CAREEA GENERAL MEETING

April 8, 2008

MEA Building, East Lansing

 

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Vice-President Georgeanne Withey called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.  She welcomed CAREEA members and guests.

 

SPEAKERS:  Vice-President Withey introduced the speaker, Steven Hicks, from the law firm of Hicks and Millbrook.  After handing out an article on estate planning, Mr. Hicks discussed wills and trusts.  Related issues discussed included types of trusts, probate, tax consequences, executors, guardianship, and step-ups. Questions included the issues of power of attorney, what to put in trusts, beneficiaries, selection of an attorney, and estate and inheritance taxes. 

 

MINUTES:  After a review of the minutes from October 9, 2007, Connie Knowlton moved and Phyllis Rule seconded that the minutes be approved as printed.  The minutes were approved by the membership.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Connie Knowlton gave the Treasurer’s report.  CAREEA has approximately $1,440 in the checking account and $1,650 in the savings account.   The account for Reading Across America books is depleted.  The value of keeping it open with at least a minimal amount was discussed.  It was moved by John Winn and seconded by Carol Ezell that the Treasurer’s report be accepted.  Connie Knowlton indicated that she would accept membership dues.

 

MEA-RETIRED:  Judy Foster reminded attendees that the MEA-Retired Annual meeting would be on Wednesday, April 16, and asked for volunteers to help prepare packets for delegates.

 

Fran Manning indicated that help was also needed for registration and the auction at the Annual meeting. 

 

REGION 8:  Richard Hosking reported that Region 8 has met and is currently reviewing local MEA-Retired constitutions.  Two locals have been approved, however, CAREEA’s constitution needs some changes.  The primary problem concerns the issue of voting.  CAREEA members discussed what is needed to comply and the possibility of an amendment.  Vice President Withey indicated that the matter would be looked at and discussed further.

 

MPSERS:  John Winn reported that the MPSERS board has been meeting but has not discussed any critical issues at the public meetings.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  Dick Hosking reported that the Reading Across America committee met and selected a book to be distributed to schools in Eaton, Ingham and Clinton counties.  The focus will be on grades one through five.  The book selected is Kelly of Hazel Ridge written and illustrated by Robbyn Smith Van Frankenhuyzen and Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen.  The author and illustrator live in Bath, often work with schools, and will autograph the books in June.  Eighty-nine books have been purchased from Barnes and Noble at a 20% discount.

 

NEW BUSINESS:  Judy Foster announced and distributed information about a short-term job opportunity for retired teachers.

 

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 11:26 a.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted by Patty Puckett, CAREEA Secretary