The purposes of this Association are to:

  • The purposes of this Association are to:
  • A. Promote and protect the interests, rights, and welfare of the retired educators of the Stevens Point area in conjunction with the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association (WREA).
  • B. Monitor and work to improve the benefits for retired educators and other members of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).
  • C. Encourage Association members to maintain membership in the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association (WREA).
  • D. Develop working relationships with local service organizations whose main emphasis is on aging groups and with organizations sharing goals similar to those of the Association.
  • E. Inform Association members about and advocate for educational and other relevant societal issues.
  • F. Inform members of activities in the area provided for senior citizens.
  • G. Encourage Association members to be active participants in community affairs on an individual basis.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Finding the Right Words

We've all had the experience of knowing something but being unable to find the exact words to describe our ideas.  This excerpt is from an article found on Hullabaloo by Tom Sullivan:


Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, the authors of “How Democracies Die,” examine just how fragile our is for the New York Times. Two norms undergird an American system that endured through crises for nearly two and a half centuries:
To function well, democratic constitutions must be reinforced by two basic norms, or unwritten rules. The first is mutual toleration, according to which politicians accept their opponents as legitimate. When mutual toleration exists, we recognize that our partisan rivals are loyal citizens who love our country just as we do.

The second norm is forbearance, or self-restraint in the exercise of power. Forbearance is the act of not exercising a legal right. In politics, it means not deploying one’s institutional prerogatives to the hilt, even if it’s legal to do so.

To read the entire article, click on this link and scroll down to the article titled Forbearance, or lack thereof dated 1/28/2018 06:00:00 AM: https://digbysblog.blogspot.com 

Friday, January 19, 2018

January Updates

January 17, 2018

Dear Fellow SPARTA members,

I have just returned from a meeting of the committee planning the WREA state convention to be held here in September, and I am just on a high with all the great plans! Be sure to mark your calendars for Sept. 24-26 and be ready to roll up your sleeves and join the fun!

We have also had some wonderful gifts recently. Ramona Weisbrod’s family donated her memorial money, $3500, to our scholarship fund! We are so thankful for this generous donation to a great cause! When Book World downtown closed on Friday, they gave us three big boxes of new books by local authors (some of them signed!) which will be a great addition to our April sale.

Lori Boushele, our program presenter last Monday, has sent a list of towns in the central region of the state where Volunteer Ombudsmen are needed. These include Waupaca, Clintonville, Weyauwega, Manawa, New London, and King in Waupaca County; Arpin and Wisconsin Rapids in Wood County; Tomahawk in Lincoln County; and Abbotsford in Marathon County. She writes, “If anyone is interested or knows of someone who has the heart to help residents at skilled nursing facilities, have them call or email me. Her number is 715 342 3086 and her email address is Lori.Boushele@wisconsin.gov.

Did you hear? Members present at our January meeting voted to meet at Park Ridge Family Restaurant (the former Blue Top) as we go forward. Their parking is ample, the restaurant is very handicapped accessible, the price is reasonable, and the menu is varied. They even have a flag and a sound system! Thanks to all who helped us in our exploration of sites. I hope to see you all there on Monday, March 12. Keep smiling-the days are getting longer!

Santha

Guests at the January Meeting:
Brittany Gagas, 2016-2017 Scholarship Winner
Jan Northcraft, speaking to us about subbing


Lori Boushele, State Aging and Long Term Care
Mary Mark, new member from Mid-State Technical College

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Marshfield Lights

Pictured L to R:  Nancy M., Barb C., Sandy S., Santha B., Fran V., Jan L., Bonita P., and Eileen P.  Photo credit: Eileen P.
A "Mini-Social Experience" was enjoyed by these folks on Dec. 7, 2017.  Santha organized a car caravan to Marshfield.  We met for supper at the Blue Heron and then enjoyed the Christmas light display at the zoo.  A good way to spend a cold night.

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Help Out the Children's Museum

From Nancy K:

SPARTA members,

I am attaching a list of materials the Central Wisconsin Children's Museum can use. Nancy M. gave Sandy W. the list from the Classroom Supply Closet and Sandy chose the items the Museum could use. Some are recycleable items you use everyday and others are new or items you may have at home.

Sandy and the Museum staff have been very helpful to SPARTA regarding our book sale. This is one way we can support them. I will bring a box to the Jan. 8th meeting as well as future meetings where you can drop off items if you wish. 

Thank you,

Nancy K.

See list in sidebar.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

New Motion Form

Located in the sidebar under News and Notes, you can find a new form for making motions at our meetings.  This will be used for major motions, not for routine items such as accepting the minutes or adjournment.  It's hoped that this will be beneficial in many ways:
 
   -It will supply the recording secretary with the precise words the member intends.
   -It will list the person who puts forth the motion and the person who seconds it.
   -It will enable us to keep more precise records for future reference.

 (If you imagine all the members as female, this isn't sexist, just wistful.  Just try googling "making a motion at a meeting" for a picture that has a majority of women in attendance.)

Monday, January 1, 2018

January 8 Meeting

Inline image 1

SPARTA
Stevens Point Area Retired
Teachers’ Association 
January 8, 2018 Meeting
 PROGRAM: Lori Boushele, State of Wisconsin Aging and Long Term Care
LOCATION: The Pizza Ranch
(a buffet with more than pizza, located next to The Golden Corral)
Please ask for $1 discount for seniors on Mondays.
No Need to R.S.V.P.  
Socialization at 11:00 followed by lunch at approximately 11:45. The business meeting will be called to order at approximately 12:15 with the program around 12:30. Business will be continued and concluded following the program. Please open and read the attached pdf file located in the sidebar under News and Notes.  Thanks.   
We hope to see you
Monday, Jan 8.

REALLY Late Note: November Meeting

The Stevens Point Area Retired Teachers' Association (SPARTA) met at the Moose Family Center in Stevens Point on Monday, Nov. 13th.

The program was "Never Forgotten Honor Flights from Central Wisconsin" by Mike Thompson and Lt. Col. Jim Campbell. The idea was conceived by Earl Morse, Physician Asst. who treated vets for 27 years. The first flight was May 2005 and the National Honor Flight was founded in Feb. 2006.

Thompson and Campbell are founders for Northern and Central WI which serves 12 counties. The first flight was April 27, 2010. (There are 6 honor flights areas in WI.) Our SPARTA meeting was their 223rd presentation. Check out their website at NEVERFORGOTTENHONORFLIGHT.


SPARTA veterans honored with Thompson and Campbell are---
(back) Jim Campbell, Mike Thompson, Jerry Kasdorf

(seated) David Crawford, Elbert Rackow, James Krems