Indiana

Indiana
NARFE News
The Official Publication of the Indiana Federation of Chapters

RELATIONSHIP RECRUITING Relationship recruiting is based on the here-and-now,
direct communication and an opportunity to fo-cus on a
prospects needs/issues, a value exchange. Relationship
President
Relationship recruiting is a recruiting minimizes initial impres-sions, cold calling,

Don Savage business term describing timing and a lack of trust. It is common sense you have a better chance

812-923-3626 engagement of an individual with ac-quaintances than with a total stranger given the NARFE brand is

[email protected] prospect until the right job not well-known.

opens. Successful recruiting

has two things in common: When you recruit someone you know, even if by referral, you are recruit-

Individuals love what they do and love sharing what they have. People ing the best and capturing the ideal individual for the long term value of

tend to give what they have received. NARFE.

Prospects want to be treated as individuals, not mass advertising or just Relationship recruiting indicates the value you place on that prospect
given a packet of materials. If a packet of material was the only medi- for mutual protection of federal benefits. You have the “best product”
um required, NARFE would not be losing 1,000 members a month for an active federal employee or retiree could possibly need or want. Most
the past two years and AARP would not be experiencing a major decline members wish they had joined sooner.
in chapters. NARFE Headquarter packets are well-conceptualized and
written, yet membership decline continues even if a slower pace may In the main relationship recruiting is reaching out to your co-workers,
be occurring. A handout or packet of material has significant value but tracing other prospects through their acquaintances, a form of peer re-
perhaps as a reminder and summary of talking points following personal cruiting, developing a pipeline, a referral program. It is your passion for
contact. Regardless, every prospect deserves the opportunity to make up NARFE’s clear and credible mission which will create a sense of urgency
his/her own mind as to membership in NARFE. in asking some-one to join NARFE.

The meaning in life is always based on relationship, meeting the needs/ Recruiting should be planned as a part of your daily routine and time
expectations of an individual person. In the field of counseling, little is management. Set aside an al-lotted time to recruit. You will receive
accomplished by strategy without a professional relation-ship. There is a a psychic boost and do the prospect a great favor when he or she joins
well-known fact in counseling called “relationship therapy,” based solely NARFE. Even better your recruit becomes a recruiter.
on a correc-tive emotional experience between a counselor and client.
The most successful recruiting has always been a connection and out- Don Savage
reach to family, friends, neighbors and especially co-workers. 812-923-3626
[email protected]

REMINDER Due to Indiana State Civil Service retirees INDIANA STATE CIVIL
being able to claim up to an $8,000 de- SERVICE ANNUITY
duction in 2016 and $16,000 in 2017, this DEDUCTION
information is being reprinted. Please use this information to put in your local
newspapers, with a meeting notice, and a local telephone number so federal em- Public Law 250 under the Indiana Code
ployees and federal retirees will contact you as prospective NARFE members. Indiana Code or IC 6-3-2-3.7 was changed to increase the Indiana
If you wish to use Jim DeWitt’s contact information for the tax information and tax exemption for CSRS retirees in Indiana.
recruitment; his telephone number is 765-586-4622. NARFE Headquarters is The individual is only entitled to the deduction provided by this
offering a $10 recruitment bonus for the rest of 2016, and the Indiana Federation section if the individual is at least sixty-two (62) years of age be-
is offering a $5 recruitment bonus. fore the end of the taxable year.

If you know a person that is an Indiana federal employee/or retiree, contact IT-40 Booklet from the IRS Civil Service Annuity Deduction
them and share this information. If they are a CSRS retiree or spouse, they 601
will Thank You. If they are FERS, they have also benefited from NARFE’s The income on line 1 of Form IT-40 may include federal civil
legislative action. If you need a list of what NARFE has done for CSRS or service annuity payments. If it does, you may be able to take a
deduction if you were at least 62 years of age by December 31, of
FERS- look in the Narfe the taxable year.
magazine. Reminder To figure your deduction, begin with the amount of annuity pay-
that because of legis- ments received or the current CSRS exemption amount, whichever
lative action, the cost is less (2015 will be $8,000 and 2016 will be $16,000). Subtract
of Medicare went up, from that amount any Social Security and railroad retirement ben-
but it could have been efits you received.
a lot worse, and this If you and your spouse both received civil service annuities, you
next year, it will go up may each take this deduction for a maximum of $16,000 for 2015
again. By contacting taxes, and $32,000 for 2016 taxes, provided you both meet the age
your elected officials, requirement.
you can TAKE AC- Effective in 2015, this exemption is also available to the annu-
TION now. If you itant’s beneficiary. For more information on this deduction see
don’t know what to Income Tax Information Bulletin #6 at www.in.gov/dor/3650.htm.
say, NARFE has all Enter code 601 on Schedule 2 under line 11 if claiming this deduc-
the information on the tion.
www.narfe.org web-
site.

2 Indiana NARFE News 2

STATE AREA VICE OTHER
OFFICERS PRESIDENTS FEDERATION
APPOINTEES
President Area 1 [Chapters 546 Ham-
Don Savage, (Chapter 1777), mond, 565 LaPorte, 145 South Audit Committee Chair
[email protected], Bend-Mishawaka, 223 Ft. Wayne] Jim DeWitt, (Chapter 330),
812-923-3626 Janice Boettcher, (Chapter 145), [email protected],
[email protected], 574-675-9190 765-586-4622
1st Executive Vice President -
Membership Chair Area 2 [330 Lafayette, 562 Koko- NARFE PAC Coordinator
Jim DeWitt, (Chapter 330), mo, 503 Marion] Joe Ann O’Hara, (Chapter 381),
[email protected], Ralph Halley, (Chapter 562), [email protected], 812-748-9747
765-586-4622 [email protected], 765-469-1358
Alzheimer’s Coordinator
2nd Executive Vice President, Area 3 [2197 Eastside India- Jeanette Lauer, (Chapter 223),
Legislation Chair - napolis, 36 Madison County-An- [email protected],
National and State derson, 125 Muncie, 813 Shelby 260-422-7925
Allen Lauer, (Chapter 223), County-Shelbyville, 1612 Johnson
[email protected], County-Franklin] Net Coordinator
260-422-7925 Geneva Greenlee, (Chapter 125), Sylvia Savage, (Chapter 1777),
[email protected], [email protected],
Treasurer - Budget Chair 765-282-2405 812-923-3626
Robert Helfrich, (Chapter 1612),
[email protected], Area 4 [151 Indianapolis, 1660 Bylaws Committee Chair
317-501-1700 Rockville, 327 Terre Haute, 1024 Jerry Swinehart, (Chapter 151),
Greencastle, 2141 Plainfield] [email protected],
Secretary Mary Ellen Hahn (Chapter 151), 317-329-0698
Maxine Ross, (Chapter 2197), [email protected], 317-255-4928
[email protected], Nominating Committee Chair
317-546-2152 Area 5 [1688 Linton, 847 Arlene Staggs, (Chapter 1660),
Bloomfield, 580 Bloomington, 578 [email protected],
Immediate Past President Bedford] 765-597-2521
Andy Whitt III, (Chapter 327), James “Greg” Hawkins,
[email protected], (Chapter 580), Federal Employee Education &
812-249-0984 [email protected], Assistance Fund (FEEA) Chair
812-824-6263 Elaina Balser, (Chapter 565),
[email protected], 219-531-8791
Area 6 [326 Evansville, 1847
Patoka Valley-Jasper, 1777 New Historian
Albany, 381 Jeffersonville] Gene Krodel, (Chapter 151),
Vickie Fessel, (Chapter 1777), [email protected], 317-842-7945
[email protected],
812-364-6950

The Indiana NARFE News

2016 PUBLICATION SCHEDULE Parliamentarian and Chaplain
Articles must be submitted to the Jerry Swinehart, (Chapter 151),
[email protected],
editor by: 317-329-0698
December 5th 2016
e-Division Coordinator
EDITOR Callie Potts, (Chapter 1777), cal-
Kasandra Ramsey [email protected],
[email protected] 812-952-2663

Federation Editor (Publications)
Kasandra Ramsey, (Chapter
1777), [email protected],
502-396-7892

Federation Assistant Editor
Linda Keithley, (Chapter 1777),
[email protected], 812-981-8178

National Region IV Vice
President
Edward J. Konys (Ohio), region-
[email protected], 937-470-0566

3 Indiana NARFE News 3

DISTRICT NUMBER [email protected] Chapter 2197 - Area 3



Liaison Chapter & Area (contact info #7 Vacant Chapter 151 - Area 4

above) Chapter 2197 - Area 3

#8 Paul Johnson Chapter 326 - Area 6

#1 Vacant Chapter 546 - Area 1

Chapter 565 - Area 1 P.O. Box 234 Chapter 327 - Area 4

#2 Vacant Chapter 145 - Area 1 Wadesville, IN 47638-0234 Chapter 578 - Area 5

Chapter 503 - Area 2

¯ Chapter 565 - Area 1 812-306-5137 Chapter 580 - Area 5

[email protected] Chapter 847 - Area 5

­ #3 Allen Lauer

2125 Meridian Street Chapter 1660 - Area 4

Ft Wayne, IN 46808-2413 Chapter 1688 - Area 5

260-422-7925 Chapter 1847 - Area 6

[email protected] Chapter 223 - Area 1 #9 Barbara Terry Chapter 151 - Area 4



#4 Ella Johnson Chapter 151 - Area 4 1414 Oak Manor Chapter 381 - Area 6



8166 Overbrooke Lane Chapter 330 - Area 2 Bedford, IN 47421-2741 Chapter 578 - Area 5



Avon, IN 46123-7548 Chapter 562 - Area 2 812-279-3056 Chapter 580 - Area 5

[email protected] Chapter 1612 - Area 3

317-837-6862 Chapter 578 - Area 5

[email protected] Chapter 1024 - Area Chapter 1777 - Area 6

4 Chapter 1847 - Area 6

Chapter 2141 - Area 4 Chapter 2141 - Area 4

#5 Tim Pitchford Chapter 36 - Area 3 Chapter 2197 - Area 3



13727 Oakridge Road Chapter 151 - Area 4 Senator Dan Coats

Darrel Thomas

Carmel, IN 46032-1224 Chapter 503 - Area 2 917 Evensview Drive

Greencastle, IN 46135-1105

317-844-6311 Chapter 562 - Area 2 765-653-6670

[email protected] Chapter 2197 - Area 3 [email protected]



#6 Dennis Danielson Chapter 36 - Area 3 Senator Joe Donnelly



960 South Maple Chapter 125 - Area 3 Charlotte Martin

650 Davis Court

Fortville, IN 46040-9766 Chapter 813 - Area 3 Indianapolis, IN 46234-7521

317-273-0456

317-485-5634 Chapter 1612 - Area 3 [email protected]

4 Indiana NARFE News 4

CHAPTER- PRESIDENT PHONE E-MAIL MEETING DATE/TIME/PLACE
LOCATION NUMBER (NO SPACES)

36-Madison Barbara R. 765-642- [email protected] 4th Thursday at Perkins Family Restaurant, 5033 Scatterfield
County/Anderson Williams, 0455 Rd.. Anderson, IN except May - 3rd Thursday, November - no
125-Muncie Chapter 765-282- GENEVAMUNCIE@ meeting and December - 2nd Thursday
145-South Bend/ Secretary 2405 or AOL.COM
Mishawaka Geneva G. 765-760- GCADAMS 3rd Wednesdays at Mancino’s,
Greenlee 4958 @ALUMNI.ND.EDU
[email protected] 4116 W. Bethel, Muncie at 12:30pm.
George 574-273- Last Monday of month (except Jan, Feb, March, and July)
Adams, Vice- 1198 1:30pm at River Bend Branch of the South Bend Library, 2022
President Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615 Picnic in June and
Christmas Party in early December.
151-Indianapolis Thomas Trotter317-377- 1st Friday except July & December. Lunch at 11:30am and
4875 Meeting at 12:30p.m. at Scottish Rite Cathedral (Truman Room),
620 North Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN.
260-422- LAUERRAY20@GMAIL.
223-Fort Wayne Allen R. Lauer 7925 COM 3rd Thursday at 12pm. Hall’s Factory, Ft Wayne, IN.

326-Evansville Ray A. Brown 812-983- [email protected] 1st Wednesday at 12:15pm at Western Ribeye, 1401 N. Boeke
327-Terre Haute 4057 Rd., Evansville, IN.
Andy F. Whitt, 812-249- 4th Tuesday at 12:00pm, except July and December. MCL
III 0984 [email protected] Cafeteria, Terre Haute, IN,

William J. 3rd Tuesday of Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Nov. at 11:15am for
White 765-201- BLUEMOONCOTTAGE lunch. Meeting at 12noon. No meetings in Jan-Mar-May-Jul-
330-Lafayette 3025 [email protected] Sep-Dec.MCL Cafeteria (in meeting room),

812-752- 521 Sagamore Pkwy., West Lafayette, IN, 47906.
6106 2nd Tuesday at 1pm. Red Cross Building, 1805 E. 8th St.,
381-Jeffersonville Gary Newman [email protected] Jeffersonville, IN.

3rd Thursday at 12:00noon.
January, March, May, July, September and November at Sirloin
Nelson “Jim” 765-998- JEWELLHAYES@SBC Stockade Restaurant, 3148 S. Western Ave., Marion, IN, 46953
503-Marion Hayes 7147 GLOBAL.NET February, April, June, August, October, and December at

Richard’s Family Restaurant, 864 East 45th St., Marion, IN
46953

546-Hammond Kenneth C. 219-924- No e-mail 2nd Wednesday, 12 noon, (Jan, March, May, July, Sept, Nov) at
Maginot 5543 Dante’s House of Pizza, 1734 45th St., Munster, IN 46321

562-Kokomo Mary J. Nutt 765-452- 241RICK@SBCGLOBAL 2nd Tuesday at 11:30am., (except Jan-Feb) Richard’s Restaurant,
565-Laporte Jerry L. 8616 NET 4050 S. Reed Rd. (US 31 Bypass), Kokomo, IN 46902,
County Raderstorf 219-362- JRADERSTORF@YAHOO. 2nd Thursday. Meeting are held at different times and locations.
578-Bedford Barbara S. 2297 COM Calendar is developed each January with specific dates, times and
Terry 812-279- BARB.TERRY@SBC locations.
580-Bloomington Mary G. 3056 GLOBAL.NET 4th Wednesday at Noon, except Nov-Dec (3rd Wednesday)
Hawkins 812-824- GHAWKINS@BLUE Golden Corral (Northwest Room)
6263 MARBLE.NET 1521 James Avenue, Bedford, IN,
2nd Tuesday at 1pm, except August.
813-Shelbyville Eva F. Stone 765-586- STONEYJOHN1@AOL. American Legion, 1800 W. 3rd (small meeting room),
5424 COM Bloomington, IN
January-November, 3rd Tuesday at 11am,
847-Bloomfield Larry Dent 812-659- LMDENT@BLUEMARBLE. Elks Lodge, 223 E. 3rd St., Rushville, IN. (Agendas are Guest
2043 NET Speaker, Business meeting, followed by lunch.)
1024-Greencastle Darrell 765-653- THOMASD@CINERGY December, 3rd Tuesday at 11am, also at Elks Lodge, Christmas
Thomas 6670 METRO.NET Party with Dirty Bingo
RLHELFRICH@YAHOO. 2nd Tuesday. No meeting in December
1612-Johnson Robert 317-501- COM Lunch at 11:30am, Meeting at 12:30pm,
County Helfrich 1700 ALAN.ADER@SBC Casa Seville Restaurant, Conference Room
GLOBAL.NET 635 S Hwy 231, Bloomfield, IN
1660-Rockville Alan R. Ader 765-569- MEALSONWHEELS58@ 2nd Monday at 12:30pm, except Jul & Aug. Jackson Family
1688-Linton 2311 GMAIL.COM Restaurant, Greencastle, IN,
Lois M. 812-699- 1st Wednesday at 11:30am for lunch,
Vlaskamp 7992 VICKIEDEE0923@ meeting at 12:30pm.
GMAIL.COM Golden Corral, 160 S. Marlin Drive., Greenwood, IN 46142,
Vickie Fessel EADAMS47520@GMAIL. 317-865-9082,
PO Box 1531 812-364- COM Meeting room east of building.
1777-New Albany New Albany. 6950 [email protected] Meetings are held April, June, September and October at
12:00pm at Benjamin’s II Family Restaurant, Rockville, IN.
IN 47151 4th Monday at 4:30pm., except Jan-Mar-May-Jul-Sep-Dec.
Greene Co. General Hospital, Conference Room, Linton, IN,
1847-Patoka Evelyn R. 812-547- 4th Wednesday at 11am., except
Valley/Jasper Adams 2919 November (Nov 16, 2016) at 11am, and
December 7, 2016) at 11am.
2141-Plainfield Charlotte L. 317-273- Tucker’s Restaurant, 2441 State St.,
Martin 0456 New Albany, IN 47150,
2nd Wednesday at 12noon EST at Schnitzelbank Restaurant ,
Jasper, IN
2nd Wednesday at 1:30pm (except April and December).
Plainfield Library, 1120 Stafford Rd., Plainfield, IN 46168,
(Upstairs Meeting Room)

2197-Eastside- Grace 317-546- [email protected] Last Thursday at 1pm except November and December (optional
Indianapolis ‘Maxine’ Ross 2152 lunch at 11:30am).
Sero’s. 11720 E. Washington St.,
Indianapolis, IN

5 Indiana NARFE News 5

INDIANA INDIANA FEDERATION
FEDERATION MONTHLY YTD MEMBERSHIP REPORT
1ST EXEC VICE
PRESIDENT REPORT REPORTED BY 1st Execu9ve Vice President
MEMBERSHIP
Jim DeWiC 12/31/15 1/31/16 2/29/16 3/31/16 4/30/16 5/31/16 6/30/16 7/31/16 YTD YTD % Gain
Gain or or Loss
AREA 1 116 117 115 114 113 113 115
145 SO BEND / MISHAWAKA 234 235 233 229 228 226 228 Loss
223 FT WAYNE 105 104 103 103 103 103 101
546 HAMMOND 56 56 55 55 55 55 55 114 -2 -1.7%
565 LAPORTE 511 512 506 501 499 497 499 224 -10 -4.3%
100 -5 -4.8%
AREA 1 TOTAL 153 55 -1 -1.8%
77 493
88
James C DeWitt Jr AREA 2 154 155 157 156 153 153 318 151 -3 -1.9%
1st Executive Vice President 330 LAFAYETTE 78 78 78 78 77 78 78 0 0%
503 MARION 92 92 91 89 89 89 40 87 -5 -5.4%
562 KOKOMO 324 325 326 323 319 320 87 316
70
AREA 2 TOTAL 139
263
AREA 3 599

Membership should grow this year with 36 MADISON COUNTY 46 45 45 44 41 40 383 41 -5 -10.9%
the CSRS deduction going from $8,000 to 84 85 85 84 84 88 107 86 2 2.4%
$16,000 when you file your 2016 Indiana 125 MUNCIE 73 72 70 70 70 70 20 69 -4 -5.5%
State Income Taxes. This is a very valuable tool you 139 140 140 144 141 141 21 135 -4 -2.9%
can use to recruit new members. With the addition of 813 SHELBYVILLE 272 270 264 264 265 264 99 266 -6 -2.2%
the surviving spouse getting the Indiana State tax deduc- 614 612 604 606 601 603 630 597
tion, they have additional reasons to join NARFE. 1612 JOHNSON COUNTY
116
2197 EASTSIDE INDPLS 124
55
AREA 3 TOTAL 33
328
AREA 4
132
151 INDIANAPOLIS 384 387 384 383 382 380 159 382 -2 -0.5%
170 106 -4 -3.6%
327 TERRE HAUTE 110 112 111 111 110 109 103 20 0 0%
564 21 0 0%
1024 GREENCASTLE 20 21 21 21 21 20 98 -1 -1.0%
499 627
1660 ROCKVILLE 21 21 21 21 21 21 318
599
2141 PLAINFIELD 99 98 98 100 100 99 630
328
Members can save $6 a year if they pay their dues 3 AREA 4 TOTAL 634 639 635 636 634 629 564
years at a time, or sign up for dues withholding. This 2,938
also cuts down on the number of members who are AREA 5 -3
dropped for non-payment of dues. -50
578 BEDFORD 118 118 118 118 119 118 115 -3 -2.5%
126 125 124 123 124 124 124 -2 -1.6%
580 BLOOMINGTON 56 56 56 55 56 55 54 -2 -3.6%
36 36 35 34 34 34 34 -2 -5.6%
847 BLOOMFIELD 336 335 333 330 333 331 327

1688 LINTON

AREA 5 TOTAL

The INFED results from January 1st thru July 31st are AREA 6

as follows: 326 EVANSVILLE 135 134 136 134 132 132 131 -4 -3.0%
167 165 163 163 160 158 156 -11 -6.6%
381 JEFFERSONVILLE 163 165 162 163 166 168 171 8 4.9%
104 103 101 101 103 103 102 -2 -1.9%
56 New Members 1777 NEW ALBANY 569 567 562 561 561 561 560
-18 -3.5%
53 Reinstated Members 1847 PATOKA VALLEY 511 512 506 501 499 497 493 -8 -2.5%
324 325 326 323 319 320 316 -17 -2.8%
AREA 6 TOTAL 614 612 604 606 601 603 597 -7 -1.1%
634 639 635 636 634 629 627 -9 -2.7%
98 Non Renewal, Dropped Members INFED AREA VICE PRESIDENTS 336 335 333 330 333 331 327 -9 -1.6%
AREA 1 JANICE BOETTCHER 569 567 562 561 561 561 560
60 Deceased Members 2,988 2,990 2,966 2,957 2,947 2,941 2,920 -68 -2.28%
AREA 2 RALPH HALLEY -24 -9 -10 -6 -18
2 -22 -31 -41 -47 -68
AREA 3 GENEVA GREENLEE

As the numbers show, New Members, and Reinstated AREA 4 MARY HAHN
Members are keeping ahead of the Deceased Members.
What is hurting our membership is the 98 Dropped AREA 5 GREG HAWKINS
Non-Renewal Members who aren’t renewing their dues.
AREA 6 VICKIE FESSEL

INFED TOTALS

INFED MONTHLY CHANGE

INFED YTD CHANGE

If you all look at the OAM reports at NARFE Head-
quarters, during the same time period we have 53 New
Prospective Members listed. 2016 INFED RECRUITING OF NEW MEMBERS BY CHAPTER
Those Prospects are listed from someone sending an
M-2 card in to NARFE or the individual had visited the CHAPTER & RECRUITED STANDINGS
NARFE website. That is information that just needs a NEW YEAR TO DATE
personal contact from someone who might know them. LOCATION
That might be the successful thing that gets them re- MEMBERS 1st
cruited. 1 1777 NEW ALBANY 9 2nd
2 0125 MUNCIE 7 3rd
Remember that at the end of the 2016 INFED Con- 3 0151 INDIANAPOLIS 6 4th
vention, the Executive Board voted to offer a special 4 0330 LAFAYETTE 5 5th (Tie)
incentive from April 1st through December 31st, 2016 5 1612 JOHNSON COUNTY 4 5th (Tie)
to members who recruit new members. Recruiters will 6 0145 SOUTH BEND-MISHAWAKA 4
receive $5.00 for each new member, both current federal 7 0847 BLOOMFIELD 2 Data from January 1 thru June 30, 2016
employees AND retired, who join during this period. 8 1024 GREENCASTLE 2
Credit for recruitment can be given only if the ID num- 9 2197 EASTSIDE INDIANAPOLIS 2
ber of the recruiting member is provided when the new 10 0223 FORT WAYNE 1
member joins. 11 0326 EVANSVILLE 1
12 0381 JEFFERSONVILLE 1
If you remember, I challenged all Area Vice Presidents 13 0546 HAMMOND 1
to suggest that their Chapters either match the recruiter 14 1847 PATOKA VALLEY JASPER 1
fee or else offer $10. The reason is the Chapter receives 15
$13.33 for each new member who joins that chapter 2141 PLAINFIELD 1
from the $40 dues from NARFE headquarters.
Total Recruited 47
I have been told that the following Chapters have added
one of the incentives: We are looking forward to increasing our 2016 recruiting new members.
0223 Ft Wayne
0330 Lafayette I have very much appreciated all those who have recruited new members so far this year.
0381 Jeffersonville We definitely need to recruit new members in order to have a stronger voice in getting
0562 Kokomo State and Federal Legislation passed protecting our benefits.

Thanks to you all for what you do for NARFE.

Remember that the INFED 1st Executive Vice Presi- Remember
dent, (Membership) can keep track of those recruiters Recruit, Recruit, Recruit!!!
who sign up new members. That way it doesn’t require James C DeWitt Jr
any more work on the local chapter. 1st Executive Vice President

6 Indiana NARFE News 6

INFED LEGISLATIVE CHAIR UPDATE: B beneficiaries who are not held
harmless become responsible
for shouldering the premium
Allen Lauer, Sr. increases for all beneficiaries. Those not held harmless include federal
retirees who do not receive Social Security benefits. For 2016, those not
NARFE INFED NARFE legislative goals are – USPS held harmless faced a 52% increase in Medicare Part B premiums. Due
to a compromise in the 2 year budget agreement passed at the end of
LEGISLATIVE Reform HR 5714 and S 2051. NARFE 2015, those not held harmless were held to a 15% increase. At this time,
it is projected that while there will be a small COLA in 2017, it may not
CHAIR opposes the requirement of current postal be large enough to cover the Medicare Part B premiums. The 2015 com-
promise does not account for such a situation and those not held harmless
retirees and their spouses to enroll in are once again facing a disproportionally high premiums increase. If you
are not held harmless, you should discuss what this means for you and
Medicare or lose their FEHBP Benefits Program coverage. your family when talking to members of Congress.
I encourage federal retirees and their spouses to make sure they
The House bill includes automatic enrollment and a transition period; are registered to vote and vote in person or by absentee ballot. I encour-
age all chapter legislative chairs to make sure they make this happen by
the legislation will change the game for retirees after they have retired. getting the necessary forms to register voters and absentee ballot applica-
tions. We should make an effort to educate ourselves on the candidates’
NARFE opposes S 2051 because it would reduce workers’ compensation position on federal employee and retiree issues. After getting educated it
is important to support candidates who support our issues.
benefits for injured or disabled employees. NARFE supports postal re- We are attempting to get Congressional District Leader positions
filled for Congressional Districts 1, 2, and 7. Every congressional district
form legislation that relieves the USPS of its burdensome prefunding re- is important and we need volunteers to serve in these positions.
I have been invited to attend the Three B chapters’ joint meeting
quirement for future retiree health care costs, maintains service standards on August 25th in Bloomfield. I am honored to be their guest.
I THANK ALL THE INDIVIDUALS SERVING AS CONGERSSION-
(such as 6 day delivery), door to door delivery and without undermining AL DISTRICT LEADERS. I request all chapters in each Congressional
District to work closely with the CDL of their district.
important employee benefits such as workers’ compensation, health bene- It is very important we work hard for candidates who support us.
This could pay big dividends for our organization locally and nationally.
fits and annuities. Thanks to everyone for their service.

NARFE supports HR 711, the Equal Treatment of Public Servants

Act as originally introduced. HR 711 does not repeal the Windfall Elim-

ination Provision (WEP); it reduces the penalty for those already impact-

ed and establishes a new fairer formula for those who will face the WEP

penalty in the future. NARFE does not support a proposed substitute

amendment that would have removed the enforcement requirements in

the original bill, resulting in the estimated penalty reduction being 50%

to 14% for those currently impacted by WEP. NARFE has long support-

ed repeal of the WEP/GPO (Government Pensions Offset) and continues

to support full repeal of both. NARFE supports HR 711 because it has a

chance to move through Congress and provide some relief to those penal-

ized by WEP.

Medicare Part B Held Harmless provision of the Social Security

Act, the dollar increase in Medicare Part B premiums is limited to the

dollar increase in an individual’s Social Security benefit. When there is

no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits, ap- Allen Lauer, Sr.
proximately 70% of beneficiaries are held harmless from any increase in NARFE INFED LEGISLATIVE CHAIR
their Medicare Part B premiums. However, the remaining 30% of Part

Bob Helfrich January 1, 2016 through March 31, 2016
Treasurer Financial Report for the NARFE Indiana Federation of Chapters

2016 Income Statement and 2016 Budget

Income Statement Jan - Jul Jan - Jul Variance
2016 Actual 2016 Budget
Beginning Balance
$ 39,324 $ 39,763 $ (439)
Income
10% Rebate from Headquarters $ 6,449 $ 6,425 $ 24
Per Capita Dues From Chapters
Interest Income $ 439 $ -$ 439
Indiana Convention Hosting Revenue
Miscellaneous $ 71 $ 180 $ (109)
Total Income
$ 7,338 $ 8,200 $ (862)
Expenses
Indiana Federation State Convention $ 219 $ 200 $ 19
Indiana Federation Convention Hosting Costs
National Legislative Conference & Convention $ 14,515 $ 15,005 $ (490)
National President's Meeting
National Convention $ 7,527 $ 6,000 $ 1,527
Executive Board and Committees
Indiana Legislative Expenses $ 7,875 $ 7,200 $ 675
Indiana Membership Expenses
Miscellaneous $ -$ -$ -
Total Expenses
$ -$ -$ -
Ending Balance
$ 175 $ -$ 175

$ 1,468 $ 1,170 $ 298

$ 1,352 $ 2,020

$ 901 $ 585

$ 964 $ 596 $ 368

$ 20,263 $ 17,571 $ 2,692

$ 33,576 $ 37,197 $ (3,621)

Respectfully submitted,
Bob Helfrich, Treasurer

7 Indiana NARFE News 7

Maxine Ross INFED TELECONFRENCE MEETING
Secretary

JULY 13, 2016 The secretary reported to the teleconference participants due to a
problem with the digital re-corder no board minutes prior to and follow-

ing were submitted to them. President Savage again called for a motion

to adopt the proposed Federation Board Plan. Robert Helfrich made a

MINUTES motion to adopt the proposed Federation Plan until such time as the Con-

INDIANA FEDERATION TELECONFERENCE MEETING vention Body or Board made changes. Seconded by VP Janice Boettcher.

The meeting of the Executive Board of the Indiana Federation of Motion carried.
Chapters was held by telecon-ference on 13 July 2016 and the meeting Next the secretary reported that she had contacted four of the six

was called to order at 10:04 AM by President Savage Roll was taken by remaining chapters who had not delegated a proxy for the National Con-
the secretary. Officers participating in this teleconference were: Don Sav- vention. She would contact those other two on 14 July 2016. All other
age-President, Jim DeWitt-1st Executive Vice President, Allen Lauer-2nd chapters had submitted their choice of delegates and/or proxies.
Executive Vice President, Maxine Ross-Secretary, Robert Helfrich-Trea- The Treasurer had already sent the board a copy of the financial

surer, Area Vice Presidents- Janice Boettcher, Geneva Greenlee, and report but he stated that cur-rent assets were $ 32,848.00 and based on

Vickie Fessel. Appointed officers / Chairmen/Chapter members present historical data he estimated a yearend balance of $35,000-$36.000.
were Joe Ann O’Hara, Jean Lauer, Kasandra Ramsey, Linda Keithley and The Membership Chair reported on our losses and gains in mem-

Jerry Swinehart. Region 4 Vice President Konys also participated. bership. Recruiting was not as aggressive as he would like it; however,

A brief discussion was held as to whether the current bylaws took Geneva Greenlee was a star recruiter, recruiting 6 new mem-bers. Other
into account that Bylaw Reso-lution #6 was withdrawn. Members of the board members who had recruited were Mary Ellen Hahn-1 and Vickie
bylaw committee Robert Helfrich and Jim DeWitt will review the bylaws Fessel-1. Everyone including board members need to step up to the plate
to see if items in Resolution Bylaw #6 were inadvertently included in the and become an active recruiter.
Kasandra Ramsey reported the next Newsletter deadline was 5
current Bylaws and bring
August 2016.
results before the President and Executive Board.
The Proposed Federation Convention Plan was reviewed and all VP Allen Lauer-Legislative Chair reported on the current legisla-
tive proposals and that HB 711 was in the Ways and Means Committee.
duties as shown in this Plan were discussed. The President noted that
He stated there were 151 members in Congressional District #1 and 352
he had sent the plan out to the board members and the only comments
members in Congressional District #7. Both of these districts need a Con-
received were from Bob, Kasandra and Maxine. Additional sugges-
gressional Liaison. He and his wife Jean (Alzheimer’s Chair) have been
tions made on this matter were (1) reintroducing a resolution to hold
the convention every 2 years and hold a training session in the odd year. invited to speak at the annual 3B meeting/ picnic on August 25th. We
were also reminded that August is Grass Roots Month and members need
This would reduce costs and save money. (2) Having a theme for the
convention. (3) How to keep the chapter members involved-perhaps by to be active participants in contacting/meeting with legislators.
solicitation of ads from businesses etc. Allen Lauer stated he had drafted A motion was made by Robert Helfrich to hold the next annual

a letter for his area to ask for business‘s participation in the purchase of convention in Muncie Indiana. It was seconded by Geneva Greenlee.
ads. Chapters in the area could possible gain from the ad proceeds to help Motion carried.
them publish a Newsletter, adver-tise in Newspapers etc..(4) Inviting the NARFE PAC Chair –Joe Ann O’Hara reported there were only

public to attend the mixer and possibly asking a public official to attend. 21 active PAC donors in the state. A $1000.00 PAC donation was given
to Representative Visclosky on March 31 2016 and a, $1500.00 PAC
National Ad sponsorship was brought up and Kasandra Ramsey ex-
plained how that system works. Last year was the first year we had taken donation to Byron Hill on June 21 2016 who has since dropped out of the
race.
advantage of National sponsorship. The President asked if there were
any additional comments. He asked for a motion to adopt the Federation Alzheimer’s Chair reported contributions are currently way down

Convention Plan at least as a test guide for the upcoming annual state and only $200.00 collected recently.

convention. At this point Area Vice President Greenlee stated that there Bylaw Chair Swinehart will set a deadline for submission of

was a need for flexibility in the Committee member’s duties pertaining to Bylaw Resolutions. His committee is all the Area Vice Presidents. His
such items as rates on ads, vendor tables, rooms, registration etc. It was e-mail address is [email protected]. Secretary will send advance
agreed that there should be more flexibility in these responsibilities. She notices to all chapters.
also stated that she along with Sandy Tharp and Maxine Ross had visited Additional hotel information received VP Greenlee was that there

the Embassy Suites Hotel in Indianapolis and that Mrs. Tharp along with would be free parking, coffee, Wi-Fi hook up for attendees, a compli-
VP Greenlee had visited the Courtyard Horizon and Convention Center mentary room for every 40 paid rooms and complimentary use of the
meeting room.
facilities in Muncie Indiana. The hotel is across from the Convention
Center. Rates at the Embassy Suites were between $139.00-149.00 (plus Robert Helfrich thanked everyone for the cards and prayers he

tax) per night. Rates at the Courtyard Horizon Convention Center are has received in regard to his up-coming surgery. He will let the President

approximately $91.00-$92.00 per night (government rate-including tax). know about the outcome.
No downtown area restaurants are open for breakfast; however the hotel Joe Ann O’Hara informed the Membership Chair that Chapter

is willing to offer a breakfast buffet on Wednesday morning for $10.25. 381-Jeffersonville had accepted his membership challenge. Their chapter
Restaurants are open for lunch and dinner. If a buffet luncheon was opted #381-Jeffersonvile will give to any chapter member that re-cruits a new
for on Tuesday afternoon that cost would be $ 13.95.A sample menu with member $10.00 from now until the December 31 2016. The Membership
Chair thanked the chapter and mentioned Chapter 330-Lafayette had also
boneless chicken breast with mushroom sauce as the meat for the din-
ner banquet would cost $19.95 plus tax and gratuity. Meeting rooms are accepted his challenge.
$300.00 per day and are large enough to hold our board meetings and the President Savage thanked everyone for their participation in the

mixer. Any larger event would have to be held in the Convention Cen-ter teleconference and their hard work.
and those rooms are $800.00 per day. The wireless mikes are $100.00 per A motion was made by Allen Lauer and seconded that the meet-

day and vendor tables are #25.00 each however the Area VP plans to ne- ing be adjourned. Motion car-ried. Meeting was adjourned at 11:20 AM.

gotiate this price. Planned dates for the Convention are 24-26 April 2017.
She will again meet with the Convention Center and submit the contract Don Savage –President
Maxine Ross-Secretary
to the President as soon as possible for distribution to the committee
members. The President mentioned the possibility of the President of the Indiana Federation of NARFE Chapters

Alzheimer’s Association attendance at our upcoming Convention.

8 Indiana NARFE News 8

PAST PRESIDENT GRASSROOTS

ARTICLE RECRUITING

Andy F. Whitt III As the Past Kasandra Ramsey 3 Reasons WHY you should
Edior recruit members for the
Immediate Past Federation President Federation National Active and Retired
Federal Employees
President I’d Association

like to take just a minute or two of your time to express

my opinion on getting to know your State and Federal

Legislators, as this is an important part of the Advocacy

Program that you are charged by our National 1. In order for legislators to be persuaded to vote for/or change a law,
the legislators must know what the voters want and how the law helps
Charter to perform as members of our great Organization. or hurts voters within their perceived area of responsibility. Silence is
not GOLDEN in legislative matters.
Today we are blessed and cursed with technology that puts the world
at our finger tips. If you want to know something about a particu- 2. New and more active members are needed. Legislators are not
lar item all you have to do is, to quote the colloquial teenage phrase, being contacted in large amounts on any of our issues.
is “Google It.” So let’s get involved. First of all determine if your NARFE needs teams of members to get involved within a legislative
legislators have websites, if so, visit them frequently, as this is where district, lobbying person to person, where it counts.
they usually express their opinions on legislation that is before them
or that they are sponsoring. Next, if the legislator offers an E-News- 3. NARFE needs members in order to stay financially solvent.
letter, before logging off of their web site sign up for it. This way you NARFE is dedicated to protecting your benefits.
will learn about the legislators concerns for his constituents (that’s Will you do your part, and RECRUIT?
you). Additionally, if you look around on their website you will find
a “Contact Me”. This is a direct link to providing your concerns your GRASSROOTS
legislator. You should use this often to express NARFE’s concerns for
you and our fellow federal retirees and employees. ADVOCACY

Knowing what your legislator stands for is an important part of your Kasandra Ramsey
responsibility of Advocacy. Please do your part, know your legislator
and help them by expressing your opinion often. Public Relations Grassroots are ordinary peo-
ple regarded as the main body
Respectfully Submitted,
Andy F. Whitt III of an organization’s membership.
Immediate Past Federation President The most basic level of an activity or
organization. Rank and file.
E-NARFE The National Active and Re-
tired Federal Employees Asso- Grassroots does not mean one person doing it all. It means that the or-
dinary member will work as a team to accomplish the goal at the local
Callie Potts ciation (NARFE) is dedicated level. Our goal as a rank and file member is to advocate our views/
complaints/grievances because they pertain to our personal circum-
e-Division Coordinator to protecting and enhancing stances. A paid lobbyist cannot express your concern as well as you
the earned pay, retirement and can.
Postal Reform
health benefits of federal em- Increases in Medicare, Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans,
& Long Term Health
ployees, retirees and their survivors.. Care premiums
CPI- cost of living increases and calculations
eNARFE is an online membership option designed to fit with active GPO/WEP
and retired employees’ busy schedules. There are no meetings or The list goes on and on.
functions to attend, and you can still keep informed about all NARFE
business and activities online. However, you are welcome to attend Who cares if you have to pay more than your fair share for
chapter meeting in your home location or any other location. Most Medicare, because you are a federal retiree and are not held harmless?
chapters advertise their meetings in local newspapers with the time, Who cares if you worked for years as a federal employee, had a
place and topic. If you see a topic which you are interested in, show contract with the federal government, and now the government wants
up and introduce yourself and take a friend. to change the rules effecting your retirement?
On the echapter website, you will continue to get frequent updates
from Capitol Hill, action alerts and weekly legislative hotlines, plus a NARFE is a wonderful bi-partisan legislative organization champi-
virtual gathering place for discussion groups and interaction with your oning federal workplace and federal retirement benefits. NARFE can
peers. In addition, you will have access to the latest news coverage re- lead the way and help our local groups, but a handful of NARFE lead-
lated to federal workers and retirees, general benefits information and ers cannot take the place of a solid team of local voters.
advice, and FERS-related information. With the elections this year NARFE is structured so you can join a team, lobby at the grassroots
it is even more important to be informed about this issues that affect level, and be given the information to stay informed.
federal employees and retirees. Then, communicate your views on the If you know a federal employee, federal retiree and/or spouse that is
issues and how they may impact you and your family to your represen- not a member of NARFE, ask them to join. Cost is only $40 for a year
tatives and candidates. membership.
Where can you get anything that costs so little and protects so much?
You can still choose the traditional NARFE membership, which in-
cludes a local chapter affiliation, for $40 by calling 800-627-3394 or
going to www.narfe.org and joining online.

But whichever membership you choose, it is a small price to pay for
what you could potentially lose. Join NARFE now to protect your
hard-earned pay and benefits.

9 Indiana NARFE News 9

2016 NATIONAL TEAMS

NATIONAL PRESENTING SPONSOR GOLD LEVEL MEMBER LEVEL

DIAMOND LEVEL SILVER LEVEL
PLATINUM LEVEL

needed resources, clinical trials and support services.”

INFED ALZHEIMER’S REPORT: Greater understanding is urgently needed given the
dramatic impact of the disease. Alzheimer’s disease is
Jean Lauer, the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of
INFED ALZHEIMER’S By the time you read this the fall death among the top 10 that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.
“Walk to End Alzheimer’s” will Alzheimer’s disease is fatal – there are no survivors. From 2000-
COORDINATOR
have happened. I really hope some

of you participated – I know my husband Allen did, rep- 2013 the number of Alzheimer’s deaths increased by 71 percent, while

resenting NARFE Chapter 0223. NARFE is a member of deaths from other major diseases decreased. More than 5 million Amer-

the walk this year and will be listed on the banners of all the walks in the icans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and by 2050 that number is

nation. projected to reach as many as 16 million.

Gender Gap was an article in Web MD in May 2016, by Brenda Please note that Alzheimer’s disease is not normal aging and is

Godson. “Studies show that by age 65, women have about twice the risk more than memory loss!

of developing Alzheimer’s. About one in six women will get Alzhei- One new research area is the loss of the Y chromosome as some

mer’s after age 65, compared with about one in 11 men. Approximately men age is tied to Alzheimer’s Risk, increase of certain auto-immune

two-thirds of people in the United States with Alzheimer’s are women. diseases, higher cancer risk and shorter life.

Not only are women more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, but recent There has been some interest in coconut oil as a treatment for Alz-

studies suggest, the disease progresses more swiftly in women, causing heimer’s disease. A few people had claimed help from it - But there is no

them to decline faster, and further, than men, at least in the beginning scientific proof at this time. Hopefully, some studies in the near future

stages.” will check it out.

An excerpt from Alzheimer’s “TRUTH” highlights in Chicago, Please, ask your members to give to NARFE Alzheimer’s Re-

June 2016 (brain awareness month). Chicago, June 1, 2016 – It is com- search. You can “pass the hat” and/or ask people to write checks and

mon knowledge that Alzheimer’s disease robs people of their ability send them to me. Alzheimer’s is not a disease you can ignore - Research

to remember, but other truths about the disease remain unknown. For is imperative! Ask, every meeting!

instance, many people are unaware that Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease, Send your personal and chapter checks made out to “NARFE

its symptoms extend further than memory loss and that early diagnosis ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH” – Jean Lauer, 2125 Meridian Street, Ft

matters.” Wayne IN 46808-2413. Phone Number to call for more information –

“Everyone who has a brain is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s. 1-260-422-7925, e-mail [email protected].

Misunderstanding crucial facts about the disease can have devastating Thank you very much for your support.

consequences for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,

families and friends,” said Ruth Drew, Director of Family and Informa- Respectfully submitted:

tion Services, Alzheimer’s Association. “During Alzheimer’s & Brain Jean Lauer, INFED ALZHEIMER’S COORDINATOR

Awareness Month, we are debunking the harmful misconceptions that

keep people from seeking an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and reduce access to

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF

NARFE MEMBERSHIP

• Powerful representation and advocacy before Congress, the Of- swers to complex questions
fice of Personnel Management and the White House
• Legislative e-Alerts on congressional business directly impacting
• Award-winning narfe magazine, the prime source of information the federal community
and guidance on critical legislation and benefit issues
• Scholarship and disaster-relief grant qualification
• Members-only section of the NARFE website with up-to-the min-
ute information and a Legislative Action Center • Members-only eligibility for special discounts on products and
services
• Access to a team of Federal Benefits Service specialists for an-

10 Indiana NARFE News 10

PAC UPDATE: Campaign Committee (DSCC), and NARFE- paign. Regardless of how you feel about any
PAC contributed $10,000 each to Republican of these candidates, it is a plus for Indiana to
Joe Ann O’Hara Main Street Partnership PAC, and Progressive received NARFE-PAC funds since the State had
IN Federation PAC Coordinator Action PAC. not received any campaign contributions from
NARFE-PAC since the 2011-2012 period.
Have you made your PAC In Indiana, during the 18 month period through
contribution for 2016 yet? It June 30, 2016, 358 people gave $16,054 to NARFE-PAC is your voice in Congress. I
is critical that PAC contribu- NARFE PAC (7 of these were sustainers). We encourage PAC Chairs to bring up NARFE-
tions be made NOW because have 25 Chapters in our State, and 5 Chapters PAC at every meeting. Remember members
NARFE-PAC needs funds to be available to contributed over $1,000 each, i.e. Indianapolis, can donate anytime. They can do it at meetings,
help “Fed-Friendly” candidates get elected this Fort Wayne, Jeffersonville, New Albany, and or by filling out the form in the magazine. The
November. Time is running out. All 435 House South Bend/Mishawaka. From the largest to easiest way for members to insure that NARFE-
of Representatives’ seats are up for election this the smallest Chapter, every Chapter donated PAC continues to receive funds necessary
year and 34 Senate seats. something. to elect members of Congress supportive of
federal employees, retirees and survivors, is to
Because of the Presidential race, a huge voter To date, NARFE-PAC has contributed funds become a sustainer. You can contribute as little
turnout is expected. What an opportunity for to 3 candidates from Indiana. I mentioned one as $10 a month and it comes out of your annu-
NARFE-PAC to help grow NARFE’s political of them in the last issue of the Indiana NARFE ity. In addition to helping NARFE-PAC have
influence in Congress than by helping elect News--Democrat Pete Visclosky, who is run- sufficient funds on-hand to strengthen relation-
lawmakers who support the interest of federal ning for re-election to Congressional District 1. ships with Congress, you will also receive a
employees and federal retirees, and our issues. He received $1,000. Shortly after the Summer Sustainer pin and a NARFE duffle bag. Since
edition of the newspaper went to print, NARFE- our last Indiana NARFE News, two additional
As you know, NARFE-PAC set a goal to ob- PAC contributed $1,500 to Democrat Baron Indiana members have become sustainers for a
tain $1,000,000 in donations between January Hill who was running for the U. S. Senate seat total of seven.
1, 2015 and December 31, 2016. Well we vacated by Senator Dan Coats. Unfortunately,
met the goal during the last quarter. As of on July 11, 2016, Baron Hill announced he was Remember only funds specifically donated to
June 30, 2016, NARFE-PAC had collected pulling out of the Senate race because he was NARFE-PAC can be used to fund the Associa-
$1,011,113.33. Through this same 18-month not garnering enough money to compete against tion’s political work. General funds made out
period, NARFE-PAC disbursed $398,000. To the out-of-state funds that were pouring in for to NARFE cannot be used by NARFE-PAC. It
date, these funds have been distributed to 12 his opponent. NARFE-PAC has written the is important that we have members of Congress
candidates for the U. S. Senate, and 104 can- Baron Hill Campaign and requested the $1,500 that are “fed-friendly” and we need you to help
didates for the U. S. House of Representatives. contribution be returned. As of press time, there make this happen. Donating to NARFE-PAC
NARFE-PAC also made contributions to 6 has been no response to this letter. Shortly after provides funds to help these “Fed Friendly”
non-candidate organizations, which allows the Baron Hill pulled out, Democrat Evan Bayh, candidates get elected.
National Party Committee to pay annual dues to former two-term Indiana Governor, and former
provide access to members of Congress though two-term Indiana U. S. Senator, announced he Do you have ideas on how we can increase
multiple PAC events and valuable informa- was entering the race. As the Indiana Federa- NARFE-PAC donations? Do you have ques-
tion regarding campaigns. A total of $140,000 tion PAC Coordinator, I was asked recently to tions about NARFE-PAC? Let me know.
was contributed to these 6 groups as follows: survey our Chapter Presidents and Chapter PAC
$30,000 to each of the following: National Chairs to determine if there was support for Thanks to all the Chapter PAC officers. I’m
Republican Congressional Committee (NRCD); NARFE-PAC contributing funds to Evan Bayh. grateful for your work.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Commit- On July 27, I sent our positive recommendation Joe Ann O’Hara
tee (DCCC); National Republican Senatorial to NARFE-PAC, and on August 5, NARFE- IN Federation PAC Coordinator
Committee (NRSC); and Democratic Senatorial PAC contributed $2,500 to Evan Bayh’s cam-

11 Indiana NARFE News 11

NARFE-FEEA NATIONAL REGION IV

SCHOLARSHIP VICE PRESIDENT
Mr. Edward J Konys “Speak up, speak personally”
AWARDS PROGRAM Region 4 Vice-President

Elaina Balser In 1987, the Federal NARFE With the National Democratic

Federal Employee Education & Employee Education and Republican Conventions

Assistance Fund (FEEA) Chair & Assistance Fund ended, members of Congress will return to Washington

(FEEA) established D.C. for a short business session before going on an ex-

a scholarship program for children and grandchildren tended recess to campaign back in their home district. Returning

of federal employees. NARFE became a member of to the district to campaign opens the doors for NARFE members to

FEEA’s board of directors in 1997, and the following year, NARFE’s meet and speak with their legislators. Why is this important, because

National Executive Board authorized the creation of a scholarship Indiana’s members of Congress have not heard from you…during

fund open to the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of May and June, only 46 of Indiana’s 3000 NARFE members took time

NARFE members. The NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Awards Program to contact their legislator using NARFE’s Legislative Action Center

is supported by NARFE members and administered by FEEA. about sponsoring HR 711, Repeal of GPO/WEP, or postal reform.

The competition is open to high school seniors only. Applicants are While campaigning, members of Congress willingly open their doors
evaluated on academic record, community service, and an essay. Six- wide to constituents; to shake hands and smile at all questions posed…
ty winners are chosen. Each receives a one-time award of $1,000. “grip and grin.” Take advantage of this opportunity, invite incum-
bents and challengers to your chapter meetings (consider holding joint
To make a tax-deductible contribution to the NARFE-FEEA Schol- chapter meetings with other chapter in the same Congressional district
arship Program, checks should be made payable to NARFE-FEEA to create larger groups); attend town hall meetings, and other events
Scholarship Fund and mailed to: sponsored by the candidates. Make your voice heard; get postal and
federal retiree’s issues in front of them. By asking direct questions,
NARFE Scholarship Awards Program you are forcing them to address the issue rather than responding to you
c/o FEEA with a “bed bug” letter. Here are some basic rules to follow for suc-
3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300 cessful meeting:
Lakewood, CO 80227
1. Limit yourself to the single most important issue affecting you.
To donate by credit card, call 800-323-4140 or go to the NARFE.org 2. Personalize the impact the issue has on you, especially finan-
website. cially, such as GPO/WEP, the outlandish increases in long-term health
rates, increases to your Medicare rates due to no COLAs.
For applications to the Scholarship Program go to NARFE.org under 3. Be prepared to speak factually. NARFE’s “Protect America’s
About NARFE, or the NARFE Magazine. Heartbeat” web site has talking papers and other useful background
information.
NARFE-FEEA 4. Don’t be bashful, go to the microphone, ask your question!

DISASTER FUND These town hall meetings, group invitational meetings, and other cam-
Elaina Balser In 1996, NARFE en- paign gatherings also serve as issue focus groups. When members are
voting, they use what they heard to help decide how to vote. Speak
up, speak personally, speak often. Silence is license to ignore us.

Federal Employee Education & tered into a partnership Mr. Edward J Konys
Region 4 Vice-President
Assistance Fund (FEEA) Chair with FEEA to provide NARFE

emergency disaster eNARFE ACTIVE AND

assistance to NARFE members who are victims of a TAKING ACTION

declared natural disaster through the NARFE-FEEA eNARFE President D. Thomas ‘Tom’ Longo lives in Lawrenceburg,
IN. He respectfully invites your attention to eNARFE’s recent posting
Disaster Fund. The Fund is supported by tax-deductible donations on the NARFE blog (and on eNARFE’s webpage (www.enarfe.org)
about electronic balloting of eNARFE members on selected resolu-
from NARFE members and friends of NARFE, and is administered tions slated to come up at the Reno convention. The post includes
mini-briefs and recommended actions on the resolutions discussed.
by FEEA. NARFE became a member of FEEA’s board of directors in This information went out directly to eNARFE members via NES
message on July 28. The electronic balloting [of eNARFE members
1997. only] will take place August 12-19, 2016.

Cash Grants
NARFE disaster funds, in the form of cash grants ($500 maximum per
grant per household), are available to all NARFE members in good
standing who have been injured, incurred property damage or have
other needs during and after a declared natural disaster.

To make a tax-deductible donation, checks should be made payable to
NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund and mailed to:

NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund Chapters are supposed to get a feel for how their members feel about
c/o FEEA convention issues before going to Reno and this electronic balloting
3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300 is how eNARFE is doing that. At Reno eNARFE’s sixteen delegates
Lakewood, CO 80227 including Mr. Longo as Voting Representative, representing ca. 32,400
eNARFE members, will initially be guided by results of the electron-
To donate by credit card, call 800-338-0755 or go to the NARFE.org ic balloting. If matters go to second or runoff voting, the eNARFE
website. delegates will caucus and decide how to vote in the best interests of
NARFE.
For applications to the Disaster Fund go to NARFE.org under About
NARFE, or the NARFE Magazine. Sincerely,
D. Thomas “Tom” Longo
eNARFE President

12 Indiana NARFE News 12

AREA 1 I have been receiving mail, lots of it, AREA 3 On Thursday July 14, 2016, Chapter
about the magical milestone I will reach 125 Muncie lost the oldest and one of

Janice Boettcher in October. This got me thinking about Geneva Greenlee their strongest supporters. Marianna
my life insurance (FEGLI) with my Kirkham passed away at the “young”

CSRS annuity and how it will change when I turn 65. I age of 103. Marianna and her husband Eldon were

asked around to my friends on email and Facebook. I very active in NARFE activities, on the local and state

could not get any definite answers. I decided to www. level. Marianna always a delegate to all Federation

opm.gov/retirement-services. You can use www.opm. State Convention. (Eldon served as Federation Presi-

gov also. It works too; just need a few more clicks to get to the correct dent during the 1990’s.) Marianna was always the happy spouse and

page. supporter. After her husband’s death, Marianna remained active. She

was well known for her homemade noodles. They were the star item

There is a wealth of information on that site. I did find how much life at our chapter’s annual auction. The bidding was always fast and
insurance I have, how much it decreases per month and what the final
amount that I will end up with. fierce, and the highest bidder would walk away “proud”. Every orga-

nization needs a member like Marianna. She will be missed, may she

rest in peace.

Do you know how to get into this information? We have been busy checking out options for the 2017 Federa-
Have you ever tried to get into this information?
If you have not, now is the time to set this up!! tion State Convention. It was voted on by the Executive Board to have

it in Muncie April 25-26, 2017. There will be a silent auction and

more information will provided at a later date.

“Why” do you ask??

I received a call from the spouse of a retired postal worker. “Jane” was AREA 5 The Bloomfield Chapter 0847
trying to get her husband, “John”, into a nursing home. Jane had no will host the annual Area 5 “3B”
clue where to go to get this information. All of the info she needed
was at the website www.opm.gov/retirement-services. Her son came James ‘Greg’ Hawkins meeting at the Odd Fellows
here from out of state to help with the process. I tried to help, but Lodge on Thursday August 25 at
without a complete CS number, I was limited to what I could do. If
you are computer incompatible, ask your children to help or a member 11:00 AM. The “3B” meeting is an annual event of Area
of your chapter to help you out.
5 that rotates between Bedford Chapter 0578, Bloom-

ington Chapter 580 and Bloomfield Chapter 0847. The

guest speaker will be Mr. Allen Lauer, NARFE Indiana

Federation 2nd Executive Vice President, Legislature. A buffet meal

Scroll down a little and on the right side you will see QUICK LINKS. will be served and entertainment will be provided by a local trio.
Click on the link Services Online. That will take you to a page called
Retirement Information and Services. You will need your complete More Information from Barbara Terry, President, Chapter 578, Bed-
CS number and a password. If you have not set this up before, do it ford and 9th District CDL:
now. Just follow the instructions. It may take 7 – 10 days to get the It’s obvious that it’s an election year. With the 9th District
info in the mail. You can try to call the 888 number, but I have talked Congressional seat being vacated, it seemed very important to try
to several people and they have not had any luck getting thru. One to have candidates for that seat speak at our meetings. Prior to the
person was on the line for 3 hours and gave up. primary, we hosted Robert Hall who was one of the Republican can-
didates in that race. We also hosted Shelli Yoder who was one of the
Keep a record of your full CSA number. Your 1099R does not have Democratic candidates. Both candidates presented their views on
the full number on it (at least mine did not). After getting this all set what they felt their role would be in representing the 9th District. Mr.
up, keep it in a place that the spouse or survivor will be able to find it. Hall did not win his bid for the seat, but Ms. Yoder is the candidate on
Keep it near your will or other “important papers” folder. the Democratic ticket. We were disappointed that Trey Hollingsworth,
who did win the Republican primary for the 9th District seat, did not
I am here to help and serve my fellow retirees. respond to our invitation to come to a meeting.
During our May meeting, we were pleased have the Lawrence
AREA 2 I have attended meeting at all chapters. County bicentennial coordinator, Marla Jones, who gave us a look at
Ralph Halley All chapters have been meeting regu- the events planned for the bicentennial celebration including the torch
larly. relay. Our special guest at that meeting was State Representative Eric
Koch. INFED had asked that we give Eric Koch a gift which was a
In May, I mailed 23 letters to members who did not token of NARFE’s appreciation for his efforts in making our state tax
renew their membership since last year’s convention. I deduction legislation a reality.
also mailed 16 letters to new prospective members.
DO YOU VALUE YOUR
All three Chapters in my area accepted the State Membership Chair-
man challenge. The three Chapters will give $5.00 to any chapter FEDERAL
member who recruits a new member from now until December 31,
2016. RETIREMENT

On July 27th, I met with Chris Lee (Congresswoman Jackie Walor- BENEFITS?
ski Field Representative). We talked about HR 5714 (Postal Reform
Legislation) that NARFE opposes, HR 711 (WEP reform bill) and the Human nature is such that we don’t value what we have
increase in premiums in the Federal Long Term Insurance Program until it is taken away. As long as our earned annuities and
that NARFE is angered at the increase. health benefits can be changed at the whim of Congress, we
need a strong voice to represent us. There is no other orga-
I would like to thank Area 2 chapters (Lafayette 0330, Marion 0503, nization like NARFE, devoted solely to protecting federal
and Kokomo 0562) for electing me the Area Vice-President at this benefits.
year’s convention.
www.narfe.org

13 Indiana NARFE News 13

AREA 4

Mary Ellen Hahn

AREA 6 Silence Is Golden, Golden The latest postal reform bill, H.R. 5714 has passed the House Oversight
But My Eyes Still See and Government Reform Committee. The bill could soon be ready for a
congressional vote. I cannot let my Congressman think I approve a bill
Vickie Fessel which changes the rules of retirement for postal workers after the work-
er has been retired for many years. This postal reform bill would now
As a teenager, I often listened to the voice of Frankie Valli require all postal retirees to pay Medicare Part B premiums to keep their
from my transistor radio as he sang: “Silence is golden, health care benefits. Medicare Part B was not a requirement at the time
golden, but my eyes still see.” Now during my golden of postal retirement and Medicare Part B premiums continue to rise faster
years, this “golden silence” has been replaced by my “po- than inflation.
litical voice”. When a political constituent is quiet, a congressman often
thinks the constituent gives his stamp of approval. As a federal retiree, I The original Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2015, H.R. 711
cannot approve no COLA increase for federal retirees based upon a CPI would have helped mitigate the effects of Windfall Elimination Provision
that does not consider the quick rising costs of senior health care. In the (WEP) for many federal retirees by providing some relief for both current
CPIW worker world, health care cost account for approximately 5% of beneficiaries, through a reduced WEP penalty, and future Social Security
their budget, but in the real over 62 elderly world, health care cost ac- recipients by improving the formula going forward. Under the recently
count for approximately 12% of their budget. We need a COLA increas- proposed substitute bill for H.R. 711 relief for those currently affected by
es based upon CPI”E” for the elderly. WEP is substantially reduced until 2026. This is not acceptable. I cannot
let my congressman think I approve this unfair treatment. No, Mr. Con-
It has been suggested that this year retirees might receive a small COLA gressman this is not good. Silence might be golden, but my eyes can still
increase, but a small COLA increase would be worse than no COLA see and my nose can still smell. This deal stinks! No one in their golden
increase for many retirees. A small COLA increase would certainly be years should be told to wait ten years for congress to “kinda patch” an
taken away from those who receive Social Security to pay for Medicare unfair act. After waiting thirty years for WEP fairness, we wait some
Part B increases. Those who do not receive Social Security might re- more. We will not go down in silence. Let your voice be heard. Now is
ceive a small COLA increase but would also receive a very large increase the time to call, write or email your congressman to voice your concerns
in their Medicare Part B premiums. This sounds like one step forward and demand respect.
and two steps backwards to me.

INDIANA FEDERATION NARFE WEBSITE

Check out the newly updated Indiana Federation website. Its located at www.narfe.org/IN.

14 Indiana NARFE News 14

IMPROVE YOUR KEY AVENUES FOR
COMMUNICATION INFORMATION &

WITH YOUR ADVOCACY
CHAPTER
MEMBERS Legislative HOTLINE: 1-877-217-8234  Available 24/7 toll free

If a chapter does not contact their members on a regular Capitol Switchboard:   1-866-220-0044  Ask for Member by
basis, the chapter members do not have the local information Name
that the chapter could share with them. People that feel that
they are not included and involved, drop out of the organi- White House:               1-888-225-8418  Leave Comment 24/7
zation because there is no perceived “return on investment”.
Due to the elderly population of NARFE members, a lot of Join NARFE:               1-800-627-3394 toll free
our members DO NOT have email addresses, and some have
an email address but never check it. There is a voicemail ser- NARFE Legislative Action Center: http://cqrcengage.com/narfe/
vice, Phonevite, which you should investigate. If you need home
help implementing, HELP is available from Phonevite and
Indiana NARFE volunteers. Find your elected officials: http://cqrcengage.com/narfe/app/look-
up?6&m=17066
Jeffersonville Chapter 381 implemented Phonevite to contact
their members about special meetings, and it is working great Gateway to congressional delegations: http://www.congressmerge.
for that chapter. com/onlinedb/index.htm

The cost is FREE for up to 25 people, twice a month. After U.S. House: ZIP 20515  Web: www.house.gov
that, cost is only $.05 per call on a regular basis. Phonevite
frequently sends specials to reduce costs. Special program U.S. Senate: ZIP 20510  Web: www.senate.gov
for non-profits are also available. Phonevite lets you record a
message, without any special equipment. You can then send Senate Listing: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/
the voicemail message to groups of people, such as chapter senators_cfm.cfm?OrderBy=state&Sort=ASC
meeting reminders, weather cancellations, last minute chang-
es, etc. You can make different contact lists for different White House: ZIP 20500 Web: www.whitehouse.gov
events. If you or your grandchild can follow simple direc-
tions, you have the ability to use Phonevite. www.phonevite. NARFE “State Advocacy” website: http://cqrcengage.com/narfe/
com is worth checking out. State_Advocacy
• Emergency alerts to the team - Legislative Alert!!!
• Conference call reminders Governors and their biographies: http://www.nga.org/cms/gover-
• Last-minute party/event reminders - nors/bios
• Reminder to attend the chapter meeting/or event
• Quick motivational message to the team - Take Action State legislative gateway: www.ncsl.org
Improve Your Communication. Details can be found on
www.phonevite.com. National Center for State Courts: www.ncsc.org
What methods of communicating with your chapter are you
using? Please let us know, so we can share. Video & Text of State of the State Addresses: http://www.governing.
com/topics/politics/gov-2015-state-addresses.html
CAN YOUR
MEMBERS BE Gateway to state & territorial legislatures: http://thomas.loc.gov/
CONTACTED? home/state-legislatures.html

Each Chapter should review individual membership reports State legislative tracking tool: https://www.govtrack.us/start#states
for correct name, address, telephone number(s), and add
or verify e-mail address on the Online Activities Module State and Local Government in General: http://www.loc.gov/rr/
(OAM). Your Chapter’s Vice-President for Membership news/stategov/stategov.html
or Secretary, as well as the members themselves can make
changes. If your Chapter has not been reviewing these re- Election forecasting: http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/
cords please contact your Area Vice President for assistance.
Census Bureau congressional district maps: http://www.census.gov/
Correct information will assure that each member receives the geo/maps-data/maps/reference-cd113.html
weekly legislative e-mail updates. This information is also
available by phone (toll-free) at 800-456-8410 or online at Census Bureau state legislative district maps: http://www.census.
www.narfe.org. gov/geo/maps-data/maps/reference-sld2014.html

NCSL gateway to congressional and state redistricting info and
maps: http://www.ncsl.org/research/redistricting/links-to-state-legis-
lative-redistricting-websites.aspx

2015 congressional calendar: http://www.klgates.com/files/Publica-
tion/075d1c0e-a151-46ee-a33d-0096f17320c0/Presentation/Publica-
tionAttachment/ab519848-6945-4c50-a902-013fdbfb1114/Congres-
sional%20_Calendar_2015.pdf

NARFE Web site: www.narfe.org

15 Indiana NARFE News 15

HIGHLIGHTS GATHERED FROM RECENT
CHAPTER NEWSLETTERS:

CHAPTER 151, INDIANAPOLIS through 12 of the July edition of the NARFE Magazine (Note, I go here
Members are encouraged to get involved in election activities. A often too keep myself familiar with legislation related to federal employ-
good way to do that is by volunteering on a campaign, attending town ees/retirees). Each Issue and its related bill are presented by bill number
halls or hosting your own candidate. Our next meeting will be on Friday, and sponsor with short explanations of what the legislation would do,
August 5, 2016 at the Moose Lodge Park, 4917 West Vermont Street, In- and a NARFE thumbs up (support) or thumbs down (reject). Remember
dianapolis, IN. This will be our annual picnic. The picnic is a good time your will only have one question and a very short time to interface with
to invite friends who would like additional information about NARFE. the legislator, therefore, be polite, identify yourself as a retired or current
We will return to the Truman Room at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 650 N. federal employee, and address one issue such as WEP/GPO, HB 711,
Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana for the September meeting. The and how the issue effects you personally. For example, GPO currently
picnic is a good time to invite friends who would like additional informa- takes 66% of my earned Social Security Benefit. I still get enough to pay
tion about NARFE. Medicare Parts A & B, with just a bit left over, but your situation may be
November 4, 2016—Chapter Meeting—Scottish Rite Cathedral— very different. Of interest to the legislator is how the legislation affects
Speaker from Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield “YOU” if the legislation passes or does not pass. For example, if the
December 2, 2016—Holiday Luncheon –Marten House legislation passes, I would gain some purchasing power as GPO would
This report will continue to place emphasis on our NARFE only take 50% versus the 66% that is presently taken away by GPO. We
recruitment goals as outlined in the May 2016 bulletin. In an effort to all know that when you are on a fixed income that every dollar gained is
talk with prospective members about joining, the following is a part of important. So, I’m asking you to be familiar with your favorite piece or
one of our on-line (NARFE.ORG) brochures. JOIN NARFE NOW, that two of legislation so that if opportunity knocks that you will be knowl-
provides a quick informational guide for sharing with prospective mem- edgeable of the legislation and effective in your interchange with your
bers. Remember, please contact me with any questions, comments, or legislator.
suggestions to assist with our recruiting efforts. For those of you unable To Contact Your Federal Legislators ~ The Toll Free Capital
to make the contact, please give me the names of any potential members Switchboard Phone Number is:
and I will be more than happy to make the contact. I can be reached at 1-866-220-0044
317/837-6862 or [email protected]. To Contact Your State Legisators:
Ella Johnson. 1st VP/Membership House Toll Free Number: 1-800-382-9842 and Senate Toll Free Number:
1-800-382-9467
JOIN NARFE NOW New Business: Sec./Treas. Smith discussed the upcoming, May
1. NARFE is your legislative voice—NARFE is the only membership 26, 2016 webinar “Exploring TSP Withdrawal Options” and how to sign
organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the benefits of all up. Note you do not need a computer as you can use an I-pad or similar
federal workers and retirees. device. Just go to NARFE.org and click on the Webinar tab. This will
2. NARFE is your information resource - Federal retirement, life insur- send you to a web address to get your access/promotion code which is
ance, health care, compensation and other benefits for current and retired “NARFEMEMBER 2016” to allow you to log into the discussion for
federal employees are complex and often amended. NARFE keeps mem- free.
bers informed of changes and the NARFE magazine and website delivers Legislation on protecting those affected by the OPM data breach
one-stop guidance to benefit changes. is contained in (June) NARFE Magazine, see H.R. 3029 and S 1746.
3. NARFE members are eligible for special offers and discounts. To see the latest edition (E version) of the INFED Newspaper just
NARFE offers excellent deals to help you save money on travel. go to NARFE.org/IN.
National Legislative Chair Reports: Just in case you did not go
CHAPTER 223, FT. WAYNE to the Legislative website and send the latest letter/e-mail, Terre Haute
Fort Wayne still sends out a paper newsletter. Chapter copied it into the newsletter for your convenience. Just copy it in
Allen Lauer forms a team each year that NARFE chapter mem- to a letter or e-mail, personalize it, and pass it on to your federal repre-
bers can join for the annual Alzheimer’s Walk which will be in October sentative. Support H.R. 3351, the CPI-E Act of 2015. [EXAMPLE: As
this year. a constituent and a member of the National Active and Retired Federal
Employees Association (NARFE), I urge you to cosponsor the CPI-E
Evansville, Chapter 326 (Reported at the July meeting): Act of 2015 (H.R. 3351). The bill would require the use of the Consum-
Legislation - Paul Johnson talked to Rep. Larry Buchan about bill er Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) instead of the current Consumer
711- WEP. Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) to
PAC update from Joe Ann O’Hara, Federation Chairman, was determine annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for Social Security
passed on to chapter by Carolyn Brown. Joe Ann sent a list of the orga- beneficiaries, federal and military annuities and certain veterans’ bene-
nizations that work with NARFE to support our issues. fits. The current CPI-W fails to accurately measure seniors, those who
New Business - Getting our proxy ready for National Conven- rely on the COLA the most, spending. Most recently, health care inflation
tion and telling the person carrying our proxy how our Chapter voted on was 2.4 percent while the CPI-W indicated the average price of consum-
issues. er goods actually decreased by 0.7 percent, resulting in no COLA for
seniors across America. In addition, seniors spend more on health care
CHAPTER 327, TERRE HAUTE - those age 62 and older allocate 12 percent of their spending towards
The Officers of Chapter 327 wish you a safe and happy summer. health care, while the general population allocates 5 percent. In 2016,
Now to business of the Organization. You know that Congress (House the health care premiums for federal employees and retirees are set to
and Senate) will be on Break and this means that many of them will be rise an average 7.4 percent. For seniors living on a fixed income, it is
back home, especially since it’s an election year. Therefore, it is a good critical that rising health care costs are fully reflected in the COLA. If
time to see and visit with them at Cracker Barrels and other town hall you measure costs experienced by Americans age 62 and older like the
style forums. Since you will be visiting with them it is a great time to CPI-E does, inflation is actually greater than what the CPI-W reflects.
politely remind them of all our legislative objectives and remind them as This shows that the current method of determining the COLA is short
federal employees that they should also be concerned enough to support changing seniors and undermining the earned benefit of our nation’s
NARFE legislative goals. In this process you should be sure to familiar- public servants. For these reasons, I respectfully request you cosponsor
ize yourself with current legislation that our organization supports and and support H.R. 3351. Thank you for your time and consideration of
that which it does not by referring to NARFE’s Bill 2 Tracker on page 10 my views, I look forward to your response.] Don’t forget to personalize it
and be sure to sign it.
Andy Whitt, III, President

16 Indiana NARFE News 16

CHAPTER 381, JEFFERSONVILLE
Postal Reform - Senate Bill S.2051 was introduced by Thomas Carper (Delaware) in September 2015 to improve Postal Operation Services. One
requirement of the bill would require postal employees and retirees to enroll in Medicare in order to continue receiving their current federal health
insurance coverage, plus it cuts worker’s compensation for injured federal employees. Other things are included in this bill but the Medicare part
is probably the major area of concern for postal employees and retirees. NARFE opposes S.2051. NARFE President Richard Thissen and staff are
drafting comments and/or alternatives on the mandatory Medicare Part B coverage to members of Congress. A mark-up of the bill is expected to be
held the week of July 11. If you object to the current requirements of S. 2051, call, write, and/or email your Senators and Representative now.

CHAPTER 1847, PATOKA VALLEY
Wayne Hubert, Perry County Veterans Service Officer spoke on veteran’s benefits.

CHAPTER 503, CHAPTER 2197, EASTSIDE INDIANAPOLIS
MARION When you finish reading your copy of our NARFE magazine, recy-
cle it. REMOVE THE MAILING LABEL, open the magazine to the
membership applications and fill in your information. Then drop it
off in your doctor or dentist office, barber shop, or beauty shop. They
won’t mind and we may get a new member.

CHAPTER 578,
BEDFORD

Pictured Above, Chapter 503, Marion, President Nelson “Jim” (L-R: Bob Moss, 1st VP, Legislation, Barbara Terry, President, and
Hayes and Detective Erin Keppler Representative Eric Koch)
NARFE Chapter 503, Marion, Indiana President Nelson ‘Jim” Hayes
welcomed speaker Erin Keppler. Ms. Keppler is a detective with the Chapter 578, Bedford, presents Representative Eric Koch with a
Grant County Sheriff’s Department dealing with identity and property ‘thank you’ gift from the Indiana Federation for his continuous actions
crimes. The Chapter keeps members updated on scams and crimes in making the CSRS Indiana State Tax Deduction a reality.
occurring in the Grant County area and promotes good relations with
local law enforcement. Programs also presented to member this past CHAPTER 1777,
year included health and wellness, tax and financial info, fire safety, NEW ALBANY’S
legislative issues, veterans affairs and federal benefits updates.
NEWSPAPER
CHAPTER 813, ANNOUNCEMENT OF
SHELBYVILLE UPCOMING MEETING

Chapter 813, Shelbyville members and guest Alzheimer’s Support Topic of NARFE Meeting
Chapter 813, Shelbyville had the honor of a visit from Area 3
Vice-President, Geneva Greenlea, at their July meeting. Geneva dis- After winning a state chapter award for Alzheimer’s Research
cussed the Indiana Federationn Convention for 2017 which Area 3 will contributions, the New Albany Chapter of NARFE will feature Sa-
host in Muncie. die Powell from the local Alzheimer’s Support Group to speak at our
July meeting. Ms. Powell will be speaking about the help available
locally for families dealing with Alzheimer’s care and the need for
friends. The meeting will be held Wednesday, July 27th at 11:00 a.m.
at Tucker’s Restaurant in New Albany. All active and retired federal
employees and their spouses are welcome to attend. Reservations are
not required. For further details, please call Vickie Fessel, Chapter
President at 812-364-6950.

17 Indiana NARFE News 17

CHAPTER 381, Lucy Brenton speaking before NARFE group
JEFFERSONVILLE Baron Hill speaking before NARFE group

Happenings at Jeffersonville Chapter 381

Our chapter along with New Albany Chapter 1777 co-hosted a Fo-
rum for the U.S. Senate Candidates on June 14th at the Jeffersonville
Township Library. Todd Young, the Republican candidate, Lucy
Brenton, the Libertarian candidate and Baron Hill, the Democratic
candidate were invited to the Forum. Lucy Brenton arrived at the
beginning and answered all our questions. Baron Hill arrived late due
to a conflicting commitment so was only able to give a short speech
before leaving, but he promised to respond to all the questions in writ-
ing, which he did. Todd Young was unable to attend as he had to be
in Washington, D.C. Although the Forum didn’t go as smoothly as we
hoped, it was interesting to hear Lucy Brenton speak and answer ques-
tions. We presented each speaker a NARFE mug. The forum was well
attended by Jeffersonville Chapter 381 and New Albany Chapter 1777.

We took our July Chapter meeting to the Ponderosa in Madison “on
top of the hill,” so we could connect with our members from the Mad-
ison area who may find it difficult to attend the Jeffersonville meeting.
We updated them on any bills or issues currently being considered in
Congress that might affect them and also give them a chance to ask
questions. It was really nice to talk to some of the members who we
rarely see and to get reacquainted with them. In keeping with a Chap-
ter tradition of rewarding new members who attend our meetings and
help out in various ways, a NARFE name tag was awarded to Lauren
Collins.

On July 21st Jeffersonville NARFE members took a tour of the Am-
azon Fulfillment Center located 5 miles north of Jeffersonville. It
wasn’t as well attended as we had hoped but we thought it was an
eye-opener. It was something to walk around inside a 1.2 million
square foot building and see how all those packages are put together,
stamped and sent out to all the people who buy from Amazon.

Some of the Members who attended the Madison meeting

Lauren Collins receives her Name Badge Award Chapter 381, Jeffersonville mug
from President Gary Newman

18 Indiana NARFE News 18

CHAPTER 381, Vickie Fessel Explains WEP & GPO History.jpeg
JEFFERSONVILLE

On May 10th, at the Chapter 381, Jeffersonville meeting,
Vickie Fessel, Area 6 Vice-President provided the history of the Wind-
fall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset
(GPO).

When Vickie finished, Sue Marshall, Legislative Officer for Chapter
1777, took over and explained where we are currently with both WEP
and GPO. She also provided a letter she had drafted about HR 711
and urged us to send it to our Congressman. After our meeting of May
10th, amendments were added to HR 711 changing the concept that
NARFE had supported. With these amendments, NARFE no longer
supports HR 711 as now written.

Advocating at Indiana Statehouse Bruce Miller Recruiting at the National Association of Postal
Area 6 Vice President Vickie Fessel Recruiting Supervisors’ Convention

WHO CAN JOIN NARFE

Membership is open to civilians who are or will be eligible to receive
an annuity or survivor annuity from the federal retirement programs
of any agency of the United States government including”

• Retirees

• Active employees

• Spouses and surviving spouses of those eligible to join NARFE

• Former employees

• A former spouse who is legally entitled to a federal survivor
annuity