Gosh, we didn’t have much of a summer and now in mid-August it seems like Fall weather is here! The Tigers are struggling along, try-ing to hold on to 1st Place and the Lions are…well the Lions are the Lions. The Red Wings got back Todd Bertuzzi and the Pistons got back Ben Wallace so everything new is old again! The winner of the Tiger tickets was Albert Borieo of Westland. We will be sending him to the Tigers vs Blue Jays on Sunday, September 13, 2009. Hopefully he will have good weather and help the Tigers bring home a win. Our lease in our current building is up but we have renegotiated the lease on our space at a significant reduction, so will be staying at 28 W. Ad-ams for at least the next 5 years with 3 one year options for a total of 8 years. The stock market is still moving up, which is a good thing for both you as an individual and us as a retirement system. There is no guarantee that it won’t go down again but hopefully it becomes more stable. As stated before, the Retirement System has had significant losses but over the past several months we have seen significant gains. There is no concern that pension benefits will not be paid how-ever as stated before, the thirteenth check will probably be reduced for the next few years due to the overall losses. A decision on the value of the thirteenth check will probably be made at the end of September. Well on to the business at hand. As most of you have heard by now the County has decided to do cost sharing of medical benefits to retir-ees and has provided the information in the open enrollment brochure you recently received. This includes premium sharing for those under 65 and an increase in prescription drug co-pays. I am sure this is an unwelcome cost increase to many retirees but it was a business deci-sion made by the County. Please understand that the Retirement Sys-tem does not fund the retiree health care benefit. It is paid entirely by the County on a “pay as you go” basis (meaning no funds have been set aside to pay for the retiree health care benefits, unlike your pen-sion benefit which was funded throughout your working career). It is our understanding that if you make less than the lowest paid County employee (including your Social Security benefit and other income) you may be eligible for a reduced cost sharing premium and/or a re-duced prescription drug co-pay.

(continued on page 4)

WAYNE COUNTY EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM

Director’s Report Volume 25, Issue 3 September, 2009

Our Office is located: 28 West Adams

Suite 1900 Detroit, MI 48226

313.224.5890 main 888.600.6033 toll-free

313.224.1917 fax www.wcers.org

Important Information OPEN ENROLLMENT

2009 Enhance Your Benefits

(page 05)

THE MESSENGER

Inside this Edition

Office Directory pg. 14

Obituaries pgs. 9/10

Birthdays pg. 8

Anniversaries pg. 8

New Retirees pgs.6/13

Visit us at www.wcers.org

Page 2

Office Closed The Wayne County Retirement Office will be closed:

September 07, 2009 Labor Day October 12, 2009 Columbus Day November 26, 2009 Thanksgiving

Health insurance questions are to be directed to Wayne County Benefits Administration Department:

313.224.2004 (local) 877.220.7721 (toll free)

Reminder—Health Insurance

Check Dates The following are the dates of your retirement checks for the 2009-2010 year:

September Check 09/01/2009 October Check 09/30/2009

November Check10/30/2009 December Check 12/01/2009 January Check 01/04/2010 February Check 02/01/2010

Annie’s Ghost — Can you help??? Steve Luxenberg of the Washington Post, wrote his book about his "mysterious aunt" ANNIE COHEN which is called "Annie's Ghost", and I tried to help him as much as I could , but we were unable to ascertain exactly where she had been confined at Eloise--she was in the Psychiatric Division from April 1940 until August 1970. She was a small woman, with a right leg prosthesis, so she must have been in one of our disabled or "dysambulatory" wards. I am appealing to any female attendant, who may have worked with Annie and remembers her, especially for her physical condition and limitations.

Hopefully, Edward Missavage, Jr., MD (248) 642-3711

Life Changes It is very important that you notify our office of any life changes. These changes include: • Marriage • Divorce • Death (including spouse) • Change of Address • Legal Issues regarding Power of Attorney, Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Letters of Au-

thority. Any one of the above mentioned items may have an impact on benefits or pension amounts. All notifications can be sent to our office in writing along with proper documentation.

The officers and the members of the Wayne County Employees Retirees Club in-vite Wayne County Retirees, who are not yet members, to join them.

Meetings are held the third Thursday of the month, at 1:30 P.M., in the Kay Beard Building (Eloise), Westland, MI., during the months of January, February,

March, April, May, September, October, and December. The June and November meetings are luncheons held at a restaurant and there are no meetings held in July

or August. The Club is dedicated to improving and protecting benefits for Retirees of Wayne

County. If you no longer live in the Wayne County area or cannot attend meetings, the periodic newsletters will keep you informed.

For information regarding membership, send your name and address to: John Hubert, Membership Chairman

Wayne County Employees’ Retirees Club P.O. Box 851237

Westland, MI 48185-6337 (734) 455-5317

Page 3

Wayne County Retirees Club

AFSCME Council 25 would like to invite all Wayne County Retirees to join the Retirement Sub-Chapter #38. We are dedicated to carrying out the objective of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ Retiree Organization. The meetings are at 1:00 PM, the second Tuesday of the month to be held at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Hall (SEIU #502 Hall), 34900 Plymouth, Livonia, MI 48150 (west of Wayne Road).

For further information contact: Henry Lykes

600 W. Lafayette Detroit, MI 48226

313-964-1711 ext 279

Wayne County Retiree Sub-Chapter #38

Page 4

If you feel you may fall into this category you should contact the Benefits Division of Per-sonnel/Human Resources at (313) 224-7721 or by e-mail at benefits@co.wayne.mi.us. We under-stand that AFSCME Council 25 through the Retiree Sub-Chapter 38 is considering a lawsuit in response to this change and may have already filed a grievance. We will let you know if a lawsuit is filed and keep you apprised of the status. The appeal of the increase in retiree life insurance supplemental life insurance premiums, previously filed by the County is still pending a hearing. The issue under appeal is whether the County can implement an age rated premium or must maintain a flat rate premium which is the same for all retirees regardless of age. The second issue still pending an appeal and possible arbitration hearing is the increase in prescription drug co-pays for employees that retired on or after December 1, 2002. The oral arguments on the appeal have not been scheduled as of this date. As stated earlier both cases are still pending and nothing new has happened. We will keep you informed of any changes. In the last Messenger we stated that the Sheriff’s Deputy Union (POAM) and Local 3317 wanted to withdraw from the County’s Retirement System and join the Michigan Employees’ Re-tirement System (MERS). It turns out this is not true but was a misunderstanding. POAM had an interest in moving its new members to MERS but the members were not interested in moving and have made their position clear to POAM. We are sorry for any uncertainty or stress this may have caused any of you. The County has begun its layoff process but has not had any large scale layoffs yet. The County is waiting to see how contract negotiations go. They are looking to get furlough days from the Union membership where employees would take 2 days off per month without pay. This would result in a 10% reduction in payroll for the County and reduce the number of layoffs necessary. If the Unions cannot agree on furlough days the layoffs could be on a larger scale. We have already lost Sanaa and Ariel from our front desk as a result of layoffs. Also, with the separation of Delano Davis and the retirement of Al Banks and Annette Swider (whose vacant positions the County has not let us fill) we are short five employees. This will reduce our ability to keep pace with all the functions we have to perform. Although it will not affect the monthly payroll process it may reduce our ability to timely respond to other requests. Please be patient if we do not get back to you in the same manner as we have in the past. We are doing the best we can with the resources avail-able. Finally, please remember to keep us informed of any changes in your life status (deaths, births, divorce, marriage, etc.) so that our records are kept up to date. These changes may affect your benefit amount or who receives you last moneys or ongoing benefits after your death.

Director’s Report (continued from page 1)

(continued on page 6)

Friends of Eloise

The friends of Eloise meets monthly (except July, August and December) on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Westland Historic Village on Wayne Road between Cherry Hill and Marquette. We are looking for any old records or memorabilia per-taining to Eloise that may be in your attic, basement, or garage.

Page 5

Voluntary Benefit Insurance Programs

How it Can Help Who is Eligible? LEGAL SERVICES & IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION PLANS

Legal Services Plan

Wills, trusts & estates Real estate Landlord - tenant matters Consumer matters (including collection matters) Bankruptcy Family & domestic law matters And many more areas of coverage

Members of the Wayne County

Employee Retirement System

Identity Theft Protection

Provides credit reporting Continuous credit monitoring Identity restoration

Members of the Wayne County

Employee Retirement System

HOME & AUTO INSURANCE PLANS

EZ Insure

Program

Discounted

Auto & Home Insurance

EZ Insure program is able to shop the marketplace for

the most competitive carrier, coverage and price Multi-vehicle discount for insuring more than one vehi-

cle Multi-policy discount for insuring both your auto and

home Safety discounts for such devices as air bags, anti-

theft devices and more. Direct bill available (this program is not offered as a

payroll deduction program)

Members of the Wayne County

Employee Retirement System

PET INSURANCE

Pet Insurance

Whether they’re dogs, cats, birds or exotic pets, our companions need quality care to stay healthy.

Covers for accidents and illnesses Manage veterinary costs with coverage for: Office Visits Surgeries Lab Fees Prescriptions Plus much more!

Members of the Wayne County Employee Retirement System

Enhancing Your Benefit Portfolio

With the Wayne At Work Voluntary Benefits Program

Visit www.wayne-at-work.com or call (866) 519-2963 to speak

with a Wayne at Work benefit counselor.

Wayne County is happy to announce the enrollment period for your voluntary benefits to enhance your retirement benefits. All plans being offered are individual policies at a discounted rate through Wayne County. Except for the home and auto insurance policies, all plans can be conveniently deducted from your monthly pension check or you may elect another direct pay method. For general questions regarding benefits, please call Benefits Administration at 313-224-7721

Page 6

Two books (Eloise and Detroit’s Hospital, Healers and Helpers) containing photos of Eloise, both published by Arcadia, are available in local bookstores, on-line at www.amazon.com and www.bn.com and at the Eloise Museum. The first book Eloise: Poorhouse, Farm, Asylum and Hospital 1839.-1984 is also being sold by Jo Johnson as a fundraiser for Friends of Eloise. The Eloise book sold out of the 7th printing, but copies are still available. The hospital book is in the 2nd printing Assorted note cards with attractive old photos of Eloise are available through Friends of Eloise. Many are in color and would make a nice gift. They are being sold for $2 each or 3 for $5. For more information on the books or note cards contact Jo Johnson at (734) 522-3918 or by e-mail at ewjohnson7@aol.com.

Eloise Books and Note cards

New Retirees congratulations……..

Alemina Rogers County Clerk 6/1/2009 Alfred J. Banks Retirement 6/1/2009 Annette Swider Retirement 6/1/2009 Barbara Aulepp Treas. 6/1/2009 Barry Siegel Pros. Atty 6/1/2009 Beverly A. Baker M&B 6/1/2009 Beverly A. Broden DPS 6/1/2009 Brian A. Scott Prob Ct. 6/1/2009 Carolyn M. Breen-Huff Pros. Atty 6/1/2009 Cheryl A. Tooson Reg. Deeds 6/1/2009 Christine E. Dixon WCS 6/1/2009 Clarence Smiley DOE 6/1/2009 Cleo Biles WCS 6/1/2009 Daniel Less Pros. Atty 6/1/2009 Darlene D. Gilbert CFS/JDF 6/1/2009 David J. Esper CEO's Office 5/1/2009 Debra Montgomery Cir. Ct 7/1/2009 Dona Wash Prob Ct. 7/1/2009 Dorothy Hatch ECON & NEIGHBORHOOD DEV 5/1/2009 Edward M. Thomas Corp. Counsel 6/1/2009 Frank J. Bernacki Pros. Atty 6/1/2009 Geno Williams WCAA 7/1/2009 Gillie Greene Reg. Deeds 5/1/2009 Herman Petzold, III Corp. Counsel 7/1/2009 Howard G. Fueri DOT 6/1/2009 Jack A. Hopkins County Clerk 6/1/2009 John Poole Prob Ct. 7/1/2009 John Scavone Pros. Atty 6/1/2009

Continued on page 13

Page 7

Director’s Report (continued from page 4) Now for some insights into life written by Regina Brett of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 4. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 5. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone. 6. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present. 7. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 8. If a relationship has to be secret, you shouldn’t be in it. 9. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special

occasion. Today is special. 10. The most important sex organ is the brain. 11. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 12. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time. 13. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 14. Get outside everyday. Miracles are waiting everywhere. 15. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back. 16. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift. By the way did I mention Ms. Brett is 90 years old! Well, that’s all for now. The staff and I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer and continue to

form memories to hold onto and cherish. And remember as Larry the Cable guy once said: Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, “What the heck happened?” May happiness and health be your daily companion.

WCGH 25th Holiday Reunion

Please join us to kick off the holiday season with the 25th WCGH Holiday Reunion on Tuesday, December 8, 2009. This year the event will be held at the Café Marquette in Westland which is located on Marquette between Carlson and Newburgh in the William D. Ford Technical Center. It will be a buffet meal. Details will be announced in early September.

Page 8

Birthdays congratulations……..

Happy birthday wishes to all who are celebrating ! ! ! and to those who already celebrated ! ! !

Happy Anniversary wishes to all who are celebrating ! ! ! and to those who already celebrated ! ! !

Anniversaries congratulations……..

Glen O. Miller 85 Years young

Retired 1981 Roads

Gerald & Valerie Stroup 45 Years

August 8th WCHD

Barbara Grant 75 Years young

July 30, 1934 Mgmt & Budget

Morton & Jane Sterling 60 Years

June 12, 2009 WC Air Pollution Control Div

Thaddeus Magiera 90 years young

Dept. of Budget & Finance 1985

Catherine “Katie” Fornwald 85 Years young

November 9, 2009 Retired 05/01/1975

WC Child Dev Center

George & Dolores Balowski 60 Years

September 10th Retired 1983 Roads

Pauline Swider 90 Years young

September 2, 1919 W.C.G.H

Richard & Barbara Grant Reid 20 Years

August 26, 1989 Mgmt & Budget

Glen & Verdice Miller 56 Years

Nov. 21, 2009 Roads 1981

Lewis L. Solo 80 Years young

Oct 28, 2009 Airport Maintenance

Hank Giese 75 Years young

August 12th Roads

Page 9

In Memory Of……..

(*) Spouse

(**) Beneficiary of

(***) Also Deceased

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.

~Author Unknown

Abbas Cynthia*Allie Airport Authority Asher Walter Juvenile Court Beaupied Sr Robert Roads Belanger Margaret***Stanley Auditor/Bldgs Blair F. Eleanor Library Blazewski Marthai*Ronald Sheriff’s Dept Bogden Dorothy WCGH Burns Catherine Burns Treasurers Cassel Elizabeth***Edward Treasurers Cavanary Edward J.*Charlotte Juvenile Court Childs Betty Register of Deeds DelVero Mary***Sylvester Roads Eminger Meredith Roads Epley Julia WCGH Ferguson Horace Sheriff’s Dept Fischer Elsie Juvenile Court Fisher Robert Sheriff’s Dept Foreit Bruce W. Drain Commission Frank Nathan Sheriff’s Dept Grenier Edna Deferred Hall William WCGH Hammers Bertha WC Youth Home Hampton Rosa***John WCGH Handspike George WC Jail Hartingh Jo D.*Margaret Health Dept Hicks Clarence Bureau of Taxation Hoff Mary Common Pleas-Landlord Tenant Holmes Dorothy Deferred-WCGH Hopkins Idena***Oscar Register of Deeds Jones Sally Ann WC Drain Commission Kirk Mary***James Roads Kovan Ruth***Coleman Treasurers Kuppe Gerhardt Air Pollution Lamie Victoria WC Health Dept Lee Nathaniel Risk Management Leonard James WCGH Lesinski Arnold Sheriff’s Dept Lock Anamarie Sheriffs Dept Lumpkin Emma***Paul Juvenile Court Martin Ralph D. Roads

Page 10

In Memory Of…….. (*) Spouse (**) Beneficiary of (***) Also Deceased

Mason Alberta Auditors/Bldgs Mathis Althea***Charles Sheriff’s Dept Mayfield William S. Deferred Mc Donald Archie Roads Mihalko Joseph Circuit Ct Comm Mosher Christine***Robert Roads Mruzek Peggy*William WCAA Oska Jeanette Juvenile Court Partridge Helen***George Roads Paus Joseph Circuit Ct Probation Perryman Ronald Roads Plato Jeanne Deferred Porter Cecile Roads Rechis Nicholas County Clerks Office Reno Karen County Clerk Roland William WC Clerks Office Schafer Esther***John Roads Simmons Dale A. WCGH Simmons Louis R.*Carolyn Airport Authority Spikes Pauline***Leamon Bldgs Suminskii Alice Sheriff’s Dept Townsend William DPS Turk John M. Roads Wencel Richard Roads Williams-Tyrone Brendan Deferred Wilson Mary***Lawrence Roads Witkowski Milton DPW

Eloise Books and Notecards Two books (Eloise and Detroit’s Hospitals, Healers And Helpers) containing photos of Eloise, both published by Arcadia, are available in local bookstores, on-line at www.amazon.com and www.bn.com and at the Eloise Museum. The first book Eloise: Poorhouse, Farm, Asylum and Hospital 1839-1984 is also being sold by Jo Johnson as a fundraiser for Friends of Eloise. The Eloise book is now in a 7th printing. The hospital book is in a 2nd printing. Assorted note cards with attractive old photos of Eloise are also available through Friends of Eloise. Many are in color and would make a nice gift. They are being sold for $2 each or 3 for $5. For more information on the books or note cards contact Jo Johnson at (734) 522-3918 or by e-mail at ewjohnson7@aol.com

Have you heard? Thousands of people who get pension checks have their monthly payments go right

into their bank account through Direct Deposit. Here’s why you should-

Page 11

It's Safe... By signing up for Direct Deposit you are assured that your money will be deposited directly into your financial institution, on time every month. Your money goes directly into the bank in the form of an electronic trans-fer, so there is no risk of your check being lost or stolen.

It's Quick... You can receive an application from your financial institution or use the one on the back of this page. Once your application has been received and processed a corre-spondence will be sent to your mailing address notifying you when your direct de-posit will begin. Your benefit will go automatically into your account every month. And you'll have more time to do the things you enjoy!

It's Convenient... Just think! With Direct Deposit, you will no longer stand in line to cash your check, your money goes directly into your account, you will not have to leave your house in bad weather or worry if you're on vacation or away from home. You will receive a monthly statement mailed to your address or sent to you by email. You won't have to pay any check cashing fees to cash your checks. You will have your money available at the opening of business on the scheduled payment day. If you have an interest-bearing account, you’ll begin earning interest on your money immediately.

Safe…Safer

For more information please contact our office at:

Wayne County Employees’ Retirement System

28 West Adams Suite 1900

Detroit, MI 48226

Direct Deposit Application on page 12

Page 12

Page 13

New Retirees congratulations……..

Karen Zaleski Cir. Ct 4/1/2009 Larry D. Williams HHS 5/1/2009 Lillie Gresham Prob Ct. 7/1/2009 Margaret N. Rynier GBA 6/1/2009 Maria Petito Pros. Atty 6/1/2009 Marion S. Campbell County Clerk 6/1/2009 Mary Giera HCS 5/1/2009 Mary Lightfoot Cir. Ct./Juv. Sec. 6/1/2009 Mary Sue Czarnecki Pros. Atty 6/1/2009 Matthew Kobylarz HHS 6/1/2009 Meshawn Hall WCS 6/1/2009 Michael D. Lehto Pros. Atty 6/1/2009 Michael D. Mcmicken Reg. Deeds 6/1/2009 Michael F. Droze DOE 6/1/2009 Michael Precious DOE 5/1/2009 Mulugetta Birru ECON & NEIGHBORHOOD DEV 5/1/2009 Nancy Pace Prob Ct. 7/1/2009 Patricia Murphy Prob Ct. 6/1/2009 Paul D. Woolsey DPS 5/1/2009 Phillip C. O’Neal DPS 5/1/2009 R. Aja Keesee Prob Ct. 7/1/2009 Rajendra Sinha HHS 6/1/2009 Robert Burch County Clerk 6/1/2009 Ruth T. Johnson JDF 6/1/2009 Sheila Howard County Clerk 6/1/2009 Stanley M. Daniel CFS/JDF 6/1/2009 Suzanne K. Hall WCS 6/1/2009 Theodore Riley, Jr Commissioners 7/1/2009 Thomas J. Beck Pros. Atty 6/1/2009 Victoria J. Holland DPS/Eng 6/1/2009 Vivian Graves WCS 6/1/2009 William Wolfson Personnel 7/1/2009 Willie E. Johnson HHS 6/1/2009 Yolanda C. Clemons DPS 6/1/2009

Continued from page 6

The trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off. ~Abe Lemons

Retirement takes all the meaning out of weekends ~Author Unknown

Wayne County Employee’s Retirement System 28 W. Adams, Suite 1900 Detroit, Michigan 48226

First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Detroit, Michigan Permit No. 1024

Office Directory

Payroll Lost Check (313) 224-2774 Direct Deposit (313) 224-2354 Taxes (313) 224-2354 Garnishments (313) 224-2354

General Information Main (313) 224-5890 Toll Free (888) 600-6033 Fax Number (313) 224-1917 Email: webmaster@wcers.org

Insurance Health (313) 224-7721 Dental (313) 224-7721 Vision (313) 224-7721 Life Insurance (313) 224-5572