District III Training Seminar April 8, 2010

District III Vice President Bobbie Guillory, with the assistant of Chapter 1397, presented Louisiana Federation of Chapters the first district Training Seminar of 2010. The training took place at the Gretna Community Center, located in Gretna, Louisiana.

Members from Louisiana Federation of Chapters District III socialized before the training commenced, during breaks and at lunch.

Training began with an invocation given by Frederick Pope, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by M. J. Lapeyrouse.

There were 20 members in attendance from four chapters. They were as follows:
Chapter 502

Odessa Hickman Federation Second Vice President

Chapter 1396

Anna Lucas Treasurer
Earline Arender Alzheimer’s Chairman
Richard Encalade Chapter President
Marilyn Linker Secretary
Keith Bernard First Vice President

Chapter 1397

Bobbie Guillory District III Vice President
Leon Scoriels Federation First Vice President and Chapter President
Linda Kuhn Secretary
Frederick Pope Chaplain
Doris Pope
M. J. Lapeyrouse Refreshment Chairman
Lawrence Jourdan First NARFE function he attended

Chapter 1482

Joseph Landry, Jr. Federation President
Rosalie Band Alzheimer’s State Co-Ordinator Karen Dufour Nominating Committee Chairman
Helen Scott Federation Public Relations Officer
Michael Bannon Chapter President
Mack Truslow Chapter Vice President
Adolfo Ramizes, Jr. Treasurer

Five members have attended District Seminars in the pass. Everyone introduced themselves.

Bobbie Guillory gave out the Power Point Program and discussed the following:
The history of NARFE
Why you should join NARFE
The Scholarship Program
Officers and Chairman Duties

Leon Scoriels shared ideas on how his Chapter prepares the budget. He added how he does an agenda for every meeting which makes it easier for him and for the 1st or 2nd Vice President to cover for him if necessary.

Leon and Joe Landry spoke about “Meet you Candidate Month”, which is August 9th –
September 10th. Each Chapter President has been sent information to prepare for this event.

Grassroots Organizing and being an effective NARFE advocate was also discussed, along with ideas on how to set up appointments with your elected officials and how you can get involved.

Bobbie spoke on the Federal Health Plan.

We then broke from 10:25AM to 10:40AM.

Bobbie spoke about newsletter editor, membership, recruitment and requesting members to join dues withholding.

The group discussed the above and how they can publicize NARFE in their area.

We then broke for lunch at the Chopstix Buffet which was very close to the Community Center.

Bobbie continued the discussion on membership, recruitment and retention, with the emphasis being on maintaining our numbers. A discussion followed which also covered hospitalization coverage.

NARFE Pac month was March. The importance of this was explained and WEP and GPO were also discussed.

Bobbie introduced Dr. Clara T. Byes who is the head of the Gretna Community Center who spoke a little about what the Community Center offers.

Chapter 1397 is proposing a Bylaw change regarding the quorum needed at the Federation board meetings.
Current Bylaws (or standing rules): The Executive Board shall carry out the mandates of the convention delegates and carry on the business of the Federation between conventions. A quorum shall consist of representatives of 50 percent of the chapters. For purposes of determining a quorum, each elected officer may be considered as a representative of his/her chapter if no other representative of that chapter is present.
If adopted: The Executive Board shall carry out the mandates of the convention delegates and carry on the business of the Federation between conventions. A quorum shall consist of representatives if eight (8) members of the board are present.

We broke from 1:50PM to 2:20PM.

Bobbie gave National Bylaws, Federation and Chapter Officers, Membership Manuals, and other NARFE items to anyone who did not already have a copy printed in 2008/9/10.

Bobbie gave out a form by The Federation Treasurer, Robert Rolfsen, requesting each chapter mark the order of importance to them for the La. Federation 2009-2010 projects.

The seminar was adjourned at 2:30PM.

Submitted by Linda Kuhn
Secretary of Chapter 1397  

NARFE REGION VI SEMINAR TYLER, TEXAS

SEPTEMBER 16-17, 2009

September 16, 2009

The Wednesday morning meeting was called to order at 9:04 AM by the President of the co-host Chapter 344 Dr. James Novy. Invocation was presented by Linda Richards of co-host Chapter 801. The Presentation of Colors was led by the Korean War Veterans of East Texas Chapter 286. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Frances Grimes. The National Anthem was sung by Rosie Harman and accompanied by Gary Blevins of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church.

Henry Bell III of the Tyler Visitors Bureau welcomed us to Tyler and pointed out that Tyler is the Rose Capital of the country and encouraged a visit to the Rose Gardens.

Special guests were introduced by James Novy and the gavel was presented to Jerry Hatfield, Region VI Vice President.

The keynote speaker was Joseph Beaudoin, National Vice President, who spoke about the structure of the NARFE organization and its staff. He stressed that each staff member is there to help us. He went on to say that legislative issues and recruiting are not the major problems with NARFE. Lack of effective communication all across the board is the problem. Everyone is responsible for contacting his Congressmen and contacting potential members. NARFE is likened to an insurance policy. You pay a little money up front and you know it is there when you need it.

The Federation Reports were presented next. Jerry spoke on behalf of the Republic of Panama. He pointed out that Panama needs NARFE even more than the rest of us. They have no representation in Congress. The expense of the trip prevented the Federation President from attending.

Joseph Landry of Louisiana uses incentives for recruiting and dues withholding. 24% of their members are on dues withholding. He is working to develop a Federation Newsletter.

Winston Wolfe from Arkansas stresses retention of our present benefits to his members. They have training officers who hold seminars around the state to show support and recruit new officers.

Charles Stanphill of Oklahoma uses incentives for retention as well as recruiting members. The M-112 report has very important information and stresses that each chapter use it for effective retention. NARFE was successful in the State Legislature to get the CSRS retirement pay exempted from State income tax.

Rodney Smith from Texas is encouraging dues withholding and congressional visits. Their large state is divided into districts where meetings are held and he feels the greatest communication takes place there.

Jerry Hatfield gave his Region VI Report and overview. Our region is losing members at about the same ratio as nationally. He stressed that notices will be sent to new eligible retirees and former members.

There were announcements and door prizes before adjourning for lunch.

After lunch we reconvened at 1:00 PM. Dr. John Thomas of Texas spoke of Making Easy Contacts with Congress. It is easy to call, write or email our Congressmen. Everyone is responsible for doing that. He pointed out that sometimes all it takes is asking your representative to cosponsor a bill. They get busy and sometimes forget to cosponsor a bill they have signed onto before.

James Crowder of Oklahoma spoke about legislative issues at the State level. Like National level legislation, it takes persistence and constant contact. He is a very visible person at the Capitol and meets with everyone who can help us in our mission.

Joseph Beaudoin then spoke on Retention Secrets You Can Use with a Power Point presentation. We must continue telling members and potential members what advantages NARFE provides them. Not only do we fight for legislation of importance, but we provide Service Officers, NARFE PAC, support Alzheimer’s research, scholarship awards, disaster aid, pre-retirement seminars and other member perks, and provide newsletters and websites with information of importance to retired Federal employees.

After a coffee break and door prizes, the seminar continued with a panel discussion and questions about retention.

The Wednesday sessions ended for the day at 4:20 PM.

The evening meal, A Mexican Night Buffet, was provided by the seminar committee as part of the registration fee.

September 17, 2009

The Thursday morning session was called to order at 9:03 AM by Jerry Hatfield and a moment of silence was observed. Announcements were made which included an accounting of the numbers present. They included: 127 total participants, 75 from Texas, 32 from Oklahoma, 8 from Louisiana, 10 from Arkansas, and 2 from the National Office.

The Chapter Management Team led by Marshall Richards of Texas was called to the head table. Rubie Hokanson of Oklahoma spoke about the President’s duties. Nancy Maria Denn of Arkansas spoke on Service Officer duties. Fred Ratcliff of Texas spoke about chapter organization and officer responsibility. Joseph Beaudoin spoke about how to get programs, and encouraged speakers of interest and novel ideas to make the meeting fun, such as door prizes and awards.

Nancy Stanphill from Oklahoma spoke about Website Management. Computer use is up sharply and we need to take advantage of this form of communication. She gave resources and program names of value to help in this endeavor.

After a coffee break, the Federation Management Team led by Jerome Smith from Texas presented its sessions. Jerome made some opening remarks about likenesses and differences in our Federations present at this meeting. Jeff Vaughan of Oklahoma spoke about the Federation President’s duties. Bobbie Guillory from Louisiana spoke about the Vice President’s duties. Nancy Stanphill of Oklahoma listed the duties of the Federation Secretary and Treasurer. Jerome finished the discussion with other officer’s duties.

After a lunch break, we came to order again at 1:15 PM. Hinda Gibbs of Arkansas gave an update on Alzheimer’s Research developments. She listed an interesting account of what Alzheimer’s IS and what it ISN’T. Progress is being made on early detection of the signs of the disease and new medications are helping delay the worst effects from it. Research is showing that certain genes seem to point to the likelihood of developing the disease.

Noemi Galvan of Texas spoke on the NARFE Scholarship selection process. Louisiana had five applicants, Oklahoma had eight, Arkansas had six, and Texas had 33. Six winners were selected with one alternate. Each state had at least one winner, with 3 winners from Texas and the alternate from Texas. Permission was granted later in the seminar to announce the winners from our Region. Those winners will be listed on the NARFE website soon and will be published in the NARFE Magazine.

The 2010 Convention dates for our Region were announced and the Presidents of those Federations gave an invitation to all to attend. Panama’s convention is on March 20, 2010, Oklahoma’s convention is on April 15-17, 2010 in Tulsa, and Arkansas’ convention is May 13-15 in North Little Rock. The other Federations meet for a convention every other year and will not meet in 2010.

The 31st National Convention will be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan late August, 2010. Other details will follow. The next Region VI Seminar will be held in Arkansas in 2011. Details will follow.

Questions were then allowed to be addressed to the Federation Presidents. A discussion of the upcoming referendum was allowed with questions and answers. Most confusion about the process was cleared up. The referendum vote will close on December 8, 2009 and the count will begin by an independent firm.

Closing remarks were made by Jerry Hatfield and other announcements ended the Seminar at 4:00 PM.

Rose bushes donated by Tyler Rose Nursery were available for pickup. The closing Banquet featured Prime Rib, vegetables, potato, and Key Lime pie. The entertainment was provided by "Pick’N Grass" who played Blue Grass Music.



Submitted by

Nancy Stanphill

Oklahoma Federation Secretary

NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
NEWSLETTER
Allie J. Picou, Jr. Chapter 1482 –November 2009
Chapter 1482 NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY N.A.R.F.E.
Allie J. Picou, Jr. Chapter 1482
NEXT MEETING AT BENEDICT’S RESTAURANT
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 11:30 a.m. - $15.00

PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND YOUR MONTHLY MEETINGS.
YOUR SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL. AND REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR NAME TAG.
Officers 2008-09

President: Michael Bannon Ph: 985 624-8170 michael.bannon@att.net; 1st V.P Rose Band 1922 Livingston St. Mandeville, LA 70448 985 626-5090 rosalieband@bellsouth.net :2nd V.P.: Mack V. Truslow Ph: 985 246-6040 wombat8888@aol.com: Treasurer: Adolfo (Al) Ramirez 286 Laura Dr. S. Mandeville, LA 70448 Ph: 985 626-1631 adram@bellsouth.net: Secretary: Henry Bertrand Ph: 985 674-9229 eplanet@bellsouth.net Committee Chairs: Legislative: Ed Brannon 367 Devon Drive Mandeville, LA 70448 Ph: 985 626-7232 maedbran@bellsouth.net Telephone: Mary Roberts Ph: 985 892-9417: Special Events: Yvonne Decker Ph: 985 626-8375 Alzheimer’s: Rosalie Band 1922 Livingston Mandeville, LA 70448 Ph: 985 626-5090 roseband@bellsouth.net Newsletter Editor: Gloria Cruice Ph: 985 727-2584 gloriacruice@gmail.com

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

We’ll be holding our next meeting during the Thanksgiving season, a time when we reflect on what is good in our lives and give thanks. This thanks certainly includes being grateful for friends and families. I am fortunate and thankful to have you as friends, and I hope that Thanksgiving Day is good for all of you and your families.

If you can, please bring a guest to our November meeting.

See you there.

Have a safe trip to the meeting.

Mike Bannon, President

MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE: Upon arriving at Benedict’s for the meeting and when you register and pay, please advise Yvonne Decker whether the people in your party are members or guests. If your spouse is with you and is not a registered member, please tell her you have a guest. This is necessary for the Secretary's records. Thank you for your assistance.


MINI-MINUTES October 28, 2009 by Henry Bertrand, Secretary

Meeting began at 12 Noon, Benedict’s Restaurant, President Mike Bannon presiding. 19 members, 4 paying guests, 2 non-paying guests attending. After the blessing and pledge of allegiance, Bannon welcomed all and asked for guests or new members to introduce themselves. Jay Hawkins introduced himself as a new member. Joe Landry introduced guests Vern Landry, President of Chapter 41, and Vern’s wife Helen Landry, Region VI Alzheimer Coordinator.

Bannon reminded all to get their Referendum votes to Henry Bertrand by November 15th.

On a motion by Bobby Kullman, second by Rose Band, and voice vote, reading of the September minutes was dispensed with.

In the absence of Treasurer Al Ramirez, Rose Band read the Treasurer’s Report: opening combined balance was $4733.95; closing combined balance was $4707.88. This was accepted on a motion by Debby Chaudoir, second by Sharon Pitre, voice vote. (Full Treasurer’s Report is an Attachment in the full minutes.)

1st VP Rose Band reported that Gloria Cruice may have to reduce the new badges for our members to business card size. Approval has been given to Gloria.

Federation President Joe Landry discussed a Federation meeting of October 5th. With no quorum present at that meeting, business will be handled via telephonic conference and then a report issued.
Yvonne Decker reminded all of the date change for the November meeting. Due to Thanksgiving that meeting will occur on November 18th.

There was no 50/50 drawing at today’s meeting due to the Alzheimer Auction. This Auction was conducted by President Bannon with assistance from Alzheimer Chairperson Rose Band. (Unofficial returns tabulated by this Secretary amounted to approximately $340.75.)

Adjournment came at 1:37 PM on a motion by Joe Tanet, second by Debby Chaudoir, and voice vote.

NOTE: “Mini-Minutes” cover all business items of the full minutes in abbreviated form (where possible) for inclusion in the newsletter.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all
Have a safe and blessed day
Happy Birthday to: Michael S. Bannon – 11/9

Happy Anniversary to: Joe and Celie Tanet – 11/17

PLEASE PRAY for these members or Members’ loved ones who are ill or shut-in:

(Please tell us if you know members who are ill or shut-in.)

Note from Editor Gloria Cruice: If we don’t wish you a Happy Birthday in the Newsletter, it’s because we don’t have your birth date. Please email your birth date to me at gloriacruice@gmail.com. The same for wedding anniversaries.)

Census Bureau Hiring Program

Please note that the Census Bureau is currently recruiting for the 2010 U. S. Census. For details, including how to contact the Census Bureau, please see page 52 of the November 2009 issue of the NARFE Retirement Life magazine.




NARFE CHAPTER 438
MINUTES OF MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2009

President Ruth Jones called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. We had 12 members and two guests present. The guests were: Jackie Simonds and Dan Mathews. Una Couvillion led the invocation and Dan Mele led the pledge of allegiance. Ruth announced that this was the first time we did not have a guest speaker since she has been president. We broke for lunch.

The 50/50 pot was won by Barbara Dickens and she donated the $16.50 back to the chapter.
Donald Woodard’s name was drawn from the basket to receive $10.00 if present. He was not present so the amount next meeting will be $15.00. You have to be present to win. It was moved by Tony, seconded by Camille that the August minutes be accepted as printed in the newsletter. The motion carried.
Tony reported that there is $896.97 in the treasury. The report was accepted as read and a copy is attached to these minutes.

Ruth made several announcements. Today is the last day for ballots concerning $40.00 dues. There will be no convention in 2010. Instead, there will be seminars held in each district and our district seminar will be held April 29th in Baton Rouge. It will be a one day meeting. Ruth reported on the regional seminar attended by she and Janis in Tyler, Texas in September. There were 9 delegates from Louisiana.

Ruth asks our members to keep up with their volunteer hours and give them to her for reporting to National.

Toys for Tots will be collected at our December meeting. As before, we are to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to the program.

All officers presently serving agreed to serve another year.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.

Janis Mann, Secretary
10-13-09mins


MINUTES – SLIDELL CHAPTER 1396 NARFE

THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF SLIDELL CHAPTER 1396 WAS HELD ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2009, AT 12:00 P.M. AT THE AMERICAN LEGION HALL. THERE WERE 29 IN ATTENDANCE.

THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY PRESIDENT RICHARD ENCALADE.
MR. AUDIE MITCHELL LED THE INVOCATION. RICK THEN LED US IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

PRESIDENT ENCALADE INTRODUCED NEW MEMBER, FRANCES SMITH, WHO JOINED US TODAY FOR THE ANNUAL CHAPTER PICNIC.

INEZ HUNT ANNOUNCED THE PASSING OF MEMBER MS. IONE PAUL WHO PASSED AWAY ON OCTOBER 6, 2009. INEZ SENT A SYMPATHY CARD TO THE FAMILY.

READING OF THE MINUTES FROM LAST MONTH’S MEETING AND THE TREASURER’S REPORT WAS DISPENSED AND THE PICNIC COMMENCED. EVERYONE ENJOYED THE POTLUCK DISHES AND DESSERTS BROUGHT BY THE MEMBERS. FOLLOWING LUNCH A WHITE ELEPHANT AUCTION WAS HELD TO RAISE MONEY FOR ALZHEIMER’S. THE NAMES OF THE RAFFLE WINNERS WERE PULLED: THE $200 WAS WON BY JOHN STOKES AND THE $100 WAS WON BY JUDSON KINTER. ANNA WILL TALLY THE TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED AND REPORT IT AT NEXT MONTH’S MEETING.

THE DAY WAS THOROUGHLY ENJOYED BY ALL.

SUBMITTED BY:
----------------------------------------------
MARILYN LINKER, SECRETARY



National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association
Louisiana Federation of Chapters, Westbank Chapter 1397
ALIGERS TO AVONDALE PROTECTING THE FUTURE YOU EARNED
November-December 2009
ELECTED OFFICERS: President Leon L Scoriels, 504-393-7810, First Vice President Sarita S Schubert, 818-3080, Second Vice President Beverly Segrue, 393-6961, Secretary Linda Kuhn 301-3996, Treasurer Doug O’Leal, 433-4670 APPOINTED OFFICERS: Chaplain James Bennett 361-1961, Sgt at Arms M J Lapeyrouse 368-7256; COMMITTEES: Alzheimer Coordinator James Bennett, Legislative Beverly Segrue 393-6961, Membership & Newsletter Bobbie Guillory,812-1453, Program & Public Relations Hilda Jung 361-8815, Refreshments M J Lapeyrouse, & Sarita S Schubert, Service Officer Bobbie Guillory, 812-1453, Sunshine Martha Benoit 393-2271, Social Betty Albert 340-4459, Ways & Means Lester Orgeron 367-8520., Welcome Bernice Cherry/Lee Barient, Historian,

Meeting: Thursday November 19, 2009 Luncheon will be at the Gretna Community Center at Noon Thanksgiving Catered A & W. Menu: Cornish Hen, Dirty rice, peas, salad, bread & butter, Dessert, you must bring your on drink. Call Betty Albert 340-4459
Cost: $ 16.00 Guest or Welcome, Make check to NARFE Chapter 1397 mail to: Betty Albert 1029 Michael St Marrero, LA 70072, 340-4459
Meeting: Thursday, December 10, 2009 is our Annual Chapter meeting and Christmas Party, at the Ladies Ballroom 1771 Stumpf Blvd, Terrytown, LA
at 11 am: Cost $21.00, Guess or welcome, make your check NARFE Chapter 1397 and mail to Betty Albert 1029 Michael St, Marrero, LA 70072 or Call 340-4459. Cut off date 3 Dec 2009.
Menu: Roast Beef or Catfish Almandine
Hash Brown Casserole, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Tea & Coffee and Dessert,
Remember the Toys for Tots: The U.S. Marine’s Crop TOYS FOR TOTS is our community program, each year. So please bring a new unwrapped toy. If you can not come you can send money, which the Marine’s will use to buy more toys.
Meeting: Thursday January 20, 2010 the meeting will be at the Gretna Community Center at 1 pm

President Message:
Leon’s Logic: Everyone who receives Social Security is protected from a rate hike in Medicare Part “B” in years where the Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) is zero. However, between 25- 28% of retires are not eligible for Social Security and will possibly have to pay the increase in premiums for Part “B” of Medicare without an increase is COLA. The increase will be much higher to cover the cost of those who do not have an increase for Medicare Part “B”.
You see those of us who receive Social Security fall under the “held harmless” provision of the Social Security Act. This provision does not apply to those individuals who are not eligible for Social Security. Therefore, they are not protected by the “held harmless” provision of the Social Security Act.
The leaders of National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) have been working with both Democrats and Republicans getting them to come together and pass House bill H.R. 3631, the “Medicare Premium Fairness Act”. This bill protects those who do not receive Social Security from having to pay a rate hike in Medicare Part “B”.
NARFE leaders continue to work on the Senate. The Senate has not taken up this HR 3631 or a Senate version of the bill. The bill must be passed and signed by the President before January 1, 2010; to protect the 25-28% of retires not eligible for protection of the “held harmless” provisions under the Social Security Act.
What is keeping the Senate from taking action on this matter? The week of September 21-25 the Senate Committee on Finance was making-up Chairman Max Baucus, D-MT, health care reform legislation. There are 500 amendments, two of which would affect the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). An amendment by Charles Grassley, R-IA, a Ranking Committee member, proposes that federal workers and members of Congress be required to join state-based health exchanges to purchase health insurance instead of FEHBP. The amendment approved by the Committee was changed to make enrollment in the exchanges optional for federal employees and legislators.
The second amendment offered by Senator Ron Wyden, D-OR, would open FEHBP to certain low-income non-federal civilians. While not opposed to all Americans having access to comprehensive health care, NARFE insist that any proposal to open the FEHBP to the public must include a separate risk pool, which the Wyden amendment does not contain. For that reason NARFE opposed the amendment. Risk pools are used to calculate health plan premiums based on the cost of providing coverage to enrollees. Without, the opportunity to study non-federal enrollees in a separate FEHBP risk pool, the introduction of any new community into the FEHBP could result in unanticipated premium increases.

I WISH ALL A VERY HAPPY THANKS GIVING, A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A GLORIOUS NEW YEAR.

Leon L. Scoriels, President Chapter 1397, (504) 393-7810, narfe1397@live.com

Membership: Welcome new member Bryan Muth. We hope to see you at the next meeting.
Second renewal notices have been sent to: Zinn, Roger; Reynolds, Charles; Joseph, Bobby; Hellstorm, Marian and Cortez, Terri. Hope you will renew! Members dropped for non-renewal Bally, Mollie; Lamid, Sofjan; Myers, Robert and Salassi, Paul. Members who are not on Dues Withholding should join NOW; withholding will start when your dues become due. You get 10% discount and no more notices or late Payments.
Call Bobbie Guillory at 812-1453 for information and to sign up for dues withholding.

Secretary Notes: At the September meeting we had 14 members and 2 guests in attendance. Fourteen stayed to have a good time playing bunco.
Betty Albert and Sarita Schubert won 1st place ($10 each), and Bernice Cherry and Bertha Bene won 2nd place ($5 each). Doug O’Leal won the most buncos (2) and received $3. The 50/50 winner was Hilda Jung.
A hand made door prize was donated by Lester Orgeron and won by Morris Lapeyrouse.
Refreshments were donated by Sarita Schubert.
Alzheimer’s donations were $16.
At the October meeting we had 18 members and 2 guests in attendance.
Sgt. Boudreaux, of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department spoke on the new LA driving laws.
Hue Kim Truong, a caseworker from Congressman Cao’s office, was our second guest speaker. She spoke about what her office does and offered her help to us in any way possible.
Leon spoke about Medicare Part B and Social Security and how those not eligible for Social Security could be affected in a no COLA year.
Door prizes were donated by Sarita Schubert and Leon Scoriels. Refreshments were donated by Martha Benoit and Mary Baltovich. Bernice Cherry donated satsumas for everyone to bring home.
Leon suggested moving our meetings from the third Thursday to the second Wednesday of the month and having a night meeting during day light savings time so members who are still working could make a meeting. Members rejected both suggestions.
Leon told us about a chapter who has a $100 drawing each month at their meeting. Every members name is put in a container and the winner must be present to win. The members voted to start this beginning in January.
We will have a Parade of Prizes at the December meeting. The prizes must cost a minimum of $10.
If possible please bring these donations to the November meeting wrapped in Christmas wrap.
The 50/50 winner was Hilda Jung.
Alzheimer’s donations were $18.
Door prizes were won by Bobbie Guillory, Morris Lapeyrouse and Ronald Landry.

Legislative; On October 15th, 2009 the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirmed what has been reported on this Hotline and NARFE magazine there will be NO Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in the three federally administered retirement programs – Social Security, military retirement and federal civil service. This is the first time that has happened since automatic COLAs began in 1975.
The final agreement would allow federal agencies to re-employ federal retirees on a limited, part-time basis without offset of annuity; permit Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) workers to initially credit half, and later all, of their unused sick leave toward retirement; and provide for retirement equity for Federal employees in Hawaii, Alaska and the U.S. Territories. The Conference Agreement is expected to pass the House and Senate.
Steve Scalise D-1 Metairie Ph: (504) 837-1259 Fax: (504) 837-4239 Address: 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd Ste 500 Metairie, LA 70005; Washington Office 429 Cannon H. O. Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3015
Joseph Cao D-2 New Orleans Ph: (504) 483-2325; Address: 4640 S Carrolton Ave Ste 120 New Orleans, LA 70119; Washington Office 2113 Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC 20515; Phone: (202) 225-6636,
Charlie Melancon D-3 Gonzales Phone: (225) 621-8490 Fax: (225) 621-8493; Address: 1201 S Purpea Ave Ste 601 Gonzales, LA 70737; Washington Office 404 Cannon H. O, Building Washington, DC 20515 ph: (202) 225-4031
Mary Landrieu New Orleans Ph: (504) 589-2427 Fax: (504) 589-4023; 500 Poydras St # 1005, New Orleans, LA 70130; Washington, DC 328 Hart Senate Building United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510 Ph: (202)224-5824
David Vitter Metairie: Ph: 504 589 2753, 2800 Veterans Blvd 201, Metairie, LA 70002: Washington, 516 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510; Phone: (202) 224-4623

NARFE Dues: Each chapter should hold a meeting to discuss the referendum and take a vote on it. Only chapter members in good standing are entitled to vote. I know a number of you will not be able to attend the November meeting when we vote, therefore to ensure everyone has an opportunity to vote on the referendum, strongly encourage you to complete the coupon and mail it to your chapter. Cut out this coupon and mail/take it to your chapter please vote. Mail before November 15, 2009 to: NARFE Chapter 1397, 3448 Louise St Harvey, LA 70058-5458

Sunshine: Get well cards were sent to Enola Orgeron and Buddy Crouch and a sympathy card was sent to the family of Charles Palmer.
Please keep our ill members in your prayers. Remember if you know of a member who is ill please notifying our Sunshine Chair, Martha Benoit at 393-2271.
Notice; Congressman Cao will have a Health Fair on November 7th at the Gretna Farmers Market. All Chapter 1397 Members are invited to attend.




NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
NEWSLETTER
Allie J. Picou, Jr. Chapter 1482 –October 2009
Chapter 1482 NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY N.A.R.F.E.
Allie J. Picou, Jr. Chapter 1482
NEXT MEETING AT BENEDICT’S RESTAURANT
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 - 11:30 a.m. - $15.00

PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND YOUR MONTHLY MEETINGS.
YOUR SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL. AND REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR NAME TAG.
Officers 2008-09

President: Michael Bannon Ph: 985 624-8170 michael.bannon@att.net; 1st V.P Rose Band 1922 Livingston St. Mandeville, LA 70448 985 626-5090 rosalieband@bellsouth.net :2nd V.P.: Mack V. Truslow Ph: 985 246-6040 wombat8888@aol.com: Treasurer: Adolfo (Al) Ramirez 286 Laura Dr. S. Mandeville, LA 70448 Ph: 985 626-1631 adram@bellsouth.net: Secretary: Henry Bertrand Ph: 985 674-9229 eplanet@bellsouth.net Committee Chairs: Legislative: Ed Brannon 367 Devon Drive Mandeville, LA 70448 Ph: 985 626-7232 maedbran@bellsouth.net Telephone: Mary Roberts Ph: 985 892-9417: Special Events: Yvonne Decker Ph: 985 626-8375 Alzheimer’s: Rosalie Band 1922 Livingston Mandeville, LA 70448 Ph: 985 626-5090 roseband@bellsouth.net Newsletter Editor: Gloria Cruice Ph: 985 727-2584 gloriacruice@gmail.com

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Our next meeting and Alzheimer’s auction will be here soon. This is a good opportunity to bring a work associate who has not yet joined NARFE to enjoy some of the great food at Benedicts, sit in on one of our business meetings and enjoy the fellowship and bidding for items for the benefit of the Alzheimer’s Fund. Please make plans to be there and bring a friend.

As a reminder, if you have not yet voted on the dues referendum (included in last month’s newsletter) please do so and send to our Secretary, Henry Bertrand at the address shown on the referendum voting form. Otherwise, you can bring your documented vote to Henry at our upcoming meeting.

I’m looking forward to seeing you at our meeting on October 29.


Have a safe trip to the meeting.

Mike Bannon, President

MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE: Upon arriving at Benedict’s for the meeting and when you register and pay, please advise Yvonne Decker whether the people in your party are members or guests. If your spouse is with you and is not a registered member, please tell her you have a guest. This is necessary for the Secretary's records. Thank you for your assistance.


MINI-MINUTES September 30, 2009 By Henry Bertrand, Secretary

Meeting began at 12:01 PM, Benedict’s Restaurant, President Mike Bannon presiding. 24 members, 7 paying guests, 1 non-paying guest (speaker) attending. After the blessing and pledge of allegiance, Bannon welcomed all and asked for guests or new members to introduce themselves. Jay Hawkins and Dottie Fallo were introduced.

2nd VP Mack Truslow introduced speaker Ms. Ashley Biggs, Reference Librarian with the St. Tammany Parish Library in Covington. She told of the reference resources of the library, data bases, family history and genealogy information, medical refs, internet access, computer training, and more.

Ed Brannan and Al Ramirez spoke on the implications of the NARFE Referendum and encouraged all to submit their votes to Chapter Secretary Henry Bertrand.

After lunch, the 50/50 Drawing was won by Hilda Najt who received $16, with the other $16 going to the Chapter Treasury.

Rose Band made a motion that we dispense with reading the August minutes, second by Mary Miller, passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Al Ramirez reported on the completed and audited Covington Convention finances. Total income was $10,273; total disbursements $9058.62. Thanks were extended to Mr. Jay Hawkins for doing the audit and Ed Brannan for negotiations with the hotel. The regular monthly report followed showing an opening combined balance of $3475.75, closing combined balance of $4733.95 (including the Convention profit). This was accepted on a motion by Rose Band, second by Joe Landry, voice vote. (Full Treasurer’s Report is an Attachment in the full minutes.)

1st VP Rose Band stated that new ID badges are needed since the Chapter now carries the “Picou” name. Yvonne Decker made a motion that Band be allowed to pursue this and spend a reasonable amount to acquire these badges, second by Ed Brannan, carried by voice vote. Band also reminded of the October Alzheimer Auction and thanked Joe Landry for aluminum can sales of $8 for the Alzheimer Fund. (Bring your aluminum cans to Landry at our meetings. HGB)

Federation President Joe Landry told us of a recent Federation Presidents’ meeting in Tyler, Texas attended by 28. He briefly discussed the NARFE Referendum and said that he and President Mike Bannon will attend a Federation meeting on October 5th.

Legislative Chair Ed Brannan made comments on the current Health Care debate in Congress and urged all to contact their Senators by email or otherwise and request that they protect Federal employee and retiree benefits.

Adjournment came at 1:45 PM on a motion by Joe Tanet, second by Joe Landry, and voice vote.

NOTE: “Mini-Minutes” cover all business items of the full minutes in abbreviated form (where possible) for inclusion in the newsletter.

Happy Birthday to: Adolfo Ramirez – 10/2; Edwin P. Brannan – 10/5;
Bob Cruice – 10/06 (90th)

Happy Anniversary to: Mike and Sharron Bannon – 10/29

PLEASE PRAY for these members or Members’ loved ones who are ill or shut-in:

(Please tell us if you know members who are ill or shut-in.)

Note from Editor Gloria Cruice: If we don’t wish you a Happy Birthday in the Newsletter, it’s because we don’t have your birth date. Please email your birth date to me at gloriacruice@gmail.com.; The same for wedding anniversaries.)

Census Bureau Hiring Program

Please note that the Census Bureau is currently recruiting for the 2010 U. S. Census. For details, including how to contact the Census Bureau, please see page 52 of the November 2009 issue of the NARFE Retirement Life magazine.




NARFE
National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association
PROTECTING YOUR FUTURE
Baton Rouge Chapter 99
NARFE Notes 99 is published by-monthly by Baton Rouge Area Chapter 99, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Contributions of news and commentary are invited. Edited by Bob Rolfsen, 4523 Drusilla Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70809-6869. Phone 225-925-8047. E-mail: bob.rolfsen@cox.net.
October 22, 2009 10:30 a.m. Annual Picnic

Directions: Take College Drive (name changes at Perkins) to Lee. Continue on Lee to Hyacinth which is the first red light after crossing Perkins. Turn RIGHT on Hyacinth and LEFT on Stevens. There will be a large white NARFE poster on the corner of Stevens and Hyacinth). Stevens will dead-end into Floyd Avenue. Turn right on Floyd and 3960 is the white house on your LEFT.

Reservations are required, so that we may have a food count. You cane make a reservation by calling Adele
at 924-3744 or Phyllis at 751-8724.

As usual there will be no charge for lunch. The names of everyone who makes a reservation will be placed in a box for a $25 drawing. Reservations must be made no later than October 25 in order to have your name in this box.

In addition we plan a raffle for $100.00. The tickets for this drawing will cost $10 and will only be sold at the picnic.

Pick up your phone and make your reservation today. If you have a question or get lost on the way to the picnic, call Bob Rolfsen on his cell phone….200-2903.


Our condolences to Bunny Heroman upon the loss of her step-son Bobby Heroman. Bobby was both deaf and blind but did not let this prevent him from living a life of good quality and many interests.

Birthday Greetings
Happy belated September birthday greetings to Doris Steudlein (1st), Charles Shepard (2nd), Josie Vicnair (5th); Dora Erfurt (8th), Gerald Couvillion (9th), Rita LeBlanc (11th); Rosemary Chandler (13th); IrisCanepa (20th); Bobby Kilpatrick (21); Marie Chaisson (24th); Mary Ross (26th); Bob Poland (28th); and Lucien Bourque.

And Happy October Birthday Greetings to: Ed Millet (4th); Mary Francis (4);Lowell McCormick (10th);
Emanuel Williams (12th); Jayne Leal (19th);
Barbara Simcoe (20th); Phyllis Immethun (25th);
Nelson Bourgeois; Albert Cameron; and Ivy Creel.

******************************
Alzheimer Notes
By Phyllis Immethun
The results of our Alzheimer fund raising letter have been overwhelming. We have collected in excess of $2,000 and have until the end of November to reach our goal of $3,000. About 50% of our chapter members have donated to this project. We are hoping that the “other half” are still considering a contribution.

November is National Alzheimer’s Month and 100% of all donations made through the National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association can only be used for research. You may have heard that NARFE recently announced that our members have contributed 8 million dollars for research since the program was established.

I know this was a strain on budgets. A warm THANK YOU to those who have contributed. You are a caring and generous member and it certainly was good to hear from so many Thank you! Thank you!

Remember…..The disease is not going away. We must continue our support! Let’s give it all we can!
Page 3



Thank you to the following members who have recently paid their dues:

Rosemary Chandler… Laurabeth Hicks… Marybelle Landaiche;
Johnette Langlois Shelton Traylor… Mary Vidrine; Quention Ellis;
Lawrence Guidry; Purvis Hebert; Adele Heuvel…Jeannette Hueschen;
Gifford Jacobsen; Lillie Jumonville… Evelyn Miller… Jo Reeks Porter;
Rosemary Tesson… Terril Faul… Edward Gassie… Darwin Knochenmus… Gerald Montgomery…Julia Morris… John Nesbit… Edna Wilson;
Lillian Bouchereau… Thomas Burch… Myrle Fontenot… Homer Harris;
Jewell Hotard… Phyllis Immethun;… Harvey Masters… Beryl Quinton;
Renee Scheuric andd Clyde St Clergy.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Remember to take your books, clothing, etc to
HERE TODAY GONE TOMORROW THRIFT SHOP
10240 Burbank Drive Phone 769-2259
Between Bluebonnet and Lee Drive
And mark your donations with our assigned number - 669 –NARFE-

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Are you interested in shopping in the
NARFE GENERAL STORE
The NARFE General Store web site is now available at:
http://www.narfe.org.narfestore

Check out the NARFE badges, T-shirts, hats, and jackets
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Chapter 99 Nominating Committee Members (2009-2011)
Bob Rolfsen – Bunny Heroman – Janice Thompson

The Committee will meet during the October Picnic. They have been charged with recommending members for the 5 officer positions. The new officers will serve for two year terms. The election will occur at the November meeting and installation will occur at the December meeting. If you are interest in being nominated please contact one of the Committee members.
Page 4

The Louisiana Federation of Chapters has authorized your Editor to develop a method to track Volunteer Hours provided by NARFE members throughout Louisiana.

(Volunteerism has been identified as the act or practice of being a volunteer or using volunteers in community service work.)

I have begun the process by soliciting information from the Texas Federation who already have such a system in place. The second step will be to encourage NARFE members to provide appropriate information to Chapter Presidents who would report the information to the Federation Volunteer Committee.

We hope to have a test system in place no later than 1 December 2009.




NARFE CHAPTER 438
MINUTES OF MEETING AUGUST 11, 2009

The meeting at the Piccadilly Cafeteria on Ryan Street was called to order by President Ruth Jones at 11:30 a.m. We had 10 members and three guests present. The guests were: Sandra Walker, wife of Otis Walker; Irene Vandever, daughter of Anna Vandever; and Irene brought a young lady from her office (the secretary failed to get her name for the minutes). Janis Mann led the invocation and Dan Mele led the pledge of allegiance. We broke for lunch.

Ruth introduced our speaker, Willie Mount, Louisiana State Senator. She gave some interesting information regarding the financial and educational situation in the state at this time. She also broke the information down as it pertains to Southwest Louisiana and our area. Senator Mount took questions from the floor. We felt like we had a civics lesson at the conclusion of her speech. *Secretary’s note – it was more interesting than the ones we had in 9th grade- probably because we could relate to it better as senior adults.

The meeting resumed with the drawing for half & half. Anna won $14.00 and donated it back to the chapter. Ruth suggested that we begin something new at our club meetings. Our chapter members names will be placed in a basket and if that person is present, he or she will receive $10.00. If they are not at the meeting, the pot will add $5.00 each meeting until $25.00 is reached; it will start over when the $25.00 is reached. YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN. Ruth noted that this has worked for other chapters in the federation. It was unanimously decided to start at our next regular meeting.

Anna made a motion, seconded by Barbara Alston that the June minutes be accepted as printed in the newsletter. The motion passed.

Tony reported that there is $799.33 in our account. The report was accepted and a copy is attached to these minutes.

Ruth reported that Bob Rolfsen has resigned from the state nominating committee; there will no COLA in 2010; New Iberia chapter was to close but decided to join the Lafayette chapter with a once a year meeting; further that she needs a list of the hours each member spends during the year as a volunteer – with the information being passed on to the state federation; and that August is meet the candidate month. She and Anna attended a meeting with Sen. Vitter and she sent faxes to Sens. Mary Landrieu, David Vitter and Cong. Charles Boustany thanking them for their support.

Ruth will be collecting the Special Voter’s Coupon (which appeared in the August Narfe Magazine and in the last Newsletter. It is a vote on the Dues Referendum.

There’s a need for a volunteer to do the newsletter.

There being no further business, motion was made by Barbara Alston, seconded by Tony that the meeting adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

Janis Mann, Secretary
8-11-09mins