DOTRA'S ... DotLine ...

NOTE: Because of the passing of DOTRA's elected President in November, Chet Andres has been serving as Acting President, with Acting 1st VP- Adrian Lincoln, and Acting 2nd VP- Jay Johnston. This arrangement will continue until the Annual meeting in June 2004 when official nominations for election will be held.

We are now almost five months in the New Year 2004 and in reality ending another year of our DOTRA organization. In July 1992 we held our very first Annual Luncheon at Angeloni's and had 245 dues paying members on our first Roster. Our organization continues - continually adding new members and sadly losing some of our older members as time passes on. Where are we now? We have a large membership of retirees. What are we lacking if not a large membership roster?? We are lacking new insight into how DOTRA is to continue in the near future. Almost 40% of our members are LIFE members, but unfortunately there are very few of our newer and/or older members moving in to help with decision- making or activity roles What we are lacking now are members to participate and eventually take over the administration of DOTRA. Some of our Directors have worked on your Board since the founding of DOTRA in 1992 or in the first formative years. They need a break ! And let's face it - we are all fortunate enough to be around to be getting older!!! Your Directors and Officers need help. Step up and help us out so your DOTRA can continue !!!

At our next June Annual meeting and Luncheon, DOTRA by-laws require that a Nominating Committee present a slate of Officers and Directors for 2005. We currently have an Acting President and 2 Acting Vice Presidents. Our Treasurer requested to be replaced two years ago because of other duties he has and still continues to serve you. There are 4 Director positions that are scheduled to be vacated in 2004. Can you see the writing on the wall? DOTRA has a large LIFE Membership- but does DOTRA have a LIFE? This a critical time for DOTRA - call , write, e-mail me or any of your Officers / Directors listed in this issue of DOTLINE and volunteer to assure that DOTRA can continue. No offer of help is too small!!!

UPCOMING EVENTS

See you on Wednesday June 9th for the Annual Anniversary Luncheon at Roman Hall in Trenton. Guest speakers: Deputy Commissioner Jim Snyder and Memorial Committee Chair-Jim Spedding. Also Christmas Spectacular Holiday Bus Trip to Radio City Music Hall on Tuesday, December 14th in New York City. Reserve early !!! Also Save Tuesday September 8th for Annual Picnic at Mercer County Valley Road / Belle Mountain Picnic Area.

DOTRA BOARD MEETINGS AND MONTHLY BRUNCH

DOTRA holds its regular Monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be Tuesday, May 4th, 2004, at Wildflowers II in Yardville, 255 Route 156 - off S. Broad and Rte 130 SB. Phone (609)-585-5483

Dutch treat lunch starts at 11:30-12:30. Meeting starts promptly at 12:30 PM. All members of DOTRA are welcome !!! Save Tuesday, June 1,2004.

No July Meeting      August 3rd, 2004 - Meetings resume !!!

NEW MEMBERS' CORNER

We welcome the following retirees who have recently joined the DOTRA organization:

Ken Cucchiaro- Personnel - Myrtle Beach,SC
John Jennings - TransSystems/Pl -Freehold,NJ
Patrick Keating - Equipment Bureau-Mercerville,NJ

LIFE MEMBERS REPORT

Since May 2003, the following DOTRA members have renewed or joined as Life Members:

Ken Cucchiaro (New) - Myrtle Beach SC (Personnel)
John J, Dill -Lawrenceville,NJ (Traffic Eng)
Richard Ding -Hamilton Sq. NJ ( MIS)
Joan Fell - Yardley, PA (Budget & Mgt Supp)
John Jennings (New) -Freehold, NJ (TransSyst/Pl)
Richard Johnson -Trenton, NJ (Design)
Jeffrey Lanigan -Bordentown, NJ (Proj Dev
Philip Randolph - Hightstown, NJ (C&M)
Allan Samour - Cranbury,NJ (Design Serv)
Dolores Sebasto - Ewing (EQT-Associate Memb)
I.B.Senyk -HamiltonTwp,NJ (C&M)
Charles Slack - Lambertville NJ (C&M)
Dorothy Stam - Trenton,NJ (Acctg)
Leon Uth -Union, NJ (Facilities / Serv)

We thank all of you - old and new- for your support.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

As of April 1,2004 our membership roster totals 404 with distribution as follows:

LIFE Members = 169
PAID thru 2004 = 136
PAID thru 2003 = 79
PAID thru 2002 = 20

The names of DOTRA Members who have not renewed their dues since 2002 or prior have been deleted from the DOTRA Roster and Mailings. This action was taken in accordance with the By-Laws and published notice in February 2004 DOTLINE.

CHAPLAIN'S REPORT
By Jay Johnston

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 Jay Johnston at 609-588-0930, email - JayRJohnston@aol.com - or write to me at 3 Golden Crest Court, Hamilton Square NJ 08691.

Recent Obituaries:

Joseph H. Cleary DOT-Eqt *
Barbara Cousins DOT
Thomas R. Eames DOT
Vincent DeBonis DOT
John Griffith DOT-Maint *
Edwin Jones DOT-Specs*
Larry Hayes Sr. DOT
Barry J. Hill DOT
Peter M. Maher DOT
Gloria Jean Norman MVS
Erminia Conway Weiss DOT-ROW*
Norman E. Wells Sr. DOT
Bernard J. Borelli DOT
* Denotes DOTRA Member

DOTRA EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS

ACTING PRESIDENT - Chet Andres 609-818-1921
1st Vice President - Adrian Lincoln 609-921-3036
2nd Vice President - Jay Johnston 609-588-0930
Treasurer. - Frank Herrera 609-392-0633
Assistant Treasurer - Dick Hobson 609-737-3227
Recording Secretary - Hazel Rockhill 609-581-3560
Corresponding Secretary - Dee Wisneski 609-771-1489

DIRECTORS / TERM OF OFFICE

Chet Andres (05)
Kristina Erin Kaye (05)
Dot Andres (05)
Adrian Lincoln (04)
Joe Bodnar (05)
Vacant (05)
Walt Gable (04)
Dolores Murphy (05)
Frank Herrera (05)
Hazel Rockhill (05)
Richard Hobson (04)
Jim Sprindstead (05)
Don Hutchinson (04)
Margaret Wieger (05)
Dolores Wisneski (05)

ACTING DIRECTORS

Paul Bertucinni
Lou Papp
Jay Johnston
Phil Vecere

COMMITTEES

CHAPLAIN - Jay Johnston 609-588-0930
MEMBERSHIP - Dot Andres 609-818-1921
BY-LAWS - Chet Andres 609-818-1921
HISTORIAN - VACANT
ACTIVITIES - Jim Springstead 609-392-0848
DOTLINE - Dot Andres @ 609-818-1921 and Dee Wisneski @ 609-771-1489
WEBSITE - Kristina Erin Kaye 609-918-0603

DOTRA
PO BOX 77160
WEST TRENTON, NJ 08628 - 6160
Email -> DOTRA (click here)

CHECK THIS DOTLINE MAILING LABEL FOR YOUR DUES STATUS !!!!

Report on Memorial Committee Contributions

In memorial to Guy LoBue, the family of Guy had made a request that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the NJDOT Employee Memorial Committee. A letter was received from the NJDOT Committee that a total of $1800 had been received as of early February , including donations from DOTRA and the DOT Memorial Committee . In recognition of Guy's invaluable contributions of time and advice in making the Employee Memorial a reality, there are plans to install a special memorial to him in the vicinity of the Memorial. John Spedding, Chair of the Memorial Committee and Meg Frampton Co-Chair will be attending our Anniversary Luncheon on June 9th.

ANNUAL PICNIC REPORT
By Dick Hobson

The Annual DOTRA Picnic will again be held at the Mercer County Picnic Area at Belle Mountain on Tuesday, September 8th. Chairman Hobson has been busy arranging to have the picnic return to the "old way" - as it used to be. Because of "negative feedback" regarding the catering service last year, he's doing a bit of arm-twisting to get our experienced Master Cooks and servers back on the grill! They have graciously agreed! Details will follow in the August 2004 DOTLINE.

SPRING LUNCHEON A HUGE SUCCESS !!!!
By Joseph and Marion Bodnar- Chairpersons

On Wednesday, March 10, 2004 DOTRA members and their guests attended the Spring Luncheon held at Charley's Other Brother in Easthampton Twp (Mount Holly). Members and their guests enjoyed not only a social hour but also the delicious food served by very gracious and pleasant waitresses. A very enjoyable time was had by all. Our Acting President for the winter months, Adrian Lincoln, congratulated Mr. Tom Pierce on his upcoming 100th birthday !!! Mr. Pierce attends almost all of our DOTRA Luncheons and is to be congratulated by all in achieving this milestone !

Florida Reunion Report

The Annual Florida Reunion was held on Tuesday February 10th at the Rockledge CC in Rockledge FL- just south of Cape Canaveral. A great job was done by Shirley Birkhead Pierce and Frank Wegel in organizing the event. One again, the event drew Florida residents and retirees from all over. With a special invocation by Al Alaimo (C&M), special because the buiding did not fall down, the happy group shared their memories of NJDOT and their current activities. Oldtimers were there from the old Construction Division, like Maury Guadagno who retired in 1977, along with Sante Falvo, Frank Scarpatti, and Dave Quaid. Bev and Jim Morrison (Design) drove over from The Villages. Stan and Doris Friedman (C&M) drove up from SunRise, Betty and Don Clark ( Electrical-North) from Punta Gorda, Nick Nicu (Soils Engr.) from Daytona, - Marie and *Joe Cleary (EQT) from NC, Ernie and Ruth Zasoski (Accident Rec) from Palm Springs, Peg and Bob Micai (C&M) from Disney World (Clermont), Joan and Rick Fugaro (MVS) from Titusville.

Then there were "snowbirds who flew or drove in months before from the North for the occasion, Ann and Charlie Takacs (Design), John Kennedy (C&M) and his wife, George and Peg Weiger (C&M), Barbara and Jack Wauters (ROW), Marie and Adolph Stepowany (ROW) and Dot and Chet Andres.

Of course, our thanks and congratulations go to Kathy and Frank Wegel (Materials) of Sebastian and Shirley Birkhead Pierce of Rockledge who were responsible for making the major arrangements to assure success of this annual event.

*Sadly, we have to report that we learned that Joe Cleary passed away at his home in Sandford, NC not long after the Reunion. Our prayers are with his wife Marie- and Joe, you will be missed.)

LIFE AFTER THE NJDOT - WHAT HAVE WE / YOU BEEN DOING ??

MEET JAY JOHNSTON ----

Jay Johnston retired from the NJDOT ( Office of Programming and Budget Analysis) during the last "buyout" and immediately joined DOTRA and got involved. He and his wife Angel both retired in July 2002. Jay continues to teach at Mercer County College where he has been for 16 years. Jay has also worked part time as a travel agent for Graycar Travel for 25 years. Both Angel and Jay volunteer as ushers at McCarter Theater in Princeton for theater performances, and Angel also serves as a tour guide at the Kuser Mansion in Hamilton Township. Jay is currently an Acting Director and second Vice President of DOTRA. Volunteering to help with the the duties of DOTRA Chaplain, he has become very active with the Social events for DOTRA. Angel and Jay are leading a group of retirees, including DOTRA members on a cruise to Hawaii on July 16th though 25th. (This cruise was a sellout almost as soon as flyers were distributed at our Holiday Luncheon and announced in our Februeary DOTLINE.) When Jay and Angel are not so busy volunteering and working, they always look forward to planning a trip to their most favorite vacation spot- Bermuda.

DOTRA thanks Jay for getting involved with our organization.

Meet Rick Fugaro (MVS)

Not too many NJDOT'ers may know Joan and Rick Fugaro unless they are participants of the Annual Florida Reunion. Rick retired from the Division of Motor Vehicle Services and moved to Florida from the Collingswood area. Rick and Joan have attended all the DOTRA Reunions since they moved south to Titusville Florida and are friends to all of our annual Reunion participants. Rick and Joan, particularly Joan, have written to tell us about their plans for Wedding Vow Renewals held in a church on the beach at Wahiawa, Oahu on March 13th. The ceremony was conducted by long time friend Father Fisher, who married them 30 years ago in Collingswood NJ. The event was complete with piano and Hawaiian singer, and some long time friends, with Rick and Joan in typical Hawaiian dress. Late in February Joan finished sewing Rick's flowered shirt and her Hawaiian style dress, complete with head piece. A very memorable way to celebrate a special Anniversary.

TRAVELS WITH PHIL
By Phil Vecere

A Trip to Warsaw , Krakow, Budapest & Prague - Part 2 Continued
(Trip taken in Fall 2003-Continued from February DOTLINE)

We arrived in Budapest, the lovely capitol of Hungary in time to see the placing of a memorial wreath by members of the Hungarian Military In Freedom Square. A large beautiful Square surrounded by parks and museums, Budapest has over 500 parks and is divided into two parts - Buda being the ancient and Pest being the modern. Buda dates back more than 2000 years and still has many Roman ruins. The Danube River separates the city which is joined by many beautiful bridges including the famous Chain Bridge. Both sides of the river are lined with many beautiful buildings with the Parliament which is one of the largest in the world taking center stage.

In a very nice Ratskeller type restaurant we met a lovely young lady hostess that noticed my little American flag pin on my lapel. She said, "Oh my God, I just bought one just like it and love it." It was a great moment to see and hear somebody express an opinion about the flag we all take for granted too often. Incidentally, the food was great and the local beer and Tokay wine went down real easy. The price was really reasonable.

The architecture is predominantly 18th Century, much of which has been rebuilt in keeping with original design. Traffic is moderate with motorists respecting the right of pedestrians.

On the way to Prague in the Czech Republic we had to cross the border with Slovakia twice. The first time was an experience. One fellow traveler lost his passport and was sent back to the American embassy in Budapest. He did join us later in Prague. This incident cost us about 40 minutes, however it was nothing compared to the wait for truck traffic. The average wait is between 10 hours to 36 hours. Imagine the time, money and aggravation. Hopefully this will be corrected when all four countries join the European Union, a move which they are preparing for.

Prague, the capitol of the Czech Republic rates as one of the most beautiful and best preserved cities in Europe. It has the distinction of being one of the few cities that was spared both the bombing by Germany and further destruction by the Communists. The reason why it was spared by Germany is that it was used as a safe haven by the German government and military. Presently thirty five percent of the population of the Czech Republic is Germanic.

The city is also divided by the Danube River with the old historic part on the one side and the more modern residential part on the other. It is spread over seven hills with many colorful buildings. It features a very busy and beautiful town square with an animated mechanical clock activated every hour. There is a large Jewish Quarter and a busy river front. The city is world renowned for its music and operas. The many churches are supported by the government and are used for recital halls and concert performances to help with the high maintenance cost. It was great to see an American Quarter playing jazz in the old square. They appeared to do well and they did draw a small crowd for the time they were there. The food was very good, reasonable and well served. We topped off our stay with Guiseppe Verdi's La Traviata at the Opera House. A great show! A great trip!

(NOTE: PHIL is one of our newer Acting Directors of DOTRA and has been very active assisting the Board. PHIL is planning a trip to Spain and should be giving us a report on his latest adventures).

We are constantly hearing about how busy recent retirees are and how they cannot understand how they ever had time to go to work!! Maybe that's because we are out there working very hard to have fun - or to do good for others. We'd like to meet and hear about some of those good things so we'll be telling you about some of our members and their companions. Participate in the fun and share your lives with the rest of us !!!

No Nursing Home For Me ... I'm Checking Into the Holiday Inn
Outside Publication - Submitted by Dee Murphy

With the average cost for a nursing home per day reaching $188,there is a better way when we get old and feeble. I have already checked on reservations at the Holiday Inn. For a combined long-term-stay and senior discount, it's $49.23 per night. That leaves $138.77 a day for breakfast, lunch and dinner in any restaurant I want, or room service, laundry, gratuities, and special TV movies. Plus, they provide a swimming pool, a workout room, lounge, washer, dryer, etc. Most have free toothpaste and razors, and all have free shampoo and soap. They treat you like a customer, not a patient. $5 worth of tips a day will have the entire staff scrambling to help you. There is a city bus stop out front, and seniors ride free. The handicap bus will also pick you up ( if you fake a decent limp.

To meet other nice people, call a church bus on Sundays. For a change of scenery, take the airport shuttle bus and eat at one of the nice restaurants there. While you're at the airport, fly somewhere. Otherwise, the cash keeps building up. It takes months to get into decent nursing homes. Holiday Inn will take your reservation today. And you are not stuck in one place forever, you can move from Inn to Inn, or even from city to city. Want to see Hawaii? They have a Holiday Inn there too.

TV broken? Light bulbs need changing? Need a mattress replaced? No problem. They fix everything, and apologize for the inconvenience. The Inn has a night security person and daily room service. The maid checks to see if you are okay. If not, they will call the undertaker or an ambulance. If you fall and break a hip, Medicare will pay for the hip, and Holiday Inn will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life. And no worries about visits from family. They will always be glad to find you, and probably check in for a few days mini-vacation. The grandkids can use the pool. What more can you ask for? So, when I reach the golden age I'll face it with a grin. Just forward all my e-mail to: me@Holiday.Inn.

HERE AND THERE
By Dot Andres

Well, does it look like our bleak and terribly cold and damp winter is over!! Nice to see the sunshine and finally welcome the flowers and birds back to beautiful New Jersey. That includes our "SnowBirds" too. You really do not appreciate the beauty of New Jersey, especially along our roadways until it suddenly blossoms out with the golden forsythias along the Interstates and highways. The flowering pear trees , cherry trees, daffodils and wildflowers are a welcoming and spectacular sight. How great is the view for New Jersey drivers ! Aren't you glad you may have been part of that planning and implementation process to bring some beauty and aesthetics to our well built, structurally sound and functional roadways !

There have been a few letters in our snow-covered mailbox since February! Stephanie Olbrick wrote to say she is enjoying "Travels with Phil" and can't wait to read Part 2. Good job Phil Vecere! Bob Kulvicki (C&M) recently retired and decided to go back to work. In July, Bob joined Urban Engineers and is working on the GSP Driscoll Bridge project. Emily Bitter (ROW) writes from Orlando how much she enjoys receiving DOTRA's DOTLINE. Leon Uth (Maintenance Services & Facilities- Newark ) writes, "Retired, not yet! I went from working with the best people in the world to work in my Electrical contract business at which I had worked part-time for years. Now working at it full time - always wanted to do that! "

Always can count on some news from Francis "Bob" Fitzpatrick (ROW). He very diligently searches the South Jersey papers and reports on any events involving some of our former colleagues. Thanks for your help Bob!

Judy and Frank Scymanski (Design) are enjoying their new Four Seasons Community home in Allentown NJ. They moved in January 2004 and had been busy getting settled in before leaving for a 6 week trip to Florida during March and April. Norma Spleid (Electrical- Northern District ) sends her greetings from the good weather capital of the USA - Sun City California with her annual best wishes to DOTRA members. Always nice to hear from Norma. Herb Forrest (Design) writes "happy to make it for another year. Wishes all a good 2004." Dominic Tassone (Equipment Bureau) writes from Hallandale Florida where "I am spending the winter months vacationing, swimming, playing golf and shuffle board. I would also like to compliment the DOTRA Officers for an excellent job on the DOTRA organization and DOTLINE newsletter." Thanks, Dominic - your comments and all the others make us want to do it for another few years! John Obermeir (Planning) sends best wishes from Ewing- looks as great and young as always when saw him at the Holiday Luncheon !

Julius Tompa (Planning) writes that he continues to enjoy DOTLINE and appreciates the good work being done. "Keep it going!"

Jan and Mike Hanlon ( Support Services) wrote a note with his dues. They were up to NJ for a November wedding and were not pleased with the cold and rain. They headed right back to Cape Coral Florida for some good old Florida sunshine - and spent the winter hoping " all was well up here in the winter wonderland."

More notes from Florida - Ted Hamler (Construction) spent the winter in Largo Florida before heading back to his new home in Belvidere. Sante Falvo (Construction) writes from Naples, FL and sends best wishes to all. He and wife Maria really looked great at the Florida reunion. Now retired more than 14 years, Sante and Maria have an idyllic life style - 6 months in Naples FL, 6 months in Calabria/ Naples Italy with some of that time used to travel about Italy. Trude Hart ( Data Processing) wrote to apologize for not attending the Florida Reunion - first one she has missed. She was pleased to tell us about her visit with co-worker and friend Ellen McCourt (Data Processing) this past winter - they visited all those popular Florida tourist sites - with Ellen enjoying the break from New Jersey's winter.

While in New Smyrna Beach, Florida this winter, Marie and Adolph Stepowany (Civil Rights & ROW) celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Their 3 children and some of their grandchildren joined in the Florida celebration. Marie and Adolph have had a great philosophy about retirement life - "Keep moving and you won't rust.!"