Last update: 07-November-2008

Call for News We are actively working on the next newsletter. We would like to include items about you, your family, job, hobby, trips, etc. Send text to members [at comara.org] soon. If you have a picture or two to share, include a note, and we'll be touch to get it from you to let you know where to send the picture.

The Big One looms ahead for Bela It's nice to get good news about a member. We received the following message this week.

Wanted to let you know my father Bela Banyasz will celebrate his 80th birthday on November 26th! I don't know if you have a special posting or even email to let folks know - - we may have missed a newsletter. Of course he doesn't want a fuss made, but I have heard him say on one or two occasions "this is a big one". I know he values the connection and memories with COMARA.
Thank you! - Gabriella Banyasz, Alexandria, VA

You can find the contact information for Bela after you sign in. The "View Members" link appears at the left after sign in.

Wanda McKinley - Nov 5, 2008 We are saddened to inform you that Wanda McKinley, HR at the Labs, passed away today. She has been battling cancer for the last three years and has gone to be with the Lord. She enjoyed her time at the Labs and has always reminisced of the "good old days". She had many great memories.
Wanda McKinley Obituary

Ray Knight - Sep 22, 2008 From Jack Conner: Sorry to report that Ray Knight passed away September 22. I had the pleasure of working with Ray at Andover for a couple of years. He taught a technical class on the old REL transmitters (state of the art at that time!) to many of us at the station. He was a real gentleman and a pleasure to be around. We shared the experience of having worked for the same two employers but at different times - COMSAT and WMTW TV.
Ray Knight Obituary [pdf]

Update: Website Connectivity Issue for Sprint-Nextel Customers
The connection between Sprint/Cogent has been temporarily reconnected. Sprint has posted an explanation at Sprint Statement to Customers
Our hosting company just released a notice informing us of a possible service problem for members who use Sprint-Nextel. Sprint-Nextel is currently blocking connections to Cogent (the internet provider that our hosting company uses.
The Readyhosting notice: Connectivity Issue Between Sprint-Nextel and Cogent
News release: Cogent, Sprint Disconnect Networks, May Cause Web Slowdown

MARISAT F-2 To Leave The Heavenly Stage
Denis Curtin - October 28, 2008
With a FCC Filing on October 21st by Intelsat North America LLC, the long life of the MARISAT F-2 satellite is coming to an end. The filing requests a start date of October 29th, to last for 30 days, to de-orbit the MARISAT-2 satellite from its orbital slot at 33.9° W.
More...

Pictures from 2008 Social. Paul Schrantz provided copies of pictures he took at the Social on September 28. See them at Social 2008 Pictures.

If you took pictures at the Social that you would like to share with other members, let webmaster (at comara.org) know. You will receive an email telling you where to send your pictures.

Strathmore Concert  COMARA night at the Strathmore is February 28, 2009, 8pm. Jack Hannon has reserved 40 seats in the Orchestra section for only $39.20 each. Tickets can be purchased with your check for the Social, at the Social, or via mail by Jan 15. 2009. The cost is higher Jan 16-31, 2009.

Celebrating one of the most popular works of the 20th century, the National Philharmonic presents internationally renowned guitarist Manuel Barrueco whose recording of Joaqu&iaqute;n Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez was cited by Classical CD Magazine as the "the best recording" of the work. The February 28 program is:

PROKOFIEV Symphony No. 1, "Classical Symphony"
RODRIGO Concierto de Aranjuez
RAVEL Mother Goose Suite

First Wednesday in December 2008
Well folks, it's about that time of the year again. I'm talking about the annual 1st Wednesday in December COMSAT "oldtimers" get-to-gether at Roy's Place (2 E. Diamond Ave) in Gaithersburg, MD (6:30ish)[301-948-5548]. [click  for  map] It is a completely unofficial and informal event. The attendance Last year was down due to bad weather, but those who could get there enjoyed reminiscing and seeing old friends. This event started with members and spouses of the Microwave Lab at COMSAT Labs but has expanded to include all of Comsat. An RSVP is not necessary, but it would be nice to get some type of head count. Please let Ron Johnson know you are coming. Send email to ronaldj@erols.com or call -- Ron Johnson -- (W 240-215-1200 x4445)

Steve Teller provided a link to the Roys Place menu at www.roysplacerestaurant.com/menu.html. The site also has pages with history, humor and directions,

Pictures from 9th Intelsat Signatory Meeting. Howard Briley sent 20 pictures from his 1980 Ninth Intelsat Signatory meeting collection. These have been scanned and added to the Legacy section of the web site. View the pictures. The format is similar to that used for recent Social pictures. The main page shows thumbnail sized pictures that expand slightly as the cursor passes over. Click any of the images, and a new page will display the pictures in a larger format. Email webmaster (at comara.org if you would like to download a full resolution picture.

Correction to Eligibility for Pension from LMC

The underlined text is additional text that corrects the original text. This clarification came from additional discussions with Lockheed Martin after questions were raised by three members. We regret any confusion the original article may have caused.

If you had "vested pension rights" when you left COMSAT before being eligible for retirement, you have pensions rights from Lockheed Martin. Please be aware that your full pension right is available when you turn 62, if you have accrued ten years of service at COMSAT, whereas the standard Lockheed Martin pension availability in such circumstances does not occur until age 65. You do not need to wait until then. Contact the Lockheed Martin Service Center (866-562-2363). Also, under the COMSAT pension plan, which Lockheed Martin is honoring, those of you with ten years of service can draw reduced pension benefits anytime after you turn 55, but with significant reductions over what you will receive if you wait until age 62. If you did not have ten years of service at COMSAT but do have "vested pension rights," you must wait until age 65 to claim the benefit.

2008 Dues
We've had a great response to the earlier request for dues. Over half of the COMARA members have sent checks for dues. Thanks for your support, and the work by Joe Pelton.
If you haven't paid your 2008 dues, please send a check for $10 payable to COMARA to
COMARA
PO Box 34594
Bethesda, MD 20827

Permanent Hall of Fame for Satellite Communications
From Joe Pelton

The Permanent Hall of Fame for Satellite Communications Project is being undertaken under the umbrella of the Society of Satellite Professional International. We would like volunteers to make this permanet display on the history of satellite communications a reality. At this point Steven Teller, Ellen Hoff, Ed Martin, Peggy Slye are helping out with this undertaking. If you think you could help us in our approach to the satellite industry or museums and universities we would very much like to hear from you. So far we have initial indications of support from Intelsat, SES Americom, and Orbital Sciences and have other feelers out.

Please call Joe Pelton 703 536-6985 or contact jpelton@gwu.edu or any other member of the committee. Many thanks. Joe Pelton