MINUTES for IREA BOARD MEETING

March 19, 2024

The board meeting was called to order at 1:02 PM in the Senior Citizens Center by Tom Clements. Board members in attendance were Tom Clements, Ken Krivanek, Lou Valenti, Scott Ullsperger, Bob Skinner, Sandy Birk, and Kathy McBride (new Board member, will be discussed further below). Excused were Carla Dwight, Doug Akers, Nancy Carlson, Craig Tyler, Teri Ehresman, and Tom McLaughlin. Absent was Bev Bean, and John Johnson.

A quorum (7 out of 15 members) was present, and Ken Krivanek recorded the meeting minutes for the meeting in hard copy and electronically using the Voice Memos application.

Kathy McBride, a longtime INL employee joined the IREA Board. Kathy will join the Board as of today and become the co-chairperson of the Membership Committee along with Carla Dwight. The Board welcomed Kathy as a new member. Carla will mentor Kathy in her new position and take on the role of the IREA Treasurer after the May 14^th elections of officers and relieve Tom Clements of that task. Kathy McBride recently retired from BEA on January 25, 2024, she is married and has two (2) children.

Secretary (Ken Krivanek):

Ken was asked in January to investigate the availability of not-for-profit platforms (such as Note-it) to electronically record the IREA Board meetings. Ken used a free app called Voice Memo and has found it very useful during the February IREA Board meeting and will plan to continue to utilize Voice Memos and its electronically recorded version of the meeting as a back up to his formal note taking.

The meeting minutes for the February 27, 2024, IREA board meeting were reviewed and discussed. Ken was asked to forward the completed final meeting minutes for February to Teri Ehresman for posting on the IREA website.

• • It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the February IREA board meeting minutes without any changes.

Committee Reports

Treasurer (Tom Clements, acting): 

• The February Treasurer’s report is included at the end of these meeting minutes.
• Tom reported that IREA has $11,319.05 total in our account.
• Tom reported that our Westmark CD that is valued at $7770.79 is maturing next month and needs to be rolled over. He noted that there were several options for this rollover, either an 8-month CD earning 5% or a 12-month CD earning 4.8%.

• • It was moved, seconded, and approved to allow Tom to roll over the total value of our CD into one that earns the highest yield possible and that will last no longer than 13 months.  

• Tom noted that he was trying to determine if IREA needs to file an exemption to the new Corporate Treasury Transparency Act that is designed to identify financial crimes associated with LLC. The IREA is a 501 (c)(4) social welfare organization and as such is exempt from this act, but Tom wants to be sure that we do not need to formally file an exemption.

Membership (Carla Dwight):

• Carla was not present at this monthly meeting and no report was provided; however, the final March Membership report is included at the end of these meeting minutes.
• Tom informed the Board that he received a letter from Mr. Eric Hobday who is a retired mechanical engineer living in Victor. He worked in the defense sector most of his career but had no association with INL. He stated that he was interested in trying to locate an INL retiree that would be interested in tutoring him in math and to better understand differential geometry, including matrices, vector calculus, linear algebra, abstract algebra, topology, and manifolds. Tom said he will summarize Mr. Hobday’s request and send it to Carla who could then in turn forward the request as an e-mail to all IREA members to solicit any interest in helping Mr. Hobday. If anyone shows an interest Tom will provide them with Mr. Hobday’s contact information.

Social (Teri Ehresman):

• Teri was not present at this monthly meeting; however, the following issues were discussed.
• Postcard announcements for the May 14 social, Annual Meeting and officer elections need to be mailed by USPS to all IREA members by Carla no later than about April 23, 2024, to meet the by-laws minimum 15-day notification requirement. This will include an RSVP request to ensure a headcount is obtained so that the Hilton will be prepared to support the luncheon. This notification will also include everyone’s dues status as of that date.
• The IREA will subsidize all active IREA members and their guest attending the luncheon $3 toward their lunch.
• Speakers from the Idaho Department of Agriculture have promised to attend but exactly who those speakers will be, has not been determined yet. Whoever the speakers are, their bios are required by April 15^th to support a notice to the IREA members attending the May 14^th social event.
• BEA has also not confirmed that they will send two (2) people to support a booth at the meeting and to be present both before the luncheon and after the technical presentation to answer specific personal question that individual IREA members may still have concerning the data breech last year.

Historian (Bev Bean):

• The NLWU List for February was issued to the Board members for information only on March 17, 2024.

Technical Programs (Doug Akers):

• Doug was not present at this monthly meeting since he is in Arizona for the winter.
• The April 9^th technical presentation was discussed. An announcement for this event was made in an e-mail but the RSVP link was incorrect, Tom will work with Carla to get the announcement re-issued by March 22^nd with a corrected link for submitting an RSVP to Teri.
• Lou said he plans to attend the April 9^th technical event and he will set up a table with the IREA banner and membership forms available and he will also collect dues from members that would like to get current on their dues.
• It was noted that the IREA will provide cold bottled water and cookies at this event and the Legion said they will supply soft drinks to members that would like a soda. Kathy McBride will obtain the refreshments for the April 9 technical presentation.
• Tom stated that Sandy Birk was working closely with Jeff Jones at Westmark to organize an early June technical program to be held again this year at the Idaho Brewing Company (IBC). Jeff Jones stated that Westmark would provide the refreshments and possibly a pizza dinner. There would also be a cash bar for members to utilize at their discretion.
• Jeff Jones also noted that IREA would be allowed to utilize their training facility for future meetings and that Westmark would help sponsor the meeting.
• Jeff Jones provided Westmark tickets to the IREA board members for the March 27^th hockey game at the Mountain America Events Center.

Investments (John Johnson):

John was not present at this monthly meeting and no report was provided.

Benefits (Tom McLaughlin):

Tom was not present at this monthly meeting and no report was provided.

Website (Teri Ehresman):

Teri was not present, and no report was provided at this time.

Old Business:

No old business was discussed.

New Business:

• The INL/IREA Collaborative Meeting with BEA was conducted on March 6, 2024, at the CAES facility in Idaho Falls. Present at this meeting from the IREA were Tom Clements, Carla Dwight, Bev Bean, Bob Skinner, Lou Valenti and Ken Krivanek and John Johnson joined via phone call-in. BEA representatives included: John Revier, Director, State and Regional Affairs (via Zoom), Anna Coy (Johns Assistant), Liza Leonard (Local Govt. Affairs), Michael Cousins (Communications Liaison), Ethan Huffman (Executive Communications), Julie Ulrich (Lab wide Communications), and John Anderson (Human Resources Business Partner). Tom Clements said he would try to issue a summary of the topics discussed at this meeting.
• Revision of the IREA By Laws to include electronic voting and other associated changes as originally proposed by Tom Clements were to be discussed today after Carla and Lou had time to work together to incorporate additional revisions into the By Laws to include modification of the “Records Management” section; and to clarify how remote meetings could be conducted. Carla was not present, and Lou said that they were still actively working on their revisions which would be available for approval at the April 23^rd Board meeting and in time to announce the changes 15 days prior to the May 14^th General Meeting.
• The IREA operates as an IRS Section 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. Tom Clements is still working to recover a copy of the original “birthing” documentation submitted to the IRS by IREA.

Next Board meeting

• It was decided that the April IREA Board meeting will be held on April 23, 2024, at 1PM at the Idaho Falls Senior Center in the downstairs Conference/Meeting Room.

The March 19^th IREA Board meeting was adjourned at 2:07 PM.

IREA BOARD MEETING

February 27, 2024

The board meeting was called to order at 1:01 PM in the Senior Citizens Center by Tom Clements. Board members in attendance were Tom Clements, Ken Krivanek, Lou Valenti, Carla Dwight, Scott Ullsperger, Bev Bean, and Teri Ehresman (on the phone via a remote call). Excused were Nancy Carlson, John Johnson, Craig Tyler, Bob Skinner, and Tom McLaughlin. Absent was only Sandy Birk, and Doug Akers.

A quorum (7 out of 14 members) was present, and Ken Krivanek recorded the meeting minutes for the meeting in hard copy. The use of an electronic recording software (Otter.ai) was utilized to see if it would work for the IREA Board meetings as a recording device. A decision will be made following this meeting concerning the usefulness of Otter.ai as a recording device.

Secretary (Ken Krivanek):

The meeting minutes for the January 30, 2024, IREA board meeting were reviewed and discussed. Ken was asked to ensure a copy of the December Treasurer’s report and the January Membership report were included in the meeting minutes and forward the completed final meeting minutes for January to Teri Ehresman for posting on the IREA website.

• • It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the January IREA board meeting minutes without any changes.

Committee Reports

Treasurer (Tom Clements, acting): 

• The January Treasurer’s report is included at the end of these meeting minutes.
• Tom noted that $11,530 was the total balance of the IREA assets at the end of January (see attached Treasurers report).
• Tom further reported that the IRS Form 990-N was submitted to the IRS and notice of receipt of same was obtained from the IRS. The IRS uses the form to verify that the receipts of the IREA are less than $50,000 annually. The final submitted Form 990-N was filed by Tom in the Treasurer’s files.
• Tom paid the annual fee ($25) for the IREA website name to Qwk.net.

Membership (Carla Dwight):

• The final February Membership report is included at the end of these meeting minutes.
• Carla ordered a new stamp to endorse IREA checks for deposit, which should arrive soon, as the old one started leaking ink.
• The Board had a general discussion concerning the members counted as “active” by Carla.

• • An action was given to Ken Krivanek to call all members that have not paid any dues since December 31, 2022, and try to ascertain why they no longer wish to be part of the IREA.
  • An Action was also given to Tom Clements to call all the new IREA members, send the most recent newsletter, and welcome them to the organization.  

Social (Teri Ehresman):

• Teri Ehresman will forward to Carla information she received from Bob Skinner concerning his April 9^th presentation so that this information can be utilized by Carla in a notification of the event which she will send to all members on March 18^th in either an e-mail or in a post card for the members that do not use e-mail.
• Carla will also send out a hard-copy notification in mid-April to all members informing them of the May 14^th annual meeting and social event. This notification will also include everyone’s dues status as of that date.
• The Hilton has responded that they are ready and prepared for the annual meeting at their venue.
• Lloyd Knight, Deputy Director and Nicolas Zurfluh, Bureau Chief from the Idaho Department of Agriculture has been asked to confirm their participation at the May 14^th annual meeting but have not responded yet.
• BEA has also not confirmed that they will send two (2) people to support a booth at the meeting and to be present both before the luncheon and after the technical presentation to answer specific personal question that individual IREA members may still have concerning the data breech last year.
• Carla reported that the IREA newsletter costs about $3 to prepare and issue for each of the 36 members that receive the newsletter as hard copy. Since two (2) newsletters are issued annually the total cost to issue hard copy newsletters is about $216 annually. Tom noted that we only collect about $180 dollars in extra dues from the members requesting hard copies. So, the IREA is subsidizing these members about $36 annually (or about $1 per member). Some discussion pursued concerning possibly increasing the dues for members requesting a hard copy to $10 from the present $5. A final decision to raise the dues of those requesting a hard copy newsletter was tabled until the April 2025 Board meeting.

Historian (Bev Bean):

• The NLWU List for January was issued to the Board members for information only on February 26, 2024.

Technical Programs (Doug Akers):

• Doug was not present at this monthly meeting since he is in Arizona for the winter.
• The April 9^th technical presentation was discussed. Bob Skinner is to be the speaker and he sent information concerning his event to Teri Ehresman, she has posted his information to the IREA Facebook page. The presentation will concern the soon to be christened USS Idaho on Tuesday April 9, 2024, at 6:30 PM at the Veteran Memorial Building at 485 Constitutional Way in Idaho Falls.
• Tom stated he will work with Sandy Birk to see if Westmark would be willing to conduct a June Technical meeting at the Idaho Brewing Company (IBC). Jeff Jones has repeated several times that he would be willing to help support such a meeting.

• • It was moved, seconded, and approved to explore having a June technical meeting at IBC with Jeff Jones of Westmark providing the refreshments and conducting a talk with the members.

• Tom Clements asked the Board members to start thinking about a fall technical meeting and who we might like to make a presentation. He suggested that maybe we could work with Nuclear Care Partners and others to conduct a multi-organizational presentation. Nuclear Care Partners is one of the largest home care providers serving former atomic workers. They provide benefits guidance, advocacy, and the highest quality of in-home care to former atomic workers, including former Idaho National Lab and Argonne-West workers.

Investments (John Johnson):

John was not present at this monthly meeting and no report was provided.

Benefits (Tom McLaughlin):

Tom was not present at this monthly meeting and no report was provided.

Website (Teri Ehresman):

Teri had no report to provide at this time.

Old Business:

No old business was discussed.

New Business:

• Tom Clements contacted the existing officers of the Board this past week to determine their willingness to continue in their present roles on the Board as 2024 to 2025 officers. All three officers said that they were willing to continue in their roles. Tom will try to contact other Board members to determine if any of them would be willing to assume the role of IREA Treasurer. Tom is hopeful that an existing Board member will step into this position to relieve him of the double responsibilities. If a Board member will not take on this role it was proposed that maybe an existing or new IREA member would be willing to join the Board as an officer.
• Tom sent his proposed INL/IREA Collaborative Meeting Agenda to BEA this past month and he requested a sit-down meeting to discuss the collaborative ideas presented in his proposal that could enhance cooperation between the INL and its retirees. Tom is now waiting on a date that BEA would like to meet.
• Tom worked on revisions to the By Laws to include electronic voting and other associated changes and issued his draft proposal to the Board last week (February 26^th). He received back comments from several Board members and incorporated those revisions. The proposed By Law revisions that were issued were considered.

• • An action was given to Carla Dwight and Lou Valenti to work together to incorporate additional revisions into the By Laws to include modification of the “Records Management” section; and to clarify how remote meetings could be conducted.

• The IREA operates as an IRS Section 501(c) (4) social welfare organization. Tom Clements is still working to recover a copy of the original documentation submitted to the IRS by IREA.

Next Board meeting

• It was decided that the March Board meeting will be held on March 19, 2024, at 1PM at the Idaho Falls Senior Center in the downstairs Conference/Meeting Room.

The February 27^th IREA Board meeting was adjourned at 2:47 PM.

3/3/2024

February 2024 Membership Report by Carla Dwight

• As of the end of Feb. 2024 we have 217 active members (i.e., have paid thru 2022, 2023, or 2024 dues). This count reflects those members that Ken K. called who had last paid for dues thru 2022, some which agreed to renew, and some who did not want to renew due to medical or budget limitations. Those that could not be reached by Ken were sent a final email with the membership form in hopes they would consider renewing their membership. If they don’t renew by the end of March they will be removed from the membership list.
  • Of the active members noted above, 17 members remain on the list that last paid in 2022 and agreed to renew per Ken’s call, or were not reached by Ken. All of these 17 members were emailed on 3/3/24 as noted above.
  • Of the active members, 200 members last paid dues or were credited (i.e., counted for 2024 dues) for 2023.
  • Of the active members, 127 have paid (or were credited for) 2024 dues, leaving 90 of the currently active members still owing 2024 dues.
  • Of the active members, 26 have paid 2025 dues.
  • Of the active members, 13 have paid 2026 or later (2028) dues.
• Of our current active members, 36 members receive hardcopy information.
• WELCOME AND THANK YOU to our new members since December 2023:

• • Heather Silverman
  • Bob Nitschke
  • Warren Merrill
  • Kathryn McBride (Is willing to volunteer!)

Carla sent the latest newsletter to these new members via email, and welcomed and thanked them for joining.

• Our active members are located in various locations, as summarized below:

• • 164 (76%) live in the area, ~ 50-mile radius from Idaho Falls
  • 22 (10%) live in Idaho outside of the ~ 50-mile radius
  • 31 (14%) live in 18 other states, as follows:

• As of 3/1/24, Carla has 26 member dues checks totaling $550 that have been received in; these will be deposited the week of 3/4/24.
• Carla ordered a new stamp to endorse IREA checks for deposit, which should arrive soon, as the old one started leaking ink.

IREA Board Minutes

September 19, 2023

The board meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. in the Senior Citizens Center by Tom Clements. Board members in attendance were Tom Clements, Ken Krivanek, Carla Dwight, Tom Mclaughlin, and Sandra Birk; and Teri Ehresman was in attendance on the speaker phone. Excused were Bev Bean, Nancy Carlson, and John Johnson. Absent were Bob Skinner, Craig Tyler, Doug Akers, Lou Valenti, and Jerry Johnson. A quorum (5 out of 14 members) was present with an extra Board Member (Teri Ehresman) attending remotely, and Ken Krivanek recorded the minutes for the meeting electronically and in hard copy.

Secretary (Ken Krivanek):

The meeting minutes for August 22, 2023, IREA board meeting was approved. Ken was asked to add a copy of the July Treasurer’s Report if possible and the August INL’s No Longer with Us List and the Member Report to the August minutes and send a final copy to Nancy Carlson for posting on the IREA website.

• • It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the August IREA board meeting minutes as prepared.

Committee Reports

Treasurer (Bob Skinner): 

The July Treasurers report (which was not included in the August Meeting Minutes because it was not ready for distribution) and the August Treasurer’s reports are both included at the end of these meeting minutes.

Membership (Carla Dwight): The September 30, 2023, Membership Report is provided below:

• As of the end of September 30, we have 214 active members (i.e., have paid thru 2022 or 2023 dues)
• Of the active members, 10 are new this year:
  • Danna Herbst
  • Thomas Lillo
  • Steve Ricard
  • Robert Hendrickson
  • Edward Dal Lago
  • Jeff Brower
  • Patricia Loo
  • Kelly Estes
  • Diane Croson
  • Brad Schrader

WELCOME AND THANK YOU!

• We have also had several non-active members re-join this year—welcome back and thank you!
• Our total active membership has not grown much overall despite having new members join, as they are offset by those no longer with us.
• Of our currently active members, 183 have paid for 2023 dues: leaving 31 active members still owing 2023 dues.
• Of our current 214 active members, we have 43 members that requested hardcopy information; plus 8 additional active members that requested electronic information but have emails that have been “bouncing.” So currently we mail 51 members hardcopy info.
• Our active members are in various locations, as summarized below:
  • 166 (78%) live in the area, ~ 50-mile radius from Idaho Falls
  • 17 (8%) live in Idaho outside of the ~ 50-mile radius
  • 31 (14%) live in 18 other states, as follows

• Postcards will be mailed in early November to the 31 members (less any dues that arrive in October 2023) that have not paid dues for 2023; they will be notified that their dues payment will cover 2024 (i.e., their 2023 dues are waived since they have not attended any events and none remain in 2023, as was approved in the September IREA Board Meeting).

• • It was moved, seconded, and approved to send a post card to all IREA members whose dues are in arrears for 2023 and allow them to pay in October their $15 annual dues and allow this payment to count toward their 2024 membership and we will not collect their 2023 dues.

• It was also suggested that we consider calling the current members (8) and inactive members (18) that do not have a current e-mail address to see if we can get updated information and to entice the inactive members to re-join. A list of names, phone numbers, and status will be provided at the Oct. 2023 Board Meeting to obtain volunteers to make a few calls from the list.
• Carla reviewed the funds collected during the September 5^th social function. She reported that $910 were in the till following the social. The $910 was accounted as follows:

$200 was supplied as change to be used during the event,

$155 in cash was collected as dues,

$450 in cash was collected for lunch payments for 30 people,

$105 in checks was collected for lunch payments for 7 people.

Therefore, $710 was collected for dues and dinner payments during the event.

• The board members discussed the need to include more information in the newsletter about current active IREA members and try to focus less on the NLWU list. Maybe the NLWU list should only be published annually or semiannually and the distribution to be limited to only paid active members in a standalone document. This will help encourage members to become paying members. This concept will be discussed further at the October IREA Board Meeting.
• It was also discussed that the newsletter could focus more on the living members by including a new “THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING WTH OUR MEMBERS” section. Since the NLWU List accounts for almost half of the pages in the newsletter this change would reduce printing costs and give the members a “better” reason to focus on reading the newsletter. Next meeting the format of the newsletter will be evaluated along with its content, i.e., the NLWU vs. the newly proposed “Things That are Happening” section.
• The Board discussed if it might be prudent to Password protect the website to encourage more membership in IREA. But it was finally decided that idea may just cause membership to further decline.
• The use of electronic bill-pay to simplify the dues and social event payments was discussed. Before IREA can implement the use of electronic bill-pay the Bylaws will need to be evaluated and updated to allow the use of electronic bill pay.

Social (Teri Ehresman):

• 2023 Fall Social for IREA members: Photos taken during the Taco Tuesday Fall Social on September 5, 2023, were posted on our Facebook page. And the 37 members in attendance were all featured in these photos. Some of these photos will be added to future newsletters.
• September 20, 2023, Technical Program: Approximately 21 members have submitted RSVP to announce their attendance at this technical program at the CAES auditorium that promises to be a source of great information to our members. BEA will provide simple refreshments during this meeting.

Historian (Bev Bean): The August 2023 INL’s No Longer with Us (NLWU) List is attached at the end of these meeting minutes and is dated as of September 23, 2023. Please note that this will be the last NLWU list included in the monthly meeting minutes. At the October board meeting it was determined that the NLWU List will no longer be included in the meeting minutes.

Technical Programs (Doug Akers):

Nothing new to report concerning the health care program activities.

Investments (John Johnson):

Nothing to report.

Benefits (Tom McLaughlin):

• Bob Skinner and Teri Ehresman will fly out on October 2^nd to travel to Oak Ridge Tennessee as part of the Citizen Advisory Board (CAB), while there they will meet with Luther Gibson who is part of the Oak Ridge retiree’s organization. They plan to discuss with Luther if they have had any progress on a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for their pensioners or any other progress in general.
• It was suggested that Craig Tyler needs to document his concerns about the potential problems associated with the INL pension plan and get this write up to Bob and Teri prior to their trip to Oak Ridge.

Website (Nancy C.):

• The IREA will try to do another newsletter around January of 2024. The estimated cost of a newsletter is about $180 to produce and distribute so it is something we could consider.

Unfinished Business

No unfinished business.

New Business

• The Board agreed that the need exists to review our current record-keeping system and to propose a more efficient way to maintain and update IREA records and documents. The establishment of a source document records storage location, possibly on a Google Share Drive was suggested. This type of records storage will facilitate better access and maintenance of important IREA documents. Carla promised to report back to the Board with a proposal of how to save our records as we move forward.
• The Board saw a picture of the final banner as prepared by Staples. The final cost of the banner was $54 without tax ($57.24 with tax).
• The Board was reminded to review the content of the trifold flyer as drafted last month. It is planned to review and approval the brochure text at the October Board Meeting. Tom provided Teri with an initial draft trifold and Teri agreed to apply her skills to finalizing a brochure.
• Tom promised to resend the proposed draft of the brochure sent out to the board members in August that tried to answer the question on what the IREA is and why should anyone want to join the IREA.
• We discussed moving ahead with trying to increase IREA membership by having a booth at the Idaho Falls Farmers Market. The Idaho Falls Farmers market operates Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM through October 28th. Discussion ensued whether we should operate a booth at the market between now and October 28th. The consensus of the board members was that we should rent a booth at 1 or 2 of the remaining weekends since the rental fee ($10 – 25) is manageable. We will have our membership application forms at the booth to hand out and we have the proposed content of the brochure for use as a crib sheet to talk with prospective members. Tom will discuss with Lou if he is willing to lead this activity. Ken Krivanek, Sandra Birk, and Tom said they may have some availability to help man the booth. It was thought that we should have a minimum of two people at a time to man the booth. Other Board members may be willing to assist at the booth once future dates are selected.
• By-Law Revisions: These evaluations continue, potential revisions will occur over the next few months (January – March time frame). The by-laws may also need to be evaluated to allow inclusion of electronic bill-pay for use by members to pay their dues and to pay for the organization’s social activities.
• Carla will send out an e-mail to new members to solicit write ups that highlight their life events that they might want to add to the newsletter or the website.

Next Board meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at 1pm at the Idaho Falls Senior Center in the downstairs Conference/Meeting Room.

The September meeting was adjourned at 3:03 p.m.

The August 23, 2023, INL’s No Longer with Us (NLWU) List is as follows:

Previous

Janice Fallert (80) passed away 9/23/22.

Mary (Betscher) Booker (79) passed away 5/25/23. Mary dedicated her career as a Health and Safety Engineer to ensuring the safety of the people she worked with and the community at large. Her work frequently took her away from home to locations like Johnston Atoll in the South Pacific, Idaho, South Carolina, Alabama, Dubai and Russia. She also served as part of the Kosovo Peacekeeping Mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and during her career she was awarded the Commander’s Medal for service at four different military base installations.

August

Joyce Arlene (Christensen) Carlson (84) passed away 8/1/23. She worked at INL-Phillips Petroleum Company in personnel and security.

Jack L. Miller (88) passed away 8/2/23. He worked at INL as a heavy equipment operator.

Terrica Ann (Landon) Dutton (26) passed away 8/2/23. She was a current employee working in Information Technology.

Doris Lee Darling Ellis (82) passed away 8/4/23. She worked at INL as a secretary.

Richard Sandoval (68) passed away 8/6/23. He worked at INL as a motor coach operator.

Diane Kathryn (Denker) Kester (83) passed away 8/7/23. She worked at INL in a radio-chemist position from 1988-1996 when she retired.

Roger Sumstine (81) passed away 8/8/23. He worked at INL as an Electronic Engineer.

Jerry Dean Reed (89) passed away 8/11/23. He worked at INL as a Mechanical Engineer.

Dennis L. Whitten (70) passed away 8/14/23. He worked at INL as a Rigger at NRF.

Michael Butner (76) passed away 8/14/23. He spent 24 years contributing his expertise to the Nuclear Power Field, working with both DOE and Commercial operations. His professional journey took him to various corners of the United States, including Washington, Idaho, upstate New York, Arizona, and Texas. Throughout his life he achieved a degree in Nuclear Science Engineering and went on to complete his Masters in Instructional Technology.

Harry James Moody (78) passed away 8/16/23. He worked at INL as a physics consultant.

Robert (Bob) George Dalton (84) passed away 8/18/23. He worked at Argonne National Lab.

Arthur ‘Mike’ Ackerschott (80) passed away 8/20/23. He worked at INL-Westinghouse for 27 years as an Ironworker.

James Winward Jenson (64) passed away 8/20/23. He worked at INL for 29 years.

James ‘Jim’ Leroy Clark (80) passed away 8/21/23.

William Lloyd McMinn Jr. (50) passed away 8/21/23. He worked at INL at the distribution warehouse.

Eric Ottewitte (85) passed away 8/24/23.

Wallace Marcus Rees Jr. (70) passed away 8/28/23. He worked for Argonne National Lab for 35 years in security.

Riki N. Nagle-Ker (70) passed away 8/29/23. She worked at INL as a facility manager.

MINUTES for IREA BOARD MEETING

August 22, 2023

The board meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. in the Senior Citizens Center by Tom Clements. Board members in attendance were Tom Clements, Lou Valenti, Bev Bean, Ken Krivanek, and Carla Dwight. Excused were John Johnson, Sandra Birk, Nancy Carlson, Teri Ehresman, Doug Akers, and Tom Mclaughlin. Absent were Bob Skinner, Craig Tyler, and Jerry Johnson. A quorum (5 out of 14 members) was present, and Ken Krivanek recorded the minutes for the meeting electronically and in hard copy.

Secretary- The meeting minutes for July 2023 IREA board meeting was approved. Ken was asked to add a copy of the July Treasurer’s Report and the July INL’s No Longer with Us List to the July minutes and send a final copy to Nancy Carlson for posting on the IREA website.

• • It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the July IREA board meeting minutes as prepared.

• The August 2023 newsletter was issued on August 15, 2023. Will try to do another newsletter around January of 2024. The estimated cost of a newsletter is about $180 to produce and distribute so it is something we could consider.

Committee Reports

Treasurer (Bob Skinner): 

No treasurer’s report was presented because Bob was absent this month. The July Treasurers report will be unavailable this month and will be included in next month’s meeting minutes.

Membership (Carla Dwight): The August 2023 Membership Report is provided below:

• As of today, we have 212 active members (i.e., have paid thru 2022 or 2023 dues)
• Of the active members, 10 are new this year:
  • Danna Herbst
  • Thomas Lillo
  • Steve Ricard
  • Robert Hendrickson
  • Edward Dal Lago
  • Jeff Brower
  • Patricia Loo
  • Kelly Estes
  • Diane Croson
  • Brad Schrader

WELCOME AND THANK YOU!

• We have also had several non-active members re-join this year—welcome back and thank you!
• Our total active membership has not grown much overall despite having new members join, as they are offset by those no longer with us.
• Of our currently active members, 147 have paid their 2023 dues; leaving 65 active members still owing 2023 dues.
• Of our current 212 active members, we have 43 members that requested and paid for hardcopy information; plus 7 additional active members that requested electronic information but have emails that have been “bouncing.” So currently we mail 50 members hardcopy info.
• Our active members are in various locations, as summarized below:
  • 164 (77%) live in the area, ~ 50-mile radius from Idaho Falls
  • 17 (8%) live in Idaho outside of the ~ 50-mile radius
  • 31 (15%) live in 18 other states, as follows:

• Carla distributed the latest newsletter on approximately August 15, 2023; (50 hardcopies mailed, + emails to all active members). The cost for the hardcopies was $84.29 for the copies from UPS Store (black & white; color copies would have been ~$315), plus $95.00 in postage from post office = $179.29 = $3.59 ea. Carla provided the 9”x12” envelopes; printed the labels; stuffed and closed the envelopes; and applied the labels and stamps. The UPS Store gave us a 15% discount on copies for AARP or AAA members. Carla was directed to send all her receipts to Bob for payment.
• Carla stated that 65 present members have still not paid their 2023 membership dues. All member dues are due annually during the first quarter of the new year. In the past dues were due on the anniversary date of a member joining IREA; but this became too confusing and ended several years ago. She will issue an e-mail and a postcard to all members whose dues are in arrears following our September monthly Board meeting reminding them about their past due membership fee and the fact that all dues are due during the first quarter of the year.
• Carla will send out a reminder about the September 5^th Taco Tuesday Social on Thursday August 24^th and a reminder of the September 20^th Technical event at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) facility on September 6^th.
• Carla noted that there are 20 inactive members that their emails bounce back and it is difficult to contact them concerning their past due dues. She is wondering if it is possible that they have passed. Bev will check these 20 against the NLWU List.
• There are also 7 active members that requested electronic information but have e-mail addresses that are bouncing back. Carla is hoping these 7 members come to the September 5^th social and update their e-mail addresses. If they do not come to the social event, she will then issue a post card to these members to ask them to amend their e-mail address.

Social (Teri Ehresman):

• 2023 Fall Social for IREA members: The Taco Tuesday Fall Social on September 5, 2023, will be held at the Garcia Mexican Restaurant on 17^th Street in Idaho Falls. The social will begin at noon and the meal will be served at 12:30 PM. However, all Board members will arrive at 11:30 AM to help sign in and badge the expected IREA guests. All IREA members have been requested to RSVP by August 31^st so that an accurate attendance can be given to Garcia’s management to help plan the meal (Garcia’s will plan for a contingency so if people show up without RSVPing there will be adequate food). It was announced that IREA would subsidize the meal cost for each active IREA member and their guest by $7.50 and that the dinner will cost each guest approximately $7.50.
• September 20, 2023, Technical Program: BEA will be providing information on the topics to be discussed. IREA needs this information from BEA before we can announce the Technical Program. A Question-and-Answer Discussion will follow the Program. The Technical Program will be held in the second-floor auditorium at the CAES building located at 995 MK Simpson Blvd. in Idaho Falls. The IREA will provide refreshments to the participants attending this technical program. All interested IREA members are encouraged to RSVP by September 14^th so that adequate refreshment can be provided. BEA has promised to provide the refreshments, but IREA will also be prepared to provide refreshments if BEA has difficulties.

• • It was moved, seconded, and approved for The IREA to utilize funds to provide simple refreshments for the September 20^th Technical Program if BEA is unable to provide them.

Historian (Bev Bean): The August 2023 INL’s No Longer with Us (NLWU) List is provided below:

Previous

Rosalie Janet (Viraci) Watson (85) passed away 5/12/23.

Richard ‘Dick’ Wagner (90) passed away 5/30/23. He worked at INL in physics. He was involved with Relap5, a computer program used to simulate and analyze the behavior of nuclear reactors under various conditions.

Dwayne V. Bell (67) passed away 6/28/23. He worked at INL as a welding foreman.

July

Bradley Mark Leavitt (44) passed away 7/3/23. He worked at INL as an Electrician.

John Howard Spickard (94) passed away 7/3/23.

Mark Andrew Broka (57) passed away 7/13/23.

Marti Louise (Carroll) Casper (76) passed away 7/16/23.

Ray Ottley Haroldson (95) passed away 7/17/23. He worked at Argonne National Lab Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR-1). Unfortunately, his clearance took longer than expected and he missed the start-up of the first ever electricity from nuclear power by 2 weeks; however, he was the person who gave the command to flip the switch that powered the City of Arco for the United States’ claim to be the first to use nuclear power for peaceful lighting of a civilian community. His work took him to Clearwater, FL, Naperville, Illinois and Washington DC. Eventually, he worked for the Nuclear regulatory commission and just before retirement, he performed regulatory safety checks for various nuclear power plants throughout the country.

Dana Duane Killian (65) passed away 7/23/23. He worked at INL-CWI for 19 years.

Jeremy Eugene Jennings (49) passed away 7/27/23. He worked at INL as a Sample Handling Specialist and Critical Life Supervisor.

Technical Programs (Doug Akers):

• The IREA Board discussed a potential future technical program concerning available worker health protection programs that exist for the benefit of INL retirees. Discussed if we could get Gaylan Hansen (INL Coordinator of Worker Health Protection Program) to provide an overview of benefits and available companies for past employees to consider when seeking help concerning their health issues as they work through the DOE program.
• Also discussed the fact that at least two local companies exist (Nuclear Care Partners and Critical Nursing Staff) that may be convinced to discuss the available support they can provide for our members.
• Tom Clements said he would take the initiative to see if he couldn’t get Doug to start looking into such a program for a January/February or early spring technical program.

Investments (John Johnson):

Nothing to report.

Benefits (Tom McLaughlin):

• It was brought to the Boards attention that Craig Tyler is concerned that the INL Retirement Funds may soon decrease by up to 33% due to program management changes. The exact cause of this potential drop is not well understood. In the past the IREA used to have an ad hoc member on the INL Pension Plan Retirement Funds Board that would help us understand perturbations in the Pension Plan, but we were removed some years ago.
• Carla will see if Craig can provide further information on his concerns.

Website (Nancy C.):

Nancy has posted information concerning the new 2023 – 2024 Board members on the website.

Unfinished Business-

No unfinished business.

New Business

• Louis did a great job developing some pricing information that was previously sent out to all the IREA Board members to review. A discussion concerning the pros and cons of each printing company’s bids resulted in the Board selecting Staples to produce our new 36” x 72” banner ($100) before the September 5^th social event and Zip Print to produce 200 trifold flyers ($54) after our development of a draft. Carla said she will work with Louis to help him use the draft PDF to prepare the final jump drive needed to be supplied to Staples for their use. The Board also wants to ask that Staples provide a 24” wide banner rather than a 36” wide. The Board also discussed the content of the flyer and reviewed Tom’s proposed text. The flyer will also consist of the membership form and some pictures. A draft flyer will be developed by the September meeting for review and approval.

• • It was moved, seconded, and approved for Louis to spend up to $200 to procure a banner using our own graphics and jump drive and 200 flyers using a Board provided format to be used to help increase membership.

• Tom will send out a few files he has access to that will provide IREA historical information for the current Board members.
• By-Law Revisions: The IREA By-Laws need to be evaluated against Robert’s Rules of Order to determine if our By-Laws need to be modified to incorporate the use of electronic meetings and voting. Ken said he would begin to look at other organizations that may have incorporated revisions to their By-Laws to allow for electronic meetings and voting during the Covid pandemic shutdown. Carla also stated that she would evaluate the potential need to revise the records retention section to include use of a central repository and modify the IREA By-Laws accordingly. These evaluations will occur over the next few months.
• Carla also sent out an e-mail to new members to solicit write ups that highlight their life events that they might want to add to the newsletter or the website.

Next Board meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 1pm at the Idaho Falls Senior Center in the downstairs Conference/Meeting Room.

The August meeting was adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

MINUTES for IREA BOARD MEETING

July 25, 2023

The board meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. in the Senior Citizens Center by Tom Clements. Board members in attendance were Tom Clements, Lou Valenti, Bev Bean, Ken Krivanek, Sandra Birk, Bob Skinner, and Tom Mclaughlin. Excused were Carla Dwight, Teri Ehresman, Nancy Carlson, and Doug Akers. Absent were Craig Tyler, Jerry Johnson, and John Johnson. A quorum (7 out of 14 members) was present, and Ken Krivanek recorded the minutes for the meeting.

Secretary- The meeting minutes for the May and June 2023 IREA board meetings were approved. Tom will add a copy of the Treasurer’s Report and the INL’s No Longer with Us list to both sets of minutes and send copies of both to Nancy Carlson for posting on the IREA website.

• • It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the May and June IREA board meeting minutes as prepared.

Committee Reports

Treasurer (Tom Clements): 

The June 2023 Treasurer’s Report is attached. The balance in the combined IREA accounts is $10,668.19. The Annual Treasurer Report was issued, and the draft of the Annual State of Idaho Report was prepared and issued for review by the IREA Board members.

The turnover of Treasurer responsibilities was finalized with Bob Skinner when he was added to the Westmark IREA checking/savings account and the Treasurer files were turned over from Tom Clements.

Membership (Carla Dwight): 

• As of today, we have 212 active members (i.e., have paid thru 2022 or 2023 dues)
• Of the active members, 10 are new this year:
  • Danna Herbst
  • Thomas Lillo
  • Steve Ricard
  • Robert Hendrickson
  • Edward Dal Lago
  • Jeff Brower
  • Patricia Loo
  • Kelly Estes
  • Diane Croson
  • Brad Schrader

WELCOME AND THANK YOU!

• We have also had several non-active members re-join this year—welcome back and thank you!
• Our total active membership has not grown much overall despite having new members join, as they are offset by those no longer with us.
• Of our currently active members, 146 have paid for 2023 dues; leaving 66 active members still owing 2023 dues.
• Of our current 212 active members, we have 43 members that requested and paid for hardcopy information; plus 7 additional active members that requested electronic information but have emails that have been “bouncing.” So currently we mail 50 members hardcopy info.
• Our active members are located in various locations, as summarized below:
  • 164 (77%) live in the area, ~ 50-mile radius from Idaho Falls
  • 17 (8%) live in Idaho outside of the ~ 50-mile radius
  • 31 (15%) live in 18 other states, as follows:

Social (Teri Ehresman):

• 2023 Fall Social for IREA members: It was decided that the Fall Social would again be held at the Garcia Mexican Restaurant on 17^th Street in Idaho Falls. The board discussed at length what date would be appropriate for the Fall Social and what date would help attract the most prospective members. After significant discussion it was decided that the Fall Social will be held on September 5, 2023, at noon. The meal will be served at 12:30 PM and all Board members are encouraged to be present at 11:30 to assist with the sign-in and badging of the guests. Bob Skinner noted that he has at his disposal a badge printing machine he can bring to the Fall Social to expedite the sign-in process. Garcia’s back room holds 50 to 60 people, and we will request that Garcia’s management allow us the use of extra tables outside this room to accommodate any overflow. It was further agreed that IREA would subsidize the meal cost for each active IREA member and guest by $8.00.
  • It was moved, seconded, and approved that the IREA Fall Social will be held at Garcia’s on September 5^th at 12:00 noon with the meal to be served at 12:30 and that the IREA will subsidize each member and one guest $8 toward their dinners.
• The Idaho Brewing Company (IBC) retirement planning event:  Featured Jeff Jones and Jamie O’Rullian as guest lecturers from Westmark Credit Union. A third Westmark employee was there to help provide support. Jeff noted that Westmark has several different calculators at their office that can assist IREA members to better plan for their retirement and that Westmark can be there to provide suggestions to members as they plan retirement. Sandy noted that the pizza was delivered late, and many participants left before it arrived; however, the quantity of pizza was just right for the remaining guests (the Board underestimated the quantity of pizza required for the event). Sandy also noted that Jeff promised to provide a transcript of the presentation for our use, this transcript could be sent to all members for their information.
• Ideas for future financial discussions:  It was decided that Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) could be a good topic to request Westmark assistance with.

Historian (Bev Bean):

An updated June 2023 NLWU was sent out by Bev and is attached.

Technical Programs (Doug Akers):

• BEA Collaboration: Several IREA board members met with John Revere, BEA External Affairs Director and his assistant Anna Coy on June 28. The meeting was productive with several outcomes:  Doug Akers offered information meetings to BEA external affairs staff based on training provided to NRC; BEA will be providing an article for the upcoming IREA newsletter; John will reach out to the BEA HR department to identify ways to increase IREA membership; John will see if he can use staff to help improve our social media; and explore how IREA can the support the INL in the future.
• September 20, 2023, Technical Program: Still waiting for BEA to provide information on the topics to be discussed. IREA needs this information before we can announce the Technical Program. The IREA will provide refreshments to the participants attending this technical program.

Investments (John Johnson):

Nothing to report.

Benefits (Tom McLaughlin):

• Eric Wittwer, BEA provided answers concerning the INL pension plan. Most of his responses provide little hope for a future Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to the monthly annuity benefits. The INL retirement plan is one of the least supported plans of all the DOE facilities and as such it is very hard to get DOE complex wide support for our issues when all other sites have a much better plan. A path forward to secure a COLA at INL is not easy to see and Tom expressed his extreme frustration in this area. It was suggested to add Eric’s responses into our newsletter so the IREA membership can get a sense of the issues that are championed on their behalf. Also, the newsletter should have a wider distribution, maybe to include the Idaho congressional delegation.
• Bob Skinner suggested that Representative Crapo may have a staffer that is connected or assigned to work on INL retirees benefit plans and Bob will attempt to find this staffer and maybe we could invite him to an IREA monthly meeting to help educate him.
• The INL must file Form 5500 which is an annual financial report concerning the status of the INL Pension Plan.

Website (Nancy C.):

Nancy has posted inputs as received.

Unfinished Business-

• Louis provided details for trying to increase membership by setting up a booth at local events such as the Duck Race ($75 for a 10’ x 10’ space), the Waterfront United Way concerts (no fee), and the Idaho Falls Farmers Market ($10/weekend event). He also suggested IREA purchase a banner to display at these events to attract attention and to print a brochure to inform prospective members of what we do and who we are.
  • It was moved, seconded, and approved for Louis to provide a cost estimate to procure a banner and to produce approximately 300 brochures for our use.
• The newsletter is on track to be issued by the end of July/early August.
• The revision of the IREA By-Laws to allow electronic meetings and electronic voting was tabled for a future date.  Further work is needed to address suggestions in Robert’s Rules of Order.
• No discussion on IREA status as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization occurred. Tom Clements will contact the IRS with a request to provide a copy of the original paperwork submitted by IREA for operating as a 501(c)4 organization.

New Business

• None discussed.

Next Board meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 1pm at the Idaho Falls Senior Center in the downstairs Conference/Meeting Room.

The July meeting adjourned at 2:57 p.m.

INL’s No Longer with Us – July 2023

Previous

Rosalie Janet (Viraci) Watson (85) passed away 5/12/23.

Richard ‘Dick’ Wagner (90) passed away 5/30/23. He worked at INL in physics. He was involved with Relap5, a computer program used to simulate and analyze the behavior of nuclear reactors under various conditions.

Dwayne V. Bell (67) passed away 6/28/23. He worked at INL as a welding foreman.

July

Bradley Mark Leavitt (44) passed away 7/3/23. He worked at INL as an Electrician.

John Howard Spickard (94) passed away 7/3/23.

Mark Andrew Broka (57) passed away 7/13/23.

Marti Louise (Carroll) Casper (76) passed away 7/16/23.

Ray Ottley Haroldson (95) passed away 7/17/23. He worked at Argonne National Lab Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR-1). Unfortunately, his clearance took longer than expected and he missed the start-up of the first ever electricity from nuclear power by 2 weeks; however, he was the person who gave the command to flip the switch that powered the City of Arco for the United States’ claim to be the first to use nuclear power for peaceful lighting of a civilian community. His work took him to Clearwater, FL, Naperville, Illinois and Washington DC. Eventually, he worked for the Nuclear regulatory commission and just before retirement, he performed regulatory safety checks for various nuclear power plants throughout the country.

Dana Duane Killian (65) passed away 7/23/23. He worked at INL-CWI for 19 years.

Jeremy Eugene Jennings (49) passed away 7/27/23. He worked at INL as a Sample Handling Specialist and Critical Life Supervisor.

June 20, 2023

The board meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. in the Senior Citizens Center by Tom Clements.  Board members in attendance were Sandra Birk, Carla Dwight and Tom Clements.  Excused:  Louis Valenti, Teri Ehresman, Bev Bean, Nancy Carlson, Ken Krivanek, Doug Akers, Craig Tyler.  Absent:  Bob Skinner, Tom McLaughlin, Jerry Johnson. A quorum was not present.   Tom Clements recorded minutes for the meeting.

Secretary- Approval of the meeting minutes for the May 2023 IREA board meeting was not possible and will be approved at the July 2023 board meeting.

Committee Reports

Treasurer (Tom Clements)

The May 2023 Treasurer’s Report is attached.  Balance is $9,999.75

Membership (Carla Dwight):  

• A report will be forthcoming.
• Discussion was held on the idea of setting up an IREA booth at local events (United Way, Farmers Market, etc.) to try and attract new members.  Ideas discussed included need for a banner of some sort and brochure/handout that describes IREA (mission; why belong; how are we connected to the INL). No actions taken as a quorum was not present.

Social (Teri Ehresman):

• Discussed having the Fall social in early October before snow birds leave.
• Garcia’s worked out well last year and should be considered again

Historian – (Bev Bean)– An updated May 2023 NLWU was sent out by Bev and is attached.

Technical Programs (Doug Akers):

• Preparations were finalized for the “Now that you are retired” financial program with Westmark at Idaho Brewing Company tomorrow, June 21, 2023 at 3pm.
• A meeting with BEA is planned for June 28, 2023 at 10:30am at the CAES Teton Room to further discuss collaboration.  Potential topics for the meeting were discussed.
• The BEA Technical Program has been moved to September 20, 2023 at 2pm at the CAES facility.

Investments (John Johnson)– Nothing Reported.

Benefits (Tom McLaughlin)-

• Still awaiting response from Eric Wittwer, BEA on pension questions

Website (Nancy C.): Nancy has posted inputs as received.

Unfinished Business

• The IREA By-Laws were sent to Board members. Revision of the IREA By-Laws to allow electronic meetings and electronic voting was discussed.  Further work is needed to address suggestions in Robert’s Rules of Order.
• Discussion continues on IREA status as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.  Based on what has been learned, Tom C. will contact IRS with a request to provide a copy of the original paperwork submitted by IREA for operating as a 501(c)4 organization.
• The Board decided to put out a newsletter in the July timeframe.  Tom C. sent out an outline of proposed outline of topics.

New Business

• None

Next Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 1pm at the IF Senior Center in the downstairs conference room.

Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

INL’s No Longer with Us – May 2023

Previous

Norman Graham passed away 4/18/23.

Shirley Copeland (88) passed away 4/21/23. She worked at the INL library and the bus dispatch office.

May

James Robert Wixson (75) passed away 5/1/23.

Zola Elaine Elizabeth Jorgensen (93) passed away 5/8/23. She worked at Westinghouse Electric Corp. as a secretary.

Phylus LaRaye Hedelius Barrett (84) passed away 5/10/23.

Michael Leon Taylor (79) passed away 5/12/23. He worked at INL from 1977-2006.

Gerald ‘Jerry’ Lynn Neitzel (69) passed away 5/14/23. He worked at INL as a warehouse specialist.

Thomas Brake (71) passed away 5/16/23.

Donald Scott (86) passed away 5/20/23. He worked at INL as a Master Technician.

David Leon Rowsell (61) passed away 5/20/23. He worked at INL at ATR and MFC where he spent most of his 32-year career. He retired as the ATR Plant and Project Engineering Division Director.

Ella Lee Ellis (83) passed away 5/21/23. In 1976 Ella went to work at Argonne National Laboratory-West, and then in 1987 she moved to the Chemical Processing Plant (CCP) where she worked in document control and security. She retired from Westinghouse Idaho Nuclear Company in 1995.

Bruce Arnold Wheeler (96) passed away 5/23/23.

Shirley Moore (88) passed away 5/26/23.

William Kevin Van Orden (62) passed away 5/29/23. He worked at INL as a security guard, firefighter and EMT.  He retired as a captain.

May 24, 2023

The board meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. in the Senior Citizens Center by Tom Clements.  Board members in attendance were Lou Valenti, Tom Clements, John Johnson, Bev Bean, and Carla Dwight.  Excused:  Teri Ehresman, Nancy Carlson, Ken Krivanek, Tom McLaughlin, Sandra Birk, Craig Tyler, and Bob Skinner.  Absent:  Doug Akers, Jerry Johnson. Tom Clements recorded minutes for the meeting.

Secretary- The meeting minutes for the April 2023 IREA board meeting were approved. Tom will send a copy to Nancy for posting on the website.

Committee Reports

Treasurer (Tom Clements)

The April 2023 Treasurer’s Report is attached.  Balance is $10,032.51.  Turnover of Treasurer responsibilities was initiated with Bob Skinner, the newly elected Treasurer.

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to add Bob Skinner to the Westmark IREA checking/savings account.

Membership (Carla Dwight):  

• As of today, we have 208 active members (i.e., have paid thru 2022 or 2023 dues)
• Of the active members, 6 are new this year:
  • Danna Herbst
  • Thomas Lillo
  • Steve Ricard
  • Robert Hendrickson
  • Edward Dal Lago
  • Jeff Brower
• Of our active members, 131 have paid for 2023 dues; leaving 77 active members still owing 2023 dues.
• Of our current 208 active members, we have 40 members that requested and paid for hardcopy information; plus 7 additional active members that requested electronic information but have emails that have been “bouncing.” So currently we mail 47 members hardcopy info.
• Our active members are located in various locations, as summarized below
  • 161 (77%) live in the area, ~ 50-mile radius from Idaho Falls
  • 17 (8%) live in Idaho outside of the ~ 50-mile radius
  • 30 (15%) live in 18 other states, as follows:

• The IREA mailbox was filled with member dues. A post card will be drafted next month to be sent to those members in arrears on 2023 dues.

Social (Teri Ehresman):

• The May 10 social event and annual meeting at the Hilton was well-attended with 50 people, including three from IEC.  The Hilton did a great job on the food and service. Meal cost was $19.22/person.  IREA subsidized $266 of the total $961.00 bill, the remainder paid by attending members.
  • Louis took the action to send a thank you to the Hilton
  • Tom C. sent thank you notes to Ty Blackford and Dana Kirkham, IEC.
• The annual meeting was held and the new officers for IREA are:  Tom Clements-President; Louis Valenti- Vice President, Ken Krivanek-Secretary, and Bob Skinner-Treasurer.

Historian – (Bev Bean)– An updated April 2023 NLWU was sent out by Bev and is attached.

Technical Programs (Doug Akers):

• The BEA Technical Program has been moved to September 20, 2023 at 2pm at the CAES facility.
• A meeting with BEA is planned for June 28, 2023 at 10:30am at the CAES Teton Room to further discuss collaboration.
• A “Now that you are retired” financial program with Westmark at Idaho Brewing Company is scheduled for June 21, 2023 at 3pm.
  • Sandra is working with Jeff Jones, Westmark.
  • Doug reserved IBC for 3-5pm on June 21.
  • A notice to members for the meeting needs to go out early June.
  • The Board came up with the following topical suggestions:
    • What should you have in place before a spouse or partner dies?
    • The importance of having and knowing who the beneficiaries are on bank accounts, insurance policies, etc.
    • What are key considerations and options for deciding on taking social security benefits?
    • Required Minimum Distributions and options for managing distributions (QCDs, other)
    • Who should be notified when a spouse or partner dies?

Investments (John Johnson)– Nothing to report.

Benefits (Tom McLaughlin)

• Still awaiting response from Eric Wittwer, BEA on pension questions

Website (Nancy C.): Nancy has posted inputs as received.

Unfinished Business- None

New Business

• Louis discussed options for trying to increase membership such as by setting up a booth at local events such as the Duck Races, the Water Front United Way concerts, and the Farmers Market.
  • It was moved, seconded, and approved for Louis to make further contacts with the organizers of the Duck Races, United Way concerts, and Farmers Market on setting up a booth to attract new members.
• The Board decided to put out a newsletter in the July timeframe.  Tom C. will send out a proposed outline of topics.
• The IREA By-Laws were sent to Board members. Revision of the IREA By-Laws to allow electronic meetings and electronic voting was discussed.  Further work is needed to address suggestions in Robert’s Rules of Order.
• Discussion continues on IREA status as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.  Based on what has been learned, Tom C. will contact IRS with a request to provide a copy of the original paperwork submitted by IREA for operating as a 501(c)4 organization.

Next Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 1pm at the IF Senior Center in the downstairs Library Room.

Meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

INL’s No Longer with Us – April 2023

Previous

Garry Mitchell Tolbert (79) passed away 3/18/23. He worked at INL as a mechanic and truck driver.

Santiago Cisneros, Jr. (81) passed away 3/30/23. He worked at INL as an electrical engineer for over 20 years.

April

Tordis ‘Tordie’ Combs (93) passed away 4/2/23. She worked at the Naval Reactor Facility as an industrial nurse.

Albert LeRoy Pendlebury (80) passed away 4/2/23.

Terence Denis Keating (59) passed away 4/7/23. He worked at INL as a Civil Engineer.

Barbara F. Garcia (69) passed away 4/9/23. She worked at INL for nearly 40 years in accounts payable.

Jerry Wayne Jackson (60) passed away 4/12/23. He worked at INL as a mechanical and design engineer.

Gerald ‘Jerry’ Sehlke (66) passed away 4/12/23. He worked at INL and NRF for 25+ years.

Ruth Marie Andersen Rogers (75) passed away 4/12/23. She worked at INL in Human Resources for 38 years.

Loren A. Webb (93) passed away 4/14/23. He worked at INL as a Communications Manager beginning in 1955 and retired in 1986.

Lawrence Larsen (97) passed away 4/19/23. He worked at the Westinghouse nuclear facility where he worked half of his career. He worked at the Argonne National Laboratory as a mechanical engineer for the last part of his career.

Kenneth Somers Moor (81) passed away 4/19/23. He worked at INL as a Senior Advisory Scientist, Ecological Sciences. He had a passion for environmental research that began in college and extended from UNLV to the Nevada Test Site and ended at INL.

Terry Lee Meikle (70) passed away 4/22/23. He worked at Argonne National Laboratories, INEEL and continued until his retirement from Battelle Energy Alliance in 2014.

Dennis Lynn Braswell (79) passed away 4/23/23.

Thomas Lew Eddy (89) passed away 4/24/23.

John Ronald Lee (74) passed away 4/25/23. He worked at INL as a technical writer.

Kenneth H. Tuck (73) passed away 4/26/23. He worked at INL as a pipefitter and retired as a manager.

James Edward Francfort (66) passed away 4/27/23.

Richard “Dick” Boyer (81) passed away 4/27/23. He worked at INL and then moved to Carlsbad, NM to become the first Radiation Safety Manager at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). He retired as a National Radiological Assistance Team Leader.

David Wayne Krekel (75) passed away 4/29/23. He worked for Argonne National Lab as a Senior Executive Manager.

April 26, 2023

The board meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. in the Senior Citizens Center by Tom Clements.  Board members in attendance were Sandra Birk, Doug Akers, Lou Valenti, Tom McLaughlin, Carla Dwight, Ken Krivanek, and Tom Clements.  Excused:  Teri Ehresman, Nancy Carlson, and Bob Skinner.  Absent:  John Johnson, Bev Bean, Jerry Johnson, Craig Tyler. Tom Clements recorded minutes for the meeting.

Secretary- The meeting minutes for the March 2023 IREA board meeting were approved. Tom will send a copy to Nancy for posting on the website.

Committee Reports

Treasurer (Tom Clements)

The March 2023 Treasurer’s Report is attached.  Balance is $9,858.51.  A question was raised during the March IREA Board meeting if a one-time bump in interest rate was allowed for the IREA 13-month term certificate.  Discussion with Westmark indicates the IREA certificate of deposit is too short of term note to qualify.

Membership (Carla Dwight):  

• As of today, we have 207 active members (i.e., have paid thru 2022 or 2023 dues)
• Of the active members, 3 are new this year: Danna Herbst, Thomas Lillo, and Steve Ricard—WELCOME!
• Of our active members, 80 have paid for 2023 dues; leaving 127 active members still owing 2023 dues.
• Of our current 207 active members, we have 44 members that have requested and paid for hardcopy information; plus 8 additional active members that requested electronic information but have emails that have been “bouncing.” Today I dropped them a note in the mail to let them know, and request they provide an updated email. So currently we mail 52 members hardcopy info.
• I mailed the Spring Social note to the 52; and sent an email to all active (and non-active for which have working e-mails) yesterday (4/25).
• At one of our recent board meetings, someone asked about locations of our active members. Following is the current breakout:
  • 159 (77%) live in the area, ~ 50-mile radius from Idaho Falls
  • 15 (7%) live in Idaho outside of the ~ 50-mile radius
  • 33 (16%) live in 14 other states, as follows:

Social (Teri Ehresman) – Teri provided an email with status as follows:

• We hope everyone will attend the IREA spring social and annual meeting.
• A total of 20 RSVPs for the May 10 spring social event at the Hilton Garden Inn have been received.
  • Deadline to RSVP is Friday, May 5.
  • A post card will be sent soon to active members

Historian – (Bev Bean)– An updated March 2023 NLWU was sent out by Bev and is attached.

Technical Programs: BEA was unable to support the April 26, 2023 Technical Program as planned as the CAES facility was already booked.  The Technical Program has been moved to September 20, 2023 at 2pm at the CAES facility.  A meeting with BEA is planned for June 28, 2023 at 10:30am at the CAES Teton Room to further discuss collaboration.

Doug Akers is the new Technical Program Lead.  A number of potential technical program topics were discussed including the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) managed by the Department of Labor to address nuclear workers health issues; the INL Pension Program; and small modular and micro reactors.  Doug will contact Nuclear Care Partners for more information.

The Board was disappointed with the delay in the April technical program and believed a June program should be established.  It was moved, seconded and approved to hold a Technical Program meeting on June 21, 2023 at Idaho Brewing Company at 3pm with a presentation/discussion by Westmark Credit Union on ‘financial considerations now that you are retired’.  Doug will contact IBC to reserve the time and Sandra will contact Jeff Jones at Westmark.

Investments (John Johnson)– No Report.

Benefits (Tom McLaughlin)- The list of Pension Questions developed last Fall have previously been sent to BEA (Eric Wittwer).  Eric has forwarded the questions to BEA Accounting and the pension plan actuary.  Tom will follow up with Eric to determine if a response will be provided by BEA.  IREA may need to submit the questions formally to BEA if a response is not forthcoming.

Website (Nancy C.): Nancy has posted inputs as received.  The billing for Blue Host has been changed from Nancy to Tom C.

Unfinished Business- None

New Business

1. Per the IREA Bylaws, an annual meeting needs to be held with the May social.  A candidate list of officers was presented: President-Tom Clements; Vice President- Louis Valenti; Secretary-Ken Krivanek; and Treasurer- Bob Skinner.  All members will need to be notified by USPS of the annual meeting and candidates.
   1. Action:  Tom C. will send Bylaws to board members.
2. Efforts to explore the possibility of a financial type meeting/presentation/workshop to address retirement related issues was concluded with the previously discussed program on June 21, 2023.
3. Revision of the IREA By-Laws to allow electronic meetings and electronic voting was discussed.  Further work is needed to address suggestions in Robert’s Rules of Order.
4. Discussion was held on IREA status as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.  John via email reported:

“Tom:  It looks like you might have found something from IRS showing our organization number (82-0437091).  I looked through several scanned minutes letters of the IREA Board from back in 1990.  In the minutes of the Board’s June 1990 meeting, there was a brief mention of obtaining an employer ID number from IRS as a nonprofit organization: 82-0437091.  This appears to match what you show on the scanned form from IRS from back in 1990.  However, none of the Board minutes letters back in 1990 say anything about getting approval from IRS as a 501(C)4 org.  I will try to send you copies of a couple minutes letters from back then.”

Next Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 1pm at the IF Senior Center in the downstairs Library Room.

Meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.

INL’s No Longer with Us – March 2023

Previous

Grant Albano (74) passed away 1/27/23.

March

Terry H. Tucker (75) passed away 3/5/23.

Richard Ford Sanders (85) passed away 3/7/23. He worked at Westinghouse for several years.

Charles Lynn Gibbons (92) passed away 3/10/23.

Greg Fennern (61) passed away 3/11/23. He worked at INL for 23 years.

Elmer Lyle Johnson (92) passed away 3/13/23. He worked at INL as a Mechanical Engineer for 36 years.

Jon Dale Wells (80) passed away 3/13/23. He worked at INL in Nuclear Waste Management.

Victor Neil Thompson (86) passed away 3/19/23. He worked for Phillips Petroleum at the National Reactor Testing Station for a year, then at Argonne National Laboratory as an electrical engineer for 25+ years.

Jonathan Daniel Crosier (76) passed away 3/22/23. He worked at INL as an Electrical Engineer.

Alan ‘AJ’ Harold Johnson (70) passed away 3/23/23. He worked at INL as a Senior Lineman for 42 years.

Arlene Guidinger Drake (85) passed away 3/24/23. She worked at INL as an Administrative Specialist.

Jack Berggren (87) passed away 3/28/23.

MINUTES for IREA BOARD MEETING

March 22, 2023

Approved

The board meeting was called to order at 1:10 p.m. in the Senior Citizens Center by Tom Clements.  Board members in attendance were Beverly Bean, John Johnson, Sandra Birk, and Tom Clements.  Tom Clements recorded minutes for the meeting. A quorum was not present.

Secretary- The meeting minutes for the February 2023 IREA board meeting were approved based on board vote and email response.  Tom will send a copy to Nancy for posting on the website.

Committee Reports

Treasurer (Tom Clements)

The February 2023 Treasurer’s Report is attached.  Balance is $10,113.34.  A term certificate of deposit in the amount of $7500 was established at Westmark Credit Union for a 13-month period with an annual percentage yield of 4.35%.  A copy of the term certificate receipt is attached.

A question was raised if a one-time bump in interest rate was allowed for this term certificate- Tom will follow-up on the question.

Membership (Carla Dwight)- No report

Social (Teri Ehresman) – Teri provided an email with status as follows:

• RSVPs for the May 10 spring social event at the Hilton Garden Inn are being received
• INL and ICP news articles are being posted on the IREA Facebook page
• There are now 73 members on the IREA Facebook.

Historian – (Bev Bean)– An updated February 2023 NLWU was sent out by Bev.  The attached version includes some details added by Nancy.

Technical Programs: We are still awaiting details from BEA on the tentative April 26, 2023 Technical Program

Investments (John Johnson)– John noted that the stock market has improved some.  John discussed the need to ensure there is a successor owner for a 529 Plan (college savings plan).  This needs to be in place to ensure if you become incapacitated or pass, a successor can manage the Plan.

Benefits (Tom McLaughlin)- Tom provided an email with status as follows:  the list of Pension Questions developed last Fall have been sent to BEA (Eric Wittwer).  Eric has forwarded the questions to BEA Accounting and the pension plan actuary.  BEA will get back with Tom

Website (Nancy C.): Nancy has posted the January meeting minutes and No Longer With Us list.  Also- the information on the May 10 social has been posted.

Unfinished Business- None

New Business

1. Efforts to explore the possibility of a financial type meeting/presentation/workshop to address retirement related issues continues. There is still interest in having a financial workshop with Westmark.  We discussed the concern of selling products.  We believe this can be worked with Westmark.  We will await further action until the next board meeting and hopefully having a quorum present.
2. Revision of the IREA By-Laws to allow electronic meetings and electronic voting was discussed.  Further work is needed to address suggestions in Robert’s Rules of Order.
3. Discussion was held on IREA status as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.  Tom C. contacted Norm Kramer, former IREA Treasurer, to see if he had any knowledge or information concerning the original documentation submitted to the IRS establishing the “intent to operate” as a social welfare organization or a timeframe that this might have occurred.  Norm did not have any information.  John volunteered to check his historical files.

Next Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 1pm.  The location is TBD depending on BEA response for the Technical Program which will hopefully be held that day at one of the INL facilities.

Meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.

INL’s No Longer with Us – February 2023

Previous

Joseph Albert Hanny (88) passed away 8/20/21. He retired from EG&G in 2000

.

Raymon ‘Ray’ Lewis Critser (90) passed away 8/17/22.

Wendy Michelle (Madsen) Faler (71) passed away 8/31/22.

Ellis Job Hemsley (92) passed away 11/20/22

.

Marie Jephson (91) passed away 12/26/22.

Reed Barrett Fanning (73) passed away 1/3/23. He worked at INL-CWI. He retired in 2011 after 20 years of service.

February 2023

Gene Allen Scott (74) passed away 2/1/23. He worked at INL as an Electrical Engineer.

William John Denson, Sr. (89) passed away 2/2/23. John was named President of Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company in 1993 and became Director of the INEEL when Lockheed Martin won the consolidated INEEL contract in October 1994. He provided strategic direction, leadership and management for all INEEL programs, activities and employees until he retired in 2002.

Gary David Spaulding (87) passed away 2/5/23. He retired from Argonne National Lab.

Dennis Kay Olsen (65) passed away 2/5/23. He worked at the Naval Reactor Facility as an engineer.

Charles Welker Briggs (82) passed away 2/8/23. He worked at INL for 20 years as a computer systems analyst. He served as the IREA Program chairman for several years and was an active member at the time of his passing.

Joyce Elizabeth (Obrey) Williams (90) passed away 2/8/23.

Audrian ‘Erky’ Erkenbrack (95) passed away 2/10/23.

Norman J. Porter (92) passed away 2/11/23

.

Blake Thomas Burt (65) passed away 2/11/23.

Joe Lee Anderson (76) passed away 2/12/23.

John Marvin Fisher (91) passed away 2/15/23. He worked at the Naval Reactor Facility for 35 years as an electrical engineer.

Ronald ‘Nick’ J. Wade (79) passed away 2/15/23. He worked for many years at Westinghouse, EG&G and INEL in Nuclear Waste Management.

Jerome ‘Jerry’ Grenz (80) passed away 2/16/23.

Donald Carl Borrowman (88) passed away 2/16/23. He worked at INL as an electrician.

Donald Clyde Bird (85) passed away 2/21/23.

LeRoy Carl Meyer (92) passed away 2/24/23. He started his Electrical Engineering career with EG&G as lead engineer and manager of various scientific programs including radiation effects on electronics, environmental programs, and the effect of aging electrical equipment at nuclear power plants. In 1977 he transferred to INEL where he supervised the nuclear power reactor fuel research program and studied the rods from Three Mile Island. He also taught electrical and computer engineering courses at the Idaho Falls campus for the University of Idaho. He retired in 1995 but continued to

teach. LeRoy served in many capacities for IREA. Most recently he had served as membership chairman and was an active member at the time of his passing.

Lynn Whiting (80) passed away 2/25/23.

Roland Floyd Maharry (82) passed away 2/28/23. He worked for Argonne National Lab for 42 years.

Roy E. Wagoner (101) passed away 2/28/23.

Jerald F. Cloward (64) passed away 2/28/23.

MINUTES for IREA BOARD MEETING

March 1, 2023

Approved

The February 2023 IREA Board meeting, originally scheduled for February 21, 2023, was delayed until March 1, 2023 due to weather closure of the IF Senior Center.  The board meeting was called to order at 1 p.m. in the Senior Citizens Center by Tom Clements.  Board members in attendance were Jerry Johnson, Craig Tyler, Carla Dwight, Beverly Bean, Teri Ehresman, John Johnson, Tom McLaughlin, and Tom Clements.  Tom Clements recorded minutes for the meeting.

Secretary- The board was informed that Mimi Jones had resigned.  Mimi’s many years of service were acknowledged.  The January 2023 meeting minutes were approved.  Tom will send a copy to Nancy for posting on the website.

Committee Reports

Treasurer (Tom Clements)

The January 2023 Treasurer’s Report is attached.  Balance is $10,073.34.

• A motion to establish a term certificate of deposit at Westmark Credit Union was made and approved. A certificate in the amount of $7500 for a 13-month period will be made using funds from both the savings account ($4000) and checking account ($3500). Tom C. will complete this week.

Membership (Carla Dwight)

As of 2/28/23, there are 208 active members. Of those, we have 2 new members in 2023 so far–WELCOME!

Thomas Lillo (Jan. 2023)

Steve Rickard (Feb. 2023)

Out of 208 active members, 77 have already paid 2023 dues.

Of those 77, 15 have paid in 2023 so far.

Out of 208 active members, 43 have requested hard copies, and 9 have invalid email addresses from recent emails to members, so hard copies are being sent, as applicable.

As requested in the January 2023 Board Meeting, a poll on whether members prefer Lunch or Dinner for the 5/10/23 upcoming IREA social event at Hilton Garden Inn, was sent to members with emails. Poll results are:

• 25 folks replied to the vote request email
• 17 voted for lunch (68%)
• 5 voted for dinner (20%)
• 3 said either would work (12%)
• About 5 others responded saying the date doesn’t work for them so they would not be attending either

Additionally, an Adobe.pdf file of the Excel Membership Log, was sent to the Board Members, as was requested at the Jan. 2023 Board meeting, in order for Board Members to reach out to at least a couple of retirees on the list or other friends to see if we can recruit some additional Board members.

And lastly, as requested, an updated IREA Membership Form was sent to our BEA retirement contacts and asked that it replace the one they have been using. It was acknowledged by BEA.

Social (Teri Ehresman) – Progress continues on preparations for the spring social event at the Hilton Garden Inn on May 10, 2023:

• The member survey sent by Carla indicates 69% of responses prefer a lunch as opposed to dinner.
• The lunch will be a baked Idaho Potato Bar with all the fixings, tossed greens, dinner rolls, dessert and coffee, tea or soft drink.
• The cost will be $20 per person including tax and tip.
• A motion was made and approved by the Board to subsidize the cost by $5 for each active member and one guest. The cost will be $15 per active member and one guest, and $20 for non-members.
• Teri is working to finalize details with the Hilton Garden Inn.
• The Board decided to have a site contractor provide a brief presentation at the lunch. Tom C. will approach the Idaho Environmental Coalition (IEC) for providing a speaker.
• Teri will draft an announcement for the spring social event to be sent to members.
• The Board needs to consider having the Annual IREA meeting at the social event.

Historian – (Bev Bean)– The passing of current board member, Chuck Briggs and recent board member LeRoy Meyer was noted.  Tom C. will send sympathy cards to the families.  The NLWU provided by Bev and is attached.

Technical Programs: A motion was made and approved to have a Technical Program in early to mid-April.  Teri will make contact with BEA on a presenter and scheduling.

Investments (John Johnson)– John noted that in view of the recent slump of the major stock market indices, now is a good time for doing some investing, especially for retirees who have grandkids with Idaho Education Savings Accounts.  Adding money to these accounts (IDeal) has the double benefit of a near-term Idaho state tax deduction and a long-term benefit of helping the grandkids pay for higher education or apprenticeship programs after high school.  The state tax deduction can be up to $6000 per year for singles or $12,000 for couples.  A range of investment options is available in IDeal, from aggressive stock plans to bond interest, but the most logical are Vanguard Target plans that begin with aggressive stock investments and gradually transition to mostly interest-bearing bonds as the student’s need date is approached.  Withdrawals from these IDeal accounts are tax-free for the student’s education expenses.

Benefits (Tom McLaughlin)- Discussion was held on the INL Annual Funding Plan recently issued by BEA.  The funding target attainment percentage of 110.08% was viewed as positive news.  Tom M. will contact Eric Wittwer, BEA, concerning previously developed questions, cost of living adjustment, and the possibility of meeting with a few IREA board members.

Unfinished Business

1. A meeting with INL External Engagement and Communications was held February 1, 2023.  Teri, Carla, and Tom C. met with John Revier and Anna Coy to discuss collaboration opportunities. The meeting was very positive. A separate email was sent February 5 to IREA Board members providing a summary of the meeting.

1. Westmark Checking Account Signatures – The action to update access to the Westmark bank account was completed January 23, 2023.  Carla Dwight and Tom Clements are now authorized signers.

New Business

1. Efforts to explore the possibility of a financial type meeting/presentation/workshop to address retirement related issues continues.
   1. Sandra Birk arranged a meeting with Westmark on February 7, 2023 to discuss possibilities.  Sandra and Tom C. attended the meeting. A summary of the meeting prepared by Jeff Jones, Westmark, was previously distributed to the IREA Board.
   2. The Board discussed setting up a financial discussion opportunity for IREA members with Westmark. The Board was amenable to having a financial type meeting for members.  However, there was some concern expressed about sales of products.  The Board decided to table the discussion to allow some time for consideration.  An alternative was suggested about approaching BEA to determine if there are any retirement planning workshops planned.
2. Revision of the IREA By-Laws was discussed. Specifically, a need for revision to allow electronic meetings and electronic voting is warranted.
   1. Action:  Board members will review by-laws and send recommended changes to John Johnson.
3. Discussion was held on IREA status as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.  Documentation indicating IRS recognition as exempt is not available.  Tom C. will contact Norm Kramer, former Treasurer, for additional information.

Next Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 1pm at the Senior Center.

Meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.

INL’s No Longer with Us – January 2023

Previous

Server Sadik (77) passed away 9/22/22. He worked at INL as an engineer.

Theodore A. Thomas (84) passed away 11/1/22.

Steven Kent Kutterer (74) passed away 11/22/22. He worked at INL-CWI.

Reginald Greenwood (87) passed away 12/9/22.

Richard Daley (73) passed away 12/26/22.

January

Mark Verdoorn (66) passed away 1/1/23. He was an active employee, he worked in Org H510.

Takako Ugaki Nukaya (88) passed away 1/7/23. She worked at INL as an administrative assistant.

Marilynne Manguba (70) passed away 1/8/23.

Leland ‘Lee’ Frances Morrow Jr (88) passed away 1/10/23. He worked at INL as a chemical Engineer. He worked at ICPP in Fuel Processing Operations and as a shift foreman and supervisor.

William ‘Billy’ Ned Day (58) passed away 1/11/23. He worked at INL as a carpenter and in D&D.

Henry Brock Barkley Jr (95) passed away 1/11/23. He worked at INL as an Electronics Engineer, He worked at Bendix as supervisor of the Space Power Section. He worked for NASA at the Plum Brook Station as Chief of the Reactor Division.  He worked for Aerojet Nuclear Company, the prime contractor for the Department of Energy at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, as the Assistant General Manager for Power Reactors. He then held several positions at Babcock

& Wilcox, including Manager of International Business and Director of Space and Defense Systems. He ended his career as a consultant for Ebasco, in charge of all reactor systems.

Judy Gayle Walker (85) passed away 1/13/23. She worked at INL as an accountant.

John Ernest Selders (74) passed away 1/14/23.

Stanley Thomas Schuetz (75) passed away 1/14/23.

William G. Smith passed away 1/15/23.

Phyllis Jean ‘PJ’ Sayer Clark (84) passed away 1/15/23. She worked at INL in the Legal offices as a Paralegal.

John Bruce Reeder (71) passed away 1/16/23. He worked at INL as a custodian for 29+ years.

Bryce Wade Harmon (64) passed away 1/18/23. He worked at INL as a security escort.

Jennifer Dorothy Mitchell Buckmaster (51) passed away 1/20/23. She worked at INL as a health physicist.

Iris Dawn Hudson (79) passed away 1/23/23. She worked at INL-Westinghouse as a secretary.

Robert ‘Bob’ Randall Jones (97) passed away 1/26/23. He worked at INL on various nuclear programs for 37 years. His work included reactor operator and senior criticality safety engineer. He retired in 1991.

Karen Jo Benzon Sloan (80) passed away 1/27/23. She worked at INL-CWI. She worked in records management.

Paul Moskowitz (73) passed away 1/29/23. He was an active employee of INL, working in org D230.

James Jeppson (76) passed away 1/29/23.

Rolf Christian Strahm (91) passed away 1/31/23.

MINUTES for IREA BOARD MEETING

January 17, 2023

The January 2023 IREA Board meeting was called to order at 1 p.m. in the Senior Citizens Center by Tom Clements.  Board members in attendance were Mimi Jones, Jerry Johnson, Craig Tyler, Carla Dwight, Beverly Bean, Teri Ehresman, Sandra Birk, Tom Clements.  Mimi Jones recorded minutes for the meeting.

Secretary-Mimi Jones:  November 2022 minutes were approved and seconded.  Tom will send a copy to Nancy for posting on the website.

Committee Reports

Treasurer (Tom Clements)

The December 2022 Treasurer’s Report is attached.  Balance is $10,158.30.

Membership (Carla Dwight)

As of 1/17/2023, there are 207 active members. Of those, we have 1 new member: Thomas Lillo–welcome!

Out of 207 active members, 75 have already paid 2023 dues.

Of those 75, 11 have paid in 2023 so far.

Out of 207 active members, 40 have requested hard copies, and 9 have invalid email addresses, so were sent a hard copy of the 2022 newsletter.

Social (Teri Ehresman) – We decided that the spring social event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on May 10, 2023.  Teri is working with the Hilton on this.

• Carla will send out an email survey pulsing active members on what time of day-either lunch or dinner- is preferred.
• The estimated cost for lunch is in the $22-$25 range
• Dinner is $32-$35 range.
• Organization may subsidize the costs.

A Silent Auction is also being discussed.  Nancy Carlson will be contacted for applicable details.  Late August/Early September is a possible date range.

Historian – (Bev Bean)– NLWU provided by Bev and is attached.

Technical Programs (Chuck Briggs) – Not Present.

Investments (John Johnson)– Not Present.

Benefits (Tom McLaughlin)- Not Present

IREA Newsletter: – Mimi Jones – Newsletter was sent out thru USPS and thru the internet.  Of the internet issues, 19 bounced back last time and 10 bounced back this time.  A total of 49 paper copies (30 pages) were processed and sent by ZipPrint for a total cost of $299.96. It cost $6.14 per copy to mail a hard copy thru USPS.  Comments – Using 12 pt type was suggested for the newsletter so everyone could read it.  The section No Longer With Us was particularly commented on by many.

It was decided to send out newsletters to the HR Department Head and to John Wagner, President of INL.  Also, Juan Alvarez and Dana Kirkham (IEC).

Unfinished Business

1. Teri and Tom are working to get a meeting with INL External Engagement and Communications to discuss collaboration opportunities.

1. Westmark Signatures – Approved minutes from November 2022 meeting will be used to update the Westmark account.  Tom Clements and Carla Dwight will get the account updated at Westmark.

New Business

1. Sandra Birk has been working on the possibility of a financial type meeting/presentation/workshop to address retirement related issues. She met with a Westmark representative that gives these types of presentations (but is not involved in selling products).  The Board decided that we would like to have a “pre-presentation:” with the representative to gain familiarity with content prior to deciding on setting up an actual meeting for members.  This pre-presentation meeting would hopefully occur before our next IREA Board meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Note:  A meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 7^th at 3pm at Westmark (Channing Way) to discuss the presentation content.

2. Tom C. will be looking into Westmark savings and CD interest rates. It may be prudent for the Board to decide to move some portion of the IREA money into a higher interest paying option such as a short-term (6-month CD) or other savings program. Great suggestion by Jerry.

Next Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 1pm at the Senior Center.

Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

Mimi Jones – IREA Secretary

INL’s No Longer with Us – December 2022

Previous

Dean W. Gibson (83) passed away 10/31/22. He worked at INL as an electrician.

Robert ‘Bob’ Edward Korenke (81) passed away 11/28/22. He worked at INL beginning in 1965 at the National Reactor Testing Station. He started at the Engineering Test Reactor (ETR) working on the testing and development of the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Systems for the Submarines. He also worked as a Mechanical Engineer, but ultimately became a Project Manager in Waste Management, holding a leadership role. During his 40 years of service, he was responsible for several Nuclear Energy related programs and projects for the Department of Energy. He retired in May 2005 as a Senior Project Manager responsible for the INL NE/DOE HQ Project for Advanced Gas Reactor Particle Fuel Development.

December

Megan Daryl Allen (71) passed away 12/3/22. She worked at INL as an analyst for 35 years.

Linda Baxter (75) passed away 12/4/22.

Julie Hohbach Piper (55) passed away 12/4/22. She worked at INL as an employment attorney until 2011, then continued her attorney position for Hanford contractors in the Tri-Cities.

John D. Young (95) passed away 12/8/22. He worked at INL for 28 years as a Mechanical Engineer.

Richard Dean Fowler (83) passed away 12/8/22.

Francis William Cleverley (88) passed away 12/11/22. He worked at INL beginning in the mid-1950’s at the ATR and retiring as a Senior Reactor Operator in early 1990’s.

Beverly Macaulay (84) passed away 12/11/22.

Royce Lanier Brookshier (91) passed away 12/12/22. He worked with various companies, working on missiles and missile silos, Gemini and Apollo space craft and finally nuclear programs with Westinghouse at INL and Hanford and lastly with Argonne National Lab, retiring in 1996.

David Arnold Daniels (83) passed away 12/13/22. He worked at INL as a migrant Nuclear Startup-Shutdown Specialist and retired as a consultant in EPA enforcement.

Donald McNamara (88) passed away 12/14/22.

Michael Kenneth Dearden (80) passed away 12/14/22. He worked at INL as a security officer.

Thomas Charles Wheeler Jr (62) passed away 12/18/22. He worked at INL as a Registered Structural Mechanical Engineer for 37 years.

Geraldine ‘Geri’ White Duncan (90) passed away 12/20/22. She worked at INL as a secretary for more than 20 years.

Kathryn Hansen Browning (98) passed away 12/22/22. She worked at INL-EG&G as a graphic artist.

Don Allen Waddoups (94) passed away 12/22/22. He worked at INL as an Electrical Engineer from 1958 to 1972.

Robert Lee Nebeker (84) passed away 12/24/22. He worked at INL as a Chemical Engineer at ICCP for 35 years.

Joyce Marlene (Belvo) Yelton (80) passed away 12/25/22.

Patricia G. Stoltenberg (69) passed away 12/30/22.

David Scott Brockway (62) passed away 12/31/22. He worked at INL as a security guard for 15 years.

Kenneth Leon McClaskey (90) passed away 12/31/22. He worked at INL as a Sr Experimental Mechanic Technician.