Fall Notes Virginia Federation of Chapters Newsletter. National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association FEDERATION PRESIDENT S MESSAGE

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1 National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Virginia Federation of Chapters Newsletter Fall Notes 2017 President Leslie Ravenell 1st Vice President Pat Taylor 2nd Vice President Constance T. Bails Secretary Richard Shrum Treasurer Raphael Wong Past President Kathy R. Arpa FEDERATION PRESIDENT S MESSAGE This report will include the activities of the Virginia Federation of Chapters from July through October 2017 with summer and fall events described. This is my first notes report since elected VFC President in April In July 2017 I went to Jacksonville, Florida to attend the NARFE Federation Presidents meeting. It was our first time to meet in person with the new NARFE Executive Director, Bar Sido. Most people describe her as a dynamo. It was evident that she will be the moving force for our organization in the future. At the meeting the Federation Presidents witnessed the actions of the NEB as they voted down the referendum to allow the NARFE National President to serve more than two terms. This was a historical moment. The VFC now has 46 chapters across the state. In August, Chesapeake Chapter 1682 (Area IV) closed and in September Imperial Plaza Chapter 1510 (Area III) closed. Most of the members of Chapter 1682 transferred to Brentwood Chapter Most of the members of Chapter 1510 transferred to the National Division. Chapter members who transfer to the National Division become members of the Virginia Federation, so we still have more than 15,000 members in the VFC. As VFC President, my role is to visit as many chapters in the state as I am able. Here are the chapters that I visited during the reporting period: Winchester Chapter 180; Fairfax Chapter 737, Vienna-Oakton Chapter 1116, Midlothian Chapter In October, fifteen members of the VFC Board attended the Region X Meeting in Martinsburg, West Virginia. It was a three-day meeting jammed packed with all the latest in NARFE. The following NARFE National Officers and staff were in attendance: President, Richard Thissen; Secretary/Treasurer, Jon Dowie; Executive Director, Barb Sido; Membership Director, Bridget Boels; Legislation Dept., Molly Checksfield; and Al Reeves, Benefits Dept. Throughout the VFC Fall Notes, you will see many comments from other board members on this important meeting. The highlight of our year is our annual VFC Convention. The 64th VFC Convention will take place April 8-11, 2018 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Charlottesville, VA. During the summer conventions, we appointed chairs and planning is on-going. In September, the first major Page 1

2 meeting of the convention committee took place. You will read more about this in other board members reports. Currently, all convention information is available at the VFC website, Please visit the website and start making your plans to attend our 64th annual convention in April. As this reporting period ended, the VFC Board met October 22-24, 2017 in Richmond. The major topic of this board meeting was the recommended changes to our VFC Constitution and By-laws so that the one member, one vote provision; and the chapter member optional provision. We will publish all proposed changes to the By-laws in the Call to Convention (issued 45 days prior to the convention) voted on at the convention in April VFC Area Vice Presidents Left to Right: Jeanne Garrison, AVP I; Alex Adkins, AVP II; Jack McMurchy, AVP III; Raymond Orland, AVP IV; Mark Fisher, AVP VI: Steve Dansker, AVP VII; Maureen "Moe" Nolet, AVP VIII; James Little, AVP IX; Wilma Grant, AVP X; Debra Laughton, AVP V was not available. VFC Executive Board Left to Right: Kathy Arpa, Immediate Past President; Leslie Ravenell, President; Pat Taylor, 1st Vice President; Constance Bails, 2nd Vice President; Richard Shrum, Secretary; Raphael Wong, Treasurer Inside This Issue 1 Message from the President 3 1st Vice President Message 3 2 nd Vice President Message 5 Executive Committee News 6 Standing Committee News 9 News from Area Vice Presidents 18 SLL and CGL Appointments State Legislation Plan 22 Upcoming Events VFC Standing Committee Chairs Left to Right: Maggie Keator, State Legislation Chair; Gaston Gianni, Public Relations Chair; Donna Shackelford, Alzheimers Chair; Stephen Ledford, National Legislation Chair; BJ McMillin, Membership Chair; Co-Service Officers not available. Leslie Ravenell, VFC President Page 2

3 FIRST VICE PRESIDENT S MESSAGE The past six months have been a whirlwind of activity for me. Due to the unexpected illness of Kathy Arpa, VFC President, both Leslie Ravenell, 1st VP, and I moved up as VFC President and 1st VP, respectively. Leslie stepped up at the 2017 Convention and did an outstanding job of handling the newly acquired leadership with poise and grace and I assisted her. As the 1st VP, I have the responsibility of serving as the 2018 Convention Coordinator. The host areas for the convention are the six chapters in Area VIII, which are under the leadership of AVP Moe Nolet. Immediately after the 2017 Convention in Williamsburg, Moe and her Area VIII members began the task of organizing identifying committee chairs, scheduling committee meetings, etc. To fill the necessary committees, several members from other areas stepped up to lend a hand. It takes a lot of folks to organize and conduct an annual state convention. The 2018 Convention information is on the VFC website, so please take time to read all the information posted to date by Webmaster Stan Palen. Bulletin #1 will be available to all chapters in the next couple of weeks. I attended a chapter meeting the first was Chapter 1549 in Fauquier County for their 40th anniversary. I m looking forward to visiting more chapters in the coming months. My chapter, 682 Peninsula, had the honor of being the first chapter in the nation to have Barbara Sido, NARFE s new Executive Director, as speaker. She is impressive and is working diligently to update the NARFE organization. As Convention Coordinator I extended an invitation to Barb to speak at our 2018 Convention in Charlottesville, and she immediately accepted. I know you will be impressed with her enthusiasm and professionalism when you meet her personally. I attended the Region X meeting in Martinsburg, WV, in August where members from the five federations in Region X met for an outstanding conference coordinated by our own Bill Shackelford. The interaction was outstanding, and we had both our NARFE Executive Director Barb Sido and the only announced candidate for the next National President s office, Ken Thomas from the Florida Federation, in attendance. I asked Ken to attend our VFC Convention in April, and he immediately accepted. This will be an excellent opportunity for you to meet the candidate who may be our next National President. In October I met VFC Area V Debbi Laughon and several members of VFC Area V in Farmville to discuss the loss members in the chapters in that area. Past VFC President Bill Martin is assisting Debbie to contact members asking them for input on how to revive chapters, how to increase membership, etc. WE mailed letters with survey questionnaires to the members, soliciting their suggestions, comments, etc. It was an interesting approach initiated by Bill Martin, and the we will share the results with the VFC Board members at the October meeting in Charlottesville. I d like to thank the VFC members who have been so supportive as I ve moved into the 1st VP position sooner than anticipated. The learning curve is still there, and I appreciate the guidance and assistance afforded me as I learn and strive you serve you to the best of my ability. I look forward to seeing all of you in Charlottesville in April for the 2018 convention. Pat Taylor, VFC 1st Vice President Page 3

4 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NEWS SECRETARY'S REPORT Since this is my first report, I will take a moment to introduce myself. Raised on Lake Erie in PA, I headed off to the US Coast Guard Academy in CT for college, graduating in After 4 years and two commands, I attended USN Postgraduate School in CA for a Communications Engineering MS and then Headquarters. Instead of another tour on a ship, I civilianized my desk in Washington to continue in the field of telecom policy and standards, serving with the FCC for a while and completing my civil service career in 1998 after 21 years at State Department. Most satisfying for me was the chance to develop and execute USG policy relating to the UN s Intl. Telecommunication Union (ITU) and to coordinate activities of the National Telecoms Advisory Committee (an 800-person FAC under State). Work continued in this field with a beltway bandit and then my own consulting firm for 9 more years. At that point, and never having done retail in my life, I worked 7 years part-time at the Bass Pro Shops in Ashland, VA in the fishing and marine departments, and now this job. The FY-2017 Summer session of the VFC Board meeting took place July 30-August 1, 2017 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Charlottesville, VA, the location of the upcoming 2018 VFC Convention. Nineteen members of the Board were in attendance (three absent), as well as four visitors. Bill Shackelford, the NARFE Region X Vice President, was unable to attend due to another commitment. President Leslie Ravenell presented opening comments, including introduction of Bill Martin to serve as Vice-AVP for Area V to assist in helping with their troubled chapters. Richard Giangerelli was designated acting immediate past president while Kathy Arpa is recovering. Leslie had recently visited three chapters at their invitation and will continue to do so, noting that all Executive Committee members will coordinate closely to ensure efficient and effective leadership. Chapters may invite HQ personnel directly and must notify Region X, VFC and their AVP in a timely manner. Regarding chapter closures, she reported that Chapter 1510 Imperial Plaza and Chapter 1682 Chesapeake were in the process of closing. However, she did suggest that we should call the process consolidating rather than closing. Pat Taylor, 1st Vice President, led the discussion on recent activities among the ten Areas, including: growing legislative activity in many chapters; disappointment and confusion about HQ apparent lack-of-support for chapters within NARFE; need to focus on VFC by-laws to make the organization more efficient; growing concern about proposed Federal budget and potential adverse impact on members; a widely held view that the HQ legislative training and congressional visits were excellent; growing loss of chapter members to national-only; serious membership problems in Delaware and possible loss of a federation; and the appearance of Jim Little, AVP-IX, on the front cover of the new NARFE calendar. Connie Bails, 2nd Vice President, coordinated the presentation on VFC Committee activities, including: VFC collected nearly $14,000 (or 14%) of the total national Alzheimer s collection in FY- 17; membership increased in National members and transfer-ins, while chapters were down 10%; chapters are urged to assign a host/hostess to work with potential members and chapter leaders; lots of goodies are available for public Page 4

5 relations projects; HQ conditions are being imposed on matching-fund requests, which may take two months to get approved; state legislation is tough in that 18 favorable, VFCsupported bills never made it out of committee; and National Legislation chair Steve Ledford announced his resignation. Other topics considered by the VFC Board included: 2017 Region X Conference would be October 10-12, 2017 in Martinsburg, WV, and funds for VFC attendees was budgeted; 2017 VFC Convention was a success, with178 attendees, 38 chapters and key HQ staff present; VFC Annual Report was discussed regarding content, distribution and relation to the VFC Notes newsletter, and it was agreed to publish only online for now while a subcommittee examined all aspects of the two publications; 2018 State Legislative Plan, which moved toward a joint partnership among federal workforce and reduced emphasis on seniorrelated issues, was approved; Preparations for 2018 VFC Convention at the DoubleTree in Charlottesville, VA are moving forward smoothly under the planning group headed by AVP-VIII Maureen Nolet; President Ravenell reported on her participation in the Federation President s Meeting held July in Jacksonville, FL; and The Bylaws Subcommittee will report its recommendations to the next Board meeting in October, noting the need for approval of HQmandated changes at the 2018 Convention. In closing, I want to note that presentations and information at the Region X Conference were excellent. All of the material is posted on the Region X website, which can be accessed via the VFC homepage. Richard Shrum, VFC Secretary TREASURER S REPORT The 1st Quarter expenditure to date is 14% of the approved FY18 budget. The total contribution collected to the VFC State Political Fund ending in 3rd Quarter CY 2017 is $ TREASURER REPORT SYNOPSIS AS OF September 30, 2017 Approved Budget $101,809 2 nd QTR FY17 Income $14,037 2 nd QTR FY17 Expenditure $9,759 Required from Savings in the black) Raphael Wong, VFC Treasurer $4,279 (not needed; STANDING COMMITTEE NEWS NATIONAL LEGISLATION REPORT Steve Ledford, after serving as the VFC National Legislative Chair for the past two years and serving as a Senate Legislative Liaison for the past 5 years, announced at the July VFC Board meeting that he would be stepping down as Chair and Senate Legislative Liaison (SLL). Over the years, Steve has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining relationships with Senator Warner and even picked up SLL responsibilities for Senator Kaine. Steve helped lead the drive in the VFC to raise Political Action Contribution (PAC) Funds used to help advance NARFE s issues on Capitol Hill. THANK YOU, Steve for your volunteer service to NARFE and the VFC. We wish you good health and blessings as you move on. Our VFC President, Leslie Ravenell, asked that I temporarily serve as the National Legislative Chair. In February 2017, Eddie Eitches, McLean Page 5

6 Chapter 489, started his service as the SLL to Senator Kaine. We do not have a SLL to Senator Warner. If you have an interest in helping the VFC as SLL to Senator Warner or have some questions about the responsibilities, please give me a call at or me at gastongiannia@aol.com. Our CLLs and SLLs are the face of NARFE to VA s Congressional Delegation. Our goal is to ensure they communicate information to National, the VFC and our Chapters, and to ensure all members of the Virginia Federation, those in Chapters and National Division Members, know the importance of contributing to NARFE s PAC fund. In 2017 through September 30, 2017, 906 Virginia NARFE members have contributed $49,226 to the PAC fund. This is a heroic effort, but with over 15,000 NARFE members in Virginia, we can do more. Please consider contributing something to the fund before the end of the year. You can use forms in your monthly NARFE Magazine to make your contribution. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT to be effective in protecting your earned pay and benefits. Legislative Chair, Gaston Gianni STATE LEGISLATION REPORT The State Legislation Plan for 2018 is on pages 20 and 21. Margaret Keator, VFC State Legislation Chair MEMBERSHIP REPORT We have closed 5 Chapters - not due to lack of members, but to lack of members willing to serve as leaders or officers of a Chapter. Transfers In to individual Chapters are UP by 195% when compared to a year ago. This could reflect that many members from closed Chapters may be transferring to other Chapters. Transfers Out are UP by 926%!!! Part of this may be due to HQ transferring National Life members from individual Chapters to the new National Division-Virginia category. Some of it may also be due to the way in which renewal applications are worded, which originally left out the renewing member s Chapter identification. HQ corrected the error on the new renewal applications. I urge Chapter Membership chairs to contact the people who have transferred out of their Chapters, and gently ascertain if they indeed wanted to transfer out of the local Chapter. If not, they can easily transfer back by filing a Membership Transfer Form. I have posted this form on the VFC website at In the Form s Chapter # area block, simply write National Division. B.J. Thomas McMillan, VFC Membership Chair SERVICE REPORT We: Arlene and Johnny Arthur (Chapter 66- Norfolk), are the new VFC Co-Service Officers appointed following the 2017 VFC Convention. As a federation, will truly miss the experience and wealth of knowledge provided for many years by our previous Co-service officers: John and Dr. Constance T. Bails. It is comforting to know that they will still be available to assist and provide guidance as we take on this challenge. We recognize the value that the service officer provides for chapters and endeavor to provide the training and other assistance that they need to recruit and retain members in this position. We have asked Area VP's to let their chapters know that we are available if they need a speaker for chapter meetings. As we grow in this position our objective is to visit all chapters. It's been a slow start but we (one or both) have attended events and visited chapters below: 2017 VFC Convention Williamsburg Chapter 974 Virginia Beach-Bayside Chapter 1697 Brentwood Area VII Caucus Harrisonburg Several Chapter Service Officers Page 6

7 2017 Region X Conference Martinsburg Fall VFC meeting Midlothian Arlene and Johnny Arthur, VFC Co-Service Officers PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT The VFC has been busy working to help support our Virginia Chapters in Public Relations. This update covers the July through October 2017 period. A full report of the Public Relations Chair for the July 2016 through June 2017 is contained in the VFC Annual Report which is posted on the VFC Web page at Fall is the time of year that Chapters prepare to attend health fairs. To support their membership recruitment efforts, the VFC, with the help of National Headquarters matching funds, provides PR GOODIES to hand out. We have bags, pens, note books, sticky notes, can and jar openers, tape measures, coasters, magnets, bag clips, and letter openers. In total, we sent 7,400 items. VFC Areas I, IV, VII, IX and X were the requestors. I hope everyone was able to attract new members to NARFE and their chapters. During the period we also had four matching fund projects totaling about $4,200. The four projects were Harrisonburg Chapter 164 participation in the Rockingham County Fair, Woodbridge Chapter 1270 Fourth of July Float, Suffolk Chapter 1741 participation in the Annual Suffolk Peanut Festival and the VFC s replenishment of PR Goodies. National approved the chapter projects beforehand and supported with 50% National Matching funds and 25% VFC funds. Guidance for matching funds projects is on the VFC web site under the Public Relations link. I continued my duties as the VFC Congressional District Liaison to 1st District Congressman Rob Wittman. We had a face to face meeting on September 1 to brief him on NARFE s top three legislative issues and seek his support on all issues protecting the earned benefits of Active and Retired Federal Employees. Also during the period, the VFC President asked me to temporally take on responsibilities of the VFC National Legislative Chair. Please see the National Legislative section of the VFC for more specific information. However, let me take this opportunity to remind all NARFE members of their IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES for contacting their Congressional Representative and Senators to let them know how you feel about major pieces of legislative which could NEGATIVELY IMPACT your PAY and or BENEFITS. It is CRITICAL that you let them know how you feel. You don t want to regret having remained silent and finding your pay and benefits CUT!! Finally, remember if you need help or have any questions please contact me at or me at gastongianni@aol.com. The VFC is here to help you! Closing Quote: One cannot and must not try to erase the past merely because it does not fit the present. Golda Meir Gaston Gianni, VFC Public Relations Chair FROM THE ALZHEIMER'S DESK NARFE Alzheimer s Fund In collaboration with the Alzheimer s Association, NARFE members have donated more than $12 million to the NARFE Alzheimer s Fund. 100 percent of NARFE donations to the Fund are allocated to research. NARFE is a member of the Alzheimer s Association s Zenith Society, a group of about 50 donors representing the highest level of giving. NARFE is one of only four organizations belonging to the Zenith Society; and, of the four organizations, NARFE is the number one contributor. Many NARFE members not only contribute their dollars to the Page 7

8 NARFE Alzheimer s Fund but also plan and participate in fundraisers, and volunteer at local day-care centers and other respite-care facilities. For the period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017, NARFE members contributed $466, to research. In August 2017, the NARFE National Alzheimer s Committee met and granted 3 ½ awards to 4 researchers, bringing the total to 75 researchers NARFE has sponsored. At the 2016 National Convention, delegates voted to extend our current goal to $13 million in The areas of concentration at this time is to slow the progress of the disease, and to try to forecast the probability of an individual developing the disease. If researchers can understand how the cycle is formed, they will have a good chance of interrupting it, and slowing the growth of the tangles. Convention Results Federation conventions are always a primary source of funds for each Federation. This past year, I collected $3, for Alzheimer s Research while we were at the convention in Williamsburg. Our silent auction had a total of 28 baskets, 11 from small chapters (less than 250 members) and 16 from large chapters. We also had one basket contributed by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The baskets in the auction brought in an amazing $1,652 for Research, and other contributions made up the remaining $1,582. The cash donations, the small raffle, and the 50/50 raffle were the source of the latter category. Just for your information, we awarded $800 in the 50/50 drawings. In a friendly competition, the small chapters basket came from Churchland Chapter 1293 and yielded $125. The large chapter s basket was donated by Woodbridge Chapter 1270 and brought in $200. Donna Shackelford, VFC Alzheimer's Chair AREA VICE PRESIDENT NEWS Jeanne Garrison AREA I As with other areas there has been a decline in chapter membership. Most of it seems to be the result of renewals going into national status sometimes unintentionally. Hopefully some modifications to the renewal forms will help. Peninsula Chapter 682 was able to get NARFE s new Executive Director, Barbara Sido to attend their summer social luncheon. She said it was her very first chapter appearance. Ms. Sido is very energetic and was enthused about the future of the organization. Her attitude is very positive, and she is open to ideas and suggestions for getting new members. Marie Collins continues to be a champion fund raiser for Alzheimer s with her ongoing miles of pennies project. They are up to over 32 miles. She also continues to recruit new members everywhere she goes including attending several health fairs with other chapter members. Williamsburg Chapter 685 has been experiencing an increase in meeting attendance despite the loss of chapter members. Programs have included speakers on topics such as cyber security and ancestry research as well as a representative from Aetna a recent addition to the FEHB program. The summer breakfast held at the Ford s Colony club house, of one of the largest over age 55 housing developments in hopes of getting more of the many federal retirees living there interested. Several members participated as a team in the Williamsburg Walk to End Alzheimer s. In Gloucester, Middle Peninsula Chapter is working hard to keep up the attendance. Although they did not meet in the summer Page 8

9 months the members did participate in a survey in their efforts to stimulate interest. The hardest task has been finding officers but fortunately some have agreed to help. Due to declining numbers they have considered making some meeting changes. Members of Northern Neck Chapter 1823 not only have a variety of programs, but they meet in a variety of locations. In September there was a picnic at Belle Isle State Park where they were able to hear and interact with Congressman Rob Wittman. At the August luncheon there was a presentation on emergency preparedness. The presenter discussed having a ready to go bag in case of having to evacuate home on short notice. In early October members participated in a dinner cruise across the Potomac River to dine at a restaurant in Maryland. Most chapters have also included presentations from one or more of the traditional health insurance providers during the Open Season. All chapters are working hard to increase participation and retain members by trying to present interesting programs that motivate members to attend. Alex Adkins AREA II Joe Murray will remain the President of Chapter 1827 for another year. Other elected officers of Chapter 1827 include 1 st Vice President Peter Amante, 2 nd Vice President Nancy Mc Williams, Treasurer Richard Bourdon, and Secretary Lynne Pipis. The chapter s delegate to the 2017 VFC Convention was Joseph Murray. Margie Mitchell continues to serve as President and Johnny Arthur as Vice President of Tidewater Chapter 66. Mary Asby is the chapter s Secretary and Vera Merritt is Treasurer. Committee chairs include Service Officer Arlene Arthur, Newsletter Editor Tom Van Tiem, and Legislative Chair Rosemary Whitehurst. Johnny and Arlene Arthur served as the chapter s delegates to the 2017 VFC Convention. Tom Van Tiem also attended the VFC convention. Johnny and Arlene Arthur served on the Facilities committee for the convention and did an excellent job. At the end of the convention they were appointed to serve as the VFC Service Officers and have replaced Connie and John Bails. Alex Adkins is President and Burnley Rhue is the Vice President of Chapter 974. Fran Sansone is Secretary and Donald Warren is the chapter Treasurer. Committee chairs include: Gregg Ferrito (Legislation), Betty Warren (Legislation & Public Relations), Burnley Rhue (Service Officer), PJ Adkins (Hospitality), Myrtle Durham (Sunshine), and Sylvia Butler (Alzheimer s Research). Regretfully, our good friend Myrtle Durham passed away in June. Many chapter members attended her memorial services. A large contingent of Chapter 974 members attended the 2017 VFC and worked on convention committees. They include Alex and PJ Adkins, Donald and Betty Warren, Fran Sonsone, Jerry and Faye Fudala, Emory Dixon, Tom Biggs, Rosemary Stepnowski, and Jerry Hudson. These members of Chapter 974 worked on the registration and credentials committee. Judy Bosnengo is President and Julie Hobbs is the Secretary Treasurer of Chapter 5. Bernita Townes is the chapter s Legislative Chair. Julia Hobbs was the chapter s delegate to the 2017 VFC Convention. Jack McMurchy AREA III Area III Vice President Jack McMurchy regretfully resigned from his position in October 2017 due to personal reasons. Jack has served for more than ten years as Area Page 9

10 III Vice President. The VFC Board would like to thank him for his hard work, dedication, and support of NARFE and the VFC over the years. He will be missed but he is not totally out of the picture as he will still be serving as President of Petersburg Chapter 28. At the beginning of the reporting period, there were five chapters in Area III. Now there are four. On the 22nd of September 2017, Imperial Plaza Chapter 1510 closed. There were 35 Chapter members. Four members transferred to Chapter 60, two members transferred to Chapter 2265, and one member transferred to Chapter All the remaining members are now members of the National Division and assigned to the Virginia Federation. Thanks to former chapter president, Ed Heflin for working so hard to contact chapter members and assign them to the chapter they requested. The remaining chapters in Area III are: Petersburg Chapter 28; Richmond Chapter 60, Tuckahoe Chapter 1727, and Midlothian Chapter These chapters continue to meet and offer programs to their members. The Midlothian Chapter had a successful Open House in July and recruited several new members. In September they held their annual picnic and their special guest was Lou Arnatt Kadiri, Deputy State Director for Senator Mark Warner. Raymond Orland AREA IV After a year as Area IV VP, I have closed two chapters: Portsmouth Chapter 63 and Chesapeake Chapter The remaining chapters are stable and functioning well (Churchland Chapter, Suffolk Chapter, and Brentwood Chapter). The new and improved Brentwood Chapter 1697, consist of most of members that transferred from the two chapters that closed. They meet in a new location and have updated their web-page to reflect changes on the VFC website Their monthly newsletters are also on the VFC website. All three chapters had health insurance representatives as speakers during the Open Enrollment Season this fall. Each chapter will be celebrating Christmas at their December meetings with no business conducted. At the Peanut Fest this year, there was no hurricane to destroy the Suffolk chapter s recruiting efforts. WE collected 50 M-2 cards and sent them to National HQs as part of our After-Action Report. The Churchland Chapter has been very active in recruiting. They had a table at the Naval Hospital Health Fair and handed-out NARFE magazines to Naval Shipyard employees as they were leaving. Mark Fisher AREA VI The monthly meeting of Chapter 111 on 9/1/2017 ended by having Kelly Johnson, Outreach Representative US Senator Mark Warner staying afterwards and meeting about a dozen members to express their concerns over making Medicare part B mandatory for postal retirees and the various cuts to our COLAs. We followed up on 9/6/2017 with a meeting with Gwen Mason, Regional director for Senator Tim Kaine at the Roanoke district Office; also attending were Ellie Long, Frances Boatman, and Wanda Ware. At the Chapter 111 October meeting, the speaker was Lily Franklin, Legislative assistant for Del. Sam Rasoul. She spoke on VFC state legislative issues only address gerrymandering. Sen John Edwards (awarded Page 10

11 $500 state PAC money last year) was to speak but due to a death in the family will speak to the chapter in January. On 26 October 2017 the chapter participated in a Health Fair sponsored by Blue Cross/Blue Shield at the Vinton War Memorial. The chapter was able to have 36 M2 cards completed. To better serve their members both chapters 1134 and 1837 adjusted their meeting dates; as for Chapter 1134 to accommodate a social outing to a local diner theater from September to late August. Chapter 1837 is changing their meeting to have the Blue Cross/Blue Shield speak before Open Season closing on the second Tuesday of December which was their orginal meeting date. Steve L. Dansker Area VII I sent s to all five chapters regarding the Region X conference results, and how these actions will affect all chapters: one member one vote and the disbanding of mandatory chapter membership. My wife, Paula, several Area VII chapter members and I attended the Region X Conference in Martinsburg, WV in October. Most of the chapters in Area VII do not hold meetings during the months (July and August). Many Area VII members wrote s to their National Representatives outlining the selfdefeating legislation that targets our pay & benefits. Several chapters had a BC/BS representative who explained the updates to their FEHBP. The Representative also gave out FEHB/Medicare information. Harrisonburg Chapter 168 had a booth/table at the Rockingham County Fair in August in which the chapter requested matching funds in order to gain new members and display some NARFE publicity. Page Valley Chapter 1793 participated in an Alzheimer's Walk in October. Their annual September picnic was an event to collect funds for Alzheimer's Research. Maureen Nolet AREA VIII As Area VP, I have attended at least one-chapter meeting for all the chapters and Charlottesville encouraging them to attend and assist with the VFC 2018 Convention. I attended chapter meetings to celebrate chapter anniversaries and attended the 2017 Legislative Training Conference. All area chapters are in the process of nominating officers or have a slate of officers. Some chapters are more active than others, but they continue to remain a chapter. The chapters take the summer off from meetings. Fredericksburg Chapter 90 recognized several members as Distinguished Members of NARFE with a certificate, pin & card. They continue fund raising events for Alzheimer s Research with soup sales homemade by Mary Heck. They held a joint meeting with Louisa chapter to tour Spotsylvania County Museum and the artifacts warehouse; celebrated their 65th anniversary; and has a slate of officers for Colonial Beach Chapter 595 are planning for their annual Harvest Dinner and request donations for the St. Elizabeth s Food Bank. Congressman Rob Wittman was a guest speaker at a monthly meeting. They celebrated their 60th anniversary. Fauquier Chapter 1549 celebrated their 40th anniversary; honored NARFE Distinguished Members from the chapter and VFC past Page 11

12 president awarded them certificates and pins. They have a slate of officers for Lake of the Woods Chapter 1885, and Caroline Chapter 2112 have a slate of officers for Falls Run Chapter 2343 have a slate of officers for 2018, and are preparing for their annual food drive for SERVE on Halloween. Jim Little AREA IX Area IX is comprised of five Northern Virginia chapters: Alexandria, Springfield, Annandale, Woodbridge, and Manassas, representing 2,284 members. Our chapters are adjusting to the recent decline in membership of 210 members who transferred to the National Division during the period. Recognizing these members are still NARFE members, we are actively evaluating options for reminding them of the benefits of belonging to a Chapter, utilizing suggestions developed by Bill Martin (Louisa Chapter); the Texas Federation; and the Region X Conference presentation, Setting Your Chapter Meeting on Fire! All chapters have included references to Chapter benefits at monthly meetings and in newsletters. Educating Chapter members and keeping them and the community informed of issues impacting the Federal workforce and retiree community is an essential element of Area IX s existence. At the recent Region X Conference, our area had five participants (nearly 15 percent of the VFC participants) who returned to their chapters and shared their experiences with fellow chapter members and at the Northern Virginia Caucus meeting. Area IX recognizes the importance of having informative speakers and relevant topics at its meetings, not only to encourage attendance, but to attract new members and maintain existing membership. We select speakers in keeping with NARFE s goal to make NARFE the Go-To- Organization when it comes to informing the Federal community of legislative issues and current events impacting Federal employees and retirees. During the quarter, Chapters provided numerous opportunities for local, State, and Federal politicians and other leaders to participate in activities, including: A provocative forum for House of Delegates candidates from Districts 38, 39, 49 and 53. State Senator Richard Saslaw. State Senator Scott Surovell. Congressman Gerry Connolly. Former Alexandria Vice Mayor William Cleveland to discuss 2017 statewide candidates. Picnics including numerous local, State, and Federal officials and representatives Representatives from the One Virginia 2012 Coalition. Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Representatives. History of the American Flag Speaker Open Heart Surgery Observation at Fairfax Hospital. Fairfax County Sherriff s Office Policy The following pictures were taken: Springfield Chapter President Joe Bush, VP Terri Darko, and State Senator Richard Saslaw Page 12

13 Woodbridge Picnic, Jim Little, Ruth Anderson, Rob Wittman, Gaston Gianni, Scott Lingamfelter, Rich Anderson Springfield Chapter VP Terri Darko, Lieutenant Ortiz, and Joe Bush The forums were extremely productive, they gave our chapter members and the community the opportunity to become more aware of current issues and to engage the current legislative representatives, their opponents, and other leaders about NARFE Federal, State, and local issues that impact our membership, the community, and our country. They provided an excellent opportunity for our members to communicate our federation s state legislative goals to members who have a significant voice in the Virginia legislature and for our members to better understand how the legislative system works. In addition, Legislative Liaison Gaston Gianni and Jim Little met one-on-one with Representative Rob Wittman to discuss NARFE legislative issues. Our chapters are always looking for ways to get members engaged and to volunteer for leadership positions and ongoing activities. We are especially pleased with a new brochure the Springfield chapter has developed A Call to Volunteer (2017). The tri-fold brochure was approved by the National NAFRE Public Relations Department and is in the initial stages of implementation. Getting members fired up and involved is essential to the well-being of the NARFE organization. Support of Alzheimer s Research and Community Service are critical elements of Area IX s existence. Supported Alzheimer s Research: collected nearly $2,500 through a variety of events such as monthly donations, 50/50 raffles, Dining-For-Dollars, and 2017 Walk-To-End-Alzheimer s in Manassas. Community service events: Virginia Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway in Annandale, collected foodstuffs and sundries for local food banks and other charitable organizations. Page 13

14 brochure, and our float and NARFE logos and viewed by thousands of people along the parade route and on the COMCAST local community TV station. NARFE has its name etched in stone in a brick walkway at the Little Theatre of Alexandria, thanks to Springfield Chapter. NARFE s highest value is in its members. Several Chapters recognized this value by presenting Distinguished Member Awards, including one to Eileen Celani of Springfield for her 31 years of NARFE service. Recognition and recruitment are vital to NARFE s success. Walk to End Alzheimer s, Manassas Chapter Springfield Chapter President Joe Bush and awardee Eileen Celani Annandale Adopt-A-Highway Branding the NARFE name is important to Area IX, and we were successful again this quarter by obtaining Matching Funds from the VFC and National NARFE to sponsor the Woodbridge Chapter s float in the Annual Dale City Fourth of July Parade. During the event, which is the largest July Fourth parade in Virginia, members distributed over 50 packets of recruitment materials: NARFE goodies, magazines, and brochures on upcoming NARFE webinars. NARFE s logo was in the parade advertising Area IX recognizes the challenges we face for the remainder of fiscal year 2018, especially with declining membership and getting people involved with chapter activities and volunteering for leadership roles. In this vein, we are excited about the new strategic planning process at the National level, and several members have already volunteered to participate in some of the Standing Committees. We are also working closely with Area X in spearheading the upcoming Health Fair sponsored by Congressman Gerry Connolly. This annual event consistently draws hundreds of current Federal employees and retirees and is an excellent opportunity for potential recruitment. Page 14

15 We are also beginning to evaluate how local NARFE chapters might take advantage of the Annual Walk to End Alzheimer s for NARFE recruitment, especially since NARFE is one of the largest individual organizations to financially support Alzheimer s Research. Wilma Grant AREA X Area X comprises 6 independent chapters: Arlington, Dulles, Fairfax, Great Falls/McLean, Northern VA Metro and Vienna-Oakton. All chapters are active and in good standing. The primary challenges faced by Arlington, Dulles, Fairfax, and Metro Chapters are the ability to recruit new officers and the declining membership due to transfers of chapter member to National, non-renewals and deaths. Kudos to their current presidents, officers, boards and committee chairs for their work in continuing chapter newsletters to better inform their membership. All chapters continue to hold meetings with informative speakers from various organizations in the community; hold health fairs; and have representatives provide presentations (Blue Cross Blue Shield) with updates on health plans during open enrollment season. Fairfax Chapter 737 held a successful BBQ event at The 29 Diner, to raise funds for Alzheimer s Research. The diner owners donated $500 for the cause, plus they received other donations to that end. Fairfax President Ted Pasek personally handdelivered two VFC-PAC checks to: Tim Hugo, 40th District Delegate; and to David Bulova, 37th District Delegate; both nominated by the chapter to receive these VFC-PAC gifts. Fairfax Chapter President Ted Pasek presenting Delegate Tim Hugo with his NARFE-PAC check, a letter, and the NARFE Legislative brochure. Fairfax Chapter 737 s V-P Bob Sottile, Alzheimer s Chair Linda Meyers, and President Ted Pasek at The 29 Diner during the BBQ fundraiser for Alzheimer s Research Fairfax Chapter President Ted Pasek presenting Delegate David Bulova with his NARFE-PAC check. Page 15

16 Area IX and Area X representatives and local chapter members just completed Rep. Jerry Connolly s Annual Health Fair in November with assistance from members of the following local chapters: Alexandria, Annandale, Dulles, Fairfax, Springfield, and Woodbridge. Added this year was our NARFE Recruitment table, alongside two information tables filled with many giveaway items which attracted the 300 or so federal attendees and retirees attending the fair. November was a busy month with NARFE-PAC fund distributions of the six checks I received prior to the election. I delivered checks to Delegate Bell in Loudoun County, Delegate Levine in South Arlington, and Delegate Kaye Kory at a firehouse in Ashburn. If you are a new NARFE member please join with us at any of our meetings or local chapter luncheons, meet new friends with similar interests, form bonds, help our No. 1 charity: The Alzheimer s Association, and help us to grow even stronger in our efforts to legislate Federal Retiree and Active Federal Staff interests in Virginia and throughout the nation. Page 16

17 SLL & CDL Appointments for the 115 th Congressional Session SLL for Senator Mark Warner VACANT SLL for Senator Tim Kaine Eddie Eitches (McLean-Great Falls Chapter 489) (effective 1/31/2017) Phone: (703) CDL for Cong. Dist. 1 Gaston Gianni (Woodbridge Chapter 1270) (effective 1/1/2017) Phone: (703) Rep. Robert Wittman GastonGianni@aol.com CDL for Cong. Dist. 2 William Kedron (Williamsburg Chapter 685) (effective 1/31/2017) Phone: (757) Rep. Scott Taylor ketron5@cox.net CDL for Cong. Dist. 3 Raymond D. Whipple (Peninsula Chapter 682) (effective 1/1/2017) Phone: (757) Rep. Robert Scott ray26sky@verizon.net CDL for Cong. Dist. 4 Dillard H. Horton, Jr. (Suffolk Chapter 1743) (effective 1/1/2017) Tele. No.: (757) Rep. Donald McEachin papadhh@gmail.com CDL for Cong. Dist. 5 Raymond G. Brandenburg (Fauquier Chapter 1549) Rep. Tom Garrett Tele. No.: (540) bburg4732@msn.com Rep. Michael Wade Page 17

18 CDL for Cong. Dist. 6 Edward I. Misker (Staunton-Waynesboro-Augusta (effective 1/1/2017) Chapter 0178) Rep. Bob Goodlatte Phone: (434) emisker@prodigy.net CDL for Cong. Dist. 7 Robert Zombroon (Midlothian Chapter 2265) (effective 1/1/2017) Phone: (804) Rep. David Brat bobjudyz@verizon.net CDL for Cong. Dist. 8 John Tolleris (Alexandria Chapter 0232) (effective 1/1/2017) Phone: (703) Rep. Donald Beyer jatolleris@aol.com CDL for Cong. Dist. 9 Mary F. Kelley (Wilderness Trail Chapter 1837) (effective 1/1/2017) Phone: (276) Rep. Morgan Griffith mfk@valink.com CDL for Cong. Dist. 10 Charles McAndrew (Dulles Chapter 1241) (effective 1/31/2017) Phone: (540) Rep. Barbara Comstock Charles.mcandrew@verizon.net CDL for Cong. Dist. 11 Judy Thorne (Dulles Chapter 1241) (effective 1/1/2017) Phone: (703) Rep. Gerald Connolly Thornemusick@aol.com Page 18

19 2018 State Legislation Plan Virginia Federation of Chapters (VFC) Executive Leadership President Leslie Ravenell or First Vice President Pat Taylor or Second Vice President Connie Bails or Immediate Past President Kathy Arpa or Virginia Federation of Chapters (VFC) 15,500 Members Strong 46 Chapters 10 Area Vice Presidents VFC Legislative Contact: Maggie Keator State Legislation Chair or National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) Virginia Federation of Chapters 2018 State Legislative Plan Protecting America s Heartbeat for over 90 Years! Protecting Earned Benefits of Active & Retired Federal Employees and the Interests of Virginia s Senior Citizens Page 19

20 2018 State Legislative Plan - Virginia Indexing Income Tax Age Deduction 1. To Inflation When taxpayers reach age 65, they are eligible for a state income tax deduction of $12,000 if their singlefiler income is less than $50,000 or joint-filer income is less than $75,000. If their income exceeds these fixed limits, there is a deduction for every $1 over the limit. There has been no adjustment for inflation since this means testing was passed in We support an inflation-indexed age deduction to alleviate the long-term cost of living increase. Income Tax Subtraction for Retiree Health Insurance and Long Term Care Premiums cost Health Care costs continue to rise and most retirees are on fixed incomes. Therefore, we support legislation that would amend VA (C) to allow retirees to subtract health insurance and long-term care premiums from federal adjusted gross income on VA state tax returns with no income restrictions. Minimum Nursing Home Standards Nursing home residents need adequate certified staff to improve their physical and emotional quality of life. Current federal regulations require sufficient staffing to meet the needs of residents. While many states have adopted minimum staffing levels, Virginia has yet to do so. We urge the General Assembly to expand the study in SJ266 (2017) on staffing ratio requirements to also include certified nursing home staffing standards and staffing levels. Nonpartisan Redistricting Reform Gerrymandering reduces political competition and fosters a climate of partisan gridlock. We urge the General Assembly to pass legislation ensuring that future redistricting is undertaken in a nonpartisan and transparent manner, conducted through impartial means, such as by an independent commission.. Absentee Voting. Most states now permit some form of noexcuse absentee voting for their citizens. We recommend that the Virginia General Assembly pass legislation that would allow no-excuse absentee voting. Transparency As a member of the all-volunteer Transparency Virginia Coalition, we ask the General Assembly and its committees and subcommittees to use the Coalition s best practices for accountability and public participation by ensuring that: - Hearing notices give the public the adequate time to attend; - Every bill is given due consideration; - All final votes are recorded. For more information on these issues of to schedule a meeting, please contact: Maggie Keator VFC State Legislative Chair maggiekeator@gmail.com Page 20

21 Sep 1 Oct 1 Oct 6 Oct Oct 18 Oct Nov 15 Dec 1 Dec 8 Dec 30 Jan 7-9 Jan 7 Jan 7 September 2017 Registration Deadline for Region X Conference October 2017 Cutoff date for Oct Board meeting hotel reservations Deadline for submission of FY st quarter VFC Expense Vouchers to Region X Conference (Hilton Garden Inn, Martinsburg, West Virginia) Deadline for submission of VFC FY-2018 first quarter VFC notes articles Fall VFC Board Meeting at Doubletree by Hilton, Richmond, Virginia November 2017 Deadline for VFC Chapters with fiscal year July-June to IRS file e-postcard IRS form 990N December 2017 Deadline for submission of nominations for the VFC Executive Board Deadline for hotel reservations for Jan Board Meeting Deadline for submission of proposed VFC By-Laws Amendments to the VFC Constitution & Bylaws Committee for consideration at the 2018 VFC Convention January 2018 Winter VFC Board Meeting at Doubletree by Hilton, Charlottesville, Virginia Deadline for submission of FY nd quarter VFC Expense Vouchers to VFC President (should cover the period Oct 1 thru Dec 31) Deadline for submission of VFC FY nd quarter VFC notes articles Jan 25 Deadline for Chapters to file the F-7 Jan 24 Deadline for submission of proposed resolutions for consideration at the 2018 VFC Convention Feb 1 Feb 23 Important VFC Dates February 2018 Deadline for submissions for VFC Management Award to 2nd VFC Vice President VFC President issues 2018 VFC Call to Convention March 2018 Mar 1 Convention Deadlines: See Bulletin #1 and Bulletin #2 Page 21