EIU Annuitants Association

President's Message

The expiration of the federal Covid-19 Public Health Emergency provides an opportunity to reflect on transitions and changes involving both SUAA and the EIU Annuitants chapter. While the most obvious one is that we’re no longer exclusively in Zoom mode (thankfully!) at the SUAA and chapter levels, we’re not quite where we might be organizationally minus the pandemic disruption. A few examples come to mind.

At the broader SUAA level, as more of us became accustomed to the mysteries of Zoom, opportunities to make fuller use of this communication technology became evident. While the SUAA Annual/House of Delegates meetings via Zoom were not exactly uplifting, something was realized along the way. One example is the initiative of Region 3 Directors Randy Dunn and Linda Guinn, who sent out a survey in late winter on member interest in expert-based presentations on select topics. The topic that emerged as first choice was Social Security Windfall Elimination and Government Pension Offset provisions. The April 6th SUAA-coordinated Zoom-based presentation by Jack Myers, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration, was well attended by SUAA members from throughout Illinois, and we benefitted greatly from his survey of what the windfall elimination and offset provisions really mean. Concise, readily understandable information on this topic is critical; just think of our conversations with colleagues and friends who have been significantly affected by the federal provisions. But these provisions concern all of us in some way. In fact, the SUAA 2023 Legislative Platform includes the following plank: “SUAA supports the repeal of the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset”. In the meantime, we all should consider Jack Myers’ advice to set up an online account with the Social Security Administration. This is a first step in learning more on how we may fare relative to these provisions.

For the EIU Annuitants Association, the need to shift from in-person meetings during the pandemic and its surges was a major challenge, with both board and chapter meetings conducted via Zoom. Also, to add needed continuity at the board level during this stressful period, we even amended the EIUAA Constitution for a temporary one-year extension of board member and officer terms. But there was one positive that emerged during these unwelcome times, which was the ability for EIUAA members regardless of location to join us for chapter meetings and speaker presentations via Zoom. And now with much needed technology improvements underway at the Neal Welcome Center, there may be an opportunity to explore adding a hybrid element to our chapter meetings.

Speaking of chapter meetings, we’re pleased to announce that incoming Eastern Illinois University President Jay Gatrell will be our featured presenter at the July 13th chapter meeting. Dr. Gatrell will discuss the university’s new strategic plan along with his vision for the university during his administration. We hope you can join us at the Neal Welcome Center on that date (social time at 8:30 am; meeting at 9:00 am). It will be an excellent opportunity to hear from the university’s new president during the earliest days of his leadership, along with a great way to reconnect with friends and former colleagues.

Richard Wandling
EIUAA President

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SUAA News

SUAA’s 2023 Social Security Presentation on Windfall Elimination Provision video can be found by logging into suaa.org and clicking on Speaker Videos in the News tab.

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New Academy of Lifelong Learning Program Coordinator Welcomes Annuitants and Their Families with A Special Sneak Peek

The Academy of Lifelong Learning is an organization at EIU that encourages everyone to participate in their own, personal learning journey through fun opportunities to engage in classes, workshops, field trips, and community functions. The Academy is committed to providing these programs for little-to-no cost to any member of the public who wants to participate meaningfully. The program will be rolling out a new set of programs in July, including Medicare Advantage: Costs/Benefits (Without A Sales Pitch); Don’t Go It Alone: Improving Your Social Connections; Larkfield Glass Blowing Techniques & Demonstration; Patches, Stitches, and Stories; Am I An Imposter?: Defeating and Managing Imposter Syndrome; Pickleball: How to Play; Let’s Do Some Sightseeing and Shopping in Casey, IL!; and so much more! The Academy will also be introducing new opportunities to make new friends and socialize, such as a monthly board game club and poker group (sans gambling). Daniel Douglas, who is new program coordinator would be delighted if you would join him to discuss these programs, give your feedback, and pick up a Fall 2023 Program Guide during the First Annual Academy of Lifelong Learning Fall Weenie Roast on August 18th from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM in Morton Park. All members of the community are encouraged to attend and to learn more about the program. Donations are graciously accepted but are not required. Additional information can be found by calling (217) 246-8623 or by emailing dadouglas@eiu.edu.

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Like Us on Facebook!

Group name: Eastern Illinois University Annuitants Association

The EIU Annuitants Association now has a Facebook group as an additional way of keeping in touch with our members and sharing key association and university-related updates, news and events with everyone. All you need to do is find us on Facebook; you can readily access us at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/961164987992076

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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.

Joseph L Allison (Costume Shop Manager, Doudna), 76, Mattoon, IL died January 19, 2023. Joe is survived by his brother Kim (Teresa) Allison and a niece and nephew.

Emily Bishop (Purchasing), 78, Charleston, IL died March 2, 2023. Emily is survived by her sons Larry (Juli Rathe) and Luke (Peggy Curl) and stepchildren Jimmy (Diane) and Kelly as well as many grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Brigitte Chen (International Students), 78, Charleston, IL died March 31, 2023. Brigitte is survived by her brother, Lothar (Christine) Lehner, a niece and an aunt.

Carolyn Cooper (Education), 73, Urbana, IL. Carolyn is survived by several cousins.

Mary Jo (Stacy) DeRousse, (Financial Aid), 90, Charleston, IL died November 17, 2022. Mary Jo is survived by her husband Jack; son Stacy (Deb); two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Lydia Fritts, (Career Occupations), 73, Trilla, IL died January 28, 2023. Lydia is survived by her son Brian (Krisit) and daughter Penny (Mitch) Howard; two brothers, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary Jo Grasl, (Asst to Dean, Art Dept), 78, Mattoon, IL died November 28, 2022. Mary Jo is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Gary) Larson and son R.J. and several brothers.

Vaughn Jaenike, (Dean, College of Fine Arts), 92, Charleston, IL died March 30, 2023. Vaughn is survived by his children Fritz (Donna), Kristen (Dave) Ballsrud, Katherine (John) Labinski, and Gretchen (Ted) Norman; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Harold ‘Hal’ Nordin, (Economics), 87, Charleston, IL died February 14, 2023. Hal is survived by his wife Barbara; son Brian (Doris); daughter Kathryn Nordin-Wolff; and two grandsons.

Alan Pike, (Food Service), 60, Charleston, IL died November 21, 2022. Alan is survived by his father Art; brothers Doug (Khwan), Todd (Cindy), and Matt (Erica); many nieces, nephews and aunts.

Foster Rinefort, (Business), 90, Charleston, IL died December 20, 2022. Foster is survived by his wife Jean, four children and five grandchildren.

Karla Sanders, (Academic Success Center), 58, Charleston, IL died December 6, 2022. Karla is survived by her aunt Ann (George) Terry; uncle, James (Barbara) Bridges; and numerous cousins.

Richard ‘Rick’ Seitz, (Library), 73, Lancaster, PA died November 16, 2022. Rick is survived by his daughters: Dr. Julia Seitz, DVM and Maja Seitz; four siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Margaret Ann Speer, (Records Office), 90, Charleston, IL died April 23, 2023. Margaret is survived by her daughter, Celia Lea Sanders; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Michael Strange, 88, Charleston, IL died February 9, 2023. Michael is survived by his wife Linda; children Debra (Silas) Brewer, Cheryl (Alvin) Wilson, Ken (Linda), Karen (Boyd) Johnson, Laura (Joe) Odor and Kristine (Larry) McCoy; eighteen grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Carol Jean (Kingery) Turner, (Food Services), 64, Toledo, IL died April 12, 2023. Carol is survived by her mother Brigitte; son Joshua (Lori) and brother Frank (Bobbi); grandchildren and niece.

Ed Warpenburg, (Food Court Supervisor), 61, Charleston, IL died December 7, 2022. Ed is survived by his daughter, Erin (Matt) Hower, sister Sue (Ron Kingery) Perrine, brother John (Nancy); several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

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EIUAA Calendar

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Committee Reports

Legislative Committee

The 2023 annual campaign of SUAAction is underway, and by now we’ve all received an invitation to support or renew our financial support of SUAAction. A compelling reason for our financial support is highlighted by SUAAction Board Chair Louis Anderson, who points out a key fact: “103 New Legislators out of 177 since 2018!” In essence, with the General Assembly continuing to experience transitions in its membership—and also leadership--it’s imperative for SUAA to have a solid financial basis for communicating our central concerns on our pension and health care benefits, including the need for healthy state funding to draw down pension debt. The good news from our end is that EIUAA members appreciate the value of a strong legislative presence. In 2022, there were 100 EIUAA contributors to SUAAction, for a total of $7,120 from our chapter’s membership. We also do well relative to what others in SUAA contributed last year, with an EIUAA average contribution per member of $71.20; the figure for SUAA membership as a whole was $60.41. The EIUAA Legislative Committee thanks everyone for their efforts in supporting SUAAction, and we hope that 2023 is an even better year for contributions from our chapter’s members.

On a related subject, the EIUAA Legislative Committee is seeking additional members to help with plans for outreach with area state legislators. Redistricting has brought Chapin Rose back to our area, but this time in the role of State Senator. It’s important that we establish ongoing relations with his office. Senator Rose was a valued advocate for us last fall when we were dealing with the TRAIL Medicare Advantage fiasco involving CMS, Aetna and Carle. We also need to reach out to Representative Chris Miller, to follow up on his constituent flyers many of us recently have retrieved from our mailboxes. If you’re interested in joining the Legislative Committee, contact Rich Wandling at rich.a.wandling@gmail.com.

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Scholarship Committee

The scholarship committee is pleased to announce that Braden Boyer will be awarded the EIU Annuitants Association Scholarship for 2023-24. Braden is a sophomore in Sports Management with a minor in Business Administration. His father, Matthew Boyer, is Assistant Director, Residential Life and Conference Services. We had three other eligible applicants this year, all of whom were strong.

The scholarship committee was comprised of four EIU AA members and five EIU employees--Nora Pat Small, chair, Margaret Messer, Nancy Dole, Tami Babbs, Jennifer Stout, Kaitlyn Haas, Jenny Sipes, Mackenzie Walker, and Nancy Murray.

Thank you to all who make the scholarship possible. We continue to work to build the corpus so that we’ll be able to make a $2000 award. We have reached our goal of a $1000 scholarship. To give to the scholarship please visit eiu.edu, click on “Give to EIU”, and choose “other gift”. Specify Annuitants Association Scholarship in the space provided. We should soon be able to click directly on Annuitants Association Scholarship, which will make it even easier for those donations to roll in!

Nora Pat Small, Chair
EIUAA Scholarship Committee

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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. Membership is open to current EIU employees as well as Annuitants. If you know anyone that would like to join but might have questions about the organization, please feel free to have them contact any of our Board members. We’ll be happy to talk to them!! Also, if you would be interested in serving on this committee (or any of our committees) reach out to us!

Here are a few tips for sustaining our membership:

1. Renew your membership as soon as you receive the first renewal notice from SUAA.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Wendy Long
Chair, Membership Committee

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