Becky Fletcher, ARCSE President
Fall is here, and the holidays are right around the corner. It’s hard to believe this unprecedented year is already winding down. As of today, we remain in a government shutdown, yet it’s remarkable how much continues to feel “normal” despite the uncertainty. I believe that’s a testament to the dedication
and resilience of federal employees and agencies across the nation.
If you’re able, please reach out to support furloughed employees during this challenging time. Many of us have weathered shutdowns before, but none quite like this. More than ever, it reminds me how important it is that we stay connected and encourage one another.
Looking ahead, we have a great opportunity to do just that on November 7th, when you are invited to visit via Zoom with Harold Klaege, retired state conservationist and Nebraska president of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). Harold will share insights on legislative activities that affect retirees and conservation, as well as updates on the federal budget, retiree benefits, and insurance issues. There will be time for questions and discussion afterward. The Zoom link contact information for the conference is shown below.
Our Membership Drive kicked off in September, and we’re off to a strong start thanks to the efforts of Chris Tippie, Paul Benedict, and Becky Ross. We all know that a personal invitation goes a long way—what if each of us asked just one person to join ARCSE? Hundreds of NRCS employees have retired or left the agency this year, with more expected in the months ahead. Let’s connect with them now to get their personal contact information before they leave. Remember, the first year of
membership is free! Details are available in this newsletter and at ARCSE.org.
One last thing—have you checked our Facebook page lately? Julie MacSwain is our new media coordinator, and she is doing an amazing job. There are several new posts each week, and we are getting lots of interaction with retirees. If you like what you see, please invite others to follow our page. There is an “invite link” on the right side of the page. Click on the three dots for a drop-down menu and then click “invite friends.” A list of your friends will appear, and you can select those you
want to invite. Don’t forget the spouses or partners of retirees. This is just one more way to stay in touch with our SCS/NRCS family.
As we move into the busy holiday season, keep an eye out for more ARCSE updates as we continue work on our plan of action. I wish you and your loved ones a safe, peaceful, and joyful holiday
season—and a very happy New Year!
ARCSE 