VIRGINIA FEDERATION OF CHAPTERS

Chapter 28—Petersburg Chapter 60—Richmond Chapter 1138—South of the JamesChapter1472—Colonial Heights Chapter 1510—Imperial Plaza

Chapter 1727—Tuckahoe Chapter 2265—Midlothian

VOLUME 2, NUMBER 4 September—October, 2007

A Memo to Chapter MembersVFC President R. David Smith

I appreciate the opportunity to address the Area III chapter members as your new Federation President. I have enjoyed working with you in many roles in the area, including conventions, legislation, and as chapter speaker. Area III has been fortunate to have a number of strong leaders who are supported by some great members.

The “hot topics” in NARFE at this time are Legislation, Membership, and Service; these I want to address in this article.

National Legislation issues affecting our retirement and health benefits are at the top of our list. We are fortunate that all the Virginia representatives are co-sponsors of H.R. 1110 Premium Conversion and H.R. 82 Repeal of the Government Pension Offset & Windfall Elimination Provision. Both Virginia senators are sponsors of S. 773 Premium Conversion, but neither supports S. 206 to Repeal the GPO & WEP, due to the cost to implement. As an organization and as individuals, we need to continue to thank our representatives and encourage them to do all

possible to get the bills through committee and onto the floor for vote. We need to continue to work on the two senators to support the WEP/GPO bill.

Membership is very important to the NARFE organization to be recognized and influential in lobbying efforts. The VFC membership goals for 2007 are to increase membership by 5% and to increase dues withholding by 5%. To provide an incentive, the VFC will reimburse chapters $5 for each member who signs up for dues withholding between July and December, 2007. Members may sign up anytime; the dues withholding will not go into effect until the next anniversary date for the member. Members will save $4.40 per year by allowing OPM to deduct the dues monthly from their annuity. For an example, my chapter dues are $29, national, plus $10, chapter, totaling $39. I am personally on dues withholding; so my annual dues are $34.60, but are deducted monthly at the rate of $2.88. The same amount is also deducted for my wife, who is also on dues withholding from my annuity.

Service Officers play a very important role in educating our members and providing assistance in time of need. The service provided is another way to “sell” membership in NARFE.

Here we are back to Membership that is so important to all of us in protecting our benefits. We are fortunate as federal employees, retirees, spouses or survivor annuitants to have civil service benefits with annual cost of living adjustments and health benefits with the government paying about 71% of the cost.

I have some friends who have worked for large corporations, and retired with great annuities at the time; however, they do not receive any cost of living adjustments. Now, ten years later, they are really feeling the crunch with no annuity increases, except in their social security. They also have reduced benefits or no health insurance, as it has gotten tougher for the corporations where they worked to provide them.

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS 28—Petersburg-Jack McMurchy

60—Richmond-Michael Muldowney

1138—South of the James-Donald Holman

1472—Colonial Heights-James Barr

1510—Imperial Plaza-Bettye Thornton

1727—Tuckahoe-Carroll Graham

2265—Midlothian-Pat Hoffert

So you see, whether we get the Premium Conversion or GPO & WEP Elimination passed this year, we need to be thankful for the good program we have. In addition, we need to keep lobbying to ensure the current level of benefits continues.

Thank you for letting me get on the soap box for a few minutes of your time. If I can assist you in NARFE business, please contact me at the VFC website.

R. David Smith

National LegislationBy Barry Corson

Since its inception in 1983, there has been no hope of repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offsets, until now. Blocked by Congressman Bill Thomas of California for the past eight years, the new chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee has written a heartening letter. The June 27 statement by Congressman Charles Rangel says, “I am keenly aware of the concerns of public employees about these provisions, and the problems that have been created by the WEP and GPO. Therefore, as we discussed, I have asked the Subcommittee on Social Security to schedule a hearing on these provisions.” This letter is addressed to The Honorable Howard L. Berman of California, sponsor of H. R. 82, the bill to repeal WEP and GPO.

Congressman Rangel does not ignore the cost of repeal which has been predicted to be $62 billion over 10 years. Congress insists on using the 10 year figure, making the amount seem much larger than it is. If one looks at the website of the Bureau of the Public Debt, it is clear that the Social Security Trust Fund has $2.1 trillion dollars. That’s trillion with a tr. The fund has had a surplus for twenty consecutive years. In 2006, the surplus was $181 billion dollars. Rectifying this unjust treatment of public retirees would cost just six-tenths of one percent of annual collections by the fund. The Bureau further states that the fund is sound for 35 years. Draw your own conclusion, but I don’t believe restoring full Social Security to a group of teachers, policemen, firefighters, state, and federal retirees will harm the fund.

Premium Conversion is not without hope. Tom Davis made the statement at the VANARFE convention that passage of Premium Conversion legislation “looked good.” He said that it would probably have the best chance attached to a larger bill and he is looking for such an opportunity. He is the sponsor of H. R. 1110 that will allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums. The bill now has 240 co-sponsors which is fifty-five percent of House members.

VIRGINIA FEDERATION OF CHAPTERS

State Legislation Action PlanFor 2008 General Assembly

Real Estate Tax Increases—NARFE supports limiting real estate tax increases for seniors and disabled homeowners to the rate of inflation in any given year. We also urge the General Assembly to require direct notification, to all landowners affected, when specific public hearings are held for the sole purpose of disclosing any significant tax changes.

Property Tax Relief; Homestead—NARFE supports second year General Assembly passage of Senate Joint Resolution No. 354 for a Constitutional Amendment. The resolution would allow localities to exempt or defer real property taxes up to 20% of the value of residential or farm property that is owner occupied.

Identity Fraud and Theft—NARFE supports legislation that will permit and encourage use of the “Credit Freeze” concept to protect seniors who are at greater risk of identity theft.

Subcommittee Defeat of Bills—House Rule 11 allows bills to be killed in sub-committee. NARFE supports this rule; however, votes for failed bills should be recorded on the General Assembly database to allow constituent access to the information.

JLARC 10 Study—NARFE supports continued emphasis on study recommendations addressing senior and disabled issues, including: transportation to doctors and stores; medical services, the ability to stay at home versus nursing home; geriatric training and board certification; and quality of medical services.

NARFE Virginia Federation of Chapters Contacts at VFC website:

William Schmidt, State Legislation Chair

NARFE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS. . .WE NEED YOUR HELP

The VFC has again been asked to share a booth with Senior Navigator at the Virginia State Fair, from Thursday, September 27th through Sunday, October. 7th, 2007. We need volunteers to hand out NARFE material and answer questions. For each day, the time slots to work are 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Tickets and a parking pass will be provided along with mileage reimbursement.

To select your time slot(s) as soon as possible, please call:

Bob Boyd, VFC Area III Vice President VFC website

Bring another member with you or bring a NARFE friend.

Oscar HoneycuttSenior State Legislative Representative

J. Carroll Graham, State Legislative Representative

Reception at VFC Convention, Richmond in April

Oscar Honeycutt (center), VFC Senior State Legislative Representative, Tuckahoe Chapter 1727, meets Margaret Baptiste (left), National President, NARFE, and Ann C. Collins (right), Past VFC President. Oscar was also a past VFC President.

Chapter 28, PetersburgMeets: monthly, 3rd Wednesday

December, 2nd WednesdayJuly and August, no meeting

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Where: Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer1769 S. Sycamore StPetersburg, VA

Contact: Jack McMurchy, CH 28 website

NEWS:

May 16, Meeting. Riley Ingram, Virginia House of Delegates, 62nd District, was our speaker.

May 17, Petersburg TRIAD. During the fair and fish fry at the Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Ruther Rice, Harry Gallant, Lucy Robinson, Lou Kayelta, and Tom Redfern handed out recruitment materials from the NARFE booth, and urged those eligible to join a NARFE chapter. The Petersburg Sheriff, Vanessa Crawford, sent a thank you letter for all these members, who helped make the event a success.

June 20, Meeting. A luncheon, held at Nanny’s Restaurant, boasted a good turn-out of members, spouses, and guests. While we were saddened about the recent death of Sammie Jones, the good company and entertainment provided by Harry Gallant and his magic tricks brightened our moods. Thanks for planning the event go to Ruther Rice, Jimmie Davis, Harry and Edna May, and to Brenda Redfern and Annette Jackson for taking reservations.

Award at the State Convention. Alice Gray accepted an award and a $25 check for our chapter while attending the Membership Committee Meeting. The chapter has gained several more members than we lost. Much of the credit for growth goes to the Membership Committee, Alice, Jimmie Davis, Carey Brown, and Brenda Redfern, who work hard on recruitment and conservation of members.

Donations. David Driscoll, Alzheimer’s Chairman, reported that over $400 (chapter and individual member contributions) has been donated to Alzheimer’s Research in memory of Sammie Jones.

Local, Regional, and State Appointments. Winn Hasty volunteered to replace Sammie Jones as Service Officer. (Carey Brown and Grace Burroughs remain on the committee.) Jack McMurchy was appointed as the Area III Newsletter Coordinator by VP, Bob Boyd; Jack was also appointed to serve as a member of the State Bylaws Committee by VFC President, Dave Smith.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

September 19. VFC President, David Smith, will speak.

October 17. A representative from Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, will be the meeting speaker. The Nominations Committee will present nominees for the 2008 elected offices.

November 14. Speaker, to be determined. Election of officers will be held during the business meeting.

December 12. The Christmas Luncheon will be at noon in the Briar Patch Gourmet Tea Room, Route 156, Prince George, VA. The cost is $15, which includes lunch, drink, dessert, tax, and tip. Additional information will be provided in the next newsletter. The 2008 elected officers will be sworn in after the luncheon.

Membership:

In Memoriam. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the families of Horace Walker, Sammie Jones, and Judith G. Bolduc.

New Members. A warm welcome to Rosemary Buettner (widow of Joseph “Dick” Buettner ), Shirley Walker (widow of Horace Walker), Patricia Szklennik, Elba Delisle, Joyce Ricks, Esther Smith, Theodore Dlugos, Vickie Dlugos, Mary Smith (transfer in), and Jan Couch.

Chapter 60, Richmond Meets: monthly, 3rd Monday, except July and AugustTime: 1:00 p.m.Where: Hill City Chop House

Virginia City Commons10099 Brook RoadGlen Allen, VA

Contact: Michael Muldowney, CH 60 website

Memorial Service:

On May 21, 2007, Chapter 60, Area III, held a memorial service at the Patterson Avenue Baptist Church, Richmond, VA., for eighteen members who passed away in 2006 and 2007. Chapter 60 President, Michael Muldowney, welcomed everyone, and Chaplain George N. West presided over the service. We also had the pleasure of having family and friends of the deceased at the service and at the reception which followed.

We are grateful for the many years of dedicated government service provided by the deceased: Lloyd V. Adams, John J. Armstrong, Josephine O. Carter, Evelyn D. Cheadle, Ella P. Collins, Jean S. Cothran, Frank G. Creger, Winifred Crockett, Roland M. Dean, Melvin Doggett, Percy E. Dowdy, Dorothy H. Eubank, Joseph Gadker, Haywood P. Jones, John J. Mehalko, Rita Norwood, Elizabeth Overman, and Lois Whitter. We will miss them and wish the best for their families and friends.

Welcome new member:Laurence E. Murray

In Memoriam:J. L. Spiers

Meeting Dates:September 17, 2007October 15, 2007November 19, 2007

December 17, 2007

Come, join us for our meetings and a great meal, served at a cost of $5.00 for Chapter 60 members.

Chapter 1138, South of the James Meets: monthly, 1st TuesdayTime: 10:30 a.m.Where: McGuire VA Medical Center

Building 507 West.Contact: Donald Holman, CH 1138 website

August meeting: Our thanks go to our August speaker, Stephonia Ovolabi, a clinical social worker from the MCV campus. Ms. Ovolabi provided us the latest information on Social Security and Medicare. She also provided excellent handouts on the topics. We certainly recommend her to other Area III Chapters.

In Memoriam: Our prayers and sincere sympathy are extended to the family of Patricia J. Smith, a chapter member whose funeral was held on June 7, 2007. The highest tribute that can be paid any person is that they were loved by theirs peers. We will miss you Patricia.

Negotiations are underway with the McGuire Medical Center, which would allow our Service Officer, Harvey Fuell, to establish a recruiting booth for future retirees and potential active employees.

In addition to the recruiting booth, Mr. Fuell reports he continues to receive calls from families of deceased NARFE members. There seems to be a tremendous need for information and help to bring closure to benefits and other affairs.

Reflection: Our lives are unfinished books, which we are writing day by day. When completed others will read them and remember what we did and had to say

Chapter 1472, Colonial Heights Meets: monthly, 3rd Tuesday, except July and AugustTime: 2:00 p.m.Where: Colonial Heights Public Library

1000 Yacht Basin DriveColonial Heights, VA

Contact: James Barr, CH 1472 website

June Meeting: Our annual dinner was held at the Briar Patch Gourmet Tea Room, in Prince George on June 19. The food was good; the weather excellent. See you again next year.

Any member unable to attend meetings, who still wishes to contribute to the Alzheimer’s Fund (research), may send a check to the Treasurer:

Alzheimer’s Fundc/o Donna Freeman

CH 1472 website

In the fall, we plan on doing member profiles. Also we would like to acknowledge member birthdays quarterly.

Question: What is Premium Conversion?

Answer: Section 123 of the IRS Code provides employers, in both public and private sectors, the means for their employees to pay for their share of health insurance premiums, with wages excluded from both income and Social Security payroll taxes. For example, under this “premium conversion” benefit, if an employee’s annual share of a premium was $300, then their reported income would be lowered by that amount for tax purposes. If paying for health insurance with a pre-tax salary of $28,000, Federal & State taxes paid would be $8,500. If paying with a after-tax salary on the same income, taxes increase to $9520. Premium Conversion Savings total $1,020 on this income!

Question: How many of you use the toll free number, 1-866-200-0044, to contact your congressman?

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Bus Trip to West Virginia, October 25-26: Join us as we travel to the Greenbriar Resort and Bunker at White Sulfur Springs. We’ll tour the bunker, and have lunch at the Sam Snead Gulf Club. On October 26, we’ll spend time in Beckley, visiting Tarnack, the mountain homestead, and the New River Gorge Visitor’s Center before returning to Colonial Heights. Cost of the trip is $220.00 Single, $180.00 Double, or $160.00 Triple. Dinner on October 25 and lunch on October 26 are not included.

Please make checks payable to NARFE Chapter 1472 and mail them to the treasurer, Donna Freeman, at the address noted above.

You may call Carolyn Wilson, at VFC website for more information.

September 18: Ken Frenier will give instruction on CPR.

October 16: Kathy Bass will update us on Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance coverage.

Membership:Our condolences are extended to the family of Joyce Williams.

Welcome New Members:Thomas HacketJames Thomas

Please provide address changes to:Charlotte Estes, SecretaryCH 1472 website

Chapter 1510, Imperial PlazaMeets: monthly, 3rd Friday

Exceptions, July, August, and DecemberTime: 11:30 a.m.Where: Imperial Plaza Retirement Facility

1717 Bellevue AvenueRichmond, VA 23227

Note: Luncheon Meeting, Virginia RoomContact: Bettye Thornton, CH 1510 website

Martha Franklin organized a successful Trading Post event Friday, July 20, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It was exciting to see the residents wait for the doors to open to shop for that special item or gift for family and friends. Martha enjoyed working with the Activities Coordinator at the facility, as well as other vendors, to organize 22 tables to be shared. Repeat vendors opt for their special products to display in certain locations of The Virginia Room.

Home baked products were sold within two hours. The residents felt they were getting a great price for the size of the baked products sold. This quick sale of cakes, pies, brownies and breakfast breads indicates a desire and need for more baked products in 2008. The sale of baked goods, totaling $60.15, will help support the Chapter Fund.

White Elephant items were displayed for sale on Thursday, July 19. We had more clothes than any other item. At the Trading Post on Friday, it was great to witness residents purchasing clothing for family and friends. From the sale, we made $205.90, which will be credited to the Alzheimer's Fund.

We wish to thank all of the volunteers who assisted Martha in pricing items for the sale and, certainly, for assisting to bring the items to the Virginia Room. Chapter 1510 volunteers assisting with the display and/or sales included Gwendolyn Allen, Ida Mae Trower, Margaret Liggans, Marjorie Smith, Frances Rawlings, Margie Woody, Josephine Iacone, Elizabeth (Betty) Stallings, and Bettye Thornton, Chapter President.

Josephine Iacone and Helen Jeter are now Imperial Plaza Residents. We are excited that these two ladies will have the opportunity to again be active with NARFE, CHAPTER 1510. WELCOME, Josephine and Helen.

Sunshine: Margaret Liggans, Earl Liggans, Christina McLeon, and George Bland are on the mend after being in

the hospital in July. Isabelle and Irvin Bock continue to show improvement.

Chapter 1727, TuckahoeMeets: monthly, 1st Tuesday, except July and AugustTime: 1:30 p.m., social; 2:00 p.m., programWhere: Welborne United Methodist Church

920 Maybeury Drive (at corner of Patterson Ave.)Richmond, VA

Contact: Carroll Graham, CH 1727 website

On May 1, we were entertained by one of America’s great humorists, Mark Twain (aka David Bailey of the Greater Richmond Area). On June 5, about 25 members of the chapter enjoyed our second annual luncheon at Nick’s Roman Terrace Restaurant. We thank our state VFC Officers—President, David Smith; 1st VP, Bill Martin; 2nd VP Carolyn Wilson; and our Area III VP, Bob Boyd—for joining us in a great meal and for a session of lively “bingo” games supplied by our Secretary, Joan Lloyd. Thanks to all who bought some great gifts for the winners; everyone went home “a real winner” for having participated. Bob Boyd was given our chapter’s President Award for his years of leadership in Area III. During July, we surveyed our membership regarding the direction they wanted their chapter to go. Thanks are extended to our Chapter Treasurer, Sam Harris, who conducted the survey and received 62 responses (about 44%). We will discuss the results at the September meeting.

Upcoming Programs: Members and Guests welcome.

September 4, 2007: On the recommendation of our Chapter VP, Jim Kisicki, we have invited John W. Maloney, VP, Wealth Management Financial Advisor, Smith Barney Group, to join us. He will provide us with a guide on investing and organizing our financial future at age 70 and beyond. He has been advising senior clients in the Richmond area for over 10 years. He is a native of Virginia with degrees from Hampden-Sydney College and VCU.

October 2, 2007: Housing reassessment has, in most cases, resulted in “real estate taxes” going up every year; sometimes those bills escalate, yearly, and to a point which can stress many of us who are retired. How are we going to continue living in the “house” we worked so hard to buy? Through the joint efforts of Henrico County’s Tuckahoe District Supervisor, Patricia O’Bannon, and Senate Majority Leader, Walter Stosch, many people over 65 years old and/or the totally disabled have been helped to qualify for total exemption from 2008 real estate taxes under the county’s Real Estate Advantage Program. So, members and guests, show your support for her resourcefulness; come hear Ms. O’Bannon tell us how she is representing us and how these changes and exemptions will directly benefit you financially.

Member News:Deaths: Edward J. Barrett

Elizabeth B. Thomas

Birthdays:September: Reves BrownOctober: J. Carroll Graham

AnniversariesSeptember: Frank C. DenhamOctober: Eugene & Arlene Madden

New MemberThomas B. Sims

Chapter 2265, MidlothianMeets: monthly, 2nd Wednesday

Exceptions, Annual Picnic & Holiday LuncheonTime: 9:30 a.m. Social 10:00 a.m. Business MeetingWhere: Brandermill Woods Retirement Center

14311 Brandermill Woods TrailMidlothian, VA

Contact: Pat Hoffert, CH 2265 website

****** SEPTEMBER MEETING ******

COME CELEBRATE OUR CHAPTER’S 15th

ANNIVERSARYAT THE ANNUAL CHAPTER PICNIC

*****WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 4:00 P.M.

OASIS PARK, 15300 COSBY RD., MIDLOTHIAN

Directions: WEST on Rt. 360 (Hull Street); travel past the entrance to WOODLAKE; continue on Hull Street, approximately ½ mile to sign/entrance on the right.

Please bring a covered dish to share with other members. A $2.00 donation per person is requested.

Join other chapter members for a fun-filled afternoon of good company, great hospitality, and superb cuisine.

Special Activities: A Special Reminder for Travelers from our tour director, Eunice Wolford.

Are you planning to participate in the West Virginia Fall Spectacular, October 14-16, 2007, with NARFE 2265? Mark your calendars, as the payment balance for this fabulous trip is due on September 12, 2007. The holiday season will be welcomed in with the extraordinary tour of the Virginia State Capitol and “Gardenfest of Lights” on Friday, November 30, 2007. A delicious buffet dinner in the Lewis Ginter banquet room, Robin’s Room, will be enjoyed before departing for a tour of the best “Tacky Lights” houses in the area. The due date for this trip’s payment is November 1, 2007. On Saturday, December 8, 2007, the tour of the White House and a U.S. Army Band Holiday Concert will be enjoyed, along with a Christmas

luncheon at Phillips Flagship Restaurant. For this very special trip, travelers are reminded that Security Information and payment are both due on November 1, 2007.

Membership:NEW MEMBERS: Linda Bramble; Mickey Brooks; Cora Castaneda; Ronald Crothers; Nancy Hill; David Hodges; James Mills; Grace Shuler; and Ronald Taylor.

REINSTATED MEMBERS: Irene Lackey; Lawrence Masters; and Ellen Seal.

GOOD NEWS: The VFC recently voted to re-establish a program whereby the VFC will reimburse chapters $5.00 for each member enrolling in the Dues Withholding (D/W) program between July and December, 2007. Chapter 2265 has started off this reimbursement program with a bang, having enrolled Linda and Peter Bramble and Marjorie Clarke during the first month! Unfortunately, the D/W program is only open to retirees, those who receive a monthly annuity from OPM. Currently, 24% of 2265’s members are enrolled in D/W. Please consider enrolling in this program. Not only does this reimbursement program provide an opportunity for the chapter to add to its coffers, but it saves you, the retiree, $4.40 a year over the normal yearly dues.

For more information about D/W and its benefits, please contact our Membership Chair, Marge Bartell, at CH 2265 website or pick up a D/W brochure at one of our chapter meetings.

BIRTHDAY WISHES:

September 27 Barbara Lopez3 Thang Pham 27 Sylvia Farley3 Barbara Lopez 28 Don Simpson3 Charlie Wilson3 Barbara McLaughlin4 Mike Bartell October7 Carolyn Matthews 1 Bee Hite7 Chris Bishop 1 Mary Nicely

12 Pauline Smith 4 Doris Emerson15 Jan Sjostrom 6 Sheila Hecker15 John Gamble 8 Mary Gross19 Jennie Lekacos 11 Joyce Burton19 John Bartell 11 Tara Hudson

An Invitation to Attend. . .9/11 Memorial Celebration

in the Nation’s CapitalMr. Joseph Beaudoin, NARFE Region X Vice President and a former VFC President, requested we spread the word among our chapters about an important spiritual and patriotic concert calling for national reconciliation and unity. The non-sectarian event will be held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC on Tuesday, September 11 (Patriot Day) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The theme for the program of music and readings is: “Thus Spake America!—A Moment for Healing and Unity.” The program serves as a memorial to those who fell, and sounds a prayer for national healing and reconciliation in the face of the clear and present danger of terrorism. It is also a salute to America’s first responders, veterans, and our men and women in uniform. Admission is free.

The event is sponsored by the Presidents of the Senate and House Prayer Breakfasts, Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), respectively. Other sponsors are Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA), Chair for the House Veterans Affairs Committee; and Senator Larry Craig (R-ID). The program is put on by the VA-National Medical Musical Group (VA-NMMG), recipient of many awards, including one from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

Hosts are Bill Kurtis of A&E Television, Miss America 2000, Heather French Henry; and Adrian Cronauer of “Good Morning Vietnam” fame. Music is by operatic soprano, Harolyn Blackwell; gospel singer, Larnell Harris; and several others, along with the 300-member chorale and symphony orchestra of VA-NMMG. Narrations are by bipartisan members of congress and other distinguished Americans.

NARFENational Active & Retired Federal Employees Association

NARFE Chapter 22654150 Round Hill DriveChesterfield, VA 23832-7842

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIO

NU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDRICHMOND, VA

PERMIT NO. 1630

For more information and comments on this newsletter, please contact:

Jack McMurchyArea III Newsletter Coordinator

CH 28 website

Home Delivery Requested bySeptember 4, 2007

Alzheimer’s CornerRobert B. Schaefer

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE FINALLY GAINS NATIONAL ATTENTION!

On Wednesday, July 11, 2007, Senators Hillary Clinton and Susan Collins, the co-chairs of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease, joined Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO, Harry Johns, former House Speaker, Newt Gingrich, and former Nebraska Senator, Bob Kerrey, to announce that Gingrich and Kerrey will co-chair an Alzheimer’s Disease Study Group. This will be an independent, non-partisan effort to evaluate the country’s current efforts to combat Alzheimer’s Disease. This group will examine the response to the growing crisis Alzheimer’s Disease presents and offer viable solutions that will reduce

the burden of this disease upon our nation. In order to evaluate all aspects of the nation’s response to the challenges posed by this disease, including research and long term care, they will draw upon existing findings; commission independent research as needed from non-partisan policy research organizations; and solicit testimony and written comments from a diverse range of experts. ‘Stay tuned’ as we monitor the workings of this very important study group.

FDA APPROVES SKIN PATCH FORALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Exelon (or Rivastigmine), first manufactured and marketed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals in 2000, is the first Alzheimer’s medication available in patch form. The patch permits the drug to enter the bloodstream directly, which eliminates some of the gastrointestinal reactions associated with this medication when it is swallowed. Exelon IS NOT A CURE for Alzheimer’s, but it inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is thought to be important for both learning and memory.