GCCCD Grapevine 
Volume 4, Number 3 HOLIDAY ISSUE November, 1994
Retiree Breakfast Provides Camaraderie, Information
Standing, l to r, Keenan rep. Stephanie Ewing- Standing,
backgrnd, Keenan asst. Cynthia
Warner & Betty Pardue, Health-Net rep Patti Stribling.
Seated l to r, retiree Mary Ann
Coulter, GCCCD Brd member Rick Alexander Beverly, Cuyamaca Pres. Sherril
Amador,
& GC pres. Richard Sanchez. Seated, Cuya- &
retirees Muriel Owen, Angelita Martinez
maca College pres. Sherrill Amador.
& Maxine Bushong.
(all breakfast photos courtesy of Leon Hoffman)
Forty-eight persons attended the retiree breakfast at Coco’s on August 16. Following a warm welcome by chancellor Jeanne Atherton, vice-chancellor Charleen McMahan introduced the two college presidents, Richard Sanchez (Grossmont College) and Sherrill Amador (Cuyamaca College) who briefly updated the audience on significant goings-on at their respective campuses. Cynthia Stribling, assistant vice-president of Keenan & Associates, then introduced a program which included an update on SIRP Universal Life Policies by Stephanie Ewing-Warner, also with Keenan, followed by a fine presentation of the new JPA/Health Net Seniority Plus Program by Patty Coulter of Health Net. Retirees were given a packet of materials on this health plan and a copy of the new GCCCD Retiree Directory.
There was plenty of time before the presentations for retirees to table hop and chat with those they may not have seen since the previous retiree breakfast. Bob Steinbach carried a microcasette recorder from table to table so that each could say a few words to retired Grossmont College president Ivan Jones (he’d be visiting Ivan later this summer...).
L to r, retirees Gordy Shields, Larry Coons,
L to r, Bob
Steinbach, George Dillon,
Shirley Jones and Paul Epler.
Bob Peck and Van VanderPoll.
Retirees attending, listed alphabetically, were: Don Anderson, Tom Archambault, Mary Ann Beverly, Vi Burkhardt, Mickey Bushong, Larry Coons, Gwen Cornell, Bob Danielson, John Davis, George Dillon, Elsa Dye, Lee Engelhorn, Paul Epler, Art Fitzner, Dave Glismann, Jan Gottesman, Catherine Hansen, Bill Hansen, Pat Higgins, Leon Hoffman, Shirley Jones, Warren Keller, Richard Lantz, John Lomac, Angelita Martinez, Erv Metzgar, Muriel Owen, Bob Peck, Frieda Ralston, Ray Reynolds, Bob Rump, Tom Scanlan, Gordy Shields, Bob Steinbach, Van VanderPoll and Emilie Duggan-Zouhar.
Much of the success of this breakfast was a result of behind-the-scenes efforts by Nancy Yale, administrative assistant to vice-chancellor McMahan, and Sharon LaFollette, Personnel Assistant Lead. Nancy worked with Coco’s to ensure that there was plenty of room and lots of good food to choose from a customized menu, and Sharon worked with Keenan to produce the Retiree Directory (which Keenan & Associates paid for, as well as the breakfast).
Board Approves Faculty Retirement Incentive Package
At their September 20th meeting, the GCCCD Board unanimously approved a 4% salary increase for faculty and a retirement incentive package for faculty who reach age 55 and their ten year service anniversary with the district between July 1, 1995 and June 30, 1998. The salary and retirement package had been previously negotiated and approved by the faculty with a vote of 161 to 10.
Qualified faculty who retire under this program will receive a yearly annuity benefit equal to a percentage of their last annual salary. The percentage varies from 2% to 8%, depending on years of service with the district and which of the three years in the retirement window they choose to retire. Each five years in excess of the minimum 10 years with the district adds one percent; each year they wait to retire after 1995 they lose one percent. A faculty member with 30 or more years with the district who opts to retire the first year (1995) would receive the full 8% incentive. Faculty must declare in writing by June 30, 1995 their intent to retire during this period.
Estimates of the number who may retire during this three-year window range anywhere from 30 to 50, although the number of eligible faculty is considerably larger. Estimated savings to the district, per retiree, from this program for 1995-1996 is $7,946. Many faculty have been eagerly awaiting a retirement incentive like this one, but cash flow problems coupled with state budget constraints have delayed any realistic chances until now. Regarding cash flow, the district just this summer finished paying the last of its five hefty annual premiums on the early retirement package which many staff took in 1990.
Editor’s Comments
by Tom Scanlan
There’s this thing I call the "sandwich phenomenon." It goes something like this. When you make a sandwich for yourself, you assemble a concoction of bread, mayonnaise, lunch meat, lettuce and sliced tomato, and no matter how nice it looks, even if you’ve cut it fancy-like on the diagonal, it still tastes like an assemblage of all the things you just put together. You know the ingredients too well. It’s OK, but it’s predictable. No surprise or mystery to it. But if someone else makes that very same sandwich for you, and you see it for the first time traveling toward you on a clean plate with a napkin, then the sandwich takes on a totally different character. You can hardly wait to chomp a perfect "U" into all those beckoning, colorful, tasty layers of that freshly cut culinary creation.
Making my own sandwich, that’s the way I feel when I see the finished version of each Grapevine. I already know the stories by heart, almost verbatim. No surprises. Just an assemblage of too familiar articles and pictures. Now I realize that telling you all this doesn’t make your newsletter sound too appetizing. My point, though, is to give you some idea how much I’m looking forward to seeing the Grapevine in next April’s mail and finding every story, every picture and the editorial all new—all surprises. And even better, I’ll know that the person who made this "sandwich" is a pro, a five-star chef who’s done this for a living and taught others how to do it.
So what's this all about? Well, I’m delighted to announce that Pat Higgins will take over as Grapevine’s News and Production Editor, beginning with the next issue in April, 1995. Most of you know him, but for those who don’t, Pat retired in 1990 from the Journalism Department at Grossmont College. He began his career in journalism with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. After a stint with United Press in Chicago, he did newspaper and TV work in Buffalo, NY. From there he came to San Diego where he was news director at Channel 10 TV for eight years. After another TV news job in San Francisco, he returned to San Diego in 1968 and joined the staff at Grossmont College. During his tenure at Grossmont College, he not only taught journalism but served as faculty advisor for the student newspaper, "G".
So this is my farewell editorial. I know, I said that once before in the June, 1992 issue after repeated efforts to obtain funding for Grapevine and other retiree services had been turned down by the district. But this time I feel good about the farewell, because the newsletter will be continuing, and in very capable hands. Also, I plan to stay connected with Grapevine by writing a regular column on books, which begins with this edition as "Biblio-Files." The April, 1995 issue will be special, too, because it marks the fifth anniversary of this publication. The first issue, some of you may remember, was mailed out on April 27, 1990.
Until then, I’d like to wish all of you readers out there a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday and an especially Merry Christmas.
Other News . . .
Four GCCCD retirees participated in a fund raiser and reception for friends of the San Diego Public Library (FSDPL) at the S. D. Central Library Friday evening Oct. 21st. Fran Pierce, served on the FSDPL committee which organized the event and Adele Chandler volunteered to help Fran and other members register invitees and their guests. The elegant, invitation-only reception feted the authors and the artists who contributed their talents to a unique novel, The Exquisite Cadaver. The novel, co-writen by 100 local authors including Clair Runyan and Tom Scanlan is available at 11 local bookstores for $12.95, of which $7.55 goes to FSDPL. Visa or Master card purchases may be made by telephoning The Writing Center at 1-800-709-7483.
Bob and Virginia Steinbach visited with several other district retirees during a recent driving trip to the Northwest. They enjoyed several days with retired Grossmont College president Ivan Jones at his home on the southern edge of Puget Sound in Washington. Ivan and Colleen’s home is right on the water where they have their own boat and can fish for salmon. Bob said Ivan smokes his own salmon, and it’s delicious. Bob mentioned that Ivan is as frisky as ever and appears to really be enjoying his retirement.
On the way back to San Diego the Steinbachs also visited briefly with the Bellairs in Eureka, California. Don and Gwen Bellairs moved to Eureka after Don’s retirement from the Grossmont College Math Department in 1992. They had accumulated some wonderful antiques over the years, and they now have a grand old Victorian house in which to display them. Both Don and Gwen were doing jury duty at the time of the visit, probably something the locals spring on newcomers as part of their initiation to Eureka.
Three district retirees were published this summer in the 93/94 edition of First Draft, Grossmont College’s annual literary magazine for students. Leo Bridgeford submitted a poem, "T.V. Slogans," a clever play of words stringing diverse TV slogans into a coherent chain of verse. Ed Dobson submitted a short poem, "Hebron", describing feelings evoked during a visit to that ancient city in Jordan. Tom Scanlan submitted a short story, "Crossing the San Juan," based on a boyhood experience in northwestern New Mexico.
Any current or former student of Grossmont or Cuyamaca College is eligible to submit stories, poems or creative non-fiction. Submission deadline for the next year’s issue is October 28, 1994. (Unfortunately, Grapevine did not receive information about the deadline until after the August issue had been mailed out to you).
A Ship Looking For A Crew
by Leon Hoffman
On Sunday, September 11th, many Grossmont College faculty, staff, retirees, some Board members and many supporters went on an afternoon cruise on Mission Bay on the Hilton Queen paddle boat. It was a very special trip with a lot of good food, door prizes, entertainment and fellowship. The purpose was to raise funds for the NEW Grossmont College Foundation.
l to r, Jesse Gates, GC Faculty Retiree Erv Metzgar (on left)
Enthusiastic GC Foundation
Senate pres. Peg Hovde, her and GC English instructor
supporters Rick and M'Lisa
daughter Cathy, and GC pres Nelson Paler enjoying the
Michelson (on left) & retiree
Richard Sanchez help kick off GC Foundation cruise.
Leon Hoffman & wife,
Shirley.
for GC Foundation.
(all cruise photos courtesy of Leon Hoffman)
Recently, our District Board of Trustees created separate foundations for the two campuses, so now the funds we raise for Grossmont College will be used for Grossmont College only. Money raised will be used for student grants and scholarships, special programs and equipment, and faculty development. The cost is $100 to become a founding member. If you are among the first 200 to join, as a founding member, your name will be put on a plaque, in perpetuity, which will be displayed in our library. This is similar to the one in the East County Performing Arts Center lobby for their founding members. Also you will receive a special, custom made, very limited edition, wrist watch which has the Grossmont College Foundation logo on its face.
We who have retired from Grossmont have much to be thankful for as to what Grossmont has given us over the years. Our college has been more than our source of income. Each of us has a strong name recognition with Grossmont College. It is where we spent our professional years, impacted many students, made many life-long friends and is the source of many very fond memories. By joining the foundation, we do more than give back a little, we continue to identify with our college, our friends, our careers. It is more than the professional thing to do, it’s the right thing to do!
To be part of the Foundation, please contact College President Richard Sanchez or Dick Mellien, Felix Rogers, Sheridan DeWolf, or Jessie Gates at the college. They will be very happy to sign you up.
Biblio-Files
by Tom Scanlan
Although I’m departing Grapevine as editor, I plan to write a book review column for future issues, space permitting. Part of my motivation is that I’ve read a great deal more since retiring, and I suspect that the same is true for many of you. Problem is, you only have to browse through any bookstore or library to see that you’d never in your wildest dreams consider reading most books. Too many titles, most don't look very interesting and life’s too short. But there are some real gems out there, too...books too good to miss out on. I’ll try to steer you to some games I’ve discovered and hope you’ll return the favor.
My reviews won’t replicate the typical newspaper or literary magazine book reviews. No deep analysis, just a brief description and my personal rating. I’m an eclectic reader, and I rarely read books right after they’re first published unless it’s by a favorite author. The majority will be modern American fiction, usually books by authors who’ve published in the last several years. I try to read mostly books by authors who’ve won literary awards and get good reviews. When I have more time than usual, I read one of the many classics that I’ve not yet read. At times I read for pure entertainment, usually mystery or espionage or a western. And, very rarely, there are some books that I just can’t finish.
One book I’d first recommend to all readers is Writing for Your Life, 1992, edited by Sybil Steinberg and available in paperback at most bookstores. It contains interviews with 92 contemporary authors which have appeared in Publishers Weekly during the last several years. These three to four page interviews tell you a great deal about those writers and some of their books. You’ll find out quickly which writers appeal to you and what books to look for. It’s a gold mine, an excellent reference and inexpensive.
One of my favorite authors was killed in an auto accident in Santa Fe last year. Wallace Stegner. Most of his books are still in print, but most readers are unfamiliar with his work. Their loss... don’t let it be yours. Read any of his books. Angle of Repose won a Pulitzer, and Spectator Bird won the National Book Award, but one of my favorites is Crossing to Safety, his last novel (1987). It should especially appeal to retired faculty because it’s the story of a lifelong friendship between two professors and their families, beginning with their first teaching job and then following them through all the twists and turns that their lives take after that. It has everything from humor to tragedy, but mostly it’s a powerful story of people and how they deal with their lives, families and friends.
Two outstanding novels I’ve read quite recently are Annie Proulx’s Shipping News (Pulitzer prize, 1994) and Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres (Pulitzer prize, 1993). These books will literally transport you to the place where the story occurs (a small coastal town in Newfoundland in Shipping News, and a sprawling midwestern farm in A Thousand Acres) and introduce you to some people and families that you won’t soon forget. Both are now available in paperback.
For pure entertainment try Joseph Wambaugh’s Finnegan’s Week. It’s a police-procedural/mystery set entirely in 1991 San Diego and Tijuana. There’s theft, illegal dumping of hazardous wastes and murder, all leavened with some hilarious one-liners.
Bill Carden Leads Team to
Gold 
Bill Carden wearing the California
State Senior Olympics gold medal
It’s Sunday, September 18, at the California State Senior Olympics at the Rancho Bernardo softball field. The two closely matched slo-pitch softball team finalists have battled to a 10-10 tie. Bill Carden steps up to the plate in the top half of the seventh and final inning and hammers out a single. A team mate’s single puts him in scoring position. Another single follows, and Bill crosses the home plate with what could be the winning run.
Bill’s team, the Boralyn Bald Eagles, is playing against the Bugs Beach Club for the Gold Medal in the 65-69 age group. All they have to do is keep their opponents from scoring in the bottom of the seventh. The pitcher and his team bear down—and minutes later the Bugs Beach batters are retired without a run. Bill’s team is the state champion. And the person who also pitched that team to victory was Bill Carden. In fact, Bill also organized the team and then coached them. You might say he played a pretty major role in winning that gold medal.
Some of you probably remember Bill in his pre-retirement years as primarily a tennis player. But since he retired from Grossmont College Biology Department in 1985, he’s been quite active in softball, playing regularly with the La Mesa Seniors Softball Association. Earlier this year he had run up a 17 wins-0 losses pitching record. And now his own team, the Boralyn Bald Eagles, are eligible to play in the National Senior Olympics at San Antonio, Texas, next Spring.
Kids and Seniors Together
Grossmont College, the city of La Mesa and the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District have jointly initiated an exciting new program called Kids and Seniors Together (KAST). The project director and a prime mover of KAST is one of our own district retirees, Emilie Duggan-Zouhar, who taught Family and Consumer Studies at Grossmont College from 1967 until her retirement last year.
KAST links selected elementary school children with trained senior volunteers in an after-school program that combines parental support, educational enrichment, assistance with homework, recreation and nutrition in a positive, nurturing environment. In daily two-hour sessions, senior volunteers assist the children with math, reading, writing and language skills, homework assignments, snacks, recreational activities, educational games, field trips, art and special projects.
Each volunteer is paired with two or three children. The highly successful pilot program began April 4, 1994 and ran for nine weeks at Dale Elementary School in La Mesa. The program continues at Dale through June 9, 1995.
Retiree Erv Metzgar’s wife, Pat Metzgar, wrote a letter to all local GCCCD retirees explaining the program and requesting volunteers. If you live in the area and did not receive this letter or misplaced it, you can get additional information or volunteer by calling Pat at 579-9190.
Volunteer Needed
I’ve been attending district fringe-benefit meetings for the last five years or so, in order to represent retirees under age 65 who still receive health and insurance benefits, and also to stay informed about news that might interest Grapevine readers. Since I’ll no longer be editing after this issue, I won’t be attending future meetings. The one-two hour meetings are once or twice a month, usually on Thursdays at 12:30 in the board room at Grossmont College. Some of the meetings are very educational on matters of dentistry, health care and insurance practices. There are twelve members representing faculty, classified, management and insurance. If you’d like to attend these meetings as a retiree representative, please call me at 447-3934.
Tom Scanlan
Retirees Write
John Davis
Dear Colleagues,
I have been retired over a year now and I now know that the retirement income does not allow us to live the style of life that we became accustomed to while working full time.
We considered moving to Arizona, Oregon and Nevada so we could live comfortably on less. The truth is, we love living in California, as I know you love living wherever you chose to retire to.
There was only one solution. Earn the necessary finances and live where you want to, work where you want to, work with whom you choose and still be retired.
I have finally found the vehicle that allows me to do the things in the above paragraph without the pressure of any administrators, governing board members or potentially violent students or disgruntled employees or outsiders causing me to do things that I do not want to do.
If the above statement sounds like an advertisement that’s because it is. I would like to share what I’ve found with as many of you that have some interest, or someone that you know that might have some interest. Call this toll free 1-800-326-2963 and then give me a call at 464-1552 if you are still living in San Diego County or 1-800-216-5965 if you are living out of state. I hope all of you are in good health and enjoying your retirement.
Sincerely,
John Davis, Retired Director or Security Services
In Remembrance
Beryl Levine
Beryl Levine, retired Grossmont College librarian, died on Friday, September 2, following a several years' bout with cancer. She was sixty-three years old.
Beryl first served as a librarian in the 1972. Following a brief break in service, she rejoined the Grossmont faculty as Coordinator/Instructor in the Library Technology program. In 1985 she joined the regular Library faculty, serving mainly in reference and other public service roles until her retirement in August, 1992.
She was appreciated by students for her helpfulness and knowledge and by her colleagues for her professionalism and dedication. She will be missed by all who knew her. Memorial services were held for family and friends at the First Unitarian Church on September 7.
The value of life lies not in the length of days, but in the use we make of them...
— Montaigne, Essays
The
Christmas Goodie Table is scheuled for December 16th.
All
retirees are welcome.
Please
call Alba at ext. 623 for details