April 2011

I imagine you are as discouraged by the Florida Legislature and its actions as I am. I was thinking today on the eve of a federal government shutdown that it might be a good thing if there were a state government shutdown. However,I suppose that would be bad for everyone who receives necessary treatment from Medicaid. Although, if the governor and the legislative houses in Florida have their way, few will be eligible for it anyway. On a lighter note, MCREA is moving along. We have elected new officers for two year terms. Deborah Thomas who produced all those great programs for us as 1st vice president assumes the office of president. Judy Shostrom who organized the new teacher reception and kept up with new members as 2nd vice president will become 1st vice president/president-elect. Susan Roe has accepted the 2nd vice president's positron. Ron Schneider will be treasurer and David Bates will serve as secretary. With these capable people in charge, I am sure we will continue to thrive and grow. I believe the events in the Legislature beginning last year have made us see how important it is for us to belong to a local and a state organization (FREA), to stay informed, and to act if need be to protect our pensions and to help educators still working in the schools. And our interest is not just in those two categories, but also in the children who will suffer from reduced funds and poorly paid teachers. At our March meeting, the members voted in favor of a $5 dues increase for next year. Annual dues will now be $50 with $20 staying with MCREA and $30 sent to FREA. Those members who are FREA lifetime members will pay the local dues of $20. ( If you are wondering how to become a lifetime member, FREA canceled the perk several years ago, too late for most of us. Fay Murphy, Bylaws Committee Chair, presented a list of changes to the bylaws at our March meeting. They are mostly cosmetic, getting things in better order. We will be voting whether or not to accept the changes at our April meeting. We have a new member who just joined in March. Carol Walker is a retired teacher, of 47 years, from New Jersey. I hope everyone will make her welcome at our April meeting. Carol's daughter works for MEA and it was at her suggestion that Carol decided to join us. She has been in a wheelchair and is now using a walker, so she cannot drive. I hope there is someone who will volunteer to give her a ride to our meeting on April 21. She lives at Asbury Towers. If you can do that, please call me at 794-1646 and I will put you in touch with her. The program at our April meeting will feature our remembrance ceremony for members who have died this year. Our guest speaker will be Cecile Arrington. If you do not hear from your caller, please call me, Susan Roe, or Carole Sicard before Sunday, April 17th. Remember also that reservations must be honored since the restaurant charges MCREA for the number of lunches which we order. Enjoy our beautiful weather while it lasts. See you April 21st.