St. Joseph County Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel - MARSP

08/16/2026

06/20/2026

Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel
St. Joseph County Chapter
MARSP
June 8, 2026 Minutes

The St. Joseph County Chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel met on Monday, June 8, at the ISD in Centreville. The meeting was called to order by President Coral Fry. Catered lunches from Chill Bean Restaurant in Centreville were served.

The program was a travelog presented by our very own world traveler and famous “birder”, Harlan Blood. This time he shared his 15 day visit to the West Indies Lesser Antilles which was taken from April 5 - 21 in 2024.

The trip included time spent on the 10 main islands during those 15 days. Blood told of the special features of each island and compared its size to our towns, counties, and states. He showed pictures of his hotel rooms, travel mates, and the animal life which was basically birds, snakes and lizards.

Hotel accommodations were comfortable. Meals were good. Breakfast was usually buffet. The travelers were experienced and developed a close relationship. Birds were most plentiful and very colorful. It was truly a great trip.

Barbados was the first island visited. It had the largest colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds which included the Barbuda warbler. In St. Lucia, the group saw the endangered St. Lucia Parrot, the St. Lucia Warbler, and the St. Lucia Black Finch. St. Vincent was a great tourist area with its St. Vincent Parrots (a critically endangered species) and Whistling Warblers. The group trekked the Vermont Nature Trail and experienced a portion of being in the Rain Forest.

Time was spent in Kingston’s Botanical Garden, most colorful with all its beauty. Grenada, the southernmost island, featured a sanctuary. It is also the home of the Grenada Dove. This dove was almost extinct, but today, has been increasing in number. Also seen were the Purple-Throated Carib, the Grenada Flycatcher, and something other than a bird: the Thick-Tailed Scorpion.

Time was spent on Dominica which is where Prince Rupert Bay is located. The group trekked the Syndicate Nature Trail where they saw the Red-Necked Trail Bird, the Imperial Parrot (the national bird of Dominica), the Antillean Crested Hummingbird, the Lesser Antilles Flycatcher, and both red-necked and scaly-breasted birds. There was also a tour of Fort Shirley, a most interesting British outpost.

Guadeloupe was the last island visit. There the group visited the National Reserve where they saw the White-Breasted Thrasher, the Martinique Oriole, along with several other birds, and the Tarantula Hawk, a large wasp with a painful sting.

Each island featured a large “Tourist To Do” sign. The sign suggested activities available on that island. Activities included: kayaking, traveling the nature trail, floating down the river in a tire tube, visiting the rum or whiskey distillery, visiting the chocolate-making factory, seeing the remains or results of a volcano, and so many other opportunities that were truly "once in a lifetime.”

All islands were inhabited by a large variety of birds. (I did not mention all in this report.) Animal life consisted mostly of birds, with lots of parrots, and also snakes and lizards. So many and so colorful! Following the presentation, Blood answered questions and shared more information. It was a most interesting travelogue.

The secretary’s report was available. Treasurer Gayle Brokaw reported a balance of $3,584,66 in the general fund and $886.71 in the scholarship fund. The motion to accept the reports was made by James Wetherbee and supported by James MacTavish. The motion carried.

A discussion regarding low attendance and what to do about the problem was held. Several members gave their input. Gayle Brokaw made a recommendation that he expressed as a motion. It was that the group continue to have chapter meetings the rest of 2026, and then, at the November chapter meeting, make the decision to continue to have regular chapter meetings or disband. James MacTavish supported the motion. The motion carried.

President Fry explained why no scholarship would be granted this year, the reason being that both applicants had used AI to assist them in filling out their applications. (An opportunity was given to the applicants to re-do their applications. It did not happen.) A future requirement will include “no AI-generated application or AI-assistance in writing the application.” This was stated in a motion made by Michelle Brokaw and supported by Ruth Awe. Motion carried.

Drawings were won by Ray Kramb and Rose Hughes.

The next meeting will be held on September 14, 2026, with Michelle Brokaw giving the Invocation. The executive committee will meet on July 9 to plan the programs for the coming year.

The motion to adjourn was made by Gayle Brokaw and supported by James Wetherbee. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Delored Neely, Secretary

06/09/2026

The June meeting was a fun outing, we went to the Lesser Antillies with Harlan Blood and his bird watching group. We saw 25 birds that are endemic to the area.

04/22/2026

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED SCHOOL PERSONNEL
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY CHAPTER
APRIL 13, 2026
MINUTES

The St. Joseph County Chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel met on Monday, April 13, at the ISD in Centreville. The meeting was called to order by Gayle Brokaw in the absence of President Coral Fry. Michelle Brokaw gave the Invocation. Catered lunches from Chill Bean Restaurant in Centreville were served.

Chriss Lyon of St. Joseph, historian and author, was the speaker.

She has written several books based on organized crime and gangster activity, especially during the Roaring 20’s, the time of Prohibition. Her topic today was “Gangsters of Southwest Michigan during the 1920’s”. The most dangerous men were Al Capone and his bodyguards.

Capone controlled the Chicago underworld in the 1920’s. His gangs ran most of the illegal operations in the city. The operations extended into southwest Michigan. Prohibition was not working but it played a large role in organized crime and gangster activity. Southwest Michigan was the site for transporting illegal liquor. With its countless waterways and dense terrain, it was perfect: US 12 was the gateway of transportation, a great pipeline extending from Canada and Detroit to Chicago.

Al Capone needed a “machine gunner who doesn’t get caught.” Among his many bodyguards were: Bugs Moran (very well known also in Vegas operations), Jack McGreen (chief gunner and right-hand man), Colonel Goddard, Phil D’Andrea, Louis Campagne, and Jake Guzik (his money man). Each played an important role in the notorious gang.

There were numerous gangs - The Gang of St. Louis, The Detroit Gang, The Purple Gang, and a great many gangs in the Chicago area. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre resulted in 7 men killed, 70 empty gun shells, and 2 shot guns. Gangs fought gangs. Many times men dressed in stolen police uniforms so it looked like the police were involved.

Three important rules included: never drink, never tell a woman, and don’t shoot a police officer. And, absolutely, even upon death, NEVER disclose the names of other gangsters. Many gangsters died at the hand of another gangster, never revealing his name.

Lyon’s interest in gangsters and organized crime was sparked as a 6 year old child when her grandmother told her of a policeman who was killed by a gangster.

That gangster was Adam Camp who used the name “Fred KILLER Burke”, which also became the title of Lyon’s most recent book. Burke was well-known as a killer. He killed a great number of men and among them was the 25 year old police officer Lyon’s grandmother told her about.

Lyon told the story of Burke’s history of crime in which he had many aliases - Fred Burke, Fred Danne, Fred Buck, and Walter Wilson, among others. Gangsters frequently changed their names as they moved from place to place.

Interesting that in 1930, Al Capone was selected as the “Man of the Year” by Time magazine and then, in 1931, he went to prison on a tax evasion charge. After 8 years in prison, he retired to his home in Miami, Florida, where he died of syphilis.

In his later life and while living in Missouri, Fred Burke became “Fred Dane”. He was wanted by the law in several states. He was captured and sent to prison. When he was captured, Burke asked if it was the police or gangsters who had come for him. He was relieved to know it was the police. He knew gangsters would have shown no mercy. (They never did.)

Burke spent the last 9 years of his life in Marquette Prison, beginning on April 30, 1931. He said he was so sorry to have killed that “boy” police officer. That event haunted him all his life. The police officer’s name was Charles Shelly.

Lyon visited the cemetery in Green City, Missouri, where Fred Burke’s headstone reads his “real” name - Theodore A. Camp. 1893-1940

Lyon has visited the cemetery as well as both Jackson and Marquette prisons. She has visited locations of many places where organized crime, killings, and other related events have happened. Her presentation included video pictures of actual persons, places and events. She also had copies of her most recently published book for purchase.

Following the presentation, Gayle Brokaw conducted the business meeting. The secretary’s report was available. Brokaw, treasurer, reported a balance of $3,446.86 in the general fund, and $666.63 in the scholarship fund. A motion to accept the reports was made by Michelle Brokaw and supported by Harlan Blood. The motion carried.

The drawings were won by James MacTavish and Ruth Awe. A new guest was Rose Hughes from Colon.

The next meeting will be held on May 11. It will be the Annual Business meeting. Members are to bring a financial donation for the Defense Fund.

A motion to adjourn was made by Harlan Blood and supported by Cindy Sprowl. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Delores Neely, Secretary

04/13/2026

April 13th: Chriss Lyon presents "The most dangerous man alive in 1929"

11/11/2025

November 10th. Meagan Marsh presented a excellent program about our public library's online programs, Hoopla and Libby.

11/04/2025

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED SCHOOL PERSONNEL
AREA 22 MINUTES
October 17, 2025 10:00 a.m.
Colonial Kitchen
330 N. Drake Road
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Present:
Kalamazoo County: Bob Kucera, Area 22 Director & Sally Roach, KARSP President
Berrien County: Harold Bragg, President & Joan Rodell, Secretary
St. Joseph County: Delores Neely, Secretary
Van Buren County: Pamela Thomas, President & Roberta Woodruff, Secretary

The meeting was called to order by Area 22 Director Bob Kucera, after which chapter representatives introduced themselves. New member, Joan Rodell, was recently elected secretary of the Berrien County Chapter.

The minutes of the March 28, 2025, meeting were discussed. Motion to accept the report was made by Pamela Thomas and supported by Sally Roach. Motion carried.

Pamela Thomas, treasurer, reported a starting balance of $127.45 with deposits of $400 and a debit of $146.53 (Colonial Kitchen March 28 meeting). Balance carry over is $380.92. Motion to accept the report was made by Harold Bragg and supported by Joan Rodell. Motion carried.

Thomas said the chapter dues ($100) are due March 31, 2026. Dues may be sent by mail or brought to the Area 22 March meeting.

INSURANCE: Bob Kucera in absence of Sandy Beiter
Wants to encourage members to view Webinar Insurance which is on the ORS site at
www.michigan.gov/ors schools. A prompt should have been received in email to do this. Changes for 2026 can be viewed and documents can be downloaded. The webinar is offered until December 19, 2025.
DELTA DENTAL AND EYE MED
No change in premium; same for everyone, even those with HMO’s.
No changes to Eye MED Plan for 2026. See Delta Dental update sheet from ORS site for some added
coverage to their plan.
OTHER
Blue Care Network plan is no longer available. Members will be receiving new Medicare Advantage Plus Blue Cross cards before the end of the year. Issue date will be after 11/25/25. A new enrollee ID number and a new group ID number with a new issue date on the card. Start using this card after January 1, 2026.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Lock/Put your Red/White/Blue card in a safe place such as in your safe or security box. Do not be pressured to show the card. Also lock your Social Security card in the same safe place.
*REMEMBER: ALWAYS SHOW ONLY BLUE CARD WITH MEDICARE ADVANTAGE.
SPECIAL REMINDER:
You have an excellent insurance plan through ORS. You will not find another plan as good. If you switch outside of ORS and become not happy with it and want to get back into the ORS plan, you may not be able to get back into the ORS plan. So THINK BEFORE MAKING A CHANGE. And also be careful in answering those scam calls, especially regarding insurance. You may have a loss of insurance. It is happening…… “every day”.
Contact Sandy or Erin if you have any insurance or insurance-related concerns. If no answer, leave a message. They will get back to you.
INSURANCE CONTACT PEOPLE

Sandy at 269-341-0420 Erin at MARSP 517-337-1757

CHAPTER REPORTS
BERRIEN COUNTY: Harold Bragg, President
Bragg presented each attendee with a 2025-26 chapter directory, a Berrien County information flier with activities and events listed for the year, and a copy of the chapter Secretary’s report from the September meeting.
Joan Rodell volunteered to be secretary for the chapter and was elected to the position.
As of September 30, 2025, the Berrien chapter had 100 life members and 363 members who had renewed their membership 65 members had not yet renewed their membership.
The chapter has a NEW Retiree roster. New retirees are contacted as soon as possible, told of the benefits of MARSP membership, invited to a chapter meeting, and encouraged to join MARSP.
September’s meeting featured a speaker from the Berrien County Cancer Service who spoke on service available for cancer patients, providing in-home skilled nursing.
Scholarships of $1500 are available to those students majoring in the field of education.
The chapter provides “Evaluation of Meeting” questionnaires where members rate the meal, the program, the business meeting and with space for writing suggestions for a meal. There is also room for comments and suggestions. Also is a listing of opportunities for members to offer help at the chapter meetings.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY: Sally Roach, President
Roach presented each attendee with a copy of the Beacon publication which is published four times a year. She shared a copy of the KARSP directory which is published every two years. A copy is given to every board member plus 40 extra copies are made and available for use.
Chapter meetings are held at the Fountains in Parchment. Luncheons cost $25. Members sign up to provide table decorations which are given away at the end of the meetings. Included with the table decorations are a free luncheon voucher and a small prize.
Individual speakers are paid $100 and each ensemble $150. Honorariums are often donated back to the chapter.
KARSP has a very extensive community outreach program. New this year is the “Barnes and Noble Reach to Kids” program. It has been very successful. Another successful outreach is regular participation in the Portage Zhang Senior Center.
KARSP continues to give $2000 scholarships to area graduating seniors; they proposed nine this year.
The membership committee sends information to new retirees in the Kalamazoo area. They are encouraged to join KARSP for board meetings and luncheons.

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY: Delores Neely, Secretary
Chapter meetings are held at the Intermediate School District building in Centreville. The St. Joseph chapter includes Three Rivers, Sturgis, Mendon, Constantine, Centreville and Burr Oak.
The chapter meets in April, May, June, September, October and also in November. Luncheons are priced at $12 and are catered from a local restaurant in Centreville.
The chapter awards one scholarship of $1000.
There are two drawings at each meeting.
The chapter does an annually Holiday Donation at the November meetings. Two food pantries were recipients last year, one in Three Rivers and the other in Sturgis.
The chapter has a MARSP page. Cindy Sprowl keeps it updated with current chapter news. It also encourages retirees to join MARSP.

VAN BUREN COUNTY: Pamela Thomas, Past President
The chapter discussed the pros and cons of publishing a directory.
Chapter Meetings are held in April, May, June, and August. Executive meetings are held more often. Meetings are held in the Lawrence Township Hall and also at the Lawrence Conference Hall.
Luncheons are catered at $12. Delicious and most generous portions. There is a “free” lunch winner and door prizes at the meetings.
Dues were raised $5 to no $15 with the $5 of each membership going directly into the scholarship fund. The chapter offers three scholarships valued at $1000.
The Van Buren County chapter has the “100 Women Who Care” program involved with their scholarship program.
The chapter has numerous successful community projects. Included are the “Meet Up - Eat Up" program, Lions Club glasses collection, Blue Start Mothers cards and non-perishable items, Scholarship Day, Hunger Relief, and a book exchange. These service projects offer many opportunities for MARSP members and the community to get involved.

THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Bob Kucera, Area 22 Director
MARSP is operating in the “red.” Dues will undoubtedly be raised. We are desperate for new members. Each member needs to get one new member. Stress the benefits of membership. The benefits of MARSP membership are fantastic. Insurance is great. Check the MARSP website for updates on legislation, discounts, and other information. The website has so much information. Read the Vanguard magazine.
Do a “one on one”. This technique is proven to be 85% successful in reaching and keeping new members.
Remember to destroy your old card when your new one arrives. Remember to put that Red/White/Blue Medicare and your Social Security card in a very safe place.
All wise advice. Kucera closed the meeting with a reading of an interesting article with a quote by one of the Lennon brothers.

However, the most important quote of the day was that of Sally Roach:

EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHAMPION: AN ADULT WHO WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON THEM!

The next meeting will be held on March 27, 2026 at the Colonial Kitchen with Van Buren as the host.
The October 23, 2026 meeting will also be held at the Colonial Kitchen with Berrien County as host.
The motion to adjourn was made by Sally Roach and supported by Joan Rodell. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Delores Neely, Secretary
St. Joseph County Chapter

Office of Retirement Services

10/26/2025

MARSP St. Joseph County Chapter Minutes
October 13, 2025

The St. Joseph County Chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel met on Monday, October 13, at the ISD in Centreville. The meeting was called to order by Gayle Brokaw, Treasurer, in the absence of President Coral Fry. A colorful reading, “October’s Sun Changing Colors” was read by Lorna Bowen, which she followed with the Invocation. Lunches of Italian, turkey, and veggie wraps, Cream of Broccoli soup, potato salad and assorted cookies were served. Lunches were catered from the Chill Bean Restaurant in Centreville.

The program, “ARF Animal Rescue”, was presented by Jackie Hennig and Sharon Clark, officers of the county animal program.

The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) was organized in April 1998 by citizens of St. Joseph County. It was established as a way to financially support animal welfare in the area. ARF is a registered non-profit charitable organization.

Animal Rescue Fund provided $825,000 for spay and neuter assistance and almost $122,000 for emergency vet care assistance. In the past five years, requests for assistance have increased by 50%. The cost of spay and neuter has increased by 77%.

Among things ARF does: pay for spay-neutering operations when owners cannot pay, provide straw or dog/cat food for those unable to pay, provide emergency medical assistance to injured animals who have to known owner, provide assistance to private animal shelters in the county, and provide free space on the Adoption Page for animals needing a forever home.

The Three Rivers Food Pantry helps supply food for animals. Straw is also available for either a donation or free. Each month, ARF supplies 20 vouchers for dogs and approximately 85 vouchers for cats. If an injured animal is found, the finder is asked to take it to any vet in the county. ARF will pay the first $300 of its medical bill.

Local businesses, especially in Three Rivers, promote fund raisers. The three leading ones include MR. B’s RESTAURANT who sponsors spaghetti dinners, other food fund raisers and do all the work; ARBY’s that raised $1640 in a “Round Up” program, the THREE RIVERS’ MOOSE that does a Bingo fund raiser, a raffle basket promotion along with other food and fun fund raisers. CULVER’s does a food runners’ promotion in which runners deliver food to cars. Hennig does a special popular grab bag project. Rodney Beam has a membership list of 400 faithful supporters.

But in spite of all of the money raised by these fund raisers, the price of neutering and spaying continues to increase.

The number of reasons for spaying and neutering pets was stressed. The speakers said that spaying a female will help her live longer. A neutered male will be healthier. Neutered pets are happier, healthier, and better behaved. Neutering also helps to fight overpopulation.

ARF does many projects to promote public awareness. This includes participation in many parades throughout the county. They sponsor “the Cutest Pet” and “Pet Pictures with Santa” which include collection jars placed in supporting businesses and veterinary offices. They sponsor Walk-A-Thons, dinners/auctions, nail clipping services, and corporate and individual donations.

Members were told how they can help with the fund raising. The main way is to support the fund raisers, give tax-deductible donations, and contribute time by joining ARF. Meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Centreville Methodist Church. Tax-exempt donations can be sent to:
ARF Animal Rescue
P.O. Box 593
Centreville, MI 49032

Following the program, Gayle Brokaw, Treasurer, conducted the business meeting. The Secretary’s report was available. Brokaw reported a balance of $3,737.67 in the general fund and $521.56 in the scholarship fund. Motion to accept the reports was made by Denny Bowen and supported by Cindy Sprowl. Motion carried.

Brokaw reminded the members that a committee would present a slate of officers at the November meeting to be voted on in April.

It was decided to have ARF Animal Rescue as the recipient of the Holiday Donation project in November.

Brokaw also has a list of 100 new St. Joseph County retirees. He will present this list in groups of five or ten. Members will volunteer to write to the retirees, encouraging them to join our local MARSP chapter.

Cindy Sprowl gave an update on the chapter’s MARSP page. She thanked Brokaw for adding photos to the page.

Drawings were won by Ray Kramb and Kay Bickle.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, with Meagan Marsh presenting the program.

The motion to adjourn was made by Michelle Brokaw and supported by Denny Bowen. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Delored Neely, Secretary