February, 2009 - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Retiree

BCBSM RETIREES’ NEWSLETTER
Produced for and by members of the
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Retiree Association
Volume 18, Issue 1
February, 2009 It’s a new day, it’s a new dawn,
it’s a new year…
…and even though that master thief, time, got the better of us in
publishing our newsletter, we’d like to you sit back now, relax with
your morning coffee/tea and peruse this year’s (a little late) first issue
of the BCBSM Retirees’ Newsletter.
Because we are retirees, did you ever notice how some folk’s associate retirement with old
age? Well, now that the age of 50 is now the new 30s, 60 is now the new 40s, 70 is now the
new 50s, 80 the new 60s, etc., never waste time (there’s that word again) worrying about
nothing more than a number. Satchel Paige once asked, “How old would you be if you didn’t
know how old you were?” hmmmm…
No matter the age, the successful older people are those who have an important connection, a
hobby, or something that gives them a zest for life. According to Kevan H. Namazi, gerontologist
at the University of Texas’s Southern Medical Center, being productive well into later years will
enhance your self-esteem and contribute to intellectual stimulation and social interaction.
Moreover, you will enrich the lives of others while enriching your own at the same time.
Here are a few examples of individuals who followed that rule of thumb:
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Mary Baker Eddy was eight-seven when she followed her personal mission –
creating a new newspaper with a religious influence. She called it the Christian
Science Monitor.
At ninety-four, Bertrand Russell was actively promoting international peace.
At ninety, Picasso was known for his artistic production, still creating stunning
drawings and engravings.
Luella Tyra was ninety-two in 1984, when she competed in five categories at the
U.S. Swimming Nationals in Mission Viejo, California.
Lloyd Lambert was an active skier at eighty-seven and operating a seventy-plus
Ski Club that had 3,286 members, including a ninety-seven-year-old!
Ben Franklin was over eighty when he assisted in drafting the U.S. Constitution.
All that being said, we invite all of you to join us in this new year to live well, love much, and
laugh often.
We extend wishes that peace breaks into your house and may thieves
come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a
magnet of $100 bills. May the love stick to your face like Vaseline and
may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like
smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your
tears be that of joy. May the problems you had forget your home address!
In simple words . . . May 2009 be the best year of your life!!!
BCBSM Retirees’ Newsletter – February, 2009
Page 2
RECENT EVENTS
ANNUAL
PARTY
SETS ATTENDANCE RECORD!!
Our 2008 Holiday Party at the Glen Oaks Country Club in Farmington Hills set a new
attendance record for a Retiree Association event.
One hundred sixty-three retirees and guests enjoyed a fun filled afternoon partaking of
excellent food, hobnobbing with old friends, enjoying entertainment by the Straw Hat Band,
and competing for special door prizes.
Holiday Parties are always very popular with our members but attendance at this one
surprised our Planning & Social committees more than usual. Last minute adjustments were
necessary to accommodate the increased crowd. It was a welcomed adjustment!
Many first time retirees attended the event and, hopefully, experienced a little taste of how a
retiree activity can add to retirement life.
WHO SAID THAT A RECESSIONARY ECONOMY WOULD LOWER ATTENDANCE AT
OUR SOCIAL EVENTS? MAYBE IT MAKES THEM MORE ATTRACTIVE!
BCBSM Retirees’ Newsletter – February, 2009
Page 3
2009 COMING EVENTS
Mark Your Calendars
March 10, 2009 SNOWBIRD LUNCHEON Kally K’s Restaurant, Dunedin, FL
It’s Fun in the Sun at this annual get-together of Florida retirees & guests in March. Contact
Dee Stilson (727-815-3526) to join the snowbird festivities.
March 27, 2009 LUNCH & THEATRE TRIP Turkeyville, MI
Ever been to Turkeyville, USA? Travel with us via 1st class motor coach to this most
interesting place near Marshall, MI. Our destination is the Turkeyville Dinner Theater where a
bountiful luncheon awaits followed by an afternoon theatre performance.
Highly
recommended by previous attendees.
May 1-4, 2009 WASHINGTON DC & GETTYSBURG, PA TRIP
3 nights’ accommodations, 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners and multiple tour stops in Washington DC
& Gettysburg, via deluxe motor coach travel. We are joining a BIANCO tour so it is first come
– first serve on reservations. The Retiree Association participation is saving you $59 per
retiree and $29 per guest over the normal tour charge. What a great opportunity to view our
nation’s historical sites!
May 19, 2009 SPRING LUNCHEON Italian American Club, Livonia MI
Our Spring Luncheon is always one of our most popular events. Last
year 117 retirees & guests joined in to visit with old friends and enjoy the
entertainment. Plan on joining us this year for a fun time!
BCBSM Retirees’ Newsletter – February, 2009
Page 4
July 24, 2009 DETROIT TIGER GAME Comerica Park, Detroit MI
Let’s all root, root, root for our Detroit Tigers as they take on the Chicago White
Sox. With this year’s roster of talent says they should be returning to their
winning ways of prior years! After the game, enjoy the spectacular fireworks at
this annual and very popular event.
August 21, 2009 BILL BURKE MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING Heather Highlands Golf
Course, Holly, MI
This year will be the 19th Annual Golf Outing sponsored by your Retiree Association. Come
and enjoy the great outdoors and the camaraderie of all the participants. A shotgun start is
planned again for 9:30 AM. Did you know that 25% of the participants last year were women?
October 22, 2009 ANNUAL MEETING & LUNCHEON Lakeland Manor, St Clair Shores, MI
A brief meeting of Retiree Association business, followed by lunch and entertainment – a
great time awaits! Join in and give us your thoughts and ideas on our retiree endeavors
while enjoying the social activities.
December 10, 2009 THE HOLIDAY PARTY San Marino Club, Troy, MI
This year’s celebration will be an evening affair (we alternate with
luncheons every other year). Usually the most attended retiree event on
our schedule, our Holiday Party is the time of year to celebrate - and our
members know how to make it happen!
NOTE: Almost all Retiree events involve monetary savings for attendees, either
through special facility arrangements or Association subsidies. You won’t find better
cost savings on your own.
MEMBER PROFILE
DONALD J. CLUNE
Don was born on July 17, 1925, in Cheboygan, Michigan.
He attended St. Charles Catholic Elementary School and
Cheboygan Public High School. After graduation in June
of 1942, Don took classes at the University of Detroit until
he entered the U.S. Navy in May of 1943. He was at the
Great Lakes Naval Training Base for 90 days and then
transferred to a L.S.M. stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. His
skipper was Captain John E. Wing who thought Don
demonstrated officer material. Captain Wing entered him
in the USN ROTC plan.
After attending Princeton
University and the University of Virginia, he received an
honorable discharge on June 12, 1946.
BCBSM Retirees’ Newsletter – February, 2009
Page 5
In 1946 Don worked for Armour & Company in Detroit for
several years as a salesman. He then also worked as a
salesman for Cadillac Overall Supply and Midwest Linen
Company. His office was in Grayling, Michigan and he
covered 48 counties in the state.
It was in the fall of 1954 when an old buddy, Dan Dacey,
convinced him to apply for a sales representative position
with BCBSM. He did, was hired and began reporting to Homer “Bud” Strait in Saginaw, MI.
The Regional Manager was L.D. Richmond.
Don was promoted to District Manager of the Alpena office in 1959. After 4 years he was
again promoted to Account Executive in the National Groups Department in Detroit. His
responsibilities consisted of servicing the 12 largest enrollment groups below GM, Ford,
Chrysler and American Motors. His manager was Colin Wilkinson. After a year and a half,
Don requested a position out-state and was given the District Manger job in Benton Harbor.
A few more successful years and another promotion to Special Enrollment Representative
found him concentrating on out-state groups of 100 or more employees. After enrolling
several new groups he was named “Representative of the Year” in 1969.
Shortly thereafter he asked for a transfer back to Saginaw where he had started his BCBSM
career. He was granted a position as a Professional Relations Rep calling on Physicians and
Hospitals. Don then became a Supervisor in the Provider Relations Department and had
seven representatives reporting to him for several years. Their job was to enroll Michigan
Physicians as “Participating” and service the various Hospitals in seven counties.
Don retired in 1988. He and his wife, Lois, celebrated 60 years of “Wedded Bliss” on October 16,
2008. What a milestone! They have three children: Linda Willard of Elkhart, IN, Lisa Lennon of
Lansing, MI and Mark Clune of St. Joseph, MI (Mark passed away in 2007).
In retirement, Don has kept in touch with other retirees by being active through
the Retiree Association. Golf outings and monthly luncheons of the MidMichigan retirees and their friends are high on his list.
He joined the Valley United Insurance Agency in Bay City, MI along with Dan
Dacey a number of years ago to assist in the insurance agency’s business
endeavors. The agency was started by Charlie Huggins a former Regional
Manager of BCBSM. Dan & Charlie are no longer with us, but Charlie’s children continue to
operate the business. Don continues to help them out with his background in health and
insurance matters.
If there are any retirees, friends or former associates who would like to get in
touch with Don his e-mail address is [email protected]
BCBSM Retirees’ Newsletter – February, 2009
Page 6
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to our new retirees and members
(As of December 31, 2008)
Congratulations!
The tomorrow you have been waiting for is finally today. While your contributions will not be
forgotten and the respect you have earned will not fade, it is time to embrace the future your
years of dedicated service have secured.
Linda Anderson
Henrietta Armstead
Karla Bennett
Diane Bess
Terrence Brown
Mary Buch
Paulette Calloway
Janice Carleton
Mary Chambliss
Margaret Cope
Ellen Cote
Janice Crossland
Sheila Cushing
Barbara Davis-Drew
Gayle Deklein
Alberto Delavega
Olivia Denson
Mary Derocco
Cynthia Difabio
Mary Ditzel
Kathleen Doll
Thomas Dunn
Lucy Foerg
Susan Goll
Lydia Grubb
Dorothy Hardick
Sherri Holyfield
Brenda Jeter
Claudine Jiles
Anthony Johnson
Cynthia Jones
Janice Jones
Ruby Jones
Barbara Kaczmarek
Ernest Kafcas
Mary Kuczborski
Vickie Lee
Frank Loftus
Judith Lynch
Mary Martus
Donna McGowan
Sharon McIntosh
Betty Morrow
Leslie Myers
Barbara Nagrant
John Narbut
Lynda Narbut
Ruth Neview
Pamillia Orrell
Antero Rance
Sue Safir
Teresa Shafer
Theresa Slama
B. Soresen-Lusk
John Takizawa
Dorothy Taylor
Julia Trice
Maryann Tworzydlo
Diann Vaughn
Marianne White
Onita Wilson
On the registration for the National Press Club, Coolidge wrote “retired” in the blank for
occupation. And after the word “remarks” he inscribed, “Glad of it”.
– Eugene P. Bertlin, Pennsylvania School Journal
…MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
Vivian Nosakowski (February 13, 2009)
Marcel St. Germain (January 24, 2009)
Jerry Daniel Cahill (December 27, 2008)
Barbara Ann Hughey (February 5, 2009)
Joseph F. Gennero (January 27, 2009)
Sara Jane Besieris (October 23, 2008)
Daniel J. Laird (September 13, 2008)
Vorance Althouse (November 10, 2008)
Henry A. Wilk (February 26, 2009)
Sue Tkachik (February 18, 2009)
BCBSM Retirees’ Newsletter – February, 2009
SMILE A WHILE
A Retiree's Thoughts
My wife said, "whatcha doin today?"
I said, "nothing."
She said, "you did that yesterday."
I said, "I wasn't finished."
Page 7
BCBSM Retirees’ Newsletter – February, 2009
Page 8
WHO’S WHO IN YOUR ASSOCIATION
EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS
President .......................................................... Karen Stecher ...................................... 248-539-3895
Vice President................................................... Spencer Brown .................................... 248-426-8722
Treasurer .......................................................... Joyce Obenhoff.................................... 586-754-3984
Secretary........................................................... Marie Bjerke......................................... 248-347-4915
Immediate Past President ................................. Ralph Shefferly .................................... 248-681-3460
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Social (2)........................................................... Annette Foster ..................................... 313-429-9091
Edward Barszcz ................................... 313-278-3915
Operations ........................................................ Mary Ellen Tyszka................................ 586-575-9279
Finance ............................................................. OPEN
Membership Communications........................... Dick Goetz ........................................... 248-879-8486
Planning (2)....................................................... John Flint ............................................. 248-478-6018
Raymond Newak.................................. 248-646-3063
Volunteer Activities ........................................... Open
Membership Liaison.......................................... Beleta Williams .................................... 313-538-4959
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Social Activities ................................................. OPEN
Records Retention ............................................ Terry Rotare......................................... 248-585-1078
Operations Coordinator.................................... John McCrary....................................... 248-875-3693
BCBSM Coordinator ......................................... Marie Bjerke......................................... 248-347-4915
Photographer .................................................... Harry Tokatlian..................................... 248-417-6976
Newsletter Administrators (2)............................ Betty Zwolak ........................................ 313-875-7280
OPEN
Florida Luncheon Coordinator........................... Dee Stilson........................................... 727-815-3526
Bay Area Activities ............................................ Donald Clune ....................................... 989-790-5188
Web-Site Coordinator ....................................... Shirley Epps......................................... 248-875-8725
Golf Outing Coordinator .................................... Nick Grabowski .................................... 248-762-3273
Philanthropic Fund Raising Coordinator. .......... Beleta Williams .................................... 313-538-4959
Outstate Planning Coordinator.......................... OPEN
Volunteer Opportunities Coordinator................. OPEN
Membership Liaison Coordinator ...................... OPEN
Consultant Emeritus.......................................... Syd Turner ........................................... 810-367-6937
- OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION Retiree Association E-Mail & FAX #:................. [email protected].. 248-539-3891
BCBSM Retirement Administration/Detroit Office: ........................................................ 313-225-9609
Retiree Checks / State Street Bank / Boston: ............................................................... 888-419-8769
BCBSM Ombudsman Office: 877-258-0167
BCN Ombudsman: 888-265-4703
Change of Address or Phone Number: ......................................................................... 313-225-6337
Retiree Benefits............... Detroit Metro: 248-269-9600
Out-State: 800-473-7575
SVS: 800-225-3095
Dental Plan: 800-225-5255
Ford Motor Partner Recognition: 877-975-2600
RETIREE ASSOCIATION WEB SITE: www.bcbsmretireeassoc.com