CLUB HEADQUARTERS/ PARENT CHAPTERBethpage, New York

President, Betty Bohlander, (516-575-3777)

CHAPTERS / MEETING LOCATIONS:

California - Golden West / Pt. MuguPresident, Fred Syrett (805-647-4934)

California - San Diego / San DiegoPresident, Pete Belay, (858-484-7307)

Florida - First Coast / St. AugustinePresident, Fred Bauer (904-819-9817)

Florida - Manasota West / BradentonPresident, Ted Martines (941-926-8891)

Florida - Mid-West / Spring Hill President, John Cornacchia (813-995-2902)

Florida - Southwest / Locations VaryPresident, Carolyn Moors (239-283-8294)

Florida - Spacecoast / MelbournePresident, Bob Prais (321-242-5782)

Florida - Suncoast / Pinellas Park

President, Benjamin Hurley (727-527-7281)

Florida - Treasure Coast / Port St. LuciePresident, Dan Knowles (772-288-2758)

Georgia - Peach Pit / Milledgeville

President, Janet Sills (706-485-0839)

Maryland - Glen Arm / BelairPresident, Rick Swinder (410-977-7829)

New England - New England North / Dorset, VT President, Bill Egner (802-446-2062)

New York - Bethpage Chapter & Club HQPresident, Betty Bohlander, (516-575-3777)

New York - Eastern Long Island / RiverheadPresident, Bert Moller (631-864-4377)

North Carolina - Eastern Carolina / Locations Vary

President, Peter McNamee (252-288-4569)

Pennsylvania - Northeast PA / So. Sterling

President, Charles Dowd (570-491-2125)

South CarolinaCoastal Carolinas / Myrtle Beach

President, Ronald Girardin (843-903-7116)

Texas - Houston / HoustonPresident, Angelo LaCognata, (281-326-1665)

Virginia - Central Virginia / MonticelloPresident, Fred Meiners (434-589-2882)

February 2016 Volume 49, Issue 2 Circulation: 2823

The January Bethpage Chapter meeting featured a presentation of the Grumman History articles that have appeared in our Newsletter. (For more on this, see the Bethpage Chapter report, beginning on page three.) Here are the folks who do all of the work involved in finding, collating, assembling, and ordering the information in the History Center*, information that goes into those History articles.

Standing: Myrna Braverman, Ken SpeiserSeated: (L to R): Larry Feliu, Bob Tallman, John Eagan

*For those readers who have not worked at Grumman’s Bethpage facility: Many years ago, Grumman established a formal facility, the Grumman History Center, to hold items and information relative to Grumman’s activities and accomplishments. The company actually built a special-purpose building within the Bethpage facility, near Plant 25, and provided paid staff to collect and manage the materials, Today, the History Center is staffed solely by volunteers.

This is Membership Renewal time: Renewal Form is on page 19 of this Newsletter.

Note: After the March Newsletter, Newsletters will not be mailed to anyone for whom renewal has not been entered into the Club membership database.

Once renewal has been recorded, the Newsletter will again be sent.

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Scholarship ProgramSCHOLARSHIP 50/50 RAFFLE TICKET

_______________________________________Name_______________________________________Address

Town _______________State ____ Zip _______

Phone (optional) _____________________

Number of Raffles Purchased _____

Scholarship Awards Program applications for 2016 are now available. Applications may be obtained at Chapter meetings, at our web site (www.grummanretireeclub.org), or by sending a request for application, together with a stamped, self addressed envelope, to the mail address below. It is the members’ responsibility to provide the application and encourage our Grandkids to participate! Remember: the only awareness our Grandkids have of our Scholarship program is through you, the members. *****************************************

Scholarship Program QUARTERLY 50/50 RAFFLE

Members of All Chapters May Participate!

Enter often. Multiple winners possible. Max prize: $500 for any one person,

in any one drawing.

Winners announced in the Newsletter.

Send a filled-in raffle ticket (below) and a check (payable to Grumman Retiree Club Scholarship Fund), to: Retiree Club Scholarship program, PO Box 0748, Bethpage, NY, 11714-0748.

Each raffle entry is $5. (Please indicate how many raffles you are purchasing.)

Everyone has a chance to win.

This Raffle benefits the Scholarship Fund only.

Scholarship Program Contributors

The Scholarship Fund Directors and the Retiree Club thank the following for their donations:

Ames, Robert Bergwerk, Joseph Boyland, Ronald Brook, John Calendrille,John Crzechowiak, Stefan Dehls, Richard Dittieri, Remo Errrig, Bette Fernandez, C. M.Ferrante, Salvatore Fishberg, Irwin Friedrichs, John Garlasco, FrancesGiannone, Joseph Gilmartin, George Goldmacher, Jerome Gordon, William Gregor, Richard Griffing, John Wirth, Al

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Your continuing support will enable us to have our 19th Scholarship Awards, in 2016. Your contributions are the Engine that allows our Scholarship Award Program to be an on-going Retiree Club Program for all Members.

Scholarship Program donations are Tax Deductible. Every little bit counts. . . It all adds up.

Please Keep Your (Tax Deductible) Donations Coming . . .

Send your checks (payable to Retiree Scholarship Fund) to: Scholarship Fund, PO Box 0748, Bethpage, NY, 11714-0748

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Bethpage / Parent Chapter

January 20, 2016

Mild January weather greeted our first meeting of the New Year at the Crest Hollow CC. The meeting started with Sergeant-at-Arms Nick Bazzicalupo leading the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for our departed friends and for the well being of the service men and women of our country who fight and die for our freedom.

President Betty Bohlander commented that, because a snowstorm last year cancelled the January meeting, this meeting was moved up one week. Based on the predictions for the weekend, it was a good idea. As we all know now, a huge blizzard that blanketed the East Coast was waiting in the wings. Good planning, Betty!!!!

Betty introduced our guest speaker: retiree and old friend Ken Speiser. Ken joined Grumman in 1958, as a stability and control analyst on the A2F-1 program. He then became a trajectory specialist on the Project Apollo proposal, then the Lunar Module pre-proposal efforts, and finally the LM program. He was a Section Group Leader for several years and then moved to Advanced Systems working on many advanced space mission studies and proposals. Ken continued working in Grumman’s solar energy venture and at Great River as deputy director of marketing and finally, in 1990, became the director of strategic planning for Space Systems Division.

Ken retired from Northrop Grumman at the end of 2010. As a retiree, he joined the History Center in 2011 as a research historian where he and Larry Feliu began writing the Grumman History stories, which have appeared over the years in our newsletters and are the most popular of our Newsletter articles. Ken has put together a book on the first twelve stories and today he told the audience about the book.

Ken started his talk by explaining that he and Larry were initially motivated to do the monthly articles by considering the amount of great information that resides in the History Center in the form of extensive materials from its founders, letters,

Blood Drive

Blood Drive Dates: April 7, and June 16.

Please call the office (516-575-3777) if you wish to donate.

Bethpage Chapter Calendar

Luncheons/MeetingsMembership luncheon-meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month, unless otherwise

noted.

All luncheons in 2016, including the Scholarship and Holiday luncheons, will be held at the Crest Hollow CC.

February 17 - Speaker: Nancy Bazzicalupo, Meals on Wheels of Huntington Township.

March 23 - Speaker: Tony Rende, President of Rendezvous Travel

Mark your calendar for these meeting dates: April 20; May 25; June 29 - Scholarship Luncheon September 21; October 19; November 15 - TUESDAY December 14 - Holiday luncheon

GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUB NEWSLETTER

(USPS # 023-096) Volume 49, Issue 2, February 2016, is published monthly except August and September by Grumman Retiree Club, Inc., Northrop Grumman Corp, M/S Retiree/BP15, 925 South Oyster Bay Road, Bethpage, NY 11714. Periodical postage rates paid at Bethpage, NY. Subscriptions rates of $13 are paid through membership dues.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Grumman Retiree Club, Inc. c/o Command Direct / 310 Oser Ave / Hauppauge, NY 11788-3608

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memos, public releases, correspondence, manuals, portraits, extensive aircraft photographs, Grumman Plane News, VHS tapes, drawings on both vellum and microfilm, flight logs and much more. The idea of the series of articles was born when Larry and Ken proposed them to then Retiree Club President Marion Abbott. They decided to write these articles in chronological order to share the knowledge and heritage of the collection with fellow Grummanites.

Using the resources of the History Center and augmented with inputs from outside sources and from readers, the Grumman History articles combined facts and human-interest stories into easy-to-read vignettes of the company and its employees over the first 25 years of its existence, from 1930 through 1955. As the months went by and the number of newsletter articles mounted, the idea of putting them into book form was born. A book would allow readers who missed earlier issues to catch up and would also appeal to a wider audience, namely current employees of Northrop Grumman and aviation buffs in general. This first book is titled “Ready When Needed – Floats to Jets, Grumman’s First 25 Years Vol. 1”.

Ken then gave a short synopsis of the 12 articles. The titles of the articles are:(1) The Start of Something Big (1929-36)(2) Preparing for War (1937-40)(3) Halting the Advance (1941-42) (4) Women Help Flex Our Navy’s Muscles - WWII (1942-43) (5) The Grumman Family- WWII (1943-44) (6) The War is Over! Thank You – WWII (1944-45) (7) Preparing for the Post War Era (1946) (8) The Grumman Family (1947-48) (9) Trouble in Korea (1949-53) (10) Ready When Needed (1949-53) (11) Trackers Tigers Traders and more (1954)(12) Transcending Silver (1955-56)

In closing, Ken spoke to the title of the book by repeating a Jake Swirbul comment that Grumman was “Ready when Needed” in 1941 when Japan invaded Guadalcanal, Grumman had the Wildcat, and, in 1950 when the Korean War broke out, Grumman had the Panther. This statement became the title of an ad campaign that Grumman subsequently ran.

Ken finished his talk by saying that the first 25 years of Grumman’s existence was amazing but nothing like the second 25 years. At the conclusion of Ken’s talk, Betty introduced his colleagues from the History Center: Director Larry Feliu, John Tallman, and John Eagan. They were given a round of applause. Copies of the book are for sale by Ken Speiser; contact him at grum.1958@hotmail.com.

Business – President Betty Bohlander:** Last year we had to move four of our monthly meetings from the Milleridge Inn to the Crest Hollow. Crest Hollow accommodated us, but the dates we wanted were not always available at the time of booking. Add in a Leap Year and our schedule doesn’t look like we are used to seeing. Our meetings will not always be at the end of the month but all meetings will be listed in the Newsletter every month, so please check that listing. ** The next meeting will be on February 17, the third Wednesday of that month. The guest speaker will be Nancy Bazzicalupo (Nick’s wife). Nancy is the President of the Board of Directors of Meals On Wheels of Huntington Township Corporation. She will explain the program, provide informational brochures, and answer questions. The information might be helpful for someone you know.** We are working with Rendezvous Travel Agency. The owner, Tony Rende, has placed an ad in our Newsletter, which will appear for the first time in the January issue. Tony will be our guest speaker in March.** Future Blood Drives will be April 7th and June 16th. Call the office (516-575-3777) and provide your name if you plan to donate.** Frank Rizzo has again agreed to do income taxes for members after February, along with Rich Pawlowski. Call the office to schedule an appointment. ** Stamps will no longer be collected. We will continue to collect tabs; Jim Oakes will turn them in for cash.** Betty thanked Ray Mason for all his behind-the-scenes efforts to support our meetings and make every presentation a successful one, no matter what we ask of him. Committee Reports – First VP Bob Rip:• A suggestion to go back to wearing nametags at meetings has been instituted. Name badges are

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Anniversaries: Tony & Charlotte Scaturro - 60 yrs, on 1/19Belated wishes to Nicholas & Helen Loren -

69 yrs, June 2015.Congratulations on your milestones.

Prize Winners Community Relations 50/50: Nick Bazzicalupo, Sally Couluris, Adrienne Johnson, and Marion AbbottDoor Prizes: Myra Braverman and Charles Cammer Scholarship 50/50: Pete FalesQuarterly Scholarship 50/50: The New England North Chapter and John Loonam.

The meeting was adjourned with the singing of “God Bless America”.

By: Lou Kubat, Secy.

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CALIFORNIA / Golden West The January Golden West Chapter meeting was held at the Eagles Lodge in Oxnard, CA. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sergeant-at-Arms John Urgo and a prayer by President Fred Syrett. Twelve members attended the meeting.

Lunch was served, followed by our business meeting.

The Treasurer’s report was given. Our Christmas donations went to the local VenturaCounty Food Share and to the Eagles for letting us use their building for our meetings.

50/50 winner was Leroy Chavez.

By: Fred Syrett, President

Meetings: We meet on the second Tuesday of the month.

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handed out at all monthly meetings.• A brief review of membership shows that we had 4800 members at the end of 2009, and the number in January 2016 is 2800. This brings along the fact that we still need volunteers for the office to keep the Club viable and functioning. Please consider donating some of your spare time. We need you to step up to relieve all those who now give tirelessly of their time and have for years. Thanks go to our two new volunteers, Karen Aker and Ceil Wiechering. Many Warm Thanks, Ladies.

Get Well Wishes - were sent to Isobel Comis who is getting knee replacement surgery. The ballet career is on hold!!!!!! Get Well, soon, Isobel.

Treasurers’ Reports Club Treasurer Frank Rizzo was unavailable today. Linda Perrotta presented the Scholarship Fund Treasurer’s report. It was accepted as read. Betty thanked Linda for volunteering as Scholarship Treasurer and went on to thank the efforts of the old guard office volunteers: Dorothy Leogrande, Tony Scaturro, Diane Bryers, and Lynn Wesnofske.

Travel: Nick Bazzicalupo spoke about a March 22 trip to the Feast of St. Joseph at the Staten. $86pp. Featuring: open bar (11:30-12:30), lunch (salad, choice of three entrees, dessert and coffee); and a show featuring a Frank Sinatra-style singer and a great comedian. Dancing will be available. We will have a Retiree Club bus, which requires 40 people to guarantee travel. If interested, please mail your check (payable to Rendezvous Travel) to Grumman Retiree Club, P.O. Box 476, Bethpage, NY 11714. Please call (516-575-3777) and leave a message stating your name and affirming that your check has been sent. Note: if 40 people do not sign up, then there will be no trip. Cancellation insurance is available for $8. Nick finished with his hallmark joke of the month. Thanks, Nick.

Birthdays: Kay Juner (94 on 1/20); Joe Carlino (90 on 1/28); Marie De Marino (1/21); Pete Fales (78 on 1/8); Pat Heeger (74 on 1/9); Lorraine Fogarty (70 on 1/6); and Roy Olsen (75 on 1/16).

Happy Birthday to all.

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CALIFORNIA / San Diego

No report of January activity.

Contact: Bill Roeckl, Sec’y. billroeckl@cox.net

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FLORIDA/ First Coast

Thirty-five members attended our January luncheon. Included were two new members, Gerard Berni and Tom Shaughnessy. Welcome Aboard, Fellas! We hope to see you often. After Fred led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Chaplain Janet gave the prayer, we took part in our usual buffet style meal. After our meals and conversation, Fred called us to order. The Chapter has received verification, with Thanks, from the Empty Stocking Fund for our holiday contribution for the needy of the St. Augustine area.

— Tom Mutschler is awaiting hip replacement surgery, which will be followed by rehab. We all send our best wishes to Tom for a quick and strong recovery.— John Hirschlein is recovering from knee surgery. We all hope you get well soon, John. January Birthdays: George Collins, Al Umbach, Ed Deane, Bob Mehl, Dick Sneckenburger, Sharon Lainhart, Patricia Worth, Bernie Bernier, Audrey Moore, Anne & Emil Gagliardi, Rich Porter, Dolores & Harry Munson, and Cookie Dengler.

Anniversary wishes to Cathy & Michael Garvey The Treasurer’s report is good. Bob also collected from seven members. Reminder: If you wish to mail your $15 dues for 2016, mail your check (payable to Grumman Retiree Club or to Bob Rathje) to: Bob Rathje, 11046 Castlemain Circle East, Jacksonville FL 32256. Bob would appreciate all dues paid up by the end of February. Thank You. The Club welcomes anyone with a suggestion for a

guest speaker at any future meeting.

Eight 50/50 prizes were awarded at the end of today’s meeting.

Next Meeting: Feb 17, at Noon, at Ichiban Buffet, on US 1 South, in St. Augustine.Future Meetings, March 15, April 19

By: Steve Cacace, Sec’y. sremkkc@comcast.net

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FLORIDA / Manasota West

Meeting was brought to order at Noon, on January 13 by President Ted Martines with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ted informed the seven members and five spouses in attendance of discussions conducted with Retiree Club President Betty Bohlander regarding maintaining our unique chapter. Secretary John followed up with his report on several ways to maintain our status and other discussions with Pier 22 to keep our waterside room. Those present decided to stay the course and maintain our current schedule, meeting place, time, etc.

John presented the Treasurer’s report, which indicated that no new chapter dues were received. Dues for 2016 are past due for several members; notifications will be sent. $15 per person, to maintain Club membership and continue to receive our newsletter. Make checks payable to Grumman Retiree Club, and mail to John Zinna, 6101 34th Street West, Apt 30F, Bradenton, FL 34210 if you want to continue receiving the Newsletter.

A contribution was made to Mayor’s Feed the Hungry of Sarasota in the amount of $100. We also voted to provide $50 to Harvest House of Sarasota, a Veterans charity. Our check will be sent out this month.

Election of officers was held and the current officers agreed to stay another year.

Ted Martines - PresidentBob Nyberg - Vice President

John Zinna - Secretary/Treasurer

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Now the rest of you can exhale and come to the February 10th meeting without worry: we won’t be having a draft this year.

John reported hearing from Frank Poplawski, who worked on the original F-14 program, and is maintaining membership at 91 yrs. of age, even though he doesn’t get to meetings. Pres. Ted also heard from Howard Schlobohm who - at 99 - is, we believe, the senior member of our chapter. Ted and VP Bob have fond memories of Howard from the Contracts department back in the 60s. Thanks for staying active, Howard and Frank.

VP Bob entertained us with his sense of humor and a few lively jokes followed by our 50/50 raffle, which was won by Jim Murray. Jim donated his winnings back to the Club. Thanks, Jim.

The trivia contest didn’t go off as planned this meeting, but John Z agreed to create the questions for February.

Next Meeting: Feb 10, at Noon, at the Pier 22 Restaurant overlooking the Manatee River in Bradenton, FL. We invite all Grumman and Northrop Grumman retirees or those currently working to stop in and enjoy the conversation and our Trivia game.

By: John Zinna, (941-705-2690) ezjohn1028@gmail.com

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FLORIDA/ Mid-West

The Chapter did not meet in January.

We will only be having four meetings next year due to lack of members.

Our next meeting will be the 3rd Thursday in February, February 19. The meeting will be hosted by Hank Mehl.

Contact: Kathy Cornacchia jcornacchia@tampabay.rr.com

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FLORIDA / SouthWest

Our January 15 meeting was held at the Golden Corral in Punta Gorda, with 14 members in attendance. Acting President Tony Moors opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Past President George Daly called for a moment of silent prayer. We are currently looking for a restaurant to hold our meetings. Members who would like to make suggestions should contact their restaurant choice to get prices and menu to bring to the next meeting. There were two drawings for the 50/50. The winners were Maryellen Gold and Peter Harrington. Tony Moors and George Daly had a discussion about mold. At least two members had hidden water leaks in their homes, which resulted in the creation of mold. Walls had to be torn out and then treated. We discussed ways to try to detect moisture in the walls before this hazardous health condition occurs. We are looking for inexpensive devices to indicate the existence of moisture. Dorothy Jean Jeno, a past Grumman employee of Grumman, passed away on January 7th. She was not a member, but lived in our area. Birthdays for December: Tom Cummiskey and Tony Moors. Maryellen Gold celebrated in January.

Tina and Earl Thompson had their anniversary in December. Maryellen Gold recommended J.C. Cruise for a trip in May. Next Meeting: March 8, at the Golden Corral in Punta Gorda. We will have a speaker from Merrill Lynch who will answer any questions regarding the stock market and financial investments. By: Tony & Clem Moors (239-283-8294) clemtony@juno.comPaul & Linda Baldwin lsbaldwin48@gmail.com***************************************************

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FLORIDA / Space Coast

January 20, 2016

Our first meeting of 2016 was held in the main dining room of the Suntree Country Club where the retirees socialized and wished each other a Happy New Year. President Bob Prais called the meeting to order promptly at Noon with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ed Romano gave his usual appropriate invocation, which was followed by a moment of silence honoring the passing of fellow member Gene Burgess. A buffet lunch for the 77 attendees followed and, as usual, it was well received by all.

Following lunch, program VP John Lau introduced our speaker, his son, (also John Lau) who is Chief of Police of Titusville. VP John proudly summarized Chief Lau’s very impressive background. Chief Lau, a gifted speaker, began by informing us that Brevard County is fortunate in that the various local police departments and the county organization, headed by the outstanding Sheriff Wayne Ivey, work extremely well together. Representatives from all organizations meet twice a month to stay coordinated.

The Chief called awareness to the multitude of scams used by the “bad guys” to take advantage of the “good guys.” He addressed the “IRS Scam”, he “Grandparents Scam”, the “Tech-Support Scam” and the danger of providing personal information via any social media. He also reinforced the importance of locking both your home and car doors. A startling statistic that he cited is that 50% of auto thefts start with keys left in the car. In addition, home entry is frequently facilitated by the use of garage openers in the car.

For your information:** The IRS Scam: The IRS will never ask for money on the phone; all IRS communication will be by mail.** The Grandparent Scam: Retirees are a favorite target; no legitimate agency would require you to provide payment or credit information.** The Tech Support Scam: Caller claims to be from Microsoft and says they are detecting an error message on your computer. Microsoft does not make calls or demand credit information to make fixes.

** Also, be careful when posting on Face Book: announcing to hundreds of people that you are taking a cruise is looking for trouble!

Law enforcement needs our help. If you get such a call or suspect a scam, report it. Start with your local police; they will either take care of it or give you the appropriate number to report the scam.

The Q&A period brought many questions: One of great interest was the open carry issue proposed by Sheriff Ivey. Chief Lau is all for the Second Amendment, but is concerned about ordinary citizens having the ability to keep their firearms secure without proper training.

Communications: Chet Emery reported that Get Well cards were sent to Dale Lambert, Ron Sidorski, and George Graefe.

We welcomed aboard new member Pat O’Grady

Treasurer: Bill Waldron reported that our Chapter is fiscally sound. He reminded everyone that, with the start of the New Year, the annual dues ($17) are payable.

Travel: Maureen Ayers had some travel recommendations.

There were seven 50/50 winners. The practice, by many of our members, of donating 50/50 winnings to the Scholarship Fund is very much appreciated as it has helped keep us from running fund raising drives to support our eight scholarship students.

Joe Mullings won the Grand Prize of two bottles of wine and a $25 Publix gift card.

Congratulations to All of Our Lucky Winners!!

Next Meeting: March 16, 2016

Meeting Schedule:4/20, 5/25, 6/15No Meetings July and August 9/21, 10/19, 11/16, 12/14

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FLORIDA / Suncoast

President Ben Hurley opened our January 20th meeting at Noon, at the Hibachi Buffet, in Pinellas Park, Florida, with eight members and guests in attendance. Sergeant-at-Arms John Kucin led the Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary Patricia Newark gave the prayer.

Since we did not meet in December, this was our “Christmas in January Meeting.” Grab bag gifts were exchanged, and – following the Grumman Christmas Turkey tradition – President Ben distributed Publix Gift Certificates.

Three anniversaries were announced:** Ben & Anna Hurley will celebrate 60 years on June 9.** Patricia & John Newark celebrated 40 years on Dec 20.** Pat & Sam Orella celebrated 59 years on Jan 9.

Congratulations to All!

Our Sergeant-at-Arms, John Kucin, announced that he and his brother Ted, of Riverhead, L.I., recently hosted their annual Golf Outing, in Sebring, FL. Several fellow alumni of West Babylon High School attended the event. A good time was had by all. Good Golf & Good Weather!

Next meetings: Feb 17; March 16; April 20.

By: Patricia Newark, Sec’y. (727-360-7339) lionpattysecretary@yahoo.com

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FLORIDA / Treasure Coast

Our January 21st Luncheon, with 53 members and guess attending, was held at the Martin Downs Golf Club.

Chaplain Larry Regier gave the invocation and announced the deaths of Vinnie Dibble and Fred Myer. Our condolences go out to their families.Bob Watkins introduced our guest speaker, Rick Matthews, Vice President of Melbourne and head of the Manned Aircraft Design Center of Excellence. He

has had a 26 year Air Force career running the B-2 Program. He also has had a more than 6-year career in St. Augustine and has been in Melbourne for the past three years building the Center of Excellence. He emphasized that with the win of the Long Range Strike Bomber Program, Northrop Grumman is a No. 1 Tier Company - biggest team on the block.

Northrop Grumman won the award because of three strengths: (1) technical skill and experience; (2) the ability to execute a big program; and (3) cost. But the battle is not over: there is a 100-day protest by Boeing tat is due by February 16. He asked us to support the U.S. Air Force’s decision to select Northrop Grumman for the Long Range Strike Bomber Program by visiting www.AmericasNewBomber.com.

Expansions of both manpower and facilities are expected in both Melbourne and St. Augustine to support the program. This is an 80 billion dollar program with employment to double in the near future. In addition, Mr. Matthews gave a comprehensive view of the future of the Company in Melbourne and in St. Augustine, as well as expansions throughout the country. All attendees were pleased to receive the update first hand. Thank You, Rick Matthews.

Marty Skurla, IT Program Director for Military Aircraft Systems in Melbourne, also spoke. He is responsible for all information Technology Services for the Division and spoke regarding the future of the Joint Stars Program. Again, a welcome and informative update. Thank You, Marty.

Ken Tolve says, “Save the Date.” The Big Room has been reserved at the Stuart Knights of Columbus Hall for the 2nd Annual Grumman Heritage Dinner, to be held on May 4th from 5:30-8:00PM. $16pp and cash bar. All Grumman, Northrop Grumman, Vought, and Triumph Heritage folks and spouses are invited. We will start taking checks in late March and April for the event. For more information call Ken Tolve (772-287-5918).

2016 Club Dues are $15. Please send your check (payable to Treasure Coast Retiree Club) to: Charlene Castagnero, 611 SW Pine Tree Lane, Palm City, FL 34990

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Anniversaries: Ken & Maddy Tolve - 52 yrs.

Birthdays: Charlene Castagnero, Joann Rathgeber

Visitors: Anne Kaloski, June Schlock

Coming Meetings: Feb 18, March 17, April 21, May 19, June16.

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GEORGIA / Peach Pit

Our January 19 meeting, at Crockett’s Cafeteria on North Columbia Street in Milledgeville, GA, started at 12:30PM. There were 11 present when Vice President Ted Zarkowsky called the meeting to order and asked Sergeant-at-Arms Designee Guil Mauldin to lead attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Designee Mary Archer gave the Blessing, which was followed by the meal and fellowship.

Old Business:A motion to accept the November 17, 2015 Business Meeting Minutes and the December 15, 2015 Social Meeting Notes was made by Guil Mauldin and seconded by Ernie Godbee. There being no changes offered by proxy or by those present, the motion passed.

New Business:1. VP Ted welcomed those present and extended best wishes to all Club members for a Happy New Year. 2. January Happy Birthday wishes were extended to: Barbara Bernichon [21st], Vince Ciampa [11th], Brenda Gruwell [31st], Jim Hicks [7th], Mike Johnson [12th], Maddie Main [19th], Martha Vinson [18th], and Linda Zarkowsky [26th]. 3. There are no January Wedding Anniversary congratulations to report.4. Treasurer Joe Sansotta reported on our bank balance, Thank You letters received from the most recent gift recipients, and membership renewal status. NOTE: Please send checks for year 2016 dues to: Joe Sansotta, 3748 Sussex Drive NE, Milledgeville, GA 31061-9360. [Membership dues ($15) should

be mailed to Joe Sansotta before February 28, 2016]. Checks for our Community Service Fund (payable to the Club) and checks for our Scholarship Fund (payable to the Club’s Scholarship Fund) should clearly indicate intended use on the check’s “For” line.

In Memoriam Lisa Wheeler, and Mike Huguely, both Grumman Plant 66 Employees, passed away recently. They are in our prayers. Our condolences are extended to their families.

Members getting medical attention are Fred Hammerschmidt, Bill Holsenbeck, and Joe Nizza. All are in our prayers for speedy recoveries.

Guil Mauldin won the 75/25 Fundraiser raffle and donated the winnings to the Community Service Fund. Thank You, Guil.

Community Service:Volunteerism continues as members and spouses aid various causes, including Pints of Blood/Platelets. Program:VP Ted thanked members for their generosity to Public Service, with financial support coming from dues, 75/25 Raffle, the Club’s stipend, and personal checks leading to a four-figure payout in year 2015. Very impressive since this 60 member Chapter has 30 members living nearby while the others live in other states, including Pennsylvania, Florida, states in between, Idaho, and multiple cities in Georgia outside of a 100-mile radius of our meeting location. Yes, there are advantages to operating an electronic Chapter as even local members have work, health, or other issues keeping attendance down at meetings, but still we always have a quorum to conduct monthly business and raise money, since 87% of our members communicate/interact, with Chapter Leadership, via computer or phone.

Other subjects addressed were: Ideas for future post-meeting touring, suggestions for future meeting guest speakers, and Community Service.

Ted expressed appreciation for members who volunteer to be Chapter Officers; without them, there could not be a Chapter. This year we have:

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Janet Sills- PresidentTed Zarkowsky- Vice PresidentJoe Sansotta- TreasurerLew Iuliucci- SecretaryWendell Barr- Sergeant-at-ArmsWillie Collins - Chaplain A motion to end the Business meeting was made by Paul Bernichon and seconded by Vince Ciampa. The motion carried; adjournment was 1:40PM.

Next Meeting: Feb 16, 12:30PM, at Crockett’s Cafeteria, located on N. Columbia Street, in Milledgeville. By: Lew M. Iuliucci- Sec’y. (478- 452-1357) iuliucci@windstream.net

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Maryland / Glen Arm

Since our Chapter has switched to a quarterly meeting schedule, as voted on at the December meeting, the chapter did not meet in January. Note that, for 2016, our meeting locations may rotate to different venues.

Joe Svach has stepped down from the Treasurer’s position, but was appointed Chapter Secretary, effective January 2016. Alan Showalter volunteered to take on the Treasurer’s position and he has taken oven those responsibilities effective January 2016. Congratulations and Thank You! Club Dues for 2016: Our Chapter has decided to keep our dues the same for the upcoming renewal period. Renewal information for the chapter has been mailed to members. Dues are to be submitted to Alan Showalter, his contact information is included in the renewal information sent to members.

Next Meeting: March 15, at 6:30PM, at the Golden Corral in the White Marsh / Fullerton, MD area. 7908 Rossville Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21236.

Please keep in mind that we are always looking to recruit new members. If any current member knows of a fellow Grummanite who isn’t a member, but would like to be, please pass on our club contact info. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact President: Rick Swinder(410-977-7829 or rickswinder@gmail.com) By: Joe Svach, Sec’y.

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New England North

No report of Chapter activity.

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NEW YORKEastern Long Island Chapter

The Chapter did not meet in January.

Correction to December 2015 minutes: Ralph Cirone created wood etchings; I credited the wrong person. Sorry, Ralph. (Senior moment!)

Reminder to all: 2016 Dues ($15) are due. Please send dues ASAP to Bert Moller, 33 Ramsey Road, Commack, NY 11725. Please note any address changes and add birthday and anniversary dates if you want them to appear in the newsletter. Patience, Please, for newsletter processing.

To report any deaths, illnesses, etc, contact Bill Mytko (1-864-225-4927 or ermytko@yahoo.com).

Next Meeting: Feb 17, at the Coram Diner (Route 25, in Coram). Lunch ($15) at Noon; meeting to follow.

Future Meetings (all on the 3rd Wednesday of the month): March 16, April 20, May 18, and June 15. No Meetings in July and August.

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Once Again: Dues are Due!(Use Membership Renewal Form in Newsletter)

Happy New Year!

By: Bob Albert, Vice President (631-585-7987)

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NORTH CAROLINAEastern Carolina Chapter

Chapter did not meet in January.

Contact: Peter McNamee pmcnamee@suddenlink.net

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PENNSYLVANIA Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter

Chapter is on Winter Break.

Contact: Edward Sparkowski (570-698-7182) firefly417@verizon.net

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SOUTH CAROLINA Coastal Carolinas Chapter

January 6, 2016

The Olive Garden Restaurant, in Myrtle Beach, was the location for our first meeting in 2016, with the installation of New Officers for Years 2016-2018. The meeting went off with much ease. There were seventeen members and two guests at the meeting. Our guests were Marie Smith’s daughter, Joanne, and Theresa McMahon, our resident guest.

After lunch, New President Robert Joyce called the meeting to order. The New Sergeant-at-Arms, Nancy Webber, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for absentee club members, for our military, and for our country. Happy Birthday to Lee Mascara & Gary O’Loughlin.

There were no Anniversaries to celebrate this month. The December 2015, meeting minutes were read by the New Secretary, Kathy Fleischer. The minutes were accepted as read, seconded, and approved. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted as read, seconded, and approved. Carol Joyce, our New Sunshine Committee Person, reported that she spoke to Judy Scott regarding Eldon, and he is feeling better but still has a few issues to deal with. They hope to be at our next meeting. Carol also spoke to Lee Mascara’s sister, Hazel, and Lee is doing as well as she can. Don Webber spoke to Bernard Mascara; Bernard said he expects to be going back into the hospital in February. We ask that you keep all of these folks in your prayers. 50/50 winners:

1st prize, Artie Rapenport; 2nd prize, Bob Joyce.

Congratulations!! We received a Thank You letter from Street Reach, Myrtle Beach, for our donation. Theresa McMahon asked us to support the U.S. Air Force’s decision to select Northrop Grumman for the Long Range Strike Bomber program. The Air Force’s decision is being contested by another aircraft company. Let’s show our support for Northrop Grumman. You can do this by visiting the following site: www.AmericasNewBomber.com

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Next Meeting: Feb 3, at Noon, at Sunrise Breakfast & Lunch Café, 10008 Beach Drive, Calabash, NC. (910-575-1001) All Grumman, Northrop Grumman, and Northrop retirees are welcome to join us. Guests are also welcome.

By: Kathy Fleischer, Secretary (843-215-0525) kjpulcrano@yahoo.com

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TEXAS / Houston

Chapter did not meet in January.

Contact: : Angelo LaCognata, President (281-326-1665)Bob Taylor, Vice President (409-457-6151)

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VIRGINIA / Central Virginia

Happy New Year to All.

Our January 13th meeting, our first meeting of the New Year, dawned bright, clear, and with a nip in the air. We met at the Fork Union Village Restaurant, in Fork Union, VA, where our opening prayer was for all those not attending, for our country, our meal, and for the safety of all our travelers and military personnel.

After a nice meal with delicious homemade desserts, we commenced with our meeting. Attendees: Maryanne Muller, Ann Dannenhofer and her granddaughter Elizabeth, Rich Benske & Jackie, Frank & Beverly Purstell, and Fred & Marjorie Meiners. Agenda: We spoke of those having surgery, etc: — Harriet Oakley will be having heart surgery this week. Please keep her in your prayers. — Get well

wishes to Ed Samson and his wife. Our next meeting date had to be changed - - see below. * Treasurer: We discussed the use of club funds. Some ideas were presented; they will be re-addressed at our next meeting. We are solvent. 2016 dues are due. Please send your $15 check (payable to Frank Purstell or NGRC) to Frank Purstell, 317 Meadow Beauty Court, Waynesboro, VA 22980. Thank You!

NEWS FLASH:*Next Meeting: We have changed our next meeting date to Wednesday, Feb 17th, 2016 (instead of Feb. 10th), at 12:30PM, Michie Tavern, 683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA.From I-64 take Exit 121, for Route 20 south. At 2nd traffic light, turn left onto Route 53. Entrance to parking lot is on the right, immediately past Grist Mill. Entrance to the restaurant is near the far end of the parking lot.

We’d Love to have a larger group of attendees. The more the merrier!

Future Meetings:March 9, 12:30PM: Shadwells Restaurant, 1791 Richmond Rd, Charlottesville, VA. From I-64, take Exit 124 for US Route 250 West. Once on Route 250, get into left lane and make a Left at 2nd traffic light. Restaurant is in front of the Hilton Hotel (Pantops Area). April 13, 12:30PM: Crab Louis’ Seafood Tavern, 1352 Sycamore Square, Midlothian, VA. [Off Midlothian Turnpike (Route 60)] May 31, 12:30PM: Edelweiss German Restaurant, Exit 213 (Greenville) off I-81. Route 11 South, Left onto Route 340 (towards Stuarts Draft). Entrance is on the right.

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In Memoriam

We extend heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those who have passed away.

Burgess, Eugene Indian Harbor Beach, FL 12/26/2015

Garelle, John Northport, NY 12/16/2015

Golde, Walter Parkville, MD 12/18/2015

Henault, Roland Spring Hill, FL 12/20/2015

Hughes, William Melville, NY 12/15/2015

Jeno, Dorothy Nokomis, FL 01/07/2016

Meyer, Friedrich Port St. Lucie, FL 12/21/2015

Nordin, John Centerport, NY 09/19/2015

Ragonese, Joseph Rockville Centre, NY 12/28/2015

Reeve, Chester Woodstock, GA 06/05/2015

Reichelt, Dorothy Amityville, NY 12/15/2015

Scudieri, Frank Fort Salonga, NY 01/08/2016

Schaller, Warren Spirit Lake, ID 11/15/2015

Shires, Gordon Great River, NY 01/12/2016

Willemsen, William New Bern, NC 12/24/2015

When reporting a death, provide the person’s Name, Date of death, and the City & State of residence prior to death. Notices of member deaths should be e-mailed to the Club (grumrc@gmail.com), with “Death Notice” as the subject.

15

Note to Readers: The Post Office requires us to periodically publish the following form:

16

17

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The Grumman Retiree Club does not specifically endorse or represent advertisers.

CREST HOLLOWAPRIL 20 LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM

Member Name (print)__________________________________________Guest Names (print)____________________________________________________________________________________No. of Members attending _____ No. of Guests attending _____No. of Chicken _____No. of Fish _____

Luncheon coupons should be mailed toGrumman Retiree Club, Inc.

PO Box 476Bethpage, NY 11714

$10 per member - $20 per guestPLEASE RESPOND BY APRIL 13

CREST HOLLOWMARCH 23 LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM

Member Name (print)__________________________________________Guest Names (print)____________________________________________________________________________________No. of Members attending _____ No. of Guests attending _____No. of Chicken _____No. of Fish _____

Luncheon coupons should be mailed toGrumman Retiree Club, Inc.

PO Box 476Bethpage, NY 11714

$10 per member - $20 per guestPLEASE RESPOND BY MARCH 16

Rendezvous Travel Senior Travel Specialists

Join Our Mailing List

Call 516-867-8747 Ext. 1 or

E Mail: info@rendezvous.travel

www.rendezvous.travel

Advertise Your Business Here.

1. Member Name (print) _______________________________ Badge# ________________

2. Address __________________________________________ DOB: / /

3. City ________________________________ State ________ ZIP+4__________________

4. Telephone # (_____) _____________ E-Mail (please print) _______________________

5. Spouse or Next Of Kin Name (print) ____________________________________________

6. Method Of Payment - Please Indicate:

(A) Check # _____________________ Date ______________ Amount $______________ (B) Cash __________

7. Please Check: New Member____ Renewal ___ Surviving Spouse ____

8. DONATIONS REQUIRE SEPARATE CHECKS

(a) Donation to the club’s charitable activities Check #_____ Date_________ $_________

(b) Donation to Scholarship Fund Check #____________ Date__________$___________

Note: All donations are tax deductible.

QUESTIONS? Call the club office at (516)-575-3777.

Visit the club Web Site at www.grummanretireeclub.org

BETHPAGE CHAPTER DUES ARE $15.00

Mail this completed form and your $15 check (Payable to Grumman Retiree Club) to:

Attn: Retiree Club925 S. Oyster Bay RoadM/S Retiree/BP 15Bethpage, NY 11714-3582

OTHER CHAPTERS

Contact Your Chapter forDues Amount

Mail your check(s) and this form to your local chapter

GRUMMAN-NORTHROP GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUBMEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL

2016

Periodical Postage Paid

Attn: Retiree ClubNorthrop Grumman Corporation925 South Oyster Bay RoadBethpage, NY 11714

NORTHROP GRUMMANBenefits Center 1-800 - 894 - 4194Investment Plan 1-800 - 894 - 4194Monday - Friday 9 AM TO 6 PM ETBenefits On Line:www.benefits.northgrum.comOneExchange: 1-855 - 832 - 0976Monday - Friday 8 AM TO 9 PM ET

https://medicare.oneexchange.com/ngc

NewsletterEditor: Neil KlaskinNostalgia Coordinator: Charles Mooney

Grumman Retiree Club, Inc.Phone: (516) 575-3777Fax: (516) 575-8715Website: www.grummanretireeclub.orgE-mail: grumrc@gmail.com

OfficersBetty Bohlander - President Bob Ripp - 1st Vice PresidentPat Sullivan - 2nd Vice PresidentLou Kubat - SecretaryFrank Rizzo - TreasurerNick Bazzicalupo - Sgt.-at-Arms