October 31, 2000
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| Editor: Lynne Hensel |
October 31, 2000 |
| HFCC-FT PAF COLLECTION To date, 77% of the Union membership have responded to the Union's request for PAF contributions, giving a total of $15,650 to Local 1650's Political Action Fund. Local 1650's Executive Board has recommended that each teacher contribute $100 to our local PAF. As in the past, Local 1650 operates two PAF funds. The first, a restricted fund, is used only for local millage/bond elections, Board of Trustees' campaigns, and the campaigns of municipal and/or State Legislative candidates whose decisions impact directly on HFCC revenues. This fall the Local is using this fund to support two candidates for the HFCC Board of Trustees, Sharon Dulmage and Julie Morrison, and to help finance the HFCC bond proposal. The Local uses the "unrestricted" fund to engage in political activity and to support candidates not so directly involved with the revenues of HFCC, but whose decisions definitely affect Local 1650's ability to represent the interests of its members. Gubernatorial, State Supreme Court, and out-state legislative candidates as well as State-wide referenda fall into this category. The Executive Board thanks those who have already contributed for their support of Local 1650's political efforts to protect teacher bargaining rights and secure the local and State funding necessary to operate HFCC and compensate its employees. Checks should be made out to HFCC-FT - PAF.
ELECTION 2000 As a part of the MFT-SRP's "Mobilization 2000" plan, Local 1650's Legislative Committee has prepared informational packets focusing on the November 7 elections for distribution to all Local 1650 members. The packets contain information on how the outcomes of certain key races could impact HFCC teachers. In an effort to promote collegiality as well as political awareness within the Local, the packets will be distributed in person to every teacher the week before Election Day. Jim Wanless Chair, Legislative Committee 1650 ELECTION RESULTS The following people were elected during the balloting held last week: President - John McDonald; Vice-President for External Affairs - Nancy Widman; Treasurer - Ed Fryzel; Area 2 Representative - Jim Wanless; Area 4 Representative - Jeannine Dawson; Area 6 Representative - Don Unsworth; Area 8 Representative - Margaret Thornburg; Area 10 Representative - Les Goings Professional Issues Conference 2001 "Learning to Learn" is the title of this year's Professional Issues Conference on Thursday, January 4. The conference will feature Dr. Dan Apple, President of Pacific Crest, who uses an approach he calls "Process Learning" to enhance student retention and success. During the morning session will Dr. Apple will:
During the afternoon session, Dr. Apple will actually teach a group of HFCC students using the Process Learning strategies. Mark January 4 on your calendar, as participation in the Professional Issues Conference is required under the Local 1650 contract. Lunch will again be provided compliments of Local 1650 and the College. Call Betsy Cohn or Bonnie Tobias, co-chairs of this year's conference, with any questions. GIFT OF READING For the twelfth straight year Local 1650 will sponsor a holiday Gift of Reading program. This year's donations will go directly to Focus Hope for distribution and use in their food centers and Montessori school. Donations should be new, unwrapped books suitable for children up to age 13 or checks made out to Local 1650 with a notation for Focus Hope. Please make your contribution by Friday, December 8, to any of the following people: Tony Conti, Computer Information Systems, Office: T-162F; Mailbox: T-164 Mike Davis, Architectural Construction, Office: D-164B; Mailbox: DHC Jeannine Dawson, Math, Office: L-146; Mailbox: L-259 Kevin Dewey, Fine Arts, Office: F-132; Mailbox: F-153 Paulette Childress, English, Office: L-203; Mailbox: L-201 John Rietz, English, Office: L-303; Mailbox: L-201 Marsha Steele, Health Careers, Office: H-133G; Mailbox: H-133 Nancy Widman, Library, Office: Lib-106A; Mailbox: Lib-106 Local 1650's Gift of Reading donations have provided new story books to thousands of disadvantaged Michigan children since 1989. Last year, the HFCC community donated $1250 and over 100 books, and we hope to give even more generously this year. Remember that the gift of reading lasts a lifetime, so please put it high on your list this season! FSA DEADLINE For many years members of Local 1650 have had the option of establishing a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through payroll deductions. These pre-tax dollars can be used for medical expenses not covered by insurance (such as deductibles and co-pays) or child care costs. To set up such an account, however, teachers must file a payroll deduction form with Human Resources Offices each year. The filing deadline for a 2001 FSA is December 1. Payroll deduction forms are available from John McDonald's office. Send completed forms to Lynn Borczon in the Human Resources Office by December 1. Mr. Tom Maxey, from Consolidated Financial Corporation - the third party administrator of our FSA program, will be present at the November 20 General Membership meeting to answer any questions about the FSA program and to review IRS regulations regarding tax sheltered annuities. LOCAL 1650 VOLUNTEERS FOR WDET PLEDGE DRIVE Nine members of Local 1650 answered phones during the WDET fundraising campaign held earlier this month. The Local was a "pledge partner" during the "All Things Considered" news show on October 17 and received on-air recognition for providing volunteers to take the pledges. The following people assisted at the WDET studios: Kathy Cunningham, Ed Fryzel, Lynne Hensel, Peter Kearly, Jerry Klein, Tony Mazurek, Diane Mazurek and Greg Osowski. This is the tenth year that members of Local 1650 have volunteered for the WDET pledge drive. UNION COMMITTEES Local 1650 has three on-going committees to which new members are always welcome. The Legislative Committee monitors legislation and elections crucial to HFCC teachers. Under the leadership of Jim Wanless (ext. 9716), the Committee sends out membership alerts on critical issues and even provides sample letters about these issues that can be sent to legislators. The Insurance Committee keeps an eye on current or potential insurance benefits offered through our contract. The Committee, chaired by Marsha Steele (ext. 6590) is currently reviewing LASIK surgery benefits. Maureen Webster (ext.6461) heads up the Solidarity Committee which plans social events for the Local, such as the Friday Buddy's Pizza Parties. If you would like to join any (or all) of these groups, contact the respective committee chair. FLOWER AND GIFT FUND You recently received a request from the Office of College Relations for a contribution to the Faculty/Staff Flower and Gift Fund. This fund provides remembrances for College employees for special occasions. Please send your $10 check for this worthy fund to your Senate Representative. Last year, less than 50% of the faculty contributed. We can do better than that! Henry Ford Community
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