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NARFE Chapter 372
Norristown, PA
The meeting was held Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at the Springhouse Tavern, in Springhouse, PA.
The meeting was called to order at 1:10pm by Ted Mason, President
Attendance: 29 Members and guests were present
The invocation was given by Si Nagel who also led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance
The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting of Nov 7, 2007 was waived and approved as submitted.
Treasurer's Reort: Treasurer Sy Nagle reported a balance of $ 5085.50 A motion was made and seconded to accept the Treasurer's
Report as submitted.
Membership Committee Report None
Other committee reports: None
Old Business Discussed: Ted again encouraged the membership to attend the seminars being offered in Gettysburg PA March
18-19 (topics—Presidents, Legislative Chairs, Membership Chairs, Public Relations Chairs, Treasurers, Secretaries,
Service Officers, Editors, and Net Coordinators). Five areas may be attended by each attendee. Cost $60 registration, $75
hotel fee. Sue Mason and George Shal will represent our chapter and Peg Bergman will consider attending.
New Business Discussed: Ted handed out a proposed change to the Chapter Bylaws and Constitution which changes the number
of people required for a quorum (10), place of the meetings (to make it more general to provide for moving to another site),
and name of the organization (to National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association). The changes to the Bylaws and
Constitution were approved by the membership.
Ted requested that Peggy Bergman complete the Officer Report on form F-7 and sent it to Virginia Giordano
He said that Eileen Fitzgerald would take care of the Deceased members report and send it to Virginia Giordano by Jan
20th
The chapter voted to buy $30 worth of raffle tickets for the State Convention.
The chapter voted to buy raffle tickets individually and they were sold at the meeting.
The chapter voted to place an ad in the State Convention brochure and have the materials in by February 8, 2008.
The chapter voted to pay the fee of $24 for the State Convention.
A motion was made, seconded and approved to adjourn the meeting at 1:30pm
Next meeting will be held at the Old Country Buffet on March 5, 2008.
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NARFE Chapter 372
Norristown, PA
The regular meeting was held Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at the Old Country Buffet, East Norriton, PA
The meeting was called to order at 1pm by Ted Mason, President
Attendance: 17 Members were present
The invocation was given by Si Nagel who also led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance
New Members were introduced: None
Special Guests were introduced: None
The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting of October 3, 2007 was waived and the minutes were approved as submitted.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Si Nagle reported a balance of $ 4996.36. A motion was made and seconded to accept the Treasurer's
Report
Membership Committee Report: Eileen Fitzgerald reported that there are 288 voting members
Other committee reports: There were no other committee reports
Old Business Discussed: Ted Mason asked for motions to reimburse Margaret Bergman in the amount of $100 for the deposit
for the Christmas Party, Joe Patti in the amount of $148.50 for printing and mailing the newsletter, and Eileen Fitzgerald
in the amount of $100 for the Christmas entertainment and $39.20 for mailing costs. Motions were made and seconded to reimburse
these members.
New Business Discussed: Nominations were accepted for the officers of the chapter and the following members were elected
to the posts listed below:
President: George Shal
1st Vice President: Fred Sweeney
2nd Vice President: Sue Mason
Secretary: Margaret Bergman
Treasurer: Simon Nagel
Legislative Chair: Dennis Fitzgerald
Membership Chair: Eileen Fitzgerald
Service Officer: Joe Patti
Public Relations: Eileen Fitzgerald
Sunshine Person: Alice Snyder
Webmaster: Ted Mason
George Shal and Sue Mason were also designated delegates to go to the State Convention in Harrisburg, PA from April 27-30,
2008
The membership decided to defer electing the members who would attend the National Convention in Louisville KY from September
7-11, 2008 until the March meeting.
Ted informed us that there have been some complaints that NARFE members are receiving mail addressed to them as members
of NARFE from outside sources. If this happens to any of our members, we are to let Ted know.
A seminar is being conducted in Gettsyburg, PA by our National Field Representative on March 18-19. It will cover nine
different subjects. The registration fee is $60 for the seminar. The chapter will be reimbursed for up to four attendees.
Registration includes three meals. The motel rooms are $75 plus tax. Ted said that he would accept a motion to send one member
with the chapter picking up the cost of the motel. A motion was made and seconded to send Sue Mason as the chapter rep and
also George Shal if he would like to attend. Ted Mason will be attending as a State Rep.
Ted mentioned that the bylaws and constitution for the chapter must be changed to delete all references to NARFE and replace
it with National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NAARFE). He also suggested that we change
the number of members required for a quorum to a specific number of people. He suggested that the number be changed to 10
people and also indicate the meeting place in a generic manner in the bylaws and constitution. No action was taken on these
items at this meeting.
Margaret Bergman and Eileen Fitzgerald of the Christmas Party committee reported that plans were final with the Springhouse
Tavern and the entertainer for the Christmas party. The cost per person is $10 and written directions were provided to all
members present and have since been posted on the website.
Guest Speaker: Benn Prybutok, Professor Montgomery County Community College, gave a really interesting presentation
on "What we need to do at home in terms of Security".
A motion was made, seconded and approved to adjourn the meeting at 3pm.
Next meeting will be held at Noon on December 5, 2007 at the Springhouse Tavern, Bethlehem Pk and Norristown Rd, Springhouse
PA
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NARFE Chapter 372
Norristown, PA
The regular meeting was held Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at the Old Country Buffet, East Norriton, PA
The meeting was called to order at 1pm by Ted Mason
Attendance: 17 Members and guests were present
The invocation was given by Sy Nagel who also led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance
New Members were introduced: No new members were present
The minutes of the previous meeting of August 1, 2007 were approved without being read.
Treasure’s Report: Treasurer Sy Nagle reported a balance of $4556.65 A motion was made and seconded to accept
the Treasure’s Report
Membership Committee Report: Eileen Fitzgerald reported 336 members, 290 chapter members, 42 National members and 4 life
members
Other committee reports: None
Old Business Discussed: Ted reminded the members to call or visit their local representatives to ask them to support the
Social Security Fairness Act. HR#82 and Senate Bill S206. Also, the Premium Conversion bill HR #1110 and Senate Bill S773.
When you call or visit, explain the purpose of NARFE.
Ted mentioned that next year is convention year for NARFE and that we need to complete our convention resolutions and
chapter elections by November. Also, we need to mail out our newsletter to inform our members of the upcoming elections.
New Business Discussed: Ted told the members to call their local congresspeople to move on Real Estate tax bill which
is still pending at the State level with no relief for the elderly.
A motion was made and seconded to reimburse George Shal for the website renewal expenditure in the amount of $95.40
Peg Bergman presented the lunch menus from Blue Bell Inn and Springhouse Tavern. After discussion it was decided that
we would try Springhouse Tavern this year for our annual Christmas Party. Eileen Fitzgerald will arrange for the entertainment
again. Each attendee will pay $10 and the chapter will pick up the remainder for each person. The lunch will cost $22.95 and
include Soup, Salad, Vegetable, Potato, Coffee, Tea or Iced Tea, a choice of Stuffed Chicken Breast, Crab Cake Petite Filet
Mignon or Flounder for the entrée and either Ice Cream Sundae or Cheese Cake for dessert. We need to give a count to the restaurant
a few days in advance.
A motion was made and seconded to reimburse Ted Mason for $18 for costs associated with printing of the membership lists.
Ted mentioned that nominations for Chapter officer positions will be opened at the next meeting and encouraged all to
be involved in the Chapter. Election of officers will take place in November.
Guest Speaker: Neil Gindelman, RSVP spoke on Medicare Fraud. He reminded the audience to shred documents with personal
information before disposing of them, always mail your mail in a postal mailbox, check with the credit agencies on a regular
basis to insure your identity has not been stolen, call the Federal District Attorney’s office if you suspect the
have been scammed, and finally if you see a medical bill which you do not understand to question the provider.
A motion was made, seconded and approved to adjourn the meeting at 2:30pm
Next meeting will be held at the Old Country Buffet on October 3, 2007
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NARFE Chapter 372
Norristown, PA
The regular meeting was held Wednesday August 1, 2007 at the Old Country Buffet, East Norriton, PA
The meeting was called to order at 1pm by Ted Mason, President
Attendance: 15 Members were present
The invocation was given by Sy Nagel who also led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance
New Members were introduced: None
Special Guests were introduced: None
The minutes of the previous meeting of July 11, 2007 were read and approved.
Treasure’s Report: Treasurer Sy Nagle reported a balance of $4343.61
A motion was made and seconded to accept the Treasure’s Report
Membership Committee Report 336 members of which 290 are voting members, 4 life members, and 42 nonvoting members
Other committee reports: Alice Snyder reported that she identified 4 members who were ill when she telephoned people to
come to the meeting so as the Sunshine committee person, she sent them get well cards from the Chapter
Old Business Discussed: Ted reminded the members to call or visit their local representatives to ask them to support the
Social Security Fairness Act. HR#82 and Senate Bill S206. Also, the Premium Conversion bill HR #1110 and Senate Bill S773.
When you call or visit, explain the purpose of NARFE.
New Business Discussed: Ted mentioned that next year is convention year for NARFE and that we need to complete our convention
resolutions and chapter elections by November. Also, we need to mail out our newsletter to inform our members of the upcoming
elections.
Ted said we will reimburse people for long distance calls not covered by their phone service when they are calling members
to remind them of the meeting.
Ted reminded us that we should be thinking about the Christmas Party as the places get booked early. Peg Bergman said
she would obtain menus and prices from two local restaurants for the members to consider at the next meeting.
Guest Speaker: George Shal showed a video entitled Hackers, Outlaws and Angels. It is the first in a 4 part series he
is presenting on cyberspace hacking and what we should know to protect ourselves. Next month Neil Gendelman from RSVP will
speak on Scams and Frauds
A motion was made, seconded and approved to adjourn the meeting at 2:35pm
Next meeting will be held at the Old Country Buffet on September 5, 2007
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NARFE Chapter 372
Norristown, PA
The regular meeting was held Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at the Old Country Buffet, East Norriton, PA
The meeting was called to order at 1pm by Ted Mason, President
Attendance: 16 Members and guests were present
Ted Mason led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance
New Members were introduced Chuck Beish and his wife Donna
The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting of June 6, 2006 waived and a motion was made and seconded to approve
them as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Sy Nagle, who was absent, submitted a report with a balance of $4180.67. A motion
was made and seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report
Membership Committee Report: Eileen Fitzgerald reported that there are 337 chapter members
Other committee reports: There were no other committee reports
Old Business Discussed: Ted reminded members to call or VISIT your congress people to support House Resolution #82 “The
Social Security Fairness Act which repeals WEP and GPO. The companion Senate bill is S 206. It is especially important that
we see these members while they are on vacation in their home districts.
New Business Discussed: Ted mentioned that next year is convention year for NARFE and that we should start thinking about
our convention resolutions and chapter elections by November.
Ted also mentioned that the “common level ratio” for each county for real estate taxes was set on
July 1, 2007 and that the new ratio is 50.7% If you multiply the value of your house by that that percentage, it should equal
the assessed value of your home. If the determined value is less than your assessed value he suggested filing an appeal of
your assessment but made the caveat that the Board of Assessment and Appeals could raise your assessment if you undervalued
your house.
Helen requested volunteers to call the membership to remind them of our meetings on a monthly basis. Ed Ward, Joe Bondi
and Sue Mason volunteered to help out.
Guest Speaker: There was no quest speaker this month and George Shal indicated he would designate a speaker and topic
for next month and provide that information to the caller volunteers before they started calling the membership for the next
meeting
A motion was made, seconded and approved to adjourn the meeting at 1:30pm
Next meeting will be held at the Old Country Buffet on August 1, 2007
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NARFE Chapter 372
Norristown, PA
The regular meeting was held Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at the Old Country Buffet, East Norriton, PA
The meeting was called to order at 1pm by Ted Mason, President
Attendance: 16 Members were present
The invocation was given by Sy Nagel who also led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance
There were no New Members or Special Guests in attendance
The minutes of the previous meeting of May 2, 2007 were approved as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Sy Nagle reported a balance of 4002.75
A motion was made and seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report
Membership Committee Report: Eileen Fitzgerald reported that we have 287 members
Other committee reports: Sunshine Committee: Alice Snyder reported that she sent a card to Ted Mason who had been hospitalized
and operated after a heart attack. We are all glad that Ted is back and recovering.
Old Business Discussed: Ted reminded the group to call their congress people to support HR#82 “The Social Security
Fairness Act which repeals WEP and GPO. The companion Senate Bill is S206.
New Business Discussed: Ted’s Tip of the Day for this month was to be sure to watch clerks handling your credit
cards as there is a possibility they could be stealing your credit card number. Ted also mentioned about his recent heart
attack and surgery. Ted also mentioned that he was very pleased to see our members visiting and enjoying each other’s
company after the previous meeting. He also mentioned that our next meeting would be held on the second Wednesday in July
because of the July 4 holiday falling on our regular meeting day.
Guest Speaker: Our guest speaker was Robert Clifton from RSVP who spoke about D-Day in the Pacific Theater.
A motion was made, seconded and approved to adjourn the meeting at 2:15pm
Next meeting will be held at the Old Country Buffet on Wednesday, July 11, 2007
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NARFE Chapter 372
Norristown, PA
The regular meeting was held Wednesday May 2 , 2007 at the Old Country Buffet, East Norriton, PA
The meeting was called to order at 1 pm by Ted Mason, Chapter President.
Attendance: 19 Members were present
The invocation was given by Sy Nagel who also led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance
There were no New Members or Special Guests in attendance.
The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting of April 4, 2007 was waived.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Sy Nagle reported a balance of $3806.83 A motion was made and seconded to accept
the Treasure’s Report
Membership Committee Report: Eileen Fitzgerald reported 282 Members
Other committee reports: No other committee reports
Old Business Discussed: No old business discussed
New Business Discussed: Ted encouraged the members to contact their local congress people to vote for bill HR 82 and S206,
the Social Security Fairness Act. Also he mentioned the HR4 is a bill enabling the government to negotiate prices for prescription
drugs.
Ted also discussed that National Office NARFE wishes to change the bilaws of the organization to have one person one vote
rather than vote on a chapter basis on issues affecting the organization. He believes it is an attempt to dilute the power
of the local chapters and raised concerns about this.
Ted also mentioned that National Office NARFE is attempting to attract more active employees to join NARFE as this is
where they believe their future lies.
Ted mentioned that hotels are keeping your charge account numbers in their databases and he believes this could be an
invasion of privacy as well as a identity theft issue.
One of the Chapters had done some research and believes that Premium Conversion could apply to retirees if the government
would take a more liberal interpretation of the law. Unfortunately, this is not the view of those who make these decisions
so we need to be vigilant in keeping after our congress people to allow us to take advantage of this benefit..
Guest Speaker: Joe Patti, Chapter member gave an extremely informative presentation on his trip to China last year. He
brought beautiful books to share with us as well. We were all ready to sign up for the next tour by the end of his talk.
A motion was made, seconded and approved to adjourn the meeting at 2:30pm
Next meeting will be held at the Old Country Buffet on June 5, 2007
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NARFE Chapter 372
Norristown, PA
The regular meeting was held Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at the Old Country Buffet, East Norriton, PA
The meeting was called to order at 1pm by Ted Mason, President
Attendance: 15 Members and guests were present
The invocation was given by Sy Nagel and he led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance
New Members were introduced Helen Michael attended her first Norristown meeting. She had been attending the Buxmont Chapter.
She was accompanied by her sister Ann.
The minutes of the previous meeting of March 7, 2007 were read and approved.
Treasure’s Report: Treasurer Sy Nagle reported a balance of $3621.73
A motion was made and seconded to accept the Treasure’s Report
Membership Committee Report : There are 285 Chapter Members, 45 National Office Members and 4 Life Members
Other committee reports: Legislative: Dennis Fitzgerald reported that Congress is not moving on anything. Sunshine Committee:
Nothing to report Service Committee Chair was not in attendance.
Old Business Discussed: No old business
New Business Discussed: Ted mentioned that House Bill #82, the “Social Security Fairness Act” is before
Congress. The provisions of this bill would repeal WEP and GPO if it is approved.
Guest Speaker: Our speaker was unable to attend this time so we had a lengthy discussion on immigration. Also, Ted discussed
a magnifier which can be used on computers which he found extremely effective.
A motion was made, seconded and approved to adjourn the meeting at 2pm
Next meeting will be held at the Old Country Buffet on May 2, 2007
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NARFE Chapter 372
Norristown, PA
(During the winter, meetings are not scheduled in January and February.)
The regular meeting was held Wednesday March 7, 2007 at the Old Country Buffet, East Norriton, PA
The meeting was called to order at 1 pm by Ted Mason
Attendance: 11 Members were present
The invocation was given by Si Nagel and he also led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance
There were no New Members or Special guests to introduce
The minutes of the previous meeting of December 6, 2006 were approved without being read
Treasure’s Report: Treasurer Sy Nagle reported a balance of $3704.68
A motion was made and seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report
Membership Committee Report: 285 members. Ted thanked Eileen Fitzgerald for balancing the membership list with National’s
figures.
Other committee reports: Legislative: Dennis Fitzgerald reported that HR 82 the Social Security Fairness Act of 2007,
if approved, would eliminate WEP and GPO. There is also another proposal on these two issues in Congress. You can call NARFE
national office and be connected directly to your congressperson’s office to voice your interest in this legislation.
Also, congress is considering legislation to allow your health insurance premiums to be before tax money rather than after
tax money. This is called Premium Conversion. This legislation has a chance to pass.
Old Business Discussed: There was no old business to discuss
New Business Discussed: Ted asked for a motion to reimburse Joe Patti in the amount of $174.55 for newsletter mailing
and reproduction costs. The motion was approved and seconded.
Ted mentioned that he would discuss his trip to the Legislative Conference at the next meeting.
Ted mentioned that we need membership increases and participation from the membership in calling upon our Senators and
Congresspeople.
Guest Speaker: Our guest speaker this month was one of our own members, George Shal who gave an informative discussion
on buying a new computer. Those present really seemed to benefit from George’s years of experience in this area.
The free software was a big hit.
A motion was made, seconded and approved to adjourn the meeting at 2:30pm
Next meeting will be held at the Old Country Buffet on April 4, 2007
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