Three men are basically responsible for starting the organization that became the SAGES. Nine retirees of McDonnell got together for breakfast one day and decided to meet once a month. Among these nine were Ray Bassen, Monty Monachella and Art DeRousse. At a breakfast meeting in February 1981, 24 retirees attended and Ray, Monty and Art took it upon themselves to organize a club. At a June meeting, with 140 in attendance, the nominating committee nominated Monty for President, Art for Vice-President and Ray for Treasurer. These three men became the first officers. The first Board appointed by the President consisted of Claude Wiese, Herman Barkey, Russ Berg, Ed Pohl and Dick Heydt. Dick Heydt resigned shortly thereafter and Larry Fitch was appointed to take his place. The above information came from the book "THE STORY OF THE MDC SAGES RETIREE CLUB---THE MEMBERS AND THEIR MEMORIES" as complied by Paul Rafter SAGES Historian. The purpose of this organization is to increase the popularity of our common interests. We hope to add new members so we will be able to grow and expand. We also want to have fun when we are together and working on projects. By developing relationships and friendships, the organization will become even stronger.