NEW JERSEY STATE FEDERATION – BIENNIAL CONVENTION
APRIL 9, 2013
1. Opening Ceremonies:
A. The NJ Federation of Chapters Biennial Convention was held at the Tropicana Hotel
and Casino, Atlantic City NJ on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. The meeting was called to order
at 10:10 by President Rae Novak. Federation Chaplain Dr. Mary Jane Celli gave the
Invocation and asked for a moment of silence for deceased members. Steve Anderson,
District 5 VP, presented the colors and Sgt-At-Arms James Ellis led the Pledge of
Allegiance. Ed Gabel led the singing of the national anthem.
B. Patty Laveglia, Tropicana National Sales Manager, gave the hotel welcome. Lou Katz,
Convention Chair, delivered the convention welcome. He explained that although
other venues were considered, Tropicana offered the best deal and we have more
attendees than in past years. He said that we will gain a wealth of knowledge from
hearing our two speakers. Following an introduction, Mayor Lorenzo T. Langford gave
the host city welcome on behalf of all Atlantic City residents and employees. He
thanked the membership for choosing Atlantic City as their Convention site, and
presented President Novak with a Certificate of Appreciation.
C. President Novak introduced the national guests: National President Joseph Beaudoin,
Region II Vice President Evelyn Kirby, and Pennsylvania Federation President Maria
Ritzman.
D. RULES OF THE CONVENTION: Steve Anderson advised that the Rules of the
Convention are on pages 30 through 35 of the Convention Journal. He made a
motion to accept them; this was seconded and carried.
2. ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS:
PRESENT
President - Rae Novak
1st VP - Ed Gabel
2nd VP, Newsletter - Lou Katz
Rec. Secretary – Jeanette Cornblatt
Parliamentarian - Nan Coll
Historian – Doris Katz
Newsletter Co-Editor - Dolores Ellenbogen
Legislative Chair – Jerry Rubin
Corr. Secretary - Judy Feltman
Treasurer-Bernadette Schoch
Sgt-at-Arms/Audit Chair - James Ellis
Finance Chair – Jerry Maguire
District 2 VP – Larry Tobias
District 5 VP – Larry Bonanni
District 6 VP/NARFE Net – Steve Anderson
Past Presidents: George Novak – Resolutions/ Bylaws; Mike Demski; Dr. Mary Jane Celli
– Chaplain/Incentive and Scholarship Programs; Jim Boyle – Alzheimer’s Chair
EXCUSED/ABSENT
NARFE PAC- Steve Nagy; District 2 VP - Juanita Feaster
ROLL CALL OF CHAPTERS:
127 203 319 411 424 476 501 585 631 637 718 858 988 1000 1066 1182 1197
3 2
4
7 4
1 0
0 5
6 4 1
1
5
2
2
0
1268 1490 1533 1619 1664
2
0
7
1
4
3. November 13, 2012 Federation Minutes: A motion was made by Steve Anderson to
dispense with the reading of the minutes, as they were previously furnished to each chapter
president, and copies were placed on each table. The motion was seconded by Jerry Rubin and
carried.
4. TREASURER’S REPORT: Bernadette Schoch explained the various columns of her report and
distributed copies. Totals as of March 31 are: Checking Account: $12,399.65; Money Market
Account: $33,139.16; Total funds: $45,538.00. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted and filed
for audit.
5. CREDENTIALS REPORT: - Dr. Mary Jane Celli presented a preliminary report, stating that 18
chapters are represented with 61 delegates, two national officers, and 1 guest.
6. BUDGET/FINANCE: Jerry Maguire:
A. Operating Surplus: Our FY 12 operating surplus was $2,911.71 (12/31/2012 Treasurer’s
Report S10 less S41) while the FY 11 operating surplus was $8,331.09 (12/31/2011
Treasurer’s Report T14 less T42). The major contributor to this $5,419.38 reduction in
operating surplus was a significant net increase in FY12 expenses. The major factor
contributing to this was the $6,545.74 National Convention reimbursement expense,
composed primarily of attendee stipends totaling $5,000. National Conventions are
held in the even years and state conventions are held in the odd years. While state
convention stipends are also provided, they are usually less than those provided for
national conventions. For example, FY 12 National Convention stipends totaled about
$5,000.00, which was about $3,500.00 more than FY 11 state convention total stipends
of about $2,500.00.
B. Fund Balance: Our total fund balance at the end of FY12 was $45,538.81 (summary
of all bank accounts G48). This was a $2,935.69 increase over the FY11 ending total
fund balance of $42,603.12 (Treasurer’s report as of 12/31/2011 S47). This increase is
smaller than FY11 $8,386.93 increase over FY10 because of the National Convention
reimbursement expenses incurred in FY12, as discussed above.
7. James Ellis - AUDIT REPORT: Conducting the audit at the home of the Treasurer were
Nancy Johnson (637), Steve Anderson (1268), Lorraine Kearney (319) and James Ellis (203). The
beginning date for the audit was October 1, 2012 and the ending date was February 28, 2013,
starting with check number 1083 and ending with check number 1120. As of 2/28/2013,
$15,394.42 was in the checking account and $33,144.51 in the money market account, for a
total of $48,538.93. One error was found during the audit. An expense report was missing, but
afterwards retrieved. The records of the Treasurer remain in good order. The Audit Committee
members thank Bernadette Schoch for the use of her home and for her kind hospitality.
8. REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
A. President’s Message: President Novak introduced the Federation Officers and thanked
everyone for their help over the last two years. She urged members to take an active
part in their chapters, run for an office, and to go on Dues Withholding which she called
a win-win situation. She expressed regret that Chapter 1533’s list of boosters and
patrons did not make it into the Journal.
B. Membership/Service Center - 1st VP Ed Gabel:
(1) Service Centers: The Service Center is located in the Picatinny Federal Credit Union
Offices on Mineral Springs Road in Dover NJ. Service Officer Bob Leonardi now operates
the center remotely from his home and averages about 15 calls a month – his phone
number is 908-452-5666. Call him with questions, or to make an appointment.
(2) Membership: Ed distributed a report containing membership statistics for the last
quarter ending December 31st 2012, and the months of January and February 2013.
There is a discrepancy with the NARFE numbers on the M110 report and the summary
report in calculating NARFE’s numbers each month; these numbers will never agree as
they are prepared at different times and from different sources, and also because the
system is real time. We are down 739 members this year.
(3) Retention. Headquarters is now sending out Dues Withholding applications in their
dues renewal notices.
(4) Recruitment. I have made numerous attempts to recruit new members, with very
little success. At Chapter 424 we distributed, and I personally spoke to, about 50 active
employees at the Arsenal cafeteria and about 100 people at a blood drive. I received
only one response. I keep packages in my car and hand them out whenever I hear that
somebody is a federal employee or retiree. We picked up two retirees and one active
postal worker. We need to continue to pursue getting inside the installations. Remember to recycle your NARFE Magazine by leaving it in doctor’s offices, etc.
(5) MEMBERSHIP REPORT FOR LAST QUARTER, ENDING MARCH 2013:
January, February, March
New Members
Deceased
12
-132
Deceased Transfer
3
Transferred In
6
Transferred Out
Reinstatements
Dropped, non-renewal
-24
64
-190
National Life voting
1
National Life non-vote
0
Cancels
-2
New Prospects
0
Discrepancy
53
Total NJ Federation members
C. LEGISLATIVE - Jerry Rubin:
6653
After the last Federation election when Rae Novak became President, a Legislative
Committee was formed to coordinate and focus the efforts of all the chapters’
legislative officers in a unified way. The plan was to get a legislative officer from each of
the chapters, but we were only partly successful. As the year progressed, some dropped
out, others joined. We currently have 16 members, not counting Jeanette Cornblatt
who agreed to be the recording secretary and Lou Katz, by virtue of his being the
Federation President. The members are:
Jerome Rubin 424, Dover (Chairman); John Farrell, Mike Demski 319, Paterson; Joanne
Krudys 858, Garfield; Pat Rowe 2055 Monroe (will be leaving the state soon); Darsene
Baggett 1000, Raritan Valley; Bill Feaster 203 Newark; Mervin Hansen, Robert Unick,
Jeanette Cornblatt (Recording Secretary) 411, Monmouth; Rae Novak, Eugene DiSanto
1533, Middletown; Sheldon Williams, Shirley Seger 718, Cherry Hill; Tom DeFiore 1664,
South Jersey Shore; Steve Anderson 1268, Willingboro; Valerie Ryan 476, Suburban
Essex; Lou Katz 319, Paterson, Federation Pres, ex officio
There were a series of meetings at the Prestige Diner where we agreed on an agenda for
the year, to cover both National and State issues.
The National Agenda: Protect retiree and worker benefits by contacting our
representatives to vote against all adverse proposed legislation affecting both workers
and retirees; and support legislation that is beneficial to retirees, to wit:
-
Call and visit our representatives in support of PAH
don’t permit the Post Office to pull out of the FEHBP
don’t let Congress go to the Chained CPI
don’t continue the pay freeze for federal workers
don’t let Congress increase the amount of employee contributions to their pension
don’t let Congress remove the defined pension benefit for FERS employees
do support the repeal of the WEP/GPO
We were not too successful.
-
employee salaries are frozen for the rest of the year
the Chained CPI has now been proposed by the President
workers will have to contribute more to their pension
what happens with the Post Office is anybody’s guess at this point
repeal of the WEP/GPO is dead again and will have to be re-introduced in the 113th
Congress
The State Agenda: The state agenda was highly focused with one end in mind—increase the
amount of tax-free income one may deduct from state taxes. We all know there is a serious
problem in New Jersey with so many seniors leaving for more tax-friendly states because of the
tax policy. Fifty-one per cent of out-migrants move to PA, NC, and FL, the states that either
don’t have an income tax or don’t tax pensions. Senators Bucco-25 and Pennacchio-26
introduced a bill in 2012, S.1732, which would double the amount of tax-free pension one can
deduct from state taxes. That bill became our rallying point. A companion and identical bill,
A.2752, was introduced in the Assembly by Benson and DeAngelo both of the 14 th. The latter
two are Democrats and the former two are Republicans, so one would think with bi-partisan
support, the bill would move quickly. No such luck.
We met with other organizations to garner state-wide support for the bills. We met with the
Communication Workers of America (CWA), the largest state-employee union and asked or
their support. They didn’t support the bills. We met with the NJEA. They don’t support the bills.
We met with AARP. They don’t support the bills.
We also met with our legislators. We met with Senator Sarlo’s Legislative Counsel to request his
support, as he is Chairman of the Budget Committee where the bill resides. We were told the
Senator supported the previous bill, S.2345, but the cost is an issue. We met with Assm. Price,
Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee who said he supported the bill, but we need to
get more legislators to support including senators.
Letters were written to Senate President Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Oliver requesting
their support. No response to date. I went to Oliver’s office in East Orange and spoke to one of
the aides who said he will pass the information to the legislative aide. I’ve called several time,
but got no response so far. I sent a letter to Prof. Hughes of the Rutgers School of Policy and
Planning and got no answer. I’ve sent three letters to A.Barry Rand, CEO of AARP asking why
AARP does not support these bills. After all, AARP is supposed to look after seniors. I’ve only
received a single reply from one of his communications people who simply said that AARP has
not taken a position on these bills. Heck, I know that. I want to know why!
I sent a letter to State Treasurer Sidamon-Eristoff asking him to support the bills and got a
nothing letter back from the state’s Chief Economist. I replied asking for a meeting to discuss
the bills and that was granted. Four members of the Legislative Committee—Demski, Unick,
DeFiore and Rubin—met with Chief Economist Steindel and two members of the Treasurer’s
Office—Snyder and Cohen—on April 3, 2013, in his Trenton Office. Tom DeFiore gave an
excellent presentation showing the negative effects of taxation which leads to mass outmigration of seniors. In essence they agreed with us that there is an out-migration, especially of
seniors, which seriously depletes the state’s wealth. Even though this was acknowledged, they
said there is nothing they can do as they cannot officially come out to support the legislation!
We asked them to come up with a fiscal note (cost) for the bill and when they did that to
asterisk it with a comment that the cost would be offset by the wealth generated by seniors
staying as opposed to moving. They said they could not do that. But, we did make the important point that this bill would result in a much lower revenue stream than the previous S.2345
which had been tagged with a $62M bill of lost revenue.
So, the question is where do we go from here?
On the national level, we need to get the repeal of the WEP/GPO re-introduced into Congress.
In the last session, 6 NJ Congressmen were co-sponsors of repeal. Five of the remaining
Congressmen need to be contacted and asked to become sponsors of a new bill. They are:
LoBiondo-2, Pallone-6, Pascrell-9, Payne10, and Smith-4. Rothman, the 6th sponsor, is no longer
a Congressman. I tried to send a message to Congressmen LoBiondo and Pallone from their
websites, but was denied permission as I am not in their districts. So, we need to have people in
each of those districts to send a message requesting them to do it.
I’ve called my Congressman Frelinghuysen-11 and asked him to introduce a new bill that would
repeal the WEP/GPO. I’ve also sent him an email requesting same, with the comment that he
should try and get the five NJ Congressmen who were co-sponsors before to join in becoming
sponsors of the new bill. No response so far.
On the state level, we need more grass roots help from our members as I’ve almost given up on
the CWA, AARP and the NJEA. The presidents and legislative officers in each of our chapters
need to marshal its members to make calls and send letters, and continue to make calls and
send letters. It may not lead to success, but they have to know how important this bill is to us
seniors. Why is it that AARP can get its people to be active, but we can’t? If you don’t know
what district you’re in or who your two assemblymen/women and senator are, simply call your
town hall to ask. They will know. Then, become an advocate for your own benefits.
If we want this bill to pass, it is up to us to make it happen.
Tom DeFiore, member of the legislative Committee, spoke about households leaving NJ and
wealth (the people leaving tend to be older retired people who have more money than those
moving in) migrating out. He compared the current bill, S.1732, to the older S.2345.
Jerry invited members to join the Legislative Committee. Bernadette commented that she had
read an article in the Asbury Park Press written by Richard Oehling, Chapter 1533, in support of
federal workers. Nan Coll commented that, while Letters to the Editor do not often get
published, we can get the word out through blogs or patch.com.
Tom DiFiore presented a slide show in support of Jerry’s report on data concerning various
studies on the migration of wealth in NJ (see page 6, last para.)
D. ADOPTION OF REVISED Resolutions and Bylaws – George Novak: The bylaws and
resolutions committee consisted of Rae and George Novak, Mary Jane Celli, John O’Brien, and
Steve Anderson. A letter was sent to the president and secretary of each chapter requesting
comments and corrections; only 2 replies were received, which consisted of typos and
grammatical errors. A motion was made by Jerry Rubin and seconded by Steve Anderson to
accept the revised resolutions and bylaws; carried. John Szephulsky commented that, other
than dividing the secretary’s position into recording and corresponding, the changes were all
cosmetic.
7. DISTRICT VP REPORTS:
(a) District 2 – Larry Tobias:
Chapter 319 Patterson: Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month with a
membership of about 200; like most chapters, attendance is low. Moving the location from
Paterson to Fair Lawn might improve attendance. President Mike Demski is looking into the
feasibility of a conference call arrangement, whereby members who cannot attend can call a
central number and be directed to a speaker phone in the meeting room. Mike urged
members to fight against the proposal to force the Postal Service to administer their own
Federal Employees Health Plan. Guest Lou Katz encouraged members to attend the
Convention.
Chapter 425 William J. Ryan, Mountain Lakes: This active chapter participates in social activities
as well as chapter business. They are planning a 4 day all inclusive trip to the Virginia Azalea
Festival in April. President Ed Gabel keeps the chapter well informed on both federation and
national business.
Chapter 858, Bergen Passaic: The chapter meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month. The
chapter president is Judy Feltman. She informed the members that tax form 990N was
submitted to the IRS, and provided contact information for the above trip. Mike Demski stated
that our cost-of-living adjustments may be in jeopardy, and the revised inflation adjustment,
“chained CPI” was discussed.
He also spoke about proposed changes to the Postal Service,
which effect both active and retired employees.
Chapter 988, Bergen County: Larry Tobias is the president of this chapter, which meets on the
third Tuesday of the month. I am the President of this chapter. Like the other chapters in
District 3, we also have a large membership but only a few regulars attend meetings. Thanks to
treasurer Bob Seyfart for his dedicated efforts negotiating with Wells Fargo to remove any
service charges and fees that were to be applied to the chapter banking account. At the last
meeting, member and certified IRS tax preparer John Sassi gave an update on changes to the
tax laws.
In all chapter visits I have covered topics discussed at the Federation Meetings concern ing the National e-chapters and proposals for instituting more of them. I also stress the
importance of being an active member and not just a bystander. An organization can only
survive when members participate. Take the time to attend your chapter meetings!
RECESS FOR LUNCH/GUEST SPEAKER NATIONAL PRESIDENT JOSEPH BEAUDOIN
President Beaudoin stated that although NARFE is facing unique and difficult challenges,
collectively we have risen to them and we collectively will overcome them. Our legislative
voice is strong, our pledge to quality service is unwavering, and our commitment to innovation
is steadfast. He spoke on putting the NARFE fiscal house in order and stated that we ended
the year with almost $700,000, which is the first time in at least 10 years we are operating in
the black. Previously, we had been going into the hole a million dollars a year. Our success is
attributable to the e-chapters, cutting expenses, and freezing salaries. We will continue to cut
back so that we can remain financially secure in the future. President Beaudoin thanked
members for generously contributing to the various NARFE fund drives. Our membership
numbers have declined drastically since the 1980’s – at that time, people tended to be ‘joiners’
and they joined NARFE to protect our earned benefits. We have lost many members to death
(about 35% more than last year), and we need to be actively recruiting new members. The echapters started in March 2011, and this seems to be the way to entice active federal employees to join; many members who have let their membership lapse are willing to come back as emembers. We post information as it comes out, every day and this is an incentive to them.
President Beaudoin said that Headquarters has been modernized and fixed up with a new
generator, new computers, and made repairs, including the elevator and fixing roof and garage
leaks. The NARFE magazine has been redesigned to be used as a recruitment tool, as was the
application form. A question and answer session followed, which dealt primarily with the echapters, and President Novak presented him with a gift representative of New Jersey.
President Novak reported that Chapter 1000 is doing great. Chapter 2055 has closed and
members are being transferred to Chapter 127. Chapter 1000 contributed to the boosters and
patrons, but unfortunately this did not make it into the Convention Journal.
District 4 – Larry Bonanni:
Chapter 411, West Long Branch: I attended this chapter’s November 20 business meeting, as
well as their December 11th Holiday Luncheon at Branches. On January 15th I attended their
general meeting; the speaker discussed financial planning including wills, living wills, and
powers of attorney. At the February 19th meeting, Congressman Pallone was the guest
speaker. I missed the March meeting but plan to attend their pizza party meeting on April 16.
Chapter 1533, Middletown: No membership meeting was held in November because of
Hurricane Sandy. The chapter held a very nice Holiday Party at Bahr’s in December. There was
no meeting in January. A membership meeting was held on February 13; the speaker was a
master gardener. At their March 13 meeting, Mr. Gene DiSanto discussed IRS and NJ State
Income Tax regulations for 2012. On April 10, Chapter 1533 held a luncheon-business meeting
at the Royal Chinese Buffet in Middletown; an enjoyable time was had by all.
Chapter 637, Lakewood: I attended their Holiday Party at Simno’s on December 13 th. The
chapter did not meet in January. I plan to attend their February meeting. I attended their
March 21 meeting; the guest speaker discussed current programs at the Strand Theater in
Lakewood.
Chapter 1619, Lakehurst: I attended this chapter’s November 19th business meeting. Elections
were held. Due to the weather, no meeting was held in January. I missed their February and
March meetings, but plan to attend on April 15th.
Chapter 1182,South Ocean County: I attended their Holiday Party at November 26th, at Il
Gardino. Their meeting place at the Stafford Township Senior Center was destroyed by Sandy.
Their January meeting was held in St Steven’s Episcopal Church. The township will provide an
alternate location in February. I missed their March meeting, but plan to attend on April 22nd.
Their meeting place was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, and they are at a temporary meeting
place while repairs are made.
(b) District 5 – Stephen A. Anderson:
CHAPTER 1268, Willingboro: I attended their meeting on January 22nd and installed the
officers for 2013. I instructed the treasurer on filling out the IRS 990-N firm. No members
expressed an interest in filling any federation positions including District 5 VP. I was
unanimously voted in to retain this position. Members were asked to attend the Tuesday
Convention meeting and luncheon as the National NARFE President will be speaking. It was
mentioned that chapter newsletters are available on the website. Annemarie O’Neill from
Senior Seminar Services spoke on Medicare management, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and pre-
paid funeral arrangements. I attended the February 26 meeting with 14 members present.
Guest speaker was Theresa Tobey from Contact of Burlington, who presented a slide show on
mental health, Code Blue, and a crisis hot line. I attended their meeting on March 26; 13
members were present. The guest speaker, from the Burlington County Office of Aging, spoke
on the various programs offered.
Chapter 631, Woodbury: On November 18 I attended their meeting and installed the officers
for 2013. The Christmas Luncheon was held on December 18 at the 7 Stars restaurant and
President Rae and Past President George Novak were guests. On January 15, 10 members
were present and the Convention package was discussed. I gave the treasurer instructions for
the IRS 990-N form. No members expressed an interest in filling any federation positions
including District 5 VP. I was unanimously voted in to retain this position. I also attended
their meeting on March 19th.
Chapter 718, Cherry Hill: I attended their meeting on November 28. The upcoming
Convention was discussed and it was mentioned that the Federation newsletter would be out in
December. The Nov 9th 2K12 E-board minutes, along with chapter newsletters, are on the
website. The guest speaker was Annemarie O’Neill from Senior Seminar Services; she spoke on
Medicare management, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and pre-paid funeral arrangements. I
attended the chapter’s Christmas Luncheon on December 6th at the Pennsauken CC in
Haddonfield. On January 23 I installed the officers for 2013. I instructed the treasurer on filling
out the IRS 990-N firm. Guest speaker was Ernest Tiberino who is retired from the IRS
Criminal Investigation Division. He spoke on his experiences with them, and his travels around
the world. No members expressed an interest in filling any federation positions including
District 5 VP. I was unanimously voted in to retain this position. Members were asked to
attend the Tuesday Convention meeting and luncheon as the National NARFE President will be
speaking. I attended their meeting on February 27th; 25 members were present. Kaye Seeger
presented a slide show on Obama Care, and Medicare A, B, and D. There were 31 members
present on March 27th. The guest speaker was Financial Advisor Charles Strano who spoke on
IRA’s, 401 K’s, and the L, G, F, C, and I funds. He also spoke on Social Security and the TSP fund.
Chapter 1197, Cape May: On January 10 I traveled to Cape May for installation; no members
were present. I attended the February 14 meeting; 11 members were present and I installed
the current officers. The guest speaker was Annemarie O’Neill from Senior Seminar Services;
she spoke on Medicare management, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and new laws affecting
Medicare and Medicaid in regard to nursing homes.
Chapter 585, Cumberland-Salem: I attended their meeting on January 24th and installed the
officers for 2013. I instructed the treasurer on filling out the IRS 990-N firm. No members
expressed an interest in filling any federation positions including District 5 VP. I was
unanimously voted in to retain this position. Members were asked to attend the Tuesday
Convention meeting and luncheon as the National NARFE President will be speaking. On March
28th I attended a meeting with 14 members present. The guest speaker was Grayson Herberly,
an elder law attorney, who spoke on wills, powers of Attorney, Federal and State taxes, and
trust funds.
Chapter 1664: I attended their meeting on November 19th, and informed President Guishard
that the name on the M-112 needs to be changed from FAA Tech Center. He then presented a
slide show on his recent trip to China. I attended their meeting on January 16 th, with 17 members present, and officers were installed for 2013. The guest speaker was Greg Banks from
Angel Alliance Caregivers; he presented a slide show on elder financial abuse. Members were
asked to attend the Tuesday Convention meeting and luncheon as the National NARFE President will be speaking. No members expressed an interest in filling any federation positions
including District 5 VP. I was unanimously voted in to retain this position. There were 8
members present on March 20th. I announced that I was running for 1st VP, and chapters would
have to select a candidate for District 5 VP, as this is my last report as District 5 VP.
Other events attended: November 13, attended Federation Meeting at Lakeside Manor; gave
my district report and the NARFE-NET report. February 20, attended Federation Executive
Board meeting; March 20, attended the semi-annual audit of Federation Accounts.
NARFE-NET REPORT
NEW
REINSTATED
TRANSFER
OUT
TRANSFERRED DROPPED
CHANGES
IN
NON-RENEW ADDRESS
11/2012
16
9
5
0
14
21
12/2012
10
5
1
0
23
17
1/2013
11
6
3
3
12
13
2/2013
5
11
2
1
20
19
3/2013
1
7
4
3
25
27
42
38
15
7
94
97
TOTALS:
DECEASED
TRANSFER TO E-CHAPTER 2363
11/2012
2
7
12/2012
2
8
1/2013
4
10
02/2012
8
20
3/2013
7
27
TOTALS:
85
72
voluntary cancel - 1
The website has 909 hits on site, with 70 messages. Please send your suggestions for improving
the website.
8. MEMORIAL SERVICE - Dr. Mary Jane Celli, Ed Gabel, Rae Novak, District VP’s: The
candelabra being used was made by a NARFE member from Chapter 424 shortly before he
passed away. We will now begin our Memorial Service to honor and remember our 554 NARFE
friends who have died since our last Memorial Service in Atlantic City in 2011. Would the
District VP’s please come forward? When I call your district, please take the microphone and
read the chapters and the number of deceased. Light a candle on the candelabra from the
main candle and then pass the microphone to the next District VP. Thank you.
District 1 (Ed Gabel for Juanita Feaster)
Chapters
203 - 9
1066 - 5
1490 - 6
501 - 15
Total
35
District 3 – Rae Novak
Chapters
127 – 24
1000 – 38
2055 - 8
Total
70
District 5 – Steve Anderson
Chapters
585 – 9
631 – 11
718 – 43
1197 – 9
1268 – 13
1664 - 39
Total
124
District 2 – Larry Tobias
Chapters
319 - 26
424 – 93
476 – 19
988 - 16
858 - 20
Total
174
District 4 – Larry Bonanni
Chapters
411 – 87
637 – 31
1182 - 3
1533 – 17
1619 - 23
Total
161
The last two candles were for veterans and active members of the military, and were lit by Rae
and George Novak. A tape was played of “How Great Thou Art”, and the poem “We Remember Them” was read. May they rest in peace.
President Beaudoin cleared up a possible misunderstanding concerning the number of
members who had dropped chapter membership to join e-chapters. He had stated earlier that
there were 14 transferees which equates to 5% of the e-NARFE membership. These members
had already been dropped from the books and we brought them back in to join an e-chapter.
9. FINAL CREDENTIALS REPORT, MARY JANE CELLI: 18 chapters were represented. There
were 4 guests, a total 61 delegates, and 2 national officers for a total of 67.
10. Nomination/Election of Officers - Steve Anderson: Candidates for 2013-2015 were
presented as follows:
President: Louis H. Katz
First Vice President: Stephen A. Anderson
Second Vice President: Edward D. Gabel
Treasurer: Bernadette Schoch
Recording Secretary: Jeanette C. Cornblatt
Corresponding Secretary: Judith Feltman
Chaplain: Mary Jane Celli
District 1 VP: Juanita C. Feaster
District 2 VP: Lawrence Tobias
District 3 VP: Arnold R. Endick
District 4 VP: Lawrence Bonanni
District 5 VP: Lawrence Stroud
11. ELECTION of Officers - Mike Demski:
After assuring that there were no further nominations, the nominations were closed. The list
of candidates was reread. Candidates were asked to stand. Jim Boyle made a motion that the
recording secretary cast one ballot for the state.
12. Drawing for Prizes:
Jim McShane, Chapter 1000 - $200.00
Rose Toscatrio, Chapter 988 - $100.00
Art Ritzman - $64.00
Gifts from Blue Cross and GEHA: (beach chair, beach cooler, backpacks, etc.)
Sid Severe, Chapter 718
Doris Katz, Chapter319
Sue Layland, Chapter 1555
Mike Demski, Chapter 319
Edna Holmes, Chapter 203
Ann Dyer, Chapter 1000
Ed Gabel, Chapter 424 - an all-inclusive 1 night stay at the Tropicana
Judy Feltman, Chapter 858 - jewelry
$50.00 gift cards:
Mary Jane Celli, Chapter 411
Jerry Rubin, Chapter 424
Arnie Endick, Chapter 1000
Virginia Karl, Chapter 1000
Ralph Perez, Chapter 637
Jerry Maguire, Chapter 1182
Bonnie Lobur, Chapter 1533
Lou Katz, Chapter 319 (won twice)
Gift baskets:
Evelyn Kirby, Region 2 VP
Shirley Seger, Chapter 718
Chapter Awards: Evelyn Kirby presented a certificate to Chapter 637 in honor of their
56th Anniversary. She then presented a certificate to the Federation in honor of their
52nd Anniversary; it was accepted by Rae Novak.
Alzheimer’s Awards: Jim Boyle presented a Certificate of Appreciation/Citation for
Distinguished Service to Chapter 411 in recognition of outstanding contributions to the
Alzheimer’s Fund; it was accepted by Jeanette Cornblatt. He also presented a certificate
to Chapter 718, accepted by Shirley Seger, for their contributions throughout the years.
Jim spoke about Alzheimer’s, saying this disease is in your system 10 to 19 years before
it manifests itself. While there is no cure and it can’t be reversed, researchers are
working on a way to stop its progression. Our contributions go towards new and
ongoing research. He asked each chapter to pick up their envelope containing
brochures and important information on Alzheimer’s.
E. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - DR. MARY JANE CELLI:
The scholarship rules have been changed for 2013 and the brochure has been revised (it
can be ordered from Headquarters). The application appeared in the April 2013 issue
of NARFE magazine (for more information go to www.narfe.org, log in as a member, and
click Special Programs at the left of the screen to see the scholarship page). Each year
volunteers judge the applications and once again, additional volunteers are being
sought. It is a very worthwhile program, and no volunteer will get more than 4 or 5
applications. I encourage all of you who have children, grandchildren, or great
grandchildren who are high school seniors to apply.
F. INCENTIVE PROGRAM - DR. MARY JANE CELLI:
Unfortunately, the incentive program is not being utilized; only 4 applications have
been received this year – 3 from Chapter 424, and 1 from Chapter 1533. Instructions
are as follows: You must go on Dues Withholding in order to receive the $10.00 rebate.
You must complete both sides of the application form, and be sure to sign it. Send your
application and check for $35.00, payable to NARFE, to Mary Jane. The application has
to go through her in order to receive a rebate. This can be paid on a quarterly basis,
and does not include chapter dues.
9. HEALTH INSURANCE AGENCIES: Blue Cross/Blue Shield, GEHA, GHIA, EMBLEM: A represent-
ative spoke from GEHA. He said their company works very well with retirees, choosing doctors
from a Multiplan program. He stated that they have contributed $5,000.00 to the Alzheimer’s
fund. Their priority is to hold their rates down. Sharon Fisher spoke on behalf of Emblem,
which is a merger of GHI and HIP. This is a New York based company, with their strongest
network in northern New Jersey. She highly recommended the GHI dental plan. President
Novak thanked the agencies for the gifts they donated.
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Henry Hersh made a motion to allocate funds to purchase an
eagle for our flag pole. It was seconded by Barbara Silvers. Steve Anderson amended the
motion to add purchasing a spear for the state flag. Barbara Silvers then made a motion to
amend the amendment by adding that this not exceed $100. All were carried.
11. NEW BUSINESS: Dates for future meetings were announced: Executive Board Meetings
on July 31 and October 30; Federation Meetings on August 14 and November 13 at the Lakeside
Manor. Judy will notify you of any changes.
18. INSTALLATION OF NEW FEDERATION OFFICERS: National President Joseph Beaudoin
19. Incoming President’s Remarks - Lou Katz:
President Katz thanked the membership for electing him as President, and promised a very
successful two years. He mentioned the commonalities he shares with Evelyn Kirby. He
stressed the importance of recruiting new members, getting to know your active and retired
members, and continuing to call your legislators. He stated that we all have a duty to be
ambassadors for NARFE and to be active members in our chapters. As officers in our chapters
we also need to “grow our own replacements” so that we do not lose chapters. President Katz
urged members to continue to support Alzheimer’s. He thanked his wife Doris for her help,
love, and support.
Evelyn Kirby stated that she looks forward to working with our new president. She
thanked Rae Novak for her dedicated service, and presented her with a certificate of
appreciation in recognition of being an outstanding Federation president for the past two years.
20. GOOD OF THE ORDER: A motion made by Barbara Silvers and seconded by Ed Gabel to
have both flags cleaned at a cost not to exceed $100. The motion was withdrawn when it was
pointed out that flags cannot be cleaned, but need to be properly disposed of, and replaced.
Discussion was postponed until the July executive board meeting; Jim Ellis will research the
matter. John Szephulsky thanked the board members for helping to vitalize Chapter 1000.
Mary Jane Celli thanked Rae Novak for her guidance and service over the past two years.
11. BENEDICTION: Dr. Mary Jane Celli
12. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Steve Anderson and seconded by John
Szpyhulsky that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 3:40 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jeanette Cornblatt
Jeanette Cornblatt
NJ Federation Recording Secretary
Copies of reports are available on request