NEWSLETTER - SRS Retiree Association

Transcription

SRS Retiree Association, Inc.
P. 0. fax 5686, A h , SC 29803
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http://ivmv.scescapc.itet/-irsretirea
Phone: 803-279-5628 Email: srsretwe&Sscescape.net
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NEWSLETTER
k
For SRS Retiree Association Members
May 1999. Vol4, Special Eoitiw
Pat Walker. Editor
I
A Message/rom the Editor
This Special Edition of the Newsletter is published toprovide SRSRA members the
informationpresented nt the Annual Meeting on March 9, 1999, by Chairman Tom Greene,
Vice Chairman Bill Quinn, Treasurer Ray Sabol and our Guest Speaker, DOE Manager
Greg Rudy, and to inform members of the SRSRA Board of Directors Election results.
It also includes news articles of the Morrison Knudsen and British Nuclear Fuelspurchase
of WSRC, as well as some other items.
Our Editorial Staff striis toprovide you with useful information and welcomesyour constructive
comments on how we can improve the newsletter.
Ifyou have an e-mail address, let us know ifyou wouldprefer to receive the newsletter by e-mail.
Pat Walker
Editor
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Annual Meeting of the SRS Retiree Association (SRSRA) March 9,1999
Chairman Tom Greene welcomed over 200 retirees to the second annual meeting of the association. He stated
that the association has been in the organizational phase for almost 15 months, has a paid membership of over
600 members, and is continuing to grow. He also expressed his excitement about the crowd in attendance and
Board o f Directors' excitement about the future of the association.
INSIDE INSIGHT
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Red Cross Appeal
Keynote Speaker
'Tre~urer'sReport
3
COBRA Response
11998 Year in Review & Accomplishments
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Part-time Work Opportunities
1999 Objectives & Activities
6
Updated Benefit Statement
Newly Elected Board Members
8
Withholding State Income T a m
Retireesfrom SRS Credited for Jobs
10
New Owner's Background Helpful to SRS
SRS Retirees Reflect, Look Ahead
11
Sale of Westinghouse
~chedulingAnnual Physical
12
Membership
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Phone: 803-279-5628 Email: srsretirei-sSlscescape.nd
http://www.scescape.net/~
Tom informed attendees that SRSRA ooerates as a "non-profit" organization which will be registered in the
State of South Carolina, and that the membership is drawn from a group of about 1800 WSRC~SRIretirees
eligible for membership, with that number continuing to grow as people retire from SRS. He emphasized that
SRSRA plans to be a strong and active member of the host community of the Savannah River Site and to
promote the principles of our association strongly at the Site, in Washington and in the CSRA community. It
was also pointed out that SRSRA is the largest retiree organization in South Carolina.
The purpose of the association is two-fold: (1) to support the interests of Savannah River Site (SRS) retirees
and (2) to support the missions of the SRS and the Department of Energy (DOE).
The primary functions of the association are (1) to support fair and equitable treatment of retiree issues such as
medical coverage and cost, cost of living adjustments to pensions, trust funds for retiree benefits, reinstatement
of annual Site medical examinations and any future issues that may have an impact on retirees and (2) to assure
that retiree benefits are protected in future SRS Operating Contract(s) and that this association be represented
at DOE and contractor meetings on retiree topics.
Board of Directors members, officers and the chairpersons of the five standing committees were introduced
Tom concluded as follows: "we expect to continue to be an effective voice on retiree issues and other matters of
interest at SRS. Our Board meetings will continue to be thefirst Tuesday of each month - members are invited
we will continue to meet at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Aiken at 10:OO A.M.
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Keynote Speaker Greg Rudy, DOEISR Site Manager
SAVANNAH RIVER SITE UPDATE
Illustrating his talk with some interesting slides, Mr. Rudy told the attendees that the Savannah River Site's
ability to land new missions and jobs results in large part from the good work done by its now-retired workers.
He went on to say that the role of SRS is as important today as during the Cold War, perhaps even more so, and
that is built on the work that you, the retirees, did at the Site. According to Mr. Rudy, it was the retirees'
"Legacy of Excellence" -- historic expertise and unparalleled safety record -- that positions the Site to do this
new work. Where the Site's main purpose during the Cold War was to reduce the global nuclear danger by
safely making nuclear materials for nuclear weapons, today it is reducing the global nuclear danger by disposing
of weapons materials and cleaning up the environment. In these post-Cold War days, Site missions focus not
only on National Defense related activities such as tritium operations but also on Nonproliferation and
Environmental Management. SRS will remain the nation's sole source for tritium with a new facility to extract
tritium from target irradiated in a TVA reactor. Facilities built and operated by Site retirees will now be used for
nonproliferation activities. The K Reactor process room and L Reactor basin are being converted for nuclear
materials storage, and F and H Canyons remain as the only two processing plants for stabilization and
repackaging of nuclear materials from across the DOE complex. DWPF will be used to prepare immobilized,
surplus plutonium for disposal. New facilities are being planned -- a centralized storage, stabilization and
' packaging facility, a Pit Disassembly and Conversion Facility, a Mixed Oxide Fuel Manufacturing Facility, and a
Plutonium Immobilization Facility that will make SRS the core of DOE'S nuclear materials industrial complex
for the 21st Century. With its advances in waste management and environmental restoration, SRS is also
reducing the nuclear danger at the local level. In all these missions, the Site's focus is on safety, technical
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SRSRA Newsletter, May 1999 VoL 4, Special Edition
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SKS Retiree Assodatwn, Inc
P. 0.Box 5686. Ailurn, SC 29803
Phone: 803-279-5628 - Email: -ape.net
http://www.xescapc.net/-srsrtluees
capability, community and regulator relations, cost-effectiveness and a corporate perspective that will make it a
key play& for DOE A d a continuing source of pride for its retirees.
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Treasurer's Report Ray Sabol
"No doubt you have heard on the TV evening news concerning the way the government spends our taxes, stating
'IT'S YOUR MONEY.' Well, in this case, it really is your money.
I am responsible for collecting and the spending of these funds wisely and judiciously. To enable me to do this
and since we are non-profit, I maintain a non-interest checking account with Regions Bank to account for every
dollar received and spent.
Let me state now and make it clear that not one cent is used to pay any member of the Board of Directors from
the onset of our association. Their time is strictly voluntary and many, many hours have been dedicated to
establish and maintain this association as successful as it is. I commend my fellow directors for their dedication
and tenacity.
I presented to the Board on January 5, 1999, my budget of $7,000, which was approved by all Board members
The biggest expense as you may expect is communication, which consist mostly of the preparation, printing and
mailing of three newsletters to date to our members. This is very important because some of our members have
moved from this two-state area to such places as California, Tennessee, Idaho and Florida for example, and we
must keep them updated on various issues and actions. In addition, 1,425 letters were sent to retirees in January
of this year to urge them to join our association.
Other expenses are the yearly rental of the meeting hall from the Knights of Columbus, also the off-site meeting
for members of Barnwell and, of course, this facility today.
We advertise in the local newspapers for special meetings, such as this, and in the SRS monthly newsletter to
recruit new members.
During our formation and even presently, long distance telephone conversations are made with our
Congressional Delegations and State officials to solicit their support of our efforts.
Then, of course, there are miscellaneous items, such as meeting supplies, letters, envelopes, mailing labels, post
office box rental that add to the overall cost of the association.
A successful audit was conducted this past week by members of the Board of Directors, and I can tell you that
the financial records were found all in proper order.
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The Financial Committee and I are dedicated to be cost conscious and fiscally responsible for your money
We promise to give you the BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.
SRSRA Newsletter, May
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1999 VoL 4, Special Edition
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SSS Retiree Association, Inc
Ãˆ 0.Box 5686, Aiken, SC 29803
Phone: 803-279-5628 Email: srsretiree@cewape.net
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1tSSp://www.scescape.net/-srsrha
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1998 Year in Review and Accomplishments Bill Quinn
"I plan to review the activities and accomplishments of the association during the past year,
However, first I would like to briefly discuss the background that led to the creation of the SRSRA and today's
business environment with which we have to deal. As you recall, WSRC announced in June 1997 that effective
January 1998, retirees would have to start paying premiums for medical and dental coverage. This action
violated the understanding that retirees had at the time of their retirement of premium-free coverage. Of wurse,
retirees would continue to pay the normal co-pays and deductibles. That change would have cost a retiree with
spouse about $1,000 per year to maintain the same level of insurance. A small group of us met at Shoney's in
Aiken to develop a strategy to protect retiree benefits. This resulted in several meetings with senior WSRC
management and an aggressive letter-writing campaign to the Congressional Delegation with the result that the
Site agreed to provide pre-1998 retirees Standard medical and dental insurance premium free. That was a
significant achievement, and retirees are continuing to this day to realize the benefits from this action.
Recognizing that other companies were reducing retiree benefits to increase profits and WSRC indicating that
they were going to follow industry trends, it was decided to form an association to protect benefits that were
promised to us at retirement. Thus, the Savannah River Site Retiree Association was formed and has grown
from the original small group to about 150 when our first annual meeting was called to around 600 dues-paying
members today. This phenomenal growth is a tribute to the intense interest of retirees in preserving their benefits.
In developing a strategy to pursue protection of benefits, we were aware that a number of large companies had
successfully reduced retiree benefits; i.e., General Motors (GM) had canceled some retiree benefits and had
begun charging deductibles and w-payments for other benefits. GM retirees had filed a lawsuit to restore these
benefits, however, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected their appeal and ruled in favor of GM. Since it was obvious
that retirees could not rely on the legal system, the SRSRA looked to follow a strategy that had been successful
in obtaining premium-free Standard medical and dental insurance.
Therefore, to implement this strategy of lobbying those who have the ability to influence our benefits, we set out
to make the SRSRA and our objectives well known to those individuals and organizations. To implement this
strategy, we have had meetings with both WSRC and DOE management, as well as members of the
Congressional Delegation. In addition to the 10 face-to-face meetings held with these decision makers, we have
had numerous phone conversations with them. We believe that we have established the SRSRA as the
recognized strong voice of SRS retiree issues. On each of these occasions, we have emphasized our objectives.
Let us review the status of each of the association's issues:
Reinstatement of Site physical examinations or their equivalent. We have worked closely with the
Congressional Delegation on this issue. Congressman Lindsey Graham has taken particular interest in
supporting retirees on this issue. Most recently, he sent a letter to WSRC requesting reinstatement of Site
physicals and asking for additional information on what is being done to monitor any health effects on retirees
as a result of working at the Site. As a minimum, he urged physicals for those who self-identify the need for
a Site physical. Remember retirees and covered spouses may obtain annual physicals from their own
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P. 0. Box 5686, Aiken, SC 29803
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Phone: 803-279-5628 Email.. srsretweesSscescape.net
~Â¥//www.scescape.net/-srsrctitte
physicians with reimbursement of up to $225 per year. The SRSRA will continue to aggressively pursue this
issue, working closely with the Congressional Delegation.
Reinstatement of premium-free Prime Choice Medical Coverage. We continue to press this issue;
however, this will take some time to resolve, but we will push this issue at every opportunity. By doing this,
we believe that any attempt to disrupt our current premium-free Standard Coverage will be discouraged and
will ensure our current level of coverage.
Maintain premium-free Standard Dental Coverage. Retirees continue to have premium-free Standard
Dental Coverage, and retention of this benefit will continue to be monitored in the future.
Maintain pensions on an inflation-adjusted basis. The WSRCIBSRI Pension Plan is a clone (or identical)
to the Du Pont Pension Plan. Du Pont has periodically provided upward pension adjustments to retirees of
their plan and last gave its retirees a pension adjustment in 1996. We believe that a periodic adjustment to
our Site pension is consistent not only with Du Pont practice, but also with the 1993 Defense Authorization
Act (Section 3 1610) which was passed by the U.S. Congress with the intent of providing provisions to repay
a 'Debt of Gratitude" to the men and women in defense industries who served the nation during the Cold
War. The Savannah River Plant was staffed during this period (1951 through 1992) with highly trained
personnel who took the risks, designed, built and operated the SRP facilities safely and met production goals
that played a significant role in winning the cold war. The employees who accomplished this tremendous
achievement are now the retirees of Savannah River Site. With the stress of the cold war gone, it is easy to
forget the role that SRS played in winning the cold war and forget the 'Debt of Gratitude" that the 1993
Defense Authorization Act speaks to. We have been in contact with both WSRC and DOE on this issue
which has resulted in an extensive exchange of thoughts. We consider this a core issue which will be
aggressively pursued in the coming months.
Maintain Contributory and Noncontributory Life Insurance Programs with no increase in premium
or reduction in coverage. Retiree benefits in this area remain unchanged, meeting the SRSRA objectives.
Ensure that successor contractor(s) will honor the commitment and understanding that the SRS
Retiree Association has with the current contractor. When it became apparent that CBS would sell the
remaining parts of old Westinghouse, we corresponded with DOE to determine the status of retiree benefits
if WSRC became part of another corporate entity. In response, DOE replied in writing that "DOE does not
foresee any significant change in retiree benefits in the near future". DOE has no plans to influence the
current program which provides pre-1998 retiree Standard benefits and post-1998 retiree Basic benefits at no
cost. Prime benefits and post-1998 Standard benefits are available for the cost differential.
These statements are very reassuring and positive to retirees in face of WSRC becoming part of a new
corporation. Our latest information indicates that WSRC will become part of the Momson Knudsen
Corporation. It is thought that the sale will be completed around the middle of March.
In addition to the issues already noted, an objective of the association is to support current and future missions of
the Savannah River Site. In fulfilling this objective, the SRSRA has testified at public hearings, participated in
roundtables, attended receptions, was represented at meetings and placed numerous phone calls to senators and
representatives supporting legislation important to enhancing or gaining new Site missions.
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P. 0. Box 5686, Aiken, SC29803
Phone: 803-279-5626 Email: srsn!tirees(Ãˆsci!scape.ne
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httpÂ¥//www.scescape.nd-srsretiree
Finally, I would like to briefly mention some of our other activities during this past year. In the area of
communications:
Established and maintains a website. In addition to members, we have the congressional staffers and SRS
personnel visit this site. Jane Boyles and Sid Curry have the lead on the website.
Sponsored three informational meetings on retiree benefits. Presenters included Blue Cross/Blue Shield,
Medicare and WSRC Benefits personnel on subjects such as medical and dental benefits, Medicare and life
insurance. Attendance at each of the three meetings averaged over 100 members and spouses.
In order to provide a vehicle to communicate with members, a newsletter was created. To date, three
editions have been published and mailed to all members. I would like to recognize Pat Walker as Editor of
the newsletter.
Other current activities include:
Part-time limited work opportunities at SRS without affecting your pension. Details on how to match
interested retirees with Site needs are currently being worked out.
Updated Benefit Statement for Retirees. This was asked for by participants at one of the informational
meetings WSRC is preparing a draft benefit statement for our review, and we hope to have an updated
statement in the hands of our members by midyear.
COBRA Letter. Recently, retirees received a COBRA letter from the Site which raised questions with many
of our members. We expect a response from WSRC to the questions that we have raised regarding the
COBRA communication. Answers will be included in our next newsletter.
In summary, we have made significant progress during this past year and have established the SRSRA as a strong
and effective voice for SRS retirees. I would like to leave you with one final thought: when we meet with
decision makers, one of the first questions they ask is: how many members do you have? Then, do your
members pay dues? Then what are your dues? These questions which have been asked frequently emphasizes
the need for a strong membership base to effectively support our mission. The pension you earned through the
pension plan is protected by federal law and the money in your savings plan (SIP) is yours; however, the retiree
benefits such as medical and dental health insurance and life insurance do not have the same protection as the
pension plan. This lack of protection emphasizes the continuing need for a strong and effective retiree
organization."
1999 Objectives and Activities - Tom Greene
"First of all I must mention that as the association moves into 1999, the objectives and issues that the
association deal with will be handled by the new Board who will be elected here today. But I would like to
share with you some of the ideas that have been discussed by the present Board and hopefully will be adopted by
the 1999 SRSRA Board.
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5RS Retiree Association, Inc
P. 0. Box 5686, A h , SCZ9803
Phone: 803-279-5628 - Email: srsn-tirei-slSscescape.nit
kttp!//www.scescme.net/-srar?6rta
Establish ourselves as the Retiree Watchdog of the Site. The SRSRA will screen and challenge (if
necessary) any publications, changes in Site policy, and any Congressional activities that affect SRS retirees.
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Vinci-ease the membership of this organization to 750 members. (You can help us here we need to get
every retiree involved.) There is power in numbers. We want every retiree to be a stakeholder and have
ownership in this association. We want your input -there is strength in consensus. We need to be strong as
we go into the next century. Why? Because the challenges to maintain our benefits will always be facingus
we must be vigilant and we have to be strong if our organization is going to be successful.
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Improve the SRSRA Newsletter. We need your critique and suggestions as we strive to have the most
useful newsletter on retiree issues. The SRSRA Newsletter should be of such value that you would file it
away for fature reference to those issues that so strongly affect us.
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Improve our Website. Statistically almost 50 percent of all retirees have a personal computer. The
website provides the SRSRA the ability to update the web with current information that is immediately
available to those retirees on the web. The website is also scanned by SRS employees who will soon enter
the ranks of the retirees. Other SRS employees have a direct interest in what is going on relative to
retirement issues. It is also scanned by SRS management and the South Carolina and Georgia Congressional
Delegations to Washington.
Man and operate a retiree hot line at SRS to answer questions of WSRC and BSRI retirees. We would
envision this initiative to be scheduled and operated (probably at the Site) 4 hours per week. This would be
patterned after the Du Font retiree hot line that has been very successful.
Continue to provide seminars to update retirees on changes in programs such as medical insurance, Medicare
and other changes that affect retirees. As Bill mentioned in the 1998 review, these have been quite successful
and will be continued into the next year.
Increase our lobbying efforts with State Officials and the Washington Delegation to insure their support of
the mission and issues of this association. (SRSRA needs to be part of the 50-member joint action group
from the CSRA that goes to Washington each year to lobby for the Site.) This would give us the opportunity
to include SRS Retiree issues as a new subject area for the group going to Washington each year.
To increase the number of members who have e-mail addresses to improve the communications between the
membership and the association. We presently have over 100 e-mail addresses of SRSRA members. We
have on several occasions been asked by our Washington Delegation to support a bill or effort in the
Congress that affects the mission of the Site. These urgent requests were made to the SRSRA where we
only had one day to get involved. We were able to go on the net and support was provided by SRSRA
members who were on the network. We have also been contacted by the Site with information and requests
where we have been able to use the e-mail network.
SRSRA Newsletter, May 1999 - Vol. 4, Special Edition
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SRS Retiree Association,Inc
P. 0. Box 5686. Aiken. SC 29803
Phone: 803-279-5628
mail: srsri'twees~scescape.net
http!//www.scescape.neV~
Establish new subcommittees: (1) to answer questions that are submitted from retirees to the SRSRA.
These questions will be answered as accurately as possible and will be published in the newsletter for others
who have similar questions (2) to participate and follow the work of the SRS Health Effects Subcommittee
that is studying the effect of SRS releases on the community and workers at the Site over the past 40 plus
years.
Issue a questionnaire to all members during 1999 concerning issues that are important to you to make sure
that we are representing you in the areas that interest you the most.
1999 will be a good year for this association. As we go into the next year, we will only be as strong as ow
membership is strong. We will be successful only if we have your input, y o u ideas and your support. We are
not an organization that is here today and gone tomorrow. As we started to get organized 15 months ago, some
folks stated we would be just a flash in the pan. We have proved that wrong. We are strong, we have been
effective and we plan to be a strong voice for retiree issues as we move into the fature."
NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS TO THE SRSRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The following candidates were elected to the Board for 1999 at the Annual Meeting on March 9, 1999.
of North Augusta retired fiom WSRC in 1993 with 39 years of combiied Du Pont and
Westinghouse Service. He has worked in SRS Labs, in 100, 200 and 31700 Areas (EED) Equipment
Engineering Division, DWPF and retired as Manager of SSQIQC - NDE Inspections. Douglas is a member of
North Augusta First Baptist Church, North Augusta Sertoma, North Augusta Country Club and Pine Ridge
Country Club. He and his wife Delores have three children and five grandchildren.
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retired from Du Pont in 1989 and Westinghouse in 1993 after 40.6 years of service, He
was Manager of Roads and Grounds in Central Services Works Engineering for 22 years. Shepard and his wife
Easter have three children and two grandchildren. Shepard is a member of the Williams Memorial Methodist
Church, is on the Board of Directors of the Head Start Program for 13 surrounding counties in the CSRA and
the Board of Directors for Richmond County Animal Control.
l 3 3 e s k of Bamwell retired 60m WSRC in 1995 with 33 years of service. P.F. was an Area Manager in
Reactor Maintenance.
u
W
of Edgefield retired 6om WSRC in August 1993 with 35 years of service. Butch
M
spent his entire professional career at SRS with both Du Pont and Westinghouse. Most of his time was spent at
the SR Laboratory (TNX and Tritium Process Support). His last 10 years were in DWPF and his last assignment
was as Technical Manager at the Saltstone Facility (Z-Area). Butch is very active in volunteer organizations,
. including Edgefield County Hospital (Board of Trustees) and the Methodist Church (Finance Committee
Chairman).
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SRSRA Newsletter. May 1999 VoL 4, Special Edition
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SKS Retiree Association, Inc.
l?
3686. A i h .,SC -29803
.0.
- . Sax .---,
Phone: 803-279-5628 Email: srsretu-eestasscescape.nd
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http://www.sctscape.n?V-srsreluecs
of Aiken retired from WSRC in May 1995. Fred has worked in Purchasing, Budget,
Emergency Preparedness and Computer Security. Fred is currently the Mayor of Aiken. He and his wife Lee
have two sons, Alex and Brian,
of Augusta retired from WSRC in June 1995 with 40.5 years of s e ~ c e Paul
.
has worked in SRP
Laboratory Department, Savannah River Laboratory, SRP Safety Department, SRP and SRS Quality Assurance
Departments. Paul has been married for 42 years, has two children and two grandchildren. Paul is an ordained
Southern Baptist Minister.
of North Augusta is retired from WSRC. Jerry has worked in Finance, Production and
Information Systems. Jerry is currently serving on the SRSRA Board of Directors as Chairman of the Charter
and By-Laws Committee.
of Aiken retired from WSRC in June 1996 with 31 years of combined Du Pont and
W d D.
Westinghouse service, with the last 12 years at SRS in various management positions in Tritium, Reactor
Materials, SRTC, Site Services and Chief Engineers' Office. Dave is a past member of the Aiken County United
Way Board of Directors, member of Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness, and past officer of CSRA Penn
State Alumni Club.
I&u@&&yof Aiken retired from WSRC in 1996. He has worked in various management positions in
Personnel/Human Resources with both Du Pont and Westinghouse. Dean and his wife Linda have three children
and two grandchildren. He is a member of the Fist Baptist Church in Aiken. Dean is one of the founders of the
SRSRA, currently serves on the Board of Directors and is Chairman of the Annual Meeting Committee.
hLKa@mk of Aiken retired from WSRC. in October 1993. Pad has worked in various professional and
supervisory positions in Methods & Standards, SRL Computer Operations Division, and his last assignment
before retirement was Manager of Computer & Telecommunications Management Section. Paul is married and
has three children. He is the past President of Aiken High Athletic Boosters, past President of Aiken Running
Club, has coached and managed numerous Youth League baseball and basketball teams.
h d k l m w m of Aiken is the spouse of Carmine M, Mancuso (deceased), who was employed by Westinghouse
from 1970 to 1993 and assigned to WSRC from 1989 to1993. Ann was born and raised in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and has lived in South Carolina a total of 13 years. She has four children and nine grandchildren,
ages 1 to 18.
of North Augusta retired from WSRC in February 1996 &er 15 years of s e ~ c e .She has
worked in Clerical and Administrative Assistant assignments. Marcia worked as an Administrative Assistant to
the President's Office from 1989 until her retirement. Marcia and her husband Bob have two sons and five
grandchildren.
of Aiken retired from WSRC in May 1995. Bill has worked in Laboratories, Works Technical,
Maintenance and Production Supervisory positions, and as a Human Resources Manager before retirement. Bill
is married, has four children and seven grandchildren.
1999 - VoL 4, Special Edition
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..
P.0.Box 5686, Aiken, SC 29803
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Phone: 803-279-5628 Email: srsretvees(dscescape.nel
http:/Avww.scescap&net/-srsretirees
C. W&
of Hephzibah retired fiom WSRC in May 1995 with 28 years of mmbiied Du Pont
and Westinghouse service. She has worked in clerical, professional and management positions throughout the
Site and ended her career in Human Resources. Pat is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Augusta, a
volunteer at Immaculate Conception School and other community activities and currently serves on the SRSRA
Board as Editor of the SRSRA Newsletter. She has two children and four grandchildren.
of North Augusta retired eom Du Pont in Apd 1989 and Westinghouse in 1993. She has
worked in F-Area, C-Area, SRL, and the Administration Area. She is affiliated with Holy Trinity Lutheran
Church and is actively involved in a civic organization that supports the speech and hearing impaired and
underprivileged in the CSRA. Becky's husband Lou is currently employed by Westinghouse. They have four
children, one step-daughter, six grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
The following article appeared in the Augusta Chronicle, Carolina Section, on Wednesday, May 10, 1999
RetireNrom SRS credited forjobs
By Todd Bailer
South Carolina Bureau
AIKEN - The Savannah River Site's ability to land new jobs results in part from the good work done by its
now-retired workers., the Department of Energy's top local manager told the SRS Retirees Association on
Tuesday.
Greg Rudy, SRS manager for the DOE, made his remarks before more than 200 members of the retirees
association at their annual meeting.
The role of the SRS is as important today, perhaps even more so than during the Cold War, and that's built on
the work you did at the site, he said "It was your legacy of excellence that positioned the site to do this work. "
"
Where the site's main purpose during the Cold War was to help build safe and reliable nuclear weapons for
national defense, today its missions include environmental cleanup and disposing of weapons fuels, Mr. Rudy
said.
During the meeting, the retirees association announced its agendafor this year. The group will try to raise its
membership~om600 to 750 paying members, improve its newsletter and Web site, maintain a hot line at the
site to answer retirement questions, continue seminars on benefit changes and increase lobbying efforts, said
Tom Greene, chairman.
"We want to establish ourselves as the retiree watchdog of the site, " he said.
He said the group is the state's largest retired-employee group.
SRSRA Newsletter, May 1999 - VoL 4, Special Edition
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P. 0. Box 5686, Aiken, SC29803
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Phone: 803-279-5628 Email: xrsretireesSscescape.net
hStpÂ¥//www.scescape.net~-Srsretvee
The association was started 15 months ago when retirees came close to having to pay premiums for their
standard medical insurance. The group mobilized a lobbying effort that preserved the premium-free insurance
originally promised.
The following item appeared.in the Aiken Standard, Aiken County Section, on Wednesday, March 10, 1999.
SSS retirees reflect, look ahead at event
BY Many H o w b
As retirees celebrated retirement and reminisced about the Savannah River Site, they also displayed great
expectations/or the SRS Retiree Association 's next projected year.
They held their annual meeting, 1p.m. yesterday at the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken.
Even though the association is only 15 months old, it has bigplansfor thefuture.
Tom Greene, chairman of the SRSRA said, "Ourpurpose is to maintain retiree benefits and support missions of
the site. We may be fairly new, but we plan to be aroundfor a long time. "
The association was formed because of an increase in monetary participation by SRS for the retirees. This
association protects interests and benefitsfor those who have retiredfrom the SRS.
Greene said, "It is kind of a 'youscratch our backs, and we'll scratch yours' situation. If works out very
nicely.
"
The purpose of the animal meeting was to relay the accomplishments of the association in the last 12 months,
and to look aheadat the next 12 months.
The meeting was also a chance for members to vote on the new board of directors. A total of 26 names were on
the ballot, but there were only 15 slotsfor new members.
Many different businesses such as. SRP Credit Union, and Vacation Shoppe were set up to help the retirees
gain information.
The guest speaker was Greg Rudy, Department of Energy Manager, and Mayor Fred Cavanaugh waspresent to
introduce the guests and speakers.
Otto McCarty, who retiredporn SRS after 34 1/2 years said, "Ifyou don't stand together,you lose separately. "
Tom Kelley, who retiredfrom SRS after 35 112years agreed withformer high school classmate, McCarty. "We
graduated from Aiken High School class of '57, we worked at SRS for a long time. and through this association
we are just trying toprotect ourselves, " said Kelley.
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P. 0. Box 5686, Aiken, SC 29803
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Phone: 803-279-5628 Email: srsretireesScscescapc.nel
http://Hiim.scescape.iiel/-
Scheduling an Annual Physical
At the SRSRA Annual Meeting, several retirees asked the Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS) representative about
the procedure to be followed in obtaining an annual physical.
In response to the question, the following is provided:
A routine annual physical is available to each person covered by the WSRClBSRI Medical Plan under Prime
and Standard Coverage beginning at age 40.
See page 29 of the 1/1/98 WSRC Team Medical Care handbook (copy enclosed) for description of types of
service covered.
The retiree is responsible for scheduling the annual physical with a doctor of their choice. Make sure that
your doctor is in the BCBS network. Reimbursement is not provided if service is provided by a
non-network provider.
You will be responsible for your normal co-pay and coinsurance amounts
If you have any question as to whether a certain medical procedure or test is covered by the annual physical
allowance, call BCBS at 1-800-325-6596.
Red Cross Appeal
Enclosed is a letter from the American Red Cross which is an appeal for platelet donors. As described in the
letter, there is a great need in area hospitals for platelets. The Red Cross has asked for SRSRA assistance in
appealing to retirees to help in this worthwhile effort. If you can participate as a donor, please contact the Red
Cross at one of the locations in the enclosed letter.
COBRA Response
In the February SRSRA Newsletter it was noted that questions had been raised relative to a letter that members
had received from WSRC regarding COBRA. The SRSRA contacted WSRC to provide additional clarification
in regards to COBRA. Attached is the response provided by John Greenquist, Manager, WSRC Benefits, to the
SRSRA inquiry.
It is important to note that WSRC currently plans no changes to the WSRCBSRI Medical and Dental Plans
relative to COBRA provisions or requirements.
SRSRA Newsletter. May 1999 - Vol. 4, Special Edition
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SRS Retiree Association, IHc
P. 0. Box 5686, Aiken, SC 29803
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Phone: 803-279-5628 Email: srsretireesSacescape.net
httpÂ¥//www.scescape.
Supplemental Pension Questions
A number of retirees have raised questions as to why did they receive a 1099R for a portion of their pension and
a W-2 form for the supplemental portion of their pension. They also asked if the W-2 portion has any Social
Security Tax liability. The SRSRA has provided feedback to these retirees based upon guidance from WSRC.
The association is currently seeking written responses to these concerns that will be communicated to all
members when received.
Status of Initiatives with WSRC.
Part-time Work Opportunities. WSRC has developed a competency based resume form in a format that
lends itself to being entered into a data base. Once the information on interested retirees has been collected
and entered in the data base, it will provide WSRC Employment with the capability to match candidates for
part-time work with specific Site needs. Currently, WSRC is developing detailed instructions on how to
complete the resume forms. As soon as the competency based resume form and its instructions are available,
they will be forwarded to SRSRA members.
Updated Benefit Statement f m Retirees. WSRC Benefits is developing a draft retiree benefit statement
which they are reviewing with the Computer Systems Group. This review will determine how much
computer programming effort will be required for these statements. As reported earlier, Computer Systems
work on this project will have to compete with the Y2K programming effort for programming priority. A
retiree benefit statement is still expected in 1999.
Withholdingfrom Pension Checksfor State Income Taxes. Several retirees have asked if WSRC would
permit withholding for state income taxes.from their pension checks. In discussions with WSRC, it appears
that the current pension plan record keeper, Mellon Bank, has the capability to handle a voluntary
withholding for state income taxes. WSRC has asked for a legal review to determine if all states with
WSRC/BSRI retirees would permit voluntary withholding for their taxes. The SRSRA will keep you advised
on the status of this issue.
The following are some comments taken from the Wednesday, March 24, 1999, Aiken Standard,
New owner's background helpful to SRS
Employees at the Savannah River Site appear generally upbeat now that the question over the ownership of the
site 's contract has been answered.
Late Monday the government gave Morrison Knudsen the regulatory clearance it needed to move forward with
thepurchase of Westinghouse Electric companyfrom CBS.
The $1.1 billion buyout saw Morrison Knudsen and British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. join forces to purchase the
company after I I months of negotiations.
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Phone: 803-279-5628 Email: sraretireesl&sceacape.net
http://ivww.scescape.net/-ssredrees
CBS, which largely focuses on broadcasting interests, has operated the site in recent years, but the company
has been courtingprospective buyersfor some time, thus creating an air of uncertainty at the site.
Siie officials are generally upbeat over the sale because Morrison Knudsen, an Idaho-based engineeringfirm,
is a nuclear technology company.
According to officials with the new operator, employees should not expect to see any major changes in
employment, employee pay or employee benefit pachges in the short-term.
SRS's current management team will remain in place under the new company, Morrison Knudsen, officials
have said
Prior to the sale, Westinghouse Savannah River Company was a subsidiary of WestinghouseElectric. Under
the new owners the SRS contractor will be a subsidiary of the newlyformed WestinghouseGovernment Services
Company.
Westinghouse Government Services was formed as part of the buyout in order to satisfy concerns of the U.S.
Department of Energy and the needs of Morrison Knudsen and BNFL.
Another media release follows on the sale of Westinghouse.
NEW YORK, March 22 - The completion of the sale of the Westinghse Electric Company to Morrison
Knudsen Corporation (MK) and BhFL enables the 112-year-old Westinghouse to move into the 21st century
with a heightenedfecus on customer service andproduct and technology development. The final documents to
complete the sale were signed today.
To fitIfill the needs of MK, BNFL and the US. Department of Energy, the new Westinghouse structure will
consist of three separate companies.
Westinghouse Electric Company, the company's commercial nuclear power businesses, which will be
IOO-percent owned by BNFL Nuclear Services Inc. (BNFL), a newly established, wholly owned BNFL
Group U.S. subsidiary.
Westinghouse Government Services Company (WGS), the company's defense-related government
operations businesses, which will be wholly owned by M K but in which BNFL will retain a 40 percent
economic interest through BNSI.
Westinghouse Government Environment Services Company (WGES), the company's non-defense-related
government and environmental businesses, which will be jointly owned by WGS (60 percent) and BNFL,
through BNSI, (40 percent).
BNFL 's Chief fiecutive, John Taylor, who will be chairman of the WestinghouseElectric Company, said that
the Company's new structure will better focus products, services and technology on specific and unique
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P. 0. Box 5686. A h . SC 29803
Phone: 803-279-5628 Email: smrdireeslSscescape.net
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http://ivMv.scescape.net/-srsretirees
customer semenis. Mr. Taylor said, "This acqui.sition transforms BNFL 's nichefuel business into a full-scope
global player while significantly strengthening our position in the nuclear clean-up and deco&issioning
business worldwide."
Dennis R Washington,president and chief executive officer of Morrison h d s e n , said, "We are continually
lookingfor attractive acquisitions that complement Morrison Knudsen 's existing businesses, and we have found
just such a fit with this transaction. We have greatly strengthened our ability to serve two of our primary
clients, the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense. In addition, we are delighted to take
another step in our successful relationship with BNFL. "
Westinghouse will continue to serve the commercial nuclear power industry through Westinghouse Electric
Company. With headquarters in Monroeville in suburban Pittsburgh, the compony's 4,000 worldwide
employees will continue to focus on four key business areas: nuclear fuel; nuclear services; nuclear
instrumentation and control; and new plant design.
Major facilities of the Westinghouse Electric Company are located throughout Western Pennsylvania, in
Columbia and Spartanburg, SC, Ogden, Utah, suburban Chicago, and Brussels, Belgium, andMadrid Spain.
Defense-related businesses will now be managed by the Westinghouse Government Services (WGS) Company.
Included in this organization will be the Electro-Mechanical Division (EMD) in Cheswick, PA, and the
Westinghouse Savannah River Company and Safety Management Solutions, both in Aiken, SC. Although EMD
will be part of WGS, its commercial nuclear products and services will remain the responsibility of
Westinghouse Electric Company and its manufacturing services will continue to be supplied to commercial
nuclear customers on a seamless basis.
The Westinghouse Government Services company will also coordinate any efforts to pursue additional
Department of Defense, NASA or Department of Energy business deemed to be defense related.
All other government and environmental businesses will be managed by the Westinghouse Government
Environmental Services (WGES) Company. Included in this organization will be the Waste Isolation Pilot
Project in Carlsbad, NM, the West Valley Nuclear Services Company in West Valley, NY, Westinghouse
Anniston in Anniston, AL, Safe Sites of Colorado and the Government and Technical Services Division in NM.
James L. Gallager will serve as president of both WGS and WGES. The two Government Services Companies
will operate as close to a single entity as possible, but respecting all foreign ownership sensitivities in the
management of the WGS businesses. Jim Gallager will report to Tom Zarges, chairman of the MK Engineers &
Constructors Group and chairman of the Boards of WGS and WGES.
The new owners, who announced their intent to purchase Westinghousefrom CBS Corporation last June, have
asked top managers to maintain their current positions under the new ownership structure. Additionally, the
new owners have announced they expect no significant workforcefluctuations as a result of this transaction.
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SRS Retiree Association. Inc.
P.0.Box 5686, Aiken, SC 29803
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Phone: 803-279-5628 Email; srsre-escane.net
httpY/www.scescape.net/-srsretwees
General Information for South Carolina Residents
South Carolina Homestead Exemption. This exemption is granted to persons who have been residents of the
State of South Carolina for at least one year and who have reached the age of 65 on or before December 31
(preceding the tax year in which you wish to claim the exemption) or 100 percent totally and permanently
disabled, or legally blind. This exemption exempts all qualified persons from paying property taxes on the first
$20,000 of the appraised value of their home, if living in the home. According to the Aiken County Auditor,
persons who are eligible must file with the County Auditor's Office no later than July 15, 1999.
If the title to your home is a joint title, you will be asked to provide the date of birth and social security number
for any other person(s) whose natne(s) are on the title in addition to your proof of eligibility documents, as noted
below.
Depending on the value of your home and the millage rate in your county, annual savings are significant. For
example, a $62,500 home and a millage rate of ,100, savings would be $80 per year. If the millage rate were
150, the savings would be $120 per year. Contact your County Auditors' Office for details.
(The following information is taken from a State of South Carolina brochure.)
In 1972, the General Assembly passed the Homestead Exemption Law which provided property tax relief /or
South Carolinians age sixty-five and older, the blind, and disabled.
The pro-
exempts thefirst $20,000 of the value of your home.
Example without Homestead:
Value of Home
Multiplied by 4% =
Multiplied by millage
Total Taxes =
With Homestead:
Value of Home
Less Homestead Exemption
"New" Value of Home
Multiplied by 4% =
Multiplied by millage
Total Taxes =
This brochure is provided as a general information guide and does not attempt to cover the entire Homestead
Exemption law. Your County Auditor and The Comptroller General's Office will be happy to assist you with
further questions.
'
How do I Quality?
Ifyou are...
age 65 on or before December 31, preceding the tax year in which you wish to claim the exemption,
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P. 0. Box 5686, Aiken, SC 29803
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h~://www.sc?acitpe.net/'"sFsfetuves
Phone: 803-279-5628 Email: srsrefireesSscescape.net
-ORcertified totally andpermanently disabled by a State or Federal agency.
-ORlegally blind.
-ORat least 50 years of age when your spouse who was eligi.blefor the Homestead Exemption died.
-m-
a legal resident of South Carolinafor at least one year on or before December 31 of the year prior to the
exemption.
-0Ra legal resident of South Carolinafor at least one year on or before December 31 of the year prior to the
exemption.
-ANDholdfee simple title or partial title to your house, mobile home, or life estate on or before December 31 of
the year prior to t h exemption.
Where do I apply?
You must applyfor the HomesteadExemption at your CountyAuditor's office. Ifyou are unable to go to the
Auditor's office, you may authorize someone to make applicationfor you.
What documents do I need?
You will need to provide proof ofyour eligibility. Ifyou are applying due to age, bring your birth certificate,
Medicaid card. Medicare card, or driver's license.
Ifyou are applying because of disability or blindness, bring certificationporn a State or Federal agency. This
agency must have the proper authority to make this certification.
Do I need to re-apply annually?
No. The only reasonfor re-application is in the event t h t you move to a new home. However, any changes
which may affect your eligibility should be reported to your County Auditor immediately. They are:
0
change in disability status
rental of your home
remarriage of surviving spouse
death of the eligible owner (requires reapplication by the surviving spouse)
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P.0.Box 5686 A h . SC 29803
Phone: 803-279-5628 Email: srsritveeswscescape.net
http://www.scescaffe.itet/-srsrefvees
The "Laugh Parade" cartoon below was taken from the Sunday, April 4, 1999, Parade Magazine, of the
Augusta Chronicle, page 8.
"I'm Ã‡olnf to ammine your eye*. Ã§&Ãn o Ã and throat,
plus your Mood preÃ§Surebrifthing 8nd liÃ§tlÃ§ne
all lor the amazingly
law pries of $75-8 t23S vmlw it pur-chknd aeparmtdy:
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SK5 Retiree Association, Inc.
P. 0. Ate 5686, Aiken, SC 29803
Phone: 803-279-5628 - Email: srsrethestaiscescape.net
http://www.scescape.net/-srsretirees
Membership - Gus Griffin
The SRSRA now has over 600 paid members. In January 1999, letters went out to an additional 1200 retirees
asking them to join SRSRA and assist in our efforts to protect retirement pensions and benefits.
Numbers are very important when representatives of the SRSRA meet with SRS and DOE management,
Congressional ~ e l e ~ a t i o nand
s , the media to discuss retiree issues.
Please encourage fellow retirees whom you personally know to join the organization. Paid members will receive
a membership card and periodic newsletters.
Please complete, detach and return to address listed
SRS Retiree Association
P. 0. Box 5686,
Aiken, SC 29804
Yes, I want to renew my membership in SRSRA for 1999. Enclosed is my check for $15.00 made
payable to SRSRA for 1999 membership dues.
To update our records, please complete and return this form
Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip Code:
Telephone:
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NEWSLETTER - SRS Retiree Association

Transcription

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