OSAunion

The first scheduled meeting of the OSA/OSART Retirees Club (OSARC) for the new year will be Wednesday, September 3, 1999 at noon at the OSA office, 220 East 23rd Street, Suite 709. Let's start the year off with a bang! We welcome all new retirees. Plans for "Dinner Dance 2000" are to be discussed.

Gala June Luncheon Attendees: Alice Allen and her husband Leslie, Paul Anderson and guest Felipe Serrano, Jean Anmuth, Hanacho Atako, Mary Barlow and guest Gail Hamilton, Charles Baroo, Rene Bash, Gwendolyn Barnes, Elizabeth Borden, Ken Burton, Patricia Burton and guest Bill Pfister, Lana Cherry, Ida Chin, Joyce Cleary and her husband Jim, and their son Steven, Stanley Cutchins, Malkit Baines, Gloria Djaha, William Fellows, Manny Friedman, Thomas Gorse, Sheila Gorsky, Stanley Granat and his wife Diana, Shirley Gray, Steven Gregor, Paul Henry, Flora Jones, Roslyn Jones, John Kobelski, Irving Kreindler, Richard Kucera, Hank Mandel, Jim McKeon, Dan Morgan, Melba Neely, John Ost, Catherine O'Connell, Sheldon Oliff, Claus Reinisch, Edna Rlley, Janette Springle, Anna Vives and Rlchard Walters.

The Gala June Luncheon was as unusual a usual success. All the important people were there. Those of you who weren't are sure to come next year. The food, as always, was scrumptious, even for those who got served very, very late. Some even received two meals! The luncheon and the monthly meeting are ways to keep in touch with your past. For many of us, the past is slipping away slowly but surely.

When you come to think of it, we are the only history of before Giuliani... when HRA was the place to service those in need, not close welfare centers. When DHS used to try to find living arrangements for the shelter clients, not close shelters. When DOP used to try to follow the civil service law, not hire Per Diems who are not counted in headcount and cannot be bumped by civil servants. When HHC were hospitals that had nurses and beds, not just out-patient services. And on and on and on.

Or should we say we are the lucky ones that got out in time, most of us in Tier 1. We need to get together to remember "the good ole times," even if it wasn't when we were there. That's what retirees do!

Dinner Dance 2000. Would you come from all over and from everywhere to attend a dinner dance in May or June 2000? If we could keep the price around $50 per person (plus $18 for non-members)? Probably during the week. The prices are better. Most likely in Manhattan. We have a place in mind. The September meeting will begin to discuss the possibilities. If you are far, far away, and can't make the meeting, please call Sheila or Shirley and give your opinion.

Now Is Your Chance To Get Back At Your Boss. Below is the text of a letter to all new retirees. Of course, those of you who retired before July 15, 1999 would not know about it. It gives us all the opportunity to get our bosses in trouble. You know, the ones that changed reports to show they did work, or the ones that hired their friends and relatives, the ones who never showed, the ones who sat with their feet up and made everyone do the work... the list is endless. Read the letter, you'll love it!

City of New York Department of Investigation, July 15, 1999

Dear New Retiree:

Congratulations on your recent retirement. The City of New York appreciates your years of devoted service and wishes you an enjoyable retirement. Even now, however, you may still be able to serve the City by sharing with my office important knowledge you accumulated during your career in public service.

Happy Birthday to Our July, August, and September Retirees. Hakimah Al-Zahra, Carmen Alfaro, Robert Angarola, Hanacho Atako, Joan Atkin, Steven August, Yvonne Barno, Ted Barra, Charles Beckinella, Marilyn Bernard, Vidyadhar Bhide, Anthony Brancale, Theresa Burke, Eugene Calvert, John Campobasso, Joseph Cappiello, Estelle Chodosch, Hannibal Coscia, Elizabeth D'Aversa, Charles Davis, Rufina Deguzman, Ralph Delise, Vincent Digesu, Sheila Donohue, Martina Elam, Lee Filerman, Joan Filot, Arlene Forman, Harold Fowler, Branda Fox, Renee Fox, Manny Friedman, Rosalie Frost, Jesus Gagui, Daphney Garrison, Joseph Giglio, Shirley Gilliam, Myrna Gonzalez, Sybil Gowdy, Stanley Granat, Shirley Gray, Ira Greinsky, Gilbert Grennie, Richard Guarino, Sarah Hecht, Richard Horn, Haydee Inclan, Pearl Jackson, Barbara Jordan, Gilbert June, Jeffrey Keller, Betty Kenner, Carol Keyser, Richard Kucera, Adele Kwaw, Judith Layzer, Roger Lew, Virginia Locco, Rose Maconi, Henry Mandel, Clarissa Manjarrez, Lucretia Marcigliano, Donald Marshall, Mary Katherine McEwen, Joyce McFarlane, Velma McLaughlin, JJ McQuade, Carol Michaels, Dr. Helen DeRamos, Nimia Montanez Shipper, Sheldon Oliff, Maudest Oliver, Patricia Ollison, Murray Olsen, Henry Opad, Delores Peloso, Charles Pettignano, Anthony Pettolina, Mary Ellen Phifer, Theodore Phillips, Arlene Pitt, Charles Procida, Jeanette Reid, Claus Reinisch, Jack Reubens, Gwendolyn Riley-Roberts, Raymond Riordan, Arnaldo Rodriguez, Albert Roess, John Rose, Norman Roth, Robert Sacharski, Ahahid Sarkissian, Albert Savold, Marvin Schneider, Joanna Schneller, Ina Schwartz, Solomon Schwartz, Grace Seabrook, Michael SeJan, Anita Shleifstein, John Siddons, Sheila Silver, Catherine Slade, Tuly Tanenbaum, Catherine Thompson, Daisy Thompson, Gwendolyn Truvillion, Ephraim Veals, David Vogt, Vida Wagner, John Walsh, Henry Welby, Jimmie West, Doris White, Joyce White, Maceo Williams, Yolanda Williams, James Woods.

From member Chuck Baroo. Several of us talked about ideas for the OSARC meetings and newsletter. One thought was to invite members to write stories - or whatever - for perusal of the editor. If found suitable, they might be printed in an upcoming issue of the newsletter.

I am taking this opportunity to attach an article I wrote a while ago for your consideration. Since this has not been solicited, I offer it for what it's worth. Whatever you decide about its merits and the appropriateness for the newsletter will be humbly accepted.

My schedule prevents me from attending more than three or four OSARC meetings each year, but I clearly see the value of it and do want to contribute in whatever small way I can. Peace and Joy! (ed. note: thank you Chuck for your story "Common Ground" which follows.)

Common Ground aka Memories of My Dad. When I was four years old, 1944, my parents bought a home in the Bronx River/Soundview section of the Bronx. It was an area that was then a mixture of farmland and rapidly growing working-to-middle-class housing. Our home was located in a Jewish neighborhood and we were warmly welcomed. Dad came from Kashmir 30 years earlier and Mom was from Nevis in the West Indies. Dad always chose to live in Jewish communities due to similarities of religious practices (i.e. Kosher meat and Hillal meat were thought to be essentially the same).

It was a very happy move with many wonderful new friends for my brother, Mom and Dad and I. That is, until the late spring of the following year. Dad was a foreman and some of the men who worked for him were African-American (Negro was the term used then) and friendships had developed between Dad and several of the guys. On a Sunday, (Sunday was the only day Dad had off from work), we had a barbecue in the backyard to which family, friends and neighbors were invited; almost all had regularly been to our homes for dinners during the winter. That included Charley Boyer, Kassavubu, Amos and their wives--all were black. As I remember, it was a wonderful party although I recall Mom noticing that some of our neighbors didn't stay long.

The next day, we later learned, the first block association in our area was formed and their first order of business was to hire a lawyer. The following day, the lawyer came to our house and informed my mother that the Association was eager to purchase our home and offered a reasonable profit. Blacks were welcome as workers in the area during the week, but never on Sunday and not as guests. Mom tactfully told the lawyer to telephone that night -and speak with her husband. Dad, pre-warned, told the lawyer to come around the next morning and he could present his proposition then. I was intrigued, with all that a five year old could be, for clearly Dad was not going to work, and that was unheard of.

When the lawyer appeared, my father met him on the porch and after hearing him out, asked if he understood correctly that the presence of Dad's black friends prompted the offer to buy. No sooner had the lawyer said yes, when my father moved into action grabbing the man by the scruff of his neck and the seat of his pants. I can still see the arc made in the brilliant sunlight as the lawyer flew through the air, having been tossed off the porch onto the lawn. Dad put on his working clothes, kissed us each good-bye and left by saying this was worth forgetting and that he would be home that evening for supper. Never did a neighbor ever mention the subject again. We lived in that house for the next 22 years with our door always open to friends, family and neighbors.

Several years later, 1948, we spent the summer in the Catskill mountains as was the family habit. That year Mom and Dad decided not to stay at Schneider's Paradise Bungalow Colony but instead to rent our own house in a ritzier part of the "Yiddish Alps" or the Borscht Belt as the region was affectionately known. A wonderful cottage was rented from the McDonalds, a farm family who had lived on that land for many generations. The McDonalds seemed extremely pleased to have us, especially since Mrs. McDonald and Mom seemed to have much in common, as well as having boys of the same age. The summer promised to be a brilliant one.

Well, that was the case from Memorial Day to July 4th, until my folks had their annual Independence Day fete. Many friends came up from the City or over from Schneider's Paradise to celebrate with us--and a large number were Jewish. Old man McDonald, livid with rage, banged on the open door and told my father that Jews were not welcome on his property and that we were to vacate the property the next day. Good ole Dad swung into action and did the old heave-ho-off-the-front porch trick. And after a few awkward moments, the party continued well past its usual ending time and we kids were allowed to stay up 'til the absolute end. Dad refused to move, in spite of Mom's protestations that she did not want to stay where she wasn't wanted. For Dad it was a matter of principle. After a week or two, Mrs. McDonald and the boys would come around whenever Mr. McDonald was away bringing a pie, cake, or some other little gift.

Dad's clarity of one-worldness, loyalty to friends, and readiness to bear witness is reflected in the quote from Black Elk: "You don't get the power of your vision until you live it out."

Changes In GHI. There have been many changes in GHI coverage:

* Basic coverage now includes 365 days of hospital coverage

* The optional rider drug coverage premium increases

* Prescription maintenance drugs are now on mail order as of 8/99

OSA Welfare Fund will make a partial payment for the drug rider for GHI Medicare retirees (date to be announced)

Comptroller McCall urges a permanent cost of living adjustment for pensioners in all public retirement systems in New York State. (Booklet available "Cola/2000")

Plattsburgh Press Republican, May 21, 1999: McCall urges state retirees to action; Calls for support for annual cost-of-living increase in pensions by Joe LoTemplio, staff writer

PLATTSBURGH - State Comptroller H. Carl McCall urged local retirees to help him get a permanent cost-of-living increase established for state workers.

Speaking before about 250 retirees of the Civil Service Employees Association Thursday afternoon, McCall said there is plenty of money in the pension fund to afford an annual increase.

"The fund is doing well enough to afford it, and the public servants deserve it, McCall said. "Who came up here and helped out during the ice storm? It wasn't IBM or Xerox; it was public employees."

The State Legislature must approve a permanent cost-of-living increase.

McCall said his strategy is to get leaders of the eight major pension funds in the state together this year to agree on a plan. Then, next year, when many state representatives are up for election, the plan would be brought to the legislature.

"I don't know what it is, but it seems like more things get done when it's an election year,. McCall said tongue-in-cheek, to the laughter of the crowd. "I urge you to convince your legislators to do this."

Thomas Begin, spokesman for State Sen. Ronald B. Stafford (R-Plattsburgh), said the senator, who chairs the powerful Senate Finance Committee, has always been supportive of cost of living increases for retirees. "We'll be happy to look at any plan," Begin said.

The pension fund has been successful under McCall's leadership. In recent years, it has grown from $56 billion to $110 billion.

The comptroller reiterated his opposition to the state's past attempt to raid the pension fund for state business. "The pension fund is not a slush fund to bail out the state. It's there for the retirees," McCall said.

John Kourofsky, president of the CSEA Local 916, said a permanent cost-of-living increase is critical to many area retirees. "A lot of people are on fixed incomes, and it's hard for them to make ends meet," Kourofsky said.

McCall said that under his plan, those who have been retired the longest will get the biggest bumps. "Because, when they retired a long time ago, wages were lower so their benefits were lower," McCall said.

That would help people like George Ciccone, who retired from the Plattsburgh City Fire Department 21 years ago. "It's been 18 years since I got an increase, Ciccone, 65, said.

Active Members Of The Organization Of Staff Analysts Retirees Club. Alice Allen, Clifford Allen, Leslie Allen, Joseph Alvarez, Hakimah Al-Zahra, Marsha Ambrose, Paul Anderson, Jean Anmuth, Florence Appelstein, Henry Armendinger, Hanacho Atako, Jewel Bachrach, Robert Backes, Don Baharav, Milked Bails, Mary Barrow, Charles Baroo, Ted Bare, Ranee Bash, Barbara Bahts, Charles Bacchanalia, Judith Bliss, Ruth Bell, Joanne Belt, Diana Bonitos, Carol Band, Marilyn Bernard, George Burned, Vidyadhar Bide, Adonai Bake, Helen Bleacher, Elizabeth Border, Anthony Branchial, Veronica Bright, Avena Brighten, Angel Brown, Berth Ma Brown, Herbert Brown, Rosemary Brown, James Beechen, Theorize Bark, Kenneth Burton, Patricia Burton, Joseph Buster, Dorothy Bryd, Eugene Calvert, Joseph Cappiello, Burton Carlin, Phyllis Carr, Janice Cerra, Lana Cherry, Ida Chin, John Clark, Josephine Clark, Joyce Cleary, George Cohen, Elsie Colon, James Corleto, Hannibal Coscia, Peter Costa, George Costantino, Stanley Cutchins, Elizabeth D'Aversa, Marilyn Daitsman, Dolores Daniels, Ralph Delise, John Dellecave, Rochelle DiCristofalo, Vincent DiGesu, Anthony DiLeonardo, Gloria D'Jaha, Edwin Douglass, Carla Drije, James Duffield, Walter Dugan, Martina Elam, May Engler, Gloria Erardy, Linda Erickson, Camille Fatto, William Fellows, Carol Fernandez, Lee Filerman, Harold Fowler, Branda Fox, Bev Freierman, Manny Friedman, Ella Gales, Lorraine Gewirtz, Shirley Gilliam, Mary Giraldi, Myrna Gonzalez, Pedro Gonzalez, Joan Gordon, Sheila Gorsky, Sybil Gowdy, Stanley Granat, Susan Greenhouse, Stephen Gregor, Ira Greinsky, Gilbert Grennie, George Gritzan, Mary Gropp, Marcia Grossberg, Martin Grower, Richard Guarino, Frank Gulino, Mary Gunn, Tilak Gupta, Yvonne Haggar, Claire Hall, Frances Hapaz, Marion Harnik, John Hastey, Elizabeth Henderson, Jacqueline. Henderson, Solomon Himelfarb, Maria Ibanez, Haydee Inclan, Ruben Irizarry, Evelyn Jackson, Gloria Jimenez, Elizabeth Johnson, Robert Johnson, Marilyn Johnson, Flora Jones, Roslyn Jones, Hjalmar Jorgensen, Melvin Kalmanowitz, Jeffrey Keller, Carol Keyser, John Kobelski, Marian Konstan, Henry Korobelnik, Irving Kriendler, Jane Kronholtz, Richard Kucera, Adele Kwaw, Rita Langer, Judith Layzer, Joel Leichter, Andrew Lewis, Charles Lieberman, Joyce Liechenstein, William Linhart, Lillie Lockhart, Leopold Loher, Eileen Lovett, Flora Lucchese, Rose Maconi, Hank Mandel, Carol Marker, Donald Marshall, Ralph Martinez, Peter Mastropolo, Rosylin Maxwell, Weltha McCant, Thomas McGann, Jim McKeon, Velma Mclaughlin, Pearlie Mennell, Margarita Mercado, Brenda Mereu, James Meyer, Joseph Mickens, John Milat, Paula Miller, Dr. Helen Mitchell, Sallie Monk, Barbara Mont, Charles Montalbano, Dan Morgan, Susan Muligrav, J.J. Murphy, Mary Murphy, John Nash, Melba Neely, Jack Niznick, Catherine O'Connell, John O'Fee, Thomas Ogden, Sheldon Oliff, Murray Olsen, Henry Opad, John 0st, Larry Pappert, Delores Peloso, Sara Perry, Anthony Pettolina, Mary Ellen Phifer, Theodore Phillips, Jack Pilchman, Arlene Pitt, Vincent Polimeni, Pauline Pon, Peter Prestia, Alma Pugliese, Mimi Raimondi, Patricia Rashkin, Thomas Reed, Jeanette Reid, Claus Reinisch, Laura Reisman, Jack Reubens, Ray Riccio, Dolores Rice, Dolores Richards, Edna Riley,, Gwendolyn Riley, John Rose, Donald Ross, Norman Roth, Anna Rudbarg, Ed Ruettiger, Lorraines Russo, Marc Sawyer, Theresa Sbano, David Schapiro, Elaine Schirmer, Adele Schlapik, Ina Schwartz, Peter Schweitzer, Thomas Seelye, Ida Sessa, Anita Shleifstein, John Siddons, Edna Sieber, Lois Sims, Ina Sinclair, Milton Sirota, Catherine Slade, Edward Smith, Charlotte Spiegel, Janette Springle, Fred Steinberg, Bernice Stephens, Barbara Stewart, James Stewart, Cele Stolzenberg, Penelope Stubbs, Thomas Tallarico, Tuly Tanenbaum, Kirsten Telemaque, Barbara Thompson, Arthur Thomsen, Nora Tinsley, John Toman, Roberta Van Laven, Ana Vives, Vida Wagner, Richard Walters, Herbert Wasserman, Jacquelyn Watson, Rose Weiss-Fischler, Eric Werner, Alyce White, Grace White, Margaret Williams, Bettye Wilson, Kay Wilson, Geraldine Wooden, Simeon Wright, Bernard Yen.

OSARC newsletter - December 1999 The next scheduled meeting of the OSA/OSART Retirees Club (OSARC) will be Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at noon at the OSA office, 220 East 23rd Street, Suite 709. It will be an exciting event! Like New Years Eve! We welcome all new retirees. December Luncheon Attendees. Hakimah Al-Zahra, Alice Allen, Leslie Allen, Jean Anmuth, Don Baharav, Renee Bash, Elizabeth Borden, Ken Burton, Ida Chin, Gloria D'Jaha, Jack Dobrow, Manny Friedman, Tom Gorse, Shirley Gray, Yvonne Haggar, Flora Jones, Roslyn Jones, Jean Krampner, Irving Kreindler, Richard Kucera, Marvin Lutenberg, Hank Mandel, George McKie, Jim McKeon, Mary Murphy, Melba Neely, Sheldon Oliff, Mary Ellen Phifer, Claus Reinisch, Edna Riley, Janette Springle, Bernice Stephens, Joe Sperling, and Anna Vives. Opening remarks by Anna Vives were very reflective. She stressed how meaningful the meetings are to her. It is a sharing of information with each other and the development of warm relationships. She felt that we have a lot to be thankful for and wished good things for the new millennium. Everyone was reminded and invited to the OSA Holiday Party to be held December 14th. Cost Of Drugs. Members are still concerned about the high cost of drugs. OSA, under the leadership of Bob Croghan, has formed an independent coalition of unions that do not have a welfare fund drug benefit. Members of these unions must buy the option rider to cover their drug prescriptions. This coalition is called "Easy Rider." The escalating cost of drugs is an international problem and the bottom line is pharmaceutical companies' drive for profits. It was suggested that we have someone from the OSA Welfare Fund speak at our next meeting. Long Term Care. Jack Dobrow wanted to know if OSA offered a plan for long term care. It does not at the present time. It was suggested that he contact the NYC Employees Benefits Program at 40 Rector St. The American Association of Retired Persons has a long term care plan, as does the Civil Service Retired Employees Association (CSREA). It was suggested that various speakers on the issue address our meetings. COLA. Joe Sperling stated that the unions, in conjunction with state comptroller Carl McCall, are pushing for a cost of living adjustment. Joe mentioned that because the 1970's inflation rate was high, many retirees are now living in poverty. Jean Anmuth visited the Kingdom of Bhutan and therefore missed our last meeting. She gave a very interesting and insightful report of her trip including information about the Buddhist religion and the two major languages spoken in Bhutan. Our next meeting will include a discussion of a change in our meeting date. Members of COMRO have to attend another earlier meeting on the same day as our monthly meeting. A change in meeting date will help these members to attend both meetings. June Luncheon. Ana Vives, Shirley Gray and Edna Riley have volunteered for the luncheon committee. They will meet and give their report at the January meeting. Schedule B Medicare. Marvin Lutenberg spoke about the $200 incentive given to individuals who joined HMOs. The reimbursement was received in August for one or two years. There was a general understanding that this was to be ongoing as long as the individual was enrolled in the HMO. However, the money has now been stopped. Marvin felt that the way the incentive was originally advertised encouraged people to join the program, but was misleading. (Ed.) Although retirees can only change their enrollment information every two years (on even years), there was a special reopener for retirees in October, 1999 for those that wanted to opt out of the HMO because of the City's reneging on the incentive. Unfortunately, communication of this information was not a high priority for the City and, as a result, very few of us knew about it. The Unions are very upset and have pressed the City to have another special reopener this spring. There are many more changes that need to be addressed in the reopener. The question, also remains whether or not this is to be "counted" as a retiree's 'once in a lifetime' change other than the regular reopener every two years. Answers will be forthcoming. Dues, Dues, Dues, For Y2K. Send In Your Dues. Starting next month we start a new membership year and begin compiling the list of active OSARC members all over again for the new year. Make sure your name is on it. COMRO Report. Jim McKeon spoke about COMRO (The Coalition of Municipal Retirees Organizations). It was founded four years ago when health plan changes were introduced and unions were left out in the cold. COMRO came together in the belief that retirees organizations could best use their power of persuasion jointly. Many issues are addressed in this group. The main focus at this time is obtaining a permanent Cost of Living Adjustment. The COLA is basically calculated on the number of years a person has been retired. COMRO wants a "real" COLA, like the Federal Government's, which is locked into the Consumer Price Index. They also want to get a CPI for Seniors and are working on this issue. Seniors vote and have many concerns. A special bill, HR1422, has been introduced to create a CPI for seniors. The Sunset Provision of the Health Care Reform Bill will expire December 31. If this provision is not extended, there will be an end to the benefits which come from the State for our health care. The Rent Control Bill must pass the City Council by March 2000 or rent protections for stabilized and controlled tenants will end. The Metropolitan Council on Housing is a good resource for answering housing questions. Visit their website at https://www.tenant.net/tengroup Y2K. Is the pension Y2K compliant? Checks have been pre-printed up to two months and the City also has a contingency plan. Some financial institutions are very interdependent and a glitch in one system can have a ripple effect on other systems. Needless to say, there is a lot of fear and panic regarding Y2K. Active Members of the Organization of Staff Analysts Retirees Club. Alice Allen, Clifford Allen, Leslie Allen, Joseph Alvarez, Hakimah Al-Zahra, Marsha Ambrose, Paul Anderson, Jean Anmuth, Florence Appelstein, Henry Armendinger, Hanacho Atako, Jewel Bachrach, Robert Backes, Don Baharav, Malkit Bains, Mary Barlow, Charles Baroo, Ted Barra, Renee Bash, Barbara Batts, Charles Beckinella, Judith Beiss, Ruth Bell, Joanna Belt, Diana Benitez, Carol Bennett, Marilyn Bernard, George Bernett, Vidyadhar Bhide, Adona Blake, Helen Blecher, Elizabeth Borden, Anthony Brancale, Veronica Bright, Yvonne Broughton, Angela Brown, Bertha Mae Brown, Herbert Brown, Rosemary Brown, James Bucchino, Theresa Burke, Kenneth Burton , Patricia Burton , Joseph Buster, Dorothy Byrd, Eugene Calvert, John Campobasso, Joseph Cappiello, Burton Carlin, Phyllis Carr, Peter Caruso, Janice Cerra, Lana Cherry, Ida Chin, John Clark, Josephine Clark, Joyce Cleary, George Cohen, Elsie Colon, James Corleto, Hannibal Coscia, Peter Costa, George Costantino, Stanley Cutchins, Liz D'Aversa, Marilyn Daitsman, Pratip Dasgupta, Dolores Daniels, Ralph Delise, John Dellecave, Ro DiCristofalo, Vincent DiGesu, Tony DiLeonardo, Gloria D'Jaha, Jack Dobrow, Edwin Douglass, Carla Drije, James Duffield, Walter Dugan Martina Elam, May Engler, Glloria Erardy, Linda Erickson, Camille Fatto, William Fellows, Carol Fernandez, Lee Filerman, Harold Fowler, Branda Fox, Bev Freierman, Manny Friedman, Ella Gales, Lorraine Gewirtz, Shirley Gilliam, Mary Giraldi, Myrna Gonzalez, Pedro Gonzalez, Joan Gordon, Sheila Gorsky, Sybil Gowdy, Stanley Granat, Susan Greenhouse, Stephen Gregor, Ira Greinsky, Gilbert Grennie, Joel Grill, George Gritzan, Mary Gropp, Marcia Grossberg , Martin Grower, Richard Guarino, Frank Gulino, Mary Gunn, Tilak Gupta, Yvonne Haggar, Claire Hall, Frances Hapaz, Marion Harnik, John Hastey, Betty Henderson, Jacq. Henderson, Solomon Himelfarb, Maria Ibanez, Haydee Inclan, Ruben Irizarry, Evelyn Jackson , Margaret Jackson, Gloria Jimenez, Elizabeth Johnson, Robert Johnson, Marilyn Johnson, Flora Jones, Roslyn Jones, Hjalmar Jorgensen, Amy Kahn, Mel Kalmanowitz, Jeffrey Keller, Carol Keyser, John Kobelski, Marian Konstan, Henry Korobelnik, Jean Krampner, Irving Kreindler, Jane Kronholtz, Richard Kucera, Adele Kwaw, Rita Langer, Judith Layzer, Joel Leichter, Andrew Lewis, Charles Lieberman, Joy Liechenstein, William Linhart, Lillie Lockhart, Leopold Loher, Eileen Lovett, Flora Lucchese, Rose Maconi, Hank Mandel, Carol Marker, Donald Marshall, Ralph Martinez, Peter Mastropolo, Rosylin Maxwell, Weltha McCant, Thomas McGann, Jim McKeon, Velma Mclaughlin, David Mei, Pearlie Mennell, Margarita Mercado, Brenda Mereu James Meyer, Joseph Mickens, John Milat, Paula Miller, Helen Mitchell, Sallie Monk, Barbara Mont, Ch. Montalbano, Dan Morgan, Susan Mullgrav, J.J. Murphy, Mary Murphy, John Nash, Melba Neely, Jack Niznick, Cath. O'Connell, John O'Fee, Thomas Ogden, Sheldon Oliff, Murray Olsen, Henry Opad, John Ost, Larry Pappert, Anita Payne, Delores Peloso, Sara Perry, Anthony Pettolina, Mary Ellen Phifer, Theodore Phillips, Jack Pilchman, Arlene Pitt, Vincent Polimeni, Pauline Pon, Peter Prestia, Alma Pugliese, Mimi Raimondi, Patricia Rashkin, Thomas Reed, Jeanette Reid, Claus Reinisch, Laura Reisman, Jack Reubens, Ray Riccio, Dolores Rice, Dolores Richards, Edna Riley, Gwendolyn Riley, John Rose, Donald Ross, Norman Roth, Anna Rudbarg, Ed Ruettiger, Lorraines Russo, Marc Sawyer, Theresa Sbano, David Schapiro, Elaine Schirmer, Adele Schlapik, Ina Schwartz, Peter Schweitzer, Thomas Seelye, Ida Sessa, Anita Shleifstein, John Siddons, Edna Sieber, Lois Sims, Ina Sinclair, Milton Sirota, Catherine Slade, David Smallwood, Edward Smith, Charlotte Spiegel, Janette Springle, Fred Steinberg, Bernice Stephens, Barbara Stewart, James Stewart, Cele Stolzenberg, Penelope Stubbs, Thomas Tallarico, Tuly Tanenbaum, Kirsten Telemaque, Barbara Thompson, Arthur Thomsen, Nora Tinsley, Irene Toler, John Toman, Roberta Van Laven, Ana Vives, Vida Wagner, Richard Walters, Herbert Wasserman, Jacquelyn Watson, Olga Weiss, R. Weiss-Fischler, Eric Werner, Alyce White, Grace White, Margaret Williams, Bettye Wilson, Kay Wilson, Geraldine Wooden, Simeon Wright, Bernard Yen. Drug Coverage. The OSA Welfare Fund Trustees continue to match the Management Benefit Fund. The MBF will cover GHI Medicare participants for almost a quarter of the cost of their prescription drug rider. OSA will do the same for our folks as well. As of December 1st, 1999 OSA began to pay $25 per person or $50 per family per month towards covered members' share of the premium, and as a result, the cost, to you, should go down by exactly that much. The current cost of the GHI Medicare Drug rider is over one hundred a month, so the help is needed. We are glad to assist our brothers and sisters and we are presently able to sustain this level of aid. Unfortunately, if drug costs continue to rise at as much as 20% a year, all Welfare Funds will have a hard time keeping up. Next year, as collective bargaining slowly grinds forward, keep your eye on amounts offered to increase payments to unions' welfare funds. We would guess that a large increase is in store for health benefit payments, but a guess is only a guess. We will see. If you have any questions about this, please call Diana Carroll at 212-686-1229.

OSARC newsletter - August 1999 The first scheduled meeting of the OSA/OSART Retirees Club (OSARC) for the new year will be Wednesday, September 3, 1999 at noon at the OSA office, 220 East 23rd Street, Suite 709. Let's start the year off with a bang! We welcome all new retirees. Plans for "Dinner Dance 2000" are to be discussed. Gala June Luncheon Attendees: Alice Allen and her husband Leslie, Paul Anderson and guest Felipe Serrano, Jean Anmuth, Hanacho Atako, Mary Barlow and guest Gail Hamilton, Charles Baroo, Rene Bash, Gwendolyn Barnes, Elizabeth Borden, Ken Burton, Patricia Burton and guest Bill Pfister, Lana Cherry, Ida Chin, Joyce Cleary and her husband Jim, and their son Steven, Stanley Cutchins, Malkit Baines, Gloria Djaha, William Fellows, Manny Friedman, Thomas Gorse, Sheila Gorsky, Stanley Granat and his wife Diana, Shirley Gray, Steven Gregor, Paul Henry, Flora Jones, Roslyn Jones, John Kobelski, Irving Kreindler, Richard Kucera, Hank Mandel, Jim McKeon, Dan Morgan, Melba Neely, John Ost, Catherine O'Connell, Sheldon Oliff, Claus Reinisch, Edna Rlley, Janette Springle, Anna Vives and Rlchard Walters. The Gala June Luncheon was as unusual a usual success. All the important people were there. Those of you who weren't are sure to come next year. The food, as always, was scrumptious, even for those who got served very, very late. Some even received two meals! The luncheon and the monthly meeting are ways to keep in touch with your past. For many of us, the past is slipping away slowly but surely. When you come to think of it, we are the only history of before Giuliani... when HRA was the place to service those in need, not close welfare centers. When DHS used to try to find living arrangements for the shelter clients, not close shelters. When DOP used to try to follow the civil service law, not hire Per Diems who are not counted in headcount and cannot be bumped by civil servants. When HHC were hospitals that had nurses and beds, not just out-patient services. And on and on and on. Or should we say we are the lucky ones that got out in time, most of us in Tier 1. We need to get together to remember "the good ole times," even if it wasn't when we were there. That's what retirees do! Dinner Dance 2000. Would you come from all over and from everywhere to attend a dinner dance in May or June 2000? If we could keep the price around $50 per person (plus $18 for non-members)? Probably during the week. The prices are better. Most likely in Manhattan. We have a place in mind. The September meeting will begin to discuss the possibilities. If you are far, far away, and can't make the meeting, please call Sheila or Shirley and give your opinion. Now Is Your Chance To Get Back At Your Boss. Below is the text of a letter to all new retirees. Of course, those of you who retired before July 15, 1999 would not know about it. It gives us all the opportunity to get our bosses in trouble. You know, the ones that changed reports to show they did work, or the ones that hired their friends and relatives, the ones who never showed, the ones who sat with their feet up and made everyone do the work... the list is endless. Read the letter, you'll love it! City of New York Department of Investigation, July 15, 1999 Dear New Retiree: Congratulations on your recent retirement. The City of New York appreciates your years of devoted service and wishes you an enjoyable retirement. Even now, however, you may still be able to serve the City by sharing with my office important knowledge you accumulated during your career in public service. The Department of Investigation has the responsibility not only to investigate specific instances of fraud and corruption, but also to identify and eliminate inefficiency and mismanagement in City government. You, as a professional with many years of experience, are an invaluable source of information and advice. Perhaps during your career you noticed agency procedures that could be streamlined, made more effective, or even eliminated entirely. You may have observed conditions or practices you considered wasteful or ripe [or abuse, or just come across something you felt was not right. If so, the Department of Investigation would like to hear about it. If you have any information or concerns that you would like to bring to our attention, I assure you they will be treated with utmost professionalism and confidentiality. You can call the Department of Investigation at (212) 825-2456 and speak to either Special Investigator John Feehan or Associate Staff Analyst Helen Kashimer, or visit or write to them at 80 Maiden Lane, 19th floor, New York New York 10038. If you choose to visit, please come during business hours, Monday through Friday, and ask for either one of them. Once again, thank you for your years of dedicated public service and your continued commitment to Insuring the competence and integrity of City government. Very truly yours, Edward Kuriansky, Commissioner Happy Birthday to Our July, August, and September Retirees. Hakimah Al-Zahra, Carmen Alfaro, Robert Angarola, Hanacho Atako, Joan Atkin, Steven August, Yvonne Barno, Ted Barra, Charles Beckinella, Marilyn Bernard, Vidyadhar Bhide, Anthony Brancale, Theresa Burke, Eugene Calvert, John Campobasso, Joseph Cappiello, Estelle Chodosch, Hannibal Coscia, Elizabeth D'Aversa, Charles Davis, Rufina Deguzman, Ralph Delise, Vincent Digesu, Sheila Donohue, Martina Elam, Lee Filerman, Joan Filot, Arlene Forman, Harold Fowler, Branda Fox, Renee Fox, Manny Friedman, Rosalie Frost, Jesus Gagui, Daphney Garrison, Joseph Giglio, Shirley Gilliam, Myrna Gonzalez, Sybil Gowdy, Stanley Granat, Shirley Gray, Ira Greinsky, Gilbert Grennie, Richard Guarino, Sarah Hecht, Richard Horn, Haydee Inclan, Pearl Jackson, Barbara Jordan, Gilbert June, Jeffrey Keller, Betty Kenner, Carol Keyser, Richard Kucera, Adele Kwaw, Judith Layzer, Roger Lew, Virginia Locco, Rose Maconi, Henry Mandel, Clarissa Manjarrez, Lucretia Marcigliano, Donald Marshall, Mary Katherine McEwen, Joyce McFarlane, Velma McLaughlin, JJ McQuade, Carol Michaels, Dr. Helen DeRamos, Nimia Montanez Shipper, Sheldon Oliff, Maudest Oliver, Patricia Ollison, Murray Olsen, Henry Opad, Delores Peloso, Charles Pettignano, Anthony Pettolina, Mary Ellen Phifer, Theodore Phillips, Arlene Pitt, Charles Procida, Jeanette Reid, Claus Reinisch, Jack Reubens, Gwendolyn Riley-Roberts, Raymond Riordan, Arnaldo Rodriguez, Albert Roess, John Rose, Norman Roth, Robert Sacharski, Ahahid Sarkissian, Albert Savold, Marvin Schneider, Joanna Schneller, Ina Schwartz, Solomon Schwartz, Grace Seabrook, Michael SeJan, Anita Shleifstein, John Siddons, Sheila Silver, Catherine Slade, Tuly Tanenbaum, Catherine Thompson, Daisy Thompson, Gwendolyn Truvillion, Ephraim Veals, David Vogt, Vida Wagner, John Walsh, Henry Welby, Jimmie West, Doris White, Joyce White, Maceo Williams, Yolanda Williams, James Woods. From member Chuck Baroo. Several of us talked about ideas for the OSARC meetings and newsletter. One thought was to invite members to write stories - or whatever - for perusal of the editor. If found suitable, they might be printed in an upcoming issue of the newsletter. I am taking this opportunity to attach an article I wrote a while ago for your consideration. Since this has not been solicited, I offer it for what it's worth. Whatever you decide about its merits and the appropriateness for the newsletter will be humbly accepted. My schedule prevents me from attending more than three or four OSARC meetings each year, but I clearly see the value of it and do want to contribute in whatever small way I can. Peace and Joy! (ed. note: thank you Chuck for your story "Common Ground" which follows.) Common Ground aka Memories of My Dad. When I was four years old, 1944, my parents bought a home in the Bronx River/Soundview section of the Bronx. It was an area that was then a mixture of farmland and rapidly growing working-to-middle-class housing. Our home was located in a Jewish neighborhood and we were warmly welcomed. Dad came from Kashmir 30 years earlier and Mom was from Nevis in the West Indies. Dad always chose to live in Jewish communities due to similarities of religious practices (i.e. Kosher meat and Hillal meat were thought to be essentially the same). It was a very happy move with many wonderful new friends for my brother, Mom and Dad and I. That is, until the late spring of the following year. Dad was a foreman and some of the men who worked for him were African-American (Negro was the term used then) and friendships had developed between Dad and several of the guys. On a Sunday, (Sunday was the only day Dad had off from work), we had a barbecue in the backyard to which family, friends and neighbors were invited; almost all had regularly been to our homes for dinners during the winter. That included Charley Boyer, Kassavubu, Amos and their wives--all were black. As I remember, it was a wonderful party although I recall Mom noticing that some of our neighbors didn't stay long. The next day, we later learned, the first block association in our area was formed and their first order of business was to hire a lawyer. The following day, the lawyer came to our house and informed my mother that the Association was eager to purchase our home and offered a reasonable profit. Blacks were welcome as workers in the area during the week, but never on Sunday and not as guests. Mom tactfully told the lawyer to telephone that night -and speak with her husband. Dad, pre-warned, told the lawyer to come around the next morning and he could present his proposition then. I was intrigued, with all that a five year old could be, for clearly Dad was not going to work, and that was unheard of. When the lawyer appeared, my father met him on the porch and after hearing him out, asked if he understood correctly that the presence of Dad's black friends prompted the offer to buy. No sooner had the lawyer said yes, when my father moved into action grabbing the man by the scruff of his neck and the seat of his pants. I can still see the arc made in the brilliant sunlight as the lawyer flew through the air, having been tossed off the porch onto the lawn. Dad put on his working clothes, kissed us each good-bye and left by saying this was worth forgetting and that he would be home that evening for supper. Never did a neighbor ever mention the subject again. We lived in that house for the next 22 years with our door always open to friends, family and neighbors. Several years later, 1948, we spent the summer in the Catskill mountains as was the family habit. That year Mom and Dad decided not to stay at Schneider's Paradise Bungalow Colony but instead to rent our own house in a ritzier part of the "Yiddish Alps" or the Borscht Belt as the region was affectionately known. A wonderful cottage was rented from the McDonalds, a farm family who had lived on that land for many generations. The McDonalds seemed extremely pleased to have us, especially since Mrs. McDonald and Mom seemed to have much in common, as well as having boys of the same age. The summer promised to be a brilliant one. Well, that was the case from Memorial Day to July 4th, until my folks had their annual Independence Day fete. Many friends came up from the City or over from Schneider's Paradise to celebrate with us--and a large number were Jewish. Old man McDonald, livid with rage, banged on the open door and told my father that Jews were not welcome on his property and that we were to vacate the property the next day. Good ole Dad swung into action and did the old heave-ho-off-the-front porch trick. And after a few awkward moments, the party continued well past its usual ending time and we kids were allowed to stay up 'til the absolute end. Dad refused to move, in spite of Mom's protestations that she did not want to stay where she wasn't wanted. For Dad it was a matter of principle. After a week or two, Mrs. McDonald and the boys would come around whenever Mr. McDonald was away bringing a pie, cake, or some other little gift. Dad's clarity of one-worldness, loyalty to friends, and readiness to bear witness is reflected in the quote from Black Elk: "You don't get the power of your vision until you live it out." Changes In GHI. There have been many changes in GHI coverage: * Basic coverage now includes 365 days of hospital coverage * The optional rider drug coverage premium increases * Prescription maintenance drugs are now on mail order as of 8/99 OSA Welfare Fund will make a partial payment for the drug rider for GHI Medicare retirees (date to be announced) Comptroller McCall urges a permanent cost of living adjustment for pensioners in all public retirement systems in New York State. (Booklet available "Cola/2000") Plattsburgh Press Republican, May 21, 1999: McCall urges state retirees to action; Calls for support for annual cost-of-living increase in pensions by Joe LoTemplio, staff writer PLATTSBURGH - State Comptroller H. Carl McCall urged local retirees to help him get a permanent cost-of-living increase established for state workers. Speaking before about 250 retirees of the Civil Service Employees Association Thursday afternoon, McCall said there is plenty of money in the pension fund to afford an annual increase. "The fund is doing well enough to afford it, and the public servants deserve it, McCall said. "Who came up here and helped out during the ice storm? It wasn't IBM or Xerox; it was public employees." The State Legislature must approve a permanent cost-of-living increase. McCall said his strategy is to get leaders of the eight major pension funds in the state together this year to agree on a plan. Then, next year, when many state representatives are up for election, the plan would be brought to the legislature. "I don't know what it is, but it seems like more things get done when it's an election year,. McCall said tongue-in-cheek, to the laughter of the crowd. "I urge you to convince your legislators to do this." Thomas Begin, spokesman for State Sen. Ronald B. Stafford (R-Plattsburgh), said the senator, who chairs the powerful Senate Finance Committee, has always been supportive of cost of living increases for retirees. "We'll be happy to look at any plan," Begin said. The pension fund has been successful under McCall's leadership. In recent years, it has grown from $56 billion to $110 billion. The comptroller reiterated his opposition to the state's past attempt to raid the pension fund for state business. "The pension fund is not a slush fund to bail out the state. It's there for the retirees," McCall said. John Kourofsky, president of the CSEA Local 916, said a permanent cost-of-living increase is critical to many area retirees. "A lot of people are on fixed incomes, and it's hard for them to make ends meet," Kourofsky said. McCall said that under his plan, those who have been retired the longest will get the biggest bumps. "Because, when they retired a long time ago, wages were lower so their benefits were lower," McCall said. That would help people like George Ciccone, who retired from the Plattsburgh City Fire Department 21 years ago. "It's been 18 years since I got an increase, Ciccone, 65, said. Active Members Of The Organization Of Staff Analysts Retirees Club. Alice Allen, Clifford Allen, Leslie Allen, Joseph Alvarez, Hakimah Al-Zahra, Marsha Ambrose, Paul Anderson, Jean Anmuth, Florence Appelstein, Henry Armendinger, Hanacho Atako, Jewel Bachrach, Robert Backes, Don Baharav, Milked Bails, Mary Barrow, Charles Baroo, Ted Bare, Ranee Bash, Barbara Bahts, Charles Bacchanalia, Judith Bliss, Ruth Bell, Joanne Belt, Diana Bonitos, Carol Band, Marilyn Bernard, George Burned, Vidyadhar Bide, Adonai Bake, Helen Bleacher, Elizabeth Border, Anthony Branchial, Veronica Bright, Avena Brighten, Angel Brown, Berth Ma Brown, Herbert Brown, Rosemary Brown, James Beechen, Theorize Bark, Kenneth Burton, Patricia Burton, Joseph Buster, Dorothy Bryd, Eugene Calvert, Joseph Cappiello, Burton Carlin, Phyllis Carr, Janice Cerra, Lana Cherry, Ida Chin, John Clark, Josephine Clark, Joyce Cleary, George Cohen, Elsie Colon, James Corleto, Hannibal Coscia, Peter Costa, George Costantino, Stanley Cutchins, Elizabeth D'Aversa, Marilyn Daitsman, Dolores Daniels, Ralph Delise, John Dellecave, Rochelle DiCristofalo, Vincent DiGesu, Anthony DiLeonardo, Gloria D'Jaha, Edwin Douglass, Carla Drije, James Duffield, Walter Dugan, Martina Elam, May Engler, Gloria Erardy, Linda Erickson, Camille Fatto, William Fellows, Carol Fernandez, Lee Filerman, Harold Fowler, Branda Fox, Bev Freierman, Manny Friedman, Ella Gales, Lorraine Gewirtz, Shirley Gilliam, Mary Giraldi, Myrna Gonzalez, Pedro Gonzalez, Joan Gordon, Sheila Gorsky, Sybil Gowdy, Stanley Granat, Susan Greenhouse, Stephen Gregor, Ira Greinsky, Gilbert Grennie, George Gritzan, Mary Gropp, Marcia Grossberg, Martin Grower, Richard Guarino, Frank Gulino, Mary Gunn, Tilak Gupta, Yvonne Haggar, Claire Hall, Frances Hapaz, Marion Harnik, John Hastey, Elizabeth Henderson, Jacqueline. Henderson, Solomon Himelfarb, Maria Ibanez, Haydee Inclan, Ruben Irizarry, Evelyn Jackson, Gloria Jimenez, Elizabeth Johnson, Robert Johnson, Marilyn Johnson, Flora Jones, Roslyn Jones, Hjalmar Jorgensen, Melvin Kalmanowitz, Jeffrey Keller, Carol Keyser, John Kobelski, Marian Konstan, Henry Korobelnik, Irving Kriendler, Jane Kronholtz, Richard Kucera, Adele Kwaw, Rita Langer, Judith Layzer, Joel Leichter, Andrew Lewis, Charles Lieberman, Joyce Liechenstein, William Linhart, Lillie Lockhart, Leopold Loher, Eileen Lovett, Flora Lucchese, Rose Maconi, Hank Mandel, Carol Marker, Donald Marshall, Ralph Martinez, Peter Mastropolo, Rosylin Maxwell, Weltha McCant, Thomas McGann, Jim McKeon, Velma Mclaughlin, Pearlie Mennell, Margarita Mercado, Brenda Mereu, James Meyer, Joseph Mickens, John Milat, Paula Miller, Dr. Helen Mitchell, Sallie Monk, Barbara Mont, Charles Montalbano, Dan Morgan, Susan Muligrav, J.J. Murphy, Mary Murphy, John Nash, Melba Neely, Jack Niznick, Catherine O'Connell, John O'Fee, Thomas Ogden, Sheldon Oliff, Murray Olsen, Henry Opad, John 0st, Larry Pappert, Delores Peloso, Sara Perry, Anthony Pettolina, Mary Ellen Phifer, Theodore Phillips, Jack Pilchman, Arlene Pitt, Vincent Polimeni, Pauline Pon, Peter Prestia, Alma Pugliese, Mimi Raimondi, Patricia Rashkin, Thomas Reed, Jeanette Reid, Claus Reinisch, Laura Reisman, Jack Reubens, Ray Riccio, Dolores Rice, Dolores Richards, Edna Riley,, Gwendolyn Riley, John Rose, Donald Ross, Norman Roth, Anna Rudbarg, Ed Ruettiger, Lorraines Russo, Marc Sawyer, Theresa Sbano, David Schapiro, Elaine Schirmer, Adele Schlapik, Ina Schwartz, Peter Schweitzer, Thomas Seelye, Ida Sessa, Anita Shleifstein, John Siddons, Edna Sieber, Lois Sims, Ina Sinclair, Milton Sirota, Catherine Slade, Edward Smith, Charlotte Spiegel, Janette Springle, Fred Steinberg, Bernice Stephens, Barbara Stewart, James Stewart, Cele Stolzenberg, Penelope Stubbs, Thomas Tallarico, Tuly Tanenbaum, Kirsten Telemaque, Barbara Thompson, Arthur Thomsen, Nora Tinsley, John Toman, Roberta Van Laven, Ana Vives, Vida Wagner, Richard Walters, Herbert Wasserman, Jacquelyn Watson, Rose Weiss-Fischler, Eric Werner, Alyce White, Grace White, Margaret Williams, Bettye Wilson, Kay Wilson, Geraldine Wooden, Simeon Wright, Bernard Yen. Questions about website content? Phone (212) 686-1229 Technical questions about this website? Email webmaster@osaunion.org Copyright ©1998 Organization of Staff Analysts. All rights reserved.