The Voice for Retired City Employees Since 1973 U.S ...

[Pages:12]The Voice for Retired City Employees Since 1973

ARSCE

News

Association of Retired Seattle City Employees P.O. Box 75385 Seattle, WA 98175-0385



September/October, 2006

The Association of Retired Seattle City Employees

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Seattle, WA Permit No. 1100

Volume 34, No. 2

Recently Elected and Appointed ARSCE Board Members and Officials L-R: Bill Farrell, Bob Graham, Eda Anthony, Walt North, Alternate Tom McArthur, and Robert Sugden

(Photo by Gwen Jensen)

Recently Re-elected Board Members Not Pictured: Ken Hunich, Joanne Kinsella, and Jim Taylor Alternate Board Members Not Pictured: Ronald Boehm, Vernon Connally, Sharon Howell, and Al Larson

OUR PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

By Walt North

Wow, what a summer with those "record breaking" temperatures. Some of my plants show the effect of not enough water in the blazing sun. I find that I do not do as well as I used to in the heat. Is this a condition of aging? With school starting, this tells me summer is officially over. Where did the time go?

I hope you got to go on the summer cruise ? the narrated Argosy Locks cruise ? arranged by ARSCE. I was out of town, went to Northern California ? via a fuchsia flower show in Eugene, Oregon ? so I missed the cruise. This is so typical. I am a native Seattleite and I have never been on an Argosy boat through the Locks. I have to put that on my "to do" list. I have also not been on an Alaskan Cruise, but I am going to remedy that situation next year. The Alaskan Cruise is the favorite cruise of many long time sea-goers, I am told.

You still have time to sign up for the September 20th luncheon to be held at the Lake City Elks. (See the last page of this newspaper.) The program should be very interesting. Debbie Dimitre, a great story teller, is "back by popular demand". She will be telling a story as Nelly Bly, the first investigative journalist in America. Hope to see you there. (The next luncheon will be our spectacular annual Christmas Party on December 13th.)

Hope we have a pleasant fall and a great winter.

Enjoy life. ~~ Walt

Return the Enclosed Questionnaire Help Improve ARSCE

Maybe Win Tickets to an ARSCE Luncheon

Inserted in this issue of the ARSCE News is a questionnaire concerning ARSCE's services and direction. The Executive Board feels it is most important for members to have a strong voice in ARSCE endeavors in order that they may benefit. Please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire and return it. Results of the questionnaire will be reported in the January/February, 2007 issue of the ARSCE News.

ARSCE DUES REMINDER

ARSCE's 2007 fiscal year is from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007. The 2007 dues are payable by July 1, 2006 for all members who self-pay their dues by cash or check. Dues for 2007 are $ 8.00 per year.

Please check the mailing label on your ARSCE News, which notes when your dues expire. If it indicates "Self-Payment 2006", your $ 8.00 dues were payable by July 1, 2006 for the coming year. If it indicates "Automatic Renewal 2006", don't send in any money, as your dues were automatically deducted from your August retirement check.

Please mail your dues to ARSCE, PO Box 75385, Seattle, WA 98175-0385. Thank you for your support of our organization. If you have any questions regarding dues or membership, or if you need to notify ARSCE of an address change, please contact Joanne Kinsella at 206-362-0902.

Inside this Issue

Page 2.................... Your Pension News Page 4.................... Fellowship All Over Town Page 5.................... Camping in a Pear Orchard Page 5.................... Your ARSCE Organization

Page 7.................... Where It Comes From/Where It Goes

Page 8.................... Ken's Perspective Page 9.................... Internet Schminternet (Volunteering) Page 9.................... Emergency Preparedness

Page 10................... Twin Falls, Idaho

Page 12................... Fall Luncheon Reservation Form Page 12................... Membership Application Form

Page 2 -- ARSCE News -- September/October, 2006

Your Pension News

By Mary Norris Retired Employee Member Of the Seattle City Employees Retirement System

At our July meeting, we welcomed two new Board members. Mark McDermott of the Personnel Office will replace Norma McKinney who recently retired. Rod Rich is the newly elected employee member. They will join The Honorable Richard McIver, Chair; Dwight Dively, Finance Director; Frank Mathews, Community Representative; Lou Walter, Employee Member; Mary Norris, Retired Employee Member; Norman Ruggles and Mel Robertson of the Retirement Office. Walt North, ARSCE President, welcomed our new members.

July has been an interesting month. It seems that the thermometer didn't have any trouble staying in the 90's for several days. We were really anxious to have our investments do the same.

In April, we reported that our estimated funding ratio reached 91.97%. May was a difficult month in the financial market. Our funding ratio lost 1.77% to 90.20%. As of May 31st, our fund was valued at almost 1.9 billion dollars. June proved to be another difficult month and our funding ratio fell to 89.43%. This is the first time that it has reached below 90% since November, 2005.

You may be assured that Norm Ruggles, Mel Robertson, the Investment Committee, and the Retirement Board have set their next milestone at 2 billion dollars as they struggle against world politics to reach 95% funding.

As a result of the January 1st Actuary Report, Norm Ruggles reported the effect that granting a 95% funding level COLA would have on our Retirement System. There would be an immediate liability increase of 77.4 million dollars. The funding ratio would go from 95% to 91.1%, a decline of 3.9%. (A 2.8% decline because of the annual 1.5% COLA and a 1.1% decline from the raising of the floor COLA from 60% to 65%.)

Undoubtedly, some current members will be concerned that some of their benefits will be in jeopardy when they are ready to retire. The whole secret of keeping the system as strong as it is today is with participation and the wise choice of leaders and Board members.

In the recent Retirement election, 1,403 active members and 1,645 retired members (a total of 3,048) voted. Our total membership is now 15,398. My arithmetic tells me that 12,350 members chose not to add their voice. One reason, I am sure, is because candidates are often unfamiliar to long time retirees, but current members do not have that excuse. 59 members lost their vote because 8 checked more than one box; 3 returned ballots with no votes marked; 25 ballots had names that were not on the list or were unreadable; and 23 ballots had no names on the envelopes. A tight election could be won without such errors.

And so I finish this article with the continued hope that retirees will be granted their long waited for COLA soon and the retirement system will remain clean, healthy, and strong for the benefit of all.

P.S. We miss some of the familiar retired members at our Board meetings. You add inspiration, support, and experience. Please join us at our next meeting: September 7th at 9:00 AM, 10th Floor of the Pacific Building, 720 Third Avenue. ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!

(From a sign seen in a business establishment)

Golden Contributions

Betty Anderson, Health Edward Anderson, Engineering Norm Angvik, Water Frances Bourassa, Beneficiary Robert Branigin, City Light Jerome Coupens, Parks Marian Cummings, Engineering Connie Curtin, Police John Curtin, Seattle Public

Utilities LaDonna Dolan, Beneficiary Donald Duke, City Light Leroy Eagon, Building

David Edwards, City Light Thomas Halter, City Light Phyllis Jaeger, Fire Gwen Jensen, Associate Jeri Jones, Police Robert Kupfer, City Light Ted Lockhard, Parks Kenneth Lowthian, Water Virginia Magness, Metro Transit Harry Murdock, Metro Transit Rose Napoleon, Associate Walt North, Engineering

Don Nussel, Associate Mildred Navratil, Beneficiary Marilyn Ring-Nelson, Library Kenneth Rutgers, Engineering Debbie Skaw, Parks Beatrice Stinson, Beneficiary Hiro Takahashi, Dept. of

Transportation Mits Tamura, Associate Barbara Walker, Library Thelma Wilkes, Beneficiary Elizabeth Yee, Library

MEMORIALS

Thomas Coglas, Engineering In memory of Alton "Skip" Slaton, Engineering

Sherry Dicus, City Light In memory of Tom Dicus

Are you actively employed by the City of Seattle?

If so, why not join ARSCE as an Associate Member? Just fill out the "Application for Membership" form on the last page of this newspaper. Check "New Member" and next to your name, in parentheses, write "Associate". Under "Date Retired", write SE for "still employed". Tell us your Department name. Then, send in your dues with the application form.

Why wait for retirement? JOIN US NOW!!

Statement of Ownership

And Management

1) Owner and Publisher: The Association of Retired Seattle City Employees

Address:

P.O. Box 75385

Seattle, WA. 98175-0385

2) Title of Publication:

ARSCE News

3) Frequency of issues: Six (6) issues each year.

4)

Walt North, President (206) 365-5416

Robert N. Graham, Vice President (425) 432-1717

Joanne Kinsella, Financial Secretary (206) 362-0902

Marlene Mowry, Recording Secretary(206) 909-6117

Nancy Jo Ceccarelli, Treasurer (206) 525-5942

Judith Flemings, Interim Editor (206) 322-9122

5) Bondholders, Mortgages and Security Holders: None

6) The Association of Retired Seattle City Employees (ARSCE) is a non-profit

organization for educational purposes according to section 501c(3) of

the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax deductible. ARSCE dues are $ 8.00 each year from July 1st through June 30th.

Opinions stated by various writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the

policy of ARSCE.

Contact us at

BOOK NOTES

By Lorry Garratt, Library

A WEEK IN WINTER. By Marcia Willett In the vein of Maeve Binchy's popular novels another fine

English author has spun a tale of family, loss, and a mystical sense of things only guessed. Maudie Todhunter, a spirited widow and owner of Moorgate, is forced to put the family estate on the market. Her stepdaughter, who is her constant foe, objects. Rob Abbott, the contractor who has lovingly restored the old house, wants to own it. And there are other charmingly drawn characters, love and mysteries, and final revelations which bring a satisfying end.

A MONSTROUS REGIMENT OF WOMEN By Laurie R. King The author has created one of the most unusual and engross-

ing series of crime and suspense involving a middle aged Sherlock Holmes and young Mary Russell whom he first meets when she is a teenager. In this story Mary has reached her 21st birthday and come into her inheritance of millions. And she continues to charge into danger, this time meeting a charismatic spiritual leader through an Oxford classmate. The woman has a growing group of followers but there is also a dark shadow lurking as several seemingly accidental deaths occur in her immediate circle. Background details of life in 1920's London and Oxford provide a rich accent for the drama.

NO CERTAIN REST. By Jim Lehrer The noted anchor of the Lehrer Newshour on PBS is also a

prolific novelist and in this mesmerizing story of a newly discovered old murder he once again engrosses the reader's interest. Don Spaniel, an archaeologist with the National Park Service, is called to examine remains from the Civil War found in an unmarked grave by souvenir hunters. He discovers that the identification disc does not match the remains and soon determines that he was murdered. Using extensive excerpts from old diaries the mystery involves the modern descendents of those long dead men. The battle scenes are not for faint hearted readers.

BASKET CASE. By Carl Hiaasen

Hiaasen is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and is also

known for his bizarre mystery novels which are set in his home State

of Florida. His colorful leading character is Jack Taggart, once an

investigative reporter, now demoted to writing obituaries. One day

he catches the scent of a real news story about a once famous rock

singer who died in a scuba diving accident and all too soon other mu-

sicians in his group were dying in suspicious ways

Filled with

vivid characters and an intriguing mystery the story captures

Hiaasen's unique brand of humor.

THE FOX'S WALK. By Annabel Davis-Goff In 1915 Alice is 8 years old. It is the beginning of the Great

War and she is left with her autocratic grandmother on a beautiful Irish estate while her parents and siblings return to London. She soon comes to love Ireland but is aware that the small closed circle of the Anglo-Irish comes at a price for many without her family's privilege. It is also the time of "the troubles" and the Easter uprising and the Irish nationalists causing ever more dangerous actions. The story is narrated by a 60 year old Alice and is beautifully and richly told with the elegance this author always provides

THE EMPEROR OF OCEAN PARK. By Stephen L. Carter This is a big book, a dense dark legal thriller, a first novel af-

ter many non-fiction books by a professor of law at Yale University. It encompasses academic politics and is peopled by strong family ties, ambition, and revenge. Judge Garland has died at his desk and even before the funeral shadowy persons emerge to learn what "arrangements" he has made, and veiled suggestions of murder surface. It is a complicated plot, defying the reader to untangle a life that continues to unfold in surprising ways.

CROW LAKE. By Mary Lawson In the wild terrain of northern Ontario two farm families live

out lives of tragedy, family love, and misunderstandings. The four Morrison children are orphaned by the automobile deaths of

ARSCE NEWS -- September/October, 2006 -- Page 3

Seattle Presents . . .

The Mayor's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs presents FREE concerts at City Hall on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. The concerts begin at Noon and they are open to the public. Brown bags are welcome! City Hall is located at 600 Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle. See and hear the following:

September 7th ? Duo En performs. This is Japanese music "for the mind and spirit". An elegant 13-stringed Japanese koto and a shakuhachi bamboo flute provide an intimate, inspiring performance. Presented in partnership with the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle. September 21st ? Correo Aereo delivers some traditional music from Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina, and Peru to begin the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations at City Hall. This performance is presented in partnership with the Latino City Employee Group. September 28th ? Byron Schenkman in a bonus September performance. This internationally acclaimed harpsichordist and pianist will deliver a concert of solo piano works that range from classical to contemporary.

For additional information, telephone the office at 206-6847171 or you may e-mail the office at arts.culture@

BOOK NOTES continued

parents. The two older boys give up dreams of education and success to care for their two sisters, one just a toddler. The Pye family next door lives a life resembling a Greek tragedy where the sins of the fathers are visited on the sons. Chosen by the New York Times and Washington Post as a best book of the year, this reading experience will leave a long memory.

TYRANNOSAUR CANYON. By Douglas Preston The greatest scientific discovery of all time, scientists and

rogue agencies willing to pay any price for it, and an extraordinary cast of characters including a Monk who was formerly CIA, make this an adventure that is truly breathtaking. Part of the absorbing mystery is the revelation of a horrifying premise that could actually happen.

Old Timers Luncheon Group MTD/DAS/ESD

By Jerry Robertson

The Old timers Luncheon Group continues to meet the first Monday of each month at the "Old Country Buffet," 4022 Factoria Square Mall, S.E. Bellevue, WA. at 11:00 AM. Remember to mark your calendar for luncheon dates September 11, October 2, November 6, and December 4 as the luncheon dates for the rest of the year.

Our June and July luncheons had fewer in attendance than usual. I believe a lot of summer plans kept a lot of the folks away. John Wong attended our June luncheon. It was really great to see him and we all look forward to seeing you each month John.

June birthdays included: Charlie Arnsten, Hans Loffler, Joan Mayor, and Jerry Robertson. Nort Wascher was our only July birthday. Happy Birthday to all of them.

Congratulations to Tosh Okamoto who was decorated by the Japanese Emperor. Tosh received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Japanese American community. This is a well deserved honor Tosh. Congratulations from all of us at the luncheon group.

Jerry and Terry Robertson are now away from Lynnwood and presently located at Lake Cavanaugh. My commute to do my volunteer work at the Bellingham Theater Group is now quite a bit shorter.

Jim Stubbs was at the July luncheon. We don't see him at our luncheons as often as we would like. Living in Quincy does make it a little more difficult for Jim to attend each month.

Again, let me remind all of you that have retired from our department to join us for some fellowship at our monthly luncheons.

All of you remember to keep the first Monday each month in mind and join us for lunch.

Page 4 -- ARSCE NEWS -- September/October, 2006

Parks Retirees News

By Pat Coupens

Hasn't this been a beautiful summer in spite of those really hot days we had? It was very uncomfortable with the high temperatures, but the flowers and gardens have flourished from all the sun and warm weather. My tomatoes are taller than I am and it looks like I will have a bountiful crop.

Congratulations to Ted & Dianne Lockhart. They have a new granddaughter born July 11, 2006. This is their fourth grandchild.

Ralph Jellison brought his grandsons picture and was showing it around at the July luncheon. Too bad he is so far away in Arizona.

Bill Fagerland and his wife took an extended months vacation and drove to Crater Lake, Sequolia National Park, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite. He brought some pictures and showed them around.

Mariellen Cacdac left on June 20th for Germany, Luxembough, Straseburg and Salsburg, Austria. She said it was a wonderful trip.

Russ Bean left July 11th to go camping on the Chiwawa River near Wenatchee with his family for their annual camping trip. They saw a lot of deer and other animals. I believe they went on another camping trip in August.

Marian Goddard went to Twin Falls, Idaho over the weekend of July 20th - 23rd. It was her 60th class reunion. There were 85 attending.

I called Clarice Yeager (wife of Verle) to see how she was doing after the fall she had a few weeks ago. Her arm and shoulder still bother her, but she is much better. She hopes to come to the retirees luncheon soon.

We were glad to see Debbie Skaw, Lee Werle, and Mariellen Cacdac at the July luncheon.

Ralph Jellison enjoying a Parks Luncheon Photo by Al Hovland

Mariellen Cadac and Dave Waterson with friends Photo by Al Hovland

Fellowship All Over Town

Water Department Office Workers luncheons are organized

by Eda Anthony. Contact Eda at (206) 932-2832 for the time and place of their next get-together. (Spouses and others are welcome.)

Engineers Luncheon: Retired County and City Engineering peo-

ple met for lunch quarterly at the Lake City Elks, at NE 145th Street and Bothell Way Northeast. Call Jim Coover at (206) 242-6011 for more information.

City Light Line Crews & Friends Breakfast: This group

meets at Denny's at North 155th St. and Aurora Avenue N. on the first Thursday of the month at 8:30 AM. Call Bud Eickstadt at (206) 3628336 for information.

RCLEA (Retired City Light Employees' Association) Lunches: If you retired from City Light, you should be receiving

the Newsletter sent out at regular intervals which lists the dates and locations of the informal luncheons and the more formal fall and spring luncheons. For information on this contact Albert Larsen at (206) 525-6682 or go to

Retired Range Service Men meet at the Aurora Restaurant at

9:00 AM on the second Wednesday of the month.

Seattle Transit Breakfast (North End): This group meets at

Dennys' at 155th Street and Aurora Avenue North every Tuesday at 7:00 AM. Contact Vern Brenden at (206) 784-6907.

Transit Retirees (South End): Meet at the Denny's located in

Burien at 1st Ave. South and S. 148th Street on the third Saturday of the month at 8:00 AM for breakfast. Contact Al Ramey at (206) 2438504 or Whitey Rickert at (206) 264-7131.

Traffic Engineers: This group meets on the third Wednesday of

the month at North 87th Street and Aurora Avenue North.

Seattle Transit Mechanics & Supervisors and All Retirees Lunch: This group meets the second Wednesday of the month

at 11 AM at Andy's Diner on 4th Ave. So. Call John Love for information at (206) 242-8665

Another Retired Transit Group: This group meets the 1st Saturday of the month at 7:30 AM. The place is the Colonial Pan-

try located at 9627 Firdale Ave. in Edmonds. Just follow the County line (N. 205th St) westbound to 3rd Ave. NW. Contact Dave Carter at (425) 673-2481.

Old Timers Luncheon Group MTD/DAS/ESD. This

group meets at 11 AM the first Monday of the month at the "Old Country Buffet", 4022 Factoria Square Mall, SE Bellevue, WA.

Engineering Retirees' Lunch: Engineering Dept. Field Person-

nel Retirees meet the 1st Wednesday of the month. Contact Eddie Haw at (206) 783-8306 for further information.

Parks Dept. Retirees' Luncheons are held on the 2nd Wednes-

day of the month at the Marie Callander Restaurant at 9538 First Ave. NE. Doors open at 11:00 AM. Contact Jesse Howell (206) 282-5338 for further information.

Building Dept./DCLU Retirees: This group arranges lunches

and parties from time to time. Also Ann Hanes has a group of Building Dept. women who meet every other month at different locations. She can be contacted at 242-3769.

"The Operations Gang Breakfast": meet on the 3rd Tuesday

of each month at 9AM at the Yankee Diner located at 5300 24th Ave. NW in Ballard. For information call Ray Naud at 938-4756.

Health Dept. Environmental Health Workers and Spouses meet weekly every Saturday for breakfast at 7:30 AM. All

Health Dept. retirees are welcome. For information call John Nordin at 524-7837.

ARSCE NEWS -- September/October, 2006 -- Page 5

Camping in a Pear Orchard

... late 1980's

By Norma Arnold, Seattle Public Library Retiree

My husband is a dedicated fly fisherman and every fall he went east to the Wenatchee River to fish for steelhead. He had a small tent trailer, suitable for one although described as sleeping four. Tent trailers are those white box-like things that you see being pulled behind vehicles on the freeway. To set them up you crank up the top section and pull out the bed part. They have to be leveled and supported by jacks. The aluminum door is fastened to what is now the ceiling. The walls are canvas with clear plastic windows. The inside has a teeny sink, a table with two bench seats and some small cupboards. Imagine this: you open the door and step inside, the bed is on your right, straight ahead is the sink and the stove, on your left are the table and bench seats. The area where you can stand up is about 3 by 6 feet.

When I went with him I needed to set up the second bed. This was done by lowering the table to the same height as the bench seats and rearranging the cushions into a mattress. The carton of food and bag of clothing had to be juggled while my husband was brushing his teeth one foot away. This also meant that I had to get up first and re-assemble the table before we could eat breakfast. This procedure was not pleasant in dawn's early chill.

My husband became friendly with the pear orchard owner and got permission to camp in his orchard right on the river bank. The days were hot and the nights crisp. The area is near Cashmere. It was a beautiful location surrounded by beige rolling hills. I enjoyed it and went over to the camp every weekend with fresh food and clean clothes.

I got tired of setting up and tearing down the spare bed. One weekend I decided to bring the folding aluminum cot and sleep outside with our dog, a big male Labrador Retriever. This would avoid the morning bed into table routine. I set up the cot, foam pad and sleeping bag under a nearby pear tree. Later the dog, Sam, and I settled in under the starry canopy. We were soon joined by the farmer's two large dogs who slept outside and patrolled the orchard at night.

Sometime during the night all three dogs wiggled under the cot, probably because it was warmer there. Then they heard a noise and they all got up barking. The cot overturned and I was suddenly under the cot and the dogs were off chasing some small creature Fortunately it wasn't a skunk. Subsequent nights were much less exciting.

In the middle of October the nights became noticeably colder. One night I moved my cot into the farmer's shed. I was startled awake around 4:00 a.m. when the farmer came in, turned on the lights and started his tractor. He bid me a cheery "Good morning" and then backed the tractor out, turned off the light and closed the door. I tried to go back to sleep, but usually failed.

One fall the farmer suggested that he store the tent trailer next to his tractor shed. This would save my husband the trouble of towing it over Stevens Pass in the slushy snow and then storing it on our recreational property on the north fork of the Stillaguamish River. Unfortunately the next spring there was a major flood on the Wenatchee River. The farmer moved our trailer and all of his equipment up the hill to safety. Unfortunately the equipment shed and the small house occupied by his caretaker were swept away.

The next spring (1994) I decided to retire from the library. My ever considerate husband took me to the R-V show so I could pick out my retirement gift---a new tent trailer! He also bought me chest high waders but that's another story. The new tent trailer was larger it was advertised as sleeping six!. I had my own bedroom.

When we arrived at the orchard that September we found much rebuilding. There was a new shed and a lot of new pear trees. The farmer had thoughtfully provided a new site for us. It was right behind the shed and he encouraged us to plug the trailer into the near electrical outlet. Remember that slogan "Live better through electricity"? We decided to take it to the limit. Let me describe the interior of the new trailer.

Step through the door. To the right was a ledge that held a double hot plate and toaster, beyond that was a double bed with room for clothes bags and extra blankets, the table and benches were right ahead, to the left was the sink, then further left was another double

Your ARSCE Organization

Meetings, Entertainment, and Tours Committee (Part 7 of 8)

This Committee is composed of four to six Executive Board members and as many regular ARSCE members that would be interested in volunteering to help with the activities.

This is the "fun" committee which plans for entertainment, activities, and interesting educational speakers. ARSCE has four luncheon meetings a year which occur during the spring, summer, and fall and the "highlight" is the Christmas Luncheon which brings the largest turnout. Invitations are sent to City, retirement, union and financial dignitaries (or their representatives) encouraging them to attend the ARSCE Christmas Party. However, all ARSCE activities are open to any current and former City employee and their family and friends. Two of the luncheon meetings include speakers who provide information on various educational subjects while the other luncheon meetings provide entertainment. Of course they all include a lot of socializing. The lunches provide opportunities for ARSCE members to visit and get reacquainted with former colleagues, make new friends, and most importantly, just enjoy themselves.

ARSCE encourages its members and associate members to suggest interesting tours, outings, and educational activities. ARSCE welcomes all help to make meetings interesting and active through group participation.

The responsibility for arranging facilities for Executive Board meetings, scheduling coordination, preparing the annual calendar, setting the time line for submitting articles to the ARSCE News and ARSCE website are other vital functions of this Committee. Any cost estimate for meetings or activities is presented to the Executive Board at each general meeting prior to any proposed event.

You are invited to attend all meetings and activities. Your suggestions and assistance are always welcome. ARSCE wants ? encourages -member participation. Please refer to the activities calendar on the back page. The ARSCE fall luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, September 20 at the Lake City Elks (see sign-up form).

NEXT: A review

bed. The beds could be closed off from the kitchen/living area with cloth curtains

The counter space was ample. (Should we say comparatively luxurious?) The wide shelf opposite the table held a small refrigerator and next to it a small TV/VCR combo. We had bunny ears but couldn't bring in any stations; however, we could and did play tapes. At floor level were several cupboards for food and dishes. We kept staying later into the fall season because the fishing was good and the weather warm sunny days and clear and cold at night. One morning I went into a Wenatchee shopping mall to buy some groceries (I was actually trying to get warm), found a sale and purchased an electric blanket! After that, it was really hard to get up in the morning

Living in the trailer for two months brought up some new problems. I was not inclined to rinse out a few things in the cold river water so I visited the local laundromat. It was a squat cement block building next to a tavern. Stepping inside I faced a row of oversized washing machines. The left wall had a row of smaller washing machines and on the right wall a row of dryers. Seated on dilapidated plastic chairs were several young men wearing what appeared to be bathing suits. I later figured out that they were migrant workers and they were washing all of their clothes, including sleeping bags, in the rug-sized washers. They showed me how to use the change machine, buy detergent and which dryers didn't work well.

Another problem was reading material. I quickly read the grocery bag of books I had brought with me. I became a yard sale shopper and managed to obtain cheaply a number of books that I ordinarily wouldn't have read. Then I found the box labeled paperback exchange in the vestibule of the town library and expanded my horizons a bit more. .

The last fall trip we stayed until after the rains started. After several days of non-stop heavy rain we drove over Stevens Pass in a snowstorm. The next year the Wenatchee River was closed to fall steelhead fishing by the National Marine Fisheries to protect its run of wild steelhead. It has remained closed ever since----eight years now.

Every fall my husband turns to me and says sadly," It's time to think about going to the Wenatchee." But without the fishing there is no real reason to go. So we remember all the good times and forget the others--such as the time my car wouldn't start, how far we had to walk to the outhouse, the night the caddis flies kept coming into the tent and soon clung to everything, and how long it had been since we had ice cream!

Page 6 -- ARSCE NEWS -- September/October, 2006

In Memory

Note: Names with an asterisk (*) are ARSCE Members

Kenneth Alexander, City Light

Died:

05/08/06

Age:

94

William Barnwell, City Light

Died:

04/25/06

Age:

85

Robert Cook, Engineering

Died:

04/15/06

Age:

82

William Darnell, Engineering*

Retired:

05/85

Died:

04/11/06

Age:

83

Donald Demmons, Administra-

tive Services*

Retired:

12/83

Died:

04/28/06

Age:

88

Eugene Enloe, City Light

Died:

05/17/06

Age:

95

Sharon Granholm, City Light

Died:

04/29/06

Age:

67

Roy Hamman, Transit*

Retired:

01/69

Died:

04/24/06

Age:

97

Theodore Hansen, City Light*

Retired:

08/81

Died:

05/15/06

Age:

89

Bill Hauskins, Personnel

Died:

06/10/06

Age:

75

Jack Hewes, City Light

Died:

05/29/06

Age:

77

Harry Horowitz, Engineering

Died:

06/03/06

Age:

91

Robert Hoxie, Engineering*

Retired:

04/80

Died:

06/07/06

Age:

80

Victor Hundahl, City Light*

Retired:

06/77

Died:

06/03/06

Age:

82

Maureen Jermyn, Police*

Retired:

11/92

Died:

05/29/06

Age:

70

Tadeusz Molenda, City Light

Died:

05/03/06

Age:

90

Robert Murray, Library*

Retired:

10/89

Died:

05/07/06

Age:

76

George Neault, City Light

Died:

05/16/06

Age:

72

Joe Rivas, Engineering

Died:

05/25/06

Age:

79

Joshua Rosario, City Light*

Retired:

03/06/06

Died:

06/04/06

Age:

66

Pearl Stephen, Engineering*

Retired:

12/84

Died:

05/09/06

Age:

85

Marvin Turner, General Services*

Retired:

03/78

Died:

04/11/06

Age:

90

Woodrow Wilson, City Light*

Retired:

01/74

Died:

04/02/06

Age:

94

Ed. Note

For those of you who worked in the old "Muni" Building; or for those of you who had occasion to be in that building periodically, you may remember the gentleman who ran the concession on the first floor, Jim Albertson. Jim had a great sense of humor and most of us will remember his "Lizzie Borden Day" treat, free coffee for everyone on April 21st each year (which was actually Jim's birthday). Jim passed away some time ago, on October 2nd, 1997.

Since that time I have kept in contact with his widow, Edith Albertson. (She was almost always helping Jim in the concession, especially in the early morning hours as they set up to sell us goodies during the day.) We spoke 2-3 times each year and we always exchanged greeting cards.

Jim and Edith's son telephoned me recently -- I had sent her a birthday card -- to say she had passed away this past April 1st, 2006 at the age of 93. For those of you who were in the Muni Bldg. in the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s., we have another precious memory. ~~ Judy

The View from the Buses

By John D. Love

It appears that the breakfast/lunches are growing with leaps and bounds. The breakfast in the South end at the Burien Elks is attracting thirty plus on the third Saturday of the month. It is fun to see retirees that you have not seen in a decade or two.

If you are reading this you are lucky as my computer has been acting up and I did not know if I could get the news out.

I live in the Bow Lake Mobile Home Park in the City of SeaTac, Washington and I have made contact with two retirees and the son of a retired driver who lives here also. The two retirees are Frank Virgo and Martin Zawislak. Stan Haberkorn, is the son of Stan Haberkorn , a retired driver. I also received a phone call from Elzie (Rusty) Ridgeway. Rusty left Washington State when he retired in 1990 to travel to Missouri and try his hand at raising animals of various types. Rusty said that he was too old to be chasing animals and he eventually returned to the Pacific Northwest where he has set up housekeeping in the north end of King County.

Binnacle List I have no one on the Binnacle List for this deadline.

TAPS The official magazine for the ATU awarded death benefits

to five members. They are Steven Biss, Cathy Donalds, John Senear, Earl Wilmot and Leonard Wilson. I have no knowledge of Steve Biss or Cathy Donalds, but I do know John Senear, Earl Wilmot and Len Wilson. John was the past President of Local 587, and Earl was an Operator's Operator. Len was very active with Local 587. Len came to Transit when Seattle Transit and Metropolitian Transit formed Metro Transit.

I received word that several active members have passed away. They are Edward Seymore, and Doug Rockness. I have no knowledge of either one of these individuals. I have received word that Royal C. Honnold and William (Bill) Falkenberg passed away. Royal passed away June 9, 2006 and was 88 years old He retired May 1, 1975. Bill retired on March 2, 1985 and was 85 years old when he passed away. I also received two death notices, they are about Ralph Dark and William Jacobsen. Ralph retired 11/20/82 and was 85 years old at his passing. William retired on 11/02/89 and was 78 years old when he passed away.

Our sympathies go out to those families that have lost loved ones. We should remember that the survivors need support in their time of sorrow and we should extend that support to the best of our ability.

That's all for now~ John

ARSCE NEWS -- September/October, 2006 -- Page 7

July, 2006

ARSCE News

My name is Marge Bartelson (Grace M. Bartelson). I am a retired Seattle Engineering employee for 22 plus years. I retired in 1975 (one of the "old ones") at the age of 59. I supervised the LID Section under Ken Lowthian, Bill Smith, and Rudy Simonson.

Your last month's magazine included a lot of familiar faces and held many memories for me: Kirk Jones, Jim Coover, Ted Ormbreck, Harold Thornquist, and Gordon Crandall.

My husband and I had been coming to Mesa, Arizona since retirement. He died six years ago after 65 and onehalf years of marriage. I decided to spend the rest of my nearly 90 years right here.

I look forward to the paper and MY RETIREMENT CHECK.

Thank all of you unpaid servants!!!!!

Marge Bartelson

We Get Letters . . .

July, 2006

ARSCE Re: Funding (hope)

I'm glad the response to the 95% funding was so good. If I remember correctly the projection for the increase was over a period of 23 years. I expect to be dead in ten! If my calculations are right I will lose overall. The "thirteenth" check is over the course of the year better for me. Unless there is something I don't understand about the 65% floor or what is my base now, I think I lose. However, that does not mean I am opposed to the COLA. It seems like a winner for most. For me??????

Guy Stewart Green Valley, Arizona Retired 10-1-96

All letters sent to ARSCE become its property. Letters may be edited.

Page 8 -- ARSCE NEWS -- September/October, 2006

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Frank Anderson, Construction and Land Use Stephen Doherty, Fleets and Facilities Richard Garcia, Seattle Public Utilities Paul Gagnon, City Light Debra Gardner, Fleets and Facilities Sonia Glenn, Purchasing Gordon Hirai, Fleets and Facilities Ellen Jeffcott, Health Jerome Kennell, Seattle Public Utilities

Margaret Klockers, Law Diana Lewis, Police Kathi McDowell, City Light Pegi Reese, Seattle Public Utilities Randy Revelle, Seattle City Council Don Rogers, Seattle Public Utilities Noelita Rosario, Police Irene Valdez, City Light James Elizabeth Yee, Library

Ken's Dirty Dishes

By Ken Hunich

(Washing dishes in Ken's enforced bachelorhood is now totally his responsibility--and got him thinking about the matter--which is clearly a hazard.)

Washing Dirty Dishes Why do we wash dishes after use?

That seems like an obvious question similar to why do we use the stairs rather than jump over the handrail to get down from the upper level.

Well, I do think about these things, and many other similar ones, when burdened by a restless mind in the vacuums obvious in a single life.

Reasons For Washing Clearly, one of the first things that comes to mind is that you wash dishes to get pieces of food off them so a later dish of vanilla pudding doesn't have taste overtones of a taco. But what about a bowl that had only cereal and milk in it? You can wash that "clean" with a warm water rinse and again use it for cereal. Granted, the remains of a meat-and-vegetable stew won't all come off with such a rinse and its cleaning is in a different category.

Another reason to wash dishes is to prevent the spread of disease between people. But not all people are carriers of disease, and it seems discourteous to ask dinner guests to bring with them the certified results of a recent complete blood test. Instead, we seem to be assuming that everyone is a disease carrier and we must sterilize all things they touched at the dinner table. I am the only person using the dishes in my house and I am not yet paranoid and concerned about spreading disease to myself.

And esthetics is a factor that encourages dish washing. Most of us object to licking off table ware before using it to compensate for a previous users carelessness.

Washing dishes also reduces frustration during dinner time, a time that is supposed to be a pleasurable and relaxing. I think most people prefer to easily scrape up and eat things off their plate and not encounter food pieces that are difficult to get on their fork. Only after repeated failures to maneuver one's fork according to appropriate table manners, one may come to the realization you are trying to pick up a food particle from an earlier meal that is dried and is firmly stuck to your plate. This interferes with making mealtime pleasurable and relaxing.

When to Wash Earlier, when to turn on the dishwasher never was a decision I was concerned with. Dear One took care of that. I occupied my attention with soiling the dishes at dinner time. Now, decision making in this whole area weighs on me. Rather than follow what I perceived to be the procedures others follow, "I gotta be me" and must determine my own rules in my house.

To reduce the hassle of seemingly loading the dishwasher on a near-continuous basis which leads to frequent kitchen calisthenics to get the washed contents to their proper places in various cupboard shelves and drawers, I concluded that clearly this would require an engineer's (mine) clear analysis of conditions, needs and procedures.

By bringing logic and original thought to soiled dinnerware (I assume this doesn't convict me as having a dirty mind), I decided first what must be washed. It became clear this must include greasy or oily residue that can't be removed with a stream of warm water. It needs soap. For dishes with other food residue that a stream of warm water gives an apparent clean appearance, I decided, will be set aside for further use by me.

"But where to you put these `clean', wet dishes?" you might ask, while in the back of your mind you have made a decision that while at my house you will examine all glassware you are about to use by holding them up to the light.

Please still your trembling hand; I don't put unwashed dishes and tableware in cupboards and drawers along side the washed ones. The rinsed-clean dishes are rested on a towel on the kitchen counter nearest the eating table. All flatware is washed after use. I concluded it's more of a hassle to rinse and inspect them than it is to wash them. And anyway, I run out of some dishes and need to turn on the dishwasher long before I run out of flatware.

Rest assured, guests in my large house---I hope someday to have a visitor---will only be given dishwasher-washed items.

Pot and Pans Some cooking pots can be rinsed clean but, nevertheless they are put in the dishwater where they remain for further use or washing, whichever comes first. The same treatment is given the casserole pans that are my whole-meal-salad dishes from which I eat. There are only two of them and I have whole-mealsalads more than twice between dishwasher cycles.

Coffee Cups Most cups can be rinsed and used over and over until the brown stain becomes apparent and they are retired to the dishwasher. I do the same with cups used for milk. Since they are the same French-type glass cups, when rinsed they are placed in different places on the counter towel; the location indicates their type of use. Reusing cups seems appropriate to me. I feel my thinking is similar to most people who feel that a drinking glass doesn't require a 90-minute wash cycle following its use to take a sip of water.

Why Use Dishes A final item in a review of dishwashing is why use dishes when eating? ("Holy Cow, we're back to the beginning again, dissecting the obvious!") I'm not advocating eating freshly-cooked stew by pouring it on the kitchen table to avoid washing a plate.

When to use dishes is a hard-to-define procedure... for me... and needs to be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Consider a can of baked beans. The first step is to remove the top. Most would feel the next step is to pour the contents into a pan and warm it on the stove. For me, eating the beans at room temperature is quite acceptable and needs no warming. So my next step is put the can on the table and eat from it. When the "dish" is empty after this meal or the next, I throw it away and no washing is involved.

Ever alert for improvements, I've found the closer one eats to the bottom of the can, the more sauce one gets on the fingers holding the spoon. This is because you have to move your hand into the can for the spoon to reach the bottom. Solution: use a "soda spoon" that looks like a very long handled teaspoon. This allows getting to the bottom of the can easily and eliminates the need to periodically lick sauce from my fingers.

So, I keep an open mind about how things should be done. This takes a measure of self confidence when others infer it's an example of an empty mind.

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