Texas Instruments Retiree Club of Houston

"We Socialize Together"

Monthly Meetings




America Buffet.

The Texas Instruments Retiree Club of Houston (TIRET) meets every third Wednesday of each month, except for December, at 11:00 AM at the America Buffet Restaurant, 12815 Southwest Freeway, Stafford. This is about two blocks southwest of the TI plant, on the inbound access road across the freeway from The Fountains. The December meeting is held on the second Wednesday of that month.



Good food & good fellowship.

Be sure to tell the cashier that you are with the TI Retiree Club to get your Club Discount. We meet in the large room to your left as you exit the cash registers. We eat, then have a short business meeting, which includes DOOR PRIZES! Occasionally we have an interesting and informative speaker or entertainer. There is always lots of good fellowship and good food, so come and try us out. We usually finish up about 12:30 PM.

You don't have to be a member of the club to join us for lunch.



Map to America Buffet.

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At our last meeting....


Skeeters spokesman, Grover 'Deacon' Jones, speaks at the January 2012 luncheon

At the January 18 meeting our guest speaker was Grover 'Deacon' Jones representing the new Sugar Land Skeeters triple-A ball club. Through his relationships within the baseball community, it was Jones who played an instrumental role in bringing the Houston area's first minor league baseball team to the City of Sugar Land.

Deacon started out with his personal story growing up in New York. He admitted his parents were good to him, his dad being a true deacon in church, and his mother working extra hard. He called women in general the "caretakers of society", winning a round of applause from the ladies in attendance. His father told him in his early 20's to "Never let one person or group of people keep you from being a great baseball player!" He never forgot. He stepped through his 'Philosophy of Life' in six distinct words: faith, respect (of self and others), discipline, responsibility and accountability. He mentioned encounters and lessons learned from some of the recognized baseball greats-Ted Williams, Rod Carew, Willie Stargell.

After a two minute Skeeters promotional video using the TIRET projector/screen, Deacon changed gears and talked enthusiastically about the new non-affiliated American League AAA 'community' team offering affordable entertainment and much more. The Skeeters are the first of the Western Division teams, and will be playing away games with Atlantic League teams. He showed us a huge placard of the new multipurpose Constellation Field (72% complete, 6200 fixed seats) and pointed out the many 'family-friendly' features, including a pool, carousel and large grassy field. He discussed season tickets, group tickets and various packages. A huge, celebratory opening day is planned for April 26. Most games start at 7:05 pm. Whether a serious fan, a casual fan or a know-nothing, this is the kind of ball playing most of us love. TIRET members received or picked up a Group Experiences brochure which detailed out the Skeeters inauguaral season. The brochure information plus much more can be had from reviewing their website, www.sugarlandskeeters.com or calling Group Sales/Community Relations rep Taylor McFarland, 281-240-5523, tmcfarland@sugarlandskeeters.com.


Some Past Meeting Speakers


Medicare expert, Toni King, speaks at October 2011 Luncheon.

At the October 19 Luncheon Meeting at America Buffet, our guest speaker was Toni King, a homegrown Medicare advocate/consultant/author that gives her Confused About Medicare presentation to numerous groups throughout Harris and Ft. Bend counties. She has made television appearances and has also written two books in simple language about Medicare, one being "Medicare Survival Guide". She (and husband Jim) began in a unique patriotic way, reciting the Lord's Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance with our attendees. Her PowerPoint presentation was augmented with a three-page handout of the slides along with her business card, a drug discount advertising card and personal information fill-in sheet, the latter a prerequisite for further contact via her free newsletter. She started by asking and taking down five FAQ-type questions from as many different TIRET members. Then she went through the topic slides in detail while taking related questions or listening to member's experiences:


  1. Open enrollment in 2011: Oct 15 - Dec 7
  2. Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance
  3. Medicare Part B: Medical Insurance
  4. Medicare Supplement or Medigap Policies
  5. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans)
  6. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)
  7. What is the "Donut Hole"????
Having finished, she checked to see that all the erstwhile questions had been answered and said she'd stay until our business meeting completed. Many of our members approached her and she attempted to answer specific questions.

Toni used both the 2011 and 2012 edition of Medicare & You (147 page government issue booklet) as the primary basis of her talk. The 2012 edition, unfortunately rushed to print, does not contain all the latest cost, so one is forced to access also their website, www.medicare.gov for the very latest updates.

Medicare Survival Guide, can be bought online, www.survivingmedicare.com. Toni can be reached at 832/519-8664 or toni@survivingmedicare.com.
DPS Officer Richard Standifer Speaks at May 2011 Luncheon.

DPS Officer Richard Standifer gave an exciting and riveting speech as he moved around the tables of the captivated audience. He relayed events in which he had personally witnessed, and had to make a report on automobile accidents that ended up with people losing their lives.

His speech was on Texas Traffic Laws and his Agenda was:

1. Texas Driver Point System
2. Driving While Intoxicated
3. Cell Phones
4. Open Container Law
5. Safety Restraint Law
6. Move Over Law for Emergency Vehicles
7. Handguns

He did not have enough time to cover all topics, but he did cover some very important ones. He explained the point system which starts at 0 for no violations and adds 2 points for each moving violation such as speeding, running a stop sign, etc. The larger amount of points means larger fines and the possibility of losing your driving license plus having to pay more for auto insurance. He said we should be pro-active and obey the laws without being forced to, for our own safety.

He showed us a detailed and itemized report of how much it can cost us even on a 1st offense of Driving While Intoxicated. With the car towing, storage, court cost, fines, administrative fees, DWI Education program cost, lawyer fees, etc. it can cost $12,450 and more, depending on whether there was any property damage, injuries or loss of life. That's not counting jail time and having a **Lifetime Criminal History**. He told us that a person with an alcohol level of 0.08 is legally drunk. He also warned us about driving while under the influence of strong medication that might affect our driving. He said to pay attention to warning labels. The officer also warned us about cell phone usage while driving, and although Texas does not yet have a law against it, some cities in Texas do. Speaking about the Open Container Law, he said if the seal has been broken on a container, it is an open container. He said if we're going to carry one, (of alcoholic beverages) to put it in the farthest place in the back part of the vehicle.

He showed us some videos of accidents that have happened while an officer was talking to a driver after having pulled him over to the side of the road. These helped explain why the Move Over Law was passed. At the end of his speech, he told us we could dial *DPS for help while on the road. Their phone number is 1-800-525-5555.

Fran Dillard of TI-Stafford HR Speaks at April 2011 Luncheon.

Fran Dillard – TI's ASP Human Relations Worldwide Manager at Stafford – was the featured guest speaker at the April Luncheon Meeting. She spoke on the “State of TI”, updating us on the 2010 performance plus directions for the current year.

TI not only gained product total market share in all categories last year, but also did exceptionally well financially, including achieving a near record employee profit sharing.

She shared some of the fiscal metrics reached overall, and stated that this strategy is being carried forward into the present year. A good example, she gave, is reflected in the 1Q11 announcement of the all-cash intent to purchase National Semiconductor this year. National is a current major analog competitor and this acquisition positions TI to become the number one analog supplier in the marketplace.

Following her prepared remarks, Fran fielded a myriad of questions from the floor, and then departed amid a hail of appreciative applause.

Shauna Evans of FBCOEM Speaks at March 2011 Luncheon.

Our guest speaker at the March Luncheon Meeting was Shauna Evans, Volunteer Programs Manager of the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management (FBCOEM) in Richmond. She gave us all a wealth of preparedness information in her informative and stimulating presentation. She covered the areas of:
  1. How to plan for an emergency situation.
  2. How to form a Family Emergency Plan.
  3. How to establish a Communications Plan.
  4. How to plan for your family pets.
  5. How to set up an Emergency Kit supplies and necessities.

In addition to her excellent presentation, including how she personally prepared her family for an emergency, she gave each attendee a nice bag full of brochures on Preparing for Emergencies, Emergency Supply List, Emergency Readiness and National Security wheel, Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans, a Regional Disaster Preparedness DVD and a flashlight.

Most emergencies don't announce themselves ahead, so the time to prepare for a personal emergency is NOW.

More information is available at the FBCOEM website, www.fbcoem.org.
Ray Wathen of DARS speaks at February 2011 Luncheon.

On Feb. 16, 2011, Ray Wathen of the Texas Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services (D.A.R.S.), spoke to the TIRET Club members at the America Buffet Restaurant. He outlined the Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program or S.T.A.P. This program provides assistance in the form of a voucher, for Texas residents who have difficulty utilizing the Telephone network and using the telephone. The program aids in the purchase of specialized telephone equipment and /or services . It covers: Amplified Phone or Amplified Cell Phone; TTY; Two-way Paging Device; Hands Free Phone among other devices. Qualifying disabilities are: Deaf or hard of hearing; Speech impairment or Weak speech; Blind or Visually impaired; Upper or Lower Mobility impaired and Cognitively impaired. A person has to fill out an application and provide proof of Texas residence.

He told us it takes 40-45 days for the application to be processed, after which he/she would receive a voucher to be used for the purchase of the device. Supplied is also a list of vendors. He explained that there are many differently priced Amplified Phones and extras that can be used with them which could lead to extra cost to the purchaser.

Ray has an office in Houston, but if a person can't make it there, he will make a house call. Ray can be contacted at 713-807-1176 or ray.wathen@caag4.com. The D.A.R.S. website is www.dars.state.tx.us.
BeAna Alfred from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center speaks at October 2010 Luncheon.

Programs Chairman Lonnie Buckner introduced the guest speaker, BeAna Alfred, a retired R.N. who volunteers to serve the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center's Public Education Office. She spoke on How To Reduce Your Cancer Risk.

She listed the most prevalent types of cancers for both men and women: prostate cancer for men and breast cancer for women. Those are followed in order by lung and colon for both sexes. She discussed melanoma prevention by limiting 10am-4pm sun exposure, and using SPF 30 or greater sunscreen, regardless of your skin color.

She covered cancer prevention from 3-4 viewpoints: types and portions of foods with an emphasis away from red meats-switch to broiled fish--and onto fruits and vegetables (more antioxidants), daily exercise(s) to ward off obesity, consistent screenings to detect cancer early which vastly improves chances of survival.

With early detection, about 64% survive after 5 years; 12 million cancer survivors live in the U.S. Always strive toward a second opinion when it comes to cancer. Pay particular attention to lingering symptoms because misdiagnosis is common. Check out any concerns. She took several questions from the attentive audience, and was rewarded with a warm applause at the end. Several commented that she was one of our better speakers.
Kathryn Van Der Pol of Adolf Hoepfl Garage speaks at July 2010 Luncheon.

Programs Chairman Lonnie Buckner introduced the guest speaker, Kathryn Van Der Pol, who along with her husband, Sybren, are owners of Houston's Adolf Hoepfl Garage, in service since 1946. Kathryn spoke on "How to find a good automobile shop".

Kathryn gave us a few pointers of things to watch and listen for when beginning a relationship with an automobile repair shop. A good shop will:
  • Depend on repeat business.
  • Know their reputation is at stake.
  • Want a long-term relationship and be willing to work with your particular needs.
  • Go the extra mile.
  • Give an accurate estimate and get your approval before they start a job.
  • Encourage you to maintain your vehicle.
  • Let you know of problems of which you may not be aware.
  • Take time to answer your questions.
  • Give you options that will save you money and time.

    • She told about some organizations that a shop can be associated with that have codes of ethics or other requirements that can increase confidence that it is a good shop. These include the ASA, BBB and AAA of Texas. She warned about extended warranty scams and recommended only extended warranties purchased from the car manufacturer, not the dealer.

    Lonnie thanked Kathryn for her informative and interesting talk and the members gave her warm applause.
    Candice Twyman of the BBB speaks at May 2010 Luncheon.

    Programs Chairman Lonnie introduced the guest speaker, Candice Twyman, the Executive Director of Houston's Better Business Bureau (BBB). Prior to the luncheon, Candice had placed handouts on every table listing important rules to avoid scams and important telephone numbers to use to report scams or to check on someone or something that arouses suspicion of a scam. Candice told the club about several calls she had received from concerned Houstonians who were victims of a scam and others who called to check on a business before becoming a victim. She said Houston is third in the nation for scams and schemes and that the most likely target is a senior citizen. Candice asked us to remember four rules to avoid scams:
  • Never give personal information to anyone who calls you on the telephone. HANG UP!
  • Watch out for the 'FREE' seminar or the 'FREE' lunch. There is usually a hard sell at the end. Remember, you owe them nothing.
  • If it sounds to good to be true, it is. There will be some kind of charge for any big ticket give away.
  • When in doubt, check it out. The list of telephone numbers has the numbers to call to check out a transaction before signing a contract.

    • Several scams mentioned are Medicare fraud, secret shoppers, persons offering services that come to you (you did not call them), Credit card scammers (never give any information if you did not initiate the call).
    Citizens can, by law, receive a free credit report once a year from each of the big three Credit Bureaus. Candice recommended calling a different credit bureau once every four months to receive your free credit report.
    After Candice completed her talk, she opened the floor for Q&A. She answered several questions from members. Russell Timm told of his recent experiences with three scammers. He told how his bank pointed out that a check would have a watermark. The bank proceeded to confirm that the checks Timm had been sent were, indeed, bogus.
    Lonnie thanked Candice for her informative and interesting talk and the members gave her warm applause.
    Debbie Turkleson speaks at April 2010 Luncheon.

    Programs Chairman Lonnie Buckner introduced Debbie Turkleson, Director of Senior Services at Neighborhood Centers, Inc., to our April 21st Luncheon Meeting attendees at the America Buffet. Debbie told us that the original organization was founded in 1907 on the East end of Houston by Alice Graham Baker mainly in an area populated by recent immigrants to the country.

    Their mission is bringing resources, education and connection to underserved neighborhoods in Harris County. They have Service Locations in many low-income parts of Houston and Harris County. They provide many services such as healthy meals to seniors, special exercise programs and English training to recent immigrants. They help people improve their lives and their communities through support, education, and assistance. Through their network of community centers and educational facilities – and through partnerships with other non-profits – they help their neighbors discover and develop their strengths and skills to become productive, self-sufficient individuals.

    At the end of her presentation, Debbie answered several questions from the audience.
    More information on Neighborhood Centers is available at www.neighborhood-centers.org.
    Bruce Petty speaks at March 2010 Luncheon.

    Bob Gruber introduced Bruce Petty, Director of the Hou-Texins Association and a Facilities Manager at TI-Stafford, to our March 17th Luncheon Meeting attendees at the America Buffet. Bruce informed us of the current "State of TI" and the outlook for 2010. He said that TI, coming out of the past recession is in good strength financially, employee morale is good, and that retiree benefits are about the same as they have been over the past ten years. He said that the RFAB building in Richardson that has been unused for the last few years is in plans for a new wafer fab in the near future.

    It was an interesting talk, supported by informative business slides and was well listened to by our membership. Bruce answered several questions from the audience.
    Steve Thomas of AARP's Tax-Aide Program speaks at February 2010 Luncheon.

    Ralph Garcia introduced our February speaker, Steve Thomas, the Local Coordinator for five Fort Bend County libraries for AARP's Tax-Aide Program. The Tax-Aide Program is the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service available to taxpayers with low- and moderate-income, with special attention to those age 60 and older. The service is staffed by dedicated volunteers such as Steve and our own Ralph Garcia.

    Steve was born in Houston. He worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. and then for BFI for 24 years.

    Steve has been involved with AARP Tax-Aide 10 years or so. Doing taxes for him came naturally since he once did them professionally. He feels that doing taxes for people who come to Tax-Aide for help is much more rewarding than when he did it for a living.

    Steve went over a long list of changes to the IRS Tax Laws that potentially could affect our members with their upcoming 2009 Tax Returns. He answered questions from the audience and encouraged us to take advantage of the free service available at Public Libraries in the area.

    Free, year-round assistance Tax-Aide offers via the Web allows taxpayers to pose questions to online volunteers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the comfort of home. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide.
    Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella Speaks at August 2009 Luncheon.

    Programs Chairman Lonnie Buckner introduced our August speaker, Mayor Leonard Scarcella, to a packed gathering of members at the Golden Corral.
    Mayor Scarcella kept everyone's interest as he briefly covered Stafford's history and how they have been able to grow from 3,000 in 1970 to 20,000 today. He related how the City has been able to succeed even though they abolished the City property tax a few years ago.
    He brought along and explained a map of Current and Future Roadway Improvement Projects inside the City. Most of the Hwy 90A Project - widening to 4 traffic lanes each way with landscaping and turn lanes - has been completed. The major junctions have under-passes. Next is the Stafford Road/Staffordshire widening and extension to Beltway 8, and Cash Road widening.
    He talked about the expansion of the Houston Community College campus which now has 7,000 students to more than 10,000 in the future. That growth will bring more traffic to the area and benefit from all the roadway improvements. He said that the Stafford Fire Department is ISO rated #1. Five years ago the Stafford Center Arts Theater was built to serve the community. Stafford also has their own separate Municipal School District with 3,000 students, the only one in the State.
    When asked about Commuter Rail, Mayor Scarcella said that he has not given up on a Commuter Rail Line from Stafford to the Houston Medical Center.
    Mayor Scarcella has been Stafford's mayor for Forty Years. Evidently the city residents are happy with him.
    We thank Mayor Scarcella for taking time to keep our Club informed on this host City to our TI-Stafford Site.
    Sharon Bradley Speaks at June 2009 Luncheon.

    Lonnie Buckner, Programs Chairman, introduced our June speaker, Sharon Bradley, National Service Officer from the D.A.V. (Disabled American Veterans) regional office, just across the street from the V.A. hospital.

    Sharon pointed out that those honorably discharged veterans (or families) who contracted illness, disease or injury while on active duty (even if symptoms appear later) should fill in an application located on the VA website, www.va.gov.

    Veterans over 65 can receive fast-track approval. Many individual generic and specific questions and answers followed. Sharon had available several books, pamphlets, plus her business cards that were all passed out. Her indirect contact information: 713-794-3665 www.dav.org
    Constable Sgt. Joe Lee Speaks at May 2009 Luncheon.

    Sgt. Joe Lee from the Crime Prevention Bureau of Fort Bend County Pct. 2 Constable's Office was the featured speaker at the TIRET business luncheon on May 20. He gave an informative and thought provoking presentation covering his background and the duties of the Constable's Office. Constables have responsbility for both criminal and civil offenses (summons, eviction, etc.) throughout the State of Texas. Ft. Bend has 4 precincts presently.

    He told of several scams that are going around that target seniors. He gave lots of tips on how to avoid being caught in a scam. He passed out several informative brochures including an excellent 6-page handout from the Houston Police Department titled Personal Safety.

    Sgt. Lee served 27 years with the Houston Police Department before retiring in 2005. But he chose to continue working instead of retiring. He has served as a trooper for the State of Texas. He has a B.S. in Education from Stephan F. Austin State Univ. He was a 2nd Lt. in the Army National Guard until 1976. His hometown is Newton, Texas. He now lives in Ft. Bend County.
    TI-Stafford Site Manager Curt Moore Speaks at April 2009 Luncheon.

    Our Luncheon speaker for April was Curt Moore, Site manager for TI-Stafford. Curt spoke on the state of TI to well over 50 members and guests attending.

    Curt sounded positive in the way TI has positioned itself going into the current business climate. He felt a good cash position was being maintained through closely managed discretionary spending, non critical custom R & D cuts, selected plant shut-downs, worldwide RIFs, and by establishing a policy of aggressive inventory controls.

    He mentioned that TI's current business strategy is to focus on high growth markets, geographies and major needs of customers. Analog catalog products are a thrust right alongside system sell with general purpose (versus highly custom) processors.

    He also pointed out the opportunities for growth in Analog and Embedded Processing. Among the highlights in the quarter were the acquisition of CICLON semiconductor, a specialized supplier of analog chips for power management, and qualification of a new assembly/test factory. "Both improve our ability to serve customers," Curt said.

    Curt was well received and the members had more questions than there was time. Everyone enjoyed his presentation.
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