FALL 2020 Also inside: 2 — Retiree election notes 2 — In memoriam — Words from: • Judy Wishnia, p.4 • Lawrence Wittner, p.5 • Jo Schaffer, p.7 3—RMGC Chair McAteer 4—Send e-letter to demand 11—UUP Benefit: • Daniel Marrone, p.8 pens inaugural column tax hike on millionaires Pet Insurance 7 — Volunteer opportunities The Active Retiree A Newsletter for Retiree Members of United University Professions DisabilityNDEAM, ADA celebrate issues key anniversaries in 2020 ctober 2020 marked the Two months prior 75th anniversary of National marked the 30th an- Disability Employment niversary of the enact- Awareness Month. The pur- ment of the Americans pose of NDEAM is to educate about dis- with Disabilities Act Oability employment issues and celebrate (ADA), which was signed the many and varied contributions of into law July 26, 1990. America's workers with disabilities. The goals of the ADA The history of NDEAM traces back to include equality of 1945 when Congress enacted a law declar- opportunity, full partici- ing the first week in October each year pation, economic self- “National Employ the Physically Handi- sufficiency, and capped Week.” In 1988, Congress ex- independent living. panded the week to a month and changed The ADA has played a the name to NDEAM. historic role in universal design with respect to buildings, Workplaces welcoming of the talents of enabling people with disabilities to fully modes of transportation, websites, and all people, including people with disabili- participate in all aspects of society by other technologies procured and used by ties, are designed to build an inclusive removing barriers to employment, public covered entities. community and strong economy. Activi- services, public accommodations, public ties during this month reinforce the value and private transportation, telework, (Editor’s note: Thanks to Oswego Chapter and talent people with disabilities add to telecommunications, websites, online retiree Dr. V.M. Fichera for suggesting workplaces and communities, and affirm systems, mobile apps, and other forms of the source for this article on two impor- the commitment to an inclusive commu- information and communication technol- tant anniversaries. Learn more about nity that increases access and opportuni- ogy. Every person in the United States, not the NDEAM & ADA by visiting the U.S. ties to all, including individuals with just people with disabilities, benefit from Department of Labor website at disabilities. covered entities adopting principles of www.dol.gov/NDEAM.) n 2 THE ACTIVE RETIREE FALL 2020 The Active Retiree UUP Officers Frederick E. Kowal/President Thomas J. Tucker/VP for Professionals Jamie F. Dangler/VP for Academics Jeri O’Bryan-Losee/Secretary/Treasurer Thomas C. Hoey/Membership Dev. Officer RMGC Members (2020-2023) Charlie McAteer Chair and Delegate 158 Montrose Dr. [email protected] Port Jefferson Stn., NY 11776 (631) 474-3541 Glenn McNitt Capital District (Region A) [email protected] (845) 255-1398 Irene Stern Long Island (Region B) Watch for your ballot [email protected] (631) 828-4891 UP chapter elections will be underway soon, and that includes Ray Guydosh North Country (Region C) chapter officers for retirees. Below are election dates to mark [email protected] (518) 566-8769 on your calendars, and a list of responsibilities of the officers for retirees. Stacey Johnson Western NY (Region D) [email protected] (716) 885-2486 Retired Membership Governing Committee Chair Charlie McAteer and UUP Ustatewide Secretary/Treasurer Jeri O’Bryan-Losee are working on additional du- Frank Maraviglia Central NY (Region E) ties to include in chapter bylaws. (315) 422-6938 Chapter Elections 2021 Eric P. Russell Metropolitan (Region F) Mail Chapter & Affiliate Nomination Forms.......................01/21/21 - 01/22/21 [email protected] (908) 647-4775 Chapter & Affiliate Nominations Close .................................................02/17/21 Loraine Tyler Southern Tier (Region G) Chapter Nomination Lists Posted to Web.............................................02/19/21 [email protected] (607) 433-2452 Mail Chapter Elections Ballots............................................03/10/21 - 03/12/21 Paul Griffen Finger Lakes (Region H) Chapter Elections Ballots Due...............................................................04/14/21 [email protected] (518) 382-3681 Count Chapter Elections Ballots .........................................04/15/21 - 04/16/21 Doreen Day Presidential Appointee Some Chapter Officer for Retirees Duties: [email protected] (631) 924-2962 — work with leadership to obtain the names of new retirees; Ottilie M. Woodruff Presidential Appointee — help facilitate in-district and statewide advocacy; [email protected] (716) 773-3158 — attend chapter executive board meetings and report on activities relevant to engagement of the chapter’s retired members; MDO Tom Hoey Ex-officio — serve as a conduit for information to/from membership, leadership and [email protected] (518) 442-6499 their Retired Membership Governing Committee (RMGC) representative; — work with the chapter president and executive board to schedule pre- UUP Retiree Member Services Coordinators Walter Apple [email protected] retirement workshops, and other events to involve retired members; and Gretchen Sarnowicz [email protected] — coordinate with leadership to promote the benefits of being involved with active and retiree activities in the chapter and region. UUP Associate Director of Media/Publications Karen L. Mattison [email protected] The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and not necessarily the In memoriam opinions of United University Professions. Let us remember those who have passed away since June 2020: Edward Newsham . .Oneonta United University Professions Olive Rudd . .Oswego P.O. Box 15143, Albany, NY 12212-9954 518-640-6600 1-800-342-4206 Ram Chugh . .Potsdam fax: 1-866-812-9446 Eulalie Noble . .Purchase Walter Wilson . .Stony Brook HSC www.uupinfo.org Steven Perlmutter . .Stony Brook HSC n FALL 2020 THE ACTIVE RETIREE 3 From RMGC Chair Charlie McAteer The days ahead s I write this article, uncer- union movement fighting to hold legisla- tainty is what comes to mind. tors to their words and promises. We as retirees have lived a Thank you for planning your VOTE and few years and, as we started following thru with it. NYSUT sent out its 2020, we had the usual hopes of a new Retiree Voter Guide to New Yorkers. I am Abeginning. We will need all those years of pleased to report that UUP—with its experience to weather these uncertain VOTE/COPE, outreach and political times and to plan our future. actions this fall—sent emails and post- This winter we started our RMGC elec- cards (a first at such a large scale) about tions, but by spring—when those ballots state-specific voter information to UUP were being counted—we were already in retirees and in-service members in a a new and uncertain world that continues dozen key battleground states. today. Speaking of elections, your RMGC We have individually come up with members in June began their three-year plans to deal with COVID-19, as things terms , from 2020-2023. Chapter officers continue to change daily. Those include for retirees serve two-year terms, with no in-person meetings till further notice. elections planned for early 2021. Chapter (However, we are talking about when we officers for retirees serve on the chapter Media and Publications, who designs and can meet again, using a pencil with a big executive board. Working with RMGC helps me edit The Active Retiree. eraser!) We have met online and have members, they provide an important link Finally, congrats to Buffalo Center attended virtual NYSUT retiree leader in representing retiree issues at the local Chapter retiree Stacey Johnson, the trainings and forums, representing our level. I encourage you all to consider run- RMGC’s elected rep for Western New 6,000-plus UUP retiree members. ning for or supporting your candidate for York, for earning the union’s Pearl H. The RMGC has formalized your this position in the upcoming elections. Brod Outstanding Retiree Award for regional networks to better work with the I want to congratulate and thank the 2020, for her union and community NYSUT Regional Council members. Your eight elected RMGC regional representa- service. We are so proud of all the things RMGC will meet online early in 2021, to tives, Stacey, Paul, Loraine, Frank, Ray, Stacey has and continues to do for her access things and to develop plans and Glenn, Eric and Irene; the two presiden- community and the union movement as meeting alternatives, including a summer tial appointees, Ottilie and Doreen; and a whole. She is a model for the slogan retreat with the RMGC and elected chap- statewide Membership Development “Solidarity Forever.” ter officer for retirees. Officer Tom Hoey. Also serving you with And don’t forget to visit the UUP re- Let us see how the national election expert advice and counsel are Walter tirees webpage at https://uupinfo.org/ turns out and how UUP will need us as Apple, UUP retiree member services retiree/ or call us at (800) 342-4206. the “daytime army of advocates” to pro- coordinator; Jo Schaffer, immediate past Continue to stay safe. mote public higher education, our retiree RMGC chair and NYSUT Retiree Action agenda and other issues in our union Committee member (I serve with her); cause. Barbara Maertz of Farmingdale, RMGC NYSUT has developed a “Union for finance subcommittee chair; and Karen Life” logo and we are part of the entire Mattison, associate director of UUP What your beneficiaries need to know Don’t forget to remind your beneficiaries that, Apple at (800) 342-4206. If they don’t contact the upon your death, they need to inform the campus campus or UUP, they won’t get the survivor’s ben- Human Resources Department and contact UUP efits: that’s $3,000 from the state and $1,000 from Retiree Member Services Coordinator Walter UUP. Remind them to make the calls! n 4 THE ACTIVE RETIREE FALL 2020 We’ve come a long way, baby by Judy Wishnia and only 3 percent of lawyers gress and as governors.