2014-2015 Newsletters

MAY NEWSLETTER

Charlotte County Retired Educators’ Association

Edited by: Irene C. Jones, Ed. D.

Next meeting: Wednesday, May 6, 2015

SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON

******Location: BURNT STORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH****

11:00 Registration

11:15 General Meeting/Installation of Officers

11:30 Meet the Scholars

12:00 Luncheon

Luncheon reminders/details: If you have volunteered to assist with the luncheon, the doors will open at 10:30 a.m. so that all preparations can be made for our lovely Scholarship Luncheon/Meeting. All others please arrive at 11:00 a.m. Auction items (minimum $10 value) are to be given to Laurel Aumend upon your arrival for display on the table. The cost of $5 per member is required to provide the main entrée (fried chicken). A large covered dish to share is also needed due to the number of guests who usually attend to celebrate with the scholarship recipients. You may pull up to the front door under the portico to drop off your covered dish and someone will be there with a cart to assist in getting the food items into the church hall. Please do NOT bring your own serving utensils as they get mixed in with the church’s utensils. Using a disposable dish is advisable but if you bring a personal item, please label it. If you have not signed up to attend the luncheon or to bring a covered dish, please call Nancy Overman (941-637-8140) as soon as possible to make arrangements.

Standing Committees:

Legislative: Gloria Smith reports that the discussion continues regarding the high stakes testing of students.

ABC Crafters’/ Public Relations: Handy and popular items such as the bowl warmers and now the lid grippers are always available at our meetings along with other items made by the crafters for the benefit of the scholarship fund. They make a nice gift item for neighbors, friends and family. Arlene Kincaid continues her efforts to get publicity for our CCREA activities and meetings. A representative from the Charlotte Sun will attend our Scholarship Luncheon. THANKS, Arlene.

Nominating Committee: Chairperson, Ann Stout, reports that we still need someone to step up to be First Vice-President. Gloria Smith has agreed to start the 2015-2016 year as FVP in hopes that someone will take over. Other positions which need to be filled are: Retirement Chairperson, and ABC Crafters Chairperson. All others have agreed to stay on in their positions. Secretary, Pam Gates has agreed to serve as Parliamentarian.

Sunshine/Cheer: If you know of any member who is sick, shut-in, or hospitalized, please let Louise Ratliff know so that she can send cards and/or make visitations.

Literacy/Volunteer Services: Laurel Aumend, chair, reported that the Grandparent Essay winner was from Lee County. Sonja prepared the certificates for the participants at the Meadow Park Elementary School.

Reflection: If you were unable to attend our April meeting, you missed a fascinating genealogy presentation. Sometimes, it is very surprising to find out facts about your family roots.

We are happy to report that at the April meeting, members voted to establish a $50,000 Scholarship Endowment for Florida South Western State College students pursuing an education degree. Tax deductible donations can be made to this endowment scholarship fund which will continue in perpetuity. Dr. Joseph M. Kramp, Director of Development, who was present to answer questions, informed members that other IN KIND donations (car, boat, stocks, valuable artwork, etc) can be made. CCREA will continue to award graduating high school seniors with Future Educator Scholarships from our savings account as long as funds are available.

THANK YOU, LaVaugh Ferris and Louise Ratliff. Our April 23^rd trip to the Broadway Palms Dinner Theater was wonderful. The food was great, the musical “7 Brides for 7 Brothers” extremely professional and the camaraderie outstanding. We had so much fun. Our members had a great afternoon and have decided to do it again soon.

TO our Snowbird members: Have a safe and healthy summer and we will look forward to seeing you in the fall when an exciting new year is planned.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL WHO CELEBRATE IN MAY AND

THE SUMMER MONTHS.

APRIL NEWSLETTER

Charlotte County Retired Educators’ Association

Edited by: Irene C. Jones, Ed. D.

THIS IS A VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY IMPORTANT MEETING

PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND. IF YOU NEED A RIDE, CALL SOMEONE.

Next meeting: Wednesday, April 8, 2015

**********Location: Charlotte County Family Services Center**********

21450 Gibralter (corner of Easy Street)

Port Charlotte, Fl. 33952

Time: 9:30 am…………Social Time (Bring your own beverage)

10:15 am…………Program: “Genealogy” presented by Laura Taylor and Bo

Woodrow, CC Genealogy Society

10:45 am…………Dr. Joe Kramp, FSWC, will discuss the setup of an endowment program by CCREA

and answer questions from members. After Dr. Kramp’s presentation the meeting will be held and members will VOTE on this initiative and on revising By-Laws which were published previously for consideration by the general membership.

Noon-Adjourn to Luigi’s Restaurant for lunch and social time.

This is a VERY important meeting and we ask that you make every effort to attend. Please call someone if you need transportation.

COMMITTEES:

Legislative: Gloria Smith received information from Section Leader that will be presented to the membership at the April meeting.

ABC Crafters’/ Public Relations: Handy and popular items such as the bowl warmers and now the lid grippers are always available at our meetings along with other items made by the crafters for the benefit of the scholarship fund. They make a nice gift item for neighbors, friends and family. Arlene Kincaid continues to be in contact with the local Charlotte Sun to get our meetings and events published. She has been very successful with her efforts and our upcoming meeting on April 8 was announced in the paper recently. THANKS, Arlene.

Nominating Committee: Chairperson, Ann Stout, reports concern regarding our officer positions for 2015-2017. At the present time, the most current committee

chairs have agreed to continue their service in their positions. However, we are in need of a Parliamentarian, ABC Crafters Leader, and an official Greeter who can make members feel welcome and be sure that members or visitors feel welcome and have someone to sit with at our meetings. Members must have their current DUES PAID in order to serve as an officer.

Sunshine/Cheer: If you know of any member who is sick, shut-in, or hospitalized, please let Louise Ratliff know so that she can send cards and/or make visitations.

Social Event: On APRIL 23, 2015, some members will travel to the Broadway Palms Theater in Ft. Myers to see SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS.

Literacy/Volunteer Services: Laurel Aumend, chair, will purchase Grandparent Essay prizes and present them at the assembly when the school announces the date.

FREA News: FREA 2015 Extravaganza – We will be selling tickets at our general membership meeting ($10 per ticket). This fundraiser supports scholarships from the State organization.

Prizes are: Grand Prize- $500, 1^st Prize- $400, 2^nd Prize- $300, 3^rd Prize-$200, and 4^th Prize-$100.

Hostesses for our general meetings for the ensuing year will be recruited at the April 8^th meeting.

Reflection: Our March meeting which was held at the Golden Corral was VERY well attended by members and guests. Maybe we should consider having another meeting during the year at a restaurant (December). Think about it.

May 6th Scholarship Luncheon Details and Reminders: Once again, our lovely scholarship luncheon will be held at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. The cost is $5 per member along with a covered dish to share. We have many guests at this affair along with the scholarship recipients. You do NOT need to bring serving utensils for your dish as they get mixed in with the church utensils. At the April meeting, there will be a sign-up sheet for your food donation for this event and someone collecting your $5 to help with the purchase of the main entrée. Please put your name on your dish or use a disposable dish instead to make things simple. We also welcome auction items (minimum $10 value) for sale at the Scholarship Luncheon in May. When you arrive at the church, give your auction items to Laurel Aumend. You may call Nancy Overman at 941-637-8140 to make your reservation if you do not attend the April meeting but plan to attend the May 6^th Scholarship Luncheon to honor our recipients. If you are a volunteer worker for the luncheon, please arrive at 10:30; otherwise, plan to be at the church at 11:00 am.

PLEASE ATTEND THIS GENERAL MEETING ON APRIL 8, 2015 FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON THE ENDOWMENT INITIATIVE AS WELL AS ON REVISION OF BY-LAWS. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE HAVE A QUORUM IN ORDER TO CONDUCT A VOTE ON ANY BUSINESS ITEM FOR THE CCREA. THANK YOU.

MARCH NEWSLETTER

Charlotte County Retired Educators’ Association

Edited by: Irene C. Jones, Ed. D.

Next meeting: Wednesday, March 11, 2015

**********Location: Golden Corral on Rt. 41 in Punta Gorda********

Time: 10:00 am. Purchase your beverage when you enter the restaurant, proceed to the reserved meeting room (behind the windows/doors). We will purchase our SENIOR lunch at 11:00 am.

Come and meet our new members and guests. Learn lots about them enjoy playing BINGO MINGLE, a game suggested by our Secretary, Pam Gates.

This is a VERY important meeting and we ask that you make every effort to

attend. Please call someone if you need transportation. The board will be presenting a proposal concerning the FUNDING OF and RECRUITMENT FOR our scholarships. We are facing some unique challenges and have several proposals to report to the general membership. The proposals will be announced at THIS MARCH 11^th meeting. Voting will take place at the APRIL meeting after members have had time to consider all options presented. We will also be voting on changes to our BY-LAWS. Your input and vote is needed. PLEASE ATTEND THIS VERY IMPORTANT MEETING.

FOOD BANK INFORMATION: NO FOOD PANTRY ITEMS OR BACK PACKS FOR KIDS ITEMS WILL BE COLLECTED AT THE MARCH MEETING AT GOLDEN CORRAL.

WE MISS YOU! COME OUT TO OUR GENERAL MEETINGS AND GET REAQUINTED WITH OLD FRIENDS AND MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS AND FRIENDS. We have had several new members join our group and are always looking for opportunities to recruit other new members. We know that there are many retired school employees who have moved to Florida or continue to be snowbirds and we welcome them. We need to FIND THEM. Be sure to spread the word of our CCREA and the work that we do in your neighborhoods, other organizations, places of worship, and at events that you attend.

ABC Crafters’ News: We will have Bowl Warmers ($8) available at the March meeting. Some folks have been requesting them since they are so handy to prevent burning your hands when removing something from the microwave. Now that La Vaughn is on the mend from her foot surgery, she is turning out more of these bowl warmers. We will also have a new item available at this meeting. It is a gripper for opening screw-on jar lids and such. The price is $2 for one or $3 for two (you can hold the jar with one and twist off with the second one).

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Chairperson, Ann Stout, reports concern regarding our officer positions for 2015-2017. At the present time, we are in need of a Parliamentarian, ABC Crafters Leader, and an official Greeter who can make members feel welcome and be sure that members or visitors feel welcome and have someone to sit with at our meetings.

SUNSHINE/CHEER: If you know of any member who is sick, shut-in, or hospitalized, please let Louise Ratliff know so that she can send cards and/or make visitations.

LEGISLATIVE: Gloria Smith would appreciate help in gathering Legislative Information impacting our organization and members which could be reported at the general membership meetings.

SOCIAL EVENT: On APRIL 23, 2015, some members will travel to the Broadway Palms Theater in Ft. Myers to see SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Carpooling will be encouraged and arranged by those who decide to attend. Lunch is served at 11:45 with the show at 1:15. If you are interested in attending this social event, contact La Vaughn Ferris, Cultural Affairs Chairperson. Checks are to be made out to Broadway Palms.

The Fundraiser on March 1^st at Visani’s Restaurant and Comedy Show was a huge success with all 60 tickets sold. If you didn’t attend, you missed a fun night with friends, lots of laughs, and always delicious Italian food.

Plan to be there at 10, purchase a beverage, meeting from 10-11. Lunch at 11-12:30. No speaker but we will enjoy playing BINGO MINGLE.

E.

January, 2015 Newsletter

Charlotte County Retired Educators’ Association

Edited by: Irene C. Jones, Ed. D.

Next meeting: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 9:30- Social time, 10:15 business meeting, 11:00 a.m. Program, 12:00 noon Adjourn/lunch at local restaurant

Hostesses: Arlene Kincaid and Louise Ratliff

Location: Charlotte County Family Service Center-21450 Gibralter St., Port Charlotte

Entertainment: Leadership Charlotte 2015 Presenter: Wendy Atkinson, President of the Chamber of Commerce

WE MISSED YOU: For those of you who were not able to come to our meeting in December, you missed a wonderful time of fellowship, cheer, great food shared, and a fabulous program of entertainment presented by the Barbershop quartet “String of Pearls”. The decorations and centerpieces were gorgeous and put together by our own, Joanne Bradley. The ABC Crafters had been hard at work prior to the holidays, setting up sales at various locations and events which enabled Arlene Kincaid to present a check for $500 for the Scholarship Fund. Hopefully, we will see you at our January meeting.

ABC Crafters’ News: On Saturday, January 24^th, during the Friends of the Library Sale at the Port Charlotte (Parkside) Library, the ABC Crafters will set up a table to sell their wares in hopes of raising yet more $$$ for our Scholarship Fund. If you’d like to help, contact Arlene Kincaid.

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE: The scholarship forms have gone out to the schools and Committee Chair, Sonja Rozier reports that two applications have been received. Please keep in mind that you can make a memorial donation to the Scholarship Fund on behalf of a friend or loved one during the year.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Chairperson, Ann Stout, reports concern regarding our officer positions for 2015-2017. At the present time, we are in need of a Parliamentarian, ABC Crafters Leader, and an official Greeter who can make members feel welcome and be sure that members or visitors have someone to sit with at meetings.

SUNSHINE/CHEER: If you know of any member who is sick, shut-in, or hospitalized, please let Louise Ratliff know so that she can send cards and/or make visitations.

LEGISLATIVE: Gloria Smith would appreciate help in gathering Legislative Information impacting our organization and members which could be reported at the general membership meetings.

SOCIAL EVENT: There are still a couple of tickets ($47) available for our social event which is on APRIL 23, 2015. We will travel to the Broadway Palms Theater in Ft. Myers to see SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Carpooling will be encouraged and arranged by those who decide to attend. Lunch is served at 11:45 with the show at 1:15. If you are interested in attending this social event, contact La Vaughn Ferris, Cultural Affairs Chairperson. Checks are to be made out to Broadway Palms. We need a final count at this January meeting.

LITERACY/VOLUNTEER SERVICES: Laurel Aumend will be picking up the grandparent essays this week. Please remember to document and report all of your volunteer hours each month. All forms must be collected in February so please get them completed and ready for submission.

PUBLIC RELATIONS: Arlene Kincaid has been submitting information to the Charlotte Sun newspaper regarding our meetings and activities long before the due date for publication. Unfortunately, they have not been published. We are hoping that some publicity will occur this month as she submitted it long before the due date. Thanks so much Arlene for your diligence regarding publicity.

FOOD BANK INFORMATION: Please remember to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the food banks and snack items for the back-pack kids. NO PEANUTS DUE TO ALLERGIES! If you belong to a church or organization that has a Food Pantry, please share that information with our President, Gloria Smith.

FREA NEWS: FREA 2015 Extravaganza – We will be selling tickets at our general membership meeting ($10 per ticket). This fundraiser supports scholarships from the State organization. Currently, we have Jackie Guerin receiving a FREF Joan Stancil Scholarship to Stetson University.

Prizes are: Grand Prize- $500, 1^st Prize- $400, 2^nd Prize- $300, 3^rd Prize-$200, and 4^th Prize-$100.

Happy Birthday to all of our members who celebrate in January.

December, 2014 Newsletter

Charlotte County Retired Educators’ Association Edited by: Irene C. Jones, Ed. D.

Next meeting: Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 9:30- Social time, 10:15 business meeting, 11:00 a.m. Program, 12:00 noon Adjourn/ Holiday Luncheon

Hostess: Joanne Bradley

Location: Charlotte County Family Service Center-21450 Gibralter St., Port Charlotte

Entertainment: “String of Pearls”, Barbershop Quartet

Meadow Park Elementary Read Aloud Day: On November 21, some of our members participated in this annual program which was started nineteen years ago in 1995 by Joyce Barnes (deceased). Every student enjoyed being read to by our volunteers who spent 30 minutes doing a “read aloud”. If you did not participate this year, keep it in mind for next November 2015. It’s a rewarding experience for the readers as well as the listeners. Give it a try.

ABC Crafters’: The Pottery Express/Inspiration Studio on Zemel Road in Punta Gorda held its Annual Arts/Crafts Festival on Sunday, Nov. 9, 10 - 3:00. CCREA’s ABC Crafters had a table to sell the numerous items on which they’ve been working. The weather was less than cooperative that day; however, our dedicated Crafters set up their table and endured the morning through mist, rain, and cloudy weather but decided to close up shop at about noon. Crafters’ Chairperson, Arlene Kincaid, took some crafts to the local Curves business where a show was held for a week. On Monday, Dec. 1, the Cultural Center held a Christmas Luncheon and Gift shop where the Crafters once again sold their items to benefit the scholarship fund. Arlene continues to work so very hard to keep this committee actively involved in community events where scholarship money can be raised. Another benefit to the Crafters’ participation in these events is the opportunity to meet folks who are retired teachers and invite them to join our CCREA. We expect to see several new faces at our December meeting.

Scholarship news: The scholarship forms have gone out to the schools and Committee Chair, Sonja Rozier has formed her interview committee for January. When you are considering making a memorial donation on behalf of a friend or loved one during the year, please remember that memorial donations go toward scholarships.

CCREA NEEDS: Would you like to be more involved in helping our organization? We are still in need of a Parliamentarian. We need someone to be our official greeter to welcome members and to make introductions so that folks feel comfortable and have someone to sit with during the meeting. Our CCREA banner is in need of stitching around the letters as they have been coming loose. Any seamstress who can help secure the letters would be greatly appreciated.

Arlene Kincaid has worked tirelessly for a number of years as Chair of the ABC CRAFTERS and would love for someone else to step up and chair this very important committee to raise funds for scholarships. Please consider how YOU can become more involved in moving this organization forward.

SUNSHINE/CHEER: If you know of any member who is sick, shut-in, or hospitalized, please let Louise Ratliff know so that she can send cards and/or make visitations. We have several members who have undergone surgeries recently.

LEGISLATIVE: Joan Stancil is stepping down as chair of this committee and Gloria Smith has graciously volunteered to fill the position. THANK YOU Joan for your service and thorough reporting on legislative issues which affect our members.

SOCIAL EVENT: At the November 12^th meeting, members voted to travel to the Broadway Palm Theater in Fort Myers to see SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (April 9-May 23). Carpooling will be encouraged and arranged by those who decide to attend. Lunch is served at 11:45 with the show at 1:15. Members and their spouses/friends are welcome to join in this social event. If you are interested in attending this social event, contact La Vaughn Ferris, Cultural Affairs Chairperson. Further discussion and arrangements will occur at the December 10^th meeting.

LITERACY/VOLUNTEER SERVICES: Laurel Aumend has been following up on the grandparent essays but no decision has been made to date. Please remember to document and report all of your volunteer hours each month.

HOMELESS COALITION: The Homeless Coalition had requested that some of our members help with tutoring children at the shelter. Sonja Rozier and several others have been volunteering one night a week for an hour to assist students with homework. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Sonja for the details.

Help the Hungry: If you are able, please bring non-perishable food items for donation to the food banks and snack items for the back-packs for kids. NO PEANUTS.

Happy Birthday to all of our members who celebrate in December.

DECEMBER REMINDERS: CCREA Christmas luncheon will be held on December 10 with entertainment by an all female Barbershop Quartet. We have invited the singers to join us for our luncheon. If you did not sign up to bring something for the luncheon, you may bring some type of finger food or desert item that does not require heating or cooling. There is no kitchen available.

Salvation Army: Under the leadership of Ann Stout, our members have volunteered to ring the bells, dress the bears, and fill the stockings for boys and girls. If you would like to help with any of these initiatives, please give Ann a call and see how you can make a donation.

JANUARY 14, 2015: Mark your new calendars for our next meeting. The program will be “Leadership Charlotte”, presented by Wendy Atkinson, Chamber of Commerce President.

Charlotte County Retired Educators’ Association

Newsletter Edited by: Irene C. Jones, Ed.D.

Next meeting: Wednesday, November 12, 2014, 9:30- Social time, 10:15 business meeting, 11:00 a.m. Program, 12:00 noon Adjourn/lunch optional. Hostess: Ann Stout

Location: Charlotte County Family Service Center-21450 Gibralter St., Port Charlotte

Program: “Help Staying in your Home”, Presenter: Lisa Kopp, HOPE

Meadow Park Elementary Read Aloud Day: November 21, 9:45-11:45. Who doesn’t love reading to children? Call Jo Ellen Gantner (391-3334) to volunteer.

FREA has announced that they will require our State Dues by March 1, 2015; therefore, this will require that we collect our state and local dues in January and February 2015. Our fiscal year will remain the same.

District Conference: Officers and members traveled to the conference where our ABC CRAFTERS were successful in selling some items with a profit of $100+. Much praise was offered to this hard working group for their efforts and contributions toward scholarships.

ABC Crafters’: The Pottery Express/Inspiration Studio on Zemel Road in Punta Gorda is holding its Annual Arts/Crafts Festival on Sunday, Nov. 9, 10 - 3:00. CCREA’s ABC Crafters will have a table to sell the numerous items on which they’ve been working. If you can help out or volunteer to man the ABC Crafters’ table, please contact Arlene Kincaid. There will be many vendors at this event. Stop out and do some shopping for the holidays.

Scholarship news: The scholarship forms will go out to the schools very soon. When you are considering making a memorial donation on behalf of a friend or loved one during the year, please remember that memorial donations go toward scholarships.

CCREA NEEDS: If you are thinking that you would like to be more involved in helping our organization, we are still in need of a Parliamentarian. We are also looking for someone to be our official greeter to welcome members, make friendly conversation, and to make introductions so that folks feel comfortable and have someone to sit with during the meeting.

SUNSHINE/CHEER: If you know of any member who is sick, shut-in, or hospitalized, please let Jo Ellen Gantner know so that she can send cards and/or make visitations.

SOCIAL EVENT: At the November 12^th meeting, members will be asked to vote on attending one of the following shows at the Broadway Palm Theater in Fort Myers. WEST SIDE STORY ( Feb.19-April 5) OR SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (April 9-May 23). Carpooling will be encouraged and coordinated by those who decide to attend. Lunch is served at 11:45 with the show at 1:15. Members and their spouses/friends are welcome to join in this social event. More information will follow.

Help the Hungry: If you are able, please bring non-perishable food items for those in need and for the back-pack kids.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our members and their families. Be safe, enjoy this special holiday and don’t eat too much turkey.

Happy Birthday to all of our members who celebrate in November.

DECEMBER REMINDERS: CCREA Christmas luncheon will be held on December 10 with entertainment by an all female Barbershop Quartet. We have invited the singers to join us for our luncheon and will need for the members to sign up to bring finger foods so that everyone can enjoy the luncheon and social time.

Volunteers are needed for Salvation Army bell ringing starting the day after Thanksgiving. Donations of bears and volunteers to dress the bears are also needed for the Toy Drive. Donations of items (no candy) to fill the Christmas Stockings for boys and girls are also needed. Please consider giving to this worthy cause. You will benefit greatly from your generosity. Contact Ann Stout to see how you can help.