Social Security Fairness Act becomes law
For those of us who have earned a pension in the public sector AND paid into Social Security from part-time or post-retirement employment, no longer will we be penalized by the WEP nor our survivors by the GPO, giving eligible recipients full benefits afforded others with equivalent "points" and "substantial earnings" that were subject to FICA taxes.
Thank you to all who contacted your representatives in supporting the repeal!
Bits and Pieces…
Dues—Did you know your dues help us in many ways? It should come as no surprise that all costs have gone up, so if you’re an annual dues-paying member, please send your $20 dues for 2024-2025 by September 1. Also remember to keep Ann Block and informed of any changes in addresses, etc.
Future Meeting Dates:
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Thursday, June 12, 2025 (Memorial Service)
Officers
President: Mary Ellen Minichiello
First Vice-president: Pat DeCoster
Second Vice-president: Rose Marie D’Aquila
Corresponding Secretary: Deborah McNeill
Recording Secretary: Sheena Graham
Treasurer: Rosemary Seaman
Committee Members
Communications and Newsletter: Barbara Kmetz
Community Outreach: Karol Fleegal
Finance: Karol Fleegal
Legislative Issues: Rita McDougald-Campbell and Marie Petitti
Lunch: Sandra Petrucelli-Carbone and Ann Block
Member Services: Marie Reshenk
Membership: Ann Block
Scholarship: Kathy Chimini
2024-2025 Board Meetings and Luncheons
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Our next meeting/luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025
The GBRTA Luncheon will take place at Tashua Knolls, 40 Tashua Knolls Lane, Trumbull, CT.
See the MEETINGS page for details and to make reservations.
From the President:
Musings from Mary Ellen
By the time that you receive this newsletter, the trees will have changed colors throughout New England. I remember fondly jumping in huge leave piles with neighborhood friends and drinking hot cider to warm up. The extra blankets on the beds hinted of November frosts and Thanksgiving get-togethers.
GBRTA will be celebrating the December holidays with our annual luncheon at Tashua Knolls on De-cember 12th. More information can be found in this newsletter about the luncheon. Please mark your calendars and enjoy the comradery of other retired teachers.
I tend to think in the winter of Robert Frost’s po-em, “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening”, a poem many of us memorized in school. Another of Frost’s poem, a much briefer one but just as poignant, is the following:
By Robert Frost
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
Sharing memories and enjoying good food gives “a change of mood” on long winter days. I hope to see you and listen to your childhood stories on December 12th.
Best,
Mary Ellen
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Membership
All retired teachers who reside in or have taught in the Greater Bridgeport Area, which includes Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Milford, Monroe, Shelton, Stratford and Trumbull, and who receive pensions from the State of Connecticut are eligible for membership in the organization.
If you have had a change in your phone number, e-mail or street address (including a zip code change), or have questions about your dues or membership status, please contact: Ann Block
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Member Services
If you know of any member who is hospitalized, homebound, or shut in, please notify
In addition, “The Fund” may be able to assist members in need for their well-being and comfort.
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Opportunities
Many members stay active by volunteering at local centers. Check out the various volunteering opportunities and on-going projects that need your help! Check out the volunteer opportunities!
Important Resources
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GBRTA Newsletters
Newsletters are created several times a year. Read the current or past newsletters.
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GBRTA Meetings
Meetings are held several times a year. Meetings are open to all members without charge. There is usually a luncheon after the meeting for a nominal fee.
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Association of Retired Teachers - ARTC
The Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut (ARTC) is a non-profit organization of retired teachers representing 6,000 members/affiliates and advocate for 32,000 CT retired teachers.
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GBRTA ByLaws
The GBRTA was incorporated in 1963 and has served the retired teachers of the Greateer Bridgeport area. The Incorporation document and current By-Laws can be downloaded.
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![Teachers Retirement Board Webpage]()
Teachers' Retirement Board
The Connecticut Teachers' Retirement System is governed by Chapter 167a of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended through the current session of the State Legislature. The System is administered by the Teachers' Retirement Board, located in Hartford.
