.

Updated Options for Long-Term Care (LTC):Partnership Plans: Recently we received, from the State of CA Department of Health CareServices (HCS), information regarding the CA Partnership for LTC which offers Stateapproved private insurance policies. These plans protect some or all of one’s assets frombeing depleted before one might be eligible for Medicaid. (Call 800-447-0442 to requestmore information on partnership plans.)

Hybrid Plans: “An example of a hybrid is a life insurance policy combined with a long-term care benefit. If you don’t use the long-term care, the money rolls over into your deathbenefit. Long-term care annuities are similar. Starting in 2010, you will be able to pullmoney out of an annuity, tax free, to pay for long-term care. No doubt many consumers willend up converting regular annuities to long-term care annuities due to this tax benefit.”(Better Homes and Gardens, November, 2008).

Need help with health insurance? Contact: HICAP (Health Insurance Council AdvocacyProgram), (510) 839-0393. Linda Dawal is available at Senior Citizen Centers in the Tri-City areaand at Washington West in Fremont, (800) 770-9447.

We want to thank the New Haven "Pennies for Peace" CRTA team for a job welldone and for all their hard work. The team was: Florence Griffin, Judy Huff,Joyce Keiffer, Carmen Jorgenson, Rita McBride, Victoria Medina, Maureen

Middleton, Dolores Orsi, Barry Park, Sandi Riggsby, and Sharen Valles (DistrictCoordinator).

The following CRTA members were also not acknowledged in the last newsletter and wewant to thank them also for a job well done and for their tireless work: Carolyn Hedgecock, GayleWoodhead, Sandy Cashmark, Karen Mueller, Vicki Baker, Pam Brees, Rita Hammer, JoanneHoemberg, Ann Hudspeth and Karen McCready.

CRTA #91 Summer 2009

Legislative Committee Convention ReportJohn Lowrey, Legislation Chairman

The CRTA Convention in Los Angeles was well organized and wellattended. A major point of emphasis from a number of panels was that ourretirement money is safe. It is safe because our contributions and thedistrict contributions are vested. The retirement fund did lose value, butnot as badly as some other funds. There will be a need for current teachersand districts to increase payments into the fund to insure that the systemstays secure for future retirees.

The 85% rule, which is a guarantee of purchasing power equivalent of 85% of your originalpension, will not be paid to those who retired in 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 (the most recentgroup to be entitled to the improvement factor). The reason this will happen is because of lowerConsumer Price Index. Losses in the housing market along with other factors brought about thedecline in the Consumer Price Index. An STRS bulletin will be out on this subject in August.

One of the more interesting sessions was led by Jennifer Baker, a member of the STRS Board.Her topic was THE NEW LEGISLATURE. She noted that because of term limits and style andsubstance, the legislature has changed. In the short period after announcing for a legislativeoffice, prospective legislators go into a permanent fund raising mode. Legislators, of necessity,get good at fundraising, but lack the necessary time to gain in-depth knowledge of issues. Thereis a 30% turnover in legislators every two years. The institution additionally suffers from staffturnover as an average staff person is only around for 18 months. As a result, we need to knowthe right questions to ask both staff members and legislators.

CRTA, now CalRTA because of the name change, will issue a paper in the near future to help allof us to better understand the terminology associated with retirement questions so we may bebetter able to educate others on our issues. Two matters that may be of concern to manymembers were discussed. One issue was payroll withholding. You may have noticed a smallerdeduction taken out for payroll taxes from your STRS pension and any investments from whichyou may receive annual payments from such as teacher annuities. Since we did not receive areduction in federal taxes due, you may be surprised by your higher federal tax bill next April.The reason for the reduced withholding for this year was an attempt to increase purchasingpower to help the economy revive.

The other important item to note is that if you are subject to the WEP (so called WindfallElimination Penalty) Social Security reduction, you are responsible for reporting any increase inyour STRS pension to Social Security. This is so Social Security my recalculate your WEPpenalty. This may become a hazard because the current administration is seeking ways toincrease tax revenue from monies that are currently owed but not being collected. Repeal ofWEP could make this a moot point. CalRTA is making a serious effort to bring about repeal.

Friday evening an excellent vocal performance was presented by the All American Boys Clubfrom Orange County.


DIRECTORYJudy Molander, Financial Secretary

WE WELCOME THESE NEW MEMBERS:

CAROLYN HEDGECOCK4677 Sterling Court

Fremont, CA 94536-6708510-792-2260

[email protected]

ROBERTA MOODY1629 Pajaro Court

Fremont, CA 94539-4430510-656-4809

dmoody [email protected]

PATRICIA MOSELEY “PAT”1933 Marabu Way

Fremont, CA 94539-3686510-490-8414

[email protected]

KAREN SAUCEDO1117 Everett Avenue

Oakland, CA 94602-1331510-530-2796

[email protected]

DIRECTORY CHANGES:

Thank you for using CRTA Division #91's reward number when shopping at STAPLES. Therebate helps defray the cost of printing the FUN Times and the directory. Our customer

number is: 3702324454

CALRTA CO-SPONSORED MAY 30TH RALLY IN BERKELEY TOPROTEST UNFAIR SOCIAL SECURITY PENALTIES

Echoing the grassroots spirit that originally founded CalRTA, a group of frustrated teachers inthe Bay Area organized a rally on Saturday, May 30 to protest the unfair Social Securitypenalties. John and Charlotte Lowrey, Stevie Moody, Liz and Roger Poe, Jean Bloxsom,JoAnn Houk, and Mary Kay Henderson were among the hundreds who attended the spiritedrally.


Don't Gripe! Just Write!!!!By Liz Poe

I'm back from the May 30th Berkley Rally and am energized.You've heard of about WEO/GPO (Windfall EliminationProvision and Government Pension Offset). Both impactteachers', firefighters' and police officers' rights to collect SocialSecurity. Both laws are UNFAIR to you. Use your pen,computer and phone to inundate Congress letting them know howWEP/GPO are UNFAIR. Stop the UNJUST treatment of hardworking public employees who dedicate their careers toeducating children and fire and safety officers who risk their livesfor the public safety of all citizens. If legislators believe infairness, they must vote for HR 235 and S 484. These bills willeliminate the two UNJUST laws. Please contact Nancy Pelosiand Harry Reid as well your Congressional representatives.Addresses are in the CRTA directory and/or the phone book. Ask your friends, neighbors and relativesto help us by doing the same. Put your words into action. Silence does not bring about change.Write, e-mail and phone now!

DON’T GRIPE! WRITE, EMAIL AND PHONE YOUR CONGRESSPERSON, NANCYPELOSI, AND HARRY REID NOW!


This introduces our new logo, authorized by an affirmative vote at the CRTA (oops) the CalRTAconvention in Los Angeles. You will be seeing this in lots of places.

FAQ:

HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CalRTA CHANGES? There is amassive amount of information online at our website for anyone accessing the site. The CalRTAweb site address is www.calrta.org/. More detailed facts are available for members. To log in,you need your member number which you will find on the address label of the Contact magazineor on your membership card. The password is your last name in lower case letters.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A COMPUTER? Use the computers at the Fremont Library tolook at the CalCRTA web site. All you need is a current library card.

WHAT IF I’M NOT COMPUTER SAVVY? Call the Fremont Library at 510-754-1401 to

find out when the Teen Volunteers will be available to assist individuals who need help in

learning and using the computer.

WEB WANDERINGSwith Gayle

[email protected]

http://www.dealseekingmom.com - Print coupons and save!

http://www.nextworth.com - Recycle your old electronics for cash

http://zennioptical.com/cart/home.php - Complete prescription eyeglasses from $8.00!

http://www.cpsc.gov - US Product Safety Commission's recalls and safety news

http://www.fixya.com - Tech support, manuals and troubleshooting

http://www.pillbot.com - Prescription comparison shopping guide

http://www.lifebio.com - Capture your story

http://www.savingsbonds.gov - Information about purchase and value of government

savings bonds

http://www.wimp.com - Videos of daily occurrences that are sure to make you laugh

http://www.goaquaadventure.com - Fremont's new Aqua Adventure water park

A RETIREES THOUGHT

My wife said, “Whatcha doin today?” I said, ”Nothing.” She said, “You did that yesterday!” I

said, “I wasn’t finished!!!”


Kurt Lewis by Art and Judy KellerArt Lampert by Carmen and John MelendezBruce Pickell by Polly BacichBernard Lyons by Division #91Harry Brumbaugh by Division #91John Rodrigues by Nancy and Paul Couchot, Frank and Judy Molander, Barbara Erickson,Mary Lynn Pelican, Sharon Yool, Carolyn Zeljak, Florence Griffin, Gene Amaral, Dick and RitaHammer, Elaine and Gene Dias, Mary Jane and Richard John, Don and Wanda Homen, MargeCallow, Lynne DiGrazia, Paul DeWitt, Ruth Scarson, and Division #91

CHEER AND COURTESYFlorence Griffin, Chairperson

GET WELL DEATHMarilyn Rasler Karen Madsen’s FatherGail Moore Helen Boyer’s BrotherCora Alameda John RodriguesRita Hammer Harry BrumbaughAnn Laguna Bernard Lyons

SCHOLARSHIP/GRANT DONATIONS IN HONOR OF:Evan James Bell's first birthday by Grandma Ruth Bell

Elsa Horn's 102nd birthday by Barbara Ann Horn

DONATIONS:Marylouise Bailey, Richard Chatham and Dolores Wright, Barbara Ann Horn

To make a donations to the Scholarship/Grant Fund please fill out the form on page

TREATS FOR TEACHERS

We want to give a big THANK YOU to all who generously helped to take athank you from CalRTA #91 to a local school staff.

If everyone was able to deliver what was signed up for at the April luncheon,the following schools have received messages of appreciation from CRTA #91 for theirdedicated hard work: In Newark, all elementary schools. In New Haven, all elementary schools.In Fremont, 12 elementary schools and one high school. Again, thank you to all who put in theirtime, effort and funds to let teachers know they are appreciated and valued! YOU are appreciatedand valued!!


Have You Heard?By Muriel Rodrigues

Somebody was the big winner of the Opportunity Drawing at the Aprilluncheon. Congratulations to them and the other winners. I unfortunately cannotlocate the paper on which I wrote their names!!

Lydia Hubach and Joyce Ruiz last year enjoyed The Berkeley Kite Show atthe Berkeley Marina with hundreds of kites of all shapes, sizes and colors in the air. It’s July 25-26 thisyear. More information at www.HighlineKites.com

Judy Erickson and Pat Heer went to New York City in early March with the Ohlone CommunityChorale and Fremont Christian High School Concert Choir to perform parts of the oratorio, ELIJAHby Mendelssohn at Carnegie Hall. Darryl Guzman is the director of both choirs. Judy adds that it was aprivilege to sing with this 244-voice choir and a thrilling experience to sing in that beautiful andacoustically perfect performance hall. They also had opportunities to see some Broadway shows, theMetropolitan Opera, and Jazz at Lincoln Center as well as sampling the delightful cuisine that NewYork is famous for….Italian food, Jewish deli sandwiches, New York cheesecake….six days ofsightseeing and singing their hearts out!

Pat Heer had previously been in Tanzania and Kenya with Overseas Adventure Tours on safaris toSerengeti National Park (Tanzania) and Nairobi and the Masai Mara (Kenya.) They visited a hospitaland medical clinic and sent supplies to them after their return. Before that, Pat had accompanied afriend and former UN Director on a mission to Nepal for the purpose of choosing an organization forwhich he would seek funding through his NGO. While there, just after the national election, theyvisited three refugee camps and hospitals.

Janie Caldwell went on a 13-day soccer trip to England with her husband, daughter and grand-daughter in April. The group of 23, including a dozen under-14 players and 11 adults, departed SanFrancisco and continued to London, Poole, Bournemouth, and the Windsor area. In addition to playingsix games, the girls and adults had the opportunity to attend three professional soccer (football)matches. The girls were also honored by receiving the award for “most sporting team” (sportsmanship)and were honored to participate in a shoot-out during half time of one of the professional games. Thegroup toured Windsor Castle, including Queen Mary’s dollhouse, the State apartments, and St.George’s Chapel, where many royals are buried. Sights seen in London included The Tower of Londonand the Crown Jewels, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The Eye and Harrod’s. They toured Stonehengeand various small towns, pubs, shops and restaurants in outlying areas. They were blessed withfabulous weather and good food. Janie says, “I never walked so much, so fast, in such a short time inmy life, but I kept up with those teenagers!” Memorable moments included climbing 193 steps inLondon’s subway system (the tube) and their bus being attacked by a mob after one of the pro soccergames. The home team’s fans thought Janie’s bus was the opposing team’s fans. The mob hit the busand broke off a windshield wiper. After being yelled at and mooned, Janie’s bus was eventuallyescorted by the police to the main highway.

Don Reed has been working very diligently for stem cell awareness because of his son’s footballaccident which left his son Roman paralyzed. The whole family was in Washington, D.C. for Obama’ssigning of the stem cell bill where they met the President and quite a few dignitaries. It was a beautifultime, Don said. For years Don has been involved in working on state and national levels for stem cellresearch funding. He was on the Board of Directors for Prop. 71. Human trials will begin soon, Donsays, the first in the world.

Have You Heard Continued on page 9CRTA #91 Summer 2009

Have You Heard continuedBy Muriel Rodrigues

Sue Miller had a lovely time checking out the Grand Circle through canyoncountry with World Wide Country Tours .It was a fun-loving group of peopleand everyone melded well from the beginning, Sue says. A jeep tour of thedesert area in Sedona was a nice introduction to different rock formations. Afterbeing greeted by a grass-munching moose and driving around the Grand Canyonarea, she took an optional sunset tour which was a time of clouds turning multi colors with the playof shadows and light on the rocks, which made the scene spectacular. Sue especially enjoyed BryceCanyon with its spires of different colored rocks and the weird rounded rock sculptures in GoblinValley in Capitol Reef National Park. There was a two-night stay in Moab, Utah. In the afternoonshe went on a tour over the rocks in a very agile Hummer which Sue swears was headed straight upat one point. Sleet and hail added to the excitement. This is a favorite place for motorcyclists andoff-road vehicles. The trip went through desolate Navajo land and included a weavingdemonstration by a Navaho lady and her lap loom. The lady’s brother gave a silver demonstration,bending silver strands into various animal shapes. Sue ended the trip with a four-day stay inPhoenix, enjoying their light rail system and the Heard Museum.

Share your activities and adventures by handing me a note, calling or emailing me about your ownactivity or that of another CRTA member. You don’t have to give me the details, just a sentence anda contact name on a slip of paper. I can call before the next newsletter comes out to get the details.Muriel Rodrigues 797-9704 [email protected]

DUCKS FOR BUCKS UPDATEGene Dias, Board Member

Two hundred and thirty eight “kudos” to all CRTA members whoparticipated in the 2009 Ducks for Bucks Race held at LakeElizabeth on April 25. Our goal this year was $800. Ourmembership purchased 238 race entries. At $3 per entry, we earned$714 for our Scholarship/Grant Fund. Our goal for next year will be$900. We encourage you to buy at least one “duckie’ ($5) for the2010 Race. We are grateful for your continuous support! This year

there wasn’t a prize winner from our organization. Here is a list of the winners:

Great Grand Prize – (Car, $30,000 value) – No winner Grand Prize – ($1,500 cash) – Veronica Horton, Pleasanton 1st Prize – ($1,800 value Floor Covering from Signature) – David Walker, Fremont 2nd Prize (A year of Massages, $1,750 value) – Norma Roman-Prudent, Fremont 3rd Prize – ($500 cash) – Christopher Wlodsrczyk, Manteca 4th Prize – (Tri-Cities Dining, $430 value) – Lynn Ragghianti, Union City 5th Prize – (A Day at the Ballpark, $300 value) – Gail Blalock, Fremont 6th Prize – (Auto Detailing, $250 value) Chris Korfhage, Newark 7th Prize – ($250 gift Certificate from Barbara Jenkins, Independent Comfort Specialist)

– Duncan Borshay, Fremont


SCHOLARSHIP/GRANT FUNDSubmitted by Joan Mullen

The first presentation of $100 grants was on May 13th at

Centerville Junior High School. Fremont had 159 first and secondyear teachers in their BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support andAssessment) Program. Each teacher had completed the programwith a support provider teacher to help with suggestions and tipsso his/her year in the classroom would run smoothly andsuccessfully. The recipients of the grants from Fremont wereLakshmi Balasubramanian, Alyssa Brand, Jenna Burton, JennaHull, Mala Sharma, Sheetal Rameshan, Jennifer Pardini, SeemaRamanathan, Trisha Johnson, Erin Foret, Aditi Honawar, KathrynTedford, Saren Reese, Amanda Burr, Sara Hughes, and Rick Denny.

On May 14th, Ric and I went to the New Haven School District BTSA Meeting to present seven $100 grants tosecond year teachers. All the teachers were very enthusiastic and had just completed their second year ofteaching. The recipients of the grants were Jeff Pickering, Kelly McIntosh, Dallas Strelo, Heidi Gentry, HeidiTrixner, Gretel Ly, and Wendy Rodrigues.

Newark’s BTSA presentation was on May 20th at the Newark District Offices. Like the other districts Newark’steacher had worked hard to complete a successful year. The recipients in Newark were Jessica Gonzalez,Sangeeta Sharma, Shayla Wilson, Melissa Maddon, and Tara Kermaninejai.

Three “Teacher of the Year” grants will be given in the early part of June at the various School Board Meetings.More pictures of Grant Recipients on Page

When making donations to a charity, please, consider the Scholarship Fund of CRTA. Donations of any amount may begiven in memory of, in honor of, in appreciation of, or any designation you desire. Two acknowledgments will be sent. Oneto you, the donor, showing the amount and the name of the charity. The other to family of or honoree listing the donor butnot the amount. ALL money from the scholarship fund is given as grants to new teachers in the Fremont, Union City, orNewark school districts. No salary, advertising, etc. costs are incurred.

A Gift to CRTA FUN Division Scholarship/Grant Fund

Name of Donor _______________________________________________________________________

Street Address, City, Zip Code _____________________________________________________________________

In Memory of ____________________________________________________________________________________

In Honor of ______________________________________________________________________________________

Send acknowledgement to (no amount will be shown)_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address, City, State, Zip Code_________________________________________________________________

Amount Enclosed: $________________

Make check payable to: CRTA Division #91

Mail to: Scholarship, CRTA #91, PO Box 643, Fremont, CA 94537-0643

Please return this form with your gift


Joan Mullen and Newark BTSA Recipients

MembershipMuriel Rodrigues, Membership Chair

Membership recruitment has been sloooow this year! We need to get ourmessage out to friends and colleagues. Fremont, we especially need yourhelp.As the school year comes to an end, keep your eye on your district’sretirement list. If you write a note or send an email or make a phone call tocongratulate your newly retired friends, tell them about CalRTA and ourlocal Division #91. Invite them to go with you to the summer luncheon. Remember, your personaltouch can make all the difference whether a potential member joins or not. Give yournewsletter to a new retiree.

We are not part of CTA/NEA-R. We work to protect and enhance the retirement benefits of allCALSTRS retirees and only retirees. No matter where retirees live, we represent them withlegislators, the governor and the STRS Board. CalRTA (CRTA) is a highly respected presence atboth the state and federal capitals…. working for you!

The number of members CalRTA (CRTA) represents influences how likely a legislator will be tosupport bills which further CalRTA (CRTA) goals. That’s why keeping membership numbers up isso very important.

Use the application and authorization form printed below to join or recruit new members.

Check www.calrta.org to keep abreast of CalRTA’s current work for us.

Just a reminder to our dues deduct members that an additional twenty-five cents will be deductedfrom our STRS pay stipend beginning in January. As of January 1, 2009 the annual CalRTA dueswill be $42.00, money well spent to support the only organization that for 80 years has fought forand focused completely on the needs and benefits of retired California educators. MurielRodrigues CalRTA Div #91 Area 4

************************************************************************************************

ENROLLMENT FORM CalRTA Division #91Name ________________________________________ e-mail ? ____________________________________Address _______________________________________________ Phone ( )___________________City ___________________________ State ___________ Zip ________________________Retired from ______________________________ When ______ School______________________________Please check your selected payment method:_____ Dues Deduction ______$3.50 monthly SS#____________________________(needed for dues deduction)

I authorize the State Teachers’ Retirement System,(STRS) to deduct my association dues.Should the amount of dues be adjusted, as deemed necessary by CalRTA, I authorize that the adjusteddeductions shall continue unless I notify the CalRTA business office in writing to the contrary. To terminatedues deductions, I agree to make my request in writing to the CalRTA office._____Cash $42 annually (Make check payable to CalRTA.)

Signature_____________________________________ Date________________________

Did a particular person encourage you to join CalRTA? If so, who?_________________________________________

After indicating payment method, mail to: Muriel Rodrigues, CalRTA #91, 5342 Westbury Ct., Newark,CA 94560-1353


RESOURCE SERVICESSharon Yool, Chairperson

CONSUMER SCAMS continue to be a big problem, especially withseniors. These scams can come through the mail, through email, bytelephone, or even by people at your door or other locations.

CHARITABLE DONATION CON: Charities MUST registerwith the State Attorney General's Office. You can find out if acharity is registered either by visiting the web site

(ag.ca.gov/charities) or checking with the local Better Business Bureau (bbb.org).

DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICITATION: You're first response to this is to request to see abusiness permit--a requirement of most cities. Any contract signed can usually becancelled within 3 business days of transaction if you've signed it in your home or atemporary business location (i.e., restaurant, hotel, convention center).

FINANCIAL ADVISORS AND INVESTMENTS: Be aware of any get-rich-quickschemes. Check out any investments by calling the state Dept. of Corporation's toll freehotline (1-866-275-2677). A new law prohibits insurance brokers from using seniorrelated certifications, designations, or credentials unless they have been approved by theCalifornia Insurance Commissioner. You can check on designations by calling 1-800-967-9331 (the Dept. of Insurance's licensing division). Go to sec.gov (click on FORSENIORS) for more information.

FUNERAL AND CEMETERY FRAUD: The Dept. of Consumer Affair's Cemeteryand Funeral Bureau can provide you with "The Consumer Guide toFuneral and Cemetery Purchases" at no cost, which will addressmany requirements. They can be reached at 1-916-547-7870 orvisit them online at cfb.ca.gov.

HOME REPAIRS/HOME IMPROVEMENTS: Before hiringanyone, check references, get a few estimates, and haveeverything put in writing. To check a contractor's license andany past complaints contact the Contractors State LicenseBoard at 1-800-321-2752 or visit www.cslb.ca.gov. Thelocal Better Business Bureau is also a good resource.

(Resource for this article: SENIORS AND THE LAW newsletter funded by the California [email protected]

Please fill out the Resource Survey on the following page, 13, and bring it to the next luncheonor email me at [email protected] I would like your input as to where your interests lie.Sharon

******************************************************************************CRTA #91 Summer 2008

BUFFET LUNCHEON/MEETING AT SWISS PARK5911 Mowry Ave., Newark

Wednesday, July 15, 200911:15 – 2:00 PM

FEATURED PROGRAMThe Gerri Lee Dancers will perform and teach us the Hula.

Feel free to wear appropriate attire—Hawaiian shirts, skirts,muumuus, et.al.

MENUHawaiian Buffet

BOOK SALE and OPPORTUNITY DRAWINGProceeds go to the Scholarship/Grant Fund

Books are on sale for $1.00 per book; Opportunity tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. Please bring booksthat you no longer need and nice, usable gifts for the Opportunity Drawing. Your support is greatlyappreciated.

Luncheon Cost: $15.00 per person. Reservations must be received by Tuesday, July 7. Please send yourreservation to Janie Caldwell, 37111 Elm Street, Fremont, CA 94536-4836. Phone: (510) 797-2462.

NAME(S) _______________________________________________________________________________________

PHONE:____________________________________ E-MAIL _____________________________________________

Yes, I plan to attend the CRTA Luncheon on Wednesday, July 15 _______________________________________

Make your check for $15 per person, payable to CRTA #91. Check amount___________________________________

Please fill out this Resource Services Survey and include it with your luncheon reservation to Janie, or bringit to the next luncheon, or email Sharon Yool at [email protected]

RESOURCE SERVICES SURVEYName___________________________

Email Address_______________________________

Rate the topics below 1 (first choice) to 4 (last) according to your interest.

A. ______Health Issues (Universal Healthcare, Staying Alert, Safety

B. ______Recreation (Travel, volunteering)

C. ______ Consumer Info (Auto, Investments, Fraud, Living Trusts)

D. ______ Housing (Help and Tips, Senior Housing, Assisted Living)

If you would like to receive information on a specific topic please write it below.

__________________________________________________________________


“I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”Communications Chair, Stevie Moody

Have you ever known anyone for whom a sense ofsatisfaction seemed to be illusive and wondered how, withall the opportunities life offers us, this could be possible? Itseems to me, that life's most challenging yet fortunateaspects is the dawning of each new day. It's challenging because we never know, until itunfolds, what's in store for us. It's fortunate because that new day holds out new opportunities toalter, in one way or another, what has gone before or what is still to come. We have the chanceto revise past actions and decisions, to add to our experiences, to explore new paths of thoughtand action.

As a high school English teacher, I learned that what happened in class yesterday wasn'tnecessarily going to happen the next day, and what worked well previously might flop totally thenext time. There were occasions when I left my classroom wondering how I was going to facethe next day, only to have it turn out wonderfully. All of us find ways to celebrate the good,successful days and to cope with the bad, discouraging ones, so as clichéd as it may sound, wecan find the positive even in the most trying times.

What stands in the way of experiencing satisfaction? Do people look for it in the wrong places,or are they too focused on their own agendas, so that they don't allow for anything or anyoneelse? Connecting with others is one of the most effective ways we have of moving beyond theconfines of our own lives, beyond our personal needs and desires to answer the needs and desiresof others..

Nothing gives me more pleasure than the knowledge that I've done something helpful forsomeone else. A simple act of thoughtfulness can make a real difference in a person's life. Whocan deny the satisfaction derived from a job well done, especially when it brings relief orcomfort to someone or contributes to furthering a worthy cause?

You all know those feelings of satisfaction well because you're constantly striving and reachingout for ways to share your concern, talent and energy. If, as the Rolling Stones' song goes,you're one of those who "...Can't Find No Satisfaction," you are, perhaps, looking for it in all thewrong places.

Thanks for all you do!Stevie Moody

GREAT TRUTHS IN LIFE:1. Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree2. Wrinkles don’t hurt.3. Families are like fudge mostly sweet, with a few nuts.4. Laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside.5. Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the joy.


Please join us for the CRTA “Book Club”.Meetings are held the first Monday of everymonth at NOON at Suju’s Coffee House inFremont. The group decided on the followingbooks for the next three months:

July 6, 2009White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

August 3, 2009Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet byJamie Ford

September 1, 2009The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel PieSociety by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barows

Here's the Scoop...(Board Meeting Brief for 4/7/09))Stevie Moody* We'll continue with Treats for Teachers.*John Lowrey will lead a legislative trip toSacramento on 4/1/09. We'll meet withAlberto Torrico regarding several billspertaining to retired teachers.*Gene Dias will be our new parliamentarian.*We'll support Ducks for Bucks again thisyear.*Four delegates will attend the CRTAConvention in L.A. in May.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Submitted by Gene Amaral, May31, 2009

Checking Account: $13,676.31Savings (Scholarship): $7,570.60

Thank you for using CRTA Division #91'sreward number when shopping at STAPLES.The rebate helps defray the cost of printing theFUN Times and the directory. Our customernumber is: 3702324454

Nancy Couchot would like to remind you tobring used BART cards to the next meeting.You can deposit them in an envelope at thedoor where you check in.

TO REDUCE JUNK MAIL:Email:www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html

Or Write:Mail Preference Service, c/o Direct MarketingAssn., P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008

You must provide your name, address andtelephone number with your request

Stevie Moody and friend atBerkley Rally, May 30


John Lowrey, Sharon Yool, Stevie Moody and Jean Bloxsom at theState Capitol with Assemblyman Albert Torrico lobbying forpassage of S 484 and HR 235 (WEP/HPO).

CRTA #91 BUS TOURS

Make checks payable to:Golden West TravelMail to: Gail Moore22499 Charlene WayCastro Valley, CA 94546Telephone: 510-537-0129Please put your telephone number and yourmeal selection on your check. Also date yourcheck one month before the trip.

DAY TRIPS:

The “Past is Present”Friday, June 19, 2009$69.00 per personWe will visit Cypress Lawn East in Colma, one ofthe last grand Victorian Cemeteries built in theWest. Our guided tour with a renowned historianwill lead us to the many famous people interredthere. Following lunch at The Sherman, an on-the-water restaurant, we will tour Cypress LawnWest and experience the greatest amount ofcolored glass from the early 20th CenturyDepart: Fremont: 8:00 am Return: 5:30pmDepart Castro Valley: 7:30 am Return: 6:00 pm

Earthbound FarmThursday, July 30, 2009$77 per personWe will visit Carmel Valley and theEarthbound Farm’s Research andDevelopment Farm, the home of their Farm,Stand & Organic Kitchen. Lunch will be atMonterey with free time at the Wharf afterlunch.Depart: Fremont: 8:30 am Return: 6:30 pmDepart Castro Valley: 8:00 am Return: 6:00 pm

Delta Discovery CruiseThursday August 20, 2009$96.00 per personJoin us for a four hour cruise on the Deltanarrated by one of the East Bay RegionalParks District Naturalists. A hosted lunch willbe served on board and there will be a no-hostfull bar on board for your enjoyment.Depart: Fremont: 9:00 am Return: 4:30 pmDepart Castro Valley: 9:30 Return: 4:00 pm

CRTA #91 Page 16

Reflections of LightWednesday September 23, 2009$53.00 per personThe day begins at Oakland’s newestarchitectural wonder, the Cathedral ofChrist the Light. A docent-led tour will giveus an introduction to the art, history,architecture and beauty of the Cathedral andgrounds. Lunch will be a Gourmet PicnicBox Lunch in the Cathedral Plaza picnicarea. We will end our day at the LakeMerritt Methodist Church to view thebeautiful Tiffany Mosaics.Depart: Fremont: 9:00 am Return: 4:30pmDepart Castro Valley: 9:30 am Return: 4:00 pm

Sinatra Holiday Bash in ColumbiaWednesday, December 16, 2009$79.00 per personJoin us for a trip to the Gold Country to see aSinatra Christmas performed at the FallonTheater in Columbia. Four fabulousperformers will sing 40 Sinatra swingin’ hitsperfect for the holidays. Prior to the showthere will be a hosted lunch at Banny’s Caféand Wine Bar in Sonora.Depart: Fremont: 8:30 am Return: 6:30pmDepart Castro Valley: 9:00 am Return: 6:00 pm

Departure Locations:Fremont: Mowry & Farwell, behindMassimo’sCastro Valley: First Presbyterian Church,2490 Grove Way

TRAVEL DISCLAIMER: All tours and otheractivities arranged for CRTA, its divisions, andcommittees are for the convenience and pleasure of themembers and their guests who desire to participate.However, CRTA and its divisions do not assume anyresponsibility for the well-being or safety of theparticipants or passengers or their property in anymatters pertaining to said tours and other activities.Members and their guests participate at their own riskand should not expect to hold CRTA or any of itsdivisions responsible in any way. Furthermore, neitherthe CRTA nor its divisions assume any responsibilityfor deviations between actual travel arrangements,accommodations provided, and those advertised.

Summer 2009

CALIFORNIA RETIRED TEACHERSASSOCIATION DIVISION #91FREMONT, NEWARK, UNION CITY (F.U.N.)

CalRTAP.O. Box 643Fremont, CA 94537-0643

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

TIMED MATERIAL--PLEASE DO NOT DELAY

CALENDAR

First Thurs. of each month Loving HandsThis crochet/knit group meets at Mission Coffee,151 Washington Blvd., Fremont at 11:00 AM

First Monday of each month the CalCRTA BookClub meets at NOON at Suju’s Coffee House inFremont

Fri. June 19, 2009The “Past is Present” bus trip to Cypress Lawnin Colma.

Tues. July 7, 2009CRTA #91 Board Meeting 9:00 AM. FamilyResource Center, Fremont

Wed.. July 15, 2009F.U.N. Luncheon, 11:15 AM to 2:00 PMSwiss Park, Newark

Thurs. July 30, 2009Earthbound Farm, Carmel Valley

Thurs. August 20, 2009Delta Discovery Cruise

Mon. September 8, 2209DEADLINE for Spring F.U.N. Times articlesPlease email articles to [email protected]

Tues. October 13, 2009CRTA #91 Board Meeting 9:00 AM. FamilyResource Center, Fremont

Wed. October 21, 2009F.U.N. Luncheon, 11:15 AM to 2:00 PMLocation: to be announced

Wed. September 23, 2009Reflections of Light

Wed. December 16, 2009Sinatra Holiday Bash, Columbia

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDFREMONT, CA

PERMIT NO. 899

IMPORTANT PLANS ADOPTED AT THE CalRTA Visit the CalRTA web site … · 2019-07-26 · Online, the...

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