Alzheimer Research.

In May, our Ormond Beach Chapter 2247 sent in a donation of $447.75 for Alzheimer’s Research. NARFE thanks all who have donated to this cause. Well done!

NARFE 2247 NEWS #35

Café 101 will be Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 11:30. The location is Daytona State College. 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd.

Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 - (386) 506-5859

I have reserved tables to accommodate 33 members.

This is an opportunity to talk informally with both your officers and other NARFE members. You may also provide your own opinions. These summer events are social in nature.

We always have room for more at the table, but please call me at 441-9240

NARFE 2247 NEWS #34

Lorraine (Rainey) Savage (NARFE member of 2247) sent the following message out to people in her address book.

Rainey took the extra step because not only Federal Employees and Retirees are the target of these cuts ,but the general public will suffer in the end as well and need to be alerted to these in justices.

This is the actual message sent by Lorraine Savage;

FYI - We (Rainey) signed and sent out to the President and all Representatives considering further drastic cuts aimed at all Federal Retirement Pay, Active Duty Pay and Health Benefits - if we don't speak up, we won't be heard. Only 7,163 national federal employees have responded.

Are you kidding me? These cuts affects all current active duty and retired federal employee members and surviving spousal and dependent children pay and health benefits. Don't be afraid to stand up and be counted. This is not limited to Florida, this is NATIONAL.

If you are not a member of your local NARFE (National Active and Retired Employee), don't be afraid to sign it anyway, you are or have been an active member of the Federal Work Force. You are or will be affected by Federal budget balancing cuts. You may have children who work for or have worked for the Federal Government. Let them know, send it out to your friends and family who you know are members of the Federal Work Force and/or have an interest in this.

Join the Fight...Rainey

JOIN THE FIGHT: Ctrl+Click (to follow the link) http://www.narfe.org/heartbeat/

to send the updated letter to your elected officials NOW.

Federal worker retirement system under attack!

Federal employees ensure our food is safe and our air is healthy. Some spend their days fighting the spread of infectious disease, while others raise the alarm whenever a storm is coming.

We depend on federal workers in all 50 states to keep America strong. And they've already sacrificed pay and benefits to help solve our nation's budget woes, even though they didn't cause our economic crisis.

Yet according to recent reports, the federal worker retirement system “has emerged as a key target” in negotiations about our national debt. It's not right – and we need to speak out now.

Tell Washington: Federal workers Protect America's Heartbeat. Reject additional cuts to their pay and benefits.

JOIN THE FIGHT: Ctrl+Click (to follow the link) http://www.narfe.org/heartbeat/

to send the updated letter to your elected officials NOW.

Meeting of the Board – June 13, 2011

NARFE Chapter 2247 Ormond Beach, FL

The Executive Board met at the Volusia Library at 10:00 a.m. Present were President Bob Wehrli, Past President Geri Wehrli, Linda Gardner, John Lowe, June Griffin, Joan Griffin, Kay Seemiller, Barbara Richardson, Donna Zajd and Mary Araya.

Preliminary remarks by the President included a brief evaluation of the two postal conventions in which our chapter participated. Four new members were added to NARFE rosters. A final tally of expenses will be submitted. Thanks to John Lowe, to Trish Vevera and to all who contributed to the success of this recruiting effort.

Summer programs are slated as follows: June: Café 101 ; July: River Grille; August: Giovanni’s. Regular monthly meetings will begin in September at the River Grille.

The main theme of this board meeting was to outline the goals and objectives of the telephone committee. The original intent of the committee was to encourage attendance at monthly meetings. Some members have no computers and/or little computer expertise. These members’ names were given to a telephone committee to contact. However, a social element became part of the phone calls: members, some housebound, grew to know their callers and shared bits of their lives with them. Cece Dougherty chaired this telephone committee to date, and will now receive assistance from Kay Seemiller who has volunteered to oversee the project. Others who join Kay are Joan Griffin, Donna Sajd, Barbara Richardson, Marguerite Heimenz, June Griffin and Judy Boring.

Several related actions were proposed to further the work of the telephone committee:

Linda Gardner and Bob will forward the M-114 Membership List, the Telephone List and the Postal List to Kay.

All members of the committee were requested to give a copy of their phone lists to Kay.

President Bob Wehrli will obtain the copy of Cece’s original list.

Bob shared that his personal wish/goal was that a Buddy System develop through this personal contact from member to member to unify our chapter in a meaningful way.

Donna Sajd proposed that Judy Boring, our Sunshine Chairperson, be routinely contacted by the committee to send cards and greetings to members who are recuperating from illness. Donna also offered to donate computer paper and to provide a program that will enable us to modify PDF messages.

Bob suggested writing a welcoming letter to all new members.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned with Bob’s thanks for the work accomplished.

Café 101

Café 101 will be Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 11:30. This is not a meeting, but an opportunity to talk informally with both your officers and other members.

We have seven tables (4 people on a table) reserved for a total of 28 members. Twenty five members signed up by e-mail, and we should have a few more reservations from those members without e- mail.

The college assured me that parking should not be a problem. First there are fewer student at that time, and you may park in the large lot across from Café 101 ( this was not possible at the last gathering).

America’s federal employees perform important jobs that demand skill and dedication.

Please send your letter to Congress and the White House by going to:

www.ProtectAmericasHeartbeat.org

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.

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

1^st Vice President, Cece Dougherty 672-5827

2^nd Vice President, Nicholas Calvano 676-4615

Secy., Mary Araya 386-437-1085

2^nd 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 23^rd.

· President ….Bob Wehrli

· 1^st Vice President ….Cece Dougherty

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

· Recording Secretary….Mary Araya

· 2^nd 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 8^th 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!