By Rodney Lane, NJEA Communications consultant
The Bergen County Education Association (BCEA) held its 2024 ‘Family Gathering’ at Van Saun County Park in Paramus earlier this month. This amazing event was put together by the BCEA Family Gathering Committee led by Jill Burden, BCEA office manager, and BCEA President Sue McBride and hosted members from all over Bergen County and beyond, including NJEA Vice President Steve Beatty and NJEA Deputy Executive Director Denise Graff Policastro. The extravaganza featured multiple activities for everyone attending. There was food, face painting, pumpkins, music by the band Sweet Spot, vendor tables and lots of unifying conversation.
“Members are what it’s all about, so we make sure they know that there is space for them, that we embrace them and while they are here, we talk about the issues that matter,” said Beatty.
The atmosphere was electric, and smiles were everywhere. One of the highlights of the event was the Bubble Man. His shows engaged the children with mesmerizing bubble creations with funny interaction with youngsters. The face painting was a huge hit, and— of course— who can resist a cookout atmosphere that included a large variety of foods? Vendors included: It's Koffee Time, Jersey Joe's Barbecue, Empanada Lady, The Brownie Bar and Clyde's Ice Cream.
“We welcomed nearly 300 members and their families,” stated McBride. “It was an opportunity for members to come together and for us to say ‘thank you’ for the incredible work they do every single day on behalf of the public-school students of Bergen County.”
Numerous conversations centered around the upcoming elections and how important it is to support endorsed candidates who are pro-educators. Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Senator Nellie Pou, County Commissioners Tracy Silna Zur and Steve Tannelli, Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Assemblywoman Shama Haider, Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, Commissioner Mary Amoroso and County Executive Jim Tedesco all were in attendance.
“We had wonderful time celebrating the weather, celebrating our politics and celebrating our union,” said Valerie Johnson, Teaneck Township Education Association (TTEA) member and BCEA Chairperson for Members of Color.
The BCEA Family Gathering offered a unique balance of unionism, fun and community bonding in one setting. As public school employees navigate through their daily work, they are reminded of the importance of education, activism, and—most of all—family.
“We had a wonderful event for families to get together,” declared Rommy Buttafuuco, Hackensack Education Association (HEA) member and BCEA ESP representative. “We had pumpkins for the kids, face painting, sand art, food…we had it all!”
