As we get ready to conclude 2021, I wanted to take a few moments to thank the volunteers that make up IRO’s various committees. They keep this organization running smoothly. They contribute their talents to make retirement for their fellow IRO members better and easier. I also want to single out one special volunteer – Judy Goodman – for her years of service to this organization.
Judy is passing the leadership torch of the IT/Website committee to the capable hands of Rich Bergin and Irfan Aziz (co-chairs). Judy has been supporting Intel retirees since 2005. In fact she was one of the initial forces behind the creation of IRO. Along the way Judy, a proud member of the Oregon site, has also coordinated social activities to try to keep those local relationships active. Once IRO was established, Judy helped guide the organization as well as head up IRO’s website and IT needs. Over the years she has recruited and managed a highly-skilled retiree team of technical experts that have proven critical to IRO ability to deliver and communicate the benefits of the organization. Judy and Susan McElfish remain the Oregon site coordinators so that once we can hold site events again, Oregon is ready to roll. Judy has been a valued member for our Leadership Team and a tireless worker and sage counsel for IRO as we figured out how to best serve the Intel retiree community. Thank you, Judy, for all your efforts in supporting the IRO member community.
Spotlighting some of accomplishments of IRO for this past year, I like to point to the Health and Benefits committee’s work to help our members navigate the changes to Intel’s new benefits program. I know we’re not completely through the trials and tribulations of converting to the new benefits structure, but the committee is working with retirees (through the IRO mailbox – intelretiree@gmail.com) and Intel to identify problems, close open issues and keep IRO members informed so they can maximize the benefits they seek.
Along these lines, I want to recognize the level of activity that the IRO Facebook page and website have evoked this year. It has been wonderful to see retirees helping retirees through these venues.
I also note that IRO continues to add new capabilities. For example, a team put together a video on how to steer through the maze to sign up for free McAfee software. If interested, please check it out at: How to Download and Use McAfee Software for IRO Members as of 09-08-21 – YouTube
For many, 2021 has been a difficult year. We hope the work that IRO has performed over the past year has eased a little bit of this burden and helped make your life better. We are thankful for your membership in IRO and look forward to a better 2022. Please have a healthy, safe and happy New Year.
— Howard