Convention of retired federal employees begins today

With 12 Nevada federation chapters in the state, representatives from each Nevada National Active and Retired Federal Employees chapter will descend on the Carson Nugget today through Wednesday for their annual convention.

Mary Lou Drummond, NARFE president and chairwoman of the event, has invited a large group of speakers to address the more-than-100 members expected to attend.

"Some of the objectives of these annual meetings are to aid and support the national office in Alexandria, Va.; unite fraternally for the mutual benefit of all chapters in the federation; initiate and carry on campaigns for securing new members; and support civic and patriotic activities upholding American institutions and ideals," said Bob Williams, public relations chairman.

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is scheduled to address the convention at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Topics to be addressed by other speakers include federal long-term care insurance, election of district vice president, communications and committee reports.

The Nevada federation has chapters in Carson City, Reno, Minden/Gardnerville, Hawthorne, Henderson, Fallon, Tahoe Basin, two in Las Vegas area, Pahrump, Laughlin and Mesquite. They are included in Region VIII, which also includes California, Hawaii, Guam, Okinawa, Japan and the Philippines.

Judy Park, NARFE legislative director, will bring convention attendees up to date on the latest legislation affecting federal employees.

Other speakers include Secretary of State Dean Heller; U.S. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev.; Congressmen Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., and Jon Porter, R-Nev.; and Congresswoman Shelly Berkeley, D-Nev.

Closing ceremonies Wednesday evening feature installation of officers by Forney A. Lundy, Region VIII national field vice president, and guest speaker John Tyson.

n Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

name change

The National Association of Retired Federal Employees, or NARFE, recently changed its name to National Active and Retired Federal Employees.