“We make a living by what we get;
we make a life by what we give.”
Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

This is a natural time of year to reflect upon those who have shown a commitment to the MTA by having given time, effort, energy, and expertise to the numerous activities and committees that have run (and continue to run) throughout the year. I am grateful that we have members willing to step forward and give of themselves, thus contributing to making a stronger, more cohesive unit.

This year we have had members volunteer for the following:

•  Teacher Center
• School Improvement Teams
• Restructure Teams
• Professional Development Plan Committee
• Annual Professional Performance Review Committee
• Elementary Principal Interview Committee
• Director of Human Resources Interview Committee
• Elementary Testing Committee
• Elections Committee
• Political Action Mailing Committee
• Candidates’ Night
• Scholarship Raffle Chairperson and Building Chairs
• Scholarship Selection Committee
• Sports Camp Chairperson
• Benefit Fund Trustees

And, of course, we cannot forget our members whop have stepped forward to serve in elected MTA positions as building reps, senior reps, and officers!

The amount of time that members spend in an MTA=related activity is not the main objective. The giving of time is the critical factor and what strongly contributes to our success as a union.

It is never too late to consider giving some of your time to your union. We ask new teachers every year to give 1-3 hours to a union-related activity. Just think if all members gave the same amount of time what a difference it would make in solidifying the efforts of our Association!

My deepest thanks go to Gary Day for conceiving the idea of the MTA Member of the Year Award. We have many wonderful, talented, and dedicated members who consistently give of themselves to this union for the betterment of all. What a special pleasure it is to announce the first recipients of this award. We look forward to honoring them personally at the MTA’s June 18th social. This date would be a perfect time to give an hour or two and come out to a social event that is always a good time. Come thank our retirees and applaud our new teachers who are wrapping up their first year with us. AND…why not take a few minutes to ask our MTA Members of the Year what it means to them to give to their union?

Sheila

(by Gary Day)

Why does the Benefit Fund need to know if a participant for Will Day is from Pennsylvania? The reason for asking is that more documents are involved for wills drawn up for Pennsylvania residents. In turn, more time must be allotted in the day’s schedule for PA residents.

Will NYSUT Member Benefits be endorsing any 403(b) products in the near future? At a recent Member Benefits conference it was stated that as many as three carriers might be endorsed either in late 2008 or early 2009. This announcement will nearly coincide with the effective date of many IRS changes involving Tax Deferred Annuities.

When I retire, how do I remain a NYSUT member so that I can continue to purchase insurance at the group rate through NYSUT Member Benefits? Since the early 90s, NYSUT members retain state and national membership in retirement at no cost. Just be sure to keep the MTA informed of any changes in your address so that you will continue to receive all offers from NYSUT Member Benefits.

NYC teachers no have a 55/25 retirement option. Is NYSUT pushing this same legislation for teachers in the rest of the state? While NYSUT legislative package does contain a resolution to offer a 55/25 retirement option, it is not identical to the NYC option. The 55/25 option that was brokered between the UFT and the NYC BOE calls for all NYC teachers hired after 6/30/08 to contribute an additional 1.85% of salary for their lifetime. It is estimated that this new retirement option will cost future NYC teachers over $40,000 during their careers. It is as if a “Tier 5″ level of benefits has been put into effect in NYC.

Any questions regarding retirement, salary, or the Benefit Fund, may be e-mailed to: questions@middletownteachers.org. All questions will receive a reply; some may appear in future newsletters.

The recipients of this year’s MTA Member of the Year Awards have recently been announced. The three winners are Cathy Smith (SRP), Jimmy Moffett (PreK-5), and Brandi Hundley (Grades 6-12). The awards are persented to acknowledge the members’ service, commitment, and loyalty to the association. The formal presentation of the awards will take place at the June 18th End-of-the-Year Social. Make every effort to attend to congratulate the award winners.

(Submitted by Corinne Brechbiel)

Truman Moon has two new additions to its library. Two child-sized rocking chairs have been added to the library in memory of Cathy Crouch, a teaching assistant who passed away in December 2007. CAthy spent her entire twenty-seven years of service working at various grade levels at Truman Moon.

The funds for the chairs were received from the MTA, which consists of teachers, teaching assistants, and nurses. The idea for the chairs was formulated by the MTAO Executive Board members.

Peg Fratto, Truman Moon’s MTAO Building Rep, took on the task of completing the unfinished rocking chairs. Peggy sanded, stained, and produced the beautifully finished chairs now in use in Truman Moon’s library. Each chair displays a plaque embossed “In Memory of Cathy Crouch,” and the children have enjoyed using them while reading.

The project was a true labor of love. Not only will Cathy’s memory be present in our hearts, her memory will rock on in the halls of Truman Moon.