Dear David and BTA Members,

This note is a follow up to a verbal acknowledgment to David the last days of school.  I would like to thank you all for the retirement gift.  I appreciate your thoughtfulness and taking the time to find out exactly what I would like.  I will be sure to think of all the wonderful people at the Bronxville school when I see my next Broadway play.

In the end it is the niceties and friendships that count.  It is a gift when work can be a place where employees caring about each other. I wish you all happiness and joy all the days of your life.  Thank you again.

Aleta L. Tomanelli

Negotiations Update Wednesday afternoon.

See you in the cafeteria at 3ish.

Last Thursday night, our annual BTA dinner was one of the best ever!  If you missed it, you really missed out on a special evening.

Thank you, Frank, for all of your hard work and dedication to the party.  It does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Thank you Christina and Dana for your help (and for the delicious chocolate lollipops).

Thank you Katie, Chuck, and Mandy for your work in making certain the party happened the right way.

And, a big and special thank you to all who attended and made the evening everything it was meant to be.  We danced, we caught up with old friends, we ate, we hugged.  

What a night!

I am doing Ironman Lake Placid on July 28th to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).  I chose this cause before it became a Superbowl Half Time commercial, not knowing it would become something so big.

The following is all taken from the Wounded Warrior Project website:

 The Wounded Warrior Project serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families.  On that date, America watched in horror as approximately 3,000 people died including hundreds of firefighters and rescue workers.  Many warriors note a sense of duty to volunteer for the military following these tragic events. 

Sept. 11 also served as a stimulus for Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn.  Operation Iraqi Freedom refers to military operations in Iraq that began March 19, 2003 and officially ended August 31, 2010.  Operation Enduring Freedom refers to combat operations in Afghanistan and other regions in support of the Global War on Terror.  Operation New Dawn refers to the conclusion of operations in Iraq beginning September 1, 2010 and ending December 15, 2011.

For WWP, there is a distinct difference between members and alumni; the term alumni indicates a mutual shared experience and denotes your place in an organization was earned. There are no dues here-those were paid by wearing the uniform on the battlefield. 

Monies raised go to help meet the needs of injured service members. It provides unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members. 

Why I chose this cause?  My dad served 5 years in the Marine Corps. and 5 years in the US Army.  I had many uncles that also served in all branches of the military (my mom is one of 11 and dad is one of 12 children), military service was a good choice for their families.

My younger brother, Kevin, just out of high school in the very early 1990's enlisted in the Marine Corps and served on the front lines of Operation Desert Storm.

I have cousins who are also now serving in all branches of the military.

I have always wanted to do something to pay my respects for the service that my family members have completed.  Ironman Lake Placid takes place on July 28th.  It starts with a 2.4 mile swim, then goes on to a 112 mile bike leg, and finishes with a marathon run 26.2. 

My fundraising webpage is found at: http://ironman.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1045080&lis=1&kntae1045080=D4A162F0411749069D539AD4D9907623&supId=373356438 (hyperlink)

My hope is to raise money, awareness, and hopefully inspire others to attempt to do things they thought impossible to do.  

Not too late to get your checks to Frank!  Today is the deadline.  

The party will be on Thursday at Ciao.  We look forward to celebrating a great year, honoring our retirees, and recognizing the BTA Charter Members on their 25th year of membership in the BTA!  

It's going to be a great party!

Marcia Sklar's mother passed away this weekend.  The BTA sends its condolences to Marcia and her family.  

Thank you for your attendance at our three liaison meetings in the elementary, middle, and high schools.  Patrick, Joyce, and Maryellen reported that meaningful conversations were had in all three schools and that they have a better sense of the issues that are specific to the schools they represent.  We look forward to having more meetings like these next year.