Annual Summer Luncheon Date: Saturday, 21st August 2010

Time: Lunch will be served at 12 Noon (sign-in at 11:30 AM)

Place: Ukiah Garden Café 1090 South State Street Ukiah, California

Note: This year’s summer luncheon will include a special celebration of our esteemed founder and leader Irene Lange—read about it inside!

July-August 2010 Granville Pool, Editor

ASSOCIATION OF MENDOCINO COUNTY RETIRED EMPLOYEES

Post Office Box 903 Ukiah, CA 95482

THE CONNECTION

President’s Message Summer Luncheon: Good food, friendship, and celebration! Our founder, leader, role model, teacher, and friend Irene Lange will be recognized for her foresight, guidance, hard work, sense of humor, and kindness. Her contribution to our organization—AMCRE—is beyond measure! Irene’s efforts and dedication to this organization and its members is awesome! Irene is recognized and respected by all. Come to the Summer Luncheon with not only an appetite but prepared to share special memories and stories.

Elections: After four years as president, I will take a break as will Shirley, our secretary (having served four years as well). The nominating committee of Pat Vetzmadian, Vernlyn Farnsworth, and Tom Desroaches has been extremely busy contacting and encouraging members to run for office. Please see the recruitment committee report elsewhere in this issue of The Connection.

Send your luncheon reservations as soon as possible! We need to know if additional food and seating will be necessary for this celebration.

Any messages to Irene can be mailed to:

AMCRE P.O. Box 903 Ukiah, CA 95482

Celebrate summer; dress casually, Hawaiian attire, leis, etc.

See you there! Linda

Editor’s Farewell As I have mentioned in recent issues of The Connection, I plan to “retire” from my position as editor of this newsletter. I have enjoyed the challenge of bringing interesting and timely news and other topics to you for several years. I can’t happily do anything that I don’t do whole heartedly and thoroughly. Increasingly, I’m finding that very difficult to achieve in my various positions with AMCRE and feel that it’s time to step down, to pass the baton to new enthusiasts. I will do the newsletters through the 2010 November-December issue. As of the January-February 2011 issue, someone new must take over!

I have also served on the AMCRE Board of Directors (a 3-year directorship) and as AMCRE’s representative to CRCEA. A replacement for both of those positions will also be required as I will not continue in those capacities past the end of this year.

I will, however, continue as webmaster for the time being. I hope that, in the fullness of time, someone who knows website creation and management much better than I will see an opportunity to do more with it than I have and take that over as well. For now, however, I can pretty easily maintain the website in more or less its present form.

Recently I was told of a new idea for articles in our newsletter by including, along with other news

articles, a “Profile” of one of our AMCRE members in each issue. I felt it was a great idea, little knowing I was selected to be the first “Profile!” So bear with me while I search my memory!

Of course I was born — in 1923 in Valley Junction, Iowa - not exactly the suburbs of Des Moines, but on the outskirts. A wooded area was behind our house where, as a little girl, I loved to pick wild flowers, particularly violets and dutchmen britches for May Baskets which were filled with Mom’s fudge and shared with the neighborhood kids. What a lovely time of my life!

Then the really Great Depression happened and Dad lost his job at the Ford Plant. His brother who had lived in California for several years said there was a job available at the Paramount Studios in Hollywood which would pay $100.00 a month! WOW there was only six of us in the family! Dad was not a movie star, but he qualified as a Security Guard at the Studio. Needless to say our life style changed dramatically! Mom and Dad were divorced within a few years.

I attended Grammar, Junior High and High School in Hollywood — graduating from Hollywood High in the Summer of 1941. Graduation was held at the Hollywood Bowl! I then attended the Metropolitan School of Business in Los Angeles. I enlisted in the Women’s Ambulance Defense Corps shortly after Dec. 7, 1941.

The young man I planned to marry (McDowell J. Lange) had joined the Navy and was at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked the Naval Base. He was on the battleship USS Nevada at that time. He was transferred to the cruiser USS San Francisco. After several major battles in the South Pacific, the ship returned to Mare Island, Vallejo, for overhaul. Mac and I were married on May 3, 1942. We had two children, William and Susan, exceptional kids, of course! They married had two children each, who had children and NOW there are 10 Great Grandchildren! WOW! (Mac and I had a wonderful marriage — 60 years — he was my “One in a Million”!)

The last 18 months of the war Mac was stationed at Mare Island. When he was discharged from the Navy we decided to stay in Northern California. Often on weekends we took Bill and Susie camping in the redwoods at Dimmick Park. One Sunday, on the way back to Vallejo, we decided to see what was “on the other side of the mountain.” Driving over the Boonville Road was an experience! At the top of the hill we looked down into a beautiful valley. When we reached Ukiah, a local baseball game was being played where Safeway now stands today. We were hooked! The next weekend we returned, made a deposit on a house being built in Mendocino Gardens. We moved to Ukiah in October 1949. While walking Bill (age six) to school, we passed the mailman, who tipped his hat, smiled and said “Good morning!” I knew that minute that this would be home.

As time marched on our first venture in business in Ukiah was “Lange’s Ceramic Shop” (1951). I taught the hobby of creating handmade pottery as well as casting and decorating greenware. Mac milled the glazes which were shipped to various destinations under the Wise Ceramics label. The new art/hobby was welcomed warmly - the business was not very lucrative, but we sure made LOTS of friends! After seven years we made a change and many of these friends followed us to the new business.

We opened “the Talk o’ the Town” Restaurant in the building which was (at that time) right next to the B.of A. parking lot on State Street. My Mom was “Super Chef” and partner, and our logo was “just like Mother used to cook because Mother does the cooking!” She was in 7th heaven but Mac and I were not so enthralled and after three years we sold the business, partly because Mom had developed health problems and we had no desire to continue.

My career with the County of Mendocino started on Dec 1, 1965 as Account Clerk II in the Auditor’s Office. Responsible for Delinquent Tax records and ‘other related duties” (I’m sure you are all familiar with that terminology!) Shortly after the death of County Auditor, S.E. Mitchell, Robin Shore was appointed to

WHO ME?

complete Mr. Mitchell’s term. In January 1966 the office of the Treasurer/Retirement Administrator was combined with the Tax Collector’s Office. I was soon transferred to the Tax Collectors along with my assigned responsibilities (and other related duties!).

Sam Ray Jr. was the Treasurer/Tax Collector/Retirement Administrator. The only department without an Assistant. The BOS approved the new position and Civil Service scheduled an examination of qualified and interested persons. I applied, along with several others. Passed the exam and was scheduled for a personal interview by a Committee of 3 Treasurer/Tax Collectors from other counties. I was selected!

ON WITH MY COUNTY CAREER (If you haven’t already stopped reading!) In October 1975 Sam Ray Jr., lost his battle with cancer. He had been diagnosed in July and did not return to the office. It was the responsibility of the a BOS to fill the position. Several applications were received - mine included. I had been Sam’s assistant for eight years and had a recommendation from the State Controller’s office, also from many of the Treasurer/Tax Collectors throughout the State as well as local Service Clubs and friends. Each applicant was considered, including the person who had ran for the office in the previous election. After their discussion the Board of Supervisors appoint ME to complete Sam’s term!!

I WAS SWORN IN —returned to the office and received a phone call! The man calling said he was a reporter from the San Francisco Chronicle — he had heard that I had been appointed to the office of Tax Collector for Mendocino County and what was I going to do about a TEA PARTY PROTEST over on the Coast! HA — I thought it was a friend calling to congratulate me. Any way he asked “what would you do if property owners mailed in Tea Bags in payment for Taxes” I said, “Well, I guess we’ll be drinking a lot of Tea around here!” BIG OOPS! This man was serious, and being that I hadn’t heard any news of a protest movement, I quickly answered, “Of course— If I receive any tea bags we will file them, along with the payment stub and their tax bill. HOWEVER, all unpaid tax would be subject to the usual penalty!” NEEDLESS TO SAY the Mendocino County Tax Collector’s Office was on National TV: Cameras from “wherever” took pictures while staff set up the file for the Tea Bags! — Lesson Learned: Think before you speak!

I served as Treasurer/Tax Collector for 16 years (4 terms) with no opposition! I was the first woman to be elected President of the State Association of Treasurer/Tax Collectors — and two terms as President of the State Retirement Administrators. (kinda bragging).

AT THE END OF MY 4TH TERM (January, 1991) I retired! WHAT NEXT? — My mother had often said to me “don’t just stand there being ornamental — DO SOMETHING”. O.K. — I wondered, would other retirees be interested in forming an Association for Retired County Employees? I prepared a questionnaire for retired employees with just that question and the response was very positive.

Here is a quote from a response, dated April 10, 1991. “I believe it is crucial to have an advocacy group for retirees. It makes good sense to have representation on political/business matters and there is also an avenue for social contact. Many retirees need to have a structured renewal of acquaintance especially those folks who retired completely. Having ONLY a small voice vote on the retirement board is NOT enough!”

We now have two members on the Retirement Board (one Regular and one Alternate) and are a “recognized Retiree Organization.” AMCRE is still growing and although we haven’t “set the world on fire,” we have created a LOT of smoke!

BACK TO THE PRESENT — I still live in Mendocino Gardens. However our two kids settled in Sacramento and they visit me frequently. Mac and I worked hard, played hard, enjoyed golf and traveling. We always treasured our family, friends and each other.

NOW TO THE FUTURE: “Life owes me nothing, One cool morn is boon enough for being born. Be it ninety years, or ten - ‘tis not mine to question when — While life is mine I’ll find it good and greet each hour with gratitude!” (writer unknown)

HERE IT IS: Signing off - THANK YOU and GOD BLESS

Irene Lange

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT At the July AMCRE Board meeting, President Linda Parnak appointed Pat Vetzmadian to be our Nominating Committee Chairperson. (Article 11, Section(s) 1 & 2)

At present, AMCRE is looking to fill the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, 2 one-year Board Members, and one 3-year Board Member, as well as a new representative to CRCEA (the state-level organization for all the ’37-Act counties’ associations). Also: Granville is asking for a break from being Editor of The Connection.

If any of these positions would be to your liking, we would be most grateful for your participation in making AMCRE a stronger and more productive association. We desperately need people to volunteer for these positions. This would involve time devoted to the Association’s business, attending six board meetings, plus General Membership meetings within the year, for a total of twelve meetings.

In these uncertain times, we cannot stress enough the importance of active participation of AMCRE members and our AMCRE board in informing one another of vital issues regarding our retirement. Recently we showed solidarity at the Board of Supervisors meetings regarding health care. The end result was not a benefit for us, but it did show our elected officials that we are indeed united towards the common goals of all retirees.

If you are willing to take on one of these positions, please call Pat Vetzmadian at (707) 468-5586 or e-mail Pat at www.pvetzmadian@sbcgobal.net .

Please take this as a serious commitment because you will be contributing to the benefits of all members in our AMCRE Association. We will be voting for our new AMCRE Board at the October 11th General meeting. See you there — your vote counts.

Again, thanks for your interest in being involved.

Pat Vetzmadian Nominating Committee Chairperson

SUE THORNHILL IS RETIRING! Please join the Retirement Office Staff in celebrating Sue Thornhill's Retirement.

Date: Monday September 20, 2010

Time: Noon to 3:00 pm

Place: The Retirement Office at 625-B Kings Ct. Ukiah

MEMBERSHIP REPORT Just before I went to press on this issue of The Connection, I checked with membership chair Tom Liberatore for an update. He said that he had not received any information on new or deceased members. He could only give me the most recent count from retirement that we have 731 members.

RESERVATION AND PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY SUNDAY AUG 15TH

AMCRE’S 2010 SUMMER LUNCHEON HELP US CELEBRATE AMCRE FOUNDER IRENE LANGE’S LEADERSHIP!

Where: Ukiah Garden Café, 1090 South State St., Ukiah When: Saturday, August 21ST Lunch will be served at 12 Noon (sign in around 11:30 am) Guests are invited and welcome Price is $13.50 per person, which includes tax and tip MENU CHOICES (Choose one per person)

• Pasta Pomodoro (vegetarian) • Snapper Fillet • Ground Sirloin • Chicken Caesar Salad

Each entrée Includes Salad (except the chicken Caesar salad above), Coffee or Tea, and Rolls DESSERT COMPLIMENTS OF AMCRE: Choice of Cheese Cake or Chocolate Mousse NOTE: Choice of dessert must be indicated on form below to assure adequate availability OUR TRADITIONAL CASH DRAWINGS WILL BE HELD We hope to see you there for fun, socialization, good food, and celebration of our founder!

DETACH AND SEND THIS COMPLETED FORM WITH CHECK PAYABLE TO AMCRE TO: Vernlyn Farnsworth, AMCRE Treasurer 605 Mill Street Ukiah, CA 95482 Please list numbers of each entrée and desert ordered: ENTRÉE CHOICE: DESSERT CHOICE:

Pasta Pomodoro Cheese Cake Snapper Fillet Chocolate Mousse Ground Sirloin Chicken Caesar Salad

Total Amount Enclosed $ Signed

Your Telephone No.

******THANK YOU***** **SEE YOU THERE**

Minutes of AMCRE General Meeting, June 14, 2010

The meeting was called to order by President Linda Parnak at 1:35 p.m. with 37 members in attendance. The flag salute was given. Attendees introduced themselves and the offices from which they had retired.

Since the minutes of the last meeting were “old news” and nothing pertinent, A.C. Swan made a motion to dispense with the minutes. Pete Halstad seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Vernlyn gave the Treasurer's Report. We have a balance of $4,046.81.

Tom Liberatore gave the membership report. We have approximately 750 members.

Retirement Board member Dennis Huey said, “We had a good quarter, January, February, and March, on our equity portfolio, with 20 million dollars on the plus side. In April there was an increase of 3 million dollars. For the entire fiscal year starting July 1, 2009 we have a 53 million dollar improvement. So, we are doing better. There is 2.9 million dollars in our Health Insurance Reserve Fund. They have gone to a different plan. If they had done nothing, the money would have run out by November.”

Nick Lapkass made an announcement. He is resigning his position as Historian. He said, “time is catching up with his age.” Linda thanked him for all his years, (it’s been at least ten) of dedication, documentation of history, and diligence. It will be a tough job to fill. There was a big round of applause as everyone appreciates Nick’s years of dedicated service and keeping our history. It should be very interesting going through all the records, at this time stored at the Retirement Office.

At this point in our meeting Linda introduced Rusty Brines, with Brines Insurance & Financial Services. He explained our options when we involuntary lose our health benefits. We are individual subscribers as of August 1st and not on a group plan. In the State of California you can switch health insurance carriers 90 days before your birthday and up to 30 days following your birthday, providing you are accepted.

Prescription plans are totally separate from medical plans. You can change carriers between November 15th through December 31st. Rusty suggested on prescription coverage that it is best to keep the bill in your control and pay by check, rather than automatically deducted. On prescription plans, you must sign up during open enrollment or they can penalize you every month for the rest of your life. We had credible coverage so we are O.K. “The government has figured out a way to force you into buying your coverage at age 65.”

Comments were made from our members: “We were not asked if we wanted to go with Extend Health. We were told.” “Too bad we were not introduced to Rusty before we got hooked into Extend Health, but at this point to get the $100.00 ($200.00 pre-Medicare) we’re stuck.” “Too bad we can’t have the $100.00 and apply it to whichever broker we want.” (We have to submit claims or it becomes a taxable benefit.)

My understanding of the $100.00 reimbursement: Once AARP receives payment, they will notify Extend Health. Extend Health deposits the $100.00 in your checking account or sends a check. I do not know what other plans are doing. Pre-Medicare, you have to go with County Plan to get the $200.00. After many great questions and answers, meeting adjourned at 3:40 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Shirley Christensen Recording Secretary