Two Rivers Chapter of RPEN

Recap of the Annual Board Meeting

2009-10-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

The RPEN 2009 annual Board of Directors’ meeting was held at the Fiesta Hotel in Henderson on September 22-25th. It kicked off with a dinner on Tuesday evening where the attendees got an opportunity to discuss the candidates for the Executive Board seats, committee member appointments, proposed bylaw changes, and socialize with old friends from last years meeting in Reno.
Wednesday morning President Colleen Bell opened with a welcome and introduced Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen, who is a member of RPEN. Mayor Hafen commended all those present for being active members of RPEN and encouraged us to continue to fight the good fight on behalf of all retirees. Senators Steven Horsford, State Senate Majority Leader, Joyce Woodhouse, and Barbara Buckley, Assembly Speaker, were all keynote speakers during the event. All of the speakers praised Marty Bibb, our Executive Director, for his steady presence and obviously valued his opinion in any area pertaining to retirees. It was evident that Marty had developed a good working relationship with each of the Senators and garnered their respect in the process. The gist of their speeches was that they strongly support retirees and would do their best to honor the promises made to us. However, we were reminded to be continually vigilant, as they all mentioned term limits and how it would change the composition of both the Senate and Assembly, especially in the 2010 elections. Barbara Buckley, for instance, will be termed out in 17 months and sorely missed as an RPEN supporter.
We also had speakers from PERS and PEBP during the course of the conference but rather than try to recall who said what, I will give you a few highlights:

*Nevada still has the fewest number of employees per capita in the nation.
*The current average benefit of those retiring today through PERS is just over $2300 per month. Although it was created by the Nevada Legislature and the seven member Board is appointed by the Governor, PERS is not part of state government. It’s a fund of money paid into by active members and their employers and is not accessible by the state of Nevada. Another interesting fact is that PERS also manages the Legislative Retirement System.
*Our PERS is the 12th healthiest retirement system in the nation. However, we’ve suffered a 15% loss of value, for a total of 26% (still unfunded).
*As a 501(c)4, RPEN can lobby as much as it wants or can afford. It cannot conduct political activities, nor can it endorse candidates or it will jeopardize its tax exempt status. During an election year, if we invite candidates they must represent both major parties.
Our Chapter can’t be just a social organization. Our mission must always be to educate and protect all retirees.
*PEBP, a self-funded group insurance plan, is an agency of the state of Nevada. It is also governed by NRS and NAC. Eight of its’ nine member board are appointed by the Governor. As such, its’ administration is effected by not only the rising costs of healthcare, but the political climate as well.
*RPEN gives recommendations to both PERS and PEBP Boards.

The High Desert Chapter of RPEN was chartered on Thursday, making it the 17th chapter of RPEN and encompassing Laughlin, Bullhead City, and Searchlight. Our Chapter officers had an opportunity to visit with George Cleveland, their President, his wife, and some of their other officers and they will be a welcome addition to the annual meetings, bringing fresh ideas.
There were four new state bylaw changes ratified:
1) Instead of Chapter rebates to fund our operating expenses, we are now required to submit an annual budget. We submitted ours, with the assistance of Terri Laird, this month and will actually benefit from the process.
2) Past State Presidents costs to the annual meetings will be covered, provided the Executive Board has funding and gives approval. This will rarely involve having more than 3 past presidents at any future meetings.
3) Terms for Chapter officers is now one year beginning on October 1st and ending on September 30th the following year.
4) And, finally, the Executive Board now has the authority to appoint a temporary Executive Director in the event that something happens to Marty Bibb.
These changes need to be incorporated into our own bylaws. We will be voting on those changes at our December meeting.
The RPEN Web site was brought online just before the annual meeting. Although it contains much of the same information, the new Web site is much more attractive, eventually will offer each Chapter a page to submit current events, and has downloadable membership applications available. Each year there is a little controversy and we generated some with the Two Rivers Blogsite, but by applying the same standards as we do to meetings, we can maintain it without jeopardizing our tax exempt status.
Elections are one of the activities conducted during the annual meeting. Hal Keaton, Lincoln Chapter, is now our State President. Colleen Bell, who has faithfully attended many Two Rivers meetings, will still remain an active part of the Executive Board. Nancy Hollinger, Washoe Chapter, was elected State President Elect, Jimmy Green, Doris’s husband, was elected State Treasurer, and Sharon Williams, Las Vegas Chapter, is now State Secretary. All the newly elected officers were sworn in on Friday morning by Henderson Judge Ann Small and the updated list of officers and their contact information can be found on the RPEN Web page. Some of you will be pleased to know you can opt out on the barrage of e-mail and just visit the website for similar updates.
There were numerous reports given by the various committees and members of the Executive Board. Each Chapter President also makes a report to the attendees regarding their activities throughout the year. If you’re interested, mine is on our Blog site. The Pat Fladager Special Recognition and Awards were announced during the banquet dinner held Thursday night. And, finally, there was a memorial service held in honor of the 300 members who died this year. It’s a grim reminder that we must actively recruit members since so many are taken through attrition.

Joyce Nies and the Henderson Chapter worked hard to make the meeting a memorable one. The Fiesta Hotel was a great venue and all the food and entertainment was a welcome treat. All four of our Two Rivers Chapter Board members attended, as we will be hosting the 2010 Annual meeting in Mesquite next September. Though we didn’t even place in the Ugly Tie/Hat Ensemble Contest, two of our Board, Marilyn Cheney and Jeanne Crayton, were recognized for their efforts on our behalf and received plaques for their dedicated service to RPEN throughout the year.
There is very little idle time during the annual meeting. This is the second year I’ve attended and it has served to deepen my respect for the people who generously donate their time and efforts to RPEN and its’ mission to preserve our retirement benefits and to educate others about retiree issues. Many of our members, who are often our friends and/or former co-workers, are facing the inevitable health issues which are part of the “Golden Years” and it’s vital that we join together while we can, volunteering our time and effort to protect our common interests. I encourage you to recruit an illegible retiree, become an active member of RPEN by contributing some of your time and energy to our Two Rivers Chapter, and help ensure we have a louder voice, one with a little more influence, each and every year at the legislature.

Report Given at the Annual Meeting in Henderson

2009-09-28T03:33:00.000-07:00

Each year at the annual meeting the Chapter President makes a report to the Executive Board. Here was my report:
The Two Rivers Chapter has grown this year to 125 members. The Board has spent the year tweaking things to increase our active members and meeting attendance. Initially we held meetings every other month but amended that later in the year to monthly meetings and continue to process new ideas for attracting a more active membership. We have held 6 meetings since last year and had a variety of interesting speakers, including a cowboy poet, a mortician, a local gardening expert, a policeman, and a firefighter. Increasing attendance will be one of our challenges in the year to come as we continue to build a core group, especially as we begin preparations for the 2010 Executive Board meeting in Mesquite. We are looking forward to showcasing the resources available in our area for next year’s meeting. We also started and maintained a blogsite for Two Rivers Chapter and hope to link our site with the State RPEN web-site now that it's online. We invite you all to have a look at our site at tworiverschapterofrpen.blogspot.com and, if you are interested, we can help you to set up your own blogsite for your chapter. Eventually we hope to have a network of sites that will make information easier to access and share among the members and Chapters.
I’m very proud of the efforts of our Chapter Board throughout the year. Each officer has honored their commitment to start the chapter and collectively do their part to build a solid, lasting foundation for it to outlive us. Marilyn Cheney, our vice president, has often helped prepare and lead the meetings and assisted the state nominating committee. Our secretary, Luana Juenger, has proven to be efficient, well-organized, and keeps us on task. And, Jeanne Crayton, our state delegate, has proven to be an outspoken advocate for RPEN on several occasions with Nevada politicians. I’m also grateful for the benefit of having Colleen Bell and Doris and Jimmy Green at nearly every meeting this year. They have been on hand to share the state news with our membership, help us conduct meetings, and offer advice about increasing attendance. Their combined experience has kept us from reinventing the wheel as we establish ourselves as a Chapter.
Last but certainly not least, Two Rivers Chapter extends a heart felt thank you to the State staff who worked so diligently on our behalf during an incredibly challenging 2009 legislature. We deeply appreciate your dedication, vigilance, and tenacity which surely helped us dodge a big bullet this year. Marty Bibb, Bob and Gaye Johnston, Terrie Laird, and Kerri Armanasco…thanks for doing such a great job under such difficult circumstances! With the SAGE commission’s recommendations and the state budget crisis looming so large in each legislators mind, we made a likely target. Thanks for reminding them that a promise made is a promise kept. Personally, I hope to follow your example and become more involved in the process so essential to each former public employee. As Two Rivers Chapter President, my hope is that, as we mature as a chapter, we can learn to be more vocal representatives of our common interests, continue to increase our membership, and overcome the apathy that will endanger our retirement benefits. Once again on behalf of our Chapter, a heartfelt thank you!

Come, Join the Two Rivers Chapter

2009-09-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

While it's true that PERS survived the 2009 legislative changes relatively intact, PEPB took some major hits to member health insurance subsidies. During the June meeting one member asked why we should continue to meet since the legislature isn't. At face value that was a good question since RPEN is not a social organization, but I was reminded almost immediately via a Las Vegas Review Journal article that the SAGE commission made some inroads towards changing our benefits and they are not planning on resting for the next two years. They were excited to have made even a small impact on public employees and implied that they would continue the attack until successful. Earlier in the session, I spoke with one of our volunteer lobbyists and was told that he had faith in MOST of our legislators, assuring me that most of them were reasonable and prudent. Our adversaries, which include some of our elected representatives, aren't resting and our State RPEN Board won't be taking the next two years off either. If we expect our State to honor the adage "A promise made is a promise kept", we must aid the watchdog efforts of RPEN and not leave the fight entirely up to others. Each RPEN Chapter must make efforts to overcome apathy and develop active members willing to join the fight to protect our benefits. It needn't be a full time job, but it is a worthy endeavor.

As previously mentioned, the Two Rivers Board will be implementing a few changes to encourage the membership to become active participants. We now hold meetings on the third Tuesday of each month, and will hold a 50/50 raffle at the door. One half the proceeds will be used for Chapter refreshments and the other half will be paid to the winning contestant. We will continue to schedule speakers who educate us on retiree interests. In September of 2010, Two Rivers is sponsoring the State RPEN Board meeting in Mesquite and we will be recruiting members to assist in the planning and registration for that event. We will also hold elections for our Chapter positions in the coming year. We encourage you to attend our meetings and be active in protecting our benefits. The next four meetings are listed in the article below.

Announcement Postcard for Upcoming Meetings

2009-09-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

You are invited to attend the Two Rivers Chapter meetings for the Retired Public Employees of Nevada.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 @ 9:30AM
Moapa Valley Senior Center
325 N. Cooper Ave. Overton, NV.
Speaker: Carol Bishop- Extension Services

Tueday, October 20, 2009 @ 6PM
Marilyn Redd Park
Mesquite, NV.
Baked Potato Pot Luck (Bring your favorite topping)

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 @ 9:30 AM
Lost City Museum Tour
Overton, NV.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 @9:30 AM
Mesquite Senior Center
102 W. Old Mill Rd.
Mesquite, NV.
Virgin Valley history presentation

Changes Are Coming

2009-06-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Dear RPEN member,

The Chapter Board has been racking their brains lately to help build a more active membership. We would like the majority of the Chapter to look forward to our monthly get together. In order to maintain our tax exempt status, we are required to have an “educational” component at each meeting, but we’re open to suggestions to make them more fun. We will be implementing some of our ideas throughout the upcoming year:

* Starting in September, we will be going to a monthly meeting. Members who only attend the meeting in their own valley will no longer have to wait for four months for an update. The meeting date will remain the third Tuesday and we will continue to alternate between Virgin Valley and Moapa Valley.

* There will no longer be any meetings scheduled for the months of July and August. Many of our retirees head for cooler weather during the summer months.

* We are starting a 50/50 raffle at the door next to the sign-in sheet. Tickets will be one dollar and one participant will win half the money in the pot. One name will be drawn at the end of the meeting and the winner must be present. The other half will help fund our annual social event.

* Meeting locations will vary now too, depending on the activity planned. Luana Juenger, Two Rivers Secretary, will be sending postcards listing our fall activities.

Our next Chapter meeting will be June 16th at 9:30 am at the Mesquite Senior Center. Jeanne or one of our state representatives will report on the most recent changes to PERS and PEBP following the legislative session. We will also have a representative from the Mesquite Fire Department to give us helpful safety tips. Hope to see you there!

Ken Rodgers

Minutes from April Meeting

2009-05-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

Two Rivers Chapter Minutes
April 21, 2009
Moapa Valley Senior Center
Overton, Nevada

Called to Order by Jeanne Crayton (Two Rivers State Delegate) @ 9:37 AM – 8 Members and 1 Guest Speaker Present

Pledge to the flag

Welcome by Jeanne Crayton

Minutes of February 17, 2009 meeting read by Luana Juenger…Approved with no changes.

Treasurer’s Report for April 21, 2009 read by Luana Juenger…Clarification of receipt of funds from PERS….Approved.

Guest Speaker
Dr. Sylvan Wittwer (Director Emeritus of the Michigan State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Professor of Horticulture)
-Provided information specific to gardening in the local areas
-Recommended fertilizer for this area’s gardening should be 11-52-0
-The book, “Gardening In Moapa and Virgin Valleys” by Dr. Sylvan Wittwer may be obtained free of charge from University of Nevada Cooperative Extension office at 1897 N. Moapa Valley Boulevard in Logandale or may be downloaded by logging on to www.unce.unr.edu. (Click on “Publications, then “Horticulture.”)

Reports
Jeanne Crayton
-Provided updated information of the possible effects to PERS on Bill # 406 presented by Ty Cobb should the bill pass in the legislature.

Announcements
-Next Two Rivers Chapter meeting will be June 16, 2009 in Mesquite @ 9:30 AM at the Mesquite Senior Center, 102 West Old Mill Road.
-Executive Board Meeting will be held in Henderson in September

Adjourned @ 10:30 AM

Legislative Update

2009-04-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

The following is an email recieved from our members lobbying in Carson City on our behalf:

Hi to all,
Please share the following with your members. The informal Benefits Coalition discovered on Monday, March 30 that the salary cuts and PEBP issues were to be heard Wednesday, April 1. It had not been announced. Along with RPEN, all coalition members were, and are, concerned about the same issues. We all met and came up with what would be said at the committee hearing and who would testify if allowed. At the committee hearing most of the Democrats, in addition to Republicans Raggio and Gansert, voiced opinions that we would be treated fairly and that all our benefits would not be cut. Buckley announced that no actual decisions can be made before the Economic Forum submits its budget on May 1. We have been meeting continuously with leaders of both parties and, in fact, met with Senator Woodhouse immediately after the Ways and Means/Finance Committee meeting. Several things did not come up at the hearing. One had to do with sunsetting any cuts that might be made so they could be reinstated when the economy turns around. Another was pushing back the timetable from July 1, 2009 to the following year so people could have time to make these life-changing decisions. Although most of the committee members made great supporting statements, we know the battle is not over and things change in a nanosecond over here, so we are not letting down our guard. We will continue to put pressure on the lawmakers and will not let them forget that many of them are in the positions they are in because seniors vote and our support is very important to their future as legislators. We will try to get another bulletin out as soon as there is anything new to report. We hope to see you all soon.
Gaye and Bob Johnston.

Upcoming April Meeting

2009-02-28T08:48:00.001-08:00

As a member of the Retired Public Employee's of Nevada (RPEN), you are cordially invited to attend our second meeting for 2009 in Moapa Valley on April 21, 2009 at the new Moapa Valley Senior Center, located at 325 N. Cooper Avenue. The keynote will be Dr. Sylvan Wittwer, Horticulturist and author, who will discuss maintaining a healthy garden in Southern Nevada.Our meetings are held at 9:30am on the third Tuesday on even months, alternating between Moapa Valley and Virgin Valley. Members are encouraged to attend the meetings in both valleys. The next meeting will be held on June 16, 2009 at the Mesquite Senior Center, located at 102 E. Old Mill Road (behind the recreation center) in Mesquite. The speaker for that meeting will be announced.We have started this Blog-site to keep you better informed about our Chapter activities. You can look at the Two Rivers Chapter By-laws, reasons for RPEN, minutes from prior meetings, and, as we develop the site, legislation updates. Please come get actively involved in strengthening our Chapter, give us your input, and help protect your benefits by adding your voice to our growing membership.Thanks for being a member of RPEN,Ken RodgersTwo Rivers Chapter President

Minutes From February Meeting

2009-02-28T07:22:00.000-08:00

Two Rivers Chapter Minutes
February 17, 2009
Mesquite Senior Center
Mesquite, Nevada

Called to Order by Ken Rodgers (Two Rivers President) @ 9:32 AM – 18 Members Present

Pledge to the flag

Welcome & Introduction of Two Rivers Officers and State Representatives by Ken Rodgers (President)
Jeanne Crayton (Two Rivers State Delegate)
Marilyn Cheney (Vice President / Treasurer)
Luana Juenger (Secretary)
Doris & Jim Green (Southern Nevada Membership Coordinator)

Minutes of December 17, 2008 meeting read by Luana Juenger…Approved, no changes.

Treasurer’s Report for February 17, 2009 read by Marilyn Cheney…Approved, no changes.

Guest Speaker
Brian Rebman (Director of the Moapa Valley Mortuary) discussed the advantages to both the individual and the family of preplanning funeral arrangements.
-Recommended Insurance Policy to cover financial burden of services & burial
-Furnished forms to complete that provide pertinent information needed at the time of death

Reports
Colleen Bell (President) cbell3@cox.net
-Provided information concerning the changes (effective July 1, 2009) being considered to Public Employees Benefits Program
-Recommended listening to the session starting @ 8:00 AM on February 18
-Provided e-mail addresses to contact your assemblyman and senator.
Doris Green
Reported Two Rivers current membership is 116, State has over 9200 members

New Business
Ken Rodgers requested suggestions from the membership concerning a social activity. It was determined that a picnic or a barbecue would be best.

Announcements
Next meeting will be held April 21, 2009 @ 9:30 AM at the Moapa Valley Senior Center, 325 North Cooper in Overton.

Adjourned @ 11:00 AM

2008-12-19T06:20:00.000-08:00

Local Cowboy Poets, Ken and Shyla Marshall, perform at our last meeting.

Two Rivers Chapter Minutes
December 16, 2008
Jim Boyles Senior Center
Overton, Nevada

Called to Order by Ken Rodgers (Two Rivers President) @ 9:35 AM – 17 Members & Non-Members Present

Pledge to the flag

Welcome & Introduction of Two Rivers Officers and State Representatives by Ken Rodgers (President)
Jeanne Crayton (Two Rivers State Delegate) - Absent
Marilyn Cheney (Vice President / Treasurer)
Luana Juenger (Secretary)
Doris & Jim Green (Southern Nevada Membership Coordinator)

Minutes of October 21, 2008 meeting read by Luana Juenger…Approved, no changes.

Treasurer’s Report for December 16, 2008 read by Marilyn Cheney…Approved, no changes.

Guest Speaker
Ken Marshall (Metro Police Resident Officer) and daughter, Shyla Marshall – Cowboy Poets
Presented and performed several poems

Reports
Jim Green
Reported changes to benefits being considered by PEBP concerning insurance premiums and benefits, years of service requirements and retirement age
SAGE commission recommendations to discontinue to subsidize insurance premiums
Doris Green
Reported Two Rivers current membership is 107

Open discussion
Flag e-mails from RPEN that affect our benefits
Windfall that affects SSI and our retirement

New Business
Requested suggestions for prospective speakers from membership

Announcements
Next meeting will be held February 17, 2009 @ 9:30 AM at the Senior Center in Mesquite

Adjourned @ 10:50 AM

2008-11-16T18:21:00.000-08:00

As of September 11, 2008, we were recognized as an official chapter of RPEN, during a trip to Reno for the RPEN Executive Board meeting! Pictured left to right are Jeanne Crayton, Two Rivers State Delegate, Colleen Bell, RPEN President, Ken Rodgers, Two Rivers President, and Marilyn Cheney, Two Rivers Vice President. We were accepted as the newest chapter of RPEN, the first in 9 years, and got to meet a large number of active retiree’s representing RPEN all over the state. This is a dynamic group of people that collectively have our best interests in mind and I’m proud to be among them. I learned several important items at the annual meeting. Although I won’t cover everything, I will give you a brief recap.
First, the status of our 501c (4) was discussed. This is a tax-exempt status for socially active organizations that advocate for some special interest group..in our case, (us) retiree’s in PERS. As a Chapter, we cannot publicly support any politician, but there are no limits to how much we can help lobby legislation which supports our interests. As an arm of the parent organization, Two Rivers will take great care not to jeopardize the tax-exempt status of RPEN, which would increase our operating costs significantly. However, individually, we can contact our legislators, identify ourselves as RPEN members, and ask their positions on issues effecting retirees. RPEN is in the process of revamping their Website to keep us better informed and help streamline that effort.
Secondly, we have enclosed some supplemental insurance brochures distributed by Ernie Strobel, owner of EJS Insurance Services, Inc. RPEN has endorsed Mr. Strobel and his company, who has promised to give our group a discounted rate on all his supplemental products, which include dental, vision, hearing, and long-term care plans. There was even some information on pet insurance. Apparently Mr. Strobel has had a great working relationship with Retired Public Employee Association of California and came to RPEN highly recommended. If you are interested in any of these products, call his office at 1-800-841-6238.
Each Chapter President had an opportunity to report some of their Chapter activities through 2008. I noticed Marilyn, Jeanne and I all scratching ideas for speakers for the educational component. We hope to provide informative and entertaining speakers for all of our future meetings. Feel free to share ideas and, if you have someone specific in mind, please pass that information to one of us. As your Board, our goal in the coming years is to make this meeting worthwhile. Your suggestions are always welcome and your attendance is deeply appreciated.
As the meeting came to a close, it was easy to get caught up in the enthusiasm and the three of us were no exception. We felt compelled to submit a letter offering to host the Executive Board Meeting held in September of 2010. We felt that Mesquite would be the perfect venue for hosting it, and it would allow us to spotlight our growth and rural setting.
Finally, as you are well aware, the PERS system is under attack for this upcoming legislative session. Due to the state budget crisis and more recently the state of Wall Street and the “Trickle-Down Effect” of both these critical occurrences, our funds will continue to be both a topic and a target. The Las Vegas Review Journal is obviously not one of our biggest fans and seems to take cheap shots at us whenever possible. The effect of those inaccurate editorials will quickly turn the tide of popular opinion against us. Another factor, which will be extremely important in the future of our PERS system, was covered by our Executive Director, Marty Bibb. Due to the implementation of term limits, we have lost the “institutional memory” of the knowledgeable legislators that have supported PERS in the past. This will leave PERS a constant target unless we become more active members of RPEN. The undercurrent at the Executive Board meeting was clearly a call to action by the membership. For instance, we currently have 9000 RPEN members, but over 40,000 PERS retiree’s and many more illegible actives. I challenge each of you to recruit one or two members into our group in the coming year. The larger the numbers, the stronger the voice we have in the state capitol! My second challenge would be to get actively involved. Take these issues personally by contacting our legislators and give them factual information about PERS in particular and retiree’s in general. In our future meetings we will discuss what we can do individually to help safeguard our retirement funds. Let’s not let that be the only information our friends, neighbors, and politicians use to form their opinions about PERS retiree’s.
Thanks for being a member of RPEN,
Ken Rodgers

2008-11-16T18:18:00.000-08:00

Here is our local Two Rivers Board happily accepting a start-up check for $500 from Doris Green and the Las Vegas Chapter of RPEN. Left to Right- Luana Juenger, Two Rivers Secretary/Treasurer, Jeanne Crayton, T.R. State Delegate, Ken Rodgers, T.R. President, Doris Green, Southern Nevada Membership Coordinator for RPEN, and Marilyn Cheney, T.R. Vice President.

October Meeting Minutes

2008-09-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

RETIRED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES OF NEVADA
RPEN
TWO RIVERS CHAPTER

MINUTES
(October 21, 2008)
Mesquite Senior Citizen Center
Mesquite, Nevada

Called to order by Marilyn Cheney (Two Rivers Vice President) @ 9:30 AM – 40 Members & Non-Members present

Pledge to Flag

Welcome and Introduction of the RPEN Two Rivers Chapter Officers and visitors (listed below) by Marilyn Cheney
Marty Bibb (RPEN Executive Director)
Colleen Bell (RPEN State President)
Hal Keaton (RPEN President Elect)
Doris and Jim Green (RPEN Southern Nevada Membership Coordinator)

Minutes of August 19, 2008 meeting read by Luana Juenger…..Approved, with no changes.

A message from RPEN Two Rivers Chapter President, Ken Rodgers was read by Vice President Marilyn Cheney in his absence.

Remarks by Marilyn Cheney
Approval of Two Rivers Chapter of RPEN
Trip to Carson City September 10, 2008 through September 12, 2008

Guest Speaker
Sergeant Tracy Fails from Mesquite Police Department
Presented information for protection concerning security issues affecting senior citizens
Addressed ideas to prevent identity theft – shred all personal information documents
Maintain a separate list of phone numbers of the financial institutions for credit/debit cards

Welcome of Two Rivers Chapter presented by RPEN President Colleen Bell to Vice President Marilyn Cheney

Reports
Jeanne Crayton (Two Rivers State Delegate)
Many bill drafts, currently being written, will go to the next legislative session that will affect retirees. More detailed information should be available by December.

Doris Green (RPEN Southern Nevada Membership Coordinator)
Reported Current Membership of 9014
Target goal of 10,000 by December of 2008

Guest Speaker
Marty Bibb Executive Director of RPEN – Fulltime Legislative Lobbyist
Dues increase to $4.00 monthly starting in October
Discussed PERS in comparison to other state retirement systems
Discussed effects to retirees of Legislative Bill Draft to change PERS to 401K
Health Care Changes
Answered questions

Announcements
Group Insurance Discount Program Available for Members of RPEN (Brochures)
Next meeting will be held at the Jim Boyles Senior Center in Overton, NV on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 @ 9:30 AM.

Adjourned @ 11:00 AM

About RPEN

2008-06-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

What is RPEN?
We are an association of Nevada retired public employees, individuals covered by the Public Employees' Retirement System, (PERS). Our members are former employees of cities, counties, the state, school districts, police & fire service, and other local government employers in Nevada.
RPEN is NOT PERS. We work with PERS but are independent from them. We are an association of PERS retirees. Just because you receive a PERS pension does not make you an RPEN member.
RPEN was formed in 1977 by a group of Nevada public employee retirees including the state’s first executive officer of PERS.
These founders discovered that upon retirement, retirees not only lived on fixed incomes but saw an increasingly greater percentage of their retirement income spent for health care.
RPEN was founded to work with PERS, retired public employee group insurance programs such as the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP), the Nevada State Legislature and others to bring PERS retirees a strong, collective voice to ensure our issues are heard.

Why Join RPEN?
Public employees retire and presume their retirement will be protected. For that to happen it takes attention to retirement and health care issues which if left unattended can cause serious problems for retirees. RPEN works to ensure those concerns are addressed.
In the early 1980’s RPEN representatives worked to help establish the first post retirement (cost of living) increases for Nevada retired public employees.
RPEN takes retiree issues to the state legislature.
RPEN has worked for approval of annual post retirement increases for retired public employees which can reach 5 per cent.
RPEN Carson City state office is a full-time operation.
RPEN has sought additional health insurance options for retired public employees.
RPEN works for rate equity for retired public employees in health insurance programs.
RPEN recommends retired public employees for state boards and commissions.
RPEN staff and members attend meetings of the PERS board, Public Employees Benefits Program (PEBP) and testify before legislative hearings and other important committees and panels.

Proposed By-Laws For Our Chapter

2008-06-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

Retired Public Employees of Nevada
Two Rivers Chapter
By-Laws

Article 1 – Name
The name of this association shall be the Two Rivers Chapter of the Retired Public Employees of Nevada.
Article 2 – Purposes
The purposes for which this corporation is formed are to address the problems of retired persons including both members and nonmembers, and to prepare and present information on such problems to the general public and concerned groups and agencies. Inasmuch as RPEN was granted tax exemption under 501 (c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code, it shall carry out its purposes through promotion of social welfare by educational means designed to achieve its purposes.
Article 3 – Membership
People eligible for membership in RPEN who live in or around the areas of Moapa, Moapa Valley, and Virgin Valley shall be eligible for membership in the Two Rivers Chapter. RPEN members who live outside those boundaries, who would like to belong to the Two Rivers Chapter for fraternal reasons, will also be accepted as members.
Article 4 – Officers
Section 1: The Chapter officers shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and Delegate, and shall be elected for a term of two years or until his/her successor is elected and installed.
Section 2: Collectively, these four officers shall constitute the Chapter Board, which shall regularly meet in advance of Chapter meetings or at the call of the President. The Board shall have the authority to carry out the routine functions of the Chapter between Chapter meetings, shall make arrangements and prepare an agenda, and carry out any other functions as authorized by the Chapter.
Section 3: A nominating committee, consisting of three Chapter members, shall be appointed by the President on even years in February to report at the April meeting. Nominations may be made from the floor at the April meeting, with elections to take place at the June meeting. No member may be nominated without his/her consent. Any member of the Chapter in good standing, except associate members, is eligible for nomination and election to an office.
Section 4: No Chapter officer may hold more than one elective office concurrently.
Section 5: The term of office shall be from July 1 through June 30 of even years. All members in good standing, except associate members, are eligible to vote.
Section 6: In the event of the resignation of the President, or his/her inability to complete a term, the Vice-President shall serve out the term. The executive committee shall fill other vacancies through appointment.
Article 5 - Standing and Special Committees
The President shall have the authority to appoint any temporary committees he/she deems necessary.
Article 6 - Meetings
The regular meetings of the Two Rivers Chapter shall be held on even months on the third Tuesday of the month designated by the President and the location shall alternate between Moapa Valley and Virgin Valley at a place also designated by the President.
Article 7- State Delegate
Section 1: The Chapter shall elect a representative to the State Board of Directors, the governing body of RPEN, at the April meeting for a term of two years and their term as delegate shall begin on October 1st of the year of election. The current Chapter President is also a member of the RPEN State Board of Directors.
Section 2: In the event of the resignation of the State Delegate or his/her inability to serve out a term, they shall be replaced by appointment of the Chapter membership at a meeting.
Article 8 - Fiscal year
The fiscal year of the Chapter shall begin on October 1st and end on September 30th of the following year.
Article 9 - Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in the current edition of the Robert’s Rules of Order (Newly Revised) shall govern this Chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these By- Laws and any special rules of order RPEN may adopt.
Article 10 - Amendments
Section 1: These By-Laws can be amended only upon authorization of the Chapter by a two-thirds vote of those present at the regular December or June meeting. Notice of proposed amendments must have been submitted in writing to all members present at a meeting prior to the December or June meeting. The amendments, if passed, shall become effective at the end of the meeting wherein they are passed.
Section2: No amendment shall be adopted if it would in any way be inconsistent with or conflict with the State RPEN By-laws or Policies and Procedures.

The Two Rivers Chapter Petitions for a Charter in September

2008-06-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

The first "official" meeting for the proposed Two Rivers Chapter of RPEN was held at the Mesquite Senior Center. It's an exciting time to be involved in RPEN as we bolster our membership and strengthen our collective voice in Carson City!

Here are the minutes from that meeting:

June 17, 2008 RPEN MINUTES

Meeting was held at the Senior Citizen’s Center, Mesquite, NV at 9:30 A.M.

Welcome: Ken Rodgers

Introduction of guests: State Pres.- Colleen Bell
State Coor. – Doris Green
Medicare SHIP Rep. – Sharon Goldstrohm

Introduction of officers for proposed Two Rivers Chapter of RPEN:
Pres. – Ken Rodgers
V. Pres. – Marilyn Cheney
Sec. – Luana Juenger
Treas. – Jeanne Crayton

Speaker Colleen Bell:
-This will be the first new chapter of RPEN in 9 years
-It is a very important year in the legislature – regarding 401 K’s, Ins., etc.
-Information for establishing new chapter
-By-Laws to state office by Sept. 1 to be voted on by the Executives and
The Board of Directors
-the delegate is an elected position with the election held in May -
position held for 2 years
- Current employees can join RPEN if 50 or have 5 years vested - Spouses
may join whether they are state employees or not
-Chapter dues can only be used for the purpose of educating members

Speaker Sally Coates, Director of Mesquite Senior Center
-Passed out explained newsletter
-Sen. Ctr. Delivers lunch to 100 homebound sen. Citizens
Cost of lunch served at center is $2.50 for 60 & over and $4 under 60
-Discussed excursions taken
-Talked about the services of Silver Rider for appts. in town and to Las Vegas
and St. George for a minimal fee

Speaker Sharon Goldstrohm:
-SHIP volunteers offer free one-on-one assistance and counseling with respect to
many problems seniors encounter regarding Medicare, supplemental
health insurance and long-term care options.
They provide services for –information and eligibility on Medicare
entitlements
-assistance with claims and appeal processes
-determine health insurance needs
-outreach information to seniors through meetings, seminars,
classes, health fairs, senior fairs and the media
-referrals and coordination with other state and community
services
-it was suggested that everyone should check their Medicare plan
annually
-they are in need of volunteers in the rural areas
-one of the main things they do is help with Part B
She answered questions from the audience and stayed after the meeting for one-
on-one questions.

Ken Rodgers – thanked the speakers and everyone for attending
- -announced that the next meeting would be at the Overton Comm. Ctr.
on August 19th at 9:30 A.M.

Meeting adjourned