NEWSLETTERS

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December 2023

Updated: Jan 1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Scott Robinson

We had excellent attendance for our November meeting. We had eleven guests in addition to our members. Wanda Faulkner (Vice-president) and Margie Dennis (Secretary) were elected to serve Spokane Chapter 32 for the next two years. Our Directors (expiration year) are Pat Hegerberg (2024), Roger Bosky (2024), Bev Benke (2025), Dennis Poppe (2025), Gisela Moyle (2025), Joanne Welch (2025), and Kathy Brooks (2026). Thank you all for serving Spokane Chapter 32. In November 2021, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to address longstanding issues with the country’s infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and support sustainable clean energy initiatives. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently announced that the Biden Administration exceeded its goal of selecting 5,800 targeted positions to help implement the BIL. Over the last two years, OPM has served as a strategic workforce partner for seven federal agencies to surge hire key positions such as engineers, scientists, project managers, IT & HR specialists, construction managers, and many more (source opm.gov). Tami and I will become like Whooping Cranes and migrate to warmer climes as we transition into Winter Texans. We intend to seek out the Corpus Christi Chapter meetings during our stay. We’ll return to Spokane in the spring after the robins arrive in Spokane. I encourage you to safely enjoy Christmas and New Year’s this year.

Please call me at 208-661-7695 or email me at scottsoriole@q.com if you have any questions regarding Spokane Chapter 32. ALZHEIMER’S (vacant Chairperson) Spokane Chapter is recruiting an Alzheimer’s Chairperson. If you are interested in sharing your learned knowledge with the group, then please contact any Officer or Director. With no chairperson, a village is needed to share information with our group. The holidays are often filled with sharing, laughter and memories, but they can also bring stress, disappointment or sadness. A person living with Alzheimer's may feel a special sense of loss during the holidays because of the changes he or she has experienced. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed by maintaining traditions while providing care and adhering to safety precautions. Tips and ideas for enjoying time with family and friends during the holidays include (1) Adjust your expectations, (2) Involve the person living with dementia, (3) Connect through technology, (4) Adapt your gift giving, (5) Familiarize others with the situation, and (6) Protect everyone’s’ health (source: alz.org).

PROGRAM (vacant Chairperson)

If you missed our recent meetings, then I encourage you to go to narfespokane.org the Spokane Chapter is recruiting a Program Chairperson. If you are interested in sharing your learned knowledge with the group, please contact any Officer or Director.

MEMBERSHIP

The Chapter is looking for a Membership Chair. If you are interested, please contact any of the Officers or Directors. Come be a part of a great group of people fighting for your benefits.

NARFE – PAC (Vacant Chairperson)

You can contribute to NARFE-PAC by either using the contribution form in NARFE Magazine or sending a check, made out to NARFE-PAC, to NARFE, P.O. Box 4592, Spokane, WA 99220. to read about our past guest speakers. We will celebrate the holidays during December. Please join us in January 2024 when Robert “Bob” Bartlett, PhD, will share his research of the 555 NARFE-PAC protects NARFE members’ pay and benefits by raising and spending money to elect members of Congress who support the federal community. The PAC works for you by building strong relationships with lawmakers and providing NARFE with additional opportunities to share our most pressing concerns. NARFE-PAC is financed through NARFE members’ direct, voluntary contributions to a separate fund. Federal law prohibits NARFE-PAC from soliciting contributions from anyone other than NARFE members and their immediate family. From January through September of this year, 13,224 NARFE members contributed $705,603 to NARFE-PAC. Of this amount, 178 Washington State members contributed $13,531 of which17 Spokane Chapter members contributed $1,034. During this same time, NARFE-PAC disbursed $331,500 for political purposes: $179,000 to candidates, $105,000 to noncandidate committees, and $47,500 to leadership PACs (source narfe.org). Spokane Chapter is recruiting a NARFE-PAC Chairperson. If you are interested in advocating for our earned benefits, then please contact Scott Parachute Infantry Company, aka “Triple Nickle” with us. We will invite Candice Correa, PhD, to return in February to share her latest tax information. President Robinson. With no chairperson, a village is needed to complete the task.

LEGISLATION Roger Bosky

There is still hope, however slim, for Congress to take positive action on the Government Pension Offset (GOP)/Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). The bill (HR 82 ) was sent to the House Appropriation Committee which is holding a hearing on the harmful impact of this legislation on over 2 million retirees. Congress needs our input to ensure that this bill doesn’t get lost in the chaos that dominates the Republican led House. The chaos also creates the possibility that Congress could negotiate away our earned benefits. Stay informed! CSRS retirees can expect a 3.2 percent cost of living adjustment next year, while FERS retirees will see an increase of 2.2 percent. This is another disparity that calls for our action. Let Congress know that we support House bill ( HR 866, the Equal Cola Act ) which remedies this situation.

SECRETARY & MEMBERSHIP Arlene Patton

Chapter 32’s membership currently stands at 445 (225 Chapter members and 220 national only members). Welcome Jeffrey Taylor, of Otis Orchards, as a new member to Chapter 32. Hope to see him out to Chapter meetings. A special thanks to the Chapter members that came out to represent NARFE Chapter 32 at local federal health fairs. This annual event is a great opportunity to meet and recruit new members from the local federal workforce. . Contact Information: email apatton1202@comcast.net or call 509-747-1589

NARFE is more than just a great magazine. Let them know! Promote NARFE anytime you can. The more members we have the more power to protect our benefits and retirement! NARFE = YOUR BEST BET FOR THE FUTURE!

WEBSITE Chris Smith

Please contact me at redpoll@mac.com if you find any errors or have any pictures or pertinent articles that may be of interest to members via the website.

SUNSHINE Susan Harvey

Happy Holidays to everyone! As I write this, the forecast is for rain and snow. Please be safe. Snow removal is hard work and none of us are 45 (I used to say 25!) anymore. The holiday can be very difficult for some, please show them kindness and give them space. The Chapter is sending birthday and anniversary wishes to all who celebrate in December. In October, I reported additional deceased members since Headquarters for NARFE listed them on their list. After several phone calls and checking the records for the Chapter, I discovered they had combined a portion of the names from 2020-2023. The Chapter members who passed in 2023 are Mary Alm, Florence Husa, Rosemarie Jones, T. Sue Matsui, Eugene Owen, Howard Platter, and Jack Springer. Scott Robinson is continuing the search for a Membership, Alzheimer’s, and Programs Chairs. Call him if you are interested. REMINDER, spouses can be members on their own OR can take over the membership of a deceased member. If you become aware of good news, illnesses, surgeries, or a death of a member or family member, please contact me at 509-953-6828.

SERVICE & OUTREACH Kathy Brooks

We are looking for ways to reach active employees of the government agencies in our area. If you have ideas, please share them with us.

DECEMBER CHAPTER MEETING MONDAY DCE 11, 2023 Lunch at 11:30 Meeting at 12:15 Darcy’s Restaurant 10502 E. Sprague Ave. PRESENTER – Christmas party, and Installation of Officers

DATE FOR YOUR CALENDAR DECEMBER CHAPTER MEETING MONDAY DEC. 11, 2023 – 11:30 AM DARCY’S RESTAURANT 10502 E SPRAGUE, SPOKANE VALLEY

The meeting will be available via ZOOM: The ZOOM information is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84692463195?pwd=R3M0eFF0NzRaMFo3bTNvNERDNHBBUT09 Meeting ID: 846 9246 3195 Passcode: 137652 +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Spokane Washington Chapter 32

PO Box 4592

Spokane, WA 99220

SPOKANE SERVICE CENTER

Narfe0032@gmail.com

509-954-6719

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association 32

NARFE on the Web: National: www.narfe.org WSF: www.narfewa.org Spokane: www.narfespokane.org

November 2023

Updated: Nov 10, 2023

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Scott Robinson

Ann Ozuna, long term retirement advisor, will be joining Spokane NARFE on November 13 with the latest and greatest about 2024 FEHB health benefits. Ann will present a synopsis of the smorgasbord of next year’s benefits available to federal employees and retirees. Ann is a wealth of information, so prepare any questions you may have. Ann’s presentation provides an opportunity to hear about benefits if you have missed the in-person health fairs throughout the region this year.

November’s membership meeting will be our Chapter’s annual meeting. We will elect Vice-president, Secretary, and board directors. They will be installed during our December meeting and begin their role in January. I encourage you to attend and vote for Spokane Chapter’s future leadership. Thank you for entrusting me as your President for the past four years. Open Season for our Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) will be from November 13 to December 11. During this time, federal employees, retirees, and survivors can make changes in their current enrollments of FEHB and Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). You don’t have to do anything if you like the health coverage you presently have. FEHB premiums paid by federal employees and retirees will increase an average of 5.8% in 2024. This compares with our Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) increase of 3.2% for Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and 2.2% COLA for Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) in 2024. NARFE supports the Equal COLA Act, H.R. 866, which would correct this unfair policy between COLA for FERS retirees and COLAs for CSR retirees and Social Security beneficiaries (Sources: OPM.gov, SSA.gov, and NARFE.org). November’s issue of NARFE Magazine has traditionally featured easy-to-follow charts and a helpful list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to guide you through your decisions. Also, you can go to www.benefeds.com to learn more about FEDVIP. Please call me at 208-661-7695 or email me at scottsoriole@q.com if you have any questions regarding Spokane Chapter 32.

ALZHEIMER’S (vacant Chairperson)

Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disease, which worsens over time. The disease often progresses in the following stages: (1) Asymptomatic: No cognitive symptoms but possible biological changes in the brain. (2) Mild cognitive impairment (MCI): Symptoms of cognitive ability loss begin to appear. (3) Early stage (mild): Typically involves symptoms that interfere with some daily activities. (4) Middle stage (moderate): More pronounced symptoms that interfere with many daily activities. (5) Late stage (severe): Symptoms interfere with most daily activities. Treatment begins with a conversation with your doctor. You may want to ask your doctor: (1) Is this medication right for me? (2) How common are side effects to watch for? (3) How to manage side effects and will I need to stop taking the drug? (4) What is the benefit of this drug, and will it change daily life? (Source: alz.org). Spokane Chapter is recruiting an Alzheimer’s Chairperson. If you are interested in sharing your learned knowledge with the group, then please contact any Officer or Director. With no chairperson, a village is needed to share information with our group.

PROGRAM (vacant Chairperson)

If you missed our October meeting, then I encourage you to go to narfespokane.org to read about our past guest speakers. Ann Ozuna will present her annual review of Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) in November, and we will celebrate the holidays during December. Please join us in January 2024 when Robert “Bob” Bartlett, PhD, will share his research of the 555th Parachute Infantry Company, aka Triple Nickles” (their spelling) with us. We will invite Candice Correa, PhD, to return in February to share her latest tax information. Spokane Chapter is recruiting a Program Chairperson. If you are interested in sharing your learned knowledge with the group, please contact any Officer or Director.

MEMBERSHIP

The Chapter is looking for a Membership Chair. If you are interested, please contact any of the Officers or Directors. Come be a part of a great group of people fighting for your benefits.

NARFE – PAC (Vacant Chairperson)

NARFE-PAC supports Fed-friendly lawmakers who understand that the government should keep the promises made to its public servants. The PAC bolsters the profile of our top issues, creating additional opportunities to educate lawmakers on the issues that affect you most, such as preventing cuts to your cost- of-living adjustments, protecting your health care, and doing away with the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) (source narfe.org). You can contribute to NARFE – PAC using the contribution form found in the monthly NARFE Magazine or by sending a check, made out to NARFE – PAC, to our Post Office Box. The address is: NARFE, PO Box 4592, Spokane, WA 99220.

November 2023

NOVEMBER CHAPTER MEETING MONDAY NOV. 13, 2023 Lunch at 11:30 Meeting at 12:15 Darcy’s Restaurant 10502 E. Sprague Ave. PRESENTER – Anne Ozuna – The Federal Retirement Lady

darcysrestaurantandspirits.com

View Darcy's location on Apple Maps

LEGISLATION Roger Bosky

Our president has identified several issues and events above that affect us. Other items that concern us include the Government Pension Offset/Windfall Elimination Provision (GPO/WEP ), which now has 298 co-sponsors - more than enough for passage if Congress ever brings this bill up for a vote. Last year, despite there being more than 290 co-sponsors, it chose not to bring it up to the floor. There’s an old quote from Bismarck which says,” Laws are like sausage. Better not see them being made.” But I’d like to add a caveat. My caveat is that I would like to see some sausages ( laws ) made if ever Congress can get back to work. However, the Republican majority in the House can seem to agree on how to run the sausage machine. Also, in addition to increases in our FEHBP plans, our Medicare premiums for 2024 will go up to $174.70 for most people.

SECRETARY & MEMBERSHIP Arlene Patton

WEBSITE Chris Smith

Think about joining FEDHub. You’ll be connecting to some of our other chapters in Washington including Everett, Tri-Cities, Bremerton, and South Puget Sound as well as the Washington State Federation, and, of course, national. You’ll receive announcements about meetings, minutes, special speakers, events, and webinars around the state and nationally. Whether it’s OPM’s 2024 FEHP premiums or a story about how WEP has affected a Washington member, it makes for interesting reading.

Logon to the National NARFE site, click on FEDHub, create a profile, and sign up for communities of interest (like Washington Federation). FEDHub gave me a greater sense of being part of a state and national organization preserving and protecting my federal benefits. See you on FEDHub!

Please contact me at finesse.minds_0j@icloud.com if you find any errors or have any pictures or pertinent articles that may be of interest to members via the website.

SUNSHINE Susan Harvey

As I write this, the forecast is for rain and some warmer temperatures. This coming Sunday will bring us back to Pacific Standard Time. Sunrise will come earlier, and sunset will be way too early for this writer. Take care of your bodies and minds with the changes. The Chapter is sending birthday and anniversary wishes to all who celebrate in November. I recently became aware that Florence Husa, our member, and spouse of Lennie Husa, had passed away. I must apologize for the extensive list of members Headquarters had added to our Memorial List. Why they combined several years of lost members to the 2023 roster, I do not know. I am working to resolve this glitch. I hope to have a resolution by December. Scott Robinson is continuing the search for a Membership, Alzheimer’s, and Programs Chairs. Call him if you are interested. REMINDER, spouses can be members on their own OR can take over the membership of a deceased member. If you become aware of good news, illnesses, surgeries, or a death of a member or family member, please contact me at 509-953-6828.

SERVICE & OUTREACH Kathy Brooks

We are looking for ways to reach active employees of the government agencies in our area. If you have ideas, please share them with us.

Spokane Washington Chapter 32

PO Box 4592

Spokane, WA 99220

SPOKANE SERVICE CENTER

Narfe0032@gmail.com

509-954-6719

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association 32

NARFE on the Web: National: www.narfe.org WSF: www.narfewa.org Spokane: www.narfespokane.org

October 2023

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Scott Robinson

Current President Scott Robinson cuts cake with past presidents

Current Secretary Arlene Patton (left) and President Scott Robinson (center) cut a celebratory cake with past officers of NARFE Chapter 0032

I had a previous telephone conversation with a national member who wanted to join Spokane Chapter. Mark said that a Tri-Cities Chapter member told him that Spokane Chapter was closing and, therefore, Mark should join the Tri-Cities Chapter. I’m here, today, to say that Spokane Chapter is not closing and has never talked about closing. Our chapter recently celebrated 73 years and plans to continue into future years.

I suggested a couple of years ago that you prepare an Emergency Evacuation Plan for your home in the event of a natural disaster. The Gray and Oregon Road fires burnt nearly 21,000 acres and 710 structures in August of this year. Both fires were among the worst natural disasters in the Inland Northwest, especially since Firestorm ’91. I hope none of you were affected by either of these fires. They are reminders that you don’t want to think about this or that when the Deputy Sheriff comes knocking at your door and says, “You MUST leave now.” Your plan should be one page in length with items listed in bullet format. If you have not prepared your plan in the past couple of years, then I encourage you to do so now.

Please call me at 208-661-7695 or email me at scottsoriole@q.com if you have any questions regarding Spokane Chapter 32.

ALZHEIMER’S (vacant Chairperson)

Caregivers may be tasked with many responsibilities that reduce good care of themselves. However, the best thing caregivers can do is stay physically and emotionally strong. If you are a caregiver, then Alzheimer’s Association suggests

(1) visit your physician regularly (at least annually), and listen to what your body is telling you; (2) exercise to remain physically healthy;

(3) eat a heart-healthy diet with little red meat but emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats; and

(4) five tips to help with coping: (a) manage stress, (b) be realistic, (c) know you're doing your best, (d) take breaks, and (e) accept changes. (Source: alz.org 09/23/2023).

Spokane Chapter is recruiting an Alzheimer’s Chairperson. If you are interested in sharing your learned knowledge with the group, then please contact any Officer or Director. With no chairperson, a village is needed to share information with our group.

Todd Studebaker will talk about Long Term Care at the October 9 Member Meeting - photo courtesy of New Generation Strategies

PROGRAM (vacant Chairperson)

If you missed our September meeting, then I encourage you to go to narfespokane.org/news to read about our guest speaker, Cray Henry, who is President of NARFE Washington State Federation. We also celebrated Spokane Chapter’s 73rd year with cake.

Todd Studebaker, friend of Dennis Poppe, will talk to us in October about Long Term Care. Ann Ozuna will present her annual review of Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) in November, and we will celebrate the holidays during December. Please join us in January 2024 when Robert “Bob” Bartlett, PhD, will share his research of the 555th Parachute Infantry Company, aka Triple Nickles” (their spelling) with us. We will invite Candice Correa, PhD, to return in February to share her latest tax information for federal employees.

OCTOBER CHAPTER MEETING MONDAY OCT. 9, 2023

Lunch at 11:30/Meeting at 12:15

Darcy’s Restaurant 10502 E. Sprague Ave. Spokane Valley

PRESENTER – Todd Studebaker – Long Term Care

The ZOOM information is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84692463195?pwd=R3M0eFF0NzRaMFo3bTNvNERDNHBBUT09

Meeting ID: 846 9246 3195 Passcode: 137652 +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Spokane Chapter is recruiting a Program Chairperson. If you are interested in sharing your learned knowledge with the group, please contact any Officer or Director.

MEMBERSHIP

The Chapter is looking for a Membership Chair. If you are interested, please contact any of the Officers or Directors. Come be a part of a great group of people fighting for your benefits.

NARFE PAC (Vacant Chairperson)

NARFE-PAC protects your pay and benefits by raising and spending money to elect members of Congress who support the federal community. The PAC works for you by building strong relationships with lawmakers and providing NARFE with additional opportunities to share our most pressing concerns. NARFE-PAC is financed through your direct, voluntary contributions to a separate fund. Federal law prohibits NARFE-PAC from soliciting contributions from anyone other than NARFE members and the immediate family of these individuals. Any contribution received from any other person will be returned to the contributor. (source narfe.org).

You can contribute to NARFE – PAC using the contribution form found in the monthly NARFE Magazine or by sending a check made out to NARFE – PAC, to our Post Office Box. The address is: NARFE, PO Box 4592, Spokane, WA 99220.

LEGISLATION Roger Bosky

My wish was that I could report a resolution to the government shut down was reached, however, we have a temporary resolution.

On the positive side, HR82 (Government Pension Offset - Windfall Elimination Provision) now has 294 co-sponsors, meaning that there’s a better chance for the bill to be passed. However, the House Republicans seem focused on reducing the budget, rather than healing harms. There are also a few other GPO/WEP bills in the House dealing with the issue in other ways.

The President has proposed a 5.2% pay raise for Federal employees, and it looks like retirees will get a 3.3 % cost of living increase. This morning OPM announced that our health benefits will increase, on average, 7.7%, only 1% lower than last year’s 8.7%.

PAST VICE PRESIDENT Arlene Patton

Chapter 32’s membership remains solid. To date there is a total of 455 members (225 Chapter and 220 national only). A special thanks to those members that promptly renewed their membership. However, we need to take every opportunity to recruit new members. The upcoming 2023 Federal health benefit fairs are always an opportunity to solicit new members. The schedule of the local health fairs will be listed below soon.

During our September 11th Chapter meeting and 73rd year-of-service celebration, three members were recognized for the valuable service they have provided to the Chapter. Those presented with a “Citation for Distinguished Service” were:

Lois Pace – joined NARFE 12/1/1981 – a 42-year NARFE and Chapter 32 member. Lois served as an officer and on many Chapter committees. She and her husband Dwight were also very supportive of the Federation. In 1999 Lois and Dwight recognized the need for NARFE to connect more with the community and the federal workforce. Recognizing that need, they created the Pre-Retirement Seminar training sessions. This annual event helps the Chapter to raise funds, dedicated to off-set leadership development costs and is a great recruitment opportunity.
Harry Lippencott – joined NARFE 11/18/1999 – a 24-year NARFE and Chapter 32 member. Harry has been a “behind the scenes” active member for several years. His assistance with the monthly newsletter and other published information is invaluable.
Phillip Moyle – joined NARFE om 12/22/1999 – a 24-year NARFE and Chapter 32 member. Phil served as an officer, director and provided valuable assistance during Washington State Federation conferences hosted by Chapter 32 and held in Spokane. He also helped coordinate the required annual audits of Chapter 32’s financial records.

Also, revised Chapter 32 Bylaws were approved to go forward to the Chapter members. The final vote on the revised bylaws will go before the full membership during the October 9th meeting. The proposed bylaws are posted on the Chapters website under Members, then Documents and Social Media. Please review and be prepared to vote.

Contact Information: Email apatton1202@comcast.net or call 509-747-1589

WEBSITE Chris Smith

Please contact me at finesse.minds_0j@icloud.com if you find any errors or have any pictures or pertinent articles that may be of interest to members via the website.

SUNSHINE Susan Harvey

Autumn greetings from Ohio. The leaves are changing in Ohio, in the Washington Cascades, and along the Oregon Coast. Now is the time to winterize your gardens, homes, and ourselves.

Happy Birthday and Anniversary wishes to our October celebrants.

The following members have been added to the Headquarters Memorial Roll for our Chapter: Catherine Worstell, Terry Willson, Mary Hansen, June Dittmer, Virla Steffen, Jack Springer, William Selzer, Ellen Macnamara, Howard Platter. Many condolences to their families.

Scott Robinson is continuing the search for several committee chairs. Contact him if you are a member interested in serving our Chapter. REMINDER, spouses can be members on their own OR can take over the membership of a deceased member.

If you become aware of good news, illnesses, surgeries, or a death of a member or family member, please contact me at 509-953-6828.

SERVICE & OUTREACH Kathy Brooks

We are looking for ways to reach active employees of the government agencies in our area. If you have ideas, please share them with us.

NARFE is more than just a great magazine. Let them know! Promote NARFE anytime you can. The more members we have the more power to protect our benefits and retirement!

NARFE = YOUR BEST BET FOR THE FUTURE!

Spokane Washington Chapter 32 PO Box 4592 Spokane, WA 99220

SPOKANE SERVICE CENTER

Narfe0032@gmail.com

509-954-6719

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association 32

NARFE on the Web: National: www.narfe.org WSF: www.narfewa.org

Spokane: www.narfespokane.org