QTC 55 Newsletter - Greylock Insurance Agency

The Quality Time Club®
Letter from retiring President
QTC 55 Newsletter
VOLUME 25, NO. 4
INSIDE
T H I S I SSU E
PAGE 2
POINTS OF INTEREST
SENIOR CENTER NEWS
PAGE 3
DID YOU KNOW?
QUALITY TIME CHATTER
PAGE 4
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
DOWN MEMORY LANE
PAGE 5
QUARTERLY MEETING UPDATE
EVENT SIGN-UP
Online banking at
WWW.GREYLOCK.ORG
Get current rates
24 hours a day at
(413) 442-2662
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(413) 499-7233
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© GFCU/QTC 2015. All rights reserved.
Atención miembros
de habla española!
No dude en visitar
a nuestro personal
bilingue in Greylock.
Ellos estaran siempre
dispuestos a ayudarlos
con sus preguntas.
Por favor llame al
(413) 236-4000
FEDERALLY INSURED
BY NCUA
As I begin my first days of retirement,
2015of
ISSUE
career working DECEMBER
with some
the finest
that Greylock will continue its excepti
service and new, innovative products.”
Message from retiring President & CEO
Marilyn Sperling
“As I begin my first days of retirement, saying goodbye
is difficult following a 30-year career working with
some of the finest people in the banking industry. I am
confident that Greylock will continue its exceptional
business-as-usual with unparalleled member service
and new, innovative products,” said retiring CEO
Marilyn Sperling.
Marilyn added, “I am pleased with the Board’s selection
of John Bissell as our next CEO. John and I have
worked closely together for many years, and we share
the same values and the same vision of Greylock as a
key partner in helping to improve the financial lives of the people in Berkshire County. I’m
delighted to be leaving Greylock in John’s very capable hands.”
willchoice
missofall
ofBissell
you,asand
“I will miss all of you, and I know that you will embrace the“I
Board’s
John
our
next CEO.”
John Bissell as our next CEO.”
I kn
Greylock welcomed John to his new position on October 1. He said that, “It has been my honor
John
to have served with Marilyn, and I am excited as I begin myGreylock
new position welcomed
as CEO.” He added
that,to hi
“Marilyn has been a great leader and I know I have
somemy
big shoes
to fill.toMore
thanserved
70,000 people
been
honor
have
with Ma
have entrusted us with $1 billion of their financial
assets.”
as CEO.” He added that, “Marilyn has
John said, “We have a very solid foundation, and shoes
a very strong
visionMore
to help improve
the financial
to fill.
than 70,000
people
lives of the people in Berkshire County. As we say goodbye to Marilyn, I welcome the opportunity
of serving Greylock members. I feel fortunate toassets.”
have been mentored and guided by Marilyn. Her
successful leadership is what inspired me to carry on as I begin
new role.
I thank
Marilyn
for sol
Johnmysaid,
“We
have
a very
her valuable insight. The future is exciting to Marilyn, to me, and I hope to all of you.”
improve the financial lives of the peop
Marilyn, I welcome the opportunity of
been mentored
and guided by Ma
There’shave
a
new
branch
me to carry on as I begin my new role.
comingfuture
soon
to Lenox!
is exciting
to Marilyn, to me, an
Lenox is the newest branch—Greylock’s 11th—to offer a full
range of financial services, from checking, savings, and CDs, to
commercial loans and credit cards, to investment management
solutions, along with home, auto, and other types of insurance.
The branch is located at the downtown Lenox Village Shops. It is a one-stop solution for all members’
financial needs, and brings full-service banking to the Lenox community. The ATM is open to the
301 words
public for withdrawals. Lenox is a thriving community
and this new close-by access to financial
services will help people with the convenience that they previously did not have. These services
are all under one roof and all delivered by local people they know and trust. The service team
will work in reasonably-sized space with three teller windows, two member service offices —
and an ATM. Stop in soon at 68 Main Street to say ‘hello!’
Points of Interest
r The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum support the
MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of The QTC 55 NEWSLETTER is
to provide helpful information on matters
of universal concern to members of The
Quality Time Club who are 55 years of
age or older. Readers are encouraged to
send comments to the attention of the
QTC Newsletter editor in care of Greylock
Federal Credit Union, 5 Cheshire Road,
Suite 26, Pittsfield, MA 01201. It is the
intent for the newsletter to be responsive
to readers by providing articles that will
best satisfy its mission.
BR A N CH E S & ATM s
A DA M S
2 Park Street (413) 743-7333
Pittsfield public library with programs and more—check to
see their schedule for the winter months. Their newsletter
is available online. Volunteer opportunities are available,
and at this time anyone can help with their time and with
a donation of gently used books, movies, music, puzzles
and games, CDs, etc.—all are always welcome for the Friends’ Book Sale. The next one is
scheduled for March. Donations can be left at the adult or children’s circulation desk. Check
the website on how you can help, and how you can become a Friend!
r The Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street, Pittsfield—
It’s a grand celebration of the American West when the
‘Festival of Trees 2015: Westward Ho Ho Ho!’ opens at the
museum on Friday, November 13, with a Festive Preview
Party, and is on view to the public from Saturday, November
14, through Sunday, January 3, 2016. The annual holiday
event will feature more than 100 twinkling holiday trees
decorated to evoke the adventure and romance of the
American West. Hours and admission prices available by
calling (413) 443-7171.
G R E AT B A R R I N G TO N
250 Stockbridge Rd. (413) 644-9234
L ANESBOROUGH
Route 7
LEE
47 Main Street
L E N OX 68 Main Street
(413) 997-4888
(413) 243-2121
NEW BRANCH
COMING SOON!
Medicare Open Enrollment seminars
It’s that time of year again! If you have a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage
Plan (HMO, PPO), you should have received information from your plan in the mail. It is important
to understand and save this information because it explains the changes in your plan for 2016.
Depending on what the changes are, you may decide to switch to another drug plan.
During the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period
between now and December 7, you will have a chance to
change your plan for next year. Elder Services’ SHINE
Counselors can help you understand your plan changes,
as well as other options you may have. Trained SHINE
volunteers offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects
of Medicare and related health insurance programs.
Appointments are available at many Councils on Aging
and at Elder Services’ Pittsfield office.
N O R T H A DA M S
66 Main Street
(413) 664-4477
PI T T S F I E L D
150 West Street (413) 236-4000
(413) 997-4400
71 Elm Street
75 Kellogg Street (413) 443-5114
660 Merrill Road (413) 445-5555
GENERAL DYNAMICS employees only
100 Plastics Ave. (413) 443-0554
SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS employees only
One Plastics Ave. (413) 448-6680
W I L L I A M S TOW N
455 Main Street
(413) 458-4441
STA N D - A LO N E ATM s
ATM 633 Main Street, Dalton
ATM 444 Pittsfield Road, Lenox
( Corner of Routes 7& 20 )
ATM
188 Elm Street, Pittsfield
www.greylock.org
on
C Printed
recycled paper.
Page 2 | QTC 55 Newsletter
Call the Elder Services SHINE Department at (413) 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242 for more information.
Surf at Froio!
No matter your level of computer use, the door is open to anyone who wants to start, learn, or improve their skills! Froio
members gather on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with flexible
schedules to sign up, stop in, and learn at their own level of
skill, with volunteer instructors who oversee their progress.
There are no handbooks and there is no stress—just hands-on
experience for all who stop by! Froio ‘surfers’ are learning how
easy and fun it can be to learn to send e-mails, photos, and surf
the Internet for information of all kinds—even shopping!
If you’re interested in surfing the web, expanding your current skills, or just want to observe, call the
Ralph J. Froio Senior Center at (413) 499-9346 to reserve your space for this awesome opportunity
to learn while you have fun!
December 2015 | Volume 25, No.4
Did
CAR KEYS BESIDE YOUR
BED AT NIGHT
You Know
FREEZE IT!
by Mickey McCumiskey
Don’t throw away overripe
fruit – freeze it in a single
layer on a baking sheet,
and when solid, transfer
to freezer bags and use to
add to smoothies, drinks,
and recipes!
ADDING FRUITS TO CAKE
by Trude Willey
Keep raisins, citrons, currants, or other fruits evenly
distributed throughout your
cakes by dusting them with
flour before mixing into
your batter.
KEEP FOOD COLD
by Sherrie Dewkett
Test for a tight seal on
your refrigerator by closing
the door on a dollar bill.
If you can easily pull the
dollar out, the seal needs
to be replaced.
ROASTING VEGETABLES
by Helen Hainsworth
Roasting veggies is pretty
low maintenance. Throw
them in the oven and let
them cook. I find with boiling you can quickly overdo
it. But with roasted vegetables, even slightly overdone is delicious.
Quality Time
Chatter
Update your address and
telephone number
REMOVE STAINS
by Ann and John Moran
To remove stains from
by Joan Peronto
plastic storage ware,
Put your car keys beside
mix a solution of one tbsp.
your bed at night. If you
chlorine bleach per one
hear a noise or think
someone is trying to break cup warm water making
enough to cover the
in, push the panic button
for your car. The alarm will discolored area. If the
be set off and will continue lid is stained, place it
inside-up and pour on
to sound until the battery
dies. Odds are the burglars the mixture. Soak for
30 minutes, wash in hot,
won’t stay around when
soapy water, rinse,
they hear the alarm.
wipe dry.
PRECIOUS STONE CLEANER
by Eleanor Rotz
To clean silver, gold, and
precious stones, mix onehalf tsp. mild dishwasher
soap, one-half tsp. ammonia, and one cup water.
Soak for three to five minutes. Brush with a soft
toothbrush and dry with
a microfiber or terrycloth
towel.
ONION
SMELLS
by Gail Boleng
If your container smells
like onions, wash it with
baking soda sprinkled
on a sponge. Soak it for
30 minutes in a mixture
of four tbsp. baking soda
and one quart water.
Reasons to visit IRS.gov
Tax time is approaching. If you need information, go online and find the answer to
questions you may have now through filing
season. IRS.gov has information and access
24/7 to get answers, how to try IRS Free File,
or IRS e-File.
Annual Meeting
22
December 2015 | Volume 25, No.4
by Rose LaCasse
To make food last longer,
use the smallest container
possible so there is no room
for air, which causes food
to spoil or become stale.
THE NIFTY WOODEN
SPOON
by Mary Lou Decker
This handy gadget can be
found in nearly every
kitchen and it can thrive
for years with a little TLC.
They’re ideal for non-stick
cookware since they won’t
damage the surface, and
for many other purposes
because the heat won’t
travel up the handle. To
keep them clean, hand
wash in warm, soapy water,
rinse well, and allow to air
dry. They are dishwasher
safe, but may break down
quicker over time and even
warp, needing replacing
more frequently.
Request your free credit report
ID theft can affect anyone without notice. If
you haven’t yet requested a free credit report
this year, for peace of mind, call 1-877-3228228. It takes approximately five minutes—
time well spent to confirm your financial
well-being.
24/7 banking
Keep statements and information coming without interruption
if you move. Avoid a $5.00 fee
that is assessed if a statement
arrives back to Greylock as ‘undeliverable’
due to an incorrect address.
Mark your calendar for an
important meeting for you
and for all members to
come together to hear
reports about the state of
the Credit Union. Join us
Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Watch for the
December issue of Money Talks newsletter
for more details.
MAKE FOOD LAST
Call Greylock before you travel
Before you leave for a trip or a vacation, call
Greylock with information that your plastic
will be used outside your usual area. Otherwise it will appear as suspicious activity for
your plastic and your account may be blocked
for safety. Give Greylock your travel dates
and your cell phone number to avoid having
no access to your funds while you’re away.
Use online banking to see your account
information anytime, and not have to wait
for a paper statement! See all your account
activity­­­— at your convenience. Add Bill Pay,
and you’ll have it all at your fingertips.
Accounts are also available 24/7 using Nice
Touch Plus® telephone access. Signing up
for e-Statements furthers the effort to be
‘green’ and eliminates the worry of paper
statements being lost. Save money, time, and
postage. For information and sign-ups, call
(413) 236-4000.
QTC 55 Newsletter | Page 3
Advertise your business or
organization to more than
15,500 QTC readers!
Call for the schedule and cost to have
your business ad or money-saving coupon
included here...
Down
Memory Lane
Where did they go?
The Residence of Choice for Seniors
413-497-8442
www.EPOCHMelbourne.com
140 Melbourne Road • Pittsfield, MA
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We’re by your side so your
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 Personal Care
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 Companionship
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 Shopping & Errands
Call for a free,
no-obligation appointment
(413) 442-0907
homeinstead.com/berkshire
by Charlie Hunt
Did you ever stop to think of all the men’s clothing stores we once had on North
Street at one time? At North and Orchard Streets, we had Sukel’s Clothing—where
my father used to buy his clothes. And on the same side of the street, we had
Sweeney’s Clothing Store near the alley way between the YMCA (fur shop on one
side and a liquor store on the other). Then there was Rosenfeld’s store. On the west
side we had Sam’s Soldiers & Sailors, a small shop selling shirts and ties. Besse
Clarke’s was at the corner of North and Summer Streets, and we also had England
Brothers, which sold men’s clothing on the first floor. Mike’s Army & Navy was once
located between Sam’s and Besse’s, then they moved to a larger location. So where
did all the clothing stores go to? We only have one left—Steve Valenti’s on North
Street and we’re happy to have it. Many of us miss all the old places.
Cars
by Dick Belair
I leased myself a new car for my 82nd birthday. It has more bells and whistles than
my last car. I didn’t use them on that one, and probably won’t on this one either. It
brought to mind cars I’ve had in the past. They got me from point A to point B without having all this ‘stuff’ found in new cars. There were the necessary gauges which
provided all I needed to know. There was a windshield wiper for when it rained, a
heater for my comfort on cold winter days, and Mother Nature provided the AC by
opening the window. I could look under the hood and figure out what everything
was and what it was for. I could even change my own oil. I looked under the hood of
my last car and got a headache. I never opened it again. I may never look under the
hood of my new car. Why bother? I won’t have any idea what I’m looking at and may
get another headache. Remember when everything seemed to be so much simpler
years ago? Even the cars.
a lM g r E n la W
attorneys & Counselors at law
We specialize in providing our
clients with Peace of Mind
through thoughtful Estate,
Tax and Care Planning
413.637.5075
One West Street, lenox, ma 01240
www.almgrenlaw.com
MADMACS
Password safety
The importance of password safety and security cannot be over emphasized. They should be
changed regularly. Don’t use easy-to-guess passwords like names, birthdays, and the most
obvious—‘password!’ And don’t write them down, anywhere! Memorize even the difficult
ones! Hackers know that the easiest way to steal a password is to simply ask for it. Stay on
your guard, and watch for Security Alerts on www.Greylock.org.
Consumers
Save
Businesses
Save
On select regularly
priced Sprint monthly
service.
Authorized|Sales|Service|Local
talk about savings.
Now serving Macs and PCs!
say hello to the Sprint Credit Union Member Discount.
Berkshire County’s ONLY Apple
Authorized iPhone Repair Center
Learn more
413.445.5858|madmacs.com
Credit approval req. Early Termination Fee (sprint.com/etf): After 14 days, up to $350/line. IL Discount: Available for eligible company employees or org. members (ongoing verification). Discounts
subject to change according to the company's agreement with Sprint and are available upon request for monthly svc charges on select plans. Discount only applies to data buy-ups/add-ons for Unlimited,
My Way and Framily plans, Talk 450, and primary line on Talk Share 700. Other Terms: Offers and coverage not available everywhere or for all phones/networks/plans. Restrictions apply. See store or
sprint.com or www.lovemycreditunion.org/Sprint. ©2014 Sprint. All rights reserved. Sprint and the logo are trademarks of Sprint. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Page 4 | QTC 55 Newsletter
• Call: 877.SAVE.4.CU
• Visit: www.SprintStoreLocator.com
• Click: LoveMyCreditUnion.org/Sprint
10% 15%
or
Plus, waived activation
& upgrade fees (up to
$36 in savings each).
Be sure to mention this code for
your discount
• Consumer: NACUC_ZZM
• Business: NACUC_ZDS_ZZM
Credit union membership
validation is required.
December 2015 | Volume 25, No.4
Quarterly Meeting
The Quality Time
Club’s third quarterly
by Priscilla Shepherd meeting of the year
QTC Club Secretary was held September
10 at the Ralph J. Froio
Senior Center at 1:00 p.m. Along with a door prize ticket, incoming
guests received great giveaways such as pads, pens, calculators,
and back scratchers.
Update
Karen welcomed everyone to our QTC meeting and thanked the
Senior Center staff for their hospitality and work to set up the room
for our meeting. She thanked the Club members who worked in the
kitchen or contributed in other ways to the success of our meeting,
and conveyed Mike Fazio’s regrets that a schedule conflict prevented
him from attending. Mike wanted members to know that they are
welcome to drop in at West Street anytime they have questions on
their investments
The quarterly QTC quiz with questions about the birth of our country
was a tough one, but we did ourselves proud for the most part! Karen
Helpful
car-buying steps
When buying a car, here are three helpful
steps to ease your experience...
u Massachusetts is a ‘title’ state. This means
that the person or dealer you purchase your car
from must sign over the title to you before you
attach your plates and take the car home—even
though the dealer may be going to the Registry
for you. An insurance stamp is also required
before going to the Registry.
v Please call the Greylock Insurance Agency
office before you put your plates on any new or
encouraged members to come to the Froio Computer lab on the first
floor where the Surf Club is beginning a new season. Volunteers
will help you learn to be comfortable with the computer no matter
what level, from introduction to experienced.
Quality Time Club President Mickey McCumiskey spoke on the
need for volunteers on QTC Committees and to help with events.
Vice President Mary Lou Decker encouraged everyone to join our
activities and events. It was my pleasure as QTC Secretary to introduce our featured speaker Elder Law Attorney Paula Almgren.
Paula addressed the pitfalls of not having an estate plan, and the
importance of having a plan personalized to meet your objectives
and financial situation. She explained the meaning of technical
terms and all the ramifications of failing to correctly provide for
the management and transfer of your property in the event of incapacity or death.
Many door prizes were awarded to the lucky winners and we enjoyed
delicious refreshments and a chance to say hello to friends.
used vehicle. In some very specific cases, you
may have a ‘grace’ period to give you time to get
to the Registry. If the circumstances of your car
purchase do not comply with the grace period,
you could be stopped by a police officer, cited
for operating an unregistered vehicle, and end
up paying a fine and insurance surcharge if you
don’t go to the Registry before driving the car.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so give GIA a call
before you buy.
w When you call GIA before you buy the car, we
can make sure you have the proper coverages
on your new vehicle. If you have a loan on the car,
you must carry collision and comprehensive
insurance. If you don’t have this coverage on
your old car, you must add it before you drive
the new one.
Call us before you make any changes.
Protecting you is GIA’s top priority.
EVENT POLICY. Submit ONE RESERVATION FORM for EACH INDIVIDUAL for EACH EVENT (except when both members’ addresses & phone numbers are the same).
When signing up for more than one event, reservations cannot be accepted without individual forms. Reservations are on a first-come basis.
Quarterly Meeting
QTC Quarterly Meeting
Thursday, March 10, 2016 • 1pm
Thursday, March 10, 2016 • 1pm
Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 2nd Floor
No cost to attend! • QTC members only!
Planning is underway for the first meeting of the new year! There will be
speakers and information to make this another interesting get-together of
QTC members. Sign up for this meeting by February 5 to be included and so
that we can arrange for seating, giveaways, goodies—all designed to build
up interest and excitement! See your friends and meet new people!
Reservations accepted on a first-come basis through February 5th – ONLY.
Return completely filled-in form to:
QTC/GFCU, Allendale Shopping Center
5 Cheshire Road, Suite 26, Pittsfield, MA 01201
December 2015 | Volume 25, No.4
u
Member Name
Member Number
v
Additional Member (Only if at the SAME address as member above.)
Member Number
Mailing Address
City, ST ZIP Code
Phone Number
E-mail Address
QTC 55 Newsletter | Page 5
The
Quality Time Club
for Greylock members age 55 and over
Thank You, Volunteers!
PRSRT. STD.
U.S. POSTAGE
Greylock Federal Credit Union
150 West Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201-9114
PAID
PERMIT #121
PITTSFIELD MA
The holiday season is a time for thanks.
Thanks from the Quality Time Club®
goes out to everyone for your interest,
your volunteerism, and your loyalty
throughout the year.
Wishing you all
the hope, wonder, and joy
that the Season
can bring!
WE MAKE IT EASY
Introducing …
YOUR 401(K)
Greylock is pleased to announce its newest member benefit—GreenPath.
TO ROLL OVER
If you are retiring or changing jobs, you may have
complicated choices to make regarding your 401(k)
plan assets. What you do with these assets could
significantly impact your lifestyle in retirement.
Your future is too important to risk making the wrong
decision. We can help — every step of the way.
Call today for more information or to schedule
a consultation.
Brian P. Astorino, CRPC
®
LPL Financial Advisor
(413) 236-4837
660 Merrill Road • Pittsfield, MA 01201
Securities and advisory services offered
through LPL Financial, a Registered
Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/
SIPC. Insurance products offered
through LPL Financial or its licensed
affiliates.
Michael A. Fazio, CFP, CTFA
As a valued Credit Union member, we are committed to serving you. And as a benefit
to you, we are providing you with free access to money management and financial
education services. Greylock has teamed up with GreenPath in order to bring you
GreenPath Financial Wellness, a financial education and counseling program. Through
comprehensive education and exceptional service, GreenPath has been assisting individuals for more than fifty years.
As a Greylock member, you can receive assistance with:
R Personal and family budgeting
R Personal money management
R Understanding your personal
credit report and how to improve
your score
R Debt repayment (fees may apply)
R Avoiding bankruptcy, foreclosure,
and repossession
GreenPath can give personalized answers to your individual needs. For issues ranging
from a proactive savings plan, to saving a home from foreclosure, advice is only a phone
call away.
®
Senior Vice President
LPL Financial Advisor
(413) 236-4835
150 West Street • Pittsfield, MA 01201
Not NCUA Insured Not Credit Union Guaranteed May Lose Value
Page 6 | QTC 55 Newsletter
GreenPath counselors are available Monday through Thursday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm (EST),
Friday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm To use this new
service, simply call 1-877-337-3399, or visit them on the web at www.greenpathref.com.
December 2015 | Volume 25, No.4