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January 2015
Volume 1 number1
CRAFTERS
ELLIS ISLAND AND
THE STATUE OF
LIBERTY
Hunterdon Hills
Playhouse
April 23, 2015
Poplar Island, MD
June 2015
September 2015
Meet every other
Wednesday starting
in the summer.
PRIMETIMERS
OF
ST. BENEDICT
"
"
Primetimer
Movie Day
Don’t miss Primetimer movie day. It’s held the second Tuesday of the month. The best
part is ……..it’s free. Just bring you own bag lunch, and if you wish, a cushion for your
chair. Please do not bring pot luck foods. Come share an afternoon of fun with your
friends. Lunch at 12:30. Movie starts at 1:00 PM.
On St. Patrick’s Day 2015, the Primetimer’s plan to
visit the Peanut Bar in Reading, for lunch and an
afternoon of fellowship and fun. Information will be
coming soon, so please mark your calendar.
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January 2015
Volume 1
Meet Your Officers
President - Paul Wirkus
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From my accent, you probably figured out that I was born and raised in New York. I
grew up on Long Island, which, believe it or not, is nothing like New York City. "
I was a volunteer fireman and also worked on the ambulance for 11 years and I was
an EMT for 6 of those 11 years. "
I taught junior high (middle school) and high school science and retired in 2005, with
over 33 years of service. Toward the end of my teaching career, I became active in
the teachers union. I was the Senior Building Representative for my building and was
responsible for more than 80 teachers. "
"
In 2007, my wife Carol and I moved to Morgantown, PA. In the same year, our son Eric moved to Spring Grove,
near York, PA. Then in 2012, our son Chris moved from New York to Bethlehem, PA. We are blessed to have
four wonderful granddaughters, ranging in ages from 4 months to 8 years of age living nearby. "
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We have never regretted moving to Pennsylvania. We have found the people here to be very friendly and we
enjoy the scenery too. It seems that new and interesting activities just keep coming our way. "
I enjoy hiking, camping, gardening and doing volunteer work, like “Meals on Wheels”, which we do once each
week. "
I look forward to serving as your President and I will do my best to listen to your ideas and concerns. I find that
when we work together, we share the “Spirit of Christ” and that brings me great joy. "
Vice President - Joanne Laity
"Hello, I am Joanne Laity.
I spent most of my working career in Insurance and the last eight years in
Financial Services. In this industry, I worked with retirement accounts,
stocks and mutual funds. I grow up in Norristown, Pa. and moved to
Malvern, Chester County when I married. It was here where I volunteered in
fund raising along with my husband who was a firefighter at the Malvern
Fire Company. In 2008, I moved to Morgantown to share a house with my
sister. My two passions and causes are the rights of animals and the
mentally challenged. Between myself and my sister we have three rescued
dogs and a rescue cat in our household. I also devote a lot of my time
mentoring my nephew who has a mental disability and try to bring some
happiness and peace to his life . I enjoy doing crafts, gardening and reading.
I hope this tells you all just a little about me . Lastly, I am both excited and honored to serve as
your 2015 Primetime Vice President.
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January 2015
Volume 1
Treasurer - Jeanie Hauck
"
Jeanie Hauck, Treasurer – I’m sure many of you don’t know my given name is
Regina. I was born February 2nd to Klement and Julia Kremp in St. Joseph’s
Hospital, Reading, I have a sister Mary Anne and brother Kevin. I grew up 5
miles from our present church location. Our home was on my grandparent’s 80
acre farm. "
"
I attended St. Peter’s Grade School, Reading then 4 years at Holy Name High
School. After graduation I entered Practical Nursing School. I graduated in
August 1969. During my senior year of high school I worked as an aide at
Reading Rehabilitation Hospital, Morgantown Road. I was hired full time as an
LPN after receiving my nursing license. I worked at the Rehab for 31 years. During that time I met
William “Bill” Hauck and a year later became Mrs. Hauck. In 1999 I resigned from HealthSouth Reading
Rehab and two weeks later became the parish secretary for St Benedicts. "
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I’ve been a member of St Benedicts all my life except 6 years when Bill and I lived outside the
boundaries. "
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My hobbies are bird watching (at my feeders), gardening (if time permits), and animals and spending
time with friends, parties, movies on Hallmark channel especially Christmas time. "
"
Secretary - Alice Bonnell
"I was born and raised in Erie, PA where I met my husband, John.
We have
three married sons. Matt and Kris and 2 boys live nearby, while Kevin and
Abbey live in Bellefonte, PA, and Brian and Nancy and their two children
live in Maryland.
John worked as a civilian employee for the US Air Force, so we did quite a
bit of travelling. We have lived in New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Italy
and Germany, living in Europe for 11 years. In 2005, after retiring, we
moved to Morgantown to be closer to all three sons. At the time, two were
working in PA, and one was a student at Penn State.
I have worked in an insurance office, as a secretary for Xerox, as a craft instructor and manager of a
fabric/craft store, and as a teacher assistant. I love sewing and I’m currently obsessed with making
quilts! I belong to a Quilt Guild, the Red Hats, a Seniors Bowling League, and hit the gym several
times a week. John and I attend all the Penn State home football games, and love to spend time on
cruises. In fact, we will soon be travelling around South America by ship!
I look forward to serving as Secretary, and doing the best job that I can for our group.
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January 2015
Volume 1
Calendar of Upcoming Trips and Events
February 4, 2015 - Hockey Game in Reading. Cost for center ice seating is $23. You must sign"
up and pay by January 30th, 2015. Other tickets cost 17.50 per person. Contact "
"
Gerry Braddick for information and reservations. "
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March 17, 2015 - St. Patrick’s Luncheon at The Peanut Bar in Reading. Details coming soon."
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April 23, 2015 - Hunterdon Hills Playhouse to see Abie’s Irish Rose. Tickets are $52.00 per person. "
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June 2015 - Poplar Island, MD. Deposit of $50 is due as soon
as possible. The trip is strictly limited to the first 24 people who
submit a deposit. Hotel arrangements must be made be each
individual. Room rates run from $143 for the first floor to $159
and $170 for the upper floors. Please see Gerry Braddick for
questions and information. "
"
The Travel Committee is looking onto a trip to New York City in
2015. Please look for info in our upcoming newsletters.
The White Elephant Sale
Our White Elephant Sale was held during the first weekend in November as part of the St. Benedict’s
Christmas Bazaar. The sale was a huge success and netted $864.20 in profit for the Primetimers.
"Thanks to all of our members who brought items to sell, especially Ron and Anne Nyari, who
donated so many of Anne’s Mom’s Christmas items.
"Many members helped set up and clean up after the sale. We also had many helpers during the sale
too.
"Special thanks to the following helpers.
"Marie Blimline
Diane Konas
Frank Little
Mary Messner
Anne Nyari
Bill Offutt
Paul Wirkus
Janet Motta
Ron Nyari
Yvonne Walters
Caryl Wittorf
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Theresa Nelson
Betsy Offutt
Carol Wirkus
Joanne Yorke
January 2015
Volume 1
From a staff morphing into a serpent, to the waters of
the sea parting, this spectacular show was filled with
dazzling special effects. Theatre goers followed the
life of Moses from his journey down the river in a
basket when he was an infant, to his proclamation to
the Pharaoh “Let My people go!” Live animals
meandered through the aisles and strolled across the
stage.
A big “thank you” to Marie Brimline for
organizing the trip.
remember.
It was a trip we’re sure to
The Crafters
"
CRAFTERS 2014
An Article by Sylvia Firth
The Craft group organized by Helen Reidel and Sylvia Firth began
meeting in April to work jointly on projects for the November bazaar.
Prime Timers who gladly volunteered many hours included Cecelia
Kacmar; Marie Blimline; Dolores Meyer; Marian Gring; Joan Fondots; Regina Little; Joanne
Laity and Alice Bonnell. Together we made items that were offered at reasonable prices in
hopes of making enough to help cover the cost of the Christmas party luncheon. Others who
most generously donated additional goods for us to sell included Gerry and Jane Ann
Braddick; Cathie McCullah; Robin Reidel; Susann Ribble; Alice Bonnell; Helen Reidel and
Sylvia Firth. We took in almost $1200.00 which when combined with the profits from the
White Elephant tables was almost enough to cover the cost of the luncheon. Many thanks are
due to all who so willingly gave of their time; talents and goods.
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January 2015
Volume 1
On October 29, 2014, a group of 21
Primetimers and friends traveled to
the Ephrata Performing Arts Center
to see “Cabaret”. A special thanks to
Gerry and Jane Ann Braddick for
making the arrangements for this
great trip.
A good time was had by all.
Christmas
Luncheon 2014
at the
Reading Country Club
A happy group of Primetimers
celebrated Christmas with a luncheon
at the Reading Country Club on
December 2nd. The spirit of
Christmas filled the air and attendees
enjoyed a delicious meal. Holiday
entertainment was provided by
Tony Farina.
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January 2015
Volume 1
Guest Speaker: Kathy Martin, Elder Care Attorney
An Article by Carol Wirkus
Our guest speaker for the November meeting was Kathy Martin, an elder care attorney
with O’Donnell, Weiss & Mattei of Pottstown. Kathy provided valuable information on
a number of topics including, reasons to create an estate plan, health care decisions,
veterans benefits, medicare issues, elder abuse, wills vs. trusts etc.. She provided
some specific examples of why we should be wary of things like cookie cutter trusts,
which can result in the loss of assets, such as a home, that would normally pass to the
surviving spouse. She was very knowledgeable and answered specific questions.
Overall feedback from her presentation was very positive. The firm publishes a
monthly newsletter and they can be contacted at www.owmlaw.com or 610-323-2800 if
you have additional questions or would like to receive the monthly newsletter.
Our Next Primetimer Meeting"
will be held on"
"
January 27th, 2015"
"
at 1:00 PM in the Social Hall."
"
Father Phil and"
Lu Ann Oatman of Berks Encore"
will be installing our"
New Officers.
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January 2015
Volume 1
Get Involved!
My hope is that all of our members will enjoy being a part of our club. "
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If you are interested in writing an article for the newsletter, or if you would like to help
organize the next newsletter, please contact Paul Wirkus. "
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If you have any ideas or suggestions, or if you would like to be part of a committee or
help organize a new committee, please speak with one of the officers. "
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If you have any questions about the club, please be sure to speak with one of the
officers. "
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Thank you…. Paul Wirkus"
"
Share the Work - Share the Spirit - Share the Joy!
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