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!

Hello my Sisters and Brothers!!!

Happy spring, so wonderful to see the flowers blooming in my gardens! 

RC#45's delegates have just returned from New York City where we attended the 2024 Representative Assembly. Two of our three delegates proudly represented our 3,400 members. A huge victory that we celebrated here is the change in APPR legislation.

Another resounding victory on our Fix Tier 6 reform efforts with the final average salary being moved to the three highest years' salaries not five. It is a small step toward our goal of fixing the inequity of Tier 6. This brings me to my request for your VOTE-COPE contributions. Please consider donating through pension deduction to help our NYSUT representatives prioritize their efforts for continued reform.  Political Action (nysut.org).

I would like to stress that this year's upcoming national, state and local elections are crucial to our retirees. Attacks on our benefits are a reality. Please get out and vote, use an absentee ballot, vote early to avoid crowds. Make your voices heard by using NYSUT's Member Access Center (https://mac.nysut.org/) to contact your representatives at the state and national level. 

NYSUT Vice President Ron Gross has spoken to us regarding the initiative to begin an "Opt In" program for delivering our newsletters. We write and deliver five per year and appreciate hearing from many of you as well as accepting your voluntary contributions. They are used to support the activities of RC #45 including participating in the governance meeting and our scholarships. 

Please consider attending our spring membership meeting at Hopshire Brewery. Our June General Membership meeting is planned and we are very excited as we continue collecting reservations for our day at Hopshire Farms and Brewery in Freeville on June 18th. Bring a friend and enjoy a relaxing time with your NYSUT family. The luncheon will begin with registration and social time at 11:30 am. Tom Gath has graciously offered to entertain during that time. At noon we will have a catered lunch from M&D Deli with each attendee being given a drink ticket for beer, wine or cider. After lunch there will be tastings, tour or a talk depending on interest. Hope to see you there!!

In Solidarity, ~Vicki Darrow-RC 45 President

Warm Greetings for Spring!

Happy Spring! Despite schools being closed for a snow day as I write this, I'm back in Cortland, NY after a winter spent traveling. The attached photo shows my husband and me in Nassau during a relaxing cruise. Combining our love for travel, geocaching, and warm weather, our Bahamas cruise was a wonderful experience. We've already booked our next cruise for December.

While I have been traveling, NYSUT has been busy assisting with several political agendas that will support and improve our members’ professional and personal lives. Visit the NYSUT Member Access Center for more information AND some assistance with letter writing.

Diana Torta was busy with Committee of 100 this month so be sure to read her report in this newsletter. She felt it was a very productive day packed with several visits with government officials.

Our June General Membership Meeting is planned and we are very excited to start collecting reservations for our day at Hopshire Farms and Brewery in Freeville on June 18th. Bring a friend and enjoy a relaxing time with your NYSUT family. The luncheon will begin with registration and social time at 11:30 am. RC 45’s Tom Gath has graciously offered to provide live music during that time. At noon we will have a catered lunch from M&D Deli with each attendee being given a drink ticket for beer, wine or cider. After lunch there will be tastings, tour or a talk depending on interest. Hope to see you there!!

In Solidarity,

~Vicki Darrow

President, RC 45

Happy New Year my sisters and brothers!

I hope the holiday season was rewarding and filled with quality family and friends time. I spent Thanksgiving with my youngest son in Wilmington, NC and Christmas in Cortland, NY with my older two children and three grandsons. The attached photo was taken at the trampoline park. I earned serious credibility in front of my youngest grandson with my jumping abilities! I was also able to spend a nice amount of time with my friends, many of whom are still active teachers. 

Our new board member, Kathy McHugh, has been busy working at procuring a wonderful location for our June General Meeting at the Hopshire Farms & Brewery. Save the June 18^th date and hope to see you there. Another board member, Tom Gath, will be playing for a portion of our general meeting and that is a real treat.

Please help NYSUT make public service retirement fair for everyone and visit Home - FixTier6.org to join the fight. Please consider contributing to VOTE-COPE using pension deduction. For questions or to request a VOTE COPE form visit NYSUT’s homepage (or call/text me at 607-745-3515 and I will mail you a form) Pension deduction is the easiest way to continue your contributions in retirement and it costs NYSUT the least amount of money to set-up for the long term. Nothing would be more valuable and appreciated than you answering the call in this way. 

Please have a blessed 2024, stay healthy and safe.

In solidarity, 
Vicki Darrow
President, NYSUT RC #45

For more news and more live links on RC 45 View the recent issue of "Spotlight" - Our Newsletter ➜