September 2020

All retiree activities continue to be cancelled through the end of the year.  The pandemic situation will be reevaluated at that time.  Do not expect any activities to start up in January 2021.  The number of cases, additional stipulations, and directives will determine how we proceed.  We will advise everyone as soon as possible when we can return to our regular activities.  Do not be fooled by the number of people reported as survivors.  Yes, they may still be alive, but many are never truly well again.  While there are some fortunate people who return to normal, many have heart and lung problems that severely limit their ability to enjoy their lives.  Dr Khaldun recently spoke about this on one of the Covid-19 updates.  Surviving does not mean back to a previous healthy state for all people.

   Everyone please vote.  Request your absentee ballot if you have not already done so.  Stay safe and vote in the comfort of your own home.  By now everyone is aware of the post office situation with sorting machines being removed and various methods being used to slow down the mail.  With these issues in mind, please vote as soon as you get your ballot.  Do not wait until the last minute, especially if you will need to return your ballot by mail.  Get it back in the mailbox to your clerk as soon as you vote.  If possible, don your mask and hand deliver your ballot back to the clerk in your voting area.  Many have a drop box where you can leave your ballot and not have to be worried about whether the mail got delivered.  You must use a drop box in your voting area.  While the courts have ruled on some of these issues, we can do our part to assure our vote is counted and help the election process proceed smoothly.

   The VEBA Trust recently mailed out the 2021 Health Care Benefit Highlights.  Please take some time and read through it if you have not done so already.  There will be Live Conference Calls available.  During these calls, you will be able to ask questions.  To take part in one of these calls, you need to RSVP to 1-833-656-5001 (toll free), from Sept. 2 to Oct. 8, 2020, 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  You will be given additional information at that time.  You can also visit www.uawtrust.org.

   While it seems a bit premature - everyone have a safe and happy holiday season.