Where's the dog?
I hope you have had an opportunity to read the email I sent you that came from Fay about the flurry of bills in the Legislature designed, I think, to confuse the issue and slip some way to do away with our retirement funds. With FREA and Fay's help, I will try to keep you posted on their next steps. I know there is a plot afoot to separate Law Enforcement and the Fire Fighters from the Educators. Those groups are already being reimbursed more than we are. No, I do not resent their getting special compensation for their dangerous jobs and their much earlier retirement rules. Still, education can be hard on minds and bodies too, and we burn out early also.
Our last meeting, with 87 in attendance, was fun as usual. Jeff Rogers from the South Florida Museum told us about many activities there for everyone. It isn't just Snoopy's house anymore. I would encourage you to look at their website for information about movie night (with a cash bar), ongoing exhibits, and activities for visiting grandchildren.
Minnie Lee Jones is planning a trip for us to the Holy Land (the one in Orlando) on March 6. She needs 30 people to hire a bus. If there are fewer, it may be possible to join another group on their bus. The fee for the trip and entrance to the park is $69. A buffet lunch is available which is not included in the price. Call Minnie Lee at 739-2250.
Remember to save your travel sized items like the ones you get in hotels for next Christmas's donations to the nursing home. Makeup and edible items are not acceptable, nor is anything that has been opened. We are still collecting food for the Manatee County Food Bank. I believe we have enough books for another distribution for FELT. Although the group lost its leader and founder, Jane Evers, it is determined to continue.
Would you like to win a free lunch to be used next year? For every $10 you contribute to the MCREA Scholarship Fund, your name will be put in a hat for a drawing in April. If you have already contributed, for each $10 you gave, your name will be added also.
The Scholarship Committee selected and interviewed a candidate for the FREF Scholarship. As you may remember, we have had two recipients in the last two years. It is a lucrative source of funds for education majors which continues throughout their college career. We are now selling door prize tickets for FREF at meetings. The prizes are exceptional. Tickets can be purchased at a meeting for $10 each.
We will meet again on Thursday, February 20, at 11:00 a.m., at Renaissance on 9th. Lunch is $15. Come early and stay late to visit with friends. If you do not hear from your caller, please call Mary Ann Jensen at 756-7603.
See you there,
Ellen
