Narfe Chapter 1224-Strawberry

04/20/2026

Program Suggestions

We would like your help in providing interesting program ideas for our monthly meetings. If you are aware of something you think would be of interest to the group, PLEASE send the information including contact information, if possible, to Chapter President, Tony Cuchlinski, email: [email protected] or call him at 561.317.2084.

04/20/2026

Membership Record
Update Reminder

If you have changed your address, telephone number or email address, please go to the NARFE National website and correct the information. If you do not have access to a computer or do not feel comfortable going to the website, please contact George Gardner, 813.657.8632, or email: [email protected] and he will correct the information for you.

03/25/2026

CHAPTER MEETINGS AT OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE RESTAURANT IN PLANT CITY WILL BEGIN AT 10:15 a.m. INSTEAD OF 11 a.m.

03/24/2026

Chapter Meetings time has been changed to 10:30 a.m.

03/23/2026

Upcoming Events

Meetings will be held each month at 11:00 a.m., (except May and December). Starting April 2026, new meeting place will be at Outback Restaurant, 1203 Townsgate Court, Plant City, FL 33563

03/23/2026

From the Chapter President
Tony Cuchlinski
From Chapter Hospitality/Programs Chair
Connie Martin

Our new location for the chapter meetings is The Outback restaurant at 1203 Townsgate Court, Plant City FL 33563, at 11:00 AM.

The guest speaker for our program at the April meeting will be Janeen Salzgeber from Pathfinder Downsizing Solutions. Her topic will be "Aging with Intention”. This will help people without children, a spouse or close relatives to prepare for when they pass away.

As part of the National Association of Senior Move Manager, (NASMM), Pathfinders has been involved in moves from international to the Tampa Bay community. Communities such as Arbor Terrace, Westminster, and Brookdale Senior Living.

03/23/2026

Legislation
Mark Silverstein, Chapter Chairperson

As I write this month’s legislative report, the news is not great. Our country is at war with Iran. Oil prices are rising. The government is not fully funded. Federal workers at TSA will be going without a second paycheck. Congress shows no signs at reaching an agreement to pay federal workers.

I’ve been staring at my iPhone for a half hour wondering what I can tell you as your legislative chair. I do know that we live in a country where we have a voice.

We may be frustrated with the current news and the effectiveness of our representatives in getting their jobs done, but we still have the right to voice our opinions.

So, let us tell them what we think. If you want to block the return of the new version of Schedule F which could politicize civil service, urge your representative/senators to support HR492/S134, The Saving the Civil Service Act. If you want to fix the lack of equity in the low cost of living adjustments that FERS retirees receive, urge similar support for HR491/S624, The Equal Cola Act. If you are tired of seeing the administration eliminate federal jobs, and merit based civil service protections, urge your representatives to speak up for civil service and the rule of law.

01/09/2026

From the Chapter President
Tony Cuchlinski
Entering the New Year 2026
As we step into the New Year 2026, we are given a fresh opportunity to reflect, renew, and refocus. A new year invites us to consider our New Year’s resolutions: those we will keep, those we may struggle with, and those we may quietly set aside. Will this be the year we eat healthier, become more active, reconnect with old friends, or attend our house of worship more regularly? Take a moment to reflect, how many of last year’s resolutions became lasting habits?
As the years pass, it’s easy to feel that time slips away from us. Yet for many of us who are retired, time is one of our greatest gifts. The challenge is how we choose to use it. Instead of letting our days drift by in front of a television, we can choose to fill them with purpose, connection, and activities, things that enrich both body and spirit.
This is the year to get up and go out. Reach out to an old friend and share a meal, a laugh, and memories both old and new. Ask about their family, share stories of your own, and rediscover the joy of meaningful conversation. Take care of your health, join a gym, attend an exercise class, or simply take a daily walk. Even small steps can lead to stronger bodies, clearer minds, and new friendships. And with the pleasant weather this time of year, there’s no better moment to enjoy the outdoors.
If you haven’t yet attended a meeting of your local NARFE chapter, consider making this the year you do. Getting involved keeps us engaged, informed, and connected to others who share our experiences and interests.
The New Year is not just about resolutions, it’s about intention. Get up, go out, and embrace the opportunities before you. Make 2026 a year of movement, connection, and purpose, because every day is a gift, and we are not getting any younger.

09/11/2025