The A-RE-NEWS

Newsletter of the Association of Retirees of Eversource and Northeast Utilities (ARENU) PO Box 270 Hartford CT 06141-0270

JULY-SEPTEMBER 2016 Volume 27 No. 3

Dear Fellow ARENU Members:

The past month has

been very busy for your ARENU officers. I received a telephone call from Eversource management indicating that our ARENU website would be eliminated in two weeks. I was unable to persuade them to change their minds, so we quickly found an IT expert who helped us purchase a new website at a very reasonable cost. Our new website can be seen at www.arenu.org and will look very similar to what we had on nuemployees.com. All our documents were saved and transferred to the new site. If you have a chance, check it out! Our newsletters for the past year, as well as upcoming trips, are shown on this website.

I was also informed that Eversource has decided to

replace Lotus Notes over the next several years. My access from home to our members’ email addresses which are on Lotus Notes could be in jeopardy. Currently, I can access my distribution list through additional Eversource security measures. I am looking for a different way to send out correspondence without additional cost to our chapter. The problem is that I am sending mailings to about 1,500 email addresses, and the free email systems (like Gmail and Yahoo) make it cumbersome or impossible to use for that many addresses. I will continue using the Lotus Notes system, as it is more economical and convenient than what is available elsewhere. I am working with Eversource IT on this issue. As a precaution, my master ARENU email list

A Message from the CT Chapter ... 1-3 President Mass. Chapter ................................. 4 Travel & Entertainment …………. 5-6 Retiree Milestones ……………. ........ 7 New Members ................................... 7 Holiday Luncheon flyer .................... 8

WH

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Is backed up to a spreadsheet that is safely stored on my home computer.

Even though Lotus Notes is not going away for several

years, we have also safely backed up our Lotus Notes data base with the names, addresses and other information of our 3,500 members on to an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet is safely in the hands of our very capable secretarial staff.

Speaking about our

secretarial staff, Marion Bloomquist has done an outstanding job as the ARENU Secretary over the past five years. However, she has decided to reduce her responsibilities at this time. Her responsibilities have been taken on by Doris Torrey who is now our lead Secretary. We are very pleased that Doris has agreed to take on the role of managing our office in Berlin. I knew both Marion and Doris when I worked at NUSCO, and I know that we are in great hands.

Even though we lost some Eversource support in the

electronic world, we need to be thankful that we do have an office in Berlin, and that we have access to conference rooms to hold our CT Chapter meetings.

The following letter is from Linda Avery, former NU/

Yankee Gas employee: Dear ARENU members,

As State Coordinator for the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

program here in CT, and as a former NU/Yankee Gas employee

myself, I am excited to tell you about a wonderful program that I

am proud to be part of right here in CT and I invite you to join

our team of more than 550 dedicated volunteers who share their

time and talents with those in need. The AARP Foundation Tax

-Aide program is a national program funded by both the IRS and

AARP Foundation, and provides FREE tax preparation services

for low- to moderate-income individuals. Currently the program

runs approximately 5,000 sites nationally with 35,000 volunteers

providing services to more than 1.2 million taxpayers annually!

Here in CT we are proud to operate 95 sites with more than 550

volunteers, providing services to more than 35,000 of our

From the CT Chapter President

Larry Levy

I hope you had a won-

derful summer with family and friends. Now fall is upon us, another beautiful time of year with the changes in leaf colors, probably right in your backyard.

ARENU CHAPTER NEWS

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friends and neighbors in need!

What is more impressive is that

this same group of volunteers is

estimated to have saved these

taxpayers more than $6.2

million in tax preparation fees

and returned more than $22

million in refunds and credits

this past tax season!

What makes this program so great? Our teams of dedicated

volunteers, who give a few hours of their time each week

during the tax season to prepare tax returns, greet our clients,

help with technology issues, or maybe support our program

with communications and marketing expertise. Whatever your

background, if you would like to learn more, I encourage you

to visit us at www.aarp.org/taxaide. We would love to have

you join us!

Sincerely,

Linda Avery

__________________________________

Walking: The Cheap, Easy Workout

Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, news release, June 10, 2016

Walking is a simple and inexpensive exercise that has been shown to offer numerous benefits for bones, muscles and joints. "Sometimes the hardest part of working out is getting started," Dr. Carolyn Hettrich, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, said in an academy

news release. "Walking requires minimal preparation, but yields significant benefits. Establish a routine by incorporating at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week," she advised.

Dr. Hettrich also offered these suggestions:

Wear shoes that support the arch and elevate the heel slightly.

There should be stiff material surrounding the heel to prevent your foot from wobbling. The toe area should be roomy but not too long.

Warm up by walking at a normal pace for 5 minutes, then boost your pace so your heart beats faster and your lungs breathe deeper.

Keep up the faster pace for about 15 minutes.

While walking: swing your arms; keep your head up, back straight, and abdomen flat; point your toes straight ahead; and take long strides, but do not strain.

Cool down by walking at your warm-up speed again for 5 more minutes, and do gentle stretching after your walk.

Start off by doing this type of walking three or four days a week, with days for rest in between.

After two weeks, add 5 minutes to the strenuous part of your walk.

Keep adding 5 minutes every two weeks as you gradually build strength and endurance.

You can give your upper body a workout while walking by carrying one- to five-pound weights in each hand. Using walking sticks or poles can improve lower body stability, and reduce the stress on your legs, knees, ankles and feet.

Be sure to drink enough water to prevent dehydration. Drink one pint of water 15 minutes before you start your walk, and another pint after you cool down.

Have a drink of water every 20 minutes or as needed while you exercise.

More information The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has more about walking for health.

__________________________________

2016 GOLF TOURNAMENT

The 23rd Annual Larry Ryan Memorial Golf Tournament

was held on July 28 at Tunxis Plantation Country Club in Farmington, CT. 87 ARENU members and guests played in the scramble-format tournament. We are happy to report that we had even more women playing this year, and hope this trend will continue in the future. Prizes were awarded to the three lowest scoring teams. In addition, closest-to-the-

pin contest prizes were awarded on holes 4 and 16.

The first place team was Mike Duncan, Greg Pugatch, Gerry Carbone and Gary Davis with a score of 61 (11 under par).

The second place team was Art Healey, Jim Healey, Jim Dieterle and Steve Klubnik with a score of 64

(8 under par).

The third place team was Dick Pawlowski, Bill Mihal, Bill Controvillas and Steve Foust with a score of 65

(7 under par).

Fred Mattioli won the closest-to-the-pin contest on the 4th hole with his shot to 20 inches from the hole.

Dick Jastremski won the closest-to-the-pin contest on the 16th hole with his shot to 7 feet 10 inches from the hole.

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ARENU CHAPTER NEWS

CT Chapter news (continued from page 2)

(Golf Tournament, continued)

Following golf and a cocktail hour, a steak and chicken dinner was enjoyed by our golfers.

The tournament was once again very successful thanks to the work of the golf committee consisting of Rich

Greene (chairman), Jan Bennett, Pete Sullivan, Bob Factora, Les Davison, Harold Walmsley, and Marvin Plaut.

Recent CT Chapter Meeting

On September 21, our guest speaker was Dr. Harry Morgan who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

We had a great turnout for this meeting with over 70 attendees. Dr. Morgan spoke about the onset of dementia, and what we can do to delay or treat this disease. Since there is currently no cure, Dr. Morgan discussed how we can delay Alzheimer’s through regular vigorous exercise, a good diet, and mental stimulation.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If you have any suggestions for future speakers, please forward them to me along with their contact information. We

hope you will attend our informative and entertaining meetings, and show your support for ARENU. Our regular monthly meetings begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Berlin office.

Please make a note of the dates for the remaining 2016 meetings. All meetings begin at 10:00 a.m.

Upcoming CT Chapter Meetings

October 7 - Eversource Human Resource presentation describing the 2017 retiree health benefits. This very popular meeting will be held in the Berlin Auditorium. (Please note the date change, and try to carpool as parking may be difficult for the large number of expected attendees.) November 30 - Holiday Luncheon at the Aqua Turf. I am looking forward to our most popular and festive event of the year. This year, in addition to our 50/50 raffle, we will have door prizes for some lucky attendees at no additional cost. I was able to hold the price of the luncheon as we had over the past two years. I am also excited about our speaker for the luncheon this year. He is Jonathon Harris, the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. The Department of Consumer Protection investigates consumer complaints, and mediates disputes between consumers and businesses. They protect citizens from unfair businesses and unsafe products. They oversee the production and distribution of all prescription medication in the state. A registration form is included in this newsletter for you to sign up for our final 2016 event.

We are seeking volunteers to help with the many activities of the CT Chapter. If you would like to volunteer, it

would be much appreciated. Please send me an e-mail to express your interest. Thank you.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the CT Chapter meetings to hear very

interesting speakers on topics of interest to retirees. Also, by attending, you will show your support for our ARENU organization.

Sincerely,

Larry Levy Connecticut Chapter President E-Mail: LEVYL2@Yahoo.com (860) 523-9570 3

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ARENU CHAPTER NEWS

Massachusetts Chapter News

Dear Chapter Members,

The Massachusetts Chapter recently held a “Good Bye

Summer” Picnic at Look Park in Northampton. The Park

Director dropped by to welcome us to the Park. He spoke about

the history and all the amenities it offers. Over 50 members and

guests enjoyed the catered luncheon, which was followed by

several exciting games of Bingo. A wonderful time was had by

all!

Our Membership Drive is continuing and receiving positive results.

We are pleased to announce three new members to our group (David

Lankowski, Don Creek, and Alfred Cote). Some of these folks are

recent retirees and others have been retired for a while and had not heard

about ARENU.

The Massachusetts Chapter’s Holiday Party will be held on Thursday,

December 8, 2016 at Storrowton Tavern Carriage House. Anyone who

has attended any event at the Big E is probably familiar with Storrowton

Village. The “Village” should be decorated for the holiday season. All

members and guests are welcome to join us for a festive party! SO SAVE

THE DATE (additional information/details forthcoming).

Sincerely, ARENU Massachusetts Chapter

Co-Chairwomen

Colleen Mason (413) 739-6522

Michele Witowski (413) 529-9551

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ARENU CHAPTER NEWS

NEWS FROM LINDA YOST, TRAVEL COORDINATOR

Hello ARENU Retirees:

Well folks, I am on my way home from a week’s vacation in Maine and wondering “where did the summer go –

what happened to all the enjoyable things I anticipated doing? The answer – the oppressive HEAT! It took away any desire for me to being out in 90 degree weather doing anything! How about you? And so, I looked forward to heading north for a week’s reprieve before Fall arrives and with it, everything that has to be done in the Fall. It was cool in Maine – really needed the heat on at night – unfortunately, the heat wasn’t set up to provide warmth at this house -- for heaven’s sake -- enjoy the coolness!

I am glad to report that our October 9th

trip, Exploring the Hudson is a go with 47 people signed up. I have

decided not to offer a late fall trip. I would need more time, at this point, to get the word out. Several of us will be taking the Repositioning Cruise on The Norwegian Dawn departing October 28

th for 15 days. This cruise has

long been sold out!

I met with the new owner of Tours of Distinction, Tyler Zajacz, to discuss new trips for 2017 and he has several

very interesting places to suggest that we have not been to before! Now is your BIG opportunity to put in your “two cents’ worth” on what you would like to see and do. Flyers for all trips are available, except where indicated. Due to email file size limitations, only flyers for trips through August are attached to this newsletter. These and the remaining flyers will be posted on the ARENU website.

January 21 Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, at The Bushnell, a jukebox musical with a book by Douglas McGrath that tells the story of the early life and career of Carole King, using songs that she wrote.

April 24-28 The Norfolk, VA Tattoo - I was only given 10 seats for this trip. Sign up quickly!

April 25 Daffodil Days, Providence, RI

April 25 - May 5 Wonders of Italy – a fabulous trip!

May 9-16 Holland MI Tulips

May 12 Colonial Tavern Night, Boston Public Market

June Boston Red Sox - 3-day trip, dates not yet determined (no flyer)

June 7 Long Island’s Gold Coast (groups of 12)

June 21 The Tall Ships are coming to Boston, the only U.S. port to host this amazing event and we have been fortunate to have in place one of Boston’s Harbor Cruise boats for an historic and informative narrated cruise of the Tall Ships up close and personal. Reservations will fill up fast!

Summer 2017 Atlantic Canada – Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island - 7-day trip, dates not yet determined (no flyer)

A Taste of Cape Cod – 1-day trip, date not yet determined) (no flyer)

July Vermont Touch of Country, Sound of Music - 3-day trip, dates not yet determined (no flyer)

July 14 NY Botanical Gardens

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ARENU CHAPTER NEWS

(continued from page 5)

August 10 Saratoga Races August 22-26 The Real Quebecois September Green Mountain Flyer Vermont Turkey Train – 1-day

trip, date not yet determined (no flyer) September 2-8 Canadian Rockies September 11-18 Galapagos Islands Cruise September 14 Wine, Wine, and More Wine (CT Wine Trail) – 1 day (groups of 12) October Ocean City, MD – 4-day trip, dates not yet determined (no flyer) October 4 Granite State Oktoberfest October 19-25 Incredible Iceland, featuring The Northern Lights – What a trip this

will be! This trip is generating much interest! I have already contracted to do this trip.

November 8-18 Tours of Distinction’s Hawaii Cruise December Radio City Christmas Show – 1 day, date not yet determined December 3 Festival of Lights, Attleboro, MA March 2018 Cuba Cruise – 8-day trip, dates not yet determined (no flyer)

Going forward, think about other trip possibilities for next year. PLEASE – VOICE YOUR

OPINION NOW! I can always drop or add a trip. This is where YOU come into the picture to help with trip decision-making.

As you may well imagine, a lot of time and effort goes into selecting trips and assigning them dates. I know I am

repetitive when I ask you to voice YOUR opinion, but that is the only way I can provide what you would like to see and do. Your feedback is greatly needed and appreciated. Call me; email me; text me; messenger pigeons accepted – whatever way is good.

Cheers! Here’s to another year of travel enjoyment with ARENU!

Fondly,

Linda Yost lgyostct@cox.net

860-657-3407

245 Georgetown Drive

Glastonbury, CT 06033

RETIREE MILESTONES

OBITUARIES

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

Name

Date of Death

Company

Retirement Date

Harry Graham 7/31/2016 CL&P 5/1/1987

Anthony Lacapra 8/2/2016 Yankee Gas 10/1/2006

Lorraine Waslenchuk 8/3/2016 NU

John J. Kiskunes 8/5/2016 NU 12/1/1995

John Herrin 8/9/2016 PSNH 4/2/1988

John Zeneski 8/22/2016 CL&P 11/1/1993

Ernest P. Samuelson 8/26/2016 CL&P 8/1/1999

David Gray 8/26/2016 CL&P 12/1/1992

Ernest Jones 8/29/2016 NU 11/1/1994

Frank Gamelli 8/29/2016 WMECO 3/1/2000

William O'Rourke 8/29/2016 HWP 12/1/2006

Robert LaPorta 8/30/2016 CL&P 2/1/1991

Jerome Getman 9/6/2016 CL&P 11/1/1999

Jonathon P. Wottrich 9/14/2016 PSNH 6/1/2013

Francis Scalia 9/15/2016 CL&P 9/1/1984

William R. Morton 9/18/2016 PSNH 9/17/1987

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Brian J. Bergin Pat Bielonko David Boguslawski Rosemarie Burke

Mary Cardella John J. Carroll, III Cassandra Ciullo Alfred Cote Don W. Creek, Jr.

Thomas J. Fonti

Concetta Getman

Susan Hapgood

David Lankowski Timothy J. Lankowski

Alan Nesta

William Oliver Mulayim Ozkan

Terry Paluch Paul Salamone

Diane Soderstrom

Michael C. Stevens

Al Tawrel

Michael Vengrukas

DATE: Wednesday, November 30, 2016

SOCIAL HOUR: 11:00 A.M. to Noon

LUNCHEON: 12:00 Noon to 1:30 P.M.

SPEAKER: 1:30 to 2:30 P.M. Jonathon Harris, CT Commissioner of Consumer Protection

PRICE: $28.00 per person

Sit-Down Luncheon ~ Cash Bar

MAIL CHECKS TO: Peter Sullivan 31 Orcutt Court North Haven, CT 06473

EVENT CHAIRMAN: Larry Levy (860) 508-6908

Checks must be received by November 16, 2016.

Please make checks payable to ARENU.

CANCELLATION INFORMATION:

In the event of inclement weather and ARENUers are concerned about the luncheon being canceled, watch NBC Channel 30 for cancellations or call the Aqua Turf.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

ARENU Connecticut Chapter 2016 Holiday Luncheon

Name ___________________________________________ Phone ________________ Email address ____________________________________ Guest Name _____________________________________ Total Paid $____________

50/50 RAFFLE ~ DOOR PRIZES

ARENU CONNECTICUT CHAPTER HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

AQUA TURF CLUB MULBERRY STREET

PLANTSVILLE, CT 06479 (860) 621-9335

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