Nothing says summer like a day at the beach or a night at the ballpark—exactly the agenda for more than 100 fans who turned out for CEA’s Teacher Appreciation Day Party Deck at the Yard Goats home stadium July 11.
“After a strenuous school year, between fights for good legislation and the everyday pressures of being in the classroom, having a space where members can enjoy a ballgame and good food with friends and family gives us a chance to build community outside the teaching world and our union work—and just relax and enjoy a summer break that’s well-earned,” said CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey, who was on hand to greet members and welcome them to the annual event.
“We’ve always heard about what a fun night this is, and we decided to come out and try it,” said Farmington kindergarten teacher Jennifer Pearson, attending for the first time with her husband, a diehard Mets fan.
“We’ve never been to this venue before, and I thought it was a really cool opportunity to see the ballpark, watch a professional game, and just have a fun family day,” said Danbury creative writing teacher and fellow first-timer Keith Manning.
“We’ve been to Yard Goats games before but never as part an organized event like this,” said New Milford teacher and building rep Sara Divine. “I’m so glad CEA does this for us.”
On the calendar
For Waterbury fourth-grade teacher Jeff Rosado, it was the third year in a row for the outing with his wife and son.
“We come every year, because you can’t beat the seats or the price—we absolutely love it,” Rosado said. “We wouldn’t be able to afford this any other way, so we’re very appreciative of CEA.”
“It’s nice to be able to experience the party deck—we couldn’t otherwise, given the group size you need to have,” said Windsor Locks math teacher Mike Santanelli, also a third-timer attending with his wife. “I first heard about this from a coworker who’s now retired, and I’ve been coming ever since.”
CEA-Retired member Nick Molino has been to CEA’s Teacher Appreciation Day Party Deck with active and retired colleagues every year since its inception.
“I mark my calendar, so we never miss it!” the former Torrington teacher said. “We meet people we haven’t seen in a while, so it’s like a mini reunion. What a great way to get everyone together.”
“I enjoy baseball in general and getting together with CEA-Retired members I might not see in other contexts,” CEA-Retired Treasurer Karen DiMenna agreed. DiMenna, too, has been to every CEA-hosted party deck.
Double the fun
Oxford library media specialist Christine Zeiser had designs on spending her birthday at a Yard Goats game, and the party deck offered the perfect option—including hot food, soft drinks, cold salads, and more. Together with her husband, New Canaan music teacher Eric Zeiser, and their three-year old daughter, Jillian, they made it a family affair.
One of the Yard Goats themes that evening was Princess and Pirates Night, with free face painting—a draw for Jillian.
“We love the beautiful atmosphere, and what better way to celebrate than with our daughter and a great crowd of people,” Christine Zeiser said. “This is a birthday to remember!”
After maintaining the lead for the majority of the game, the Yard Goats ultimately lost to the Rumble Ponies after a seven-run rally in the eighth inning.
Discounted tickets are available to CEA members and their guests for upcoming games versus the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Somerset Patriots, August 1 and 22. Grab your seats while they’re available.
