Greetings:

As I begin my term as the President of the Anne Arundel Retired School Personnel Association, I think that it is very important to remind both our members and our potential members that the next couple years are probably going to be some of the most critical years in our organization's history. With the economy struggling, resulting in our State legislature looking at every way possible to balance the budget, it is going to be critical that we retirees are vigilant in monitoring their actions. AARSPA, and our parent organization, the Maryland Retired School Personnel Association (MRSPA), will be working tirelessly to share our thoughts and needs with the political decision-makers in Annapolis. Similarly, we must keep cognizant of the fact that our Board of Education pays a significant portion of our medical benefits and that anything that cuts into its budget as a result of the legislature's efforts to address the pension sustainability has potential implications on the amount of funds available to pay the medical insurance fees. If for no other reason, this is why you should be actively involved in AARSPA and MRSPA. It is critical that all school system retirees become actively involved in these two organizations and give the leadership of both organizations guidance and support as we attempt to navigate through these worrisome times.

I urge you to become active members of both AARSPA and MRSPA. Lend your support, your knowledge, and your expertise to our organizations and their leadership. Come join us at one of our luncheons and learn what we are doing to support you in your retirement while touching base with others who have moved into this new and exciting time of our lives. Check out our website, and in particular, The Informer, our newsletter for specific dates and times of our luncheons as well as a wealth of other important information. Volunteer your time and knowledge on one or more of the numerous committees that are part of AARSPA and MRSPA.

In closing, I just would like to reiterate how important that it is for those folks who have recently retired to become actively involved in AARSPA and MRSPA for it is you who will either reap the benefit or suffer the consequences the greatest length of time if we are not attentive and active. I look forward to having you join the Executive Board and me as we navigate through this next year and beyond.

Bob Kanach

AARSPA President