| Fall 2019 Table of Contents | |
|---|---|
| President's Message | |
| Guest Speaker: Lori Carroll | |
| EIUAA People | |
| Calendar | |
| Farewells | |
| Committee Reports | |
President's Message
Our pensions appear to be pretty safe for now.
We are still protected by a clause in the Illinois Constitution that state pensions cannot be diminished, and recently elected Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said he believes the state should keep its promise to employees who deserve their pensions.
However, the question remains: could the state Constitution be amended to allow pensions to be reduced to chip away at the $134 billion in unfunded liability in the state’s five pension funds?
Charles Wheeler III, professor emeritus at the University of Illinois at Springfield, doesn’t think so. He doesn’t believe there is a serious effort to change the clause or the political will to get it done.
Charlie should know. He is one of the leading authorities on Illinois government and politics.
He covered the last Illinois Constitutional Convention in 1970 as a reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. He then covered state government for 19 years of his 24-year tenure at the Sun-Times and retired as the dean of the statehouse press corps.
For the last 26 years, he has served as the director of the Public Affairs Reporting Program at UIS, training journalists how to cover Illinois government and politics.
Recently retired, Wheeler has agreed to come to Charleston and tell us why he thinks current retirees are pretty safe as part of the EIUAA’s new speaker series. He will speak at 3 p.m. Oct. 16 in the Charleston-Mattoon Room of the University Union.
Please come hear what Charlie has to say and have a conversation with him.
He is fascinating to talk with. He has so much knowledge and lived through and written about Illinois political history for the past 50 years.
In the weeks and months ahead, we will be lining up other speakers who will talk on a variety of topics, not just politics and pensions.
It’s part of an effort to give our members a value-added experience.
We also will be lining up other speakers who will talk on a variety of topics, not just politics and pensions.
It’s part of an effort to give our members a value-added experience.
John Ryan
EIU Annuitants Association President, 2019
Guest Speaker
Lori Carroll, SURS Retirement Counselor
 |
Lori Carroll |
Annuitants need to keep their records up to date and they should contact the State Universities Retirement System soon after an annuitant or a spouse dies, Lori Carroll, a SURS retirement counselor, told annuitants July 11.
Speaking at an EIU Annuitant Association Chapter Meeting, Carroll said if someone dies, survivors should call in with the date of death and vital information of the deceased and give SURS a person to contact.
The family also will have to send in the death certificate before the retirement benefits will be given to the spouse, she said. It could take 60 to 90 days before a spouse begins receiving the retirement annuity, Carroll said. Health insurance usually continues, if a spouse is currently receiving health insurance coverage.
That’s why it is important to keep vital information up to date, she said. If a spouse dies, or if an annuitant divorces and remarries, that information needs to be updated and supported by divorce decrees, marriage licenses and birth certificates. “Whatever you can do to keep records updated, the better for the process,” Carroll said.
Central Management Services handles the benefit information and SURS handles the payouts.
An annuitant’s status can be reviewed on the My Benefits web page. However, Carroll said any changes must be updated on paper and sent in.
Spouses whose husband or wife retired under the traditional retirement plan will receive 50 percent of the monthly retirement benefit, she said. Annuitants who retired under the portable plan can opt, at the time of retirement, to pay for their spouse to receive 50 percent, 75 percent or 100 percent of the retirement annuity. Health insurance also is a retirement benefit if an annuitant claimed a spouse as a dependent.
“If a spouse passes away, then you would get the health insurance as long as you receive a monthly payment from us,” Carroll said.
EIUAA People
From Dale Wolf:
My wife Debby and I have made two wonderful trips this year.
First we were in China for nearly three weeks. We toured from Bejing to Shanghai. Saw the Great Wall, Terra Cotta warriors and more Also learned about the game of mah-jongg.
In June, we made the trip over to the beaches of Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. A most exciting and yet sobering experience. Made it to all 5 beaches and followed the path of the Allies from there all the way to Munich and the Eagles Nest.
Looking forward to seeing many of our fellow IACRAO "alums" in October.
From Marita Metzke:
The Academy of Lifelong Learning is hosting "EIU: Then and Now - A Photographic Treasury" on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Booth Library, West Reading Room. Dr. Hiram Thut presented an illustrated talk in 1973 that will be the basis of this look back at campus. Retired faculty members Mac Corley, Dave Maurer and Terry Weidner will lead the presentation and provide commentary. Free and open to the public. Registration requested at 581-5114.
https://www.flipsnack.com/eiusce/fall-19-program-guide.html
From Cathy Kimball:
New Adventure in Retirement
Aren't we all looking for an adventure. I found mine! I am now a Personal Travel Advisor with Magical Vacation Planners (MVP). A dream job, right?
I began this experience by booking a Spring Break trip with two of my grandsons, Wyatt, age 15 and Julian, age 9. My daughter, Catrina, and her husband, Keith, had plans to go to Mexico to a wonderful resort with my nephew and his wife. I thought to myself; since they are going to have fun so should we, hence, the trip to Walt Disney World. Once there, I came across someone who already worked for MVP. You probably know that I don't know a stranger, so I began a conversation and lo and behold, I am hooked!
I interviewed for my position with my awesome team leader, Darla; completed hours of training and testing to pass my first adventure partner--Disney! I am able to book Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Lines and Adventures by Disney. Most of you are aware of the first three, but Adventures by Disney is not as well known. Adventures by Disney (ABD) offers guided tours to six continents in spectacular locations. On ABD tours, you have two tour guides--one is a Disney guide, the other is a local guide. My dream trip would be to Italy--Rome especially. I would love to see Michelangelo's "Pieta" which I studied in my Art Appreciation class with Dr. McRoberts (a few years ago). So when booking with ABD, you get a "VIP Excursion" to the Vatican and other cities. Now who wouldn't love that!! VIP means not waiting in line; and you might even meet someone who lives in the Vatican.
My next adventure was in mid-August 2019--my fantasy trip to Alaska via Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL). You might say "WOW" which I did! I was chosen with 50 other MVP-ers including the owners Jamie and JJ Eubanks, plus other VIPs in the company Doug and Michelle Stroud. What an honor to be included with several other agents in this marvelous trip. NCL is an amazing cruise line with incredible employees who go out of their way to make you smile; which includes Lisa Presley, Business Development Manager. The food was incredibly delicious; enjoyed shows that included Footloose and Elements; and amazing excursions in Alaska. (Check out my Facebook link for details and fantastic pictures.)
I will be attending a MVP team training in November 2019 and 2020 Annual MVP Conference next year. All while learning more about these vacations I can book and more, i.e. Sandals, AM Resorts, Universal Studios, just to name a few.
So don't let retirement stop you from dreaming BIG! I am truly blessed to have been given this opportunity for myself and my clients. When you book a vacation with me, you do not pay for my services as the supplier covers that fee. You will receive helpful advice and assistance to make your vacation as incredible as it can be. Give me a call; 217-549-9875.
Keep dreaming!
| EIUAA Officers | ||
|---|---|---|
| John Ryan | jmryan@eiu.edu | President |
| Richard Wandling | rawandling@eiu.edu | President-Elect |
| Jeffrey Lynch | jplynch@eiu.edu | Past President |
| Nancy Dole | jndole@consolidated.net | Secretary |
| Margaret Messer | mkmesser@eiu.edu | Treasurer |
| Board Members |
|---|
| Beverly Cruse, Nancy Dole, John Flynn, Mary Anne Hanner, Wendy Long, Jeffrey Lynch, Gary Aylesworth, Margaret Messer, John Ryan, Richard Wandling, Ronald Wohlstein |
| Committees | |
|---|---|
| Communications | Wendy Long (Chair), Audrey Edwards, Amy Richardson, John Ryan |
| Events | Gail Mason (Chair), Jody Horn, Marita Metzke, Rosalee Noble, Ernie Secrest |
| Legislative | Jeffrey Lynch (Chair), Jim Bush, Henry Davis, Sue Kaufman, Gail Mason |
| Membership | Mary Anne Hanner (Chair), John Best, Kathryn Bulver, John Flynn, Norma Taylor, Dale Wolf, Jone Zieren |
| Scholarship | Nancy Dole (Chair), Nancy Curran, Brad Green, Margaret Messer |
Calendar
| Date | Event | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, 9 a.m. | Board of Directors Meeting | Neal Welcome Center |
| Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, 9 a.m. | Board of Directors Meeting | Neal Welcome Center |
| Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, 8:30 a.m. | Chapter Meeting | Neal Welcome Center |
| Thursday, March 12, 2020, 9 a.m. | Board of Directors Meeting | Neal Welcome Center |
| Friday, April 24, 2020, 11 a.m. | Spring Luncheon and Scholarship Presentation | Wesley United Methodist Church |
| Thursday, May 28, 2020, 9 a.m. | Board of Directors Meeting | Neal Welcome Center |
| Thursday, July 9, 2020, 8:30 a.m. | Chapter Meeting | Neal Welcome Center |
| Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, 9 a.m. | Board of Directors Meeting | Neal Welcome Center |
| Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, 8:30 a.m. | Chapter Meeting | Neal Welcome Center |
| Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, 9 a.m. | Board of Directors Meeting | Neal Welcome Center |
| Note: Chapter meetings at the Neal Welcome Center begin with an 8:30 a.m. social time and come to order at 9 a.m. | ||
Farewells
Following are brief notices only. To read a full obituary or leave condolences, visit www.jg-tc.com, www.mitchell-jerdan.com, and www.adamsfuneralchapel.com.
Terry Bayes, (Grounds), 63, of rural Charleston, died Aug.17, 2019 at home. Survivors include wife Cindy of 30 years, two chihuahuas, two brothers, one sister and numerous nieces and nephews.
John E Schaefer, (Assoc Prof/Gymnastics Coach), 89, died Aug 4, 2019 at home. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janet, two daughters (Diane and Nancy), two sons (David and John), six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, a sister and several nieces and nephews.
Harriet Rose, (Admin. Dir), 85, of Charleston, died Aug. 5, 2019. She is survived by a son (Chapin) and four grandchildren.
Richard “Bud” Allen White, (ELE/JHE Professor), 83, died July 29, 2019 in Stillwater, OK. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann, two children, (Robin and Mark), and four grandchildren.
Opal Maxine Rush, (BSW), 92, formerly of Champaign and Charleston, died July 19, 2019. She is survived by two daughters, 3 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Fredrick Preston Jr., (ENG Prof/Stu Tch Coord), 79, June 23, 2019. Survivors include one daughter (Kimberly) and one son (John), four grandchildren, a brother, sister and several nieces and nephews.
Howard F Nelms, (Prof), 91, died April 25, 2019. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Doreen; two daughters, (Kelly and Renee); three sisters, two granddaughters; several nieces and nephews.
Dr. Robert E Saltmarsh, (Chair Ed. Psy), 88, April 13, 2019 in Springfield. He is survived by three daughters (Sue, Kathy and Kerry), a son-in-law and two granddaughters.
Dr. Herman Daniel Taylor, (Chair, MUS), 82, Aug. 27, 2019 in Springfield. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Vivian, four children (Alicia, Daniel, Kristin and Sharon), four grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.
Connie Manes, (IT), 68, March 13, 2019 at home. She is survived by her sister, Kay Ogden, and many nieces and nephews.
Ilene B. Maharg, (Acad. Adv Sec.), 94, July 6, 2019 in College Station, PA. She is survived by two daughters (Lois and Ruth), two sons (Mark and John), three grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a sister.
John E. Grimes, (Counseling Ctr), 86, Aug. 29, 2019. He is survived by his children, John, Kathy Sbarboro, and Karen Swejkoski; four grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
Carol Joan Winkleblack, (Booth Library), 82, September 15, 2019. She is survived by her two daughters (Karen and Brenda).
Kristi Lee Cobble, (Registrar), 54, May 8, 2019. She is survived by her daughter, Lindsay; parents, step-parents, one sister, one brother, aunts, uncles and nephews.
Wanda J. McNary, (UPD), 88, Aug. 23, 2019. She is survived by two daughters (Vicki and Debbie), 5 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; one sister, two brothers and many nieces and nephews.
Murray Choate, (Admissions), 90, June 14, 2019. He is survived by one son (Rick); three grandchildren, two brothers and several nieces and nephews.
Tom Cross, (Facilities), 91, July 16, 2019. He is survived by his sister, Betty and many nieces and nephews.
Betty Easter, (Booth/Housing), 77, July 15, 2091. She is survived by two daughters (Amber and Kimberly), one son (Tim); three grandchildren; four sisters and two brothers.
Tom Sawyer, 78, April 5, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Brenda, four children and several grandchildren.
Anola Redtke, Longmont, CO
Committee Reports
Scholarship Committee
The Scholarship Committee met with EIU staff in March 2019, to review the scholarship applications. This year there were more applications than ever before and the decision was a difficult one. The 2019 recipient of the EIU Annuitant Association Scholarship is Brooke Tozer. She is the daughter of Cindy Almon, Director of Academic Services for Athletics and Mike Tozer. Brooke is a Psychology major and says she is proud to say “I am EIU”. In her Thank You letter, Brook wrote, “Words can’t describe how grateful and blessed I feel being able to receive this award. I feel that I am achieving everything I am striving for in the future and EIU is giving me the opportunity to make those goals a reality.”
If you are interested in serving on the Scholarship Committee, please contact me or Margaret Messer. We welcome new members!
— Nancy Dole, Scholarship Committee Chair and Margaret Messer, Committee Member
Membership Committee
We are membership in EIUAA/SUAA because these organization do something that we as individuals cannot do. EIUAA & SUAA vigilantly protect our retirement and health care benefits. The EIUAA Board of Directors and the Membership Committee urge our members to maintain their membership and to continue to support these organizations that are very important to us. We thank all of those members who have selected dues deductions through their monthly SURS annuity! Hooray for you! We thank all of our members who pay annually and do so promptly after receiving notice from SUAA! Yippee for you!
However, every month we are notified that some members who pay annually have neglected to renew their EIUAA/SUAA dues. So if you pay annually and it is time to renew, please consider the option of a dues deduction of $3.17 from your monthly SURS annuity. Then the dues don’t lapse, you continue to support EIUAA/SUAA, and we maintain the vitality of EIUAA and SUAA!
We thank all of you for your support and membership in EIUAA & SUAA!
— Membership Committee: John Best, John Flynn, Mary Anne Hanner, Ron Wohlstein, and Jone Zieren
