Remember the good old days when employers and employees were like family? Well Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.H. took it a step further and kept retirees in the fold.
Back in 1990, Ollie Fifield, the president of the company at that time, formed an Association of Retired Employees. Gatherings were held in the spring and the fall as a way for retirees to keep in touch with one another and what was going on with their friends at the office. These initial gatherings were corporate-sponsored and were held in the cafeteria of 2 Pillsbury St.
By 2004, these gatherings included Quarter Century Club members, which were people who had worked at BCBSNH for 25 years, or more. Around that time, the corporate sponsorship ended but it had become such a vital organization that it was decided by the officers of ARE to continue the gatherings at a local restaurant. After a few years at the Cat ‘N’ Fiddle restaurant, the gatherings moved to the Red Blazer, in 2005, where they have been held ever since.
As time went on, membership was opened to anyone who ever worked at the Blues, or were still working there, So ARE became AREA when Associates were added. Associates from BCBS of Vermont were also included, since NH and VT were originally one plan. So, the final name of the association became BCBSNH-VT AREA.
At least two luncheons were held each year, and to accommodate those who were still working, there were even a few evening gatherings. There were also several gatherings in various Florida locations, since so many alumni became snowbirds.
Members paid for their own meals and paid very nominal annual dues to help defray mailing costs. Each gathering included a social time, a guest speaker/entertainment, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. And, of course, a great meal at a very reasonable price provided by the Red Blazer. For many years this was a very large function with well over 100 in attendance at each luncheon. However, as time went on, unfortunately many “senior” members passed on or couldn’t attend for health reasons, so attendance began to slowly decrease.
As all good things must come to an end, a group decision was made that the Sept. 14 luncheon would be our last. A plaque commemorating the many years of great service provided to our group was presented to Sarandis Karathanasis, one of the Blazer’s owners. Also, a special “thank you” goes out to the many retirees who served as officers or volunteered in helping to make the luncheons a huge success.
There were 60 people in attendance who voted on how to distribute the remaining funds in the Treasury after all expenses have been paid. The decision was to split the money between the two top-voted organizations. So, the Pope Memorial SPCA and the Friendly Kitchen will each receive a donation from BCBSNH-VT AREA in the amount of $1,500.