Alert #26
Mary Gisonno, a secretary at the JHS/MS for many years, passed away on June 17th.
Her obituary may be found at:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/suffern-ny/mary-gisonno-12934671
Condolences may be sent to the family at:
MaryAnn Fallon
10 Woodlot Road
Bloomingdale, NU 07403
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Alert #25
Marilyn Van Tine, a school psychologist who worked in several of our schools passed away recently. Condolences may be sent to her daughter, Karen Gerlach, at:
11 Pennsylvania Ct. Apt. A
Falmouth, MA 02540
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Alert #24
Adele Berkman, wife of Charlie Berkman (JHS/HS Science) passed away on May 23rd.
Below is a link to the obituary:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/washingtonville-ny/adele-berkman-12898738
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Alert #23
We have just learned that Elaine Loyek, a former HS business teacher, passed away on March 15, 2026. The link to her obituary is below:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/raleigh-nc/elaine-loyek-12783712
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Alert #22
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Alert #21
For people wishing to send condolences to Barbara Ferrao, her address is:
8 Woodland Place
Monsey, NY 10952
Her brother’s obituary may be found at:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/suffern-ny/edward-dzurinko-12893702
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Alert #20
Edward (Ted) Dzurinko, brother of Barbara Ferraro (Cherry Lane & Sloatsburg) passed away on May 19th. Arrangements are as follows:
Wake
Friday May 22
4 to 8 pm
Wanamaker and
Carlough Funeral Home
177 Rte 59
Suffern, NY
10952
Phone 1-
845-357-0423
Funeral Mass
Saturday
10:30 am
Church of the
Sacred Heart
125
Layfaette Ave
Suffern, NY
10901
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Alert #19
Retirees,
The May/June issue of our newsletter is ready for you to view. Please click here to open it.
https://heyzine.com/flip-book/24c2dc05e0.html
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Alert #18
FINAL NOTICE
The deadline to RSVP for our Spring Luncheon is Friday, April 24th. For more information, please see below.
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Alert #17
Reminder:
Our Spring Luncheon/Election meeting will be held on May 5th. We need your RSVP by April 24th. See below for more information:
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Alert #16
In our last newsletter, we introduced a “Feel Good Stories” column, which many people enjoyed. We would like to continue this, and we need the help of our members.
Please send any “feel good” stories about yourself, your family, anecdotes and memories from your years in the district, etc.
Our email is :
Deadline: May 10th
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Alert #15
We are looking for 1 or two people who would be
interested in helping out with reviewing Suffern HS
Senior scholarship applications . The dates are
4/14-15 from 11:15am to 1:30 pm in the Guidance
Office.Meredith Reddy has reached out to us to
assist in reading through the scholarship
applications and help in the selection process.
If interested and have the time please contact Phil
Lima - amigos48 @ aol.com or call 914-263-7073 .
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Alert #14
Just a reminder that our Spring Luncheon/Election of Officers will be held on May 5th. See the flyer for more information - FLYER
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Alert #13
Carol Austin (HS English) passed away. We have no further information at this time.
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Alert #12
Retirees,
You can read our latest retirees' newsletter by clicking here: SRTC-SEA Retiree Connections.
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Alert #11
Please click on the link below for information about our spring luncheon:
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Alert #10
Anne Gilson, mother of Andrea Edwards (elementary), passed away on March 4th. Anne worked for many years as a library clerk at Cherry Lane. Her obituary can be found at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/suffern-ny/anne-gilson-12770257
Condolences can be sent to Andrea at:
4 Seward St.
Warwick, NY 10990
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Alert #9
REMINDER:
Suffern Retired Teachers Chapter- Suffern Education Association
Family Scholarship 2026
For Children and/or Grandchildren of members of SRTC-SEA
The Suffern Retired Teachers Chapter-SEA will be awarding one $1000 family scholarship to a graduating senior who will be attending college in the fall and is the child or grandchild of a member of the SRTC-SEA who is in good standing.*
Please include the following:
-
A TYPED APPLICATION FORM. The application can be obtained at srtc-sea.org/ScholarshipAppl.docx
-
An official transcript along with your mid-year grades, SAT/ACT scores.
-
A letter of recommendation with your application.
-
The completed application, transcript and recommendation should be e-mailed /mailed directly from the student’s high school to:
Mr. Philip T. Lima
Suffern Retired Teachers Chapter-
Suffern Education Association
7
Pyngyp Rd.
Stony Point, New York 10980
Email to : phillima@optonline.net
The deadline for the application is March 21, 2026.
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Alert #8
SRTC-SEA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Elections for officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer) will be held at our annual spring luncheon on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Officers serve a two year term.
Nominations should be submitted to: anneclark10987@gmail.com by April 20, 2026. Nominations can also be made from the floor at the meeting.
Thank you,
Nominating Committee
Anne Clark
Joyce Nencetti
Sue Roberts
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Alert #7
Reminder:
If you have not already done so, please submit your Medicare reimbursement form by February 20th.
The form is available on our website:
https://srtc-sea.org/MedicareReimbursementForm%202026.pdf
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Alert #6
As our editors prepare for our next newsletter, we ask that help by taking the time to share a feel good story, whether personal or something you read or were told, with us. We can all use some good stories right about now!!
Whether your story is personal or something you have read or seen or told, please consider submitting it to our editors. This space is for you - share a story, a photo of an experience, hobby, craft, adventure, pet, etc. Shared stories unite us and strengthen our bridge! For the March/April issue, please send stories/photos to srtc.connection@gmail.com by March 10, 2026.
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Alert #5
File of Life
The Executive Committee has invested in a program which we feel will help our members. File of Life provides users with a way to gather important medical and emergency contact information in the event of a medical emergency. There are two components: a card that can be kept in your wallet, and a larger card containing contact information for all your doctors that can be placed on your refrigerator in case a medical emergency should occur at home. Police, ambulance, and medivac crews are all trained to look for these File of Life cards.
How does it help you?
-
First responders will instantly know your medical history, and can begin appropriate treatment more quickly.
-
At the hospital, your medical information is available immediately.
-
The people (relatives/friends) you designate are notified quickly.
All SRTC-SEA members who have paid their $15 dues for the 2025-26 year are eligible for one free packet. Many of our members have already taken advantage of this. If you have not done so, and would like to receive your packet, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:
Judy Veltidi
35 Van Orden Ave.
Suffern, NY 10901
Want additional packets for a spouse/relative/friend?
Additional sets are available for $1.50 each, with a stamped, self-addressed envelope for each set.
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Alert #4
The Suffern Retired Teachers Chapter-SEA will be awarding one $1000 family scholarship to a graduating senior who will be attending college in the fall and is the child or grandchild of a member of the SRTC-SEA who is in good standing.*
Please include the following:
-
A TYPED APPLICATION FORM. The application can be obtained at srtc-sea.org/ScholarshipAppl.docx
-
An official transcript along with your mid-year grades, SAT/ACT scores.
-
A letter of recommendation with your application.
-
The completed application, transcript and recommendation should be e-mailed /mailed directly from the student’s high school to:
Mr. Philip T. Lima
Suffern Retired Teachers Chapter-
Suffern Education Association
7 Pyngyp Rd.
Stony Point, New York 10980
Email to : phillima@optonline.net
The deadline for the application is March 21, 2026.
*has paid their dues for the current year
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Alert #3
Claudia Spallanzani, a long-time secretary at the High School passed away on January 27th.
To see her obituary, please click on the link below:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/suffern-ny/claudia-spallanzani-12725760
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Alert #2
The January-February issue of our newsletter is available by clicking on the link below:
https://heyzine.com/flip-book/b05f52e8d6.html
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Alert #1 (correction)
Sorry for the inconvenience, but we have to correct two things from our last alert about Medicare reimbursement.
1. The district paid $555/quarter (total: $2220/year). If you have a spouse who also receives reimbursement, s/he would have received the same amount.
2. The deadline for submitting the reimbursement form to the district is February 20, 2026.
Thank you for your understanding.
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Alert #1 (start of a new year, 2026)
Medicare reimbursement
A number of our members have told us that they have not received the email sent out by the District regarding Medicare reimbursement. We are sending you this information, and also including links to the 3 pages that the District sent out (the reimbursement letter, the reimbursement form, and the direct deposit form). The links are attached.
Medicare Letter 2026.pdf
Medicare Reimbursement Form 2026.pdf
Medicare Direct Deposit Form 2026.pdf
Retirees on Medicare:
Reminder… It is that time of year again. There are two parts to Medicare reimbursement from the district.
All Retirees on Medicare:
The district is required to reimburse ALL employees for their basic Part B Medicare premiums as part of the NYSHIP Empire Plan Health insurance you brought into retirement with you. Since you retired, they would have been sending you checks (or direct depositing the money) every 3 months (mid-March, mid-June, mid-September, and mid-December). To receive this reimbursement, you must fill in the form that is emailed to you.
PLEASE NOTE: You must send in a copy of your Medicare card (and your spouse’s card, if applicable) with your form.
Employees eligible for IRMAA:
Some people are also entitled to get an additional amount (IRMAA), but ONLY IF THEY ASK FOR IT! If your total income exceeded a certain amount, you had more money deducted from your Social Security payment for Medicare Part B surcharge. This is known as IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.)
**How would you know? Check your SSA-1099 when you get it. (These forms are mailed out in January or are available at your online Social Security account [if you have set one up] at sss.gov).
-
Compare the figure that is on your form SSA 1099 with amount the district sent you in Medicare reimbursement each quarter. In 2025, a single person should have received $550/quarter (total: $2200/year); a couple received $1100/quarter quarter (total: $4400/year). You can determine if you received these amounts by checking your bank statements. Compare these amounts with your SSA 1099 form. If there is a difference, then you can ask for reimbursement.
-
NOTE: District is NOT obligated to reimburse IRMAA Part D for prescription plan.
In order to receive this reimbursement, you must mail a copy of your SSA 1099 form with your reimbursement form to:
Suffern Central School District
Attn: Christina Bennin, Benefits Clerk
45 Mountain Ave
Hillburn, NY 10931
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 14, 2026
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Alert # 62
For Children and/or Grandchildren of members of SRTC-SEA
The Suffern Retired Teachers Chapter-SEA will be awarding one $1000 family scholarship to a graduating senior who will be attending college in the fall and is the child or grandchild of a member of the SRTC-SEA who is in good standing.*
Please include the following:
-
A TYPED APPLICATION FORM. The application can be obtained at srtc-sea.org/ScholarshipAppl.docx
-
An official transcript along with your mid-year grades, SAT/ACT scores.
-
A letter of recommendation with your application.
-
The completed application, transcript and recommendation should be e-mailed /mailed directly from the student’s high school to:
Mr. Philip T. Lima
Suffern Retired Teachers Chapter-
Suffern Education Association
7 Pyngyp Rd.
Stony Point, New York 10980
Email to : phillima@optonline.net
The deadline for the application is March 21, 2026.
*has paid their dues for the current year
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Alert # 61
Wishing all of our members the best during this holiday season:
https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=3a44500c-6f1a-422c-b7ce-5d313302b4ac&sbid=3466
https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=c16e82c8-e753-4369-b490-59f76678cfb1&sbid=3466
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Alert # 60
Jerry Ventola, the mail courier for our district for many years, passed away on November 30th.
Click on the link below for his obituary:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/suffern-ny/jerry-ventola-12635839
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Alert # 59
Rita Santucci, a social worker in our district, passed away on November 21st.
Click on the link for her obituary:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/suffern-ny/rita-santucci-12628553
Condolences may be sent to the family at:
102 Fisher Rd.
Mahwah, NJ 07430
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Alert # 58
On behalf of the SRTC-SEA Executive Committee, we wish everyone a very
Happy Thanksgiving.
https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=07a2d81f-c01b-4437-8d56-5aced1db4e53&sbid=3466
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Alert # 57
The obituary for Emily Witt can be found by clicking on the link below:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/new-york-ny/emily-witt-12625914
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Alert # 56
As the holiday season approaches, many people choose to make charitable donations at this time.
The SRTC-SEA has supported the Christ Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen and the Community (formerly Sloatsburg) Food Pantry for a number of years. Below is the information if you choose to donate to either of these worthy causes.
Christ Church Soup Kitchen:
Make checks payable to “Christ Episcopal Church” (memo: Soup Kitchen) and mail to:
Joyce Nencetti
371 Heights Rd.
Wyckoff, NJ 07481
Community Food Pantry:
Make checks payable to “Community Food Pantry” (memo: Donation) and mail to:
Tom McTaggart
14 Waldron Terrace
Sloatsburg, NY 10974
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Alert # 55
Emily Witt, daughter of Wendy Witt (Special Ed), passed away yesterday. Emily was a SHS graduate. We have no further information at this time.
Condolences may be sent to Wendy at:
300 E. 71st St., Apt. 4-O
New York, NY 10021
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Alert # 54
To view the newest
issue of our Newsletter:
SRTC-SEA Retiree Connections
November/December, 2025, Volume 18 Issue 13
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Alert # 53
Dennis O’Connell, husband of Gloria O’Connell (HS nurse) passed away on October 23rd.
Services:
Wake: Edwards Funeral Parlor, Suffern, Tues. Oct. 28, 3-8PM
Funeral: Sacred Heart, Suffern, Wed. Oct. 29. 10:30AM
Condolences may be sent to the family at
39 West Gate Rd.
Suffern, NY 10901
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Alert # 52
Two emails were recently sent out from Matthew Chanowsky, secretary of the SEA with a link to the current SEA newsletter. The first email was missing the link; the second email had the link. We have learned that some people did not receive these emails (or received one, but not both), so we are resending it.
For anyone who did not receive an email, please check your junk/spam folder. Also, please add secretarysea22@gmail.com to your contacts.
For the SEA newsletter, please click on the attachment. (You may need to download the newsletter before reading it.)
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Alert # 51
Dues for the 2025-2026 year are now due:
Please send a check for $15 payable to SRTC-SEA to:
Judy Veltidi
35 Van Orden Ave.
Suffern, NY 10901
If you would like to donate to the Suffern Soup Kitchen or the Community Food Pantry, you may include checks for them.
For the Soup Kitchen:
Make checks payable to Christ Episcopal Church (memo: Soup Kitchen)
For the Community Food Pantry:
Make checks payable to: Community Food Pantry
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Alert # 50
Dave Silver (HS) passed away on October 7th. His obituary is available at:
https://www.quigleybros.com/memorials/david-silver/5646694/
Condolences may be sent to his family at:
11 Warren Ct.
Cornwall, NY 12518
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Alert # 49
John Hains, who retired from the HS in 1999, passed away on October 5, 2025.
A celebration of John’s life will be held in late spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to Legacy Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Condolences may be sent to:
Sue Ellen Hains
1001 Oppenheimer Dr.
Apt. 204
Los Alamos, NM 87544
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Alert # 48
Theresa Warner, mother of Dorothy Manzare (Cherry Lane) passed away on September 18th. A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 29th from 2:00-3:30 PM at the Moritz Funeral Home, 98 Route 303, Tappan, NY
Condolences may be sent to Dorothy at:
42 Tiedemann Ct.
Monroe, NY 10950
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Alert # 47
Bill Lathrop, a long-time administrator in our
district, passed away on September 23rd.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday,
October 18th at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church in
Ramsey.
Condolences may be sent to:
Dr. Kathleen Lathrop
118 Spook Rock Road
Montebello, NY 10901
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Alert # 46
To view the newest
issue of our Newsletter:
SRTC-SEA Retiree Connections
September/October, 2025, Volume 18 Issue 12
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Alert # 45
LAST CALL:
The deadline to RSVP for Fall Luncheon is September 19.
Click on this link for information regarding the Fall Luncheon.
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Alert # 44
Barbara Malone, a long-time teacher in our elementary schools passed away. Click on the link below for her obituary:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/suffern-ny/barbara-malone-12516152
Anyone wishing to send condolences to Barbara Malone’s family may send them to her daughter at the address below:
Sandy Lattanzio
234 Orchard Dr.
Monroe, NY 10950
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Alert # 43
REMINDER:
Fall Luncheon:
Our Fall Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, September 30 at Aqua Terra Grille in Pearl River. The deadline to RSVP is September 19. Please RSVP to Judy Veltidi at motherfrog@hotmail.com or by test at 845-642-7659. (Please be sure to include your name)
Dues:
Dues for the 2025-2026 year are now due. Checks for $15 payable to SRTC-SEA should be mailed to:
Judy Veltidi at:
35 Van Orden Ave.
Suffern, NY 10901
Donations:
Many people also choose to make donations to the Soup Kitchen and/or the Food Pantry at this time. Those checks may also be mailed to Judy (along with your dues). For the Soup Kitchen, checks should be made payable to Christ Episcopal Church (memo: Soup Kitchen). For the Food Pantry, checks should be made payable to Community Food Pantry.
File of Life:
The Executive Committee has invested in a program which we feel will directly impact our members. The program, File of Life, provides its users a way to gather important medical information,emergency contact in the event of an emergency, and a list of your medical doctors that you can keep with you and a larger packet that can be placed on your refrigerator in the event an ambulance or medi vac crew needs to transport you to a hospital if an emergency occurs from home.These packets will be free to all of our members who are up to date with their membership dues ($15). To receive your File of Life packets, just send a self addressed stamped business envelope ($.78 cent stamp), along with your dues and response to our Fall Luncheon (and any donation you wish to make to the Soup Kitchen or Food Pantry) to Judy Veltidi. Once received, Judy will mail your packet to you in the business envelope you supplied.
For those attending the Fall Luncheon,one will be provided to you.
Some members have mentioned that they have not received a mailing from us. We have decided not to send a paper mailing this year in order to save money. The cost of printing and postage is well over $400, and we felt contacting people via email was more cost effective. Thank you for understanding.
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Alert # 42
A memorial service for Anne Downs will be held on Saturday, September 6 from 1:30-2:15 at Wanamaker & Carlough, 177 Route 59, Suffern.
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Alert # 41
Anne Downs, a founding member of the SRTC-SEA and a long-time secretary of our chapter, has passed away.
Anne Marie Downs, a devoted wife, sister, teacher,
and friend, passed away leaving behind a legacy of
love, laughter, and learning.
Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home
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Alert #40
Since a number of people had problems opening our annual letter, we are sending it out again in a different format…hope this helps.
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Alert # 39:
Click on this link for information regarding the Fall Luncheon.
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Alert #38:
Please click on this link to view a message from Phil Lima: President' Corner