Grumman Retiree Club, Inc.

May, 2008
CHAPTERS / MEETING LOCATIONS
PARENT CHAPTER
Bethpage / Woodbury
President, Barbara Nilsen, (516) 575-3777
Arizona
Arizona / Phoenix
President, Sam Kreisberger (623)505-3280
California
Golden West / Pt. Mugu
HE’S SENSATIONAL Test Pilot Corky Meyers in
the cockpit of the Grumman
jet (Panther), receives
heartiest congratulations
from capt. LeRoy Simpler
for the “terrific and
spectacular” flying he did
during the Idlewild
celebration. Capt. Simpler
was in charge of the Navy
Show at the new airport.
President, Fred Syrett (805) 647-4934
San Diego / San Diego
President, Cliff Robinson, (760) 749-8183
Florida
First Coast / St. Augustine
President, Fred Bauer, (904) 819-9817
Volume 41, Issue 5
Circulation: 4409
Grumman Club Scholarships for 2008
Announcements
During the week of May 12, the Trustees of the Scholarship Fund will review
the funds available for Scholarships. as well as the applications received.
An announcement of the number and the dollar amount of the Awards for
2008 will be published in the June Newsletter.
The open Scholarship Award Program was granted a one-year evaluation
by the Board of Directors. An evaluation of the Chapters’ interest and
support (Applications and Financial) will determine continuation of the open
Program. This review will be made after the June Scholarship awards.
Manasota West / Bradenton
President, Robert Nyberg (941) 493-7373
Mid-West / Spring Hill
President, Fred Hall (352) 686-9529
man in canoe foto
Southwest / Locations Vary
President, George Daly, (239) 567-2285
Spacecoast / Melbourne
President,Daniel Postupack (321) 777-4301
Suncoast / Pinellas Park
President, John Newark, (727) 360-7339
man in canoe foto
man in canoe foto
Treasure Coast / Port St. Lucie
President, Arthur Hill (772) 287-6845
Grumman Retiree Club, Inc.
600 Grumman Road West, M/S Z49-25
Bethpage, NY 11714-5000
Georgia
Peach Pit / Milledgeville
President, Lew Iuliucci (478) 452-1357
Maryland
Glen Arm / Belair
President, Robert Valente (410) 836-5091
Who’s the hunk in the bathing suit? Why is his foto in our Newsletter?
For answers, see Nostalgia.
New England
New England North / Dorset, VT
President, Bill Egner (802) 446-2062
NORTHROP GRUMMAN
Benefits Center
1-800 - 894 - 4194
Investment Plan 1-800 - 894 - 4194
Pension (Vought) 1-888 - 346 - 4716
Health (Vought)
1-866 - 689 - 5999
BENEFITS ON LINE
www.benefits.northropgrumman.com
Newsletter
Nostalgia Coordinator: Charles Mooney
Grumman Retiree Club, Inc.
Phone: (516) 575-3777
Fax:
(516) 575-8715
Website: www.grummanretireeclub.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Officers
Barbara Nilsen, President
Chuck Richardson, 1st VP
Bob Ripp, 2nd VP
Lou Kubat, Secretary
Frank Rizzo, Treasurer
Marion Abbott, Sgt-at-Arms
New Jersey
Garden State / Lakehurst
President, Bill Staples (732) 350-9454
New York
Eastern Long Island / Riverhead
President, Bert Moller (631) 864-4377
GUNY (Grumman Upstate NY) / Oneonta
President, Joan Nau (607) 832-4215
North Carolina
Eastern Carolina / Locations Vary
President, Tom Schroder (910) 270-3406
Pennsylvania
Northeast PA / So. Sterling
President, Charles Teufert (570) 586-7590
South Carolina
Coastal Carolinas (NC & SC) / Myrtle Beach
President, Mary E. Moran (843) 650-4995
Texas
Houston / Houston
President, Angelo LaCognata, (281) 326-1665
Virginia
Central Virginia / Monticello
President, Tom O’Rourke (434) 244-2852
Potomac / Locations Vary
President, Ed Barron, (202) 244-6808
Who’s the hunk in the bathing
Why is his foto in our Newsletter?
Error suit?
/ Correction
For answers, see Nostalgia.
The following correction comes to us from a member/reader:
In the April Newsletter, the notes from California / Golden West Chapter
had a reference to “TFX (F-14)”. Our sharp-eyed reader tells us that:
Error / Correction
”The TFX was not the F-14. It was the F-111A/B. TFX stood for Tactical
Fighter
(X) correction
and was acomes
partnership
between
Grumman and General
The
following
to us from
a member/reader:
Dynamics.”
In the April Newsletter, the notes from California / Golden West Chapter
had a reference to “TFX (F-14)”. Our sharp-eyed reader tells us that:
Sent in by: Burt Stern 52978 [email protected]
”The TFX was not the F-14. It was the F-111A/B. TFX stood for Tactical
Fighter (X) and was a partnership between Grumman and General
Dynamics.”
Sent in by: Burt Stern 52978 [email protected]
GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUB - LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM
Contributions to the Grumman Club
We are pleased to report that, from October 1,
2007, thru April 21, 2008, Member contributions to
the Club have totaled $6,762.
Thank You!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Contributors to the Grumman Club
The Grumman Club extends a well deserved
“Thank You,” to each of the following contributors.
Acquaviva, Susan
Bookbinder, Arlene
Denen, Howard
Bonnici, George
De Sandre, John
Di Falco, Dick
Freeman, Mary
Hlinko, Michael
McKessey, Thomas
Hilbert, Marian
Kusche, Janet
Mikals, John Sr.
Morcerf, Francis
Remington, Edgar (Pete)
Schauer, Berthold
Noonan, Harold
Riggio, Jacques
Sparling, Joyce
Tindell, Runyon
Grumman Club Scholorship
Contributors
The Trustees of the Scholarship Fund extend appreciation to the following for their April contributions
Phone No.
Check One
Roast Beef or Tilapia
Oreganato
Check One
Retiree
Guest
Beattie, George
Biegen, Anthony
Chan, G. T.
1.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
2.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
Ciccone, Joseph
Di Rocco, Richard
First Coast Chapter
Cox, Grace
Donelan, J. A.
Haller, J. & K.
3.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
4.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
5.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
Hannon, Gerard
Makboulian, Martin
Myers, Robert
Hurewitz, Bernard
McKessey, Thomas
Noonan, Katherine
6.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
7.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
North, Edward
Schauer, Berthold
Sepp, Frank
Rizzardi, William
Schenck, Herman
Shattes Jr., Joseph
8.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
9.___________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
Tiedemann, Richard
Yager, Ann
Zimbalatti, Anthony
10.__________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
11.__________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
*********************************************************
12.__________________________
_______________
______
______
______
______
The Scholarship Fund has received $8,368 in
contributions for FY 2008, including a $500
donation from the Florida/ First Coast Chapter.
Contributions will be applied to the scholarships
to be awarded at the June, 2008 luncheon. Our
Thanks to all who support this major club
endeavor.
GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUB NEWSLETTER
2
Full Name (please print)
Agiesta, Sophie
Berlin, Nathaniel
Brady, Edward
Contributions to the 2008 Scholarship Fund
(USPS # 023-096) Volume 41, Issue 5, May 2008,
is published monthly except August by Grumman
Retiree Club, Inc., 600 Grumman Road West, M/
S Z49-25 Bethpage, NY 11714-5000. Periodical
postage rates paid at Bethpage, NY.
Subscriptions rates of $8 are paid through
membership dues.
POSTMASTER: Send
address changes to: Grumman Retiree Club,
Inc. c/o Command Printing, P.O. Box 9040,
Farmingdale, NY 11735.
I wish to reserve seating arrangements at the June 25, 2008 Luncheon for the following dues-paying
Grumman Retiree Club members, their spouses and/or guests:
Please continue to send your Tax Deductible
Donations to the Scholarship Fund. Send
Checks (payable to Retiree Scholarship Fund) to
Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 0748, Bethpage,
NY, 11724-0748.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL TABLES SEAT TWELVE (12). A MINIMUM OF TEN (10) ARE REQUIRED TO
RESERVE A TABLE. SEVEN (7) DAYS NOTICE IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO
RECEIVE A FULL REFUND.
Attached please find $_____________representing $25.00 per person for __________ people.
Table Captain:
Name:_________________________________ TICKET PURCHASE
Address:_______________________________
DEADLINE
_______________________________
Phone No.:_____________________________
June 18, 2008
Remarks:__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Please make all checks payable to the GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUB and mail to:
Betty Bohlander, 1621 Madison Avenue, West Islip NY 11795
No tickets will be issued. If you would like to verify that your check has been received, please call
Betty at (631)587-7573.
Retiree Club Blood Drive Schedule
Defensive Driver Training
The 2008 Defensive Driving course dates are
Tuesdays: 5/6, 6/3, 9/2, 10/7, 11/4, 12/2. Classes
are held in Plant 25. Arrive by 9AM for sign in. To
register, call Liz McGowan (516-221-6573)
WEEKDAYS ONLY! Call between 6PM & 9PM.
Classes fill up quickly: check your expiration date
and sign up early.
******************************************************
SCHOLARSHIP 50/50 RAFFLE
Members of All Chapters May Participate!
The Scholarship 50/50 raffle is open to members
of all Chapters. $5 per entry. Enter often. Max
prize: $500. Multiple winners possible. Winners
to be announced in the Newsletter.
Submit a filled-in raffle ticket (below) and a $5
check (payable to Grumman Retiree Club
Scholarship Fund). Mail the Raffle Ticket and
check to:
Grumman Retiree Club- Scholarship Fund,
P. O. Box 0748, Bethpage, NY 11714-0748.
Everyone has a chance to win, it benefits the
Scholarship Fund, and the odds are good
SCHOLARSHIP 50/50 RAFFLE TICKET
____________________________________
Name
____________________________________
Address
Town _____________State ____ Zip _______
Phone (optional) _______________________
Captain Josef M. Gardiner (left) Bureau of Aeronautics representative, greets Grumman test pilot Vincent Fasanella after he put a Grumman
swept-wing jet Cougar through its paces. It was one of the fighter planes delivered in a tremendous turnover to the Navy that topped the
combined output of eight other Navy aircraft suppliers over a two-month period. The Grumman Corporation received high praise for this
record from Navy officials.
Chapter ___________________Date ______
Blood Drive Dates: May 27, Sept. 2
Crest Hollow Country Club . . . . .Jericho Turnpike
Woodbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8:30AM thru 1:30PM
Lake Success Donor Center . . . 500 Marcus Ave.
Lake Success . . . . . . . . . . . .8:30AM thru 1:30PM
Bohemia Donor Center . . . . . 3125 Veterans Hwy
Bohemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30AM thru 1:30PM
Rockville Centre Donor Center .333 Merrick Road
Rockville Centre . . . . . . . . . . .. . 1PM thru 7:30PM
For info. about these locations, call 631-360-0215.
*******************************************************
Bethpage Chapter Calendar
June 25 - Scholarship Luncheon & Awards
Reserve Now!!
Crest Hollow Country Club. Noon to 4PM.
(see next to last page of this Newsletter for
Luncheon reservation form.)
Meetings: May 21:
Crest Hollow Country Club.
Guest Speaker: Paul Shepherd, of PIB Brokerage
Subject: Medicare Part “D”
22nd Annual Picnic
Sept. 10th
at Marjorie Post Park, Massapequa
******************************************************
Bethpage Chapter April Meeting
The April meeting with 107 in attendance was held
at the Crest Hollow Country Club. President
Barbara Nilsen welcomed attendees and called the
meeting to order at 1PM. Marion Abbott led the
Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for all
the departed members, their loved ones, and our
fine servicemen and women in harm’s way.
Chuck Richardson asked if there were any changes
to the March Meeting notes; there being none, they
were accepted as written.
3
Ron & Agnes Maginniss
Licensed Associate Brokers
of
Re/Max Beyond
631-862-1100 ext 17
e-mail: [email protected]
Chuck introduced guest speaker Saul Ferdman.
Saul is a retired Grumman VP who headed
Electronic Systems in Great River. During WW2,
Saul was a Navigator/Bombardier on B-24H planes
of the 8th Air Force that had a very unique noncombat mission. His group only flew night
missions (the rest of the 8th AF flew only daylight
missions) to dispense “Surrender” leaflets,
counterfeit money and food stamps over Germany.
Saul related many funny stories. By the time his
group was relieved, it had flown 42 missions as
compared to the 25 missions that the combat
squadrons flew before transfer. After leaving the
European Theater, Saul was sent to the Pacific,
where he continued to fly many more, and some
harrowing, missions. He recalled one that ended in
a safe landing but the plane had only 10 gallons of
fuel left. Saul was presented with a gift from our
Club at the completion of his interesting talk.
The Scholarship Fund Treasurer’s Report was
given by Harry Daum. Without any corrections
offered, the report was accepted as read.
The attendees then all joined in for the three song
“Sing Along” led by Jack Cottrell on the keyboard.
Announcements – Barbara Nilsen:
(1) The Club encourages all members to support
NGC against the Boeing protest of the recent
award of the new Air Force tanker program to
Northrop Grumman. NGC supports the Club
with a generous annual stipend, office space,
and utilities, and with technical and all-around
support in many areas as requested by us. Go
to www.americasnewtanker.com and send a
letter of support to our politicians via the “Take
Action” button on the right side of the screen.
(2) Cradle of Aviation celebrates Astronomy Week
April 21-25.
(3) The 2nd annual Museum Row Family Festival
is May 3-4. Pay one price, see all the museums
in a unique indoor/ outdoor festival with carnival
rides, activities, crafts and a mini-food court.
(4) May 8 is AARP Day of Service. Consider
devoting the day to volunteering with an
organization of your choice or spend the day
helping your elderly/handicapped neighbors
with errands, household chores, other basic
tasks.
(5) An online version of the AARP Driver Safety
Program Refresher Course will be available
beginning June 30. The course is designed
especially for drivers age 50 and older, but there
is no age requirement.
(6) Our Annual Picnic will again be at Marjorie Post
Park in Massapequa, on Wednesday, Sept 10.
We will resume the favorite Chinese Auction
that was suspended last year due to the Retiree
Office plant move. For those who will be
preparing wrapped baskets of goodies for the
auction, please make the items at home and
bring them directly to the auction. Do not bring
them to the Retiree Club Office, as there are no
storage or assembly facilities there.
(7) We are still collecting cell phones, tabs, and
canceled stamps. Bring them to the meetings
or the Club Office. If we collect 150 cell phones
by June 30, the company we ship them to will
place us in a raffle, with the top 5 winners
receiving $500. We already have 50, so we
need 100 more. Don’t forget to bring labels and
boxtops, which say “Boxtops for Education”.
Charlie Razenson, of Unique Impressions, has
volunteered to use his business storage area to
store aluminum tabs before they are donated.
(8) There is a 2.8% COLA increase to the standard
pension. Some people have reported problems
receiving the COLA; Barbara reminded us that
each retiree must contact the Benefits
Department him- or her-self. The Club cannot
contact Benefits in someone else’s name.
(9) The F-14 move to the static display has not yet
happened. The delay is with the DOT.
Community Relations- Chuck Richardson:
(a) To date, 384 members have donated $6,762.
Thank you, to all contributors.
(b) The Club donated $300 to Habitat for Humanity.
(c) The Club received “Thank You” letters from the
Arthritis Foundation (for our $300 donation) and
from the Hope For A Cure (for our $400).
(d) The ”Loose Change Collection” that has been
at the last few meetings is now over. It is for the
benefit of the Inn and Island Harvest, and has
collected $105 to date.
(e) A Veterans Center will be opened in Hicksville,
in the near future
(f) Chuck suggested that with the rising cost of
gas, members might consider car pooling to
the monthly meetings
As a retiree of Grumman I would be glad to
discuss any Real Estate questions you may have.
T R AV E L
TIM E
C L U B
CRUISES
5 Day Canada/
New England
From
$399
7 Day Alaska
From
Call
Today!
$669
Call for full prices and details
631-286-7329
www.primetimetravel.com
YOUR AD HERE
Offers all Grumman Retirees a
10% monthly rental discount should you
or an immediate family member move into
any of our luxurious communities including
Reflections, for memory impaired adults.
Locations in East Meadow, Massapequa,
North Hills, Westbury, North Woodmere
and Lynbrook.
Call Cindy Powers at
516-233-3146 for details.
www.thebristal.com
Your Life Insurance Policy Is
More Valuable Than You Think.
Free Consultation for Grumman Club Members Only
Our consultants will provide you with invaluable information including:
• Complete review of all insurance policies
• Why you should never let your policies LAPSE!
• How to order updated policy illustrations directly
from the insurance company
• How to sell policies you don’t need or want
• How to sell policies that you can’t afford
• How to convert a life policy into an annuity
and receive a guaranteed lifetime income
Recently we showed a Club Member how he could increase a life policy from $35,000 to $135,000 and keep the same premium. He could then turn a $100,000
in non-guaranteed muni bonds which provided less than $5,000 in annual income into an annuity which will pay him $9,300 a year guaranteed for the rest of
his life and the new life policy will replace the $100,000 to his family if he dies early. A great strategy which began as a simple policy review!
UPCOMING GRUMMAN MEMBERS SEMINAR
Tuesday, July 1st • 12-2pm
Hampton Inn - Tel: 516-227-2720
1 North Ave, Garden City, NY 11530
or call us for an individual appointment
4
PRIME
631-594-2267
www.professionalinsurancebuyers.com
Part of the Shepherd Risk Management Group
NOSTALGIA
Paddling a Canoe to Success
from Newsday, May 16, 2000
A Grumman Corp. executive was portaging a heavy wood-and-canvas canoe in the Adirondacks, in 1944,
when he wondered if the activity might be easier if the vessel were made of aluminum.
World War II was drawing to an end, and William Hoffman, a company vice president, knew that defense
contractors would be looking to convert their factories for peacetime production. As he heaved the old-style
canoe around, he figured that Grumman could make lighter, sturdier aluminum models with the same metalworking expertise it had used to make thousands of Hellcat, Tigercat, and Bearcat warplanes.
Company heads Leroy Grumman and Jake Swirbul liked the idea. Soon, 17-foot-long prototypes were being
built in the employees’ bowling alley in Bethpage. After a successful test in the rapids of the Allagash River in
Maine, the Grumman canoe was launched. A model was displayed in the window of Abercrombie & Fitch in
Manhattan, and in October, ‘45, Leroy Grumman announced the company had invented a 13-foot, 38-pound
model that “even a woman can carry.” The New York Times described it as lighter “than Hiawatha’s birchbark
vessel . . . and impervious to either porcupines or termites.”
The Aluminum Company of America provided a special aluminum alloy for the hull — and an expert, too.
Russell Bonetcou, a sportsman who years earlier had worked with Alcoa on the aluminum canoe idea, joined
Grumman on the project.
As Grumman geared up for mass production, Hoffman tapped John Achilich, a Grumman tooling engineer, to
design larger canoes of 15, 17 and 19 feet. Achilich, a lanky 27-year-old, was excited about the assignment.
As a teen growing up in the Bronx, he had built his own wood-and-cloth kayak. And before and during his
college years at Pratt Institute, he had worked as a lifeguard and canoe instructor.
With instructions to keep quiet about the project, he was sent to work alone in a remote office in a hangar at
[Grumman’s] Bethpage Plant 2. Over the course of about a month, Achilich, often working into the night, laid
out paper on top of long pieces of thin aluminum to draw hull lines. From his designs, hardwood molds would
be created, over which sheets of aluminum would be stretched on presses to make each half of the canoe.
Part of Achilich’s challenge was to engineer smooth lines that would prevent the aluminum from wrinkling
during pressing. Eventually, the halves would be held together with rivets and extrusions at the seams, as
well as ribs and seats reaching from side to side.
“A canoe is a canoe is a canoe,” Achilich, now 81 and living in Bethpage, said recently. “The important thing
about the Grumman canoe was that it was so strong. It had a nice flat bottom for stability and had a nice
prow.”
In a 1976 company book called “The Grumman Story,” Hoffman said the corporation improved the
conventional canoe by adding water-tight compartments at the bow and stern so the vessel would not only
remain afloat when swamped, but also support several people while awash.”
to be continued in the June Newsletter
******************************
The foto on the front page of this Newsletter is of our founder, Leroy Grumman. The foto, which was part of an
advertising campaign, shows Mr. Grumman in a Grumman canoe that is filled with water but is still afloat.
June Luncheon - Betty Bohlander:
(a) The June Luncheon and Scholarship Awards
will be at the Crest Hollow, on June 25.
(b) Menu selections are Roast Beef or Talapia.
(c) The following are changes made this year:
(1) The luncheon time has changed and now
will be Noon to 4PM
(2) Betty will not send out tickets but a list will be
available at the luncheon with all the seating
as requested.
Anniversaries - Frank & Pauline Nocella 60 yrs;
John & Marie Neznamy 52 yrs; Lucy & David Mottoli
57 yrs; David & Mary Russell 58 yrs.
Visitation – Get Well wishes are extended to
Eugene Tiefenwerth, Shirley Pathos, Barbara Major,
Tony Scaturro, Jeanette Dudek and to Frank Rizzo,
our Treasurer.
Prize Winners (A) Community Relations 50/50 - Doug Craven,
Augie Ripp, Lynn Wesnofske, and Louise Kubat
(B) Scholarship 50/50 - Karl Christ
(C) Door Prizes - Ted Hilgeman and Frank Carroll
Scholarship - Howie Schilling announced that
May 12 is the last day for the acceptance of
applications for the Scholarship awards. The
number and amount of the awards will be
determined shortly. Winners will be announced at
the May meeting. The Quarterly 50-50 winner will
be drawn at the June luncheon. Howie thanked all
for their support and help.
Travel - Nick Bazzicalupo / Prime Time Travel
• Ocean City, MD. 3 nights at Castle in the Sand,
tours of Assateague Island, Winery, Ocean City
Boardwalk, Cape May. 2 boat rides. 6 meals 5/125/15. $434 pp Twin; $538 Single
• Cape Cod, MA. 8 meals including a lobster bake.
See Hyannis, Sandwich, Provincetown, Plymouth.
Cruises and entertainment. 6/1- 6/5. $554 pp
Twin; $663 Single.
• Cape Cod Rails & Sails features a guided tour of
Hyannis, including Kennedy Memorial, Hyannis
Harbor Cruise, JFK Museum, St. Francis Xaviar
Church in Provincetown, Sandwich, Boston,
Plymouth, and Plymouth Rock. 5 days/4 nights
lodging, 8 meals. $554 pp Twin
The following are day trips:
• Gurney’s Inn & Montauk on 5/13 @ $61
• A Taste of Harlem 5/15 @ $72
• International Tattoo 5/19 @ $91
• Westchester Dinner Theater “Beauty and the
Beast” 5/21 @ $92
• Immigrant Experience 5/27 @ $47
New Members - Two new members were in
attendance: Ozzie Ferrer and Don Blossom.
Welcome to you both!
Off Site Visitor - John Maier, from the Peach Pit
Chapter, in Georgia
Next Meeting: May 21,Crest Hollow Country Club.
By: Lou Kubat, Sec’y.
*******************************************************
ARIZONA
Our April 17 meeting, attended by 14 members and
their guests, was held at the Claim Jumper Restaurant in Tempe. Meeting arrangements were made by
Joan McMullen. It was great to see that Emilio and
Hilda Urciuoli were able to join us for our luncheon.
Congratulations to Ed & Irene Miller on their Birthday.
A Happy Anniversary to Andy & Jan Heidecker; we
wish them all the best and may they have many more.
Next meeting: May 15, at the “Pier De Orleans,” 61
E. University Ave., in Mesa. Arrangements will be
made by Herman Cornils. Call 480-641-6474 if you
are planning to attend. This will be our last meeting
before our summer recess (June thru August).
By: Werner Lamberty, Sec’y. (623-581-3056)
[email protected]
Meeting Schedule: May 15; (June-Aug: No
Meetings); Sep 18; Oct 16; Nov 20; Dec 18.
Birthdays - John Verity 79; Rose Finamore 78;
Harvey Knopf 83; Don Blossom 88; Edward
Johnson 86
5
CALIFORNIA / Golden West
President Fred Syrett opened the April 8 meeting at
the Point Restaurant, Point Mugu Naval Base, at
Noon, with 30 members present.
The Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by
Sergeant-at-Arms John Urgo, was followed by Vice
President John Torkelsen’s prayer for the
Servicemen and Servicewomen serving our country
in this time of crisis.
Treasurer Tom Maloney and his wife were on
vacation in Mexico, so Don Coler sat in for Tom.
It was reported that Don Frey is quite ill. Our
prayers go out to Don and his family.
The first part of our program was a contest to see
who could correctly give the names of six Grumman
airplanes: the F4F, TBF, UF-1, F6F, G-21 and S2F.
The winner was Craig Kaston. He received $5 in
50/50 tickets.
Dick Edwards commented upon, and answered
questions about, the subject of Northrop
Grumman’s efforts to keep the U.S. Air Force KC45A Tanker Program as a Northrop Grumman
Contract. We had all received the letter from
Northrop Grumman urging us to be in touch with
our congressional representatives.
In our continuing efforts to get to know more about
our own members, we asked John Urgo to give us
his Grumman Story. John shared with us and his
story was very interesting.
John’s grandfather worked for Grumman in the
early years, in the Fire Department. John’s father
(also named John) worked in Civil Service at
Grumman Bethpage for 36 years, as a Navy
Inspector, during which time “our” John Urgo hired
on with Grumman as an electrician in 1963. On the
application he checked the box “will work nights,”
and, as a result, spent 33 of his 36 years at
Grumman working nights.
After three years in New York, he and his family
transferred to Grumman in San Diego, where John
worked as a Radar Technician for five years. He
served aboard four aircraft carriers: the Bonhomme
6
Richard, the Oriskany, the Enterprise, and the Kitty
Hawk.
When Grumman Point Mugu started up in 1970, he
transferred there as Weapons Technician on the F-14.
His father moved to California in the late 1970s and he
joined Grumman as a liaison between Grumman and
the Navy. That makes three generations of
Grummanites.
John has an interesting hobby involving Ford, Mercury,
and Edsel automobiles of the mid-50s era. He locates
them in various stages of decrepit condition, and then
restores them to their original state. According to his
wife, Noreen, the only problem is that he can’t let go of
them. He has 11 of these classics stashed “here and
there” throughout Camarillo.
Thanks John for a most informative and entertaining
story of all “three” generations of your Grumman
family.
Birthdays in April: Ed Arola just celebrated his 90th
birthday. Happy birthday, Ed, and we wish you many
more.
Anniversaries:
Jim & Clo Ashman recently
celebrated their 46th anniversary. Congratulations,
Jim and Clo!
50/50 winners: Joe Anselmo, Don Johnson, and Bob
Nastali
Next meeting: May 13, at 11AM, for luncheon meeting
at the Point Restaurant, Point Mugu. See you all next
month.
In Memoriam
We extend heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those who have passed away.
Carasiti, Cathy
Conklin, Richard D.
Fitzpatrick, William P.
East Meadow, NY
Deer Park, NY
Zebulon, NC
04/04/08
01/30/08
Forte, Maria
Jolly, John C. Jr
Jurgens, Joseph L. Sr.
Coram, NY
Mastic Beach, NY
Spring Hill, FL
03/23/08
03/25/08
03/28/08
Lasdin, William A.
Lohmann, Hermann K.
Martorana, Victor P.
East Greenbush, NY
Huntington, NY
Jarrettsville, MD
11/08/07
10/07/07
03/13/08
Martyna, Stanley D.
Moyer, Donald L.
Painter, Darell
Farmingdale, NY
Hamburg, PA
San Diego, CA
03/29/08
03/21/08
03/19/08
Pattison, M. Munn
Petrone, Angelo “Dusty”
Sperling, Donald
Lackawaxen, PA
Carmicheal, PA
Virginia Beach, VA
04/07/08
03/21/08
03/02/08
Stiegelmaier, John D.
Vicik, George R.
Warren, Joseph W. “Pops”
Statesville, NC
Manorville, NY
Lake Placid, NY
11/26/07
12/24/07
04/06/08
Wasilchuk, Stephen
Weed, Margaret
Zbikowski, Edward
Oyster Bay, NY
Melbourne, FL
Westbury, NY
03/27/08
03/04/08
04/03/08
Reminder: Our summer picnic celebration will be in
June. Details to be announced soon.
By: Paul Aanerud, Sec’y., and John Torkelsen VP
*******************************************************
CALIFORNIA / San Diego
Sunshine, blue skies - another boring day in paradise as 23 retirees and guests enjoyed a delightful buffet
lunch at the Admiral Baker recreation facility in the
heart of San Diego.
(When reporting a death, provide the person’s Name, Date of death, and the City & State of residence prior to death.)
( Notices of member deaths should be e-mailed to the club ([email protected]), with “Death Notice” as the subject.)
We take the summer off and will resume meeting
on September 3, 2008, at Noon, at T-Bonz Grill, in
Myrtle Beach. All Northrop Grumman retirees in the
area are welcome to join us. Guests are also
welcome.
Midlothian, on the outskirts of Richmond. The
luncheon was coordinated by Anna Dannenhoffer.
By: Nancy Webber, Sec’y. (843 - 347 - 2113)
[email protected]
Tom conducted the meeting opening with Kate
Smith’s recorded rendition of “God Bless America,”
which is becoming the chapter’s theme song.
*******************************************************
TEXAS / Houston
Eleven members of the Grumman Houston
Retirees met at Space Center Park to begin a tour
of the Mission Control Centers at the Johnson
Space Center (JSC).
When we arrived at JSC, we were greeted by Mr.
Dan Lindir, Mission Control Center Division Chief.
We were issued visitor badges, then boarded a bus
to Building 30, Mission Control Center. The first
stop was at the Apollo Mission Control Center,
which is now retired and is a designated national
historic landmark.
We also were joined by Mr. Dennis Hehir, MSC
Facilities Manager. Dennis and Dan escorted us to
the control room from which the International Space
Station monitoring is performed. We then moved
on to the control room from which the Space
Shuttle missions are controlled. At this time, we
witnessed an in-progress rehearsal by Test
Directors and Test Engineers in preparation for the
next mission.
Our thanks to Dan and Dennis for taking their time
to escort us on a most enlightening and enjoyable
tour of Mission Control Center.
At our May 20 meeting, we hope to have aviatrix
Maybelle Fletcher as our guest.
By: Bill Berglund, Sec’y (281-482-1957)
*******************************************************
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
The eleven attending members at our April
gathering had a delicious lunch at Crab Louie’s, in
We had to cancel May’s meeting visit to the Marine
Museum at Quantico due to lack of sign-up.
Fred Meiners, our newest member to the chapter,
stated that he was told that the Grumman Goose
was being manufactured again, by a firm in the
south. It will look exactly like the design of the old
Goose, except for a straight windscreen window
instead of the heart-shaped. “Grumman lives on.”
Their market is customers in the Caribbean and
Alaska.
Bernice Himmelmann won the 50/50 raffle and
donated the winnings to the club’s treasury.
Next meeting: May 7, at 12:30PM, at the Lakeside
Grill in Monticello.
By: Karl Himelmann, Sec’y.
******************************************************
VIRGINIA / Potomac
The Potomac Chapter mourns the loss of Al
Gurkewitz, one of our charter members, who
passed away in late February.
Our Chapter held a memorial luncheon in early
March to remember Al, and to recall all our great
experiences with Al here in the Washington area
where he came in 1987. Al’s son, Ed, joined us for
the luncheon, which had 12 members and spouses
attending in addition to Al’s son.
Our Chapter members sent checks totaling more
than $500 to the Capital Hospice Fund in Al’s name.
By: Ed T Barron, Sec’y. (202-244-6808)
[email protected]
After a fine lunch, President Cliff Robinson
presented our first guest speaker, Captain Jack
Ensch, USN (Retired). Captain Ensch talked about
his flying experiences in Navy F-4 Phantom II
combat jet aircraft during the Vietnam War. After
being credited with two confirmed MIG-17
shootdowns and completing over 285 combat
missions, Captain Ensch was shot down on August
25, 1972 over North Vietnam by a surface-to-air
missile during his 4th combat cruise. He was a
prisoner of war in Hanoi until he returned with the
last group of repatriated officers on March 29, 1973.
Celebrating wedding anniversaries were Sy & Gert
Glick, Ray & Kay Hanlon, Bill & AnnMarie Houck,
Bob & Josy Overdorff, John & Mitzi Reika, Ken &
Sandy Riley, and Billy & Kay Watson.
Congratulations to all!
Next luncheon get together: June 19, at Chin’s
Szechwan restaurant on Miramar Road. See you
there!
By: Bill Roeckl, Sec’y. [email protected]
*******************************************************
After his convalescence at Balboa Naval Hospital,
San Diego, Captain Ensch was assigned as
Executive Officer of the Navy Fighter Weapons
School (TOPGUN) at NAS Miramar. In 1976, he
transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat, and was later
Commander of Fighter Squadron VF-114 aboard
the USS America. In 1993, Captain Ensch became
the Commanding Officer of Naval Training Center,
San Diego, where he served until retiring in 1995.
Captain Ensch has since joined the San Diego
Padres major league baseball club as Director of
Military Marketing.
Next, President Robinson introduced San Diego
County Deputy District Attorney Evan Patrick Kirvin,
son of Eleanor Kirvin and the late Grumman Field
Service Rep Hal Kirvin. Evan is also the nephew of
the late Marine Major-General Marion Eugene Carl,
a highly decorated Naval Aviator, distinguished
World War II fighter ace, and record setting test
pilot. Deputy DA Kirvin has been in his position for
nine years and is now a candidate for San Diego
Superior Court Judge. He detailed his experience
and his interest in becoming an “ethical, fair, and
firm” judge. Good Luck Evan!
President Robinson was happy to report that Chet
Frasher is feeling much better. With sadness, he
also informed everyone about the passing of Darrell
Painter after a lengthy illness.
March and April were busy birthday months:
including Pauline Crane, Frank Huttle, Mike Infurna,
Jean Ketcham, Josy Overdorff, John Reika, Mitzi
Reika, Sandy Riley, Barbara Robinson, Santi Salvi,
Gene Shiwotsuka, Ernie Von der Heyden, Ella
Whitehead, and Lou Wilson.
FLORIDA/ First Coast
We met, as usual, in the New Century Buffet.
Twenty-six members, including a fair number of the
fairer sex, plus guests Dom and Arlene DeStefano,
returned from Colorado.
President Fred Bauer led the salute to the flag, and
Chaplain Janet Cassford led a prayer for absent
members and for our military.
Fred reported that there is an air museum in
DeLand, which has an F-14. You can research it at:
www.delandnavalairstation.org.
Anne Nardi is ill – we wish her well.
Birthdays: Muriel Morrison, Margaret Kurz, Robert
Fitzgerald, Rhoda Lonnie, Joan Digilio, Anne Leone,
Peter King, Josephine Hughes, Madeline
Langendorf, Alex Gaillard, Bill Worth.
Anniversaries: Ed & Ginny Deane, Werner &
Catherine Langhauser, Robert & Ginny Rathje, Bill
& Patty Worth, John & Patricia Leslie.
50/50 winners: John Hirschlein, Marge Bauer, Don
Martin, and Bob Rathje.
Next meeting: Spring picnic, 20 May, beginning
at 10 AM, at Anastasia State Park. Sorry to say, the
entrance fee is $5 per car – carpool!! The club
provides the fried chicken, hot dogs, drinks and
implements. You all bring a dish of your choice. In
case of rain – it never does – we meet the next day.
Last month’s report did not get printed in the
newsletter from HQ because our inept secretary
18
7
wrote it in Word, printed a copy and deleted before
putting into email. Then scanned to email using a
new machine so it appeared too big and too small.
Last week, member Pete Foster gave the secretary
some instructions. Now to the test!
News worth repeating from last month: we donated
$500 to the Retiree Scholarship Fund.
By: J G Walsh, Sec’y. (904-794-7891)
[email protected]
******************************************************
FLORIDA / Manasota West
Vice President John Koszeghy opened our April 17
meeting with the pledge to the flag. John substituted
for our President, Bob Nyberg, who is vacationing in
Ireland. Now that several members have left for their
summer homes up North, our attendance was down
to 16 from last month’s record of 27.
John opened the meeting by bringing up the hot topic
of the day: the Northrop Grumman KC-45A contract.
Ted Martines pointed out that all the fabrication work
will be done in the United States and we should
support the effort to keep the contract with NGC. Ted,
however, did not like the wording of the letter that was
composed by the corporation to send to our
governmental representatives.
•
Community Relations: Bob Alloca reported
Chairman Con Gilsenan could not attend because
he is recovering from shoulder surgery, which
was followed by a major gastro intestinal upset.
Travel Committee: Substituting for Chairman Bob
Nyberg, John Koszeghy recommended J. C.
Cruises’ five-hour boat trip on the Intercoastal
Waterway. The trip starts in Fort Meyers. Cost: $32
pp. and includes lunch.
John Koszeghy spoke about past competitions with
Boeing in which it was felt that Boeing’s actions were
not proper. Bob Alloca noted that that it never made
sense to him that the Lunar Rover contract was given
to Boeing by NASA when Grumman already had the
Lunar Rover designed, built, and operational and
Boeing had zero experience in any spacecraft design.
Committee reports –
• Treasurer: Jim Murray’s report reflected our very
strong financial status.
Birthday Greetings to John Culleton, Beverly
Flack, and Joan Franke. May you enjoy many more
happy, healthy years!
By: Victor Peckenschneider, Sec’y. (610-3658646) [email protected]
Anniversary Wishes to Nancy & Don Webber. I
would like to take this opportunity to thank Don, my
other half, who has done a wonderful job as
treasurer of the club for the past 12 years. Thank
you, Don, and Happy Anniversary!
*******************************************************
SOUTH CAROLINA
Coastal Carolinas Chapter
Having no speaker, Jim Murray talked about some
of his Grumman experiences.
50/50 winners: Ben D’Errico, Charlie Pelligrini, and
Diane Martines
VP John Koszeghy closed the meeting.
Our April 2nd meeting was held at T.G.I. Fridays, in
North Myrtle Beach. There were 17 members and 6
guests in attendance. After lunch, President Mary
Moran called the meeting to order. Sgt.-at-Arms
Eldon Scott lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and
a moment of silence to recognize those not present
at the meeting.
Next meeting: May 21.
We invite our fellow retires up North to come and
enjoy our warm sunny weather. All meetings (except
the December meeting) are on the third Wednesday
of each month, at Mattison’s Riverside Restaurant
in Bradenton. We have no formal meetings June,
July, August, and September.
By: Bob Alloca, Sec’y. (941-342-9984)
[email protected]
******************************************************
Ted said, as a replacement, he composed an e-mail
that he suggested we send to our representatives.
One other member said he was disturbed by the
wording of the last paragraph of the corporate letter
that he thought was quite threatening. Ted distributed
the e-mail addresses of our representatives together
with his suggested e-mail.
Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each
month at Noon, at Hazzard’s Raintree Restaurant,
Route 191, South Sterling, PA.
FLORIDA / Mid-West
President Fred Hall opened the April meeting with
31 members and 1 guest present. Our guest was
Maryann Sturmfels, our guest speaker on Social
Security.
Chaplain Art Bellion gave the invocation and led the
membership in the pledge to the flag.
The minutes of March were read and approved.
Our treasurer gave his report, which was also
approved.
Birthdays for April: Elaine Johnson and George
Burmester, (85 yrs. young). Anniversaries for April:
Joan & Hank Mehl (54 yrs) Congratulations one and
all!
Our guest speaker, Scott Kucera, Executive
Director of the Ocean Isle Museum Foundation,
Inc., was among our seven guests. Robert Joyce
was responsible for obtaining Scott as our guest
speaker.
The Ocean Isle Museum Foundation supports two
facilities: the Museum of Coastal Carolina at Ocean
Isle Beach, and the Ingram Planetarium at Sunset
Beach. Scott presented us with an overall history of
both points of interest, along with a demonstration
of a meter stick (Astronomer’s Bow), which is
utilized in measuring the distance between planets,
stars, and other bodies in the solar system. He also
distributed pamphlets with detailed descriptions,
visitor information, and amenities of the museum
and the planetarium. Thank you, Scott, for an
informative and interesting presentation! Many
thanks to Robert Joyce for obtaining a guest
speaker.
In addition to Scott, we welcomed Helen Timoney,
club member who moved north, and Helen’s good
friends, JoAnne & Mickey Ammarata, Richard
Guarino, and Joe Dispennette, members of the
Eastern North Carolina chapter, and Theresa
McMahon, Dot Hoffmann’s sister. The dedication of
Helen Timoney and the expertise of Richard
Guarino helped establish our chapter in 1996.
Helen became our first club president, setting a
precedence of excellence.
Secretary’s Minutes:
The minutes of the March meeting were read by the
Secretary. A motion to accept the minutes as read
was made, seconded, and approved.
Sunshine Committee:
1. If you know of any club member who is ill,
please provide Judy Scott with the information.
Judy is our committee leader for the club.
2. We have several club members who are not
able to attend the meetings because of health
issues. They are Rose and John Lewis, Robert
Filete, and Richard Podlaski. Please keep them
all in your thoughts and prayers. Visits, cards,
and telephone calls would be greatly
appreciated.
50/50 Drawing Winner(s): Some guests are lucky,
and Richard Guarino is no exception. He won 1st
prize, which he generously donated back to the
club. Thank you! Club member, Robert Joyce won
the 2nd prize. Congratulations!
Old Business: We need some input pertaining to
speakers for future meetings.
New Business: Richard Seidler raised the
prospect of the club making a donation to the
Bethpage Scholarship Fund. Helen Timoney
suggested an amount of $100 would be appropriate.
It was voted on and approved.
Next Meeting: May 7. Our annual picnic, which
will be held at Myrtle Beach State Park, Shelter B1.
The shelter will be available to us as early as 10AM,
so you might plan to arrive early to enjoy the beach.
The club will provide meat; club members are
asked to bring their favorite dish and beverage. This
event has always been delightful, so please plan to
be there and join in the good food and fellowship.
17
8
Bill opened the meeting at 1 PM after the social
hour, calling upon Sgt.-at-Arms Ken Gruebel to lead
us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the invocation in
which prayers were also said for our troops and
anyone sick in our chapter.
Next meeting: May 13, at The Riverside, in sunny
downtown Swansboro, on the second Tuesday,
That meeting will be under the direction of Hank
Vroom & Wes Johnson.
Bill thanked all for coming and closed the meeting.
Lunch, ordered from the menu, was then quickly
served.
When Bill resumed with the business portion of the
meeting, he welcomed 40 members & four guests.
Our guests were Rosemary Daidone, Nora
Riechert, Dottie Bourgard, and Flossie Johnson.
Bill gave Tom Schroder the floor to discuss the
recent letter from Northrop Grumman to all
members, asking for support to combat the recent
attempts by Boeing to disqualify
the award of the KC-45A refueling tanker. Terry
Walker added additional commentary on this
subject.
Bill then spoke of the F-11 Tiger now being
displayed on Rte.17 in New Bern, and of the efforts
of a local group trying to improve the appearance of
the aircraft.
Bill wished all members who may be ill a speedy
recovery. He also reminded members to alert club
officers when someone is ill so get well cards can
be sent out.
By: Joan Willemsen, Sec’y.
*******************************************************
NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA
The April meeting was held on the 17th, at Hazzard’s
Raintree Restaurant, with 20 in attendance. After
another fantastic meal served by the Raintree,
President Charlie Teufert opened the meeting.
Sergeant-at-Arms Dan Fass led us in The Pledge
of Allegiance.
Charlie asked for a moment of silence for our
member Munn Pattison, who passed away early
this month. He was a faithful member and will be
missed.
The December Secretary’s minutes were approved
with one correction.
The Treasurer’s report was given by Fred
Rademacher. It was good to see Fred up and
walking after his accident in December.
Condolences go out to the family of Marcia Spiegel,
who moved to Montana last year, and passed away
recently.
Charlie requested that we cut down on our monthly
mailing of the club news. We will start sending out
meeting notices via email to as many as possible.
Those who do not have email will still receive the
reports via snail mail.
Birthdays for April:
Dottie & Jim Karika (both on 4/5); Ron Betts )4/10);
Bob Lamberson (4/11); Evie Gruebel (4/14); and
“Jake” Jacobs (4/28).
Charlie asked everyone to come to next month’s
meeting with some group activity ideas.
The 50/50 was won by Ed Bumby
Anniversaries for April:
Karl & Pat Herrnkind (4/8); Artie & Fran Miller $/10);
Paul & Chris Albers (4/19); Ray & Mary Rice (4/24);
and “Jake” & Barbara Jacobs (4/28).
Bill once again asked for volunteers to fill positions
on the board of officers for the coming year. Wes
Johnson brought smiles to several faces as he
went his jolly way passing out 50/50 winnings.
16
Celebrating birthdays in April: Betty Heppler, Kathie
Herling, Peggy Peterson, Gloria Renderio.
Celebrating Anniversaries in April: Joseph & Jane
Belding, Ed & Cheryl Hirsch, Richard & Sally
Petrusa, Anthony & Maryann Zumpano.
Next meeting: May 15, at Noon.
Sunshine Chairman for Citrus County, Gus Krayer,
told
us no one was
sick.
That is great
news.
We recognized
March
birthdays
of Janet
Daly, and
Jim Hodder (87). Jim’s Grumman badge number is
Sunshine
Chairman
for Hernando
County,
798; he retired
from Grumman
in 1977.
He isMike
still
Lehr,
read
report on
the
of Rich
active in
our a
community
with
thecondition
Garden Club
Montgomery. He is very weak and losing weight.
wish
him astatus
very
Rich’s
birthday
is Aprilreported
21st. Weour
Willy Wolter,
Treasurer,
financial
Happy
Birthday
and
we
hope
he
has
a
wonderful
and indicated that we have 36 paid members in
day.
2008.
President Fred Hall introduced guest speaker
Tony Moors brought in a copy of Corky Meyers’
Maryann Sturmfels. She spoke about Social
book, “Flight Journal, A Test Pilot’s Tale of Dodging
Security. Her talk was very informative and several
Disasters - Just in Time”. Tony offered the book to
members had questions they wanted answered.
anyone who would like to borrow it to read.
We had seven 50/50 Winners
50/50 winners: Bob Clare, Jim Hodder, and John
Zuk.
Next meeting: May 15, 11:30AM, at Wellington in
Spring Hill. The luncheon is $13 p.p., and MUST be
Next
13,make
11:30AM
to 2PMpayable
at the
paid inmeeting:
advance. May
Please
your checks
Golden
Corral,Retiree
in PuntaClub”.
Gorda.
We will
at our
the
to “Grumman
Come
andmeet
enjoy
restaurant’s
meeting
room.good
Lunch
will begood
$10 p.p.,
meetings, which
are about
friends,
food
which
will be collected in the meeting room.
and entertainment.
workers,
chaplains,
and
VITAS
provides
our members
who are
ill.volunteers.
President Dan
Postupack
medical
equipment,
to the
introduced
Liz Sacco,medications
who is therelating
new Banquet
Manager at
Suntree Country
A delicious
lunch
admitting
diagnosis,
and all Club.
services
and supplies
buffet was
served. what is best for the patient’s
needed
to determine
welfare. VITAS means life, and Hospice provides
President
Dan Postupack
introduced
our guest
hope,
because
the program
is dedicated
to
speaker,
Mr.
Duwayne
Lundgren,
improving the quality of life for patientsAssistant
living at
Supervisor
Brevard Susan
County for
Board
Elections.
home.
Billofthanked
herofinformative
Dan commented that Mr. Lundgren had an
presentation.
exemplary military career, receiving numerous
commendations
and achievement
medals,
and
For
next month’s program,
we will have
the Director
that he has provided outstanding services to our
of Florida Elections as our guest speaker.
country which enhances his position with the Board
of Elections.
The following reports were given:
Mr. Lundgren gave our group an overview regarding
Treasurer
Bill Waldron:
election procedures,
touch screen machines,
•ballot-on-demand
We have two new
members
– Mary
Carney and
machines,
etc.,
and provided
us
Beth
Nunziato,
and
four
visitors
(Jim
Gloria
with much information on primaries, and
registered
Flynn,
Maureen
Ayers,
Bill Bighemy).
voters,
polling
places,
andand
training
for the many
•workers
We have
188topaid
members
and 89
needed
provide
the service
weattending
receive.
today. were taken from the floor at the
Questions
•conclusion
There are
fiveLundgren’s
50/50 drawings
and a We
grand
of Mr.
presentation.
all
prize.
greatly
appreciated Mr. Lundgren’s comments.
By:Tony
JoanPerre
Mehl,
Sec’y. [email protected]
By:
(239-731-7146)
[email protected]
Meeting Dates for 2008: May 15; No Meetings in
***************************************************************
June, July, or August; Sept 18; Oct 16; Nov 20; Dec
18.
FLORIDA / Spacecoast
***************************************************************
March
19, 2008
FLORIDA / South West
President Dan Postupack welcomed the 89
attendees to the Suntree Country Club. Acting Vice
No April activity reported.
President Bill Steenson led everyone in the Pledge
of
Allegiance,
then 13,
Sgt.-at-Arms
Romano
Next
meeting: May
11:30AM toEd
2PM
at the
delivered
the invocation.
A delicious
lunch
Golden Corral,
in Punta Gorda.
We willbuffet
meet at
the
was
served.
restaurant’s meeting room. Lunch will be $10 p.p.,
which will be collected in the meeting room.
Bill Steenson introduced our guest speaker, Susan
Blakeslee.
Susan
is a licensed mental health
By: Tony Perre
(239-731-7146)
counselor
from VITAS Hospice. Susan is [email protected]
born Floridian, currently living in Rockledge, FL.
***************************************************************
She
has had an impressive career with Hospice
since 1984.
FLORIDA / Spacecoast
Susan offered much information regarding Hospice
Presidentand
Dan
Postupack
the for
90
palliative
home
health carewelcomed
and the criteria
attendees at
April 16 meeting,
whichill was
held
admission
to our
the program
for terminally
patients.
at
the
Suntree
Country
Club.
He
led
everyone
in
the
Teams are comprised of patients, families,
Pledge
of
Allegiance.
Sergeant
at
Arms
Ed
Romano
physicians, RNs, home health aides, social
led us in the invocation and offered a prayer for all of
President Dan Postupack- introduced
Mr. Robert
Travel/Entertainment
Rita Francesco
was
DeVoe,
III,
Director
of
Business
Development
for
welcomed by all and announced that she has been
the
KC-45
(America’s
New
Tanker).
Mr.
DeVoe
asked to check into several cruises: a seven-day
commented
on the
contractand
won
by toNorthrop
trip
to the Eastern
Caribbean
a trip
Alaska.
Grumman
and
that
Boeing
has
gone
public
to file
Rita will get prices and information together and
let
six
separate
protests
regarding
the
bid
that
was
us know next month what is available.
won, in an attempt to sway the public. Northrop
Grumman believes that misinformation has been
Historian George Graefe commented on the
provided and they are presenting facts to let all
excellent weather and attendance at the three-day
decide.
Valiant Air Command Air Show, March 14-16,
Photos
were
taken
of visitors
in the
We still
Chairman
Ron
Sugar
is asking
thatcockpit.
we all write
to
need
nose tires forand
thewomen
Fl1F-Tiger.
our congressmen
to support the award.
The following e-mail links are provided for your
Scholarship
Angela Romano:
information. –www.americasnewtanker.com,
and
•www.northrupgrumman.com.
The scholarship deadline Although
has passed
EADSand
is
are being
processed.
Grumman
the applications
foreign partner,
Northrop
Grumman
is an
Scholarship
Committee
meet April
7 to
American
Company
with 60%will
of American
workers
review
all
information
submitted
by
candidates.
employed. A GAO ruling is expected on June 19,
Upon
completion, atwo
winnershas
willbeen
be selected
2008.
Unfortunately,
stop/hold
issued
untiland
this
matter isin May.
resolved,
whenwework
announced
In Maybut
or June,
will
commences,
two aircraft
arelunch
to bewith
modified
invite our the
twofirst
students
to enjoy
us.
at the Melbourne, FL, plant. The Mobile, Alabama,
should
ready in approximately
20 months.
•plant
Our
2006bescholarship
winner, Caroline
Wise,
We from
all appreciate
the information
that Mr.
Merritt Island
High School,
is DeVoe
doing
gave
us
regarding
this
important
project.
extremely well in college and takingDon’t
all
forget
to write tocourses.
your congress representative to
Engineering
give your input. Your help is needed!
9
Treasurer’s Report - Bill Waldron: We have 90
in attendance today, and 200 paid members. The
five 50/50 winners were Joe Mullings, Ron Stinton,
Ev Bennett, Pete Gelpi, and Charlie Farrell. The
grand prize was won by Terry Vourakis. We
welcome Bill Marcello, Jim and Gloria Flynn, and Ed
and Karen Duffy, who are our guests today.
Travel and Entertainment - Rita Francesco: Rita
was absent, and we hope to have a report next
month.
Historian - George Graefe: F11F Tiger’s ejection
seat has been taken out. We have a possible lead
to get new glass for canopy on the F11F that is
badly scratched. The A-4 is ready for paint.
Scholarship - Angela Romano: We are happy to
report that we have selected Jason Panzarino, a
student from Melbourne HS, for the $1,000 George
M. Skurla Memorial Scholarship, and Brittany Grant,
a student from Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. HS, for the
$1,000 Grumman Retiree Club Space Coast
Chapter Scholarship.
At the Scholarship Committee Review Mtg. on April
7, the committee discussed and clarified the
BFCU’s participation in our Club’s Scholarship
Program. For each of the two $1,000 scholarships
that our club awards, BFCU is pledging our
scholarship recipients a $250 award for each of
their subsequent three years of college
(Sophomore, Junior and Senior years). The BFCU
awards, which are intended to help defray the cost
of books and supplies, are contingent upon the
student achieving a satisfactory grade level. What
this means is that the winning students, in addition
to our $1,000 scholarship award, will receive an
additional $750 from the Bethpage Federal Credit
Union over the course of three years.
Our Club’s Scholarship Chairperson will monitor
this procedure. Special thanks to the Selection
Committee consisting of Bob Prais, Sal Rubino, Bill
Steenson, Joe and Patti Mullings, Angela and Ed
Romano, Dan Postupack, Sally Cornuet, and Fred
Wilms, who all met to review very impressive
academic records from Brevard County High
School seniors.
Community Relations - Chet Emery: President
Dan Postupack read Chet’s report. Get well cards
were sent to Lillian Lopopolo and John Moylan. We
10
hope they are on the road to recovery. Please
contact Chet, at 321-254-2562, if a card needs to
be sent to any member.
Pauline Sandmann offered an ‘ad‘ for discount
building materials at ‘habitat for humanity’ store in
Ronkonkoma [631- 521-7789]. Good Cause!
Old Business - President Dan Postupack
announced that the approved letter of transmittal
regarding the addendum to the Constitution and By
Laws of the Space Coast Chapter has been signed
and will be mailed today.
VP Bob Albert thanked all for ‘food’ drive items
contributed. He delivered them to ‘food kitchen ‘ at
Vet’s Place in Yaphank.
Ron Stinton gave an update on the plans for the 2nd
annual Space Coast/Treasure Coast Picnic, to be
held on Wed., October 1, at Sebastian Inlet Park.
There is a nominal park entrance fee (per car), and
the food cost per person has yet to be determined,
as a new vendor will be working with us; estimated
range will be $10 - $12 per person. More information
will be given next month.
Glad to see some of our ‘snow birds’ returning from
warmer climes , including past and first President
of our chapter, Leo Jasinski. Welcome All!
President Postupack reported on the 2008 Space
Coast Chapter’s yearly golf tournament. After
meeting with the Suntree Country Club Golf
professional, four dates were proposed as viable
possibilities to hold the event. September 27 has
been chosen via telecon by a splinter group of the
impending tournament committee. Other chapters
that wish to participate in the tournament should
contact Dan Postupack (142 Lanternback Island
Drive, Satellite Beach, FL 32937; Phone: (321-7774301); or at dpostupack@cfl:rr.com) or Bel Carter,
at [email protected]
New Business
Employee Birthdays - John Middleton, Geniece
Williams, Donald Powell, John Kirwan, Joseph
Wolf, Bill Waldron, Joe Gioffre, Carol Sidorski, Joe
DeMeo, Alvin Schaefer, Arthur McDonald, Pete
Gelpi, Russ Weinert, Andy Vitzhum.
Spouse Birthdays - Gayle Middleton, April Marino,
Donna Weinert, Helen Walton, Elaine Daly, Eileen
Lehnfeld, Blanche Soucheck, Ruth McDonald,
Mimmi King, Ruth Hofmann, Mary Jan Herba,
Claudia Jedlick, Julie Gagliano, Ann Cioffi.
Anniversaries - Peter & Mimmi Klug, David &
Joan Mohlenbrok, Joseph & Agnes Gollhofer, John
& Mary Kirwan, Gene & Joan Burgess, Joseph &
Grace Guttadauro, Joseph & Rena/Catherine Wolf,
Jim & Diane Glover, Henry & Eileen Lehnfeld, Jerald
& Lynn Ernst, and Arthur & Theresa McDonald.
50/50 Drawing: Two more winners!
Joan Ahders asked to have our October 2008
meeting moved to the 8th and the club approved . It
was mentioned that the GUNY folks should look for
raffle articles as a way for the club to make some
extra funds. With the club losing members, we’re
looking for some alternatives to raise funds for our
annual contributions in December.
We then celebrated all of the birthdays from
November thru April with a large cake. Our
celebrants were: Florence Berg, Ray Busch, Jane
Eglin, Karl Hipel, Sigrid Hipel, Ernie Eglin, Fred
Salvante, and Howard Ahders.
Next Meeting: May 22, Lunch at Noon, Meeting
at 1PM. Tentative speaker is the Riverhead police
chief. All meetings are at the Riverhead Best
Western, Rte. 25. L.I.E. Exit 72. Lunch reservations
or cancellations: This Month Only: Contact Pauline
Sandmann, at 631- 369-1854. Call by May 20.
We also celebrated 2 anniversaries: Jane & Ernie
Eglin (60 yrs), and Gladys & Joe Cipp (13 yrs).
Future Meetings: 6/18 [Wed]; no meetings in July
and August; then, Wed. Sept 17.
Two of our members were ailing. Don Gleason had
surgery and Bill McCabe had dental problems. Our
best to both for a speedy recovery.
We need help with membership duties, speakers,
officers, etc. Contact Bert or Bob. PLEEZ!!
Thanks, again, to Roy and Pauline, for door duties.
By: Bob Albert VP [631- 585 -7987]
*******************************************************
Grumman Upstate New York
The club approved raising our luncheon fee to $13
per person. The extra dollar to go into the club
funds.
Unfortunately ,we lost a member of our club. Paul
Klaverweidenn, of Roxbury, NY, died on April 7,
2008. Our deepest sympathies to his family.
Howard Ahders gave the treasurer’s report and
said that we were solvent - barely. Joan Ahders
read the minutes from the October, 2007, meeting
and they were approved.
We’re back!!
President Joan Nau opened our 2008 season with
the Pledge of Allegiance. We were so pleased to
see Jerry Gilner and Bob & June Nafis at our
meeting. The three ot them live quite far from
Oneonta and seldom make the meetings due to
about a 3-hour drive each way. That’s Grumman
determination!!. We also had back Diane & Joe
Lackenbauer, guests of Jane & Ernie Eglin. It’s
either our sparkling personalities or the food.
Joan Nau and Ray Busch mentioned a trip to a
winery down on the Hudson for a tasting and dinner.
Several people seemed interested. It was also
mentioned that we would have Bob Escher, a
speaker from Hospice, at our May meeting.
Our 50/50 winners were Paul Berg, Jack Nau, and
Jane Eglin.
With the singing of God Bless America, the club
finished its first meeting of 2008.
See you all next month on the 21st.
By: Joan Ahders, Sec’y. (315-841-4760)
[email protected]
*******************************************************
NORTH CAROLINA
Eastern Carolinas
East Carolina Chapter met on April 8, at Ham’s
Restaurant, in eastern New Bern, NC. Program
Director for this day was Bill Willemsen.
Next meeting: May 21, Suntree Country Club.
15
New England North
Our meeting schedule for the year is:
Ways & Means: Chairlady Gloria Larsen conducted
the drawings. The winners this month were Ruth
Geiszler, George Kramer, Ron Kerr, Harry Adams,
Carolyn Kerr, and Peggy Knipper.
Tues, May 13: Fullerton Inn, Chester, VT
Next Meeting: May 20 at the Plaza Diner at 1PM.
*Wed, June 11: Heli’s at the Mendon Mountain
View Lodge, Killington, VT
Tues, July 8: Fullerton Inn, Chester, VT
*Wed, Aug. 13:Heli’s, Killington, VT
Tues, Sept.9: Picnic at Milt Radimer’s, Newfound
Lake, NH
Tues, Oct. 14: Fullerton Inn, Chester, VT
*Luncheons at Heli’s will be held on Wednesdays,
in lieu of Tuesdays, since Tuesday is the Chef’s day
off!
By: Bill Wanner ([email protected])
*******************************************************
Meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM
By: Carolyn Kerr for Joyce Smith, Sec’y. (732-5054821) [email protected]
*******************************************************
NEW YORK
Eastern Long Island
VP Bob Albert welcomed 30 members to the April
16 meeting. Sgt.-At-Arms Richie Myers led the
Pledge Of Allegiance. Then Bill Mytko read a short
blessing and offered a prayer for all sick and
departed members and our servicemen and
women.
Birthday / Anniversary Greetings:
Joan Terwilliger and Eileen Jones: Happy B-Day!
NEW JERSEY / Garden State
Harry & Syl Bowie [60 Yrs]. Congrats!
Our April meeting at the Plaza Restaurant, in
Lakehurst, was opened by President Bill Staples at
1:00 PM, with 17 members in attendance.
The Minutes of the March meeting were read by
acting Secretary Carolyn Kerr, and were accepted
as read.
April Birthdays are Les Grizlo and Carl Hein, both
on April 1.
There was one Wedding Anniversary in April, for
George & Miriam Frankel, on April 15.
Congratulations, George and Miriam on your 63rd.
There was no Old Business to discuss.
New Business: The letter we all received from
Northrop Grumman was discussed. The letter was
self-explanatory and generally accepted as a good
idea.
The Chapter presented out host, Chris, a quilt
made by a member, for his newborn baby.
14
Secretary Minutes: read and approved
Treasurer’s Report:
Marty Getzelman read several anecdotes then
reported we’re still in the ‘black.’ Thanx, Marty !
COMMUNITY RELATIONS: Bill Mytko [631-5885697] reported that a get-well card was sent to Mrs.
John Jablonsky, and a letter of thanks was sent to
Charlene Abrahamsen (from RSVP) for her
informative talk at our March meeting.
Prez. Bert Moller sent a note: he’s recovering from
hernia repair, and after he finishes “iron deficiency“
treatments, he’ll try to be at May’s meeting.
Please contact Bill Mytko with info about illnesses,
deaths, etc.
Joan Hopke read names of members in arrears
with their dues. Remember: No Dues, No
Newsletter! Joan later asked to be relieved of her
membership duties. Anyone who can pick up this
task: PLEEZ HELP!
There
six business
50/50 winners.
With nowere
further
to discuss, President Dan
Postupack adjourned the meeting and thanked all
Travel:
A chairperson is still needed to fill this
the attendees.
vacancy.
By: Sally Cornuet, Sec’y. [email protected]
Historian: We received a set of wheels for the
F11F.
Some
have5/21,
to be6/18,
madenoformtgs
the wheels
Meetings
formods
2008:
July &
August,
9/17, 10/15,
11/19
& 12/17.on the A4 in the
to
fit properly.
Work is
continuing
******************************************************
cockpit
area. We had a visitor from NC, who
Suncoast
explained thatFLORIDA/
another F9F5
is being restored in
Bowling Green Heritage Park, in Blue Angel color
President John
our Magda,
Professional
configuration
to Newark
honor Lt.opened
Cdr. John
who
Secretaries
Day
meeting
luncheon
at
Noon,
was a pilot in WW 2 and the Korean Conflict. with
Lt.
fourteen
members
guests in attendance.
Cdr.
Magda
was aand
well-decorated
hero who was
killed in action
Pres. John led the Pledge of Allegiance. The
invocation wasAngela
given by
Patricia thanked
Newark. everyone
Scholarship:
Romano
for supporting the scholarship fund, to include
Visitors were welcomed: Bill Tydeman from South
fundraising events, financial supporters, and
Carolina, and Dick & Coreen Terry from Treasure
proceeds
from golf outing in 2007. This is the 3rd
Coast Chapter.
scholarship being offered by our Club. Because of
all
of our/ efforts,
we(wife
areofpresenting
a
Sickness
Distress:this
Patyear
Orella
Sam) broke
$1,000
scholarship
froma the
Withcuff.
the addition
her shoulder
and has
tornclub.
rotator
Sam is
of
a
$1,000
donation
from
Mrs.
Marie
Skurla
in
taking her to therapy. Pat, we hope you soon
will be
memory
of
her
husband,
George,
we
will
have
the
on the road to recovery.
honor of awarding two scholarships to deserving
Brevard
County
graduating
In May
orelbow
June,
Ed Williams’
wife,
Doris, fellseniors.
and cracked
her
our
winners
will be
announced,
and we
will meet
open.
She may
need
surgery. Our
prayers
and
thoughts
are withthem
you, Doris.
and
congratulate
at our luncheon. Because of
all the combined efforts of the Space Coast
Anniversaries:
Ben &made
Anna aHurley
(52 yrs),
&
Chapter,
we have
difference
in Bob
young
Helen Barth
(56 yrs). The SunCoasters sang Happy
people’s
lives.
Anniversary to the happy couples. Congratulations!
Communications: Gene Sirota stated that our
Birthdays:
Jack Paras
March);
on aJune
callers
are doing
a good(90
job.inHe
will send
letter1st
to
(start
of
the
hurricane
season
here
in
sunny
callers to provide advance notice regarding our
Florida),luncheon
the birthday
of Hurricane
John Newark (69
special
celebration
in February.
and the baby of our group), also Ben Hurley; in July,
Marilena Terry. The SunCoasters sang happy
Old Business: Pres. Dan Postupack is taking
birthday to all. Congratulations.
action to make changes to the Space Coast
Chapter
Constitution
and winners:
By Laws.Lyn
HeMohr,
will meet
We had three
happy 50/50
Tony
with
our
Board
to
finalize
changes
and
perhaps
Iacovino, and Dick Terry.
present changes at our Feb. meeting. Bill Waldron
is
checking
intoI requirements
for making
new
Before
I close,
wish to say Thank
You toaPres.
application
for
tax-free
status
for
our
club.
John for the lovely bouquet of pink roses for
Secretaries Day, Thank You to Bob Barth, for the
New
Dan Postupack
discussed
lovelyBusiness:
painting ofPres.
the hibiscus
flower. You
are a
our
Golf
Tournament
for
2008,
and
proposed
great painter.
adjustment to dates to accommodate more
interested participants.
And, also
Thankdiscussed
You, for the card
by all our
the
Dan
need signed
to increase
members,
and
for
all
the
balloons
for
everyone
to
membership. If members know of Northrop/
enjoy.
It
was
a
great
day.
Robbie,
you
outdid
Grumman employees of one year or longer, or any
yourself:
I loved yourwho
picture.
retired
employees,
may be interested in our
club, then Dan suggested that they be invited to our
President John joins me in wishing you all a
meetings.
beautiful summer. For our members traveling North:
enjoy yourself
with familyJohn
and Lau,
friends.
And,Dooley,
to our
Employee
Birthdays:
Allan
members who stay here all year: you all have a
George Tegeler, Lee Brandt, Carl Thilburg Stephen
great summer, too.
Petrovits, Robert Beck, Peter Hogan, Lilia Barton,
Salvatore Cioffi, Rudy Mahler, John Soucheck,
Everyone: be careful out on the roadways. We want
Jerald
Willoughby,
Joseph
Spinelli,
FredEnjoy!
Wilms,
to see your
smiling faces
back
in the Fall.
Rosemarie Bain, Jim Emkin, Jr., and Walter
Duester.
By: Patricia Newark, Sec’y. (727-360-7339)
Spouse
Birthdays:
Dorothy
Fadeley, -Rosalie
Future Meeting
Dates: All
on Wednesdays
Oct 22;
Wiehl,
Joan
Schult,
Grace
Avitabile, Rena/
Nov 19; Dec 17.
Catherine Wolf, Carol Fairchild, Joan Burgess,
Natasha
Mandery,
Gelpi,
KarenBlvd.,
Brandt.
We meet
at King Barbara
Buffet, 49th
St.and
& Park
in
Pinellas Park, 4th Wednesday of the month.
*******************************************************
Anniversaries:
Richard & Martha Masiello,
FLORIDA
/ Treasure
Lawrence & Joan Orlando,
Rudy &Coast
Grace Avitabile,
Lois & Pat Klein, Pat & Joan Buckley, and Vic & Pat
The April 17th meeting of the Treasure Coast Club
Belmont.
was held at Manero’s Restaurant, with eighty-five
members
and guests
attending.
guests
Pres.
Dan Postupack
reminded
us ofOur
our special
included
Dan
&
Barbara
Knowles,
Al
&
Rose
25th anniversary meeting on Feb. 20, and adjourned
Cimino,
and
Roger
Carpenter.
the meeting.
President Art Hill led us in the Pledge of Allegiance,
By: Sally Cornuet, Sec’y. [email protected]
followed by an invocation by Chaplain Larry Regier.
It was the second month in a row with no reports of
Meetings for 2008: 2/20, 3/19, 4/16, 5/21, 6/18, no
sickness or distress.
mtgs July & August, 9/17, 10/15, 11/19 & 12/17.
Following lunch, our meeting began. Past President
******************************************************
Bob Watkins reported that we are preparing to have
a silent auction at our September meeting (which
Suncoast
will be held atFLORIDA/
Manero’s on
Sept 18). Any member
who has Grumman memorabilia that they would
The
Suncoast
first
meeting
of 2008
like to
donate toChapter’s
the auction
is asked
to bring
it towas
the
meeting.byAll
members
and
guestson
are
asked23.
to
opened
President
John
Newark,
January
come
to
the
meeting
with
cash
or
checks,
and
an
Bob Barth led the Pledge of Allegiance, which was
open heart,
to bid
on items
they Newark.
would like to
followed
by the
Invocation
bythat
Patricia
have. As this is our first attempt at fund raising for
our Treasure
Coast
Grumman
Scholarship,
The
officers for
2007Club
agreed
to continue
in their
we
are
hoping
for
a
huge
turnout.
current positions in 2008.
All members were
thatforonce
again
we
Congratulations
to reminded
John Kucin
having
been
have beenasinvited
to a joint picnic
the by
Space
selected
the Associate
of thewith
Year
the
Coast Club. We had such a great turnout last time,
Innisbrook Golf Club. John was chosen out of 500
and so many people reacquainted with old friends,
employees. Once again, Congratulations, John,
that we are all looking forward to a repeat. The date
11
is October 1. Anyone interested in taking a bus to
the picnic at Sebastian Inlet State Park, please
contact me.
President Hill introduced our speaker, Gerry
Saelzer, who is a management representative for
AG Edwards. (Gerry is the son of Bob Saelzer,
fondly remembered by all who knew him at
Grumman.) Gerry came to the meeting to explain
the government’s tax rebate.
To help the club understand, Gerry quoted the
government’s flyer, which states: “We are sending
this notice to let you know that based on this new
law, the IRS will begin sending the one-time
payments starting in May. To receive a payment in
2008, individuals who qualify will not have to do
anything more than file a 2007 tax return. The IRS
will determine eligibility, figure the amount, and
send the payment. This payment should not be
confused with any 2007 federal income tax refund.
Income tax refunds for 2007 will be made separately
from this one-time payment.”
Gerry went on the give the filing types, the related
estimated dates for the refunds, and answered
questions from the floor. His talk was very
enlightening and informative, and the club sincerely
thanks Gerry for speaking.
President Hill announced the milestones for April,
which included birthdays for Art Duffield and Lou
Blum. (Mariann Watkins also slipped in that their
son, Robert, is a new father of Katalin Watkins,
born March 28th. Mother Aileen and baby are doing
fine.)
Anniversaries included Marlene & John Goetke (51
yrs), and Ted & Jane Conklin (62 yrs) (We also had
newlyweds, Anne & John Perrier, who were married
in Hawaii on March 17.
We also voted on and agreed that we will have a
meeting in June.
Following the 50-50 drawing, the meeting adjourned.
Next meeting: May 15, at Manero’s Restaurant, in
Palm City.
By: Nancy Schaefer, (772-528-8169) or (772-8782295) [email protected]
******************************************************
12
GEORGIA / Peach Pit
There were nine present at the Chapter’s April 15
meeting, held at the Golden Corral Restaurant,
Milledgeville. The meeting was presided over by
Chapter President Lew Iuliucci. Following the call
to order, Sergeant-at-Arms Alfie Geeson led
attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain
Designee Mary Archer gave the Blessing.
Old Business - A motion to waive reading of March
minutes was made by Bob LaManna and seconded
by Joe Sansotta. Having no requests for change,
correction, or amendment from either those present
or received by proxy, the motion carried.
New Business - President Lew Iuliucci gave a
follow-up on the USS GEORGIA [SSGN 729]: The
culmination of the Navy League’s Georgia State
Flag initiative to welcome this submarine to Home
Port, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, following
retrofit, occurred on March 28. Included in this event
was the framed Proclamation which had been
presented to Navy League representative, and
Grumman Club member, Bill Schwendler, Jr. by
Milledgeville’s Mayor Richard A. Bentley. The
Proclamation declared February 5, 2008 “USS
GEORGIA AND ITS CREW Day in the City of
Milledgeville” in memory of the “Father of America’s
modern Navy”, the Honorable Congressman Carl
Vinson. This framed Proclamation was on display
at the pre-ceremony breakfast on March 28. It was
presented to the Captain for retention aboard the
USS GEORGIA.
Club member contributors in the first quarter:
1. Chapter’s Donation Fund: Tom Blenk; Lee
Brandt; Jim Hicks; in memory of Peggy Holland
by her daughter; Tom Main; Joe Sansotta; Bill
Schwendler Jr.; Jim Vinson; and Danny Strauss.
We thank each of you.
2. Club’s Scholarship Fund: Bill Schwendler, Jr.
and Lew Iuliucci. We thank you.
3. Chapter’s 20th Anniversary Dinner: Lew &
Kathy Iuliucci for providing the eight table
centerpieces, flowers and pots. We thank you.
is 72. We do have several people who we anticipate
will become new members in the next week.
United Way gifts to maximize the Chapter’s support
of the community.
Secretary - Mary Archer reported the results of
members voting for the official ballot for year 2008
Community Service Donations. Nearly all votes
were to accept the plan. A motion to accept the
report and results was made by Bob LaManna and
seconded by Virginia Klingener. Following
discussion, the motion carried. Therefore, the listed
organizations and amounts to be distributed to
each and dates of gift are approved.
Due to the Scholarship and Charitable discussions,
it was agreed by all to postpone today’s program
until the May meeting.
April Birthday Congratulations are extended to
Frank Campbell, Sr. (20th), Roberta Ciampa (25th),
Phyllis Grant (20th), Billy Gruwell (10th), Dianne
Gurr (7th), Kathy Iuliucci (24th), Vince McNeese
(6th), Julianne Nussberger (4th), Mike Pepe (14th),
Gene Stevens (20th), and Bill Stevens (30th).
Wedding anniversary congratulations were
extended to Gene & Pat Donovan (23rd), Lee &
Janice Hicks (28th), Jim & Delores Hicks (21st),
Bob & Loretta LaManna (24th), Tom & Maddie Main
(23rd), Mike & Margaret Pepe (25th), Fred & Anne
Peterson (25th), and Jim & Martha Vinson (1st).
Vince Ciampa is doing well with treatments being
taken and no new illness or sickness to report.
Gloria Kruta, a former member, is receiving dialysis
at home. Our prayers for a speedy recovery are
extended to all our ailing and sick members.
Dennis & Virginia Klingener bid us farewell, as this
is the last Chapter meeting they will attend. They
are relocating to Idaho to be closer to family. They
plan to stay active in the Chapter via the Internet.
We will all miss them, and we wish the very best for
them.
A discussion regarding support of the Club’s
Scholarship Fund was extremely interesting. As a
result, an inquiry to all Chapter members as to
sufficient interest in raising the funds necessary to
sponsor an award, if approved by the Scholarship
Committee, will be pursued.
In Memoriam - Sympathy is extended to the family
and friends of Cathy Carasiti, who passed away in
March in East East Meadow, NY and to the family
and friends of Diane Mogensen, Frank Minicozzi’s
sister, who passed away on 3/29/08 in Naples,
Florida.
Dennis Klingener, who donated his winnings to the
Donation’s Fund, won the 75/25 Fund-raiser raffle.
Next meeting: May 20, at the Golden Corral
Restaurant in Milledgeville, starting at 12:30 p.m.
The program is #1 The Grumman Club Stories - A
History of the “Grumman Retiree’s Restoration
Team” at Bethpage. Researched & written by
Ernest Finamore, in May of 2005. A Chapter officer
will present the program as written.
Community Service - At least one member
participated with Vought Aircraft in the Cancer
Society’s Relay for Life event on April 11 & 12.
At least one member is a neighborhood volunteer
raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society.
Community donations start in May per the approved
Plan for disbursing Funds.
Today’s Program - As noted previously, members
agreed to waive having today’s program.
The meeting adjourned at 2:03 p.m. following a
motion by Ernie Godbee & seconded by Virginia
Klingener with all in agreement.
By: Mary Archer, Sec’y. [email protected]
*******************************************************
MARYLAND / Glen Arm
Treasurer - Joe Sansotta reported ten members
failed to renew annual dues and have dropped out
of the Club. To date, we have three new members,
plus one transfer, and the Chapter roster presently
The Chapter received a belated thank you note
from the United Way of Central Georgia. It listed the
local charities they support which had one duplicate
to the Chapter’s Plan. This led to a discussion for
better coordination between the Club gifts and
No report of April activity
*******************************************************
13