Sunday, September 10, 2023

A New Year -- Welcome To 2023-2024!

 After an eventful summer, to include the hosting of the 2023 Washington State School Retirees Association Convention, we enter the scholastic new year!  Over 100 attendees enjoyed the area, our sunshine (well, okay, it was HOT!), and a comprehensive agenda that included keynote speakers, awards (including our very own Victoria Russell, who was recognized with the Hoban Award along with Tina Underdahl from Unit 19).




BFSRA welcomed the school year with our customary attendance (thanks to Don Parks!) at the different school districts' Back to School Celebrations.  Active members are an important part of our  organization, as they are the future; we welcome and celebrate you!




Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Ushering in the New Year

  Our January luncheon/meeting with the superintendents of the three largest local school districts (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland) is typically very well-attended, and the January 27th, 2023 meeting was no exception!  Over 70 members and guests were able to socialize, dine, and listen to awesome presentations. One main focus of all presentations was the (then) impending levy proposals, and their importance to each of the districts.  





Our February meeting including a timely talk on elder nutrition; the special needs and considerations of the 60+ Club.  Tami Silva, Community Relations Director for Columbia Crossings at Grandridge provided great information and tips for our group.  






Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Autumn Accolades

 With a quieter kickoff to the school year (although vastly improved from 2020-2021!), our numbers at the monthly luncheons/meeting started off on the low side, but definitely increased over the passage of the autumn months.  


The September 26th luncheon featured Peter Diedrick, Washington State School Retirees Association (WSSRA) Legislative Director as our guest speaker.   Pictures to follow hopefully :--)

In October, we welcomed approximately 64 members and guests to our luncheon and meeting, and appreciated the comments and information provided by our guest speaker, Tony Cerda of My Friend's Place.  My Friend's Place was Southeastern Washington's first safe overnight sanctuary for homeless teens.  Tony described the facility's beginnings, and its current services and needs.  This awesome and thought-provoking presentation was followed by a presentation by Alan Burke, Executive Director of the WSSRA. Alan updated us on a number of important subjects, including health insurance, PEBB, and the continuing need for Cost of Living Adjustments for pension plans.  Finally, Alan presented Victoria Russell, Dottie Stevens, and Don Parks with certificates of appreciation for the important work they do to accomplish the goals of BFSRA and WSSRA.


November 21, 2023 was the final General Meeting and Luncheon of 2022.  It was also the scene of generous giving, fun fellowship, and wonderful holiday music from Mary Lou Gnoza and Steve Haberman.  Representatives from the Salvation Army graciously accepted the piles of toys and gifts donated by our members, and many people made selections from the amazing variety of books and puzzles available for purchase at the Scholarship Table.


Generous donations from our members



Victoria, Steve and Mary Lou


Our wonderful greeters


Monday, March 13, 2023

Catching Up

 And there's a lot of it to do.  Five luncheons/meetings, one Toy Drive,  many legislative and government adjustments.  The longest journey begins with the first step, so here we go.

Upcoming posts with anticipated publication dates:

Autumn Accolades: Summaries and pictures from the September, October, and November meetings, with highlights from each (March 13, 2023)

Ushering in the New Year: Summaries and pictures from the January and February meetings, with highlights from each (March 14, 2023)

Ready to Spring: Upcoming events for March, April and May (The Ides of March, or March 15th, whichever comes first!)

Convention News:  Ongoing updates of the 2023 WSSRA Convention to be held at the Pasco Red Lion June 5-7, 2023 (March 18, 2023)