April 2013 Issue
March 28, 2013

Kudos

Source: NYSUT United

In print

Margaret Dunajski Harde, Peekskill FA retiree, wrote and published School Time Reflections — Feelings 202, a book about her feelings as a student and, later, as a teacher in the public schools of Peekskill. Harde shares some universal down-to-earth "lessons" for the reader to consider and possibly incorporate into his/her personal and/or academic life. The book is available in paperback or e-book versions. For more info, visit www.margaretdunajskiharde.com or www.dogearpublishing.net.

Carol Moseman, Holland Patent TA, and Ruth Dandrea, Remsen TA, wrote Women on Water: Paddling the Adirondacks and Central New York with fellow kayakers Kathy DeLong and Bonnie Sanderson. The book is written as both a memoir and a guidebook that chronicles the experiences of paddling 25 different Adirondack waterways. The book includes maps of each destination, numerous photographs and vivid stories of the day's paddle. Published by North Country Books, the book is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and at various Adirondack bookstores. Half of the net royalties will be donated to the Women's Fund of Oneida and Herkimer counties.

Gary Porcelli, Utica TA retiree, published Crazy Eights, a young adult fiction novel with an anti-bullying message. The book is written for children ages 11-15. Joining the Eights means much in terms of school popularity. Jeff Kilmartin and his best friend, Rake, hoped to be invited to join this secret school group. But when the invitation finally arrives the pair must consider whether the cost of membership is more than they are willing to pay. For more info, visit www.garyporcelli.tateauthor.com or www.amazon.com.

Kathleen G. Velsor, United University Professions Old Westbury, wrote The Underground Railroad on Long Island: Friends in Freedom. The book chronicles the role Long Islanders played in the Underground Railroad's work to guide slaves to freedom. In Old Westbury, the Post family established a major stop on the freedom trail with the help of an escaped Virginia slave. In Jericho, families helped escaping slaves to freedom from the present-day Maine Maid Inn. To order a copy, visit www.amazon.com or www.historypress.net.

It's an honor

Seven NYSUT members from across the state recently won grants from the NEA Foundation. Honored were:

  • Jennifer Kibler, East Aurora Faculty Association, and Aaron Slodounik and Andrea Salis, Queensborough Community College received Learning & Leadership Grants.
  • Danielle Lerro and Bushra Makiya, United Federation of Teachers, and Jessica Meeks and Erin McDonald, Keene Central School Teachers Association, received Student Achievement Grants.