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.

2020 March Newsletter


(Sorry, the images don't copy.) 



March 9, 2020
Park Ridge Restaurant
3425 Church St.
Stevens Point, WI 54481

11:00 am.  Socializing
11:15 am. Order Lunch Entrée
11:30 am. Business Meeting
12:30 pm. Program Speaker

Topic:  Happy Endings

Speaker Information
Stephanie Inman, CSW, has worked in long term care since 2003 when she started her career as a social work intern at Portage County Health Care Center. After graduating from UWSP, she obtained ger social work license and worked at Portage County Health Care Center for 10 years as the Director of Social Services. In 2015 Stephanie took a job working with Ministry Home Care as a Home Care Coordinator educating on the benefits of home health and hospice services For the last 2 years she has worked specifically with hospice helping patients and families to understand the benefits of its services and how we can assist. She works with nursing homes, clinics, and facilities in the area as well as reviewing these services.


SPARTA OFFICERS
President: Santha Bickford                                 Vice President: Vacant
Treasurer: Janet Langton                                 Co-Secretaries: Dave Blado, Lauren Isberner    
Data Manager: Sherrilee Wallermann                                                      Immediate Past President: Joyce Chekouras   
Emeritus Past President – Elbert Rackow

Committee Members 2019-2020   Program Committee: Eileen Payne, Mary Zinda, Santha Bickford   
Coordinators for Power of Attorney for Health Care Committee: Santha Bickford, Bob Bowen, Jerry Kasdorf
Data Committee: Sherrilee Wallerman, Janet Langton, Jack Allgaier   
Retirement Committee: Judy Zimmerman, Sandy Schroeder, Santha Bickford   
Membership Committee:  Lynne Kagelmann, Sally Dehlinger   
Legislative Committee: Joyce Chekouras, Christine Neidlein 
Social Committee: Eileen Payne, Mary Moore, Barb Clementi, Sherrilee Wallerman 
Health Committee: Mary Ann Krems, Jerry Kasdorf, Laurie Pascutti  
Historical Committee: Eileen Payne  
Book Committee: Nancy Kemmeter, Janeen Kwarciany, Nancy Mezyk, Janet Swiston, Mary Marks, Charlene    Laurent, Fran Vollrath, Elbert Rackow; Sally Dehlinger   
Sunshine Committee: Mary Beth Anday (Jan-Mar), Suzanne Fee (April-Dec.) Arvy Crawford, Santha Bickford
Grants Committee: Janet Swiston, Nancy Kemmeter, Janeen Kwarciany, Nancy Mezyk, Mary Marks, Charlene Laurent, Fran    Vollrath, Elbert Rackow, Eileen Payne 
AGENDA
BUSINESS MEETING: (Beginning as soon as orders are taken and continuing through lunch)
1.     Call to order:
2.     Pledge of Allegiance;
3.     Introduction of guests and new members; 
4.     Drawing for door prize
5.     Consent Agenda
6.     Officers’ Reports:
7.     No Minutes of previous meeting
8.     Treasurer’s Report
ONGOING BUSINESS
Regular Committee Updates: (Because members have expressed a desire to shorten the business meeting, we will only hear from those who have been active and wish to report.)
1.     Book Committee.
2.     Grant Committee
3.     Legislative Committee
4.     Health Committee
5.     Data Committee
6.     Membership Committee

NEW BUSINESS
1.     None at this time
2.     Program Presentation



On Monday January 13th, SPARTA members met at the Park Ridge Family Restaurant.  Approximately 30 people were in attendance.

The Door Prize was won by Christine Neidlein.

It was noted that Jan Higgin's husband recently passed.  His funeral was Thursday, January 16th in Plover.  Members were also made aware that former music teacher, Rose Matthews has also died.  Our sunshine committee has sent cards.

A motion to accept the consent agenda was made by Mary Zinda and seconded by Mary Beth Anday.

SPARTA 50th Year Anniversary Committee
Barb Clementi mentioned and thanked the many volunteers who helped make the 50th year SPARTA celebration at Sentry so successful.

OFFICERS' REPORTS


BOOK COMMITTEEE
Nancy Kemmeter reminded us the next sale is April 29th thru May 2nd.  Manpower would be greatly appreciated this Saturday, January 18th as we are lifting and hauling pallets of books. (Note: this has been cancelled due to the predicted snowstorm).  Janeen Kwarciany informed the group that there is a need for cardboard boxes for book storage.

DATA COMMITTEE
President Bickford informed us the directory is currently being updated.

GRANT COMMITTEE
Jan Swiston shared how there was very nice feedback, and several thank you notes from grant recipients.  These were passed among the group for viewing.

HEALTH COMMITTEE
Mary Ann Krems reminded members that it is not too late to get your vaccine and flu shots.  They are still effective.


    
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Christine Neidlein passed on how there is a resolution being discussed by our County Board to have an advisory referendum on “Fair Maps” in April.  This Fair Maps resolution deals with setting boundaries of electoral districts.

An editorial titled “Census Must Lead to Fair Voting Maps in Wisconsin” can be found in the January 12, 2020 issue of the Wisconsin State Journal.
The state of Iowa has a model for other states to reference.  For more facts you may go to https://www.co.portage.wi.us/about-us/county board.

Please call your county supervisor if you would like to share your opinion.

Joyce Chekouras wants members to know that personal data can be used in ways we are unaware.  For more information go to the Great Hack and Democracy.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Lynne Kagelmann shared that she and members Sherrilee Wallerman, Jan Langton and Santha Bickford spent time preparing and sending 80 post cards to people who may have forgotten about their membership. Sherrilee created the composition and three different messages and had them printed on label paper.  Jan Langton and Sherrilee addressed, personalized and signed each card.  Lynne cut all the labels and Santha Bickford hosted the event. The response was fantastic, and many appreciated the reminders. 

TREASURER'S REPORT:
SPARTA was audited in November and everything looks great. Jan Langton reported the Book Sale proceeds were $6,148.57.  The checkbook balance is $16,392.75.

NEW BUSINESS:
Mary Ann Krems told us that there are several presentations being held at the Portage County Library about Climate Change and its' various effects on our planet.  If you want to be more informed about the climate and its' changes attending these free forums would be most helpful.
Mary also reminded us of the Martin Luther King event at SPASH Monday, January 20 at 7pm.

Laurel Hoeth has been spreading the word about recognizing students for their accomplishments outside of athletics.  There are community members and students as well as school board members who are supportive of this initiative.  SPARTA could have a role in supporting this opportunity.

Mark your calendars for our summer picnic which will be held on July 13, 2020 at Heritage Park, Plover.  Reservations are required.  Anton Anday reassured the group that there are places for attendees to go for protection if the weather should require.

Our program; “Mark of the Tiger” was presented by Marc Thwaits.  Mr. Thwaits is a retired science teacher from the Stevens Point school district.  He shared the many positive and difficult experiences of being a writer.  His book was also available for viewing and purchasing.

The program for our March 9th meeting is “Happy Endings” by Ministry Home Care Hospice.

Our next executive meeting is February 21.  Our next SPARTA meeting is March 9.

A motion to adjourn was made by Jan Swiston and seconded by Barb Clementi.

Respectfully submitted by Lauren Isberner

Flu is commonly a problem during the fall and winter and this season has been very rampant.  Common sense and simple steps can be taken to aleve the discomfort.

Noro virus hits hard and fast for about 48 hours.  It includes vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes a fever.  The best way to handle it is to cancel any activities, sleep a lot and no food.   Sipping on water will keep you hydrated, or tea may help.  Taking Pepto Bismal (2 tablets after a bowel movement can relieve distress.   Stick with decaffeinated tea, and water until the vomiting stops and when feeling better, you can add applesauce, dry toast.  If that stays down the next day you can have the BRAT diet… Banana, cooked rice (I used Instant), applesauce and tea/toast.  Don’t forget to wash your hands frequently.

Stay tuned for further steps to avoid the Coronavirus that is sweeping the world.

Submitted by Jerry Kasdorf, Carol Van Alstine and Mary Ann Krems Health Committee



The local Stevens Point Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance was held on Monday, January. 20th, several SPARTA members were involved in this event.  Thank you for your community service.

The Book Committee
Nancy Kemmeter from the Book Committee reported on the success of selling our leftover books to the book buyer from Janesville.

The week of January 20 was an especially busy one for us, as we got the new (THREE YEAR) lease for our space at the Children’s Museum signed on the dotted line!


Members Attend Community Foundation Dinner
Eileen Payne Santha Bickford and Jan Langton attended the Community Foundation Dinner on January 22nd.

It was held in the spectacular new “barn” built by John Noel to store his unbelievable antique car collection on their property just off Okray Drive in Plover! How many barns have you visited that boast of a full bar, ice cream parlor, and plenty of space for visiting amid about 40 splendid antique cars? We are invited to similar events every year! Please consider representing us next year!

While we are talking about the Community Foundation, their most recent report shows our current balance of $26,936.87 with our Spendable Balance of $1,046.14 available for scholarships is. So, this year’s two $500 scholarships we are in good shape!

The Grants Committee
The Grants Committee has received several notes of thanks from our recipients. We were invited to personally award our grants to Ben Franklin Junior High students who were picked to receive our help in funding their class trip. This was really special, with Jan Swiston, Grant Committee chair and Santha Bickford doing the honors.  We were assured the pictures would be displayed on the Ben Franklin Facebook page.


School Safety Meeting
Lauren Isberner represented us at the School Safety meeting on February 12 chaired by Supt. Gerlach.

They expressed thanks that we had representation at that meeting.  It fostered our on-going good relationship with the administration of Stevens Point Area Schools as this is a high priority with us!

We will also send the superintendent a note expressing our appreciation and approval for the recent mailing of the District Newsletter to all homes in the District.

The Membership Committee
Our Membership Chair, Lynne Kagelmann reported that the postcard effort continues to reap benefits of membership renewals and the opportunity to update records.
We decided to continue and expand the postcard campaign in the future.


SPARTA SPRING BOOK SALE


May 1 - 4, 2019
The upcoming Wednesday, May 1 to Saturday, May 4 spring book sale is fast approaching
We need volunteers to work at the sale.  Please consider helping. Contact Nancy Mezyk with hours you want to work at the book sale.






2nd Annual SPARTA Picnic

July 13, 2020
Heritage Park
Reservations Required

Bring a Friend
Let’s increase our membership!


WREA District 3 Meeting

May 6, 2020
The Lodge
104 Lodge Lane
Mauston


Lynne Keggelman extends us an enthusiastic invitation to attend our District 3 Spring Conference to be held in Mauston at Two Elk Event Center on Wednesday, May 6. She promises it will present opportunities for education and socialization! Conference Registration Fee is $35! Lynne will present details at the meeting.

May 11, 2020
Program
On the Road Again – Brazil
David Blado

Park Ridge Family Restaurant



SPARTA WEBSITE
-       Meeting agendas
-       Meeting minutes
-       SPARTA updates
-       SPARTA newsletters
-       50th Anniversary Celebration updates
 
Send website information to our webmaster:
Janet Langton – jlangton@charter.net
        

Book In-Take Day
As always, our take-in day is the fourth Monday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Children’s Museum Building, 1100 Main St. Questions?? Contact Nancy Kemmeter at 715-344-2598.


SPARTA Membership 2019-2020
Return this application and your dues to
Jan Langton, 2010 Aspen Lane, Plover, WI 54467

Name _________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip _________________________________________________________________________

District and school from which you retired ___________________________________________________

Preferred phone number __________________________________________________________________

Email  ________________________________________________________________________________

  Our default method of communication is through email.  If you wish to receive a paper copy of the newsletter, check this box.

SPARTA Dues
      I’m a new member.  My first year is free!
      $12 annual
      $12 Associate annual
            $150 life

WREA Dues  
WREA dues can be paid directly to WREA.  You can pay dues online at wrea.net or mail them to: WREA, 6405 Century Ave, Suite 201, Middleton, WI 53562.           

Regular membership (retired teachers, current teachers, support staff, k-12, administrators, technical college and university.) 
            $60 annual
            $165 three-year
      $1,000 life

Associate membership (spouses of members, other annuitants in the Wisconsin Retirement System, friends of education.) 
            $40 annual
      $105 three-year



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