Teen Angels Featured at 3rd Annual Valentine`s Party

DaimlerChrysler Management Club
Magazine
Leader
January 2006 Vol. 46 No. 5
Teen Angels Featured at 3rd
Annual Valentine’s Party
Members and guests, please plan
on attending the 3rd annual
Valentine's Party Friday, February
10th at the Community House of
Birmingham.
This year the Management Club
will be featuring the Teen Angels, a
legendary band here in Michigan.
Over the past few years this group
has been spreading their particular
brand of high quality entertainment all over the United States.
Lush vocal harmony, the highest
caliber musicianship and comedy
make the Angels show one people
flock to see year in and year out.
Tickets are priced at $30 per person. Tickets go on sale January
17th. Please see your Multi-Mac
for additional details.
This year’s event is going to be
held at the Community House of
Birmingham beginning with a
social hour at 6:00 PM.
LOCATION:
Community House
in Birmingham
380 South Bates Street
Birmingham, MI
Phone: (248) 644-5832
TIME: 6:00 p.m. Social Hour
7:00 p.m. Dinner
COST: $30 Member
$30 Guest
Ticket Deadline
February 3, 2006
See Your Multi-Mac for Tickets
Directions to
the Community
House in
Birmingham
from DCTC:
Take Woodward south to
Maple. West on Maple to Bates
Street. Turn left onto Bates
Street. Community House is
down 3 blocks on your left.
Recommended parking is in the
lot directly across the street
from the Community House.
In This Issue...
Retiree Column ........................3
Mediterranean
Memories ..............................4-5
Yo-Yo Ma Concert ....................6
Why Retirees Have
Higher Lease Rates ..................7
President’s
Corner
Lori Walczak
cost of a meal (including appetizers)
per person is $40-45. And yes, we
have reviewed different meal options
such as eliminating the amount of
food or appetizers or having a single
plate meal, but when all is said and
done, the prices are very comparable.
In addition, guests will have to pay
the full price to attend.
Our first club function of 2006 is the
Valentine’s Dinner Dance which will
be held on Friday, February 10 at the
Birmingham Community House. This
is an evening that is sure to delight
everyone. The Teen Angels will be
performing and a superb meal is
planned. So, treat yourself or you and
your Valentine to a wonderful night.
The primary reason for member price
increase is due to the fact that club
membership is on a decline which
has a direct impact of the amount of
subsidy we receive per member. As
for guests paying full price, the intent
was that they were prospective members, but the reality is that most only
attend for the speaker and not to join.
Therefore, the club can no longer subsidize their meals.
Have the winter blues gotten to you
yet? If so, set sail on a 7-day Caribbean
cruise in February with the travel committee. Once again, Bob Jones has
planned a spectacular family-oriented
trip to San Juan, St. Maarten, La
Romana and Cayo Levantado. The highlight of the cruise is whale watching in
Cayo Levantado. I’ve heard that it is
quite the experience.
Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had a safe and joyous holiday.
I’m sure that you have all made your
resolutions for the upcoming year and
will work diligently to keep them. Why
not add ‘Increase my participation
with the Management Club’ to the
list? It’s one that each of us can fulfill.
Just attend some events or volunteer
for a committee. It’s easier than you
can imagine.
A more positive change is that the
Leader will be distributed on the 1st of
the month beginning with the February
issue. The decision was made based
on the fact that the majority of the
events are held in the beginning of the
month. This will provide members sufficient time to plan for upcoming
events and to purchase tickets.
Just as the New Year has arrived, new
changes are taking place within the
club. The budget has been in question
for several months now and directives
are being taken to make it more
favorable. The cost of dinner meeting
events will increase by $5. Effective
with the March dinner meeting, the
new price to attend will be $20 for
members. Let me reassure you that
this is still a great bargain. The typical
Are you still wondering which vehicle
to purchase this year? Then the North
American International Auto Show at
Cobo Hall is where you want to go.
Get a chance to preview all the new
model and concept vehicles. The
show runs daily from January 14-22.
Discounted tickets are still available
and can be purchased from your
Multi-Mac, Tech Center MOPAR
Speed Shops, Plymouth Road Sundry
Shops or by calling Chris Kurowski at
tieline 754-0802.
2 - January 2006
If culture is your tune, then you definitely don’t want to miss cellist Yo-Yo
Ma’s ‘The Silk Road Ensemble’ on
February 27 at the Max Fisher Music
Center. Engage yourself in traditional
and innovated music from numerous
musicians. For more information or
tickets, please contact Dennis Audet
at 248-628-9814.
Lastly, please feel free to contact me
with any questions and/or suggestions or if you are interested in assisting with future events. My email
address is: lap1@dcx.com or call
(586) 497-0217 or T/L 897-0217. For
additional club information, please
visit our website:
www.dcmc.daimlerchrysler.com.
Your President,
Lori Walczak
Committee Notes
Retiree’s Reporter
The Program Committee has arranged
for another fabulous Valentine's Party.
The event is to be held on Friday,
February 10th at the Birmingham
Community House.The Teen Angels
will be the group supplying the terrific
entertainment. The ticket cost is $30
per person. If you would like to attend
please forward your check to Norine
Garavanta at the address listed below.
Your tickets will either be mailed to
you or will be available at the door
that evening. Including a mailing
address with your payment would be
greatly appreciated.
We start this New Year Leader article
with information and finish with a little humor. Nothing can remain status
quo or it becomes stagnant. In
February, Leader distribution will be
earlier to give members more time
between the first notification and the
actual event. This is being done since
some members claim they didn’t get
the Leader in time to sign up for the
programs.
Due to George Irwin's health he has
decided not to Co Chair Area Z with
Chuck Genetti. If you would like to
send George a card his home
address is:
17539 Pershing St.,
Livonia, MI 48152-3822
— Norine Garavanta
Norine Garavanta
5242 Cardinal Dr
Troy, MI 48098
Phone: 248 641 7367
Email: ngaravanta@comcast.net
Jim Butler (Director Area Z)
PH. 248-634-4805
Chuck Genetti (Co-chairman Area Z)
Ph. 810-435-3267
There are many DaimlerChrysler people involved in charity and volunteer
activities. Before he left for Germany
Dieter Zetsche was involved with the
Capuchin Soup Kitchen and the
United Way. Chrysler Financial helped
sponsor a December 8th concert that
raised more than a million dollars for
Habitat for Humanity. If you missed
the concert that starred Martina
McBride, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie
Underwood you missed a super show.
Many DaimlerChrysler people contribute time, effort and talent in volunteer activities. They are the unsung
heroes who help those in need not
only financially but also by their presence in time of need.
I sometimes receive requests or suggestions concerning this column and I
try to accommodate them. There was
an amusing e-mail about retirees that
I received and I’ll share some of it
with you.
Q.
A.
Retiree’s
Corner
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
Why don’t retirees mind being
called Seniors?
The term comes with a 10% discount.
What is the common term for
someone who enjoys work and
refuses to retire?
NUTS.
Why are retirees so slow to
clean out the basement, attic or
garage?
They know that as soon as they
do, one of their adult kids will
want to store some item in the
vacated space.
What’s the biggest advantage of
going back to school as a
retiree?
If you cut classes, no one calls
your parents.
PS. If you have any other amusing or
interesting stories send them along to
share in this column with our readers.
John Zablotny
586-575-9809
4799 Stanley
Warren, Mi 48092
jazablotny@juno.com
When is a retiree’s bedtime?
Three hours after he falls asleep
on the couch.
January 2006 - 3
Mediterranean
Odyssey - Fall 2005
Management Club
travelers cruised from
Italy to North Africa
and Spain, enjoyed an
unexpected day in St.
Tropez before arriving
in Rome for three wonderful nights. It was a
trip not to be missed!
Some found exotic souvenirs in Tunis.
Discovering shortcuts on the cruise ship.
Exploring Palma’s huge gothic cathedral.
4 - January 2006
The port of Messina, which will soon be
connected to Italy with a bridge.
Looking forward to a formal evening.
Finding the captain’s party is no problem!
Shopping St. Tropez’s narrow streets.
Is this a plot to unmask Zorro?
A table with a view, s’il vous plaît!
Who are those rich and famous folks?
Portofino’s picturesque harbor.
Honey, it just might fit in our carry-on.
Rediscovering Rome’s ancient forum.
Praying for rain to help shorten the lines.
Lunch stop on our trip to Florence.
January 2006 - 5
Cultural Committee Concert Event
Monday, February 27th, 8:00 PM
Nourishing global connections while maintaining the
integrity of art rooted in an authentic tradition.
The Silk Road Ensemble is not a fixed collective, but rather a collection
of like-minded musicians dedicated to exploring the relationship
between tradition and innovation in music. The Ensemble performs
new works (many of which are Silk Road Project commissions) along
with old, combining instruments and styles from the East and West.
The Max Fisher Music Center
Orchestra Hall
Note: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will NOT be
performing at this concert.
As a company and as American consumers, it is hard to ignore the growing influences of Far-Eastern and MidEastern cultures as the global economy develops and unfolds. Come and join us for an evening of culturally
diverse music with strong ancient and historical influences performed by Yo-Yo Ma and the world renoun Silk Road
Ensemble.
Dressy attire is recommended.
Casual attire is NOT recommended.
Participation is limited to Management Club members and their guests. If you are not a member, join the club and participate.
We have reserved the very best seating, DRESS CIRCLE, for your enjoyment of the very best in music..
Tickets will be distributed at the DCTC Management Club office located off Tech Plaza, 3rd floor, Southwest corridor,
2nd door on the right (just beyond conference room 3D), on Wednesday, February 15th from 3:30pm-4:30pm or by
special arrangement with the Cultural Committee coordinator, Dennis Audet.
After ordering, confirm your order receipt at the phone numbers or email address listed below only.
Note: Ticket availability is limited and there is a ticket deadline for this event. Payment must be received by closeof-business Friday, January 27 th. Fill out your order below and mail it early and make payment to
“ DaimlerChrysler Management Club ” with the ticket order addressed and mailed to:
Dennis Audet
5662 Whigville Lake Road
Dryden, MI 48428-9324
Phones:
Email:
248-628-9814
248-318-3242 Cellular
dpaudet4dcmc@charter.net
February 27th. concert tickets for the Silk Road Ensemble at Orchestra Hall.
Incomplete forms or without proper payment will NOT be honored. Retirees should ignore Work phone & CIMS.
# of Seats
Ticket Total
x $ 65.00
Check Ticket Distribution Method
Club Office
Member AND Guests' Name(s)
Member's Address
Email Address
Outside Phone (Work)
Multimac's Name (Printed on your LEADER label)
Multimac Area (2 letters)
Please seat me with other attendees (theater):
Retired ?
or
Box Office Will Call
or
City
CIMS
Home Phone
Multimac's Outside Phone
Yes / No
Other (call)
Zip
New Member ?
DaimlerChrysler Id (see pay stub)
Maps are available on the club website at dcmc.us under Publicity, Club Event Venue Maps.
For internal use: Date Received
Order Number
Membership Confirmed
6 - January 2006
Yes / No
Welcome New Members
Area
Name
Area
JENSEN, RICHARD
KOBE, RAYMOND
PYENTA, JOHN, JR.
WALLING, HUGH
QUINT, KENNETH
BOLLEY, NICOLE
NOVEMBER
A
TOPPER, SARAH
B
SHALLAH, ANAS
KARUMURI, MOHAN
LUPU, JOAN
C
WYANT, SHAWN
H
SHEPPARD, SYBIL
KESTELOOT, DARRELL
Name
Vol. 46, No. 5, January 2006
2005-2007 Officers
Lori Walczak, President ................897+0217
586-497-0217
Dave Schulz, Pres. Elect ..............776+8227
248-576-8227
Christopher S. Swiat, Treas. ........754+5306
248-944-5306
Pat Piazza, Sec. ............................776+2613
248-576-2613
DECEMBER
K
CAREIS, CHRISTINA
E
LASORDA, THOMAS
T
HERNANDEZ, JOHN
H
KOVAC, BERNIECE
Z
APPEL, MANFRED
R
SINGH, GANESH
Why Retirees Have A
Higher Lease Rate
Last month during the DCX Management Club meeting, Chrysler Group retirees
wanted to know “Why do retirees pay a higher rate than active employees of
2.2% versus 1.9% through the company car program?” Tom LaSorda promised
retirees a written response and here’s what he had to say:
“The difference in rates is a result of new policies set by tax laws. The 1.9% rate
for employees reflects the IRS’s acknowledgement that product testing is an
inherent aspect of the Employee Lease Program. Employees are required to submit an online evaluation of their vehicles every month, as mandated by the IRS.
Unfortunately, the current Federal tax code does not provide for the same exclusion for product testing performed by a retired employee.
While our Tax Department continued to challenge the validity and logic of these
rules with respect to retirees, the IRS remained adamant in its position. In fact,
a significant portion of the settlement payment was attributable to the retiree
group. Absent a legislative or regulatory change in these rules, the Corporation
is resigned to charge the higher 2.2% rate to retirees. As a result, retirees are no
longer required to submit monthly product evaluation forms.
We want to offer you every opportunity to remain part of the Chrysler Group family and drive our vehicles. Occasionally, we do offer special programs that are
available to all participants in the Company Car program. The extras included in
the lease rates offer a complete package at a competitive rate when compared to
our local domestic competitors, who do not offer a retiree program like ours.
It was a pleasure seeing everyone during the last meeting, and as always we
appreciate all of your efforts to increase sales for our company.”
Regards,
Tom LaSorda
President & CEO
Published by the DaimlerChrysler
Management Club
800 Chrysler Dr. East
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
CIMS: 483-03-06
T/L 776+9229 or 576+9299
Editor
Gwen Green..................................722+6638
248-512-6638
Associate Editor
Norine Garavanta....................248-641-7367
Webmaster
Lily Lee ........................................722+5898
248-512-5898
Contributing Writers
George Irwin ..........................734-425-3024
John Zablotny ........................586-575-9809
Photographers
Betty Bright ............................248-851-3044
Jack Lutz ................................248-585-0482
Mario Mihas ..................................776+5131
248-576-5131
Pat Piazza ......................................776+2613
248-576-2613
Cartoon
John Herlitz ............................248-512-6638
Committee Directors
Cultural
John McMullin .............................. 776+3981
248-576-3981
Dinner-Theater/Concert Events
Dennis Audet ..........................248-628-9814
248-318-3242
Education
Chris Kurowski ............................ 754+0919
248-944-0919
Amy Kuhlman................................776+6445
248-267-6445
Membership
Daniel DeGasperis (ITM) ............ 754+5775
248-944-5775
Program
Dave Schulz ................................ 776+8227
248-576-8227
Publicity
Dave Poxon .................................. 874+7446
586-274-7446
Recreation
Chuck Moeser.............................. 776+5501
248-576-5501
Travel
Bob Jones .............................. 586-323-0910
Information Services
Dave Poxon ................................8 874+7446
586-274-7446
Youth Advisory Group (YAG)
Matt Butkus ................................ 897+3369
586-497-3369
www.DCMC.DaimlerChrysler.com
January 2006 - 7
Calendar
Of Events
NOTE:
The Calendar of Coming Events is
a continuing feature of the Leader.
It includes all events as reported
by the Committee Chairpersons.
For Changes, call Dave Schulz
(Pres.-Elect) T/L 776-8227,
O/S 248-576-8227,
Fax t/l 776-7865 or
CIMS 486-01-55.
Please submit changes by the
26th of each month.
DATE
LOCATION
EVENT
INFORMATION
Feb. 10th
Friday
Birmingham Community House
Annual Valentine Party
Featuring the Teen Angels
See January Leader
Dave Schulz ds31@dcx.com
248-576-8227 T/L 776-8227
Feb. 11th
through
Feb. 18th
Various Caribbean
Ports
Winter Caribbean Cruise
Family Friendly Option
See August Leader
Phil Bertelsen
pbert001@comcast.net
Feb. 27th
Monday
Orchestra Hall
Max Fisher Music Center
Yo-Yo Ma’s
Silk Road Ensemble
See September Leader
Dennis Audet
dpaudet4dcmc@charter.net
Mar. 9th
Thursday
Petruzzello’s
Troy
Sports Night
with Chris Spielman
former Detroit Lion
See February Leader
Dave Schulz ds31@dcx.com
248-576-8227 T/L 776-8227
May 20
Saturday
Heather Hills
Country Club
Golf Outing
See March Leader
Gary Wade gkw9@dcx.com
248-576-4175 T/L 776-4175
Ideas, Comments,
Suggestions
for the magazine...
Please contact the editor,
T/L 722-6638
gg20@daimlerchrysler.com
CIMS 481-00-94
Your feedback is greatly
appreciated...
First Class Mail
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 780
800 Chrysler Drive CIMS 483-03-06
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2757
Please recycle with your
local community magazines.