Our F-14 Has Come Home Grumman Retiree Club, Inc. NAVY`S

June, 2008
CHAPTERS / MEETING LOCA
TIONS
LOCATIONS
PARENT CHAPTER
Bethpage / Woodbury
President, Barbara Nilsen, (516) 575-3777
Arizona
Arizona / Phoenix
President, Sam Kreisberger (623)505-3280
California
Golden West / Pt. Mugu
Volume 41, Issue 6
Circulation: 4669
Grumman Club Scholarships for 2008
The Scholarship Fund Trustees report that 52 applications for
Scholarships were received and are being evaluated. There will be ten
awards this year. The Trustees thank the contributors to the Scholarship
Fund for their generous donations, which have enabled the fund to
increase each Scholarship from the previous $1500 to this year’s $2000.
President, Fred Syrett (805) 647-4934
San Diego / San Diego
President, Cliff Robinson, (760) 749-8183
Florida
First Coast / St. Augustine
President, Fred Bauer, (904) 819-9817
Manasota West / Bradenton
President, Robert Nyberg (941) 493-7373
NAVY’S NEWEST, GRUMMAN’S BIGGEST - Albatross, twin engined amphibian, is a four-purpose workhorse,
capable of rough water operations for se-air rescue work and ideal as a personnel or cargo transport and in multiengine seaplane training. It is the product of extensive hydrodynamic research.
Mid-West / Spring Hill
President, Fred Hall (352) 686-9529
The winners will be announced at the Bethpage Chapter Scholarship
Award luncheon in June. Winning Scholars will be invited to attend the
luncheon to accept their well-deserved awards. The quality of the
applicants was outstanding. All of our members should be proud of the
Scholars and of today’s youth as represented by our applicants.
**********
The decision regarding continuation of the All-Chapter Scholarship
Program will be announced after the 2008 Awards are made in June.
Southwest / Locations Vary
President, George Daly, (239) 567-2285
Spacecoast / Melbourne
President,Daniel Postupack (321) 777-4301
Suncoast / Pinellas Park
President, John Newark, (727) 360-7339
Treasure Coast / Port St. Lucie
President, Arthur Hill (772) 287-6845
Grumman Retiree Club, Inc.
600 Grumman Road West, M/S Z49-25
Bethpage, NY 11714-5000
Georgia
Peach Pit / Milledgeville
President, Lew Iuliucci (478) 452-1357
Maryland
Glen Arm / Belair
President, Robert Valente (410) 836-5091
New England
New England North / Dorset, VT
President, Bill Egner (802) 446-2062
NORTHROP GRUMMAN
Benefits Center
1-800 - 894 - 4194
Investment Plan 1-800 - 894 - 4194
Pension (Vought) 1-888 - 346 - 4716
Health (Vought)
1-866 - 689 - 5999
BENEFITS ON LINE
www.benefits.northropgrumman.com
Newsletter
Nostalgia Coordinator: Charles Mooney
Grumman Retiree Club, Inc.
Phone: (516) 575-3777
Fax:
(516) 575-8715
Website: www.grummanretireeclub.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Officers
Barbara Nilsen, President
Chuck Richardson, 1st VP
Bob Ripp, 2nd VP
Lou Kubat, Secretary
Frank Rizzo, Treasurer
Marion Abbott, Sgt-at-Arms
New Jersey
Garden State / Lakehurst
President, Bill Staples (732) 350-9454
New York
Eastern Long Island / Riverhead
President, Bert Moller (631) 864-4377
GUNY (Grumman Upstate NY) / Oneonta
President, Joan Nau (607) 832-4215
Our F-14 Has Come Home
The F-14 on loan to the Grumman Club from the Naval Aviation Museum
is home at last. Our F-14D was transferred to static display in front of
Plant 25 (Bethpage), on May 6. After a year of preparation, the F-14 was
moved from Republic Airport in Farmingdale, Long Island, where it was
last flown by Lt. Cmdrs. Chris Richard and Robert “Fitz” Gentry.
Our F-14 arrived home about 36 years after the F-14’s first flight at
Calverton, NY. Our “Top-Gun” F-14D is number 711 of 712 Tomcats built,
the next to last F-14 ever built and the last one to fly. This F-14, Bureau
Number 164603, was completed and officially DD-250’d to the Navy on
May 29, 1992. It completed its service with VF-31, one of the last two F-14
squadrons ever to deploy. Final site landscaping has to be completed and
will be followed by a formal dedication ceremony in the near future.
North Carolina
Eastern Carolina / Locations Vary
President, Tom Schroder (910) 270-3406
Pennsylvania
Northeast PA / So. Sterling
President, Charles Teufert (570) 586-7590
South Carolina
Coastal Carolinas (NC & SC) / Myrtle Beach
President, Mary E. Moran (843) 650-4995
Texas
Houston / Houston
President, Angelo LaCognata, (281) 326-1665
Virginia
Central Virginia / Monticello
President, Tom O’Rourke (434) 244-2852
Potomac / Locations Vary
President, Ed Barron, (202) 244-6808
The Club “Nomads” have Moved . . . Again!
The Club office has moved.....again! As of May 27, the office is on the lower
level of Plant 25. Mail station, address, and phone number remain the same.
GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUB - LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM
Contributions to the Grumman Club
We are pleased to report that, from October 1,
2007, thru May 22, 2008, Member contributions to
the Club have totaled $7,263.
Thank You!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Contributors to the Grumman Club
The Grumman Club extends a well deserved
“Thank You,” to each of the following contributors.
Abrami, Barbara
Asbel, Jack
Depinter, Edmund
Armstrong, Mary
Breimann, John
Grodeski, John
Harse, Mary
Hoeler, Rosemarie
Hults, Joseph
Helm, Ronald
Hoppe, William
Karlund, John
Grumman Club Scholorship
Contributors
The Trustees of the Scholarship Fund extend appreciation to the following for their May contributions
Armstrong, Joseph
Datz, John
Grossman, Emily
Hedrick, Tina
Karlund, John
Carpenter, Roger
Depinter, Edmund
Harse, Mary
Heinlein, Ala
Kopack, Robert
Moss, H.
Oman, Richard
Patterson, Charles
Pena, Panchita
Rosenberg, Seymour
Shaver, Clifford
Sicuranza, Alfred
Spear, Arthur
Strong, John
Watson, Robert
*****************************************************
SCHOLARSHIP 50/50 RAFFLE
Members of All Chapters May Participate!
Kmeth, Michael Jr.
Mangino, Michael Sr.
McDowell, Ronald
Locascio, Frank
Marek, Frank
Ochenkoski, William
Pena, Panchita
Rouse, Robert Jr.
Sendell, Robert
Pierce, C Burton
Schneider, Joseph
Solomon, Irwin
Spear, Arthur Jr.
Watson, Robert
*********************************************************
Contributions to the 2008 Scholarship
Fund
The Scholarship Fund has received $8,368 in
contributions for FY 2008 including a $500 donation
from the Florida/First Coast Chapter. Contributions
will be applied to the scholarships to be awarded at
the June, 2008 luncheon. Our Thanks to all who
support this major club endeavor.
Please continue to send your Tax Deductible
Donations to the Scholarship Fund. Send Checks
(payable to Retiree Scholarship Fund) to
Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 0748, Bethpage, NY,
11724-0748.
The Scholarship 50/50 raffle is open to members
of all Chapters. $5 per entry. Enter often. Max
prize: $500. Multiple winners possible. Winners
to be announced in the Newsletter.
Submit a filled-in raffle ticket (below) and a $5
check (payable to Grumman Retiree Club
Scholarship Fund). Mail the Raffle Ticket and
check to:
Grumman Retiree Club- Scholarship Fund,
P. O. Box 0748, Bethpage, NY 11714-0748.
Everyone has a chance to win, it benefits the
Scholarship Fund, and the odds are good
SCHOLARSHIP 50/50 RAFFLE TICKET
____________________________________
Name
____________________________________
Address
Town _____________State ____ Zip _______
Phone (optional) _______________________
Chapter ___________________Date ______
2
I wish to reserve seating arrangements at the June 25, 2008 Luncheon for the following dues-paying
Grumman Retiree Club members, their spouses and/or guests:
Full Name (please print)
Phone No.
Check One
Roast Beef or Tilapia
Oreganato
Check One
Retiree
Guest
1.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
2.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
3.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
4.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
5.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
6.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
7.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
8.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
9.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
10.__________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
11.__________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
12.__________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
PLEASE NOTE: ALL TABLES SEAT TWELVE (12). A MINIMUM OF TEN (10) ARE REQUIRED TO
RESERVE A TABLE. SEVEN (7) DAYS NOTICE IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO
RECEIVE A FULL REFUND.
Attached please find $_____________representing $25.00 per person for __________ people.
Table Captain:
Name:_________________________________ TICKET PURCHASE
Address:_______________________________
DEADLINE
_______________________________
Phone No.:_____________________________
June 18, 2008
Remarks:__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Please make all checks payable to the GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUB and mail to:
Betty Bohlander, 1621 Madison Avenue, West Islip NY 11795
No tickets will be issued. If you would like to verify that your check has been received, please call
Betty at (631)587-7573.
Free Bereavement Support Group
Bethpage Chapter Calendar
Hospice of NY will hold a FREE Bereavement
Support Group at Bristal Assisted Living, 40 Merrick
Ave., East Meadow, NY. This is for adults who have
lost a spouse or partner. The Support Group will
meet for eight consecutive weeks beginning June
26, 2008, from 10AM - Noon. Groups do not require
that loved ones were on hospice. To register for a
group, call the Bereavement Dept. (516-222-1211
or 718-472-1999).
******************************************************
Defensive Driver Training
Luncheon:
nsive Driving course dates are
The 2008 Defe
Defensive
Tuesdays: 6/3
6/3, 9/2, 10/7, 11/4, 12/2. Classes are
held in Plant 25. Arrive by 9AM for sign in. To register,
YS
WEEKDAYS
call Liz McGowan (516-221-6573) WEEKDA
ONL
Y! Call between 6PM & 9PM. Classes fill up
ONLY
quickly: check your expiration date and sign up
early
early..
******************************************************
Retiree Club Blood Drive Schedule
Blood Drive Dates: Sept. 2
Celebrates Its First
Crest Hollow Country Club . . . . .Jericho Turnpike
Woodbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8:30AM thru 1:30PM
90 Employees
Lake Success Donor Center . . . 500 Marcus Ave.
Lake Success . . . . . . . . . . . .8:30AM thru 1:30PM
Mr. Radimer has held in reserve a list of the first 90 employees
to receive company badges. Each month we will reveal ten names,
starting with number 90 and working our way to number 1.
70
69
68
67
Art Ivenz
Percy Donley
Fred Meier
William N. Robertson, Jr.
66
65
64
63
Alfred M. Case
Bohemia Donor Center . . . . . 3125 Veterans Hwy
Bohemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30AM thru 1:30PM
Rockville Centre Donor Center .333 Merrick Road
Rockville Centre . . . . . . . . . . .. . 1PM thru 7:30PM
For info. about these locations, call 631-360-0215.
GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUB NEWSLETTER
Patsy Tartaglia
Arthur Ralston Stalb
Axel. G. Hedstrom
(USPS # 023-096) Volume 41, Issue 6, June 2008,
is published monthly except August by Grumman
Retiree Club, Inc., 600 Grumman Road West, M/S
Z49-25 Bethpage, NY 11714-5000. Periodical
postage rates paid at Bethpage, NY. Subscriptions
rates of $8 are paid through membership dues.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
Grumman Retiree Club, Inc. c/o Command Printing,
P.O. Box 9040, Farmingdale, NY 11735.
June 25, Scholarship Luncheon & Awards
Crest Hollow Country Club. Noon to 4PM
4PM.
(see next to last page of this Newsletter for
Luncheon Reservation form.)
Next Meeting: September 24
24:
Crest Hollow Country Club.
Speaker:Tom Vice, Sector VP, Northrop Grumman
Integrated Systems Eastern Region.
22nd Annual Picnic - Sept. 10th
at Marjorie Post Park, Massapequa.
Cost ($15 p.p.) is reduced in consideration of the
current economy. Tickets will not be issued. Send
check to Grumman Club, M/S Z49-25, Bethpage,
NY 11714-5000. Please bring covered basket of
goodies for Chinese auction.
******************************************************
Bethpage Chapter May Meeting
Our May 21 meeting, with 105 in attendance, was
held at Crest Hollow CC. President Barbara Nilsen
welcomed attendees and called the meeting to
order at 1PM. Marion Abbott led the Pledge of
Allegiance and a moment of silence for all our
departed members, their loved ones, and for our
fine servicemen and servicewomen in harm’s way.
Chuck Richardson asked for changes to the April
Meeting notes. There being none, the notes were
accepted as written.
Chuck then introduced our first guest speaker,
Janice Gallagher, from the Long Island Blood
Services. Janice spoke about their blood drives that
are widely supported by volunteers from a number
of L.I. companies. They help support difficult drives
held right after Memorial Day, Labor Day, and New
Year’s Day. The Blood Services also holds drives at
Northrop Grumman. There will be a blood drive at
the Crest Hollow on May 27th with prizes, food and
entertainment. All are encouraged to donate blood,
The Gift of Life, but if you are 76 or older, a doctor’s
3
Ron & Agnes Maginniss
Licensed Associate Brokers
of
Re/Max Beyond
631-862-1100 ext 17
e-mail: [email protected]
note is required. If potential donors are taking
medication, check with the Blood Services before
coming in. Most medications won’t disqualify the
donor. Chuck then presented Janice with a Club
check for $50.
We then Sang-Along to the music of Jack Cottrell.
Massapequa Park. This year, we will have a
Chinese Auction; if you plan on providing
auction items like a basket of goodies, wrap or
otherwise prepare the items at home and bring
them directly to the picnic. There is no place to
prepare or store items in the Club Office.
(D) We are still collecting cell phones, tabs, and
canceled stamps. Bring them to the meetings
or to the Club Office. If we collect 150 cell
phones by June 30, the company we ship them
to will place us in a $500 raffle. Cellphones are
coming in, but it is doubtful if we’ll reach the 150
for the raffle. Don’t forget to bring labels and
boxtops, which say “Boxtops For Education.”
(E) It’s official now: the F-14 acquired by your
Grumman Club, on loan from the Naval Aviation
Museum, is home at last. The F-14D transfer to
static display in front of Plant 25 was completed
on May 6. After a year of preparation, the F-14
was moved from Republic Airport, where it was
last flown by Lt. Cmdr. Chris Richard and Lt.
Cmdr. Robert “Fitz” Gentry. This is about 36
years after an F-14’s first flight at Calverton, NY.
Our “Top-Gun” F-14D is number 711 of 712
Tomcats built, the next to last F-14 ever built
and the last one to fly. Bureau Number 164603
was completed and officially DD-250’d to the
Navy on May 29, 1992. It completed its service
with VF-31, one of the last two F-14 squadrons
ever to deploy. Final site landscaping has to be
completed and will be followed by a formal
dedication ceremony in the near future.
Barbara made the following announcements:
(A) The Club office is being moved to the lower
level of Plant 25 over the Memorial Day period.
The move should be completed by May 28.
Our mailing address remains the same.
Phones and computers will be reconnected
during that period, so please be patient if you
must contact the office. We will be back in
business ASAP.
(B) Our Newsletter contains a number of
advertisements, which offer Club members
discounts or help. If you are in need of any of
these services, please consider using these
advertisers since the price of their ads has
helped reduce the cost of the Newsletter.
(C) September 10 is our Annual Picnic, which will
be held at the Marjorie Post Park in
Community Relations - Chuck Richardson: :
(A) To date, 396 members have donated $7093 to
the Club. Thank you all.
(B) The Club has donated $370 to Island Harvest,
$370 to The Inn, and $200 to Long Island Cares,
Inc. All contributions to these organizations
made through April are eligible for the Feinstein
Challenge. This is a financial challenge made
by a philanthropist who will match all donations
to these organizations by the end of April.
(C) The club has received “Thank You” letters from
all of these organizations.
(D) The ”Loose Change Collection” that has been
held at the last few meetings is now over. It was
for the benefit of The Inn and Island Harvest,
and collected $130, which was donated equally
to the two organizations.
The second speaker was Paul Shepherd,
President of Professional Insurance Buyers (PIB)
Brokerage Company. His grandfather, Peter, is a
member of the Retiree Club. Paul works with
seniors and designs insurance plans based on
each individual’s particular financial needs and
abilities. Last year, he spoke about insurance
policy issues. Paul mentioned that many policies
that were started in the 1970s –80s are, in fact,
lapsing, being worthless because of low interest
rates compared to when they were initiated. Paul
has been able to help seniors in this position by
selling the policy and redeeming some of their
investment. On July 1, Paul will hold a 2-hour
seminar, exclusively for the Grumman Club, on
Medicare, Medigap, and Medicare Supplementary
plans. The seminar will be held at the Hampton Inn
in Garden City. Please attend, and call 631-5942267 to let him know that you’re coming. Chuck
presented Paul with a Club memento.
Harry Daum provided the Scholarship Fund
Treasurer’s Report. With no objections, it was
accepted as provided.
4
As a retiree of Grumman I would be glad to
discuss any Real Estate questions you may have.
PRIME
T R AV E L
TIM E
C L U B
MOTORCOACH
7/6-7/11
Montreal/Quebec/Albany
$839
7/7-7/8 Berkshires-Boston
Pops $579
7/8-7/9 Behind The Scenes
Call
Today!
$299
Call for full prices and details
631-286-7329
www.primetimetravel.com
YOUR AD HERE
Offers all Grumman Retirees a
10% monthly rental discount should you
or an immediate family member move into
any of our luxurious communities including
Reflections, for memory impaired adults.
Locations in East Meadow, Massapequa,
North Hills, Westbury, North Woodmere
and Lynbrook.
Call Cindy Powers at
516-233-3146 for details.
www.thebristal.com
Your Life Insurance Policy Is
More Valuable Than You Think.
Free Consultation for Grumman Club Members Only
Our consultants will provide you with invaluable information including:
• Complete review of all insurance policies
• Why you should never let your policies LAPSE!
• How to order updated policy illustrations directly
from the insurance company
• How to sell policies you don’t need or want
• How to sell policies that you can’t afford
• How to convert a life policy into an annuity
and receive a guaranteed lifetime income
Recently we showed a Club Member how he could increase a life policy from $35,000 to $135,000 and keep the same premium. He could then turn a $100,000
in non-guaranteed muni bonds which provided less than $5,000 in annual income into an annuity which will pay him $9,300 a year guaranteed for the rest of
his life and the new life policy will replace the $100,000 to his family if he dies early. A great strategy which began as a simple policy review!
UPCOMING GRUMMAN MEMBERS SEMINAR
Tuesday, July 1st • 12-2pm
Hampton Inn - Tel: 516-227-2720
1 North Ave, Garden City, NY 11530
or call us for an individual appointment
631-594-2267
www.professionalinsurancebuyers.com
Part of the Shepherd Risk Management Group
(E) It is now the law! Section 594 of the fiscal year
2008 National Defense Authorization Act
amends section 9 of title 4, U.S. Code. The
amendment adds the new sentence: “Members
of the armed services and veterans who are
present during the hoisting, lowering, or passing
of the U.S. flag, but not in uniform, may render
the military salute.” Previously, the law required
all persons not in uniform to salute the flag by
placing the right hand over the heart.
(F) September’s guest speaker will be Tom Vice,
Sector VP of Northrop Grumman Integrated
Systems Eastern Region.
Prize Winners:
(A) Community Relations 50/50: Bill Misak, Sid
Weihs, Robert McCaffrrey, John Verity
(B) Scholarship 50/50: Joan Richardson, who
generously donated half back to the Scholarship
Fund. Thanks Joan.
(C) Door Prizes: Joseph Carlino, Herb Timmerman,
Joan Richardson, and Barbara Nilsen, who
generously donated it back, providing Charlie
Foley with the win. Thanks Barbara.
Next meeting: Sept 24
24, at the Crest Hollow CC
By: Lou Kubat, Sec’y. Happy Summer all!
June Luncheon - Betty Bohlander: The June
Luncheon and Scholarship Awards will be at the
Crest Hollow on June 25. Menu selections are
Roast Beef or Tilapia. The following are changes
made this year: (1) The luncheon time will be Noon
to 4PM; (2) Betty will not send out tickets; instead. a
list of people who have signed up will be available at
the luncheon with all the seating as requested. Todate. 131 people have signed up to attend.
Visitation: Get Well wishes are extended to Kathy
Goffery, Frank Gibaldi, Joan Richardson, Jeanette
Dudek, and to our Treasurer, Frank Rizzo.
Scholarship
Scholarship: Paul Schatzel announced that 52
applications for Scholarship awards were received
and are being evaluated. There will be ten $2000
awards this year. Paul thanked everybody for their
generous donations. The Quarterly 50/50 winner
will be drawn at the June luncheon.
Birthdays: Sophie Agiesta 88, Marguerite Hannigan
90, Anthony Klobukowski 85, Louise Kubat 70, Mike
Leogrande 77, Ron Regal 71, Chuck Richardson
74, Ann Santos 79, and Harry Volz 79
Anniversaries
Anniversaries: Mel & Mary Ann Cohen (43 yrs);
Pete & Edna Grudzinski (59yrs); Bob & Dorothy
Harris (44 yrs); Steve & Ann Kalman (61 yrs); Albert
& Barbara LaValle (44 yrs); Mike & Dorothy
Leogrande (54 yrs); Chuck & Joan Richardson (53
yrs); Fred & Charlotte Schlichtmann (57 yrs); Harry
& Frances Volz (54 yrs).
*******************************************************
ARIZONA
Our meeting was held on May 15 at the Pier de’
Orleans Restaurant, on University Drive, in Mesa.
Arrangements for this meeting were made by
Herman Cornils. The meeting was attended by
eight members and their guests.
It was great to have Wendy Klemm, who is currently
vacationing in Arizona, join us for our luncheon. We
hope that she is enjoying her stay in the Grand
Canyon State.
Since we will be taking our summer break, we
would like to take this opportunity to congratulate
Joan McMullen, Marilyn Lamberty, Loraine
Kreisberger, and Phyllis Licari on their upcoming
Birthdays. And, a Happy Anniversary is extended to
Joe & Josie Sciuto. We wish them all the best, and
may they have many more.
We would like to wish everyone a happy, fun-filled
and safe summer.
Next meeting: Sept 18
18. Meeting arrangements will
be made by Sam Kreisberger.
By: Werner Lamberty, Sec’y. (623-581-3056)
[email protected]
Meeting Schedule: (June-Aug: No Meetings); Sept
18; Oct 16; Nov 20; Dec 18.
5
CALIFORNIA / Golden West
President Fred Syrett opened the May 13 meeting
at the Point Restaurant, Point Mugu Naval Base,
with 29 members present. It was nice to see
infrequent attendee Rick Riccardone (his Tuesday
golf game was canceled), and also sporadic
attendees Tom Reilly, Art Martin, and Charlie Harris
who always add to the merriment.
Sergeant-at-Arms John Urgo led the Pledge of
Allegiance. VP John Torkelsen followed with a
prayer for our armed forces serving our country in
these difficult times, and also for our members and
their families who are suffering illness.
President Fred Syrett welcomed back Treasurer
Tom Maloney, who had been on a Mexican Cruise
with his wife, Eileen. In addition to his Treasurer’s
report, Tom (five pounds heavier and properly
tanned) gave us an update on the health status of
Ken Kettenacker and Don Frey who cannot attend
meetings because of illness. Our prayers go out to
them.
Tom said there are five regulars who still have not
paid their dues. If you are not sure whether you
have paid (senior forgetfulness), give Tom a call at
484-2981 and check it out.
One of our guest speakers was Mike Morgan, City
Councilman and ex-Mayor of Camarillo. Mike spoke to
us in March on Ventura County issues. This time, his
subject was China. Mike has been to China 14 times
as a business consultant and tour guide.
Our second speaker was Phobe Xu (pronounced
“Chu”), who owns a travel agency for tourists and
business people. A power point presentation was
given showing various cities, street scenes,
restaurants, hotels, landscapes, and historical places.
It was an interesting and informative presentation.
50/50 winners were Don Coler, John Erwin, and John
Torkelsen. Dick Bartick made a motion that Golden
West officers who win the 50/50 must return one-half
of the prizes to the treasury. President Syrett adjourned
the meeting before the motion was seconded.
By: Paul Aanerud, Sec’y., and John Torkelsen VP
*******************************************************
CALIFORNIA / San Diego
Tom & Anne Reilly celebrated their 40th wedding
anniversary. There was a May birthday, but the
writer forgets who it was due to a lost pencil at the
time of the announcement.
President Syrett called for a show of members’
hands of who would be attending the June 10th
meeting, which will be our annual picnic at the
Conejo Park in Thousand Oaks. It looks like we will
have a good turnout. We will have fun, great
fellowship, and good food at a beautiful location.
Bob Killian will go very early to reserve the spot. Sal
Panico will head up the BBQ cooking. We will have
our second Annual Bocce Tournament with a
special Grumman memorabilia prize to the winner.
Members will get an E-mail prior to the picnic with
details and location instructions.
Before the main program, Paul Aanerud treated us
to a slide presentation from Ray Bries (absent) of
6
NOST
ALGIA
NOSTALGIA
the last F-14 Tomcat from NAS Oceana, Virginia,
arriving at Republic Field, Long Island, and then being
transported by truck to its final destination at Plant 25,
Bethpage. The presentation was a very memorable
event for all of us.
No report of May activity.
Next luncheon get together: June 19,
19 at Chin’s
Szechwan restaurant on Miramar Road. See you
there!
By: Bill Roeckl, Sec’y. [email protected]
*******************************************************
FLORIDA/ First Coast
No report of May activity.
Contact: J G Walsh, Sec’y. (904-794-7891)
[email protected]
******************************************************
Paddling a Canoe to Success
from Newsday, May 16, 2000
(contimued from the May Newsletter)
Grumman canoes - known for the booming sound they make when hitting a dock or a rock - became fixtures
at summer camps and rental sites on rivers and lakes. They were so popular that Grumman built a separate
boat manufacturing plant in Marathon, 40 miles south of Syracuse, to open up space in Bethpage for Korean
War aircraft production in 1952.
In 1999, Paddler, a national boating magazine, honored Hoffman and Achilich by naming them two of 100
‘Paddlers of the Century.”
A Grumman canoe, Paddler publisher and editor Eugene Buchanan said recently, could take a beating. “You
could put the wife and kids and kitchen sink in the thing and ram it into rocks,” he said.
The public bought thousands. A 1975 brochure cited sales of more than 300,000 Grumman canoes in 30
years. Demand peaked in 1974, with sales of 33,000, propelled by the 1972 movie Deliverance, and by
concerns about fuel consumption during the mid-’70s energy crisis.
Grumman through the years expanded into several types of aluminum vessels, including square-backed
canoes, fishing boats, pontoon boats, and hovercraft, and even found a way to rig its canoes for sailing. But
aluminum canoe sales eventually dropped to perhaps 4,000 a year as plastic and fiberglass models became
popular, according to Kip Towl, a former head of Grumman Boats, who is now retired in Centerport.
Grumman’s boat division was sold in 1990, to Outboard Marine Corp., and then in July, 1996, OMC produced
its last Grumman-brand canoe. Only a few months later, however, four former Grumman and OMC employees
and an upstate investor formed Marathon Boat Group, Inc., and began pressing out canoes again at the old
Grumman plant in Marathon. Today’s 17-footer sells for $775, plus shipping, compared with about $205 in 1953
according to Greg Harvey, Marathon’s sales manager.
“Aluminium is no longer the king, but it has its own market,” said Harvey. “We virtually kept the [aluminum]
canoe from disappearing. “
foto of fourteen men standing in camoe
foto
foto
foto
foto
Another Grumman advertising foto . . . featuring Grumman shop workers demonstrating the canoe’s strength
FLORIDA / Manasota West
In Memoriam
We extend heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those who have passed away.
Cof
fey
Coffey
fey,, Joseph C.
Clearwater
Clearwater,, FL
3/30/2008
Faga, Anthony
Bethpage, NY
3/12/2008
Papa, John
Glendale, NY
5/6/2008
Pepe, Michael J.
Cumming, GA
4/22/2008
Picariello, Nicholas
North Bellmore, NY
4/30/2008
Sampogna, Marco A.
Carle Place, NY
4/29/2008
Savene, Nichols H.
Brentwood, NY
2/26/2008
Smith, John H.
Uniondale, NY
8/7/2007
Solenick, Michael
White Plains, NY
3/2/2008
Stephen, George
Huntington Station, NY
5/12/2008
Valent
a, S
alenta,
Sttanley
Glenview
Glenview,, IL
12/22/2007
Wesnofske, Robert T.
Jericho, NY
5/13/2008
Wider
ider,, James M., Jr
Jr..
Hempstead, NY
4/29/2008
Williams, Alexander
Port St. Lucie, FL
4/18/2008
(When reporting a death, provide the person’s Name, Date of death, and the City & State of residence prior to death.)
( Notices of member deaths should be e-mailed to the club ([email protected]), with “Death Notice” as the subject.)
President, Bob Nyberg opened our May 21 meeting
with the pledge to the flag. Bob welcomed today’s
speaker, John Meyers, who was brought to the
meeting by Burt Stern. Now that several members
have left for their summer homes up north, our
attendance was only 12.
Bob Nyberg, having just returned from his family
reunion trip to Ireland, gave us an overview of sights
seen, activities, and places visited. He really
enjoyed the trip and recommended a visit to Ireland.
Bob spoke highly of his tour guide, Patricia Preston,
who has a website called “irelandexpert.com”.
President Bob Nyberg gave the Treasurer’s report
in the absence of our treasurer, Jim Murray.
In the absence of Community Relations Chairman
Con Gilsenan, Bob Alloca reported that Ziggy
Feuersanger’s wife is recovering from surgery she
had in her bout with diverticulitis.
Travel Committee: Bob Nyberg, Travel Chairman,
reported on the five-hour river cruise by J C Cruises
out of Fort Meyers. This was discussed at the last
meeting. He stated that he contacted JC Cruises
and they told him they do not have the cruise unless
they have a prior commitment of 75 persons, which
is something we can not do.
Our Speaker John Meyer spoke of his experiences
as a Navy pilot and in particular of his eight years as
a Navy pilot, including 1500 flight hours on the S2F.
He noted that the S2F had a crew of four, took off at
90 knots with 1400 horsepower, and cruised at 140
knots. He described his ASW activities during the
Cuban Missile Crisis in which they tracked a
Russian sub with a Magnetic Anomaly Detector
(MAD) while the S2F was at 100 feet altitude. The
submarine tracking was carried out on a roundthe-clock basis. John went into detail, describing
the difficulties of Carrier landings and takeoffs. He
thanked the Grumman Retires for making the
rugged airplanes at the “Grumman Iron Works”.
The 50/50 winners were Frank Distefano and our
speaker John Meyers, who donated the money to
our treasury.
President Bob Nyberg wished everybody a happy
summer and closed the meeting.
Next meeting: October 15. No meetings in June,
July, August, and September.
We invite our fellow retirees who are planning on
coming down to Florida next winter, to join us on the
third Wednesday of each month at Mattison’s
Riverside Restaurant in Bradenton. (Our December
meeting is on the second Wednesday).
By: Bob Alloca, Sec’y. (941-342-9984)
[email protected]
******************************************************
FLORIDA / Mid-West
President Fred Hall opened our May 15th meeting
with 24 members and one guest. Our guest was
Katherine Lehr, and we bid her, Welcome!
Because Chaplain Art Bellion was laid up, Richard
Arso gave the invocation and led the membership in
the pledge to the flag.
The April minutes were read and approved. Our
treasurer gave his report, which was also approved.
There were no birthdays for May.
The anniversaries for May were: Ruth & Tom
Feeney (6 yrs), Pat & Bill Shay (42 yrs), and Signa
& Mike Lehr (61 yrs). Congratulations to one and all.
Gus Krayer, Sunshine Chairman for Citrus County,
was absent. Hank Mehl reported that Gus said
Charlotte dropped a can on her foot and cannot
walk.
Mike Lehr, Sunshine Chairman for Hernando
County, told us that Art Bellion is now home and
recuperating there; of course, Joan takes very good
care of him. Rich Montgomery is starting to eat
better and he will get stronger. Pam Courtney is not
doing too well, as you know; she has her days,
good and bad....
7
In lieu of a guest speaker or special entertainment,
we decided to play bingo for small prizes. Everyone
had a good time, whether they won or not.
We had six 50/50 Winners.
The officers of the Club wish everyone a happy and
healthy summer. We resume our meetings in
September. All members shall receive a letter from
the President telling you about our second half of
the year.
The meeting was closed at 1:35 PM.
Next meeting: Sept 18
18, 11:30AM, at Wellington in
Spring Hill. Luncheon is $13 p.p., which MUST be
paid in advance. Please make your checks payable
to “Grumman Retiree Club.” Come and enjoy our
meetings, which are about good friends, good food,
and entertainment.
By: Joan Mehl, Sec’y. [email protected]
Meeting Dates for 2008: No Meetings in June,
July
18 Oct 16; Nov 20; Dec 18.
July,, or August; Sept 18;
***************************************************************
FLORIDA / South West
President George Daly opened our May meeting
with 24 members and guests.
We were happy to welcome Rose Laurita back to
our meeting after a long absence.
After the Pledge to our Flag, George asked for ideas
from the members for outings we can consider for
the group, starting in September. This was our last
meeting before the summer break.
manufactured. Tom also mentioned that the
emblems had to be removed from the mail trucks
because of a copyright suit brought at the time. The
emblem appeared to be the standard Grumman
emblem and no one at our meeting could add any
more details.
At our March meeting, Tony Moors brought in a copy
of Corky Meyers’ book, Flight Journal, and offered it
to members who would like to borrow it to read.
George Daly borrowed the book, and at today’s
meeting, he gave a review of the book and some of
Corky’s experiences. Tony recommended that the
members read the Journal.
Tony Perre spoke on the Northrop Grumman letter
regarding the fight to keep the U.S. Air Force KC45A Tanker Program. They are asking our support
in getting Congress not to reverse the Air Force’s
decision to award the contract to Northrop
Grumman. Boeing has filed a protest, asking the
GOA to review the award decision. NGC is asking
that we go onto www.americasnewtanker.com to
express our support of the Air Force’s decision. I
went to the Web site and was able to contact all my
Congressmen on my support of the Northrop
Grumman contract. I have received letters from
most of my congressmen indicating they are aware
of the KC-X program and the protest filed by
Boeing. They have promised to keep me informed
when the debate comes up in Congress.
Congressman Connie Macksen sent a letter to me
expressing his belief that the Air Force’s job is to
defend this country, which means letting contracts
that best serve American soldiers and taxpayers,
not individual companies. He indicates that this has
been one of the most scrutinized contracts and
such competition ensures that the tax payers and
Air Force get the best value for their money.
Our guest was introduced by Larry Fletcher, who is
a 60-year member of the AOPA. They met in 1960
and married while they were flight instructors.
While on their honeymoon they purchased a J-3
Cub airplane. She had her choice of either a ring or
the airplane.
Over the years, they have instructed over 10,000
students. Maybelle was an instructor at Randolph
Field, training pilots for the military. She is a
member of the Texas Air Hall of Fame and was the
first woman to hold a Master Pilot rating. She
applied to join the W.A.S.P.S., organized in Houston,
TX, but was told she was too young. No one liked to
risk flying with a woman, especially a young one.
Maybelle later became chief pilot with Waco
Aviation. She is a member of the Women’s Air
International (WAI), the 99 Club formed by Amelia
Earhart. In past years, she became interested in
cross-country racing. Maybelle told of some closecall incidents that could have resulted in disaster,
e.g., a fuel line break that flooded the engine
compartment with fuel, but there was no fire.
Frank Purstell, our Treasurer, conducted the
meeting, with Carol Benske reciting the prayer.
The 50/50 raffle was won by Frank Purstell. Frank
donated the winnings to the treasury.
Plans are underway for our June potluck luncheon
with various members making their specialties.
Along with great dishes, beer and wine will be
served. The meeting will be held at the Fire/Rescue
Station at Monticello Lake, on June 4, at 12:20PM.
There are no meetings scheduled for July & August.
Our opening meeting, Sept 10, will be a picnic
meeting at Darden Park, Rte 20, in Charlottesville.
By: Karl Himmelmann, Recording Sec’y.
******************************************************
VIRGINIA / Potomac
No report of May activity.
Everyone enjoyed hearing about her adventurous
exploits.
Contact: Ed T Barron, Sec’y. (202-244-6808)
[email protected]
Bob Taylor presented Maybelle with a Grumman
memorabilia that Barbara Nilsen had sent down
from Bethpage, NY. Maybelle was very pleased by
the gift.
Next meeting: June 17
17. Come and hear our guest
speaker, Joann Roemen, President of the Houston
Aviation Alliance.
Remember: There are no meetings scheduled
for July and August.
We recognized a birthday in April for Joe Altman,
and May birthdays for Bob Sidaris, Clem Moors,
and Marilyn Wolter. We also had a 50th Anniversary
being celebrated by Lou & Beverly Urban. Lou and
Beverly had their grandson at the meeting to help
them celebrate.
No meetings in June, July, and August. Next
meeting: Sept 9, at the Golden Corral, in Punta
Gorda. Cost is $10 p.p. Meeting and lunch at
11:30am.
******************************************************
Tom Cummiskey brought in a Grumman emblem
that had been affixed to the mail trucks Grumman
By: Tony Perre (239-731-7146)
[email protected]
Our May meeting Luncheon was held at the
Lakeside Grill at Monticello. Nineteen members
attended with the absence of our President, Tom
8
O’Rourke, who is ill. Tom, the chapter wishes you a
speedy recovery.
By: Bill Berglund, Sec’y (281-482-1957
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
17
Bobglowacki1@ Netzero.net) for information/
applications.
Next meeting: June 19. Weather permitting, come
a little early and enjoy Happy Hour on the patio.
Tom told a few funny stories, then returned the mike
to Hank, who got his partner, Wes, up to happily
dispense the 50/50 benefits.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each
month at noon, at Hazzard’s Raintree Restaurant,
Route 191, South Sterling, PA.
Next meeting: 10 June
June, at the Clamdigger, under
the direction of Al Fischer and Bernie Kuntz.
By: Victor Peckenschneider, Sec’y. (610-3658646) [email protected]
Thanks to Wes and Hank for a good turn out and
great chow !
******************************************************
By: Tom Schroder, Pres. [email protected]
*******************************************************
SOUTH CAROLINA
Coastal
Carolinas Chapter
NOR
THEAST PENNSYL
VANIA
NORTHEAST
PENNSYLV
We do not meet during the months of June, July,
and August.
The May meeting was opened by President Charlie
Teufert, with 26 in attendance. Sergeant-at-Arms
and VP Dan Fass led us in The Pledge of
Allegiance.
We will resume our meetings beginning
3 at Noon, at Tbonz Gill ‘N’ Grill, 1169
September 3,
Seaboard St. and 21st Ave., Myrtle Beach.
The Secretary’s report was accepted. Vic reported
that we have been able to send most of our meeting
reports by email and have cut our regular snail
mailings from 50 to 16. This will save the club quite
bit of money that had been spent on stamps and
paper.
The Treasurer’s report was accepted. We’re still in
the black, barely.
Charlie has been working on several club activities.
Two trip dates, June 6th and 20th, are open to see
the ball game at Lackawanna Stadium in Scranton.
Tickets are $12 p.p., and include fireworks! Also
being looked into are a trip to Pocono Downs and a
Winery tour. He’s still looking for ideas for guest
speakers.
The 50-50 was won by Alberta Rademacher.
Birthday’s in May: Tony Petrone, Pat Robb, and
Robert Zupp.
Anniversaries in May: Jeffrey & Carol Lee.
All Northrop/Grumman retirees in the area are
welcome to join us. Guests are also welcome.
By: Nancy Webber, Sec’y. (843 - 347 - 2113)
[email protected]
*******************************************************
TEXAS / Houston
Fourteen members attended the May 20 meeting
and heard a Great, Great, Great Flying
Grandmother pilot, Maybelle Fletcher, tell of her
flying exploits. Maybelle and her husband Larry had
just sold their Grumman American Franchise (Tiger,
Cheetah, and Cougar) to Wilson Aviation, at Hobby
Airport.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ed Carle.
Pictures taken at the MCC visit were distributed to
members attending. Our ‘tattered wing tips’ for
retirees in the hospital were noted and prayers for
their recovery requested.
The 50/50 was won by Secretary Bill Berglund.
FLORIDA / Spacecoast
We recognized March birthdays of Janet Daly, and
Jim Hodder Dan
(87). Jim’s
Grumman
badge number
is
President
Postupack
welcomed
the 77
798; he retired
from Grumman
in 1977.
He is still
members
in attendance
to the May
21 meeting,
at
active
in our Country
community
with
theled
Garden
Clubin the
the
Suntree
Club.
Dan
everyone
Pledge of Allegiance.
Sergeant At Arms Ed
Willy Wolter,
Treasurer,
our financial
status
Romano
offered
thereported
invocation.
President
and indicated
that we
36 Country
paid members
in
Postupack
thanked
the have
Suntree
Club staff
2008.
for their excellent service. Everyone enjoyed the
delicious buffet lunch.
Tony Moors brought in a copy of Corky Meyers’
book, “Flight
A Test
Pilot’s Tale
Dodging
There
was Journal,
no guest
speaker,
so ofPresident
Disasters - Just
in Time”.
Tony offered
book to
Postupack
opened
the meeting
with the
committee
anyone who would like to borrow it to read.
reports.
50/50 winners:
Bob Clare,
Jimthe
Hodder,
andreport
John
Treasurer:
Bill Waldron
gave
financial
Zuk. stated that we have 205 paid members. New
and
members Bob Raimondi and Ted Kuhn, and their
Next meeting:
May 13,Visitors
11:30AM
2PM at
the
wives,
were introduced.
Jim to
& Gloria
Flynn
Golden
Corral,
in Punta Gorda. We will meet at the
were
also
introduced.
restaurant’s meeting room. Lunch will be $10 p.p.,
which will
be collected inRita
theFrancesco
meeting room.
Travel
& Entertainment:
was absent
and no report was given. We are still looking for a
By: Tony Perrefor
(239-731-7146)
[email protected]
chairperson
this committee.
***************************************************************
Historian
- George Graefe: The Valiant Air
Command will host Memorial Day activities, to
/ Spacecoast
include F11F FLORIDA
Tiger, TA4J,
ME208, and F9F5 aircraft
on display. Restoration work continues on the TA4J
March
19, 2008
and
F11F
Tiger (which needs a new canopy). To
offset expenses at this event, volunteers will, for a
Presidentfee,Dan
welcomed
89
nominal
take Postupack
photos of visitors
seatedthe
in the
attendeesofto the Suntree
Club.encouraged
Acting Vice
cockpit
aircraft.Country
George
President to
Billcome
Steenson
ledsupport
everyone
the Pledge
everyone
out and
thisinactivity.
of Allegiance, then Sgt.-at-Arms Ed Romano
delivered the Ed
invocation.
delicious
lunch
Scholarship:
RomanoA gave
the buffet
Scholarship
was served.
Report
in Angela’s absence.
- Jason Panzarino, a Melbourne High School
Bill Steenson
introduced
ourthe
guest
speaker,
Susan
student and
winner of
$1,000
George
M.
Blakeslee.
Susan is Scholarship,
a licensed mental
health
Skurla Memorial
received
his
counselor
from
VITAS
award on
May
15, atHospice.
the RialtoSusan
Hilton. is nativeborn
Floridian,
currently
living
in
Rockledge,
FL.
- Brittany Grant, a student at Cocoa
Beach Jr./Sr.
SheHigh
has had
an impressive
career
School,
and winner
of with
the Hospice
$1,000
since
1984. Retiree Club Space Coast Chapter
Grumman
scholarship, will receive her award on May 22.
Susan
offered much
Hospice
President
Dan information
Postupackregarding
will make
the
palliative
and home health care and the criteria for
presentation.
to the program
terminally
ill patients.
-admission
Both recipients
will befor
guests
of honor
at our
Teams
comprised
of patients,
families,
June are
18 meeting
at Suntree
Country Club,
and
physicians,
RNs,
health
social
will receive
somehome
wonderful
gifts aides,
from Northrop
workers,
chaplains,
volunteers.
Grumman,
our and
Retiree’s
Club,VITAS
Marieprovides
Skurla,
medical
equipment,
medications
relating
to the
and Peggy Graefe.
and alltoservices
and students
supplies
-admitting
We arediagnosis,
looking forward
giving these
needed
to determine
what welcome.
is best for Hope
the patient’s
a wonderful
Grumman
to see
welfare.
VITAS
means
life,
and
Hospice
provides
all of you there.
hope, because the program is dedicated to
improving the quality
life for We
patients
at
Communications:
DonofPowell:
need living
several
home.backup
Bill thanked
Susan
for herhisinformative
more
callers. Don
extended
thanks to
presentation.
the
callers for their efforts each month.
For next month’s
program,
we willEmery:
have theGet
Director
Community
Relations
- Chet
Well
of
Florida
Elections
as
our
guest
speaker.
cards were sent to Russ Weinert, Rita Francesco,
and Lillian Lopopolo, wishing them a speedy
The following
were
given: to the family
recovery.
We allreports
extend our
sympathy
of Bill Fadeley on the passing of his wife. (Contact
Treasurer
Bill Waldron:
Chet
at 321-254-2562,
so that cards may be sent.)
• We have two new members – Mary Carney and
Nunziato,
and fourPostupack:
visitors (JimDan
and asked
Gloria
Old Beth
Business
- President
Maureen
and Bill Tanker
Bighemy).
for Flynn,
our support
ofAyers,
the KC-45
contract
• We have
188 to
paid
members
and 89 attending
recently
awarded
Northrop
Grumman.
Dan said
Mr. today.
Ron Sugar has requested that we write or e•mailThere
are five and
50/50
drawingsof and
a grand
our senators
members
congress
to
prize.
show
support for the award (which is being
contested by Boeing). The following e-mail links
Travel/Entertainment
- website:
Rita Francesco was
provide
easy access to the
welcomed by all and announced that she has been
asked
to check into several cruises: a seven-day
1. www.americasnewtanker.com
trip
the Eastern Caribbean and a trip to Alaska.
2. to
www.northropgrumman.com
Rita will get prices and information together and let
us know
nexttransmitted
month whatthe
is available.
We
recently
Space Coast Chapter
addendum to the Constitution and By-Laws to New
Historian
Graefe
commented
on York
the
York,
It is inGeorge
the process
of review
by the New
excellent Comments
weather and/approval
attendance
at the
three-day
Chapter.
is /are
expected
in
Valiant Air Command Air Show, March 14-16,
June.
Photos were taken of visitors in the cockpit. We still
need Stinton
nose tires
for the Fl1F-Tiger.
Ron
provided
maps for the 2nd annual
combined Space Coast/Treasure Coast Picnic,
Scholarship
Angela
Romano:
which
is to be–held
on October
1, at Sebastian Inlet
• The
scholarship
deadline
passed
and
Park.
Sonny’s
BBQ will
provide has
the food;
the cost
are being
will applications
be $11p.p. Tickets
will beprocessed.
available atGrumman
the June
Committee
will checks
meet payable
April 7 to
andScholarship
September meetings.
Make
review
all
information
submitted
by
candidates.
Grumman Retiree Club-Space Coast Chapter.
Upon completion, two winners will be selected
announced
in May.
In May
or June, we
Theand
Space
Coast yearly
Golf
Tournament
will will
be
invite
our
two
students
to
enjoy
lunch
with
us.
held on Sept 27, at the Suntree Country Club. A
committee, consisting of Dan & Pat Postupack, Bel
• Our Ed
2006& scholarship
winner, Bill
Caroline
Wise,
Carter,
Angela Romano,
& Camille
from Merritt
High will
School,
is atdoing
Steenson,
and SalIsland
& Ann Cioffi,
be hard
work
extremely
well and
in tocollege
all
to obtain
sponsors
make alland
the taking
necessary
Engineering to
courses.
arrangements
ensure a successful golf
16
9
tournament. President Dan Postupack asked
everybody to support this activity and to mark their
calendars for this big day.
With no additional business to discuss, President
Dan Postupack adjourned the meeting and thanked
all for attending.
New Business - President Postupack:
By: Sally Cornuet, Sec’y. [email protected]
- New York contacted Dan by e-mail,asking if we
require a member to attend the luncheon if he/
she only wishes to attend the business meeting.
A response was sent to Bethpage stating that
no member is turned away if he or she only
wishes to attend a business meeting.
Meetings for 2008: 6/18
6/18, no mtgs July & August,
9/17, 10/15, 11/19 & 12/17.
- There was an article on Page 2 of the April
Grumman Club Newsletter that acknowledges
Scholarship Fund contributions for FY 2008 in
the amount of $7,648, including a chapter
donation from Space Coast in the amount of
$500. Board members were not aware of a
donation from our chapter. President Postupack
will check with Barbara Nilsen and hopefully get
answers as to who sent the donation.
Suncoast Chapter is on Summer break.
******************************************************
FLORIDA/ Suncoast
Spouse Birthdays: Margaret Dauber, Gloria
Schreiber, Pat Postupack, Angela O’Brien, John
Korothy, Anne Milonas, Peggy Graefe, Joan
Orlando, Audrey Thilburg, Judy Lowen, Elaine
Prime, Barbara Leahy, and Marion Russo.
Anniversaries: William & Kathleen Downey, Carol
& Ronald Sidorski, Thomas & April Marino, Franklin
& Angela O’Brien, Daniel & Pat Postupack, Nelson
& Amy Ruiz, John & Ruth McDonald, and Robert &
Madeline Jones.
Five 50/50 prizes, two Swiss Army Knives, and a
Champagne Brunch at the Suntree Country Club
were won.
Next meeting: June 18,
18 at the Suntree Country
Club.
10
After Mr. Escher’s presentation, we did our 50/50,
which was won by Sigrid Hipel, Jane Eglin, and
Fred Salvante. Two of them returned the winnings
to the club to boost our treasury.
Two people had donated items for a raffle: Jane
Eglin won the set of picture frames donated by
Sigrid Hipel, and Howard Ahders won the beautiful
Garden Mug donated by Rose Marie Busch.
We celebrated three birthdays: Anita Salvante (5/
3), Joan Nau (5/8), and Rose Marie Busch (5/30).
Meetng dates: 10/22, 11/19, 12/17.
We meet at King Buffet, 49th St. & Park Blvd., in
Pinellas Park, 4th Wednesday of the month.
By: Patricia E. Newark, Sec’y. (727-360-7339)
*******************************************************
Employee Birthdays: Ruth Koopman, Vic Belmont,
Richard Bruning, Gary Sines, Anne Korothy, Ruth
Larkin, Leonard Leslie, Theresa Jaeger, and Paul
Wolff.
questions and left booklets for the members to take
and read.
We also celebrated the 48th anniversary of Anita &
Fred Salvante.
Joan Nau asked if anyone would host the picnic this
year. We decided to hold it in Mine Kill State Park,
on July 16th, our regular meeting day. Joan also
discussed the trip to the wine tasting and dinner in
September. Deposits will be made in July and a
reservation made with the winery.
FLORIDA / Treasure Coast
The May 15th meeting of the Treasure Coast
Chapter was held at Manero’s Restaurant, with 59
members and guests attending.
Prior to lunch, Bob Watkins sadly announced the
death of our Treasurer, Art Duffield, on May 10th. Art
was a long-time Grummanite who worked in the
Human Resources department in Stuart. He was
well known by most of our members and was a
fixture at the meetings, even before he became
Treasurer. Art will be sadly missed by everyone.
(His daughter has requested that anyone who
wants to donate in his honor, should do so to the
Grumman Club Treasure Coast Scholarship Fund,
c/o Art Hill, 420 SW South River Dr., Apt 101,
Stuart, FL 34997.)
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chaplain Larry
Regier announced the death of two others,
Alexander Williams, who passed away April 18th,
and Mike Kelly, who died on May 14th. (Since our
meeting, I received news of the death of member
With the business concluded, Joe Cipp first held a
few minutes of silence for our men and women
serving to keep our country free. He then led us in a
rendition of God Bless America, which concluded
our meeting.
See you next month on June 18
18.
By: Joan Ahders, Sec’y. (315-841-4760)
[email protected]
*******************************************************
NORTH CAROLINA
Eastern Carolinas
Our May 13 meeting took place in sunny downtown
Swansboro, NC, near the water, under a bright
clear sky, which drew 43 members and guests
looking forward to continuing the warm friendly
relationships established over the years. The
Riverside Steak & Seafood restaurant was the
place where we met to enjoy a favorite beverage
and sparkling conversation before lunch, which
was co-hosted by Hank Vroom and Wes Johnson.
After the social hour, Hank asked Sgt.-at-Arms Ken
Gruebel to lead the group in the salute to the flag
and to deliver the invocation, which he does so well.
We then adjourned to our tables, where a sit down
was enjoyed. Everyone said the food was great!
After lunch, Hank opened the meeting and
introduced our guests: Shirley Schaeffler, Nora
Reichert, Flossie Johnson, and Cindy Smith.
He noted that next month’s meeting (6/10) would
take place at The Clamdigger, in Pine Knoll Shores,
the last meeting until Sept.9th. And, we still don’t
have candidates for club officers needed for
September.
May Birthdays observed: Ken Gruebel) May 18(;
Pat Johnson (May 20); Dolores Brown (May 25);
Dick Guarino (May 28).
May Anniversaries: Jim & Dot Karika (48 yrs on May
7); Tony & Carol Peralta (53 yrs on May 30); Leo &
Katherine Torrens (51 yrs on May 18).
Pres. Tom came forward to say that we have a new
member, Eunice Nichols, surviving spouse of Bill
Nichols, and a former member of the BPA home
chapter, who is planning to move to the East Coast.
In addition to paying her dues, she also made a
donation to our chapter, many thanks, Eunice.
Tom also spoke at length of member Bob Glowacki,
who serves as NC CareCat coordinator. Bob is
trying to increase CareCat membership of
volunteers to serve local communities. Bob asked
that the following message be provided to NC
chapter members. “Bob Glowacki reports that
there are now four members in the NC Care Cat
organization. Any NC retiree who is providing a
volunteer service is eligible to join. Wearing your
CareCat shirt/sweatshirt when volunteering invites
many inquiries and provides a chance to educate
people about our volunteer efforts and the great
Grumman Company. Qualified retirees may
contact Bob Glowacki (919-779-9696 or at
15
New Business:June 17 is our last meeting before
the Summer break. We meet in the Fall on Sept 16.
Ways & Means: Chairlady Gloria Larsen conducted
the drawings. The winners this month were Walter
Matusa, Peggy Knipper, Ruth Kirkwood, Harry
Adams, Ruth Geiszler, and Don Smith.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:30PM.
Next meeting: June 17,
17 at the Plaza Diner at 1PM
By: Joyce Smith, Sec’y. (732-505-4821)
[email protected]
*******************************************************
We have members who have not paid their dues for
2008. They will no longer receive the newsletter.
We really need a new Membership Person since
Joan Hopke said she would not be doing it any
more. Please consider helping out. We need
someone to send notes to members in arrears, to
collect dues, and keep records of the membership.
We also need people to fill the vacant officer spots.
It has become very hard to run the club without all
positions filled and it could lead to the club’s
demise. Please think about this, and offer your help
Next meeting: June 18.
18 This will be our annual
.picnic. As you remember, we hold it indoors so the
weather is not a factor. Please try to attend, as this
NEW YORK
Eastern Long Island
Past Pres. Bert opened the meeting by asking Sgt.at-Arms Rich Myers to lead the pledge to our
country and flag. We had 21 members and guests
Joe & Joyce Tarlentino attending. Joe & Joyce were
warmly welcomed. Bill Mytko read a prayer .
group is getting smaller and we need your
participation in club events. .If you need a ride,
please call Bill Mytko (631-588-5671) and he will try
to arrange transportation for you.
Call Bob Albert (631-585-7987) for reservations or
cancellations.
By: Bert Moller
After a fine lunch, we heard from our guest speaker,
Chief of the Riverhead Police Department David
Hegermiller. Chief Hegermiller gave us a very
interesting presentation of the workings of the
police department, including the problems the
department has with the tremendous growth of the
route 58 corridor. He gave us a breakdown of the
dept. personnel and the sectors they patrol. There
was a lively Q and A period after his presentation
The business portion was then opened by Bert
Community Relations: Bill Mytko reported Get Well
cards were sent to Ann Caldwell and Larry
Comodo. A condolence card was sent to the family
of John Ranou, who passed away April 23. Please
contact Bill at 631-588-5697 with information on
illnesses, deaths, etc.
Treasurer Marty Getzelman could not attend, so his
report was deferred to the June meeting.
14
Future Meetings: 6/18; no meetings in July &
August; 9/17
*******************************************************
Grumman Up
st
ate New York
Upst
state
Sixteen members of GUNY met at noon at the
Stella Luna Restaurant, in Oneonta. President Joan
Nau opened the meeting with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Before lunch, the Secretary read the minutes of the
April meeting and they were approved. Guest
Speaker Bob Escher, of Hospice and Palliative
Care, arrived and we launched into our lunch.
After lunch, Mr. Escher spoke to us on the many
ways that hospice can help the family. He answered
There
John White,
were six
who
50/50
diedwinners.
on May 18th, in Stuart, FL.)
Our condolences go out to the families of all.
Travel: A chairperson is still needed to fill this
vacancy.
Chaplain Regier also announced that Bill Bedell
suffered a heart attack, but was home and
Historian:
recovering well.
We received a set of wheels for the
F11F. Some mods have to be made for the wheels
to
Following
fit properly.
our Work
lunch,isBob
continuing
Watkinsonintroduced
the A4 in our
the
cockpit
guest speaker,
area. We
Joe Catrambone.
had a visitorJoe
from
is the
NC,
CEO
who
of
explained
the Stuart/Martin
that another
CountyF9F5
Chamber
is being
of Commerce,
restored in
a
Bowling
position Green
he hasHeritage
held since
Park,
1989.
in Blue
Joe,
Angel
whocolor
had
configuration
previously been
to honor
selected
Lt. Cdr.asJohn
Florida’s
Magda,1998
who
was
Chamber
a pilotofinCommerce
WW 2 andProfessional
the Korean Conflict.
of the Year,
Lt.
Cdr.
spokeMagda
on the
was
misconception
a well-decorated
that hero
Chambers
who was
of
killed
Commerce
in action
are nothing more than a place to get a
map. In fact, they are a giant networking system,
Scholarship:
devoted to bringing
Angela
clean,
Romano
lucrative
thanked
businesses
everyone
to
for
an area,
supporting
creatingthe
jobs,
scholarship
and increasing
fund, the
to tax
include
rolls
fundraising
for the county.events, financial supporters, and
proceeds from golf outing in 2007. This is the 3rd
President Hillbeing
then offered
spoke about
our
upcoming
silent
scholarship
by our
Club.
Because
of
auction.
Grumman
all
of our We
efforts,will
this be
year collecting
we are presenting
a
memorabilia
at our September
meeting
andaddition
holding
$1,000
scholarship
from the club.
With the
theaauction
our meeting
October.
The
change
of
$1,000atdonation
fromin Mrs.
Marie
Skurla
in
to the October
was
to hopefully
more
memory
of hermeeting
husband,
George,
we willhave
have
the
“snow birds”
in attendance
at the auction.
The joint
honor
of awarding
two scholarships
to deserving
picnic with
the Space
Coast
Chapter
stillorset
for
Brevard
County
graduating
seniors.
In is
May
June,
October
1. Tickets
be $11. (Anyone
interested
in
our
winners
will bewill
announced,
and we
will meet
attending
and taking
a bus
to luncheon.
SebastianBecause
should call
and
congratulate
them
at our
of
me at
all
the772-878-2295.)
combined efforts of the Space Coast
Chapter, we have made a difference in young
Birthdayslives.
for May included Vincent Dibble, John
people’s
McDonnell, and Bob Watkins.
Communications: Gene Sirota stated that our
Art & Olive
Hill celebrated
their
anniversary
callers
are doing
a good job.
He57th
will send
a letteron
to
May 6th.to provide advance notice regarding our
callers
special luncheon celebration in February.
We had one new member: Delores Tschudi.
Old Business: Pres. Dan Postupack is taking
Following
50-50,
the meeting
adjourned.
action
to the
make
changes
to the
Space Coast
Chapter Constitution and By Laws. He will meet
Next our
meeting:
19
19, at Manero’s
If
with
BoardJune
to finalize
changes Restaurant.
and perhaps
you planchanges
to attendatand
notmeeting.
get a callBill
from
a Call
present
ourdo
Feb.
Waldron
Person,
please
me.
is
checking
intocall
requirements
for making a new
application for tax-free status for our club.
By: Nancy Schaefer, (772-528-8169) or (772-8782295)Business:
[email protected]
New
Pres. Dan Postupack discussed
our Golf Tournament for 2008, and proposed
******************************************************
adjustment
to dates to accommodate more
interested participants.
GEORGIA
Pit increase our
Dan also discussed
the/ Peach
need to
membership. If members know of Northrop/
There wereemployees
eleven present
the or
May
20 Chapter
Grumman
of oneatyear
longer,
or any
meetingemployees,
held at the Golden
Corral
Restaurantinonour
N.
retired
who may
be interested
Columbia
St., in
Milledgeville.
The be
meeting
club,
then Dan
suggested
that they
invitedstarted
to our
at 12:30 PM, and was presided over by Chapter
meetings.
President Lew Iuliucci.
Employee Birthdays: John Lau, Allan Dooley,
Following
the call
to order,
George
Tegeler,
Lee Brandt,
CarlSergeant-at-Arms
Thilburg Stephen
designee Tom
O’Toole
attendees
the Barton,
Pledge
Petrovits,
Robert
Beck,led
Peter
Hogan,inLilia
of Allegiance.
ThenRudy
Chaplain
WillieJohn
Collins
gave the
Salvatore
Cioffi,
Mahler,
Soucheck,
Blessing,
after which
we enjoyed
meal
and
Jerald
Willoughby,
Joseph
Spinelli,the
Fred
Wilms,
fellowship. Bain,
The Jim
formal
meeting
Rosemarie
Emkin,
Jr., andresumed
Walter
afterwards.
Duester.
Old
Business
Spouse
Birthdays: Dorothy Fadeley, Rosalie
Wiehl, Joan Schult, Grace Avitabile, Rena/
A motion by
Rubye
seconded
Jesse
Catherine
Wolf,
CarolAvant,
Fairchild,
Joan by
Burgess,
Griffin, was
madeBarbara
to waive
formal
of the
Natasha
Mandery,
Gelpi,
andreading
Karen Brandt.
April minutes. Hearing no request for change or
revision by those present
having Masiello,
received
Anniversaries:
Richard and
& not
Martha
any such requests
by proxyRudy
from those
notAvitabile,
present.
Lawrence
& Joan Orlando,
& Grace
the motion
carried.
Lois
& Pat Klein,
Pat & Joan Buckley, and Vic & Pat
Belmont.
New Business
Pres. Dan Postupack reminded us of our special
1. Chapter
President
Lew
reported
having
25th
anniversary
meeting
onIuliucci
Feb. 20,
and adjourned
received a press release from the Navy League
the meeting.
regarding the USS Georgia Submarine Flag
The Sec’y.
press release
will be forwarded
By: ceremony.
Sally Cornuet,
[email protected]
to all Chapter members with these minutes.
Meetings for 2008: 2/20, 3/19, 4/16, 5/21, 6/18, no
2. Chapter
Treasurer
gave a
mtgs
July & August,
9/17, Joe
10/15,Sansotta
11/19 & 12/17.
Treasurer’s report to include the addition of a
new member, Gwen Sanford. Gwen brings
******************************************************
current total Chapter members to 75. Of this
total, 62FLORIDA/
membersSuncoast
are in electronic
communication with the Chapter leadership for
pre-meeting
messages
and post-meeting
Theboth
Suncoast
Chapter’s
first meeting
of 2008 was
results,
while 13
areNewark,
communicated
opened
by President
John
on Januarywith
23.
monthly
via
U.S.
Mail
with
post
meeting
results.
Bob Barth led the Pledge of Allegiance, which was
followed by the Invocation by Patricia Newark.
3. All members participate in disbursement of
for non-profit
with
Thetreasury
officers funds
for 2007
agreed toorganizations,
continue in their
the positions
first such indisbursement
going to the Mary
current
2008.
Vinson Memorial Public Library at the end of this
month.
Congratulations
to John Kucin for having been
selected as the Associate of the Year by the
4. Sufficient
are was
in chosen
the treasury
to
Innisbrook
Golf funds
Club. John
out of 500
accommodate
the donation
disbursement
plan.
employees.
Once again,
Congratulations,
John,
11
In addition, the Chapter is discussing options
regarding the Club’s Scholarship Fund, wherein
the Chapter, with member support, could
sponsor a Grumman Scholarship for one or
more of a Chapter member’s descendants
entering college.
5. Chapter Secretary Mary Archer extended Happy
Birthday wishes to: Bernadette Ablan (2nd),
Hubert Collins (5th), Pat Donavan (29th), Ernie
Godbee (1st), Rose Haskell (14th), Bob
LaManna (13th), Tom Main (12th), Dorothy
Minicozzi (15th), Pat Sansotta (30th), Nick
Scanipico (13th), Cliff Schilling (18th), Bill
Schwendler Jr. (23rd), and Jackie Stuckey
(18th).
6. Belated Happy Birthday wishes to new member
Gwen Sanford (April 10th).
7. Wedding Anniversary Congratulations are
extended to: Hans & Pat Borstell (28th), Willie &
Geraldine Collins (27th), Jesse & Gloria Griffin
(29th), Kenny & Donna Lettang (18th), Bobby &
Willie Mae McClin (18th), Bill & Barbara Stevens
(22nd), and Gene & Barbara Stevens (7th).
8. Belated Wedding Anniversary Congratulations
are extended to Gwen Sanford and Larry (April
11th), and to Bob & Loretta La Manna (April
24th).
9. Our prayers and best wishes for a speedy
recovery go to Earl Seagle, who is back home
after a follow-up procedure for a recent surgery.
Also, Vince Ciampa is taking treatment for a
medical condition and is doing well..
10. Jesse Griffin won the 75/25 fund-raiser raffle
and donated the funds back to our treasury.
In Memoriam
Sympathy is sent to Margaret Pepe, family and
friends in the death of Chapter member Mike Pepe.
Mike passed away on April 22nd, in Cummings,
Georgia
Community Service
1. At least one member is a volunteer in our
community who donates time to raise funds for
the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
2. The first of eight Chapter donations is for
Scholastic/Educational, and will be disbursed
per the approved plan on Memorial Day, May 26.
Next meeting: June 17,
17 11:30AM. Geppetto’s
Restaurant in Bel-Air, MD. In Chili’s Shopping
Center, intersection of Business U.S. 1 and
Maryland Route 24, Northwest Corner.
By: Rolfe F. Feser, Sec’y. [email protected]
Our trip to Ogunquit, Maine, is a “go,” scheduled for
Sept. 16 and 17.
Next luncheon: June 1
1 (Wednesday), at Heli’s
11
Restaurant at the Mountain View Lodge, Mendon,
VT.
Today’
s Programs
oday’s
By: Bill Wanner ([email protected])
1. The Grumman Club Stories - A history of the
“Grumman Retiree’s Restoration Team” at
Bethpage. Researched and written by Ernest
Finnamore, and completed in May, 2005, was
read to us by Chapter President Lew Iuliucci.
2. Alan Johnson, Wellness Coordinator at Vought,
presented a program entitled “Wellness at
Vought”. We retirees and spouses are eligible
to participate in this program. We can avail
ourselves of yearly health screenings, wellness
assessments and coaching, onsite walking
path & aerobic classes, membership discounts
at several fitness clubs, etc.
*******************************************************
Our meeting schedule for the year is:
New England North
We’re back! Our initial 2008 luncheon, held on May
13, at the Fullerton Inn, Chester, VT, was attended
by 33 members and guests.
President Bill Egner led us in the Pledge of
Allegiance and Bill Barnard delivered the invocation.
Secretary/Treasurer Phil Hodge gave the
Treasurer’s report (we are solvent!), followed by
health status reported by various members. Speedy
recoveries are hoped for Ron Small, Dave Walsh,
George Schultz, and Walt Peterson.
By: Mary Archer, Sec’y. [email protected]
New members Frank & Flo Riegert were introduced
and welcomed, as were the Barnards’ guests,
Louise & Bob Ekstram.
MAR
YLAND / Glen Arm
MARYLAND
The Luncheon Irregulars will be trying some new
meeting places. Our usual haunt, Cactus Willies,
has closed down. We’ll try Geppetto’s first. Then
Grand Buffet - Chinese / American, in the Festival
Shopping Center on Route 24 in Bel-Air, at 11:30 on
July 15.
Tues, July 8: Fullerton Inn, Chester, VT
Tues, Sept.9: Picnic at Milt Radimer’s, Newfound
Lake, NH
Tues, Oct. 14: Fullerton Inn, Chester, VT
*******************************************************
On a very sad note, we were advised of the passing
of Doris Wahlberg’s husband, Harry.
*******************************************************
*Wed, June 11, Heli’s at the Mendon Mountain
View Lodge, Killington, VT
*Wed, Aug. 13: Heli’s, Killington, VT
Next meeting: June 17.
17 This will be the annual
covered dish social event held at a member’s
home. Again this year, the LaMannas are planning
to host.
The Golden Coral in Aberdeen, was also suggested.
If you have been to any others, please feel free to
give us your thoughts.
12
Until we meet again, Stay Well, Stay Cool, and Do
Not Forget: Liquids, Lotion, and Moderate Activity.
NH, compound. This was the result of Milt’s grab
bag prize (entered by Pete) at our October 2007
luncheon.
Congratulations to: Bud Clark on his 87th birthday;
Don & Cindy Williams on their 52nd anniversary;
Peter & Valerie Ivy on their 63rd anniversary; Ted
Gaal on his 90th birthday.
NEW JERSEY / Garden State
President Bill Staples opened our May 20 meeting
at 1:05PM, with eighteen members present. The
Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a
moment of silence for our sick and departed
members and for our service men and women.
The minutes of the April meeting were read and
accepted.
The 50-50 was won by Noelle Smith and Valerie Ivy.
The Treasurer’s Report was accepted as read.
The grab-bag, always a highlight of our meetings,
included several beautiful plants, Vermont Maple
Syrup, fancy Vermont baked bread, two bird
feeders, and an automotive tool kit.
May Birthdays: Gloria Larsen (05/02) and Marie
Punturo (05/07).
May Anniversary: George & Ann Kramer (63 years).
Old Business: None.
Milt Radimer was presented with a Pete Ivy framed
watercolor of the “point” at Milt’s Newfound Lake,
13