Dear Members,
Hooray! We have survived so far, and it is spring. Let us be glad! It has been a difficult year and because of COVID concerns we had to cancel hosting the our 2020 Luncheons, the Annual Picnic and this year’s Spring Luncheon. However, we have used the money saved doing good in your name. We have made donations to the Interfaith Food Pantry in Northport and St. Vincent de Paul food bank in East Northport. Both organizations distribute food based only on need and not because of any religious membership. We made a donation, with assistance from the UTN, to a  Northport-East Northport district family in need. Finally, we gave a donation  in memory of Chris Pendergast to the  ALS Ride for Life to continue his work and legacy.

Due to the pandemic, elections of Executive Board officers were not held last year.The office of president is currently vacant due to the untimely death of Fran LaDuca. The current vice president, treasure, corresponding secretary and recording secretary have graciously offered to continue working in these positions. The Executive Board is also in need of volunteers who would be willing to serve on the committees that make our organization run. Please consider joining with former colleagues to do good  for others, and keep us all connected. We will be posting additional information about the requirements for the office of president, and once there is a slate of candidates it will be posted online and a vote held.

Also, consider making a donation to Vote Cope. Our voices need to be heard to support public educators past and present and the system which has educated so many children so well.  More information about Vote-Cope is posted on the NYSUT Vote-Cope information page.
Finally, enjoy colleagues’ post about what they have been doing during the pandemic. If you haven’t already done so, please share your experiences with us and let us know what you are most looking forward to enjoying in the future. Send short anecdotes to rutn@digitalquinn.com, and be sure to include your name, school you retired from and subject taught – if applicable. Photos are welcome!

We do not know if it will be possible to hold a picnic in September, but we will keep the membership posted as the pandemic plays out.

Be well, and stay safe, so we can all meet again.
The Executive Board

Each year, the R-UTN gives two scholarships  of $2,000 each to Northport seniors planning careers in Education.  The High School Awards Committee selects the recipients based on academic achievement and need.  We are able to do this because of the generous contributions of our members.  This year’s recipients are Lena Mannix and Bessie Antunez-Castellon.  The Awards were presented by video this year. 

In addition, we award four scholarships of $500 to the graduating children of in-service UTN members Ashley Durand of Port Jefferson, Victoria Gaudioso of Centerport, Aidan Fee of Northport and Allison Wine of Northport. 

Thanks again to all R-UTN members for your generosity. 

December 2019 Newsletter

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Pegeen Friese is this year’s recipient of the $2000 Retired – United Teachers of Northport Scholarship.

Pegeen is described as a sincere and genuine friend, a wonderful role model for her peers and a wonderfully talented musician who plans  to become a music teacher. She has performed in many music festivals, participated in NYSSMA and composed her own music.  Although music is her main pursuit, she has maintained a competitive GPA, a place on the Honor Role and a position as drum major. Her success has required a great deal of dedication, self- motivation and hard work. Defined by her teachers as passionate, determined and focused, she combines heartfelt passion with an extraordinary work ethic and she is a leader in every sense of the word. After graduation Pegeen will be attending Ithica College. 

Gisselle Battaglia is the recipient of the Retired – United Teachers of Northport $2000 Memorial Scholarship.

Gisselle winner is described by her teachers as hard working, reliable and responsible. She approaches every subject with enthusiasm and has maintained a high grade point average, challenging herself with a strong college preparatory curriculum, including International Baccalaureate and dual enrollment classes. One of her proudest achievements was her acceptance into the Honor Tour Choir.  Her work ethic, compassion and dedication to her principles set her apart from her peers. With her temperament and sense of service she will undoubtably become  an excellent teacher.  Gisselle will be attending Mercy College.

In addition, the R-UTN awarded $500 awards to children of in-service UTN members. The 2019 recipients are Holden Koestner attending Towson University in Maryland; Demitri Smith attending Hofstra University; Robert Staudigel attending Pennsylvania College of Technology; Gabrielle Teiner attending Pennsylvania State College.