Annual Improvement Increases

Mr. Lewis' message to the employees, which usually appears in this space, is replaced this month by information on the Annual Improvement Increase, which was announced in his letter sent to vour homes on Mav 10

During the past year all of us at Argus have been participating in the continued effort to improve our methods of operation. This improvement depends upon technological progress; better tools, methods, processes and equipment; and a cooperative attitude on the part of all. As a result of our improved operations we all share in a better Standard of living. The annual improvement increase, which was established at Argus several years ago, is designed to reward Argus employees for their cooperation in this mutual effort. This increase is also part of the constant effort to maintain company wage scales at a level equal to, or better than, the área rates paid for comparable work. The annual improvement increases beginning with the first pay periods in June, 1956 and June, 1957 will be based on the following tables: Non-Incentive Hourly Paid Employees Straight Time Hourly Wage Rate Excluding Annual Improvement Flexible Cost of Living Factor Increase Less than $2. 60 6L per hour $2. 60 - $2. 99 7L per hour $3. 00 - $3. 39 8? per hour Incentive Hourly Paid Employees Incentive Base Rate Excluding Flexible Annual Improvement Cost of Living Factor Increase Less than $1.74 5L per hour $1.74 - $2.00 6? per hour $2. 00 - $2. 26 7? per hour The annual improvement increase schedule is based upon a minute performance level. This means that when an incentive employee is working at a 75-minute pace, he will receive thesame annual improvement increase (the rates are rounded off to the next highest penny) as the nonincentive employee in the same pay grade. Salaried Employees Monthly Salary Increase Per Month Less than $400 $10. 50 $400 - $500 $12. 50 Over $500 $15. 00

You Asked Andy

Tm really looking forward to Family Night this year- 25th anniversary and all. I'm bringing the whole family. Hope you'll be there! Smoking Regulation in Department 31 "Some time ago the girls in Department 31, Cleaning, asked Mr. Lewis about our being able to smoke cigarettes in her e. To date we have never had an answer. Personally we (the girls) see no reason why we cannot. We have no gas or naphtha. Please answer in the next issue. Thank you. " This question was discussed with department supervisión shortly after Mr. Lewis was asked about smoking privileges in Department 31. The matter was given consideration by the facto ry management also. However, for cleanliness reasons it was feit that permission to smoke in that area would not be desirable. As many of you probably recall, an investigation of cleanliness in our optical departments was conducted and it was the recommendation at that time that smoking be discontinued in the glass cleaning areas.

Grimston Represents County In N. Y. Muscular Distrophy Conference

Jack Grimston, Inventory Control, represented the Washtenaw County chapter of the Muscular Distrophy Association of America at its annual campaign conference last month. The conference was held at the Hotel New Yorker in New York City. Plans were made for the Muscular Distrophy Campaign, which will be launched during Thanksgiving week.

About The Cover

The cover photo this month was taken by Eddie Girvan at the recent Argus teen-agers' dance. Eddie took the picture with a C-4.

Dan Schurz Named Sales Promotion Manager

Argusite Dan Schurz has been named Sales Promotion Manager. The Sales Promotion Department is responsible for all point-of-sale material, displays, packaging, and advertising brochures. Dan, who carne to Argus in 1948, was an Argus salesman and then a Regional Sales Manager until January of 1955 when he returned to the home office. Our sincere sympathy is extended to Raymond Buss whose daughter Deborah Kay died March 31. Ray works in Maintenance.

The New Argus Insurance Plan

The revisión of our Group Insurance Plan at Argus to include Medical Expense Insurance (extended coverage) is another of the ways in which Argus indicates its constant interest in improving and increasing employee benefits. Published below are questions and answers concerning our insurance, under the basic plan and the new extended coverage, which are intended to clear up any questions which employees may have. Joyce Schlicht, Personnel Services, (see photo at right) will be happy to supply any further information regar ding insurance.

Q. If I go to a hospital, what does my insurance pay? A. Your insurance is handled as it always has been. If you were at work April 1 and signed under the new plan your basic plan pays: $17 per day for 120 days. Up to $340 maximum for special services. Up to $250 maximum for surgery according to the schedule for surgical operations (which can be found in your insurance booklet and more fully in your insurance policy). $4 per day up to a maximum of $250 for in hospital physician's attendance. Q. If my dependents go to the hospital, what does my insurance pay? A. The same benefits are paid to your dependents. For example, if you or your dependent is hospitalized and you are billed: 20 days at $17 = $340 Special Services = 250 Appendectomy = 125 f7T5 The total bill of $715 will be paid in f uil. Q. I understand that if my hospital and doctor bilis exceed the amount of my basic plan I can be reimbursed for 75% of the excess charges after I have paid $100 of those excess charges. How does that work? A. Take this example: You are billed: Your basic plan pays: Excess 20 days at $23 = $ 460 20 days at $17 ="$340 $120 Special Services = 500 Special Services = 340 160 Appendectomy = 200 Appendectomy = 125 75 IÏ2ÏÖ $805 35 The basic plan pays $805. Under the old plan you would have had to pay a balance of $355. Under the new medical insurance (extended coverage) you pay the first $100 of the $355, leaving a balance of $255. The new plan pays 75% of the $255, which is $191.25. Excess charge $355. 00 You pay 100.00 Therefore, instead of the $355 Balance $255.00 you would pay under the old plan, Insurance pays 75% you pay only a total of $163.75. of balance ($255) 191.25 You pay $ 63 75 Q. Now a question on extended medical coverage. We are told that when we have an illness and are not hospitalized, we can qualify for insurance payments. How is that? A. Yes, insurance benefits are available when you or your dependents are ill and not hospitalized. First you pay the first $100 of incurred expense and then 75% of the further expense incurred in a medical expense period is paid by your insurance. Example: Suppose you are confined at home under a doctorTs care with an illness (pneumonia, for example). Your insurance works this way: Under our medical insurance plan Doctor f ees = $200 (extended coverage) you pay $100, Drugs = 150 leaving a balance of $350. 75% of Nurse = 100 $350, $262. 50, is paid by insurance. $450 Of the total bill of $450, then, you

pay a total of $187.50. The insurance pays $262. 50. Total Bill $450.00 You pay 100.00 Balance $350. 00 Insurance pays 75% ... 262. 50 You pay $ 87.50 Under the oíd policy no insurance was paid. Q. If I am not hospitalized and incur total expenses of say $85 for X-rays and other items, will I receive payment? A. No. Until you have paid $100 in a medical expense period, no insurance is paid. Q. What is a medical expense period? A. A medical expense period for sickness or injury begins with the first day you are under the care of a physician or surgeon. It continúes to the earliest of the following dates: 1. The date of full recovery f rom the sickness or injury. 2. The date when no medical care has been received and no medical expenses have been incurred for a period of two months. 3. The date 12 months following the date of commencement of the medical expense period. Q. Then I must have incurred medical bilis to exceed $100 in a base period to qualify for extended coverage? A. Yes, and those expenses must be incurred under the care of a physician or surgeon. Q. Will the new policy pay for a complete physical exam at the hospital even when one is not seriously sick? A. No, unless advised by a physician and the charge exceeds $100. However, if the physical exam is advised by a physician and it leads to further medical expense in the medical expense period the charge for the exam would become a part of the expense incurred. Q. What evidence is necessary from the drug store to collect insurance for extended medical insurance? A. An itemized copyof the individual insured's account must be submitted. There must be an accurate billing of the individuars account. It might be advisable to set up two accounts at the drug store-one for the individual, one for the family. This would eliminate any confusión in expenses. Int e rest ing examples of insurance benefits paid to Argus employees will "be published from time to time in future issues of Argus Eyes.

Argusites Enjoy Rec Club Dance At Legion

Planetarium, Argus Gift, Is Installed In High School

Argus' gift of a planetarium (see picture at right) is one of the many excellent facilities to be found in the new Ann Arbor High School, which had its dedication program on April 15. The planetarium, aside f rom giving Ann Arbor students an opportunity to study astronomy, makes Ann Arbor High the only high school in the country to possess its own planetarium. Ann Arbor High School physical science and senior science classes will meet in the planetarium during their study of astronomy. lts facilities will be used for lectures and discussions by elementary science groups. The University of Michigan has requested permission to use the planetarium and the high school plans also to sponsor public lectures.

Argus Teen-age Group Gathers For First Dance

Shown above are the newly elected officers of the Argus teenage group.

Congratulations! On Your Argus Anniversary

NOT PICTUKED: Arm Andrews, Camera Assembly - 5 years; Harry Henry, Tool Eoom - 5 years; EXmer Khox, Military Leave - 5 years.

Argus Camera Club Merges With Ann Arbor Club

President, Ann Arbor Camera Club At a meeting on April 30 the Argus Camera Club revoked its constitution and by-laws and voted to merge its members into the Ann Arbor Camera Club. This is a community camera club which was organized on January 16, 1956. With the addition of the Argus Camera Club, the Ann Arbor Camera Club will have a membership of over 90. The merging of the two groups will solve several problems which were present in the Argus club. The fact that membership was limited to employees only meant that the number

of members was relatively small and poor attendance made program and activity scheduling difficult. A larger group will be able to secure more interesting programs and to benefit from wider experience. In the past the Company has allowed the Argus group the use of the darkroom and those members of the Ann Arbor Camera Club who are Argus employees will still have this privilege. There will be a governing body within the plant for these employee members and an Argus card will be issued to them. The Ann Arbor Camera Club has planned print competitions for next year and programs are now being scheduled. The first Camera Club

Bulletin has been published and sent to all members. The Ann Arbor Camera Club is a member of the Photographic Society of America and the Greater Detroit Camera Club Council. The club meets in the Argus cafeteria on the third Tuesday of the month. The assignment for the May 15 meeting was pictures taken outdoors at night in both black and white and color. Membership dues are $5 per year or $7.50 for a husband-and-wife membership. Field trips, picnics, shooting sessions, and lectures are among our plans for the coming year. Why don't you join us now? Membership application blanks may be secured f rom me.

Michigan Week To Begin May 20

Michigan' s advantages as a state in which to live, work and play will be emphasized for the third consecutive year with the observance of the wide celebration, Michigan Week, May 20-26. Russel Swaney, Michigan Week general chairman, describes the program as a ftgrass roots" one. Says Mr. Swaney, MIts objective is to awaken our people to the past, present and challenging future of our great State for the purpose of building an ever greater Michigan. . . " Program for the week is based upon the designation of seven special days starting with Sunday, May 20 as Spiritual Foundations Day. Other days are designated as follows: Monday, Exchange; Tuesday, Hospitality; Wednesday, Livelihood; Thursday, Education; Friday, Heritage; Saturday, New Frontiers. Michigan Week, which attracts wide-scale participation, from Governor G. Mennen Williams down to the first graders, is essentially a volunteer effort. More than 450 Michigan citizens are serving on many wide committees. Together, with the county and local organization, the total number of volunteers is approximately 3,000. The spirit, then, of Michigan Week can be summed up with this year!s Michigan Week Slogan: "Itfs Great to Live in Michigan!"

Donna Gilbert, Sales, was wed April 1 to Garrett Bakker of Ann Arbor. The wedding took place in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. Irma Varner Thibodeau, Sales was a bridesmaid. Delight Bowerman, Advertising, poured punch and Lois Niles (formerly at the switchboard) cut the wedding cake. The Bakkers honeymooned in the Smoky Mountains and are now living in Ann Arbor.

A son, Gary Leonard, was born March 29 to Ron Talbot, Projector Assembly. Gary weighed in at 61bs. , 6 oz.

Argus salesman Bob Cox has a daughter Barbara Jean. She was born April 13, weighing 6 lbs., 7 oz. Bob Wilson of the Canada office has an 8 lb. , 10 oz. girl, Christine Marie, born April 28.

Sports Review

With the completion of the bowling season, we find the Argus Q.C. team holding their top position; Thirsty-Five, second; and Tool Room, third. The Argus Q.C. fs proved themselves champs by defeating the strong ThirstyFive team two out of three games. With this being the last chance to get on the Honor Roll, the following made the grade: Mei Bahnmiller, 237; Fred Alchin, 235; Joe Jaroszyk, 232; and William Fraser, 223. Although John Kendrovics was not a regular member in the Men's League, it should be mentioned that he bowled 616 as a sub. The Banquet was held at the Moose Lodge on May 1. Torn Spitler's opening speech put the fellows in a happy frame of mind to receive the prize money, which was handed out by Jim Brinkerhoff. Special prizes were awarded to the following: Highest average for the season: Chuck McClune - 178 High single game (actual): Jim Fraser - 247 High single game (handicap): John Sartori - 235 24 259 High 3-game series (actual): Les Schwanbeck - 617 High 3-game series (handicap): Don Zemke - 611 49 659 Raising the average the most since the middle of the season: Chuck Renner The officers elected for the coming year were: President, Jim Fraser; Vice President, Ed Selent; and Secretary-Treasurer, Jesse Cope. Final standings of the 1955-56 season: 1. Argus Q.C. - Champs 9. Tabs 2. Thirsty-Five 10. Ten Pins 3. Tool Room 11. Five K's 4. Green Hornets 12. M & S 5. Strippers 13. Optical Assembly 6. Hi-Lo 14. Scrubs 7# Five 15. Atomic Five 8. New Products 16. Service Women's League The women's Banquet was held April 20 at the Elks Club. It was reported that they had a very successful year and they plan to have a league this coming season. All those who did not bowl in this league last year and would like to bowl this coming year, please contact one of the following newly elected officers: President: June Osborne Secretary: Terry Scheetz Vice President: Rachel Rodriguez Sergeant at Arms: Elizabeth Treasurer: Thelma Burke Clapham Final standings of the 1955-56 season: 1. Ten Pins - Champs 4. The Mailers 2. Argusettes 5. Arborites 3. Lucky Strikes 6. Strugglin' Five Night Shift League The Banquet was held at the Farm Cupboard. A good time was had by all bowlers; not a person left the table hungry. Final standings of the 1955-56 season: 1. Pinheads - Champs 3. Four Roses 2. Dixie Five 4. Strike Outs

GOLF Due to the weather, the start of the League was postponed one week and the first week of play was May 8. The League is made up of three groups or leagues: Tuesday at 5:00 and Wednesday at 3:30 and 5:00. The Golf Outing has been planned for June 2 at Lakeiand Golf Course. LetTs keep this date in mind and all turn out for this big day.

Two Argusites Bowl On Top Huron Lanes Team

Congratulations to Wilma Hague, Production Planning; and Wilma Simmons, Personnel, who were two of the members of the first-place team in the Hurón Lañes Women's Bowling League this season. The girls each received trophies and arm plaques.

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Women Bowlers Finish Season With Banquet

Argus Eyes

Published monthly for the employees of Argus Cameras, Inc. and their families. Editor - Millie Haynie REPORTERS: Machine Shop - DOROTHY LIXEY, Camera Assembly - RUTH O' HARE, Purchasing - DOLORES HELZERMAN, Lens Processing - BETTY SHATTUCK, Maintenance - EMIL JOHNSON, Optical Assembly-Inspection JEAN FITZGERALD, Engineering - JIM MELDRUM, Standards - VIRGINIA BIRNEY, Production Planning - PATT DUCHARME, Tool Room - BILL FIKE, Shipping - HILDA WHITE, Accounting - BEULAH NEWMAN, Service - TOM KENTES, Suggestion Office - ART PARKER, Jr. , Govt. Opt. Assembly - THRESSEL CONLEY, Sales - IRMA VARNER, State Street Warehouse - BOB MILLER, Paint Shop - RON ARNST, Night Shift - GEORGE NAVARRE and LEO WIEDERHOFT. Feature writers: Robert Lewis, Andy Argus, Don Crump Photoprinting: Jan Gala

Argus Cameras, Inc.

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Men Enjoy "last Fling" Of The Bowling Season

The men's day-shift league showed up in top shape for the last regular bowling session of the season. Rivalries, both public and private, were decided once and for all for the 1955-56 season. Pictured at left are the champs of the league, the first-place Argus Q.C. 's. They are, left to right, Don Crump, Jesse Cope, Jan Gala, Chuck McClune, and John Kenne. The pictures below are studies in technique, style, and effort, as Argus bowlers come to the end of a hard-fought season. (Photos by Eddie Girvan.)