On June 18th, 2024, we gathered at the picturesque Hopshire Farms and Brewery in Freeville for our Spring Luncheon—a day dedicated to relaxation, camaraderie, and celebration with our NYSUT family. With approximately 35 attendees, the event was a great success, marked by good food, engaging conversations, and memorable moments.

The day began at 11:30 am with registration and social time, accompanied by the enjoyable music of Tom Gath. As the live music set the perfect atmosphere, attendees enjoyed mingling and catching up with colleagues and friends.

A catered lunch from M&D Deli was served at noon, providing a delicious spread that satisfied all. The lunch was complemented by a brief general meeting, where we discussed important updates and future plans for our membership.

A special thank you goes to our speakers from NYSUT HQ, Mark Padgett and Tim O'Brien, who shared insightful talks that were both informative and inspiring. Their contributions added significant value to the event, and we greatly appreciate their time and effort.

Following the meeting, attendees had the option to participate in tours and tastings for a nominal fee. These tours provided a deeper look into the workings of Hopshire Farms and Brewery, offering a unique and educational experience in a beautiful setting. The tour/tasting was hosted by Hopshire owner Chris Rakow. The talk and tour were free and there was an optional beer tasting that cost $10.  Hopshire Farm & Brewery is a family-owned business, run by Chris and Holly Rakow who are dedicated to crafting exceptional beers and bringing the community together.  Mission accomplished for RC #45!

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a success. Special thanks to Hopshire Farms and Brewery for hosting us and to M&D Deli for the wonderful catering.

We look forward to more events where we can connect, celebrate, and grow together as a community. Thank you all for your continued support and participation!

### Highlights:
- **Venue:** Hopshire Farms and Brewery, Freeville, NY
- **Attendance:** 35 people
- **Speakers:** Mark Padgett and Tim O'Brien from NYSUT
- **Music:** Tom Gath
- **Catering:** M&D Deli
- **Activities:** Lunch, social time, talks, tours, and tastings

Stay tuned for future events, and we hope to see you all again soon!