G.R.A.A.
Goddard Retirees And Alumni Association
July 2004 http://graa.gsfc.nasa.gov 20th Year of Publication
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
July 14
GRAA
Regular Luncheon - ll:30 am. The speaker will be Rick
Obenschain, Director of Engineering. (Due to RecCenter’s Schedule, the luncheon
had to be changed from Tuesday to Wednesday).
July 31 NASA GODDARD COMMUNITY DAY - l0:00 am - 6 pm - Mark your calendar - NASA Goddard is opening its gates for this event. This year’s theme is “Explore NASA’s Goddard and Beyond,” and will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about Goddard’s mission and vision. Join in on a full day of free, exciting and educational activities for all ages. Some of the events include interactive exhibits, special speakers, and tours of Goddard facilities. For more information, please call Goddard’s PAO Office at 30l-286-8955.
August 10 GRAA Regular Luncheon - ll:30 am. Reservations are required, so please call 301-937-7762 in advance.
September 14 GRAA Regular Luncheon - 11:30 am. Reservations are required, so please call 301-937-7762 in advance.
Sep 30 - Oct 4
October 12 GRAA Regular Luncheon - ll:30 am. Reservations are required, so please call 301-937-7762 in advance.
November 4 GRAA and
Orbital Club Dinner Theatre, Bea &
November 9 GRAA Regular
Luncheon - 11:30 am. Echo Project
December 9 Shopping and
theatre, Christmas show and dinner. Bus to
April 21, 2005 Eastern Caribbean 10-Day Cruise on Holland America from Norfolk, VA, to the Bahamas, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Antigua, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico. Cruise fares from $1,275 inside up to $1,750 outside with veranda - these fares include fixed fees of $238 covering port taxes, etc. This same cruise is also available on February 17, 2005, joining a group from Ocean City. For reservations, please call GRAA Travel at 301-937-7762.
COMMENTS FROM GRAA PRESIDENT, RON BROWNING: We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the late receipt of the June newsletter. There was a problem with the print shop that delayed mailing. Thanks to Elaine Montgomery, Alberta Moran, Marge Gustafson, and the stuffing crew for their efforts to minimize impact.
Results of the biennial GRAA Board of Directors election are Dick Baker, Charlie Boyle, Ron Browning, Barbara Hamilton, Strat Laios, Bob Morrissey, and Bob Wigand.
Ted Goldsmith spoke at the June luncheon on Theories,
Facts and Politics of Biological Aging. He described the two theory categories
of aging. Feature theory, which holds that there may be ways to interfere or
slow the aging mechanisms by medical intervention. Defect theory suggests aging
is a result of a fundamental limitation or defect. Circumstantial evidence of
both theories was described with examples. Unfortunately, no clear anti-aging
solution has yet been found. More information can be found on Ted’s web site: http://www.azinet.com/aging/
NIMBUS PROJECT 40TH REUNION, OCTOBER 26, 2004: Mike Forman is trying to organize a 40th reunion for those associated with the NIMBUS Project. At this time, he needs to determine interest and would appreciate a response if you think you and a guest will attend. Reply to Mike by phone (301-286-9287) or via e-mail (Michael.L.Forman1@nasa.gov).
FROM THE GODDARD ARCHIVES - IT HAPPENED IN JULY:
July l9, l967: Explorer 35/IMP 6, Delta launched, 1st Goddard satellite to operate in lunar orbit.
July 4, 1968: Explorer 38, Delta launched Radio Astronomy Explorer gravity gradient satellite with 750-ft antenna/booms.
July 23, 1972: ERTS-A, Delta launched 1st earth resources satellite, later named Lansat-1
TREASURER’S REPORT: Donations were received from Marcia Wettingfeld, Bill Jones, and Jim Scott.
ROAD CLEANUP: A crew composed of Elaine Montgomery,
John Boeckel, Paul Rall, Ewald Schmidt, Hal Maurer, Ron Browning, Hugh
O’Donnell, and Bob Wigand cleaned up the part of
LETTERS, WE GET LETTERS!!!
SCOTT, JAMES N. of The Villages, FL - in a note received recently, expressed his appreciation for the work done to the keep the newsletters coming. He enjoys reading them and appreciates the efforts.
AINSWORTH, JOHN E. of Bowie, MD - said he has greatly appreciated having received the Goddard News since his retirement in 1984, but regrets having to have his name removed from the mailing list as he has moved into an assisted living facility.
WALTON, BARBARA A. of Oak Ridge, TN - in a note recently received, thanked GRAA for the news and directory and sent her good wishes for the work. She now has 10 grandchildren (7 boys and 3 girls) and was in Maryland in May to celebrate the first birthday of twins. She had a good time and saw some former Goddard friends.
WETTINGFELD, ROBERT AND MARCIA of Miami, FL - in a note recently received, enjoins GRAA to please keep up the “good work.”
OBITS:
SODEN, JOHN P. of Silver Spring, MD - received word that he passed away on 3/12/04
CAHILL, WILLIAM F. of Chevy Chase, MD - received word that he passed way on 3/13/04
ROCHELLE, ROBERT W. of Knoxville, TN - received word that he passed away on 6/10/04
MAIL STUFFERS FOR JUNE: Marge Gustafson, Marion Ditson, Barbara Hamilton, Rose McChesney, Frank Wrigley, Hugh O’Donnell, Bob Wigand, and Elaine Montgomery.
GEWA EXCHANGE: The GEWA Exchange has discount tickets for area theme parks available for purchase.
CHANGE OF E-MAIL ADDRESS:
Name New:
James N. Scott James.Scott01@comcast.net
PICTURE BELOW: AT THE GALS ANNUAL GET TOGETHER
(GAGT) IN FLORIDA AT THE END OF APRIL - (LEFT TO RIGHT)
WILMA EVANS, ELAINE MONTGOMERY, LAURA SMITH HANCOCK, THELMA SWEENEY, EVELYN PETERS & ALICE RICE.
SEVERAL OF THESE GALS RETIRED FROM NASA GODDARD .
GRAA MEMBERS: Arrangements have been made to admit retirees directly through the Soil Conservation Road entrance for the luncheons. HOWEVER, YOU MUST HAVE RESERVATIONS AND AN ID OR YOUR RETIREE PICTURE BADGE. Call Alberta Moran for reservations at 30l-937-7762.