RFArea REA Newsletter--April 2016

MEETING for Thursday, April 14, 2016—11:00 a.m. at the West Wind

Our next meeting will be held at the West Wind on February 11^th.  It is a business and social meeting.  See the minutes below of the March Board meeting.  Several of the issues discussed by the board, including the proposed changes in our annual scholarships, will be included on the agenda.  Program Director Ruth Wood will once again ask some of our members to share a little bit about themselves as a way of our getting to know each other a little better.  Our May meeting brings our District III Co-Chair, Darlene Parkinson to chat with us, share WREA news, and provide us with an opportunity to express concerns or raise issues.

Just a reminder that in June, we will be taking an excursion to a local winery for wine tasting and food.  Ruth will need to get commitments from people who are planning on attending at either the April or May meetings.  So, if you plan on joining us in June, let Ruth know at the regular meetings or by contacting her at rwoodrf@gmail.com.

A PRIORITY LIST OF VOTING ISSUES   

By  Bernie Brohaugh, President

Shortly after the presidential debates began, I read an assessment now lost to me on each candidate’s overall position on the issues, of which there were somewhere between 20 and 30. The list included not only the important ones, but also some—like what to do about tobacco—that were, in my mind, so unimportant as to be really non-issues not worth worrying about. Not surprisingly, Bernie Sanders was far and away the most liberal of the 19 or so candidates then in the running.  Donald Trump was the most liberal Republican, but still quite far to the right. There wasn’t a whole lot of difference between the other Republicans.

Some voters don’t seem to care about the issues:  they “vote for the person,” which often means they don’t know anything about the issues.  Too bad. The issues are important, some more than others.

At the top of the select list, it seems to me, is election reform, particularly the repeal of Citizens United, because while it stands we cannot expect Congress to serve anybody but the fat cats who get them elected.  Only when Citizens United is gone can we hope for legislation that will address the needs of the bottom 95% of us.

Next is the environment.  Without a healthy environment, just about all life will suffer, deteriorate, and ultimately perish. If that happens, all other issues are irrelevant.

But clean air and water together with temperatures that precipitate ice melt, violent storms, floods, droughts, and sweltering summers can be appreciated only if we are able to secure essential needs for survival:  food, shelter, and freedom from debilitating physical ailments.  Since many in the U.S. are malnourished and/or homeless, we need to reduce poverty—and ideally eliminate it—by wiping out the tyrannical discrimination in our economy—mainly by preventing the rich from glutting themselves at the trough while shooing away everyone else who wants to join them.

Close behind the need to rectify our economy is the need to universalize inexpensive health care.  We already have a plan that is a step in the right direction, but it needs some fine-tuning.  By the way, the Republicans who say it must be repealed and replaced with something better are very likely, in reality, simply hypocritically pandering to their backers in the health care business.

Tangential to issues that pertain directly to preserving life and to nurturing life without pain or need are such economic concerns as mandating a substantial increase in the guaranteed minimum wage, reducing the cost of higher education to enable more American young people to qualify for the jobs that now go begging, and modifying free trade agreements in order to stimulate manufacturing in the U. S. so that jobs lost to overseas companies both foreign-owned and American-owned can be replaced and/or moved home again.

Beyond the realm of basic needs, it becomes harder to prioritize the issues.  The next on my list would be law enforcement reform as it relates to civil rights. People who are victimized by police are being deprived of another of the basic needs of human beings:  the need to feel secure.

Most of us are also concerned about women’s rights, the immigration problem, and the crumbling infrastructure, but I suspect that the complications that exist in each of these areas will not be dealt with soon.  A couple of issues, gay rights and elimination of the death penalty, seem to be gaining more and more momentum without concerted political action, while others, like preventing terrorism, ending warfare, and controlling the sale of guns seem entirely immune to political ministrations.   The right–to-life/abortion dispute may never end, regardless of what happens in the courts and various legislative bodies.  Abortions will continue whether they are legal or illegal, whether they are paid for publicly or privately.

And no matter what we try to do for animals, they will get short shrift, as they always have, because they can’t vote.

Politically Correct

By Evelyn D. Klein

           

When, an individual of high profile, such as a celebrity, politician, college dignitary, coach, and the like, uses politically incorrect language or behavior, there is sure to be a public outcry.  If in the course of a political campaign, a political candidate makes disparaging remarks relating to the sexuality of another prominent figure or refers to a specific ethnic or racial group to express disapproval, for whatever reason, such an individual is likely to offend more than the person or persons or group affected by the criticism.   Thus, the individual stirs up controversy in the process, even if some people should actually agree with the statements.  For the ordinary person, the consequences may not be so public but they, nevertheless, are sure to follow, whether on the job, in the community, or with friends.  That is, in part, because so many of us have come to think in a politically correct manner over the last several years so much so that politically incorrect language often creates discord beyond its intended audience, affecting nearly all of us in some way or another.  In today’s climate, it reveals more about the speaker than it does about the one or the ones spoken of.

The term politically correct has been around since the early part of the twentieth century.  But it was not until after the Civil Rights Movement—in the1970s—that it began to shape the meaning we ascribe to it today.  The American Heritage Dictionary, 5^th Edition (2011) defines politically correct as “Conforming to a particular socio-political ideology or point of view, especially to a liberal point of view concerned with promoting tolerance and avoiding offense in matters of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation.”  Beyond that it also, of course, includes disability sensitivity.

We, as a nation, began to appreciate that a lot of prejudices and discriminatory practices held and perpetuated through the ages had their foundation in language and behavior that was, to a great extent, unconscious, often therefore expressed without thinking as well as with deliberation.  With the fostering of the multicultural, gender fair, disability sensitive society and affirmative action, politically correct started to take center stage.  It held important ramifications for educational institutions, such as universities, colleges, and the public schools.  It takes conscious effort to bring about change.

As a secondary school teacher, from about 1989 on, I remember the teacher in-service meetings held to introduce the need for implementation of the new multiculturalism in the curriculum and classroom.  This meant days, weeks, months of rewriting curriculum in the new politically correct and culturally inclusive language and rendition.  It meant reselecting books and teaching materials that conformed to the new politically correct standards.  Subsequently, literature books for the first time included not only stories about the white majority but added stories about Native Americans and African Americans, among others, in order to portray people of a variety of ethnic groups.  Stereotyping of racial and ethnic groups, even of the majority culture, in communicating, writing, and literature was no longer acceptable.  Further, to promote the new multiculturalism on an ongoing basis, a multicultural calendar was created, something we are quite used to enjoying as a matter of course in today’s world.

As many will remember, new terms came into existence to replace inaccurate or negative ones, such as “Native American” to replace “Indian” and” African American” to replace “Colored,” “Negro,” or “Black.”  In history books, the terms of exclusivity “man” and “mankind” were replaced by terms like “humanity” and “humankind,” for example.  The word “gay” now most immediately denoting sexual orientation, particularly to young people, in the past simply referred to being cheerful.  That has since been replaced most often by LGBT to be even more inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons.  Words like “crippled” were replaced by “disabled” or “challenged.  Women, at last admitted to some previously all male occupations, such as the police force became “police officers,” not “policemen” in the interest of equal status.  Similarly, “waiter” or “waitress” became “server.”  “Actress” and “poetess” became “actor” and “poet” respectively.  Pronouns referring to individuals in general are now using “he or she” instead of just “he.” These examples have become so commonplace for most of us that they are now part of our unconscious use of language.  Thus, when someone reverts to the old terms, we feel jolted.  

Obviously, the new uses of words and terms were, also, incorporated into everyday language and classroom teaching.  These uses affected and developed new ways of relating to students and colleagues.  It became essential not to attribute to an entire group the accomplishments or misdeeds of specific individuals.  Gender roles also became part of the discussion.  No longer were there male and female roles, only tasks to be completed and assigned.  Sexual harassment became part of the discussion as well.  In an employment situation, superiors could no longer put their arms around female employees in the workplace or use sexist language.  And Polish jokes and humor based upon ethnic stereotypes?  Well, they have pretty much left the public scene.

All of that, of course, was the easy part, a big change though it may have been for the education community as a whole to introduce.  Young people took to it with increasing acceptance, although, initially, they may have been doubtful about some of the changes.  Today, they have become their standard and often even their cause.

The more challenging part of “politically correct” was getting the new converts out into the community at large as front-runners and proponents of the new language and expectations.  While many people in the community welcomed the changes, others often tagged them as too liberal or feminist.   Probably the most difficult part was integrating the new standards into personal relationships.  Because of their connection with school, children, on the one hand, more easily accepted the changes, even welcomed them.  But it took more time and convincing with some adults set in their ways, regardless of the relationship, to grow into these changes.  Even in the year 2016 vestiges of the old language and habits still remain among some folks and certain social groups.

What does all that mean to the average person, to writers and speakers in general and educators and scholars in particular?  Today, people of all ages and in nearly all walks of life have become increasingly aware of our multiculturalism, our diversity as a nation.  It is who we are and part of what makes the United States great.  But since the habits of the past, with their prejudices and discriminatory practices, were deeply embedded in our unconscious mind, where language resides, there are still those who struggle, even resist, to change the old habits.  Therefore, it often takes a conscious effort, as I can testify as writing instructor and editor.  Yes, “politically correct” is part of our changing vocabulary.  Without it, we date ourselves or, worse, offend and lose credibility with our audience or lose it altogether.  Politically correct is the modern way of thinking, speaking, and writing.  Moreover, it has become our way of life.

Evelyn Johnson Does It Again—RFArea REA 2015 Volunteer of the Year

Evelyn Johnson, 2015 RFArea Volunteer
of the Year with President Bernie Brohaugh

One of these years, someone may take the title away from Evy Johnson, but it’s not going to be this year. Once again, Evy has been named by the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association as the 2015 Volunteer of the Year for our RFArea REA unit.

Evy gives her time primarily to the 4H club in Maiden Rock but is also involved in Meals on Wheels and other activities in her hometown. She crochets unendingly (it seems), providing hats for Christmas charity collections and for church organizations.

Congratulations, Evy. We are very proud of you. 

WHAT YOU MISSED AT THE MARCH MEETING

In anticipation of spring—which actually seems to be upon us, despite the recent snowfall—on March 10^th, we had a great talk by master gardener Ken Kolbe from Pierce County Extension, highlighting the ways in which we can continue to garden, even if we face the challenges of age or disability.

Tall pots, raised gardening beds, ergonomic and adaptive tools, safe walkways and paths, and greenhouses or hotboxes were among the topics Ken discussed.

Ken’s enthusiasm for gardening—of both vegetables and flowers—was apparent.  Even for those with less energy or experience, he made some converts!

The message was clear:  age or physical limitations need not prevent you from getting your hands in the dirt! 

For those wanting further information about your own gardening projects, Ken’s email address is wiskota@live.com.  The St. Croix Valley Master Gardeners also have much information at its website at http:/scvmga.weebly.com.

BAKE SALE AND ANNUAL FUNDRAISER FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Another successful bake sale has been completed, thanks to all of the RFArea REA members who baked wonderful cakes, cupcakes, cookies, loaves, and other treats and to those who generously donated money to the fund.  After the snowfall on Wednesday, March 23^rd, we were a little worried about the foot traffic coming to the bank, but Thursday, March 24^th, gave us enough sunshine so that lots of people stopped by, purchased our baked goods, and made it a profitable event.  We made $310 in sales and $790 in donations, including $200 from Royal Neighbors.  A big round of applause for all of your contributions!

Special thanks to Liz Kreibich, Marylin Plansky, Bernie Brohaugh, and Kay Fritz for their help at the bake sale.

If you did not have the opportunity to donate to the scholarship fund, you can still do so.  Just send a check to the treasurer, Laura Zlogar, at 729 River Ridge Ct., River Falls, WI 54022.  All money raised will be used for $500 scholarships to be awarded to two area high school seniors to be named later on in April.  Tony Pedriana and the scholarship committee will be reading applications from Prescott, Hudson, St. Croix Central, and Spring Valley to find two outstanding students to whom to award this year’s scholarships.

CIVIC CONTRIBUTIONS

Memorials for RFArea Members

The River Falls Area Retired Educators’ Association recently presented a $275 check to the River Falls Public Library to purchase books for children and adolescents in memory of members who have passed away in 2015.  Gene Kreibich, Edna Munn, and Shirley Huser spent their careers as elementary school teachers.  Robert Pionke was a professor of sociology at UW-River Falls.  Pictured is RFArea REA treasurer Laura Zlogar and River Falls Public Library Director Nancy Miller.

Nancy Miller sent a photo recently of the books purchased with our memorial fund.   She also remarked, “We sincerely appreciate the donation, as it allows us to continue to building our collections with new, up-to-date, and popular materials.  Thank you to your organization for keeping us in mind.”

"Read to Feed" Receives Contribution at Westside Elementary School

The River Falls Retired Educators’ Association also presented a check in the amount of $200 to Westside Elementary School Counselor Amy Kraemer, a contribution to the “Read to Feed” reading challenge program currently underway at the school.  Westside students are receiving pledges and donations as they meet their reading goals.  The money raised will be given to Heifer International, which provides livestock, seeds, and instruction to impoverished people so that they are able to feed themselves and their families.

In Memory

JUNE GIBSON, a longtime member and officer of RFArea REA passed away on March 11, 2016 at age 80.  June acquired her love of teaching after moving to a farm east of River Falls from St. Paul at the age of 12 and attending a country school where she helped the younger children with their lessons.

June taught Language Arts at New Richmond High School from 1957 to 1964.  She then taught sophomore language arts, advanced composition, and a variety of elective courses at River Falls High School from 1968 until her retirement in 1997.  She also served as the cheerleading advisor, forensics coach, and department coordinator.

Despite becoming wheelchair bound in 2006, June remained active, taking an Alaskan cruise, attending theater events and barbershop concerts, and keeping up with grandchildren’s and church events.

BOARD MEETING—March 10, 2016

Submitted by Gorden Hedahl, interim secretary

Present: Bernie Brohaugh, Naomi Brandt, Gorden Hedahl, Tony Pedriana, Marylin Plansky, Glenn Potts, Laura Zlogar

1. Bernie Brohaugh called the meeting to order at 10:05 AM.
2. Laura put notes from the last meeting in the newsletter.  There was no secretary at the last meeting and no official minutes.
3. The treasurer’s report was circulated and was filed for audit.

a) The balance was $2,576.65 in the checking account, $206.79 in savings, and a total of $5,432.55 in three certificates of deposit.  

b) Marylin has sent out postcards that she still needs to be reimbursed for.

4. The logistics for the Bake Sale were discussed.  It is set for Thursday, March 24^th at the First National Bank. Products should be priced and delivered about 9 AM that morning.  If any one wants us to pick up items for the sale, they will need to notify a member of the board.

5.     There was a brief discussion of fundraising possibilities that we might consider to replace the Royal Neighbors contribution that we had regularly received.  Bernie estimated that we normally raise about $500 at our bake sale, but we usually award two $500 scholarships annually. He circulated a list of possible fundraising ideas. Someone from the District will attend our May meeting.  Perhaps she can give us ideas about what other units are doing.

6.     Tony reported on the scholarship process.

a) Jane Harrod took the lead in putting the application form together. Tony sent the application form to two area high schools (Prescott and Hudson) and contacted the Counselors in the schools.

b) The deadline for applying for the state award is March 15^th, so it will not be possible for our winners to apply for that this year.

c) The guidelines sent out for this year included the statement that recipients “must be high school seniors who plan to pursue a career in teaching.” However there was not a unanimous consensus that we should limit it in that way.  

d) It was moved and passed that we should extend the deadline to the end of April this spring, with the requirements that were included in the notice.

e) It was also moved and passed that we should extend the invitation to St. Croix Central and Spring Valley this year, so that we come to schools every other year, instead of the irregular rotation we have now.  

f) It was recommended that we bring a discussion about the requirements for the scholarship to the membership at the April meeting. We might also consider changing our deadline, so that our winners could be eligible to apply for the state awards.

7.          Marylin circulated a request for volunteers to staff the gallery in the River Falls Public Library.

8.     Glenn provided a Legislative Report.

a) There is a new law that extends the professional qualifications for certification to a long list of vocational experiences, changing the need for people who have completed professional education coursework.

b) The Board of Regents has made significant changes to the tenure policies of the University.   

c) The Governor and legislature have made significant changes to the State Ethics Board and Government Accountability Board, replacing an independent panel with two politically appointed commissions. They also passed a law to relax campaign finance rules.

d) Everyone was reminded to vote on April 5^th. In addition to local elections and the presidential primary, is an important election for the State Supreme Court.

9. The District meeting is scheduled for May 10^th in Black River Falls.  Bernie is going.  If anyone else is interested in attending, please contact him.

10.    Meeting adjourned at 11 AM.

 ELECTION AND LEGISLATIVE NEWS

APRIL 5^th Election

Not only is April 5^th the presidential primary election, it also includes important local and state elections.  Most important is the Wisconsin state supreme court.  The two candidates are Rebecca Bradley and JoAnne Kloppenberg.

Scott Walker’s appointee Rebecca Bradley, who has been appointed by Walker to three judgeships in three years, has expressed in the past anti-gay sentiments, blamed women for date rape, has not been supportive of women’s access to contraception, and points to Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito as her most admired judges.  The National Rifle Association has endorsed Bradley.

 Kloppenberg has shown support for education issues, marriage equality, the Affordable Care Act, and voting rights, expressing dismay at the recent Wisconsin legislation constricting voters’ exercise of their rights.  She points to Ruth Bader Ginsberg as the justice she admires most.

STATE LEGISLATION AFFECTING K-12 PASSED AND PROPOSED

PASSED

·       Budget cuts for school districts with students in the voucher program (Green Bay cut $315,000; Kenosha cut $263,000; Appleton cut $219,000)

·       Overhaul of SAGE program that kept class sizes small

PROPOSED LEGISLATION THAT DID NOT PASS

·       Limits on the ability of voters to approve new resources for schools (AB481/SB355)

·       Elimination of a provision that allows districts to exceed budget limits set by the state in order to make changes that improve energy efficiency (AB49/SB337)

·       A ban on school bathrooms and locker rooms that serve transgender students (AB469/SB582)

·       Allowing holders of concealed carry permits to carry guns on school grounds (AB846/SB589)

Do You Want to Attend the District Meetings?

WREA District Meetings will be held, as usual, in May.  Bernie Brohaugh will be attending and driving to the meeting of District III (of which we are a part) on Tuesday, May 10, in Black River Falls.  Early bird registration ($25) is due by May 2.  Laura Zlogar and Marylin Plansky will be attending the District I meeting in Rice Lake (because it’s closer) on Wednesday, May 11.  Early bird registration is due by April 29.   Contact Bernie for District III (brohaugh@att.net) or Laura for District I (laura.w.zlogar@gmail.com).  Registration forms are available in the last issue of the WREA News.  If you don’t get that publication, forms will be available at the RFARea REA April meeting.

Remember that you can also find the newsletter and other news items on the blog at http://riverfallsareawrea.blogspot.com/ and on Facebook (River Falls Area Retired Educators’ Association).