Your Honeywell Retirees Club will provide baked ham, rolls, coffee, tea and water. Plates, utensils, condiments, etc. will also be available. Attendees are asked to bring a covered side dish, salad or dessert. (per couple or individual) Get out your favorite recipes and prepare your specialty to share with others. There will be no charge to HRC members and guests. We would appreciate it if you would let us know you will be coming and what you will bring with a call to Shirley Krieger at 602 942-4235 or Don Roeber at 623 561-0678. If you forget to call, bring your dish and join us anyway. The ham will be served hot from roasters that will have been caringly heated by your HRC Board. You may bring your own beer (we will have a beer permit) or soft drinks if you would like, but no glass containers are allowed in the park. |
At North Mountain Park
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It seems like a disorganized world that has the rain continue to fall with such amazing regularity in our usually very dry Arizona. It was great, however, that our January activities were all planned inside.
The excellent session on Medicare was well attended and we learned that we all must be very alert to the Medicare Drug Program as the guidelines continue to unfold prior to implementation in 2006. Now is the time to start gathering a file of information to help in the decisions each of us will have to make on our prescription drugs. The Laughlin overnight bus trip was enjoyed by many of our members. These events are covered more fully inside this newsletter. A very interesting and educational Red Cross training meeting was held on January 25th .
Please check this publication for the complete story, but February events will feature a genealogy session, while coming up quickly in March are the Spring Picnic, Kartchner Cavern/Fort Huachuca, and the Jerome tours. We would like for you to sign up just as early as you can to assist organizers in knowing the interest level and allowing for optimum planning. If you are sending in checks, please note on the check the event you are paying for or if the payment is for your dues. I thought that $3 for dues per year was the greatest value we had going but the price for the Spring Picnic even beats that bargain – check it out.
As a retired group many of you are very active and enjoying a busy life, while some find a few lonely days on occasion. Why don't you think back to your working life and call someone you worked with just to say “hi” – so they know you are thinking of them. We are still always in need of members to help with various phases of HRC activities. Please give us a call if you want to become involved in the exciting and rewarding efforts in serving our club.
Our Board is looking into the current status of Honeywell volunteer activities to see how they may fit with our club's desire to continue to be supportive of retiree volunteering. Al Ryan and Clint Langford kindly met with us at our last meeting to bring us up to speed on volunteer activities they are working with. Look for more on this topic next month.
The nominating committee recommendations have been reviewed and approved and the ballot for new officers and directors for the fiscal year of May 2005 through April 2006 will be featured in The Bridge next month with information about the candidates. Election will be held in March with completion at the annual meeting in April.
As you read through The Bridge , please take note of the longer-range plans that are starting to appear in the calendar. The Fall picnic is being planned for late October, while the annual Holiday Dinner Dance will be held on Friday, December 2. The planning committee is also investigating the feasibility of a 2006 HRC cruise.
As I search for signs of organization in our disorganized world, I discovered this week, with some satisfaction, that the bristles in my old hairbrush are disappearing at about the same rate as my hair.
Don Roeber
Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES |
Speaker: |
Gene Leber |
Where: |
LDS Library, 108th Ave. South of Grand Ave. |
Time: |
10:00 AM |
Event Coordinator: |
Virginia Clagett 602-992-4204 or vmclagett@aol.com |
Reservations: |
Required – contact event coordinator Virginia Clagett |
This is a “hands-on” session using the extensive LDS genealogy database. Since there are limited workstations, participation is restricted to 15 people. Required reservations are first come, first served.
Speaker: |
Mike Rollins, Park Manager, Larry Kelly from HRC |
Where: |
Douglas Mansion, Jerome, AZ |
Time: |
10:00 AM |
Event Coordinator: |
Ed Frick 623-561-6917 or ecfrick@aol.com |
Reservations: |
Required by March 23 |
Entry Fee: |
$2.40 in advance; $3.00 at the door (Lunch not included) |
This is for a private tour and presentation of local history of mining and the family of James S. Douglas at the old Douglas Mansion and museum by Mr. Mike Rollins, Park Manager.
This will be followed by lunch (optional) at a local restaurant and an informal discussion of personal reflections of life in the “old days in Arizona” by Larry Kelly , formerly of Honeywell/Bull whose ancestors came to Arizona in the late 1800's, some of whom lived in Jerome. Attendees may want to make their own contributions on the “old days”. After the visit, you may want to visit the local shops.
We will try car-pooling for this event. Those who would be willing to drive and take others, and those who might like a ride, contact Ed Frick (see above).
Event Coordinator: Virginia Clagett 602-992-4204 or VMClagett@aol.com
Participants will drive to Benson in separate cars the morning of March 15th. Carpooling with friends would be fun. It is approximately a three-hour drive from Phoenix. We are not reserving a bus because not everyone will want to participate in all of the tour events and we can be very flexible. In fact, some are going down a day earlier and others will be joining the group on the second day.
There are RV campgrounds for those who prefer those accommodations. A block of rooms has been reserved under the name of the Honeywell Retiree Club for March 15 and 16 at the Holiday Inn Express , 630 South Village Loop, Benson, AZ 85602, 520-586-1370. We have been quoted a per night room rate of $79 plus tax vs. the standard $109 plus tax. Please call right away to reserve your rooms. Contact me if you have problems.
The afternoon of March 15th, we'll travel 10 miles south of Benson to tour the Big Room of the Kartchner Caverns in groups of 10 beginning at 1:15PM. The Big Room has opened since the last Kartchner tour taken by the Honeywell Retiree Club members. The length of the tour is ½ mile and takes 1¾ hours. The Big Room tour is wheelchair accessible. Tour cost is $22.95 per person.
The morning of March 16th, we'll travel south to be at Fort Huachuca at 9AM. We'll tour the Fort Huachuca Museum and Annex with its displays of the Apache Wars, Buffalo Soldiers, Pershing's Expedition and Ft. Huachuca's role in WWII training. Afterwards, we'll tour the U.S. Army Intelligence Museum that includes a 12' x 10' segment of the Berlin Wall, an early code machine, surveillance drones, and other intelligence gathering equipment. Entrance to both museums is free. Each person will need two forms of picture identification to enter Ft. Huachuca to participate in this tour, as it is an active military post
We expect to finish the Fort Huachuca tour by late afternoon. Some folks may want to drive back to Phoenix that day and the rest of us will return to Benson for the night. Although not arranged as part of this tour, there are several other interesting things you may want to do the following day before heading back home. For example, the Amerind Foundation, a world-class Native American museum, is just 15 miles east of Benson. The Singing Wind Bookshop (2 miles north of Benson) and the nearby Sonoita Vineyards are other ideas.
Please send $22.95 per person for the Cavern tour and the attached form to Virginia Clagett , P. O. Box 31937, Phoenix, AZ 85046-1937 by February 15, 2005 .
| Name | ____________________________________________ | ||
| Address | ____________________________________________ | ||
| Phone | __________________ | ____________________ | |
| Kartchner Caverns: Number of Participants | |||
| Fort Huachuca Museums: Number of Participants | |||
Have reserved a room at the Holiday Inn Express in Benson: (Yes) _____ (No)
Where: Tatum Ranch Golf Course
Event Coordinator: Dale Wendt 480-922-1402
Watch future issues of The Bridge for additional details
| Coordinator: | Barbara Rippstein | |||
| Phone: | 623-566-1572 | |||
When: |
June 19 through 26, 2005 | |||
Princess Cruise Lines |
Ship: The Sapphire Princess |
|||
Stateroom prices |
|
Category |
||
|
Inside |
$1040 P/P |
JJ | |
|
Ocean View |
$1500 P/P |
D |
|
|
Balcony |
$1680 P/P |
BB | |
Our cruise leaves Seattle on June 19, 2005 visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria, British Columbia and cruising the Tracy Arm.
The above prices include cruise fare, port charges, taxes, government fees, private welcome party, and $25.00 P/P on-board credit. The price DOES NOT include transportation to and from Seattle or gratuities.
Space is still available, however prices can no longer guaranteed and are based on availability
Note to those already signed up: It's time start thinking about transportation. If you are planning on flying to Seattle, now is the time to look into fares. Internet travel sites are starting to offer discounted tickets. You can also contact Marilyn at 623-487-1700 for reservations. Also, if flying on June 19, you need to investigate transfers from the airport to the ship .
Where: The Elks Club (same place as last year)
Event Coordinator: Lorri Jordan
It's not too early to mark your calendars for this festive party.
Watch future issues of The Bridge for additional details
HRC WEB SITE: WWW.HRCAZ.ORG
A long list of Phoenix area attractions with phone numbers and web sites are listed on our web site for your reference. In addition, you will find Phun in Phoenix information updated weekly – cool things to do in the upcoming weekend that you might otherwise miss. Also listed are all of our club's upcoming activities, with dates and contact information, plus a copy of The Bridge . If you have any photos of club activities, we'd love to publish them. Attach the pictures to an email and send to hotline@hrcaz.org . Check out the photos from past events on the web site.
Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.
Last month in The Bridge we announced Phase ll of our evaluation program to deliver our monthly newsletter electronically. This is a volunteer program designed to improve communication with those members who may prefer the advantages of this method.
Receiving The Bridge electronically has several advantages: 1) faster receipt – e-mail will be distributed at the same time it is sent to our printer – about a week before you will receive it via the US mail, 2) full color – pictures, graphics and other features typically are in color, 3) portability – you will receive The Bridge wherever you receive e-mail, i.e., while traveling, holidays, etc.
A number of members have already asked to participate in this program which will start with this issue. All who participate will continue to receive The Bridge in hard copy. We are not trying to avoid mailings – we are trying to improve communication.
Some of those interested were concerned about special computer requirements to participate in Phase ll. The Electronic Bridge will be sent as a PDF file attached to an e-mail. “Adobe Acrobat Reader” is required to open and read this file. If you do not have “Adobe Acrobat Reader” on your computer, it is available as a free download on the Internet. We will provide information on how to access this program to all participants in this program.
We can still accommodate additional members who would like to receive The Bridge electronically. Our only request is that you provide us feedback on your suggestions and/or any problems encountered.
If you are interested, please send your name and e-mail address , along with a note indicating your interest in The Electronic Bridge Phase II , to hotline@hrcaz.org . If you have additional questions, feel free to contact: Ted Rees at 623-465-7337
It seems that car thieves have found yet another way to steal your car or truck without much effort at all. The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck, write down the VIN # from the label on the dash, go to the local car dealership and request a duplicate key based on the VIN #. The car dealer's Parts Department will make a duplicate key from the VIN #, and collect payment from the thief who will return to your car. He doesn't have to break in, do any damage to the vehicle, or draw attention to himself. All he has to do is walk up to your car, insert the key and off he goes to a local Chop Shop with your vehicle.
You don't believe it? It IS that easy. Check it out. Call your car dealer and pretend you lost your keys. Chances are they will tell you to bring in your VIN# and they will then cut you a new one on the spot. You could even order the keyless device if you wanted.
To avoid this from happening to you, simply put some tape (electrical tape, duct tape or medical tape) across the VIN Metal Label located on the dash board. By law, you cannot remove the VIN, but you can cover it so it can't be viewed through the windshield by a car thief. Some dash mats cover the VIN #, or you could just use a 3 X 5 card. Remember that your VIN # will be checked when you go for an emissions check.
Honeywell Retiree Club (HRC) active membership is open to all Honeywell retirees for a membership fee of $3 per fiscal year (May 1 st through the following April 30th). This entitles you to receive our newsletter, The Bridge , participate in club activities and functions and to be a voting member. For current members, see your address label to determine your dues status. We encourage that these low annual dues be paid for multiple years to save cost and effort.
As you may know, there are various Honeywell retiree clubs, i.e., Honeywell Retiree Club, Sperry Retiree Club , Allied Retiree Club and a GE Seniors Club. While some of these clubs may limit membership, we accept members from all who have had ties to either the old or the new Honeywell. You may want to join more than one group to maintain contact with your Honeywell friends from your working years.
HRC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM UPDATE
There are three important changes that you should be aware of concerning the Honeywell Retiree Club Scholarship program. The following changes will be in effect for the 2005 scholarships:
As before, application forms are available at each of the universities' scholarship offices. Information on scholarships is also available on line at each of the universities' web sites. We do not keep forms at the HRC office. In general, applications must be submitted by March 1, 2005. Awards are generally announced by May. The on-line addresses are:
The requirements to apply for the scholarships are:
The evaluations of the applications are done by each university's Scholarship Office. Our only role in the selection process is to verify the applicant/retiree relationship.
Submitted by Al Longanecker
Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for the inside of windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
PAST EVENTS |
Ms. Ann Marie Grande, Program Manager for Area Agency on Aging, delivered a very informative presentation on the new Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to a packed conference room. Due to popular demand she will be invited for a return presentation in the Fall when additional information will be available on this very complex law. Currently 41 million recipients have signed up for Medicare when they turned 65. A new law went into effect in 2004 that has given HMO's and PPO's a nice bonus of 3.4%, plus the Government has given them a 10.6% increase in funding. These increases are intended to reduced co-pays and premiums for patients. The Medicare Discount Card is a temporary program until the full Medicare drug program takes effect in 2006. Currently one can choose from 39 national cards. Not all drugs are covered under each card, so it is important to check out what each card covers to ensure one's medication is on the list. |
later. Part D is estimated to cost $35.00 each month for 2006. This monthly premium will be paid whether used or not, similar to any insurance program. There will be various regions in the United States to handle this complex program. Arizona has been selected to become a region. If you have not yet reached 65 years of age, remember the enrollment period for Medicare starts three months before the month of your 65th birthday through the three months after the month of your birthday. January, February and March are the general open sign-up months. Ann Marie stated that implementing this law is going to cost approximately $530 billion dollars. She had several handouts which can be obtained by calling the Area Agency on Aging, (602) 264-2255. Ask for "The Facts about Medicare Prescription Drug Plan", “Fact Sheet on Prescriptions", and "Benefits Assistance Program – A State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)”. This agency is also available to answer any questions you may have prior to making your decision during the enrollment period to sign up for Part D. While this meeting summary cannot possibly answer all the questions you may have, do take the opportunity to use the Senior Help Line at (602) 264-2255 for answers. Watch The Bridge for the date for another presentation this Fall on this subject. Contributed by Shirley Krieger |
Thirty-five [35] optimistic retirees and friends got up WAY before the roosters and the sun to meet our chartered bus at I-17 and Bell Road for our annual trip to Laughlin, Nevada. The bus trip was pleasant and the ONLY way to go. Upon arrival everyone received their fun books and complimentary dinner coupons. Tuesday night several travelers went to the show at Harrah's (Rhinestone Cowgirls), and enjoyed it very much. Others opted to spend time tempting the fickle finger of fate at the casinos. One . One person hit as many four of a kind on the video poker machines (this is confirmed by his wife as she cashed in the winnings). I don't know how that works, as I played $10 on one of the same machines and only got $1 back (story of most of our efforts). I look forward to seeing everyone on our next Laughlin trip.
Contributed by Dale Wendt
DID YOU KNOW: Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.
The nominating committee for next year's officers and directors has completed their work and selected candidates for President, Vice President, and Treasurer, plus two Director positions. Many thanks to this year's committee consisting of Lorri Jordan, Ed Skutecki and Don Roeber . Election of the Officers and Directors will be held in the March/April timeframe. Your ballot and list of candidates will be sent out in The Bridge next month . Results of the election will be announced at the Annual meeting in April.
This group will help those who need repairs that they cannot do themselves, including minor electrical, carpentry and plumbing problems. You will have the security of having someone you can trust in your house. The cost of material is not covered. The Fix It Guys are Bob, Matt, Dick, John, Mike, Perry, Sam, Paul, Clint and Gene . Call 602-870-0813.
Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.
(Editors note: Leftover wine? What's that?)
Anger and headaches: Researchers measured anger levels of 422 adults. New Findings: The more people held in their anger, the more likely they were to experience frequent and disabling headaches. People who held in their anger also had more symptoms of depression. Further research is under way to determine the exact mechanism. Until then, express yourself in non-confrontational ways….avoid fretting about things beyond your control.
New Alzheimer's risk: A recent study of more than 800 people has found that type 2 diabetes can increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 65%. Theory: Diabetes causes a buildup of glucose in the brain that may damage brain cells. Self-defense: All adults should exercise, eat healthfully, maintain a healthy weight and check their blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly to reduce their risk for dementia. Diabetics should keep their blood sugar under control.
Heart attack sufferers: who don't experience chest pain are three times more likely to die. New findings: Heart attacks are typically accompanied by chest pain, but nearly 10% of sufferers instead experience symptoms such as fainting, shortness of breath and/or excessive sweating. Patients without chest pain are less likely to receive medications, including aspirin and beta-blockers, in the first 24 hours in the hospital and throughout their stay. These medications can slow the progression of the attack and decrease the chances of further damage to the heart. Self defense: If you develop any of these symptoms for unexplained reasons, seek immediate medical attention .
Contributed by
Judy Nance RN
Occasionally we get The Bridge returned because of having an incorrect mailing address for our members. If you are aware on any member that should be receiving The Bridge and who is not receiving it, please call or e-mail the HRC using the information from page 12 of The Bridge.