The Ohio Association of FSA Employees hosted the Midwest Area state associations April 9 and 10th at the Cherry Valley Lodge in Granville, Ohio. Over 100 members and guests from Ohio and surrounding states enjoyed our Friday night Hawaiian theme and hula contest followed by an evening of dancing! 2010 is also the 50th anniversary of the year the Ohio Association was chartered and we celebrated this with a cake and a trip down memory lane as we projected pictures of OASCOE events from the past during our Friday night celebration!
We were down to business on Saturday morning starting with our Ohio business session. Ohio State Executive Director Steven Maurer and State Committee member James Zumbrink spent the morning with us and presented information as well as sat for questions. The Awards Committee then recognized our Ohio Distinguished Service Award winners: Charlene Stone, Service to NASCOE; Bill Huston, Service to FSA/Agriculture; and Sandy Wright, Service to Community. Sandy was also the Midwest Area winner in this category for work in animal rescue! We also presented a number of sick leave awards and a plaque to Steve Lovejoy for 3000 hours of sick leave. The Scholarship Committee recognized the 2009 James D. Pollock Memorial Scholarship winners Linsey Howell, Brittany Rietschlin, and Brooke Warner. The 2010 Scholarship winners were announced as Katherine Bonk, McKenzie Huston, and Jonathan Miller.
After completion of the Ohio portion, the MWA Convention kicked in. Speaker highlights included NASCOE Vice President John Lohr, NASCOE Legislative Chair Mike Mayfield, DCP Program Manager Brent Orr of the Production, Emergencies, and Compliance Division in Washington, DC, and NASCOE Legislative Consultant Robert Redding. Midwest Area Recording Secretary Deb Esselman-Baird will have a complete summary of each speaker's comments on the Midwest area website located at www.nascoemidwestarea.org.
The afternoon session of the rally included committee meetings and subsequent reports, the business session, candidacy announcements and bids for national convention in 2012.
Maybe one of the most important events for NASCOE is the Legislative Conference in Washington DC. This is the time when your fellow members take their time to present your concerns to our legislators from retirement and insurance issues to duty assignments and pay rates and other benefits. Not so much to ask for more but, just to make sure things remain fair, equitable, and dependable. Pictured here, with NASCOE National Treasurer from Ohio Shelley Odenkirk, are the 2009 representatives from OASCOE. Ohio can be proud to say that our delegation was one of largest and strongest.
John Gaynor OASCOE President
Pictured from left to right: Krista Schnecker, Glenda Ward, Mark VanHoose, Michelle Stahl, Dave Baird, Tom Bonk, Shelly Odenkirk, Bill Huston, Mike Jacob, Tami Davis, Lucy Seiler, Chris Gibbs, Patti Knicely, Jody Haines, Dan Blay
This is my final letter as your OASCOE President. I considered serving the past 2 years as your President an honor and a privilege but, it is time for someone else to take a turn. I hope that I have served you well and I will continue the serve as one of the directors representing DD#5. Plus, I hope you afford our new President, Mark VanHoose, the same respect and cooperation. I am also in hopes that you are reading this letter after one of my final instructions to the directors to encourage you to do so. The President's letter posted on the OASCOE website is a good way to communicate important information to membership that is otherwise prohibited while on government time at the FSA office or with the use of any government equipment or material. One such topic is the NASCOE PAC (Political Action Committee). Recently you may have been contacted or approached by an OASCOE director for your district asking for an immediate cash donation to the NASCOE PAC. If like me, you made a donation, I would like to personally thank you. Ohio was asked to support the PAC to the tune of $1000.00 or, about $167 per district. This donation was at the request of our NASCOE legislative committee. As many of you know, NASCOE has a full time lobbyist working for us in Washington. As you also know, there are some very important pieces of legislation being pushed through the system that is critical to all FSA employees. Mainly, the continuing debate over the health care reform. NASCOE is not lobbying for any new benefits in health care as much we are trying to maintain what we have in the present fine system.
If you are like me, you do not exactly cherish the idea of contributing to the money madness and chaos in WDC. But, action to maintain your benefits comes at a cost. The PAC funds were at a low level at a very poor time and emergency fund raising was necessary. Recently I was on a teleconference for the MWA. An important point was made during the call. Did you know that if at least two thirds of the NASCOE member were to donate $3 per pay period through the NFC "financial allotment" system that NASCOE would be the 4th largest agricultural lobby in WDC? Just think of the influence NASCOE would have if "every" member did a $3 per pay period allotment. I recently completed the process of filing the proper forms myself. And, I am asking you to do the same, even if it is only $2 or $1 per pay period. Everyone needs to do their part.
I found out through the conference call that NASCOE is offering some incentives to joining, or increasing donations to, the PAC. The State with the largest increase will be awarded $250 and the first 200 individuals will receive a $20 gift certificate of some sort. I am not sure I am describing that correctly but, further details were in a recent issue of NASCOE "NOW" available on the NASCOE website. The best and easiest way to join the PAC is by "self service" through your EPP by doing a "financial allotment". If a dope like me can do it, anyone one can. New enrolls eventually need to file a NASCOE donor information form. I have a copy of the NASCOE form if you want one; however, the NASCOE enrollment donor form is currently available on the NASCOE website. If you do the "allotment" through EPP, you will have to visit the NASCOE website link for the PAC anyway in order to obtain the NASCOE bank routing number and account number for the allotment deposit. Click on the "Legislative" link on the NASCOE website and on the resulting screen you will see a place for the PAC. The first thing that will take a day or two turn around is to get a password. Once you have access with a password you will be able to follow the instructions in the site through the PAC link. The link is quite interesting. The employee allotment method is a lot better than directors having to beg for funds from you. As my final act as President, I ask you to please consider joining the PAC today. If you remember, it was one of the 24 things I listed that you can do with NASCOE without leaving home. Remember, we are all in this together.
But, speaking of leaving home, while I am on my soap box, the MWA Rally is coming soon to Ohio on April 9th and 10th. OASCOE directors will be pleading for your help, donations, and attendance. Details have been issued recently and will continue to flow your way. Please do your part. We are hoping to have a warm reception to Mr. Coppess, hopefully, our featured FSA speaker from WDC and an Ohio boy. So, I asking you to make Ohio stand out by sitting in on the Rally, even if it is only for the main events on Saturday.
Truly Sincere,The applications are submitted, the judging is over, and the results are in. Three Ohio students have been awarded James D. Pollock Memorial scholarships. Each winner received a $600.00 scholarship to help them with their pursuit of a college career. Fourteen applications were submitted to be considered for this year's awards. The top eight applications were within 15 points out of a possible 150, showing once again the talent level among students of Ohio FSA employees.
Each scholarship application was ranked using factors as scholastic achievement, community service, extra curricular activities, and work experience. Applicants could also earn extra points by completing an essay. Judges this year were Roger Lentz (CED Shelby), Steve Lovejoy (CED Knox), and Kathy Feasby (PT Paulding).
The 2009 James D. Pollock Scholarship winners are:Linsey Howell: Linsey, daughter of Lora Howell (CED Holmes County), attended West Holmes High School. She started her initial year at The Ohio State University majoring in Animal Science. Linsey had a 4.0 GPA in High School, and was ranked 1st in her class. She lists as some of her achievements President of West Holmes FFA, Model United Nations Delegate, Holmes County Franklin B Walter Scholastic Award recipient, State FFA Degree and was a member of the State winning Ag Sales Team. She was a member of the West Holmes Softball team, Marching & Concert Band, National Honor Society, and WHk2 News Program Anchor. Her Career objective is to be The Ohio Director of Agriculture to promote Ohio Agriculture.
Brittany Rietschlin: Brittany, daughter of Mary Rietschlin (PT, Richland County) will begin her second year at The Ohio State University, Mansfield branch in the fall of 2009. She has chosen to major in the field of Medical Technologies. She was offered the position to be an OSU ambassador at the campus beginning in the summer of 2009. She also attended the Hetuck Leadership Camp at OSU last summer. She is currently working at Kohl's and Pauls Drive-In while attending class full time. Brittany was recently awarded the Eleanor Searle McCullum Foundation Scholarship for academic achievement and class ranking. She was also recognized by The Ohio State University Alumni organization for her leadership, community service, and academic accomplishments.
Brooke Warner: Brooke, daughter of W. Todd Warner (CED Sandusky County), attended Clyde High School and will be at Otterbein College the fall of 2009. Brooke was active in National Honor Society, was Senior Class Secretary and FCCLA. Brooke is most proud of her speaking engagements to increase awareness of childhood cancer, including her speech at the Northwest Ohio Make A Wish Foundation Sports Auction in Toledo, Ohio. This event is the major fundraiser of the year for the Northwest Ohio Make A Wish Foundation and is a black tie event attended by over 700 people. She has also spoken to students at a local high school and middle school about childhood cancer and to encourage involvement in Relay For Life and Volley For the Cure, two events supporting the efforts of the American Cancer Society.
Each year, all applications were forwarded on to the Midwest Area for consideration in the competition for the MWA Scholarship Award, and that winner is then submitted into the mix for receiving the National NASCOE Scholarship award. The 2009 MWA winner has been announced as Danielle Leeper from Missouri.
Congratulations to each of this year's award recipients. Parents of all applicants can be proud of their kids and the efforts they are making.
A special thanks also goes out to all members, affiliates, RASCOE, and others who made donations and participated in other fundraisers for this worthwhile cause. Special mention this year goes out to the donations made for auction at last year's State convention. Thanks to the doners and the bidders. Without your support, OASCOE would not be able to help our youth achieve their goals.
Ohio's Membership Chairs would like to extend words of gratitude to those fellow employees who have "stepped up to the plate", made arrangements for their 2005/2006 OASCOE/NASCOE dues to be paid and again supported the organization who represents them in negotiations for bettering their employment positions. For those of you who might still be "teetering" as to whether or not to join, please do not ask why no one heard our concerns when the winds of change, re-organization, "FSA Tomorrow" or whatever you choose to call them, release their fury. Support and commitment to NASCOE is the strength of our voice. More membership means a louder voice above the winds which are stirring. NASCOE has concerns not only for current employees but also for its retirees who have dutifully served American Agriculture. All of us who intend to end our careers with this agency need to acknowledge the importance NASCOE has played, and continues to play, in securing retirement benefits.
For those who renewed their membership...A BIG...THANK YOU!
For those joining for the first time...A BIG THANK YOU AND WE WILL STRIVE TO REPRESENT YOU TO THE VERY LAST PENNY OF YOUR DUES!
For those of you "teetering"... ask questions... find out more how NASCOE, through the tireless efforts of YOUR ELECTED directors, chairpersons and National Officers, can support your concerns if you help give them an opportunity to place themselves in the "POINT POSITION" and raise the sails for the winds of the future!
For those of you who do not join... STAY TUNED.
NOTE: Two are better than one... for if they fall, one will lift up the other.
That is the question heard most often from FSA employees, especially non-NASCOE members.
What Grade Are You?
Did you start as a CO-3 as many of us did? Probably not. Have you worked over 25 years and retired as a CO-6? Probably not. Most CED's were grade 7 and 9, then upped to 9 and 11, and I (we) think most are 11's and 12's now. The PT's are grade 7 and above. You can thank NASCOE for the PT and CED re-classifications.
Do You Enjoy Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Family Leave, Health and Life Insurance?
Most of the Retirees had to use annual leave if a family member were to get sick, needed surgery, attend Dr. appointments, etc. Sick leave could be used by the employee only. There was a time when none of the above mentioned benefits was available. You can also thank NASCOE that you enjoy these benefits today.
These are but a few of the examples of what NASCOE has done for you. You benefit from all just the same as the dues-paying member.
One other Benefit - Do You Enjoy a Pay Raise The First of Every Year?
Many think this is automatic. IT IS NOT! NASCOE has to go to bat to get this for you.
Why not pull your weight and become a dues-paying member of NASCOE? Better yet, get involved; you will make lasting friends and better understand just what NASCOE does and stands for.
If you want these benefits to continue in the future, you need to be a member of NASCOE. They could be reduced or taken away at any time.
I know these are trying times, however, NASCOE is working just as hard as they can to soften the blows.
Ohio Retirees Association
Submitted by PT Director Charlene Stone, Trumbull
Because we are not Federal employees, NASCOE fights for every benefit that we receive. This includes everything from the yearly cost of living increases to job reclassifications. All of which puts MORE money into your pocket then it costs to be a member! Take a look below at some of the accomplishments made by NASCOE you may be surprised to see what all they have done. As you will see NASCOE has worked very hard for YOU!
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Current Achievements
NASCOE's efforts for increased staffing led to an increase in Ohio's staff by approximately 30 full time positions! |
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Now that you know what NASCOE can do for you ...
What can YOU do for NASCOE???
On January 17th, farmers lost a friend and advocate when James Pollock, 47 of Lancaster, Ohio was killed in an automobile accident while returning from his father's memorial service with his family of four. As with most of these moments in our lives, it is inconceivable how fate, timing, or providence has dealt such a severe blow. How icy roads and on-coming traffic could collide at such an instant with such horrible results.
During a memorial service this weekend, numerous individuals spoke about a man that many in Southeastern Ohio knew well. His dedication to everything he was involved in was evident. Tremendously dedicated to his family, Jim shared his life and loves with his two children, (Ben 18, and Kristen 10) and wife Dianna, who is still in the hospital in serious condition. Jim was also the type that was dedicated to friendships. By the out-pouring of people at the memorial service; it is evident that he was the type that made connections with everyone he came in contact with, young and old.
Friends and co-workers were touched with Jim's commitment to his work. He was the County Executive Director of the Fairfield County Farm Service agency for more than 20 years. As a colleague and friend of Jim's for 18 years, I can attest to how Jim's commitment to farmers and landowners in Fairfield County, has changed many opinions not only in Southeastern Ohio FSA Offices but statewide. Jim was the E.F. Hutton for the Ohio FSA, when he spoke everyone listened. Jim was a very intelligent person that had the unique ability to listen. After he understood the situation he could interject his opinion without offending and often followed his position with hard facts. Jim should be used as the poster child for Federal employees; he prided himself in his dedication to providing service to producers and landowners in Fairfield County. Jim was from the Government and he did help you.
Every successful business and institution has people like Jim, but until they're gone, many of us don't fully appreciate them. Jim's passing was overwhelming to all that knew him. He was athletic, trim, and youthful. As his supervisor, Jim Rex, District Director for the Farm Service Agency stated, "Jim was the kind of person that made you not only want to be a better person, but made you a better person from being around him".
Often when we encounter enormous losses in our lives, we often ask 'why do bad things happen to good people?' Of course, we are not to know that answer. I have recognized now for the second time in my life, that when influential people in my life have been taken from me unexpectedly, I have been left with the need to re-think my life. After my father died I vowed to make a difference in my community and enjoy life to the fullest. Two ideals my father lived. Now with Jim's passing, I feel the need to be a better person and not take anything for granted.
As I think about this situation I have come to the conclusion that maybe bad things happen to good people to encourage us all to become better people, better friends, and better parents. Unfortunately, this reminder is sometimes too soon forgotten as we fall back to our routines and bad habits. In order to provide a fitting tribute to Jim and all the Jim's that have and will pass, these life changing events need to be just that; life changing.
The next time you hear the joke "I'm from the Government and I'm here to help you", its ok to laugh, Jim liked to laugh, but please remember that there are some like Jim, who are.
William A. Huston
County Executive Director
Muskingum-Morgan FSA Office
NASCOE offers the following benefits to its members. It is the member's responsibility to carefully consider their individual needs and to compare as many sources as they deem necessary before making any financial commitment.
New Benefits Chair
September 3, 2009
Cancer Insurance:
Central States of Omaha (CSO), American Heritage Life, and AFLAC through J. M. Marketing (1-800-330-6223). The new CSO Cancer policy offers many new benefits not offered by any other company and the cost is one of the best available in years. The new $100 wellness benefit is just one of many excellent benefits with the CSO policy.
Supplemental Health/Hospital Intensive Care
Intensive Care - offered by CONSECO, Central States of Omaha, American Heritage Life, or AFLAC through J.M. Marketing (1-800-330-6223). Provides daily benefits paid directly to the policyholder for any stay in intensive care.
Hospital Indemnity - through American Heritage through J.M. Marketing, offsets co-pay charges required by other insurance coverage, pays directly to insured, intensive care available.
Long Term Care Policy - Mutual of Omaha through J.M. Marketing (1-800-330-6223). This new policy is designed for long-term nursing and home care income. A special 20% discount to NASCOE members is provided.
Disability Insurance
Offers short term disability and pays up to 40% of your salary beginning after the seventh day off work and pays up to two years. The 40% is to insure the payment will not create a problem with other payments for disability.
Life Insurance:
Guaranteed Issue-American Heritage through J.M. Marketing (1-800-330-6223) is available for spouse and children only if the NASCOE member first options the coverage. Offered on open enrollments at various times.
Final Expense Policy - This $10,000 whole life policy is an easy issue final expense policy.
Drug Card (Prescription)-Offers an excellent discount on prescription and mail orders.
Accident/Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Accident-American Heritage through J.M. Marketing (1-800-330-6223). It pays in addition to other coverage, hospitalization, covers dislocations and fractures, disability income for primary insured, accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
Personal/Professional:
Vision-Specs through J.M. Marketing (1-800-330-6223). Savings on all eye care purchases and eye exams at over 1,600 participating optical outlets.
Professional Liability - Wright & Company (1-800-424-9801). Specifically designed for Federal employees to assist with legal costs, damages against you, suits by other employees or the public.
Legal Counsel - NASCOE has secured legal counsel which will be available to its membership at the direction of NASCOE to advise and consult with individual employees or their counsel concerning specific employment problems. This period of consultation is limited to one hour of time. To receive this benefit, a NASCOE member must be referred by the STATE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT through the respective Executive Committeeperson to the NASCOE President or his designee. Under special circumstances, such as a conflict of interest, NASCOE Vice President, may be contacted directly.
PrePaid Legal Services Inc. - JM Marketing is now authorized to process applications for PPL Services, Inc. Various legal work including legal document review, will preparation and management, and trial defense services are just a few of the services that a network of over 100,000 lawyers nationwide may be able to help you with. Basic average cost in most states is less than $16.00 per month.
Theme Park Discounts - Six Flags Park discount cards, and Busch Gardens/Sea World Park discount cards should be requested through the State Benefits Chair. State Benefit Chairs will pass on these request via e-mail to their respective Area Benefit Chair. Area Chairs have the discount coupons on hand for those amusement parks located in their respective area. Area Chairs will coordinate with each other to get discount coupons to a member outside of their area. NASCOE has discount cards available for just about any major theme or amusement park you might be visiting in the United States. These should be requested several weeks in advance of your scheduled trip.
Verizon Discount - Verizon has a discount program available to USDA-FSA employees. The best way to register for the employee benefit is to visit a Verizon dealer and request to register for this employee benefit. Please emphasize that you are an USDA-FSA employee. Another way to sign up is to dial *611 for Business Services and request a "Verizon Wireless Employee End User Program" form. The enrollment process is to first complete the enrollment form, make a copy of your employee photo ID or a current pay stub and drivers license and FAX them to 1-800-711-7788.
Maximize your government retirement and related benefits with professional advice from: http://www.thefedmen.com/
Click here for more info.
The Fedmen specialize in providing advice for government employees along with skilled investment counseling regarding your federal benefits.
Representatives, like Scott Morrison, have presented valuable information at Ohio OASCOE Conventions and and can be contacted at the company's web site for a personal investment and retirement consultation.
February 7, 2010
The most recent benefits that NASCOE has worked hard to obtain for our members are as follows:
Check out some of the benefits that NASCOE has offered and still has for members to enjoy. JM Marketing, Inc. offers the following benefits:
All of the above policies are available any time of the year to our members with the exception of Dental Insurance.
*Dental Policy is a true group policy only available to members of NASCOE and during open enrollment.
You may call J.M. Marketing at 1(800) 330-6223 or visit their website at http://www.jmmarketing.biz for more details about the above policies and benefits.
Several of the benefits listed are strictly for NASCOE members. If you are not a member you may want to consider becoming one. MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS. ENJOY YOUR BENEFITS!
This is the second year for the NASCOE Scholarship Program for FSA employees - ADULT EDUCATION - which is co-sponsored by JM Marketing. All FSA employees who are taking adult education courses (to enhance their FSA career) are eligible. There will be one (1) winner selected from each area. The area winner will be awarded $200 to assist in expenses for adult education courses. The deadline is January 15, 2010.
The applicant must be a permanent county office employee and a NASCOE member for the past five years or since becoming a permanent employee. The application must be certified as eligible by the state association secretary (Linda Feldkamp - Racine/Kenosha County) or state association treasurer (Mary Behm) . All applicants will send an original and five copies directly to our Midwest Area Scholarship Chairperson (Les Maierhofer). Les's address is:
Les MaierhoferOnce again for 2010, OASCOE is accepting applications for its annual scholarship award program. Each year, OASCOE awards scholarships to eligible applicants pursuing a college degree. The number and amount of awards varies based upon the number of applications and the amount available in the scholarship fund. In 2009, OASCOE awarded three $600 scholarships. Applications must be received by February 1, 2010 to be considered for this award.
See eligibility requirements and instructions below. Ohio applicants will use the national NASCOE scholarship application. This application can be found at: http://www.nascoemidwestarea.org/html/scholarship.html. All applications certified as eligible for an OASCOE scholarship will then be forwarded on to the Midwest Area and be eligible for the Midwest Area Scholarship award of $1500.00.
1. Applicant must be an OASCOE member, member's spouse, or member's legal dependent. The qualifying member must be a county FSA employee who has their dues paid and membership current for the past 5 consecutive years or since becoming a FSA county office permanent employee eligible for full OASCOE membership, whichever is less. In the case of member retirement or transfer this dues year, dues may be paid for the entire year to retain eligibility.
2. Applicants may be either a high school senior or graduate with a minimum of a "C" average in both the junior or senior year of high school, or may be a full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours) college student with a minimum of a "C" average up to the Bachelor Degree level. Applicants must be a full-time college student (freshman through senior) in the fall of 2010.
A special thanks also goes out to all members, affiliates, RASCOE, and others who made donations and participated in other fundraisers for this worthwhile cause. Without your support, OASCOE would not be able to help our youth achieve their goals.
December 1, 2009