Holiday party benefits Toys for Tots, needy children

PEF Region 8 will hold a holiday party Friday, December 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Colonie Elks, 1 Elks Lane in Latham. Admission is $10 or an unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more. The toys will be distributed to Toys for Tots, families of parolees and the children at St. Margaret’s Orphanage.

Volunteers are needed to shop, and to assemble and wrap the gifts. If you would like to shop, a group will meet Wednesday, December 7 at 5 p.m. at PEF headquarters. Volunteers are also needed to wrap and assemble packages Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at PEF headquarters.

PEF wishes members a safe, happy holiday weekend

To the PEF members who celebrate Christmas and Kwanza, PEF leaders and staff wish them a safe and enjoyable holiday. PEF leaders also thank members who donated to various charities and food banks during this holiday season. And PEF offices will be open Friday, December 24 as usual.

PEF Region 8 seeks holiday donations, volunteers

PEF members in Region 8 are being asked to donate a non-perishable food item for the 26^th Annual; Holiday Hunger Appeal Regional Food Bank. Donations can be dropped off at PEF headquarters and will be accepted until December 24.

PEF Region 8 also is collecting toys for the Toys for Tots program, the children of St. Margaret’s in Albany, and for families of parolees who are in need and trying to turn their lives around. Volunteers are needed Saturday, December 11 to sort and wrap the toys. For more information, call Sue Jeffords at (518) 459-7399.

PEF Region 8 seeks holiday donations, volunteers

PEF members in Region 8 are being asked to donate a non-perishable food item for the 26^th Annual; Holiday Hunger Appeal Regional Food Bank. Donations can be dropped off at PEF headquarters and will be accepted until December 24.

PEF Region 8 also is collecting toys for the Toys for Tots program, the children of St. Margaret’s in Albany, and for families of parolees who are in need and trying to turn their lives around. Volunteers are needed Saturday, December 11 to sort and wrap the toys. For more information, call Sue Jeffords at (518) 459-7399.

PEF responds to juvenile justice Task Force report

The governor’s Task Force on transforming the state’s juvenile justice system was released today and PEF responded with a press release.

PEF President Ken Brynien, who is a member of the Task Force, said PEF supports many of its recommendations to reform a broken system which lacks adequate mental health services, special education teachers, and needs a new model for education and therapeutic rehabilitation.

Brynien also said it is evident Commissioner Gladys Carrion, the leader of the state Office of Children and Family Services, has failed the state’s troubled youths, their families and the communities. Brynien is urging legislative leaders to put the best interest of the troubled youths and safety of communities ahead of Carrion’s personal agenda.

PEF leaders urge members to consider joining retirement system before December 31

If you are not a member of the New York State Retirement System, you need to consider joining by Thursday, December 31. It may be the last opportunity to belong to the Tier IV pension plan.

On January 1, Tier V goes into effect. Tier V will require a 3 percent contribution from employees for your entire career, instead of Tier IV’s ten year requirement.

Tier V does not allow retirement at age 55 with 30 years of service credit, and it requires you to work ten years to be vested, instead of 5 years. For more information, go to www.osc.state.ny.us/retire/members/index.htm

PEF Regions 5 and 6 seek charitable holiday donations

PEF members in Region 5 are being asked to donate used prescription eye glasses for “New Eyes for The Needy,” a worldwide organization that provides glasses for those living in underprivileged countries.  The Region is also collecting coats for children and adults, which will be distributed by the United Way. Donations will be accepted through December 24 at the Region 5 Office in Vestal.

PEF Region 6 is participating in the Toys for Tots program. Members can drop off an unwrapped toy and enjoy refreshments Thursday, December 17 from 4-8 p.m. at an open house in the New Hartford office.