NYC PARKS DEPT. RECREATION RETIREES ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON
 
The NYC Parks Dept. Recreation Retirees Association held a luncheon meeting on Nov. 8, 2023, at Lenny’s Restaurant in Howard Beach. The meeting was convened and chaired by the association's Pres. Dominick Martino, who is also the VP of Social Security, Pensions and Medicare for the DC 37 Retirees Association. DC 37 Retirees Assn. Pres. Bob Gervasi attended the luncheon.

All titles were invited to come to the meeting to receive updated information, and to break bread with their friends and colleagues. Former DC 37 Retirees Assn. Pres. Ed Hysyk spoke at the event and reported on the latest developments in the fight to keep traditional Medicare for NYC retirees. Retirees Assn. member Bob Pfefferman also spoke. (Scroll down to see additional luncheon photos at the end of this article.)
 
 
SUPPORTING TRADITIONAL MEDICARE AT BRONX COMMUNITY BOARDS
 
During Oct.-Nov. 2023, DC 37 Retirees Assn. officers and members continued to speak at Bronx Community Boards in support of traditional Medicare for NYC retirees. According to Aurea Mangual, the DC 37 Retirees Assoc. VP for Inter-Union Relations, “The Bronx Community Boards that allowed us to speak about our struggles to prevent the privatization of our Medicare Health Benefits are supporting our position.

 
“To date, DC 37 retirees have presented at 6 Bronx CBs, and all have demonstrated support on our behalf!” she said. “Bronx Community Board 11 overwhelmingly supported our retiree activists’ position on traditional Medicare Health Benefits. They will be mailing a letter to each of the eight Bronx Council Members who haven't supported Intro 1099.”
 
DC 37 retirees presented at Bronx CB10 on Oct. 9, 2023, in Co-op City. After the meeting, they spoke with a council member and the Bronx County Democratic leader about the issue. The retirees planned to complete the rest of the Bronx Boards during November 2023
 
“I want to thank the Retirees who attended and supported me at these CBs meetings,” said sister Mangual. “And thank you to Bronx CBs and their members. It's not easy to speak publicly, but we are doing our best.”