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THE VENTURE Coming Events

July Scholarship BBQ Luncheon

Ventura County Office of Education

Wed. July 19, 2017

Venture Deadline Tuesday. August 1, 2017

Div. 28 Board Mtg Ventura TowneHouse Mon. August 21, 2017

VCRTASF Board Mtg Ventura TowneHouse Tues. Sept 19, 2017

From the President’s Desk By Greg Barker

The Glue That Binds Us

The annual CalRTA Delegate Assembly and Convention was

very interesting this year. Among the interesting elements were

the following:

There are a number of intelligent, high-energy members

who devote a lot of time and thought to the direction in

which CalRTA needs to head. There are aggressive ef-

forts to improve communication, especially through the use of technology to

better interact with the newer generations of retirees.

The CalRTA State Governmental Relations Committee (GRC) has "passed

the baton" to members who are employing even more assertive tactics to

protect our pensions.

The situation at the Federal level has taken some peculiar turns, and the

GRC is adjusting to a different set of political games in its efforts to eliminate

the government pension offsets, WEP/GPO.

So goes the leadership in Division 28. We need members to step up.

When technology became more commonplace within CalRTA, Natalie Guyton took

on the creation and maintenance of our website. She has been instrumental on the

State level as well, both in software development and website training. We need

someone to learn from Natalie, and step in to continue this work for our local web-

site only.

For a number of years Janet Ackerman (with her husband Dale’s help) has been

rounding up and welcoming new members, and contacting renewals. She could use

some support with those activities, and there are other membership-related projects

Division 28 could initiate and benefit from if we had assistance.

How are you at planning activities? Linda Dawson has served for 5-6 years as inter-

im Program planner for our six bi-monthly luncheons. She’s retiring this summer and

would love to hand over tips on venues and programs. Maybe two friends would

enjoy doing this together.

Linda Shaffer tackles Health and Human Services, which Is a combination of insur-

ance, benefits and community resources. She writes a column for the Venture six

times a year. In the past her position has organized Division information meetings

dealing with health and insurance issues. She could use some help researching

continued on the bottom of page 3

CalRTA Division 28 volume 47 # 6 div28.calrta.org July 2017

Happy Birthday 90-Year-Olds!

When a longtime member turns

90 we honor him by paying his

yearly CalRTA dues. Sam

Marsh is turning 90 as this issue

is going to press. He has been a

CalRTA member since 1989.

Our standing rules allow us to

pay yearly dues to members 90

and over who have been dues-

paying members for the last 10

years or more. If you meet those

criteria, please contact a CalRTA

Board member. Happy Birthday,

Sam

We have also learned that Lloyd

and Lorraine Davis have cele-

brated their 90th birthdays earlier

this year. Happy Birthday to

you, too. Contact a CalRTA

Board member to have us pay

your dues.

“You know you’re getting old

when you stoop to tie your

shoelaces and wonder what

else you could do while you’re

down there.” George Burns

Our efforts at the State level are ones that can make the association more attractive to a new generation of educators, improve all aspects of CalRTA's connectivity with active educators, members, and Divisions and affect change in our legislature. How- ever, as hard as they work, those CalRTA members in State leadership cannot do it alone. They themselves are volunteers who step up from their individual Divisions.

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Membership News

Send your lists of potential members to:

Jan Ackerman

Welcome New Members

Gary N. Anglin

Leonard Ciufo

Patricia M Lewis

Stephan Linz

Sharon Michaels

Leslie Susanne O’Brien

Melissa I.E. Smith

They’ve Moved

Kinda Erlandson

Georgeanna K. Whistler

Lobby Day Pays Off by Carol Cressy

About eighty retired CalRTA teachers hit the ground running to lobby all California Congres-

sional Representatives and Senators on April 26. I had the honor and privilege of going to

the seat of our democracy to proudly represent CalRTA Division 28. Here are a few of my

activities and observations.

1) We talked to legislators about supporting House bill 1205 to eliminate the Windfall Elimi-

nation Provision and the Government Pension Offset. This work resulted in at least seven

legislators changing their minds to support the bill. 2) Senator Diane Feinstein invited us to

a continental breakfast where she introduced her volunteer and paid interns. 3) Maryland

Congressman Elijah Cummings was particularly visible around town and on TV. I was hang-

ing around hoping to thank him for his support of HR 1205. A family was waiting to take a

picture with the Congressman, so I volunteered to take the picture and I was able to speak

with him myself. 4) At one point a young, handsome reporter from the Washington Times

was hanging out with me. We laughed at how some representatives seem to put their cell

phones up to their ear to avoid talking to us. He said they were especially avoiding him. I

thanked him for being a reporter as the press is a very important watchdog for our democra-

cy. He was shocked to hear that anyone appreciated the press.

It was a very successful day and a wonderful experience and I thank you for the opportunity

to represent you in Washington, DC for Lobby Day 2017.

In Memoriam

Our sympathy goes out to the family and

friends of our deceased colleagues.

Maxine Gamboni

Calvin L. Houston

Doris Rarick

Kathryn Vargeson

Division 28 CalRTA

Board of Directors

President

Greg Barker

Past President

Janet Parker

Area VII Director

Greg Barker

1st V.P. interim-Programs

Linda Dawson

2nd V.P./Legislation

Jerrold Morris

Treasurer

Marietta O’Farrell

Recording Secretary

Donna Branstrom

Corresponding Secretary

Joan Oliva

Financial Secretary Interim

Natalie Guyton

Newsletter Editor

Jim McAleney

Historian

Vacant

Reservations

Bill Todd

Membership

Janet Ackerman

482-5344

Health & Human Services

Linda Shaffer

Community Services

Vacant

Scholarship Foundation -

Pres. John Pearson

V.P. Beverly Pearson

Treas. Paul Steen

Sec. Richard Mahlke

Janet K Thomas

Oren B. Waite

Cindi Fredrick

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The Venture is published six times a year in July, September, November, January, March and May by the Ventura County Division of

the California Retired Teachers Association, 4500 Dean Dr., Ventura, CA 93003. Annual membership dues in CalRTA and Division

28 are $54 of which $4.00 is for a subscription to the Venture . Postage paid at post offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Venture, 4500 Dean Drive Ventura, CA 93003

Legislation by Jerry Morris

Carol Cressy and I were part of very successful CalRTA Lobby Day activities in Washington,

DC. Between the two of us we were able to visit the offices of the nine House members as-

signed to our county. In addition, Carol attended a breakfast sponsored by Senator Dianne

Feinstein, and I was part of the CalRTA group that met with the staff of Senator Kamala Har-

ris. I think one of the hardest jobs in a Congressional office is that of “scheduler”. Legislators’

time commitments are constantly changing, and appointments are re-scheduled or cancelled

on a moment’s notice. That being said, we had meetings with staff, and our “drop offs” were

always routed to the person in the office who deals with our issues. I was part of a meeting

with Congressman Salud Carbajal. CalRTA member Richard Benitez from Paso Robles was the lead at this

meeting since he had previously met with the Congressman to discuss our issues. At the meet-

ing ,Representative Carbajal said that he had signed on to be a co-sponsor of H.R. 1205 - Social Security Fair-

ness Act of 2017. That means that all nine members we contacted are now co-sponsors of the bill. We also had

positive responses from members on our other two issues: affordable health care and maintaining Medicaid

(Medical in California). (The CalRTA Facebook page and the CalRTA website have numerous photos of the

day’s activities)

At lunch we met a large contingent from the United Mine Workers of America. We had a brief conversation with

them over their concerns. They were there to make sure they received their promised and negotiated retirement

and health care benefits. We explained the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension

Offset (GPO). Later, as often happens, I crossed paths with them in the hallways going to various offices. They

said that the government is trying to renege on its promise to them like they reneged on our Social Security ben-

efits. They back our position 100%.

The proposed Federal Budget, as reported in The Wall Street Journal, has devastating cuts in Medicaid. It is

estimated that at least 60% of Medicaid expenditures are for those people in nursing homes. Many of these peo-

ple are our former colleagues. In addition there are cuts to Social Security. When asked about this, Budget Di-

rector Mick Mulvaney responded by saying that the cuts were in disability payments and that most people don’t

think about that as being part of Social Security. I can just picture my freshman Logic class professor, Dr. John

Wellmuth, on hearing such an explanation. He would walk over to the window and look out at the beautiful rolling

hills of St. Mary’s College for what would seem an interminable length of time. He would then turn and say, in a

very gentle voice, to the student who gave such an answer: “I don’t quite follow your thinking on that”. When a

person gets a paycheck they have money taken out for the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA). That

money goes to two Social Security trust funds that make up the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance

(OASDI). To say that a cut in disability payments is not a cut in Social Security is disingenuous and illogical.

It is important that CalRTA continues to lobby our Congressional representatives and it is equally important that

you contact them with your individual concerns.

From the President’s Desk continued from page 1

events and subjects you feel members would enjoy hearing about.

Nell Bailey (Corresponding Secretary), Marietta O'Farrell (Treasurer), Donna Branstrom (Recording Secretary),

Bill Todd (Reservations) and Jim McAleney (Newsletter Editor) have contributed invaluable and reliable efforts

over the years making Div.28 a stand-out in many ways, but all this cannot be maintained without your help.

The request I have is for you to give a couple hours a year. You choose. Many hands make light work.

Continued volunteerism and member support provides the pride and glue that binds us. Please contact me at

GJBarker@aol.com or (805) 529-2845 to volunteer your time and expertise for a few hours a year.

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July Scholarship BBQ

July 19, 2017 VCRTASF Scholarship and DIVISION 28 Luncheon

RESERVATION DEADLINE : Thursday, July 13, 2017

Please reserve meals for the following :

Name_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name_____________________________________________________________________________________

I retired from___________________________________ School District. _________________________ School

Will this be your first time at a Div. 28 luncheon? Yes_____ My phone # __________________________

Will you need a ride in order to attend? Yes_____ Could you provide a ride to another? Yes_____

Number of meals __ x $25 =_______ Make checks payable to: Send to:

(Total amount enclosed) CalRTA - Div. 28 Bill Todd

Join us at the

Ventura County Office of Education

Conference and Educational Service

Center (VCOE)

5100 Adolfo Rd, Camarillo.

805-383-1900

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

11:30 to 2:15

Lunch is available at 12:00 noon

Cost: $25 per person

Directions

Take the 101 Freeway to Camarillo.

Exit the 101 Freeway at Pleasant

Valley/Santa Rosa Rd.

Turn onto Santa Rosa Rd. heading

away from the ocean, towards the

mountains.

Continue past Verdugo Way and

turn right onto Adolfo Rd (at a stop-

light).

Drive about two blocks to the large

cream-colored building on your

right.

Menu Santa Maria Tri-Tip

Grilled Boneless/skinless

Chicken Thighs

Pico de Gallo Salsa

Texas Style Chile Beans

Traditional Cole Slaw

Garlic Bread

Dark Chocolate Mint Bar

Program: VCTASF Scholarship Awards, Superintendent Stan Mantooth’s

Update on Education Issues Facing Ventura County and

Jim Cowan is hoping to be in attendance this year but sadly, not as our beloved,

long-time BBQ chef. This year we welcome Dan Diaz and the Men of Mesquite BBQ

group. Go to their website, https://www.menofmesquitebbq.com/ for photos of their

food!

The main event, of course, is the awarding of this

year's scholarships by the Ventura County Retired Teachers Scholarship Foundation,

and we hope to have many of the winners and their families with us so you can meet

them. County Schools' Superintendent Stan Mantooth will be our speaker, updating

us on what's going on in the field of education today especially in Ventura County.

He's looking forward to greeting all of you personally as he serves the beans! In addi-

tion, we will conduct the CalRTA Division 28 Installation of Officers for 2017-2019.

Installation of Div. 28 Officers

For luncheon reservations and information, use the contact page of our website.

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California Retired Teachers Association

Membership Application

Division 28

Name _____________________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________________

City_______________________________ state _______ zip _________-______ phone (____)_____________

e-mail: ___________________________ District retired from: ____________________________________

Year Retired: ________________

Please select one payment method:

□ Dues Deduction $4.50 ______ (for self) $9.00 _____ (for self and spouse)

Social Security # ____________________

I authorize the State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) to deduct my Association dues from my

retirement allowance each month. Should the amount of dues be adjusted, as deemed necessary by

CalRTA, I authorize that the adjusted deductions continue unless I notify the CalRTA business office in

writing to the contrary. To terminate the dues deduction, I agree to make my request in writing to the

CalRTA office.

□ Cash $54 annually / member .

Make check payable to CalRTA

Signature ___________________________________________________________ Date _________________

Spouse Name if joining ____________________________________________________

Mail to: CalRTA Div 28 or CalRTA

751 Valle Lindo 1750 Howe Avenue Suite 630

Camarillo, CA 93010 Sacramento CA 95825

For more information go to the Division 28 Website << div28.calrta.org>> or the State CalRTA Website, << calrta.org >> ,

Division 28 Treasurer’s Report by Marietta O’Farrell

Savings Accounts:

Life Member CD

Mar. 31, 2017, Balance ....................$12,919.93

April Interest.................................................2.19

April 30, 2017, Balance.....................$12.922.12

May Interest.................................................2.12

May 31, 2017, Balance ....................$12,924.24

Passbook (Reserve) Account

Mar. 31, 2017, Balance.......................$3,258.78

April Interest.....................................................05

April 30, 2017 Balance………………...$3,258.83

May Interest.....................................................06

May 31, 2017, Balance…….................$3,258.89

Total Savings May 31, 2017 ....... .$16,183.13

Checking Account:

Mar. 31, 2017, Balance

April Deposits

April Expenses

April 30, 2017 Balance

May Deposits

May Expenses

May 31, 2017, Balance Total Assets March 31, 2017

Total Assets May 31, 2017

$ 14,739.36

$ 1,468.17

$ (0.00)

$ 16,207.53

$ 2,723.80

$ (5,852.97)

$ 13,078.36 $ 30,918.07

$ 29,261.49

CalRTA Website

Go onto the CalRTA website

(calrta.org) or our Division 28 website

(div28.calrta.org) for more news and

information about our organization!

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Meet the 2017 VCRTASF Scholarship Recipients

Our Scholarship Foundation has been in existence since 1994. In our 24 years we have awarded 174 scholar-

ships totaling $333,000. Until last year all awards went to students from our 3 community colleges who were

transferring as juniors to 4 year institutions and who intended to become teachers. In 2016 we decided to broaden

our approach to include any who had attended Ventura County high schools and/or community colleges AND who

were entering credential programs. SUCCESS! We can now be assured that our money is going to help prospec-

tive teachers to reach their goals. We think you will be very pleased with our most recent recipi-

ents. Please come to hear them at our scholarship luncheon in July.

Katy Devorick is a graduate of Camarillo High School. She completed her BA degree in art at Cali-

fornia State University Channel Islands and is currently in the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

program at CSUCI. She will earn her teaching credential in December. She has volunteered with

the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program of Ventura County and helped paint 2 murals in the pediatric

ward at Ventura County Medical Center.

Melissa Lorenz is a graduate of Thousand Oaks High School. She attended

Moorpark College, Santa Barbara City College and has just completed her BA in Communication

at UCSB. She volunteers in a 3-4 grade classroom, and was part of the Gaucho Experiment

which helped students in an underprivileged middle school put on a science fair. She was

awarded a VCRTASF scholarship in 2015 and 2016.

Karina Martinez graduated from Cabrillo High School in Lompoc. She earned an

AA degree in general liberal arts and sciences from Ventura College and re-

ceived her BA from CSUCI in 2014. She has been working as a para-educator and will enter the

credential program at CSUCI in the fall. Her goal is to earn a Multiple-Subjects Credential with a

bilingual authorization and to seek a teaching position in a full or dual immersion

bilingual classroom at a Title 1 school.

Jessica Mehle graduated from Buena High School. She earned an AA degree at

Ventura College and completed her BA in early childhood education at CSUCI.

She continues her education at CSUCI in the Multiple Subject Credential Program where last

semester she student taught in a kindergarten class using a cart and wearing a boot because

she ruptured her Achilles tendon. Now that’s dedication!

Raquel Pimental graduated from Oxnard High School. She earned her BS at Cal State San Jose in Forensic Sci-

ence. She is currently attending CSUCI working on a Multiple Subject Credential. In her free time she substitute

teaches, teaches healthy living classes in the community and has started a Tower Garden at Haydock Middle

School in Oxnard.

Andrea Romero graduated from Channel Island High School. She attended Ventura College and

graduated from CSUCI with a BA in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in special education and a

minor in Psychology. She is enrolled at the University of La Verne’s Education Specialist Creden-

tial Program with the goal of teaching special education in an elementary school. She has worked

as an instructional assistant at Laguna Vista Elementary School, volunteered

at the Boys and Girls Club and volunteers time in her younger sister’s elemen-

tary school.

Raynard Soloman graduated from Channel Islands High School. He attended Ventura Col-

lege and earned his BA in Music Education at Cal State University Northridge and his instru-

ment of choice is the saxophone. He volunteers his time at local elementary and high schools

in their music programs. He is a member of the National Association of Music Educators and

is the secretary of the CSUN chapter.

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Health and Welfare by Linda Shaffer

Balance Exercises Seniors Can Do At Home

Tightrope Walk: Holding your arms out straight from your sides and parallel to the floor, try walking in

a straight line and pause for one or two seconds each time you lift your back leg off the ground. Do this for 15

or 20 steps keeping your head straight.

Rock the Boat: Place your feet hip width apart with shoulders back and head level. Slowly transfer

your weight to one side lifting the opposite foot off the ground. Hold your leg off the ground for as long as you

can but no longer than 30 seconds. Slowly transfer your weight back onto both feet and repeat with the oppo-

site side. Start with 5 and increase the repetitions as you feel comfortable with the exercise.

Toe the Line: Try to take 15 to 20 steps touching the heel of your front foot to the toes of your back

foot. Keep your eyes on a fixed point to keep your balance.

Flamingo Stand: This one is pretty simple—you are just standing on one leg while holding on to the back of

a chair. You can start off standing on one leg for ten seconds, and then repeating that five to ten times. Once

you've done that, do the same thing on the other leg. You may find that it's easier to stand on one particular

leg than it is to stand on the other—this is normal. It's important to try and maintain good posture (shoulders,

back, head straight, ears over your shoulders) as much as you can while doing this exercise. Once you've

mastered the simplest form of this exercise, try reaching the foot that is off the ground as far out in front as you

can without letting it come in contact with the ground.

Oftentimes there are classes at a Senior center or at senior residences. I know a friend of mine found balance

exercises very helpful after she had a stroke. We all have our own issues as we age, but keeping our balance

is extremely important to keeping us active.

VCRTA Scholarship Foundation by Paul Steen

DONATIONS RECEIVED:

In memory of Betsy Berry from Fred Phipps & Cathy Trainer

In memory of Kris Wong from Linda Valdez, Daisy Tatum

In memory of Cal Houston from Fred Phipps & Cathy Trainer

In memory of Kelly Vargeson from Fred Phipps & Cathy Trainer

In memory of Maxine Gamboni from Fred Phipps & Cathy Trainer

In memory of Lois Gail Narkevic from Jim & Nancy Quam

In memory of Tom Ragan from Bud Meuse, Daisy Tatum, Don & Millie Seidler, Joanne Davidson

In memory of Doris Rarick from Cindy Vodraska

In memory of Andy McEuen from Norma Van Riper

In memory of Katie Warner from Lee Maurycy

To honor Marilyn Bayless (B’Day) from Jim and Ann Cowan

Donation from Norma Van Riper through the Wiener Foun-

dation

Donation from Dale & Janet Ackerman

An anonymous donation

WELLS FARGO CHECKING BALANCE $ 18,281.82

WELLS FARGO SAVINGS BALANCE $ 704.86

E WEALTH MANAGER BALANCE $ 61,481.19

GRAND TOTAL 10/09/2016 $ 80,467.87

Doing some gentle, at home, exercises can help improve coordination and decrease the risk of falling. Here are a few quick exercises that a senior can do to improve their balance:

As we age there are issues that impact our balance and staying steady on our feet. Some issues that affect our balance include arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s dis- ease, decreased muscle mass, heart disease, infections, stroke, and stress. These is- sues put seniors at an increased risk for falling. Not all adults aged 65 and older are prone to falling, but 1 in 3 adults over 65 fall every year. Ninety percent of hip fractures are caused by falls.

Ventura County Division 28

4500 Dean Drive

Ventura, CA 93003

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

I’m Celebrating Retirement

While Continuing to Support Education

Scholarship Foundation BBQ is July 19

Make a TAX Deductible Donation to Ventura County CalRTA Scholarship Fund

Honor a Friend Remember a Friend Help a Future Teacher Date _________________________

I would like to make a contribution to the Ventura County Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Foundation

To honor ______________________________________ In Memory of ______________________________________

My check is enclosed, payable to VCRTASF Please send notification to

My Name: ___________________________________ Name: ________________________________________

My Address: _________________________________ Address: _____________________________________

Please mail this form with your check to: VCRTASF Treasurer, P.O. Box 1766, Camarillo, CA 93011

All contributions are tax deductible and help to build a scholarship fund from which local college students are

assisted with their career goals in the field of education.

PreSorted Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit 1249

Oxnard, CA

At the Ventura County Offices of Education