DOTRA'S ... DotLine ...

Our Holiday Bus Trip this year will take us to the "Three Little Bakers Dinner Theater in Wilmington Delaware on Sunday morning, November 5th. This regional dinner theater is a big favorite for bus groups in the mid-Atlantic area and we are lucky to finally arrange a trip here.

The trip will feature a fantastic Buffet Royal with an unbelievable dessert table. There are breads of all kinds made by the 3 Little Bakers. The show will be a Christmas Revue spectacular, performed by the professional performers at the Dinner Theater. The show will be followed by audience participation and dancing. This is a great way to celebrate your birthday or anniversary too.

Bus will leave the NJDOT complex in Ewing at 9:15AM and return by approximately 5PM . Cost is $51.00 per person.

A flyer is attached to DOTLine. Complete it early to be sure to get a reservation for this great trip. All reservations must be received by September 15th.

8th ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON HELD




Our 8th Anniversary Luncheon was held on June 7th at Good Time Charley's in Kingston this year. Thanks to Director Adrian Lincoln (ROW)and wife Anna, a well planned, delicious dinner was served to the approximately 85 people attending. Music was provided by Dick Braytenbagh.

DOTRA BOARD MEETINGS

ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY AT GIOVI'S

Chet Andres and Guy LoBue have arranged for a great Holiday Party for the 2000 Christmas season. The DOTRA Luncheon will be held on Wednesday December 6th at Giovi's Restaurant in Robbinsville on Route 130. This is a good central location and easily accessible to members from NJTP, I-95, I-195 and I-295. More info and reservation forms will be given in the November issue of DOTLine. (Both mediums ... hard copy and this Online Version)

DOTRA's DUES
By Chet Andres

Did you ever wonder about our DOTRA dues? Our annual fee is only $10.00 per year, and we haven't raised it since we were established in 1992 - and have no fear, we are not looking to do that now! However, with that dues we are able to mail letters to current and prospective members, send cards to recuperating members, print and mail our DOTLine quarterly newsletter, and still be able to subsidize social functions and luncheons for members and guests.

However, it becomes a problem annually when we review our membership lists and find that some members haven't paid dues for a number of years. We do not like to drop anyone from our membership roles. Recently a group of our Directors began to make telephone contact with some members and found that several were deceased - and we sadly we had not heard of this. In several cases these members had no longer an interest in belonging and others just plain forgot. If you can't afford the additional expense of the annual dues, give our President or one of our Directors a call, or drop a note to us. We are mostly interested in keeping you a member and sending you news of your former co-workers and friends in the DOTLine - and also hearing from you.

NEW MEMBERS JOIN DOTRA

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

Louis A. Coppola, Jr.      Construction & Maintenance.
Ronald A.Kosky,Sr.      Construction & Maintenance.
Robert W. Hassell       Landscape Design

Hope to see you at our social functions and monthly meetings.

CHAPLAIN'S REPORT
by Guy LoBue

We would like to be informed of any retiree who is ill, those who are in the hospital, anyone confined to their home, or any retiree who needs help in one form or another. Please call or send a note to Guy at 609-585-4979 or write to 19 Mount Avenue, Hamilton, NJ 08620.

Recent Obituaries:

Frank T. Sforza (76) DOT - 1988
Marie W. Shearer (74) DMV
Clara Delaney (94) DMV
James E. Varanyak (66) DOT - 1991
Raymond J. Mikolajczyk(78) DOT - 1984
Edward J.McVeigh,Jr. (77) DOT - 1991
Dorothy L. Wilkie (78) DMV - 1990
Willa Bethea-Horne (70) DMV
Edward M. Dalhaus (80) DOT
Annette Diskin (75) DMV
Marie M. Duffy ((77) DMV
James J. Gallavan (86) DOT - 1975
Mary Chiacchio (87) DMV - 1978
Hugh T. Kinnedy (78) DOT
Norma Scartocci (78) DMV - 1979
Steve Garibaldi (57) DOT - 2000
Alexander Glendinning (91) DMV - 1974
Raymond E. Passanza (73) DOT
Catherine Van Norman (83) DOT - 1980
Dolores Lauer ( ?) DMV
Gladys H. Robinson (80) DMV
Claire R. Brown (82) DMV
Frank Maziarz (80) DOT - 1983

Recuperating at home:

We often hear of someone having been ill and hopefully are well on the way to better health by the time we publish our quarterly issue of DOTLine. During the last few months we've heard about the following of our friends:

Sal Noto - Materials
John Nolan- Commissioner's Office

I'm sure they would appreciate a call or a card.

DOTRA EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS

PRES.- Chet Andres
1st VP -Guy LoBue
2nd VP- Walter Gable
TREAS -Frank Herrera
REC.SEC-Hazel Rockhill
CORRES.SEC-Dee Wisneski

DIRECTORS
Joseph Bodnar
Dolores Murphy
Mary Stafford
Don Hutchinson
Wilma Gruzlovic
Peg Wieger
Richard Hobson
Bob Wokoun
Adrian Lincoln

COMMITTEES
CHAPLAIN -     Guy LoBue
MEMBERSHIP - Guy LoBue
BY-LAWS - Vacant
HISTORIAN - Wilma Gruzlovic
ACTIVITIES -  Dot Andres
DOTLINE - Dot Andres & Dee Wisneski
WEBSITE- Bob Wokoun

NO ANNUAL PICNIC THIS YEAR!
by Guy LoBue

This year our annual picnic is again being canceled. Some members expressed their feelings that $16.00 was too expensive for a catered picnic. Frankly, this is puzzling. Or is it that we retirees have reached that point in our lives where we like fine dining better?

A luncheon consisting of appetizer, salad, entree with two vegetables, dessert and coffee costs between $18 and $20.

By contrast, the picnic menu served continuously from noon until 4 offers sausage with peppers and onions, hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, corn on the cob, salads, fresh melon, condiments, desserts, beer, soda, and coffee.

However, activities are held for our members enjoyment, so we'll shelve the picnic idea for this year.

If you have any suggestions that will again make this a successful September activity, please let us know. Write or call or let us know at our next monthly meeting.

All ideas will be considered and are greatly appreciated. After all, our organization exists because of you!

DOTRA TO TRY ITS LUCK IN A.C.

DOTRA has arranged to include a new activity in its social calendar this Fall. Thanks to Fran Geurds, Materials- a great trip is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11th.

The group of 32 will depart from Ewing complex at 9:30AM on an Academy Luxury Bus with hostess service. This is the right way to go to Atlantic City!! Finger sandwiches of tuna, ham and cheese, snacks, crackers and cheese, doughnuts, coffee, tea, and soda will be served to you by your hostess as you ride in comfort.

The first 32 people to respond by forwarding the attached flyer and check can enjoy this great trip at a great time of the year. The cost is $25.00 but you will receive a Casino package of similar value consisting of coins, show tickets, and/or food. The selected Casino will be announced prior to the departure date.

Bus will leave Atlantic City at approximately 5:30 PM. If you need more info, give Fran Geurds a call. Send in your application today to be sure you are part of the limited group!

HISTORIANS CORNER
Submitted by Wilma Gruzlovic

"History of the State Highway System:
The Science of Turnpike Construction

Taken from "Development of the State Highway System," a booklet written in the !960's by John F. Summers of the N.J. State Highway Department's Bureau of Public Information.

Ninth in a Continuing Series.

An important step in New Jersey highway development occurred in 1909 with creation of a State Highway Commission by the legislature. The commission consisted of the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and the Commissioner of Public Roads. The main function of this commission was limited to supervising preparation of a plan for an "Ocean Highway" from Atlantic Highlands to Cape May.

Three years later, in 1912, the legislature recognized the need for an integrated system of state built roads in directing the State Highway Commission to establish a comprehensive scheme of roads to be known as the State Highway System. The system was not to exceed 1,500 miles of roads.

It was under this act that the network took hold and began to grow, and in 1912 New Jersey laid its first section of concrete road at New Village in Warren County. It was in this period that roads were laid out with more durable characteristics and the automobile was to come into prominence.

In 1917 the State legislature again stepped conspicuously into the highway picture. This followed a less successful attempt of the previous year to put a permanent workable road building and improvement program into practice. The 1917 act created a State Highway Commission of eight members, two of which were required to be qualified and competent engineers. The Governor was designated as a member ex-officio, and the commissioners appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate.

THE NJDOT MEMORIAL COMMITTEE
by Chet Andres

Steve Kook, the NJDOT manager for construction of the NJDOT Memorial to Transportation employees killed in the line of duty, reports that construction of the site is well underway now. Any retirees interested in seeing the construction in progress is invited to visit the site during normal working hours. A progress meeting/ picnic for the working committee was held on Friday July 21st. Several DOTRA members have been actively working with Steve and its committee composed of NJDOT current employees and retirees.

Click on the above image to see a larger version!

DOTRA's ON THE INTERNET!!

DOTRA now has its own Website on the Internet. Thanks to Kristina Erin Kaye (ROW) the DOTRA Website is maintained and updated when new information on DOTRA functions are received. Generally, the Website is updated quarterly after DOTLine is distributed or after a monthly business meeting. Look in as we frequently have digital photos of attendees for your viewing.

Dial in and let us know how you like it. We are in the formative stages and would like your input.

7th FLORIDA REUNION SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 13th, 2001

It's never to early to plan your schedule for the future events of DOTRA. Plan to save Tuesday, February 13th 2001 for a trip to Rockledge Florida.

Frank Wegel (Materials) reports from wet but sunny Florida. Contact DOTRA at our Box Address or contact Frank Wegel directly.

We look forward to continuing a DOTRA Tradition into the new Millennium!

TRIP TO LAS VEGAS
by Don Hutchinson

An opportunity has been raised for DOTRA members and guests to participate in a great trip to Las Vegas. An escorted trip from the Trenton area, sponsored by Graycar Travel, will be leaving the Trenton area on Monday November 26th to November 30th to fly from Philadelphia area to Las Vegas for 5days, 4 nights. The cost for the trip is $539.00 Accommodations are at the brand-new Treasure Island Hotel and Casino and includes several breakfasts and a dinner at the Hotel. Additionally, there are 2 complimentary guided bus tours to Laughland, Nevada and another to State Line, Nevada which include casino packages and free lunches. Baggage handling, ground transfers in Nevada, taxes and tips are all included.

Round trip transportation to the Philadelphia Airport from Mercerville/ Hamilton area can be arranged for an additional $35/ person for those who do not want to drive to the airport.

Sounds like a great opportunity to add this trip to the DOTRA Social Calendar. There are 40 seats available at this time, according to Don Hutchinson who has discussed the possibilities with Graycar Travel. Travel companions will consist of other groups. If you are interested and/ or want more information call Don Hutchinson (Design) as soon as possible - but no later than August 30th.

At this time we are looking for serious expressions of interest in participating.

HERE AND THERE
By Dot Andres

We do have a quite few "senior members" in our organization, and we should herald their achievements when we hear about them. One of these people is Tom Pierce of Oaklyn NJ (C&M). Tom was recently honored as Past Grand Chaplain at a reception for him by the Audubon-Parkside Lodge of the Masons of New Jersey. Tom is a very active 95??, still cooks for himself, and actively bowls several times a week. He has been a very active member of the Masons for many years, holding various official positions. Tom is a great supporter of DOTRA and is a familiar face to DOTRA luncheon attendees.

Another one of our interesting "seniors" is Bob Wilcox (Planning) now living in Oceanport NJ. He retired from Location and Design in 1967 and started with the Highway Department back in 1928. At age 91 he is still driving and recently asked DOTRA to obtain a new NJ State map for him . Out of his original "party of 4, he still keeps in touch with Gordon "Corky " Prout in Tuscon Arizona, Charley Ryan in Newland, NC and Bob Newman in Belmar. Nice hearing from you Bob.

Our DOTRA mailbox had a few notes included from members with their renewals. Robert Gable (Reg ! Const) up in Parsippany writes that he and wife Rosemary enjoy reading the newsletter. Mike Marut (Maint) writes from Concord Vermont and likes to hear about other retirees. Dick Tompkins (FHWA) writes to tell us that he's "retired again, after 8 years at Arora Associates. Enough is enough! It's time to smell the roses." Ted Kiseliewicz ( Bridge Design) writes that he missed going tp the Florida reunion this year because of his health and extended hospital stay, but he is now back home at his apartment in Ewing Ted Hamler (Const) has decided to move back to NJ - into new settlement for active adults, called Brookfield, in Belvidere. Hope we see continue to see you in Florida, Ted. John Brennan (Local Aid) writes "I very much enjoy getting the newsletter. It's a great way to feel connected and get to know how some of my former DOT'ers are doing. Congratulations to all the staff at DOTRA for all the hard work they put into it." Thanks John, we appreciate your notes!

Apologies to Alice and Roy Tindall (Design). We left there names off the list of attendees at our Florida Reunion in February. It was great seeing you both there and hope you will be back.

Mary Ellen White (ROW) now has a winter home in Port St. Lucie Florida- Spanish Lakes. We hope to see you in Rockledge next February. Maxine Bailey (ROW) writes from Montclair to "keep up the good work." And Harry Ehrenfeld (Planning) writes to tell us he is now living at Heritage Towers in Doylestown PA. Also living there is Gene Palmer (Personnel). They would like to hear from any coworkers who worked with them.

Herb Forrest (Design) wrote that he unfortunately missed the last few luncheons due to wife Lena's illness but hopes to make it to the next ones. Ralph Dello Margio (ROW) says "due to senility, I need reminders for renewing membership. It can't be a string on my finger. I could have it there for 365 days. Eventually, I'd forget why I tied it on." Speaking of which, look at the envelope that this copy of DOTLine came in, look at the mailing address and you will see when you last paid your DOTRA dues.

There were a lot of familiar faces at the Luncheon - Jack Freidenrich (Asst. Comm) Helen Giba (Comm.Office), Dot and Pete Stam (Acctg. And Model Shop). Construction always is well represented - this time by Lou Papp and Joe Maresca. The Materials/ Lab was also well represented - Mary Gordon, Callie Olexy, Orville and Vivien Abbott, joined by the Quinn's John and Pat. Helen and Sam Whitehead (Design), George Woodruff, and Jim Morrison. Joe Kanda and Frank Roy were there too. Ken Hey and wife Edie (EQT) were there with long time retirees Al Hincken and Tom Pierce(C&M). Andy Cella (ROW) was there with wife Jan. Jan is recovering from knee replacement and is doing well at home. Keep working on those exercises!

Our DOTRA WebSite and E-Mail center received a nice note from Joe O'Brien (Traffic Eng.) Joe and his wife are living in Charleston, South Carolina for the last 7 years "where they still can't determine whether the Civil War ended. Regards to all." The WebSite is a great way to get in touch with former employees. Send an e-mail to the site along with your e-mail address, and get into DOTRA's Address Book. Kris Kaye (ROW) is doing a great job getting e-mails to our members.

Don't forget to use our "revised" Membership Application/Renewal Form to send us an update on "YOUR LIFE AFTER THE NJDOT!!"

We always strive to protect our membership from "junk mail" or unsolicited mail and therefore never have distributed our Membership List. However, we know that you may want to re-connect with former coworkers and do not know how to contact them. Just send us your written request, along with person's name and last work location. We will do our best to locate them and we'll send your note to them to contact you directly.