Presidents Letter By Art Goulet

By Art Goulet

going to do. I anticipate that, by the time you read this, we will be somewhere in France. We are taking a riverboat trip up the Rhone River, with a couple of days before in Monte Carlo, and a couple of days in Paris, after the trip. I guess our goal is not to leave too much to the kids and grandkids! The last time we were in France was in

During the summer, we visited a few places in California where we had never been. These were Cayucos,

60 degrees, with little sunshine, but it was great in Avila Beach. I was also surprised at what a nice job Union Oil Co. did in rebuilding Avila Beach after cleaning up the pollution they caused. The beachfront area is a charming array of restaurants and shops, and is basically car-free. The big news in retirement, of course, is the enactment of the Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). It is not the clearest piece of legislation I have ever read, partly because the drafting was rushed and it was presented to the legislature in the presented as a report of the Joint Legislative Conference Committee on Pension Reform. Under the rules of the Legislature, there can be no amendments to legislation presented by a conference committee; there is an up or down vote in each house. Much of the drafting of the report was done behind closed doors, and the process was similar to making sausage, which we are advised not to watch! One of the obvious problems with the new law is that it was primarily drafted by persons very familiar with the CalPERS law, but not necessarily

established, along with the systems in 19 other counties. Accordingly, the attorneys, actuaries, and administrators of the 1937 Act systems have been conferring and attempting to develop uniform interpretations of the law. Those of you that were around when the famous (or infamous) Ventura decision was rendered by

R E A V C

Editor: Linda Wyatt Jorgenson

Email: info@reavc.org

Retired Employees Association of Ventura County, Inc. P O Box 7231, Ventura CA 93006 Telephone: 805/644-­‐7814

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

the Supreme Court may be aware that there was no uniformity in its application among the 20 1937 Act systems. What can be said for sure is that the law does not affect current retirees, and the bulk of the law applies only to employees who begin work on or after January 1, 2013. Also, the new retirement formulas created under PEPRA are reasonably clear, although there are some apparent conflicts with the current law. For example, a safety employee can currently retire at any age, if the employee has 20 years of service, or at age 50 with 10 years of service. PEPRA seemingly provides that a safety employee can retire with only 5 years of service, but at a minimum age of 50. For miscellaneous employees, current law requires 10 years of service (actually 10 years of membership in the system) at a minimum age of 50, or 30 years of service at any age. PEPRA seemingly provides for 5 years of service, but a minimum age of 52. Somehow, these conflicts or inconsistencies will have to be addressed. For new empcombined contributions of employers and employees to fund the retirement benefits provided by the system, exclusive of accrued actuarial unfunded liability (UAAL). For current employees, PEPRA sets up a goal or standard for the same cost sharing, with the expectation that this sharing will be transitioned into overtime through the collective bargaining process. Contributions to pay for UAAL remain the responsibility of the employer, although sharing those costs may be negotiated through the collective bargaining process, but may not be imposed after impasse. At risk of making this article too long, I am including graphs below that show the difference between current formulas and the PEPRA formulas. The PEPRA miscellaneous/general formula is known as 2.5% at 67, and the applicable safety formula in Ventura County (PEPRA Option 2) is known as 2.7% at 57.

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A few other features of PEPRA include a dollar limit on pensionable compensation (a new term for new employees), as well as defining what may be included in pensionable compensation, a prohibition against providing a supplemental defined benefit plan for compensation in excess of the limit, determination of retirement benefit based on the average of the three highest years of pensionable compensation, elimination of

ew employees

pensionable compensation, it is tied to the social security wage index limit, and is100% of that amount if the employee pays into social security, and 120% if not (approximately $110,000 and $132,000, respectively). The next member luncheon is on December 4th. The program will be a performance by the Razzmatappers, a delightful performance troupe of senior dancers. The troupe started in 1998 and has been going strong ever since. This lively troupe of seniors performs for charitable organizations and events, clubs, fairs, retirement and senior facilities, and private events. Members of the troupe include performers who started dancing as children and who have performed on Broadway, on TV, in variety acts, and in dance competitions. Others started later in life, but all share their love of dance and performing. They dance to music from the big band era up to more recent times; music they feel people will enjoy. The troupe consists of 8 women and one guy, along with a singer who entertains while the ladies change costumes. Their goal is to provide some light

. The first member luncheon in 2013 will be on February 5th. The program will consist of presentations by the

pension reform. It promises to be quite interesting.

forward to seeing you at both. I would be remiss if I neglected to mention the recent passing of Chuck Moore. Chuck was one of the founders of REAVC (originally known as VCREA) and served as President. He was also President of CRCEA in 1981-1982. Additionally, Chuck served on the County Board of Retirement for many years. Obviously, he served Ventura County retirees faithfully, and with distinction.

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I joined the REAVC Board in July 2012. I retired from the County in April 2010 after serving since 1992 as Director of the Transportation Department in the Public Works Agency with over 40 years of municipal engineering experience primarily in the public sector. In addition to working with the County for almost 18 years, I served 20 years with the U. S. Navy in engineering and construction projects around the world, primarily with the Seabees. I have

I am a registered Civil Engineer in California and New York.

My wife, Barbara, and I have resided in Camarillo since 1985. Barbara is still a 5th Grade school teacher with the Pleasant Valley School District. We have four adult children, who also reside in Ventura County and two grandchildren. For a number of years, I was active in youth sports activities in Camarillo, serving as chairman of the Camarillo Youth Basketball Association, and as a coach for over twenty youth sports teams.

After retirement from the County, I started an engineering consultation firm offering public works and municipal engineering services to a number of public agencies. I am also active with the Santa Barbara and

I am also an avid reader of mystery and spy novels and enjoy the camaraderie of the retiree association meetings.

Introducing one of our newest board members

Wm. Butch Britt

By Linda

acquire these certificates one of two ways: they can be purchased at our luncheons (next date December 4th) or through the mail. To place a mail order, simply mail your request to REAVC, PO Box 7231, Ventura, CA 93006. Be sure to enclose a check made payable to REAVC for the total amount of your purchase, along with a self-­‐addressed, stamped envelope. Please be aware that each certificate weighs just under an ounce (including the very nice gift certificate holder). Some of the larger orders require a larger envelope and the larger envelope postage rate. On the other hand, three certificates without the gift holder only need one stamp. If you do not want the gift certificate holder, please note that when you place your order.

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RETIREMENT BOARD NEWS By Art Goulet

In my last article, I guessed that the earnings for the 2012 fiscal year would total about 1.5%, after real estate and private equity earnings were finalized. When the dust settled, the 2012 returns were, indeed, 1.5%, considerably below the assumed rate of return of 8% for that year. Continuing the uptrend that began in June, the first quarter of the 2013 fiscal year (the third quarter of calendar 2012) started off strongly, although a rough road was hit in September, for which our final numbers are not in yet. Nonetheless, the S&P 500 finished the quarter up 5.8 %, its best third quarter since 2010. We do have our numbers for July and

$3.38 billion, followed by an increase to $3.39 billion in August.

investment with PIMCO, which was much more complicated than anticipated, was accomplished in September. This is a separate global fixed income portfolio, rather than a commingled account, which contributed to the complication, and to a very large amount of staff work. In any event, the final roadblock to implementation was setting up a bank account in Brazil, which has been achieved, and an initial investment of $101 million has been made. On October 4, the Board of Retirement held an investment retreat at the Marriott Hotel in Ventura.

The retreat went well. The Board began the day with a very depressing presentation on the macroeconomic environment and a description of the 3D hurricane; deficit, debt, and demography. Things got better as the day progressed, with

portfolio, the potential for increased earnings, and the best means to achieve them. The Board also heard presentations on alternative investments, also aimed at increased earnings, and expressed interest in Master Limited Partnerships, some of which are publicly traded companies operating essential energy pipelines. Although the decision on which manager to invest in was deferred, the consensus of the Board was that its commitment to private equity should be increased by $150 million every two years to build a 5% allocation to that asset class. Our investment consultant Hewitt Ennis Knupp is to return at a later date with options and fee schedules. The Board conducted an initial salary review based on performance for Retirement Administrator, Donald Kendig, after he completed his first 1,040 hours of service in early September, and granted him a 3% salary increase.

My career with the

County of Ventura began on August 24, 1970, just three months following my graduation from Fresno State College. I had moved here following college because my mother lived in Camarillo.

I was hired by the Dept of Social Welfare to be an Eligibility Interviewer I. After training I was assigned to the newly formed district office in Simi Valley. This was a challenge because I was living in Ventura, commuting was not my idea of a great

way to begin the day. After a few months I was assigned to a very small satellite office in Thousand Oaks. And finally I was transferred to the Oxnard District Office where my best friend, Betty, was working. We had met at the job interview and we were hired on the same date and we remain friends through all the years to the present.

Worker and assigned to a mixed caseload of the Aged, Disabled and Families. I was based at the then new Multi Service Center in Colonia. The worst thing that happened to me was the little caps on my t1975, and bought a condo in Port Hueneme in 1976.

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Meet our new REAVC Board

member Cindi

Mathieu

In 1976 I was promoted to Protective Services Social Worker and assigned a caseload of children in foster care in Simi Valley. At least at this time there were more places to eat!

Eight years later I was promoted to a supervisory position and was completing law school, from which I graduated in 1985.

years was an exercise in patience and counting how many times the wheel can be reinvented. I

the square edges.

In 1992, my husband and I divorced. This is also the year Bill Clinton was elected President and I had worked many hours on his campaign. I rewarded myself with a trip to his Inauguration in January 1993, still one of the high points of my life.

In 1995, I sailed to Hawaii in a 30 foot sailboat along with 3 others. It took us 28 days to sail from Ventura to Hilo, Hawaii. This was the adventure of my life to that time. Following my return from Hawaii I decided to quit my job to sail around

other parts of the Pacific. People thought this a reckless thing to do but, I did not want to regret not doing it when I was older. I still do not regret this and remember this time as an excellent time in my life.

Unfortunately, I became quite ill in Hawaii and could not handle the rigors of boat life. I returned to

improving our relationship. I returned to Ventura County in August of 1996. I was hired by Interface, part time. A month or so later I was hired as Extra

the computerization of that division. I also worked in Santa Barbara County helping them roll out the

Division. For about 2 years I was working 7 days a week. One weekend I was off and realized that having no weekends was crazy, so I quit my job at Interface.

In 2000, I was hired by Goodwill Industries of Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties as a Program Manager. I worked for them until 2003 when I had the great opportunity to be accepted into a program to obtain my teaching credential. I had wanted to be a teacher as a child and it had not worked out earlier. I was quite thrilled. I was drawing my county retirement and qualified for Unemployment Insurance so that I was able to attend school full time and I did not have to work. I got my credential in Special Education in June, 2004. I was hired by the Santa Paula Elementary School District as a 6th grade teacher. This worked out very well because I had sold my condo in Ventura and bought a mobile home in Santa Paula.

After 4 years of teaching full time, my contract was not renewed so I am now a substitute teacher in Santa Paula.

Along the way, I became active in the Pierpont Bay Yacht Club and served as Secretary, Director, through the bridge offices to Commodore of the club for 2011. In 2012 I was appointed to Rear Commodore of the Association of Santa Barbara Channel Yacht Clubs. The year following my term as Commodore, I felt as though I had lots of time on my hands, so I told Jan Standing-Roberts that she could submit my name to REAVC for a board position. Subsequently, I was appointed.

I am happy to be a member of this organization and to serve its members in a leadership role. In this current political environment it is important to retain what rights and benefits we have earned and to fight against curtailing any of them.

I thank the board for having confidence in me and giving me this opportunity to serve.

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CRCEA Delegate Betty McCollum

California Retired County Employees Association My bags are packed and ready to go to our Fall Conference in Modesto, hosted by our Retired Stanislaus and Merced Counties October 22-­24. They have planned a fun-­filled, very informative conference for our many attendees. We will be finding out about why Modesto was and is, called the "Home of American Graffiti." We will be informed of some practical tips for litigation clients, Secure Pension Choices and updates on some of our Senate Bills as well as affordable Health Care and the impact it will have on our retirees. So you see as I said;; you will be well informed of the

speakers that they have selected for us and much more. If you have some time to spare come by the Double Tree Hotel and join us for the day and listen to these speakers, I'm sure you will hear something that you could take away. We will be letting you know when Ron Janes, our (Alternate), returns and let know of all the fun and information he received. Until we return, I hope this will give you a little of what we will be learning.

REAVC Board Approves Six Nominees for Two-Year Terms Commencing January 1, 2013 By Don Greenberg, Chair

Nominations/Elections Committee

As reported at the General Membership meeting on September 4, six positions on the REAVC Board were up for election for the two-year terms that will begin on January 1, 2013.

At that meeting, the Nominations/Elections Committee presented its nominations to fill these positions. The nominees, in alphabetical order, were:

Paul Callaway (a recent appointee finishing the term of Jan Standing-Roberts); John Coushay (a retired firefighter who will be new to the Board); Jim Crow (an incumbent); Luisa Haskell (an incumbent); Ray Holzer (an incumbent) and Tom McEachern (a

There were no nominations from the floor. As explained at the meeting, under the REAVC Bylaws, if the total number of nominees does not exceed the number of positions up for election, the Board has the option to waive holding of

- At the Board meeting held on October 2, 2012, the Board voted unanimously to waive the election and to declare

the six nominees elected for the two-year terms commencing January 1, 2013. We are happy to welcome the new Board members and those who will be continuing their Board service for an

additional two years.

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Insurance Benefits Committee Report

By Ron Janes, Bob Riggs & Cindi Mathieu

An update on the Affordable Care/ Health Insurance Reform Act was provided by Brent Crane from AON Consulting at the August meeting of the Joint Labor-Management Health Care Committee. Most of the Act has been upheld by the United States Supreme Court, although the Medicaid (not Medicare) expansion will depend on the decisions of the individual states. The election in November could also have ramifications on its further implementation. Three expected impacts for next year are:

1. All health insurance beneficiaries will now receive a standardized 4 page summary of their coverage. The big booklets that are currently provided by many companies will not be required.

2. Flexible spending accounts that many employees use as a tax advantaged way to save and pay medical expenses will now be limited to $2500, and the items that they can be used for will be limited. Currently the health savings account maximum is $5000.

3. Employers will provide their employees and the IRS with W 2 forms that have a box indicating the value of the medical benefits provided by the employer. This is a precursor for taxation of these benefits beginning in 2018. It is anticipated that the

tax. This year insurance carriers were required to spend at least 85% of the money collected in premiums on claims, allowing only 15% for all administrative expenses and profit. If less than 85% was paid, the difference between what was paid and 85% had to be refunded to the policy holders. Recent mailings to those with insurance through the county explained that all of the plans offered through the 8

County expended more than the required 85% on claims. Reviewing the national health care insurance rates for public agency plans, AON noted that the average increase for HMO plans next year is going to be 10%, for PPO plans it will be 10+%, and for Prescription plans 7%. These increases are being driven by inflation, increased utilization, cost shifting, and plan design changes. Also a 3-4% increase in costs is directly due to the Health Care

instead spread the costs around to cover more of the

The preliminary carrier rate proposals for the 2013 County plans were then presented, as well as the administrative costs associated with the health insurance plans. Bids for these plans had been sought from Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California, CIGNA, Health Net, Kaiser and UnitedHealthcare. Other than Health Net, only UnitedHealthcare provided the county with a quote, but they were rejected because they refused to include early retirees with the actives in a pooled rate. This left Health Net as the only bidder plans. In 2012 Health Net offered employees and pre

Low Option HMO, a High Option HMO, and a PPO. For 2013 they will offer only a single HMO, with similar benefits as the current Low Option HMO and a reduced co-payment schedule. For those who move to the new plan from the current High Option HMO, they will experience a savings of 27.54%. Those who remain in the now expanded population for the new Low Option HMO will experience a rate drop of .40%. The Health Net PPO currently has only 52 people in

The deductible will be increased to $3000 per person, and $6000 per family, with a maximum of $5,000 out of pocket expenses per person. The plan changes will result in a rate decrease of 36.08%. The flexible spending account tied to this plan

maximum contribution and it does not hav

The Ventura County Health Care Plan (VCHCP) will experience a 4% increase in premiums next year. The coverage will remain the same. Dental and Vision plans offered through the county will experience no changes in premiums for 2013. Charges by the county for administering the retiree health care plans will not be raised in 2013. Employees will experience a slight increase in these charges. These proposed rates and plans for current employees will be submitted to the Board of

Supervisors for their approval in September, with approval of the Pre Medicare eligible retiree plans set for early October. Medicare eligible rates and policies depend on information from the federal government which is not available until later in the year. We will update you as the information becomes available. This meeting marked the introduction of Cindi Mathieu to the committee, and she will be the new REAVC Insurance Benefits Chair in 2013. Bob and Ron will work with her through the end of their

representation of retirees on this committee.

NEW RETIREES

Mary Kay Anthony HCA Janice A. Batchelder Library Norman J. Beebe HSA Patricia A. Bonewitz HSA Lynne A. Brady HCA Kim V. Dang ISD Richard R. Dorn Fire Lori A. Karns Library Cheryl L. Lyle CSS Brinda K. Marinis Sheriff

Danilo U. Maya Sheriff Sharon L. Menick CEO Diana M. Morris CSS

HCA Robert P. Quesada Sheriff Alfred J. Rabago Aud/Cont Cosette M. Reiner Probation Charys Saylor HSA Leslie Thompson HCA Melva D. Tyler HCA

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Here Comes A Sun, Sun Shiney Day

!

IN MEMORIAM

Armanda B. Allen Sherry L. Barnes

William Campbell Ruby L. Carter Norris D. Deem

Mary Sue Emerson Lillian V. Even

Mike G. Escalona Derrell E. Griggs

Jean I. Kerr Francis F. McElroy Phyllis S. Melly Charles M. Moore

Margaret M. Reeder Keith A. Turner

Marie Washabaugh 10

The surviving spouse of a member is eligible for REAVC membership

We acknowledge the passing of the following. Our deepest sympathy is extended to their family and friends.

In the hearts of those who loved you, You will always be there.

2012 CALENDAR JANUARY 3-­‐REAVC Board Mtg 9-­‐Board of Retirement Disability Mtg 23-­‐Board of Retirement Bus Mtg

FEBRUARY 1-­‐ Reservations cut-­‐off date for next luncheon 6-­‐Board of Retirement Disability Mtg 7-­‐General membership Luncheon 10-­‐Articles due 27-­‐Board of Retirement Business Mtg

MARCH 5-­‐Board of Retirement Disability Mtg 6-­‐REAVC Board Mtg (changed to 4/3/12) 19-­‐Board of Retirement Bus Mtg

APRIL 2-­‐Board of Retirement Disability Mtg 3-­‐REAVC Board Mtg 6-­‐Articles due 16-­‐Board of Retirement Bus Mtg 16-­‐17-­‐18 CRCEA Conf Tulare 25-­‐Reservations cut-­‐off date for next luncheon

MAY 1-­‐General Membership Luncheon 7-­‐Board of Retirement Disability Mtg 21-­‐Board of Retirement Bus Mtg 28-­‐Memorial Day REAVC Board No Meeting

JUNE 4-­‐Board of Retirement Disability Mtg 5-­‐REAVC Board Mtg 8-­‐Articles due 14-­‐Flag Day 17-­‐ 18-­‐Board of Retirement Bus Mtg 20-­‐Summer Begins

JULY 2-­‐Board of Retirement Disability Mtg 16-­‐Board of Retirement Bus Mtg REAVC Board No Meeting

AUGUST 14-­‐REAVC Board Mtg 29-­‐Reservations cut-­‐off date for next luncheon Board of Retirement no mtg

SEPTEMBER 4-­‐General Membership Luncheon 10-­‐Board of Retirement Disability Mtg 24-­‐Board of Retirement Bus Mtg REAVC Board No Meeting

OCTOBER 1-­‐Board of Retirement Disability Mtg 2-­‐REAVC Board Mtg 5-­‐Articles due 12-­‐Scholarship apps due for Dec Luncheon 15-­‐Scholarship Deadline 15-­‐Board of Retirement Bus Mtg 22-­‐23-­‐24 CRCEA Fall Conf Stanislaus

NOVEMBER 5-­‐Board of Retirement Disability Mtg 19-­‐Board of Retirement Business Mtg 28-­‐Reservations cut-­‐off date for next luncheon REAVC Board No Meeting

DECEMBER 3-­‐Board of Retirement Disability Mtg 4-­‐General Membership Luncheon (Scholarships awarded) 11-­‐REAVC Board Mtg 14-­‐Articles due 17-­‐Board of Retirement Bus Mtg

RETIRED EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF VENTURA COUNTY APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN REAVC

And Authorization for Deduction of Dues I retirement check, on behalf of REAVC, dues in the amount of $1.50 unless and until such authorization is cancelled in writing by me. Print

Name:_______________________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________________ State:________ Zip:_______________________ Telephone No: ( ) _____________________ County Dept:________________________ Email: _______________________________________________ Yes, newsletter via email

Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ________________________

Dues and contributions to REAVC are not tax deductible as charitable donations. REAVC telephone: 805/644-7814

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2012 REAVC BOARD OFFICERS

President Art Goulet 805/482-9418 artgou@aol.com 1st VP Bob Riggs 805/647-6047 phoenixfa@sbcglobal.net 2nd VP Ron Janes 805/654-0637 rcjanes@yahoo.com Secretary Will Hoag 805/644-3491 piffle@pacbell.net Treasurer Ray Holzer 805/644-3702 rayholzer2@aol.com Past Pres Wayne Larroque520/825-0732 xlcajun@gmail.com

2012 REAVC BOARD MEMBERS

Butch Britt 805/987-3312 wbbritt@gmail.com Paul Callaway 805/804-7720 paul.callaway@roadrunner.com Jim Crow 805/642-8326 crowmegan@sbcglobal.net Don Greenberg not available liondongreenberg@yahoo.com Susan Lacey 805/644-4284 lacey4kids@aol.com Betty McCollum 805/642-5234 bjoe22@juno.com Vacancy Luisa Haskell 805/644-3737 luisahaskell312@hotmail.com Cindi Mathieu 805/525-2885 cmathieu_2000@yahoo.com Donald Wright 805/642-6621 cptwright@roadrunner.com Vacancy Maryellen Benedetto 805/644-1831 marbobben@aol.com Associate Member Representative Linda Wyatt Jorgenson 805/642-4676 lindaedra5@yahoo.com Executive Assistant/Newsletter Chair Person & Editor When sending an email to the Board and/or Association Officers, please be sure to put REAVC in the subject line.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE REAVC BOARD? Vacancies occur on the REAVC Board from time to time when one or more Board members, for various reasons, are no longer able to serve. One such vacancy now exists because Judy Nash-Wade will be unable to complete her term which runs through December 31, 2013. If you have an interest in serving on the REAVC Board, please let me know (liondongreenberg@yahoo.com) Thank you. Don Greenberg, Chair, Nominations/Elections Committee

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It is not happy people who are thankful.

It is thankful people who are happy.

F.Y.I. Ventura County Credit Union is having Shred Day (2 boxes) on Thursday, October 18th, 11:00-1:00, @ their Thousand Oaks and

Ventura offices.

BOB BENEDETTO MEMORIAL 5K RUN/WALK October 13, 2012

JUST TAKING A MOMENT TO RECALL HISTORY ! Back in 2002, my sister suggested that our family start a foundation for social work scholarships (instead of

County Mental Health for over twenty- cousins suggested starting a 5K to continue to

Over the years, we have contributed over $21,000 in scholarships to social work students and grants to agencies that work with the mentally ill. All donations and distributions are processed through the Ventura County Community Foundation.

This 5K is a good time to celebrate special memories, and to thank all those who have made this event so successful. It would not have been possible without thousands of hours of volunteer help and many contributions sent from all over the country.

After a decade of running and walking to improve the lives of people in our Community, we have decided this will be our final 5K race Meanwhile, we will work with the Community Foundation to make sure that the two funds continue Maryellen Benedetto

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON By Ray Holzer

Believe it or not our holiday luncheon is just around the corner and reservations for this one go quick! So if you are free Tuesday, December 4, and want to attend call, or email, one of us and get your reservation.

Carol "Mike" Aalbers, 207-1768, retirdmike@gmail.com Judy Sewell, 654-8304, sewellj119@sbcglobal.net Ray or Linda Holzer, 644-3702, rayholzer2@aol.com

The time is noon, the place is the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura. The luncheon cost is included in your dues. If you have a guest the charge is $10.00. We try to respond to messages the same day, if you do not hear from one of us after 2 days please try again. If you make a reservation and cannot attend please let us know so we can give your reservation to someone else. This is particularly important for the holiday lunch as we always "sell out Reservations are accepted until we reach room capacity, or noon Wednesday, November 28, whichever occurs first. After either deadline has passed you will be put on a waiting list. Finally, carpool if you can and remember that the spaces at the rear entrance (check in level) are for those having difficulty with stairs. Thank you for your donations to Food Share and know that the barrels will be available as usual at this luncheon. See you then!

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Thank You letter from scholarship recipient Joseph-Andrew Malach

Dear REAVC Scholarship Committee Members,

I would like to formally thank you all very much for the opportunity you all have given me. It is a great honor to be one of two chosen for the John MacIntyre Scholarship this year. I will be sure that my portion of the scholarship money will not be wasted and that it is used to aid me in my path to future success. I would also like to sincerely apologize for my absence at the luncheon taking place on the fourth of September, as I will already be in Utah, beginning the new chapter in my life that you all have helped to make more bearable. Everything that you have given me is deeply appreciated and I am incredibly grateful.

With Much Thanks, /S/

SCHOLARSHIPS By Susan Lacey

On September 4th two John MacIntyre Scholarships were awarded to Brieanna Marie Poteracke, granddaughter of Mary Palmisano, retired from Behavioral Health. Brieanna is continuing her education at the University of Hawaii in physiology. The other awardee was Joseph-­‐Andrew Malach, grandson of Nhutrinh Nguyen Le, retired from VCMC-­‐Pharmacy. Joseph is continuing his studies in finance at the University of Utah.

These awardees were chosen from a very distinguished and promising group of our future leaders. We encourage all County retirees to contact family members who are continuing their education. REAVC awards four one-­‐thousand dollar scholarships each year. Applications are available on the REAVC website (www.reavc.org) The next deadline for submission is October 15, 2012. For more information please contact Susan Lacey at lacey4kids@aol.com

How others see you, How you see yourself means everything.

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REAVC PO BOX 7231 VENTURA CA 93006 RETURN ADDRESS REQUESTED

REMINDER:

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE YOUR NEWSLETTER (IN COLOR) VIA EMAIL, PLEASE LET ME KNOW @ lindaedra5@yahoo.com

Prez Ltr 1 2012 Calendar 11 New Board Member 4 Member Application 11

4 Board Officers 12 Retirement Board News 5 F Y I 12 New Board Member 5 Serve On the Board 12 CRCEA 7 5K Run 13 Nominations/Elections 7 Holiday Luncheon 13 Insurance Benefits Committee 8 Thank You Letter 14 New Retiree 9 Scholarships 14 In Memoriam 10