National governmental policies affect Southern Company and its retirees. Energy policy, nuclear power, environmental issues, health care, tax reform, global allies/ foes, cyber security, mid-term elections—the daily news touches on so many crucial events impacting us!  Our next meeting on Monday March 12 will cover two hot topics, politics and taxes!

We are honored to have as our featured speaker U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer.  Mr. Palmer represents Alabama’s 6th Congressional District. Mr. Palmer attended the University of Alabama and was the first person on either side of his family to attend college. In addition, he was a walk-on member of the football team under legendary football coach Bear Bryant. After earning a B.S. in Operations Management, he worked in the private sector for 12 years; including nine with two major engineering construction companies, before starting what is now known as Alabama Policy Institute. Palmer served as President of the Alabama Policy Institute for 24 years. Palmer served on four different state commissions of Alabama on behalf of three different Governors. In 2014, he was elected to the 114th Congress, having never served in office before. Palmer serves on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and serves as the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee. He also serves on the Budget Committee. He is the Vice Chairman and representative for Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina on the Republican Policy Committee. Palmer is a member of the Republican Study Committee and its Steering Committee. Palmer has been a member of the Rotary Club of Birmingham since 1993, and he is a Paul Harris Fellow. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Mobile. He and his wife Ann live in Hoover, Alabama. They have three children.

All of us know the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law last December and will affect all taxpayers in 2018. How will it affect you, personally? For our “Retiree Lifestyles Segment” closing out the meeting, John Fullerton from H&R Block will present a short segment on how Southern Company retirees are most likely to be affected. He will clarify changes to tax rates, investment income, deductions, exclusions, charitable contributions, home equity interest, alimony, medical deductions and even those contributions you may make to Tide Pride to secure season tickets.

John Fullerton is a senior tax analyst and office manager with H&R Block. He received his B.A. degree from Allegheny College, and his M.S.A from The George Washington University. He is Commander (Ret), US Navy 1971-1991, and a former Naval Flight Officer. He worked 21 years with ServiceMaster Corp where he was a Six Sigma Continuous Improvement Leader. He has been with H&R Block for 4 years. He is a Native of Rochester, NY and enjoys cycling and fishing.

MEETING DETAILS:

When: Monday, March 12, 2018
Where: Inverness 42, Room 130
Board meeting: 11 a.m.
Dutch Lunch: 12:00 noon
General Meeting: 1 p.m.

We hope to see you there!

Henry has been at St. Vincent’s Hospital for several days after having health problems, including pneumonia. He is better now, and will be transferred to St. Martin of the Pines, Assisted Living on Feb. 16, 2018.

Please keep Henry and his wife Anne in your prayers.

UPDATE (2/16/2018): Ann is recuperating from her recent hip surgery and is doing well. She has been transferred to the Trussville Health & Rehab. located at 119 Watterson Parkway in Trussville, Al. and she is in room 513.

2/12/2018:

Ann Micklewright has injured herself and will have surgery tomorrow. Her daughter ask us to pray for her. Please keep Ann in your thoughts and prayers. We wish her a speedy recovery.

If you missed the January meeting, you missed this man of many rings. To find out who he is, be sure and read the next Retirees Newsletter.

Wilbur Clemmer “Clem” Matlock, 72, Born May 2, 1945, a long-time resident of Clay, Alabama and member of Clay United Methodist Church went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. He grew up in Palmerdale, AL and graduated from Tarrant High School in 1963. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan, his parents, Wilbur and Irene Matlock and his sister Myra Lee Adams. He is survived by his children, Jane (Derek), Jimmy (Janet), and Jennifer (David), his grandchildren Kyle (Whitney), Nicole, Ryan, Noah, Daniel, Rachel, and great-granddaughter Madison. He is also survived by his sister Ruth (Milton) and a host of nieces and nephews. Clem loved his family, his church family and his work family. Next to his family and friends, work was his passion. He truly loved his job. He worked for Southern Company Services as a Mechanical Design Engineer from the time he was married in 1965 until he retired in 1999. After 2 years of retirement, he went back as a contract worker. He was loved and respected by all he worked with, as a person and for his amazing knowledge and ability for his job. When he was finally unable to work in 2016, he greatly missed being able to do the job he loved so much. Services will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 12 PM at Clay United Methodist Church, visitation will be from 10 AM to 12 PM with services to follow. Graveside service will be immediately following the service in the adjoining cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Clay United Methodist church in his memory.