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News & Views Winter 2012

Annabelle Holden Coleman

Annabelle Holden Coleman was born on April 26, 1920 at her home near Ingleside, Md. A lifetime resident of Queen Anne’s County, she moved several times as a child and attended Sudlersville Elementary on the site of the present day town office building. The school later burned and was relocated. She graduated from Sudlersville High School after completing the eleventh grade. That building is now part of Sudlersville Elementary School.  In 1938 she married Charles “Brownie” Coleman, a local farmer. Annabelle raised three children, Lorretta, Billy and Johnny while working hard on the grain and dairy farm side by side with her beloved Brownie. In 1969 she left the farm and began a career in education. After working in the school cafeteria at Sudlersville Elementary, Mr. Donald Stewart, principal, encouraged her to interview for a position as an instructional assistant. He saw the potential in her. She immediately began helping children in small groups as she reinforced concepts taught in reading and math. This position lasted twenty six years. 

Annabelle recalls many funny situations while interacting with these young children. She related one incident in which she substituted in a classroom for several minutes so that the teacher could visit the restroom. After explaining why she was there, one young boy was amazed and shocked to think that a teacher really needed to use a restroom. Some things never change! Annabelle can draw a definite parallel between farming and teaching: they both involve “planting” and “harvesting” and can sometimes be a little frustrating yet very rewarding over time.

Annabelle continues to enjoy various kinds of needlework and is quite a good cook. Everyone delights in her delicious pound cake with vanilla butternut flavoring, her signature cake. She has been a long time member of Calvary Asbury Methodist Church in Sudlersville and was a member of the Sudlersville Homemaker’s Club as well a  Junior Women’s Group member. Her motto of hard work and everything in moderation has undoubtedly paid off as she looks to be more like 62 than almost 92. She has a warm smile and infectious laugh which continues to bring joy to family and friends alike.

Annabelle Coleman has exhibited a true pioneer spirit during her amazingly productive and successful life.

Thank you to Ann Campbell for taking the time to interview Annabelle for our newsletter. Annabelle is one of three emeritus members of our group.

Minutes
December 13, 2011
QAREA Luncheon Mtg.

The meeting was called to order by President Jolly Phillips. Welcome was given to all.  Pledge to the flag was given by the membership. A prayer was offered by Mary Ruth Meredith.
Minutes of the October meeting were read and approved.  Treasurer’s Report was given by Joe Ollock.
Total receipts - $8,448.84
Total disbursements - $1,258.72
Balance on hand - $7,190.12
Scholarship balance - $1,791.50
CD Balance - $1,437.53
Report was filed for audit.

Membership - Mildred Price

We have 121 members including State and locals. We are hopeful that the number may reach a total of 150. Each member is encouraged to get one new member to join this year.

By-Laws and Constitution -

A committee headed by Peggy Hutchins will be working beginning in January.

Pre-Retirement - Jack Smigo

We are beginning work on a session for this spring.

Leadership Workshop -

Discussions were held regarding leading in a concerted group to petition for items of group concern to retirees. We were encouraged to send cars to our legislators.

Board of Education meetings are held the first Wednesday in each month at 6pm. Try to show your presence whenever possible. County Commissioners’ meeting need bodies from the retired teachers to be present.

New Business -

March meeting at eh Board of Education building on March 13th, Guests - Judith Zahren and Bonnie Brose. The QA County Board of Education will be invited.
June meeting may move to a different venue. Linda Lynch is looking into this matter.
A Sing-A-Long was led by Tom Reed. Christmas carols were sung, door prizes given out and fun was widespread. Meeting was enjoyable.
Madelyn Hollis, Secretary

President’s Message:

Welcome to the New Year 2012

Is this January/February? No snow? We are a little confused but blessed, so we can get right to work.

First, I would like to thank you for attending our Christmas luncheon on December 13. We had a wonderful time sharing the meal, hearing the news and singing Christmas carols. Thanks for the contributions of non-perishable foods that were given. They were delivered to the Head Start Center and were received with heartfelt thanks.

Many of you have already started your volunteer work in the schools and with children. Please continue to do so.

Since our last meeting I attended the United Senior Legislative forum in Annapolis on January 24th. The Governor had just presented his proposed budget for 2012-2013 which caused much concern. Both Speakers of the Senate and House spoke about the budget and the growing fears of proposed cuts that will probably be covered by increases in taxes on gas, flushes (yes, you got it right), sales, and car registrations among others. So be on the lookout.

Of course moving future contributions of the pension system has appeared again. Same sex marriages is on the forefront also and is expected to be put on referendum in November.

Gloria Lawlah, Secretary of Department of aging spoke on behalf of seniors having the opportunity to receive long-term care at home which would cut down on expenses for all involved.

The culmination of the meeting allowed locals to meet with legislators for their counties. Jacobs and Hershey met with the Eastern Shore contingency and assured us that our pensions are in tact. However there is a plan to present cuts that will be sent to local counties in increments gradually for future retirees.

I hope you will be ever vigilant about  what is likely to happen across the state.

Come to our meetings and get the latest scoop. We expect to have Bonnie Brose, State President, Judith Zahren, State executive and the Board of Education from our county at the next meeting on March 13th.

Jolly Morton Phillips

BIG DATES TO REMEMBER
The Board of Education meetings - the First Wednesday of each month.
Please find time to attend at least one during this budget decision time.

March “Reading” Madness

As part of a community project for the Retirees, let’s give Dr. Seuss a helping hand. Sign up to go into one of our schools to read to the children. If you are interested in helping Dr. Seuss - Complete the attached form and return it today to Jolly Phillips.
P.O. Box 91, Stevensville, Md. 21666
Please be sure to get your form in on or before February 28^th - make this a great birthday present for our president and for the children. Call Jolly at 410-643-2767 if you think your form may be late reaching her.

March Reading Madness
Name:

Phone number:

School you wish to read at:

Day of week:

Date:

Time you are available:

Volunteer Hours:
Name:
School:
Hours donated
Per week:
Per month:

Please send us an update of the hours you are spending in our schools as a volunteer.

Birthday Wishes:

January:
1 - Mary Jo Bostic
1 - Mary Anne Amirikian
5 - William Lampman
7 - Maria Covey
13- Gloria Kelley
13- Sharon Lipsius
17- Carol Pierce
18- Sara Jane Davidson
19 -William Storage
21- Walter Pauls
29- Phyllis Brown
30- Joanna Tolson
30- Frieda Thomas
30- Sue Stein

February:
2 - Margaret Hutchison
7 - Dave Bolyard
9 - Ann Campbell
11- Jack Smigo
12- Frances Anthony
16- Joyce Flamer
28- Jolly Morton Phillips

March:
2 - Marcella Bordley
2 - Madeline Hollis
3 - Linda Lynch
4 - Cynthia Chirumbole
4 - Margaret Thomas
8 - Tom Reed
12- Virginia Brown
15- Linda McGuire
15- Fannie Wright
18- Bonel Zakarian
19- Sterling Mock
22- Joe Crossman
27- Bernard Sadusky
28- William Rankin

April:
3 - Fred McNeil
4 - Robert Jackson
4 - Jean Cupani
11- Kenneth Stein
20- Steve Strobeck
24- Fred Leadbetter
26- Annabelle Coleman
28- Lynn Linder

Wishing your birthday brings
A truly delightful blend
Of all the joy and happiness
A friend can wish a friend!

Necrology:

Jeannette Ruth Honey 1941 - 2011

Jeannette graduated from Stevensville High School in 1960. She drove a Special Education bus for Queen Anne’s County in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Marcella Bordley

Membership
Mildred Price, Barbara McCreary, Fannie Wright

Just want to remind everyone of our drive this year, each one bring one. Everyone is a part of our membership committee and we want each one of you to bring a new member to our fellowship this year.

Those joining during the month of March will get the benefit of a two year membership, meaning from 2012 through June of 2013. You can send your dues of $35.00 state and $7.00 local in one check to the state, or separate checks with the $35.00 going to the state and the local dues going to Joe Ollock or Mildred Price.

We hope that you will join us at our meetings, luncheons and other gatherings.

If you plan to join the state association, please use the application form attached and return it to:
MRSPA, 8379 Piney Orchard Parkway, Suite A, Odenton, Md. 21113.
The easiest way to handle your dues if you join both state and local is by having them automatically deducted from your pension check once a year. State dues are $35.00 per year.

Application for Membership

(Please Print)

Name __________________________________________ Date of Birth _____________

Signature ____________________________________ e-mail _____________________

Address _______________________________________________________________

Phone ______________________________ Social Security # ___________________

I hereby authorize annual dues deduction from my retirement check each June 30. The membership year runs from July 1 through June 30. Enclosed is my check, payable to MRSPA ($35.00 state, plus $7.00 local dues.)

If you have a change of address in the last six months, please complete the above form and mail it to Mrs. Mildred Price, 515 Love Point Road, Stevensville, Md. 21666.