National Volunteer Week
April 27-23!
     Volunteers are not paid - not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation, National Volunteer Week is about thanking one of America's most valuable assets – our volunteers. The 2005 theme is "Inspire By Example" because it truly reflects the power volunteers have to inspire the people they help and to inspire others to serve! For ideas on how to recognize volunteers, go to http://www.pointsoflight.org/programs/seasons/nvw/recognize.cfm.
     According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 64.5 million people volunteered in some capacity from Sept. 2003-Sept. 2004, up from 63.8 million the year before. About 23.6% of men and 31% of women did volunteer work. By age, 35- to 44-year-olds were the most likely to volunteer (34.2%), closely followed by 45- to 54-year-olds (32.8%). Volunteers spent a median of 52 hours on volunteer activities. The most common reason for not volunteering was lack of time.

The Life Member Spotlight is on... Dan Nelson
     Dan Nelson has been a Pioneer since he was eligible in 1968, when he completed his first 15 years of service. He has been president of the R. Parker Sullivan club (Thousand Oaks, CA) twice, held every office in the California organization except president, and was region vice-president. Dan served as the Pioneer liaison to the California Telephone Association for many years. His many talents include editing the R. Parker Sullivan newsletter for nine years, chairing the California scholarship committee for six years, and serving on many various club, chapter and national committees.
     One of his most rewarding experiences was when he served as National Operation Director for the Pioneer Across America Ride (PAAR). This nationwide bicycle ride was done by a fellow Pioneer to raise awareness and money for cancer research. The bike rider stopped in selected cities to participate in local Pioneer events that centered around his ride. Dan was the key that made this event a whopping success. Dan is currently working with other R. Parker Sullivan Pioneers in a project where they jointly work with Verizon and the California PUC to restore phones for the handicapped and hard-of-hearing. It is an extremely successful project and has kept California Pioneering highly visible. Dan is a member of the California Pioneer Hall of Fame.

Now's a good time to compare insurance rates
     Last month, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company sent you an invitation to compare auto and homeowners insurance. In conjunction with the PerksCard program, all TelecomPioneers members are eligible to apply for a discount on their auto and homeowners insurance through Liberty Mutual. This could mean savings as high 15 percent or $300 or more in many cases. Pioneers can get a jump on the letter by calling a Liberty Mutual representative for a no-obligation quote at: 1-800-357-2305. Be sure to identify yourself as a Pioneer. Members can also get a quote on-line at the customized TelecomPioneers quoting link: www.libertymutual.com/lm/telecompioneers.

Register your PerksCard!
     To activate your PerksCard, you must first register it. Simply go to www.perkscard.com and complete the short form per the instructions on the back of the card. For those members who do not have Internet access, call 1-800-727-3757. This quick registration process is very important because it helps maintain accurate records and streamlines communications of TelecomPioneers programs.

DSL Discount for Verizon Retirees
     It's time to bring the power of Verizon Online DSL into your home. We've recently expanded our service area to include more communities, and yours could be one. And in an exclusive offer for employees and retirees of Verizon companies, it's only $29.95 per month, with your first month at no charge. This is a powerful offer: great rates following your first month and expanded service. And now, Verizon Online DSL is even faster, with triple the upload speed -- up to 384 Kbps -- making it easier than ever for you to unleash the power of the Web. You can download movie trailers, make travel reservations or send family photos. With Verizon Online DSL, you also get the great features of MSN Premium including virus protection, pop-up guard, parental controls, firewall protection, and much more. Plus, you'll have access to 280 live, out-of-market Major League Baseball game broadcasts from MLB.com at no extra charge. That's a great play. This special offer is available only online; it cannot be purchased by calling Verizon Online. To order Verizon Online DSL with MSN Premium, go to http://www.verizon.net/retiree.

Interested in becoming a TelecomPioneer?
    If you'd like to join the Verizon TelecomPioneers, go to http://www.verizonpioneers.org/ChptrJoinmap.htm. If you have any questions about becoming a TelecomPioneer please email Steve Kohn, Executive Director, at StephenKohn@Verizon.net.

Did you enjoy this newsletter?
     If so, please consider forwarding it to a friend to read. Simply click the graphic to the right and follow the simple instructions. We look forward to your questions and comments. Please send them to editor@verizonpioneers.org. Visit our website at www.verizonpioneers.org.

April 16, 2005