Wednesday, December 9, 2009

THANK YOU LETTER TO NANCY LOHMAN

NARFE ORMOND BEACH CHAPTER 2247
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of ACTIVE and RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES


Date: December 8, 2009
From: Robert Wehrli
To: Nancy Lohman


Dear Nancy,

As President of the Ormond Chapter of NARFE, for Active and Retired Federal Employees, I wish to thank you for sponsoring our Christmas Party at the Oceanside Country Club on December 3. The success of that party depended on your assistance.

I also understand that you were interested in how we formed as a group. I will attempt to give you a partial answer. Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s about 17 former Federal Employees use to meet once a month for lunch. From those informal meetings and considerable work the group grew to 32 members who applied for a Charter from NARFE in 1992. The NARFE Ormond Beach Chapter 2247 became a reality that year with little or no assets. Our address was only the zip code 32175, the Post Office on Granada. The key to our existence and growth is involvement by at least one third of our members, and follow thought in every endeavor.

The attendance at the Christmas Party was 55 from a total membership of about 120. Based on attendance alone we must consider the party a success, and your contribution added to that success. Add to that excellent food, good service, involving entertainment, and good fellowship and you have a good party.

We are looking forward to our next meeting with you. Once again the Chapter thanks you for your assistance.


Sincerely yours,
The Ormond Beach Chapter of NAFRE 2247



Tuesday, December 8, 2009

H1N1 Vaccinations


H1N1 Enters the Next Phase of Vaccinations

Six of the Central Florida health departments, Seminole, Orange, Volusia, Polk, Brevard and Flagler, are now entering the next phase of vaccinations by opening up H1N1 vaccinations to everyone; it is no longer being restricted to only Centers for Disease Control designated priority groups.

Volusia County

· The Volusia County Health Department is offering free H1N1 vaccinations to the general public Monday – Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ø 1845 Holsonback Drive in Daytona Beach

Ø 717 W. Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach

Flagler

· The Flagler County Health Department will offer free H1N1 vaccinations on Saturday, Dec 12th from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

· The Flagler County Health Department will offer free H1N1 vaccinations for seniors ( “Senior Friendly”) at the Flagler County Health Department on Saturday, December 19th from 8 a.m.-12noon, by appointment 386-437-7350 x2261

· The Flagler County Health Department offers free H1N1 vaccination clinics Monday – Friday. For more information and to make appointments please call

386-437-7350 x2261.

Monday, December 7, 2009

REMEMBER DEC. 7th.

APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM

Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program

FLORIDA ENERGY STAR APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM

On May 19, 2009 Governor Crist signed House Bill 167. This bill marks a continuation of his commitment to increasing energy efficiency and stimulating the economy. House Bill 167 enables the Florida Energy and Climate Commission (FECC) to develop and manage guidelines, consistent with federal regulations, designating eligible appliances, rebate amounts and the process for issuing rebates. The rebate program will help Floridians buy appliances at discount rates, lower utility costs, and benefit Florida businesses by stimulating sales of energy-efficient appliances. Pending final approval from the United States Department of Energy, there will be six residential appliances that qualify for Florida’s 20% ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program:

  1. refrigerators,
  2. freezers,
  3. washing machines,
  4. dish washers,
  5. room air conditioners, and
  6. gas tankless water heaters.

Florida’s program is anticipated to last for ten days in April 2010 and run in conjunction with Florida’s Earth Day events.

Why is the program only 10 days long?

Based on our nation’s experience with the Cash for Clunkers program, the retailers and manufacturers have requested we limit the time of the initial program to ensure those who really want to take advantage of this program have the opportunity to do so. If there is money left over, another smaller rebate program will be offered six months later.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 16,2009




NARFE Chapter 2247
Ormond Beach, FL

Minutes of Chapter Meeting - November 16, 2009

President Bob Wehrli called the meeting to order at 11:30 on this date. 44 members including new members, guests and speaker Diane Thompson, Account Manager Central Region, Blue Cross. Bob thanked the members for their donations of food to be taken to Halifax Urban Ministries by Lee Sherman after the meeting as well as the toys also donated that will be taken to the Ormond Beach Police Station by Bob Wehrli. The proceeds from both the October and the November 50/50 raffle will also be sent to the Halifax Urban Ministries. All participated in the pledge of allegiance to the flag and the moment of prayer. Minutes and Treasurer’s report were accepted as read and filed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership: Lee Sherman introduced new members Richard and Georgia LaPierre and Frances Sorensen, wife of Fredrick Sorensen, who transferred from Chapter 58.

Legislation: John Lowe shared his impressions on the success of the Senior Expo and thanked those members who volunteered to help set up and man the booth.


Sunshine: Judy Boring sent a get well card to Dewey Morris with our best wishes.

OLD BUSINESS

No old business was brought up at this meeting.

Our speaker this month, Diane Thompson, is the Account Manager for the Central Region Blue Cross. Diane sent us the best regards of Tony Falanga who is retired and is doing well. The object of Ms. Thompson’s talk was to update the membership on the 2010 Benefit Program with its new rates and changes. Brochures are available for comparison viewing. Open season is from November 9th to December 14th. Ms. Thompson invited members to call her at (800) 555-8228 Ext 27918 or e-mail her at diane.thompson@bcbs.com for individual questions on Blue Cross/Blue Shield benefits and costs. BC/BS is moving toward a wellness component of its program; i.e. coverage for health risk assessment, physical exams, nutrition for children, vaccines by pharmacy free of charge, speech generating devices for stroke, Alzheimer’s, throat cancer patients. Also gym discounts at God’s and other gyms, Jenny Craig e-diet; free odometers for walking at work, discount through Beltone, vision supplement program and the like. Ms. Thompson fielded a number of questions from the membership. Bob Wehrli thanked Diane Thompson for her very relevant talk.

NEW BUSINESS

Christmas Luncheon: Alice Mauzy, our hostess, told the members all was set for the Christmas Luncheon to be held at the Ocanside Country Club on Thursday, December 3 beginning at 11:30. The meal will be served at 12:00 noon with the menu to include tilapia, sirloin and vegetarian main dish. Apple crisp and ice cream will be served for dessert. Cece Dougherty will sell tickets for drinks and Marguerite will welcome the entertainers “The Talk of the Town.” Tickets are $21.00 and can be obtained by sending a check to Cece Dougherty 932 Northbrook Drive, Ormond Beach, FL32174-3972.

John Lowe gave us news of the equivalent of the Cash for Clunkers program, now for appliances. From April 16th to 25th, appliance dealers are offer rebates of 20% off new appliances when the old appliance is turned in.

Bob Wehrli modeled the new cobble aprons acquired to advertise our chapter at Sr. Expo, postal workers outreach and conventions.

Results of the raffles are as follows: The 50/50 raffle was won by Carmen Cook, with the other $22.00 donated to the food bank. Lee Sherman won the $10.00 voucher coupon.

The meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m. Moved by Victor Dean; seconded by Mary Ann Whitaker.

M. Araya
Secretary


Saturday, December 5, 2009

Congressional fast-track procedure


Due to the current fiscal crisis, the statutory limit on the public debt must be raised this month in order for the Treasury to raise cash to pay the government’s bills. Some Senators are withholding their support for the House passed debt limit increase until the Senate leadership agrees to include a proposal to create a commission that would force changes to entitlement and other program spending and tax policy through the use of a Congressional fast-track procedure. NARFE is concerned that such a commission could single out the earned federal civil service retirement and health benefits for reductions.

I am concerned that such a commission could single out my earned federal civil service retirement and health benefits for reductions. While I am troubled about the mounting budget deficit and debt, federal civilian retirement has not contributed, and will not contribute, to the government's debt and deficit crisis. For more than two decades the Civil Service Retirement Trust Fund has been fully funded and actuarially sound. Federal retirement is not part of the problem, but I fear it could become part of the solution.

I devoted my working life to federal public service and earned the economic and health security that will allow me to live an independent and dignified life in retirement. Would a fast-track commission truly weigh the important public policies which underlie the system which were put in place to attract and retain competent employees to serve our nation's needs? I think not. That is why I feel it would be a grave error for Congress to relinquish its fiscal policymaking responsibilities to a budget cutting commission and fast-track procedure which could reduce the retirement and health benefits which were promised to me as compensation for my service to our nation.

This form of blackmail by a few ill informed Senators is a threat to your security. I will send you a personal e-mail that will allow you to contact our two Senators. Watch for the e-mail and act.


Friday, December 4, 2009

W.I.S.E. programs


Tis the Season ... for Song and Holiday Treats so come and enjoy as we conclude our first year of the W.I.S.E. programs!!!

The WISE (Wisdom In Senior Education) ask if you are planning to attend this exciting program Thursday December 10, 2009 that you register "on line" as the space is limited:

To register for this event please click here: WISE "End of the Year Holiday Party"

Time 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm @ The Hosseini Center on Daytona State College Campus 1200 W Int. Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, Fl 32114

or check us out on the Web page for future programs: www.daytonastate.edu/foundation