DOTRA'S ... DotLine ...ISSUE NO. 42 February, 2003 |
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PRESIDENT'S REPORT By Guy LoBue
I wish all a healthy and happy 2003. We are looking forward to hearing from our recent retirees about activities they would like to see us offer.
We are also in need of additional Directors to help us in keeping our group active and interesting. I am sure there are many of you who would like to participate in a group function or take a trip. Please drop us a note or let one of our Directors know.
I am pleased to report that the events we have are well attended and everyone comments on how happy they are to see so many of their former work associates.
Attending our activities will also provide a means of keeping up with your former working friends and provide an opportunity for individual "get-togethers", help on best vacation sites, and even best eating locations. You may also find personal help and advice.
Hope to see you at our upcoming events and meetings.
DUES ARE DUE !!
It's that time of the year again! Please check the mailing label of your copy of DotLine and see if your dues are up to date. If your dues are not up to date, use the application on the back page of this issue and mail your check to the address given. We really would like to see our active members stay that way.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON TUESDAY?
Would you like to attend a monthly get together with your friends? Various groups meet once a month at a local diner for breakfast or brunch. We are taking it one step further for a bigger crowd.
We have a reunion every month on the first Tuesday of the month. Mark your calendar. We meet for brunch. We eat, have fun, see old friends, a social event, strictly a good time. The Officers meet afterwards for a short meeting.
And if you would like to stay and see how we plan bus trips, the luncheons, the picnics, you are certainly welcome. You may even have some good ideas that would make it more interesting. We'd love to hear some new ideas. But, if you want to leave after the food, then leave.
We are constantly amazed that we don't get more of you out to attend the monthly meeting. We think we may know why: we refer to it as a "board meeting". We say it's where we do our planning - our "work" if you will. That's all true, but it is so much more. And, it may be scaring you off.
So - give it a chance and come on out for our Monthly Brunch!!
Eddie's Eatery 628 Arena Drive Hamilton Township Phone: 609/888-1414 Lunch (Brunch): 11:30 - 12:30 P.M. Meeting starts at 12:30 P.M.
NEW MEMBERS CORNER
The following former NJDOT personnel have joined DOTRA and we welcome you to our ranks:
Rose Caprio MVVS/Local Aid Levittown, PA
We look forward to meeting and seeing you all and invite you to join in the many DOTRA luncheons and activities. It is nice to see that we are getting a nice size group of members from outside "the Trenton area" and it would be great if we could get someone to network and organize some coffees or lunches in the northern part of the state. Any ideas? If so, send them to Guy LoBue.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP REPORT
The following DOTRA members now have LIFE MEMBERSHIP status and we thank them for their continued support.
CHAPLAIN'S REPORT
We would like to keep informed of any retiree who is ill, anyone confined to their home, or any retiree who needs help in one form or another. Please call or send a note to Guy LoBue at 609/585-4979 or write to 19 Mount Avenue, Hamilton, NJ 08620.
Recent Obituaries:
John J. Hoffman (82) MVS 1984
RECENT LOSS
DOTRA has suffered a loss recently with the passing of Director Frances Fiorelli Geurds. Due to her quiet dignity, many of us were unaware of Fran's many accomplishments. She was the first woman to run for Trenton City Council from the East Ward. She was a member and leader in many local organizations, as well a tireless organizer of bus trips for DOTRA and other organizations. In fact, she was working on the list of activities for DOTRA for 2003 up until the end came.
Many thanks, Fran. You will be greatly missed. Ciao!
DOTRA EXECUTIVE BOARD
President - Guy LoBue
DIRECTORS /TERM OF OFFICE
Chet Andres (03) Kristina Kaye (03)
COMMITTEES
CHAPLAIN - GuyLoBue
SIGN ON THE DOTRA DIRECTOR LINE
DOTRA has increased our Directors numbers to 21, from 18, and we are seeking members who are willing to join our "happy group" to meet once a month.The basic tasks are to decide on various fun activities for the year. We urgently need a few more volunteers.
If you are interested, please contact our President, Guy LoBue, at DOTRA, P.O. Box 77160, West Trenton, NJ 08628.
DOT Logo Store
NJDOT's Senior Leadership Team is considering a proposal to authorize the DOT Logo Store. A decision is expected soon. The store is envisioned to be independent, not -for-profit, and volunteer operated, but monitored by the Office of the Assistant Commissioner, Administration. The store would sell items such as T-shirts, polo shirts, portfolios, golf balls, and hats with the NJDOT logo. The primary goal is to provide an outlet for current and retired employees who are proud of their NJDOT service. Initially, any money made would be used to develop new products and maintain inventory. Eventually, profits will be used to underwrite employee efforts like the Employees Charitable Campaign and the Employee Memorial.
The site for the proposed DOT Logo Store would be the old Snack Bar across from the entrance to the Multi Purpose Room. If sufficient volunteers can be recruited, hours of operation would be Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The feasibility of a web site and internet sales are also being explored.
To volunteer, please email LeonFulginiti@dot.state.nj.us or telephone Leon Fulginiti at 609-530-2604.
BUS TRIP TO ACE IN THE HOLE
Join us on May 21, 2003 the show "Guys and Molls" at the Ace in the Hole Productions in North Haledon, N.J. This is a hilarious original Roaring ‘20's musical comedy.
The date is Wednesday, May 21, 2003 and the cost is $52.00 for luncheon, show, gratuities and transportation. We will leave from the DOT parking lot on West Farrell Avenue at 9:00 A.M.
JUNE BUS TRIP
On June 24, 2003 DOTRA is sponsoring a bus trip to the Franklin Mint Museum in Delaware and then on to a sit-down luncheon at the Chadds Ford Inn. After lunch, the trip continues on to Longwood Gardens. There are electric scooters available at Longwood Gardens for those in need of them, ID is required. All of the above: transportation, lunch, admission to the Franklin Mint Museum, admission to Longwood Gardens, and gratuities are included in the price of $54.00 per person.
The bus will depart from Independence Mall, near Super Fresh at the back of the Mall next to Independence Avenue, at 9:00 A.M. More information and a flyer with a reservation sheet will appear in the May issue of DotLine.
at: http:/www.dotra.org Also, our mailing address is: DOTRA P.O. Box 77160 West Trenton, NJ 08628
FLORIDA REUNION SCHEDULED
It is not too late to make that addition to your February calendar, if you have not done so already. On Tuesday, February 11th DOTRA members who now reside in Florida and those "snowbirds" from up North plan to flock together at Rockledge CC in Rockledge Florida, just off Interstate 95, for a luncheon and social. The group plans to meet around 11:30 A.M. for a dutch treat cocktail hour followed by a buffet lunch.
Frank Wegel and Shirley Birkhead Pierce are heading up arrangements again this year and you should be hearing from Frank if you live in Florida or have attended before. If you are thinking about attending and want more information, contact Frank Wegel at 561-388-3991 or e-mail Frank at WEGEL@ATT.NET . Our DOTRA roster indicates there are 40 or more permanent Florida residents plus all the temporaries who are fleeing the northern climate.
Everyone is invited, so plan to join the group on February 11th! The more the merrier!!!
HERE.... AND THERE
Well. this is the annual Here and There report from sunny Florida. Chet and I escaped New Jersey after Christmas, but it was not too soon to have escaped the early snowfalls experienced in NJ this year. Hey new retirees, how did it feel to look out the window and know you didn't have to go to work??
While the Floridians consider this January to be quite cold down here, it really is all relative. I will accept gladly conditions on a sunny beach and golf course at 65 to 70 degrees every day.
Back in New Jersey, our DOTRA mailbox received correspondence from some of our members. Dottie Stam (Acctg.) writes, "Enjoying the winter season in Boca Raton, Florida with my husband Pete (Model Shop). Busy with our computer, golf, mah jongg, canasta, etc. A happy and healthy wish to all our DOTRA friends."Jack Lutz (C&M - Reg.2) and wife Laurie have relocated from Orangeburg, SC to Punta Gorda Florida where the weather is a little warmer. Maybe we will see them at the Florida reunion?? Bob Bramble (C&M Reg.4) dropped us a line with his 2003 dues renewal and says to say hello to all and wants to know if anyone has heard from George Poole, former Maintenance Supervisor in Cherry Hill. Bob is now living in Gordonville, P.A. and can be reached at 717-768-7972 if you can send him some information.
Tom Pierce (C&M) is going to celebrate his 99th birthday this year!! Tom was at the Holiday Luncheon in December with his friend Ken Hey (Eqt.) and looks great! We have to find out what vitamins he has been taking! We got a last minute phone call from Alicia and Joe Combs (Personnel) that because of the uncertain weather they wouldn't be driving down from Kent, Connecticut for the Holiday Luncheon. Joe is doing just fine but wife Alicia is recovering from knee surgery. Best regards to both of you!
Esther Peak, wife of Life member Charles Peak (Materials) wrote a lovely note to DOTRA friends and says "Hello from Charles who is doing much better with his health problems but has had significant memory loss. Because of this, we are unable to attend functions. Warmest regards to all of you for good health and a Happy New Year." Thanks for keeping in touch, Esther. We wish both of you good health and happiness in 2003!
Nice to hear from Joe Unangst (Maint. - Reg.1) up there in Stewartsville, N.J. And thanks Joe for helping to keep our bookkeeping straight! Paul Baker (Planning & Aviation) is now living in Deerfield Beach FL and is looking forward to attending the FL Reunion on February 11th. Ann and Ed Papay (C&M) wrote from their home in Black Mountain, N.C. They read about the nice turnout of members at the DOTRA picnic in September, and are planning to be there in 2003. They send their very best wishes and blessings to all in DOTRA. Nice hearing from you Ed! A late phone call from Bob Britton (Plant Eng.) was received just before Christmas. Bob was sorry to have missed his former colleagues at the NJDOT at the Holiday Luncheon - particularly when he heard that Ralph Hartman and Joanne Pannone were both there, both with Plant Engineering at some time in their careers.
Speaking of new member Joanne Pannone (Admin./Design), she is planning a great and unusual bus trip for DOTRA this summer. Joanne has made preliminary arrangements with Congressman Rush Holt's office for a member of his staff to personally guide our group on a tour of the U.S. Capitol building and congressional offices. The trip is being arranged for Thursday August 7th and initial arrangements indicate we will be leaving the Trenton area before 9:00 A.M. and returning about 9:00 P.M. It is an opportunity to visit areas of the Capitol not usually open to the general public and see some famous places in U.S. history. Lunch details and price specifics are still being worked out. If you are interested, put that date on your calendar now or give Joanne a call at 609-443-6992 and ask her to reserve a place for you.
It is always sad when we hear of a loss of one of our members, and we deeply regret the very sudden loss of our Social Activities Chairperson, Fran Geurds. She's probably up there in heaven arranging bus trips for the angels. God bless you, Frannie!
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES HELP
We would like to have your input regarding social activities for DOTRA. Would you like to participate in or help lead a group in any of the following events? : Bowling tournament, Golf tournament, Card or Chess tournaments, Bus trips, Baseball games or any other sporting event. Or maybe you have a suggestion for an event. If you are interested in any of the above or have a suggestion regarding a new event please write to:
DOTRA
HOLIDAY LUNCHEON ..... ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CELEBRATION
Wednesday, December 11, 2002 started a cold, sleety - type day but the weather did not dampen the spirits of more than 140 DOTRA members and guests as they made their way to Giovi's in Yardville for the Annual DOTRA Holiday Luncheon. But then, we are the "highway people" and a little snow never deterred us!
A merry group disregarded the weather outside and sang and reminisced with former co-workers, really getting into a pre-holiday mood. The food, catered by Lou Giovi and staff, was once again very good and the accompanying music added to the festivities. A number of our newer retirees were there and welcomed by the "old timers". Food, colorful poinsettias, door prizes and a lucrative 50/50 drawing sent every one home in a merry mood. Many thanks to all who attended and a Happy New Year to all of our DOTRA friends!
BUS TRIP TO LANCASTER AREA
A group of 40 plus DOTRA members and friends made a pre-holiday "shop ‘til you drop"trek to the Lancaster Outlet Mall in Pennsylvania. Starting out early on Wednesday morning November 20, 2002, they spent three hours shopping for bargains, followed by an overflowing buffet luncheon at the Lancaster Best Western. Then, on to Hershey for the Sight and Sound Living Theater performance of "The Christmas Story". If the New York Radio City Music performance of the nativity has given you "goose bumps", then the biblical presentation of the first Christmas is at least a one time "must see" for you. Horses, camels, and other animals paraded up the theater aisles, voices surrounded the audience, and live angels floated down from the upper limits of the huge theater. Quite a spectacular for young and old, and those who want to feel young, alike. Many thanks to Jim Springstead who guided the trip.
KEEP THESE DATES IN MIND
And also put them on your 2003 calendar!
February 11th Annual Florida Reunion Rockledge, FL
March 12th Spring Luncheon Roman Hall, Trenton,NJ
May 21st Ace in the Hole, North Haledon, NJ "Guys & Molls"
June 24th Bus Trip to the Franklin Mint Museum and Longwood Gardens, Delaware and Kennett Square, PA.
September 10th Annual Picnic Bell Mountain, Hopewell Township.
Annual Holiday Luncheon date to be announced.
"BRUNCH" DOTRA MEETING DATES
The following are the dates for the DOTRA business/social meetings for the year 2003. The meetings will be held at Eddie's Eatery at 628 Arena Drive in Hamilton Township, N.J. The brunch/lunch social starts at 11:30 A.M. The meeting portion follows at 12:30 P.M. The meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month.
February 4th
All are welcome at the meetings/ socials. We need some new ideas and new Directors in place in order to keep the organization vibrant and strong. The phone number for Eddie's Eatery is 609-888-1414.
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