Janice Stephens Adams, 65 of Birmingham, went peacefully to be with our Lord on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018. She is survived by her adoring husband of 43 years, Robert Harrison Adams Jr.; four children, Melissa Saddler (Latham), Harrison (Michelle), Nicholas and Caroline; as well as 3 grandchildren, Ramona, Latham “Bubba” and Noura; brothers and sisters, Lorraine Dabney (Al), Hixie Stephens (Karen), Barbara Williams (Bobby), Robert Stephens Jr. (Suzi) and sister in-law, Jenny Stephens. Janice also leaves behind a large extended family of brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Gloria (Pharo) Stephens and her brother, Deacon Joe Stephens. Janice attended John Carroll Catholic High School and Jacksonville State University. To all who knew her, Janice was a smiling face, a kind word and a gentle hug. She was an incredible example of faith and trust in God. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother, and she filled that role perfectly and gracefully not only for her own children but as a mother figure to so many others as well. In addition to her devotion to her family, Janice dedicated her life to service through her work with Camp Fire Alabama, Civiettes Club, and as an active member at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church through Ladies’ Altar Society, as well as many others. In celebration of Janice’s life, services was held at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 3. A Rosary, visitation and funeral Mass was held followed by the burial at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations were requested to St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church, St. Rose Academy and Camp Fire Alabama. The family wishes to especially thank Ashli Burrell and her team at Warm Embrace who enveloped Janice with the utmost loving care, compassion and dedication through her illness. They would also like to thank the nursing staff at Amedisys for their care and support at the end of Janice’s life.

Congressman Gary Palmer spoke at our March 12 meeting to a packed room. He represents Alabama’s 6th Congressional District that covers portions of several counties where many of our retirees live. He gave his remarks, then addressed several questions from the audience, and stayed afterwards to talk individually with attendees from all sides of our bipartisan group.

For our “Retiree Lifestyles Segment” closing out the meeting, John Fullerton from H&R Block presented a short segment on how Southern Company retirees are most likely to be affected by the recent tax cuts.

We greatly appreciate Mr. Fullerton’s and Congressman Palmer’s investments of time in talking with our retirees, to both educate and learn from us.

By now you should have received a form in the mail to renew your membership for the 2018 year.  If you haven’t received a form or would like to join the SCS/SNC Retirees organization, please Click Here to view and print out the form.

Your 2018 dues are due by March 30, 2018.

Thanks!

Elizabeth Travis Chastain, 62, passed away at her home in Birmingham on Sunday, March 4. Her husband of 38 years. Ben Chastain; her brother, Bill Travis; and one of her closest friends, Lelia Gentle, were at her side. Elizabeth was born in Birmingham and graduated from Berry High School and Samford University. She was predeceased by her parents William W. Travis and Anne Gardner Travis. She is survived by her husband and her brother (Linda), her stepsons Ted Chastain and Jonathan Chastain (Connie), and grandchildren Julianne, Ava, and Wyatt Chastain. She worked as a technical writer for Southern Company Services for more than 25 years, and, following an early retirement, as a contractor for Doozer Software for 11 years. She was a long-time member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Vestavia Hills, serving at various times as a choir member, co-chair of the Altar Guild, Lay Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Vestry. A memorial service was held on Monday, March 12 at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Ascension, followed by internment in the church’s Memorial Garden and a visitation and reception in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Vestavia Hills, or to the Bruno Cancer Center at St. Vincent’s in Birmingham.

National governmental policies affect Southern Company and its retirees. Energy policy, nuclear power, environmental issues, health care, tax reform, global allies/ foes, cyber security, mid-term elections—the daily news touches on so many crucial events impacting us!  Our next meeting on Monday March 12 will cover two hot topics, politics and taxes!

We are honored to have as our featured speaker U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer.  Mr. Palmer represents Alabama’s 6th Congressional District. Mr. Palmer attended the University of Alabama and was the first person on either side of his family to attend college. In addition, he was a walk-on member of the football team under legendary football coach Bear Bryant. After earning a B.S. in Operations Management, he worked in the private sector for 12 years; including nine with two major engineering construction companies, before starting what is now known as Alabama Policy Institute. Palmer served as President of the Alabama Policy Institute for 24 years. Palmer served on four different state commissions of Alabama on behalf of three different Governors. In 2014, he was elected to the 114th Congress, having never served in office before. Palmer serves on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and serves as the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee. He also serves on the Budget Committee. He is the Vice Chairman and representative for Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina on the Republican Policy Committee. Palmer is a member of the Republican Study Committee and its Steering Committee. Palmer has been a member of the Rotary Club of Birmingham since 1993, and he is a Paul Harris Fellow. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Mobile. He and his wife Ann live in Hoover, Alabama. They have three children.

All of us know the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law last December and will affect all taxpayers in 2018. How will it affect you, personally? For our “Retiree Lifestyles Segment” closing out the meeting, John Fullerton from H&R Block will present a short segment on how Southern Company retirees are most likely to be affected. He will clarify changes to tax rates, investment income, deductions, exclusions, charitable contributions, home equity interest, alimony, medical deductions and even those contributions you may make to Tide Pride to secure season tickets.

John Fullerton is a senior tax analyst and office manager with H&R Block. He received his B.A. degree from Allegheny College, and his M.S.A from The George Washington University. He is Commander (Ret), US Navy 1971-1991, and a former Naval Flight Officer. He worked 21 years with ServiceMaster Corp where he was a Six Sigma Continuous Improvement Leader. He has been with H&R Block for 4 years. He is a Native of Rochester, NY and enjoys cycling and fishing.

MEETING DETAILS:

When: Monday, March 12, 2018
Where: Inverness 42, Room 130
Board meeting: 11 a.m.
Dutch Lunch: 12:00 noon
General Meeting: 1 p.m.

We hope to see you there!