Record Number of Retirees Attend Luncheon
by Dee-Dee Goidel
More than 240 retirees gathered for the Chapter’s April 30 general meeting and luncheon, the largest gathering of members since the Chapter began in 2004. Many of the Regional Units were well represented as far as Florida!
The morning began with a continental breakfast and social networking, and once again retirees found old friends and visited three vendor tables for information about health care. The meeting began with an update from Retiree Chapter Director Mark Brodsky, who thanked the RC staff for their efforts this year. He then introduced RC Chair Neil Lefkowitz, who, in turn, introduced the officers and Regional Unit leaders.
CSA First Vice President Randi Herman spoke about the pride CSA has in its Retiree Chapter and all it has accomplished for its members. Welfare Fund Administrator Doug Hathaway spoke briefly about the Funds and introduced the vendors.
Heartfelt Appreciation
Next CSA Vice President for Retirees Irwin Shanes paid tribute to Sherri Tabachnick, who recently retired as Assistant Administrator of the Welfare Fund. The exchange got a little teary as Mr. Shanes, who served as a mentor to Ms. Tabachnick, presented her with a necklace from the grateful retirees. The heart pendant was selected specifically as a “thank you” to Sherri for how much “heart” she put into her job. Mr. Lefkowitz also presented her with a citation on behalf of all the retirees she served for 28 years.
In addition, the Retiree Chapter honored Arnold Nager for his class action lawsuit regarding per session pay that recently resulted in hundreds of retirees receiving back pension pay as well as an increase in monthly checks.
Lawmakers Thank Retirees
Two lawmakers also spoke. City Councilman Ruben Wills spoke about education and issues affecting senior citizens. Mr. Wills also spoke about the city’s budget difficulties as well as the need to honor past union contracts.
Assemblyman Ed Braunstein spoke about the state’s budget, a compromise in his eyes since he did not approve of all the cuts. Both legislators thanked the union for their recent support in the 2010 elections. Mr. Wills and Mr. Braunstein are first-term legislators.
Guest speaker Prof. Jean Arrington of the Borough of Manhattan Community College delivered a presentation about Charles B.J. Snyder, one of the giants of the NYC school system. As the school system’s chief architect/engineer and NYC Superintendent of school buildings from 1891 to 1923, he was responsible for building or improving more than 400 schools. Among his innovations: designs that improved light and air circulation.
As members moved to their luncheon seats, Mr. Brodsky began the special raffle for “early bird” members who paid for luncheon tickets before April 1. The prize? A refund on the price of admission! The winners were Douglas Delmonte and Dolphus Hickson, both from Queens. Other prizes were also raffled: Florence Klein of Queens won a Nook. Susan Serrano of the Bronx won a delicious tray of candy donated by the North Shore Towers. Floral arrangements were also raffled off.
During the luncheon, a barbershop quartet provided delightful musical entertainment, moving from table to table. The Retiree Chapter is planning a second general membership meeting, seminars and a buffet this fall.
[Editor’s Note: CSA will not hold an Educational Leadership Conference this year. Instead of a Conference, the union plans to hold a gala dinner/dance in celebration of the union’s 50th anniversary on April 27, 2012. So hold that date! We’ll update you in the future.
CSA will hold an annual membership meeting, as called for in the union’s Constitution, on Nov. 8 at Food and Finance High School, (Park West campus,) Manhattan.]
