Brownsville Area Retired School Employees Association “Carrying the Torch for TRS Retirees”

(BARSEA)/DISTRICT 1 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes October 11, 2012

Location: Valley International Country Club (VICC) Presiding: Sylvia L. Perez Meeting Called to Order: 11:50 a.m. Invocation: Inez Ortiz Pledge of Allegiance to U.S. and Texas: Calixto Ramirez Song: “God Bless America” led by Ann Buchanan Welcome and Announcements President Sylvia L. Perez welcomed the loyal BARSEA members; two new members and seven guests introduced themselves. Historian Sue Tarrant’s mother was one of the guests. Important dates to remember:  Oct. 26 - District 1 Fall Conference in Weslaco,  November 8 - BARSEA meeting at VICC  February 9, 2013 – official Pre Retirement Planning Seminar in Brownsville  April 9-11, 2013 - TRTA State Convention in Corpus Christi  April 22, 2013 - District 1 Spring Leadership Conference in Brownsville.  President Perez mentioned the $5 Jewelry Sale at Valley Baptist Medical Center on Oct. 18-20. The President reminded the members to bid on the plants brought in by BARSEA members that were exhibited on the tables along the wall. Tita Tamez, Dora Cackley. Rosie and George Waldhelm arranged the display.

Program Program Chairperson Dora Cackley introduced Robert Maldonado, a graduate from Lopez High School. Mr. Maldonado is the Environmental Landscape Supervisor at the City of Brownsville Landfill. He spoke about how to compost, the uses, the benefits of using compost, and the importance of educating the youth to take responsibility for saving the environment. The Landfill sells compost for $45 a ton. The speaker answered several questions during his 25 minutes informative presentation.

Officers’ Reports District 1 President Maria V. Garza elaborated on TRTA’s Each One Bring One membership incentive program. She also spoke about another incentive program. The local units will get $10 for every new member over last year’s membership total. President Garza urged members to attend the District 1 Fall Conference in Weslaco. She stated that TRTA President Marydell Fryar and the TRS Executive Director Brian Guthrie will both be at the District 1 Conference. First Vice President Tita Tamez thanked the loyal BARSEA members, and she asked that we encourage relatives and friends who are education retirees to join our group. Current membership is 187 members. The Vice President said that members who have email addresses should try to get on the “Inside Line” for up to date information from TRTA. “Believe in BARSEA” is the Veep’s mantra. Second Vice President Ana S. Garcia is still in Kansas City. President Perez reported that the members brought 72 books to the September meeting. The total number of books collected is 7,558. Secretary Maria Gloria Garcia distributed printed copies of the September meeting. The minutes were approved as printed. TreasurerCalixto Ramirez went over the revenues and expenditures for the month of September. As he gave his report, Sylvia Patrirca circulated the Scholarship Book. The net income as of September 30, 2012 is $9,792.56. The report was filed for audit.

Committee Chairpersons’ Reports Legislative Committee Chairperson Sylvia Suarez had two messages: attend the Fall Conference and vote for the candidate who will support retirees regardless of party affiliation. She told the members to research well the AETNA Medical Advantage Medicare Plan. Ann Buchanan referred to a handout that had information about conferences calls and pertinent phone numbers. Health Care Chairperson Celina Champion reminded members to turn in monthly reports of the Walks –A-Million Steps. She alluded to the two handouts dealing with Breast Cancer Awareness. Valley Regional Medical Center send Pocket Pals (What Everyone Should Know About Breast Cancer), emery boards with a slogan stamped on them (e.g.” The best protection is early detection“), pink pens, and small butterfly stick ons. President Perez mentioned that Robin Berchot suggested that if anyone needed a procedure done at Valley Medical Center that pre registration can be done on line. President Perez mentioned that Norma and Robert Garza provided Trick or Treat bags for the audience. Courtesy Committee Chairperson Mary Ann Boehl recognized the October “babies” in the usual fashion.

Announcements and Adjournment The President stressed attending the District 1 Fall Conference on October 26 in Weslaco. The theme of the November BARSEA meeting is “The Wonder Years”; A Spanish Meadows Representative will speak about independent living issues. Bring non perishable food items for BARSEA’s annual Food Drive. Norma Garza moved for adjournment; Dora Cackley seconded. The President adjourned the meeting at1:15p.m. Historian Sue Tarrant and Tita Tamez took pictures throughout the meeting.

Post Adjournment Fun Activities Decorating Committee Chairperson Diane Wanja announced that Sylvia Patriarca won the 50/50 $32 prize. Raquel Lastra received a wreath since she won the Guessing Game. Sylvia Patriarca reported that the Scholarship Book had over $50 in it. Diane Wanja asked the audience to bring Box Tops for Educators. Tita Tamez donated the door prizes. When the bidding stopped, Calixto and Stella Ramirez accepted the payments. (Tita Tamez extends her thanks to everyone who helped make the Silent Plant Auction a success.)

______Maria Gloria Garcia, Secretary Date approved, date corrected