OPM Webcast on Same Sex Spouse Benefits with Q&A

O P M Logo

On August 15, 2013, the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will present a Webcast on certain Federal benefits for same-sex spouses, followed by a live question and answer period.  The webcast will start at 1:30pm EDT and the live question and answer period will follow immediately afterward.

The link to view the OPM webcast is:  http://new.livestream.com/OPMWebcast/20130815doma

You may test the link prior to the webcast by accessing the Web page indicated.  You will see a banner displaying the following:  “Coverage of Same-Sex Spouses Under Federal Benefit Programs”

The link to view the captioning for the webcast is:  http://recapd.com/w-aa1b96

If the link is successful you will see the same banner.

You will be able to watch the Webcast on a PC or MAC computer.  When you click on the link it will open up into whatever your default browser is set to on your computer.  Chrome. Firefox. Internet Explorer. Safari.  You can also watch the webcast stream on an iPhone, iPad, or Droid. The device should be Wi-Fi or 4G capable.

If you telework do not log onto the webcast through CITRIX.  Simply click on the link with a broadband connection.  If you have any problems connecting to the webcast, please contact your IT Help Desk.

IFS Tickets on sale now

The International Food Sampling Festival is coming to PTO on August 14! Discounted price tickets are on sale now through the various affinity groups. Contact Larry Sternbane and Michael Tzeng to buy tickets to the festival at half price. Five tickets for $5 or ten tickets for $10 (One ticket redeemable for one sample serving). These tickets on special member pricing will remain on sale only through August 6th. Our table will feature Italian cuisine samples from an LGBT Owned business.

Welcome!

Photo of champagne bottle exploding in celebratory modeAs we are closing in to the Lambda Flyer’s first anniversary, we are launching a new site where all members will be able to check on the latest updates, events and resources available. This format enables more flexibility for all of us on the board of directors to publish content outside the PTO network, giving members the ability to read, communicate and is also available for those who don’t use Facebook as a social platform. Now, please keep in mind this site is still in development, so you might see some changes within the coming weeks.

Now, first order of business, we are in the planning stages for the International Food Sampling event at PTO and we’re happy to report, a couple of local LGBT catering businesses have joined us and have accepted our request to feature their menu. Now it’s time to coordinate and more details about the lineup will be coming out soon. In the mean time, tickets to the event will be on sale shortly so save the date!

In other news, here’s a short reminder for those who wish to extend their federal benefits to their families in light of the Supreme Court ruling on the now defunct Defense of Marriage Amendment (DOMA). There’s a special 60-day open enrollment period which will end on August 26. Those who wish to enroll their spouses and step children in their Federal health, life, dental and vision insurance, as well as flexible spending accounts and long-term care insurance for family members, don’t forget to go by the Customer Service Center and bring your Marriage License.

Lastly, don’t forget to come down and socialize at the Innovative Grounds Coffee Shop for the bi-weekly Lambda Coffee Break tomorrow at 2:30 PM. Our group gathers in front of the coffee shop at the Madison Building, concourse level.