Allegheny County JUNE 2018 Retirees Association NEWSLETTER P.O. Box 112615 • , PA 15241-0215 • 412-459-7674 Visit our website at: http://acretirees.org

Guy Tumolo, President Janet Norkus, Treasurer Pamela Long BOARD OF Pete Schepis, Vice President Connie Przybyla, Editor Marge Lubawy DIRECTORS: JoAnna McQuaide, Secretary Angela Conte Joan McMahon

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT IT’S SUMMER! IT’S PICNIC TIME! PENSION This year’s picnic will be The Newsletter on occasion FUND FACTS held in North Park at also contained a chart on the the Old Fire House near condition of the Pension Trust The following contains information Stone Field. Since it is Fund condensed from a monthly taken from the report prepared an enclosed building report provided to the Retirement by the County Controller for the with a porch and level Board by the County Controller. Allegheny County Retirement Board. surroundings, the We remind you that you are weather should not be of concern welcome to attend any meeting Report period: January 1 through on June 14. Food and drink will of the Retirement Board held on February 28, 2018. All figures are be provided. Come enjoy the day the third Thursday of the month unaudited. with old friends; make new friends; in the Gold Room of the County even bring friends. The cost is only Court House at noon. It is a public NET POSITION $ 936,475,051 $5 per person; but reservations meeting. BEGINNING are essential. We must know how OF YEAR much food and drink to buy. The unaudited report from the County Controller for last year EMPLOYEE $ 7,195,642 Now on to the subject of our shows the assets of the Fund CONTRIBUTIONS pensions, Over the past few restricted for pensions at $936.5 months we have had the new million. In the previous twelve COUNTY $ 7,146,353 manager, Walt Szymanski, speak months employees contributed CONTRIBUTION and answer questions at our $33.1 million: The County provided

Annual Meeting. He also wrote $33 million; the net income from INVESTMENT AND $ (4,660,925) quite a comprehensive article investments was $115.4 million. for the Newsletter. In response The Fund paid out $101.5 million MISCELLANEOUS to inquiries about the effect of in pensions and refunds. The Fund INCOME the new federal tax code on went up in value $78.7 million in deductions from your pension 2017. It was a good year. BENEFIT PAYMENTS $ (17,252,787) check, those of you who have given A N D R E F U N D S us your e-mail address received Now sit back, relax and enjoy information on how to change ACRA activities: a picnic in June, SALARIES AND $ (93,066) the amount deducted from your the Gateway Clipper in September, ADMINISTRATIVE pension check for federal income interesting luncheon speakers COSTS taxes. A copy of the federal form in September and October, the used to effect withholding was annual meeting in November, and NET POSITION $ 928,810,268 also made available electronically. the Christmas party in December. F E B R U A R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 8 The email sent out to members Hope to see you at one, some or and where to get the form have all of the events. been included in this issue on page 3. ACRA NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS TO PRINTER

ACRA NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS TO PRINTER

ACRA NEWSLETTERHistory of AC Airport SUBMISSIONS TO PRINTER

Caption: Grand Opening 1931 HistoryHISTORY of AC OF Airport by Connie Przybyla

History of AC Airport

Caption: Grand Opening 1931 The Allegheny County Airport, unchanged in outward Grand Opening 1931. The Allegheny County Airport, unchanged in outward Caption: appearanceappearance from from its its 1936 1936 expansion. expansion. In 1926 the area’s air hub was the building had streamlined corners acres. The intent of the airport also known as the and a set of green and black was to service the Pittsburgh Pittsburgh McKeesport Airport, terra-cotta planters decorated area. Additionally, it served as a which was located on the Bettis with eagles, propellers, and military base during World War Atomic Power Laboratory site squadrons of planes. Many II. Over the next twenty years in West Mifflin. In June of 1928 original design features remain air passengers rose from 7,772 in a $1.5 million bond was issued to intact, from intricate tile work 1932 to 1.1 million in 1951.Caption: Grand Opening 1931 acquire land for an airport. On to stainless steel accents and art September 11, 1931 the Allegheny deco lettering for the Waiting When the Greater Pittsburgh County Airport opened to much Room and Office. The original Airport opened in 1952 fanfare. The Pittsburgh Post- wooden benches are still in place commercially scheduled aviation Gazette reported, “The huge along with the original compass ended at the County Airport. Pittsburgh-Allegheny county set into the floor. The terminal It then became a server of municipal airport, built at a cost has been described as the most recreational and corporate of $3.5 million.” “was formally perfectly preserved Caption: Art Deco Theaircraft. Allegheny County Airport, unchanged in outward dedicated ... in the presence of airport terminal in the world. This postcard, circa 1940, shows TWA airships at the gate of the appearancea throng of close from to its 100,000 1936 expansion. In 1955 , Pittsburgh’s Caption: persons. ... “The greatest In 1936 architectAllegheny Henry County “Grand Airport. Old Man of On Aviation” its last was voyage, TWA Flight 3 taxied into position here; 18 hours later it crashed in gathering of nationally known Hornbostel was commissioned named Manager/Director until speed and stunt fliers, army and to make renovationsNevada to killing the 1958. Carole Lombard and all other passengers on board. navy planes and commercial craft airport. By the summer of 1936 ... marked the day, with races, it had long been known for the In 1960 there were 117,345 takeoffs stunting exhibitions, largest amount of runway paving and landings, Caption: that number The Allegheny County Airport, unchanged in outward jumps, and formation flying filling in the world at aPPG combined Arena 50 reachedTour a peak of 226,324 in the day’s program.” appearancemiles, as well asfrom being its one 1936 of the expansion. 1970 and in 1990 the number was largest fields in the world at 108 201,244. In the latest statistics The new airport covered 432 Caption: Members at tour acres and had three runways. At the time the airport was the

fifth busiest in the state and the This postcard, circa 10 largest general aviation facility in 1940, shows TWA Western . Shortly airships at the gate of the Allegheny County after the grand opening Bettis Page Caption: This postcard,Airport. circa On its 1940, last shows TWA airships at the gate of the Field closed. voyage, TWA Flight 3 Allegheny County Airport. On its last voyage, TWA Flight 3 taxiedtaxied into into position here;position here; 18 hours later it crashed in Stanley L. Roush designed 18 hours later it crashed Nevada killing Carole Lombard and all other passengers on board.in Nevada killing Carole the Terminal. Roush created Lombard and all other a structure with white brick passengers on board. with touches of black, green, and silver. The Art Deco style PPG Arena Tour Caption: This postcard, circa 1940, shows TWA airships at the gate of the Allegheny County Airport. On its last voyage, TWA Flight 3 taxied into position here; 18 hours later it crashed in

Caption: Members atNevada tour killing Carole Lombard and all other passengers on board. 10 PPG Arena Tour Page

Caption: Members at tour 10 Page HISTORY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT (Continued)

available 2016 saw 52,752 landings gates were installed, and the major traffic jams in all directions. and takeoffs making it the eighth identification badge system On May 12, 2017 the Wings Over busiest airport in Pennsylvania. was upgraded. Security for the Pittsburgh Airshow returned to airport falls under the purview the airport after six years. Airport management switched of the Allegheny County Police, in 1999 from the now defunct who maintain a small office at the The airport has had some Allegheny County Department of airport. Hollywood big screen moments Aviation to the Allegheny County too: Gung Ho in 1986, The Airport Authority, which oversees Many of the area’s largest Mothman Prophecies in 2002, and all aspects of operations at both corporations base their aircraft at the 2017 film “Last Flag Flying” airports. the Airport. Businesses routinely had scenes filmed at the airport. charter aircraft, ship and receive The airport is not subsidized supplies and products via the The County Airport has a bright by county taxes; revenue is County Airport. future. Development plans well generated by fees and leases. As underway to optimize it include a Federal Aviation Administration Flight training instructions are a design of a runway safety area, designated reliever airport for a vibrant part of the County funding of an airport master plan, Pittsburgh International Airport, Airport with the Pittsburgh Flight a development analysis, terminal it receives some subsidies in Training Center and the Pittsburgh building rehabilitation, fence line accordance with the airlines Institute of Aeronautics that offers and perimeter security upgrades, operation agreement. As a associate degrees in specialized and various hangar improvement. reliever airport it supports a high technology for avionics and other volume of business and corporate- aviation specialties. If you would like to write related traffic, flight training and about the history of the MedEvac. Airshows were held for many department you previously years at the County Airport. In worked at, please email ACRA at After the terrorist attack of the 1930s they were described [email protected] September 11, 2001, new security as spectacular and would cause ACRA NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS TO PRINTER

THE NEW TAX BILL AND YOUR PENSION by Guy Tumolo and Pete Schepis

In response to several inquiries from federal government as federal taxes. members we spoke to the Director Withholding federal tax is based of the Retirement Board relative to on each individual’s tax situation. any impact the new federal tax law Many retirees have elected not to may have on deductions from your have federal taxes withheld. pension. below. Any questions regarding the Given the new tax law, individuals advisability of an adjustment should The new federal tax law promulgated may want to reconsider the current be directed to your tax preparer. new federal withholding tables for percentage of federal tax they are withholding taxes from actively having withheld. To change the Allegheny County Retirement working individuals who receive federal tax withheld a W-4P form Office Contact Information salaries or wages. The new tables must be sent to the Retirement Retirement Office are NOT applied to your pension Office. The form can be found on HistoryCounty Office of AC Building, Airport Room 106 benefits. The amount of the federal the ACRA website (http://acretirees. 542 Forbes Avenue tax deduction is based on the org/) under the Retirement tab. Any Pittsburgh, PA 15219 individual retiree submitting a W-4P questions regarding completion of Phone: 412-350-4674 form to the Retirement Office. The the W-4P form should be directed Fax: 412-350-3923 individual chooses a percentage to the Retirement Office. Once Office Hours: or set amount of the benefit to completed, return form directly to Monday thru Friday be retained and submitted to the the Retirement Office at the address 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Caption: Grand Opening 1931

Caption: The Allegheny County Airport, unchanged in outward appearance from its 1936 expansion.

Caption: This postcard, circa 1940, shows TWA airships at the gate of the Allegheny County Airport. On its last voyage, TWA Flight 3 taxied into position here; 18 hours later it crashed in Nevada killing Carole Lombard and all other passengers on board.

PPG Arena Tour

Caption: Members at tour 10 Page PPG ARENA TOUR by Pete Schepis

On March 22, 2018 the Allegheny Retirees Association members toured PPG Paints Arena (formerly known as Consol Energy Center). We discovered that PPG Paints ACRAfacility is much NEWSLETTERmore than seating and an ice rink. SUBMISSIONS It is a TO PRINTER Congratulations museum that pays tribute to the Penguins as well as the TO OUR history of hockey in Pittsburgh. RECENT RETIREES

JANUARY Uziel, James Baugh, Gwendolyn Walker, Diane Brink, Rita Womack, Karen Brockington, Randolph Yeager, Francis Domzal, Janis Helton, Valerie MARCH Barricella, D.C Honaker, Rosalind Bowman, Carl Kinzler, Kimberly Cartwright, Scott Kulik, Jossph Conley, Michele Louis, Leon Hollenberger, Margaret Mantick, Timothy Hughes, Theodore Polischak, James Ianachione, Thomas Robinson, Daniel Juristy, James Russel, Bernard Kail, Judith Seigel, William Keppel, Edward Members at tour Yeager, Christine Loeb, Rodger FEBRUARY Matik, Marian PPG Paints Arena was open in 2010 replacing the Civic Arena. Bender, Albert Pobicki, Mark It is a multi-purpose facility, but it is primarily known as Chapman, Dale Roth, Joseph the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Everything about the Clark, Gregory Sankey, Brian building features the Pens, from its hockey seating capacity Davis, Creety Sedor, Suzanne of 18,087 (87 representing Sidney Crosby’s number) to the Davis, Diane Simon, Harvey 66 suites (honoring Mario Lemieux’s uniform number). Davis, Theresa Whitehead, Leila In the Spotlight Divecchio, Marianne Williams, Linda Each level is packed with photos of stars of the past and Downey, Denise Yagatich, Stephen present. The five Stanley Cups victories are commemorated Elinoff, Jeffrey Zembruski, Ronald Ferguson, Ronald throughout the building including a virtual display. There is Finn, Earlene APRIL an interactive exhibit that honors the 15 greatest players in Altman, James Garner, Marilyn Pens history, as well as a kid’s zone and wall of champions. Ardisson, Lisa Gladora, Thomas Bungard, Maria Lynn Glazar, Sean In general, it is a pretty cool place to visit packed with Carlino, John Grove, Janice eating venues and over 800 flat screen TVs. But, if you look Dittman, Brian Havelka, Lynn Foy, James past the food venues, TVs and giant center ice scoreboard, Heister, Robert Goppman, Murray you will find interesting exhibits for both kids and adults, Hughes, Lonnell Green, Antonia including photos and memorabilia of Penguin stars and Joyce, Tom Grosch, Barbara history. Let’s Go Pens!! Jubic, Mary Taylor ACRA NEWSLETTERHelfrich, Terrence SUBMISSIONS TO PRINTER Kablack, Jean Jackson, Robert To view more photos from the PPG Arena Tour, Langbein, Paul Jaworski, Donna Marie go to http://acretirees.org/photos-of-acra-events/ Larkin, Kevin Konesky, Victoria Lazzaro, Mark Caption: Ray Diehl and his 1978 Dodge Mangum GT Lane, Emanuel Lubway, Francis Lee, Nancy Mason, Ernest Lorenzi, Harry McGrew, David McKelvey, Goerge Recap of Speakers Milton, Deborah McMahon, John Ohanlon, Edward McVay, John Ollison, Darwin Odonnell, Richard Payne, Margaret Philbin, Margaret Petrilli, David Schreiber, Denise Preuhs, Sandra Stecik, Jeannette Schillinger, Norine Stinson, Sandra Sieg, Kevin Wojnar, William Snyder, Christopher Yocca, Russell Sollenberger, Barbara Young, Lynn Sonetti, Richard Zajch, Kenneth Turner, Kathleen Members at tour *As provided by the Allegheny County Retirement Board

Caption: Ed Kelemen In the Spotlight WAITING FOR PHOTO WILL EMAIL TO PRINTER ON 5/16 Caption: Mary Lou Kosis

Caption: Ray Diehl and his 1978 Dodge Mangum GT 11

Recap of Speakers Page

Caption: Ed Kelemen

WAITING FOR PHOTO WILL EMAIL TO PRINTER ON 5/16 Caption: Mary Lou Kosis

11 Page ACRA NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS TO PRINTER ACRA NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS TO PRINTER

IN THE SPOTLIGHT – RAY DIEHL In theRECAP Spotlight OF by Connie Przybyla SPEAKERS In 1996 Ray Diehl retired after 12 years working as an ACRA holds seven luncheon electrician foreman in the Allegheny County Aviation meetings a year. Please join us Department. Prior to working in the Aviation Department, for some delicious food, friendly he In worked the part-time Spotlight as an electrician at Kane Regional camaraderie with other Allegheny Hospital. County retirees and maybe even learn a thing or two.

The ACRA speaker, Sara Murphy, from the Alzheimer’s Association, was cancelled due to severe weather conditions. The Alzheimer’s Association speaker has been Caption:rescheduled for Ray April Diehl 17, 2019. and his 1978 Dodge Mangum GT The ACRA April speaker was Ed Kelemen. He is an author, Recapcolumnist, of Speakers playwright and paranormal documentarian who has written several books. Mr. Kelemen shared many interesting stories of local paranormal lore. As far back as he can remember, Ray has had a passion for cars and motorcycles. He bought his very first vehicle, a 1949 Metallic Green Ford Coup, for $800 when he was 19 years old.Caption: Ray participates asRay often as Diehl he can in theand Wednesday his car1978 Dodge Mangum GT cruise at the Sonic Restaurant in Bridgeville. He takes either his Spanish Red 1967 F85 Oldsmobile or his Tapestry Red Metallic 1978 Dodge Mangum GT. The vehicles were bought new and overRecap the years Ray of has Speakersrestored both vehicles. In restoringEd Kelemen the Oldsmobile, Ray recalled how he took every Ed Kelemen Caption:nut and bolt out of the car and then put it back together again. In 1967 he bought the car for approximately $2600 and in The ACRA May speaker was Mary restoring it the paint job alone cost over $4000. The Dodge Lou Kosis. She has been an avid was bought brand new in 1978 for approximately $6700 and orchid enthusiast for the past 48 was one of only 861 made nationally. years. She discussed growing and WAITINGcaring for orchids. FOR Ms.PHOTO Kosis also WILL EMAIL TO PRINTER ON 5/16 brought several unique orchids from Ray’s Oldsmobile has an antique license (vehicle must be at her personal collections for viewing. least 25 years old), and his Dodge has a Classic license (vehicle Caption: Mary Lou Kosis must be at least 15 years old). Vehicles with either a Classic or Antique license are limited to 2000 miles per year. In his everyday life, Ray drives a 2002 Dodge Pickup truck or his 2011 Dodge Charger.

In addition to his love of cars, Ray loves going to stock car races and drag races. Occasionally, he even drag races in his

Oldsmobile.

Ray has been married to his wife, Elizabeth, for 62 years. Mary Lou Kosis They have four daughters, three grandchildren and two greatCaption: Ed Kelemen 11 grandchildren. To view photos from the luncheon

meetings, go to http://acretirees. Page org/photos-of-acra-events/ If you have a hobby or talent you would like to share, please email ACRA at [email protected] WAITING FOR PHOTO WILL EMAIL TO PRINTER ON 5/16 Caption: Mary Lou Kosis

11 Page affect seniors. Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala, Jr. welcome the crowd of SAVE THE DATE several hundred seniors to the second annual expo. affect seniors. Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala, Jr. welcome the crowd of June 14, 2018 ACRA AnnualTheseveral Picnic program hundred consisted seniors of to a the panel second discussion annual of expo. elder law and senior justice, a live demonstration In Memoriam* of a drone, a license plate reader and live community cameras. Additionally, there was a chair September 13, 2018 The program consisted of a panel discussion of elder law and senior justice, a live demonstration Gateway Clipperyoga Outing session, and a gardening session. of a drone, a license plate reader and live community cameras. Additionally, there was a chair September 19, 2018 Member AppreciationTheyoga Senior Monthsession, Justice and a& gardening Wellness 12/4/2017 Exposession. Brinker, is George an annual F. event and completely free to seniors. I left the Special Luncheon Discount Price for Members 12/11/2017 Bandy, Junius Speaker: Eddevent Hale with a large amount 12/13/2017 of trinkets Burdulis, Ruthand G. informational pamphlets/flyers/booklets to review. I Topic: The Great Castle ShannonThe Bank Senior Robbery Justice of 1917 & Wellness 12/14/2017 Expo Magliocca, is an Margaret annual L. event and completely free to seniors. I left the highly recommend you attend 12/14/2017 the McCray, expo Muhammadi next year. M. event with a large amount 12/15/2017 of trinkets Szczepanski, and Helen informational pamphlets/flyers/booklets to review. I *For more details visit our website at 12/18/2017 Nolte, Donald http://acretirees.org/ highly recommend you attend 12/19/2017 the McConnell, expo nextDianne Marieyear. *There are no meetings or outings scheduled 12/21/2017 Micklos, Joanne R. for July or August. 1/2/2018 Culhane, Mary Jean 1/18/2018 O’Donnell, Robert 1/22/2018 Jones, Bette M. 1/23/2018 Vicker, Joseph A., Jr. SENIOR JUSTICE AND 1/24/2018 Sullivan, James 1/25/2018 Holbein, Kimberly A. WELLNESS EXPO by Connie Przybyla 1/26/2018 Hausman, Ann 1/30/2018 Gladkowski, Rose D’Angelo On May 9, 2018, the Allegheny 1/31/2018 Sullivan, Virginia County District Attorney 2/2/2018 Higginbotham, Donald R. Office sponsored an expo 2/5/2018 Voelker, Priscilla M. for seniors on justice and 2/12/2018 Deutsch, Ronald E. wellness. Several justice and medical vendors were on 2/12/2018 O’Leary, James hand to discuss issues that 2/15/2018 Poole, Pearl affect seniors. Allegheny 2/16/2018 Scassera, Jack, Jr. County District Attorney 2/20/2018 Mackey, Menachem Y. Stephen Zappala, Jr. welcome Connie 2/22/2018 Przybyla Pastore, & RuthDA StephenM. Zappala the crowd of several hundred 2/22/2018 Kondrich, Ted seniors to the second annual Connie 3/15/2018 Przybyla Wells, & Robert DA StephenL. Zappala expo. Connie Przybyla & DA Stephen Zappala 3/15/2018 Woods, Nancy A. 3/16/2018 Lebovitz, Arthur M. The program consisted of 3/21/2018 Lee, Byung S. a panel discussion of elder 3/21/2018 Hallinan, William F. law and senior justice, a live 3/24/2018 Honohan, Maria J. demonstration of a drone, 3/28/2018 Stein, Geraldine C. a license plate reader and live community cameras. 3/29/2018 Durant, Eunice L. Additionally, there was a chair 3/30/2018 Phillips, Harold yoga session, and a gardening 4/5/2018 Pellecchia, Daniel 4/5/2018 Rodosky, Sophie session. Drone demonstration Drone demonstration 4/9/2018 Mantick, Timothy H. The Senior Justice & Wellness Expo is an annual event and completely free to seniors. I left the event with a large amount of Drone demonstration*As provided by the trinkets and informational pamphlets/flyers/booklets to review. Allegheny County Retirement Board I highly recommend you attend the expo next year.