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.)

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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. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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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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.
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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. 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.

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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.

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.)

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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.

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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.

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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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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!

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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.

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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!

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!

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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.

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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!