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Home , Allen McNeill, Allison Dahle, Amber Baker, Amos Quick, Ashton Clemmons, Becky Carney

Livingpower For all who have made a living and now wish to make a life

North Carolina Volume 37, Number 2 March-April 2021 Retired Governmental Employees’ Association Serving NC Retirees - 50 Years

NCRGEA Board of Directors Greetings my friends! This March Officers V. Vann Langston, Raleigh, President (Dist. 8) - Martha Sue Hall, Albemarle, NCRGEA will be fifty years old! So Vice President (Dist. 6) today you and I stand on the shoul Michael R. Taylor, Emerald Isle, Secretary/Treasurer (Dist. 9) ders of about a dozen of our fellow Linda S. Suggs, Morrisville, retirees who in March 1970 dared to Past President (Dist. 8) start NCRGEA. Fifty years ago, that Richard Rogers, Executive Director handful of visionaries recognized we District Directors District 1 needed an organization to represent Edward J. Sheary, Weaverville the best interests of state and local George W. “Chuck” Wooten, Sylva government retirees. Today we are District 2 Cecil E. Wood, Wilkesboro 66,585 members standing together J. Thomas Lundy, Hickory to protect and improve our welfare- District 3 Larry F. Kepley, Lexington all from the work of just a few fellow retirees years ago. We are Ben L. Neal, Clemmons one of the largest governmental retiree organizations in America. District 4 Alice L. Bordsen, Mebane Over the next few newsletters and on our website, you will learn Thomas W. Lane, Butner more about the highlights of their efforts over the last fifty years. District 5 I think you will be amazed at what things they fought for that we Tony E. Perry, Camden Karl E. Sanders, Rocky Mount just take for granted today. Now here is a good question- what District 6 legacy will we leave to those retirees who follow us? Evelyn C. Gerdes, Charlotte Jerry Pinkard, Charlotte Your Board of Directors and staff are actually struggling with District 7 that very question right now – what legacy will we leave? We N. Frank Lewis, Lillington are now developing a strategic plan that will give us a three-year Beverly D. Stewart, Whispering Pines District 8 work plan along with a ten-year vision of where we ought to go- George B. Chapman, Raleigh with your help. Thousands of you have already responded to our Suzanne P. Merrill, Raleigh Michele T. Nelson, Raleigh surveys both online and in the newsletter. Thank you for help District 9 ing already and please respond if we ask you for more guidance. Melissa E. Bartlett, Carolina Beach We will keep you informed as our Steering Committee and our Sharon K. Thompson, Sunset Beach subcommittees make progress on our strategic plan with final approval in June. I guarantee you will see even better service - and benefits as a result. In this newsletter our staff has provided you with contact in Continued on Page 2 formation for your legislators. Please keep this info for use in the 50 Years ... cont’d

future. One part of our legacy ought to be to study this virus. every candidate so we can vote in the best interest And now a point of personal privilege! Are you of state and local retirees. If we don’t do that, who being harassed by spam and scam calls and emails will? There are 300,000 governmental retirees in and other fraud schemes? We certainly are at our our state; that is a large powerful block of voters house every day multiple times and I am mad as if we stick together. By the way, could you help us fire!! These people are trying to steal our money- and yourself by recruiting your retiree friends to and our privacy! If you are facing the same thing, join us? They will listen to you! please send me an email describing your con Job One for each of us remains staying alive cerns and experiences. We need to know if this during this Spring as the new COVID variants atis an item we should emphasize. in our legislative, spread across our State. These new variants are education and advocacy efforts. Please email me much more contagious than before! As I write this [email protected] I will read your email letter, a leading epidemiologist announced that - and share your concerns with others. If you want we would see a Cat. 5 Hurricane of COVID variants- to talk about it, include your phone number and I during the Spring. So, what do we do? Get our vac will call you. You will find an ad in this newsletter cine as soon as we can and wear our masks any encouraging you to register for a Zoom meeting time we are out of our house until it is safe (yes, about fraud. Please sign up to learn how to defend even after we get our shots). Your Association is yourself. very concerned about your welfare so you can find In your service, information about protecting yourself from COVID CORRECTION:Vann Langston, NCRGEA President on our website. On a personal basis I would like to- ask this question: “for the next few months, is that sausage biscuit with your buddies at the local res Our January-February 2021 issue stated the taurant really worth risking your life?” I ask that COVID-19 positivity rate for the state was 11.3% even though my wife and I talk daily about how - inferring that on average one out of every ten much fun it will be to eat out again. We will get people would have COVID. The 11.3% is actually there as more and more vaccinations are adminis for those tested for the COVID 19 virus by that time tered over the next few months. So, let’s outsmart – not the general population. IN THIS ISSUE President’s Message...... 1 2021 NCRGEA Legislative Priorities...... 5 NCRGEA Board of Directors...... 1 2021 Senators - by County...... 6 Humana New Member Orientation Events...... 3 2021 NC House of Representatives - by County...... 9 Retiree Pay Dates...... 3 Districts Connections...... 13 Senior Scams Webinar - April 8, 2021...... 3 Protecting Seniors...... 14 Crossword Puzzle...... 4 Trivia Winner...... 14 NCRGEA Trivia...... 4 New Year New You: SilverSneakers...... 15 2021 General Assembly Overview...... 5 Beware: Medicare Phone Scams...... 15

Living Power is published to provide current information for For address changes, suggestions or comments, please contact: NCRGEA’s membership. Newsletters are printed bimonthly NCRGEA • 528 Wade Avenue • Raleigh, NC 27605 and mailed to all members of NCRGEA. Your comments are 919.834.4652 • 1.800.356.1190 • www.ncrgea.com welcome. To receive Living Power newsletter electronically, please send Editor: Richard E. Rogers, Jr. an email to [email protected] and include your full name and Managing Editor: Donna K. Riggs the city where you live.

2 Living Power Humana New Member Orientation Online Events Join Us for a Live Webinar April 8, 2021 3:00 p.m. North Carolina State Health Plan Humana plan members, please join Humana for a New Member “The Multi-Billion-Dollar Orientation webinar event! These online meetings will be held in March and they will help you learn Elder Fraud Industry Has more about your Humana Medicare Advantage PPO plan. Its Eyes on You” Humana representatives will share information about your Humana Medicare Advantage PPO plan- benefits as well as extra programs and services such ®as SilverSneakers, Go365, the In-Home Well ness Assessment (IHWA) program, Humana Well Dine , and more! You can also learn about various technology resources such as MyHumana online account setup, the custom Humana State Health Be a Scam Stopper! Plan website, and online tools to help you find a doctor or pharmacy in your area as well as lookup David Kirkman, a retired Special your medications. Deputy Attorney General for the Information about these events is also available State of NC, spent three decades in on the custom Humana State Health Plan website the Consumer Protection Division here. (https://our.humana.com/ncshp/additional-- prosecuting frauds and scams of information) You may also register today for one of the webi all types. Hear about the fairly new, nars, just click here. (http://huma.na/ncshp) multi-national elder fraud industry, After registering for a webinar, you will receive the 12 vulnerabilities it seeks in a registration confirmation email with instructions seniors and the techniques employed on how to log into the webinar on the day of the to scam older Americans out of event. billions each year. Learn how certain Registration information is also posted on the scams (e.g., Sweepstakes, Sweetheart, NCRGEA home page: www.ncrgea.com. Grandparent, Tech Support, IRS Agent) originate from other countries Retiree Pay Dates while others (Home Repair, Driveway (Dates pension checks are direct deposited or date Paving) are committed by people checks are mailed.) living here in North Carolina. Learn Be sure to keep the NC Retirement Systems informed how to protect yourself and others of your current mailing address. from these highly skilled criminals. Call 877-627-3287 for all questions about your Kirkman is the author of “Elder Fraud retirement check or any deductions. Wars,” which describes many of the March 25, 2021 August 25, 2021 cases he handled during his career. April 23, 2021 September 24, 2021 May 25, 2021 October 25, 2021 REGISTER FOR THIS IMPORTANT June 25, 2021 November 24, 2021 WEBINAR ON: WWW.NCRGEA.COM July 23, 2021 December 22, 2021

March-April 2021 3 Crossword Puzzle 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Across 34 Ultimate 1 Pass through Congress 35 Irritably impatient 12 13

6 Shot on the ice 14 15 16 10 --- Lama Down 11 Switch off 1 Prepare for publication 17 18

12 Nonphysical 2 “Small” prefix 19 20 21 22 14 As well 3 Voice below a soprano 15 Menu at the edge 4 He came between J A G and 23 24

17 Cyst G C 25 26 27 28 29 18 Trick 5 Hollywood town? 19 No later than 6 Kind of row 30 31

22 Outmoded 7 Copious 32 33 23 Sassy 8 Everyone except 24 --- Rio, Texas 9 Make happy 34 35 25 Take a --- it (Go for it!) 13 Cotton seed remover 27 Frequently 16 Wine selection 30 “On top of that ...” 17 See 22 What shamuses do 29 Small club, maybe 32 Female first name Ms. 19 Downs’ partner 24 Flatfish 31 Much-used article Minnelli rejected 20 Mike ---, “Harry Potter and 26 Tiny biter 33 S American republic is cold the Goblet of Fire” director 27 Elevating outfit? by the sound of it 21 Inessentials 28 Experienced

Puzzle Solution is on Page 15

North Carolina Retired Governmental Employees’ Association

January-February4 2021 Living Power1 2021 General Assembly Overview -

While the November election brought sweep In this issue we have listed all NC Senators and ing changes to the nation as a whole, it had little Representative by county. impact here in North Carolina. - If you are interested in advocating for retirees- The State had a divided government before- please go to our website and view our advocacy the election and true to its form as one of the na video and materials provided to aid in the ad tion’s most “purple” states, North Carolina vot vancement of our 2021 legislative priorities. ers returned another divided government for the 2021-22 General Assembly session. In the House 2021 NCRGEA Legislative Priorities of Representatives, Republicans gained four seats- increasing their advantage in the chamber to 69- Protect retiree pension values -The 51. In the Senate, Democrats gained a seat reduc association will continue to support efforts ing the Republican edge to 28-22. The Council of - to stop the devaluation of local and state State was no different. Democratic Governor Roy pension values by advocating for COLAs, tax Cooper earned a second term but is once again co credits and the expansion of the Bailey Act habiting with a Republican Lieutenant Governor as to cover all retirees. Mark Robinson became the first African-American- to win that office. Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Maintain and strengthen the defined Dan Forest had reached his term limit and unsuc benefit plan for current and future cessfully challenged for Governor. state and local retirees – Defending and Lieutenant Governor Robinson isn’t the only “first” enhancing local and state pension plans in North Carolina politics this year. is crucial for the long-term success and In the Senate, (R-Gaston) viability of this benefit. became the first female Majority Leader. Senator Provide the annual required Harrington was one of only two changes among - the Senate leadership, with (R-Lenoir) contributions for the pension systems taking over as Majority Whip. President Pro Tem and the State Health Plan - The pension pore Phil Berger, Deputy President Pro Tempore plans must continue to be appropriately funded annually to provide current , Joint Majority Caucus Leader Norman - and future retirees their earned benefit. Sanderson, Minority Leader , Minority Properly funding the State Health Plan is Whip , and Minority Caucus Secre essential to provide state retirees a quality tary all maintained their positions. health benefit. In the House, all but two officers have returned to their positions. Speaker Tim Moore returns Improve access to health care for retirees for a fourth term as Speaker of the House, along - in rural and urban North Carolina - with Speaker Pro Tempore Sarah Stevens, Majority Innovative approaches to retiree health care Leader John Bell IV, Deputy Majority Leader Bren must be achieve to maintain the health and den Jones, and Majority Whip on the well-being of retirees. Republican side. The Democrats initially returned- every member of their leadership but on January 6 Invest in retirees’ quality of life through Governor Cooper appointed Majority Leader Dar broadband expansion in underserved ren Jackson to the state Court of Appeals. Deputy areas of North Carolina. - Everyone is in Minority Leader Robert Reives II stepped up to agreement that the state should strive for take Representative Jackson’s place and four- full, modern connectivity; now is the time to term Rep. (D-Wake) took Rep. Reives’ find a solution to the gaps in broadband. former position. Minority Whips , Garland Pierce, , and were all retained for another term. March-April 2021 5 2021 North Carolina General Assembly

Here are the names and phone numbers of the Occasionally, after the General Assembly session members of the 2021 North Carolina General convenes, some phone numbers may change. If Assembly. Your legislators are listed by county you are unable to reach your legislator(s). You can and includes their legislative office phone number call the main number of the Legislative Building and email address. NOTE: These are the phone (919) 733-4111. numbers provided to NCRGEA at press time. 2021 North Carolina Senators

Listed Alphabetically by County

County Senator Name Legislative Office Phone Email Alamance Amy Galey (919) 301-1446 [email protected] Alexander Dean Proctor (919) 733-5876 [email protected] Alleghany (919) 733-5742 [email protected] Anson Thomas McInnis (919) 733-5953 [email protected] Ashe Deanna Ballard (919) 733-5742 [email protected] Avery (919) 715-7823 [email protected] Beaufort (919) 715-3040 [email protected] Bertie Ernestine Bazemore (919) 715-3040 [email protected] Bladen William Rabon (919) 733-5963 [email protected] Brunswick William Rabon (919) 733-5963 [email protected] Buncombe Charles Edwards (919) 733-5745 [email protected] Buncombe Julie Mayfield (919) 715-3001 [email protected] Burke Warren Daniel (919) 715-7823 [email protected] Cabarrus (919) 733-7223 [email protected] Caldwell Warren Daniel (919) 715-7823 [email protected] Camden (919) 715-8293 [email protected] Carteret Norman Sanderson (919) 733-5706 [email protected] Caswell Phil Berger (919) 733-5708 [email protected] Catawba Dean Proctor (919) 733-5876 [email protected] Chathan (919) 733-5804 [email protected] Cherokee (919) 733-5875 [email protected] Chowan Bob Steinburg (919) 715-8293 [email protected] Clay Kevin Corbin (919) 733-5875 [email protected] Cleveland W. Ted Alexander III (919) 715-0690 [email protected] Columbus , Jr. (919) 733-5651 [email protected] Craven Norman Sanderson (919) 733-5706 [email protected] Cumberland Robert Clark III (919) 733-9349 [email protected] Cumberland Kirk deViere (919) 733-5776 [email protected] Currituck Bob Steinburg (919) 715-8293 [email protected] Dare Bob Steinburg (919) 715-8293 [email protected]

6 Living Power County Senator Name Legislative Office Phone Email Davidson (919) 733-5743 [email protected] Davie (919) 733-7850 [email protected] Duplin Brent Jackson (919) 733-5705 [email protected] Durham (919) 733-4599 [email protected] Durham Mike Woodard (919) 733-4809 [email protected] Edgecombe Milton Fitch, Jr. (919) 733-5878 [email protected] Forsyth Joyce Krawiec (919) 733-7850 [email protected] Forsyth Paul Lowe, Jr. (919) 733-5620 [email protected] Franklin Sarah Crawford (919) 733-5850 [email protected] Gaston W. Ted Alexander III (919) 715-0690 [email protected] Gaston Kathryn Harrington (919) 733-5734 [email protected] Gates Bob Steinburg (919) 715-8293 [email protected] Graham Kevin Corbin (919) 733-5875 [email protected] Granville Mike Woodard (919) 733-4809 [email protected] Greene Donald Davis (919) 715-8363 [email protected] Guilford David Craven Jr. (919) 733-5870 [email protected] Guilford Amy Galey (919) 301-1446 [email protected] Guilford Michael Garrett (919) 733-5856 [email protected] Guilford Gladys Robinson (919) 715-3042 [email protected] Halifax Milton Fitch, Jr. (919) 733-5878 [email protected] Harnett James Burgin (919) 733-5748 [email protected] Haywood Kevin Corbin (919) 733-5875 [email protected] Henderson Charles Edwards (919) 733-5745 [email protected] Hertford Bob Steinburg (919) 715-8293 [email protected] Hoke Robert Clark III (919) 733-9349 [email protected] Hyde Bob Steinburg (919) 715-8293 [email protected] Iredell (919) 715-3038 [email protected] Jackson Kevin Corbin (919) 733-5875 [email protected] Johnston Lisa Barnes (919) 715-3030 [email protected] Johnston James Burgin (919) 733-5748 [email protected] Johnston Brent Jackson (919) 733-5705 [email protected] Jones (919) 715-3034 [email protected] Lee James Burgin (919) 733-5748 [email protected] Lenoir Jim Perry (919) 733-5621 [email protected] Lincoln W. Ted Alexander III (919) 715-0690 [email protected] Macon Kevin Corbin (919) 733-5875 [email protected] Madison Ralph Hise, Jr. (919) 733-3460 [email protected] Martin Ernestine Bazemore (919) 715-3040 [email protected] McDowell Ralph Hise, Jr. (919) 733-3460 [email protected] Mecklenburg Jeff Jackson (919) 715-8331 [email protected] Mecklenburg (919) 715-3050 [email protected] Mecklenburg Mujtaba Mohammed (919) 733-5955 [email protected] Mecklenburg DeAndrea Salvador (919) 733-5655 [email protected] Mecklenburg (919) 733-5650 [email protected] Mitchell Ralph Hise, Jr. (919) 733-3460 [email protected] Montgomery Steve Jarvis (919) 733-5743 [email protected] Moore Thomas McInnis (919) 733-5953 [email protected]

March-April 2021 7 County Senator Name Legislative Office Phone Email Nash Lisa Barnes (919) 715-3030 [email protected] New Hanover Michael Lazzara (919) 715-2525 [email protected] New Hanover William Rabon (919) 733-5963 [email protected] Northampton Ernestine Bazemore (919) 715-3040 [email protected] Onslow Michael Lazzara (919) 715-3034 [email protected] Orange Valerie Foushee (919) 733-5804 [email protected] Pamlico Norman Sanderson (919) 733-5706 [email protected] Pasquotank Bob Steinburg (919) 715-8293 [email protected] Pender William Rabon (919) 733-5963 [email protected] Perquimans Bob Steinburg (919) 715-8293 [email protected] Person Mike Woodard (919) 733-4809 [email protected] Pitt Donald Davis (919) 715-8363 [email protected] Polk Ralph Hise, Jr. (919) 733-3460 [email protected] Randolph David Craven Jr. (919) 733-5870 [email protected] Richmond Thomas McInnis (919) 733-5953 [email protected] Robeson Danny Britt, Jr. (919) 733-5651 [email protected] Rockingham Phil Berger (919) 733-5708 [email protected] Rowan (919) 733-5665 [email protected] Rutherford Ralph Hise, Jr. (919) 733-3460 [email protected] Sampson Brent Jackson (919) 733-5705 [email protected] Scotland Thomas McInnis (919) 733-5953 [email protected] Stanly Carl Ford (919) 733-5665 [email protected] Stokes Phil Berger (919) 733-5708 [email protected] Surry Deanna Ballard (919) 733-5742 [email protected] Surry Phil Berger (919) 733-5708 [email protected] Swain Kevin Corbin (919) 733-5875 [email protected] Transylvania Charles Edwards (919) 733-5745 [email protected] Tyrrell Bob Steinburg (919) 715-8293 [email protected] Union Matthew Johnson (919) 733-7659 [email protected] Union Paul Newton (919) 733-7223 [email protected] Vance Ernestine Bazemore (919) 715-3040 [email protected] Wake (919) 733-5653 [email protected] Wake Dan Blue, Jr. (919) 733-5752 [email protected] Wake Jay Chaudhuri (919) 715-6400 [email protected] Wake Sarah Crawford (919) 733-5850 [email protected] Wake III (919) 715-3036 [email protected] Warren Ernestine Bazemore (919) 715-3040 [email protected] Washington Bob Steinburg (919) 715-8293 [email protected] Watauga Deanna Ballard (919) 733-5742 [email protected] Wayne Jim Perry (919) 733-5621 [email protected] Willkes Deanna Ballard (919) 733-5742 [email protected] Wilson Milton Fitch, Jr. (919) 733-5878 [email protected] Yadkin Vickie Sawyer (919) 715-3038 [email protected] Yancey Ralph Hise, Jr. (919) 733-3460 [email protected]

8 Living Power 2021 North Carolina Representatives

Listed Alphabetically by County

County Representative Name Legislative Office Phone Email Alamance (919) 733-5820 [email protected] Alamance (919) 733-5905 [email protected] Alexander (919) 733-5935 [email protected] Alleghany Sarah Stevens (919) 715-1883 [email protected] Anson (919) 715-3029 [email protected] Ashe (919) 733-7727 [email protected] Avery Dudley Greene (919) 733-5862 [email protected] Beaufort (919) 733-5881 [email protected] Bertie Edward C. Goodwin (919) 733-0010 [email protected] Bladen William D. Brisson (919) 733-5772 [email protected] Brunswick (919) 301-1450 [email protected] Brunswick Charles W. Miller (919) 733-5830 [email protected] Buncombe Susan C. Fisher (919) 715-2013 [email protected] Buncombe (919) 733-5746 [email protected] Buncombe Brian Turner (919) 715-3012 [email protected] Burke (919) 733-5805 [email protected] Burke David Rogers (919) 733-5749 [email protected] Cabarrus (919) 733-5908 [email protected] Cabarrus Kristin D. Baker (919) 733-5861 [email protected] Cabarrus Larry G. Pittman (919) 715-2009 [email protected] Caldwell Destin C. Hall (919) 733-5931 [email protected] Caldwell (919) 733-5931 [email protected] Camden Edward C. Goodwin (919) 733-0010 [email protected] Carteret Pat McElraft (919) 733-6275 [email protected] Caswell Graig R. Meyer (919) 715-3019 [email protected] Catawba Mitchell S. Setzer (919) 733-4948 [email protected] Catawba (919) 733-5988 [email protected] Chatham Robert T. Reives II (919) 733-0057 [email protected] Cherokee Karl E. Gillespie (919) 715-3005 [email protected] Chowan Edward C. Goodwin (919) 733-0010 [email protected] Clay Karl E. Gillespie (919) 733-5859 [email protected] Cleveland Kelly E. Hastings (919) 715-2002 [email protected] Cleveland Tim Moore (919) 733-3451 [email protected] Columbus Carson Smith (919) 715-9664 [email protected] Columbus Brenden H. Jones (919) 733-5821 [email protected] Craven Steve Tyson (919) 733-5853 [email protected] Craven Keith Kidwell (919) 733-5881 [email protected] Cumberland Marvin W. Lucas (919) 733-5775 [email protected] Cumberland Diane Wheatley (919) 733-5959 [email protected] Cumberland William O. Richardson (919) 733-5601 [email protected]

March-April 2021 9 County Representative Name Legislative Office Phone Email Cumberland (919) 733-9892 [email protected] Currituck (919) 733-5906 [email protected] Dare Bobby Hanig (919) 733-5906 [email protected] Davidson (919) 715-2526 [email protected] Davidson Larry W. Potts (919) 715-0873 [email protected] Davie Julia C. Howard (919) 733-5904 [email protected] Duplin (919) 715-3021 [email protected] Durham (919) 733-5872 [email protected] Durham (919) 733-7663 [email protected] Durham Zack Hawkins (919) 715-2528 [email protected] Durham Robert T. Reives II (919) 733-0057 [email protected] Edgecombe (919) 715-3024 [email protected] Forsyth (919) 733-5777 [email protected] Forsyth Amber M. Baker (919) 733-5829 [email protected] Forsyth (919) 715-8361 [email protected] Forsyth Jeff Zenger (919) 733-5787 [email protected] Forsyth (919) 733-5747 [email protected] Franklin (919) 715-3032 [email protected] Gaston John A. Torbett (919) 733-5868 [email protected] Gaston (919) 733-5809 [email protected] Gaston Kelly E. Hastings (919) 715-2002 [email protected] Gates Howard J. Hunter III (919) 733-5780 [email protected] Graham Karl E. Gillespie (919) 733-5859 [email protected] Granville (919) 715-0850 [email protected] Granville Terry E. Garrison (919) 733-5824 [email protected] Greene John R. Bell IV (919) 715-3017 [email protected] Guilford Ashton Wheeler Clemmons (919) 733-5781 [email protected] Guilford Amos L. Quick III (919) 733-5902 [email protected] Guilford Jon Hardister (919) 733-5191 [email protected] Guilford (919) 733-5825 [email protected] Guilford (919) 733-5771 [email protected] Guilford (919) 733-5877 [email protected] Halifax Michael H. Wray (919) 733-5662 [email protected] Harnett Larry C. Strickland (919) 733-5849 [email protected] Harnett John Sauls (919) 715-3026 [email protected] Harnett Howard Penny Jr. (919) 715-3015 [email protected] Haywood Mark Pless (919) 733-5732 [email protected] Haywood (919) 715-3005 [email protected] Henderson Jake Johnson (919) 715-4466 [email protected] Henderson Timothy D. Moffitt (919) 733-5956 [email protected] Hertford Howard J. Hunter III (919) 733-5780 [email protected] Hoke Garland E. Pierce (919) 733-5803 [email protected] Hyde Bobby Hanig (919) 733-5906 [email protected] Iredell Jeffrey C. McNeely (919) 733-5661 [email protected] Iredell Grey Mills (919) 733-5741 [email protected] Jackson Mike Clampitt (919) 715-3005 [email protected] Johnston John R. Bell IV (919) 715-3017 [email protected]

10 Living Power County Representative Name Legislative Office Phone Email Johnston Donna McDowell White (919) 733-5605 [email protected] Johnston Larry C. Strickland (919) 733-5849 [email protected] Jones Pat McElraft (919) 733-6275 [email protected] Lee John Sauls (919) 715-3026 [email protected] Lenoir Chris Humphrey (919) 733-5995 [email protected] Lincoln (919) 733-5782 [email protected] Macon Karl E. Gillespie (919) 733-5859 [email protected] Madison Mark Pless (919) 733-5732 [email protected] Martin Shelly Willingham (919) 715-3024 [email protected] McDowell Dudley Greene (919) 733-5862 [email protected] Mecklenburg Mary Belk (919) 733-5607 [email protected] Mecklenburg Terry M. Brown Jr. (919) 733-5654 [email protected] Mecklenburg John R. Bradford III (919) 733-5828 [email protected] Mecklenburg (919) 733-5606 [email protected] Mecklenburg John Autry (919) 715-0706 [email protected] Mecklenburg Carolyn G. Logan (919) 715-2530 [email protected] Mecklenburg (919) 733-5827 [email protected] Mecklenburg (919) 733-5800 [email protected] Mecklenburg (919) 715-3009 [email protected] Mecklenburg (919) 733-5886 [email protected] Mecklenburg Carla D. Cunningham (919) 733-5807 [email protected] Mecklenburg Kelly M. Alexander Jr. (919) 733-5778 [email protected] Mitchell Dudley Greene (919) 733-5862 [email protected] Montgomery Ben T. Moss Jr. (919) 733-5823 [email protected] Moore James L. Boles Jr. (919) 733-5903 [email protected] Moore Allen McNeill (919) 715-4946 [email protected] Nash Matthew Winslow (919) 715-3032 [email protected] Nash James D. Gailliard (919) 733-5802 [email protected] New Hanover Deb Butler (919) 733-5754 [email protected] New Hanover Charles W. Miller (919) 733-5830 [email protected] New Hanover Ted Davis Jr. (919) 733-5786 [email protected] Northampton Michael H. Wray (919) 733-5662 [email protected] Onslow Jimmy Dixon (919) 715-3021 [email protected] Onslow George G. Cleveland (919) 715-6707 [email protected] Onslow (919) 715-9644 [email protected] Orange Graig R. Meyer (919) 715-3019 [email protected] Orange Verla Insko (919) 733-7208 [email protected] Pamlico Bobby Hanig (919) 733-5906 [email protected] Pasquotank Howard J. Hunter III (919) 733-5780 [email protected] Pender Carson Smith (919) 715-9664 [email protected] Perquimans Edward C. Goodwin (919) 733-0010 [email protected] Person Larry Yarborough (919) 715-0850 [email protected] Pitt Kandie D. Smith (919) 715-3023 [email protected] Pitt (919) 733-5757 [email protected] Pitt Chris Humphrey (919) 733-5995 [email protected] Polk Jake Johnson (919) 715-4466 [email protected] Randolph Pat B. Hurley (919) 733-5865 [email protected]

March-April 2021 11 County Representative Name Legislative Office Phone Email Randolph Allen McNeill (919) 715-4946 [email protected] Richmond Ben T. Moss Jr. (919) 733-5823 [email protected] Robeson Brenden H. Jones (919) 733-5821 [email protected] Robeson Charles Graham (919) 715-0875 [email protected] Rockingham (919) 733-5779 [email protected] Rockingham (919) 733-5609 [email protected] Rowan Wayne Sasser (919) 733-5908 [email protected] Rowan Harry Warren (919) 733-5784 [email protected] Rowan Julia C. Howard (919) 733-5904 [email protected] Rutherford David Rogers (919) 733-5749 [email protected] Sampson Raymond E. Smith Jr. (919) 733-5863 [email protected] Sampson William D. Brisson (919) 733-5772 [email protected] Scotland Garland E. Pierce (919) 733-5803 [email protected] Stanly Ben T. Moss Jr. (919) 733-5823 [email protected] Stanly Wayne Sasser (919) 733-5908 [email protected] Stokes Kyle Hall (919) 733-5609 [email protected] Surry Sarah Stevens (919) 715-1883 [email protected] Surry Kyle Hall (919) 733-5609 [email protected] Swain Mike Clampitt (919) 715-3005 [email protected] Transylvania Jake Johnson (919) 715-4466 [email protected] Tyrrell Edward C. Goodwin (919) 733-0010 [email protected] Union Mark Brody (919) 715-3029 [email protected] Union David Willis (919) 733-2406 [email protected] Union (919) 715-3007 [email protected] Vance Terry E. Garrison (919) 733-5824 [email protected] Wake Allison A. Dahle (919) 733-5755 [email protected] Wake Rosa U. Gill (919) 733-5880 [email protected] Wake (919) 733-5773 [email protected] Wake Terence Everitt (919) 715-3010 [email protected] Wake Julie von Haefen (919) 715-0795 [email protected] Wake Erin Paré (919) 733-2962 [email protected] Wake Abe Jones (919) 733-5758 [email protected] Wake James Roberson (919) 733-5974 [email protected] Wake (919) 733-5530 [email protected] Wake Gale Adcock (919) 733-5602 [email protected] Wake Cynthia Ball (919) 733-5860 [email protected] Warren Terry E. Garrison (919) 733-5824 [email protected] Watauga Ray Pickett (919) 733-7727 [email protected] Wayne John R. Bell IV (919) 715-3017 [email protected] Wayne Raymond E. Smith Jr. (919) 733-5863 [email protected] Wilkes Sarah Stevens (919) 715-1883 [email protected] Wilkes Jeffrey Elmore (919) 733-5935 [email protected] Wilson Linda Cooper-Suggs (919) 733-5898 [email protected] Yadkin Lee Zachary (919) 715-8361 [email protected] Yancey Mark Pless (919) 733-5732 [email protected]

12 Living Power My fellow retirees, we are now well into 2021. developing District Community It looks like we are making progress with COVID Groups in Districts 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and vaccines as well as other challenges we have faced 9 are underway. You will receive- as a state and as a nation. While we must still more information later this spring. practice diligence to eradicate this virus, we can Planning and activities are vir all help to move forward faster by doing our part.- tual until we are safe to meet in- I am certainly looking forward to that and being person. Districts 3, 4 and 8 held able to schedule in-person meetings and gather second virtual meetings in December and January. ingsGet later to thisKnow year! our In NCRGEA the meantime, Trivia: we remain These groups have made great suggestions about- committed to your safety! how to better engage and serve your communities. Thank you If you are interested in participating in your Dis to our 210 members who participated in Trivia trict’s Community Group, please let me know so I since November. Keep entering and learning about can Retireeplace you Buddy: on the email list. Send an email to NCRGEA! Go to our website at www.ncrgea.com [email protected]. to play. The first 50 members to submit correct It is important to continue to - answers will receive a small prize. At the end of - take care of one another and to minimize isolation each quarter, we will draw for a $100 gift card. as we continue to battle COVID-19 and the restric- Each quarterly winner will be featured in a news tions that accompany this virus. Being a Retiree letterJanuary to showcase Trivia our membership. Here are the Buddy is one way to consciously connect with fel answers for January and February Trivia: low retirees, so connect with one another. : Name 3 current NCRGEA Fitness Tip: Moving for Better Health: While I’m no Board of Directors and the district each represents.- expert, I use a Fitbit watch to track my movement For the answers, please refer to the first page of every day (I try to walk at least 250 steps an hour thisFebruary newsletter. Trivia Name the NCRGEA Executive Di 9 hours each day). It adds up to over 2,000 steps, rector: Richard Rogers. - which equals one mile. Give it a try! The goal is : When was the first issue to keep moving for greater health! If you have a of Living Power published? How often is it pub fitness tip, please send it to me. I may publish it in lished?Community The Association Group Meetings began publishing bi- our newsletter! Healthier in 2021! monthly newsletters in 1984. Your Retiree Buddy, : Plans for Deryl

Attention Member Spouses: Be an Associate Member!

- The spouse of any dues-paid active member & Dismemberment benefit. You can download an can join NCRGEA as an “Associate Member” for Associate Membership application from our web only $40 a year. Associate Members can access site www.ncrgea.com or call our office to have one all full member benefits of our Association and mailed 1-800-356-1190. also be covered by our $10,000 Accidental Death March-April 2021 13 Protecting Seniors

North Carolina law protects disabled adults or advantage (NOTE: State law now offers extra of any age from abuse, neglect and exploitation. protections to combat financial exploitation of The law states that “any person having reasonable disabled adults and adults 65 and older. Under the cause to believe that a disabled adult is in need of law, customers of financial institutions can submit protective services shall report such information.” a list of persons to be contacted if the institution Definitions are: suspects that the customer is a victim or target Abuse: Willful infliction of physical pain, injury of financial exploitation. The institution is also or mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or required to report the suspected exploitation to the Neglectwillful deprivation by a caretaker of services local law enforcement. If the suspected victim is a necessary to maintain mental and physical health.- disabled adult, the financial institution is required : A disabled adult who is either living to report to the contact list, local law enforcement, alone and not able to provide the services neces and your county Department of Social Services.) - sary to maintain mental or physical health (self- For an interactive map of North Carolina that neglect), or who is not receiving services from his- you can click on your county for local contact infor caretaker. Source:mation, https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social- NC Department of Justice Exploitation: Illegal or improper use of a dis services/local-dss-directory. abled adult or his resources for another’s profit CONGRATULATIONS to Joyce Poplin - our First $100 Trivia Winner! Joyce Poplin, of Nebo, retired from McDowell County Schools in 2017 where she taught and was a principal. Joyce has a daughter who is a community college instructor, and she and her husband have two children. “It’s true,” she said, “what people say about grandchildren-they brighten every day.” not. Her advice during COVID-19 is to follow the To Joyce, “NCRGEA is a great organization” and CDC guidelines and stay safe. While there is a lot our newsletters are informative. “I like to keep up of time at home, she suggests to read or listen to with current legislative actions and as a retired books, complete little projects and enjoy yourself. employee, I need to know someone is lobbying for She excitedly stated, “it has been a wonderful sur- the benefit of retired government employees.” The prise to win the gift card! I recommend everyone best thing about retirement is being able to help read NCRGEA’s newsletter, visit the website and with her grandchildren whether she is needed or participate in the Trivia.”

Check out NCRGEA’s You Tube Channel. You can also view our videos through our website www.ncrgea.com or you can go to www.YouTube.com and search NCRGEA. To make comments during future live webinars, you will need to subscribe on the YouTube site. (It’s free!)

14 Living Power New Year New You: Simple Strategies to Make New Year’s Resolutions Stick

“It really doesn't matter what exercise you use. you,Check so exercise these sounds simple like strategies something to stay you wantmoti -to The trick is to stick with it. You can find me at the vated.do, not something you have to do. - member.gym regardless of the month, January through December,” says Robert, a longtime SilverSneakers Find your place with SilverSneakers – on line and in person Health-related resolutions top many lists every IfVisit you SilverSneakers.com have questions about or call your 1-888-423-4632 State year, but only a small percentage follow through - Health(TTY: 711), Plan Monday Humana – Friday, Medicare 8 a.m. Advantage to 8 p.m. ETPPO like Robert. Simple strategies and a strong support Plan, please call the dedicated North Carolina network can help you stay motivated and commit State Health Plan Humana Group Medicare Cus- ted to your fitness resolutions all year. tomer Care team at 1-888-700-2263 (TTY: 711) • Set smart goals and create a roadmap - Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Eastern time. • Keep your goals simple, specific and measurable. “SMART” goals include an endpoint and a road map to help you get there. Get more tips on how to make your 2021 resolutions last all year. • Make it fun • Find activities you enjoy and invite friends to join Beware: Medicare Phone Scams -

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike about your specific plan, we encour Causey warns Medicare recipients to be on alert age you to contact your insurance for scams. In the last few days, NCDOI has had agent or the insurance company. reports of phone calls with the Caller ID listed as “Senior Center” but the number is unavailable. The Puzzle Solution callers are saying they are conducting a Medicare- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 survey and are asking for personal information or E N A C T S L A P asking if those they have called if they have re 10 11 ceived their new 2020 Medicare card. - D A L A I K I L L 12 13 “If someone is calling, claiming to be from I N T A N G I B L E Medicare and asking for your Social Security num 14 15 16 ber or bank information, hang up, it’s a scam,” said T O O S I D E B A R 17 18 Commissioner Causey. “First, Medicare won’t call W E N R U S E you.If Second, someone Medicare is threatening will never to ask cancel for your your Social 19 20 21 22 benefitsSecurity number if you don’t or bank give information,” up information he added. or U N T I L D A T E D 23 24 money, report it to the Department’s Seniors’ P E R T D E L Health Insurance Information Program or 25 26 27 28 29 S W I N G A T O F T SHIIP or the N.C. Senior Medicare Patrol at 30 31 1-855-408-1212. E V E N B E T T E R 32 33 L I S A C H I L E 34 35 SHIIP counselors are not licensed insurance L A S T T E S T Y agents, and they do not sell, endorse, or oppose any product,March-April plan, 2021 or company. If you have questions 15 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE North Carolina PAID Retired th ANNIVERSARY RALEIGH, NC Governmental PERMIT #2223 Employees’ 50Honored to serve North Carolina’s Association local and state retirees since 1971

528 Wade Avenue Raleigh, NC 27605

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Weekly Legislative Updates IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS NCRGEA...... 1-800-356-1190 NCRGEA members can get a In Raleigh Area...... 919-834-4652 weekly update on the status The Standard Dental...... 1-800-547-9515 or progress of legislation that Superior Vision...... 1-800-507-3800 impacts retirees. You can NC Retirement Systems...... 1-877-627-3287 sign up to receive NCRGEA Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program....1-855-408-1212 Legislative Updates by email! In Raleigh Area...... 919-807-6900 NC State Health Plan...... 1-919-814-4400 • Go to www.ncrgea.com. Blue Cross/Blue Shield...... 1-888-234-2416 Amplifon Hearing Health Program...... 1-877-806-7054 • Click on: Sign-up to Receive Humana...... 1-800-700-2263 NCRGEA Communications Electronically! Social Security Administration...... 1-800-772-1213 State Employees’ Credit Union...... 1-888-732-8562 Local Government Federal Credit Union ...... 1-800-344-4846 Find Us on Facebook NC Total Retirement Plans 401K/457 Plans...... 1-866-627-5267 Carolina Cruise and Tours...... 919-889-4900