4th Annual IRAA/Intelsat Summer Social Gathering - Epilogue
Posted: 28 August 2022

Our last Summer Social was held in 2019 at the home of Ken Betahraon, then cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic and then deferred in 2021 after our Summer Picnic (usually held in mid-May timeframe) was delayed until August 22.  This year, Mother Nature was kind to allow us alas to hold our much anticipated 4th Annual IRAA/Intelsat Summer Picnic on Sat., 27th Aug., 2022, at the home of Joe and Eloise Pelton, in Arlington, VA. A total of  45 persons attended this fun event on a warm and humid but storm free afternoon.

This year's theme was Caribbean with a delicious menu fare provided by Shadow Chef of North Bethesda, MD, which consisted of mixed Cocktail Jamaican Patties (veggie, chicken & beef), Jamaican Jerk Chicken, BBQ Beef Ribs, Hawaiian Vegan Meatballs, Pigeon Peas & Rice, Red Beans & Rice and Grilled Vegetables along with Ati's famous Indonesian chicken sate grilled at home by chef Alan Olson, mixed fruit bowl, Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies and the usual thirst quenchers:  iced tea, lemonade, water, soda, quality wines and premium beers to wash everything down.  All of the attendees wore their colorful tropical/Caribbean attire which set the festive tone to this fun event.

After everyone finished partaking of the great food, Social Committee Chair, Ati Kadarmanto-Olson, on behalf of IRAA President Peggy Slye, welcomed and thanked everyone for coming out to the Summer Social  and hoped they enjoyed the delicious food catered by Shadow Chef. Joe Pelton also Thanked everyone for coming out to his home and suggested they may wish to come into his adjoining living room to see on display an old newspaper clipping in 1982 of Intelsat, Santiago Astrain, and Joe's involvement too. 

Later, the always popular drawing of raffle tickets was held with 4 lucky winners receiving $25 gift cards to Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Lowe's and VISA: David Griffiths, Pamela Brown (Martin), Susan Jung and new member Maria-Martia Andrade.

Many Thanks and much appreciation to Joe and Eloise Pelton for hosting this event at their lovely home/backyard in Arlington and for taking care of the trash which we bagged up according to Arlington Co's recycle requirements.  Much Thanks as always to our DJ extraordinaire Ed Stoner for playing great Caribbean tunes and snapping all of the cool photos for this event.  And, a Special Thanks to Anita Saltos and Sheela Pinto for taking care of the registration and handing out of name tags to our guests!

We hope you can make it next year if you're in the area and available to attend.  Stay tuned...

Click HERE for a link to the photos taken by Ed Stoner.

4th Annual IRAA/Intelsat Summer Social Gathering
Posted:  6 August 2022

The 3rd annual event was last held on 24 Aug. 2019 at Ken Betaharon's home in Potomac, MD. It was subsequently cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic, and deferred in 2021 due to the 11th Annual Summer picnic delayed until 21st Aug., 2021, vice the usual mid-May timeframe.  Alas, the 4th Annual IRAA/Intelsat Summer Social Gathering will be held on 27 Aug., 2022, at the home of Joe and Eloise Pelton in Arlington, VA.    Here are the details below:

 Date:     Sat., 27th Aug., 2022
Time:     3:00pm - 6:00pm

Cost:     IRAA members and guests $20.00 ea. 
                               Non-members $25.00 ea.

Menu Fare:

Jamaican Patties (veggie, chicken & beef), Jamaican jerk chicken, BBQ beef ribs, grilled veggies, pigeon peas & rice, red beans & rice, Hawaiian Vegan Meatballs, Ati's Indonesia Chicken Sate
Refreshments:  Wine, beer, soft drinks and water

There will be 4 raffle drawings of $25 gift cards.

Wear your colorful tropical/Caribbean attire!!!

Payment may be mailed by check payable to:

Intelsat Retirees and Alumni Association
c/o Satpal Chhabra
P.O. Box 40027
Washington, DC 20016-0027

*** RSVP/Payment must be rcvd not later than Fri., 19th Aug. ***

Alternatively, you may make payment by credit card via our website:

URL:  www.myiraa.com

- Click on Pay Dues & Other Payments

- Click on Click to Pay

- Enter new Amount-to-Pay: (override $20.00 with new amount to pay)

- Click on Enter New Amount-to-Pal

   Note:  Amount to pay is:  will change from $20.00 default to new amount

- Click on Begin Payment Process via PayPal

/////  If you are interested in attending this event, pls kindly remit payment by the
       deadline date of Fri., 19th Aug., and EMail us your RSVP at:  info@myiraa.com.  After we
       we rcv your payment and EMail RSVP, we will EMail you the address of the event /////

12th Annual IRAA/COMARA & Intelsat Summer Picnic - Epilogue
Posted: 18 May 2022

After several days of cloudy skies and rain, Mother Nature gave us a lovely day with plenty of sunshine and warm temps in the low 80's for our 12th Annual COMARA/IRAA & Intelsat Summer Picnic on Sun., 15th May. A total of 60 folks RSVPd but only 46 made it: 45 IRAA & guests and 1 COMARA.

The yummy menu fare consisted of angus beef burgers, beef hot dogs, Impossible plant-based patties, Moving Mountains plant-based hot dogs and spicy Black Bean & Garden veggie burgers which were all cooked up by BBQ grill master Alan Olson along with delicious carryout Crisp & Juicy Peruvian charbroiled chicken, Whole Foods roasted vegetables, Costco's Caesar salad, Red Bliss potato salad, creamy cole slaw, mixed fruit bowl, Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies and iced tea, lemonade, water, soda, quality wines and premium beers to wash everything down.

After everyone finished partaking of the great food, Social Committee Chair, Ati Kadarmanto-Olson, on behalf of IRAA President Peggy Slye, welcomed and thanked everyone for coming out to the picnic and hoped they enjoyed the good food. Geza Serenyi, Treasurer, COMARA, took the mic next and welcomed everyone to the event as well and thanked IRAA for including COMARA in this event.

Next. the always popular drawing of raffle tickets was held with 6 lucky winners receiving $25 gift cards to Amazon and Target: David Koff (Ana Maria), Leonida Vista, Geza Serenyi (COMARA), Michel Nakhla, Tony Berntzen and Ken Betaharon.

Many Thanks and much appreciation to Jorge Penaranda and Mirka Vera for picking up some of the dry goods/equipment from Alan and Ati-Kadarmanto's house and hauling to the park and back;
Francoise & Francis Latapie, Rani Chhabra, Anita Saltos, Jorge Penaranda, Ed's brother, Paul Stoner, Ati Kadarmanto-Olson for setting up the tables w/tablecloths and layout of everything, and also Maria Stefanita, Betsy Smith and Emmee Srisawad (Tony Berntzen), for helping with the food distribution; Ed Stoner, who played some great blues tunes and other oldies, and took many photos of the event; Anita Saltos and Mirka Vera who greeted guests to hand out clip-on plastic name tags, raffle ticket(s) and mark off the attendees sheet; Rani Chhabra who took care of any pending financial matters for picnic fees or IRAA membership Dues payments; Francis Latapie for once again being the Ice King and making sure all of our refreshments in the various coolers were replenished with ice to keep them cold; Betsy & Steve Smith, Martin & Pam Brown, Cecelia English, Leonida Vista and others unremembered (our apologies and Many Thanks), for taking home large bags filled with trash from the event; Leonida Vista, Paul Stoner, Jorge and Mirka for helping lug and load lots of stuff into Ati's and Alan's cars to take back to their house for storage until next year's event.

We hope you can make it next year if you're in the area and available to attend.

Click HERE for a link to the photos taken by Ed Stoner.

12th Annual IRAA/COMARA & Intelsat Summer Picnic
Posted: 18 April 2022

  Date:  Sun., 15th May 2022
 Time:  12:00pm – 4:00pm   

                                     Where:  Seneca Creek State Park (Buck Pavilion)

                              Cost:  IRAA members & Guests:  $20.00 ea
                                                      Non-members:  $25.00 ea

Menu:  Burgers, hot dogs, chicken, roasted vegetables, salad, and refreshments (beer/wine, soda/water)

4th Annual IRAA/Intelsat Winter Social - Canceled
Posted: 18 January 2022

Due to the COVID-19/Omicron pandemic, the Winter Social will not be held this year. 

22nd Annual Meeting of the General Assembly of the Intelsat Retirees and Alumni Association 
and Social Gathering - Epilogue
Posted:  22 October 2021

A total of 66 members/guests attended the event including 11 who participated virtually via Zoom. 

Peggy reported on the results of the election of two directors for 2022-2023, by acclamation, incumbents:  Jim Casey and Peggy Slye.

Rani Chhabra, Treasurer, reported on the Finances of the IRAA and the Pension Plan Summary Comparison. 

Ed Stoner reported on the Membership Status, currently 431, followed by a moment of silence in memoriam of lost Intelsat colleagues during the past year. Ed also reported on the Groups.io Private EMail forum membership which has reached members190 while the IRAA & Friends Facebook Closed Group membership is now at 376 members.

Peggy went over which entities surviving spouses should notify upon the loss of a member to ensure continuation of health and pension benefits as appropriate.  Peggy also reported on the status of Intelsat's legal activities surrounding the bankruptcy and the health benefits lawsuit, Open Season information concerning health plans for Medicare-eligible retirees living in the USA and non-Medicare eligible for retirees residing in the US and those retirees living abroad, as well as answered several questions submitted by members ahead of the meeting along with several from members in attendance and virtually, mostly concerning Intelsat's bankruptcy and impact on pension/health benefits issues.

Lastly, Ati Kadarmanto-Olson reported on the Social Events held during the past year, with only the 3rd Annual Winter Social held in January.  The 11th Annual Summer picnic and the 4th Annual Summer Social were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Ati also reported on what's planned for 2022, beginning with the 12th Annual Summer picnic in May 2022, followed by the 4th Annual IRAAI/Intelsat Summer Social Gathering at a member's home TBD as well as the 23rd Annual Meeting of the IRAA & Social Gathering at Kenwood Country Club on 16 October 2022.  A special prize drawing was held for a Five-Year Membership worth $90, and the lucky winner was Ana Maria Puch!

After the meeting adjourned, members enjoyed a special presentation by MartI Bailey Brown, Director, Sibley Memorial Senior Association & Community Health, entitled "Building Resilience During the Pandemic and Beyond."   

Click HERE for Marti's presentation (PDF).

Click HERE for photos by Ed Stoner

22nd Annual Meeting of the General Assembly of the Intelsat Retirees and Alumni Association and Social Gathering
Posted: 3 September 2021

Sunday, 17 October 2021, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Kenwood  Country Club
5601 River Road
Bethesda, MD

Dogwood Banquet Room

FROM I-495:
Take the River Road (Washington) exit #39 Sout, bearing onto River Road.

Follow River Road 3 miles to Springfield Drive, turn left at Springfield Drive, turn left at that light and enter Kenwood.

11th Annual IRAA/COMARA & Intelsat Summer Picnic - Epilogue
Posted: 27 August 2021

This popular, fun event held for the past 8 years at beautiful Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD, was postponed in May 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.  After the restrictions were recently lifted for outdoor gatherings, the 11th Annual COMARA/IRAA & Intelsat Summer Picnic was finally held on Sun., 22nd August 2021.  There was a total 72 in attendance:  62 IRAA & guests, 3 COMARA & guests, 6 Former Intelsat & guests, and 1 current Intelsat staff.  After Hurricane Henri earlier passed far enough off-shore northeast bound, the weather cooperated with partly sunny skies and temps in the pleasantly low-80s.

On behalf of IRAA President Peggy Slye who was not feeling well and could not be there, Social Committee Chair Ati Kadarmanto-Olson welcomed everyone to have a wonderful time at our first 'in person' gathering in a year and a half, and Peggy hopes to see them in October at the Annual Meeting.  Maury Mechanick, President of COMARA, took the mic next and welcomed everyone to the event as well and thanked IRAA for including COMARA in this event.

As has been the customary menu fare, burgers, hot dogs and first-time Beyond Meat Beyond Burger plant-based patties were grilled up by BBQ Pitmaster pretender Alan Olson along with the tastiest carryout Crisp & Juicy Peruvian spit-roasted chicken in the DMV, Whole Foods roasted vegetables, and first-time Shalom Kosher Kitchen potato salad, Costco Caesar salad and Spinach salad w/Poppy seed dressing, plus refreshments to wash down everything including iced tea, lemonade, water, soda, quality wines and premium beers. 

After everyone finished partaking of the delicious food, the crowd favorite drawing of raffle tickets was held with 6 lucky winners: 1) Romy Balod: $25.00 Amazon gift card; 2) Alison Walisko, spouse of new member Vince Walisko:  bottle of Stags Leap Cellars Aveta Sauvignon Blanc Napa; 3) Pat Surman: $25.00 Cheesecake Factory gift card; 4) Sue Fortunato, guest of new member Michael Goldstein: $25.00 Target gift card; 5) Tembiso Nleya, guest of Ed Stoner's brother Paul:  $25.00 Olive Garden gift card; 6) Ati Kadarmanto-Olson: bottle of Domaine Lathuilliere Gravallon Morgon Corcellete Beaujolais.

Many Thanks and much appreciation to:

Jorge Penaranda for picking up all the dry goods stuff from Alan and Ati-Kadarmanto's home and hauling to the park.

Francoise & Francis Latapie, Rani Chhabra, Anita Saltos, Sheela PInto, Jorge Penaranda & Ati Kadarmanto-Olson for setting up the tables w/tablecloths and layout of everything.

Ed Stoner, DJ and photographer extraordinaire, who played MP3s of some cool, classic throw-back tunes and snapped many photos of the event which can be viewed further below.

Anita Saltos who greeted guests to hand them their clip-on plastic name tags, raffle ticket(s) and mark off the attendees sheet.

Rani Chhabra who took care of any pending financial matters for picnic fees or IRAA membership Dues payments.  

Francis Latapie for being the Ice King and making sure all of our refreshments in the various coolers were replenished with ice to keep them cold.

Sheela Pinto who oversaw the buffet table and directed traffic to make sure the food line was going smoothly, helping guests get what they wanted like opening wrapped cheese slices for their burgers, and coordinating with the grill guy to keep this or that coming.

Bob Peters, Rosa & Roland Liu, Betsy & Steve Smith, Martin & Pam Brown, Prakash Nadkarni and others unremembered (our apologies and Many Thanks, too), for taking home large bags filled with trash from the event.

Leonida Vista, Javed Hashmi, Nick Velleman for helping lug and load lots of stuff into Ati's and Alan's cars to take back to their house for storage until next year's event.

Hope you can make it next year if you're in the area and available to attend.  Mark your calendars:  Sun., 22nd May, 2022: 

Click HERE for photos taken by Ed Stoner.

11th Annual IRAA/COMARA & Intelsat Summer Picnic
Posted: 23 July 2021

  Date:  Sun., 22nd Aug, 2021
 Time:  12:00pm – 4:00pm   

                                     Where:  Seneca Creek State Park (Buck Pavilion)

                              Cost:  IRAA members & Guests:  $15.00 ea
                                                      Non-members:  $20.00 ea

Menu:  Burgers, hot dogs, chicken, roasted vegetables, salad, and refreshments (beer/wine, soda/water)

4th Annual IRAA/Intelsat Winter Social - Canceled
Posted: 21January 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Winter Social will not be held this year. 

21st Annual Meeting of the General Assembly of the Intelsat Retirees and Alumni Association 
and Social Gathering - Epilogue
Posted:  20 October 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual Meeting was held via Zoom virtual online platform.  A total of 95 members RSVPd who planned to participate while 67 members/spouses participated. 

Peggy reported on the results of the election of three directors for 2021-2022, by acclamation, incumbents:  Francis Latapie, Alan Olson, and Jorge Penaranda. 

Next, Rani Chhabra, Treasurer, reported on the Finances of the IRAA and the Pension Plan Summary Comparison. 

Afterwards, Jim Casey reported on the Membership Status, currently 428, followed by a moment of silence in memoriam of lost Intelsat colleagues during the past year. 

Then, Peggy reported on the legal activities surrounding Intelsat's bankruptcy and status of the health benefits lawsuit along with Open Season information concerning health plans for Medicare-eligible retirees living in the USA and non-Medicare eligible for retirees residing in the US and those retirees living abroad.

Lastly, Ati Kadarmanto-Olson reported on the Social Events held during the past year, with only the 3rd Annual Winter Social held in January.  The 11th Annual Summer picnic and the 4th Annual Summer Social were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Ati also reported on what's planned for 2021, beginning with the 11th Annual Summer picnic in May 2021, providing large gatherings will be allowed by Montgomery County.  A special prize drawing was held for a Five-Year Membership worth $90, and the lucky winner was Fred Luz!

Members enjoyed a special video presentation of "Those Were the Days" before the start of the meeting from 11:00am-12:00pm which was put together from a collection of photos taken by Ed Stoner over the years at the old Intelsat building in Van Ness. 

21st Meeting of the General Assembly of the Intelsat Retirees and Alumni Association 
and Social Gathering - Canceled
Posted: 20 September 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event planned at Kenwood Golf and Country Club is cancelled.

Instead, a virtual meeting will be held via Zoom on Sat., 17th October.  Details have been sent to members for participation.

4th Annual IRAA/Intelsat Summer Social - Canceled
Posted: 25 July 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual summer social is cancelled. 

11th Annual IRAA/COMARA & Intelsat Summer Picnic - Canceled
Posted: 21 April 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual summer picnic is cancelled.  Our next social event will be the 4th Annual Summer Picnic later this summer.  Details to be posted soon.

3rd Annual IRAA/Intelsat Winter Social Gathering - Epilogue
Posted: 20 January 2020

After a forecast for a wintry mix of snow, freezing rain/sleet was expected in the DC Metro area on Sat., 18th Jan., the 3rd Annual IRAA/Intesat Winter Social was rescheduled to Sun.,19 Jan., at the home of our gracious hosts, Francis & Francoise Latapie, in Bethesda, MD.  Originally, 59 members/guests RSVPd they were planning to attend the event on Sat but because of the date change, many members/guests were unable to attend due to other conflicts.  However, a still very good turnout of 38 members/guests came to this popular social gathering to mix and reminisce with old friends & former colleagues from Intelsat. 

Keeping up the trend of enjoying an international menu fare at the Winter and Social gatherings, guests were treated to delicious, home-style Persian food catered by Kadbanoo Catering.  There was a lot of food which many guests took home in ‘to go’ containers. Members/guests who remitted payment in advance but were unable to attend the event will be credited towards the next social event they are able to attend. 

Ed Stoner performed his usual cool DJ and photographer skills, playing some hip tunes and taking pictures of the event. 

Peggy Slye welcomed everyone for coming to the event and thanked the Latapie's for hosting and the Social Committee for putting together everything.

Customary raffle drawings were held with $25 VISA Gift Cards going to the winners Gian-Pierro Forcina, Catherine DePeuter, Jan Wendt, and Ati Kadarmanto-Olson.

Many thanks to Francis and Francoise Latapie for sharing their beautiful home for this fun event enjoyed by all.  Let us know if you’d like to host next year?

3rd Annual IRAA/Intelsat Winter Social Gathering
Posted: 28 December 2019

20th Annual Meeting of the General Assembly of the Intelsat Retirees and Alumni Association 
and Social Gathering - Epilogue
Posted:  24 October 2019

For the second year in a row, this year's event was held at the Springfield Golf and Country Club on Sunday, October 20, 2019.  There were 55 members/spouses in attendance (66 RSVPd Yes), and 10+ attendees participated via Zoom virtual online meeting. Next year's 21st Annual Meeting will return to Maryland to be held at Kenwood Golf and Country Club.

Peggy reported on the results of the election of two directors for 2020-2021, Jim Casey, and incumbent, Peggy Slye, as well as the results of the voting and passing of two By-Laws amendments.  Peggy also provided an update on health benefits status along with an update on legal activities on behalf of Larry Postol. 

Ed Stoner reported on the Membership Status, currently 405, followed by a moment of silence in memoriam of lost Intelsat colleagues during the past year. Afterwards, on behalf of Rani Chhabra, Treasurer, Peggy  reported on the Finances of the IRAA and the Pension Plan Summary Comparison (handed out to attendees).

Next, Ati Kadarman-Olson reported on the Social Events held during the last year and what's planned for 2020.

A special prize drawing was held for a Five-Year Membership worth $90, and the lucky winner was Jim Lee!

Members enjoyed a dinner-buffet/cash bar set up by the Springfield Golf and Country Club, and further social gathering between former colleagues and friends. 

Click HERE for a PDF version of the PowerPoint presentation/folders to members present

Click HERE for some pix courtesy of Ed Stoner

20th Annual Meeting of the General Assembly of the Intelsat Retirees and Alumni Association and Social Gathering
Posted: 31 August 2019

Sunday, 20 October 2019, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Springfield Golf and Country Club
8301 Old Keene Mill Rd.
Springfield, VA

Ballroom "A"

FROM I-495:
MIXING BOWL FROM TYSONS: Take I-495S to I-95S 57A towards Richmond. Stay to the far right. Take exit 169A-B Springfield, then 169-B Old Keene Mill Road (VA 644W), travel approx. 3.5 miles. Make left immediately after 6th light (Carrleigh Parkway) into Springfield Golf & Country Club. If you’ve passed Rolling Road, you’ve gone too far.

MIXING BOWL FROM ALEXANDRIA: Take exit 169A-B Springfield, then 169-B Old Keene Mill Road (VA 644W), travel approx. 3.5 miles. Make left immediately after 6th light (Carrleigh Parkway) into Springfield Golf & Country Club. If you’ve passed Rolling Road you’ve gone too far.

TO AVOID MIXING BOWL: Take I-495S then take Braddock Road West exit 54A, make a left on Rolling Road (VA 638S), and a left onto Old Keene Mill Road (VA 644W), the Club is on your right immediately past the Shell station.

FROM RICHMOND: Take I-95N towards Washington; take exit 169A-B Springfield, then 169B Old Keene Mill Road (VA 644W) travel approx. 3.5 miles. Make left immediately after 6th light (Carrleigh Parkway) into Springfield Golf & Country Club. If you’ve passed Rolling Road you’ve gone too far.

FROM WASHINGTON D.C. I-395: Take I-395S, towards Richmond; take exit 169A-B Springfield, then 169B Old Keene Mill Road (VA 644W) travel approx. 3.5 miles. Make left immediately after 6th light (Carrleigh Parkway) into Springfield Golf & Country Club. If you’ve passed Rolling Road you’ve gone too far.

FROM FAIRFAX COUNTY PARKWAY: 286: Take the Old Keene Mill Road exit (VA 644E), continue approx. 3.5 miles and Springfield Golf & Country Club is on the right, immediately past the Shell station. 

FROM SPRINGFIELD PARKWAY: 289: Take Rolling Road N (VA 638), right on Old Keene Mill Road (VA 644E) Springfield Golf & Country Club is on the right, immediately past the Shell station.

FROM I-66: Take I-66 to the Fairfax County Parkway 286; Take the Old Keene Mill Road exit (VA 644E), continue approx. 3.5 miles and Springfield Golf & Country Club is on the right, immediately past the Shell station.

3rd Annual IRAA/Intelsat Summer Social Gathering - Epilogue
Posted:  25 August 2019

Yesterday the weather was perfect for our 3rd annual event at Ken Betaharon's home in Potomac, MD, with mostly sunny skies, temps in the upper 70's and nary a drop of rain in the forecast unlike last year's deluge of rain forcing the event to be held in Ken's basement.  54 guests who came were treated to on-site cooking of delicious Indian dosas by two lovely ladies along with some make-it-yourself Kosher pastrami sandwiches and plenty of refreshments.

DJ/photographer extraordinaire Ed Stoner played cool tunes and held his usual Golf Putting Contest in which contestants won a ticket(s) for a chance to win a prize drawing and the lucky winners were: 8FT Putt - Liyong Yu/Golf umbrella; 6FT Putt - Alan Olson/Set of 12 Slazenger golf balls; 4FT Putt - Angela Kummel/bottle of Brut champagne.

Next, Ati Kadarmanto-Olson and Anita Saltos held the door prize raffle drawings and the lucky $25 gift card winners were: Mirka Penaranda, Cindy Liu, Catherine DePeuter, Anita Saltos and Rosa Liu.   Many thanks to Ken for sharing his backyard and to everyone who helped clean-up afterwards.

Click HERE for some pix courtesy of Ed Stoner.

4th Annual IRAA/Intelsat Golf Outing
Posted:  4 August 2019

Date:  Thu.,19th September
Time:  10:00am - 2:00pm (18 Holes "Captain's Choice")

Where:  MGC Falls Road
10800 Falls Rd., Potomac, MD

IRAA Members:  Cost w/cart:  $36.00 (60+); $58.00 (< 60)
Non-Members:   Cost w/cart:  $41.00 (60+); $63.00 (< 60)

There will be prizes for all finishers!

Your RSVP and payment must be received by Sun, 15th September, 2019

EMail your RSVP to:  info@myiraa.com

 Payment may be made by check payable to:

   Intelsat Retirees and Alumni Association
   c/o Rani (Satpal) Chhabra
   P.O. Box 40027
Washington, DC 20016-0027

Alternatively, you may make payment via PayPal on our website:  www.myiraa.com

Click on Pay Dues & Other Payments

Click on Click to Pay.

Enter new Amount-to-Pay:  (override $20.00 with new amount to be paid)

Click on Enter new Amount-to-Pay

Note:  Amount to pay is: will change from $20.00    default to new amount)

Click on Begin Payment Process via PayPal

3rd Annual IRAA/Intelsat Summer Social Gathering
Posted:  3 August 2019

Hope you may be in the area and available to attend this fun event at Ken Betaharon's home in Potomac, MD.  Here are the details below:

       Date:     Sat., 24th Aug., 2019
Time:     3:00pm - 6:00pm

Cost:     IRAA members and guests $15.00 ea. 
                               Non-members $18.00 ea.

Menu Fare - Indian dosas and Kosher cold cut sandwiches

Refreshments:  Wine, beer, soft drinks and water

There will be fun games and prizes along with a raffle drawings

Payment may be mailed by check payable to:

Intelsat Retirees and Alumni Association
c/o Satpal Chhabra
P.O. Box 40027
Washington, DC 20016-0027

*** RSVP/Payment must be rcvd not later than Tue., 20th Aug. ***

Alternatively, you may make payment by credit card via our website:

URL:  www.myiraa.com

- Click on Pay Dues & Other Payments
- Click on Click to Pay
- Enter new Amount-to-Pay: (override $20.00 with new amount to pay)
- Click on Enter New Amount-to-Pay
   Note:  Amount to pay is:  will change from $20.00 default to new amount
- Click on Begin Payment Process via PayPal

/////  If you are interested in attending this event, pls kindly remit payment by the
       deadline date of Tue., 20th Aug., and EMail us your RSVP at:  info@myiraa.com.  After we
       we rcv your payment and EMail RSVP, we will EMail you the address of the event /////

10th Annual IRAA/COMARA & Intelsat Summer Picnic - Epilogue
Posted: 22 May 2019

It was a sunny day with warm temperatures reaching into the upper 80s for the picnic and a smaller crowd came out this year: 61 out of 72 who RSVPd including 46 IRAA, 8 COMARA, 6 former Intelsat, and 1 current Intelsat.  

The picnic has always been a great event where everyone who attends enjoys reconnecting and reminiscing with friends and former colleagues from COMARA, IRAA, current/former Intelsat staff.  Once again the customary menu fare consisted of the popular and delicious Crisp n Juicy chicken, along with lots of roasted vegetable, salads and our own grilled burgers, chipotle black bean burgers, hot dogs, and plenty of cold refreshments.

DJ and photographer extraordinaire Ed Stoner played cool music and displayed on a projector screen many photos taken at Intelsat events by Ed a long time ago, as well as taking all of the pictures you can see on the link below.  A special thanks to Jorge and Mirka Penaranda for helping with logistics in getting stuff to and from Seneca Creek, and to Rosa and Roland Liu for taking away a large  bag of trash.  

The winner of first drawing was David Griffiths who picked 1 of 5 boxes linked to a $25 Lowes gift card.  The winner of second drawing was Guibin Dong who picked 1 of 4 boxes linked to a bottle of Castello di Poppiano Riserva red wine instead of stealing the $25 Lowes gift card.  The winner of third drawing was Bob Kinzie who picked 1 of 3 boxes linked to a $25 Amazon gift card instead of stealing the red wine.  The winner of fourth drawing was Jim Johnson who picked 1 of 2 boxes linked to a bottle of Latour Pouilly Fuisse, 2016, instead of stealing the $25 Amazon gift card.  The winner of the fifth drawing was Rosa Liu who picked the last box linked to a large scented candle with designer matches instead of stealing the white wine. 

Click HERE for photos of the picnic courtesy of Ed.

Celebrating the Life of Jane P. Kinzie
Posted:  10 May 2019

After Jane's passing last December, Bob Kinzie announced that there would be a memorial celebration of her life in the late spring when the azalea are in bloom.  On Sun., 5th May, family members, friends, former COMSAT/INTELSAT colleagues and business associates of Jane P. Kinzie gathered at the Bethesda Marriott Suites hotel to celebrate Jane's extraordinary life.  Bob spoke of Jane's careers at COMSAT and INTELSAT, creating the Kinzie Farms Azalea Nursery, managing the Kinzie Backup Generator Systems as well as being a founder and Board Member of the IRAA and writing the Newsletter for almost 20 years before being overcome by cancer in December 2018.  Francis Latapie, a long-time close friend, presented a touching tribute of Jane filled with reminiscences of their friendship.

Click HERE for some pix courtesy of Ed Stoner.

10th Annual IRAA/COMARA & Intelsat Summer Picnic
Posted: 14 April 2019

  Date:  Sun., 19th May, 2019
 Time:  12:00pm – 4:00pm   

                                     Where:  Seneca Creek State Park (Buck Pavilion)

                              Cost:  IRAA members & Guests:  $15.00 ea
                                                      Non-members:  $18.00 ea

Menu:  Burgers, hot dogs, chicken, roasted vegetables, salad, and refreshments (beer/wine, soda/water)

2nd Annual IRAA/Intelsat Winter Social Gathering - Epilogue
Posted: 11 February 2019

The 2^nd Annual Winter Social was held at the home of Ati and Alan Olson on Sun., 10 Feb., 2019.  Luckily, it was not too cold and there was no snow to risk getting there with any mishap.  A total of 57 members/guests came to mingle and catch up with old friends & former colleagues from Intelsat back in the day, as well as partake in the delicious and plentiful food catered by Maggiano’s.  Guests were also treated to Ati’s delicious home-cooked baked salmon.  There was much food leftover which many guests took home in the ‘to go’ containers provided by Maggiano’s. 

Ed Stoner multi-tasked between his cool DJ self and photographer extraordinaire talents, playing some great mood music and snapping all the nice photos for the event as well as linking some photos from the old Intelsat days onto the TV.

On behalf of Peggy Slye, who could not make it due to an urgent family matter back home in Arkansas, Jon Sofranko presented a brief overview from Peggy on the legal and medical issues the IRAA has been working on since Sep., 2018.

Afterwards, Mike Mohajeri spoke kind remembrances of Jane Kinzie and enjoined everyone to hold a 30 second moment of silence in her memory.

Next, Ati Kadarmanto-Olson held the customary raffle drawings and Guess-the-Number-of-Jelly-Beans-in-the-Jar contest, and the lucky winners of the raffle drawings of $25 gift cards from Lowes, Target and Amazon winners were Larry Moon, Sheela Pinto and Liz Bell. And, the bottle of wine winners were Larry Moon’s son, Andrew/Chateau de Nages Jose Torres Rouge, 2014, who traded with Larry for his gift card, and Marica Hidalgo Brayboy/Amici Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, 2016.  The winner of the Jelly Bean count contest was Don McKenzie who won a box of chocolates to give to his wife Maryann!

Many thanks to Ati and Alan Olson for sharing their lovely home for this fun event enjoyed by everyone.  Let us know if you’d like to host next year?

2nd Annual IRAA/Intelsat Winter Social Gathering
Posted: 12 January 2019

19th Annual Meeting of the General Assembly of the Intelsat Retirees and Alumni Association 
and Social Gathering - Epilogue
Posted:  26 October 2018

This year's event was located in Virginia at the Springfield Golf and Country Club on Sunday, October 21, 2018, where it was held in 2014-2015 before moving over to Maryland at the Kenwood Golf and Country Club in 2016-2017.  There were 97 members/spouses in attendance (107 RSVPd Yes), and for the first time ever, a virtual online meeting was extended to all retirees via Zoom virtual online meeting tool with 37+ attendees participarting.  

The dramatic increase of both physical along with the virtual attendees to this year's event over last year's event (65) was due to overwhelming concern and objection to the letter retirees received from Intelsat of the plan to shift away from group health insurance with United Health Care to individual health plans through a 3rd party insurance broker, Via Benefits, for Medicare-eligible retirees using a HRA (Health Reimbursement Account) methodology.

  Joe Pelton presented an updated on the Burt Edeslon Scholrship fund after which a motion to members present was secured for approval for IRAA Board to raise funds in support of the legal activities underway and which may continue to protect the health care benefits of the retirees covered by Intelsat's Qualifying Retiree Health Care Plan.  Afterwards, the meeting adjourned, followed by our guest speaker, Larry Postol, who represented IRAA in the 2007 Court Consent Decree awarded for surviving spouse benefits to be reinstated/maintained.  Larry Postol provided an update and to answer questions from members regarding the legal activities currently underway.

Members enjoyed a dinner-buffet/cash bar set up by the Springfield Golf and Country Club, and further social gathering between former colleagues and friends. 

Click HERE for a PDF version of the PowerPoint presentation/folders to members present

Click HERE for some pix courtesy of Ed Stoner

2nd Annual IRAA/Intelsat Summer Social Gathering - Epilogue
Posted:  9 September 2018

Unlike the perfect day we had last year, yesterday's event at Ken Betaharon's home in Potomac, MD, was a cloudy, not so hot day with temps in the upper 60's and an iffy 50-50 chance of precipitation. Canopy tents and chafing buffet sets were first set up along with the drinks around 1:30pm but shortly afterwards about 2:00pm, a heavy downpour of rain ensued.  Ken kindly offered to relocate the event to his basement if everyone would be kind enough to remove their shoes so as not to muddy the light carpeting.  The chafing buffet sets, drinks and several boxes of supplies were brought into the basement in the pouring rain where everything was set up along with the catered food delivered the day before and stored in the refrigerator in Ken's garage, after which time 53 members/guests, including several current and former Intelsat staff came to enjoy the Fajita Fiesta inside. 

Catering of the delicious beef, chicken, veggie Fajitas, black beans and rice was provided by Shalom Kosher.  

Ed Stoner held a Golf Putting Contest where contestants won a ticket(s) for a chance to win a prize drawing and the lucky winners were: 8FT Putt - Rodica Samata/Set of Top Flite Golf Balls which she happily donated to Ed afterwards; 6FT Putt - Maria Fernanda Delgado/Sterling Meritage red wine; 4FT Putt - Farshid Moghimi/Woodbridge-Mondavi white wine; 2FT Putt - Rosa Liu/Marquis Tour champagne.

Next, Ati Kadarmanto-Olson and Anita Saltos held the door prize raffle drawings and the lucky winners were: Dima Samata/$25 VISA gift card; Ati Kadarmanto-Olson/$25 VISA gift card; Ed Stoner/$25 Amazon gift card; GianPiero Forcina/Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio wine; Norma Shoemaker/Miraval Rose wine; and, Fred Rieger/Ruffino Reserva Chianti Classico.  Once again, everyone had a nice time socializing and catching up with old friends and colleagues.  Many thanks to Ken for sharing his basement and to everyone who helped clean-up afterwards.

Click HERE for some pix courtesy of Ed Stoner.

19th Annual Meeting of the General Assembly of the Intelsat Retirees and Alumni Association and Social Gathering
Posted: 28 August 2018

Sunday, 21 October 2018, 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Springfield Golf and Country Club
8301 Old Keene Mill Rd.
Springfield, VA

Ballroom "A"

FROM I-495:
MIXING BOWL FROM TYSONS: Take I-495S to I-95S 57A towards Richmond. Stay to the far right. Take exit 169A-B Springfield, then 169-B Old Keene Mill Road (VA 644W), travel approx. 3.5 miles. Make left immediately after 6th light (Carrleigh Parkway) into Springfield Golf & Country Club. If you’ve passed Rolling Road, you’ve gone too far.

MIXING BOWL FROM ALEXANDRIA: Take exit 169A-B Springfield, then 169-B Old Keene Mill Road (VA 644W), travel approx. 3.5 miles. Make left immediately after 6th light (Carrleigh Parkway) into Springfield Golf & Country Club. If you’ve passed Rolling Road you’ve gone too far.

TO AVOID MIXING BOWL: Take I-495S then take Braddock Road West exit 54A, make a left on Rolling Road (VA 638S), and a left onto Old Keene Mill Road (VA 644W), the Club is on your right immediately past the Shell station.

FROM RICHMOND: Take I-95N towards Washington; take exit 169A-B Springfield, then 169B Old Keene Mill Road (VA 644W) travel approx. 3.5 miles. Make left immediately after 6th light (Carrleigh Parkway) into Springfield Golf & Country Club. If you’ve passed Rolling Road you’ve gone too far.

FROM WASHINGTON D.C. I-395: Take I-395S, towards Richmond; take exit 169A-B Springfield, then 169B Old Keene Mill Road (VA 644W) travel approx. 3.5 miles. Make left immediately after 6th light (Carrleigh Parkway) into Springfield Golf & Country Club. If you’ve passed Rolling Road you’ve gone too far.

FROM FAIRFAX COUNTY PARKWAY: 286: Take the Old Keene Mill Road exit (VA 644E), continue approx. 3.5 miles and Springfield Golf & Country Club is on the right, immediately past the Shell station. 

FROM SPRINGFIELD PARKWAY: 289: Take Rolling Road N (VA 638), right on Old Keene Mill Road (VA 644E) Springfield Golf & Country Club is on the right, immediately past the Shell station.

FROM I-66: Take I-66 to the Fairfax County Parkway 286; Take the Old Keene Mill Road exit (VA 644E), continue approx. 3.5 miles and Springfield Golf & Country Club is on the right, immediately past the Shell station.

3rd Annual IRAA/Intelsat Golf Outing
Posted:  18 August 2018

The IRAA’s 3^rd Annual Golf outing is upon us, please join us on 13 September 2018 at The Falls Road Golf Course. Cost is $ 36.00 for those persons over 60Years of age and $ 51.00 for persons under 60.  Any level of experience is welcomed.  We had a blast last year and hope that this year will be even better with lots of prizes to be won. Let’s play for bragging rights. Some of the prizes include a umbrella, golf balls, gloves and Premium golf brush set.

There is as always, a welcome bag with tees and golf balls for all players. Hope to see you there.

  If interested, please send an EMail to info@myiraa.com

2nd Annual IRAA/Intelsat Summer Social Gathering
Posted:  6 August 2018

Hope you may be in the area and available to attend this second event at Ken Betaharon's home in Potomac, MD.  Here are the details below:

Date:     Sat., 8th Sep., 2018
Time:     3:00pm - 6:00pm

Cost:     IRAA members and guests $15.00 ea. 
                               Non-members $18.00 ea.

Menu Fare - Fajita Festival catered by Shalom Kosher

Refreshments:  Wine, beer, soft drinks and water

There will be fun games and prizes along with a raffle drawings

Payment may be mailed by check payable to:

Intelsat Retirees and Alumni Association

c/o Satpal Chhabra
P.O. Box 40027
Washington, DC 20016-0027

*** RSVP/Payment must be rcvd not later than Sun., 2nd Sep. ***

Alternatively, you may make payment by credit card via our website:

URL:  www.myiraa.com

- Click on Pay Dues & Other Payments
- Click on Click to Pay
- Enter new Amount-to-Pay: (override $20.00 with new amount to pay)
- Click on Enter New Amount-to-Pay
   Note:  Amount to pay is:  will change from $20.00 default to new amount
- Click on Begin Payment Process via PayPal

/////  If you are interested in attending this event, pls kindly remit payment by the
       deadline date of Sun., 2nd Sep., and EMail us your RSVP at:  info@myiraa.com.  After we
       we rcv your payment and EMail RSVP, we will EMail you the address of the event /////

9th Annual IRAA/COMARA & Intelsat Summer Picnic - Epilogue
Posted: 21 May 2018

After a dreary week of rain and coolish temperatures thru Saturday, causing much anxiety about the expected weather for yesterday's event, the clouds gave away to bright sunshine and warmer temperatures for the picnic where 69 persons were in attendance out of 79 who RSVPd coming:  57 IRAA, 3 Intelsat, 7 COMARA, and 2 former Intelsat.  Once again, everyone had a fun time enjoying the warm camaraderie between friends and former colleagues from COMARA, IRAA, current/former Intelsat staff who reconnected and reminisced with each other. 

As has been customary, the menu fare consisted of the popular and delicious Crisp n Juicy chicken, along with lots of roasted vegetables and our own grilled Bubba burgers (some with Todd's Dirt, a gourmet seasoning made up with 14 spices/herbs), chipotle black bean burgers and hot dogs.  An unexpected delight were the many delicious, homemade cupcakes brought by Linda Marlow. 

For entertainment, Ed Stoner provided his usual, cool DJ music and displayed on a projector screen lots of pictures from Intelsat events many years ago, as well as taking all of the pictures you can see on the link below.  A special thanks to Cindy Liu and John Chan for helping with logistics in getting stuff to and from Seneca Creek, and to John for his chief Grill Master support.  And, many thanks to Martin and Pamela Brown for taking away a bag of trash as has been customary for past events.  Also, to Rosa and Roland Liu for taking away 1 bag, and to Leonida Vista for taking away two bags of trash.

This year the Social Committee held the raffle drawings with a twist:  Winner of first drawing was Linda Marlow who picked 1 of 6 bags of with a bottle of Porta Cima Cabernet Sauvignon red wine.  Winner of second drawing was Angela Kummel who stole Linda's wine.  Linda then picked another bag with a $25 Amazon gift card.  Winner of third drawing was Bob Kinzie who stole Linda's $25 Amazon gift card.  Linda again picked another bag with a set of tea and cookies.  Winner of fourth drawing was Al Goldman who picked a bag with a large, beautiful scented candle.  Winner of fifth drawing was Simon Bennett who picked a bag with a $25 Home Depot gift card.  Final sixth drawing winner was Kul Virdee who got the last bag with a bottle of Buena Vista Carneros Chardonnay white wine. 

Click HERE for photos of the picnic courtesy of Ed.

9th Annual IRAA/COMARA & Intelsat Summer Picnic
Posted: 25 April 2018

  Date:  Sun., 20th May, 2018
Time:  12:00pm – 4:00pm   

Where:  Seneca Creek State Park (Buck Pavilion)

                            Cost:  IRAA members & Guests:  $15.00 ea
                                                         Non-members:  $18.00 ea

Menu:  Burgers, hot dogs, chicken and refreshments (beer/wine, soda/water)

IRAA/Intelsat Winter Social Gathering - Update
Posted: 15 January 2018

Due to unexpected unavailability of a member's home in Alexandria until early February, the event has been deferred until mid-March, weather permitting.  Date and details to follow soon.  Stay tuned...