Vol. 36

September, 2006

No. 1

President's Message Welcome to a new school year! I hope you are ready to greet this new year with optimism and enthusiasm. Now, more than ever, I caution you to keep abreast of what is happening in public education because it is happening to you. Read your publications and take an interest. Get involved! You no longer have the luxury to be complacent and "let the others do it for me." The benefits you enjoy today can be gone tomorrow. When you are asked to attend rallies, be there! When you are asked to contact your legislators, DO IT! The only thing these legislators understand is votes. YOU VOTE! Let them hear from you. The UCEA Calendar Directory is enclosed. Keep the Directory and use it throughout the year. It contains important dates for you, as an educator, to know. The inside and outside back covers have important contact information that you may need. Plastic covers are available at the UCEA Office. Stop by and pick up a cover for your Calendar. I look forward to working with you, and for you. If I can be of any assistance to you, call me. Best wishes for a successful school year!

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody Here is a story about four of our members named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to do and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody would have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody would do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

UCEA Officer Elections Nominations for the offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer are open for the term of 2007-2009. A detailed description of the qualifications for as well as the responsibilities of, each of these offices can be found in your county calendar enclosed in this mailing. Nominations for these positions can be made only by petition on forms prescribed by the Elections Committee. Petitions must contain at least forty (40) signatures of active members of the Association, with at least five signatures from each of five districts within Union County. If you are interested in any of the positions available, please contact the UCEA Office for a petition form. All petitions must be submitted to the Chairperson of the UCEA Elections Committee, Rosemary Reilly, no later than December 29, 2006. Candidates will be announced at the 2007 January UCEA Representative Council Meeting.

White House Ornaments UCEA has the official White House ornament available for purchase - $20 each. The 2006 White House Ornament honors Chester Alan Arthur the 21st President. The ornament portrays an American bald eagle flying over the White House North Portico. Two blue, black, and white ovals flank the North Portico represent dogwood blossoms that Tiffany integrated into the red, white, and blue stained-glass screen, which was located in the Entrance Hall until the Charles McKim 1902 renovation. The gold-plated leaves that surround this stunning ornament originate from the hand-painted murals in the White House entrance hall. Quantities are limited, so contact the UCEA office if you are interested.

UCEA at Summer Arts Festival The Union County Education Association, along with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation, sponsored an evening of entertainment on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 featuring the Sensational Soul Cruisers. This was part of the Summer Arts Festival 2006 Concert Series which is usually held in Echo Lake Park. Due to inclement weather this year, the event was held in the auditorium at Cranford High School. Despite the move, several hundred attended the concert. Prior to the beginning of the second half of the program, Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders member, Adrian Mapp, presented the association with a Resolution. UCEA President, Herb Levitt, accepted the Resolution on behalf of UCEA. Tote bags and flashlight key rings were distributed, compliments of UCEA and the NJEA Pride in Public Education Program. The Sensational Soul Cruisers are an 11 man horn group that is fronted by four vocalists who have, at one time or another, been part of well-known classic R & B and smooth soul groups. The group attracts fans of all ages with their combination of Motown classics, four-part harmonies, horns and a soulful rhythm section. They are a complete rhythm & blues, rock and soul ensemble. Both young and old had a wonderful time clapping, singing along and dancing in the aisles. Our thanks to Debbie Bearg from Elizabeth and Colette Bapst from Winfield for coordinating this effort and the volunteers who attended to assist.

NEA-RA 2006 Orlando The 2006 NEA-RA is now behind us! Over 9,000 delegates packed the Orange County Convention Center from July 2-5 in Orlando. This large democratic body made policy and decisions for the 2.8 million NEA members across the United States. This organization is proud of it's history. By organizing and expanding we have grown into a strong and powerful group. But we too must remember the quote by Ben Franklin, "We must hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately." Although we often debate issues that are controversial, we must continue to work together. No Child Left Behind is up for renewal next year, and we must pressure our legislators to 'Do the Right Thing!' This year we celebrated the merger of the ATA and the NEA in 1966. The ATA was a predominantly Black organization, and these teachers shaped the education of Blacks throughout the South and Southeast both before and after the merger. It continues to be the responsibility of our members to find ways to close the achievement gap. We know that access to a quality, free, public education is the key to our country's future success. The annual meeting is an exciting way to become involved in our organization. It is the largest democratic body in the world. Any member that is elected to the RA can have their voice heard in the form of votes, ballots, and debate.

Welcome to Union County's First-time RA Delegates I will remember the first day of our state caucus with a feeling of importance seeing Joyce Powell at the podium, rooting me on as if I was the only person in the room. I was very excited and totally confused. As the morning went on, I loved being part of the democratic process. I hope that my colleagues can understand and appreciate the time and effort of their fellow educational professionals. I can't wait for next year. PHILLY OR BUST! Amy Carlin - Union On the first day I attended the RA, I was amazed to see 9,000 people representing their individual states, voting on new business items, amendments to the NEA Constitution and By-Laws, and Resolutions that affect public education in America. I was glad that I attended the RA and I look forward to the next RA where I know my vote counts to help improve public education. Thanks Joan Dorsey for being my buddy! Lisa Palin - Roselle As I walked into my first delegate session, I was amazed to see 9,400 delegates. It was interesting to hear the many different points of view from educators and support professionals from all over the country. I made many new friendships who all share their love for education during long days at this great RA session. Frank Furino -UCVTS When I was first asked to attend the RA Convention, I was a little hesitant, not knowing what to expect. When I walked into the convention my first day I was overwhelmed; there was so much energy and people from all over the country. While painful at times to sit in a chair for 6+ hours, being able to be part of the debates over issues that affect all of us in the NEA was an awesome experience! I met some wonderful people at the convention and they are the major reason my time spent down there was an unforgettable experience! Kristen Hudson - Union I would first like to thank the REA for sponsoring me to attend the NEA convention. It was an overwhelming and wonderful experience. I never dreamed that I would be in a room with 9,000 NEA members. It was uplifting to meet educators from all over the country that are dedicated and passionate. I also had the opportunity to bond with other UCEA members. I learned a lot about parliamentary procedures and how business is conducted on a national level. Anjanette Highsmith - Rahway