FEBRUARY 17, 2004 RETIREES CHAPTER MEETING
AND MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 2004 RETIREES CHAPTER

The Chair reported that there will be a new DFT building in 2005. Pictures of the building are on display upstairs in the office lobby.

The agenda and the minutes from November 18, 2003 were approved with one change, adding Mike Poterala to the agenda to speak about the Labor Legacy Project and the Jazz Opera. "Forgotten: the Murder at the Ford Rouge Plant: at Marygrove College Theater.

Social Co-Chair Mike Poterala introduced the speaker, Brenda Roberts, of Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. and her "guest"-Missy_a month-old black puppy who goes with her on the job. Ms. Roberts was, until recently, Long-Term Care Ombudsman for the State of Michigan. She described home health care programs, nursing home licensing and assisted living facilities, and passed out brochures. The number to call for information about nursing homes or long-term care is 1-866-485-9393. The Legal Hotline and Michigan Pension Rights Program telephone is 1-800-LAWS. Call MiCafe at 1-877-6MI-CAFE for food help for the elderly.

Retired Chair Mary Ellen Riordan reported that our prescription plan is the best in Michigan. She also reminded us that we have a life insurance policy from the Board of Education. Questions were raised about the amount of coverage and how to designate or change beneficiaries. Richard Berlin volunteereed to bring in some answers next month.

Members are urged to attend the Retirement Coordinating Council's Legislative Reception on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 in Lansing. Lunch is available. Social Co-Chair Arthur Divers also mentioned the Michigan Federation of Teachers & School Related Personnel Lobby Day on March 16, 2004.

Michelle Price, our new DFT Public Relations Director, is looking for "Media Monitors." She'll explain about that and ask for volunteers.

Future meeting plans:

March:  John Bluth will speak on "Detroit's Attempt to Become the Aviation Capital of the World." John has
             written books on the history of the Detroit Yacht Club and the Stinson Aviation Company.

April:   Branko Jojicic will update us on our Blue Cross/Blue shield insurance coverage and answer questions.

May:    Barbara Aikman and kTom Demmer of Delta Dental, will provide information on dental insurance
            plan.

June:    End of the year; speaker to be announced later.

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