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NARFE Chapter 373 CURRENT Newsletter (Nov/Dec 09)
NARFE Chapter 373, Carlisle, PA
National Active and Retired Federal Employees
Organized January 1954
http://www.narfe.org/chapter373
“ C h a p t e r C h a t t e r”
Volume IX, Issue 6, Published BI-Monthly
Editor: Carol L. Henry Nov/Dec 2009
MEETING: Our next Regular Meeting will be Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1090 Franklin Street, Carlisle, PA. Guest speaker will be Nancy Routch of Penn State Co-operative Extension Services. She will speak about nutrition, healthy eating, and other related topics. Lunch is served at 11:45 AM with the meeting starting at 12:30 PM. Remember that lunch is free and served by Chapter volunteers, so please come. If you need a ride to the meeting, contact me several days ahead of time. (Lee Fischbach)
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING: The Executive Board Meeting was held October 19, 2009 at the Bonanza Restaurant on the Walnut Bottom Road. Sixteen people attended the meeting. Discussion included:
Dues referendum vote at next Regular Meeting on 19 Nov.
No scheduled speaker for the Jan 28, 2010 Regular Meeting; instead we will have our annual Memorial Service. Board agreed to invite Mary O’Donnell, District 4 VP, to give a brief talk if available.
Next Planning meeting for 2010 PA Federation Convention will be Fri 11/20/09 10-noon at Eisenhower Hotel and Conference Center, Gettysburg. Several volunteers from our Chapter are needed to serve in Sergeant at Arms positions; also we need a member who plans to attend the convention to serve as photographer, taking photos of key activities, the Keynote speaker, other dignitaries, etc. This is a low-pressure job, and should be fun. A digital camera is required.
Bell Ringing for Salvation Army all day Fri Nov 27, 2009. Volunteers needed for two-hour periods.
Chapter Christmas Party Tue Dec 8, 2009, noon at the Penn Township Volunteer Fire Co (Gaylord Peters and wife Beverly will be our guests; Gaylord will swear in elected officers for 2010-2011 term).
Officer and Committee Reports were presented.
The next Board meeting will be December 21 at the Bonanza Restaurant on the Walnut Bottom Road. Dutch treat lunch at noon, meeting at 12:45 pm. Any member that wishes to attend is welcome. However, only elected officers and committee heads may vote on motions raised at Board meetings. (Lee Fischbach)
NARFE REGION II SYMPOSIUM: The NARFE Region II Symposium is scheduled for March 23-24, 2010. The symposium is for elected officers as well as members who have a sincere intent to serve in an officer position. The Chapter will be in dire need of officer replacements for most positions for the 2012-2013 term; this includes the position of President, both Vice Presidents, and likely most of the other Chapter officer positions. As such, it is very important that members step up over the next 2 years and begin assisting the current officers in their duties to gain experience and confidence in filling those positions in January 2012. The future of Chapter 373 depends on this. Registration forms and detailed information on the symposium will be available at the November 19 meeting.
GUEST SPEAKER: Mrs. Nancy Routch of the Penn State Co-operative Extension Service will be our guest speaker at our meeting on November 19. As we grow older, and perhaps live alone or there are just two of you, it becomes harder to make up menus and cook meals. Mrs. Routch will speak about healthy eating, especially for one, and nutrition. Hopefully, you will find her comments interesting and useful. There will be no speaker for our January meeting as that will be our annual memorial service. Please join us. (Virginia Giordano)
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER: We are fast approaching the end of the year and several important holidays. In November in America, we celebrate Veterans' Day to honor all those who have served our country and also Thanksgiving, a time not only to have a big meal but more importantly to pause and give thanks for all we have. In December, we celebrate Kwanzaa, a week long holiday honoring African heritage and culture, for the Jewish people there is Hanukkah, an eight day celebration commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and for the Christians there is Christmas, a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and traditionally a time for gift giving. In all of these holidays, there is a time for celebration and looking back at our heritage. This is a time for each of us to remember that there are traditions that may be celebrated in ways that may differ from our own. (Lewis Burgett)
TODAY’S THOUGHT: "We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason if we remember that we are not descended from fearful men, not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate and to defend causes which were, for the moment, unpopular." - Edward R. Murrow (Lee Fischbach)
MEMBERSHIP: In the latest Chapter Activity Report from National Headquarters dated 9/01/09-9/30/09, our chapter showed one new member, two members sent second renewal notices, and one member passed away. Folks, that is a wash. The one bright spot is the automatic dues withholding with four member taking advantage of that service.
We are fortunate to have four installations in our chapter area. But we do not take advantage of that fact when we recruit only one new member in September. We really need to be aggressive and target active employees as well as the recently retired. Our chapter is considered mid-sized, and we fall well below even small chapters when it comes to recruitment. We’re not going to win any contests that way.
I hope you have been reading your NARFE Magazine. November has a slew of articles on what the organization has achieved and what it hopes to achieve. Joining NARFE should be something every Federal employee sees as a benefit. But YOU have to tell him or her to end the indecision and join the team.
The declining members should be a wake-up call to all active members as to our declining numbers and the possible problem it poses to the organization. Well, maybe it won’t matter. Maybe we have gotten too old and too sleepy and maybe we just want to quietly fade away. Maybe—I hope not. (Paul Capehart)
LEGISLATION: The FEHBP open season will be upon us before you know it. With a projected overall average premium increase of 8.8 percent for 2010, you should carefully determine if you want to remain in your current health plan. The difficulty is determining what your current health plan does, what will be the changes to your current plan in 2010, and is there a better health plan for your particular circumstances in 2010. Remember, there will be no cost-of-living adjustment for 2010. For example, the share paid by employees and retirees in the most popular plan (Blue Cross/Blue Shield Standard option) will increase by 12.4 percent for family plans and 15.1 percent for self-only coverage. NARFE has expressed concern about the increase, but with the Federal deficit being what it is (approximately $1.4 Trillion for 2009), there is little hope that we will see any decrease in premiums. You can visit http://www.BENEFEDS.com to see the 2010 rates for your plan. The Federal Benefits Open Season for the 2010 plan year runs from Monday, November 9, through Monday, December 14, 2009 so begin to look into it. Source: narfe.org, BENEFEDs.com (John Roley)
FINANCIAL SECRETARY: I certainly hope the next report we receive from National Headquarters is better than the last one. We have one new member, Helen M. Crum, and one member reinstated, Michael Turner. The death of John L. Enders was also reported. We still have seven social members, nine associate members and 386 National members. Our total membership now stands at 402. This is bad. We all need to work on our membership. Right now, there is money to be earned if you do so. Everyone needs to be reminded that NARFE has a definite purpose for Federal workers and retirees and it isn’t to socialize and enjoy trips, although we most certainly want you to do that. But how many of you know how many organizations are “fighting” for benefits for Federal workers and retirees? There is ONE, and that is NARFE. Whether you are a member or not, NARFE represents nearly five million current and future federal annuitants, spouses, and survivors. The members of NARFE are the ones working for all Federal employees and retirees, all five million, most of whom are not members. All of these people should feel responsible for being a part of NARFE. Those who get involved find it very worthwhile and interesting. There is so much to learn about how the Federal Government treats its employee, active and retired. Many of the current members are aging and younger people are not “picking up the ball and running with it.” Older people are getting tired and have to accept many changes. Yellow becomes the big color – walls, hair, and teeth. The last two outfits you wore had spots on them. Your mascara clumps, your eyebrows are disappearing, you don’t have hair under your arms and very little on your legs, but your chin needs to be plucked daily. What used to be freckles are now liver spots. You have three sizes of clothes in your closet, two of which you will never wear again. But old is good in some things – old songs, old movies, and best of all, old friends. Hope to see many of you at our November meeting. (Virginia Giordano)
SERVICE OFFICER: As a federal annuitant, it is your responsibility to let the individual(s) know where your important documents are located. The individual that you have designated as your executor should especially be up-to-date. Upon your death, your family should immediately contact the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) of the death. In addition, any funds received from OPM after death should be returned to OPM. If there is a survivor then OPM will adjust the annuitant. You can call the Customer Service Representative at 1-888-767-6738, or at http://www.opm.gov/retire. To report a death, go to: https://apps.opm.gov/retire/death/death.html. If you need help with questions on federal employee matters, active or retired, call John Roley 717-713-1610, jer174@pa.net, or the NARFE Service Center 182, Chambersburg Recreation Center, 235 South Third Street, Chambersburg, PA, 717-262-2088 (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am to 1 pm). You can also contact OPM about your benefits by calling the Retirement Information Office at 888-767-6738 between the hours of 7:30 am and 7:45 pm. (John Roley)
SUNSHINE: A “Sympathy” card went to the family of John Enders. A “Thinking of You” card went to D. Jean Martin. (Evelyn Kauffman)
WAYS AND MEANS: Thanks for “Sharing your Pennies with NARFE” at the September 24, 2009 meeting. You donated $14 in pennies and larger coins. If we plan to make our goal of $100 for the year we have the November 19th meeting and the Christmas party to donate the $17.70 we will need to reach our goal. There were 56 members and 8 guests attending the September 24th meeting. Our 50/50 Raffle earned $33 for Chapter #373, and we awarded $30 in six $5 prizes. Thanks for all your support. Rich and Anita Shires)
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER AT HOSS’S: Thanks to all of you who supported our fundraiser to benefit Hospice of Central Pennsylvania on Thursday, October 8, 2009. The amount we received was quite a bit lower than our event last April, only $86.25. We know that many of you were out of town or had other commitments and the September meeting attendance was down, but those of us who did attend had some good food and fellowship and helped the cause. The Executive Board decided to try it again in spring to also benefit Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, so we will arrange another Community Day Fundraiser at Hoss’s sometime in April 2010. (Rich and Anita Shires, Ways and Means)
ALZHEIMER’S: We collected $22.36 at the September meeting. (Rogene Schmiedel & Bernie Morrison)
GET FIT!! At the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Seminar on Friday, October 23, in Harrisburg attended by Faye Hain, Ray Hain, Carol Henry, and Evelyn Kauffman, we learned that 2010 Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan under the FEHBP would offer two programs this year to help you GET FIT. The first one is the WalkingWorks Wellness Program, which offers a pedometer and participant walking guide to help get you started. You can track your progress online and the guide offers tips on how to start walking for your health. Blue365 includes discounts on many health and wellness items, including fitness and nutrition. You can save on fitness club memberships, monthly fees and other services at Gold's Gym, Curves, Snap Fitness and other local fitness centers. Plus, you can save on products, programs and consultations related to nutrition and diet at companies such as Jenny Craig, eDiets, and Kronos Optimal Health. (Carol Henry)
PRESIDENT’S NOTES: At our Regular Meeting coming up on Thursday November 19 (3rd Thursday so as not to conflict with Thanksgiving activities the following week) we will be voting on the long awaited “2009 NARFE Dues Referendum.” Over the year I have provided information on this referendum, most recently in the last newsletter where on page 5 I cited all the relevant articles appearing in NARFE Magazine since last February. I suggest you take a look at the articles cited if you are not clear on what the vote is all about. Basically we will be voting by raise of hands to approve or disapprove whether our dues should be raised to $40. As I said in the last newsletter, our Pennsylvania Federation recommends voting to disapprove the dues increase. Among other reasons, Pennsylvania Federation feels approval will result in losing current members as well as discouraging others from joining. Also we will be voting on the slate of Chapter 373 nominees for elected officer positions for the 2010-2011 terms. All positions have a nominee except for Assistant Secretary. That position as well all of the others will be open for nominations from the floor up until the time for the vote. The slate of nominees we will be voting on is:
President: Lee Fischbach
1st Vice President: Paul Capehart
2nd Vice President: John Roley
Secretary: Phyllis Myers
Asst. Secretary: VACANT
Treasurer: Glenn Railing
Asst. Treasurer: Raymond Hain
Financial Secretary: Virginia Giordano
Asst. Financial Secretary: Florance Williams
Federation President Tony Filardi phoned me to tell that the NARFE Scholarship winner was Michael Orsinger from Boiling Springs. He will go to St. Joseph University in Philadelphia. His father Regis Orsinger who is a member of our Chapter submitted his name. Congratulations to Michael; it’s great to have one of the regional winners associated with our Chapter.
I failed to mention in the last newsletter that, in addition to all the merchants and other donors of door prizes for the August picnic, The Holly Inn in Mount Holly Springs also donated a generous door prize. I mailed them a thank you letter.
At the end of this newsletter is the reservation form and information for our annual Christmas Party being held at noon on Tuesday December 8 at the Penn Township Fire Hall. This has always been a delightful get together with delicious food, quality entertainment, and fellowship. Among our guests will be past Federation President and great friend of Chapter 373, Gaylord Peters and his wife Beverly. “Pete” will be swearing in the new officers during the party. The Christmas Party committee needs volunteers to make cookies to treat the choir after their performance at the party. Please let the committee chairs, Millie Bannon (249-8504) or Christa Elliott (243-0354) know if you can supply cookies.
Plan on attending our meeting on November 19: besides the free lunch and fellowship with your friends, you will have two chances to win the member name draw for two prizes: one for $10 and another for $25. Last meeting the name drawn for $25 was Denise Davis, who was not present. The second drawing was for $5 and the name drawn was Dennis Sarver who also was not present. Attend the meeting, have some fun, and maybe win some cash.
Lee Fischbach, President, 105 Media Road, Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-9638 or e-mail: ljfischbach@comcast.net
2009 Travel, Carlisle NARFE Chapter 373
Please Note Policy Change:
We will be simplifying our travel procedure this year and also will be having fewer trips. (We had a difficult time filing our buses last year). A separate deposit of $20 per person per trip will now be required. The balance should be made 45 days prior to the trip. Your final payment will assure your seat assignment. This is your reservation. Please send a separate deposit and final check for each trip.
Seats can be reserved by full payment of one seat. Make checks payable to Carlisle NARFE Chapter 373 Mail your deposit of $20 (day tour) and $50 (overnight tours). NO REFUNDS will be issued after final payment has been made. If you must cancel, have someone available to fill your seat so that you can recover your payment. We will help you find a replacement if there are any names on our waiting list.
NARFE CARLISLE CHAPTER 373 SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR ACCIDENT WHILE ON OUR TOURS. Departure is from the Weis Market parking lot. Enter from Spring Garden Street side and park at this end. Parking is not permitted on overnight trips. Travel insurance is available and highly recommended.
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November 24 (Tuesday) Rainbow Dinner Theatre “Peace, Love and My Mother-In-Law” When a couple of newlyweds invite the family over for their first Christmas dinner, it should be a joyous occasion. And it will be, if the newly married wife can get her husband and her mom to promise not to kill each other! Don’t worry, despite the very funny bumps along the way, this family will find enough Christmas spirit to carry them through to the new year. Price $61 includes trans, lunch, show and gratuities. (Final payment due October 9th). Leave WEIS parking lot at 10 AM. (2 seats available)
December 2 (Wednesday) LANCASTER HOST 2009 CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR featuring the Swing City Orchestra. Now in more than 20 cities across 10 states, the Latshaw Productions Christmas Spectacular is fast becoming one of the area’s most enjoyed holiday traditions. This heartwarming, fast paced musical celebration of Christmas just gets better and better each year. You will enjoy dazzling production numbers, superb musical arrangements, beautiful costumes and more. Price $67 includes full course lunch, show, trans and gratuities. (Final payment due October 17th). Leave WEIS parking lot at 10 AM. (2 seats available)
Travel Coordinator: Nancy Renninger, ph 243-2797 Email: ntravels2@aol.com
Assistant Coordinators: Barbara Creamer and Janet Hoffman
NOTE: Please send checks to: Barbara Creamer
502 “C” Street
Carlisle, PA 17013-1835
Ph 243-7766
Carlisle NARFE Chapter #373 Christmas Party
The annual Christmas Party will be held at the Penn Township Volunteer Fire Company, Huntsdale, PA, Tuesday, December 8th, 2009, beginning at Noon. Complete the reservation form below and mail it in time to get to Glenn Railing by November 27, 2009, with your check payable to NARFE Chapter 373, to the address in the reservation section.
MENU (Buffet): Fruit Cup, Relish Tray, Turkey or Roast Beef, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Harvard Beets, Green Beans, Rolls, Dessert, and Coffee/Tea.
ENTERTAINMENT: Our entertainment will be the Select Choir from Carlisle High School under the direction of Cheryl Parsons.
There will be Door Prizes, the always-popular 50/50 Club, and the last opportunity to buy raffle tickets for the beautiful birdhouse, which will be won by some lucky ticket holder during the party.
Again this year the “Grab Bag” gifts will be collected and donated to the Claremont Home residents. Some suggestions are personal care items such as Kleenex (pocket size), after-shave, unscented hand and body lotions, non-skid socks (women & men) and pens. Do NOT wrap gifts. All donated gifts must be NEW.
2009 CHAPTER EVENTS AT A GLANCE
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DAY
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DATE
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TIME
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EVENT
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LOCATION
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Thursday
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19 Nov
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11:45 am
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Regular Meeting
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Knights of Columbus
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|
Tuesday
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24 Nov
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10:00 am
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Rainbow Dinner Theatre
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Weis Markets
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Friday
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27 Nov
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ALL DAY
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Bell Ringing
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Point @ Carlisle Plaza
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|
Thursday
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02 Dec
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10:00am
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Lancaster Host Xmas Spec
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Weis Markets
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|
Tuesday
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08 Dec
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12:00 pm
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Christmas Party
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Penn Town Vol Fire Co
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|
Monday
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21 Dec
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12:45 pm
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Board Meeting
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Bonanza
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- - - - - - - - - CUT HERE - - - - - - - - -
Carlisle Chapter #373 Christmas Party Reservation Form
NO REFUNDS AFTER NOVEMBER 27, 2009
Tuesday, Dec 8, 2009 at the Penn Township Fire Company, Huntsdale, PA.
Price: $13.00 CUT OFF DATE: NOVEMBER 27, 2009
Number of Reservations _____ Your phone #_______-_____________
Each Full Name ________________________________ _______________________________
Print please)
________________________________ _______________________________
Total Check Amount Enclosed $_______ NO CASH
Payable to: NARFE Chapter #373) Mail this form to:
Glenn Railing
816 E. Louther Street
Carlisle, PA 17013-2617