NCRGEA Continues Pre-Retiree Outreach at City Of Goldsboro Event

Tracie Eubank on October 10, 2022

Josephine Lanier, NCRGEA’s Insurance Director, left, speaks with two Goldsboro employees about the advantages of early planning for retirement at the October 6th City of Goldsboro Employee Health & Benefits Fair.

Lanier met with more than 50 potential members at the four-hour event. She listened to employees’ concerns about retirement and answered countless questions about the benefits of joining the association.

Engagements like this are just one of the ways NCRGEA keeps abreast of issues facing North Carolina’s public servant workforce.

Excellent Turnout for NCRGEA Recognition Table at NC Museum of Art Reopening

Tracie Eubank on October 10, 2022

NCRGEA’s Recognition Table for North Carolina Public Servants at the North Carolina Museum of Art’s reopening on Saturday, October 8, 2022 was a great success. Both the general public and active NCRGEA members stopped by for information, to pick up swag, and to enter our organization’s drawing for a $500 travel giveaway.

A big thank you goes out to the following volunteers who showed up on a beautiful fall day to work: Delores Parker (member, District 8); Gary Ackley  (member, District 8); Laura Kupatt (associate member & Gary’s wife); Suzanne Merrill (NCRGEA Board member); Phyllis Fulton (member, District 8); Lillie Costin (member, District 8); Chris Whitten  (staff); Tom McCollum (staff); Deryl Davis Fulmer (staff); and Tim O’Connell (Executive Director).

Lillie Costin and Phyllis Fulton showcase their hosting skills with people eager to learn more about the organization.
Tim O’Connell, Suzanne Merrill, and Phyllis Fulton pose with a visitor.
Members Gary Ackley and his wife, Laura Kupatt, greet people who stopped by to chat and pick up information.

Join Us At the North Carolina Museum of Art Reopening on October 8, 2022

Tracie Eubank on September 30, 2022

On October 8, 2022, from 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m., you are invited to join us at the NCRGEA Recognition Table of NC’s Public Servants during the reopening of the North Carolina Museum of Art.

NCRGEA board members, staff, and volunteers from District 8 will greet visitors from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8th. The museum’s Reopening Weekend activities will be held October 8-9, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Location:

NCMA, 2110 Blueridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

We look forward to seeing you at our table. Please stop by to chat and collect your sticker stating, “I am a Proud NC Public Servant”. There is also other swag available, including information about our new $500 travel giveaway for one lucky winner.

For more information about this event, please go to Reopening Weekend – North Carolina Museum of Art (ncartmuseum.org).  All activities are free and open to the public.

Parking Information:

The NCMA is located at 2110 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Visitor parking is free and available in the Blue Ridge lots, located on the right after entering the Museum drive. Additional parking is located behind West Building, on the left after entering the drive. Free ADA-compliant parking is available, with the West Building lot being the most accessible. Visitor drop-off is between West and East Buildings and can be reached by turning left after entering the Museum drive and following the signs.

Board and Staff Represent Members at NC COA Annual Meeting and Luncheon

Tracie Eubank on September 26, 2022

NCRGEA board and staff were out in force at the North Carolina Coalition on Aging Annual Meeting and Luncheon on September 23, 2022. The event celebrated the support NC COA’s membership provides to older adults in North Carolina. Guests from a variety of aging industries enjoyed a keynote speaker highlighting aging issues and the announcement of Pioneer Award recipients.

From left to right are Tom McCollum, Director of Communications and Engagements; Dr. Deryl Fulmer, Community Liaison and a member of NC Coalition on Aging’s Board of Directors; Josephine Lanier, Director of Insurance Services; Suzanne Merrill, Board member (District 8); Karl Sanders, NCRGEA Vice President (District 5); and Tim O’Connell, Executive Director.

Photo Credit belongs to NCCOA: https://lnkd.in/eK3RSaA2

NCRGEA Welcomes New Director of Communications and Engagement, Tom McCollum

Tracie Eubank on September 8, 2022

Please join us in welcoming Tom McCollum, our new Director of Communications and Engagement, to NCRGEA. His accomplishments include 16+ years as the Fort Bragg Garrison Director Of Strategic Communications and Public Relations and a background in social media consulting. He also served as the Communications and Media Advisor to the Afghani Ministries of the Interior and Defense with NATO and spent 22 years as a U.S. Army Infantry and Special Forces Officer.

With his dynamic skill set, NCRGEA is excited to see the innovative ideas Tom will bring to the organization.

 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Adult Children or Former Colleagues May Benefit

Tracie Eubank on August 29, 2022

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein has shared the following information about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Since our members have adult children or former colleagues who may benefit, we ask that you spread the word in the public servant community about this loan.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program forgives the remaining balance on federal direct student loans following 120 months of qualifying payments for certain public service employees – including those who work for governments, 501(c)(3) organizations, and other nonprofits providing certain public services, including military service, law enforcement, public education, and public health.

A current, but temporary, PSLF waiver announced by the U.S. Department of Education makes it possible for millions of public service workers to receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify – thereby reducing or potentially eliminating student loan debt. For example, under the waiver:

  • Past periods of repayment will now count whether or not you made a payment, made that payment on time, for the full amount due, or on a qualifying repayment plan;

  • Borrowers with an FFEL Program loan, Perkins Loan, or other federal student loans can benefit by consolidating their loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan and receive credit for periods of repayment pre-consolidation; and

  • You are eligible for forgiveness, even if you are not employed by a qualifying employer at the time of application.

The deadline to take advantage of this opportunity is currently set for October 31, 2022.