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.

*******************************************************

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.

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

******************************************************
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!
*****************************************************
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!

*****************************************************

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!

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.

************************************************

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.

*
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.

*
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.

*
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.

*
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.

*
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.

*
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.

*
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.

*
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.

*
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.

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

*
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.

*
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!

*

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 nite) 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. 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.
*
CALLING ALL APWU RETIREES: FLARA ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE TO BE IN TALLAHASSEE, FL. ON MAR. 19-20, 2008

*
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!
*

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!
*
4TH ANNUAL APWU OF FL. STATE RETIREE CHAPTER CONVENTION SCHEDULED IN MELBOURNE, FL., WED., 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 1-877-227-6963.

*

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.
*
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR FLARA STATE CONVENTION SET FOR FLORIDA MALL HOTEL IN ORLANDO, FL. ON JUNE 2-3, 2008

*
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. If you have questions, phone FLARA VP Jack Gose 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.

*

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.

*
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!