Spring 2011 Tee Time Success by Dave Scheatzle The fifth ASURA Veteran’s Day Golf Tournament was held Thursday, November 11, 2010, at the ASU Karsten Golf Course with 64 golfers participating, including well-known ASU icons Frank Kush and Bobby Winkles. The tournament raised $4,000, with half of these proceeds shared with the Bobby and Ellie Winkles Scholarship Endowment. The ASURA Video History Project also is a beneficiary. Major sponsors of the tournament were Sundt Construction and Core Construction. Tournament co-chairs were ASU retirees Dave Scheatzle and Mernoy Harrison. Others on the tournament committee were retirees Lonnie Ostrom, Don Dotts, Roger Detter and Linda Van Scoy. Bob Davies was the master of ceremonies at the awards luncheon. (L. to R., Terry Coyle, Bobby Winkles, Frank Kush, Bob Davies) Retirees Day Features “Silence” and “Freaks of the Storm” The annual ASURA Retirees Day provides members a half-day of learning combined with the opportunity to reunite with former faculty and staff colleagues. Barry McNeill, chair of the 2011 Retirees Day Committee, has sought to combine fresh topics with longtime favorites to continue the tradition of an informative yet informal day of learning. New this year is a change in the luncheon program. Instead of a speaker, attendees will learn about the history of jazz in Arizona while enjoying a live jazz performance by pianist Joel Goldenthal and vocalist Delphine Cortez from the Jazz in AZ community arts organization. Barry McNeill Breakout sessions address a range of topics from “Islam, Islamists and America” with Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser to “Ethical Challenges of Emerging Technologies, presented by Dr. Joseph R. Herkert.” Other sessions will cover: “The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease,” Helle Brand, PA; “Seeking Silence,” Prof. Max Underwood; “Illegal: Life and Death in Arizona’s Immigration War Zone,” Terry Greene Sterling; “History Detectives,” Dr. Eduardo Pagan and Dr. Jeremy Rowe; “Freaks of the Storm,” Dr. Randy Cerveny; and “Economic Recovery,” Dr. Dennis Hoffman. A continental breakfast and opening remarks from the ASURA president start the event. For full descriptions of these sessions and/or to register for this event, please visit www.asura.asu.edu. Delphine Cortez and Joel Goldenthal ASURA BOARD OFFICERS President Connie McNeill 480-945-3565 connie.mcneill@asu.edu Secretary Jo Madonna 480-839-8021 jo.madonna@asu.edu Past President Mary Stevens 602-758-3750 marystevens0@gmail.com Treasurer Joyce Hartman Diaz 480-814-8249 joyceh_diaz@hotmail.com Vice President David Schwalm 480-897-0804 david.schwalm@asu.edu ASURA BOARD of DIRECTORS and EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Terms Expire April 2013 Terms Expire April 2012 Terms Expire April 2011 Dick Jacob 480-838-5423 rjjacob@asu.edu Gary Anderson 480-839-3542 gwander@asu.edu Jim Fordemwalt 480-831-8794 jfordemwalt@cox.net Wilma Mathews 602-279-1053 wkm23@asu.edu Doug Johnson 480-965-6614 doug.johnson@asu.edu Elmer Gooding 480-831-2990 elmer.gooding@asu.edu Dave Scheatzle 480-967-9224 scheatzle@asu.edu Connie McNeill ASURA Officer Joyce Hartman Diaz ASURA Officer David Schwalm ASURA Officer Rose Minetti 480-926-9309 rose.minetti@asu.edu Jo Madonna ASURA Officer Joy Shearman 602-448-5556 joy.shearman@asu.edu Carolyn Minner 623-910-7511 ceminner@gmail.com Bill Stasi 480-396-6608 wstasi@asu.edu Mary Stevens ASURA Officer William Moor 480-838-8348 william.moor@asu.edu Ex-Officio Members Gary Grossman University Senate 480-965-2222 usenate.acd@asu.edu Sheree Barron Human Resources 480-965-7878 sheree.barron@asu.edu Robert Muscari University Staff Council 480-965-3497 robert.muscari@asu.edu Barbara Shaw-Snyder Public Affairs 480-727-0571 Barbara.Shaw@asu.edu Volunteer for the ASURA ASURA is operated entirely by volunteers. If you think you might enjoy working with fellow retirees to support the organization and its activities, please look over the list of volunteer opportunities detailed on Page 2 of our Membership Application Form. If you have an interest, please contact us. Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 2 Spring 2011 COMMITTEES Community Outreach (Adopt-A-Family) Joan Leard (480-947-6119) joan@jazzinaz.org Community Outreach (Emeritus College Liaison) Dick Jacob (480-838-5423) rjjacob@asu.edu Community Outreach (Scholarship) Sue Blumer (480-948-6632) cynthia.blumer@asu.edu Community Outreach (University Club Liaison) Jim Fordemwalt (480-831-8794) jfordemwalt@cox.net Community Outreach (Video History Project) Linda Van Scoy (480-497-5958) lvs@asu.edu Events (Luncheons) Barbara Bradford Eschbach (480-209-0733) Barbara.Eschbach@asu.edu Events (Retirees Day) Barry McNeill (480-945-3565) mcneill@asu.edu Health Insurance Liaison (ASRS) Rose Minetti (480-926-9309) rose.minetti@asu.edu Events (Travel) Gary Anderson (480-839-3542) gwander@asu.edu Membership Committee Chair Elmer Gooding (480-831-2990) elmer.gooding@asu.edu Bill Stasi (480-396-6608) wstasi@asu.edu Membership & Communications (Newsletter) Wilma Mathews (copy editor) (602-279-1053) wkm23@asu.edu Events (Seminars) Dick Jacob (480-838-5423) rjjacob@asu.edu Finance Mary Stevens (602-758-3750) marystevens0@gmail.com Government Liaison Council (State Legislature) Jerry Aronson (480-945-9078) jerrya@asu.edu Government Liaison Council (ASRS) Dick Jacob (480-838-5423) rjjacob@asu.edu Jeannette Robson (typesetter) (480-688-5178) jrobson_az@yahoo.com Membership & Communications (Obituaries) Becky Reiss (480-897-6278) becky.reiss@asu.edu Membership & Communications (Web Site, Database) Connie McNeill (480-945-3565) connie.mcneill@asu.edu Health Insurance Liaison (ADOA) Doug Johnson (480-965-6614) doug.johnson@asu.edu ASURA OFFICE STAFF Phone: Fax: 480-965-7668 480-965-7807 Physical Address: Community Services Building, #201 200 East Curry Rd., Tempe, AZ Business Office Manager Carolyn Minner ceminner@gmail.com Coordinator, Office Staff Carol Moore carollinneamoore@cox.net Carol Berg Betty Norris Carol Moore Linda Van Scoy Jeannette Robson Nancy Lesko Maxine LaRoux Anna Marie Shivers Carolyn Lanners Joan Leard Jack Sarrett Helen Seaton Ed Scannell Janet Soper Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 3 Ike_brg@yahoo.com azbetty@cox.net carollinneamoore@cox.net lvs@asu.edu jrobson@asu.edu nclesko@asu.edu laroux@asu.edu istaxs@asu.edu cnlanners@Live.com joan@jazzinaz.org jack.sarrett@asu.edu helen.seaton@asu.edu eesaz@aol.com jsoper@cox.net Monday a.m. Monday p.m. Tuesday a.m. Tuesday p.m. Wednesday a.m. Wednesday p.m. Thursday a.m. Friday a.m. Friday p.m. sub sub sub sub sub Spring 2011 ASRS Report By Dick Jacob As we emerge slowly from the current recession, things are looking up at the Arizona State Retirement System. The overall ASRS fund value has followed the stock market on an upward trend, growing 42.2% from the nadir value of $18.7B in March, 2009, to a present figure (12/31/2010) of $26.6B. (The Dow has grown 75.6% in that time frame, but its fall had been much steeper than that of the ASRS fund.) “Plan,” can feel secure in their pensions. They are actuarially sound, at least over the anticipated lifetimes of current retirees, and guaranteed by the Arizona State constitution as well as state and local contract law. In light of the recent State Attorney General’s opinion regarding the “System” being protected on the same constitutional basis as the “Plan,” both are almost equivalent in stability and reliability. For active members (those still at work,) however, the situation is not quite as rosy. Those of us who were used to matching contribution rates of 7% or less during our employment years are taken aback to learn that the 2011 rate is 10.5% and projected to grow to 11% or 12% over the next few years before declining again. The Pew Center on the States, in its Indeed, if a switch to a Defined Contriburecent report on public employee pension tion Plan (the current Plan is Defined plans, frequently highlighted Arizona as a Benefit) occurs, as some have suggested, top performer in several categories. For the rate for current active members would example, it found that in fiscal year 2008, be forced to unsustainable levels. This, in only Alaska, Arizona, Maine and North my opinion, is not likely to happen, but Dakota met their actuarially required conmore realistic is the already occurring detributions. For this high ranking in pencrease in members and total contributions sion performance, we have to thank a dedidue to declining state employee numbers. cated and competent ASRS Board of TrusThis adds further to the contribution burtees and the superb leadership of the direcden of existing active membership. tor, Paul Matson, and his corps of investAnother sour note is the disappearment officers and consultants. ance of new Permanent Benefit Increases The bottom line is that retired mem(PBI on your statements.) Many have misbers, both of the ASRS “System” and Finally, as a cost savings measure, ASRS has ceased mailing monthly paper advisories of pension deposits. Members will receive an advisory by email if there are changes in their deductions or other details, but only an annual summary will be mailed to each retiree. Members may access their monthly deposit details by going to their account on line. Go to www.azasrs.gov and click on the “My ASRS” button. First time visitors will have to go through a registration process. Further information and .pdf copies of my reports to the ASURA Board can be obtained by sending me an e-mail at rjjacob@asu.edu. I am also happy to discuss with you issues you may have regarding the retirement system, but will quickly direct you to an expert at ASRS if your questions take me into deep waters. his view. Examples will come from modern neurology and psychology. Spring Luncheon 2011 Put a "hold" on your calendar now for the upcoming ASURA Spring Luncheon, scheduled for Friday, April 8th, 11:30am -1:30pm. The luncheon will be held at the Shalimar Golf Clubhouse in Tempe. Details are still pending (e.g., menu options and cost) but our guest speaker will be Dr. Jay Braun. Dr. Braun will make a presentation entitled: "Everything is REALLY all in your Head!" Jay Braun is an Emeritus Professor of Psychology at ASU. He received a Ph.D. in Physiological Psychology from Ohio State University, specializing in Neuroscience. Dr. Braun began his career in 1965 at Yale University, where he studied recovery following brain damage, with emphasis on sensory and memory processes. Dr. Braun is one of the founding members of the ASU Emeritus College, which he has served for five years. Also, he creates community courses and talks about the brain and nervous system for various audiences throughout the Valley. Further details and a registration form are forthcoming. So, keep your eyes open and your brain alert! Dr. Braun will trace briefly the history of the ideas of brain involvement in human behavior and experience. He will use a number of examples, some of them counterintuitive, to illustrate Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times takenly thought of this as a cost-of-living adjustment, similar to that which occurs in Social Security benefits. It is not that, but is rather the attempt through legislation to allow retired members to share the benefits of high returns in the ASRS investment portfolio. Because of the severe 2008 and 2009 downturns in performance, the threshold triggering PBI distributions, which depends upon a ten-year rolling index, will probably not be reached again for a decade or so. 4 Spring 2011 Maori culture and traditions in Rotorua; and view the glowworms in the Waitomo Caves. Traveling Retirees Heading to Down Under After taking 20 Chopsticks (ASURA travelers) to China for an incredible threeweek adventure, the ASURA Travel Committee is planning to take 20 Boomerangs (also ASURA travelers) to Australia and New Zealand for an extended tour in August/September. Informational meetings are scheduled for Friday, February 18th at 11 a.m., and Friday, February 25th at 2 p.m. Meetings will be held in the Tempe Public Library (Connections Room). The library is on the southwest corner of Rural and Southern. At each meeting, attendees will get a review of the itinerary and engage in a discussion of the trip. There also will be a question and answer session. This Down Under educational Tentative plans for Australia include an exploration of Sydney and the world-famous Opera House; a walk around Uluru adventure is for ASURA members and their guests. in the Outback; a cruise on the Yellow Waters Billabong in Questions? Contact trip organizer Gary Anderson at Kakadu; and a slow exploration of the Great Barrier Reef. In gwander@asu.edu or call the ASURA office at 480-965-7668. New Zealand, travelers will visit Auckland sites, learn about the changes to policy or plans and benefits implemented by the Arizona Department of Administration, which administers state health insurance plans for ASU employees and retirees. Honoring Dick Murra The ASURA Board of Directors joined with past presidents to honor Dick Murra during a November luncheon in his honor. Dick has served the ASURA from the establishment of the organization in 1991/92 to the present, for 19 years of uninterrupted service, including three years as a member of the ASURA board. In 2009, Dick, with Doug Johnson, offered to meet with members during the open enrollment period to answer questions and bring clarity to a confusing number of changes and decisions our members has to make. More than 120 members attended those meetings. Similar meetings also were held in 2010. In Dean Smith’s A Decade of Success, an Illustrated History of the Arizona State Retirees Association, the author said: “Murra, the chair has been the faithful foundation of information and assistance on health insurance from that time [1992] to this.” Health insurance benefits have always been a concern to ASU retirees and it was this field that Dick chose to focus on in 1992, a position he held until last year. Eleven past presidents attended the luncheon, each speaking about Dick’s contributions to the ASURA. Dick’s wife Jan and their three daughters Barbara, Jo Ann and Tracy also attended the tribute. Dick tracked legislation affecting health insurance and Annual Meeting — April 30, 2011 convenient for our membership. The Annual Meeting of the ASU Retirees Association celebrates the conclusion of each year, as called for in our Bylaws. The meeting provides an opportunity for us to recognize the activities and accomplishments of the organization and the contributions of our members. At the meeting the President of the ASURA introduces newly elected and appointed Board Members, and introduces the Officers who will lead ASURA in the coming year. The meeting marks the official transfer of responsibility from the previous year's Board and officers to the new year's. The meeting typically features a light lunch, an interesting speaker, appearance and remarks by our 2009-2010 Scholarship recipient, Elizabeth Clarke, and other features or presentations highlighting accomplishments of our members and our organization. It may also include any business items that require discussion by the entire membership. As with all ASURA events, this meeting is an opportunity to enjoy the company of good friends and to make new acquaintances. The ASURA Annual Report is distributed at the meeting. This report summarizes the activities of ASURA for the year. Links to prior-year reports appear The meeting is normally held in the Alumni Lounge in the Memorial Union Building (MU 202) on the ASU Tempe Campus in the report on that year's Annual Meeting, which you can find listed along at 1:00 p.m. This location is chosen as the most central and/or with other past ASURA events. Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 5 Spring 2011 popular Sunday-night jam sessions at John Henry’s Restaurant in Tempe. Attendees are invited – and encouraged – to bring their own voices and/or musical instruments to join in on the jam. Refreshments will be provided. Music Lovers Unite! The second ASURA Jam Session is scheduled for Wednesday, March 23, 2:30 p.m.in the Skirm Auditorium at Friendship Village in Tempe. Registration is $5/person and the event is open to ASURA members, family and friends. Registration forms will be mailed and also posted on the ASURA website: http:// asura.asu.edu. ASU retiree Denis Kigin will be the resident host, assisted by Barbara Bradford Eschbach. Lead musicians for the jam Friendship Village is located at 2645 session will be Sharon Aebi (piano) and Robert Coulson (standup East Southern Avenue, Tempe, Arizona, bass). Aebi and Coulson are known in the East Valley for their 85282. Books that don’t sell and will not be accepted include books published before 1970 (they do not have an ISBN number which is required), old fiction, encyclopedias, coffee table books, World Books or similar book sets, best sellers like romance novels by Nora Roberts and mysteries, and NO National Geographic or Arizona Highways magazines. Help Support ASURA Programs by Cleaning Out Your Home Library The ASURA Finance Committee has been looking at the long-range economic health of our organization, including the need for fundraising to continue our Living Video History Project, scholarships and Adopt-A-Family, as well as potential future projects. Books that don’t sell will be donated or disposed of by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. The Committee is exploring a potential excellent opportunity to sell donated books on-line through Friends of the Phoenix Public Library, a local non-profit that has enjoyed great success and has a warehouse for book storage and an established operation. Profits on sales of our donated books would be shared with ASURA and Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. ASURA members who accept communications through email will receive a survey from the Committee to gather information on whether we can collect a sufficient number of books to participate in the on-line sales program. We strongly encourage you to complete the survey. If you do not receive ASURA communications by email but have books you would donate, please call the ASURA office and leave word with the office staff volunteer with your name, telephone number, types and estimated number of books you have to donate. The office number is 480965-7668. Book collections by members of higher education are especially coveted because these are the types of books that sell! Books that will be accepted for this project include: newer textbooks, non-fiction, first editions, classics, Pulitzer prize winners, books by famous authors who have recently died, very current fiction like the Twilight or Steig Larson series and fiction that is less than three or four years old. Academic publications from publishers like Oxford, Cambridge, ASU and UofA may sell as well. Depending on the results of the survey, we will set a weeklong period for delivery of books to the Community Services Building, 200 E. Curry Road, and notify potential donors of dates and times. Judges Needed for K-12 Science Fair Hundreds of students from throughout Arizona will bring their entries in the 2011 Arizona Science & Engineering Fair to the Phoenix Convention Center April 11-13, with the hopes that their project will be good enough to advance to the next level of competition. Phil Huebner, director of the AzSEF, relies heavily on volunteer judges to provide students with the critical feedback that will help these young minds continue their interest in science and engineering. Huebner is especially hopeful that retired ASU faculty and staff will bring their expertise to the fair. Volunteer judges are needed for just one day to help make this educational event a success. While a background in a specific science or engineering area is a boon, it is not essential. The 18 judging categories range from animal science to chemistry, computer sciences to bioengineering and mathematical to plant sciences. For more information and/or to sign up as a judge, go to http://azsef.org/register/judge.shtml. Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 6 Spring 2011 front (over your address), add postage and drop it in the mail. Use the same amount of postage as we did to send it to you. We request that you return the DVD within two weeks of receipt. ASURA Video History The ASURA Video History committee is pleased to report the editing studio is set up and volunteer staff have begun editing and copying the DVD interviews. The studio is located within the ASURA office in the Community Service Building. We plan to have clips of several key interviews for upcoming events and to also have these available on the ASURA web site. Several more interviews have been conducted this fall and we anticipate 10-12 more to be completed this spring and early summer. See the list below for interviews on DVD that are currently available for viewing. Please Note: Those with an asterisk were recently completed and DVD is forthcoming. Nominations for retired faculty and staff as candidates for inclusion in the Living History Video Project are always welcome. Persons wishing to nominate an individual or to serve on the committee are asked to call the office at 480-9657668 or send nominations to: ASU Living History Video Project, ASURA, PO Box 873308, Tempe, AZ 85287-3308 ; or email to Linda Van Scoy at lvs@asu.edu. Any ASURA member can view these videos one of 3 ways:  View on one of the computers in the ASURA office.  Come to the ASURA office to check out video(s).  Order by mail: Call, email or write us requesting a specific DVD you would like to view. We will send the requested DVD to you via US Mail. Enclosed with each DVD will be a label with the ASURA return address on it. After you are finished with it, simply put the DVD back in the mailer in which you received it, affix the enclosed new label to the Thanks go to this year’s committee for their valuable assistance: Roger Carter, Richard Loveless, John McIntosh, Dave Scheatzle and Linda Van Scoy. Charles Backus (Engineering & East/Polytechnic Campus) James W. Elmore (Architecture) Frank Kush (Athletics, football) Russell Nelson (President & Business) Leon Shell (Student Affairs) Loretta Bardwyck (Nursing) Hal Fearon (Purchasing/ Management) Beth Lessard (Dance) *Robert Oliver (Architecture) Dean Smith (ASU Historian, Publications) Mat Betz (Civil Engineering & Marvin Fisher (Languages Administration) and Literature) *William Lewis (Engineering, Information Technology) Lonnie Ostrom (Development & ASU Foundation) Rudy Turk (Art Museum) Ellamae Branstetter (Nursing) *Milton Glick (Provost) Eugene Lombardi (Music, Univ. Symphony Orchestra) Clyde Parker (Gammage) George Umberson (Music) Brent Brown (Public Affairs & Institutional Advancement) Margaret Gisolo (Dance) Bruce Mason (Political Science) *Larry E. Penley (Business) Linda Van Scoy (Provost's Office) *Hugh Burgess (Architecture) Elmer Gooding (Economics & Alan Matheson (Law) Administration) Bonnie Peplow (News Bureau) *Guido Weigend (Liberal Arts) *Rudy Campbell (Former Tempe Mayor, Board of Regents, Sun Angels, Res. Park) Leonard Gordon (Sociology) Anne M. Pittman (Physical Education, tennis) *Louis Weschler (Public Affairs) Lattie Coor (President) Betty Greathouse (Curriculum Arlene Metha (Counseling & Instruction) Psychology) Ross Rice (Political Science) Bobby Winkles (baseball) Troy Crowder (Journalism and Telecommunications) Eugene Grigsby (Art) Victor J. Miller (Agriculture) Gale Richards (Human Communication) *Madelyn Wright (Registrar/ Class Scheduling) Don Dotts (Alumni Association) William Huizingh (Accounting) Carleton Moore (Chemistry & Geology, meteorites) Roundtable discussion: Brent Brown, Russell Nelson & Frank Sackton Roy Doyle (Education) Bill Kajikawa (Athletics) George Morrell (Purchasing) Nick Salerno (English) John Edwards (Education) Denis Kigin (Technology, and Continuing Education & Summer Sessions) *Paige Mulhollan (Executive *Joseph Schabacker VP/Provost) (Management) Bob Ellis (KAET-TV) *Jack Kinsinger (Provost) Dick Murra (Human Resources) Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times Gerry McSheffrey (Architecture & West campus) 7 Frank Sackton (Public Affairs & many other hats!) Wilma Schwada (former ASU first lady) Spring 2011 Holiday Luncheon and Art & Crafts Sale On December 16, 2010, about 50 ASURA members and guests attended the annual Christmas Potluck Lunch. As always, the food was varied and delicious! The company was most convivial. It is always a treat to get together in this informal social setting. The ambiance was enhanced by music played by Barbara Bradford Eschbach, who also chaired the committee that organized the event. This year we had a new feature -- an Arts and Crafts Sale, featuring arts and crafts made by members and guests. Our luncheon committee creatively displayed the items on the walls and tables, adding greatly to the festive atmosphere. You will be able to see some of the work in the photos below, particularly the beautiful quilts made by Sarah Lesperance and the stuffed "Joy" hangings made by Linda Van Scoy. Paintings by Joy Shearman were admired by all, as was the work by Carolyn Lanners and Sylvia Snell. Start now on arts and crafts that you would like to display and/or sell next year! This year's sale netted over $80 for ASURA, which took 20% of sales as a donation by the artists and crafters. One-Day Travel Opportunities The ASURA Travel Committee has lined up two one-day adventures for ASURA members.  Because the first visit was so popular, a second trip is planned to the Musical Instrument Museum on Wednesday, February 23rd. Check out the ASURA web site or contact the ASURA office (480-965-7668) to sign up and do it quickly as this one sells out fast!  On April 12th you can enjoy a trip to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. It’s the perfect time of year for this popular destination. An email notice will be arriving soon and information is on the ASURA website. Copper Canyon: Perspectives from Judith Smith The Mexican, says essayist and poet Octavio Paz, “shuts himself away to protect himself: his face is a mask and so is his smile.” Fortunately, the words that Paz penned in his book did not seem to apply on the recent trip to Mexico sponsored by the ASU Retirees Association. Nineteen ASU retirees and guests joined South of the Border Tours for a jam-packed eight-day tour of Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico, with a spectacular train ride through the fabled Copper Canyon. From the first stop to the last, we were treated more as friends than turistas. Mexico (which he obviously loves) as he drives. On this trip, guide Greg Scott, a native of Yuma and retired bilingual teacher, offered most of the commentary from his front-row seat, pa- South of the Border Tours is owned by Steve and Debby Bernier of Tucson. Steve drives the motor coach and talks about Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times (Continued on page 9) 8 Spring 2011 trip, I thought Mata Ortiz was a woman who made pottery but I learned that it’s a village where nearly everyone is a ceramist, from the smallest children to the adults. (Continued from page 8) tiently explaining the difference between saguaro and organ pipe cacti, trying to point out unusual birds (difficult from a moving bus) and recounting the history of the places we passed through. Then we were treated to a demonstration of the firing process in the back yard of the master potter Juan Quezada, whose work started the whole tradition in the 1960s and 70s. The most frequently-asked question at the pre-trip tour was about safety: are you sure we won’t get robbed on the Copper Canyon train? We also had many opportunities to buy pots ranging in price from $1 to several hundred. It seemed that the whole vilSteve and Greg assured us that Mexico is safe, and that they lage turned out to show us their wares. And there were a lot of would not take their own families there if it weren’t. (In fact, wares, because tourism evidently has been down drastically in Steve and his wife, Debby, own a home in Alamos.) Mexico because of fears of violence. So off we went, from our meeting point in front of the Tempe Library on a beautiful Saturday morning. We stopped in Tucson to pick up two more passengers, and then headed for the border at Nogales. At the various stops, we enjoyed a variety of activities such as taking a ride on a newly installed aerial tram in the Copper Canyon (it was manufactured by a Swiss company), having a lakeside picnic, visiting museums, enjoying lunch in the back yard of an American family who live in the former home of silent film star Mary Astor, meeting many Tarahumara Indians and buying their baskets and wood carvings and much more After a long drive, we arrived at our first destination, the Hotel Playa, just in time for sunset, and a margarita reception at the sea wall in the hotel’s expansive gardens. And then there was the food: Carne asada, chicken enchiladas, tortilla soup, homemade tortillas, flan, and more homemade tortillas. It was all delicious. The next day, we were treated to a presentation on how pearls are “farmed” at the Mar de Cortez factory, and then the opportunity to buy jewelry made of the farm’s signature silvery, iridescent pearls. The people, of course, were warm, friendly, helpful and polite. Our guide for a third of the trip, Gustavo Lozano and his son Julio sprang into action when my husband discovered that he had left his camera on the train. The Acosta family – Sara, Dennise, Diana and Sara’s mother, opened their living quarters in the old Hacienda San Diego, which they are hoping to restore, for us to see, and Diana was our tour guide for the museum at the Paquime ruins. Alamos was the next stop. Our hotels, both restored haciendas, were a short walk from the Plaza de las Armas, and we enjoyed more margaritas, and a concert by a group of young musicians, the Estudiantina de Alamos. Next up it was the Hotel Rio Vista in El Fuerte, a hotel that is perched on the cliff overlooking the Rio El Fuerte, and which afforded us a beautiful night view, and the crow of many roosters who served as alarm clocks the next morning. The shopkeepers, waiters, restaurant owners, museum staff and other we encountered also were friendly and helpful – as were our bus driver and faithful guide. Hasta la vista, Mexico. We had a wonderful time and we’ll be back. Then came the anticipated train ride in the Copper Canyon, a canyon that is much larger than the Grand Canyon and spectacular in its own way. The train is comfortable, clean and well tended, and there were, indeed, security guards occasionally strolling through the cars. The Mansion Tarahumara Hotel, built on the rim of the canyon, required climbing several sets of stone stairways, but the view was worth all the effort. The Copper Canyon at sunrise was particularly breathtaking, with low-lying watercolor clouds slowly giving way to the light. The next hotel, the Sierra Lodge in Cusarare, owned by the Tarahumara Indians, was a real adventure to the “modern” Americans on the trip. The rooms were lighted by kerosene lamps and heated with wood stoves. We spent our last night in the Hotel Adobe in Mata Ortiz, the village known for its wood-fired pottery. Before going on this Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times (For another perspective on the Copper Canyon trip, see the article by Bill Stasi that is on our Web site at: http:// asura.asu.edu/CopperCanyon). 9 Spring 2011 Obituaries: Published After October 15, 2010 (pages 10 & 11) Please note that all obituary notices and photos (when available) are on our web site: http://asura.asu.edu/ obituaries (Becky Reiss, Membership & Communications Committee) Name Date of Death ASU Affiliation Bell, Shirley Kay November 12, 2010 College of Nursing Combs, Libby (Alma Elizabeth) November 26, 2010 Worked during semester registrations Curry, Robert Scott October 22, 2010 Registrar’s Office and Art Museum Dellis, H. A. “Hoss” November 10, 2010 College of Education, adjunct professor Diehl, James Edward, Sr. December 14, 2010 Police Officer Fairfax, Betty Harriet November 7, 2010 Consultant, Del Webb School of Construction Fjeld, Margorie Mae October 15, 2010 Unknown Grebles, Barent Leroy “Roy” October 19, 2010 Evening Instructor, Ctr for Executive Development, College of Business Heier, William D. “Bill” October 29, 2010 Professor Emeritus, College of Business Hughes, Georgia Ann December 27, 2010 College of Business, Marketing Department Jones, Hazel Burniece January 11, 2011 Food service worker Karnes, Thomas Lindas December 11, 2010 Chairman, History Department Karnes, Virginia Perry October 28, 2010 Wife of Thomas Karnes, Professor Emeritus of History Kelly, John B. December 27, 2010 Professor of Mathematics Kemper, Leon W. November 29, 2010 Budget Director, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Director of Summer Sessions Kush, Frances Marie November 21, 2010 Wife of Frank Kush, Head Football Coach 1958-1979 Larrington, Alice November 5, 2010 Administrative Associate, Information Technology Lister, James Dutch December 16, 2010 ASU Police Department Locke, Donald Cuthbert December 6, 2010 Artist in Residence 1979-1990 McAllister, James Stewart December 9, 2010 Associate Faculty Member, College of Education McCabe, Maureen Kay December 28, 2010 Account Specialist, Student Aid McCord, Robert K. November 13, 2010 Board member, major contributor, supporter, scholarship endower to W.P. Carey School of Business plus funding for collaborative research Miller, Donald Shedlin October 28, 2010 Professor, Computer Science Rosner, John “Jack” Christopher October 24, 2010 College of Engineering Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 10 Spring 2011 Self, Vera Mae November 10, 2010 Department unknown Sommers, Shi November 11, 2010 Career Services Soza, Hortenzia Velasco November 20, 2010 Head cook, Memorial Union Stevens, Patricia G. November 1, 2010 Lab Technician Van Kirk, Carol Elaine November 13, 2010 Department unsure; possibly Human Resources Vollstedt, Lyle Milton December 28, 2010 Father of Linda Vollstedt, Women’s Golf Coach 1980-2001 Winter, Lewis S., Jr. November 23, 2010 Student Health Center Wochner, Karl Edward October 22, 2010 Past president of Alumni Association Wootton, Richard T. November 2, 2010 Professor of Education President’s Message I am very pleased to announce that over the next few months we will begin offering informative seminars to our members on issues related to retirement and aging. Among them will be an enhanced version of the session(s) we have normally offered in the fall on State of Arizona health programs. In addition, there will be sessions on topics such as:  Elder-care options, including independent living, assisted living, selecting and dealing with hospice service organizations, and so forth.  Retirement tips – what ASU retirees may not realize about how things work and what resources are available to them. For example, many ASU retirees do not know whether they are in the ASRS or ADOA retirement program and what that means in terms of health insurance options, including premium payment options.  Financial management for retirees.  Technology use. Examples: How to buy a computer; how to use e-mail; how to avoid getting caught in scams like phishing; how/why to use Facebook and other social networking options. These sessions will usually be one to two hours in length, and each will be on a specific single topic. They may be offered by our own members or by other people or agencies that we invite based on their expertise. The seminar topics will be selected by our new Seminars Committee, which will also make all of the arrangements for presenters, place and time. Dick Jacob has very generously agreed to chair the committee and two or three others have agreed to serve. The committee would welcome any other individuals who would like to contribute their time and expertise to this effort. As is always true in our all-volunteer organization, the quality of our offerings depends entirely on the dedication of the members who volunteer. You can make your interest in serving known by contacting Dick at rjjacob@asu.edu, or let us know by contacting the office at 480965-7668. As should be obvious from the articles in this issue of Prime Times, all of our existing committees have been working extremely diligently. I believe this may be one of the most active years for the association ever! I am continuously awed and impressed by the imagination, energy, and organizational skill that our volunteers bring to bear in serving you. Most of us volunteer because it is fun, because we enjoy working with our colleagues, and because it helps keep us interested, sharp, and contributing. If you have an interest in volunteering and either did not express it on your Membership Enrollment form or did not get contacted -- call the office at 480-965-7668 to say in which area you’d like to help. We will get back to you! — (Connie McNeill, 2010-2011 ASURA President) Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 11 Spring 2011 Prime Times is issued three times annually by the Arizona State University Retirees Association with special editions as needed. Articles welcome, subject to Board approval. Contact: Prime Times, ASU Retirees Association, PO Box 873308, Tempe, AZ 85287-3308. Arizona State University Retirees Association: ASURA has a volunteer-staffed office in the Community Services Building, 200 E. Curry Rd., Room 201B in Tempe, Arizona. Office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It is best to call beforehand. Phone: 480-965-7668 Fax: 480-965-7807 Web Site: http://asura.asu.edu 12