BUCKS COUNTY BUGLE
Fall 2022 Newsletter
Editor – Judy Guise
buckscountypasr@gmail.com
COMBINATION BUCKS AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY EDITION
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Arlene Williams, Evelyn Reese, John Worthington
This is our first edition of a joint Bucks Montgomery newsletter. We will have our first joint luncheon on Oct 6 at the Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland. We hope Montgomery members will find it convenient. It is easy to get to on Jacksonville Rd. Alternately, future luncheons may be held at the William Penn Inn.
Sadly, our executive director, Mark McKillop, passed away in July. He will be sorely missed. He had been working hard on getting a COLA passed believing now there were encouraging signs.
At our spring luncheon our grant winner introduced us to the Snyder Girotti Elementary School in Bristol. We have decided to continue to support the children of the school by asking you to bring items to be donated to their school pantry to the upcoming Bucks-Montgomery luncheon.
Be sure to read about our luncheon program. Entitled “Witchy Woman: History of Witchcraft/Halloween “, it will both entertain and inform. We hope to see you there.
Arlene, Evie, and John
SOCIAL SERVICE/MEMORIAL HONOR FUND
Eileen Sichel, Chairperson
Please consider donating to the SSMHF to help PASR members from across the state that are experiencing financial stress and/or in need of support due to illness or age. As more and more of our older members are asking for help, there has never been a more important time to donate. No funding comes from dues but relies only on the generosity of members or chapters.
A coupon can be found in this newsletter to be used to make a contribution. To donate on line, go to pasr.org/member-donate-ssmhf (member login required). Donations can be made to honor or memorialize someone who has made a difference in your life or to honor a special event such as a birthday or anniversary.
Bucks County Chapter makes a donation to the fund anytime we hear of a member who has passed away.
Keep our committee informed. If you are celebrating a 90 or 90+ birthday or know of a member who is, let us know so that we can celebrate those special people at one of our luncheons. Nonagenarians are welcome as guests to any of our luncheons, free of charge. Just let us know your status on the attached luncheon coupon. In addition, for future recognition, please let us know if you are a veteran or know of a member who served our country in the military.
As always, remember to let Eileen know if you have information or questions about members in need of our support. You are our only source of information concerning those members who could use a helping hand, financially or otherwise.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Sandy Kates, Chairperson
Bucks County’s teacher grant winner, LaToya Sahm explained the pantry that was created to encourage interaction between school and the community at The Snyder Girotti School. Items in the pantry include foods easily prepared and person hygiene items. We will be collecting these as well as cash donations for the pantry at the luncheon. Suggested items are cereal, Ramen Noodles bowls, Chef Boyardee pastas, deodorants, soaps, and toothpaste. Thank you for your participation in this project.
EDUCATION SUPPORT
Linda Peters, Chairperson
Bucks County Scholarship winners and grant recipient were pictured in the Summer Edition.
On May 5, 2022 the PASR Montgomery County Chapter awarded $1,000.00 scholarships to two students from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School who were selected by the PW staff based upon their outstanding performance in the classroom, participation in extracurricular activities, and a desire pursue a career in Education at a higher education institution.
A $1000 scholarship was awarded to Ava Augustine who was a member of the National Honor Society and a tutoring club called PW Pals. She was also a member of the National Honors Technical Society and a leader on the Equity Crew. In her spare time Ava took two college courses accumulating six college credits through Central Montgomery County Community College and Delaware Valley University. In addition to completing the required courses for graduation Ava successfully participated in the Teacher Academy program offered at the Central Montco Technical High School. She will enter Cabrini Universities Honor program majoring in Pre-K-4 Education and Special Education K-12.
Danielle Cabibbo was also awarded a $1,000 scholarship. She participated in a number of extracurricular activities. Her academic record was outstanding. Her major focus on course selection at PW was in the areas of Social Studies and English. She believes strongly that her personal calling is to become a Social Studies educator. Like Ava, Danielle successfully completed the demanding course of study in the Teacher Academy. She accumulated over 100 hours of intern experience in the classroom under the guidance of a mentor professional. Danielle will enter West Chester Universities Honors Program as an Education major.
As mentioned above both Ava and Danielle participated in a course of study called The Teacher Academy. Many or probably most of us have little or no knowledge of such a program. I would encourage you to the website of the Central Montco Technical High School and “click” on Teacher Academy. You will be Impressed. Participants in this program will have a great head start as they prepare to enter the field of Education.
Pictured are John Worthington, Ava Augustine, Danielle Cabibbo, and Evelyn Reese
MEMBER BENEFITS AND SERVICES
Meg Kramer, Chairperson
The Summer Edition of the PASR Times described the benefits members receive. United Concordia provides a College Tuition Benefit savings program with SAGE Scholars, Inc. By participating in a United Concordia Dental Plan, you’ll earn Tuition Rewards points that can be redeemed by eligible students you choose to sponsor from your immediate family (including biological and adopted children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, step children, and even godchildren). These reward points can be used for tuition discounts at more than 400 participating private college and universities throughout the USA.
Davis Vision is becoming Davis Vision by MetLife. This change will occur between July 1, 2022 and July 1, 2023. There will be no change in your benefits.
RECREO
Lynn Majewski, Chairperson
We have two Recreo items for the fall. First one is Friends & Family CPR/AED. This will be offered on Thursday, October 27, from 9:30 – 11:30 am. Location is dependent on number of registrations and will be sent to attendees.
This course will teach you skills or refresh your skills that may help save a life. It is sanctioned by the American Heart Association. It is NOT the course for people who need a course completion card for their job. CPR, AED usage and choking will be covered. You will receive a booklet and certificate. The cost is $35 per person. Registration coupon is include in the newsletter and needs to be returned by October 20. Please check the line if you are unable to work on the floor and would need to be seated.
A second opportunity will be to attend the “An American Christmas Songbook” at the Bristol Riverside Theatre on Sunday, December 18 at 3. Keith Baker, the Bristol Riverside Concert Band, and various singers will performs your favorite carols and holiday songs. Members who attended last year’s show raved about the performance. Come and celebrate the holidays with us. Tickets are $34 per person. Registration is found on the coupon page.
LEGISLATURE
Ken Griffin, Chairperson
Election Day – November 8
WE will electing a United States Senator, Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Congress Representative, State Senators and State Representatives. PASR is non-partisan, but please check voter guides and listen to debates, if held. Select candidates that will benefit you as a senior citizen, retiree, and former educator. If nothing else, PLEASE VOTE ON NOVEMBER 8. Mail in voting is available, but you must submit an application for mail-in ballot unless you have voted this way before. Pay particular attention to the directions for completing these ballots.
FALL LUNCHEON – OCTOBER 6
Luncheon will be held in the Terrace Court at Spring Mill Manor,
171 Jacksonville Road, Ivyland.
9:30 Registration with Coffee and Pastries, 10:00 meeting begins
Pastries, coffee, tea, and juice are available from 9:30 to end of business meeting.
Please reserve by September 26 and choose entrée using insert coupon.
Entrée Choices:
Chicken Alexandra – chicken dipped in egg with mushrooms, asparagus tips in a butter sauce
Penne Pasta Primavera with marinara sauce
Portobello mushroom Tower on the painted plate
All entrees include a tossed salad with choice of balsamic vinaigrette or Thousand Island dressing and Warmed Apple Turnover with choice of French Vanilla Ice Cream or Vanilla Sauce
PROGRAM
Have you ever wondered what makes a witch a “witch”? You will find the answer when attending our luncheon on October 6, 2022. We will welcome Eliza Blackheart who will discuss with us the history of witchcraft and Halloween traditions.
Eliza is portrayed by Alisa Dupuy, who a few years ago, presented her wonderful program to our PASR chapter about Virginia Hall, the great American spy of World War II.
Eliza would be really happy if any attendee would also come as a “Witch”. Costumes are optional.
PSERS ANNUITANT ELECTION
The Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS) Annuitant Representative election will be held near the end of 2022, and there has never been a more important time to make your vote count by electing someone to the Board of Trustees who will fight for the changes retirees need. That candidate is Russell Diesinger.
Russ (a long-time PASR supporter who served as PASR’s Vice President for the 2020 – 2021 term, is currently the President-elect of PASR for the 2022-2023 term, and will be the President of PASR for the 2024-2025 term) is willing to tackle the tough subjects PSERS faces now and in the future. He is not afraid to be the change that is needed on the Board of Trustees to make sure the voices of public school retirees are heard. He will advocate for a COLA, especially for Pre Act 9 annuitants, as well for better HOP coverage and more transparent and productive investment strategies at PSERS.
We are asking that our members, and all PSERS annuitants, cast their vote for Russell Diesinger in the election. It is our belief that with Russ serving leadership roles in both PASR and PSERS, PASR members and all annuitants will have the chance to have a direct voice on the Board of Trustees and an open line of communication directly with PSERS.
Russ has made it clear that his goal as the Annuitant Representative will be to stand up for the needs of retirees and to be a strong voice for retirees. We hope that you will support Russ in this endeavor so that retirees can have a stronger voice on the PSERS Board of Trustees.
REGION 1 FALL LUNCHEON
Longtime Montgomery Chapter Parliamentarian Dr. J. Robert Rorison was presented a PASR Board of Directors Citation. He has served not only Montgomery County chapter but also was the Parliamentarian for the PASR Board of Directors and Annual Meetings. Region 1 appreciates his membership at Manufactures’ County Club which allows us to hold our executive committee meetings and luncheon there. Dr. David Noyes presents Bob with his citation.
Newsletter
Chairperson, Judy Guise
WANTED – A NEW NAME FOR THE NEWSLETTER
Since we are merging our chapters, the Bucks Bugle will not cut it. Please send your suggestions for the name of the newsletter to Judy, 728 Juniper Street, Quakertown, PA 18951 or to the email above. Winner will receive a complimentary luncheon at a future meeting.
IN MEMORIUM
MARK MCKILLOP
PASR was saddened on July 18, by the passing of our Executive Director. Mark’s entire life was one of service to the Senate and most recently, PASR. President Bill Neugebaurer’s comment, “Mark’s service to PASR for over six years has been superlative and greatly appreciated as he was crucial in driving many necessary changes within PASR. His leadership will be deeply missed. More importantly, Mark, the man and human being, will be sorely missed. Mark always did his best to improve the lives of others and to better those people and institutions with which he was affiliated. This will be his legacy and the mantle that PASR will continue to attempt to uphold and honor.”
The PSERS Executive Director expressed sympathy to our organization on Mark’s passing at the August Board of Trustee Meeting. She too commented on the excellent relationship PSERS shared with Mark.
A fitting tribute to him would be the passage of a COLA that he worked so hard to accomplish. We can only hope.
DATES TO REMEMBER
October 6 Bucks County Fall Luncheon
October 20 Region 1 Fall Luncheon
November 8 ELECTION DAY
November 10 Bucks County Chapter Executive Board Meeting