HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD RETIRED SCHOOL EMPLOYEES

Hurst-Euless-Bedford Retired School Employees kicked off the 2013-2014 year with the District XI goal, “Involvement—Members, Legislators, Actives,” in the forefront. Peggy Moore, Retirement Education Co-chairperson, shared the motto, “Retirement is just another word for adventure!” And so…we were off to a year full of adventure beginning at our September meeting with “Bill Barnes Appreciation Day!” We were honored to celebrate with Bill, State Legislative Chairman for TRTA, and Janice, his wife, for the incredible work that they have done at the state, district, and local level. Irwin Mathews, HEB Legislative Committee Chairman has worked closely with Bill Barnes and the Legislative Committee to involve active teachers and other school employees by going into each school during the fall to tell them about legislative activities and encourage them to be involved in the legislative process by emailing and calling their legislators about retirement and educational concerns. A Task Force has been created to plan additional strategies for next year.

Janice and Bill Barnes are honored at “ Back Row: Ed Foster, Freddie Bates, Kathy Bryan Bill Barnes Appreciation Day!” Front Row: Pat Reinecker, Glenna Jone

HEB-RSE officers for 2013-2014 are: President, Pat Reinecker; First Vice President, Leah Hawkins (not pictured); Second Vice President, Glenna Jones; Secretary, Kathy Bryan; Historian, Pat Jasper (not pictured); Parliamentarian, Freddie Bates, and Treasurer,Ed Foster,.Georgia Kidwell, Program Chairperson, has provided continual, outstanding programs each month. In September, Dr. Joseph Harrington, HEB Assistant Superintendent brought us up-to-date with information and photos of the new HEB-ISD construction projects. Not

only does HEB-ISD now have two new indoor football facilities, but new and improved facilities will be opening next school year for the Auxiliary Department and the much larger Tech Center.

Freddie Bates (Burgers for Books), Mike Bray, Assistant Manager, Outback Steakhouse Andrew DiPippa, Manager, Outback Steakhouse, Pat Reinecker,HEB-RSE president

October is always a busy month for HEB Retired School Employees. At our meeting, TRTA District XI President, Jo Ann Smith, was introduced and spoke briefly about the District theme and membership. The program was presented by Natalie McKeever, district manager for AMBA. She discussed long term care, the vision and dental plan, and was available to consult with members about all benefits available. Also, during October, nine members attended the Fall Convention in Mansfield. A major fundraising event also occurred in October with the Burgers for Books Project. Again this year, many members came together to assemble the 1465 burger meals

which had been sold earlier to schools and individuals. Special thanks go to Outback Steakhouse and new manager, Andrew iPippa, for sponsoring this event so that books could be provided for the students of HEB.

Marie Seets, Janice Barnes, Pat May, and Donna Rawlings assemble hamburgers.

Bonnie

Hogg (Texas Retired Teachers

Foundation), Irwin Mathews (Legislation/Watchdog), Jackie Reily (Foundation Scholarship Recipient), Bill Barnes (TRTA State Legislative Chairman)

Georgia Kidwell (Program Chairpersom) and Jonell Hanson

During the November meeting we met and honored the TRTA Foundation Grant recipient, Jackie Reilly, who teaches at KEYS in HEB. A special contribution was given by members to send to the Foundation for future grants.

Following this was program speaker, Jonelle Hanson, Transportation Planner, North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). She provided interesting information on the progress of the extensive construction in our area.The month of December brought a winter surprise cancelling the monthly meeting, luncheon, and program. However, Marcia Brown, Children’s Book Project Chairperson, reported that during December, members were able to deliver 2410 books to

HEB students. Books were delivered to 1773 first graders on all nineteen elementary campuses, 447 books were presented to seventh grade reading students in the two high schools, and 110 books were provided for graduating seniors at KEYS. Thanks to the many helpful member volunteers who made the Children’s Book Project a continuing success story!

Political Forum: Jonathan Stickland, Tina Penney, and Andy Cargile

Before the January meeting, a Political Forum was held. Irwin Mathews introduced the candidates for State Representative (District 92), Andy Cargile, Jonathan Stickland, and Tina Penney. Each gave a brief presentation and addressed the questionnaire which had been given to them. Thanks to Georgia Kidwell for organizing the forum! State Board of Education candidate, Pat Hardy, brought greetings and also spoke to us briefly. Our meeting began with President Pat Reinecker thanking the membership for the donations of toiletries and replacement school supplies for the homeless/low income families in HEB. These were brought as part of our commitment to the HEB “Adopt a School” program. Georgia Kidwell introduced speaker, Scott Sheppard, Executive Director, 6 Stones Mission Network. Mr. Sheppard, a product of HEB, shared that 6 Stones was launched in 2009, and since then, has fed many in the community, repaired homes in the area, furnished school children with book bags and supplies, and made Christmas wonderful for many school children.

Pat May and Scott Sheppard (6 Stones Mission Network)

A highlight of February was “Andrew DiPippa Appreciation Month.” It was our pleasure to dine at Outback Steakhouse in February and personally thank new manager, Mr. DiPippa, for his support of the Burgers for Books Program. This marked ten years that Outback has graciously partnered with us to provide for The Children’s Book Project! Our program speaker at the February meeting was William (Pete) Reardon, who gave an uplifting presentation, “Oops…Your Attitude is Showing!” With his humorous anecdotes, he shared how attitude can improve quality of life.

The March meeting featured speaker was Steve Jacobs, Healthcare Professor, The University of North Texas. Mr. Jacobs is very knowledgeable on healthcare in the DFW area and shared pertinent information with members, as well as answering questions.

In April, we will welcome speaker, Cindy Peck, “Accent on Travel”, as we look forward to summer. Also, six delegates will be attending the TRTA State Convention in Dallas at that time.

Wrapping up the year are a few May events. Several members will be attending the District XI Spring Leadership Conference in Crowley. Also, the 2014-2015 Installation of Officers is scheduled for the May meeting. In keeping with the State Theme: “Each One, Bring One,” several new strategies have been employed this year. Member volunteers have personally called all potential retiree members from last year, new greeters have been at each meeting, and a gift card to Outback Steakhouse was offered for members bringing in a new member. Finally, Peggy Moore and Linda Foster, Retirement Education Co-Chairpersons will be encouraging involvement of new members with a Membership Recruitment Table set up at the end-of-year HEB-ISD Employee Banquet. Finishing the year with 454 members strong, we look forward to adding many new retirees to our ranks!

Following is a list of the 2013-2014 awards to be presented at our May meeting:

Twenty-First Century Awards (for Outstanding Service)

*Sherry Sugg and Marcia Brown—Children’s Book Project*Irwin Mathews and Bill Barnes—Legislative Accomplishments*Freddie Bates and Vicky Robertson—Burgers for Books Fundraiser

for Children’s Book Project

Appreciation Awards

*Ulana Ratley—Health Care *Elaine Meyers and Laura Spencer—Hospitality *Glenna Jones—Public Relations

*Ronan McCaffrey and Outback Steakhouse—Scholarship Fundraiser *Superintendent Steve Chapman—Outstanding support of HEB-RSE

and TRTA activities

Volunteer Service Award

*Linda Foster—1801 hours

Submitted by: Glenna Jones