The A-RE-NEWS

Newsletter of the Association of Retired Employees of Northeast Utilities (ARENU) PO Box 270 Hartford CT 06141-0270

APRIL-JUNE 2014 Volume 26 No. 2

Dear Fellow ARENU Members:

My wife and I have visited many

places in the United States and overseas, however, our most recent trip was above all expectations, and was truly a trip of a lifetime. We were on a three-week tour of South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. We saw the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe which is considered the largest waterfall in the world, and twice the height and much wider than Niagara Falls. We went on numerous game drives through two National Parks and a game reserve in an open vehicle, and saw many wild animals. We saw the African “big five” – elephant, lion, cape buffalo, leopard, and rhino. I have to tell you when I saw my first wild lion close to our vehicle, I was more than a little nervous. Gradually, I got used to it. We saw many other animals as well: impala, warthogs, baboons, wildebeest, zebra, crocodiles, hippos, antelope, ostrich, cheetah, and hyenas. At times it was overwhelming to view all this wildlife. I couldn’t stop taking photographs.

Cape Town, which is located at the southern tip of

Africa, is a beautiful city and had many interesting sites. The cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain offered magnificent scenic views of the city and the bay. The tour of Robben Island, the former prison where Nelson

A Message from the Chairman … 1-2 ARENU Chapter News …….….… 2-3 Travel & Entertainment …………. 4-6 Retiree Milestones …………….… 7

WH

AT

’S

IN

SID

E

Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years, and the operating room where Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the first successful human-to-human heart transplant, were very interesting. There were many other places of interest, and I would recommend this trip very highly.

LEGAL INFORMATION

The following was written by Paul Czepiga in January

2014 from the elder law attorney firm of CzepigaDalyPope in Berlin, CT. Paul has spoken at several Connecticut Chapter meetings, and I thought this article would be relevant to our members.

What is a Power of Attorney and Who Should You

Choose?

Powers of attorney are a wonderful tool in the hands of a trustworthy person. But because it comes with a tremendous responsibility, it can also be a dangerous tool in the hands of the wrong person. Learn all you can before choosing your power of attorney. We have had too many cases where the wrong choice resulted in exploitation or abuse by a family member or friend.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a document where you authorize someone, often called an agent, to act on your behalf should you no longer be able to do so. Examples include paying your bills, and managing your investments. It can be limited to one decision or it can be so broadly written that the agent can do almost anything on your behalf. The authority you give is dependent upon the document’s language.

Chairman’s letter is continued on page 2 ...

From the Chairman

Larry Levy

As we enter my favorite

time of year in New Eng-land, I hope you are healthy to enjoy this beautiful weather. This is our time for gardening and all the outdoor activi-ties that our friends in Florida enjoy in the winter months.

ARENU CHAPTER NEWS

Chairman’s Letter (continued from page 1)

There are two types of powers of attorney: A non-durable power of attorney, which may be tailored

to permit your agent to complete a single transaction, and ceases when you lose mental capacity.

A durable power of attorney stays in effect if you experience diminished capacity or become unable to manage your own affairs.

Who should you choose?

Since your power of attorney potentially will be handling your legal and financial affairs, you’ll want to choose someone who either has some experience in these fields, or has the personality and financial savvy to handle the decisions that may fall to him or her. Choose someone who:

Is trustworthy and fair minded

Understands his or her duties, and a

commitment to taking those duties seriously

Understands your wishes and your values

Demonstrates loyalty – to you

Never forget that you’re giving your agent the opportunity to access your checking and savings accounts and other assets, at a time when you may not be able to keep tabs on what the agent is doing. We have seen a child, step-son, nephew, niece, and the family friend utilize a power of attorney, not for the principal’s benefit, but for their own. Choose your agent wisely, and make sure you understand the breadth and scope of the powers you are giving. There will be comfort in knowing that your wishes will be protected. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following was written by Michael Lecours from the Obanesian/Lecours Investment Advisory firm in West Hartford. The views expressed in this article are those of Michael Lecours and do not necessarily represent the views of ARENU or Northeast Utilities.

Pay Attention To Your NU Stock

June 27, 2014

For those of you who hold NU stock, you may be

excited to see that it has been reaching new all-time highs

at over $47 per share! So, let’s take some time to evaluate

it as an investment. Recently, we noticed an abnormality

that warrants some discussion:

With some unease in the market, investors flocked to a

more conservative investment, many of whom turned to

utilities for their relatively stable performance and nice

dividend. NU pays an annual dividend of $1.57 per

share which is a yield of 3.38%. It’s paid off for

investors so far this year. The utility industry has been

doing very well compared to the S&P 500 so far this

year. This, in part, has contributed to the healthy

performance for the NU stock.

But comparing the NU stock to its peers (other utilities)

paints a different picture. NU outperformed its peers for

most of 2013. But in 2014, it started to lag. While NU

has been performing well this year, the industry as a

whole has been doing better.

S&P has recently downgraded their opinion on NU

shares to “Hold”, from “Buy”. The rating agency also

forecasts the price of the stock 12 months from now to

be around $47.

We’re not suggesting that you sell out of NU. Such

recommendations are made on a case-by-case basis only.

But it’s important to put this performance in perspective.

Now may be a good time to evaluate the position to make

sure it’s still an appropriate investment.

We had three excellent speakers at our April, May and

June meetings, and more to come through the end of the year. Please support your ARENU organization by your attendance at our monthly meetings. Remember, we hold a 50/50 raffle at each meeting, so you could win ‘a fistful of dollars’, meet fellow retirees, and support ARENU all at the same time!

On April 16th

, we heard an outstanding presentation from Dr. Robert Green of Saint Francis Hospital who spoke about current treatment options for hip and knee arthritis. Dr. Green was the former Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Saint Francis Hospital. He was very frank in his discussion, and his dedication to his work was very apparent. He responded to the many questions form the audience. The $55 50/50 raffle was won by Henry Frohn formerly of Convex.

On May 21st

, Gerry Brooks, co-anchor from Channel 30 (NBC) news, was our guest speaker. Those in attendance were privileged to listen to a very informative presentation.

(continued on page 6…)

2

CONNECTICUT CHAPTER NEWS

3

ARENU CHAPTER NEWS

Massachusetts Chapter News

Hello WMECO Retirees —

Spring Meeting - Our spring meeting was held on Tuesday, May 6, and was a huge

success! We held the luncheon at the former WMECO Brush Hill Office, which is now the

Lower Pioneer Valley Collaborative School. A luncheon buffet was prepared and served by

the culinary students. We had 68 attendees at the luncheon and, unfortunately, we had to

turn folks away due to space limitations. All those who attended got to see the transforma-

tion of the old cafeteria that is now called "The Bistro". Everyone enjoyed the Company

memorabilia on display that included historical events, employee pictures (when they were much

younger), community involvement events, and other pertinent information. It was interesting to see photos

of employees' all-electric homes and information on the annual cost of electricity. Many retirees enjoyed

the pictures of their children's first day of school or high school graduations, as well as reading about major

personal events that were included in company publications. We plan to have this memorabilia on dis-

play at our holiday luncheon planned for December.

Fall Meeting - We are planning a meeting in mid-September with Karen Arendt

from NUSCO's Human Resources Department. This informational meeting will be held

in the morning at our East Springfield office and coffee and donuts will be served. In the

past, Karen has joined us at our Spring meeting and provided details on the current year

benefits. Hopefully, she will be able to provide us information on the 2015 benefits and an-

swer questions we may have on upcoming changes. Once we have firmed up the details on

the meeting, we will be sending out notices.

We hope everyone has a great summer and we look forward to seeing you in the Fall!

Sincerely,

Co-Chairmen,

Colleen Mason (413) 739-6522

Michele Witowski (413) 529-9551

ARENU CONNECTICUT CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND DONOR

Donors: Charles and Marilyn Deegan . . . . . . . . . . In Memory of Dave Lynch

Thank you for your donation to the ARENU CT Chapter Scholarship Fund.

4

NEWS FROM LINDA YOST, TRAVEL CHAIRPERSON

Greetings Fellow Retirees,

Summer has arrived! Did you think it would ever get here? Finally my flowers have been planted; I have been out to golf a

few times; and I am looking so forward to some of the trips we have planned for our ARENU Retirees!

FIRST OF ALL PLEASE NOTE THIS DATE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9TH OF THIS YEAR, AT 10:00 A.M.

TOURS OF DISTINCTION WILL MAKE A PRESENTATION OF ALL TRIPS PLANNED FOR 2015.

COME ALONG AND SEE WHAT WE HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU – PICK UP YOUR FLYERS, ETC.

THIS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE NU CAFETERIA AREA WHERE THE CONNECTICUT CHAPTER

MEETINGS ARE HELD.

So far, both the Irish show at the Fox Theater was fabulous featuring the Dublin City Ramblers! They did a great job enter-

taining our retirees. Also, our trip to West Point was very interesting and impressive. I’m glad we chose to

make this trip. We saw MOTOWN earlier this month which was also very enjoyable – put us back in the

moving and grooving of our earlier days!

Unfortunately we have had to cancel our Cape Cod 3-day trip because of lack of interest. Also the Ver-

mont Vine to Wine trip in August has not attracted any registrations, and so I think we will also be canceling

this trip, as well. Sorry about that if some of you were planning to book.

Josh Groban at Tanglewood on August 31st with the Boston Bops Orchestra was sold out in less than 2

weeks! I DO still have 10 lawn tickets available if anyone is interested. This trip includes transportation, a late lunch at Stor-

rowton Tavern in West Springfield, tax and tip, and a lawn seat ticket - $100.00 p.p. Please let me know if you are interested.

Charleston, Savannah Jekyll Island - October 17-22 Several folks have signed up for this very-much-in-demand trip! This six-day tour will give you an in-depth look at

the quaint cities of Charleston and Savannah. We will have a train tour in Jekyll Island with time to shop and

enjoy lunch at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room.

Brighton Beach Memoires at Newport Playhouse - November 16 Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Cabaret Restaurant followed by a matinee show. Before returning home you will also

enjoy a fun-filled cabaret.

Christmas Time at the Reagle Nativity - December 7 Following lunch at the Chateau in Waltham, we will take a short ride to the Reagle Playhouse to ex-

perience their Annual Holiday Show – Christmas Time. Children of all ages will be enchanted by

Santa’s Workshop, Teddy Bears Nutcracker, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Victorian Christmas,

precision dancers and the Living Nativity. Children are welcome to attend!

Please go on-line to the following link www.nuemployees.com/Retiree/useful/arenu.asp where

you can access flyers for the trips mentioned below:

Looking forward to 2015 – and I am not kidding when I say, don’t wait too long to sign up for any of the follow-

ing cruises. I have sold out of my allotment a year in advance several times which blows me away, but I am serious

when I say some of these cruises are extremely popular. Here are four great cruises (and other trips) to check out:

(more Trips and Travel on page 5)

ARENU CHAPTER NEWS

5

ARENU CHAPTER NEWS

Hawaii – January 22 – February 1, 2015

Please inquire about our fabulous trip to Hawaii! It may seem like this is a long way off, but this trip fills very quickly. We

sold out of this trip in 2012 by the previous April when 51 people submitted their reservations. Call me or email me for a flyer

or go onto our website to access the flyer and reservation form.

Eastern Caribbean Escape onboard the Norwegian Gem – January 30 - February 9, 2015

11 days and 10 nights departing from New York City and visiting San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Tortola. This is an-

other trip being offered at a good price! No flying! Motorcoach to New York and get on board and unpack. That’s the kind

of trip I like – flying is “for the birds!”

►Inside Stateroom: $1249 p.p.

►Outside Stateroom: $1399 p.p.

►Balcony Stateroom: $1650 p.p.

Bermuda Cruise, May 1-8, 2015

Three full days in Bermuda to enjoy! You will enjoy the Norwegian Dawn which I have been on and really

loved. We will depart from Boston and return to Boston. This trip is long enough yet not too long to keep

you away from activities at home. Pricing is exceptionally good! Roundtrip Deluxe Motorcoach transfers; 8-day cruise in-

cluding port charges and taxes; all meals and daily entertainment onboard the ship all included. Come join us! Several folks

are taking this cruise!

►Inside Cabin: $ 999 p.p.

►Ocean View: $1169 p.p.

►Balcony Cabin: $1379 p.p.

Inside Passage Cruise to Alaska – May 6-16, 2015

Roundtrip airfare to Seattle with a pre-night in Seattle, that also includes a Seattle City Tour before cruising away. Nine-night

Alaska Cruise with a full-time tour escort as you visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Lynn Canal, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point,

and Victoria, British Columbia. Victoria, BC is one of my most favorite places to visit! I would love to spend at least one

week there!

►Inside Stateroom: $2489 p.p.

►Outside Stateroom: $2849 p.p.

►Balcony Stateroom $3199 p.p.

The Wonders of Italy – Apr. 21 – May 1, 2015

Tour Includes:

►Roundtrip Airfare ►Roundtrip Airport Transfers

►18 Meals (9 breakfasts/9 dinners) ►9 Nights’ Accommodations in 4-Star Hotels

►Tours of Distinction Tour Escort ►Gratuities for Tours of Distinction Tour Escort

►Baggage Handling ►Gratuities for US Drivers

►Guided Tours in Rome, Florence, Capri, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Pisa, & San Gimignano

I had great feedback about this trip from folks who went this year.

Kinky Boots, Providence RI, which will include a luncheon as well as time to browse in “Little Italy”. This trip will take

place in Providence from June 9-14, 2015 – definite date to be announced. I was going to do this trip in New York this year,

but got scared away by the price! We can enjoy it next year, and it is highly in demand!

A trip to New York to see the 911 Memorial and the Museum which is now finally open! I wanted to wait until next year to

ensure the crowds would have somewhat subsided.

(more Trips and Travel on page 6)

(Trips and Travel — continued from page 4)

6

ARENU CHAPTER NEWS

Conn. Chapter News (continued from page 2)

Warmest Regards,

Linda Yost

Trips and Travel (continued from page 5)

Gerry is very down to earth, and gave us his honest impressions of his experiences in the news room, as well as what he does in preparation for his news broadcasts each day. He also discussed his numerous co-anchors over the years like Joanne Nesti, Gayle King, and his current co-anchor Kisha Grant who is now on maternity leave. He was very entertaining, and answered at length the numerous questions from the audience. Joyce Burdick won the $78 50/50 raffle.

On June 18th

"The Car Doctor", Jim MacPherson gave an outstanding presentation on car technology updates. Jim is very knowledgeable on all facets of the car industry. He reviewed the advancements that are currently available, and discussed what car manufacturers are thinking for the future. I sent you his presentation, so that those members who were unable to attend could also be informed. We had 50 members in attendance who asked many interesting questions. Henry Frohn formerly of Convex won the $68 50/50 raffle. Henry has now won twice this year. Congratulations!

September 17th

Peter Picone, a Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Biologist, will speak about managing and improving habitats for wildlife on a big and small scale. He will speak about creating backyards for wildlife, and living in harmony with the environment.

October 15th

A representative from NU’s Human Resources Dept. will speak to us on the changes to our 2015 health benefits. This is always a very popular meeting and will be held in the Berlin Auditorium starting at 10:00 a.m.

December 3rd

Annual holiday luncheon at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, CT. Our guest speaker is Kara Sundlun, WFSB, Channel 3 news anchor at noon, and co-host of the daily show, Better Connecticut with Scot Haney. Kara is a two-time Emmy award-winning journalist, and has been with Channel 3 for 13 years. She received an Emmy award in 2005 for outstanding achievement in reporting, and an Emmy for the story “Swimming with the Sharks”, which was an in-depth look at sharks swimming in New England waters. She was named “Best Local TV News Reporter” by Hartford Magazine and in 2006 was included in the Hartford Business Journal’s Top 40 under 40. Kara is the wife of Dennis House, who was our guest speaker at the December 2012 holiday luncheon. They live in Hartford and have two young children. A registration form for this event will be included in the next newsletter.

We are always looking for volunteers to help with the many activities of the CT Chapter. If you would like to volunteer, please send me an e-mail.

Sincerely,

Larry Levy Chairman and Connecticut Chapter President E-Mail: LEVYL2@Yahoo.com (860) 523-9570

Of course, other trips will be planned. If you have something interesting to suggest, I am all ears! There is no place we cannot

visit (but – of course – be reasonable!). Flyers for Kinky Boots and the 911 Memorial and Museum won’t be ready until the end

of the year.

I hope to see some of you folks on these trips. We have a good time, and you are well taken care of. Give yourself a little treat and

join us on any of these trips. We always have a good time – we have become good friends who enjoy each other’s company. We

would love to add you to our family!

I welcome you! Call me (860-657-3407) or email me (lgyostct@cox.net) with questions or information. Download flyers

for any of the trips from the ARENU website; print it off; and submit your reservation form to me. This is YOUR time and YOUR

travel group to enjoy and to share with family, friends, neighbors, etc. Bring them along!

RETIREE MILESTONES

OBITUARIES

Our sympathy to the family and friends of those listed below.

Name

Date of Death

Company

Retirement Date

Donald Gadle 5/9/2014 CL&P 4/30/1995

Kenneth Eagle 5/10/2014 NUSCO 1/31/2010

Nicholas Nardoia 5/10/2014 CL&P 1/31/2000

Charles Paar 5/16/2014 NUSCO 2/29/1980

Mary Larson 5/20/2014 NUSCO 5/31/1984

Elizabeth Callender 5/23/2014 CL&P 4/30/1976

John Crowley 5/25/2014 CL&P 9/30/2002

Robert Evans 5/25/2014 PSNH 2/1/1987

Margaret Chomic 5/26/2014 Meriden 11/30/2006

James Bain 5/26/2014 NUSCO 12/30/1991

Raymond Sypniewski 5/27/2014 CL&P 3/31/1991

Helen Genis 5/29/2014 NUSCO 7/31/1989

Harry Warger 6/1/2014 Hadley 3/31/2003

Frank Petrone 6/2/2014 CL&P 5/31/2013

William Tucci 6/2/2014 CL&P 1/31/1984

Howard Carlson 6/3/2014 CL&P 10/31/1993

Alice Tilenda 6/5/2014 NUSCO 2/28/1982

Albert Christlieb 6/9/2014 PSNH 9/1/1977

Susan Suffridge 6/9/2014 Seabrook 8/31/1999

Kenneth Parker 6/17/2014 PSNH 5/1/1985

7