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Our Long Island Zone Fall Luncheon and Annual Meeting
will be held Wednesday, September 29, 2010; 12 to 3 PM
Villa Lombardi, 877 Main Street, Holbrook, NY
LIE exit 61 south to 2nd light,
bear right on Main Street,
Villa Lombardi is on the left

MENU:  rolls and butter; garden salad or penne filetto di pomodoro;
choice of sliced sirloin of beef, chicken Francaise or tilapia oregonata;
vegetable; potato; Mamma’s cannoli; coffee or tea

Come read the annual report booklet, hear from the zone officers,
and listen to musical entertainment!

Please send your check for $28 per person payable to NYSRTA/LIZ to Penny Coyle,
314 Atlantic Avenue, Greenport, NY 11944, 631-477-0099.
Registrations must be received prior to September 20th.
Please indicate your choice of beef, chicken or fish.

LIZ Luncheon June 2, 2010 at Villa Lombardi

From the President
by Fred Conway, President

While membership in the areas is not necessary in order to be a part of NYSRTA/Long Island Zone, we certainly encourage it.  These smaller organizations historically strive to have their events close to home and you are able to continue making friends with like-minded retirees in your “neighborhood.”  The WERTA Membership Chairs are Mary Armbruster who you may contact at 631-957-4366 or MaryLI120@aol.com and Lois Thornberg at 631-845-9819 or loistberg@usa.net.  The EERTA Membership Chairs are SuzAnne and Frank Jessup who you may contact at 631-288-3827, 305-852-8903 or jessup@villagenet.com.

Bylaws Committee
Helen Brion

 
    At the LIZ Annual Meeting in September four Propositions wil be voted on for the NYSRTA delegates to bring to the NYSRTA Annual  Meeting.

    PROPOSITION " A " 2010
        It streamlines the Association's legislative program.  It combines two committees into one and the Vice Presidential offices of State Legislation and Federal Legislation into one, Legislative Action.
Activle V Offices
    Section lc would delete VP in charge of Federal Legislation
    Section lf would delete VP in charge of State Legislation
    and be
    Replaced with ld.  VP in charge of Legislative Action
The LIZRTA Executive Board and membership had approved of this last year, but it was tabled at the NSYRTA Annual Meeting, therefore it will be voted on by the delgates to the NYSRTA Annual Meeting  this year.  We have been informed that if approved it will take effect immediately upon its adoption; the old committee and VP office will cease to exist and the new committee offices will begin.  The present VP for Federal Legisalation is not running for reelection and has endorsed the adoption of this Proposition A. The present VP for State Legislation, Angelo Grande, has indicated his willingness to serve in the new position.  He would be nominated for VP in charge of Legislative Action.  If elected he would start a new three year term limit.

PROPOSITION "B" 2010
    This adds Associate membership as a category of membership.
    The LIZRTA Executive committee approved of this at their March meeting.  You will be asked to vote on this at the LIZ RTA Annual Meeting, and the delegates vote accordingly at the NYSRTA Annual Meeting.
    Article III Membership
    Section 4. Associate
            Associate membership in the Association is open to non-educators who work in, or are retired from, an educational institution. Associate Members must indicate an interest in promoting the objectives of the Association.  Associate members, by paying Annual or Life Membership dues, shall be entitled to all privileges of membership except the right to vote or to hold office at the Zone or State level.
    This proposition would increase our base of potential membership.

PROPOSITION "C" 2010 
    This was approved in essence by the LIZRTA Board in March, but the NYSRTA Executive Committee edited it so they will vote again in September on the new version.
  
Article XIV,
    Section l
The Insurance Trust
  (a) The Board of Trustees shall consist of five (5) Trustees who are elected by the Executive Committee for a five (5) year term: such election to take place at the next Executive Meeting following the Annual meeting.  In the initial phase of implementation, one new Trustee shall be appointed to a three year term, one to a four year term, and one to a five year term
    b. The Board of Trustees shall elect, by majority vote, a chairperson from among its members.
    c. No Trustee may simultaneously serve as an elected, voting eligible member of the NYSRTA Executive Committee.
    d. The function of the Board of Trustees  (remains the same)

This then causes
Article V  Officers
    Section 2 to deletion of subsection J - reletter subsequent subsections
    and
Article V Officers
    Section 3 deletion of subsection C and reletter subsequent subsections.

PROPOSTION "D" 2010
    Article VII Elections
    Insert new Section 6.
Section 6 Separation from office.
    a.  Any elected officer of the association may be removed from office due to incapacity, malfeasance, inabiltiy or unwilingness to carry out the responsibilities of office. This separation from office shall be carried out by action of the Executive Committee.
    b.  The question of an officer's fitnss to serve in office may be brought to any member of the Executive Committee by any member of the Association.
    c. Procedure
        l.  An official complaint, initiated by at least two (2) members of the Executive Committee, shall be presented to the President if the subject of the complaint is any officer other than the President.  If the President is the subject of the complaint the matter will be brought to the Senior Vice President. The President or Senior VIce President, as appropriate to the case, shall be known as the Convening Officer
        2. The Convening Officer shall, within five (5) calendar days, appoint an ad hoc Investigating Committee composed of three (3) to five (5) members of the Executive Committee other than those who  brought the complaint. The Investigating committee shall include at least one Zone President.  The Investigating Committee is to look into the complaint, formulate charge(s) if appropriate and, within ten (l0) calendar days, report the results of its work, with recommendation(s), to the Convening Officer.    
        3.  If the recommendation of the Investigating Committee warrants further action, the Convening Officer shall, within three (3) calendar days, notify the named officer by certified mail (signature required) of the recommendation.
        4.  The named officer shall have the option of requesting a hearing by the full Executive Committee.
            (i) If such a hearing is desired, the named officer shall, within five (5) calendar days of receiving notification, send a written request for a hearing to the Convening Officer by certified mail.  If a hearing is requested, the named officer shall have ten (l0) calendar days from the date that the request for a hearing is sent to the Convening Officer to prepare a defense.  The hearing may be held anytime there after.
            (ii) If the named officer declines a hearing, or does not respond in the manner specified, action goes forward.
        5.  The Executive Committee shall hear and rule on the case at a regular meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose. 
        6.  The Executive Committee may, by a two thirds or greater vote of the members present and voting, remove the named officer from office. The vote shall be by secret ballot.

Article VI  Executive Committee  
 Section 2 The Executive Committee shall have the power to remove an elected officer due to incapacity or for cause in accordance with Article VIII, Section 6 of these bylaws.

State News: 2009 Convention
contributions by Mary Armbruster, Helen Brion, Leigh Powell & Sally Valenti

Our 2009 New York State Retired Teachers’ Association Convention, planned by NYSRTA Site Committee, chaired by our Zone’s Leigh Powell (right), along with the Workshop Committee and Albany Office gals - Bobbi Ziarno, Debbie Weisgerber & Lisa Dolen (below), was held in Verona, NY at the Turning Stone Resort from October 13 to 16, 2009. 

This year’s theme was “Gateway to the West,” hosted by the Western Zone.  We dressed up as cowboys and there was a lot of “Howdy Partner Lingo” to go around (check out cowgirl Sally, at left).

The motivational speaker was Judge Tommy B. Webb.  He focused on making a positive difference in a negative world.  The importance of treating yourself with respect and valuing others took on special meaning when delivered in the context of the experience of a poor Korean orphan.  Judge Webb also conducted one of the nineteen workshops on Wednesday.  A successful and fun workshop, “Sew Easy Quilts,” was conducted by Long Island Zone’s JoAnne Powell

Lois Wilson, earning rave reviews.  The membership workshop, conducted by NYSRTA-VP Bill Hall (above), William Armbruster, and Bob Mooso provided helpful tips to gain and retain members.  We all need to be active in this process.  Personal contact has been found to work best.

Thursday’s business meeting put two more of our members on the State Executive Board.  Congratulations to Angelo Grande, our new NYSRTA Vice President for State Legislation, and Lucretia Ruppel, our new NYSRTA Vice President for Friendly Service.  Bill Hall ran unopposed for his position of NYSRTA Vice President for Membership and Anna May Hoffmann for her position of NYSRTA Secretary (all above).  Appointees include NYSRTA Health Chair Mary Ella Moeller and NYSRTA Site Chair Leigh Powell.  LIZ President Fred Conway sits on the Board as well.  Our representatives will work with other members of the State Association to ensure the future growth and long-term vitality of this organization which has served so many retirees over the years.


Marjorie Williams, Vivian Ellis, Judge Tommy B. Webb, Edith Whitaker & Ida Davis relax after the Key Note Speaker’s address.

A proposed change in the NYSRTA Bylaws to combine State and Federal Legislation into the Legislative Action Committee was unanimously approved at our LIZ meeting, but tabled at the NYSRTA Annual Meeting.

Resolutions to discourage tax evasion by employers & employees, raise awareness & discourage elder abuse, and secure electronic medical information were unanimously approved.

In addition to our work, we had golf & bridge tournaments and use of the pool & spa.

Our delegation had a wonderful ride up & back on a Horizon Coach bus.  Why don’t you consider joining us next October?  We always benefit from the comradery, enthusiasm and knowledge.

NOTE:  Pay your dues by June in order to qualify to attend the next Convention as a delegate.

   JoAnne Powell chats with fellow quilters.

Island News: LIZ Honors Members
by Eileen Brennan

The Long Island Zone of The New York State Retired Teachers’ Association, at its Annual Meeting and Luncheon September 30th  at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook, awarded special plaques for teamwork.  Longtime workers Mary Armbruster, JoAnne Powell, Helen Brion, Sally Valenti, Candy Misner, Eileen Brennan and Evelyn Paola developed a constitution, combined memberships & treasuries, and published the WERTA NEWS & WERTA Website in order to establish the new West End Retired Teachers’ Association.   Thank you, ladies!

The program consisted of annual reports and most importantly election & installation of officers:  President Fred Conway, Vice President Mary Ella Moeller, Secretary Evelyn Paola, and Treasurer Jim Moeller.

Please consider inviting a retiree who is not a member of the Zone to the next luncheon in the hope that we may increase membership.

Long Island Zone Losses
by JoAnne Powell

Helen Berglind died October 9th of leukemia at age 86.  Helen had high standards: as President of South Nassau RTA, she worked to do her job well, and expected you to do yours the same.  In addition to presiding at SNRTA, she had been on the Long Island Zone Executive Board, and was once the NYSRTA Credentials Committee Chair.  Helen lived and taught in Baldwin as the mother of four, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of four.  Helen was buried at Long Island National Cemetery in Pinelawn.

Most of us probably remember Audrey Berry as the hard-working force behind our former LIZ President Wesley Berry.  Audrey, of East Norwich, passed away November 14th at age 76.  Mother of two sons, she’s interred at Calverton National Cemetery.






Bob Hoyt, 72, was the well-liked EERTA Membership Chair along with his wife, Eleanor. A life-long resident of Center Moriches, he died peacefully in his home on November 16th. Father of two daughters and “Pop” to three grandchildren, Bob was also a retired physical education teacher and coach from Center Moriches Union Free School District.

Friendly Service
Vivian Ellis, Chair

People feel good when they are remembered, but assistance is needed to enable Friendly Service to be more responsive to members during both happy and difficult times.  Please keep the committee chair informed so she can send appropriate cards and notify the LIZ NEWS Editor.

Public Relations
Sheila Jones

Now that summer is winding down and the days will become less hectic, it is time to reconnect with old friends. Please be sure and check the calendars posted on the web for both WERTA and EERTA as well as Long Island Zone.

Let's make a special effort this year to become involved. Remember the old song make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold? If we all make an effort to reach out and include someone new, the results could amaze us!

Resolutions
Helen Brion

    At the May LIZ meeting, the resolution "Medicare Coverage for Hearing Aids" was distributed to you.  It had been approved by the LIZ Board, and I have been informed will be offered by the NYSRTA Resolutions Committee at the Annual  Meeting.  You can formally vote on it at the  LIZ Annual Meeting in September, but with the time frame of the resolution having to be presented to the NYSRTA Resolutions Committee by July l2, it did not make it possible to be done a year in advance.

Long Island
Sally Valenti and Evelyn Paola

As chairs of the NYSRTA 2011 Convention host committee, we hope to depict a true picture of Long Island to our fellow NYS educators through journals, displays and activities.  Before we begin our actual labor of creating baskets, centerpieces, and gift bags, we are researching the historic faces, places and activities which have made this most populated US island great.  In our travels, we are meeting with Historical Societies, Tourist Bureaus, and residents whose families have been on the Island since the l600s.  
    
Long Island has a place in history - the Revolutionary War Battle in Sag Harbor, war-time ship building in Port Jefferson, British Headquarters in Oyster Bay, Civil War Training Camp for Black Soldiers in Hempstead, 1800s Bethpage Restoration, fighter planes built by Grumman Aeronautics and the space capsules which traveled to the moon between l969 and 1972.  There are so many historic sites, like St. George Episcopal Church in Hempstead with its reputed weathercock bullet hole from 1702 and Theodore Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill home.
Some of our well-known citizens include William Floyd, signer of the Declaration of Independence, whose family home is located in a part of Fire Island National Seashore in Mastic Beach.  Born in Huntington, poet Walt Whitman is called the father of free verse.  Those wealthy before the Stock Market Crash in l929 lived and played on Long Island’s Gold Coast.  Architect Sanford White designed mansions, many of which featured the work of stained glass artist Louis Tiffany.  Investment banker Otto Kahn created the second largest home in the United States in Cold Spring Hills.  William Reynolds, who developed four Brooklyn neighborhoods and Coney Island’s Dreamland, the world’s largest amusement park, had a herd of elephants march in from Dreamland, ostensibly to help build the Long Beach boardwalk in 1907, but in reality it was just a publicity stunt.  Albert  Einstein, along with other physicists, wrote from Nassau Point in Peconic to President Roosevelt to communicate a “sense of urgency” regarding the atom bomb.

Agriculture is important, too.  We have huge vineyards, as well as several of the formerly world-renowned potato and duck farms.  Clamming and fishing are also big industries.  Brookhaven National Laboratory is located on our island.
You can see that we are moving along.  Our committee meeting was held at Fred Conway’s house on August 11th.  We’re creating a calendar which will swing into action next spring.  At that time, we will be needing many helping hands.  Please answer when we call.

Rock Solid
by James Moeller, Treasurer

Income is largely dues refunded to Long Island Zone from NYSRTA. The largest expense line is for the convention.  We charter a bus and pay stipends to delegates.  The next largest expense is for the newsletter and we were well within budget for that.  If anyone has questions or comments or needs more information, feel free to call me.

Membership
Mary Armbruster and Lois Thornberg

You will receive a statement from our state office informing members annual dues for 2010-2011 are due.   New retirees will be invited to join NYSRYA / LIZ, and EERTA /or WERTA as soon as local school districts send their recent retirees.  We represent and serve retired educators on L I.  When Labor Day comes and goes, the 2010 retirees realize their retirement has begun.  Reality sets in.  ENJOY!

WERTA NEWS
by JoAnne Powell

WERTA members enjoyed a general luncheon meeting on June l6th at
Carlyle on the Green at Bethpage State Park.

After our welcome, patriotic song and invocation we had our general reports. The Grandes ,Kathy and Angelo, reported on legislation issues and our team lobbying reports. David Keefe gave us a thorough update on our pension system.

We gave scholarships to Alexandra DeVries from Islip High
School who will be attending Nyack College in the fall and Laurie
Messina from Huntington High School who will be attending Syracuse
University in the fall. We wish them both a wonderful experience in
their chosen profession of education.

We were entertained by the Don Ranieri Quartet. Leigh Powell’s guest was his sister Joy Tillinghaust . The room we were in was named the Tillinghaust Room and had been designed by a relative.

October 19th will find some of us at Turning Stone Resort for our annual convention. The delegates from WERTA will be Liz Middleton, Ida Davis, Edith Whitaker, David Keefe, Marjorie Williams, June Lanham, Candy Misner, Mary Armbruster, Evelyn Paola, K athy Grande, JoAnne Powell, Vivian Ellis, Al Colina, Wes Berry, Manfred Kuehnel and Sally Valenti. In addition to the listed delegates above we will have our State representatives attending: Leigh Powell, Anna May Hoffmann, Lucretia Ruppel, Angelo Grande, Fred Conway and Bill Hall.

WERTA’S next luncheon will be held on November 3rd.

WERTA 2009-2010 Gift Membership for a Friend

print friend’s name:___________
your name:_________________
friend’s phone number:____________
friend’s e-mail address (important):______
friend’s address:____________
friend’s town, state, zip+4:______
friend’s date of birth (if known):_________________
friend’s year retired (if known):______
friend’s school district(s):______ ______
is friend a current member of NYSRTA?______

Please send your $5 check for each brand-new member’s annual dues, payable to WERTA, to Mary Armbruster, 120 High St, Lindenhurst NY 11757-5023.  A letter of welcome and a newsletter will be mailed to your friend after receipt of your application(s) and check(s).

Click here to download form.

Classified
free to members when space allows

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