Marian Bruns, President
February 8, 2024
It was another beautiful day at the William Walker Rec Center, Foster City
SFO members, associate members and guests attended with BYO lunches
Getting together with old friends and colleagues is always a pleasure.
Some of our most dedicated members.
The meeting was called to order by President Marian Bruns
Secretary Gayle Hardt read minutes from October 31st and recorded minutes of today's meeting
Treasurer Karen Kitt greeted members and gave the Treasurer's Report
Diane Roberts, the featured speaker, discussed retirement home information in the Bay Area
We had members from across the country in attendance.
Thanks to all who came - especially those from Hawai'i and Florida! Photos by Kirk Moore & Robina Ramm
HALLOWE'EN LUNCH October 31, 2023 William Walker Rec Center, Foster City
It was a great gathering for our fall, 2023, SFO RAFA meeting.
Secretary Gayle Hardt reads the minutes against the beautiful backdrop of Foster City lagoon.
Kristie Rivera, United AFA SFO council president - our guest speaker
Some of the Hallowe'en costume winners
The catered buffet lunch had us feeling very satisfied!
June 14, 2023 at the Hilltop picnic area, Leo J Ryan Park, Foster City
Our BYO picnic lunch turned into a splendid buffet of shared food, and the weather was very cooperative. Siegfried Markt's delicious cheesecake was a big hit - sorry you can't see all the goodies here!
Treasurer Karen Kitt, Secretary Gayle Hardt and President Marian Bruns lead the meeting. Marian said all RAFA members are invited to the 2023 RUAEA convention in San Diego Sep 29-Oct 4th and encouraged us to attend. UAL reps will be there to answer retiree questions about healthcare insurance, pass travel, etc. More info is here: https://ruaea.org/convention.asp
Gayle read the comprehensive minutes of our Winter 2023 meeting; they were approved. Karen reported the RAFA treasury is in excellent health and the 2023 dues drive will kick off this summer. She hopes most members will use the website to pay their dues although members can still pay by mailing a check; More information and links will be sent to members from admin@rafa-cwa.org.
We insisted our photographer be in at least one photo! Thank you, Kirk. February 13, 2023
Another beautiful day at the William Walker Rec Center, Foster City
Attendees are all smiles!
The meeting was called to order by RAFA SFO President Marian Bruns, minutes of our last meeting were read by Secretary Gayle Hardt and Treasurer Karen Kitt gave another favorable RAFA Treasury report.
The AFA Disaster Relief Fund Raffle Table RAFA SFO raised $145 for an excellent cause that benefits both actives and retirees
RAFA members wait to hear raffle winners! And here they are:
Gayle scored a UAL fuel tanker
Kirk won a classic blue & gold United aircraft mug
Keith was victorious with several United visors
Carol flew off with a porcelain jet coin bank, with real coins inside!
Lynn got a sweet little Valentine's Day orchid A great time was had by all, especially with the bountiful pot-luck buffet (sorry, no foodie pictures) and just hanging around, socializing! November 2, 2022
At the William Walker Rec Center; Leo J Ryan Park, Foster City
A pre-election "League of Women Voters Seminar" was given by Gayle Hardt
minutes of our last meeting were read by Secretary Gayle Hardt and Treasurer Karen Kitt gave a very favorable RAFA Treasury report. Below are some of the slides Gayle Hardt discussed before the our usual pot-luck luncheon. The facts and effects of all California state propositions were discussed.
The seminar provided good insight for RAFA members ahead of the midterm elections.
Photos courtesy of Kirk Moore, RAFA member. (Sorry, no photos of the lunch... it was too tasty to stop for pics!)
August 17, 2022 at the Hilltop picnic area, Leo J Ryan Park, Foster City
BYO Picnic with RUPA and RUAEA guests, and variable weather, was a success!
RAFA President Marian Bruns & Treasurer Karen Kitt lead the meeting. Structural changes adopted in AFA bylaws will make RAFA a more casual and socially focused group.
Special guest, RUPA President Don Wolfe, discussed the retiree groups' alliance, encouraged working together and will be attending the RUAEA San Diego convention in October. ALL members of RAFA, RUPA, ARECA , Clipped Wings and RUAEA are invited to San Diego! https://www.ruaea.org/convention.asp
Happy picnickers enjoy the BYO & shared lunch... always delicious.
It was great to get together, trade travel stories and summer adventures.
A savvy Robina Ramm brought an umbrella for an unexpected sprinkling. See you all in the FALL! February 9, 2022
At the William Walker Rec Center, Foster City
Gayle Hardt (Secretary) reads minutes from November meeting; Marian Bruns (President) looks on.
Officers from the Golden Gaters chapter of RUAEA were our guests to provide information on how their group operates. From left, Treasurer Peter, President Vera, and Secretary Ginger, also shared stories of their careers with UAL.
Some RAFA members in attendance, soon to enjoy a delicious potluck lunch! Sorry, no food pictures.
Our wonderful photographer expressed thanks to the officers of RAFA! November 15, 2021
At the William Walker Rec Center; Leo J Ryan Park, Foster City
We met inside the rec center, talked about healthcare, discussed joining forces with RUPA and RUAEA and had a delicious pot-luck luncheon. Our next meeting will be in February.
If you're happy and you know it :-)
Secretary Gayle Hardt, President Marian Bruns, and SFO RAFA photographer Kirk Moore. Photos by Kirk Moore and Robina Ramm
July 21, 2021 at the Hilltop picnic area, Leo J Ryan Park, Foster City
After a long hiatus, SFO RAFA gathered for a picnic by the lagoon. It was a perfect day and it was FANTASTIC to see everyone again!
Front row: Gayle Hardt (Secretary), Karen Kitt (Treasurer) and Marian Bruns (President)
Yes, this is way better than a zoom call!
After a quick setup (table cloths) Marian called the meeting to order....
Gayle read the minutes of the last meeting (17 months ago!), they were approved. Karen gave a brief Treasurer's report. Marian informed the members that London RAFA has re-activated! There will be a RAFA SFO meeting this Fall; so stay tuned...date & time TBA.
Sharing stories and sunscreen
See you at the next meeting this Fall!
At the William Walker Rec Center; Leo J Ryan Park, Foster City
Don Attix, member of RAFA and the Sugar Bowl ski patrol treated us to an invaluable review of emergency medical care and CPR
After the demonstration we enjoyed some very tasty catered sandwiches.
At the William Walker Rec Center; Leo J Ryan Park, Foster City
The meeting was short on business and long on socializing!
On left are the newly elected officers at RAFA SFO: Marian Bruns, president, Karen Kitt,
Marian Bruns presented Kirk Moore with a clock engraved "RAFA loves Kirk", to thank him for all
 August 21, 2019 At the William Walker Rec Center; Leo J Ryan Park, Foster City
A delicious potluck luncheon followed members' decision to KEEP SFO RAFA going! IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure RAFA has your correct SNAIL MAIL address! In early September all election forms (followed by ballots) will be sent to paid-up SFO members via US Mail. If you're not sure, please email your current US Postal Mail address A.S.A.P. to SFO RAFA Secretary Marian Bruns; mebflier@aol.com
Loyal SFO RAFA members enjoying the perfect day and tasty lunch
Yes, we mentioned the food was DELICIOUS (and plentiful)! :-) Many thanks to all who contributed!  
A delicious luncheon of chicken / salmon seasoned by great conversations of mid-term election outcomes, future travel plans and busy retiree lives..... It was well worth $10 just to see everyone!!!
Marian ran a brief meeting (in Cicina's absence) with Membership and Travel Benefits reports, then we ate!
Happy Holidays to all... see ya next year!
August 29, 2018
  
It was perfect picnic weather at Leo J Ryan Park in Foster City!
Marian Bruns read the minutes from our May meeting then....
Karen Kitt announced the upcoming RAFA membership dues drive will done online
(we'll be able to update our contact info online and can pay with credit cards).
Kirk Moore mentioned there are all kinds of new discounts for retirees on FlyingTogether>EmployeeServices>MyRewards>EmployeeDiscounts.
SFO RAFA's Gratitude Luncheon in November was also discussed and it was decided that
those who wish to attend will be asked to send a $10 deposit to hold their spot for the lunch;
the remainder of the cost will be absorbed by the SFO RAFA treasury.
Any no-shows will forfeit their deposit.
Finally, the need for more volunteers to help RAFA officers was brought up again and
RAFA needs more NEW members!
Then it was potluck lunch time... yummy!
    
At the IAM HALL in Burlingame
Nicole Fernandez, training and outreach specialist for the
Elder and Dependent Adult Protection Team (EDAPT) of San Mateo County,
gave us a very informative presentation about SCAMS that affect seniors.
Seniors in the USA lose $36 BILLION every year to financial abuse!
The average loss is $120,000 per person.
90% of scammers are either family members or caregivers = someone you know.
Over 200 million people in the US have had their personal info exposed by security breaches at
Equifax and other break-ins... so we must be vigilant!
Nicole told us about "tech support scams", "imposter scams", "help, I'm stuck abroad scams",
"sweetheart scams", "medicare card fee scams" & "sweepstakes processing fee scams".
IF you experience or suspect a scam, or any kind of elder abuse call the
HOTLINE: 1-800-675-8437
or visit: https://www.smchealth.org/elderabuse
EDAPT is a collaboration between San Mateo County's Aging and Adult Services division,
District Attorney's Office, County Counsel's Office, and local law enforcement tasked with
preventing and prosecuting elder and dependent adult abuse.
SFO RAFA President, Cicina Norton, with Nicole Fernandez
Before Nicole's presentation we had a regular council meeting and SFO RAFA's new treasurer, Donna Sesock-Miller, gave a report.
Karen Kitt (RAFA Intl membership chairperson) encouraged all members to put admin@RAFA-CWA.org in their contact
lists so RAFA can keep in touch and you may pay your $15 dues online this summer.
Kirk Moore reported the NEW Flying Together website will go live on May 28th.
He has put IMPORTANT LINKS to help you navigate around the NEW Flying Together website here:
<<<< Or look in the left column: Travel Benefits > Important Links
 
STROKE is an EMERGENCY! Act FAST and CALL 911.
FAST= Face (look for uneven smile) Arm (check if one arm is weak),
Speech (listen for slurred speech) Time (call 911 RIGHT AWAY!).
Once again the Pacific Stroke Association gave RAFA SFO an excellent presentation.
Rezvan Moghaddam and her assistant (Tammy Lee) came from the PSA and Jenny Im, RN,
the Director of the Neuroscience and Orthodpedic Service Line at Mills Peninsula Hospital
walked us through the facts and actions to take with strokes.
Go to their website for valuable information:
Then Janel Jurosky, RN, from the Nursing Educator of "Wise & Well"
and "Diabetes Empowerment Education Programs" at MPH told us about the free screenings for seniors.
There will be 6 free screenings in March for San Mateo County. More info here:
The DEEP program (Diabetes Empowerment Education Program) info is here:
21 SFO RAFA members, one active F/A and 7 guests attended:
Rezvan begins the seminar.
Rezvan, Jenny and Janel had outstanding (and potentially life-saving) information
 
Left to right: Tammy Lee, Jenny Im, Janel Jurosky, Cicina Norton, Rezvan Moghaddam and Marian Bruns:
After the seminar we had a SFO Council meeting and then adjourned for
an absolutely delicious pot luck luncheon. Many thanks to all who contributed!!!
 
Photos by Wm Kirk Moore
RAFA SFO VP Donna Sesock-Miller and President Cicina Norton
SFO Secretary, Marian Bruns, reads the minutes from our last meeting (Summer Picnic)
Kathy Adams, RAFA SFO Treasurer, gave a financial report and announced she would be retiring on 12/31/17
SFO RAFA leaders gave Kathy an award and Certificate of Appreciation for her many years of service.
The good news is she will continue as a loyal RAFA member.
THANK YOU KATHY ADAMS!!!
50 RAFA SFO members & associates attended the meeting and delicious complimentary lunch:
     
Before lunch was served, Kirk Moore (Travel Benefits Chairperson), reported that retirees
will be able to switch their Enrolled Friends twice a year in 2018 (more info HERE).
Imputed Tax collection on travel by our Domestic Partners and Enrolled Friends will change in 2018 from
 
Also before lunch, Stan Kiino, San Francisco AFA council Vice President, spoke about the value
of our retiree organization and predicted it would grow in the future.
Kathy Adams had reported SFO RAFA had added 49 new members this year!
Finally, Donna Sesock-Miller gave an informative PowerPoint presentation
on the health and wellness effects of our flying careers.
Then everyone enjoyed the Basque Cultural Center's salmon or veal luncheon.
2017
August 15th; another gorgeous day!
SFO RAFA members and spouses at our annual picnic; Leo J Ryan Park, Foster City, CA.
Sunshine, umbrellas and a tasty potluck luncheon.
SFO RAFA Officers: L-R: Marian Bruns, Secretary; Cicina Norton, President; Donna Sesock-Miller, Vice-Pres
Besides a Pass Travel Report by Kirk Moore (in Hawaiian shirt), we discussed SFO RAFA business and:
1) The upcoming RUAEA convention in Las Vegas September 25-28th; sign up for hotel by August 30th!
2) United Airlines Family Day at SFO maintenance center October 8th; retirees are welcome.
3) History of United Airlines exhibit in SFO Terminal 3 departures thru 4/3/2018.
4) Harvard School of Public Health FLIGHT ATTENDANT HEALTH study results.
 
Retired with smiles!
 
Cicina Norton lead the meeting in the Foster City Parks & Rec "Mist Room".
Our speakers were:
 
Samuel Scott and Alice Hoagland
Samuel Scott, aviation curator at the SFO Museum, is planning a "Freedom Bird" exhibition in 2018-2019 that will depict
MAC charter operations during the Viet Nam War. He would welcome any personal stories, photographs, news clippings, or souvenir items that might be contributed by retirees who worked on those flights. If you or someone you know worked those MAC charters contact Scott right away!
Click this link for more info: Freedom Bird Exhibition. Contact Scott here: samuel.scott@flysfo.com
Following Samuel's presentation we watched a very moving video "The Rugby Player" about Mark Bingham, who was killed in the crash of UA Flight 93 on 9/11/2001. After the movie Alice Hoagland talked about her son (Mark Bingham), the movie and answered questions. We were honored to see the movie and hear her speak.
Here is a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IhSM3OMZ-o
After the presentations we all enjoyed a yummy self-catered lunch.   Pacific Stroke Association presentation and free lunch at the IAM Hall. Both RAFA members and IAM retirees attended; approximately 50 folks. RAFA thanks the retirees of IAM Local Lodge 1781 for setting up the lunch for us; especially Barbara Underhill!
Annie O'Donnell (PSA program director) introduces Dr. Peter Nelson
  
Dr Peter Nelson, a stroke survivor and doctor, gave the presentation.
Most important: STROKE is an EMERGENCY! Act FAST and CALL 911.
FAST= Face (look for uneven smile) Arm (check if one arm is weak),
Speech (listen for slurred speech) Time (call 911 RIGHT AWAY!).
More info here: www.PacificStrokeAssociation.org
Following the invaluable stroke information RAFA SFO held our quarterly meeting
Marian Bruns read the minutes of our last meeting (the Gratitude Luncheon, scroll further down to see those pictures)
Cicina Norton (President) suggested RAFA make a donation to the Pacific Stroke Association; $250 was approved.
After a Pass Travel report by Kirk Moore,
Cicina Norton and Donna Sesock Miller (VP) lead discussions about a RAFA SFO Facebook page
Finally, we all enjoyed a free lasagne & salad lunch (another "perk" of being RAFA members) & cookies supplied by the IAM!
Unfortunately the photographer was too busy eating to snap any photographs! :-)
Free lunch & a little "post-election therapy" for over 50 retirees as a thank you for being RAFA members.
    
SFO Officers, L-R: VP Donna Sesock-Miller, Treasurer Kathy Adams, President Cicina Norton, Secretary Marian Bruns
The delicious lunch was accompanied by an informative parade of speakers.
Each spoke about their roles in AFA / RAFA and the importance and accomplishments of our unions.
Donna Sesock-Miller Georgia Nielsen Diane Robertson
Kathy Hutchens Kaitlin White Stan Kiino
Many thanks to: Cicina Norton, President, SFO RAFA Donna Sesock-Miller, Vice-President SFO RAFA Georgia Nielsen, Secretary, United Historical Foundation; co-founder / past-President of RAFA International Diane Robertson, former Master Executive Council President of AFA Kathy Hutchens former AFA grievance committee Kaitlin White, President AFA Council 11 (SFO) Stan Kiino, Secretary AFA Council 11 (SFO)
Kirk Moore with RAFA "Gypsies", Doris & Wes Watkins
2016
August 16th was a gorgeous day!
SFO President Cicina Norton called the meeting to order at Leo Ryan Park, Foster City:
Marian Bruns read the minutes, Kathy Adams gave a treasurer's report, Karen Kitt gave a membership report:
  
SFO RAFA was out in force!
And yes, it's all about our world-famous self-catered lunch buffet!!
  
Yummy! If you weren't there, you should have been!
  
Kirk Moore (standing in white shirt) gave the 90 minute presentation about Other Airline Travel and myUAdiscount
The meeting was hosted by the IAM and over 100 RAFA members PLUS lots of IAM retirees attended
The IAM served a delicious lasagne lunch after the seminar, enjoyed by all!
RAFA rabble-rouser, Donna Sesock-Miller, waves for the camera
RAFA members chow down; all are now ready to buy ZEDs on Other Airlines!
Photos by Karen Kitt
  
RAFA SFO President Cicina Norton called the meeting to order at the IAM Hall in Burlingame
RAFA Travel Benefits committee chair, Kirk Moore, projects the seminar for all to see. With IAM member guests, active flight attendants and RAFA members, over 110 retirees attended!
The 2 1/2 hour seminar included United's Pass Travel policy and an online tour of FlyingTogether, YBR, the Travel page, employeeRES and listing for flights.
RAFA's "World Famous Potluck" luncheon was enjoyed by all after the seminar.
Photos by Karen Kitt
   
RAFA pickets with AFA and other unions to bring awareness about lack of contract!
Pictured below, L-R: Cicina Norton, Chris Black, Kirk Moore, Stan Kino; Carl Finamore (IAM retiree) in red.
 
with Dr. Eveline Stock and Riya Jacob from the UCSF-Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute
FAMRI researcher Riya Jacob presented slides about the program.
Dr Eveline Stock from the UCSF Cardiovascular Care Center and Riya Jacob, research coordinator at UCSF-FAMRI Bland Lane Center at Mission Bay, told us about the clinical trials they conduct to determine the long-term effects of second hand smoke and other career related exposures experienced by flight attendants. They urged any retirees who had been in for testing in the past to consider coming in again so that a time-line can be formed of the possible development of health problems with age. Dr. Stock also reported on new studies to measure blood vessel health and its relationship to heart disease, as well as reproductive health of those exposed to second hand smoke and radiation. Dr. Stock shared some fascinating data and answered questions by retirees. Flight attendants (active or retired) who would like to participate in the trials should contact Riya Jacob by visiting this website: www.tobacco.ucsf.edu/FAMRIclinic or calling 415-412-0872 or emailing riya.jacob@ucsf.edu
What is FAMRI?
The Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute was formed as part of the resolution of a 1991 class action lawsuit in Florida. The $300 million settlement with the tobacco industry benefited non-smoking flight attendants whose health was damaged from exposure to tobacco smoke in airline cabins. FAMRI's mission is to sponsor scientific and medical research for the early detection, prevention, treatment, and cure of diseases and medical conditions caused by exposure to second hand tobacco smoke.
FAMRI is an independent not-for-profit foundation. Flight attendants comprise the majority of its Board of Trustees. Since 2001, FAMRI has donated more than $30 million to support researchers at UCSF. The FAMRI Bland Lane Center of Excellence on Second Hand Smoke at UCSF consists of a research clinic and scientists conducting research in areas of second hand smoke and pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, exposure assessment, health, economics, and public policy. 
L-R: Karen Kitt (SFO VP & Intl. Membership Chair), Dr. Eveline Stock,
Marian Bruns (SFO Sec. & Intl Sec-Treasurer) and Riya Jacob
 
Over 20 SFO RAFA members attended, then most stayed to enjoy a delicious potluck buffet luncheon.
SFO RAFA hosted a free lunch to thank members for their support over the years.
Cicina Norton (SFO RAFA President) acknowledges the work of Georgia Nielsen (one of RAFA's founders).
 
Over 45 RAFA members attended the luncheon in San Bruno.
 
L-R: Karen Kitt (SFO VP) and Marian Bruns (International Sec-Treasurer) with Helga Wiench. Special guests from
the IAM (Mr. & Mrs. Underhill) and AFA (Stan Kiino, SFO council rep, & Chris Black, SFO LEC President).
Chris gave us the latest info on joint contract negotiations, SFO 787 flying and other AFA news.
Good food, fun conversations and terrific smiles! A fine time was had by ALL!
          Georgia received a well-deserved round of applause.
2015
Our August 12th picnic/meeting was well attended and the "World Famous Potluck"
lunch was absolutely delicious!
 
Good company, good food, and good information shared -
all that was missing was a bit more shade from the sun!
Day of Action at SFO RAFA supported AFA's Global Day of Action on July 16, 2015 by picketing at the airport. The turnout was impressive! Don't miss more pictures on our News/Recent Events tab (in the left column).
May 2015 SFO Meeting Medicare Insurance! Our guest speaker was Diane Caredeuc from HICAP (California Health Care Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program). Their web address is http://www.cahealthadvocates.org/basics/index.html Ms.Caredeuc presented information regarding Medicare insurance that helped answer the question: "How do I determine which is the best insurance coverage at the best possible price?" This was especially valuable for people turning 65 who are signing up for Medicare and/or for seniors who encounter Medicare fraud. Use the website above and call 1-800-434-0222 to find the HICAP office in your area of California. Similar Medicare help is available for all 50 states here: http://www.shiptacenter.org
WWGD? What would Georgia do? Shirts are presented at the SFO RAFA meeting on February 10, 2015 where a fond farewell was said to outgoing RAFA International President, Georgia Nielsen
From L-R: Cicina Norton (new RAFA International President), Georgia Nielsen (outgoing RAFA Intl President), Marian Bruns (new RAFA International Secretary-Treasurer), Kathy Adams (SFO RAFA Treasurer) and Karen Kitt (SFO RAFA Vice-President & Membership Chair). SFO Airport Event (new United terminal opens) 2014 2013 News and photos
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The meeting was called to order by RAFA SFO President Marian Bruns,
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