PEER October 15, 2007 Minutes

President Marilyn Warner called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M.

Members present:  Marilyn Warner, Janey Ball, Claire Cousins, Mary Ann Hartmann, Mary Ann
Swogger, Allin Turner, Bob Schlerf, Barbara Schlerf, Virginia Kates, Louise Williams, Emilie Carter, Connie Purdum, John Tomlinson, Kathy Bell, Jana Maples, Nan Lanham, Sharon Agner, Dallas Schimke, Mary Holtzman, Dorothea Koehler, Joyce Walters, Sigrid Loufald, Jane Lee, Herb Miller, Jean Beagles, Marjorie Merrill, Phyllis Truitt,  Terry Plaia, Dave Byers, Helen Lents, Linda Aldridge, Kathy King, Jane Lonergan, JoAnne Wilson, Bill Bakewell, Barbara Watts, Charlene Gervasi, Marsha Clark, Diane Johnson, Denise Thomas, Roberta Reinfrank, Barbara Friedel, George Friedel, Eileen Scott, Ethelstine Harris, Dawn Reid, Randy Dodds

Jamie Heinz of Tax Shelter America explained differences between variable annuities and fixed annuities, and invited PEER members to call their office for help with investment planning and/or tax preparation.

Carol Justice thanked PEER members for their thoughts, prayers, and cards after her car accident.

Claire Cousins introduced Beth Warren of Welcome Home who gave PEER members helpful suggestions for organizing and de-cluttering our homes.

The minutes from the September 17th meeting were approved as written.

Reports

President:  The baskets that PEER donated for the silent auction at the FEA Delegate Assembly brought in a total of $126: $69 for the Happy Holidays basket and $59 for Pampered Pets.

Marilyn reminded members to let her know if they want to be on PEER’s e-mail list.  Pipeline articles are due by Oct. 31, and it will be printed on Nov. 12.  Help is needed with mailing.  After the Nov. PEER meeting, help will be needed stuffing packets for the county retirement seminar.

The AFT Retiree Leaders Conference will be Nov. 27-30, and Randy Dodds will be attending.

Vice-President:  Janey Bell reported that the Nov. brunch will be supplied by PEER Gators.

Treasurer:  Bob Schlerf reported that as of August 31, the balance in the PEER account was $10,127.33.  After expenses of $600 for the FEA Delegate Assembly and $309.70 for the September Members Lunch, and dues income of $210, the balance is $9427.63 as of October 12.  PEER has five CD’s with a total of $25,428.78 for total assets of $34,856.41.

Membership: Dave Byers reported that we have 230 life members and 53 annual members for a total of 283 paid members. To be in the directory, new members will have to join by Oct 31.

Volunteer hours in September were 196 school related hours and 1794 others for a total of 1990.

FEA / FEA-R:  Dave gave information that the best bargain among Medicare Supplements offered in Central or North Florida is the one offered from NEA.  For info call 800-637-4636.

Attending the FEA Delegate Assembly were 910 delegates and 210 guests.  The Silent Auction raised $2,301 for the FEA-R Scholarship with the Life Membership raffle raising $401.  The $600 from PEER reimbursed delegates about 61% of their transportation and hotel expenses.  The FEA and FEA-R Assemblies next year will be held in Tampa.

There has been no progress in organizing a Retirees chapter in Pasco County.

Scholarship:  Allin Turner reported that applicants for the $1000 PEER scholarship must be seniors from a Pinellas County public high school and must be related to a member of PEER, PCTA, or PESPA.  The essays will be scored during the first week of March.  The meeting of scorers to recommend recipients will be held Friday, March 14, 9:00 AM at PCTA.
Marilyn commented that in the obituary for Grace Tadlock, contributions to the PEER Scholarship were requested in lieu of flowers. Bob Schlerf mentioned that a second FEA-R Scholarship may be considered in memory of Grace Tadlock.

Food Pantry:  Allin reported that 68 pounds of food were donated at the Sept. meeting.

Program:  Jane Lee talked about the pleasant October field trip to the Ringling Art Museum and reminded members that Mondays there are free. November field trips will be  (1) a concert by the Clearwater Chorus (“A Feast for the Holiday”) on Sunday Nov. 18 at Ruth Eckerd Hall and  (2) the Festival of Trees on Nov. 23 at Harborview Center.  The December field trip will be one of the performances by Clearwater H. S. of “Once on this Island.” Call Jane for details at 399-0058.

No Unfinished Business.  No New Business.

The next meeting will be November 19 with a program by the West Coast Orchid Society.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:30.

Respectfully submitted,

JoAnne Wilson, Secretary