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Mountain EchoesJanuary/FebruaryCalRTA: Your partner in pension protection2019California Retired Teachers Association – San Jacinto Mountain Division 33Mailing address c/o HTA: 2920 East Florida Avenue, Suite 101, Hemet, CA 92544H.U.S.D. Superintendent to Speak atFebruary 12th LuncheonDivision 33 Board Members Area IX Director –Ron Breyer President – Gayle Mattson V. Pres-Newsletter/WebmasterSue Breyer Secretary – Elizabeth Midyett Treasurer – Jeannette Goar Scholarships/Grants –Sandy Kasper Luncheons/Reservations –Molly Morton Ways and Means –Hilda Guilin Member at Large –Bob ParishIn 2016, Ms. Barrett became thefirst female Superintendent for theHemet Unified School District whichserves approximately 21,000 studentsin 28 schools in the communities ofHemet, Anza, Idyllwild, Aguanga, andWinchester.Ms. Barrett began as a specialeducation teacher, served as a siteprincipal, and as an Assistant Superintendent for two school districtsbefore coming to HUSD. She is currently in the candidacy phaseof her Ph.D. in Urban Education Leadership at ClaremontGraduate University.Ms. Barrett is committed to the success and safety of everychild in every school. She is actively involved and visible in theschools and community and has made it her mission to unitethe school district and community through her extensivecommunity involvement. Ms. Barrett is dedicated to providing aworld class education to all students while providing the toolsnecessary to ensure students graduate from HUSD college andcareer ready.We look forward to having Ms. Barrett at our February 12thluncheon and hearing more about her vision for the HemetUnified School District. (bio information from HUSD website)Luncheon MeetingDates – 2018/2019This month’s luncheon meeting will be onOCTOBER 9TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12thDECEMBER 11 17 per personFEBRUARY 12Please call Molly Morton at (951) 925-7001 ORAPRIL 9Click this link to RSVP byJUNE 4Wednesday, February 6thLuncheon Meetings areon second Tuesdays(except June, which is 1stTuesday) at 11:30 a.m.,First Presbyterian ChurchFellowship Hall,Kimball/Buena VistaStreets in Hemet.to make OR CANCEL a reservation.Menu: Chicken Fajitas, rice and beansCheese enchilada available if requested in advance. Pleasemake a reservation. We have to pay for every meal ordered.Cancel early if you can’t make it.“A reservation made is a reservation paid.”Please bring new and gently used T-shirts, sweaters andjackets – more info on page 7!CONTACTSArea IX DirectorRon Breyerronandsue82@gmail.com(951) 252-7101Pres. - Gayle Mattsongmattson1@verizon.net(951) 929-5592V. Pres – News EditorSue Breyerronandsue82@gmail.com(951) 288-1462CalRTAwww.calrta.org(916) 923-22001750 Howe Ave, Suite 630Sacramento, CA 95825CalRTA Division mCalSTRSwww.calstrs.com(800) 228-5453P. O. Box 15275Sacramento, CA 95851Board Meetingsare on the 2nd Tuesdays at11:30 a.m. at the HTAOffice. All CalRTAmembers are welcome toattend. The Board meetingsfor 2018-2019 are:September 13November 13January 8March 12May 14
Page 2 of 8From our PresidentHello CalRTA Friends!Happy New Year! I hope 2019 will be a year of prosperity for you, CalRTA and our nation. But webegin the year with the longest government shut-down in our nation’s history. While I have strongopinions about our current political leadership, there is plenty of blame to share! As an increasingnumber of Americans suffer without paychecks – the Coast Guard, the TSA, the Border Patrol – andmore are added to the list each week this continues, the devastating ripple effect widens. I amreminded of the African Proverb, “When elephants fight, the grass suffers.”Despite the governmental morass, there’s a sliver of good news! Representative Rodney Davis(R-IL-13) has introduced House Resolution 141, to repeal the unfair WEP-GPO provisions in Title 11 of the Social SecurityAct. So far, there are 24 bi-partisan co-signers with more to come. So our battle resumes!This year, CalRTA will resume Take Action Tuesdays (second Tuesdays) and begin Tell Your Representative Thursdays(fourth Thursdays). As always, your email notices will include whom to contact, what to say, and take only a few minutes.With 40,000 members, if just half follow-through, that’s 20,000 congressional contacts twice monthly! When we speakwith one voice we make a powerful impact!We’ll also continue post-card writing and community donations at our luncheons. These are smaller, but importantimpacts, fulfilling that simple adage, “Think globally; act locally.”In that spirit, February’s luncheon donations will support the HUSD Closet. The Closet stocks new and gently used clothingfor students, especially foster kids and the homeless. Schools recommend families who can then make appointments.Read more about this new service operated by the district’s SAIL workability program on page seven. It’s a greatcollaboration by district, businesses, and community members!Our December luncheon was wonderful and very well attended! Let’s make our February luncheon just as successful. Ourguest speaker is the HUSD Superintendent (read more about her on page one). To sweeten the deal right beforeValentine’s Day, we’ll have two gift drawings to take your sweetheart to Dattilo’s Ristorante Italiano – an iconic valley site.So, onward into 2019 as we honor Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington with federal holidays.Perhaps they can spur our current politicians to recall lessons from those great leaders of the past. But if not, togetherwe’ll keep reminding them!See you February 12th – bring a friend!Gayle MattsonDecember/January Board Notes from Elizabeth Midyett1.2.3.4.5.6.7.Scholarships: Jeannette Goar announced that we must keep adding to the scholarship fund through donations sincethe account has dropped to its lowest balance ( 50,651). Five of eight scholarship recipients have claimed their funds.Donations this school year total 450 so far, towards our goal of 1,000 (one scholarship). Donations can be made inthe blue mugs, by mailing a personal check to Jeannette, or by bequeathing funds from an estate.California Rule.: Gayle explained that the California Rule is a precedent that protects public employee pension benefitsthat were part of the employment contract and cannot be taken away. An appeals case that may challenge the rule isnow before the State Supreme Court. The outcome will not affect current teachers’ or retirees’ benefits.WEP/GPO: It doesn’t appear that anything will happen in 2018.Prizes and Poinsettias: Poinsettias and “surprise” gifts were awarded to members at each table.Post Card Writing: Members wrote congratulatory messages to our newly elected officials.Discussion of a “Retiree Event” or “Pre-Retirement Seminar” in conjunction with HTA, CalSTRS, HUSD in the spring.Spring Field Trip ideas were discussed, including Joshua Tree National Park, Temecula Community Theater, and EdwardsDean Museum. Gayle will research and present ideas at the February luncheon.Gayle Mattson
Page 3 of 8Please Report Your Volunteer HoursRIDE SHARINGYou can include free child care, taking a neighbor to the doctor,shopping for an invalid, serving on a board or committee or anyorganization, telephone trees, addressing envelopes for collection ofdonations, or any other non-paid services that you do for yourcommunity, including CalRTA. Just tell us how many hours you havevolunteered and which month(s) you are reporting. Send a note toMelinda West-Melrose at:41205 Whittier Ave., Hemet, CA 92544or email: mlouwest61@gmail.comDid you find the link that leads you to thePlease don’t miss a meetingbecause you need a ride. Justcontact one of the following peopleon the Monday before ourmeeting, and you can ride alongwith them.West Hemet: Gayle Mattson (951) 929-5592Central Hemet: Sandy Kasper (951) 927-1427Valle Vista: Molly Morton (951) 925-7001 10 prize at the next luncheon?KEEPING IN TOUCHDo you know someone whoshould receive a card of goodwishes, sympathy, congratulations, or ?from our members? Please contact SherriDomenigoni at (951) 925-4007 with theinformation or send it by email toshedom6@yahoo.comHAVE YOU RECEIVED YOUR “REAL I.D.”?https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs The 2005 REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission'srecommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for theissuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” Starting October 1, 2020, every state and territory resident willneed to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or anotheracceptable form of identification, for accessing Federal facilities,entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft. If you have a valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card, military ID, orother federally approved identification, you may use this as yourform of identification to board a domestic flight or enter certainfederal facilities after the new federal requirements begin October 1,2020. To obtain a “Real I.D.” MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, then go to a DMVoffice and bring proof of:o Identity: valid passport, birth certificate, cert. of naturalization, i.e.o Social Security number: SS card, W-2 form, 1099 form, paystubo California address: Home utility bill, medical docs, bank record**Please click on the link above or the image to the right for more informationClick herefor moreinformationContact the DMV to make anappointment:Phone: 1-800-777-0133Online: click link id
Page 4 of 8Scholarship Donations So Far 1083!The San Jacinto Mountain Scholarship FoundationYOUR DONATION IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!Division 33 is proud of its Scholarship Foundation which provides 1,000 scholarships to Hemet andSan Jacinto seniors annually. We currently honor EIGHT students from both comprehensive andalternative high schools in Hemet and San Jacinto. Please help us continue this great tradition.Donations in all amounts are welcome and we have four easy ways to contribute. Remember yourcontributions are tax deductible!1. BLUE MUGS: Place cash or check donations in our blue scholarship cups at eachluncheon meeting2. PERSONAL CHECK: Mail checks to our treasurer, payable to SanJacinto Mountain Scholarship Foundation.3. HONOR THE MEMORY OF A FELLOW MEMBER OR EDUCATOR with a personalcheck. If you choose this option, please let Jeannette know where/to whom to send an honorcard:Jeannette Goar: 5339 Jasper Lane, Riverside, Ca. 925064. BEQUEATH FUNDS FROM YOUR ESTATE:Our foundation is a 503c non-profit, EIN #64-096-2759. Your future contributionwill help to ensure that Division 33 continues to fund our valley’s many high schoolscholarships.Please share this information with your financial planner. Email Gayle Mattson, Div. 33 President,at gmattson1@verizon.net. She will consult our treasurer and our Morgan Stanley advisor to makeyour bequest process as easy as possible.*BLUE MUG SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS SO FAR 1083.00GRANTSAt left: Winchester Elementary principal Mark Delano and AVID teachers Mary Tryon and Linda Bailey accept a 250 AVID grantfrom Sue Breyer. At right, Hemet Elementary School principal, Kristi Watson, accepts a 250 AVID grant from Gayle Mattson while SueBreyer presents a 100 CalRTA teacher grant to Paula Williams and matches the amount with a 100 bill from CalRTA Division 33.
Page 5 of 8In Focus: Barbara AdamsBorn in Oklahoma and raised in Kansas, Barbara Adams received her BA in1953 from the University of Denver and, at the very young age of 21, acquired her firstjob teaching business and English at a small junior college in Lamar, Colorado. It washere in Lamar that she met her husband, Jim, who had come to Colorado to playfootball. In the years that followed, Barbara taught at New Mexico HighlandsUniversity, Las Vegas (New Mexico) High School and Umapine High School inNortheastern Oregon where both she and her husband were hired together. Theystayed in Oregon for 3 years before moving to Williams in the Sacramento Valley.Barbara was pregnant with their first child and after 4 years, the three moved to theSan Jacinto valley.Barbara had planned to become an accountant but changed her mind duringher junior year in college after many discussions with college roommates and twofavorite professors. She had found herself doing informal teaching for years beforeshe decided it was her future. She loved teaching business courses because they hadsuch a practical result and she found it more satisfying to teach a course that studentschose rather than teaching a required class. She still encounters former students whosuccessfully use their keyboarding skills and ten-key adding machine skills in theircareers.In the last three years of her full time employ as an educator, she was anassistant principal and became involved in some community groups at the suggestionof the district. Barbara loved her time in Soroptimists and was very involved in settingup a program that provided books for teen-age mothers. She also helped at the localmuseum and served as assistant treasurer for a few years.All four of her children are graduates of Hemet High School. Her threedaughters are all educators, and her son entered law enforcement and is married to ateacher. Two grand-daughters are now teaching in San Jacinto and one is a full-timeteacher aide.Before her husband's death five years ago, he had taught and coached at SanJacinto High School for 26 years and coached and taught at Mt. San Jacinto Collegefor some twenty years. When the valley was smaller, every high school student knewone of them – the benefit of living and working in a small town. Now, her contact witheducation is through her very busy family, with teachers in both valley school districtsand, of course, CalRTA Division 33 luncheons. For Barbara, life stays interesting withher seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren (and one more due inApril) and feels truly blessed to have her family nearby.Click here or on the flyer above for infoCalRTA’s website recently introduced theInfo Exchange, a list of high-interest articlesin a variety of areas, including General topics,Advocacy, Financial, Health Care,Communication/Technology, Membershipand Newsletter. Once you log in, click the“Info Exchange” link in the blue box on theright. On the next page, you can click theTable of Contents for a list of topics andactive blue links. Click on any link to readmore about the topic. When you want toswitch topics, click the “Home” button(remember, if you get lost, always goHOME). Click this link to access the InfoExchange (you will be prompted to log in).You can also access the Info Exchange at theDivision 33 website: tte GoarCurrent CheckingAccount Balance: 13,625.43ScholarshipFoundationBalance: 51,162.31ScholarshipDonations 2018-19School Year: 1083.00Click here for more information
Page 6 of 8Don’t forget!Bring new or “gentlyused” clothing – Tshirts,sweaters, jackets – todonate to the HUSD“District Closet” – readmore on page 7!New Members from 2018Ben Carlow, Joyann Gongaware, JanMcIlwee, Jan Powell, Maureen Pusateri,Rosemarie Rohrbacher, Merri Snow, RossValenzuela, Louise WathenGayle Mattson “Outstanding Woman of the Year”Gamma Theta chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international educationalassociation of female educators has chosen our very own CalRTA presidentGayle Mattson as their Outstanding Woman of the Year. Gayle, a 10-yearmember of DKG, has spent the last 35 years devoted to the field ofeducation as a teacher, school administrator, college/university instructor,and HTA leader. As a member of DKG, she has served as treasurer andchair of the Educational Law/Policy Committee. She is involved in politicalaction and community service and is an active member of the Hemet UnitedMethodist Church. Gayle will receive her award at the Founder’s DayBrunch, March 2nd, at the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Springs.Legislative UpdateCalRTA's Legislative Advocate DavidWalrath updates us on Gov. Newsom'sproposed state budget which focusesheavily on education, including asupplemental payment to CalSTRS tohelp with the unfunded liability. He alsoshares the good news that a new bill hasbeen introduced in the House to repealthe WEP/GPO. Click for video.Farewell to our friends It is with heavy hearts that wenote the death of our Division 33members and friends.Marilyn Forst – HUSD teacherand School Board MemberDeanne Fiscus – from MurrietaDelores Jackson – from LagunaNiguelState & National ElectedOfficials 2019For contact, policy, or backgroundinformation, just type a politician’sname on your computer searchengine. Happy New Year! HOLIDAY CHEER! December luncheon attendees, from top left: Jan Powell, Merri Snow,Linda Burke; Ross Valenzuela, Flora Johnson, Harry Post; center, Grace Kaelin, GayleMattson; a full house listens to guest performer Dr. Vanessa Sheldon; bottom, BobbieSchafer, Flora Johnson, Mary Reid; Hilda Guilin, Greta Tuominen. Governor Gavin Newsom (D)Superintendent of PublicInstruction Tony Thurmond (D)State Senator Mike Morrel (R)23rd DistrictState Senator Jeff Stone (R)28th DistrictState Assemblywoman MelissaMelendez (R) 87th DistrictRiverside County Superintendentof Schools Judy White (nonpartisan office)Riverside County SupervisorChuck Washington 3rd District(non-partisan office)Senator Dianne Feinstein (D)Senator Kamala Harris (D)Representative Raul Ruiz (D)36th DistrictRepresentative Mark Takano (D)41st DistrictRepresentative Ken Calvert (R)42nd District
Page 7 of 8 1 per month to protect your futureTHE DISTRICT CLOSET******************************CalRTA Board Proposes Dues Increase for 2020Debuting on December 13, just intime for the Christmas holiday,the new District Closet providedsome of the neediest families inthe Hemet USD with muchneeded clothing. Located at theSanta Fe Education Center, theDistrict Closet is run by studentsin the Students Achieving Independent Living Success (SAILS)transition program for Special Edstudents 18-22 years old. Thesestudents prepare donated clothing for sale to customers, conduct transactions and earn paychecks. Schools in the districtselect families in need, with a focus on homeless and foster youth,and these families are givenvouchers which can be redeemedat the “District Closet.” SAILSIn the past Joining organizations was commonplace.CalRTA had a large membership so we were able to keep duesincredibly low for the services provided.Currently In the year 2000 our membership was over50,000. As of November 30, 2018, we had 39,923 members. Indollars, we lose approximately 65,000 a year, with Divisionsbearing one-third of that burden. Yet even with a smallermembership base the work doesn’t stop! Attacks on publicpensions are growing!Our goals Membership dues are the main source offinancial support that allows CalRTA to proactively work on ourgoals: protecting retirement security; repealing the SocialSecurity penalties; supporting public education.Bottomline CalRTA is in serious financial trouble: CalRTA will not be able to provide the current level ofservices to our membership unless the proposed 12 peryear increase is approvedThe increase will allow CalRTA to maintain our strongadvocacy focus, intensify our membership recruitmentprograms, maintain our level of staff services, and providefuture services to our membershipJoin us onFacebook!Search for our page bytyping Calrta Division 33 inthe Facebook search bar.Be sure to click on the“Like” button (thumbs up)on our page so you canstay updated on CalRTAissues!MLK Day January 21teacher, Sharyl Williams, andTracy Piper (Student SupportServices) oversee the programand its students.For more information, call951-765-5100 ext. 3701Give this form to a friend and encourage them to join CalRTA!https://calrta.org/join-us/CLICK LINKEnrollment FormName:Address:City: State: Zip:Phone: ()District:E-Mail:CalRTA membershipdues are only 54per year. Join today.RBDIV33Division # (if you know – Hemet/San Jacinto is #33)You may pay 54 on an annual basis, or have 4.50 per month deducted from your CalSTRS pension when retired.Check enclosed, payable to CalRTA*voluntary informationRetired or not, please join us!Educators need to stick together.Send me information on CalSTRS deductionMail to: CalRTA1750 Howe Avenue, Suite 630Sacramento, CA 95825(916) 923-2200 or (800) 523-2782
California Retired Teachers AssociationNON-PROFIT ORGSan Jacinto Mountain Division No. 33MOUNTAIN ECHOESU.S. POSTAGE PAIDHTA Office, 2920 East Florida Avenue,Suite 101Hemet, CA 92544BRING A FRIEND TO OUR FEBRUARY 12th LUNCHEON!And don’t forget to bring new or “gently-used” clothing forthe “District Closet”Area IX Director: Ron BreyerDivision 33 Luncheon MeetingsPresident: Gayle MattsonPresbyterian ChurchEmail: calrtadivision33@gmail.com 515 E Kimball Ave, Hemet, CA92543Website: http://div33.calrta.org11:30ammeet& greet; 12:00 lunchFacebook: calrta division 33October 9(please LIKE our page!)December 11CalRTA: www.calrta.orgFebruary 12April 9 (916) 923-2200June 4CalSTRS: www.calstrs.comCall Molly Morton: 951-925-7001 (800) 228-5453to make a reservationHEMET CAPERMIT NO. 549INSIDEYOUR NEWSLETTERContact info Luncheon dates/RSVPBoard Meeting dates.Feb. Lunch guest President’s message Board Minutes “Real I.D.” Info .Volunteer hours .Ride Sharing .CalRTA 90th Scholarship Fund Grant Awards. CalRTA Info Exchange“In Focus” . . Treasurer’s Report .Farewell Friends.Elected Officials .New Members . .DKG Award .Facebook .District Closet .Dues Increase .CalRTA application .p. 1p. 1p. 1p. 1p. 2p. 2p. 3p. 3p. 3p. 3p. 4p. 4p. 5p. 5p. 5p. 6p. 6p. 6p. 6p. 7p. 7p. 7p. 7
California Retired Teachers Association - San Jacinto Mountain Division 33 Mailing address c/o HTA: 2920 East Florida Avenue, Suite 101, Hemet, CA 92544 Board Meetings are on the 2nd Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. at the HTA Office. All CalRTA members are welcome to attend. The Board meetings for 2018-2019 are: September 13 November 13 January 8 March 12
