dec-jan

CEA RETIRED NEWS -

DECEMBER 2018–JANUARY 2019 17

EVEN IN RETIREMENT, TEACHERS ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION Years out of the classroom, still making a difference

For CEA-Retired members, life outside the classroom is still busy— and very much focused on public education. This fall, retired teachers were politically active—making calls, knocking on doors, and attending rallies encouraging others to become education voters. At CEA headquarters in Hartford, members spent their evenings and weekends phone banking and texting to get the word out to teachers about voting their profession on November 6. Many went door-to-door in their communities, urging fellow educators to vote. “This was by far the most important election for public school teachers in Connecticut in our lifetime,” says retired teacher Bob Brown. “The new governor and legislature will debate and determine the future of public education, collective

bargaining, and our pensions.” “While there is no perfect candidate, some have better or worse records on education issues,” says CEA-Retired President Gloria Brown. “It’s important to know what the elected officials and candidates in your district stand for and how they have voted on issues critical to active and retired teachers. We understand this, and that’s why we were very involved in campaigns.” CEA-Retired member Lisa Bress took to social media throughout the election season, sharing CEA blogs, Facebook posts, and political messaging, as well as posting her own photos and commentary to mobilize teachers to vote. “I’m very active politically, and social media platforms are an easy, effective way to spread the message that public education matters and teachers’ votes matter,” says Bress. She and others took every opportunity to explain to friends, family, and colleagues the importance of electing pro- education candidates.

CEA President Jeff Leake and (left) CEA-Retired member Karen DiMenna attend a rally for pro-education candidates. DiMenna was among the first admitted to the rally, held in Hartford, in support of Ned Lamont, Chris Murphy, and Jahana Hayes. Former Vice President Joe Biden spoke at the packed event.

For retired teacher Lisa Bress—pictured with her husband, Bob, in a Facebook profile photo—

education is always a priority, and social media helps deliver the message.

(Above) CEA’s Chris Donovan, along with election organizers Jennine Lupo and Renae Reese, join CEA-Retired members Jim Santa Barbara, Lisa Bress, and Barbara Santa Barbara as they prepare to call, canvass, and get out the vote.

(Left) Howard Dashefsky, Lisa Bress, Ann Grosjean, Laurie Semprebon, Jo Loi, and Jim and Barbara Santa Barbara are among the CEA-Retired members who participated in a texting campaign to encourage voter participation.

Retired but active as ever, Ann Grosjean reminds teachers to check out CEA’s Legislator Report Card and vote for education-friendly candidates.

2019 CEA-RETIRED WINTER COUNTY MEETINGS COUNTY DATE/TIME LOCATION

CONTACT

New Haven January 17 11:00 a.m.

J Roos Restaurant, 243 State Street, North Haven

Diane DeVizia, 203-758-9383 ddevizia202@gmail.com

Snow date: January 18

New London January 29 12:00 p.m.

Prime 82, 181 Town Street, Norwich

Diane Hyland-Aubin, 860-691-1228

aubinrd@yahoo.com

Snow date: January 30

Fairfield January 31 11:30 a.m.

Testo’s Ristorante, 1775 Madison Avenue, Bridgeport

Mary-Beth Lang, 203-255-3296

mblang32@aol.com

Snow date: February 1

Windham February 4 11:30 a.m.

Golden Greek Restaurant, 474 Putnam Pike, Dayville Diane Ethier, 860-928-3036

diane.ethier@sbcglobal.net

Snow date: February 5

Middlesex February 7 12:30 p.m.

Scotch Plains Tavern, 124 Westbrook Road, Essex

Hazel Kurlansky, 860-345-8479

hazeyk@sbcglobal.net

Snow date: February 8

Hartford February 12 11:00 a.m.

Elaine’s, 1841 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield

Karen O’Connell, 860-644-0231

cpcod20@yahoo.com

Snow date: February 13

Litchfield February 21 9:45 a.m.

Marino’s Restaurant, 12 Pinewoods Road, Torrington Barbara Yohe, 860-689-3345

bsyscs@yahoo.com

Snow date: February 22

Tolland

February 27 9:30 a.m.

Mitchell’s Restaurant, 1237 Hartford Turnpike,

Phyllis Winkler, 860-875-3149

pwinks@comcast.net

Snow date: February 28 Vernon