1. family and parenting
2. children

LIFE MEMBER NEWS
NORTHEAST BLENDED CLUB
May 2015
Vol. 15 Issue 4
Ohio Chapter #2
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What up in “May”
Sleeping Mats for the Homeless
th
5 Cinco de Mayo
10th Mother’s Day
16th Armed Forces Day
18th Victoria Day (Canada)
26th Memorial Day Observed
The AT&T Pioneers re-launched the Sleeping
Mats for the Homeless Project during the 2014
Joint ERG Conference in Dallas on Saturday,
September 21, 2014.
Member’s Meetings See Units Page
East LM Luncheon May 6th Pg. 6
West Life Member’s Luncheon May 7th Pg. 8
Northeast LM Breakfast May 6th Pg. 7
Youngstown LM Luncheon May 13th Pg. 10
Downtowner’s LM Luncheon May 1st Pg. 3
Brecksville LM Luncheon May 8st Pg. 5
Akron LM Luncheon May 20th Pg. 4
Northeast LM Luncheon May 20th Pg. 7
East Breakfast every Monday
9:00 A.M. Bob Evans Rt.-8 & Highland Rd
West Breakfast every Tuesday
8:00 A.M. Gene’s at Kamm’s Corners
Canton Men’s Breakfast, every 3rd Wed., Athens,
every Thursday Food Court Belden Village,
Alliance every Thursday at 8:00 AM at Poncho’s
Texas-Mexican Café’, a group of men meet every
day at Panera’s, about 10:00 AM, on the strip off
Portage Rd. & Operator’s 1st Tues. every month at
various places.
Akron/Canton Retires Breakfast, the first
Tuesday of every month at 9:30 AM at Menches
Brothers Restaurant 3700 Massillon Rd. in the
shops of Green just south of I-77. Cheryl Heckman
330-492-6166.
Central Office Retirees meet the 1st Thursday of
the month at Bob Evans on Arlington St. at I-77
at 9:15 AM
Northeast Blended Club
15th
Northeast will hold a Meeting on Friday, May
at 6889 Snowville Rd., Brecksville, Ohio. The
meeting will start at 8:30 AM and phone conference
is available.
See page 3 for list of projects.
Pioneer Casino Fundraiser June 18th – Page 9
Over 100 AT&T employees volunteered to sort,
fold, cut, weave, roll and crochet plastic
grocery bags into sleeping mats for the
homeless community. The community service
event was hosted by the Dallas and San Diego
Council Pioneers with the support of the
National Board. The National Projects and
Programs Committee adopted this project so
Pioneers across the U.S. can engage and
contribute their volunteer hours to the
Pioneers. Completed mats will be given directly
to the charity in need, or to a local Pioneer unit,
or to the National Project Lead.
The AT&T Pioneers’ intent is to recycle plastic
bags and make them useful by crocheting
them into sleeping mats and donate them to
local shelters, churches or other like
organizations for distribution to the homeless
community.
“I am grateful to all the employees who
attended and supported Pioneers at the ERG
conference! We posted over 343 hours in the
AT&T Volunteerism Portal! Our goal is to
continue to grow this service project throughout
our local communities. We can support our
local communities while also helping to free our
landfills and oceans of plastic bags.” – Danielle
Carnicom
The top 10 consumer complaints reported to
FTC and when it alright to be rude to unwanted
callers. See page 11
Discount on Home Wireless Service
If you have AT&T cell phone service you can
purchase wireless for you home for $10 per month
and keep your existing phone number and phones.
See page 7
Page 2
Wedding Anniversaries:
Wedding Anniversaries Continued:
Louis W. & Mary Adams
5/27/50
65 DNTN
Sophie & Harry Schierer
5/17/52
63 AKRON
James R. & Ruth Albright
5/20/55
60 Akron
Metro & Linda Rose Sinko
5/25/105 10 WEST
Karen J. & Richard Bobcheck 5/24/70
45 EAST
Charles E. & Audrey Smith
5/22/54
61 EAST
Richard L. & Kathleen Boscarello
5/1/71
Nancy J. & Randy Snavely
5/13/61
54 DNTN
44
John W. & Joy Sweeney
5/5/62
53 WEST
Barbara Lee & Wil Brownlow 5/16/94
21 WEST
Philp P. & Mary Byham
5/30/58
57 CANTON
Joan & Robert Cochrac
5/7/55
60 WEST
Kenneth C. & Sharon Temple 5/15/65
50 DNTN
Patricia A. & William Vincler 5/6/67
48 BCVL
William J. & Lucille Weisbarth 5/12/04
11 WEST
Sarah M. & William T. Cooper-Bright
5/30/90
25 DNTN
Georgia & Jim Willard
5/18/96
19 WEST
Mike & Linda DeRienzo
49 DNTN
Edward & Joanne Zambory
5/15/54
61 BCVL
5/14/66
Rosemary & Michael Donzella 5/30/92
23 EAST
Russell N. & Maxine Foster
5/26/56
59 AKRON
Death of Members
Karl F. & Nancy Haught
5/3/57
58 YGTN
Richard F. Allen 2/3/15 WEST Westlake, OH
Ellamay Ruth & Raymond Hontert
5/5/51
64 BCVL
Benedict A. & Carol Jarosz
5/12/56
59 DNTN
Frederick J. & Carol Jarosz
5/21/60
55 WEST
Fred W. & Rose Johnson
5/29/58
57 BCVL
Beverly A. Battista 1/2015 DNTNW South Euclid, OH
Veronica T. Bednarek 2/3/15 DNTNW Olmsted TWP, OH
Thomas C. GILL 1/25/15 AKRON Cuyahoga Fls, OH
Brenda Greer
1/21/15 AKRON Akron, OH
Theresa R. Jaklich 1/31/15 NEAST Mentor, OH
Robert F. & Gwendolyn Jones 5/26/46
69 AKRON
John G. & Margie Korsnak
5/16/48
67 WEST
Judith "Judy" Kucharik 3/2/15 EAST Willoughby, OH
Charles W. & Josanne Kurka
5/9/70
45 DNTN
Ruth Lawton
2/26/15 AKRON Akron, OH
Tom & Carole & Lovell
5/27/72
43 WEST
Robert J. Levy
1/27/15 NEAST Mentor, OH
Kevin & Ann Lynch
5/9/86
29 ACT
George Matinides 1/24/15 CANT Louisville, OH
Kathryn C. & Robert Maier
5/31/75
40 WEST
James E. Matuska Jr. 2/1/15 WEST Seven Hills, OH
George E. & Nancy Martin
5/5/56
59 CANTON
Michael Mikita
11/5/14
Carrie & James Maschuk
5/14/66
49 WEST
Mary L. Peck
2/2/15 EAST Chesterland, OH
Harry & Elsie R. Mayes, Sr.
5/31/47
68 EAST
Thomas D. & Kathleen McCoy 5/1/54
61 NEAST
Loretta T. & Greg Nemeth
5/14/02
13 NEAST
Richard E. & Helene Novak
5/3/58
57 WEST
Michael E. & Joan Ochall
5/2/59
56 DNTN
John D. & Mary Lou Ohlin
5/28/66
49 BCVL
Nicholas C. & Marlene Olbrysh 5/27/72
43 BCVL
Alice & John Olenchuk
5/19/56
59 WEST
John C. & Jane Orlo
5/9/64
51 YGTN
Arlene & Joseph Palko
5/1/54
61 WEST
Karole M. & Joe Polasko
5/23/81
34 AKRON
Margaret L. Stefanski 12/26/14 BCVL Hudson, OH
*Correction, Last name spelled wrong in April Issue
*Harry Mayes
Reinhart S. & Dorothy Rymer 5/9/59
56 DNTN
Burton , OH
2/2/15 EAST Euclid, OH
It Happened in May
Charles Lindbergh made the first transatlantic solo
flight in May of 1927. The plane was ‘The Spirit of
St. Louis’.
The Hindenburg Airship disaster happened on May
6, 1937. It was landing in Lakehurst, NJ when it
exploded. 36 lives were lost.
Page 3
Subscription Information 2015
Northeast Blended Club Projects Cont.
Cost - $14.00 for 11 issues a year. Circulation 836
Subscription renewal for 2015 is due December 15
2014. Call Dave Hughes for Price on Mid-Year
Subscriptions and E-mail edition.
MAY
PROJECT: RITE AID CLEVELAND MARATHON
DATE: Sunday, May 17, 2015
CONTACT: http://volunteer.truist.com/bvu3/org/10359437489.html
Make checks payable to: TelecomPioneers
JUNE
OUTING: PIONEER NIGHT WITH THE TRIBE
DATES: TBD
CONTACT: Marji Juba at 440-838-2775 or
[email protected]
Address Changes - Please send the mailing label
on the back cover along with your new address to
the editor at the address listed below. Please include
your new phone number.
2015 Subscriptions – Please mail subscription
with check to: Gary Dunbar, 20387 Brookstone Trl.
Middleburg Hts. 44130, Tel 440-234-3231
[email protected]
Editor: Dave Hughes TEL 440-409-0021
2470 Jameston Dr., Rocky River, OH 44116,
[email protected]
Newsletter Article Deadline for June 2015 Issue is
Apr. 26, 2015
Akron Life Member Center Closed.
Address Changes and Questions Call Russ Jones at
home 330-724-7590
Youngstown Life Member Center
2933 Salt Springs Road (New)
Youngstown, OH 44509-1039
Hours Mon, Wed & Fri 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
330-779-0704 & *0716 *Ans. Mach
Cleveland Life Member Center
6889 Snowville Rd., RM 3S-094
Brecksville, OH 44114 (Mail Only)
PROJECT: PIONEER PICNIC – RONALD
MCDONALD HOUSE
DATE: June 6, 2015
CONTACT: Kevin Lynch at 216-822-7283 or
[email protected]
JULY
PROJECT: TOOLS FOR LEARNING
Volunteers needed to purchase basic school supplies
listed below.
The Pioneers will purchase and stuff the backpacks with
the supplies you provide.
DATE: July 13 – July 24, 2015
CONTACT: Diana at 216-476-6184 or [email protected]
TOOLS FOR LEARNING - School Supplies
3 Different colored pocket folders
3 Wide ruled 1-subject spiral notebooks
1 Dozen #2 pencils
1 Box colored pencils - 12 count
2 Hi-liters
1 Ruler - with metric markings
1 Zippered pencil pouch
2 Small glue sticks
Downtowners
AUGUST
PROJECT: PEDAL TO THE POINT
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available to
support 2000+ cyclists
along the route from Brunswick to Sandusky.
DATE: August 1-2, 2015
CONTACT: Mary Karahuta at 440-327-8510 or
[email protected]
Luncheon – 11.30 AM, Friday May 1st at the
Hooley House on Tiedeman at 10310 Cascade
Crossing, Brooklyn, OH. Order of Menu and
separate checks. Call Bernie Bischel 216-671-9484
PROJECT: KICK IT FOR CANCER
DATE: August 20, 2015 (5pm)
WHERE: Progressive Field
CONTACT: Jamie Sheffler at 216-212-6078 or
Please do not mail Newsletter Subscriptions to
this address.
Directions – The restaurant is located on the east
side of Tiedeman Rd. between I-480 and
Brookpark. It located behind Stake & Shake.
[email protected]
Page 4
AKRON CLUB
Luncheon Meeting
WEDNESDAY–May 20, 2015 – 12:30 P.M.
Stow/Glen Retirement Center – The Birch Meeting Room
4285 Kent Rd. Stow, Ohio
Lunch is catered by 3 Hearts Catering
Callers will be in touch for Reservations
Effective January 1, 2015 send volunteer hours to Eva Masek - 9018 Lowell Lane,
Northfield, Ohio – 44067. E-mail – [email protected]
Our March speaker was from the Akron Zoo. However, he mistakenly put Thursday in
his calendar instead of Wednesday. He will be rescheduled.
MOTHER’S DAY – Anna Jarvis is recognized as the founder of Mother’s Day in the
U.S. In 1907, Anna and her supporters wrote hundreds of letters to people in positions of power
lobbying for an official Mother’s Day holiday to pay tribute to the contributions Mothers make.
By 1911 Mother’s Day was celebrated in every state. On May 8, 1914 Pres. Woodrow Wilson
signed a joint resolution designating the 2nd Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. “All THAT I
AM, OR HOPE TO BE, I OWE TO MY ANGEL MOTHER” --- ABRAHAM
LINCOLN
MEMORIAL DAY – Is formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men
& women who have died in military service for the U.S. On the first Decoration Day, General
James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery. 5,000 people decorated the
graves of 20,000 Union & Confederate soldiers buried there. New York was the first state to
recognize Decoration Day in 1883. By 1890 it was recognized in all Northern states. The
South refused and honored confederate soldiers on a separate day. After WW 1 they honored
the military dead in all wars. The name Memorial Day did not come into use until after WW ll.
It was held on May 30 no matter what day it fell on. In 1968 the Uniform Holiday Bill passed
as part of a move to use Federal holidays to create 3 day weekends. So since 1971 Memorial
Day is officially observed on the last Monday in May.
DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY – GENERAL DOUGLAS MacARTHUR
Deaths – Ruth Lawton – 2/26/15 --- Shirley Cleary lost her husband ---Joanne Phillipp lost her
61year old son suddenly. His name is Jerry Brightman.
REMEMBER APPEARS 180 TIMES IN THE BIBLE – Bev Sutherland
Page 5
BRECKSVILLE
Luncheon-Meeting – May 8th –Lunch at 11:45
Carrie Cerino’s 8922 Ridge Rd – North Royalton
Reservations by May 1st Call Carol Novak
Order off menu
440-842-1798
We are going to have our luncheons on the second Friday of each month. There was some
confusion because we get the next month newsletter before our luncheon meeting.
At our March meeting we had 14 people. The weather is getting better so I hope you will
consider coming to our meeting and enjoy some fellowship. Nora Boladis was unable to attend
in March because she just got out of the hospital after a four day stay. I’m sure she would enjoy
a card “thinking of you”. We did collect $22 from our “Change Jar” for St. Hermans. Irene
Topolski and Marge Rybak were our winners of our 50/50 raffle.
I would like to thank everyone who brought in towels and toothbrushes for the “Warms heart
and hands” project. Remember if you have any yarn that you do not need please bring the yarn
to the meeting. Knitters can use it to make gloves, etc. And don’t forget you pop tabs for
Ronald McDonald House.
Hug-A-Bears – We can use some more volunteers on this project. You do not have to
come every month but once in a while will be a great help. Next get together will be at
Brecksville Library on May 11th from 1 to 4. Carol Martin will be in charge, any questions call
her on 440-526-2890.
Fellowship – Please call Gerri Funk (440-843-6506) if you know if any one of our members
who is sick or passed away.
Carol Novak – MAL - 440-842-1798- [email protected]
There was a bit of confusion at Ace Hardware this morning.
When I was ready to pay for my shotgun shells and other ammo for hunting, the cashier said, "Strip
down, facing me!"
Making a mental note to complain to my congressman about the gun registry people running amok, I
did just as she had instructed.
When the hysterical shrieking had finally subsided, I found out that she was referring to my credit
card!
I have been asked to shop elsewhere in the future.
They need to make their instructions to us seniors a little clearer!
Page 6
EAST
EAST CLUB – May 6, 2015
PROGRAM
The Manor
Euclid Police Chief Brickman & Captain Myers will
24111 Tungsten Road, Euclid, Ohio
speak on “Heron Epidemic, Senior Citizen Scams &
Social hour: 11:00 A.M.
General Crime Prevention”.
Lunch: 12:00 – New Cost $15.50
Menu: 2 Meats full Buffet (To keep cost down, it is Chief’s choice)
Reservation by April 30th, also advance payment.
Joe Kavin
MAIL CHECK TO: Kay Babich
Prog./Chmn..
P.O. Box 1682, Mentor, Ohio 44061-1680
Phone 1-440-567-2033 (Leave Voice Mail)
APRIL SHOWERS BRINGS MAY FLOWERS. I hope by this time things will improve and we'll see
some daffodils.
Thanks to everybody who brought in paper products and breakfast food for Ronald
McDonald House, All the things that Pioneers donate help to defray the cost of maintaining the
building. Save the pull tabs. Last year the tabs raised $8000.00.
Call Pat Krul at 1-216-749-0264 to spread a little cheer. Our sympathy to the family of Judy Kubhavia
wo passed away last month. Judy attended monthly meeting and was a support of Pioneering.
At the March meeting we sang Happy Birthday and the winners were: January - Charlotte
Triplet. February winner was Jean DiSalvo. March was Pat Krul and Bob Bowen. Winners of the
50/50 were: Marge Rybak-$20.00, Don Houser and Jean DiSalvo won $5.00 each.
MEMORIES from past Pioneer projects and fun events: Cedar Point reunion and cook out in the
pavilion by the lake, Special Sports for Special People in Independence park, the mystery trips ,the
Big Bear float that was in every local parade and Chapter meetings that we shared events. Those
were the days."
April meeting we had a speaker from Cuyahoga National Parks to give us a heads up on all the
activities and interesting events at the park.
The next meeting is May 6th at The Manor. Doors open at 11:00 A.M. and lunch is at 12:00
Noon. Call Kay Babich to make a reservation.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO MOTHERS, GANDMOTHERS, STEPMOTHERS AND
GODMOTHERS. YOU ARE A BLESSING AND WE LOVE YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO..
YOURS IN PIONEERING,
Carol Yoder
PUNOGROPHY
Broken Pencils are pointless.
England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool.
I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded dough.
How do you make holy water? Boil the hell out of it!
Page 7
Northeast Life Members – May 20, 2015
Place – Family Restaurant
1945 Mentor Ave.
Painesville, Ohio
Social – 11:30 a.m. Lunch 12:00 p.m.
Call by – Fri. May 15, 2015
To: Fran Belcher or Jo Leufkens
Tel. 1-440-951-3322 or 1-440-255-3933
Menu – Order off Menu
Separate Checks
Breakfast - 9:00 AM
Date – May 6, 2015 Wednesday
Bob Evans Restaurant (Rt. 306)
Reynolds Rd. in Mentor, Ohio
John Barbo and his group always do a good job on Bingo. Everyone enjoyed bingo last month. Our next
Bingo will be in July.
We donated $75 to the Concord Alliance Church.
Fellowship: Please call Joe Leufkens at 255-3933 if you know of any of our members that are ill or have
passed away.
Also notify Joe or Fran if you will be at the lunch meeting.
May is Mother's Day May 10, 2015. A mother’s love is like a flower ever blooming, everlasting. Remember
your mother, grandmother and the woman you love. They are very special.
May - spring is here, April showers bring May flowers. The earths become becomes a live. It is a month of
love, flowers, warmer days, beautiful sunshine, green trees and life is new. Remember the people in need.
A poem by Helen Steiner Rice
“Let not your heart be troubled”
Whenever I am troubled and lost in deep despair I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer.
I tell him I am heartsick and lost and lonely too.
That my mind is deeply burdened and I don't know what to do, but I know he stilled the tempest and the calmed
the angry sea and I humbly ask if in his love he'll do the same for me.
And then I just keep quiet and think only thoughts of peace and I abide in stillness my restlessness murmuring
cease.
Happy Mother's Day to all
Yours and pioneering
Dorothy Marie Dudash
Retirees Eligible for 50 Percent
Discount on Wireless Home Phone
AT&T's Wireless Home Phone service is available to retirees at 50% off! Get unlimited nationwide calling for
$10/month with AT&T Wireless Home Phone service on a qualified voice plan.* Or, get ultra-fast internet access on
AT&T 4G LTE network with unlimited nationwide calling for $5 more per month with AT&T Wireless Home Phone
and Internet service on a qualified voice and data plan ($15/month total when added to a 10GB+ Mobile Share®
Value plan).* Simple to set up and easy to take with you. Plus you can keep your home phone number and
handsets.
*Devices sold separately. Other fees, restrictions and compatibility issues apply. Coverage and services not
available everywhere.
Page 8
WEST
WEST LIFE MEMBERS – May 7, 2015
PROGRAM
Brennan’s Party Center
Petiti's Garden Center
13000 Triskett Rd
Social hour: 11:00 A.M.
Lunch: 12:00 Noon, Meeting 1:00 P.M
Menu: Roast Beef Au Jus, Stuffed Cabbage, Penne Rigate/Meat Sauce, Steamed Redskin & Corn O,Brien
Price $17.00 -Full buffet
Call for Reservation by May 5th;
Gloria Badery, 440 846-1099, 10599 Stapleton Dr., Strongsville, OH 44136
Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there, hopefully your day is filled with happiness and pleasure.
I will be taking over the newsletter for Gary, BUT, if anyone out there enjoys doing this type of work, feel free
to let either Mary Sebastian or myself know.
PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL NO LONGER BE COLLECTING PILL BOTTLES OF ANY KIND, so
please do not bring them to the luncheons.
We are however still collecting books, magazines, pull tabs, eyeglasses and good used clothing. We are splitting
the clothing between West Side Catholic Center and St. Augustine Center. Thank you all who contribute to
these organizations, they are greatly appreciated.
Hopefully our weather is taking a turn for the good and we will all be able to start enjoying the great outdoors
soon.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of you that volunteer and give me your hours. If you have a
steady volunteer job, please let me know, where, when, how many hours and such and I will keep track of it for
you, if not please send me your hours by calling me or by e-mail at:
[email protected]
Please check the flyer in this newsletter for the trip to Rivers Casino on Thursday, June 18th, 2015.
There are seats available, and if you get tired of gambling, Pittsburgh has an awesome river walk that you can
do and many other items to check out.
Lorna Acklin would like to be notified of any member that is ill or has passed away, she is our fellowship
person to contact at 216 226-8878.
I also would like to extend the invitation again to the former Downtown Life members to join us for the
luncheon and friendship. We are all Pioneers and are willing to extend a friendly hand and join us, since we are
blending clubs all over the state.
If you would like to know about projects or fund-raisers fell free to give me a call and I will do whatever it
takes to give you an answer or find out for you.
Please bring a friend or two to the luncheons.
Gloria Badery
440 846-1099, [email protected]
Page 9
AT&T PIONEER
CASINO FUNDRAISER
$30 REGISTER & PAY BY FRIDAY MAY 29th (THAT’S ONLY $10 FOR THE BUS RIDE)
$35 AFTER FRIDAY, MAY 29th AS SEATING IS AVAILABLE
$20 IN CASINO CASH FOR SLOTS ONLY
Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, PA
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Departure Time: 8:30am
Sit back and relax on a Lakefront Motor Coach Bus
Parking is available at Lakefront Bus Terminal 13315 Brookpark Rd.
Trip to Casino: Bus departs at 8:30am/arrives at 11am at Casino
Leaves Casino at 5pm/arrives at 7:30 at bus terminal
Games….50/50 raffle….door prizes
Snacks, water, beer, pop & wine coolers are available for
purchase
****Make checks payable to: AT&T PIONEERS****
To reserve your seat or for any questions, call either:
 Diane 216 941-1487
 Steve 440 238-8435
Page 10
YOUNGSTOWN
The Youngstown Life Member Club met on March 11, 2015 at the Maronite Center. The
invocation was presented by Dave Post. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dick
Trebus.
President, Joanne Gramelt, introduced our special guest, Kathryn Infante. Infante is a
photographer, but also is talented in many other mediums. One of her many photgraphs.
“Ivy Tree” is an exhibition listing at the 77th Area Artists Annual Exhibition running
February 22 through March 29, 2015 at the BUTLER INSTITITE OF AMERICAN ART,
Youngstown, Ohio. The YWCA Women Artists: A Celebration! Is celebrating its 33rd
anniversary this year. Infante co-chairs this annual event. The viewing runs from June
22 through July 17th.the exhibit is free and open to the public. Infante brought many
beautiful projects she has done, or is working on, for us to see.
Phone companies could drop local landline services. Steve Kristan planned to be with
us, but he is part of the taskforce going to Washington to lobby this bill. Rich Gramelt
spoke concerning Kristan’s wishes to let retirees know they are entitled to: 30% discount
on Wireless Services; 50% discount on Wireless Accessories when purchased at AT&T
stores and 50% discount on Wireless home phone.
The secretary and treasurer reports were accepted as read. A thank-you card was read
from Akron Children’s Hospital.
DEATHS: John “Ray” Guerrier, 72 years, died Jan. 2, 2015. He served in the Vietnam
War on the USS Sam Houston nuclear submarine and was a Navy Seal. Following his
service he worked as a technician at Ohio Bell. In 1990, Ray became the manager of
technicians for AT&T in Akron, retiring in 1998 after 28 years. He was a member of the
Telephone Pioneers of America. He is survived by his wife and loving family.
Kathleen “Kay” Mylott Chaffee, 93 years, died on Jan. 27, 2015. Kay retired from the
Ohio Bell Telephone Co. as a supervisor in 1986. She was a member of the Pioneers
Retirees of Ohio Bell. Kay was predeceased by her husband, John, and she is
remembered by her loving family.
Our sincere sympathy goes to each of these families.
BIRTHDAYS: March 2nd, Joanne Greggo; March 10, Joanne Gramelt; March 12th,
Joseph Ress and March 20th, Jim Drotleff. No anniversaries. The 50/50 raffle was won
by Bess Continenza; Reservation Raffle winners are Sandy Bupp, Rich Gramelt, Kathryn
Infante and Joanne Gramelt. The basket raffle was won by Karl Haught. Dicki Trebus
made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Haught. Next Meeting is April 8, 2015. SEE
YOU THEN! Nancy Haught
Page 11
Consumers told it to the FTC: Top 10 complaints for
2014
February 27, 2015, by Colleen Tressler
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
Today, the FTC announced its top 10 consumer complaints for 2014. Of the more than 2.5 million consumer
complaints received…

Identity theft once again tops the list, with 13 percent of total complaints filed.

Debt collection held steady as the second-most-reported complaint, with 11 percent.

Imposter scams — where con artists impersonate government officials or others — moved into third place on
the list of consumer complaints, entering the top three complaint categories for the first time. The increase in
imposter scams was led by a sharp increase in complaints about IRS and other government imposter frauds.

Rounding out the field: Telephone and mobile services; banks and lenders; prizes, sweepstakes and lotteries;
auto-related complaints; shop-at-home and catalog sales; television and electronic media; and finally, internet
services.
Florida, Georgia and Nevada are the top three states for fraud per capita and other complaints, while Florida,
Washington and Oregon are the top three for identity theft complaints.
For a complete list of all complaint categories, check out page six of the FTC’s 2014 Consumer Sentinel Network
Data Book.
Your complaints matter at the FTC. If a business doesn’t deliver on its promises, if someone cheats you out of your
money, or if you've spotted a scam, tell it to the FTC. Your complaints help us stop rip-off artists, scammers and
fraudsters. The FTC’s aggressive law enforcement efforts put the bad guys out of business, and our vigorous
consumer education campaigns empower people just like you to make well-informed buying decisions and
recognize frauds and scams.
Reluctant to be rude?
By Amy Hebert
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
Respectfulness and politeness — they’re valued in many close-knit communities. But when you’re dealing with
a scammer, those values can backfire, as we’ve heard during our ongoing effort to fight fraud in every
community. Scammers try to take advantage of your politeness to get you to hand over money or personal
information.
Here are some situations when it would be just fine to interrupt, hang up, and not give a caller the time of day.
TelecomPioneers
6889 SNOWVILLE RD. RM 3S-094
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44141
“Dated Material”
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CLEVELAND, OHIO
PERMIT NO. 1062