RTAC
Chicago's RTAC is nearing its 100th birthday...The annual banquet of the Retired Teachers Association of Chicago (RTAC) again showed the organization's power, both among retired teachers and administrators -- and among political leaders. RTAC held its 92nd annual Spring Membership Luncheon in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Chicago Hotel, at 720 S. Michigan Avenue, on Friday, May 18, 2018, with about 400 in attendance, seated at tables of ten.
A plated lunch of a salad, a fish, chicken, or vegetarian entree, and chocolate mousse for dessert, was served at noon.
The program began with greetings, the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of "God Bless America," and an invocation by Hubert C. Jackson, Jr., RTAC Director, followed by a moment of silence in memory of "the departed."
After the meal, the business meeting began with the President's Report by Patricia B. Kubistal.
Arlene Crandall, Executive Director, then introduced the speaker, Judge Susan Kennedy-Sullivan. The Honorable Susan Kennedy-Sullivan, Cook County Circuit Judge of the Elder Law/Probate Division, repeatedly addressed the teachers, administrators and guests as "wise" as she talked about available Elder Law Legal Services.
Next, Sylvia F. Asllani, Secretary, read the October 20, 2017 Business Meeting Report. At the request of one audience member, it was suggested that the minutes be corrected to include vote results that were not available at the time of the October meeting. A vote was taken, the ayes won, and the minutes were corrected and then accepted as corrected.
Sylvia Asllani, By-Laws Committee Chair, then led the group through proposed by-laws amendments:.
Changes were suggested to:
Article IV - Offices and Duties
Article VII - elections Section 3 - Nominating Committee, subpart e
Article VII - Elections Section 3, Nominating Committee, subart g. and
Article VII - elections Section 3 - Nominating Committee, subpart h
In addition, changes to the changes were suggested from the floor, followed by voting by a show of hands, rather than voting by standing, in consideration of some members of the group. The resulting changes will be available on the RTAC website (www.rtac.org).
Then, the 2018 Chicago Teachers Pension Fund (CTPF) Update was given by Charles Burbridge, Executive Director of the Pension Fund, followed by the RTAC Legislative Update given by Juanita Jordan, Legislative Committee Chair.
After that, the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) Community Service Award was given to Director Roy E. Coleman by David T. Peterson, Immediate Past President, who expressed agreement with Judge Susan Kennedy-Sullivan's assessment of the group as "wise."
Next, the 2018 James Armstrong Award was given out by Linda Williams, First Vice President.
Among those recognized for their service were Mary Sharon Reilly and Audrey Mivelaz.
Appreciation was expressed to former Active Pension Fund Trustee Lois Nelson for filling the term of Pension Fund Trustee Walter Pilditch, who passed away. When the next retired pension trustee election occurs, she will be required to run for a full term of her own. She has indicated that she is interested in running for a new term.
John Butterfield, RTAC Treasurer, gave the Financial Report, followed by closing remarks from Patricia Kubistal, President.
The favorite part of the meeting, for many, was next: the raffle of the door prizes. The largest prize of all was the awarding of a weekend at the Chicago Hilton Hotel. Numerous other, less expensive, prizes were also awarded.
Among the handouts available to members was a very informative CTPF 122nd Popular Annual Financial Report for 2017. In addition, an announcement was made explaining the procedures for running for the office of Pension Trustee of the CTPF this fall.
