May 29, 2021 Issue, Page 7 of 8

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May 29, 2021 Community 7 OREA Beckham/Roger Financial tips for the Mills Unit holds self-employed Being self-employed has some for your needs. Put money aside for taxes. May 14 meeting benefits: You get to choose your own hours, you don’t have to count “vacation days” Build an emergency fund. When you work for a busi- ness or other organization, Because no employer is with- holding taxes from your pay- checks, you will likely have to and you’ll never worry about your income is predictable – make quarterly estimated pay- May 14, 2021 marked the date information about HB 2293 tha Roper, Bobby Felton, Jerry getting downsized. On the but that’s usually not the case ments. Plus, you’re responsi- of the last meeting of this and SB 634 in the Legislative Dickson, Linda Earlene Rose, other hand, you’re truly on when you’re self-employed. ble for all your Social Security school year for the Beckham/ report. Becky followed with Frank Louis Mechek, Patri- your own – there’s no employ- And when your earnings are taxes, which, if you worked for Roger Mills Unit of Oklahoma the Volunteer Hours and noted cia Hager Fite, Lawrence Ray er-sponsored retirement plan uneven, you can be vulnerable someone else, would be split Retired Educators. that July 31 is the deadline to Cooper and Julian Bowen. The and no benefits package. So, if to financial stress when you between you and your employ- President Linda Long wel- turn in those numbers. Closing: Prayer by Judy. you’ve recently started a busi- face an unexpected expense. er. To make sure you’ve got comed members June Love- The OREA Memorial Service After disscussion, members ness or become a “gig worker,” To help protect yourself from enough money available to pay lace, Becky Newlin, Mary Fern was presented by Judy. This is decided to continue to meet possibly due to the COVID-19 these threats, try to gradually your taxes, you might want to Carpenter, Cathy Lewis, Gwen a yearly remembrance to hon- at United Methodist Church pandemic, what can you do to set up a special account – one build an emergency fund con- Pasby, Glenda Ivins, Judy or teachers whose lives were in 2021-22 on the second Fri- get on the road to financial se- that’s not used for any other taining a few months’ worth of Haught, Lois Hubbard, Bill lost during the past year. The day of each month. Septem- curity? purpose. living expenses, with the mon- Hubbard, Carla Garrison and service today included the past ber 10th is the next scheduled There are several steps you can Get proper insurance. Depend- ey kept in a liquid, low-risk ac- Barbara Blake. two years due to the interrup- meeting. It was decided the take, including the following: ing on the nature of your work, count. Gwen gave the invocation. tion of last year’s meetings. new meeting time for 2021-22 Establish a budget. When you may or may not need some Pay down your debts. Some type of business insurance, but Judy led the flag salutes to The tables were graced with will be 10:00 a.m. you’re self-employed – and debts, such as loans to help if you have a family, you should the U.S.A. Flag and the Okla- beautiful fresh cut roses placed Linda mentioned that OREA is especially when you’re first homa Flag. The minutes were in bud vases. On each vase was forming three AD HOC Com- your business, may be unavoid- certainly consider the need for starting out – you need to keep able – and even productive. But approved as presented and the a small card with the quote, mittee Appointments: Retire- life insurance, and you may tight control over where your other debts, especially those treasurer’s report was accepted “To be a teacher in the service ment Education Task Force, also want to consider disability money is going. So, establish a that can’t be deducted from as read. of the Lord is to touch eterni- Early/Continuous Enrollment insurance. budget and stick to it. your taxes and carry a high For the devotional, Mary Fern ty,” by William Yount. Task Force, and Diversity and Self-employment can be quite Open a retirement plan. As a shared a wonderful memory MEMORIAL SERVICE--- The Inclusion Task Force. Members interest rate, are far less use- fulfilling – and you’ll find it self-employed individual, you about a high school teacher Scripture: Isaiah 6:8 – Then I interested in serving on one of ful, so you may want to set up even more rewarding when can choose a retirement plan, who was very special to her. heard the voice of the Lord say- these committees can contact a repayment plan. With your you make the right financial such as a SEP-IRA, a SIM- She has long remembered the ing, “Whom shall I send? And Linda and she will relay the other expenses, you might not moves. PLE-IRA or an “owner-only” famous quote by Horace Mann who will go for us?” And I said, message. She noted that the be able to whittle these debts This article was written by Edward 401(k). When your earnings that her teacher wrote on the “Here am I. Send me!”--- The meetings may be conducted by down as fast you’d like, but, Jones. Provided by Robert Ste- are limited, you can contrib- board, “Be ashamed to die un- message: The Call to Teach by Zoom. Linda also noted that over time, your efforts can pay phens of Edward Jones, Financial ute modest amounts to any of til you have won a victory for Judy.--- The song: “Here I Am, there are tentative plans for off. Advisor. these plans, but when your in- mankind”. Every day teachers Lord,” led by Carla.--- The Bell Leadership Training Sessions. come rises, you can boost your have opportunities to connect Ceremony: A bell was rung af- Additional information will be contributions. While these with their students and inspire ter each of the following names available at a later date. Plans retirement plans have some them to achieve victory. was called: Lou Ann Largent, are being made for The 2021- things in common, including Committee reports includ- Patsy N. Henry, Larry Ross 22 OREA State Convention tax-deferred growth of earn- ed information regarding the Pickens, Jane Ann Bowen, to be held in October. Judy ings, they differ in other areas, OREA Scholarship which is Paul Everett Conner, Walter Haught is this Unit’s Very such as contribution limits, scheduled to be given in the David Ogletree, Ricky Ray Al- Important Member (VIM) and and one plan may be more suit- Fall Semester to a SWOSU len, Gary Wayne Kirk, Juanita will be recognized at the con- able for you than another, de- student who is doing student Wham, Elmer Lee Johnson, vention. pending on whether you have teaching. In the Membership Jake Briggs, Cora Deaton Wil- Carla won the door prize. Lin- employees. You may want to Report, Glenda stated there liams, Donna Sue Kindsfather, da adjourned the meeting in consult with a financial advisor are 68 members. Linda shared Mallory Ashton Henson, Lore- due form. to determine which plan is best Add Mediterranean Flair to Your Dinner Table FAMILY FEATURES canned versions of ingredients like beans and fish you can easily add them to your favorite dishes. Yellowfin D uring the past year, many people have missed the opportunity to travel and experience the Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates, and sights, sounds and tastes of the world, but it’s Tuna Aioli Dip with Balsamic Drizzle are flavorful easy to explore other cultures and cuisines by ways to bring Mediterranean flair to your dinner table. experimenting in the kitchen. Add Seafood. Eating more seafood is one of the leading If you’re looking to transport your taste buds to the principles of the Mediterranean Diet. Tuna salad is one shores of Spain or the beaches of Greece, one of the tried-and-true dish that can help incorporate fish into your best places to start is with the Mediterranean Diet. menu. To make it more nutritious, opt for tuna that’s Renowned chef Geoffrey Zakarian recommends these packed in extra-virgin olive oil, so you don’t have to add tips to help home cooks elevate their dishes and easily much mayo to the base. For example, Genova Premium incorporate the popular diet into everyday cooking. Tuna provides a tasteful addition to recipes and is high in Reach for Pantry Staples. There’s no single protein, a great source of omega-3s and has a uniquely rich definition of the Mediterranean Diet, but it’s high in and savory flavor that offers a taste of the Mediterranean in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil every bite. and seafood. By keeping your pantry stocked with Visit GenovaSeafood.com for more recipe inspiration. Yellowfin Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates Prep time: 20-30 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes Servings: 4 2 cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, drained 1/2 cup pine nuts 4 cups arugula 1 garlic clove 2 tablespoons butter (optional) 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus additional for garnish (optional) 2 lemons, zest only (optional) 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 8 ounces whole-wheat orecchiette 1/2 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped 1/2 cup dates, pitted and quartered 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped 1/4 cup dill, chopped (optional) 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (optional) Preheat oven to 325 F. On a sheet tray, toast pine nuts 8-12 minutes, or until golden. Set aside to cool. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Prepare ice Tuna Aioli Dip with Balsamic Drizzle raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, water bath by filling large bowl with cold water and Prep time: 15-20 minutes cucumber spears, endive leaves, sliced ice. Stir arugula into boiling water and cook until bright Cook time: 10-15 minutes fennel and bell pepper strips, for dipping green and tender, about 30 seconds. Drain arugula, Servings: 4 Drain tuna, reserving 2 tablespoons oil. immediately shock in ice water and set aside to fully Add pasta and return to boil, stirring occasionally. Taste pasta for doneness 2 minutes earlier than package 6 ounces Genova Albacore Tuna in In small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, drain; cover with towel. Olive Oil bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Bring to boil and instructions. Once cooked, drain and transfer to large bowl. In blender or food processor, add arugula; garlic; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar reduce until syrupy, about 1 tablespoon. Let cool pine nuts; butter, if desired; Parmigiano-Reggiano; Do not rinse. 1 dried bay leaf slightly; discard bay leaf and rosemary sprig. lemon zest, if desired; salt; and pepper. Puree on high, Add pesto gently until evenly distributed. Fold in 1 sprig fresh rosemary In blender or food processor, process tuna and incorporating olive oil to desired thickness. tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, dates and olives. 1⁄3 cup mayonnaise reserved oil, mayonnaise, capers, anchovies and Place pesto in bowl and cover tightly to avoid Divide between shallow bowls and finish with 2 tablespoons capers, drained lemon juice to make smooth dip. Transfer to flat discoloring. additional Parmigiano-Reggiano, dill and parsley, 2 anchovies serving bowl. Drizzle with balsamic syrup. Serve Bring large pot of salted water to boil. if desired. 1/2 lemon, juice only (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) with raw vegetables.