President Powell Testifies Before the Civil Service and Labor Committee
On Friday, November 20, 2020, the Committee on Civil Service and Labor held a hearing virtually via Zoom-Webinar regarding Workplace Safety in the Covid-19 Era. Our President Dalvanie Powell testified before the Committee stating “When the city shut down in hopes to stop the spread of Covid -19, the members of the United Probation Officers Association never stopped working.” She further stated “We would like to see the City take active steps to reduce risks for our members. Even the basics like providing PPE can go a long way. Every life matters. And every exposure matters and has a ripple effect. Just making it a priority to value our work and pay attention to the impacts of the pandemic could go a long way…” To read the entire testimony click here.
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NY's 529 College Savings Program
New York's 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan provides New York families with a tax-advantaged way to save for college, and allows City employees to save for college through easy payroll deductions. You may contribute as little as $15 or as much as you want for each investment option for an account per pay period. You may add, change, or stop your payroll deductions at any time. Click here to learn more
Our President Featured in Queens Daily Eagle
Dalvanie K Powell - UPOA President
On November 10, 2020, UPOA President Powell was featured in Queens Daily Eagle addressing the presidential election where she writes “No matter who is president, we must commit to equality, freedom and justice”. She further comments “It is up to all of us to set an example, to wield what we preach every day to those in our care. That is to stay informed, to listen to one another, and to respect all voices.” You can read the full piece here: https://queenseagle.com/all/no-matter-who-is-president-we-must-commit-to-equality-freedom-and-justice
Our Fallen Officer - Retired Probation Officer Albert Jones
With a saddened heart, I announce the loss of former Probation Officer Mr. Albert Jones on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 98 years young. Truly a pioneer, Mr. Jones started with the New York City Department of Probation on October 1 of 1948, and retired from the Bronx division on July 16, 1986, after working for over 37 years. Albert is survived by his step-daughters Gay Zacerous (life partner of Branch Chief George Goodmon) and Sunni Gilliam ( Daughters of former Probation Officer Shirley Gilliam - now deceased) daughter, Denise Jones. They previously worked with the NYC Housing Court. Please find below the details for Mr. Jones' service, and where you can send your condolences:
Memorial Services for Mr. Albert Jones
October 14, 2020
Benta's Funeral Home 630 St. Nicholas Ave. New York, NY 10030
Viewing: 11:30-12:30
Funeral service is limited to family and close friends due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Condolences can be sent to:
Denise Jones 10 East 138th Street Apt. 2C New York, NY 10037
Gay Zacerous (Sunni) 5 Mersereau Avenue Staten Island NY 10303
NYCERS Virtual Retirement Seminar
NYCERS will be hosting its’ final quarterly Comprehensive Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar (CP-RPS) for 2020 on Tuesday December 8, 2020. The event will be held via Zoom Video Conferencing, from 9:00 am to 12:45 pm. Representatives from the City’s Office of Labor Relations (Deferred Compensation and Health Insurance Plans) and the Social Security Administration will be collaborating with NYCERS to offer this event.
This seminar is designed specifically for the following members:
i) Tier 4 members enrolled in the 62/5, 55/25, and 57/5 plans who are currently eligible to retire, or who are within two (2) years of the age and service retirement requirements of their specific plan, and
ii) Tier 6 members enrolled in the Basic 63/10 Plan who are currently eligible to retire (age 63 with 10 or more years of credited service). Credited service includes membership and buy-back service.
Please email zmelendez@probation.nyc.gov if you are interested in the attending the seminar. NCYERS will review their records and confirm your eligibility to participate. You will receive information by December 1, 2020 if you have been selected to attend.
General Membership Meeting 9-29-20
If you were not able to attend the General Membership Meetingon Tuesday 9-29-20 or attended but missed part of the presentation, here is the video of the meeting. We apologize that a short part of the beginning of the meeting was not captured.
Early Retirement Incentive Bill S - 8599
An early retirement bill (S-8599) is being considered in Albany. At present, the Bill would offer a 55/25 retirement incentive to offset the financial crisis the City is encountering and to save jobs. There has not been any movement yet, as the legislature is not planning to resume its work until after the November 3 General Election. Click here to view S-8599, but understand it is subject to change.
Attention Members - Health Benefit Transfer Period - Fall 2020
The Fall 2020 Annual Health Benefits Program Transfer Period begins October 1, 2020 and ends October 30, 2020. Health plan changes requested during the Transfer Period will be effective January 1, 2021 and the new payroll deduction, if applicable, will begin with your first full paycheck in January 2021. Employees who do not wish to make any changes to their current health plan do not need to do anything during the Transfer Period. Click here to learn more.
Join UPOA and Help Raise Funds for Making Strides for Breast Cancer
Hello Members October is Breast Cancer Awareness and UPOA is participating in the Making Strides For Breast Cancer. This year due to Covid Making Strides has coordinated several virtual activities throughout the month of October for each borough. Click here for Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, SI. Join your borough UPOA Making Strides team and participate in the various activities. In addition, UPOA is raising funds for Making Strides by selling pink UPOA shield lapel PINS, Pink DOP uniform patches (Officers only) and black with pink butterfly (matches the black baseball jerseys we sold last year). Click here for flyer with prices and contact persons. Let’s show our charitable and giving nature.