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We're back to that time of year when we have to go through the always difficult process of making decisions about our healthcare insurance.  And, of course, with the president and congress pushing for major changes in how the whole system will operate, we can't escape thinking about it.  The club website www.gmlsrc.org is a good place to go for information.  Links there will lead to more information that might be of value.

Another issue that comes to mind is the sadness over losing one of our most valued members, John Powers, who died October 29, as the age of 80.  John was really one of a very small number of people who have had most to do with fashioning this organization.  For two separate terms, he was president for a total of 5 years (out of a total of 21 years of existence).  John led the golf outings for many years, almost never missed a board meeting, and was on hand to help out in nearly all club functions.  In John's honor, GMLSRC will be making a large contribution to the R.E.Olds Transportation Museum which hosts out board meetings.  A presentation will be made at one of the winter board meetings, when John's widow Ann, can be present to accept the honor.  At that time, a plaque in John's honor will be placed on the wall.  We also mourn the passing of Jayne Sokoloski, former wife of our newsletter editor, Don Sokoloski.  Don faithfully cared for Jayne during the months of increasing illness following a diagnosis of cancer.

After taking over the summer golf outings for the past two year, and doing a very creditable job, Larry Parker was elected to the board of directors at our November meeting.  Larry says, "I will give my best to help enhance the goals of the Club".  Welcome aboard, Larry.  Another item taken care of following the November meeting was a trip to a Lansing Automakers Federal Credit Union office to bring our account access records up-to-date.  There are now four officers certified to make deposits and withdrawals:

• John Bond, Treasurer - handles most of the club's financial activities

• Fred Kane, Membership Chairman - deposits checks he receives for dues and events

• Larry Doyle, President - backup

• Marv Thomson, Vice President - backup

John Bond makes a full report at each month's board meeting, listing income and expenses, and account balances.  All checks written are reviewed and approved at each meeting.  At the end of each club year, the audit committee reviews the year's records to guarantee conformance to club bylaws and legal requirements.

Larry Koster arranged for another superb annual meeting on September 17 at the MSU Kellogg Center.  There were 54 people in attendance to renew friendships, and elect club officers.  We enjoyed an excellent meal and a very stirring presentation about the Ingham County judicial system by prosecutor Stuart J. Dunnings III.  A full slate of board members was elected, including two who joined during the past year, through action of the board: Bob Benezette and Ray Stanley.  In addition, the following officers were elected for the club year, which runs September 1, 2009 through August 31, 2010: President Larry Doyle, Vice President Marv Thomson, Secretary Shirley Sanborn, and Treasurer John Bond.  John is also now designated "Ex Officio Past President", following the death of John Powers.  Bob Benezette will be assuming responsibility for the 2010 annual meeting.  Let him know your ideas.

Our club Webmaster, Dan Foltz, recently added a warning page that pops up before one can access the on-line member roster.  It states, "The information contained in this Membership List is the property of GM Lansing Salaried Retirees Club, and is NOT to be used for any solicitation."  This is an effort to prevent misuse of our member list, as happened when a financial planning company sent out notices of a seminar, with addresses apparently coming from our roster.  Dan is also working on other improvements to the website.  One will be s "scroller", which will highlight new items and changes, making it easier to spot those when you log in.  Stay tuned.

See other newsletter articles for information about events coming up this winter.  Included this quarter is the hard copy Membership Roster, a benefit that a great many of our members feel to be of the most value for their dues.  Please remember to mention this when telling non-members about why they should join us.  Thank you.