Wednesday, May 25, 2011

DON'T SINGLE ME OUT!

You should be concerned about the following possible actions in the near future.

1. Your civil service retirement fund and your Thrift Savings Plan might be in trouble because we, as a government, have borrowed so much money from China.

2. What about that so-called Diet COLA plan to reduce future cost of living adjustments for CSRS retirees to one percentage point less than inflation?

3. Have you heard about the cost-cutter proposal to change the way the government measures inflation that would dramatically increase each year the percentage of health premiums paid by active and retired workers?

What can you do?

click on:

http://www.narfe.org/heartbeat/

and either send the prepared message provided for you by NARFE , or write your own message!

Another solution is to call or Representative and Senators.

CONTACTING CONGRESS

Reaching policymakers in Washington is easy and only takes a few minutes. Even if you’ve never called Congress before, now is the time. Use the toll free numbers and follow the simple instructions below:

Step 1: Dial 1-866-220-0044 for the Capitol. Ask the operator to connect you to your Senator’s office or Representatives office or supply your ZIP Code.

Step 2: Tell the staff person who answers the telephone next where you live so they know you are a constituent, then say:

I am a retired federal employee who [tell the staff person a little about your work].

I am calling because I want to voice my opposition to any attempt to shift the cost of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program onto employees and retirees.

An increase in FEHBP contribution would squeeze millions of middle-class federal retirees like me – most of whom are on a fixed income – forcing seniors to choose between healthcare premiums and groceries and gas.

I also oppose any mandatory increase in the amount that federal employees must contribute to their retirement fund, which is nothing more than a 5% tax on 2.2 million middle-class families.

Current federal workers continue to be paid less than their private sector counter-parts.

We have served our country proudly and shouldn’t be unfairly singled out to bear the burden of fixing a budget problem we didn’t create.

Step 3: Call 1-866-220-0044 again to reach the Capitol to deliver the same message to your other senator and your representative.

Step 4: The toll free number for the White House is 1-888-225-8418 Call from 9am to 5pm EDT. You can make four effective phone calls (one representative, two senators and the President) in only about 10 minutes!

Every new proposal to tax or slash the federal workforce is a threat to every active and retired federal worker. Washington is making it clear that they think our annuities are too generous – and that they think we can be easily singled out.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

NARFE CHAPTER 2247

ORMOND BEACH, FL.,

NARFE CHAPTER 2247

NEXT CHAPTER MEETING

MAY 23, 2011, 11:30 A.M.

RIVER GRILLE Restaurant

920 N. US 1, Ormond Beach

OFFICERS :

President, Bob Wehrli 441-9250

1st Vice President, Cece Dougherty 672-5827

2nd Vice President, Nicholas Calvano 676-4615

Secy., Mary Araya 386-437-1085

2nd Secy., Eleanor Sherman 673-0871

Treasurer, Linda Gardner 677-0303

Service/Membership, Eleanor Sherman 673-0871

Sergeant-at-Arms, Donald Gaby 239-7639

Sunshine Person, Judy Boring 677-1060.

PROGRAM: Marguerite Hiemenz, Program Chair

Ms. Rebecca Becker, attorney at law, will be our speaker on May 16. She will discuss Elder Law which includes such things as Wills, Trusts, Health Care Planning, Probate, Guardianship and related subjects.

There should be something there of interest to everyone.

SERVICE AWARD

In an attempt to recognize the dedication, accomplishments, heroism, and sacrifice of our Government Employees at all levels of service to our citizens, I am beginning a new contest at the Chapter level. Submit your story of service or dedication in writing, e-mail, or phone before the September meeting and I will award you with a ten dollar ($10.00) meal coupon for the River Grille restaurant. The story may appear in one of our Newsletters, or be used at a NARFE meeting.

Let us get the word out that a Federal Employee whether he or she be in the military, Postal Service, IRS, a foreign service, health department, teacher

forest or parks department, customs, or any other Government service is mainly there to protect and serve. We do not make the laws. We merely see that the will of the people is carried out according to standards set by congress.

NARFE represents five million retired federal workers, retirees, spouses and their survivors.

LEGISLATION: by your editor

The good news is that the GOP plan to replace Medicare with vouchers has failed for the moment, because seniors made their wishes known in the town meetings. “Don’t touch what works.”

The bad news is that the, GOP House Speaker, Boehner said,” The GOP Medicare Remake remains on the table.” He continued to say, “Let me make this clear, when it comes to increasing the debt limit and the need to have reductions in spending nothing is off the table except raising taxes”.

That statement sounds like a threat to me. Plus, what happened to the promise,” we must all share in reducing the debt and pay our way?”

It would seem the many are expected to pay a larger proportion of their income so that a few wealthy and large corporations get a free ride. When it comes to taxes, the advocate of no tax increase always hides behind the small business person; but show me a small business person that has an adjusted gross income of more than $250,000. Now, you are in the class of a corporation not a small business.

The point is we no longer can expect a frontal attack. From this point on the attacks will be small bites and hidden language in unrelated bills. We must be even more alert and also depend on the Legislative staff members of all our groups like AARP and NARFE. Hopefully they will have the time and knowledge to recognize these attacks and alert us to action. As individuals we must write letters send e-mails and do what is necessary to make our wishes known. Our health care and economic existence is at stack here.

In the depression of the 1930’s and WW11 everyone was expected to pull their weight, not the few. We were a great Nation then and we could be a greater Nation now.

Old Business: Nominating Committee

Mary Ann Whitaker thanked the nominating committee, June Griffin, Marguerite Heimenz, Rose Lauer, Judy Boring, and Lee Sherman who assisted her in contacting and interviewing possible officers.

The following slate will be presented to the members for election on May 23rd.

· President ….Bob Wehrli

· 1st Vice President ….Cece Dougherty

· 2nd Vice President….Patricia (Trish) Vevera

· Recording Secretary….Mary Araya

· 2nd Secretary….Lee Sherman

· Treasurer….Linda Gardner

Pres. John Miseyko will install the Officers.

Presidents Message:

Few things validate the worth of the Ormond Beach chapter 2247 as much as our consistent growth from 31 members in 1992 to our present membership of 136 active members (with only three zip codes). The third zip code is the Ormond Beach Post Office. Mind you we are grateful for the Post Office, since on occasion we have the opportunity to entertain an out of town tourist and spread our message. Sometimes these guests even join our organization. Seriously, we have gained almost six members every year in spite of natural losses. Your attendance at meetings has been outstanding. Again it is a tribute to you as members. Attendance as high as 30 to 50% proves that our programs not only meet your expectations, but also meets our mission to safeguard and enhance all federal employees, who have earned their retirement benefits and health insurance by financially contributing into both as well as providing dedicated service. The summer program has been successfully due to your participation.

Communication between all chapter members has contributed to our success. Hopefully the involvement will even improve more in the future. We have several effective programs going for the chapter now, and with more volunteers we can expand to include those members who do not have computers.

We are closing a great term in June and I expect an even greater one for 2011/2012.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  1. Reserve December 8th for the 2011 Christmas Party at the Oceanside Country Club. The menu will be a choice of salmon, chicken Marsala, or vegetarian entrée with apple crisp and la mode for dessert. Kopy Kats will entertain.

2. Loraine Rumore will be closely following both the Washington Post and the Federal Time to garner news updates on federal benefits, the federal health care program, government deficit reduction plans and other issues affecting federal employees and retirees.

3. At the next meeting, a vote will be taken on participation in a bus trip to Yalaha, FL on July 18. Cost $59.00 includes lunch, a candy factory, and a winery visit. Plus a good time by all.

Address Change

If you have a change in your street or e-mail address, please inform either Linda Gardner 677-0303 or Bob Wehrli 441-9250.

CECE 5/2/11….R.W.

Visited Cece Monday, 5/2/11, with the permission of the family. Visits are still restricted and one must be fully gowned to enter the room.

When I arrived she was sitting up eating whole food and talking. Her mind is sharp and her memory is great. She has to have an amplifier to hear, but again this might improve. She needs therapy to walk. All and all I was very pleased to see so much improvement in a relatively short time.

What you can do now is send cards and notes to prove to her that we want her back as soon as possible. The notes are very important. She has no problem reading for short periods of time.

She asked about the convention and news about all of you. She was especially interested in the upcoming Postal conventions and wanted to be sure that we had everything we needed. As I said, her mind is sharp.

PRES. Joseph A. Beaudoin, NARFE National HQ

Saturday, May7,2011

The Senate is about to vote on a disastrous budget proposal that would slash federal pay and retirement by $375 billion over 10 years. We need to speak out now.

A few weeks ago, the House of Representatives passed a budget proposal that would cut 10 percent of the federal work force, reduce pay, and jeopardize benefits for those who have already retired. It’s an unfair attack that singles out the federal workers who protect our nation every day.

I just sent a letter to all senators telling them to vote “No” on the House budget proposal. Will you add your name to mine and send a letter today?

Rep. John Mica

770 W Granada Boulevard, Suite 315
Ormond Beach, FL 32174-5180
Phone: 386-676-7750 His DC address is below:

Rep. Mica's DC address below:

2187 Rayburn House Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20515-0907 The local address is better because it is quicker.

mica.house.gov/contactform.htm

202-225-4035

Sen. Marco Rubio

B40A Dirksen Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510

rubio.senate.gov/contact.form.cfm

202-224-3041

Sen. Bill Nelson

716 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

billnelson.senate.gov/contact.index.cfm

202-224-5274

These are your earned benefits under attack!

NARFE 2247 NEWS #32

PRES. Joseph A. Beaudoin, NARFE National HQ

Saturday, May7,2011

The Senate is about to vote on a disastrous budget proposal that would slash federal pay and retirement by $375 billion over 10 years. We need to speak out now.

A few weeks ago, the House of Representatives passed a budget proposal that would cut 10 percent of the federal work force, reduce pay, and jeopardize benefits for those who have already retired. It’s an unfair attack that singles out the federal workers who protect our nation every day.

I just sent a letter to all senators telling them to vote “No” on the House budget proposal. Will you add your name to mine and send a letter today?

Visit our newly updated www.ProtectAmericasHeartbeat.org website and send your letter now.

America’s federal employees perform important jobs that demand skill and dedication – and they’ve been doing more with less. Twenty years ago, in 1989, there was one federal employee for every 110 residents in the United States. Today, there’s one for every 147 residents.

Please send your letter now by going to:

www.ProtectAmericasHeartbeat.org

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Cece Dougherty


Finally some very good news; Cece is able to speak now and is staying awake most of the day. She is still being treated for a MRSA infection and a cough, but her lungs are clear and her future is much brighter.
The family wants to thank everyone for their concern, cards and prayers.
Visitor are still not allowed, but that may change in the near future.

Cece Dougherty


Finally some very good news; Cece is able to speak now and is staying awake most of the day. She is still being treated for a MRSA infection and a cough, but her lungs are clear and her future is much brighter.
The family wants to thank everyone for their concern, cards and prayers.
Visitor are still not allowed, but that may change in the near future.