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MRSPA and HEART members, are you aware that the USPS made changes in December to the way they process mail, and for you it could mean important documents may not be delivered "on time" unless additional measures are taken? Check out this article from AARP (link below) to read about the changes that are taking place and how they could affect your important documents, such as Tax Returns and what you can do to ensure you are on time. https://www.aarp.org/government.../usps-post

The Howard County Retired School Personnel Association will sponsor $1,500.00 scholarships this year to at least four (4) Howard County Public School System graduates who are planning to enter the field of education. The application process is fully online. Qualifications and procedures will be found on the first page of the application. Current college students who are planning to enter the field of education and who graduated from a HCPSS high school are also eligible to

Are you a retiree who will be impacted by HCPSS's decision to no longer cover GLP-1 medications for non-diabetic employees effective March 31? Jess Nocera, a Howard County reporter for The Baltimore Banner, is working on a story pertaining to this decision. If you or somebody you know will be affected and would like to chat with Jess, please email her at jess.nocera@thebanner.com

The MRSPA Foundation Scholarship is available to anyone who currently works in a Maryland public school and is pursuing additional education or certification. The application period is January 2-23, 2026. Scholarships can be used in the Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 semesters. Please click here  to complete the online application.

The MRSPA Consumer Education Committee invites you to attend an Estate Planning & Family Gifting Strategies Webinar on February 5, 2026, presented by Richard E Craft, CFP, ChFC, of Academy Financial, Inc. The webinar will focus on how best to make monetary gifts to family members now and when you are deceased. Location: Zoom When: February 5, 2026 from 10-11am EST How to Register: Go to your personal email inbox. Use the response links provided in the email message from M

The MRSPA Consumer Education Committee's Falls Prevention Webinar held on January 21, 2026, presented by June Nicholas, PT, NCS (Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy) is now available for viewing on the MRSPA website under Resources tab or click here to watch on YouTube.

UPDATE -- MRSPA members .....please read the following message from Wanda Twigg, Executive Director of MRSPA. The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System has reversed course on moving to a digital only platform for sharing information with retirees. You will recall that following the January 2026 paper copy of the Retiree News and Notes newsletter, that all docs were to be sent only electronically unless a member contacted the pension system to specifically request pap

CONGRATULATIONS to Marcy Leonard at her appointment to the Maryland State Board of Education. We know she is an excellent choice and will be a strong voice for students, families, and educators. Read more.

The MRSPA's Nov/Dec issue of Consumer Connections is now available. Inside this issue: Snow and Ice Safety Junk Mail Removal What Not to Carry in Your Wallet Upcoming Monetary Giving webinar and more . . . Use this link to open. For past issues go to the MRSPA News Events-Resources page.

Be Aware of the "Card-declined" Scam! The Better Business Bureau has received many recent reports from consumers whose credit cards are declined when shopping online. Typically, they try to use another credit card, but that one fails, too. Scammers are using fake shopping sites to entice customers to use their credit cards. When the card is declined, scammers are actually taking your credit card and using it to make fraudulent purchases. The AAA (American Automobile Associat

Howard County S tate H ealth I nsurance Assistance P rogram (SHIP) will offer monthly educational Medicare presentations remotely throughout 2026.   Learn how SHIP can help .  Call 410-313-7392 to register for presentations. Please note that registration closes 48 hours before the presentation commences.  To learn more about SHIP, visit the website at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/SHIP SHIP 2026 Medicare Presentations

Volunteers Needed to serve as judges for high school Speech and Debate tournaments. No prior experience is needed—judges receive training before each event. It’s a fun and rewarding way to stay connected with education, and hear from bright, hard-working students who are building their communication and critical thinking skills. It also allows schools like Howard High to enter more competitors.  If you’re interested in volunteering or would like more information, please conta

Ohana of Howard County is looking for a dedicated and detail oriented Administrative and Engagement Coordinator to join their team. This position plays a key role in managing daily administrative functions, communications, outreach, and events to keep mentees, mentors, and community informed and engaged. The ideal candidate will be proactive and possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and a passion for community development, while working together to build a t