MIAMI COUNTY RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER Affiliated with OHIO RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION June 2013

President, Eileen Yaney; Vice President, Mary Drill; Co-Secretaries, Marilyn Dearth & Sue Hastings; Corresponding Secretary, Nancy McAlexander; Treasurer, Gail Laufer; Legislation, Bill Phillips, Liz Van Tine; Membership, Barbara Miller, Karen Smeal; Informative & Protective, Joan & Tom Gibson; By-Laws & Standing Rules & Retirement Planning, Bill Phillips Liz Van Tine; Chaplins, David Pinkerton, Dick Van Tine; Memorial, Beverly Helsinger ; Music, Barbara Werth , Nancy Mack, David Pinkerton, Jim Jeffryes; Registration & Decorations, Joan Evans, Nancy Kirk & Mary Drill; Meal Reservations, Nancy Kirk; Telephone Committee, Alice Fae Detert; Community Service, Shirley Schumacher, Joyce Anderson; Scholarship, Alice Fae Detert, Nancy McAlexander, Doris Trost & Eileen Yaney; Historian, Billie Thomas; Webmasters, Elaine Judy & Eileen Yaney; Newsletter, Liz Van Tine; Communication/Publicity, Karen Smeal, Julie Gregory , Bill Phillips, Eileen Yaney: Necrology, Beverly Helsinger, Rev. Dick Van Tine, Gail Laufer, David Pinkerton; Retirement Planning, Planning Committee; Nominations, Membership; Door Greeters, Mary Drill and Membership PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Eileen Yaney yaney@windstream.net June is the month we honor graduates. They will each be awarded a $250 Book Scholarship. This year the recipients are Courtney Renee Caldwell and Jordyn Maria Roberson Savage from Troy High; Jennifer Francis Rindler from Covington High and Matthew Schwieterman from Bethel Local. The Scholarship Committee is Chair, Alice Fae Detert, Nancy McAlexander, Doris Trost and Eileen Yaney. We hope you will plan to attend to congratulate the winners and their families. The speaker will be Miami Valley Career Technology Center Superintendent, Dr. Nicholas Weldy. Nick will share his experiences of having been a participant in a two-week Japan-US Teacher Exchange Program. He was chosen from a national pool of more than 300 educators to earn this honor. You are invited to join us 11am Monday, July 15 at the Troy Marions Piazza for a short planning meeting and social get-together. Programs for August, October and December will be confirmed. Marions offers deli sandwiches, salads, pastas and pizza. VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER and cash accepted. See you there! Quote: What we learn is one of the most important factors in shaping our future. Gov. John Kasich

A LITTLE HUMOR
What stays in one place but travels all over? Hint: You send it. Look for the answer.

ORTA ACTION ALERT!

House Bill #1795, a bipartisan bill was introduced in the House on Friday, April 26, to repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). It was

introduced by Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Adam Schiff (D-CA). The text of the bill will appear on www.thomas.loc.gov. Check the website and search for the bill by number to see if your Congressperson has signed on as a co-sponsor. There should be a similar bill introduced in the Senate. Urge your Representative to support and co-sponsor the bill to end GPO and WEP, and restore Social Security fairness. Go to www.house.gov. and find their website and let them know that you are expecting their support. You can repeat this process every month. It is necessary to remind them constantly.

PILL BOTTLE COLLECTION COOKBOOKS

Dont forget your pill bottles for Patricia Chavis.

Cookbooks are still available for $10.00. A portion of the profit goes to the Scholarship Fund . SECRETARY REPORT Marilyn Dearth, Co-Secretary The Miami County Retired Teachers Association met at the Troy Church of the Nazarene Monday, March 18, 2013. Jim Jeffryes provided piano selections as we gathered. President Eileen Yaney welcomed members and guests Kim Bostick, Margie Davis and longtime member Pansy Wildman. The pledge to the flag was led by Vice President, Mary Drill. Group singing was led by David Pinkerton accompanied by Jim Jeffryes at the piano. Following the invocation given by Rev. Dick Van Tine a brunch was provided by Jerris Catering, Englewood, Ohio. President Eileen Yaney introduced Linda Beaver, ORTA President. She congratulated our MCRTA for a job well done hosting a pre-retirement meeting on Saturday, March 16, 2013 for current teachers. It was well attended and accepted. Membership is our thrust and we need to monitor what is going on. Linda mentioned there are two seats up for election this year and told members to pay close attention to those running get informed. She reminded us of the Ohio Retirement Study Council as it affects STRS. They have defined benefit plans. STRS represents a lot of people. We are contracted to pay into this. Our retirement benefits are paid to you for a job that you did it is not a tax program. We will be giving up a Cost of Living payment for one year. Increase in membership makes a stronger association. Take pride in your profession. Be active and keep in touch with the ORTA office to learn about the benefits. Association Member Benefits Advisor Kathy Keil spoke and passed out information about the full menu of benefits available. They include Long Term Care/Home & Health Care Policy, Medicare Supplement Policy, Dental Insurance, Tax Deferred Annuity, Cancer Policy and Air Ground Ambulance Plan. Kathys contact number is 614-596-8602. Dr. Randy Overbeck, Educator, Author & Speaker spoke about his concern regarding education stating that education is taking a beating in the press and in politics. He cited poorly trained teachers at the core of academics; that we are losing the best and brightest kids who are listening to the negative press; that teachers are thought of as caregivers or babysitters not professionals. Todays heroes for young people are the sports and beautiful people. He said we need a different kind of hero those who have a belief in the worth of every single person and a concern for all. He cited Shannon Wright, Jane Smith and Janice Fagan as examples of educators who changed kids lives every day. They were passionate, generous and devoted to students. Dr. Overbeck has authored LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND which is his first work of fiction. He has been published in newspapers, journals and trade publications.

President Eileen mentioned the passing of members Sandy Flinn and Barbara Meholick. Donna Waker, this months recipient of a free lunch drew Pansy Wildmans name for the next meeting. A reminder - we still have a few cookbooks for $10 each to support our scholarship fund. It was moved by Barbara Miller to accept the December minutes, seconded by Liz Van Tine, motion carried. The treasurers report was read by Gail Laufer and approved (Liz VanTine and Paul Papaneck). The scholarship report was presented by Chair, Alice Fae Detert. Balance on hand is $477.70. Applications for book scholarships of $250 each are due to the committee by April 22. Barbara Miller, Membership Chair, reported that in 2012 we had 91 members and currently have 100. She stressed membership in ORTA which helps protect our benefits. The ORTA membership breakdown is 114 members in 2012 while 125 members in 2013. President Eileen mentioned the membership list placed on tables and asked for a checkmark in the column for email if you are willing to accept that in lieu of snail mail. It saves the association money in mailings. Liz VanTine reported that the pre-retirement seminar had 30 in attendance. Liz was pleased with this meeting as questions were answered and rumors clarified. Speakers were Ann Hanning, AMBA Rep Alan Kearns, and Kelly Barone from STRS. Be sure to check your mailing label to be reminded if you paid your dues. Email wise you will be contacted if you havent paid. David Pinkerton announced a Hand Bell Concert to be held at Tipp City on Sunday April 14. This concert will feature area hand bell choirs. Birthdays recognized were Barbara Miller, Feb. 11; Bill Miller, March 6 and Joan Evans, March 15.

STRS NEWS
May 24, 2013 May Board News Stein, McGreevy Win Board Seats; Correthers Unopposed Retired teacher members Robert Stein and James McGreevy were reelected to the State Teachers Retirement Board in the 2013 election. The term for these seats begins Sept. 1, 2013 and ends on Aug. 31, 2017. Contributing member Carol Correthers was the only candidate to file enough petitions for her seat, therefore, by statue, no election needs to be held. Correthers will continue in this seat through August 31, 2017. Board Approves STRS Ohio Health Care Program Changes; Defers Planned Reduction in Health Care Subsidy Level At the March 2013 Retirement Board meeting, STRS Ohio Member Benefits staff presented several options to consider for 2014 plan changes designed to extend the life of the Health Care Fund. At its May meeting, the Retirement Board took action that will affect STRS Ohio Health Care Program enrollees. Below is a summary of the actions taken by the board. Further details on these changes will be included in upcoming newsletters and open-enrollment materials. Board Actions Taken for 2014 Plan Year Delay for one year the planned 0.1% reduction in the subsidy multiplier The multiplier will remain at 2.3% per year of service for 2014; so, a retiree with 30 or more years of service will continue to receive a subsidy of 69% of the total cost of the plan for one more year. The board action means the next two steps to ultimately reduce the multiplier to 2.1% will take place in 2015 and 2016.

Reduce the prescription drug maximum annual expenses by $200 This reduction in members maximum annual expense with Express Scripts (to $4,550 from $4,750) is consistent with Medicare changes. Eliminate the late enrollment with a 90-day waiting period option Beginning in 2014, members will no longer have the option to enroll in the health care program (medical, dental and vision) outside of the annual open-enrollment period (except for certain qualifying events). Allow families with both Medicare and non-Medicare enrollees to enroll individually into Medical Mutual and Aetna Beginning in 2014, Medicare-eligible individuals will be able to choose the Aetna Medicare Plan, while the other non-Medicare covered family members remain in a Medical Mutual Plan Plus or Basic Plan. Family deductibles for all plans (Medical Mutual, Kaiser, and Paramount) will be eliminated, but individual deductibles will remain. Increase hospital emergency copayments The copayments will increase to: (a) $150 for Medical Mutual plans, AultCare, Kaiser, and Paramount non-Medicare plans; and (b) $65 for Medicare plans administered by Aetna and AultCare, Kasier, and Paramount. Continue the Health Care Assistance Program at 2013 coverage levels and $0 premiums Details on this program will be included in the 2014 health care openenrollment materials. Continue Medicare Part B reimbursement at 2013 levels Details on the reimbursement levels will be included in the 2014 health care open-enrollment materials. Future Changes to the Health Care Program The board also voted on two changes to the health care program that will take effect in the future; Merge the Medical Mutual Basic and Plus Plans into one plan in 2016 -- Deductibles and coinsurance out-of-pocket limits for both plans will increase. Increase years of service for health care eligibility for members who retire in 2023 or later Members who retire in August 2023 or later will need 20 years of qualifying service to be eligible to enroll in the STRS Ohio HealthCare Program. These members will also need 35 years of qualifying service to be eligible to receive the maximum subsidy toward their monthly premium, and the years-of-service multiplier will be reduced to 1.9%. These changes align with the increasing age and service requirements for retirement included in pension reform legislation (Sub. S.B. 342). Members who retire before August 2023 will remain eligible for health care coverage under the years-of-service health care requirements in effect at retirement, with a yearsof-service multiplier of 2.1%. Retirements Approved The Retirement Board approved 114 active members and 89 inactive members for retirement.

AMBA INFORMATION
Barbara Miller, Treasurer

When I purchased my new Apple Computer, I contacted AMBA about their discounts. I received a $100 off the Apple Computer and $50 off the Warranty. I was able to save $150 by going through AMBA. It makes my ORTA Membership worthwhile.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
MCRTA Member Bill Miller and his wife, Connie, were selected as the Strawberry Festival Golden Couple. Way to go! Enjoy the Festival.

PILL BOTTLE COLLECTION COOKBOOKS

Dont forget your pill bottles for Patricia Chavis.

Cookbooks are still available for $10.00. A portion of the profit goes to the Scholarship Fund

UPCOMING MEETINGS are held at The First Church of the Nazarene, Troy, Ohio.

Monday, June 17, 2013 Dinner Meeting 6:00 P.M. Scholarship honorees, Dr. Nick Weldy Monday, August 19, 2013 Luncheon Meeting 11:45 A.M. Ann Hanning ORTA Executive Driector, Larry Lokai, District Director III (Buckeye Man), Troy Supt., Eric Herman Monday, October 21, 2013 Luncheon Meeting 11:45 A.M. Memorial Service Monday, December 9, 2013 Luncheon Meeting 11:45 A.M. West Milton Show Choir, West Milton Supt., Dr. Virginia Rammel

WEBSITE

Newsletters, photos and interesting bits of information are posted on the website. New website address. Go to www.miamicountyrta.weebly.com and that will take you links to ORTA and STRS. Please forward photos to Elaine Judy 235 N Tippecanoe, Tipp City, OH 45371 or to jjudy235@roadrunner.com

SCHOLARSHIP REPORT
Alice Fae Detert, Scholarship Chair Dont forget to make your contribution to the Scholarship Fund. If you do not attend the luncheons, you can mail a check to Alice Fae Detert, 164 Kiser Drive, Tipp City, 45371. Thank you to everyone who has supported this fund with donations. The scholarship fund contains $1124.70 which be enough to cover four Book Scholarships for 2013 and a balance to carryover toward the 2014 Book Scholarships. Thank you once again for your generosity.

ANSWER

A Postal Stamp

MEMBERSHIP

Barbara Miller MEMBERSHIP - WE NEED YOU! Barbara Miller, Membership Chair, 6644 Roberta Drive, Tipp City, OH 45317 or call for info (937) 667-1563 The Membership Drive will begin August 1 thru December 1, 2013. Make checks payable to MCRTA for total amount. MCRTA will forward payment to ORTA. It is very important for us as retired educators to keep our membership in both MCRTA and ORTA current especially with all of the upheaval at the state level over pension funds and contributions into those funds. There is strength in numbers and that strength gives ORTA a 5

more powerful position in representing us at STRS Ohio meetings and before the State Legislature. ORTA is our voice and they represent us well. If you have not joined MCRTA and ORTA step up and pay your dues. MCRTA AND ORTA MEMBERSHIP NAME_____________________________________________________________ ADDRESS___________________________________________________________ EMAIL______________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE_________________________________________________________ __________MCRTA Annual Dues $10.00 __________MCRTA Lifetime Dues $100.00 __________ORTA Annual Dues $30.00 __________ORTA Lifetime Membership Dues $500.00

STRS OHIO
Changes to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), effective in fiscal year 2013. Members who retire any time BEFORE July 1, 2013, will not receive a COLA during the 2014 fiscal year (July 1, 2013 June 30, 2014). For example, a member who retired August 1, 1997, would not receive a COLA on August 1, 2013. Members who retire effective July 1, 2013, will not receive a COLA on July 1, 2014. After missing one COLA, retirees will resume COLAs at 2% a year. Members retiring AFTER July 1, 2013, will also receive a 2% COLA but it will not begin until the fifth anniversary of retirement. For example, a member who retires August 1, 2013, will receive his or her first COLA on August 1, 2018, and that COLA will be 2%.

TREASURER'S REPORT
Gail Laufer, Treasurer March expenses -- $1,325.00 March Income -- $1,042.00 March Checking Account Balance -- $1,228.73 March Saving Account Balance -- $3,968.41 (includes Scholarship money)

MIAMI COUNTY RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION JUNE SCHOLARSHIP DINNER Date: Time: Location: Menu: Cost: Program: Monday, June 17, 2013 6:00 P.M. First Church of the Nazarene, Troy, OH Corner of Rt. 55 and Barnhart Roads Jerris Catering: Lasagna and Vegetable Lasagna, Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread, Fruit Salad, Brownies, Beverage. $12.00 includes gratuity ($14.00 at the door without a reservation). Supt. Dr. Nicholas Weldy, Miami Valley Career Technology Center, U.S.-Japan Teacher Exchange Program Scholarship Recipients

Return reservation to Nancy Kirk, 1900 N. ST. RT. 589, Casstown, OH 45312 or call 339-7859 Deadline for reservations is Monday, June 10, 2013. Checks payable to MCRTA. Reminder: If you do not make your reservation in by June 10 and you attend the Luncheon your cost will be $14.00. ___________ Yes, I will attend the June 17 Schiolarship Dinner. I have enclosed $__________________for __________ reservation(s). Name(s)___________________________________________________ Guest(s) Name____________________________________________ Is this your first meeting?_________________ ___________ Do you have a April/May/June birthday? Please keep us informed of deceased educators in the Miami County Education Community. Obituary notices can be mailed to Beverly Helsinger, 256 Hamilton, West Milton, OH, 45383. Thank you.