APRIL 2020
A BRAVE NEW WORLD
We hope you and your loved ones are well and have not been seriously affected by the corona virus. That the main adjustment required in your life will be to follow the STAY HOME order Governor Walz issued on March 26. For a summary of what that order means, click here .
For updates on the current Minnesota virus statistics and background information, read the Minnesota Department of Health bulletins here. While there have been other examples of positive gubernatorial leadership during this crisis, Governor Walz and his team are the best. Thank you, Governor! Now the example we must set is to stand in unity, take care of ourselves, help others as we can, hold on to hope and steel our will to act.
WE CAN DO IT!
OUR PARENTS WERE CALLED TO WAR.
WE ARE CALLED TO STAY HOME...
AND SIT ON OUR SOFAS.
MESSAGES FROM RETIREE LEADERS ON THEIR SOFAS...
Everything has changed and we must imagine what this means for us as individuals, as families, and to the groups that are part of our lives. So it is for the Retiree Council. Six of our leaders reflect on the implications of the pandemic in different areas. Click on the title to read.
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Vice President Louise Sundin - Making It Through a Pandemic
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Election Work Coordinator Carol Freeman - Labor 2020 During a Pandemic
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President Emeritus Dan Mikel - Presidential Leadership in a Pandemic
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Board Director Bruce Yernberg - Politics During a Pandemic
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President Emeritus Martha Johnson - Communications In a Pandemic
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President Ken McInnis - Issues in a Pandemic
MAY 9TH FUNDRAISER POSTPONED
The 17th Annual Fun(d)raiser has been postponed indefinitely. Limits on crowd size and the Stay Home executive order made this the logical choice. Another date will be scheduled when changes in pandemic conditions let us gather safely. The statewide raffle held at the end of each Fun(d)Raiser will occur at the rescheduled event.
PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE
Many people are suffering now due to COVID 19 related economic disruption. Loss of work from business shutdowns, family members’ care, or self-quarantine has caused unprecedented unemployment. It is a time for us to help each other. Here are some union administered donation opportunities. Find a list of food shelves throughout the state here.
Read examples of help-givers here. People of every age, race, religion, ethnicity, are hurting now. If we help one another WE CAN DO IT. We can make it through this pandemic.
WORKING HEROES
Inspiring stories of our Working Heroes break through even as we worry for them. And thank them for their sacrifices. Here is a sample of union Facebook pages with tales from the frontline:
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For an article about what grocery workers are facing, with Minnesota mentioned at the end, read here.
In a cruel irony, Minneapolis NALC Branch 9 letter carriers lost their office to a fire Sunday 3-22. For pictures, here. For a NALC Branch 9 member’s reaction, click here. For their Facebook page, click here.
DO YOUR 2020 CENSUS
President Emeritus Bill Moore forwarded us a link to an entertaining tape: How to Make a Brandy Old Fashioned (and Fill Out the 2020 Census). Watch it here. If you can handle instructions without the drink, click here. You recall how important it is to do this. It's about getting federal money sent to Minnesota and about keeping 8 Congressional seats, among other things. Bill also recommends Coronavirus Capitalism here. Thanks Bill!
TIPS FOR AVOIDING THE VIRUS
This summary of a USA Today article comes from Louise Sundin. Most experts say important things you can do to avoid getting the virus are: maintain social distancing; wash your hands; don’t touch your face; STAY HOME. In order to boost your immune system, eat right, get plenty of sleep and stay physically active by exercising. Click here to read Louise’s column.
IMPORTANT BULLETINS
The Social Security Administration has closed field offices. It has not announced a reopening date. You can address most social security concerns by setting up and using your personal My Social Security account online. You can use this account to arrange for direct deposit for your benefits or for other help. The SSA also provides a toll-free telephone help line: 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778).
Tax filing deadlines for Federal and State taxes for 2019 have been moved to July 15, 2020. You need not request an extension. But if you will get money back, you might want to file now.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE & ISSUE VIDEOS
Our new website at https://www.mnretired.org/ with big elder-friendly typefaces and pictures is now up and going. One of the site’s best features is a page showcasing our most current videotapes, produced by Dan Mikel and Rod Anderson, here. There are 3 short tapes with Senator Matt Klein about Health Care Access and a tape on the 2020 Census with Elaine Rothman chair of the MRRC Census Committee. Check it out!
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