Each and every member of this Local is covered under the American Postal Workers Accident Benefit Association (ABA).

Kevin Fraser, Secretary-Treasurer

In a nutshell, the ABA provides monetary relief for members who suffer accidental death or injury. The Plan also includes an accidental death benefit for the spouse and children of an ABA member.

Last year, our Executive Board made a motion to become a "100 percent Local". What this means is that every member is automatically enrolled in the Value Plan, and premiums are paid by the Local. There are other options for increased enrollment. Details of each of the plan can be viewed at http://www.apw-aba.org/

Along with Clerk Craft Director Rosemary Spade and Maintenance Craft Director Steve Scudero, I had the honor of being a delegate to the ABA National Convention, which was held on August 14, 2006, following the close of business for the APWU National Convention.

Several Constitutional changes were discussed and voted upon, as well as the election of ABA National Officers. As changes were made to the ABA Constitution and By-Laws, a copy of the amended Constitution will be mailed to every member of our Local within the next couple of months. Details of the plan and your benefits should be included with the mailing of the updated Constitutions. Read this information carefully and see me if you have any questions.

Did you notice the insert in this newsletter? The 2006 APWU organizing campaign runs from March 1, 2006 to January 31, 2007. New APWU members and organizers become eligible for the annual drawing, which offers three types of prizes once the entry form is completed and returned with the new member’s completed Form 1187 (Membership application).

Completion of the Form1187 requires input by a Local Officer, so please ensure that the contest entry form and Form 1187 are brought back to the Union office for processing by me.

Remember that we are all organizers, not just stewards and officers. Do your part and encourage a non-member to join our fight. Just look at what you might win;

One grand prize winning card will be drawn. The winner(s) – Organizer and New Member – will each receive a vacation trip package for two. This package includes: selection of a trip to anywhere in the continental United States, two days and two nights hotel accommodations, round-trip air fare and $200 spending money. Second prize is $100 cash. Ten cards will be drawn. Third prize is $50.00 cash. Twenty cards will be drawn. If nothing else, review the form and see some of the "members only" benefits that you are entitled to, such as the Voluntary Benefits Program, the APWU Health Plan, and the APWU Lifecare Program.

Please make an effort to attend the September General Membership Meeting, which will be held on Monday, September 25, 2006 at 4:00 PM at the Lake Mary Community Center. See a steward or officer if you need directions.

• Kevin Barbee
• Ian Blue
• Dan Craig
• Alexis Cruz
• Brian Farrow
• Dawn Fitzgerald
• Karla Hernandez
• Robert Hite
• Michael Hunnell
• Ruth Hooker
• Lillie Jenkins
• Brian Kase
• Candance Kase
• Leonard Kassover
• Alberto Monteiro
• Nilda Pinto
• Connie Richie
• Dave Rivera
• Carmen Ruiz
• Jesus Ruiz
• Donna Runyon
• Doug Shortridge
• Dorothy Smith
• Brenda Stolzenbach
• Al Thomas
• Kalolaine Tuiketei