Reports from NoCASCOE Officers

As I begin to think about what to include in my first article for a newsletter as President, I first want to say "Thank You" for allowing me to serve you, the membership of NoCASCOE, in this capacity. You have allowed me to be your voice and represent "our" employee association at both the state and national level. While doing so, I strive to represent ALL employees of our state from "Murphy to Manteo", and whether or not I am successful, depends on you, the member, and your willingness to be involved and voice your ideas and concerns. During the past two years we have survived FSA Tomorrow, we are learning to live with CCC-770’s, and we are waiting to see what the future holds for us in "the plan". We will survive this too!!

Greetings! The past few weeks sure have been busy for NoCASCOE. First, the National Legislative Conference in WDC and only two weeks later, the State Convention in Charlotte. Each of them requires many hours of hard work yet, the rewards outweigh the work. The National Legislative Conference allows communication to our NC Representatives on a one on one basis. The position papers we present from NASCOE/NoCASCOE provide a voice stating our needs, which can better the agency and our association.

The State Convention also allows the membership an opportunity to meet and voice concerns to folks from WDC and others such as NASCOE leadership. It also provides a time to renew acquaintances and meet co-workers, old friends and new friends. (That’s you Cecelia!)

As your secretary/treasurer, I personally want to thank the Directors and membership for allowing me the opportunity to serve in this position. Please don’t hesitate to ask should you have questions concerning NoCASCOE’s records.

From time to time folks ask me about things such as the Thrift Savings Plan. Let me first say I am not a financial advisor however, I can tell you some things that might benefit you now and when you retire. Whether you are a CSRS or FERS employee, you can contribute to TSP. Whatever percentage you choose to contribute, this money is not taxable until you draw it out. This money not only gives you a tax break but an extra nest egg when you retire. An excellent web site to enroll in is: www.tsptalk.com. If you choose, you may enroll with Tom Crowley and he will provide guidance for TSP investing. This service is free.

In closing, I want to encourage everyone to attend SC’s National Convention in Myrtle Beach, SC. The dates are August 5-11, 2007. This will show support to our sister state and allow you to see first hand a National Convention.

Two $1000 scholarships were awarded to two very deserving young men. The judges completed the ranking process of five applications. All of the applicants who submitted applications appear to be very bright, capable and deserving young people. I was just sorry they were not all able to win!

 The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Retirement Financial Education eLetter will be posted bi-monthly at www.opm.gov/benefits. Each issue will contain information about retirement financial education you can use and can pass on to others.  Don’t think retirement financial education is only for long time employees or those close to retirement.  It’s for everyone.  Retirees have some significant challenges to face so waiting until just before retirement to start planning is often "too little, too late."

The Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS), and the availability of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for both FERS and Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) employees, changed the planning horizon.  Employees should begin making decisions about their retirement goals as soon as they start their Federal careers—and that’s what this eLetter is designed to do.  It will help you to set your own retirement goals and develop a plan to achieve them.    

Check it out!  www.MyMoney.gov. MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government's website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you are planning to buy a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your 401k, the resources on MyMoney.gov can help you do it better. Throughout the site, you will find important information from 20 federal agencies government-wide.

• OPM Information for Federal Benefits Officers http://www.opm.gov/benefits
• OPM Insurance Services Information http://www.opm.gov/insure
• OPM Retirement Information & Services http://www.opm.gov/retire
• Federal Long Term Care Insurance http://www.ltcfeds.com
• Federal Flexible Spending Accounts https://www.fsafeds.com/fsafeds/index.asp
• Federal Employee Dental and Vision http://www.opm.gov/insure/DentalVision/index.asp
• U.S. Financial Literacy & Education Commission www.MyMoney.gov
• Social Security Administration www.ssa.gov
• Federal Thrift Savings Plan www.tsp.gov

CINGULAR – NASCOE members must use FAN # 16239 to sign up for a 12% discount. You may visit your local Cingular store or www.cincular.com/discounts

Verizon – contact your customer service 800 number – plan must be in Government Employee’s name. If not I believe they will help you with that. This discount should be 15% - 17%. You should also be able to go online to sign up at www.verizonwireless.com/ryl.

Apple offers Government Employees 17% off. For more information call 1-800-MY-APPLE or www.apple.com/r/store/government/epp.html

There is a website and program for USDA employees for purchasing many items and using payroll deduction to pay. No Credit checks! This site has specials and you will want to continue to check out their specials to see what would benefit you. Site is www.gov.purchasingpower.com

I appreciate the opportunity to serve this past year as the State Awards Chairperson. I have learned a lot about the responsibility of this job, and with the help of Jeanie Setser, I got through it. Each person in this organization needs to take the opportunity when it arises and volunteer for these positions and learn just what is involved in making an organization like ours work.

There were several applications received for the various distinguished awards for NASCOE. All of the applications were very well worded and I am sure each and every one of the people nominated deserved an award. For those who submitted nominations, thank you for your participation.

Awards were presented at the convention this year in Charlotte. The "Service to FSA" award was awarded to Ida Faye Cutler, Program Technician, from the Beaufort-Hyde FSA Office. This was a very deserving award for Ida Faye, as each of you probably know. I can not count the times I have picked up the telephone to ask this lady questions about new programs and/or old programs. As always, helping with the most pleasant voice she always spoke with. The farmers of her county, fellow workers, past and present CED’s and locals always have good things to say about Ida Faye and the way she conducts business. Ida Faye retired this past January and I am sure that the farmers and county office staff miss her and her expertise. Good luck to you, Ida Faye, in all that you do and have a great retirement. Thanks for your years of dedication to FSA.

Another award presented at the convention this year was the "Service to the Community". Rosie Hale, Program Technician from Pasquotank-Camden-Currituck Office took the honors this year. She is a community activist, worker, and most of all dedicated person to the community. Rosie is originally from the mid-west states and moved to North Carolina only a couple years ago and instantly took to the community, volunteering for work. She has volunteered at the local library, worked with the community play group, reads at a local book store, gave a face-lift to a local coffee shop, painted a Bed & Breakfast sign in front of the business, and most recently, volunteers at the hospital in the gift shop. And you ask, "How can one person do so much"? If you ever meet Rosie, you will understand. She is a ball of energy that keeps going and going. Congratulations Rosie! Keep up the good work in your community and may all of us use you as an example.

Pictured above - Rosie Hale receives the NoCASCOE "Service to the Community" Award from President Pam Pollard.

Not only did these ladies receive awards from NoCASCOE but they were also the winners from the Southeast Area for NASCOE. Congratulations to both of you!

UPDATE: Ida Faye Cutler, retired CPT from the Beaufort-Hyde County FSA, was the 2007 NASCOE winner of the "Distinguished Service to FSA" Award! Congratulations Ida Faye!

The 2007 NoCASCOE State Convention convened Thursday afternoon, March 22, 2007 in the Charlotte Marriott Executive Park, Charlotte, NC. There were approximately 85 in attendance to hear from a variety of speakers. After the Presentation of Colors by the Army JROTC of Olympic High School of Charlotte, and the Pledge of Allegiance, Susan Woodall led the attendees in singing ‘My Country ‘Tis of Thee’. Everyone was welcomed by the Chairman of the State Committee, David Rose, after which a letter from Governor Mike Easley was read. At this time one of the most touching moments for me was the Military Tribute. Kevin Wooten, CED did a wonderful job recognizing our FSA Family’s loved ones who are serving in the Armed Forces.

Next, we heard from Dan Schmidt, Area Vice-President for the North Carolina Federation of NARFE, "National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association", he spoke regarding the tax requirements for retirees in N.C., specifically regarding the issue of the NC tax exemption for employees who will retire in future years and are not vested (5 years of creditable service) by August 12, 1989. If you are in this category your annuity will be taxed by the state of NC. NARFE is working to change this. Representatives from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of NC and J M Marketing briefed the audience on available benefits and informed everyone they would be available throughout the convention to assist with questions anyone may have.

We were excited to have Larry Segars, NASCOE Treasurer, attend the convention. Larry spoke about the recent Legislative Conference in Washington, DC and the meetings the Executive Board had while there with the National Office. Larry said there have been 26 state plans submitted to the National Office to date. He stated that the NASCOE Officers were in contact with the National Office almost daily providing FSA’s viewpoint regarding the next farm bill, and the role of the county office. Larry, as always, was an entertaining and informative speaker.

We were also fortunate to have Morris O’Quin, Southeast Area Executive Committee Person, join us. Morris also spoke of the recent Legislative Conference and the position papers which were presented by each state’s delegation to their Legislators that were visited. These position papers included FSA’s Role in the Next Farm Bill, FSA and Conservation, and FSA Benefits, and all of these position papers can be viewed by going to the NASCOE Website and the Legislative link. Morris commended NC for having strong support in Washington and recognized the work that has been done on behalf of FSA by "our" elected officials.

At this time it was indeed an honor to present the Clyde Payne, NASCOE Legislator of the Year Award to Congressman Mike McIntyre for his support of NASCOE. Congressman McIntyre has been a strong advocate for FSA and the Agricultural community and continues to be. Chubby Starling, State Legislative Chairperson, presented the award. Congressman McIntyre could not be with us in Charlotte, however, his Agriculture Field Representative, Billy Barker, accepted on his behalf. {The award was presented to Congressman McIntyre while we were in Washington attending the Legislative Conference in early March. See Photo Below}

Congressman Mike McIntyre and NoCASCOE President Pam Pollard

We had representatives from the South Carolina Association, SCASOE, on hand to invite everyone to Myrtle Beach for the 2007 National Convention. Anita Bryant and Patsy Caldwell were with us throughout the convention to answer questions and give information regarding the convention.

We were honored to have NC Commissioner of Agriculture, Steve Troxler address the convention attendees. Commissioner Troxler applauded FSA for the job we do to serve the agricultural communities of our state. He spoke of his dedication to NC Agriculture and striving to find new ways to promote it. One of his projects is "Got to Be NC", which promotes the use of NC grown products. The project is such a success that other states would like to use it as a model for their own states. To learn more about the Agricultural Commissioners work and plans for the future of Agriculture in NC visit their website.

Keith Weatherly, State Executive Director, after a colorful introduction (mostly red) by Walter Smith, CED, addressed the convention attendees. Keith (Mr. Weatherly) expressed his appreciation for the job that the county offices are doing. With the on-set of COR reviews, at this time, 2-3 have been completed and there were "0" findings. Keith spoke of the Administrators mandate to the SED’s that they put together a plan to operate within their budget and submit it to the National Office for review. Keith said that until the "plan" was approved by the National Office, there was no plan.

Our guest speaker from Washington was our own Star Bryant, Deputy Program Coordinator, USDA-FSA office of DAFO. For those of you who do not know, Star started her FSA/ASCS career in Johnston County. Star thanked NoCASCOE for having her as a speaker at our convention and expressed how nice it was to be back in NC. Ms. Bryant conveyed greetings and appreciation from Teresa Lasseter, FSA Administrator. Star assured everyone that we truly have an administrator who understands and appreciates the job we do in the county offices. She spoke of the office of DAFO and the process of getting information to the field (county offices). She indicated that the Power of Attorney would be automated sometime this year. (Aug – Sept). Star remained with us throughout the convention and even entertained us with a song during the Friday night Karaoke.

The General Session ended with a question and answer session, after which everyone had been in training all morning, and listening to speakers all afternoon… need I say more.

It was then off to the RACES NoCASCOE STYLE!!!! Have you ever been to a "Tailgate Party" in a Hotel room? Well you should have been there for our NoCASCOE NASCAR Night Feast! Our own Martha Mills, Lynn Hall, Russell Morgan and Company (I dare not start naming names) provided everyone with Bar-B-Q and Hot Dogs with ALL the trimmings, not to mention the array of ‘tempting goodies’ that were there that night and throughout the convention. Thanks to our sponsors for helping us to provide the employees of FSA with a wonderful experience of food and fellowship.

We then dragged (some literally) everyone to the Live Scholarship Auction for a night of fun and surprises. The auction was a huge success we had lots of great items for auction (Thank You for your donations) then the word "Live Auction" took on a whole new meaning when Keith Weatherly, SED "offered up" some of the STO Staff, who had previously agreed to participate, to be auctioned for 1 day of work in the County Office who was the highest bidder. After a ‘fierce’ bidding war the outcome was Miles Davis, Susan Woodall, Cindy Kernodle, & Dianne Barefoot were the "Hot" commodities and we raised a total of $2,251.00 for the entire auction. Thank you, Keith for agreeing to do this and to Miles, Susan, Cindy & Diane for being such good sports and as always continuing to be strong supporters of NoCASCOE. Just a hint for next year…start saving up your money, this could become a tradition.

Friday was a day for convention attendees to explore Charlotte. There were State Committee Meetings, Directors Meetings, etc., throughout the day and then it was time for the "Queen’s Feast" Awards Dinner, Entertainment and Dancing. The speaker for the evening was a comedian named Kelly Swanson, who told "Funny Stories about Life in the South" she was GREAT!! After laughing the night away with Kelly we were entertained by some of our own, with Karaoke performances, and the musical selections by DJ Keith Pollard. We learned it is difficult to compete with the NCAA Tournament, especially when the Tar Heels are one of the teams playing!!

Submitted by: Pam Pollard

NoCASCOE President

Dan Schmidt, Area V-P for the NC Federation of NARFE

Larry Segars, NASCOE Treasurer

Morris O’Quin, Southeast Area Executive Committee Person

Billy Barker, Agriculture Field Rep. for Congressman Mike

McIntyre, accepts the Clyde Payne, NASCOE Legislator of the

Year Award on behalf of Congressman McIntyre during the 2007

NoCASCOE Convention.

"Good Time Girls" Anita Bryant and Patsy Caldwell, SCASOE

N. C. Commissioner of Agriculture, Steve Troxler

Keith Weatherly, N. C. State Executive Director

Guest Speaker, North Carolina’s own, Star Bryant, Deputy Program

Coordinator, USDA-FSA, office of DAFO, WDC.

A heartfelt introduction for Star was given by Rose Hayes, CED,

Pasquotank-Camden-Currituck County.

We finally figured out what these two are good for, and it isn’t FSA Procedures.

Dan Schmidt, Area II Vice-President of NARFE, briefed the group on the mission and vision of the National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association and invited us to become members. Mr. Schmidt shared information on the local chapters of NARFE and the NARFE leadership. He also highlighted NC House Bill 233 which is a move to allow all retiree benefits in NC to be free from state taxes and is sponsored by Alice Graham Underhill. Currently, retirement benefits in NC are tax-free if the retiree was vested in a qualifying retirement system as of August 12, 1989. ("Google" Bailey v. State of North Carolina to learn more.)

I have been a NoCASCOE member for about 20 of my 24 years with FSA but had never been to any of the conventions or participated in active service to NoCASCOE. What an eye-opening experience the past few months have been!

Once again we had the privilege of working with Russell Morgan to provide our hospitable hospitality room.

This year’s experience began with the crock pots following Map Quest to their destination, not a good experience. Fortunately after an hour of extra driving time they arrived at their destination for a night of rest before the fun began. Just for your information if you pass the same gas station 3 times, YOU ARE LOST!

How would we have ever unloaded our paraphernalia without the help of Miles Davis, Tommy McLamb, Cliff Moore, Warren Hepler, and Tim Jones. Now Miles had a little trouble with this process, he just could not find his way to the CLU folder in the order of files Martha was giving him. Just like a woman, isn’t it Miles? Thanks guys, we really appreciated the help.

Wednesday night’s fellowship brought a time to renew friendships and bond with all who are going through the same daily struggles. This is one of the reasons we feel these meetings are so important. Nothing brings out good feelings like sharing chips and dip with each other. Let us not forget Russell and Cliff serving up all of those soft drinks. Thanks so much for giving of your time and energy.

Russell deserves a purple heart; he was wounded in the line of duty. An ice chest, a bathtub, evidently not a good combination. Thankfully his thumb did not have to be amputated. You will have to discuss the situation with him for further details. Even with his injury, he was one of the few dance participants Friday night. Way to go Russell. You would think you were a teenager with your actions and moves on the dance floor. We have submitted your application to "Dancing with the Stars". Keep your phone lines open. You are an EXCELLENT dancer.

Thursday night’s food was wonderful and would not have been possible without our Robin Hudson. Robin arranged for and delivered that wonderful barbeque to us. Thanks Robin, the crock pots would not have been complete without you. Now, how about those special people who helped serve that food: Susan Woodall, Diane Barefoot, Bonnie Potts, Diane Minor, Lesa Rawls, and Dianne Davis. We always know that if this job falls through we can get one at the J&S cafeteria. Thank you so much for serving the food; but also for the work you do for us each day.

Friday night events continued in the hospitality room. We were able to enjoy the room before and after the banquet. Can anyone ever guess how many meatballs Morris ate? The after snacks were enjoyed with the help of an interesting basketball game, who knew basketball was so much fun? Condolences to you Carolina fans.

Thank you one and all who helped to make our part of the meeting a success. If we forgot your name somehow, double thanks to you. I forgot my 770 so my checklist may not be correct. Please don’t audit my work.

A special thanks to our SED, Keith Weatherly, the state committee, David Rose, Faylene Whitaker, Roger Dixon, our wonderful District Directors, and the State Office staff who provided funding for our delightful array of food and beverages.

Please let anyone in your office who is not a member of NoCASCOE know how important these meetings are to attend. We have fun; but there is important information we gain from our speakers and each other. I have never left a meeting not having learned something important concerning our Agency.

The crock pots are packed away waiting for the next journey, could it possibly be the sands of Myrtle Beach? Hope to see you there!

Thanks for the memories,

Martha and Lynne

Haywood-Macon County FSA Office

Bonnie Potts, DD, Diane Barefoot, STO, and Susan Woodall, STO. Thanks to all

the ladies for helping serve the delicious Bar-B-Q and Hot Dogs! It was great!

Another successful Agricultural Appreciation Dinner at the Bladen County USDA Service Center. This dinner has been a fall ritual for the Bladen County Ag. Community since the fall of 1997. In cooperation with NRCS, Cooperative Extension, NCDA Plant Protection, Environmental Health, Bladen County Planning Department, Bladen County Economic Development, Smithfield Foods, and several of Bladen County’s producers and other agriculture businesses, the Bladen County FSA Staff has been very successful with this event and the 2006 Dinner was no exception. Approximately 300-to 400 have attended this event each year.

Pictured below are Thomas C. "Chubby" Starling CED, Kent Wooten, Cooperative Extension Director, FFA Students from West Bladen High School, Congressman Mike McIntyre, and Chairman of the Bladen County Commissioners Greg Taylor.

Submitted by: Chris Tatum

Chief Program Technician

Rutherford County FSA employees participated at the Super Science Fair at Cliffside Elementary School on March 29^th, 2007. The Fair organizer had asked the county to have a demonstration on cotton and cotton products. The office staff, Diane Roper and Nancy Bradshaw, did a great job of providing a book of pictures showing the production of cotton from the planting of the crop to the harvesting into a module and bale. They also had a spinning wheel on display as well as several products made from cotton. They had samples of cotton and cotton seed for the students to touch and hold and a treat of popcorn that had cottonseed oil as an ingredient. A video of ginning of cotton at the county cotton gin ran during the entire fair. Children as well as the adults seemed to enjoy and learn from the demonstration.

Mitch Davis, son of Dianne Davis (Rutherford County) will be going to Nicaragua on a mission trip in July of this year. He will be going with a group from First Baptist North Spartanburg. Part of the group will be helping in construction of a church. The other part will be doing evangelism work. Mitch is a 7^th grade science teacher at Polk Middle School and coaches’ football, girl’s basketball, and softball. Mitch was the 1993 winner of the NoCASCOE scholarship and attended NC State University.

Submitted by: Dianne Davis

County Executive Director