OKC Municipal Retirees

Message from the President:

Jul 22, 2002

I want to thank all of you who sent cards and letters of encouragement while I was in the hospital. It's a time like this when we truly get the opportunity to enjoy the comfort of others. It brings home the importance of the purpose of this organization and its members, "to promote the general welfare of the members, afford an opportunity for social contact among the members". I can not think of a more needed support we can give to one another than the continued friendships we carry into retirement. It is very important that we maintain this relationship in our organization.

I understand our first outing at the Cowboy Hall of Fame was not well attended. I understand several had last minute emergencies that kept them away. It's my hope that future outings will improve in numbers. We will try to plan another outing when the weather cools in September.

JUNE MEETING REPORT

There were 42 members present at the first Hometown Buffet meeting. The 1st Vice President, Sylvia Flemming, directed the meeting in the absence of the President, Joe Crawford. Minutes of the last meeting were read by the Secretary, Jerry Kapka, and approved. The Treasurer's report was given by Duane Osmus. It was reported that we now have approximately 100 current paid members. Leroy Hansen, Vice-Chair of the Oklahoma City Employee Retirement System, reported that the retirement system had lost close to $40,000,000 over the last two years, but it is still 100% funded, many retirement systems are not.

The Vice President introduced the speaker for the meeting, Maggie Price, retired Oklahoma City employee and published writer. Maggie spoke on the difficulties of becoming published and the many disappointments of rejection notices. Ms. Price emphasized that determination in face of rejection has its rewards. Bob Edge asked that everyone watch the O.E.T.A. channel on June 30th it benefits the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Judy reported that Lee Williams, Past President, had a lead break in his pacermaker. He is doing fine.

There was birthday cake for everyone and all birthdays for May and June were recognized.

MEMBERSHIP

Currently 60% of our membership have paid their dues for the year. It is important that everyone that enjoys the membership of this group and its benefits become a member as soon as possible to eliminate any costs that are created from non-paying members.

Membership registrations for those interested are $3.00 a year. Your dues cover the cost of get well and sympathy cards and postage, plus the cost of the Christmas Dinner. Membership dues may be mailed to Duane Osmus at 4425 N 43rd, Oklahoma City, OK.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The next meeting will be held at Hometown Buffet, 3900 NW 63rd, Oklahoma City, OK. We have the large meeting room in the middle. You may purchase what you wish to eat. But don't forget we furnish the birthday cake. Our meeting time is 11:30 am on August 13, 2002. The speaker and further details will be provided in your August 1st retirement checks.

We will be printing the Retired Employees Organization Constitution and By-Laws to be distributed to all current dues paying members next month. Watch for it in your mail.

The Oklahoma City Employee Association of both retired and active employees are coming together to submit their favorite recipe(s) to produce a cookbook. We all enjoy sharing our favorite appetizer, main dish and dessert recipes. Each recipe printed will be identified by the donor's name and the current or past division, department and retirement date. You may submit one or more of your favorites to Jo Barela, 4319 N. Indiana Ave. Oklahoma City, Ok 73118 or by email to barelacbear@aol.com Be sure to identify with your name, division, department and retirement date. Please include your telephone number in case Jo has any questions. The telephone number will not be in the book. The first twenty submissions will receive a copy of Jo's Cookbook, Kitchen Kapers.

Our thoughts and prayers go with those of us that are facing challenges in our lives. Know that you are not alone and find comfort in that we are thinking about you.

RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Nathaniel Henderson - Water
Andrew Jackson - Public Works
Kenneth Smith - Parks
Chester Black - Courts
Carol Hammon - Public Works
Jerry Lyons - Parks
Ladonna Hodge - Water
Jane Pena - Airport
Bill Snipes - Courts
Charles Depel - Parks
Patricia Howard - Parks
Nelson Self - Neighborhood Services

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES:

None reported for this Report

DEATH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Donald Mosier - Died April 19, 2002
Carnell Skanes - Died April 2002
Mary Thompson - Died May 11, 2002
J. P. Hart - Died April 27, 2002
Bonnie Doyle - Died May 13, 2002