oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:58 PM Page 1

Logan: Bad Recipe for Renewal Schools. P.2 Cannizzaro: Don’t Eliminate Suspensions. P.4

Jan. 2016 Volume 49, Number 5 American Federation NEWS of School Administrators, COUNCIL OF SCHOOL SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AFL-CIO Local 1 CSA’s PAC: NY City Government Offers Ensuring Peanuts to ECE Members Our Voices BY CLEM RICHARDSON amount, and there is little optimism AND CHUCK WILBANKS ‘It has been a decade about how much the box actually holds. The most concrete offering so far from Are Heard CSA’s efforts to get a contract and a now with no wage the de Blasio administration has been a raise for Early Childhood Education (ECE) one-time, 2.5 percent cost of living members continued through the end of increase, no contract.’ increase, or COLA, to ECE members. BY MARIA SMITH 2015, but a recalcitrant city government While DC 1707, which represents many has offered little that educators and their Early Childhood employees, decided to CSA officers frequently encourage unions can accept. Community Affairs Commissioner accept the COLA as it continues to seek members to donate to the union’s polit- Union officers and Early Childhood Marco Carrión, himself a former commu- a more substantial deal, CSA has rejected ical action committee. Why? What is it members, as well as management, had nity organizer, had little to say on the the offer as a nearly meaningless distrac- for? In the face of giant, well-funded high hopes that the city would present a issue during his minute-long talk in CSA’s tion. lobbying efforts by opponents of organ- meaningful proposal for a raise and a Founders Hall, other than to reiterate a In fact, 1707 members were openly ized labor and those committed to contract at a pivotal meeting held just vague support for ECE members, who calling for a strike at a Dec. meeting, “reforming” public education, is such before Christmas at the Office of Labor have worked for a decade without a con- according to people who were present. an effort even worth it? Here are some Relations. They were disappointed. tract or wage increase. CSA President Ernest Logan, Executive answers to those questions. Similarly, a meeting of CSA ECE members The Office of Labor Relations Vice President Mark Cannizzaro, First Vice The CSA Political Action Committee Dec. 11 had been billed as a chance to Commissioner Bob Lynn has said there President Randi Herman, CSA General (PAC) is the union’s non-partisan polit- hear City officials discuss the group’s long is an “economic box” for ECE members, Counsel David Grandwetter, and Assistant ical action fund. It’s an important tool overdue contract. That too was a letdown. but has not been forthcoming with an Continued on Page 5 CSA uses to ensure our elected officials represent our need for strong educa- tional policies, competitive salaries, ade- quate pension funding and smart class- room practices. The ‘Greening’ of Greenpoint Since federal law prohibits union funds being used to support political Continued on Page 5 Ecological Program Launched in 4 Brooklyn Schools

BY MARIA SMITH

“Greenpoint Eco-Schools,” a major conservation and recycling program launched in four Brooklyn schools last fall, is the latest step forward in reclaiming the neighborhood from one of the worst envi- ronmental disasters in US history. The pro- gram’s announcement was held in the PS 31 schoolyard with educators, students, parents, community members and guests including Chancellor Carmen Farina and Retiree NYS Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The environmental program, overseen by the National Wildlife Federation in MARIA SMITH Chapter cooperation with the DOE, is funded with n PS 31 celebrated the new program in their schoolyard on Nov. 31 with ecological a $1.75 million grant from a $25 million exhibits, demonstrations, free apple cider and doughnuts. settlement obtained from ExxonMobil in Spring 2010. The New York State Attorney ing a full-time “sustainability coach. ” and studying the marine biology and General’s office sued the oil giant in 2007 “What we are doing is taking money monitoring the pollution of nearby for leaking millions of gallons of oil and from one of the worst environmental dis- Newtown Creek. contaminants into nearby Newtown asters in America to create the next gen- Building sustainability is another goal Program Creek for more than 50 years. The oil eration of environmental stewards,” said of the program. Each school is aiming to giant also agreed to clean up the damage Mr. Schneiderman. reduce waste by 25 percent, decrease 8-PAGE PULLOUT caused by the underground spill. Indeed, before the ceremony began, energy use by 10 percent, and reduce Settlement funds have been dispersed guests watched as 8th-graders observed water usage by five percent annually. SECTION to improve Greenpoint’s environment, mitosis through individual microscopes, “We are able to incorporate environ- through competitive grants such as the paid for courtesy of the settlement funds. mental studies with concrete math, sci- (in Centerfold) DOE proposal. MS 126 students recently built model ence and technology lessons,” said PS31 With the award, local schools PS 31, truss bridges to replace the crumbling Principal Mary Scarlato. “This program PS 34, PS 110 and MS 126 – now have a Kosciusko Bridge over Newtown Creek. not only benefits students but the whole robust environmental curriculum includ- Students are monitoring the pollution Greenpoint community.” Workers Tell Queens School Deductibles Remembering Energy Business Their Stories ‘Rewarded’ Reset in 2016 Irving Natter Scholarship 3 4 6 7 8 oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:58 PM Page 2

2 CSA NEWS Jan. 2016

PRESIDENT’S PAGE What Happened to the Promise? Council of School Supervisors & Administrators The Renewal Schools Plan is a Bad Recipe By Ernest A. Logan American Federation of School Administrators, AFL-CIO, Local 1 hen Chancellor Fariña 360 degrees, but that isn’t all. While the 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006 Phone: (212) 823-2020 included “trust and a sup- Renewal Principals are doing all this paper- Fax: (212) 962-6130 portive environment” work, they are also being pulled out of their www.csa-nyc.org among her metrics for the schools to DOE and District meetings President city’s 94 Renewal Schools, designed specifically for Renewal Schools. Ernest A. Logan Wyou didn’t find me laughing at her “soft sen- And while in their schools, they are com- Executive Vice President timentality.” After years of being flagellated monly called on to entertain various visiting Mark Cannizzaro by the corporate types at Tweed, educators monitors who want to discuss data from the First Vice President Randi Herman, Ed.D welcomed her promise of “collaboration, not aforementioned alphabet soup. Treasurer competition” and “a culture of continuous At the same time, they are required to Henry Rubio learning and trust.” They were crying out for make sure their schools provide rigorous Secretary respect. Their morale had to be restored if instruction. To help with this, they were sup- Sandy DiTrapani the overall system was to move forward and posed to be supported by a Leadership Vice Presidents the most troubled schools were to succeed. Coach and/or Ambassador AP to fill the Debra Handler Lois Lee It wasn’t easy for me to speak out last year voids. This was to happen in Sept. The Chris Ogno about how glacially the city was moving on a “ambassadors” would be educators who Ronald Williams plan for these struggling schools. It wasn’t would introduce best practices from their Nancy Russo, Retiree Chapter easy for me to tell you in Nov. about how the own schools. To date, only one Ambassador Executive Director Operations belated plan was already faltering. Right AP has been placed in a Renewal School. Erminia Claudio now, it’s actually painful for me to let you know I think this A few coaches have recently appeared, but their roles have General Counsel David Grandwetter School Renewal Plan could be headed for the dead letter file at been perverted. Coaches were to be experienced educators who Comptroller Tweed, which could soon become as bloated as the one they could support Principals as professional colleagues. Instead of Phil Fodera had on Livingston Street. being confidential supports of the Principal, some have been CSA voiced uncompromising support of a Chancellor who turned into accountability officers, engaged in public shaming Executive Director Field Services came out of our ranks and a Mayor devoted to an agenda of Sana Q. Nasser equity. When it came to the hard work of turning around our Field Directors lowest-performing schools, we applauded their campaign to To keep a challenging initiative on Juanita Bass, Stephen Bennett, bring together school leaders, teachers and community part- Mildred Boyce, James Harrigan, Christine Martin, Daisy O’Gorman, ners to transform these schools into community schools that track requires focus and clarity, a Mercedes Qualls would provide a quality education for each student. Assistant Field Directors But to keep such a challenging initiative on track requires streamlined process, and trust. Eleanor Andrew, Mauro Bressi, Laverne Burrowes, Kenneth Llinas focus and clarity, a streamlined process and principal discre- Charles Dluzniewski, Nancy Esposito, tion. Sadly, in the timeworn tradition of the DOE, there are so Aura Gangemi, Ellie Greenberg, many cooks running around the kitchen, the chefs don’t know Ray Gregory, Robert Jeanette, Kate Leonard, Monica McDonald, what kind of dish they’re concocting. So many ingredients and denigrating of Principals to the Chancellor. This has pro- Dorothy Morris, Ralph Santiago, have been tossed into the Renewal recipe, all we have is a duced massive mistrust. CSA was supposed to be providing Shelli Sklar, Wanda Soto, MaryAnn Tucker, George Young recipe for disaster. some of these coaches through ELI, our PD unit, but in Dec. I • • • withdrew from the program because of the DOE’s bad faith. Grievance Director Throughout the system, there is now a shocking lack of Robert J. Reich The education of children isn’t the priority here; paperwork Principal discretion. For Renewal Principals, the situation is Assistant Directors is. Renewal School Principals are required to create and/or be even worse. They’ve been denied the discretion to choose, Carol Atkins, Robert Colon, evaluated on an alphabet soup of diagnostic and accountability guide or evaluate the CBOs that are partnering with them. If Jermaine Garden, Marlene Lazar, Ph.D, Steve Rosen tools that include an RSCEP and a QR, and then to analyze data the DOE doesn’t make clear that CBOs are not free agents, but from the AIR, the DTSDE and so on. They are also asked to align are accountable to school leaders and leadership teams, the Director of Communications Clem Richardson the RSCEP to the FGS and enter something called the HEDI rat- School Renewal Program will fall apart sooner rather than later. Assistant Director of Communications ings for each SOP. I won’t bother to translate! You get it. Speaking of discretion, Principals are frequently being chal- Corey Bachman The ingredients in this brew would make anyone’s head spin lenged for setting teacher standards, and while this is also hap- Director of Political Affairs pening in all kinds of schools, it is partic- Herman Merritt ularly harmful in Renewal Schools. For Assistant Director of Political Affairs Visiting Southern RC Members things like rating their teachers “in need Gabe Gallucci of improvement,” they are often sub- Assistant Director jected to anonymous allegations and John Khani must take time out from school to defend Special Assistant to President Gary Goldstein themselves at investigations, including CSA Conference Chair against a new charge classified as a “proce- Pierre Lehmuller dural violation.” Such a violation can be CSA Historian leveled on a Principal who spent 13 Manfred Korman instead of 15 minutes at an observation. CSA Retiree Chapter Gayle Lockett, Chair • • • Mark Brodsky, Director t the beginning of her tenure, the Chancellor called for “common CSA NEWS Asense.” I don’t know if she started Editor Chuck Wilbanks out with a sensible Renewal Plan and then Associate Editor Maria Smith the career educrats at Tweed complicated Design Consultant Michele Pacheco it. Or maybe the Mayor, looking through Production Assistant Christine Altman his political lens, decided that what looked best to his constituents was more important than what worked best for the CSA News (004-532) is published children. For their own good and every- monthly except July and August for one else’s, I hope they both step back and $35 per year per member by CSA, 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006. Periodical JAMBREY CLINKSCALE take a hard look at their teetering cre- postage paid at Manhattan, NY, and n CSA President Ernest Logan enjoying a productive dinner and meeting in Savannah ation. When you build a new structure additional mailing offices. POSTMAS- that’s so top-heavy and full of holes, you TER: Send address changes to CSA with members of the Georgia and Carolinas Retiree Unit in Dec. From Left: Iris Berkel, News, 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006. Jambrey Clinkscale, Gwen Clinkscale, Melba Parks, Mr. Logan, Althea Serrant. can end up buried under the weight of your good intentions. oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:58 PM Page 3

Jan. 2016 CSA NEWS 3

LEGISLATION COMING EVENTS Events are at CSA’s Manhattan President Obama Signs Every Headquarters, 40 Rector Street ( unless otherwise noted. )

Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) JAN 12, 8 AM: SBISI, Series 1, Day 4 BY MARIA SMITH JAN 13, 10 AM: The saying goes that the devil is in the details: with more than 1,000 pages in the newly signed Every Student Succeeds Chancellor’s Act (ESSA), one can only hope that what’s planned actually Consultation happens. Signed into law by President Obama in Dec., ESSA replaces JAN 20, 3:30 PM: the 2002 “No Child Left Behind,” legislation signed into law NYCESPA Executive by then President Bush. ESSA provides a roadmap for states Board Meeting to reclaim educational testing and policy. While the new law JAN 29, 2:30 PM: ELI NYC- DOE Professional States now have more latitude Development in how they create student and FEB 1, 11:30 AM: Retiree school accountability. Chapter Education and Cultural Committee n President Barack Obama signing S. 1177, Every Student does not eliminate federally mandated or required state tests, Succeeds Act, on Dec. 10, 2015. The bill promises, among other FEB 3, 1PM: CSA/NYPD states now have more latitude in how they create student things, to boost professional development and return more con- School Safety and school accountability. trol over education to state governments. Committee “Intellectual curiosity, parent satisfaction and school cli- mate are parts of the educational experience that test scores emphasis in ESSA on the role of Principals and the need for FEB 4, 1: 30 PM: API simply don’t capture,” said Director of Public Affairs Bob professional development is encouraging. Now we need to Farrace, National Association of Secondary School Principals see how it is implemented. CSA will be watching very Group Meeting (NASSP). “We have a law that now recognizes the need for closely.” more holistic accountability systems.” Other ESSA provisions: Confirm the above meeting The new law provides for states to conduct test audits to • States will reserve up to seven percent of their Title 1 times and dates with the event determine if processes can be streamlined, improved or elim- funds for school improvement activities, not rigidly pre- coordinator before attending. inated. scribed at the federal level, but that begin with a needs A big win for school administrators is the provision within assessment and capacity analysis. ESSA that up to three percent of Title II funds can be used • Require state plans to include information about how for principal professional development. the state will work with local school districts to provide “With the signing of ESSA, it looks like the federal gov- effective transition of students to middle grades and Corrections ernment acknowledges that states need to have a greater role high school thereby decreasing the risk of students In the Dec. 2015 issue of CSA in educational policy,” said CSA President Ernest Logan. “The dropping out. News, the photo caption on p. 7 incorrectly identified the school where one of our members works. Scott Schneider is an Assistant Principal at PS 51 in the Bronx, not PS 377 in Brooklyn. Due to an editing error on p. 12, a photo caption incorrectly What Union Membership Means described Louis Pavone as a resident of the New York Academy of Public Education. He is the president of the Diverse Array of Workers Share Life Stories in New Book organization. We regret the errors. If you have any comments or BY CHUCK WILBANKS careers, their experiences better life. “Thanks to the union, we are questions about the CSA News, as unionists, and their rela- not harassed and there’s no pressure to please contact the editor, Chuck n 1974, Chicago radio tionships to their work. work like machines.” It seems improbable Wilbanks, at [email protected]. host and author Studs As in Terkel’s work, We to call a book like this a “page turner,” Terkel published Are One assembles life sto- yet the conversational style of oral his- Working: People Talk ries from a wide array of tory makes each of these people’s stories About What They Do All people. There is the coal hard to put down. Teachers’ IDay and How They Feel miner who explains that • • • About What They Do, a he extracted coal by work- Retirement thick volume of interviews ing in 30-inch veins – “like ard Ball Press editor Tim Sheard said with everyone from a sani- crawling under a coffee the price of the richly illustrated System tation truck driver to a table and working all day,” Hbook has been kept low – $15 – to jockey to a gravedigger to but “what was on top was make it easier for workers and students to December 2015 a dentist. It was an a mountain.” There is an buy it. Unions can also buy an abbrevi- Unit Va lues immensely readable book airline attendant who ated version for even less in the hopes that celebrated work and details how a generation that organizers can use it as a useful tool Diversified Equity Fund: 79.588 humanity in an unvar- We Are One ago, women would be when contacting workers. This is an age, nished and unsentimental Elizabeth Gottlieb, Editor checked to make sure they after all, when large corporations employ Bond Fund: 17.374 way. Illustrated 278 Pages were wearing girdles and heavy-handed propaganda, threats and International Equity Now, Brooklyn’s Hard Hard Ball Press, Brooklyn $15 false eyelashes. There is a surveillance to prevent their workforces Fund: 9.562 Ball Press has put together farmworker from from unionizing. “The personal stories Inflation Protection a contemporary offering along the lines of Washington State, a member of the may help correct their inaccurate under- Fund: 10.029 Terkel’s memorable work. In We Are One: United Farmworkers Union, who prima- standing of what union culture and Socially Responsive Stories of Work, Life and Love, Editor rily toils in vineyards of well-known union membership means,” Sheard said. Equity Fund: 14.599 Elizabeth Gottlieb presents first person wineries. Like many of the other people accounts from a diverse group of workers, in the book, she credits her union with For more information, contact info@hard- www.trsnyc.org all union members, who discuss their helping her and many others achieve a ballpress.com oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:58 PM Page 4

4 CSA NEWS Jan. 2016

From Rector Street Mark Cannizzaro School Climate – What’s Needed and What’s Not

rguably the most important job of response there has been a call for alternates to zero tolerance policies of the past, this rule a school leader is to relentlessly sup- suspension including a restorative justice eliminates the use of a Principal’s discretion in port a positive school environment approach to student behaviors. This deciding which, if any, disciplinary responses that recognizes the formal nature approach, sensibly, calls for an increase in are appropriate to unacceptable student behav- of education, respects the diversity school mental health staffs and professional iors. Aof the student body and the uniqueness of indi- A written code of conduct cannot viduals, promotes personal responsibility for account for all scenarios and, therefore, can- one’s actions and encourages excellence for all. ‘Zero tolerance’ and the not be used by school leaders without This type of school atmosphere is most thoughtful consideration of circumstances conducive to learning and is one which our elimination of suspension particular to each case. Furthermore, the students, teachers and families crave. It notion that “defying the lawful authority of requires hard work and buy-in from all. It are both too extreme. school personnel” is always a minor offense also requires focused and reflective leadership that should not result in suspension is mis- to create and a keen sense of awareness to guided. Schools are a microcosm of society maintain. development for educators in crisis manage- and school leaders are expected to maintain School Of course, in even the best environments, ment, the use of de-escalation techniques, order so that students can learn. Blatant acts negative behaviors will emerge from time to and the identification of root causes of nega- of disrespect and defiance can disrupt this leaders time. When this happens consequences need tive behaviors. pedagogical atmosphere. Being forced to tol- to be fair, appropriate and consistent. They We fully support this approach and also erate them by an inflexible discipline code must be also need to be delivered with compassion so believe that additional professional develop- would be a disservice to the entire school that they are not misconstrued as personal in ment is needed to ease the transition and community and to the student offenders. trusted to nature. ensure success for students returning to Let us continue to examine data that indi- With that said, I welcome the discrediting school after a suspension. cates disparate treatment of students and let use their of the “zero tolerance” policies of the not too However, we are not in agreement with us seriously search for ways to do better. Let distant past. These policies, as the name everything that is being proposed. Some edu- us also continue to realize that we are dealing discretion implies, disallowed consideration of circum- cators and other advocates are calling for the with young people who make mistakes, mis- to best stances and/or Principal’s discretion when elimination of suspension as an option for takes we must not take personally. school or district rules were violated. As a certain infractions in the discipline code. In • • • develop result, mandatory suspensions were meted New York City, the infraction pertaining to out for some of our youngest students for “defying the lawful authority of school per- owever, we should not forget that one of good “infractions” that often made the newspaper sonnel” (code A-22 in elementary schools our most important roles is to assist in as examples of the absurdity of our system. and B-21 for grades 6-12) has gained particu- Hthe development of good citizens who citizens The policies embarrassed school leaders, lar attention as it is the most often referenced take responsibility for their actions. School lead- angered parents, and, far worse, confused our code for student suspensions. ers are identified and chosen as worthy from children. among their peers. They are the professionals Today, many of the very same educators • • • best positioned to make the call and they must and advocates who rallied to discredit “zero ast year, the Department of Education be trusted to use their discretion if our schools tolerance” are now focused on another trend began requiring that Principals seek per- are going to be the safe havens for learning we that has gained national attention. Students L mission to enforce a Principal’s suspension expect them to be. of color, especially males, are suspended from using this code. We opposed that change and school at a disproportionate rate compared to we will continue to oppose the elimination of Mark Cannizzaro is the Executive Vice President their overall representation in schools. In suspension as an option for Principals. Like the at CSA.

New York State Education Department Honor Queens School Celebrates Academic Progress BY MARIA SMITH just a building; we are part of this community.” Indeed, the school's auditorium was packed to he Rosa Parks School, PS 254, Queens, pul- the rafters with parents and community members sated with energy on Dec. 11 as staff, par- excited to see students perform the color guard, ents and students celebrated the honor of sing musical numbers including: “Adding and being named a “Reward School,” by the NYS Education Department. TPS 254 was one of just 143 city public schools to achieve this honor (222 others around the state The auditorium was packed were also recognized). Reward Schools are those with excited parents. with high achievement or have made the most progress academically. The criteria used to desig- nate PS 254Q as a Reward School was its academic achievement. Subtracting is So Grand,” sung by first graders, and In 2004, The Rosa Parks School opened under “We're a Reward School,” performed by Pre-K stu- the leadership of Principal Naomi Drouillard. From dents to the tune of Jingle Bells. its inception, the school leadership team envi- sioned an educational institution that would • • • emphasize reading and math, but also provide a elebrating is important but only after hard robust program of art, music and dance. The result work and real success,” said Ms. Drouillard. of this educational philosophy? Well-rounded, “CThe team's efforts have paid off with other smart and motivated students who know their recognitions as well: PS 254 is also a Title 1 School ABC's, can sing like angels, and recite “Invictus” by of Distinction and a 2010 Blue Ribbon School. William Ernest Henley with proper elocution. “The whole school has worked diligently to MARIA SMITH “Our goal was to create a school where children ensure that each child receives rich experiences. We n Under a picture of PS 254’s namesake, Assistant wanted to come to learn, a place where they could pride ourselves in laying the foundation for middle Principal Pamela Markham, Principal Naomi Drouillard, interact and become critical thinkers,” said Ms. and high school, college and ultimately for all of and Assistant Principal Heather Sosnovsky celebrated Drouillard. “We also believe very strongly in our students to have a successful and rewarding the school’s newest achievement. parental involvement. The Rosa Parks School isn't career,” Ms. Drouillard said. oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:58 PM Page 5

Jan. 2016 CSA NEWS 5 NEGOTIATIONS Grievance Government Offers Little to Corner Bob Reich Early Childhood Educators Continued from Page 1 gible. COLA payments will go out soon to 1707 DOE New Year’s Director of Government Affairs Gabe Gallucci urged members. The COLA money for CSA members will ECE members to maintain a united front in ongo- be deposited into each center’s budget for later pay- Resolution Ideas ing contract negotiations. ment. “Let me make this clear,” Logan said. “A cost James Matison, the executive director of the of living adjustment (COLA) sounds like it’s big, Brooklyn Kindergarten Society, said the disappoint- s I think of appropriate but when you think about 2.5 percent over a period ment among early childhood directors and employ- New Year resolutions for of ten years, that’s not enough. And remember, this the Department of is only guaranteed over this fiscal year. Nobody said Education, I must hope that this will be added to your base salary.” In 2011, de Blasio called that the song “The “This is a mess, and has always been a mess,” AImpossible Dream” is not applicable. Logan told the group. Referring to the pay dispar- fighting for child care an Still, to all of our friends at the DOE, ities among ECE Directors triggered by the advent allow me to offer a few suggested reso- of the city’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten program, ‘act of patriotism.’ lutions that, if you keep them, will he said “You can’t pay someone with a master’s show that the DOE respects adminis- degree $40,000 a year and pay someone else with trators, is committed to the growth of the same degree $100,000. ees with Mayor de Blasio has been deep and wide. our schools and honors our collective Cannizzaro said CSA rejected the COLA as woe- “You can’t just blame the prior administration,” he bargaining agreement. fully inadequate. He said it would also become part said. “The mayor has been in office two years. Talks 1. The Department of Education, of a “Happy Holiday” announcement that would began at the end of last summer and the city has the Commissioner of Labor make it appear that the city had done something yet to put a number on the table.” Relations and the Mayor of the Follow the substantial for Early Childhood members. CSA First Vice President Randi Herman noted City of New York realizes that “Accepting that COLA would lose us the edge that in 2011, then Public Advocate de Blasio said administrators are entitled to park- rules in our negotiations,” Cannizzaro said as members he was fighting for child care in part because it’s ing permits and we will immedi- nodded in agreement. “And not all of you would an “act of patriotism.” ately stop appealing court decisions related to be eligible for the COLA. (Those members paid “No one thinks we’re in easy times, but the and PERB decisions which NYC has through City Council discretionary funding would amount of money we’re talking about here is small lost. We will issue permits to feedback, be ineligible to receive the money.) We think the in the scheme of things,” he said at the time. “It’s administrators as we do for others. smartest bargaining position was to not let them a huge, important investment for the future of the 2. If we at the Department of disability, do that on your backs. city.” Education choose to offer an “Two-point-five percent buys advertising for the Herman noted that those words are particularly administrator an extension of pro- ratings, Mayor,” Cannizzaro said. “But it doesn’t begin to galling now: New York City’s DOE budget in 2016 bation, we will provide valid rea- respect the great work you do.” is over $27 billion, and the city has managed to sons, supported by written docu- and more. Another compelling reason to defer acceptance: find $20 million to fund unarmed security guards mentation, in advance of the Not all CSA ECE members would get the COLA. at private schools throughout the city, all the while extension being given to the Discretionary funded center members are not eli- presenting a cold silence to ECE members. employee. Although CSA’s contract requires that administra- tors receive explanations if they so request after signing the extension, it would be professional if the reasons were offered in advance. 3. The Medical Bureau of the Department of Education Making Sure Our Voice Is Heard will, in a timely manner, determine whether someone is eligi- ble for disability due to injury in the line of duty. Currently, Continued from Page 1 Director of Labor Negotiations, between Mr. Dromm, CSA and an injured member is absent for several months before a DOE candidates, CSA relies on volun- CSA’s allies make a huge differ- the DOE, the program is being examination is scheduled and a determination is made. tary contributions by our mem- ence in achieving positive results reevaluated with the promise of 4. The Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining bers. PAC funds are used to sup- for our members. input from school administra- will issue fair and accurate decisions after a grievance is held. port candidates who value A recent example is the tors. Now, the office waits to settle a grievance just prior to arbitra- investment in public and early “Breakfast in the Classroom” ini- “This is what the PAC does. tion or after arbitration has begun. childhood education and who tiative. While an admirable goal, We make sure our voices are 5. The Office of Appeals and Reviews will conduct fair and support organized labor. the DOE fell short on actual heard. We change the course of unbiased hearings of adverse rating appeals and discontinu- “The CSA PAC puts us and implementation. And, when CSA the dialogue,” said Gallucci. ances or denials. Appeals that are valid will be upheld. It is our issues on the frontline,” said members stated their displeasure, Joining the PAC is as easy as unconscionable that presently, hearing officers often allow Gabe Gallucci, CSA assistant a meeting was promptly set up filling out the one-page light material to be entered in a hearing that was not given to the director of government and with City Councilmember and grey application. Beginning in appellant, and allowing verbal testimony when there is no political affairs. “We’re able to Education Committee Chair January 2016, CSA Field written documentation. build relationships locally and in Daniel Dromm. Representatives will give mem- 6. The Chancellor’s investigative offices, OSI and OEO, will Albany and Washington. CSA During the meeting, CSA bers applications during school complete investigations in a timely manner. Currently, has a seat at the table when explained the program’s pitfalls visits. Principals are required to complete an investigation within important issues are being raised including loss of instructional For more information on the ten days of receipt, why should the investigative offices have and debated.” time, insect infestation and piles PAC, contact Gabe Gallucci at an unlimited time (note that the contract does require cases From last year’s hard-fought of garbage lingering in school (212) 283-2039 or email politi- to be completed within a timeframe) to close an investiga- contract, to this year’s ECE hallways. Now, through dialogue [email protected]. tion. 7. The Department of Education will finally schedule APPR Appeals for the 2013-2014 school year. 8. The Department pledges to follow and honor the man- dated procedures and timetables for selecting mandated and non-mandated summer school Assistant Principals. They fur- AFSA Scholarships Available ther pledge to payroll all selected in a timely manner not two months into the new school year. The AFSA 2016 Scholarship Program is now upon college enrollment verification. 9. Superintendents will follow the rules related to PPO accepting applications! There will be 5 schol- · Scholarship Award funds may only be used feedback and will also provide the feedback in a timely man- arships of $2,500 awarded. for tuition, books, fees, supplies and equip- ner. Scholarship application and award eligibility ment. • • • requirements are: · Applications must be completely filled out · Applicant must be a graduating high and postmarked no later than Feb. 29 ost importantly, the Department of Education and school senior who is attending college for 2016. the City of New York resolve to recognize the contri- the first time in the award year. M butions administrators have made and continue to · Applicant’s parent or legal guardian must Visit www.afsaadmin.org/scholarship2016/ for make to ensure that their students, staff and communities be an AFSA member in good standing. applications, or call Nick Spina at (202) 986-4209 thrive and be all they can be. · Scholarship Award check will be issued or email him at [email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns please email me at [email protected]. oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:58 PM Page 6

6 CSA NEWS Jan. 2016 The Welfare Deductibles Reset in Jan. 2016 BY DR. DOUGLAS V. HATHAWAY surcharge the standard Medicare Part B premium Dr. Douglas remains $104.90. For those either new to Medicare Fund V. Hathaway The CSA Welfare Funds remind members that in 2016 or who are not yet receiving social security various health plan deductibles reset beginning benefits the standard amount will be $121.80. For Jan. 1. For active Department of Education and those who have been receiving Medicare benefits ECE members, the SIDS dental deductible of $25 and social security benefits and whose Medicare Prescription Query resets, and for active Department of Education Adjusted Gross Incomes (MAGI) is more than members the Catamaran prescription drug $85,000 as an individual or $170,000 for a couple UESTION: I retired in June deductible of $50 per person/$150 per family the table below shows the various premiums by of 2015. I attended your pre- resets, and are taken from the first applicable den- income and filing status. The total amount is paid retirement workshop and tal visit or first prescriptions purchased at a local by each individual (for example, a couple earning remember you saying some- pharmacy. between $170,001 and $214,000 each pay an addi- thing about getting reim- tional amount of $48.70). Medicare Part-B premi- Qbursed for prescription drug co-pays, Part B Premiums and Deductibles ums, including the IRMAA amount, will continue but do not remember the process. For retirees who are Medicare-eligible, the to be reimbursed by the City consistent with the Please refresh my memory. Medicare Part-B deductible will increase to $166 negotiations between the Municipal Labor ANSWER: Since the CSA Retiree in 2016. The GHI Medicare Part-B deductible Committee and the City. Welfare Fund does not provide a pre- remains $50. For those Medicare participants scription drug benefit, retirees must enrolled in Medicare AND receiving social security Part D Surcharge Continues, purchase the drug benefit through the benefits in 2015 who do not qualify for an IRMAA Out of Pocket Amount Increases optional benefits rider to their City- In 2016, the out- provided coverage (or be covered by a of-pocket limit will spouse’s drug plan). If you are in the increase to $4,850, GHI drug plan, send us a copy Retirees Medicare B Premiums 2016 before catastrophic (don’t send the original, the postal coverage kicks in. The (NOT Previously covered by Medicare or NOT taking service may lose it) of the quarterly with drug Social Security Or Subject to IRMAA Surcharge) pension deduction reports from Express Scripts once for this plan will Monthly Total you receive the Oct. – Dec. 2015 benefit IRMAA* Monthly increase to $107.00 report. We review submissions and Individual Income Joint Income Amount Premium per person per file them in date order. While you may be month. are submitting the reports, we are Less than or Less than or sending a list of all our retirees to reimbursed equal to $85,000 equal to $170,000 $0.00 $121.80 The point of sale GHI, who will return an electronic discount on brand file of all prescriptions filled by our for drug $85,001 to $107,000 $170,001 to $214,000 $48.70 $170.50 name drugs once a retirees. This file is matched to our participant reaches database, and when all is in order, co-pays $107,001 to $160,000 $214,001 to $320,000 $121.80 $243.60 the coverage gap or reimbursements are made in the “donut hole” contin- order claims were received. If you $160,001 to $214,000 $320,001 to $428,000 $194.90 $316.70 ues in 2016. As part are in a non-GHI plan, please submit a report from the phar- of the Health Care macy indicating the date of the prescription, name and More than $214,000 More than $428,000 $286.00 $389.80 Reform legislation strength of the medication, days supplied, amount the plan passed in 2010, man- paid, and amount you paid. *IRMAA stands for Income-Related Medicare Adjustment Amount ufacturers provide a Please Note: If the cost of the medication is less than the co-pay point-of-sale dis- amount (for example, prescription costs $7.50 and your co-pay is TABLE B count. As a result, $10) you will pay the full amount of the medication. Since the plan once you reach the coverage gap or “donut did not pay anything, you have no co-payment, and the amount hole” you will pay 58% of generic medica- paid cannot be reimbursed by the Fund. Medicare D Surcharge 2016 tions and 45% of brand name medications. The value of the manufacturer’s discount UESTION: I am an active Assistant Principal in the Individual Joint Surcharge is credited to you as the “amount others Bronx. My son is prone to ear infections, for which I Income Income Amount paid on your behalf” amount shown on Qneed a prescription for Amoxicilyn each time. He had your monthly reports from Express Scripts. one in Nov., and my cost for the medication was $4.50. He Less than or Less than or had another one on New Year’s Day, and the cost was $45. equal to $85,000 equal to $170,000 $00.00 In 2016, those who are subject to an What happened? IRMAA assessment on Medicare Part-B will ANSWER: Bad timing! If you had had the prescription $85,001 to $170,001 continue to be assessed a surcharge on filled one day earlier, on New Year’s Eve, it would have cost $107,000 to $214,000 $12.70 Medicare Part-D, according to the table the same $4.50. The reason for the difference is that there is a listed below. This amount is in addition to $50 per person, $150 per family annual deductible on pre- $107,001 to $214,001 to the plan premium which is deducted from scriptions purchased from a local pharmacy. The cost of the $160,000 $320,000 $32.80 your pension check. The total amount is first prescription (or prescriptions ) each year go toward your paid by each individual (for example, a deductible, after which you pay the appropriate co-payment. $160,001 to $320,001 to couple earning between $320,001 and The good news from all of this is that your son is almost done $214,000 $428,000 $52.80 $428,000 each pay an additional amount with his deductible, and it’s only the beginning of Jan. of $41.30). Unlike Medicare Part B sur- Over $214,000 Over $428,000 $72.90 charges, Part-D surcharges are not reim- Email questions to Dr. Hathaway at [email protected]. bursable by the City.

Visitor for Bronx Students

ubén Blades, the starting with a job as a feet on the ground." He also Panama-born enter- mailroom clerk in a music told them that protesting a Rtainer and politician, company. The first person policy is not enough: paid a visit to Bronx Science in his family to attend col- “Instead, present a solution on Dec. 1. Known for his lege, he went on to get an to a problem, as well.” pioneering work in Latin advanced law degree from Blades came after an invita- music as well as his acting Harvard University, and to tion from Spanish Teacher career, which most recently run for the presidency of Myrna Nevarez. “Students has included the role of Panama. (He lost, but went were inspired by this Daniel Salazar in Fear the on to serve as minister of incredibly accomplished Walking Dead, Mr. Blades tourism for several years.) man's journey,” said discussed his experiences in His advice to students: Principal Jean Donahue. the entertainment business, “Dream big, but keep your — CW n Rubén Blades: “Dream big, but keep your feet on the ground.” oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:58 PM Page 7

REGISTER ONLINE: The link will be posted at www.csa-nyc.org on Jan. 25 at 11 am

RETIREE CHAPTER CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

CLUBS/CLASSES Dear Retirees, KEY TO SYMBOLS: SP16C1 Jewelry Making Class We are excited to present these classes, activities, trips and expe- T TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED Instructor: Lydia Gonzalez riences for you to participate in. Our committee and staff discuss Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC P PARKING/TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE all types of new and different events, as well as revisit the most suc- Day/Dates: Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, S THIS EVENT IS SOMEWHAT STRENUOUS 28 cessful options from the past. We visit the best restaurants the city Time: 9:30 am to 1:00 pm has to offer, attend the newest and most innovative museums, the- Fee: Member $55, non-member $60 Limited: 10 participants P ater and cultural events, while adding educational workshops and step recreation of a featured painting. The Jewelry Class has become one of classes. All materials will be provided (canvas, easel, acrylic paints, brushes, etc.) You the Educational Cultural Programs elite Your participation enables us to once again, push the envelope. classes. The instructor will lead a creative will leave the class with your very own experience with the participants in using We look forward to seeing you at many of these activities. Please work of art. wire, beads, string, leather and other note that we are moving toward an all online registration, and will materials. Participants will learn to be offering fewer and fewer events that will accept mail registration. SP16C7 Quilting 104 design a necklace, bracelets and/or ear- Instructor: Brenda Luck rings. Focus will be on completing new Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC and different projects in every session. In Unity, Day/Dates: Thursdays, March 10, 17, Gayle Lockett, Retiree Chapter Chair 24, 31, and April 7, 14 Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm SP16C2 American Mah Jongg Mark Brodsky, Retiree Chapter Director Instructor: Beverly Hershkowitz Fee: Member $15, non-member $20 Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC Lucie M. Elio, Educational/Cultural Program Coordinator (The fee includes the patterns.) Day/Dates: Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, Limited: 10 participants P 28, and April 4, 11 This class is designed for students Time: 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm who have taken Basic Quilting 101, 102 Fee: Member, $15, non-member $20 meanings of double. Concentration will Time: 1 pm – 3 pm and 103. This semester, we will be work- Limited: 16 participants P be on the play of the hand. Fee: Member $140, non-member $145 ing on quilts of our choice. Some mem- Come play Mah Jongg. For those in Limited: 10 participants P bers will make T-shirt Quilts, others will need of instruction, Beverly SP16C4 Supervised Come paint and chat at the painting make Memory Quilts and others will Hershkowitz will provide it. For those Intermediate Bridge workshop. Explore your creativity while make Pieced Block Quilts. If you have looking to just play, bring your friends Instructor: Michael Ebenstein creating your own masterpiece. No basic quilting skills you are welcome to or come to make new ones. Previous Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC experience or talent required. An art attend. The list of supplies will be sent graduates are warmly welcomed! Day/Dates: Tuesdays, March 1, 15, 22, instructor will guide you in a step-by- with the confirmation of registration. 29 and April 5, 12, 19, May 3 Continued on R2 Time: 10 am to noon Fee: Member $15, non-member $20 Limited: 16 participants P The supervised bridge class is meant for the advanced beginner to intermedi- ate bridge player who enjoys playing in a social setting and would like to move their game to a higher level.

SP16C5 American Canasta for All Levels Instructor: Judith Kotkin Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC Day/Dates: Wednesday, Feb. 24, March 2, 16, 23, 30, and April 6, 13, 20 Time: 10 am to noon n Create your own jewelry! Fee: Member $10, non-member $15 Limited: 16 participants P Canasta, a card game in the rummy SP16C3 Beginner Bridge II family, is considered an easy game to Instructor: Michael Ebenstein learn but hard to master. We’ll teach Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC you the modern American rules and Day/Dates: Tuesdays, March 1, 15, 22, strategies of Canasta and you’ll have a 29 and April 5, 12, 19, May 3 chance to meet fellow card players. Time: 10 am to 12 noon Millions of people play this game daily. Fee: Member $15, non-member $20 Come learn why Canasta’s popularity Limited: 16 participants P continues unabated. This class is for beginner bridge play- ers. Instruction will build on basic SP16C6 Painting Workshop bridge understanding by introducing Instructor: Nancy Baldwin LUCIE ELIO more advanced concepts such as Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC n On a trip to a sculpture garden, Etel Elman seems to share a read with a friend. Stayman Convention, Jacoby Transfer, Day/Dates: Wednesdays, March 2, 9, strong opening bids and the various 16, 23, 30, and April 6, 13, 20 oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:58 PM Page 8

R2 Complete Educational / Cultural Program

SP16C9 Intermediate will be following the theme of the last MORE CLASSES Tennis Clinics 1 P T S few semesters “Course Play.” With the KEY TO SYMBOLS: Continued from previous page Instructor: West Side Tennis Club Pro small size of the group, Bob and John Location: West Side Tennis Club, Forest will be able to personalize instruction, SP16C8 Origami II P Hills taking into account that everyone may T TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED Instructor: Tina Weintraub Day/Dates: Thursdays – February 4, 11, not be at the same playing level. Please P PARKING/TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC 18, 25 note that if we have sufficient numbers, S THIS EVENT IS SOMEWHAT STRENUOUS Day/Dates: Thursday, April 14 Time: 11:30 am to 1 pm we will run two sections. Section I will Time: 1 to 3 pm Fee: Member, $105, non-member $110 be filled first. Fee: Member $20, non-member $15 Limited: 4 participants per session Limited: 10 participants Join Tina for a two-hour workshop of SP16C10 Intermediate the membership with social opportuni- fun and folding. All are welcome. We Tennis Clinics 2 P T S DININGANDDINING AND FILM FILMCLUBS CLUBS ties to explore their dining interest in a will begin with a review. Origami is an Instructor: West Side Tennis Club Pro social group setting. Please note: The art that you can make and take any- Location: West Side Tennis Club, Forest ANYONE INTERESTED IN PARTICI- cost should be inclusive of everything where and your grandchildren will love Hills PATING IN THE GOURMET DINING except any type of alcoholic beverage or you for sharing it with them. Some of Day/Dates: Thursdays – March 3, 10, CLUB MUST REGISTER. There is a $5 soda. We plan to offer three dining the models you will learn are a butterfly, 17, 24 registration fee. Only those registered at experiences this semester. a picture frame, a modular cube and a Time: 11:30 am to 1 pm this time will receive information about flapping bird. Materials will be pro- Fee: Member, $105, non-member $110 the dining events. Previous club’s contact SP14C14 Film Club vided. Tina Weintraub, who leads our Limited: 4 participants per session list will not be used. Information will be Instructor: Mark Kaufman art galleries tour, is also the co-author of sent to you by email only and payment Location: Locations vary a Scholastic origami book for teachers. SP16C11 Intermediate will be online with a credit card only (no Dates: Dates vary She has been folding and teaching Tennis Clinics 3 P T S checks). Members will always be able to Time: Times vary origami for over 25 years. Instructor: West Side Tennis Club Pro bring one guest without restrictions. Our Fee: There is a $5 fee for any Location: West Side Tennis Club, Forest goal is to involve as many members as members/spousal member registering TENNIS CLINICS Hills possible. Please Note: When registering for the first time. Previous registrants Day/Dates: Thursdays – March 31, please provide us with an email address to need not re-register (no fee). For this semester, the Retiree Chapter has April 7, 14, 21 aid with communications. Dining Club Participants will be responsible to again made arrangements with the West Time: 11:30 am to 1 pm and Film Club participants will be notified purchase their own film tickets for the Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills for group Fee: Member, $105, non-member $110 by email of the upcoming events. films they attend. This club has been tennis lessons in their indoor facilities. Limited: 4 participants per session created to provide social opportunities There will be three sets of intermediate ten- SP16C13 Gourmet Dining Club for members to explore both classic and nis lessons. Each clinic will run for four SP16C12 Golf P T S CSA Leaders: Stanley Wilson, Harriet recently released film productions in a weeks and will accommodate four partici- Instructor: Bob Guido, John Morrison Cohen cordial and intellectual environment pants. The theme of the clinic will be stroke Location: North Shore Towers, Grand Location: Will vary according to mem- with their fellow colleagues. After each production. Each session will run for one Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY ber interests film offering, the group will meet to dis- and one half hours. Registrants above the Day/Dates: Wednesdays: March 30, Day/Dates: Thursday, March 31; cuss the film. initial four will be placed on a wait list. If April 6, 13, 20 Thursday, May 12; Thursday, June 2 Please note: anyone presently receiving we have sufficient numbers on the wait list, Time: Section 1: 10 am to 11:30 am and Time: usually around 1:30 to 3 pm emails regarding Film Club offerings need we will be able to open a second group. You Section 2: 11:30 am to 1 pm Fee: There is a $5 fee for registration. not re-apply; you are considered registered may register for one, two or all three of the Fee: Member $165, non-member $170 Anyone interested must register (fee for this term. intermediate clinics. We believe these clin- Limited: 8 participants $5). Participants will be responsible for ics offer a great value and expect them to Robert Guido and John Morrison are the cost of their beverages. Prices will SP16C15 Theater Class fill up quickly. Please note that there is free PGA professionals who work at the vary depending upon the restaurant. Instructor: Stanley Wilson, Harriet parking at the Tennis Club. North Shore Towers Golf Club. The class This club has been created to provide Cohen Location: For first session, Rego Park, Queens Day/Dates: 1st Meeting at Harriet’s House, Friday, April 6, 2 to 4 pm SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION Theater Dates: (3 of these 4 dates): May 4, May 18, June 15 and June 22 Time: Times vary Fee: Member $25, non-member $30 Limited: 15 participants per session This club has been created to provide social opportunities for members to explore both classic and recently released productions. The first session for this class will be at Harriet Cohen’s home. During this session, the group will discuss what shows are available. Also, during this session the group will begin their discus- sion on the American Theater. Theater performances will be Wednesday mati- nees or an early Tuesday evening per- formance the day before the dates shown above. Once you are REGISTERED for this club and have paid the fee shown, you will be responsible for paying for the set of tickets you commit to on this first LUCIE ELIO visit. Please bring blank checks to this n The great plains were the setting of this vignette, one of several viewed during the Sept. trip to the Museum of Natural History. meeting. Continued on next page

Online registration opens on Monday, Jan. 25 at 11 a.m. Brochure will be posted Tuesday, Jan 19. www.csa­nyc.org You may also use the forms included on Pages R5 and R6. Rules and regulations are on the forms. oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:58 PM Page 9

Spring 2016 R3

LECTURES/SEMINARS MUSEUM OF MODERN ART LECTURE OR WORKSHOP AND DOCENT TOURS Technology Series The Retiree Chapter has made arrange- ments with the Sharper Training Solutions, Inc. to present a series of technology work- Jackson Pollock: A Survey, 1934–1954 shops. These workshops provide technical hands-on training and lectures on computer This exhibition offers a concise, but detailed survey of the work of Jackson Pollock (American, 1912–1956). It topics. Workshops that teach computer tracks his artistic evolution from the 1930s and early 1940s, when he made loosely figurative images based on mythi- skills, laptop computers will be provided. cal or primeval themes, to the late 1940s and early 1950s, when he pioneered the radical abstractions for which he is best known by pouring and dripping paint onto canvas or paper. The exhibition features approximately 50 works— SP16L3 Word Processing paintings, drawings, and prints—from the Museum’s collection, which is unparalleled in the breadth, depth, and for Home Use quality of its Pollock holdings. Among the paintings on view is One: Number 31, 1950 (1950), arguably Pollock’s CSA Leader: Emerson Spry greatest masterpiece, and one of his largest canvases. Exceedingly rare and little-known engravings, lithographs, Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC screen-prints, and drawings are also included, highlighting an underappreciated side of one of the most important Day/Dates: Thursday, March 3 and influential American artists of the 20th century. By bringing together works made using a range of materials and Time: 10 am to 12 noon techniques—both traditional and unorthodox—the exhibition underscores the relentless experimentation and Fee: Member $25, non-member $30 emphasis on process that was at the heart of Pollock’s creativity. Limited: 20 participants P T Learn how to write a letter, create a newsletter and make a flyer or sign. SP16L1 Museum of Modern Art Learn how to edit and format text, lay Docent Tour 1 – Jackson Pollock out a letter, work with graphics and CSA Leader: Emerson Spry much more. Prerequisites: Basic com- Location: 11 West 53rd Street, puter skills. Manhattan Day/Dates: Wednesday, February 24 SP16L4 Computers for Time: 10 am to 12 noon

Home Finance SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION Fee: Member $20, non-member $25 CSA Leader: Emerson Spry Limited: 15 participants P T Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC Day/Dates: Thursday, March 3 Time: 1 pm to 3 pm SP16L2 Museum of Modern Art Fee: Member $25, non-member $30 Docent Tour 2 – Jackson Pollock Limited: 20 participants P T CSA Leader: Emerson Spry Use your computer to help manage Location: 11 West 53rd Street, your personal finances: learn how to Manhattan create a check register and format for a Day/Dates: Tuesday, March 8 bank reconciliation, keep track of Time: 10 am to 12 noon investments and expenses and create a Fee: Member $20, non-member $25 simple database. Prerequisites: Basic Limited: 15 participants P T computer skills.

SP16L5 Introduction to the iPad & iPhone CSA Leader: Emerson Spry Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC Time: 1 pm to 3 pm subtle or not so subtle differences among Day/Dates: Tuesday, March 22 Day/Dates: Thursday, April 7 P T Fee: Member $25, non-member $30 these varietals and share their prefer- Time: 10 am to 12 noon Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 noon Limited: 20 participants P T ences. For a more intriguing look at tast- Fee: Member $25, non-member $30 Fee: Member/Spousal Member $25, In this class, you will get an intro to ing wines, some will be tasted blind. Limited: 20 participants P T non-member $30 Fee includes lunch the hardware, learn how to access the Learn all about Apple’s hottest gadg- Limited: 40 participants Internet and your email, understand the ets. You will get an intro to the hard- The Art Lecture with lunch met with settings, use the apps and learn how to ware, learn how to access the Internet such success that we have decided to TRIPS/WALKING TOURS get new ones, discover many tips and and email, understand the settings, use repeat it for this term. Join Art Lecturer tricks and much more. Bring your SP16T1 Urban Glass and the apps and learn how to get new ones, Gema Alava for lunch, as she discusses device or just come and listen. Lunch at Junior’s discover many tips and tricks and much “Expressionism.” Expressionism was a Prerequisites: None. CSA Leader: Emerson Spry more. Bring your device if you have one. modernist movement, initially in poetry Location: 647 Fulton Street, at Rockwell Prerequisites: None. and painting, originating in Germany at SP16L7 Art Lecture on the beginning of the 20th century. Its Place, Brooklyn Expressionism with Lunch Day/Dates: Tuesday, March 1 SP16L6 Introduction to Android typical trait is to present the world solely Lecturer: Gema Alava - Art Educator Time: 10:30 am to 2:30 pm CSA Leader: Emerson Spry from a subjective perspective, distorting CSA Leader: Emerson Spry Fee: Member $51, non-member $56 Fee Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC it radically for emotional effect in order Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC includes lunch Day/Dates: Tuesday, March 22 to evoke moods or ideas. Expressionist artists sought to express meaning or Limited: 25 participants P T S emotional experience rather than physi- Urban Glass was the first artist access cal reality. Some notable expressionist glass center in the United States. Urban Glass serves as the primary studio of over YOUR FINANCES artists are Edvard Munch, Paul Klee, Franz Marc and El Greco. 200 artists and designers, and features over 17,000 square feet of state-of the-art studio space. We will tour the studios fea- SP16 L8 Wine Seminar – Estate Planning Seminar turing a variety of techniques such as Wines of Italy kiln casting, lampworking, mosaics, and SP16 L9 Estate Planning Lecturer: Ron Attivissimo stained glass. We will also have a private Presenter: Anthony Canale, Certified Financial Planner CSA Leader: Emerson Spry glass blowing demonstration given by a Location: 40 Rector Street. 12th floor, NYC Location: 40 Rector St., 12th Floor, NYC professional artist and glass blower. There Day/Dates: Wednesday, May 4 Day/Dates: Friday, June 3 will be ample time to visit the gift shop Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 noon Time: 5 to 6:30 pm which features one of a kind glass art and Fee: Member/Spousal Member only $5 Fee: Member/Spousal Member $30, jewelry. Following the tour, we will have Limited: 40 participants P T S non-member $35 a 3-course lunch at the world famous Planning your estate is an essential part of your retirement. Stocks, bonds, Limited: 15 participants P T original Junior’s restaurant. Junior’s has insurance, real estate: information that, as retirees, we all should know. What Building on the success of past events, recently updated its menu and it’s sure to does it all mean? Join us for an informative session presented by a certified we are offering another Friday evening be a treat. We have visited Urban Glass financial planner. This is not a sales pitch or an endorsement of any product. event. This class will focus on varietals twice previously, each time we had a This information, that as retirees, we should all know. If you are a new retiree that are produced in both the “Old long waitlist. Don’t hesitate! Space is lim- or have been retired for many years, it’s never too late to learn something Word” (i.e. France, Spain, Italy) vs. the ited to 25. Register now! new about planning for the future of you and your loved ones. “New World” i.e.(Ca. Australia, S. America). Participants will look at the Continued on R4 oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:58 PM Page 10

R4 Complete Educational / Cultural Program

n A huge facility in downtown Brooklyn, Urban Glass is the USA’s first and largest art glass studio and the NYC metropolitan area’s largest glass blowing facility. It offers classes, open studios, exhibitions and more. The Retiree Chapter group visited Urban Glass and saw artists at work in October.

Schapiro, A Visionary which presents a sudden rise of industrial and corporate ing the interior and exterior of the TRIPS/WALKING TOURS cross section of works from each period wealth, amassed by titans such as Cathedral from 5th Avenue to the high Continued from R3 of the artist’s remarkable, multifaceted Cornelius Vanderbilt and Jay Gould, altar. Key scopes of work in these phases sixty-year career, and will be Schapiro’s who expressed their high status through are the restoration of the gallery organ, SP16T2 Neue Galerie first survey exhibition in New York City, extravagant fashions, architecture and CSA Leader: Harriet Cohen where she resided. In the ‘50s, Schapiro interior design. Location: 1048 5th Ave, Manhattan adhered to the principles of Abstract The exhibition presents a lavish Day/Dates: Thursday, March 10, Expressionism; by the mid-‘60s she had display of some 100 works, Time: 10 am to 2 pm developed a series of works using com- including costumes, jewelry, Fee: Member $60, non-member $65 puter software. By 1970 her practice portraits and decorative SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION The fee includes lunch shifted dramatically, informed by her objects, all created Limited: 20 participants P T S involvement in the Women’s between the mid-1870s Neue Galerie New York is a museum Movement, and that year she founded, and the early 20th cen- devoted to early twentieth-century with Judy Chicago, the Cal Arts tury. The dazzling German and Austrian art and design. Feminist Art Program. Throughout the works in the exhibi- We will be visiting the galerie and view- ‘70s and early ‘80s, Schapiro was associ- tion will illuminate an ing “Munch and Expressionism,” an ated with the Pattern and Decoration era when members of exhibition that examines Edvard movement, producing innumerable the new American aris- Munch’s influence on his Austrian and “femmage” works, which incorporated tocracy often displayed German contemporaries. The show will decorative scraps of fabric in her acrylic their wealth in storied offer a fascinating new look at the paintings. After the tour we will be hav- balls in Fifth Avenue Norwegian artist, whose painting “The ing lunch at Morini’s. mansions and hotels. It Scream” had become a symbol of mod- was a time when New York ern angst. SP16T4 Tour of the Museum of became the nation’s corpo- The Neue Galerie is also the sole the City of New York rate headquarters and a popu- venue for exhibition of "Gustav Klimt CSA Leader: Kathleen Murphy lar Ladies’ Mile of luxury retail and Adele Bloch-Bauer: The Woman in Location: 1220 5th Avenue and 103rd establishments and cultural institu- Gold," an intimate exhibition devoted & 104th Street, Manhattan tions helped launch the city to global n to the close relationship that existed Day/Dates: Wednesday, March 23 prominence. Retirees visited wax doppelgangers at between the artist and one of his key Time: 11:30 am to 1 pm Madame Tussauds museum in November. subjects and patrons. After the tour, we Fee: Member $20, non-member $25 SP16T5 St. Patrick’s Cathedral will have lunch at a restaurant. Limited: 20 participants P T S and Lunch at the 21 Club the cathedral’s pews, stained glass win- Explore with us the visual culture of CSA Leader: Jacki Foster dows, exterior stonework, altar niches SP16T3 Tour of the National elite New York in the late-19th and Location: Fifth Avenue and 50th Street, and ceiling plasterwork. Academy and Lunch early- 20th centuries when its elite class Manhattan After touring the cathedral, we will CSA Leader: Mark Kaufman flaunted their money as never before. In Day/Dates: Tuesday, April 5 have lunch in the renowned restaurant, Location: 1083 5th Avenue at 89th New York, this era was marked by the Time: 11am to 2:30 pm the 21 Club, the hangout of choice for Street, Manhattan Fee: Member $60, non-member $65 America’s rich and famous. It is Day/Dates: Friday, March 18 Fee includes lunch renowned for its whimsical and colorful Time: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm Limited: 20 participants P T S collection of ‘toys’ suspended from the Fee: Member $64, non-member $69 KEY TO SYMBOLS: Come join us! Taking a tour of St. ceiling. Each of these was donated by a The fee includes lunch Patrick’s, a prominent landmark of New legion of legendary sports stars, presi- Limited: 15 participants P T S T TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED York City is a wonderful opportunity to dents, movie stars and business leaders. Tina Weintraub, our tour guide for P PARKING/TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE come to a deeper understanding of the Dress code: Business casual. our art galleries tour, is the head docent architecture, history and spirit of this S THIS EVENT IS SOMEWHAT STRENUOUS at the National Academy Museum. Join great Cathedral. Recently, the cathedral Tina as we view the exhibit Miriam underwent phases of restoration includ- Continued on page R7 oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:58 PM Page 11

Spring 2016 R5

RETIREE EVENTS SPRING 2016 REGISTRATION FORM Members and Spousal Members

REGISTRATION RULES AND PROCEDURES ON BACK

PLEASE NOTE: You must submit a separate check for each event for which you register. Each registrant must complete a separate registration form and submit a separate check for each event.

Name of Member: Check Status: CSA Retiree Spousal member

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Cell phone:

Email :

Emergency Contact: Phone:

Educational/ SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION Cultural Event Code Event Title Fee SP16 SP16 SP16

SP16 SP16 SP16 SP16

SP16

If you would like us to confirm registration by email instead of US mail, check the box here and make sure you give us your email address (above). TOTAL:______

Make checks payable to: CSA Retiree Chapter Mail to: CSA Retiree Chapter, Attn: Educational/Cultural Committee, 40 Rector Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10006 ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE IN WRITING OR EMAIL TO [email protected] FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:

What You Need To Know To Register (See Guest Registration Form Page R6) GENERAL PROCEDURES and SP16T 17, NY Harbor Evening Cruise make additional copies of the registration form as 3. If you are placed on a waitlist, and a cancellation occurs needed. Copies of the registration forms can be found 1. Once registration is open, only CSA Retiree Chapter the Retiree Office will contact you and ask your per- on the CSA website www.csa-nyc.org under the Retiree members and spousal members may register up to mission to place you on the registered list. No such Chapter heading in the “Upcoming Events” section. Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Guest registrations received change in your registration status will be made without 6. In all of our events, the fee always includes all taxes prior to that date will be placed on a waiting list until your approval. If you no longer wish to be on the wait- and gratuities except if otherwise noted. Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. After Feb.8, all registrations will list, contact us at (212) 823-2076 or [email protected]. 7. In the case of too few registrants for an offering, the be on a first-come, first-served basis. 4. All mail-in registrations up to the actual date of regis- CSA Retiree Chapter reserves the right to cancel the 2. Please note: Members may register by mail or online. tration will be placed in one box. On that day of regis- program with full refunds. Guests may register by mail only. The online system tration, registration forms will be withdrawn from the will not allow guest registration. box randomly. MAIL-IN PROCEDURES a. Guests may register without restrictions for the fol- 5. Members may register for any or all of program events. 1. Your original registration form will be returned with a lowing: SP16T12, Sunday Brunch Jazz Cruise, All events are to be placed on one form. However, it is notation of either “Registered or “Waiting List”. The turn- SP16T14, Grounds for Sculpture Bus Trip and Lunch, important that each registrant must complete a sepa- around time for registration should be no more than SP16T18, Architectural Cruise Around Manhattan, rate registration form. If you intend to register by mail, Continued on Page R6 oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:58 PM Page 12

R6 Complete Educational / Cultural Program

Form For Guests RETIREE EVENTS SPRING 2016 REGISTRATION FORM

REGISTRATION RULES AND PROCEDURES ON BACK

PLEASE NOTE: You must submit a separate check for each event for which you register. Each registrant must complete a separate registration form and submit a separate check for each event.

Sponsoring Member:

Guest Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Cell phone:

Email :

Emergency Contact: Phone:

Educational/ Cultural Fee Event Code Event Title

SP16 SP16 SP16 SP16

SP16 SP16 SP16 SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION

If you would like us to confirm registration by email instead of US mail, check the box here and make sure you give us your email address (above). TOTAL:______

Make checks payable to: CSA Retiree Chapter Mail to: CSA Retiree Chapter, Attn: Educational/Cultural Committee, 40 Rector Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10006 ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE IN WRITING OR EMAIL TO [email protected]

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:

Continued from Page R5 online. The online system is closed to guests. CANCELLATION POLICY two weeks. If you do not receive notification within this 2. To register online, follow the prompts on the Retiree 1. For either mail-in or online registrations of all time period you should call the Retiree Office at (212) Chapter section on the CSA website (www.csa-nyc.org). Educational/Cultural events, refunds will be given for 823-2020 and speak to Lucie, Emerson or Jacki. The link will be posted on January 19 and will be “acti- program cancellations made up to a month prior to 2. You must submit a separate check for each event vated” on January 25 at 11 a.m. the date of the event. For cancellations less than a you wish to attend. For example, if you wish to reg- 3. As you work through the online registration, the system month prior to the event, refunds will only be issued ister for five events, you must complete one form will make note if the registration limit has been reached if we can fill your slot from the waiting list. There will but submit five separate checks. This will be the same and mark your form as wait listed. be no exceptions. All cancellations must be in writing process if you are completing a registration for your 4. All rules and procedures listed above for general and or by email to [email protected]. Call the Chapter spouse or for a guest. For those on a waitlist, after mail-in registration prevail for online registration. office at (212) 823-2020 if you have questions. the event, your check will be VOID and returned. 5. Once you have completed the online process, your 2. Refunds will be processed only after the event has 3. Make checks payable to “CSA Retiree Chapter” and credit card will be charged for those events for which been concluded. However, in the case where there is mail to: CSA Retiree Chapter, Attn: Educational/Cultural you are registered. The system will not charge your a significantly long waiting list, some refunds may be Committee, 40 Rector St., 12th Floor New York, NY card for events where you are waitlisted. processed sooner. 10006. 6. When you finish the registration process, print Your 3. In the case of mail-in registrations, checks will be Registration Record. It will be your only copy of your voided and returned to the registrant. ONLINE REGISTRATION registration. 4. In the case of online registrants, refunds will be han- 1. Only members and spousal members may register dled through your credit card. oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:59 PM Page 13

Spring 2016 R7

TRIPS/WALKING TOURS

Continued from R4

SP16T6 Whitney Museum CSA Leader: Ana Maldonado Location: 99 Gansevort Street, Manhattan Day/Dates: Wednesday, April 20 Time: 11:30 am – 1 pm Fee: members $33, non-members $38 Limited: 20 participants The Whitney Museum of American Art is now at its new location, West Village/Meatpacking District neighbor- hoods of Lower Manhattan. As the pre- eminent institution devoted to the art of the United States, the Whitney Museum presents the full range of twen- tieth-century and contemporary American art, with a special focus on works by living artists. The Whitney is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting American art. Its collection—arguably the finest holding of twentieth-century American art in the world—is the Museum’s key

resource. SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION

SP16T7 Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum & Lunch LUCIE ELIO n CSA Leader: Roz Persky From left: Beverly Hershkowitz, Barbara Bader, Gayle Lockett and Miriam Martinez-Díaz enjoy the Jazz brunch cruise. Location: 2 East 91st Street & 5th Avenue, Manhattan Day/Date: Tuesday, May 3 57th Street art gallery scene. There will SP16T11 Body & Soul: America’s Denzal Sinclaire, Benny Benack III, and Time: 10 am – 2 pm be a tour during the day and another Unforgettable Crooner & Dinner Charles Turner, pay tribute to these Fee: Member $53, non-member $58 will be in the evening. After the after- CSA Leaders: Barbetta Krinsky and geniuses of song. Limited: 20 participants noon tour, we will lunch in a nearby Lucie Elio There is a possibility of a tour of the The Cooper Hewitt Museum, restaurant and the evening tour group Location: 10 Columbus Circle, jazz center before dinner at Bello’s. Smithsonian Design Museum will be will go to dinner. Manhattan presenting in the museum’s Process Lab, Please note: as with any of our walking Day/Date: Friday, May 20 SP16T12 Sunday Brunch Jazz Cruise “Pixar: The Design of Story.” Pixar is tours there will be extensive walking. You Time: 5 pm – 9 pm CSA Leader: Miriam Martínez-Díaz one of the most innovative animation should expect to be walking and or standing Fee: Members $140, non-members $145 Location: Chelsea Piers – Pier 40, 353 companies of the 21st century. We will for up to and perhaps for more than 2 The fee includes dinner West Street, Manhattan have a rare opportunity to examine the hours. Limited: 20 participants Day/Date: Sunday, May 22 design process behind Pixar Animation The Retiree Chapter will be partici- Time: 12 noon – 2:30 pm Studios and films such as Toy Story, SP15T10 Walking Tour of Gramercy pating in a musical evening at the Jazz Fee: Member $85; non-members $90 Wall-E, Up, Brave, The Incredibles, and Park, the Players’ Club and Lunch at Lincoln Center. Join us for dinner at Limited: 25 participants P T Cars, among others. Tour Guide: Barry Feldman Bello Restaurant before we go to the jazz Got a case of the Sunday blues? Focusing on the process of iteration, CSA Leader: Barbetta Krinsky center. Bing Crosby, Nat “King” Cole, Banish them with brunch on the water. collaboration and research, the exhibi- Location: TBA and Mel Tormé are three great masters Join once again the Retiree Chapter with tion will feature original artwork, Day/Date: Tuesday, May 17 of the canon known as, “The Great their family and friends as we glide past including rarely seen hand-drawn Time: 10 am to 2:30 pm American Songbook.” Their velvety some of New York’s iconic sights while sketches, paintings and sculptures, Fee: Member $38, non-member $43 voices and mastery of sentimental sere- listening to a live Jazz band with a DJ. revealing how Pixar develops popular The fee includes lunch nades made them the quintessential Adults will be served unlimited characters, fosters emotional connection Limited: 20 participants P T S crooners of the twentieth century, but Mimosas, Champagne and mineral to its films and, ultimately, how the Step into Victorian New York City as their respective landmark achievements water along with a bountiful brunch design process is at the studio’s core. you explore the quiet corners of this his- across the mediums of radio, television, breakfast and lunch buffet and dessert toric district. Admire stately townhouses film, and recording made them legends. station. SP16T8 57th Street Art where mid-nineteenth century notables Music Director Bryan Carter and his Galleries and Lunch lived, worked and worshipped. Peek into stellar ensemble, featuring vocalists Continued on page R8 Tour Guide: Tina Weintraub the beautifully landscaped gardens of CSA Leader: Stanley Wilson the park. Visit the elegant Players Club Location: TBA for a presentation and viewing of actor Day/Date: Thursday, May 5 Edwin Booth’s residence and the Time: 11 am to 3 pm National Academy of the Arts. Walk one Fee: Member $65, non-member $70 block to one of the most admired resi- The fee includes lunch dential stretches in the city, “Block Limited: 15 participants P T S Beautiful.” Tour narrative will include the origin and development of the SP16T9 57th Street Art Galleries neighborhood and events of the nine- and Dinner at Brasserie 8½ teenth and twentieth centuries. Tour Guide: Tina Weintraub Please note: as with any of our walking CSA Leader: Michael Ebenstein tours there will be extensive walking. You Location: TBA should expect to be walking and or standing Day/Date: Friday, May 13 for up to and perhaps for more than 2 hours. Time: 4 pm to 8 pm Fee: Member $75, non-member $80 The fee includes dinner. Limited: 15 participants P T S KEY TO SYMBOLS: Tina Weintraub has been running Art Gallery Tours for the Retiree Chapter T TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED for years. We usually alternate between P PARKING/TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE LUCIE ELIO n the Art galleries in Chelsea and 57th S THIS EVENT IS SOMEWHAT STRENUOUS Michael Ebenstein (with computer, right) led a lively Bridge Class in March. Street. For the spring semester, join Tina and our members as we return to the oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:59 PM Page 14

R8 Complete Educational / Cultural Program

Continued from Previous Page the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt’s time SP16T13 Offbeat Flushing in office, his “Summer White House” Landmarks Tour was the focus of international attention. Tour Guide: Justin Ferate Explore with the Retiree Chapter the CSA Leader: Lucie Elio natural surroundings, and become Location: Northeast corner of Main inspired by the legacy of one of and Roosevelt Avenue America’s most popular presidents. Day/Date: Monday, May 23 Time: 10 am to 1 pm SP16T17 NY Harbor Evening Cruise Fee: Member $25; non-members $30 CSA Leader: Lucie Elio Limited: 20 participants Location: 1 World’s Fair Marina, Pier Join Justin on this offbeat tour of One- Directions will be sent Flushing, Queens – highlighting a varied Day/Date: Friday, June 24 selection of unusual landmarks. Today, Time: 6 pm to 11 pm Flushing is one of the country’s most Fee: Member $90, non-member $95 diverse communities. With a population Limited: 10 participants P T S of approximately 236,000, one can hear The Association of Assistant as many as 170 languages spoken on the Principals along with the NYC street. The neighborhoods have some Elementary Schools Principals delightful and often overlooked land- Association charters a harbor cruise ship marks so we will venture out to discover for the evening. They are offering the a few of them! Retiree Chapter’s members an opportu- nity to join their colleagues for the SP16T14 Grounds for Sculpture evening. This will be a private cruise for Bus Tour & Lunch CSA members only. CSA Leaders: Harriet Cohen, Lucie The ship will cruise the East River to Elio the Statue of Liberty and then return to Pick up info: First Stop around 7:30 the Marina. The trip will offer buffet am at Christopher Morley Parking Lot – dining, an open bar, a DJ and dancing. Exit 36 L.I.E; second stop around 8:30 The dress code will be casual. Members am at 42nd St. at Grand Hyatt Hotel will be registered together and informa- We will return to Manhattan at approxi- tion will be mailed in advance. mately 5 pm – and Christopher Morley Park at around 6 pm SP16T18 Architectural Tour of SECTION Location: 18 Fairgrounds Road, Manhattan Hamilton, NJ CSA Leader: Lucie Elio Day/Date: Thursday, May 26 Location: Chelsea Piers (Pier 62) – West Time: 7:30 am to 6 pm 22nd and Hudson River, Manhattan Fee: Member $92, non-member $97 Day/Date: Thursday, June 30 Limited: 40 participants P T S LUCIE ELIO Time: 1:45 pm to 4:30 pm n In the March Quilting Class, alongside others doing the same, Joan Webson The curatorial focus of Grounds for Fee: Member $94, non-member $99 patiently pieced together her project. Sculpture, the former site of the New Limited: 40 participants P T S PULLOUT Jersey State Fairgrounds, is to present Step aboard the teak decks of the the work of established and emerging 1920s style yacht, the Manhattan, and sculptors. Emerging sculptors are enjoy NYC's architectural landmarks defined as artists at the beginning of from the water. The "Around LLIS SLAND OSPITAL OUR their careers as well as artists whose Manhattan" tour narration is provided E I H T work has contributed to the field of con- by members of the American Institute temporary sculpture significantly with-

SPECIAL of Architects’ (AIA) NYC chapter. SP16T16 Hard Hat Tour 1892 until 1954. out accompanying recognition. Aboard the Manhattan, experience a of Ellis Island Hospital For the first time in 60 years, vis- The grounds have more than 270 comfortable and unique tour through CSA Leader: Ana Madonado itors to Ellis Island are able to reen- large-scale contemporary sculptures, the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers Location: TBD ter its south side hospital. with works by the founder, J. Seward from the climate-controlled and Day/Date: Tuesday, June 7 A massive complex comprised of Johnson, and other American and inter- enclosed back-deck observatory or wan- Time: Ferry 9:30 am, tour 11 am 30 buildings, including staff resi- national artists. The outdoor exhibition der to the outer decks for fresh air and Fee: Member $47, non-member $52 dences and a mortuary, the hospital grows by approximately 15 sculptures sunlight with a complimentary beverage Includes ferry ticket screened immigrants for infectious annually. New additions outdoors are in hand. Guests are treated to a compli- Limited: 20 participants P T S diseases before it was shuttered in selected to augment indoor exhibitions, mentary drink from the bar and light 1954. But thanks to the diligence of to add new artists, and to work in con- snacks. Additional beverages and a full Ellis Island was the gateway for nonprofit group Save Ellis Island in junction with the landscaped environ- bar are available for purchase. millions of immigrants to the partnership with the National Parks ment. United States as the nation’s busiest Service, new tours will now be Please note: as with any of our walking SP16T19 Statue of Liberty Tall Ship immigrant inspection station from offered to groups. tours there will be extensive walking. You Sailing Cruise should expect to be walking and or standing CSA Leader: Emerson Spry for up to and perhaps for more than 2 Location: South end of Battery Park, hours. Lower Manhattan Day/Date: Wednesday, July 6 SP16T15 Tour of Sagamore Hill Time: 2 pm to 3:30 pm CSA Leader: John Oricchio Fee: Member $40, non-member $45 Location: 20 Sagamore Hill Road, Limited: 10 participants P T S Oyster Bay Ahoy matey! Step aboard a historic Day/Date: Sunday, June 5 sailing ship and cruise around New York Time: 10:30 am to noon Harbor, taking in magnificent views of Fee: Member $15, non-member $20 this grand city. You will enjoy breathtak- Limited: 25 participants ing views of New York City and see the Sagamore Hill was the home of Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of Island, the Manhattan skyline and other treasures of the harbor from the decks of KEY TO SYMBOLS: New York’s only tall ship. In addition to the breathtaking view of the city, you will be able to raise the T TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED sails or take a turn at the helm on the NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY n The Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital, on the south side of the island was a complex of P PARKING/TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE Clipper City, New York’s largest and buildings which served arrivals at the immigration station. S THIS EVENT IS SOMEWHAT STRENUOUS most exquisite sailing ship. Note: wheel- chair accessible. oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:59 PM Page 15

Jan. 2016 CSA NEWS 7

n SOLOMON PARMET, 95, husband of CSA In Memoriam retiree Antoinette Parmet, and resident of NATION Brooklyn, died on Oct. 28, 2015. He was a n BARBARA GREENE, 85, of South Principal and the UFT, who refused to sup- business teacher at Curtis HS, Staten Island, Egremont, MA died on Nov. 5, 2015. She port hirings made on racial or ethnic lines. until his retirement from the DOE. Mrs. Education retired in 1991 as Principal of Newtown HS, Mr. Lisser remained the Principal at IS 201 Parmet retired in 1987 as a Supervisor of Queens. She also was the former Principal of with the majority of the school’s teachers, Social Work. Mr. Parmet, a veteran of WWII, Grady HS, Brooklyn. Mrs. Greene obtained black and white, supporting him. He eventu- was awarded two bronze stars for meritorious CALIFORNIA: her undergraduate degree in English from ally went to work for the Ford Foundation. In service during his time as a member of the New York University and earned a master’s 1975, he returned to the BOE and became “Flying Tigers” squadron, the volunteer air- Choosing PD degree from St. John’s University. She began the founding Principal of IS 238, Queens. men who trained in Burma prior to America’s The Superintendent of Madera her teaching career instructing CRMD stu- During his years of service as Principal of IS entry into the war, and helped Chinese forces Schools gave each of the approxi- dents, becoming a guidance counselor, AP 238, he was elected to the position of presi- in their battle against the invading Japanese. mately 1,100 teachers $500 to and then Principal. She was an avid traveler dent of the Junior HS Principals Association After the war, Mr. Parmet used the GI Bill to spend as they saw fit on profes- and reader and was involved with the of NYC. He also worked for the Board of obtain degrees from NYU and Columbia sional development last year. This year, he did it again, including Egremont Land Trust in the Berkshires once Examiners, preparing examinations for all University. He was an accomplished bass play- another 1,000 classified employees, she retired. In addition to her husband, supervisory levels. After retiring, Mr. Lisser er. In addition to his wife, Mr. Parmet is sur- such as bus drivers, who wanted Martin, Mrs. Greene is survived by two was the first coordinator of the Supervisory vived by a daughter and two granddaughters. daughters, Elizabeth and Alice, and four Support Program (SSP), the contractual right safety training on how to deal with grandchildren. implemented by then president Donald n HOWARD SAFIER, 83, of Cedarhurst, NY, active shooters and/or assaults. (districtadministration.com) n ALAN A. GROSSER, 92, a life-long resident Singer to assist members seeking support died on Nov. 23, 2015. He retired in 1991 as of the Bronx, died on Sept. 4, 2015. He and professional advancement. He also Principal of PS 26, the Bronx. Mr. Safier retired in 1987 as AP of PS 77, the Bronx. Mr. worked at the ATS Division of Technology as earned his undergraduate degree from NEW YORK: Grosser served in the Army from 1944 – 1947 a consultant for a number of years, training Brooklyn College and his master’s degree High Anxiety and assisting elementary and intermediary from Yeshiva University. He also was a as a pilot. His last post was in Okinawa during State tests, more than local assess- school principals with real time data on trained rabbi and taught Hebrew. He is sur- the rebuilding of Japan, said his wife ments, have been identified as a school budgets, staffing, and building repair. vived by his wife Thelma, a daughter, Reena Blanche. After the war, Mr. Grosser worked in source of stress, according to three Mr. Lisser built wall clocks as a hobby. In addi- and two sons, Raphael and Jeffrey. a jewelry store, but decided to enroll in Long quarters of NY school psychologists Island University and obtain his teaching tion to his wife Ann, he is survived by three from nearly 700 districts. According sons. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Ann license. Mr. Grosser earned his master’s Send obituary notices to Associate CSA News to a recent report, test anxiety is Lisser, at 6 Suffolk Way, Marlboro, NJ 07746. degree from Teachers College. He was an Editor Maria Smith at [email protected]. more common in elementary avid tennis player and enjoyed tending the school, with students more often gardens of his co-op, Woodlawn Veterans showing internalized rather than Mutual Housing Company, where he was a Educator and Publisher externalized symptoms. The report, longtime director. Besides his wife, Mr. compiled by the State School Board Grosser is survived by three daughters: Association, offers tips for reducing Barbara, Nancy and Laura. stress. (democratandchronicle.com) n CINDY JACOBS-ALLMAN, 63, of Brooklyn New York, died on May, 19, 2015. She retired Irving Natter of Calendar DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: in 2012, as Administrator of Special IDEA Hits 40 Education, Staten Island Integrated Service The Individuals with Disabilities Center, where she had served since 2007. Fame: ‘Ahead of His Time’ Education Act (IDEA) commemo- Mrs. Jacobs-Allman’s 39-year career in the rated its 40th anniversary with the field of special education began in 1973 as a City public school system. Although issuance of new guidance. It clari- teacher in School Districts 18, 20, and 23. the city’s former Board of Education fies that, in addition to access to From 1980-1984, Mrs. Jacobs-Allman worked published a “little red book” every few free, appropriate public education, as a Teacher Trainer/Staff Development years, the tome often neglected items students with disabilities should Coordinator, Brooklyn East Region, Special and important dates. Mr. Natter, who have individualized education pro- Education Office, for Districts 18, 19, 21, 22, liked to be organized, formatted a cal- grams (IEPs) that are aligned with 23, and 32. From 1984-1987, Mrs. Jacobs- endar or “blue book” that was pub- state standards. To read more, go Allman served as Supervisor of Staff lished yearly and was more inclusive to: http://idea.ed.gov/. Development/ Supervisor of Special of holidays and other important dates. Education, Brooklyn East Region, Special “He started the calendar in the base- INDIANA: Education Office. In 1987, Mrs. Jacobs-Allman ment,” said his wife, Esther Natter. Customer Service became the District Administrator of Special “Long before there was a focus on mul- Fort Wayne Community Schools Education, Community School District 22. It ticulturalism, Irving listed different eth- are making a concerted effort to was there that she piloted the Least nic and religious observances. He was Restrictive Environment Program for the City improve their level of customer ahead of his time.” service. In that spirit, the district of New York, which grew into the largest After he retired, Mr. Natter kept pub- introduced “Let’s Talk”, a cloud- inclusionary program in New York City, and lishing Natter’s Calendar. He turned the based listening station from K12 District 22 was designated as an LRE demon- business over to his son, Mitchell, only Insight. The program solicits com- stration site nationwide. From 2003-2007, eight years ago. munity feedback through a button Mrs. Jacobs-Allman served as Regional While he witnessed the internet on the school website. Comments Administrator Special Education, Region Six- explosion, Mr. Natter believed that are then automatically routed to Learning Support Center. Then, from 2007, n WWII Army veteran Irving Natter had a there would always be people who the right staff member to issue a until her retirement, she served as long career in education. desired a hard copy book or calendar, response, generally within 48 Administrator of Special Education, Staten said Mrs. Natter. hours. Response times are gauged; Island Integrated Service Center. Mrs. Jacobs- BY MARIA SMITH “He felt that you could have both. trends are identified. The program Allman is survived by her husband Willard, You could use a computer, but it was sees to it that no messages fall and one daughter, Stefanie. Irving Natter, founder of the Natter also important to have something in through the cracks. (districtadmin- n STANLEY R. LISSER, 89, an educator for Calendar and a former junior high your hand to help you stay organized,” istration.com) more than 40 years died November 3, 2015. school AP, died on Nov. 6. He was 91- she said. He was a resident of Marlboro, NJ. Mr. Lisser years-old years old and lived in White And while the bluebooks are still a FLORIDA: began teaching at Staten Island’s Tottenville Plains, New York. sought-after product, Natter Publishing Going Green High School in 1950, but shortly thereafter A Bronx native, Mr. Natter obtained produces calendars that are letter, wall The spork, the plastic spoon-fork entered military service during the Korean his undergraduate and graduate degrees and desk-sized. In 2011, they intro- used in schools across the country, War. After the war, he resumed teaching, from New York University. He served duced an app that can be downloaded will have its last day in six public becoming an elementary school AP in 1952. in the Army during WWII, stationed to a smartphone for those who prefer school districts – Miami, Los In 1966, he was appointed Principal of IS 201, first in Antwerp, Belgium for the final electronic communication only. Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Orlando Harlem. The school was one of three experi- assault on the Nazis and then to the In addition to his business, Mr. and New York. The districts, which mental school districts created from a Ford Pacific for the invasion of Japan. He Natter was an avid reader and tennis formed The Urban School Food Foundation grant aimed to involve minority worked in the fuel division, ensuring player. He was former president of the Alliance in 2012 to force lower communities and parents in the educational tanks and aircraft were supplied with White Plains Historical Society and prices for better quality and more process. Mr. Lisser selected a racially diverse petroleum. helped preserve the “Purdy House,” an environmentally friendly options, staff, including an African American AP, and After the war, Mr. Natter began a historic house where General George will replace plastic cutlery with worked toward establishing a professional long career in education; he retired in Washington stayed during the Battle spoons, forks and knives made and respectful rapport with the surrounding 1993 as AP from JHS 44, the Bronx. It of White Plains. from compostable materials. community. Despite this plan, Mr. Lisser was his idea to create an academic cal- In addition to his wife and son, Mr. (washingtonpost.com) found himself embroiled in a battle between endar for educators in the New York Natter is survived by a daughter, Betsy. — COMPILED BY activists who wanted an African American CHRISTINE ALTMAN oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:59 PM Page 16

8 CSA NEWS Jan. 2016

HONOR ROLL GOOD THINGS FOR YOUR SCHOOL CSA Salutes Energy Industry Scholarship Program

Veterans BY CSA STAFF viduals who has been historically under- upon presentation of proof of enrollment represented in the sciences, technology, at an accredited college or university. BY MARIA SMITH The American Association of Blacks in engineering and math related disciplines. Distribution of local chapter awards are Energy (AABE) is an organization of made at the discretion of the local chapter CSA is proud to publish names of African Americans in the energy indus- upon proof of enrollment at an accredited more members who served our country Selection try. Through its scholarship program, college or university. in the U.S. Armed Services. We thank Scholarship recipients are selected each AABE seeks to increase the number of you for your service! spring by the organization’s local chapter African Americans, Hispanics and Native committee for local scholarships and by The Application Package Michael E. Backel Americans in energy related fields. the national scholarship committee for Consideration will be given only to can- national scholarships. Stanley Becker didates submitting complete application Eligibility packages which include: 1) a completed Arthur Isman Candidates must: Have, minimally, an Awards AABE application form (copies are Leon Kurtz overall “B” unweighted academic average The NY Metropolitan Area Chapter of acceptable); 2) an official high school Joseph Rosendale (3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale); Be a gradu- AABE will award $2,000. The winning transcript; 3) official proof of ACT or SAT ating HS senior who has applied to one application is forwarded to compete for a scores; 4) two letters of reference; and 5) Simpson Sasserith or more accredited colleges/universities; Northeast Regional Award of $3,000. a completed checklist. Please redact Jacob Schorr Plan to major in business, one of the Additionally, a “Rufus D. Gladney” Social Security Numbers from any docu- Louis Eladio Torres physical sciences, technology, engineer- Premier Award of $5,000 is given annually ments. Completed application packages ing, or mathematics fields in preparation for a maximum of four years to the candi- must be submitted no later than March 4 Julius Zeidman for a career in the energy sector; Be a date who demonstrates the most promise. to the local AABE chapter. Visit aabe.org Samuel Zilberzweig member of one of a class or group of indi- National Awards are made to the students for applications and more information. ViewpointViewpoint When Will America Stop Eating Its Young? The average college graduate holds a life paying back a debilitating debt. for that bill while her husband was in debt of almost $30,000. A college loan What’s more, against the charge that if the hospital and has said she would have College students are at debt is the most onerous obligation everyone acted as he did chaos would voted against it. However, she did vote the mercy of a ravenous there is. Debtors can never escape it: ensue, he answered that such chaos for an earlier, nearly identical version of Thanks to bankruptcy legislation passed might bring about a change in the struc- it in 2001, which did not pass. She has system eschewing the in 2005, borrowers can’t discharge these ture of American higher education that been heavily criticized for that vote, by loans in bankruptcy. The government is desperately needed. The government everyone from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D- promise of this country, will find them, whatever their circum- should not be in the business of guaran- Mass., to then candidate Barack Obama stances, and garnish their salaries if they teeing loans, but of guaranteeing a col- during the 2008 presidential election. consuming them for are in default. With such a burden on lege education. interest on capital. their shoulders barely out the gate, Two candidates in the current presi- homever is elected, let’s hope young adults are forgoing marriage and dential campaign have promised to that the student debt crisis is buying a home until much later in their address the situation. Hillary Clinton’s W solved. Otherwise, Lee Siegel’s BY MAURO BRESSI lives. Such decisions create a further New College Compact proclaims that radical act may stand as a harbinger of drag on the economy. “cost won’t be a barrier” to a college the chaos he warns is needed to bring here is a painting by Spanish artist Why are countries such as France, education. Under her plan, students will about change. Ancient Cronus was in Francisco Goya known as Saturn Italy, Brazil, Germany, Norway and oth- not have to borrow to attend a four-year fact overthrown by Zeus, his sixth son. T Devouring His Son. An ancient ers able to provide free higher education public college, and students who attend Zeus’s mother hid him from Cronus, theme of fathers and sons, it is a depic- to its people, but America is not? Why is community colleges will receive free who was tricked into devouring a stone tion of the Greek myth of Titan Cronus our government so stingy toward its tuition. Bernie wrapped in swad- (Saturn is the Latin name), swallowing youth while it hands over $700 billion Sanders has dling instead. A his children at birth because he feared to the banks — as it did in 2008 — offered a similar battle ensued, and one of them would overthrow him. when they are in trouble? Could it be plan, promising to sure enough, Zeus Imagine Cronus because the banks are in control? Our make tuition free supplanted wearing Uncle economic system is lauded as one that at public colleges Cronus. Sam’s top hat and promotes opportunity. However, when and universities. Until there is a coattails. It is a you add credit card debt and home He also calls for solution to the frightening mortgages (for those who dare take substantially cut- present crisis, col- metaphor of our them on) to the mix of student loans, ting student loan lege students are current state: the system resembles one of perpetual interest rates. The at the mercy of a America is eating indentured servitude. The banks, it federal govern- ravenous system its young. seems, need constant feeding. ment, states eschewing the Burdened with Sanders’ platform, promise of college debt and n a New York Times Op-Ed article in should not be America. An facing a weak econ- June, cultural critic Lee Siegel dis- making a profit America that Mauro Bressi omy, America’s col- Icussed his decision to default on loans on student loans. preys on its lege graduates he had taken out 40 years earlier, in The two candi- young mocks the barely have a chance to survive. They which the accrued interest had bal- dates have distinct epithet of “great- can’t find well-paying work, so they looned way beyond the principal. “It records on one key est country in the have trouble paying off their college struck me as absurd that one could part of the issue: world.” A great loans. The United States government amass crippling debt as a result, not of Sanders voted country has its holds a portfolio of about $1 trillion in drug addiction or reckless borrowing against the 2005 children’s interest such debt. According to a recent article and spending, but of going to college.” bankruptcy at heart. It does in the New York Times, “Student loans He also argued that class plays a role in “reform” legisla- not consume are now the second-largest source of this dynamic, and that exhortations to tion that outlawed them out of a consumer debt in the United States, sur- summon the “character” to pay one’s restructuring stu- titanic appetite passed only by home mortgages.” This debts are hollow. “The road to character dent loans in for interest on is a shameful way for a country to treat is often paved with family money and bankruptcy. capital. its children. America spends trillions of family connections, not to mention 14 Hillary Clinton, at dollars on war, but it won’t freely sup- percent effective tax rates on seven-fig- the time a U.S. Mauro Bressi is port college students who, as the next ure incomes,” he wrote. Characterizing Senator represent- an Assistant Field generation, are our country’s lifeblood his predicament as immoral and unjust, ing New York, n Saturn Devouring His Son, painted by Director for CSA in of productive citizens. Siegel chose not to waste the rest of his missed the vote Francisco Goya in the early 19th century. Districts 1 & 2. oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:59 PM Page 17

Jan. 2016 CSA NEWS 9

Legislative Agenda Herman Merritt NATION Labor Cuomo Lands a Linguistic Low Blow PENNSYLVANIA:

n April, the New York State side of a larger conversation Back To School Legislature passed the With the infusion about our state’s commitment Teachers and students are back to Education Transformation to maximizing student achieve- school, in spite of an ongoing con- Act, part of the FY 2016 of $1.3 billion to ment at these schools,” the tract dispute, following a 21-day State Budget. The bill had a Governor argued. Educators and strike – the maximum allowed by Iwide range of measures tucked the education parents who understand the sig- law. The district and union will into it, enough to rankle or nificance of language in moti- meet with a non-binding arbitrator, please people from across the budget, lawmakers vating students were devastated. each to present its best contract spectrum. The school reform held their noses Although this effort has been offer. If agreement is not reached, crowd, led by Gov. Andrew unsuccessful so far, we appreci- there could be another strike. The Cuomo, got a lot of what it ate the efforts of Assembly- district and union are at odds on: and passed it. salary, class size and length of day. wanted, such as stringent woman Nolan and Senator (pittsburgh.cbslocal.com) teacher evaluation rules. For Farley. those concerned about future guage, one that “further perpet- NORTH CAROLINA: generations of teachers and uates the issues and difficulties • • • Join us in administrators, the bill encour- these schools face.” The label of y the time you read this Political Rivals aged the recruitment of high- a failing school encourages stu- column, the Governor will The North Carolina Association of Feb. at the achieving students into schools dents to transfer. At the very Bhave introduced his Educators, once a powerhouse of education. It also mandated least, such a designation seems annual budget as well as deliv- among state advocacy groups Capitol to that all educators had to com- to provide proof that they are ered his State of the State when Democrats ruled, continues to plete additional hours of contin- not getting a good education. address. Please read CSA’s leg- push its agenda with Republicans fight back uing education. With the infu- The legislation by Ms. Nolan islative agenda for the 2016 ses- who control the General Assembly sion of $1.3 billion to the educa- and Mr. Farley sought to change sion on our website: www.csa- chambers since 2010. The group’s against tion budget, legislators held “failing” and “persistently fail- nyc.org. Hopefully, we can efforts have been stymied on many their noses and passed it. ing” to “struggling” and “persis- spend our energy advocating issues, though it has been able to attacks, Besides, the thinking went, the tently struggling,” words that proactively for the issues that increase textbook funding and pre- law could be amended later. suggest the situation isn’t per- are of interest to us rather than serve thousands of teacher assis- tant positions. (timesunion.com) and One of the changes many manent. Their bill passed the fighting draconian measures advocate people wanted to make had to Assembly 137-1, and the Senate that don’t help our schools suc- do with labeling schools as “fail- approved it 62-0. ceed. Join us on Thurs., Feb. 25 INDIANA: for our ing.” As Assemblywoman Despite that near total sup- as we travel to Albany to fight Work-Share Catherine Nolan and Senator port, Gov. Cuomo vetoed the for our issues and against the Indiana is pursuing legislative issues Hugh T. Farley wrote, there is a bill on Dec. 11. “I do not believe ongoing attacks on public edu- approval of a work-share proposal. stigma attached to such lan- in making isolated changes out- cation. The plan would allow businesses to reduce employees’ hours during economic slowdowns while the state would provide unemployment com- pensation for lost wages. Following GARY GOLDSTEIN in the footsteps of nearly 30 other states, Indiana hopes the program will preserve jobs. Unions have sup- ported such initiatives in the past Travel Desk and will likely continue to do so, pro- vided they do not include language that would void collective bargain- Head Far South or Sail Away! ing agreements. (wane.com) Caribbean Sail Join the Diamond Princess on July 8- Kingdom), Palma de Mallorca. CALIFORNIA: 17 for a shorter version with rates begin- RATES: begin at $5,799 per person Feb. 13-20, 2016 Unions & Charters ning at $1,499! Call for details. double interior. Porthole $6,299 per per- Sail from San Juan to St. Croix, St. son; Window $6,799 per person; Administrators at the state’s largest Kitts, St. Martin, Martinique and Barbados. China by Land, River Verandah $7,799 per person. Gov’t. fees, online charter network – California Enjoy the luxury of the Adventure of the taxes are included. Optional insurance Virtual Academies (CAVA) – Sea, Royal Caribbean’s popular cruise ship. Aug. 13-25, 2016 available. Ask for O-Life perks! responded to teachers’ efforts to RATES: Call for rates. Very limited This will be a magical trip as we cruise organize by arguing that its teach- space. the Viking River Cruises Emerald for six ers do not comprise a single legal days and explore parts of Xian and Return to Cuba entity. However, the California 2016 Spring Break Shanghai by land. In Xian, we’ll see the Dec. 13-21, 2016 state labor board recently decided famous Terracotta Army, including 8,000 Depart Dec. 13 - overnight at the April 23-May 1, 2016 otherwise, allowing the California soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and Tampa Marriott. Dec. 14 fly to Santa Clara Teachers Association to serve as We’ll fly to elegant San Juan and 150 cavalry horses. We’ll spend two nights in preparation for our inclusive tour to their exclusive bargaining repre- board the fabulous Celebrity Summit. in Beijing, fly to Xian for 2 nights, then Cayo Santa Maria, Remedios, Caibarien, sentative. A recent report indicates We’ll sail back to the states stopping in board the Emerald for the 5-night cruise Cienfuegos, and Havana. Return from that CAVA network has poor aca- St. Martin, St. Thomas and Bermuda on the Yangtze, disembark the boat in Havana to NY via Miami. demic outcomes, financial conflicts before we arrive home in Bayonne, NJ. Shanghai and spend 2 nights. A 4-night RATES: All inclusive with air, touring, of interest, and insufficient support RATES: Rates begin at an astounding extension to Hong Kong is also available. lodging, and 17 meals $4,599 pp-dbl for teachers. (prospect.org) $628.09 for inside cabins (plus one-way RATES: $2,767 to 3,067, although (additional discounts may apply). Singles airfare to San Juan.) Rates won’t last. Loyalty Passengers may receive additional add $450. We have 38 seats and they will NEW YORK: savings. Rate includes most meals, sight- go quickly! MTA Contract Work Japan, Korea, Russia! seeing, deluxe lodging, intra-China air- July 3-17, 2016 fare. Airfare to China and insurance not Panama Canal Cruise Global Contact Services, which Sail the beautiful Diamond Princess included, but please note that Viking Jan. 4 - Jan. 19 2017 hires MTA contract workers to field calls for Access-A-Ride, is the sub- departing Tokyo July 3 to Busan (Korea), offers deep discounts on airfare. Depart Los Angeles Jan. 4, 2017 and ject of an inquiry. Workers com- Nagasaki, Tokyo, Kushiro, Shiretoko arrive Fort Lauderdale Jan. 19, 2017. Visit plain about low wages, hostile Peninsula, Korsakov (Russia), Otaru, Sirena-Oceania Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, San Juan Del working environments and bed Hakodate, Aomori, and return to Tokyo Sept. 20 - Oct. 4, 2016 Sur, Puntarenas, full canal transit, bugs in their office. Talks have on July 16. Tokyo pre stay is available. Includes FREE airfare (capacity con- Cartagena, and Aruba. Secure deepest dis- increased between TWA Local 100, Rates begin at $2,119 incl. taxes. trolled)! Depart U.S. Sept. 19, and arrive count rates now with deposit. Rates begin the union that represents the Optional insurance and air is not in Barcelona Sept. 20. Sail the brand new at $1,899 pp. Add taxes and insurance. workers, and Global Contact included. At this point flights are deeply Sirena to: Cartagena, Malaga, Cadiz, Services. It is hoped that a strike discounted and is a great opportunity to Lisbon, Madeira, Tenerife, Arecife, Agadir- For more info, contact Gary Goldstein at will be averted. (nytimes.com) use AA miles. Is 15 days too long? Morocco, Casablanca, Gibraltar (United [email protected] with any questions. — COMPILED BY CHRISTINE ALTMAN oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:59 PM Page 18

10 CSA NEWS Jan. 2016

RETIREE Chapter

CHAIR’S MESSAGE Minimum Wage Gayle Lockett 2015 Was A Solid Legislative Year

n Dec., the Zadroga Act, first passed in 2011 to fund healthcare needs of 911 responders, was made permanent. Key to its passage was the fact that it was placed within Ithe $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill, legislation lawmakers had to approve in order to prevent a government shut down. Hats off to all who took time to petition members of Congress. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. were steadfast in pushing through the reauthorization. Yes, our government still works, but in n Richard Oppenheimer, CSA Retiree Chapter Legislative Liaison (left) and Marvin Goodman, The this case it required nearly 10 years of Bronx Retiree Chapter Unit Leader, rallied at Manhattan’s Foley Square on Nov. 10 in the ‘Fight for persistence by citizens like you. 15’ Campaign to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. More than 10,000 people attended. persistence The omnibus spending package also included a historic increase -- $350 mil- of citizens lion – for Alzheimer’s Disease research. You may recall that CSA and the Retiree Welcome New Chapter Members like you Chapter participated in raising money Bauer, Susan Clark-Johnson, Deborah Halperin, Marcia for the Alzheimer’s Association. After Boykin, Angela Esposito, Lisa Miller, Joan makes our all, many of us have experienced the Clarke, Erica Gomez, Ana Wilkins, Pamela devastation and seen how Alzheimer’s system affects our family and friends. Please reach out to those who have work. retired recently and encourage them to join the Retiree Chapter and a local One-Day University: Go Back unit. We want newly retired members to experience a smooth transition to a new and exciting chapter in their lives. If you have any questions, call the Retiree Chapter. to College For Spring Offerings The Educational/Cultural committee’s spring brochure is included in this newspaper. Trips and events fill up quickly, so sign To Register: Call One Day University at (800) 300-3438 up immediately. Online registration begins on Jan. 25. By now, retirees receiving Social Security should have received [email protected] | www.onedayu.com their Social Security benefit letter for 2016. This letter tells you One Day University offers daylong semi- learning without any of the aspects you may exactly how much you will receive, minus your standard nars, with classes that run just over one hour. have dreaded in your school days: no tests, Medicare Part B monthly deduction and in addition any income- Award-winning professors from the country's no homework, no term papers and no stress. related monthly deduction based on your income tax return for top colleges and universities teach these short The program is once again offering mem- 2014. Save this Social Security benefit letter, especially if you are seminars, on a wide variety of topics. Learning bers of the CSA Retiree Chapter a discount. filing for IRMAA in the fall. For those who pay more than the is a rewarding, lifelong process, not a chore Review the spring offering and register directly standard deduction, I will talk more in coming months about that ended on the day one received their with One Day University using the code for IRMAA and what is submitted. diploma. This is pure mental stimulation, the discount. For the New Year, we will continue to “fine-tune” our 3-year to 5-year planning committees to improve our services and address Genius Day with the 92nd Street Y our needs. Our standing committees are: Units, Legislative, One Day University has teamed up with 92nd Street Y to present a special morning of Educational/Cultural, Outreach, and Supplemental Benefits. Remember to register for the Outreach Workshops given by fascinating lectures by three dynamic college professors renowned for their teaching. Felice Hannah. This year we are requesting that you register March 12 | Cost for CSA members: $89 with the Code “CSA89” (full price $149) online for $5. See the article on the facing page for the upcoming 92nd Street Y - Kaufmann Concert Hall | 1395 Lexington Ave., NY, NY 10128 workshop titles and dates. • • • 9:30 – 10:35 am: The Genius of Mozart | Craig Wright / Yale University 10:50 – 11:55 am: The Genius of Michelangelo | William Wallace / Washington U. in St. Louis emember to give to CSA’s PAC, Political Action Committee, 12:10 – 1:15 pm: The Genius of Shakespeare | Joseph Luzzi / Bard College formerly called COPE. Through PAC contributions we are R able to pursue political actions to protect our benefits, defend active members’ working conditions and support the best May 7 | Cost for CSA members: $109 with the Code “CSA99” (full price $179) educational practices for all students. Symphony Space | 537 Broadway @95th Street, New York, NY On behalf of the RC, it is my hope and wish that everyone has a healthy and happy New Year! 9:30 – 10:40 am: Reinventing English: The Future of Reading, Writing and Thinking Seth Lerer / University of California at San Diego 10:55 am – 1:25 pm: America's Founders: What Were They Really Like? Joanne Freeman / Yale University 12:05 – 1:25 pm: Lunch Break 2:50 – 4 pm: How Religion Changes Your Brain Andrew Newberg / Thomas Jefferson University Medical School oocCSA News Jan 2015.qxp_2012 CSA News 1/12/16 1:59 PM Page 19

Jan. 2016 CSA NEWS / Retiree Chapter 11 RC Regional Units

BROOKLYN MANHATTAN 2016 Workshops The Brooklyn Unit Newsletter Brooklyn Bytes By the first week of Jan., you should have Registration is $5. Fill out and mail the form below or register will be sent to members this month. The received fliers about our three spring excursions. online at: www.csa-nyc.org. Coordinated by Felice Hannah, CSA Please make out a separate check out for each newsletter will contain information about trips, Retiree Member. All workshops will be 9 am – 1 pm at CSA event to "Manhattan Unit, CSARC." Fill out the luncheons, our unit elections and unit meeting Headquarters, 40 Rector St., 12th floor, NY, NY 10006 dates for this year. We also want to thank all bottom of the flier, detach it and send it with members who contributed to our toy and book your checks to: Irma Schonhaut, 305 E. 24 Presentations Concerning Benefits: March 16 gift drive to the children at the Kianga House Street, 19 S, New York, NY, 10010. Of course, Representatives from Medicare, Social Security, Veteran’s Shelter. you may place all the checks and detached slips Administration and The Office of Labor Relations Health Benefits — RON JONES in one envelope. If you have any questions call Unit will present on: Medicare and The Affordable Health Care Act Irma at 212-685-6823. On behalf of our entire and Patient Protection Rights; Social Security Updates; City Health STATEN ISLAND unit, I want to express deep gratitude to Irma Coverage and Plans; Part B Premium Reimbursement Procedures; for the truly terrific job she does. Veteran’s Benefits and Prescription Drugs. On Tuesday Dec. 8, about 50 members —STANLEY WILSON attended the Staten Island Retiree Unit’s annual Cybercrime: April 13 A presenter from The ICAC Task Force holiday gala at the Hilton Garden Inn. The QUEENS Cybercrime Unit will discuss how to keep yourself and your chil- Tottenville High School Saxophone ensemble, dren safe from cybercrime. led by faculty advisor Laurie D'Amico, played We are pleased to announce that the Queens Medicare and Explanation of Benefits: May 11 Michael holiday music as the members arrived, and Ed Unit has started a movie club. Members who Fisher, CSA Retiree, will help you understand information provided Morand, a former music teacher, played the express an interest will receive email notifica- on your Medicare Summary Notices and how to avoid becoming a keyboard during lunch. RC Chair Gayle Lockett tions about movies showing at the North Shore victim of Medicare Fraud. Felice Hannah will explain differences in and RC Director Mark Brodsky addressed the Towers Cinema for $8 per ticket, with a discus- Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans (MA) and crowd. During the party, there was entertain- sion afterwards at the Towers Restaurant next Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for MA and Medicare Part D. ment such as a holiday trivia contest, giveaways door. of movie tickets, and a supper for two at the Meanwhile, now is the time to renew your Getting Your Papers In Order: Sept. 7 A Long Term Care Hilton. Members collected a huge stack of pres- membership in the Queens Regional Unit for Attorney and Felice Hannah will present a workshop on Advance ents for the "Toys for Tots" program, sponsored 2016. The form can be downloaded from our Care Planning and Estate Planning. by the United States Marines and coordinated website at www.csaqueens.org. You will receive by Mike Marotta, former Marine and Tottenville information about all of our activities through- High School Principal. out the winter months by email or by period- Thanks to everyone who helped make this ically checking the site. OUTREACH WORKSHOPS such a success, including David LaMorte, If you have any questions you can contact n n Assistant Principal of Visual, Performing, and me at [email protected]. Best wishes for a Wed., March 16, 2016 Wed., May 11, 2016 Career Arts at Tottenville High School. healthy and happy new year! n Wed., April 13, 2016 n Wed., Sept. 7, 2015 —AL NILSEN —LEONARD B. STERMAN Name SOUTHEAST FLORIDA NEW JERSEY Address I wish to thank Al and Sandy Levy for Save the date: On April 18, a health fair will Home Number: arranging our wonderful “Dine Around” dinner, be held at Central State Hospital in Freehold, held at Henry’s Restaurant in Delray Beach. NJ from 10 am to 1 pm. Flyers will be sent to Cell Number: Meanwhile, all of our members should have members by email or through the US Postal received the first newsletter of the season. We Service soon with more details. Any questions, E-mail Address: are in the process of putting together the direc- write me at [email protected] or call me at Mail to: CSA Retiree Chapter, 40 Rector St., 12th Fl., NY, NY 10006. tory for this year. If you have not sent in your (732) 919-1801. On behalf of the New Jersey You will only receive a reminder prior to the event if you give us membership dues, please do so now so that Executive Board, I wish you all a very happy, an active email address. Checks payable to CSA Retiree Chapter: your name and information will appear in the healthy and prosperous new year. $5. A SEPARATE CHECK MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR EACH directory, which will be given out at the Jan. —LUCILLE VECCHIARELLI WORKSHOP. For more information call (212) 823-2020, ext. 2075 25 Health and Welfare Meeting and at the Feb. 5 meeting and luncheon at Benvenutos Restaurant in Boynton Beach. Please see the LOWER HUDSON VALLEY newsletter for all event dates. If you have not The members of the Lower Hudson Valley received any information, call me at (561) 964- Regional Unit enjoyed a wonderful afternoon 8865 or e-mail me at [email protected]. at the Westchester Broadway Theater on Nov. Defensive Driving Class —DR. LOIS TURETZKY 18, 2015. The performance of Showboat was outstanding. All members will be receiving their All retirees are welcome. Online registration is not available, and membership renewal form and winter newslet- is limited so sign up now. Class will be at CSA headquarters: 40 SUNCOAST ter in late January. If you will be in a warmer Rector St., 12th Floor. Register by mailing coupon below. 1) Send check with the We will have the first of our two 2016 meet- climate and would like your information coupon: AARP members $20; non- members $25. 2) Send copy of ings at The Oriental Buffet restaurant in Sarasota emailed to you, please contact me at valid driver’s license and copy of current AARP membership, if appli- on Tues., Jan. 26 at noon. Details of the meeting [email protected]. Please send all comments cable. We will send you a letter of confirmation. Participants must and location directions are being mailed at the and suggestions to the same email address or bring to class a valid driver’s license and a current AARP membership end of Dec. Please respond as soon as you receive write to me at 26 First Street, P.O. Box 8545, card. Light refreshments will be provided and you are welcome to them. Questions? Call me at 941-383-0408. Pelham, NY 10803. bring a bag lunch. —MIKE NEMOYTIN —JANICE IMUNDI

AARP Driver Safety Program Feb 2 at 9:30 am | 6 Hours of Instruction Name Address Home Number: Cell Number: E-mail Address: Mail by Jan. 25, to CSA Retiree Chapter, 40 Rector St., 12th Fl., NY, NY 10006. Or email Lucie@csa- nyc.org. Include a copy of your valid driver’s license and if applicable your current AARP membership card. Checks payable to AARP. $20 for AARP members, $25 for non- members. For more information, call (212) 823 -2020, ext. 2075. n Mike Marotta, former Marine and retired Tottenville HS Principal helped collect “Toys for Tots” at the Staten Island retiree unit’s annual holiday event on Dec. 8. oocCSA NewsJan2015.qxp_2012CSA1/12/161:59PMPage20 Dual Language PS22 Principal. Simpson, MelissaDonath, PS16 modelteacher; Maria teacher; Lara Scaringella, Scribani, PS16model principal; Alexandra Petrone,Mary PS19 model ELLCompliance;Support Domingo, Borough Field PS19 modelteacher; Enrico LPP facilitator; Seidman, Sam teacher; Australia Fernandez, model duallanguage right: Evelyn Crespo, PS19 administrators, to from left n are thrilled.” tain ahealthierlifestyleandforthatwe those inHaitiwillallowthemtomain- Marilyn Custodio.“Ourdonationto who donothaveone,”saidPrincipal sonal hygieneandtherearemanypeople as simpleatoothbrushpromotesper- “When youthinkaboutit,something new toothbrushesforpeopleinHaiti. of Nov. 2.Thestudentscollected 236 “Donate-A-Toothbrush” drivetheweek GenerationOn KidsCareClubheldtheir A SimpleGift schools was dual languagelearners.Amongthe instructionfor for offeringexemplary in earlyDec.,recognized15cityschools bilingual inthisprocessisalifelonggift.” Petrone.“Becoming said PrincipalMary their culture,butthecultureofothers,” and fostersanappreciation,notonlyof advancement intotheworldofbiliteracy Language promotesourstudents’ ing professionaldevelopment.“Dual instructional materialsandtofundongo- Education topurchase multilingual receive $10,000fromtheDepartmentof Spanish andEnglish.Eachschoolwill which conductsduallanguageclassesin Staten Island Dual Languageprogram Queens PS 97TheForestParkSchool Schools ChancellorCarmenFariña, JANUARY 2016 oog res/ Briefs Borough PS 19 The Curtis School PS 19TheCurtis Printed on FSC certified paper Printed onFSCcertified (DIST. 24-30) (D-31) ’s , 40 RectorSt., NY, NY10006 1 AFSA, AFL-CIO Local New York StateFederation ofSchool Administrators Council ofSchoolSupervisors & Administrators, NYC A with acommunityrally. shopping bagstobeusedaswastefordogowners.Theeffortculminated on theschoolwallsandfences.Parentsstaffdonatedplasticcontainers Winning designsweretransformedintoweather-resistantsignsandhungoutside contest andthetopstudents,staffparentsvotedonbeststudentposters. "Clean UpAfterYour Pup."Thestudentcouncilorganizedaposterawareness delaying theirarrivaltoschool.Theschoolcommunitydubbedthecampaign, walking unknowinglyontodogpoopontheirwaytoandfromschool,often from dogexcrement.Studentshavecomplainedtheyoftenfindthemselves Academics andActivism and theParentAssociationjoinedforces totakebacktheirsidewalks-- in advocacyatPS54.PrincipalDr. Ferreira,theStudentCouncil Marybelle problem alltoofamiliartoNewYorkers createdanopportunityforlessons nTeSchools The In Bronx DS.7-12) (DIST. nity artproject. referred toastheworld’s largestcommu- length of24footballfields.Itisalso Washington D.C.in1987,spannedthe virus. Theentirequilt,firstdisplayedin who diedfromcomplicationsofthe dent andtwoteachersfromtheschool marked withthenamesofaformerstu- the school’s gymnasium.Onepanelwas panels fromtheAIDSMemorialQuiltin HIV awarenessandprevention,including showcased presentationstoteachabout HighSchool Edward R.Murrow Corey Bachman Compiled by For World AIDSDay which they donated to Haiti. n And…Action! Lights! Camera! the CommonCore.” faux-horror movietitled,“Children of Twelve filmswerescreened,includinga ative skills,”saidPrincipalNadavZeimer. because wefocusonpracticalandcre- film industry. “It’s agreatpartnership and gettoexplorepossiblecareersinthe screenwriting, filmproduction,editing TriBeCa FilmCenter, studentslearn Room. Throughapartnershipwiththe the famedTriBeCa FilmCenterScreening High School at [email protected]. Brooklyn

Manhattan PS 97students toothbrushes collected In Dec.,torecognizeWorld AIDSDay, Students of Send Borough BriefstoCorey Bachman and Additional MailingOffice Brooklyn, NY11201 US POSTAGE PAID AT Periodicals premiered theirfilmsat Harlem Renaissance DS.13-23,32) (DIST.

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