The Carbon County Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) recently held a special meeting to discuss health benefits for school retirees.

The meeting was sponsored by the chapter's retirement planning committee. More than 40 retirees attended.Speaker for the event was Wanda Tracey, the director of HOP (Health Options Program), a group health insurance program for school retirees. Tracey offered a short presentation and answered questions about HOP.Chapter President Janet Hall also spoke briefly to the group, taking the time to recognize and thank the leaders and volunteers present."I was asked to say a few words. The word 'amazing' is what comes to mind," said Hall. "I thought it was important to recognize all of the people on our committees."Leaders also asked those present to consider volunteering if they had not already done so."Anything that you can contribute, even just a few hours, two or three times a year, would make a tremendous difference," said meeting organizer Vince Spisak, chairperson of the PASR retirement planning committee.PASR is a statewide organization open to all retired employees of Pennsylvania public schools, including former teachers, administrative personnel and staff, bus drivers, and all other eligible retired employees.The Carbon Chapter serves to meet the needs of local school retirees and offers volunteer and educational opportunities throughout the year.