Page 14 - Work_Force_April_2018

CSEA members plunge in
FISHKILL — More than 30 CSEA members and friends took the plunge Feb. 24 into the freezing waters at Sharpe Reservation as part of a fundraiser for Special Olympics New York that has become an annual tradition across the state for the past decade.
As this edition went to press, total fundraising proceeds for this year’s
Fishkill Polar Plunge were at $130,342 and counting, according to Special Olympics. Our CSEA team raised nearly $3,000, though donations were still being collected following the event.
The CSEA member turnout in support of the plunge participants was impressive, as many regular attendees were in New York City that
same morning for the Day of Action rally. Pawling School District Unit President Jeff Stevens and Beacon School District Unit President Emilio Giordano oversaw the CSEA setup at Sharpe Reservation, setting up a stand with chili and hot dogs for the brave volunteers taking the plunge.
— Jessica Ladlee
Above, members and friends from Beacon School District Unit take the plunge at Camp Mariah to benefit Special Olympics.
polarplungeny.org
Poughkeepsie School District Unit member Teresa Rivette emerges from the chilly water after taking the Fishkill Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics.
Fishkill Correctional Facility Local President Ed Timberger, who serves as Southern Region Veterans Committee chair, was one of over 30 members and friends raising money for the Special Olympics.
Pecora: ‘We’re making an investment in our quality of work life’
WHITE PLAINS — Westchester County Unit President Karen Pecora is our PEOPLE recruiter of the month for February, recruiting 20 new members.
While Pecora is new as a PEOPLE recruiter, she is a veteran CSEA political activist who
credits strong CSEA member involvement
for Westchester County Executive George Latimer’s landslide victory last November. Latimer, a longtime friend of labor, unseated incumbent Rob Astorino.
Pecora “In our case, being a PEOPLE member means
we’re making an investment in our quality of work life,” Pecora said. “Just a few days into the new year, County Executive Latimer allowed our members to go home early because of a bad snowstorm. I don’t recall us ever being allowed to leave for the past eight years. It’s hard to ask members to contribute more money, but we just saw how political action and electing labor-
friendly candidates can affect our daily lives.”
Another new PEOPLE recruiter, Westchester Medical Center Unit Secretary Ruben Bastell, also had an impressive month. He signed up 18 new PEOPLE members during
a recent recruitment drive at the hospital.
— Jessica Ladlee
14 The Work Force
April 2018