ALEXANDRIA NARFE BEACON National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association For Current, Former, and Retired Federal Employees. Spouses and Survivor Annuitants Chapter 232 Est. 1953 Alexandria, Virginia NEXT MEETING: October 21st 2014 TIME: 1:00 P.M. PLACE: Beth El Hebrew Temple, 3830 Seminary Road Alexandria, Virginia 22304 SPEAKER: Sergeant Joe Green, Alexandria Police Department SUBJECT: Senior Financial Scams PRESIDENTS MESSAGE We had a dynamite meeting on September 16. The discussion of legislative issues led by Jessie Klement, director of NARFE's Legislative Dept., was very thought provoking. The other main participants were Gwendolyn Beck, Independent, Micah Edmond, Republican, and Ann O'Hanlon, campaign manager for Don Beyer, Democrat. These are 3 of the candidates vying for the 8th Congressional District of VA that is being vacated by the retirement of Jim Moran. Although the candidates/surrogate had opening statements, the best part was the questions and answers that were asked by our members. For our October 21 meeting, we will have a detective from the Alexandria Police Department explain the current types of financial scams that are being fostered in our community. We will learn what to be aware of and how to handle these scammers. In November there will be a presentation on Diabetes Prevention. Next January we will learn about a new Goodwin House program promoting living in our homes. On December 9 we are having our annual holiday luncheon at the Mt. Vernon Country Club (Club), which is a few miles south of the Mt. Vernon Inn Restaurant (Inn), at which we have met for a couple of decades. Due to the rising cost of meals at the Inn, your Board sought out a location that is easily accessible and more affordable. We are fortunate to be using the Club, which is more easily handicap accessible than was the Inn. In addition to the 50/50 drawing for Alzheimer's Research, there will be door prizes, a drawing for $100, and musical entertainment. Our Nominating Committee has been hard at work finding candidates for President, 1st VP, and Membership Chair. You can help them by calling Fred Green (703-780-6621), Audrey Funk (703-941-0166) or Julia Rachiele ([email protected]) and nominate someone to help all of us. Next April's state convention will be held in nearby Fredericksburg. The costs for rooms are $89 and $94 plus taxes. Virginia Area IX consists of 6 chapters including Alexandria and is responsible for planning and executing the convention. Some of our members have already volunteered to handle leadership and committee assignments, but a lot more will be needed to make this convention a big success. Here is another chance to step forward and help make a difference for our cause. If you can participate, contact me or email Pierce Johnson, who will be the Convention's Chair at [email protected]. I hope that you will be able to attend our meetings this Fall.. Nick PAGE 1 OF 4 NARFE CHAPTER 232 OFFICERS YEAR 2013 President Nick Andrus 703-780-8856 [email protected] 1st Vice President Rita Jensen 703-578-6450 [email protected] 2nd Vice President Wolfgang “Doc” M.L. Maier, Ph.D. 703-619-9675 [email protected] Secretary Gail Templeton 703-519-7327 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Anita J. Hood 703-780-4542 [email protected] Treasurer Janet Sledge 703-823-9449 [email protected] Social Chair John Tolleris 703-960-7562 [email protected] Legislative Chair Robert H. Miller 703-683-3025 [email protected] Alzheimer’s Chair Mike Oliver 703-683-3547 [email protected] Public Relations Bruce Johnson 703-548-9604 [email protected] Service Officer Sterling Nichols 703-799-1661 [email protected] Membership Chair Nick Andrus (Acting) 703-780-8856 [email protected] Past President Marilyn Couch 703-836-6582 [email protected] NARFE EVENT Candidates’ Forum: OCTOBER 16, 2014. We are happy to report that the principal candidates vying for the 11th Congressional District seat – Congressman Gerry Connolly (D), incumbent, and Ms. Suzanne Scholte (R), challenger – have accepted our invitation to participate in a Candidates’ Forum. The Forum will be held on Thursday, 16th October, 2014, in the Large Conference Room at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003. This will be a “joint” forum sponsored by six NARFE chapters with members in the 11th District (Alexandria, Fairfax, Springfield, Annandale, Woodbridge, and Vienna-Oakton). We will also be inviting fellow constituents of the 11th Congressional District who are members of other NARFE chapters. NARFE members will begin to arrive at 10 a.m. for snacks and a social “hour.” Candidates will begin their presentations at about 10:30 a.m. with the program to be concluded by 12:00 noon. Mary Lou Vroman, NARFE, VFC CDL, 11 th District Photographs from Chapter 232 on September 16th 2014—Linda Johnson Micah Edmond-Republican Gwendolyn Beck-Independent Don Beyer’s Campaign Manager-Ann O’hanlon PAGE 2 OF 4 NATIONAL LEGISLATION: Congress returned from summer break for two weeks in September to pass a temporary spending bill (continuing resolution or CR) to fund the government through December 11, extend the freeze on taxing access to the Internet, and approve the President's requested funds to support military force against the Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. Thus, Congress postponed any federal government shutdown until after the November 4 midterm congressional elections, with control of the Senate predicted to be very much at stake. When Congress returns to Capitol Hill November 12 for the lame-duck session, Congressional leaders will not only have to complete fiscal 2015 spending, but also consider a tax extender bill, i.e., renew certain expired tax provisions or make several extenders permanent. S. 2117, Smart Savings Act, passed by the Senate, is in conference with the House where a similar bill, H.R.4193, was passed by the House July 14. The bill provides that new federal employees automatically enrolled in the Thrift Savings Plan would have their funds deposited in the Life Cycle Fund instead of the G fund. Legislative Chair—Bob Miller NARFE 232 Luncheon on December 9th 2014 @ Mt Vernon Country Club This year’s holiday luncheon will be on Tuesday, December 9 at the beautiful Mount Vernon Country Club, 5111 Old Mill Road, Alexandria, VA (less than 3 miles from the Mount Vernon Estate where our chapter held it in recent years) from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Our lunch in one of this country club’s elegant dining rooms will include a classic wedge salad, your advanced choice of one of four entrees listed below on your RSVP coupon, a chocolate cake or vanilla ice cream desert, and tea or coffee. This luncheon includes entertainment and a chance to win a $100 raffle and costs $32 per person. You can get more information about this club at http://www.mountvernoncc.org. To reserve your seat (s) please fill out the form below and list your (and your guest’s) choice of main entree. After filling this out, please cut the form at the bottom of this paragraph and mail it along with your check at $32 for each member of your party (made payable to NARFE Chapter 232). All mail should be addressed to John Tolleris, 5901 Mt Eagle Dr. Apt 1201, Alexandria, VA 22303. You may also give him your check (along with this form) at our Chapter’s upcoming October 21st or November 18th meetings. Your RSVP with payment must reach John no later than Friday, November 21st, 2014. No refunds after the 21st November, 2014. Please reserve a seat for _________________________________ (and if you’re bringing a guest _____________________) at the NARFE 232 Holiday Luncheon at the Mount Vernon Country Club on December 9. My entrée is: (please also pick one for your guest if you’re bringing one. If you’re both getting the same entrée, please put “2” on the line next to your selection) ____ Mediterranean Chicken Breast Tomato, Olive, & Fennel Topping with Garbanzo Sauce ____ Classic Cobb Salad Beef Tenderloin, Iceberg Lettuce, Tomatoes, Avocado, Chicken, Bacon, Eggs and Bleu Cheese ____ MVCC Quiche Lorraine Roasted Potatoes and Steamed Veggies ____ Mixed Vegetables Pasta Grilled Vegetables, with Penne Pasta & Pesto I can be contacted at _____________________________________________________ (either your email or phone number) I am enclosing a check for $_____ ($32.00 per person) made payable to “NARFE Chapter 232”. If you’re mailing your RSVP, please send this form and your check to John Tolleris, 5901 Mt Eagle Dr. Apt 1201, Alexandria, VA 22303 to reach him no later than November 21st. He can also be reached at [email protected] or at 703-960-7562. PAGE 3 OF 4 NATIONAL ACTIVE & RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 232, THE ALEXANDRIA CHAPTER P.O. BOX 17112 ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22302 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 404 MERRIFIELD, VA POSTMASTER—PLEASE DELIVER BY: October 10th 2014 Please remember to advise us of any change in your email address when you change internet providers or leave a government position for another agency or retirement. Food for the Social Hour We ask members with names beginning with the letters I—R bring food. Fruit, cookies, crackers and cheese, brownies are typical offerings. We will have perked coffee, hot and cold water, decaf powder, and tea bags. PAGE 4 OF 4