N Y SUT GNTA REC A F T Published by the Retired ......N Y SU T GNTA REC A F T Published by the Retired Educators Chapter, Great Neck TA 516-829-9070 Volume 33, No. 2 Spring 2013 Great

AFTNYSUT GNTA REC Published by the Retired Educators Chapter, Great Neck TA516-829-9070

Volume 33, No. 2 Spring 2013Great Neck Ties

The Great Hurricane of 1938 wreaks havoc on Long Island.T�� B �� A�� C��

The Great Neck Teachers Association (GNTA) is founded!

It Happened in 1938Michael Golden

have battered our area, the Great Neck Teachers Association has remained a pillar of strength as advocates for teachers and for educational excellence. It is particularly imperative now,with public unions under heavy attack, budgets slashed, and the imposition of questionable and controversial educational reforms that the GNTAremains united and committed. As with any organization, the GNTA is only as strong as its members.While the last quarter century has been fairlysmooth sailing for the GNTA, under the steady stewardship of Nancy Chauvin and her recent successor, Sheila Scimone, this has not always been the case. The Great NeckTeachers Association was formed in the fall of1938, following a turbulent year in which four �� school administration. After protests by a crowd of 1,500 students and parents at an evening meeting, the Board of Education met several times to review the situation, and ultimately�� the principal and the dean. The Superintendent, Willis Dodge, then resigned. continued on page 3

As the winds of war were gathering in Europeand hurricane winds were pummeling LongIsland, 1938 was also notable for a somewhat lessturbulent event: the founding of the Great NeckTeachers Association.After 75 years and still going strong, the GNTA isset to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee at a gala eventat Westbury Manor on May 22. With the springGNTA/REC luncheon set for the day before, onMay 21 at the Swan Club, this becomes a two-daycelebration for retirees. We hope that those of youwho live out of town will consider coming backto Long Island to reminisce with old friends andcolleagues, as well as meet active GNTA membersat the Jubilee.It is easy, at a time of relatively amicable relations of the GNTA with administrators, the Board,and the community, to take the union for granted. Many newer members, especially, don’t have the historical perspective to appreciatethe battles fought by the union in the past toprotect teachers, improve working conditions, and obtain a fair contract. For three quarters ofa century, between the two great hurricanes that

Volume 36, No. 2 Spring 2016

Over the past 18 months, in response to memberconcerns, the issue of escalating premiums for ExcessMedical Coverage has been placed on the agenda ofBenefit Trust Meetings by REC. The Excess Medicalplan dates back to the 1980’s and has been very pop-ular with members, both inservice and retiree. Whileinservice, the full cost of the coverage is a negotiatedcontractual item. Inservice personnel pay no premi-ums. Not so for retirees. Instead, retiree participationis based on a self insured model: any benefits paidout must come from the premiums paid in. Robustparticipation and reasonable premiums have alwaysbeen the operating principle that kept the plan func-tioning. The recent increases in premiums have chal-lenged that principle.

In January 2012, the Benefit Trust Fund initiated anumber of enhanced benefits. In past years, whenev-er the Fund enhanced benefits for inservice person-nel, the enhancements were extended to includeretirees. Historically, past enhancements have nothad a negative effect on premiums or enrollment.But that changed. The 2012 enhancements dramati-cally increased the funds required to meet plan obli-gations. In response, premiums increased in 2013 by

$84, or $324 for individual coverage. The $324 pre-mium remained for the next year and thenincreased another $84 for the 2015-16 year or $408for individual coverage. A second negative effecthas been a drop in enrollment as members indicatedthey just could not afford the plan.

To address this issue, REC charged a sub commit-tee to research and gather the necessary informa-tion to make recommendations for revisions to theplan. The goal remained the same: devise a planthat would offer a “bit of help” to the greatestnumber of retirees at an affordable premium. Forretirees, the BTF coverage has always been a “ter-tiary” insurance, one that follows Medicare andthe Empire plan. Based on usage and expenditurereports from DH Cook, it was evident that tolower the premium and provide financial stability,certain liabilities and vulnerabilities in the planhad to be addressed. At the March 9, 2016, BenefitTrust Fund meeting, the BTF trustees approvedrecommended modifications. On a very positivenote, no benefits were eliminated, but some fire-walls were put in place.

The next step is for DH Cook to adjust the premi-um based on these revisions. Cook has indicatedthe adjusted premium will not be determined untilthe end of April, after our publication date.

Benefit Trust NewsMaureen Newman

BENEFIT CURRENT REVISED

In-Hospital/In-Rehab Member: $50 per day;Spouse: $10 per day;26 week limit for both

Member and Spouse:$50 per day; 7 day limitin-hospital only

Out-of-Network Deductible up to $1000 annually plus 1% additional costs

cap of $400 annually

Out-Patient Rehabilitation up to $1000 annually plus 1% additional costs

cap of $600 annually

Vision Care Benefit $150.00 every two years $250 every two years

Prescription Drug $250 annually plus $1 per additional copay

no change

Out-Patient Psychiatric up to $25 per visit Out Of Network -OR- up to $25 copay for In-Network

no change

In-hospital Private Duty Nursing 50% reasonable and customary charges during first 48 hours of confinement

no change

REC EXCESS MEDICAL PLAN

1

2 Great Neck Ties

Great Neck TiesThe Retired Educators Chapter

Great Neck Teachers Association343 Lakeville Rd, Great Neck, NY 11020

516-829-9070

REC Executive BoardWilliam Toto ...........................PresidentDeborah Arkus .............. Vice PresidentRobert Silverstone ................. TreasurerGeraldine Pentecost ...Recording Sec’yGrace Warner ..... Corresponding Sec’yMaureen Newman...... Ins. Trust FundDonald Barry ............................ MailingLeon Gabia ................................ MailingCarl Ring ................................... MailingJane Alwais .............. Member-at-LargeElaine Sobel .............. Member-at-LargeLainie Sternin .......... Member-at-LargeKathleen Walter ....... Member-at-LargeRonnie Beecher .................MembershipDorothy Zuckerman ........MembershipRose Grabelsky ........................ProgramAdele Wolfson .........................ProgramKarlene Reilly .............................. TravelRuth Bertman ...................... Vote/CopeNaomi Feldheim.................. Vote/Cope

Editorial BoardMaureen K. Newman, Editor

Jane AlwaisMike Golden

Maureen MilettaAnn Marie Nazzaro

Geri PentecostBill Ryall

Lainie SterninBill Toto

Great Neck Ties Staff Ronnie Beecher ...........................PhotosKarlene Reilly .............................PhotosBarbara Singer ............................PhotosJoAnne Powell ........................... LayoutArland Printing…. ............ Publication

GNTA/REC��

��

President’s View Bill TotoBlessings galore to all who celebrated the Passover and/or Easterholidays. Greetings to all who look forward to the upcomingsigns of spring and may you enjoy a happy, healthful, safe journey into the warmer weather. Spring is always a time for renewaland rewards. In the words of Marcel Proust, “The real voyage ofdiscovery (renewal) consists not in seeking new landscapes, but inhaving new eyes.” Rewards can be realized with the emergence �� activities with ease.

�� !Have you noticed the changes to the Great Neck Ties Editorial Board? We now have an editor. I am pleased to announce thatMaureen Newman, a valued member of the Executive Board and writer extraordinaire, is assuming that position. We are fortunate to have her expertise in continuing to guide the quality newsletter that previous editors produced. The Editorial Board also welcomes new members, Mike Golden, Maureen Miletta,Ann Marie Nazzaro and Bill Ryall. Leaving the board are LynnRosenstock and Kathie Walter. Special thanks is extended to eachone for her past service to the Great Neck Ties.

"�#��$�� !�� !�"��#��$�� %��&'Prescription Drug Program replaced the previous drug program for people on Medicare. Why did NYSHIP (Empire Plan) decideto enter the federal Medicare Part D prescription drug arena?According to NYSHIP (Empire Plan), it allows them to negotiate lower drug cost increases. A recurring question posed to meby members is, “Why am I now being charged each month tobelong to the NYSHIP (Empire) Medicare Rx Drug Program? “The answer has a few parts:*+ ��#�� #�� ;*<��#�� =&%>>��= ��#�@Related Monthly Adjustment Amount and is taken out of the social security check. It is a surcharge based upon earnings ��O%>Q=U� ��!X!�� #��'��#;*<�� #��#[<�� #��#incurred is for coverage in NYSHIP (Empire Plan), including the �� #;

With the advent of spring, the end of March proved to be calm,weather wise, as coastal Long Islanders were still trying to forgetthe raging snowstorm and freezing temperatures of January. As Iwrite this column in early April, the REC Executive Board and Iwish all REC members who celebrate the holidays, peace and morepeace. As your retiree delegate, I will be attending the annualNYSUT Representative Assembly in Rochester, the flower city.During the convention delegates from all over the state will bedebating and setting the legislative agenda for NYSUT’s lobbyists.

Revisiting Social Security: Defending the Safety NetAs we approach the November election for a new president, it isimportant that you include retiree earned benefits on your prioritylist for the new president’s agenda. Social Security should be nearthe top, if not at the top. There is still so much misinformation fromthe media and from the majority political party in Congress that thegeneral public, especially younger Americans, begins to lack confi-dence in this most successful social insurance/earned benefit pro-gram. The most popular myth is that Social Security will run out ofmoney in 20 years. It’s going broke! Not true! Two effective ways tostrengthen Social Security are eliminating the tax cap on wages(now at $118,500) and replacing the COLA with the CPI-E(Consumer Price Index-Elderly) which more accurately reflects sen-ior purchasing power and higher health care costs for seniors.

Don’t Be Fooled!In the April 2016 issue of NYSUT United, the official publication ofNYSUT, I came across an article, “Seniors are a scammer’s favoritetarget.” While reading about the various and numerous schemesperpetrated on the American public, I couldn’t stop thinking of theadage, “There’s no fool like an old fool.” How true?? SeniorAmericans are supposed to possess the wisdom of the ages.However, scammers have become more sophisticated in order todupe the growing educated senior citizenry in the United States.Scammers now prey on personal qualities, such as generosity, kind-ness, caring, compassion and yes, fear. Scamming has become bigbusiness, worldwide, using the latest technology, especially theinternet where scammers hack into personal data. Recently, boguscalls have been received about losing one’s pension, about the IRSthreatening to sue unsuspecting taxpayers, about scaring peoplewith false information concerning loved ones and about other quali-ty of life issues. What can we do to avert scams and fraudulentschemes concerning our finances, our health and our families?Education is key as well as sharing information with others. All ofus could fill an issue of the Great Neck Ties with personal storiesand sad experiences of family and friends who were victims. Utilizeyour computer to google “senior citizen scams.” The websites listedare filled with valuable information. Such organizations as the FBIand the National Council on the Aging provide helpful tips to avoidbeing sucked into the villainous whirlpool of the scammers. Whenin doubt, hesitate. Don’t act impulsively! Scammers have an

Karlene Reilly…………………. PhotosTomRussel l…………………PhotosBill Ryall ………………………. PhotosLainie Sternin ………………… PhotosLou Di Rico ..…………………. LayoutArland Printing….………. Publication

President’s ViewBill Toto

William Toto………………......President

Bill Ryall………................Vice President

Carl Ring………….…….…...Treasurer

Geraldine Pentecost….Recording Sec’y

Edie Ryall. . . . . . . .…Corresponding Sec’y

Jane Alwais ……….... Member-at-Large

Maureen Newman…. Member-at-Large

Elaine Sobel………….Member-at-Large

Lainie Sternin…….... Member-at-Large

Donald Barry……………..…...Mailing

Leon Gabia………………..…... Mailing

Shelly Stern…………..…...Membership

Rose Grabelsky……………….Program

v

Maureen K. Newman, Editor

Jane Alwais

Mike Golden

Geri Pentecost

Bill Ryall

Lainie Sternin

Bill Toto

Cont’d on pg. 322

3Great Neck Ties

*<�� \��Social Security sends in the late fall projecting%�� '��;� �*<��'��#�� ]��>�#� �� 2003 Medicare Modernization Act.

��%�&��'(��)Recently, I went online to check proposed resolutions for the upcoming NYSUT Conventionin Washington, DC which I will attend inearly April. To my amazement, I came upon&�� _`@�� ]� ��#��New York City’s United Federation of Teachers. The UFT is proposing the word “entitlements”be eliminated in reference to Social Securityand Medicare. They feel that “entitlements” is often used in a pejorative manner to describe Social Security and Medicare and is misleading. I certainly agree that “entitlements” has been bandied about in Washington by the oppositionfor political purposes to imply wrongly thatSocial Security and Medicare are costlygovernment handouts and not the hard-earned �� #�� the workforce. However, I am not convinced thatit is possible to remove “entitlements” from the everyday vocabulary in Washington and aroundthe country. When I checked on the controversial �� #��{��+'��>#�� Dictionary (second edition), 2005, I was amazed. + ��#�� |}� ��#� �~and “entitlement program.” Entitlement

�� }�� #�� [~� ��#� ��#�� “a government program that guarantees certain�� #� �� [~>�#�� =��the following observations:*��#�� troublesome word, it’s not going to happen ingovernment circles and not going to happen inthe political world. Since a disappearance at a Las Vegas magic show might be the only option, we would be best served by educating the publicregarding its true meaning in the context of�� %��;� �*= �� a word, with explanation, which supports our �� Medicare. I am most interested in hearing whathappens to Resolution 65 at the convention.

"�#�%��&�*��+++�� O�� U��the state and national levels on behalf of senior��#�\�� [��#� ��@��truly appreciated and permits NYSUT and AFT to do their lobbying on our behalf. The more we contribute, the more our lobbyists are at the state Capitol in Albany and at the Capitol inWashington.REC is back at the Swan Club for our nextluncheon. Please join us on May 21st.

1938�� The formation of the GNTAin 1938, with Freida Kurtz as �� with the implementation of the New York State Tenure Laws, �� #��of protection in organizing. Prior to that, according to anearly GNTA publication, “jointaction was carried on from time

to time, under the leadershipof Frieda Kurtz, amid rumors of dismissal of anyone who even talked about forming anorganization.”Now, three quarters of a century later, the GNTA stands tall as a highly respected organization, recognized for its leadership in education at the local, state, and national level.

Ruth-Ann Bertman,Naomi Feldheim

As retired publicemployees,our pension, Social Security,

and Medicare rights are

6 Great Neck Ties

IN MEMORIAM

Cathy CavanaghSpouse of al Cavanagh

Richard DorfmanSouth high School

Mary Goessnorth high School

Dorothy Hickskensington-johnson School

Norma Schneidernorth junior/middle School

Mitchel SiegelSpouse of bertha Siegel

Patricia Neelan Wegnere. m. baker School

Norma Woodgerphipps administration

Mary IaconoSouth junior/middle School

Ruth Harrisonnorth high School

Lew LoveSouth high School

Rose Marquseej. f. kennedy School

Chuck MertonSpouse of vicki merton

129. Also, the Medicare Rights Center, an inde-pendent patient advocacy group located in NewYork City, will answer any Medicare questionsyou have and/or will provide guidance for anypressing Medicare issue that you might encounter.Contact them at 1-212-869-3850 or 1-800-333-4114. Identify yourself as a NYSUT member.

Keeping the Debate Alive

The attacks on public education and educatorsstill exist with well funded campaigns through-out the United States. During the NYSUTConvention over 2,000 union professionalsexpressed their outrage, “Enough Already!”Teachers, administrators, boards of educationand parents are fighting back in a positive man-ner. The shared goal is to educate the public andstand tall in truth for students, the teaching pro-fession and public education.

In April, Diane Ravitch, PhD., a well respectedprofessor of educational research at NYU, spoketo over 1,000 Long Island teachers and schooladministrators. Diane is a staunch supporter ofpublic education and decries what is happeningwith so-called education reformers whom shecalls “education deformers.” She travels the

entire country exposing half-truths, lies, anddeception that well funded individuals andgroups promote about American education.After her presentation, Dr. Ravitch received anenthusiastic standing ovation.

This spring, the Great Neck Board of Educationunanimously passed a resolution opposingthe excessive state-imposed standardized testingprogram in New York. Their action was sent toState Education officials and was praised byDiane Ravitch in her educational blog.

A massive statewide rally for public educationwas held in Albany this past June. The eventwas sponsored by NYSUT and other communitygroups. Among the 10,000 plus people was acontingent of Great Neck advocates. Showingsupport for our Great Neck inservice colleagues,the Retired Educators Chapter provided snacksand water for those making the long trip to andfrom Albany.

At the September 25th REC General Meetingand Luncheon, the Honorable Michelle Schimel,New York State Assemblywoman from GreatNeck, will address retirees. Michelle is definitelya friend of public education. I look forward toseeing you there.

At the 75th Anniversary ofGNTA, we celebrated our abilityto raise one voice…and at therally in Albany, once again weraised one voice. That voice israised to ensure our rights as

educators. President Barack Obama said, “It wasthe labor movement that helped secure so muchof what we take for granted today. The 40 hourwork week, the minimum wage, family leave,health insurance, Social Security, Medicare,retirement plans. The cornerstones of the mid-dle-class security all bear the union label.”

We need to continue to protect our rights. Medicare,

Social Security and Medicaid are under attack, as isthe labor movement. We must continue to raisethat one voice and take an active part in the politicalprocess. Many of us depend upon these programsfor financial security for ourselves and for futuregenerations.

What can you do? If you can’t go to Washingtonor Albany, you can e-mail, telephone, write letters,put your message on Facebook, visit the NYSUTMAC Center, or increase your VOTE-COPE con-tribution so we can continue to raise our voice.We have been able to elect members to Congressand our NY State Senate and Assembly who sup-port our goals and must continue to give our sup-port to this effort. As public employees, almost allconditions that affect our rights are determined bythe actions of the New York State Legislature, theGovernor and Congress. Raise your voice! Makean investment in the future. You will be hearingfrom us soon about our annual VOTE-COPE drive.Editor’s Note: Sadly, this is Naomi’s last column, her last advo-cacy for one of the many causes she worked for so passionately.

Lee (Shirley) NovackNORTH MIDDLE

Irwin PollockSOUTH HIGH

Your Help Is NeededThis is the time of the year to remind you aboutthe Making Strides Against Breast CancerWalk at Jones Beach on Sunday morning,October 20, 2013. For the past 15 years, the NewYork State United Teachers has been a majorsponsor of this important event. All NYSUTinservice locals and retiree chapters from LongIsland are joining together to eradicate thisdeadly disease. Although advances have beenmade through early detection, it is still a threatrequiring extensive medical research and med-

December 12, 2013 REC Holiday Luncheon, Westbury ManorDecember 15, 2013 Vote/Cope donations due at The CottageMarch 31, 2014 Prescription Drug reimbursement forms due to CookMay 9, 2014 LI Regional Legislative Luncheon, Woodbury Country ClubMay 28, 2014 GNTA End-of-Year ReceptionJune 5, 2014 REC Spring Luncheon, Swan Club

ical trials. Won’t you please take advantage ofthis opportunity to help? If you cannot appear atJones Beach on Sunday, October 20th, kindly senda check payable to the American Cancer Societyand write Great Neck Retiree on the memo line toenable us to receive contribution credit. Mail thecheck to GNTA/REC, The Cottage, 343 LakevilleRd., Great Neck, NY 11020. Any donation will begreatly appreciated, especially by people goingthrough breast cancer treatment and the manybreast cancer survivors.

Gerda CarrollBAKER HILL SCHOOL

Margaret PfeifferSPOUSE OF CARL PFEIFFER

7Great Neck Ties

Bill Ryall, North Middle School��\�� @��years since becoming a REC member. Back then, changing from an old-timer to a newbie was both�'�� [��;�� #�;��\��#�connected with Great Neck? Strange to say for a science educator, it was instrumental music.+��#�]b clarinet and I had been involved in small ‘pick-up’ faculty ensembles thanks to Earl Higgins and later on, the incomparable Joe Rutkowski. Through Joe, I later met Michael Flamhaft and played banjo withhim and Joe in a Dixieland band for the annualstudent scholarship fundraising performances at Lakeville School. This led to joining Michael’s Great Neck Rotary Band as a clarinetist duringthe summer months, with concerts in Great {��\��+��$��\�� during July. This also led to new purchases of a clarinet and banjo - ensuring continued � ��#� �� #� �� Thirty months ago, I became a member of��]+�=O]� �� =�� U�� Maestro Flamhaft. I started with my Bb clarinetand moved on to playing the alto clarinet part a year ago. We’ve played at a number oflocations including Great Neck’s Atria and PortWashington’s Amsterdam retirement facilities,� ��##� �� [+��‘sell-out’ concert at the Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington was held February 24th witha return concert scheduled for Sunday, June 23rd.

��#�� ]�� and retired music educators along with musicians of all ages and other occupations. A number ofthese players are my former science students orformer parents of students, keeping my ties toQ��{��\��#�� [My favorite REC meeting is the holiday luncheonwhere present-day North or South High Schoolmusicians entertain us with their wonderful mini-concerts. I hope this tradition will continue for many more years.

Barbara Raber, Lakeville School

Recently, a North Shore-LIJ health systempublication featured Barbara in a news story. Initially, after retirement, she volunteered at the Cohen Children’s Medical Center doing whateverwas needed. That could range from helping the older children with their homework to bringingactivities or crafts to the little ones in their rooms or just being there to smile and hold a hand. Her career at Lakeville more than prepared her for suchtasks and the volunteering was rewarding. When LIJ opened a new center, Katz Women’s Hospital, Barbara was asked to be an LIJ Ambassador. Her answer, vintage Barbara, was, “As long as I don’t have to leave the country.” So once a week, she assists at the main entrance, guiding visitors and �� or just sharing a smile. Her shift is always�� [��new face of volunteerism: people who have had accomplished professional careers and now wantto continue to contribute in meaningful ways.

.�� 9 Tuesday, May 21 GNTA/REC Luncheon Swan ClubWed., May 22 GNTA 75th Anniversary Westbury ManorWed., Sept. 25 GNTA/REC Luncheon Jolly FishermanThursday, Dec. 12 GNTA/REC Luncheon Westbury Manor

Monday, May 2, 2016 GNTA Elections.Thursday, May 19, 2016 REC Spring Luncheon, Swan Club Wednesday, May 25, 2016 GNTA End of Year ReceptionWednesday, June 15, 2016 Excess Medical payment due for enrolleesJune 2016 REC membership renewal forms will be sentMonday, August 31, 2016 REC membership fees are dueThursday, September 22, 2016 REC Fall Luncheon, Jolly FishermanThursday, December 15, 2016 REC Holiday Luncheon

7Great Neck Ties






7

Great Neck Ties

Bill Ryall, North Middle School

��\�� @��

years since becoming a REC member. Back then,

changing from an old-timer to a newbie was both

�'�� [��;

�� #�;��\��#�

connected with Great Neck? Strange to say for a

science educator, it was instrumental music.

+��#�]b clarinet and I had been

involved in small ‘pick-up’ faculty ensembles

thanks to Earl Higgins and later on, the

incomparable Joe Rutkowski. Through Joe, I later

met Michael Flamhaft and played banjo with

him and Joe in a Dixieland band for the annual

student scholarship fundraising performances

at Lakeville School. This led to joining Michael’s

Great Neck Rotary Band as a clarinetist during

the summer months, with concerts in Great

{��\��+��$��\��

during July. This also led to new purchases

of a clarinet and banjo - ensuring continued

� ��#� �� #� ��

Thirty months ago, I became a member of

��]+�=O]� �� =�� U��

Maestro Flamhaft. I started with my Bb clarinet

and moved on to playing the alto clarinet

part a year ago. We’ve played at a number of

locations including Great Neck’s Atria and Port

Washington’s Amsterdam retirement facilities,

� ��##� �� [+��

‘sell-out’ concert at the Landmark on Main Street

in Port Washington was held February 24th with

a return concert scheduled for Sunday, June 23rd.

��#�� ]��

and retired music educators along with musicians

of all ages and other occupations. A number of

these players are my former science students or

former parents of students, keeping my ties to

Q��{��\��#�� [

My favorite REC meeting is the holiday luncheon

where present-day North or South High School

musicians entertain us with their wonderful mini-

concerts. I hope this tradition will continue for

many more years.


Recently, a North Shore-LIJ health system

publication featured Barbara in a news story.

Initially, after retirement, she volunteered at the

Cohen Children’s Medical Center doing whatever

was needed. That could range from helping the

older children with their homework to bringing

activities or crafts to the little ones in their rooms

or just being there to smile and hold a hand. Her

career at Lakeville more than prepared her for such

tasks and the volunteering was rewarding. When

LIJ opened a new center, Katz Women’s Hospital,

Barbara was asked to be an LIJ Ambassador. Her

answer, vintage Barbara, was, “As long as I don’t

have to leave the country.” So once a week, she

assists at the main entrance, guiding visitors and

��

or just sharing a smile. Her shift is always

�� [��

new face of volunteerism: people who have had

accomplished professional careers and now want

to continue to contribute in meaningful ways.

.�� 9 Tuesday, May 21GNTA/REC Luncheon

Swan Club

Wed., May 22

GNTA 75th Anniversary Westbury Manor

Wed., Sept. 25

GNTA/REC LuncheonJolly Fisherman

Thursday, Dec. 12GNTA/REC Luncheon

Westbury Manor

Fran BartholomewSOUTH HIGH

John Bernard (2013)SPOUSE OF JOYCE BERNARD

Rose DannenfelserNORTH HIGH

Thomas PierzgnaNORTH HIGH

Alice Sheff (2013)JFKENNEDY

Bernard VillemaireNORTH HIGH

Martha FinkEM BAKER

Bonnie (Marjorie)GottwickSOUTH MIDDLE

Norman LevinNORTH HIGH

Ethel MarkSOUTH HIGH

President’s View - Cont’d from pg 2

aversion to those who question, who challenge,who ask for written documentation and whowish to check with public officials. Don’t be fooled!

NYS Constitutional Convention: Yay or Nay

Every 20 years, as required by the New York StateConstitution, the voters of New York State areasked whether or not they wish to have aConstitutional Convention. On Election Day,November 7, 2017, at the top of the ballot willappear the question, “Shall there be a conventionto revise the constitution and amend same?” If thevoters disapprove, the process will end untilNovember 2037. If the voters approve, the processwill continue. Then on November 6, 2018, NewYorkers will elect 204 delegates. The conventionwill convene on April 2, 2019, with delegates pro-posing and debating changes to be ratified by thevoters. The voters will approve or reject eachchange in November, 2019. The process is lengthy

and can be very expensive, costing millions of tax-payer dollars. Remember, our New York State pen-sions which are guaranteed in Article V, could bediminished or impaired by angry, disillusionedvoters who feel their taxes are much too high. Wedo not want defined benefit pensions subject tothe roller coaster ride of Wall Street. Therefore, wemust vote nay and try to convince others to do thesame. At the May 19th General Meeting andLuncheon, Matt Jacobs, Nassau Regional StaffDirector for NYSUT will speak about theConstitutional Convention and some of the impor-tant implications for all of us. I look forward to see-ing you there.

Annual ReminderTuesday, May 17, 2016, is an important day formost New York voters. That Tuesday is whenschool budgets and school board candidates,statewide, are up for election. It is our opportunityto show support for education and pro educationcandidates in our local communities. Please vote!

33

3Great Neck Ties










When Sheila Henchyworked in private andparochial schools at thebeginning of her teachingcareer, she didn’t believethat teachers neededunions. That changed in1985; working in a schoolwith no teachers’ union,she chafed at the treat-ment of an abusive head-master who, she says,“turned the place upside

down.” When she stood up for her mistreated col-leagues and came to their assistance, she in turn, washarassed by the headmaster.

Over thirty years later, one would be hard pressedto find a more committed and dedicated unionleader than Sheila. In four years as GNTAPresident, she has skillfully navigated the Unionthrough turbulent economic and political times,helping to win a contract during a time of budgetshortfalls, public pressure to reign in teachersalaries, and a restrictive tax cap.

Sheila spent many years on the front lines ofunion activities before ascending to the presiden-cy. She served on a number of district commit-tees, chairing the New Members Committee, andwas a member on the Benefit Trust Fund commit-tee. On the GNTA Executive Board, she was VicePresident for Administration for two years, fol-lowed by eight years as Vice President forProfessional Rights and Responsibilities. As ateacher, she has worked at Baker, followed byNorth and South Middle schools.

As president, Sheila’s greatest challenge during hertenure was dealing with outside pressures – thetax cap, the new APPR, and a general climate unfa-vorable to education. She has worked hard toimprove member engagement and involvement,establishing several new committees that helpedfoster communication among various factions ofthe school community.

As Sheila moves on to the next chapter of her life,she looks forward to spending more time with herhusband of one year and her three grandchildren,taking up tennis and pottery, doing volunteerwork, and traveling.

44

Sheila Henchy,GNTA President, Retires STAR GUIDES WANTED

The Cradle of Aviation Museum inGarden City is looking for volunteereducators to help with the preparationand presentation of lessons about avia-tion, space exploration and relatedtopics. If interested, please callCatherine Bingham, EducationManager (516-572-4028) or KevinHershfield, Education Coordinator(516 572 4029). When calling, identifyyourself as a retiree of the Great NeckPublic Schools.

FYI: Some of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposed

budget initiatives for 2016-17

• Freeze all Medicare Part B reimburse-ments at the current base amount regard-less of any future increases.

• Eliminate the IRMAA (Income RelatedMonthly Adjustment Amounts)

NYSUT lobbyists were on the job. Neitherproposal is in the final budget. Did youmake your contribution to VOTE-COPE?

1Great Neck Ties

AFTNYSUT GNTA REC Published by the Retired Educators Chapter, Great Neck TA516-829-9070

Volume 33, No. 2 Spring 2013Great Neck Ties

The Great Hurricane of 1938 wreaks havoc on Long Island.T�� B �� A�� C��

The Great Neck Teachers Association (GNTA) is founded!

It Happened in 1938Michael Golden

have battered our area, the Great Neck Teachers Association has remained a pillar of strength as advocates for teachers and for educational excellence. It is particularly imperative now,with public unions under heavy attack, budgets slashed, and the imposition of questionable and controversial educational reforms that the GNTAremains united and committed. As with any organization, the GNTA is only as strong as its members.While the last quarter century has been fairlysmooth sailing for the GNTA, under the steady stewardship of Nancy Chauvin and her recent successor, Sheila Scimone, this has not always been the case. The Great NeckTeachers Association was formed in the fall of1938, following a turbulent year in which four �� school administration. After protests by a crowd of 1,500 students and parents at an evening meeting, the Board of Education met several times to review the situation, and ultimately�� the principal and the dean. The Superintendent, Willis Dodge, then resigned. continued on page 3

As the winds of war were gathering in Europeand hurricane winds were pummeling LongIsland, 1938 was also notable for a somewhat lessturbulent event: the founding of the Great NeckTeachers Association.After 75 years and still going strong, the GNTA isset to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee at a gala eventat Westbury Manor on May 22. With the springGNTA/REC luncheon set for the day before, onMay 21 at the Swan Club, this becomes a two-daycelebration for retirees. We hope that those of youwho live out of town will consider coming backto Long Island to reminisce with old friends andcolleagues, as well as meet active GNTA membersat the Jubilee.It is easy, at a time of relatively amicable relations of the GNTA with administrators, the Board,and the community, to take the union for granted. Many newer members, especially, don’t have the historical perspective to appreciatethe battles fought by the union in the past toprotect teachers, improve working conditions, and obtain a fair contract. For three quarters ofa century, between the two great hurricanes that

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Have you ever wondered how the Vote Copematerials, the NYSUT election materials, member-ship renewal or the ever popular directory arrivein your mailbox? Wonder no more, for today weoffer not only the how, but the long overdue thankyou to REC’s long standing Mailing Committee.No, the group doesn’t actually stand. Instead theyseat themselves on the second floor of the Cottagearound that big walnut table (a discard fromNorth Junior ages ago) ready to prepare the mate-rials for our 752 members. Either Don Barry orCarl Ring makes the calls to see who is availablefrom the long list of volunteers. Since only ten willfit around the table comfortably, the first ten toagree become the mailing committee for the day.The day begins shortly after 9 AM, and, depend-ing on how many sheets need to be folded andstuffed into envelopes, can last until 1PM. Thepiles of materials are arranged and the tasksassigned, and since they are all veterans of theenterprise, organization quickly falls into place.All those years ago, and before self sealing envelopes

The Mailers and self sticking stamps, the group turned thetedium of stuffing envelopes into a social event.Of course, refreshments were integral. No armyof volunteers works on any empty stomach, socoffee and at least two coffee cakes from a specialbakery were provided. While they work, thereare family updates, “war story” rehashes, andissue updates. And with this crowd, we can becertain there are the usual puns and witticisms.From the outset, spouses were included: Sondraaccompanied Gil Blum; Carol came with LeonGabia; the Don and Nancy Barry team werethere as were the Bill and Edie Ryall duo. Butthe singles crowd still outnumbers the couplegroup. Included are: Maureen McPartland, PatCallaghan, Elaine Sobel. Depending on the mail-ing, other volunteers come to give a hand as thepictures note. Additionally, our GNTA secretaryRo Cook is always there to help. These veteranvolunteers underscore how an organization staysstrong and vibrant. With no fanfare, they per-form the incredibly important task of gettingnecessary and essential information to our mem-bers. To all of them, we send a sincere thank you.

Seated: Nancy Barry, Geri Pentecost, Paul Rafuse,John Malinowski Standing: Bill Toto, Marion Greif, Ronnie Beecher.

Seated: Edie Ryall, Maureen McPartland, Pat Callaghan Standing: Paul Rafuse, Nancy & Don Barry, John &Carol Malinowski, Bill Ryall

On March 28, 2016, the Supreme Court handed down a 4-4 decision in the Friedrichs v California TeachersAssociation case. At issue was the right of public-sector unions to collect an agency fee from workers whochose not to join the union and not pay for the unions’ collective bargaining activities. Weakening unionsthat represent teachers and other public employees has been a long time goal of a group of conservativefoundations. In this instance, the unions won, for this split decision leaves in place the 1977 Abood deci-sion. It held that while nonmembers cannot be required to pay for a union’s political activities, they can berequired to pay a fair share of the costs of collective bargaining efforts thereby preventing freeloading andensuring “labor peace.” But note, a split decision does not close the door to future challenges to the Abooddecision. While the Friedrichs case is about inservice personnel, there are ramifications for retirees as well.A strong union writes a strong contract that protects workers both while inservice and when retired.Consider, for instance, the issue of pensions, another favorite target of conservative groups and founda-tions. Unions fight for and defend against attacks on pensions. Historically, unions can be credited withcreating the middle class. We need strong unions to continue to work for us.

A Supreme 4-4

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that very night he told his Dad he had met thewoman he would marry. Cathy Cavanagh (KJ)and Al were married 60 years and had six chil-dren. (Milton) Dutch Hess (SH) and his wifeGinny send their regards. They are still out andabout a lot and kept busy with their 9 grandchil-dren. Rhoda Shapiro (LS) for the past 6 yearshas enjoyed her Manhattan life and her 3 greatgrandchildren. Hilda Schulman (Phipps), evenafter all these years, enjoys receiving news aboutcolleagues and holds fond memories of her workin the registration office. Daisy Schott (NH) is inLos Angeles where most of her children, grand-children and great grandchild live. But there isstill other family in Washington, D.C. LouiseForshaw (SH) keeps busy while residing at GoodSamaritan Retirement Village. She writes theirnewsletter, views films, plays bridge and stillserves on committees to get things done. RuthBorovicka (NM) took to the stage of the localcommunity theatre when in 2005 she moved toAthens, Ohio. Retirement life in this universitytown has been, according to Ruth, a “delight.”She wishes the same delight for us all. LizMiddleton (SM) reports that after 5 grandsonsand 2 great grandsons, a great granddaughterhas finally made her entrance. Ginette Adams(SH) boasts of living in the paradise of Sonoma,Ca., and toasts the many wonderful colleagueswhom she remembers with “love and affection.”

Retired in the 1990’sRuth Davis (NH) is just enjoying life, family andfriends. Liliane Lazar (NH) still remembers the1960’s school TV program. Conrad Cardiello(NH) sends greetings as does Phil White (SH)who has mastered the art of relaxation. MimiSchorr (SH) enjoys a Florida country club lifewith all the activities, especially eating out. MaryIngham (SH) proudly reports her grandson’smagna cum laude graduation and present teach-ing job. Marianne Liebermann (JFK) is still busytraveling and volunteering. Anna Mendoza(SMS) sends good wishes from her Florida

Cont’d on pg. 7

Summer is fast approaching and membershiprenewals and requests for Ties That Bind updateswill soon be in our mailboxes. But first, we mustshare the remainder of the 180+ entries sent lastsummer. If while reading these updates, you have adeja vu moment, nothing supernatural is at work.Instead, we are probably just guilty of repeatingourselves. Your deja vu is our senior moment. Herenow, in decade order, is news of colleagues.

Retired in the 1980’sA moment please: Bonnie Gottwick (SM) cele-brated her 100th birthday this past year. Sadly, InMemoriam also lists her. Bonnie was an exception-al math teacher and a learned and kind mentor tomany South Junior teachers just beginning theircareers. While her math and teaching skills wereexceptional, even more memorable were her quickwit, hilarious ripostes and piercing insights. She iscredited with coining the math function, gazinta,: 4 gazinta 12 three times!

Mary Jane Conroy (LS) sends regards to all thoseactive Lakeville retirees. She has kept busy volun-teering at the Yale New Haven Hospital but stillfinds time to travel and attend summer theatre atGood Speed Opera House. Betty Pinter (KJ) andAl Pinter (NM) spend most of the year in Floridabut still spend a little time in Maine. Both reportgood health and the joy of remembering all theirpast travels. Barbara Haynes (NH) was in SouthAfrica recently but also travels closer to home,namely North Carolina and Massachusetts. Sheserves on the board of the Nassau HistoricalSociety and her church council, but still finds timeto play bridge. Dorothy Holtzer (SRS & EMB) hasmoved to Pennsylvania but still has a data process-ing business. Barbara Leibman (LS) cites her goodfortune in living with husband Bernie in their sameGreat Neck home for the past 66 years. They arenow great grandparents. Al Cavanagh (NM) lov-ingly reminisces about how he met his wife. Hehad asked Marguerite J. to “recruit” a wife for him.Two weeks later, he was introduced to Cathy, and

Ties That BindMaureen Newman

8 Great Neck Ties

December LuncheonAbout 75 Great Neck REC members and guestsentered the festive décor of the WestburyManor to attend the holiday General Meeting and Luncheon. South High School’s Pam Levyconducted her choral group in a round ofpopular and holiday musical selections. Their performance not only entertained the audience, but also heightened everyone’s joyful mood.GNTA President Sheila Scimone extended seasonal greetings and best wishes for 2013.She announced that the Great Neck Teachers Association would celebrate its 75th Anniversary on May 22, 2013, at the Westbury Manor, invitingall present to attend. Great Neck’s Superintendentof Schools, Dr. Thomas P. Dolan, spoke about the much needed improvements made to the infrastructure of the school district after the community passed a bond issue approving the expenditures. It was a REC event where everyoneenjoyed the Manor’s warm, welcoming ambiance, enjoyed socializing and the day’s program.

Ties That BindElaine Margo has graciously written this columnabout some of our NYC members. We look forwardto hearing from more of you.The spirit of the retired Great Neck teacher is alive and well, and in some cases living inNew York City. Many of our colleagues have�� ]��Apple.-��, as always, is involved in the workings of REC, as she pursues her manyinterests in the arts.��8�� recently returned from a tripon the Amazon River to her work at a soupkitchen.,�:�7�� divides his time between the life of a country gentleman, and a weekend tourist in New York..��;�%�� is pursuing the pleasures ofmuseums and libraries.(:��'�� I are trying to see the best of Broadway, enjoying classes, and being generally enthralled by the wonders of the city.$��,��**� is a member of the culture lovers who regularly partake of the riches.Why don’t more of you contact us and we’ll frolic? Please keep in touch. E-mail us [email protected] or write to: ��, REC Cottage, 343 Lakeville Road, Great Neck, NY 11020.

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7Great Neck Ties






granddaughter Indigo Jade. After traveling fairlyextensively and doing more than a few stints asan interim administrator, Ted Kuczinski (EMB)now uses his time volunteering with theUnitarian Congregation in White Plains. Heworks with the local Polish immigrant commu-nity. He sends his best wishes to all. EllenGreenberg (LS) avails herself of all that herBerkshire community offers. She reports theystill have their llamas. If you hear the Berkshirescalling you, they list an apartment on airbnb.Keeping in touch with colleagues has led to thecreation of ROMEO groups: Retired Old MenEating Out. We do not have permission to reporton these. We can, however, report that a Nassaubreakfast group of old friends convenes monthly.Paul Rafuse (SM) makes the reminder calls.Husbands and wives are included. Care to shareyour group gatherings?

The “Millennial" Retirees Many hellos and family updates from thisgroup. With a hip replacement behind her,Sherry Ross (Parkville) has returned with gustoto her favorite hobby, Israeli folk dancing. Givenall the traveling and hobby indulging, CindyAdams (SM) “can’t believe she ever worked!”Vicki Merten (SH), now NYC resident, takes fulladvantage of courses at the 92nd St. Y andFordham, plans trips to Germany, Russia andCuba this year, and still judges figure skatingcompetitions. Lynne Slasor (SM) is still enjoyingher life in North Carolina, the outdoor hikingand traveling part and the indoor writing andreading part. Norm Wheeler (SH) reports anintrepid white water rafting trip on the TrinityRiver. Along with his two sons, they navigatedlevel 3 rapids water before the usual tourist pop-ulation explosion. A more flexible calendar isjust one more perk of retirement. JonathanFolber (SR) remains even more athletic partici-pating in a number of triathlons in addition toworking as a soccer official. Pat Harrison (NH)has been directing her energies to homeimprovement projects in Northport while stillenjoying the Cutchoque family home. BettyMeron (LS) has enjoyed her second career as arealtor, and now that her husband has joined herin retirement more adventures await. LindaYankou (SM) is a permanent Florida resident buther “amazing” nine year old grandchild bringsher back to New Jersey for the summers. SueKincaid (JFK) proudly announces the arrival of

Cont’d on pg. 8

Ties - Cont’d from pg 6

condo. Water aerobics are keeping her fit. ForStuart Joseph (SH), the beat goes on thanks to hiscontinued band participation. He is the one play-ing the drums. Louise Polner (SM) tweets “hello”and reports all is well. Bob Hornish (SM) likes toread this column and learn what everyone isdoing. And, yes, the train collection is still intact.While the son of Dick Sadlo (NH/SH) may haveonce been a “Water Boy,” (Dick’s description) hehas just retired from the Air Force with the rank ofcolonel. Chet Szarejko (SH), still active politically,is a VP of the Polish American Congress and a co-chair of the Polish-Jewish Dialogue Committee.Martha “Cha Cha” Cohen (SR) has moved fromacademia to become a moderator at the GN SocialCenter. She leads lively discussions on current issues.Barbara Sarah (NH) continues her volunteer workin Ulster County, organizing a Home for the Dyingand working on a website www.deathcafe.com.For Janet Dansbury (SR), life is just “good.” Sheexhibits her own art work, sings in theCongregational Church of Manhasset choir, andstill finds time to visit family from Massachusettsto South Carolina. Bob Baratta (SH) is still activein track events, co-directing the local NikeRegional team championships, acting as director ofNew Balance national championships and helpingcoordinate high school cross country champi-onships. Family reunions continue to energize anddelight Cathy Moore (JFK). One family member,using DNA, has traced the family back to 1824 butthe search will not stop there. More research is onthe family agenda. Their first reunion was in 1985.Their last one was attended by 103 relatives.Barbara Edelstein (SH) and husband Bernie arestill living in the Long Island home purchased 50+years ago, but they do leave it to visit two of theirfour daughters in Palo Alto, CA. Then, too, thereare the escapes to Florida. Their grandchildren area source of great pride to them. A grandson ofCharlotte Schiffman (NM) had a unique site forhis July 2nd wedding, the patio of the Statue ofLiberty.

Fighting the good fight, the one involving corrup-tion of charter schools in Florida, is our ownPhyllis Berkowitz (Parkville). She works on a leg-islative committee in Palm Beach. After 35 years of involvement in theatre productions for both chil-dren and adults, Diane Martindale (SH) reportsher retirement. She and husband James still enjoytheir NYC life and the visits from their

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Ties - Cont’d from pg 7

her first grandchild, born in London. Also, DianeSchneider (VS) is now a grandmother. KarleneReilly (JFK) is rarely in one place for long. Thisyear is no different as she sets off for Los Alamos,New Mexico.

There are a number of marriage announcements.Ellen Ottoman (NM) announces the marriage ofher son Craig to Laura, and Lucy Fellini (SH)announces her son Christopher’s (NH) marriageto Dana. Mary Claire Shuman (SH) and BarryShuman (SM) will also have a family weddingthis spring when their youngest Chrissy marries.They leave Florida each year to summer in AppleValley, Ohio. Phyllis Zuckerman’s (EMB) daugh-ter Lori married Mathew this past November.Josephine Labriola (Parkville) celebrated the fallwedding of their son Richard to Julianna. Son Jonentered the NYCP Academy in July. Carol Karpus(Parkville) and family celebrated her niece’s wed-ding on a family farm with the three granddaugh-ters in the bridal party.

Joyce Bernard (SM) shares that life is good. Andwhile she is assisted by home aides, she relaxescomfortably and still enjoys the old movies, espe-cially the old B&W’s. Husband John Bernard diedtwo years ago. Sylvia Samuels (EMB) is weighingin on the grandmother scale: three great grand-children and four grandchildren. In that four,there is a recent college grad, a teacher, a lecturerand a lawyer. Linda Alexander (NH) reports hertwo sons are doing fine. Spencer, an architect, isbuilding in Brooklyn and Caleb, a veterinarian, isentering a residency at Tufts. Eric Wood (NM)sends greetings and reports he is still walking 5miles daily while his wife prefers the indoor gym.One child is now a CSI while the other is still incollege. Aideen Finnegan-Fraser (EMB) contin-ues to feel blessed by many things. Her 104 yearold mother is still living independently; her sevengrandsons are all fine; her husband still works inVirginia part time so they travel back and forth.And in return for the blessings she has, she isbusy volunteering and fund raising for VNSNY(Visiting Nurse Service of NY). Karen Burden(SH) who has been enjoying life in the Villagesrecently learned of a large community, more thana few thousand homeless, living in the OcalaNational Forest. Karen and some of her neighborsnow volunteer their time at a children’s centerbuilt by a local pastor on the border of the forest.Children come to this safe place for tutoring aswell as basic needs (shoes/food and the like).

The pastor’s focus is to break the crushing cycle ofpoverty that prevails in this community. DonSamuels (SH) continues to fight Parkinson Diseasepersonally using many new therapies. He is offer-ing to share his experience and knowledge withothers facing the same challenge. Barbara Aronson(LS) exhausts herself enjoying her retirement yearsto the max. She sends her very best to all. BabetteEckstein (SM) is part of that same choir singing ofthe good life. Babette reports that though she miss-es some aspects of school, she loves being homewith her husband and Marmaduke. In the grand-children column, she records 10 with 5 greatgrandchildren. Adding a tenor to the retiree cho-rus, Tom Neyland (SH) and wife are relishing thefirst grandchild experience and loving the babysit-ting. Deborah Bender (NM) sings the same tunefrom her Boca Raton home where three of fivegrandchildren live. Joan Schussheim (LS) singsalto in a real chorus, the Cecilia Chorus of NYand the Great Neck Choral Society. To quote Joan,“Life is a song.” Twin grandsons graduated collegelast spring.

Some other brief updates from our colleagues.Bette Jane Wiesenthal (SR) does part time work asa camp director and relaxes playing bridge andcanasta. Her daughter works at Saddle Rock andson is at NBC. Carolyn Minionis (SH) is enjoyingher life at the Port Washington Amsterdam assistedliving facility. She sends greetings. Terryl Lawrence(SH) continues to teach art and exhibit her ownwork in Florida. Ildi Catuogno (NH) and husbandhave been exploring China and Northern Italy. TheGalapagos and Machu Pichu are next on the list.Their son, now Dr. Sean (SH), has accepted anattending physician position in Austin, Texas.Phyllis White (SM) will complete her 50th year ofteaching! Presently, she is part time at the SpenceSchool but still makes time to volunteer at a NYCnon profit (Bottom Closet) helping women from lowsocio-economic backgrounds reenter the work force.

And now to our 2014 retirees and their transitionto the good life.

Linda Novick (EMB) has comfortably fallen intothe snowbird routine traveling between Floridaand New York. Manon Rupp (LS) holds dear thefriendships she has had in her 18 years in the GreatNeck Schools. As for their transition to retirement,both report that all is good!

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1. Barbara Raber, Audrey Newman; 2. Joan DeModna, Ronda Ambos, Carol Morrison; 3. South Middle Jazz Band, MichaelSchwartz on horn; 4. South Middle Jazz Band; 5. Carmen Cuadrado, Ann Ruesch; 6. Carole Levitt, Karlene Reilly; 7. Edie Ryall, Geri Pentecost; 8. Ilene and Joe DeRiso; 9. Leon Gabia; 10. Marion Greif, Tom Russell; 11. May Wong, Carl Ring;

Holiday Luncheon

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Westbury Manor, decorated in its usual holiday splendor, was our site for eighty-five ‘RECees’ to enjoy a musi-cal concert, have a fine meal and renew friendships. President Bill Toto brought us up-to-date with the latestnews from our local, state and national unions. Michael Schwartz conducted the William Shine South HighSchool jazz band in a program of classical and seasonal music. Warm greetings were given by GNTA PresidentSheila Henchy and newly appointed Great Neck Schools Superintendent Dr. Teresa Prendergast thanked us forour past contributions to the Great Neck Schools while encouraging us to remain active during this time of edu-cational ‘restlessness’.

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8 Great Neck Ties

December LuncheonAbout 75 Great Neck REC members and guestsentered the festive décor of the WestburyManor to attend the holiday General Meeting and Luncheon. South High School’s Pam Levyconducted her choral group in a round ofpopular and holiday musical selections. Their performance not only entertained the audience, but also heightened everyone’s joyful mood.GNTA President Sheila Scimone extended seasonal greetings and best wishes for 2013.She announced that the Great Neck Teachers Association would celebrate its 75th Anniversary on May 22, 2013, at the Westbury Manor, invitingall present to attend. Great Neck’s Superintendentof Schools, Dr. Thomas P. Dolan, spoke about the much needed improvements made to the infrastructure of the school district after the community passed a bond issue approving the expenditures. It was a REC event where everyoneenjoyed the Manor’s warm, welcoming ambiance, enjoyed socializing and the day’s program.

Ties That BindElaine Margo has graciously written this columnabout some of our NYC members. We look forwardto hearing from more of you.The spirit of the retired Great Neck teacher is alive and well, and in some cases living inNew York City. Many of our colleagues have�� ]��Apple.-��, as always, is involved in the workings of REC, as she pursues her manyinterests in the arts.��8�� recently returned from a tripon the Amazon River to her work at a soupkitchen.,�:�7�� divides his time between the life of a country gentleman, and a weekend tourist in New York..��;�%�� is pursuing the pleasures ofmuseums and libraries.(:��'�� I are trying to see the best of Broadway, enjoying classes, and being generally enthralled by the wonders of the city.$��,��**� is a member of the culture lovers who regularly partake of the riches.Why don’t more of you contact us and we’ll frolic? Please keep in touch. E-mail us [email protected] or write to: ��, REC Cottage, 343 Lakeville Road, Great Neck, NY 11020.

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Spring Luncheon & MeetingThursday, May 19, 2016

The Swan Club’s Contessa Room(Please Access Through Main Entrance)

90 Glenwood Rd., Glenwood Landing, NY 11547 • 516 621-760010:45 Registration • 11:15 General Meeting

11:45 Social Hour: Cash Bar & Hors d’oeuvres • 12:30 Lunch

Caesar Salad. Choice of: Sliced Filet Mignon, Chicken Wellington, Broiled Salmon. Vegetableand Potato included. Dessert: Ice Cream Eclair. Coffee or TeaGuest Speaker: Matt Jacobs, NYSUT Nassau Staff Director.

Topic: Implications of Constitutional Convention for retirees and inservice educators.Special Guest: Barbara Berkowitz, President, Great Neck Board of Education

Make a check payable to GNTA/RECfor $45 per person and send it with the form to:Bill Ryall, 318 Rushmore Ave., Carle Place, NY 11514 by May 11th.

Cancellation requests must be calledin by May 13 to Bill at 516-333-9423.

Rose Grabelsky Program Chair

Thursday, May 19, Luncheon ReservationEnclosed is my check for $ ___________ for ________ person(s).

Name ______________________________________________________________

School ____________________________ Telephone_______________________

Guest(s) name(s) ____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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12. John Malinowski, Raffle Winner 13. Rose Grabelsky; 14. Maureen Ganes; 15. Gail Kempton, Marie Baumann; 16. Janet Dansbury, Nancy Beckmeyer, Carole Levitt; 17. Theodora Pafitis, Rene Staal; 18. REC Meeting.

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Documents

N Y SUT GNTA REC A F T Published by the Retired ......N Y SU T GNTA REC A F T Published by the Retired Educators Chapter, Great Neck TA 516-829-9070 Volume 33, No. 2 Spring 2013 Great