Springing Forward

 As time Marches on, and we lose our annual hour (don't worry, we'll get it back eventually), BFSRA forges ahead with more activities, more recognition, and more events to plan for.  

The March BFSRA Luncheon was well-attended, with special guests from Pasco and a presentation by Diana Baker on her pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago.

Also in March were WSSRA-hosted Webinars on Medicare, VEBA, and the PEBB.  You can view the recorded webinars by going to the WSSRA website (wssra.org) or clicking HERE.

Members from BFSRA attended and were recognized at Retiree Recognition and Appreciation components of School Board meetings in Pasco School District and in Kennewick School District in March.  Richland School District will also recognize the contributions of retirees at their April 28 School Board meeting.

April's Luncheon and Meeting will take place on April 27, 2026 at Zintel Creek Clubhouse, from 11:00 a.m.  to 1 p.m.  Reservations are required so that the appropriate seat count can be provided to the ZC Clubhouse.  If you don't receive a reminder call from a BFSRA caller by Tuesday, April 21, please leave a comment here and someone will reach out to you.  Our speaker will be Michelle Gerber, discussing the May opening of the Columbia Valley Center for Recovery.

May's Luncheon and Meeting will be held on Monday, May 18.  This will be a week earlier than normal, due to Memorial Day occurring on May 25th.  Our program will be a Celebration of Life for BFSRA members who have passed away.

The WSSRA Annual Convention will take place at Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington June 8-10.  Find more information at wssra.org or by clicking HERE.

Prospective: February and March

 Looking forward to Valentines Day and beyond, the February Meeting/Luncheon will be held Monday, February 23 at our wonderful venue (Zintel Creek Golf Course Restaurant) and will offer roast pork, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls/butter, and our famous Ardith surprise cookies for dessert. Our presenter will be ESD 123, discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Want some additional HI (Human Intelligence!) on retirement choices and benefits?  Be sure to check out the online Zoom webinars being offered by WSSRA in March.  A complete schedule and registration forms can be found on the WSSRA webpage (https://wssra.org/index.php/webinars).

March 9, 2025:  DRS/HCA-PEBB Webinar

March 10, 2025: SS/Medicare/VEBA Webinar

You can also access recorded webinars at this location: https://wssra.org/index.php/webinars/wssra-recorded-zoom-meetings

Retrospectives and Prospects: August - November 2025; on to 2026!

 Retrospectives:

June 2025:  WSSRA Annual Convention (Yakima, WA)

Miles away but just down the road, Yakima was a great location for the Annual Convention.  It took place in the Convention Center, with neighboring and adjacent hotels providing great choices for accomodation.  High points of the convention included the installation of our own Dottie Stevens as WSSRA President for the 2025-2026 year, recognition of several members' contributions and service, a huge number of baskets (60!) for drawings and a fantastic Silent Auction.  The game/puzzles/relaxation area was also a huge hit!

August 2025: Back to School Picnic Luncheon

The new school year was already in full swing when we enjoyed our picnic style lunch at the Zintel Creek Golf Course Clubhouse on August 25.  Lance Hansen, the Superintendent of Kennewick School District was introduced and spoke about his educational experience and his move to the Tri Cities from the Lewiston Independent School District.

September 2025:  

Our luncheon guests on September 22nd were Peter Diedrick (WSSRA Executive Director) and Emmett Mills (WSSRA Legislative Director), who gave updates on current WSSRA membership and legislative status and challenges.

October 2025:  Halloween Costume Contest!

As a prelude to Halloween, the October Luncheon on October 22nd was also the site of the BFSRA Halloween Contest!  Our guest presenter was Washington State Senator Matt Boehnke, who discussed cyber security as it relates to the state, to education, and to individuals.  Senator Boehnke sits on the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee as well as the Select Committee for Pension Policy.  After his presentation, the winners of the Costume Contest were unmasked -- ooops, I mean announced

    First Place: Dale Johns

    Second Place: Ramona Mitchell

    Third Place: Cindy Morris

November 2025:  

The final luncheon of 2025 was held at the Zintel Creek Clubhouse on November 24, 2025.  Special events included the annual Salvation Army Toy Drive and collection of school supplies, as well as an engaging presentation by Salvation Army officers.   Thanks to the generous donations of our members, over 4 large bags of presents were collected! 

On to 2026!

January 12, 2026:  The ever-popular and informative Superintendents' Luncheon.  Superintendents of the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland School Districts presented information on the status of their respective districts and the importance of the upcoming February elections/ballots.

Upcoming:

February 23, 2026:  Artificial Intelligence (ESD123) 

March 23, 2026:  Walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage (Portuguese Way)

April 27, 2026:  TBA

May 18, 2026:  Installation of Officers, Celebration of Life