Announcements
Fiesta Brick Masters, April 30
The Brick Masters Lego building contest returns for Fiesta week for an in-person event at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, in the Slick Café during lunch! We will have door prizes, and giveaways for anyone who attends. Spots are limited. Sign up here. Contact Carlos Sanchez, ext. 3663
Cable House Memorabilia
The Cable House, a three-story Victorian home that served as SwRI’s first headquarters, was demolished in 1980. The Institute Archives welcomes the return of any mementoes or memorabilia from the Cable House that staff members and retirees may have collected and would like to rehome. The items will be displayed in the Archives (Bldg. 51). Contact Anissa Garcia, 210 522 2290.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our Neighborhood Homebound Seniors Need You! Meals on Wheels Volunteer Drivers and Substitute Drivers Needed
Join the SwRI teams delivering meals to our homebound senior neighbors. Make a difference by serving as a regular driver or a substitute driver, handling routes when regular drivers cannot cover due to meetings, travel, or other conflicts. Meals on Wheels is a United Way Impact Partner (Strong Individuals and Families). Contact Deb Schmid, 210 522 2254 to volunteer.
Dress for Success San Antonio
Dress for Success San Antonio is seeking retirees who would like to volunteer to help clients with resumes, mock interviews, and professional dress. Contact Jennifer Bigler to volunteer, 210 588 7658.
Moved Recently? Changed Names? Drop Us a Note
Help us update our Retirees Database! If you have recently moved or undergone a name change, please send us an email to twhelan@swri.org or jdeimel@swri.org or fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
SwRI Fitness & Wellness
Note from Fitness Center Staff
Retirees and spouses are welcome to workout at the Fitness Center. If you do not have an account, please complete this form prior to your first workout. To access your existing account, sign in here.
For inquiries, contact us at 210 522 5100 or fitness@swri.org.
Mid-Morning Movers Group Exercise Class
The SwRI Fitness Center offers a group exercise class especially for SwRI Retirees to improve cardiovascular and muscular endurance as well as muscular strength, range of motion, and balance. This is a low to non-impact class making it safe for your active lifestyle. The class meets from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information about this and other classes, call the Fitness Center at 210 522 5100.
The SwRI Fitness & Wellness page is available to employees and retirees as an extension of the SwRI Health Improvement Program (HIP). It is designed to engage our work community and enhance everyone's wellness journey. Videos are accessible on demand. In addition to workouts, check out our posts focused on physical, emotional wellness, delicious recipes, relaxation tips and different ways to keep you connected. Share in the experience and join our private Facebook group, SwRI Fitness & Wellness. Caring for You, our Greatest Strength!
Follow us on Instagram @swri_fitnessandwellness
Happy Times Electronic
The April edition of Happy Times is now available. This month highlights Slick Adventures, Corporate Cup, Multicultural Day and more. Check out discount links and classified ads.
Send us a message and we’ll notify you when the Happy Times has been posted each month for your viewing pleasure.
Submit an ad for the Happy Times at rra@swri.org.
Happy Times has gone green! You can help save some trees and still get all of your usual news from the digital version. Send an email to rra@swri.org and put “Electronic Happy Times” in the subject line. Please be sure to include both your email and home address for verification purposes.
For inquiries, please contact Sara Kauffmann at sara.kauffmann@swri.org or 210 522 5100.
Retirements
Hector Ochoa, a principal engineering technologist in the Defense and Intelligence Solutions Division (16), is retiring April 30 following more than 42 years of service. There is no formal retirement ceremony.
Karen Wilkinson, a principal administrative coordinator in Contracts, will be retiring May 30 following 18 years of service. There is no formal ceremony.
Charlotte Williams, a principal administrative coordinator in Space Science (15), is retiring following 37 years of service. A ceremony will be held in her honor at 4 p.m. (Central) on Tuesday, May 6, in the Slick Café.
Paul D. Easley, vice president of Facilities and Services will be retiring May 30, 2025, following 44 years of dedicated service. Paul began his career at SwRI in 1981 as a buyer in the Purchasing Department. Over the years his responsibilities expanded to include management of Purchasing, Shipping and Receiving, the Slick Café, Facilities Operations and Capital Improvements, Security, and several other important services.
Remembrance
Retiree William “Bill” McGinnis, died on March 28. Bill joined the Institute December 10, 1962. He retired as a manager in the former Automation and Data Systems Division (05) on June 12, 1994. A rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Monday, April 28, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, 1715 North Zarzamora Street San Antonio, Texas 78201. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, at the Basilica with interment to follow at 1 p.m. (arrive no later than 12:45 p.m.) on Tuesday, April 29, at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78209. A Memorial Gathering will be held Tuesday following interment from 3-5 p.m. at Beethoven Mannerchor’s Halle, 422 Pereida St., San Antonio, Texas 78210. A Celebration of Life and mass will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fredericksburg, Texas. Flowers may be sent to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Pastoral Center at 824 Kentucky Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78201. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s honor to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Fredericksburg, Texas (202 S. Orange St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624 or call 830-997-3914). An obituary and guest book are available online.
Technology Today Podcast
Episode 78 - SWORD™ User-friendly Robotics Toolkit
The SwRI Workbench for Offline Robotics Development™ (SWORD™) is simplifying robotics motion planning. The user-friendly software allows developers to flow from computer aided design (CAD) to robotics management with ease. Robotics are used in manufacturing and other industries for “dull, dirty, dangerous” tasks. When designers move out of CAD for the next phase of product development, they often encounter complicated robotics software. SWORD works with CAD, allowing users to stay in a familiar software environment, making robotics more accessible and streamlining workflow.
Listen now as SwRI SWORD developers Matt Robinson and Michael Ripperger discuss SWORD capabilities, how the software fits into the production puzzle and how it could benefit businesses, consumers and patients.
Visit SWORD to learn about harnessing the power of a new robotics toolkit.
For all episodes, transcripts and photos, visit Technology Today Podcast.
Stream the Technology Today podcast on a computer or device from SwRI.org or Soundcloud. Subscribe to get this and future episodes automatically delivered to your device. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you download your podcasts.
NEW TO PODCASTS? Here's How to Listen
A podcast is essentially a radio show on the internet that you can listen to from almost anywhere. There are two options to listen: Through a website (aka streaming) or by downloading the podcast via an app so you can listen anytime, even without an internet connection.
To stream: Visit the Technology Today podcast page on our website or find the podcast on SoundCloud and click play to listen.
To download and subscribe: Get the podcast delivered to your phone or tablet each month using an app. For iPhones and iPads, use the Podcasts app already installed on your device or download the app from the App Store. In the Podcasts app, search Technology Today. For Android phones and tablets, use Google Podcasts and search Technology Today. You can also find the podcast on iTunes and Spotify. Don’t forget to hit the Subscribe button so you never miss a new episode. Your device may need to be on your cellular provider's network, rather than the SwRI network, to subscribe and download.
For more information, contact Lisa Peña at 210 522 2046.
No Social Media Account? Visit the SwRI Social Page for the Latest News
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and events on the SwRI Social page. The page includes a live feed from SwRI’s Facebook page and features YouTube videos and podcasts featuring staff members discussing SwRI, their work, or STEM in general. For more information, contact Maria Stothoff at 210 522 3305.
Upcoming Events
Slick Talkers
Slick Talkers meets every 1st and 3rd Friday from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm (Central). Meetings are hybrid - attend in person at Building 71, 1st floor conference room or online. Contact Belen Aguilar, 210 522 6820, for more information.
W5RRA RRA Amateur Radio Club
The “W5RRA” RRA Amateur Radio Club invites retirees to join club meetings on the third Tuesday of the month, noon to 1 p.m. (Central) in person at Trailer 56 (220 Avenue F) or online. Contact Mac Canales for the meeting link.
Food Bank Volunteer Dates
Contact Shane Siebenaler, 210 522 5758, with any questions.
Blood Drive Dates
Schedule your appointment at RRA Blood Drive. For questions, contact Elizabeth Branch, RRA Blood Drive Coordinator.
March 13
April 10
May 8
June 12
July 10
August 14
September 11
October 9
November 13
December 11
Slick Reads Book Club
Book Club meeting the 3rd Tuesday of each month from noon to 1:00 pm (Central).Join in from noon to 1 p.m. (Central) in the Library Reading Room (Bldg. 84) or online via Teams! Visit the Book Club page for meeting links and view a list of all the books mentioned during Open Book Months. Contact Michelia Mason.
March 18, 2025
Open Book Month
April 15, 2025
The Dallergut Dream Department Store - Miye Lee
May 20, 2025
The Mission - David W. Brown
June 24, 2025
Open Book Month
July 15, 2025
The Namesake - Jhumpa Lahiri
August 19, 2025
The Poisoner's Handbook - Deborah Blum
September 16, 2025
Open Book Month
October 21, 2025
Dracula - Bram Stoker
November 18, 2025
The Backyard Bird Chronicles - Amy Tan
December 16, 2025
Open Book Month
Insurance & Benefits Updates/Information
Retiree Benefits: Phone number: 210 522 2232 | Email: retireebenefits@swri.org
Review the 2025 RETIREE BENEFITS OPEN ENROLLMENT GUIDE for benefits information becoming effective as of January 1, 2025. The benefits information below has been organized to assist you in making your benefits elections for 2025, as well as for your use throughout the 2025 benefits plan year.
Bookmark this site on your smart phone to be able to refer to your 2025 benefits information anytime and anywhere you may carry your mobile phone.
Effective January 1, 2025
Pre-65 Medical Plans
UnitedHealthcare Choice EPO (COBRA)
Summary of Benefits and Coverage 2025 (en Español)
UnitedHealthcare Texas Premier Choice
Certificate of Coverage 2025
Summary of Benefits and Coverage 2025 (en Español)
UnitedHealthcare Texas Premier HDHP
Certificate of Coverage 2025
Summary of Benefits and Coverage 2025 (en Español)
Medicare-Age Medical Plans
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage PPO (MAPPO)
Annual Notice of Changes 2025
Evidence of Coverage 2025
Plan Guide 2025
2025 Formulary MAPPO
Renew by UnitedHealthcare
Healthy at Home
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
Get credits to spend on over-the-counter (OTC) health care products
HouseCalls
Let's Move by UnitedHealthcare
Hartford Plan F & Express Scripts
Hartford Plan F Evidence of Coverage
Hartford Schedule of Benefits
Hartford Benefit Summary
Express Scripts Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) 2025
2025 Formulary Express Scripts
Silver&Fit – www.silverandfit.com
Kaiser Medicare Advantage ANOC
Other Benefit Programs
Delta Dental
Delta Dental Online Resources
Delta Dental PPO and Premier Network
Claim Form
Evidence of Coverage
Delta Dental Highlights (COBRA Plan)
Delta Dental Highlights (Retiree Plan)
Life Perks
Member Perks
SmileWay
Legal
MetLife Legal Plan Video
Legal Plan Summary
Legal Plans Booklet
Legal FAQs
How to Use the Legal Plans
Vision
Video
VSP App (en Español)
Coordination of Benefits
Out of Network Reimbursement Form
2025 VSP Vision Care Benefits Summary (en Español)
VSP Comparison - High/Low
VSP Evidence of Coverage
2025 Essential Medical Eye Care (en Español)
2025 Exclusive Member Extras (en Español)
2025 Hearing Aid Discount Program (en Español)
Direct Purchase Plans
Member Out of Network Reimbursement Form
Regulatory Notices
TIAA Financial Services
Call 1 800 842 2252 for assistance.
Live and Pre-Recorded Webinars
TIAA’s monthly live webinars can be accessed through its interactive site making financial education easy.
- If you already have a TIAA account but haven't used the online services, verify your account and register now at https://auth.tiaa.org/public/authentication/enroll#/email
- Webinars are Located in the “TIAA Webinar Lounge”
- Click on the webinar you want to attend to sign up.
Find Tax Information
- View information for federal reporting, state reporting and withholding
- Get your Social Security Benefit Statement (SSA-1099)
- Withholding Income Tax from your Social Security Benefits
Other SSN/Medicare Resources
Useful Links
Retiree Benefits: 210 522 2232, retireebenefits@swri.org
Cafeteria Menu: 210 522 2627
Fitness Center: 210 522 5100, skauffmann@swri.org
Retirees Hotline: 210 522 4580
RRA: rra.swri.org
SwRI Weather Hotline: 210 522 5555
SwRI Web Site: swri.org
Call 210 684 5111, press 2 (Staff Directory)
Reunion Photos
| 2024 | 2022 | 2016 | 2012 |
| 2008 | 2018 | 2014 | 2010 |
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) season has kicked off, with 23 locations across San Antonio. Last year this program returned more than $70 million dollars to many of our friends and neighbors in San Antonio. VITA is available free of charge for individuals and households that earned up to $55,000 in total income last year. VITA volunteers electronically file basic federal income tax returns for families and individuals.
This program is sponsored by the City of San Antonio, United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, and Catholic Charities. For more information or to find a nearby VITA site and its business hours, tax filers can go online to www.vitasa.org or call the United Way Helpline at 2-1-1.
Special Savings
Working Advantage
Use Code: 753933502
TicketsAtWork.com
Use Code: RRA2
Land’s End
Use Code: 53933502
Sea World; Worlds of Discovery
Publications
RRA Happy Times
Read the February 2025 Happy Times.
Send us a message and we’ll notify you when the Happy Times has been posted each month for your viewing pleasure. Submit an ad for the Happy Times at rra@swri.org.
Roadrunner
Submit Roadrunner news to Tracey Whelan or call 210 522 2256.
Tech Today/Annual Report
You will receive the Technology Today and Annual Report by mail by default. If you would like to receive these online instead, email Jennifer Deimel at jdeimel@swri.org to change your subscription.
The Library
Love to Read? Interested in joining a book group? Share your thoughts with the Library!
The Slick Reads Book Club meets the third Tuesday of every month in the Library Reading Room from noon – 1:00 pm. If you’d like to join in the fun, or would like more information about this program, please contact the Library at 210 522 2125 or library@swri.org.
Slick Book Exchange
Next time you’re on campus, stop by the Thomas Baker Slick Memorial Library and visit the ‘Slick Book Exchange’ located in the Library Reading Room.
Here’s how it works: come by the library anytime Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., drop off your gently used books and exchange them for the same number of books that are new-to-you. That’s all—it’s a one-for-one swap and there’s no need to check these books out or return them unless you want to swap again.
Help build the book exchange collection by bringing in your gently used fiction, non-fiction and technical books and make sure to visit the exchange often as the selection will change frequently. For more information or questions, please contact the Library at 210 522 2125 or library@swri.org.
Contact Tracey M.S. Whelan, 210 522 2256, for questions or comments or to update your mailing address.
Or submit a comment/suggestion below.
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