february, 2018 circulation: 2317 - northrop grumman · 2019-11-22 · february, 2018 volume 51,...

February, 2018 Volume 51, Issue 2 Circulation: 2317

CLUB HEADQUARTERS/ PARENT CHAPTERBethpage, New York

President, Bob Ripp, (516-575-3777)

CHAPTERS / MEETING LOCATIONS:

California - Golden West / Pt. MuguPresident, Fred Syrett (805-647-4934)

California - San Diego / San DiegoPresident, Pete Belay, (858-484-7307)

Florida - First Coast / St. AugustinePresident, Fred Bauer (904-819-9817)

Florida - Manasota West / BradentonPresident, Ted Martines (941-554-8681)

Florida - Southwest / Locations VaryPresident, Carolyn Moors (239-283-8294)

Florida - Spacecoast / MelbournePresident, Bob Prais (321-242-5782)

Florida - Suncoast / Pinellas Park

President, Benjamin Hurley (727-527-7281)

Florida - Treasure Coast / Port St. LuciePresident, Dan Knowles (772-288-2758)

Georgia - Peach Pit / Milledgeville

President, Paul Bernichon (478-452-2563)

Maryland - Glen Arm / BelairPresident, Rick Swinder (410-977-7829)

New England - New England North / Dorset, VT President, Bill Egner (802-446-2062)

New York - Bethpage Chapter & Club HQPresident, Bob Ripp, (516-575-3777)

New York - Eastern Long Island / RiverheadPresident, Bert Moller (631-864-4377)

North Carolina - Eastern Carolina / Locations Vary

President, Peter McNamee (252-288-4569)

Pennsylvania - Northeast PA / So. Sterling

President, Charles Dowd (570-491-2125)

South CarolinaCoastal Carolinas / Myrtle BeachPresident, Robert Joyce (910-575-2309)

Virginia - Central Virginia / MonticelloPresident, Fred Meiners (434-589-2882)

And we thought Grumman was a super high-tech operation . . .from Grumman Plane News, December, 1968

Ever see someone walking around with a Y-shaped twig in his hand, look ing for water? This an an ancient tradi tion called “dowsing” or “water witch ing.” In this age of scientific instru ments and water table charts, who would suppose it could be taken se riously?

Well, Grumman has an expert in this mysterious art, and a 125-gallon-per -minute well to prove it. Two wells, in fact - at Glen Arm, Md.

Ollie Stifler’s strange facility requires a forked branch to find the water source, and a glass with a little water in it, a piece of thread, and a wedding band, to tell him how deep to dig. In 20 years of dowsing in Maryland, Stifler has found about 300 wells.

Ollie’s associates are baffled at his success as a dowser, but they cannot deny that his divining rods (“I call them plain old twigs”) have brought in two wells near Plant 56. One produces 60 gallons and the other an unheard-of (for that area) 125 gallons. Ollie points out that the professional well-digger who dug the well at the spot he indicated said he had never seen anything like it. Such was the supply that it had to be capped.

Stifler’s “plain old twig” has to be a new, green one each time, since, upon finding a good water source, it bends so sharply that it usually breaks and cannot be used again. “I like peach best, but wild cherry is easier to find,” he says. “I need a Y-shape, with the arms about 10 inches long, and the base, six inches. The wood should be half an inch thick; if it’s thinner, it’s too sensitive and is apt to break before I’ve deter-mined which of several sites is going to be the best.”

He holds it “very tightly” by the arms with the base pointing toward him. Says it sets up “a tugging” when he comes to an underground stream. “The base pulls toward me and points to the ground.”

Stifler pays no attention to water tables and geological formations; just walks back and forth fighting the tug gings and marking several possibilities, then returning to the most promising one.

A Spanish-American veteran, Ned Roach, first interested Ollie in water witching. It was about 20 years ago, when Ollie needed a well for his own home. “My father-in-law was the one who knew about him and urged me to call him in,” he says. “Of course I was an unbeliever- but that man show ed me how to hold the twig, and it worked better for me than it did for him.”

Many years later, Roach revealed another of his arts, and Ollie says this works, too. He used it at Glen Arm.

“I was able to tell them how deep to dig,” he says. “I took a thin-shell drink ing glass and put a half-inch of water in the bottom. Then I set the glass on the ground where I had decided the well must be. I took a piece of sewing thread and my wedding band and looped the thread through the band and lowered it into the glass until the ring almost touched the water. This acts like a pen dulum and you count the swings over and back. I said, ‘You’re going to have to drill to 60 feet’ and they did.” Pressed for further details, he asserted that the pendulum starts and stops by itself after it is set on the ground. “To make it start again after it stops, you have to go away from it and come back later.”

With Thanks to John Eagan, Grumman Heritage Center, and to Joe Svach, Secretary of the Glen Arm Retiree Club Chapter.

94504_Grumman Newsletter_020218.indd 1 2/2/2018 3:33:08 PM

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Scholarship Program Contributors

Thank you to these contributors for your generous donations to our Charitable Activities Program. Through your generosity, we are able to make donations to various local charitable organizations throughout the year.

Ron Anders Edward Arndt Gilbert Chan Richard Di Rocco Harlow Dunton Frank Flynn Richard Fugallo Richard Gosline Chris Hansen Walter Johnston, Jr. Walter Kaminski Charles Keenan Frank Mancilla George Nelson Harold Noonan Marjorie Page James Panos Gustave Preiser Norwin Rehm Herbert Steel Ruth Strakosch Frank Tucholski

Elizabeth Vernon

****************************************************

Scholarship Program Contributions

Your contributions are the engine that enables our Scholarship Award Program to be an on-going Retiree Club Program for all members.

Remember: Your Scholarship Program donations are tax deductible.

Every little bit counts . . . It all adds up. Please keep your (tax deductible) donations coming . . . Send your checks (payable to Retiree Scholarship Fund) to: Scholarship Fund, PO Box 0748, Bethpage NY 11714-0748.

****************************************************

QUARTERLY 50/50 SCHOLARSHIP RAFFLEMembers of All Chapters May Participate!

Enter often. Multiple winners possible. Max prize: $500 for any one person,

in any one drawing. Winners announced in the Newsletter.

Send a filled-in raffle ticket (below) and a check (payable to Grumman Retiree Club Scholarship Fund), to: Retiree Club Scholarship program, PO Box 0748, Bethpage, NY, 11714-0748.

Each raffle entry is $5.00

Please indicate how many raffles you are purchasing.

This Raffle benefits the Scholarship Fund onlyGRUMMAN RETIREE CLUB NEWSLETTER

(USPS # 023-096) Volume 51, Issue 2, February 2018, is published monthly (except August) by Grumman Retiree Club, Inc. Address: Northrop Grumman Corp, M/S Retiree/BP15, 925 South Oyster Bay Road, Bethpage, NY 11714. Periodical postage rates paid at Bethpage, NY. Subscriptions rates of $15 are paid through membership dues.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Grumman Retiree Club, Inc. c/o Command Direct / 310 Oser Ave / Hauppauge, NY 11788-3608

Scholarship Program 50/50 Raffle Ticket

_______________________________________Name_______________________________________Address

Town _______________State ____ Zip _______

Phone (optional) _____________________

Number of Raffles Purchased _____


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Scholarship Program Contributors

To All donors to our Scholarship Program:

Thank You for your generous donations to this great Club program. All donors can be proud to know that the se contributions will help deserving and acccomplished students attend college.

From the Directors and Officers of the Retiree Club, from the Officers and other hard working members of the Scholarship Program, and from our future Scholars, Many Thanks, to these recent contributors:

Helen M. Amato Edward ArndtMarie A. Auteri Barbara J. BellBernard Braun John W. BrookClifton J. Callahan Thomas A. CampoJoseph A. Caviola Karl Christ

Scott G. Chrysler John J. CottrellJeremiah J. Cronin Francis A. DamisRichard Dehls Steve Dely Arthur Deissler Vincent G. De Stefano John Devaney Remo Ditieri

Richard Eberl Roy A. ErlandsonMilton Farkas Roseanne Frank Edward Gabriel Felix M. GarlascoJoseph Giannone William P. GuarinoPeter Guthmann Theodore W. Hilgeman

K. Johnson Cesare LitteriniJohn Loonam Samuel T. MackeyFrank Mancilla Richard ManiscalcoTheresa Martinis James J. McMahonWilliam H. Mueller Carol Nichol

Richard Orr Emil Pavlik, Jr.Anne F. Reilly Gabriel Peter RottasStanley Sakowski Joel SchachterEd Sweeney Jr. Richard W. VerderberSidney C. Weihs Margaret T. Wuestman

Bethpage Chapter

January 23, 2018

With weather in the 40s and no snow, the locals came out in droves for our January luncheon. After a great lunch, the meeting began with Sergeant-at Arms Nick Bazzicalupo leading the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was then observed for our departed friends and for the wellbeing of the men and women in the service of our country who fight and die for our freedom.

First Vice President Pat Sullivan greeted everybody and announced our guest speaker, Larry Seiden. Larry has been a financial advisor at Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s Investment Strategies unit for the last eleven years. He is intimately involved with our Retiree Club as he has been on the Club’s Board of Directors on our Scholarship Fund as a Director for nearly six years. Larry started his talk by saying how much he has enjoyed working with the Club in his many roles and said that he wanted to tell everyone about some upcoming changes to the BFCU financial sector.

First and foremost, Larry stressed that the banking side of the BFCU will experience no changes at all. He then spoke to the financial services changes:• For the past seven years, BFCU has used the services of INVEST Financial as their Broker-Dealer, which allowed BFCU to expand operations beyond banking services to include investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other financial instruments. INVEST has been bought by another broker-dealer, LPL Financial, the largest Broker-Dealer in the country. LPL Financial, which has operated for at least 30 year, will oversee all BFCU financial operations. The change will occur mi- February and will be seamless for present investors, who must be BFCU members. Larry said that this change should bring greater technology to member. Also, a better line of financial products and services will be available along with a similar fee structure to that was used by INVEST. • At the time of the transition to LPL, BFCU Financial Strategies will change its name to BFCU Financial Group. Larry noted that this is now the third name change: from BFCU Financial Services


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to BFCU Investment Strategies to BFCU Financial Group. This is only a name change.

A brief Q&A session was then conducted where it was pointed out that BFCU is no longer restricted to operations on Long Island, but is now chartered to exist in all 50 states. It has already expanded outside of New York State through shared services Credit Union networks. During the Q&A, one member stated that Money Magazine did a rating of the best banks in each state and BFCU was rated number one in New York State.

After Larry’s talk, Pat announced that the Club will make a contribution to the American Cancer Society in Larry’s name.

Business – ** Pat asked for any changes to the minutes as they appear in the December Newsletter. There being none, the December meeting minutes were accepted as written. ** Pat noted that there were no new members in attendance and no one from other chapters. ** Retirees will be receiving two sets of Pension 1099 forms. One set will be from State Street and the other from Fidelity, which took over pension payments during 2017. ** Pat asked all attendees to please notify the club of their intention to attend any upcoming meeting. The advanced notice is necessary to get an adequate headcount for table setup issues. Today, for example,

last minute, unplanned walk ins - however welcome - required that Crest Hollow CC quickly set up more tables before the attendees could be seated and eat.

Birthdays: Jack Ingold 85 on 12/2; Alfred Wirth 85 on 12/18; Jack Hayne on 1/17; Elsie Baron 99 (yeah!) on 3/1; George Young 90 (yes!) on 1/18; Rachel Staiano on 3/6; Pete Fales 80 on 1/8; Pat Heeger 76 on 1/9; Kay Juner 96 (oh boy!) on 1/20; Joe Carlino 92(yeah) on 1/28; and Lorraine Fogarty 72 on 1/6.

Happy Birthday to all.

Anniversaries: Sal & Peggy DeLucia, 62 yrs. on 1/20; and Frank & Rachel Staiano, 68 yrs. on 8/7.

Congratulations.

Get Well Wishes to Joseph Auteri, Mike Dombrowski and Past President Barbara Nilsen.

We hope you all Get Well, Soon.

Community Relations: First VP Pat Sullivan announced that, in December, Kay Juner graciously knitted nine wool sweaters and donated them to the club. Subsequently, Pat sold those sweaters for a total of $225, which was then donated to St. Judes Hospital in June’s name.

Thank You, June.

Treasurers’ Reports: ** Pat Sullivan noted that Treasurer Frank Rizzo was away on vacation, so a Retiree Club Treasurer’s Report was not available. However, Pat noted that

CREST HOLLOW COUNTRY CLUBWEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM

Member Name (print)__________________________________________Guest Names (print)____________________________________________________________________________________No. of Members attending _____ No. of Guests attending _____No. of Chicken _____No. of Fish _____

Luncheon coupons should be mailed toGrumman Retiree Club, Inc.

PO Box 476Bethpage, NY 11714

$10 per member - $20 per guestPLEASE RESPOND BY MAR 21, 2018

CREST HOLLOW COUNTRY CLUBWEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM

Member Name (print)__________________________________________Guest Names (print)____________________________________________________________________________________No. of Members attending _____ No. of Guests attending _____No. of Chicken _____No. of Fish _____

Luncheon coupons should be mailed toGrumman Retiree Club, Inc.

PO Box 476Bethpage, NY 11714

$10 per member - $20 per guestPLEASE RESPOND BY FEB 14, 2018


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a review of year end Club finances indicates deficits in the cash flow. Therefore, the Club might consider a dues increase or some other monetary change to mitigate the deficits. ** Scholarship Fund Treasurer Linda Perotta provided the Scholarship Fund report for multiple months since the report was not given in December at the Holiday Luncheon. Linda thanked all the members who have so generously donated to the Scholarship Fund. She reminded everyone that the Award Luncheon is in June, at the Crest Hollow CC.** John Vosilla, Scholarship Fund President, then announced that the fund just approved increasing the annual award to $2500, up from $2000. for up to 10 recipients.

Travel – Nick Bazzicalupo ** Nick reviewed the successful December trip to the Staaten. He is potentially planning two trips to the Staaten this year:** 4/11/18: The Staaten “Best of Broadway,” featuring “Mr. Broadway” singing Broadway favorite songs; a comedian; one hour open bar; a full luncheon. Estimated $93pp. ** 11/14/18: The Staaten “Byrne Brothers: Three Irish Singers.” Three Irish tenors sing favorites; a comedian; one hour open bar; a full luncheon. Estimated $93pp.

NOTE: Nick welcomes suggestions for future trips. Call Nick (631-368-3227).

** Nick said that he has been contacted by a group called the St. Joseph’s Seniors who have trips but many times can’t fill a bus. So, they asked if our Club would like to join them on these occasions. They are planning a trip on May 10-11, to the Sights and Sounds Theater in Lancaster, PA. This venue has biblical shows in a theater larger than Radio City Music Hall. Cost: approx. $319pp.

Prize Winners - the lucky winners were: Community Relations 50/50: Benjamin Kenney, Peter Fales, and Harry Pro, and Harry Pro again. Door Prizes: Linda Perotta and Patty MasonScholarship 50/50: Harry Daum and Jack McKnightQuarterly Scholarship 50/50: Richard Fox and George Young

The meeting was adjourned with the singing of “God Bless America.”

By: Lou Kubat, Sec’y

Meeting Schedule:February 21, March 28, April 25, May 23,

Scholar Luncheon June 27,

September 26, October 24, November 28, Holiday Luncheon December 19.

****************************************************CALIFORNIA / Golden West

The January meeting of the Grumman Golden West Chapter was held at the Eagles Lodge in Oxnard, CA. Only seven members attended due to very bad weather.

Dues for 2018 are now due.

The 50/50 drawing was won by Herb holler.

Next Meetings: February 13 and March 13, 2018.

By: Fred Syrett, President.

****************************************************CALIFORNIA / San Diego

The Chapter did not meet in January.

Editor’s Note: In our January Newsletter, two paragraphs of the San Diego Chapter’s December meeting report were accidentally printed twice. The duplication was caused by difficulties encountered in the process of copying the Chapter’s input into the Newsletter format. The Chapter’s input to the Newsletter was OK when received.

Contact: Bill Roeckl, Sec’y. [[email protected]]

****************************************************FLORIDA / First Coast

A smaller crowd, less than thirty members showed up at our January meeting. President Fred and (our very own Chapter First lady) Marge are off enjoying a cruise with Tom & Corinne Foley, and others.

Ron Davies, welcoming us in this new year, opened the meeting leading the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an opening prayer by Paul Heagy.

After our usual assault on the buffet, Ron called the meeting to order. He commented on our enjoyable


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December meeting/visit to Northrop Grumman’s St. Augustine Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence. Our thanks go to our hosts at the Center for a wonderful meal and informative session.

Birthdays for January: George Collins, Al Umbach, Ed Deane, Sharon Lainhart, Bernie Bernier, Bob Mehl, Audrey Moore, Anne And Emil Gagliardi, Rich Porter, Dolores Munson, Andrea (Cookie) Dengeler, Gene Early, and Bill Johndro.

Anniversaries: Cathy & Mike Garvey

Sadly, Ron informed us that his brother Ralph’s wife, Lauren, passed away suddenly recently. There is no memorial service planned. On behalf of all the members, we offer our sincerest sympathy to Ralph and his family.

Continuing with business, Treasurer Bob Rathje collected several more dues payments, which brings it to about 48 out of 90 members who have paid their 2018 dues. Bob reminds us that he will be sending the final tally to headquarters by the end of February, so PLEASE take the time to write a check and send in your $15. Send your check to: Bob Rathje, 11046 Castlemain Cir. E. Jacksonville, FL 32256. Thank You!

Six 50/50 prizes were awarded

Next Meeting: February 20, at Ichiban Buffet.

Future Meeting Dates: March 20, April 17 (at the Buffet, until further notice)

By: Steve Cacace, Sec’y. [[email protected]]

****************************************************FLORIDA / Manasota West


Next Meetings:February 14 and March 14 at Noon, at Pier 22 Restaurant in Bradenton, FL.

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FLORIDA / SouthWest

Chapter was not scheduled to meet in January.

Next Meeting: February 13, 11:30AM, at Golden Corral in Punta Gorda.

Future Meetings: March and April - The second Tuesday of each month.

By: Clem Moors, President [[email protected]; 631 513-1737]

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FLORIDA / Space Coast

January 17, 2018

The visitors parking lot at Suntree Country Club quickly swelled to capacity as our members turned out for post-holiday socializing and the promise of an exceptionally interesting program. Don Powell, stepping in for incapacitated President Bob Prais, got us off to a prompt start with the Pledge of Allegiance, while Ed Romano followed with a meaningful prayer. Don wasted no time, after our usual tasty luncheon buffet, introducing our very special speaker.

While we have had many excellent speakers at our meetings this past year, January’s speaker, Capt. Tom Tack, USN (Ret) set a standard that will be hard to meet.

Tom Tack, 2016


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Laid back and un-assuming, Tom managed to bring humor and human interest to what turned out to be a very educational insight into the varying conflicts in the Mediterranean /Western Asia theater where he played a part as a pilot of a Navy EA-6B “Prowler” during 1991-2008.

Tom led us from his youth and graduation from the Naval Academy, to his assignment to the venerable USS Ranger to fly jamming missions in support of Dessert Storm. Tom proudly related that every fixed wing aircraft on the carrier was sired by the same talented Grumman family in New York. Full of emotion, Tom related the growing tension on board as they counted down to the 1/16/1991 deadline the U.N. had set for Iraq to pull its 440,000 troops out of Kuwait. Finally, on the night of January 16th, they were awakened by the Bos’n’s whistle and an “All Hands” command from the ship’s Captain, announcing the formal declaration of war as of that hour, Midnight, with the first launch and assault to be at 1AM. Tom then read the Captain’s message to the crew, stressing the importance of the mission they were undertaking and how they were honored to represent their country.

Around-the-clock missions were then the order of the day with one of the seven EA-6Bs accompanying every strike. Tom particularly lauded the deck crews who worked 72 consecutive hours. He gave us a taste of that hectic 43-day campaign as flown with his crew man, “Mad Dog Mason”.

An interesting side note: in later years, the Navy EA-6B squadrons were officially designated to fly ECM (Electronic Counter Measures). coverage for USAF strikes in the Kosovo region. The Air Force had previously de-activated their EF-111 squadrons, which had the same jamming equipment as the EA-6Bs. Capt. Tack related, when quizzed on this, that the USAF position was that “Stealth” in the attacking aircraft was the tactic of the future rather than ECM They therefore de-activated the EF-111 squadron and diverted those funds to Stealth development. When an F-117 Stealth Aircraft was shot down, the attack strategy was immediately changed and no attacks were undertaken without Navy EA-6B support.

Following Dessert Storm, the EA-6Bs (Prowlers) were retained in the Eastern Mediterranean area supporting a wide variety of activities by allied nations. These included negotiating air passage corridors with a variety of nations (Turkey, Egypt, etc.) and 9.7 hour strikes in the Adriatic Sea area. The Captain’s remarks on these activities were both enlightening and entertaining - enough material for a separate dedicated talk. As a Navy EA-6B pilot. Tom logged more than 3200 flight hours and 200 combat missions over six extended deployments with both the Navy and Air Force. In his final tour on active duty, he served as the Commodore of the Navy’s Electronic Attack Wing located at Whidbey Island, Washington. He also served two tours in the Pentagon on both the Navy and Joint Staffs.

Commander Tack & son Harrison, ( 2 1/2 yrs old): Homecoming from Saudi Arabia deployment in 2000

We were pleased to find that Tom is now the ranking officer for the current Northrop Grumman activities in the Bethpage area. With his knowledge, experience and winning personality, we look forward to great things for that operation. Thanks for coming to see us, Tom.

Following Tom Tack’s presentation, we were treated to a progress report by our 2008 Skurla scholarship award winner, Jason Panzarino. Having completed his Bachelors and Masters Degree programs with honors at the University of California, Jason continued his studies in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, earning his Ph.D. for his work in solid mechanics and structures. During this time, he alsoworked intermittently at United Launch Alliance


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facilities in Florida, Colorado, and Texas. He has been awarded seven scholarships and several Fellowships by various aviation oriented organizations.

Jason just completed a solo 12-month tour of 13 countries in SE Asia and Europe, including a term teaching Math and English in South Sumatra, Indonesia. He expressed a desire to see old friends at our meeting and particularly to chat with his supporter, Mrs. George Skurla (Marie) who was in attendance, especially to see Jason. He is submitting applications both here and on the West Coast. We, of course, hope that he becomes part of our local Northrop Grumman team.

Welcome back, Jason.

Don thanked our two guests and resumed “command” of the meeting in his pseudo-comedic style - “You-all gotta help me—I don’t know anything about this job—what comes next?”

Various committee reports were dealt with, with our treasurer Bill Waldron reporting all accounts in satisfactory shape and welcomed new member Ann Adams.

The final piece of business was the report of the Scholarship Committee by Chairman Jim Glover. The task of distributing the annual follow up awards to six different school bureaucracies has now been eased by a vote of the Committee: payments will be made directly to our scholars who will have the responsibility of gathering and submitting the documents verifying their scholastic activity. Jim’s plea for additional volunteers to serve the Committee resulted in one new member, Carole Sidorski, plus one other potential volunteer who is considering service.

Employee Birthdays January: John Lau, Lee Brandt, Tom Lewis, Sal Cioffi, John Soucheck, Jerald Willoughby, Fred Wilms, Heinz Schreiber

Spouse Birthdays January: Dorothy Beck, Karen Brandt, Jackie Winter

Anniversaries January: Frank & Elizabeth SanFillippo, Henry (Ted) & Joanne Kuhn, Vic & Pat Belmont

50/50 Drawing: There were nine 50/50s and two special prizes. Bob DeVoe won the box of liquor filled chocolates and Gil Friedenreich won the bottle of Pinot Grigio and a $25 gift card to Publix.

Congratulations to all

Next Meeting: February 28.

Meeting Schedule for 2018:March meeting canceled.

4/25, 5/23, 6/27Summer break

9/19, 10/17, 11/14 and 12/12

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FLORIDA / Treasure Coast

January, 2018

Twenty-five people were in attendance on a very cold and wintry day. In addition, the restaurant was under some minor construction, which caused us to keep ow coats on the entire time. President Dan Knowles was not in attendance due to illness, but recovering. Bob Watkins is recovering from illness in the hospital, and will be home very soon.

Vice President Werner Bols and Don Combes conducted the meeting. Pete Meier and Bob Beckmann, who are long-time members, took the opportunity to enlighten the rest of the group with stories about their most interesting experiences working at Grumman( years ago.

Our thanks to Walter Seppala for his very generous contribution to the Scholarship Fund.

January Wedding Anniversaries: John & Marlene Goetke - 60 years;( Ken & Maddie Tolve - 54 years

January Birthdays: JoAnn Rathgeber and Charlene Castagnaro


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Visitors: Nick Maniscalco and Maria

Sickness: In addition to both Dan Knowles and Bob Watkins, Barbara Knowles has experienced several issues with her back. but is at home and recovering nicely.

Deceased: We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Luis D. Trupia.

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GEORGIA / Peach Pit

Our January 16, 2018 meeting at El Tequila Mexican Restaurant in Milledgeville, GA started at 12:30PM. There were 25 present when President Paul Bernichon called the meeting to order and Sergeant-at-Arms Ted Zarkowsky led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, Chaplain Mary Archer gave the Blessing, which was followed by the meal and fellowship.

Past President McCabe administered the Oath of Office to Chapter Officers for 2018. Our officers are: Paul Bernichon - President Vince Ciampa - Vice President Joe Sansotta - Treasurer Lew Iuliucci - Secretary Ted Zarkowsky - Sergeant-at-Arms Mary Archer - Chaplain.

Old Business:A motion to waive reading of both the November 21, 2017 business meeting minutes and the December 19, 2017 Holiday Social notes was made by Earl Seagle and seconded by Tom Blenk. No changes were offered, either by proxy or by those present, and the motion passed.

New Business:1. President Paul welcomed those present and wished a Happy New Year to all Club members and their families. 2. Paul announced that Tuesday, January 23, 2018 has been designated “Grumman - Northrop Grumman Retiree Club’s Georgia/Peach Pit Chapter

Day” in the City of Milledgeville, to acknowledge the 30th Anniversary of our Community Service. President Paul will be presented with a Proclamation, with the City Seal affixed, at the City Council Meeting, on that day/date, with Chapter members, relatives, and friends invited to this brief ceremony.

Treasurer Joe Sansotta then gave an update on the Chapter’s financial condition and membership status.

Secretary Lew Iuliucci extended January Happy Birthday wishes to: President Paul Bernichon [28th], his spouse, Barbara [21st], VP Vince Ciampa [11th], Jim Hicks [7th], Maddie Main [19th] and Linda Zarkowsky [26th].

There are no January wedding Anniversaries to report.

Guil Mauldin won the 75/25 Fund Raiser Raffle and donated his winnings to the Community Service Fund. Thank you, Guil.

Member Juliane Nussberger, now at home, continues to be under the weather and we wish a speedy recovery.

In Memoriam:

Grummanite Franklin “Jason” Huguley passed away on January 15, 2018 in Milledgeville Georgia. He is in our prayers and our condolences are extended to his family.

Community Service:Volunteerism continues as members and spouses aid various causes including Pints of Blood/Platelets.

Program:Presenter Mike McCabe, Jr.’s presentation covered Long Term Care. Mike - who works for Edward Jones - included homecare, assisted living, and other long term care options in his presentation. He also addressed Medicare, Medicaid, and various other financing possibilities available for those in need. He was informative, thorough, and he addressed member questions all in an


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understandable manner. He left members with a four-page brochure covering the topic. Well Done, and Thank You, Mike for taking the time to visit, and enlightening us on this very important topic. A motion by Guil Mauldin, and seconded by Mike McCabe, Sr., to end the Business meeting carried. Adjournment was at 1:45PM.

Next Meeting: February 20, 12:30PM. Note: This meeting will be at Aubri Lane’s Restaurant, now located on Sinclair Dam Road, on property of The Club at Lake Sinclair. The Program: we will celebrate the Georgia/Peach Pit Chapter’s 30th Anniversary as a Grumman-Northrop Grumman Retiree Club Chapter, committed to volunteerism and financial Community Service.

By: Lew M. Iuliucci, Sec’y. [[email protected] or 478-452-1357]

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Maryland / Glen Arm

Happy New Year to All!

Glen Arm Chapter did not meet in January as we are on a Quarterly schedule.

Glen Arm Chapter Dues are $20 again this year. If you haven’t submitted your 2018 dues yet, Please do it now. Al Showalter is in the process of notifying those who have not yet submitted 2018 dues. If you need to contact Al, he can be reached at: [email protected] or 410 -272-6397]. OR: you can mail dues to him at 747 Everist Drive, Aberdeen, MD 21001

Remember: The Next Meeting Is Scheduled for March 20, 6:30PM at the Golden Corral, in Aberdeen MD - 706 S. Philadelphia Road.

We are still recruiting members; If any current members have contact info for fellow Grummanites who aren’t members, please pass on our club contact info.

Next Club Meeting: March 20, 2018.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact President Rick Swinder [410-977-7829; [email protected]]

****************************************************New England North

No report of Chapter activity.

****************************************************NEW YORK

Eastern Long Island Chapter

No January Meeting

Mytko Report: Mrs. McLaughlin reported her husband, Joseph McLaughlin, passed on June 22, 2017. Cynthia Deluca reported her father, Ralph Guion, passed on August 25, 2017, at age 95. Ralph was an aeronautic engineer who worked on the LEM and AG Programs.

Our condolences to the families and friends of all those dearly departed.

To report any passings, illnesses, etc, contact Bill Mytko (1-864-225-4927 or [email protected])

Bill and Eva Mytko wish all a happy & healthy New Year from South Carolina, where they recently had a 1” snow storm! (their black lab Hoot loved it!).

Nick Maniscalco (one of our snowbirds) called to say he attended a Florida Club Meeting and the weather was warm!

February Birthdays: Walter French, Vincent Lent Jr, George Okvist, William Pletka, Marv Thorne.

Happy Birthday to all!

Any Birthdays or Anniversaries missing or incorrectly listed, contact Bob Albert (631-585-7987).

Dues for 2018 are $15. Make checks out to ELI Grumman Retiree Club and mail to Bert Moller 33 Ramsey Road Commack, NY 11725. Use the membership application form in the Club Newsletter, and please note any address changes, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.


11

Next Meeting: February 21, at the Coram Diner (Routes 25 & 112, Coram, NY). Lunch ($15) at Noon; meeting to follow.

Future meetings: 3/21, 4/18Happy Valentine’s Day!

By: Bob Albert VP/Sec’y. [631-585-7987]

****************************************************NORTH CAROLINA

Eastern Carolina Chapter


Contact: Dottie Karika [[email protected]]

****************************************************PENNSYLVANIA

Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter

January, 2018 Happy New Year to all fellow Grummanites from Northeast Pennsylvania. We are on hiatus right now, but still meet as the Lunch Bunch. This is so we do not have to cancel meetings as the Club due to the white stuff and try to get the word out. Anyone who wants to join the Lunch Bunch is welcome.

The first meeting was held at Apply Valley Restaurant, in Milford. Due to two illnesses, which I will tell you about later, the Rademachers and the Dowds were the only attendees. They had a great time talking about various items and about the attendees who were not able to attend. Food was good. The weather was bright and sunny - amazing.

As I said, two of the group were missing. Bo Zupp is in rehab after falling at the end of December. Marianne Sparkowski is home after three surgeries for a 2-thru-7 spinal fusion. Ed was picking her up at the hospital the day of the luncheon. I do not know what Bob & Judy’s Christmas was like, but Marianne and I were together for Christmas and celebrated New Year’s Eve over the phone. Picked her up New Year’s Day after surgery Number Two. From what I

hear, both Bob and Marianne are on the road to recovery. YEA, TEAM!

Treasurer Fred Rademacher asked me to remind those who have not done so: get your dues in ASAP. He will be submitting all the dues to Bethpage on February 1. If you have not paid you dues by then, you will be considered a new member upon rejoining.

Birthdays for January: Marie Dowd, Jeff Lee, and Sally Petrusa.

Next Lunch Bunch gathering: February 15th, Noon, at the Fiesta on Main Restaurant, 1139 Main Street, Honesdale, PA. Parking is in the parking lot behind the restaurant which is accessed from Church Street.

Otherwise, that’s it for now. Hope to see you in February.

By: Edward J. Sparkowski Secretary/Chaplain[570-698-7182; [email protected]]

****************************************************SOUTH CAROLINA

Coastal Carolinas Chapter

January, 2018

Our meeting for January, 2018 was supposed to be held at Olive Garden in Myrtle Beach. However, due to bad weather predicted for the area, and for the safety of our members, we decided to cancel the meeting.

Even though we did not have a meeting there was still a birthday: Gary O’Loughlin

A reminder: 2018 dues are due. The dues are $15 for retirees and $5 for spouse, if the spouse participates. You can mail your dues to Don Webber at 4713 National Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 or pay at next meeting.

Next Meeting: February 7, Noon, at the Brunswick Plantation 19th Hole Restaurant.


12

We would like to wish all our members and their families

a very Healthy & Happy New Year!

By: Barbara Raulsome, Sec’y. [910-579-3049; [email protected]]

Future Meetings:March 7, Noon, at Olive Garden, 1405 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC. l843-626-8856]

April 4, Noon, at Sunny Side Up Dinner, 10068 Beach Drive, Calabash, NC [910-579-5101]

May 2, location TBD

June, July and August - No Meetings

****************************************************

VIRGINIA Central Virginia Chapter

A Very Happy & Healthy

NEW YEARto all our fellow Grummanites!

January, 2018 We held our first meeting of 2018 at “Angelo’s Italian Restaurant,” in Midlothian, VA. Only six of us showed up to enjoy the fine, old world, Italian cuisine. Present were Anne Dannenhoffer (one of her very favorite restaurants), Maryanne Muller, Sperry-Dot Marsh, Harold Case, Beverly & Frank Purstell. Everyone took home “Doggy” bags. Maryanne informed us of the bad news that Doris Parson had passed away recently. Doris had been on dialysis for several years. After the funeral, Walter Parsons, her husband, moved to Arkansas to be near one of their sons. His new address is 650 South Dodson Rd., Rogers, AR 72758. We will miss them.

Our Treasurer reports that all is solvent.

It is 2018 DUES time! Our yearly dues will remain at $15.00! Please send your dues checks, made out to: “GRC - CV Chapter” or “Frank Purstell,”

before February 28. Send the check to Frank at 317 Meadow Beauty Court, Waynesboro, VA 22980. Membership checks have been received from the following active members: Maryanne Muller; Anne Dannenhoffer; Benita Drexler; Ed Samson; James Childress; George Reuyher; William Crabill; Chester Senig; Frank Purstell.

Thank You for your prompt attention to this matter.

Next Meeting: Feb. 14, 2018, 12:30 pm, at Michie Tavern, 683 Thomas Jefferson Highway, Charlottesville, VA, 22902, [434-977-1234].Directions: Take Route 64 to Exit 121 (Charlottesville), take Route 20 South two traffic lights, make left onto Route 53. Approx. one mile past the waterwheel, Michie Tavern is on the right. Future Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, at 12:30PM, at the following Restaurants:March 14: The Virginia Diner, WakefieldApril 11: Edelweiss German Restaurant, StauntonMay 9: Restaurant Pomme, GordenvilleJune 13: Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton All Grumman, Northrop, and local Sperry retirees and guests are welcome to join us.

Please notify Frank Purstell [434-282-1303 or [email protected]] two days prior to the meeting if you will be attending. Thanks!

****************************************************


13

In Memoriam

We extend heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of these deceased members:

Averna, Julius Deer Park, NY 12/24/2017

Bell, Paul Deer Park, NY 11/10/2017

Bernstein, Joel Smithtown, NY 01/09/2018

Dow, Kenneth Princeton, NJ 01/03/2018

Fogel, Gerald North Bellmore, NY 12/08/2017

Grill, Erwin (Rudy) Southampton, PA 03/01/2017

Petersen, Anker Clarks Summit, PA 12/18/2017

Shannon, Joan Eagle, ID 12/24/2017

Southland, Nils Palm Coast, FL 01/14/2018

Tetta, Alphonse Palm Bay, FL 10/07/2017

Yonelunas, Evelyn Syosset, NY 12/20/2017

When reporting a death, provide the person’s Name, Date of death, and the City & State of residence prior to death.

Notices of member deaths should be e-mailed to the Club [[email protected]], with “Death Notice” as the subject.


14 The Grumman Retiree Club does not specifically endorse or represent advertisers.

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15

GRUMMAN-NORTHROP GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUBMEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL

2018

BETHPAGE CHAPTER OTHER CHAPTERS DUES ARE $15.00 ANNUALLY Mail your $15.00 check payable to Contact your Chapter Grumman Retiree Club, to for Dues amount. Attn: Retiree Club Mail your check(s) Northrop Grumman Corp. and this form to 925 S. Oyster Bay Road your local chapter. Bethpage, NY 11714-3582

1. Member or Survivor Name (print) _____________________________ Badge

2. Address __________________________________________ DOB: / /

3. City ________________________________ State ________ ZIP+4

4. Telephone # (_____) _____________ E-Mail (please print)

5. Spouse or Next Of Kin Name (print)

6. Method of Payment - Please Indicate: A. Check: # _____________________ Date _____________ Amount ___________

B. Cash - Amount __________

C. Please Check One: New Member____ Renewal _____ Surviving Spouse ____

A. DONATIONS REQUIRE SEPARATE CHECKS

(a) Donation to the Club’s charitable activities: Check #_____ Date_________ $_________

(b) Donation to the Scholarship Fund: Check #_____ Date_____ $_______

Note: All donations are tax deductible.

QUESTIONS? Call the club office at (516)-575-3777.Visit the club Web Site at www.grummanretireeclub


Periodical Postage Paid

Attn: Retiree ClubNorthrop Grumman Corporation925 South Oyster Bay RoadBethpage, NY 11714

NORTHROP GRUMMANBenefits Center 1-800 - 894 - 4194Investment Plan 1-800 - 894 - 4194

Monday - Friday 9AM to 6PM ETBenefits On Line:www.benefits.northgrum.comOneExchange: 1-855-832-0976 Monday - Friday, 8AM - 9PM ET

https://medicare.oneexchange.com/ngc

NewsletterEditor: Neil KlaskinNostalgia Coordinator: Charles Mooney

Grumman Retiree Club, Inc.Phone: (516) 575-3777Fax: (516) 575-8715Website: www.grummanretireeclub.orgE-mail: [email protected]

OfficersBob Ripp - President Pat Sullivan - Vice PresidentLou Kubat - SecretaryFrank Rizzo - TreasurerNick Bazzicalupo - Sgt-at-Arms


february, 2018 circulation: 2317 - northrop grumman · 2019-11-22 · february, 2018 volume 51,...

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