Happy Spring?
The question mark above is intended to refer to our weather, although there could be other topics that suggest it, as well.
Scholarship Opportunities
Our organization has long supported students from our local high schools who plan to study to be an educator through our SFCRTA Book Awards. This year the Southern Fairfield County Retired Teachers Association will grant five Book Awards ($2,000 each). This award is designed to give financial support to graduating seniors from our affiliate high schools (Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport, Wilton) who are pursuing a career in education. Each applicant must complete the application and an essay, both of which appear on the SFCRTA website (https://sfcrta.com/scholarship-information/). The application is due no later than April 15th.
Tax Season
A reminder as you file income tax that we are eligible for a reduction on our Connecticut income tax. Here is what the TRB site explains:
Per the 2022 Connecticut Resident Income Tax Return Instructions, Teachers receiving income from the Connecticut Teachers’ Retirement Board may take either the 50% Teachers’ Retirement Pay subtraction that is not subject to income limitations or the 100% Pension and Annuity subtraction that is subject to income limitations.
Connecticut law does not allow a double benefit for the same income.
The modification applies to the extent such income is properly included in the taxpayer’s federal AGI for the taxable year.
If you have questions on your Connecticut tax obligation, please contact the Department of Revenue Services at 1-800-382-9463 (from anywhere) or 1-860-297-5962 (in CT) or visit their website at portal.ct.gov/drs.
Survey Results on Potential Meeting Topics
Thank you to members who returned surveys about topics of interest along with your membership renewal. The Board is currently considering this input as we make plans. Here are a few things for us to consider- costs, traffic, parking, accessibility. You may remember from commuting days that the direction of traffic matters as we consider time and place. In addition to Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton, we have identified a less formal venue as a possibility, but we welcome additional location suggestions that you might have. Stay tuned for future plans announcements.
The topic that generated the most interest was services for retirees, followed closely by Internet security tips, and avoiding scams. We had some suggestions about holding meetings on Zoom, but we don’t at present have the capability for large meetings on Zoom. We also received suggestions for topics that you are likely to find resources for in other locations such as tips for using iPhones. You might find programs on similar topics through your local library or senior centers. Or……….
Continuing Education Resources
Learning in Retirement Stamford, https://www.lirstamford.org offers a class on Beyond Basic Tips for Apple iPhone Users as well as single session meetings with current Congressman Jim Himes, former Congressman Chris Shays, classes on art history, the war in Ukraine, jazz, cutting the cord, cyber security….. You get the idea, they cover a wealth of topics, something for everyone’s interest.
Lifetime Learners Institute, https://lifetimelearners.org based at CT State Norwalk, also offers multi-session courses on wide range of topics and some of their courses are offered as hybrid, meaning you can attend via Zoom! You will find classes about film, photography, music, history, art, and so much more.
COLA Increases
For those of us who retired at the end of a school year, after September 1, 1992, COLA increases are to begin in July and are posted to be 2.8% increase on our pension amount. The rate for members who retired before September1, 1992 has yet to be determined.
Memberships
Help support SFCRTA so we can continue to provide this Newsletter, to offer scholarships for future educators, to offer meetings for our members, and more. Please join or renew your membership for 2025.
SFCRTA Membership Renewal Information
Our membership goes from – January to December. If you have not yet joined, click here for our membership renewal information for 2026. Remember: Numbers matter and we still face many important issues regarding our pension and health insurance.
Please do not staple your check to the card.
Use a black or blue pen, not a Sharpie as the check reader can’t process it.
We are no longer using membership renewal information with the card to cut off and keep. If for some reason you need verification of your membership, you can contact the Membership Chair.
Fill out the renewal information form completely, including phone and email. SFCRTA does NOT provide your information to anyone. It helps to have your return address on the envelope.