PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Message from Daryl Buhrman:

 Hello everyone. I’m still here and my usual obnoxious self. I’m going through immunotherapy and it kicks me in the butt a bit, but it’s keeping me alive and for that I am grateful. I want to be here for my family and all of you for a while yet!

· Please join us at our holiday celebration on December 17th. Spouses/significant others are welcome! 

· I would like to wish everyone a Happy Hannukah, Merry Christmas and a Wonderful Kwanzaa. If you dare to go out on New Year’s Eve, be safe and have a drink for me.

· The BRPBA recently made a nice donation to Tunnels to Towers. If you are unfamiliar with who they are, the Tunnels to Towers Foundation was established in memory of Stephen Siller, a firefighter who lost his life during the 9/11 attacks. The foundation aims to support the families of fallen first responders and veterans, particularly those who have been catastrophically injured. We were honored to gift such a worthwhile organization.

· We have started a scholarship fund (more on this inside newsletter) and will be up and running by June 2026. If anyone would like to donate to this, you can send a check to our Bel Air post office box at P.O. Box 935, Bel Air, 21014. Please earmark it for the scholarship fund. 

· The BRPBA will also be doing their usual at the holidays, gifting a few widows in need with some financial help for dinner. This year, I’m sure it will be appreciated.

· I’m reaching out to all of you to help us. We need new members. The younger generation just doesn’t like to join organizations. Or maybe it’s just that we need to move into the 21st century? Offer something different for them? We need ideas and we hope you can help us sign up new people. Remember, for every person you sign up, you get a $50.00 signers’ bonus from the BRPBA. This organization is way too important for our retirees to just let it falter. Can you help?

· As of January 1, 2026, Baltimore City’s death benefit will go from $7,000 to $10,000. 

· Just in case you were wondering, our administrative secretary, Karen Raffensparger, (not to be confused with Executive Secretary, Kathy Conrad), continues to have cancer-free CT scans. She’s thankful for every day she is gifted with. And she wanted me to let you know she has appreciated your support over the last three years.

· As we normally do, we will be gifting two charities in December. Like last year, we will send a donation to Tikva House and Ronald McDonald House.

· And lastly, and sadly, for those of you who are out of town and did not know, I have to report that the old Northern District building suffered significant fire damage on 11/10/2025. It was sad to see such a historical place meet its demise.