Minnesota Happenings

No information pending at this time.

I hope you have plans to attend the State Convention for the 90th Anniversary Celebration at the Bigwood Convention & Event Center in Fergus Falls on May 24th – 26th. It would be great if there could be representation from all 27 chapters at the convention. The Convention promises to be an exciting, fun, and rewarding experience. It will be your opportunity to meet the National President, Joe Beaudoin and our new Field Vice President, Carol Ek. There are some new items on the convention agenda. They are: complimentary anniversary cake, coffee, and tea at registration; a Legislative Town Hall; a Presidents meeting; and computer training. The Host Chapters, Lake Region—Fergus Falls and Vikingland—Alexandria are convinced you will enjoy the convention. The program is on the Minnesota NARFE Web site www.mn-narfe.org under the heading Minnesota Happenings under State Convention.

Below are listed some items to take care of immediately if they have not already been addressed and completed.

• Registration: If you have not made your reservation for the state convention, please do so today. Send a reservation form to the Best Western 925 Western Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 with a copy to Mary Ann Kelly 4613 66th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55431. Your chapter secretary has the forms. The form is also on the Minnesota Web Site under Minnesota Happenings under State Convention www.mn-narfe.org.


• Deceased Member List: Submit the deceased chapter members list to Carolyn Billing immediately. 1501 College Way Apt 202, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 or via E-mail carolynbilling@charter.net. This is important because the deceased members will be listed in a Memorial Folder which will be prepared and printed in advance of the convention for you to take home and keep.


• STAR Award Nominations: Select and write up your nominations for the STAR Award nominations. Every chapter has outstanding members who do great things for NARFE. Honor them at the state convention by preparing and sending your nominations to Mary Burkett by the end of the month. 10464 181st Lane NW, Elk River, MN 55330. Spending a little extra effort now will pay great dividends in your chapter’s future.


• Alzheimer’s Report: Send your Alzheimer’s Report to Helen Reedy 1799 Laurel Ave, St. Paul, MN 55330 at least three weeks prior to the convention so your numbers can count towards the chapter tabulations for the year and are reported at the State Convention. Alzheimer’s donations cannot be taken from chapter dues.


• PAC Contributions: PAC is extremely important this year. 2011 may bring changes to our retirement financial situation that would be detrimental to all of us. You investment can be mailed prior to the convention by May 15th to Art Lemke 4557 Kirkwood Circle St. Paul, MN 55123 or given to him at the convention. The form is on the Minnesota Web Site under Minnesota Happenings under State Convention www.mn-narfe.org. It was also in your last Newsletter. For every $20.00 invested you will have a chance to win great prizes and will receive a 2011-2012 PAC pin. You do not need to attend the convention in order to participate. Remember, PAC funds cannot be taken from chapter dues.


• Proxy Voting: If no one from the chapter is attending the state convention request a proxy form from Mary Ann Kelly and select a chapter to carry your proxy votes. Check with Mary Ann for the details.


• Officer Elections: There will be election of officers on Wednesday of the convention. Come prepared to vote on the slate of officers. If you are interested in running for an office send a resume ASAP to Mary Burkett, Immediate Past President at 10464 181st Lane NW, Elk River, MN 55330 or mburkett1@mindspring.com.


• Resolutions: There are four proposed by-law resolutions that will be discussed and voted upon at the State Convention. Study them carefully and discuss at your next chapter meeting. Your convention delegates need to know how the informed chapter members want them to vote on the issues. I will try to explain the facts so you are able to make informed decisions and vote responsibly. If you have questions please contact me at carolynbilling@charter.net.


1. Combining the Constitution & Bylaws into One Document: This resolution was written by the Federation at the request of Headquarters. There are no changes in content except that the constitution and bylaws will be one document instead of two.


2. Combining District 3 and District 5: This resolution was written by the Federation. This was done because there currently are fewer chapters in District 5; there will be one chapter in the district closing; it was requested by the chapters involved; and it will save the Federation money. The Federation believes one Field Officer can handle both districts effectively.


3. Reducing the Per Capita from 8% to 5%: This resolution was written by the Federation. The Federation Officers felt it would be advantageous to the chapters to reduce the per capita from 8% to 5% since the Federation would be receiving a larger rebate from Headquarters. The 8% per capita and the 10% Rebate of the new dues withholding rate would generate more income ($6.12 instead of the current $4.43). Reducing the per capita from 8% to 5% gives the Federation less per capita income of 27 cents per member. However, because the 10% rebate is higher ($2.46 to $3.40), the Federation will have an increase in revenue from the 2010 levels at $5.10 or 15% (3.40 plus $1.70) instead of the 2010 level of $4.43 ($2.46 plus $1.97). The Federation Board thinks it is necessary to have the extra income of 67 cents per member in order to conduct Federation business effectively, and the chapters would not be adversely affected.


4. Reducing the Per Capita from 8% to 4%: This resolution was written by the Bemidji Chapter #1049. The thinking behind this resolution was that the Chapters and the Federation should receive approximately the same percent of increase due to the dues increase; the chapters should not lose money because of the dues increase; and the 4% per capita would be the fairest to both the Federation and the Chapters. They determined the chapter would have less money to operate if the per capita remained at 8%. An example of a chapter having $10.00 dues would have 75 cents or 9.3% less money to run chapter business using the 8% figure. Using the same $10.00 chapter dues and a 4% per capita rate the Chapter would receive 7.6% increase in revenue and the Federation would receive 7.4% increase in revenue from the 2010 levels.

Think about the above resolutions. Be sure to weigh all the options and possibilities. Come to the convention prepared to vote on them. Keep in mind the following:

• To change the by-laws a 2/3 majority vote is needed.


• If both the 4% and the 5% per capita reduction resolutions fail to receive the required 2/3 majority votes, the per capita will remain at 8%.


• Chapter delegates represent the chapter membership and should cast their vote accordingly.


• John Schmidt, Federation President stated in the recent Federation Bulletin some numbers which indicates the Federation will lose money reducing the per capita from the 8% figure to the 5% or 4% figure. If you should have any questions, comments, or need clarification contact him at schmidt1@prtel.com. .


• John Hurlbert, Bemidji Chapter Membership Vice President recently mailed the chapter presidents a letter explaining the Bemidji Chapter’s reasoning for the per capita reduction to 4% and gave projections at the 8%, 5%, and 4% per capita figures. He indicated both the Federation and the Chapters will show a percent of increase in revenue at both the 4% and the 5% rate. If you have any questions, comments, or need clarification contact John at jhurlbrt@paulbunyan.net.

If you should have any questions concerning the state convention contact Carolyn Billing at (218) 736-5843, carolynbilling@charter.net, or 1501 College Way Apt 202, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.

See you at the 46th Annual Minnesota State Convention, our 90th Anniversary Celebration.

Empower 2011 Take Control of Your Future NARFE’s 90th Anniversary Celebration 2011 State Convention (pdf file)

46TH ANNUAL MN STATE CONVENTION PROGRAM (pdf file)

2011 Minnesota State Convention Reservation Form (pdf file)

Clayton Olson, Treasurer
John Schmidt, President
Frank Blake, Legislative Vice President
Mary Burkett, Membership Vice President
Mary Ann Kelly Secretary,

District 6 Chapter Meeting Information

Bemidji #1049
Chapter meets on the Fourth Wednesday of each month except November and December are combined and is scheduled for the first Wednesday in December.
Joe Butler joe_butler02@hotmail.com (218)586-2524
Lunch 11:30 am Meeting follows American Legion Bemidji

Detroit Lakes #1842
Chapter meets on the Second Wednesday during the months of April through December. No meeting January through March.
Ginny Weston aldercy@arvig.net (218)847-6483
Lunch 12:00 Noon Meeting 1:00 pm Holiday Inn Detroit Lakes

Lake Region~Fergus Falls #1207
Chapter meets on the Second Monday of each month at the Senior Center in Fergus Falls. The September meeting is the District Meeting at the Bigwood Convention Center. The October meeting is a Federal holiday.
Harvey Hirning Jhirning@prtel.com (218)747-2057
Lunch 12:00 Noon Meeting 12:45 pm Senior Center Fergus Falls

Thief River Falls #2328
Chapter meets on the Third Wednesday during the months of February, May, June, August, and September.
Karen Thygeson kmdt@mncable.net (218)681-0334
Lunch 11:45 am Meeting 12:30 pm Heritage Center (Senior Center) Thief River Falls

Vikingland~ Alexandria #2213
Chapter meets on the Third Thursday of every other month during the months of February, April, June, August, October, and December. Sometimes the December meeting is canceled.
Pete Nordstrom pandj@runestone.net (320)246-3245
Lunch 1:00 pm Meeting 2:00 pm Traveler’s Inn Alexandria

Lake Region~Fergus Falls Chapter #1207 held their chapter meeting at the Senior Center on February 14th. John Schmidt called the meeting to order with five members present in the absence of both the president and vice president.

Minutes & Treasurer’s Report:
The minutes of the January 10th meeting were read and approved. Four additional members arrived following the reading of the minutes. The treasurer’s report was read and filed for audit.

Alzheimer’s & PAC:
Voluntary donations were accepted for PAC and Alzheimer’s fund.

Reports:
Carolyn Billing gave a membership report on the Fergus Falls Chapter and District 6 and congratulated the membership for a job well done. She informed the group that District 6 was again among the elite this year because no chapter in the district lost membership. Eleven of the 27 chapters in Minnesota showed no loss in membership and all five chapters in the district can make this claim. The District had a 7.3% increase in membership. The Fergus Falls Chapter had a 10.3% membership increase.

Carolyn and John talked about legislation and the importance of contacting congressional leaders, staying alert to what is happening in congress, and to take action when requested. This is going to be a tough year for the Federal retirees and employees. John also shared information on the Legislative Training Conference, March 5-8th, which he plans to attend. Compensation was offered but Schmidt declined preferring that the funds be used for members to attend the state convention.

John Schmidt will promote NARFE membership at an area NRCS meeting next week.

State Convention:
Discussion focused on the State Convention, May 24-26th, in Fergus Falls. It was reported that John Schmidt, Darrell Strand, and Ken Rose met with Cris Kling at Otter Tail Power regarding an Energy Outlook presentation at the convention. Brian Draxton will likely be the presenter, if his schedule permits.

Ken Rose shared the letter sent to local banks and credit unions requesting a recommended $30.00 donation to cover the costs for complimentary coffee and cake in observance of NARFE’s 90th anniversary.

Carolyn Billing reported on the developments concerning the convention and that most things were in place. She indicated that everyone should plan to attend the convention and that reservations should be made by the next chapter meeting. She informed the group that we were very fortunate to have the National President, Joe Beaudoin as the keynote speaker and Barb Pretzer, the National and Region V Alzheimer’s Chairman. Carolyn also indicated that workers will be needed on Monday prior to the convention to put file folders together and on Tuesday and Wednesday morning for the registration.

Adjournment: 1:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Giese, Acting Secretary

The December meeting of NARFE Chapter 1842 was called to order on December 8th at 1:03 pm by irginia Weston at the Detroit Lakes, MN Holiday Inn.

Six members were present. Since there was not a quorum present no business was conducted. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited

The Secretary’s report was read. The Treasurer’s report was read. There was no report from the Service Officer or the Legislative Officer. There was nothing to report from membership. Sick and distressed chairman sent three cards and one thank you was received.

The State Convention was discussed. The attending delegates will be Gordon Shafer, Donald Varenhorst, Leonard Hanson, and Virginia Weston. Don McGuire will be the alternate delegate. Susan Flom will also be attending. The past practice is to pay $100.00 for members attending the convention. Because the convention is located in Fergus Falls this spring, money will be paid to cover meals. Those attending will cover their own registration.

The minutes of the NARFE National Executive Board November 2010 meeting were passed out.

The Alzheimer’s drawing was won by Leonard Hanson.

The next meeting will be April 13, 2011 at the Holiday Inn.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Flom, Secretary

Chapter 2328 NARFE
February 16, 2011
Heritage Center - Thief River Falls

The meeting was called to order by President Karen Thygeson at noon on February 16, 2011 in the meeting room of the Heritage Center in Thief River Falls. Present were: Karen Thygeson, Ray Berg, Lucille Haugen, Art Buringrud, Frances Fanfulik and Janet Berg.

Minutes of the last meeting were approved as read by Ray Berg. Treasurers report was read and filed for audit. Verona Poolman had made contact with members encouraging them to attend the meeting. We have seven new members since our last meeting.

Frances Fanfulik moved the local chapter endorse Karen Thygeson for Federation Secretary; seconded and carried. President Thygeson discussed the upcoming State Convention to be held May 24-26 in Fergus Falls. She encouraged all to attend and a sheet was passed around to sign up for committee duties. One of the highlights of the convention is a visitation from our National President. Frances Fanfulik moved to have Ray Berg and Verona Poolman as delegates to Convention; seconded and carried. Alternates are Frances Fanfulik, Janet Berg and Karen Thygeson. State Convention will be discussed more at our next meeting.

Correspondence was reviewed. Discussion on our latest Gem’s message regarding “Protect America’s Heartbeat”. President Thygeson discussed this message and encouraged all to take action by sending emails to our two Senators and Representative. It was noted how important it is for our members to stay on top of what is happening in Congress and take action to preserve the benefits we have. The Quarterly News was discussed; and our Chapter agreed to go ‘Paperless’ with our reports to save money. NARFE-PAC was discussed; donations would be submitted by individuals.

Discussion on holding more monthly meetings because we need to stay on top of legislative issues regarding our benefits and items that are important to us. Janet Berg moved to meet on April 20th; seconded and carried. We have booked the meeting room at the Heritage Center for the 3rd Wednesday of each month and will decide later which months we will not meet; hoping this works for our membership.

Ray Berg moved to adjourn the meeting at 2:15; seconded and carried.

Janet Berg, Acting Secretary

The Thief River Falls Chapter # 2328 met on September 15, 2010; lunch at 11:45 followed by a business meeting at 12:15. The members present were Karen Thygeson, Ray Berg, Janet Berg, Frances Fanfulik, Lucille Haugen, Verona Poolman, and Carolyn Billing. The president Karen Thygeson called the meeting to order with a silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. President Thygeson thanked Carolyn for coming to our meeting.

Officer Installation:
Carolyn Billing, District Field Officer installed the officers. They are Karen Thygeson president, Ray Berg vice president, and Verona Poolman, Secretary-Treasurer.

Reports:
The secretary’s report was read and approved.
The Treasurer’s report was read and filed for audit.
Correspondence was read and reviewed.

Other Business:
The 2011 State Convention information was discussed with decisions on attendance/actions to be made at the February meeting. The year 2011 is NARFE’s 90th Anniversary. The October NARFE Magazine contents were discussed.

Carolyn Billing discussed the importance of retention and recruitment of new members. She indicated that direct deposit of chapter dues checks will take effect January 1, 2011. National dues will increase to $40.00 January 1st. Carolyn indicated that now until December 31st was the time to recruit new members at the old rate. She also indicated that dues withholding was the cheapest and the easiest way to pay membership dues. She encouraged everyone to attend a Health Fair in the area. She believed the closest one for the chapter members would be in Grand Forks. Carolyn reminded everyone of the District Meeting being held in Fergus Falls on Monday, September 27, 2010. Carolyn gave everyone an agenda for the meeting and discussed the happenings of the day. The subjects being covered are recruitment and retention, state budget issues, annuity tax exemption, legislative issues, and health care premiums (open season information). The following members plan to attend, Karen Thygeson, Ray Berg, Janet Berg, Frances Fanfulik, Lucille Haugen, and Verona Poolman. Frances stated she would drive. Janet made a motion to pay $75.00 to the driver and to pay $14.00 to each member attending the meeting. The motion was seconded and carried. The chapter is to bring items to display for a table at the District Meeting.

Everyone received one or two door prizes from conventions and other items that Ray and Janet Berg brought from the 2010 State Convention in Rochester.

The 45th State Convention is on May 24-26, 2011 in Fergus Falls. Carolyn reported the two Host chapters have begun work on the planning and are working very hard in the planning of the convention. Karen Thygeson from the Thief River Falls Chapters will be the parliamentarian for the state convention. Carolyn indicated that 2011 is the year for election of officers. If anyone is interested in running for any of the positions they should send a resume to Mary Burkett (Immediate Past President). Carolyn stated this included all of the Federation Officers as well as the Field Officers.

A reminder was given to visit the NARFE websites and www.mn-narfe.org and www.narfe.org Janet Berg moved to adjourn the meeting at 2:00pm. The motion was seconded and carried. The next chapter meeting will be held at the Heritage Center in Thief River Falls at 11:30 on February 16th, 2011

Verona Poolman
Secretary

The Thief River Falls Chapter Officers were installed at the September Chapter Meeting by Carolyn Billing District 6 Field Officer. From left to right are District Officer Carolyn Billing, President Karen Thygeson, Vice President Ray Berg, and Secretary-Treasurer Verona Poolman.

Minnesota State Senator from District 4, Mary Olson addressed the Bemidji Chapter at its regular meeting on August 22, 2010. Senator Olson provided insights into budget issues, health care, and education as well as answering questions from the membership. Pictured with Mary Olson is John Hurlbert, Membership Vice President of Chapter 1049.

Pete and Janet Nordstrom from the Alexandria Chapter #2213 set up an exhibit at the First Annual Resource Expo in Morris, MN on February 25, 2010. Their objectives were recruiting new NARFE members and making the NARFE organization better known in the community and surrounding area. There were fifty-seven exhibitors with over 300 people in attendance. The Nordstrom’s talked with many people and answered questions asked by a number of Federal Employees and others. Pete and Janet believe the event was successful. Approximately 60 people signed up for their door prize. New NARFE members are expected. Thanks Pete and Janet for a job well done.

Four members of the Lake Region~Fergus Falls Chapter #1207 are AARP Tax Aide Volunteers. They volunteer their time during the tax season beginning February 1st at the Senior Center and the Westridge Mall in Fergus Falls and three other sites in the surrounding area. The program is headed by Darrell Strand, Vice President of the Lake Region~Fergus Falls Chapter. Other chapter members volunteering with Darrell are Jim Ayres, David Waas, and Federation President John Schmidt.

The four NARFE volunteers are part of a twenty-two member team of volunteers (sixteen from Fergus Falls) who are trained and certified. They work with a variety of basic income tax related issues including E-filing for seniors and for low & moderate income households at five sites in the Fergus Falls area. The program is sponsored by the OtterTail~Wadena Community Action Council, AARP, IRS, and the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

Marcy Scully Secretary
Larry Scully Service Officer
John Armstrong PAC
Darrell Strand Vice President
Edith Skogen Alzheimer’s
John Schmidt Federation President
Harvey Hirning President
Vern Haarstick NARFE-Net

Not Pictured:
Shirley Wendland Treasurer
Carolyn Billing Legislative Officer
Nancy Boyle Membership Chairman
Larry Strief Public Relations
Carolyn Totzke Sunshine Officer

Phyllis Tucker, Secretary~~Treasurer
Pete Nordstrom, President
Janet Nordstrom, Vice President
Dennis Barnack, Legislative Officer

Bemidji Chapter #1049 Officers
Two Year Term


Elected & Installed July 22, 2009

Carolyn Billing, District 6 Field Officer
Evert Wickstrom, Treasurer
Richard Robertson, Secretary
John Hurlbert, Membership Vice President
Donna Kimmes, Legislative Vice President
Joe Butler, President
Donna Eichstadt, Immediate Past President

Communicating with NARFE’s Generational Diversity
By Carolyn Billing, District 6 Field Officer

I am going to try to explain some generational differences in today’s NARFE Membership which affects how we do business. The events and conditions each of us experiences during our formative years help define who we are and how we view the world. It is important to understand these differences in order to make NARFE a better and more productive organization.

Traditionalists: (Silent Generation) Born before 1946

The Traditionalists (sometimes called Veterans) are the children of the Great Depression and World War II. They lived through the Korean War and are recognized for their strong traditional views of God, family, and country. Their core values include respect for authority, loyalty, hard work, and dedication. They have a quest for stability, economic security, honor, duty, and sacrifice for community and country. Education is viewed as a dream and leisure time is a reward for hard work. They focus on stability and rules and have an extreme aversion to and discomfort with change

Response to technology: Does not feel comfortable with technology.

Baby Boomers: (Boomers) Born between 1946 and 1964 Some sources state ends in 1959

The Baby Boomers did not experience the same difficulties as their parents. They grew up during a time of great economic growth and prosperity. Their lives were influenced by the civil rights movement, women’s liberation, the space program, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. They place a high value on youth, health, personal gratification, and material wealth. They are independent, optimistic, and self centered; and the youth rebelled against authority. They focus on achieving ideals, self fulfillment, and personal meaning. They are very fitness conscious. Baby Boomers have a strong commitment to the work (as opposed to the organization). They challenge the leadership and replace the leadership with people who are more harmonious, optimistic, and committed to people’s development. Their involvements are often short term if no results are produced. It is common for a Baby Boomer to be a workaholic. They like receiving recognition and/or rewards. And when they receive them they become even more driven which leads to higher productivity and achievements.

Response to technology: Functions with technology, but it is not always their first instinct.

Generation Xer’s (GenXer’s) Born between 1965 and 1978 Some sources state from 1960 to 1979

Generation Xer’s sometimes are referred to as the misunderstood generation. They are the product of self-centered, work-driven Baby Boomer parents. Watergate, the advent of MTV, single-parent homes, and latchkey experiences played influential roles in their development. They were the first generation to embrace the personal computer and the Internet and are technology literate. They are independent, believe in informality, approach to authority is casual (respect, but unimpressed), welcome global diversity, are motivated by money, believe in balance in their lives (work/life balance), are self-reliant, and value free time and having fun, but are pessimistic about the future. They challenge the leadership structures (not just the leaders).

Response to technology: Are technologically savvy and depend on technology heavily but are skeptical.

Generation Millennial (Generation Y, Nexters, Echo-boomers) Born after 1978 Later surveys state born from 1980 to 1995

We are still learning about the Millennial Generation. They grew up in similar environments as the Xer’s. However, they have different parenting styles…believe in time outs rather than spankings and are very protective parents. They are very concerned with personal safety. They take the work/life balance to the point where leisure is actually interwoven with work. Generation Y has known nothing but PC’s, Email, and the Internet. Their Internet use has made their perspective more global and around the clock. They are known for their flexibility and are often, at least initially, more comfortable with diversity. They are very accepting of differences on race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation etc. The Y generation tends to be the best at speed and multitasking and making split-second decisions.

Response to technology: Technology is essential in every aspect of their life. They spend hours on-line, and regularly text message. (prefers text messaging to E-mail). They interact with others through blogs, computers, video games, cell phones, and online networking tools such as Face Book and Twitter.

I tell you about the generational differences in our membership because the differences are the obstacles and challenges facing NARFE today. We need to determine how to bring NARFE members and potential members from the older generations together with the younger generations for knowledge sharing. And we need to find a way to communicate while remaining cost effective. There are competing personal desires that differ by generation that are coupled with a lack of trust. These are difficult barriers to overcome in order to allow for the sharing of knowledge. The Traditionalist needs to be provided with an incentive to accept change while the Y Generation is not afraid of change and enjoys the variety. The older generation usually is not technology literate and often needs the paper communication while the younger generation does not want or need the paper. They need the technology. Each generation has their strengths and their weaknesses; each provides great and valuable diversity; and we can learn from each of them. All are important and are NARFE’s future. Identifying the driving personal wants of each of the generations in our membership is the first step in helping to foster knowledge sharing. We must relate and learn to communicate on each generation’s level or we do not communicate at all. We must continue with the paper communication for the older generation, but we must also use the technology communication venues in order to make things happen in NARFE. Let’s learn to communicate with each of the generations while remaining cost effective in order to disseminate NARFE’s goals and objectives and allow NARFE to move into the future.

Information gotten and compiled from countless hours of extensive research on the Internet.

Making Annuity Changes Online with OPM
By Carolyn Billing, District 6 Field Officer

Did you know you can make changes on-line with OPM? Services On-line provides retirement services on demand. Use it to:

• Update E-mail address
• Change mailing address
• Change Personal Identification Number (PIN)
• Change Federal Income Tax withholding
• Change State Income Tax withholding
• View/Print/Request a duplicate Form 1099-R for the current tax year and two previous years
• Establish an allotment to an organization
• Set up a checking account allotment
• Set up a savings account allotment
• Sign up for direct deposit of your payment(s)
• View annuity statement
• View history of actions taken

Services On-line can not be used to make any changes to your Federal Health, Federal Dental, or Federal Vision Insurance.

The web site is www.opm.gov. Save the web site in your favorites for easy access at a later date.

After you get into the OPM web site in the center of the page under Retirees and Families, click on Services On-line. A screen will come up asking you to sign in. It is your CSA or CSF number plus a zero. (It must be nine digits.) Then use your four digit PIN number. Keep these two numbers in a safe and convenient location for later use. (Do not store these numbers on your computer.) After entering your numbers you will be sent to a security alert page. Read the alert information and then click on Continue to Main Menu. When you arrive at the Main Menu click on the items you wish to check/change. After the changes are made you will be informed of the effective date of the change(s). I would recommend going into the site two or three days later to confirm the changes have been made.

Health Insurance Open Season
By Carolyn Billing, District 6 Field Officer

It will be extremely important to read and understand the health care insurance brochures this upcoming FEHBP Open Season. It is expected the Health Insurance Premiums will increase because of the additional mandates OPM has requested in the call letters. Because of the potential for premium increases you may be tempted to drop your federal health insurance coverage or go with a cheaper plan. Do not be hasty in your decision making. Remember, if you leave the FEHBP it is impossible to return except in rare instances. As soon as the brochures become available request them from OPM so you have adequate time to read and understand them thoroughly.

Read the brochures very carefully and understand what is being said and what is not being said and what is covered and what is not covered. “The brochure is the official statement of benefits. No oral statement can modify or otherwise affect the benefits, limitations, and exclusions of the brochure. ”

A special note should be made if you carry Medicare Insurance Part A & B. You need to know the difference between “coordination” and “maintenance” of benefits. Also, be alert to what is waived and what is not waived such as deductibles and co-pays. The key word in the above sentence is the word NOT. For example there may be a sentence stating “If the Original Medicare Plan is your primary payer we will waive some out-of-pocket costs like the deductibles and co-payments.” The other possible statement could read “If Medicare is the primary payer we do not waive co-pays and deductibles.”

Different insurances have different coverage’s for different things. You need to determine what is right for you and your family. Just because a certain policy is right for one individual or family, it does not mean that it is right for you. You need to determine or anticipate what your health care needs are going to be for the coming year. Remember, you are getting older and will tend to have more health issues as you age.

It may be advisable to consider attending a health fair this fall during the Open Season before you determine which policy is best for you. Ask lots of questions.

Remember….Be extremely careful when making your Health Insurance decisions this Open Season. Your health and well being depend on it. You do NOT want to be hit with surprises when a medical event occurs. ASK QUESTIONS. READ AND READ SOME MORE. It is important.

A new MN Federation PAC Investment Plan to begin in 2011.  The March 2011 newsletter will feature a full page flyer that every member will receive and will be encouraged to invest at least $20.00 to the NARFE PAC (Political Action Committee) drive in 2011.  The Federation will issue a ticket with your name on it for every $20.00 you invest.  There will be a drawing for grand prizes at the 2011 Convention in Fergus Falls,   May 24-26,2011.  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN!

Previously, we have just done fundraising at the state convention and local chapters; however, it was felt that all members should have the opportunity to support our NARFE PAC as well as be eligible to win the grand prizes.

(DETAILED INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE. IN THE MEANTIME, PLEASE BLOCK THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDARS SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT ON IMPORTANT NARFE EVENTS.)

2011

2010 State Convention
District 4 Awards Presentations

Outstanding Chapter Member

State Wide Team of Active Responders

2010 State Convention
District 6 Awards Presentations

Lawrence Biever Award

Chapter #2328, Thief River Falls again earned this prestigious award…earning it four times since 2005. The chapter had a 14.7% membership increase in 2009. The Thief River Falls Chapter was chartered September 2000.

Top State Recruiter

Outstanding Chapter Member

State Wide Team of Active Responders

District 6 Chapter Members
Recognized for Membership Increases

District 6 chapter members were recognized at the State Convention banquet. Each of the five chapters showed a membership increase in 2009. Carolyn Billing, the District Field Officer was also recognized. The district had a membership increase of 9.1%.

Pictured John Schmidt, John Hurlbert, Leonard Hanson, Don Varenhorst, Darrell Strand, Marcy Scully, Larry Scully, Pete Nordstrom, Dick Robertson, Peggy Olding, Carolyn Billing, Ginny Weston, Janet Berg, Ray Berg, and Janet Nordstrom. Not pictured Harvey Hirning & Joe Butler.

District 6 Caucus
2010 State Convention

Ray Berg, Janet Nordstrom, John Hurlbert, Peggy Olding, Dick Robertson, Don Varenhorst, Harvey Hirning, Leonard Hanson, Darrell Strand, Janet Berg, Marcy Scully, Carolyn Billing, & Ginny Weston. Not pictured are Joe Butler, Larry Scully, John Schmidt, and picture taker Pete Nordstrom.

Thief River Falls Chapter 2328
Distinguished Member Award
Presentation

The Thief River Falls Chapter #2328 presented Distinguished Member Awards to two Chapter Charter Members, Art Buringrud and Connie Ferber at their August 2010 Chapter Meeting. The two members received impressive looking certificates along with a Special Pin and Special ID Card. To be eligible to receive the Distinguished Member Award a member must have 20 years of NARFE membership and be 85 years old. Pictured are Art Buringrud, Ray Berg (president), Connie Ferber, and Verona Poolman (Secretary-Treasurer).

Back Row: Joe Butler, President Chapter President, Arvid Dalby, Lelander Peterka, Tom Vanbrunt.
Front Row: Harold Fruetel, Hebert Denny, and Delbert Lindseth.

The Bemidji Chapter #1049 honored ten of its members at its May monthly meeting with the presentation of Distinguished Member Awards. To qualify for the award, members must be at least 85 years of age, and have been a member of NARFE for twenty years. Honored were Delmer Anderson, Ginny Anderson, Lawrence Carpenter, Arvid Dalby, Hebert Denny, Harold Fruetel, Willard Leaf, Delbert Lindseth, Lelander Peterka, and Tom Vanbrunt. Each received a certificate along with a lapel pin from the National Office.

Nine members of the Alexandria Chapter #2213 were presented with a Distinguished Member Award at their April 2010 monthly meeting. In order to qualify for the Distinguished Membership Award a person must be at least 85 years old and been a NARFE member for 20 years. The award winners received a Distinguished Member pin, a special Distinguished Membership card, and a Congratulatory Certificate from the NARFE’s National Officers. Pictured left to right are Oscar Mantick, Richard “Shorty” Olson, Phyllis Tucker, and Ward Aas. Janet Nordstrom presenting the awards is pictured with the group on the far right.

Not pictured are Tom Zauche, Gerald Weatherwax, Norman Goodwin, and Myron Larson.

All receiving the Distinguished Membership Award were charter members of the Vikingland~Alexandria Chapter #2213. The chapter was chartered October 24, 1989

Detroit Lakes Chapter #1842
Presents Nine
Distinguished Member Awards

The Detroit Lakes Chapter #1842 presented nine Distinguished Member Awards in July 2010 to the following members: Wally Rossbach, Wayne Ruona, Margaret Rosendahl, Alfred Tenneson, Kenneth Miner, Kermit Larson, Loren Helmeke, Vincent Dolva, and Evelyn Anderson. Both Wally and Wayne are charter members of the Detroit Lakes Chapter. The chapter was chartered in 1981.

To receive the Distinguished Member Award a person needs to be at least 85 years old and been a NARFE member for at least 20 years. The members received a congratulatory certificate, a NARFE Distinguished Member pin, and a special ID card. Presenting nine awards indicates the chapter is working hard at retention of current members which is an extremely important part of NARFE’s success.

Thief River Falls Chapter #2328
Presents
Distinguished Member Awards

The Thief River Falls Chapter #2328 presented Distinguished Member Awards in July 2010 to two chapter members. They are Connie Ferber and Art Buringrud. Both Art and Connie are charter members of the Thief River Falls Chapter.

To receive the Distinguished Member Award a person must be at least 85 years of age and been a NARFE member for 20 years. The members received a congratulatory certificate, a NARFE Distinguished Member pin, and a special ID card.

Lake Region~Fergus Falls Chapter #1207 members were presented Distinguished Membership Awards. Pictured below are Larry Strief, Sonny Mjelde and Vern Haarstick with Harvey Hirning, President presenting the award. To qualify to receive the Distinguished Membership Award the member must be at least 85 years old with 20 or more years of NARFE membership. The award winner receives a Distinguished Member Pin, a Special Distinguished Membership Card, and a Congratulatory Certificate from the NARFE’s National Officers.

Pictured are: Larry Strief 30 yrs; Sonny Melde 29 yrs; Vern Haarstick 34 yrs .
President Harvey Hirning is presenting the awards.

Not pictured are: Edith Johnson 31yrs; Willard Anderson 33 yrs; Frank Maiolini 34yrs; Richard Haarstad

District 1 Field Officer Ed Keyser, along with Chapter President Clayton Parker, presenting Pokegama Chapter 1800 member Ken Locks with Honorary Membership and a Certificate of Appreciation from NARFE and Chapter 1800 for his many years of dedicated service to NARFE and Chapter 1800. Ken has reached his 90th birthday and has resigned his position as Chapter Treasurer. All thank Kenny for a job wel done.

Pokegama Chapter #1800 Vice President, Jo Musich, receives a Federation Membership Certificate for 2nd Place Tie for Individual Recruiting in 2008, from Acting District Officer, Ed Keyser, as Chapter President, Clayton Parker looks on.

Throughout the state, there are many vacant officer positions. If you are interested or know of someone who is or might be interested in getting some good, local leadership experience, please contact the chapter in your area for more information, or Mary Burkett at the number listed below. Officer training manuals and personal training assistance is available. For more information, contact MARY BURKETT at 763-421-1385 or email mburkett1@mindspring.com.

HEALTH FAIR VOLUNTEER WORKERS RECEIVE THANKS: Volunteer workers from Minneapolis Chapter #0150 received thanks and calendars for 2011 from Mary Burkett, 1st VP/Membership. From left to right: Mary Hayden, Mark Hayden, Clayton Olson, Nancy Courteau, Mary Ann Kelly. Not pictured are: Adrian Swanson and Mary Sauer.

SPECIAL THANKS ALSO GO TO HEALTH FAIR WORKERS FROM OUTSTATE AREAS: The following chapters also represented NARFE at the outstate locations in their respective areas: Duluth Chapter #0106; Mankato Chapter #0282; Rochester Chapter #0391; and St Cloud Chapter #0644.

HEALTH FAIR VOLUNTEER WORKERS RECEIVE THANKS: Volunteer workers from St. Paul Chapter #0140 and White Bear Lake Chapter #1232 received thanks and calendars for 2011 from Mary Burkett, 1st VP/Membership. From left to right Back Row: Scott Halstead, #1232 President; Frank Paterson, #1232; Elaine Bryan #0140; Roxanne Ianovich, $0140; and Linda Cincotta, #1232. Front Row left to right: Art Lemke, #0140; and Jim Bryan, #0140. Not pictured: Larry Benson, #0140; Bernie Klein, #0140; Joe Noeker, #0140; and Sue Organovich, #0140.

US-CERT is aware of public reports of a malware campaign circulating. This campaign is circulating via email messages offering information regarding the H1N1 vaccination. This email messages contain a link to a bogus Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Users who click on this link may become infected with malware. Public reports indicate that these email messages are noted as having subject lines such as: "Governmental registration program on the H1N1 vaccination" and "Your personal vaccination profile." Please note that subject lines may change at any time.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to take the following preventative measures to help mitigate the security risks:

Relevant Url(s): http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-014.html

http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/emailscams_0905.pdf

US-CERT is aware of public reports of malicious code circulating via phishing email messages that appear to come from the Social Security Administration. The messages indicate that the users' annual Social Security statements may contain errors and instruct users to follow a link to review their Social Security statement. If users click this link, they will be redirected to a seemingly legitimate website that prompts them for their Social Security number. If users enter their Social Security number and continue to the next page, they will be given an option to generate a statement. If users attempt to generate a statement, malicious code may be installed on their systems. This malicious code attempts to collect online banking traffic to gain access to the users' bank accounts.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to take the following preventative measures to help mitigate the security risks:

Users are encouraged to contact the Social Security Administration to verify the authenticity of any messages. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Relevant Url(s): http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-014.html

http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/emailscams_0905.pdf

This entry is available at http://www.us-cert.gov/current/index.html#malicious_code_circulating_via_social

A group of metro area members of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), visited with Senator Klobuchar at her Minneapolis office recently. NARFE members communicate regularly with their Congressional members to insure that they are aware of the legislative issues that are supported by NARFE on behalf of their members. Pictures from left to right in front row: Helen Reedy, Senator Klobuchar. Back row: Mary Ann Kelly, Scott Halstead, Mary Burkett, Bernie Klein, Clayton Olson and Frank Blake.