Q&A with Lib Barnhart
Residence: Warner Robins
Alzheimer’s Committee chairwoman for the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association
Q: What’s National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association’s interest in Alzheimer’s disease?
A: It’s because more and more people are getting Alzheimer’s. We’re interested in helping get rid of this horrible disease. People might not know it, but Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated 5.4 million Americans have it.
Q: Since NARFE began as a retiree organization, it seems reasonable Alzheimer’s would be a concern.
A: That’s true, though now NARFE is for all federal employees, active and retired. It’s for anyone with a stake in retirement and related issues facing federal employees. Raising support for Alzheimer’s research is a national initiative for NARFE, the only charity that NARFE national backs. Part of the reason is we feel Alzheimer’s research is an underserved area and we want to do our part to help research. But keep in mind, it’s not just older people getting Alzheimer’s either, younger people are getting it too.
Q: What do you do to raise money for research?
A: At our monthly meetings we have a few items to sell, mini-yard-sale items you might say, and we have a door-prize drawing people contribute to. Our big fundraisers are two huge yard sales. One is every May and the other in November.
Q: It’s May now. When is the next yard sale?
A: This Saturday, May 14. It’s from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Wellston Center at 115 Maple St. That’s off Watson Boulevard near City Hall. It’s inside so weather is never a problem.
Q: What sort of items will be there be?
A: Oh my, we have a little of everything — you name it we might have it. We have appliances, household goods, clothes, shoes, kitchen items, books, records and tools, all kinds of treasures and items that are always bargain priced. And we’re willing to dicker, but that’s not usually necessary because prices are so low anyway. Plus, remember you’re giving to charity.
Q: All the money goes to research?
A: I’d say 98 percent or more. We take a little for expenses to rent the center and store the items. We’re prohibited from using member dues for any charitable contribution so everything we send is from donations and the sales.
Q: How much have you raised?
A: We started raising money for Alzheimer’s research in about 2012, I think. Since then we’ve sent about $12,000. The yard sale generates a little more every year.
Q: Are you still accepting donations for things to sell?
A: We are. People can bring items on Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. to the Wellston Center. You could even bring things Saturday morning, but we’d prefer Friday.
Q: When are regular NARFE meetings?
A: Our chapter is the NARFE Warner Robins Chapter 1020 and we meet the second Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Wellston Center.
Q: When did you retire?
A: I retired from Robins Air Force Base in 1986 after 31 years. I was a management analyst. Among other things, I interviewed people and wrote job descriptions, that sort of thing. As far as NARFE goes, I’ve served in a variety of roles, including being the immediate past president and serving as president once before that.
Answers may have been edited for length and clarity. Compiled by Michael W. Pannell. Contact him at mwpannell@gmail.com.
Q&A with Lib Barnhart
Residence: Warner Robins
Alzheimer’s Committee Chair: National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association
This story was originally published May 8, 2016 at 3:05 PM with the headline "Q&A with Lib Barnhart."