THE BUCKS MONT BUZZ
BUCKS-MONT Chapter PASR
Spring 2024 Newsletter
Editor – Gail Campbell
bucksmontpasr@gmail.com
pasr.org
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
The Bucks Mont Chapter of PASR hosted a legislative forum at our fall luncheon meeting. Representative Steven Malagari and Senator Frank A. Farry were invited to speak about the status of COLA legislation. A question and answer session followed. Both men voiced support for a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for PSERS annuitants. The PA House has passed HB 1416, but the Senate State Government committee has refused to bring the bill up for a vote. Now is the time to put pressure on your Senators and Representatives. Legislators need to hear from their constituents that a COLA is a priority. Visit https://www.pasr.org/legislative-cola-information/ , for information on how to send a message in support of HB 1416 and SB 864. SB 864 provides a COLA to everyone every three years that is based on the inflation rate. HB 1416 provides a COLA to those who retired prior to July 1, 2001 and did not receive the 25% increase in their pension that Act 9 provided to those retiring after this date.
​
At the luncheon we also recognized several of our members for outstanding service to PASR. See photos on the next page. A Bucks Mont PASR grant went to a teacher at Klinger Middle School in the Centennial School District, Cynthia Korger for her work with their Farmer’s Market.
​
In December, our chapter gave $200 each to Bucks County’s Give a Christmas project and Montgomery County’s Hope for the Holidays. Manna on Main Street reported they were able to support all 626 children in 294 families that were eligible for the Hope for the Holidays project in Montgomery County.
​
Our tour of the Glencairn Museum in December was well attended and enjoyed by all. The “Christmas in the Castle Tour” included a World Nativities exhibit that included scenes from around the world. The house itself is a work of art with mosaic tile work and woodwork. It is a treasure right here in Montgomery County.
We are looking forward to attending the Bristol Riverside Theater as a group on April 24 where we will listen to the music of Billy Joel and Elton John, with the Piano Men: Generations.
​
A popular musician, Claudia Pellegrini who performs at the Bristol Riverside Theater, will play for us at our Spring Luncheon on May 9th, 2024. In addition, our Bucks Mont scholarship winners have been invited to attend. I hope to see you there.
​
Please invite your retired school co-workers to join Bucks Mont PASR. https://www.buckspasr.org/membership
​
Arlene Williams
Stay in Touch
To be updated and receive newsletters by email, please email bucksmontpasr@gmail.com.
This email has been changed effective March 21, 2024.
Otherwise, the Newsletter will come via mail.
Fall Luncheon Special Honorees
Arlene Williams, President, BucksMontPASR with Cynthia Korger, Centennial School District and her Principal Martin Hayes accepted a grant for Klinger Middle School’s Farmer’s Market Project.
Arlene Williams, Pres. BucksMontPASR with Alice Kirby, 2023 Outstanding Volunteer, PASR Bucks County.
Dr. David Noyes PASR Region 1 Director presented a Special Recognition Award to John Worthington for years of service at the Region and Chapter Levels.
Linda Majewski, recipient of of the John J. Dillon PASR Service Award with Arlene Williams, President BucksMont PASR.
SPRING MEETING-LUNCHEON May 9th, 2024
Come join us to meet, eat and be entertained!
A Community Service Opportunity, too!
​
Where: Terrace Court at Spring Mill Manor
171 Jacksonville Road, Ivyland. PA.
​
SCHEDULE :
10:00 Registration with Coffee and Pastry
10:30 Meeting
11:15 Program
12:15 Lunch
LUNCH:
Entrée Choices – All entrees include a salad and dessert
Chicken Marsala – Mushrooms, Marsala Wine, Garlic, Shallots in a Demi-Glace
Stuffed Tilapia Florentine – with a Savory Spinach Filling Topped with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce
Penne Pasta Primavera- Choice of Marinara, Tomato Blush or Olio
Please return the coupon with entrée selection and check by May 2, 2024.
Cost $25/Member $40/Non-member Members age 90 and above are free
LUNCHEON PROGRAM
Violinist- Claudia Pellegrini
​
Have you ever attended a Summer or Holiday Musicale at the Bristol Riverside Theatre? If so, you enjoyed the magnificent violin music of Claudia Pellegrini who will provide the entertainment for our May 9th luncheon.
​
Born in Madrid, Spain, Claudia is an Honor graduate from the Royal Conservatory of Madrid and Reina Sofia Music School. She holds a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance from Temple University and has worked with Pinchas Zuckerman, Yehudi Menuhin and Michael Tilson Thomas, among others. She has won many awards for her performances in competitions and her songwriting work.
​
We are honored to have Claudia Pellegrini entertain us. You will not want to miss her wonderful violin performance.
Luncheon Community Service Opportunity
Bring an item to the luncheon from the list below to support our National Guard
Pennsylvania State Representative, Joe Kerwin is currently deployed with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard to East Africa with the soldiers of Task Force Paxton, 2nd Battalion -112th Infantry, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The task force is made up of Pennsylvania’s citizen soldiers, including his brother, Cpt. Jack Kerwin. Also deployed is a former Council Rock student of several members of our Bucks Mont chapter. Below is a list of items that have been requested by the troops.
(Information copied from Combat Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa)
"The Pennsylvania National Guard’s 2-112th Infantry Brigade's call sign Paxton is derived from a Native American word meaning, “Where the waters stand,” for a specific place in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. In addition, the task force’s heritage can be traced back to the Logan Guards of Lewistown, Pennsylvania and the Bellefonte Fencibles who were both organized in
1858 and went on to fight with distinction for the Union Army during the Civil War.
Task Force Paxton now has the essential mission of providing critical security support at installations across the Horn of Africa.
As the United States’ largest tactical unit on the continent of Africa, the security task force makes up more than two-thirds of the CJTF-HOA force and is critical to providing security and building partnerships throughout East Africa in support of U.S. Africa Command."
In honor of their service we will be collecting these items at our Spring luncheon.
​
Items requested:
Sunscreen
Bug Spray with DEET (non-aerosol)
Aloe
Laundry pods
Hygiene products - shampoo, body wash, toothbrush/toothpaste, razors, bandaids, chapstick, baby wipes
tissues
hand sanitizer
Goldfish crackers
Beef jerky/slim jims
Ramen noodles
Soup - Progresso -( no need to add water)
Candy - nothing that melts
coffee
fruit snacks
protein bars
crackers
Games
new or used golf balls.
We thank you for your contribution to these volunteers.
RECREO
Lynn Majewski, chair
Please Note: In registering for and/or participating in any PASR event, you hereby give permission to PASR to use your photographic likeness, voice, photographs and videos in all forms and media for advertising, trade, and any other lawful purposes. If you would prefer that PASR not utilize your likeness, please communicate that to the organizer of the event so that your wishes can be honored.
The Make and Take Flower Arranging class was enjoyed by the attendees in the fall.
Each person created a beautiful arrangement to bring home.
Judy Guise
Meg Kramer
REMINDER:
PIANO MEN Generations, Bristol Riverside Theatre
Wednesday, April 24 at 2PM.
Tickets will be mailed.
ANDALUSIA HISTORIC HOUSE and GARDENS
Join us for a guided 1 hour tour of the big house at this designated historic landmark and self- guided tour of the gardens. It’s a 50 acre property with views of the Delaware River. You can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens.
When: Thursday, June 5, 10 AM
Location: Andalusia House and Garden
1237 State Rd,
Andalusia, PA 19020
Cost: $30 per person
Complete the enclosed coupon to register with payment and return by May 30th.
GREETING CARDS Make and Take
Join us to create your very own greeting cards! Surprise your special someones, perhaps for a birthday, get well, holiday, anniversary or special occasion with handmade cards!
When: Thursday, July 25th from 1-3 PM
Location : Doylestown United Methodist Church
320 E. Swamp Rd
Doylestown,PA
Cost: $15
Complete the enclosed coupon to register with payment and return by July 1st.
CPR CLASS
The American Heart Association recommends that you attend this class every 2 years.
When: Thursday, September 26, 9:30 – 11:30
Location: Grace Point Church
592 Washington Crossing Rd
Newtown, PA 18940
Cost: $ 35
This course is for people who do not need a course completion card for job or other requirements. It is ideal for community groups, parents, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone interested in learning how to save a life. Sanctioned by the American Heart Association, CPR, AED usage and choking will be covered. You will receive a booklet and certificate for participation.
Complete the enclosed coupon to register with payment and return by September 15.
GLENCAIRN ESTATE HOLIDAY TEA AND TOUR
Last year we visited the fabulous museum. This year we are looking forward to visiting Glencairn Estate for a self guided tour and catered 3 course tea. It also includes a tour of the Bryn Athyn Cathedral. Both are handicap accessible. More details to follow in the next Newsletter!
When: Thurs, December 5th Approx 10am-2pm
Where Glencairn
1001 Cathedral Rd
Byrn Athyn, PA 19009
Mark your calendar! Look for the coupon in the next newsletter.
Make all checks to events payable to PASR BMC
Send to: PASR Bucks/Mont Chapter
PO box 465
Penns Park, Pa 18943
Member Benefits & Services
Meg Kramer, Chair
PASR is offering two new benefits for our members.
If you need a unique gift for a special occasion, check out Wendell August Forge https://www.wendellaugust.com/. They are offering 15% off their online purchases. Crafted by artisans in Pennsylvania for nearly a century, Wendell August gifts are special symbols of the stories, traditions and milestones that bind us together. Their metalworkers take great pride in crafting a gift that is meaningful. Mark your special occasion with a personalized treasure from Wendell August Forge.
​
If your feet are begging for more comfort, check out Superfeet at
https://www.superfeet.com/en-us/. Superfeet support isn’t just about making incredibly comfortable insoles, it’s about making a positive difference in people’s lives, one step at a time. Go to PASR.org for the discount code and a store locator.
Please note that you must be a PASR State Member to take advantage of the discounts offered. https://www.pasr.org/membership/member-benefits/ . Your state membership number can be found on the PASR magazine mailing label.
Social Service Memorial Fund
Eileen Sichel, Chair
The past year has been a trying time for our most elderly members whose pensions earned during their time of service is barely enough to make ends meet, especially if they outlive their spouses. Faced with the rising costs of food, gas, and other necessities and dependent on their own pensions and Social Security, these members face hardship and often look to PASR for help. Their stories are often heartbreaking. Please consider donating to the SSMHF to help PASR members from across the state who are experiencing financial stress and/or in need of support due to illness or age. As more and more of our older members are asking for help, there has never been a more important time to donate. No funding comes from dues but relies only on the generosity of members
or chapters.
​
A coupon can be found in this newsletter to be used to make a contribution. To donate online, go to pasr.org/member-donate-ssmhf (member login required). Donations can be made to honor or memorialize someone who has made a difference in your life or to honor a special event such as a birthday or anniversary.
Keep our committee informed. If you are celebrating a 90 or 90+birthday or know of a member who is, let us know so that we can celebrate those special people at one of our luncheons. Nona-genarians are welcome as guests to any of our luncheons, free of charge. Just let us know your status on the attached luncheon coupon. In addition, for future recognition, please let us know if you are a veteran or know of a member who served our country in the military.
​
As always, remember to let Eileen know if you have information or questions about members in need of our support. You are an important source of information concerning those members who could use a helping hand, financially or otherwise.
click here to add your own content and make changes to the font. It's a great place to tell a story about your business and let users know more about you.
ALL Retired Secondary Public School Teachers
Request for dissertation research assistance
​
Kelly Kozik, Director of Human Resources for the Neshaminy School District is doing doctoral research on the teacher shortage and teacher engagement. She is investigating the reasons why teachers retired and or resigned and what their experience was like working for a public school in Bucks County and Montgomery County. The research is a 15-question confidential survey done online. Please email kkozik@neshaminy.org or phone 215-809-6607 for more information on how to participate. She recognizes that educators need support and would like to identify ways to provide that support.
​
Here is the title of her dissertation and the problem statement 
Title:
Unveiling the Exodus: An Exploration of Factors Influencing Early Departure among Recently Retried and Resigned Teachers in Public Schools.
Problem Statement:
Considering the shortage of teachers in the workforce, districts must work to motivate and retain current staff. The problem to be addressed is to identify certain cultural and organizational elements to determine if/how they contribute to the decision to leave the profession among secondary public-school teachers in Southeastern Pennsylvania
Travel Opportunities with PASR
Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park
​
6-night Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park tour traveling June 15 -21, includes 3 nights in Banff, time in Waterton Lake, Glacier National and Kootenay National Parks and Moraine Lake & Valley of the Ten Peaks and more!
Adirondack Rail and Sail
​
3-night Adirondack Rail and Sail tour traveling Sept 11 -14 (departing Camp Hill), includes a ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, dinner cruise, wine and brewery tastings and more!
For more information state members can call Boscov’s Travel, 717-763-1100
DATES TO REMEMBER
April 24, 2024
Bristol Riverside Theater, Piano Man Generations
​
May 9, 2024
Bucks Mont Chapter Spring Luncheon Meeting
​
June 5, 2024
Andalusia Historic House and Gardens, Andalusia
​
June 6, 2024
Bucks Mont Chapter Executive Board Meeting
July 25, 2024
Greeting Card Make and Take, Doylestown United Methodist Church
​
August 15, 2024
Bucks Mont Chapter Executive Board Meeting
​
September 26, 2024
CPR Class, Grace Point Church
​
October 17, 2024
Bucks Mont Chapter Fall Luncheon Meeting
​
Oct. 24, 2024
Region 1 Membership/Luncheon Meeting, Manufacturer’s Golf / CC
​
November 14, 2024
Bucks Mont Chapter Executive Board Meeting
​
December 5, 2024
Glencairn Estate Holiday Tea and Tour, Bryn Athyn
​