NARFE Chapter 372
Norristown, PA

A regular meeting was held Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at the Old Country Buffet, East Norriton, PA

The meeting was called to order at 1:05 PM by George Shal, President.

Attendance: 21 members and guests were present. George asked each of us to introduce ourselves.

There was a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

A reading of the June and July minutes by Al Henryson, Secretary, was conducted. The minutes were approved as amended.

Officer and Committee Reports:

George Shal then asked for the following Officer and Committee Reports:

Si Nagel, Treasurer, presented the August Report. The balance on hand for use is $3,376.67. The report as submitted was unanimously approved.

Ed Levandoski, Legislation, asked us all to watch for discussions of our future medical benefits and COLA actions.

Eileen Fitzgerald, Membership/Public Relations: George read her report she had submitted - there are presently 321 Chapter members, 28 National Only members and 5 Life members for a total of 354 assigned to the Chapter, which is unchanged from last month.

Joe Patti, Service/Newsletter. George Shal reported that the Newsletter will be mailed in a few more weeks to include some upcoming activities.

Gwen Wilson, Sunshine, reported that thankfully there have been no new illnesses by members reported to her.

All reports were approved and accepted.

Old Business:

Chapter support for Alzheimer's Research: George reminded everyone to again contribute and for last year that we were close to our donation goal.

Update on November Health Fair – Peggy gave an update on those health plans scheduled to attend.

Meet Your Candidates Month (Debt Commission) – Ted Mason will be meeting with Joe Sestak over the weekend and that Peggy has received some questions drafted by NARFE Headquarters to be asked of our political candidates. Three of the questions were distributed to chapter members to be asked of Allyson Schwartz when she attends our next meeting in September.

New Business:

Donation to RSVP: It was agreed that we donate $50 this year to RSVP since we used their speaker services at least once this past year.

Holiday Party/2011 Program committee: George brought up for discussion that we possibly have additional dates for planned social events. And it was agreed that our 2010 Holiday Party will again be at the Springhouse Tavern with maybe a different entertainer. Peg will followup.

Questions for Allyson Schwartz: Peg briefed on the questions proposed by Headquarters to be asked of Representative Schwartz at our next meeting as mentioned above. George will ask about the Debt Commission, Peg will ask about healthcare, and Al will ask about Medicare Part B Premium Protection.

Reimbursements: It was agreed that we would renew our subscription to the web site for 2 more years, reimburse for the expense of postcards and pay for Charley Saylor and friend for lunch. Si will complete the checks.

George then introduced our guest speaker this month, Charley Saylor, NARFE Region II Vice President.

Charley gave an interesting presentation on his thoughts regarding the Debt Commission, and his proposals as a candidate for NARFE National Headquarters Financial Officer regarding membership dues increases, cutting expenses, and possibly renting out some office space in the Headquarters building.

We appreciated his coming to our Chapter meeting and presenting his ideas.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM.

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The next meetings will be held Saturday, September 11, 2010, at 11 AM for a presentation by Allyson Y. Schwartz, PA – 13th Congressional District,

and

Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 1PM for a presentation by Richard Catanese, Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors, Plymouth Meeting Office, to discuss investments and financial planning.

Al Henryson, Secretary