If you weren't there, here's what you missed!  Our retirees look wonderful and had such a wonderful time together.  

Here's the full list of attendees:

Clare Gorman
Jeff Zuckerman
Barbara Hamilton
Andy Cahn
Linda Orsenigo
Tina Anchin
Margo Lorber
Barbara Irmischer
Bob Spenik
Karen Pickelle
Kay Fleming
Judy O'Gorman
Barbara deFrondeville
Carol Lockwood
Fran Freyer
Fred Freyer
Tony Manganiello
Ron Schaeffner
Marcia Sklar
Maryann DeRuvo
Ginny Martin
Phil Kuczma
Mandy Gersten 
Anne Hartmere
John Kehoe
Rita Caiati
Janet Gould
Mark Saul
Al Mingrone
Micki Kennedy
Stu Bush
Vicki Winter
David Katz 
Miriam Leo
Linda Abbott
Liz Chiaverini
Barbara Laffan
Terry K. Martin
Maryellen Mullin-Yonkers
Tom Rooney

Join us this evening to support candidates who support our work.

This evening, Christina Reidel and I are going to NYSUT's Regional Office in Tarrytown to make some phone calls to NYSUT members to support NYSUT endorsed candidates.  Please let me know that you'll join us.  

Here's what Marc Laffer, our regional staff director wrote about the importance of these elections:

In the past year, we have seen the US Supreme Court issue a narrow decision on Harris v. Quinn but making it very clear that this court will overturn agency fee when the right case comes before them.  That case is working its way through the California courts and could hit the Supreme Court this year although next year is more likely.  The Vergara tenure case, also in California, has spurred copycat lawsuits here in New York.
 
Our strength is in the voting booth.  We can only leverage that strength if we exercise our right to vote, get all NYSUT members and their families to vote, and vote for the people who support the issues that affect us every day.
 
The results of the 2014 elections will impact every school district and public higher education institution, every health care institution, non-profit service agency and municipal center, and the working conditions of all the employees, because laws and regulations affecting every member's terms and conditions of employment are passed by these lawmakers.
 
We currently have the ability to hold phone banks and encourage NYSUT members to get out and vote.  If we don't elect the people who support our rights, we may face a day when we don't have the facilities or NYSUT members to make these calls.  We can't let that happen!

I sent teachers an email this past weekend regarding VOTE-COPE.  Please consider increasing your contribution to this important political fund.  Let me and Melody know that you are increasing your contribution.  

I am, of course, available to answer any questions you might have about VOTE-COPE.

CLICK HERE for the list of NYSUT endorsements in this upcoming November elections.  

You should know that we were represented this year at NYSUT's endorsement conference this summer by Greg DiStefano.  Thanks, Greg!

On Wednesday, October 29, some BTA members will be joining me at NYSUT's Tarrytown Regional Office to make phone calls in support of NYSUT-endorsed candidates.  From there, we're going to Yorktown to eat at one of two restaurants with a Tip a Teacher event.  Yorktown Congress of Teachers members will be the waitstaff, and all of the tips will be donated to a local food pantry.  

If you'd like to join us for all or part of that evening, send Christina Reidel or me an email to let us know.  

Don't forget!  Bring a new BTA member to Fogarty's and get a free drink for you and for the new BTA member!  

Of course, if you only come with veteran members, you'll get free drinks anyway, I just like to offer as many incentives as possible.

Our former BTA president (and current president of the BRTA (Bronxville Retired Teachers Association)), Jeff Zuckerman, is gathering many retired Bronxville teachers, clerical staff, etc. at the Quarry in Tuckahoe at 3:30 on Thursday afternoon, October 30.  

This promises to be a terrific excuse to get together with some old friends, so Jeff and Clare have reached out to me to invite active BTA members, as well.  It's now on my calendar - who else will join us?  Jeff tells me that there will be more than 30 BTA retirees there!

If you are interested in being included, send Jeff an email: jeffzuckerman2000@yahoo.com.