Working for the retired educators of DuPage County
Affiliated with the Illinois Retired Teachers Association
December Luncheon
Our annual holiday luncheon and program was again held at The Greek Islands in Lombard on December 7. On the program were elections of new officers, an update from TRS trustee Bob Lyons, remarks by State Rep. Darlene Senger (R, Naperville), and the madrigal singers from Wheaton Warrenville South H.S. The new officers elected for 2012/13 are Joanne Lovig (President), Christine Turney (V.P.), and Ida Lee (Treasurer). Bob Lyons of TRS described both the funding status of TRS and the unsuccessful attacks on the TRS structure for new and current contributors and how those attacks can affect us.
Rep. Senger, who voted for the SB 512 (which we oppose) in committee, defended her actions and provided a rationale she believes will make the pension system less costly to the state and "sustainable". To her credit, she answered some very pointed questions from our members who remain suspicious of the motives behind "pension reforms".
The madrigal choir provided wonderful seasonal entertainment and received a standing ovation. Once again our holiday meeting raffle prizes were colorful poinsettia plants. DuPage IRTA's next meeting will be Wednesday, April 4. Best wishes for the holiday season and a mild, enjoyable winter.
Meetings and Times
DuPage IRTA holds its membership meetings as a combination luncheon and program. We meet at NOON on the first Wednesday of April, May, June and September, October, December. Our current meeting site The Greek Islands restaurant in Lombard, IL at 300 E. 22nd Street (just north of Yorktown Mall).
DuPage IRTA holds its membership meetings as a combination luncheon and program. We meet at NOON on the first Wednesday of April, May, June and September, October, December. Our current meeting site The Greek Islands restaurant in Lombard, IL at 300 E. 22nd Street (just north of Yorktown Mall).
Highlights of IRTA Convention Oct. 17 -18
Gary Elmen accepts presidency.
Six years ago I was asked to serve as Unit president for DuPage by some teaching friends. Little did I suspect that after my two terms as unit president that I would be elected this year IRTA state president. I want to thank you for providing me a fulfilling opportunity to help protect and improve the status of retired teachers. That service has been rewarding. With the continuing help of you and the 35,000 members of IRTA, we all can make a positive difference in our state.
A dozen delegates from the DuPage Unit along with 400 local delegates from across our state experienced the seminars, caucuses, reports, resolutions, and social events at the Hilton Hotel in Springfield. They also attended a vendor fair (including exotic animals) and a banquet at which Joe Purpura from DuPage was recognized for years of service on the state legislative committee. Honorees from units across Illinois are highlighted at the banquet. To raise funds for the IRTA Foundation, which financially supports many of our oldest retirees and also provides scholarships through the label campaign each year, units prepare elaborate gift baskets that are part of a silent auction during the vendor fair. I am proud to report that I heard many state delegates express admiration for the very large, attractive, and valuable basket from DuPage. Many thanks go to those who contributed and those who sought out items representative of DuPage County. Mary Anna and Rudy Skul artistically packaged the basket.
Of course, I will continue to participate in the DuPage Unit and help with committee work. But traveling the many highways within Illinois will also fill my time. Thanks for your support!
Gary Elmen
A dozen delegates from the DuPage Unit along with 400 local delegates from across our state experienced the seminars, caucuses, reports, resolutions, and social events at the Hilton Hotel in Springfield. They also attended a vendor fair (including exotic animals) and a banquet at which Joe Purpura from DuPage was recognized for years of service on the state legislative committee. Honorees from units across Illinois are highlighted at the banquet. To raise funds for the IRTA Foundation, which financially supports many of our oldest retirees and also provides scholarships through the label campaign each year, units prepare elaborate gift baskets that are part of a silent auction during the vendor fair. I am proud to report that I heard many state delegates express admiration for the very large, attractive, and valuable basket from DuPage. Many thanks go to those who contributed and those who sought out items representative of DuPage County. Mary Anna and Rudy Skul artistically packaged the basket.
Of course, I will continue to participate in the DuPage Unit and help with committee work. But traveling the many highways within Illinois will also fill my time. Thanks for your support!
Gary Elmen
Video highlights of DuPage IRTA tour to Southern Italy (Sept. 30 - Oct. 8)
Members (and friends) of DuPage IRTA toured Southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast, and Rome this fall. Weather was great--in the low to mid 80s during the day. We used quaint and historic Sorrento as a hub and visited Naples, Pompeii, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, ending in Rome for two days of the major sights. For an 11-minute highlights video, click on picture or use the link below. See past travel highlights in the tab above labeled "More..."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1SA8A3FKa8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1SA8A3FKa8
Please visit the pages listed in tabs in the header above for more details about our great organization for retired educators:
- Home
- Join
- Legislative News
- Contact Legislators
- Travel
- Newsletters
- Home
- Join
- Legislative News
- Contact Legislators
- Travel
- Newsletters
