alumni connections · executive drew a large cag membership crowd. kent powers, who has presided as...

June 2018

Continued on page 7.

ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

CITGO and Later ... Whatever Happened to Stuart Rains? I grew up in Tulsa and began my legal career in Tulsa with Cities Service Company. When OXY took over and CITGO was formed and split off, I went with CITGO as an “Included Asset.” After spending some time in Dallas with 7-Eleven, I returned to Tulsa with CITGO and held several legal positions in CITGO’s legal department until CITGO moved to Houston. As many of you may remember, my wife, Beverly, and I have five children, and when the oldest was approaching college age, we realized that our college savings account was a bit short of funds. We decided to purchase a rundown apartment building near downtown, fix it up, and use the rental income to pay for the kids’ college. I had worked as a carpenter to finance my college education and had many of the skills required to renovate the property. That was the beginning of our first side venture, Rains Realty. During my time at CITGO, Rains Realty purchased quite a few additional rental properties. I

PERSONAL PROFILE

NEWS FOR AND ABOUT RETIREES AND FORMER EMPLOYEES OF CITGO.

Beverly and Stuart Rains

The CITGO Alumni Group (CAG) held its combination 2018 Spring luncheon and Annual meeting on April 16 at TiAmo’s restaurant in Tulsa. This yearly CAG event serves a triad of purposes:

1. The CAG attendees learn interesting information about the current CITGO organization and situation from a CITGO executive.

2. Members have the opportunity to meet and elect the 2018 CAG board of directors and officers.

3. They enjoy a scrumptious Italian luncheon at no cost.

Energy One Credit Union and their CEO, Steve McNabb, sponsored the luncheon enlisting TiAmo’s to provide a wonderful buffet of delectable delights in a private room. Needless to say, a wonderfully tasty free luncheon while surrounded by old friends and colleagues followed by a very informed CITGO executive drew a large CAG membership crowd. Kent Powers, who has presided as CAG President the last two years, welcomed the capacity crowd and thanked Energy One for sponsoring the event for so many years, then he asked Herb Whitney to give a prayer of thanksgiving.

Large Crowd Gathers for 2018 Spring Luncheon and Annual Board Election Meeting

Continued on page 2.

Steve McNabb

Kent Powers

Curtis Rowe

The CITGO Alumni Connections

2018 Spring Luncheon Meeting ... Continued from cover.

Herb performed his normal great job expressing thanks and he also asked attendees to remember the CAG members who were laid to rest in the last year as he named each of them. At this point the crowd was released to retrieve and devour their culinary Italian delights. As the satiated attendees finished their carrot cake dessert, Kent introduced Steve McNabb, Energy One CEO, who addressed the group as he eloquently reaffirmed his organization’s dedication to serving its many CAG credit union members with their financial needs. Next with the microphone was Curtis Rowe, who serves as Assistant Vice President of Finance of CITGO in the Houston corporate office. Curtis, in his CITGO position, has extensive knowledge and experience and insight concerning CITGO’s current and projected financial and operational affairs. His excellent power-point presentation detailed CITGO’s present and future challenges, concerns, and opportunities. It was fascinating to hear Curtis’ perspective on CITGO’s situation to date. Following Curtis, CAG board member, Lyle Dusenberg, provided a special recognition for the existing and outgoing 2017 CAG board members. Kent then read the slate of

nominated 2018 CAG board members and officers (listed below), which was subsequently approved by members in attendance.• President – Roger Rowe• Vice President – Kent Powers• Membership – Yvonne Hale• Treasurer – Carolyn Stewart• Secretary – Barbara Plummer• Social/Event Coordinator – Ramona Falzone• Communications – Ray Yarroll• Newsletter – Connie Schlecht• Web Master – David Hynes• Community Relations – Jim Holland• At Large – Ellen Boothe, Julie Brockmeier, Ron Chance, Lyle Dusenberg, Sharon Elich, Charlotte Loomiller, Tom White As the luncheon was adjourned, the happy and well-nourished attendees exchanged hand clasps and hugs with their beloved colleagues with a vow to meet again at the next CAG event.

Dick Conway Ray Yarroll, Don Owen Ron Coleman, Larry Walters, Herb Whitney

Charlotte Loomiller, Irma Galloway Linda Gilliam, Wanda Seabolt, Karen Goodman, Claudia Lyster

Sylvia Mullins, Peggy Cale


More 2018 Spring Luncheon Photos ... Continued from page 2.

Claudia Lyster, Wanda Seabolt, Yvonne Hale Miley Hargis, Bob Hannay William Hucke, Kay McGahey Womble

Don Owen, Sharon Elich Mary Haddican, Stuart Rains, Mike Haddican Barbara Plummer, William Hucke

Bob Sanborn, Larry Walters Jack Woersching, Terry Diacon Roger Rowe, Brad Bruere

Dick Conway, Toni Struebing Miley Hargis, Bob Hannay, George Walker, Kay McGahey Womble


Even More 2018 Spring Luncheon Photos ... Continued from page 3.

Karen Goodman, Ken Jefferson Sharon Elich, Yvonne Hale, Tom Horton Julie Brockmeier, Herb Whitney

Donna Nichols, Carolyn Weese, Jamie Gill

Carolyn Stewart, Jim Holland, Wanda Seabolt Cynthia and Richard Ball Jerry Harrison

Lyle Dusenberg, Ellen Boothe, Sharon Thompson, Ramona Falzone, Jane Rule Pam Canton, Irma Galloway, Susan Hollen

Jerry Evenson, Bob Beck, Herb Whitney, Terry Diacon


And Even More 2018 Spring Luncheon Photos ... Continued from page 4.

George Margalski, Jerry Evenson Tom White, Kathy Moore Claudia Lyster, Linda Gilliam, Peggy Cale

Sharon Elich, Suzy Faulkner Ramona Falzone, Carolyn Stewart, Jim Holland Richard Ball, Terry Berg, Brad Bruere

Jerry Harrison, John Stephenson John Dillingham, Jim Curtis Michelle Young, Jane Rule, Barbara Williams

Terry Post Charles Volturo, Charles Faigle Carolyn Johnson, Bill McCullough, Herb Whitney, Pete Luitwieler, Bob Funk

Louis Christodoulou

David Dillingham

Dick Hackbarth

Ron Harness

Edward Keaveney

Gene McGinty

Steve Paugh

I N M E M O R I A M

Jim Peebles, Howard Frank Janet Kennedy, Ramona Falzone Richard Ball, Ray Yarroll

Bill Paluso, Len Paine, Bob Beck, George Walker Yvonne Holmes, Barbara Williams Phyllis Ogilvie, Joyce Rongey

Terry Berg, Rick Miller Elmer and Carolyn Johnson Nancy Williamson, Larry Krieg, Michelle Young

Brad Bruere, Bob Hannay, Mark Trask, Irma Galloway

And Yet More 2018 Spring Luncheon Photos ... Continued from page 5.

PAGE 6 The CITGO Alumni Connections

Jim Curtis, Bruce Beck, Tom White

Stuart Rains ... Continued from cover.

worked at CITGO to finance the operation. Beverly managed the properties and did most of the renovation and repairs. She became a good carpenter and is probably the best painter in Tulsa! When the decision was made to move CITGO to Houston, I decided to retire and go into private practice, at least in part because Rains Realty was doing well enough Beverly and I did not want to leave it. Rains Realty continued to expand, and my son, Doug, joined the business after graduating from OU with a degree in entrepreneurship. During this time, there was beginning to be interest in living downtown. To take advantage of that trend, we formed a new company, Harrington Lofts LLC to purchase the old Harrington Department store at 8th and Main for conversion to loft apartments. Obtaining financing for this project was somewhat difficult, since very few banks had experience with projects of this nature. Downtown was an area that some banks did not want to make loans in, particularly for residential real estate. One bank told us the project was too far from downtown (even though the sign welcoming visitors to downtown is right next to the building). We were finally able to finance construction from Energy One Credit Union through loans on Rains Realty’s properties, and we were able to begin construction. The Harrington Department Store was constructed in 1915 as a Nash car dealership. The front half of the first floor was the car showroom, the back half the dealer service center. The other space was used for car storage. A car elevator transported the cars down to the showroom. In the 1930’s the dealership went under, and later Harrington’s Department Store moved in. They used the first two floors as a sales floor, and the third for warehouse storage. Later, one of Tulsa’s first radio stations was located on a portion of the third floor. By the time we purchased the building, very little of the interior was left. The car elevator was gone. We decided to completely redo all the plumbing, electrical and heating and

cooling systems, but maintain the “warehouse” look for the loft apartments. Regulations drove many of the design decisions. Fire codes required new stairways, sprinkler systems, alarm systems, special doors, special walls, etc. Building codes required earthquake bracing, ADA installations and other alterations. Often the regulators were unsure what they wanted, and often contradicted both themselves and other regulators making it difficult and costly to get final approval for construction, and to complete construction in a timely manner. Beverly, Doug, and some of his friends, worked tirelessly alongside the construction crews to speed up construction. That group single handedly painted the entire building. I worked on legal matters with my firm, then fought the battles at city hall (with mixed results) when regulatory issues came up. The project was finally completed in the Fall of 2016. We had an open house, and participants indicated which units they were interested in. All 24 apartments rented within four months of opening. I am often asked whether I would do it again, and that is difficult to answer. This was a lot of work, for both me and my family. “Working” (if you can call it that) with the city was maddeningly frustrating. The budget was always being stretched. It all worked out, but during the process I sometimes wondered if it would. Perhaps if the right downtown building come on the market at the right price…. Until then, Beverly and I enjoy spending time with kids and grandkids and staying at our place in Taos. When in Tulsa, I continue to work in my practice, and when time allows, help Beverly and Doug on projects for Rains Realty. I remember when CITGO first announced the Houston move, I asked my HR representative if CITGO would consider purchasing more than one house if an employee had more than one. After some hesitation, I was asked how many houses I had. My answer brought a resounding NO! from HR. Perhaps that was for the best.


On October 20, the CITGO Alumni Group will again support the Food For Kids Backpack Program at the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. This program provides nutritious snack items every Friday during the school year for kids, kindergarten and up. This backpack is for children, identified by their teachers, principals, etc., as ’at risk’ of going hungry on the weekends. Sometimes, this is the only nutrition these kids get on a weekend. Last year, we had approximately 30 participants and all reported it was great fun. Sign up details will be shared as the date approaches.

2018 Food For Kids Backpack Program


Another Great CAG Driller Game Outing

CITGO Alumni Group member, Jeanne Sturges, won LeadingAge Oklahoma's 2017 Trustee of the Year Award for her work on LIFE Senior Services board. This award is given to an individual whose contributions have made a positive financial impact for the community and have furthered the mission of an organization. Additionally, Jeanne's contributions have provided direction for the future of LIFE Senior Services. LIFE nominated Jeanne for this award because of her many years of dedication to their organization. Her leadership on their Board and her many volunteer hours have added to the success of LIFE. That success allows Tulsa area seniors to reap the many benefits of LIFE’s programs. Way to go Jeanne - you make us proud!!

Congratulations to Jeanne Sturges

Jeanne Sturges, during presentation of Trustee of the Year Award

Last year’s Driller game was cold and uncomfortable, with only a few hardy members attending. After deciding to move the game to May, the 2018 outing couldn’t have had a nicer evening for baseball. Twenty-eight CITGO alumni and guests watched the Tulsa Drillers play the Springfield Cardinals Tuesday, May 15th. As we watched the sun set over the Tulsa skyline, it was an evening of fun and fellowship, hot dogs and beer, peanuts and Cracker Jacks.

The Drillers led most of the game, but the Cardinals came back to tie the score in the top of the 9th inning. After loading the bases in the bottom of the 9th, Connor Joe’s bases-loaded single gave the Drillers an 8-7 victory. It was Tulsa’s third walk-off win in 2018, and an exciting end to a fun evening at the ballpark!

2018 CITGO Alumni Group Annual Christmas DinnerTuesday ❆ December 4, 2018 ❆ River Spirit Casino Resort

Save the Date!

We want the CITGO Alumni Connections to offer information from and about ALL retirees and former employees of CITGO. If you participate in activities with other CITGO Alumni in your area, we want to hear from you so we can share what you’re doing with the rest of our membership.

Please send announcements or updates you would like to see in the Newsletter to [email protected].

The CITGO Alumni Group’s membership year runs from January 1 through December 31 and dues are paid once during that period. If you haven’t paid your $10.00 membership dues for calendar year 2018, now is the time to do it. By paying your dues, you will receive copies of the CITGO Alumni Connections newsletters to keep you up to date on news and events of the CITGO Alumni Group. Send your $10 membership fee (Made payable to the CITGO Alumni Group) to:

Carolyn Stewart7509 E. 91st Pl. • Tulsa, OK 74133 [email protected]

Please include your E-mail address and/or any mailing address updates with your payment. THANK YOU.

If you pay your membership dues in cash, please attach your name to the cash so Carolyn will know who she received the payment from.

Please send newsletter article contributions for the CITGO Alumni Connections by e-mail to:

Ray Yarroll at [email protected]

or by U.S. Mail to:

Ray Yarroll7421 E. 74th St. • Tulsa, OK 74133


Reminder ...Our CITGO Alumni Group e-mail directory is available on our website http://www.citgoalumni.org/

Simply click the “directory” tab.

The password is the current day’s date (for example 02232017 ... tomorrow it will be 02242017, etc.)

If you have any questions or corrections, please let us know.

Save the Date!END OF SUMMER LUNCHEON

Monday • September 17, 2018The luncheon will begin with a social hour at 11:00 a.m.

Tulsa Historical Society2445 S. Peoria Ave. • Tulsa, OK 74114

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER Michelle Place, Executive Director

Tulsa Historical Society"The Oil Capital of the World"

If you have not done so yet, you may pay your 2018 dues of $10 at the meeting OR mail your check payable to CITGO

Alumni Group to Carolyn Stewart, 7509 E. 91st Place, Tulsa, OK 74133.

It’s Baaack! The CITGO Alumni Group website is back on line after being disabled by a technical issue for

some time. Thanks to Dave Hynes for his hard work in recovering the website. Visit the website for the most up-to-date information on the CITGO Alumni Group.

alumni connections · executive drew a large cag membership crowd. kent powers, who has presided as...

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