Warm-blooded retiree
hosts Polar Bear Club
Some "snowbirds" flee winter to ring in the new year in a warmer climate. Retiree Program member Jim M. Sofie celebrates with an icy plunge in the waters of Lake Wanatchee near Leavenworth, Wash.

A retired BNSF yardmaster from Local 1977, Seattle, Wash., Sofie isn't alone. Accompanying him are the members of the Polar Bear Club he started in 1992, who gather each New Year's Eve on fellow Retiree Program member Ray Zufall's dock to take an invigorating dip. -- Full story.

Drug makers seek cease-fire;
vow cooperation on Medicare
Pharmaceutical industry representatives have asked the White House to cease its assault on drug prices, and delivered a promise to work with the president and Congress to establish Medicare prescription-drug coverage this year. -- Full story.

Swiss rail tour
adds more dates
With demand for tickets outstripping supply, the UTU Travelers Club has added a second set of dates for those interested in experiencing the upcoming Swiss Rail Tour -- Full story.

The Final Call
Following are the names of members of the UTU Retiree Program who have died recently, according to reports received at the UTU International Headquarters. These brothers and sisters will be sorely missed by their many friends and by fellow UTU Retiree Program members. -- Full listing.