The Official Publication of the Association of Retired School Personnel JULY-AUGUST 2011 VANGUARD

Volume 64, Issue #5 March/April 2015

Member Spotlight MARSP opposes Travels with bill that would close out Gordon MPSERS The MARSP Legislative Committee recently took action on the following legislation: Draper MARSP opposes SB 102, which would close out the MPSERS defined benefit plan to new hires, with the following rationale: The bill would amend the MPSERS Act to require that public school employees hired after July 1, 2015 no longer have a choice between a Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plan, but must enroll in the Defined Contribution plan. MARSP opposes the bill because it would remove members from paying into the MPSERS system, and it would force school personnel to become Draper poses with a scaly friend above and financial managers of their own retirement his dog Ebony (right). accounts. Most school employees are not trained financial managers and will not be able to equitably fund their retirement in a Member Gordon Draper celebrated defined contribution plan alone, due to ex- his 80th birthday recently and shared an cessive administrative costs and loss of value update that includes a recent travelogue. from the pooling of assets in a defined Over the past year, he served as president benefit plan. If passed, it would also be a of his church choir and his stock club and disincentive to those interested in a career chaired the MARSP Bylaws Committee. in the education field. (continued on page 3) He is a Livonia traffic commissioner, vice president of Outpost 13 of the Third Infantry Society and vice president of a Inside This Issue local civic association. “On the health side, my cancer and List of legislators...... 4, 5 diabetes have been quiet this year,” he says. Ebony has helped me be active by taking 2015 Area me on daily 2km walks.” peak is often covered with clouds, it was Conference Schedule...... 8 Draper, who retired from Livonia Public the first time he had ever seen it. Schools in 1986, is on a quest to visit as “We landed in one of the few places that Health Care in Focus...... 9 many countries as he can. On his way to is flat enough for an airport,” he explains, MARSP Office Bhutan, now the 127th country he has since the country is located in the Himalayan 1-888-960-4022 www.marsp.org visited, he gained his closest view of Mount Mountains between India and China. Everest, taken from the plane. Since the (continued on page 2) TO PRESERVE, PROTECT AND ENHANCE BENEFITS AND PROVIDE SOCIETAL SUPPORT THAT MISSION STATEMENT: CREATES A DIGNIFIED RETIREMENT FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE PUBLIC SCHOOL RETIREES.

President’s Message New technology connects us across state By MARSP President Bob Wiles [email protected]

Our board of directors authorized the purchase of Thank you to members and board members for our Polycom system in October 2014. By using cameras, approving and accepting the recent increase in dues. microphones and televisions, MARSP members are now The modest increase will assure continued efforts to able to conduct meetings from every corner of Michigan preserve our retirement pensions and benefits. Please and anywhere proper equipment can be found. In Janu- plan now to attend your chapter’s annual meeting to ary 2015, three such meetings (Legislative, Membership hear more about progress and plans for action activities and Executive Committees) were conducted via Polycom. for our organization. Vicki Barnes, membership committee co-chair with Pam Trask, conducted the first Polycom meeting from the Kent Roads... schools... municipal services. We Michigan ISD in Grand Rapids. So far, pilot and operating sites in residents and voters have the opportunity to help our Iron Mountain, Saginaw, Grand Rapids, Sault Ste. Marie, own cause. The May ballot issue to increase the state’s Big Rapids, Roscommon, Clare and the MARSP office investment in its roads and bridges will raise our sales tax have been connected for meetings. Reduction in mile- from 6 to 7 percent. Several other minor changes will age, meals, overnight stays and time will allow eventual occur in fuel tax structure, etc. budget changes for all our benefit. Yes, it will cost us all more money, but if we don’t help ourselves, who will? We can help. I will. Will you?

Member JULY-AUGUST 2011 VANGUARD on quest to visit VANGUARD is the official Circulation publication of the 46,500 MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION Publisher more OF RETIRED SCHOOL S. Mark Guastella PERSONNEL (MARSP) Editor 3645 E. Jolly Road Mark Nixon countries PO Box 23214 Assistant Editor Lansing MI 48909-3214 (continued from page 1) Mandy Hitsman Phone Numbers Publication Management 1.888.960.4022 Lezotte Miller “It is one of the world’s 517.337.1757 Public Relations Inc. most difficult,” he said of the Fax Number MARSP Officers 517.337.8560 Robert W. Wiles airport, which allows only a Email President handful of trained pilots to [email protected] Catherine “Kit” Spring “It was fun seeing the area again and Homepage President-Elect use the field. “It is between two mountains visiting the new Infantry Museum on the http://www.marsp.org Mary Bell with tricky winds, is short and has several base,” he recalls. “It is well worth the visit. Office Hours Secretary Monday – Friday Paul B. Lerg buildings along the runway. We landed There were many demonstrations done for 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Treasurer smoothly, however.” 12:00 noon-4:00 p.m. Les Nixon us, and it gives you confidence that our Past President While in Bhutan, Draper attended a festi- Send all material for country is well-protected.” publication to the S. Mark Guastella val in Thimphu, the capital of the country. In December, Draper was looking forward MARSP Office Executive Director “It was one of the best I have seen, and I to a dinner at a local steak house to have been to several,” he says. Due to production time, each issue of the VANGUARD celebrate his birthday. is written about six weeks before publication. Last June he attended another reunion (Editor’s note: We hope to hear more Therefore, some of the information may be updated of the Society of the Third Army Infantry of Gordon’s travels in coming issues of by the time you receive each issue. Division, held near Fort Benning, Ga., where VANGUARD.) he took basic training 58 years ago.

2 l VANGUARD l www.marsp.org March/April 2015 Executive Director’s Message Closing out retirement system would erode state’s financial stability By S. Mark Guastella [email protected]

The recently published Michigan House out do so because they believe school fiscal policy. Our ability to win this battle Republicans’ “2015 –2016 Action Plan” employees should have benefits consistent will be as much a function of communicat- states, “Unfunded liabilities are an ominous with the private employment sector. If the ing with legislators as it is in expanding our threat to our state, and more importantly, recent pay-scale adjustments within the membership. We currently have more than to younger generations. ... Continued Department of Treasury are an indication, 42,000 members who make MARSP’s voice efforts to curtail long-term public school employees strong, but that is less than 25 percent of debt in Michigan’s largest are anywhere from 40 the more than 200,000 retirees who should unfunded liability warrant Eliminating the defined percent to 80 percent be actively engaged, along with their spous- deliberation. Moving new benefit plan... would be underpaid compared es, in the effort to retain their benefits. teachers into a manda- a disaster for the with the private sector. We can grow from a strong voice to an tory (rather than optional) State of Michigan The average salary of overwhelming voice to secure your retire- 401(k) retirement system an active public school ment benefits if you can help us achieve will be accomplished.” employee is only $39,400 our goal of 100,000 members. Help us, (Author’s note – the system is for all public per year. To retire with a comparable but mostly help yourselves, by asking every school employees, not just teachers.) retirement benefit, an employee would public school retiree, their spouses and even We do agree that unfunded liabilities can need to have saved between $250,000 and active employees to join MARSP. We intend be a serious threat to our state’s financial $300,000 in his or her 401(k) plan at retire- to win this battle, and with your help, we stability. Closing out the existing retire- ment. Such an amount would require a will put an end to the continuous attacks ment system, however, which requires $300-per-month contribution every month on public school retirees. pre-funding, and replacing it with a 100 for 30 years and a 6 percent annual interest percent 401(k)-style plan would further and rate of return. dramatically erode the financial stability of The pension plan has more than $40 our state. billion earning interest every day. You, as Support for The Legislature debated the concept in a 401(k) participant, have only your own 2012 and funded a private study on the contribution working for you without the Prop 1 urged potential impact of closing out the retire- benefit of reduced investment expenses or (continued from page 1) ment system. The study clearly showed the lower risk that the pension plan’s huge MARSP supports the May ballot pro- that close-out costs would be excessive and pool of dollars makes possible. You can posal to increase the state sales tax from would in fact exceed the costs to maintain also plan on earning at least 2 percent less 6 to 7 percent and provide additional the system in its current form. Additionally, every day of your active life and your life in funding for schools and local municipali- the costs would very likely have a negative retirement, which would result in a nearly ties with the following rationale: impact on the credit rating of the state, 50 percent loss in retirement benefits – The May ballot proposal not only further increasing the cost to all taxpayers. from $22,000 per year to only $11,000. provides needed road funding, which Should the markets endure another Additionally, the current hybrid retirement benefits our members as a whole, but crash like the one in 2008–2009, retirees plan, into which all new employees are also provides approximately $300 million in a 401(k) plan would lose half or more placed, is in fact more than 100 percent in additional funding for schools. of their retirement nest egg beyond what funded. In other words, there is no un- The funding will positively impact our was already lost by not being able to pool funded liability in the plan. members by strengthening the retire- their investments with other public school As to the defined benefit plan in which ment system by freeing up revenue employees. most of you participate, the unfunded li- to reduce the unfunded liability and ability has improved dramatically in the past Eliminating the defined benefit plan and providing additional per pupil funding. year. Removing even more active em- replacing it with a defined contribution With the current legislative climate in ployees from participation in the plan, as is plan would be a disaster for the State of mind, please keep an eye on the MARSP proposed, will require a greater contribution Michigan and ensure an insecure retirement website for important breaking legisla- from the state to offset the loss of those for public school employees. tive updates should any of the bills we participants and keep the plan viable. We fight to secure your retirement every are watching begin to move through day against those who support such poor Some legislators who support the close- the Legislature.

March/April 2015 www.marsp.org l VANGUARD l 3 U.S. Senators For your reference: Name Party Phone Website A list of US and state senators and representatives. D 313-961-4330 stabenow.senate.gov/ Newly elected legislators are noted D 313-226-6020 peters.senate.gov/content/contact-gary with an asterisk. U.S. Representatives To find your legislator, go to: https://www.marsp. District Name Party Phone Website org/legislative-issues/contact-legislator/ 1 Dan Benishek R 202-225-4735 benishek.house.gov/contact-me/email-me 2 Bill Huizenga R 202-225-4401 huizenga.house.gov/contact/ 3 Justin Amash R 202-225-3831 amash.house.gov/contact-me/email-me 4 John Moolenaar R 202-225-3561 moolenaar.house.gov/contact/email Michigan Association 5 Daniel Kildee D 202-225-3611 dankildee.house.gov/contact/email-me/ 6 Fred Upton R 202-225-3761 upton.house.gov/contact/ of Retired School 7 Tim Walberg R 202-225-6276 walberg.house.gov/contact/ Personnel Foundation, Inc. 8 Mike Bishop R 202-225-4872 mikebishop.house.gov/contact/email 9 Sander Levin D 202-225-4961 levin.house.gov/contact-me/email-me PO Box 23214, Lansing, MI 48909-3214 10 R 202-225-2106 candicemiller.house.gov/contact/email-me I am in support of the MARSP 11 Dave Trott R 202-225-8171 trott.house.gov/contact/email Foundation and wish to make a 12 Debbie Dingell D 202-225-4071 debbiedingell.house.gov/contact/email contribution. (contribution may be deductible) 13 Jr. D 202-225-5126 conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/online-contact-form 14 Brenda Lawrence D 202-225-5802 lawrence.house.gov/contact Make Check Payable to: MARSP Foundation, Inc. Please do not combine with MARSP Dues. District Name Party Phone Email Founder Level – $5,000 27 D 517-373-0142 [email protected] Cornerstone Level – $1,000 9 Steven M Bieda D 517-373-8360 [email protected] Honorary Director – $500 35 Darwin L Booher R 517-373-1725 [email protected] 8 Jack Brandenburg R 517-373-7670 [email protected] Member Shareholder – $300 38 Tom Casperson R 517-373-7840 [email protected] 7 Patrick Colbeck R 517-373-7350 [email protected] Member Participant – $1 to $299 33 Judy K Emmons R 517-373-3760 [email protected] Fund Choice (If Desired) 31 Mike Green R 517-373-1777 [email protected] 11 Vincent Gregory D 517-373-7888 [email protected] q Scholarship Fund 34 Goeff Hansen R 517-373-1635 [email protected] Any amount of contribution to be used 23 Curtis Hertel Jr. * D 517-373-1734 [email protected] to help persons with tuition costs to 29 Dave Hildenbrand R 517-373-1801 [email protected] further their education. 3 Morris W Hood III D 517-373-0990 [email protected] q General Fund 6 Hoon-Yung Hopgood D 517-373-7800 [email protected] Any amount of contribution to work 32 Ken Horn R 517-373-1760 [email protected] toward the Foundation mission. 22 Joe Hune R 517-373-2420 [email protected] q Richard and Margaret Smith Fund 2 Bert Johnson D 517-373-7748 [email protected] Any amount of contribution to be used to 24 Rick Jones R 517-373-3447 [email protected] assist less fortunate members with financial 5 David Knezek * D 517-373-0994 [email protected] needs such as prescription co-pays, medical 13 Marty Knollenberg R 517-373-2523 [email protected] expenses, heating expenses, etc. 15 Mike Kowall R 517-373-1758 [email protected] q Endowment Fund 28 Peter MacGregor R 517-373-0797 [email protected] Any amount of contribution; interest only 12 Jim Marleau R 517-373-2417 [email protected] used for Foundation programs. 30 Arlan B Meekhof R 517-373-6920 [email protected] 19 Mike Nofs R 517-373-2426 [email protected] Name 20 Margaret O’Brien R 517-373-5100 [email protected] 25 Phil Pavlov R 517-373-7708 [email protected] Address 21 John Proos R 517-373-6960 [email protected] 14 David B Robertson R 517-373-1636 [email protected] 10 Tory Rocca R 517-373-7315 [email protected] 37 Wayne A Schmidt R 517-373-2413 [email protected] 26 Tonya Schuitmaker R 517-373-0793 [email protected] City 16 R 517-373-5932 [email protected] 4 Virgil Smith D 517-373-7918 [email protected] State Zip 36 R 517-373-7946 [email protected] 18 Rebekah Warren D 517-373-2406 [email protected] Phone 1 II D 517-373-7346 [email protected] 17 R 517-373-3543 [email protected] Chapter Name Brian Calley Lieutenant Governor R 517-373-6800 4 l VANGUARD l www.marsp.org March/April 2015 Michigan House of Representatives District Name Party Phone Email District Name Party Phone Email

1 Brian Banks D (517) 373-0154 [email protected] 56 Jason Sheppard * R (517) 373-2617 [email protected] 2 Alberta Talabi D (517) 373-1776 [email protected] 57 Nancy Jenkins R (517) 373-1706 [email protected] 3 Wendell Byrd * D (517) 373-0144 [email protected] 58 Eric Leutheuser * R (517) 373-1794 [email protected] 4 Rose Mary Robinson D (517) 373-1008 [email protected] 59 Aaron Miller * R (517) 373-0832 [email protected] 5 Fred Durhal * D (517) 373-0844 [email protected] 60 Jon Hoadley * D (517) 373-1785 [email protected] 6 * D (517) 373-0823 [email protected] 61 Brandt Iden * R (517) 373-1774 [email protected] 7 LaTanya Garrett * D (517) 373-2276 [email protected] 62 * R (517) 373-0555 [email protected] 8 Sherry Gay-Dagnogo* D (517) 373-3815 [email protected] 63 David Maturen * R (517) 373-1787 [email protected] 9 Harvey Santana D (517) 373-6990 [email protected] 64 Earl Poleski R (517) 373-1795 [email protected] 10 Leslie Love D (517) 373-0857 [email protected] 65 Brett Roberts * R (517) 373-1775 [email protected] 11 Julie Plawecki D (517) 373-0849 [email protected] 66 R (517) 373-0839 [email protected] 12 D (517) 373-0852 [email protected] 67 Tom Cochran D (517) 373-0587 [email protected] 13 Frank Liberati D (517) 373-0845 [email protected] 68 Andy Schor D (517) 373-0826 [email protected] 14 Paul Clemente D (517) 373-0140 [email protected] 69 Sam Singh D (517) 373-1786 [email protected] 15 George Darany D (517) 373-0847 [email protected] 70 R (517) 373-0834 [email protected] 16 Robert Kosowski D (517) 373-2576 [email protected] 71 Tom Barrett * R (517) 373-0853 [email protected] 17 Bill LaVoy D (517) 373-1530 [email protected] 72 Ken Yonker R (517) 373-0840 [email protected] 18 Sarah Roberts D (517) 373-1180 [email protected] 73 Chris Afendoulis * R (517) 373-0218 [email protected] 19 Laura Cox * R (517) 373-3920 [email protected] 74 Rob VerHeulen R (517) 373-8900 [email protected] 20 Kurt Heise R (517) 373-3816 [email protected] 75 Brandon Dillon D (517) 373-2668 [email protected] 21 Kristy Pagan * D (517) 373-2575 [email protected] 76 D (517) 373-0822 [email protected] 22 John Chirkun * D (517) 373-0854 [email protected] 77 Tom Hooker R (517) 373-2277 [email protected] 23 Pat Somerville R (517) 373-0855 [email protected] 78 Dave Pagel R (517) 373-1796 [email protected] 24 Anthony Forlini R (517) 373-0113 [email protected] 79 Al Pscholka R (517) 373-1403 [email protected] 25 Henry Yanez D (517) 373-2275 [email protected] 80 Cindy Gamrat * R (517) 373-0836 [email protected] 26 Jim Townsend D (517) 373-3818 [email protected] 81 R (517) 373-1790 [email protected] 27 Robert Wittenberg * D (517) 373-0478 [email protected] 82 Todd Courser * R (517) 373-1800 [email protected] 28 Derek Miller * D (517) 373-1772 [email protected] 83 Paul Muxlow R (517) 373-0835 [email protected] 29 Tim Greimel D (517) 373-0475 [email protected] 84 Edward Canfield * R (517) 373-0476 [email protected] 30 Jeff Farrington R (517) 373-7768 [email protected] 85 Ben Glardon R (517) 373-0841 [email protected] 31 Marilyn Lane D (517) 373-0159 [email protected] 86 R (517) 373-0846 [email protected] 32 Andrea LaFontaine R (517) 373-8931 [email protected] 87 Mike Callton R (517) 373-0842 [email protected] 33 Ken Goike R (517) 373-0820 [email protected] 88 R (517) 373-1830 [email protected] 34 Sheldon Neeley * D (517) 373-8808 [email protected] 89 Amanda Price R (517) 373-0838 [email protected] 35 * D (517) 373-1788 [email protected] 90 Daniela Garcia * R (517) 373-0830 [email protected] 36 Peter Lucido * R (517) 373-0843 [email protected] 91 Holly Hughes * R (517) 373-3436 [email protected] 37 Christine Greig * D (517) 373-1793 [email protected] 92 Marcia Hovey-Wright D (517) 373-2646 [email protected] 38 Kathy Crawford * R (517) 373-0827 [email protected] 93 Tom Leonard R (517) 373-1778 [email protected] 39 Klint Kesto R (517) 373-1799 [email protected] 94 Tim Kelly R (517) 373-0837 [email protected] 40 Michael McCready R (517) 373-8670 [email protected] 95 Vanessa Guerra * D (517) 373-0152 [email protected] 41 R (517) 373-1783 [email protected] 96 Charles Brunner D (517) 373-0158 [email protected] 42 * R (517) 373-1784 [email protected] 97 Joel Johnson R (517) 373-8962 [email protected] 43 Jim Tedder * R (517) 373-0615 [email protected] 98 Gary Glenn * R (517) 373-1791 [email protected] 44 * R (517) 373-2616 [email protected] 99 Kevin Cotter R (517) 373-1789 [email protected] 45 Michael Webber * R (517) 373-1773 [email protected] 100 R (517) 373-7317 [email protected] 46 Bradford Jacobsen R (517) 373-1798 [email protected] 101 Ray A. Franz R (517) 373-0825 [email protected] 47 Henry Vaupel * R (517) 373-8835 [email protected] 102 Phil Potvin R (517) 373-1747 [email protected] 48 Pam Faris D (517) 373-7557 [email protected] 103 Bruce Rendon R (517) 373-3817 [email protected] 49 Phil Phelps * D (517) 373-7515 [email protected] 104 Larry Inman * R (517) 373-1766 [email protected] 50 Charles Smiley D (517) 373-3906 [email protected] 105 Triston Cole * R (517) 373-0829 [email protected] 51 Joseph Graves R (517) 373-1780 [email protected] 106 Peter Pettalia R (517) 373-0833 [email protected] 52 Gretchen Driskell D (517) 373-0828 [email protected] 107 Lee Chatfield * R (517) 373-2629 [email protected] 53 D (517) 373-2577 [email protected] 108 Ed McBroom R (517) 373-0156 [email protected] 54 David Rutledge D (517) 373-1771 [email protected] 109 John Kivela D (517) 373-0498 [email protected] 55 Adam Zemke D (517) 373-1792 [email protected] 110 Scott Dianda D (517) 373-0850 [email protected]

March/April 2015 www.marsp.org l VANGUARD l 5 Flebba, Elizabeth – Samuel and Johnson, Gordon – Kent Allen Park Elizabeth – Ingham Kehoe, Doris – Branch Gruelke, Gerald Contributions Riccobono, William – Washtenaw Keel, Lois – Michigan Allouez Weigant, Shannon – Genesee South Kossak, Marvin – Macomb Thomas, Norman to the MARSP Lewandowski, Gerald – Wayne Alma In Memoriam of, Metro Peet, Glenn Foundation from Members Lobart, Dianne – East Macomb Ann Arbor Maki, Ray – Menominee Cheuk, Helen – from Silas Cheuk Bajwa, Ranjit Singh December 9, 2014 Markiewicz – Wayne Metro D’Onofrio, Theresa – from August Nikkari, John McElligatt, Frances – North Oakland – February 11, 2015 D’Onofrio Starnal, Esther Milito, Karen – Lapeer Ochs, Marion – from James Ochs Wilson, Gene Nichols, Harold – Barry Contributions to the MARSP Bangor In Honor of, from Members Rezmer, Bonnie – Bay Area Foundation include donations to Schahern, James & Denise – North Rathbun, Ella the following funds: Scholarship Roddis, Leslie – from Leslie C. Oakland Battle Creek Fund, General Fund, Richard and Barbara Roddis Schreiber, Nancy – Ontonagon Bishop, Janis and Margaret Smith Fund, Stephenson, Barbara – Florida Bay City and the MARSP Foundation In Memoriam from Chapters Stuermer, Charles & Neva – Oregon Blackmore, Wilma Endowment Fund. Branch – P. Timm Sutter, Robert – Wayne Northwest Defrain, Thelma Leelanau – Marben Graham Tomsich, Frank – Michigan Hammond, Karen Tutelian, Edward – Monroe South Perry, Evelyn Donations from Wellington, William – Jackson Berrien Springs members & friends VBDF contributions Warren, Cynthia Member Participant In Honor of, from Members Beverly Hills help protect Cherveny, Susan – from Rebecca Hillert, Margaret ($1 to $299) Cherveny Big Rapids Ham, Lorena – West Genesee benefits Buffin, Barbara Meyer, Ruth – Kalamazoo In Memory of, from Members Hankes, Harold Popovich, Willa – Kalamazoo Dodd, Thomas – from Elizabeth Birch Run Shirley, James and Judith – The MARSP Board of Directors Dodd McNamara, Peggy Oakland Suburban expresses sincere thanks to Morano, Paula – from Robert Birmingham every member and chapter listed Morano Rohlman, Ronald Chapters below for the contributions be- VerPlank, Orpha – from Dorothea Brighton tween Dec. 9, 2014, and Feb. 11, Sandin Parker, Rose Clinton County 2015, to the MARSP Voluntary Dickinson County Stoddart, Lois Benefit Defense Fund (VBDF). Chapters In Memory Kalamazoo The fund is used to initiate and/ Bronson of Members or participate in legal battles Crandall, Phyllis In Memoriam from Chapters that may be necessary to protect St. Joseph County – Marian Has- Burton Chippewa-Mackinac – Fred and Michigan school retirees’ ben- senger, Elizabeth Jackson, Laura Lepage, Carolyn Edna Gable, Leonard Tromblay efits over the next few years. Neamen, Don K. Swett Byron Center Eaton – Mary Jane Westfall To date, the fund has helped Teravest, Norma Shiawassee – Doris Kiacz educate legislators regarding Chapters Canton defined contribution and graded Delta County Runge, Sandra Endowment Fund premium insurance subsidy Florida Treasure Coast Capac legislation, to research and In Memoriam from Chapters Schook, Joyce investigate defined contribution Kalamazoo – Marilyn Tonander and other plans in other states, Caro purchase software needed to Ruby, Janice provide an effective grassroots In Thane, Ramona network and pursue other activi- Charlevoix Contributions ties necessary to the protection Remembrance May, Frances to MARSP of school retiree benefits. Ralph, Margaret December 2, 2014 Charlotte December 9, 2014 Members – February 4, 2015 Eno, Genevieve Westfall, Mari Jane – February 11, 2015 Allison, Gary – Wayne Northwest Chesterfield Barnett, Kathleen – Ingham Obrien, Patrina Bell, Marianne – Wayne Downriver “... these immortal dead, Clarkston Contributions to MARSP include Benvenuti, Joyce – Ingham Plont, Mary donations to the General Fund, Bernoudy, Patricia – Oakland who live again in minds Clinton Twp as well as the Building Fund Suburban made better by their Hickey, Mary and the Bonnie J. Carpenter Conlen, Cathie – West Genesee presence.” Meloche, Doris Educational Center to complete Dietz, John – North Oakland Rothe, Mary Lou the lower level of the MARSP Fox, Doug – North Oakland Clio building. Freeland, Sally – North Oakland Michigan Fry, Carolyn – Saginaw Crane, Marian Adrian Gibbs, Jean – West Genesee Coldwater Foster, Marilyn From Members Helms, Judith – East Macomb Timm, Patricia Hough, Florence – Crawford- Schoonover, Ruth Bernoudy, Patricia – Oakland Coloma Oscoda Allegan Suburban Hesch, Mildred Howell, Rosalie – Genesee Donaldson, Bert Bladecki, Mary Jo – Bay Area Seeback, Alvin 6 l VANGUARD l www.marsp.org March/April 2015 Comstock Park Hale Lyon Township Rochester Hills Olson, Leonard Bigelow, Dale Convery, Laurie Stiles, William Constantine Hemlock Macomb Truppa, Sue Hassenger, Marian Earle, Beverly Spanke, Timothy Royal Oak Custer Hillsdale Manistique Lansing, John Shoup, Mary Gallup, Helen Allen, Ona Saginaw Dansville Holly Mason App, Mary Warvel, Ella Stallcup, Bobbie Soucie, Katherine Boivin, Lorraine Davisburg Holt Metamora Herzler, Mary Manderfield, Edward Fay, Betty Nordquist, Robert Kleekamp, Lois Klemish, Lydia Davison Weaver, Ivan Midland Landeryou, John Stricker, Larry Houghton Weyer, Mary Mcglone, Betty Mount, Robert Wilson, Bernice Dearborn Vandermeer, Charlene Ordiway, Betty Howell Milan Saline Radtke, Bodo Deraud, Thomas Allstetter, Alice Fanning, William Lucas, Judith Dearborn Heights Montgomery Hughes, Bonnie Walczak, Patricia Ionia Dull, Harold Sanford Zasavage, Virginia Kuieck, Gwen Mount Clemens Belger, Doris Detour Village Ironwood Eddy, Murrell Stellmacher, Matilda Knuth, Vesta Cigallio, Wilma El, Armeenah Schoolcraft Ishpeming Munger Campbell, Thomas Covington, Thomas Weston, Myrtle Fleischmann, M.A. Dinda, Keith Hurt, Katie Jackson Muskegon Michielsen, Beverly Smith, Mabel Bevier, Donald Kirk, Richard Sebewaing Thweatt, Jerome Earegood, Leona Stafford, Beverly Wenzel, Dorothy Wilson, Arabella May, Virginia Newport Shepherd Wojciechowski, Stanley Mierzwa, Virginia Ooley, Betty Smith, Edith Dimondale Nidelcheff, John Northville Smiths Creek Myers, Agatha Parsons, Warren Szewczyk, Andrea Nimphie, Eileen Rogers, Gerald Simmons, Roger Okemos Stratton, Naomi South Lyon Dundee Vine, Sandra Schuler, Martha Jenison Pleuss, Marie Orchard Lake Feringa, Louise Southfield Eastpointe Hasse, Frank Young, Catherine Hoeksema, Emma Bruton, Linda Otisville Kalamazoo Southgate Elkton Konesny, Kenneth Mcgee, Eileen Agne, Donald Niemiec, Henry Burrows, Anneliese Ottawa Lake Spring Arbor Essexville Hammons, Larry Tobias, Irene Hastings, Norma York, Eugene Jones, Jane Otter Lake Farmington Spring Lake Scott, Jean Sagnelli, Vincent Sloat, Suzanne Gable, Edna Smith, Dolores Oxford Farmington Hills St. Clair Shores Kalkaska Smith, Kenneth Pastor, Nancy Casazza, Margaret Winter, Mina Parchment Walz, Oteilie St. Helen Kinde Warner, Madeline Fennville Munson, Morris Deman, Virginia Petoskey Merleau, Diana St. Ignace Shann, Sally Winne, May Lake Ann Tromblay, Leonard Slis, James Pickford Flint St. Joseph Morrison, Kathryn Dawson, Dorathy Lake Orion Barrett, Jennifer Kirkland, Grover Sutherland, Dorothy Pigeon Schroeder, Frances Picklo, Theatta Fort Gratiot Lansing Sterling Heights Mueller, Don Kerwin, Marguerite Plymouth Weisburg, Bruno Older, Mark Lapeer Rumberger, Shirley Sturgis Gagetown Harman, Joseph Pontiac Jackson, Elizabeth Goodell, Jacqueline Shepherd, William Zimmerman, Esther Swett, Don Sweeney, Mary Garden City Port Huron Taylor Morgan, Shirley Lawrence Gardocki, Margaret Webb, Judith Vaive, Patricia Goodrich Portage Wilson, Rosa Lou Duggan, Geraldine Lennon Torrance, Marilyn Tecumseh Kiacz, Doris Grand Haven Reading Burns, Paul Kremer, James Leonidas Balcom, Mazie Three Rivers Saylor, Joyce Grand Rapids Redford Maddox, Barbara Golder, Gordon Linwood Karpinski, Edward Neamen, Laura White Jr., Charles Rasmer, Olive Richland Topinabee Wright, Alice Livonia Andree, Donald Pearson, Karen Grawn Buda, Mary Riverview Traverse City Bradford, Lyle Pearl, Jeannette Stanton, Dorothy Popovits, Gary Deniston, Shirley Terreault, Shirley Rochester Union City Topolewski, Norbert Mowat, Janice Wasnich, Noyle Smith, Frances March/April 2015 www.marsp.org l VANGUARD l 7 (continued from page 7) Utica Apache Junction, AZ Oakland Park, FL Columbus, OH Orlando, Gaetana Robertson, Anna Zuverink, Vernon Emmons, Alice Vicksburg Cottonwood, AZ Pompano Beach, FL Muldrow, OK Hayward, Connie Betts, Donna Oberlander, Marvin Waters, Norma West Bloomfield Mesa, AZ Sanibel Island, FL Lake Oswego, OR Kitzman, Orville Anderson, Carole Thompson, Robert Weersing, Sally Wallace Phoenix, AZ Sun City Center, FL Portland, OR Jerzyk, Audrey Stein, Marjorie Knippenburg, Terpola Oulbegian, Violet Walled Lake Tomasi, Dorothy Venice, FL Mechanicsburg, PA Flower, Margaret San Francisco, CA Lawrence, Edward Sullivan, Eric Waterford Waters, Carolyn Winter Park, FL Reading, PA Pridmore, Geraldine San Mateo, CA Page, Kathleen Presser, Janet Watervliet Benson, Gail Decorah, IA Bluffton, SC Hake, Doreen Santa Monica, CA Davis, Donald Sauber, Janet West Bloomfield Schlain, Marilyn Palatine, IL Canton, TX Curtis, Lois Clearwater, FL Mallow, Anna Filkill, Benja Ypsilanti Hasty, Juanda Vandalia, IL Rowlett, TX Alexander, Robert Deland, FL Spangler, Constance Gavaldon, Cecelia Tooson, Marie Moser, Marie Columbia, KY Olympia, WA Zeeland Green Cove Spring, FL Cunningham, Walter Myers, Melissa Rankens, Gordon Smith, Clarence Tewksbury, MA Appleton, WI Lakeland, FL Porter, Marian Pavlovich, Mike Out of State Taiclet, Bruce Albuquerque, NM Madison, WI Melbourne, FL Mitchell, Edna Hernandez, Ramon Hoover, AL Cascarelli, Charlotte Las Vegas, NV Tompkins, Thomas Berdinski, June Naples, FL Wells, Bernice Burton, WV Montgomery. AL Seyburn, Elizabeth Reno, NV Hewitt, Aleeta Huff, Mary Scott, Dorothy

2015 Area Conference Schedule For information on location and times, please visit: : https://www.marsp.org/uncategorized/marsp-area-conference-schedule/

Date of Area Genesee - Southeast 5/13 Monroe 5/21 Chapter Name Conference Genesee - West 5/5 Monroe South 5/21 Allegan 4/16 Gladwin 5/18 Montcalm 5/13 AZ- Tucson/Green Valley 3/2 Grand Traverse 5/12 Newaygo 5/12 Baraga 5/12 Hillsdale 3/12 Oakland - North 5/12 Bay Area 5/11 Houghton-Keweenaw 5/14 Oakland - Suburban 5/12 Berrien 4/14 Huron 4/24 Ogemaw 5/1 Blue Water 5/13 Ingham - Greater Lansing 4/16 Osceola 5/5 Branch 3/10 Ionia 4/16 Ottawa 4/29 Calhoun 4/13 Iosco/Alcona 5/21 Presque Isle 5/18 Cass County 4/14 Iron 5/13 Saginaw 5/20 Char-Sota 3/10 Isabella 5/5 Sanilac 5/20 Cheboygan 5/13 Jackson 4/21 Schoolcraft 4/8 Chippewa-Mackinac 5/20 Kalamazoo 4/7 Shiawassee 5/11 Clinton 4/13 Kent 4/20 St. Joseph 5/11 Crawford-Oscoda 5/20 Lapeer 4/20 TN - Tenessee East 5/6 Delta 5/4 Leelanau 5/20 Tuscola 4/15 Dickinson 5/21 Livingston 5/21 TX - Dallas/Ft Worth Northeast 4/12 Emmet 5/28 Macomb East 4/30 Van Buren 4/14 FL - Heartland 3/10 Macomb North 4/30 Washtenaw 5/13 FL - Southwest Gulf Coast 3/19 Manistee 5/11 Wayne Downriver 3/16 FL - Space Coast 3/5 Marquette 5/6 Wayne Metro 5/21 FL - St. Petersburg 3/9 Mason-Lake 4/16 Wayne Northwest 4/8 FL - Treasure Coast 3/9 Mecosta-Canadian Lakes 5/28 Wexford-Missaukee 5/21 Genesee 5/14 Midland 4/8

8 l VANGUARD l www.marsp.org March/April 2015 Health Care in Focus: answeredYour health insurance questions Questions/Answers International Travel n Practicing relaxation – Reduce stress Turning 65 and your Q2: While traveling out of the country by focusing on your breathing for a few health insurance recently, my husband had a heart attack minutes. Then inhale deeply through your and was admitted to the hospital. The Q1: I will be turning 65 soon and want nose, hold your breath for a few seconds hospital would not discharge him until to know how it will impact my health cover- and exhale through your mouth. As you the bill was paid. Blue Cross would not pay age, including dental and vision? exhale, relax your face and shoulders. the hospital directly (or guarantee payment) A1: If you are already getting Social but only reimburse our out-of-pocket pay- n Playing mind games – Exercise your Security retirement or disability benefits ments. We had to come up with several mind to keep it sharp. If you have a mo- or railroad retirement checks, you will thousand dollars for hospital payment. bile computer device, brain games can be be contacted a few months before you My question is, “Who will cover foreign downloaded for free, such as from AARP become eligible for Medicare and given the health emergencies and how do you evalu- (http://games.aarp.org). Think of math information you need. If you live in one ate their coverage?” Incidentally, we did problems to solve or play memory games. of the 50 states or Washington, D.C., you have trip insurance which pays only after Trying new things and playing games or will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B the primary insurance pays. solving problems for speed appear to be automatically. important. If you are not already getting retirement A2: No Medicare insurance program will benefits, you should contact the Social pay for international travel. The secondary n Squeezing an object – There’s some Security Administration about three months insurance to Medicare (i.e. Blue Cross, in this evidence that gripping an object such before your 65th birthday to sign up for case) always becomes primary and travel in- as a foam stress ball or spring-loaded Medicare. The number is 800-772-1213. surance secondary. It is your responsibility to grip device at about 30 percent of your Once you are enrolled in Medicare, you research the health care ramifications before grip strength – and holding that grip for will receive a red, white and blue Medicare you leave on your trip. In most cases, you about two minutes – may have a positive card showing whether you have Part A, will pay out-of-pocket first, receive a receipt effect on blood pressure. Do this twice Part B or both. In order to receive coverage and submit it yourself to your insurance com- in each hand separately, with a couple of through MPSERS (Michigan Public School pany for reimbursement. minutes rest in between. Employees Retirement System), you must n Eating healthy snacks – Options have Part B. Keep your card in a safe place Healthy Travel Tips include fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts, so you will have it when you need it. Reprinted from November 2014 a sandwich on whole-grain bread and a You will also need to return the “MEDI- Mayo Clinic Health Letter with low-calorie or no-calorie beverage. CARE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR BENEFICIARIES n Moving your legs – If you’re riding for 65 OR OVER” that you will receive from the permission of Mayo Foundation for more than an hour, gently but firmly con- Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medical Education and Research, tract leg muscles for a couple of seconds. (CMS). The form allows Medicare and MPS- Rochester, Minnesota 55905. Begin with the lower leg muscles, then ERS to coordinate your benefits. When you Riding in a car, train, bus, or airplane seat the thigh muscles to help move blood out turn 65, your coverage will be Medicare can add up to a lot of time spent doing very of the legs. Plus Blue Group PPO or your HMO’s Medi- little. Use that time to benefit your health by: care plan (Medicare Advantage plans). You will also continue to receive your prescrip- tion drug benefit from MPSERS. Get the next VANGUARD early Although your enrollment in the Medicare Give MARSP your email and receive the next VANGUARD two weeks early! Advantage plan should be seamless and Contact MARSP at 888.960.4022 or [email protected] to provide your email address. automatic, MARSP suggests that just before Then change your preferences on our website and receive the VANGUARD earlier. Receiving your you turn age 65, you contact MPSERS and VANGUARD by email also offers an eco-friendly alternative to save your organization financially. BCBSM or your HMO to ensure that your enrollment in Medicare is complete. Attention snow birds: If you also participate in the MPSERS’ Make sure VANGUARD follows you as you travel this winter. Provide your winter address dental and vision coverage, it will remain to the MARSP office to continueVANGUARD with no interruption. unchanged as your coverage in these plans is not affected by age. March/April 2015 www.marsp.org l VANGUARD l 9 Members step up to recruit other retirees The following new members joined The following new members joined via referrals in December: via referrals in January: Name Primary Chapter Referred By Name Primary Chapter Referred By Suzanne Barney Washtenaw Barbara Susterka Laura Boyd Kalamazoo Beverly W. Parsons Deanna Braun Berrien Buzz Calvert William Cummings Dickinson Helen Holly Stratton Judy King Oakland North Jane Somers Lucile Demanski St. Clair Blue Water Don Armstrong Marjorie Moore Livingston Pam Olech Christina Martinez Kalamazoo Jackie Martinez Roger Moore Livingston Pam Olech Ron Mindykowski Bay Area Mary Boettger Theodora Morris Saginaw Daphne May Gibson Diane Nellis Roscommon Harold Stockton Brenda Thomas Saginaw Katherine Feltson Rose Sanders Saginaw Carolyn Currie Janice Thompson Saginaw Kay Frahm Arlene Webster Muskegon Diane Shaffer Karen Wrona Macomb North Wayne Wrona $25 Visa Gift Card Winner Diane Shaffer for Arlene Webster referral. $25 Visa Gift Card Winner Katherine Feltson for Brenda Thomas referral.

Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel Membership Form Chapter Dues List: Plan your future. Protect your future. Jackson: $7 Van Buren: $10 Michigan: Kalamazoo: $10 Washtenaw: $10 Kent: $8 Wayne Detroit MARSP: $35 Lapeer: $6 DARSP: $12 Name Alger: $5 Leelanau: $7 Wayne Downriver: $5 Allegan: $5 Lenawee: $0 Wayne Metro: $5 Alpena: $5 Livingston: $5 Wayne Northwest: $8 Address Baraga: $5 Luce County/ Wexford-Missaukee: $7 Barry: $7 Tahquamenon: $6 City State Zip Bay-Northern Bay Macomb East: $5 Arizona: Arenac: $10 Macomb North: $8 Bay Area: $10 Manistee: $7.50 NW Valley of Sun: $8 Phone Berrien: $9 Marquette: $5 Tucson/Green Valley: $5 Branch: $5 Mason-Lake: $7 Calhoun: $6 Mecosta: $5 Colorado: Email Address Cass: $6 Mecosta-Canadian Colorado Chapter: $10 Charlevoix: $5 Lakes: $5 Cheboygan: $5 Your educational system or district Menominee: $5 Chippewa-Mackinac: $5 Midland: $5 Florida: Clare: $5 Monroe: $5 Char-Sota: $5 Referred by Clinton: $5 Monroe South: $5 First Coast: $5 Crawford-Oscoda: $5 Montcalm: $5 Greater Daytona: $10 Membership dues: Payment Delta: $5 Muskegon: $10 Heartland: $5 Dickinson: $5 Newaygo: $5 Lee County: $5 q $35 annual options: Detach form Eaton: $7 Oakland North-Noc: $7 Ocala: $7 and return to: q $105 Three year membership q Check Emmet: $10 Oakland Suburban: $6 Southwest Gulf Coast: $5 (Local chapter dues not included) enclosed MARSP Genesee: $7 Oakland-Farmington: $5 Space Coast: $5 PO Box 23214 Genesee South East: $7 Oceana: $10 St Petersburg: $5 $700 Lifetime membership q Visa q Lansing, MI 48909 Genesee West: $7 Ogemaw: $6 Sun Coast: $7 q $ Local chapter dues q Mastercard Gladwin: $5 Ontonagon: $2 Tallahassee/South (See listing this page) Gogebic: $10 Osceola: $5 Georgia: $1 Grand Traverse: $10 Otsego: $10 Tampa: $5 Gratiot: $6 Ottawa: $5 Treasure Coast: $5 Card number Exp. date Hillsdale: $5 Presque Isle: $10 Tri-County: $5 Houghton-Keweenaw: $3 Roscommon: $10 Huron: $5 Saginaw: $7 Tennessee: Name as it appears on card Ingham - Greater Sanilac: $5 Lansing: $10 Schoolcraft: $7 Tennessee East: $5 Ionia: $10 Shiawassee: $5 Amount Date Iosco-Alcona: $5 St. Clair: $8 Texas: Iron: $5 St. Joseph: $5 Dallas/Ft. Worth Cardholder signature Isabella: $10 Tuscola: $5 Northeast: $5 10 l VANGUARD l www.marsp.org March/April 2015 Calendar of events Membership Committee MARSP committees (Legislative, Finance and Membership) meet as necessary during Why are the same week as the MARSP Board/Execu- tive Committee. Please check with the MARSP office for the schedule if you are you here? interested in one of these committees. By Pam Trask, Co-Chair, Membership Committee

March 23, 2015 I posed that very question while mingling members of MARSP. The overwhelm- Legislative Committee meeting with some of the 67 people gathered at a ing majority joined so they would receive March 24, 2015 recent local MARSP chapter meeting. I ad- timely legislative updates and information. Membership Committee meeting mit, I was trying to be funny at first, asking I’ll bet it’s the same for you, right? such an abrupt question. Then my follow- Fortunately, even if members are unable March 25, 2015 up was, “Why do you belong to MARSP?” or don’t care to attend the chapter meet- Executive Committee meeting Here are some of the responses: ings, we have the VANGUARD publication March 26, 2015 “ I like being informed about legislation that keeps us informed. So, whatever your MPSERS Board Meeting that could affect us and knowing of reason is for “being here” and maintain- April 3, 2015 any changes in our health insurance.” ing your MARSP membership, thank Good Friday – MARSP office closed you. With more than 200,000 people in “ I come to socialize and stay informed.” MPSERS (public school retiree system) and April 20, 2015 “ This is where I meet up with people only 40,000 of them belonging to MARSP, Legislative Committee meeting I used to work with and we are consider our growth potential. April 21, 2015 informed about our pension and Again, we are glad you are here. Thank Membership Committee meeting health insurance benefits.” you for being a member and as you are re- newing your membership, please encour- April 30, 2015 “ MARSP is looking out for us, and we age others to join us. Strength in num- MARSP Board Meeting need that now more than ever.” bers! You can be confident that MARSP is Pension Seminar dates “ I’m a retired teacher and it’s my indeed working for all of us, giving us an duty to belong to MARSP.” important voice, distinct from other retiree March 12, 2015 groups. As one of the respondents said, I liked all the responses because they Eastern UP ISD “Now more than ever,” MARSP is looking were honest and came quickly. No one out for you. had to think twice about why they were

The VANGUARD classified adver- tisement deadline is six weeks before the bi-monthly print date. Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel The May/June issue ad deadline is March 30, 2015. CONTRIBUTIONS Checks MUST Be Made Payable To: MARSP and mailed to Home for Sale – A-Frame cottage, PO Box 23214, Lansing, MI 48909-3214 2bd/1ba, fully furnished & equipped, carpeted & paneled. Move-in ready, q Lower Level Completion Fund to be used to complete the lower level (basement) all electric, 5 mi north of Rose City, of the MARSP Center building to allow for additional meeting and office space. Mule Shoe Lake. Call Bonnie, q VBDF (Voluntary Benefit Defense Fund)to be used for the legal 248.624.2709. defense of school retiree benefits. q General Fund to assist the finance committee in meeting expenses for the current budget year.

Stay tuned in, Name follow @MARSP Address Connect with MARSP on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. We’re sharing great City State Zip articles, retirement tips, resources and legislative activity. Don’t miss what’s next; Phone Follow us online! Chapter Name

In Honor of or in Memory of March/April 2015 www.marsp.org l VANGUARD l 11 MARSP PRSRT STD 3645 E. Jolly Road US Postage P.O. Box 23214 PAID Lansing, MI 48909-3214 Lansing, MI 1-888-960-4022 Permit No. 1114 www.marsp.org

Legislative Committee Report Ballot initiative would have positive impact on schools By Legislative Co-Chairmen Joe Curtin and Chuck Abshagen

We followed the final “lame duck” tion. Should voters approve the ballot When the governor’s budget is released, session last year with great concern about initiative, roads will see an additional $1.3 discussion may focus on the amount of the potential adverse effect it could have billion and schools will see a $300 million money the state pays toward MPSERS on retirees and our public schools. At increase along with an increase of $40 mil- Unfunded Accrued Liability prior to schools the end of a 20-hour session that ended lion in at-risk funding. Local governments getting their K-12 foundation allow- at 6:45 a.m. Dec. 19, the will get an additional ance. After this year, the real UAL rate is Legislature was able to $94 million and lower- projected to slowly decrease as the reforms compromise on a road Overall, the initiative is income individuals will enacted under PA 300 of 2012 take ef- funding package -- a positive for public school receive tax relief of fect. The MPSERS system is in much better bipartisan deal to place a districts. If it does not roughly $260 million shape today than prior to the reforms. ballot initiative before vot- pass, legislators will through expansion of Every dollar put toward MPSERS is a dollar ers on May 5, 2015. need to start over. the Earned-Income Tax local school districts do not have to send The initiative will pro- Credit and Homestead back to the state. vide an option to increase Property Tax Credit. The impact of the more conservative the sales tax 1 percentage point from 6 Overall, the initiative is positive for public House and Senate is not yet clear, but it is percent to 7 percent and repeal the sales school districts. If it does not pass, legisla- our intent to keep you as well informed as tax on gasoline effective October 2015. tors will need to start over. Numerous possible. Please visit the MARSP website It will also specify that School Aid Fund other bills are tie-barred to the initiative (www.marsp.org) for the latest news. dollars cannot be used for higher educa- and will fail as well.