Publications

Chapters in Action

Colorado Chapter 76

In late September, AFSCME's Colorado Public Employees Retiree Chapter 76 held its founding convention in Pueblo. Almost 100 Colorado retiree delegates turned out for the convention, where they heard U.S. Senate Candidate Ken Salazar outline his positions on a variety of issues critical to Colorado and all Americans. He also discussed his work as Colorado Attorney General, which included protecting seniors from consumer fraud and abuse. The Director of the Colorado Public Employees Retirement System — Meredith Williams — also addressed the convention, which elected Phyllis Zamarripa to be the chapter's first president.

Michigan — Wayne County Subchapter 38

The founding convention of Wayne County, Michigan's new AFSCME retiree subchapter took place on September 17 in Westland. Known as the Wayne County AFSCME Retirees/Subchapter 38, the group is part of the ongoing effort to organize a statewide Michigan Retiree Chapter 25. In a show of support, AFSCME International Vice Pres. and Council 25 Pres. Al Garrett chaired the convention, attended by more than 100 retiree delegates. Keynote speaker was Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) — a longtime champion for senior citizens who, early in his Congressional career, voted for the original Medicare law in 1965. Dingell outlined for the retirees the many flaws in the Medicare prescription drug legislation that passed last year.

New York/CSEA Chapter 1000

The CSEA Retiree Division/AFSCME Chapter 1000 held its Annual Retiree Delegates Meeting in Syracuse, New York at the end of August. Delegates from retiree locals throughout New York and Florida heard updates on employer-sponsored health benefits, the New York State Retirement System and state legislation of special interest to seniors. Workshops were presented on the 2003 Medicare/prescription drug law and the legal rights of older persons. A highlight of the meeting was the annual presentation of the Donald Webster Mission Achievement Award. This year's award went to Barbara Rustin, First Vice-President of CSEA Retiree Local 910 in New York City. Rustin, who admits she never voted in a general election until late in life, is a premier political organizer. She chairs the New York Metro Region Retiree Political Action Committee and is a champion recruiter for PEOPLE, the union's political action fund. According to the award citation, "Barbara Rustin represents excellence in CSEA." She's pictured here, surrounded by officers of CSEA, the CSEA Retiree Division, and Retiree Local 910.

Delaware Chapter 81

On October 5, Delaware Retiree Chapter 81 sponsored a luncheon honoring Governor Ruth Ann Minner (pictured here). Over 100 Delaware retirees attended the event to celebrate Gov. Minner's achieve-ments on retiree issues. During her time as governor, Minner has helped pass health and pension benefit improvements for retirees. AFSCME Council 81 Exec. Dir. Mike Begatto and Retiree Chapter 81 Pres. Sandy Richards, jointly chaired the event.

Rhode Island Chapter 94

In September, Retiree Chapter 94 held its First Annual John H. Slaven, Jr., Award Dinner in Providence. The award is presented to someone who has performed exemplary service for the older people of Rhode Island. This year, members of Chapter 94 and AFSCME Council 94, as well as community leaders from throughout Rhode Island, gathered to honor the Honorable Charles Forgarty, the state's lieutenant governor.

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