Seaside Beach Bridgeport, CT

Bits and Pieces…

June 11, 2026 - Memorial Service/Meeting - Details…

We currently have 650 members and would like to welcome more. If you know of anyone considering retirement this year or has retired and not joined, be sure to tell them about GBRTA!

Read our latest Newsletter!…

From the President:

Musings from Mary Ellen

Welcome to Spring!

Your GBRTA officers wish you a beautiful spring filled with color. I am writing this note a few days before our spring luncheon, and my Daffodils, Forsythia, and Pussy Willows are in full bloom. I’m seeing buds on my Star Magnolia, and I am hoping that my Hydrangea bushes bloom once again this year!

I am hoping that you joined us at Tashua Knolls on April 16th and heard Katie Tietjen, a Connecticut award-winning writer, teacher and school librarian. I have heard her before and am looking forward to hearing her again!

Your Board has been keeping track of the legislative news that affects all Connecticut retired teachers. This year is a short session in Hartford, and at this point, no new bills relating to pensions or healthcare are expected to be a part of the new Connecticut budget. We will keep you informed, as we work closely with ARTC.

Below is a Haiku poem by a Japanese poet; her words give us a glimpse of spring in her description of a Hawk.

Toward Those Short Trees
By Masaoka Shiki
Toward those short trees
We saw a hawk descending
On a day in spring

I hope that you are surrounded by many glimpses of spring this season

Mary Ellen

Ring Out, Wild Bells by Alfred Lord Tennyson

(Second stanza)

Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.

2025-2026 Board Meetings and Luncheons

  • Our next meeting/luncheon is June 11th, 2026

    The GBRTA Luncheon will take place at Tashua Knolls, 40 Tashua Knolls Lane, Trumbull, CT.

    See the MEETINGS page for details and to make reservations.

Officers

President: Mary Ellen Minichiello

First Vice-president: Deborah McNeill

Second Vice-president: Rose Marie D’Aquila

Corresponding Secretary: Kathy Rubano

Recording Secretary: Sheena Graham

Treasurer: Rosemary Seaman

See the entire list & contact info…

Committee Members

Communications and Newsletter: Pat DeCoster

Community Outreach: Robyn Proto

Finance: Mary Carroll

Legislative Issues: Rita McDougald-Campbell and Marie Petitti

Lunch: Sandra Petrucelli-Carbone and Ann Block

Member Services: Marie Reshenk

Membership: Ann Block

Scholarship: Kathy Chimini

See the entire list & contact info…

  • Chalkboard

    Membership

    All retired teachers who reside in or have taught in the Greater Bridgeport Area, which includes Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Milford, Monroe, Shelton, Stratford and Trumbull, and who receive pensions from the State of Connecticut are eligible for membership in the organization.

    If you have had a change in your phone number, e-mail or street address (including a zip code change), or have questions about your dues or membership status, please contact: Ann Block

    Download the application

  • Medical Symbol

    Member Services

    If you know of any member who is hospitalized, homebound, or shut in, please notify

    Marie (Cookie) Reshenk

    In addition, “The Fund” may be able to assist members in need for their well-being and comfort.

  • Opportunities

    Many members stay active by volunteering at local centers. Check out the various volunteering opportunities and on-going projects that need your help! Check out the volunteer opportunities!

Important Resources