The meeting was called to order by President Michael Daly with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for deceased members.
Rose read the financial report and a motion to accept the report was made, seconded and approved.
The minutes were read, seconded and approved. A thank you memo from Liz Jeffreys was read regarding the June 12th luncheon in which she was the guest of honor. A thank you note from student, Richelle Aretakis, who received the $1000.00 scholarship from the Middle Country Retirees’ Association was also read. Richelle was extremely grateful for the scholarship and noted that she wants to become a teacher in the Middle Country School District when she finishes her education.
Michael thanked Joan for her tireless work on the new directory which now lists over 400 members. He asked if anyone had any information regarding any retiree to please inform the Association. Joan suggested that we drop a card or note to anyone we knew who was ill and needed a pick-up. She mentioned Thelma LeMaire who fell and is in a cast and Janice Kellerman who is ill.
Joan also announced that we were in need of someone to pick up the cake and milk for our meetings and Hannah Brady and Elizabeth McMenemy volunteered for the job.
Michael advised us that he is still looking for further information regarding the shingles vaccine and as soon as we have something definitive he will inform all retirees.
The June luncheon which was held at the Watermill was great! It was decided that we do not need the music for the December party or the June luncheon because participants are more interested in conversing with one another than in listenig to music. Ruth Greenberg was thanked for her work towards making this luncheon - a tremendous success. Joan reminded everyone that Anne is asking for donations of baskets and gifts to be used for the Chinese auction that will be held at the December party.
Joan mentioned that she had received a letter from Nick DeCilis saying that he had seen Fred Gem at a dinner and informed asked him how to get in touch with Pete Lombardo. Joan was able to Nick the information which resulted in the two of them connecting after so many years.
Joan advised membership that former Special Education student, Patti G. was given $75.00 by our Association to purchase what was needed for her children to begin the school year. We discussed how much to send her for the Christmas holidays and $100.00 was the amount that was approved by all.
A motion to end the meeting was made and seconded. Motion carried.
SPECIAL ADDENDUM
MCRA takes this opportunity to thank everyone who generously contributed to the fund established last fall in memory of Patti Pogue who passed away in July of 2007. It was MCRA's hope to be able to collect enough money to place a bench on Fire Island to celebrate Patti's memory.
Donations exceeded everyone's expectation and members collected over $2000 with which to purcase and establish the memorial. Thank you!
At the May 6, 2008 Brookhaven Town Board Meeting, the Council Members and Supervisor voted to accept our donation of up to three benches in memory of Patti. The benches will be placed at Davis Park on Fire Island, an area at which Patti spent many happy summer days.
Both Pat Westlake and Helene Singer spoke to the Town Board and Supervisor Foley about the resolution to accept the benches. Council member Mazzei made the resolution. Both he and Council Member Kathy Walsh (a former member of the Middle Country School Board and Selden resident) spoke in favor the resoluton, which passed unanimously.
The committe is now making arrangements to purchase the benches and have them installed by Brookhaven Town an Davis Park. Once that is accomplished, all donors and other interested parties wll be contacted. Once accomplished, we invited eveyone to visit the site and celebrate Patti's life as a dedicated teacher, coach and friend.
Our thanks to Pat Westlake, Helene Singer, Carol Oliveri, Georgiana Hadden, Janice Fabian and Lucy DeVito!
