COLUMBIA� CHAPTER� # 87

SERVICE� OFFICER���������������������������������������������������������������������� GWEN� SHARPE

The purpose of a NARFE Chapter Service Officer is to provide NARFE members, their families and survivors with (1) assistance in contacting the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

concerning benefits and programs; such as, civil service annuities, survivor benefits, life insurance, income tax withholding from annuities, health insurance, and (2)

information on other important programs; e.g., Medicare, Social Security and Veterans Benefits.�

I can be reached at (803) 796-6225

ALZHEIMER�S������������������������������������������������������������������������������� LINDA� WATERS

An overwhelming heartfelt thank you to all who gave to the NAFRE Alzheimer�s Research.� The final total contributed at the December Meeting was $1,119.80.� Total contributed from April through December 2007 was $1,980.65, including $212.00 given to the Alzheimer�s Project for the convention in April toward the beautiful floral picture painted by Tom Castelluccio, our past president.

�Alzheimer�s Update: As of July 31 the national goal of $7,000,000 had been reached with the total reported of $7,016,167.� Barb L Pretzer reported in the November NARFE magazine that at the national convention it was

agreed to make our next goal $8,000,000.� At this time, NARFE has awarded funds to 37 different research projects since the first one in 1988.

The November 25, 2007 Parade� of The State reported by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld on The Latest News about Alzheimer�s stated a recent analysis that one in seven Americans age 71 or older has some type of dementia, and in 70% of them, it�s due to Alzheimer�s. That is about 5 million men and women.� Some new findings in research are; blood tests, medication, maintaining health and treating other conditions, and diet.

The US Postal Service has announced its 2008 commemorative stamp program.� An Alzheimer�s stamp will be released as the 2008 social awareness stamp.� It will have a shelf life of one year, will be for awareness only and will not generate funds for research (December issue).

For Alzheimer�s Aid � Toll free # 1-800-272-3900.� Info help line 24 hrs, 7 days a week.

Make checks to NARFE - Alzheimer�s Research - 100 % of all contributed funds goes to research and is tax deductible.