NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 893 SPRINGFIELD, VIRGINIA CHAPTER 893 SERVING OUR MEMBERS

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NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 893 SPRINGFIELD, VIRGINIA CHAPTER 893 SERVING OUR MEMBERS VOLUME 51 NUMBER 1 VFC AREA IX January 2015 PRESIDENT Deanna Shepherd

1 NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 893 SPRINGFIELD, VIRGINIA CHAPTER 893 SERVING OUR MEMBERS VOLUME 51 NUMBER 1 VFC AREA IX January 2015 PRESIDENT Deanna Shepherd dclshepherd@hotmail.com VICE PRESIDENT Margaret Rowell fitzhughlady@aol.com SECRETARY Open Recruitment TREASURER Jim Wagner wagjames@gmail.com ACTING MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Robert Drake robtsdrake@msn.com NEWSLETTER EDITOR Open Recruitment PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Honor our History; Engage in our Future As I write this message, Springfield Chapter 893 is embarking on its 52 nd year. Our 50 th anniversary was recognized in The House of Representatives on December 11, 2013, by the Honorable Gerald E. Connolly. He reminded us that our Chapter s Charter was issued in 1963, with 14 members. We have grown to nearly 1,400 members and are the largest of the 59 chapters in Virginia. More than numbers, however, we are recognized for having had, a strong voice in many national and local legislative issues affecting Federal retirees, senior citizens and the public at large. In addition to our primary NARFE mission, as individuals and as a chapter, we have made invaluable contributions to the Northern Virginia community. Past presidents Milton Kramer, Vincent Agnelli, David Sullivan, Charles Delaplane, and Ann M. Collins, were also recognized as dynamic and dedicated leaders who through their selfless service paved the way for this chapter s successful history. In the present and for the future of Chapter 893, it is vital that our chapter s leaders embody characteristics such as those commemorated in December of Moreover, in this media-centered and fast moving environment, we must not rest on our laurels. In order to prepare for the current year s legislative challenges, we must rely on our dedicated volunteer members to challenge efforts to adversely impact our earned benefits. Further, we are charged with preserving the economic future of generations of active and retired Federal employees. Yes, the challenges facing our chapter and NARFE may seem overwhelming. In my role, as your newly elected President, I pledge to you that I shall spend the two years which you have given me to develop an atmosphere of teamwork and purpose within our chapter, placing NARFE s mission as our primary objective. I ask you to assist me and your Board members to serve as active stewards of our history and to increase our presence in the community. If each of us presents the face of NARFE, we will experience increased membership which, in turn, allows us to provide a strong representative voice on Capitol Hill. (continued on page 2) Chapter 893 Meets On the Second Wednesday of Every Month (except July and August) At American Legion Post Amherst Avenue, Springfield VA (Parking available in rear of the building) Registration & Social at 12:30 pm; Meeting at 1:00 pm

2 (continued from page 1) Please attend our chapter meetings when you are able and participate in one of the best ways to keep in touch with current activities. As your representatives, we will make ourselves available to speak with you in person, via or telephone, so that we can determine if your needs are being met and ensure that your interests are being considered. It has never been more important that we hear our members ideas and suggestions for today and tomorrow. You may expect a revitalization of our already excellent newsletter, a continued presence of outstanding speakers at our monthly meetings, and just-in-time reporting of events and our participation in the changing legislative scene as they occur. Join with us to support Chapter 893 and NARFE as we engage in the future and continue to forge a history of which we are justifiably proud. Deanna Shepherd, President CHAPTER CALENDAR 2015 Wed., Jan. 7 Chapter Executive Board Meeting at 1:30 p.m., Braddock Supervisor s Conference Room, Kings Park Library. Wed., Jan. 14 Chapter 893 Monthly Meeting, Social & Registration at 12:30 p.m., Meeting at 1:00 p.m., American Legion Post 176, 6520 Amherst Ave., Springfield. Wed.-Sat., Jan NARFE S 2015 Legislative Training Conference, Arlington Renaissance Capital View Hotel, Arlington, Virginia. Inclement Weather Policy: If Fairfax County schools are closed because of inclement weather, the NARFE meeting on that day (whether Board or Chapter) is cancelled. A BIT OF HISTRIVIA Did you know that NARFE used to be NARCE? The change from retired civil employees to retired federal employees was adopted at the National Convention on June 16, THE LUNCH BUNCH The Lunch Bunch always meets on the second Wednesday of the month, before our Chapter meeting. For the first lunch bunch gathering in the new year, we will meet at 11:00 a.m. on January 14, 2015 at Ruby Tuesdays, 6601 South Van Dorn Street in Kingstown; telephone 703/ From Franconia Road, take South Van Dorn, turn left at the second traffic light (Kingstown Village Parkway) into the parking lot for Ruby Tuesdays. They have a very nice salad bar and all kinds of other good food on their menu. They often publish coupons, which you may wish to use. Let me know in advance if you plan to join us, so I can make reservations for all of us to sit together. My phone is 703/ , 33eleanor@gmail.com. I hope to see you there. Eleanor Erickson CHAPTER 893 JANUARY PROGRAM What Your Service Officer Can Do for You Join us for our chapter meeting on January 14 for a presentation by VFC Service Officers Dr. Constance and John Bails. They will discuss what you and your loved ones should know as annuitant/survivors in dealing with OPM and other agencies regarding annuities, survivor benefits, life insurance and other important programs like Medicare and veterans benefits. The Bails will offer suggestions and ways to organize your personal and financial documents and how long to keep and maintain important records.this will benefit all of us as we deal with emergencies and other "life's events". STAY INFORMED VISIT THE NARFE WEB SITE THE VFC WEB SITE THE CHAPTER 893 WEB SITE NARFE Springfield Chapter 893 Page 2 January 2015

3 DECEMBER HOLIDAY PARTY We are unable to include information on the December Holiday Party in this issue. However, in our February newsletter we promise to bring you news of the great Chapter Holiday Party. We hope to even include pictures of the festivities. So please stay tuned. Joe Bush LITTLE THEATRE OF ALEXANDRIA The next LTA free performance will be God of Carnage on February 26, 2015 at 8 P.M. Before the play begins two 11-year olds, probably Ben and Henry (assuming they use the American names vice French names) get involved in a playground altercation wherein Ben knocks out two of Henry's teeth with a stick. That night the parents of the boys meet to discuss the incident in a civilized manner. The background, occupation and status of the parents come into play as the meeting degenerates into irrational arguments with loaded topics such as misogyny, racial prejudice and homophobia. One of the dramatic moments of the play occurs when one of the parents vomits all over the coffee table and books. Let's see how the LTA players handle that scene. For reservations call the Hills at or jdrewh@verizon.net. HOMELESS VETERANS CLOTHING DRIVE The greatest casualty is being forgotten noted Steven Nardizzi, Wounded Warrior Project. Please thank veterans by assisting those often forgotten the homeless. Chapter 893 will continue our service in the community by donating warm men s and women s clothing to the DC VA Medical Center for their Stand Down on January 24, The Stand Down event provides homeless veterans a variety of services including health screenings, referral and access to long-term treatment, benefits counseling, haircuts and clothing. Please consider helping with such items as Winter Knit Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Plastic Ponchos, Heavy Socks; Men's Sweat Pants/Shirts (Size L, XL, XXL); Women's Sweat Pants/Shirts (Size L, XL), Men's Thermal Underwear (Size L, XL, XXL); Women's Thermal Underwear (Size L, XL); Men's T-Shirts (Size L, XL, XXL); Women's T-Shirts (Size L, XL). In addition, toothbrushes, toothpaste, small packs ("go packs") of tissues, and playing cards are requested. All donations are needed no later than our chapter meeting, January 14, 2015, to meet Stand Down deadlines. Thank you for your support! Margaret Yowell, Coordinator or fitzhughlady@aol.com NARFE Springfield Chapter 893 Page 3 January 2015

CHAPTER 893 HONORS CHARLES DELAPLANE It is my honor in this publication to reflect the views of the many members of Chapter 893, the Northern Virginia Caucus of Chapters, the Virginia Federation of

4 CHAPTER 893 HONORS CHARLES DELAPLANE It is my honor in this publication to reflect the views of the many members of Chapter 893, the Northern Virginia Caucus of Chapters, the Virginia Federation of Chapters, and the U.S. Congress who have had the distinct privilege of working with Charles Delaplane. Charles has served as our chapter s National Legislation Chair since September Along with others, Charles played a major role in organizing the Northern Virginia Caucus of Chapters in He also served as President of Chapter 893 from 1997 to Charles was a Virginia Federation of Chapters Board member for a number of years as Legislative Chair, and chaired the National Legislation Committee at the 2008 and 2010 NARFE National Conventions. Charles has led the chapter with a strong and dynamic voice in many national and local legislative issues affecting Federal active employees and retirees. He is regarded as a consummate professional, an accomplished writer, and a skilled advocate and spokesperson for voices which otherwise might not be heard. Over these 19 years, Charles has been at the forefront of creating and sustaining a viable chapter of almost 1,400 members the largest of the 59 chapters in Virginia. His noteworthy accomplishments and his unwavering support and dedication to Federal employees, retirees, and their families, were recognized by the Honorable Gerald E. Connolly of Virginia on the occasion of Chapter 893 s 50 th anniversary. We wish Charles and his wife, Connie, also a longstanding Chapter 893 Board member, a welcome respite after years of contributing immeasurable volunteer hours to this chapter and to the Federal community. We will miss Charles generous mentoring of his fellow Board members, the consistent quality of any endeavor he undertook, his friendship, and the good will he has extended to each of us along the way. Deanna Shepherd, President ALZHEIMER S: KEEP THE BRAIN WORKING! To keep your mind sharp, you need something called cognitive reserve. Cognitive reserve is the idea of building up additional abilities to compensate for the possibility of declining memory or thinking. Cognitive reserve is a buffer of extra brain networks built by stimulating experiences. According to this idea, a strong enough neural system can rewire itself in the face of brain damage, relying on backdoors and detours to maintain brain function. Think of your brain as a forest. People with a lot of these networks have a dense forest. When Alzheimer s disease comes in with a weed whacker, it can t do as much damage. The good news is that you can increase the density of your brain forest at any time. Your brain doesn t know how old you are and doesn t care. It just wants to be in a stimulating environment and that s something you can do at any age. Reading, writing, crossword puzzles, playing board or card games, participating in group discussions, learning a new language, and playing music all may help to keep your mind agile and dense. Start a long-lasting habit today. Some on-line activities can be found at the following: Click on Games. And, start your New Year with a contribution to Alzheimer s Research: Make checks payable to NARFE Alzheimer s Research, note Chapter 893 in memo line, and mail to: Donna Shackelford 4429 Round Lick Lane, Centreville, VA For credit cards: Remember: Your donation is tax deductible. Margaret Yowel fitzhughlady@aol.com or NARFE Springfield Chapter 893 Page 4 January 2015

5 VIRGINIA LEGISLATIVE REPORT The Virginia Senate and House of Delegates are both currently in recess. They will reconvene from January 14 February 28, The 10 person Commission to Ensure Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government (AKA The Ethics Commission), chartered by Governor Terry McAuliffe, released a 15 page Interim Report on December 1. The report recommends creation of an independent ethics review commission to. implement random audits, to initiate investigations of potential violations of ethics laws and policies, rather than merely react to external complaints, and to issue appropriate sanctions and waivers when necessary and appropriate. The report also provides some limitations on the dollar amounts of gifts, but stops well short of an outright ban on gifts and loans. Conflicts of Interest and Disclosure were also addressed in the report. The Interim Report can be accessed on: Paul McIlvaine State Legislative Committee Chair NARFE S 2015 LEGISLATIVE TRAINING CONFERENCE Registration is now open to all members of Chapter 893 to attend the conference on March 14-17, 2015, at the Arlington Renaissance Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. Registration is available online or by completing the registration form on page 11 of the December 2014 NARFE magazine. As stated in the December issue, The training and briefings provided by NARFE legislative staff and national speakers are offered only every two years. The staff will provide the latest legislative news and provide updated briefing materials; training topics are updated to reflect the issues that are likely to arise over the next two years; and the national speakers will talk about what to expect in the 114th Congress ( ). Attendees may also have a unique opportunity to meet with members of Congress and/or a senior member of the legislator s Capitol Hill team. Establishing such relationships may facilitate future conversations as Congress prepares to vote on issues of interest to NARFE s members. The conference registration fee is $175, and is not refundable. Registration with the fee made by check or charge to your credit card must be made by February 3, If you are interested in attending the conference, please contact Vice President Margaret Yowell (fitzhughlady@aol.com) who will be organizing the team which will represent Chapter 893. Deanna Shepherd MEMORIAM In remembrance of our Chapter 893 members who passed away in Howard D. Auther, Springfield, VA Stephen S. Badzik, Springfield, VA Evelyn D. Beyer, Alexandria, VA Richard P. Bleck, Woodbridge, VA George F. Bousselaine, Springfield, VA Robert J. Cooper, Burke, VA Laura C. Desmond, Saint Marys, GA Leslie Francis, Alexandria, VA James P. Gillespie, Alexandria, VA Kenneth H. Glass, Kissimmee, FL Edith P. Hamilton, Stratford, CT Terry L. Hembree, Springfield, VA Eugene E. Jackson, Vienna, VA Ruth J. Kemper, Springfield, VA Roy V. Lof, Palm Harbor, FL Leray R. McFarland, Lutz, FL Stephanie C. Negley, King George, VA Carolyn C. Onufrak, Arlington, VA John Owens, Lansdowne, VA John E. Rhodes, Lancaster, PA Thomas J. Shedlick, Springfield, VA William B. Sloan, West Springfield, VA Daniel A. Swope, Springfield, VA Joe A. Wood, Alexandria, VA NARFE Springfield Chapter 893 Page 5 January 2015

6 NARFE Springfield Chapter 893 P. O. Box West Springfield, VA Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Merrifield, VA Permit No Chapter 893 Meeting, Wed., Jan. 14, 2015 The American Legion Post 176, Springfield, VA Chapter 893 January Meeting Wednesday, January 14, 2015 "What Your Service Officer Can Do For You" A Presentation by VFC Service Officers Dr. Constance and John Bails Registration and Social at 12:30 pm Meeting at 1:00 pm American Legion Post Amherst Avenue, Springfield VA (Parking available in rear of the building)

VOLUME 48 - NUMBER 2 VFC AREA IX February 2012

NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 893 SPRINGFIELD, VIRGINIA CHAPTER 893 SERVING OUR MEMBERS VOLUME 48 - NUMBER 2 VFC AREA IX February 2012 PRESIDENT Jim W. Delgado 703-313-9387