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Take your cue from ‘Spunky Audrey’
Over the past 24 months, I’ve had the opportunity to visit many of our PEF
Retirees chapters. Several of our senior activists have impressed me with their
work and enthusiasm.
Let me tell you about one such member, “Spunky Audrey.”
At her first PEF Retiree meeting, Spunky Audrey signed up for political action.
When called to work on a campaign phone bank, a task she had never before
attempted, Audrey did a commendable job communicating her support for our
PEF-endorsed candidates.
In another situation, a PEF senior told me I could thank the state of affairs in
this country for his attendance and participation in our activities.
“I’m just not happy with the direction this country is going,” he said.
It’s often difficult for PEF retirees to be optimistic when our health insurance
protections, pension plan and Social Security are under attack.
Seniors worry about our future and our posterity. How will we repay our $8
trillion national debt?
Will our fixed incomes be sufficient to pay our own bills considering inflation
and the declining purchasing power of the dollar?
What is happening to our senior and working class population when the gap
between rich and poor continues to widen in America?
Why do our social problems such as crime and poverty remain unresolved?
As PEF seniors, we should be concerned, but not defeatist. Like Audrey and many
other PEF senior activists, we can all work for meaningful change in our
country. In my experience, seniors are among the most underutilized resources in
our nation.
Use your knowledge, experience, and common sense to make this a better America.
Make a real difference by asserting yourself and working for a more just,
equitable, meaningful and intelligent society.
My suggestion: Start by becoming an activist in your PEF Retirees chapter.
If you live in the Capital District, your next chapter meeting is at noon
Monday, March 5, at Pine Grove Methodist Church. The guest speaker, Kristine
Lindahl from MVP (Mohawk Valley Physicians health plan) will offer “10 Simple
Tips to a Healthier You.”
While you are marking that date on your calendar, circle the dates (all Mondays)
of the Albany Chapter’s other meetings this year as well: April 2, May 7, June 4
(picnic, Cook Park), September 10 (officer nominations), October 1 (officer
elections), November 5, and December 3 (holiday luncheon).
By the way, if you’ve retired but haven’t joined PEF Retirees, or have let your
membership expire and would like to renew it, call us at 1-800-342-4306, ext.
289 and ask for a membership application.
The Communicator March
2007
Features
STATE BUDGET:
- Spitzer's workforce
plan
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Lawmakers reform budget process
- Go Public
- DOT
- OCFS
- DOCS
- SED
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DEC
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DOH
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DOL
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OMIG
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OMH
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OMRDD
Threats put parole
office on edge
Departments
President's Message
You Said It:
Letters to the editor
Point-Counterpoint
Retirees In Action
Getting To Know PEF
Health Notes
Membership Benefits &Travel
Union Matters
Convention Delegates 07 Info
Marchers
rally for Suny Upstate
Nurses:
Lobby Day is May 22
Stopping
attacks at Bronx PC
March is
Woman's history month
O'Connel
loses Senate bid
Accident
takes council leader
Vacancy;
Admin. Exec.
Oops! The February issue
mistakenly identified member Sue Jeffords as retired; incorrectly referred to
PEF Division 239 as Division 283; and omitted that retired thoroughbred C.L. Rib
ran 93 races and hit the tote board 51 times.
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