Led by New York State United Teachers President Dick Iannuzzi, the statewide union was omnipresent as the gates swung open to the annual New York State Fair.
As fighter jets soared information over the expansive Syracuse fairgrounds, Iannuzzi stood alongside Gov. David Paterson and a host of other dignitaries during an early-morning ceremony at which the governor officially kicked off the start of this year's fair.
The NYSUT booth was buzzing with activity Thursday as officers and other volunteers passed out school supplies and informational brochures. Posing for a group photo are (from left) Solvay ELA Content Specialist Doreen Merola, Regional Staff Director of Syracuse Chris Colabello, NYSUT Secretary-treasurer Lee Cutler, NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi, Solvay language teacher Nancy Pasquale and NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira. Photo by Lauren Long.
Joining Iannuzzi on opening day were NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira and Secretary-Treasurer Lee Cutler.
All three union officers helped staff NYSUT's busy booth inside the fairground's Center of Progress building, where they greeted and met with union members, and handed out to fairgoers souvenirs such as, rulers, pencils and brochures covering a wide-range of educational issues.
NYSUT's presence at the state fair will remain throughout the duration of the event, which ends Sept. 7.
Members from 12 Syracuse-area local unions will be taking turns working the NYSUT booth throughout the 12-day fair.