| Home | Feedback | Contents | Search | Links | Forms |
Brotherhood's Relief and Compensation Fund
Summer 2007 Newsletter
| Fall 2006 | Summer 2007 | Spring 2007 | Winter 2006 | The Highball |
|
||
|
A lot has taken place at the BR&CF in recent weeks. The April Board of Directors Meeting was conducted and the Annual Meeting was held as scheduled on April 21, 2007. There were four positions up for election at the Annual Meeting this year. The results were as follows: I was elected as International President by acclamation, M. A. Wofford was elected as Assistant International President, L. V. Galati was elected as Assistant International Secretary-Treasurer by acclamation and K. L. Mayle was re-elected as a Director. In the normal course of business at the Annual Meeting, International Secretary-Treasurer J. E. Taylor provided the financial report for last fiscal year, as well as the data for the first six months of this fiscal year. The financial picture for this fiscal year parallels last year’s – dues revenue is not expected to meet the level of benefits provided to our members. To reverse this shortfall, changes are necessary. This is not intended to alarm any of you. The Board is committed to maintaining the current dues rate and exhausting every avenue of financial remedy before we turn to any change in our dues. Nevertheless, to overcome the negative impact of high disciplinary action by the carriers and the resultant dramatic increase in benefits paid to members over the last 18 months, action is required. The Board reviewed the actual cost to the Fund to maintain each member and determined that the Fund will no longer subsidize participation levels below $60 per day for members who are actively working. Members currently below this level have been grandfathered and are not required to adjust their memberships. This action has no impact on Article XVIII, and members who are not actively working for a complete calendar month may still utilize the provisions of this Article for relief of dues. Another important adjustment impacts the discounts offered to annual and semi-annual dues payments. Effective July 1, 2007, the discount for annual dues remittances will be 15 percent and the semi-annual discount will be 5 percent. The “Highball” newsletter will be published twice annually rather than quarterly. Other general administrative cost-saving measures will be pursued. Keep in mind that the BR&CF still continues to provide the most valuable, least expensive job income protection to our members who are disciplined for eligible occurrences. J. M. Robb International President
Members Travel to Harrisburg for 2007 Annual Meeting Announcing Commencement of 2008 Scholarship Program Luther G. Smith Scholarship Fund Last Reminder - Photo Contest Deadline July 6, 2007 2007 Luther G. Smith Scholarship Winners Terminal President Appointment Your Dues History Can Be Accessed From The Members Only Area
BR&CF Members From Across the United States Travel to Harrisburg for the 2007 Annual Meeting The 2007 Annual Meeting was held in the BR&CF office in Harrisburg on April 21st. Thanks to the members who took a few minutes to mail us their completed proxies, the required quorum was met and business was conducted as scheduled. Congratulations go out to Brother J. M. Robb, who was elected as International President, Brother M. A. Wofford who was elected as Assistant International President, Brother L. V. Galati, who was elected as the Assistant International Secretary-Treasurer and Brother K. L. Mayle, who was re-elected as a Director, all to five year terms of office. Brother J. E. Taylor continues to serve as International Secretary-Treasurer, and K. E. Holman and R. J. Myers retain their seats on the Board. Member R. D. Scurry, Terminal 103, Savannah, Georgia, was honored at the Annual Meeting as the Top New Obtainer and Top Obtainer for the year 2006. He and his wife traveled from Midway, Georgia, so that he could participate in the Annual Meeting, where he was presented a plaque by International President J. Mark Robb for his outstanding performance. As is traditional, the Luther G. Smith Scholarship winners were announced at the Annual Meeting. Read about their individual achievements in this newsletter on pages 4-7. Last, but certainly not least, we had an opportunity to become reacquainted with BR&CF members who have traveled to Harrisburg in the past to attend the Annual Meetings: R. L. Anderson, Toledo, OH; G. E. Imler, Harrisburg, PA; R. C. Jones, Kansas City, MO; K. N. Kroeger, Tucson, AZ; K. W. Weaver, Ft. Madison, IA; H. J. Weith, Toledo, OH; R. A. Weith, Toledo, OH; M. N. Wentzel, Roanoke, VA; and, K. R. Williams, Dupo, IL. This year we were pleased to also have D. K. Conyers, AMT/Northeast, and J. R. Hill, Youngstown, OH, among the attendees.
MEMBERS – TAKE NOTE OF THESE IMPORTANT CHANGES As indicated in the President’s Message in this issue of the “Highball,” discipline is high and claims have increased. Dues revenue is not expected to meet the level of benefits provided to our members. It is important to note that we are financially sound; however, it would be imprudent to ignore the facts – changes are necessary. DISCOUNTS. At the April Board of Directors Meeting the Board decided, after much deliberation, to lessen the discounts for six and twelve-month payers. Effective July 1, 2007, six-month payers will receive a 5 percent discount, while 12-month payers will save 15 percent. In the more prosperous years, the discounts were increased as a way of returning something to our members. Now, with the financial picture changing, we must adapt in order to remain strong. NEWSLETTER. The “Highball” will now be published on a semi-annual schedule. We will focus on making important announcements to our members in those two issues. You may also refer to our website at www.brcf.org for important notices. LUTHER G. SMITH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. We are pleased that we will be able to continue awarding twenty Luther G. Smith Scholarships annually to deserving students who are the children of our members. However, beginning in 2008 each winner will receive an award of $1,000 for one year only. In order to be considered in 2009 and subsequent years, students will be required to submit additional applications. This change will ease overall administration and reduce costs.
The 2008 Luther G. Smith Scholarship Program Commences on October 1, 2007 On October 1, 2007, applications for the 2008 Luther G. Smith Scholarship Program will become available. This year, recipients will be awarded $1,000 for the school year 2007-2008. Follow the guidelines in the “Cut and Save” reference guide printed below and have your child submit his/her application by the March 4, 2008 deadline!
LUTHER G. SMITH SCHOLARSHIP FUND "CLIP AND SAVE" REFERENCE GUIDE
Eligibility Requirements
Obtaining an Application Form
Completion and Submission of the Application Form
Application Deadline
Announcement of Scholarship Winners and Issuance of Checks
LAST REMINDER . . .
NOW IN PROGRESS!
Grand Prize - $300 Other Winning Entries -- $150
Entries must be received in the BR&CF Office by July 6, 2007.
Eligibility:
Deadline:
Entry Requirements:
Judges:
All photos submitted become the property of the BR&CF and cannot be returned. Winning photos will be posted on the BR&CF website. Questions may be directed to the Principal Office.
2007 Luther G. Smith Scholarship Winners
Featured in this newsletter are the twenty young men and women, children of BR&CF members, who each won a 2007 Luther G. Smith Scholarship award. For these students and their families, the burden of financing their educations has been lightened. Winners will receive $1,000 this year with the possibility of earning up to a total of $4,000 over four years, providing they meet eligibility requirements which include maintaining a 3.0 grade point average.
We were grateful to have the same team of distinguished educators serving on the Scholarship Committee again this year: Gary Dolbin, retired Supervisor of Cooperative Education, Dauphin County Technical School; Christel L. Ertel, former Dean of Admissions, Roger Williams University, who is presently a stay-at-home mother; and, Donald Holtzman, Senior Director of Student Life and Enrollment Services, Penn State Harrisburg, 777 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057-4898. Correspondence for Mr. Dolbin and Ms. Ertel may be sent in care of the BR&CF, 2150 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
As in previous years, we had an exceptional pool of applicants and the competition was tough. Selection was based on a number of factors, including such criterion as the grade point average, degree of difficulty of the student’s courses, financial need and hardships. Many applicants managed to earn outstanding grades while participating in special school programs, sports, community service projects, church-related activities and part-time employment. They are to be commended for their accomplishments.
If your child did not win one of the scholarship awards this year, we suggest that you encourage him/her to apply again next year. Information on the 2008 Luther G. Smith Scholarship Program is provided in a separate article in this “Highball.”
Diane J. Adams Sioux Lookout, ON Cape Breton University Daughter of Susan and Leonard Adams
Believing it is a major concern of our time, Diane has chosen to pursue a degree in public health at Cape Breton University. She aspires to use this degree to work in the rural northern areas of Canada and eventually plans to attend medical school.
In addition to school, Diane is keenly interested in social and world issues, especially children affected by war and aboriginal rights here at home. She enjoys writing, art, golfing and fishing.
Her mother, Susan, is self-employed and her father, Leonard, is a conductor employed by CN Rail.
Victoria R. Alewel O’Fallon, MO University of Missouri - Columbia Daughter of Virginia and Robert Alewel and Mary Alewel
Victoria plans on majoring in business in hopes of becoming a business owner one day. She may minor in a foreign language to broaden her career options and allow her to travel.
In her spare time Victoria loves to draw, watch movies, laugh and listen to alternative rock music and Dane Cook (her favorite comedian). While attending Fort Zumwalt West High School, she was in Yearbook and recently raised money for “Invisible Children” at school. She also volunteers at a nursing home and has tutored at an elementary school.
Victoria’s step-mother, Virginia, is employed as an assistant director of nursing and her father, Robert, is employed by the Norfolk Southern as a locomotive engineer.
Michael V. B. Bledsoe Chapmanville, WV Marshall University Son of Sabrina and Michael Bledsoe
Michael was valedictorian at Chapmanville High School, where he served as sophomore and senior class officer, as well as Key Club and National Honor Society officer. He was also a member of the varsity baseball team and the National Academic Games League of America team. Michael is involved with the Boy Scouts of America, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout with seven palms and serving on staff as the assistant senior patrol leader for the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience, scouting’s highest youth leader training. He enjoys camping, hunting, fishing, colonial re-enacting, backpacking and ATV riding.
Michael plans to pursue a bachelor of science degree in chemistry or biology and pre-med at Marshall University. He aspires to become a physician and eventually return to his hometown to bring a higher quality of medical care to its people. He hopes to become a scoutmaster and will perhaps even become involved in politics.
Michael’s father, also named Michael, is a locomotive engineer with CSX Transportation and his mother, Sabrina, is a homemaker.
John D. Bream Hamlet, NC East Carolina University – Brody School of Medicine Son of Kathy and James Bream
John’s ambition is to pursue a career in emergency medicine and practice in North Carolina after completing his residency.
Following graduation from Richmond Senior High School in 2001, John attended East Carolina University and graduated in 2005 with a BS in biology and a BA in history. Currently, he is in his second year of medical school at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. In his spare time, he enjoys playing intramural flag football, softball and basketball. He enjoys playing tennis, fishing, concerts and volunteering at Hope Lodge, a home away from home for patients who drive long distances to ECU for treatments.
John’s father, James, is employed as a conductor with CSX Transportation and his mother, Kathy, is a teacher assistant with the Richmond County Schools. Valerie C. L. Breeden Smithville, TX University of Texas at Austin Daughter of Dinah and Charles Breeden
Valerie will attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a doctorate in pharmacy. She hopes to eventually return to her hometown to start a business to help support its economic and social prosperity. She also plans to obtain her Texas Educator Certification in secondary math and science.
At Smithville High School, Valerie was valedictorian and National Honor Society president. She participated in the Distinguished Achievement Graduate Plan, U.I.L. Academics, Yearbook (co-editor), Region Band, Girls State, Student Council (vice president), the American Legion Jr. Auxiliary (president) and the Competition Dance Team. Additionally, she was Colorguard captain and a community volunteer. Valerie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, swimming and playing with her dog and two cats.
Her mother, Dinah, is a librarian employed by Smithville I.S.D. and her father, Charles, is a locomotive engineer with the Union Pacific Railroad. Michael J. Brzozowski Harrah, OK University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Son of Mary and Edward Brzozowski
Michael is starting medical school at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Medicine this fall. His plans are to pursue his interests in emergency medicine through school and his residency before going to work for a hospital in the state of Oklahoma.
Born and brought up in Harrah, Oklahoma, Michael just recently graduated from St. Gregory’s University with a bachelor’s degree in natural science. During his undergraduate career, he was active in student government and the Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society. He enjoys reading, playing the piano and tennis.
His mother, Mary, is a registered nurse and health careers certification instructor at the Eastern Oklahoma County VoTech. His father, Edward, is employed by the BNSF as a conductor. Kimberly C. Carter Dillon, SC College of Charleston Daughter of Alicia and Robert Carter
Kimberly plans to pursue a career in the medical/health field of study at the College of Charleston.
Being an honor student and attaining honor roll status for twelve consecutive years are among her highest achievements. In High School she served as the president of the National Honor Society and was a Palmetto Girls State delegate. She won numerous awards, including the Governor’s Reading Award, Coker College Scholar and Columbia College Jr. Scholar Award. She was accepted by the National Society of High School Scholars for academic excellence, served on the Student Council and Yearbook staff, and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club, Math Club and Spanish Club. She participated in community service projects for MADD and McLeod Children’s Hospital. Kimberly also worked in a ministry outreach through her church.
Her mother, Alicia, works in Accounts Payable/Payroll for Chiropractic Services and her father, Robert, is a conductor/engineer with CSX Transportation. Jessica R. Crain Winslow, AZ The University of Arizona Daughter of Karen and Roy Crain
Throughout high school, Jessica enjoyed being involved in the school’s marching and concert bands. She loves to read, especially Stephen King. She is very excited to be continuing at the University of Arizona.
Jessica plans to major in family and consumer sciences with an emphasis in child development. Following college, she would like to begin her career by working in a daycare setting because she loves working with children. Eventually, she hopes to own and run her own daycare center.
Her mother, Karen, is a library technician at the Winslow Unified School District and her father, Roy, is employed by the BNSF as a locomotive engineer. Connor R. Deal St. Louis, MO University of Illinois Son of Janet and Charles Deal
Connor works to continually challenge himself through extracurricular activities and high level classes in his undergraduate career and plans to continue this through medical school and residency. His goal is to become a caring physician who continually learns and adapts to the ever-changing advances in the medical field.
His hobbies include reading, hockey, scuba diving, presiding over the American Medical Student Association at the University of Illinois and volunteering, especially abroad. He volunteered in San Lucas, Guatemala, with a University of Illinois student-run organization, helping with reforestation, medical trips to local communities and building a national women’s center in Guatemala.
His mother, Janet, is an accountant/CPA and his father, Charles, works as a conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad. Jacob S. Fabina Stevens Point, WI University of Wisconsin – Madison Son of Warranne and Stephen Fabina
Being happy and having fun with what he does is Jacob’s career goal. He doesn’t know what that means for him yet, but he has taken an interest in international business, economics, government, politics and psychology.
Jacob has played soccer since he was five years old for the community and the school district. He has volunteered many hours for his local church and the county soccer club. Additionally, he has worked as an insurance customer service representative for two years.
His mother, Warranne, is a trainer for Sentry Insurance and his father, Stephen, is employed by Canadian National as a locomotive engineer.
Jessica L. Halter North Platte, NE University of Nebraska Medical Center Daughter of Eileen and Merle Halter
Jessica received her bachelor of arts degree with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry from Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska, in May 2007. While attending Hastings, she was involved in many campus activities, including resident assistant, cheerleading, Tri Beta Biological Honor Society, biology tutor, biology lab assistant, and FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). She was included on the Hastings College Dean’s List all four years.
She is currently enrolled in the Clinical Laboratory Science Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Upon completing this program and receiving board certification, she plans to pursue a career as a hospital laboratory scientist.
Her father, Merle, is a locomotive engineer employed by the Union Pacific Railroad and her mother, Eileen, is an office assistant with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Nicholas R. Jackson North Newton, KS University of Kansas Son of Gayle and Thomas Jackson
Nicholas plans to enter college as a chemistry major in preparation for a degree in a pharmacy-related field, either research or general pharmacy.
While attending Newton High School, Nicholas played alto saxophone in jazz band and participated in State solo instrumental competition. For four years, he was a member of the Student Council and Leadership Newton, a group that selects students to learn leadership abilities and apply them to a project at the end of their third year in the program. Nicholas has been very active in his church youth group and works at Dillon’s Food Store in customer service. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf.
His mother, Gayle, is a special education and library aide at Unified School District 373 and his father, Thomas, is employed by the BNSF Railway as a trainman. Rachel F. Larsen Amarillo, TX Texas Tech University Daughter of Susan and William Larsen
Rachel plans to graduate from Texas Tech University and pursue a career in graphic design or advertising.
She played softball at Tascosa High School, has been a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Tascosa Advanced Placement Association (an academic club) for four years. She has also participated in National Honor Society and PALS (Peer Assistance and Leadership Schools) during her junior and senior years. She played volleyball as a freshman and sophomore and was a member of “The Front Row” for the football team.
Her mother, Susan, is a housewife and her father, William, is a conductor for the BNSF.
Stephanie J. Larsen Amarillo, TX Texas Tech University Daughter of Susan and William Larsen
Stephanie was first baseman on her high school’s varsity softball team and a leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She tutored third graders through her school’s PALS (Peer Assistance and Leadership Schools) mentoring program and was a member of the National Honor Society and the Tacosa Advanced Placement Association (an academic club). She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing sports and going to church.
She plans to major in psychology at Texas Tech University and then continue working for a higher degree.
Her father, William, is a conductor for the BNSF Railroad and her mother, Susan, is a homemaker. Deborah J. Pritchard North Olmsted, OH Kent State University Daughter of Jeanne and Donald Pritchard
Deborah is attending Kent State University, majoring in public relations with a minor in marketing. She is currently on the President’s List, member of the Public Relations Student Society of America, mentor for the Centennial Leadership Academy and community service reporter for the Daily Kent Stater. She received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, gold level (volunteered more than 350 hours), a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and National Residence Hall Honorary. Her hobbies include photography, shopping and traveling with friends and family.
Following graduate school, Deborah plans to pursue a career in special events planning or obtaining a public relations management position with McDonald’s, Victoria’s Secret or DisneyWorld.
Her mother, Jeanne, is a homemaker and registered nurse and her father, Donald, is employed by the Norfolk Southern Railroad as a locomotive engineer.
Ashley E. Pruett Atchison, KS Kansas State University Daughter of Janet and Donald E. Pruett
Ashley is attending Kansas State University, where she hopes to earn a degree in nutrition and possibly take pre-med to become an orthodontist. She enjoys cooking and has considered opening a bakery when she gets older to satisfy her hobby of baking.
She is a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and the Bakery Science Club at Kansas State University. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys shopping and relaxing.
Her mother, Janet, is a medical receptionist at Atchison Hospital and her father, Donald, is a locomotive engineer employed by the Norfolk Southern Railroad.
Kristen M. Rogers New York, New York UC Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law Daughter of MooLing and Kenneth Rogers
Kristen believes that her career will be focused on working towards greater social justice. With her experiences in the classroom, she hopes to acquire a legal knowledge that will enable her to work towards educational equality for all students. She believes that education is a fundamental right, and that this right needs to be legally recognized and protected. Ultimately, she would like to work in government and/or policy.
Kristen has played the piano since she was seven years old and loves to hear live music in small venues. She enjoys reading biographies and nonfiction books and enthusiastically participates in conversations with her friends about politics and policy. She participated in Americorps while in college and directed a seminar course on local politics and service to undergraduates. As part of Teach for America, she now teaches social studies to middle school students in Harlem.
Her mother, MooLing, works as a dental hygienist for Patrick Sandlin, DDS, and her father, Kenneth, is employed by the Union Pacific Railroad as a conductor. Kevin D. Wilkins Kinmundy, IL St. Louis University School of Law Son of Cathy and Stephen Wilkins
Kevin, a former BR&CF scholarship winner, studied economics and finance at McKendree College. He now plans to study law at the St. Louis University School of Law. Following graduation, he will begin working as an attorney. Eventually, he hopes to earn his MBA degree and open his own law firm.
At McKendree College, Kevin was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society. He also participated in college baseball. Kevin’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, weightlifting, and playing guitar, and he has worked as a bartender, bouncer and laborer. He also performed community service at the Second Chance Homeless Shelter in East St. Louis, IL.
Kevin’s father, Stephen, is a trainman employed by the Union Pacific Railroad and his mother, Cathy, works for the First National Bank of Kinmundy as a secretary.
Davina M. Williams Denison, TX Texas Women’s University Daughter of Connie and Marvin Williams
Davina aspires to become a child life specialist, a professional who makes the hospital experience more manageable through organized play and explanation of procedures.
She was an active member of the honors college at Grayson County College, a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She also volunteers in her church nursery and has participated in numerous community service projects.
Her mother, Connie, is a student and her father, Marvin, is employed by the Union Pacific Railroad as a switchman. Brittany N. Wilt Lovettsville, VA Virginia Tech Daughter of Karen and Jeffrey Wilt
Throughout her life, Brittany has had a passion for animals. By owning and caring for horses, dogs and cats, she has determined that becoming a veterinarian is what she aspires to do. She plans to attend Virginia Tech, acquire a major in animal science and hopefully gain admittance into the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.
Brittany is a member of the National Honor Society and Foreign Language Honor Society, Vice President of Key Club (a community service organization), recipient of Mount Holyoke Women’s Book Award, recipient of Horse Judging High Individual Placement Award, receptionist at a dog boarding facility, and has volunteered for the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Association.
Her mother, Karen, is a secretary with the Loudoun County Public Schools and her father, Jeffrey, is employed by CSX Transportation as a conductor.
Terminal President Appointment
Effective: April 1, 2007
Jamie R. Spivey Terminal #288 Fitzgerald, GA
As
technology advances, we find that more and more members are providing
e-mail addresses so that they can more speedily receive communications
from the BR&CF. However, we are encountering increasing occurrences of
our e-mailed correspondence being blocked. This can be prevented if you
will simply set up your e-mail options to accept e-mail from brcf.org.
Your Dues History Can Be Accessed From The Members Only Area Of The BR&CF Website
It’s easy. Simply go to www.brcf.org, which will take you to the Home Page. Once there, click where indicated at “Visit Our New Members Only Site.” Register as a new user or log in as an existing user. Scroll down and select “Your BR&CF Member Information.” Submit. You can then scroll down to view your dues payment history since the year 2000 and print the page if you like.
July 6, 2007
July 16, 2007
October 1, 2007
October 15, 2007
|
| Home | Feedback | Contents | Search | Links | Forms |
Send questions or comments about
this web site to. mailto:brcf@brcf.org
Last modified:
August 01, 2007
Copyright © 2000 Brotherhood's Relief and Compensation Fund. All rights reserved.