PRIMARY 2020
Here’s your chance to see Booker, Sanders
Members encouraged to take advantage of these exclusive opportunities
Presidential candidates are holding events throughout the state on a weekly basis; you can find a listing of public events from presidential contenders here. We encourage all members to attend the SEA-member only events with the candidates, including the following in the coming days:
Cory Booker: The New Jersey Senator will be meeting with members at the SEA office, 207 N. Main St., Concord, on Saturday at 9 a.m. RSVP is required – reserve your seat today by clicking here.
Bernie Sanders: The Vermont Senator will be meeting with members at the Holiday Inn, 172 N. Main St., Concord, on Monday at 4:45 p.m. RSVP is required – reserve your seat today by clicking here.
You can find recaps of previous member-only events and more on the candidates on our website at seiu1984.org/primary-2020/.
MEMBER UPDATES
Remembering two longtime members
We’re sad to share the news that two longtime members have passed away: Michelle Clark of NH Employment Security and Patricia Labrecque of River Valley Community College.
Michelle Clark was remembered as a “great advocate for doing what was right even though it was hard.” Among her many qualities, Michelle stood up to management at her workplace. Her complaint of nepotism at Employment Security eventually led to the departures of the then-commissioner and assistant commissioner of the department. You can find her obituary here.
Patricia Labrecque worked in the financial aid office at River Valley for 24 years and was deeply involved in her community. Her dedication to the college is reflected in a memorial scholarship fund set up in her name. You can read more about Patricia and how you can contribute to the scholarship fund in her obituary.
STAFF UPDATES
Jean Chellis retires after 45 years at SEA
Last week, we marked the retirement of Jean Chellis, after 45 years of service with a luncheon prior to the Board of Directors meeting. Many retired members and former SEA staff members joined us for the surprise event.
Jean saw the organization through myriad changes in her tenure, always ready to lend a hand and provide historical context. We can’t overstate how much she’ll be missed, but we’re excited for her next chapter. Thank you to Beth Aborn for coordinating the event – and making sure we got a photo with other long-time SEA staffers.
Enjoy your retirement Jean, you earned it!
GOVERNANCE
Quarterly Council meeting set for Dec. 12
Our fourth quarter December Council meeting is set for Thursday, Dec. 12 at the SEA office. Registration begins at 6 p.m. and the meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. To view the agenda that was sent out to all councilors, click here. As a reminder, chapter-elected Councilors are constitutionally responsible to attend Council meetings.
MEMBERS IN ACTION
Donations help End 68 Hours of Hunger
On Wednesday afternoon, a representative from End 68 Hours of Hunger picked up dozens of boxes of donations at the NH State Liquor Store location on Main Street in Nashua. Liquor stores around the state collected donations throughout the months of September and October for the organization, which is a public non-profit effort to confront the approximately 68 hours of hunger that some school children experience between the free lunch they receive in school Friday and the free breakfast they receive in school Monday.
SEA Chapter 54 (Liquor retail) President Mike Derderian was joined Wednesday by Executive Councilor Deb Pignatelli, SEA President Rich Gulla, and Jim Richards, the Liquor Commission’s Director of Store Operations, to sort donations and load food. Chapter 54 and the Campaign for Public Good approached the Liquor Commission about holding the food drive, and the commission supported the idea wholeheartedly. It was too soon to say how much the drive had collected, but a representative from the Nashua chapter of End 68 Hours of Hunger said the items picked up locally would supply the program for weeks.
Thank you to Chapter 54, the Campaign for Public Good and everyone who took part in the drive to benefit this very important organization.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Governor hosts tree lighting, holiday tea
Gov. Chris Sununu is hosting two traditional holiday events next month: the tree lighting at the Bridges House and the holiday tea in the Executive Council chambers. Here is information on both events:
Tree lighting: Join the governor and his family on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 6-7 p.m. at the Bridges House – the governor’s mansion – at 21 Mountain Road in Concord. The Concord Community Music School will be leading carols, and all can enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, and get a photo with Santa. If you have questions, you can email governorsununu@nh.gov or call 271-2121.
Holiday tea: Join the governor on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 2-4 p.m. in the Executive Council Chambers at the State House in Concord. Enjoy music from the Concord Chorale, ice sculptures created by White Mountains Community College, refreshments and a visit from Santa. If you have questions, you can email governorsununu@nh.gov or call 271-2121.
HEALTH BUZZ
Use your HAT money before the year ends
Just a reminder to state employees: With the end of the year coming, you’ll need to use money earned by taking the HAT or risk losing it. The balance of the $200 earned will remain on your HRA debit card through year end – meaning you can use the card until Dec. 31. However, you have until March 31 to seek reimbursement for any expense incurred before the end of this year.
The HAT program will start over on Jan. 1, so you’ll be able to log in to your Anthem account and start the process over. Just remember that while the HAT continues, Healthy Rewards does not. Make sure that you make use of your 2019 HAT funds and take the HAT first thing next year.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Upcoming SEA/SEIU Local 1984 events
Black Friday event: The Department of Corrections Retail Showroom is holding a one-day Black Friday sale on Friday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The entire store is 25 percent off – fill out your gift list with artwork, furniture, leather goods, novelties and games. The showroom is at 312 N. State St., Concord.
Interfaith Women of NH event: The group is hosting a holiday event on Dec. 9 at the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral where presenters of many faiths are invited to share their spiritual connection to the holiday season. For more information, click here.