The second Thursday of each month is always a special time for retirees and former staff who served at Richfield Springs Central School and come to gather at the Tally-Ho Restaurant in Richfield Springs.

Retirees of Richfield Springs Central School meet for breakfast on the second Thursday of each month at the Tally Ho Restaurant. The group has joined forces with the present staff at RSCS to help with the leukemia research fundraisers of the spaghetti dinner on Friday, Feb.27 and the Donkey Basketball game on Saturday, Feb 28.  Pictured, from left, are Linda Ehlers, math; Gerry Crist, elementary; Sharon Tavern, elementary; Kathy Lakata, substitute; Mary Budro, secretary; Kathy Senko, elementary.  Pictured, in the second row, from left, are  Shirley Dreis, Chapter One reading; Becky Gretton, music; Sally McVinney Bush, math; Joan Klem, Health Office; Gary Parese, social studies; Andy Lakata, driver education/health; Gary Bush, music; Bruce Watson, elementary; Ike Cole, music.  Pictured, back row, from left are Larry Schoff, elementary; David Ehlers, social studies; Terry Crandall, principal; John Bussone, elementary; Ken Lawton, science. (Photo submitted)

“We still haven’t lost our connection to RSCS and things like helping with the leukemia initiative keeps us all connected,” offered John Bussone.

 Some live locally, others come from the Mohawk Valley or Cooperstown area. It’s never definite who will arrive, and while there the conversation is sure to include reminisces, recent family news, travel plans, laughter, and always updates on colleagues that live far away.  Get-well cards and notes of cheer are sometimes circulated for those present to sign and send to colleagues who need a lift.  It is a time to reconnect with friends and keep in touch with people who for years worked side by side during the school years.

The group has decided to lend a hand and help the present RSCS staff by purchasing and selling raffle tickets for the leukemia fundraisers that will honor former principal, Mary Tobin, and all those local families and residents who have dealt with a loved one battling leukemia.  

Former social studies teacher Gary Parese passed out raffle tickets for retirees to sell and the group has volunteered to assist with the spaghetti dinner on Friday, Feb. 27 from 4:30-7 p.m.  Cost of the spaghetti dinner is $5.50 for senior citizens, adults-$6.50, and students 5-12 will pay $4.50.  

A Chinese auction will run during the spaghetti dinner and continue the following day from 3 to 7:30 p.m.  The main event on Saturday is the Donkey Basketball game which will be held in the new gym beginning at 7 p.m.  

Local business people,  including Dr. Pam Lea DVM, pharmacist Jim Murphy of Kinney’s, Tammy Vezza of N.Y. Pizzeria, and Heather Teachout of the Tally Ho are among the donkey riders for the basketball game. Many local businesses have stepped up and contributed wonderful prizes for the Chinese auction.

Spaghetti dinner tickets are available at the door on Friday.  Pre-sale tickets for the Donkey Basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 28 are five dollars each and available at the school’s main office.

  Current science teacher Mary Weingates added, “The retirees of RSCS are the best.  It’s always a ‘hoot’ when they’re around.  It’s so good to have them helping with this effort to raise money for leukemia. Another great plus is that Thrivent Insurance Group for Lutherans is co-sponsoring the event and will contribute $600 towards this worthy cause. ”

Any retired RSCS staff members are welcome at the breakfasts and one doesn’t have to be a retiree of the school to attend, as indicated by Gary and Sally Bush who loyally attend the get-togethers. Both went on to retire from other schools but continue to share a love of the RSCS district.