RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF KERN
COUNTY
MINUTES OF THE
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
APRIL 12, 2005
The meeting was called to order at
12:00 noon. Walter Stewart led the Pledge of
Allegiance and a moment of silence was observed. Table
assignments were announced and the members followed in order, after the head table and
handicapped members, to get their lunches. There
was only one first-time attendee today, Mike Mara, retired from the D.A.’s Office.
President, Norman Briggs, turned
the meeting over to First Vice President, Jeanne Berkshire, who introduced Judy New, one
of the team members of the “Silver Streaks”.
Judy in turn introduced the other players who were present. The softball team is part of the North of the
River Recreation District and they are looking for new players, men and women. The individual cost is $5.00 per year and everyone
is required to sign a waiver of liability. The
REOKC members were entertained as each player recalled funny experiences about themselves
and other players. It seems as though the
rules are very flexible and may change on a weekly basis with fun and exercise being the
main objective.
Kathy Olague from Kern Federal
Credit Union brought several gifts for the drawing. She
announced new and higher interest rates, discussed the new auto mall branch which is
expected to open in early June and distributed sign-up sheets for the annual meeting in
May. The theme for this year’s meeting
is going to be honoring our troops. She
suggested wearing patriotic colors to the meeting.
BUSINESS MEETING:
TREASURER’S
REPORT – John De Mario gave the March
Treasurer’s report which included the number of new members, bringing our total
membership to 3,292 as of March 31, 2005. John
also reminded us that there will be a COLA increase on our April checks.
CRCEA – David Merritt reported on the Spring
Conference in Long Beach, hosted by Los Angeles County, which he and Everett Julkowski
attended. The main topic at the conference
was the Constitutional Amendment ACA5 regarding pensions for public employees. Since the conference, the Governor has withdrawn
the proposal for the Amendment. David advised
that he expects the Amendment to appear again in the future and that we must remain ever
watchful and protective of our retirement benefits and the benefits of the retirees who
will be following us. He also commented on
one of the speakers, Kelley Ferrin, a Gerontologist who, in addition to writing books, was
a very entertaining speaker. The Fall
Conference should be in Merced. Health
benefits continue to be a problem requiring continual attention, monitoring and some
expense.
EYE GLASS – Helen Heath reported no glasses
or cases received since the last meeting.
SUNSHINE
– Belva Jared reported sending several get well and sympathy cards since our
March meeting. Jerry Dodd announced that
Doris Williams was thrilled with all the cards and phone calls she has received since her
first hospitalization. She was readmitted to
the hospital this last weekend.
HOST/HOSTESS PROGRAM – Mary Lou Bennett reported that for the month of March
there were 36 volunteers who worked 109.5 hours and assisted 1,267 visitors to the County
Administration Building. Mary Lou advised
that the program lost three volunteers within the last few months and new volunteers are
desperately needed. Please contact her if you
wish to volunteer.
NEWSLETTER – President, Norman Briggs,
advised that the Newsletter will be out shortly after the 20th of the month and
will also be on the web site.
OLD BUSINESS – The drawing today for the
Computer Give Away will be the last one for a few months.
NEW BUSINESS – President, Norman Briggs,
commented on what the combined efforts of organizations and unions can do as indicated by
the withdrawal of the Constitutional Amendment ACA5.
He reminded everyone that the problems with Health benefits for those under
65 are still being monitored and addressed by REOKC and various unions which meet
quarterly and have drafted letters to the County Administrative Office.
Ken Berkshire won the computer
drawing. The attendance prize was won by
DeVearl Forrest. There were thirty $5.00
prizes for the cash drawings, two throws and five key chains donated by Kern Federal
Credit Union. After the distribution of
prizes, the meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted this 12th
day of April, 2005.
Mary Lou Bennett, Acting
Secretary
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