The LebCo Chapter, PASR, met on the above date, at 10:45 a.m., in the Hebron Fire Company Banquet Room, Lebanon, with President Michael Miller presiding.

Curtis Troutman and Ann Parks led the group in the “Salute to the Flag” and the singing

of “God Bless America.”

The minutes of the Spring 2009 meeting were approved as printed.

Treasurer Frank Deaner gave the following report, as of September 30, 2009: Checking Account Balance - $1,296.45, Scholarship Fund Balance - $31,997.54, and Life Fund Balance - $21,890.36. The Checking Account Balance is rather low, but hopefully, the bi-annual “Bakless Bake Sale” will improve this. The other Funds are basically “holding their own.” An offering for the Social Services Memorial Fund will be taken at the close of today’s meeting. (This

offering totaled $184.00.)

Wynanne Demler, Community Service Chair, gave the following report:

The “Bakeless Bake Sale” will probably be held in February, 2010.

She reminded members to continue to keep track of their community service time so that they can easily complete the Community Service Survey forms in the Spring. The five main categories are Educational, Social Service, Political, Religious, and Service to Youth. A Community Service Survey Talley Sheet, which can be saved to one’s computer or printed as a hard copy, is available on LebCo’s Website. Volunteer hours given to PASR are “countable.”

The Highlight of Ms. Demler’s report was the presentation of LebCo’s Volunteer of the Year Award to Jenean Speck. She is active in many areas, from youth to seniors, service organizations to church, and she has assumed a leadership role in many of her activities Ms.

Speck was presented with a PASR Volunteer Pin and Certificate.

Nerita Groy, Health Care Chair, stated that, even though members are not in any of the main “target groups” for Swine Flu shots, if they are available, get one. She also reminded

everyone that the best way to avoid illness, anytime, is to constantly and thoroughly wash hands.

Mary Dieffenbach, Member Benefits and Services Chair, suggested that, since the age for

senior benefits varies greatly from business to business, always just ask about a senior discount.

Thomas Svirsko, Legislative Chair, gave the following report:

There is no new news on COLA; therefore, there is no good news on COLA. The last COLA was in 2002, and Mr. Svirsko attributes the obstacles of obtaining a new one to the current bad economy; inexperienced leadership in both legislative branches; and unwillingness of legislators to listen to possible solutions, which need to be broad based. On the state level, there have been sixteen meetings with legislators just to try to get them to listen. House leaders appear at least willing to listen. The upcoming “spike” is still an issue. PASR is probably the only organization in the state to offer viable solutions; active unions seem not to be interested. This splits educators, and “divide and conquer” occurs. PASR MUST take political action and actively and vigorously promote or oppose candidates, depending on their stand on issues

LebCo PASR Fall Meeting, November 11, 2009 – 2

important to PASR members. Pennsylvania is the ONLY state that does not have some sort of law regarding COLAs.

PSEA is still challenging “The Right to Know Law,” for whatever reasons. PSEA has gotten a temporary injunction keeping this law at bay; they object to giving names of active employees because they do not want the names of active employees made public.

H.B. 1828 addresses municipal pensions. This will be an indicator of how state and school employees’ pensions will be handled. LebCo’s Contact Team can always use additional persons to meet with Senator Folmer and Representatives Gingrich and Swanger. Across the state, people are not taking the opportunity to meet with their legislators. If the legislators are unaware of our issues and ideas, that’s our fault. “There is power in letting people know where we stand.” LebCo is not a part of this apparent apathy.

Joseph Saam, iterated what Mr. Svirsko said, and distributed, for attendees perusal, an article from Communiqué, the Lancaster County/PSEA Newsletter, as well as one written to the Lancaster School District Retirees. Both were written by the Lancaster County/PASR President,

Charles Lohin, and address COLA and PASR versus PSEA-R.

Arlene Troutman, Membership Chair, reported that, currently, LebCo has 134 Annual and 415 Life Members. Thirteen new members have joined since the Spring Meeting. The

LebCo Chapter now has 549 members, 444 of whom are also State Members.

Susan Erb, Necrology Chair, offered a Time of Remembrance for these members, whose deaths were reported since the Spring 2009 Meeting: Martha C. Beard, December 1, 2007; John Bulley, March 31, 2009; Gladys Bomberger, July 8, 2009; Sylvia Shenesky, August 1, 2009; Kathryn M. Chernich, August 10, 2009; Eunice A. Lewis, August 26, 2009; Jeanette O. Wike, August 28, 2009; Catherine H. Wolfe, September 25, 2009; Ruth E. Rhoads, October 5, 2009;

and Erma R. Rohrer, October 19, 2009.

Ronald Royer, Program Chair, announced that the joint Spring Brunch with the Dauphin County Chapter will be held April 8, 2010, at 10:30 a.m., at Funck’s Restaurant, Palmyra, The Spring General Membership Luncheon will be held at the Hebron Fire Company Banquet Room,

Lebanon, on June 9, 2010, at 10:45 a.m..

Marion Miller, Resolutions Chair, reported that the resolutions presented to the State Convention dealt with the COLA issues, health insurance, accessibility to new retirees’

names and addresses, ways to increase membership, and volunteerism.

There was neither Old nor New Business.

Following adjournment of the meeting at 11:45 a.m., and prior to partaking of the buffet luncheon, members enjoyed musical selections presented by Miss Gabriela M. Morales, a student at Lebanon High School. She was introduced by Mr. Royer, who highlighted some of her musical accomplishments.

Respectfully submitted,

Annetta J.D, Wells

Secretary