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WELCOME MARCH!
(Remember Social Distancing this month)
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Morris County Retirees Education Association - "Members Only" links are on this page, or go to the tabs UNDER Members only >
***IF USING A TABLET OR CELL PHONE, TO VIEW, KEEP SCROLLING DOWN FOR UPDATES WITH INFO WHICH INCLUDES LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION eg 3/29/20
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HEALTH INSURANCE UPDATES FOR OUR RETIREES
GO TO "HEALTH BENEFITS" TAB
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INFO ABOUT TRICKY TRAY SCHEDULED FOR 4/23/20 AT ZERIS INN WILL BE POSTPONED TILL SEPTEMBER and other news from your MCREA President, Susan Beekman...
Dear Colleagues,
Hoping this finds you all safe and well. It is a bit frightening to be watching the news and reading the paper constantly. I hope you are doing some other things besides that.
In the interest of safety for us all, we have decided to postpone the Tricky Tray that was to take place on April 24th and move it to late September. We will let you know exactly when, as soon as we firm up the date and venue. As you may recall, Andy Zeris is closing his establishment in June. So, Cheryl is working on getting us up to speed somewhere else. In the meantime, we have 160 baskets in a storage unit as well as 50+ door prizes, with more to come. 4 of us worked quietly yesterday to try to give Cheryl and her family her living room back!
I will attempt to be on a conference call this afternoon with NJEA’s Kevin Kelleher. He is talking to all the County Retired Presidents about what the agreement with Mr. Sweeney will mean to us! I will let you know anything I hear of great importance.
To my knowledge, no one has gotten money from Aetna for their co-pays. Hopefully, that will be addressed today as well.
Please let your friends who do not have the internet know about these things so we can stay informed. No decisions have been made about newsletters, Exec. Bd. meetings, or our May luncheon, yet. If you have given John a check for May, or Cheryl, a check for the Tricky Tray, you will hear from them at a later date. Hopefully, your phone number was on your reservation form.
Stay safe and well and if you need something, feel free to reach out to us. If we can help you, we will. Susan B
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MORE INFO IN "HAPPENING NOW" AS OF 3/26/20 from Government Relations
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The Annual NJREA Spring Meeting and Luncheon, scheduled for Wednesday, April 23rd, has been canceled. Checks mailed for the April 23rd event, have not been deposited. If you have any questions regarding the luncheon, please contact Joan Wright. jwight@njea.org
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***100th NJREA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM MAY 3rd TO OCTOBER 4th, 2020***
Refunds will be available upon request for the NJREA 100th Anniversary; please contact Dianne Papadinec regarding refunds for this event dpapadinec@njea.org
The cancellation of the Spring Luncheon and rescheduling of the 100th Anniversary Event will be posted on the NJREA website (njea.org/njrea) with additional information as it develops.
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ATTENTION MCREA LUNCH BUNCH!
Our event for our lunch bunch at CAFE NAVONA on Friday, March 20th, 2020 IS CANCELLED as well as April 17 at VERDE.
We will re-schedule for another time. On behalf of Elaine Frank Goldfisher, thank you for understanding! (Alex)
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***MCREA SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 24, 2020. Go to the SCHOLARSHIPS tab for an application.
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MORE INFO IN "HAPPENING NOW" AS OF 3/19/20
MCREA Activists: MORE INFO This update from NJREA GR Committee about the new Chapter 78 bill. Also info about legislation on CORONAVIRUS Stimulus Bill -see 3/17/20 in “Happening Now”
***It may affect our members who have not reached age 65 and have not started using Medicare. 3/17/20 Go to “HAPPENING NOW” for details.
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As requested, I am sharing this NJEA Government Relations update with you. (Go to "Happening Now" tab) Please take some time to read it carefully. Take note the Chapter 78 Relief bill and the ESP Job Justice bills have new numbers in this new legislative session. You will also find some links to take action.
Once again, thank you for all you do.
Tim McGrail - MCREA GR Co-Chair
***ATT: NEW LEGISLATIVE INFO 3/19/20 ON "HAPPENING NOW" - also INFO FOR MARCH!
WE DID IT! AN AGREEMENT REACHED ON CH 78 & ESP JOB JUSTICE. (3/9/20) (Go to "Happening Now")
OUR MARCH NEWSLETTER IS HERE! GO TO MEMBERS' LINKS...
***Important Information on "HAPPENING NOW" tab
In recent days, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued guidance on how to slow or prevent the spread of COVID-2019, commonly known as Coronavirus, with special emphasis on measures that schools can take to protect students and staff.
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Go to Meeting Registration & Newsletters tab for registration forms
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***** Subject: NJ Division of Pensions withholding error*****
Good morning,
You may receive phone calls from retirees regarding the February 1st pension checks from the NJ Division of Pensions. There were mistakes in the withholdings for Federal taxes that resulted in an increase in the check amount due to under-withholding.
This is what is posted on the NJ Division of Pensions website:
1.28.20 Changes to the federal tax withholding tables for 2020 resulted in incorrect tax rates being applied to pension checks dated February 1, 2020, and reduced federal tax withholding from the February pension payment. Withholding rates will be corrected, and increased federal tax withholding will be seen beginning with the pension check dated March 1, 2020.
If you have any questions, please contact the NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits at 609-292-7524.
Thank you. Judy Perkins
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OUR NEWSLETTER FOR MARCH IS HERE! Go to Members Link Newsletters...
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TRICKY TRAY DONATIONS NEEDED
Due to the current situation, we will reevaluate the date for the upcoming Fund Raiser. As you can see, we are still working on it. We will let you know the new date and venue as soon as we know.
Perhaps you received a gift for the holidays or your birthday that you really cannot use. Perhaps you were cleaning out a closet and found an item that you purchased, never used, and now cannot remember why you bought it in the first place. Perhaps someone gave you a gift card to a restaurant that you know you will never visit. Maybe you have a basket or two that you no longer need.
Not to worry. The MCREAP Tricky Tray Committee would be happy to take these items off your hands. You can bring the item(s) to the March luncheon or, if you prefer, we can arrange to come to your home to pick up the item(s). As I am sure you know all the profits from the MCREAP Tricky Tray on April 24th at Zeris Inn will go towards the scholarships that will be presented at the June luncheon.
Just give me a call or text me (973-818-1353). If I do not answer, please leave me a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please consider joining us on April 24th. Reservation forms are in the newsletter and on our website. We have some new and exciting things planned for you. See photos of our preparations in the "Photo Gallery".
Thank you, in advance, for your help. - Cheryl Doltz
*PS - Check the post below - PILLOWS FOR PATRIOTS PLUS will be some time in June.
Contacts-click here
Meeting Registration & Newsletters-click here
Happening Now-click here
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MEMBERS, PLEASE CONTACT MARCIA HEIDEN WITH ANY ADDRESS CHANGES AT mrsheiden@gmail.com
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(More from your MCREA President as of 3/29/20)
NJ LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The New Jersey Assembly made history when it held the first remote legislative session Wednesday, March 25.
The Assembly session was about Covid-19 bills, including a similar bill to the one they already passed about remote instruction, but also including hourly employees not covered by a CBA.
The Senate has not yet scheduled a voting session, so we do not know when yesterday’s bills will be considered in the Senate. Rest assured, we are closely monitoring what is happening in the legislature, but due to the unique circumstances of Covid-19, the legislature is often introducing and voting on bills simultaneously.
NEW BILL INTRODUCED AFFECTS SCHOOL FUNDING
BILL A-3902
This bill would give the state the power to allow municipalities to extend deadlines for payment of property taxes and disbursing the county and school district share of the property tax levy. NJEA is joining with the Association of Counties and the School Boards Association in opposing this bill, as it could delay needed payments to school districts. Our position statement is Our Position Statement
Other Relevant News
Corona Virus Stimulus Check Calculator - How much will you get?
COVID-19 RESOURCES
It’s important that we go to reliable resources and not spread “fake news.”
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General site for
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Covid-19 information
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NJEA resources on Covid-19
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Collection of coronavirus news sites/sources
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Corona virus latest updates
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Changes to elections
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Motor vehicle deadlines are being extended
ENOUGH NEWS - OTHER DISTRACTIONS
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NPR has a list of things that are now free
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Here are some museums you can “visit”
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NASA has space activities online
AND DON'T FORGET TO MOVE
Helps your overall health AND makes you feel better
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Planet fitness has free Facebook workouts at 7
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The New York Times has some suggestions
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GET OUTSIDE!!
HELP THE LESS FORTUNATE
The Interfaith Food Pantry
(sent by MCREA President - Susan Beekman in collaboration with "Constant Contact".)
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Due to the current situation, we will reevaluate the date for the upcoming Fund Raiser. As you can see, we are still working on it. 
We will let you know the new date and venue as soon as we know.
MCREAP-Luncheon-Tricky Tray-POSTPONED FOR SEPTEMBER WITH NEW VENUE-LOOK FOR UPDATE ON HOME PAGE - will still be open to the PUBLIC-click here
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VOTE BY MAIL LINK
Hello MCREA/NJREA Friends:
Many of our members may have medical issues and/or may wish to register or enroll to Vote by Mail. Below is a link to receive VBM in your county of residence for the June primary election. It would be easy to put this link in our publications and on our websites.
Stay healthy.
https://nj.gov/state/elections/vote-by-mail.shtml
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EVERY VOTE MATTERS - see presentation link below
Hello GR Committee Members! We hope all of you are healthy and safe. We know you would be eager to be working on our issues--except we are indoors and not able to campaign door to door and make those individual contacts we are used to or make those comments to our members at our luncheons or executive meetings. We will Survive as Gloria Gaynor sings!!
Attached is the Every Vote Matters presentation for Voting By Mail. (VBM). Remember we requested this at our last meeting in February! We want to thank Marybeth Beichert and Anna Hanzes for their hard work in getting this ready for us as quickly as they did!! And who knew that we would be in a Pandemic and would be needing this now! Marybeth presented it to the Middlesex County REA luncheon on March 12 and it was very well received. This presentation is also on the NJREA website. Go to njea.org, sign in and the information is there. We know several of you have sent out information about VBM already, thank you. Our goal with this presentation is to inform our members of their options for voting in June, November, whenever--and to give them guidance. Because of the circumstances of today, we do not know what will be happening when the Primary comes around in June or the election in November. I guess the phrase of the day is: everything is fluid!! But we do want to be prepared. If you have any questions, please contact Carol, Sue or Anna. Please pass this onto the members in your counties, your family and friends -
Because EVERY VOTE MATTERS! Take care, be safe and stay healthy! Click below...
Every Vote Matters
Sue and Carol from GR Com./ & Tim - MCREA GR Com
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You can read the CDC information and guidance on Coronavirus here<http://wc4.net/t?r=3953&c=1106&l=1&ctl=3C33:98B048F40825FA7FCD23640C7C440248&> and special information for communities, schools and businesses here<http://wc4.net/t?r=3953&c=1106&l=1&ctl=3C34:98B048F40825FA7FCD23640C7C440248&>.
The New Jersey Department of Education has created a special resource page for schools here<http://wc4.net/t?r=3953&c=1106&l=1&ctl=3C35:98B048F40825FA7FCD23640C7C440248&>.
The New Jersey Department of Health has similar information here<http://wc4.net/t?r=3953&c=1106&l=1&ctl=3C36:98B048F40825FA7FCD23640C7C440248&>.
We urge all NJEA members, and everyone in New Jersey’s public schools, to prioritize the health of your students, your colleagues and yourself while this threat exists.
Most critically, if you are sick or have any reason to believe you could have been exposed, please stay home. Urge your colleagues and students to do the same.
Obviously, this situation is fluid and subject to change. The takeaway right now is that we should take steps to become informed and plan for the possibility of an outbreak in order to limit exposure and reduce the number of possible cases.
Below is the guidance that we have taken from the CDC. We urge all NJEA members and others in our public schools to follow it carefully:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
* Stay home when you are sick. Do not return to work until you are free of fever (100.4° F or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. acetaminophen, cough suppressants, etc.).
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. CDC Handwashing Instructions<http://wc4.net/t?r=3953&c=0&l=867&ctl=3C10:845A559598D65A3D79BBB3D935347618&>
* If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Your district should be giving you clear guidance about this issue as well. Should you have any questions regarding information or directives from your district, or any concerns about the consequences of your decision to stay home as a result of following the CDC’s guidance, please contact your UniServ rep<http://wc4.net/t?r=3953&c=1106&l=1&ctl=3C37:98B048F40825FA7FCD23640C7C440248&>.
WE DID IT! AGREEMENT REACHED ON CH 78 & ESP JOB JUSTICE. Go to "Happening Now"
Click "read more" below for specific details & information! (Hover over the photo to stop the movement. Click the arrows or dots below the post or slide to move forward.) Be a part of it! We need to spread the word to our members! Let's go MCREA! 🌺🌼🌸💐🌷💚😀🌈⛱⛵️🏖👒👩🏻🔧🧿
***CHECK WITH KAY FOR SOLD OUT TRIPS, CANCELLATIONS, OR POSTPONEMENTS. KEEP CHECKING HOME PAGE FOR CHANGES IN MCREA EVENTS DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS.***
See post for details...BAR HARBOR TRIP to MAINE departs Sept 21 & returns Sept 25. The cost is $1499 for a double. If interested, call Michael NOW at 973-538-1700 to reserve a spot, there are deadlines, etc. Check all trips on posts below or with Kay for deadlines & details. Thank you!
(Comments can go on the last page-"Contact")
SO MANY EVENTS, TRIPS, SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISERS & SO MUCH MORE TO COME!! WE ARE RETIRED, BUT STILL ACTIVE IN MCREA!
Scroll down to see full slide!
Go to PHOTO GALLERY TO SEE WHAT WE WERE UP TO! CAREFUL, OUR VOLUNTEER WORK HAS LOT'S OF FUN & LAUGHTER IN ALL EVENTS!
PAMPERED CHEF!
Members attended one of MCREAP's Scholarship Fundraisers called "PAMPERED CHEF" on 11/9/19. What a great way to support Morris County students and have fun as well!
NJEA/NJREA 2019 CONVENTION
NJEA/NJREA CONVENTION 2019
Many MCREA members attended the NJEA/NJREA Convention in Atlantic City from 11/6 - 11/8 2019. So many of our members attended both NJREA & NJEA and not only did they attend meetings, workshops, and visit vendors, many were on committees. All were able to meet old friends and make new friends!
WOLF PRESERVE IN COLUMBIA, NJ
MCREA Members attended a trip to a wolf preserve
Our retirees do not fear big, bad wolves!
KENTUCKY TRIP
KENTUCKY TRIP
MCREA MEMBERS AT CHURCHILL DOWNS IN KENTUCKY SPORTING THEIR DERBY HATS!
They also did a lot of running around touring, and so much more!
CHECK EVENTS FOR MAILING DATES AND JOIN US!
NJREA DELEGATES
We support our NJEA local active members, we are delegates to NEA/RA, and as retirees, we attend work hard to disseminate relevant information to all members!
