Area NARFE chapter enjoys dinner meeting, hears officer reports

Members enjoyed the potluck meal prior to the August NARFE meeting. Click to enlarge.

Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, 5 p.m. — NARFE will continue to offer evening meeting opportunities during the better weather months in 2013. Legislative rep Willie Little reported on issues which affect civil service active and retired employees. Those issues include medical plans, taxes, and TSP. Little encouraged those interested in learning more about the potential changes to research the NARFE web site, www.narfe.org and then contact legislators to provide personal input and opinion. The Littles will attend the NARFE National Convention in Reno in late August to represent our Chapter and bring a report to the members during the September meeting. The Political Action Committee of NARFE can help make an impact in what our government decides to do with our benefits.

Membership Chair Sally Watkins reported that there are about 300,000 NARFE members nationwide, including 23 chapters in Kentucky. When they are soliciting votes, Legislators pay attention to input from these members. Since 1921, it has been the NARFE mission to protect and improve benefits for Civil Service employees. Those benefits include earned economic security, TSP, ROTHs, health care provisions, pay parity, annuities, and retirement. She reminded members that membership in NARFE provides many other benefits including discounts for services like moving expenses, scholarships, long term care, auto purchases, financial planning, etc.

The monthly NARFE magazine highlights many pertinent issues each month and provides information on legislative issues which affect civil service employees and retirees. Chapter president Kay Bennett encouraged members to recruit their friends and new retirees to join our local NARFE Chapter to take advantage of the NARFE opportunities. The 50/50 winner this month was Bobby Thompson, and the door prize went to Sally Watkins.

Sam Alexander’s Service Center helps annuitants with issues regarding their civil service employment. His Center will be open 9-11 a.m. on the next NARFE meeting day, not Labor Day, but rather Sept. 10, 2012, at the NOLIN RECC conference room. Call Alexander at 270-769-1264 for more information.

The September program will be about Habitat for Humanity with Larry Mengel as the speaker. The meeting will begin at 11 AM. Contact Chapter president Bennett at 270-769-3137 for more information.

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