a quarterly publication

Kentucky Retired Teachers AssociationServing Retired Teachers Since 1957

volume xlix, number 1 louisville, kentucky september 2014

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IN THIS ISSUE . . . 2014-2015 Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Coming November 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1PERSONALLY SPEAKING From the Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Pension Security: Are You Interested?Social Security & Pension Watch

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT . . . . . . . . . . 2Prepare for the Future

KRTA PARTNERS Liberty Mutual Valuable Earthquake Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Air Land Sea Travel Come Travel With Us! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Bay Alarm Medicall 24/7Medical Alert Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3SPOTLIGHT ON KRTA MEMBER Titus Exum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Crittenden County’s Helen Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5SPECIAL INTEREST Temporary Job Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 KRTA LegaLine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 N . O . Kimbler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6KRTA STANDING COMMITTEES Legislative, Membership, Health & Insurance . . . . 7KRTA OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE COUNCIL . . . . 8 DISTRICT & LOCAL PRESIDENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES Bereavement—A Common Life Experience . . . . 12 AROUND THE STATE Bluegrass RTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Harlan County RTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Kenton County RTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Fleming County RTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Second District RTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Pulaski County RTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Breckinridge County RTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13MISCELLANEOUS INFO Retired Teachers Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14FOR YOUR INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 KRTA Membership Pin Order Form . . . . . . . . . . 15 2014 Fall Workshops Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15DECEASED RETIRED TEACHERS . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Coming November 2014:General Elections!

The day you retired your priorities changed . Concerns about salaries and class size, etc ., became worries of the past . Your concerns shifted to your monthly pension checks, COLAs, health insurance, etc . In the legislature it is hard to make a difference as a lone voice, but together we can make a huge impact!KRTA is working hard to ensure that the needs of retired educators are met . Retired educator issues will require your attention in the upcoming general elections . Every KRTA member needs to know how candidates for State Representative and State Senator in their community will address retired educators’ needs if elected .KRTA is bi-partisan . We do not endorse candidates . We work hard to educate members on the feelings and positions of candidates . That said, we can and should be quite partisan about issues that affect us . For example, expecting our Governor, State Representatives and State Senators to fix the unfunded liability problem in the Teachers’ Retirement System (KTRS) .Prior to the November 2014 general elections, you must become ver y knowledgeable about each candidate’s

2014-2015 OfficersL to R:

Vice-President Cathy Gullett, Big Sandy District

President-Elect Patsy Rainey Central KY West District

President Faye Shehan, Northern District

Past-President Carolyn Falin, Upper Cumberland

See Page 12

posit ion concerning these issues: (1) Fixing the unfunded liability problem in the Teachers’ Retirement System (KTRS), (2) Keeping KTRS as a defined benefit group retirement plan and (3) Making no changes to KTRS’ governance structure .It i s v i t a l t h at y o u k n ow e a c h S t a t e R e p r e s e n t a t i v e c a n d i d a t e a n d S t a t e S e n at o r c a n d i d at e’s p o s i t i o n o n o u r i s s u e s r u n n i n g f o r e l e c t i o n i n y o u r community . Keep informed about their positions on our issues through the public media, attending town meetings, meeting with them individual ly and any other opportunity that presents itself to get to know them . Your vote will be critical to keeping our pensions and health care safe and secure .In the world of elect ions, i f you don’t vote, you don’t count . Let your voice be heard, count yourself among the largest retired teacher association in Kentucky at 29,500+ and growing!

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PERSONALLY SPEAKING . . .

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE . . .

Prepare for the Future

Social Security News & Pension Watch

(Continued on page 14)

Bob Wagoner

Executive Director

(Continued on page 12)

(Continued on page 11)

I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your KRTA President for the 2014-2015 year and what a distinct honor it is to represent all of you . Each state president chooses a theme for his/her term of office . My theme for the year is . . .

Prepare for the Future—How can you contribute?Serve Grow Promote

First, I would like to discuss Serve . The educators before us served and did it well . That is history . We benefit from it . The future depends on you and me and what we choose to do . At this time it is unknown . The present is a “gift .” What do we want to do with it?I would like to suggest we “join hands” and march forward with one idea in mind . If each of us do a little, we will accomplish a lot .Our forefathers saw the great need for teachers to be rewarded in their retirement years for the meager salaries they received . N . O . Kimbler devoted his life bringing the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System to fruition . If you and I believe this

tradition deserves continuing, we must use our words and actions to support our leaders .The future is here! Now we have to step up to the plate and get the ball rolling .

We have 62 retirees over 100 years of age .We have 233 retirees 95-99 years old .We have 707 retirees 90-94 years old .

We have 4,295 retirees 80-89 years old .We are living longer! We each have a professional obligation/responsibility to see that the quality of life for our elderly seniors is a pleasant journey .I would like to express the importance of remembering our elderly, especially the shut-ins . We must continue to be very diligent in our work on membership . Keep in mind we have to replace the ones we lose by death before we can add new numbers . Finally, we do not want to hide our light under a bushel, but we must be aggressive in promoting our good works and contributions .Second, I would like to address Grow . One of the many ways to accomplish our goal is to work on numbers . I am referring to Membership . If each of us recruited one new member, where would we be . We can get excited just thinking about it! Do you have a “white card” in your pocket? That’s an automatic dues deduction card . Always keep one handy to recruit new members .Simply said,we can turn heads if we are 30,000 members strong . Perhaps we need to reach out and ask our active teachers to join us . They can become associate

PENSION SECURITY:

Are You Interested?

Members Can be a Factor

Fall is just around the corner . At the moment, we are dealing with the “dog days” of summer in Kentucky and some quality time with our families and friends . However, for our local RTA presidents, state Legislative Committee members, Executive Council members, office staff and members, this a busy and valuable time to prepare for the coming November 4 general elections and the upcoming 2015 General Assembly .KRTA members are either meeting or preparing to meet with legislative candidates before the November 4 general elections . Our members are educating candidates about our retirement security concerns, especially the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System’s (KTRS) unfunded liability and how to deal with it during the 2015 legislative session .I receive weekly reports from the National Association of State Retirement Administrators (NASRA) that details actions throughout the nation regarding state pensions, including legislation, litigation, studies, reports and conflicts .The future of public pensions in the United States is being contested now . In the last three (3) years, 45 states have taken action to change their state retirement plans . Defined Benefit Group Retirement Plans (KTRS) have been eliminated for new employees and replaced by 401(k) s, employee and retiree costs in state health plans have raised and employer (state) payments into their pension funds have been skipped—which causes unfunded liabilities in pension funds .Recently, state pension retirees in Detroit—including retired teachers, had their monthly pension checks cut 5% by a bankruptcy court! If anyone thinks that your pension and/or future pension could never be cut in Kentucky—think again! The security of our pensions requires your active participation in the political process .

How Social Security Penalties Hurt Public School EducatorsEducators are often hurt by what are called “public servant penalties” in Social Security – the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) . This article’s focus is the WEP penalty .Background

Originally, the Social Security system excluded state and local government employees from coverage . Thus, the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System (KTRS) was established by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1938 to provide retirement benefits for Kentucky’s public school teachers .However, many Kentucky Retired Teacher Association (KRTA) members are eligible for Social Security benefits because they had other employment that was covered by Social Security or by being married to a Social Security recipient .WEP: The Rationale

Social Security is intended to provide a greater level of income replacement for poorer members of society . The formula could not differentiate between those who worked in low-paying jobs their entire career and those who appeared to have received low pay because they worked for many years in jobs not covered by Social Security . Congress believed that the non-Social Security pension benefit would be an adequate retirement even if the earned Social Security benefit was cut .WEP: The Formula

The typical Social Security benefit is figured by a three-step formula . The first step provides 90 percent of the first $656 of average monthly earnings; the second step provides 32 percent of the next $3,046, and the final step provides 15 percent of the remaining earnings .For a retired teacher, the benefit is figured on a modified formula . Instead of 90 percent of the first $656, the benefit is calculated on 40 percent of those earnings—a reduction of 50 percent . The WEP affects those educators who have worked in the KTRS system and in Social Security covered employment . For someone who has 20 years or less in Social Security jobs, the WEP reduces the Social Security benefit by 50 percent .WEP: The Realty

Teaching is not a highly-paid profession and imposition of the WEP formula

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Social Security News & Pension Watch KRTA PARTNERS . . .

A message from Liberty Mutual InsuranceBy Dennis Goebel, Vice PresidentLiberty Mutual Insurance Company

Valuable Earthquake Safety Tips

By Michael Rudeen

Many earthquakes come without warning, but simple preparation can help you ride it out . Check with the National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) and local emergency services agencies to determine if you live in an earthquake-prone area . Then, take these steps to protect yourself:

• Brace your heater. It might be advisable to brace your water heater or heat-ing and cooling units to help keep them from toppling . Materials such as plumber’s tape or electrical metal tubing are commonly used for bracing .

• Store food and water . Maintaining supplies of food and water is wise . A general rule of thumb for clean drinking water requirements is one gallon per person per day . Stock nonperishable foods that will last your family at least three days—and choose nutritious foods that do not require heat to eat safely, like energy bars .

• Compile a household safety kit . A household safety kit can also keep you safe . This should include an emergency first aid kit, a seven-day supply of medications, batteries, a flashlight, a multipurpose tool, and cash .

• Keep informed. The NEIC offers a feature called Earthquake Notification Service, or ENS, which notifies you by text message or email of earthquake activity . Additionally, you can download smartphone apps, such as the Earthquake Notification App offered by the American Red Cross . These also provide information on the chance of substantial aftershocks .

• Stay inside. If you’re inside and feel the ground shaking, stay inside . Crawl under a table or desk for protection from falling objects . Remain in this position until the quake stops . Then follow a prepared evacuation plan . If in doubt, head to an open space away from falling debris .

To learn more about Liberty Mutual Auto and Home Insurance or get a free, no-obligation quote, call 888-504-0156 ext . 51690 or visit wwwlibertymutual .com/krta . Coverage underwritten and provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116 . ©2014 Liberty Mutual Insurance

Each year, one-third of U .S . adults age 65 or older will experience a fall . These falls lead to 2 .2 million yearly visits to the emergency room, with a quarter of these visits resulting in hospitalization .When a senior falls, a timely medical response can dramatically affect the outcome . Seniors who receive medical attention within the first hour of their fall have a much better chance of recovery .According to one recent study of senior fall injuries, 62% of elderly victims who don’t receive help within an hour won’t be able to live independently after hospitalization. 90% of seniors who aren’t helped within 6 hours will have to live in a nursing home. The average cost of a fall injury is $19,000 per incident . See below for a few more alarming statistics .70% of seniors will fall this year .Statistics show us that it’s not a question of “if ” but “when .” Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths in the United States .89% of falls happen out of reach from a phone .Most falls happen in areas that don’t have a phone nearby . These areas include bathrooms and stairs .97% of fall victims may permanently lose their independence .17 Hours . That’s the average time it takes for a fallen senior, living alone, to get help after an emergency . Most will require long-term hospitalization or care .It’s no wonder that a lot of people worry about getting help if something happens to them away from a phone . Whether it’s a senior with limited mobility or a loved one that’s concerned about a family member, it’s always good to be prepared .

A very popular option is a 24/7 personal emergency response system (also known as a medical alert or medical alarm) . This system allows a user to push a button, then be connected to an emergency dispatcher who can determine what sort of help is needed and contact the right people including family, friends, neighbors, and if necessary, local 911 services . For more information, visit our website at

www.bayalarmmedical.com/krta or call us toll-free at 1-877-522-9633.

Come Travel With Us! Air, Land, Sea Travel!

By Tom Perryman

Traveling is one of the most satisfying adventures out there! We are Air, Land, Sea Travel LLC and we have worked to create a most varied and interesting list of

outstanding travel opportunities . We love partnering with KRTA and arranging all these great trips . Since we are retired teachers with dozens of excursions to our credit and enjoyment, we think we know what you want—quality and the best possible price—and that is our total focus . There are literally no trips to any destination we are unable to handle! Here are some of our favorite packages we’ve arranged for the coming months: Gaylord Hotel & Rockettes Christmas show set for December 1 and 2 of this year . It’s a short but fun time in Tennessee enjoying not only the famous

Rockettes show but a Holly Jolly Town Square craft show . We are escorted by motor coach from Louisville, prices from $339 (double) and a modest deposit will hold it . How about Christmas in the Smokies? We have arranged a nice trip to Pigeon Forge November 17-19—that’s two nights, 3 days—with breakfast each morning and two dinner shows . They will be The Dixie Stampede and the Smith Family Dinner Show, as well as admission to the Titanic Museum and a delicious Apple Barn Restaurant lunch . All this is just $379 (Double) with a deposit of just $100 . For Europe—This is one of the finest available packages anywhere . It is Image Tours Heart of Europe Circle Tour April 22 and April 29, 2015 . This is a delightful 15-day motor coach tour of Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium and Holland! Priced from Louisville, with air, tax, Superior Tourist Class and First Class Hotel stays, with 22 meals, transportation, escort, tips, and hotel baggage handling from $3490 per person . (IF BOOKED BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2014) . Insurance is $199 per person . The balance is due February 1, 2015 . There is also availability on IMAGES 12-day ‘TREASURES OF ITALY TOUR”, $3890 per person double and the 16-day “WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL TOUR OF EUROPE”, $4540 per person double (IF BOOKED BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2014) . Those of you who enjoy the warm waters of the South, we’ll sail on the Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans March 20 and June 22—prices from $1599 per person double, plus taxes, port charges and insurance . Your deposit will hold your trip for you . Call for information and put down a deposit on your reservation while there’s still room! Let us make 2014-2015 the most exciting time of your life with a memorable trip you’ll cherish forever!

Call Carol at 502-873-5610/502-594-3874 or Anita at 502-262-2555.

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Spotlight on KRTA Member

Titus ExumJefferson County RTA

Why I Joined KRTA

Temporary Job Opportunities: Assessment Administrators

We are seeking motivated individuals who are committed to excellence and are experienced in working with primary and secondary school students . Westat is recruiting for the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as NAEP or The Nation’s Report Card, for the National Center for Education Statistics, which is part of the U .S . Department of Education . The position involves conducting assessment sessions with 4th-, 8th-, and 12th-grade students in participating schools across the country . Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and involves about 30 students . You will work on a team but will conduct some sessions alone . This opportunity is ideal for retired educators . Your duties will include:

• Preparingassessmentmaterialsandassessmentlocations,• Checkingstudentattendance,• Readingdirectionsaloudtothestudentsfromapreparedscript,• Monitoringthesessions,• Answeringstudentquestionsusingpreparedguidelines,• Collectingcompletedassessmentmaterials,and• Preparingcompletedmaterialsforshipping.

Westat provides complete paid training for all job responsibilities, paid time and mileage reimbursement for local driving to and from schools, weekly paychecks with direct deposit available, and opportunities for advancement based on performance .Qualified applicants must:

• HaveahighschooldiplomaorGED• Bewillingtocompletebackgroundcheckrequirements,includinganFBI fingerprint check• Haveaccesstobroadbandinternetconnectionandpersonal,privateemail account• Haveavalid(current)driver’slicensethatisnotundersuspensionand regular access to an insured, reliable vehicle in order to travel to and from schools,• Havetheabilitytoliftaboxweighing15poundsandcarryitupthestairs with or without a reasonable accommodation,• Beavailabletowork20to30hoursaweek,duringschoolhoursfrom January 26 to March 6, 2015, and• Completethreerequiredcomponentsoftraining,includinganonline course to be completed independently, a web-based video conference, and a half-day in-person meeting during January 2015 .

The following criteria are preferred:• Priorexperienceworkinginaneducationalsettingorworkingwithchildren• Priorexperienceworkinginateamenvironment• Excellentverbalandwrittencommunicationskills• Abilitytoworkcooperativelyaspartofateam• Abilitytomulti-taskinafastpaceenvironment• Willingnesstotravelovernight,ifnecessary

This opportunity is a part-time, temporary position with limited benefits . To apply for this position, click the link to our Online Application . Search for your state, find the NAEP Assessment Administrator position and select the "apply to job" button . Online applications will be accepted beginning in May 2014 .For more information e-mail NAEPrecruit@westat .com or call 1-888-237-8036 .

Planning for retirement is one of the most important decision-making events that we will make in our lifetime . Years ago when I completed college, my goals focused on acquiring success in my career . Retirement was a distant thought that occupied little space in my plans for the future . Fortunately, time and maturity forced me to realize that planning for the future would be necessary in order to take care of my family and to sustain a quality of life upon retirement .Throughout the years, I have given time and financial support to various community, civic and fraternal organizations . I received satisfaction from these activities as a way of giving back to my community . In addition, it became important to me to support organizations that focused on retirement . In retirement, I have supported KRTA and JCRTA because of their focus on retirement benefits for education professionals who are no longer active participants in the profession . We appreciate that these organizations focus on maintaining monthly annuities and other benefits .I recommend the support for these organizations from all retired educators . We cannot assume that legislators will act in our best interest or know our unique needs . For your information, there are three important documents that should be read . They are:

• KRTAHealthCareBenefitsGuidefortheunderandtheover65yearof\ age (see our yellow sheet) which explain medical benefits .• KRTAFactSheetthatexplainsdiscountedbenefits;suchas,home security, legal issues, travel, etc (see our green sheet) .• KRTAnewspaperandlocalassociationnewsletters.

Continue to enjoy your retirement, or start your retirement, enjoy the benefits of the organization, and become a member of KRTA .

Titus ExumJCRTA President

It Really Does Matter Who Your Elected Officials Are!

Stand Firm!Please stay tuned, please keep informed and please ask

someone to join KRTA to make us stronger.

Stay Connected with KRTALet us know if your

email address changes!Notify us at info@krta.org.

septeMBer 2014 krta news page 5

earn her teaching certificate . “We were just beginning to get over that terrible Depression and there wasn’t any money for anything extra at all,” she explained . “I often wondered how my parents sent me for two years .” She would later go on to receive her degree from Western . Moore began her teaching career in Crittenden County in the late 1930s at rural county schools, teaching first through eighth grade . She began at Sisco Chapel School and later taught at Brown School . But after three years she was assigned to Fohs Hall to teach first grade . She would spend 39 years in the same role before retiring in 1980 . “She went out on top, said Moore’s close friend and fellow former first-grade teacher, Phyllis Sykes . To last as long at teaching, as she did, Moore said there are some intangibles a teacher must have . “Patience,” she said . “You have to have patience; that is the first thing . And you have to enjoy the children you are teaching .” She easily recalls unruly pupils, overwhelming class sizes, students sneaking away from campus and other incidents, all of which call for a certain amount of tolerance . But through it all, across her four-plus decades of teaching, Moore was able to influence thousands of young minds with her patience and love . “I hope so, in a good way,” she said of the mark she left on students as she sat on the porch of her North College Street home she has lived in since 1941 . “In first grade, you don’t realize you influence them that much .” In fact, many of her students would go on to become teachers themselves . And Moore, always happy to help out her fellow teachers, took several of them under her wing . “Beginning teachers need a lot of help,” she said . In fact, Moore said her early years were the toughest of her career . Another tough period was during the Second World War, when supplies were diverted to the war

It wasn’t her first choice as a profession, but as an educator, Helen Moore would set the bar for those who have followed her as a teacher in Crittenden County . Having spent all of her 42 years as a public educator in Crittenden County and touching thousands of young lives, Moore set that bar pretty high . Moore, 95, was one of three individuals inducted into the 2014 Class of Crittenden County Distinguished Alumni . Joining her in induction was David Newcom, who had a successful career as an engineer, and C .S . “Clem” Nunn, an attorney, judge and politician who was honored posthumously . “I am surprised at this honor, really surprised,” Moore said . “I wouldn’t have ever thought of such a thing .” In fact, this is the second community honor Moore has received in the last six months as recognition of her decades as a teacher and her civic mindedness and dedication to the community over the years . In December, she was chosen as grand marshal of the annual Marion Christmas parade . She humbly calls herself “unworthy” of such recognition . “I’ll just say this is for all the other teachers who haven’t been recognized,” she said, shrugging off the spotlight . In the four years since the first class of Distinguished Alumni were inducted in 2011, Moore sets herself apart as the only living person to be entered into the hall of fame who left an indelible mark on the world right here in Crittenden County . In fact, she has spent her entire life in Marion, save the time she spent away earning her college education . She was raised as an only child after her older sister died of influenza just months after Moore was born . As a teen at Marton High School, Moore dreamed of becoming an attorney like others in her family . But upon her graduation from the school in 1936, there were few women practicing law . Her family’s humble earnings in the midst of The Great Depression also prevented her from pursuing the costly and lengthy college education necessary to become an attorney . “I just kind of fell into it,” Moore said of her career in teaching . “I really wanted to be a lawyer, but back then you could get a teaching certificate if you went to college for two years, so that’s what I did .” After graduation from high school, Moore went off to then —Western Kentucky State Teachers College in Bowling Green to

effort and were hard to come by . Despite the setbacks during that period, she still managed to give her Fohs Hall students what they needed to move forward . “They still learned to read and write and do some arithmetic,” she said proudly . While Moore still remembers most of the faces of her former students, because of varying class sizes over the years, she has no idea how many people she may have taught . “It would be hard to tell because after the war—World War II—was over and the Baby Boomers started coming, I enrolled as many as over 50 during one year . So it would be hard for me to tell how many I have taught .” Instructing a classroom of more than four dozen first-graders was a daunting task for a young teacher . So it didn’t take long for Moore to call for help from her board of education . “I went to the school board and told them they had to get another teacher,” she said . Her plea was successful . In fact, Moore did not shy away from doing what she thought was right for her students and fellow teachers . On more than one occasion, she stood in opposition of a superintendent as a show of solidarity for her counterparts in the classroom .Would Moore change her life’s work if she could go back in time? “Oh, of course, not,” she said . Though she first missed teaching after retirement, she has grown content to simply watch the children get off the buses in the afternoon . Over the years, Moore has found ways to keep herself busy in the community that she has called home her entire life . She has been involved in Crittenden County Historical Society, having served a period as president; she has been a member of the Business and Professional Women of Marion; she has been an a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for more than 70 years; and she has for more than 87 years been an active member of Marion United Methodist Church, where she has taught Sunday School and has been a Superintendent of Sunday School; and she has held every office in the local United Methodist Women’s Organization .

—Courtesy of The Crittenden Press Marion, Ky.

Crittenden County’s Distinguished Alumni Helen Moore

Exclusive to KRTA members and spouses only, you may email Rebecca Murrell at any time or call during normal business hours and request certain advice or documents at a reduced price compared to most legal services in Kentucky . Services Available At No Charge

Simple legal advice sought by email and phone consultations of limited duration can be handled at no cost to members and spouses . Often, the answer is to refer the member to a competent attorney near the member’s home and every effort will be made to accomplish that when the issue exceeds the capacity or expertise of the LegaLine service . Matters Excluded The LegaLine cannot undertake matters of a complicated nature or which involve the KRTA, its employees, members or contractors . There can be no assistance provided to members who already have legal counsel . Also, no costs, filing fees, damage awards or expenses of any kind are covered . Reduced Fee Services Available Simple Wills, Intra-family Deeds, Living Wills and Powers of Attorney are $50 each . Letters, phone calls, and document review beyond initial call are $125 per hour . Although many of these documents may be found for free or at reduced cost on the internet, there is no assurance that they are accurate . Utilizing this low cost benefit of membership for the preparation of these very important documents will ensure that your questions are answered and that these documents will be properly tailored to your needs .Procedure for LegaLine You may contact the KRTA LegaLine by email at kylawrm@gmail .com or by phone: 800-232-1090 . Every effort will be made to respond to all calls or emails within 48 hours . If no attorney is available at the time of your call, please allow up to five business days for a response . Please note that email inquiries can often be quicker than phone calls .

KRTA Legaline1-800-232-1090

page 6 krta news septeMBer 2014

N. O. Kimbler (1895-1960)

Founder of KTRS BIOGRAPHY

N . O . Kimbler was born In Greenup County, Kentucky . He started teaching in 1912 in a two-room country school and rose to become State President of KEA in 1938 . He saw the great need for Kentucky teachers to be rewarded in their retirement years for the meager salaries they received and devoted his life to bringing the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System to fruition .

His experience included five years of teaching in Alabama, two years of service in WW I, two years as a High School Principal in Henderson County, and eighteen years as Superintendent of Henderson County Schools . He helped draft the state’s first Teacher Retirement Act of 1938 for which no funds were provided until 1940 . He was hired as Executive Secretary of KTRS in 1940 and worked tirelessly to improve the system until his retirement in 1957 .

THE KIMBLER FUND

Background. Looking toward the future and knowing of Mr . Kimbler’s desire for every deserving Kentucky youth to receive a college education, the N . O . Kimbler Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by a group of retired educators in Western Kentucky . In 1982 KRTA became responsible for managing the Fund . A committee of five KRTA members is responsible for overseeing and administering the Fund . Guidelines. The Fund guidelines provide for the Community Colleges of Kentucky to identify students who show promise of becoming excellent teachers . To encourage selected students to pursue that honored profession, they are awarded a scholarship of $1,550 per year to help pay the expenses incurred for their education toward that goal . One scholarship is awarded to each of the public Community and Technical Colleges in Kentucky . Each college determines the recipient . Contributions. Your generosity will help increase the principal of the Fund so that these scholarships may be increased as college expenses increase . Your gift will be an expression of your belief in the value of education and in the importance of strengthening and perpetuating the quality of our profession .

KRTA SUPPORT In addition to the interest earned on the investments of the N . O . Kimbler Fund, the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association contributes annual earnings from the Association’s investments toward paying the cost of the scholarships . The Kentucky Retired Teachers Association is a professional organization with a membership approaching 30,000 working together to help guarantee the financial security of retired educators .

PURPOSES 1 . To promote the economic, social, and professional interests of retired teachers . 2 . To act on behalf of retired teachers 10 matters involving their needs . 3 . To afford opportunity for the expression and interchange of opinions on matters of special interest to all retired teachers . 4 . To aid and support worthy legislation and community efforts to improve public education . 5 . To work with national and other state professional organizations in promoting membership, cooperating in legislative efforts and helping in national and state problems .

COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGES PARTICIPATING Ashland—Ashland Big Sandy—Prestonsburg, Paintsville, Pikeville Bluegrass—Lexington, Danville, Lawrenceburg, Winchester Bowling Green—Bowling Green, Franklin, Glasgow

Elizabethtown—Elizabethtown, Fort Knox Gateway—Covington, Edgewood, Highland Heights Hazard—Hazard, Jackson, Hindman, Hyden Henderson—Henderson Hopkinsville—Hopkinsville, Fort Campbell Jefferson—Louisville, Carrollton, Shelbyville Madisonville—Madisonville, Central City Maysville—Maysville, Cynthiana, Morehead Owensboro—Owensboro Somerset—Somerset, London Southeast—Cumberland, Middlesboro, Pineville, Harlan, Whitesburg West Kentucky—Paducah

CURRENT N. O. KIMBLER FUND COMMITTEE:

KRTA President Faye Shehan KRTA President-Elect Patsy Rainey KRTA Executive Director Dr . Robert WagonerTwo Members appointed by the KRTA Executive Council

502-291-3234 502-231-5802

1-800-551-7979 krta98@aol .com

www .krta .org

We’re fighting for you! And every other educator . . . Join us! Dues are only $20

for an entire year .

Membership applications

online at www .krta .org

or call 800-551-7979

AT TAC K O N

P U B L I C PE N S I O N S

septeMBer 2014 krta news page 7

Elizabethtown—Elizabethtown, Fort Knox Gateway—Covington, Edgewood, Highland Heights Hazard—Hazard, Jackson, Hindman, Hyden Henderson—Henderson Hopkinsville—Hopkinsville, Fort Campbell Jefferson—Louisville, Carrollton, Shelbyville Madisonville—Madisonville, Central City Maysville—Maysville, Cynthiana, Morehead Owensboro—Owensboro Somerset—Somerset, London Southeast—Cumberland, Middlesboro, Pineville, Harlan, Whitesburg West Kentucky—Paducah

CURRENT N. O. KIMBLER FUND COMMITTEE:

KRTA President Faye Shehan KRTA President-Elect Patsy Rainey KRTA Executive Director Dr . Robert WagonerTwo Members appointed by the KRTA Executive Council

502-291-3234 502-231-5802

1-800-551-7979 krta98@aol .com

www .krta .org

BETTY DOZIER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CKW104 WOODFORD VILLAGE DRVERSAILLES KY 40383-1441859-873-5370KAREN GILBERT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CKEPO BOX 1048STANTON, KY 40380-1048606-663-6893cgilb@bellsouth .netFAYE SHEHAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N1036 BELMONT PARK DRUNION, KY 41091-7947859-795-4330faye@shehanpools .comJANE DALTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MC86 GUINN DRMONTICELLO KY 42633606-348-4825jdalton75@windstream .net

KRTA STANDING COMMITTEES — 2014-2015

BETTY HESTER, CO-CHAIR 1782 WEST HEBRON LANESHEPHERDSVILLE KY 40165-7423502-957-2305/502-494-9114betdon1969@aol .com DEBBY MURRELL, CO-CHAIR 2805 ALICE AVLOUISVILLE, KY 40220-1703502-458-5125/502-387-7472dasailboat@msn .comERNIE TROSPER, CO-CHAIR 2015 WYNDAMERE LNPARIS KY 40361-2153859-987-6516etrosper@roadrunner .comANN YARBROUGH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15960 WICKLIFFE RDWICKLIFFE KY 42087270-335-3729ayarbrough@brtc .net

NEAL TUCKER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2328 E YOUNG STMORGANFIELD KY 42437-1760270-389-4744nealdorris@bellsouth .netL. CAROLYN EDWARDS . . . . . . . . . . 3573 SPRADLIN RDEDMONTON KY 42129 270-432-5844carolynedwards@scrtc .comMARGARET SIMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4145 CASTLETON DRBARDSTOWN KY 40004-2531270-349-0055msims1949@yahoo .comSHIRLEY SILLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2171 HIEATT LNSMITHFIELD KY 40068502-517-1911

TBD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JEFF

MARY SUE HALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UC1203 GLOUCESTER AVMIDDLESBORO KY 40965-2210606-248-6660lilwebster54@hotmail .comBEULAH SMITH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .UKRPO BOX 5BUCKHORN KY 41721-0005606-398-2128DEBORAH WARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BS138 WARD AVPO BOX 134AUXIER KY 41602606-886-2840EDWIN COOK III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E160 COMET DRIVEOLIVE HILL KY 41164-9626606-286-6312/606-316-7148edwincookiii@yahoo .com

MEMBERSHIP

LEGISLATIVE

HEALTH & INSURANCE

DON HINES, CO-CHAIR109 WIMBLEDON CTFRANKFORT KY 40601-4860502-875-4988dhines@fewpb .net RAY ROUNDTREE, CO-CHAIR392 LAUREL RDLONDON KY 40741606-864-7421rjroundtree1@windstream .netAARON BEALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1165 NOLAN DRIVE PADUCAH KY 42003-5345270-554-5633drbeals@aol .netREBECCA HUDSON-BROWN . . . . . . 2302 TARTAN DRHENDERSON KY 42420-4768270-826-3088beccabillbrown@att .net

ARTHUR GREEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3PO BOX 314ELKTON KY 42220-0314270-265-5958agreen51@bellsouth .netJAMES HANKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 P O BOX 456LEBANON KY 40033-0456270-692-2454bthanks440@yahoo .comDAVID NEDROS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5230 ESSEX WAYTAYLORSVILLE KY 40007-9218502-477-8459nedros44@twc .comTBD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JEFFELLIE THOMPSON . . . . . . . . . . . CKW962 KENTONTOWN RDMT OLIVET KY 41064-7725606-724-5080/606-584-1197ellisip@hotmail .com

STEVE GARRETT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CKE135 GENEVA AVIRVINE KY 40336-7572606-723-3049stevegarrett@irvineonline .netMAUDE TEEGARDEN . . . . . . . . . . . . NP O BOX 32GERMANTOWN KY 41044-0032606-728-2312maudetee@windstream .netJUDITH WHITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MC488 WESLEY RDSOMERSET KY 42503-4548606-423-3105billandjudywhite@gmail .comMICHAEL CAUDILL . . . . . . . . . . .UKR 392 CIVIL WAR GAPCARCASSONNE KY 41804-9061

VIRGIL OSBORNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BS 9890 ROBINSON CREEK RDVIRGIE KY 41572-8355606-639-2740ANN PORTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E3065 AUGUSTA DOVER RDAUGUSTA KY 41002-9001606-584-2510annp@windstream .netEx-Officio MemberFRANK R. HATFIELD248 LEES LN .SHEPHERDSVILLE KY 40165-9022502-543-6298fmhatfield@windstream .netHonorary Lifetime MemberBOBY L. HUMES248 LEES LNSONORA KY 40165-90225270-300-2927lpathumes@gmail .com

CAROLYN FALIN, CO-CHAIR47 LAUREL LAKE RESORT RDCORBIN KY 40701606-523-8450 /606-521-0412falncarolyn@gmail .com

DONALD PACE, CO-CHAIR20 HERITAGE PLWINCHESTER KY 40391-2355859-771-9559donaldwpace@yahoo .com

DARYL HENLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16208 US HIGHWAY 60WMARION KY 42064-7015270-965-2092henley_jamesdarl@bellsouth .net

ELAINE NEELY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23726 JASON AVHENDERSON KY 42420-9767270-826-9795neelyelaineo@bellsouth .netCAROL GARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3189 ROBIN HOOD TRLBOWLING GREEN, KY 42101-8243270-842-0487cgard@twc .comERNEST TAYLOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2190 MCELROY PIKELEBANON, KY 40033-9347270-699-2786ernestt5@pcscomputer .net

DEBBY STINSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5219 SPRING LAKE CTLOUISVILLE KY 40229-3490502-955-6672bobcathil@aol .comMARYBELLE DUFF . . . . . . . . . . . JEFF 1814BAINBRIDGE ROW DRLOUISVILLE KY 40207-1709502-632-2450embd@twc .comRALPH ROBERTS . . . . . . . . . . . CKE150 EDGEWOOD DRIVESTANFORD, KY 40484-1027606-365-9721rroberts40484@bellsouth .netAUDREY WAYLAND . . . . . . . . . . . .N77 ARCADIA AVELAKESIDE PARK KY 41017-2128 859-341-7274

THOMAS MARSHALL JUDY . . .MC 116 GREEN HILL PARK DRSOMERSET, KY 42501-1100606-679-1201nmjandtmj@windstream .netGOLDEN HALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .UKR1722 BRANHAMS CREEK RDMALLIE KY 41836606-634-9075halegolden@yahoo .comGERALD PRESTON . . . . . . . . . . . . BS133 IRIS STPAINTSVILLE, KY 41240-9303606-789-5830 /606-367-1657geraldpreston@suddenlink .netLANA COMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E 200 DUSTY RDMOREHEAD KY 40351-8247606-784-6161grannalan@lycos .com

page 8 krta news septeMBer 2014

IMMEDIATE PRESIDENT PRESIDENT-ELECT VICE-PRESIDENT PAST-PRESIDENT

Faye Shehan Patsy Rainey Cathy Gullett Carolyn Falin 1036 Belmont Park Dr PO Box 29 2233 KY 1107 47 Laurel Lake Resort Rd Union, KY 41091-7947 N Middletown, KY 40357 Paintsville, KY 41240-8669 Corbin, KY 40701 (859) 371-9193 (859)362-4392 (606)789-6612 (606) 523-8450 faye@shehanpools .com raineypatsy@yahoo .com ngullett8669@suddenlink .net falncarolyn@gmail .com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KRTA NEWS EDITOR DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dr . Bob Wagoner Brenda Meredith Janie Caslowe P O Box 826 7505 Bardstown Road 7505 Bardstown Road New Castle, KY 40050 Louisville, KY 40291 Louisville, KY 40291 (502) 845-0815 (800) 551-7979 (800) 551-7979 bvwagoner@aol .com brenda .meredith@krta .org janie .caslowe@krta .org

Executive Council

2014-2015 KRTA OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

David Foley963 Crossland Rd

Murray, KY 42071(270) 753-4496

foleydavid26@yahoo .comt

Ken Wilson4523 Indian Creek Loop

Owensboro, KY 42303(270) 684-3584

kenwillis0739@att .net

Anna Sturgeon499 Malcolm Doyle Rd

Park City, KY 42160(270) 597-3192

anna499@windstream .net

Tishana Cundiff11181 S KY 501Liberty, KY 42539(606)787-5324tishana333@yahoo .com

Charlotte Nedros230 Essex Way

Taylorsville, KY 40071(502) 477-8459

nedros44@twc .com

Judith Hahn102 Mockingbird Lnr

Bardstown, KY 40004(502) 348-6558

Daniel BransonPO Box 418Allen, KY 41601(606) 226-6241 dpbranson@bellsouth .net

Connie Wiggs215 Burton PikeGeorgetown, KY 40324(502) 863-5048momcon215@gmail .com

Margaret Snedegar74 Smith PikeFlemingsburg, KY 41041(606) 846-2646msnedegar@windstream .net

Linda Thornton89 Burlew LaneButler, KY 41006(859) 472-5318linda .thornton@fuse .net

James Robinson33 Johnson AveMount Sterling, KY 40353(859) 498-0239jimmyjar49@aol .com

LeAnn MullinsPO Box 92Litt Carr, KY 41834(606) 785-1091leannomullins@dishmail .net

Cookie Henson115 Colony RdManchester, KY 40962(606) 598-6439

Linda Ratti400 Glensford DrLouisville, KY 40245(502) 245-4539jrattioboe@aol .comt

AARP/KRTA SpecialistNeal Tucker328 E . Young StreetMorganfield, KY 42437-1760(270) 389-4744nealdorris@bellsouth .net

KRTA Executive Director EmeritusFrank Hatfield248 Lees LaneShepherdsville, KY 40165(502) 543-6298fmhatfield@windstream.net

KTRS Executive SecretaryGary Harbin479 Versailles RoadFrankfort, KY 40601800-618-1687

upper ky river

first

second

third

fourth

fifth

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jefferson

middle cumberland

upper cumberland

big sandyeast

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FIRST DISTRICTBuddy Rushing

245 Rushing Road Paducah, KY 42001 (270) 217-4200

rushing245@comcast.net

DISTRICT & LOCAL PRESIDENTS

BALLARD COUNTYVirginia F . RobertsPO Box 205LaCenter, KY 42056(270) 665-5649gigi@brtc .net

CALDWELL COUNTYRuth Gray607 N JeffersonPrinceton, KY 42445(270) 365-0052/ (270) 836-8028Ruthgray8028@gmail .com

CALLOWAY COUNTYJanis Hicks1661 College TerraceMurray, KY 42071(270) 753-5006janishicks@bellsouth .net

CARLISLE COUNTYLucy H . Hunt1341 County Road 1011Cunningham, KY 42035-9450(270) 642-2359/556-9111 plhunt@wk .net

CRITTENDEN COUNTYPhyllis Sykes215 N Walker StMarion, KY 42064-1437(270) 965-5080/704-0039phyllis .sykes@att .net

FULTON COUNTYWayne Lohaus210 3rd StFulton, KY 42041(270) 472-0963/519-9602loha6333@bellsouth .net

GRAVES COUNTYDonald Sparks307 Golf Club LaneMayfield, KY 42066-1316(270) 247-6454dwsparks@newwavecomm .net

HICKMAN COUNTYSherman Walker5599 State Route 1529EFulton, KY 42041(270) 355-2379sswalker@hughes .net

LIVINGSTON COUNTYDelbert Myrick1099 Lola RoadSalem, KY 42078-9335(270) 988-3729dwmyrick@webtv .netLYON COUNTYSandra Rudolf415 Barnett RoadEddyville, KY 42038(270) 388-9375/601-1525sandra@roxcom .netMARSHALL COUNTYMike Harrell33 Aspen StreetCalvert City, KY 42029-9304(270) 395-7841harrell49@yahoo .comMCCRACKEN COUNTYKatherine R . Mayne2325 Olivet Church RdPaducah, KY 42001(270) 554-7312/ (270) 994-7587krmayne@yahoo .comTRIGG COUNTYMildred GrastyPO Box747Cadiz, KY 42211-0747(270) 522-6262/206-5514

SECOND DISTRICTHarold Wilson

2362 Georgia LNOwensboro, KY 42303-2035

(270) 302-7504harold2362@att.net

CHRISTIAN COUNTYLarry Carter2895 Princeton RoadHopkinsville, KY 42240-8500(270) 885-4514carter0369@att .netDAVIESS COUNTYJudy Hughes8 Maple St .Owensboro, KY 42301(270) 684-7818/ 929-1327jmhughes .ky@gmail .com

HANCOCK COUNTYVACANT

septeMBer 2014 krta news page 9

GRAVES COUNTYDonald Sparks307 Golf Club LaneMayfield, KY 42066-1316(270) 247-6454dwsparks@newwavecomm .net

HICKMAN COUNTYSherman Walker5599 State Route 1529EFulton, KY 42041(270) 355-2379sswalker@hughes .net

LIVINGSTON COUNTYDelbert Myrick1099 Lola RoadSalem, KY 42078-9335(270) 988-3729dwmyrick@webtv .netLYON COUNTYSandra Rudolf415 Barnett RoadEddyville, KY 42038(270) 388-9375/601-1525sandra@roxcom .netMARSHALL COUNTYMike Harrell33 Aspen StreetCalvert City, KY 42029-9304(270) 395-7841harrell49@yahoo .comMCCRACKEN COUNTYKatherine R . Mayne2325 Olivet Church RdPaducah, KY 42001(270) 554-7312/ (270) 994-7587krmayne@yahoo .comTRIGG COUNTYMildred GrastyPO Box747Cadiz, KY 42211-0747(270) 522-6262/206-5514

SECOND DISTRICTHarold Wilson

2362 Georgia LNOwensboro, KY 42303-2035

(270) 302-7504harold2362@att.net

CHRISTIAN COUNTYLarry Carter2895 Princeton RoadHopkinsville, KY 42240-8500(270) 885-4514carter0369@att .netDAVIESS COUNTYJudy Hughes8 Maple St .Owensboro, KY 42301(270) 684-7818/ 929-1327jmhughes .ky@gmail .com

HANCOCK COUNTYVACANT

FRANKLIN COUNTYSue Caldwell - Contact2088 Silver Lake BoulevardFrankfort, KY 40601-5306(502) 695-7486/395-0251s8caldwell@aol .comHENRY COUNTYMildred Elston, Contact1305 Cross MainNew Castle, KY 40050(502) 845-2676David Stahl - ContactPO Box 753New Castle, KY 40050-0735(502) 695-7486/395-0257s8caldwell@aol .comOLDHAM COUNTYShirley Sills3171 Hieatt Ln .Smithfield, KY 40068(502) 517-1911s81sills@gmail .comOWEN COUNTYFaye Shelton13995 US 127 SOwenton, KY 40359(502) 484-5385/514-1268faye .shelton@live .comSHELBY COUNTYMarie Wright8390 Benson PikeBagdad, KY 40003-8042(502) 487-0933mwright@shelbybb .netSPENCER COUNTYCharlotte Nedros230 Essex WayTaylorsville, KY 40071-9218(502) 477-8459/439-4136nedros44@twc .comTRIMBLE COUNTYSharon K . Rowlett8224 Carrollton Rd .Campbellsburg, KY40011(502) 532-7533/552-5486skrowlett@gmail .com

JEFFERSON COUNTYTitus Exum, President

2806 Spring Bud Court Louisville, KY 40220-3542 (502) 499-5615/262-9046

thexbossoo@bellsouth.net

CENTRAL KENTUCKY EAST DISTRICT

Thelma Blair 1560 Peytons Well Road Stanford, KY40484-9316 (606) 669-0870

jtblair2006@windstream.netEASTERN KY UNIVERSITYDonald Calitri344 Highland Lake Richmond, KY 40475(859) 624-1634dcalitri@roadrunner .comESTILL COUNTYRobert Smith2647 Crooked Creek RoadIrvine, KY 40336(606) 723-3728rlarvin@yahoo .com

LOGAN COUNTYJo Orange1792 Sycamore RdRussellville, KY 42276(270) 542-6647/772-3826orange@logantele .com

METCALFE COUNTYCarolyn Edwards573 Spradlin RdEdmonton, KY 42129(270) 432-5844/590-3894carolynedwards@SCRTC

MONROE COUNTYGinger Holcomb1967 John Strode Rd .Gamaliel, KY 42140(270) 457-4756/ 427-0077holcomb@scrtc .com

MUHLENBERG COUNTYWesdie Webb112 Hopkinsville StGreenville , KY 42345(270) 338-2853

OHIO COUNTYSharon Powell101 N Main StreetBeaver Dam, KY 42320-1999(270) 302-5613sharonbpowell123@att .net

SIMPSON COUNTYJon Hall1653 Temperana RdFranklin, KY 42134(270) 586-5011/776-4161Hallpal@aol .com

TODD COUNTYArthur GreenPO Box 314Elkton, KY 42220(270) 265-5958agreen51@bellsouth .net

WARREN COUNTYMartha C Jenkins611 Covington Grove BlvdBowling Green, KY 42104-6601(270) 842-0686/780-4900jenkins777@twc .com

FOURTH DISTRICTBill Kelley

904 Dogwood Drive Elizabethtown, KY 42701 (270) 737-7742 pbkelley1@comcast.net

BRECKINRIDGE COUNTYMary Lois Roberts210 Plainview DriveHardinsburg, KY 40143-2572(270) 756-2399/617-8146marylo@bellsouth .netE’TOWN, HARDIN/LARUE CO Shelia Wilkinson1301 Burns Rd .Radcliff, KY 40160(270) 319-2065sheliawilk@comcast .net

HENDERSON COUNTYShirley Wathen10466 US HWY 60 WHenderson, KY 42420(270) 533-9766donaldshirleywat@bellsouth .netHOPKINS COUNTYRegena Pollard34 Lamb RdMadisonville, KY 42431-7721(270) 821-6432 /871-4722regenapollard@twc .comMCLEAN COUNTYMargaret TurnerPO Box 54Island, KY 42350-0054(270) 791-3961margaret-turner@att .netUNION COUNTYMathew Ciercorka319 Valley Dr .Morganfield, KY 42437(270) 389-1054/ 871-1665mciecork@bellsouth .netWEBSTER COUNTYFaye Melton1233 St Rt 873Dixon, KY 42409-9558(270) 639-5554fandlmelton@gmail .com

THIRD DISTRICTRomanza Johnson

3341 Cemetery Road Bowling Green, KY 42103 (270) 842-3416

romanzaj@twc.com

ALLEN COUNTYFerrell Oliver2245 Halfway HalifaxScottsville, KY 42164-8334(270) 622-5997/618 .0376oliverguernseys@aol .comBARREN COUNTYDiana Jones617 Queens Chapel RdGlasgow, KY 42141(270) 453-2031/670-1608djones811@gmail .com

BUTLER COUNTYPatricia Craig333 S . Tyler St .Morgantown, KY 42261(270) 526-3560 / 999-1005pattycraig@bellsouth .net

CUMBERLAND COUNTYEva Breedlove122 Woodland StreetBurkesville, KY 427179042(270) 864-1230evabreedlove@yahoo .com

EDMONSON COUNTYNancy Sanders8519 Brownsville RoadBrownsville, KY 42210-9444(270) 597-3627/246-0163ksanders07@windstream .net

GRAYSON COUNTYBonnie Harrell Blanton468 Mulberry Street Apt . BLeitchfield, KY 42754-2251(270) 971-1185bblanton10@windstream .netGREEN COUNTYMartha L . Stepp4082 Hodgenville Rd .Greensburg, KY 42743(270) 932-5927/ 405-3563stepp-martha@windstream .netHART COUNTYMarcia Witherspoon203 Cave StHorse Cave, KY 42749(270) 786-1562 /404-6112mwspoon@scrtc .comMARION COUNTYKatina Johnson237 S . Harrison St .Lebanon, KY 40033-1151(270) 699-9398/402-2163johnson .katina@gmail .comMEADE COUNTYMargaret Benham312 Homeview Dr,Brandenburg, KY 40108(270) 422-2827margaret@meadereads .orgAnita Seymour4945 Garrett Rd .Ekron, KY 40117(270) 828-2122aseymour@bbtel .comNELSON COUNTYMary Jane Greenwell113 Edgewood Bardstown, KY 40004(502) 348-3644TAYLOR COUNTYAmelia Elise Mohon50 Dogwood TraceCampbellsville, KY 42718(270) 465-3099/ 403-3508em87@windstream .netWASHINGTON COUNTYMary “Elaine” Mattingly5529 Bardstown RoadSpringfield, KY 40069-9441(859) 805-0066mattingly .elaine@gmail .com

FIFTH DISTRICTAllen Schuler

7506 Appletree Way Louisville, KY 40228-2237 (502) 239-1559

satrer31@twc.comBULLITT COUNTYCarolyn Dennison406 Mill Run Rd .Shepherdsville, KY 40165(502) 543-2159/724-5074gdennison@windstream .netCARROLL COUNTYCassandra McBurney715 Ghent Eagle SouthSanders, KY 41083(502) 347-5587cmcburney715@gmail .com

GARRARD COUNTYLarry Woods89 Humphrey Ln .Lancaster, KY 40444(270) 999-1121lkw53@windstream .netJACKSON COUNTYVivian MarcumP O Box 153Grayhawk, KY 40434(606) 287-3256/438-3255vimarc@prtcnet .orgLEE COUNTYAvis Thompson721 Silver Creek Rd .Beattyville, KY 41311(859) 948-5334/(606)464-9177samavis@bellsouth .netLINCOLN COUNTYBrenda Ellis5995 KY Highway 2141Hustonville, KY 40437 (859) 583-6212bellis32@windstream .netMADISON COUNTYRichard Bogard409 Martin Dr .Richmond, KY 40475(859) 623-0923rmbogard@att .netMONTGOMERY COUNTYPam Collins403 Hollow Creek Rd .Mt . Sterling, KY 40353(859) 585-4932pkwcollins@gmail .comPOWELL COUNTYKaren GilbertPO Box1048Stanton, KY 40380(859) 227-6537karenhcg@att .netROCKCASTLE COUNTYRichard Bray306 Cedar Rapids RoadMount Vernon, KY 40456(606) 256-4852/308-5959rlbray@windstream .net

CENTRAL KENTUCKY WEST DISTRICT

Laura Gray, President 344 Northridge Drive Midway, KY 40347-3908

(859) 846-5652lcreate88@aol.com

ANDERSON COUNTYPatty Klink1041 Woodspoint DriveLawrenceburg, KY 40342(502) 839-7550/598-9883klink726@roadrunner .comBLUEGRASS COUNTIES(Bourbon and Fayette)Ernie Trosper2015 Wyndamere Ln .Paris, KY 40361(859) 987-6516/749-7342etrosper@roadrunner .com

page 10 krta news septeMBer 2014

JESSAMINE COUNTYTerry Leitch116 Alta Ct .Nicholasville, KY 40356(859) 887-2970 /619-0242mtleitch@gmail .comMERCER COUNTYJudy Sutter835 Berry Dr .Harrodsburg, KY 40330(859) 734-4181j2sutter@bellsouth .netNICHOLAS/ROBERTSONCheryl Rawlings6492 Maysville Rd .Carlisle, KY 40311(859) 289-2978/473-0522crawlings@dishmail .netSCOTT COUNTYParthenia Wells, Co-President4036 Cynthiana Rd .Georgetown, KY 40324(502) 863-4012wellsparthenia@gmail .comMarlene Wright, Co-President106 Gatewood Dr .Georgetown, KY 40324(502) 863-4716/221-5312marlenewright2@bellsouth .netWOODFORD COUNTYKathryn Cole3790 Troy PikeVersailles, KY 40383(859) 873-0051colejbkc83@windstream .net

MIDDLE CUMBERLANDDISTRICT

Shirley Dick Wolf 216 Pogue Drive Somerset, KY 42503-4158 (606) 875-3321 shirleydick.wolf@twc.comADAIR COUNTYBobbie Coomer9495 Russell Springs RoadRussell Springs, KY 42642-7722(270) 384-4825/858-9695bjcoomer@windstream .net

CASEY COUNTYTishana Cundiff11181 S KY 501Liberty, KY 42539-5475(606) 787-5324 tishana333@yahoo .comCLINTON COUNTYShirley Ryan2060 Grider Hill Dock RoadAlbany, KY 42602-7167(606) 387-7480/278-4795shirleyryan@windstream .netMCCREARY COUNTYSharon HaynesP O Box 571Whitley City, KY 42653-0571(606) 376-8976/310-6095shaynes1@highland .netPULASKI COUNTYMargaret Mauney213 Richwwod Dr .Somerset, KY 42503(606) 678-0507/219-5362bmauney@windstream .netRUSSELL COUNTYLura “Jane” Johnson237 Yellow Apple Ridge RoadRussell Springs, KY 42642-9728(270) 866-5435/566-2333jane@duo-county .comWAYNE COUNTYGeorge Owen Horton3688 Highway 200Monticello, KY 42633-9304(606) 348-7334

NORTHERN KENTUCKY DISTRICT

Bert Baldwin, President 34 Sidney Drive Independence, KY 41051-9291 (859) 801-7949

abertbaldwin@gmail.com

BOONE COUNTYMary Sue Wilson850 Hicks PikeWalton, KY 41094-8216(859) 485-7210susieq45_kentucky@hotmail .comBRACKEN COUNTYLaural Gray, Co-President124 Bluegrass EstatesBrooksville, KY 41004-8221(606) 735-3389/782-2267lauraljane48@gmail .comSharon Teegarden, Co-President2225 Bladeston DrBrooksville, KY 41004-8162(606) 735-2134/782-3065mstee@windstream .netCAMPBELL COUNTYTerry Lightfoot117 Memorial ParkwayBellevue, KY 41073-1747(859) 441-5803GALLATIN COUNTYDona Roberts135 Homestead DriveSparta, KY 41086-8880(859) 643-2671granny4girl1@yahoo .com

GRANT COUNTYLoretta Flerlage1000 Independence PikeDry Ridge, KY 41035-6811(859) 824-4882/628 .2468sflerlage@zoomtown.comKENTON COUNTYJ . B . Losey 3521 Visalia RoadMorning View, KY 41063-8729(859) 356-6168PENDLETON COUNTYPhyllis Kelsch10360 KY Highway 10 NFoster, KY 41043(859) 472-2223pakelsch@aol .com

UPPER CUMBERLAND DISTRICT

Maggie Napier 1770 N Highway 421 Manchester, KY 40962-7249

(606) 599-5201maggiegardens@yahoo.com

BELL COUNTYRicky Nelson117 Gumwood Rd .Middlesboro, KY 40965-8771(606) 248-8828CLAY COUNTYMaretta Robinson106 T St .Manchester, KY 40962(859) 598-3660maggiegardens@yahoo .comHARLAN COUNTYPolly McLainPO Box 28Evarts, KY 40828-0028(606) 837-3546pollymclain@aol .comKNOX COUNTYJean Smith41 Terrell LaneBarbourville, KY 40906-7860(606) 546-3223nanner41@windstream .netLAUREL COUNTYJim R . Connor605 Whitley StreetLondon, KY 40741-2628(606) 864-9895/309-0906jimlou@windsteam .netMIDDLESBOROPaula AdamsPO Box 485Middlesboro, KY 40965-0485(606) 248-4486paula .adams195@yahoo .comWHITLEY COUNTYPaul Falin47 Laurel Lake Resort RoadCorbin, KY 40701-7848(606) 523-8450/304-1146pfalin@dishmail .net

UPPER KY RIVER DISTRICT

Charlotte Ditty, President 111 State Drive Jackson, KY 41339

(606) 666-5253 BREATHITT COUNTYKaren Griffith20 Twin Cedar RoadJackson, KY 41339-9193(606) 295-9211/568-0113kayseegee@yahoo .comKNOTT COUNTYLeAnn MullinsP O Box 92Litt Carr, KY 41834(606) 785-9307/276-0650LESLIE COUNTYMalissa BowlingP O Box 482Hyden, KY 41749(606) 672-2527flackygirl@yahoo.comLETCHER COUNTYMarcia Caudill392 Civil War GapCarcassonne, KY 41804-9061(606) 633-9691marcia@tvscable .comOWSLEY COUNTYJohn Turner47 Reynolds Loop Rd .Booneville, KY 41314(606) 593-5848/560-1751jkturner@prtcnet .orgPERRY COUNTYNorma Noble1687 Lost Creek RoadHazard, KY 41701-7916(606) 436-5009 nnoble1@windstream .netWOLFE COUNTYBernice ElamUpper Gilmore RoadCampton, KY 41301-8399(606) 662-4801

BIG SANDY DISTRICTDaniel Branson

PO Box 418Allen, KY 41601(606) 226-6241

dpbranson@bellsouth.net

FLOYD COUNTYDaniel BransonP O Box 418Allen, KY 41601(606) 226-6241dpbranson@bellsouth .netJOHNSON COUNTYConnie Meek408 S Buckingham Ave .West Van Lear, KY 41268(606) 788-0316/367-9843connie .meek@ky .govLAWRENCE COUNTYPhyllis Waller24 Wilson Pointe RoadLouisa, KY 41230-7737(606) 638-9316/483-0432

MAGOFFIN COUNTYJoyce Joseph184 Birch Branch Road Unit 1Salyersville, KY 41465-9620(606) 349-3910pjjoseph@foothills .netMARTIN COUNTYDarrell ClarkP O Box 24Lovely, KY 41231-0024(606) 395-6222/626-7304drclark1951@gmail .comPIKE COUNTYVirgil Osborne9890 Robinson Creek Road Virgie, KY 41572-8355(606) 639-2740

EASTERN DISTRICTAnn Porter

3065 Augusta Dover Road August, KY 41002-9001 (606) 584-2510 annp@windstream.netBATH COUNTYVivian “Fay” Hart - Temporary26 Banker StreetOwingsville, KY 40360-2008(606) 674-3215BOYD COUNTYJean Fraley902 W Glendale Dr .Ashland, KY 41102(606) 928-4840rlfraley@roadrunner .comCARTER COUNTYEdwin Cook160 Comet DriveOlive Hill, KY 41164-7687(606) 286-6312/316-7148edwincookiii@yahoo .comELLIOTT COUNTYRosemary Moore1753 S KY 706Isonville, KY 41149(606) 673-5601/225-3125FLEMING COUNTYMargaret Snedegar74 Smith PikeFlemingsburg, KY 41041-8632(606) 846-2646/776-8240msnedegar@windstream .netGREENUP COUNTYCarol Sue Spence1115 Norwood Ave .Ashland, KY 41102(606) 324-7734/923-3374carolspence9@aol .comLEWIS COUNTYCandy Noble121 Old Ribolt RoadTollesboro, KY 41189-8944(606) 798-1265elbonac@yahoo .comMASON COUNTYAnn Porter3065 Augusta Dover RoadAugusta, KY 41002-9001(606) 882-2486/584-2510annp@windstream .net

BOYLE COUNTYLydia L . Ellis, Co-Pres .4B Charleston GreenDanville, KY 40422(859) 239-8318 Lydiadellis@gmail .comCathie Harris, Co-Pres .204 E . Broadway St .Danville, KY 40422(859) 236-5976cairo92@bellsouth .netCLARK COUNTYJune Thompkins419 Willowbrook RdWinchester, KY 40391-2384(859) 771-2659HARRISON COUNTYIshmael Hopkins3764 US Hwy . 62 ECynthiana, KY 41031-6736(859) 234-5545/588-2020ihopkins@yahoo .com

septeMBer 2014 krta news page 11

MAGOFFIN COUNTYJoyce Joseph184 Birch Branch Road Unit 1Salyersville, KY 41465-9620(606) 349-3910pjjoseph@foothills .netMARTIN COUNTYDarrell ClarkP O Box 24Lovely, KY 41231-0024(606) 395-6222/626-7304drclark1951@gmail .comPIKE COUNTYVirgil Osborne9890 Robinson Creek Road Virgie, KY 41572-8355(606) 639-2740

EASTERN DISTRICTAnn Porter

3065 Augusta Dover Road August, KY 41002-9001 (606) 584-2510 annp@windstream.netBATH COUNTYVivian “Fay” Hart - Temporary26 Banker StreetOwingsville, KY 40360-2008(606) 674-3215BOYD COUNTYJean Fraley902 W Glendale Dr .Ashland, KY 41102(606) 928-4840rlfraley@roadrunner .comCARTER COUNTYEdwin Cook160 Comet DriveOlive Hill, KY 41164-7687(606) 286-6312/316-7148edwincookiii@yahoo .comELLIOTT COUNTYRosemary Moore1753 S KY 706Isonville, KY 41149(606) 673-5601/225-3125FLEMING COUNTYMargaret Snedegar74 Smith PikeFlemingsburg, KY 41041-8632(606) 846-2646/776-8240msnedegar@windstream .netGREENUP COUNTYCarol Sue Spence1115 Norwood Ave .Ashland, KY 41102(606) 324-7734/923-3374carolspence9@aol .comLEWIS COUNTYCandy Noble121 Old Ribolt RoadTollesboro, KY 41189-8944(606) 798-1265elbonac@yahoo .comMASON COUNTYAnn Porter3065 Augusta Dover RoadAugusta, KY 41002-9001(606) 882-2486/584-2510annp@windstream .net

MENIFEE COUNTYDorothy “Elaine” Brown44 Harrison DriveFrenchburg, KY 40322(606) 768-2244elaineb@mrtc .comMORGAN COUNTYGwenda Lane1618 Meeting House BranchEze, KY 41425(606) 725-5633ROWAN COUNTYLana Combs202 Dusty RoadMorehead, KY 40351(606) 784-6161grannalana@lycos .com

results in significant losses of earned retirement income . Most agree that the amount of the reduction was an arbitrary figure, and since it applies only to the first increment of earnings it is a highly regressive formula . It is essentially the only means-testing in Social Security, but without taking into account the actual income of the recipient .The WEP also reduces the ability to recruit private industry workers to bring their skills and knowledge to Kentucky’s classrooms . This transfer of knowledge is particularly important in some of the high technology areas for Kentucky high schools and community and technical colleges .

WEP/GPO Update

KRTA continues to work for the repeal of the WEP/GPO penalties . We have joined other retired educators on a nationwide scale in renewing the importance of this issue with the current administration . A national website that can keep you informed on the latest actions concerning this issue is www .ssfairness .com . You may wish to visit this site and sign up for updates .Our volunteer advocates for federal issues continue representing KRTA on this matter . They are hard at work maintaining contact with the congressional offices of all of Kentucky’s federal delegation . The association will continue working with other like organizations to seek action on these unfair Social Security

provisions . As reported in the March issue of the KRTA News, there are repeal bills filed in both chambers of Congress . In the U .S . House of Representatives it is HR 1795 and in the Senate it is S 896 .Washington, D .C ., continues to be in disarray . Currently, both the U .S . House of Representatives and the U .S . Senate are very unfriendly to the idea of repealing the WEP offset . Perhaps when the economy turns around and/or after the 2014 elections, the political climate in both chambers of Congress will be friendlier . The repeal of WEP and GPO is estimated to cost $10B per year more to Social Security . Thus, a robust economy is very important to getting this done .

Pension Watch

In early June the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) submitted a letter to The Washington Post correcting distorted facts about pensions provided to educators in a recent opinion piece .Opinion Piece Distorts the Facts about Defined Benefit Pension Provided to Educators

June 2, 2014Letters to the EditorThe Washington Post

It’s unfortunate that the opinion piece, “The hidden penalty on teachers,” distorts the facts about defined benefit (DB) pensions provided to educators .Pensions for public school teachers provide meaningful lifetime income after teachers spend 20, 25 or more years educating children . Moreover, teachers in Maryland who choose to leave before their pension benefits vest are eligible to receive a refund of their member contributions, currently seven percent of pay plus five percent compounded interest . That guaranteed return will be hard to come by and can serve as an excellent foundation to their personal retirement savings if they roll their pension money into an individual retirement account . What’s more, education professionals who choose to take time away from teaching— perhaps to raise a family—can return within four years to a secure pension that has continued to accrue interest .The authors also fail to understand that pensions are important retention tools . In the teaching profession, experienced teachers mean higher quality outcomes for students . Like other professions, teacher turnover typically is higher during the early years . For example, in Maryland about 14 percent of first-year teachers decide teaching may not be the right fit for them .Education literature indicates that teachers with five or more years of experience are the most productive . Once teachers reach their peak performance, retention is critical because loss of mid-career educators causes school productivity to drop . Retention tools like pensions play a critical role in encouraging experienced teachers to stay on the job .A Towers Watson survey finds nearly three-fourths of workers under age 40 report that a pension is an important reason to stay with their employer . National Center on Educational Statistics data indicates more than one-fifth of teachers have more than 20 years of experience . Moreover, Department of Labor statistics demonstrate that public sector female workers are twice as likely to have a long tenure (25 or more years) than similar females in the private sector .While nine out of 10 teachers are in a pension, more than one-third of private sector employees do not even have access to any retirement plan . Among workers ages 25 to 35, the Urban Institute finds that only 37 percent have a 401(k) account, and unfortunately

young account holders cashed out roughly one-third of aggregate value held in their 401(k) accounts, usually upon a job change .To ensure the Maryland teacher pension remained financially sound, the state had to make tough decisions that required shared responsibility by increasing employee vesting periods and contributions . To mischaracterize those reforms as a penalty that puts young teachers in a worse retirement position than colleagues in the private sector is misleading and ignores reality .Diane OakleyExecutive DirectorNational Institute on Retirement Security

Dean KenderdineExecutive DirectorMaryland State Retirement and Pension System

Regular updates concerning Social Security and Pension issues will appear in each issue of the KRTA News . Look for them .

What Happens to Your KTRS Insurance Upon Turning 65?

Are you currently on KTRS insurance? If yes, you will receive a “Turning 65 Information Packet” explaining the KTRS Medicare Eligible Health Plan (MEHP) which is comprised of a Medicare Advantage PPO Plan and a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan . The “Turning 65 Information Packet” informs you to contact the Social Security office 3three months before your birth month to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B so you will be eligible for the KTRS MEHP enrollment . You must complete the MEHP Enrollment Form by copying your Medicare Health Insurance CLAIM NUMBER from your Medicare Card . Submit the enrollment form to KTRS prior to the first day of your birth month . KTRS sends this information to the insurance companies, who sends it to Medicare to approve your enrollment . Benefit booklet and ID Cards are sent to you upon enrollment .After your coverage begins you will receive an Evidence of Coverage from the current insurance carrier and Express Scripts . If your MEHP enrollment form is submitted to KTRS in a timely manner and Medicare approves your enrollment, you should receive ID cards before your coverage is effective . Please note that Medicare rules will not allow you to be enrolled in two Medicare Advantage plans or two Medicare Part D prescription drug plans at the same time . If you enroll in either, outside of KTRS, your KTRS coverage will be terminated .If you are currently covered by a Family, Couple, or Parent Plus Plan, you will have to read and complete other forms if required .To obtain additional information about enrolling in Medicare, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Medicare at 1-800-633-4227, or www .medicare .gov on the web .If you have any other questions, please contact KTRS at 1-800-618-1687 . You may fax your complete paperwork to 502-573-0199 .

(Continued from “Social Security News” page 2)

page 12 krta news septeMBer 2014

members . Goals we are working on are goals that will aff ect them in the future .Maybe a start will be to ask our local Superintendents . See if they have an interest in joining us to preserve the future, aft er all it is “their” future we are talking about .Th ird, I would like to address Promote . I take great pride in promoting our Association, Th e Kentucky Retired Teachers Association is “the only organization in the state that has as its main purpose to look out for the welfare of retired educators .” KRTA is not affi liated with any other organization, political or otherwise . Th e strength of the state association is evident in 14 districts and 118 local associations . Th e process of becoming president has provided me an insight that makes me more appreciative of KRTA’s mission and many services to our membership .

We need to make our community leaders and our legislatures aware of the many ways our members contribute to the community and state; such as:• Volunteer hours• Relay for life• Community projects• School back packs• Food drives We need to publicize these accomplishments through local newspapers, word of mouth, Facebook, friends, TV, radio, and magazine articles .We can be proud of being a member of KRTA . Much is being accomplished for our retirees as we serve and work together for the common good and interest of each member . However, we continue to face some great challenges . We must be prepared to put forth the eff ort it takes to preserve the benefi ts we now have . We are so blessed to have Dr . Wagoner and his excellent staff to provide

Continued from the President’s Message page 2

The Sky’s the Limit— 30,015 + Members in 2015!

Membership Newsus with the expertise and organizational skills to keep us informed and operating effi ciently . We have been fortunate to have the experience and guidance of Frank Hatfi eld for many years .We would like to thank Gary Harbin and his dedicated staff for going the extra mile for KTRS . Last but not least, where would we be without our board of trustees to watch over our annuity checks?As you are reading this issue of the KRTA News, I will be traveling across the Commonwealth with the workshop team meeting with 14 districts and 118 local counties in attendance . I look forward to working with fellow retirees in each district .I am open to any suggestions to improve our organization; and if you would like for me to come to your local or district meeting, please contact me at Faye@shehanpools .com or (859) 802-2304 .

Bereavement—A Common Life Experience By Nancy Strain, Unit 22 Sno-Isle

I don’t know why I agreed to take on this diffi cult topic, but in a weak moment, I did . A Merriam Webster defi nition of bereavement is: a period of mourning aft er a loss, especially aft er the death of a family member or friend . Put another way, It IS the process of letting go of a loved one who has died . I like the word process from above . It says that getting over the loss will take time . In her 1969 book, On Death and Dying, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross identifi es the fi ve stages of grieving—emotional stages experienced upon the death of someone . Th e fi ve stages are not experienced in order and the duration of each stage will vary . Th e stages of mourning and grief are universal and are experienced by people from all walks of life . Th ese stages are like a guide in your bereavement . Th ey help you understand and relate to where you are in this process . DENIAL AND ISOLATION Denial and isolation is usually the fi rst step . One denies the reality of the situation . In fact, I recently received a call informing me of the death of my mom’s fi rst cousin . And I did say, “I can’t believe it . She seemed to be getting better .” As a family member who lived quite far away, I was not aware of all the visits to the hospital . Th us, this death came as quite a shock . Th is is a temporary response that takes us through the fi rst amount of pain . It is a defense mechanism that buff ers us from the immediate shock . And, I know that her husband, children, and many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren will each spend a diff erent amount of times in this stage .

ANGER

Anger is another stage . Reality begins to return, but we are not ready . An intense emotion surfaces and anger emerges . Why did this happen? Why my wife, mom, grandmother, friend, etc .? Our anger is aimed at any number of sources: inanimate objects, complete strangers, a family member, the hospital, the doctor, etc . When I was 18, my dad died suddenly of a heart attack . Th us, I was angry with myself for not telling him I loved him the night before . My mom should have watched his diet more and not used so much salt in her cooking . His doctor should have recognized shortness of breath for angina . As you can see, this state may take some time . Seek professional help if you need it, or if a loved one needs it . BARGAINING

Bargaining comes next We feel vulnerable and want to regain control . So here come the “what ifs”: • If only we had forced

the doctor to take more tests

• If only we had gotten a second

opinion from a more qualifi ed doctor

• If only we had been kinder and more understanding to her

DEPRESSION

Two types of depression are associated with grieving . One looks at the practical implications related to the death . Sadness and regret are the main feelings . One begins to worry about the costs, the burial, and what to do about a service . Th e major decision makers may not realize that they’ve neglected some close family members, like children, a spouse, etc . Th is is a good time for reassurance or praise . Th e second type of depression is more subtle and oft en more private . It is our quiet preparation to separate and tell our loved one good bye . Sometimes all one needs is a big hug . It took me quite a while to get over my dad’s death . I felt cheated out of time to tell my dad good bye and that I loved him . My future husband helped me complete this stage . I didn’t meet him for 1 1/2 years, but he knew I was still hurting, and he helped me get to the last stage of bereavement .

ACCEPTANCE Acceptance is the fi nal stage of mourning . When a loved one dies suddenly, it could take longer to get to acceptance . One may go into a time of withdrawal, which is diff erent than depression . It’s just not a time of happiness . Coping with death is a very personal experience and no one can truly understand what others are going through . We all will eventually encounter the death of a loved one . Is one situation worse than the other? I don’t think so . Th e best thing a person can do is to allow themselves to feel grief as it comes over them . Resisting it will prolong the natural process of healing . Th e survivors will be dealing with the stages of grief in their own way . Th e survivors will be readjusting to a world without the loved one . New relationships need to be formed . Th e emotional energy given to the deceased, can eventually be directed to other people and activities .Th e Journal (Washington State School Retirees’ Assn .)July, August, September 2014

Taking Care of Ourselves

2014-15 Local offi cers installed by Past President Patsy K . Rainey l to r: Joyce Trivette, Past Co-President; Esther Noland, Past Co-President; Delores Boateng, President-Elect; Ernest Trosper, President; Virginia Cheek, Secretary; Don Adams, Treasurer; Annette Johnson, Co-Vice President—Bourbon Co .; Betty Adkins, Co-Vice President—Fayette Co .Bluegrass RTA & Central KY West District RTA Grandparent of the Year Essay Winner was Abigale Clark . Bill Burden, from Paris, KY, was her chosen grandparent .Abigale is a 5th Grade student at Bourbon Central Elementary School . Kristy Forrest is her teacher .Bluegrass RTA $1,000 Scholarship Recipient was Rachelle Hart, UK College of Education student . Rachelle commented, “I was inspired by my fi ft h grade teacher, Mrs . Robinson of London, KY, to believe in myself .” She added, “I am motivated and encouraged to become a teacher to make a positive impact on others .”Jane C . Gilbert, KTRS Director of Retiree Health Care, was the keynote speaker at the Bluegrass RTA meeting held at First Baptist Church, Bracktown in Lexington, KY on May 14, 2014 .

septeMBer 2014 krta news page 13

If you would like to stay informed via our Facebook page, please go to

www .facebook .com/KentuckyRetiredTeachersAssociation .

Click on the “Like” button

2014 Officers l to r: Harold Wilson—President, Scotty Parsons—President Elect, Judy Hughes—Vice President, Larry Carter—Treasurer, Elaine Neely—Health/Insurance, Neal Tucker—Membership, Pat McKinney—Past President, not pictured is Beverly Phelan—Secretary .

AROUND THE STATE . . .

Bluegrass RTA

Harlan County RTA

Members of the HCRTA pose with items collected for the area backpack program . They have also collected items for Christ’s Hands, The Hope Center and area resource centers throughout the year .

Kenton County RTAThe May 13 meeting of Kenton Co . RTA was held at the Gardens of Park Hills . The speaker was Dr . Geoffrey Mearns, the new president of Northern KY University . He introduced himself, gave a brief history of NKU and shared his vision for the future of the university . Pictured are Bert Baldwin, Northern KY RTA President, J . B . Losey, Kenton County RTA President, and Dr . Mearns .

Second District RTA

2014-15 Local officers installed by Past President Patsy K . Rainey l to r: Joyce Trivette, Past Co-President; Esther Noland, Past Co-President; Delores Boateng, President-Elect; Ernest Trosper, President; Virginia Cheek, Secretary; Don Adams, Treasurer; Annette Johnson, Co-Vice President—Bourbon Co .; Betty Adkins, Co-Vice President—Fayette Co .Bluegrass RTA & Central KY West District RTA Grandparent of the Year Essay Winner was Abigale Clark . Bill Burden, from Paris, KY, was her chosen grandparent .Abigale is a 5th Grade student at Bourbon Central Elementary School . Kristy Forrest is her teacher .Bluegrass RTA $1,000 Scholarship Recipient was Rachelle Hart, UK College of Education student . Rachelle commented, “I was inspired by my fifth grade teacher, Mrs . Robinson of London, KY, to believe in myself .” She added, “I am motivated and encouraged to become a teacher to make a positive impact on others .”Jane C . Gilbert, KTRS Director of Retiree Health Care, was the keynote speaker at the Bluegrass RTA meeting held at First Baptist Church, Bracktown in Lexington, KY on May 14, 2014 .

New Officers l to r: Margaret Mauney— President, Shirley Wolf—Past President Jeanette Alexander—Vice President Deana Wahlam—Secretary Treasurer—Naomi Judy

Pulaski County RTA

These members of the Breckinridge County Retired Teachers Association enjoyed a great lunch buffet and an entertaining program . Present were, front row, from left: Sarah Wardrip, Imogene Ricketts, Joann Butler, Shirley Huffines, Mary Lois Roberts, Nancy Howell, David Hayes . Second row, from left: Susie Lucas, Brenda Ritson, Veronica Ent, Brenda Ledridge, Barbara Hayes, Paulette Curry . Third row, from left: Kent Sanders, Mike Brizius, Rebecca Pollock, Tabby DeHaven, and Margaret Haynes . A special guest (inset) was retired teacher, 100 year old, Helen Atkinson .

Breckinridge County RTA

Fleming County RTAJosie Thompson, a fifth grade student at Ward Elementary School, was selected as the Fleming County winner in the 2013-2014 Grandparent of the Year essay contest sponsored by AARP Kentucky and the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association .

page 14 krta news septeMBer 2014

What does it mean to be a retired educator? If members were polled individually the answers would be as varied as the members’ interests . No matter what it

means to you personally, collectively KRTA celebrates retired educators with Retired Teachers Week . October 19-25, 2014, will be the 3rd annual Kentucky Retired Teachers Week (the celebration is designated as the third full week in October) . We hope that local RTA’s will plan special activities to celebrate and to build awareness in the organization . Celebrations Ideas

Even if you’re too busy to volunteer in your local RTA on an ongoing basis, Retired Teachers Week is a great opportunity to help with a specific project . Check with your local leaders to find out what your local RTA is doing . Some suggested ideas are adopt a school; plant trees; donate books; host an event for current teachers; organize a special community service project; march in a local parade; and hang a banner across the main street in town . Volunteer Hours—How We “Count” What We Do

Retired Teachers Week is the perfect time to talk about how retirees give back to their community . “Volunteer Hours” is a way to put a dollar amount to those efforts The dollar value is computed using values from the Independent Sector website (www .independentsector .org) . For example, an hour donated in 2010 is worth $17 .65 . Each year KRTA gathers volunteer hour data from local units so we can use that data in outreach efforts . Statewide last year KRTA members donated more than 689,593 hours, valued at $12,398,410 . Just think how impressive the numbers would be if more people reported their contributions! Any hours you spent helping others without pay count . Help us illustrate the true value of retired educators by keeping track of and reporting your hours to your local unit . In addition volunteer hours will give your RTA points toward Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at the Convention in April .Report Your Activities to KRTA

Be sure to send your Retired Teachers Week activities and photos to the KRTA office . We would like to see any newspaper coverage you receive . Just ask your local newspaper to send the pictures and articles to: brenda .meredith@krta .org .

An Entire Week Celebrating You!Retired Teachers Week is October 19-25

Nonpartisan vs. Partisan vs. Political

KRTA is a professional not-for-profit association organized under the provisions of Section 501(c) 6 of the Internal Revenue Code . In order to maintain our status, the association cannot endorse or monetarily support candidates for public office . Our lobbying efforts are limited to pieces of legislation directly affecting our members or KTRS . KRTA members often say the association should not be partisan; we should remain true to our mantra of being a nonpartisan organization . Sometimes members are concerned that KRTA is too political . This is an effort to clarify the difference between the various terminologies:• PARTISAN: Supporting a specific political party or ideology, including campaign support, candidate endorsements, or financial contributions . KRTA is not partisan .• NONPARTISAN: Not supporting any one political party or defined ideology over another, including not lending campaign support, not endorsing candidates, and not giving financial contributions . KRTA is nonpartisan .• POLITICAL: Being involved with the political process, to achieve a desired result . This would include talking to legislators about protecting the KTRS pension plan . KRTA is political .I have never been as excited about our association’s future as I am today . Yes, there are numerous challenges, yet the executive council and staff are ready and eager to embrace these challenges as opportunities . Therefore, let me say to you that it is indeed a great time to be a KRTA member!

(Continued from “Pension Security” page 2)

Help us help you . It is vital that you know each State Representative and State Senator candidate’s position on our issues running for election in your community . Keep informed about their positions on our issues through the public media, attending town meetings, meeting with them individually and any other opportunity that presents itself to get to know them .Greater Membership Equals Influence, Advocacy

KRTA is a volunteer association working exclusively for retired teachers by protecting our benefits through legislative advocacy and by assisting our members with leadership, insurance and other retirement issues .Legislation is both give and take . “The large print giveth and small print taketh away!” Our dedicated and knowledgeable legislative co-chairs (Ray Roundtree and Don Hines) working with all of our advocates do yeoman’s work “watching the small print” to maintain our earned benefits .Membership is critical to KRTA’s longevity.

Think about it . Where would we be without membership? Nowhere, that’s where . Everything we do would disappear without a strong membership base . Our millions-of-dollars-worth of volunteerism and community service would dry up . Our strong voice in the General Assembly to protect our pensions and healthcare would stop . We would not be able to fund scholarships to Kentucky’s 16 Community & Technical Colleges .Our membership volunteers across all 118 local RTAs are responsible for KRTA’s 29,000 plus members . Membership provides us with the people power and money to implement our goals . It is—literally—the lifeblood of a totally-member-driven association like ours . Without members we have no influence with legislators, no conduit for insurance advocacy and voice for retired teachers would become a whisper .

Check Out This New Benefit for KRTA Members!

Coupon Code 82677141

septeMBer 2014 krta news page 15

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

ORDER FORM

KRTA MEMBERSHIP PIN

Please send _______ pins @ $2 .50 each to

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Enclosed is the check in the amount of $__________ .

Send completed Order Form to: KRTA 7505 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40291-3234

KRTA OFFICE1 .800 .551 .7979 ~ 502 .231 .5802 ~ 502 .231 .0686 (fax)

info@krta .org (e-mail) www .krta .org (web site)KRTA LEGALINE1 .800 .232 .1090

kylawrm@gmail .comRebecca Murrell Louisville, Kentucky

KRTA FINANCE & INVESTMENT INFOHank Hensley 1 .800 .927 .0030 DELTA DENTAL INSURANCE

1 .866 .480 .4872AVESIS KRTA VISION PLAN

Enrollment 1 .800 .466 .5182 ~ Provider Questions 1 .800 .828 .9341 www .avesis .com

BAY ALARM MEDICALFor Information 1 .877 .522 .9633 www .bayalarmmedical .com/krta

FIRST CHOICE PROTECTIONHome Protection~Authorized ADT Dealer

Burglary~Fire~Carbon Monoxide~Closed Circuit TV For Information 502 .709 .5645 www .1stchoiceprotection .com

AUTOMOBILE & HOMEOWNERS INSURANCELiberty Mutual Insurance Company

1 .888 .504 .0156 ext . 51690 502 .429 .4504 ext . 51690

HEARING INSTRUMENT PLAN—HEAR IN AMERICA1 .800 .286 .6149

KY TEACHERS’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM

1 .800 .618 .1687 or www .ktrs .ky .govCOMMONWEALTH CREDIT UNION1 .800 .228 .6420 or www .ccuky .org

COMFORT KEEPERS1 .877 .257 .KRTA or www .comfortkeepers .com

HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE1 .866 .886 .6831 or www .seniorcarelouisville .net

NORTH AMERICAN LIFE PLANS including LifeLock1 .888 .362 .1214

www .krtabenefits .comTRAVEL

Air Land Sea Travel LLC . 502 .873-5610 or 502 .594-3874Bluegrass Tours 1 .800 .755 .6956 or 1 .859 .252 .5744

2014 FALL WORKSHOPS DISTRICT DATE PLACE CONTACT PERSON Jefferson County Fri. Aug 22 U of L Alumni Club Titus Exum 10:00 AM (ET) Louisville 2806 Spring Bud Court Louisville, KY 40220-3542 502-499-5615

Central Ky East Mon. Aug 25 Natural Bridge State Pk. Thelma Blair 9:00 AM (ET) Slade 1560 Peytons Well Road Stanford, KY 40484-9316 606-669-0870

Central Ky West Tues. Aug 26 Thomas & King Conf. Ctr. Laura Gray 9:00 AM (ET) Georgetown PO Box 3098 Midway, KY 40347 859-846-5652

Northern Wed. Aug 27 Triple Crown C’try Club Bert Baldwin 9:00 AM (ET) Union 34 Sidney Drive Independence, KY 41051-9291 859-356-9437

Fifth Thurs. Aug 28 Aquatic Center Shirley Sills 9:15 AM (ET) Buckner 2121 Hieatt Lane Smithfield,KY40068 502-845-7290 First Mon. Sep 8 Kenlake State Park Buddy Rushing 9:00 AM (CT) Hardin 245 Rushing Road Paducah, KY 42001-6154 270-554-3726

Second Tues. Sep 9 Moonlite Bar-B-Q Harold Wilson 9:00 AM (CT) 2840 W. Parrish Ave. 2362 Georgia Lane Owensboro Owensboro, KY 42303-2035 270-684-9807

Third Wed. Sep 10 Barren River State Park Romanza Johnson 9:00 AM (CT) Lucas 3341 Cemetery Road Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-842-3416

Fourth Thurs. Sep 11 Rough River State Park Bill Kelley 9:30 AM (ET) Falls of Rough 904 Dogwood Drive Elizabethtown, KY 42701-2147 270-737-7742

Middle Cumberland Mon. Sep 15 Dale Hollow State Park Shirley Dick Wolf 9:00 AM (CT) Burkesville 216 Pogue Drive Somerset, KY 42503-4158 606-875-3321

Upper Cumberland Tues. Sep 16 Pine Mountain State Park Mary Susan Hale 8:30 AM (ET) Pineville 1203 Gloucester Avenue Middlesboro, KY 40965-2210 606-248-6660

Upper Ky River Wed. Sep 17 Buckhorn State Park Charlotte Ditty 8:30 AM (ET) Buckhorn 111 State Drive Jackson, KY 41339-9650 606-666-5253

Big Sandy Thurs. Sep 18 Jenny Wiley State Park Darrell Clark 9:00 AM (ET) Prestonsburg 577 Collins Creek Warfield,KY41267-9303 606-395-6222

Eastern Fri. Sep 19 Carter Caves State Park Ann Porter 9:00 AM (ET) Olive Hill 3065 Augusta Dover Road Augusta, KY 41002-9001 606-584-2510

All workshops start times are local time. Registration begins 30 minutes prior to start time.

Sneaky Signs of Heart AttackChest pressure—squeezing, fullness or pain (typically in the center of the chest and lasting more than a few minutes; discomfort may come and go) .

Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body—including one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach .

Shortness of breath—with or without chest discomfort .Breaking out in a cold sweatNauseaLightheadedness

If any of these symptoms are experienced, call 911 .

page 16 krta news septeMBer 2014

Deceased Retired TeachersAPRIL, MAY, JUNE 2014

“. . .these immortal dead who live again in minds made better by their presence . . .”

KRTA OFFICE STAFF

Dr . Robert Wagoner Executive Director

Janie CasloweDeputy Executive Director

Frank HatfieldExecutive Director Emeritus

Carla HahnSecretary

Charlotte Lindley ReceptionistBetty Hester,

Technical AssistantMary Wagoner

Special Events Coordinator

Kentucky Retired Teachers Assn .7505 Bardstown Road

Louisville, KY 40291-3234502-231-5802

1-800-551-7979502-231-0686 (fax)

info@krta .org (e-mail)www .krta .org (web site)

OFFICE HOURS

mon .- fri . 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

krta news (published quarterly)

Brenda Meredith, Editorbrenda .meredith@krta .org

KRTA OFFICERS

Faye Shehan, presidentPatsy Rainey, president-elect

Cathy Gullett, vice-presidentCarolyn Falin, past president

ADAIRSamuel SandersLorene VanceBALLARDSuzanne AllenBARRENWinifred SpearBELLSandra DillmanWilliam RoarkBOONE Minerva CraftMartha DaughertyAlton TaylorOpal WrightBOYDVirginia ClarksonReva MeredithNada RayburnAnna StrubleBOYLEViolet BellBREATHITTCharles RileyBRECKINRIDGECynthia MattinglyBULLITTMary ClarkElizabeth LarimoreJack LawlessCALDWELLLyndle BarnesAda PeytonCALLOWAYEugene ChaneyDavid HowellCAMPBELLEvelyn RiggsColetta StahlCARTERKaren Calhoun

CARTERLarry PrichardKenneth WilsonCASEYHumphrey ElliottHazel HallForrest StaffordCLARKHarry DinsmoreWilliam LockhartEdward OsborneRuth ParrishNina SparksCLINTONRodell McFallDAVIESSBeatrice BrizendineEmma FuchsDonald NetoskieEDMONSONNelda LaneEKUEugene EgnewJudith LevineMitchel LiflandFAYETTEJames GravesAnne HackneyEvelyn HendersonAllene KirklandMelissa LinkesSue MillerVyvyan PonsettoMaidie SharpeSylvia Warfield-RamseFLEMINGClaude AsburyFLOYDSaundra MooreBillie OsborneRuth RaineySharon Sammons

FRANKLINDarlene HuletteMarguerit JurekMyna PanemangaloreVenona RogersHugh SpaldingEdgar SpeerMary StrongHoward TrippMary WeaksGARRARDOneal CarrierGRANTCarolyn KeithGREENJohn BennettGREENUPMarilee AbramsLois DixonOlive HannahHARDINNona AtkissonAileen BenningfieldHelen HinesHARLANFrances BallEula BrockClarence LandisCharlotte NolanHARRISONNancy SimpsonHENDERSONSharon CatesJames FrieldsHOPKINSMarie FullerRichmond PearceRuby PerkinsGladys Trice

JEFFERSONFrederick AbramsSue AbramsMary BarrettNancy BottgerWilda BrownLee CarterMary CarterKatherine ColburnEugene CruikshankWesley EdwardsHenry FreudenbergerVersa GambillMary GravesRuth HenriksenCarolyn HutchisonKathleene JordanMargaret KelseyOnzell KiddJoanne MahoneyEileen MerrittVelma MorrisonJeanne O’HearnVon PowellJohn QuesenberryMilton RussmanMargaret ShaperMarion SmithElizabeth SomersEdwin StroheckerJames TylerJulia WackZona WalkerAnne WallaceCarol WatkinsHughlyne WilsonSusan WilsonPaul WorthamCarl WrightJOHNSONInez OwensLuther SafrietKENTONJames CallowayJudith ClementsGlenn CrittendonJulian FankhanelJohn HeckmanKNOTTRuth SparkmanKNOXLaura CarnesMarie ChesnutLAURELFannie ColdironLAWRENCEAndy WheelerLESLIERegina SizemoreBettie SmithLETCHERJames EstepBetty HornLaurel McCall

LINCOLNLottie GoochLOGAN Thomas KirkpatrickMADISONLeola CoxSamuel JacksonJames MillerTruett RicksMargaret ThurmanMARIONJoseph SmithMCCRACKENElsie IvyRobert JonesMCLEANJoan LeeGilla UnderwoodMEADE Martha ShircliffeJoseph WonnMENIFEEJoan TackettMETCALFEInez GoochMONROEWillie GettingsMUHLENBERGDenise BakerNELSONKenny SimpsonOLDHAMJohn MitchenKathy SimonPENDLETONJames HeraldPERRYMary CouchPIKEMinerva ColemanSusan EdmondsMollie ReynoldsEvalyn WestBillie WilliamsonPULASKIAlmond BradleyWendell FurlongRose KiddLeonard SearsFaye WhitefordROWANDavid HylbertRosemary StokesBarbara TackettRUSSELLLois ShepherdSCOTTJane CottrellCharles GibsonNancy NagleSIMPSONGlenda Rhea

TAYLORCharles HedgespethDelilah JonesRadine WeedonUNIONBernice HeadyWARRENPearl BeachDavid CoffeyBetty ColesEdna CorbinLorena GrahamRobert NormanEllen ThomasHenry WilliamsWAYNEObie RamseyWEBSTERJudy GreenWHITLEYOlan BartonCharles CouchAmanda GoodinBetty WilliamsonWOODFORDSidney Simandle