Somerset County PASR
Minutes of September 20, 2007
Fall Banquet
Somerset Masonic Temple, Somerset, PA
Somerset County's annual PASR fall banquet convened at noon after
a social hour. Pres. Dr. James DiFebo opened the meeting with the
Pledge of Allegiance and singing of America led by Rev. Jay Christner
who then gave the invocation.
Pres.DiFebo introduced Don Casto, PASR past president, and Steve
Vak, regional director of PASR, and several local individuals running
for public office in November. New retirees Linda Emerick, Stephanie
Kowalczyk, Gloria Naugle, John Vatavuk, Jeff Zimmerman, Hazel Romesburg,
Scott Balsley, Beth Maul,and John Minnich were also introduced and
welcomed as guests at the banquet.
Robert Edwards announced the dual winners of the award for volunteerism:
Claudia and William Boyd. They were presented pins by Mr. Vak and
Mr.Casto.
Minutes of the May 13,2007, General Membership meeting were distributed.
Moved by Edgar Gnagey to approve the minutes and seconded by Robert
Edwards. Motion carried.
William Boyd gave the Treasurer's Report of both checking and money
market balances. The checking was $6,964.94, and the money market
balance was $8,070.18. Carl Kahl moved to accept the Treasurer's Report
and Edgar Gnagey seconded. Motion carried.
Marian Schrock reported on membership of the local chapter: 341 state
members and 489 county members. She thanked those who helped her with
the last newsletter and then asked the membership for names of those
in nursing homes and names of nonagenarian retirees who will be sent
Christmas Cards.
Don Casto spoke about the 5 objectives of PASR for 2008: service
to others - our own members and the community. Also to honor servicemen
and their families.- contact businesses for contributions to create
grants for those still in education.- more socialization of retirees
- improve economic welfare of members with a COLA - get names of all
yearly retirees as PASR only gets 40%. He asked everyone to sign up
to devote as least two hours to chapter work for the year. The state
is trying to get the base of four to reach 6.8 by the year 2012, and
this "spike" is going to affect new hirees who may have
to leave their retirement money in the state fund. Present retirees
have a "defined benefit" which means it can not be revoked.
Edgar Gnagey then asked Mr. Casto about plans for the rally in Harrisburg
concerning a COLA, and Casto replied that for financial reasons and
the political climate it would be best not to proceed with a rally
at this time.
Election of officers for 2007-2009 of the Somerset County PASR: Marian
Schrock nominated David McCall for President; Robert Edwards moved
to accept the nomination; Fred DePasquale seconded. Motion carried.
Dr. Albert Flower moved to adjourn and Alice Saylor seconded. Motion
carried. Adjourned at 2:15 PM
Respectfully submitted
Rebecca R. Bower, Secretary
