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. Watch the NBC-CT report on how it will affect many in this state…
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)
We raised $775 for our scholarship fund at our December Raffle event! A big thank you to all who made donations and baskets for the event… It would not be possible without you!
Money raised will help our future educators go to college.
Additional information is available from: KATHY CHIMINI 203-375-6659
From the President:
Musings from Mary Ellen
Welcome to the almost close of winter and the just beginning of spring! I hope that you are feeling the warmer temperatures and seeing the first hints of spring, as you read this newsletter. GBRTA shared important news with you in January about the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, a bill which ends the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). You will see an article below that explains how this bill affects you and your social security benefits. I personally thank many of you for writing to legislators to support the bill. ARTC took a major leadership role in organizing the plan to end WEP and GPO.
Our luncheon for the spring, as well as our memorial luncheon in June have been planned, and you may begin registering for both. This is an opportunity for you to socialize with your friends and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Tashua Knolls Golf Club. Please let us know, if you need transportation. You will find information in the letter about both luncheons and the discounted prices for members.
The nominating committee has procured a proposed slate for the upcoming two years, which will be shared at the April luncheon and voted on at the June memorial luncheon. I am always so impressed by the volunteers who step forward to help lead the association. We work together to make our retired lives more interesting and enjoyable! Consider joining committees this year and spread your knowledge and enthusiasm!
I chose a poem that expresses the freedom and joy we feel, when spring arrives. I hope to see all of you at the April 10th luncheon, which just might be a day like the one Collins describes!
Best,
Mary Ellen
Today by Billy Collins
If ever there were a spring day so perfect,
so uplifted by a warm intermittent breeze
that it made you want to throw
open all the windows in the house
and unlatch the door to the canary's cage,
indeed, rip the little door from its jamb,
a day when the cool brick paths
and the garden bursting with peonies
seemed so etched in sunlight
that you felt like taking
a hammer to the glass paperweight
on the living room end table,
releasing the inhabitants
from their snow-covered cottage
so they could walk out,
holding hands and squinting
into this larger dome of blue and white,
well, today is just that kind of day.
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.
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
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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.
