By: Ron Ancira

Brothers and Sisters,

As we open a new year, I would like remind everyone about their over-the-counter (OTC) card being rebooted. As of January 1, 2025, your card should have $350.00 that you can spend on over-the-counter products. The amount depends on what insurance coverage you have.

Our $500 bonus was given in the month of December. If you did not receive you bonus and you received it last time, call G.M. Benefits Center at Fidelity (800) 489-4646 and ask for pensions.

UPCOMING RETIREE EVENTS:

–White Shirt Day will be held at UAW Local 659 on February 11th at 11:00 a.m.

– Gunn Lake Casino Trip will be April 10th and buses leave at 9:00 a.m. sharp. Dates for ticket sales will be February 18, March 4, March 18, and April 1, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost for dues-paying and associate members is $18.00. For non-dues-paying members and associates, the cost is $36.00

–Easter Dinners will be held April 15th and April 16th. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and dinners are at 1:00 p.m. (both days). Dates for ticket sales will be February 18, March 4, March 18, and April 1, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. thru 2:00 p.m. Coast for dues-paying and associate members is $5.00. For non-dues-paying members and associates, the cost is $25.00.

I received a lot of calls that were left on my answering machine- 54 messages – asking me about the future of the Searchlight since the article in November’s issue. I relayed my concerns and many of our members not being on the internet.

When the Austerity program came about, under Retiree Chairman John McCann, he was asked if the Retiree Chapter could help pay for the paper. The Chapter voted and $11,000 was given monthly. Then, in 2019, at our Executive Board meeting, we were told that we no longer had to pay.

We all know that active and retired members’ numbers are dwindling. When I started out as an officer of the Retiree Chapter in 2017, we had over 12,000 members. Unfortunately, the paper is costly monthly item. Hopefully, our Leadership will come up with a great way to communicate with all our members.

Please keep on top of your health and stay safe.