Issue: 2022-2023-6 * Justina Ketyer, Editor * November 17, 2022
In this issue

  • A Big Thank You!
  • Sip and Sparkle a Success
  • You have to be in it to WIN it! - The HCT 50/50 Raffle
  • HCT Food Drive for Island Harvest
  • All These Teachers Wore it on Wednesday!
  • HCT Members are Invited to an Open Discussion
  • It's Thankful Thursday Time!
  • LOFT Early Access Black Friday Event
  • You're Invited to an HCT Happy Hour!
  • StretchLab Exclusive Offer for HCT
  • NY Islanders Family Packs Offer
  • NY Rangers Education Appreciation Night
  • Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live - Glow Party
  • The Beat of Broadway in the Heart of Long Island
  • Stay Connected
  • Are You Interested in Tutoring?
  • School Related Covid Questions
  • Information and Programs Brought to You by NYSUT
  • Credits for Sale
  • Wedding Congratulations
  • Awesome Babies
  • News Around the Schools
  • Retiree News
  • Thanksgiving Week HCT Office Hours
Thank you to the members who came out to phone bank for Robert Zimmerman on Thursday, November 3rd. Although he didn't win, we worked as a team and enjoyed a meal together. We know your time is valuable and we appreciate you volunteering to help! 

Lisa Christie (East St. School)
Ashley Hershkopf (Lee Avenue School)
Alexandra Iannarell (Lee Avenue School)
Justina Ketyer (East St. School)
Meg McElroy (Hicksville Middle School)
Stephanie Sullo (Dutch Lane School)
Nancy Velasquez (East St. School)
Brian Vollmer (Hicksville Middle School)
Sip and Sparkle a Success

HCT members attended a Sip and Sparkle event at the Crystal Butterfly Boutique in Kings Park. Each person received a bracelet and wine glass before beginning a class where they learned about the healing powers of different crystals and relaxed with a guided meditation. Then they enjoyed some shopping in the boutique at the end of the evening.
Island Harvest supports a wide network of community-based non-profit organizations, as well as individuals, veterans, families, and seniors directly who turn to us for support. Please consider helping us reach our goal of $1000. Your contributions will strengthen our community by helping others in need.

Donate online here.
Thankful Thursdays is back for the month of November. Tell us why you are thankful for a special friend and colleague. You can begin sending messages today.Messages will be shared with fellow HCT members each week.
StretchLab Woodbury is offering an exclusive deal to HCT Members, Family and Friends

November 15-November 20
30-minute stretch $39
60-minute stretch $59

Use your unused flex money!

Tuesday - Friday 7 AM to 8 PM
Saturday 8 AM to 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM

Text 516-224-4462 to set up your appointment today!

Mention HCT in the text to receive this exclusive member price.

Need a day outside of this offer window? No problem! Just text the studio to set something up!

Email ajsilvest@hotmail.com with questions.
NY Islanders Family Pack Offer

The Islanders are excited to offer our Family Packs for the 50th Anniversary season. Every ticket purchased includes a $15 Food and Beverage credit. We can’t wait to see you at UBS Arena!

View 50th Anniversary dates here.
Seating Chart
Help us keep you up-to-date on important HCT news and current events. The HCT Connected bi-weekly newsletter, Hicksville employment opportunities and political action items are just a few of the ways we aim to keep members informed.

Let us know if you have had a change or address or cell phone number. If you are not receiving emails or text messages, we may not have your current contact info.

Send us a quick email and we will update our records.
The HCT is updating its tutor referral database. When a request for a tutor is received, we will contact members on the list who meet the criteria. It is up to the individual teacher to make arrangements as to times, fees and location. We cycle through the lists to ensure that everyone will have an opportunity to tutor. Replies must be made within 48 hours so that we can respond to requests in a timely manner. Once we hear back from you, we will forward the parent's phone number and student information.

If you are interested in participating in our tutor referral program or would like to continue tutoring, please complete this short form.
School-related COVID questions should be directed to Gail Hunker.
Her numbers are: 516-733-2149 and 516-315-0494.
Information and Programs Brought to you by NYSUT
  • NYSUT Member Benefits has launched the Peer Support Line, 844-444-0152, a confidential, peer-to-peer, dial-in helpline available at no cost to members and their families.

  • For Native American Heritage Month, NYSUT is proud to feature Quannah Chasinghorse-Potts, a Native American model and fourth-generation land protector for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.


  • We know you spend a lot more, but save those back-to-school receipts for the educators tax deduction, which increases to $300 this year. Hit hard by inflation, a recent report says teachers are spending an average of $820.14 out-of-pocket for school supplies this fall.



  • Want to know what the new student loan forgiveness means for you? Are you nearing retirement and concerned about those hidden snags that can slow you down? Perhaps you and your loved one are looking to take the next step with your finances? Explore the NYSUT Member Benefits Financial Learning Center – powered by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

  • Laura Durning has 3 LIU Post credits for sale. If interested, please call Laura at 845-304-5536.
  • Christina Werner has 6 LIU credits for sale. Email Christina @ tete74@aol.com.
  • Elizabeth Ryan has 1.5 Molloy credits for sale. Email Elizabeth at elizabeth.ryan@hotmail.com
Congratulations to Ron Modik (Dutch Lane - Physical Education) on his wedding.
  • Congratulations to Cristina Abate (High School - Social Studies) who welcomed her son Alejandro Luca.

  • Congratulations to Jacqueline Bizelia (High School - Math) on the birth of her daughter Audrey Elizabeth.
Want to celebrate or share news about a colleague? Complete this short form. We'll post the info in the next Connected!
Hicksville Congress of Teachers / Hicksville Federation of Retired Teachers
Annual Dues Reminder

If you have not already submitted your dues for this year, we've made it easy. Simply mail your payment of $15 to the Hicksville Congress of Teachers with a note stating retiree dues to the address below. In order to continue your contributory life insurance, excess major medical insurance and any NYSUT or AFT programs you subscribe to, you must maintain your membership in our organization.

If you are 75 years of age or older, your membership is on us! Let us know, and we will update our records.
 
Email us at Hicksville_Teachers@verizon.net with any changes to your contact information.
The HCT office will be closed next Wednesday, November 23rd. The office will be open on Monday, November 21st.
535 South Broadway, Suite 212
Hicksville, NY 11801
Phone: 516-937-1288
Fax: 516-937-1925
HCT office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM when school is in session.