Harold Pfeifer (EPD, 1993) and Jan took a 14 day tour of Turkey. They started in Istanbul, and for two weeks they were introduced to the Treasures of Turkey. Their Tour Guide (fluent in English, Spanish, and Turkish) held degrees in History and Ancient Religions; hence, everything, took on special meaning through his narratives. Most religions were started, developed, disappeared, and continue, in Turkey. They saw Ottoman Palaces and the two magnificent highway bridges connecting Europe with Asia. In Ankara (Capital) they visited the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir, the mausoleum of Ataturk, Turkey's greatest leader in modern times. Scenic areas near Cappadocia include the volcanic landscapes and the "fairy chimneys." They saw a religious ceremony performed by the Whirling Dervishes. Nearby is the Zelve Valley where the scenery is dotted with caves and early dwellings and underground cities. They visited many historic sites including Aspendos (the best preserved Roman theatre in the World), and Troy. The ruins are carefully restored and in very good condition. After 2400 miles, they returned to Istanbul to see the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia's Cathedral/Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace, a walled city perched above the Bosphorous and the Golden Horn. A wonderful trip that they highly recommend.

Since his retirement, Steve Mick and his wife Alicia have been active in a number of volunteer and community activities.  Steve is a member of the Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol as administered by East Bay Regional Park District. This group educates visitors about Park District resources, programs, facilities, and rules; observes and reports on safety issues, incidents, and emergencies; and assist at some public events in the East Bay Regional Park District. As if that didn't offer enough hiking opportunities, Steve is also a member of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association.

Steve and Alicia are docents at the Blackhawk Museum.  They enjoy leading tour groups through the magnificent automobile collection. Steve notes there are frequently non-automotive special collections on display such as the recent Fine Art of Being President exhibition.

Friends of Steve may remember that he was an active woodworker and he has put his skills to use as a volunteer for the Mt. Diablo Habitat for Humanity chapter. He has worked on three different projects so far, and is looking forward to a new project that is on the drawing boards.

Steve is also doing some building in his own back yard.  He's constructing a 20 foot by 30 foot garage to accommodate another activity that he and his wife share.  They are members of the Diablo A's Model A Ford club. They are quite active in the club and go on frequent outings in their 1931 Model two-door sedan affectionately named L'il Anne. Steve says that the club's cars always draw smiles wherever they go.

Steve is chairman of Leadership Diablo which is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in several cities.  This program educates potential leaders about a broad range of community needs and concerns in Contra Costa County. The program consists of all-day seminars that meet once a month. Each session concentrates on a specific topical area such as housing, transportation, and infrastructure; education; courts and dispute resolution; media and communication; quality of life; cultural arts; health and human services; and regional government.

Another activity that these active people share is participation in the Wheelchairs for the World Foundation which strives to provide a wheelchair to every child, teen and adult in the world who needs one, but cannot afford one.

Alicia has organized a sorority that collects "feel-good" snack food and other items that they ship to our Armed Forces stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Alicia notes that they have shipped almost two tons of items thus far.  Their goal is to provide a taste of home to the troops and to offer a wide variety of "grab-n-go" food for busy soldiers. The group also collects items for the children, such as small stuffed animals and school supplies.

And as if that were not enough, Steve and Alicia have recently been appointed by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors to serve on two community advisory committees: the Alamo Beautification Committee and the Alamo Parks and Recreation Committee.

In their spare time, they sleep.

Since December is a very busy month for everyone, there is no Retiree Luncheon this month. Monthly luncheons will resume in January.

Please send any news or input (please include the date and department from which you retired) to Jane or Gus Olson. E-Mail: Jane@LLNLRetirees.org or Gus@LLNLRetirees.org.

The edited version of this Retirees’ Corner appears in the December 2nd, 2005 issue of Newsline.