FEDERATION NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2009

 

 

PRESIDENT’S CORNER 
 Robert Hardesty

rharde1946@aol.com

 

This is my first report to you as your new president.  I want you all to know how very honored and humbled I am to be chosen by the Federation membership to lead this organization in West Virginia.  I know that I will make mistakes, and I might not always do things the way each of you may feel is best, but I want you to know that I truly welcome comments---both positive and negative---and want you to know that I will always consider your comments or suggestions before any decision is made.  I also want to offer my sincere gratitude to John Sheely and all of the former Federation Officers who have sacrificed so much of their time and effort to make the West Virginia Federation the vibrant organization that it is.  And I also want to thank the current officers who have stepped up and offered their services to the Federation for the future service of our membership.  An organization is only as strong as its membership, and just as I am proud to be a retired Federal employee, I am also proud to represent the West Virginia Federation.   

I have two items which I would like to discuss with you.  The first is the forthcoming Referendum on NARFE dues, which is discussed by National President Margaret Baptiste in the June edition of your NARFE magazine; if you have not already read this, I urge you to do so.  Materials on this subject have been sent to each chapter, and I hope that each chapter will distribute this material to as many members as possible, as soon as possible.  This information is also available on-line at the NARFE web site.  Later in the year, all members will be given an opportunity to vote on this issue.  In fact, the August issue of your NARFE magazine will have a voter coupon next to a copy of the Referendum, so that all members will have an opportunity to vote.   

The second item I want to discuss is “NARFE Grass-Roots Advocacy Month”.  This is the new name given to the period of the Congressional recess---which this year is expected to run from August 1through September 7---during which we have traditionally been urged to visit with our Congressman and Senators to discuss issues near and dear to NARFE.  Materials on this issue have also been distributed to all chapters, and I encourage this information to be distributed to the membership as soon as possible.  This information is also available on-line in the legislative section of the NARFE web site.  With the current economic crisis facing this nation, federal retiree benefits are a tempting target for those who are looking for costs to trim.  In past years, particularly during the Reagan and first Bush administrations, the delayed or canceled cost-of living (COLA) benefits denied federal retirees has resulted in a loss of $50 billion over the years to those retirees, while Social Security beneficiaries went unscathed.  We want to emphasize those items which are high on our agenda, such as the repeal of WEP and GPO, as well as Premium Conversion, and by our presence make it known to our Congresspersons and Senators that we are active, voting constituents.  Because there are often more than one chapter within an area served by your individual representative’s offices, it is encouraged that more than one chapter be represented during these visits.  Moreover, in West Virginia, we have a unique opportunity to make our involvement known.  Senator Rockefeller is a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and his committee will be dealing with a number of issues concerning the economic stimulus program.  It is most important to make sure that our issue, particularly Premium Conversion, be discussed in the next few weeks before Congress adjourns for their summer recess.  Therefore, start now to ask Senator Rockefeller to urge Senator Max Baucus, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, to make certain that Premium Conversion, health care reform, WEP, and GPO are all put on the agenda as soon as possible.  In addition to making your contacts and visits to your Congresspersons and Senators, I ask that each chapter notify your respective District Vice Presidents of your efforts, and that they in turn report those activities to me.

 

 

1^st VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT  (Membership)  ANNA BOGGS

NARFE IS OUR ORGANIZATION 

"WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE"

Everyone has talents.  What is your talent and how can you help?  The larger our membership, the louder our voice on Capitol Hill.

Do you feel you need training on Volunteer Recruitment?  Discuss this at your chapter meeting and let your president know.

Remember the cost of membership is only approximately 11 cents per day.  With all the benefits you receive, this is a very small price to pay.  Don't you feel all the active and retired federal employees should know what they are missing?

SOME BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

     1.  Lobbying of Congress conducted by our Legislative Department.  NARFE has 4 highly qualified Lobbyists and 2 Legislative Specialists who work on their behalf.  Personal Lobbyists cost approximately $50,000 - $75,000/month or more.

     2.  Services of our Retirement Benefits Service Department and Service Officers.  These contact our Office of Personnel Management on members' behalf.  Service Officers are available during the most trying times of our life (death).   This service is free of charge to NARFE members.

     3.  Publish Popular NARFE Magazine with the invaluable Q&A, Live Well & Managing Money Sections, etc.  (This is worth the membership dues.)

     4.  Number of partners who save members money with travel expenses, moving expenses, hearing aids, insurance, etc.  NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union.

     5.  Continual support of Alzheimer's Research.

     6.  Scholarship Program - Benefits members' children and grandchildren.

     7.  NARFE Disaster Program assists members who have experienced a loss during a national disaster.

Lets everyone become involved and bring our membership back.

Anna Boggs

1st Vice President

Membership   

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________  

 

2^nd VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

WAYNE F. MITCHELL, 2^nd VP LEGISLATIVE

 

     1.  Grassroots Advocacy Material was sent to all five (5) District VP's to assist them in supporting their Chapters through the summer.

 

     2.  July 8, I met with the Charleston Chapter and Ann Barth from Senator Byrd's office to discuss NARFE objectives.  Ann joined the Charleston Chapter as a member.

 

     3.  On August 6, I endorsed and e-mailed a letter to The Honorable Robert C. Byrd asking his support of Senator Collins' Amendment #1523 to 1390.  I urged him to include the Senate Federal Re-employment annuitant and House Civil Service reform provision in the FY 2010 NDAA Conference Agreement.  This e-mail was also sent to all five (5) District Vice Presidents to aid their Chapters in contacting the Honorable Robert C. Byrd.

 

     4.  I have scheduled a meeting with Representative Nick Rahall for September 1 at his Home Office in Beckley, WV.

 

     5.  I am trying to schedule a meeting with Senator John D. Rockefeller IV in his Beckley, WV, office to discuss NARFE objectives.

 

WAYNE F. MITCHELL, 2nd

 VP LEGISLATIVE

wmitchel2002@yahoo.com

 

_____________________________________________________________
 

SECRETARY’S REPORT 

jennyhonaker@gmail.com email and 304-522-6136 or 304-208-1260 telephone contact.

___________________________________________________________________________

TREASURER’S FINANCIAL REPORT

AUGUST 20, 2009

Beginning Balance:              $7,459.13

     Receipts                           2,447.92

     Disbursements                 4,961.15

Closing Balance:                  $4,945.90

 

Submitted by Shirley Campbell, Treasurer

Sjcampbell2001@aol.com

_________________________________________________________________

 JOHN SHEELY

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

 

I hope I'm not duplicating Bob Hardesty's newsletter item, but if I am, you can see the importance of the issue.  Each Chapter Secretary should have  received a ballot for voting on the NARFE Dues Referendum.  Each chapter should have voted on this issue and mailed the ballot back to headquarters long before the December 8, 2009, cutoff date.

 

There is a sample ballot and instructions on Pages 42 - 43 of the August 2009 NARFE magazine.  In the same issue on Page 36 is a coupon to be used by individual members to let their chapter president know whether they are for or against the referendum.

 

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the referendum.  It's also important to emphasize this is the only way "every" NARFE member and every chapter can have a say.  If a member cannot make the meeting when their chapter is scheduled to vote, they can still vote by using the coupon mentioned above.

 

Once the voting is complete, each chapter will split their vote on the Referendum Ballot, for or against, based on the number of delegates they have (one vote for every 50 members or fraction thereof - see instructions mentioned above).

 

This is a very controversial issue and I personally feel our National Executive Board did the right thing in approving this referendum.  I hope all NARFE members take the time to make their voices heard.  In so doing, this will only help make NARFE a stronger organization.

 

John L. Sheely

wvskibum@aol.com

  ___________________________________________________________________________________________  

ALZHEIMER CHAIR’S REPORT

August 20, 2009

Since my last report in May 2009, donations from the NARFE Chapters of the West Virginia Federation amounted to $211. This is a fairly slow start compared to the past couple of years.  It would be wonderful if we could again have 100% Chapter participation.  In addition, I challenge each Chapter to donate 10% more than their total last year.

If any Chapter needs more envelopes, please let me know.  Even if your donation is a small amount, please send it in at least once every three months.  If you need help or literature, let me know.  My phone number is 304-258-3021 and my e-mail is clara.weston@hughes.net

My e-mail may change in the next month or so, and if it does I'll contact the Alzheimer's chair in each Chapter and let the Federation Officers know as well.

It would be helpful if the District VPs could share this information with their Chapters, as I have not done a report and mailing to the Chapters this time.

                Respectfully submitted,

                 Clara J. Weston, Alzheimer's Research Chair

_________________________________________________________________________________________

DISTRICT I VICE PRESIDENT

Don Summers

 

I attended the Fairmont Chapter meeting in June (Chapter 1023).  Attendance at the meeting was good.  We reviewed the proposed single dues.  Judy and I also reported on the Convention.

 

The Morgantown Chapter 1614 has gained some new members.  it now stands at 146.  There were 23 people at the August meeting.  A record attendance for a long time.  The guest speaker was J. R. Scott, County Extension Agent, who spoke on their activities and disposal of hazardous waste materials.

 

Submitted by Don Summers

d_gsummers@frontiernet.net

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

DISTRICT II VICE PRESIDENT

DAVID R. NICHOLSON 

Chapter 0174 Parkersburg

Attended monthly meeting on June 23, 2009, at the Mountaineer Family Restaurant located at 4006 Seventh Street, Parkersburg, WV 26104.  This will be the Chapter's permanent meeting place.  Discussed NARFE dues and the advantage of one set of dues.

 

Chapter has a monthly luncheon meeting with a speaker.

 

Alzheimer's Chair would like to have the raffle tickets earlier in the year in order to sell more.

 

I encouraged members to recruit new members.

 

*****

Central WV Chapter 1579 (Clarksburg)

I attend all meetings of Chapter since I am the president.  Chapter continues to have a luncheon meeting with a speaker.

 

Eight members, including myself, met with Carol Wallace of Senator Byrd's mobile office on June 22, 2009, at the Harrison County Senior Center.

 

Discussion was held on Senate Bill 491 regarding Premium Conversion and Senate Bill 484 supporting Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).  We asked for Senator Byrd's support in these two bills and to work for their passage.  We also asked for the Senator to urge Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus to include SB 491 in the Comprehensive Health Care Reform legislation.

 

We mentioned that WV has 16,424 Federal Annuitants with a monthly income of $32,785.00, which is an average of $1,966 per annuitant.

 

NARFE dues have been discussed at each meeting and information has been passed out to members attending meetings.

 

*****

Chapter 2287 Tygart Valley (Elkins)

Attended monthly meeting of the Chapter at the Randolph County Senior Center.  Three members were present.

 

Discussed NARFE dues and the advantages of one set of dues.

 

Encouraged member to  recruit new members.

 

It was reported that Secretary/Treasurer Harry Mahoney was trying to contact the Federal Forest Service in Elkins about recruiting members.

*****

 

I have prepared letters addressed to each Senator and Representative asking them to urge the Senate Finance Chairman and the House Ways and Means Committee to include SB 491 and HB 1203 in the comprehensive health care reform legislation their committees are considering.  The letters have been given out to each Chapter asking members to send them to their legislators.

 

I have passed out to each Chapter the names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of each congressional legislator along with instructions on how to get on the NARFE web site.  Members have been encouraged to e-mail legislators regarding Premium Conversion, GPO, and WEP. 

 

David Nicholson, District II V.P.

Dnicholson1@cebridge.net

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

DISTRICT III – Vice President’s Report: 

 

The Huntington Chapter 0171 meeting was held August 12, 2009.  The guest speaker was Eric M. Lambert, R.Ph., Director of Pharmacy, Fruth Pharmacy.  His message was to "Aspire to Live Better With Age".  Newly elected Federation President Robert Hardesty discussed the NARFE issues before Congress and also the National NARFE dues structure.  He reported on the current status of future WV State Income Tax Legislation and he will keep the membership informed.  The Huntington Chapter will have a picnic on September 9th at the Barboursville Park.

*****

 

Thursday, August 27th, Charleston Chapter 0166 visited with Congresswoman Capito.  Our spokesman President Hardesty led the NARFE discussion about social security, medical, and health concerns.  Chapter members attending were Shirley Campbell, Kathy Tolbert, Anna Boggs, and Rita Smith.  The Charleston Chapter will participate in the Kanawha County Fair, September 10-13 to promote NARFE Grassroots Advocacy Month in this area.  West Virginia will be participating in a Training Session in North Carolina in September.  Federation President Hardesty, Anna Boggs, Jane Lambert, and Wayne Mitchell will be presenters.

*****

 

Pt. Pleasant Chapter 2252 enjoyed an August summer picnic at the Mason County Library.  The September monthly meeting will be held on the 17th at the Mason County Library.  They have planned a noon picnic with entertainment from the Dulcimer Players.

 

Submitted by Rita Smith

ritasmith23@suddenlink.net

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

DISTRICT IV Vice President's Report:

Darrell Sigmon

dsigmon@wildblue.net

 

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

DISTRICT V Vice President’s Report

Dan Duckwall

duckwall@verizon.net

 

11 June 2009:  Attended Chapter 2288 Potomac Highland (Keyser) meeting.  This Chapter's membership consists of members from Hampshire, Mineral, Grand and Hardy Counties.  Discussed the NARFE dues referendum explaining how National supports this and feels it will be a positive in maintaining membership.  Also discussed how to get new members and ways to retain current members.  The Chapter President stated they have four prospective new members.

 

16 June 2009:  Attended Chapter 2263 Morgan County meeting held at Cacapon State Park Lodge.  The speaker for the meeting was the Chairperson for the Pass Program in Morgan County.  Also discussed the NARFE dues referendum with Chapter members.  Stressed the importance of contacting our Legislative representatives in support of NARFE objectives.

 

30 July 2009:  In reference to NARFE Advocacy Month, I contacted the offices of Senator Robert C. Byrd, Senator Jay Rockefeller, and Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito.  I was advised that none of the three individuals would be in their Martinsburg Offices during their August Legislative break.  However, we did get appointments with Senator Rockefeller's representative Kathleen Stotler on 11 August at 9:00 a.m. and Congresswoman Capito's representative Chris Stovel on 11 August at 11:00 a.m.  The individuals who attended these two meetings were:  John Sheely, President of Chapter 1236, Eastern Panhandle (Martinsburg) and Past Federation President; Paul Burke, President of Chapter 2250, Jefferson County (Charles Town); Clara Weston, President of Chapter 2263, Morgan County (Berkeley Springs); Phil Spriggs, Legislative Representative of Chapter 2263; Iris Jean Duckwall of Chapter 2263; and Dan Duckwall, District V Vice President.  The discussions were very well received.  The main topics discussed were:  Premium Conversion, Government Pension Offset (GPO), Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), Retirement Equity for Federal Civilian Workers and Retirees, and Preservation of the Benefits we have worked for and paid for.

 

When I contacted Senator Byrd's Martinsburg office, I was advised that all the scheduling had to be done through his Washington, D.C., office.  I was advised to contact his D.C. office by e-mail and they would schedule the appointment.  This was done on the 30th of July.  As of today, I have received no response.

 

18 August 2009

DAN DUCKWALL, DISTRICT V VICE PRESIDENT

duckwall@verizon.net

_________________________________________________________________________

 

On Monday, 31 August, 2009, John Sheely, President of Chapter 1236; Phil Spriggs, Chapter 2263; Jean Duckwall, Chapter 2263; and Dan Duckwall, District V V.P. met with Keith McIntosh, Project Assistant to Senator Robert C. Byrd at the Senator's Martinsburg office.  The meeting lasted approximately one hour with the following items being discussed: 

 

Premium Conversion

Protection of Earned Retirement and Health Care Benefits

Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)

Government Pension Offset (GPO)

Federal Re-employed Annuitant

 

We also discussed  "A Message From The National President", Margaret Baptiste's article entitled Spreading The Word in the September issue of the NARFE magazine.  Mr. McIntosh was very interested in this since he is also a FERS employee.  We also presented him with an application to join NARFE.

 

Everyone felt this was a very productive and very receptive meeting.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________

 

PR OFFICER

 V. Jane Lambert 

 

What have you done to promote NARFE during the past quarter?  Don't leave it up to others to let Federal Employees and Retirees know about NARFE.  Each member has a duty to tell others about this organization.

 

I attended the Lincoln County Health Fair to assist with the Alzheimer's exhibit table, and took the opportunity to display the NARFE poster and magazine.

 

NARFE sent me five magazines which were distributed to doctor's offices, and one to the Milton library.

 

In addition, I accompanied President Robert Hardesty, 2nd V.P. Wayne Mitchell and Lois Mitchell to Congressman Nick Rahall's office in Beckley, WV, on September 1, 2009.

The Huntington Chapter 0171 participated in two retirement seminars at the Huntington District Corps of Engineers.  NARFE magazines and material, together with membership applications, were distributed.  Thanks for the assistance provided by Dwight Smith (past President of Chapter 0171) for his help with the Corps' retirement seminars.

I encourage all chapters to obtain the e-mail addresses of members to provide for the dissemination of information in a timely manner.  The updating of information on the WV Federation website (wvnarfe.com) will provide members with current information about events both past and upcoming for each chapter.

Each chapter PR officer should be familiar with the website for the WV Federation of Chapters, and provide timely updates to the information shown thereon.  The internet is our picture to the world, and the information shown about NARFE is viewed by hundreds or even thousands of people.  What image are we projecting?

Please let me have your suggestions for making the Newsletter a beneficial publication for NARFE members.

V. Jane Lambert

304-743-3719

vjane.lambert@gmail.com

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