RC 10 WELCOMES NEW RETIREES AT FALL LUNCHEON

RC 10 held the annual Fall Luncheon on October 6, 2016 and welcomed 

new retirees. The event was held at the spectacular Longfellows Restaurant in Saratoga and 48 members were in attendance, including new retirees Karen Harris, Mary Kruchinski, Charlene Perrucio, and Suzanne Wallace.

The event began with a business meeting. President Dave Golden introduced Board members and new retirees, and reminded all members that anyone is welcome to attend the monthly Board meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month. Paula Johannessen shared the financial report and the good news that RC 10 is in excellent fiscal condition. 1st Vice President Jim Stolis encouraged members to invite those who are within five to six years of retirement to attend the Pre-Retirement Seminar on October 29th. 2nd Vice President Ann Cherney invited all to participate in the creation of Joy Bears on October 26. The bears are created as a gift to anyone who is being treated for cancer.

Membership Director Bev Harrington reminded members that the sustaining membership fee is due once a year and should be mailed to her, not to NYSUT. Those who retired prior to 1995 are not required to pay the fee, but should still return the form to Bev, and voluntary donations are always welcome. Secretary Laraine Gillette stated that new volunteers are needed on a number of different committees and activities, and that there are many ways to be involved in RC 10.

Jane Weihe, NYSUT Delegate, reminded members that absentee ballots should be filled out if away from home on Election Day. The absentee ballot is available here and can be mailed in, or it can be filled out by going directly to your County Board of Elections office. She also made a plea for volunteers who would act as ambassadors for the district they retired from. An ambassador acts as a liaison between retirees and active members.

Karen Mahar represented the Travel/Social Committee and discussed upcoming trips (like the Portugal/Douro River trip), and possible day trips for 2017 that may include Glimmerglass Opera; the National Historical Park in Lowell, Massachusetts; a multi-night trip to the Finger Lakes; Culinary Institute of America; New York City; and an overnight trip to Shelburne Museum in Vermont. Possible trips for 2018 include National Parks, British Isles, Imperial Cities, Alaska, New Orleans, and Santa Fe/Taos. Trips fill very quickly, so members were reminded to watch their emails (and/or this website) for the latest offerings. 

Karen Wojcik-Hess gave a report from the Capital District Chapter of New York State Alliance for Retired Americans and reminded members that they could join the organization.

After a sumptuous lunch, Dr. Don Levy, director of the Siena College Political 

Research Institute, gave a very informative speech about his work with political polls and the state of American attitudes concerning the 2016 elections and current issues.

To see more photos of the luncheon, click here to visit the photo album.