Connecticut Conference
American Association of Univerity Professors
SECRETARY’S COMMENTARY
BRIEF LOOK BACK
December 1, 1986 - SPRING 2006
BY CECILIA WELNA
Since joining the AAUP Emeritus Assembly, I have visited many interesting places, listened to challenging topics, have been brought up-to-date on matters such as, the State pension plan and its future, adjunct faculty issues, University plans for emeriti, national polls, and Medicare part D explanations. I have visited museums that I would not venture to visit if left to my own plans. The Autumn 2005 issue of this "Newsletter" gave more details about our past programs. The annual dues are six dollars. We hold four major meetings a year which means that each meeting is $1.50.
In October we met at the Legislative Office Building to learn about "Recent Changes in Health Care". A presentation was made by regional Director Eric Rodko of CHOICES. Mr. Rodko is very familiar with the rules for Medicare Part D and CHOICES is a program which renders assistance with outreach, health insurance and referrals.
At that same October meeting we also heard from State Senator Mary Ann Handley (represents Bolton, Glastonbury, Manchester and Marlborough, District 4 towns). She reassured the group that it is unlikely that Medicare Part D would be repealed. Senator Handley is very active in championing education, bringing in millions of dollars to 4th District schools for construction projects. She is an advocate for the state universities and colleges. She helped with the state Husky Health Care Plan. She reassumes her leadership role as Senate chair of the legislature's Human Services Committee and is the chair of its Internship Committee. She is also vice-chair of the Judiciary Committee and a member of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee. Her list of accomplishments is very long. She appears on "Focus on the 4th", a cable television program every Wednesday evening at 6:oo p.m. on Cox Channel 15. The speakers we invite are always of the highest caliber.
The November meeting found the group at Quinnipiac University at the Polling Institute. Dr. Douglas Schwartz, Director of the Poll at Quinnipiac University presented an overview of the operation. From Connecticut the poll expanded to New York, next to New Jersey and during presidential elections to Florida, Pennsylvania and the nation. If there were no polls the news media would act using less scientific data. "We do not want to affect but reflect using good public opinion research."
Every spring the group turns to cultural activities. We visit museums, formal flower gardens, attend symphonies. In the spring of 2006, the Emeritus Assembly is planning visits to two museums: the Mark Twain in Hartford and the much expanded and renovated New Britain Museum of American Art.
Following every meeting the Emeritus Assembly members fulfill their physical and social needs. We gather for lunch at an excellent restaurant near the meeting place. Here, members socialize with old friends and make new friends.
Join us!
Cecilia Welna, Secretary.
Feature article (FALL 2005)
A BACKWARD GLANCE
Cecilia Welna, Secretary
Meetings at interesting places ---- the Legislative Office Building, St. Joseph College, University of Hartford, Trinity College, Rockledge Country Club, Goodspeed Opera House, Hillstead Museum, Noah Webster House, University of Connecticut Law School, New Britain Museum of American Art, Pequot Museum, Mattatuck Museum , University of Connecticut Health Center, American Clock Museum, Mystic Seaport, Central Connecticut State University, Florence Griswold Museum, University of Hartford Museum of Political Life, Yale Center for British Art. This represents a sample of places we have visited.
Some of the speakers included, in part, a representative from Elderhostel, University of Hartford former President Humphrey Tonkin, Kevin Sullivan, Edith Prague, Rep. Nancy Wyman, Gerontologist Dr. Mary Alice Wolf, CCS head Dr. William Cibes, Governor M. Jodi Rell, former Trinity President Evan S. Dobelle, TIAA-CREF retirement representative Martin Volpe, CSEA director Robert RinKer, Wesleyan's Robert Rosenbaum , Sen. Joseph Crisco, Geriatrics and Gerontology specialist Dr. George Kuchel, Commissioner of Education Valerie F. Lewis, newspaper columnist William Collins.
In addition, our own members shared their adventures. For example, we had presentations by Mary Rogers, Stasia Ziobrowski and Fred Cazel. The members also enjoyed concerts led by our member, New Britain Symphony Orchestra Conductor Jerome Laszloffy.
Topics ranged from museum tours to musical presentations, higher education concerns, insurance and health care, retirement issues , innovation in college teaching, tax planning for retirees, long-term care insurance, rights and privileges of retired faculty, pensions and social security, assisted living facilities, successful aging, safety of pensions in Connecticut, adjunct faculty in higher education, new models for higher education.
The most recent meetings included a presentation by Dr. Mary Marcy, Provost of Simon's Rock College and Vice-President of Bard College, a concert led by he director of the New Britain Symphony Orchestra Jerome Laszloffy and a tour of the Yale Center for British Art.
After each meeting the members enjoy a lunch and a social visit. The group has tasted food at Saint Joseph College, Central Connecticut State University, University of Hartford, the Great Taste Restaurant in New Britain, Scoozi Restaurant in New Haven, the cafeteria in the Legislative Office Building, Trinity College cafeteria, University of Connecticut Health Center, Stonewell Restaurant in Farmington, Charley's Place in West Hartford, Hastings Conference Center, Wesleyan University, Zenny's Restaurant in Storrs, Bridges at Cross Road (Waterford), the Pequot Museum Restaurant.
Members are treated to a diversity of pertinent topics, a very special choice of outstanding speakers, and the best food available at a restaurant close to the meeting place. JOIN US!
Sincerely, Cecilia Welna
