summer partners

Transcription

summer partners
PARTNERS
SUMMER 2015
A Publication by the H.C.S.C. Club, Inc. for retired JCPenney National Members
National H.C.S.C. Alumni Club
Chairman’s Letter
Hello, Partners.
We are excited to announce that the next National H.C.S.C. Convention
will be held in San Antonio on September 29–October 2, 2016! The
Convention theme will be “Remember the Alamo! Remember the
Convention!”
The convention hotel is the beautiful Hyatt Regency located right on the River Walk of downtown San
Antonio. The hotel rate was deeply discounted to $189 for both single and double rooms with a full
breakfast included each day of the Convention.
We are honored to have JCPenney CEO, Marvin Ellison, as the Saturday night closing dinner keynote
speaker and Fifty Year Pin presenter that afternoon. Marvin is a big supporter of the “JCPenney
Warriors” working to bring back the time-honored Penney culture which Melvin Paxton told us about
at the 2013 Convention, and he is looking forward to meeting and talking with our members about
current JCPenney initiatives.
A highlight of the convention is the Fifty Year Pin ceremony celebrating 50 years since the member’s
hire date with JCPenney. For the 2016 gathering, we will have 183 Partners eligible to receive their pin.
If you are one of them, we hope to see you at the convention next year!
We are in the process of posting a host of information about the 2016 Convention on the website –
hotel pictures and information, list of those eligible for the Fifty Year Pin, planned tours, and other San
Antonio attractions that might be of interest to our members. Please plan to visit this Convention link
often for the latest information: (www.jcpalumniclub.org).
Lastly, registration packets for the convention will be mailed in late January/early February 2016, so be
sure to watch for it and return your form with payment as soon as possible.
We look forward to greeting you in person in historic San Antonio in 2016!
All the best,
Sharon Leight
National H.C.S.C. Alumni Club Chairman
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FIFTY YEAR PIN
Candidates
Thomas Adams
Robert H. Adams
Harry E. Andersen
David C. Anderson
Stew Anderson
Gus Anton
Dick Armstrong
Richard L. Armstrong
Jack Bailey, Jr.
Ellen J. Baker
Donald L. Bartelmay
William F. Beasley
Al Bell
Richard J. Berge
Newell Berkey
Catherine M. Beverly
Ben Bjerke
James G. Blanton
Lane Boring
Lester A. Bosch
John M. Brennan, Jr.
Thomas H. Bretzius
Jane Brown
Bill Burton
Billy M. Bush
Jerrold Carpineta
Bob Cartwright
Arthur B. Chambers
Barry Cheslow
Richard T. Clark
Thomas J. Clarke
Frank Coleman
Stanley Cook
Robin Coolidge
Richard M. Corkery
Eugene A. Corl
Howard Couch
Robert E. Cummings
Rich Daniels
Gary L. Davis
William T. Davis
Frank R. Dawson
www.jcpalumniclub.org
Patricia F. Dazet
William Doss
Rick C. Douthit
Lawrence E. Dowler
William J. Edwards
Albert M. Ellenberger
Dave Evans
Nick Falotico
Peter Gerald Fenlon
John E. Fesperman
Margaret Filingeri
John Fiske
Brian Frank
Michael H. Freeman
W. H. Gilbert
Donald C. Green
Larry J. Gunderson
Walter Haleski
Gary R. Hamilton
Evelyn Hammons
Marvin C. Hansen
Roger K. Hanson
Glenn B. Harrison
Ordell E. Haugen
Franklin E. Hawkins
Kenneth L. Hilbert
Bruce A. Hill
Edward Howard
Robert F. Hughes
Lorin Hungsberg
Jane Hunt
Barbara Innes
David Jensen
Richard C. Johnson
Michael Jones
George Kapplinger
Walter C. Kellen Jr.
Jim Keller
Albert J. Kelly
Frank F. Kemp Jr.
Howard E. Kerce
Robert J. Kiernan
Dave Kluver
Anthony R. Lacy
Donna LaDue
James Leap
Vernon R. Leister
William E. Lewis
Darlene Leydecker
Carl C. Liddell
D. Roger Loney
Gerald W. Ludwick
James L. Lyman
Richard D. MacFee
George MacNevin
Lawrence T. Magasano
Edward J. Mahoney
Dave Marovich
Lillian Mays
Don McCormick
Richard D. McLaughlin
Dann J. Melin
John Menton
Robert C. Mercer
Charles W. Mitchell
Gerard C. Monday
Stephen B. Morrissey
Roger Murray
Cecil Naftel
Richard A. O’Connor
Glenda O’Grady
James E. Oesterreicher
Robert B. Omodt
Kathryn A. Ordway
Anthony Pellegrini
Donald N. Petito
David L. Poll
John Poluski
Kenneth M. Pugel
Dennis D. Radabaugh
Jerrid A. Remaley
Rodney Rice
Ingrid H. Rose
Rudy C. Rosman
Joseph P. Sapienza
Vincent R. Sauchelli
Sharon Saunders
David Scoates
Jerry R. Scott
John Sherwood
Jan Sigelmier
Ronald C. Silva
David Small
James M Snow
Sam Spradling
Karyle E. Steele
Orma Lee Stiltz
Gary B. Stone
Doug Strader
Carl Stroope
Mark E. Swafford
Jack Sylvester
Jerry Taylor
Gene Temple
Gerry Tester
James R. Thompson
Sigurd P. Thorlakson
Joseph Tiedeken
Mike Todres
Charles J. Vite
Lawrence J. Volz
C. Philip Wack
Alvin Walls
Wynfred C. Watkins
William W. Webb
Charles D. White
Dennis White
Morris L. Wingate
Benjamin C. Wininger
Donald J. Witt
Jim Wolter
Joe Zimmermann
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Mission San José
Alamo
2016 National Convention
SAN ANTONIO
TEXAS
September 29–October 2, 2016
You will want to attend the 2016 H.C.S.C. National Convention in San Antonio, Texas!
Located on the southern edge of the Texas Hill Country, this wonderful city offers many places of
interest in addition to the Alamo and the River Walk such as: UNESCO Heritage Site Missions, Tower
of the Americas, Institute of Texan Cultures, Botanical Gardens, El Mercado (Market Square), the
Witte Museum (an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute) and much, much more.
Our hotel is the Hyatt Regency on the world-renowned River Walk or “Paseo del Rio” in downtown
San Antonio.
Get with your Partners and plan your trip, especially those of you who will be receiving your Fifty Year
Pin, or know someone who will. Celebrate this significant milestone with them!
Invitations and registrations will mail in late January/early February 2016, so watch for yours. You must
be a member of National H.C.S.C. to receive the mailing.
Come join us! It will be a delightful time together with great friends.
Remember the Alamo!
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Remember the Convention!
www.jcpalumniclub.org
www.jcpalumniclub.org
Mission Espådå
Mission Concépcion
King Guestroom
Lobby
Dining Area
Entrance to Q Restaurant
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Welcome Robin
Caldwell to your board!
Robin Morrison Caldwell began her JCPenney career immediately after graduating from the College
of William and Mary in 1974. She began as a trainee in Women’s Sportswear at Store #1735,
Southern Shopping Center, in Norfolk, Virginia, then as a Merchandiser in Boys & Workclothes, before
transferring to Store #1002, Tanglewood Mall, in Roanoke, Virginia, taking over Women’s Sportswear.
In 1978, she was a member of the 2nd class (of 3 formal classes) of field associates who transferred
to the NYC Home Office in the buying departments. From 1978-1982, she worked as an assistant,
and then associate, buyer in several Home Furnishings—Ready-Made Drapes; Pictures, Mirrors &
Clocks; and Fabrics. During this period, she acquired her MBA in Finance at Fordham University
and transferred to the Treasurer’s Department in 1982 as Assistant Manager of Banking. Her
responsibilities included overseeing the bank accounts for all JCPenney stores and units...back in the
day when banking laws were state-by-state, county-by-county, as well as during the savings & loans
collapse in the 1980’s.
While in the Treasurer’s Department, she began volunteering with Junior Achievement, coordinated
by JCPenney’s Community Relations department. When a position in Community Relations opened
up in 1986, her knowledge of financial reports and volunteering meshed and she became Community
Relations Manager, overseeing JCPenney contributions and local community involvement including
the NYC United Way campaign, Junior Achievement, and blood drive. Upon JCPenney’s relocation to
Dallas, she became Corporate Contributions Manager, managing JCPenney’s charitable contributions
and corporate memberships. In 1993, she became Director of Community Relations and President
of the JCPenney Company Fund, the Company’s charitable foundation. Throughout this time she
and the Community Relations team assisted senior management as they focused and executed
their community responsibilities as business leaders on behalf of JCPenney in organizations such as
United Way, American Red Cross, Junior Achievement, 4-H, and chambers of commerce. During this
time, JCPenney formalized its response to natural and man-made disasters, including the creation of
the Associate Disaster Relief Fund. She led JCPenney Afterschool program from a Company program
to a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization with local community support. She retired from
JCPenney in 2007.
Robin currently serves as Chair of the Episcopal Foundation of Dallas. Recent community involvement
includes serving as Vice Chair of the Episcopal Church Foundation; Board of Trustees of Parish
Episcopal School in Dallas, Texas; and President of the Association of Women Executives, Dallas,
Texas.
Robin has been married 27 years to John Caldwell, who is also a JCPenney retiree and Treasurer for
the H.C.S.C. Southwest LMG. They have one son, Robert, who is a senior at the University of Texas
at Austin in the McCombs School of Business. Robin spends her mornings at Jazzercise, swimming
laps, or working once a week with a trainer. She and John enjoy traveling, most recently to Sicily, Italy.
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www.jcpalumniclub.org
Dear Retired JCPenney Associate,
Thank you for your response to our call to action last year! We want to thank those of you who responded with checks
and words of support for what the Foundation is accomplishing with the support we offer to retired associates who are in
financial need. Our 501(c)(3) tax exempt status is still in place, but with a caveat. We are required to pay taxes on all of our
investment income, which amounted to taxes of more than $20,000 in 2014.
We are writing you today to ask for your assistance as we need your help in a couple of ways. In order to eliminate paying
the IRS taxes that could be used to help needy associates, we must increase our incoming contributions as well as
increase the amount of money that is given out on an annual basis.
We mentioned last year how and why the Foundation was established. In 1959, the H.C.S.C. Club held its first National
Convention in Denver in honor of Mr. Penney’s 84th birthday. During the Convention it was mentioned that several retired
management associates were having financial difficulties and needed assistance. The Foundation was incorporated in
California on September 20, 1960. Mr. Penney made a sizeable personal contribution to get it started.
The Foundation has provided assistance to many associates over the years. We now have 22 associates in 19 states
receiving assistance. With your support, we were able to add 12 new recipients from across the country to our recipient list
and we have several others who are in the process of completing their applications. Assistance is given as determined by
the Foundation Board and their review of each applicant’s income, living necessities and medical expenses. We provide
assistance that may include a monthly income or help with home repairs. Recently we provided a new chimney and
windows for one recipient and helped with medical bills for another. Other assistance includes helping with nursing home
costs and/or health care provided in the home.
We still need your help! I mentioned we need to increase the amount of our distributions on an annual basis per the
Federal guidelines of 501(c)(3) organizations. We constantly evaluate our current recipients to see if they require additional
funding, however the bottom line is we need more recipients. This is the hard one, Penney people are very proud and
hesitate to ask for assistance. If you or anyone you know of needs help, please let us know. This information will be kept
strictly confidential and only shared with the Foundation Board.
In order to be eligible, the retired associate, or spouse if associate is deceased, must be at least 60 years of age
and have completed at least 20 years of honorable service. The associate need not be a member of the National
Alumni club, or any local alumni club to be eligible. Every retired associate who meets these criteria is eligible to
be considered for assistance.
Now for the easy part. To be compliant with the IRS guidelines and maintain our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and to regain
a Public Foundation status, we have to average $100,000 annually in donations. This is why we need your assistance in
raising money for the Foundation. The Foundation would be very grateful to receive any amount that you would give either
on a monthly or annual basis, or a one-time donation. Your contribution is tax deductible. If every member of the Alumni
clubs donated $100, we could easily make our goal. Some associates have included the Foundation in their wills and
family trusts. It is also possible to set up a charitable trust to assist the Foundation.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and assistance. Please send your check made out to the H.C.S.C. Foundation
and any referrals for assistance to Larry Noble at the address listed below. If you have any question regarding the
Foundation, contact any of the following Board officers.
Chairman
Paul Simons
1237 Miramar
Fullerton, CA 92831
(714) 871-1730
www.jcpalumniclub.org
Vice Chairman
Ron Salzetti
7245 Sanderling Court
Carlsbad, CA 92011
(760) 431-5371
Secretary/Treasurer
Larry Noble
15220 Green Valley Drive
Chino Hills, CA 91709
(909) 597-4678
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H.C.S.C.
Foundation
Thank you to the following donors for their generous contributions!
Donations to support the H.C.S.C. Foundation:
Charles Africa
Donnie Akers
Keith Armbruster
JA Bacskay
Ellen Baker
Patricia Baker
Shirley Bard
William Beasley
J. Allen Bell
Dennis Beran
Rodney Birkins
Douglas Bloomfield
Don Blythe
Richard Bogdala
Geneva Boggs
Douglas Boyle
Frank Bradley
Darrell Bradley
Don Davis
Dorothy Bremer
Herman Brinkman
Roy Burchfield
Bruce Burton
John Byrne
Louis Camp
Jim Campbell
Martin Carlson
Amy Carney
Gerald Carney
Bobby Cartwright
Paul Carver
Gary Cavett
Robert Cawley
Martell Chistensen
Wayne Christenson
Robert Clayton
Arthur Cleveland III
William Clevenger
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Gene Corl
John Crumley
Robert Cummings
Allen Daggett
Stephen Daughton
Bruce Davidson
Donald Davis
James Davis
William Davis
Bernard Derecin
John Donner
Raymond Dykes
Carol Dykes
James Ellars
Ken Ellingboe
J. David English
Robert Etheridge
Ron Fairbrother
Ronald Fazio
Margaret Filingeri
Evelyn Fittro
Edward Foster
Gordon Freund
Kenneth Fuller
Barbara Gable
Thomas Garvett
Robert Gentry
Don Gergovich
Dolores Gibbs
Kenneth Gobrecht
John Gresham
Bryant Griffith
Thomas Griffo
Donald Hadrath
Leon Haimes
John Haines
Walter Haines
Irvin Hancock
Evelyn Hansen
Heyward Harrington
Philip Harvatine
Grace Hayward
Irene Heineman
Rosalind Henneman
Lynn Henrich
Harry Henriksen
Kenneth Hibert
Bruce Hill
Frank Hoffman
Galen Hogenson
Eunice Hughes
Robert Hughes
Carole Indermuehle
Madelon Issaeff
Carol Jablonowski
Kenneth Jensen
Eldon Kahny
Walter Kellen
John Kish
Philip Kline
David Kluver
Ted Knopf
Edwin Kutler
William LaClair
John Lamer
Mable Laney
Ralph LaRovere
Donald Lauer
Sharon Leight
Ronald Leitschuh
Don Lewis
Aaron Lockamy
Louis Lynn
Don MacNeil
George MacNevin
Frank Mammone
Jack Marks
Joseph McCarthy
Don McCormick
Wallace McKay
George Miller
Clara Miller
John Minter
Norma Mobley
Robert Molder
Gerald Montgomery
Harold Moore
James Moore, Jr.
Cynthia Mowry
Phil Mynatt
Charles Nobile
Larry Noble
Terry Nottage
Richard O’Conner
Carol Ogg
Robert Omodt
Roberta Parkinson
Leon Pearce
Keith Perkins
Kenneth Powell
Charles Powers
Ben Preston
Robert Price
M. P. Pritchett
Daryl Pults
Joe Rafferty
Peggy Raso
Mike Ray
Troy Ray
Eugene Renner
Robert Reynolds
Roger Rhodes
Warren Richards
Robert Riddle
www.jcpalumniclub.org
HONOR, CONFIDENCE, SERVICE, COOPERATION
A Nonprofit Foundation Dedicated to Assist Retired Associates and/or Spouses in Need of Financial Assistance
Donations to support the H.C.S.C. Foundation (continued):
William Rot
Sperry Rueckert
Donald Rudd
Ronald Rupe
Doug Rush
Ron Salzetti
James Schwaninger
Richard Schimmel
Theodore Schmidt
Barbara Schur
James Scoggin
Bernard Scott
Ed Scott
R. H. Seaman
Fred Seelenbinder
Jeanne Seftar
Mike Shaffer
Richard Shankle
Carrole Shuler
Sheridan Simmond
Paul Simons
Kenneth Smith
Nancy Smith
William Smith
Robert L. Smith
Laird Spaulding
E. James Stavrakas
Phillip Steinmetz
Hester Stickney
Orma Stiltz
Harold Stone
Virginia Stoops
Bob Stout
Clarence Strand
Walt Sunday
Jack Sylvester
Jerry Taylor
Donald Teller
Wriston Thompson
Tom Thompson
Daniel Unger
Mary Vandergrift
Harold Varner
William VerWeire
Lawrence Volz
Philip Wack
Dean Walker
Dean Wallin
Barbara Wandschneider
Gary Watkinson
Wayne Weber
Edward Weldon
Norman Weslow
Margaret Westbrook
Alma Wheat
Robert Wilson
Benjamin Wininger
James Wolter
Meridel Wooley
Robert Wright
HONOREE
DONOR
HONOREE
DONOR
Robert Adair
Robert Backhurst Sr.
Paul Benyak
Ray Botsford
Bob Brown
Fred Caventer
Dean H. Clopton
Harold Eddins
Leo A. Gispanski
Leo A. Gispanski
Leo A. Gispanski
Robert Hagerman
M. Allen Hale
Jack Hanna
Leon G. Harvey
John Head
Philip Hilbish
Ray Houck
Ray Houck
Ray Houck
John Fesperman
Barbara Backhurst
Jack Owen
Ora Maye Botsford
Dean Miller
Larry Noble
Lorraine Clopton
John Fesperman
Jim Hailey
Gary Davis
John Fesperman
Bill Pfeifer
Mrs. M. Allen Hale
Gary Davis
Ursula Harvey
Joseph Bruno
Jeanette Hilbish
Gerald Lang
Richard Erickson
Richard Daniels
Ray Houck
Ray Houck
Ray Houck
Ray Houck
Karen Hudnall
Ann G. Kight
John Kleinschmidt
Gilbert D. Miner
Joseph E. Mutz
Jack Neilson
Ken Ogg
Ken Ogg
Ken Ogg
Fred Smith
Fred Smith
R. D. Watson
Recently Passed Members
Gary Davis
Donald Rudd
A. Scott Frahlich
Bill Doss
Ron Salzetti
Charles Westbrook
North Central LMG
Betty Miner
Beatrice Mutz
Gary Davis
Richard Erickson
Ron Salzetti
Frank Fitzpatrick
Mirth Meyer
Jeff Paige
Jacqualine Watson
North Central LMG
SPECIAL DONATIONS MADE IN HONOR OF
TOM MASON’S 100th BIRTHDAY
Donors: Vyda Bridwell, Valley of the Sun LMG
www.jcpalumniclub.org
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Dixie
Bill Neill, Roger & Pam Sawyer
On Thursday, April 30, President Dennis White,
along with Teresa and Bob Cote welcomed
sixty-seven guests to the Marriott at South Park
in Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina,
nicknamed the “Queen City.”
The hospitality room was open and provided us
with the opportunity to visit with each other as
well as enjoy some snacks and refreshments.
That evening, a social gathering was held
outside the main dining room. A cash bar was
provided and the attendees were served hor
d’oeuvres. Special guest, Darlene Sawyer Todd,
Manager of the Rock Hill, South Carolina store
was present. Dennis White took this time to
announce what time the golfers would leave for
Tega Cay Golf Course in South Carolina and
what time those visiting the Billy Graham Library
would depart from the hotel.
On Friday morning, thirty-five guests boarded
the bus and arrived at the Billy Graham Library
just before 10:00 AM. Everyone who visited the
Library felt that the experience was above and
beyond anything they had expected and were
very pleased to experience the story of such
a well known Christian evangelist. Lunch was
made available in the Dairy Barn Café and we
were able to shop in the gift shop known as
Ruth’s Attic. Friday night was unscheduled, so
everyone was free to make their own plans from
numerous options.
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Dennis White, Carolina Clair, Sandy Watson
and Ron Clair
On Saturday morning, approximately fifty guests
boarded the bus to the Nascar Hall of Fame. On
the way, our driver first drove us to the downtown
Charlotte business district and pointed out the
many banks, which make Charlotte the second
largest banking city in the country. We also
passed the Duke Mansion, the Charlotte Hornets
Arena as well as the new Minor League Baseball
Stadium which is home to the Charlotte Knights.
When we arrived at the Nascar Hall of Fame,
we were greeted by a guide who directed us into
a theatre where we watched a film about the
history of Nascar. He then explained what could
be found on the four floors of the museum and
how we could explore the museum at our own
pace. Lunch was served at the Pit Stop Café.
Saturday afternoon, members attended the
annual business meeting presided over by
Dennis White in the Roxborough Room. The
agenda included the Treasurer’s Report,
recognition of new members, and a moment of
reflection for those who are no longer with us.
Officers for 2016 were put in nomination and
approved as follows:
President: Jack Johndrow
1st Vice President: Jerry Green
2nd Vice President: John Gresham
Secretary/Treasurer: Bill Webb
Foundation Representative: Ed Savold
www.jcpalumniclub.org
Kevin Leaderer, David & Janet Burke, Nancy Leaderer
and Jerry & Carol Green
Jack Clancy, Ron & Carolina Clair, Kevin Leaderer
and John Gresham
On Saturday night a Cocktail gathering was
held outside the main dining room, followed by
a wonderful dinner. Dennis White had already
mentioned that we would be treated to a visit
from some famous TV celebrities. This turned
out to be his own version of the Newlywed Game
hosted by Dennis White and his side kick Bill
Watson. The four couples chosen for the panel
were Willie & Rose Arant, Ron & Carolina Clair,
Bob & Teresa Cote and Ted & Barbara Seaman.
The game provided lots of laughs for everyone
and the winning couple was Rose & Willie Arant.
And as in previous years, Jeanette Thompson
hosted an amusing gift giveaway based on
different questions she would ask.
The winners of the Friday Golf outing were
announced and prizes were awarded, to the
following: 1st Place - Jack and Pat Bailey, Jack
Johndrow; 2nd Place - Bob Cote, Roy Kesley,
Dennis White, Clara Miller; 3rd Place - Dave and
Janet Burke, Will Arant, Jerry Green; Longest
Drive – Corinne Bjerke,Jack Johndrow; Closest
to Pin – Jack Clancy, Bill Watson.
The final announcement of the evening was
that next year’s get together would take place in
Asheville, North Carolina on May 1–3 of 2016.
Next year’s events will be planned and hosted by
2016 President Jack Johndrow and his wife Kim.
Attendees: Will & Rose Arant, Jack & Pat Bailey,
Ben & Corinne Bjerke, Jane Brown, Bruce
& Susan Burns, David & Janet Burke, Ron &
Carolina Clair, Jack & Lorraine Clancy, Bob &
Teresa Cote, Chester & Mildred Dowdle, Bob &
Ferne Gibson, Jerry & Carol Green, John & Linda
Gresham, Joel & Pat Hennessee, Jeannette
(Phil) Hilbish, Tom & Nancy Hutchens, Jack &
Kim Johndrow, Roy Kesley & Mary Katherine
Hughes, John & Ginny Layman, Paul & Pat
Knowles, Kevin & Nancy Leaderer, Clara Miller,
Phil & Mary Mynatt, Bill Neill, Bob Rainey, Carrol
& Sandra Roberts, Roger & Pam Sawyer, Nancy
(Phil) Sawyer, Ed & Eileen Savold, Ted & Barbara
Seaman, Jim Smith, Bob & Lorie Stigers, Darlene
Sawyer Todd, Wriston & Jeannette Thompson,
Bill & Sandy Watson, Ted & Beverly West, Dennis
White and Don & Margaret Yeager.
Our Deep South LMG guests, Ben & Corinne
Bjerke, President of the Deep South LMG, invited
all present to attend the Deep South outing to be
held in Naples, Florida in September of 2015.
www.jcpalumniclub.org
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NORTH CENTRAL
The North Central Local Meeting Group met
afternoon, disbursing some delicious Gray Family
June 14–16, 2015 in Illinois’ oldest operating
“caramels”!
Hotel, the DeSoto House Hotel, in Galena,
This LMG of the H.C.S.C. is celebrating the
Illinois. This facility has welcomed many
39th year of being “chartered” in Eau Claire,
famous visitors over the past sixteen decades,
including Stephen A. Douglas, William Jennings
Wisconsin. While our attendance does seem to
Bryan, Susan B. Anthony and Tom Thumb just
be slimmer each year, we do seem to capture
to mention a few.
a few first timers,
The hotel hosted
and this year was no
General Ulysses S.
different, welcoming
Grant’s presidential
two “first timers”, along
campaign, and
with a couple of “new”
Abraham Lincoln
guests.
spoke from the
second floor balcony
Our Sunday evening
in support of John
program after dinner
Freemont, the
was a “ghost tour”!
Republican candidate
We walked across the
for President in 1856.
street to board the
Bob & Marianne Wells, Angie & Arnie Haider, Char & Dave Jensen
Likewise, in 1858 the
mini-buses, driving
Democratic Party
through the streets of
nominee, Stephen A. Douglas, spoke from the
Galena with the haunted homes identified, and a
same balcony for the 1860 election.
visit to the Ryan Home. Equipment was offered
to the visitors to determine if spirits were in the
th
April 9, 2015 marked the 160 anniversary of The
rooms. Betty Gunderson had the most active
Desoto House, which is a landmark for Galena
responses while at the Ryan House. Obviously,
reports were received that there were nonand a perfect representation of the beauty and
majesty that the town had in its golden years and
believers on the tours.
continues to have to this day.
On Monday morning the golf scouts were out
early, because the weather was quite “iffy”! The
Gene Siefken and George Gray, Co-Presidents,
golfers settled in for some “kibitzing” as the
arranged the event in fine fashion, and 75
members and guests attended. A few attendees
rains had been in the area prior to our Sunday
arrived early to experience the golf and scope
arrival, drenching the golf courses, making
out the “shopping extravaganza” that would be to
them un-playable on Monday morning. The
the delight of the females.
umbrellas came out for those “die-hard” shoppers
as they checked out the variety of boutiques,
Co-President Gene Siefken and his bride,
wine tasting rooms, even the local brewery and
Judy Holt, along with George and Dorothy
scurried to find the ice cream shop in between
Gray, greeted many of the guests on Sunday
the rain drops.
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www.jcpalumniclub.org
The Monday evening banquet offered Filet
Mignon, Chicken Cordon Bleu, or Pretzel
Crusted Walleye as options. Service was very
good considering the kitchen is still located in
the basement of the hotel, requiring “runners”
to bring the trays via stairs (no dumb waiters) to
the respective dining areas, including the Green
Street Tavern & Restaurant. After dinner, we
were entertained by Travis Hosette, who gave
us a wonderful musical tribute to Frank Sinatra.
Travis has been performing in the Iowa/Illinois/
Wisconsin area the past 12-15 years and treated
us to some great “oldie tunes”!!
Those that arrived Sunday afternoon were
alerted to the need for them to be cognizant of
the famous person whose name plate adorned
the room assigned. Likewise, it was suggested
to read the biography of that general, author, or
person identified. George Gray conducted the
history lesson, and the winners were able to
select an excellent bottle of wine, from the local
wineries.
Ed & Carol Ullrich, Martha & Larry Orth
Dave Scoates, Ron & Linda Raih, Judy & Bruce Motsinger
The guest list included many of this group’s past
presidents (Dick Carney, Gene Siefken, John
Brennan, Bob Jantz, Paul Rooney, Dann Melin,
Tom Thompson, Larry Gunderson, George Gray,
Dave Scoates, Jim Rotsch, Tom Hellmann, Dave
Jensen and Ed Ullrich), as well as the former
Secretary/Treasurer, Gerry Joyce.
Co-President Gene Siefken presided at the
business meeting on Tuesday morning. He
thanked all who attended, his wife, Judy for
helping with the arrangements, George and
Dorothy Gray, Co-President, John Brennan who
was to conduct the Memorial Service a little
bit later, as well as for prayers offered by Bob
McIlvain and our most senior attendee, Gerry
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Jan Kelling and Joe Caravella
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Joyce. In addition “thanks” to Deborah and
Stephanie of the DeSoto House Hotel and their
staff for the excellent service received was
shared at the conclusion of our meeting. The
Treasurer’s report was given, accepted, and
approved. Tom Clarke, LMG Representative
to the National Club, shared information about
the next National Convention to be held in
San Antonio, Texas in 2016. Larry Orth made
the motion to contribute $500 to the H.C.S.C.
Foundation in memory of North Central Club
members/spouses/children who have passed
in 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The motion was
approved.
Mark Johnson, Ron Raih
Carol Mroczenski, Lynn Henrich, Tom Clarke
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Gene Siefken made the motion that the golfers
fees collected for this gathering, to not be
refunded but to be directed to the H.C.S.C.
Foundation in memory of John Kleinschmidt,
who passed away in January 2015. John
began serving as Golf Chairman in 1987,
having just retired in the fall of 1986 and John
served as this LMG “golf guru” until 2000!
He was our own Sunday night “John Show”
for many years before his health challenges
began, giving us “Power Line Tidbits”, “survivor
programs”, “health care guidelines”, “the real
scoop on the loss of pension dollars”, “some
presidential election campaign guidelines”, the
“roasting of Bruce Hill, Robert Tomalka, Jim
Rotsch over the course of years”, “Verdes of
Visdom from Vyda”, “Part D Programs”, “the
saving of the environment with the formation
of the new federal government agency, called
PHART”, and the wonderful new “health care
act”, where we were to be in receipt of the
2000 page document within a few weeks. His
last performance in 2012 was the YouTube
performance of the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
Bottle Choir from Park Ridge, Illinois.
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The meeting was then turned over to President
Elect, Joe Caravella who called for the
election of a Vice President/President Elect for
2016/2017. Bruce Motsinger was nominated and
unanimously approved. Vyda Bridwell was reelected as Secretary/Treasurer on a unanimous
ballot. President Joe Caravella announced that
our 2016 Gathering will be conducted June
12–14, 2016 at the Heidel House Resort & Spa,
Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Attendees: Dave & Maureen Anderson, *Tom
Ashmore, John & Carol Brennan, Vyda Bridwell
and guest *Kathy Hendricks, Joe Caravella
and guest Jan Kelling, Dick & Phyllis Carney,
Bob Chapman, Tom & Sandra Clarke, Mike
Clausen, George & Dorothy Gray, Larry &
Betty Gunderson, Arnie & Angie Haider, Kerry
& Cindie Halverson, Lynn Heinrich and guest
*Carol Mroczenski, Roger Hellerud and guest
Betty Halverson, Tom & Mary Hellmann, John
& Carol Henderson, Bruce & Linda Hill, Don
& Marcia Isch, Bob & Dawn Jantz, Dave &
Char Jensen, *Mark & Cherie Johnson, Gerry
& Mary Joyce, Robert & Wanda McIlvain, Dann
& Joni Melin, Bruce & Judy Motsinger, *Larry
& Martha Orth, Gerald & Maxine Prchal, Ron &
Linda Raih, Ras & Carolyn Rasmussen, Paul &
Annette Rooney, Jim & Susanne Rotsch, Dave
& Gail Scoates, Gene Siefken and Judy Holt,
Ted & JoAnn Stewart, Tom & Lila Thompson, Ed
& Carol Ullrich, Glenn & Linda Weisjhan, Bob &
Marianne Wells.
Lila & Tom Thompson, JoAnn Stewart
Gerry & Mary Joyce, Phyllis & Dick Carney
Paul & Annette Rooney, Joni & Dann Melin
*Denotes First Time Attendee
John & Carol Henderson, Susanne & Jim Rotsch,
Linda & Glenn Weisjhan
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Northern California/Nevada
Our Spring Meeting on May 12–15, 2015, was in Paso Robles,
the heart of the wine country on the California coast. For this
meeting, our headquarters would be the new La Quinta Inn.
Their hospitality was excellent, as they hosted our reception
group along with other guests of the Inn. We were treated to
local wines accompanied with a selection of cheeses and
crackers.
At 7:00 PM we carpooled to the Panolivo Family Bistro and to
our own private dining room where each guest had a choice
of Beouf Bourguignon, Chicken Cordon Bleu, or Scottish Loch
Duart Grilled Salmon, preceded by Panolivo’s House Salad.
Don Blythe brought three bottles of wine and we had a couple
more from the restaurant’s wine cellar. For dessert we got to
select from a tray of special house pastries that were very
delicious.
After dinner Jim McKeown presented the Treasurer’s Report.
On Wednesday, everyone was on their own until 3:00 PM
when we all met at the Denner Winery on Vineyard Drive for a
tour of the winery, barrel tasting and later wine tasting that was
arranged by Don Blythe with Anthony, the winery manager and
winemaker. The winery was a beautiful facility and location.
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Don Blythe
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Jim and Edna with Don and Letha
At 4:00 PM we drove on down highway 46 to York
Mountain Road and Shadow Canyon Road to the Blythe’s
House on the Hill. What a fascinating view from the back
patio!
Don and Letha treated us to a casual dinner of grilled
hamburgers and chicken with all of the trimmings, salads,
baked beans and a luscious family recipe of chocolate
cake and ice cream. And, of course, all the wine we could
drink from Don’s private wine cellar.
Jim McKeown & 80th Birthday Cake
Helga Miller, Letha Blythe, Edna McKeown,
Judy Mayhew
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Jim McKeown was surprised with a special 80th birthday
cake with a special exploding candle that Don had ordered
over the internet.
Attendees: Don & Letha Blythe, Bob & Susie Doyle, Jim
& Edna McKeown, Donna McKeown, Helga Miller and
friend Judy Mayhew, Hal Monroe, Dick & Lois Powell,
Ingrid & Paul Rose, Jim Scoggin and Sharon Kimball.
Unfortunately, Ingrid and Paul and Jim and Sharon
were not able to join us for dinner at the Blythe’s due
to other commitments. Jeff McKeown was on location
for a television commercial, Mary Monroe was involved
with rehearsals and performances with the Stockton
Chorale, David and Sandra Kloose had a special doctor’s
appointment that they could not cancel and were unable
to attend.
Photos by Hal Monroe
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Stan Newton, Larry & Carol Best and Cheryl Newton
Betty Bidwell
Kay & Ron Salzetti
Southern California
SPRING FLING
On Saturday, May 30 the Southern California
Local Meeting Group met in North San Diego
County in Temecula, Southern California’s wine
growing region. The outing was arranged by
Ron Salzetti, Vice President of Activites and was
assisted by local resident George Steele.
The activities began
at 11:00 AM with an
informative tour of the
Wilson Creek Winery
conducted by event
supervisor Mark Keith
assisted by Janean Tucci,
both long time employees
of the facility. There
Don & Vicki Gergovich
were many interesting
facts shared by Keith
regarding the growing and
processing of the grape crop. Of course, we all
had a glass in our hand to sample along the way.
It is noteworthy that the winery was founded
by retirees Gerry and Rosie Wilson of South
Pasadena, California. Their son Bill suggested
the idea which was embraced by the entire
family. The family sold their homes, quit their
jobs and moved to Temecula to pursue a
business of which they had no experience.
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The family persistently acquired an existing
vineyard and “planted a building”. Since they
had no experience, they hired local experts
in Temecula Valley to guide them. With much
work, they opened for business in 2000. They
have gained the reputation as the “fun winery”
due to the spectacular
accommodating grounds
for great parties. The
winery has won numerous
awards and it is the home
of their now famous
Almond Champagne. The
entire family (17 men and
women and 5 dogs) is still
involved in the operation.
After the tour everyone
moved upstairs to the
dining room in the main pavilion for a Mexican
buffet lunch including unlimited wines and a
choice of beers.
At the conclusion of lunch, President Mark
Schultz first thanked everyone for attending and
then he recapped our upcoming activities for
the balance of the year. The club will host on
September 12 our 3rd Annual Partners BBQ at
Lake Mission Viejo in Mission Viejo, California.
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Lu Niesley, Wayne Burt, Pat Fitzpatrick and Kay Salzetti
Irene Miller, Pat Fitzpatrick and Gerri Burt
This has been a great event the past few years
where Santa Maria Style Barbecue meets home
fried chicken with one of the most beautiful private
lakes serving as a backdrop.
Schultz also announced that his ad hoc
committee was close to identifying the restaurant
where the club will host its Christmas Luncheon
on December 5. Members were advised to be on
the lookout for details about both events in the
weeks ahead.
Irene Miller, Hank Phan, Audrey Schultz and Ron Winkler
Attendees: Stu & Diane Anderson, Carol & Larry
Best, Betty Bidwell and David Thomas, Jo Ann
& Greg Bowman, Wayne & Gerri Burt, Vince
Caporusso and Jonathon Stelmach, Frank &
Pat Fitzpatrick, Don & Vickie Gergovich, Sandy
Gonzales, Wayne Harmon and Lu Niesley, Ron
Hudnall, Mirth & Stephen Meyer, Irene Miller,
Stan & Cheryl Newton, Hank Phan, Ron & Kay
Salzetti,Mark & Audrey Schultz, George & Sue
Steele, Jerry & Teri Wilhelm, Marilyn Willour, Ron &
Ruth Winkler and Tony & Veta Zarifis.
Submitted by Frank Fitzpatrick and Tony Zarifis.
Ruth Winkler, Audrey Schultz and Marilyn Willour
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Southwest
A Night at the Ballpark
The H.C.S.C. Southwest Local Meeting Group
held its annual night out at the ballpark on
May 5 at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas.
Although rain threatened all evening (a hint of
record breaking rains that would come during
the rest of May!), the game was not called until
the 8th inning. Until then, members enjoyed lots
of ballpark food and beverages, great company
and good fun. Alan Langer repeated Jeannette
Siegel’s feat a couple of years ago by catching a
foul ball.
Filingeri (and 10 friends), Jim Hailey, Don &
Marcia Isch, Al & Barbara Ladwig, Alan Langer,
Linda Linscott and guest, Tom McGurren, Glenn
& Teri Mieritz, Gerald & Barbara Montgomery,
Jack Occhiogrosso and his guest Virginia,
Cook Mike & Flo Ray, Marion Schaeffer (plus
2 guests), Jeannette & Edith Siegel, Dick &
Kathleen Skinner, Ted & Sonja Spurlock, Norm
Weslow (and 3 friends), and Ron & Ruth Winkler.
The game continued the next day. The Frisco
RoughRiders (associated with the Texas
Rangers) defeated the San Antonio Missions
(associated with the San Diego Padres) by a
score of 8 to 7.
Attendees: Bill & Patti Alcorn, Mike Bragg, Keith
& Pat Brooker, Bill Burns, John Caldwell, Pat &
Sterling Carberry, Tom & Sandra Clarke, Harold
& Jo Covin, Susan Dunseth, Margaret & Mike
Jeannette Siegel, Teri & Glenn Mieritz
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Pat Carberry with Mike & Flo Ray
Bill Alcorn Honors
In 1997, Bill Alcorn represented JCPenney in
starting up the Women’s Business Enterprise
National Council (WBENC), an organization
dedicated to supporting and certifying
women-owned businesses. At the beginning,
there were a few hundred members of the
organization. Today, there are more than 4,000.
Seven years ago, the organization honored
Bill by establishing the William J. Alcorn
Leadership Award. On June 25 at the national
conference in Austin, TX, Bill presented the
award to Michael Robinson of IBM. Kudos to
Bill and to the WBENC for outstanding work!
Mike & Margaret Filingeri and friends
Dick & Kathy Skinner
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And the
winners are…
At the HCSC-SW
breakfast held in
March, the early
birds received
doorprizes. The
winners were
Don Jarvis, Jim
Hailey, Bill Alcorn,
Ted Spurlock and
Barger Tygart.
The prize: home
grown vegetables
from the garden of
“farmer” John Caldwell. Thanks to the recordsetting rainfall this spring, farmer John has an
abundance of veggies to give away!
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Front Row: Vyda Bridwell, Shirley Johnson, Tom Mason, Nancy Putman, Terri Leathers, Shirley Langer, Maureen
MacNeven, Marilyn McCann. Back Row: Jim Rotsch, Sam Page, Laurie Page, John Elliot, Judie Elliot, Tom Putman,
Gary Leathers, Lew Langer, George MacNeven, Harold McCann
Tom Mason’s 100th Birthday Celebration
Valley of the Sun
The Valley of the Sun Local Meeting Group
partners met in April at the Shalimar Country
Club in Tempe, Arizona to honor Tom Mason
for his 100th Birthday. Tom’s family was present
including his companion, Shirley Johnson, Tom’s
son Larry and his wife Mary who live in Hawaii,
Tom’s daughter Judy and her husband Guenther
from California, and Tom’s daughter Barbara who
lives in Prescott, Arizona.
After an old fashioned lunch, a beautiful carrot
birthday cake was shared along with the singing
of “Happy Birthday”. Tom was also presented
with birthday cards from members and friends
and Vyda Bridwell presented him with a poster
“Celebrating a Century of Greatness”. Tom also
had several tables of JCPenney memorabilia
including a letter recommending he be hired,
his 50-year pin presentation in 1986 awarded
by W. R. Howell, many newspaper articles, and
other awards of achievement. During his career,
Tom also had several store visits from Mr. James
Cash Penney who loved to visit Tom’s store.
Tom Putman, President, shared many details
of Tom’s life and accomplishments over his 39
Tom Putman and Tom Mason
22
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year JCPenney career and the fact that he
has been retired for 40 years. Tom is very
active, continues to drive, and attended
the National H.C.S.C. convention in 2013
receiving recognition as a Century Club
Member. He plans to attend the 2016
National Convention in San Antonio. After
retirement, he and his wife traveled to
55 foreign countries, went twice around
the world, visited all 50 states, made 19
overseas bus tours, visited all but one
Canadian Province, and went on 15 cruises.
Since his retirement in 1975, Tom worked for
11 seasons at the Indian Wells Country Club
in California. Over the last 14 years, Tom has
worked as part of the Bell Silvercraft Club
and has handcrafted close to 1,500 pieces
of jewelry including bear paw pendants and
earrings.
After our club’s birthday celebration, Tom
had two more weekend celebrations with
well over 150 in attendance. Tom continues
to amaze us all with his positive attitude and
enjoyment of life.
Daughters Barbara and Judy, Tom and son, Larry
In honor of Tom Mason, the club made a
donation to the H.C.S.C. Foundation.
Front Row: Shirley Johnson, Tom Mason and Daughter
Judy and her husband Guenter. Back Row: Daughter Barbara, Son Larry and wife Mary
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Tom Mason receiving his 50 year pin from W.R. Howell in 1986
23
TOM MCGURREN
Tom McGurren is a retired 39 year JCPenney
associate. As a former H.C.S.C. Southwest
Local Meeting Group board member and
a National H.C.S.C. board Member, he
has often heard the real objective of these
Partner Profiles. The challenge is to get
past a JCPenney “resume” of assignments,
promotions, and moves in order to learn a little
more about the “real” person. To attempt to
accomplish this, Tom has divided his JCPenney
career into: The Early Years, Catalog, Electronic
Media / Telemarketing, and The “S” in H.C.S.C.
– “Service”.
The Early Years

Tom’s grandchildren love to hear about some
of the “fun facts” about his life. He’s held many
interesting jobs… two years at the Kansas City
A’s baseball stadium (cushion manager), two
years at the Missouri State Fair (ice cream
stand), three years as a Wonder Bread clown
in supermarkets, printing fuzzy teddy bears
on greeting cards, pooper scooper supervisor
for Bow Dog Shows, and night freight shipping
manager for Greyhound Bus Lines.
Over the years, Tom has also collected
“presidents”. Collecting
presidents is simply going
out of his way to see a
president in person. He
has seen every president
since, and including,
Harry Truman. Several
were seen at John F.
Kennedy’s funeral in front
of the Capitol. Tom’s photo
at the right shows (barely)
the coffin being carried up
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Tom & Pat McGurren
the steps followed by Jackie and the children.
Tom was on a long term JCPenney assignment
trip from Milwaukee to New York and took a bus
to D.C. for a quick overnight, including passing
through the Capitol Rotunda dome.
One of Tom’s favorites is fireworks. He has
been fortunate to see four of the top five
fireworks displays in the United States...L.A.
Olympic Closing, Atlanta Olympic Opening,
Reagan’s D.C. Inauguration, and the Dedication
of the Statue of Liberty.
Somehow he found time to graduate from
Marquette University and obtain an MBA
from Rutgers University...separated by ten
years. He married Pat
and has three children,
Catherine, Christine,
and Tom Jr., and also
four grandchildren. Tom’s
family is shown on the
right half of the photo on
the top of the next page
taken at Pat’s mother’s
100th birthday party last
year. She is now 101!
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JCPenney Catalog
“It was a great, challenging, ride.” said Tom.
Catalog grew from $40 million in sales in Tom’s
first year, 1961 in Milwaukee, to over $4 billion
profitable sales by his retirement in 2000. That
included 20 years at a 20% compound growth
rate and a 12% rate over all 40 years. JCP.com
online “sales grew 7% to nearly $1.1 billion”
according to an industry report.
Over a twenty five year span, Tom assumed
continually increasing responsibilities in
Computer Information Systems and Catalog
Marketing, developing and implementing the
programs to get the right catalog to the right
customer. As Marketing Operations Manager,
that included responsibility for determining
how many catalogs to print, what customers
to receive them, and how to get them to the
customer...U.S. mail, private home delivery,
invitation postcards, selling catalogs in store,
etc.
Catalog Electronic Media / Telemarketing
In the 1987 move to Plano, Tom was offered
the opportunity to join the area of Catalog
The first jcpenney catalog in spring 1963
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Electronic Media. This was in the early days
of JCPenney Telaction and a multitude of
other attempts to solve the riddle of electronic
shopping. This activity, under the steady
direction of Rich Last, later developed into what
is now known as JCP.com.
A promotion in 1989 led to the position
of Director of Catalog Telemarketing and
President of JCPenney Telemarketing, Inc.,
following founder Dave Evans. Tom was
responsible for the sixteen telemarketing
centers that handled over 70,000,000 phone
calls a year, with award winning customer
service. Bill McCarthy, President of JCPenney
Catalog, appointed Tom a member of the
Catalog Management Committee and the
JCPenney Corporate Management Council.
JCPenney Telemarketing, Inc. leveraged the
assets of the telephone centers by providing
services to outside companies such as AT&T,
Motel 6, TruGreen, Eckerd Drug, and the New
Hampton Catalogs. Beginning in 1998, a new
client, now known as DirecTV, was acquired.
The total customer service computer systems,
procedures, and training for DirecTV were
negotiated, developed and implemented in two
JCPenney’s first telemarketing network operations center
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JCPenney centers. Eventual total revenue from
DirecTV of over $100 million produced over
$15 million in JCPenney profit. Also, additional
scheduled hours, in non-Catalog peak periods,
were available to our telemarketing associates.
The “S” In H.C.S.C. – “Service”
Tom has long “served” his fellow retirees by
active H.C.S.C. membership. He has worked on
three H.C.S.C. Convention teams. Many of you
may have met him while he served as the CoChairman, with Phil Shama, of the successful
Seattle Convention. Tom also worked with
Sheila Radabaugh to develop the first H.C.S.C.
Internet Website.
Soon after moving from Verona, New Jersey
to Frisco, Texas, Pat and Tom were asked
by JCPenney friends, Harvey and Sarah
McCormick, if they would help take tickets at a
small Dallas Opera Guild event. Pat went on to
join the Opera Guild puppeteers in local grade
school opera performances. Tom became the
Guild photographer.
The annual Young Singers Vocal Competition
was always a favorite. (Tom’s 2015 photo
above) After ten years of Guild Board
membership, Pat and Tom were elected
Presidents of the Dallas Opera Guild and
became members of The Dallas Opera Board,
joining another long “serving” JCPenney
associate, John Cody, who later became The
Dallas Opera’s Chairman of the Board and
interim General Director (twice). Under Pat
and Tom’s direction, their successful Guild
fundraiser, Vintage Dallas, brought in over
$350,000.
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The beautiful Winspear Opera House
In recent years, The Dallas Opera has
simulcast a live opera each year directly to the
huge 50 yard wide screens, with 1080p TV
quality, at The Dallas Cowboy’s AT&T Stadium.
The event is totally FREE… admission and
parking. In 2016, The Southwest Local Meeting
Group is planning an event with dinner prior to
an opera at Cowboy Stadium. All are welcome
to join us. It’s worth the trip just to see the
fabulous AT&T Cowboy Stadium.
And Finally
Tom said that he would like to thank all of
the JCPenney associates who influenced his
career along the way, but that’s impossible
to list...those partners previously mentioned
and Catalog’s early leaders Don Seibert
and Ralph Henderson...his bosses from
Phil Girard to Bill Adams to Frank Engles to
Dennis Radabaugh...his key associates...Lou
Forte, Jerry Crueger, John McDonald, Ralph
Henderson Jr., and Mickey Dawson...and the
field and store partners who implemented the
key Catalog marketing programs. Also, his
Administrative Assistants over the years who
got him to the right place at the right time. But
most important...thanks to his wife, Pat, and
his children who put up with his long hours,
travel, and hearing more about the JCPenney
“challenges” than they deserved.
We hoped that you have learned a little more
about the “real” Tom McGurren.
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JACK ST PETERS
Reprinted with permission from The Iowa Legionnaire.
Jack St. Peters retired from JCPenney in 1998
as a store manager in Spencer, Iowa. This
article is about his “second life” after JCPenney:
Jack St. Peters sits and reads from a special
note he received in the mail from a young
man in Sioux City. The young man, who St.
Peters doesn’t know personally, sent him a
hand written message thanking him and the
American Legion for providing an opportunity
to participate in Hawkeye Boys State. The final
line of the note read: “I feel blessed to have
attended and I will take
these lessons with me the
rest of my life.”
St. Peters admitted the
sentiment brought tears
to his eyes. That’s saying
something when those
tears well up in the eyes
of a Spencer American
Legion member and tough
United States Marine
Corps corporal who
served from 1968-70 in
Vietnam.
Those words are also motivation for St. Peters
as he takes over the role of American Legion
Hawkeye Boys State. “Boys State is the premier
American Legion youth program. It’s probably
the finest youth program in Iowa...I believe it to
be the finest in America,” St. Peters said. “We
have about 500 delegates
who went through the
program last year in Iowa
and 24,000 went through
nationally. He continued,
“These 500 boys are
the most outstanding
boys in the state of Iowa,
great students, great
athletes, giving back to the
community, very involved
in helping back home,
St. Peters reads a card thanking him and the American
many of them involved
Legion for providing the Boys State opportunity.
with the student body.”
The card read:
“I would just like to thank you for your devotion
to Boys State and for making the experience
one I will never forget. I had an idea of Boys
State before I arrived, but I never realized the
lessons I would learn about life, the friends I
would make, and the qualities of a good leader
I found in my other Boy Staters. I honestly had
so much fun, and I know that it couldn’t be
easy to put such an event together, especially
with the weather we had the first night. Thank
you again to you and the American Legion. I
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really wish I could express my thanks more.
I feel blessed to have attended and will take
these lessons with me the rest of my life.” - Pat
Dougharty Federalist Party, Johnson County,
Heifner City Economic Development Director.
He insisted these are “absolutely” tomorrow’s
leaders. “The kids I meet at Boys State are the
future of Iowa. And I see the future as being
outstanding after meeting these kids.”
The program celebrated its 75th anniversary in
Iowa this year during the June 14-20 session.
During the past three-quarters of a century,
more than 48,000 have attended the annual
event which is conducted at Camp Dodge
outside of Des Moines, Hawkeye Boys State is
an interactive civics lesson modeled after the
Iowa government structure.
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“It’s setting up the 51 state in the United
States called Boys State,” St. Peters said. “We
set up an executive government including the
judicial and legislative branch, the senate, state
patrol, law school, and then establish county
and city governments. Basically it’s a hands on
program where the boys nominate others for
these positions throughout the state, county
and city level.”
st
Primaries are conducted for elected positions
between two parties - the Federalists and
Nationalists. Once the nominations are
made and candidates share their messages,
elections are conducted in the first few days.
The remaining participants are appointed to
non-elective positions within the “Everybody
has a job in government,” St. Peters said.
“Wednesday and Thursday they’re hands-on
building government - passing laws, passing
ordinances and doing what government does.”
Friday morning, the boys load up 12 buses and
head for the Capitol in Des Moines to tour the
facility and meet with legislators.
Governor Terry Branstad comes and speaks
with the participants at Camp Dodge and
each evening guest speakers addresses the
Boys State body. Lt. Colonel Jade Beehler,
commander of the South Dakota National
Guard 152nd Combat Substainment and
Support Battalion and Spencer High School
assistant principal, addressed the members of
the 75th anniversary class.
American Legion Post No. 1 in Spencer sent
five incoming high school seniors to the most
recent session. St. Peters remains directly
involved in the local selection process while
also functioning in his new state role.
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“I’ve been the post (Hawkeye Boys State)
chairman here in Spencer for 15 years and the
district chairman for eight years,” he said. “I’ve
served as a counselor at Boys State in various
capacities for 12 years and a board member for
Boys State for seven years.”
“It’s about the same amount of meetings. We
meet about four times a year in Des Moines
at the state headquarters, There are 10 to 12
that actually work year-round on this. Now I’m
one of those. I’ve already been working on next
year. It’s not a 40-hour-a-week job, but there’s
always something going on each week.”
The Spencer American Legion member noted
that he was never particularly interested in
government function until he began serving as
a counselor at Boys State.
I’m much more interested now than I
used to be,” he acknowledged. “One of my
responsibilities for the last two years has been
assistant director of city government. I help
teach and create the program for function of
city government. There are 46 city counselors
that have to go through the city government
program.”
During the 75th anniversary year, participants
from 71 of the past 75 years returned for a
special evening banquet which included a
banquet for more than 450 people. Among
those attending, was a Boys State participant
from the class of 1939, just the second year
of the program in Iowa. While Colonel Robert
King (Ret.), served as master of ceremonies for
the event, it was the returning participants who
shared their experiences.
“While conditions might be different, the basic
program has not changed,” St. Peters said.
www.jcpalumniclub.org
In Memoriam
JCPenney Partners & Spouses we will miss
Gene Barnes (May 25, 2015) Gene is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sue Barnes. There is a host
of family and friends who will miss Gene dearly. Gene was born in Brownell, Kansas and grew up in
the central part of the state, graduating from Macksville High School in 1953. He and Sue married
that August when he took a part time job at JCPenney while going to college. After a two-year stint in
the Army he returned to Kansas and completed his Bachelor’s degree at Emporia State College. He
then began a full time career with JCPenney that would span 41 years, including stops in Kansas,
Colorado, Missouri and Texas. Gene devoted time to various service organizations over the years and
was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Conroe, Texas. He enjoyed golf and the time
he got to spend with friends and family on the course. Condolences may be sent to Sue Barnes:
1923 NW Killarney Lane, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64081.
Brendan R. Cavanaugh (April 16, 2015) Brendan was born on September 10, 1980 in Nyack, New
York to Robert and Teresa Cavanaugh. Brendan graduated from Plano Senior High School in 1999
and attended Texas Tech University. Brendan enjoyed sports, including skiing, soccer, basketball
and baseball. As a Christian, he was a member of the Chase Oaks Church youth group and
attended retreats in Colorado. Brendan’s favorite Bible verse was Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and
courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He
will not leave you or forsake you.” Brendan loved his family dearly and always had a warm sweet
smile and compassionate heart. Brendan is survived by his parents and three sisters, Erin, Tara
and Kelleen, his paternal grandfather Richard W. Bates and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
Please consider donations in Brendan’s name to My Possibilities, 1631 Dorchester Dr., Plano, Texas
75075, where Brendan’s sister Kelleen is a student. Brendan’s family will be donating a room to My
Possibilities to honor his life. Condolences can be sent to: 5636 Gleneagles Drive, Plano, Texas 75093
Fred Caventer (June 10, 2015) Fred was born on April 28, 1943. At the North Central LMG recent
gathering, Fred was remembered at the Memorial Service conducted by John Brennan. Fred retired in
1998 from Red Wing, Minnesota and relocated to Iowa.
Dale Arthur David (April 29, 2015) Dale started his JCPenney career in Marshfield, Wisconsin,
beginning on August 1, 1950 and remained with JCP until his retirement 42 years later on March 1,
1992. Dale’s career with JCP was interrupted for a little over 2 years while he served in the Armed
Forces of the United States at the Naval Air Station in Glenview, Illinois. Dale was awarded the
National Defense Service Medal. During his career with JCP, Dale was continually promoted and
moved throughout the United States to serve in numerous capacities within the corporation. Dale
began as a stock boy in Marshfield and eventually became a sales person and then was appointed
manager of various departments as he learned and excelled at his responsibilities. From the
Marshfield JCP store, Dale was promoted to store manager in communities in Wisconsin, Upper
Michigan, and Minnesota. After managing community JCP stores Dale was promoted to District
Manager and was charged with supervising many JCP stores throughout the Midwest. After serving
as District Manager, Dale was promoted to headquarters in New York and then to Plano, Texas. Dale
had major supervisory positions in the JCP Catalog Division during this time. When Dale retired he
was a Project Manager for JCP. Dale is survived by his brothers Russell and Guy.
www.jcpalumniclub.org
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In Memoriam
JCPenney Partners & Spouses we will miss
Luther H. Dooley (May 21, 2015) Luther was an adoring husband to his late wife, Myrna. He was
inducted into the army during World War II and served at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Luther worked in a
number of communities for JCPenney including Ottumwa, Iowa; Jefferson City, Missouri; Milwaukee,
Wisconsin; St. Paul, Minnesota and Des Moines, Iowa. He retired as manager of the downtown Des
Moines JCPenney store in 1985. In addition to being a dedicated executive and doting family man
he also gave time to other activities. Luther enjoyed the game of golf, gardening, Hawkeye sports
and his investment club. He was a 45-year member of the downtown Kiwanis Club as well as a past
president of Kiwanis in West St. Paul, Minnesota and held 50-year memberships with the Acanthus
Masonic Lodge, Des Moines Scottish Rite Consistory and Za-Ga-Zig Shrine. He is survived by his
grandchildren Mindy and Tammy and by his great grandchild Jenna. Condolences may be sent to the
Dooley Family c/o The Emeritus Assisted Living, 8525 Urbandale Avenue, Urbandale, IA 50310.
Cheryl Haugen (April 21, 2015) Cheryl is survived by her husband Ordell who retired in 1997 and
was in the Kansas City market prior to his retirement. Ordell has been a member of the Valley of the
Sun LMG and H.C.S.C. National Alumni Club and will be eligible for his 50-year pin at the National
Convention in 2016. Mrs. Haugen is survived by a daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, and a son.
Condolences may be directed to the family at: 1127 East Megan Court, Gilbert, Arizona 85295.
Peter Hetzel (June 22, 2015) Peter graduated from Norwalk High School and Colgate University in
1958. After graduation he started his career with JCPenney in June, married Sally Eaton in August,
and was drafted into the army in October of 1958. He served as Military Police in Germany until 1960.
His 37-year career with JCPenney took him to various towns in Minnesota, North Dakota, and then
Iron River, Michigan, where he retired in 1996. Then he and his wife, Sally, moved to Englewood,
Florida. Pete is survived by his loving wife of 56 years: Sally; four wonderful children: Liz, Bill, Lynne,
Chad and seven grandchildren. Pete loved golfing, reading, and sitting on the beach. He worked for
10 years as a green cap at Long Marsh, volunteered at St. David’s Thrift Shop, and was the secretary
of his condo association for many years. He was a past member of the Elks Lodge, Toastmaster’s
International and the Iron River Country Club and a lifetime member of the H.C.S.C. Condolences
may be sent to: 2955 N. Beach Rd. #D126, Englewood, Florida 34223.
Loren Jacob Juntunen (June 8, 2015) Loren was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1956, and recalled in
1961. He served his country for three years. Loren graduated from the University of North Dakota with
a degree in marketing. He worked for JCPenney his entire career. Loren’s career took them to various
cities throughout the Midwest where they eventually settled in Green Bay for retirement. He had a
happy retirement enjoying his grandchildren, golfing, and gardening. He is survived by his wife, Lyla;
four children: Eric, Andrea, Sara, Peter and 11 grandchildren.
William “Bill” Krick (June 2, 2015) Bill was born February 20, 1929 in Pipestone, Minnesota. Bill and
Dorothy joined forces after Bill’s retirement from JCP in 1988. Dorothy was a widow with children, so
the confirmed “bachelor” would take on 4 step-children, and 8 step-grandchildren. They were married
23 years. Bill is also survived by a brother, several nieces and nephews. Condolences may be directed
to Dorothy at: 149 Interlake Road, Fairmont, Minnesota 56031.
30
www.jcpalumniclub.org
In Memoriam
JCPenney Partners & Spouses we will miss
Virgil Moore Lea (April, 26, 2015) Virgil graduated from Carson-Newman College in 1963, with
a degree in Business. Virgil had a 35-year career in management with JCPenney, beginning in
Knoxville, Tennessee. Over the course of his career, he held positions at the regional, district, and
store levels and won the Chairman’s Award of Excellence five times while he was General Manager
of the Boynton Beach, Florida store. Upon retirement, Virgil moved to East Tennessee and became
a beloved member of St. Francis’ Episcopal Church. Virgil is survived by his wife, Carolyn and
sons, Brian and Benjamin; Condolences may be sent to Carolyn at: 101 Fisherman’s Cove Lane,
Andersonville, TN 37705.
Tom Morrison (June 7, 2015) Tom attended North Iowa Area Community College and the University
of Iowa. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Margaret “Margie” Johnson on Sept. 14, 1968. In
1968, Tom joined the Army National Guard and served until 1974. His JCPenney career took them
from Ironwood to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, where their daughter Angela was born, then to Brainerd,
Minnesota, where their son Max was born. They moved to Plymouth, Minnesota, in 1977 and Tom
spent almost 20 years of his career in the Minneapolis area, holding management positions in three
stores and at the District Office. He and Margie moved to Butte, MT, in 1996 and to Rapid City in 1998,
where Tom was the Store Manager until his retirement in 2007. He was very proud to have earned
the Chairman’s Award in 2003.Tom was active in many organizations was civic-minded. Tom was
instrumental in bringing the ALS Association to Western South Dakota and was the top fundraiser for
Rapid City’s first Walk to Defeat ALS held in 2014.Tom loved people. He enjoyed helping customers
and helping his staff learn more about the retail business. He was a great encourager and especially
liked helping develop athletic skills in the kids that he coached both formally and informally. He was
very proud of his children, his nieces and nephews and especially his grandchildren who could always
bring a smile to his face. He is survived by his wife, Margie; his daughter, Angela; his son, Max; his
two grandchildren. Condolences may be sent to: 5361 Conifer Lane, Rapid City, South Dakota 57702.
Ray J. Pazder (February 15, 2015) Ray began his 41 year career with JCPenney in Niles, Michigan.
Each promotion brought with it a relocation, within the states of Michigan and Ohio. Ray was
asked to relocate to Dover, Delaware to open a new store in 1968 and then another in Langhorne,
Pennsylvania. He and his wife moved back to Dover, Delaware to retire in 1987. Ray is survived by his
wife Betty of 63 years, their two children: Pamela Hill and Deborah Campbell and five grandchildren.
Condolences may be sent to Betty Pazder at 1128 Woodsedge RD, Dover Delaware 19904.
Phyllis Turner (September 7, 2014) Phyllis was a supportive partner throughout her husband, Bill’s
38 years with JCPenney. She was a member of Ashland First United Methodist Church, the Asbury
Sunday school class, the Chancel Choir, the Emmaus Community, the Methodist Women and other
church committees. She was also a member of Order of the Eastern Star. Bill and Phyllis were
assigned to stores in Indiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, two tours in Kentucky and in 1988 retired in
Ashland, Kentucky. Phyllis enjoyed golf, bridge, skating, music, traveling, reading and Bible study. She
is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bill Turner of Russell; and her daughter Donna. Condolences
may be sent to Bill at: 1060 Regis Court, Russell, Kentucky 41169.
www.jcpalumniclub.org
31
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