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Brotherhood's Relief and Compensation Fund
Summer 2008 Newsletter
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The good news is that the BR&CF continues to maintain its reputation among railroad employees as the very best choice for job income protection for eligible occurrences. It is protection that is needed today more than at any other time in the railroad industry.
Over the last 33 months the carriers have assessed our members discipline at record high levels. Through these tough times we have remained committed to providing our members “Held Out of Service” benefits without compromise. We stand by railroad workers employed on high discipline railroads.
The members I speak with realize that excessive discipline is being assessed by the carriers and frequently ask, “When will the dues increase?”
We have not increased the dues to benefit ratio in over 50 years. However, the financial difficulties experienced by our members has resulted in the Fund returning every nickel received in dues, and more, to members in “Held Out of Service” and “Retirement” benefits. Over the last 33 months, the Fund has provided approximately 29.5 million dollars to dismissed and suspended members. Another 3.5 million was provided in “Retirement” benefits. That means an average of a million dollars a month has been provided to our members.
Since a dues increase is viewed as the last course of action to remedy the problem of excessive discipline, we took measures to reduce operating costs to counteract the negative impact of the harsh discipline. It has proven not to be enough. After fighting the carriers’ attack on our members for as long as possible, analyzing all the data, and crunching numbers, the conclusion was inescapable. There is no alternative.
With great reluctance we are compelled to implement a dues increase applicable to October 2008 and subsequent months. The new dues rate will be $4.50 for every $10 dollar increment in daily “Held Out of Service” benefits. The BR&CF administrative adjustments required to facilitate this change are described in greater detail on page two of this newsletter. For example, members who choose to remit dues by payroll deduction will see the deduction for October’s dues deducted from their paycheck prior to October because of the processing period required to deduct and remit those dues to the Principal Office.
A revised copy of the Constitution with the revisions to the dues rate and structure will be sent to each member in September. Watch your mail box.
We continue to provide you job income protection at a cost that remains substantially lower than our leading competitors who may offer comparable benefits. The BR&CF remains the very best choice for your job income protection.
J. M. Robb International President
Old Friends and New Welcomed to the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Members Dues Increase to Become Effective October 1, 2008 Historic Marlinton Depot Destroyed by Fire 2009 Luther G. Smith Scholarship Program Commences on October 1, 2008 LUTHER G. SMITH SCHOLARSHIP FUND "CLIP AND SAVE" REFERENCE GUIDE Congratulations Luther G. Smith Scholarship Winners BR&CF Employee Norann Kauffman Retires
Old Friends and New Welcomed to the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Members
Saturday, April 26, 2008, was a special day at the BR&CF office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, when officers, directors and members gathered for the Annual Meeting.
After weeks of preparation, which included mailing proxies to all of our members, and recording the completed proxies when they were returned to us, the Annual Meeting was conducted as scheduled.
One of the highlights was the presentation of a plaque to Michael A. Smith, Terminal 125, who was honored as the Top Obtainer and Top New Obtainer for the year 2007. Brother Smith traveled with his wife from North Platte, Nebraska, to participate in the Meeting.
In spite of there being no offices up for election, the turnout was good. In addition to officers and board members, a number of BR&CF members from across the United States were in attendance. You may recognize some of their names: Robert L. Anderson, Toledo, OH; Jack C. Garner, Harrisburg, PA; Jerry R. Hawkins, Memphis, TN; Gene E. Imler, Harrisburg, PA; Kenneth N. Kroeger, Tucson, AZ; Daniel J. Lauzon, Boston, MA; M. A. Smith, North Platte, NE; Howard “Jim” Weith, Toledo, OH; Kim W. Weaver, Ft. Madison, IA; Roger A. Weith, Toledo, OH; and, K. R. Williams, Dupo, IL.
If you would like to see photos of those present at the Annual Meeting you may visit our website at www.brcf.org and go to the members only area.
Thank you to everyone who traveled to Harrisburg to take part in the Annual Meeting. We would also like to thank all those who took the time to complete and return their proxies. Your interest and participation was crucial to the success of the Meeting, as a quorum of the entire membership must be reached before the meeting can be conducted.
IMPORTANT DUES INCREASE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2008
HISTORIC MARLINTON DEPOT DESTROYED BY FIRE
Some of our members will recall this photograph of the 107 year old depot at Marlinton, West Virginia. The photo was submitted by Dale Diacont and reproduced in the 2007 BR&CF wall calendar.
We’ve learned from Brother Diacont that the depot was destroyed by fire early in the morning of March 28, 2008.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites in 1979, the former Chesapeake and Ohio depot was painted in the traditional yellow with white trim, and was a masterpiece in builders’ craftsmanship from a century ago. It was the only existing depot that had its original furniture – all destroyed by the fire.
Marlinton served as the seat of government for surrounding Pocohantas County and was reached by rail in 1901 by C&O predecessor West Virginia and Pittsburgh. Regularly scheduled rail service ended in 1977 and the entire 77 mile right-of-way eventually became the Greenbriar Bicycle Trail.
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.
2009 Luther G. Smith Scholarship Program Commences on October 1, 2008
Applications will become available for the 2009 Luther G. Smith Scholarship Program on October 1, 2008. Mark your calendars now so you don’t forget to request an application for your child. Recipients will be awarded $1,000 for the school year 2009-2010. Follow the guidelines in the cut and save reference guide printed below and have your child submit an application no later than the deadline of March 2, 2009.
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
Congratulations Luther G. Smith Scholarship Winners
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 Luther G. Smith Scholarship awards. Each winner will receive a $1,000 award for the 2008-2009 school term. You will be inspired when you read about their accomplishments and educational aspirations on the following pages. As always, the competition was tough, as many applicants managed to earn outstanding grades, while balancing part-time jobs, extra-curricular activities and community service.
This year we welcomed back the same Scholarship Committee as we have had in previous years: 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.
In reviewing the applications, we were impressed with the number of students who have committed themselves to acquiring a higher education. From these dedicated young students will come tomorrow’s leaders. We are proud of their accomplishments and extend our congratulations to all who participated.
Ross T. Ballantyne Edmonton, AB University of Alberta Son of Donna and Robert Ballantyne
This fall Ross will be attending the University of Alberta, a pre-pharmacy program, leading to a career as a community pharmacist.
Ross was an honors high school student who plays underwater hockey, performed in school plays, and helped lead his swim team to City Champs for the past three years. His volunteer activities include being a planetarium gallery guide and an elder care volunteer. Recently certified as a lifeguard, he hopes to spend the summer in the water.
His mother, Donna, is a bookkeeper with Alliance
Realty and his father, Robert, is a locomotive engineer employed by
Canadian National.
Linny J. Bookhout Salem, IL Kaskaskia College Daughter of June and David Bookhout
After completing her Associates at Kaskaskia College, Linny plans to transfer to SIU – Edwardsville where she will pursue a career in advertising with an emphasis on graphic design.
Linny is a 2007 graduate of Salem Community High School. During the summer she is employed at the Salem City Pool. She also babysits her nephew. She has served as a communion steward for her church for over ten years. She loves art and enjoys working with all types of media. In her free time she likes being with family and friends.
Linny’s father, David, is a brakeman/conductor with
the Union Pacific Railroad and her mother, June, is a homemaker.
Mylene Boucher Terrebonne, QC LaSalle College Daughter of Francine and Mario Boucher
Mylene is studying fashion marketing in hopes of finding a job as a buyer for an important company such as Holt Renfrew. She enjoys traveling and discovering new cultures and traditions. She is also interested in politics and social problems.
After finishing her first year of college, Mylene realized that the marketing aspect of business is what she is looking forward to in her career. After graduating, she would like to attend a University where she will acquire a background in administration, which will help her to start her own company.
Her mother, Francine, is a former legal secretary who was at one time employed by the Government of Quebec and her father, Mario, is employed by CP Rail as a conductor. Karissa K. Bruna Marysville, KS Cloud County Community College Daughter of Nanci and David Bruna
Throughout high school, Karissa was involved in many activities. She was a cheerleader all four years, devoting much of her time to that interest, and was involved in organizations such as Kayettes, SADD, NHS, and FBLA. She has held a position as a front desk associate at a local hotel for the past one and a half years. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with friends, scrapbooking, surfing the internet and spending time and playing games with her family.
Karissa plans to obtain an Associate of Applied Science Degree in general business. She hopes to someday have a career either in the banking field or as an administrative assistant. She would also like to become a cheerleading coach or sponsor for a high school cheerleading squad.
Her father, David, is a locomotive engineer working with the Union Pacific Railroad and her mother, Nanci, is a teller at United Bank and Trust. Claire R. Gravelin Slingerlands, NY State University of New York College at Brockport Daughter of Karen and Mark Gravelin
Claire is majoring in psychology at SUNY Brockport with a minor in mathematics. Her goal is to obtain a doctorate in experimental psychology.
She is a member and secretary of the Honors Club Board at college and the secretary and treasurer of the Psychology Club, which she helped to establish. She was honored by being chosen to participate as a research assistant in the comparative psychology lab.
Her father, Mark, is a train dispatcher for CSX and her mother, Karen, is a mail carrier for the U. S. Post Office.
Lisa M. Green Glendive, MT Montana State University – Billings Daughter of Marilyn and Barry Green
Lisa hopes to complete her Bachelors Degree in business administration in the summer of 2009. She is looking forward to working at her summer job as an assistant retail manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation and later finding something permanent in a managerial position or in some sector of tourism.
A favorite pastime outside of work is the piano. Lisa’s greatest interest is her family, her support system and the most important people in the world to her.
Lisa’s father, Barry, is employed by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway as a locomotive engineer and her mother, Marilyn, is a para-educator with Dawson County High School.
Abbeville, SC Winthrop University Daughter of Vickey and Tony Ricketts
Hannah’s plans are to attend Winthrop University in the fall and pursue a B.S. Degree in secondary math education, followed by a Masters Degree in administration. Eventually she would like to return to her hometown and teach at the local high school.
She was a member of numerous clubs and activities in High School and served as Senior Class President as well as Interact Club President. Hannah was chosen Palmetto Girls State delegate, E.B. Kennedy Scholar, Coker Scholar, Newberry Scholar, and was invited to attend the Global Young Leader Conference in Washington, D.C. She is an active member of her church, has volunteered with various community service projects and is a mentor at the local elementary school.
Her mother, Vickey, is a homemaker and her father, Tony, is employed by CSX Railroad as a conductor. Erin L. Hubert Chesterfield, MO Indiana University Daughter of Marilyn and Douglas Hubert
Erin has been active as a mentor in the Honors Program at Indiana University. She has supported and volunteered at the Humane Society and the Animal Protective Association. Outside of school, she is interested in sports and music.
Erin will graduate from Indiana University with a B.S. in biology and a minor in chemistry and business. She is hoping to attend the University of Missouri at Columbia’s veterinarian school, where she will specialize in felines. Her goal is to one day open her own practice.
Her mother, Marilyn, is a counselor at Parkway Schools and her father, Douglas, is a switchman employed by the Union Pacific Railroad.
Alaina M. Jones Greenwood, MO New York University Daughter of JoMarie and Jay Jones
Alaina’s main focus has always been her education. She has worked hard so that she can receive an IB diploma. She enjoys tutoring and mentoring her fellow students. Her favorite activities include reading, spending time with friends and family, and taking ballet classes.
Alaina has always loved to read, which is why she decided to attend New York University in hopes of receiving an education in publishing. Her dream job would be an editorial position with HarperCollins.
Her father, Jay, is a locomotive engineer working
for the BNSF and her mother, JoMarie, is a teacher in the Raytown School
District.
Christopher L. Martin Macomb, IL Western Illinois University Son of Cindy and Rick Martin
Christopher plans to attend Western Illinois University for two years and then transfer to the University of Illinois to complete his degree in civil engineering.
In high school he was very active and received numerous honors. He was an Illinois State Scholar, co-president of the National Honor Society, member of the SAA, and captain of the Math Team. He was a drum major in marching band and participated in wind symphony, pep band, jazz band and concert band. He enjoys theater and has participated in various plays. He is also involved in Spanish Club and WYSE, and in his spare time he enjoys video games and frisbee golf.
Christopher’s mother, Cindy, does part-time desk
work at the YMCA. His father, Rick, is a locomotive engineer with the
BNSF Railroad.
Brandon J. Mooer Glendive, MT Montana State University Son of Mary and Alan Mooer
Brandon’s primary future goal is to work in the medical field, which he feels will be a rewarding and self-fulfilling career. He plans to attend Montana State University to study pre-medicine.
He has a deep passion for athletics and participates in many sports activities. His hobbies include weightlifting, playing on a volleyball team, a wallyball league and a racquetball league. He also plays on a fastbreak basketball team and played at the Montana State Games last summer, taking second place in the men’s elite division. He is currently employed at Black Bridge Fitness Center. He is vice president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, is involved in chamber choir and participates in many fundraisers for the less fortunate of the community.
Brandon’s mother, Mary, is a homemaker and his father, Alan, is employed by the BNSF as a locomotive engineer.
Cecily N. Mullen Lovettsville, VA University of Virginia Daughter of Nevella and Richard Mullen, Jr.
Although she is indecisive when it comes to what she wants to study, Cecily has narrowed down the wide range of college studies to mass communications and media studies or graphic design and advertisement. She is also interested in the complete opposite field of anthropology and archaeology.
Cecily has been playing tennis for about six years and was on the Loudoun Valley High School Tennis Team for four. She also ran cross country for three years for LVHS. She has done lots of volunteer work and was involved in organizing activities for NHS and Key Club at her school. She is currently working at Lovettsville Pizza & Subs.
Cicily’s mother, Nevella, is a testing clerk at the Loudoun County Public Schools and her father, Richard, is a locomotive engineer with CSX Transportation, Inc.
Rhianna A. Neal Auburn, WA University of San Diego Daughter of Karen and Jeff Neal
Rhianna will be attending the University of San Diego to study accounting and fine arts. She hopes to become a leader in the university’s student government program and to eventually study abroad in Italy.
In high school, Rhianna participated in student government, the ASB Executive Board, the Elections Committee as chair and the National Honor Society as vice president. She was involved in varsity soccer and tennis and is a volunteer with the Harborview Medical Center. Additionally, she is a Foursquare Church Youth leader and raised $1,200 for the Starlight Starbright Foundation.
Rhianna’s father, Jeff, is a manager with Union Pacific Railroad and her mother, Karen, is employed by the University of Puget Sound as an administrative assistant. Michelle M. Newton Huntington Beach, CA Orange Coast College Daughter of Gloria and Alan Newton
For the next two years, Michelle plans to attend Orange Coast College in an effort to transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles. Majoring in international relations with a focus on photography, she plans to travel across the world, possibly working for a magazine or advertising campaign. She also has an interest in becoming a registered nurse and working with a non-governmental organization like Doctors Without Borders.
At Huntington Beach High School, she has been on the girls’ volleyball team, as well as the track and field team. She was part of the high school’s model United Nations, The Legacy, for four years and has had the privilege of traveling to Boston, Berkeley and Paris, France, through the program.
Michelle’s mother, Gloria, is in Merchandise/Retail at Disneyland Resort and her father, Alan, is a locomotive engineer employed by the Union Pacific Railroad.
Kellie S. O’Rourke Great Falls, MT Carroll College Daughter of Sandra and Michael O’Rourke
After having taken AP biology in her junior year in high school and falling in love with the subject, especially microbiology, Kellie will continue her studies majoring in biology and research. She hopes to one day help many people by curing diseases and saving lives.
Kellie maintained a 4.0 cumulative GPA while being involved in school activities such as volleyball and basketball. She was a member of Key Club and participated in the Read and Lead program, reading with local elementary students. In addition to coaching middle school volleyball and tutoring a trigonometry student, she is also involved with her church.
Kellie’s mother, Sandra, is a homemaker and her father, Michael, is employed by the BNSF Railway as a locomotive engineer.
Marysville, KS University of Kansas Daughter of Cynthia and Michael Ring
In high school, Alicia was a Who’s Who Among American High School Students honoree. She also participated in many activities including Letter Club, FFA, FBLA, FCCLA, FCA and the National Honor Society. She was a Kiwanis Honor Banquet honoree for four years and participated in tennis, basketball and track. She was involved in Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Catholic Youth Group. She enjoys exercising, KU sports and hanging out with her friends.
Alicia plans to attend the University of Kansas and major in exercise science with the intent of becoming a physical therapist.
Her father, Michael, is a locomotive engineer with the Union Pacific Railroad and her mother, Cynthia, is an English teacher with USD 364.
Brittany B. Ruppenthal La Center, WA Eastern Washington University Daughter of Tami and Troy Ruppenthal
Brittany aspires to have her own physical therapy clinic and to later return to school to attain her Ph.D. in physical therapy so that she might teach future physical therapists.
She has been the treasurer and member of a community service club on her campus. She has taught labs at her university, which opened her eyes to the joys of teaching. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, knitting, crocheting, reading and camping.
Brittany’s father, Troy, works for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad as a locomotive engineer and her mother, Tami, is a registered nurse with Kaiser Permanente.
Phillip M. Schmitz Marysville, KS University of Kansas Son of Phyllis and Michael Schmitz
Phillip plans to attend the University of Kansas and major in physical education with a minor in another form of education that is, as yet, undecided. He wants to return to Marysville and teach his young cousins, as well as give back to the community he loved and in which he grew up.
He is a very energetic person who is enthusiastic about sports. He particularly enjoys hanging out with friends and playing basketball. He is very involved in St. Gregory’s Youth Group and is strong in his faith. Phillip is employed at PizzaGo where he has worked for two years.
His father, Michael, is a foreman employed by the Union Pacific Railroad and his mother, Phyllis, is a pharmacy assistant with Community Memorial Healthcare. Davian R. Vernon Victorville, CA University of California – Merced Son of Carol and Kevin Vernon
In the fall, Davian will be attending UC Merced, where he plans to major in political science. After receiving his Bachelors, the next step in his career will be law school. Ultimately, he aims to become a criminal prosecutor.
Davian was a defense attorney for his school’s Mock Trial Team. He was a member of Link Crew, a club that aims to help freshmen adapt to high school life. Aside from these activities, he also enjoys drama. He played Dr. Emmett in “The Curious Savage” and was the lighting director for “Romeo and Juliet.”
His mother, Carol, is a homemaker and his father, Kevin, is employed by the BNSF Railway as a locomotive engineer.
Blake K. Wincentsen Cottage Grove, MN University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Daughter of Lisa and Patrick Wincentsen
Blake’s main career goal is to one day be a neonatologist or a neonatal nurse practitioner. Consequently, she is majoring in nursing and plans to go to graduate school.
She attended Park High School in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, and works at Ruby Tuesdays. She is involved in a mentorship in the NICU at the University of Minnesota with one of their neonatologists. Her activities include the National Honor Society and volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Other interests include playing soccer, playing the piano, reading, and just hanging out with friends.
Blake’s mother, Lisa, is employed by St. Joseph’s Hospital as a registered nurse and her father, Patrick, is a conductor with the Union Pacific Railroad.
When you contact our office, whether by telephone, letter or e-mail, it is helpful if you provide your member number or Social Security number. This enables us to access your records and handle your calls and correspondence more expediently. Your member number can be found on the address label of this newsletter.
BR&CF Employee Norann Kauffman Retires
One of BR&CF’s finest has decided to embark on a new chapter in her life . . . retirement. Norann Kauffman, Executive Secretary and friend, retired in May after 16 years of service to the Brotherhood. Her organizational skills, professionalism and sharp wit were appreciated and will be missed by everyone here at the office.
Her immediate plans are to head to “the beach” to bask in the sun’s rays and unwind, visit family and friends and simply enjoy the freedom of not having to be anywhere at 8:00 a.m. The future includes splitting her time between the seaside and Pennsylvania. This year she will “open the pool” to host a family get-together at her cabin in the mountains and also participate in community service by assisting neighbors in need. One of her passions is doing arts and crafts projects. She has quite a talent for painting and will now have the time to devote to this hobby.
We wish her heartfelt congratulations and all the very best in the years ahead.
July 21, 2008 and October 20, 2008
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