RETIREE PARADISE !

APWU OF FLORIDA FALL SEMINAR AUG. 27-29, 2009 IN ST. PETERSBURG, FL. AT DOWNTOWN BAYFRONT HILTON HOTEL

BROTHERS AND SISTERS:

This will serve as the initial announcement for our Fall Seminar in Downtown St. Petersburg from Thurs., Aug. 27 thru Sat., Aug. 29, 2009.

The Presidents Conference will be on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009.

Director of Education John Olive will soon announce the class schedules by E-mail and on the WEB site, apwuflorida.org.

The one day Constitutional Convention has been cancelled.

Please make your reservations ASAP.

ROOM RATE: $99.00 Single and Double.

St. Petersburg Bayfront Hilton Hotel,

333 First St. South,

St. Petersburg, FL. 33701 Tel: 727-894-5000

[Jack Baldwin, President, APWU of Florida]

APWU OF FLORIDA SPRING SEMINAR IN OCALA, FL. MARCH 26-28, 2009; FLORIDA PRESIDENTS CONFERENCE ON WED., MAR. 25

AGENDA UPDATE WRITTEN BY JOHN S. OLIVE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

APWU of Florida Spring Seminar, March 26-28, 2009 Ocala Hilton, Ocala, Florida, United States of America.

APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER

APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER UPDATED NEWS

President Mario Miceli and the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter members will meet for luncheon at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. All Retirees are welcome. You must be a union member.
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Retirement Seminar FERS and CSRS Thursday, March 26 from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM and to be repeated Saturday morning, March 28, 2009.

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APWU Health Plan speaker at the Open Forum Thursday morning, March 26 and at a booth throughout the Seminar.
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At my request the hotel has extended their deadline for the APWU room rate ($109.00) through this Friday.
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If you encounter any difficulty reserving your rooms, first call Christine Dewey at 1-352-873-6447.
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If, for any reason, she does not resolve your problem, please call me immediately at 850-723-7847.
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See you in Ocala.
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In Union Solidarity, JOHN S. OLIVE, Director of Education, APWU of Florida

BREAKING 21ST CENTURY RETIREE PARADISE NEWS:

BREAKING 21ST CENTURY RETIREE PARADISE NEWS

On behalf of the members of the APWU of Florida and the North Central Florida Area Local, we welcome you to Ocala for the APWU of Florida Spring Seminar which will be held here March 26th, 27th and 28th.

Once again it’s our pleasure to provide a wide variety of mini seminars presented by experts on their respective issues in a three day format we call the Spring Seminar. We have listened to your concerns and responded with what we think will be the best on target information available to you anywhere. The training sessions are carefully planned to benefit local officers and stewards with information vital to our everyday relationship with the Employer.

Thanks in advance to President Brian O’Neill and the North Central Florida Area Local for being our host. As you can see in the attached agenda we are fortunate to host important players in the APWU’s future. And we will be rolling out the APWU’s new Webinar Format for the FMLA update with Resident Expert Steve Albanese.

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APWU of Florida Spring Seminar: March 26-28, 2009.
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Ocala Hilton, 3600 SW 36th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34474.
Room Rate: Single $109.00/Double $109.00.
Reservations may be made by calling Telephone: 352.854.1400 or Toll-Free: 1-877-602-4023.
All reservations must be made by March 3, 2009 to get the special group

rate. Ask for the American Postal Workers Union.

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Any change (addition or correction) you may wish for the attached agenda can most likely be accommodated. Just let me know. Beyond that, I look very much forward to being with you in Ocala. If I can help you in any way, please don’t hesitate to call.
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Registration for the Seminar---$25.00 before March 12, 2009. After March 12---$35.00.
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Florida Presidents Conference---Wednesday, March 25th, 2009.
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Classes will include the following:
Basic and Advanced Shop Steward, Family Medical Leave Act, Excessing, Identity Theft, Arbitration Roundtable, National Labor Relations Board, and Guests. Instructors and more details will be announced soon.
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In Solidarity,
John S. Olive, Director of Education, APWU of Florida
P.O. Box 17722, Pensacola, FL 32522
Voice: 850.433.8080 Fax: 850.433.8246
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Email: johnsolive@apwupensacola.org
or http://www.apwupensacola.org/ for more information.

READY TO RETIRE-CONTACT LITE BLUE AT U.S.P.S. TO GET ANSWERS BEFORE YOU RETIRE 2009

Access to the U.S. Postal Service's employee website, LiteBlue, has been enhanced to provide detailed retirement information for the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), CSRS Offset, and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

Each topic is segmented, so employees can go directly to the issue of interest to them. A workbook including charts and examples for each segment is available for download or review online. This tool offers employees flexibility to access retirement and benefit information on various topics 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In addition, a program to provide "Financial Literacy and Education" has been designed to assist employees with planning future retirement goals.
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Before you retire, you are entitled to a one-on-one meeting with a U.S.P.S. Human Resource person to discuss your retirement and answer any questions you may have. Do NOT allow Postal Personnel/Human Resources to tell you that you can't have this meeting. You have worked for the Postal Service for many years, not only have you earned this, you are entitled and deserve it.
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If you plan to have health insurance through your retirement, you must have been an active participant in any Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) plan for five (5) years prior to your retirement.
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Additionally, if you are a Veteran, please check with your local Veterans Organization to see if there are programs out there to assist you in retiring and to ensure that you get everything you are entitled to.

111TH CONGRESS (2009-2010) & LAUNCH LEGISLATIVE ACTION ASAP!

APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER

CONGRESS & LEGISLATIVE: (LINK E)

CONTACT YOUR CONGRESS & LEGISLATORS
FOR SUPPORT ON YOUR ISSUES!

WRITE LETTERS FAX PHONE E-MAIL

www.thomas.loc.gov U. S. Congressional Legislative Bills

www.citizen.org/congress U. S. Congress Watch Advocacy Issues

www.house.gov U. S. House of Representatives

www.senate.gov U. S. Senate

www.whitehouse.gov President of the United States

www.myfloridahouse.com Florida House of Representatives

www.flsenate.gov Florida Senate

www.myflorida.com Florida Governor

www.leg.state.fl.us Florida Legislature Sunshine Online

PRIORITY LEGISLATION AND LEGISLATIVE FACT SHEETS!

1. HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUM PRE-TAX CONVERSION

H.R. 1203, a bill was introduced in the 111th Congress on February 25, 2009, by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Jim Moran (D-VA), and Frank Wolf (D-VA) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis. It has twenty (20) co-sponsors and was referred to Committee on Ways and Means, and the bill if adopted could save you $350.00-$400.00 year for federal retirees.

S 491, a bill entitled "Federal and Military Retiree Care Equity Act" was introduced in the 111th Congress by Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) on Feb. 26, 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis. The bill has thirteen (13) co-sponsors upon introduction in the Congress. If signed into law, the measure would change Section 123 of the Internal Revenue Code and grant retired federal workers a benefit that is also available to active federal workers, many state and local government employees, as well as many workers in the private sector.
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We urge all APWU members, Retirees, and Auxiliary members to contact your Congressional Representatives and ask them to Co-sponsor and support this very important bill which will put extra money in your pocket. Active federal and postal employees already enjoy these savings.

2. REPEAL OF GOVERNMENT PENSION OFFSET (GPO)
AND WINDFALL ELIMINATION PROVISIONS (WEP)

H. R. 835, a bill entitled "Social Security Fairness Act of 2009" was introduced in the 111th Congress on January 7, 2009 by Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-CA-28), to amend Title II of the Social Security Act to repeal the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provisions. It was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), on Jan. 7, 2009, and it has 207 House Co-sponsors. We believe it has a good chance of getting out of committee to the House floor for debate this time around.
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Rep. Berman and Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA-25), the lead sponsor of repeal legislation in the 107th, 108th, 109th, 110th and 111th Congresses, issued a joint press release stating, "these two provisions must be completely repealed so that our nation's most dedicated public servants can receive, in full, the Social Security benefits that they have rightfully earned throughout the course of their careers."
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We urge all APWU members, Retirees, and Auxiliary members to contact your Congressional Representatives and ask them to Co-sponsor and support this crucial bill to create fairness and equity. This legislation is supported not just by APWU, but also by many other organizations representing public sector employees, who include teachers; police; firefighters; and local, state, and county employees.
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S. 484, an identical, bipartisan bill was introduced on February 25, 2009 by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), to amend Title II of the Social Security Act to repeal the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provisions. It was referred to Committee on Finance on February 25, 2009, and it has fifteen (15) co-sponsors. That committee oversees Social Security issues in the Senate.
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The legislation was accompanied by three original cosponsors, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ). Senators Feinstein and Collins jointly issued a press release in which Feinstein asserted, "It's time to give our nation's public servants the full retirement benefits they have earned and deserve."
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Senator Collins added, "the WEP and GPO have enormous financial implications not just for federal employees, but for our teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public employees. Despite their challenging, difficult, and sometimes dangerous jobs, these invaluable public servants often receive far lower salaries than private sector employees. It is therefore doubly unfair to penalize them when it comes to their Social Security benefits."
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We urge all APWU members, Retirees, and Auxiliary members to contact your Senators in the Congress and ask them to Co-sponsor and support this bill which is entitled “Social Security Fairness Act of 2009.”

LEGISLATIVE FACT SHEETS:

GOVERNMENT PENSION OFFSET:

The Government Pension Offset (GPO) was enacted in 1977 by Congress to treat government pensions (such as Civil Service Retirement) and survivor annuities as if they were Social Security benefits. In 1983 Congress changed the offset to its current two-thirds offset.

The Government Pension Offset (GPO) can affect any retiree who receives a civil service pension and Social Security, but primarily affects widows or widowers eligible for spousal benefits. Women, who typically spend less time in the workforce, and earn lower wages when they do, have been disproportionately affected by the Government Pension Offset.

They do not affect retirees who receive private pensions and Social Security. To explain how the current law works, we will take the example of a widow eligible for civil service pension benefits of $600.00 per month and Social Security spousal benefits of $600.00 per month, for a total of $1200.00 per month.

Under the Government Pension Offset (WEP) provisions, the Social Security spousal benefit is reduced by two-thirds of the civil service pension benefit. In this case, the original $600.00 Social Security benefit is reduced to $200.00 leaving the widow with a total monthly income of only $800.00 instead of $1200.00. This is an injustice which only the Congress can rectify.

WINDFALL ELIMINATION PROVISION (WEP):

The Windfall Elimination Provision affects how your retirement or disability benefits are figured if you receive a pension from work not covered by Social Security, i.e. the Civil Service Retirement System.

For employees who receive a pension and who are also eligible for Social Security benefits based on their own employment record, a different formula may be used to compute their Social Security benefit. This formula will result in a lower benefit. The “Windfall Elimination Provision” affects workers who reach age 62 or become disabled after 1985 and are first eligible after 1985 for a postal/federal pension.

Social Security benefits replace a percentage of a worker’s pre-retirement earnings. The formula used to compute benefits includes factors that ensure lower-paid workers get a higher return than highly paid workers. For example, lower-paid workers could get a Social Security benefit that equals about 60 percent of their pre-retirement earnings. The average replacement rate for highly paid workers is about 25 percent.

Before 1983, benefits for people who spent time in jobs not covered by Social Security were computed as if they were long-term low-wage workers. The received the advantage of the higher percentage benefits in addition to their other pension. The modified formula eliminates this windfall.

The Windfall Elimination Provision does not apply if: The employee was eligible to retire from postal/federal service before January 1, 1986; or the employee was first employed by the Postal Service/Federal Government after December 31, 1983; or the employee has thirty (30) years or more of substantial earnings under Social Security.

Employees and Retirees should contact their local Social Security office to determine the effect of the WEP on their Social Security benefits before they retire, and then contact a private attorney who is familiar with the Social Security and other federal laws before they retire to ensure maximum family benefits.

Jack Gose, Retiree

FLARA LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE IN TALLAHASSEE, FL MAR 18-20, 2009 ANNOUNCED BY PRESIDENT TONY FRANSETTA

BREAKING 21ST CENTURY RETIREE PARADISE NEWS:

TO: All FLARA Executive Board Members, Club & Individual Members & Invited Guests.

FROM: Tony Fransetta, President-FLARA

RE: FLARA's Legislative Conference and Quarterly Board Meeting CALL LETTER.

Greetings: The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans will hold its Legislative Conference and Quarterly Executive Board Meeting on March 19th and 20th, 2009 at the "Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites", located at 2725 Graves Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32303. We ask that you arrive on Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 and check in at the hotel. Our meeting will begin Thursday, March 19th from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with a break for lunch (provided by FLARA).

We will meet again on Friday, March 20th, at 9:00 a.m. with a break for lunch (provided by FLARA) from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. We will re-convene at 1:00 p.m. for legislative reports and any unfinished business. This is a tentative schedule with the possibility of change.
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The hotel room rates are as follows for FLARA members and guests:
Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, $ 129.00/night plus tax; 850-536-2000.
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Comfort Inn, $ 85.00/night plus tax, includes continental breakfast; 850-562-7200.

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Days Inn - Tallahassee Northwest, $ 49.00/night plus tax (Full bed); $ 65.00 (Double bed or King bed) includes continental breakfast; 850-562-2000.

Please note that the above three hotels are located on one property connected by a common parking lot.

Please remember that there are a limited number of rooms available per rate/hotel and the cutoff date for room reservations is February 24, 2009, so please make your reservations ASAP. When making your reservations, please call the hotel direct at the number listed above and ask for the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans group code.

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Registration fee for the Legislative Conference is $80.00 per member. Guest registration is $60.00. Registration forms and fees must be received by FLARA by March 1st, 2009 to process your credentials! If you have any questions, please contact the FLARA office at 561-792-8799.

Sincerely,
Tony Fransetta, President
Yvonne Garrity, Executive Director

2009 PUBLICATION AND COPYRIGHT!

The Editor reserves the right to determine if material submitted for publication shall be used, and reserves the right to edit as needed. Opinions expressed are those of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the Editor or the Executive Board.

APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER NEWS IS PUBLISHED DAILY ONLINE FOR THE CURRENT AND FUTURE DUES PAYING ACTIVE AND RETIREE CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP AND THEIR FAMILIES, NO MATTER WHICH STATE OR COUNTRY THEY LIVE IN. OUR MOTTO IS "ONCE A MEMBER, ALWAYS A MEMBER." The Editor's E-mail address is jak.gose@excite.com open 24/7!

THIS WEBSITE MAY CONTAIN COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL THE USE OF WHICH HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY THE COPYRIGHT OWNER. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of democracy, education, environmental, economic, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law.

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Send E-mail to Jack Gose, Editor at jak.gose@excite.com with any questions or comments about this non-profit online website. WE LOVE YOU!

APWU CSRS AND FERS RETIREES, SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS, AND FECA EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE 2009 COLA

For CSRS retirees:
(Updated 10/17/08) - The CSRS retiree COLA is based on the increase in the third quarter (July, August, September) average of the CPI-W over the same quarterly average from the previous year. After the final quarter (Q3 of 2008) of the measuring period, the 2009 CSRS retiree COLA will be 5.8% and will be reflected in the January 2009 payment. Note: The 2008 CSRS Retiree COLA was 2.3% effective with the January 2008 payment.

For FERS retirees:
(Updated 10/17/08) - The FERS retiree COLA is based on the increase in the third quarter average of the CPI-W over the same quarterly average from the previous year. However, if the CPI-W quarterly average increases three percent or more, the COLA is the increase less one percent. If the quarterly average increase is between two percent and three percent, the COLA is two percent. If the quarterly average increase is two percent or less, the COLA is equal to the quarterly average increase. After the final quarter (Q3 of 2008) of the measuring period, the 2009 FERS retiree COLA will be 4.8% and will be reflected in the January 2009 payment. Note: The 2008 FERS Retiree COLA was 2.0% effective with the January 2008 payment.

For Social Security recipients:
(Updated 10/17/08) - The Social Security COLA is based on the increase in the third quarter average of the CPI-W over the same quarterly average from the previous year. After the final quarter (Q3 of 2008) of the measuring period, the 2009 Social Security COLA will be 5.8% and will be reflected in the January 2009 payment. Note: The 2008 Social Security Retiree COLA was 2.3% effective with the January 2008 payment.

For FECA employees:
(Updated 11/19/08) - The percentage increase in the December CPI-W index from year to year determines the FECA COLA increase. After the eleventh month of the measuring period for the 2009 FECA COLA, the index has risen 0.7%. Note: the 2008 FECA COLA was 4.3% effective with the April 2008 payment.

APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER EXECUTIVE BOARD

FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER OFFICERS

President: Mario G Miceli

2034 Los Lomas Dr., Clearwater, Florida 33763 Phone: 727-446-4781

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Vice President : Dave Bernstein

2616 South Toronto Ave., Tampa, Florida 33629 Phone: 813-839-4233

Secretary/Treasurer:

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Legislative Director: Dave Bernstein

2616 South Toronto Ave., Tampa, Florida 33629 Phone: 813-839-4233

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Health Plan Director: J.C. Wise

4018 W. Fig St., Tampa, Florida 33609 Phone: 813-289-0382

Benefits & Organizing Director: Michael K. Jordan Sr.

1826 Oak Dr S., Rockledge, Florida 32955 Phone: 321-403-5156

Trustee: Charlie Redd

1822 Baylor Court, Cocoa, Florida 32922 Phone: 321-632-2898

Trustee: Pedro Torres,

8400 S.W. 181st St., Miami, Florida 33157 Phone: 305-251-7938

VALENTINE R. SERPICO, AGE 73, PASSES AWAY ON TUE., NOV. 18, 2008 IN VITAS HOSPICE, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. CATHOLIC MASS AND SERVICES ON TUE., NOV. 25!

“Val” Serpico was serving as the President of both Broward County Area Local #1201 Local Retiree Chapter APWU and APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, APWU, AFL-CIO. “Val” was a loving friend to everyone he met and his heart was bigger than all the gold in the world. He was a veteran of the United States Armed Forces and a retired U.S. Postal Service Maintenance employee in the Fort Lauderdale Post Office.
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The funeral arrangements are being made from the Edwards Funeral Services, 1108 NE 23rd Drive, Wilton Manors, FL. 33305 (Fort Lauderdale Metro Area), Phone 954-566-5564. Anyone wishing to send flowers may contact Jim Threlkel Florists, 820 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, phone 954-566-7571, or access the florist website at www.jimthrelkel.com to get same day delivery to the funeral home.
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Catholic services will be held on Tue., November 25, 2008 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 2500 NE 33rd Ave. near 2511 N. Ocean Blvd. (A1A), Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305, phone 954-564-1763 or go on the internet at www.saintpiusthetenth.org for more information. Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Catholic Mass begins at 11 a.m.
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Expressions of sympathy may be sent to his loving wife, Claudette Serpico, and family members at 2701 Middle River Drive, Apt. #1, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306. A brief newspaper obit article was published in the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel on Sat., Nov. 22, 2008 and can be displayed at www.sunsentinel.com website.
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A funeral procession from St. Pius X Catholic Church to the new 313 acre South Florida United States National Cemetery, 6501 S. State Road 7/U.S. Route 441, Lake Worth, Palm Beach County, FL. 33449, phone 561-649-6489 or type in on your computer www.cem.va.gov for more info. Full Military Funeral Honors will be given Valentine R. Serpico beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Tue., Nov. 25, 2008 at the grave site where the beautiful new cemetery will serve veterans’ needs for the next 50 years.
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Several of Val’s family and friends from all over the country are headed to Fort Lauderdale, FL on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 24-25, 2008 to pay homage to a beloved APWU Retiree Chapter leader who never quit the fight to represent his brothers and sisters. Mario G. Miceli, Vice President, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, is automatically elevated to President of the State Retiree Chapter due to Val Serpico’s death, pursuant to the Florida State Retiree Chapter Constitution and By-Laws.
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*****This article written by Editor Jack Gose, former founding President, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter and Florida Suncoast Area Local Retiree Chapter #1228, APWU, AFL-CIO. If you need more info phone me at home 727-343-2998 or leave a message, or go on the computer to send me an E-mail to jak.gose@excite.com for a reply. We Love All of You, My Brothers and Sisters Worldwide!

VAL SERPICO PRESENTS RETIREMENT AWARD PLAQUE TO JACK GOSE AT APWU OF FLA FALL SEMINAR IN W. PALM BCH HILTON FOR HIS COMMITMENT TO MEMBERSHIP AND APWU

Bill Burrus, President of the National APWU, from Washington, D.C. was the main invited guest speaker and offered a wake up call to a packed assembly of 250 Postal Workers by announcing "Your Job is at Stake" like never before in the history of the U.S. Postal Service. He urged everyone to exercise their right to vote in the Early Voting in Florida or on Tue., Nov. 4!

New President Val Serpico, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO, from Fort Lauderdale, FL. is seated at the Retiree Honorary front table beside Sam Smith, Retiree Chapter member from West Palm Beach, FL. at the opening of the 3- day APWU of Florida Fall Seminar in the beautiful Palm Beach Hilton Hotel on Thur., Sept. 25, 2008. On the Podium is newly elected President Jack Baldwin from Key West, FL flanked by other members of the Executive Board Tony Neri, Maintenance Director, from Sarasota, Jeff Pearlman, Secretary-Treasurer, from Tallahassee, and John Olive, Director of Education, from Pensacola, FL. (Photo taken by Jack Gose, founding President of the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, who retires effective October 1, 2008)

Retiree Jay Arrieta, National APWU Retirees Department Instructor from Phoenix, AZ. conducted two separate classes on CSRS and FERS on Fri. and Sat., Sept. 26-27, 2008 in the Palm Beach Hilton Ballroom, West Palm Beach, FL. This was the largest class in attendance at the Fall Seminar with over 200 APWU active and retiree union dues members, spouses, and other family members and caregivers signing up for these Retirement classes. Jack Gose assisted Jay Arrieta by operating the slide projector on the big screen from his handicapped scooter. We Love All of You, APWU!

NATIONAL APWU 19TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION DELEGATES APPROVE INCREASE IN RETIREES PER CAPITA EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY, 2009

SPECIAL BULLETIN: CONSTITUTIONAL RESOLUTION NO. 11 TO INCREASE RETIREE PER CAPITA FROM $2.00 TO $3.00 MONTHLY FOR OVER 40,000 APWU RETIREE DEPARTMENT MEMBERS WAS APPROVED BY OVER TWO-THIRDS (2/3) MAJORITY OF THE ELECTED DELEGATES AT THE 19TH NATIONAL APWU CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS, NV. ON WED., AUG. 20, 2008. THIS INCREASE SHALL BE EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY, 2009.

The Resolved reads as follows, "Resolved, amend Article 3, Section 4 (e) to increase retirees per capita by one (1) dollar per month, this increase to be passed on in whole to existing local and state retiree chapters where they now exist or may be organized in the future. Where there are no retiree chapters in existence, the one (1) dollar increase shall be retained by the Retiree Department in an organizing fund to be disbursed solely for organizing activities by the Retiree Department.

This constitutional resolution was submitted by California Postal Workers Union, Oregon Postal Workers Union, Pennsylvania Postal Workers Union, Bridgeport Connecticut Area Local, CT., Des Moines Iowa Area Local, IA., and Pittsburgh Metro Area Local, PA.

JACK GOSE BIDS ADIEU VIA MOBILITY SCOOTER AT BALLYS' AND PARIS HOTELS IN LAS VEGAS, NV TO HIGHLIGHT HIS 20TH NATIONAL APWU CONVENTION AUG. 15-24, 2008

President Jack Gose thanks all 3230 elected Delegates and family members at the conclusion of another busy day on the floor of the National APWU Convention held in the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, NV during the week of August 18-23, 2008. Natl. APWU Secretary-Treasurer Terry Stapleton and Legislative and Political Director Mike Reid are standing on the podium.

Only one (1) Retiree Resolution out of eleven (11) related Retiree Amendments submitted to the Natl. APWU Constitution and By-Laws Committee was approved by the highest body in the Union, the elected Natl APWU Convention Delegates on the floor voting:

Resolution No. 11, Article 3, Section 4 (e) Increase Retiree Per Capita authored by John Richards, President, Pittsburgh Area Local Retiree Chapter, APWU and Eastern Region elected Delegate, to wit:

"Resolved, to increase retirees per capita by one (1) dollar per month, this increase to be passed on in whole to existing local and state retiree chapters where they now exist or may be organized in the future. Where there are no retiree chapters in existence, the one (1) dollar increase shall be retained by the Retiree Department in an organizing fund, to be disbursed solely for organizing activities by the Retiree Department."

Congratulations to John who spoke on his resolution from a floor mike, and the winner is the Retiree membership and Chapters who will be able to continue to survive in this tough economy. Las Vegas AL and Phoenix Metro AL new Retiree Chapters were honored with charters at the Retiree Conference.
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Jack Gose, President of APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO, seated in a handicapped electric scooter rental with a fellow lady Delegate from Florida celebrate during the Parade of States with over 3,000 other delegates and family in Bally's Hotel Conference and Event Center on Thursday nite, Aug. 21, 2008. The Florida theme for this gala was to wear tropical clothes with shirts, Key West hats, and sandals to mystify the multitude and win the Grand Prize in competition with the other 49 states and islands!

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Former Natl APWU Retiree Director John R. Smith, former Natl APWU Special Delivery Messenger Craft Secretary Jack Gose in mobile scooter, and former Natl APWU Executive Vice President David Johnson reunite at the National APWU 2-day Conference chaired by Retiree Director Judy Beard on the 26th floor of Bally's Hotel in Las Vegas, NV on Sat. and Sun., August 16-17, 2008. The trio began their journey with the merger of five (5) National Craft Unions in 1971 and all went to Washington, D.C. to make the merger a bargaining union Success story for the membership.

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Valentine Serpico, President of Broward County Area Local Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO, seated on front row seat in center of picture next to Barbara Prothro, former Natl APWU SDM NBA, smiles for the camera at the Natl APWU biennial Retiree Conference at Bally's Hotel in Las Vegas, NV on Sat., Aug. 16, 2008. Val received an invitation by Retirees Director Judy Beard to sit at the head table on the podium to open the 2-day conclave of over sixty (60) Retiree Dept. Delegates from all over the country. Val will assume the duties of the President of APWU of Florida Retiree Chapter, the largest in the nation, on October 1, 2008 upon retirement of founding President Jack Gose, who helped organize the third Natl APWU Retiree Chapter in the country on Mar. 15, 2002.

Natl APWU President Bill Burrus addresses the 350 blue shirted APWU Delegates demonstrating on the sidewalks around the "Goin' Postal" Store located in a shopping center in North Las Vegas, NV before going in to talk with the owner of the store about our concern over using the name to suggest to the public that Postal Workers are sometimes violent.

We registered at the COPA booth and picked up our Convention bag with all the goodies inside, including Natl. APWU Resolutions book, agenda of events, and headed to the Clerk Craft Conference and Retirees Dept. Conference on Sat., Aug. 16, 2008. Challenges, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, APWU! We snapped over 1,000 Digital pictures at all the APWU events in two Convention hotels at Bally's and Paris in Las Vegas. We will be displaying FREE pics for the last time at the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Luncheon and Fall Seminar from Wed., Sept. 24 thru Sat., Sept. 27, 2008 at the Palm Beach Hilton Hotel in West Palm Beach, FL.
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In addition, we have thousands of other items to give away, Convention resolutions, bags, shirts, and collectibles dating back to the first National APWU Convention in New Orleans, LA in 1972. I have rented another mobility scooter to enable me to get around inside the Hilton Hotel. Valentine Serpico from Fort Lauderdale, Broward County Area Local, APWU will become the new President of the Florida State Retiree Chapter effective October 1, 2008 and we are certain you will appreciate and enjoy Val's leadership and support him wholeheartedly as you have always done for me. We Love You, APWU!

Jack Gose, President and Editor

"THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES" (Bob Hope Had It Right) PRESIDENT JACK GOSE RETIRES: VAL SERPICO NEW PRESIDENT OF APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER!

Doug Holbrook, former National APWU Retirees Director and National Secretary-Treasurer, flies to Daytona Beach, FL in May, 2006 to swear in the newly elected APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board, AFL-CIO, the best organized and most active Retiree State organization in the whole country.

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Since the creation of the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter on March 15, 2002, we have tried as an organizer to train and mentor as many other Retiree Chapter officers in Florida as possible to assume the mantle of leadership some day when I retire as President of the State Retiree Chapter due to declining health reasons.

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We hope we have succeeded in this endeavor, as it is time later this year to turn over the Office of President to a younger Retiree officer, Valentine Serpico, our renown current Vice President from Fort Lauderdale, Broward County Area Local, who will bring new ideas and fresh concepts to strengthen the membership and represent the State of Florida Retiree Chapter throughout the nation. The Vice President shall assume the duties of the office of President until the next regular Chapter Convention election of officers in this situation according to Article VII, Section 3, of the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Constitution and By-Laws.

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I will be eighty (80) years of age, an Octogenarian, on Dec. 18, 2008 and I want to personally thank Val Serpico, Mario Miceli, Sec.-Treas. and former State President 1986-1994 from Clearwater, Suncoast Area Local, and Dave Bernstein, Legislative Director from Tampa Area Local, for their steadfast commitment to Retiree Solidarity as we together attended many meetings of APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board, APWU state and national Seminars, Conferences, and Conventions, Alliance for Retired Americans regional and national Conferences and Conventions, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Board meetings, Conferences, and Conventions, and Florida AFL-CIO COPE Conferences and Conventions during the last six (6) years.

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Where would our Retiree Chapter be without the enthusiastic support, teamwork, and attendance of all the other Chapter Executive Board officers at numerous meetings, Conferences, and Conventions, Charlie Redd, Trustee and former State President 1994-2000 from Cocoa, Space Coast AL, Pedro Torres, Trustee, from Miami AL, Michael Jordan, Sr., Benefits and Organizing Director from Rutledge, Space Coast AL, John C. Wise, Health Plan Director from Tampa AL, Beth Cramer, National APWU Convention Regional Delegate and former Board member who lives in Georgia, and last but not least my 85-year old friend, John Sardin, Jr., Historian and former Chapter Sec.-Treas., from St. Pete, Suncoast AL. We love all of you and your spouses for making it happen, and hold each of you dear in our heart.

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We would like to applaud and show our appreciation to all the thousands of current and past AFL-CIO, Florida AFL-CIO, National Alliance for Retired Americans, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, and APWU local, state, and national active and retiree Officers, Delegates, and Members, Auxiliary, Postal Press Editors, Coalition of Labor Union Women, and Family members we have met and learned from who have made our paths a lot brighter during the last 41 years since 1967 when I became a Career Substitute in the old U.S. Post Office Department earning $2.63 hour working every weekend including Sunday and all the Holidays for 15 years before I was able to get a bid to the day shift. The Sky is the Limit and the Future is Yours to generate changes in making your dreams come true.
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Since retiring from U. S. Postal Service on Oct. 3, 1992 I have had all three (3) types of skin cancer, endure poly peripheral neuropathy a nerve disease which affects my whole body especially numbness in my feet and legs, have trouble maintaining my balance, get dizzy, and fall sometimes, survived a retropubic prostate removal, four (4) laser eye operations, currently battling low back pain, and have tinnitis or roaring in both ears 24/7 which is incurable. Needless to say, I have already reserved a handicapped mobility scooter for use in Las Vegas at the National APWU Convention Aug. 15-24, 2008. I wish to thank my beloved wife Patsy and my three (3) sons, Gary, Roger, and Alan for their help and support all these years in making our Labor of Love a Family Event as we attended twenty (20) APWU National Conventions since 1972, including Kansas City in 1975!
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I have faithfully served all four (4) National APWU Presidents, cigar smoking No Nonsense Stu Filbey (1972-1976 Conventions), street fighter Emmet Andrews (1978-1980 Conventions), my friend and genius Moe Biller (1982-2000 Conventions), and my ex-Army brother Bill Burrus (2002-2004 Conventions), as Chairman and/or Co-Chair and member of the Sergeant-at-Arms Committee and Chief of Security for Moe Biller during 10 Conventions over 20 year span. My concern has always been for the safety and welfare of all the thousands of Officers, Delegates and family members visiting the Convention City, and I could write a book, but I will not even if tortured. Memory is a Wonderful Medicine!

NEW ORGANIZATION FUND CREATED TO HELP NEW CHAPTERS

A motion to stimulate the creation of new APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapters in the State of Florida by the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter was unanimously passed by the Chapter Executive Board on May 7, 2008 offering a one-time NEW APWU RETIREE CHAPTER ORGANIZATION BONUS of $100.00 in cash to each new Retiree Chapter created upon receipt of the new Chapter's Charter from Washington, D.C. to ensure the new Chapter has funds to open a checking account to operate with until they get their first National APWU Retiree member rebate check, with presentation of the $100.00 CASH BONUS from State Retiree Chapter funds at a regular monthly Chapter meeting of the new Retiree Chapter by the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter President or designee appointed by Chapter President.

FLARA QUARTERLY MEETING IN LAKELAND, FL. ON THUR., SEPT. 11, 2008 ON THE 7TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 9/11/2001 TRAGEDY

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Tony Fransetta, President, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA), has announced a quarterly Executive Board meeting and Health Care event to be held in Lakeland, Fl. on Thurs., September 11, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Lakeland Hotel and Conference Center, 3260 US Hwy 98 North, Lakeland, FL 33805. We ask that you arrive on Wed., Sept. 10, 2008 for check in at the hotel. The meetings will run from 9 a.m. until conclusion on Thurs. Sept. 11. There is no registration fee for this special event to be held on the 7th anniversary of the 9/11/2001 sneak attacks against the United States.

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Many invited guests and well-known political figures will speak. Go online to http://www.flara.org/ to see our history and a list of current FLARA events. All FLARA Executive Board members, Club and individual members including 3000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter members, and invited family/guests are welcome at this exciting gathering to foster support for the important issues that face Florida Union active members, retirees, and seniors. Contact FLARA in West Palm Beach area at 1-561-792-8799 if you are interested or have any questions or comments. Phone Jack Gose, FLARA 2nd Vice President, at 727-343-2998 for more information!

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Holiday Inn double room rate is $89.99 per night plus tax for FLARA members and guests. Call the Holiday Inn directly at 1-863-688-8080 to make room reservations, and ask for the FLARA special group rate. All roads lead to Lakeland for FLARA/APWU Retiree Actions now. The Holiday Inn is just south of I-4 off Exit 32. Join us in real APWU Retiree Solidarity as We Continue to Fight for all of our Future!

RETIREE FREE LUNCHEON, W. PALM BCH. FL. WED., SEP. 24, 2008

An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter FREE luncheon, including food, tax, and tip will be paid by the State Chapter for each Retiree Chapter member paying Retiree union dues to the National APWU Retirees Dept. of $24.00 year and one guest, limit of two per family attending the Chapter luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 in the Veranda Restaurant at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel, 150 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33406, Tel: 1-800-HILTONS or directly 561-684-9400.

Cash Door Prizes of $25.00 will be given to each of the first five (5) Chapter members to sign in at the luncheon. The Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel is off I-95 at Southern Blvd. West exit in the NW corner of I-95 and Southern Blvd. We look forward to a successful Retiree reunion.

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An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board meeting chaired by President Jack Gose will be held in the same Restaurant from 10 am to 11 am before the luncheon. The APWU of Florida State Spring Seminar semi-annual conclave will conduct educational classes for active and retiree APWU members from Thurs., September 25 thru Sat., September 27, 2008 at the same hotel.

Retiree Happy folders will be distributed to all those attending, and everyone is invited! Thousands of APWU historical collectibles will be given away FREE by Jack Gose including Convention bags, Resolution books, newsletters, pins, buttons, pictures, and souvenirs from New Orleans 1972 thru Las Vegas 2008.

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APWU of Florida group (APWUFL) special room rates are $109.00 nite Sgl/Dbl, plus 11.5 % taxes. Hotel check-in time is after 3:00 PM on the day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12 noon on the day of departure. Guests arriving before 3:00 PM will be accommodated if rooms are available. Self parking is complimentary. We look forward to seeing many of our old friends and meeting new friends. We Love You, APWU!

2001-2008 APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER HISTORY ARCHIVES FOR THE AGES!

"CHAPTER HISTORY,"
PREPARED BY JOHN SARDIN, JR., HISTORIAN

September 12-15, 2001, Orlando, Fl.: APWU of Florida Executive Board, chaired by President Martha Shunn-King, votes to sponsor formation of an APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter after a presentation on the benefits of a State Retiree Chapter organization by Jack Gose, President, Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter, American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO.

March 15, 2002, Jacksonville, Fl.: A scheduled luncheon meeting occurred in order to organize an APWU State Retiree Chapter under the authority given in the National APWU Constitution & By-Laws. A proposed State Retiree Chapter Constitution & By-Laws and a list of interim Chapter officers was approved by the APWU Retirees present, and then they were delivered personally to John R. Smith, National Retiree Director, as approved by President Martha Shunn-King.

May 8-11, 2002, Orlando, Fl.: Twenty-three (23) new generation APWU Retirees, officers, Auxiliary, and guests attended the first Founders APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Convention held with a luncheon (Dutch treat) and 3-hour business session. John R. Smith, invited guest speaker, then installed the new State Retiree Chapter officers, which was preceded by the presentation of a Natl. APWU Retirees Dept. Charter to the Chapter President, Jack Gose. Eight (8) Retiree Chapter resolutions and constitutional changes were adopted unanimously by the Chapter delegates.

June 7-9, 2002, Lake Buena Vista, Fl.: The APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter affiliates with the Florida Alliance of Retired Americans (FLARA), and a Charter was presented to our State Chapter at the first FLARA Convention. The mission of the National Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is to involve legislation, public affairs, communications, member education, and mobilization on paramount retiree and union issues. Jack Gose, State Chapter Delegate representing the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, was elected by the Delegates to the FLARA Executive Board which meets quarterly around the State of Florida.

Sept. 3-5, 2002, Washington, D.C.: Our Chapter sends a State Chapter Delegate, Jack Gose, to the first National Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) Convention at Washington Hilton Hotel and Towers to kick off National and State Retiree and 2002 election issues. Rally and lobby day occurred with a mammoth march of hundreds in the streets to protest high prescription drug prices. Social Security and Medicare protection were top agenda issues dealt with by the Delegates and addressed by numerous Congressional guest speakers.

Sept. 20-21, 2002, Daytona Beach Shores, Fl.: President Jack Gose attends Florida Alliance for Retired Americans quarterly Executive Board meeting and Legislative Conference at Holiday Inn.

September 27-29, 2002, Fort Myers, Fl.: State Chapter schedules a Retirees Luncheon (Dutch treat) at the APWU of Florida fall seminar hotel with thirty (30) attending. Similar luncheons are planned for future spring and fall seminars in Florida. APWU of Florida State Executive Board, chaired by Martha Shunn-King, approves the mailing of Florida Postal Worker to all 2376 State Retiree Chapter $24.00 year dues paying members. Retirement class held for active membership.

Dec. 13-14, 2002, West Palm Beach, Fl.: President Jack Gose attends Florida Alliance for Retired Americans quarterly Executive Board meeting and Legislative Conference at Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport.

March 17-18, 2003, Tallahassee, Fl.: President of State Chapter attends FLARA Executive Board meeting and first annual FLARA Legislative Conference to lobby legislators on Retiree and union issues affecting our active and retired members.

March 21-23, 2003, Lakeland, Fl.: Sue Carney, National APWU Human Relations Director, our invited guest speaker, gave a glowing tribute at the Retirees luncheon (Dutch treat) with forty (40) in attendance, to all the APWU Retiree members living in Florida who have paid union dues all of their working lives and continue to do so.

***** 515 new Retiree Chapter members have signed up on APWU Retired Member Form 1187 during the Chapter organization drive from Nov. 1, 2002 thru April 30, 2003 to make Florida #1 in APWU Retiree organization in the nation. We now have 2765 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter members.

June 22-24, 2003, Lake Buena Vista, Fl.: Retiree Chapter President is a Delegate to Florida Alliance for Retired Americans 2nd Annual Convention at Hotel Royal Plaza.

July 1, 2003, South Pasadena, Fl.: Retiree Chapter President Jack Gose creates an APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO, website which was launched on July 1, 2003 followed up by links with National APWU at www.apwu.org – Suncoast Area Local #1228 at www.apwu1228.org - 21st Century Postal Workers at www.21cpw.com – and Postal Reporter at www.postalreporter.com under 22 Retirement Tips to name a few.

Sept. 3-5, 2003, Washington, D.C.: Jack Gose, Retiree Chapter President, is a Chapter Delegate to 2nd National Alliance for Retired Americans Legislative Conference at Washington Hilton Hotel & Towers.

Sept. 12-13, 2003, Jacksonville, Fl.: Retiree Chapter President is a Delegate to Florida Alliance for Retired Americans quarterly Executive Board meeting and Legislative Conference at Embassy Suites Hotel.

Sept. 17-19, 2003, Fort Walton Beach, Fl.: Bob Tunstall, Natl. APWU Sec./Tr. was our invited guest speaker honoring our APWU of Florida Chapter membership at Retirees luncheon held at Radisson Beach Resort, site of Fall Educational Seminar.

Sep. 20-24, 2003, Jacksonville, Fl.: Retiree Chapter President attends Florida AFL-CIO Convention at Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel with President Martha Shunn-King who is elected as Vice President at Large on the Florida AFL-CIO Executive Board.

Nov. 20, 2003, Miami, Fl.: Two Chapter Officers ride bus with 27 other UAW Retirees to AFL-CIO-Florida Alliance for Retired Americans Anti-Free Trade of the Americas (FTAA) Rally and March on Biscayne Blvd. in downtown Miami, Fl. with 2,500 other union members restricted by over 2,000 Miami Police Dept. Robo-Cops.

March 10-13, 2004, Cape Canaveral, Fl.: Jim McCarthy, Natl. APWU Clerk Craft Dir., was our invited guest speaker who honored our State Retiree Chapter at Retirees Chapter luncheon with 60 active members in attendance held at Radisson Resort at the Port during the APWU of Florida State Spring Educational Seminar.

March 21-23, 2004, Tallahassee, Fl.: Chapter President is a Delegate to Florida Alliance for Retired Americans quarterly Executive Board meeting and Legislative Conference at Ramada Inn Tallahassee.

May 12, 2004, 2nd Biennial State Retiree Convention, Daytona Beach, Fl.: John R. Smith, Natl. APWU Retiree Director, was our invited guest speaker at the Retirees luncheon and Convention at Plaza Resort & Spa with twenty-five (25) APWU members and families in attendance. State Retiree Constitution was amended to include a Legislative Director on the Executive Board. Our Chapter membership has increased to 3037 dues paying members as of April, 2004.

May 13-15, 2004, Daytona Beach, Fl.: Six Retiree Chapter Officers and members attended the APWU of Florida 3-day State Convention at the Plaza Resort & Spa.

May 16-18, 2004, Jacksonville, Fl.: Two Chapter officers were delegates to 1st Southern Regional Alliance for Retired Americans Conference at Hilton Riverfront Hotel. Retiree Delegates were present from 12 southern states from Texas to Virginia to set up an organization Constitution and By-Laws with classes on legislation.

June 20-22, 2004, Lake Buena Vista, Fl.: Chapter President is a Delegate to Florida Alliance for Retired Americans 3rd annual Convention at Royal Plaza Hotel.

Aug. 19-26, 2004, Los Angeles, CA: Chapter President attends National APWU Retirement Planning and Legislative workshops at Wilshire Grand Hotel, National APWU Retiree and Clerk Craft Conferences, Picketing, COPA night, Parade of States, and elected APWU of Florida State Delegate at 5-day National Convention being held at Staples Convention Center in downtown L.A.

Sept. 10-13, 2004, New Port Richey, Fl.: Chapter President attends Florida Alliance for Retired Americans quarterly Executive Board meeting and Legislative Conference at Clarion/Quality Inn & Suites including rally and demonstrations.

Oct. 21-23, 2004, Lake Buena Vista, Fl.: Chapter has Retiree Chapter luncheon at the APWU of Florida Fall Educational Seminar in Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa.

Oct. 24-27, 2004, Lake Buena Vista, Fl.: Retiree Chapter President Jack Gose gives opening welcome and closing speeches for the first National APWU Health Plan Seminar ever held in State of Florida, and played host to all the visiting officers and members at Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa. President Bill Burrus was the main speaker at the banquet for all the Health Plan Representatives from 50 states.

Nov. 3-6, 2004, Boston, Ma.: Chapter President attends National APWU Retirement Counselor Seminar taught by National APWU Retirees Director John R. Smith at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers.

Dec. 17-18, 2004, West Palm Beach, Fl.: Chapter President attends Florida Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Board meeting and Legislative Conference at Palm Beach Airport Hilton Hotel.

Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2005, Tallahassee, Fl.: Chapter President attends Florida Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Board meeting and Legislative Conference at Ramada Inn Tallahassee.

Apr. 25-30, 2005, St. Petersburg, Fl.: Chapter President attends National APWU Secretary-Treasurer 3-day Seminar taught by Judy Beard, conducts Chapter Executive Board meeting and FREE Retiree luncheon for 11 members and invited guests, and displays many tables of APWU Retirees history at APWU of Florida 3-day Spring Educational Seminar at Hilton Hotel.

June 12-14, 2005, Daytona Beach Shores, Fl.: Three Retiree Chapter Delegates attend Florida Alliance for Retired Americans 4th annual Convention at Holiday Inn. Jack Gose is elected by FLARA delegates as 2nd Vice President of the 200,000 dues paying member non-profit organization. Dave Bernstein is elected to the Executive Board. National ARA President George Kourpias installs the newly elected officers.

Sept. 7-9, 2005, Washington, D.C.: Chapter President is a delegate to National Alliance for Retired Americans Legislative Conference at Washington Hilton Hotel & Towers. We rally in the downtown Park, and ride buses to our legislative appointments with our Congressional Representatives and Senators.

Sept. 16-17, 2005, Tampa, Fl.: Two Retiree Chapter Officers attend Florida Alliance for Retired Americans quarterly Executive Board meeting & Legislative Conference with a full house of 75 Retirees and guests present at Doubletree Hotel.

Oct. 10-12, 2005, Lake Buena Vista, Fl.: Two Retiree Chapter Officers attend Florida AFL-CIO Convention at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. President Jack Gose sets up APWU displays in vendor area, and greets AFL-CIO President John Sweeney upon entering hall.

Nov. 1-5, 2005, Jacksonville, Fl.: Three Retiree Chapter Officers attend the Retiree luncheon, National APWU Retirement class for 30 students, and the APWU of Florida 3-day Fall Educational Seminar at Radisson Riverwalk Hotel. The 2-day Retirement classes were taught by Douglas Cowan Holbrook, National APWU Retirees Dept. Director.

Nov. 27-28, 2005, Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.: Two Retiree Chapter Officers attend Florida Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Board meeting and Legislative Conference at Doubletree Hotel.

Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2006, Tallahassee, Fl.: Three Retiree Chapter Officers attend Florida Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Board meeting and Legislative Conference at Ramada Inn Tallahassee.

Mar. 29-Apr. 1, 2006, Gainesville, Fl.: Three Retiree Chapter Officers attend Retiree Luncheon, National APWU 2-day Retirement class for 30 students, and APWU of Florida 3-day Spring Educational Seminar at Best Western Gateway Grand Hotel. The retirement class was taught by Douglas Cowan Holbrook, National Director of Retirees Dept., Washington, D.C.

May 10, 2006, 3rd Biennial State Retiree Convention, Daytona Beach, Fl.: Douglas Cowan Holbrook, Natl. APWU Retiree Director, was our invited guest speaker at the Retirees luncheon at Plaza Resort & Spa and Convention at Plaza Ocean Club Hotel with twenty (20) APWU members and families in attendance. State Retiree Chapter Constitution was amended to include a Health Plan Director and Benefits and Organizing Director on the Executive Board. The Delegates approved paying full per capita membership to FLARA on 3,000 dues paying members of APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, @ 25 cents per member, per year, as of May, 2006. Chapter Constitutional changes and Resolutions were debated and approved.

May 11-13, 2006, Daytona Beach, Fl.: Seven Retiree Chapter Officers and members attended the APWU of Florida 3-day State Convention at the Plaza Ocean Club Hotel.

May 19-21, 2006, Tampa, Fl.: Two Retiree Chapter Officers attend the Florida AFL-CIO COPE Endorsing Conference at Wyndham Westshore Hotel, and FLARA Vice President Jack Gose served as spokesperson and cast a vote for FLARA’s 200,000 members for approval of Florida AFL-CIO New Alliance in Florida.

June 4-6, 2006, Altamonte Springs, Fl.: Three Retiree Chapter Officer Delegates attend Florida Alliance for Retired Americans 5th annual Convention at Hilton Hotel. A FLARA demonstration and rally is held in downtown Orlando against the actions of a local U. S. Congressman.

Aug. 11-19, 2006, Philadelphia, Pa.: Three Retiree Chapter Officer Delegates attend National APWU Retiree and Clerk Craft Conferences, National ABA Convention, Picketing, COPA night, Parade of States, National APWU Retirement Planning and Legislative workshops, and all three served as elected APWU of Florida State Delegates at 5-day National APWU Convention being held at Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia, Pa.

Sept. 5-8, 2006, Washington, D.C.: Two Retiree Chapter Officer Delegates attend the National Alliance for Retired Americans Constitutional Convention & Legislative Conference at Washington Hilton Hotel & Towers. We rode buses to a much publicized rally in downtown Capitol Park, and walked up the hill to our legislative appointments with our Congressional Representatives and Senators.

Sept. 10-11, 2006, St. Petersburg Beach, Fl.: Four Retiree Chapter Officers attend Florida Alliance for Retired Americans quarterly Executive Board meeting & Legislative Conference with a full house of 60 Retirees and invited guests present at Dolphin Beach Resort. Several Local, State, and National candidates for State and Federal elected offices spoke from the dais, and everyone enjoyed the luncheon.

Oct. 25-28, 2006, Ft. Myers, Fl.: Three Retiree Chapter Officers attend Retiree Luncheon, National APWU 1-day Retirement class for 30 students, and APWU of Florida Fall 3-day Educational Seminar at Holiday Inn Select. The retirement class was taught by Douglas Cowan Holbrook, National Director of Retirees Dept., Washington, D.C.

Nov. 15, 2006, South Pasadena, Fl.: Retiree Chapter President Jack Gose launches a new APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO, website named “Retiree Paradise” on the internet at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com to share Retiree information online with APWU active and retiree union members and their families.

Dec. 4, 2006, Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.: Two Retiree Chapter Officers attend the quarterly Florida Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Board and Legislative Conference meeting at the Doubletree Hotel, 4431 PGA Blvd 33410. A packed house of sixty (60) members and guests listened to presentations by several newly elected state and federal office holders including a Congressman elect from Florida. Health insurance was a dominant issue during the day, and a National ARA officer from Washington, D.C. spoke on mobilization of Retirees.

Mar. 20-22, 2007, Tallahassee, FL.: Two APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter elected officers Pres. Jack Gose representing the Staate Chapter and Sec.-Treas. Mario Miceli representing the Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter, Suncoast Area Local #1228, APWU attended the annual Florida Alliance for Retired Americans Legislative Conference and Executive Board meeting held in Holiday Inn and Suites, 2725 Graves Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303. A FLARA Press Conference was held in the Capitol Bldg. Rotunda on the 4th floor in downtown Tally with noted elected officials speaking to the media and 30 FLARA members present. The 2-day conference at the hotel included many elected cabinet and state legislators such as Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottcamp, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Rep. Susan Bucher, poster child of FLARA, and Senator Bill Nelson's staff member Lynn Bannister. Rich Fiesta represented the National Alliance for Retired Americans from Wash., D.C. and Maria Cordone from IAM&AW. Health and property insurance, real estate taxes, and housing in the State of Florida were some of the issues debated and reported on by various speakers to 60 FLARA members in attendance.

May 9-12, 2007, West Palm Beach, FL.: Three APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Officers attended the Chapter Exec. Board Meeting & Retirees Luncheon in the Veranda Restaurant inside the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel, 150 Australian Ave., W. Palm Beach, FL 33406 on May 9, 2007. Jack Gose represented the State Chapter, Mario Miceli the Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter, Suncoast Area Local #1228, and Dave Bernstein the Tampa Area Local Retiree Chapter #259. They were joined by another APWU Retiree who is interested in organizing an APWU Local Retiree Chapter in West Palm Beach, and the four (4) Retirees attended Spring Seminar Educational separate classes May 10-12 taught by Judy Beard, Natl. APWU Asst. Sec.-Treas. on Sec.-Treasurer, Dept. of Labor, I.R.S., and Constitution and By-Laws, Mike Ganino's presentation on APW-Accident Benefit Assn., and the Florida Local President's Conference on May 9. Natl. APWU President Bill Burrus, Sec.-Treas. Terry Stapleton, and Regional Coordinator Bill Sullivan, Craft Division Directors, and NBAs were present to help educate 145 active and retiree members on current important legislative and political issues. USPS Retirement info was distributed to all the attendees, and new ideas were the Order of the Day!

June 3-5, 2007, Orlando, Fl.: Three elected APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter officers were Delegates at the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) Convention, held at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center, 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32809. Jerome J. Hipscher, an APWU Delegate from Orlando, and the recipient of the 2007 President's Call to Service Award for volunteer service to the community also attended the 2-day conclave. Karen L. Thurman, Florida Democratic Party Chair addressed the assembly, several Florida State Legislators gave reports, and Exec. Director Ed Coyle, National Alliance for Retired Americans, installed the newly elected FLARA Executive Board officers and members, including APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter President Jack Gose, Sec.-Treas. Mario Miceli, and Legislative Director Dave Bernstein. Mario was an elected Delegate from Suncoast Area Local #1228 Retiree Chapter and Dave from Tampa Area Local #0259 Retiree Chapter.

Sept. 4-7, 2007, Washington, D.C.: President Jack Gose and Legislative Director Dave Bernstein attend the National Alliance for Retired Americans Legislative Conference at the Washington Hilton and Towers. Over 600 Alliance Delegates rode buses to the downtown Capitol Park, and we walked up the Hill to our legislative appointments at the offices of Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-11), Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) to press our APWU active and Retiree agenda items, such as Social Security, Medicare, Health Insurance, Housing, and Protection of our Federal Entitlement benefits.

Sept. 6-8, 2007, Gulf Breeze, FL.: Pres. Jack Gose and Sec.-Treas. Mario Miceli attend Retirees Chapter FREE breakfast and Executive Board meeting at Quality Inn, Gulf Breeze, FL with John R. Smith, former National APWU Retirees Director, and assist John R. in teaching Retirement Planning class of 20 present at the APWU of Florida Fall Seminar on Sat., Sept. 8, 2007. Mario and Valentine Serpico representing the Broward County Area Local Retiree Chapter, APWU #1201 attended the seminar education classes on Sept. 6-7 in Gulf Breeze while Jack and Dave were in Washington, D.C. lobbying for the State Retiree Chapter.

Sept. 9-10, 2007, Tampa, FL.: Board of Directors member Pres. Jack Gose, 2nd Vice President of Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, and Dave Bernstein, Board member, representing Tampa Area Local Retiree Chapter #259 carried out their assignments at the quarterly FLARA Executive Board and Legislative Conference held at Grand Suites Hotel where over 65 officers and guests were present to hear from several local, county, and state legislators covering important issues to Floridians such as taxes, insurance, housing, and voting.

Sept. 30-October 3, 2007, St. Petersburg Beach, FL: The Florida AFL-CIO Biennial Convention was held at the Tradewinds Island Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg Beach, FL. with the West Central Florida Federation of Labor Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO hosting the successful labor event. Pres. Jack Gose represented the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter at the 4-day event, and was honored by being invited to give the Invocation at the General Session on Mon., Oct. 1 to open the Convention. He also displayed APWU, FLARA, and AFL-CIO FREE handout union materials and pictures on 3 separate tables in the Vendor area, and volunteered as the Banker for the Union Label Committee members when they checked for 3 Union Labels on everyone entering the Assembly. Five (5) other APWU delegates attended including Legislative Director Retiree Dave Bernstein, with Pres. Martha Shunn-King winning the election as Florida AFL-CIO Vice President for APWU which now has APWU Locals paying union dues on over 5,000 members to the State AFL-CIO body.

Nov. 5-8, 2007, Las Vegas, NV: Jack Gose and Mario Miceli were delegates to the National APWU All Crafts and Retirees Conferences held at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel and Convention Center representing the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter. The National APWU Retirees Conference was chaired Nov. 5-6 by Retirees Dept. Director Douglas Cowan Holbrook in Pavilion 6 attended by 60 Delegates, including two from Canada's trade union. Florida was well represented with Retirees Dave Bernstein from APWU of Florida State Executive Board and Valentine Serpico, President, Broward County Area Local Retiree Chapter #1201. On Nov. 7-8, over 2500 APWU members attended Craft and Legislative classes on many subjects, and the installation of 85 newly elected Natl. APWU officers including Judy Beard, Retiree Director, occured at a dinner banquet on Nov. 8.

Dec. 3, 2007, Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.: Four (4) APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Officers attended the quarterly Florida Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Board and Legislative Conference meeting and luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel, 4431 PGA Blvd 33410. Jack Gose, President, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter and 2nd VP of FLARA, Mario Miceli, State Chapter Sec.-Treas. represented the Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter, Suncoast Area Local APWU #1228, Valentine Serpico, State Chapter Vice President represented Broward County Area Local Retiree Chapter #1201, and Dave Bernstein, State Chapter Legislative Director represented Tampa Area Local Retiree Chapter, APWU #259. Jack, Mario, and Dave are also elected members of the FLARA Executive Board. A packed house of seventy (70) members and guests listened to presentations by several elected state and federal office holders including Congressman Tim Mahoney (D-FL-16) from Florida's West Palm Beach area. Health insurance was a dominant issue during the day, and a roadmap was laid out for the upcoming FLARA Legislative Conference to be held in Tallahassee in March, 2008.

Wed., March 5, 2008, Kissimmee, FL.: Four (4) APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Officers attended the Chapter Executive Board meeting and Retiree Luncheon in the Mandolin Restaurant, Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration Hotel, 2900 Parkway Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34747, including Pres. Jack Gose from South Pasadena, VP Val Serpico from Fort Lauderdale, Sec.-Treas. Mario Miceli from Clearwater, and Legislative Dir. Dave Bernstein from Tampa. Several motions and resolutions were discussed, amended, and approved by the Exec. Board for upcoming state and national events. Jack, Val, and Dave attended classes at the APWU of Florida State Spring Seminar in the same hotel from March 6-8, 2008. The APWU host Central Florida Area Local was most gracious to the Chapter Retirees, and FREE Happy folders chock full of Retiree info were handed out to all the 23 APWU Local Presidents in attendance. Displays of FREE Historical pictures and freebies were distributed from several 8 foot tables in the Conference Center foyer to the delight of the active and retiree Postal Workers.

March 18-20, 2008, Tallahassee, FL.: President Jack Gose represented the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter at the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) Executive Board meeting and Legislative Conference, held at Holiday Inn and Suites, 2725 Graves Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303. The 2-day Conference was well attended by 60 Board members and invited guests from the State of Florida and other parts of the nation. Karen Thurman, Chair, Florida Democratic Party, spoke on the issue of whether Florida's early primary voting on Jan. 29, 2008 will permit Democratic Delegates to be seated in Denver at the National Democratic Convention. Several speakers covered other topics on health insurance, housing, medicaid, taxes, and nursing homes. A press conference was held in the State Capitol Plaza level discussing housing proposals for seniors in Florida, and we attended a House conference meeting on a bill introduced by Rep. Gelber (D) to reduce giveaways in the State corporate income tax structure which was voted down by the 2/3 Republican majority on the Committee. Sarah Byrne, Esq., National Alliance for Retired Americans Legislative Representative, flew in from Washington, D.C. to join our activities and left very impressed with the progress we are making in Florida.

May 7-10, 2008, Melbourne, FL: Twenty-one (21) Retiree Chapter officers and members, active officers and members, and family guests attended our 4th Biennial APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Exec. Board and Luncheon meetings, and Retiree Convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Spa on Wed., May 7, 2008. Eight (8) elected officers or their stand ins took a new 2-year term oath of office administered by Judy Beard, National APWU Retirees Director who was the main invited guest speaker. Seven (7) incumbent officers were reelected and Michael Jordan was elected as the new Organization and Benefits Director for the Retiree Chapter. Chapter member Jack and Lorraine Cimino from Sebring enjoyed the Convention and Banquet. Jack Gose, Mario Miceli, Dave Bernstein, and Charlie Redd served as full dues paying Delegate/members to the regular State Convention from May 8-10, and Jack was Master Sgt.-at-Arms for the umpteenth time. Richard Keys and Warren Pearlman also attended the Retiree meetings, and Warren and his spouse, Beverly Redd, Betty Baker, and Eunice Butts attended the Banquet on Friday evening. Jack Gose was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award and pin by the National Auxiliary of APWU.

June 1-3, 2008, Orlando, FL: Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) Annual State Convention at the Florida Mall Hotel was attended by two (2) Retiree Officer Delegates, Jack Gose representing the State Chapter and Dave Bernstein from Tampa Area Local Retiree Chapter. Over 65 Retiree Delegates and invited guests enjoyed two (2) days of Legislative meetings with many speakers from the public, private, and political arenas telling it like it is concerning Retiree and senior issues.

June 4-5, 2008, Lake Buena Vista, FL: Pres. Jack Gose and Legislative Director Dave Bernstein traveled to the National Alliance for Retired Americans Quadrennial Southern Regional Conference of Delegates from twelve (12) southern states from Texas to Virginia including Florida which was held at Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa on DisneyWorld property. General sessions, breakout rooms, and congenial meals together were highlighted to grow and educate our Alliance membership, increase retiree voter registration, and voter participation for the general elections in November, 2008.

June 20-22, 2008, Cocoa Beach, FL: The Cocoa Beach Hilton Hotel was the meeting site for the Florida Biennial AFL-CIO COPE Conference, the Legislative arm of the state body, which drew several hundred union officers and members from all the unions in Florida to attend 3 days of meetings and workshops for educational purposes. President Jack Gose represented the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter and Legislative Director Dave Bernstein represented the active APWU of Florida membership. Many legislators and candidates for political office were present at the Candidates dinner reception on Saturday nite where we got to meet and discuss our Senior and Retirees issues with them.

Aug. 15-17, 2008, Las Vegas, NV: Three (3) Retiree Chapter Officers travel to Las Vegas to represent the APWU of Florida, including Dave Bernstein as Legislative Director of the active Body and member of Natl APWU Credentials Committee. Valentine Serpico representing the Broward County Area Local Retiree Chapter and Jack Gose representing the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, attend the 2-day Natl APWU Retiree Conference in Bally's Hotel as Delegates, and Jack also attends the Clerk Craft Conference as well.

Aug. 18-23, 2008, Las Vegas, NV: Jack Gose and Dave Bernstein as elected Delegates attend the 5-day biennial National APWU Convention in Paris Hotel, with Dave winding up his duties on the Credentials Committee and Jack serving as National APWU Sgt-at-Arms for the umpteenth time. Only one (1) Constitutional Resolution out of eleven (11) submitted was approved by the Delegates, which will increase our Natl APWU Retiree Dept. monthly dues from $2.00 to $3.00.

Jack Gose as a member of the APWU Postal Press got on the first of five buses going to the 2-hour sidewalk demonstration site in North Las Vegas with 300 other Delegates where Bill Burrus took our concerns inside the "Goin" Postal" retail store next to a bank in a suburban shopping center.

Dave and I attended the Retirement Classes for CSRS and FERS in Bally's Hotel on Sat., Aug. 23, 2008. Over sixty (60) APWU Delegates and family members got up to date information about the VER early out retirement to bring back to our active and retiree members and families in Florida.

September 10-11, 2008, Lakeland, FL: President Jack Gose, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, and Dave Bernstein, President, Tampa Area Local Retiree Chapter attend the FLARA quarterly Executive Board meeting at the Holiday Inn in Lakeland, FL on the 7th anniversary of the terrible 9/11/2001 loss of over 3,000 lives in New York City, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. due to the sneak attacks by Islamic terrorists on the World Trade Center and other targets. Over sixty (60) members and guests heard several state political figures speak and watched several videos addressing election issues in the 2008 general election coming up on Nov. 4, 2008.

Jack is retiring from his elected position as 2nd Vice President of FLARA due to declining health, and wishes all his brothers and sisters in the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans best wishes and good luck in the coming years. We Love all of You!

September 24-27, 2008, West Palm Beach, FL: President Jack Gose gave out thirty (30) Retiree Happy folders to all the Area Local/Local Presidents at their semi-annual Florida President's Conference, and received a plaque "for his personal commitment to the APWU and its members. We wish you well in retirement." Jack is retiring effective October 1, 2008 due to declining health and gave away hundreds of APWU collectibles on six tables in the Hilton Hotel hallway to the lucky APWU of Florida Educational Fall Seminar attendees during break in classes on Thur., Sept. 25-Saturday, Sept. 27.

Jack chaired his last APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board meeting in the Veranda Restaurant inside the hotel, with all motions brought forth from the floor unanimously concurred. Present were Val Serpico from Fort Lauderdale who automatically assumes the duties of the Chapter President, Mario Miceli from Clearwater is the new Vice President with Dave Bernstein from Tampa as Legislative and Political Director to complete the 2008-2010 term of office. Sam Smith from West Palm Beach is interested in organizing a Retiree Chapter in Palm Beach Area Local zip codes. We had nine (9) Retirees in attendance at our Retiree Luncheon, including Norman Mesnikoff and Doris Zubler from Aventura, FL and Juanita Mears from Lake Worth and Harry Lambert from Green Acres City, FL.

Bill Burrus, our National APWU President, spoke on Thur. morn before a packed assembly and recognized Jack's service on many National Convention Committees and asked Jack to come back home again sometime. Life is like a bowl of cherries, Thanks for the Memories! We Love All of You, APWU!

WHICH NATIONAL APWU CONVENTION YEAR DO YOU REALLY REMEMBER? JACK GOSE AND THE APWU RETIREE DELEGATES REMEMBER ALL OF THEM!

Christine Jennings, 61 year old Democratic Candidate from Sarasota running for Congress in Florida's 13th District, pictured with Jack Gose, President of the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, is getting off to an early start in the race by attending the Saturday nite Legislative Candidate Reception at the Florida AFL-CIO 3-day Biennial COPE Conference being held at the Hilton Hotel, Cocoa Beach, FL on June 21, 2008.

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WHY IS HISTORY IMPORTANT TO APWU MEMBERS? ASK ANY APWU RETIREE WHO REMEMBERS THE SALARY AND BENEFITS RECEIVED DURING YEARS 1967-1972!

*****

FOUR (4) OR MORE RETIREE DELEGATES FROM FLORIDA, INCLUDING PRESIDENT JACK GOSE FROM SOUTH PASADENA AND SEC.-TREAS. MARIO MICELI FROM CLEARWATER REPRESENTING THE STATE RETIREE CHAPTER, VICE PRESIDENT VALENTINE SERPICO FROM FORT LAUDERDALE REPRESENTING BROWARD COUNTY AREA LOCAL RETIREE CHAPTER, AND LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR DAVE BERNSTEIN FROM TAMPA REPRESENTING APWU OF FLORIDA EXECUTIVE BOARD WILL ATTEND THE 2-DAY NATIONAL APWU RETIREE CONFERENCE AUG. 16-17, 2008 AND 5-DAY NATIONAL APWU CONVENTION AUG. 18-22 IN LAS VEGAS, NV.

*****

JACK GOSE AND DAVE BERNSTEIN REPRESENTING THE FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER WILL ALSO ATTEND THE LEGISLATIVE AND RETIREMENT PLANNING WORKSHOPS ON SAT. AUG. 23, 2008.

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YR _HQ. HOTEL_ RM RATE_ CITY/STATE_ DELEGATES_ SALARY 5-0 __OPM

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1969..Prior to the enactment of the Postal Reorganization Act.....$8,442.
1970...............................................................................$9,657.
1972 Monteleone ($23) New Orleans LA.......(2323)....$11,073. (1971-73)
1974 Deauville ($22) Miami Beach FL..........(2325).....$13,483. (1973-75)
1975 Muehelbach ($25) Kansas City MO......(2104)......$13,483. (1973-75)
1976 Las Vegas Hilton ($33) Las Vegas NV...(2933).....$16,501. (1975-78)
1978 Denver Hilton ($31) Denver CO............(2689)......$16,501. (1975-78)
1980 Renaissance Plaza ($49) Detroit MI.....(2766)......$21,630. (1978-81)
1982 Fountainbleau ($65) Miami Beach FL..(2646)......$24,173. (1981-84)
1984 Caesar’s Palace ($55) Las Vegas NV......(3241)......$24,173. (1981-84)
1986 San Fran. Hilton ($90) San Francisco CA..(3386).$27,401. (1984-87)
1988 Chicago Hilton ($105) Chicago IL..........(3396).....$31,766. (1987-90)
1990 Las Vegas Hilton ($70) Las Vegas NV....(4026)*....$31,766. (1987-90)
1992 Anaheim Hilton ($105) Anaheim CA..(3361)...$35,604. (1990-94) 10-3-1992
1994 Westin Renaissance ($86) Detroit MI....(3519)......$35,604. (1990-94)....... R
1996 Westin Bonaventure ($99) Los Angeles CA.(3126).$37,831. (1994-98)....... E
1998 Westin Renaissance ($109) Detroit MI...(3076).....$37,831. (1994-98)........T
2000 Anaheim Hilton ($152) Anaheim CA......(3146).....$40,472. (1998-00)........I
2002 Minn. Hilton ($139) Minneapolis MN....(2749).....$43,099. (2000-03)....... R
2004 Westin Bonaventure ($169) L. A., CA....(2875)......$45,997. (2003-05)....... E
2006 Sheraton Philly ($159) Philadelphia PA..(2892)...$47,996. (2005-06)....... D
2008 Bally’s Resort ($99) Las Vegas NV..........( 3220).... $52,747. (2006-10)

THIS ARTICLE IS A SOUVENIR COLLECTIBLE FROM RETIREE PARADISE THANKS TO THE STATE RETIREE CHAPTER EDITOR!
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As a young child born in the Great Depression of 1928, I never dreamed I would have the wonderful life we are enjoying in 2008, eighty years later. As an only child without any brother or sister to grow up with, I felt alone in the world. Joining the U. S. Army during World War II provided me with a good feeling of having brothers and sisters in the military. Reflecting on past events can help us to answer the questions Why & How We Accomplished So Much!

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Jack Gose has been blessed to have attended all the above National APWU Conventions as an elected Delegate from his local or State of Florida since merger in 1972. I have since adopted all the APWU members as my Brothers and Sisters everywhere I travel, sharing the history and giving away thousands of pictures recording events in the past which show the human side of our labor struggle. See you at Bally’s Resort in Las Vegas! I Love You, APWU!

2008 CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS OF APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER, APWU, AFL-CIO!

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER,
AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS UNION, AFL-CIO

ARTICLE I
TITLE

The name of this organization shall be the APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER, AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS UNION, AFL-CIO, hereinafter referred to as the STATE CHAPTER. The address of the State Chapter shall be the office of the APWU of Florida, American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO.

ARTICLE II
OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this State Chapter shall be to be aware of and protect the social and economic welfare of the Retiree member and his/her family, on a state and national level, to conduct the business of the State Chapter to that end, and through legislative and political efforts to maintain a healthy retirement climate and a better standard of living for APWU Retirees and their families, and to service retired members and their surviving spouses. Additional objectives of this State Chapter shall be to support the efforts of APWU of Florida Local Retiree Chapters with education and organizing programs sponsored by the State Chapter to benefit new and long-time retired members, and to carry out, on a state basis, the objectives of the National APWU Retiree Department, AFL-CIO.

ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP

All active Florida Local APWU Retiree Chapters chartered by the National APWU are eligible for membership in this State Chapter. Retiree Chapter Locals joining the State Chapter must be affiliated with the APWU of Florida state organization. Any APWU member who retired or retires in good standing, and who resides outside the jurisdiction of an active Local Retiree Chapter, shall be eligible for membership, subject to the requirements of the National APWU and APWU of Florida State Constitutions and By-Laws.

ARTICLE IV
DUES AND REVENUES

Section 1. The monthly APWU Retiree membership dues shall be set by the National APWU Retiree Department. Retiree membership dues shall be payable in accordance with rules established by the National APWU Retiree Department. The President and the Secretary-Treasurer of the APWU of Florida shall be the Fiduciary Officers of the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter. The IRS and Dept. of Labor Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) shall be the same as the APWU of Florida. The Fiduciary Officers, the State Chapter President, and the State Chapter Secretary-Treasurer shall be bonded under the National APWU bonding procedures.

Section 2. APWU Retirees shall pay $24.00 yearly, or $2.00 monthly by automatic deduction from their OPM annuity check, to the National APWU and the forty percent (40%) Retiree Dues Rebate money received by the APWU of Florida is to be used for the conduct of business of the State Chapter.

ARTICLE V
OFFICERS

Section 1. The elected officers of this State Chapter shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, Legislative Director, Health Plan Director, Benefits and Organizing Director, and up to three (3) Trustees, and shall comprise the Executive Board of the State Chapter.

Section 2. To be eligible for office, a member must be in good standing for three months of the previous calendar quarter immediately preceding the election, as certified by the Secretary-Treasurer.

Section 3. To be eligible to vote in an election of officers, a member must be in good standing for three months of the previous calendar quarter immediately preceding the election, as certified by the Secretary-Treasurer.

Section 4. No person shall be able to hold office unless his or her Local Retiree Chapter is a member in good standing of the State Chapter.

Section 5. Once a retired postal employee accepts re-employment with the Postal Service, he/she is ineligible to be a member in good standing of the National APWU Retiree Department or this State Chapter. Upon retiring again from the USPS, the retiree is again eligible to be a member of the National APWU Retiree Department and this State Chapter.

ARTICLE VI
ELECTIONS

Section 1. All regular elections shall be held in conjunction with the election of Officers of the APWU of Florida, AFL-CIO. All terms will coincide with the terms of office of the APWU of Florida. Officers shall be elected by secret ballot vote. The Chapter President shall appoint an election committee chairperson who will be responsible for the election, preparation of ballots, counting of ballots, and reporting of the election, assisted by members of the election committee.

Section 2. Notice of election shall be advertised in the Florida Postal Worker preceding the election. Nominations and election procedures shall be in accordance with the APWU of Florida Constitution and By-Laws. Appeals to the conduct of elections shall be made to the Election Committee and in accordance with the election appeals procedures of the APWU of Florida and National APWU Constitutions and By-Laws.

Section 3. The Chapter President shall fill all vacancies of Officers and Trustees, from any cause whatsoever, subject to majority approval of the Executive Board members of the State Chapter.

Section 4. Convention and Conference Delegates. {Adopted 5-08-2002}

The State Chapter Executive Board elected Officers, consisting of the President, the Vice President, the Secretary-Treasurer, the Legislative Director, Health Plan Director, Benefits and Organizing Director, and the Trustees, shall be automatic elected delegates to all state, regional, and national Conventions and Conferences of affiliated organizations, including the Retiree Division, the American Postal Workers Union, the Postal Press Association, the Alliance for Retired Americans, and the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO).

The State Chapter President shall be allowed vouched expenses paid. In the event the State Chapter President is unable to attend and be a voting delegate, another State Chapter elected Executive Board member shall be designated by the Chapter President to represent the State Chapter at the Convention or Conference with vouched expenses paid, subject to majority approval vote of the Executive Board members of the State Chapter.

ARTICLE VII
DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. All Officers shall act in accordance with the provisions of this State Chapter Constitution and By-Laws, the APWU of Florida Constitution and By-Laws, and the National APWU Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 2. President.
The President shall preside at all meetings of the State Chapter and shall be chairperson of the Executive Board. He/she shall appoint all committees and be a member of all committees. The President shall have the authority to appoint an editor if a retiree newsletter is published. A State Chapter newsletter shall belong to the National APWU Postal Press Association. He/she shall validate all expenditures and be responsible for all mailings of the organization. He/she shall attend all necessary meetings, seminars, and conventions of the State Chapter, the APWU of Florida, and the National APWU, funds permitting.

The President shall be paid at Level 5-O step per hour for required attendance representing the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter at all National, Regional, State, and Area Local/Local Seminars, Conferences, Conventions, and Executive Board meetings of the National APWU, APWU of Florida, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, National Alliance for Retired Americans, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, National AFL-CIO, Florida AFL-CIO, and Florida Central Labor Councils. {Adopted 5-10-2006}

The Chapter President shall be responsible to pay his/her own individual National APWU Retiree dues to the National APWU Retirees Department to continue as a member in good standing. He/she shall have full APWU area local/local, state, and national union dues paid by the State Chapter in order to enable him/her to perform the duties of the office of Chapter President. {Adopted 5-7-2008}

Section 3. Vice-President.
The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in case of his/her absence for whatever reason. In the event of the Retirement, Death, or Resignation of the President before the completion of his/her term of office, the Vice President shall assume the duties of the office of President until the next regular Chapter Convention election of officers. {Adopted 5-7-2008}
The Vice-President shall perform other duties as assigned by the President, and serve as liaison to other retiree organizations.

Section 4. Secretary-Treasurer.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible for all monies received by this State Chapter. He/she shall render an account of the finances not less than annually, and shall assist the audit committee. He/she shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings of this State Chapter, and shall keep accurate records of all monies received and disbursements. He/she shall be the custodian of the Chair and all records. The Secretary-Treasurer shall perform other duties as assigned by the President.

Section 5. Legislative Director. {Adopted 5-12-2004}
The Legislative Director shall be under the direction of the Chapter President and work with the National APWU President, Legislative Director, and Retiree Director; APWU of Florida President and Legislative Director: APWU Area Local/Local Presidents and Legislative Directors; Florida APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter Presidents and Legislative Directors; American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations President and Legislative Director; Florida AFL-CIO President and Legislative Director; Florida Central Labor Council Presidents and Legislative Directors; National Alliance for Retired Americans President and Legislative Director; and Florida Alliance for Retired Americans President and Legislative Director.

The Chapter Legislative Director will help coordinate APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter legislative activities and National and State APWU COPA drives with the National APWU President, Legislative Director, and Retiree Director; the APWU of Florida President and Legislative Director; the APWU Area Local/Local Presidents and Legislative Directors; and the Florida APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter Presidents and Legislative Directors. The Chapter Legislative Director shall report on National APWU, APWU of Florida, and APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter legislative and APWU COPA activities of interest to APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter members and their families in APWU newsletters, through the media, and at Chapter Retiree conventions, seminars, and meetings.

Section 6. Health Plan Director. {Adopted 5-10-2006}

The Health Plan Director shall be under the direction of the Chapter President and shall work with and help coordinate APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter health plan activities with the National APWU President, Health Plan Director, and Retiree Director; APWU of Florida President and Health Plan Director; APWU Area Local/Local Presidents and Health Plan Directors; Florida APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter Presidents and Health Plan Directors; American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations President and Health Plan Director; Florida AFL-CIO President and Health Plan Director; Florida Central Labor Council Presidents and Health Plan Directors; National Alliance for Retired Americans President and Health Plan Director; and Florida Alliance for Retired Americans President and Health Plan Director.

The Chapter Health Plan Director shall report on National APWU, APWU of Florida, and APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter health plan activities of interest to APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter members and their families in APWU newsletters, through the media, and at Chapter Retiree conventions, seminars, and meetings.

The Chapter Health Plan Director shall be responsible to the membership for answering questions and providing references for materials concerning the APWU Health Plan, Tricare Health Plan for Military Retirees, and general knowledge of other Federal Employee Health Plan benefits and costs for comparison.

Section 7. Benefits and Organizing Director. {Adopted 5-10-2006}

The Benefits and Organizing Director shall be under the direction of the Chapter President and shall work with and help coordinate APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter benefits and organizing activities with the National APWU President and Retiree Director; APWU of Florida President and Benefits and Organizing Director; APWU Area Local/Local Presidents and Benefits and Organizing Directors; Florida APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter Presidents and Benefits and Organizing Directors; American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations President and Benefits and Organizing Director; Florida AFL-CIO President and Benefits and Organizing Director; Florida Central Labor Council Presidents and Benefits and Organizing Directors; National Alliance for Retired Americans President and Benefits and Organizing Director; and Florida Alliance for Retired Americans President and Benefits and Organizing Director.

The Chapter Benefits and Organizing Director shall report on National APWU, APWU of Florida, and APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter benefit and organizing activities of interest to APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter members and their families in APWU newsletters, through the media, and at Chapter Retiree conventions, seminars, and meetings.

The Chapter Benefits and Organizing Director shall be responsible to the membership for answering questions and providing references for materials concerning all National APWU, APWU of Florida, and National AFL-CIO benefit and organizing programs for members and their families. The Benefits and Organizing Director shall communicate and coordinate with OPM, Social Security, Medicare, and other federal, state, county, and local agencies in the protection of current and future Retiree benefits and organization, and to achieve other benefits and organization for APWU active and Retiree members, spouses, and families.

Section 8. Trustees.
Trustees shall be responsible for an annual audit of the State Chapter’s finances and books, in conjunction with the Audit Committee of the APWU of Florida. Trustees shall perform other duties as assigned by the President.

Section 9. Executive Board.
The elected officers of this State Chapter shall comprise the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VIII
FINANCES AND EXPENSES

Finances permitting, the authorized expenditures of this State Chapter will be: transportation, mileage, food, meals, lodging, hotels, registration fees, office supplies, postage, telephone, taxes, tips, and other necessary expenses approved by the State Chapter President.

ARTICLE IX
CONVENTIONS

Section 1. The State Convention of the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter will be held in conjunction with the regular State Convention of the APWU of Florida, AFL-CIO. Biennual meetings may be held in conjunction with the biennual meetings of the APWU of Florida or when deemed necessary by the State Chapter President.

Section 2. The State Chapter will conduct retirement classes at the APWU of Florida Education Seminars, and the State Chapter President will attend APWU of Florida district meetings when deemed necessary by the APWU of Florida President and the State Chapter President.

Section 3. The APWU of Florida shall determine registration fees for Conventions and Seminars. Preparations for the Convention and Education Seminars will be under the direction of the State Chapter President.
ARTICLE X
REPRESENTATION

The voting strength of member Local Retiree Chapters at Convention shall be one vote for each twenty-five (25) members, or fraction thereof. Representation shall be based upon the membership of each member local chapter in the year preceding the Convention. Members-At-Large shall be entitled to one (1) vote each.

ARTICLE XI
AUTHORIZATION

Except to the extent specified in this Constitution and By-Laws, no Officer of the State Chapter shall have the authority to act as agent for or otherwise bind the State Chapter in any way whatsoever. No member or group of members or other person shall have the authority to act on behalf of or otherwise bind the State Chapter, except to the extent specifically authorized by the Chapter President, with the approval of the APWU of Florida President.

ARTICLE XII
CONSTITUTIONS

This State Chapter shall at all times be subject to the provisions of the National APWU Constitution and By-Laws, AFL-CIO, and the APWU of Florida Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE XIII

AMENDMENTS

This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members attending and voting at the State Chapter Convention. Proposed amendments shall be submitted in resolution form for membership consideration and voted upon, subject to modification, and provided such amendments are not inconsistent with the Constitutions and By-Laws of the APWU of Florida and the National APWU, AFL-CIO or with other rules and regulations established by the National APWU Retiree Department.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I
RULES OF ORDER

Roberts’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised Edition, shall be the guide in all cases to which they are applicable and shall govern all meetings of the State Chapter, and in which they are not inconsistent with this Constitution and By-Laws or with the APWU of Florida and National APWU, AFL-CIO, Constitution and By-Laws. The State Chapter President shall appoint a Parliamentarian.

ARTICLE II
QUORUM

A majority of the members of the Executive Board shall be required for a quorum. At least three (3) members in good standing shall be required for a quorum to conduct official State Chapter business, or a State Chapter Convention, which “cannot be lost.”

ARTICLE III
MISSION

The State Chapter shall work in conjunction with the APWU of Florida Auxiliary, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, Inc., the Florida AFL-CIO, and the APWU of Florida President and the Legislative Director on all Legislative and Political matters.

THIS CONSTITUTION WAS FIRST ADOPTED ON MARCH 15, 2002 AT JACKSONVILLE, FL. SUBSEQUENT CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION WERE ADOPTED BY THE APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER DELEGATES ON MAY 8, 2002 AT ORLANDO, FLORIDA, AND ON MAY 12, 2004 AND MAY 10, 2006 AT DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA AND MAY 7, 2008 AT MELBOURNE, FL.

HIGHLIGHTS OF APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER & ACTIVE CONVENTION AT CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL IN MELBOURNE, FL MAY 7-10, 2008

Judy Beard, National APWU Retirees Director, Invited main guest speaker for the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board meeting, Luncheon, and Convention held at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Melbourne, FL on Wed., May 7, 2008 announces her future plans for the Retirees Dept. and new member services to rapt listeners, Retiree Chapter Officers and active members in the Retirees dining room at the fabulous hotel fronting the Atlantic Ocean.

4TH BIENNIAL STATE RETIREE CHAPTER
MELBOURNE CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS!
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Twenty-one (21) Retiree Chapter officers and members, active officers and members, Auxiliary officers and members, and family guests attended our 4th Biennial APWU of Florida State Retiree Executive Board Meeting, Luncheon and/or State Retiree Convention held at the Crowne Plaza Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Melbourne, Fl. on Wed., May 7, 2008.

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We prepared over 100 Retiree Happy Folders for the Retirees Convention and regular APWU of Florida Convention Delegates, Officers, and Families which were distributed during the twin conclaves. The folders were chock full of APWU history from our founding and fantastic, innovative ideas for the future. Thousands of FREE APWU pictures were displayed and given away to lucky Delegates and their families. Be sure to go online to www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com to see our latest article and picture.

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Seven (7) of the State Retiree Chapter Executive Board Chapter members were unopposed in the State Chapter elections and were unanimously elected to serve a two year (2) term of office 2008-2010. Michael Jordan, Sr. from Rockledge, FL. was unanimously elected as the new Benefits and Organizing Director on the Board provided he accepts the position. Warren Pearlman from Eustis, FL helped out on several committees. We wish to thank APWU of Florida President Martha Shunn-King and Auxiliary President Tina Pruitt who welcomed the Retiree Convention Delegates with opening remarks.

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Newly elected Board members, Jack Gose, President from South Pasadena, Valentine Serpico, Vice-President from Ft. Lauderdale, Mario G. Miceli, Secretary-Treasurer from Clearwater, Dave Bernstein, Legislative Director from Tampa, J.C. Wise, Health Plan Director from Tampa, Charlie Redd, Trustee from Cocoa, and Pedro Torres, Trustee from Miami, or their stand ins were administered the APWU Oath of Office by Judy Beard, National APWU Retirees Department Director from Washington, D.C. Judy is also the Natl. Sec.-Treas. of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW).

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Judy Beard was our main invited guest speaker at the luncheon and the Retiree Convention, and she answered many questions from those in attendance concerning a wide range of retiree issues for the active, retiree, and family members. She has several great ideas to increase our Retiree membership and provide more benefit programs for current and future APWU Retirees.

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Many cash door prizes, hundreds of APWU Parade of States pin and button collectible prizes, hundreds of APWU newsletters from all 50 states, and APWU of Florida brief cases and convention bags from Jack Gose’s office dating back to the first National APWU 1972 Convention in New Orleans, La. were given away on tables in the hotel foyer to all the Delegates and families attending the regular APWU of Florida State Convention from Thur., May 8 thru Sat., May 10, 2008.

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Retiree resolutions and Constitution and By-Laws changes were discussed, debated, and adopted unanimously. One was also adopted by the APWU of Florida regular Convention Delegates to change Article 5-National Convention by adding section 12, meaning the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter President shall be a delegate to the APWU state and national conventions, thus ensuring the Chapter President automatic delegate credentials and he/she shall be allowed vouched expenses from the State Retiree Chapter funds per a Retiree Chapter Constitutional change approved unanimously on May 7 by Retiree Chapter Convention Delegates.

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Jack Gose was appointed as Master Sergeant-at-arms at the Convention for the umpteenth time and he wishes to thank all the Delegate members of the Committee for their duties and cool demeanor on the five (5) doorways during the Election cycle. A special word of thanks to all the Committee chairs and members especially, and Roseanne Hudson who posted the election results on the office door on Friday afternoon in record time. At the banquet I was humbled as one of three Retirees to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award plaque and lapel pin presented by National APWU Auxiliary Coord. Clara Hill.

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We introduced a COPA Challenge by contributing $36.00 in separate water glasses at the podium on Saturday, the final day of the regular Convention which brought our total COPA collections to over $1,000. during 4 days of Conventions. Jack Gose won the COPA drawing of $500.00 plus, and in the spirit of unionism he walked to a floor mike to donate the entire cash prize winnings back to the APWU of Florida to establish an organizing fund as an incentive to allow each new APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter and APWU Area Local/Local Auxiliary Chapter chartered by the National APWU in the future startup money of $100.00 to open a checking account before the first Retiree rebate or Auxiliary check is received in order to have funds to do Chapter business.

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One of the State Retiree Chapter’s paramount goals is to educate 15,000 APWU of Florida members and their families on electoral reform, and encourage the participation and exercise of our voting rights as Americans in all local, city, county, state, regional, and national elections of officials, stressing the importance of VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT to MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT in the 2008 general election results. E-mail Jack Gose at jak.gose@excite.com to volunteer for action!

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Thanks to the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board Officers, Delegates, and Family guests for the most wonderful expressions of unity and solidarity we have ever seen at any APWU Retiree and active Convention. It was nice dining and talking with former State Presidents Mario Miceli and Charlie and Beverly Redd, former Stu Filbey Baltimore, MD Local President Jack Cimino and his spouse Lorraine who live in Sebring, FL, Michael Jordan and Richard Keys from Rockledge, Warren Pearlman and spouse from Eustis, and former Auxiliary President Betty Baker and Sec.-Treas. Eunice Butts from Tampa.

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Congratulations to all the newly elected Officers and National Delegates of the APWU of Florida, and State Retiree Chapter. We wish to thank the 2008 Convention Delegates in Melbourne for electing this Young Warrior of 41 years dedication and commitment to the APWU of Florida rank and file and Retiree Chapter membership as State Delegate to the 19th Biennial APWU Convention! We love you and Hope to see you in Las Vegas, NV August 15-24, 2008! Phone me at Bally’s Resort if you need Help!
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FLORIDA AFL-CIO COPE CONVENTION IN COCOA BEACH, FL. JUN 20-22, 2008
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All APWU of Florida Area Local/Local Unions affiliated with the Florida AFL-CIO are urged to send a full elected Delegation to attend and participate in the Biennial Florida AFL-CIO COPE Endorsing Convention to be held June 20-22, 2008 at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, 1550 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. For room reservations, phone 1-800-526-2609 or 321-799-0003 direct to hotel, sgl/dbl room rate of $109.00 night plus 11 % tax, and mention FL AFL-CIO to get group discount. Check in 4 pm and checkout 11 am with parking at no charge.

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Basic registration is $75.00 which includes all coffee breaks, materials for the seminars and convention, individual tickets to the Candidate reception on June 21 is $75.00 each, and the Solidarity breakfast on June 22 is $50.00, which may be purchased separately or as part of a full registration package including one ticket to each of the special events at a discounted rate of $185.00. The hotel is also offering a complimentary Friday evening outing aboard Sterling Casino Lines. The cruise line will provide FREE roundtrip transportation to Cape Canaveral, and offers complimentary drinks while gaming, a complimentary light buffet and live entertainment.

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Resolutions pertaining to legislative issues only will be accepted and considered during the Convention so that we may prepare for the 2009 Legislative Session. Legislative resolutions that were approved at the October, 2007 Biennial Convention at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, FL need not be resubmitted. Convention registration is 8 am-4 pm on Fri., June 20 and the General Session begins at 2 pm. Concurrent workshops begin at 9:30 am on Sat., June 21 and continue in the afternoon. A COPE Action Team (CAT) luncheon for members only will be from noon to 1:30 pm. A candidate reception honoring Florida’s statewide, congressional and legislative candidates is on tap for 6 to 8 pm.

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Jack Gose, President, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, will represent all 3,000 APWU Retiree Chapter members in Florida at this important Florida AFL-CIO conclave, the legislative arm of the AFL-CIO, as we gear up for the 2008 General Elections on Nov. 4, 2008. We hope to bring back a booty of FREE legislative and political materials to display and give away to APWU of Florida Active and Retiree Officers, Stewards, Active and Retiree Chapter Members, Auxiliary, and families attending the semi-annual APWU of Florida State Educational Seminar in November, 2008. If you want real action, go to www.flara.org or www.retiredamericans.org for Labor Action 2008. We Love You, APWU!

FLARA ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION, FLORIDA MALL HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER, ORLANDO, FL., JUNE 1-3, 2008

Jack Gose, 2nd VP, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) sits awaiting with 16 other FLARA activists for an appointment with staff people inside Republican Congressman Ric Keller's downtown Orlando office on Lake Eola to express our concerns about his voting record and ask him to state his position on important senior and retiree issues. Chief of Staff stated we did not have an appointment, and declined to invite us into his Conference room. (Picture taken on Tue., June 3, 2008 with a digital camera.)

It is a pleasure to invite all 3000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter union dues paying Retiree members, Retiree delegates, active APWU dues paying officers and members, and family members to the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) 2008 Annual Convention and Quarterly Board of Directors meeting to be held on Mon. & Tue., June 2-3, 2008 at the FLORIDA HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CTR, 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32809. A special invitation goes out to the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board elected officers, where a block of two (2) double rooms have been reserved for housing the elected State Retiree Executive Board Delegates.
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The Florida Hotel and Conference Center room rate for FLARA members and guests is $94.00 per night for single or double room plus 12.5 % taxes, including resort fee. When making your reservations, please call toll-free 1-800-588-4656 OR 1-407-859-1500 and ask for the FLARA special group rate. The $5.00 day hotel service fee for parking is included in the group rate. We ask that you arrive at the hotel early with check in time of 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2008 for a 2-nite stay. There are a limited number of rooms available at this rate and the cutoff date for room reservations is Friday, May 9, 2008 so please make your reservations ASAP.
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Our meeting will begin Monday, June 2nd from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, with a break for lunch provided by FLARA. We will meet again on Tuesday, June 3rd at 9:00 am with a break from 12 noon to 1:00 pm for lunch provided by FLARA. The registration fee for the Convention is $80.00 per person. Any registered delegate wishing to bring a guest to the prepaid meals should register their guest at $60.00 each. If you are interested, contact Yvonne Garrity, Executive Director, at the FLARA office in Wellington, Fl. by phone at 561-792-8799 to register and receive Convention materials and an updated agenda from our 225,000 FLARA membership group in Florida, now bigger than National APWU.
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Many well known political and union leaders are invited to attend this annual event. Resolutions will be offered to oppose the Privatization of the U.S. Postal Service, Retirement benefits, and the Social Security Program entitlements for all Americans. If you have questions, phone FLARA Vice President Jack Gose at 727-343-2998 or E-mail at jak.gose@excite.com for more info. We are fortunate to have two (2) back to back Retiree union events taking place in the Greater Orlando area the first week in June, including the above FLARA Annual Convention and the Quadrennial Southern Region National Alliance for Retired Americans Legislative Conference being to be held on Walt Disney World property described in the below article.
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QUADRENNIAL SOUTHERN REGION NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE AT BUENA VISTA PALACE HOTEL IN DISNEY WORLD RESORT, FL. JUN. 4-5, 2008

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The Alliance for Retired Americans invites all Southern Region active and retiree members to attend its Quadrennial Southern Regional Conference meeting on June 4-5, 2008 at Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in Walt Disney World Resort, 1900 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL. 32830. The National ARA non-profit org has 3.4 million dues paying members with charters in thirty (30) states. Attendees from all twelve (12) southern states from Texas to Virginia including Florida will hear national speakers; go to education workshops and training sessions to get ready for the 2008 General Elections across the nation.
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Hotel reservations must be made by calling the hotel directly at 866-397-6516. Be sure to ask for the Alliance for Retired Americans discounted room rate of $169.00 per night plus $13.00 resort fee and taxes that is guaranteed until May 5, 2008. Check in time is 4:00 pm and checkout time is 11:00 am. Of course, there are hundreds of other resort facilities in the Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee areas nearby, and we encourage you to shop for the best deal you can find for this once every four (4) years regional ARA Legislative Conclave taking place right in our own backyard.
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Registration for the Conference is 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2008. The opening session is scheduled to begin Wednesday, June 4 at 2 p.m., and the last event will conclude by 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 5. Registration fee is $80.00 before May 4, 2008 by calling Joni Jones toll-free 1-888-373-6497 at ARA office in National AFL-CIO Bldg. in downtown Washington, D.C. or visit the ARA website at www.retiredamericans.org to get a copy of the registration form. The Registration fee of $80.00 includes one dinner, one breakfast, and one lunch, and late registration fee of $15.00 will be required after May 4, a total of $95.00 if you are late.

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Speakers, workshops and training sessions will focus on growing our State Alliance power to educate and increase membership, retiree voter registration, and retiree voter participation. This regional meeting will provide a forum to work with other activists in the region to learn how to increase grassroots advocacy, get seniors and retirees registered and voting, and educate federal, state and local legislators on the issues that concern retirees and seniors, including prescription drugs, Medicare, Social Security, Housing, and Retirement security.
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With several million members educated to vote for candidates that will have the concerns of retirees and seniors and their children at the forefront of their agendas in 2008 and beyond, the Alliance is positioned for making a critical difference in shaping America’s direction. Building the strength and future of the Alliance’s Southern Region is in your hands. Join us to set the course for the Alliance for Retired Americans and for a country that cares about workers, retirees and their families.
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Regional Executive Board Member Elections will occur at this quadrennial meeting, and APWU Retiree Delegates will have a voice and vote to elect a new Sub Region 2 Executive Board member from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida and one to represent self-enrolled members from the entire Southern Region. Other Sub regions: Sub region 1: Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas and Sub region 3: Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas.

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If you have any questions or want more info, contact Jack Gose, FLARA 2nd VP, at www.jak.gose@excite.com online or phone 727-343-2998 me at home 24/7. The National Alliance for Retired Americans website is www.retiredamericans.org for registration and other programs.

APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER 4TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION TO BE HELD AT CROWNE PLAZA OCEANFRONT RESORT, MELBOURNE BEACH, FL. ON WED., MAY 7, 2008

KAREN L. THURMAN, CHAIR, FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND FORMER CONGRESSWOMAN FROM FLORIDA'S 5TH DISTRICT JOINS JACK GOSE, FLARA 2ND VICE PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT, APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER, AFL-CIO, OUTSIDE ANNUAL FLARA EB MTG & LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE AT HOLIDAY INN IN TALLAHASSEE, FL. ON MARCH 19, 2008. WILL FLORIDA'S VOTES BE COUNTED AND FLORIDA'S DELEGATES BE SEATED IN DENVER IN AUGUST, 2008?

JUDY BEARD, INVITED GUEST SPEAKER, NATL. APWU RETIREE DIRECTOR, TO INSTALL NEWLY ELECTED STATE RETIREE CHAPTER OFFICERS IN MELBOURNE, FLORIDA ON WED., MAY 7, 2008

FREE LUNCHEON AT COQUINAS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN CROWNE PLAZA OCEANFRONT RESORT, MELBOURNE, FL. FOR EACH STATE CHAPTER RETIREE REGISTERED DELEGATE AND UP TO ONE FAMILY/SPOUSE/GUEST FROM EACH MEMBER'S FAMILY!

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All APWU $24.00 year dues paying Retirees and their families are invited to the 4th biennial Founders’ APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Convention, AFL-CIO, to be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront Resort, 2605 North Highway A1A, Indialantic, Melbourne, FL 32903. Call the Hotel at 1-877-227-6963 or 1-888-233-0368 and ask for the APWU discounted Single/Double rate of $119.00 night, plus 11 % taxes to reserve your room. All the rooms have a fridge/microwave/coffee maker and are available at the special convention rate thru 3 pm on April 16, 2008.

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A FREE LUNCHEON is scheduled from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Coquinas Restaurant inside the hotel, followed by the State Retiree Chapter Convention business session starting at 1:00 p.m. sharp in a separate meeting room. Preparations have been made for the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter to pay for a FREE luncheon for each APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter member registering as a Retiree Delegate, and a FREE luncheon for up to one (1) family/spouse guest in each family in attendance at the Retiree luncheon to encourage APWU Retiree families to participate.

Centenarian $25.00 Cash Door Prizes will be awarded to up to the first ten (10) APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter members who register at the Convention business session, and other freebies, give-a-ways, and historical archive gifts will entertain those in attendance.
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All active APWU dues paying National, State and Area Local/Local Officers, Delegates, members and their families and APWU Auxiliary Officers, Delegates, members and their families are invited to attend all our State Retiree Chapter meetings, luncheons, and Conventions. We believe that all the APWU family members, the active working members, the Retiree members, and the Auxiliary members should be treated with dignity and equality, and all of us must band together to take care of all our families.

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This historic Retiree Convention precedes the regular Florida State APWU Convention which is scheduled in the same hotel from Thursday, May 8 thru Saturday, May 10, 2008. Florida State Retiree Chapter Resolutions will be debated and sent to the regular Florida State Convention beginning on Thursday, May 8, and the National APWU Convention to be held in Las Vegas, NV. from Aug. 18-22, 2008.

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Judy Beard, Natl. APWU Retiree Director, has been invited to speak at the Retiree Convention luncheon. She is a dynamic, informative orator who has completed successfully retirement classes at previous APWU of Florida State and Area Local seminars. A new generation is living in Florida, and we yearn to link the active working APWU members with the Retiree APWU members in the classroom and at luncheons.

To be eligible for office and to vote in an election of officers, a Retiree Chapter member must be in good standing for three (3) months of the previous calendar quarter immediately preceding the election, as certified by the Chapter Secretary-Treasurer.

We wish to thank all the State and Area Local/Local Presidents, Officers, Stewards, and active working members who continue to sign up APWU retiring members on Form 1187 Retired Member application and mail it in to the National APWU Retirees Department in Washington, D.C.

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Blank APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Delegate credentials have been mailed to all APWU Area Local/Local Presidents in the State of Florida for completion and return no later than May 1, 2008. Registration kits will be issued at the hotel for this Convention and State Chapter Retirees’ registration fees have been waived for the Retiree Convention in Melbourne Beach to encourage a greater turnout.

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IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR AREA LOCAL/LOCAL PRESIDENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED RETIREE DELEGATE CREDENTIALS BEFORE MAY 1, 2008 IN ORDER FOR US TO KNOW THE NUMBER WHO WILL ATTEND AND MAKE PLANS WITH THE HOTEL MANAGER FOR FOOD SERVICE AND SEATING!

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If you have any questions, contact Jack Gose, President, at home phone (727) 343-2998 or E-mail: Jak.Gose@Excite.com for more information. You may also visit our APWU of Florida, AFL-CIO, award winning website page www.apwuflorida.org/retiree which was launched in October, 2003 by is now linked up with the National APWU Retiree home page at www.apwu.org under Local Websites and Links plus the Postal Electronic newsletter at www.postalreporter.com under 22 Retirement Tips.

Our APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter website “RETIREE PARADISE” at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com launched in November, 2006 is linked with the National APWU Retirees webpage at www.apwu.org under State and Local Retiree Chapters, and the 21st Century Postal Worker website at www.21cpw.com for complete worldwide coverage.

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ALL RETIREES INVITED TO FLARA ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION AT FLORIDA MALL HOTEL, ORLANDO, FL FROM JUNE 1-3, 2008

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The registration fee for the Convention is $80.00 per person. Any registered delegate wishing to bring a guest to the prepaid meals should register their guest at $60.00 each. If you are interested, contact Yvonne Garrity, Executive Director, at the FLARA office in Wellington, Fl. by phone at 561-792-8799 to register and receive Convention materials and an updated agenda from our 220,000 FLARA membership group in Florida, now bigger than National APWU.
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Many well known political and union leaders are invited to attend this annual event. Resolutions will be offered to oppose the Privatization of the U.S. Postal Service, Retirement benefits, and the Social Security Program entitlements for all Americans. Type in www.flara.org for info about FLARA and go to www.retiredamericans.org website to join 3.4 million other Retirees and Community Group members to Unite with us to Win. We Love You!
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Our goals are to educate and increase our membership, retiree voter registration and participation. We need to work with other activists in this state to learn how to increase grassroots advocacy, and educate federal, state and local legislators on the issues that concern active union member families, retirees and seniors, including Prescription Drugs, Medicare, Social Security, Retirement Security, and Housing.

APWU OF FLORIDA 4TH BIENNIAL STATE RETIREE CHAPTER CONVENTION, MELBOURNE BEACH, FL., WED., MAY 7, 2008

Tony Carobine, President, APWU National Postal Press Association, AFL-CIO,

converses with APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Officers Dave Bernstein, Legislative Director for active and retired members and Jack Gose, President, (pictured L to R) in front of a PPA display of APWU newsletters from all over the country distributed FREE by Jack Gose, Retiree Paradise Editor, at the APWU of Florida 3-day Spring Seminar held at the Radisson Orlando Resort, Kissimmee, FL on March 7, 2008.

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All APWU $24.00 year dues paying Retirees and their families are invited to the 4th biennial Founders’ APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Convention, AFL-CIO, to be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront Resort, 2605 North Highway A1A, Indialantic, Melbourne, FL 32903. Call the Hotel at 1-877-227-6963 or 1-888-233-0368 and ask for the APWU discounted Single/Double rate of $119.00 night, plus 11 % taxes to reserve your room. All the rooms have a fridge/microwave/coffee maker and are available at the special convention rate thru 3 pm on April 16, 2008.

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All active APWU dues paying National, State and Area Local/Local Officers, Delegates, members and their families and APWU Auxiliary Officers, Delegates, members and their families are invited to attend all our State Retiree Chapter meetings, luncheons, and Conventions. We believe that all the APWU family members, the active working members, the Retiree members, and the Auxiliary members should be treated with dignity and equality, and all of us must band together to take care of all our families.

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Election of APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Officers shall be held at the Retiree Convention on Wed., May 7, 2008 in accordance with the State Retiree Chapter Constitution and By-Laws. The elected Officers of this State Chapter shall be: President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, Legislative Director, Health Plan Director, Benefits and Organization Director, and up to two Trustees and they shall comprise the Executive Board of the State Chapter. To be eligible for office and to vote in an election of officers, a Retiree Chapter member must be in good standing for three (3) months of the previous calendar quarter immediately preceding the election, as certified by the Chapter Secretary-Treasurer.

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Our State Retiree Chapter membership live in the State of Florida and many other states across the country with 3,000 APWU Retiree Chapter members who pay $24.00 yearly or $2.00 monthly automatic APWU Retiree union dues to the National APWU. Retirees do not have to pay any State Retiree Chapter union dues to the APWU of Florida! We wish to thank all the State and Area Local/Local Presidents, Officers, Stewards, and active working members who continue to sign up APWU retiring members on Form 1187 Retired Member application and mail it in to the National APWU Retirees Department in Washington, D.C.

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If you have any questions, contact Jack Gose, President, at home phone (727) 343-2998 or E-mail: Jak.Gose@Excite.com for more information. You may also visit our APWU of Florida, AFL-CIO, award winning website page www.apwuflorida.org/retiree which was launched in October, 2003 by is now linked up with the National APWU Retiree home page at http://www.apwu.org/ under Local Websites and Links plus the Postal Electronic newsletter at http://www.postalreporter.com/ under 22 Retirement Tips.

Our APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter website “RETIREE PARADISE” at http://www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com/ launched in November, 2006 is linked with the National APWU Retirees webpage at http://www.apwu.org/ under State and Local Retiree Chapters, and the 21st Century Postal Worker website at http://www.21cpw.com/ for complete worldwide coverage.

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FLARA ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION AT FLORIDA MALL HOTEL, ORLANDO, JUN. 2-3, 2008

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It is a pleasure to invite all 3000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter union dues paying Retiree members, Retiree delegates, active APWU dues paying officers and members, and family members to the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) 2008 Annual Convention and Quarterly Board of Directors meeting to be held on Mon. & Tue., June 2-3, 2008 at the FLORIDA HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CTR, 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32809.

The Florida Hotel and Conference Center room rate for FLARA members is $94.00 per night for single or double room, plus 12.5 % taxes. When making your reservations, please call toll-free 1-800-588-4656 OR 1-407-859-1500 and ask for the FLARA special group rate. The $5.00 day hotel service fee for parking is included in the group rate. Check in time is 4 pm at the hotel on Sunday, June 1, 2008 for the early birds. If you have questions, phone FLARA Vice President Jack Gose at 727-343-2998.

The registration fee for the Convention is $80.00 per person. Any registered delegate wishing to bring a guest to the prepaid meals should register their guest at $60.00 each. If you are interested, contact Yvonne Garrity, Executive Director, at the FLARA office in Wellington, Fl. by phone at 561-792-8799 to register and receive Convention materials and an updated agenda from our 220,000 FLARA membership group in Florida, now bigger than National APWU.

Many well known political and union leaders are invited to attend this annual event. Resolutions will be offered to oppose the Privatization of the U.S. Postal Service, Retirement benefits, and the Social Security Program entitlements for all Americans. Type in http://www.flara.org/ for info about FLARA and go to http://www.retiredamericans.org/ website to join 3.4 million other Retirees and Community Group members to Unite with us to Win. We Love You!

Our goals are to educate and increase our membership, retiree voter registration and participation. We need to work with other activists in this state to learn how to increase grassroots advocacy, and educate federal, state and local legislators on the issues that concern active union member families, retirees and seniors, including Prescription Drugs, Medicare, Social Security, Retirement Security, and Housing.

FREE LUNCHEON FOR APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER MEMBERS MEETING IN MANDOLIN RESTAURANT, RADISSON RESORT, KISSIMMEE, FL. WED., MARCH 5, 2008

An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter FREE luncheon, including food, tax, and tip will be paid by the State Chapter for each Retiree Chapter member paying Retiree union dues to the National APWU Retirees Dept. of $24.00 year and one guest, limit of two per family attending the Chapter luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 in the Mandolin Restaurant at the Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration, FL, 2900 Parkway Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34747 Tel: 407-396-7000. The Radisson Resort is south of I-4 Exit 64 and just off Route 192 only 1 mile from Disney World. We look forward to a successful Retiree reunion.

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An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board meeting will be held in the same Restaurant from 10 am to 11 am before the luncheon. The APWU of Florida State Spring Seminar semi-annual conclave will conduct educational classes for active and retiree APWU members from Thurs., March 6 thru Sat., March 8, 2008 at the same hotel. Retiree Happy folders will be distributed to all those attending, and everyone is invited!

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Tony Fransetta, President, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA), has announced a quarterly Executive Board meeting and Annual FLARA Legislative Conference to be held in Tallahassee, Fl. on Wed. & Thurs., March 19-20, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 2725 Graves Road, Tallahassee, Fl. 32303. Directions to the hotel heading west on I-10 from the east and south are to use North Monroe Street exit, and make a right turn onto North Monroe Street to the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites less than a mile distant on left side of highway.

The conclave has been called to discuss and layout plans for action in the State of Florida legislature and in the Congress. The meetings will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch from 12 noon to 1 p.m. provided by FLARA. Many invited guests and well-known political figures will speak. Go online to www.flara.org to see our history and upcoming events!
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All FLARA Executive Board members, Club and individual members including 3000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter members, and invited family/guests are welcome at this exciting gathering to foster support for the important issues that face Florida Union active members, retirees, and seniors. Contact FLARA in West Palm Beach area at 1-561-792-8799 if you are interested or have any questions or comments. Phone Jack Gose, FLARA 2nd Vice President, at 727-343-2998 for more information!

Holiday Inn double room rate is $135.00 per night plus taxes for FLARA members and guests. Call the Holiday Inn at 1-850-536-2000 to make room reservations, and ask for the FLARA special group rate. You are to arrive on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 and check in at the hotel after 4 pm and checkout time is 11 am on Thurs., March 20, 2008. All roads lead to Tallahassee for FLARA/APWU Retiree Actions now. Join us in real APWU Retiree Solidarity as We Continue to Fight for all of our Future!
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4TH ANNUAL APWU OF FL. STATE RETIREE CHAPTER CONVENTION SCHEDULED IN MELBOURNE, FL., WED., MAY 7, 2008
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The 4th Biennial APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Convention will convene at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront Resort & Spa, 2605 North Highway A1A, Indialantic (Melbourne), FL 32903 at 1 p.m. and adjourn promptly at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 the day before the APWU of Florida regular Convention from Thursday., May 8 thru Saturday., May 10, 2008. Standard room rates are $119.00 nite plus tax with check in after 4 pm and check out by 11 am. Rooms will be held until 3 pm on Apr. 16, 2008. Phone the hotel at 1-877-227-6963.

Preparations have been made for the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter to pay for a FREE luncheon, tax, and tip for each APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter member registering as a Retiree Delegate and one family guest in attendance for the Convention. The luncheon is scheduled from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the Coquina’s Seafood Grill onsite Restaurant.

Nominations and elections of Chapter Officers will be held during the business session on Wednesday afternoon. The Offices are President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Legislative Director, Health Plan Director, Benefits and Organization Director, and two Trustees. Up to ten (10) Centenarian Cash Door $25.00 Prizes will be awarded to Chapter members signing in on the attendance sheet and present at the Retirees luncheon. Freebies, give-a-ways, and historical gifts will entertain those attending the Luncheon and Convention.

APWU of Florida Area Local/Local Presidents will be mailed blank APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Delegate credentials. Contact President Jack Gose, home telephone 727-343-2998 or E-mail to jak.gose@excite.com if you have any suggestions, questions or comments.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR FLARA STATE CONVENTION SET FOR FLORIDA MALL HOTEL IN ORLANDO, FL. ON JUNE 2-3, 2008

The Florida Hotel and Conference Center room rate for FLARA members is $94.00 per night for single or double room, plus 12.5 % taxes. When making your reservations, please call toll-free 1-800-588-4656 OR 1-407-859-1500 and ask for the FLARA special group rate. The $5.00 day hotel service fee for parking is included in the group rate. If you have questions, phone FLARA VP Jack Gose 727-343-2998.

Many well known political and union leaders are invited to attend this annual event. Resolutions will be offered to oppose the Privatization of the U.S. Postal Service, Retirement benefits, and the Social Security Program entitlements for all Americans. Go to www.flara.org for info about FLARA and www.retiredamericans.org to join 3.4 million other Retirees. Unite with us to Win.

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Meantime, treat yourselves to a New Years Extravaganza by visiting our APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter website at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com where active and retiree members and their families enjoy the latest news from Florida. We have thousands of links you can click on for education, history, and Just Plain Fun. We Love You!

FREE LUNCHEON AT APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER MEETING IN RADISSON RESORT ORLANDO CELEBRATION, KISSIMMEE, FL ON WED., MARCH 5, 2008

An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter FREE luncheon, including food, tax, and tip will be paid by the State Chapter for each Retiree Chapter member paying Retiree union dues to the National APWU Retirees Dept. of $24.00 year and one guest, limit of two per family attending the Chapter luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 in the Mandolin Restaurant at the Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration, FL, 2900 Parkway Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34747. The Radisson Resort is south of I-4 Exit 64 and just off Route 192 only 1 mile from Disney World. We Love You!

An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board meeting will be held in the same Restaurant from 10 am to 11 am before the luncheon. The APWU of Florida State Spring Seminar semi-annual conclave will conduct educational classes for active and retiree APWU members from Thurs., March 6 thru Sat., March 8, 2008 at the same hotel. Retiree Happy folders will be distributed to all those attending, and everyone is invited!

2008 APWU OF FLORIDA SPRING EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR
MARCH 6, 7 & 8, 2008
Florida Presidents Conference - Wed., March 5, 2008-from 9am-5pm
Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration, Kissimmee, FL 34747
2900 Parkway Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34747 Telephone: (407)-396-7000 Fax: (407) 396-0097

APWU of Florida group (APWUFL) special room rates are $109.00 nite Sgl/Dbl, plus taxes. A $10.00 per room, per night services fee plus applicable tax (total $11.30 per room, per night) will be applied to all reservations for additional services and features of the property. All rates are subject to the prevailing city and state taxes. Currently, taxes total 13% per room night occupied and are subject to change.

Hotel check-in time is after 4:00 PM on the day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00 AM on the day of departure. Guests arriving before 4:00 PM will be accommodated if rooms are available. Individuals checking out after 11:00 AM will incur an additional charge unless otherwise agreed. Hotel can assist with arrangements for Group baggage storage.

Reservations can be made by one of the following:
1) Radisson Central Reservations 800-333-3333
2) Hotel Direct 407-396-7000
3) Internet Reservations@radissonroc.com.

Group attendees should request code_APWUFL_to ensure they receive the designated Group rate and the reservation is credited properly to the Group Room Block. Reservations made without the Group Name will not be credited to the Group block and special Group arrangements cannot be extended to the individual.

Cutoff Date:
Reservations must be made by February 3, 2008 to receive the Group rate. Reservations made after this date will be accepted at the Group rate on a space available basis.

Deposit:
Hotel reservations will require a deposit equal to the room rate and tax for the first night of each reservation. An individual's deposit is refundable to that individual if the Resort receives notice of an individual's cancellation at least three (3) days prior to scheduled arrival.

Early Departure Fee:
An early departure fee of $50.00 will be charged for guests who depart one or more days prior to their scheduled departure date.

REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR, DECEMBER 7, 1941: HONORING 400,000 AMERICANS WHO DIED IN WORLD WAR II

LETTER TO EDITOR: REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR
by Tony Fiore, Contributor to Gulfport Gabber, Pinellas County, Florida

Dear Editor: It was 66 years ago that the Japanese launched their sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America. In those brutal, chaotic 110 minutes, 2340 service personnel and 48 civilians died.

On May 29, 2004, the World War II Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. It honors the "Greatest Generation" as well as the more than 16 million men and women who served in uniform, the more than 400,000 Americans who died in the war, as well as the millions more who supported the effort at home.

Many of us World War II veterans may never see the Memorial because we are too old or sick to travel, but we know it's there for future generations to see and remember!

There is another Memorial, the U.S.S. Arizona, in Pearl Harbor. Every year more than 1.5 million people visit the 184-foot long memorial spanning the midsection of the sunken ship. It has the status of a National Cemetery, honoring the 1177 men entombed in the rusty wreckage a few feet beneath the lapping water of this massive navy base.

A visit to the Arizona tears your heart out, knowing that you are standing over those brave men buried there. Most of the first-hand witnesses to the Pearl Harbor attack, American and Japanese, are gone now or soon will be.

The U.S.S. Indianapolis which delivered the bomb that would end World War II was torpedoed and 880 of the 1197 sailors and marines on board survived. A memorial in honor of those who died during the disaster was dedicated in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Buried beneath the memorial is a section of the U.S.S. Arizona, a tribute to both the first and last ships that sank during World War II. Congress recognized the Indianapolis display as a National Memorial. As with all lost ships, the Navy lists its status as "still at sea".

Always remember Pearl Harbor. God Bless America!

Tony Fiore

4TH ANNUAL APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER CONVENTION IN MELBOURNE, FL ON WED., MAY 7, 2008 DAY BEFORE FLORIDA APWU CONVENTION MAY 8-10, 2008

APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER CONVENTION WILL BE AT CROWNE PLAZA MELBOURNE OCEANFRONT ON MAY 7, 2008

The 4th Biennial APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Convention will convene at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront Resort & Spa, 2605 North Highway A1A, Indialantic (Melbourne), FL 32903 at 1 p.m. and adjourn promptly at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 the day before the APWU of Florida regular Convention from Thursday., May 8 thru Saturday., May 10, 2008. Standard room rates are $119.00 nite plus tax with check in after 4 pm and check out by 11 am. Rooms will be held until 3 pm on Apr. 16, 2008. Phone the hotel at 1-800-227-6963 or 1-888-233-0388 for APWU reservations.

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Preparations have been made for the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter to pay for a FREE luncheon, tax, and tip for each APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter member registering as a Retiree Delegate and one family guest in attendance for the Convention. The luncheon is scheduled from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the Coquina’s Seafood Grill onsite Restaurant.

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Nominations and elections of Chapter Officers will be held during the business session on Wednesday afternoon. The Offices are President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Legislative Director, Health Plan Director, Benefits and Organization Director, and two Trustees. Up to ten (10) Centenarian Cash Door $25.00 Prizes will be awarded to Chapter members signing in on the attendance sheet and present at the Retirees luncheon. Freebies, give-a-ways, and historical gifts will entertain those attending the Luncheon and Convention.

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APWU of Florida Area Local/Local Presidents will be mailed blank APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Delegate credentials. Contact President Jack Gose, home telephone 727-343-2998 or E-mail to jak.gose@excite.com if you have any suggestions, questions or comments.

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APWU OF FL. STATE RETIREE CHAPTER FREE LUNCHEON AT APWU OF FLORIDA SPRING SEMINAR IN MARCH, 2008

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An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter FREE luncheon for each Retiree Chapter member paying Retiree union dues to the National APWU Retirees Dept. of $24.00 year and one guest, limit of two per family attending the Chapter luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the day before the APWU of Florida Spring Seminar begins in March, 2008 at the same Hotel where the semi-annual conclave is held for educational classes for active and retiree APWU members. Retiree Happy folders will be distributed to all those attending, and everyone is invited! The hotel location and dates will be announced at a later date in this newsletter!

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NATL APWU BIENNIAL CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS, NV FROM MON. AUG. 18 THRU FRI. AUG. 22, 2008

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If you visit the www.apwulasvegas.com website, Joe Lewis, President, Las Vegas APWU Local 761, has posted Mon., August 18 thru Fri., August 22, 2008 as the dates for the National APWU Biennial Convention to be hosted by the APWU Las Vegas Local Union in southeastern Nevada desert. Three union hotels are listed: Bally’s @ $99.00 nite, Paris @ $119.00 nite, and Flamingo Hilton @ $89.00 nite.

Many APWU state and local unions are on a tight budget for 2008, and it behooves all of us to plan ahead and make early reservations for airline and hotel accommodations for our elected Convention Delegates. Now that we have a new four (4) year 2006-2010 bargaining contract with the U.S. Postal Service and a newly installed National APWU Executive Board to serve for a three (3) year term of office, we should all get down to business by putting the membership first and try to restructure our organization.
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FLARA LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE TO BE IN TALLAHASSEE, FL AT HOLIDAY INN HOTEL & SUITES ON MAR. 19-20, 2008

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Tony Fransetta, President, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA), has announced a quarterly Executive Board meeting and FLARA Legislative Conference to be held in Tallahassee, Fl. on Wed. & Thurs., March 19-20, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 2725 Graves Road, Tallahassee, Fl. 32303. Directions to the hotel heading west on I-10 from the east and south are to use North Monroe Street exit, and make a right turn onto North Monroe Street to the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites less than a mile distant on left side of highway.

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The conclave has been called to discuss and layout plans for action in the State of Florida legislature and in the Congress. The meetings will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch from 12 noon to 1 p.m. provided by FLARA. Many invited guests and well-known political figures will speak. Go online to www.flara.org to see our history and upcoming events!

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All FLARA Executive Board members, Club and individual members including 3000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter members, and invited family/guests are welcome at this exciting gathering to foster support for the important issues that face Florida Union active members, retirees, and seniors. Contact FLARA in West Palm Beach area at 1-561-792-8799 if you are interested or have any questions or comments. Phone Jack Gose, FLARA 2nd Vice President, at 727-343-2998 for more information!

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Holiday Inn double room rate is $135.00 per night plus taxes for FLARA members and guests. Call the Holiday Inn at 1-850-536-2000 to make room reservations, and ask for the FLARA special group rate. You are to arrive on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 and check in at the hotel after 4 pm and checkout time is 11 am on Thurs., March 20, 2008. All roads lead to Tallahassee for FLARA/APWU Retiree Actions now. Join us in real APWU Retiree Solidarity as We Continue to Fight for all of our Future!

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FLARA STATE CONVENTION SCHEDULED FOR FLORIDA MALL HOTEL IN ORLANDO, FL ON JUN 2-3, 2008

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The Florida Hotel and Conference Center room rate for FLARA members is $94.00 per night for single or double room, plus 12.5 % taxes. When making your reservations, please call toll-free 1-800-588-4656 OR 1-407-859-1500 and ask for the FLARA special group rate. The $5.00 day hotel service fee for parking is included in the group rate. If you have questions, phone FLARA VP Jack Gose 727-343-2998.

JUDY BEARD, NATL. APWU RETIREE DIRECTOR, TO INSTALL NEWLY ELECTED FLORIDA SUNCOAST RETIREE CHAPTER OFFICERS IN HOLIDAY, FL ON TUE., NOV. 27, 2007

JUDY BEARD, NATIONAL APWU RETIREE DIRECTOR INSTALLED NEW FSRC ELECTED OFFICERS AT BUDDY FREDDYS BUFFET RESTAURANT IN PASCO COUNTY SUNNY HOLIDAY, FLORIDA ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2007!

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All Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter Officers, Members, Families, and other APWU Retiree Chapter Officers are invited to the installation of newly elected Officers of the Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter, Suncoast Area Local #1228, APWU, AFL-CIO, to be held on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 at Buddy Freddys Restaurant, 1150 U.S. Hwy 19 in Holiday, FL 34691.

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Newly elected Executive Board Officers for the two-year term of office from Jan. 1, 2008 thru Dec. 31, 2009 are: President, Mario Miceli; 1st Vice President, Dan Delehanty; 2nd Vice President, Jim Glover; Secretary, Pauline Glidden; Treasurer, Don Robinson; Trustee Chairperson, Bob Jilek; Trustee, Spencer Blydenburgh, Jr.; Trustee, Tom Brown; and Delegates to all Conventions, Mario Miceli and Don Robinson, Delegate, W.C. Fla. Fed of Labor CLC, AFL-CIO.

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All the Officers were nominated unopposed, and elected unanimously by the body membership at the regular Chapter meeting held on Tue., Sept., 25, 2007 in Holiday.

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Judy Beard, Natl. APWU Retiree Director, will be the installing officer at this event which begins with a luncheon at 11 am to 12 noon with Dave and Phyllis Bernstein speaking on FEHBA Health Plans Open Season comparison costs and benefits, a short business meeting at noon, & installation of Officers ceremony at 12:30 p.m.

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FLARA EXEC BD & 3,000 APWU OF FLA. STATE RETIREE CHAPTER MEMBERS INVITED TO DOUBLETREE HOTEL, PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL. DEC. 2-3, 2007!

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All 3000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Officers, Members, and Families are invited to the quarterly FLORIDA ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS (FLARA) Executive Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 3, 2007 in the Doubletree Hotel, 4431 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. FLARA has over 220,000 dues paying members in Florida, including all our APWU State Retiree Chapter members.

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The FLARA group hotel room rate is $99.00 night Sgl/Dbl plus 11.5 % tax for FLARA members. Phone 1-800-222-8733 to ask for a room with check in on Sun., Dec. 2 after 3 pm and check out time is noon the next day.
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FLARA will have meetings from 9 am to 5 pm on Mon., Dec. 3 to include special invited elected officials and legislators from the national and state scenes and guest speakers covering Florida politics and the National, State, and Local Elections in 2008.
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Everyone is urged to attend these FLARA meetings to hear APWU active and retiree legislative issues being discussed. We love you!
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NEW APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER INTERNET INFO WEBSITE LAUNCHED: Go online to www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com to search for Retiree answers and latest News!
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FREE LUNCHEON TO FIRST FORTY (40) CHAPTER MEMBERS/FAMILY MEMBERS TO SIGN IN ON ATTENDANCE SHEET ON TUESDAY, NOV. 27, 2007 AT 11:00 A.M. AT BUDDY FREDDYS BUFFET RESTAURANT LOCATED IN HOLIDAY, FLORIDA AT 1150 U. S. HIGHWAY 19, ABOUT 100 YARDS NORTH OF THE PINELLAS/PASCO COUNTY LINE.
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Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter members/family members, excluding Chapter Officers, can win the Face Card $25.00 Cash Door Prize at the regular Chapter meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007 in Holiday, Florida. Installation of newly elected Chapter officers scheduled at this regular membership meeting!
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All active and retired members/family guests are invited to all our Chapter meetings. Retiree Chapter members attending their first Chapter meeting shall be awarded a $10.00 Sign In Bonus Cash Prize, limited to the first five (5) to arrive at each meeting, and also shall receive a FREE National APWU Survivors’ Family Booklet worth $3.00.
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One hundred ninety-five (195) persons have signed in and attended our meetings to date since 1998! Please join us and pick up your prize! Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries!
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EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETS 10 AM TO 11 AM
LUNCHEON FROM 11 AM TO 12:00 PM
REGULAR MEETING FROM 12:00 PM - 1 PM
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FSRC FOUNDERS 2006-2007 EXECUTIVE BOARD:
Jack Gose, President 727-343-2998
Dan Delehanty, First Vice-President 727-862-2923
Janet Hamlin, 2nd Vice President 727-379-0032
Jerry Columbus, Secretary 727-372-9855
John Sardin, Jr., Treasurer 727-347-5687
Bob Jilek, Trustee Chair 727-535-2409
Mike Sullivan, Local Union President 727-520-7300
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FSRC FOUNDERS 2006-2007 ADDTL. OFFICERS:
John R. Stephens, Health Plan Rep. 727-934-4033 Spencer Blydenburgh, Trustee/Mbr Dir 727-544-6536
Mario G. Miceli, Legislative Director 727-446-4781
Alfred DiServio, Historian & AFL-CIO 727-372-9219
Tom Brown, Trustee 727-847-6987
Skip Lilly, Sergeant-at-Arms 727-546-4206
Don Robinson, Retiree CLC Delegate 727-819-2094
Rutha Gavin, Chaplain 727-894-1349
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SERGEANT-AT-ARMS 2007 LISTEN UP!
The below twenty-six (26) Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter Members, Family, & Guests, attended the entertaining Retiree Chapter luncheon and business meeting held on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at Buddy Freddys Buffet Restaurant in Holiday, FL. 34691.
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FLA. SUNCOAST RET. CHAPTER MEMBERS (17):
Clearwater, Mario Miceli; Gulfport, Tony Fiore; Holiday, Peter Stecyk, Jr., and John R. Stephens; Hudson, Evangeline Ritchie; New Port Richey, Jerry Columbus, Alfred DiServio, and Alfred Martinez; Oldsmar, Louis Falco; Pinellas Park, Bob Jilek; Port Richey, Don Robinson; Saint Petersburg, Bill Baker, Spencer Blydenburgh, Jr., and John Sardin, Jr.; South Pasadena, Jack Gose, and Tarpon Springs, Pauline Glidden and Jim Glover.
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INVITED FAMILY MEMBERS AND GUESTS (9):
Clearwater, Bonnie Miceli; Holiday, Dorothy Stephens; New Port Richey, Eugenia Columbus and Helen Nicosia; Oldsmar, Louise Falco; St. Petersburg, Patricia Blydenburgh; South Pasadena, Patty Gose; Tarpon Springs, Richard Coultes; and Invited Guest Speaker Mike Sullivan, President, Suncoast Area Local, APWU #1228, Pinellas Park, FL.
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STATE RETIREE CHAPTER EXEC. BOARD:
Jack Gose, President So. Pasadena 727-343-2998
Valentine Serpico, VP Ft. Lauderdale 954-396-4217
Dave Bernstein, LegislativeDir Tampa 813-839-4233
Mario G. Miceli, Sec-Trs., Clearwater 727-446-4781
J.C. Wise, Health Plan Dir, Tampa 813-289-0382
Beth Cramer, Benefits Dir Cape Coral 239-242-9133
Charlie Redd, Trustee Cocoa 321-632-2898
Pedro Torres, Trustee Miami 305-251-7938
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STATE RETIREE CHAPTER ADDITIONAL OFFICERS:
John Sardin, Jr., Historian St. Pete 727-347-5687

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The Editor reserves the right to edit articles submitted for publication as needed for space and shall appreciate any helpful ideas you may wish to share with me. Contact Jack Gose, Editor, at the Pinellas Park, Fl. office address, or phone 727-520-7300, E-Mail:

Jak.Gose@Excite.com or phone me 727-343-2998 at home. Editors, get New Life as 122 Editors accomplished by adding our Suncoast Retirees Chapter News publication to their APWU Area Local/Local newsletter PPA Editor mailing list!

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RETIREE INTERNET LINK: GO TO www.apwuflorida.org and click on Retiree link for more information.

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VOLUME 10, NUMBER 5 OCT.-DEC., 2007
A publication of the Suncoast Area Local, APWU, AFL-CIO, serving over 700 APWU Retiree Chapter Dues Paying Members and their families living in zip codes 337 and 346 along the Gulf Coast of Florida and a Proud Member of APWU National Postal Press Association, Florida Postal Press Association, National Alliance for Retired Americans, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, and West Central Florida, Federation of Labor, Central Labor Council. The Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter was chartered by the National APWU in November, 1998. Our APWU Retiree Newsletter is the first published and mailed via the U.S. Postal Service in the Nation and we really do care! Contact us when in need of a lifeline. Life is full of wonderful surprises. What a great feeling to live in Florida! Never any local or state APWU Retiree union dues to pay!

PRESIDENT BILL BURRUS ANNOUNCES CREATION OF FIVE (5) NEW ORGANIZING & LEGISLATIVE JOBS-0NE IN EACH REGION FOR THE ACTIVE & RETIREE DUES PAYING MBRS

FLASH! President Bill Burrus Outlines Ambitious Agenda at All-Craft & Retirees Conferences before 3,000 APWU Officers and Members at the all union Las Vegas Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, NV from Nov. 5-8, 2007.

APWU President William Burrus outlined an ambitious agenda for the union’s future in a speech to the All-Craft & Retirees Conferences on Nov. 6-7. Urging conference participants to embrace change in a time of challenge, President Burrus announced plans to hire five (5) APWU grassroots organizers to help implement the union’s legislative program, and unveiled plans to better communicate with far-flung union members via the Internet.

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“Many unions of the 20th Century did not change” with the times, Burrus said, and their members suffered as a result. “That will not happen to the American Postal Workers Union,” he declared. “We must incorporate change in everything we do — from the processing of grievances, to the representation of members, to the holding of union meetings, to the preparation of our newsletters,” he said.

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Burrus promised to evaluate all of the union’s activities to ensure that the union is utilizing 21st Century tools. Noting that Members-at-Large who work in small offices rarely come in contact with union officers and stewards, Burrus said the union would develop a new format to enable them to communicate with the union via computer. “There is no reason for a union officer to drive 50 miles to file a Step 1 grievance,” he said. The APWU must use 21st Century technology to handle grievances and enforce the contract, the union president said.

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“We are not trying to compete with the state organizations,” which represent Members-at-Large, Burrus said, “but the era of relying solely on face-to-face communication has passed.” “We can find other ways to share information,” he said, encouraging locals and state organizations to explore the use of town hall-style telephone and computer conferences.

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Grassroots Organizers

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Burrus also announced plans to hire five (5) grassroots organizers to coordinate the union’s political activities in each region. They will “combine the efforts, the interests, and the goals of our retirees, our activists, our locals and states, and individuals who are involved in the political process — organizing them into a single force to take our message to Congress and the president.”

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“We are going to put together a comprehensive program so that we are as effective in the political arena as we are in the bargaining arena,” he said.

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The union president said he had hoped to announce at the conference that legislation had been introduced in Congress to require the Postal Service to bargain with the APWU over subcontracting. Burrus expressed optimism that the legislation would be introduced soon — perhaps as early as next week.

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“With your efforts,” he told conference participants, “we will get sufficient co-sponsors to move it to the president for his signature.” The hope is to get 218 co-sponsors in the House and 51 in the Senate, Burrus said.

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“I have no hope that under the Bush administration we can get a signature for such legislation… but in January 2009 we will have a new president,” Burrus said to raucous cheers and applause. “And with your help, in January 2009, we are going to have a president who will sign anti-contracting legislation for the American Postal Workers Union.”

[Article linked from APWU Web News #103-07, Nov. 8, 2007 at http://www.apwu.org/ ]

NATIONAL APWU RETIREES DEPARTMENT AND ALL CRAFTS CONFERENCES TO CONVENE IN LAS VEGAS, NV. AT LAS VEGAS HILTON HOTEL & CONVENTION CTR, NOV. 5-8, 2007

President Bill Clinton To Address All-Craft Conference IN LAS VEGAS, NV ON MON., NOV. 5

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Former President Bill Clinton will speak at the APWU’s All-Craft Conference on Monday, Nov. 5, about the 2008 presidential campaign and the important role working people can play in determining the future direction of our nation.

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“We are honored to have President Clinton as our guest at this important meeting of union activists,” said APWU President William Burrus. “We look forward to hearing his unique perspective on the 2008 election.
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“This is an excellent opportunity for APWU members to become engaged in the presidential campaign. I encourage all conference participants to attend.”
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Clinton will address delegates in the Conrad Room at the Hilton Center in Las Vegas. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. (Pacific Time).

(Above Announcement Linked from APWU Web News Article #101-07, Nov. 1, 2007 at www.apwu.org )

President Jack Gose from South Pasadena and Secretary-Treasurer Mario Miceli from Clearwater are the elected Retiree delegates from Florida representing the 3,000 dues paying member APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO, at the National APWU Retirees Dept. Conference to be held at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, Pavilion 6 Room, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109. The Retirees Conference is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 5-6, 2007 and the APWU All Crafts Conference continues on Wed. and Thur., Nov. 7-8, 2007. At least two other APWU Retiree Delegates from Florida are Dave Bernstein from Tampa, Legislative Director, APWU of Florida Executive Board, and Valentine Serpico, President from Fort Lauderdale, Broward County Area Local Retiree Chapter, APWU # 1201.

The Retirees Conference agenda according to National APWU Retirees Director Douglas Cowan Holbrook who is retiring from his office in November, 2007 is as follows:

1. Legislative issues for Retirees and activity of Bills in Congress relating to the issues we developed during the APWU 17th Biennial National Convention in Philadelphia, Pa.

2. Two hours will be devoted to retirement seminars and issues facing retirees at the Shared Services of the U.S. Postal Service.

3. Grassroots of Retirees as suggested by Local Chapters.

4. New procedure of payment of Chapter rebates.

5. Inactive Chapters.

6. Free membership for new retirees for 2008.

7. How to Develop and utilize a Retiree's news service at the Local Level.

8. Additional items which will be added by Local and State Chapters and members in attendance.

9. Report of Local and State Chapters of all activities of the Chapters.

All Crafts workshops are scheduled for the next two days at the Las Vegas Hilton and Convention Center. There is a General Session and a wide assortment of classes including interesting subjects such as Dealing with Difficult People and The Art of Compromise. The Installation of newly elected National APWU Officers, including our incoming Retirees Director Judy Beard and Dinner Dance will be held on Thurs., Nov. 8, 2007 from 5:30 p.m. to 11 pm. We will be returning to Florida on a non-stop Red Eye flight at 11:30 pm, weary and refreshed with many new ideas shared by all the Retirees meetings in the Desert. We look forward to a greater future for all APWU Retirees in 2008. JACK GOSE, Editor

LTR FROM STATE OF FLORIDA ON NATIONAL APWU LEGISLATIVE GRASSROOTS PROGRAM:

July 25, 2007

Douglas Cowan Holbrook, Director
APWU Retirees Department,
1300 L Street, N.W. 20005

Dear Doug,

In response to your query concerning “grass roots” legislative program within the National APWU Retirees Department for all our dues paying Retirees, the following information and comments are offered:

1. Encourage all the APWU Retirees, Local and State Retiree Chapters to get involved with the Local and State Alliance for Retired Americans Chapters in the Legislative area, affiliate the APWU Local Retiree Chapters and APWU State Retiree Chapters with their State ARA organizations (30 States now have ARA Charters). We have been involved with the ARA since the beginning in 2001, it works!

Tampa Area Local Retiree Chapter #259, Florida Suncoast Area Local Retiree Chapter #1228, and APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter are affiliated with their Florida Alliance for Retired Americans State non-profit organization (FLARA). Three of our APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter officers serve as elected officers on the FLARA Executive Board which meets quarterly at different locations around the State of Florida with other International AFL-CIO union officers and Community based groups to promote friendly legislation and help defeat unfriendly laws.

2. Encourage all the APWU Retirees, Local and State Retiree Chapters to get involved with the National Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) non-profit organization (3.4 million dues paying members) in Washington, D.C. As an active partner with ARA, encourage APWU Retirees to go online to the APWU and ARA websites to learn how they can help with both organizations legislative programs. Alliance for Retired Americans annual dues for both member and spouse are only $10.00 year.

The National Alliance for Retired Americans Legislative Conference to be held in Washington, D.C. at the Washington Hilton Hotel from Sept. 4-7, 2007 brings together the nation’s Retirees to plan our Legislative agenda and lobby our Congress on the Hill. Every APWU Retiree should be encouraged to register or at least attend this annual conclave! We look forward to being with you at the Hilton.

3. Encourage all the APWU Retirees, Local and State Retiree Chapters to get involved with their AFL-CIO Central Labor Councils and State AFL-CIO, and affiliate the APWU Local and State Retiree Chapters. Stimulate APWU Retirees to attend State AFL-CIO meetings, caucuses, and annual Conventions to broaden the Retiree Legislative agenda. Retirees should be encouraged to join Union Labor picketing and demonstrations to get involved with Legislative efforts.

4. Educate the APWU Local and State Retiree Chapters on setting up their own APWU Retiree internet website to inform active and retiree members and families on Retiree information. The cost for setting up such a site is negligible, and it is easy to maintain. Retirees are never too old to learn new ways to connect online to Legislation Do’s and Don’ts. Promoting legislation online makes a lot of sense!

We hope this helps to stir the pot, In Real APWU Retiree Solidarity, jak.gose@excite.com

Jack Gose, President, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter and Vice President of FLARA
6839 Park Street So., South Pasadena, FL 33707-2123 Tel: 727-343-2998

FLORIDA AFL-CIO CONVENTION IN SAINT PETERSBURG BEACH A GREAT SUCCESS STORY!

West Central Florida Federation of Labor, Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO hosted the 2007 Florida AFL-CIO Biennial State Convention at the fantastic Tradewinds Island Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd., Saint Petersburg Beach, FL 33706 from Sun., Sept. 30 through Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 with a great deal of success. One of the highlights of the 285 registered members and guests Convention was the nomination and unanimous election of APWU of Florida President Martha Shunn-King as APWU Union Vice President with over 5,000 APWU paid membership in the Florida AFL-CIO.

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Other APWU Delegates attending the 3-day Convention: John Pruitt, President, North Central Florida Area Local; Stephen Stokes, Sarasota Local; Dave Bernstein, Tampa Area Local; and Sam Wood, President, Southwest Florida Area Local.

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Brother Jack Gose, President of APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter and Vice President of Florida Alliance for Retired Americans 220,000 membership, 22 different AFL-CIO unions and over 100 community based organizations coalition group, was asked to give the invocation to open the Florida AFL-CIO Convention ceremonies on Mon., Oct. 1, 2007. The below All Faiths invocation he gave is appropriate and timely for the age we live in:

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O God, we are one with you. You have made us one with you. You have taught us that if we are open to one another, you dwell in us. Help us to preserve this openness and to fight for it with all our hearts. Help us to realize that there can be no understanding where there is mutual rejection.

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O God, in accepting one another wholeheartedly, fully, completely, we accept you, and we thank you, and we adore you, and we love you with our whole being, because our being is your being, our spirit is rooted in your spirit.

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Fill us then with love, and let us be bound together at this Florida AFL-CIO Convention with love and as we go our diverse ways after this Convention, united in this one spirit which makes you present in the world, and which makes you witness to the ultimate reality that is love. Love shall overcome. Love is victorious!

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Lord God, make us an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; and Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive--- It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life! AMEN.

FLORIDA SUNCOAST RETIREE CHAPTER, APWU, AFL-CIO FOUNDING OFFICERS TO RETIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2007

SUNCOAST RETIREES CHAPTER NEWS
VOLUME 10, NUMBER 4 AUG.-SEPT., 2007

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A publication of the Suncoast Area Local, APWU, AFL-CIO, serving over 700 APWU Retiree Chapter Dues Paying Members and their families living in zip codes 337 and 346 along the Gulf Coast of Florida and a Proud Member of APWU National Postal Press Association, Florida Postal Press Association, National Alliance for Retired Americans, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, and West Central Florida, Federation of Labor, Central Labor Council. The Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter was chartered by the National APWU in November, 1998. Our APWU Retiree Newsletter is the first published and mailed via the U.S. Postal Service in the Nation and we really do care! Contact us when in need of a lifeline. Life is full of wonderful surprises. What a great feeling to live in Florida! Never any local or state APWU Retiree union dues to pay!

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NEW APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER INTERNET WEBSITE LAUNCHED:

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Go online to www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com to search for Retiree answers and latest News!
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CHAPTER FOUNDING OFFICERS RETIRE DECEMBER 31, 2007!

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President Jack Gose, age 78, has announced he will retire at the end of his fifth term of office as Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter President, effective December 31, 2007. He will retire also as the first Retiree Director of the Suncoast Area Local, APWU #1228, culminating a forty (40) year career as a member and Local Union officer of the American Postal Workers Union and National Association of Special Delivery Messengers.

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Jack began his postal career at the Main Post Office in St. Petersburg, FL 33713 as a career substitute Special Delivery Messenger in April, 1967 earning $2.64 hour, and he retired in October, 1992 after a 25-year career along with National APWU President Moe Biller and many other APWU craft members taking the early out.

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Jack served as Secretary-Treasurer of his home local for over 18+ years, and will continue to be a leader on the state and national scenes as President of APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter and Vice President of Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, 220,000 member group.

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John Sardin, Jr., age 85, Treasurer of Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter, has announced he will retire from his office at the end of his term on December 31, 2007. John is a beloved APWU brother and former longtime Human Relations Director of the Suncoast Area Local. He helped to found this first APWU Florida Local Retiree Chapter in October, 1998

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Both officers look forward to spending more time with their families, and wish the newly elected officers, members, and families of this great Retiree Chapter the best of luck in 2008!
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FLORIDA SUNCOAST RETIREE CHAPTER, APWU NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS TO BEGIN ON TUESDAY, SEPT. 25, 2007!

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Nominations of Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter Officers, Delegates, and Trustees shall be accepted at the regular monthly Chapter meeting to be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at Buddy Freddys Restaurant, 1150 U.S. Hwy. 19, Holiday, Fl. 34691 in the reserved APWU area starting at 12:00 p.m. after the Retiree Chapter 1-hour luncheon from 11 a.m. to noon.

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Nominations and elections of seven (7) Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter Executive Board Officers, two (2) Trustees, and two (2) Convention Delegates, who shall be elected for a two (2) year term beginning Jan. 1, 2008 and ending on Dec. 31, 2009.

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Executive Board Officers:
President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, and Trustee Chairperson.
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According to Article 5, Section 3 of our Chapter Constitution & By-Laws, Nominations will not be accepted after the close of the September membership meeting, and the names of those nominated shall be listed in the October Chapter publication. Nominations shall be permitted from the floor at the September 25 Chapter membership meeting in which nominations are made.

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FREE LUNCHEON TO FIRST FORTY (40) CHAPTER MEMBERS/FAMILY MEMBERS TO SIGN IN ON ATTENDANCE SHEET ON TUESDAY, SEPT. 25, 2007 AT 11:00 A.M. AT BUDDY FREDDYS BUFFET RESTAURANT LOCATED IN HOLIDAY, FLORIDA AT 1150 U. S. HIGHWAY 19, ABOUT 100 YARDS NORTH OF THE PINELLAS/PASCO COUNTY LINE.

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Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter members/family members, excluding Chapter Officers, can win the Face Card $25.00 Cash Door Prize at the regular Chapter meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007 in Holiday, Florida. Chapter Officer Nominations and Elections scheduled at this regular membership meeting!

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All active and retired members/family guests are invited to all our Chapter meetings. Retiree Chapter members attending their first Chapter meeting shall be awarded a $10.00 Sign In Bonus Cash Prize, limited to the first five (5) to arrive at each meeting, and also shall receive a FREE National APWU Survivors’ Family Booklet worth $3.00.

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One hundred ninety-five (195) persons have signed in and attended our meetings to date since 1998! Please join us and pick up your prize! Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries!

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EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETS 10 AM TO 11 AM
LUNCHEON FROM 11 AM TO 12:00 PM
REGULAR MEETING FROM 12:00 PM - 1 PM

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FSRC FOUNDERS 2006-2007 EXECUTIVE BOARD:

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Jack Gose, President 727-343-2998
Dan Delehanty, First Vice-President 727-862-2923
Janet Hamlin, 2nd Vice President 727-379-0032
Jerry Columbus, Secretary 727-372-9855
John Sardin, Jr., Treasurer 727-347-5687
Bob Jilek, Trustee Chair 727-535-2409
Mike Sullivan, Local Union President 727-520-7300

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FSRC FOUNDERS 2006-2007 ADDTL. OFFICERS:

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John R. Stephens, Health Plan Rep. 727-934-4033

Spencer Blydenburgh, Trustee/Mbr Dir 727-544-6536
Mario G. Miceli, Legislative Director 727-446-4781
Alfred DiServio, Historian & AFL-CIO 727-372-9219
Tom Brown, Trustee 727-847-6987
Skip Lilly, Sergeant-at-Arms 727-546-4206
Don Robinson, Retiree CLC Delegate 727-819-2094
Rutha Gavin, Chaplain 727-894-1349

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS 2007 LISTEN UP!

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The below thirty (30) Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter Members, Family, & Guests, attended the entertaining Retiree Chapter luncheon and business meeting held on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at Buddy Freddys Buffet Restaurant in Holiday, FL. 34691. New officers will be nominated and elected at our next Chapter meeting on Tuesday, September 25, 2007!

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FLA. SUNCOAST RET. CHAPTER MEMBERS (19):

Clearwater, Mario Miceli; Gulfport, Tony Fiore; Holiday, Susan Gilley, Peter Stecyk, Jr., and John R. Stephens; Hudson, Dan Delehanty and Ken Tennis; New Port Richey, Tom Brown, Jerry Columbus, Alfred DiServio, Alfred Martinez and Richard Scarpato; Port Richey, Mike Bourke and Don Robinson; Saint Petersburg, Bill Baker and Spencer Blydenburgh, Jr.; South Pasadena, Jack Gose, and Tarpon Springs, Pauline Glidden and Jim Glover.

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INVITED FAMILY MEMBERS AND GUESTS (11):

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Clearwater, Bonnie Miceli; Holiday, Dorothy Stephens; Hudson, Joan Delehanty; New Port Richey, Eugenia Columbus and Helen Nicosia; Port Richey, Patricia Bourke and Henry Brown; St. Petersburg, Patricia Blydenburgh; South Pasadena, Patty Gose; Tarpon Springs, Richard Coultes; and Invited Guest Speaker Karen Milne, Project Grace, Florida Suncoast Hospice, Clearwater, FL.

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STATE RETIREE CHAPTER EXEC. BOARD:
Jack Gose, President So. Pasadena 727-343-2998
Valentine Serpico, VP Ft. Lauderdale 954-396-4217
Dave Bernstein, LegislativeDir Tampa 813-839-4233
Mario G. Miceli, Sec-Trs., Clearwater 727-446-4781
J.C. Wise, Health Plan Dir, Tampa 813-289-0382
Beth Cramer, Benefits Dir Cape Coral 239-242-9133
Charlie Redd, Trustee Cocoa 321-632-2898
Pedro Torres, Trustee Miami 305-251-7938
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STATE RETIREE CHAPTER ADDITIONAL OFFICERS:
John Sardin, Jr., Historian St. Pete 727-347-5687

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RETIREE INTERNET LINK: GO TO www.apwuflorida.org and click on Retiree link for information.
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The Editor reserves the right to edit articles submitted for publication as needed for space and shall appreciate any helpful ideas you may wish to share with me. Contact Jack Gose, Editor, at the Pinellas Park, Fl. office address, or phone 727-520-7300, E-Mail: Jak.Gose@Excite.com or phone me 727-343-2998 at home. Editors, get New Life as 121 Editors accomplished by adding our Suncoast Retirees Chapter News publication to their APWU Area Local/Local newsletter PPA Editor mailing list!

FLORIDA AFL-CIO CONVENTION AT TRADEWINDS ISLAND GRAND RESORT, ST. PETE BEACH, FL SEP 30-OCT 3, 2007

FLORIDA AFL-CIO CONVENTION FIGHTING FOR FLORIDA’S FUTURE ON THE BEACHES ALONG THE GULF OF MEXICO

The Florida AFL-CIO Biennial Convention will be held at the Trade Winds Island Grand Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg Beach, FL 33706, from Mon., Oct. 1 thru Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 according to President Jack Gose. Registration will begin on Sun., September 30, 2007.

Every seat on the Florida AFL-CIO 42-member Executive Board is up for election, and it is expected there will a large turnout of elected Delegates and guests from all over the state for this affair. The Florida AFL-CIO New Alliance policies go into effect at this Convention, and it is hoped that several APWU locals in the State of Florida will send Delegates to attend this conclave of Union Labor members and families.

Three (3) Union labels are required on each delegate. There is a $5.00 fine if you do not have at least one (1) per the 1976 Convention Proceedings. Jack Gose was Chairman of the Union Label Committee at the 1976 Florida AFL-CIO Convention which reported on this resolution to the Convention Body over 30 years ago.

If you have any questions or need more info, contact Retiree Chapter President Jack Gose 24/7 at 727-343-2998 or send an E-mail to jak.gose@excite.com for a prompt reply. We love all of you!

FLARA QTRLY LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE & EB MTG, GRAND SUITES, TAMPA, FL, SEPT 9-10, 2007

FLARA EB & LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE TO BE IN TAMPA SEPT. 9-10, 2007
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Tony Fransetta, President, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA), has announced a quarterly Executive Board meeting and FLARA Legislative Conference to be held in Tampa, FL. on Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 at the Grand Suites Tampa Bay (former Doubletree Guest Suites Busch Gardens), 11310 N. 30th Street, Tampa, FL 33612.

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The Grand Suites Tampa Bay is an all suites hotel and the FLARA standard room discounted rate is $89.00, plus 12 % taxes per night, for FLARA members and guests. Standard Suite has a king size and pull-out bed, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and house up to four people. Call the Grand Suites Tampa Bay Hotel at 1-813-971-7690 to make room reservations, and ask for the FLARA special group rate. You are to arrive on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007 and check in at the hotel after 3 pm and checkout time is 11 am on Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. All roads lead to Tampa Town for FLARA/APWU Retiree Actions now. Join us in real APWU Retiree Solidarity to protect all of our Futures!

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The conclave has been called to discuss and layout plans for action in the State of Florida and in the Fall/Winter session of Congress. The meetings will be held on Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 and will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a break for lunch from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Many invited guests and well-known political figures will speak. Every APWU active and retiree member is invited to attend! Go online to www.flara.org to see our history!

RETIREE PARADISE LINKS TO FANTASTIC NATIONAL AFL-CIO, NATIONAL APWU, AND OPM 2007 RETIREMENT PLANNING WEBSITES

Jack Gose, President, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO, with 3,000 dues paying members and Vice President, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans comprising 220,000 AFL-CIO Retiree union members from 22 different International unions and community based groups in Florida, is interviewed on his opposition to privatization of U.S.P.S. mail delivery routes by a young lady from Radio Station WMNF-FM 88.5 while picketing with over 100 Letter Carriers from the NALC Local Branch, at the Main Post Office, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 on a rainy day Wed., June 27, 2007.

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If you go on the internet to visit our APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter website at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com you will find a new sidebar Retiree Info button linking to www.unionplusretirement.org which is a website launched in 2007 by the National AFL-CIO to help APWU members and families learn more about how to prepare for retirement, using practical information, tools, and links to other websites. This website should help you answer the question, What Will It Take to Become a Millionaire, at 18 or 58 years of age?

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Three (3) usual Retirement Queries: (1) What will I do about Health Insurance? (2) Is my retirement money including OPM annuity pension, Thrift Savings Plan, and Social Security going to be there when I retire? (3) Will I have enough money? To find some of the answers yourself, go to Retirement Road Map and Start Planning for Your Family Here links. The five (5) retirement planning models given below should get your attention to get you started on an action plan for you and your family.

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(1) Retirement Goals: Worksheet, Where will you live? What will you do in retirement? What are your 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 year goals? and How to plan the Retirement road map?

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(2) Money for Retirement: Where am I now? How much will I need? Social Security, TSP, and CSRS or FERS annuity pension plans? Will I have IRA’s and personal savings? Home & real estate investments? and How much will I have when I officially retire

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(3) Making It Last: Live on your nest egg? Keep on Working? Become an informed investor? Pinch pennies? Pay Taxes and Homeowners insurance? Do I choose Long term care insurance? Can I manage medical expenses, and Do I travel or Stay Home?

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(4) Protecting Your Family: Do I make out Wills, trusts, and estate plans? How much Life insurance is enough, and Can I help parents, children, and grandchildren?

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(5) Getting Help: Can I find a financial advisor? and Profit from use of other Retirement related websites, such as www.flara.org or www.retiredamericans.org or www.apwu.org to increase my knowledge of Cost of Living changes, retirement pitfalls, and bright spots?

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We have added several more retiree links to our Retiree Paradise sidebar under NATIONAL LABOR UNION LINKS category such as RETIREE COLA INFO from APWU Industrial Relations Dept., CSRS and FERS RETIREMENT ANNUITY COMPUTATION CALCULATOR from APWU Retirees Dept., and PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT from www.opm.gov website. If you have any more sites you would like to add, contact Jack Gose, Editor at 727-343-2998!

FLORIDA AFL-CIO CONVENTION TO BE AT TRADEWINDS RESORTS IN ST. PETERSBURG BEACH, FLORIDA AS WE FIGHT FOR FLORIDA’S FUTURE

The Florida AFL-CIO Biennial Convention will be held at the Trade Winds Island Grand Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg Beach, FL 33706, from Mon., Oct. 1 thru Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 according to President Jack Gose. Registration will begin on Sun., September 30, 2007. Every seat on the Florida AFL-CIO 42-member Executive Board is up for election, and it is expected there will a large turnout of elected Delegates and guests from all over the state for this affair. The Florida AFL-CIO New Alliance policies go into effect at this Convention, and it is hoped that several APWU locals in the State of Florida will send Delegates to attend this conclave of Union Labor members and families.

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Registration fee is $75.00 to attend and get a complete Florida AFL-CIO Convention bag with all the Officer’s reports and resolutions. For Delegates who only attend the Convention to cast a vote, there is a $10.00 registration fee but no Convention bag is given. Three (3) Union labels are required on each delegate. There is a $5.00 fine if you do not have at least one (1) per the 1976 Convention Proceedings.

Jack Gose was Chairman of the Union Label Committee at the 1976 Florida AFL-CIO Convention which reported on this resolution to the Convention Body over 30 years ago. If you have any questions or need more info, contact Retiree Chapter President Jack Gose 24/7 at 727-343-2998 or send an E-mail to jak.gose@excite.com for a prompt reply. We love all of you!

NATIONAL APWU RETIREE/ALL CRAFT DIVISION CONFERENCES AT LAS VEGAS HILTON CONVENTION CENTER IN LAS VEGAS, NV FROM NOV. 5-8, 2007

The 2007 National APWU Retiree/All-Craft Joint Division Conferences will be held at the Las Vegas Hilton and Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV from Mon., Nov. 5 thru Thurs., Nov. 8, 2007 with Registration information and Workshop details to be announced. Las Vegas Hilton, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109 is the Headquarters hotel for these meetings.

APWU Classic single/double room rates are $119.00 night plus 9 % taxes with $129.71 first night deposit which will be charged to your credit card by the Las Vegas Housing Bureau. You may phone the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel direct at 1-800-HILTONS, and ask for a room reservation in the APWU special group block of rooms. We recommend you reserve your flight by air before seats fill up!

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An APWU Retiree Department Seminar is scheduled for Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 5-6, 2007 with the All Craft Conference ongoing from Nov. 5-8. The Retirees program will consist of items submitted by Retiree Chapters. One day will be devoted to Grassroots and Lobbying with agenda items submitted by members/chapters. Plans for the 2008 National APWU Retirees Conference and Biennial National Convention in Las Vegas will be highlighted, and the newly elected APWU Director of Retirees Department will be introduced by outgoing Retirees Director Douglas Cowan Holbrook.

At least four (4) Retiree Delegates will attend from the State of Florida: Mario Miceli, Secretary-Treasurer, and Jack Gose, President, from the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter; Dave Bernstein, Legislative Director, from the APWU of Florida Executive Board; and Valentine Serpico, President, Broward County Area Local Retiree Chapter. We encourage other Retiree Chapter members and families to join us! See You in Las Vegas!

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There is a possibility the National APWU will host a Presidential Candidates forum in conjunction with the All-Craft Conference. In our effort to participate in the American Presidential selection process, all of the candidates, Democratic and Republican, will be invited to this event to show their plans for our country. The goal is to have in attendance more than 2500 APWU activists with representation from all 50 states.

“We expect the event will draw national media attention, and every APWU member and Retiree should plan to be in attendance at this historic occasion,” according to APWU President Bill Burrus. Installation ceremonies for newly elected National APWU Officers will take place Thursday evening, Nov. 8, 2007 and tickets for the installation banquet will cost $35.00.

ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS 5TH NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE, WASHINGTON, D.C., SEPT. 4-7, 2007

NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE SEPT 4TH-7TH, 2007 AT HILTON HOTEL & TOWERS, 1919 CONNECTICUT AVE. N.W.,
WASHINGTON, D.C.

APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter will send President Jack Gose and Legislative Director Dave Bernstein to attend the Legislative Conference of the National Alliance for Retired Americans (NARA) Sept. 4-7, 2007 in Washington, D.C., and they will lobby our Congress on Capitol Hill on Retiree, Senior, and Postal Reform issues. The APWU Delegates will represent 3,000 APWU Retirees in the State of Florida who pay $24.00 year union dues to the National APWU Retirees Department. The State Retiree Chapter pays full membership dues to the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, Inc., a 501 C (3) charitable and educational organization. Visit our Retiree website at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com for more Retiree info, and it only takes a minute to load!

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The Convention is to be held Tuesday, September 4 thru Friday, Sept. 7, 2007 at the Hilton Washington and Towers Union Hotel, 1919 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20009. The Hilton is located near DuPont Circle and Embassy Row. Hotel room rates are $146.00 night plus 14.5 % taxes, and are guaranteed until July 20, 2007. Check-in time is 3 pm; check-out time is 12 noon. Hotel reservations should be made by calling the Hilton Washington and Towers directly toll-free at 1-888-324-4586 and ask for the special Alliance for Retired Americans group rate.

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The Conference registration early bird fee is $80.00, if received by July 20, 2007. After that date, the registration fee is $95.00. A Banquet featuring a noted personality is set for Thurs., Sept. 6 at 6 pm. Banquet tickets are $70.00 person and should be ordered with the registration form. Tickets will be issued on a first come, first serve basis. You will receive your tickets when you arrive at the Conference. To register, phone toll-free 1-888-373-6497 and ask for Joni Jones at Registration Desk, or E-mail to jjones@retiredamericans.org or visit our ARA national website at www.retiredamericans.org for more late breaking news. Lobby Day is Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007 and eat with us in the Senate cafeteria!

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The opening session is to begin at 3 pm on Tues., Sept. 4, and the last event will conclude by 3 pm on Fri., Sept. 7, 2008. You will be in Washington, D.C. only 3 nights! The Alliance has grown to over 3.4 million members in 27 chartered states since formed by the National AFL-CIO in 2001, and the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) has increased to over 220,000 dues paying members in the State of Florida from 22 different international unions and over 100 community based groups since 2002 being the 2nd state to be chartered by NARA, a 501 C (4) organization which is issues oriented.

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We are frankly shocked to arrive in Washington, D.C. at the Hilton Hotel where President Ronald Reagan was shot, and when checking in at the registration desk to find that only a handful of APWU Retirees are registered Delegates to this annual Retiree Conference representing all the AFL-CIO unions in America. Last year in 2006, only three (3) APWU Delegates were in attendance, two from APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter and one from Atlanta, GA. The National Alliance for Retired Americans annual dues is only $10.00 year which covers both the APWU Retiree member and spouse.

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This is your opportunity to join your brothers and sisters from other AFL-CIO International Unions in a show of Solidarity. ARA State Chapters have been chartered in the below TWENTY-SEVEN (27) states in the last five (5) years since 2002: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, ME, MD/DC, MN, MO, NE, NV, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, TX, VT, WA, WV, and WISC.

Illinois was the first state to receive an ARA State Charter and Florida was the second state chartered in 2002. As the elected 2nd Vice President of the Florida ARA Chapter, comprised of over 220,000 dues paying members paying 25 cents per member, per year, I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved over the last five (5) years, thanks to FLARA President Tony Fransetta from Wellington, FL. We hope to see some new APWU Delegate faces at the Conference in our nation’s Capitol on Sept. 4-7, 2007!

FREE RETIREE CHAPTER BREAKFAST & $25. CASH DOOR PRIZES IN GULF BREEZE, FL., SAT., SEPT. 8, 2007!

Four (4) smiling APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Officers and Delegates share a group photo with FLARA President Tony Fransetta pictured on right in white polo shirt after their election to the FLARA Executive Board, installation of officers, and adjournment of the 2-day annual Florida Alliance for Retired Americans State Convention on Tue., June 5, 2007, held at the Florida Hotel & Conference Center, Orlando, FL. (L to R: Chapter Legislative Director Dave Bernstein from Tampa; Jerome Hipscher, winner of 2007 U. S. A. President's Call to Service Award; Chapter Secretary-Treasurer Mario G. Miceli from Clearwater; Chapter President Jack Gose from South Pasadena; and FLARA President Tony Fransetta from Wellington, FL.)

FREE RETIREE CHAPTER BREAKFAST & CASH DOOR PRIZES AT QUALITY INN, GULF BREEZE, FL. ON SAT., SEPT. 8, 2007
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An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter FREE BREAKFAST will be given to each Retiree Chapter member paying APWU Retiree union dues of $2.00 month or $24.00 year to the National APWU Retirees Department and one guest attending the semi-annual APWU of Florida Retirees Chapter Breakfast to be held in the Mahi Mahi onsite Restaurant, 51 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Fl 32561 at the end of the 3-mile bridge from Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle, from 7:00 am to 8:30 am on Saturday, September 8, 2007. The FREE breakfast includes food, taxes, and gratuity for each APWU Retiree Chapter Member and one spouse or family member, limited to two (2) FREE breakfasts for each Chapter member.

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Up to five (5) $25.00 CASH DOOR PRIZES will be awarded to the first five (5) lucky Chapter Retirees signing in at the Chapter Breakfast who pay Retiree union dues to the National APWU in Washington, D.C., according to Jack Gose, Chapter President.

An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board meeting of Retiree Chapter Officers in attendance will be held in the Mahi Mahi Restaurant Private Dining Area (PDR) during the breakfast, to discuss and plan for future Florida State Retiree Chapter activities in 2007 and 2008. Florida has the most active Retiree Chapter in the Nation!

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The APWU of Florida Fall Educational Seminar for active and retiree APWU members begins on Thurs., Sept. 6 thru Sat., Sept. 8, 2007 at the Quality Inn Bay Beach in Gulf Breeze where the semi-annual conclave is to be held for educational classes arranged by Pete Trunzo, Education Director. Check elsewhere in this issue for a list of classes and instructors, or go online to www.apwuflorida.org to get the information.

APWU of Florida special group single/double room rate is $69.00 nite or $99.00 nite for poolside plus 10.5 % taxes. Phone the Quality Inn on Gulf Breeze Parkway at 1-850-932-2214 to reserve your room. Members must indicate the “APWU” group name to get a room.

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President Jack Gose and Legislative Director Dave Bernstein will be representing the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter attending the Alliance for Retired Americans Legislative Conference at the Hilton Hotel on Connecticut Ave in Washington, D.C. from Tue., Sept. 5 to Fri., Sept. 7, 2007. They have appointments with our Congressional Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill, and will be lobbying for the preservation of APWU Active and Retiree issues dear to the hearts of all of us like Social Security, Medicare, Prescription Drugs, Housing, and other Federal Employee entitlements.

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We will also ask our elected Congress to co-sponsor S. 773 and H.R. 1110, legislation that would offset the rising cost of postal, military, and federal retirees’ health insurance premiums by allowing them to pay for their healthcare insurance with pre-tax income, saving the typical postal retiree yearly about $435. Members of Congress will be urged to co-sponsor and pass S. 206 and H.R. 82 legislation that would repeal the unfair Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provisions (WEP) of Social Security that deny earned benefits to CSRS retirees.

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APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Vice President Valentine Serpico from Ft. Lauderdale and Secretary-Treasurer Mario Miceli from Clearwater will attend all three (3) days of the Fall Seminar, and President Jack Gose will attend the Sat., Sept. 8 classes.

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FLARA EB & LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE TO BE IN TAMPA. FL. SEPT. 9-10, 2007
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Tony Fransetta, President, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA), has announced a quarterly Executive Board meeting and FLARA Legislative Conference to be held in Tampa, FL. on Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 at the Grand Suites Tampa Bay (former Doubletree Guest Suites Busch Gardens), 11310 N. 30th Street, Tampa, FL 33612.

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The Grand Suites Tampa Bay (former Doubletree Suites Busch Gardens) is an all suites hotel and the FLARA standard room discounted rate is $89.00, plus 12 % taxes per night, for FLARA members and guests. Standard Suite has a king size and pull-out bed, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and house up to four people. Call the Grand Suites Tampa Bay Hotel at 1-813-971-7690 to make room reservations, and ask for the FLARA special group rate. You are to arrive on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007 and check in at the hotel after 3 pm and checkout time is 11 am on Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. All roads lead to Tampa Town for FLARA/APWU Retiree Actions now. Join us in real APWU Retiree Solidarity to protect all of our Futures!

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All FLARA Executive Board members, Club and individual members including 3000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter members and invited family/guests are welcome at this exciting gathering to foster support for the important issues that face APWU of Florida Union active members, retirees, and seniors. Please contact FLARA President Tony Fransetta in West Palm Beach area at 1-561-792-8799 if you are interested in attending or have any questions or comments. Phone Jack Gose, FLARA 2nd Vice President, at 727-343-2998 or go to jak.gose@excite.com to ask for more information!
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FLA AFL-CIO CONVENTION AT TRADEWINDS, ST. PETE BEACH, FL. OCT. 1-3, 2007
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The Florida AFL-CIO Biennial Convention will be held at the Tradewinds Island Resorts, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg Beach, FL 33706, 25 acres of Tropical Heaven, from Mon., Oct. 1 thru Wed., Oct. 3, 2007 according to President Cindy Hall. Every seat on the Florida AFL-CIO 42-member Executive Board is up for election, and it is expected there will a large turnout of elected Delegates and Guests from all over the state for this event. The Florida AFL-CIO New Alliance policies go into effect at this Convention, and it is hoped that several APWU locals will send Delegates to attend this Extravaganza.

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Registration fee is $75.00 to attend and get a complete Florida AFL-CIO Convention bag with all the Officer’s reports and resolutions. For Delegates who only attend the Convention to cast a vote, there is a $10.00 registration fee but no Convention bag is given. Contact Dwayne Sealey, Secretary-Treasurer, Florida AFL-CIO, 135 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301 or phone 850-224-6926 to pay your registration.

To reserve a Tradewinds Island Resort standard room at the Florida AFL-CIO group rate of $109. night plus 12 % tax, phone 727-363-2200 before August 20, 2007 for this great rate. If you have any questions or need more info, contact Jack Gose 24/7 at 727-343-2998!

SALUTE TO AMERICAN WORLD WAR VETERANS LETTER TO THE EDITOR!

Tony Fiore, age 87, clad in blue shirt and shorts, wearing a cap and eyeglasses, and author of the below article is pictured in the left rear of this photo taken at the Suncoast Area Local Retirees Chapter luncheon held at Buddy Freddys Buffet Restaurant, Holiday, Fl. on Tue., March 27, 2007. (Photo taken with a Kodak 800 speed Flash camera by President Jack Gose)

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REMEMBER ARMED FORCES DAY by Tony Fiore
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Dear Editor: On Saturday, May 19th, 2007 it will be Armed Forces Day. In 1944, 16,535,000 Americans were in uniform. That was World War II and 16,129,000 survived. As of Sept. 6, 2006, 3,064,236 were still alive. According to the U.S. Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs, 1,100 are dying every day, about 400,000 each year.

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It is sad but true, the World War II veterans will soon be gone. We must recognize them while they are still here. If your neighbor is 79 or older, he or she is probably a World War II veteran.

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World War I (1917-1918) 4,744,000 fought in that war, supposedly the war to end all wars. 116,000 were killed. As of July 1, 1998, 4,800 were still living. But it’s now 2007 and at the last count that number is down to eight.

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The Korean Conflict (1950-1955), “The Forgotten War” 6,807,000 were there. 55,000 gave their lives in an effort to stop the spread of communism. In July 1955, the Korean War Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. Inscribed on the granite slab is “Our Nation Honors Her Sons and Daughters Who Answered the Call to Defend a Country They Never Knew and a People They Never Met” – 1950-Korea-1953.

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The Vietnam Era (1964-1975), 9,200,000 answered the call with 58,151 dead. The Gulf War 3,800,000 were there and 9,000 now dead. We now have Afghanistan and Iraq. Yes, we are at war. In Iraq, the toll for young men and women killed is up over 3,600 and in Afghanistan over 407 killed. We offer only our prayers and hope they will soon return home.

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We owe a lot to the Armed Forces, past and present. God Bless America.

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[Tony Fiore is an active APWU member of the Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter #1228, and lives in Gulfport, FL 33707. He attends the Local Chapter luncheon and business meetings in Holiday, FL., and is a contributing writer to the Gulfport Gabber area newsletter from which the above article was retrieved and updated.]

FLORIDA STATE RETIREE CHAPTER SPRING SEMINAR MEETINGS MAY 9-12, 2007 IN WEST PALM BEACH, FL HUGE SUCCESS!

Natl. APWU Secretary-Treasurer Terry Stapleton looks on sitting beside APWU of Florida President Martha Shunn-King as Judy Beard, Natl. APWU Asst. Sec.-Treas. makes a Dept. of Labor, IRS, and Constitution Report from the dais microphone for all

142 assembled Officers, Stewards, Retirees, Auxiliary, and Members at the APWU of Florida Spring Seminar, held at Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel, West Palm Beach, FL on Thur., May 10, 2007. (Photo taken with a Kodak 800 speed Flash camera by Retiree Chapter President Jack Gose)
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The semi-annual APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board meeting in the Veranda Restaurant, Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel, West Palm Beach, FL on Wed., May 9, 2007 was attended by President Jack Gose, Secretary-Treasurer Mario Miceli, and Legislative Director Dave Bernstein. Six (6) motions covering future State Retiree activities were unanimously approved in the Sunshine open to all APWU Chapter members. A fabulous buffet luncheon was enjoyed by everyone noon to 1:15 pm.

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Jack Gose distributed twenty (20) Retiree Happy folders to each of the Florida Area Local/Local Presidents attending the Florida Local Presidents Conference on Wed., May 9 in the same hotel. The folders were chock full of interesting materials, including the National APWU Retirees Department CSRS/FERS book used in teaching at retirement classes for APWU Stewards, Officers, and Members. We think each APWU Area Local/Local President should be the Retirement Counselor contact for their Local membership or appoint another Local Officer to perform this important duty!

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The State Retiree Chapter put thousands of FREE copies of materials on display tables in the Hilton Ballroom Vendor area, and the response was positive to say the least. By Saturday, May 12 the last day of classes for active and retiree members, twelve (12) tables were in use. An APWU Health Fair in the Coconut Room offered many other health materials displayed on a dozen tables. Many of the young APWU officers and stewards had never attended an APWU of Florida Educational Seminar before. It was evident they were starved for hard copy information when I spread out 50 FREE copies of APWU Local Newsletters from all over the country and 50 FREE copies of different National magazines on Saturday, May 12 when half of them were picked up within two hours during the morning session. Jack passed out handouts in various classes when requested by the instructors.

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We thank President Martha-Shunn King for her permission to allow us to give away hundreds of APWU National, State, and Local historical pictures dating back to the creation of APWU in June, 1972. It was nice meeting Retiree Sam Smith from Palm Beach Area Local, who has expressed an interest in starting an APWU Area Local Retiree Chapter in West Palm Beach, and our thanks to President Wayne Parker for introducing him to our Chapter officers. We gave out several of the new APWU Retiree Member Form 1187 Application forms for new Retirees, which include the option to join by paying (1) $2.00 month, (2) $2.00 month plus full National APWU per cap which gives the Retiree the right to vote for all the National APWU General Officers, and (3) COPA Contribution. Having everything on the same form makes sense, and the new options are very popular. Our Retiree Chapter wishes to thank everyone for their support and encouragement in the education of officers, stewards, and members on retiree issues! We wish to thank President Bill Burrus for his continued support of Retiree issues.

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Our hat is off to Judy Beard, Natl. APWU Asst. Sec.-Treas., who gave class presentations on Sec.-Treas., IRS, DOL, and Constitution and By-Laws with wall to wall attendance, and we were happy to assist her in passing out over 100 handbooks on these subjects. Retirees Jack Gose and Dave Bernstein, Clerk Craft Dir. Doris Orr-Richardson, and Maint. Craft Dir. Tony Neri collected $155. donations for COPA at the doors on Thur., May 10 during a Union Label check of clothing before members entered General Forum. We look forward to the next Seminar in the Fall of 2007, and we Love Ya!

FREE APWU RETIREE ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIP

We have been informed by Douglas Cowan Holbrook, National APWU Retirees Dept. Director, in Washington, D.C. that the Natl. APWU Executive Board of the APWU has approved a resolution that will provide FREE MEMBERSHIP TO RETIREES who retire in 2007. This FREE MEMBERSHIP is offered to our retirees as one way of thanking them for their years as a member of the union.

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All that is required from the retiree is a completed APWU Retiree Membership application. This application or card will not be processed until the expiration of one year. After one year the Retiree union dues will be $2.00 per month deducted from their annuity check. The Civil Service Annuity (CSA) 7-digit number mailed to the Retiree from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Social Security number, address, and signature of the Retiree must be affixed on the completed form.

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The National APWU has 300 to 500 employees retiring each month, and we should be able to sign up at least 50 % or more of these retirees as opposed to the current 11% to 13 %. It is up to the elected Presidents of Area Locals/Locals in the State of Florida to phone Douglas C. Holbrook, National APWU Retirees Director at 1-202-842-8584 or write to him at the National APWU Retirees Department, 1300 L Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20005, and order a supply of these new APWU Retiree Member application forms, and give one of these forms to every APWU member before they retire or soon after.

NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 4TH-7TH, 2007 AT WASHINGTON, D.C. HILTON HOTEL

The APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter will send President Jack Gose and Legislative Director Dave Bernstein to attend the Legislative Conference of the National Alliance for Retired Americans (NARA) Sept. 4-7, 2007 in Washington, D.C., and they will lobby our Congress on Capitol Hill on Retiree, Senior, and Postal Reform issues. The APWU Delegates will represent 3,000 APWU Retirees in the State of Florida who pay $24.00 year union dues to the National APWU Retirees Department. The State Retiree Chapter pays full membership dues to the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, Inc., a 501 C (3) charitable and educational organization. Visit our Retiree website at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com for more Retiree info, and it only takes a minute to load!

As the elected 2nd Vice President of the Florida ARA Chapter, comprised of over 220,000 dues paying members paying 25 cents per member, per year, I am proud of the

accomplishments we have achieved over the last five (5) years, thanks to FLARA President Tony Fransetta from Wellington, FL. We hope to see some new APWU Delegate faces at the Conference in our nation’s Capitol on Sept. 4-7, 2007!

APWU RETIREES INVITED TO FLARA ANNUAL CONVENTION & LUNCHEON SET FOR FLORIDA HOTEL & CONF. CENTER, 1500 SAND LAKE RD, ORLANDO, FL 32809 JUNE 3-5, 2007!

It is a pleasure to invite all 3000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter union dues paying $24.00 year Retiree members, Retiree delegates, active APWU dues paying officers and members, and family members to the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) 2007 Annual Convention and Quarterly Board of Directors meeting to be held on Sunday, June 3 thru Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at the FLORIDA HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER, 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32809. Hotel check-in is 3 pm on Sunday, June 3rd and check-out is 12 noon Wednesday, June 6, 2007.

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The Florida Hotel and Conference Center room rate for FLARA members is $89.00 per night for single or double room, plus 12.5 % taxes which includes resort fee. When making your reservations, please call toll-free 1-800-588-4656 OR 1-407-859-1500 and ask for the FLARA special group rate as an attendee of Florida Alliance for Retired Americans. The $5.00 day hotel service fee for parking is included in the group rate. Our meeting will begin Mon., June 4th from 9 am until 5 pm, with a break for lunch. We will meet again on Tue., June 5th at 9 am with a break for lunch from 12 noon to 1 pm.

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The registration fee for the Convention is $80.00 per person. Any registered delegate wishing to bring a guest to the prepaid meals should register their guest at $60.00 each. Lunch is provided for by FLARA. If you are interested, contact Yvonne Garrity, Executive Director, at the FLARA office in Wellington, Fl. by phone at 561-792-8799 to register and receive Convention materials and an updated agenda.

Submit your registration form along with your payment made payable to “FLARA” to: FLARA, 12773 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 211, Wellington, FL 33414. Registration forms and fees must be received by FLARA by May 20, 2007 to process your credentials and better plan for a successful convention.

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At this Convention, in addition to the election of Officers and Board Members, any proposed changes to the FLARA Constitution and By-Laws will be discussed and voted upon by the convention body. It is important that all Board Members, Club, and Individual members be in attendance for this discussion and action.

APWU is one of 22 unions affiliated with FLARA in the State of Florida! All FLARA club/chapter dues must be current in order for clubs/chapters to have proper voting status. If you have not sent in your chapter or individual dues, please do so immediately. If you have any questions, ask to speak with Tony Fransetta, President, FLARA, by phone at 561-792-8799. Need more info, contact Jack Gose at 727-343-2998 or jak.gose@excite.com online.

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The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA), formerly known as Florida State Council of Senior Citizens was formed in 1963 in the fight for Medicare, and we find ourselves once again fighting to keep our Medicare! FLARA has over 220,000 dues paying members in the State of Florida thru individual memberships of $10.00 year and club affiliations such as the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter. Our organization works for Florida’s elderly and retired workers as active participants in the community.

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NATL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE IN WASH., D.C. SEPT 4-7, 2007

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The APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter will send up to two (2) Retiree Delegates to attend the Legislative Conference of the National Alliance for Retired Americans (NARA) Sept. 4-7, 2007 in Washington, D.C. and lobby our Congress on Capitol Hill on Retiree, Senior, and Postal Reform issues. The APWU Delegates are President Jack Gose and Legislative Director Dave Bernstein who will represent 3,000 APWU Retirees in the State of Florida who pay $24.00 year union dues to the National APWU Retirees Department.

The State Retiree Chapter pays full membership dues to the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, Inc., a 501 C (3) charitable and educational organization. Visit our website at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com for more info!

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The Convention is to be held Tuesday, September 4 thru Friday, Sept. 7, 2007 at the Hilton Washington and Towers Union Hotel, 1919 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20009. The Hilton is located near DuPont Circle and Embassy Row. Hotel room rates are $146.00 night plus 14.5 % taxes, and are guaranteed until July 20, 2007. Check-in time is 3 pm; check-out time is 12 noon. Hotel reservations should be made by calling the Hilton Washington and Towers directly toll-free at 1-888-324-4586.

I have attended the first annual NARA National Legislative Conferences held in Washington, D.C. in 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006, and the NARA Southern Region Leadership Conference held in Jacksonville, FL in 2004. This is every active and retired Postal Worker’s opportunity to step up to the plate, and become active in legislative lobbying at the highest levels!

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The National Alliance’s aims are to mobilize retired union members and other activists in a grassroots movement advocating a progressive political and social agenda. One of the purposes of the Alliance is to Fight for Retirement Security by educating our members about government policies affecting Retirement Security. The major focus of the speakers, workshops, and training sessions will be on our work growing State Alliances that educate, and Lobby Day in Washington will highlight the 2007 Election year results in Congress. Retirees will not forget the Election of 2004 and will battle against Social Security, Medicare, and Postal Service privatization efforts. Hope to see you in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 4-7, 2007! We Love Ya!

SUNCOAST RETIREE CHAPTER NEWS, MAY-JUL, 2007: STATE RETIREE CHAPTER FREE LUNCHEON & $25.00 DOOR PRIZES HILTON AIRPORT HOTEL, W. PALM BEACH, FL. MAY 9

VOLUME 10, NUMBER 3, MAY-JULY, 2007

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A publication of the Suncoast Area Local, APWU, AFL-CIO, serving over 720 APWU Retiree Chapter Dues Paying Members and their families living in zip codes 337 and 346 along the Gulf Coast of Florida and a Proud Member of APWU National Postal Press Association, Florida Postal Press Association, National Alliance for Retired Americans, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, and West Central Florida, Federation of Labor, Central Labor Council. The Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter was chartered by the National APWU in November, 1998. Our APWU Retiree Newsletter is the first published and mailed via the U.S. Postal Service in the Nation and we really do care! Contact us when in need of a lifeline. Life is full of wonderful surprises. What a great feeling to live in Florida! Never any local or state APWU Retiree union dues to pay!

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NEW RETIREE CHAPTER INTERNET WEBSITE LAUNCHED: www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com

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APWU OF FLORIDA SPRING SEMINAR MAY 10-12, 2007 IN W. PALM BEACH, FL. – RETIREES FREE LUNCHEON & $25.00 DOOR PRIZES WED., MAY 9 IN HILTON PB AIRPORT HOTEL!

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An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter FREE LUNCHEON is scheduled in the Veranda Restaurant, Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel, 150 Australian Av., West Palm Beach, FL 33406 on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 from 12 noon to 1:15 pm for APWU of Florida Retiree Chapter dues paying members and family.

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The FREE luncheon includes food, taxes, and gratuity for each APWU Retiree Chapter Member and one spouse or family member, limited to two (2) FREE luncheons for each Chapter member.

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Up to five (5) $25.00 CASH DOOR PRIZES will be awarded to the first five (5) lucky Retirees who pay $24.00 year union dues to the National APWU Retirees Dept. signing in at the luncheon. according to Jack Gose, Chapter President. APWU Retiree Happy folders chock full of interesting trivia and news articles will be given out to all in attendance at the Retirees luncheon.

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The State Retiree Chapter Executive Board will meet at 11 am before the luncheon to discuss and plan for future Retiree activities, including the National APWU Retiree Department Conference to be held in Las Vegas, NV in 2007.

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APWU of Florida group room rate is $119.00 nite single/double plus 11.5 % taxes. Phone Hilton Hotel at 1-800-443-3545 toll free to reserve your room. FREE Hilton Self-parking with hotel check-in 4 pm and check-out 11 am.

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APWU of Florida Fall Seminar educational classes for active and retiree members are scheduled for Thursday, May 10, 2007 from 9 am to 4:30 pm; Friday, 9 am-4:30 pm; & on Saturday, May 12 from 9-12 in the same hotel.
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FLARA ANNUAL CONVENTION & EB MTG AT FLORIDA HOTEL IN ORLANDO SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 3RD-5TH, 2007!

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All 3000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Officers, Members, and Families are invited to the annual FLORIDA ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS (FLARA) CONVENTION and Executive Board meeting on Sun., June 3 thru Tue., June 5, 2007 in the Florida Hotel, 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32809.

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FLARA will have meetings from 9 am to 5 pm on Mon., June 4 and Tue., June 5 to include special invited elected officials and legislators from the national and state scenes and guest speakers covering Retiree, Senior, and Postal issues such as Social Security, Medicare, Health Insurance, Prescription Drugs, and Medicaid. Our APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter officers, members, and families are urged to attend these meetings! RETIREE VOTES COUNT! If you want more information, call Jack Gose at 727-343-2998 or E-mail Jak.Gose@Excite.com

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ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS NATL CONVENTION IN WASH., D.C. AT HILTON HOTEL - SEPTEMBER 4-7, 2007!

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The Alliance for Retired Americans invites all Retiree members and families to attend its National Legislative Conference at the Hilton Washington and Towers, 1919 Connecticut Av, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 on Tue., Sept. 4 thru Fri., Sept. 7. 2007. GET ENERGIZED & SPEAK OUT!
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FREE LUNCHEON TO FIRST FORTY (40) CHAPTER MEMBERS/FAMILY MEMBERS TO SIGN IN ON ATTENDANCE SHEET ON TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2007 AT 11:00 A.M. AT BUDDY FREDDYS BUFFET RESTAURANT LOCATED IN HOLIDAY, FLORIDA AT 1150 U. S. HIGHWAY 19, ABOUT 100 YARDS NORTH OF THE PINELLAS/PASCO COUNTY LINE.

Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter members/family members, excluding Chapter Officers, can win the Face Card $25.00 Cash Door Prize at the regular Chapter meeting on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 in Holiday, Florida. Our invited guest speaker from The Hospice of Fla. Suncoast will talk on Caring for the Family.

All active and retired members/family guests are invited to all our Chapter meetings. Retiree Chapter members attending their first Chapter meeting shall be awarded a $10.00 Sign In Bonus Cash Prize, limited to the first five (5) to arrive at each meeting, and also shall receive a FREE National APWU Survivors’ Family Booklet worth $3.00.

One hundred ninety-four (194) persons have signed in and attended our meetings to date since 1998! Please join us and pick up your prize! Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries!
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EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETS 10 AM TO 11 AM
LUNCHEON FROM 11 AM TO 12:30 PM
REGULAR MEETING FROM 12:30 PM - 1 PM
FSRC FOUNDERS 2006-2007 EXECUTIVE BOARD
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Jack Gose, President 727-343-2998
Dan Delehanty, First Vice-President 727-862-2923
Janet Hamlin, 2nd Vice President 727-379-0032
Jerry Columbus, Secretary 727-372-9855
John Sardin, Jr., Treasurer 727-347-5687
Bob Jilek, Trustee Chair 727-535-2409
Mike Sullivan, Local Union President 727-520-7300
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FSRC FOUNDERS 2006-2007 ADDTL. OFFICERS
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John R. Stephens, Health Plan Rep. 727-934-4033 Spencer Blydenburgh, Trustee/Mbr Dir 727-544-6536
Mario G. Miceli, Legislative Director 727-446-4781
Alfred DiServio, Historian & AFL-CIO 727-372-9219
Tom Brown, Trustee 727-847-6987
Skip Lilly, Sergeant-at-Arms 727-546-4206
Don Robinson, Retiree CLC Delegate 727-819-2094
Rutha Gavin, Chaplain 727-894-1349
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SERGEANT-AT-ARMS 2007 LISTEN UP!
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The below twenty-eight (28) Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter Members, Family, & Guests, attended the entertaining Retiree Chapter luncheon and business meeting held on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at Buddy Freddys Buffet Restaurant in Holiday, FL. 34691!
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FLA. SUNCOAST RET. CHAPTER MEMBERS (18)
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Clearwater, Mario Miceli; Gulfport, Tony Fiore; Holiday, Susan Gilley, Peter Stecyk, Jr., and John R. Stephens; Hudson, Dan Delehanty; New Port Richey, Tom Brown, Jerry Columbus, Alfred Martinez and Richard Scarpato; Oldsmar, Louis Falco; Pinellas Park, Bob Jilek; Port Richey, Don Robinson; Saint Petersburg, Bill Baker, Spencer Blydenburgh, Jr., and John Sardin, Jr.; South Pasadena, Jack Gose, and Tarpon Springs, Pauline Glidden.
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INVITED FAMILY MEMBERS AND GUESTS (10)
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Holiday, Dorothy Stephens; Hudson, Joan Delehanty and Evangeline Ritchie; New Port Richey, Eugenia Columbus and Helen Nicosia; Oldsmar, Louise Falco; Port Richey, Henry Brown; St. Petersburg, Patricia Blydenburgh; Tarpon Springs, Richard Coultes; and Invited Guest Speaker Doug Duncan, Metro Crime Prevention of Florida, from Tarpon Springs, FL.
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STATE RETIREE CHAPTER EXEC. BOARD
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Jack Gose, President So. Pasadena 727-343-2998
Valentine Serpico, VP Ft. Lauderdale 954-396-4217
Dave Bernstein, LegislativeDir Tampa 813-839-4233
Mario G. Miceli, Sec-Trs., Clearwater 727-446-4781
J.C. Wise, Health Plan Dir, Tampa 813-289-0382
Beth Cramer, Benefits Dir Cape Coral 239-242-9133
Charlie Redd, Trustee Cocoa 321-632-2898
Pedro Torres, Trustee Miami 305-251-7938
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STATE RETIREE CHAPTER ADDITIONAL OFFICERS
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John Sardin, Jr., Historian St. Pete 727-347-5687
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> HAPPY MOTHERS DAY - MAY 13, 2007<
> HAPPY FATHERS DAY - JUNE 17, 2007<
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The Editor reserves the right to edit articles submitted for publication as needed for space and shall appreciate any helpful ideas you may wish to share with me. Contact Jack Gose, Editor, at the Pinellas Park, Fl. office address, or phone 727-520-7300, E-Mail: Jak.Gose@Excite.com or phone me 727-343-2998 at home. Editors, get New Life as 121 Editors accomplished by adding our Suncoast Retirees Chapter News publication to their APWU Area Local/Local newsletter PPA Editor mailing list!

FREE RETIREE CHAPTER LUNCHEON & $25.00 CASH DOOR PRIZES, WEST PALM BEACH, FL., WED. MAY 9, 2007

An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter FREE LUNCHEON will be given to each Retiree Chapter member paying APWU Retiree union dues of $2.00 month or $24.00 year to the National APWU Retirees Department and one guest attending the semi-annual APWU of Florida Retirees Chapter Luncheon to be held in the Veranda Restaurant, Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel, 150 Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 adjacent to I-95 Exit marked Southern Boulevard (U.S. Hwy 98) from 12 NOON to 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2007. The FREE luncheon includes food, taxes, and gratuity for each APWU Retiree Chapter Member and one spouse or family member, limited to two (2) FREE luncheons for each Chapter member.

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Up to five (5) $25.00 CASH DOOR PRIZES will be awarded to the first five (5) lucky Chapter Retirees signing in at the Chapter Luncheon who pay Retiree union dues to the National APWU in Washington, D.C., according to Jack Gose, Chapter President. APWU Florida Chapter HAPPY FOLDERS chock full of interesting trivia and news articles will be given out to all in attendance at the Retirees luncheon. Everyone is Invited to share the camaraderie of the Young Retiree Leaders who have belonged to the APWU most of their career working years, and who are committed to lifelong involvement in the Labor movement, helping others and teaching the Reasons for Paying Your Dues!

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An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board meeting of Retiree Chapter Officers will be held in the Hilton Veranda Restaurant Private Dining Area (PDR) at 11 am preceding the Luncheon, to discuss and plan for future Florida State Retiree Chapter activities in 2007. A motion was unanimously passed at the Retirees Executive Board meeting in Fort Myers in October, 2006 to send two (2) Retiree Chapter Officer/Delegates to the National APWU Retirees Department Conference, to be held at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, NV from Mon., Nov. 5 thru Thurs., Nov. 8, 2007, to ensure having two Delegates with voice and vote at the Retirees Conference and Clerk, Maintenance, and Motor Vehicle Service Craft Conferences.

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The APWU of Florida Spring Educational Seminar begins on Thurs., May 10 thru Sat., May 12, 2007 at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel in West Palm Beach where the semi-annual conclave is to be held for educational classes arranged by Pete Trunzo, Education Director, for active and retiree APWU members. Check elsewhere in the Florida Postal Worker monthly newsletter for a list of classes and instructors, or go online to www.apwuflorida.org to get the information. Communication and Education should be Priority One for everyone!

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APWU of Florida special group single/double room rate is $119.00 nite, plus 11.5 % taxes. Phone the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel at 1-800-443-3545 toll free or 1-561-684-9400 to reserve your room. In order to receive the group rate, members must indicate the group name and make reservations by April 30, 2007. Reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card or check mailed in advance for first night room charge. Hotel check-in is 4 pm and check-out is 11 am, and baggage storage is available. The Palm Beach Hilton is a Smoke Free Facility with all indoor facilities and sleeping room accommodations designated non-smoking areas. Guests are permitted to smoke by the outdoor poolside/tiki bar. Complimentary self-parking is available.

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NEW APWU OF FLORIDA RETIREE PARADISE WEBSITE A HIT!
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Jack Gose, President of the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter and Editor of the amazing new Retiree Paradise website online at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com announced that a FREE website button named “Stat Counter,” which was added to the popular Retirees webpage has recorded hundreds of hits in the first week of operation. Go on the internet to www.statcounter.com if you are interested in adding a little punch to your life. The invisible Web Tracker and Hit Counter is Fantabulous!
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FLARA ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION SET FOR FLORIDA HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER, ORLANDO, FL., JUNE 3-5, 2007
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It is a pleasure to invite all 3000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter union dues paying Retiree members, Retiree delegates, active APWU dues paying officers and members, and family members to the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) 2007 Annual Convention and Quarterly Board of Directors meeting to be held on Sunday, June 3 thru Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at the FLORIDA HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER, 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32809. Hotel check-in on Sun., June 3 is 3 pm. Your departure check-out time is 12 noon on Wednesday, June 6, 2007.

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The Florida Hotel and Conference Center room rate for FLARA members is $89.00 per night for single or double room, plus 12.5 % taxes. When making your reservations, please call toll-free 1-800-588-4656 OR 1-407-859-1500 and ask for the FLARA special group rate. The $5.00 day hotel service fee for parking is included in the group rate.

The registration fee for the Convention is $80.00 per person. Any registered delegate wishing to bring a guest to the prepaid meals should register their guest at $60.00 each. If you are interested, contact Yvonne Garrity, Executive Director, at the FLARA office in Wellington, Fl. by phone at 561-792-8799 to register and receive Convention materials and an updated agenda. Submit your registration form along with your payment made payable to “FLARA” to: FLARA, 12773 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 211, Wellington, FL 33414. Registration forms and fees must be received by FLARA by May 18, 2007 to process your credentials and better plan for a successful convention.

All FLARA club/chapter dues must be current in order for clubs/chapters to have proper voting status. If you have not sent in your chapter or individual dues, please do so immediately. If you have any questions, ask to speak with Tony Fransetta, President, FLARA, by phone at 561-792-8799. As the elected FLARA 2nd Vice President, I look forward to meeting with you and your family in Orlando, FL on June 3rd thru 5th, 2007. We Love You!

SUNCOAST RETIREE CHAPTER NEWS MARCH-APRIL, 2007 EDITION! FLARA LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE AT HOLIDAY INN, TALLAHASSEE, FL. MARCH 21-22, 2007

NEW RETIREE WEBSITE LAUNCHED to access & share info: www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com

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VOLUME 10, NUMBER 2 MAR.-APR., 2007
A publication of the Suncoast Area Local, APWU, AFL-CIO, serving over 720 APWU Retiree Chapter Dues Paying Members and their families living in zip codes 337 and 346 along the Gulf Coast of Florida and a Proud Member of APWU National Postal Press Association, Florida Postal Press Association, National Alliance for Retired Americans, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, and West Central Florida, Federation of Labor, Central Labor Council. The Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter was chartered by the National APWU in November, 1998. Our APWU Retiree Newsletter is the first published and mailed via the U.S. Postal Service and on the Worldwide Internet in the Nation and we really do care! Contact us when in need of a lifeline. Life is full of wonderful surprises. What a great feeling to live in Florida! Never any local or state APWU Retiree union dues to pay!
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EASTER EGG PICNIC, FREEDOM LAKE PARK, PINELLAS PARK, 12 NOON-3 PM SUN., APR 1
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FLARA EXECUTIVE BOARD & LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE TALLAHASSEE, FL. AT THE HOLIDAY INN, MAR 21-22, 2007

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All 3000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Officers, Members, and Families are invited to the annual Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) Legislative Conference and Executive Board meeting on Wed., March 21 thru Thurs., March 22, 2007 to be held in the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 2725 Graves Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303, located near Exit 199 from Interstate 10, then go north on Monroe St./US Hwy 27.
The FLARA group hotel room rate is $69.00 to $129.00 night sgl/dbl, depending on building location, plus 11.5 % tax for FLARA members. Please phone 1-850-536-2000 or toll-free 1-800-345-8082 to ask for the FLARA special group rate Code “FAR,” with check in on Tue., March 20 after 4 pm. Check out time is 11 am. FLARA will have a full 2-day agenda with luncheon at the Holiday Inn.
Registration fee is $80.00 for members and $60.00 for guests, phone 1-561-792-8799.
FLARA will have meetings from 9 am to 5 pm on Wed., Mar. 21 and Thur., Mar. 22 to include special invited elected officials and legislators from the national and state scenes and guest speakers covering Retiree issues such as Social Security, Medicare, Prescription Drugs, Medicaid, Taxes, Housing, and Insurance. Our APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter and APWU Local Retiree Chapter officers, members and families are urged to attend these action meetings!
Phone Jack Gose, FLARA 2nd Vice President, at 727-343-2998 or send E-mail to jak.gose@excite.com for more information.

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APWU OF FL STATE RETIREE CHAPTER EB AND MEMBER LUNCHEON WED., MAY 9, 2007 AT HILTON HOTEL, W. PALM BEACH

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An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter FREE LUNCHEON is scheduled in the Veranda Restaurant, Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel, 150 Australian Av, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 from 12 noon to 1:15 pm for APWU of Florida Retiree Chapter dues paying members and family. The FREE luncheon includes food, taxes, and gratuity for each APWU Retiree Chapter Member and one spouse or family member, limited to two (2) FREE luncheons for each Chapter member.
Up to five (5) $25.00 CASH DOOR PRIZES will be awarded to the first five (5) lucky Retirees who pay $24.00 year union dues to the National APWU Retirees Dept. signing in at the luncheon according to Jack Gose, Chapter President. APWU Retiree HAPPY folders chock full of interesting trivia and news articles will be given out to all in attendance at the Retirees luncheon.
The APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board will meet before the luncheon at 11 am to discuss and plan for future Retiree activities in 2007.
APWU of Florida group single/dbl room rate is $119.00 nite plus 11.5 % taxes. Call the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel at 1-800-443-3545 toll free or 1-561-684-9400 to reserve your room. Check in is 4 pm and checkout is 11 am.
APWU of Florida Spring Seminar educational classes for active and retiree members are scheduled for Thursday, May 10 through Sat., May 12, 2007 in the same hotel.

FREE LUNCHEON TO FIRST FORTY (40) CHAPTER MEMBERS/FAMILY MEMBERS TO SIGN IN ON ATTENDANCE SHEET ON TUESDAY, MAR. 27, 2007 AT 11:00 A.M. AT BUDDY FREDDYS BUFFET RESTAURANT LOCATED IN HOLIDAY, FLORIDA AT 1150 U. S. HIGHWAY 19, ABOUT 100 YARDS NORTH OF THE PINELLAS/PASCO COUNTY LINE.

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Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter members/family members, excluding Chapter Officers, can win the Face Card $25.00 Cash Door Prize at the regular Chapter meeting on Tuesday, Mar. 27, 2007 in Holiday, Florida.
Doug Duncan, Metro Crime Prevention of Florida, will speak on "A Crime Happens Every Minute!"
All active and retired members/family guests are invited to all our Chapter meetings. Retiree Chapter members attending their first Chapter meeting shall be awarded a $10.00 Sign In Bonus Cash Prize, limited to the first five (5) to arrive at each meeting, and also shall receive a FREE National APWU Survivors’ Family Booklet worth $3.00.
One hundred ninety-three (193) persons have signed in and attended our meetings to date since 1998! Please join us and pick up your prize! Stay Young, Alert, & Healthy!

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EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETS 10 AM TO 11 AM
LUNCHEON FROM 11 AM TO 12:30 PM
REGULAR MEETING FROM 12:30 PM - 1 PM

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FSRC FOUNDERS 2006-2007 EXECUTIVE BOARD
Jack Gose, President 727-343-2998
Dan Delehanty, First Vice-President 727-862-2923
Janet Hamlin, 2nd Vice President 727-379-0032
Jerry Columbus, Secretary 727-372-9855
John Sardin, Jr., Treasurer 727-347-5687
Bob Jilek, Trustee Chair 727-535-2409
Mike Sullivan, Local Union President 727-520-7300

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FSRC FOUNDERS 2006-2007 ADDTL. OFFICERS
John R. Stephens, Health Plan Rep. 727-934-4033 Spencer Blydenburgh, Trustee/Mbr Dir 727-544-6536
Mario G. Miceli, Legislative Director 727-446-4781
Alfred DiServio, Historian & AFL-CIO 727-372-9219
Tom Brown, Trustee 727-847-6987
Skip Lilly, Sergeant-at-Arms 727-546-4206
Don Robinson, Retiree CLC Delegate 727-819-8543
Rutha Gavin, Chaplain 727-894-1349
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SUNCOAST AREA LOCAL, APWU
7195 – 49th Street,
PINELLAS PARK, FL. 33781
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SERGEANT AT ARMS 2007 LISTEN UP!

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The below twenty-eight (28) Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter Members, Family, & Guests, attended the entertaining Retiree Chapter luncheon and business meeting held on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at Buddy Freddys Buffet Restaurant in Holiday, FL. 34691.

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FLA. SUNCOAST RET. CHAPTER MEMBERS (18)
Clearwater, Mario Miceli; Gulfport, Tony Fiore; Holiday, Susan Gilley and John R. Stephens; Hudson, Dan Delehanty; New Port Richey, Tom Brown, Jerry Columbus, Alfred DiServio, Alfred Martinez and Frederick Roth; Port Richey, Joseph A. Mazzella and Don Robinson; Saint Petersburg, Bill Baker, Spencer Blydenburgh, Jr., and John Sardin, Jr.; South Pasadena, Jack Gose, and Tarpon Springs, Pauline Glidden and Jim Glover.

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INVITED FAMILY MEMBERS AND GUESTS (10)
Clearwater, Bonnie Miceli; Holiday, Lucia Steele and Dorothy Stephens; Hudson, Joan Delehanty; New Port Richey, Eugenia Columbus and Helen Nicosia; Port Richey, Henry Brown; St. Petersburg, Patricia Blydenburgh; Tarpon Springs, Richard Coultes; and Invited Guest Speaker Jennifer Hess, Tampa Bay Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, from New Port Richey.

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STATE RETIREE CHAPTER EXEC. BOARD
Jack Gose, President So. Pasadena 727-343-2998
Valentine Serpico, VP Ft. Lauderdale 954-396-4217
Dave Bernstein, LegislativeDir Tampa 813-839-4233
Mario G. Miceli, Sec-Trs., Clearwater 727-446-4781
J.C. Wise, Health Plan Dir, Tampa 813-289-0382
Beth Cramer, Benefits Dir Cape Coral 239-242-9133
Charlie Redd, Trustee Cocoa 321-632-2898
Pedro Torres, Trustee Miami 305-251-7938
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STATE RETIREE CHAPTER ADDITIONAL OFFICERS
John Sardin, Jr., Historian St. Pete 727-347-5687
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The Editor reserves the right to edit articles submitted for publication as needed for space and shall appreciate any helpful ideas you may wish to share with me. Contact Jack Gose, Editor, at the Pinellas Park, Fl. office address, or phone 727-520-7300, E-Mail: Jak.Gose@Excite.com or phone me 727-343-2998 at home. Editors, get New Life as 121 APWU National Postal Press Association Editors accomplished by adding our Suncoast Retirees Chapter News publication to their APWU Area Local/Local newsletter PPA Editor mailing list!

2007 HOW TO ORGANIZE AN APWU AREA LOCAL/LOCAL RETIREE CHAPTER

Which APWU Area Local/Local in the state of Florida will receive the next APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter Charter from National APWU Headquarters in Washington, D.C. to join Broward County AL, Miami AL, Tampa AL, and Suncoast AL in the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter. We offer a Challenge to twenty-one (21) other Florida Area Locals/Locals with over ten (10) National APWU Retiree $24.00 year or $2.00 month dues paying members currently which have no chartered APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapters in their areas, sorted in alpha sequence below, to ORGANIZE an APWU Retiree Chapter as soon as possible:

Central Florida AL; Citrus Center AL; Daytona Beach AL; Florida Keys AL; Jacksonville BMC Local; Manasota Local; Manatee AL; Melbourne AL; Mid-Florida AL; North Central Florida AL; Northeast Florida AL; Palm Beach AL; Panama City Local; Pensacola AL; Playground AL; Sarasota Local; South County AL; Southwest Florida AL; Space Coast AL; Tallahassee Local; and Vero Beach Local.

We recommend any APWU Local/Area Local President interested in organizing an APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter in their Area Local/Local, to contact the National APWU Retirees Department and request the information needed below to begin the search, or go online to the National APWU Retirees Department website apwu.org/retiree by clicking on the below link: http://www.apwu.org/dept/retiree/retformchapter.htm to find additional Retiree information in order to take action and get the ball rolling:

(1) Request a Model APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter Constitution and By-Laws and sample copies of Retiree Chapter Constitution and By-Laws adopted by other APWU chartered Area Local/Local Retiree Chapters.

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(2) Request a Copy of APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter membership names, residence address, and zip code by alpha and zip code sequence.
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(3) Pass a Resolution at an Executive Board meeting of the active APWU Area Local/Local in support of establishing an APWU Retiree Chapter.

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(4) Mail a letter to all the APWU Retirees paying $24.00 year or $2.00 month union dues to the National APWU Retirees Department at their home address where they reside, or write an article in the APWU Area Local/Local newsletter mailed to the Retirees, inviting them to an ORGANIZATION meeting and FREE luncheon of the Area Local/Local to create an APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter.

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(5) The APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Organization Committee should take Retiree Officer nominations from the floor at the organization meeting and/or accept Retiree member volunteers. However, the President of the APWU Area Local/Local appoints all the founding Retiree Officer Executive Board members, until the first Chapter election of new Retiree Chapter officers voted on by the Retiree dues paying membership.

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(6) Mail the interim list of appointed Retiree Chapter officers and completed Retiree Chapter Constitution and By-Laws to the National APWU Retirees Director, APWU Headquarters, 1300 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 for transmittal to the National APWU Secretary-Treasurer's office for charter approval by the National APWU President and Secretary-Treasurer.

According to Article 16, Section 2 (i) of the National APWU Constitution and By-Laws, ten (10) or more APWU Retirees Department members, residing within local or area local geographical jurisdiction, may form an Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter.

Now that everyone knows the ABC’s of organizing an APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter, let’s celebrate and start organizing. With 3,000 APWU of Florida Retiree Chapter dues paying members, many Retirees are just sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring or get a letter in the mail announcing an Area Local/Local Organizing Committee meeting to create a new Local Union Retiree Chapter.

Contact Jack Gose at 727-343-2998, E-mail jak.gose@excite.com and/or go online to www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com for more information. We don’t claim to be an expert, but WE LOVE TO ORGANIZE!

APWU OF FLORIDA STATE RETIREES CHAPTER FREE LUNCHEON SET FOR HILTON PALM BEACH AIRPORT RESTAURANT IN WEST PALM BEACH, FL ON WED., MAY 9, 2007!

An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter FREE luncheon for each Retiree Chapter member paying Retiree union dues to the National APWU Retirees Dept. of $24.00 year or $2.00 month and one guest, limit of two per family, attending the Retirees Luncheon to be held at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Restaurant, 150 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33406 from 12 NOON to 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2007, the day before the APWU of Florida Spring Seminar begins on Thurs., May 10 thru Sat., May 12, 2007 at the same Hotel where the semi-annual conclave is held for educational classes for active and retiree APWU members.

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Retiree Happy folders will be distributed to all those attending, and everyone is invited! Up to five (5) $25.00 Cash Door Prizes will be awarded to the first five APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter members signing in and attending the Retirees Luncheon. Enjoy friendly conversation and learn the secrets of longer life!

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An APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board meeting will be held in the Restaurant Private Dining Area (PDR) at 11 am to 12 noon preceding the Luncheon, and everyone is invited to listen and participate in the discussion on motions brought before the Executive Board. The Hilton is located west of the intersection of I-95 and Southern Blvd (U.S. Hwy 98), and near the southeast corner of Palm Beach International Airport. Palm Beach and the beaches are only 3 miles distant.

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The Hilton Hotel telephone number to phone for room reservations is 1-800-443-3545, and APWU of Florida special group room rates are $119.00 Single/Double night, plus 11.5 taxes. To get the group rate, reservations must be made by April 30, 2007. Complimentary self-parking is available, and all indoor facilities and sleeping accommodations are designated non-smoking areas. Guests are permitted to smoke by the Hilton poolside/tiki bar. See Ya in West Palm Beach, Baby! We Love You!

Jack Gose, President, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO

WHERE DO APWU RETIREE CHAPTER DUES PAYING MEMBERS LIVE? HOW TO ORGANIZE AN APWU RETIREE CHAPTER!

Which state will receive the next National APWU Charter as an APWU State Retiree Chapter to join Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and California?

The below Retiree Chapter state membership figures sorted by highest number of Area Local/Local Chapters and alpha are estimates based on data we obtained a couple years ago from the National APWU on the 40,000 + APWU Retiree dues paying membership, updated to include the number of APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapters listed in parentheses in 17 states:

OH 2000+ (7); FL 3000+ (4); MI 1300+ (4); CA 2700+ (2); IL 1600+ (2); MD/DC 600 (2); NY 4000+ (2); NC 1200+ (2); PA 2300+ (2); GA 900+ (1); IN 850+ (1); IA 650+(1); KS 400+ (1); MO 1000+ (1); NE 400+ (1); TX 2500+ (1); VA 800+ (1).

We offer a Challenge to Organize an APWU Retiree Chapter ASAP to the other Thirty-three (33) States, sorted in alpha sequence below, which have no chartered APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapters currently:

AL 460+; AK 65+; AR 380+; AZ 650+; CO 450+; CT 570+; DE 110+; HI 65+; ID 200+; KY 550+; LA 700+; ME 260+; MA 800+; MN 800+; MS 400+; MT 200+; NV 400+; NH 300+; NJ 2000+; NM 50+; ND 130+; OK 500+; OR 400+; RI 150+; SC 500+; SD 200+; TN 700+; UT 160+; VT 140+; WA 550+; WV 400+; WI 950+; and WY 130+.

PR 100+; VI 40+.

We recommend any APWU State President and/or APWU Local/Area Local President interested in organizing an APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter and/or APWU State Retiree Chapter in their Area Local/Local or State, to contact the National APWU Retirees Department and request the information needed to begin the search, or go online to the National APWU Retirees Department website apwu.org/retiree by clicking on the below link: http://www.apwu.org/dept/retiree/retformchapter.htm

for additional Retiree information in order to take action and get the ball rolling:

(1) Model APWU Area Local/Local or State Retiree Chapter Constitution and By-Laws and sample copies of Retiree Chapter Constitution and By-Laws adopted by other APWU chartered Retiree Chapters.

(2) Copy of APWU Area Local/Local or State Retiree Chapter membership names, residence address, and zip code by alpha and zip code sequence.

(3) Pass a Resolution at an Executive Board meeting of the active APWU Area Local/Local or active APWU State organization in support of establishing an APWU Retiree Chapter.

(4) Mail a letter to all the APWU Retirees paying $24.00 year or $2.00 month union dues at the National APWU Retirees Department to their home address where they reside, or write an article in the APWU Area Local/Local or APWU State organization newsletter mailed to the Retirees, inviting them to an organization meeting and FREE luncheon of the Area Local/Local or APWU State organization to create an APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter or APWU State Retiree Chapter.

(5) The APWU Area Local/Local or State Retiree Chapter Organization Committee should take Retiree Officer nominations from the floor at the organization meeting and/or accept Retiree member volunteers. However, the President of the APWU Area Local/Local or APWU State organization appoints all the founding Retiree Officer Executive Board members and other officers until the Chapter election of new Retiree Chapter officers voted on by the Retiree dues paying membership.

(6) Mail the interim list of appointed Retiree Chapter officers and completed Chapter Constitution and By-Laws to the National APWU Retirees Director, APWU Headquarters, 1300 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 for transmittal to the National APWU Secretary-Treasurer's office for charter approval by the National APWU President and Secretary-Treasurer.

According to Article 16, Section 2 (i) of the National APWU Constitution and By-Laws, ten (10) or more APWU Retirees Department members, residing within local or area local geographical jurisdiction, may form an Area Local/Local Retiree Chapter.

The ongoing National APWU policy has been that after three (3) APWU Area Local/Local Retiree Chapters have been chartered in any state, an APWU State Chapter may be formed in that state.

Jack Gose, President and Editor, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO

NATIONAL AFL-CIO WEBSITE RECOGNIZES RETIREE PARADISE, NEW WEBSITE ONLINE

NATIONAL AFL-CIO WEBPAGE RECOGNIZES NEW “RETIREE PARADISE” WEBSITE!

An innovative Retiree Website online publication named Retiree Paradise was created for the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, APWU, AFL-CIO and launched on November 15, 2006 at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com to serve over 3,000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter ACTIVE AND RETIREE dues paying members and their families residing in the State of Florida zip code 320 thru 349 and wherever they move out of state.

The National AFL-CIO website recognized the new APWU Retiree website in an article on Jan. 3, 2007, and Postal Reporter.com and 21st Century Postal Worker.com provided links from their sites to the Retiree Paradise website.

New policies grandfathered in from the National APWU Retirees Department implemented in October, 2006 require that any APWU Retiree member paying $24.00 year or $2.00 month to the National APWU Retirees Department in Washington, D.C. must be listed as a Chapter member from the APWU Local Union they were a member of prior to retirement from the U.S. Postal Service, NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE IN THE WORLD!
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The only exception would be if they requested in writing to be transferred to a Retiree Chapter in the state where they have moved to, such as Florida!

Jack Gose, President of the State Retiree Chapter, is the first Editor of the new Retiree Newsletter Website Online named “RETIREE PARADISE.” The State Retiree Chapter Constitution & By-Laws address the need for a Retiree Editor to communicate and share information with APWU active and retiree members and their families, and the website was created FREE using Blogger Beta by Jack Gose online at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com for the benefit of everyone to access and share info.

Our APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Online Newsletter leads the nation in new ideas, and is a Proud member of the APWU National Postal Press Association, Florida Postal Press Association, and Florida Alliance for Retired Americans. The State Retiree Chapter was chartered in March, 2002 and this fantastic original Retiree website is a Work in Progress for anyone who expresses a Labor of Love, which is what Unionism is All About. No State APWU Retiree union dues to pay!

You will find many interesting Retiree articles and photos on this new website to titillate your imagination. If you have any questions or comments concerning RETIREE PARADISE, contact Jack Gose, President and Editor, at my home phone 727-343-2998 or E-mail me at www.jak.gose@excite.com with your articles, suggestions, or comments.

JOHN SARDIN, JR. APPOINTED AS CHAPTER HISTORIAN

Jack Gose, President, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO, has appointed John Sardin, Jr. to the newly created post of Historian, which position was unanimously approved by the Chapter Executive Board meeting on Wed., Oct. 25, 2006 in Fort Myers, FL. John was born in 1922, and he is enjoying his 64 years of labor union involvement. He is a highly respected individual serving as the first APWU Vice President at Large on the Florida AFL-CIO Executive Board for several years, and is currently the Treasurer of the Florida Suncoast Retiree Chapter, Suncoast Area Local #1228 covering 337 and 346 zip code areas of Florida.

The CHAPTER HISTORIAN shall maintain an accurate historical record of the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO, prior to and after the issuance of a founding charter granted by the American Postal Workers Union on March 15, 2002, and to keep up with the historical facts of all National APWU, National AFL-CIO, APWU of Florida State, Florida AFL-CIO, National Alliance for Retired Americans, and Florida Alliance for Retired Americans labor related events. He will share with APWU Active and Retiree dues paying officers, stewards, members, and their families by timely distribution and publication of informative, interesting historical articles in the Florida Postal Worker and at conventions, conferences, and seminars.

REVIEW OF 2006 EVENTS AND PREVIEW OF 2007 ACTION

Elizabeth Cramer, APWU Southern Region Retiree National Convention Delegate, Steve Cramer, Dave and Phyllis Bernstein, Richard and Arlene Lambrigger, and Jack Gose participated in an open luncheon and business meeting at Holiday Inn Select in Ft. Myers. Beth Cramer wants everyone to know she attended all the active and retiree meetings at the National APWU Convention in Philadelphia in August.
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A motion was unanimously passed for the Chapter to send up to two (2) Chapter Officer/Delegates to the National APWU Retiree Conference and Clerk Craft Conference to be held in Las Vegas, NV at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel from Mon., Nov. 5 thru Thur., Nov. 8, 2007 to ensure having two Delegates with voice and vote at both events.

Jack Gose, Dave and Phyllis Bernstein joined over 100 other Postal Workers on Thur., Oct. 26, 2006 to picket the Main Post Office in downtown Ft. Myers, opposing the consolidation plans for 139 post offices of the U.S. Postal Service, which actions will slow down the service and eliminate postmarks on local mailings, including St. Petersburg, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Ft. Myers. The message was delivered by APWU active and retiree marchers loud and clear, “DON’T LET OUR MAIL SERVICE FALL APART,” as TV, Cable, Radio, and Newspaper Media on the scene recorded APWU History for the Ages!

The Chapter encourages all active APWU Area Local/Local Executive Boards and active membership to affiliate with Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) at 25 cents per member, per year, with a minimum of twenty (20) members or $5.00 year dues to receive a charter from FLARA.
Jack Gose distributed a Happy Folder containing an APPLICATION FOR AFFILIATION WITH FLARA to each of the APWU Area Local/Local Presidents attending the Local Presidents Conference all day meeting on Wed., Oct. 25, 2006. The APWU leaders of today need to get involved in politics and progressive legislation to protect and preserve our jobs, active and retiree benefit programs!

The 3-hour Retirement Class at the APWU of Florida Fall Seminar on Sat., Oct. 28, 2006 in Ft. Myers had a Wonderful Surprise Turnout with thirty (30) signing in, about half coming from Southwest Florida Area Local and the rest hailing from ten (10) other local unions. The expected retirement years offered by the attendees ranged from 2007 to 2040.
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Linda Springer, Director of Office of Personnel Management, informed us that sixty percent (60%) of the Federal Employee workforce will become eligible to retire within the next ten (10) years, and forty percent (40 %) will actually retire as soon as they become eligible. Doug Holbrook, National APWU Retiree Director, who taught the retirement seminar, states that 137,000 APWU craft members will become eligible to retire by 2016.
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My advice is for everyone to sign up for the next APWU OF FLORIDA SPRING 3-DAY RETIREMENT COUNSELOR SEMINAR to be taught in April, 2007. Early Outs are always an Option!

National APWU officer elections are to be held in 2007, and over 40,000 APWU Retiree dues paying members will get to vote for their National APWU Retiree Director for the first time as a result of Delegate Convention action. Several Retirees will be running for the coveted top spot, and we are already getting feelers from potential candidates who are jockeying for position to win the $90,000. salary annually plus benefits and travel expenses.
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The National APWU Southern Region Convention Delegate elected spot is going to attract several notable candidates as well we hear. We wish all the candidates the best, and hope the winners will lead us to greater progress in 2007.

OPM ANNUITY, SOCIAL SECURITY COLA, AND MEDICARE INCREASES IN 2007

Federal retirees covered by Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and regular military retirees will receive a 3.3 percent COST OF LIVING (COLA) increase in 2007. Employees who retired under the new Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and are 62 or older will receive 2.3 percent COLA. There are about 2.4 million federal retirees worldwide.

Social Security checks for nearly l49 million retirees are going up 3.3 percent in 2007, an average of $33.00 per month. The 3.3 percent hike compares to 4.1 percent benefit rise in 2006, the biggest increase in 15 years. One-third (1/3) of retirees rely on Social Security for ninety (90) percent or more of their total income.

Part of the gain will be eaten up by a $5.00 jump in Medicare Part B Health Insurance from $88.50 to $93.50 monthly, a rise of 5.6 percent.

Our entire APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Executive Board members wish everyone smooth sailing, and a HAPPY and HEALTHY NEW YEAR in 2007!

Jack Gose, President, APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter.
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(POST SCRIPT: The below news was received after the above article was submitted unedited to the Florida Postal Worker for publication.)
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Our thanks to the National APWU Communications Department managed by Sally Davidow and National APWU Retirees Department directed by Douglas Cowan Holbrook, for providing a link from the National APWU website "State and Local Links" webpage and a link from the National APWU Retiree Dept. website "State and Local Retiree Chapters webpage to the "Retiree Paradise" website of the APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com to access and share late breaking retiree news.
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We give our thanks also to the Suncoast Area Local #1228 of Florida Office Manager Diane McDaniel for setting up a link from their Area Local Union Retiree webpage to the new Florida State Retiree website "Retiree Paradise," and we welcome any other APWU, AFL-CIO, union local or state organization in the world, including active or retiree union dues paying members or their family members who wish to link up with our innovative "Retiree Paradise" internet online website to go to www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com and feel free to do so for access and sharing of up to date retirement information hot off the wires!
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Jack Gose, Editor and Webmaster

Jan 2007 FLARA Legislative Conference, Tallahassee, FL

2007 FLARA LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE & EB MTG IN TALLY MARCH 21-22, 2007!

All 3000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Officers, Members, and Families are invited to the annual Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) Legislative Conference and Executive Board meeting on Wed., March 21 thru Thurs., March 22, 2007 to be held in the Holiday Inn and Suites, 2725 Graves Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303, near Exit 199 from I-10 go north on N. Monroe St. US 27.

The FLARA group hotel room rate is $69.00 to $129.00 night sgl/dbl, depending on building location, plus 11.5 % tax for FLARA members. Please phone 1-850-536-2000 or toll-free 1-800-345-8082 to ask for the FLARA special group rate, with check in on Tue., March 20 after 4 pm. Check out time is 11 am. FLARA will have a full 2-day agenda.

FLARA will have meetings from 9 am to 5 pm on Wed., Mar. 21 and Thur., Mar. 22 to include special invited elected officials and legislators from the national and state scenes and guest speakers covering Retiree issues such as Social Security, Medicare, Health Insurance, Prescription Drugs, Medicaid, and Housing. Our APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter and APWU Local Retiree Chapter officers, members and families are urged to attend these meetings!

For more info, phone Jack Gose, FLARA Vice President, at 727-343-2998!

2007 AN INNOVATIVE NEW RETIREE WEBSITE CREATED ON INTERNET

A new Retiree News Web publication named “Retiree Paradise,” was launched on November 15, 2006 by APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter to serve over 3,000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter retiree dues paying members and their families residing in the State of Florida zip code 320 thru 349 and wherever they move out of state.

The only exception in the future would be if they requested in writing to be transferred to a Retiree Chapter in the state where they have moved to, such as Florida!

Jack Gose, President of the State Retiree Chapter, is the first Editor of the new website. The State Retiree Chapter Constitution & By-Laws address the need for a Retiree Editor to communicate and share information with APWU active and retiree members and their families, and the website was created FREE online using Blogger Beta at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com !

Any questions or comments, contact Jack Gose at my home phone 727-343-2998 or E-mail me at jak.gose@excite.com !

2007 NATIONAL AFL-CIO RECOGNIZES NEW RETIREE WEBSITE!

DIRECT ONLINE FROM AFL-CIO NEWS THAT WORKS NOW WEBPAGE!

LOTS TO SAY by Tula Connell, Jan 3, 2007 at www.afl-cio.org National AFL-CIO website in Washington, D.C. 20006.

The e-mailbag got pretty full over the holidays—just now catching up on your news and comments.

In the next few weeks, the AFL-CIO Now blog will introduce its first-ever comment section—allowing you to comment directly to blog posts and discuss issues among each other.

In the meantime, if you have news or comments, keep sending them to: blognews@aflcio.org.

Jack Gose of South Pasadena, Fla., tells us about a new website for Postal Workers (APWU) retirees and other retired union members.

APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO, has created a new website named “Retiree Paradise” at http://www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com/ for AFL-CIO active and retiree members and their families to access and share retirement information.

As Brother Gose says:
When a union member retires from the workplace, everything that affects the retiree also affects the family members either directly or indirectly as well!

Congratulations to Brother Gose and all APWU retirees on this great move into the NetRoots!

2006 APWU RETIREES 100 YEARS AND COUNTING!

(This article written by Douglas Cowan Holbrook, National APWU Retirees Department Director first appeared in the November/December 2006 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.)

100 Years and Still Counting!

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our union it is important to remember the men and women who established the union a century ago and the struggles they encountered. The struggle, of course, continued for their successors, and continues today.

When I reflect on our history, I am very proud of the APWU’s accomplishments. We must remember that it took great determination; the gains were never given to us; we had to fight for everything we have today. The union’s institutional memory must pay tribute to all our members and, as they retire, they must not be forgotten. Without their efforts, we would not be here today.

The current and future retirees have paved the road to tomorrow, and as they retire most of these members show that they would like to play a vital role in our future. I hope that our locals will invite retirees to meetings and ask them to share some of their history. We have a wonderful history, and active members would be well served to hear the personal experiences of retirees.

Encourage your retirees to join the Retirees Department of APWU and to work toward establishing a chapter in your local. If you need information regarding the establishment of a APWU Retirees chapter, please call the national department at 202-842-8585 or 877-279-8669 (877-APWU NOW).

National Convention:
The delegates attending the conference in Philadelphia prioritized the legislative issues that they consider to be of great importance to current and future retirees:

Protection of federal Civil Service annuities.
Opposition to privatization that would adversely affect job security for postal workers.
Guaranteeing Social Security for current and future retirees.
Protection of health benefits.
Making healthcare more affordable.
Amending Section 125 of the federal tax code to allow pre-tax dollars to be put toward health care.
Repealing the Social Security Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provisions.
Legal permission for drugs made in the USA to be reimported.
Improving Medicare coverage.
Guaranteeing Medicare for current and future Retirees.
Supporting legislation that would provide for longterm care.

Retired National Officers:

The following former national officers were in attendance at the Retirees Conference held just before the national convention:

Sam Anderson (Special Delivery Messengers director);
Wallace Baldwin (Clerk Division assistant director);
Willie Bryant (Maintenance Division regional representative);
Alton Fouche (Maintenance Craft vice president); David Johnson Sr. (executive vice president);
Jim Lingberg (Maintenance Division director);
John P. Richards (Industrial Relations director); and
John R. Smith (Mailhandlers director and Retirees Department director).

Retiree(s) of the Year:
The Retirees Department asked each chapter to submit the names of members they would nominate as Retirees of the Year and we received 11 nominations.

Each of these members has made outstanding contributions to the union, the department, and their community. The following received Outstanding Retiree of the Year awards:

Samuel Anderson, Chicago Local (president)
John Donovan, San Diego Area Local
George Hendricks, Western Michigan Area Local
David Johnson Sr., Omaha Area Local
Donald Ross, Chicago Local (president, Retirees chapter)
William Scott, Chicago Local
Valentine Serpico, Broward County (FL) Area Local
Beverly Shealy, Cleveland Area Local (president, Retirees)
Paul Snider, Toledo Area Local.

The following pair received Retiree of the Year awards:

Wallace Baldwin Jr., Atlanta Metro Area Local (president, Retirees chapter), and active member of the Fulton County Office of Aging, the Community Affordable Housing group, and the Georgia Military and Federal Employees Coalition;

and Jack Gose, Suncoast Area Local (president, Retirees chapter) and vice president, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans.

2007 STATE RETIREE CHAPTER CREATES NEW ONLINE WEBSITE, "RETIREE PARADISE!"

NEW RETIREE WEBSITE LAUNCHED!

An innovative daily Retiree Newsletter publication, “21st Century APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO, News Official Website Online,” was launched on November 15, 2006 to serve over 3,000 APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter active and retiree dues paying members and their families residing in the State of Florida zip code 320 thru 349 and wherever they move out of state.

Jack Gose, President of the State Retiree Chapter, is the first Editor of the new Retiree Newsletter Website Online named “RETIREE PARADISE.” The State Retiree Chapter Constitution & By-Laws address the need for a Retiree Editor to communicate and share information with APWU active and retiree members and their families, and the website was created FREE using Blogger Beta by Jack Gose online at www.retireeparadise.blogspot.com in response to the new generation Universe we call Home! It feels great to live in Florida!

Our APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter Online Newsletter leads the nation in new ideas, and is a Proud member of the APWU National Postal Press Association, Florida Postal Press Association, and Florida Alliance for Retired Americans. The State Retiree Chapter was chartered in March, 2002 and this fantastic original Retiree website is a Work in Progress for anyone who expresses a Labor of Love, What Unionism is All About. No State APWU Retiree union dues to pay!

Jack Gose, President

2006 NATIONAL APWU RETIREE AMENDMENTS ADOPTED!

FLASH NOTICE: The below synopsis of Retiree resolutions adopted by elected Delegates at previous National APWU Biennial Conventions only includes articles and sections where the name "Retiree(s)" appear. To review a up-to-date complete unabridged copy of the National APWU Constitution and By-Laws, go online to www.apwu.org and click on Secretary-Treasurer Department in the pull down menu, and click on the word Constitution located on the left sidebar! (Editor)

ARTICLE 2 - OBJECTIVES.

Section 12. (Page 3) The APWU shall encourage the formation of state and area local/local retiree chapters of the APWU Retirees Department in every state and territory of the United States, in order that all APWU dues-paying retirees and their families shall have access to state and area local/local APWU Retirees Department chapters to continue to fight for those issues which affect APWU members, retirees, and their families. (* Resolution submitted by Jack Gose, Suncoast Area Local #1228 of Florida, and adopted by Delegates at National APWU Convention held in Minneapolis, MN on Wed., Aug. 14, 2002)

ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP.

Section 4 (c). (Page 4) Members of this union who retire from employment in an APWU bargaining unit may maintain full membership with all rights of such membership by continuing to pay full per capita taxes to the APWU plus whatever local dues may be required by their local union. They shall receive a ballot from the division they last served while on active duty.

Retirees whose APWU full dues/per capita payments have lapsed, due to extenuating circumstances, may appeal for reinstatement to the APWU National Secretary-Treasurer, providing supporting documentation and accompanied by written verification by the local president and secretary-treasurer. The APWU Retirees Department Director shall review retiree appeals for full dues membership reinstatement, report a recommendation to the APWU National Secretary-Treasurer who shall present the appeal, findings, and recommendation to the National Executive Board for a final determination.

(d) (Page 4 & 5) As an alternative, such retirees shall have an option to choose to maintain full National membership with the National APWU only, by paying full National per capita taxes to the APWU plus Twenty-four ($24.00) Dollars to the APWU Retirees Department, and shall be accorded full voting rights in National Officers Election in accordance with existing provisions of the Constitution. (* Resolution No. 1 addition submitted by Jack Gose, Suncoast Area Local #1228, APWU and APWU of Florida, amended and adopted by the elected Delegates at the National APWU Convention held in Los Angeles, CA on Wed., Aug. 25, 2004)

Retirees who pay full dues to the national and local state organizations shall be permitted to vote during contract ratification. (* Resolution addition submitted by Pennsylvania Postal Workers Union and adopted by the elected Delegates at the National APWU Convention held in Philadelphia, PA on Wed., Aug. 16, 2006)

(e) (Page 5) All retirees who desire to become members of the APWU Retirees Department shall pay Twenty-Four Dollars ($24.00) per year per capita tax to the National Union. Such retirees shall elect the Retirees Department Director (Resolution ref Retirees Dept. Director election amended and adopted by the elected Delegates at National APWU Convention held in Philadelphia, PA on Wed., Aug. 16, 2006) and five (5) delegates to the national convention. The Retirees Department Director and each Retiree National Convention Delegate will have a voice and one (1) vote at the national convention. The five (5) Retiree National Convention Delegates shall be paid necessary expenses to attend the national convention. (*Original Resolution submitted, amended, and adopted by the elected Delegates at the National APWU Convention held in Detroit, MI on Wed., Aug. 17, 1994)

ARTICLE 8 - DEPARTMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES.

Section 11. (Page 15) Director, APWU Retirees Department. The Director, APWU Retirees Department, shall be responsible for the Department. He/she shall be charged with the responsibility of directing the objectives of the department, but not limited to: legislative and political activity, administering retirement educational programs, organizing new Retirees Department members and Local and State Retiree Chapters, to service the needs of the retired members and their survivors, and such other duties as may be assigned to him/her. He/she shall work under the direction of the President. His/her salary shall be Eighty-Nine Thousand One Hundred Seventy-Six Dollars and No Cents ($89,176.00) per annum, plus expenses.

ARTICLE 11 - NOMINATIONS.

Section 2 (m). (Page 23 & 26) Candidates for Director, APWU Retirees Department and Retiree National Convention Delegate must be members in good standing of the APWU Retirees Department, paying Twenty-Four Dollars ($24.00) per year per capita tax to the national union. A member of the APWU Retirees Department in good standing may request a nominating petition and may nominate himself or herself or any other member in good standing of the APWU Retirees Department to be a candidate for Director, APWU Retirees Department, and he/she will be elected by members of the APWU Retirees Department nationwide, or a candidate for Retiree National Convention Delegate for the region that he/she will represent, and he/she will be elected from that region. Members in good standing who are nominated by others and are not self-nominated, will be notified that they have been so nominated and must agree in writing to accept the nomination before their names can be placed on the ballot.

Section 3 (a). (Page 26) Any eligible member may secure an official petition from the Secretary-Treasurer on May 1 through June 1 of the election year. Such petitions will be duplicated by each candidate at his/her own expense and must be received no later than June 15 at 5 p.m. at a box designated by the Secretary-Treasurer. Candidates shall provide in such petitions a certification signed by them, stating: "I am a member in good standing of the ______Division." "I am employed by __________." "The title of my job is __________." "I am retired:____________." "I am not retired." Candidates for Director, APWU Retirees Department and Retiree National Convention Delegate shall certify that they are members in good standing of the APWU Retirees Department and are not employed by the United States Postal Service.

(d) (Page 27) In the event of the death of a nominee for any office or Retiree National Convention Delegate, the National Executive Board shall be empowered, in its own discretion, to take such action consistent with federal laws as it deems necessary, including but not limited to, the holding of new nominations and election for the affected office(s).

ARTICLE 12 - ELECTION PROCESS.

Section 4 (a). (Page 28) Write-in votes shall not be valid, counted or considered. Any unopposed candidate duly-qualified by nominating petition for office or Retiree National Convention Delegate, after nomination petitions have been closed, shall be declared elected, and his/her name shall not appear on the ballot.

Section 7. (Page 29) National Officers and Retiree National Convention Delegates shall be elected by mail ballot of the members for a three (3) year period, effective November 1 of the election year.

ARTICLE 16 - FISCAL YEAR, REVENUES, AND CHARTERS.

Section 2 (i). (Page 43) Local Retiree Chapters chartered to be engaged in APWU Retirees Department Programs shall receive forty percent (40%) of the annual retiree per capita tax per retiree member of that local chapter. State Retiree Chapters will receive forty percent (40%) of the annual retiree per capita tax per retiree member of that State Retiree Chapter who does not belong to a Local Retiree Chapter. (*Resolution addition submitted by Michigan Postal Workers Union and adopted by the elected Delegates at the National APWU Convention held in Los Angeles, CA on Wed., Aug. 21, 1996)

State Retiree Chapters shall receive twenty percent (20%) of the National Per Capita per Retired Member in that state, once fifty percent (50%) or more of the state retiree membership has been organized and chartered into Local Retiree Chapters by the National APWU. (* Resolution sentence addition was submitted by Jack Gose, APWU of Florida, and adopted by the elected Delegates at the National APWU Convention held in Philadelphia, PA on Wed., Aug. 16, 2006)

Ten (10) or more APWU Retirees Department members, residing within local or area local geographical jurisdiction, may form a Local Retiree Chapter. (* Resolution sentence addition was submitted by Jack Gose, Suncoast Area Local #1228 of Florida, APWU of California, and Michigan Postal Workers Union and adopted by the elected Delegates at the National APWU Convention held in Minneapolis, MN on Wed., Aug. 14, 2002)

There will be an establishment of membership jurisdiction procedures which allows for a retired member residing outside the zip code representation jurisdiction of their home APWU Local from which they retired, the option of assigning their Local Retiree Chapter membership and forty percent (40%) annual dues rebate to their home Local Retiree Chapter.

2006 ANCIENT WEBMASTER LIFE STORY!

Jack Gose, Editor and Webmaster of 21st Century APWU of Florida State Retiree Chapter, AFL-CIO, Official News Online Website office is located at 6839 1/2 Park Street South, South Pasadena, Pinellas County, along the Gulf of Mexico, Florida 33707-2123, Retiree Paradise, U.S.

Jack Gose is a survivor in many ways, born in 1928 on a farm in rural southwestern Tazewell County, Va. during the Great Depression era. Returning from Pacific area in World War II, he graduated from college and married his sweetheart, Patsy Jean Cowan, on Sept. 15, 1951.

They have 3 living sons and 3 grandchildren. Jack is a Lifetime Member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Am Vets, and the American Legion. He loves to organize new programs and innovative projects, setting up a solid foundation with an organization constitution and by-laws which will weather the years.

He believes change is needed in Legislation and Politics, to balance the best interests of the American people!

View my complete profile!

2006 ORIGINAL RETIREE WEBSITE!

www.apwuflorida.org
CHAPTER OFFICERS
CHAPTER HISTORY
LOCAL RETIREE CHAPTERS
CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP
CONGRESS/LEGISLATIVE
10 DO'S AND 10 DON'TS
22 RETIREMENT TIPS
SURVIVOR ACTION INFO
15 REASONS TO CALL OR WRITE OPM
4 REASONS TO CALL OR WRITE APWU
RETIREE LINKS

2006 LABELS FOR RETIREE ARTICLES!