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As I write this in December, Ican’t very well wish everyone amerry holiday season. So insteadI will say that I truly hope all ofyou had a season that includedthe most important aspect of all,moments and memories withfamily and friends!

There is a tendency at this time of the year to reflect indetail on all the varied events your QCC planned in 2006.While it is all of you who decide the success of the year’sagenda, I do feel comfortable saying that the variety andquality of events was high. Your board’s only goals are tocarry on the Atlanta QCC tradition by pleasing you with funand informative events.

As we enter another new year, youare probably a bit tired of ournumerous pleadings for some tostep up to serving on the board.

Most of your current board havebeen serving in one capacity oranother for years now and wewould like to share the fun indoing so. Yes, it is fun, but it is alsogood to renew and reinvigorate with fresh ideas, perspectives and interests.Come join us.

We will welcome your enthusiasm!

GREATER ATLANTA CHAPTER

IBM QUARTER CENTURY CLUBJANUARY 2007

Events planned for the first half of 2007

• Spring Picnic at ChukkarPolo Farms

• Additional Social SecuritySeminar(s)

• Live Theater Performance

• Golf outing(s)

• Spring Social

• Spring Dinner/Dance

Details will be broadcast shortly after events

are firmed up

EVENTSCALENDARBy Dave Books

PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE

By Ron Floyd

Want to join the Atlanta IBMQCC? Contact Bob Slaney 770-222-4853 (rjslaney@com-cast.net) or Ron Floyd 770-591-3578 (rfloyd1094@comcast.net)

Please give me acall (770-591-3578)and I’ll answer questions about theresponsibilities ofeach of the boardpositions. Thenplease let me knowthat you would like tosupport your QCCby serving as aboard member in 2007.

Ron Floydrfloyd1094@comcast.net

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Seventy-five QCCers and friends attendedthe October 28th performance of theCanterville Ghost at Acworth's CobbPlayhouse on Main Street. The audiencewas amused by the antics of the ghost whohaunted his family's mansion, unbeknownstto its new Americanowners.

Many QCCers beganthe evening with dinnerat one of Acworth'sfine restaurants,including Henry'sLouisiana Grill andFusco's Via Roma. Downtown Acworth isgoing through a major transformation, with the

addition of several high-quality eating estab-lishments, interesting specialty shops, andmajor improvements to the downtown section.

Live Theater Event in Acworth Was Ghostly

The Canterville Ghost haunts his family residence.

Look foranother live

theater eventin the earlyspring this

year.

The QCC Investment Forum has convened eachmonth since the last newsletter update. On Nov.16, Frank Corrigan from Morgan Stanley was thepresenter. Frank reviewed a dividend stock paying strategy as part of an overall investmentplan. The plan highlighted the advantages of outpacing inflation over the years and yet provid-ing a reliable annual income stream that growsover time. Two areas of potential risks in thisstrategy were also discussed. Frank provided aninsightful book to everyone by Roxann Klugmanentitled, "The Dividend Growth InvestmentStrategy".

The Dec. 13 Investment Forum meeting was atthe Vinings Library and had Don Horton, formerly regional VP for Trust Services withTIAA-CREF, as the speaker. Don discussed:• Financial Planners, types, methods of compensation, things to look for in a planner.

• Investment advisors, types, methods of compensation, things to look for in an advisor.• Mutual funds, variable annuities - direct cost,indirect cost, and hidden cost.• Asset allocation - what does it mean, direct andindirect correlation.• Structuring a retirement portfolio and thedynamics of rebalancing.

The next Investment Forum meeting at theVinings Library is Jan. 18 at 6:30PM. FrankCorrigan will return with a discussion of fixedincome "preferred securities." Insurance decisions and options will also be a roundtabletopic. Come join us if you can.

QCCers Learn Strategies At Investment Forum

If you would like to attend future meetings,please contact Rick Anderson at(rkander@gmail.com or 770-432-3083).

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Welcome To Ireland: A Great Place To VisitIreland is a countrythe size of RhodeIsland with 31⁄2 millionpeople, 3 millionsheep, lush greencountryside, mugs ofGuinness and plentyof folk tales. Dublinand Belfast are themajor cities with themajority of industry,government and traffic.

The trip was bookedthrough Sceptre Tours that included transportation, food and lodging at a very reasonable price. Thetour was a nine-day bus tourtraveling in centraland south Ireland.Our bus driver wasvery knowledgeableof the Irish historyand would fill in withmany Irish jokes plusplay CDs with Irishfolklore during the rides.

We flew from Atlantato Shannon the firstday, arriving on daytwo staying at the Bunratty Castle Hotel just outside of Shannon. The hotel was right next tothe Bunratty Castle and Durty Nelly’s famousIrish pub (Guinness flowed freely).

After a brief stay at the hotel, we were taken bybus to the Cliffs of Moher that rise 300 feetabove the ocean with spectacular views. Daythree we were bussed to Killarney with at stop at

Limerick, birthplace of Frank McCourt, PulitzerPrize winning author of “Angela’s Ashes”. Alongthe way we stopped for lunch in the town ofAdare, known as the prettiest Village in Ireland,where many of the houses still have Thatchedroofs. That night we stayed at the KillarneyTowers Hotel where we had a horse and buggyride through the state park past the Ross Castle.

The next day we were off for a drive through TheRing of Kerry to experience the true beauty ofIreland traveling along the rugged Atlantic coastline and through quaint villages of Killorglin,Glenbeigh and Sneem. Day five had us travelingto Blarney, home of the Blarney Castle where wekissed the Blarney Stone (that helped me writethis article) that was in place since the 1400s.

We also had time tostop at the famousBlarney Woolen Millsto shop and quenchour thrust withGuinness at their pub.

From here we traveled to theWaterford to checkinto the FaithleggManor, a magnificent18th Century Manorand estate. Day sixwe were off toWaterford Crystal

Factory for a tour and shopping (that stuff isexpensive!) then on to Kilenney to explore theancient medieval town, including the KilennyCastle, ancestral home of the Butler Clan. Wethen arrived in Dublin to stay at the JuryBallsbridge Hotel.

On day seven, we visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral

TRAVELOGUE: By Tom Satterlee

Above are the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

Travelogue is continued on Page 4

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where Jonathan Swift(Gulliver’s Travels) gave hisfamous sermons, then continued on to TrinityCollege to view the priceless“Book of Kells,” similar to ourconstitution. In the afternoon we walked up tothe Guinness brewery for atour and to sample the freshGuinness. After leaving thebrewery, we found a localpub that played good oldIrish songs and had the“River Dance” performers.This was a great night inDublin (also met Bono forthose younger readers).

On day eight, we left Dublintraveling via the Irish midlands to County Clare for our stay at theDromoland Castle. It was time to enjoy this five-star deluxe property with golf, horseback riding and manyother pleasures. Daynine was time to saygoodbye as we trav-eled to the airport forsome last-minuteduty-free shoppingand the return flightto Atlanta. We leftIreland with manygreat memories, aknowledge of theCountry and some new friends.

I would highly recommend that, the first time youtravel to Ireland, you take a bus tour as driving ison the other side of the road and the roads are

narrow, I mean nar-row. By taking thebus tour, you alsoget the history ofmany of the sightsand access to manyareas that you couldn’t go by car. Ifyou have any questions just giveme a call or catchme at one of ourevents.

Welcome To Ireland: Continued From Page 3

Above is the front entrance to Dolomond Castle in Ireland.

If anyone is interested, I have included the web sitesfor the above-mentioned tour service and some ofthe places we stayed.

Sceptre Tours: www.sceptretours.comCliffs of Moher: www.bamjam.net/Ireland/Moher.htmlBlarney Castle: www.blarneycastle.ieGuinness Brewery: www.guinness.com/ie_en/Waterford Crystal Factory: www.waterford.comFaithlegg Manor: www.faithlegg.comDromoland Castle: www.dromoland.ie

We found a local pub that playedgood old Irish songs and had the

“River Dance” performers.This was a great night in Dublin

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During 2006, your board has been very busy.We hope you have enjoyed all the activities, themeetings and the newsletters. We have enjoyedorganizing and hosting the events as well aspublishing your newsletters.

You probably don't realize that we had twoboard vacancies throughout 2006. Your boardhas been managing the affairs of your QCCwithout anyone in the Secretary and theCommunities positions. Luckily for us, Amy Slaney is handling the newsletter.

2007 is around the corner. Not only would welike to fill these open positions, we would alsolike to replace several of our current boardmembers, enabling them to enjoy the activitiesfrom a regular member's perspective. We needyour help to maintain the club. If you have everthought about joining our board, now is thetime to contact Ron Floyd at 770-591-3578 to volunteer.

One of the comments we often hear is that theclub needs “new ideas” and “new blood”. Well,folks, “new” isn't going to happen unless youstep up to the plate and serve on the board.Sure, those of us on the current board can certainly continue to serve. We may lose anoth-er board member or two in 2007. That will leavefewer of us to do the work necessary to oper-ate the club. What's the risk? Well, those of us

left on the boardhave lives outside the QCC too.We'll eventually bedrawn by other priorities and have to leave the board.Once we have toofew to run the club,the club will die as have so many other QCCsacross the country.

If you care about the future of the IBM AtlantaQCC, if you enjoy the meetings and activities,you owe it to yourself and the club to getinvolved.

The following positions need you:• President• Vice President• Activities and Special Events• Membership• Webmaster• Secretary & Newsletter• Treasurer• Community Programs

Call Ron now (770-591-3578) or e-mail Ron(rfloyd1094@comcast.net). Get involved.Commit yourself. Enjoy the full benefit of theclub by serving on the board.

MEMBERSHIPBy Bob Slaney

With this edition of the newsletter, you will receive a renewal form for your 2007 membership. Dues are being held at $10.00again for this year.

Please update the form (especially with your e-mail address) so that we can keep in touch.

Also, include your check made out to the QCC for 10.00 and return it to the address onthe form.

Happy New Year and may 2007 be prosperousfor you and your family.

We Want You On The 2007 QCC Board

It’s Membership Renewal Time

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Here are the answers to the trivia questions in theSeptember newsletter:1. In 1960, IBM announced solid state 7000-Seriescomputers to replace the 700-Series vacuum tube machines. The 7000-series were known

as the “??????? ComputingSystem”. Can you fill in the ques-tion marks which equal the num-ber of letters in the word answer?Stretch.

2. In 1964, Thomas J. Watson, Jr.received the highest civil honor apresident can bestow. Can youname it? Medal Of Freedom.

3. In 1970, IBM computers assist-ed Houston flight controllers in adramatic rescue of which “space-

ship” astronauts? Apollo.

4. In 1930, despite the serious economic depression, IBM surprised many by increasing its?????????? and declaring a 5% ????????. Fill in thequestions marks (the number of question marks equals the number of letters in the words). Employment - Dividend.

5. In 1937 and contrary to virtually all other large

company policies of the time, IBM added six of theseto its other paid benefits. What was this added bene-fit? Paid holidays.

And now, can you answer the following IBM trivia questions:

1. In 1969, IBM marketing changed and no longeroffered hardware, services and software in packages.This change was commonly referred to by the use ofa single word. What was that word?

2. IBM’s first PC incorporated DOS (disk operating system) purchased from what 32-person company?

3. In 1993, IBM for the first time in its history found anew leader from the “outside.” Who was that newleader/CEO?

4. For a record seventh time, IBM received in 2000our nation’s highest award for technological innova-tion. What is the name of this U.S. award?

5. Another record for IBM (vs. any other company) was set in 2003. For the eleventh year in a row, IBM received more of “these”, extending its run as the most innovative company. What were “these”?

?HISTORY& TRIVIABy Ron Floyd

Above left: QCCers dish up dinner during the annual Atlanta IBM QCC HolidayParty at Sidelines in Marietta on Dec. 6, 2006.Above right: Every table was taken as the holiday meal was enjoyed by all.

At right: President Ron Floyd presides over a short presentation after the meal.

QCCers Enjoy Annual Holiday Party

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President . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Floyd . . . . . . . . 770-591-3578 . . . . . . rfloyd1094@comcast.netVice President . . . . . . . . Mike McGuire . . . . . 770-394-5690 . . mikemcguire2@earthlink.comTreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Zilles . . . . . . . 770-395-0290. . . . . . . . . . dzilles@earthlink.netSecretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Programs . Open. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Membership. . . . . . . . . . . Bob Slaney . . . . . . 770-222-4853. . . . . . . . . rjslaney@comcast.netSpecial Events . . . . . . . . Dave Books . . . . . . 404-266-1935 . . . . . . . . . . dwbooks@juno.comWeb Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jon Jessen . . . . . . . 770-975-7580 . . . . . jdjessen@mindspring.comAdv. Board Member . . . Bob Axt. . . . . . . . . . 770-998-2365 . . . . . . . robertaxt@earthlink.net Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Slaney . . . . . . 770-222-4853. . . . . . . . . . aslaney@sprich.com

IBM Quarter Century Club Advisory Board 2006

Social Security Administration representativeCharmaine Gibson spoke to 75 QCC members,spouses and guests at Sidelines Grill in MariettaOctober 4, 2006.

Her PowerPoint presentation is available on theclub's web site at www.atlqcc.org, as is a link toan online copy of a brochure she distributed atthe meeting.

There was great interest in her presentation,

followed by a lively Q&A session. Charmainewas kind enough to leave us with her contactinformation. Anyone with Social Security questions or problems is welcome to email her at charmaine.gibson@ssa.com or call her at770.859.0868 X414.

More seminars are planned on topics related toretirement. Details will be provided as theybecome available.

Social Security seminar info available on QCC website

Balance December 10, 2006: $2,102.67

FINANCE REPORT By Dave Zilles$$Expenses:Web Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $643.40PO Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58.00Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,410.60Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,335.76Ice Breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $557.23General Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79.78SSI Event. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41.75Holiday Event. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $197.39Total Expenses: $4,323.91

Balance December 31, 2005: 1,345.35Income:Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,670.00Ice Breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $204.00Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,042.50Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $104.73Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00Total Income: $5,081.23

2006 Full Year Report as of 12/10/06

QUARTERCENTURYCLUBGreater Atlanta ChapterP.O.Box 420592Atlanta, GA 30342

www.atlqcc.org

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