"A Celebration of Life"

Outgoing vice-president/program chair, Helen Bakshas, put together a very moving "Celebration of Life" at the May Luncheon designed to remember, and celebrate, the lives of those members who we lost this year:   

Ardra E. Barbee, Louise O. Black, Glendine W. Boston, George A. Clark, Arthur B. Finke, Walter W. Grisham, Jill A. Hilmer, Darlene La Borde, Inez Miller, Helen K. Nash, Clyde L. Painter, Laurel R. Piippo, Alice Shaw, Ralhp P/ Stredwick, Ariden M. Vie, and Nellie A. Whetsler.

All will be sorely missed and long remembered by not only loved ones, family, and colleagues, but also the many students they taught and served throughout all those years. 

The program included a Prelude by LaVonne Johnson; "Borning Cry" sung by Helen Bakshas; "His Eye is on the Sparrow" sung by Vickie Bowles; "On Eagle's Wings" sung by Lindy Anderson; "When Peasce Like a River," sung by LaVonne Johnson, and "Amazing Grace" sung by all with accompaniment on the trumpet by Vickie Bowles. 

Names were read and member placed roses in a single vase. 

A touching celebration; thank you, Helen. 

Installation of Officers for 2016 - 2017

Meet your new officers for the upcoming year, and installing officer, WSSRA President, Bill Bergsma.  

If you see some familiar faces, you shouldn't be surprised. Lew and Marlys have held their offices for many years and continue to carry out their responsibilities in high fashion. Helen and Dottie have simply traded places, Dottie was president for 2015-2016, Helen was Vice-President/Program Chair.  We doubt this has happened very many times in the history of BFSRA, but we have no reservations about the year they are already putting together for 2016 - 2017. 

They are, L to R:  Lew Eming, Secretary; Marlys Mayer, Treasurer; Bill Bergsma, Helen Bakshas, President; and Dottie Stevens, Vice-President/Program Chair.

WSSRA President, Bill Bergsma, Visits BFSRA

Washington State School Retirees Association president, Bill Bergsma, visited BFSRA today.

He gave us an update on his experiences in that role; even commenting that BFSRA was, "the largest luncheon I have attended this year."

Bill also shared how rewarding it has been this past year working with the our new Executive Director, Michael Boring (who visited last month).

President Bergsma also installed our new officers for the 2016 - 2017 year.

Thank  you, President Bergsma. We  enjoyed having you with us today.