THE PULSE

CalSTRS website: www.calrta.org Area VI website: area6.calrta2.org

President Anna Poggi 1525 First St., Wasco, CA 93280 (661) 758-2247 Treasurer Denice Mettle 2608 5th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304 (661) 323-0210 Editor Marsha Parr 10205 Alyssum Ct., Bakersfield, CA 93311 (661) 663-9306 Volunteers Doris Dunham 4206 Glencannon St. Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 203-7298 Directory Judith O’Brien

Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1 . . . . . September, 2017 Your Partner in Pension Protection

TELEPHONE FRAUD —Barbara Michael. Resource Services

For as long as there have been telephones, there have been crooks trying to call and steal your money. What is new is the sheer volume of unsolicited calls that Americans endure each year, including potential rip-offs. Computer Caper Internet scam artists create little boxes that pop up on your computer screen, tell-ing you that you have a virus and need to call for tech-nical support. It may freeze your computer. Don't be-lieve it. Computer companies never notify customers of a problem through pop-ups, unless it is from a virus-protection software that YOU have installed. Call to verify. The IRS Scam The voice on the line claims to be an IRS criminal investigator. Arrest is imminent if you don't immediately pay thousands of dollars in back taxes. Individuals are instructed to put money on gift cards and give up the 16 digit codes. Don't be fooled. The IRS would never ask a taxpayer to buy gift cards for any reason. The Fake Sheriff You get a call from some-one posing as a sheriff's deputy claiming you've missed jury duty and owe the county a fine. Pay immediately or you will go to jail. Rest assured, no sheriff or court will call you and demand payment for missing jury duty. Hang up, then call the police and report it. Credit Card Con You get a call from your bank that there is a problem with your account. To straighten it out they need your account number, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Hang up. This is a scam to get information to hack your account.

MANAGEMENT AT HODEL’S HAS REQUESTED THAT OUR MEMBERS DO NOT ARRIVE FOR LUNCH BEFORE 10:30. IT INTERFERES WITH THE SET-UP OF THE ROOM. PLEASE & THANKS!

CHANGES FOR SEPTEMBER, 2017

Because of security issues, addresses and phone numbers of new members will not be published in THE PULSE. We will also not be printing the address and phone number changes for those members who have moved. If you would like to have that information, you should call or email Judith O’Brien. You can find her information in the directory. We will list new members by name only, as well as those people who have changed addresses and/or phone num-bers.

2

CalRTA Division 8 June 13, 2016 Minutes

1. Call to Order at 11:35 a.m. & Welcome: Shirley Wold 2. Thanks: Greeters: Kathleen Schaffer and Glen & Donna Worrell Table Centerpiece: Pam Baugher Donations to Women's & Men's Shelters Joe Kennedy/ Nellis Johnson Donations to Pennies for Trees Darlene Zike 3. Flag Salute: Anna Poggi 4. Songs: “You’re A Grand Old Flag” Doug Heinrichs “In the Good Old Summer Time” 5. Inspirational Moments: Jim Mahoney 6. Introduction of New Members: Barbara Lovell 7. Introduction of Guests: Kathy Green 8. Business reports: A. Installation of 2017-2018 CalRTA Division 8 Officers: President: Anna Poggi Secretary: Ramona Gia 1st Vice-President: Linda Carbajal Treasurer: Denice Mettle 2nd Vice-President: Barbara LovellImm. Past President: Shirley Wold B. Government Relations: (See report in June PULSE) Del Gardner C. Spelling Bee Update: Shirley Walston D. Volunteer Hours: Doris Dunham

LUNCH/PROGRAM

Speaker - Janis Roberts 2017 CalRTA Scholarship Recipients

9. Future Activities: Board Meeting - Tuesday, September 12, 2017; 1:30 p.m.@Nat’l. Univ.

General Meeting - Tuesday, September 26, 2017;11:30 a.m. Hodel’s 10. Door prize drawing Walt Grainger Meeting Adjourned at 1:37 p.m. Minutes submitted by Linda Carbajal, Secretary

3

QUICK FIXES TO KEEP YOU FROM FALLING

—JC Warneke, Health and Safety

Home is where the heart is; unfortunately, it’s also where about half of all falls take place. “Older adults spend a lot more time at home, and they don’t realize there are things around their home that can made them lose their balance and fall,” says Madhuri Kale, a phys-ical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital. With falls sending about three million older people to emergency departments each year and causing 95% of hip fractures among older adults, it’s time to take steps to protect your mobility and independence. Look around your home with this list, evaluate potential fall risks, and make necessary fixes in every room. In the Bedroom The risk: A lack of lighting for nighttime trips to the bathroom or kitchen. “Many older adults have difficulty with vision, especially in the dark. If you can’t see things, you may easily bump into them and fall,” says Kale. The fix: Light the pathways you know you’ll use when it’s dark in your home. Install night lights or motion sensor lights. In the Living Room The risk: Furniture that blocks the flow of traffic; rugs that could slip; loose wall-to-wall carpeting; floor clutter. The fixes: Get rid of books, baskets, boxes, electrical cords, newspapers, shoes, and other small items that may get in your path. Rearrange furniture that blocks the flow of traffic, such as ottomans or chairs. Remove loose throw rugs, and if you must keep large area rugs, use double-sided tape to prevent them from slipping. Have wall-to-wall carpeting tightened. In the Bathroom The risk: Loose throw rugs; slippery floors, showers, and tubs. The fixes: Remove throw rugs. Use nonslip mats and treads, which boost traction. Install grab bars near showers, bathtubs and toilets. Avoid grab bars that “stick on” to tile showers with suction, which are less reliable than metal grab bars attached to wall studs. Use a tub seat or a walk-in shower. In the Hallway The risk: Uneven flooring; throw rugs; lack of support; poor lighting. The fixes: In-stall overhead lighting and night lights, so you can see where you’re going, and replace light bulbs if any are missing or burned out. Install handrails for support, and make sure existing handrails are tightly secured to the wall. Remove throw rugs, and fix any uneven or broken floorboards. Outside the Home The risk: Crumbling outdoor pathways and steps; slippery decks and patios; poor light-ing; lack of support. The fixes: Install lights at the door and along pathways. Install hand-rails. Fix loose bricks, crumbling cement, or rotting pieces of wood on outdoor steps. Add nonslip treads to patios and decks. (Harvard Health Letter, January 2017)

4

TREASURER’S REPORT —Denice Mettle, Treasurer

Beginning balance $15,435.51 (Aug. 1, 2017) Deposits $ 1,717.92 Disbursements $ 1,131.00 Ending $16,022.43 (Sept. 1, 2017) ************************************

NEWS FROM THE

SCHOLARSHIP ASSOCIATION —Janis Roberts, Chair

Congratulations to the 12 recipients of our 2017-18 scholarships. The following winners were presented or acknowledged at the June 13, 2017 luncheon: From Bakersfield College---Rebecca Guerrero From CSUB---Flor Campos, Blake Lopez (Fred and Beverly Dukes’ Memorial Scholar-ship), Alma Ayala (Edna Bullard Memorial Scholarship) From University of LaVerne---Sylvia Gonzalez From Point Loma University---Meagan Morrison, Ebony Villasenor From Porterville College---Laura Rodarte, Callie Albison (Richard and Delores Regedal Memorial Scholarship), Daniela Hernandez From Taft College---Johana Osornia (Barbara Searle Memorial Scholarship) These twelve $3000 scholarships were made possible by the interest earned from our invest-ment portfolio in Planned Member, and special memorial gifts and bequests. The members of the Scholarship Association Board are most thankful to all of you for your generosi-ty and continuing support.

New Coach for Washington School, 1924

“Washington School athletic coach Miss Emily Collison came to the school one year ago and found the pupils in a gloomy state of depression. They had a firm idea in their minds that as athletes they were failures, and it took a great deal of en-couragement to unseat the conviction. How well she succeeded can be judged by the fact that Washington, under her supervision, won the track meet last year – an undreamed of achievement before her arrival. The children, both boys and girls, are now extremely confident of their prowess. There is not a period throughout the day that some group of the children are not hard at work training for the meet to take place next month. When Washington school won the track meet, Miss Collison was elevated to the position of official advisor for the large group of small boys who had hopes of becoming, or were already ath-letes. Anything that she says pertaining to correct training is at once made a law by the children. Miss Collison said that she made a remark about too much candy eating being a poor practice for track men but did not have any idea that any of the boys would pay attention to it. A few days later a small boy told her that he "sure did want some candy" but he hadn't eaten any because of what she said. We asked a member of the track team how high he was jumping. He gave us a haughty stare and informed us that if we wanted information we should ask his trainer – Miss Collison. This serves to show how seriously the lads take athletics. It was announced that the boys are planning an athletic show, the proceeds of which will go to-ward purchasing track suits for the team. Boxing, wrestling, and tumbling will be the features of the show. According to Miss Collison, the girls, too, are interested in all athletic events. They have formed several teams which will compete in the May meet. Their games are volleyball, indoor baseball and bas-ketball. Such a meet was staged last year and enough money was raised to outfit the entire team and is expected to repeat this year. The good work done by Miss Collison can-not be underestimated in developing a love for clean sport and a sense of fair play in the children. She is doing a great deal toward making them better citi-zens of the future.” (from the Bakersfild Morning Echo, April 4, 1924 – Gilbert Gia )

5

—Ray Barney, Insurance, Area !V

Today (August 25th, ed.), the Medicare Rights Center released a report detailing the role con-sumer advocates and advocacy organizations can play in the implementation of health care re-form efforts—known as health system transformation—designed to change how care is paid for and delivered to achieve improved quality and increased value of health care services in New York. Medicare Rights enlisted the expertise of a panel of individuals to analyze the current state of health system transformation in New York, focusing specifically on three challenges a changing health system creates for advocacy organizations. These challenges include the need to: Understand new risks, Educate consumers and others about new realities, and Engage consumers in designing, implementing, and monitoring new models. Additionally, Medicare Rights proposes nine policy principles to aid in the develop-ment, implementation, and evaluation of new health system transformation models—specifically, models that affect older adults and people with disabilities—and to inform stake-holders of how to develop new health system transformation models while also keeping con-sumers and consumer advocacy organizations meaningfully engaged at all stages of imple-mentation. “Recent health system transformation initiatives are becoming part of the national health care fabric,” said Joe Baker, president of the Medicare Rights Center. “The policy prin-ciples and recommendations distilled in this report can serve as a guide for how to ensure that any changes to health care delivery and payment systems benefit and protect consumers and caregivers.” Drawing from the Medicare Rights’ proposed policy principles, the insights of the ex-pert panel, and experience, the report recommends the following actions for government, pro-viders, insurers, and consumer advocacy organizations to make health system transformation work for all New Yorkers and ensure that consumer advocates are prepared for and engaged stakeholders in the development of new health system transformation models: Ensure clear communication from all parties. Ensure transparency in policies and results. Meaningfully engage providers. Meaningfully engage consumers. Support consumer advocacy organizations. “Working together, we believe that government, insurers, providers, consumer advocacy organizations, and consumers themselves can build a stronger health care system—one that meets the needs of all people,” said Baker.

6

Friendly Visitor Do you know a CalRTA member who has been sick, hospitalized, con-fined, or just needs a friendly visit? If so, call Ruben Perttula (phone number is in the directory).

Do You Know of a CalRTA member

who is ill or hospitalized? Please call Beth Curtis, Courtesy Chair (Number is in the directory). She will be happy to send a “get well” card.

CALIFORNIA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION KERN DIVISION

TAX-FREE DONATION FORM NAME________________________________________________________ ADDRESS____________________________CITY_________________STATE____ZIP_________ My gift is:__Undesignated; ___In honor of;____________________ ___In memory of; ____________________ ___On the occasion of ;_______________________ Please make my gift of $___________known to __________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ *****************************Cut here and return to:******************************* **If this donation is for the SCHOLARSHIP ASSOCIATION “DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS” please make checks payable to KDRT SCHOLARSHIP ASSOCIATION and send to: WALT BURROWS, 3412 Elm St., Bakersfield, CA 93301. **If this donation is for “NEW TEACHER GRANTS”, make checks payable to KCSOS ED. SERVICES FOUNDATION (write CalRTA New Teacher Grants on memo line) and send to LORI HUGHES, 3218 Christmas Tree Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93306. The CalRTA Teacher Grant program is administered through the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Educational Services Foundation, a tax-exempt 501C(3) non-profit corporation. EIN#77-038293

APPLICATION TO JOIN CalRTA Dues deduction $4.50 per month or $54 a year. (Life membership is no longer an option) Dues deduction ____ ($4.50 per month from your STRS warrant) I authorize the State Teachers' Retirement system (STRS) to deduct my CalRTA dues. Should the amount of dues be adjusted, as deemed necessary by CalRTA, I authorize that the adjusted deductions shall continue unless I notify the CalRTA business office in writing to the contrary. To terminate dues deduction, I agree to make my request in writing to the CalRTA office.

Other options: Cash $54 a year______ Social Security #_____________________ Telephone ( )_________________ Name______________________________ Retired from ______________________ Address____________________________ City_____________________ State______ Zip_______ Signature

___________________________________ Mail to Barbara Lovell, whose address is in the directory.

Just a reminder! If you would rather get The Pulse via email, contact Marsha Parr by phone or email at parrmarsha@gmail.com or 663-9306. (Number and email printed with permission) If your email address has changed, contact as well. Thanks! Marsha Parr, Ed.

7

Are You Keeping Score? —Doris H. Dunham, Volunteer Hours Chair

We have all had time this summer to do some resting, some travel, and some volunteering. I hope that you kept track of your volunteer hours. A few people reported hours to me through the sum-mer months. Quite a few of you have not. This is the time to get all of your summer hours (and any unreported spring hours) tallied up and ready to re-port. You can turn in your hours at the September 26th luncheon, or you can email them to me at: dorsdunham@aol.com, call them to me at: 661-203-7298 (a text or voicemail is okay, too), or mail them to me at: 4206 Glencannon Street, Bakersfield, 93308. It really is important for us to record and report our volunteer hours. Each hour has a value of more than $25 and represents time that someone would have to pay for or the task would not be done. Childcare, eldercare, church, community or-ganizations, retired teachers’ association, transpor-tation, and other such activities all count, including travel time to and from your task. Be careful to not “stack” your hours. For instance, time spent doing childcare and some other volunteer activity at the same time cannot be counted separately, if they are in the same time period. We are at six months of the reporting year. We should have 40,000 hours reported toward our goal of 80,000. My spreadsheet today shows 19,536.24 hours. We need to catch up. Thanks for all that you do for others. *****************************************

FROM OUR PRESIDENT —Anna Poggi, President

Welcome to the 2017-2018 year for CalRTA. Our first luncheon meeting is Tuesday, September 26, 11:30, at Hodel's. Interesting programs have been scheduled for the year. First Vice President Linda Carbajal has done an excellent job in scheduling these pro-grams. Our first speaker is David Walrath, Legisla-tive Advocate for CalRTA. He will bring us up-to-date on what's going on in Sacramento. He is an excellent, knowledgeable speaker. Remember to bring your summer volunteer hours with you to our meeting. Looking forward to seeing you in September!

NEW TEACHER GRANTS – 2017-18 —Lori Hughes, Chair

Once again, I plan to ask for donations to fund our New Teacher Grants; we’ve offered our grants to all new teachers in K-12 Kern County public schools for the past dozen years. It’s been a pleasure to do so, but I would like to have some help with it this year. I do hope one of our newer mem-bers will volunteer to take it over next year. In November, applications for the grant will be sent to the schools. The dead-line for applying will be January 12, 2018. A committee will meet the next week to decide on grant recipients. The KCSOS Ed. Ser-vices Foundation will make out checks for them from our funds and we’ll send a letter to every applicant notifying them as to our decisions. In the past, we’ve asked that fund re-cipients send us a report on how they spend the funds, and most have responded with photos, letters from students, etc. All are grateful for our help and they make really interesting purchases (books to robots)! Donations are now being cheerfully accepted by me. Checks should be made out to the KCSOS Educ. Services Foundation. Thank you for your great support for this program!

Lori Hughes (871-6454)

Teacher Grants Fund Donations August 2017

JANIS ROBERTS In memory of Max Whitson CAROL THOMASON In memory of Donna Lathrop

CALIFORNIA RETIRED TEACHERS September, 2017  

KERN DIVISION  P.O. BOX 6275  BAKERSFIELD, CA 93386-6275 Your partner in pension protection  

Kern County  

 

Welcome Back!!  This month’s luncheon is Tuesday, September 26th at 11:30

at Hodel’s  Guest Speaker—David Walrath  

 

The next luncheon is on Tuesday, October 24th at 11:30 at Hodel’s  

“Protect Yourself Against Senior Fraud”  BPD - Alysen Gelinas  

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage   PAID   Permit No. 133 Bakersfield, CA

Division 8

 

MAKE RESERVATION 

Help us avoid the confusion of  needing to set up more tables at the  last minute by making a reservation.  We want you to come! And we want  to be ready to seat everyone!    

CANCEL RESERVATION 

You may cancel your reservation up  until 9 a.m. on the day of the luncheon. 

 Verla Phillips       871 - 2559 Donna Warneke    587 - 0287 Mary Lou Lee      396 - 1331 Phone numbers included with  ( 

permission.)   Cost of lunch is $15.00     

MANAGEMENT AT HODEL’S HAS  REQUESTED THAT OUR MEM- BERS DO NOT ARRIVE FOR  LUNCH BEFORE 10:30. IT INTER- FERES WITH THE SET - UP OF  THE ROOM. PLEASE &THANKS!