NAPUS of North Carolina

Retirees' News

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Retirees' FALL Fling 2009

 

 

Retiree’s Report from Anchorage, Alaska

NAPUS held a great convention in Anchorage, September 12-17, 2009. I guess I could ramble on about all the happenings during the convention, and the great sightseeing before, after and during the convention. I think the best way to cover as much as possible concerning the Postmasters Retired is to give you the condensed version:

· There were 360 Postmasters Retired present, along with approximately 90 spouses and guests.
· North Carolina had approximately 4 Retiree Representatives in Alaska
· Total attendance was over 1300 people
· Paul Edd Butler, from Rough, Kentucky was elected National President of PM Retired
· Jack Wilkins, from Reno, Nevada was elected National Vice President of PM Retired
· Our own Shirley Johnson did a great job as secretary/treasurer, giving full reports on our budget and taking attendance
· Bob Levi, NAPUS Government Relations Director, said it is time to try and move HR 235, the repeal of WEP/GPO out of committee and on for a vote. As soon as I hear from Bob about a concentrated effort on this, I will let everyone know.
· North Carolina Postmasters Retired won the 3rd place award for membership. When you see Brenda Ward, tell here THANK YOU! Carolyn Tally accepted the award on Brenda’s behalf.
· Ruby Dodd, from SC, and a past National Vice President was in Alaska and it was good to see her and her hat
· Oklahoma City, OK won the bid for the 2012 convention site. They beat out Austin, TX in the final vote
· Clara McCullar, Michie, TN has announced her candidacy for National Secretary Treasurer, to be voted on in Grand Rapids, MI in 2010
· Mary Converse, NY also announced her candidacy for National Secretary Treasurer, to be voted on in Grand Rapids, MI in 2010
· The Retiree’s Luncheon on Tuesday was well attended, with background music during the meal
· Carolyn and Raleigh Tally should get the “High Mileage” award. They drove to Anchorage and put 6,000 miles on their car! A couple of side trips boosted that mileage—but they got to see a lot of America!
· My new North Carolina buddy, Mike Whitely, again found a great place for breakfast that didn’t cost a fortune. Mike makes a great tour guide also.

I hope to see everyone at the Fall Fling in Asheville on October 17th.

Ralph E. Viegelmann
Area # 6 Representative
Postmasters Retired

 

LONG LIVE RETIREES

With the exception of some physical limitations and the memory being a little less adept than it once was Retirement is establishing itself as one of the most enjoyable chapters of my life. Debbie constantly reminds people that I do what I want to do, when I want to do it, how I want to do it, where I want to do it, and most importantly if I want to do it. My response is that I am truly one of the most Blessed people on earth. One Blessing I enjoy is a wonderful family, with the latest addition of our Grandson “Natty”, who will be one year old Saturday but was born only yesterday. Another blessing is my career with the USPS and a supportive organization called NAPUS which helped to smooth out a lot of bumps in the road along the often treacherous path of being a POSTMASTER. I can’t imagine having been a Postmaster without NAPUS and it’s assistance, camaraderie, and now the memories my family enjoy, such as the Auxiliary Auction and Beanie Babies. As my two years as President of the Retirees comes to an end I want to say thank you for your support and most of all Thanks for the Memories and Friendships.
I sometimes wonder how long I will be able to enjoy this almost fairy tale life of retirement. The other day I received an email which reminded me of a fellow Postmaster and NAPUS Retiree who has enjoyed a lengthy period of retirement. Russell Johnston is asking if anyone can surpass his record of 60 years as a NAPUS member and 30 years of retirement. I would also be interested if this can be topped. It was only a few years ago that Russell was the successful bidder on a Viagra Clock at the Auxiliary Auction. I remember wondering does Russell really need a clock, after all he is retired, or was there something about the item advertised on the clock? I suppose only Russell knows for sure. At the fall fling in Black Mountain last year Debbie and I had the privilege to spend some time with Walt and Tillie Swain from Washington, N.C.. Walt has been retired for many years and may be a close competitor for Russell. Who is the Senior Retiree in number of years retired?
Speaking of memories and how they seem to become fonder each day please make every effort to join us in making more NAPUS memories on October 17, 2009 at 12:00 noon for the RETIREE FALL FLING. It will be at the Ryan’s Family Steak House in Asheville. Thanks to Carolyn Talley, our Secretary everyone should have gotten a notice. If you did not receive the notice feel free to contact me at 704-438-0622 if you have any questions or need assistance with attending the meeting. Thanks to Keith Nelon for making the arrangements for the event.
Hope to see you there and Let’s build some more memories. I would like to extend a personal invitation to our Active NAPUS officers and members. Come get a glimpse of what you will be enjoying before you know it.
In closing I would like to again thank everyone who has helped make my time as President of the Retirees a time of friendship and memories. We encountered a situation or two along the way but people stepped up to the task and did the Right Thing and I think some situations that could have been devastating to our Chapter have turned out very well because we cared for each other and were willing to show love and respect for each other.
Hope to see you in Asheville and may God richly bless each of you.

 

Postmaster Retiree of the Year

Daphne Ware (2008 winner) presents to Virgil Hinson 2009 winner.

 

ATLANTIC BEACH TIME AGAIN

I have many fond memories of past NAPUS state conventions…some of the best being at Atlantic Beach. What a great place to VACATION from our VOCATION at our CONVENTION!!!!

I promise you will learn much about how NAPUS is working hard to support you on your job every day with plenty of training opportunities, information possibilities, and communication advantages with a generous mix of sun, sand, fun, food, and fellowship!

As for us RETIREES…we’ll be there to support and encourage you!!!!

So please make every effort to spend some time with us. I promise you won’t regret it!

A good time of fellowship and food was enjoyed by the Retirees at our luncheon in Albemarle. Thanks to all who came and to Lucille Maner for coordinating the event.
It was good to have two active Postmaster counter parts with us. Ellen Herbert, OIC of Albemarle, gave us an update on some of the things that are happening now. What a bitter sweet walk down memory lane. As I have often said I thank God that I was blessed with a good career that enabled me to provide for my family plus accrue a retirement I am thoroughly enjoying. Hearing about current events in the Postal Service made me even more appreciative of my current status. So thanks Ellen for sharing with us.
Our other active duty guest was Sarah, our editor, who also refreshed our memories about some things. Thanks too Sarah for taking time out to share with us.

Well Sarah asked that we keep it short so SEE YOU IN ATLANTIC BEACH

God Bless
Virgil

 

North Carolina Retiree’s “Hit the Hill”

During March 21-25th, approximately 10 North Carolina Retired Postmasters made the trip to Washington, DC. This is the annual Legislative and Leadership Conference sponsored by NAPUS. It is a combination of learning, business meetings, and talking face to face with our elected Representatives in Washington, DC.

The Postmasters Retired have two-business meeting and a Legislative Committee briefing/meeting. In addition, our Executive Committee meets for a mid year meeting to discuss various subjects that arise.

Our business meeting consist mainly of committee reports and approving our National Budget for the forthcoming year. This was our own Shirley Johnson’s first “appearance” as our new National Secretary/Treasurer and she did a find job with reports, roll call, etc.

Tuesday, March 24th was set up to be our trip on Capital Hill. Legislative Chair Juanita Meeks had made appointments with all thirteen Congressmen/women and also our two Senators. As retiree’s, we had to leave our business meeting early in order to be at Senator Burr’s office for the 11:30am meeting.

From 11:30am until 4:30PM, North Carolina Postmasters and Retiree’s were busy running around Capitol Hill, making sure we were on time for our various appointments.

We have our work cut out for us. Many of our Congressional Representatives have not signed on to the bills we feel are important to the USPS, Active Postmasters, and Retiree’s.

We need your help to get these bills passed. Not everyone can find the time to make the trip to Washington, DC. But, please try to phone your Representative and Two Senators and ask for their support. I will list the resources that you need to be fully informed and make a positive impression.

You will need a computer to locate how your Representatives are supporting our legislation.

The Legislation that NAPUS is asking you to help support is:

· HR 22—this will help the USPS through it’s present financial problems
There is not a Senate bill corresponding with it as of yet, but one is being written
· HR 235—Repeal of WEP/GPO, Senate Bill is S 484
· HR 958—Leave Equity—gives FERS employees credit for unused sick leave, there is no corresponding Senate Bill
· HR 1203-Will allow Retirees to pay health benefit premiums with pre-tax dollars

To see if your Representative is a co-sponsor, go to: http://thomas.loc.gov/
At this website, type in the above HR #’s and it will tell you the brief description of the bill and who sponsored and co-sponsored the bill.

Then, go to: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
Type in your ZIP+4 code and it will take you right to your Congresspersons home webpage, where you will find phone numbers and addresses. It is best to write to the North Carolina office, as letters to Washington still have to be dusted, etc.

For your Senators, use this link: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Everyday we read in the newspaper and see on television people fighting and dying for the privileges that we enjoy here in the United States of America.

Please use your privilege to contact your Representatives and let them know your feelings on these important subjects.

Ralph E. Viegelmann
NAPUS Postmasters Retired
Area # 6 (NC, SC, GA, FL) Representative

Retirees' Spring Fling 2009

“FOR THE SENIORS”
Remember the thrill of becoming a “Senior” in school with all of the excitement and anticipation of what life has in store for us. Well we have attained another “Senior” classification and I don’t know about you but I am thoroughly enjoying my new status.
The Retiree’s space in the last Tar Heel was devoted to the very important and helpful information submitted by our Area VP Retiree Ralph Viegelmann. We appreciate his efforts in keeping us informed of our benefits and in keeping the information flowing to us retirees who have broken the daily connection with the Postal Service.
The Retirees Fall Fling in Black Mountain was a very enjoyable event. Thanks to Keith Nelon the accommodations were great at the Inn. The food was delicious and the fellowship was wonderful. It afforded us the opportunity to see friends we had not seen in years. We had about 40 attendees, which I felt was very good considering the gas situation. Thanks to Darlene Williams who gave us an update on some matters from the world of the active Postmasters during our luncheon.
The Retiree’s Spring Fling will be at Ryan’s in Albemarle on April 18, 2009. The Restaurant is located on the Highway 24/27 Bypass in East Albemarle and there are several hotels within walking distance. Thanks to Lucille Maner for arranging this event for us. Please reserve the date and we will provide more information in the March issue of the Tar Heel.
I am certain by now everyone has heard the news of Shirley Johnson’s loss of both a sister and a brother during the holidays. Please keep Shirley in your prayers and continue to support her with cards, phone calls and other ways of letting her know we are thinking of her.
Juanita Meeks is hard at work arranging the Legislative Tour in March. I understand there will be some exciting changes this year. So keep checking the Tar Heel and NCNAPUS website to keep abreast of these plans. Please give her your support as we plan to go to D.C. to let our voices be heard.
I hope everyone had a Blessed and joyful Holiday Season and you are getting off to a wonderful New Year.

Virgil

FROM THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE RETIREES

RETIREES FALL FLING

Even though it has been some time since I hit the street with a satchel of mail I still enjoy the cooler weather and beauty of Fall. The cool, clear, crisp fall mornings with blue skies and low humidity always made that satchel a little lighter and the steps a little easier. Earlier today I had the opportunity to do some reminiscing with an Active Postmaster, Tom Gray, who was one of my supervisors when I was Postmaster of Albemarle. Now Tom is my Postmaster as I depend on him and his team to deliver my mail to me in Norwood. I used to be amazed at the many people who seemed to view the arrival of the mail as a highlight of their day. Now I am learning that the arrival of the mailman is an important event of the day. Even though I am usually gone when my carrier Susie Bowers or Andy Johnson deliver my mail I always have a feeling of anticipation as I swing open the lid of my box to see what is in it today. So Postmasters, carriers and clerks never forget that you are consistently “making somebody’s day” as you make your rounds and insure that people are enjoying one of the highlights of their day.
Tom refreshed my memories of function 4’s, grievances, the looming fear of doing or saying something that could be construed as harassment and many of the other negative emotions that tugged at my senses as I strove to complete my duties. But as I enjoy retirement I would have to say it “was worth it all”. So to Tom and all the other friends I made during my postal career, thanks for your support and friendship as I navigated the somewhat turbulent waters of Postal management.
I also had a conversation with another friend and former fellow postal employee, retired carrier Bob Furr from Albemarle. This conversation was similar to some I engaged in as Postmaster, the timeliness of mail delivery. He shared with me that his church had mailed newsletters on Tuesday that were delivered on Saturday. When he inquired he was told not to expect first class treatment for bulk mail rates, and that after all if they were delivered by Saturday that should be sufficient since they would have the newsletter before they went to church on Sunday. I spoke with another employee who said that after I retired the color code scenario went out the window. So I began to ponder. I recalled the days of the Harry Potter books, when the Postmaster’s job was on the line if the book wasn’t delivered on “Potter” day and political mail that had to be delivered on the stated date no matter how late the carriers were back or how much overtime was expended. I also recalled the day, ok it was nearly thirty years ago, that we were encouraged to give church mail a little extra effort to accomplish timely delivery. As I continued to ponder, I began to ask the question what has changed? Why has church mail dropped so drastically on the list of priorities for delivery? Why should this type service be acceptable for any type of mail, deposited on Tuesday and delivered on Saturday?
As I added research to my pondering I asked my friend, and Postmaster if the color codes had been abolished and he was quick to inform me that they were still alive and well. “Things are a changing!”
The Retirees Fall Fling will be on October 11, 2008 in Black Mountain at the Monte Vista Hotel; 308 W. State Street. If travelling east on I-40 take exit 64 and turn left to go under I-40. Go to the Third traffic light and turn left again. After the next traffic light the Hotel will be on your right in the next block. If travelling west take exit 65. After going through three traffic lights the hotel will be in the next block on the right.
Hope to see all of you retirees there.
Howard Pate has agreed to serve as Post Office closing representative for North Carolina. He can be contacted by phone at 910-497-2498, or by mail at 305 N. Second St
Spring Lake, NC 28390-3336. If you hear any rumors of closings please notify him as soon as possible. Thanks Howard for taking on this task.
Well I have pushed it to the limit with the deadline and I don’t want to make Sarah’s job any worse by being late submitting my article so I will close with God Bless
You all and keep up the good work of making your patron’s day.
Virgil

 

 

 

 

Brenda Ward
P O Box 2703
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949-2703
252-480-2246
Wbrendasword@aol.com
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Borrowed from the: Ohio Buckeye Postmaster
Doug Clark submitted the following pages. Several articles containing important information will continue in the next few issues of the Buckeye. Keep your eyes open, and save them for your personal use.
Welcome to Being Prepared for Life’s Events

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Help with Federal Retiree Death Benefits NAPUS NATIONAL OFFICE 1-703-683-9027 www.napus.org
(see Postmasters Retired Section)
OPM 1-888- 767-6 783 www. opm.gov/employment
(can download forms for claim Death Benefits)
FEGLI 1-800-633-4542 www.opm.gov/insure/life
NARFE 1-703-838-7760 www.narfe.org (free downloads- members only)
AARP 1-800-424-3410 www.arp.org
(free booklets on life's events available)
SOCIAL SECURITY 1-800- 772-1213 www.socialsecurity.gov "CARING CONVERSATION" WORKBOOK www.practicalbioethics.org
LAST WILL & TESTAMENT -FREE DOWNLOADS Various websites by typing information requested.
(Example: last will; living will; power of attorney) (Google, AOL, MSN, etc.)
(Some of the information listed above requires a free Adobe download from that site.) If you need assistance or materials, please contact:
Ms. Judith A. Gorden
NAPUS- Postmaster Retired
Associate Member 745 Loveland Street
Golden CO 80401-4043 JUDNDON57@aol.com
or
Stan Ostwinch- ostwinch(a)pa.net
Please be advised that the information provided is for your use and no claim or guarantee is made or implied by NAPUS or any individual.
Some forms require notarization or proper signatures. Consult your attorney for legalized information.

WHAT EVERY PERSON SHOULD KNOW FOR EMERGENCIES
LOCATION OF PAPERS

Important papers should be kept in (most cases) a bank's safety deposit box.. However, recognize that when one dies, the ank is usuajlyrequired to seal the box until such time as it receives authority from the court, executor, etc. You may wish to have originals stored where accessible.
Birth or adoption certificates for all family members
Citizenship papers, if any members are naturalized citizens
Marriage certificate
Marriage and divorce certificates for any previous marriages
Physicians Directive
Last will and testament/trust documents
Deed to cemetery plot
Letter of instruction regarding funeral and or donation of body parts.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Names and addresses of each spouse's employers
Employer's benefit plans in which each spouse participates such as group insurance, pension plan, 401(K), etc.
Spouse's social security number
Location of social security cards
Length of time each has been covered by the social security program
Location of copies of previous year's income tax returns and supporting data or documents for the past three years, including cancelled check for most recent tax payment
Location of current withholding tax forms and receipts from employers

FAMILY DATA
Name, address and place of birth of each spouse's mother and father

MILITARY SERVICE
Service serial number
Dates of entry and discharge
Location of discharge papers
List of veteran's benefits received (disability payments, places and dates of any hospitalization, education)

PROPERTY INFORMATION
Location of:
Safety deposit box
Key to safety deposit box
Papers for any owned real estate, including your home- deed, copy of mortgage, title insurance policy, surveys, closing statements, insurance policies, tax receipts, leases, building cost figures
Checkbooks and savings pass books for all bank accounts
Records of purchase and sale for stock certificate and bonds
List of any personal property not located in home or safety deposit box
Automobile title and registration certificates
Notes or loans agreements relating to debts owed to husband or wife
Income tax basis information for each asset

INSURANCE
Life Insurance: Location of policies, receipts of paid premiums, data on any loans made against the policies
Disability insurance: location of policies
Property insurance on house, car, etc.: location of policies, name of agent
Other insurance policies (hospitalization, mortgage, tuition, etc.): location of policies

PERSONS TO CONTACT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Person you have designated as children's guardian Close relatives and/or close friends
Executor of your estate Trustees of trusts
Doctor Lawyer Accountant Financial Planner
Clergyman Banker
Stockbroker Insurance (Life)
Insurance (Property and Liability)
Pharmacist Hospital/HMO

SURVIVOR CHECKLIST: Here are a few items you need to review upon the death of a spouse or close relative
• If you have a will, make sure it is up to date and review it with an attorney to assure compliance with current state
and federal law. If you don't have a will, do one as soon as possible
• If you have life insurance, make sure your beneficiary list is up to date. Also remember that, irrespective of
anything put in the will, life insurance proceeds go directly to the person named- so don't provide them more than
another unless that is your desire
• Review the title to real estate- joint, community property, etc. and make adjustments as necessary.
• Review the title/ownership on accounts at savings and loans, credit unions, brokerage firms, mutual funds,
stocks, bonds, etc. Adjust as necessary. Remember, creditors of the other joint tenant may possibly attach all joint
accounts, so pick wisely. It might be better to keep in sole ownership and leave asset in will (though asset will be
picked up for probate)
• If you wish to change ownership on US Savings bonds, take them to your bank
• What is the ownership of your safety deposit box and what happens in your state when you or a spouse dies.
The problem might be that the bank will seal the box closed until the administrator has papers allowing access.
Perhaps there are papers that you would need to get immediately.
• Did the decedent own any vehicles in joint title? They will need to be changed
• If you had a mortgage with the decedent, you need to contact the mortgagor and have the ownership changed.
While you are at it, is there anything else with the mortgage you might want to change.
• Did you have any leases with the decedent- auto, home/apartment, machinery, etc? Contact each for ownership
change
• Were you in business with the decedent? Are there corporate insurance policies? Will the business continue
or dissolve. What about creditors- have they been informed. Can you get a delay for payment? If no formal
agreement, you need to check with an attorney to see how to proceed with your rights, if any.
• Contact the employee benefits department at the decedents place of work and check for all accounts- pension,
401(k), etc. Check about continuing medical coverage under COBRA or whether the company will continue
coverage to the end of the year. Do you wish to roll account to your name or will the company retain in decedent's
name until the decedent "retirement" age.
• If you have not completed an inventory of your assets and papers for your survivors, do so now. It can save a lot
of grief later on. For example, does anyone know where your will or trust is?
AND MORE: Survivors also need to do the following
• Obtain about 10 copies of the death certificate that are available from the funeral director
• Obtain you marriage certificate if applicable
• If there are surviving children, obtain their birth certificates.
• If deceased was in the military, you will need copies of honorable discharge in order to be able to claim benefits.