Now that we are almost through this terrible year, we need good news for the UTN-R web site. Please send stories, information, achievements, etc. about what you have done over the last year to our web master, Linda Quinn at rutn@digitalquinn.com. We all need to feel good and we will posting what our members have been up to, and accomplished over the past year. Check this page often to read about your fellow retirees.
Ride for Life 2021 Benefit
The ALS Ride For Life was founded by Chris Pendergast, our much beloved colleague who lost his life to ALS late last year. Each year the foundation holds an Honoree Recognition Benefit, and this year it is being held on April 28, what would have been Chris’s 72nd birthday.
Chris built the organization on a solid foundation, knowing that they would need to continue without him one day. His wish was that his work continue, providing much-needed services to patients, funding promising research initiatives, and raising awareness of the disease.
This year’s benefit will honor Chris’s life work for ALS, highlighting all he achieved in his relentless dedication to defeating this dread disease. It was hoped that it could be held in person this year, but it must once again be held a virtual format. As we have in the past, the R-UTN will be one of the benefit’s sponsors, and any of our members who would like to make a personal contribution are encouraged to do so.
To become a sponsor, or purchase tickets for the April 28th event, visit the Ride for Life web page and scroll down to Upcoming Events and click on Honoree Recognition Benefit.
Sad News
Over 500,000 American lives have been lost to COVID 19 since last February.
The R-UTN joins our fellow Americans in mourning the loss of these souls.
In keeping with CDC Guidelines, the annual Spring Luncheon will not be held this year.
Have You Contributed to Vote/Cope?
In 2021 we are facing the most difficult challenges that any of us can remember. COVID19 has impacted our health, our economy, and the whole structure of our country, state, and local communities. This has been a time that has highlighted the need for elected officials who are capable, willing to face the hard work and hard issues, and care about all of us and all of our communities. Over the last few decades NYSUT has worked to elect people who fit that description and VOTE/COPE has provided the funds to do that work.
As we approach the planning period for the new state budget, NYSUT is advocating for revenue enhancements to fill the state budget deficit and meet the added expenses of protecting all of us. It’s a time when the ultra-wealthy have profited and the lower income and middle class citizens have struggled. NYSUT is urging changes in the income tax structure that will produce greater revenues from multi-millionaires and billionaires. Part of these efforts will be a media campaign to educate the public about the problem we face and the need for additional revenues. This is one of the ways VOTE/COPE dollars are used.
Other uses of VOTE/COPE funds include supporting the election campaigns of legislators who support our concerns about public education, pension protection (think opposition to the Constitutional Convention), health insurance, Social Security, and Medicare.
NYSUT, through Vote/Cope was instrumental in instituting of the 1.2% yearly COLA increase to the pensions for retirees who have been retired five years or more. NYSUT is continuing to work with legislatures to increase the COLA amount, and supporting Vote/Cope may make it happen.
If you are a regular Vote/Cope contributor, Thank-you! The easiest way to contribute is through pension deduction. Contributing a few dollars each month is an investment in your future, and the future of education in New York State. Contact member services to set up a pension deduction.
To make a one-time contribution, visit the Vote/Cope section of the NYSUT website and LOGIN to make a contribution online. If you would rather mail a check, make the check out to Vote/Cope and mail it to: Vote/Cope
PO Box 295
Canajoharie, NY 13317-0295