| Fall 2020 Table of Contents | |
|---|---|
| EIUAA President's Message | |
| Special Message from Dr. Glassman | |
| EIUAA People: Melanie Mills | |
| Academy of Lifelong Learning | |
| Luncheon Update | |
| Farewells | |
| Calendar | |
| Committee Reports | |
President's Message
The arrival of a new year is cause not only for celebration but for thinking about the future. While COVID vaccinations have proceeded at a pace slower than needed, a positive is that we’re talking about vaccines and vaccinations in the present tense. While the EIU Annuitants Association will function via Zoom meetings at least through the upcoming months, a return to some version of in-person meetings and activities is not so distant into the future. But with the passage of each month during the pandemic, increased numbers of us have acquired new skills in computer-based communications tools—e.g., Google Meets and Zoom. Access to this technology has allowed the EIU Annuitants Association--along with the broader State Universities Annuitants Association--to continue to move ahead during these unusual times.
EIUAA Board members shifted to Zoom meetings in late April, and the SUAA moved its Annual Meeting to Zoom on September 30, followed by the same for its Fall 2020 meeting on October 28. At the chapter level, we tested the waters with a virtual meeting in November; it featured Beth Heldebrandt, Public Relations Director of Booth Library, speaking on EIU’s participation in the National Endowment for the Arts “Big Read Midwest Program”. Drawing from this experience, the Board started planning for the next chapter meeting, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25, at 9 a.m. The good news is that Eastern Illinois University President David Glassman has accepted an invitation to be our program presenter, to update us on high-interest topics such as how the university is faring during the pandemic and funding of public higher education in Illinois during fiscally stressed times. I urge everyone to join us; so be on the lookout for the Zoom access information as we get closer to the meeting date.
2021 also marks a transition in board membership for our chapter. I first wish to thank Ron Wohlstein for his dedicated service on the EIUAA Board. Ron’s input and insights contributed greatly to healthy discussion at our meetings. And next, let us all welcome Amy Lynch as a new board member. Prior to retirement, Amy served as EIU’s Registrar, and prior to that as the Certification Officer of the College of Sciences. We look forward to Amy’s contributions to the board and chapter. In addition, I wish to thank everyone for approving the Constitution revision needed to continue expiring board member terms for one year, to ensure continuity during the pandemic era. And a big thank you to our Board members who agreed to stay on for one more year—John Flynn and Margaret Messer as board members, and Nancy Dole as Secretary and Margaret Messer as Treasurer. I’m also staying on as president for 2021, hoping to have a more normal year in that position.
Best wishes to all, and above all — stay safe and healthy!
Richard Wandling
EIU Annuitants Association President, 2020
A Special Message from Dr. Glassman
Warmest greetings to our wonderful group of EIU annuitants! As always, we celebrate your connection to EIU and the value you bring to our mutual relationship. Higher education continues to be a critical component of a healthy and economically vibrant region, especially in Illinois. Membership in the EIUAA is a wonderful resource, and a powerful tool for uniting our mutual efforts to enhance EIU’s reputation for excellence. As a member you’ll regularly find information about protecting retiree pensions and benefits, news from Springfield impacting various higher education legislation, and encouraging updates from the EIU Foundation. I hope you continue to stay in touch with EIU, and to assist us in our efforts to grow and improve in whatever capacity you can. Thank you for taking the time to read through the EIUAA newsletter, and thank you for your enduring dedication to Eastern Illinois University!
Wishing you all a most Happy New Year!
David Glassman
President, EIU
EIUAA People
Melanie Mills
After I retired, I joined the Krewe of Cleopatra in New Orleans and have ridden (costumed) with my cousin in their Mardi Gras Parade for the last five years. Each year there is a different theme. For 2020, our parade was on Valentine’s Day so the theme was Cleopatra’s Valentine Vixens. Our parade had 28 floats (some tandem, or multiple connected floats) plus dance troupes, bands, and various walking groups (about 3 hours long on the official Uptown parade route through the Garden District, the Central Business District down Canal Street on the edge of the French Quarter, and then into the Warehouse District). I rode on the "sweet treats" float that had a big cake on the front. Our costumes included a lighted headpiece of sweet treats. Each year I toss around 1500 trinkets (beads, plush, light ups, and theme items) off the float to eager parade goers. I also make 25 "signature" throws for some lucky participants. For Cleopatra, these are blinged out cups. Other Krewes' signature throws include decorated shoes, purses, compacts, and even plungers!
Every Krewe has its own personality. There are over 70 Krewes in the New Orleans area. Cleopatra is one of a handful of super krewes (having over 1000 members) and we kick off the parade season on the Uptown Route. People are ready for us and the energy on the streets is electric!
I first rode in 2015, thinking it would be a great adventure and something to cross off my bucket list. It was. But it was also more. Mardi Gras, which is celebrated across the Gulf Coast from Alabama to Texas, is so much more than parades and parties. It is a very colorful celebration of life and community, a season of consumption (from Epiphany to Fat Tuesday) before the more somber celebration of Lent (Ash Wednesday to Easter). For Krewes (who put on the parades), it also includes a formal Ball complete with royalty and attendants, philanthropic activities, and parties. I love playing dress up and dancing in the parades, for the Ball, at the parties, and on the streets. What Joie de Vivre!
Little did I know at that time that we were on the front end of a pandemic and that this would be my last time in a large public gathering for the next year. Mardi Gras parades are cancelled for 2021, but you can bet that the good times will roll a little more purposefully and joyfully in 2022.
Academy of Lifelong Learning
Marita Metzke
EIU's Academy of Lifelong Learning is ready for a fresh start this semester and you are invited to attend the new courses. Video conferencing is currently the way to go and they are offering a Beginning with Zoom class on Jan. 13th for those that are a little apprehensive about trying it. Most courses are free, but registration is requested for each. You will find more information on their webpage: https://www.eiu.edu/adulted/all.php
Contact phone number: 217-581-5114.
EIUAA Luncheon
2021 Update
46th Annual EIU Annuitants Association Luncheon: The current plan is to move the Luncheon this year to the fall, perhaps September or October. Be watching your email for updates!
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 A. Barnhart (History Professor), 67, Charleston, IL, died suddenly Tuesday, September 29, 2020. Terry is survived by his wife of forty-six years Jody (Asher) Barnhart, son Adrian (Lisa) Barnhart and grandchildren Hallie, Ryan, Nick, Jake of Lewis Center, Ohio and son Andy and grandchildren Arabella and Zayden of Toledo.
Lois Ann Buckellew (Booth Library Reference Staff), 89, Charleston, IL, died Monday, October 26, 2020. Lois is survived by her sons and their families: Michael (Marie) Buckellew of Pensacola, FL, Mark (Shari) Buckellew of Normal, IL, and Jon (Anne) Buckellew of Moorhead, MN. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Christopher Buckellew, Brock Buckellew, Quin Buckellew, Bryant Buckellew, Scott Spaniol and Jessica Swenson; and one sister Carol Beth Bye (Kermit) of Fargo, ND.
Janet McAlister Clark (EIASE @ EIU), 76, Mattoon, IL, died Tuesday, September 1, 2020. Janet is survived by her husband, Reverend Robert C. Clark. Other survivors include her two daughters, Julie (Steve) Runyon and Jill (Jason) Callahan; numerous foster children and all those who called her "mom"; grandchildren, Emilie Ann Weaver, Faith Haugh, Jacob Callahan and Gunner Runyon; and sister, Joye Heal.
Willard E. DeLong (University Police Officer), 84, Mattoon, IL, died Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Willard is survived by his wife Donna DeLong; two daughters: Tammy James of Mattoon and Connie (Steve) Kline of Lerna; grandchildren: Colleen, Michael, Amelia and Kaitlyn; two sisters: Mary Foltz of Mattoon and Janet (Phil) Trier of Redondo Beach, CA; sister-in-law, Judy DeLong of Lacey, WA; and several nieces and nephews.
John E. Fugate (Food Service), 49, Mattoon, IL, died Sunday, November 15, 2020. John is survived by his wife Julie; daughters Meagan Fugate and Macey (Landon) Basham; one son Dalton (Shoko); two step-daughters, Alicia Rauch and Jessica (Chris) Condron; one step, Colton (Keisha) Pettyjohn; three brothers, Kenny (Kelly) Morrow, David (Laurie) Fugate, Mike Fugate; and ten grandchildren, Maddy, Hazel, Hunter, Hayden, Lincoln, Christian, Conner, Elsey, Liam, and Hunter.
Timothy Gover (Business Professor, Mayor of Mattoon, IL), 82, Mattoon, IL died December 3, 2020. Tim is survived by his son, Edward (Bonnie) Gover; two granddaughters, Lainey and Katie; one brother Dr. Phil (Joyce) Gover; and several nieces and nephews as well as special friends Mike and Jan Ziebka.
Dennis "Denny" Clarence Gross (Business Instructor), 79, died Tuesday, Septemer 1, 2020. Denny is survived by his daughter Trudy and daughter-in-law Stacey Martinsky, son Anthony and daughter-in-law Tara and their daughters Maeve Laris and Nora Helen; his sister and brother-in-law Kay and Phonse Winkeler; and his brother-in-law Gene Mattern.
Dr. Tom P. Katsimpalis (Athletic Director/Professor), 91, Fairhope, AL, died August 24, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Sug; sons Tom Katsimpalis (Melissa), Fort Collins, Colorado and Chris Katsimpalis (Lorrie), Fairhope, Alabama; three grandchildren Kory Katsimpalis (Emily), Woodland Park, Colorado; Alexandra Garrett (Willis) and Tasha Catlin (Daniel) both of Fairhope, Alabama; and three great-grandsons Leon, James and Christopher.
Lynnette Jane Lasky (Ass’t to Dean, College of Arts & Humanities), 78, Charleston, IL died Tuesday, October 27, 2020. She is survived by her husband of nearly 52 years, Herb Lasky; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ella and Jon Cardon, of Manhattan, New York; and a niece, Marjorie Kaye, her husband, Josh Kaye, and their children, Maya and Noah, all of Brooklyn, New York.
John William LeDuc (Chair, Math Dept), 87, Saratoga Springs, Utah, died November 14, 2020. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; two brothers; two sisters; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren.
Mary Jo Montgomery (Administrative Aide, School of Technology), East Peoria, IL died December 17, 2020. She is survived by her mother Mary Short; two children, Penny (Brad) Womacks of Champaign, IL and Clayton (Megan) Montgomery of Pesotum, IL; one granddaughter, Elsa Jolee Womacks; one brother, Steve (Bonnie) Short and two sisters, Theresa (Dean) Anderson and Janet (George) Stenger.
Joseph A. Orozco (Director of Football Performance), 30, Charleston/Tinley Park, IL died November 16, 2020. Joe is survived by his parents Joseph and Susan (nee Manzie); sisters Jennifer (Colin) Stauffer and Rachel Orozco; grandparent Manuel Fabian Orozco; aunts, uncles, cousins, coaches and teammates.
EIUAA Calendar
| Date | Event | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 28, 2021 | Board Meeting | Virtual |
| February 25, 2021 | Chapter Meeting | Virtual (check email for info) Guest Speaker: Dr. Glassman |
| March 11, 2021 | Board Meeting | TBD |
| May 27, 2021 | Board Meeting | TBD |
| July 15, 2021 | Chapter Meeting | TBD |
| September 9, 2021 | Board Meeting | TBD |
| October 7, 2021 | Chapter Meeting | TBD |
| November 18, 2021 | Board Meeting | TBD |
| Note: Virtual meetings will usually begin at 9 a.m., but watch your email for any updates. | ||
| EIUAA Officers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Richard Wandling | rawandling@eiu.edu | President |
| TBA | TBA | President-Elect |
| John Ryan | jmryan@eiu.edu | Past President |
| Nancy Dole | jndole@consolidated.net | Secretary |
| Margaret Messer | mkmesser@eiu.edu | Treasurer |
| Board Members |
|---|
| Gary Aylesworth, Beverly Cruse, Lisa Dallas, Nancy Dole, John Flynn, Wendy Long, Amy Lynch, Jeffrey Lynch, Margaret Messer, Marita Metzke, John Ryan, Richard Wandling |
| Committees | |
|---|---|
| Communications | Wendy Long (Chair), John Ryan |
| Events | Marita Metzke, Margaret Messer, Rich Wandling |
| Legislative | Jeffrey Lynch (Chair), Jim Bush, Henry Davis, Sue Kaufman |
| Membership | John Ryan (Chair), John Best, Kathryn Bulver, John Flynn, Norma Taylor, Dale Wolf, Joan Zieren |
| Scholarship | Nancy Dole (Chair), Nancy Curran, Brad Green, Margaret Messer |
Committee Reports
Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee has not met due to COVID so there is not much to report. From Jeff Lynch: I’d say there are two things to watch, both unresolved at this time: will Mike Madigan keep his Speaker’s position and watch the Republicans starting to line up to take on Pritzker in the next gubernatorial race. There are five or six already angling, while making clear they have no such plans. Of course!
Scholarship Committee
Did you know that the EIU Annuitant Association has awarded $9,500 in scholarships since 2008? The first award was $500. The fund has grown and now we award $1,000 a year. The current corpus of $33,741.26 allows for $1,000 to be awarded each year. Your continued support of the EIUAA Scholarship is much appreciated. As the corpus increases, we will be allowed to award even more scholarship money each year. To apply for the EIUAA Scholarship use the Academic Works portal. It can be found by selecting Scholarships on the A-Z Guide on the EIU home page. Eligible applicants should apply by March 15 each year. Thank you for your support of the EIUAA Scholarship!
Chyna Edwards was selected as the 2020-2021 recipient of the EIUAA scholarship. She is the granddaughter of Kathy Edwards. Chyna is a junior and plans to become a physician’s assistant. She currently is working as a CAN to help pay for college. Our scholarship corpus is large enough to award a $1,000 scholarship, however donations and memorials are always welcome. Hopefully with your help, one day we can give two $1,000 scholarships.
— Nancy Dole, Scholarship Committee Chair and Margaret Messer, Committee Member
Membership Committee
EIUAA's Greatest Asset
Our membership is our greatest asset. Increasing and sustaining membership in EIUAA/SUAA is essential to the success of our organization. Here are a few tips for sustaining our membership:
- Renew your membership as soon as you receive the first renewal notice from SUAA.
- If you pay annually, switch to payment through a monthly deduction of $3.67 from your SURS annuity so that you don't have to renew each year.
- Thanks to all of our members who do pay dues through SURS deduction! That helps EIUAA and SUAA be more cost effective and efficient!
Thanks for maintaining your membership! EIUAA and SUAA will continue to advocate on your behalf to maintain your retirement and health care benefits.
- Membership Committee: John Best, John Flynn, Mary Anne Hanner, Ron Wohlstein, and Jone Zieren
