Retiree’s Corner

By Shawn McCloud

The IBEW Local 18 Retirees Club held its quarterly luncheon meeting on Wednesday, June 9. After my report to the attendees, they had a chance to ask questions about issues of importance to them, including:

• What is the future for retirees’ medical coverage?
• If a retiree moves out of California, to somewhere without coverage, is he or she entitled to receive the
   subsidy in cash?
• How does Local 18 feel about the fiscal soundness of the retirement plan and its current administration?

These and other questions inspired a lively discussion and exchange of views and information among the attendees concerning health issues, the Department, and renewable energy sources and use. It turned out to be a very insightful meeting.

Willie Gilmore, President of the Retirees Club, pointed out that current Local 18 Business Manager Brian D’Arcy is the only Union head who has shown interest in the group. D’Arcy, Gilmore said, has assigned a Business Rep. to attend our meetings, keep us informed on pertinent issues, and address our concerns. D’Arcy has also waived lunch fees and provided a nutritional meal for the meetings. Gilmore noted that this attention, along with members’ health, is a lot for members to appreciate. He reminded Club members to exercise their right to vote, especially on senior and working family-related issues.

We held a raffle at the end of the meeting. Winners were:

• Rudy Alvarez
• Gene Carr
• Willard Ross
• Leroy Williams

Congratulations!

The Retirees Club extends its heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the families of these members:

• Basil Frawley
• Jack Grana
• William Hawkins
• Vern Hoehn
• Tad Honma
• Robert House
• H.L. Lloyd
• Bruce McBride
• Fred Muffelman
• Howard Musser
• Tommy Peavy
• Woodrow Perdue
• Edward Riggs
• Bernard Saulsbury
• Richard Shunn

Please mark your calendar: the next Local 18 Retirees Club meeting is set for September 8, 2004, at 11:30 a.m. Don’t forget to RSVP!