National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association

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1 National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Virginia Federation of Chapters Fall Notes October 2014 Serving Current, Former and Retired Federal Civilian Employees - Spouses and Survivor Annuitants President Richard Giangerelli NARFE1241@verizon.net 1 st Vice President Kathy R. Arpa mkarpa@hotmail.com 2 nd Vice President Leslie Ravenell Nell82112msn.com Secretary William A. Schmidt billschmidt39@yahoo.com Treasurer Raphael Wong wongr@ieee.org Past President Luther Santiful santiful@aol.com FEDERATION PRESIDENT S MESSAGE As this is my first article in the Virginia Federation of Chapters (VFC) Notes, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your trust in me to serve as your VFC President for the current year. I will do my best to continue to improve the operations of the VFC and to address your concerns and issues. Since being elected at the 2014 VFC Convention, I have put together a meeting plan and list of important dates for the VFC Board; published and distributed the 2014 VFC Annual Report; distributed the 2015 VFC State Plan to the members of the Virginia General Assembly; participated in meetings of Chapters in Areas I, III, and X; participated in a meeting of the Northern Virginia Caucus of Chapters; represented the Virginia Federation at the NARFE National Convention and the Federation Presidents' meeting; closed out 2014 VFC Convention finances; participated in the planning meetings for the 2015 VFC Convention; initiated action to close Loudoun-Leesburg Chapter 1133; and participated in discussions about three other Chapters that may be considering closing. By now, you have all heard the results of the 2014 NARFE National Convention. Beginning on November 1, 2014, you will see some of the changes approved at the Convention take effect. For one, two national officers, a President and a Secretary/Treasurer, will replace the current four national officers. Bill Shackelford from the Fairfax Chapter was elected as the new NARFE Region X Vice President, replacing Bill Martin, who is stepping down. The "Future of NARFE" committee will continue their evaluation of potential changes for NARFE. NARFE will have a standing strategic planning committee, which was proposed at the Convention by the Resolutions Committee and no changes will be made to the organization and operation of the National E-NARFE Chapter. Forty-five members of the Virginia Federation attended and participated in this Convention. Kathy Arpa, the VFC 1st Vice President, wrote a very concise and complete description of the Convention and it is included as part of this issue of the VFC Notes. One issue we continue to hear about is the decreasing membership in NARFE and the problems associated with that. Well, perhaps you didn't know that the Virginia Federation, effective September 30, 2014, has 15,121 total membership. This is a decrease of 581 members from September 30, However, during this same timeframe, the Virginia Federation moved from the third largest Federation to the second largest Federation; which means other Federations are having worse membership retention problems. Currently, the largest VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 1

2 Federation is the California Federation and the third largest Federation is the Maryland Federation. However, since the beginning of October, NARFE membership numbers are again starting to climb, though slowly. Perhaps the current NARFE membership drive, in which NARFE members get $10.00 for every member they recruit through December 31, 2014, is starting to have an effect. However, perhaps membership retention and growth should be a secondary concern. I indicated earlier in this article that I had to initiate the closure of a Chapter, the Loudoun-Leesburg Chapter This is the first Chapter that had to be closed in Virginia since the Virginia Federation was started. I also indicated that three other Chapters may be considering closing. None of these four Chapters considered closing because of membership retention problems. The problem they are encountering is loss of leadership. Current officers are getting tired and other members are not stepping up to take over. And this problem is not unique to these four Chapters. I have seen it in many Chapters, both large and small. I believe that if we can address and correct this Chapter leadership issue, the membership retention and growth issue will dissipate. Therefore, I plan on making the Chapter leadership issue my priority and I ask for your assistance, ideas, and recommendations on methods for addressing this issue. If you have any other issues and concerns that you believe the VFC Board should address, please do not hesitate to contact me. NARFE advertises itself as a unique "Bottom Up" organization; and I thoroughly support that concept. However, for that concept to work, we need your input! Richard Giangerelli, VFC President FIRST VICE PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Six of the 10 Area Vice Presidents attended the National Convention in Orlando. Steve Dansker, Area VII Vice President, served on the By-laws Committee. Pierce Johnson, Area IX Vice President, served as the Chair of the Legislative Committee. Dick Giangerelli served as Chair of the Resolution Committee and I served as Chair of the Rules Committee. Several other VFC members served on various committees. At the convention, Area I was honored with Marie Collins receiving the NARFE National Membership Award. Area IX has held several meetings this summer in preparation for the 2015 VFC Convention which will be held in Fredericksburg in April As the VFC Coordinator for the convention, I was very impressed with the enthusiasm from these six chapters with assistance from a chapter in Area VIII Their leadership and committee chair are working toward having a very successful convention at our new venue at the Fredericksburg Expo on April 12-15, Bulletin #1 should be available in a few weeks. During our Area Vice Presidents breakout session at the July VFC Board Meeting, we spent considerable time discussing the 2014 convention. Many of these suggestions have been taken into consideration and will result in a few changes at the 2015 VFC Convention. For example, we will hold a meet and greet reception on Sunday evening to welcome first time attendees and see old friends. As we come to the end of the calendar year, chapter nominating committees are working hard on finding members to serve as chapter officers. Area Vice Presidents will be visiting chapters to install officers. I want to remind chapters of the requirement and importance of preparing the Form F-7 Chapter Officer Roster by January 1st to report all officers and committee chairs for If all positions are not yet filled, submit the report for what you have by January 1st and submit a subsequent F-7 for any additions later. Timely submission of the form is necessary to ensure mailings (National and VFC) go to the current officials. VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 2

3 As many of you are aware, I have had some major health issues this summer. My recent surgeries in September have resulted in additional recovery time and I have not had the ability to devote to my NARFE activities. I want to thank all of my NARFE friends from Virginia for their cards, phone calls, s and prayers. fortune to have such wonderful caring friends. 2 ND VICE PRESIDENT S MESSAGE VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 3 I feel very Kathy Arpa - 1st Vice President To those of you, who are new to receiving the VFC Notes, let me begin by introducing myself. I am Leslie Ravenell, your newly elected VFC 2 nd Vice President. I am a member of Colonial Beach Chapter 595 where I also serve as Chapter President and for the past five years I have served as Area VIII Vice President. I was honored to be elected 2 nd Vice President at the 2014 VFC Convention and I was also delighted to turn Area VIII over to my dear friend and colleague, Maureen Moe Nolet. So what have I been doing since the 2014 VFC Convention? In June I attended the VFC State Legislative Meeting. In the past I had always attended in order to represent Area VIII. This time I had the chance to sit back and focus on all of the areas and chapters who participated. What was different this year was that there was more individual Chapter participation and more overall VFC participation, with over 30 people in attendance. In July, I attended the monthly meeting of Warrenton-Fauquier Chapter 1549 and I briefed them on some of the upcoming issues for the 2014 NARFE National Convention. In August I was off to Orlando, Florida, for the 33 rd NARFE National Convention. I carried the votes for Chapter 595 and 3 other Chapters in Area VIII and my husband, Richard, was a proxy for two other Chapters in Area VIII. Together we were proud to represent the VFC and cast 26 votes in the secret ballot. Finally, in September I attended the 2015 VFC Convention planning meeting, providing what I hope was helpful information based on past convention policies. Now to the more interesting part: the reports of the six VFC Committees which you will find printed elsewhere in this publication. Our VFC Organizational Handbook says that the 2 nd Vice President is responsible for oversight for the VFC Committee Chairs. It is truly my pleasure to work with such a dedicated and talented group of individuals. I would like to introduce them to you now. Connie and John Bails are now in their sixth year as Co-Service Officers for the VFC. They continue to inspire NARFE members with their colorful presentations. In this edition of the VFC Notes they discuss several OPM benefits that you may not be aware of. Donna Shackelford is the VFC Alzheimer s Chair and she has been working in this position since As you will see in her report, Virginia was once again recognized as the leading Federation in NARFE as far as total donations for Alzheimer s Research. What she didn t tell you is how she tirelessly worked with the National Alzheimer s Committee at the National Convention, where $11,000 was raised! Patti Downs is now in her second year as VFC State Legislation Chair. In her report she outlines the 2015 State Legislative Plan which you will be seeing very soon (if you have not already) in its glossy tri-fold format. Gaston Gianni is the VFC Public Relations Chair. He is now in his fourth year as Public Relations Chair and his report explains the Matching Funds process. He has just received a supply of NARFE PR goodies and wants to get them out to you. Jim Brewer is now the National legislative Chair for the VFC. This is his second time around, as he served in this position from 2009 to After his appointment in April, he hit the ground running. Since this is an election

4 year, NARFE-PAC funds are being distributed and Jim is working very hard on this. Also there are several Congressional Districts that need CDLs. Do you know someone who is ready to serve? Finally, we have B. J. Thomas-McMillian as the VFC Membership Chair. Although she is technically the new kid on the block, you would never know it from her report and the several initiatives she has created. If you are interested in membership, please consider joining her Goggle Group so you can learn and share best practices. In conclusion, as your second Vice President, I would love to come and visit your chapter. Please don t hesitate to contact me at nell8211@gmail.com. Leslie Ravenell, NARFE VFC 2 nd Vice President SECRETARY The VFC Board of Directors at their July meeting adopted a budget for the current fiscal year, with the inclusion of funds to support the attendance of all voting members of the board at the 2014 NARFE National Convention in Orlando, Florida. The Board also adopted the State Legislation Plan for the 2015 session of the Virginia General Assembly. The Board decided to retain the current $0.55 per mile for mileage reimbursement, and to increase the maximum reimbursement permitted for meals to $15 for breakfast, $20 for lunch and $30 for dinner. A proposed set of duties and responsibilities for the position of FEEA coordinator was discussed for adoption in to the VFC Organizational Handbook. Copies of the proposal were sent to all Chapter Presidents for review and comment. This will be an item for discussion at the October Board meeting. The registration fee for the 2015 VFC Convention was approved by the VFC Board in accordance with the VFC Bylaws. The registration and banquet fee was approved at $55 for early registration, $60 for normal registration, and $65 for late registration. Registration information will be sent out in late October The VFC 2014 Annual Report, which was not provided to the attendees of the 2014 VFC Convention, will be printed in color with a bound cover and distributed to each VFC Board member and to each Chapter by the Area Vice President for their respective VFC Area. It will also be posted on the VFC website, at Beginning with the October 2014 VFC Notes, the distribution list of the VFC Notes will be changed to include only NARFE members. Political incumbents will receive a maximum two-page executive summary. William A. Schmidt-VFC Secretary ALZHEIMER'S REPORT Congratulations, Virginia, you have done it again!! Once again, you are the leading Federation in the nation for contributions to Alzheimer's Research. This Federation gave $75,349 in the last fiscal year and the national total as you read this has exceeded $11 million. Our own Chapter 1270 (Woodbridge) earned the title as top fundraising chapter in the nation with a collection of $15,831. All of this was announced at the National Convention in Orlando. The new goal, of course, is set at $12 million by the next national convention in 2016 at Reno, Nevada. VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 4

5 I need help from you wonderful people to create ideas to raise money at our own convention in the spring. We did not do as well last year as in other years and there could be several explanations. I don't want to repeat any of that. We will be in a new venue in 2015, so it is a good opportunity to have new inventions. At least, I would like to consider what the membership would like to experience. Along those lines, please be advised that I am asking for any baskets or other donations submitted to the silent auction and/or raffle be of a substantive value of at least $ It is very important that people feel they are getting their money's worth when they buy tickets. If anyone has a major gift to raffle (valued at $200 or more), I can certainly consider holding a separate drawing if the majority thinks it worthwhile. One issue that has come to my attention multiple times concerns honorariums. If someone in your chapter or a member's relative passes away, the suggestion might be made to make donations to Alzheimer's in lieu of flowers. Please spread the word that in that situation, contributions should be sent to Alzheimer's Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, 17th Floor, Chicago, IL Include the chapter number on the memo portion of the check. Some people have been given an address in New York. If contributions are sent there, not all of the gift will go to Research and the chapter will get no credit. Please share this with your members and spread the word. Alzheimer's News - We know that women are much more at risk than men for this brain problem ("Not tonight--i have a headache!"). At least one researcher has suggested that women years of age are twice as likely as men the same age to develop Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. After 80, the risk is identical and remains similar throughout the rest of life. People with limited education appear to be at higher risk for dementia than those with advanced degrees. Women have a 70 percent risk of developing depression, and a study published last year found a link between depression late in life and dementia. At the same time that twice as many women are victimized by this horrible disease, it is shown that female caregivers outnumbered men by more than 2 to 1 with more than twice as many women as men giving up formal employment entirely. Caregivers experience awkward intimacies that arise when one tends to a spouse who has been reduced to child-like dependence, and the terror that erupts when patients lash out in fear and confusion, sometimes violently, at those closest to them. During the National Convention in Orlando, the NARFE Alzheimer's Committee met with people from the Alzheimer's Association in Chicago. A vote was taken and another four grants were funded by NARFE for further research. This brings the total to 63 projects funded by the generous donations of people and chapters just like you. If I can be of any service to you or your chapter, please contact me at kamiahan@aol.com or telephone My mailing address is Round Lick Lane, Centreville, VA Donna Shackelford, Alzheimer's Chair, VFC. Donna Shackelford - VFC Alzheimer s Chair MEMBERSHIP REPORT At the National Convention in August, Marie Collins, from Peninsula Chapter 682, was recognized as the TOP RECRUITER nationally over the past two years, having recruited 100 new members. Congratulations to Marie! Although overall VFC Membership is still declining (down 6.9% if the e-chapter is not counted, down 5.5% if it is), the rate of decline has slowed AND some chapters have shown a NET INCREASE in membership for three or four months in a row. Also, transfers into VFC Chapters are up by 350%. Another favorable trend is the number of non-renewing members, which is down by 15% and the number of Second Notices being sent is also down slightly - indicating that more people are renewing without being nudged. VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 5

6 At the same time, recruitment of new members is down by 38%, and the reinstatement rate as a percentage of non-renewals is only about 30%. Clearly, we need to focus more efforts on finding and persuading more retirees and active workers to join, AND on regaining lapsed members. In other words, GAIN AND RETAIN. Two areas where efforts could really pay off are: (1) retaining those active workers who joined pursuant to the 6 month free offer from Headquarters last October through early December; and (2) contacting the Prospects identified by Headquarters and through local chapters staffing booths at health fairs, postal conventions, etc. to persuade them to join. For the VFC as a whole, the number of such identified Prospects is up by almost 300% from last year. And yet, the Prospect Conversion percentage (new members divided by number of prospects) is only 11%, meaning that we are not converting many of these Prospects to members. To help in recruiting Prospects, I ve drafted a sample letter, , and phone script, available at to use in contacting them. Another possible focus is increasing the number of surviving spouses who transfer their spouse s NARFE membership to themselves. In 2014, so far, only 12 surviving spouses have done this. I would encourage Membership Chairs and Chapter members to scan obituaries in your local papers. If they mention that the deceased person worked for the federal government, and they also mention a surviving spouse, ask your Chapter Service Officer to contact that person and offer assistance in submitting any necessary information to OPM or other government entities. While the primary emphasis in such contacts is in providing assistance, the surviving spouse may well decide to continue the relationship with your local Chapter. In this quarter, I also conducted a training session with Area IV on recruiting new members. The emphasis was on identifying who is a retired or active Fed, and role playing how to bring up NARFE with persons you meet or have identified. The Elevator Speech available at HQ s website provides a sample of what one might say. Another focus was thinking outside the box about non-meeting activities and participation in charity or community events to attract newer retirees and actives. The results of the brainstorming at this and other training sessions are available in a document called Recruitment Ideas downloadable from The VANARFE MEMBERSHIP Group on Google now has 43 members, and is a means of asking questions, sharing what works and what doesn t and distributing documents. I have also encouraged Chapters to revise their webpages on the VANARFE.org website to (1) ensure that all contact info is current; (2) describe what programs and non-meeting activities your Chapter is involved in; and (3) make your Chapter s page attractive to entice potential recruits to contact your Chapter. In response, many Chapters have now redesigned their VANARFE.org web page. I have also encouraged Chapter Membership Chairs to draft a Strategic Plan for their Chapter - with membership goals and actions they plan to take to recruit new members and retain non-renewals. B.J. Thomas McMillan, Membership Chair NATIONAL LEGISLATION I was appointed to the VFC National Legislative Chair in late April 2014 and I immediately began working on the CDL and SLL programs, confirming previous appointments and recruiting new appointees. We still have several Congressional Districts that need CDLS. Since this is an election year there are a number of issues in the mix. I have used bulletin points to describe my work so far and what else is in the works or needs to be accomplished. VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 6

7 3 VFC areas have held / are holding Congressional District candidate forums. CDL s and SLL s are working with several chapters to raise candidate awareness in the districts and are seeking member comments on who deserves our NARFE PAC candidate support in advance of an FYI request from candidates After a seemingly short summer, Chapters across the commonwealth are waking up and getting involved. So far, a couple chapters have asked for CDLs to attend their Chapter meetings to discuss candidate issues. The VFC National Legislative Chair has asked all Chapters and VFC areas to canvass their Chapter members for candidates to fill vacated Congressional District Liaison and Senatorial Legislative Liaison positions. We need CDL s for the following Districts: 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. NARFE PAC is alive, but needs member support to help the right Congressional candidates obtain the Congressional positions to support our NARFE mission; preserve and protect the earned benefits of federal employees and their spouses. The NARFE Legislative team is tracking 39 different pieces of legislation that could affect the livelihood of federal employees, retirees and spouses. Go to capwiz.com/narfe/issues/bills/ to find out. Let your Congressman and Senator hear your voice about the issues. Absentee ballots are now available to those eligible to use for elections in your district. November 4th, 2014 is Election Day. Make sure you are registered and VOTE. If you don t drive, contact a NARFE friend in your Chapter as there s always someone that will help. Three Congressional districts are vacated for this November election. CD-7 Eric Cantor resigned in July, CD-8 and CD-10. Find out and support the candidate that you trust to do the right things for America and Federal employees, retirees, annuitants. Congressional District 3 is the only district running unopposed. Looks like smooth sailing November 4th for Congressman Scott. The 2010 census somewhat changed our Congressional District makeup and your National Legislative Chair has attempted to make the necessary changes required of the (11) Eleven Congressional districts to fit our (10) ten VFC areas. Of course, this has affected Congressional District makeup of several chapters across the Commonwealth. Check with the State Board of Elections to find your correct Congressional district and your polling location, if you are voting for the first time or it s been a while. Your National Legislative Chair and NARFE PAC coordinator asks for help and support for NARFE PAC. The candidate PAC contributions we make help with marketing NARFE on Capitol Hill. It also helps open doors for us and helps us to get attention to our issues because we are known by sight or at least name in the halls of Congress. Our organization is devoted solely to the benefit of Federal Employees, retirees and annuitants. Your contribution to the NARFE PAC helps to empower the right candidate that best supports that donation. Our people will win many battles on Capitol Hill because of your support and donation. Fill out the NARFE-PAC coupon today and send your best donation. Thanks to all who have donated so far. PUBLIC RELATIONS NOW IS THE TIME Open Season: Hope your Chapter has identified a Federal open season health fair in your area. These events make great opportunities for Chapters to set up a NARFE table and recruit new members. The VFC has recently replenished its supplies of NARFE Goodies through a Matching Funds project with National. We have NARFE bags, pens, magnets, notepads, post it notes, lip balm, soda can openers, letter openers and coasters, all waiting for you to identify a recruiting event and requesting some goodies. Also, at this time of year, there are a number of local fall fairs and festivals where you may be able to have a table. Put your thinking caps on and come up with an event where you can attract potential new members. Just let the PR Chair know what your needs are. The VFC aims to please our Chapters. Since the last VFC Notes, a number of chapters and Area VP s have requested PR Goodies. We have tried to fill all requests in a timely manner. VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 7

8 Talking about Matching Funds, remember this a way to S-T-R-E-T-C-H your Chapter funds when holding recruiting events. Between National and the VFC, we will pick up 75% of the costs to put on an event. Here is a picture from the Rockingham County Fair, August 11 to 16 th where the Harrisonburg Chapter 164 used matching funds. They were successful in identifying a number of potential NARFE members for future follow up by the Chapter and National. Remember if you have questions about potential projects and whether they qualify for matching funds, just send me an at gastongianni@aol.com or call me at I hope you had a chance to review the VFC Annual Report posted on the VFC web site ( ). There is a lot of useful information about the VFC and what we did in the period. Also, check out the NARFE web site ( for information on the recent National Convention in Orlando. Thanks to VFC s help, I was able to attend and carry the votes for my home Chapter 1270 and Manassas Chapter 356. There was a lot of discussion on the Future of NARFE and the urgency of making changes to NARFE s organization and for obtaining new members. Remember we need your help in signing up new members. Each Chapter should be constantly looking for opportunities to bring in new members. Just tell potential members that WE NEED THEM and THEY NEED NARFE! Mark all those new 2015 Calendars you re receiving in the mail for the 2015 VFC Convention April in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia. Area IX VP Pierce Johnson and his team are busy planning for the convention. They want to make this convention one you don t want to miss and one you ll remember having attended! CLOSING QUOTE: Apathy can be overcome by ENTHUSIASM, and enthusiasm can be aroused by two things: first, an IDEA which takes the imagination by storm; and second, a definite, intelligible PLAN for carrying that idea into action. Arnold Toynbee Gaston Gianni, VFC Public Relations Chair SERVICE OFFICERS Greeting s Service Officers and Chapter Members. We attended the National Convention in Orlando FL, August At the Convention, NARFE s legislative agenda and direction for the next two years was established. Speakers included Katherine Archuleta, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, and U.S. Reps. Alan Grayson, D-FL. And John Mica, R-FL. A Service Officer break out Session was given by David Snell, Director of Federal Benefits Service for NARFE Headquarters. Convention Delegates rejected the following concerning Service: Resolution No , requiring NARFE Headquarters to arrange for extensive training of all chapter service officers at various locations across the country Resolution No calling for the Office of Personnel Management to establish a telephone line solely for the use of NARFE chapter service officers VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 8

9 Life Insurance Benefits Now The following are extracts from Dave Snell s Service Presentation August 25, 2014; full presentation available on request. FEGLI - Created in 1954 by an Act of Congress Term Life insurance meant to protect workers families during the years when risk of financial ruin due to loss of income is highest Law amended Program to allow: All insured individuals to make Assignment of their FEGLI coverage. Insured employees and annuitants to elect to receive their Basic insurance as a Living Benefit. Assignment Assignment is the transfer of ownership of life insurance to another individual, corporation, or trustee. You are still the insured person, but you no longer own the insurance. Assignment is voluntary and irrevocable. When you make an Assignment, you assign Basic insurance, and Option A and Option B insurance if you have them. You cannot assign dismemberment insurance, the Extra Benefit, or Option C. You cannot make a partial Assignment or assign only one type of insurance. After making the Assignment, you continue to pay the premiums from your salary or annuity. The assignee or another third party cannot make premiums payments on your behalf. An Assignment automatically cancels prior designations of beneficiary. Once your Assignment becomes effective, only your assignee has the right to designate a beneficiary for your life insurance proceeds. An Assignment supersedes the order of precedence and a valid court order. Living Benefit Life insurance benefits paid to you while you are still living, rather than paid to a beneficiary or survivor when you die. You can elect a living benefit if you are diagnosed as terminally ill with a life expectancy of nine months or less. Only Basic insurance is available for a living benefit. Employees, can elect either a full living benefit (all of your Basic insurance) or a partial living benefit (expressed as a multiple of $1,000). Annuitants and compensationers can elect only a full living benefit. Application Process (Office Federal Employee Group Life Insurance) Application is through OFEGLI, Not OPM Call OFEGLI at ; Application Form FE-8 Part A for applicant, Part B for applicant s Physician. There are no electronic copies of these forms. OFEGLI will provide a calculation sheet to estimate amount of Basic Life Insurance available. Reduction representing the lost earnings to the Employees Life Insurance Fund. OFEGLI Process If approved OFEGLI will send a check and an Explanation of Benefits; if disapproved OFEGLI will send a notice. There are no appeal rights as such. But additional medical evidence to support claim may be submitted for review by OFEGLI. John & Dr. Constance T. Bails, VFC, Co-Service Officers VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 9

10 STATE LEGISLATION Greetings from your State Legislation Chair! Based on decisions during the July VFC Board meeting, the following four issues constitute our 2015 State Legislation Plan. The first three issues are carryovers from the 2014 Plan and the last issue is from the 2010 Plan. Enhanced Protection of Incapacitated Adults. Although a new bill was passed earlier in 2013 on this issue, it unfortunately mirrored the relatively weak standing law. Our 2014 proposal would 1) expand the definition of incapacitated from the current limited definition of only mentally incapacitated to include mentally, physically, and socially incapacitated (i.e., socially isolated); 2) provide for asset recovery through the seizure/forfeiture of property used in connection with the exploitation; and 3) increase the criminal penalties for the crime, as appropriate. Income Tax Subtraction for Health Insurance Premiums. All currently employed Virginians with a company or agency health plan are allowed to subtract their health insurance premiums from their pre-tax income. However, most retirees do not have the same benefit. A new 2013 law permits adults 65+ years old to deduct premiums paid for medical insurance if earned annual income is at least $20K but not more than $30K (federal adjusted gross income). Yet, most retirees do not fit into this narrow window either because they do not work (and therefore do not have earned income) or because they earn more than $30K (counting work & annuities). VFC s proposal would permit all Virginia retirees to subtract their health insurance premiums from pre-tax income, with no income restrictions. Senior Absentee Voting. Long voting lines at the Virginia polls in November 2012 were caused mainly by curbside voting for the elderly the practice of taking a voting machine out to the curb so an elderly voter can cast a ballot from his/her vehicle. Compounding this problem, many seniors do not meet the official definition for a disability excuse to qualify for absentee voting under current Virginia law. An early 2013 legislative proposal to allow seniors 65+ years old to vote by absentee ballot without having to formally designate a specific excuse on their absentee ballot applications (often called no excuse absentee voting) initially received strong bipartisan support. However, the proposal was later tabled quietly and reportedly without debate in the House Privileges & Elections Committee. Ironically, more than half the states in the U.S. allow no-excuse absentee voting for all their citizens, regardless of age. Our proposal supports the reintroduction of common-sense legislation that would at least allow no-excuse absentee voting for seniors in Virginia. Nonpartisan Redistricting Reform. Over the past decades, both of the major political parties, when in the majority, have manipulated district boundaries to create a system of "safe seats" which favors incumbents over challengers. This system fosters a climate of partisan gridlock wherein the need for legislative compromise is reduced or eliminated. Therefore, we urge the General Assembly to pass legislation ensuring that future Redistricting is undertaken in a nonpartisan, fair, and transparent manner. Redistricting must be conducted through impartial means, such as by a nonpartisan commission, and based on the considerations of numerical equality in population among districts and geographical contiguity and compactness, as prescribed by law. The VFC Board also approved a Statement of Principles that frames our overall goals for state legislation: We Support State Legislation that Strengthens Fair and Efficient Governance & Protects the Rights, Safety, and Assets of Virginia s Seniors. Instrumental in developing our first Statement of Principles were Jim Blubaugh (Page Valley Chapter 1793), Ken McCollum (Staunton Chapter 178), and Paul McIlvaine (Springfield Chapter 893). Kudos to all three Legislative Chairs! VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 10

11 Our 2015 State Legislation Plan will soon be distributed to Virginia General Assembly members with a cover letter signed by the VFC President. Two key products have been prepared for external release: a glossy trifold brochure (1800 printed) that summarizes our 2015 legislative proposals and a corresponding one-page description. In addition, a Talking Points paper, summarizing important background about the four legislative proposals, has been produced for use by NARFE/VFC members in preparation for their meetings and consultations with General Assembly members and staff. Electronic copies of the products can be found on the State Legislation page of the VFC website ( Next Step: 1) A survey of all chapters will be conducted to better understand which chapters are actively involved in state legislation and how. Strategies undertaken by our various chapters to support the 2015 State Legislative Plan will be outlined in upcoming issues of the VFC State Legislation Newsletter and the VFC Notes so that other members can learn from these initiatives and experiences. I welcome any VFC member s constructive ideas or recommendations to improve our State Legislation program. You can reach me at patti10@centurylink.net or Thank you. Patti Downs State Legislation Chair AREA I The first quarter of the VFC year passes quickly although only one of Area I s chapters (Middle Peninsula 1757) takes the summer off, the other three (Peninsula, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck) have been busy!! Advocacy has once again been in the forefront of various activities throughout Area I both state and national issues have been discussed! The State Legislation planning meeting in June was attended by Margaret Keator of Peninsula Chapter 682 since I was traveling. Apparently after some spirited debates it was agreed that the four primary issues presented for the 2014 General Assembly sessions will be presented again in Since the redistributing of 2013, fewer Area I members are in Congressional District 1 Rob Wittman. With this change, most of the interaction with Congressman Wittman has moved further north to the Fredericksburg area. The biggest exception to this situation is that he continues to be a member of the Northern Neck Chapter 1823 since he lives in Montross. He has spoken to his home chapter at least twice during the past 4-5 months including August when both he and his current opponent spoke at the chapter s picnic. Congressman Bobby Scott (3 rd District) continues to be very responsive and supportive of Chapter 682 since he has numerous members in his district. Margaret Keator and I attended a Leaders Forum in August at a church in Newport News where we had an opportunity to talk with both Congressman Scott and Senator Mark Warner. Both of these representatives are strong supporters of NARFE, but we must never take them for granted. 2 nd District Deputy CDL Ray Whipple has visited with Congressman Rigell s staff repeatedly during the past several months and has cultivated an outstanding rapport with his District Director and other staff members. The remaining representative for members of Area I is 4 th District Congressman Randy Forbes, but we have had very little interaction with him thus far in I have also attended three events where Democratic candidate Suzanne Patrick has been in attendance. Both she and Scott Rigell are running numerous ads on television in the Hampton Roads area so I ve worked to keep in contact and to cultivate rapport with both Candidate Patrick and her campaign staff. Area I had four members (Williamsburg President Jeanne Garrison, VFC Membership Chair B.J. Thomas McMillan, Chapter 1823 member Bruce McMillan, and myself) attend the National Convention. I carried my own chapter s votes plus proxies for Chapter 1757 and two chapters from Area IV. It was an interesting convention with many items on the ballot(s) yes, plural since we had to vote multiple times. It s always an honor to represent other VFC chapters since they trust you to vote for their best interests! VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 11

12 Perhaps the highlight of the year for Area I was recognizing Chapter 682 Membership Chair Marie Collins for her many accomplishments. At the VFC Convention she won the drawing for the member who recruited the most members in a large chapter, AND she received the R. David Smith Award for extraordinary dedication to the VFC during the year. If this wasn t enough, Marie celebrated her 90 th birthday on August 9 th so she was the guest of honor at Chapter 682 s Summer Social where she was treated to a version of This Is Your Life. Speakers who have known her from times when they worked together at Langley AFB, to NARFE, to those who are participants in an active seniors program in Newport News they spoke and gave us all some laughs. Since Marie s been a member of NARFE for 28 years, there were stories from numerous attendees, including Bill and Donna Shackelford, VFC President Dick Giangerelli, Williamsburg Chapter President Jeanne Garrison and Secretary Marilyn Riddle, and several members of Chapter 682. And to finish off a memorable year for Marie, she was invited to attend the National Convention in Orlando where she was recognized as having recruited the most new members for the year a total of 100! She was presented with a plaque by National President Joe Beaudoin and received a standing ovation from the approximately 800 members and guests who were in attendance during a session on Wednesday, August 27 th. Quite a way to celebrate your 90 th year!!!!! (Bill Shacelford, Marie Collins and Pat Taylor at National Convention in Orlando.) And on the subject of membership, Williamsburg Chapter 685 worked two postal conventions held in Williamsburg in June. This was one of their first efforts working events of this type (50 attendees at the Postmasters Convention and 150 at the Rural Carriers Convention) which were held on overlapping days! Chapter Membership Chair Forrest Fenstermaker and members of the chapter staffed the two events and forwarded numerous cards for potential members to NARFE Headquarters. To date several of those in attendance have joined NARFE. Great work by some dedicated members! As we look forward to the months that include holiday parties, recruiting and installing new officers, and making plans for the new year, I d like to once again say it s my pleasure to serve as the Area I VP, working with a great group of NARFE members. Thanks to each of you for your contributions to our continuing successes. AREA II Patricia Taylor VFC Area I Vice President During the last week of August, six delegates from three Area II chapters attended the 2014 NARFE National Convention in Orlando, Florida. Betty Warren, Donald Warren, Priscilla J. Adkins and Alex H. Adkins represented Chapter 974 at the convention. Margaret Mitchell represented Chapter 66 and Chapter 2361was represented by Shirley Driver-Kinchen. I attended meetings of Chapters 5, 974 and1827 during September. During the chapter meetings, I provided a detailed summary of the proceedings during the convention and the outcome of the election of the national officers. I will attend Chapter 66 and Chapter 1175 meetings during October and will speak about the national convention. VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 12

13 All of our local chapters are having difficulty filling anticipated vacancies in elected positions for Chapter 66 lost its Treasurer, Earl Mitnaul, who passed away on the 9 th of August, and Chapter President Margie Mitchell is looking for a replacement. Dick Edwards is no longer able to serve as Treasurer of Chapter 1827 and Chapter President Joe Murray is looking for a replacement. Chapter 974 will lose its Secretary, Johnnie Woodhouse at the end of 2014 and I am looking for her replacement. Chapter elections will take place in November. It is with great sadness that I report the deaths of two senior members of Chapter 974. Former VFC Parliamentarian John Francis Eaton, 99, passed away on July 13, John served in the Navy during World War II and the Coast Guard Reserves from 1959 through 1970 and was promoted to the rank of Commander. During his civilian career, John was a naval architect for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He was active in synchronized swimming and volleyball for most of his life. Among other achievements, John was inducted into the U.S. Synchronized Swimming Hall of Fame for his work as sound coordinator for national championships, Olympic Trials and the 1984 Los Angles Summer Olympic Games. John was passionate about volleyball and served as National Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Volleyball Chairman. He was also Parliamentarian for the U.S. Olympic Committee and served in this post for 23 years. John was married to Barbara Eaton for 48 years and was active in NARFE until he became too ill to attend meetings in Barbara Stearns Eaton, 90, passed away one month later on August 13, She shared her husband passion for synchronized swimming. Barbara began swimming competitively while she attended American University. She was later appointed Junior Olympic Chairman for Synchronized Swimming for the AAU. The highlight of her swimming career was her participation as a deck official for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. This was the first Olympic Games with Synchronized Swimming as an event. She returned to the water in the AAU Master's Program and won numerous 1st place medals for her age group. She was elected to the USA Synchronized Swimming Hall of Fame in 1980 and was honored with synchronized swimming's top honor, the Billie MacKellar Award in Barbara Eaton John & Barbara Eaton celebrate his 97 th Birthday AREA III Another summer gone and Area III is getting ready for a productive 2 nd quarter. Alex Adkins VFC Area II Vice President We use the term, the chapters have gone black for July and August, but the Area III VP and Midlothian Chapter 2265 have been busy. In July I attended a Midlothian Chapter 2265 Meeting and the Quarterly VFC Board Meeting. On July 16 th through 19 th, I had a NARFE table at the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) convention/reunion held at the Marriott Hotel in Richmond. Tom Reid, President of the Tuckahoe Chapter 1727 assisted me on Friday morning. We found this to be a very worthwhile time. There was about 400 members and spouses in attendance. I would say that the biggest portion of them were NARFE members. Even though we did not get any new members for Virginia, several new members in other Federations joined. HQS NARFE paid for this effort and the VFC did not have to pay anything. Next year's convention will be in Illinois. VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 13

14 I remain active in the Chesterfield TRIAD and Council on the Aging. I serve on the Legislative Committee and this summer the committee was busy reaching out to our State legislators. Most of the ones I visited recognized me from NARFE so I feel that was a good thing. These organizations meet monthly. May 2014 Chesterfield Senior Day proved to be great for the Midlothian Chapter (they manned a booth). They got at least three new members. I attended the National NARFE Convention in Orlando in August. This convention was the most interesting and I think productive of the five conventions that I have attended. The seminars were excellent, especially the Online Activities Module (OAM) presented by a member of the Configuration Advisory Board. The next two years are going to be interesting to say the least. It was also great to see members of the VFC chairing committees or assisting the convention in other ways. When I returned home I submitted an article to the local newspapers and two of them were printed! I attended and spoke at the South of the James Chapter 1138 in early September. This chapter has been struggling for the past year and finally a decision has to be made. The chapter meets at the VA hospital and every meeting day, there is a question on where the meeting will be held and the parking is terrible. This chapter consists of mostly elderly members, the day I was there the youngest member was 78 and the eldest was 93. The president is a little younger and will NOT serve as president again. So, we are presently drafting a letter to go to all members to come to a meeting in October when the final decision will be made regarding the future of this Chapter. This chapter lost four members to death so far this year. One of the most active passed away in August which was another blow they suffered. This chapter has 101 members with 37 different zip codes. Petersburg Chapter 28 has 176 members. They had three deaths and got three new members so far this year. In October, they will have a booth at the Defense Contract Management Agency which is located at Fort Lee, VA. They participated last year and were invited back, so this is a good thing. New members were recruited. Richmond Chapter 60 has 240 members. They had six deaths and two new members so far this year. They have a slate of officers for 2015 and also have their programs planned. Colonial Heights Chapter 1472 has 160 members. They have had two deaths so far this year and unfortunately no new members. This chapter is struggling with attendance. For September and the remainder of the year, a professional prepared post card (I believe I have shown it at previous VFC Board Meetings), was mailed to all members not having . The post card had all of the programs for the remainder of 2014 on it and all the information about the meeting place, time, etc. This chapter is going to have trouble getting officers for the coming year. Imperial Plaza Chapter 1510 is the smallest chapter with 39 members. This chapter is active and the attendance at the meetings is great. They had one death this year. Tuckahoe Chapter 1727 has 98 members. They had one death this year. In October they will nominate their slate of officers. All programs for the remainder of the year have been planned. Midlothian Chapter 2265, as I mentioned before, is active year round. This is the largest chapter with 321 members. They had 12 deaths this year and have five new members. In August, Senator Mark Warner's Outreach Representative Andrew Densmore spoke. He had attended the July meeting and spoke with several of the members about their concerns. After his presentation, he held a questions and answer(q&a) session which covered sequestration, the budget deal, the image of federal employees, processing of retirement benefits, chained CPI, the Postal Reform Bill, health care, Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision. You can tell from the Q&A's that this chapter is very interested in what is going on with National Legislation. Mr. Densmore said that he would carry member concerns back to Senator Warner. The nominating committee will present their report in October. I don't see any trouble with them filling the officer positions. VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 14

15 I have now had my surgery on my knee and hopefully I will be feeling better and getting out to more chapter meetings. Two of my chapter presidents have no so they receive an envelope every week from me with all of the latest information. I am trying to find someone to mentor as Area III VP as this is my last year to serve, so far no luck. Carolyn Wilson - VFC Area III Vice President AREA IV VFC Area IV consists of five chapters: Portsmouth #63, Churchland #1293, Chesapeake #1682, Brentwood #1697 and Suffolk #1743. All chapters stand down during July and August due to vacations, farming, etc. See individual chapter websites under VANARFE for further information. Area IV is active in supporting NARFE & VFC interests and positions by meeting with, and interacting, with politicians and their staffs. Additionally, members are interested in listening and meeting other speakers and experts in various fields, such as music, sports, financial, elder law, local annual events (such as walks to raise funds for charity), etc. Therefore, all chapters hold monthly meetings (in conjunction with either breakfast or dinner). Check chapter websites for further information. We supported the 2014 National Convention by assigning all the proxy votes of our five chapters to VFC members attending the conference. Several chapters have met with congressional members and their staff during the summer. At those events, some of our members wear NARFE embroidered shirts and caps, talk about NARFE and pass on appropriate NARFE literature. Some of those meetings were at events for Congressmen Randy Forbes, Bobby Scott and Rob Wittman. Other meetings take place with staff spokespersons. Recruitment of new NARFE members and retention of present members is always one of primary objectives and our chapters have been very active during this period: - In June, the Churchland chapter rented a table and tent cover at the annual Smithfield Olden Days festival. Four chapter members engaged in talking with Olden Days attendees and passing out NARFE plastic bags containing NARFE magazines, literature, brochures, applications, and a small NARFE gift. Photos of the event were taken and passed on to VFC Public Relations Chair, Gaston Gianni. - As the Area IV VP, I represented our chapters at the VFC Quarterly Board Meeting, in Richmond, in July. The proxy votes for Area IV s five chapters were entrusted to VFC attendees who attended the 2014 NARFE National Convention, in Orlando. - Ms. BJ Thomas-McMillan, VFC Membership Chair, attended our Area IV meeting in Churchland on September 9, 2014 and conducted an excellent training class regarding Recruiting and Retention. All chapter presidents and other chapter members were present. The training provided excellent recruiting tips and ideas. Of special interest was the NARFE paying $10.00 for each new recruit signed up. One restaurant customer asked a member what was taking place in the private room. She told him he said he was a retired civil service and would be interested in joining. She provided him with an application and brochures explaining NARFE and its mission. VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 15

16 - Other scheduled recruiting events: - Suffolk Chapter Peanut Festival, October - VFC Quarterly Board Meeting, Richmond (non-recruiting) - Churchland at Naval Hospital Health Fair (Ports.), November. - Churchland at Naval Shipyard Health Fair (Ports.), November. - Churchland at Naval Logistics Supply Center (Norfolk), November Bobby L. Whittington, VFC Area IV Vice President AREA V Area V has been quiet during this quarter. I attended the National Convention in Orlando Florida in August. I represented my chapter, 1068 and carried the proxy for Piedmont Chapter 2080 and on e for a chapter in Area VI. It was an educational convention with lots of new ideas for chapter success and membership recruitment. I strongly advise ALL chapters to send a representative to the State and National conventions. There are so many people to meet and share ideas with and the learning never stops. Most of the chapters in Area V do not meet during the summer. I have received letters of resignation from several officers in five of the six chapters in this area. We need good leadership and leaders willing to step up and take an active role in these chapters. I will be contacting members in these five chapters and asking for everyone's help to continue the great work in these chapters. There will be officer training before the end of the year and I strongly encourage EVERYONE, whether you are an officer or not, to attend the training so you can see what an officer is responsible for doing, so you can step up and keep the chapter strong. I look forward to seeing all chapters before the end of the year as you will be electing new officers. I will attend the quarterly board meeting in Richmond, the middle of October. Thank you to everyone that has served for so long as officers of the Area V chapters and I look forward to working with all members to keep Area V NARFE strong. Debra Laughon - VFC Area V Vice President AREA VI Less than stellar health has kept my activity somewhat limited. I was unable to attend the July Board meeting. I did however stay in contact with the four Chapters in the Area. I visited Roanoke, New River Valley and Wilderness Trail. These three are going strong and working at expansion of their member base. I also spent considerable time assisting Chapter 2330 in their determination to close their Chapter. Past President Linda Boothe, and members of the Board, has done an outstanding and responsible job in taking the necessary steps to assure former members get placed in Chapters of their choice. Several have already joined the e-chapter and Kingsport, Tennessee. Linda has been working with the Chapter in Wytheville to accept transfer members and to close the Treasurer s books by transferring funds to that Chapter. Roanoke, Chapter 111 was the only Chapter sending delegates to the National Convention. The remaining three Chapters did their homework and instructed proxies to vote for them as they instructed. I am still tethered to a heart monitor while heart specialists decide what next steps should be. I am in no pain. But very weak and short of breathe. I hope to attend the October Board Meeting. If I cannot, I have secured the services of Jim Bono, President of Chapter 111 (Roanoke) to attend in my stead. Del Dyer VFC Area VII Vice President VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 16

17 AREA VII This has been one busy quarter for Area VII this year. To begin with, Luther Santiful and I, as well as the Joe Beaudoin family represented the Area at the 2014 NARFE National Convention at Orlando, FL in August. The Convention was a lively one, with the added additions of the 35 Future of NARFE suggestions being considered in one form or another. Out of many by-laws proposed changes and resolution, only 2 main ones were adopted: first, to decrease the number of National Officers from 4 to 2 (leaving just a President and a Secretary/Treasurer), and to authorize the establishment of a permanent strategic planning committee. Elected National President was our current National Treasurer, Dick Thissen, and our new Secretary/Treasurer is Jon Dowie, from St. Augustine, FL. Altogether, there were over 42 separate items that needed to be voted upon. Each one was considered either in its original form or was consolidated, since many were similar in nature. I was on the By-laws committee, and spent 9 days in Florida. It was tough (not!), but somebody had to do it. Into the fall, Luther & I will be reporting to all 6 Area VII Chapters. Back here in Area VII, many chapters held picnics along with Alzheimer s research collection events. Page Valley held their event at Arrowhead Lake in Luray and collected over $1100. They have also scheduled to participate in the Annual Page County Alzheimer s Walk in October. This being the election season, members from many chapters are in the process of firming up their plans for candidate forums, and visits. Here in Shenandoah County, our incumbent Congressman has plans for BBQs and speeches throughout the fall. I plan to attend most of them wearing NARFE gear and will talk to him and his staff to make them aware of our needs. In the 10 th Congressional District, the Winchester chapter will be hosting a Congressional forum in October. Staff members from the candidates have already attended their chapter meetings in July & August. The Legislative committee chairman from the Charlottesville chapter, Ed Berkowitz, attended the OneVirginia2021 Annual legislative Summit in September. As always, chapters had noteworthy speakers come talk to them. The Staunton chapter heard Betty Cox, a nurse practitioner, giving them memory retention pointers. The Shenandoah County chapter had Bonnie Guisewhite, personal trainer from Woodstock Rehab and Fitness give useful ideas to keep fit and flourish. In July, National President Joe Beaudoin attended the Harrisonburg chapter picnic. AREA VIII Steve Dansker VFC Area VII Vice President As the new Area VIII VP, I am still excited and enjoying the learning curve of this position. I hope to take on new challenges and make a difference. While many chapters do not meet during the summer months, several do. I have attended Caroline, Warrenton/Fauquier & Colonial Beach s chapter meetings. Chapter 595 had great success with their annual boat trip to Cobb Island, MD on September 3 rd. Approximately 40 NARFE members and guests attended. They are in the planning stages for their annual Big Band Dance for VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 17

18 Alzheimer s. The dance will be held on November 15, 2014 at a new location, the Elks Lodge, Colonial Beach, $20.00 per person. Chapter 1549 had their picnic on September 9 th and the chapter now has four new members as a result of advertising. Chapter 1885 continues to stay afloat by providing interesting speakers at their meetings and bus trips to Charlestown, WV. I understand their chapter was ready to close three years ago but with hard work and overcoming various challenges they are holding on. A recommendation from the chapter was to allow spouses to join for free or a minimum fee of $ They feel it would add to their number base to enforce our NARFE presence with our Legislative Representatives. Chapter 2065 hosted two candidates for Virginia s 7 th District seat at their July picnic at Lake Anna. Both Jack Trammell, Democrat, and James Carr, Libertarian, joined the chapter. They spoke and answered questions followed by staying to chat with small groups of the members. Other invited candidates were unable to attend or did not respond. At their June meeting the president of the Louisa Master Gardeners was the speaker. Since I could not attend one of the meetings for Chapter 2112, Bill Shackelford attended in my absence. Members expressed their concerns about the lack of attendance/interest in the meetings and the declining membership. Bill informed them that the VFC and the new Region X RVP would work with their officers in the future. (Bill will assume the duties of Region X RVP on November 1, 2014.) He also put them in contact with the appropriate individual, so that they would be able to resolve issues concerning access to the Online Reports Module. Chapter 90 continues to improve financially but like the other chapters they are also losing members. Their soup fund raiser was a success once again and will start back up in the fall. All proceeds go to Alzheimer s research. They continue to have interesting speakers. I was not able to attend the National Convention in Orlando. All Chapters in Area VIII were covered with a lead delegate or a proxy. I am currently serving as the Facilities Manager for the 2015 Convention Committee for the Convention which will be held practically in my back yard in Fredericksburg in April 2015! I will be reminding members about the new membership recruitment imitative of $10 for each member recruited between now and December 31, Maureen Nolet, Area VIII Vice President AREA IX Area IX is now gearing up for the fall season, with four of our six chapters having taken the summer off. We had good representation at the National Convention in Orlando, FL. I, Pierce Johnson, served as the Chairman of the Legislative Committee. We had several resolutions and reorganized and shrunk the new Legislative Program. With both Congressman Wolfe and Moran stepping down this year, the political season is heating up for the November election. Chapter 232 (Alexandria) had a very good session with all the candidates represented for Congressman Moran's seat. Michah Edmond (R), Gwendolyn Beck (I) and the Campaign Manager for Don Beyer (D) were all present. The NARFE Legislative Director, Jessica Klement, served as the "moderator," while Chapter President Nick Andrus introduced all the contenders. The whole session lasted about an hour and a half with nearly 40 members attending. VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 18

19 Unfortunately, this session was scheduled at the same time as the Area IX pre-planning meeting for the 2015 convention. All but Chapters 232 (Alexandria) and 401 (Falls Church) were present and discussion centered on the budget for the convention. We have a goal of 250 attendees, which should generate profits for all participating chapters. We have been blessed to have Moe Nolet and Mary Heck from Area VIII offer their assistance as the Facilities Manager (since Moe works at the convention site) and Mary as the Program Book Coordinator. Convention Committee Chairs will visit the convention site in October. This extensive planning should prevent any major problems. Other chapters in Area IX have begun their programs in earnest, although 356 (Manassas) and 1270 (Woodbridge) continued to meet throughout the summer. Chapter 1270 held their annual picnic in September. Pierce Johnson VFC Area IX Vice President AREA X Area X has been back in the swing of things after a summer break. several weeks and hope to get out to visit the chapters very soon. I have been under the weather for the past Area X was well represented at the National Convention in Orlando. See picture of Virginia Federation Chapter Members. Max Scruggs, VFC Area X Vice President VFC Convention April 12-15, 2015 Fredericksburg, VA VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 19

20 NARFE National Convention Report The 33 rd NARFE National Convention was held on August 24-28, 2014, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Total attendance was 933, which included delegates, alternates, members and guests, Federation Presidents, Regional Vice Presidents, and National Officers. Approximately 45 members from the Virginia Federation were in attendance. The Virginia Federation was well represented in the conduct of the Convention. Bill Shackelford of the Fairfax Chapter served as Chair of the Bylaws Committee, Kathy Arpa of the Vienna-Oakton Chapter served as Chair of the Rules Committee, Pierce Johnson of the Woodbridge Chapter served as Chair of the Legislative Committee, Richard Giangerelli of the Dulles Chapter served as Chair of the Resolutions Committee and as Chair of the Convention Appeals Committee, and other Virginia Federation members served on the other Convention Committees. The opening ceremonies featured an invocation delivered in Hawaiian and English by John Priolo of the Hawaii Federation, a flag presentation by a high school color guard, the pledge of allegiance led by a uniformed Army officer, and the singing of the national anthem by NARFE member Rebecca Silverstein. Convention Host Committee Chair Ken Thomas, immediate past president of the Florida Federation, presided over what was labeled as a "Memorial Service", but that Ken instead called a "Celebration of Life", during which NARFE's 10 regional vice presidents read the number of NARFE members from their region who died during the two years since the previous NARFE National Convention. Guest speakers at the Convention included: Harris Rosen, CEO of Rosen Hotels and Resorts; U.S. Congressman John Mica, R-FL; U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson, D-FL; Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Katherine Archuleta; Steve Bauer, Director of FEEA; and Jessica Klement, NARFE's Director of Legislation. The amendment to reduce the number of National Officers from four to two, a President and a Secretary/Treasurer, passed, receiving percent of the votes (3,923 in favor, 852 opposed) and will become effective on November 1, VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 20

21 In the election for NARFE National President, Richard G. Thissen, the current National Treasurer, received 1,881 votes or percent of the votes cast; Ken Thomas, the immediate past president of the Florida Federation, received 1,503 votes or percent of the votes cast; and Elaine C. Hughes, the current National Secretary, received 1,480 votes or percent of the votes cast. Since none of the three candidates vying for the position garnered a majority of the votes on the first ballot, a runoff election between the two candidates who received the most votes was required. In this runoff election, Ken Thomas received percent of the votes and Richard G. Thissen received percent of the votes and was elected the NARFE National President, effective November 1, Jon Dowie, of St. Augustine Chapter 33 in Florida, was the sole candidate for the position of National Secretary/Treasurer and was elected to that office by acclamation. Bill Shackelford, a past president of the VFC and a member of Fairfax Chapter 737, was the sole candidate for the position of Region X Vice President and was elected by acclamation at the Region X Caucus meeting. <<<<<<Outgoing Region 10 VP Bill Martin with Incoming Region 10 Bill Shackleford In ballot voting, Resolution 14-01, authorizing the NARFE National Executive Board (NEB) to continue developing the model for Future NARFE, using the Future of NARFE Committee Report as the foundation, was overwhelmingly approved with percent of the votes cast. A later resolution proposed by the Resolutions Committee calling for NARFE to establish a standing Strategic Planning Committee no later than February 1, 2015, received overwhelming approval during a floor vote. The final committee reports are posted on the NARFE website, at under Convention Material. In addition to the general sessions, Regional Caucus meetings, and Committee meetings, workshops were held on the topics of "Branding", "Marketing", "Membership", and "Online Activities Module (OAM) Reports". Also a NARFE-PAC breakfast was held. During the Alzheimer's Research session, it was noted that NARFE is so close to its goal of raising $11 million, that that goal will surely be met by this time. With the goal about to be reached, the committee recommended and the membership approved setting a new goal of raising $12 million by the 2016 NARFE National Convention. Also during this session, it was noted that the top Alzheimer's Research contributing federation for the fiscal year from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014, was the Virginia Federation at $75,349 with the California Federation coming in second at $28,911. It was also noted that the top fundraising Chapter was Woodbridge Chapter 1270 in Virginia at $15,831. In addition, a 50/50 raffle at the Convention for Alzheimer's Research took in a total of $11,440 and awarded cash prizes to three lucky 50/50 raffle winners, none of whom were from the Virginia Federation. During one of the General Sessions, the NARFE NEB presented awards to the top membership recruiters for the two-year period between the 2012 and the 2014 NARFE National Conventions. The platinum award was won by Marie B. Collins of Peninsula Chapter 682 in Virginia for getting 100 recruits for NARFE membership. The NEB also gave gold and silver awards to 19 other NARFE members who recruited 25 or more members over this same time period. It was announced that the next NARFE National Convention will be held in Reno, Nevada, August 28 - September 1, 2016; and the 2018 NARFE National Convention will be held in Jacksonville, Florida. VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 21 Kathy Arpa NARFE VFC 1st Vice President

22 Honorable Mark Warner United States Senate (Plus offices in Richmond, Abingdon, and Roanoke) Contact Information Virginia Members of Congress As of October 2014 UNITED STATES SENATORS S.O.B. = Senate Office Building Member of Congress Washington Office* Local Office 1 Local Office 2 459A Russell S.O.B. Ph Fax at web form: warner.senate.gov, then click on Senator Warner. Honorable Tim Kaine B40C Dirksen S.O.B. United States Senate Ph at web form: kaine.senate.gov, then click on Contact Tim Honorable Rob Wittman 8000 Towers Crescent Drive Suite 200 Vienna VA Ph Fax East Franklin Street, 1st Floor Richmond, VA Ph W. Main Street Suite 4900 Norfolk, VA Ph Fax UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H.O.B. = House Office Building Member of Congress Washington Office* Local Office 1 Local Office 2 1st DISTRICT (Plus an office in Tappahannock) at wittman.house.gov, then click on Contact Honorable Scott Rigell Honorable Robert Bobby Scott 1318 Longworth H.O.B. Ph Fax nd DISTRICT 327 Cannon H.O.B. Washington, DC Phone: (202) Fax: (202) rd DISTRICT 1201 Longworth H.O.B. Ph Fax B George Washington Hwy Yorktown, VA Ph Fax Euclid Rd., Suite E Virginia Beach, VA Phone: (757) Fax: (757) N. 2nd Street Suite 401 Richmond, VA Ph Fax Jefferson Davis Hwy. Suite 105 Stafford, VA Front Street Accomac, VA Phone: (757) Fax: (757) Washington Avenue Suite 1010 Newport News, VA Ph Fax All Senate offices are Washington, D.C All House offices are Washington, D.C VFC National Legislation Chair Jim Brewer (Continued ) Contact Information Virginia Members of Congress As of January 1, 2013 UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H.O.B. = House Office Building Member of Congress Washington Office* Local Office 1 Local Office 2 4th DISTRICT Honorable Randy Forbes (Plus an office in Emporia) 2438 Rayburn H.O.B. Ph Fax at forbes.house.gov, then click on Contact, then click on 5th DISTRICT Honorable Robert Hurt 1516 Longworth H.O.B. Washington, DC Independence Pkwy Suite 104 Chesapeake, VA Ph Fax Berkmar Circle Charlottesville, VA VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE Boulevard, Suite B Colonial Heights, VA Ph Fax Craghead Street Suite 102-D

23 Phone: (202) Fax: (202) Phone: Fax: th DISTRICT Honorable Robert Goodlatte (Plus offices in Harrisonburg and Staunton) 2240 Rayburn H.O.B. Ph Fax Franklin Road, S.E. Suite 540 Roanoke, VA Ph Fax at then click on Contact, then click on Bob 7th DISTRICT VACANT 916 Main Street Suite 300 Lynchburg, VA Ph Fax Danville, VA Phone: (434) Fax: (434) th DISTRICT Honorable James P. Moran 2239 Rayburn H.O.B. Ph Fax N. Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA Ph Fax at moran.house.gov, then click on Contact, then on Contact 9th DISTRICT Honorable Morgan Griffith 1108 Longworth H.O.B. 323 West Main Street Washington, DC Abingdon, VA (Plus an office in Big Stone Gap) Phone: (202) Phone: (276) Fax: (202) Fax: (276) Honorable Frank Wolf 241 Cannon H.O.B. Ph Fax at wolf.house.gov, then click on Me. Honorable Gerry E. Connolly 327 Cannon H.O.B. Ph Fax th DISTRICT Park Center Road Suite 130 Herndon, VA Ph , or in State Fax th DISTRICT 4115 Annandale Road Suite 103 Annandale, VA Ph Fax None as of report date None as of report date 110 N. Cameron Street Winchester, VA Ph , or in State Fax Ridgewood Center Drive Woodbridge, VA Ph Fax (N/A) at connolly.house.gov, then click on Contact Me All Senate offices are Washington, D.C All House offices are Washington, D.C VFC National Legislation Chair Jim Brewer VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 23

24 VFC-NARFE Return Service Requested Virginia Federation of Chapters NARFE 5916 Baron Kent Lane Centreville VA If you receive this newsletter and are no longer serving on the Board of either a Chapter or the Federation, please give to the Board Member who replaced you. Postal Service (Time Value) Please Deliver By November 1, 2014 VFC NOTES OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 24