Summer is upon us and the temperaturesattest to that fact. I’m writing this from theInner Harbor in Baltimore where thetemperature is in the low 90’s with a heatindex of 100. Like most families, summeris the time when the whole clan comestogether at least once.

With that thought in mind, the last fullweek in April is the time the AgFirstRetiree family historically comes together.Our 2017 Retiree Conference inGettysburg Pennsylvania was delightful aswe all enjoyed the enduring bond of FarmCredit employees.

Touring the battlefield at Gettysburg wassuch a moving experience in that it remindsus of what happens when you don’t resolvedifferences through thoughtfulcompromise. Given the political rhetoricand divide currently existing in America,Gettysburg is a painful reminder of whatwe see being replicated across the globe.

As the speaker so vividly brought to ourattention, the Gettysburg experience is anextraordinary tool for teaching diplomacyas well as military tactics.

So, thanks to Alton Thornton for hisleadership in the past year; for all theretirees who volunteer, especially BeverlyRatcliff, Joan Edwards, and Marie Stiles, fortheir time and energy to ensure all theadministrative tasks are managed; for ScottOwens and Jay Rush who secured the 2017site and arranged the program; and a heartythank you for all the retirees whoparticipated in the 2017 Conference.

We are also grateful to AgChoice,MidAtlantic, and AgFirst for their financialsupport of the 2017 AgFirst RetireeConference.

As we shift our attention to the 2018Retiree Conference, the venue moves tothe picturesque landscape of the Blue Ridge

Mountains and the city of Asheville, NorthCarolina.

The Biltmore House is the premierattraction in Asheville but you havenumerous other sites and activities such asthe NC Arboretum, hiking and canoeing,Folk Art Center, Pinball Museum, WesternNC Farmers Market, Craggy Gardens,Asheville’s Botanical Gardens, andnumerous stores, breweries and restaurantsin the downtown area.

The Conference will be held at theDoubletree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmorelocated at 115 Hendersonville Road. Wehave negotiated a base room rate of $135but with taxes it will be around $150. Wewill provide more details later regardingregistration. All the details will be includedin February’s Newsletter.

The 2018 Conference will follow the sameformat as in past years with a reception theevening of April 23rd, a half day program inthe morning and a banquet the evening ofApril 24th, and checkout on Wednesday,the 25th.

We encourage you to attend and to inviteother retirees to join you…especially thosewho haven’t been participating and thosewho have recently retired. To follow aresome excellent reasons to attend:• You get to renew and deepen long-term

relationships;• It provides a break from the routine;• You will get to enjoy the culture of

western North Carolina and see thechanges in Asheville since your last visit;and

• The greater the participation the moreleverage we have with the hotel whennegotiating the room rates and food andbeverage budget.

We are currently exploring the 2018program format. Historically, we have had a

AgFirst District Retiree Update

Issue 2, Summer 2017

President’s MessageInside

PresidentsMessage

p. 1-2

2017-18 Officersp. 2

In Memoriamp. 2

From theSecretary

p. 2

Minutes fromAssociation Board

Meeting&Membership

Meetingp. 3-5, 10

Photos from 2017Annual Meeting,

Pawleys Island, SCp. 6-7

Meet your Boardof Directors

p. 8-9

Silver Sneakersp. 9

Reminder fromthe Treasurer

p.9

2016 FinancialStatement

p. 10

MembershipApplication

p. 11

2018 AnnualMeeting Site

back page cont on page 2

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WHAT TO DO TO UPDATE CONTACT INFO:If any of your contact information changes,please notify Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary, of anychanges in your mailing address, telephonenumber, or email address. Call or text her at 704‐682‐0831; or, email the new information tobratcliff@roadrunner.com.

2017‐18 OFFICERS

Bill Melton, President 138 Clearview Dr. Columbia, SC 29212803.781.1054(h) 803.429.4894billmelton2013@gmail.com

David Bridges, Vice President 8931 Crazy Horse Trail Houston Texas 77064863‐604‐5371 (c)dwbridges1946@aol.com

Joan Edwards, Treasurer223 Philmont Dr. Columbia, SC 29223803‐462‐2025(h) 803‐414‐5568(c)joan.edwards107@gmail.com

Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary706 N. Carolina Ave.Statesville NC 28677704.682.0831(c)bratcliff@roadrunner.com

program following dinner on Tuesday evening but weare looking at the possibility of having someappropriate music to dance to or simply enjoy whilereminiscing about what you were doing when thesongs were popular.

I encourage you to keep in touch with retirees in yourarea and serve as a support group for each other. Aformer colleague recently sent me an essay on“friends.” The piece pointed out that your childrengrow up and leave home, your parents pass on, butgood friends remain for a lifetime. Life is short andtrusted friends make it richer and more satisfying.Even when we haven’t seen each other in a while, weeffortlessly pick up where we last left off.

Looking forward to seeing you in Asheville in April2018 or perhaps sooner if the Good Lord permits.Let’s make sure that the ingathering of retirees is aplanned event and not the result of the untimelypassing of one of our colleagues. May God bless andkeep you until we meet again.

Bill Melton

In MemoriamMembers of the Association who were

deceased in 2016

William Dorough 12/05/2016James Fuslier 02/07/2016J. Gardnes Gore 12/24/2016Elizabeth Guess 09/10/2016C. W. S. Horne 01/08/2016Blair McCurdy 05/21/2016William Pollock 09/14/2016J. Settle 10/14/2016Thomas Welsh 08/15/2016Grover Worsham 07/14/2016

cont. from page 1

From the Secretary

We have been sending out newsletters via email forthe past several years to save on printing and postagecosts ... so if we do not have your email address,please send it to Beverly Ratcliff, secretary, atbratcliff@roadrunner.com.

Of course, the most recent newsletter can always befound on the association’s Web site:

www.agfirstretireeassociation.org.

If you do not use email, we will continue to mail aprinted copy to you. And if you prefer to continue toreceive a printed copy, let Beverly know so we don’texclude your name from the newsletter mailing list.

AgFirst Farm Credit Retiree AssociationMembership Meeting

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 – 9:30 a.mWyndham, Gettysburg, PA

Call to Order – Alton Thornton, President/DirectorAttendance: 53 members with total of 97Determine Quorum – membership stands at 397 – bylawsstate that a quorum is 5% ‐ Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary,declared that a quorum was present.

Alton Thornton, President, welcomed everyone to themeeting and an invocation was given. Beverly Ratcliff,Secretary, introduced the Board of Directors and Officers.President Thornton expressed thanks and appreciation tothe AgFirst FCB, Mid Atlantic, AgChoice Farm Credits fortheir monetary support of this meeting. He expressedappreciation to our meeting planners, Scott Owens andJay Rush, who had put forth much time and effort inplanning the meeting in such a historic location. Heasked members to remember the focus, goals and objec‐tives of our association and continue to invite newretirees to join. He also thanked Marie Stiles for workingwith AgFirst in publishing our newsletter and other sup‐port she gives.

Minutes of the 2016 Membership Meeting – Thesecretary presented an amendment to the minutes of lastyear’s meeting in Georgia. The board, during the organi‐zational meeting, had approved a $100 service award toLottie Matthews (longtime treasurer) and approved thepayment of one night’s stay for the sleeping rooms of thesecretary, treasurer and newsletter editor (Ratcliff,Edwards and Stiles) and this had not been included in theminutes. A motion was made to approve the 2016 min‐utes, as amended. Motion was seconded and approved.The minutes will continue to be shared with members viathe summer newsletter.

Website Administration – President Thornton advisedthat our website administrator, Donna Camacho wasretiring and the Bank personnel has graciously agreed togive this responsibility to Ann Lamar Tutten. He expressedappreciation of the assistance given us by AgFirst staff onthe website and on printing and mailing of ournewsletter. The board authorized offering her a lifetimemembership as a gift of appreciation.

Treasurer’s Report – Joan Edwards, Treasurer, presentedthe financial report for 2016, reporting income of$13,667 and expenses of $10,184, with an endingbalance of $29,871. A motion was made, seconded andcarried, to approve the financial reports. 2017 Budget‐ Ms. Edwards presented the 2017 Budget –expenses of $10,500, basically the estimated annualmeeting expense to include $500 miscellaneous expense.A motion was made, seconded and carried, to approvethe budget.

Membership Report – Joan Edwards, Treasurer, reportedthat we have 397 members, with 23 new members sincethe last annual meeting in April 2016.

Deceased Members in 2016 ‐ Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary,presented a listing of retiree deaths during 2016. Tenmembers have passed away. Three spouses of thedeceased “life” members will remain, at their request, onthe list of active members and the others will be re‐moved. Twenty‐two other retirees of the AgFirst FarmCredit system were deceased in 2016 and four spouses ofretirees.

Annual Meeting Overview – Scott Owens, meeting coor‐dinator, welcomed everyone Gettysburg. He stated hewas happy to have everyone visit this historic locationand surrounding area. He was excited to report a treat atthe banquet to be held later that evening. A 6th genera‐tion Gettysburg citizen and historian, Terry Fox, would bejoining us. He is a lifetime history teacher, certified guideto the battlefield, and historian, who will engage ourgroup with many human interest and battle stories. He isalso asking each of us to take a homework sheet with usat the end of the business meeting to review to help withhis presentation!

Guest Speakers: Bob Auman, retiree and Chairman of the credit union,spoke representing Carolina Collegiate Federal CreditUnion which AgFirst FCU merged with in 2013. Bobexpressed his appreciation for support of the creditunion. He advised that Credit Unions had been charteredat almost the same time as Farm Credit and had grown toalmost 24,000 credit unions. Total Assets areapproximately $90 million and total loans amount to $52million.

Since the recession industry consolidation has reducedthe number of Credit Unions to about 8,000 and smallerCredit Unions – those with total assets less than $250million – are finding it increasingly difficult to compete.CCFCU continues to look for ways to grow and looks in‐creasingly to member business loans, participations andother innovative ways to be more competitive includingadditional mergers and rebranding to a more universalname. He reminded the retirees that they could be amember without being local in Columbia and access theiraccounts via Android and Apple Apps, online services,shared branching and the network of “Co‐Op” ATM’s.. Heasked if anyone had questions or suggestions, not to hesi‐tate to contact him or any employee or board member

Isvera Wilson, AgFirst Chief Administrative Officer, gavean update on the status of the FCB assets, earnings,focus, future, etc. with a slideshow “AgFirst by theNumbers.” She also gave an update on the new buildingand that the former AgFirst building had 114 Land BankLofts. She advised that the same company had pur‐chased the old Baltimore bank building for the same pur‐

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pose. After some additional comments and referencingthe centennial celebration of the Farm Credit systemformation she expressed her appreciation for the retireestoday – “We can’t move forward without a solidfoundation laid by people like you.” We all make a differ‐ence.

Celebration of Farm Credit 100 years – Films were showncommemorating 100 years of Farm Credit established1916.

Nominating Committee Report: Nominating CommitteeRepresentative Don Shiflet reported the 2‐year 1st termpositions held by Steve Francis (Bank) and Lewis Carter(FL) are expiring and they have agreed to serve another2‐year term. Second 2‐year terms of the followingdirectors are expiring: Alton Thornton(GA), RobertHogg(MD), Jim Camp(Bank), and Don Shiflet(VA). Thefollowing members have agreed to serve with the first 2‐year term to expire in 2019: David Bridges(FL), DaleColegrove(MD), Janet Reynolds(Bank), and Carroll Lay‐cock(VA). It is noted director 1st terms expiring in 2018are: Bill Melton(NC/SC/FL), Scott Owens(PA), DonRice(FL/GA), Jay Rush(PA), and Gerald White(NC).Director 2nd Term expiring in 2018 is WandaRauseo(Bank). Upon a motion seconded and approved,the nominating committee’s recommendation was ac‐cepted. All directors were asked to meet at the end of thebusiness meeting for a group photograph and organiza‐tional meeting.

The following is a list of current board members who mayserve 2 consecutive 2‐year terms

Director Term Expires Term ServingSteve Francis(SC) 2019 2nd TermLewis Carter(FL) 2019 2nd TermDavid Bridges (GA) 2019 1st TermDale Colegrove (MD) 2019 1st TermJanet Reynolds (Bank) 2019 1st TermCarroll Laycock (VA) 2019 1st TermBill Melton (NC/SC/FL) 2018 1st TermScott Owens (PA) 2018 1st TermDon Rice (FL/GA) 2018 1st TermJay Rush (PA) 2018 1st TermGerald White (NC) 2018 1st TermWanda Rauseo (Bank) 2018 2nd TermBeverly Ratcliff(NC) **Will represent NC on board as long as serving assecretary.

Site Selection Committee Report for 2018 – Bill Melton,Vice President, reported that he, Gerald White, andWanda Rauseo narrowed their search to two locations–Blockade Runner at Myrtle Beach, SC, and Double TreeInn, Asheville, NC. This had been discussed in the boardmeeting and Asheville was chosen as the location of themeeting in 2018. He advised he looks forward to the

Asheville location with many recreational and sites to ex‐plore.

Door Prizes – Gratitude was expressed for the prizesdonated by the Credit Union. Numbers were drawn anddoor prizes distributed. The President advised that doorprizes of two 1‐night stays would be awarded followingthe banquet this evening.

Adjournment – President Thornton thanked all formaking the 2017 business meeting a success and lookedforward seeing everyone at the banquet tonight.

The meeting was adjourned.

From the Tuesday night banquet: The food and speakerwere exceptional and enjoyed by all. Terry Fox, historian,was very engaging while presenting interesting storiesabout the Gettysburg Battle and Civil War.

Door prizes: At the close of the banquet, President Thornton asked allattendees for the meeting to hand in their name tags asboxes were passed around by assisting board members.Retiree tags were in one box for the drawing and spousesand guests in another box. Several bottles of local wine(thanks to Scott Owens) were given away with all retireename tags returned to the box for the drawing of theprizes of 2 one‐ night stays at the 2018 meeting. Thelucky winners were Randy Osley and Wilbur Cabe.

Respectively submitted,Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary

AgFirst Farm Credit Retiree AssociationBoard of Directors Meeting

Monday, April 24, 2017 ‐ 4:00 p.m.The Wyndham, Gettysburg, PA

In attendance: Officers: Alton Thornton, President/Director; BillMelton,VP/Director; Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary/Director;Joan Edwards, Treasurer. Directors: Robert Hogg, Scott Owens, Jay Rush, DonShiflet, and Gerald White. Directors Absent: Jim Camp, Lewis Carter, Steve Francis,Wanda Rauseo, and Don Rice

President Alton Thornton welcomed everyone to themeeting. Scott Owens gave the invocation. TheSecretary determined a quorum present. PresidentThornton called the meeting to order and asked everyoneto introduce themselves.

Minutes: The secretary presented an amendment to theminutes of last year’s meeting in Georgia. The board,during the organizational meeting, approved a $100

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cont from page 3

service award to Lottie Matthews (longtime treasurer)and approved the payment of one night’s stay for thesleeping rooms of the secretary, treasurer and newslettereditor (Ratcliff, Edwards and Stiles) and this had not beenincluded in the minutes. A motion was made to approve2016 minutes, as amended. Motion was seconded andapproved.

Old Business: Membership – The board discussed membership and therecruitment of new retirees. It was discussed that all newretirees receive a letter in their retirement packet fromAgFirst with information on the organization. Also, whenthe winter newsletter is mailed, it is sent to all newretirees from the previous year; and periodically the mail‐ings go to previous year’s retirees who have not joined.The board members were encouraged to invite retireesfrom their area.

New Business: Website – It was brought to the attention of the boardthat Donna Camacho, of AgFirst FCB, has been our web‐site coordinator for many years and is retiring. BillMelton advised that he approached AgFirst President TimAmerson and he assured Bill that AgFirst will continue towork with us and advised that our new website adminis‐trator will be Ann Lamar Tutten. A suggestion was madethat in appreciation, the board consider giving Donna acomplimentary life membership in the association. Upona motion duly made, seconded and carried, approval wasgranted of this. Joan Edwards, Treasurer, will contactDonna, informing her of this and Beverly Ratcliff,Secretary, will write a letter of appreciation. Retiree Cost of Living Adjustment – It was noted thatsome retirees have approached board members asking ifor when a COL – cost of living adjustment ‐ could orwould be considered in the future. Some of theseretirees have been retired for years and with the cost ofliving continually increasing, a COL would be very helpful.Members of the board were unfamiliar with theinformation given retirees at the time these adjustmentswere discontinued. It was noted that this may have hap‐pened after 2003 with the change to the cash balanceplan. After a lengthy discussion, it was determined thatBill Melton would talk with Steve Francis and they wouldtake this discussion to AgFirst Management and reportback to the board.

Financial Reports and 2017 Budget – Joan Edwards,Treasurer, presented the financial report for 2016,reporting income of $13,667 and expenses of $10,184,with an ending balance of $29,871. A Motion was made,seconded and carried, to approve the financial reports.Ms. Edwards presented the 2017 Budget – expenses of$10,500, basically the estimated annual meeting expenseof $10,000 and $500 miscellaneous expense. A motionwas made, seconded and carried, to approve the budget.It was also noted that our organization appreciates the

financial assistance given by the FC Associations eachyear.

Membership Report – Joan Edwards, Treasurer, reportedthat we have 397 members, with 23 new members sincethe last annual meeting in April 2016. Four memberswill be removed from membership whose membershiphas not been renewed since 2013.

Deceased Members in 2016 – Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary,presented a listing of retiree deaths during 2016. Tenmembers have passed away. Three spouses of thedeceased “life” members will remain, at their request, onthe list of active members and the others will be re‐moved. Twenty‐two other retirees of the AgFirst FarmCredit system were deceased in 2016 and four spouses ofretirees.

Annual Meeting Overview/Discussion – The presidentreviewed the annual meeting agenda:

• Guest Speakers – Tim Amerson, CEO of AgFirstcould not attend due to a previous obligations. His ChiefAdministrative Officer Isvera Wilson will be representingAgFirst. Bob Auman, Chairman of the Credit Union.Speaker at the banquet Terry Fox, local historian.

• Door prizes – The board agreed that 2, one‐night stays would be awarded from a drawing at the ban‐quet, along with several bottles of wines from local vine‐yards which Scott Owen had obtained. During thebusiness session door prizes would be furnished by theCredit Union. The board was also in agreement that adoor prize ticket be given to the retiree only and not tospouse/guest.

Nominating Committee: Report from the nominatingcommittee. The 2‐year 1st term positions held by SteveFrancis (Bank) and Lewis Carter (FL) are expiring and theyhave agreed to serve another 2‐year term. Second 2‐yearterms of the following directors are expiring: AltonThornton(GA), Robert Hogg(MD), Jim Camp(Bank), andDon Shiflet(VA). The following members have agreed toserve with the first 2‐year term to expire in 2019: DavidBridges(FL), Dale Colgrove(MD), Janet Reynolds(Bank),and Carroll Laycock(VA). It is noted director 1st termsexpiring in 2018 are: Bill Melton(NC/SC/FL), ScottOwens(PA), Don Rice(FL/GA), Jay Rush(PA), and GeraldWhite(NC). Director 2nd Term expiring in 2018 is WandaRauseo(Bank). As a matter of record, Beverly Ratcliff (NC)term does not have an expiration date. In 2015, theboard approved that she will continue to represent NCand serve as a director and secretary as long as shecontinues to hold the position of secretary. This report will be presented at the annual meeting.Action to elect officers will be handled after themembership meeting when the board reconvenes.

Site Selection Committee Report for 2018 – Bill Melton,Vice President, reported that he, Gerald White, and

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2017 Annual Meeting • The Wyndham

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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

NEW DIRECTORS:David Bridges, representing Georgia, was elected tothe Board in 2017. Following service in the US Navyand graduation from the University of Florida, he beganhis FC Career in 1973 and retired in 2015, serving 38years. (During a short 4-year time period he was with acommercial bank). He has served with the ColumbiaBank for Cooperatives, the Texas Bank for Cooperatives,FC of Southwest Florida, and FC of Florida, in severalcapacities including Loan Officer, Marketing Manager,Legislative Officer, Policy and Procedures and CropInsurance. He and his wife, Sandy, have moved fromFlorida to Houston, Texas, where they enjoy being neartheir two daughters and grandchildren. They are activein the choir and other activities with their church. WhileSandy is deployed with FEMA, David is active servingthe community with the Texas Baptist Men Long TermDisaster Recovery organization.

Dale Colegrove, representing Maryland, was elected tothe board in 2017. He retired from MidAtlantic in 2004after 27 years of service. His Farm Credit career beganin Wellsboro, PA, in 1976 as a loan officer. His positionsincluded executive loan officer, branch manager, and at

retirement he was a certified general appraiser servingMaryland, Delaware and Virginia. His hobbies includetraveling with wife, Brenda. They visited their sistercity, Salisbury, England, in 2004. He enjoys baseball andfootball -- an Orioles and Redskins fan -- and spends thefall deer hunting with bow and muzzle loader. Theyhave four children, all living in New York State andMaryland. He served four years in the US Air Forcefrom 1964-1968 which included overseas tours in Japanand Thailand.

Carroll Laycock, representing Virginia was elected tothe board in 2017. He retired in 2016 from Farm Creditof the Virginias as a Relationship Manager specializing inthe Green Industry after 40 years of service. He remainsactive in his community of Loudoun County serving onthe Board of Zoning Appeals, Heritage Farm MuseumBoard, the Planters Club. He is Lakeview CemeteryTrustee and lifelong member of his church serving inmany different leadership roles and past Chairman ofthe public schoolboard. He and his wife, Terrie reside inHamilton, VA and enjoy spending time with theirdaughter and two grandchildren and at their Floridahome and traveling abroad.

Officers & DirectorsOfficers & Directors

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L‐R, back row: Joan Edwards, Treasurer; Carol Laycock, Dale Colgrove, David Bridges, Vice President; Jay Rush; Scott Owens, Gerald White; frontrow, Bill Melton, President; Beverly Ratcliff. Secretary; and Janet Reyholds. (Absent and not in photo are Don Rice, Wanda Rauseo, Steve Francisand Lewis Carter)

‐9‐

Janet Reynolds was elected to the board in 2017representing South Carolina. Janet retired from AgFirstBank in 2010 after 27 years, serving in variouspositions. Since retirement, Janet has been a mentorwith the United Way Reading Consortium, served on anAdvisory Board with the Columbia Ronald McDonaldHouse, and is on the board of the Columbia Chapter ofEWGA (Executive Women's Golf Association).

RETURNING DIRECTORS:Lewis Carter was elected to the board in 2015representing Florida. He retired in March 2009 fromFarm Credit of Central Florida after 38 years.Steve Francis was elected to the board in 2015representing South Carolina. Steve retired from AgFirstin 2013 after 33 years of service.

Bill Melton was elected to the board in 2016,representing South Carolina. He retired from AgFirstBank and worked for FarmCredit in various capacitiesfor 41 years.

Scott Owens was elected to the board in 2016representing Pennsylvania. He retired from AgChoiceFarm Credit in 2010 with 30 plus years of service.

Beverly Ratcliff was elected secretary of the board atits organizational meeting in 2013 and re-elected in2015 to serve as director representing North Carolina aslong as she serves as secretary. She retired from CarolinaFarm Credit in 2009 after 37 years of service.

Wanda Rauseo was elected to the board in 2014representing the bank. Wanda retired from AgFirst FCBin 2006 after 35 years of service.

Don Rice was elected to the board in 2016representing Florida. He began his career with FarmCredit in 1981 and retired from Farm Credit of Floridain 2012 with 31 years of service.

Jay Rush was elected to the board in2016 representing Pennsylvania. He retired from Ag-Choice in 2000 after 26 years of service.

Gerald White was elected to the board in 2016representing North Carolina. Gerald retired from TarHeel Farm Credit Service (now Ag Carolina) in1989 with 22 years of service. He has been active in theRetirees Association since its beginning and served as adirector during the early years.

SILVER Sneakers offers valuable health and wellnessbenefits to more than 12 million people — creating a greatopportunity for you.

If you are an AgFirst Retiree utilizing the AARP MedicareSupplement Plan under United Healthcare Insurance Com-pany, you are eligible for the Silver Sneakers FitnessProgram within 13,000 locations nationwide (at no cost toyou).

SilverSneakers is the leading fitness program designedspecifically for active older adults. It is delivered through anationwide network of participating fitness locations suchas YMCAs, Curves®, gyms, wellness centers and other fa-cilities.

Check locations or enroll at www.silversneakers.comor call 888-423-4632. You can enroll in multiple locationsat any time or use other facilities as you travel.

Reminders from the

Treasurer

If you have been paying dues on a year‐by‐year basisand have let the years slip by without renewing yourmembership, you may become a Life Member andhave your delinquent dues waived.

Life Membership dues are:Age 60 or below = $120.00Age 61 to 65 = $100.00Age 66 to 70 = $95.00Age 71 to 74 = $85.00Age 75 or Older = $65.00

Complete the enclosed Application today and mail it,along with your check, to:

Joan Edwards, Treasurer223 Philmont Dr.

Columbia, SC 29223

www:agfirstretireeassociation.org

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AgFirst Retirees Association Treasurer’s ReportJanuary 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016

BEGINNING BALANCE

$ 26,388.95

INCOME:Annual Dues $ 420.00Lifetime Dues 2,210.00Contributions:

AgGeorgia Farm Credit 2,000.00AgSouth Farm Credit 2,000.00Southwest Georgia Farm Credit 2,000.00 AgFirst Farm Credit Bank 2,500.00AgFirst Farm Credit Bank 2,500.00*

Interest Income 36.51 $13,666.51

EXPENSES:Annual Meeting Expenses $8,329.54Five Nights Hotel Expense 579.40** Office Supplies 54.43Web Hosting/Domain Renewal 120.88 Service Award Lottie Matthews 100.00Deposit to Hotel for 2017 Meeting 1,000.00 $10,184.25

ENDING BALANCE: $29,871.21

CAROLINA COLLEGIATE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION BALANCES AS OF 12/31/2016

Checking Account $7,166.23Regular Savings Account 22,704.98

$29,871.21*Received in 2016 for 2017 meeting** Payment of two night’s hotel expenses for Lottie Matthew in recognition of years of service, and one night each to Marie Stiles,

Newsletter Consultant; Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary and Joan Edwards, Treasurer as approved by Board.

Wanda Rauseo have two locations to consider – BlockadeRunner at Myrtle Beach, SC, and Double Tree Inn,Asheville, NC. After a discussion, it was decided thatAsheville would be the location of the meeting in 2018. Reimbursement of Expenses – The Presidentrecommended that the board, in appreciation for thehard work and time contributed to the organization,approve to continue paying the room expense for 2nights at the 2018 annual meeting for the Secretary,Treasurer, and the Newsletter Editor (Ratcliff, Edwards,and Stiles). This recommendation was seconded andapproved by the board. Adjournment: There being no other business, themeeting was adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING ‐ April 25, 2017The board met following the membership meeting andelection of the board at which time officers were electedby the board: Bill Melton, President; David Bridges, VicePresident; Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary; Joan Edwards,Treasurer, who will also serve as executive committee. Checking Account Resolution: Upon a motion duly made,seconded and carried, the board approved a resolutionassigning the following members the authority to signchecks on behalf of the association: Bill Melton,President; Joan Edwards, Treasurer; Beverly Ratcliff,Secretary; and Rogers Reynolds. The meeting was adjourned. Respectively submitted,Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary

cont. from page 5

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AgFirst Farm Credit Retiree AssociationMembership Application

Today’s Date: ______________________________

Please select one of the following:

______ New Member

______ Annual Membership Renewal

______ Converting from Annual Renewal to Life Membership

____________________________________________________________________

Applicant last name____________________ First Name_____________________MI_______

Address__________________________City__________________State_____Zipcode_______

Phone#__________________ Cell Phone ________________Email______________________

DATE OF RETIREMENT ______/_______/_______/

Retired from ___________________________________________(name of association or bank)

If married, list spouse name: ____________________________________________________

Annual dues = $10.00 – Payment is required in December of each year for the following year and is theresponsibility of the member. Statements or reminders are not mailed so please set this up on your calendarfor annual payment.

Life Dues Age 60 or below = $120.00Age 61 to 65 = $100.00Age 66 to 70 = $95.00Age 71 to 74 = $85.00Age 75 or Older = $65.00

Make check payable to the AgFirst Farm Credit Retiree Association and mail along with application to JoanEdwards, Treasurer, 223 Philmont Dr., Columbia, SC 29223.

the 2018 Annual Meeting - April 23-24

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville – Biltmore is the site of the 2018 annual meeting. Indulge in a deliciouswarm chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven and relax in a comfortable guest room with free WiFi.In the lobby, our Market Place Bar offers freshly brewed coffee and teas, homemade pastries and fresh fruits. Indulgein a delicious cooked‐to‐order breakfast in the Ducker Tea Room or enjoy a luscious meal from our in‐room diningmenu or on‐site TGI Fridays.

The Doubletree is located just one block from the entrance of the historic Biltmore Estate. It is also within walkingdistance of Biltmore Village, a quaint shopping area offering a variety of dining opportunities and stunningarchitecture.

The hotel offers an indoor pool with a retractable roof and whirlpool and free shuttle service to downtown Ashevilleor Biltmore Village. Nearby attractions are:

• Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Village, Downtown Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway• Downtown Asheville • The Orange Peel Music Venue • Blue Ridge Parkway• River Arts District

THINGS TO DORight outside our Biltmore Village hotel, enjoy quaint tree‐lined streets, brick sidewalks, open air dining, and originalhistoric houses from the 1900's. Located 2.5 miles from the DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville‐Biltmore, DowntownAsheville is an eclectic collection of shops, restaurants and galleries offering a unique experience to travelers who seeka taste of Asheville attractions. The Blue Ridge Parkway is designed as a slow paced and relaxing drive, revealing thenatural and cultural history here in the southern mountains. Venture down a short trail or check out the hospitality ofadjacent communities.

AgFirst Retiree Association, Inc.706 North Carolina Ave.Statesville NC 28677

FIRST CLASS

US POSTAGE

PAID

COLUMBIA SC

PERMIT 785