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QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

▪ Thomas Edison

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

By Chris Heiserman

We don’t need Census data to know that as retirees we are part of a rapidly growing elderly cohort of the American population. We get not so subtle hints daily in the myriad prescription drug ads aimed at our generation on television, or the numerous unsolicited contacts via email or phone hoping to inform us of the many Medicare programs or supplemental benefits we may be eligible for. We are so recognizable as a group that we have our own academic area of study – gerontology: analyzing the process of aging and the particular problems of old people.

In a recent article Jan Mutchler, director of the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMASS), said research indicated that retirees who are engaged in organized socialization activities can offset “the negative impacts of social isolation.” More broadly, it’s suggested that seniors who stay mentally, socially and physically active are most likely to maximize their well-being later in life. In addition, another gerontology instructor at UMASS said his research shows that volunteering also contributes to well-being by giving older adults a sense of purpose.

In San Diego County we are fortunate to have excellent resources to satisfy these urges to get involved, help others, or actively pursue new interests. In last month’s NETWORK, RESDC Board Member John McTighe described a program sponsored by the County of San Diego’s Aging and Independence Services (AIS) office that provides information on the variety of transportation avenues that can assist seniors in getting around the region. AIS has a “Ride Well to Live Well Guide” designed to simplify the network of public, non-profit and commercial transportation service providers in a user-friendly format. John attended a “train-the-trainer” workshop and plans to share his experience with interested RESDC members on a “ride-along” field trip.

Two popular resources in our region for easily accessible and affordable socialization and “continuing education” for older adults are the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at San Diego State University (SDSU) and the Oasis educational program for adults 50+ In La Mesa and Escondido. OLLI at SDSU is part of a national network of non-profit lifelong learning organizations geared to adults aged 50 and over. My wife and I have attended numerous courses with the program over the past several years.

“Never stop learning” is a mantra of sorts for the Osher program. A wide range of courses are offered in categories like Aging Finance and Retirement, Arts and Humanities, Personal Development, Politics and Current Events, and Science and Technology. Some classes meet once a week for four to six weeks, others may only meet once for a two-hour lecture or book discussion. Here’s a testimonial on the program’s website from a satisfied participant: “Love the format; meet once a week for four to six weeks; no tests, just thought-provoking discussions.”

I have thoroughly enjoyed several in-person and virtual Zoom courses that delve into the inner workings of the U. S. Supreme Court and analyze both landmark rulings and contemporary cases before the court. The instructor for these popular courses is a sharp and witty constitutional law professor who brings the material to life and draws the OLLI “students” into frank discussions about the legal issues involved and the positions of the individual high court justices.

The Summer Term runs from June through July. The Fall Term is scheduled to begin in September. I suggest you check it out at: ces.sdsu.edu/osher-lifelong-learning-institute-sdsu. There is also an OLLI program at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) which operates on a quarterly schedule and “features lectures and seminars by the outstanding faculty and researchers of the UC San Diego community, as well as leaders, artists and musicians. Information on their learning opportunities can be found at: extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/olli/home

SAN DIEGO OASIS

With locations in La Mesa (Grossmont Center) and Escondido, Oasis is another unique continuing education program promoting productive and healthy aging “through lifelong learning, active lifestyles, and volunteer engagement.” Before the pandemic a few dozen RESDC members toured the La Mesa facility and received a briefing on its operation.

Membership is free for anyone 50 or older. Opportunities include classes, lectures, discussion groups, performances, and off-site field trips and adventures. It also has an intergenerational tutoring program for mentoring youth. In-person and online courses are available in a broad range of categories: Arts and Crafts; Business, Finance and Legal; Exercise and Dance; Health; History and Humanities, Language; Literature, Personal Enrichment’ Technology; and Theater and Music.

Visit the Oasis website: san-diego.oasisnet.org and keep on learning. □

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KEEP YOUR BENEFICIARIES UPDATED WITH SDCERA

Review your beneficiaries regularly with SDCERA to ensure your information is current as your life changes. Update your beneficiary designation form by visiting https://www.sdcera.org/forms. □

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Filomena Alvarez Child, Support Services
Olivier Brackett, Public Works
Janet Chillinsky, Public Works
Robin Erickson
Jesus Fernandez
Debra Howell, Human Resources
Amanda Kaufman
Betty Miller
Madelyn Murray
Mary Louise Neal, Sheriff
Pamela Rochman, Superior Court
Renato Samson
Margarita Sheffield
Coleen Wilson

*Associate Member

The Surviving Spouse of a RESDC member is eligible for RESDC membership. For enrollment assistance, please call (619) 688-9229. □

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2024-2025 RESDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATE NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

By Carlos Gonzalez, Elections Committee Chair

The terms of three (3) Directors, as well as, President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President will end on 12/31/2023. Accordingly, we are accepting applications, as well as nominations, according to Bylaws guidelines for the new term, which runs 01/01/2024 through 12/31/2025.

Changes that impact San Diego County retirees require active participation by County retirees. RESDC encourages all members to contribute their talents for the benefit of the entire membership, so that our organization may continue strong and productive.

We need prospective candidates, who are able to volunteer time and effort to promote RESDC’s goals, attend monthly board meetings, and be present at six general membership meetings each year.

One term as director is usually enough motivation to escalate your participation in the Board of Directors and could lead to a position as an Officer.

Active employees, registered as Associate Members, are eligible to run in the election. According to RESDC Bylaws, participation is restricted to the election of one Associate Member to an open position of Director (Associate Members are not eligible to run for Officer seats).

Interested RESDC members must file a candidacy statement (200 words or less), with a summary of your background and work experience to: RESDC, 8825 Aero Drive, Suite 205, San Diego, CA 92123, or by email to resdc@resdc.net, by Tuesday, August 1, 2023. (NOTE: State the candidacy you are qualified for. Only current and past board members are eligible to run for Secretary and Treasurer.)
If you have any questions, please contact our office by phone at (619) 688-9229 or by email at resdc@resdc.net □

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RECENT EVENTS

New Issue Brief: Medicare Finances: A 2023 Update

The headlines from the 2023 Medicare Trustees Re­port were that the Hospital Insurance (HI) program faces a long-term deficit and will deplete its trust fund reserves in 2031 and that the rest of the Medicare program will require increasing amounts of general revenues. While true, the outlook for program costs is considerably more favorable than it was a decade and a half ago, and that picture persists even under an alternative scenario in the Trustees Report, which assumes that Congress phases out some of the cost controls in current law. Nevertheless, costs remain high. This brief summarizes the current state of Medicare’s finances.

The brief’s key findings are:

• Headlines from the 2023 Medicare Trustees’ Report focused on the program’s looming financial concerns.
• But the Report itself did not contain bad news – in fact, it showed modest improvements over the prior year.
• And, more strikingly, the outlook is much better than it was a decade ago, even under assumptions that policymakers curb some cost controls.
• Nevertheless, Medicare still faces significant challenges:
—its costs are high because it operates within the very expensive U.S. health care system.
—at the same time, it has serious gaps in insurance protection.

To access the brief, visit: https://crr.bc.edu/topic/health-long-term-care/

Learn More About AlertSanDiego

The County of San Diego’s regional notification system, called AlertSanDiego, is able to send telephone notifications to residents and businesses within San Diego County impacted by, or in danger of being impacted by, an emergency or disaster. It is used by emergency response personnel to notify those homes and businesses at risk with information on the event and/or actions (such as evacuation, shelter in place, gas leak, missing person, etc.) we are asking them to take.

The system utilizes the region’s 9-1-1 database, provided by the local telephone company(ies), and thus is able to contact landline telephones whether listed or unlisted. It is TTY/TDD capable. AlertSanDiego is for registering your cell phone number, VoIP phone number, and email address only. Listed and unlisted landline phone numbers are already included in the database and do not need to be registered.

To learn more about and register for AlertSanDiego, visit: https://www.readysandiego.org □

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2023 RESDC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

By Carlos Gonzalez, Scholarship Committee Chair

Maria Adriana Allen is sponsored by her Mother Maria Veronica Allen. Maria, graduated from Murrieta Mesa HS, Murrieta, CA with a 4.3 GPA (ranked 16 of 527 graduates).

Personal Statement: As the high school senior year comes to an end, Maria feels the pressure to decide who she wants to be. A year seems like a long time, yet planning for the rest of one’s life is not easy. She sees her “high school tenure” as “the time during which, we are becoming who we want to be.” She has decided that “creative expression” is where her future lies…!” Starting with scribbles and swirls on a blank page (a work titled ‘Circles’), she has progressed to layering paints to fill the entire canvas. While it is a form of expression, she noticed that it has helped her in other areas of her life. Observing the details of color and brush strokes in other paintings has led her to develop a keener eye. This particular skill helps with her classes, as she can remember more of the course content, Art also helps her reach out to others. She had the opportunity to create cards for kids suffering with cancer, while she was taking part in an event with the National Honor Society; the cards can make a difference in the Children’s lives; even in a small way.

Writing a story is typically done with words, but Maria found out that it can also be done with music. The progression of a song can put a person through many emotions. She wants to create that same progression through writing her own compositions. Her academics have improved along with her progress in playing the piano. This process taught her to multitask, and it has built her logical thinking skills. Playing at Church events, at talent shows, and the school band has taught her the importance of attention to detail. One of Maria’s immediate goals is to be accepted into the University of California, Los Angeles. She plans to pursue a major in math and minor in music and use those skills to serve others. For her, it is an honor to receive this Scholarship from RESDC.

Quoting from her Reference Report: “Maria Adriana is a committed student and responsible high school senior who is ready to make great strides in her transition to college, as she is devoted to success. She is a “difference maker;” on the path of leadership as a young woman with a love for math. “She will pay it forward” by mentoring other women who desire to achieve successful careers in the challenging STEMS fields. She is a kind-spirited person and gifted as an incredible pianist. Maria will truly encourage and instill inspiration to everyone she meets along her college and career journey.“

Garett Denton is sponsored by his Grandfather Armon George Kneeshaw. Garett, graduated from Ramona HS, Ramona, CA with a 4.1 GPA (ranked 43 of 340 graduates).

Personal Statement: Over the years, Garett has become determined to succeed, be involved in his community and make a difference in the future. He was raised by a very supportive family that values time together and knows firsthand that each day is not guaranteed. He started playing sports at 5 years of age; played baseball and soccer. Baseball became his passion for 10 years; he practiced everyday to be able to successfully become the pitcher that his team needed. He was determined to be a leader; hold his team to higher sportsmanship than the others. Lead by example was his motto. He finished his 10th baseball season winning a championship in his hometown, in front of his friends, family and coaches. His love for baseball was carried on by helping his dad coach his little brother’s team. Having a 7-year age difference had its challenges. These boys looked up to him for not only hitting or catching advice, but leadership. How he handled striking out was how they would; how he treated other teammates, coaches, umpires helped them be successful at any sport they chose.

In high school, Garett decided to run cross country and track. This proved to be the biggest challenge yet. He qualified for the varsity team his freshman year. Soon after that, his legs gave out and he started to have back issues. He was diagnosed with Scheuermann’s disease, an inside disc bulge and scoliosis; could his running career be over at 16? Following doctors and sports injury experts’ advice, together with an intensive programmed training routine, he was able to conquer his condition and succeed at racing again. He finished his 4th Varsity cross country season and became team captain in the Fall of 2022. He has just started his 4th season of track and field and is looking to having his best season yet. Garett volunteers every Sunday with North Coast Church in Ramona, setting up and taking down the venue, for the weekly service.

Garett has gone through struggles, stayed strong, has not given up and truly believes that a positive mindset is what will make a difference in this world. He has been accepted into Grand Canyon University and will be pursuing a career in Criminal Justice starting August 2023. He is truly excited for this opportunity and is honored to be able to follow in his “Grandpa’s footsteps” in a law enforcement career.

Quoting from his Reference Report: “Garett is a respectful young man who comes from a hardworking Christian family. He is a decorated distance runner and has been involved with the track team for years. He is a leader and inspiration to the team, always positive, always encouraging others to do their best. He leads workouts and coaches the younger runners on form and technique. He is patient, well-spoken and is well liked by the team. He is helpful at home, looking after his younger brother. He also helps his Grandfather, taking him grocery shopping and running errands for him.”

Regina Enriquez is sponsored by her Grandmother Josefina Ranido. Regina, graduated from Academy of the Canyons, Valencia, CA with a 4.5 GPA (ranked 53 of 92 graduates).

Personal Statement: At the Academy of the Canyons, Regina is part of various clubs dedicated to serving the community. One of these is Project Linus; she has been part of this project for six years. During this time, she has served the community by providing handmade blankets to children that are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. When she is not in school, Regina enjoys playing the piano; although considered a hobby, she has been playing for the past seven years and has dedicated a lot of time to her music studies; currently she is enrolled in the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC). In this program, students test every year in the area of repertoire, sight reading, and theory testing from preparatory level to level 10. Regina has earned “Branch Honors” every year that she has tested. This recognition is achieved by getting a score of Excellent on the test. She is planning to enter the nursing program at College of The Canyons and pursue a career in the nursing field. Some day she will delight her patients and people in her care, with a “Heavenly Piano Concert…!”

Quoting from her Reference Report: “Regina deeply understands the meaning of selfless giving and asks for nothing in return. She is the example we should all follow in that she sees what needs to be done and will fill such needs without prompting. She has the heart of a healer and she is someone we actually look to as a model of human behavior. She not only manages her time under an extremely heavy school workload; she handles such things with the grace and poise that surpasses most adults. Regina is a graceful, poised, and strong individual that is a beautiful example of maturity and intelligence.

Regina is a very accomplished piano player. As a member of MTAC, and having proven her skills consistently for over seven years, she will be highly qualified to teach music professionally. She has always wanted to be a nurse. Coming from a family of medical care professionals, she has extensive knowledge of the grit, dedication, and educational expectations that nurses must face and eagerly looks forward to joining the medical field. Her desire to help others is most evident in her every action. We should consider ourselves blessed to learn how to be better watching her example.”

Benjamin Hayes is sponsored by his Grandfather Daniel E. Kelley. Benjamin, graduated from Ann Sobrato HS, Morgan Hill, CA with a 4.6 GPA (ranked 8 of 390 graduates).

Personal Statement: Benjamin’s sports commitments (wrestling and cross country running) have been the extracurricular highlight of his high school experience. With a broad array of achievements, he has been commended in the local paper. Along with the team captains, he was asked to give a speech at the end of year banquet, because of his role as a team leader.

Benjamin’s Academic awards during this same period at Sobrato HS, include “Commended Student” for the National Merit Scholarship program in addition to placing in the 99th percentile for his score of “35” on the ACT. For his science project on Llagas Creek (entitled “Creek Stew”), he received an honorable mention for biology in the Synopsys Science Fair; also selected as one of ten award-winners statewide by the California Association of Professional Scientists. For his scores of “5” across the board on all six AP tests he has taken to this date; received the award of AP Scholar with Distinction.

Last summer, Benjamin worked for Johnson Lumber (lumber supplier with retail and wholesale distribution) in Morgan Hill. He served both retail and wholesale customers by filling orders across our supply, typically by hand. Both customers and coworkers (therefore himself) often only spoke Spanish. He delivered communications between both sides of the yard. He was regularly commended by customers, supervisors and coworkers to management for my diligence.

Benjamin maintained other extracurriculars of no less importance; over twelve years of classical piano. He put on concerts during the pandemic. He is currently Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, a group he founded his senior year as part of a yearlong class.

Benjamin intends to major in one or more of the following: English, biology, history, political science. He has applied to at least 10 major universities and when the final determination is made, he plans to pursue post-graduate studies to attain a medical or law degree, at the university of his choice.

Quoting from his Reference Report: “Benjamin is a sharp, passionate, inquisitive, and intellectually curious young man who has an exceptional work ethic. I have met few other students so absolutely engaged in learning; his pursuit of knowledge extends far beyond the classroom. Interested in becoming a professor, scientist, or lawyer Ben is adept at creating connections and can easily see how all courses correlate with one another. He is definitely the epitome of a Renaissance man. Because of this, he values his history and English classes as much as his computer science and Calculus classes.”

Riley Rippengale is sponsored by her Grandfather John McTighe. Riley graduated from Grossmont Union HS, El Cajon, CA with a 4.65 GPA (ranked 15 of 540 graduates).

Personal Statement: The past four years at Grossmont HS have revealed Riley’s strength of character and the depth of her commitment to growing intellectually, socially, as well as physically. Participating in cross-country since the summer before “freshman year;” not having ran (for sport) ever before, Riley was very nervous about starting high school. However, her mom encouraged her to join a sports team, in order to meet some people before the official start of the school year. Deciding to pursue something completely new opened the door to many opportunities that have made her high school experience a resounding success. Participating in Cross Country taught her that resilience and humility are key to being a good leader. When she focused on team success rather than personal disappointments, it made her teammates feel valued and supported.

Another opportunity Riley took advantage of was the Peer Listening Program. The main purpose of this program is to build a safe space for students to come to when they need extra support. Through Peer Listening Riley made the biggest impact on others, as well as on her own life. Throughout this process, Riley matured and recognized the importance of mental health for herself and others.

Quoting from her Reference Report: “Riley’s cumulative GPA reflects her unblemished academic record; powerful, proven leadership skills, heartfelt care for others, and unmatched organizational skills. She is a stellar student, but more importantly, she is an empathetic leader who takes on challenges to bring people together. Riley’s strong commitment to our Peer Leader Program has enabled her to build interpersonal skills by successfully completing extensive training in communication skills, decision making, and conflict mediation, which prepared her to serve as Peer Listener and Peer Mediator for other students going through personal concerns or social conflicts. Through this program she continually strives to breakdown stereotypes and create a more accepting inclusive school culture at Grossmont High School. In addition to Riley’s success in the classroom and Student Government, she has been a member of Grossmont’s Link Crew, mentoring 9th grade students. She is one of those rare students who goes above and beyond what is required to make her school a better place. As of early January 2023, Riley had been accepted into Loyola Marymount and is waiting for reply to her applications to other nationally recognized institutions. Her plan is to pursue a degree in communications and/or environmental science.” □

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RESDC DAY AT THE PADRES

Colorado Rockies Vs. San Diego Padres
Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 1:10 p.m.

We will be located in general seating at the game and a limited number of tickets (40) are available for purchase on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis. Ticket price is $43.50 per person.

To purchase tickets:

Option 1 – Pay with a credit card. Please go online to: https://www.resdc.net/events. Click the green “Register” button and follow the steps to register and pay. You will need to use the email address associated with your member account. Need assistance? Contact us at (619) 688-9229 or resdc@resdc.net.

Option 2 – Pay with a check made payable to RESDC and mail to 8825 Aero Dr., Suite 205, San Diego, CA 92123.

Please note: Tickets are only available digitally and will be forwarded via email and uploaded through the MLB Ballpark app, located in your App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store. For more information, visit: https://www.mlb.com/padres/tickets/mobile/guide □

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IN MEMORIAM

Alex Alvarez, Sheriff
Karla Barber, Municipal Court
William Birdsell
Bonita Boxley
Elbert Carpenter, Sheriff
Robert Cathcart, Sheriff
Jane Engleton, Parks & Recreation
Leonardo Eugenio, Fleet Maintenance Support
Barbara Fabri, Sheriff
Christie Jenkins, HHSA
Carol Jones
Richard Keiger
Karen Lind
Muriel Marineau, HHSA
Wilfredo Mendoza, Probation
Miriam Mintz, HHSA
Rosa Navarro, Probation
Kathleen Olsen, HHSA
Javier Ortiz, Parks & Recreation
Shannon Peterman, HHSA
Louise Pichette, Public Defender
Devora Poliakoff, HHSA
Dianne Radican, HHSA
Leamorah Rathbun
Beverly Ring
Manuel Supnet, HHSA
Cynthia Vatnsdal, HHSA
Fernando Villanueva, Public Works
Fred Weitzen
Patricia Wolf, Superior Court
Corazon Yuson, HHSA

*Active Employee

MEMBER PRIVACY

Any retiree or surviving spouse who does not want his/her death notice published in the “In Memoriam” column may notify the RESDC office and your privacy will be maintained.

The Surviving Spouse of a RESDC member is eligible for RESDC membership. For enrollment assistance, please call (619) 688-9229. □

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BOARD MEMBER PROFILE
CHUCK BROWN

A member of the RESDC Board of Directors since December 2014, Chuck retired from the County Sheriff’s Department in 2012 with 26 years of service. He joined the County as a student worker in 1967, left county service in 1983, and returned in 2002. In both public and private sectors, he focused on Information Technology in support of business operations.

Chuck earned Bachelors (English) and Masters (Public Administration) degrees from San Diego State University. He chaired the Department of Computer Information Science at Coleman College for nearly three years and has taught at the University of Phoenix and West Coast University.

Besides volunteering with RESDC, Chuck is a founding member (1989) of the San Diego Concert Band and a member of the Historical Society’s City Guard Band and serves on the boards of both. He has also been a member of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America since 1973; and a member of the Association of Information Technology Professionals since 1980.

He and his wife, Carole, have been married for over 50 years and have two children and one grandchild. In addition to his own volunteering, Chuck supports Carole’s affinity for all things growing in the ground and her work with the San Diego Herb Guild, California Native Plant Society, and other local groups. They have been members of the Zoological Society for over 50 years.□

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RESDC ONLINE SERVICES

Did you know that RESDC has an online Member Directory, which is accessible only to logged-in RESDC members? This is a great way to stay in touch with former co-workers. You can opt-in and choose what information to share by logging into your member self-service account.

The Member Self-Service website can be accessed by going to www.resdc.net and clicking on the menu item for “Member Login.” Please note that you must have an email address on file with us in order to log-in. If you don’t currently receive emails from RESDC and would like to like to join both our email list and the member website, send us your full name and email address by contacting us at resdc@resdc.net or by calling (619) 688-9229.

We encourage you to also follow RESDC on Facebook and Twitter. We share photos from our events, news from around San Diego County, articles related to retirement and pensions, and notices about community events.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetiredEmployeesofSanDiegoCounty
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RESDC

And on the main RESDC website, www.resdc.net, you can:

• Read current and past editions of THE NETWORK.
• See an overview of all available member discounts and benefits.
• View photos from our events.
• Stay up-to-date on pension and retirement news through our News Now page, a curated list of recent articles in the media.
• Visit the RESDC YouTube Channel to view our recorded virtual events. □

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PURCHASE SEE’S CANDIES GIFT CARDS ONLINE

You can now purchase See’s Candies gift cards in our new Online Store using your RESDC discount!

RESDC members are offered $25 gift cards for $22, a savings of $3. Gift cards are redeemable at any See’s Candies location or online.

To purchase gift cards online, go to: resdc.wildapricot.org/online-store

Note: You need a RESDC member self-service login in order to access the online store. If you need one, please email resdc@resdc.net. □

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THE NETWORK is the official monthly newsletter of the Retired Employees of San Diego County, Inc. (RESDC), a private non-profit organization.

The information printed in THE NETWORK is believed to be from reliable sources. However, no responsibility is assumed by THE NETWORK for inaccuracies contained herein.

Business and Inquiries: Business matters and address changes may be recorded on our voicemail at any time, call (866) 688-9229. Please spell your name so the correct member record can be located.

Retired Employees of San Diego County, Inc.
8825 Aero Drive, Suite 205 | San Diego, CA 92123
Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday
TELEPHONE: (866) 688-9229 Toll Free
FAX: (619) 688-0766
E-MAIL: resdc@resdc.net