RC 10 retirees focus on health, wellness

ealth and wellness was the theme for the Retiree Council 10 Spring Conference. The daylong event took place at Hudson Valley Community College on May 8.

“Retiree Councils are another incredible example of how NYSUT values all of our members even after they have moved on from their career,” said NYSUT Second Vice President Ron Gross, whose office coordinates NYSUT Retiree Services. “Regional conferences allow us to engage with retirees of all ages who wish to continue their activism and protect public education. We are indebted to the work our retirees have done to create NYSUT, and it is vital to our success that we remind everyone that we are ‘Union for Life.’”

RC 10 Vice President Cliff Brosnan began the day with information about retiree council participation and upcoming events. NYSUT’s Capital District Regional Office Director Mike Rowan followed with a presentation about locals’ health insurance coverage for retirees. Attendees also heard from Derek Clement, Member Benefits specialist, who explained NYSUT’s continuing benefits and programs for retirees.

Mental health was also on the agenda. Greenville Superintendent Mike Bennett gave a moving talk about his personal and professional experiences related to school safety and the importance of supporting the mental health of students, faculty and staff in our schools.

NYSUT President Melinda Person led the attendees through a centering exercise that is part of the RISE by Kripalu program. NYSUT offers the three-session online professional development course through its Education & Learning Trust. The course is also open to retirees. For registration info, contact Retiree Services Consultant Chris Fowler at chris.fowler@nysut.org.

Person also shared state and national updates about cellphone restrictions in schools and the state budget.

The 45 conference attendees heard from RC 10 honoree Jean Chenette, who spoke about the HVCC Center for Creative Retirement and the many classes, trips and workshops offered.

Fowler organized the event, but “many RC 10 board members helped to make the day flow smoothly for all who attended,” she said.

Beginning in September, NYSUT will only send printed Retiree Council newsletters to retirees who request a hard copy. This change does not apply to our UFT and UUP retirees or to the NYSUT United publication. Retirees MUST contact NYSUT to ensure that they will continue receiving a hard copy of their RC newsletter using one of the following methods:

• Go to our website and select your option — nysut.org/rcnewsoptin
• Email retiree.services@nysut.org
• Mail NYSUT Retiree Services, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110

Be sure to include your preference (digital or print copy), full name, mailing address, email address, phone number and your former local on all letters, emails or phone calls.