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National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association

Florida Federation of Chapters

Your Future is Our Focus

Newsletter

April 2007

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President’s Podium

By Benjamin J. Pappa Jr

The clock is ticking, and it

will soon be the major event

of the year, the Florida

Federation Convention.

But for now, the hectic month

of February is behind us.

With eleven Districts

meetings to attend in a short

time, it becomes a task of

traveling and living out of a suitcase for almost four

weeks, but the end results are that it is the only

time each year that the Districts get members of

their Chapters together to exchange ideas and

pass along information. This year’s meetings went

very well. Each District Vice President presented a

similar agenda, yet each had its own approach, but

the end results were the same, the membership

came away better informed on NARFE issues, and

that is the purpose of this annual event. I wish to

thank each of them for a job well done.

Other events that have taken place since our last

Newsletter were both happy and sad events. On

the bright side, there were Chapter celebrations

where members congregated to celebrate Chapter

anniversaries and birthdays. And there were

others that were of a different nature. For instance,

members congregated to eulogize the past life of

one of our members, such as Mildred (Mickey)

Rosenthal. There was not a seat to be had,

standing room only. Many friends and NARFE

members gathered to say farewell to a member

that made a difference to those of us in NARFE

that know her.

On more of a personal note Margaret and I were

able to get away in January, we drove out to

California, making several stops along the way,

one in Henderson, NV (just outside Las Vegas),

where we spent some time with Roy and Edith

Reichelt. Then on to visit our sons, followed by a

weeklong cruise out of Long Beach CA down the

Mexican coast. And speaking of our cruise, don’t

forget the two, yes two cruises being sponsored by

the Florida Federation in December to benefit the

Alzheimer’s research program. Those who attend

will have a great time and help a great cause.

That brings us up the major event of the year, the

Florida Federation Convention that will take place

May 15

th

, 16

th

, & 17

th

at the Hilton Hotel in

Altamonte Springs. A major highlight of this year’s

event will be Margaret Baptiste our National

President attending. However, due to her very tight

schedule, she will only be with us on Tuesday and

Wednesday as she needs to fly out very early

Thursday to California. Each year the convention

provides the Chapter membership the opportunity

to come together to hear reports of both the

elected and appointed officers of the Florida

Federation along with the ability to shape the

course of NARFE through resolutions to be

addressed by the membership. It is also a great

time to renew old friendships and make new ones.

Margaret and I are looking forward to seeing many

of the regular attending members and meeting

some of the new members that will attend.

This is my final newsletter article as the Federation

President, and I view this with both happy and sad

thoughts. It has been an honor to serve NARFE as

the Florida Federation President, but it has also

been a major commitment, not only over the past

two years as President, but over the past seven

years as an elected officer of this federation. It is

now time for new officers to come forth with new

ideas to serve you, the member Chapters in the

leadership of NARFE.

Mark you Calendar

Executive Board Meetings

May 15 and 18, 2007

Annual Convention

May 15-17, 2007

2007 Alzheimer’s Benefit Cruises

December 2, 2007 from Tampa Bay

December 9, 2007 from Port Everglades