January/February 2017 |
Volume 24, Issue 1-2
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View from the Oval Office
A short four years after our third and last child was born, I lost my job due to a change in the economy and my employer dropping the service line I led. What started next was a journey of sorts to almost all of the states for my new employer. I went on the road for the next 16 years, putting in just over 3,000 nights at various Marriott family hotels around the country. By the time I was finished, I had traveled through all but three states (Alabama, Alaska, and Maine) and accumulated about 4 million Marriott points. I even received a call from JW Marriott’s office when I hit the 3,000 night milestone.
I was on the road for almost every anniversary (except the 25th which I would have missed under unpleasant consequences), many birthdays, some Thanksgivings, and much of our children’s growth. Julie and the kids took it in stride. My traveling days were long before the days of Skype and Iphones, so long conversations on the phone were a relief. Nevertheless, my older daughter for many years was convinced I was a robot.
For all of the travel around the United States, the one constant in our family life was Christmas with all of its traditions. Cold days in Grand Rapids, Michigan necessitated in-house activities during the Christmas season. I got a break from my travel schedule and got to spend most of December with my family. Every day in December seemed to be packed with family fun and activities. Right after Thanksgiving we would remove the nearly 300 Dickens Dept 56 houses, accessories, and trees to create different vignettes. We would have a “lake front” with boats, townspeople with shops and a large Christmas tree in between. Modern shops and a railroad scene would be on some furniture. On the highest point in the home would be our lighted observatory. The daily smell of cookies and great food rounded out my yearly Christmas experience. Every room in the house had a Christmas tree with different themes. We had separate red, silver, and blue trees. There was a snowman tree (a six foot tree with snowman ornaments) and several others.
Our move to Florida initiated a small change in the Christmas experience. Last year was the first year when the whole family was in Florida. We were still in the midst of home improvements, so the house was in no condition for the Dickens display. Cookies and food were still a nice experience, but it was different. There was only one Christmas tree for the presents while all of the other trees remained in our many storage bins.
RIFCA provided a nice new tradition with Christmas dinner and caroling. Otto and Karin did a great job with the New Year’s Eve party.
A new year brings new traditions and another reason to love Florida. Julie decorated the outside of the house with icicle lighting around the edges and lights all over the front. We set up our Dickens display, but limited the number of houses the first year to see how they will all look. Last night Julie, I and our three children walked around the Edison Estates to see the Christmas lights and then drove around River Forest. We got some great ideas for next year’s outside lighting display.
I can certainly get used to this each year.
Bruce Squillante
I was on the road for almost every anniversary (except the 25th which I would have missed under unpleasant consequences), many birthdays, some Thanksgivings, and much of our children’s growth. Julie and the kids took it in stride. My traveling days were long before the days of Skype and Iphones, so long conversations on the phone were a relief. Nevertheless, my older daughter for many years was convinced I was a robot.
For all of the travel around the United States, the one constant in our family life was Christmas with all of its traditions. Cold days in Grand Rapids, Michigan necessitated in-house activities during the Christmas season. I got a break from my travel schedule and got to spend most of December with my family. Every day in December seemed to be packed with family fun and activities. Right after Thanksgiving we would remove the nearly 300 Dickens Dept 56 houses, accessories, and trees to create different vignettes. We would have a “lake front” with boats, townspeople with shops and a large Christmas tree in between. Modern shops and a railroad scene would be on some furniture. On the highest point in the home would be our lighted observatory. The daily smell of cookies and great food rounded out my yearly Christmas experience. Every room in the house had a Christmas tree with different themes. We had separate red, silver, and blue trees. There was a snowman tree (a six foot tree with snowman ornaments) and several others.
Our move to Florida initiated a small change in the Christmas experience. Last year was the first year when the whole family was in Florida. We were still in the midst of home improvements, so the house was in no condition for the Dickens display. Cookies and food were still a nice experience, but it was different. There was only one Christmas tree for the presents while all of the other trees remained in our many storage bins.
RIFCA provided a nice new tradition with Christmas dinner and caroling. Otto and Karin did a great job with the New Year’s Eve party.
A new year brings new traditions and another reason to love Florida. Julie decorated the outside of the house with icicle lighting around the edges and lights all over the front. We set up our Dickens display, but limited the number of houses the first year to see how they will all look. Last night Julie, I and our three children walked around the Edison Estates to see the Christmas lights and then drove around River Forest. We got some great ideas for next year’s outside lighting display.
I can certainly get used to this each year.
Bruce Squillante
Luminary Night
For most of the River Forest residents, Luminaries Night started at 7pm on December 4th. However, a small group of workers began the process of setting up the luminaries closer to 3pm. Over 700 bags were set up around River Forest including the island, lake and the clubhouse. Each of those bags had to be lit. By 7pm the last of the luminaries were lit and we were ready to go. The number of River Forest residents with luminaries kits increased over 15% from 2015. The increased number of participants was noticeable.
The island continues to be a popular place to visit on Luminary Night. Three families set up refreshments for visitors with lively conversation for all. Otto and Karin passed out star fruit and drinks. Harold Taylor had cookies and drinks. Karen Taylor had hot chocolate and many stronger drinks. The lack of street lighting helped make the luminaries look beautiful. Over the course of the next year I promise to try and get the rest of the street lights dimmed for the evening.
Preparation for the three hours of Luminaries Night actually began over a month before. There were 1900 white bags that had to be purchased from various stores…typically about 200 at a time because of limited inventory. 1900 bags of course call for the same number of tea-light candles. The final element of the luminaries was approximately 1600 pounds of sand.
Then the fun began. Each white bag needed to be folded over. All of the sand had to first be dried out in the Florida sun so that the bottoms of the white bags would not be rotted. Finally, we needed oversized crates used to place the white bags in and create the kits. Cuties, apples, pears, and melon boxes were the perfect size for the kits. Many early mornings were spent in the Wal-Mart produce department waiting for the large boxes.
In the weeks leading up to Luminaries Night, the white bags were opened, sufficient sand was dropped in, and a candle was placed in the middle. Next came the residents ordering the kits and finally the delivering of the kits.
It was all so much fun. We cannot wait until next year.
Bruce
The island continues to be a popular place to visit on Luminary Night. Three families set up refreshments for visitors with lively conversation for all. Otto and Karin passed out star fruit and drinks. Harold Taylor had cookies and drinks. Karen Taylor had hot chocolate and many stronger drinks. The lack of street lighting helped make the luminaries look beautiful. Over the course of the next year I promise to try and get the rest of the street lights dimmed for the evening.
Preparation for the three hours of Luminaries Night actually began over a month before. There were 1900 white bags that had to be purchased from various stores…typically about 200 at a time because of limited inventory. 1900 bags of course call for the same number of tea-light candles. The final element of the luminaries was approximately 1600 pounds of sand.
Then the fun began. Each white bag needed to be folded over. All of the sand had to first be dried out in the Florida sun so that the bottoms of the white bags would not be rotted. Finally, we needed oversized crates used to place the white bags in and create the kits. Cuties, apples, pears, and melon boxes were the perfect size for the kits. Many early mornings were spent in the Wal-Mart produce department waiting for the large boxes.
In the weeks leading up to Luminaries Night, the white bags were opened, sufficient sand was dropped in, and a candle was placed in the middle. Next came the residents ordering the kits and finally the delivering of the kits.
It was all so much fun. We cannot wait until next year.
Bruce
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Our Christmas Letter, 2016
Dear Friends and Family,
This morning I went out to the mailbox and retrieved out first Christmas cards. Here in eastern NC, the weather is chilly, but no snow. Had to bring in the potted plants, the temp will be down into the twenties tonight, and we will have a fire in the wood burning stove.
If you asked, “How are you? We would say, “Fine.” If you asked, “What did you learn this year, like a forth grader, we might say, “Nothing.” But I think Elvis Presley said it best, “That would be a lie.”
We did not go on any big trips, though Sumi spent five weeks in Kobe, Japan, hoping to help her two sisters care for their Mom. But Sumi caught a virus of some kind and got sick herself. Big scare, but all better now. I learned that even through I am a doctor; it is no fun going to doctors.
Our son, Dwight, is living about three hours from us on the outer banks and is a quality control supervisor on the big bridge project crossing Oregon Inlet. It will be a four year project. He has access to many discarded construction items and, like a retriever bringing back ducks, he brings all kinds odds and ends, valuable in the eye of the beholder, back to our garage. I’ve learned that it is hard to clean out the garage when what I take out the front door is replaced by more things coming in the back.
I continue to fly radio controlled planes and find great joy and grace in a smooth take off and landing, but I am taught all too frequently that gravity is not mythical and remains constant.
Sumi and I continue to attend classes at our Community College. She is studying Spanish, has a better than 95 average, despite being the oldest student in the class and expects an “A”. This is my forth year in the senior’s writing class. I have a very good teacher, awesome classmates, who write as well as O’Henry. I’ve learned that we are both privileged and blessed to be able to do this.
And after all the haranguing and name calling of our last presidential election, I’ve learned that silence is golden and I love it
Once again, we are grateful that you have been apart of our lives. Over the years we have prayed, worked, hoped and, maybe even, suffered together. The New Year will bring flashes of fame and infamy. I believe that most of us are doing the best that we can. Have hope, be patient and be at peace.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Gene and Sumi
This morning I went out to the mailbox and retrieved out first Christmas cards. Here in eastern NC, the weather is chilly, but no snow. Had to bring in the potted plants, the temp will be down into the twenties tonight, and we will have a fire in the wood burning stove.
If you asked, “How are you? We would say, “Fine.” If you asked, “What did you learn this year, like a forth grader, we might say, “Nothing.” But I think Elvis Presley said it best, “That would be a lie.”
We did not go on any big trips, though Sumi spent five weeks in Kobe, Japan, hoping to help her two sisters care for their Mom. But Sumi caught a virus of some kind and got sick herself. Big scare, but all better now. I learned that even through I am a doctor; it is no fun going to doctors.
Our son, Dwight, is living about three hours from us on the outer banks and is a quality control supervisor on the big bridge project crossing Oregon Inlet. It will be a four year project. He has access to many discarded construction items and, like a retriever bringing back ducks, he brings all kinds odds and ends, valuable in the eye of the beholder, back to our garage. I’ve learned that it is hard to clean out the garage when what I take out the front door is replaced by more things coming in the back.
I continue to fly radio controlled planes and find great joy and grace in a smooth take off and landing, but I am taught all too frequently that gravity is not mythical and remains constant.
Sumi and I continue to attend classes at our Community College. She is studying Spanish, has a better than 95 average, despite being the oldest student in the class and expects an “A”. This is my forth year in the senior’s writing class. I have a very good teacher, awesome classmates, who write as well as O’Henry. I’ve learned that we are both privileged and blessed to be able to do this.
And after all the haranguing and name calling of our last presidential election, I’ve learned that silence is golden and I love it
Once again, we are grateful that you have been apart of our lives. Over the years we have prayed, worked, hoped and, maybe even, suffered together. The New Year will bring flashes of fame and infamy. I believe that most of us are doing the best that we can. Have hope, be patient and be at peace.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Gene and Sumi
Red Hat
On December 15, 2016, the Red Hat ladies group visited the historic Burroughs Home in Fort Myers.
They enjoyed a tour of this beautiful home and its history along with a lovely luncheon on the elegant wrap around porch that surrounds the home.
All enjoyed. A special Thank you to June Boyko and Diane Cox, who organized this event. If anyone's would like to join the Red Hats, please contact June Boyko at 239-222-2229.
They enjoyed a tour of this beautiful home and its history along with a lovely luncheon on the elegant wrap around porch that surrounds the home.
All enjoyed. A special Thank you to June Boyko and Diane Cox, who organized this event. If anyone's would like to join the Red Hats, please contact June Boyko at 239-222-2229.
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Destination Hawai’i
Of course Hawai’i is on most people’s bucket list, but 90 % of people who visit Hawaii say they plan to return. As someone who had been to Hawaii 4 different times, I wasn’t sure if there was that much more to see, but after completing my certification as a Hawaii destination specialist, I found many reasons to put Hawaii back on the next year’s trip list.
On the island of Kaua’i, of course there is the beautiful Nãpali Coast, Waimea Canyon and River and my favorite the Kalieau Point Lighthouse. But since 80% of Kauai is inaccessible by car, I would suggest considering a mountain tubing excursion. Take to Kauai’s historic waterways in a mountain tube and discover a whole new way to access the island's tropical interior.
Over a century ago, laborers hired by the Lihue Sugar Plantation hand built the Hanamaulu ditch system. This series of canals and tunnels was designed to bring water from the waterfalls and streams of Mt. Waialeale to provide irrigation for the large sugar cane fields in and around Lihue. Although the Lihue Sugar Plantation has since closed down, these amazing waterways are still here and have adopted a new life as one of the most unique water adventures in Kauai. The gentle flow of water offers a fun and relaxing ride through mountainside flumes and tunnels that emerge to stunning views of beautiful and remote locations.
Most people who have been to Hawaii have visited the island of O’ahu. Of course the “must see’s” of O’ahu include Pearl Harbor, Waikiki and Le’ahi (Diamond Head), Hale’iwa (North Shore Surf Scene), and the Polynesian Cultural Center. But for those who love to tour the Palaces of Europe and Asia, did you know that one of the most beautiful palaces on earth is the Iolani Palace? Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy, is a marvel of opulence, innovation and political intrigue. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu tells of a time when King Kalakauaand his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, walked its celebrated halls. Today, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular living restorations in all of Polynesia and immerse yourself in Hawaii’s royal heritage.
In addition, the cuisine in O’ahu is a great place to sample HRC - Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. On most days near lunchtime, it’s not uncommon to find dozens of packed tour vans parked outside shrimp purveyors between the North Shore towns of Hale‘iwa and Kahuku, their passengers scarfing down plates of shrimp. The history of O‘ahu shrimp shack popularity is hardly lengthy or deep. The flat, coastal acreage just north of Kahuku was known for its freshwater aquaculture farms long before founding shrimp truck Giovanni’s began plying area beaches with its sautéed garlic shrimp plates in 1993. In 1995, Giovanni’s permanently parked its truck on a grassy roadside knoll in Kahuku, other shacks and trucks began hanging shingles along the coast hoping to share the garlic + butter + shrimp equation.
Of course the Island of Maui is known for the Hana Highway and Molokini Crater for Snorkeling. In addition the Haleakalã Crater sunrise is absolutely breath taking. If the 2 hour drive for a 6:00 AM sunrise proves a bit daunting, then consider using that jet lag to your advantage and take in the sunrise on the first morning. That 3 AM wakeup call in Hawaii is 8 AM our time. Also if you want to take in whale watching and never leave shore, make sure to book a waterfront balcony on the top floors of your resort. Add binoculars and a nice cocktail and your relaxing afternoon is all set. And if you are looking for a native wine to sip while you are whale watching, make sure to visit Maui’s only winery Ulupalakua Winery. It began in 1974 with a partnership between the owner of Ulupalakua Ranch and a family with history of winemaking in Calistoga, California. Between the two of them, they had both the rich volcanic land they needed and the know-how to work it into something new and unique. Together they identified the perfect growing location for the vines and figured out how to refit some existing buildings on the former Rose Ranch estate for winemaking. Today, the winery is built around these historic buildings, just down the road from the vineyard, which encompasses 23 acres of beautiful Maui countryside and provides 12 varietals of wine including 3 pineapple wines.
Maui’s two sister islands which are open to visitors are Molokai and Lãna’i. Molakai is a great destination if you want to truly experience Hawaiian culture and history. It is off the beaten path with no traffic, congestion or pollution. It is blessed with a fringing reef similar to the Great Barrier Reef, which is Hawaii’s longest reef. The other must see is in the cool Molokai uplands, where a pack of mules takes you down to the world’s most unique and formerly forbidden village of Kalaupapa. You will be riding down 1,700 feet of the most spectacular as well as the highest sea cliffs in the world (recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records). The boundless beauty you will experience as you traverse down the 2.9 mile trail, with 26 switchbacks, overlooking sea cliffs and waterfalls, dramatic ocean rock formations and crashing surf. Upon arriving in Kalaupapa, you will learn about the leper colony, its people, incredible tales of struggle and human suffering, along with stories of courage and love. You’ll see the grave site of Father Damien, the heroic Belgium Priest who loved and served this colony of outcasts. Visit St. Philomena Church, where Damien preached to his banished parishioners.
The island of Lãna’I is very luxurious with pampered solitude and serenity. There are two different Four Seasons Hotels on the tiny island which you can use as home base for visits to Hulopo’e Beach and Shipwreck Beach.
Finally the big island of Hawai’I is home to the active Volcano’s National Park and Mauna Kea for star gazing. For a unique experience of a lifetime, a night Manta Ray dive or snorkel must be included. Manta rays are wonderfully graceful, inquisitive creatures. This dive is often rated very highly by dive magazines and when conditions are good, this may be one of the best night dives you’ve ever experienced. Manta rays are filter feeders, and eat lots and lots of plankton every day. Large lights in the water attract plankton, and the mantas come enjoy a free meal. These giant fish are comfortable around people, and will get very close to divers and snorkelers.
Feel free to follow my page Executive Excursions on Facebook for more ideas on travel destinations.
Cindy Baerman
Executive Connection and Adventure Advisor
c: 404-775-5043
Facebook: Executive Excursions
On the island of Kaua’i, of course there is the beautiful Nãpali Coast, Waimea Canyon and River and my favorite the Kalieau Point Lighthouse. But since 80% of Kauai is inaccessible by car, I would suggest considering a mountain tubing excursion. Take to Kauai’s historic waterways in a mountain tube and discover a whole new way to access the island's tropical interior.
Over a century ago, laborers hired by the Lihue Sugar Plantation hand built the Hanamaulu ditch system. This series of canals and tunnels was designed to bring water from the waterfalls and streams of Mt. Waialeale to provide irrigation for the large sugar cane fields in and around Lihue. Although the Lihue Sugar Plantation has since closed down, these amazing waterways are still here and have adopted a new life as one of the most unique water adventures in Kauai. The gentle flow of water offers a fun and relaxing ride through mountainside flumes and tunnels that emerge to stunning views of beautiful and remote locations.
Most people who have been to Hawaii have visited the island of O’ahu. Of course the “must see’s” of O’ahu include Pearl Harbor, Waikiki and Le’ahi (Diamond Head), Hale’iwa (North Shore Surf Scene), and the Polynesian Cultural Center. But for those who love to tour the Palaces of Europe and Asia, did you know that one of the most beautiful palaces on earth is the Iolani Palace? Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy, is a marvel of opulence, innovation and political intrigue. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu tells of a time when King Kalakauaand his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, walked its celebrated halls. Today, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular living restorations in all of Polynesia and immerse yourself in Hawaii’s royal heritage.
In addition, the cuisine in O’ahu is a great place to sample HRC - Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. On most days near lunchtime, it’s not uncommon to find dozens of packed tour vans parked outside shrimp purveyors between the North Shore towns of Hale‘iwa and Kahuku, their passengers scarfing down plates of shrimp. The history of O‘ahu shrimp shack popularity is hardly lengthy or deep. The flat, coastal acreage just north of Kahuku was known for its freshwater aquaculture farms long before founding shrimp truck Giovanni’s began plying area beaches with its sautéed garlic shrimp plates in 1993. In 1995, Giovanni’s permanently parked its truck on a grassy roadside knoll in Kahuku, other shacks and trucks began hanging shingles along the coast hoping to share the garlic + butter + shrimp equation.
Of course the Island of Maui is known for the Hana Highway and Molokini Crater for Snorkeling. In addition the Haleakalã Crater sunrise is absolutely breath taking. If the 2 hour drive for a 6:00 AM sunrise proves a bit daunting, then consider using that jet lag to your advantage and take in the sunrise on the first morning. That 3 AM wakeup call in Hawaii is 8 AM our time. Also if you want to take in whale watching and never leave shore, make sure to book a waterfront balcony on the top floors of your resort. Add binoculars and a nice cocktail and your relaxing afternoon is all set. And if you are looking for a native wine to sip while you are whale watching, make sure to visit Maui’s only winery Ulupalakua Winery. It began in 1974 with a partnership between the owner of Ulupalakua Ranch and a family with history of winemaking in Calistoga, California. Between the two of them, they had both the rich volcanic land they needed and the know-how to work it into something new and unique. Together they identified the perfect growing location for the vines and figured out how to refit some existing buildings on the former Rose Ranch estate for winemaking. Today, the winery is built around these historic buildings, just down the road from the vineyard, which encompasses 23 acres of beautiful Maui countryside and provides 12 varietals of wine including 3 pineapple wines.
Maui’s two sister islands which are open to visitors are Molokai and Lãna’i. Molakai is a great destination if you want to truly experience Hawaiian culture and history. It is off the beaten path with no traffic, congestion or pollution. It is blessed with a fringing reef similar to the Great Barrier Reef, which is Hawaii’s longest reef. The other must see is in the cool Molokai uplands, where a pack of mules takes you down to the world’s most unique and formerly forbidden village of Kalaupapa. You will be riding down 1,700 feet of the most spectacular as well as the highest sea cliffs in the world (recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records). The boundless beauty you will experience as you traverse down the 2.9 mile trail, with 26 switchbacks, overlooking sea cliffs and waterfalls, dramatic ocean rock formations and crashing surf. Upon arriving in Kalaupapa, you will learn about the leper colony, its people, incredible tales of struggle and human suffering, along with stories of courage and love. You’ll see the grave site of Father Damien, the heroic Belgium Priest who loved and served this colony of outcasts. Visit St. Philomena Church, where Damien preached to his banished parishioners.
The island of Lãna’I is very luxurious with pampered solitude and serenity. There are two different Four Seasons Hotels on the tiny island which you can use as home base for visits to Hulopo’e Beach and Shipwreck Beach.
Finally the big island of Hawai’I is home to the active Volcano’s National Park and Mauna Kea for star gazing. For a unique experience of a lifetime, a night Manta Ray dive or snorkel must be included. Manta rays are wonderfully graceful, inquisitive creatures. This dive is often rated very highly by dive magazines and when conditions are good, this may be one of the best night dives you’ve ever experienced. Manta rays are filter feeders, and eat lots and lots of plankton every day. Large lights in the water attract plankton, and the mantas come enjoy a free meal. These giant fish are comfortable around people, and will get very close to divers and snorkelers.
Feel free to follow my page Executive Excursions on Facebook for more ideas on travel destinations.
Cindy Baerman
Executive Connection and Adventure Advisor
c: 404-775-5043
Facebook: Executive Excursions
Rollovers
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In general, a rollover is the movement of funds from one retirement savings vehicle to another. You may want, or need, to make a rollover for any number of reasons--your employment situation has changed, you want to switch investments, or you've received death benefits from your spouse's retirement plan. There are two possible ways that retirement funds can be rolled over--the 60-day rollover and the trustee-to-trustee transfer.
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February Tripleshot Band, February 4
Tripleshot Band will be back by popular demand. They performed for us for last year and were so well received RIFCA wanted them back again. Bill Wiemer (from River Forest) will be on bass and vocals, Mike Schankman on drums and vocals, Bil Caloyer on keys and vocals and Ryan Darling on guitar and vocals. Tripleshot focuses on harmonies, excellent musicianship and songs everyone know. You will be both enteratined and compelled to dance. The style of music include rock, blues, country, disco, dance and oldies. You don't want to miss coming to hear them perform. Be sure to get your reservations in early. February dinner - watch the board at the rock for further information. $20 per person. Reservations due February 1.
Tripleshot Band will be back by popular demand. They performed for us for last year and were so well received RIFCA wanted them back again. Bill Wiemer (from River Forest) will be on bass and vocals, Mike Schankman on drums and vocals, Bil Caloyer on keys and vocals and Ryan Darling on guitar and vocals. Tripleshot focuses on harmonies, excellent musicianship and songs everyone know. You will be both enteratined and compelled to dance. The style of music include rock, blues, country, disco, dance and oldies. You don't want to miss coming to hear them perform. Be sure to get your reservations in early. February dinner - watch the board at the rock for further information. $20 per person. Reservations due February 1.
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