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National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Pennsylvania Federation of Chapters

May 2014 www.narfepa.org Editor: James Brookes

Federation Newsletter is available online at www.narfepa.org The following members receive the Pennsylvania Federation Newsletter: Chapter President, Chapter Vice President, Chapter Secretary, Chapter Treasurer, Chapter Secretary/Treasurer, Chapter Membership Chair, Chapter Service Officer, Federation President, Federation Vice Presidents, Federation Secretary, Federation Treasurer, Federation District Vice Presidents, Federation appointed positions, Federation Immediate Past President, Region II Vice President, National Office, PA Congressional Members.

By: MARIA RITZMAN Federation President

President’s Report

The PA Federation Convention was a great success and we have a talented Ex-ecutive Board to lead us for the next two years. These will be exciting years as NARFE and our Fed-eration go through “change.”

Even doing nothing at the National Convention will result in some type of change because our infrastructure has already changed. Ten (10) Regions have been reduced to five (5) and PA is in the largest of the five Regions with only one (1) Vice President servicing all of the States. That will be a huge job which will change how we currently work with the Regional Vice President.

Hopefully, Elimination of Mandatory Chapter Membership will not pass at this convention, so that National can define a plan and put it in place to fairly treat both chapters and National when new recruits sign up for membership -- right now there is no plan.

What’s the rush? It isn’t broke, so

why change it now? Recruits have two clear choices — join a Local Chapter or join an Electronic Chapter — What is the problem?

Voting Delegates, remember to support the PA Federation Bylaw Amendment and accompanying resolu-tion that was approved at the PA Feder-ation Convention. It would effectively permit the establishment of statewide chapters and provide for the reassign-ment of the eNARFE members to the statewide chapter in which they live and vote. PA has 900+ members who are assigned to an e-chapter based in VA, but do not have any voice or infor-mation on issues in PA. By being more intimately a part of PA they are entitled to all info on statewide issues that con-cern them as citizens living in the State of PA.

Our Federation has spent a lot of time as has our Region Vice President, Evelyn, and our Convention Guest Speaker, National Secretary Elaine Hughes, discuss the FON (future of NARFE) Report. You have an im-portant vote to make on that report. Throw everything out the window, or save the outline and get feedback, in-clude additional input from other sources and try again in 2016. Because

National Executive Board (NEB) is en-couraging members to adopt in Florida. The first is reduction of Resident National Officers at HQ, from four to two. This would eliminate the current Vice Presi-dent and Secretary positions as cost-savings and administrative streamlining measures. Such will be in keeping with today’s needs and business practices, which are far different than those in place decades ago when these offices were es-tablished. Second is to allow optional chapter membership so individuals can exercise personal freedom to determine the type of involvement they want—as many thriving organizations today do. Of course, chapters that are providing value to their members will continue for years to come, with good continuing as-sistance to help them assure quality ser-vice and support for NARFE’s mission.

(Continued on page 2)

Region II Update will bring much to that role as well. I also salute all the dedicated individuals who stepped up, or down, or continued in leadership positions at the Federation level. What a team! My hat’s off to all of you and to all who produced the fine Convention in York.

The next Convention of note is in Orlando, August 24-28. National Presi-dent Beaudoin tells us that it is one of great importance to NARFE’s long term status. He’s right. Please plan to at-tend. If that is not doable, be sure to have your voice represented via proxy. As has been discussed over the past few months there will be three proposals the

Without a doubt Maria Ritzman did an outstanding job as your Federation President. I join you in celebrating her tenure and wishing her all the best as she heads to her next adventures or (briefly…ha, ha!) puts her feet up. I commend George Shal for taking on the President’s position in PA and know he

By: EVELYN KIRBY Region II Vice President

we know something has to be done and soon.

As you may know, this is my swan song — my two consecutive terms end July 1, 2014. I am happy to hand this Federation over to George Shal who is an excellent choice for Federation President. He has the knowledge of legislation and membership, but also something other Federation Presidents have not had -- knowledge and skill with the internet and social media. He is the perfect person at the right time.

As I look back to my first article, four years ago, I had goals to increase membership, but also to try new ideas and new incentives. We didn’t increase membership, but we did try a few new ideas and instituted incentives to help chapters a bit to attend some of our func-tions. The elusive “silver bullet” to in-creasing membership was not mine to find.

Art and I have made many new and lasting friends and enjoyed our time visiting all of you and we thank you for your hospitality.

Warm wishes and God Bless. * * * * *

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By: GEORGE SHAL Federation 1st Vice President

The raw membership numbers for the PA Federation over the last two years:

Most of what we knew about membership activities and reports, or thought we knew,

just a couple of years ago has changed. And what hasn’t changed yet will likely be changed over the next several years. Starting with the great tools of the Online Activities Module (OAM) and carrying over to the steamroller sound of the Future of NARFE, change is everywhere and it is coming even faster.

So, what is going on? A lot of things are happening. To start, thousands of members nationwide were determined to have died and their records were purged from the rolls in several batches over a period of a couple of months last year. Membership counts across the country reflected steep drops. Once adjusted on the national level, membership activity could then be more closely reviewed to determine the scope and effect of membership recruitment and reten-tion efforts.

While traditional chapter membership generally continued to decline, e-NARFE membership grew rapidly and is approaching 10% of the total membership. Aggressive reenrollment efforts at the national level are often credited with getting many members to

(Continued on page 3)

Date Voting members PA Div. of eNARFE not included

May 2012 14,054 174

May 2013 12,730 606

March 2014 11,662 974 (as of 5/1/ 2014)

office include our 2VP-Legislation, Bill Hurrle, our long term Treasurer, Stanley Ostwinch, and our District 6 Vice Presi-dent, Bill Rozier. These officers each contributed many hours of service each week towards the betterment of NARFE and the support to its members. Again, our thanks go out to them and we remain in their debt for all they have done for NARFE. As volunteers, they led with their hearts and not an outstretched palm. They are the Heartbeat of NARFE.

Your new Federation Executive Board needs your continued support, es-pecially as NARFE completes its self-study and further defines it future.

The following are the officers elected for the two year term starting July 1, 2014: President - George Shal 1st Vice President - Richard Cellino 2nd Vice President - Philip Goldstein Treasurer - James Brookes Secretary - Virginia Giordano District 1 Vice President - Betty Robinson District 2 Vice President - Mary Eill District 3 Vice President - John Shutack District 4 Vice President - Raymond Hain District 5 Vice President - Judy Fulton District 6 Vice President - Joseph Saber District 7 Vice President - Lawrence Palecek

* * * * *

Lastly, Orlando delegates will see a resolution for the National Executive Board to continue to develop ideas to im-prove NARFE for the long haul. What is not to like about this? It would foster open dialog and consideration of the Fu-ture of NARFE Committee recommenda-tions the NEB generally endorsed several months ago AND signal support for the NEB to continue reaching out for helpful ideas on how we can evolve successfully. We cannot keep operating as we have been and hope to attract members and have the income we need to function. We

need to do constant, viable strategic plan-ning, keep more focus on mission, update administrative processes and structure, and, of course, increase membership and revenues. All constructive ideas are wel-comed, and all topics would be and are on the table for stakeholder (your) considera-tion. Remember, the Committee recom-mendations are springboards-- starting places, not foregone conclusions. The only decisions made have been to commit to long-overdue strategic planning, to a branding study; e.g., marketing, or how to ‘sell’ NARFE and its value to new mem-bers and others, and to reduce from ten Regions to five. The regional streamlin-ing allows us to redirect funds to our must-do priorities of growing membership and strengthening advocacy. A YES vote on the resolution to continue to work on Fu-ture NARFE and to develop constructive proposals for the 2016 National Conven-tion can assure NARFE excels as THE voice for civilian Federal workers and retirees for a long time.

* * * * *

(Continued from page 1 - Region II Update)

New Federation

Executive Board

Several new Federation officers were elected at the Convention in York, PA. Term limits and self-directed “retirements” precipitated changes to the Federation Executive Board that will assume its two year term of office on July 1, 2014.

Maria Ritzman, our current Federa-tion President, has been our extremely effective voice, especially at the national level of NARFE, during her two terms in office. Her steady hand and calm demeanor have guided us well these last four years. Maria worked tirelessly to strengthen NARFE leadership at the Chapter level and rose to the challenge of making numerous tough calls. The term limit provisions of our Bylaws mandate that Maria now accept the im-portant mentoring role as Immediate Past President of the Federation. Ever helpful, Maria will ensure that her Fed-eration and its chapters continue to suc-ceed. Each of us owes Maria our thanks and appreciation for a job well done. Thank you, Maria!

Leaders “retiring” after this term of

NARFE PA Federa�on Ser-

vice Center

Eugene C. Clark, Jr.,

Community Center

235 South Third Street, Room B3

Chambersburg, PA

(717) 264-6183

Open Thursdays,

10:00 AM TO 1:00 PM

Membership Report

“We cannot keep operating as

we have been and hope to

attract members and have the

income we need to function.”

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Legislative Update return to NARFE. There was a bit of fallout from these efforts, however. Many chap-ter officers complained that “their members” were being raided and recruited into the lower cost e-Chapter. This view was supported, on its face, because a lapsed member would retain the original member ID. Since that member was last affiliated with a spe-cific chapter, sometimes several years ago, the newly reinstated member would appear back on the chapter’s rolls and then be listed as a transfer to e-NARFE. It was a record keeping transaction, not a raiding party. At least, this was the case with reinstatements of lapsed members.

As an aside, many of the e-NARFE members brought back to NARFE would not have been able to join the e-Chapter initially without providing an email address. Yet, 36% of the PA Division of e-NARFE members do not have an email address listed with Headquarters. They cannot be contacted by email! This is just one of the curious quirks of the last couple of years. In our traditional chapters, only 26% of the members have a listed email address. Still, nearly 98% of these chapter members with email ad-dresses have signed up for the NARFE GEMS reports and receive up-to-the-minute news from Headquarters.

While membership totals continue to steadily fall, the overall rate of decline con-tinues to slow year after year. Restoring membership levels is a critical need. With new marketing, initial recruiting of potential members has seemingly focused more on the e-Chapter. Chapter recruiting efforts provide the best answer for maintaining the strength of the local chapters and, likely, the future of NARFE.

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(Continued from page 2)

By: WILLIAM E. HURRLE, SR Federation 2nd Vice President

By: BEVERLY PETERS Federation Scholarship Program Chair

Did you know? The Pennsylvania Federation strongly supported the recent Symposium in Gettysburg by providing supplies and several of the presenters. Further, the Federation reimbursed over $5,300 for registration fees and extended travel costs that were allocated to the twenty attending chapters. Also, the Pennsylvania Federation mailed a $200 check to each chapter that sent a voting delegate to the Federation Convention in York, PA. Thirty two chapters sent voting delegates to the Convention, resulting in total payments of $6,400 to those Chapters by your Federation.

A question asked at the recent PA Convention:

Q. “Why does NARFE have to approve my cancelling Dues Withholding?” A. NARFE is the authorized processor for Dues Withholding for OPM and will forward the form on to OPM without delay. There is no “approval” by NARFE required. When you do start Dues Withholding, NARFE will send you a new mem-bership card that reflects your new status. While the information you get with the card says “This is your PERMANENT Dues Withholding Card,” the word PERMANENT applies to the card, not your enrollment in Dues Withholding! You may cancel Dues Withholding at any time. The decision to start or stop Dues Withholding is up to you, the Member. Remember, there is a $10 incentive for signing up for Dues Withholding through the Federation. Dues Withholding will save you 15% of your national dues each year and only a small amount is paid each month.

As this is my last article for the newsletter, I leave you with good news, sort of. The Postal Reform Bill, S1486, is stalled in the Senate at this time. Many amendments have been offered and that has slowed the process.

Chained-CPI is not be-ing mentioned. However H4202, CPI-E, has drawn some support. We need to push this even though it will not get very far. The old adage “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” still holds true. CPI-E has been calculated for sever-al years but never used to formulate our COLAs.

The summer recess for Congress will be coming in the month of August as usual and is the time to meet your Legis-lators. Take advantage of this period when they are in the Home Districts. Build relationships with the Legislator and their staff members, this will help you.

THANK YOU to all of you who have worked with and supported me in the past. We have accomplished much. Please support Phil Goldstein like you supported me as we can accomplish a great deal if we work together.

* * * * *

Are you going to the

National Convention in Orlando?

Is your chapter being represented at the National Convention in Orlando by a chapter member?

If not, be sure to have your chapter represented by proxy. You can do this online at NARFE.ORG.

Contact your District VP for help in assigning a proxy to your chapter. * * * * *

At our recent Federation Convention in York, Pennsylvania it was my pleasure to per-sonally meet two of our scholarship evaluators: Joan Shal (Chapter #372) and Mary Eill (aisle) (Chapter #377). Both represent young, enthusiastic members of NARFE.

It is that time again. Soon the schol-arship applications will be ready to be judged. Both these ladies mentioned above are from Region II. Our working group at the present time includes: Lorna Cuevas-Region III (Chapter #412); Jane Adams- Delp-Region IV (Chapter #1063) and June Montgomery- Region VI (Chapter #657). Notice this committee seems to be lacking MALE members. If you (male or female) would be inter-ested in reading scholarship applications,

please contact me at 717-263-5553 or bgpeters@centurylink.net

NARFE/SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

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By: GEORGE SHAL President Elect

Alzheimer’s

By: DIXIE LEE GASPER Alzheimer Chairperson

District 1 Activity

As our 2013-2014 Alzheimer’s cam-paign is coming to a close on June 30, 2014, I’d like to say THANK YOU to all the chapters who par-ticipates in making it a success.

Our state convention is now behind us and I had the opportunity to meet several chapter Alzheimer’s chair-persons. You are taking it very seriously by doing something within your chapters to earn money to help research for a cure of this terrible disease. Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death and has no age limit on who can get it.

There is help for you or someone in your family, but it’s best if you look for early signs and discuss it with the family doctor.

When I gave a short talk at the con-vention to the NARFE members in at-tendance, I reported as of May 4, 2014 that we collected the following:

July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013 32 Chapters participated = $9,890.95

July 1, 2013 – May 4, 2014 24 Chapters participated = $6,824.95

The good news is that during the convention two more new chapters gave me their donations We had six chapters add to their previous donations. We also had a raffle table with donated prizes, the proceeds for Alzheimer’s research. The tips from the convention’s Hospitality Room were given to Alzheimer’s. For now, the total for this year is $8,482.16. Our goal is $10,000 so you still have time to help meet it.

Just remember, I’m here to help you. Give me a call 717-866-9237 or e-mail dixieg38@comcast.net if you have any questions or suggestions.

* * * * *

National Convention Issues Heating Up

District 1 was well represented at Region II’s Symposium held in Gettysburg, PA. (March 31 – April 1st). As a result of the Symposium ,Chapter 664 (Philadelphia Center Square) now has two co-Service Officers (Kathy Tinney and Rose Ma-rie Gerald). Both ladies have rolled up their sleeves and are providing valuable resources to the Chapter.

Chapter 31 (Philadelphia Center City) Les Powell as Chapter Presi-dent had a wonderful 64th Anniversary celebration. Federation President Maria Ritzman was the guest speaker and many of the Chapters in District 1 sent repre-sentatives. Fun was had by all as many answered the question “What were you doing in 1950?”

Chapter 31 members sadly remembered the passing of their 2nd Vice President/Legislative Chair, Ralph Roebuck which occurred just weeks before the Anniversary celebration.

District 1 members were well represented on Committees during the PA Federation Convention in York, PA (May 4-7) to name a few, Wallace Robinson, President of Chapter 1384 (Montgomery County) was the Chair of the Audit Committee and Neil Dougherty, President of Chapter 404 (Delaware County) also served on the Audit Com-mittee. Les Powell, Chapter 31 served as Chair of the General Resolutions Committee and Frances Upshaw, Chapter 664 also served on the General Resolutions Committee.

Chapter 1940 (Media) John Scambia is Chapter President and his wife Marie repre-sented the chapter as delegates at the Convention.

Chapter 1287 (Lower Bucks-Levittown) Chuck Schumacher is Chapter President and they are proudly sending a Delegate to the National Convention this year!

Chapter 1384 is busy at work preparing for their Spring luncheon fundraiser on June 4th.

Chapter 1301 (Oxford Circle) Steve Tengood is Chapter President and the Chapter continues to draw a good crowd at Chapter meetings by offering a wide variety of inter-esting guest speakers.

Chapter 664’s Membership Committee continues to utilize the ‘real time’ tools provided by the OAM (Online Activities Module) to attempt to aggressively reinstate dropped members and notify members to renew their membership dues before being dropped!

* * * * *

By: BETTY ROBINSON District 1 Vice President

F7 As a Chapter officer, it is important

that you ensure that your online F7 is up-to-date. The F7 is the Officer Roster for your chapter and its information is main-tained in the Online Activities Module. NARFE uses that list to keep the individ-ual officers informed about specific pro-gram areas; an out-of date listing causes the information to be sent to the wrong individual. Only four Chapter officers (President, Secretary, Secretary-Treasurer, and Membership Chair) and Headquarters Membership staff have per-

missions to update the F7 online. Online changes are effective immediately. If you do not use the OAM to update your Chapter’s F7, you must mail three indi-vidual copies of the paper form: one each to Membership, the Federation Secretary, and the Federation President.

Now, there is another important reason to keep your Chapter’s F7 up to date: individual Chapter Officers can now use the OAM to instantly access the F7 contact information for every other Chapter in the Pennsylvania Fed-eration! With that access, you may eas-ily maintain an information connection with other chapter officers.

The upcoming National Convention is scheduled August 24-28 in Orlando, Flori-da. A number of profound changes are being proposed at this year’s National Convention that will affect the leadership and member requirements for NARFE. Several of these changes are based on the recommendations contained in the Future

(Continued on page 5)

District 1 Delegates at the Federation Convention

York, PA—May 7, 2014

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1st Quarter PA Recruiters Spotlighted.

Are you one of them?

to our traditional chapters could, over time, entice some to join us at regular chapter meetings when their life cir-cumstances permit it.

We encourage your support of the Pennsylvania amendment at the Nation-al Convention in August. The oppor-tunity for all NARFE members to get involved and stay active in our advoca-cy efforts is the true Future of NARFE.

* * * * *

of NARFE Committee (FONc) Report and two proposals are the result of recent actions taken by the National Executive Board.

One Bylaw Amendment expected to be submitted for action is the elimination of the requirement for a NARFE member to be assigned to a Chapter. This particu-lar amendment will result in a lively and perhaps contentious floor discussion since many believe that this will result in the eventual closing of most chapters. Voting on this item is being closely watched as an indicator of the overall general ac-ceptance of the FONc recommendations.

As currently crafted, the FONc changes will also result in the elimination of the state Federation and eventual na-tional office control of the Purse Strings of a paid State Representative designated to replace the Federation’s all volunteer structure. While Chapter membership will remain optional as long as a local chapter exists, each NARFE member will be assigned to a Congressional District Leader. This change is touted as an align-ment better suited for advocacy on na-tional issues as NARFE moves to strengthen its lobbying efforts. There are 18 Congressional Districts in Pennsylva-nia and 47 local NARFE Chapters.

Chapter officers should closely re-view the FONc along with the material being distributed for the National Con-vention. It is essential that each chapter send a voting delegate or to provide for its representation by giving its Proxy Vote to another delegate. Online registra-tion is quick and easy and the Proxy Des-ignation is even easier online. Don’t let your Chapter’s vote go to waste!

Support the Statewide Chapter Amendment

One of the several Bylaw Amend-ments that will be considered at the Na-tional Convention was proposed by the Pennsylvania Federation Board and then approved at the Pennsylvania Convention for submission to the National Conven-tion. This amendment, along with a com-panion Resolution, would effectively per-mit the establishment of statewide chap-ters and then provide for the reassignment of the e-NARFE members to the statewide chapter in which they live and vote. Currently, well over 900 Pennsylva-nians are assigned to an e-Chapter that is actually based in Virginia. These are NARFE members, of course, but they don’t get much of a voice in their home state and certainly don’t hear much about our grass roots advocacy efforts in a time-ly fashion. By being a more intimate part of the Pennsylvania family, these mem-bers would be able to provide greater support to our advocacy efforts on behalf of all NARFE members. Their exposure

(Continued from page 4)

District 3 Happenings

By: JOHN SHUTACK Federation Region 3 Vice President

To all Chapter members in District 3, change has and is occurring. For us, the end of the unusual lengthy and harsh winter weather has been long awaited. Recent warmer weather is most wel-

come, as now we can get back to business. Chapter meetings have re-sumed. Social and member based informational meetings are being scheduled. There has been recent and proposed personnel changes and re-structuring which will affect both Federa-tion and National offices. Change seems to be the order of the day. It is underway and soon a somewhat different picture reflecting personnel changes and scope of activity at all levels of our NARFE organ-ization will be in place. For us and most importantly, all of our Chapters have ei-ther elected or appointed key Chapter of-ficers and thus fulfilled their organization-al responsibilities. To each and every member and on behalf of the officers and staff of the Pennsylvania Federation I wish to extend my sincere thanks and ap-preciation for your involvement and com-

(Continued on page 6)

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By: RICHARD CELLINO District 6 Vice President

their chapter’s 55th anniversary. Federa-tion President, Maria Ritzman, was guest on honor, along with her husband Art. Maria addressed the membership and pre-sented the chapter with a certificate.

On January 5, 2014, I completed my analysis for each chapter’s progress to-ward improving the percentage of their membership on dues withholding and increasing their membership’s percentage with email addresses. All District 6 chap-ters and the District as a whole im-proved in both categories. Chapter 0657, New Castle, continues to lead the way for dues withholding with a whopping 57.67%, an increase of 2.9%. Chapter

1782, Bradford, was second with 45.61% an increase of nearly 5%. Presque Isle-Erie, 0143, followed with 37.36% an in-crease of 4.7%. Chapter 1778 Kinzua-Warren, was next with 35.29%. an in-crease of 5.29%. Chapter 1575 Brookville, was next with 32.25% a 1% improvement. Chapter 2094 Beaver City, improved 0.64% to 25.0%. District 6 overall improved 3.25% form 37.96% to 41.21%. Our members with email im-proved 4.24% to 28.48%, and our total active members fell to 7.2%.

I visited chapter 1778 Kinzua-Warren on February 18, 2014. Unfortunately, there was another winter storm which impacted their attendance, but they had a good meeting with the CEO of the local hospital providing and excellent program tracing the impact of Medicare and Medi-caid on their costs and operations.

January, February and March were a very busy time. We had two chapter pres-idents resign from office. Chapter 1575, North Central Brookville, and 1556 Alle-gheny-Kiski experienced a lot of effort and hard work and have made a relatively smooth transition. Vanlier Curll is the new president of Chapter 1575, Edward Hale is the new treasurer, and Janet Maines agreed to stay on as secretary. As for Chapter 1556, Mrs. June Reyes is the new president, and Ruth Nelson is the new secretary. The existing Vice Presi-dent, Mary Kreitzer; Treasurer, Elizabeth Bickerstaff; Service Officer, Raymond Kunz; and Chaplin, Adelbert Wygant re-main. Both of these chapters are off to a good start.

* * * * *

I have visited four chapters since my last report. On October 14, 2013, I visit-ed my home Chapter 0143, Presque Isle-Erie. I have attended all their chapter meetings. They had elec-tion of officers and all sit-ting Officers were reelect-ed for another two years. Besides myself being reelected as President; Andy Fair was reelected Vice President; Joe Saber, Secretary; Betsy Baker, Treasurer; and Joe Wasiulewski, Membership Chair-man. The chapter remains active and on top of things. After many years, the chapter voted to change their meeting place from the Siebenbueger Club to Nunzi’s place. On October 12, 2013, I visited Chapter 0657, New Castle-Mercer County, who were celebrating

mitment to our NARFE organization. You are one of many who have graciously and effectively served this organization in the past and for many will continue to serve in the future. Your efforts have not been unnoticed. It is your involvement that establishes the foundation we stand upon today and look forward to enhance for tomorrow.

There are many that must be recog-nized for their efforts. But for now, let’s go forward with the future. In the Pike-Wayne, Chapter 2259 we have Jeanette, Kathleen, Karan Ann, Lorna, Ruth Jane, Robert and Walter representing and an-choring down the Northeastern portion of our state. Great work here. Noteworthy, Lorna is fulfilling yeoman’s duties by also serving in a critically needed officer posi-tion in the Scranton Chapter. Also shar-ing the Northeast portion of the state, which has a major Federal facility in the area is Pocono Chapter 1189. Newly elected officers: John, Oscar, Joan, Albert, Clyde, Joseph, William and Charles are in key Chapter positions. Super group here. We are looking forward to making recruit-ment inroads in this area. Further west, we have one of the first Chapters to be established in our State. It is the Pocono Chapter 129. Phyllis, Carroll, Henry, and along with Lorna are performing excep-tional duties in fulfilling the mandate and carry forth with the Chapter affairs. As we go further west, we find the Greater Pittston Chapter 1723, with John, Salva-tore, Virginia, Gerald, Elizabeth, and Margaret having key office positions and are performing exceptional service in ad-vancing the mission of NARFE. In somewhat the central area of our District is the Wilkes-Barre Chapter 342, which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. This Chapter along with the Greater Pittston Chapter has three major Federal facilities in the immediate area, in which we are looking forward to making recruit-ment inroads. The Wilkes-Barre Chapter has Jackson, Joann and myself to carry forth with all responsibilities. A special thanks to Jackson and Joann for staying the course and keeping this Chapter in a viable condition. As we drift further west, we have another outstanding Chapter, the Susquehanna Valley Chapter 1646. The newly elected President, Ken, along with past president Joseph and fellow officers David and Harvey have continually demonstrated the commitment and wili-ness to serve, as do all of our officers. Again doing yeoman’s duties by also serving as the Federation officer for statis-tical analysis and special projects is Da-vid. Your efforts are well appreciated. The furthest Western Chapter in our Dis-trict is the Williamsport Chapter 412. This is another super and exceptionally

(Continued from page 5) well run and administered Chapter. Gerry, along with Opal, James G, Ro-sanne, Andrew and James E have con-tinually performed in an exceptional manner. This Chapter has set the bar high for all to follow.

There is unequivocaly the realiza-tion that all of our Chapter officers have the commitment and wiliness to serve to advance the best interest of our NARFE organization. However, with all Chap-ters, there is deep concern regarding low Chapter attendance and falling member-ship. There are some major proposed organizational changes soon to be voted on and hopefully enacted, that will ad-dress these outstanding issues. We all are profoundly grateful and fortunate to have had the stewardship of Maria. She must step down due to term limitations. Thank you Maria for your kind, personal and effective leadership. The Federation will also lose Officers William Hurrle, Stanley Ostwinch and William Rozier, whom for compelling personal reasons cannot continue to hold office. Special thanks to all. However, we are looking forward to working with our newly ap-pointed officers, George, Richard, Phil-ip, Virginia, and James. All of the officers in District 3 have indi-cated that they will stand and holdfast to their commitment to preserve, enhance and always safeguard the purpose of the NARFE organization. There exists a strong “spirit de corps” throughout our District. All indications are that it will remain.

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District 6 Report

“...District 6 chapters

and the District as a

whole improved…”

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Ch

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Mem

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Rep

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NARFE PA FEDERATION TREASURER’S REPORT

1/1/14—3/31/14

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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID HARRISBURG, PA PERMIT NO. 106

NARFE PA Federation of Chapters 5380 Joshua Rd. Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Pennsylvania Federation Newsletter May 2014

President Maria Ritzman 441 Mill Bridge Drive Lebanon, PA 17042-9413 717-270-1119 maria745@comcast.net Secretary Virginia Giordano 1324 Georgetown Circle Carlisle, PA 17013-3578 717-243-3673 virginia.giordano@comcast.net DVP-2 Mary L. Eill 1313 Broadview E. Downingtown, PA 19335-3601 610-269-9780 mary.eill@hotmail.com DVP-5 Vacant Alzheimer Chairperson Dixie Gasper 1300 E Kercher Ave, Lot #80 Myerstown, PA 17067-2907 717-866-9237 dixieg38@comcast.net Statistical Analysis & Special Projects David Robertson 5 Barberry Court Danville, PA 17821-8458 570-275-2965 robertsony@inbox.com

1st Vice-President George Shal 1410 Cortez Road Blue Bell, PA 19422-3670 610-272-0518 geoshal@gmail.com Treasurer Stanley Ostwinch 107 Johnson Drive Butler, PA 16001-1628 724-283-0669 ostwinch@pa.net DVP-3 John B. Shutack 421 Larchmont Way Mountain Top, PA 18707-2050 570-678-7634 shutackj@outlok.com DVP-6 Richard Cellino 5851 Jordan Road Erie, PA 16510-4631 814-897-0208 rich09rich@juno.com Editor & Webmaster James Brookes 5380 Joshua Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-7222 717-737-9850 jbrookes@comcast.net Scholarship Program Chair Beverly Peters 1103 Westgate Drive Chambersburg, PA 17201-2979 717-263-5553 bgpeters@centurylink.net

2nd Vice-President William Hurrle 60 Hurrle Drive Lewis Run, PA 16738-2102 814-362-7770 grandparosie73@atlanticbb.net DVP-1 Betty Robinson 424 Tulpehocken Avenue Elkins Park, PA 19027-1641 215-884-0564 phillybetty@gmail.com DVP-4 Raymond Hain 10 Circle Drive Carlisle, PA 17013-8895 717-249-3906 hain81914@aol.com DVP-7 William Rozier 191 Taylor Avenue Johnstown, PA 15906-4314 814-536-2168 wrozier@atlanticbb.net Immediate Past President Anthony Filardi 2124 Parklyn Street Pittsburgh, PA 15234-2961 412-881-5913 anthonytony@verizon.net

Federation Elected and Appointed Officers

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