NARPI NEWS PAGE 1 Publication of the National · PDF filePublication of the National Association of Retired Postal Inspectors ... Memphis, TN 38111. ... dklenz@

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NARPI NEWS Publ icat ion of the Nat iona l Assoc iat ion of Ret i red

Posta l Inspectors

WWW.NARPI .ORG VOLUME 16, ISSUE 4 OCTOBER 2014

MID-AMERICA REGION

MEMPHIS APRIL 19 - 21, 2015

The Memphis Chapter of NARPI will host Mid-America’s Reunion on April 19 – 21, 2015. The Reunion will be centered at the Holiday Hotel at the University of Memphis. The hotel is an all suite venue and is offering suites at $109.00.

Then as now the unrelenting Mississippi River seems to fill Memphis with a powerful soul that overflows into the restaurants, juke joints and historic sites. Along the Mississippi, the Mem-phis Pyramid will be converted to a Mega Bass Pro facility. Mud Island features a River Walk and a River Museum; music filled Beale Street has a new Riverboat Landing and the Ornamental Iron Works Museum sits on the mighty river.

Close to the river you can find the recently updated National Civil Rights Museum, the Rock and Soul Museum, the Gibson Guitar Factory, the FedEx Arena, home of the NBA’s Grizzlies, and Au-to Zone Park, home of the AAA Redbirds. Memphis is also home to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, one of the most visited attractions in the land, the STAX Museum of Soul Music and the Legendary Sun Recording Studio. Think of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

The St. Jude Center provides information on this internationally recognized children’s research hospital and the Memphis Zoo features Pandas. The Pink Palace Museum features a Giant 3D Movie Theater, The Dixon Gallery is surrounded by an English Park Garden, The Brooks Museum of Art is Tennessee’s largest and oldest art museum and the Memphis Botanic Garden boasts of 96 acres of gardens. (continued on page 4)

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NARPI NEWS OCTOBER 2014

Volume 16, Issue 4

NARPI NEWS John Comber - Editor

NARPI NEWS is the official publication of the National

Association of Retired Postal Inspectors (NARPI), and is

published quarterly in January, April, July, and October.

Email newsletter articles to:

[email protected]

Send membership inquiries to:

NARPI National Treasurer

P.O. Box 3223

Peachtree City, GA 30269-7223

(or to: [email protected])

NARPI OFFICERS & STAFF

Vic Geerts - President

Steve Schneringer - Vice President

John Comber - Secretary

Robert Blackburn - Treasurer

Thomas Buggie - National Electronic Communications

Coordinator (NECC)

POSTMASTER

Send address changes to:

NARPI

P.O. Box 3223

Peachtree City, GA 30269-7223

National Website

www.NARPI.org

Comments from NARPI

National President

Vic Geerts

Hello to all again. The dog days of summer have now passed. This fall and coming year will have opportunities for NARPI. We will share comradery in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA. Also, the process will begin for nominations to fill National Officer Positions on our board for the 2016 through 2017 term.

The following positions will be vacant:

National President

National Vice President

National Secretary (Paid Position)

National Treasurer (Paid Position)

All are encouraged to participate. You may submit names of those interested to our nomination committee (Corne Huelsebusch, John Cunning, Gerald (Jake) Burkhalter).

By the time you have read this, our reunion in Monterey, CA will

be over. I am sure it will be (or was) another wonderful gathering.

________________________________________________________________

HEALTH CARE PREMIUM INCREASE FOR FEDS

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announces the

average Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP)

premium for retired and active federal workers will be 3.2 percent

in 2015. In response Joseph A. Beaudoin, president of NARFE

stated, “the health insurance premium increase will take another

bite out of the already diminished paychecks of middle-class

federal employees across the country…..”. Also he added “ over

the past four years, federal employees have endured a three-year

pay freeze, reduced pay increases, and lost pay due to other

government furloughs”.

FEHBP premiums went up 7.3 percent in 2011, 3.8 percent in

2012, 3.4 percent in 2013 and 3.7 percent in 2014.(www.narfe.org)

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Comments from NARPI National Vice President

Steve Schneringer

I attended my sixtieth high school reunion on September 6th. My alma mater is North High in Denver Colorado. The building was built in 1914 and is very much in use, cranking out graduates to this day. I looked around the banquet room and wondered why so many looked my age, duh!

As you read this, our Monterey reunion will be history and the details of the April Memphis and October Boston NARPI 2015 reunions will have been announced!

In anticipation, I’ll see ya next year!

Comments from NARPI National Secretary

John Comber

I hope everyone had a great Summer. The East coasts’ weather was really awesome. From the reports I see from the Jersey, Maryland and Delaware shores, their crowds were outstanding. Much needed after the terrible pounding Hurricane Sandy put us through a couple years back. I just visited my cousins over in Long branch/Oceanport, NJ and they are still putting their places back together. I realize also the terrible devastation caused by the enormous forest fires across this County. I pray all our families and loved ones stay safe, healthy to enjoy the wonderful season ahead. Thanks again for all of your prompt reporting of the newsletter articles and photographs. 2015 should be exciting as we will have Memphis and Boston as reunion sites.

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GOLF – Spend another day in Memphis and join us on an outstanding course.

The Memphis Chapter will host a golf event on April 22, 2015 at Mirimichi golf club. Tee times begin at 10:00 AM; range balls are available for warm up before the match. The green fees are $55.00 for those over age 62; the youngsters have to pay a little more. We ask those playing who have vehicles to assist by giving a ride to others in need of transportation. Mirimichi, owned by Justin Timberlake and family, is a public golf destination that welcomes golfers, speaks to their spirit and brings players in harmony with nature. Deep-pit bunkers, elevated greens, seven pristine lakes and several waterfalls and creeks all provide more than 7,400 yards of championship-level, environmentally friendly golf. Mirimichi, meaning “place of happy retreat,” is a world-class golf course located just 15 minutes north of Downtown Memphis. Mirimichi’s rolling grass mounds, meandering creeks and scenic vistas provide a natural ambience that creates a haven for both golfer and nature. www.mirimichi.com/.

If you are interested mark the registration form where indicated.

There is much to see and do in Memphis so Y’All Come!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

YOUR SHRINKING COLA

Cost of living adjustments (COLA) which millions of retirees get every January, are supposed to keep pace with inflation. The automatic indexing means most people — those getting Social Security benefits, civil service annuities or military retired pay — expect bigger things in their January checks. And that's true, up to a point. But the cost of living countdown for the retirees this year has been a surprise. Not a happy one. Because each time the prospective (January 2015 COLA) is calculated, it keeps getting smaller. Not by much, but smaller, not bigger. The retirees got a 1.5 percent COLA in January 2014. This year. That’s This Year, the COLA countdown for 2015 started off pointing toward a 1.9 percent COLA in January. Not much (and not truly reflective of costs, according to many retirees) but better than nothing. Then the next monthly countdown knocked that prospective inflation-catchup for 2015 down to 1.8 percent. The three months that count in the COLA setting process are July, August and September. The most recent CPI numbers for the month of August have put the tentative 2015 COLA at 1.6 percent. It could be higher, or lower, depending on the how the CPI for this month (September) comes out. That data will be released October 22. Many retirees simply don't believe the numbers. They say that the measurements, for food, energy, new and used cars, medical care, shelter and transportation don't reflect what they are paying. At the same time, many federal workers don't understand why they will be getting a 1 percent raise in January when retirees are looking at more i.e., 1.6 percent? The reason being: It’s the law. Workers get pay raises that are part political/part fiscal and retirees get adjustments based on inflation. (from Federalnewsradio.com).

http://www.mirimichi.com/

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2015 NARPI MID-AMERICA & WESTERN REGION REGIONAL REUNIONS

MEMPHIS, TN APRIL 19 - 21, 2014

Our hotel is The Holiday Inn, University of Memphis, 3300 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111. Two double beds or one king bed are offered. Free parking is also provided. The NARPI rate is $109 plus tax per night. The rate is available during the reunion (April 19-21, 2015) and a few rooms will be available for those coming a day or two before or afterwards. Room reservations must be made by March 19, 2015 by calling (901) 678-8200 and callers must ask for a room from the block reserved for the National Association of Retired Postal Inspectors. Complimentary airport shuttle is provided with 24 hours in advance notice.

Registration Fee: _____@ $40 $_______

Sunday, April 19, 2015: Registration will be in the lobby. Hospitality Room opens 1:00 PM and will be open starting at 10:00am during the reunion. A trip to Beale Street, the Home of the Blues, is being offered. Dinner at the Rum Boogie–dinner includes (Barbeque Sampler- Chicken, Fried Catfish or Red Beans/Rice/Cajun Sausage and salad, dessert, 1 cocktail – tax and gratuity). Sample the atmosphere of this famous Street. Bus leaves at 5:30 pm. _____@ $55.00 $_____

Monday, April 20, 2015: 9:30 AM Tour. Civil Rights Museum, Lunch on your own at the Beale Street Landing (Riverfront Bar & Grill), Tour the River Museum . And visit the New Bass Pro Super Store in the Pyramid _____@ $55.00 $_____

Tuesday, April 21, 2015: 8:30 AM - Graceland Platinum Tour (4 hours) including a box lunch. Music Guide from hotel to Graceland only, Audio Tour of Graceland, admission to Mansion, Auto Museum and other special attractions. _____@ $ 60.00 $____

OR

8:30 AM – Big Mojo Tour – Musical bus tour of Memphis and admission to Sun Studio Stop at Overton Square for lunch (on your own) _____@ $50.00$_____

Tuesday, April 21, 2015: Banquet: Cash Bar 6:00p.m., Dinner at 7:00p.m. Buffet Dinner: Chicken Breast Marsala, Roast Sirloin of Beef/w Mushroom Sauce, Fried Catfish and assorted salads and desserts. _____@ $50.00$_____

TOTAL ENCLOSED $_____________

Wednesday April 22nd - Golf at Justin Timberlake’s Mirimichi Golf Course 10:00am. If interested contact Al Rochelle [email protected] ($55.00 for those over 62. Pay at the course). Interested________?

Attendee (Names)_____________________________________________________________________________ (As you wish them on your ID Badge)Address_____________________________________________________________________________________

Phone______________________Cell______________________ Email______________________________

Emergency Contact Name/Number________________________________________________________________

Make check payable to Rudy Brown (on memo line put “Memphis NARPI Reunion”) Send check with registration form to Rudy Brown, 3012 Carrick Drive, Germantown, TN 38138-7654.

CUTOFF DATE : March 10th, 2015. If you have questions contact Dick Klenz, (901) 756-4165 or [email protected]. You can also download registration form at NARPI.org.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Boston Reunion 2015 Update

Hello to all: Good news from the Northeast. We have reached a contract agreement with Heritage Group Planners related to our Proposed Reunion for Boston in 2015 at the Boston Marriott Hotel in Newton, MA. Plans include arriving on Friday, October 2, 2015 with meeting and banquet on Sunday, October 4th. In addition to the 3 nights for the Reunion (October 2-4) at the special NARPI rate of $159.00 per night; this rate will also be available for the nights of October 1st and October 5th for those who would like to arrive early or stay later. The room rate includes a Continental breakfast each day. The hospitality room is included at no additional charge. At present, we are working with HGP to arrange tours based on the suggested schedules. Our plan is to have a full day tour on Saturday, a 5 hour Tour on Sunday. We plan to have an additional day scheduled for Monday October 5th included on the registration form for those who may be interested. As stated, those who wish to stay for a Monday tour, the Special NARPI room rate will be available. We have not decided on the registration fee to be charged, but I feel at least $30,00 per person is reasonable. While we cannot cook our own hot food in the room, we may be able to order some through the hotel . This would also give us the flexibility to order some hot hors d’oeuvres and sandwiches directly from the hotel for the hospitality room to supplement the beer, wine and liquor and snacks we will supply. We are considering the Plated dinner for the banquet to include the chicken, seafood entrée. This would keep the price at about $60.00 per person. We are very excited about this event and hope all of you mark your calendars and make your plans to attend. Keep a watchful eye on the NARPI website for additional information. Many thanks to Jack Ellis and JD Stevens for their efforts. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

HUMOR: A TWIST OF THE WORDS (best with wine or martini):-)

A will is a dead giveaway-

A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion-

The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered-

A calendars’ days are numbered-

He had a photographic memory which was never developed-

When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she’d dye-

She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still-

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REMEMBER WHEN By Retired Postal Inspector Boyd Manes (1984)

YES, I LEARNED [AND LOVED THE AUTHORITY] TO CARRY THE PONY EXPRESS BADGE!

Those pointed star, eagle beak, and other monstrosities called badges, issued to postal inspectors after the 1971 privatization of the US Post Office did little, in my opinion, to convey authority; too heavy to wear on a shirt or coat lapel, plus they seemed useless strapped to a belt. There, partially hidden under folds of fat cliffing over the belt, they only exemplified…Individual Obesity… or loosely fitted shirt! Early on in my 20 year career starting in 1964, belonging to a “silent service” in the northern one/half of Nevada was little comfort. Neither my San Francisco, CA, Inspector in Charge, nor my wife knew where I was working at any given snapshot in time. The Chiefs of Police and the Sheriffs did not seem to care, either. I did not order my Pony Express badge until later, after much soul searching and deep thought. I decided that I needed a plan. Here is one result of part of my plan. I had a case to question a farmer, miles away from Fallon, Nevada. The case was overdue. I was in Fallon on other business. My INC frequently cajoled me for too much privately owned vehicle (poa) travel miles (at $.09 per mile) with tepid results. Upon arrival at the farm, I spotted a row of old automobiles and some farm equipment backed up to a fence between the house and the barn. Back in Texas, I had observed similar scenes before. The farmers saved his old cars, and trucks; he may need them again. I parked my car near the walk-in gate to the house, and got out. The farmer [I will call him George] stepped out onto the porch, and shouted, “The cars are NOT for sale.” He then disappeared into the house. I saw him standing behind a sheer window-curtain. [I know it on good authority that Texas farmers often had a loaded rifle near the door of their house.] When I recovered from my initial shock, I put a plan into action. Simply put, my plan was to look and act larger than life. I went to the gate. I stood, feet apart, elbows protruding from my waist about 4 inches, stretching my shoulders up as high as I could, and puffing out my belly to look bigger. I removed my little bitty cardboard “commission” [signed by a Postmaster General---whoopee] and from my inside dress coat pocket, and I held it over my head. I shouted toward the window with all my might:

“DAMMIT, GEORGE, I am a Federal Lawman! If you do not come out and talk to me about Government business, I am going to go get the Sheriff to come out and haul you’re a [rse] in to the Fallon Court House to talk to me there!”

I turned toward my car, but I kept watching the house. I can now, today, chuckle at the farmer’s reaction. My plan worked. The front door opened, h e came out, and no weapon was in sight. I returned to the gate. George broke the ice by stating, “I am sorry! I get so damn tired of people coming out here wanting to buy my cars, wanting to remove parts from my cars, or trying to steal my cars. That is why I have moved them away from the barn and closer to the house so that I can watch them.” I do not recall what the case was about. But, suffice to say, that was the platform for of my new attitude to exert my will onto others for the benefit of the US Government. I vowed to always look, act, and talk as if I was “above us all.” I was so glad that “George” was a decent man. If I had left that farm empty-handed, I might never have developed a lifestyle suitable enough to properly and handily do the Government’s work. [Disclaimer: Only a few of my former “partners” witnessed some failures of living the above attitude; however, we do not talk about it…Yes, siree, I am above it all…]

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CHAPTER REPORTS

ATLANTIC REGION

Jack Ellis - President

JD Stevens - Vice President

John Cunning - Secretary

John Swanson - Treasurer

BOSTON CHAPTER (covers Boston)

John Fuccillo, President Kathy McDonough, Secretary

See Reunion 2015 Update on page 6

CAPITAL CHAPTER (Quarterly luncheons)

Robert E. Terry, President Vanessa Pinto, Vice President John G. Swanson, Secretary/Treasurer Thanks to Bob and Donna Terry, we set our plans for a September 24th luncheon/meeting at Buca di Beppo in Gaitherburg, MD. Lunch will be served “family style” and will include mixed green salad, apple gorgonzola salad, house bread, cheese manicotti, baked rigatoni, chicken parmigiana, homemade cheesecake and soft drinks to round out the feast. This is a new venue for the Chapter, But we have good reports that the food is Great!!!! Join in!!

GEORGIA CHAPTER (covers Georgia - Quarterly luncheons)

EJ Williams, President KC Jackson, Vice President Fran Cunning, Secretary John Cunning, Treasurer

No Report

Boston Chapter

Capital Chapter

Georgia Chapter

Gold Coast Chapter

New York/New Jersey Chapter

Philadelphia Chapter

MA

RI

CT

NJ

DE

MD

DC

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GOLD COAST CHAPTER (covers Florida - Meetings quarterly as scheduled)

Jay Siegel, President Jeff Bush, Vice-President Marquita Ward, Secretary Jim Belz, Treasurer

The Gold Coast Chapter held its Luncheon meeting on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at the Golden Corral Restaurant in Margate, FL. The following were in attendance: Jim & Karen Belz, Rafael Rivera, Earnie & Terri Hills, Jay & Carmela Siegel and Bill Lewis.

Many of our members were traveling this month…we gave a run down of some of the locations our members were enjoying away from Florida.

Everyone enjoyed the great buffet at the Golden Corral. Jay led the Pledge of Allegiance and Carmela Bush gave the Invocation. Jim Belz gave the Treasurer’s Report. We are in a good financial position.

Jay mentioned the passing of our recently retired Inspector Evelyn Melendez, who had suffered with cancer since her retirement in January. Also passing this month was John Freeman. Although he was not in the Florida Chapter, he worked with many of us who remembered him.

We discussed the NARPI reunions for this year, including the reconfiguration of the Reunions. NARPI will now have only 2 reunions a year. This change will mean that each chapter in the Atlantic Region will need to run a reunion less frequently, since the 5 chapters from the Mid-America Region will now join with our 12 Atlantic chapters.

Jim and Karen Belz intend to go to the Western Reunion in Monterey, CA.

We discussed the pending bills in Congress relating to Postal Reform; Phased Retirement, although not affecting retirees, is interesting. How many of us would have gone that route? The Senate is holding hearings on Employee Morale. Is there any employee morale?

Our next meeting will be our Holiday luncheon, will be on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CHAPTER (covers New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands)

Jack Ellis, President Kevin Burke, Vice President Pete Galante, Secretary Sharyn Hennessey, Treasurer

On Wednesday, September 17, 2014, ten NARPI members from the NY/NJ Chapter were among over 50 New York Division Inspectors and administrative support, Assistant U S Attorney’s and family members who gathered for a dinner at the Brazen Fox Restaurant and Pub , White Plains, NY to celebrate the retirement of Postal Inspector Patricia Thornton and her 26 years of Federal Service, 24 of which as a Postal Inspector in the New York Division. NARPI members attending included Jack Ellis, Tom Kelly and Jake burke, her former Team Leaders; Sara Levinson, Ralph Nardo, Andy O’Shaughassy, Paul Pless, Ralph Franzese and Greg Tutelian. Pat began her law enforcement career in 1988 as a Special Agent for the Department of Labor-OIG. in 1990, Pat was hired by the USPIS and appointed a Postal Inspector. Pat began her career as a

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Mail Fraud Specialist in the New York Division working major securities cases as a member of the Church Street Financial Fraud Team for seven years . Pat also worked for the Manhattan Fraud Team and completed her career as a Fraud Specialist for the Westchester Multifunctional Team. Pat was held in high regard by the US Attorney’s Office, SDNY and considered a gifted white collar crime investigator by many whom worked with her on a number of complex mail fraud cases. During her career, Pat received numerous awards and commendations from several law enforcement organizations including the Investigator of the Year Award from the Federal law Enforcement Foundation. Those paying special tribute to Pat at the dinner included representatives from the FBI, the US Attorney’s Office, SDNY and the Honorable Judge Cathy Siebel, SDNY. New York Division AIC’s Tom Boyle and Jean Wright paid tribute to Pat and presented her with her soon to be filled Retired Inspector Badge and Credentials case. Pat’s experience will be missed by her many friends and colleagues who along with NARPI wish Pat along with her husband Rick a happy and healthy retirement as Pat embarks on a new career in the private sector.

Tom Kelly, Ralph Franzese, Greg Tutelian, Vinnie Cinnamo, Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison, Ralph Franzese, Pat Thornton, Jack Ellis, Charlie Shriver

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N A R P I N E W S N A R P I N E W S NARPI NEWS OCTOBER 2014

PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER (Spring & Autumn meetings)

John Rooney, President Kathy Brady, Vice President No Report

Vinnie Cinnamo, Jim Morrison, Charlie Shriver, Ralph Nar-do, Andy O’Shaughassy

Pat Thornton and Honorable Judge Cathy Siebel

Jake Burke, Greg Tutelian, Vinnie Cinnamo, Jim Morrison, Ralph Franzese, Sara Levinson

Pat Thornton, AIC Tom Boyle

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MID-AMERICA REGION

Bill Bengele - President

Rick Price - Vice President

Mel Vander Meer - Secretary/Treasurer

CHOO CHOO CHAPTER (Meets quarterly)

Mitch Mercante, President Shirley Kirksey, Secretary No Report

HEART OF AMERICA CHAPTER (covers Western MO and KS)

(Meets bi-monthly on the 3rd Friday)

Neca Mills, President Deborah Britain, Vice President Richard Britain, Secretary Joan Long, Treasurer

On Friday, September 19, 2014, 13 members and guests of the Heart of America Chapter gathered at Cinzetti’s Italian Restaurant in Overland Park, KS for a chapter meeting. The members and guests ate a meal which included various types of Italian food. During lunch, our members discussed a wide range of topics including travel, cost of living, current volunteer work/employment, personal recollections of their prior experiences in the Postal Inspection Service, etc. We were also able to hear about the current status of the Postal Inspection Service from two visitors and from a NARPI member.

Following the luncheon, there was a short business meeting in which issues pertinent to the local group were discussed. Those present mentioned restaurants where they would like to hold the December meeting. It was decided the next meeting would likely be on Friday, December 5, 2014. This date is subject to availability of private seating at one of the restaurants recommended by those present.

Choo Choo Chapter

Heart of America Chapter

Memphis Chapter

Northcoast Chapter

Northern Lights Chapter

Procrastination Chapter

St. Louis Gateway Chapter

Sam Houston Chapter

Soiky Chapter

Texas Chapter

Windy City Chapter

Wurst Chapter

Front row left to right-Bill and Denise Timberlake; Larry Hisky; Jim and Charlotte Bousman. Back row left to right-Rich Britain, Ellen Steele, Donna

Osborne, Amy Fitgerald, Janis Raspberry, T.J. and Judy Smith.

Not Pictured: Neca Mills who is behind the camera.

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Neca Mills, Heart of America Chapter President, then took nominations for chapter positions to include president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. It was decided the voting would take place by email so all Heart of America Chapter members would have a chance to vote, including those who were not able to attend the September meeting.

From the laughter heard, it is believed the members and guests had a great time.

MEMPHIS CHAPTER (covers Northern MS, Eastern AR, Western TN)

(Meetings every other month)

John Stinchfield, President Bill Goden, Vice President Robin Dalgleish, Secretary/Treasurer

Memphis Chapter Meets In Mississippi for Catfish

The Memphis Chapter gathered on August 21, 2014 at the Chatterbox Restaurant in Byhalia, MS for food, conversation and a brief business meeting. The Chatterbox is known for it's fried catfish and wonderful home made desserts. President John Stinchfield conducted a brief business meeting which included the chapter's progress in preparing to hold a regional reunion in April, 2015. Plans are well underway and the reunion will include a lot of fun trips and activities. Following the meeting, Dick Day asked the blessing.

Twenty-five members attended the dinner including Marie and Jim Knight, Robin Dalgleish, Bill and Judy Goden, Mickey and Dick Klenz, Janet and Nick Cook, Bob and Jeannie Moore, Dick Day, Carole Hannah, Sue Crawley, Roger and Marcia Colliver, Rudy Brown, Mike and Millie Gump, Jan and Al Rochelle, Jan and Scott Morrell, John and Nancy Stinchfield.

Marcia Colliver and Judy Goden Jeanie and Bob Moore Bill Goden and Roger Colliver

John Stinchfield and Jim Knight Jan and Al Rochell and Millie and Mike Gump Janet and Nick Cook

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NORTHCOAST CHAPTER (Meets three times yearly—Spring, Summer, Fall )

Bill Bengele, President John Campisi, Secretary

No Report

NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAPTER (covers MN, ND and SD)

(Meets quarterly)

Charles G. “Chuck” Calhoun, President The Northern Lights Chapter held its fall luncheon on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at the Cherokee Tavern in West St. Paul, MN. Attending were: Larry and Connie Gautreaux, Bill and Eileen Jones, Chuck Calhoun, Tom and Kathy Cudahy, Steve Rawn, Jean Rosheim, Mel and Donna Vander Meer, Pat Johnson, Tom and Mary Rucke, Bob Tucker and Maureen Grimes.

PROCRASTINATION CHAPTER (covers Michigan and Fort Wayne, IN)

(Meets when it can’t be put off any longer)

Mike O’Hara, President Roger Ware, Vice President Sandy Witt, Secretary/Treasurer

No Report

ST LOUIS GATEWAY CHAPTER (covers Eastern MO, Central and Southern Illinois)

(Meetings are scheduled bi-monthly)

Corne Huelsebusch, President Ray Bonney, Secretary Joe Sinibaldi, Treasurer

The Gateway Chapter met on August 23, 2014 at Houlihan’s Restaurant in Creve Coeur, MO., a suburb of St. Louis, on a very hot and humid typical August day for this area. The members attending were Angi and Ben Knudtson, Wayne and Pam Turner, Ray and Sylvia Bonney, Ken

Scott and Jan Morrell, Marie Knight and Nancy Stinchfield, and Robin Dalgleish, Carole Hannah, Sue Crawley

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Rickard, Gary Terrell, and hosted by Marcia and Harry Lyons. Everyone had a delicious lunch. After the lunch, as tradition has it, we all ventured to the Lyon’s home for desert. The Lyon’s took

care of everyone with many sweets along with a ‘no sugar added” chocolate pie (just right for us diabetics). We all enjoyed the treats and learned a lot about annuities, Roth IRA’s, long term care, homeowners insurance and NARFE topics. Of course, a top topic of conversation was the Ferguson, MO situation. We all enjoyed the lively discussions.

As info to all, Houlihan’s is an original Kansa City restaurant opened in 1972. It now has 84 restaurants in 18 states featuring wood grilled center cut steaks and flat breads.

PICTURED: from left on around the table: Ken Rickard, Angi Knudtson, Ben Knudtson, Gary Terrell, Wayne Turner, Pam Turner, Marcia Lyons, Harry Lyons, Ray Bonney, (insert: Sylvia Bonney taking the picture).

SAM HOUSTON CHAPTER (Meets quarterly)

Dick Carlson, President Rich LaBoda, Vice President Bruce Beckham, Secretary Harry Breda, Treasurer

The Sam Houston Chapter held our luncheon meeting at Zios Italian Restaurant in Houston, TX on July 22, 2014. Members Present: Bruce Beckham, Michael Castillo, Rich LaBoda, Dick Carlson, Bob Murphy, Bill Gillespie, Harry Breda, Jim Temmen, Gloria Martin, Carl Martin, and Ed White. The meeting was called to order by Dick Carlson. A treasurer's report was made by Treasurer Harry Breda and the previous minutes were presented by Secretary Bruce Beckham. (Pictured below.) Information was shared about qualifying to carry concealed weapons for retired law enforcement officers. It was decided to have the next two meetings on September 30th and December 9th. VP Rich LaBoda is to work on a group cruise for the January-March 2015 time frame.

SOIKY CHAPTER (Southern Ohio—Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton,

IN and KY) (Meets quarterly)

Larry Lockwood, President No Report

TEXAS CHAPTER (Meets 2nd Wed. of each quarter)

Rick Price, President Bill Vivoni, Vice President Gary Grant, Secretary/Reporter Linda Thompson, Treasurer No Report

Sam Houston Chapter gathering

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WINDY CITY CHAPTER (Chicago, Northern Illinois

and Northern Indiana) (Meets several times a year)

John Ruberti, President Mike Schwartz, Vice President Howard Matthews, Secretary/Treasurer

Members of the Windy City Chapter and the Wurst Chapter partnered up on May 31 for a Tailgate Party and Ballgame at Miller Field, Milwaukee WI. We watched the Chicago Cubs wallop the Milwaukee Brewers with a final score 8-1 making Cubs fans very happy. Miller Field, home of the Brewers, was absolutely built for tailgating. As we pulled into the parking lot we saw that Wurst Chapter members came prepared with an overhead canopy, chairs & tables, Weber Grills, fresh Milwaukee bratwurst soaked in beer along with Italian sausage & side dishes, and of course coolers of beer and liquor. With hundreds of

Weber Grills fired up around us, the smell of bratwurst grilling permeated the tailgate crowd. We then moved into the stadium for the ballgame. Our hosts from the Wurst Chapter provided all of us with choice midlevel third baseline seats.

NARPI Windy City Chapter Autumn Event

Let’s get together at LaSalle IL—Family and Friends Invited

Saturday October 11(Rain date October 12)

Narrated Historical Boat Ride with the Canal National Heritage followed by lunch at the Uptown Grill, 601 First Street, LaSalle.

WURST CHAPTER (Covers the Milwaukee & SE Wisconsin areas)

(Meets quarterly)

Virgil Guralski, President Robert Baumann, Vice President Joe Hoffman, Secretary/Treasurer

The Wurst Chapter held their luncheon on September 10, 2014 at That’s Amore’ Italian Café in Greenfield, WI. The luncheon was hosted by President Virgil Guralski with VP Bob Baumann, Mike Cashmer and Lori and Boyd Groen in attendance.

The business meeting was short; however, there

was a lot of socializing, catching up with summer

activities and future plans to escape the

anticipated cold winter. Lori Groen graciously

offered her newly built cottage for our Christmas

Party.

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Cactus Chapter

Colorado Chapter

Lo-Cal Chapter

Nor-Cal Chapter

Nor’West Chapter

WESTERN REGION

Doug Nunes - President

Ron Miller - Vice President

Steve Schneringer- Secretary

Ray Tangney - Treasurer

CACTUS CHAPTER (covers Arizona, Luncheon meetings 3rd Fridays in even months)

Mike Casadei, President Dave Wood, Vice President John Zemblidge, Secretary/Treasurer

We had a wonderful time yesterday at Tom and Colleen's beautiful home and studio up in Carefree. Eight other members and friends gathered to enjoy a great lunch and each other's company. Those in attendance included Don Bernard and his friend Lisa, Joe Byers, Rose and Mike Casadei, Chris Macho, Tom and Colleen Taylor, Dave Wood and John Zemblidge. Our gracious hosts and friends announced they will be moving to Alpine in San Diego County, near the end of this year or early next. They have kindly hosted three of our luncheons since relocating to Arizona nearly five years ago from South Florida. Before their move, they will again be one of several studios hosting artists, jewelers and photographers at the 18th Annual Hidden Hills Studio Tour, November 21-30. Last year, over 800 people attended their showings and if you can make it up this year you will not be disappointed. Following the luncheon several of us drove down to Phoenix to celebrate the retirements of Brenda Love, Mark Kuechler and Vickie Griem. We learned that former INC Pete Zagarac retired on July 31, and Doug Hilburn in May. We will be sending invitations for all to join our Chapter. Our next Cactus Chapter meeting will be on a Thursday, the week before Thanksgiving. We will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 20, 2014, at Windsor Café, on North Central, in Phoenix. We had planned to meet there this May, but due to a large number of members traveling, the luncheon was postponed. Windsor is located at 5223 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. For more information and menu selections, visit www.windsoraz.com

Tucked into its namesake Phoenix Historical Neighborhood, Windsor is a local bar and restaurant with a backyard-style patio that hopefully will be packed full of retired Postal Inspectors and friends in mid-November. The Windsor serves high-quality wine and beer on tap, and has a kitchen that cranks out casual and familiar bar food with an upscale twist. Their "Russian Roulettes" will blow your head off. Come on down and enjoy Dave Wood's neighborhood. Please let Z know by November 6th if you will be joining us.

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COLORADO CHAPTER (Meets on first Tuesdays of even numbered months)

Bob Vincent, President Rich Winsor, Secretary/Treasurer

Our June meeting was held at the home of Bob and Laurie Vincent in Evergreen, CO. The scenery was beautiful, the food was delicious and the fellowship was enjoyed by Bob and Laurie and their daughters Anastasia and Alayana, Ken and Jan Hommas, Brenda and Ed Cornell, Deborah, our granddaughter Hope, grandson Miles and myself. Thanks again to Bob and Laurie for hosting the meeting.

Our August 5th meeting was hosted by Phil and Joan Leathery at the Pelican Lakes Country Club (formerly known as Austin’s Homestead Bar and Grill) in Windsor, CO. Phil promised that the food is still delicious and the beautiful views from the patio have not changed.

The next luncheon for the Colorado Chapter of NARPI will be held on Tuesday October 7, 2014 at 11:30am. Pat and Terry Corcoran are our hosts and have made reservations for us at Walnut Brewery in Boulder.

LO-CAL CHAPTER (Meets first Tuesday of the even numbered months)

Ron Miller, President Sarah Jones, Vice President Tom Buggie, Secretary/Treasurer

For our August meeting we gathered for lunch in Lake Arrowhead at the Belgian Waffle Factory. The restaurant overlooks the Lake and we sat in their outside patio area. While it’s a long drive, the views are spectacular. Its nice to occasionally “get above it all”. As usual, the weather was great. Attending were Tom and Sandy Buggie, Bill Davis, Keith Lewis, Ron and Jan Miller, Rick Ruhland and Ray and Alice Tangney. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Matt Denney’s in Arcadia. This is probably our third visit to this restaurant. They have a great selection of sandwiches, wraps and burgers, plus house specials. Also, as an added bonus and by majority rule attendees can have “chocolte” covered strawberries or a cake.

Back row: Keith Lewis, Ray Tangney, Ron Miller, Tom Buggie, Bill Davis, Rick Ruhland Front row Alice Tangney, Jan Miller, Sandy Buggie

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NOR-CAL CHAPTER (Meets every other month)

Doug Nunes, President Al Dockus, Vice President Bill Kienzle, Secretary Bob Dower, Treasurer

We had another wonderful Prime Rib Lunch at the Sequoia Woods Country Club, in Arnold, CA. We had 17 members brave the highways and by-ways to get to their destination, most a 3 hour trek. Oscar Villanueva and wife Rocio attended their first retirement lunch, Oscar retired as INC of San Francisco Division and now lives in Ripon, CA south of Stockton along Hwy 99.

We discussed the Monterey Reunion coming Sept 28- Oct 1. Assignments will be coming out to those who have made me aware of an interest in helping. Last chance to sign up for the reunion or banquet is August 28, be there or be square, we look forward to seeing you Sept 28-Oct 1.

Bob and Phylis Cooper, Kathy and Terry Paramore and Bob and Jeanne Dower spent the afternoon after lunch in the towns of Murphys and/or Arnold in this historic gold country county. The area is also known for its Boutique Wineries, mountain mixed conifer forest and Jumping Frog Contest, by Mark Twain.

These folks then met at our cabin that evening and enjoyed good company, wine and a BBQ pork dinner. Few of our luncheons have the element of staying over night; this was one.

Bob Cooper receives his free gift of Baby Ruth candy bars and $20 from Bill Kienzle. Bob was the winner drawn from all the correct entries for the August free gift challenge. The challenge was: The Baby Ruth candy bar was named after which real person? Identify by name. The challenge had two right answers; Baby Ruth Cleveland (daughter of President Grover Cleveland) and George Herman (Babe) Ruth.

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Akira Murakami I received a letter from Merryl Young (Akira’s daughter) advising me that he passed away on June 26, 2014. I did not know Akira so I mentioned his passing at our August luncheon. Denny Hagberg said he knew Akira very well; as a matter of fact he was in Denny’s Inspection Service academy class in 1969. Denny and Jack Swagerty were gracious enough to send me a few good memories about Akira and here they are: Aki and I were both members of the San Francisco Division before we became PIs. I was the lead internal crimes (service depredation in those days) analyst at DHQ and he was an investigative aide (special investigator) in Honolulu. Our class started on July 6, 1969 and was the first class that had non-postal recruits. I believe Aki was the 1st investigative aide (special investigator), to become a full fledged PI. He was in his late 40's - probably the oldest PI recruit ever. I was only 24 - he was old enough to be my father. We did have 1 classmate who was only 21 at the time……….. The best story I remember about him was when we received our first domicile assignments. In those days, you did not learn your first assignment until the last (16th) week in the academy. However, when Aki was recruited for PI, he was told (guaranteed) he would return to Honolulu. Well, on the day the ACI Admin came out to give us our assignments, in alphabetical order, he announced "Akira Mirakami - Chicago, IL". The class gasped. It took the ACI about 20 seconds to "correct" himself and announce "Honolulu". The look on Aki's face went from "dejection" to "thrilled" in those 20 seconds. /……. He was truly a gentleman and a great influence on the entire class because of his Inspection Service experience and an all around super guy. (from Denny Hagberg). Gentlemen: I had the privilege of working with Aki from 1973 to 1975 in Hawaii - he was a quiet, respectful and dedicated Inspector. His former wife Bessie was one of the most wonderful people I ever met…….One of the most significant memories was when we worked a depredation case together. The carrier was a disabled war hero (Korea), and decorated and honored for his service. We identified the carrier for mail theft, and Aki and I made the arrest together. At the time of the arrest Aki had tears in his eyes! It was only then that I realized that the carrier and Aki had known each other and had been friendly for years. I should have anticipated this, but did not. But Aki did his job, in his quiet and efficient way. But I knew he hurt very much! We could always rely on Aki for his local knowledge and quiet support. I had tremendous respect for him. A wonderful guy! (from Jack Swagerty). I hope that everyone who knew Akira remembers him fondly and those of us who now know of him remember him as well.

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NOR’WEST CHAPTER (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska)

(Luncheon meetings monthly on 3rd Wednesdays with the exception of January and July)

Steve Schneringer, President Jim Foster, Vice President Jim and Lana Foster hosted Nor’west’s June 25th Luncheon at the Medallion Hotel’s Cellar Room in Arlington. We had a fantastic turn out!

Front row: Martha and Wayne Osborne and Ellen and Dick Beidle. Second row: Linda and Erin, daughters of Fred Riffey,

Steve and Hope Schneringer, Phyllis Weber, Dianne Mohr and Lana Foster.

Rear: Earl Ingebright, Ken Weber, John Mohr and Jim Foster.

Notice Dick Beidle’s head, front row, far right? That’s not a reflection, it’s a large bandage! He was diagnosed with a brain cyst. Instead of removing it, his surgeon implanted a shunt which drains excess fluid into his stomach. Now he has every right to belch, Ellen! He is doing very well.

Notice Phyllis Weber, between Hope and Dianne? No glasses! She underwent cataract surgery including the procedure to correct her near sightedness.

And finally, Linda Bakken, far left, second row, was talking about her new Prius. She said you drive it with “push buttons”, no shift lever. She took it to a car wash and the sign flashed “Put It in Neutral”! The attendant rescued her!

Seated: Ellen and Dick Beidle, Mimi Krause and Lana and Jim Foster. Center: Dianne Mohr, Hope and Steve Schneringer and Phyllis Weber. Top: Ted Wagner and Judy Groome, John Mohr, Vic Geerts, Ken Weber and Host Earl Ingebright.

Earl Ingebright, age 96, councils NARPI Vice Pres-ident Steve Schneringer and NARPI President Vic Geerts.

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IN MEMORIAM

It is with much regret and our deepest sympathy to their spouses and families that we announce the passing of the following NARPI members and non-members.

NAME SPOUSE DATE OF DEATH DIVISIONS Richard F. Bogue Ruth [d] July 15, 2014 DEN, SEA Vivian C. Fick John [d] September 29, 2014 MIN John G. Freeman Sarah Jane {d} August 15, 2014 STP,CRC,CHI,DEN,SOC Ralph B. Harding Kathryn September 8, 2014 BOS, PGH, BUF Kenneth E. Johnson Grace April 27, 2014 SEA Evelyn Melendez August 8,2014 NWK, MIA Alice “Ann” Monnett Gordon L “Bud” September 16, 2014 PHL, PGH Evelyn L. Pfanmiller Alvin April 5, 2014 FTW,SRO,BCI Doris J. Tate Kenneth J. [d} September 21, 2014 PHL,CHI Betty B. White Henry O. “OZ” October 12, 2014 CHA,CIN,ATL,BCI,SRC FORMER MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS John D. “Dan” Lee Betty M. September 26, 2014 ATL Betty M. Lee Dan [d] August 27, 2014 ATL Akira Murakami Bessie [d] June 26, 2014 SFO Jean G. Wulfrost Harold [d] September 1, 2014 WAS _________________________________________________________________________________________________

U.S. POSTAL INSPECTORS RING TWICE TO RETURN FUNDS TO MONEYGRAM VICTIMS

“The postman always rings twice” is the title of a movie that has nothing to do with the mail. Today, it’s Postal Inspectors who are ringing twice, this time delivering 3,440 refund checks totaling more than $14 million to fraud victims. The restitution ranges from several hundred dollars to more than $249,00 for one victim in California.

This marks the second wave of reimbursement checks delivered to victims of a scam involving MoneyGram. According to the Department of Justice, MoneyGram was involved in an international, mass marketing fraud perpetrated by corrupt MoneyGram agents and others who defrauded tens of thousands of victims in the US. The case was prosecuted by the U. S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Department of Justice, Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section.

In 2013, Postal Inspectors coordinated the disbursement of $46 million to more than 18,000 consumers victimized by MoneyGram. More than $3 million was disbursed to 1,087 Pennsylvania petitioners.

“Many of the 18,000 scam victims lost thousands of dollars, placing them and their families in dire straits,” said David Bosch, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division, which investigated MoneyGram. “Returning their money, which most victims thought was gone forever, is an opportunity to provide justice to victims in a tangible way.”

MoneyGram reached a settlement with federal authorities and agreed to pay $100 million to victims of its consumer fraud that occurred between 2004 and 2009. ( For more info contact PI N. Alicea @email: [email protected].)

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NEW MEMBERS & ADDRESS CHANGE /RENEWALS

The list of new members, address changes and renewals is removed from the web version of NARPI

News for protection of members’ personal information

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF

RETIRED POSTAL INSPECTORS

P.O. BOX 3223

PEACHTREE CITY, GA 30269-7223

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

IN THIS ISSUE

Memphis Reunion/Registration 1, 4 & 5 Officer Comments 2, 3 FEHBP Premiums 2 Shrinking COLA 4 Boston Reunion Update 6 Remember When 7 Chapter Reports 8-21 In Memoriam 22 MoneyGram Scam 22 New Members/Address Changes 23

Documents

NARPI NEWS PAGE 1 Publication of the National · PDF filePublication of the National Association of Retired Postal Inspectors ... Memphis, TN 38111. ... dklenz@