Medicare Premiums Could Increase

Medicare premiums could increase from $104.90 to $151.30 per month in 2016 for Federal Retirees covered by CSRS, but who do not draw Social Security.

Those who have their insurance premiums withheld from their Social Security checks are protected from a Medicare Premium increase if the cost of living adjustment does not go up enough to cover extra costs. There is a clause in the laws that does not allow Social Security benefits to decrease.

However, those who are excluded from receiving Social Security do not have this protection. It is not yet known if there will be a cost of living increase this year. If only the CSRS retirees (who make up 30% of the total number of beneficiaries)  have to bear the full cost of the Medicare increase, that means the 52% jump in the cost could occur. NARFE is working with legislators to keep this from happening.

The most recent issue of FYI was released on 9/11. It mentions the passing of Curt Eisenmeyer on Sept. 4th. Our condolences to his family and friends.

There is also news that the Department of Human and Community Development within  the College of ACES had been renamed The Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS).

Here is the link to FYI 9/11/15:  http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/fyi/

 

Member Update

Debbie McLellan said that she had just completed her first hand quilted quilt. One child graduated from Eastern in July, and another one is also there.

Her family likes to go trail riding, and they take their horses to lots of different places for camping and riding.

Sorry this photo isn't very clear. Camera man must have moved!  Debbie looks good, though!

Member Update

Rosie Myers-Bradley is currently an Academic Adviser for Family and Consumer Science Programs at Eastern Illinois University. She is like several of our IEAFCS Life Members who are still in the work force.

She has daughters in Nashville, TN, and recently spent her 60th birthday in New Orleans.

I know she was an Extension Home Economist in Pope-Hardin Counties in Illinois, and I believe she also worked in at least one other county during her time in Extension. It was good to see you at the recent IEAFCS Summer Reunion, Rosie!

Summer Reunion Was Very Enjoyable!

The annual IEAFCS Summer Reunion was held July 30th in Springfield at American Harvest Eatery. We were happy to see many old friends and former co-workers.  Pictured from left to right in the back row (standing) are: Martha Winter, Ellen Burton,  Sheryl Hodges, Barb Farner, Amy Griswold, Joy Richey, Rachel Schwarzendruber, Rosie Bradley, Ruth Hensen, Debbie McClellan, Sharon Kuhns, Marjorie LaFont, Michelle Pride, Cammy Seguin, Jananne Finck, and Mary Ann Fugate.

Front row (seated) includes Carol Schlitt, Chelsey Byers Gerstenecker (current IEAFCS president), Cheri Burcham (IEAFCS immediate past president), Janet Burnett, Deb Pflasterer, Pat Hildebrand, Ruby Lingle, Shirley Camp, and Bev Combs.

It was good to catch up on all the things individuals are involved in.  We are surely still carrying on with helping others and supporting community efforts. More details will be shared later.

IEAFCS now has 28 active members. That is good news that the number of Family and Consumer Science staff members in Illinois Extension is increasing.

Sad news included the passing of several former Agriculture Advisers just recently. Condolences to the families of Larry Paszkiewicz, Bill Whiteside, Jim McCurdy, and Elmer Rankin. Well wishes are extended to Kay Mayberry and Catherine Mauck who are having some health issues.

Those who had attended the Kentucky Derby showed off their hats. Mary Ann Fugate, Carol Schlitt, Joy Richey, and Sheryl Hodges modeled theirs for the group. Pat Hildebrand also attended the Derby, but did not bring her hat that day.

The 2016 date for the Reunion is July 28th, so mark your calendar now!

Thanks to the planning committee for organizing the event--Sharon Kuhns, Bev Combs, Jananne Finck, and Joy Richey.

Flashback to '76

Thomascean Brandon was Cook County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She earned a bachelor's degree from Jackson State in Mississippi in 1955, and had been in her Cook County position since 1973.

Her career up to that date also included being a Home Economics Teacher for two years and a Youth Adviser for four years.

Looking forward to seeing lots of former co-workers and friends tomorrow at the Summer Reunion! There should be about 30 of us in all.

Don't Miss Out on the Summer Reunion

The Summer Reunion for IEAFCS Life Members and friends is July 30th at American Harvest Eatery in Springfield. Everyone received information from Sharon Kuhns on June 29th.This a photo of our group last year.

There are three days left to get your reservation in. We have around 25 people attending so far. Please let Jananne Finck know by July  24th if you will be able to join us. Her e-mail is in the message you received.

If you need additional information, send a note to ieafcslife@gmail.com and I will forward it to you. Hope to see you there!

Flashback to '76

Arlene Bond was Greene County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She had an Associate of Arts degree from Rend Lake College and a B.S. from Southern Illinois University in 1972. A previous position was supervisor of CHEP in Jackson County for two years. Arlene had been in Greene County since 1975. Anyone know where she is now?

Don't forget that the Summer Reunion is coming up on July 30th. Reservations are needed by July 24 to Jananne Finck. Everyone has received a reminder. More details here in a few days!