TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM SPRING 2007
Calling all cowboys Tales of a microphone-wrangling lawman
Meet Pam Swanson TCDRS Member profile: Retirement planning In memoriam 3 8 Constable Bill Bailey 15 pitfalls to avoid 19 Great ways to Clowning around County workers give 412grow your nest egg at the rodeo 18 from the heart 2
HORIZONS SPRING 2007
Batter up, Texas! Cooperstown, New York City and Boston get a lot atten- tion when it comes to baseball, but we know the Lone Star State has plenty of tales to tell. From the legendary players who call Texas home, to the Toll Free 800-823-7782 minor league ball teams that hit the field every summer Austin Area (512) 328-8889 [email protected] in local parks from Corpus Christi to Frisco, baseball is a www.tcdrs.org thriving part of the spirit of Texas. And we want your baseball stories, TCDRS members, Board of Trustees for an upcoming edition of Horizons looking at the tradi- Robert A. Eckels, Chair tions and institutions of the national pastime in our fair state. Bridget McDowell, Vice-Chair If you have a baseball story to tell or work in a baseball-related, TCDRS-covered job, send Jerry V. Bigham H.C. “Chuck” Cazalas your name, contact information and a short description of your idea or story to TCDRS Daniel R. Haggerty Publications, Horizons, P.O. Box 2034, Austin, TX 78768-2034, or [email protected]. Lisa A. Hembry Thank you for helping make Horizons a great newsletter! Jan Kennady Bob Willis Mutual funds decoded Gerald “Buddy” Winn To enjoy the most comfortable retirement you can you must take advantage of opportuni- ties to grow your nest egg. Mutual funds can be a great way for anyone to start investing for Staff their future and you don’t need to be a Wall Street wizard to get started. Gene Glass In the next edition of Horizons, we will take an in-depth look at how mutual funds work Director and how the average American worker can make them a part of his retirement plan. Paul J. Williams Investment Officer Kim Doyal Director of Communications On the cover... Gerald McLeod Publications Manager Constable Bill Bailey, of Harris County, Precinct 8, has a lifelong love of horses and the Rodney Crouther outdoors, which has made his decades of rodeo announcing more of a privilege than a chore. Writer/Editor “We didn’t have horses when I was growing up, we couldn’t afford anything like that. Still, Leah Nelson I’ve always enjoyed just being around the rodeo atmosphere,” he said. Writer/Editor A big believer in the power of county government to enhance communities, Bill became Rob Bishop Graphic Designer the first constable to serve as president of the Texas Association of Counties in 2002. As a Texas lawman, he springs from a fine tradition, as well. He is a descendant of Horizons is published for general information purposes only. Williamson County Sheriff Milton Tucker, who captured famed outlaw Sam Bass in 1878 The actual provisions of state and following a shootout in Round Rock, Texas. federal law and TCDRS board rules take precedence in all matters. PHOTO COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 3
Fast Facts: You can reach a TCDRS Customer Service representative directly by dialing 800-823-7782, then pressing “1”. TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Meet Pam Swanson: TCDRS receptionist
Between answering phones and routing faxes, TCDRS Receptionist Pam Swanson has very little downtime. Add to that sorting incoming mail and sending outgoing mail, and a day goes by pretty fast.
“It’s a lot of volume,” Pam said of the agency. However, it wasn’t her first move. [TCDRS phone menu] recording and comings and goings across TCDRS’ front Pam was born in Bridgeport, Conn., just hit zero,” a feeling she said she desk. raised in San Diego, Calif., and went to understands Up to 900 pieces of mail and up to 600 high school in Wyoming and Nebraska. “I’m guilty, too,” she laughed. faxes could pass through on a busy week, Today, Pam counts traveling as her She meets a lot of members face to face Pam says, though the number of phone favorite hobby, followed by knitting, kay- when they come to the TCDRS office for calls she answers has gone down. aking and reading. She and her husband, retirement counseling. “When I started, all the calls came Don, have a daughter in Austin. They also “A lot of them are willing to share their through me. Now [callers] have the have a son, three grandchildren and one stories and it is just nice to meet them,” option of dialing [an extension] or calling great-grandchild. Pam said. “We have some really fascinat- Customer Service, which is nice,” she said. ing people.” On the line For members, she advises that they Many states Though Pam doesn’t answer as many keep their priorities outside of work, with Pam joined TCDRS in October 2000. calls as she used to, she says she still talks their family, in line, which will make She moved to Austin from Albuquerque, to members and retirees on occasion. them more productive. “Don’t just con-
PHOTO BY ROB BISHOP N.M., where she worked for a staffing “They don’t want to listen to the centrate on work.” 4
HORIZONS SPRING 2007
The keys to your savings vehicles
Most of us, as the saying goes, will always be working for our money. However, you don’t have to be wealthy or win the lottery to put some of your money to work for you.
A lot of the financial advice you hear can stuffing your money in a mattress to buying be boiled down to two words: “SAVE” and savings bonds or stocks. “INVEST.” That’s because both give you the Some savings vehicles carry zero to very low chance to earn interest on the money you risks, but put you in the slow lane on growing already have. your savings. Easier said than done, right? Figuring out Other investments, like buying stocks or real what is the best savings vehicle for you is where estate, can promise short cuts to your savings it gets tricky for the average American worker. goals, but carry high risks that can actually send There are dozens of savings and investment you backwards. options you can choose from, everything from The key is deciding which options offer you ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROB BISHOP 5
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the most security for your money with the best tax deferred until you make withdrawals. chance to have your savings earn some money Another advantage is that 457 plans may allow for you. you to borrow against the value of your account while you are still employed. You must check 457 Plans: Public with your plan’s administrator for details regard- employees only ing loans, however. This is a special Participation in a 457 plan is completely vol- retirement savings plan, untary. Not every TCDRS employer currently designed for you. The offers a 457 plan, however, so you should check 457 deferred compen- with your employer to find out if a plan is avail- sation plan was created to give state and local able to you. government workers an additional retirement sav- ings vehicle, similar to (but not the same as) the IRAs and 401(k) plans of the private sector or the 403(b) Roth IRAs plans used by some charities and churches. Individual Retirement The name, of course, refers to the section of the Accounts are a great, Internal Revenue Service code that sets its rules. secure way to put money Just like other retirement plans, the money you away for your future. contribute to a 457 plan can grow tax-deferred IRAs are also accounts in which your savings are until you start withdrawing your money. Just like invested and your money earns a return. a 401(k), a 457 plan earns money though invest- The biggest question facing you when decid- ments. Most 457 plans have the full spectrum of ing between a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA is investment options: stock funds, bond funds and whether you want to pay taxes on the money now money market funds. or when you retire. Like an IRA, money invested in a 457 plan is Contributions to a traditional IRA are made not taxed in the year when you make your con- pre-tax, so the IRS will come to collect its share tribution. This gives you a head start in invest- when you retire and start taking money out. ment growth. For example, assume you are in With a Roth IRA, you make contributions after the 25-percent tax bracket. You invest $100 in a paying income tax, so the money you withdraw 457 plan, the full $100 goes into your investment from a Roth IRA is tax free. account AND your taxable income decreases by Even better, if you keep your money in a Roth $100. You pay less tax and your money starts IRA until you are at least 59½ years old, then growing faster. Compare that to a regular sav- earnings on your account will also be untaxed, ings account in which $100 in pre-tax income as long as the account has been active for at least produces a $75 deposit in your account once you five years. If you expect to have significant tax- have paid your taxes. able income in retirement (such as your TCDRS The benefits of a 457 plan continue to grow annuity), you should consider putting some of 6
HORIZONS SPRING 2007
your after-tax savings in a Roth IRA. You can for putting away money for short-term goals or watch your money grow knowing that you will “just in case.” not have to pay taxes on your withdrawals. A money market account is similar to a savings Of course, there are catches. There are limits account at most banks, only they earn slightly on how much money you can put into an IRA better interest. With these accounts, you are account. If you are under age 50, you can con- basically loaning the bank your money to make tribute up to $4,000 short-term “money ($5,000 if you’re over market” investments. 50) to an IRA or a With a CD, you Roth IRA in 2007. put your money If you have one of away for a fixed time each, your total con- — which can vary tribution still can’t from a month to sev- exceed the limit. eral years, depending Also, your IRA con- on the issuer — and tributions may not earn a higher rate of be tax deductible, interest than a savings depending on your account. The trade- total income level. off for getting a bet- With a traditional ter interest rate is that IRA, you must start there are usually pen- distributions by April alties for withdrawing 1 in the year after you turn 70½. There is no your money early from a CD. mandatory distribution age for a Roth IRA. With any of these options, you are put- ting your money to work for you and setting Simple savings vehicles yourself on the right road to a more comfort- Any savings vehicle that pays you interest is able retirement. As a TCDRS member, you better than the mattress idea or burying your already have one secure savings vehicle working money in the backyard. for you, with your deposits earning 7-percent Basic savings accounts, money market accounts interest annually. and certificate of deposits (CDs) are all good sav- When you take advantage of any of the other ings options when you are saving for a major pur- savings vehicles to increase your personal sav- chase or other short-term savings goals. Savings ings you are investing in a healthier, happier accounts earn very little interest, but they give retirement. And the earlier you start, the larger you much greater flexibility with your money your nest egg can grow before you are ready to on a day-to-day basis. That makes them ideal leave the workforce. 7
TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM
NEW EXTENDED HOURS!!!
12 Your annual statements are coming and TCDRS Customer Service is temporarily extending their call center hours to make it easier for you to get answers to your questions. 9 3 Customer Service counselors will be available to help you Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. (CST) and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. February 26 through March 24. 6 Call our toll-free TCDRS Customer Service line at 800-823-7782 or visit us on the Web at www.tcdrs.org 8
HORIZONS SPRING 2007
Bumping calves and protecting the peace By Rodney Crouther
Bill Bailey has worn a lot of hats in his time, including nationally acclaimed radio per- sonality, veteran peace officer and one-of-a-kind rodeo announcer. His Texas pride shines like the badge he wears as the Constable of Harris County’s 8th Precinct. 9
Fast Facts: The 75th Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be held at Reliant Park in Houston February 27 through March 18. TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM
“I’ve always liked the Western way of life,” Bill school when he got his first radio broadcasting job as said with a smile. “I don’t like golf, I like to fish an early morning deejay on KTEM in Temple. and rodeo.” By the time he graduated high school in 1957, he He’s been volunteering with the Houston was already a popular figure on the local radio cir- Livestock and Rodeo show since 1992, when he cuit, meaning he always had opportunities to work joined his first rodeo committee. at stations around the state. Today, he is part of a team of four announcers “In those days it was really a gypsy lifestyle. I’d who keep the throngs entertained and informed go from El Paso to Corpus Christi for six weeks,” over the nearly three-week-long event. His special- Bill said. ties are announcing the Annual Calf Scramble and He landed a job in Des Moines, Iowa, after a station serving as Grand Entrance announcer. he was working for was bought out by a larger chain. “Sharon [Camarillo] and I are the only announc- ers that actually get down in the dirt,” Bill said. “It’s because we’re so much prettier than Bob [Tallman] and Boyd [Polhamus].” A sense of humor is part of what Bill and his fel- low announcers bring to the rodeo, but he takes his role there seriously. “It’s one of the great blessings in my life that I get to participate in an event like this,” Bill said. “There are boys and girls all over the state of Texas who directly benefit from this every year.” This year, the rodeo will give roughly $7 million dollars in scholarships to Texas students, both from the Houston area and across the state. But more than the direct monetary contribu- tions, Bill says, he also enjoys the community spirit He headed out of Texas in a Plymouth Belvedere sedan, Bill Bailey (far left) with his that brings the rodeo organizers, volunteers and but he arrived in Des Moines at the same time as the fellow announcers: Sharon Camarillo, Bob Tallman and community partners together every year. worst blizzard to hit the area in more than a decade. Boyd Polhamus. “Everybody is working side-by-side. You have bank He left Iowa for Peoria, Ill., but soon realized that presidents opening gates for the crowds,” Bill said. the climate and culture of the north didn’t suit this As a man who was born into working class family native son of Texas. in the suburbs of Houston, Bill understands as well In 1960, he came back to the Lone Star State with- as anyone how vital it is to encourage young minds out a radio job for the first time since high school. and give them opportunities to shine. He had a brief stint driving a funeral home ambu- lance while he looked for radio jobs. When his next Wandering radio man big break came, it brought more than a job — it gave PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILL BAILEY Born Milton Odom Stanley, he was still in high him a new name. 10
HORIZONS SPRING 2007
Major Market” by Billboard magazine. He was already a polished rodeo announcer by then, as well. As a young man, Bill always had a passion for rodeo, but he never seriously considered trying to ride an angry, bucking bull as an option. “I’ll admit to being crazy. I won’t admit to being stupid,” he said. More importantly, at 6 feet, 3 inches tall, Bill’s imposing stature is not ideal for a professional rodeo rider, most of whom are under 6 feet tall. Besides, his strongest natural talent had noth- ing to do with saddles and ropes. “Because of my radio background, announcer was just the natural thing,” he said. Bill was the last man to serve as announcer for Bill Bailey doesn’t hesitate to get close The birth of Bill Bailey the annual Texas Prison Rodeo, narrating the to the action during the Calf Scramble competition. A Houston radio station had spent weeks pro- action for 15 years until the state discontinued it moting a new deejay, a man by the name of Bill in October 1986. Bailey. Of course, they had taken advantage of His role at the prison rodeo landed Bill his one the golden oldie tune “Won’t You Come Home and only movie appearance — a few scenes in the Bill Bailey” in their advertising. comedy “Stir Crazy” starring Gene Wilder and Then, at the last minute, the slick new out-of- Richard Pryor. town deejay backed out of the deal. He spent nine days in Tucson for the filming. Fortunately for them, a talented young deejay Around the cast hotel, he struck up a friendship with plenty of experience who was familiar with with actor Craig T. Nelson among others while the Houston market walked in looking for a job waiting to be called to the set for their scenes. just a few days later. “Wilder and Pryor, they went out [to the set] in But there was one catch … limos. We rode out in vans, the crews they bused “They wanted to know if they could call me out there,” Bill recalled. ‘Bill Bailey’ on the air. I didn’t care if they called Although he keeps a few mementos of his brief me Strawberry Shortcake. I wanted to get back time on the big screen, he said he didn’t get bit- home,” he said. ten by the acting bug and decided one appearance He eventually landed at KIKK in Houston, was all Hollywood would get out of him. keeping the new name. A lot of hard work and a natural talent as a communicator earned him A new direction accolades, topped in 1979 when he was named As the 1980s rolled in, Bill began to consider “Number One Country Music Broadcaster in a leaving the radio business at last. A longtime 11
TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM
supporter of law enforcement officers and insti- After 24 years in office, he said he is finally look- tutions in the community, he decided to make ing forward to settling into a pleasant retirement a bid for the constable’s office in 1982, after the with his two daughters and his wife, Janis. sudden death of the incumbent. “I am deeply grateful to know that my TCDRS Since most of the voters in Harris County retirement is there. If anything happens to me, I knew him by his stage name, he legally added it know that my wife will have something,” he said. to his real name so he could be listed on the ballot Getting his younger employees to understand as Bill Bailey. (His full-legal name is now Milton how dramatically they can affect their future Odom Stanley Bill Bailey.) through retirement planning is one of the few After winning the election he set about mod- obstacles with which he has struggled. ernizing a department in one of the fastest grow- “They don’t realize the importance of the long ing communities in the country. haul. If they jump jobs and draw it out, it’s gone,” In 1983, when Bill took office, Precinct 8 had Bill said. “You have to be patient with your 17 employees. Today, it has nearly 80. investments.” “We have 12 different municipalities in our precinct. This precinct has grown exponentially,” Bill said. His deputies support the police of each of WHAT DOES A those municipalities and are the first responders CONSTABLE DO? to emergencies in unincorporated parts of the In Texas, the county consta- precinct. They also perform special duties, such as bles are elected peace officers providing security patrols for the NASA facilities who, along with their deputies, in eastern Harris County. are key members of a county’s chain of law enforcement. County bonuses Bill Bailey Constables have all the Bill is a vocal supporter of the role county gov- enforcement powers of Texas peace officers. They are sometimes ernment plays in communities all across the state. referred to as the executive officer of the justice of the peace courts. “I’m what you would call a dyed-in-the-wool Their duties are to: fan of county government,” Bill said. “The coun- • Subpoena witnesses • Execute judgments ties are the unsung heroes of government. We’re • Act as bailiff • Service of process so unobtrusive, but we provide a lot of the ser- In large metropolitan counties, the constable may also assist the vices the cities and state depend on to operate.” county and district courts. In addition, they may perform patrol Not settling for advocating on behalf of his functions and make criminal investigations. They are involved in the fellow county employees only at home, he has overall effort to reduce the effects of crime in their communities, also become an active participant in the Texas including, in some cases, the operation of truancy programs. Association of Counties. Source: Texas Association of Counties “I was fortunate to be able to be the first lowly
PHOTO BY RODNEY CROUTHER law enforcement officer to lead TAC,” Bill said. 12
HORIZONS SPRING 2007
Rodeo clowns aren’t clowning around By Gerald McLeod
Some of the hardest working guys and gals in the rodeo arena are the ones who look like they’re having the most fun. It may appear that the clowns are just goofing off, but their work can be deadly serious at times.
There are three clowns in the arena at a time. Smith County Constable Dennis Taylor start- Two are called bullfighters, and they protect ed out in rodeo as a bull rider while still in high the cowboys from the bad-tempered bulls. The school, but soon moved to working the bulls on third clown is called a contract act or barrel his feet instead of on their backs. clown; he’s more for entertainment. “I rode 18 bulls during my rodeo riding career PHOTOS COURTESY OF DENNIS TAYLOR Fast Facts: Howard County Justice of the Peace Quail 13 Dobbs was named the PRCA’s Clown of the Year in 1978 and 1988, and is a member of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame. His red and white clown face on the municipal water tank welcomes visitors to Coahoma. TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM
and got bucked off 18 times,” Taylor said. “It obvious dangers of being in the arena with unpre- took me that long to figure out that I really dictable animals. Taylor tries to come up with a don’t like bulls very much.” new routine every year or two. Taylor joined the rodeo because that’s what “Clowns do a lot of stealing of each other’s most of his friends in high school did for fun. jokes or parts of an act. Fortunately, it’s not The only difference is that most of them out against the law,” he said with a grin. grew the thrill of working with bucking animals. Taylor is currently having a dog trained to be Taylor never has. part of his act. He’ll be a dog catcher instead of After his short career as a bull rider, Taylor a police officer. became a bullfighter clown. He admits that being Taylor has been in law enforcement almost as chased by a raging bull is a young man’s job. long as he has been working rodeos. He started “It’s not whether or not they’re going to get as a deputy in the Tyler County Sheriff’s office hurt,” he said, “it’s how often and how bad. If in 1971, and worked in several law enforcement you’re around [those animals] you’re going to jobs before being elected constable. He was re- get hurt eventually.” elected to his seventh four-year term last year. As Taylor has had a few broken arms and legs. he travels around to rodeos, he usually takes the “I’ve had more broken ribs than I care to time to visit the local sheriff’s offices. remember,” he said before he points to a scar on “It gives me a chance to meet new people and the bridge of his nose left by a bull’s horn. exchange ideas,” he said. About 15 years ago, Taylor “retired” to become Taylor says he really enjoys his job as a Smith Officer Taylor “arrests” an “inebriated” spectator during a the barrel clown. In his act he dresses up as a County Constable. rodeo performance. policeman and drives a souped-up Volkswagen patrol car. During the rodeo performance, he serves as a back-up to the bullfighter clowns, and works with the announcer to provide entertain- ment and tells a joke or two. “I always try to keep my jokes clean,” he said. “I think rodeo should be family oriented.” Over the past 25 years, Taylor has worked rodeos as a clown from North Dakota to the Rio Grande Valley. He used to take his vacations and weekends to attend 20 to 25 rodeos a year. In the last few years he has cut that in half. He will work an event a couple of times and then it’s time to move on down the road. “After a couple of years, everybody has learned my jokes,” he said. Being a rodeo clown is hard work besides the 14
HORIZONS SPRING 2007
pretty tense situations,” he said. Sometimes just having a sense of humor can make the job easier, he adds. “I think a lot of law enforcement officers get burned out because working with people with a lot of problems can really wear on you,” Taylor said. “When you can get away from the local problems for a weekend you come back refreshed and ready to work.” The anonymity of being in a town where no one knows you as the law can be nice, too. “I’m still amazed after a performance when the kids come up and ask for my autograph,” Taylor said. One rodeo that Taylor has never worked as a clown is in his hometown of Lindale a few miles north of Tyler. He’s been too busy working as the rodeo committee chairman for the sponsor- ing chamber of commerce. Twenty years ago he helped the chamber organize their first rodeo using borrowed and rented equipment. This May, the rodeo will be in a nice arena and attract 3,000 visitors to the little town on IH-20, half way between Dallas and Shreveport. Over the years Taylor has seen lots of changes in law enforcement and in rodeos. Some of them he’s okay with and others he’s not so sure about, like computers and the increased interest in bull riding. One thing is for sure, he has enjoyed his Taylor at his day job. “I’m helping people every day,” he said. long ride with both. But the patrons of a rodeo are often there look- He says he’ll be ready to hang up his spurs after ing for an escape from their everyday problems one more term as county constable and a few for a little while and want to be entertained. more years of entertaining rodeo crowds. Then “If I can make them laugh, then I’ve done my he’ll retire to his ranch north of Lindale to raise job as a clown and we both feel good,” he said. rodeo stock. Although much of his day job is deadly serious, “I’ve always preferred working with horses to Taylor enjoys telling a good joke or a funny story. working with bulls and bull-headed people,” he
“I’ve used my skills as a clown to defuse some said with a laugh. PHOTO BY GERALD MCLEOD 15
TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM
What not to do with your retirement: • Will pay more in taxes. Not only is The stories in this column are based on members just like you. the money you withdraw taxable, but The specific details have been changed. if you are younger than 59½ at the time of withdrawal, you must pay an additional 10 percent excise tax.
And even though Carolyn made a smart move by not spending all her money and continuing to save, there are few, if any, private investment options that can reliably pay 7-percent interest a year and promise a lifetime annuity.
Other options Carolyn could choose: Carolyn has a good credit history and pays all her bills on time, so she may have been able to make late payment “Carolyn,” a former Bexar County through in the next month or two. arrangements to give her more time. employee, left her county job a couple of So she decided to cash in her TCDRS Getting a short-term bank loan that she years ago, but since she was vested, she kept account. Carolyn paid off the tuition and could repay when her commission came her TCDRS account active. Even though her immediate bills, then safely invested through would have also been a better she wasn’t making new contributions, her the rest of the money in private retirement option. Even if she didn’t get the best TCDRS retirement account continued to accounts to keep saving for her retirement. interest rate, the cost of a loan might earn 7-percent interest annually. sting in the short-term, but it’s a drop in By last summer, Carolyn’s TCDRS Why this wasn’t the bucket compared to the money she deposits and interest had accumulated to Carolyn’s best option: gave up. just over $95,000 and she had enough You can only withdraw your TCDRS We understand that life isn’t predict- service credit to qualify for a retirement deposits after you have left your job. able. Emergencies happen and there may benefit when she reached age 60. But when you withdraw your TCDRS be times when the immediate problems In her new job, a lot of Carolyn’s account, instead of taking a retirement are bigger than your long-term plan. income came from commissions and she benefit, you also: Especially if you have the service time to found herself in a money crunch while qualify for a retirement benefit, you will waiting for a large deal to close. She had • Lose your employer matching contribu- almost always lose money — and a lot two children with tuition payments due tions. Bexar County contributes a 2-to- of it — by withdrawing your TCDRS on top of her other bills and no guar- 1 match, so Carolyn threw away twice account instead of waiting until you
ILLUSTRATION BY ROB BISHOP antee that her commission would come as much money as she cashed out. retire. 16
HORIZONS SPRING 2007
The History of Rodeo
Just rope and throw and brand ‘em
Whether it is in Las Vegas, Madison Square Garden or Lindale, Texas, nothing says “Texas” like a rodeo. That is because so much of the modern sport was born in the dusty corrals of ranches in West and South Texas.
Long before there were organized events, was later said that Hays was one of the best riders whenever cowboys got together, you can of the day. bet there were contests to see who was best Buffalo Bill Cody staged his first Wild West at their job skills. As early as 1843, Texas show in North Platte, Neb., in 1882, but it Ranger Captain John C. Hays arranged a was combination of rodeo events and skits on rodeo in the Main Plaza of San Antonio. horseback. Pecos, Texas, claims to have held the According to his biographer, when a band first rodeo for prizes on July 4, 1883. The event, of Comanches appeared in the Alamo City which still takes place on the first weekend of seeking a peace treaty, Hays suggested a July, originally was held on the county court- riding-skills contest between the Indians, house lawn with horse races down Main Street. Mexican caballeros and the Texas Rangers Three of the top seven professional rodeos are for prizes supplied by local merchants. It held in Houston, San Antonio and Fort Worth. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RODEO HERITAGE MUSEUM 17
Fast Facts: Rodeo was designated as the official state sport by the Legislature in 1997. TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Of the major rodeos held in Texas, the Southwestern WANT TO LEARN Exposition and Livestock MORE ABOUT in Fort Worth is the old- RODEO? est, having been founded as a cattle show in 1896. The show added the world’s first indoor rodeo in 1917. When the direc- tors of the stock show were trying to figure out what to call the event, some- one suggested “rodeo,” the Spanish word for roundup and pronounced “ro-day- o.” It became Anglicized VISIT THESE MUSEUMS: as “ro-dee-o.” The name National Cowboy & didn’t come into common Western Heritage Museum usage until after 1920. Gene Autry and Champion. 1700 NE 63rd St. The Fort Worth show Oklahoma City, Okla. also gave us the first bull-riding event in 1948, followed by an intercollegiate cir- (405) 478-2250 in 1920, one of the sport’s most popu- cuit in 1949 and the High School Rodeo www.nationalcowboymuseum.org lar events. The side release chutes were Association in 1950. The National Finals Rodeo Heritage Museum first used in 1927 in Cowtown. Cowboy Rodeo held in December in Las Vegas 118 W. Blackjack movie star and singer Gene Autry revived began in Dallas in 1959 and has become Dublin, Texas a sagging career by becoming the first one of the largest and richest rodeos in (254) 445-0200 musical act at a rodeo when he performed the world. www.rodeoheritagemuseum.org at the stock show. He went on to add As the modern American rodeo has Cowgirl Hall of Fame production of rodeos in New York City’s evolved over the years, the Mexican rodeo 1720 Gendy St. Madison Square Garden and in Boston to has maintained traditional vaquero events. Fort Worth, Texas his long list of accomplishments. One group, the San Antonio Charro (817) 336-4475 Professional rodeo cowboys have been Association, holds monthly Charreadas www.cowgirl.net/halloffame.aspx represented by several different orga- at their arena on the San Antonio River Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame nizations since the 1930s, the largest between March and October. Events 128 E. Exchange Ave. being the Professional Rodeo Cowboys include grabbing a bull by the tail, reining Fort Worth, Texas Association. The Women’s Professional a horse to skidding stop, trick riding, team (817) 626-7171 Rodeo Association began in San Angelo roping, bull riding and bronco riding. www.texascowboyhalloffame.com 18
HORIZONS SPRING 2007
Saving lives at home and abroad Responding to an article on the impor- ties, so giving blood with them could tance of blood donation in the Fall 2006 involve more of a time commitment edition of Horizons, Charlie McMurrey, than civilian donor programs. of Brazoria County’s Brazoria County In Texas, there are four locations Community Supervision and Corrections where civilians can sign up to give blood Department, wrote to let us know about to our military forces. They are: Fort the Armed Services Blood Program. Sam Houston and Lackland Air Force “The blood issue is truly critical and Base, both in San Antonio; Fort Bliss, in awareness and participation is really El Paso; and in Fort Hood, Killeen. needed! Patriotism is more than the Charlie McMurrey McMurrey, his wife and co-work- pledge of allegiance, real patriotism is the ASBP also supports general medi- ers have already participated in two action and sacrifice for your fellow cal services at military facilities around blood drives to Fort Hood, home of the Americans,” McMurrey wrote. the world. Robertson Blood Center. They plan to The ASBP provides critical support The ASBP includes the blood pro- make the trip again this month. to all branches of the U.S. military. grams of the Army, Navy and Air Force. You can find more information on the The need is dire for service members They can only collect blood on military program online at www.militaryblood. deployed for combat duty overseas, but or Department of Defense owned facili- dod.mil.
WHY THEY NEED YOUR HELP:
Blood and blood products are used for patients Soldiers, sailors and their families donate blood at a rate of all ages for many reasons. From those undergoing four times higher than the civilian population; however, cancer treatments to surgical patients to those with military duty restricts how often they are eligible to give. battlefield injuries, military members depend on blood For example: donors every day. Each unit of blood is critical when • More than 43 percent of career military soldiers at Fort you consider: Hood are ineligible to donate due to European deferral. • 40 or more units of blood may be needed for a single Soldiers who served in Europe for six months or more trauma victim. from 1980 to 1996 are ineligible to donate. • 8 units of platelets may be required daily by Leukemia • Remaining soldiers at Fort Hood are on a high deploy- patients undergoing treatment. ment cycle. Returning from Iraq is a one year deferral. • A single pint of blood can sustain a premature Sources: Armed Services Blood Program and infant’s life for two weeks. The Robertson Blood Center. 19
TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM
In memoriam Deaths reported to TCDRS between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2006 Employees Javier Deleza Marvin R. McKim Roy Edmund Rankin 1957 – 2006 1957 – 2006 1945 – 2006 Billy Herman Alexander Matagorda County Travis County Harris County 1947 – 2006 Hospital District Caldwell County Benny F. Meatte William Bruce Rollins Tylene Garcia 1958 – 2006 1951 – 2006 Fernando Anzaldua 1985 – 2006 Harris County Andrews County and Permian 1939 – 2006 Hidalgo County Regional Medical Center Delta Lake Irrigation District Christine M.B. Mitchell Diana Lynn Glaeser 1946 – 2006 Ruth Lisa A. Sanchez Charles Earl Arnold 1958 – 2006 Medina County 1946 – 2006 1952 – 2006 Harris County Travis County Harris County Tammy Carrier Morelock Harvey Grady 1961 – 2004 Johnny Sebesta Pedro Benavides 1944 – 2006 El Paso County 1948 – 2006 1951 – 2006 Hale County Hospital District Matagorda County Cameron County Darryl D. Jackson Martha Moreno William H. Sinclair Loren L. Benoy 1973 – 2006 1953 – 2006 1987 – 2006 1960 – 2006 Gregg County Harris County Somervell County Tarrant County Jerry Bob Jernigan Reynaldo M. Munoz Alma K. Slagle Justin L. Blaine 1942 – 2006 1932 – 2006 1952 – 2006 1986 – 2006 Wheeler County Kleberg County Panola County Harris County Melvin Callep King Elizabeth Diana Neighbors Ocly D. Smith Irving Brown 1949 – 2006 1969 – 2006 1934 – 2006 1930 – 2006 Bosque County Hall County Hays County Harris County Karen L. Knox Mary A. Noel Shirley E. Thacker Annie Jewell Brown 1961 – 2006 1938 – 2006 1944 – 2006 1942 – 2006 Travis County Montague County Harris County Ector County and Ector County Hospital District Ellen Sharol Lawson Michelle M. Otto Tami Mullins VanDyke 1945 – 2006 1977 – 2006 1966 – 2006 Edward P. Brundrett Montgomery County Fayette County Jefferson County and 1942 – 2006 McCulloch County Bee County Darwood Duaine Marshall Esther Zuvia Perez 1934 – 2006 1943 – 2006 Theresa Walker Rudy S. Buenrostro King County Dimmit County 1948 – 2006 1949 – 2006 Lynn County Bexar County Jimmie Lynn Martin Rory Shane Pilkington 1947 – 2002 1965 – 2006 Nancy M. Wall Debra B. Burson Montgomery County Palo Pinto County 1951 – 2006 1953 – 2006 Midland County Floyd County Miguel Angel Martinez Paul S. Posival 1971 – 2006 1952 – 2006 Phillip E. Wartel Louis W. Conradt, Jr. El Paso County Milam County 1982 – 2006 1950 – 2006 Harris County Rockwall County Alma Louise McCray Homero S. Rangel 1958 – 2006 1955 – 2006 Harris County Webb County 20
HORIZONS SPRING 2007
Barbara J. West Clifford O. Bachman Armandina Cardona Boyle Rosalie Cozby 1930 – 2006 1924 – 2006 1937 – 2006 1917 – 2006 San Jacinto County Grayson County Harris County Ector County Ralph Alan Whigham Frank Hay Bass, Jr. Robert Bracy, Jr. Mary C. Cusenbary 1965 – 2006 1926 – 2006 1922 – 2006 1917 – 2006 Nueces County Montgomery County Mitchell County Young County Charles Joseph Wieland Clifford Earl Beare Pauline Elaine Bradley Sylvin B. Daniel 1947 – 2006 1932 – 2006 1945 – 2006 1927 – 2006 Victoria County Jeff Davis County Mainland Center Hospital Dallas County Donna L. Zaro Kenneth Lee Bell Reaule Brady Lester E. Davenport 1947 – 2006 1942 – 2006 1930 – 2006 1913 – 2006 Port of Port Arthur Ellis County Ector County and Ector Brazoria County Navigation District County Hospital District Rogerio B. Benavides, Jr. Betty Jane Dedde 1951 – 2006 Ruben Leroy Brown 1922 – 2006 Retirees Nueces County 1941 – 2006 Galveston County Water Harrison County Control and Improvement Mariano Manuel Abrego Guadalupe Benavides District #1 1940 – 2006 1920 – 2006 Pauline F. Burke Somervell County Jim Hogg County 1917 – 2006 Robert Henley Diggs Galveston County 1934 – 2006 Dorrene Browning Acker Lana Johnston Besteiro Stonewall County 1930 – 2006 1943 – 2006 Earnest James Butler Swisher Memorial Hospital Cameron County 1943 – 2006 J. Lee Dittert, Jr. District Bexar County 1931 – 2006 Glenn Ray Bevill Austin County Adolfo Dobbie Aguirre 1936 – 2006 Macedonio C. Camacho 1935 – 2006 Wood County 1931 – 2006 Arrie Lee Duckworth Hays County Cameron County 1933 – 2006 Audrey Johnston Blake Kenedy County, Nueces Virginia Ann Albright 1930 – 2006 James H. Chapman County and San Patricio 1933 – 2006 Leon County 1954 – 2006 County Montgomery County Harris County Joan Blakemore Wilfred Tom Dupree Evelyn Maxine Alexander 1923 – 2006 Virginia L. Clements 1927 – 2006 1936 – 2006 Tarrant County 1926 – 2006 Jefferson County Burnet County Hill County Billy Jack Blasingame David Benette Eaves Margaret Allen 1930 – 2006 Jack Thomas Cleveland 1943 – 2006 1919 – 2006 Bowie County 1919 – 2006 Orange County Drainage Dallas County Harris County Cecil Horace Bolton District Edward Arkadie 1923 – 2006 James Kenneth Coppin Dorothy Louise Edwards 1927 – 2006 Hood County 1918 – 2006 1928 – 2006 Jackson County Velasco Drainage District Linda Munn Boyd Robertson County — Brazoria County Marie Armbruster 1937 – 2006 Henry Lee Ellis 1922 – 2006 Smith County Ola Gregory Covey 1947 – 2006 Harris County 1906 – 2006 El Paso County Gray County 21
TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Lula Belle Fahnert Douglas Vernon Harris Rachel R. Jackson Jane W. Knobles 1937 – 2006 1935 – 2006 1927 – 2006 1920 – 2006 Potter County Mills County Bexar County Harris County Kathryn Faucett Etta R. Harrison Bessie L. Johnson Angelina P. Kujawa 1918 – 2006 1920 – 2006 1907 – 2006 1916 – 2006 Dallas County Clay County Jefferson County Harris County Glen Edward Fulcher, Sr. Stillman Dudley Harrison Barbara Anderson Joiner William S. Lacaze, Jr. 1940 – 2006 1929 – 2006 1945 – 2006 1935 – 2006 Harris County Terrell County Harris County Jefferson County James Andrew Gabehart Bessie Helen Heitman Iva Jannette Jones Edward Lewis Lasof 1914 – 2006 1941 – 2006 1938 – 2006 1929 – 2006 Medina County Fort Bend County Concho County Hospital Fort Bend County District Owen Giles Peggy J. Henry Nathaniel Lemons 1914 – 2006 1935 – 2006 Curley Ray Jones 1932 – 2006 Dallas County Wilbarger County 1941 – 2006 Wharton County Harris County Dorothy Gray Walter H. Henslee Marley Eugene Leonard, Sr. 1928 – 2006 1922 – 2006 Ilione Morrow Jordan 1926 – 2006 Ector County Hunt County 1913 – 2006 Galveston County Hidalgo County Lonnie Gross Ada Lou Hill Judith Jean Linxwiler 1930 – 2006 1921 – 2006 Lella Jo Keating 1926 – 2006 Andrews County Matagorda County 1911 – 2006 Dallas County Hospital District Tom Green County Rachel M. Hall Vivian Margaret Lippe 1916 – 2006 Arturo Hinojosa Lavern T. Kerr 1922 – 2006 Tarrant County 1925 – 2006 1930 – 2006 Caldwell County Hidalgo County Gregg County T. D. Hall Ginette Martha Litton 1928 – 2006 John R. Holveck Anna Marie Kidwell 1924 – 2006 Kerr County 1924 – 2006 1923 – 2006 Terrell County Dallas County Taylor County James Edward Hammock Audelio A. Lopez 1931 – 2006 Helen E. Huffman Doris May Killough 1931 – 2006 Bexar Appraisal District 1915 – 2006 1927 – 2006 Hidalgo County Galveston County Mainland Center Hospital Harvey Hanks, Jr. Elva R. Lopez 1944 – 2006 Nava Dean Hurst Joe I. Kirkpatrick, Jr. 1922 – 2006 Brazos County 1917 – 2006 1950 – 2006 Kleberg County Ector County Harris County Theodore R. Hansford, Jr. Ofelia Olivares Loya 1942 – 2006 Loyd Berry Irvin Buck Kirksey 1929 – 2006 Bexar County 1919 – 2006 1915 – 2006 Willacy County Terry County Ector County Mary E. Harrington John Andrew Marschik 1911 – 2006 Joseph Ray Ivy Margaret Emily Knapp 1949 – 2006 Fort Bend County 1931 – 2006 1930 – 2006 Bell County Angelina County Mainland Center Hospital 22
HORIZONS SPRING 2007
Mary Juanita Martin Marvin Claud Morgan, Jr. Arcadio J. Ramirez Rogelio Sanchez 1950 – 2006 1932 – 2006 1939 – 2006 1921 – 2006 Harris County Lamb County and Parmer Hudspeth County El Paso County County Alva Venita Mastin Augustine Ramos Reynaldo P. Santoya 1922 – 2006 Jennie N. Moseley 1926 – 2006 1926 – 2006 Dallas County 1915 – 2006 Martin County Maverick County Johnson County Darlene McConnell Walter E. Raymond Kermit Lawrence Scott 1924 – 2006 Odis J. Munns 1919 – 2006 1929 – 2006 Dallas County 1932 – 2006 Harris County Gillespie County Van Zandt County Gregory Paul McDonald Samuel Alfred Rees Johnny Sebesta 1953 – 2006 Thomas T. Murphy 1943 – 2006 1948 – 2006 Victoria County 1938 – 2006 Dallas County Fort Bend County Horizon Regional Municipal J. B. McGuire Joel Hunt Richardson Ules Grant Sexton Utility District — El Paso 1924 – 2006 1928 – 2006 1927 – 2006 County Runnels County Collin County Harris County Jo A. Nash Martha Annie McKinney Alta Faye Rider Milton Frank Shiller 1918 – 2006 1926 – 2006 1939 – 2006 1918 – 2006 Tarrant County Howard County Kent County Milam County Kenneth Alford Newman Richard Wesley Millard Thurman Lee Rives William Don Shipley 1937 – 2006 1923 – 2006 1924 – 2006 1940 – 2006 Wood County Harris County Wheeler County Hutchinson County Ronnie Dale Ormes Mary Celeste Montagne Ruby Phillips Roden Patricia Simon 1949 – 2006 1928 – 2006 1910 – 2006 1925 – 2006 Harrison County Orange County Hall County Winkler County James W. Parker Bobbie J. Montgomery Anastacio V. Rodriguez Madeline Smith 1929 – 2006 1929 – 2006 1920 – 2006 1954 – 2006 Cameron County Madison County Maverick County Water Harris County Mary June Patrick Control and Improvement Walter Louis Moore Will Thomas Smith 1930 – 2006 District #1 1921 – 2006 1933 – 2006 El Paso County Angelina County Annie Oakes Rogers Harris County James Arlon Pfeil 1915 – 2006 Charles Douglas Moore Bill Philip Snead 1926 – 2006 McLennan County 1923 – 2006 1921 – 2006 Refugio County Lubbock County Olga Mott Rominger Brazoria County Leota R. Pfleeger 1912 – 2006 Alice Cecilia Moore Fred L. Soele 1919 – 2006 Angelina County 1955 – 2006 1935 – 2006 Brazoria County Travis County Lawrence Rothbauer Bexar County Gladys Larue Ramey 1916 – 2006 Ismael Pallanez Moreno Barbara Ann Stacy 1932 – 2006 Lavaca County 1920 – 2006 1940 – 2006 Pecos County Reagan County Joy Arlene Ruckman Dallas County 1937 – 2006 Midland County 23
TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Wallace William Stahl Pedro Lopez Valdez Genevieve Evelyn Yokem 1927 – 2006 1944 – 2006 1944 – 2006 Comal County Maverick County Harris County Relis Stelly Fleta M. Vermillion Neal Ray Young 1927 – 2006 1929 – 2006 1935 – 2006 Jefferson County Dallas County Grayson County James Frederick Stephens Burl Dee Walker 1933 – 2006 1926 – 2006 Gaines County Callahan County Audrey Adeline Stevens Martha Ann Wallace 1926 – 2006 1930 – 2006 Madison County McLennan County William Robert Stewart William Gerard Walston, Sr. 1935 – 2006 1925 – 2006 Jefferson County Aransas County Sarah Laverne Sutton Kay Luella Warwick 1927 – 2006 1914 – 2006 Harris County Nueces County Faye R. Tackett Mary Lynn Welborn 1925 – 2006 1928 – 2006 Copies of most Johnson County Wichita County TCDRS forms are Louis L. Talbot Imogene Crigger West as close as your 1917 – 2006 1916 – 2006 Tarrant County Collin County computer. William Robert Tatum Gerald Whitley 1925 – 2006 1941 – 2006 www.tcdrs.org/forms Tarrant County Fisher County Mary Magalene Teter John H. Whittington 1924 – 2006 1919 – 2006 Wichita County Dallas County Gerald Louis Trahan Ethel Maurine Willoughby 1928 – 2006 1930 – 2006 Harris County Palo Pinto County Jose Ernesto Trevino Jimmie Glen Woodson 1926 – 2006 1930 – 2006 Starr County Montgomery County Frances Marie Tucker Anna W. Wright 1920 – 2006 1923 – 2006 Wood County Grimes County 24
HORIZONS SPRING 2007
Important Dates BY THE NUMBERS
February 28 April 30 Total retirees in TCDRS February retirement April retirement 30,750 application deadline application deadline Number of people who retired on Dec. 31, 2006 April 2 May 28 550 March retirement TCDRS offices closed. application deadline Memorial Day holiday Total number of people 2,658 who retired in 2006 April 6 May 31 Average number of TCDRS offices closed. May retirement monthly retirements that Good Friday holiday application deadline 221 TCDRS processes
April 17 July 4 Federal income tax TCDRS offices closed. $33,166,274.00 filing deadline Independence Day holiday Total amount paid to TCDRS retirees in November 2006
Post Office Box 2034 Austin, TX 78768-2034 www.tcdrs.org