We had an outstanding turnout for our September meeting. There were
approximately 320 members and guests present.
 
Our luncheon menu consisted of hot dogs, lovingly grilled on the premises by Denny Harr, Caleb Witchey and Charlie Bakle (Denny even brought his own grill…Thanks Denny), cole slaw purchased from our own local KFC. Ted wanted to avail himself of local suppliers especially when that end of S. Clinton Street has endured street construction woes that affect customer flow. Our local Dairy Queen sold us the delicious chili for the hot dogs (at cost) and Chief sold us the hot dogs and all the condiments, so all in all we definitely had a luncheon that had local origins. Of course, sauerkraut and baked beans were also served. Kitchen help included Shirley and Richard Cass, Steve Westrick, Denny Harr, Charlie Bakle, Ray Burzyck, Larry Cooper and Caleb Witchey. It definitely does “take a village”!
 
Thanks to our nurses for the blood pressure checks. We are not even sure they got a chili dog this meeting!
 
Our meeting began at 12:00 noon with a presentation concerning our medical benefits and a comparison of the different medical plans available to us through the UAW Retiree Medical Trust. Louann Hinton of the Trust spoke with us and did a slide presentation and question and answer session. We also had representatives available from Davis Vision, Delta Dental, Blue Cross, Express Scripts and Aetna to answer members’ questions. Good information was shared.
 
At 12:30 p.m., our regular Retiree meeting was called to order by Chairman Ted Fleming.
 
We had roll call of officers and all were present except Peggie Sponsler who was excused.
 
Orville Clark led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Norma English offered an Invocation.
 
A moment of silence was held for our deceased members.
 
Orville Clark read the financial report and a motion to accept was made by Steve Westrick and second by John Wiseman.
 
We recognized two birthdays and two wedding anniversaries amongst our members present.
 
President Keith Boecker presented his report to the membership.
 
Sarah Laws, Region 2B Retiree Representative, reminded us to make sure we are current in our voting registration. If you are in doubt, check canivote.org. She reminded us that voters names are purged if they are not kept current by voting in elections. So definitely check to make sure you are registered.
 
I’ve been asked to poll our membership to see how many people use the internet, how many are on Facebook, and how many would be interested in reading our Local 211 Newspaper online. Did you know there is a Facebook page titled “if you worked at General Motors in Defiance, Ohio?” It’s a closed group that anyone who has worked at the plant can apply to join. Just go and type in who you are. The administrators will admit you to this group once they verify that you are indeed a current or former employee. There are now 537 members of this group. It is a great way to keep in touch with your former co-workers. If you read the Local 211 News online, you might want to cancel your paper edition by calling the union hall and cancelling. It is easy to get your Local 211 News online. Just type in www.uawlocal211.com, and it will bring you to the site.
 
A lottery drawing was held for 20 tickets to the Region 2-B UAW Entertainment Outing at the Tam-O-Shanter. Congrats to the lucky winners and have a great time!
 
We look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting on October 6. Food is served at 10:30 a.m. and the meeting starts at 12:00 Noon.
  

 
Submitted By:
Dorothy Engelhaupt
Local 211 UAW
Retiree Recording Secretary