Lamphere Federation of Teachers
MFT&SRP #1614
July 2003
Congratulations--Best wishes on your retirement to Kathy Corriere, Penny Gregory and Carole Pryzby. A special thanks to both Penny and Carole who served on the LFT Executive Board for several terms. Enjoy!
LFT Scholarship Awarded--This year's LFT scholarship was split between two students. They are Bernie Issa and Mike Lerchenfeldt. Bernie will be studying at MSU. Mike will be studying at Oakland University. Thank you to Carole Green, George King and Ann Tank for serving on the scholarship committee.
AFT Summer Learning Quest--The AFT Summer Learning Calendar is full of interesting facts and fun activities and is fully web-based with interactive games, tools, and activities. The URL is http://www.aft.org/calendar. There is also a toll-free "Learning Line" which will change each week. The number is 1-800-242-5465.
Charter School Legislation--Keep a watch on charter school legislation. Check the MFT&SRP website for updates.
AFT Membership Benefits Powell's Online Bookstore--AFT members can buy textbooks, bestsellers, collectibles and more at the only union-organized online bookstore. Visit Powell's online bookstore, where union members can buy new and used books at reasonable prices. Orders totaling more than $50 receive free shipping within the United States. Go to http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/211KNd11eda2/powell and click on the link for Powells.com. We encourage you to mouse the stacks and shop online!
Teen Labor: Jobs To Avoid--The National Consumer League, in cooperation with the Child Labor Coalition, has published the "Five Worst Teen Jobs" for 2003. They include driver/operator for forklifts and tractors; working alone and late-night work; construction laborer; working at heights with ladders and scaffolds; and traveling youth crews. Also on the Web site are useful tips for working teens, tips for parents of working teens and more. For details, go to http://nclnet.org/childlabor/.
Pet Care Savings From AFT PLUS-- AFT PLUS Member Benefits now brings you two different plans to save on your veterinary bills. The first is Pet Health Insurance, which allows you to continue with your current veterinarian. Policies available include one for older pets, accident-only coverage and more. For details, call 866/473-7387 or go to http://www.unionplus.org/pets and click on Pet Health Insurance. The second is Pet Assure Veterinary Care Savings, a plan that allows you to save 25 percent off your bill at participating veterinarians for a monthly fee (discounted 40 percent for AFT members). Savings include preventative care, shots, surgery, medications and more. To sign up, or to find participating veterinarians in your area, call 888/789-PETS (7387) or go to http://www.unionplus.org/pets. Use code UP2003 to get your AFT savings!
Negotiations & School Calendar--Bargaining sessions for a new contract have been scheduled for August 18 and 19th. A calendar has been agreed on. Click here for the link that shows the dates. A more complete version will be posted later this summer.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Schram
LFT Vice President