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March 29, 2024
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Archived Articles for Lois Schultz
Aug 17, 2011
Local 1618 Retiree Columnist Lois Schultz
Edit File Delete File Updated On: May 04, 2015
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March 2017

Hi out there, all you wonderful people.
We still meet the second Wednesday of the month (except in August). We eat at noon, have a meeting, then play bingo, with our new bingo machine.
I went to stay with Jim and Celia Anthony in Grand Ledge for two weeks. Celia takes good care of me. Their daughter Jessica Anthony just got a new house in Lansing.
Most people can’t hear me when I try to talk, as my vocal cord is paralyzed on the left side. But I can still write the column to let you know what is happening!
We have had lots of calls about the new legal service. It is now called UAW-FCA-Ford-General Motors Legal Service. The plan went into effect on January 27. So write their number down: 1-800-482-7700.
The Region 1D Retiree Travel Committee will have trips to Myrtle Beach in October and an Alaska cruise in August. See the Travel box on this page.
If you need our benefits rep, Joe Sagy, he is a good one to call: 517-372-7201 or 1-800-782-6513. He will call you back.
There could be a casino trip to Mount Pleasant, Odawa, Turtle Creek, Traverse City. $101.50 for non-members, $51.50 for dues-paying members. We need 40 people. Call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.
Happy birthday: Jerry Hunt, March 14; Ted Gauss; Artie Douglas in February; Bud and Jan Miller, February 22; Dick Torgerson; and in April, Canda Anthony and Connie Dunn.
Happy anniversary in January to Bud and Jan Miller, 48 years!
Ted’s breakfast will be on March 21 at Spud’s restaurant on Waverly. Call Ted at 517-321-4751.
Lester Altoft was 83 on February 27. Marv Baker went to see him. He was fine, but having some difficulty taking care of his sick wife, so his daughter comes and helps.
Bill Prestman called to say hi to all from the U.P.
Condolences to the family of Gary Thomas, who passed away at age 78. He went to live in Florida about five years ago. He leaves his wife Dolores. He worked at Plant 2 for 39 years.
Condolences to the family of Jerry Earl Green, Sr., 78. He leaves his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Pa Green was a great neighbor to us and he will be missed.
Condolences to the family of Joe Bancroft, who passed at age 74 and leaves his wife Vickie.

January 2017

Hi out there, all you wonderful people.
It hope it’s fine in your neck of the woods. December weather was bad, couldn’t even go to Omaah. Canda would have had an extra driver, but they backed out.
Local 1618 and the area retirees council went together to purchase a brick to honor Curtis Dunn at the sit-downers memorial in Flint.
Joe Sagy says the lawyers are coming sometime, working on it.
If you are interested in a trip, we will have lots to choose from: Myrtle Beach-Charleston, North Carolina, October 1-7. Alaska in August. Connie Dunn is waiting for your call at 517-323-2146. She is a good organizer.
Region 1D’s meeting at 9:30 a.m. Will then have a sit-downers luncheon at 11:00 a.m. It’s at 812 Lieth Street in Flint.
The menu for our February 11 meeting will be soup and salad in honor of the sit-downers. We eat at noon. Bring yourself and friends and a dish to pass. What fun you’ll have. We’ll play Bingo and we have a new machine that makes it easier on those who have to carry it. We’re not as young as we once were, that’s why we need you younger people to come. We don’t bite!
Hanna Fox is our new retirees chair. Welcome, we know you’ll do us proud.
On our sick list: Connie Gauss with knee trouble. Judy Hunt went to emergency with a bad case of pneumonia.
Birthdays: Bud Miller, Jim Anthony, Ester Renault, Marvin Baker, Michael Tousley, Linda Burns.
Condolences to the family of Richard Kline on the loss of his brother.
Condolences to the family of Benjamin Allen, who passed away on December 22, leaving his wife Joan. He was Big Ben to me, a good person to all. We will miss him.
Condolences to the family of Dora Eva Behl. She worked at Bingo.
Does anyone remember John or Paul Adams? They worked at Plant 2 in the 70’s. They were both electricians. If you do, please call Andy Schmichle at 417-459-7168.
Phone numbers to remember:
Lois Schultz: 517-543-5385.
Joe Sagy: 800-282-6513 or 517-372-7201
Hanna Fox: 517-719-4559
I hope the new year is good to you. I pulled something and am recovering from that, so be careful out there!

December 2016

Hi out there, all you wonderful people.
I would like to honor my good friend Chairman Curtis Dunn, who passed away on October 31. He was 88 years young. We were his union family. He leaves his wife Connie; they have always been best friends with an unselfish love. He loved to cook and did the retirees’ luncheon and for family and friends. He also loved to bowl was part of a team at Royal Scot. He was always happy to see us all. He truly cared. He was special to many people and we will miss him greatly.
Years ago when walking in the mall I asked Curtis to come to the retirees meeting and he did and has been there ever since, cooking and caring. Many came to say good-bye to him and he would have been proud. Condolences to his wife Connie, family, and many friends.
Condolences to the families of: Carl Stump, who passed away in August. He lived in St. Johns and leaves his wife Shirley. Also to the family of Jack Callahan from Evert, Michigan, who passed away in August and leaves his wife Lois.
Don’t forget our retirees meeting and potluck, every second Wednesday of the month, except August, when we have the area luncheon.
At Christmas time we help many. So remember our neighbors if they need a helping hand. The Rescue Mission needs lots of thing, including: men’s razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, Kleenex packs or boxes, nail clippers, Men’s undershirts XL-2XL, women’s socks, and underwear for women, girls and boys.
Thank you, Jean Caudill, for the hats and mittens you make. So glad you are back in Michigan.
On our sick list: Mel Place got a knee replaced. He said it hurt! Have you talked to Big Ben Alen?
Lois Callander is at her daughter’s in Bath after a hip operation after she fell.
Now that the election is over, we know we must all stick together as Americans do. As Tiny Tim always said, God bless everyone.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone. I won’t be at the Christmas luncheon as I am going to Omaha, Nebraska for a wedding on the 10th. See ya in 2017 and I will tell you all about it. Till we meet again, keep smiling.

September 2016

The third annual area luncheon was held at the Royal Scot in August. Once again they did great. There were a lot of good prizes. Chaplain Marriann Anthony said the prayer in place of Chaplain Don Sleeman who was under the weather.
A few things to remember:
October 9-16 – Region 1D trip to Savannah, Georgia
October 12 – Halloween luncheon. Dress up.
November 9 – Veterans memorial. Also, Thanksgiving luncheon.
December 14 – Christmas luncheon.
If I don’t have your cell phone number, I’d like to get it. In case something comes up, I can always text you. My cell is 517-282-2292. That way you’ll be in the know.
I hope you all have your absentee ballots for the election, as this is the easy way.
If you get mail from the UAW Retirees Trust, read it carefully, it could be important. I am taking mine to Meijer to make sure I am participating in their pharmacy. $12 in 2016, $14 in 2017. Your flu, pneumonia, shingles or TAP immunizations. Remember, the pharmacy must participate in Express Scripts.
Condolences to the families of: Richard Gyger, who leaves his wife Dorothy; Jerry Raymond; John Rose; and Arthur Colark, who leaves his wife Thea.
Claude Harris at 96 made our luncheon. What a guy!
Happy birthday to: Claude Harris, Lois Dyer, Leo Gray, and Charlie Carr, who turns 70 in October.
Happy anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Carr. 49 years!
We have a new flag at the veterans memorial at Chapel Hill on Grand River. Stop and see it.
We will be getting a new bingo machine which will be easier to handle.
I’d like to thank all who came to my party. It was a good one. Love you all.
Walter Reuther, who was our UAW president from 1945 to 1970, said, “We happen to believe that the American labor movement is a movement dedicated to human service and its people. If people want to copy the ethics and morality of the marketplace, then these people should be kicked out of the American labor movement.”
Till we meet again, keep smiling.

May 2016

Hi out there, all you wonderful people. There’s lots happening for the retirees:
May 10-18 – Region 1D western train trip
May 11 – Luncheon
May 15 – birthday for Lois Schultz
On Sunday, May 15, my daughter Canda Anthony and friends and nephews are having an 89th birthday party for me at the American Legion Post 42 at 1000 W. Law-rence Ave, Charlotte, MI from noon until 6:00 p.m. Eat at 2:00 p.m. Doug Pringle will play again, for dancing, and it should be a good time. This was a surprise to me, but I hope to see lots of you there. We sent out lots of invitations and got some back. If you didn’t get one, you are invited anyway. Call my house at 517-543-1344. I can’t talk well on the phone because I lost my voice, but Canda will talk for me.
Dick and Barbara Kline will have a 40th anniversary party on June 5 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Windsor Estates, 6661 Canal Road at the clubhouse. RSVP by May 20 to 517-646-6831.
June 7 – Ted’s breakfast, 8:30 a.m. at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant on Business 27 in DeWitt Township. You can call Ted at 517-321-4754.
Maryann Sanders is giving a 90th birthday party for Gene on June 10 at 6:00 p.m. at Mount Hope Church. Call Maryann at 517-285-0921.
March birthdays were: Ted Gauss, Jerry Hunt, Noland Douglas. April birthdays: Mary Lou McHaney, Canda Anthony, Bill Anthony, Doris Williams, Lois Schultz, and Minnie Gills.
From Joe Sagy: If a doctor doesn’t accept Medicare, it won’t be approved and you pay. So make sure you check. Also, attorneys are not up and running yet.
Dan Ruby called to see how we all are. His wife is much better.
On our sick list: Gordie Bowerman is not doing good. Ben Allen is not walking and would like folks to see him on Facebook or whatever they do. Give it a try. Bless our sick.
Condolences to the families of: Ken Taylor, 89, a welder. Paul Foster, brother to Michie Foster Hunt. Gary Alan Hunt, son of Beveryly Hunt. Monty Whipple, a pipefitter. John (Thunder) Lewis, who worked in Personnel and played football for MSU. Jewells Stanford, 77. Terry Stranton, 73, leaves his wife Linda; he was a tinner. God bless all.
Till we meet again, keep smiling.

January 2016

Hi out there, all you wonderful people.
Condolences to the family of Dorothy Stevens. She will be missed. A wonderful person who was devoted to her 602 retirees and the UAW and what they stood for. Something we should all remember.
We received a thank-you from Dick and Millie Slocum. Jean Caudill sent us a Christmas card. She will see us when the weather is better.
The Region 1D travel committee will have a western train trip May 10-18 and a trip to Savannah, Georgia in October.
Local 1618 retirees will have a northern casino trip March 23-24. Call Connie Dunn on all travel questions, she will help you. Her number is 517-323-2146. We do have lots of fun on these trips.
Happy birthday in December: Sue Figle—missed her. Calvin Smith, Tom Sutton, Dick Gyer, Noland Douglas, Curtis Dunn. Don’t mean to forget anyone, but you do have to let me know. Bud Miller, Dick Torgerson, and Jan Miller.
Happy anniversary to Bud and Jan Miller—47 years of being with his one and only bride.
2016 proposed calendar of events
January 30-31 – Region 1D bowling tournament
February 10 – Valentine luncheon: soup, salad, dessert
March 1 – Ted’s breakfast, Guerrazzi’s restaurant, 8:30 a.m.
March 9 – St. Patrick’s luncheon
March 23-24 – Northern casino trip for retirees
April 13 – Easter luncheon
April 29 – LAFCU annual meeting at Royal Scot, 6:00 p.m.
May 10-18 – Region 1D western train trip
May 11 – Luncheon
June 7 – Ted’s breakfast, 8:30 a.m.
June 8 – Cook-out luncheon
July 13 – Luncheon and no-bake bake sale
September 14 – Luncheon
September 17 – Pancake breakfast
September 23 – Euchre tournament at Local 652
October 9-16 – Savannah, Georgia Region 1D trip
October 12 – Halloween luncheon
November 9 – Veterans memorial, Thanksgiving luncheon, holiday auction
December 14 – Christmas luncheon
So good to see Art Sharp and Nick Franko. Please return.
My phone number is 517-543-5385. Till we meet again, keep smiling.

December 2015

Hi out there, all you wonderful people.
As November 11 was Veterans Day, we met at Chapel Hill for the Veterans Memorial ceremony. Lots of our members took part in the ceremony, including Ted Gauss, as he is our chaplain. Also, Chairman Curtis Dunn, Dick Raffler and daughter Jill, Jerry Hunt, Tom Walker, and Marv Baker all read a part of history. Dale Harkins read and played Taps. Bob Harrington showed up also. Our retirees are so great.
The flagpole with the names of those who were in WWII can be seen from Airport Road. Chapel Hill folks did a great job restoring it a few years back. If you have time, stop and take a look. Plant 2, the old force, or Craft Center. It was home to all of us.
Condolences to the family of Richard Stroud. He worked at Plant2, then went to Plant 4.
Condolences to our family on the loss of John and Pam Smith, who died October 20 in Ocala, Florida as the result of a motorcycle crash.
We had breakfast at Guerazzi’s and 34 showed up. I was disappointed that more didn’t show. Remember Dale Perkins? When he read about us last year, he told me he was going to make it this year—and he did. Good to see him, all the way from Little Rock, Arkansas. Thanks for coming, Dale. He rode his motorcycle, how great!
As we get older, it seems we have problems. Chairman Dunn has heart problems, Bud Miller a back operation, Jan Miller knees, and Margaret Mathews also knee. Wayne Owens, heart problem, too. To all on our sick list, God bless.
We had our breakfast at Local 1753. Not many made it. Well, there is always next year.
In May, 2016 there will be a Region 1D western train tour. There will also be a Savannah bus trip, four nights, 10 meals. You do not have to be a union member to go. Call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.
We will have an overnight casino trip in March or April. You can Connie about that, too.
The Christmas luncheon will be on December 9. Come join us.
Joe Sagy says the $500 gift check [in the new contract] is a one-time deal for UAW retirees only.
Happy anniversary to Tom and Jan Walker, 54 years on November 11.
Happy October birthday to Jean Caudill and Judy Hunt. December birthdays: Hanna Fox, Diana Zelenka, Jessie Anthony, Mariann Anthony, Juan Mendez and Papa Mendez.
Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year. Till we meet again, keep smiling.

September 2015
Hi out there, all you wonderful people.
As you know by now, there is no more UAW-GM lawyers program. There is an Elder Care number at 800-372-3484. Write it down.
I hope you all made it to the picnic.
Big trips coming. Amtrak to Four Winds on September 10. Be there at 7:00 a.m., leave at 8:00 a.m.
October 4: New Orleans/Pigeon Forge.
October 23: Region 1D trip to New Orleans if you missed the first.
May 16, 2016: Region 1D western train tour. 50 people needed. If interested in this or other trips, call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.
I got invited to the 75th Girls State at MSU, as I was one of the first in 1940 when they started it. They couldn’t find any others who went. Dee Schraegle told Beryl Robbins, 2015 chairperson of the Michigan American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State, about me. When Dee was Girls State Chair in Grand Ledge, I told her that I went years ago, but to U of M. They were all anxious to meet me. When I got done with my speech, I got a standing ovation! One girl came up to me and said I want to be like you when I grow up. Thanks to all the ALA ladies who invited me, and to Dee, who picked me up and took me home. Life is good.
We have tickets on sale for the pancake breakfast and bake sale on September 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Local 1753 hall, 3204 W. St. Joseph St. There will be all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, hash browns, eggs, juice and coffee. Bring a friend. Price is $6 for adults, $3 for kids under 12. it takes lots of volunteers to make it happen.
Condolences to the families of Herm Derbin, 80; Max Gardener, 92; Arnie DeFeyter, 81; Bud Hall leaves his wife Ann. He was an electrician at the shop. Macfissa Franke at 68, wife of Franko. Harry Henderson passed away at age 90 in his home. We will miss Harry. Frieda Docter at 93.
On our sick list or getting better: Ted Gauss, Noland Douglas, Hanna Fox, Jan Miller, Bud Miller, Bruce Soule, and Jim Van Dorpe’s wife.
Happy anniversary to Joe and Diana Sagy, 5 years; Noland and Ardie Douglas, 63 years; Dick and Sue Torgeson, 54 years; Jerry and Judy Hunt, 60 years.
Ted Gauss’ breakfast will be on October 20 at 8:30 a.m. at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15643 Old U.S. 27, DeWitt Township. Ted’s phone is 517-321-4754.
Calendar
September 9 – lunch: pizza, salad, dessert
September 19 – pancake breakfast and bake sale
October 14 – Halloween lunch: meatballs
October ? – Region 1D trip
November 11 – veterans’ memorial and Thanksgiving lunch
December 9 – Christmas lunch
I hope I spelled things right. If not, our next issue will be in December. I like to hear from you, this is how I get the news. My phone is 517-543-5385.
Till we meet again, keep smiling.

May 2015

Hi out there, all you wonderful people.
Ted’s breakfast will be at 8:30 a.m. on June 2 at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant on Business 27 in DeWitt Township.
Condolences to the family of James Noland. He was going on 74 years. Memorial at Harrison, Michigan at 2:00 pm. On June 13. Dinner to follow. He leaves his wife Betty. She said God bless the Union. How great!
Condolences to the family of Basil (Andy) Anderson. He worked in the foundry.
Condolences to the family of Everett O. Barlond. Born March 3, 1943,, passed on February 19, 2015. He was a good friend to all.
On our sick list: Bud Hall is in Eaton County Facility on Sunshine Lane, Room 204; Bud Miller has a bad back; Jerry Hunt fell; and Betty Groh. Please take care and get better soon.
Happy birthdays to Dick Torgerson, Jerry Hunt, Ardie Douglas. April: Canda Anthony, Connie Dunn. May: Doris Williams, Lois Schultz, Bill Anthony; June: Tim DeCorte and Jack Calahan.
Happy anniversary to Ted and Connie Gauss, and Dick and Barb Kline.
May 13 – luncheon
May 15 – luncheon at World Buffet
June 2 – Ted’s breakfast, 8:30
June 10 – cook-out luncheon
July 19-20, Region 1D golf outing in Flint
July 8 – no-bake bake sale and luncheon
September 9 – luncheon, pizzas
Region 1D will have two trips in October, one to New Orleans and one to Pigeon Forge. And a big train  trip in May of 2016 (so you’ll have time to save up). They need 50 people on that one. Call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.
She will be glad to help and to hear form you.
Proposal 1, the tax to repair road, but you should really think about it. 40%? Right. Where will the money go?
My sister-in-law Johanna Fulton Schafer passed away at the age of 81. She was very dear to me. They are having a memorial on June 28. It will be in lots of the papers, her son Steve told me.
What a winter it was for me; couldn’t leave the house for days. It does look better, the grass is green. Life is good anyway.
Till we meet again, keep smiling. My phone is 517-543-5385.

January 2015

Hi out there, all you wonderful people.
Please put on your calendars: TED’S BREAKFAST at 8:30 a.m. on MARCH 3 at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15643 Old U.S. 27, Lansing, MI 48906. [Iin DeWitt Township, a bit north of State Road.] There will also be a breakfast June 2, same time and place.
Remember our monthly meeting on the second Wednesday of the month. Bring a dish to pass, we eat at noon.
Our sick list includes many with the bad flu.
Curtis Dunn is back after a quick recovery. He went to the hospital twice in one day and ended up with a triple bypass. He’s doing great.
Jerry Hunt fell and is in rehab, will be there a spell. Ted Gauss fell in Florida. Jerry and Shirley Raymond are back home. Larry Smith is on the mend.
John Dennison had mini strokes but is better. He also broke his heel and has a plate. Bud Miller’s back has given him lots of trouble.
Thanks to Barbara Kline for taking place while on the cruise. It was a great trip; me and my three-wheeler got all over the ship. I gave Jeannie and Juan Mendez away. She was a beautiful bride. We all had a part in the wedding. St. Thomas and St. Martin were awesome. My daughter Mariann Anthony went as my buddy. There were eighteen in our group. We danced, laughed, and ate lots of food. Good times!
The Cape Cod trip was a big success with eight buses. Great job by Connie Dunn! They are working on a new big trip in October. Connie also has a casino trip March 24-25 to Mount Pleasant, Petoskey, Traverse City, staying at Holiday Inn Express, includes breakfast and shuttle service. Call Connie to get your name on the list at 517-323-2146.
We received a thank-you from the Old Newsboys for our donation.
Happy birthday to: Curtis Dunn, Bud Miller, Marvin Baker, Jim Anthony, Juan Mendez, Richard Zelenka, Jan Miller, Papa Mendez, and Calvin Smith.
Happy anniversary to: Richard and Dianna Zelenka, 51 years in February; Bud and Jan Miller, 46 years; and Papa and Mama Mendez, 50 years.
Condolences to the family of Arlie Caudill. He leaves his wife Jean and daughter Juanita, and two grandchildren, Hunter and Paige. He will be missed.
2015 proposed calendar
February 11 – Valentine lunch, soup
March 3 – Ted’s breakfast, 8:30, Guerrazzi’s
March 11 – St. Patrick’s lunch
March 24-25 – northern casino trip
April 8 – Easter lunch
April 17 – euchre tournament, 8:00 a.m., Local 602
April 24 – LAFCU reception, Royal Scot
May 13 – lunch
May 15 – lunch at World Buffet
June 2 – Ted’s breakfast, 8:30
More on this in the May issue!
Thanks to all who make this a great Local 1618 retirees chapter. We need every one of us working together.
Have a great 2015! Till we meet again, keep smiling. My phone is 517-543-5385.

December 2014

Hi out there, all you wonderful people.
I was really disappointed in the election, because so many people did not vote. So save your money, we will need it.
Ted Gauss’ breakfast will be on December 9 at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant on Business 27 in DeWitt Township. I will be out of town on a cruise, so Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you in 2015!
Remember, we are now Region 1D, a good thing, I hope.
A gambling trip has been proposed for March, with no specific date yet. Get hold of Connie Dunn, if interested, at 517-323-2146.
The new flag at the veterans’ memorial is flying high. Go down Airport Road and take a look. You’ll love it too.
Don’t forget clothing and food for the food bank. People out there need this.
Our charitable contributions are: Hospice House, St. Lawrence, the City Mission, the Food Bank, VFW Honor Guard, Children’s Backpacks, nursing homes, and breast cancer. Thank you to Jean Caudill for all the hats and mittens she knitted.
On our sick list
Curtis Dunn had a three-way bypass and seems to be doing better.
As of this writing, Noland Douglas was in Sparrow; Brent Newman was in Ann Arbor in intensive care.
Condolences to the families of: Gary Sunkin, 79; Tony Koskoski, 79; Duane Smith, 62; and Fred Grumday, who worked with Dale Trierweiler.
Bud Hall is in foster care in New Haven, 230 Hocha Ct, Dimondale, MI 48821.
Happy birthday to: Harry Henderson, 90; Bill Hagan, the big 100; Roy Pammer, also 100; Sue Torgason; Tom Walker; Dick Kline; Judy Hunt’ Barb Harkins’ Barb Kline; Tom Sutton, 90; Hanna Fox;Celia Anthony; Jessica Antony; Dianna Zelenka; Mariann Anthony; and James Anthony.
Happy anniversary to: Jan and Tom Walker, who were married 53 years on November 11; and to Dick and Sue Torgason, 49 years.
Let’s hope all will be better next year, and that the winter will be better than last. It sure has come early. Till we meet again, keep smiling. My phone is 517-543-5385. Call me with news.

September 2014
Hi out there, all you wonderful people.

Remember Don Wade, aka  “Red?” He gave me a call and said hi to all of you out there. He wanted to know if I had all my ducks in a row because we’re all getting up there. This is true. But life is good.
Lois Dyer gave me this prayer which I really enjoyed:
Lord, thank You for another day,
Within this life of mine
Give me the strength to live it well,
Whatever I may find
Bestow from Your abundance,
Whatever I may lack
To use the hours wisely,
For I cannot have them back
Lord thank you for another day,
In which to make amends
For little slights or petty words,
Inflicted on my friends
For sometimes losing patience,
With problems that I find,
For seeing faults in other lives,
But not the ones in mine
 Lord thank You for another chance,
In which to try to be
A little more deserving
Of the gifts You’ve given me
 For yesterday is over,
And tomorrow’s far away,
And I remain committed,
To the good I do today!
by Grace E. Easley
This just about said it all and hopefully I can live up to it.
Happy birthday: Lois Dyer and Leo Gray.
Happy anniversary: Dick and Dorothy Gyger, 36 years.
The final payment  for the Cape Cod trip is due. Buses going from Lansing and Flint had 334 signed up at last count. Contact Connie Dunn about this at 517-323-2146. Also call her if you have ideas for other trips.
The regional retirees’ luncheon was a great one, with about 220 in attendance. You know, we do have a few rules about this: no children, and only UAW retirees and their mate. Let us know how you felt about this luncheon. I really liked it myself.
On September 20 we will have our pancake breakfast and bake sale. We need workers, baked goods, and craft items. We sell cookies by the bakers dozen, cupcakes, breads, candy, pies, or whatever you care to make. Candy the Clown will be there to call people in. It sounds like fun, and the food is downright good.
Condolences to the family of Jerry Sunkin on the loss of his wife Karen at age 72. Condolences to the family of Jim Glenn, 88 years old. Condolences to the family of Ivan Wooder, 88 years old.
Ron Haag plays cards  with a 100-year-old man who used to run the No. 1 upsetter at the GM plant. I bet he knew the history and the one and only Bill Hagan.
I will vote for Mark Schauer for Governor. All Mark’s life he has been Michigan tough. His dad was a teacher, his mom a nurse. By pumping gas and flipping burgers he worked his way through Albion College. In Congress Mark worked to pass tougher buy-American laws and to rescue Michigan’s auto industry. Mark says we need an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected.
Till we meet again, keep smiling. My phone is 517-543-5385.

May 2014
Hi our there, all you wonderful people. What a day! Blue skies, white clouds—can’t ask for anything else. And me on the deck enjoying it all, that’s the best part, after last summer. I sure appreciate my home. You’re welcome to come out and join me. Most don’t want to leave, that’s what’s so special. Here come the pontoons!
Election of officers: Our one contested office is vice chair, with Ted Gauss and Hanna Fox running. No one is running against Chairman Curtis Dunn, Treasurer Jerry Hunt, Recording Secretary Lois Schultz, Sergeant-at-Arms Doris Williams, Trustees Leo Gray, Dick Torguson, Dick Raffler, and Chaplain Ted Gauss. Best to all of us.
Greg Brunett from Local 602 retirees was voted in for Sergeant-at-Arms for the Region 1C retirees.
I am now back with the area council and Region 1C area wide retirees. The area-wide picnic this year will be at noon on August 12 at Royal Scot on Grand River. This is an indoor, sitdown “picnic.” You do not have to bring a dish to pass! Sign in at the door. See you there!
On the sick list: Dorothy Stevens, the Local 602 Retirees Chair; and Jerry Raymond, who is bedridden. Get well soon to all who are sick and on the mend.
Good to see at the potluck and meeting: Jean and Arlie Caudell from down south, Claude Harris, Jim Seidelman. Everyone looks great.
I am headed for Black Lake May 27-30. This is a political meeting, as the upcoming election is important to the poor and working class. The Tea Party has really taken over the Republican Party, lots of money to be had.
After the UAW Convention in Detroit in June, Regions 1C and 1D will merge. I will keep you updated.
Happy anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Willie Hudson, 70 years together; and to Mr. and Mrs. Dick Kline, 38 years together.
Happy birthday to Claude Harris, 94; and Tim DeCorte.
The Region 1C trip to Cape Cod is up and ready. I understand they have three buses.
Connie Dunn needs suggestions on trips. If you get ideas, we could use them.
June 3 – Ted’s breakfast, same place and time
June 11 – cookout luncheon at noon
July 9 – No-bake bake sale and luncheon
August 12 – Region 1C area-wide retirees luncheon, noon, Royal Scot
September 10 – luncheon at noon
September 16 – Tigers game, if enough want to go
September 20 – pancake breakfast and bake sale. We need lots of cakes, cookies, breads or whatever. Bring it in, and stop and have breakfast.
October 8 – Halloween luncheon, dress up!
Budget bills moving through the state legislative process near the end of May include these contentious issues: Proposed closing of WJ Maxey Boys Training School, whose employees are represented by UAW Local 6000. MSU penalties for labor classes; schools still being shortchanged; a lower minimum wage bill; many more.
I know I need the UAW and the union is very important to me. I am middle class and they have been good to me in raising my children. So thank you to the UAW, the best union around.
Remember, people, a day at the lake is priceless. Have a safe summer. Till we meet again, keep smiling.
My address is 3009 Luella Ln, Springport, MI 49284. My phone is 517-543-5385.

April 2014
Here is our events calendar. Please put this on your calendar or where you will be sure to find it. We do have fun!
June 3 – Ted’s breakfast, same place and time
June 11 – cookout luncheon at noon
July 9 – No-bake bake sale and luncheon
August 12 – Region 1C area-wide retirees luncheon, noon, Royal Scot
September 10 – luncheon at noon
September 16 – Tigers game, if enough want to go
September 20 – pancake breakfast and bake sale. We need lots of cakes, cookies, breads or whatever. Bring it in, and stop and have breakfast.
October 8 – Halloween luncheon, dress up!
October 12 – Region 1C Cape Cod casino trip
October 21 – Irish Hills to take place of the fall color tour
November 12 – veterans memorial, Thanksgiving dinner, and holiday auction
December 10 – Christmas luncheon at noon
Call Connie Dunn on trips.
Happy anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump, and Andy and Betty Hudson on 62 golden years.
Happy birthday to Ray Promer (100 years young!)—Andy Hudson, Jim Shower, Glenn Smith spent the day with him. Also to Dick Slocum, 88; Dick Raffler, 84, Dan Ruby, 77. In May: Lois Schultz and Doris Williams.
Michigan House Bill 4643 would allow employers to obtain an automatic injunction form circuit court against picketing activity without first having to prove irreparable harm, as is currently the case. In other words, the bill would seek to financially intimidate workers from expressing their constitutional right to protest unfair working conditions. Individual picketers could be fined $1,000 a day. Call or write your state representative now to tell them to oppose HB 4643. The Republicans can’t leave well enough alone.
The Mission needs lots of stuff: cereal, fresh fruit, jelly, jam, body wash, shaving cream, size 4 diapers, new pillows, sheet sets (twin and long), copy paper.
It seems to me that the people in office just want to mess the working class and take all our rights away from us. Every time you think things are fine, they come up with something else. What do you think? The union has been good to me. 
Till we meet again, keep smiling.
March 2014
We had a breakfast on March 4. I called all that I have on my list; if I don’t have your cell or home number, I can’t get hold of you. I know lots of you like the breakfast, so call me so I can keep in touch: 517-543-5385.

Connie Dunn is on the Region 1-C Travel Committee, which will have a trip to Cape Cod in October. They’re also thinking of a trip to New Orleans. Call Connie if interested at 517-323-2146.
Calendar
April 9 – Easter luncheon
April 25 – LAFCU annual meeting at 6:00 p.m. at Royal Scot.
April 30 – euchre tournament at Local 602 hall
May 14 – luncheon
June 3 – Ted’s breakfast, same place and time
June 11 – cookout luncheon
July 9 – No-bake bake sale
August 11 – area retirees’ picnic
September 10 – luncheon
September 16 – Tigers game
September 20 – pancake breakfast and bake sale
Nomination of our officers will be on April 9, and the election on May 14.
The hearing aid benefit increased $1,500—2,000.
Joe Sagy comes to all our meetings,  if you want to see him. His phone number is 517-372-7201.
Condolences to the families of: James Gleason, 65; Max House, 70; Geraldine Hodge, 92, grandmother of Ron Hodge and mother-in-law of Charlie Carr.
Happy 50th anniversary to Richard and Dianna Zelenka.
Birthdays: March: Ted Gauss, Jerry Hunt, and Sue Figle. February: Richard Zelenka, Connie Gauss, Dick Torgeson, Joe Sagy, Dianna Sagy, and Juan Mendez. April: Connie Dunn, Jill Raffler, Canda Anthony, Debbie Snell, Minnie Gill. May: Doris Williams, Bill Anthony, and me, Lois Schultz.
Charlie Carr had surgery in December on his neck.

February 2014
Hi out there all you wonderful people.
Ted Gauss’ Breakfast will be on Tuesday, March 4 at 9:00 a.m. at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, on old 27 in DeWitt Township. Call Ted for information at 517-321-4754.
Election for officers: get your name in if interested in running.
Of course, you have heard that the Governor is running again. You’ve seen these ads about the Governor and new jobs. Then why do we have so many without? Homeless, living in streets, in cars, can’t pay bills. Hard times. Mark Schauer is for the working class like you and me.
I can’t believe that they called me for jury duty at age 86. I told them what’s the matter with me, but haven’t heard back yet.
Yes, we have a surplus—on the backs of us retirees. The people with the most don't have to worry. We sure have our work cut out for us.
On our sick list
Bev Hunt has been in the hospital, and is home now.
Charlie Carr had a bad time of it, but is doing better.
While in Florida, Ted Gauss fell and broke his kneecap. He’ll be home soon.
I’m using a walker now.
Condolences to the family of Max House, age 70. He was an electrician.
Associate dues are due in January. See Jerry Hunt. Those that haven’t paid have to pay full price for our outings. We work hard for extra money for outings and charities.
We’re working on trips for 2014. If you have ideas, call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146. Come join the fun.
Happy anniversary to Richard and Dianna Zelenka on their 50th. Best always to my dear friends.
Happy birthday to Ted Gauss, Jerry Hunt, Canda Anthony, Jimmy Anthony, Connie Gauss, Linda Burns, Sue Figle (sorry, Sue), and Jill Raffler.
Don’t forget our meetings on the second Wednesday of the month—March 12 and April 9.
LAFCU’s annual meeting is on April 25 at Royal Scot.
The Region1C euchre tournament for Lansing area retirees will be on April 30 at Local 602, starting at 9:00 a.m. Arrive at 8:45. You do not need a partner to play.
Any 1618 retirees who have not been to Black Lake, see Chairman Dunn for information. Get on the list, this is educational and you’ll remember it always.
Lois Dyer is proud to have a new great-granddaughter named Nora—a pretty name for a pretty little girl.
Travel
Local 1618 retirees northern casino trip will be March 24-25. Call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146. This is a quickie.
There will be a Region 1C trip to Cape Cod October 5-11.
Till we meet again, keep smiling.

January 2013

Hi out there, all you wonderful people! What about this winter?! We got 22 inches at Narrow Lake. Cold? Yes, it’s cold all right! We haven’t had a winter like this in forever. Michigan, what can I say? Though it’s cold down south, too.
I canceled my appointments, as it’s too cold to go out for this old gal.
On February 12 we will have our soup luncheon. That’s the second Wednesday of the month.
Associate dues are due now. If no associate dues are paid, they have to pay regular price on the trips and things we go on. This is only fair, as we all work hard to keep our retirees afloat.
People who’ve recently had or will have birthdays: Richard Zelenka, Connie Gauss, Dick Torguson, Joe Sagy, Dianna Sagy, Margret Mathews, Ted Gauss (March), Jerry Hunt.
Anniversary: 50 years for Richard and Diann Zelenka.
Don’t forget our meetings. We would like to see more of you. I am so happy to be home. I do have to be careful not to fall.
Till we meet again, keep smiling!

December 2013

Hi out there, all you wonderful people! It’s been a while, but I am back. Also, the column is online at the Labor News website when it isn’t mailed. [lansinglabornews.org]
Condolences to the family of Robert Arntz. He was Local 1618 President at one time.
Condolences to the family of Anthony (Tony) Gauss, son of Ted and Connie Gauss. He was 50 years old, and a wonderful man.
Condolences to the family of James R. (J.R.) Riggle. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He worked at GM for 38 years and was a pipefitter.
At our Halloween lunch Lois Dyer was the only one dressed up—as the Trashy, Tacky Old Lady. First place, Lois!
Glenn Crain from the Medical Benefit Trust talked. I hope he helped folks understand it better. It started in 2007 independent of autoworkers’ settlement agreement.
We have bags with 1618 on for people to take home and bring back the next month filled with food. Then someone else can take it home.
Our trip on the Michigan Princess went well, but might be the last, as we only had 17 people.
The Tigers game was a very good time. We will have another one for
sure.
The pancake breakfast was great. The bake sale will be back, as people asked for it. We would like to sell tickets beforehand, so give us a heads-up. Or call Ted Gauss at 517-321-4754.
Happy birthday to Noland Douglas, Tom Walker, Dick Kline, Barb Kline, Harry Henderson (89), Sue Torguson, Bruce Anthony, Hanna Fox, Diana Zalinka, Mariann Anthony, Jessica
Anthony, Jim Anthony, Michael
Tousley, Dan Schultz, Linda Burns, Tom Suton.
When they say Medicare and BC/BS won’t work, thank the Lord for it. The money it would have cost me was unreal. I know they take out of our Social Security every month, but still, think about it.
Hopefully Connie Dunn is working on some trips. She needs ideas, so help her out, 517-323-2146.
We could use more retirees to check in at the Local 1753 hall on the second Wednesday of the month and join us. We do have lots of fun!
Mark Schauer dropped in on November 13 to let us know he running for Governor. He had a wonderful turkey lunch. Stop in anytime, Mark.
The veterans’ memorial went well, but cold. John Taschner and roland Gaytan brought flyers. They have a Veterans Special. Check it out.
Jean and Arlie Caudill made it up with hats and mittens for the Mission. So good to see them!
Associate dues next month ($24).
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May we all have a wonderful year. God bless each and every one.
Till we meet again, keep smiling.

October 2013

Hi out there all you wonderful people!
Yay, I am home and it feels wonderful! I have 24-hour care and most of the time am in a wheelchair, as I can put no weight on my right leg.
The next time someone says Democrats spend too much tell them this:
Debt increase by presidents (based on figures from the Congressional Budget Office):
Reagan – 189%
Bush I – 55%
Clinton – 37%
Bush II – 86%
Obama – 35%
On November 13 we will have the veterans memorial service at Chapel Hill at 10:00 a.m. After it we will have the Thanksgiving lunch and 25-cent auction.
We have seven charities we give to at Christmas time: veterans, honor guards, food bank, nursing home, rescue mission, VFW Home, backpacks.
Remember, we also give food and clothes to the mission.
Our breakfast this year was okay, but not as good as usual. So they voted to put the bake sale back in, as people were upset there wasn’t any. So if I can stay well, we will have it next year.
There will be a trip on the Michigan Princess, but it will be the last because we didn’t have many wanting to go.
Happy birthday to Barb Kline, Harry Henderson (89), and Sue Torguson.
Condolences to the family of Robert Arntz, who was our Local 1618 President when we had a hall on Lansing Road.
Till we meet again, keep smiling.

September 2013
Hi out there, all you wonderful people. Things are looking up—home in 14 days as of today. Where did the summer go? I missed it all, when you think about it. The nurses and aides and all take good care of me.
Thursday evening they have folks in that play all kinds of music. They are good and it makes a nice evening.
Time to go to therapy soon. I only toe touch or hope, no body weight on the foot.
Things to remember:
October 9, meeting and potluck. Eat at noon. Halloween we do dress up.
The Tigers won, which was good. A lot of people there.
October 20 to 26, the trip to Branson. Lots to do that week, should be lots of fun. Call Connie Dunn on trips or if you have an idea: 517-323-2146.
I can’t believe I miss the retirees so much. Let me know how you are and who is and who isn’t.
Home for me: October 2.
Before the luncheon at 11:00 a.m., Colleen Allen from the trust will be at the hall. Should be interesting.
Happy birthday to: Tom Walker, October 19; Dick Kline, October 29. Best to you.
Jack and Lois Calahn have their anniversary in November.
How about Assina DeCorte. Had been in the hospital and is doing much better.
Remember, folks, we have lots happening with the retirees and would like to see you!
Life is good when you’re having fun. So keep smiling, till we meet again.
Call me at 517-543-5385 or text me at 517-282-2292. Or write me at 3009 Luella Ln, Springport, MI 49284.Luella Ln, Springport, MI 49284

Summer 2013

Hello out there all you wonderful people! Well, here I am again, back where I was eight weeks ago. Back at the Healing and Recovery Center.
I put my back out on the 16th of June by just bending over. They had to fill my L4 lumbar with cement, then four weeks of therapy. Went home on the 2nd of August. Then back in ER at Sparrow on the 3rd of August. So back getting therapy again.
I hope I can get a lot stronger, but when a person’s bones are soft and don’t want to work for you, what can you do? I have two plates, 4x5 inches, and six screws in my right knee. (On top of everything, I lost my voice!)
I wasn’t at the picnic on August 12, and the really sad thing is I won’t be at the Tigers game. But go, Tigers, go!
Things to Remember
September 11 – retirees meeting and luncheon
Sept. 17 – Tigers game
Sept. 21 – Pancake breakfast and bake sale. We need lots of volunteers for this one. This is how we make a little extra money so we can do things.
October 20-26 – the trip to Bronson, if you have already signed up.
Best wishes to Judy and Jerry Hunt on the birth of their grandson, 10 lbs 8 oz! The proud dad and mom are Jeff and Renee.
Happy anniversary: Jerry and Judy Hunt, 58 years; Ted and Connie Gauss, 50 years; Dick and Dorothy Gygar, 35 years.
Happy birthday: Anessa DeCorte, Leo Gray, Lois Dyer, Claude Harris, and Bud Miller.
The Mission is in need of food, clothing, and bedding. Judy Hunt sees that donations are taken to the Mission.
If you need to get hold of Chairman Curtis Dunn, call (517) 323-2146.
I have made lots of friends here at the rehab center. They are wonderful people and have taken very good care of me. It’s all good (except the food, which is hospital food).
Til we meet again, keep smiling. My address is: Lois Schultz, 3009 Luella Ln, Springport, MI 49284

May 2013
Hello out there all you wonderful people!

Number one on our list is Ted Gauss’ breakfast, held at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15643 South US 27, Lansing Township, 48906. It starts at 9:00 a.m. on June 4. Call Ted at (517) 321-4754.
Proposed calendar of events
May 8 – Euchre tournament at Local 602
May 8 – Retirees luncheon
May 10 – Lunch at Old World Buffet, 11:30 a.m.
June 4 – Ted’s breakfast at Guerrazzi’s
June 13 – Cook-out luncheon
July 10 – Luncheon with “no-bake bake sale”
August 12 – Area-wide retirees picnic at Hawk Island County Park, noon
September 11 – Luncheon
September 17 – Tigers night game
September 21 – Pancake breakfast and bake sale
October 9 – Halloween luncheon
October 15 – Michigan Princess color tour
November 13 – Veterans’ memorial and Thanksgiving luncheon with holiday auction
December 11 – Christmas luncheon
Please mark your calendars and join us. You’ll be happy you did.
Call Connie Dunn about our trips at (517) 323-2146.
On our sick list: Jerry Rayman; Gary Sunken and wife are working at getting better.
To the families of James Greer, Critt Lowery, Rick Rendon, Norma Hunt (84), Joe Finkbeiner, and Jack Whitney (79), Jenny Henderson (84), Bruce Jameson.: you’re all in our prayers.
Michigan Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-Taylor) has introduced SB 95 and 96, two bills that would repeal Right-to-Work for private and public workers respectively. The Right-to-Work bills were rammed through the legislature during last year’s lame duck session without public hearings, while thousands of union activists were locked out of the State Capitol. The bill went into effect on March 27, but will not affect existing contracts until they expire.
Happy birthday to Ardie Douglas, Ted Gauss, Jerry Hunt, Dick Torguson, Jill Raffler. In April. Canda Anthony, Dick Slocum, Connie Dunn. May. Jack Calahan, Doris William, Betty Varney, and Lois Schultz.
Joe Sagy is a precinct delegate in DeWitt.
Anniversary: Roy and Helen Spencer, 70 years.
Hoping things will be looking up, but you wonder with people thinking older people are rich. Ha ha. We have all worked hard to make a better place to live in our golden years. So the Governor and Republicans can take it. But as retirees, we will make it, we always do. When you’ve lived this long, it’s “been there, done that.” We fight to the end.
Till we meet again, keep smiling. My address is: Lois Schultz, 3009 Luella Ln, Springport, MI 49284. My phone is 517-543-5385.

March 2013

Hello out there all you wonderful people!

Well, you know what they say: beware of what you wish for, hoping the gas will go down. Like I don’t think so, with them wanting to put more tax on gas. How much more can they take away from the older folks and middle class and young? It doesn’t seem right to me. The people that make the laws don’t have to worry, they get their paycheck.

The retirees are holding their own. We do a lot and have lots of fun.

White Shirt Day had a packed house. A man from Local 602 won the car. He was from Tennessee but went back.

Condolences to Jenny Henderson’s family. She will be missed by all the retirees and her husband Harry, who was a painter in the shop. Jenny was 84 years young.

Condolences: Bruce Jameson; Crit Lawey, 62, had 38 years; James Greer; Rich Rendon; and John Whitney.

On our sick list: Jerry Raymond and Lois Dyer—both have been in the hospital.

Happy birthday to: Ardie Douglas, Ted Gauss, Jerry Hunt, Dick Torguson, and Jill Raffler.

Now on March 5 (Tuesday), Ted’s breakfast will be at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15643 South US 27, Lansing Township, MI 48906. It starts at 9:00 a.m.

Our new calendar will be out next month. I always put mine on the refrigerator so I know what’s up.

I have to give our retirees lots of thanks that still care about our people. They come the second Wednesday of the month. The food is the best. So come join us. If you are an associate member, you can join the retirees.

As a retiree, if you’d like to go to Black Lake, let Chairman Dunn know. This is usually the end of May. That’s IF you haven’t already gone as a retiree. Curtis Dunn’s phone number is 517-323-2146.

We still have room on the casino trip March 26 & 27. Call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.

To all on our sick list, God bless. If I missed someone, let me know and I will get it next time.

Till we meet again, keep smiling.

January 2013

Hello out there all you wonderful people! Mark your calendars for March 5 and June 4. These are the dates for Ted Gauss’s breakfast at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant. The address is 15643 South US 27,  Lansing Township, MI 48906 and the gathering starts at 9:00 a.m. Ted’s number is 517-321-4754.
There’s lots going on for us. The yearly calendar will be out next month. We have a casino trip March 26-27, an overnighter that hits Petoskey, Traverse City, Turtle Creek, and Little River. With a first stop in Mount Pleasant. Call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.
On our sick list
Dick Slocum with a hip replacement
Lois Dyer fell and broke her hip.
Don Marrow under the weather
Fred Kohagen having tests
Gordie Browerman’s wife having tests
Get well soon, everybody!
Condolences to the families of: Douglas Duffy; Kenneth Warner, 90, leaves his wife Lois; Robert (Red) Varney, 80, leaves his wife Betty.
Birthdays: Lois Calahan, November 24. Happy belated! Calvin Smith, age 80 on January 5. Bud Miller, the big 65. Curtis Dunn, holding. Happy birthday to all!
Happy anniversary to Ted and Connie Gauss.
White Shirt Day is February 11 at the Local 599 Hall in Flint. Wear a white shirt in honor of  the sit-downers.
As you well know, the “right-to-work” got  railroaded in. Like I’ve said before, you ain’t  seen nothing yet. You may have a good job today, but how sad to have to live with not knowing what tomorrow will bring. Right to work for less and less and less.
Are you supporting the Republican Party’s Super PACs and don’t even know it? Have you heard of the Koch brothers? Koch Industries products include: Angel Soft toilet paper, Brawny paper towels, Dixie plates, bowls, napkins & cups, Mardi Gras napkins and towels, Quilted Northern toilet paper, Soft ‘n Gentle toilet paper, Sparkle napkins, Vanity fair napkins, Zee napkins
Georgia-Pacific paper products & envelopes, All Georgia-Pacific lumber & building products, (INVISTA Products), Lycra, Stainmaster Carpet
Let’s just hope this will be a better year  for us all. It sure didn’t start out that way …
You can call me at 517-543-5385. I like hearing from you folks.

December 2012

Hello out there all you wonderful people! Soon we’ll have a New Year—hoping 2013 will be better. We didreelect President Obama, but we could have done better. I hope they’ll take heed and work for the middle class.

On our sick list: Lois Dyer, Ken Warner, Jenny Henderson, Curtis Dunn, and Joe Sagy.
On November 14 we had the veterans memorial at Chapel Hill on Grand River. You can see the monument from Airport Road. This is the one that was at the plant with names of World War II vets. Afterward we went to the 1753 hall for our turkey lunch. Dick Kline and Ted Gauss fixed the birds and Chairman Dunn the ham. Others brought the trimmings and more good stuff. We invited John Tashner and Bruce Large from Chapel Hill to join us for turkey. It was a nice day!
On December 12 we will have our Christmas luncheon at the 1753 hall.
Betty and Red Varney have moved to a condo.
On March 26-26 there will be an overnight trip. Stay at the Holiday Express, visit Petoskey, Traverse City, Turtle Creek, and Little River. We need 44 people. Call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146. All are welcome.
We donate to five charities and we vote on someone who has a special one. The one drawn was the VFW National Home. The five are: the backpack program, a nursing home, the food bank, the mission, and Giving Tree Farm.
Happy birthday to Judy Hunt, Janet Walker, Sue Torguson, Connie Gauss, Barb Kline (on Thanksgiving), Tom Sutton, Noland Douglas, Hanna Fox, and Dianna Zelinka. Also, Jessica Anthony and Celia Anthony.
I went to the CAP Conference. There were lots of good speeches by people who care about the middle class. But why must folks in Congress be so nasty? Maybe they need an attitude adjustment.
Happy anniversary to Tom and Janet Walker on 51 years.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. To our snow birds, drive safe and see you in the spring.
Till we meet again, keep smiling. My address is 3009 Luella Ln, Springport, MI 49284. My phone is 517-543-5385.

October 2012

Hello out there all you wonderful people!
Someone vandalized my central air conditioning during the hottest days of summer. Too bad people think they can get away with things. I’ll find out, I always do.
Ted Gauss’ breakfast is on Wednesday, November 7 at 9:00 a.m. at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15643 Old U.S. 27, Lansing Charter Township, MI 48906. Ted’s phone number is 517-321-4754.
Coming Events
Oct. 10 – Halloween luncheon. Dress up!
Oct. 15 – Michigan Princess color tour in Grand Ledge.
(For trips, call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.)
Nov. 7 – Ted Gauss’ breakfast, a Wednesday.
Nov. 14 – Veterans Memorial at Chapel Hill on Grand River. This is the flagpole and monument that was at the plant. This is our fourth year. Be there at 10:00 a.m. Then on to the Local 1753 Hall on St. Joe for the turkey lunch. A holiday auction will follow, so bring quarters. Happy Thanksgiving!
On our sick list: Lois Dyer is in Ingham Hospital. Jerry Lawrence is at the St. Lawrence campus. Chairman Dunn was in the hospital, but is home now. Doug Kosloski hurt his shoulder.
Condolences to the family of John D. Raymond Caudill, age 67. The brother of Arlie Caudill.
Birthdays: Claud Harris, 92; Leo Gray, Lois Dyer, Al Williams, Annsia DeCorte, and Dick Kline.
Anniversaries: Mr. and Mrs. Noland Douglas, 60 years; Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Hunt, 57 years; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gyer; 34 years; Mr. and Mrs. Ted Gauss, 49 years; Mr. and Mrs. Tim DeCorti, 20 years; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Torguson, 47 years.
Now about the election: More than one million seniors and people with disabilities save $687 million on prescription drugs in the doughnut hole—the gap between tradition and catastrophic coverage in the Part D benefit. The health care law does work. The American Action Forum, a conservative think tank, needs to regroup.
47 years of  Medicare, we should be proud to be union members. We need to get the vote out, it’s the only way we can make it. If we listen to what the Republicans say, untruth in papers and on TV. Do you want to be the last generation to retire?
We would like to see all our families, now or later, to have a union. If we don’t wake up in time, we’ll all be living together to make it.
Romney is the wrong guy, he is a millionaire and wants more. He can’t even get along with England.
Many of you didn’t vote in 2010, and look what happened. I for one like President Obama. He took on a mess from President Bush.
You talk about taking away the American Dream. What did Bush do but start two wars?
Romney has attacked Social Security. For years Social Security has existed, many have tried to eliminate the program. Not because it’s a so-called Ponzi scheme, which it isn’t, but because employers don’t want to pay into the fund through payroll tax. From Barry Goldwater till now, there have been many schemes to kill this vital program, including: making it voluntary, letting it twist in the wind, phase it out, connect it to the stock market, and more.
One of the leaders is Willard “Mitt” Romney, one of the “Wall Street Raiders,” who with Bain Capital specialized in buying companies, selling them and pocketing millions.
Romney and others who attack
Social Security care not at all about
current and future retirees. They want the billions of dollars they will capture if the program ends.
This happened under Margaret Thatcher in England and virtually destroyed that nation’s pension programs. I don’t know about you, but I like my pension and Social Security every month. So remember VOTE, our livelihood depends on it.
I forgot Jack Calahan’s May 3 birthday. Their anniversary was Sept. 29. Best to both. They live in Evart.
Come join us at our potlucks and meetings, they’re great! Til we meet again, keep smiling. My address is 3009 Luella Ln, Springport, MI 49284. My phone is 517-543-5385.

August 2012

Hello out there all you wonderful people!

Ted Gauss’ breakfast time is 9:00 a.m. at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15643 Old U.S. 27, Lansing Charter Township, MI 48906. Dates: Tuesday, September 11; Wednesday, November 7. Ted’s phone number is 517-321-4754.

Coming Events

Sept. 12 – meeting and potluck

Sept. 22 – pancake breakfast and bake sale

Oct. 10 – Halloween luncheon. Dress up!

Oct. 15 – Michigan Princess color tour

Nov. 14 – Veterans Memorial. Thanks giving lunch after the memorial at Local 1753.

For trips, call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.

The Local 1618 retirees pancake breakfast and bake sale will be on Saturday, September 22 at the Local 1753 Hall, 3204 W. St. Joseph in Lansing. Serving from 9:00 a.m. till noon. All you eat pancakes, sausage, eggs, hash browns, toast, juice and coffee. Adults $5, kids 12 and under $3. Afghan door prize drawing (you do not have to be present to win). Pat Smith, chairperson, needs volunteers – call 517-614-4323.

I am heading the bake sale and I need baked goods. We both need help, so give us a call. My number is 517-543-5385. This helps our retiree chapter a lot, since we do not have active workers anymore. No plant!

I forgot Jack Calahan’s May birthday. Their anniversary is Sept. 29. 61 years!

Birthdays: Claude Harris, 92; Leo Gray, Lois Dyer, Al Williams, Annsia DeCorte.

Anniversaries: Mr. and Mrs. Noland Douglas, 60 years; Judy and Jerry Hunt, 57; Dick and Dorothy Gyer, 34; Mr. and Mrs. Ted Guass, 49; Mr. and Mrs. Tim DeCorte, 20.

Someone vandalized my central air conditioning during the hottest days of summer. Too bad people think they can get away with things. I’ll find out, I always do.

More than one million seniors and people with disabilities save $687 million on prescription drugs in the doughnut hole—the gap between tradition and catastrophic coverage in the Part D benefit. The health care law does work. The American Action Forum, a conservative think tank, needs to regroup.

47 years of  Medicare, we should be proud to be union members. We need to get the vote out, it’s the only way we can make it. If we listen to what the Republicans say, untruth in papers and on TV. Do you want to be the last generation to retire?

We would like to see all our families, now or later, to have a union. If we don’t wake up in time, we’ll all be living together to make it.

Romney is the wrong guy, he is a millionaire and wants more. He can’t even get along with England.

Many of you didn’t vote in 2010, and look what happened. I for one like President Obama. He took on a mess from President Bush.

You talk about taking away the American Dream. What did Bush do but start two wars?

Romney has attacked Social Security. For years Social Security has existed, many have tried to eliminate the program. Not because it’s a so-called Ponzi scheme, which it isn’t, but because employers don’t want to pay into the fund through payroll tax.

From Barry Goldwater till now, there have been many schemes to kill this vital program, including: making it voluntary, letting it twist in the wind, phase it out, connect it to the stock market, and more.

One of the leaders is Willard “Mitt” Romney, one of the “Wall Street Raiders,” who with Bain Capital specialized in buying companies, selling them and pocketing millions.

Romney and others who attack Social Security care not at all about current and future retirees. They want the billions of dollars they will capture if the program ends.

This happened under Margaret Thatcher in England and virtually destroyed that nation’s pension programs. I don’t know about you, but I like my pension and Social Security every month. So remember VOTE, our livelihood depends on it.

Ted Gauss was sworn in as vice chair at the last meeting.

Come join us at our meetings and make my day. If that’s what it takes at my age, so be it!

The Hawk Island picnic turned out good, with 256 folks in attendance. There were speakers from the Astera and LAFCU credit unions, as well as UAW Region 1-C rep Art Luna.

Till we meet again, keep smiling!

July 2012

Hi out there all you wonderful people. Lots has happened with graduations, weddings, fishing, and swimming. The water is great and so am I. I do have a garden, though it seems the weeds do better than anything else.

Remember the Region 1-C Retirees Picnic at Hawk Island Park on August 13. Bring a dish to pass and your own table service. Get there early. No dogs where we eat—this has always been a no-no.

The Union Difference

85% of union members have paid sick leave, compared to 64% of non-union workers. And that’s not all. Workers in unions have greater access to fair wages, retirement, and health insurance. The right to organize and bargain collectively ensures that working Americans get a fair shot at the American Dream. That’s the Union Difference.

This is July and we need rain bad. My ground is cracking. Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink. You know what I mean.

Lots of birthdays: Claud Harris, 92; Ken Varner, 90; Lois Dyer, Leo Gray.

June anniversaries: Dick and Millie Slocum, 65 years on June 1. Mr. and Mrs. Noland Douglas, 60 years. Ted and Connie Gauss, 49 years. Mr. and Mrs. Tim Decorti, 20 years.

Pat Smith is chair of the pancake breakfast and I am chair of the bake sale. We need lots of volunteers for September 22, so call me at 517-543-5385.

Associate member dues are $24 a year. See Jerry Hunt.

Thanks to all our volunteers; we couldn’t do it without you.

Visit www.gmretiree.com. Click register. Provide a little information about yourself. Create a password to complete. Stay up to date with everything you should know.

81% of Region 1-C retirees pay dues of $24 a year for membership. If you don’t, please do.

We had 47 members at the June meeting. Great meeting.

My friend Hanna Fox is now working at Maria’s Tacos and More in Eaton Rapids, by Family Fair. Maria was contracted as a clerk in the Paint Shop. So if you’re out that way, stop and say hi.

Remember to get your absentee ballot in, and don’t forget to vote.

Mitt Romney knocks the health care, but it’s what he put in his state when he was governor. Go figure.

Till we meet again, keep smiling.

May 2012

Hi out there all you wonderful people. What a day in May—the lake is great and life is good.

On our sick list: Connie Dunn had eye surgery, and Canda Anthony had her left knee done. Both are doing well.

Happy birthday to Claude Harris, 92 years.

Happy anniversary to: Mr. and Mrs. Nolan Douglas, 60 yeas; Mr. and Mrs. Ted Gauss, 49 years; and Mr. and Mrs. Tim Decorde, 20 years.

The Region 1-C Retirees Picnic will be held on August 13 at Hawk Island Park. Bring a dish to pass and your own table service. We eat at noon, so get there early. We need help, so if anyone cares to volunteer, just come on. Parking this year is free, but they tell us next year it will cost, so we might look for something else.

On September 22 we will have the pancake breakfast/bake sale. Pat Smith is chairman. I run the bake sale, so help me out here. We need volunteers. We are a great bunch of people to work with.

The next meeting at the Local 1753 union hall on St. Joe will be on June 13. This is our cook-out luncheon. Bring a dish to pass. It’s a good time to meet all your old friends.

The travel committee is considering a Tigers game and a trip to the Gun Lake casino with an overnight stay. Connie Dunn is checking into these. If you are interested or have ideas, call her at 517-323-2146. Connie is the one in the know. We need more like her.

Now to other things: It’s so funny that President Obama is getting ripped apart for things he didn’t do. Mitt Romney claims he saved GM. Sorry, but thumbs down, not up for him.

Remember what I am telling you about when you do your 2012 taxes next year: they have taken so much away from the retirees. They did that for a reason, to save themselves. I am letting you know we are the U in Union.

My heart goes out to all on the sick list if I didn’t hear about it.

Stay safe in the water and out, as it’s that time of the year.

Till we meet again, keep smiling.

April 2012
Hi out there all you wonderful people.
Keep in mind all we do at our union. We may be little, but we do have fun. The bus trip was great.
May 2, Tigers game, $50
May 4, Lunch - Old Country Buffet, East Lansing - 11:30 am
May 9, luncheon meeting with Bingo
May 22, Meijers Garden, Grand Rapids
June 13, Cook-out Luncheon
July 11, Luncheon – “No Bake” Bake Sale
August 13, Union Picnic, Hawk Island - Noon
September 12, Luncheon
September 22, Pancake Breakfast/Bake Sale at Local 1753 on St. Joe
October 10, Halloween Luncheon. Dress up!
October 15, Michigan Princess color tour, Grand Ledge, $35
November 14, Veteran’s Memorial, then to the 1753 hall for Thanksgiving Luncheon and Holiday Auction. Bring your quarters.
December 12, Christmas Luncheon
For more information, you can call Chairman Curtis Dunn or Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.
This year’s election is important. I don’t know about you, but we must remember what’s in it for us. The ones passing the laws herein Michigan sure aren’t. Look what they have done to the retirees. Your vote does count.
It’s easy to great a ballot and vote at home. The township clerk can help. Ours is great.
Happy April Birthdays to Connie Dunn, Canda Anthony, Dick Raffler, Jerry Hunt, Roy and Helen Spencer. Roy is 90 years young. Dick Slocum is 86.
May birthdays: Bill Anthony, Doris Williams, Betty Varney, and me—Lois Schultz—with the big 85!
Happy anniversary to: Roy and Helen Spencer; Harry and Jenny Henderson (65 years); Red and Betty Varney; Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Raymond (50 years); and Doris and Al Williams (24 years).
My barn is back together after the fire next door. When it was hot, we couldn’t even go out there. But so far it smells good. We’ll have to wait for the hot days, then we’ll see.
 To all on our sick list, you are in our prayers. Barb Kline goes in the hospital to check on her heart. Take care, Barb.
Condolences to all that lost loved ones in the past few months.
Two petitions will be available: one against “right-to-work” laws; and one to recall Governor Snyder. Check with Chairman Curtis Dunn and new Vice-Chairman Ted Gauss.
By-laws are ready to go to Detroit.
Next meeting and potluck will be on May 9.
Millie and Dick Slocum, and Jean and Arlie Caudill, visiting from Kentucky, gave a bag of hats and gloves. So good to se them and we hope to see them again soon. Welcome home to all the snowbirds!
Ted’s breakfast will be on the first Tuesday of June (June 5) at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15463 US Highway 27, Lansing, starting at 9:00 a.m.

March 2012

Hi out there, all you wonderful people! Happy Easter!

The Easter dinner will be on April 11 at the Local 1753 Hall on St. Joe Street.

April 25 will see the euchre tournament at Local 602. Be there at 8:30 a.m., play at 9:00 sharp. Lunch will be served.

April 27, the LAFCU annual meeting at Royal Scott on Grand River at 6:00 p.m. Be there early, as it fills up fast.

Tigers game on May 2. Call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146. Also a trip to Meijer Gardens on Tuesday, May 22 in Grand Rapids. Call Connie for that, too.

Black Lake May 29-June 1. Hearing impaired to go.

Double check on the vision coverage, as it doesn’t cover. Give Joe Sagy a call if you have to have answers: 517-372-7201.

Associated members pay dues to Jerry Hunt. This keeps things going.

We do pay to play cards or whatever.

Ted Gauss voted in as vice chair.

Call me if you need any information: 517-543-5385.

Happy Birthday to Roy Spencer, who will be ninety.

Don’t believe all you hear on TV.

Till we meet again, keep smiling.

February 2012

Hi out there all you wonderful people.

Ted Gauss’ breakfast will be on March 6, same place and time as usual—Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15463 US Highway 27, Lansing, starting at 9:00 a.m.

On March 14 we will have our St. Paddy’s Day lunch at the Local 1753 Hall on West St. Joe. See you there!

Things are beginning to be like 1937 and 1938 when the sit-downers sat down for their rights. Now we can’t even picket. At that time, Governor Murphy sent the National Guard in—to protect the sit-downers!

We are paying taxes so the big banks and CEO’s don’t have to.

More kids are living out of their cars and going to school. Banks won’t help or even talk to folks. We have lost our moral compass, injustice is rampant in America.

“Right-to-work” is right to fire.

Keep in mind it’s the U in UAW.

Remember to vote. Remember the people that care. Romney blames the union for GM’s problems. All he does is talk bad about people. We don’t need people in office who don’t care about the working class.

In 2013, when you do your Michigan taxes, you’ll wonder what hit your pocketbook. [Because of the tax on pensions.] Then you’ll remember what I’ve been talking about.

Happy Birthday to Connie Dunn, Dick Raffler, Dan Rudy, Jerry Hunt, Canda Anthony, and Dick Slocum.

Happy anniversary to Red and Betty Varney on 20 years of marriage.

Condolences to the family of Dale Meis, who passed away on February 19.

Contact me by mail at 3009 Luella Ln, Springport, MI 49284 or by phone at 517-543-5385.

January 2012

Hi out there all you wonderful people.
Ted’s breakfast will be on March 6 at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15463 US Highway 27, Lansing, starting at 9:00 a.m.
The Labor News will not come out again until May. Remember, the retirees do not pay for the Labor News. There are more retirees than active workers, so we do what we can.
Our meeting and potluck is on the second Wednesday of the month, but not in August, when we have our Area-wide Picnic.
I hope you kept the 2012 proposed calendar that was in the December Labor News. But note this big change: the veterans’ memorial service will be on the second Wednesday in November, that is, November 14. This will also be the date for our Thanksgiving lunch and holiday auction. Be at Chapel Hill Cemetery on Grand River by 10:00 a.m., with the memorial to start at 10:30. Remember, this was the flag pole that was at the shop with folks’ names that were in WWII. To honor our veterans any day is a good thing. After, we will head back to Local 1753 for what we do best, EAT.
On a personal note, in November there was a bad fire out our way. The neighbor’s barn burned to the ground. They woke me up at 2:15 a.m. by banging on my window and telling me to move the truck. They wanted to bring the fire truck down the back drive. At first I thought it was my barn, as I didn’t have my glasses on. It did mess it up and got smoke damage. The insurance will take care of cleaning and stuff when the weather is better. My yard also got beat up, too. There were five fire trucks and they’re big! What can I say, it’s a chore when you’re 84. If the wind had been bad we all would have been bad off. I’m thankful it wasn’t any worse than it was.
A job is a great opportunity. President Obama stood up for GM to put people back to work. Yet lots of folks who voted in 2008 didn’t vote in 2010. So look what they did for us—nothing. Oh, wait, I forgot: they taxed our pension, eliminated the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Homestead tax, $600 per child tax, and stopped the rollback of Michigan’s state income tax rate. Eliminating a tax rollback is a tax increase! Remember on voting day: the breadbox is connected to the ballot box.
I heard from many retirees who sent holiday greetings, including Leon Nevins, Doris and Al Williams, Richard and Millie Slocum, Jean and Arlie Caudill, Ray and Helen Spencer.
Happy anniversaries to Big Ben and Joan Allen, and Wayne and Jennie Owens for 52 years. Happy birthday to Lois Warner, Connie Gauss, and Jim Anthony.
Lester Altof is in the hospital.
Condolences to the families of: Richard Heggman, our benefit rep for many years; Lester Page, over 80; John Ray, who always came to meetings and went on trips; and Charles Sackrider, age 73.
There’s a casino trip March 26-27 for $100 a person. Call Connie Dunn at (517) 323-2146.
August 13 will see the area-wide
retirees picnic at Hawk Island. Eat at noon, but be there early!
Black Lake for retirees, anyone who hasn’t gone. Let Chairman Curtis Dunn know. May 29.
Area-wide euchre tournament on April 25 at Local 602, registration starts at 8:00 a.m., play begins at 9:00 a.m. Lunch at noon. Winners will go to Flint on May 9 for the play-off. Please add this to the proposed calendar.
Send me mail at 3009 Luella Ln, Springport, MI 49284 or call me at 517-543-5385.

December 2011

Hi out there, all you wonderful people. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Now it’s time to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

To all our snowbirds, be safe and have a great winter.

President Obama stood up for GM when Mitt Romney said to let them fail—and where would we be then?

We need to take back jobs and bring them home—made in the USA is where it should be. We also need to take back the House of Representatives. They don’t like the middle class. And the way people voted in 2010 played right into their hands. The right information has to be gotten out so we can protect the working class, retirees, poor, and disabled.

The Christmas Bonus comes out of the pension, but the pension is down. There are more retirees than active workers. They put the pension in the stocks, so you know all about that. We sure don’t want Social Security and Medicare put in the stocks. You have to let them know—tell the Republicans to leave it alone.

The Republicans think the Democrats won’t come out and vote. I say, get out and vote, our livelihood is at stake!

They want President Obama to fail. He has done good. We know there is a lot misinformation out there. The “right to work” just makes the rich richer. Start by standing up for us. If we vote wrong again, we’re lost.

Our Christmas luncheon will be the second Wednesday, December 14 at the Local 1753 Hall on St. Joe. We eat at noon.

We have charities we support, like the mitten tree. Bring mittens and hats to the luncheon. Thanks to Jean Caudill for all her hand-knitted hats and mittens. Also the Mission—Judy and Jerry Hunt take all canned goods and food.

Make sure you check on the new tax in 2012. Tax of 4.35 percent. Must check by December 5 or you will be in default. Fax the MI W-4P form to 1-877-401-0870 or mail: Fidelity, P.O. Box 770003, Cincinnati, OH 45277. Check with Joe Sagy if you have any questions, at 517-372-7201 or 866-882-6513. He will get back with you. If you were born prior to 1946, your pension may not be subject.

The Veterans Day memorial at Chapel Hill on November 11 was really nice, as always. Next year the veterans memorial will be on November 4 at our Thanksgiving luncheon. We will meet at Chapel Hill at 10:30. Hope all can be there.

On our sick list: Ben Allen and Dick Hegman and Hanna Fox. To all on our sick list, God bless and get better fast.

To all the volunteers, we give thanks for everything you do. Amy McBride and Betty Perkins help on our breakfast. We need more of you.

Condolences to all families on the loss of their loved ones. James Fox passed away. He was  an electrician.

I received a letter from Della Messer about the Christmas Bonus. She said:

“Bonus should have been shared. I thought we were all in this together. What an insult to retirees. We built the union, paid our union dues, and are still paying dues. We fought for benefits for all. Remember, we once were employees.

“Our Christmas bonus was very small compared to the new GM contract and their bonus. It’s outrageous and stinks. – Della Messer, Local 1618 Retiree”

I did write Della back and I hope I explained it so she understands. We all have a right to our views. Let the right people know how you feel.

Happy birthday to Barb Kline, Noland Douglas, Tom Sutton (87), Mariann
Anthony, and Jessica Anthony.

Ted Gauss’ breakfast will be on January 3 at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15463 US Highway 27, Lansing. It starts at 9:00 a.m.

Proposed calendar of events for 2012

January 11, Luncheon

February 8, Valentine Luncheon

March 14, St. Patrick’s Luncheon

March 26-27, Casino Trip

April 11, Easter Luncheon

April 27, LAFCU Reception, Royal Scott - 6:00 pm

?May 2?, Euchre Tournament - Local 602

May 4, Lunch - Old Country Buffet - 11:30 am

June 13, Cook-out Luncheon

July 11, Luncheon – “No Bake” Bake Sale

August 13, Union Picnic, Hawk Island - Noon

September 12, Luncheon

September 22, Pancake Breakfast/Bake Sale

October 10, Halloween Luncheon

October ?, Michigan Princess color tour

November 4, Thanksgiving Luncheon and Holiday Auction

November ?? Veteran’s Memorial

December 12, Christmas Luncheon

My phone number is 517-543-5385. Till we meet again, keep smiling.

October 2011

Hi out there all you wonderful people.

Proposed calendar for 2012:
April – LAFCU annual meeting, always the last Friday in April.
May – Luncheon the old Country
May – euchre tournament
May – meeting on the second Wednesday of the month
June – cookout, second Wednesday of the month
July – retirees board meeting and “No-Bake Bake Sale”
August – area retirees picnic at Hawk Island
September – retirees meeting
September – pancake breakfast and bake sale
October – Michigan Princess Cruise
November – Thanksgiving lunch and 25-cent auction
November – veterans memorial
December – Christmas, enjoy
If you have any ideas about day trips or the like, let me know.
Don’t forget our mitten tree and the food bank.
Happy birthday to Tom Walker, Harry Henderson, Sue Torguson, and Dick Kline
Happy anniversary to Mr. And Mrs. Tom Walker (their 50th) and Mr. And Mrs. Richard Torguson, (their 49th).
On our sick list: it’s good to see Jerry Hunt up and about.
Proposed trips:
Odyssey Holiday Show, Frankenmuth, December 7, $70.
Overnight casino trip, March 26-27. $100 per guest and retiree. 31 have signed up so far, but we should have 55 folks.
Thank you to Lois Dyer for all she does on tickets, signs, and making the afghan. And thanks to all our volunteers who always are there to help on the pancake breakfast and bake sales. This helps the Travel Committee so we can have a few outings.
Till we meet again, keep smiling.
My phone number is 517-543-5385.

August/September 2011

Hi out there all you wonderful people.

2011 Calendar of events
Ted Gauss’ breakfast will be on Tuesday, September 13 at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15463 US Highway 27, Lansing. It starts at 9:00 a.m.
September 14, luncheon and meeting at Local 1753’s hall on W. St. Joseph. Eat at noon.

September 24, pancake breakfast and bake sale. We need volunteers, baked goods. This is an annual event. Call me for information: 517-543-5385. Helpers should arrive at 8:00 a.m. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. till noon.

October 12, luncheon and meeting. Eat at noon.

October 19, Michigan Princess color tour. Be there at 11:00 a.m. and load at 11:30. Call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.

November 9, Thanksgiving luncheon. There will be an afghan drawing and a holiday auction. Bring your quarters, it’s lots of fun.

November ?? Veterans memorial. This is where our flagpole went. The names of our folks are on the back of the monument. I will have more info later.

December 14, Christmas luncheon. Don’t forget the mitten tree, gifts for seniors that are in the nursing home.

2012 events
March 26 and 27, a northern casino trip, $100 per person based on double occupancy. There are four casinos on this trip. Payment needed by December 31, and we need 55 people for this deal. Call Connie Dunn, 517-323-2146.

We have the same officers after our election, as no one wanted to run. Chair Curtis Dunn; Vice Chair Hanna Fox; Secretary Lois Schultz; Recording Secretary Jerry Hunt; Trustees Leo Gray, Richard Raffler, and Richard Torgerson; Chaplain Ted Gauss; and Sergeant-at-Arms Doris Williams.

The Area-Wide Retirees Council Chair is Hanna Fox, and the Vice Chair is Laura Clark.

We all work hard for the retirees to keep us strong, so join us when you can.

On our sick list
Claude Harris is doing great.

John Hoyt had two lung transplants and a triple bypass at the same time. He should be great in a year.

Jerry Hunt has had a bad time of it.

Happy belated birthday to Jack Calahan, in May. Lois is in November. Their 60th anniversary is in September.

Condolences to all the families who lost loved ones. You are in our prayers.

We vote folks into office to protect us and all that, but they soon forget about the people who are the lifeblood of the good old USA. Then they get the business tax dropped. Then they tax our pension. I’d like to know where the retirees are that make the so-called big bucks.

Jean Caldill called to say they're fine and to say hi to all.

With half a heart, I am doing fine. I really feel good. How lucky we are to be able to get pacemakers that keep the ticker running.

Till we meet again, keep smiling!

July 2011

Hi out there all you wonderful people!

Just remember, in this heat, to drink lots of water.

On our sick list
Jerry Hunt had to go back to the hospital. Now he is home.

Claude Harris is home and looks great.

Connie Dunn has trips. You can call her at 517-323-2146 for the following:

Color tour on the Michigan Princess on October 19. Board at 11:30 a.m. Local 1618 members and spouses pay $15; nonmembers pay $35. This is an annual trip for us.

There is also an overnight to four casinos up north on March 26 & 27. Snowbirds should be home by then! We need 55 people to fill the bus.

August 15 will have the area-wide retirees’ picnic at Hawk Island. Eat at noon. Be there early, as we will STOP handing out tickets by noon. Bring a dish to pass and your own table service. We will call the tables by numbers so people won’t have to stand in line long. Please help us here.

September 14 will have our retirees meeting and potluck. Join us and see old friends and have a great time. We eat at noon at the Local 1753 Hall on West St. Joe.

Reunion of the SSR’s—their fifth one. About 40-50 SSR’s will meet at the 1753 Hall and eat at noon. They will have subs and we will furnish the rest. This is on Sunday, August 21.

That Saturday, August 20, will have the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit with over 50 SSR’s made at the Craft Centre. A hood was signed by all that worked at the plant at that time.

On Sunday they will be at the Olds Museum at 10:30, then to the Capitol for photos and TV news, then to the Local 1753 hall. Bring a picnic dish to pass and lawn chairs. This should be great! You can call Hanna Fox at 517-719-4559 or click here for more info.

Happy birthday to Leo Gray, George Fegle, Lois Dyer, and Arlie Caudiel.

Happy anniversary to Ken and Lois Warner, 30 years.

We are at hard times. Seems like everyone wants our money, so I am telling you that you have to write or send emails or call those in Washington or Lansing to let them know where you stand and how you feel about what they are doing to all of us.

So till we meet again, keep smiling!

June 2011

Hi out there all you wonderful people.

Well, we’re into June. The Area Retirees Council had their election, with Hanna Fox of Local 1618 as Chair and Laura Clark of Local 1753 as Vice Chair. Best to all. We do work hard for you.

Things to remember
Luncheon on July 13, with a “no-bake bake sale.” There will be bread, too, and $1 will go to the sale.

August 15 at Hawk Island, the area-wide retirees’ picnic. Be there early, we eat at noon. No sign-in or tickets after 12:00! This is so we can all enjoy the picnic.

Most retirees pay dues of $2.00. It goes for good things, so if you are not on the list, please sign up.

Birthday: Ken Warner, 89.

Anniversaries: Mr. & Mrs. Tim Decorti; Mr. And Mrs. Richard Slocum, 64 years; Joe Sagy and Dianna, one-year anniversary. May you have many more.

Condolences to the families of:
Pat Louck, an electrician, age 72.

Herbert Dunn, younger brother of Curtis Dunn. He lived in Detroit and was 81.

Shirley Seeley, my sister-in-law, who passed away on May 27. She would have been 82 in July. I’ll miss her.

To all on our sick list, you are in our hearts.

Till we meet again, keep smiling!

May 2011

Hi out there, all you wonderful people! We have a calendar of coming events, so please cut it out and keep it (as the Labor News will not have another print edition until Labor Day).

May 4 – Euchre Tournament at Local 602

May 11 – Luncheon and 2011 Election

May – Garage sale and 1753 union hall. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Clean clothes, workable things. We need volunteers. All proceeds go to our charities.

June 8 – Casino day trip to Four Winds. It’s a long trip, 2-1/2 hours each way. Call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.

July 13 – Luncheon with “No-Bake Bake Sale”

August 15 – Union picnic at Hawk Island. Eat at noon. Come early.

September 14 – Luncheon at the Local 1753 hall

September 24 – Pancake breakfast

October 19 – Michigan Princess color tour. Call Connie Dunn.

November 9 – Thanksgiving luncheon with afghan drawing, holiday auction, mission donation, food bank donations

November ? – Veterans memorial. No date yet.

December 14 – Christmas luncheon with mitten tree, mission donation, senior home. See Leo Gray on this.

Ted Gauss is getting his breakfast dates together so we will know about them soon.

The Bargaining Convention went along well. At least I hope the retirees will be remembered.

Helen Spencer was at the luncheon in April and so was Dick Slocum. Great to see them.

Claude Harris was in an auto accident and was still in Sparrow Hospital as of this writing.

The euchre tournament starts at 9:00 a.m. Be there earlier to check in at the Local 602 Hall. Call if you want to play. We have a lunch, then the winners play. So I hope a lot of our folks show up.

A big thank you to Jean and Arlie Caudill. Although they moved to Kentucky, they were at our April meeting and had hats and mittens for our mitten tree. Jean hand knits them. Good people.

Al and Doris William’s anniversary was in April.

May birthdays: Doris William, Bill Anthony, and me—Lois Schultz.

Condolences to the family of Ron Slater, who passed away at age 57.

We know the column does not come out every month, but please call me if you want too know about something. If I don’t have the information, I can probably connect you with someone who does. My number is 517-543-5385.

Come join me at the Jamboree the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Senior Center in Charlotte. We have good music and great times.

Keep in the know about what’s happening in the news. At least we can write, go to rallies, and join the many who care. It seems like retirees always get the brunt of things, but we always hang in there.

Till we meet again, keep smiling.

April 2011

Many things are happening around the Michigan and the world. We have to stand for what we believe in. I would like to thank all the folks I called that came to the rally. If I don’t have your right phone number, please call me at 517-543-5385.

I had a front row seat at the rally. I rode with Michael Atayan, the Eaton County Drain Commissioner. We had a great time right there by the traffic light at Capitol and Michigan Avenues. He was there to take folks back to the union hall, but no one wanted to go.

I hope people are waking up to the fact that we retirees are having a hard time. I have to pay for a sewer I didn’t plan on. There are people out there who have been retired a long time and struggle with expenses like that.

Ted’s breakfast will be on April 5 at 9:00 a.m. at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 1564 US. Hwy 27 in Lansing. (That is also the date of Dick Raffler’s birthday.)

At the May 11 retirees meeting we will have an election of officers. If you’re interested, come join us. We may not have a shop anymore, but we still have the Local 1618 Retirees!

There will be a euchre tournament on May 4. Call me for information.

The area picnic for UAW retirees will be on August 15 at Hawk Island County Park on Cavanaugh in Lansing. Bring a dish to pass. We will eat at noon.

Happy birthday to Jerry Hunt and Dick Raffler on April 5, Canda Anthony on April 17, and Connie Dunn on April 24.

Happy anniversary to Joan and Ben Allen, and Ray and Helen Spencer.

On our sick list: Dick Slocum got a new knee. Helen Spencer is home and doing well. Ed Groh and Russ Little are still in nursing homes. Jerry Raymond is doing well.

Condolences to the family of Charles Crawford. He was an electrician.

Connie Dunn has a day trip coming. Give her a call at 517-323-2146.

With lots of rallies and lots of amendments, it’s time to be involved. Call me any time for info. I will return your call.

All Medicare Part D plans cover the shingles vaccine. The amount of cost-sharing for vaccination varies. Medicare Part B does not cover the shingles vaccine. I called Meijers and got my name on the list.

I work at the Jamboree the first and third Tuesdays of the month. It’s some real good music and a nice dance floor. This is at the Senior Center on Cochran Avenue in Charlotte. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. And they ask for a small donation at the door. Come on out and see me!

January 2011
   Hi out there, all you wonderful people.
   Ted Gauss’ breakfast will be on the first Tuesday in April, that is April 5, at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15463 US Highway 27, Lansing. It starts at 9:00 a.m.
   There will be a casino trip March 21-22. If interested, call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.
   Russ Little is on our sick list. I went to see him and he looks good. He takes it one day at a time.
   Jerry Raymun is on the mend and is hanging in there after heart surgery.
   I am doing a lot better. My energy is up, so that’s a good thing. The first Tuesday of the month I work at the Senior Center on the Jamboree, which is lots of fun. Then there’s union business, so I do keep busy. You know we have to do that! I’m glad for my pacemaker.
   Remember our meeting and potluck on the second Wednesday of the month at UAW Local 1753 on West St. Joseph Hwy. We eat at noon. See you there! We also play bingo there.
   I hope you are all in good health. The Republicans don’t like the health care bill and will want to get rid of it. I think it will work like everything else, in that there’s good and bad. It won’t “kill jobs,” it will make them.
   Did you read the Solidarity magazine that’s just out? From the readers: “You never got mad before. America, Stop the Madness! After eight years of disaster, now you’re angry.” This is a must to read. I think it is very good and true.
   So, as the sun sets over Narrow Lake, this is a new year. Bless one and all and have a great year. Till we meet again, keep smiling

December 2010
    Ted’s breakfast was a big success. We had about 60 people show up. I called about 90. His next breakfast wil be on Tuesday, December 14 at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15643 US Hwy 27, Lansing. You can call Ted at 517-321-4754.
Our Thanksgiving dinner was nice. They had the 25-cent auction then.
   On our sick list: Terry Scarton had a triple bypass. Jerry Raymond had a five-way bypass. Betty Groh was in the hospital as of this writing, and Ed Groh is in a nursing home in Holt. Russ Little is in the nursing home off Saginaw Street. Me, I am doing better now.
   Our veterans memorial was once again a great success. This is important to a lot of us, as the flagpole was on the east side of our plant. The Chapel Hill people did a great job and said they would be there for us in years to come.
   Kelly Robertson and Tina Oliver from Chapel Hill gave away six copies of the book The Wall, the book about the Vietnam War memorial. Winners were: Dick Slocum, Curtis Dunn, Bud Hall, Joe Droste, Wayne Owens, and Dick Kline. Bob Harrington, Fred Kohagan, and Gary Sunkin came this year. Hopefully more will show up next year.
Mike Smith, a Local 1618 retiree, played Taps, and Local 602 President Brian Fredline sang the national anthem. Thanks to everyone for their help.
   I hope you voted in November. I was sad about the way things turned out, but that’s the way it goes. Two years ago when President Obama took office, what a mess he walked into. Did they give him a chance? I don’t think so. We the people didn’t give him much of a time-frame. People soon forgot what happened with the banks and the stock market.
   Some people say the union never should have taken over the VEBA. Well, if they hadn’t, GM would have dropped the retirees’ insurance.
   Beware of the so-called “right to work” bill. They’re trying once again to break the unions. Without the UAW and hard work, I would not have been on Trades or drove a forklift. I am proud of my job, my union, and the friends I made in the UAW. GM and the UAW were good to me and my kids. Let’s be proud of what we do and who we are.
   Connie Dunn is working on a casino trip for March 21-22.
   Till we meet again, keep smiling. My phone is 517-543-5385. 

Lois Schultz's November column
   Hi out there, all you wonderful people!
   Ted Gauss’s next breakfast will be at 9:00 a.m. at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15643 South US-27, Lansing, 48906. That’s about halfway between State and Stoll Roads north of Lansing on old US-27. The phone there is 374-6456.
   Our Thanksgiving lunch will be the second Wednesday, November 10 at the Local 724 union hall on Clare Street. Before the lunch we will meet at 10:30 at Chapel Hill Cemetery at Grand River and Airport Road for a veterans’ memorial. We will eat at 1:00 p.m. on that day. Please join us, as we take pride in what we do.
   The Christmas lunch will be the first Wednesday, December 1, also at the Local 724 hall. There will be a quarter auction, so bring your quarters! And we will raffle off afghans that are handmade for us. We ask that you bring items for the food bank.
   The Travel Committee has proposed a casino trip for March 21-22. You can call Connie Dunn about that.
   You know, the sorts of people who were against FDR’s decision for Social Security still are. Where would we be without it? Me and lots of others would be dead in the water. You know it isn’t broke, so don’t “fix” it. What if they’d had their way earlier and privatized Social Security—where would we be after the stocks fell so much? Think about it!
   The Social Security act originally passed in 1935 and now provides old age survivors, disability, and health insurance. It also mandated establishment of unemployment insurance and workers comp.
Let’s vote for folks who vote for what we stand for. If candidates want your vote, ask them what they have done to protect working folks.
   I was at Black Lake recently. What a place! Whatever the season, it’s a little bit of heaven. If you’re retired and have never been there, talk to your chairman. They usually go the end of May.
On our sick list
   I am feeling lots better. I can’t believe that I had an electrical blockage. I didn’t know I was operating on 240! ;-)
   Lois Dyer went to the hospital and got a stent put in.
   Jerry Raymond is in the hospital.
   Doris Williams’ grandson Patrick Vincent is quite sick in a hospital in South Carolina.
   Don’t forget to vote on November 2!
   Till we meet again, keep smiling!


October, 2010
   Hi out there, all you wonderful people!
   Ted Gauss’s next breakfast will be at 9:00 a.m. at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15643 South US-27, Lansing, 48906. That’s about halfway between State and Stoll Roads north of Lansing on old US-27. The phone there is 374-6456.
   Our all-you-can-eat breakfast was a great success, thanks to all our volunteers. Without them, we could not stay together. Think about this when you forget our meeting the second Wednesday of the month.
   We usually meet at noon at Local 1753’s hall on West St. Joseph Street. But please note these changes:
   In November we will meet on the second Wednesday, Nov. 10, but it will be at the Local 724 hall on Clare Street. This will be our Thanksgiving meal.
   In December we will meet on a different day of the month, on December 1, also at the Local 724 hall for our Christmas dinner.
   The election is coming up soon and, man, do we have work to do. The UAW Mobilizing Program is a volunteer program where you sign up to do five hours working with the Region. They also plan on having 25 cell phones. They would like UAW 1753 and 1618 so we can have a phone bank. Keep this in mind if you would like to join us.
   Some Republicans are trying to make this a so-called “right-to-work” state. But listen: my friend in Florida just got fired after many years of work. They can fire a person for nothing so they don’t have to pay you a pension. Michigan does not need a law like this, as too many people are out of work now.
   And Tim Walberg wants to mess with Social Security and Medicare. But those have worked fine for many years; look at all the folks they have helped. And, of course, many more folks will be out of work.
On our sick list:
   Russ Little seems to be lots better.
   Then there’s my surprise. On September 13 I was sick so I went to the doctor. Well, I ended up in Sparrow Hospital, getting a pacemaker. Yes, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know my ticker wasn’t ticking so good. I feel much better now.
   Travel Committee: River boat, the Princess. $35, same as last year. Local 1618 retirees $20, non-members $35. Next year it might just be $10. As you know, we do not have active members in our local any more, so we have to watch our pennies.
   Veterans Day at Chapel Hill will be on the second Wednesday in November, the 10th. After that, to right to the UAW Local 724 hall for our Thanksgiving dinner and meeting.
   Till we meet again, keep smiling.

September, 2010
    Hi out there, all you wonderful people. We have a pancake breakfast coming on Saturday, September 11 at Local 1753’s hall on St. Joe. It runs from 9:00 a.m. till noon. All you can eat for $5 adults, $3 children. We will also have a bake sale at the same time, so bring in your best. There will also be a raffle of two handmade afghans. Pat Smith is chairwoman and she can use your help. Her number is 517-641-4323.
    For Ted’s breakfast we’ll have to call folks, since a lot of us do not use computers to see the website. I done the calling before, and it works.
    Remember, we will always be Local 1618 retirees, so stop in for our get-togethers at noon on the second Wednesday of the month at Local 1753, except for November and December. In those months we will be at Local 724’s hall on Clare Street (just south of Local 652), in November on the second Wednesday and in December on the FIRST Wednesday.
    We do not do a meeting at all in August because we have the area-wide retirees’ picnic. Please put these on your calendar, that’s what I do.
    The travel committee is running a trip to the Fire Keepers casino on September 22 for a price of $20. The bus will be at the Local 724 union hall at 9:30 a.m., with an additional pick-up in Charlotte by the VFW hall just off the highway. Return at 3:30 p.m. Call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146 if you are interested in any of our trips.
    Congratulations to Diana and Joe Sagy on their wedding. It was so great and everything went so well. We danced and ate and laughed. I saw a lot of good friends I hadn’t seen in a long time. I hope you two will always be happy.
    The area-wide picnic went well. We all worked hard to make it so. Thanks to LAFCU and Auto Body for the great gifts. And to Region 1-C for the $5 bills we gave out. My sidekick Russ Little didn’t make it, as he was under the weather. A big thank you to all the volunteers. We need more people like you.
    Remember, we have a big election ahead of us in November. Dorothy Stevens will run a phone bank at Local 602 and she could use your help. Remember to vote for the people that work for the working people.
    What happened to respect on the highways? I guess that went out the window. Till we meet again, keep smiling. My phone is 517-543-5385.

August 2010
   Hi out there, all you wonderful people. We have a lot going on at the hall and with the retirees.
   The area-wide picnic will be on Monday, August 16 at Hawk Island Park in Lansing. The reason it was changed to Monday was so we don’t have to pay for parking. Bring your own table service and a dish to pass. Please sign in first and get your ticket for the door prize. No dogs allowed.
   We know some grandparents are taking care of their kids, but please have them under control at the picnic as we are getting older. We need helpers so everything goes well. Call me at 517-543-5385.
Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale
   On September 11 we will have our pancake breakfast and bake sale. If you want to help with that, call me and I’ll get you on the list. Volunteers will be at the Local 1753 Hall at 8:00 a.m. All you can eat for  $5, or $3 for children under 12. This is put on by the retirees and the travel committee.
   As for the bake sale on the same date (Sept. 11), we do need you help to do well once again this year. If you don’t know how to price your item(s), we can do that for you. There will also be an afghan raffle at $2 per ticket, or three tickets for $5.
The time for the breakfast and the sale is 9:00 a.m. to noon. Come join us, and bring friends, family, and neighbors. Meet your old buddies from the old forge plant. I have tickets or you can get them at the door. Pat Smith is the chairperson of this. Her number is 517-641-4323.
   We retirees have to help ourselves as we have no active workers in the local. We are the union and we plan on staying together, so let me see your smiling faces. If you’re not already paying the $2 a month dues, you should know that we could sure use it. It comes out of your pension check. Call Hanna Fox at 517-719-4559. She has forms.
   On September 22 we will have a trip to the Fire Keepers Casino. It costs $20 to go and you get $25 to play. Pick-up at the local 724 Union Hall in Lansing at 9:30 a.m., with an additional pick-up in Charlotte by the VFW hall just off the highway. Return at 3:30 p.m.
   Remember the changes in our holiday dinners. The Thanksgiving one is on November 10, the second Wednesday, at Local 724 on Clare Street. The Christmas dinner is on December 1, the first Wednesday, also at the Local 724 hall.
   The Charity Island cruise was nice. The boat trip was fun and the restaurant was great. If you are interested in any of our trips, or have ideas for trips, call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146.
   Happy birthday to Al Williams, Leo Gray, Lois Dyer, and Ann Hall (wife of Bud) in August.
   Happy anniversary to Barb and Dick Kline (34 years) and Judy and Jerry Hunt (55 years).
   Russ Little is on our sick list and is doing better.
   I’m glad they passed the no-smoking law. But smokers stand right in the doorways when you walk in. I understood they were to be 40 or 80 feet away from a building, but what do I know? I just cover up my face.
   Keep smiling till we meet again. 

Lois Schultz's July 2010 column
  Hi out there, all you wonderful people.
   I am quite sad today as I lost a good friend—Jewel Harris, wife of Claude. She leaves lots of family and friends. I will always remember us eating raisin toast and drinking coffee together. She was the best. She was 89 years old when she passed.
   Lots is going on with our retirees. We have taken on a new project, the Learning Tree and Garden. It helps young kids learn. They need any kind of tools for the garden. Bring them to the potlucks and Chairman Dunn will deliver them.
   The travel committee has two trips planned. On July 7 there is a day trip to Charity Island. On September 22 a trip to Fire Keepers Casino. There will be pick-up spots at Local 724 and in Charlotte. Connie Dunn is taking names for the trips. Her number is 517-323-4126.
   The area-wide retirees picnic will be on August 16, a Monday this year. It will be at Hawk Island Park and begins at noon. Bring a dish to pass and your own table service. We’ll be there early to set up. Also, the girls and I will be at the sign-in table. Make sure you get a ticket. There are no dogs allowed in the picnic area. As always, children do not get tickets. This is a lot of hard work, and we want it to be a good picnic for all.
   On September 11 we will have a pancake breakfast and bake sale, so bring something good to sell. The travel committee would like all our retirees and friends to join us. Bring a friend along. Tickets are on sale now for the breakfast and the two afghans. See Ted Gauss for tickets.
   Birthdays: Claude Harris, 90 on June 21; Joan Allen; Ken Warner, 88; Pat Smith; and Dick Kline.
   Anniversaries: Ted and Connie Gauss, 47 years; Dick and Barb Kline; Tim and Assana DeCort. Best wishes to all.
On our sick list
   Russ Little is still at the Dobie Road facility, Room 331. He is doing better.
   Doris Williams’ son Paul had an operation and is doing better.
   I got a card the other day that made me smile. It said, “I meditate, I do yoga, I chant … and I still want to smack someone.” We all feel this way at times. Thanks, CeCe, I loved it.
   We meet the second Wednesday of the month except at Christmas time, and there is no meeting in August, as we have the area-wide picnic. So if you want to get in on the action, come join us. We not only need you, we want to see you once in a while.
   If you’re not happy with my column, let me know. My address is: Lois Schultz, 3009 Luella Ln, Springport, MI 49284. Phone: 517-543-5385.
   Till we meet again, keep smiling.

Lois Schultz's May 2010 column
   Hi out there, all you wonderful people!

   Ted Gauss’ next breakfast will be on June 1 at 9:00 at Guerrazzi’s Restaurant, 15643 US Hwy 27, Lansing. This is a Tuesday.
Dates to remember
June 1-4 – Black Lake Retirees’ Seminar.
May 12 – bakeless bake sale – just donate what it costs to make it. This is also our meeting day.
June 14-17 – 2010 Constitutional Convention in Detroit.
August 16 – area-wide retirees’ picnic at Hawk Island Park in Lansing at noon. This will be on a Monday, as there is no charge for parking on Mondays. Please bring your own table service and a dish to pass. Come early!
September 11 – Saturday pancake breakfast at Local 1753 on West St. Joe. More information later. Please sign up to help.
   Location change for the holidays. We will be at the Local 724 hall on November 10 for our Thanksgiving dinner. We will also be at Local 724 on December 1 for our Christmas party. Please write these dates down. Local 724 is just across the parking lot from Local 652 on Clare Street. We are making this change for these events because we need a bigger space for our turnout.
   Floyd Julian and his wife Debbie were at our meeting for the first time recently. We hope they don’t forget us.
On our sick list
Tim DeCorte is doing well.
Diana Zelanka is better.
Jim Gleason is at U of M for his back.
Ben Allen is out of the hospital and thanks everyone for the plant.
Claude Harris was in Sparrow Hospital as of this writing.
   Condolences to the family of Roland Stampley, 85 years old. He leaves his wife Donna.
   The travel committee is thinking of a trip to the wineries around the state. Call Connie Dunn at 517-323-2146 if you are interested.
   Russ Little has moved to Independence Village in Grand Ledge, Apartment #125.
   April birthdays: Connie Dunn, Dick Raffler, and Dick Slocum.
   May birthdays: Doris Williams, Betty Varney, Mary Lou Elsenheimer, and me!
   The weather is getting great! The only bad deal is that I have to mow my yard. But I can do that.
   My address is 3009 Luella Ln, Springport, MI 49284. My phone is 517-543-5385.

Lois Schultz's April column
   Ted's breakfast was a great one.
   Douglas Stevens has moved up north.
   On our sick list: Diana Zalinka was in the hospital for seven days and three pints of blood. They still don't know what it was, but the doctor said like a flat tire, it just happens. She is doing much better now. So am I; I'm feeling much better.
   If you know of a child who would like to go to the Mystic Lake YMCA Camp, call Chairman Curtis Dunn at 517-323-2146.
   There will be a retirees seminar at Black Lake from June 1-4. If you haven't been there as a retiree, you can go. Call Chairman Dunn.
   There will be an area-wide UAW retirees' euchre tournament on Wednesday, April 28 at Local 602. This is always a good time. Play begins at 9 a.m. Lunch and cash prizes. Register to play by April 16.
   Call UAW Local 602 Union Hall at 517-372-4626. Or call me at 517-543-5385.
How's this for advance notice? There will be a location change for our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. They will be at the Local 725 hall. Thanksgiving dinner will be the second Wednesday in November and the Christmas dinner will be on the first Wednesday in December. Mark your calendars now.
   If you didn't sign up for COBRA, it is now too late.
   Condolences to the family of Lois Cochran, 83 years old. Her daughter is Patsy and her son-in-law is Fred Kohagan.
   All associate members should pay Jerry Hunt their dues. The cost is $24 per year.
   We plan to have a no-bake bake sale. Instead of baking you just give the money it would cost. Sounds like a winner to me. The date will be May 12.
   Please remember to mark your calendars for these important dates.
   If you should get married or remarried, you have to call both the Pension and the Health Care offices.
   On July 31 Joe Sagy will get married. We want to go!
   Happy birthday wishes to Jerry Hunt (March 14); Linda Counterman (March 15); and Canda Anthony (April 17).
   Till we meet again, keep smiling.

Lois Schultz's February, 2010 column
   Hi out there, all you wonderful people.
   Ted Gauss's breakfast will be on March 9 at Guerrazzi's Restaurant, 15643 S. U.S. Highway 27, Lansing, 48906 (also called N. East St., a few blocks north of Lake Lansing Road). Their phone number is 517-374-6456.
   We received thank-you's from Ingham County Medical Care and RSVP (Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program).
   The annual euchre tournament will be held at Local 602 on April 28.
   Becky Sullivan, our union rep from Detroit, retired on February 1.
   Union rep John Legg also retired. Mel Coleman is taking his place.
   Condolences to the family of Carl Berner, 94. He lived in Grand Ledge and worked as a sweeper in Blanking.
   Condolences to the family of Willliam Rambo, 77. His wife is Marilyn. Connie and Curtis Dunn are their in-laws.
   (Correction: Bob Bauer's wife's name was April, not Alice.)
   If you have or know of a child who would like to go to the Mystic Lake YMCA Camp, call Chairman Curtis Dunn at 517-323-2146.
   Retirees-to-Retirees is up at Black Lake June 1-4. That's if you have never been there as a retiree. Call Chairman Curtis Dunn at 517-323-2146.
   On our sick list: me! I'm anemic, but I plan to take better care of myself. I'm doing better, but I still get tired.
   Happy anniversary to Roy and Helen Spencer, married 67 years. Roy will be 88 on March 17.
   On health care reform: I just can't believe the people in D.C. we send to work for us. They just don't get it. Medicare and Social Security work just great and they are run by the government. So why do they care? They're the ones who don't want it, not us. I for one think it works just fine. They have the best health care going. They should all take a big cut like the people that pay the bills - us. Please let your legislators know how you feel. You can get in touch with them easily by putting your zip code into the Contact Your Representatives area to the right of the UAW logo on the home page of this website.
   See you the second Wednesday of the month for our potluck at meeting. We meet at the Local 1753 Hall, 3204 W. St. Joseph St., Lansing, 48917. We eat at noon. I hope to see more of our retirees there, and I thank all of you that do come. We from Plant 2 have always been a family.
   Till we meet again, keep smiling.


My February column:
   Ted's next breakfast will be on Tuesday, March 9 at 9:00 a.m. at Guerrazzi's Restaurant, 15643 US Hwy 27. Ted's phone number is 517-321-4754.
   The travel committee plans a trip to the Mountaineer Casino in Chester, West Virginia. The cost is $170 for three days and two nights, March 21-23. Call Connie Dun for information, at 517-323-2146.
   Congratulations to John Legg on his retirement. He worked for the International at the Region 1-C office in Lansing.
   Birthdays in January: Russ Little, Roy Spencer, Red Varney, Curtis Dunn, and Jenny Henderson. Ted Gauss' birthday is in March.
   Anniversaries: Harry and Jenny Henderson, 63 years; Ed and Betty Groh, 67 years.
   Condolences to the family of Leon (Lee) Dormer, 92 years old. He was a trades committeeman, who worked for 43 years before retiring. Sue Figle is his daughter.
   Condolences to the family of Susan J. Miller Hargrove, age 62. She is survived by her husband Jack from the main plant. She was a wonderful person and will be missed.
   Our next meeting, on February 10, will be Bean Soup Day. We'll also have apples and cornbread, in honor of White Shirt Day, which is on February 11. Come join us at the hall.
   On January 19 we went to Dick Kling's house to see all their Campbell's soup paraphernalia. It was a nice day ou


 
 
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