Inside ERS [Spring 1997]

Inside ERS

Another Farewell
As some of you have already noticed, the Winter edition of Inside ERS reflected a change in the editor. Nonin Johnson, the first editor has taken a position with the ERS Preretirement programs. I asked Nonie if she wanted to write a farewell article, and she jumped at the chance.
In 1989 I was assigned the task of starting a newsletter for ERS retirees. The purpose of the newsletter was primarily to keep you, the retirees, connected with the System that pays your benefits. Keeping you "connected" means informing you of any changes that may affect you - such as the change in State income taxation, requirement of Direct Deposit, notices of 1099R's being mailed, etc.
Keeping you "connected" also means just giving you relevant news and information on life in retirement. I heard from many of you on many different issues. What happened to me personally was that, m many ways, I became "connected" to the retiree pulse. For that I want to thank you. I can truly say that was the best part of my job.
In the real world, jobs change and mine has. I am now responsible for helping plan the retirement seminars that many of you probably attended. These new responsibilities are exciting, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with such an interesting and worthwhile program. The regret is that I am no longer "in charge" of Inside ERS. I miss it.
Fortunately, as you probably noticed in the last issue, Frank Perriello is now the Inside ERS "editor, chief cook, and bottle washer" (as he called himself). I can't think of anyone I would rather leave my "baby" with. I know you

will enjoy Frank's humor and sense of fun. He is one of the most capable and knowledgeable members of our staff. But in case you think he's getting out of line, just give me a call - I'm only across the hall.
I would like to thank Nonie for all of the hard work she put into this newsletter, and for all of the kind words she had for me. I hope that I can live up to her standards and expectations. Although I majored in zoology, I have been an employee of ERS for over 19 years, and therefore I can write authoritatively on most subjects pertaining to the ERS.
As Nonie stated, the main purpose of this newsletter is to keep all of you connected to this office. But that still leaves a lot of empty space to fill. So I am asking you what kind of articles you would like to read: health, travel, humor, recipe swaps, safety, puzzles, trivia, etc. I look forward to hearing from you on this and to serving as editor of your Inside ERS.
July Cost-Of-LivingAdjustments Approved
The Boards of Trustees have approved a 111.l% Cost-Of-Living-Adjustment to be effective with your July benefit. To be eligible for the COLA, you must be over 45 years old and have been receiving a retirement benefit for at least seven months. Remember that the benefits are sent on the last working day of the month.
In addition to a 111.l% COLA in July, Public School Employees Retirement System retirees will also receive an increase in their benefit checks. As part of the State budget, money was allocated to raise the benefit rate from$ 9.25 per year of service to$ 9.50.

page 4
Jud: +:=ol' Laughs
Remember, old folks are worth a fortune, with silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet, and gas in their stomachs.
I have become a little older since I saw you last and a few changes have come into my life since then. Frankly, I have become quite a frivolous old gal. I am seeing five gentlemen every day. As soon as I wake up, Will Power helps me get out of bed. Then I g. ::;ee John. Then CL.. ~ie Horse comes along and when he is here he takes a lot of my time and attention. When he leaves, Arthur Ritis shows up and stays the rest of the day. He doesn't like to stay in one place very long, so he takes me from joint to joint. After such a busy day, I'm really tired and glad to go to bed with Ben Gay. What a life!!
P.S. The preacher came to call the other day. He said at my age I should be thinking about the hereafter. I told him, "Oh I do all the time. No matter where I am - in the kitchen or down in the basement, I ask myself: what am I hereafter?" -Anonymous Writer -
Submitted b Rudolph Johnson
~mploptt~' l1\dirrmrnt ~!'~tern
Two Northside 75, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30318

INSIDE ERS
The following are actual comments left on Forest Service Registration sheets and comment cards:
"A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call." "Found smoldering cigarette left by a horse." "Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill." "The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me ~7rvake. Please eradicato these annoying animals. " "Need more signs to keep area pristine." "The places where trails do not exist are not well marked. "
Found on the Internet and submitted by Wendy Eldredge.
Rudolph Johnson Director
Jim Larche Deputy Director
Inside ERS is published by the Employees' Retirement System for
the retirees of Georgia State government
Frank Perriello Editor and Yoda's stunt double
BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID
ATLANTA GA PERMIT NO. 3336