Pursuant to our Local constitution an election was held during our May 23, 2005, General Membership Meeting in order to fill an Assistant Coordinator position for the BMC that was vacated by the resignation of Stephanie Carrillo. We are pleased to announce that Jim Henry was nominated and elected by unanimous consent. Jim has served the Local in many capacities for many years, most notably as BMC Coordinator for several terms.

After serving as Coordinator, Jim has continued to be involved as a Steward at the BMC and also serving the Local by being a valuable member of the EAP Committee and the Legislative Committee. We congratulate Jim on being selected to fill this office and we are excited for all members of our Local for securing the talent, experience, and respect Jim brings to the Office of BMC Assistant Coordinator!

Northeast Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce
76th Annual Parade – Volunteers Needed!

Please be advised that the Local has been selected to participate in the 76th annual “Northeast Parade.” The parade will take place on Tuesday evening June 21, 2005. The Local participated in this event last year and a good time was had by all! Volunteers receive a Local 24/7 T-Shirt and cap. We call our community volunteers the “RATS” which stands for Rapid Action Team.

If you (and family members) would like to volunteer for participating in the NE parade, or just want more info, please contact Sheila at 612-623-0677. Volunteers typically walk with our 24/7 “Our Service Sizzles” rolling BBQ Grill while our Minneapolis Area Local banner leads the way. We also purchase candy for the volunteers to pass out to the spectators as we proceed down the parade route!

STATUS OF COPA DONATIONS
Not to $5,000.00 but we still have a Winner

Our COPA goal for 2005 is $23,000.00. We congratulate all who have contributed to this very important cause to date! However, as we have not reached the $5,000.00 benchmark, we are way behind where we need to be in order to reach our goal! While a $10.00 donation to COPA (per year) would not cause financial hardship to most who draw a Postal Service Salary there are still too many who are content to sit by and let others carry the load.

Since the current administration in Washington is presently pushing hard for Social Security reform and other headline issues people may feel there is no longer a threat to Postal jobs and benefits. This simply is not true, Postal Reform is still on the radar and this important legislation along with other potential threats will always be issues that are just around the next corner. Additionally, many have commented that they do not like the concept of giving money to Politicians in order to gain a favored status…While many of us may feel the same way, the fact is that it is a way of life, Politicians get lobbied and if you don’t get into the game, you will be trampled by it!

With all the cash prizes, job and benefit protection, and other incentives….it just doesn’t make any sense not to take part! Just ask James Seamans! Because the Local participates with Valley Fair in purchasing tickets from their corporate program for the benefit of our members…We are given two complimentary “Preview Party” passes to the park. These preview passes are only given to a limited amount of people and besides having expedited access to all the park attractions they will also be treated to a catered picnic!

In another effort to acknowledge those who have contributed to COPA, we drew at random from our list of COPA contributors to see who would be given the opportunity to attend this special Valley fair preview party and James Seamans of the Minnetonka Annex is our winner! Congratulations James, have a great time and remember, you are still eligible for the benchmark drawings to come!

Phone & Computer Bidding?

It has recently been reported to us that problems have been encountered by various people who have attempted to bid by phone and/or computer. This is a reminder that when bidding you should always write down details that will help support the fact you made the bid. This would include times dates and any confirmation number

s that are provided to you. In most cases, bidding problems can be corrected; however, it is difficult to resolve bidding problems without data to support contentions.

Due to what we perceive is an increase in bidding related problems and many administrative functions formerly performed in St. Paul being transferred to a National shared service center in North Carolina, we will be addressing personnel issues, including bidding, with management in order to head off potential problems. We will advise everyone as to the results of these meeting when they occur, until then, as always, contact your steward if you feel your rights have been violated.

Annual Faust Terwedo APWU Golf Tourney News!

Please watch upcoming flash bulletins that will serve as entry forms and give details regarding our annual Faust Terwedo golf tournament. At this time, we anticipate the tourney will be held on Friday, August 26, 2005, at the Sundance Golf Course.

There is also a high likelihood that we will move to a “shotgun” start for this year and have an award ceremony along with a meal at the conclusion of the tournament. Watch your flashes, and make sure you save August 26th for the Tourney!

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