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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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.
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CALLING ALL APWU RETIREES: FLARA ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE TO BE IN TALLAHASSEE, FL. 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 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.

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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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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.

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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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MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR FLARA STATE CONVENTION SET FOR FLORIDA MALL HOTEL IN ORLANDO, FL. ON JUNE 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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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".

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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

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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 1-800-227-6963 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.

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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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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 CENTER, 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32809. Hotel check-in is 3 pm and check-out 12 noon. Your departure check-out date is on Tuesday, June 3rd, 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.

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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.

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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. 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. We Love You!

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.

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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.”

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[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).

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

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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

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

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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):

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.)

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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!