WESTERN HORIZON COUNCILBAY AREA WEAL LIFE MEMBER CLUB

2014 – 2015

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

PRESIDENT RALPH FITZSIMONS 510-794-6179 tVICE PRESIDENT CLARENCE MILLER 408-377-3558SECRETARY PATRICIA BLOOM 408-224-1450TREASURER HELEN LOYD 408-251-3234 h_ l o y d @s bcg l oba l . n e t MEMBER-AT-LARGE HAROLD WONG 408-257-1063 h y ww ong@ a o l . c om MEMBER-AT-LARGE GEORGE ANNINGER 408-243-4804 gw a9 1 1 @ s bcg l oba l .n e t MEMBER-AT-LARGE JACK MIOTKE 408-253-5708 j ohn6 3ca@s b c globa l .n e t

COMMITTEES

PARTICIPATION BOB ROLUFS 408-253-3213 rolufs @a ol . c om SOCIAL GEORGE ANNINGER 408-243-4804 gw a9 1 1 @ s bcg l oba l .n e t FELLOWSHIP JACK MIOTKE 408-253-5708 j ohn6 3ca@s b c globa l .n e t FUND RAISING JACK DORFMAN 408-268-3462 j c dor f m a n @s bcg l ob a l . net MEMBERSHIP JACK MIOTKE 408-253-5708 J ohn6 3 c a@s b c glob a l . net INFORMATION RALPH FITZSIMONS 510-794-6179 r w fi t z s i mons @ s bcg l oba l .n e t NEWSLETTEREDITOR

SHERRY LYNN RIDDLE 408-251-3234 a s pen v a i l23 @ s bcg l o ba l .n e t

BAY AREA WEAL LIFE MEMBER CLUB NEWSLETTER2015 Issue 1April 2015

BAY AREA WEAL

MONTHLY LUNCHEONS

Reminder: The cost of lunch is for each individual responsibility. We will get together starting at 11:00am, with lunch starting at 12:00pm.  We will meet in the area left and back side from where you enter, and everyone can order whatever they choose. The drawing has been eliminated for the time being due to lack of luncheon attendees. Luncheons will be held every first Thursday of the month except for July.

Harry’s Hofbrau www .harryshofbrau co m 390 Saratoga Avenue San Jose, CA 95129     408 243 0434 11am-11pm Monday – Sunday

Ralph Fitzsimons, BAWC President

January:

Our Christmas Luncheon was held at the Three Flames Restaurant on December 4th, and it turned out to be a very successful and joyous event.  79 Pioneers signed up for the luncheon, with 75 actually coming  to join in the fraternity and camaraderie.  It turned out the meal was either steak or fish, as only 1 non-attendee chose the pasta primavera.  We will examine what should be a better choice next year for a third choice.

The raffle for the gift basket, which was won by Helen Loyd, brought in $69.00.  The raffle for the two hat/scarves sets and table cloth brought in $15.00.  There was also a $20.00 gift to the club.  Thanks to all of the gift donors and to those that bought raffle tickets. It was good seeing so many of our fellow pioneers there having such a good time, even though we did not get the large dinning room that we had last year.  We welcome any ideas that you may have for our next year's Christmas luncheon. I would like to say thank you to all of those who helped arrange this luncheon, as well as those that assisted in selling raffle tickets, counting ballots and calling out the winning door and raffle prize ticket numbers. Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.  I look forward to seeing you at our monthly luncheons, starting with the January 8th luncheon at Harry's Hofbrau near Saratoga Ave. and Stevens Creek Blvd. Ralph W. FitzsimonsPresident, WEAL Club

 February:

Our February 5th WEAL luncheon was held again at Harry’s Hofbrau in San Jose.  There were 10 pioneers in attendance who got to chose the lunch of their choice.  We had the area to ourselves until around 1:00pm, when we were wrapping up our chatting, and other began coming into the area.  We will continue having our luncheons at Harry’s as we have a better choice of menus.

 Ralph

March:

Our March WEAL luncheon was again held at Harry’s Hofbrau on Saratoga Ave.  We had 13 attendees which filled up one long row of tables, and was most welcome.  Everyone enjoyed their individual entrees and chit chat.  We mentioned the passing of Bill Sparks and Duane (Dewey) Johnson.  Dan Slattery mentioned that Bill Davidson recently had a hip replacement, and I told the group that Helen Loyd had broken her arm. Larry Menges again attended with his wife Marianne, and Mel Johnson was also able to attend.  After our pledge of allegiance to the flag and moment of silence for those who have passed on before us, everyone got in line to purchase their menu of choice. There were many group conversations going on, and everyone enjoyed themselves.  Ed Ball was asked about his

vacation plans, and he said that later this year, he and his son will go to Peru and visit Machu Picchu.  We all had a good time and look forward to April’s luncheon. Ralph

 April:

April Luncheon, the WEAL Club hosted its April luncheon again at Harry's Hofbrau.Sadly, we only had 5 members in attendance.  One other unmentioned membergot lost trying to find the place.  I thanked the attendees for their condolences on the passing of my wife, Frances, and had brought along aprogram of her celebration of life that was held at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery on 3-31-15.  As always the food and conversations were very good.

I hope to see more in attendance at our May luncheon.

Ralph Fitzsimons

NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

President’s Note: 

As we approach the beginning of summer, I hope that all of you are planning some real vacation time to reinvigorate yourselves and expand your horizons.  As an example, Ed Ball, 93 years young, is planning a trip to Peru this year to visit the Machu Picchu ruins, among other travel plans.  Way to go Ed.  Jack Miotke, wife Mary and 2 other family members spent two weeks in Paris, and had a wonderful time sightseeing while renting an apartment there.  We hope those of you that do have plans and venture to new or familiar places, will share your experiences with us by sending any board member an email of it so that we may share it with all of our membership. The latest news about Alcatel-Lucent is the proposed buyout of that company by Nokia.  Whether this is good or bad will depend upon its impact to Alcatel-Lucent’s pension obligation to us, and whether or not it will accelerate the possibility of pension buyouts.  I am sure that the LRO and the NRLN will be monitoring the situation to alert us to their plans as well as to the impact it may have on our members.  Be sure to read the articles that Sherry Lynn riddle has included in this newsletter from both organizations. The attendees at our monthly luncheons at Harry’s Hofbrau have been very positive about

our change to that location away from the previous Three Flames Restaurant.  At Harry’s, each attendee can order individually what the desire, and the expense is much less that at our former location.  We have an area in the left side back that is separate from the rest of the restaurant area which is inductive to our ability to carry on private and open conversations and occasionally business topics.  We hope to see more of our members at our 1st Thursday of the month luncheons at Harry’s (except the month of July).  WE look forward to seeing you their.  Harry’s Hofbrau is located in San Jose near the corners of Stevens Creek Blvd. and Saratoga Ave. This has been a year of mishaps and other sad issues.  Helen Loyd, who went through back surgery, tripped over a neighbors tree root and broke her upper arm requiring a long physical therapy program, and Jack Miotke’s wife Mary, fell and broke her arm so bad that it required a new ball and socket replacement.  Amongst the sad news is passing of Barbara Johnson’s mother, and that of my wife Frances, who succumbed to a 15 month battle with lung cancer on March 13th.  May they rest in peace, and may Helen and Mary have a fast and satisfactory recovery.  Please let Jack Miotke know by phone or email if their our any members

or spouses that have health problems or passing so that he can send out get well cards/condolences cards, and that we can remember them in our prayers. Please continue to use our Pioneer Shares card which financially helps our WEAL Club.  If you do not have one, please contact Helen Loyd and she will gladly send you one.  Also, if any member has any recommendations or suggestions about our club, luncheons, fund raising, please let me or any other board member know. Have a great summer. Ralph Fitzsimons

OBITUARIES

Billie Joe Pioneer Info 1. Date of Death 1/7/15.  We are not sure of cause but since he had just had a heart attack and no autopsy was performed, we are saying heart attack.

2.  Birth date 3-19-39

3. Wm J. Sparks was born in Ft. Smith, Arkansas

4.  Not sure of high school and Jefferson is in Pacifica; so if not right on its close

5. Navy is correct

6. dates of employment.  Here again...not sure but approximately 1965 to 1988 (when he moved to Vashon)

7. Drafting is correct

8.  No memorial service has been scheduled at this time.

 Here are Matt and Jon's addresses if you wish to contact them.  They face a real struggle getting Bill's stuff sorted out.

Matt, Mikki, and Owen Sparks, 2262 Highland Park Lane, Campbell, 95008 

Jon and Jack (his son) Sparks, 805 O Street, Eureka, 95501  

Love, Diana and Albert

UPCOMING EVENTS

 The first is our monthly luncheon at Harry’s Hafbrau on the first Thursday of the Month except for July.  It's always enjoyable to see a new faces.

The second item deals with upcoming newsletters.  Any items dealing with sickness/death are always important to know about so

pass along any information you hear.

We also like to hear of major events like anniversaries and milestones of interest.  Please contact us with a brief note to John Miotke at j ohn6 3ca@s b c globa l .n e t or Sherry Lynn Riddle at aspenvail23@sbcglobal.net

FUND RAISING

The Christmas Luncheon Opportunity Drawing Raffles brought in as follows: The raffle for the gift basket, which was won by Helen Loyd, brought in $69.00.  The raffle for the two hat/scarves sets and table cloth brought in $15.00.  There was also a $20.00 gift to the club.  Thanks to all of the gift donors and to those that bought raffle tickets.

Mary Loretta Stoke, born in Divide County, ND on June 14m, 1933, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2014 in Carson City, NV. She was raised on her family farmstead north of Alamo, ND and attended the Outlook School for her early years and graduated from Almo High School in 1951. She married David James Stoke and lived in the Ray, ND and Glacier Park areas before moving to California. Mary resided in the Sunnyvale, CA area until her retirement. Then she moved to Carson City, NV in 1992. She loved people, area and history and remained here for the next 22 years. Her entire career was in the communication industry working for one company, Northwestern Bell, AT&T and finally retiring from Lucent Technologies. Mary spent her retirement enjoying her hobbies of crafting and traveling with her brother; Arlin. They took many long field trips to various locations visiting friends and relatives along the way. Nearly inseparable, they were frequently seen together dining out, visiting events around the area and providing their assistance and support to local charities. Mary was a devout parishioner of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Carson City. Mary belonged to:

Pioneers volunteer network, the Friends of the Nevada State Railroad Museum, and the Tonopah Historical Mining Park. An angel to those in need, she gave generously to those less fortunate. She assisted many families through her donations and food supplies to the Do Drop in (Rural Center for Independent Living) and she will be sorely missed. She was pre-deceased by her husband, David Stoke, her parents, Albert and Clara Detke, her brothers, Henry and Milton Swenson, Ray, Charles and Arlin Detke and her sister, Alberta Detke. She is survived by her brother, Fred Detke of Peoria, AZ and numerous nieces and nephews. Additionally, she will be greatly missed by many loyal and dear friends. Mary’s kind spirit and infectious sense of humor coupled with an extensive collection of jokes brought laughter and joy to all who knew her. Every neighbor was part of Mary’s family; whom she touched through loving visits, telephone conversations (never short), sharing a meal, or decorating her Christmas tree. She loved the Holiday Season, especially sharing her beautifully hand-crafted ornaments. Her natural, sunny disposition could turn the gloomiest days into rays of

hope and brightened the outlooks of everyone she met. FitzHenry’s Funeral Home in Carson City is handling the arrangements. A funeral mass is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23 at 5:00 pm in the St. Teresa of Avila Chapel. A reception at the church will immediately follow the service. Interment will be in the St. Teresa of Avila columbarium following cremation at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution in her name to the charity of their choice.

The Miyaki family is deeply saddened to inform you that Jerry Miyaki passed away on Friday, June 21, 2013.  He spent his final days surrounded by family, close friends, and fond memories -- most of them fond anyways, hahaha.  He passed away in his sleep, just as he had hoped it would be.  Quiet.  Peaceful.  Perfect.   

It is clear Jerry lived a rich, full, and most importantly, fun life.  If he were still here, we know he would want to thank all of you personally for being such a big and important part of it. 

Jerry battled cancer for nearly 4 years.  Throughout that time, he taught all of us a few lessons about courage, perseverance,

and the warrior spirit, not through meaningless words, but through meaningful action. That’s the type of husband, father, friend, and role model he was – a true leader by example.   

But in the end, the symptoms and side effects accumulated to the point that no matter how hard he would have continued fighting, he no longer would have enjoyed the quality of life he deserved.  As such, he knew it was time to move on. 

But do not worry about him.  We know in our hearts that he will face whatever is next just as he faced everything in this life – head-on, with his trademark smile across his face.  You know the one we’re talking about – that big, wide one that could light up any room, and make anyone feel at home. 

 In fact, he probably has already made a bunch of new friends.  That’s the type of man he was.  People from all walks of life just gravitated towards him.  He was an easy guy to be friends with.  He welcomed everyone with open arms.  He loved unconditionally.  And when you were with him, he always made you feel like you were the most important person in the world.  

Jerry would joke that he had seven kids by accident.  But we think its because he needed seven to pass on all of the great qualities he had within him.  He was one of the few men that are just truly good to the core.  He will be missed greatly. 

As per his wishes, there will be no formal services.  He said he’d rather be out fishing.  But I’m sure he’d be OK if you had a cocktail in his honor. 

Thank you for being a part of his wonderful life, 

The Miyaki Family

Stanley Politoski

1936 - 2015 | Obituary |  Condolences

Stanley Politoski July 2, 1936-April 2, 2015Santa ClaraStanley Edward Politoski, 78, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on April 2nd,2015. He was born in New Jersey on July 2nd 1936, but was a resident of Almaden Valley for the last 40 years. Stanley was married to Ruth

Ann Williams for 55 years. He held managerial positions in Telecommunications for 35 years. He was survived by children: James (Nina), Nancy (Robert), Judy (Scott), John (Phyllis). Grandchildren: Lauren, Matthew, Kelsey, Jennifer, Julia, Michael, Allison, Daniel, Juliana, James, Carolina. Private Service will be held for family at Oak Hill Mortuary.

Barbara Johnson’s mother’s passing in early March or my wife Frances passing on March 13, 2015 after a 15 month battle with lung cancer.  The family had a private viewing of her on March 19th, and a public inurnment at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery’s St. Joseph Mausoleum on March 31.

ANNIVERSARIES

On April 23 Jack and Mary Miotke celebrated their 60th anniversary.

QUICK &

EASY RECIPE

Total Time1hr 15mins Prep15 mins Cook1 hr This eggless banana bread recipe uses milk/buttermilk as substitute. You can also use soy milk if you like. This egg free banana bread is very quick, fuss free yet nutritious, and makes a simple and wonderful snack for the family. It can be eaten plain or added with fruits, nuts, seeds and chocolate chips. Just add 1/2 cup of the nuts, etc to the mixture last, just before pouring the mixture into the loaf pan. Enjoy!

IngredientsNutrition Servings 4 Yields 1 loaf Units US

4 very ripe bananas, mashed

1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

1⁄2 cup butter, melted

3⁄4 cup brown sugar

1⁄2 cup milk or 1⁄2 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1 pinch salt

Directions

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350ºF/180ºC.

2. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas with butter.

3. 3. Add in milk, vanilla, and mix.

4. 4. Add in sugar, baking soda, salt, and mix.

5. 5. Add flour last and mix until just combined.

6. 6. Pour mixture into a greased and floured bread loaf pan.

7. 7. Bake for 1 hour or until a wooden pick comes out clean.

8. 8. Allow to cool before removing from pan.

BAWC ROSTER

If you would like for us to send you a hard copy of the Roster it can be done by sending a check

for $5 to Sherry Lynn Riddle at 2872 Lausanne Court, San Jose, CA 95132. It is important that the check be addressed to: TELECOM PIONEERS.

Once you receive the roster please check if all your friends are listed. If you see someone who you think would like to be included for mailings and reminders, send their name and data to: Sherry Lynn Riddle at a s pen v a i l 23 @ s b c g l oba l . net .

PIONEER

SHARE CARDS PROGRAM

The Shares Card is used when shopping at one of the following grocery stores listed below: Lucky’s, SaveMart, and Food Max. This is a good fund raiser if the card are used when shopping for groceries. Every quarter they send a check for the Council and the club if used by the members with a card. The Council has been using this for two years and it is an easy way to make money without the labor and hard work.

LOST CONTACT Please contact Sherry Lynn Riddle at a spen va i l 23@sb c g lobal . n e t or John Miotke

john63ca@sbcglobal.net with any updates of Pioneers contact info.

CONTACT INFO UPDATES

Please change my email address FROM  tschurtz@wildblue.net TO annamarie.clark@outlook.com

 Thank you

Annamarie

Arthur Gilmore1288 Oakglen WaySan Jose, Ca. 95120408 997-2561

L Hillman has moved. New address:L. Hillman4054 E Marlene Dr.Gilbert, AZ 85296 Jack

Skip Gast16956 Walden Dr.Truckee, CA 96161(530) 277-5681skierskip@hotmail.com

Hajek, Steve and Betty isstephen1929@yahoo.com

The Laings have movedDerek and Margaret10460 Silver Rush CourtReno, NV 89521Jack

Thomas O'Hare: tjoharesj@yahoo.com HELLO Effective immediately, my home telephone number has been changed to 1-408-927-9040. My email address remains the same as noted above. As such, would you please notify our members of this change.  ThanksTom

PAT LAPPERT3153 Avenida MagoriaEscondido, Ca 92029

TEL 760-975-3384CELL 408-876-0161

EMAIL NOW patlappert@gmail.com

JOKE TIME

The Witty Mahatma

When Gandhi was studying law at University College, London, a Caucasian professor, whose last name was Peters, disliked him intensely and always displayed prejudice and animosity towards him. Also, because Gandhi never lowered his head when addressing him, as he expected.... there were always "arguments" and confrontations.

One day, Mr. Peters was having lunch at the dining room of the University,  and Gandhi came along with his tray and sat next to the professor. The  professor said,  "Mr. Gandhi, you do not understand. A pig and a bird do not sit together to eat."  Gandhi looked at him as a parent would a rude child and calmly replied, "You do not worry professor. I'll fly away," and he went and sat at another table.

Mr.  Peters, reddened with rage, decided to take revenge on the next test paper, but Gandhi responded brilliantly to  all questions. Mr. Peters, unhappy and  frustrated,  asked him the following question. "Mr Gandhi, if you were walking down the street and found a package, and within was a bag of wisdom and another bag with a lot of money, which one would you take?"

Without hesitating, Gandhi responded, "The one with the money, of course." Mr. Peters, smiling sarcastically said, "I, in your place, would have taken wisdom, don't you think?" Gandhi shrugged indifferently and responded, "Each one takes what he doesn't have." Mr. Peters, by this time was beside

himself and so great was his anger that he wrote on Gandhi's exam sheet the word "idiot" and gave it to Gandhi. Gandhi took the exam sheet and sat down at his desk trying very hard to remain calm while he contemplated his next move.

A few minutes later, Gandhi got up, went to the professor and said to him in a dignified but sarcastically polite tone, "Mr. Peters, you signed the sheet, but you did not give me the grade." 

Wit always wins over anger 

CLUB NEWSLETTER

FYI: you also can find the Weal Club Newsletter on the New Outlook Pioneers Website, which is www .newout l oo k p i o ne e r s . o r g . When you are in the website you will click on the arrow for Chapters, and then click on the arrow for Chapter 137, and next click on the Bay Area Weal Club Newsletter. Select the Issueyou want to see and you will be taken to the Newsletter document. This is put together by Sherry Lynn Riddle the Newsletter Editor

RENEWAL TIME FOR HARD COPY NEWSLETTER

Renewals for hard copies can be done by sending a check for $5 to Sherry Lynn Riddle at 2872 Lausanne Court, San Jose, CA 95132. It is important that the check be addressed to: TELECOM PIONEERS.

LRO NEWS

The Spring 2015 edition of our newsletter, THE LRO CONNECTIONis available for viewing here. It contains the latest news about pensions, benefits, legislative action, the LRO, and a history article featuring the Reading Works. Forward this to your friends.  or visit us at www.lucentretirees.com

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planning using fixed insurance products. Josh Mellberg is insurance licensed in all 50 states and all employees of J.D. Mellberg Financial have the appropriate licenses for the products they offer.This is the latest info from the NRLN on their work with the various government officials and agencies on insuring that retirees on company pensions get the proper information if and when offered lump sum pension buyouts.  This info should be included in our next WEAL newsletter or separately as warranted.

 Ralph

  From: NRLN President Bill Kadereit

Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2015 4:19 AM

Subject: NRLN President's Forum: Report Calls for More Disclosures in Lump Sum Offers

 NRLN President’s Forum Report Calls for More Disclosures in Lump Sum Offers

Gaining more disclosure for retirees by pension plan sponsors who offer a lump sum buyout to replace lifetime pension benefits has been an objective of the NRLN.  U.S.

Representative Sander Levin (MI-09), the Ranking Member on the House Ways and Means Committee, has announced that at his request the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report that lays out recommendations to ensure that pension plan participants have better information when offered lump sums. The report presents recommendations for the Departments of Labor (DoL) and Treasury, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) and pension plans. On behalf of the more than 2 million retirees represented by the NRLN and our 10,525 grassroots advocates in Michigan, I have sent a letter to Congressman Levin thanking him for his efforts and that of retired California Congressman George Miller that resulted in the GAO’s report.Congressman Levin recognizes that pension plan de-risking through lump-sum buyout offers and the conversion of pensions to annuities purchased from insurance companies is of great concern to workers and retirees. His statement in his office’s news release was right on target that, “Plan participants must have all the information they need to make an informed decision about the

long-term impact of a lump sum payment instead of a defined benefit on their retirement.” In my letter to Congressman Levin, I cited this example. On Wednesday, Feb 3, I was with leaders of the Chrysler, General Motors and Lucent retiree organizations who met with 11 staff members of the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). The purpose of the meeting was to discuss pension plan de-risking and, in particular, Alcatel-Lucent’s announced intension to offer lump sum pension buyouts in 2015. The Lucent retirees expressed their concerns regarding the lack of specific disclosure requirements to fully explain the considerations for accepting or rejecting a lump sum offer and the resulting consequences that need to be considered. Other NRLN leaders from the Detroit Edison Alliance of Retirees (DEAR) attended and expressed the need for greater disclosure by plan sponsors as well.  Our members are hopeful that EBSA, DoL, Treasury and the PBGC will act quickly as companies continue their de-risking efforts at a fast pace. Congressman Levin’s news

release noted that additional information from the GAO regarding de-risking strategies is anticipated in the coming months as it pursues its investigation into the trend of companies to de-risk their pension plan liabilities by either offering lump sum payments to plan participants or by transferring those liabilities to private companies who would in turn provide a replacement retirement annuity.

The GAO report, “Private Pensions: Participants Need Better Information When Offered Lump Sums that Replace Their Lifetime Benefits,” is available on GAO’s website at http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-74 . It is estimated that nearly 200 pension plan sponsors implemented lump sum offers during 2012, and tens and maybe hundreds more plans were looking to de-risk through lump sum offers in the coming years.

To all employees: Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent to Combine to Create an Innovation Leader in Next-Generation Technology and Services

Colleagues,

Today, we announced a big step forward for our company and an impactful change in our industry.

Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent announced their intention to combine their assets to create a global leader in broadband, IP networking, cloud technology and services. This new company would start with a powerful market position and an unparalleled opportunity to be a real game changer in the markets we serve.

Thanks to our strong complementary nature, this deal, in which Nokia will acquire Alcatel-Lucent through a share exchange offer, will result in the creation of a true scale player with leadership positions in all key growth areas of our business. Combined, we will hold the number one or number two position in each of the technologies that matter in our industry.

As a combined company, our opportunities will far exceed anything each of us could do on our own, with revenues of 25.9 billion Euros and a substantial R&D investment, greatly enhancing our technology and innovative capabilities.

Why now? Alcatel-Lucent and Nokia have each executed a major turnaround of their respective businesses. Both companies are now well valued and well positioned, but at the same time, the networking industry is experiencing accelerated change.

Wireless is a scale business and this move gives us the footprint to lead the global evolution to 5G and beyond. Converged access is a reality and our new company leads both wireless and wire line. Core networking skills are fundamental and our leadership in IP and Optics create an end-to-end offer that is unmatched. Along with these strong networking capabilities, our new company has a suite of cloud applications and a services offering that is critical for our customers. Further, the intention is that our Bell Labs brand would be retained to host the new company’s networks-focused innovative activities. We are proud of this.

Having made strong progress in Alcatel-Lucent, acknowledged by our customers and the market, this is a logical next step of our Shift Plan. Our first chapter was about restoring the competitiveness of our company through our

restructuring, refinancing and refocusing efforts. The second was the definition and launch of our innovation, transformation and growth strategy. This combination gives us the financial strength to build a successful and sustainable future.

I believe this is a fantastic opportunity for Alcatel-Lucent, a milestone we could never have reached without your tremendous efforts, talent, and hard work. I know you will use your extraordinary capacity for Speed, Simplicity, Accountability and Trust, essential values to build the future.

I expect that news such as this may be met with a certain level of uncertainty. This is understandable. We all hold a strong attachment to Alcatel-Lucent. This is one of our key strengths and a rich asset I am convinced you will carry forward to help shape a new company you can be proud of.

This transaction is subject to shareholders' and regulatory approvals as well as other customary closing conditions. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2016 with the clear goal to accelerate to the extent possible. An integration task force will be set up and

announced very shortly. Our objective is for the new company to be operational from day one.

Until the deal is closed, our two companies are competitors and continue to operate separately. We must remain totally focused on serving our customers and delivering on our 2015 commitment. The success of this deal depends on it and so does our long-term sustainability.

Risto Siilasmaa, current Nokia Chairman, is planned to serve as Chairman of the new company, and Rajeev Suri, current Nokia CEO, as its Chief Executive Officer.

As for me, my objective has always been to create a sustainable future for the thousands of men and women of Alcatel-Lucent. I made a promise to myself long ago that I would never allow my own ambition, my own dreams or my own passion come in the way of a better future for our employees, our customers and our shareholders. This is what this deal is about. I will move on to my next challenge in due time. Until then, I remain fully dedicated to ensure the success of this transaction.

I will address all employees via a call and via video webcast in the coming days and keep you informed of the progress we make to close the deal and execute the integration.

I am extremely proud of the work we have accomplished together.

Michel

ALU concerning Nokia deal:"Pensions are fully protected. There will be no change in pension amounts. Deal with Nokia is not expected to close for 9-12 months." We will keep you informed when additional information is known.

NRLN President’s Forum

Dear Fellow Lucent Retiree,Re: Fall 2014 LRO Newsletter  The LRO Connection fall newsletter is now available for viewing and can be accessed by clicking here. The newsletter may also be accessed directly from the LRO website at www.lucentretirees.com.This issue features information to help you with your annual healthcare enrollment and a pension funding update along with comments on the recently announced pension buyout

offer by Alcatel-Lucent. The History Corner article features a look back at the Richmond Works. I hope you will take the time to read all of the articles in the newsletter and continue your support of the LRO as we work on your behalf to protect your earned benefits.  We thank all of you who through your dues support allow us to carry out the LRO organizational objectives on behalf of our retirees.

 Sincerely,

 Joe Dombrowski, President, Lucent Retiree Organization 

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON SURVEY

We are asking all of our members to comment and vote on whether they would prefer a Christmas Brunch Luncheon at the Three Flames Restaurant or to keep our traditional sit down

luncheon.  The buffet luncheon would give us many more choices of entrees, salads, desserts, etc. than our traditional 3 choices, as well as to allow more mingling amongst attendees.  As an example, the Three Flames Easter Buffet consisted of:: Entrees: Crab, Shrimp, Roast Beef, Oysters on the Shell, Salmon, Eggs, Ham, Bacon, Sausage, etc.:: Desserts: several types of Pies,Crème Puffs, Cookies, etc.:: Fruits: Bananas, Oranges, etc.:: and Drinks: Coffee, Tea, Soda, Orange Juice and Champagne.  We may not get all of these choices as the Easter Buffet was served for the public with hundreds coming from 8:00am until 2:00pm, but this can give you some idea of what may be doable.  We are asking for your input so that we can plan ahead.  Just email George Anninger at gw a9 1 1 @ s bcg l oba l .n e t on your preferences. Ralph Fitzsimons

 

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

A-L BENEFITS CENTER 1-888-232-4111A-L ANSWERS WEB SITE w w w.be n efitan s w e r p l u s. c o m AETNA DENTAL 1-880-2205479 (DMO) 1-800-220-5470 (PPO)

w w w. a e t n a. c o m

UNITED HEALTHCARE (UHC) GROUP MA PPO 1-888-980-8227 (TTY:711)w w w.U H C Re t i r e e . c o m/ a l c a t e l -l u cent

UHC ENHNCED & STANDARD POS 1-800-577-8539UHC TRADITIONALINDEMNITY 1-800-577-8567MEDCO RX NOT MEDICARE ELIGIBLE 1-800-336-5934 w w w . m ed c o . c o m MEDCO RX MEDICAREELIGIBLE 1-800-230-0512 w w w . m ed c o . c o m / m ed d / a l u

(TTY: 1-800-716-3231)

METLIFE LIFE INSURANCE 1-888-201-4622MEDICARE INFO PARTS A,B,C & D 1-800-633-4227SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) YOUR BENEFITS RESOURCE (YBR) WEBSITE h t t p : / / re s o u r c es.hew i t t . c o m/ a l cat el -l u c ent

A-L PENSION SERVICE CENTER 1-866-429-5764 (TTY: 1-866-429-5765) LRO WEBSITE w w w.l u c entr e tirees . c o m LRO BENEFITS E-MAILADDRESS b enefits@ lu cent r e t i r e e s. c o m SHIPS CONTACTINFORMATION 1-800-medicare w w w . m ed i c are. go v

This is on line and also in Spring Edition of LRO Newsletter which they should have received.